Niacin Content Research Articles

Comparative Analysis of the Phytochemicals, Minerals, Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Activities of Aqueous and Ethanolic Extracts of Rauvolfia vomtoria Leafs

In this study, the phytochemicals, B vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and antimicrobial activities of aqueous and ethanolic extracts of Rauvolfia vomtoria leaves were determined and compared. Qualitative and quantitative phytochemical analysis, mineral and B vitamin composition, in vitro antioxidant capacity and antimicrobial properties of both extracts were determined using standard protocols. Precise analysis of R. vomtoria revealed that the moisture content of the leaves was 8.90%, ash content was 7.70% and crude fiber content was 20.00%. The carbohydrate content of the leaves was 41%, crude protein content was 17. 00% and total fat content was 5.28%. Cardiac glycosides, tannins, phenols, saponins, phytates, steroids, terpenoids and alkaloids were detected in both aqueous and ethanolic extracts. However, significantly higher concentrations of saponins, tannins, flavonoids, steroids, alkaloids, cardiac glycosides and phytates were detected in the ethanolic extract compared to the aqueous extract. There was no significant difference in the amount of phenols and terpenoids in the two extracts (p>0.05). The thiamine content in the aqueous extract was 0.20 whereas that in the ethanolic extract was 0.27. The riboflavin content was higher in the ethanolic extract (1.80) than in the aqueous extract (1.40). Similarly, the niacin content of the ethanolic extract was 0.81 whereas that of the aqueous extract was 0.81. There was no significant difference in the calcium, magnesium and phosphorus values recorded for the two extracts (p>0.05). In contrast, there was a significant difference in the sodium, potassium, zinc, iron and copper contents of the two extracts with the aqueous extract containing higher amounts of potassium and zinc. The aqueous and ethanolic extracts had zones of inhibition against Enterobacter faecalis, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Salmonella typhi, Cetrobacter freundii and Shigella flexlerii. However, the zone of inhibition of the ethanolic extract against the tested organisms was higher than that of the aqueous extract. At a concentration of 10%, the aqueous and ethanolic extracts showed 87.29% and 92.03% DPPH scavenging activity, respectively. The percentage of inhibitory activity of the extracts against DPPH radical increased in a dose-dependent manner, with the ethanolic extract showing the highest DPPH radical inhibitory activity at a concentration of 50%. The results confirm that ethanol is a suitable solvent for the extraction of biologically active molecules from R.vomtoria leaves.

Determining Fermentation Conditions to Enhance Antioxidant Properties and Nutritional Value of Basil Seeds Using Lactobacillus plantarum

Fermented seeds and their bioactive compounds have captivated global interest due to their functional properties. Basil seeds are used worldwide in the food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries, but their functional and nutritional properties after fermentation are not known. The aim of this study was to optimize the effect of fermentation on the improvement in the functional properties of basil seeds by Lactobacillus plantarum. Basil seed samples were categorized into seven water volumes (named A–G) and fermented for 24, 48, 72, and 96 h with L. Plantarum. The results show that the pH and total microbial content (TMC) significantly changed after 24 h of fermentation (p < 0.05). Fermentation significantly increased the antioxidant properties and niacin content of basil seeds compared with non-fermented control samples (p < 0.05). Fermented samples G-24, G-48, and G-72 (samples with a ratio of 1 g (basil):10 mL (water) fermented for 24,48 and 72 h), exhibited the highest DPPH and ABTS• scavenging activity. The total polyphenol content (TPC) was most prominent in the samples G-72, G-24, and G-48, respectively. Sample G-48 showed the highest antioxidant activity. Notably, sample G-24 showed a significant increase in niacin content (64 µg/mL). These results underscore that varying moisture levels and fermentation durations have a significant impact on the nutritional/functional value of basil seeds. Overall, fermenting basil seeds with L. plantarum increased their functional properties with greater antioxidant and TPC activities as well as increased nutritional value.

Moisture distribution change and quality characteristics of ultrasound enhanced heat pump drying on carrot

Abstract The study aims at investigating the impact of ultrasound enhancement on the water change and quality characteristics of dried carrots by heat pump drying (HPD). The results showed that ultrasound had obvious strengthening effect on the drying and dehydration process of HPD, but there was an attenuation effect of ultrasound in the propagation process of materials, and the magnetic resonance imaging results could visually demonstrate the change and migration of moisture inside carrot slices. Higher drying temperature and ultrasonic power could cause more micropores and higher content of polyphenols, flavonoids and niacin of carrot slices. Conversely, the elevated drying temperature reduced rehydration ratio. β-carotene content showed a trend of increasing first and then decreasing due to excessive temperature and ultrasonic power. Based on AHP-CRTITC method, the highest comprehensive score was attained at drying temperature of 60 °C and ultrasonic power of 80 W. Therefore, the reinforcement effect of ultrasound on HPD process could significantly enhance dehydration rate and improve product quality.

Portulaca oleracea exhibited anti-coccidian activity, fortified the gut microbiota of Hu lambs

Coccidia of the genus Eimeria are important pathogens that cause coccidiosis in livestock and poultry. Due to the expansion of intensive farming, coccidiosis has become more difficult to control. In addition, the continued use of anti-coccidiosis drugs has led to drug resistance and residue. Some herbs used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) have been shown to alleviate the clinical symptoms of coccidiosis, while enhancing immunity and growth performance (GP) of livestock and poultry. Previous in vitro and in vivo studies have reported that the TCM herb Portulaca oleracea exhibited anti-parasitic activities. In total, 36 female Hu lambs were equally divided into six treatment groups: PL (low-dose P. oleracea), PH (high-dose P. oleracea), PW (P. oleracea water extract), PE (P. oleracea ethanol extract), DIC (diclazuril), and CON (control). The treatment period was 14 days. The McMaster counting method was used to evaluate the anti-coccidiosis effects of the different treatments. Untargeted metabolomics and 16S rRNA gene sequencing were used to investigate the effects of treatment on the gut microbiota (GM) and GP. The results showed that P. oleracea ameliorated coccidiosis, improved GP, increased the abundances of beneficial bacteria, and maintained the composition of the GM, but failed to completely clear coccidian oocysts. The Firmicutes to Bacteroides ratio was significantly increased in the PH group. P. oleracea increased metabolism of tryptophan as well as some vitamins and cofactors in the GM and decreased the relative content of arginine, tryptophan, niacin, and other nutrients, thereby promoting intestinal health and enhancing GP. As an alternative to the anti-coccidiosis drug DIC, P. oleracea effectively inhibited growth of coccidia, maintained the composition of the GM, promoted intestinal health, and increased nutrient digestibility.

Metabolomic analysis reveals Ligilactobacillus salivarius CCFM 1266 fermentation improves dairy product quality

Previous studies have demonstrated that Ligilactobacillus salivarius CCFM 1266 exhibits anti-inflammatory properties and the capability to synthesize niacin. This study aimed to investigate the fermentative abilities of L. salivarius CCFM 1266 in fermented milk. Metabonomic analysis revealed that fermentation by L. salivarius CCFM 1266 altered volatile flavor compounds and metabolite profiles, including heptanal, nonanal, and increased niacin production. Genomic investigations confirmed that L. salivarius CCFM 1266 possess essential genes for the metabolism of fructose and mannose, affirming its proficiency in utilizing fructooligosaccharides and mannan oligosaccharides. The addition of fructooligosaccharides and mannan oligosaccharides during the fermentation process significantly facilitated the proliferation of L. salivarius CCFM 1266 in fermented milk, with growth exceeding 107 colony-forming units (CFU)/mL. This intervention not only augmented the microbial density but also modified the metabolite composition of fermented milk, resulting in an elevated presence of advantageous flavor compounds such as nonanal, 2,3-pentanedione, and 3-methyl-2-butanone. However, its influence on improving the texture of fermented milk was observed to be minimal. Co-fermentation of L. salivarius CCFM 1266 with commercial fermentation starters indicated that L. salivarius CCFM 1266 was compatible, similarly altering metabolite composition and increasing niacin content in fermented milk. In summary, the findings suggest that L. salivarius CCFM 1266 holds substantial promise as an adjunctive fermentation starter, capable of enhancing the nutritional diversity of fermented milk products.

Intention and behavior toward eating whole grain pasta on a college dining campus: Theory of Planned Behavior and message framing

The consumption of whole grains has several health benefits, however, most US consumers – including young adults – do not meet the recommended consumption intake. To understand the underlying factors affecting the intention and consumption of whole grain pasta, a survey based on the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) was developed and administered to US college students. For four weeks, participants (n = 325) either did not receive any information (control) or received weekly messages on the health benefits of whole grain pasta (e.g., high fiber and niacin contents) in the forms of gain- (treatment 1) or loss-framed (treatment 2) information. Variables of the TPB model and consumers’ perceptions were investigated both at Time 1, when the first message was received (week 0), and at Time 2, one month after the intervention (week 4). Results from the two moments were compared. We found that the TPB measures and perceived usefulness were not influenced by the treatment group; however, the gain-framed message engendered greater message engagement than the loss-framed one. Finally, results from the structural equation model showed that attitude, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control were positively associated with the intention to consume whole grain pasta, and the intention was a strong determinant of participants’ behavior. Based on our results, implications and suggestions for future studies are discussed.

Evaluation of Nutritional Quality and Organoleptic Properties of Soy-poundo Yam Flour

This study was designed specifically to evaluate the nutrient composition and sensory properties of soy-poundo yam flours produced from white yam and soybean flours. The white yam tubers and soybean seeds were processed into flours and blended in the ratios of 100:0, 90:10, 80:20, 70:30, 60:40 and 50:50, respectively and used to produce soy-poundo yam flours with 100 % instant yam flour used as control. The samples of soy-poundo yam flour produced were evaluated for nutrient composition and sensory properties using standard methods. The moisture, crude protein, fat, ash and crude fibre contents of the samples increased significantly (p<0.05) with increase in substitution of soybean flour from 7.56 - 8.36%, 4.41 – 21.14%, 4.18- 5.09%, 2.51- 4.16% and 2.76 - 4.06%, respectively, while their carbohydrate and energy contents decreased from 78.74-57.21% and 370.16- 359.15KJ/100g, respectively. The mineral composition of the samples revealed that the potassium, magnesium, manganese, iron, zinc and copper contents of the products ranged from 78.34 – 164.11mg/100g, 2.46 -17.14mg/100g, 20.48 -125.53mg/100g,1.56 -2.23mg/100g, 1.78 -263mg/100g and 2.88 – 3.64mg/100g, respectively. The vitamin content of the samples showed that the vitamin A, pyridoxine, ascorbic acid, thiamine, vitamin E and niacin contents ranged from 12.00-12.70mg/100g, 2.28-2.59mg/100g, 16.1-17.07mg/100g, 56.07- 74.46mg/100g, 3.34-4.10mg/100g and 2.29 -3.22mg/100g, respectively with the control sample having the least values for all the vitamins evaluated. The sensory properties of the soy-poundo yam flour doughs obtained upon reconstitution of the samples with boiling water also revealed that the colour, taste, texture and aroma of the control sample (Poundo yam prepared from 100% instant yam flour) were the most acceptable to the assessors compared to the samples prepared from the substituted samples. Although the poundo yam dough made from the control sample was the most acceptable, the other test samples prepared from soy-yam composite blends were equally acceptable based on their relatively high scores in all the sensory attributes evaluated by the judges. The study, therefore, showed that the enrichment of yam flour with soybean at different graded levels would not only improve the nutrient contents of soy-poundo yam flour but would also add varieties to poundo yam meal due to improvement in its colour and texture.

PROXIMATE AND ORGANOLEPTIC ANALYSIS OF CARROT-FORTIFIED AND VANILLA FLAVOURED CAKES

This study investigated the proximate and organoleptic properties of carrot-fortified and vanilla flavoured cake. Specifically, it determined: proximate composition of carrot-fortified and vanilla flavoured cake; and organoleptic properties of carrot-fortified and vanilla flavoured cake. Samples of the products were prepared using standard methods. The product was divided into two parts, one part was subjected to proximate analysis while the other part was subjected to sensory evaluation. Proximate analysis of carrot-fortified and vanilla flavoured cake was carried out using standard methods. Twenty panellists were involved in the sensory evaluation of the products. A 7-point hedonic scale was used to collect data on the organoleptic properties of the samples. Data for sensory evaluation were analysed using percentages (%). Result of proximate analysis showed that carrot-fortified cake had the highest content of protein (15.6%), Moisture Content (15.6%), ash (2.4%), crude fibre (1.2%), Tannins (55mg/100g), Saponins (35mg/100g) 35, Ascorbic Acid (14.5mg/100g), Carotenoids (350µg/100g), Thiamine (0.21mg/100g), Riboflavin (0.17mg/100g), Niacin (2.65mg/100g) and lowest content of fat (25.0%), carbohydrate (42.2%) when compared to vanilla-flavoured cake. Also, the organoleptic result showed that carrot-fortified cake was ranked higher and accepted by the panellists when compared to vanilla flavoured cake based on the 7-point hedonic scale rating. Based on these findings it was recommended that: further research could be carried out on the shelf life of carrot cake and mode of preservation with the use of natural preservatives such as vinegar and physiochemical analysis of the cakes during different stages of storage.

Metabolite-based genome-wide association studies enable the dissection ofthe genetic bases of flavonoids, betaine and spermidine in wolfberry (Lycium).

Wolfberry is a plant with medicinal and food values. However, its bioactive ingredients and the corresponding genetic bases have not been determined. Here, we de novo generated a chromosome-level genome assembly for wolfberry, yielding a genome sequence of ~1.77 Gb with contig N50 of 50.55 Mb and 39 224 predicted gene models. A variation map, using 307 re-sequenced accessions, was called based on this genome assembly. Furthermore, the fruit metabolome of these accessions was profiled using 563 annotated metabolites, which separated Lycium barbarum L. and non-L. barbarum L. The flavonoids, coumarins, alkaloids and nicotinic acid contents were higher in the former than in the latter. A metabolite-based genome-wide association study mapped 156 164 significant single nucleotide polymorphisms corresponding to 340 metabolites. This included 19 219 unique lead single nucleotide polymorphisms in 1517 significant association loci, of which three metabolites, flavonoids, betaine and spermidine, were highlighted. Two candidate genes, LbUGT (evm.TU.chr07.2692) and LbCHS (evm.TU.chr07.2738), with non-synonymous mutations, were associated with the flavonoids content. LbCHS is a structural gene that interacts with a nearby MYB transcription factor (evm.TU.chr07.2726) both in L. barbarum and L. ruthenicum. Thus, these three genes might be involved in the biosynthesis/metabolism of flavonoids. LbSSADH (evm.TU.chr09.627) was identified as possibly participating in betaine biosynthesis/metabolism. Four lycibarbarspermidines (E-G and O) were identified, and only the lycibarbarspermidines O content was higher in L. barbarum varieties than in non-L. barbarum varieties. The evm.TU.chr07.2680 gene associated with lycibarbarspermidines O was annotated as an acetyl-CoA-benzylalcohol acetyltransferase, suggesting that it is a candidate gene for spermidine biosynthesis. These results provide novel insights into the specific metabolite profile of non-L. barbarum L. and the genetic bases of flavonoids, betaine and spermidine biosynthesis/metabolism.

Hot-air drying and degradation kinetics of bioactive compounds of gilaburu (Viburnum opulus L.) fruit

This study aims to determine whether drying is a suitable preservation method for gilaburu fruit and the changes in the bioactive components of gilaburu fruit (Viburnum opulus L.) at the end of the drying process. In this study, gilaburu fruits were dried in a cabinet dryer at different temperatures (50?C, 60?C, and 70?C). The analyses of trans-resveratrol, water-soluble vitamins, organic acids, and phenolic compounds were made using the HPLC method, while total phenolic contents and antioxidant activity were spectrophotometric. As a result of drying of gilaburu fruit at 50?C, 6 ?C, and 70?C, the highest component loss was observed at 70?C. Losses of 73.64% and 84.08%, respectively, were detected in the total phenolic substance and antioxidant capacity content of gilaburu fruit after drying at 70?C. While the trans-resveratrol content was 1.26?0.05 (g/100 g dry weight (DW)) in fresh fruit, it reduced to 0.31?0.03, 0.30?0.01 and 0.21?0.01 after drying at 50?C, 60?C and 7 ?C, respectively. In terms of vitamins, the highest loss was seen in niacin. The contents of ascorbic acid, pyridoxine, niacin and thiamine contents of fresh gilaburu fruit decreased after drying at 50?C, 60?C and 70?C. In addition, drying kinetics of water-soluble vitamins, total phenolic contents, antioxidant activity, and trans-resveratrol were modeled. The Page model best described the drying behavior of fruits at 70?C, and the parabolic model at both 50?C and 60?C. Thermal degradation of water-soluble vitamins, total phenolic contents, antioxidant activity, and trans-resveratrol were fitted in the first-order kinetic model.

Neurobehavioral Effects of Fermented Rice Bran Extract in Zebrafish Larvae Model

Rice bran (RB) is a promising food ingredient that can improve biological function. In this study, we investigated the effects of RB, both unfermented (RB30) and fermented (RBF30), with five different microorganisms on the neurobehavioral activity in zebrafish larvae. Analytical methods such as LC–UV and LC–MS were performed for the analysis of RB30 and RBF30 extracts. Interestingly, niacin content, which is known to improve brain functions such as cognition and emotion, was found to be higher in RBF30 than in RB30. Furthermore, niacin content was highly increased in the RBF30-exposed fish, compared to those in the control fish. Therefore, we profiled behavioral patterns and various neurochemistry in zebrafish larvae following supplementation with RBF30 as well as performed calcium imaging on Tg (huC:GAL4-VP16); (UAS:GCaMP7a) zebrafish larvae to determine the correlation of neural activity. RBF30 revealed greater stimulation of locomotor activity without negatively affecting decision-making behavior in zebrafish larvae, as compared to RB30 or niacin. Its behavioral activation is mainly linked with the elevations of neural activity and several neurochemicals such as serotonergic and dopaminergic systems that are implicated in the control of anxiety and stress. Taken together, these results suggest that RBF30 could be a food material that improves the behavioral health by modulating neural activity and brain neurochemistry.

VITAMIN B OF FRUIT PULP OF DIFFERENT SEABUCKTHORN (HIPPOPHAE RHAMNOIDES L.) ECOTYPES IN FOREST-STEPPE CONDITIONS OF ALTAI TERRITORY

Seabuckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) berries are extremely valuable raw materials for food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. The popularity of the crop is mainly determined by significant amount of biologically active components in the fruit pulp, and by presence of unique lipid fraction in particular, that combines complex of essential fatty acids, carotenoids and tocopherols. At the same time important functional role in the fruits of seabuckthorn belongs to water-soluble vitamins, list of which is represented by a wide range of compounds, including B vitamins. The aim of the current research was to investigate the content of vitamins B in the fruits of various ecotypes of seabuckthorn, growing in the collection of the Lisavenko Research Institute of Horticulture for Siberia, in conditions of forest-steppe area of Altai Territory. Determination of these vitamins was carried out by HPLC.
 As a result the content of thiamine (B1), riboflavin (B2), nicotinic acid (B3) and folic acid (B9) was determined. It was shown that the content of investigated components of seabuckthorn fruit pulp changes during fruit ripening. However, direct dynamics has not been established: both increase and decrease of the content were observed, and in some cases fluctuations during ripening were noted. No significant differences within ecotypes were found.

The Available Niacin Values of Foods for Rats and Their Relation to Analytical Values

A bioassay for niacin was developed using weight gain or “gain/food eaten” of young rats as the response measure. The best basal diet contained casein 70 and gelatin 65.5 g/kg together with supplementary tryptophan to a total of 0.97 g/kg and other amino acids to meet requirements. After a 4-day depletion period, rats gained ca. 1 g/day over the next 20 days on the basal diet alone, or ca. 7 g/day with 12 mg/kg added nicotinic acid. Test foods were added at two levels with diets adjusted to keep constant amino acid composition. The results were compared with chemical analyses for total niacin (i.e., in extracts prepared from samples digested with alkali) and for free niacin (using extracts made at neutral pH) with separation of nicotinic acid and nicotinamide on thin-layer chromatograms or Sephadex columns. Eight samples of mature cooked cereals, with their niacin largely in bound forms, gave rat assay values equivalent to ca. 35% of their total niacin content. Alkali-cooked tortillas, steamed sweet corn, beans and liver, with their niacin all in free form, gave assay values close to their total niacin content. Baked potatoes and peanut flour were intermediate in both respects.niacin rats bioassay cereals bound niacin bioavailability

Thiamine, Riboflavin, and Niacin Contents in Vietnamese Foods

Thiamine, Riboflavin, and Niacin Contents in Vietnamese Foods

The Impact of Plasma Activated Water Treatment on the Phenolic Profile, Vitamins Content, Antioxidant and Enzymatic Activities of Rocket-Salad Leaves.

Plasma activated water (PAW) recently received much attention as an alternative food preservation method. However, its effects on food quality are still scarce. This study evaluates the effect of PAW processing time on bioactive compounds of rocket-salad leaves including: 18 phenolic compounds, vitamin C, riboflavin, nicotinic acid, and nicotinamide. Moreover, the impact of PAW on both antioxidant (DPPH) and peroxidase (POD) activities was also investigated. This was performed using HPLC-DAD, HPLC-MS/MS, and spectrophotometric analysis. All treatments induced non-significant increases in total phenolic contents. However, depending on processing time, significant increases or decreases of individual phenolic compounds were observed. PAW-10 and -20 increased the ascorbic acid content to 382.76 and 363.14 mg/100 g, respectively, compared to control (337.73 mg/100 g). Riboflavin and nicotinic acid contents were increased significantly in PAW-20 (0.53 and 1.26 mg/100), compared to control (0.32 and 0.61 mg/100 g, respectively). However, nicotinamide showed non-significant increase in all treatments. Antioxidant activity improved significantly only in PAW-20, while peroxidase activity was reduced up to 36% in the longest treatment. In conclusion, PAW treatment could be an effective technique for rocket decontamination since it positively influenced the quality of rocket, improving the retention of polyphenols and vitamins.

조리방법이 흑염소 교잡종 등심의 영양적 조성 및 연도에 미치는 영향

This study investigated the effect of cooking method on the nutritional composition and tenderness of loin from Korean black goat crossbreed to apply the goat meat to senior-friendly foods. The samples of loins were grilled to medium (71°C) or boiled for 1 h, and then utilized for the measurements of proximate composition, energy, vitamin A, niacin, and amino acid contents, and texture profiles. The boiled goat loin contained lower (p<0.05) moisture content and higher (p<0.05) fat, protein, and energy contents compared to the grilled goat loin. Protein contents of two groups were more than 5 times higher than senior-friendly food standards. Vitamin A and niacin contents were not significantly different between two cooking methods, but niacin contents of two groups were more than 2.8 times higher than senior-friendly food standards. Significant differences were not observed for total, nonessential, and essential amino acid contents between boiled and grilled goat loins. The boiled loin had more than 1.8 times lower (p<0.05) hardness, springiness, gumminess, and chewiness compared to the grilled loin, and hardness of that confirmed the level 1 of senior-friendly food standards. These findings suggest that boiling can make the loin from Korean black goat crossbreed tender enough for seniors to eat. However, the addition of nutrients may be needed to apply the goat meat to senior-friendly foods.

A Comparative Study on Proximate and Micronutrient Composition of Various Varieties of Rice Produced in Punjab, Pakistan


 
 The present work aims to assess and compare the nutritional composition of the indigenously produced samples of Basmati Pak, Basmati KS 282, Super Basmati, Organic Brown Rice, 1121 Kainat Sella Rice (parboiled), Super Kernel (parboiled).The proximate analysis of macronutrients and micronutrients (Thiamine, Riboflavin Niacin, Fe, Ca, and Zn) was conducted according to AOAC, 2005 and AOAC, 2008 official methods respectively. The results showed that protein (N×5.7), crude fiber and ash contents were found to be highest in the Organic Brown rice, while the fat content was similar in all rice types. The highest moisture and protein content was found in Super Kernel Rice. Basmati Pak had the lowest percentage of moisture and ash, Super White Basmati had the least amount of protein and crude dietary fiber while the lowest percentage of fat was found in Basmati KS 282. In terms of micro-nutrients, Super Kernel Rice showed to have a higher content of Thiamin, Riboflavin, and Niacin as compared to the rest of the varieties. 1121 Kainat Sella Rice had the highest contents of Ca. Organic Brown Rice was found to have the highest level of Fe and Zn. The significantly lower levels of Thiamin and Riboflavin were found in Basmati Pak and lowest level of Niacin was found in Super Basmati. Similarly Basmati Pak had the lowest level of Ca and Zn while Kainat Sella Rice (parboiled) had the lowest levels of Fe content. The nutritional composition data suggests that some nutrients are present in one variety of rice while others are present in another variety. Basmati Pak variety had least amount of nutrients. The information obtained from this research may be of interest to food manufacturers and consumers for acknowledging the compositional variation in indigenous rice varieties.
 
 
 
 
 
 

Estimation of thiamine, riboflavin and niacin content in jute leaves

Thiamine, riboflavin and niacin are essential nutrients and play vital role in oxidation-reduction reaction during energy production in the living cell of the body. Requirement of these vitamins must be met through diet as human body cannot synthesize thiamine and riboflavin. Small amount of niacin is synthesized in the body but major requirement must be met through external diet. Jute leaves are rich in different vitamins and minerals. Different varieties of fresh jute leaves as well as preserved leaves of Corchorus olitorius. L. and Corchorus capsularis L. were evaluated for thiamine, riboflavin and niacin content. Powder jute leaf were prepared through drying of leaves in cold (4 ̊C), oven (100 ̊C) and open air (±30 ̊C) and then ground following preservation at -20 ̊C in freezer. Thiamine content in fresh leaves of C. olitorius is 3.22 – 5.84 mg/g and in C. capsularis is 4.26 – 6.46 mg/g. Jute leaves in both species show riboflavin content 1.00 – 1.35 mg/g. Niacin was found in leaves of C. olitorius 12.01 – 19.12 mg/g and in C. capsularis 12.95 – 23.17 mg/g in different varieties. Preserved leaf powder of C. olitorius and C. capsularis contain 0.37 – 0.58 mg/g thiamine. High amount of riboflavin was found in jute leaf powder of both species. Preserved leaf powder of C. olitorius shows 4.24 – 13.42 mg/g riboflavin and C. capsularis have 9.14 to 19.59 mg/g. Niacin content was found stable in preserved jute leaf powder. Preserved powder leaf of C. olitorius contain 8.4 - 14.8 mg/g niacin and leaves of C. capsularis have 5.8– 8.3 mg/g of niacin. There is no significant difference observed in leaves of different varieties of C. olitorius and C. capsularis regarding thiamine, riboflavin and niacin content. Drying showed different effect on vitamins in jute leaves, it reduced thiamine content, increased riboflavin content but did not affect much on niacin content in jute leaves in comparison to the fresh leaves. Different drying method did not show significant difference in thiamine, riboflavin and niacin content in jute leaves. Fresh jute leaves and preserved jute leaf powder both contain thiamine, riboflavin and niacin.

Estimation of thiamine, riboflavin and niacin content in jute leaves

Estimation of thiamine, riboflavin and niacin content in jute leaves

Dietary Niacin Requirement of Juvenile Chinese Mitten Crab, Eriocheir sinensis.

Effects of dietary niacin on the growth performance, intestinal histomorphology, body composition, and antioxidant capacity were investigated in the present study to determine the optimum requirement of niacin for juvenile Eriocheir sinensis. All 360 crabs (initial average weight 1.14 ± 0.04 g) were randomly divided into 6 groups with 3 replicates in each group and 20 crabs in each replicate. Crabs were fed with the control diet (0.89 mg/kg) or niacin-supplemented diets (170.54 mg/kg, 347.05 mg/kg, 587.59 mg/kg, 784.85 mg/kg, and 1248.86 mg/kg) for 12 weeks (named as G1, G2, G3, G4, G5, and G6, respectively). The results showed that appropriate dietary niacin (above 347.05 mg/kg) significantly increased the weight gain rate (WGR) and specific growth rate (SGR) (p < 0.05), but did not affect the survival rate (SR), feed conversion ratio (FCR), daily feeding rate (DFR), and molting frequency (MF) of crabs (p > 0.05). The niacin content in the hepatopancreas of crabs in G1 and G2 was significantly lower than that of the other four groups (p < 0.05). Moreover, dietary niacin significantly affected the intestinal histomorphology of crabs, including the number of folds (NF), height of folds (HF), height of microvillus (HMV), and thickness of muscularis (TM) (p < 0.05). Additionally, moderate dietary niacin levels significantly affected the nonspecific immune responses of crabs, by improving the activity of catalase (CAT), glutathione s-transferase (GST), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD) (p < 0.05). Based on the broken-line model analysis of SGR against dietary niacin level, the dietary niacin requirement of juvenile crabs was suggested to be 419.4 mg/kg.