Nutritional Constituents Research Articles

Comparative study of the nutritional potential of a wild fruit (Saba senegalensis) from Côte d'Ivoire with pineapple, papaya and banana

Saba senegalensis fruit is traditionally collected and sold on the Ivorian markets, although it is considered as an underutilized species in favour of commercial fruits. The present study aimed at providing data on the nutritional value of Saba senegalensis fruit in comparison with widely valued fruits. Saba senegalensis pulp as well as dessert banana, papaya and pineapple pulp were used as study material. After an evaluation of the biochemical parameters, a principal component analysis (PCA) was used to highlight the nutritional potential of the different fruits. The results showed that the physicochemical parameters varied from one fruit to another. The Saba senegalensis fruit stood out from the other three fruits by its high antioxidant activity (IC50 = 39.80 ± 0.45 mg/ml), its high concentration of polyphenols (600.94 ± 5.27 mg EqA. G / 100 g), flavonoids (245.09 ± 19.10 mg EqA.G / 100 g), vitamin A (1.96 ± 0.03 mg/100 g), Ca (29.19 ± 0.17) and Fe (2.51 ± 0.06 mg/100 g). These nutritional constituents are far superior in Saba senegalensis pulp to those of banana, papaya and pineapple. Thus, its nutritional potential could be a major asset for its consumption and valorisation

Qualitative Screening of Bioactive Compounds in Roots of Sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.)

Sea buckthorn is a deciduous ancient plant, which gained worldwide attention mainly of its extensive nutritional and medicinal potential. Presence of various kinds of bioactive compounds makes it more potent and increases its nutritional value. Many studies shows that the Sea buckthorn plant (berries, leaves, stem, bark) contain the vital chemicals and nutritional constituents like flavonoids, terpenoids, organic acids, coumarins, alkaloids, steroids, phenolic acids, carotenoids, amino acids, tannins, saponins, vitamin C and Lycopene and polyphenols. SBT shows antimicrobial and antiviral properties. It was proved that SBT extensive role in the management and lower the risk of heart related disease, tumors, and diabetes, as well as gastrointestinal and dermatology. Every part of the sea buckthorn plant like (berries, seeds, roots, leaves, stems, and thorns) has significance role in medicinal, cosmeceutical, and nutraceutical field and finds a wide variety of applications and utilization in making more than 200 products worldwide.

Recent advances in polysaccharides from Rose roxburghii Tratt fruits: isolation, structural characterization, and bioactivities.

Rosa roxburghii Tratt fruit (RRF), known commonly as Cili in China, is a highly valued fruit that contains abundant functional and nutritional constituents with a variety of health-promoting benefits. Polysaccharides (RRFPs) are regarded as one of the crucial biological compounds in RRF. Existing literature has shown that RRFPs possess various remarkable biological activities, such as antioxidant, hypoglycemic, antitumor, anti-inflammatory, and gut microbiota modulation capabilities. In recent years, isolation and purification methods, structural characteristics, and biological activities of RRFPs have been drawing increasing attention. However, there is no up-to-date review of research progress on this front. In this review, recent advances in RRFPs, including their isolation, purification, structural characterization, biological activity, and the structure-activity relationship are summarized and discussed. In addition, this review highlights the challenges and prospects of RRFPs. Overall, this review provides useful research underpinnings and updated information for the further development and utilization of RRFPs in the fields of health, food, and medicine.

Physicochemical characterization of a polysaccharide from Rosa roxburghii Tratt fruit and its antitumor activity by activating ROS mediated pathways

Rosa roxburghii Tratt fruit is a highly valued fruit that contains abundant functional and nutritional constituents. In this study, a novel polysaccharide, named RTFP-1, was isolated and purified from R. roxburghii Tratt fruit. Structural characterization indicated that RTFP-1 was a homogeneous heteropolysaccharide with the molecular weight (Mw) of 128.7 kDa and consisted of arabinose, galactose, glucose, mannose, xylose, and fucose with molar ratio percentages of 34.84, 40.59, 12.11, 5.06, 3.39, and 4.01%, respectively. A CCK-8 assay indicated that RTFP-1 inhibited the cell growth of HepG2 cells in a dose-dependent manner. Morphological analysis and flow cytometry experiment showed that RTFP-1 promoted the apoptosis of HepG2 cells and increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) level. The underlying molecular mechanisms indicated that RTFP-1 activated the apoptosis of HepG2 cells through ROS-mediated MAPK, STAT, and p53 apoptotic pathways. These results suggest that RTFP-1 might be a potential chemopreventive and antitumor agent.

Characterization of quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa willd.) genotypes for nutritional quality and antioxidant potential

Quinoa, a potential food crop, known as mother grain has exceptional nutritional quality traits and wider agro-climatic adaptability. Quinoa emerged as a resistant grain crop for biodiversity, sustainability, and consumption in the present scenario of climate change as well as an alternative to cereal and pulses. It is not widely cultivated in India and is confined to the Himalayan region. Nutritional constituents, antinutritional factors and antioxidant potential of thirteen quinoa genotypes (two indigenous and eleven exotic) of Himalayan origin successfully grown under agro-climatic conditions of Punjab were evaluated. The average values of crude protein, albumin and globulin, glutenin and prolamin, total soluble sugars, starch content and total lipids in quinoa genotypes were found to be 18.37%, 59.19%, 30.52%, 4.37%, 39.36 mg/g, 35.82% and 11.2%, respectively. Saponins, the major antinutrient in quinoa that cause bitterness, ranged from 5.80 mg/g (EC507747) to 9.26 mg/g (EC507744). Indigenous quinoa genotype 1C411825 (dark colour) had higher antioxidant potential due to higher free radical scavenging activity (DPPH), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), reducing power, total phenols along with a medium range of flavonols, and anthocyanin. High-yielding genotype EC507747 (exotic) had higher protein content, medium starch content, high lipid content, low saponin, and had higher antioxidant potential.

Nutritionism in a food policy context: the case of ‘animal protein’

Reductionist approaches to food focus on isolated nutritional criteria, ignoring the broader physiological and societal benefits and trade-offs involved. They can lead to the inadvertent or, potentially, intentional labelling of foods as good or bad. Both can be considered worrisome. Among our present-day array of issues is the disproportionate stigmatisation of animal-source foods as harmful for human and planetary health. The case for a protein transition reinforces this trend, overemphasising one particular nutritional constituent (even if an important one). In its strongest formulation, animal-source foods (reduced to the notion of ‘animal protein’) are represented as an intrinsically harmful food category that needs to be minimised, thereby falsely assuming that ‘proteins’ are nutritionally interchangeable. We caution against using the word ‘protein’ in food policy-making to describe a heterogenous set of foods. Rather, we suggest referring to said foods as ‘protein-rich foods’, while acknowledging the expanded pool of non-protein nutrients that they provide and their unique capabilities to support a much broader range of bodily functions. Several essential or otherwise beneficial nutrients are generally more bioavailable in animal-source foods than in plant-source foods. A similar complementarity exists in reverse. Nutritional and environmental metrics should be carefully interpreted, as considerable contextuality is involved. This needs to be undertaken, for instance, with respect to the biochemistry of food and in light of individual and genetically inherited human physiology. Also, the assessments of the environmental impact need a fine-grained approach, especially when examining a product at the system scale. Harms and benefits are multiple, multi-dimensional, and difficult to measure on the basis of the narrow sets of descriptive metrics that are often used (e.g. CO2-eq/kg). A more appropriate way forward would consist of combining and integrating the best of animal and plant solutions to reconnect with wholesome and nourishing diets that are rooted in undervalued benefits such as conviviality and shared traditions, thus steering away from a nutrient-centric dogma. Humans do not consume isolated nutrients, they consume foods, and they do so as part of culturally complex dietary patterns that, despite their complexity, need to be carefully considered in food policy making.

Optimization of mucilage extraction from Ximenia americana seed using response surface methodology

Ximenia americana is a wild edible fruit essential for human consumption due to its high nutritional and phytochemical constituents with significant antioxidant activity. The fruit seed has high potential in its mucilage content. The present study aimed at optimization of mucilage extraction from the Ethiopian cultivar of Ximeina americana fruit seed. The response surface methodology based on a central composite rotatable design was used for the optimization of aqueous extraction of mucilage. The extraction temperature (50–80 °C), time (1.5–4 h), and water-to-seed ratio (20:1–40:1 v/w) were identified as the major factors influencing mucilage yield, water holding capacity, and protein content. Water to seed ratio and time showed significant (p < 0.01) interaction effect on yield. Interactions of water to seed ratio with time and temperature had significant effects (p < 0.05) on the protein content. Water holding capacity of the mucilage was significantly (p < 0.05) affected by the interaction between temperature and time. Optimum extraction processing conditions were obtained to be extraction temperature of 65.06 °C, time of 1.5 h and water to seed ratio of 37.62:1 v/w. The response variables at this operating conditions were found to be extraction yield of 17.31 %, water holding capacity of 11.48 g/g and protein content of 1.75 %. The result demonstrated that the X. americana seed mucilage could be used as a new source of additives in the dairy industry as a fat replacer due to its potent water holding capacity.

Evaluation of nutritional and mineral constituents of selected Acacia species found in Junagadh, Gujarat

In the present work, the quantification of some important micro and mega elements from leaves, bark and root zone soil of Acacia sp. have been conducted. For elemental analysis, a total of five Acacia species were selected, viz., A. leucophloea, A. nilotica, A. Senegal, A. catechu and A. tortilis. This study revealed that the A. nilotica root zone soil is rich in minerals and nutrition compared to other selected Acacia Sp. The chloride, calcium and magnesium concentrations were 0.15 meq.g−100, 0.47 meq.g−100 and 0.18meq.g−100; respectively. The quantity of sodium was 0.14 meq.g−100. Total organic carbon (%) and total organic matter (%) were 0.74 and 1.2 in A. nilotica root zone soil, which is higher than the other 5 Acacia species. Among selected Acacia sp. leaves of the A. nilotica leaves are a rich source of mineral content (calcium concentration is 0.46 meq.g−1, 0.55 and 0.11 meq. g−1 are sodium and potassium concentration). A. tortilis leaves contained a higher level of chloride concentration (0.18 meq.g−1) and electrical conductivity than the other selected Acacia species. Bark of Acacia sp., showed that A. leucophloea and A. senegal bark are rich sources of minerals and nutrition. As a result, the current study revealed that plants are useful not only for their medicinal therapeutic value, but also as a new source of nutrition supplement.

A review of the nutritional and antinutritional constituents of chickpea (

Legumes are a chief source of sustainable, inexpensive protein, also abundant in complex carbohydrates, dietary fibre and essential vitamins and minerals. India is the largest global producer (25%) of legumes. Among these legumes, chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) accounts for 40% of India’s pulse production and is considered a better-quality protein source than other pulses. India is also the largest consumer (76%) of the total chickpea produced globally. Besides their nutritional benefits, chickpea is also being used for its nutraceutical and prebiotic potential. Recent studies have also suggested their role in alleviating chronic diseases like diabetes, blood pressure, obesity and even cancer. Chickpea contains several bioactive compounds that are now being researched for their health benefits in human beings. Like other pulses, chickpea also has some antinutritional factors that can be annihilated by different processing and cooking methods. This literature review seeks to evaluate the research done on the nutritional, antinutritional, nutraceutical, prebiotic and health benefits of chickpea.

Chestnut Production And Its Prospects In Nepal

The Global Hunger Index ranked Nepal as 73 out of 107 countries in 2020. Food security is one burning issue. For Nepalese farmers it is high time to diversify their food items as well as production and gain better market access with competency. In this case, chestnut can be the potential one. Chestnut is a high-demanding nut with a unique nutrient quality that distinguishes it from other nuts. Its demand is increasing in country as well globally. Chestnuts elevated its use confectionery, associated with their health benefits and is anticipated to push the chestnuts market forward. Increasing the health consciousness of the people and increasing research on the analysis of the nutritional constituent and their role in human health its importance is flourishing. Chestnut flour is now becoming quite prevalent in pastries, which is propelling the worldwide manufacturing and trade market for chestnuts. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization, Asia-Pacific dominates the chestnut market. Nepal too is predicted to have a wonderful production opportunity and marketplace due to its geographical comparative advantage. Nepal has a good opportunity to utilize the wild cultivar as the root-stock to make high yielding varieties by grafting it with some high yielding varieties (Japanese and Chinese). Nepal has the possibility of upgrading the utilization of underutilized land and resources to enhance the economy. Further, research and extension works, variety improvement and collaboration among the concerned authorities are must for improvement, commercial production and increasing import of chestnut.

Nutritional and anti-nutritional quality evaluation of sesamum (Sesamum indicum L.) genotypes/varieties grown in Uttar Pradesh

A study was conducted to evaluate different sesamum cultivars for their nutritional and anti-nutritional quality in the Department of Agricultural Biochemistry, CSAUA&T, Kanpur. The range of variability of test weight (g), oil (%), protein (%), oxalate (mg/g) and polyphenol (mg/g) was observed as 2.82–3.88, 40.90–52.80, 17.89–29.17, 0.42–4.14 and 1.19–9.2, respectively in sesamum genotypes/varieties. Lowest contents of oxalate and polyphenol and highest nutritional constituents viz. oil content and protein content were found to be in genotype - AT-413.

Comprehensive comparison of nutritional constituents and antioxidant activity of cultivated ginseng, mountain-cultivated ginseng, and whole plant parts of mountain-cultivated ginseng

Comprehensive comparison of nutritional constituents and antioxidant activity of cultivated ginseng, mountain-cultivated ginseng, and whole plant parts of mountain-cultivated ginseng

Nutrient composition, free radical scavenging activities and polyphenol contents of seabuckthorn (Hippophae tibetana) Western Himalayas, India

Hippophae tibetana is valuable wild edible berry, which is utilized as a supplement of food, traditional-folk medicine system by rural populace of the Johar valley, Pithoragarh district India. The study focused on quantitating the nutrient composition, polyphenols, and free radical scavenging activities of the specie (in different solvent extracts). Results represented a various concentration range of polyphenolics and antioxidants among studied solvents, and fresh berries exhibited good sources of polyphenols (phenolics 1.64; tannins 5.87; proanthcyanidins 1.47; flavonoids 5.74; flavonols 0.62 mg/g), antioxidants, and free radical scavenging activities (FRAP 9.55; DPPH 1.35; NO·1.14; ABTS 4.10; OH· 0.69 mM AAE/100 g), nutrients (carbohydrates 2.05; proteins 0.67; methionine 0.73; proline 1.03; sodium 0.37; potassium 3.0.25 mg/g) and vitamins (vitamin C 1.03; vitamin E 0.87; Vitamin A 0.59 mg/g), respectively, followed by dry berries and pomace. Outcomes of the study revealed that acetone and methanol are good for extraction for harnessing maximum potential from the species. Practical applications H. tibetana has emerged as a potential source of nutritional and bioactive constituents, and moderate polarity solvents (acetone and methanol) are best for extraction and acetone should be prioritized for commercial utilization. In the present scenario, several communities worldwide are focused to consume natural antioxidant compounds for improving their health, immunity, and reducing the deficiency of malnutrition. The fresh berries of H. tibetana and their processed foodstuffs can be considered an option for fulfilling the basic requirements of nutrients in the future and will be helpful for reducing deficiency of malnutrition in the Himalayan populace. Present study highlighted that berries of H. tibetana are rich sources of various nutrients, polyphenols, and antioxidant contents and for harnessing maximum potential from the species their mass scale cultivation is required. Therefore, sensitization workshops and capacity-building programs (for skill development) should be organized in the higher Himalayas for the promotion of cultivation practices/large-scale plantation of H. tibetana in their suitable habitat (cold desert) through participatory approaches, also required to strengthen the sub help groups (SHG). This approach will fulfill the major issues of biodiversity conservation, wasteland reclamation, and generate employment opportunities for the local communities of Himalayas.

The Impact of Different Drying Techniques on the Physicochemical and Quality Characteristics of Oil Palm Fruit Mesocarp (Elaeis guineensis).

Drying is one of the traditional means of preserving food. However, various drying methods can influence the nutritional and bioactive constituents of the food product. This study is aimed at evaluating the effect of different drying methods on the proximate composition, physicochemical properties, and minor constituents of palm oil fruit mesocarp. Two varieties of fresh oil palm fruit (dura and tenera) were processed to separate the mesocarp from the other part of the fruit. The fresh fruit mesocarp was divided into five groups and subjected to different drying methods. Proximate and physicochemical characteristics of the oil palm fruit mesocarp were determined. The dried mesocarp had low moisture content (1.49-3.28%), high crude fat content (78.10-90.60%), carbohydrate (4.41-15.12%), crude protein (0.93-3.40%), and ash (0.53-1.15%). The free fatty acid (FFA) (1.06-3.54) and acid value (AV) (2.17 to 8.83 mgKOH/g) were lower because the samples were heated at 100°C for 30 min. The lower pH, FFA, AV, titratable acidity, moisture content, and high antioxidant activity of the oil palm fruit products could be an indication of shelf stability against microbial contamination and rancidity.

Assessment of Biochemical Constituents and Nutritional Aspects in Gracilariopsis persica and Hypnea flagelliformis

ABSTRACT In the present study, we assessed the nutritional composition and biochemical constituents of two Rhodophyta, Gracilariopsis persica and Hypnea flagelliformis, for their potential use as functional foods. Both species were collected from the intertidal regions of Bandar Abbas, Iran. The nutritional profile for H. flagelliformis consisted of ash (36% dw), crude protein (3% dw), lipids (2.1% dw), and phycobiliproteins (0.2% dw.). G. persica consisted of ash (31% dry weight), crude protein (4.4% dw), lipids (1.4% dw), and phycobiliproteins (0.2% dw). Leucine and phenylalanine were the most abundant amino acids in the assessed species. The samples were rich in essential amino acids (EAAs) and the obtained ratios of EAA/NEAA (non-essential amino acid) were 1.3. Palmitic acid was the predominant fatty acid in both species. The highest concentrations of polyunsaturated fatty acids were arachidonic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid. Recommended guidelines indicate an intake of omega-3 for each person that can be fully obtained by daily consumption of 130 g of dried G. persica or 100 g of dried H. flagelliformis. In conclusion, these two red seaweeds have good potential as nutritional sources for human and animal consumption.

The incorporation ofMoringa oleiferaleaves powder in mutton patties: Influence on nutritional value, technological quality, and sensory acceptability

AbstractMeat is a highly nutritious food rich in protein, fat, vitamins, and minerals. Nevertheless, chemical reactions and microorganisms might affect the quality of nutritional constituent of meat products. This study investigated the influence of addingMoringa oleiferaleaves powder (MOLP) on the nutritional, technological properties, and consumer acceptability of mutton patties. Four treatments of mutton patties with 0, 0.3, 0.6, and 0.9% of MOLP were produced. The prepared patties (raw and cooked) were evaluated for quality attributes such as proximate composition, total phenolic content (TPC), cooking properties (cooking yield and cooking loss), physical characteristics (colour and water holding capacity [WHC]), thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), pH value, and sensory quality. The incorporation of MOLP into the mutton patties significantly increased (p&lt; 0.05) protein, fat, ash contents, TPC, pH, WHC, and cooking yield. However, moisture content, TBARS, and colour decreased. Most sensory likability scores of patty samples with up to 0.3% of MOLP were comparable to those of the control sample. Evidently, the inclusion of 0.3% of MOLP produces mutton patties with high sensory desirability.

Nutritional Evaluation of Bambara Groundnut (Vigna subterranea (L.) Verdc) From Lapai, Nigeria

The nutritional constituents of seeds of Bambara groundnut (Vigna subterranean) were analyzed for their nutritional compositions using standard analytical methods. Results of proximate analysis obtained were moisture content (9.20±0.12 %), ash (3.40±0.09 %), carbohydrate (21.10±0.05 %), crude fibre (4.60±0.07 %) and calorific value (185.79±0.03 kcal/100 g). Mean concentrations of mineral elements were the order: zinc (139.00±0.04 mg/100 g) &gt; potassium (31.50±0.12 mg/100 g) &gt; copper (30.00±0.01 mg/100 g) &gt; phosphorus (17.40±0.11 mg/100 g) &gt; magnesium (3.90±0.07 mg/100 g) &gt; calcium (3.50±0.17 mg/100 g) &gt; sodium (0.11±0.03 mg/100 g) &gt; iron (0.10±0.01 mg/100 g). Measured values for bulk density, water absorption capacity, oil absorption capacity, foaming capacity and foaming stability were 0.85±0.07 g/cm3, 1.65±0.13 %, 0.70±0.03 %, 16.00±0.12 % and 7.50±0.22 % respectively. The amino acid profile revealed that glutamic acid had the highest value (12.56 g/100 g) while tryptophan had the lowest concentration (0.87 g/100 g). Results obtained indicate that the consumption of V. subterranean can contribute to the nutritional requirements of the body.

Effects of specific nutritional components and supplementing obesogenic diet with quinoa on body weight regulation in rats

Rationale: The cafeteria diet is a robust model of diet induced obesity and consists of highly energetic and highly palatable human foods to trigger diet induced obesity in rats. Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa) is a pseudo-cereal containing healthy nutritional constituents like indispensable amino acids, minerals and dietary fiber. This study aimed to evaluate the potential preventive effect of quinoa on body weight and energy intake in rats consumed cafeteria diet supplemented with quinoa.

Bioactive Compounds and Nanodelivery Perspectives for Treatment of Cardiovascular Diseases

Bioactive compounds are comprised of small quantities of extra nutritional constituents providing both health benefits and enhanced nutritional value, based on their ability to modulate one or more metabolic processes. Plant-based diets are being thoroughly researched for their cardiovascular properties and effectiveness against cancer. Flavonoids, phytoestrogens, phenolic compounds, and carotenoids are some of the bioactive compounds that aim to work in prevention and treating the cardiovascular disease in a systemic manner, including hypertension, atherosclerosis, and heart failure. Their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties are the most important characteristics that make them favorable candidates for CVDs treatment. However, their low water solubility and stability results in low bioavailability, limited accessibility, and poor absorption. The oral delivery of bioactive compounds is constrained due to physiological barriers such as the pH, mucus layer, gastrointestinal enzymes, epithelium, etc. The present review aims to revise the main bioactive compounds with a significant role in CVDs in terms of preventive, diagnostic, and treatment measures. The advantages of nanoformulations and novel multifunctional nanomaterials development are described in order to overcome multiple obstacles, including the physiological ones, by summarizing the most recent preclinical data and clinical trials reported in the literature. Nanotechnologies will open a new window in the area of CVDs with the opportunity to achieve effective treatment, better prognosis, and less adverse effects on non-target tissues.

Postharvest Treatment of Chinese Kale (Brassica oleracea var. alboglabra) by Pulse Light to Removal of Microbial Load, Pesticide Residue and Integrity of Physicochemical Quality and Phytochemical Constituent

Existence of microorganisms, pesticide residue on fresh vegetables has a potential hazard to human health. The demand for safe green Chinese kale (Brassica oleracea var. alboglabra) has increased recently. Chinese kale is a healthy botanical attached to the Brassicaceae class. It contains numerous nutritional and phytochemical constituents beneficial for human health. Besides health benefits, this green vegetable also poses food safety concerns due to pathogen and pesticide residue during cultivation. Non-thermal physical technology like pulsed light (PL) will be a promising alternative to eradicate microbial and pesticide residue while preserving the best physicochemical properties and phytochemical components. This research evaluated the influence of different pulsed light intensities (1.2-10.8 J/cm2) on the removal of microbial load and pesticide residue as well as weight attrition, texture hardness, dry matter, vitamin C, total phenolic content in the treated Chinese kale. Results showed that pulsed light intensity 8.4 J/cm2 was appropriate to completely eliminate pathogenic bacteria such as Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella; pesticide substances such as carbendazim, abamectin, cypermethrin, chlorpyrifos ethyl, mancozeb. At pulsed light intensity 8.4 J/cm2, weight attrition in the treated sample was lower than weight attrition in the untreated; meanwhile textural hardness, dry matter, ascorbic acid and total phenolic content remained higher in the treated sample compared to the untreated. The results reveals that the pulsed light technique should be applied as a promising decontamination approach for removal of the pathogen as well as pesticide residue with minor impact on physicochemical properties and phytochemical constituents.