Nutritive Research Articles

Crop Residue Management Options in Rice - Wheat Cropping Systems: A Case Study of the Indian Experience

The dominant agricultural system in India is the rice-wheat system, and the problems posed by climate change and declining soil health are endangering the system's sustainability. High yields from the irrigated rice-wheat system have resulted in a substantial amount of wasted food. In northwest India, burning rice straw is a frequent practice that results in significant air pollution that is harmful to human health and nutritional losses. Crop residue management improvements should help achieve sustainable productivity, enable farmers to minimize nutrient and water inputs, and lower the risk associated with climate change-all of which will help prevent straw burning. The rice-wheat system's nutrition management will benefit from the prudent application of crop residues, which contain substantial amounts of plant nutrients. Long-term research on residue recycling has shown improvements in the soil's chemical, biological, and physical health. Another viable approach to managing crop residues is to use some of the excess residues to make biochar, which can be added to the soil to enhance its health, maximize its ability to use nutrients, and reduce air pollution. Mushroom cultivation may convert non-edible crop leftovers into a nutritious food source, surface mulch can suppress weed growth and retain soil moisture, and compost and biofuel can all be made from these materials. The decomposition of residues considerably boosts the soil's organic carbon and nitrogen levels. This review looks at the residues that can form in a rice-wheat farming system and how those residues can be effectively managed.

Development and characterization of cake made with a mixture of cowpea and rice flours

This study developed a cake recipe based on a flour mixture of cowpea and rice. Four formulations with different percentages of cowpea flour (CF) and rice flour (RF) (0% CF + 100% RF, 10% CF + 90% RF, 20% CF + 80% RF, 30% CF + 70% RF) were developed. Microbiological, physicochemical and sensory evaluations were performed. Tasters preferred the mix formulation containing 10% of cowpea and 90% of rice (p < 0.05), that revealed adequate physicochemical and microbiological characteristics. It is worth noticing the low lipid, high fiber, iron and zinc content, and gluten free characteristic of the developed product. The study also showed 91% of acceptance and 66% of purchase intention by the tasters. We conclude that the use of the flour mixture of cowpea and rice produced an innovative, nutritious product with good acceptance and technological potential that stimulates the production of family farming and, at the same time, increases consumption of rice and beans by the Brazilian population. Key words: Legumes, family farming, Vigna unguiculata, sensory evaluation.

Factors influencing consumption of street vended local foods (SVLFs) in Urban Ghana

Street foods are important in meeting dietary and nutritional needs of growing urban populations, contributing to their food security needs. In spite of concerns of nutritional value, affordability and localness of street foods, street food vending enterprise is prolific in urban places with consumers of different socio-cultural and economic statuses. This is because several factors inform people on their food choices. These may include their socio-cultural and economic status and not just the food characteristics. This study was to examine the factors influencing consumption of Hausa koko, Waakye and Ga kenkey referred to as street vended local foods (SVLFs) associated with specific ethnic groups in Ghana. Data was collected from a cross section of 631 urban consumers of SVLFs in Accra, Kumasi and Tamale. Binary probit regression models were used to estimate factors influencing SVLFs consumption. Results showed that consumers were from different social, cultural and economic backgrounds. Food characteristics (such as safety, nutritional value, affordability, convenience and closeness to vendor), social status (including, age, educational level and work status), and cultural factors (like consumer coming from place of food origin and consumption of food from infancy) positively influenced consumption of SVLFs. Food vendors should be aware of these factors to promote consumers’ continual patronage of healthy, nutritious and affordable SVLFs in urban Ghana. Key words: Food choices, Hausa Koko, Waakye, Ga Kenkey.

Bazı Yerli ve Melez Koyun Genotiplerinde Süt Yağ Asidi Profillerinin Araştırılması

Yağ asitlerinin insan sağlığı açısından hastalıkları önleyici ve tedavi edici özelliği vardır. Ayrıca süt ve süt ürünlerinde kaliteyi etkileyen önemli bir parametredir. Dolayısıyla hayvansal ürünlerde yağ asidi kompozisyonun belirlenmesi büyük önem taşımaktadır. Bu araştırma Akkaraman (Akk), Bafra (Baf) ve Bafra x Akkaraman (F1) koyunlarda süt yağ asidi kompozisyonunun belirlenmesi amacıyla yapılmıştır. Yağ asidi kompozisyonu, her genotipten rastgele seçilen 12 koyundan laktasyonun başlangıç, orta ve son dönemlerinde alınan süt örnekleri ile Gaz Kromatografi Kütle Spektrofotometrisi yöntemi kullanılarak belirlenmiştir. Laktasyon boyunca Akk, Baf ve F1 genotipi koyunlarda belirlenen genel ortalama toplam doymuş yağ asidi (ΣDYA) oranı sırasıyla %64,66±0,40; 60,61±0,97 ve 58,23±0,81; toplam doymamış yağ asidi oranı (ΣDŞYA) %35,06±0,40; 38,97±1,00 ve 41,29±0,78; Σω6/Σω3 oranı 4,16±0,16; 4,44±0,17 ve 4,36±0,26; Besleyici Değer (BD) 1,43±0,03; 1,44±0,05 ve 1,38±0,04; Aterojenik Indeks (AI) değeri 1,69±0,04; 1,41±0,08 ve 1,25±0,04; Trombojenik Indeks (TI) değeri ise 1,50±0,02; 1,33±0,09 ve 1,13±0,04 olarak tespit edilmiştir. Sonuç olarak, belirlenen yağ asidi kompozisyonun koyun sütü için bildirilen değerlere uyumlu olduğu tespit edilirken; genotip grupları arasında bazı yağ asidi profilleri bakımından farklılık olduğu söylenebilir.

Produção e valor nutritivo de forragem de cultivares de capim-elefante em diferentes períodos de rebrotação

Com o presente trabalho objetivou-se avaliar a produtividade de massa seca e o valor nutritivo de cultivares de capim elefante nas épocas da seca (sob irrigação) e das águas. O experimento foi implantado no IF Goiano – Campus Ceres em delineamento em blocos ao acaso em parcelas subdivididas com 4 repetições. Os tratamentos corresponderam as cultivares de capim elefante Cameroon Comum, Cameroon Roxo, BRS Capiaçu, BRS Canará, BRS Kurumi e Napier e três períodos de rebrotação (45, 60 e 75 dias). Foram avaliadas a relação folha:colmo (F:C), produtividades de massa verde (PMV) e de massa seca (PMS), fibras em detergente ácido (FDA) e neutro (FDN) e proteína bruta (PB). A cultivar Napier apresentou menor FDN na época das águas, maior PMV aos 75 dias e maior PMS, juntamente com BRS Capiaçu na época da seca, enquanto a Cameron, apresentou a maior PMS nas águas. A PB não diferiu entre os tratamentos. BRS Kurumi possui maior relação F:C e maior qualidade bromatológica indicada por maior PB, menor FDA e FDN. O aumento da idade de corte reduz a qualidade das cultivares, sendo em menor magnitude para a cultivar BRS Kurumi. A irrigação na época da seca mantém a qualidade nutricional do capim elefante.

Análise sensorial de bebida láctea de cupuaçu

A bebida láctea é um derivado elaborado com leite e soro, podendo ser fermentada ou não, acrescida de outros ingredientes alimentícios, tais como polpas de frutas, creme e gorduras vegetais. De grande aceitação no mercado, a bebida láctea é muito nutritiva e, atualmente, vem sendo considerada como uma forma de reaproveitamento do soro, na forma líquida, além de evitar a poluição do ambiente. O trabalho teve como objetivo desenvolver e avaliar sensorialmente três formulações de bebida láctea não fermentada de cupuaçu com diferentes concentrações de soro de leite e leite em pó integral. A análise sensorial demonstrou boa aceitação entre as três formulações da bebida láctea e que quantidades elevadas de leite em pó não melhora as propriedades sensoriais do produto final. Os resultados também demonstraram ser um produto de baixo custo de produção pelo reaproveitamento do soro de leite proveniente de laticínios, chegando ao consumidor final como um produto diferenciado e com valor agregado.

Demographic variables and nutritional status: A comparative study

The purpose of this study was to measure the effect of demographic variables on nutritional status of the respondents. For this 200 adolescents were selected through purposive sampling technique. For collecting demographic information a schedule was prepared. The obtained data were analyzed on percentages of number and the differences of well nourished & under nourished respondents. Results confirmed the hypothesis of difference between well nourished & under nourished in their backgrounder variables viz. urban-rural, high socio economic status & low socio economic status and high caste and low castes.

Deficiências nutricionais múltiplas em maracujazeiro azedo: sintomas de deficiências, crescimento e nutrição mineral das folhas

O presente trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar a nutrição mineral do caule e raízes do maracujazeiro azedo sob deficiências simples e múltiplas, em solução nutritiva. O experimento foi realizado em casa-de-vegetação do Departamento de Ciência do Solo da UFLA, Lavras, MG. O delineamento estatístico utilizado foi o DIC com sete tratamentos e três repetições, em solução nutritiva baseada na solução de Hoagland e Arnon (1950). Os tratamentos foram: solução nutritiva completa (controle), soluções nutritivas com omissões individuais de Ca, Mg B, Mn e Zn, e as omissões múltiplas de BZn, CaB e MnMg. As plantas foram selecionadas quanto à uniformidade de tamanho da parte aérea e raízes e então, individualizadas em vasos plásticos com capacidade de três litros, constituindo assim, cada vaso uma parcela experimental. Após a manifestação dos sintomas visuais de deficiência, as plantas dos tratamentos foram colhidas e posteriormente realizada a análise química das diferentes partes das plantas. O estado nutricional (teores e acúmulos) do caule e raízes de maracujazeiro azedo são afetados quando ocorre deficiências nutricionais simples e múltiplas. Os teores nutricionais caulinares de maracujazeiro azedo do tratamento completo são (g.kg-1): N 23,50; P 3,13; K 11,60; Ca 6,92; Mg 1,81; S 1,37; e (mg.kg-1) B 12,61; Cu 0,08; Fe 75,22; Mn 0,67; Zn 1,39. Os teores nutricionais radiculares de maracujazeiro azedo do tratamento completo são (g.kg-1): N 15,07; P 9,48; K 27,20; Ca 16,59; Mg 5,64; S 2,63; e (mg.kg-1) B 17,21; Cu 1,66; Fe 1560,20; Mn 13,60; Zn 29,47.

Avaliação de teor de metais pesados em cultivo de jambu (Acmella oleracea [(L) R. K Jasen]) com sedimento de viveiro de Tambaqui (Colossoma macropomum

A aquicultura tem se destacado nos últimos anos como fonte de proteína animal, porém, um de seus entraves é o descarte indevido de seus efluentes, que além de possuir resíduos orgânicos, apresenta nutrientes essenciais. O reaproveitamento desses rejeitos na agricultura pode ser uma provável saída para sanar tal problema, gerando aporte nutritivo para plantas e mitigando contaminações ao meio ambiente. O estudo objetivou avaliar a viabilidade do uso de sedimento de viveiro de produção de tambaqui para o cultivo de jambu na Região Amazônica. O experimento foi conduzido em casa de vegetação na Universidade Federal Rural da Amazônia utilizando resíduo oriundo de tanques de piscicultura. Foi constituído de cinco tratamentos, variando as concentrações de Terra preta (TP) e Sedimento de viveiro de piscicultura (SP), e acondicionado com 1kg Casca de arroz queimado (CA) para cada concentração. As concentrações foram compostas por Tratamento 1 (100% TP), Tratamento 2 (75% TP + 25% SP), Tratamento 3 (50% TP + 50 % SP), Tratamento 4 (25% TP + 75% SP) e Tratamento 5 (100% SP). O sedimento foi coletado em um viveiro de produção semi-intensivo de tambaqui e as plantas de Jambu foram irrigadas diariamente em vasos de polietileno até 79 dias após germinadas para a realização da colheita. O delineamento experimental foi inteiramente casualizado com 5 tratamentos e 10 repetições, sendo uma planta por repetição ao final do cultivo. Foram obtidos dados de Altura (ALT), Diâmetro de coleto (D), Número de folhas (NF), Clorofila (C), Área foliar (AF), Massa fresca total (MFT), Massa fresca de folha (MFF), Massa fresca de caule (MFC), Massa fresca de flor (MFFL), Massa fresca de raiz (MFR), Massa seca total (MST), Massa seca de folha (MSF), Massa seca de caule (MSC), Massa seca de flor (MSFL) e Massa seca de raiz (MSR). Os dados foram submetidos à análise de variância, sendo as equações escolhidas com base na significância dos coeficientes de regressão, a 5% de probabilidade, utilizando o software Sisvar, versão 5.6. Os tratamentos 2 (75% TP + 25% SP) e 4 (25% TP + 75% SP) foram os que apresentaram os maiores valores para a maioria dos fatores analisados. Quando analisado o comportamento linear da regressão, foi encontrado correlação positiva com as concentrações de sedimento para ALT, NF, AF, MFFL e MSFL, e os demais parâmetros apresentaram comportamento quadrático, tendo faixa ótima sempre próxima aos tratamentos 3 (50% TP + 50 % SP) e 4 (25% TP + 75% SP). A produção do jambu com resíduos de cultivo de peixe é viável haja vista o maior incremento de biomassa nas plantas submetidas a este tipo de substrato.

Quality of Istrian and Slavonian dry-fermented sausages

The aim of this study was to investigate nutritive and sensorial quality of Istrian and Slavonian pork-meat dry-fermented sausages. Sensorial analysis resulted in statistically significant differences (p<0.05) between these products in 11 sensorial parameters analysed. Significantly higher protein content was determined in Istrian in comparison with Slavonian dry-fermented sausage, although the latter content significantly varied across the producing households. No significant differences in particular fatty acid esters and saturated, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids were obtained. Although some of the nutritional quality indices failed to meet health recommendations, the obtained values are consistent with data published for pork meat products.

COVID-19 ve Anne Sütü ile Beslenme

Aralık 2019’da Çin’den başlayarak tüm dünyaya yayılan COVID-19 enfeksiyonu doğumdan itibaren yaşamın her evresini etkileyen bir enfeksiyondur. Küçük çocukların çoğunda asemptomatik ya da hafif şiddette seyrettiği bildirilen COVID-19 enfeksiyonuna yakalanan gebe ve çocuk sayısı giderek artmaktadır. Olağanüstü koşullarda sağlığın korunması ve sürdürülmesinde anne sütü ile beslenme çok önemlidir. Anne sütünün hem anne hem de bebek için kısa ve uzun vadede pek çok olumlu etkisi olduğu bilinmektedir. Yenidoğan gereksinimlerine göre düzenlenebilen eşsiz besleyici özelliği yanı sıra anne sütü içinde bulunan biyoaktif maddeler, büyüme ve gelişmeyi etkileyen hormon ve büyüme faktörleri, immün sistemi düzenleyen faktörler ve antienflamatuvar maddeler bebeği enfeksiyonlardan korumaktadır. Ayrıca maternal enfeksiyonda 7 gün içinde anne sütünde saptanan antikorlar da bebekte enfeksiyon riskini azaltmaktadır. Bu sayede anne sütü ile beslenen bebeklerde otitis media, alt solunum yolu enfeksiyonları, gastroenterit ve prematüre bebeklerde nekrotizan enterokolit nadir görülmektedir. Bu zamana kadar yapılan çalışmalarda anne sütünden bebeğe COVID-19 enfeksiyonu bulaştığı bildirilmemiştir. DSÖ anne sütünün yararlarını, formül sütle beslenmenin zararlarını da hesaba katarak COVID-19 enfekte annelerin maske ve el hijyenine dikkat ederek ten temasını ve anne sütüyle beslenmeyi önermektedir. Sağlık personelleri bu önerilerin rehberliğinde emzirmeyi başlatma ve sürdürme konusunda anne-bebek çiftine destek olmalıdır.

Improving peanut protein quality: Expression of a synthetic storage protein

Peanut is an affordable legume used in most households. It represents one of the most important protein supplies worldwide. However, peanut proteins are deficient in several essential amino acids (EAA), like most plant proteins; whereas plants are the main source of dietary proteins consumed by humans and livestock. This could lead to protein malnutrition in areas where people diet relies on one or two staple foods. Based on its high nutritional value, peanut is a good candidate for genetic biofortification. This study is aimed at expressing an EAA-rich artificial storage protein (ASPx) into peanut seeds for increased nutritive value. The ASPx derived gene was introduced into peanut via Agrobacterium-mediated transformation. Molecular analysis of regenerated kanamycin resistant plants using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and Southern hybridization indicate the stable integration of one copy ASPx gene in transgenic plants. The expression of the ASPx in transgenic peanuts seeds was detected by mass spectrometry (multiple reaction monitoring). Amino acids analysis showed an increase of 12 to 19% of most EAA (Val, Tyr, Phe, Iso, Leu, Met) in a transgenic line. The results show that the nutritional quality of peanut could be improved. Key words: Genetic biofortification, essential amino acid, storage protein, peanut.

Analysis of Some Heavy Metal Contents in Selected Vegetables and Fruits from States in Nigeria

The consumption of fruits and vegetables is on the increase as these produce have nutritive values associated to the presence of essential metals that helps boost humans’ immune system, thus, avoiding health problems. However, there is also the presence of some non-essential metals in fruits and vegetables that are detrimental to humans. This study was carried out in order to determine the concentrations of some potentially toxic heavy metals namely; Lead (Pb), Cadmium (Cd), Nickel (Ni) and Zinc (Zn) in some leafy vegetables namely; cucumber (Cucumis sativus), watermelon (Cucurbita lanatus), tomatoe (Solantum lycopersium) and pepper (Capsicum annuum), brought from Kano state as well as those cultivated in Edo state. 25 samples consisting of 4 different vegetables were each purchased from two major markets known to be a major depot for vegetables in Benin City as well as those produced in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. Edible portions of the samples were used for analysis while bruised or rotten samples were removed. Samples for analysis were dried using the oven-dry method at 105°C for 24 hours to obtain the moisture content and then grounded. About 1.0g of the samples were each weighed and digested in a mixture of 10mls Nitric – Perchloric acid in a 250 ml Kjeldahl flask under a fume hood. The content was mixed and heated gently at 120 - 200°C for about 45 minutes on a hot plate. Heavy metals were present in all the vegetables analyse at various levels. Cadmium (Cd) concentration ranges between 0.02 – 0.47 mgkg-1, Lead (Pb) was within the range of 0.03 – 11.12 mgkg-1, Zinc (Zn) concentration ranges between 0.15 – 73.69 mgkg-1, and Nickel (Ni) concentration ranges between 0.07 – 35.54 mgkg-1 respectively in all the vegetables from the two states. Cd and Pb were observed to be higher than that of the Maximum Permissible Limit (MPL) stipulated by the World Health Organization (WHO).

Evaluation of Effect of Consumption of Probiotics on the Gingival and Periodontal Health Status in Children in Aurangabad City Suffering With Early Childhood Caries

Objectives: Probiotics consists of live microbes which are free from adverse health effects and also provide basic nutritive value to individuals when ingested in adequate quantities. Dental caries and periodontal diseases are the most common oral diseases affecting mankind. This study was conducted to evaluate the antimicrobial capabilities of oral probiotics against microorganisms involved in dental caries and periodontal diseases and to evaluate the gingival and periodontal health status of children affected with Early Childhood Caries (ECC) after use of oral probiotics. Methods: Sixty children, age group 3-5 years, affected with ECC were randomly distributed under control and probiotics administered test group for 90 days. The gingival, periodontal and oral hygiene status was evaluated along with their caries activity test. The parameters were measured at 0, 15, 30, 45, 60, 75 and 90 days interval. Results: The oral probiotics consumption significantly reduced the plaque accumulation between days of observation in the treated group (P Key words: Early Childhood Caries, Oral Probiotics, Caries Activity, OHI, Snyder Test.

Farming Science and Expertise Research to Support Food Safety

Food security can be definite as access by all people at all times to harmless, nutritious and cheap food for active well and productive life. This means training and educating the society of the need for suitable food production, well postharvest system, readiness of money by households and individuals. Challenges met to meet food security contains under nutrition and overconsumption, growing food prices, population growth, threat to farmed making, rapid diet shifts, inept production practices and climate change. Food and Population The global population is now about 7.3 billion. The need to grow extra food four times of what the world harvests in the past 8,000 years. Children and youth do not know how farms look like any further, Farming science teachers have a lot of work to do in schools without land for farming practice. Farming science experts are searching for resolutions and teachers of Farming are seeking the new science to explain the students in order to overcome food refuge challenges. The students want science and technology information to renovation Agriculture. Statement of the Problem Farming engineers were able to solve many problems regarding farm power and technology in the last century, the starter and use of irrigation services as well as the loading and Dealing out of farming products. The tractors were familiarized, high-yielding variations of crops were adopted, and the use of structurhelp Doubled food production. If farmers implement these skills as done in the Past, will this result improved profitably and incomes

Effect of the incorporation of graded levels of turmeric (Curcuma longa) on different qualities of stirred yoghurt

There is an increasing trend in yoghurt consumption due to the health benefits from the gut bacteria present in yoghurt. However, there is need to evaluate other inexpensive nutrient sources such as spices (turmeric) which contain a lot of phytochemicals to make yoghurt more nutritious. Fresh turmeric rhizome was sorted, washed, peeled and milled. Ethanol was added to obtain turmeric extract. The turmeric extract was added to the yoghurt before (YTBF) and after fermentation (YTAF) at different ratios of yoghurt: Turmeric (95:5, 90:10, 85:15, 80:20, 75:25 and 100:0). Proximate composition and sensory characteristics of the blends were determined using standard procedures. Results obtained show that the addition of turmeric extract to the yoghurt had significant (p < 0.05) effect on the parameters analyzed. The protein, fat, ash and carbohydrate content of YTBF samples ranged from 2.70 - 3.98, 1.56 - 1.74, 0.20 - 0.38 and 7.69 - 8.25%, respectively while that of sampled YTAF ranged from 2.64 - 3.85, 1.53 - 1.69, 0.24 - 0.54 and 7.87 - 8.26%, respectively. From the sensory scores, sample with the lowest level of turmeric extract (YTBF1) (95:5) was most preferred and compared favorably with the control sample based on colour, taste and overall acceptability. The incorporation of turmeric extract in yoghurt improved the nutrient content of the yoghurt samples. Increased levels above 10% (90:10) led to a more intense colour and spicy taste which did not appeal to the panelists. Key words: Yoghurt, turmeric, fermentation, proximate composition, sensory characteristics.

Blue Sheep Resource Selection in Alpine Grasslands of a Western Himalayan Landscape - A Point Process Approach.

In-depth knowledge of distribution and factors influencing it is important for species conservation and management. Many forms of such data have led to the development of new analytical techniques for better interpretation. For mountainous terrains with certain limitations, species data are obtained in the presence-only form. The point process model is one of the recent approaches for modelling such data, taking care of pseudo-absences and spatial independence. For conservation in regions with limited resources and species with similar ecological requirements, it is important to properly assess the extent of competition extent between wild and domestic species. We attempted to use point process framework to estimate the function of resource selection in blue sheep (Pseudois nayaur) in areas influenced by pastoralism in a western Himalayan region. Our study is the first attempt to use this framework to estimate resource selection on a dataset not collected using radio-telemetry. Spatial locations of blue sheep and livestock and a background sample of random points with six topographic covariates were used to model resource selection probability via intensity function. Blue sheep showed its predicted presence in areas with open vegetation coinciding with alpine meadows, influenced by southern aspect keeping a threshold distance of 600-1000 m from cliffs (escape terrain). Livestock, also showed presence probability in open vegetation, but at lower altitudes, mainly on valley floors. Our results suggest that though blue sheep continued to use the same habitat type after livestock arrival, they selected different resources based on topographic factors. Livestock were in areas where it was convenient for pastoralists to establish campsites and where nutritious grasses were present, making it feasible to graze. Thus, we argue that the probable shift in habitat for blue sheep from optimal areas occurs due to livestock presence, which might disturb their nutritional balance. Our study provides helpful insights for managing rangelands, which when tied with dietary patterns will give a better idea for proper conservation measures in the future.

Effects of different harvesting and processing methods on quality of Andrographis Herba

The effects of the growing periods, processing methods, nutritive organs and cut parts of the herbs on the quality of Andrographis Herba have been studied, which could provide scientific basis for producing high-quality crude materials of Andrographis Herba. A quantitative analysis of multi-components by single-marker(QAMS) method was used to simultaneously determine 4 diterpene lactones of andrographolide(AD), neoandrographolide(NAD), 14-deoxyandrographolide(14-DAD), and dehydroandrographolide(DHAD) in 78 batches of Andrographis Herba samples. Visual analysis, clustering analysis and partial least squares discrimination analysis(PLS-DA) were used for data processing and mining. The growing periods of Andrographis Herba were divide into the rapid growing stage(Ⅰ), the luxuriant foliage stage(Ⅱ), the bud stage(Ⅲ), the flower stage(Ⅳ), the fruiting stage(Ⅴ) and the later fruiting stage(Ⅵ), six ones in total. The results showed that the total contents of 4 diterpene lactones(TC) kept almost constant in growing periods of Ⅰ-Ⅲ, began to fall off in growing period Ⅳ, decreased rapidly in growing period Ⅴ and reduced to minimum in growing period Ⅵ. Therefore, the best harvesting period for Andrographis Herba was the bud stage. For the processing methods, none significant difference occurred for TC between drying by the sun and drying in the shade. However, in comparison of the samples dried by the sun, the samples dried in the shade exhibited lower content of AD, nonetheless, the higher contents of DHAD and NAD, indicating that the process of drying in the shade may lead to the decomposition and transformation of AD. Therefore, when the weather conditions permitted, the method drying by the sun should be used. The distributions of AD, DHAD and TC in the different cut parts and nutritive organs were determined as follows: upper cut parts > middle cut parts ≈ entire herbs > lower cut parts, leaves > entire herbs > stems. Furthermore, the contents of 4 diterpene lactones in leaves and herbs were much higher than those in stems. Therefore, it was suggested that the upper and middle cut parts of the herbs or the parts containing leaves should be preferred for harvesting to ensure the proportion of the leaves in Andrographis Herba.

Anti-aging, anti-inflammatory, and wound-healing activities of edible bird's nest in human skin keratinocytes and fibroblasts

Background: The “bird's nest soup” is a kind of luxury or tonic food prepared from edible bird's nest (EBN), which is used as an extremely nutritious medicine to improve health. However, its skin anti-inflammatory and wound-healing effects are still not fully understood. Aim: In this study, the skin-protective effects of two geographical types of EBN (EBN-A and EBN-B) were investigated. Materials and Methods: The anti-aging effect was assessed in ultraviolet B (UVB)-irradiated normal human dermal fibroblasts (NHDFs), while the anti-inflammatory effect was evaluated in tumor necrosis factor alpha/interferon gamma (TNF-α/IFN-γ)-stimulated human skin keratinocytes (HaCaTs). The wound-healing activity was investigated in scratched NHDFs and hyalorunan production was examined in HaCaTs. Results: In this study, EBN showed good efficiency in scavenging free radicals. EBN notably decreased the UVB-induced matrix metalloproteinase-1 expression and promoted procollagen type I synthesis that resulted in the protective effect of EBN against UVB-induced skin damage. Overexpression of thymus- and activation-regulated chemokine and macrophage-derived chemokine induced by TNF-α/IFN-γ was significantly decreased after treatment with EBN at 1–10 μg/ml. The most effective wound healer was EBN-B at 1–10 μg/ml, based on the high expression of hyaluronan that has long been associated with the remodeling extracellular matrix in wound healing. Conclusion: These results indicate that EBNs have the potential to ameliorate UVB-induced skin photo aging and NF-α/IFN-γ-stimulated inflammation as well as wound injuries, resulting in rapid healing effects.

Temporal variations of herbage production and nutritive value of three grasslands at different elevation zones regarding grazing ruminants’ needs and welfare

Temporal variations of herbage production and nutritive value of three grasslands at different elevation zones regarding grazing ruminants’ needs and welfare