Food Plants Research Articles

Blood glucose-lowering activity of protocatechuic acid is mediated by inhibiting α-glucosidase

α-Glucosidase inhibitors are effective in controlling postprandial hyperglycemia, which play crucial roles in the management of type 2 diabetes. Protocatechuic acid (PCA) is one of phenolic acids existing not only in various plant foods but also as a major microbial metabolite of dietary anthocyanins in the large colon. The present study investigated the inhibitory mechanism of PCA on α-glucosidase in vitro and examined its effect on postprandial blood glucose levels in vivo. Results from in vitro experiments demonstrated that PCA was a mix-type inhibitor of α-glucosidase. Driven by hydrogen bonds and van der Waals interactions, PCA reversibly bound with α-glucosidase to form a stable α-glucosidase-PCA complex in a spontaneous manner. The computational simulation found that PCA could insert into the active cavity of α-glucosidase and establish hydrogen bonds with catalytic amino acid residues. PCA binding aroused the steric hindrance for substrates to enter active sites and caused the structural changes of interacted catalytic amino acid residues. PCA also exhibited postprandial hypoglycemic capacity in diabetic mice. This study may provide the theoretical basis for the application of PCA as an active ingredient of functional foods in dietary management of diabetes.

3-Epi-betulinic acid 3-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (eBAG) induces autophagy by activation of AMP-activated protein kinase in hepatocellular carcinoma

3-Epi-betulinic acid 3-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (eBAG) is a pentacyclic triterpene mainly distributed in food and medicinal plants, which exhibits various pharmacological properties. However, whether these functions are attributed to eBAG or additional components in these plants remain unknown. Herein, we report that eBAG exerted an inhibitory activity against hepatocellular carcinoma and esophageal cancer cells. EBAG induced non-apoptotic cell death in hepatocellular carcinoma cells. The eBAG-induced cell death was inhibited by knock-down of autophagy related gene (ATG) 5 and ATG7, by administration of 3-methyladenine, a selective autophagy inhibitor that suppresses phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K), and by chloroquine, a classic autophagy flux inhibitor. We demonstrated that eBAG induced an autophagy-mediated cell death. Application of eBAG mimicked cellular bioenergetics depletion leading to the reduction of intracellular ATP, activation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), and inhibition of mTOR. Co-treatment with compound C, an AMPK inhibitor, abrogated cell death induced by eBAG. We further validated the anti-tumor effect of eBAG in the murine xenograft model of hepatocellular carcinoma and found that eBAG treatment promoted the induction of autophagy and reduction of tumor growth in mice. As a functional food ingredient, eBAG is a potential therapeutic agent for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma and esophageal cancer.

Neuroprotective effects of chlorogenic acid against oxidative stress in rats subjected to lithium-pilocarpine-induced status epilepticus.

Epilepsy is a condition marked by sudden, self-sustained, and recurring brain events, showcasing unique electro-clinical and neuropathological phenomena that can alter the structure and functioning of the brain, resulting in diverse manifestations. Antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) can be very effective in 30% of patients in controlling seizures. Several factors contribute to this: drug resistance, individual variability, side effects, complexity of epilepsy, incomplete understanding, comorbidities, drug interactions, and no adherence to treatment. Therefore, research into new AEDs is important for several reasons such as improved efficacy, reduced side effects, expanded treatment options, treatment for drug-resistant epilepsy, improved safety profiles, targeted therapies, and innovation and progress. Animal models serve as crucial biological tools for comprehending neuronal damage and aiding in the discovery of more effective new AEDs. The utilization of antioxidant agents that act on the central nervous system may serve as a supplementary approach in the secondary prevention of epilepsy, both in laboratory animals and potentially in humans. Chlorogenic acid (CGA) is a significant compound, widely prevalent in numerous medicinal and food plants, exhibiting an extensive spectrum of biological activities such as neuroprotection, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic effects, among others. In this research, we assessed the neuroprotective effects of commercially available CGA in Wistar rats submitted to lithium-pilocarpine-induced status epilepticus (SE) model. After 72-h induction of SE, rats received thiopental and were treated for three consecutive days (1st, 2nd, and 3rd doses). Next, brains were collected and studied histologically for viable cells in the hippocampus with staining for cresyl-violet (Nissl staining) and for degenerating cells with Fluoro-Jade C (FJC) staining. Moreover, to evaluate oxidative stress, the presence of malondialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) was quantified. Rats administered with CGA (30 mg/kg) demonstrated a significant decrease of 59% in the number of hippocampal cell loss in the CA3, and of 48% in the hilus layers after SE. A significant reduction of 75% in the cell loss in the CA3, shown by FJC+ staining, was also observed with the administration of CGA (30 mg/kg). Furthermore, significant decreases of 49% in MDA production and 72% in the activity of SOD were seen, when compared to animals subjected to SE that received vehicle. This study introduces a novel finding: the administration of CGA at a dosage of 30 mg/kg effectively reduced oxidative stress induced by lithium-pilocarpine, with its effects lasting until the peak of neural damage 72 h following the onset of SE. Overall, the research and development of new AEDs are essential for advancing epilepsy treatment, improving patient outcomes, and ultimately enhancing the quality of life for individuals living with epilepsy.

PFoods: selecting a segment for a sustainable product

Learning outcomes After working on the assignment questions, the learners can achieve the following learning outcomes: understand the buying behavior towards sustainable products in the context of mindful consumption and product characteristics, appraise the market segmentation and positioning strategy of a sustainable business, understand the application of 5C’s framework for a sustainable business and critically evaluate a new sustainable business’s challenges in the emerging business environment. Case overview/synopsis Dr Joe Fenn, founder and director of PFoods, with extensive experience in the pharma industry overseas, observed a decline in the consumption of traditional dairy foods. Alternative plant foods come as a savior to people who are lactose intolerant and offer a host of health benefits with low environmental impact. Riding on the waves of veganism and sustainable foods, he saw an opportunity in India. PFoods developed and launched two products, namely, Just Plants (plant-based milk alternative) and Plotein (plant-based protein alternative), in collaboration with scientists at the Indian Institute of Science, a premier scientific institution in India, and PMEDS (PreEmptive Meds), a US-based nutraceutical Company. PFoods launched and pilot-tested Just Plant, a dairy alternative substitute for milk in select reputed organizations in Bangalore. The upcoming challenges for Fenn would be to select the right segment, educate the market and position the product that would resonate well with the target customers. Complexity academic level The case study suits undergraduate and graduate courses such as marketing management, sustainable marketing and sustainable business. The case study can also be used in entrepreneurship management and entrepreneurial marketing courses to introduce the challenges of a sustainable startup. The case study highlights the marketing challenges faced by the disruptive and growing plant-based foods or alternative dairy industry in emerging markets. Supplementary materials Teaching notes are available for educators only. Subject code CSS 8: Marketing.

Preventive and Therapeutic Effects of Crocetin in Rats with Heart Failure

Gardenia is both a food and medicine plant. It is widely used for cardiovascular protection, and its main bioactive ingredient is crocetin. This study aims to observe the therapeutic effects of crocetin on chronic heart failure in rats induced by various etiologies. It further compares the efficacy differences between preventative and treatment administration, varying dosages, and treatment durations, to provide improved guidance for medication in heart failure rats and determine which categories of chronic heart failure rats might benefit most from crocetin. Chronic heart failure models induced by abdominal aorta constriction, renal hypertension, and coronary artery ligation were constructed. By examining cardiac function, blood biochemistry, and histopathology, the study assessed the preventive and therapeutic effects of crocetin on load-induced and myocardial ischemia-induced heart failure. The results showed that in all three models, both treatment and preventative administration of crocetin significantly improved chronic heart failure in rats, especially in preventative administration. The results indicate crocetin may be beneficial for improving symptoms and functional capacity in rats with heart failure. Furthermore, long-term administration was more effective than short-term administration across all three rat models, with therapeutic onset observed over 6 weeks.

Protein oxidation‐induced changes in the physicochemical properties and quality of plant food

SummaryProtein oxidation is widely present in food systems and is susceptible to internal factors involving lipids and enzymes as well as external factors such as temperature and oxygen promoters. Protein oxidation leads to modification of the peptide skeletons and amino acid side chains, which in turn alters the structural characteristics of proteins, including protein cleavage, aggregation and derivative formation, and severely affects their physicochemical properties and bioavailability, thereby reducing the edible and storage qualities of foods. This review summarises the main factors that cause and regulate oxidation of plant protein, the effects of protein oxidation on food quality and strategies to ameliorate protein over‐oxidation, aiming to provide meaningful information for the development of high‐quality plant protein products.

Wild Edible Plants Used in Dalmatian Zagora (Croatia)

Background: Dalmatian Zagora has experienced significant depopulation trends over recent decades. The area is very interesting because of its rich biodiversity of species as well as its history of the use of wild foods. Since there is a danger of permanent loss of knowledge on the use of wild edibles, we focused our research on recording traditions local to this area. Methods: We conducted interviews with 180 residents. Results: A record was made of 136 species of wild food plants and 22 species of edible mushrooms gathered in the area. The most frequently collected species are Rubus ulmifolius Schott, Cornus mas L., Portulaca oleracea L., Asparagus acutifolius L., Sonchus spp., Morus spp., Taraxacum spp., Amaranthus retroflexus L., Cichorium intybus L., and Dioscorea communis (L.) Caddick & Wilkin. Conclusions: The list of taxa used is typical for other (sub-)Mediterranean parts of Croatia; however, more fungi species are used. The most important finding of the paper is probably the recording of Legousia speculum-veneris (L.) Chaix, a wild vegetable used in the area.

Disaster plant pathology: Smart solutions for threats to global plant health from natural and human-driven disasters.

Disaster plant pathology addresses how natural and human-driven disasters impact plant diseases, and the requirements for smart management solutions. Local to global drivers of plant disease change in response to disasters, often creating environments more conducive to plant disease. Most disasters have indirect effects on plant health through factors such as disrupted supply chains and damaged infrastructure. There is also the potential for direct effects from disasters, such as pathogen or vector dispersal due to floods, hurricanes, and human migration driven by war. Pulse stressors such as hurricanes and war require rapid responses, while press stressors such as climate change leave more time for management adaptation but may ultimately cause broader challenges. Smart solutions for the effects of disasters can be deployed through digital agriculture and decision support systems supporting disaster preparedness and optimized humanitarian aid across scales. Here we use the disaster plant pathology framework to synthesize the effects of disasters in plant pathology and outline solutions to maintain food security and plant health in catastrophic scenarios. We recommend actions for improving food security before and following disasters, including (1) strengthening regional and global cooperation, (2) capacity building for rapid implementation of new technologies, (3) effective clean seed systems that can act quickly to replace seed lost in disasters, (4) resilient biosecurity infrastructure and risk assessment ready for rapid implementation, and (5) decision support systems that can adapt rapidly to unexpected scenarios.

Dutch landscapes have lost insect‐pollinated plants over the past 87 years

Abstract The interruption of plant‐pollinator interactions may threaten global plant diversity, food security and ecosystem stability. Recent reports of strong declines in both insects and plants point to insect decline as a driver of plant decline. However, it is still unknown whether these trends are related as plants often produce seeds without the need for insect pollinators, and to what extent insect‐pollinated plants have declined in relation to plants not pollinated by insects. In this study, we hypothesise that natural plant communities have shifted away from insect‐pollination. We combined 365,768 vegetation plots from 1930 to 2017 in the Netherlands and plant traits to assess the changes in occurrences of plants pollinated by different modes. Furthermore, we included key drivers in plant decline—specifically nitrogen, moisture and habitat types—as interaction factors to explore the persistence of the observed changes under different environmental conditions. The proportion of insect‐pollinated plants has declined while that of wind‐pollinated plants has increased over the last 87 years. This proportional change reflects an absolute decrease in the number of insect‐pollinated species and an increase in the number of wind‐pollinated species. Synthesis and applications. This study implies that Dutch landscapes are losing insect‐pollinated plant species, which is likely due, at least in part, to the decline in pollination services. Our results of quantifying the decline in insect‐pollinated plants support the necessity and urgency of taking conservation initiatives. Several management strategies and policy recommendations could be applied to alleviate the decline of insect‐pollinated plants and ensure crop safety. For example, conserving natural environments by reducing nitrogen deposition may support local plants and insect pollinators. Additionally, there is a particular need for focused efforts to protect natural grasslands, as these areas harbour many insect‐pollinated plants, which have experienced declines. Finally, monitoring and assessing the state of both pollinators and (insect‐pollinated) plants is needed to assess the progress of conservation measures. While recognising the interdependence of pollinators and pollinated plants, it is crucial to extend efforts beyond pollinator conservation alone to effectively safeguard insect‐pollinated plants and ensure crop safety.

Cultural vs. State Borders: Plant Foraging by Hawraman and Mukriyan Kurds in Western Iran.

Plant foraging is a millennia-old activity still practiced by many people in the Middle East, particularly in the Fertile Crescent region, where several socioeconomic, ecological, and cultural factors shape this practice. This study seeks to understand the drivers of plant foraging in this complex region characterized by highly diverse linguistic, religious, and cultural groups. Our study aims to document the wild plants used by Kurds in Western Iran, identify similarities and differences among Hawraman and Mukriyan Kurdish groups in Iran, and compare our findings with a previous study on the Hawramani in Iraq. Forty-three semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted in Kurdish villages of Western Iran. The results revealed the use of 44 wild food plant taxa, their preparation, and culinary uses. Among the reported taxa, 28 plant taxa were used by Mukriyani, and 33 by Hawramani. The study revealed a significant difference between the Hawraman and Mukriyan regions in Iran, whereas there is a high similarity between Hawramani Kurds in Iran and Iraq. We found that the invisible cultural border carries more weight than political divisions, and this calls for a paradigm shift in how we perceive and map the distribution of ethnobotanical knowledge.

Effect of a personalized intensive dietary intervention on base excision repair (BER) in colorectal cancer patients: Results from a randomized controlled trial

DNA repair is essential to maintain genomic integrity and may affect colorectal cancer (CRC) patients’ risk of secondary cancers, treatment efficiency, and susceptibility to various comorbidities. Bioactive compounds identified in plant foods have the potential to modulate DNA repair mechanisms, but there is limited evidence of how dietary factors may affect DNA repair activity in CRC patients in remission after surgery. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of a 6-month personalized intensive dietary intervention on DNA repair activity in post-surgery CRC patients (stage I-III). The present study included patients from the randomized controlled trial CRC-NORDIET, enrolled 2–9 months after surgery. The intervention group received an intensive dietary intervention emphasizing a prudent diet with specific plant-based foods suggested to dampen inflammation and oxidative stress, while the control group received only standard care advice. The comet-based in vitro repair assay was applied to assess DNA repair activity, specifically base excision repair (BER), in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Statistical analyses were conducted using gamma generalized linear mixed models (Gamma GLMM). A total of 138 CRC patients were included, 72 from the intervention group and 66 from the control group. The BER activity in the intervention group did not change significantly compared to the control group. Our findings revealed a substantial range in both inter- and intra-individual levels of BER. In conclusion, the results do not support an effect of dietary intervention on BER activity in post-surgery CRC patients during a 6-month intervention period.

DhuFAP: a platform for gene functional analysis in Dendrobium huoshanense

BackgroundDendrobium huoshanense, a traditional medicinal and food plant, has a rich history of use. Recently, its genome was decoded, offering valuable insights into gene function. However, there is no comprehensive gene functional analysis platform for D. huoshanense.ResultTo address this, we created a platform for gene function analysis and comparison in D. huoshanense (DhuFAP). Using 69 RNA-seq samples, we constructed a gene co-expression network and annotated D. huoshanense genes by aligning sequences with public protein databases. Our platform contained tools like Blast, gene set enrichment analysis, heatmap analysis, sequence extraction, and JBrowse. Analysis revealed co-expression of transcription factors (C2H2, GRAS, NAC) with genes encoding key enzymes in alkaloid biosynthesis. We also showcased the reliability and applicability of our platform using Chalcone synthases (CHS).ConclusionDhuFAP (www.gzybioinformatics.cn/DhuFAP) and its suite of tools represent an accessible and invaluable resource for researchers, enabling the exploration of functional information pertaining to D. huoshanense genes. This platform stands poised to facilitate significant biological discoveries in this domain.

Dampak Efektivitas Pemberian Ekoenzim Sebagai Agen Pertumbuhan dan Penambah Nutrisi Tanaman pada Berbagai Jenis Tanaman Budidaya di Indonesia

Sustainable agriculture is one of the latest innovations in the agricultural sector. This should consider the importance of environmental sustainability in its application in agriculture to prevent and minimize land damage and environmental pollution. One of the main pollution cases on agricultural land is the excessive use of chemical fertilizers to promote and maintain plant growth. Besides, providing plant nutrition can be done with the presence of ecoenzymes. Ecoenzymes are the result of complex fermentation of organic waste which can be used as plant growth and nutrient enhancers. This review study aimed to examine the effectiveness impact of providing ecoenzymes on various cultivated plants in Indonesia. Based on the results of the review, the ecoenzymes can help the growth of horticultural, ornamental, food, and annual plants which are also influenced by various characteristic factors, plant type, and concentration dose. Dosing ecoenzymes also depends on the use of additional fertilizer during the planting period.  

Abrus cantoniensis Hance alleviates APAP-triggered acute liver damage via inhibiting the MAPK and NF-κB signaling pathways in mice

Abrus cantoniensis Hance (AC) is popularly consumed as a kind of medicine homologous food plant. This paper was to examine the hepatoprotective effects and mechanism of AC against liver damage triggered by APAP. Results displayed that AC extract could significantly reduce AST and ALT activities and alleviate histopathological injury via attenuating oxidative stress, hepatocyte apoptosis, and inflammation. In vitro, AC extract inhibited the ROS production and apoptosis by inhibiting MAPK signaling pathway in APAP-induced HepG2. Inflammation was relieved via blocking NF-κB signaling pathways in LPS-induced THP-1 cell. Furthermore, we found that AC extract was capable of regulating the expression of APAP metabolism-related enzymes, thus promoting the excretion and detoxification of APAP. Finally, a reliable UPLC-MS/MS method was set up for the chemical profiling of AC extract. These results indicated that AC is expected to be developed as a functional food or health product for the prevention and treatment of APAP poisoning.

Perspective: Beyond the Mediterranean Diet -- Exploring Latin American, Asian, and African Heritage Diets as Cultural Models of Healthy Eating

The Mediterranean diet is a well-studied cultural model of healthy eating, yet research on healthy models from other cultures and cuisines has been limited. This perspective article summarizes the components of traditional Latin American, Asian, and African Heritage diets, their association with diet quality and markers of health, and implications for nutrition programs and policy. Though these diets differ in specific foods and flavors, we present a common thread that emphasizes healthful plant foods, and that is consistent with high dietary quality and low rates of major causes of disability and deaths. In this perspective, we propose that nutrition interventions that incorporate these cultural models of healthy eating show promise, though further research is needed to determine health outcomes and best practices for implementation.

Reconstructing Late Neolithic animal management practices at Kangjia, North China, using microfossil analysis of dental calculus

Examination of plant microfossils (phytoliths and starch granules) preserved in dental calculus allows for the direct identification of some components of prehistoric diets. In this article, the authors present the results of microfossil analysis of dental calculus from wild and domestic animals at the Late Neolithic site of Kangjia in the Central Plains, an area critical in the emergence of early Chinese states. Consumption of cooked plant foods by domestic pigs and dogs, and of domestic crops by wild animals, at this site hints, the authors argue, at an interdependent relationship between animal management, agricultural production and ritual practices that contributed to the political transformations of Late Neolithic China.

Production of techno-functional proteins and plant biostimulants from Nannochloropsis gaditana

Nannochloropsis gaditana is produced mainly for its lipid content and fatty acid profile. However, its protein content is comparable to or even higher than that of most conventional protein sources. In this work, the microalga N. gaditana BEA 1202B purchased from the Spanish Bank of Algae (BEA) was produced using 3.4 m3 tubular photobioreactors achieving a biomass productivity of 0.1 g L−1·day−1 and a protein content of 29.2 ± 4.5 % (d.w.). The biomass produced was used as a source of proteins; the protein recovery was optimised following a response surface methodology. Under optimal conditions, which were solubilisation at pH = 10.2 and precipitation at pH = 3.1, the protein recovery yield was 17.5 g·100 g−1. The extract exhibited a water-holding and an oil-holding capacity of 2.1 and 3.0 g g−1, respectively. The leftovers from protein extraction were assessed as plant biostimulants and demonstrated a positive effect on root development, weight gain, and chlorophyll retention. The process described in this work presents a sustainable and environmentally friendly approach to harness the potential of the microalga N. gaditana in producing high-value food proteins and plant biostimulants. The integration of this microalgal-based biorefinery concept could contribute to more sustainable agriculture and address the growing global demand for protein-rich products and plant promoters.

PRODUCTION AND RESEARCH OF SORBENTS FROM FOOD PLANT WASTES FOR WATER PURIFICATION

The article describes the results of research on production of modified types of sorbents based on waste food plants and the possibility of drinking water purification from Ca2+ and Mg2+ ions. Sunflower and buckwheat wastes widely spread in the East Kazakhstan region were selected for production of modified sorbent. Structural features of sunflower and buckwheat shells were studied. It was found that samples of the initial form of buckwheat and sunflower, washed with distilled water, consist of very dense and small micropores. It was found that the surface of the sorbents particles is changed by washing with alcohol solution, with pores and hillocks appearing on the surface of sunflower husk particles. In acid-base-treated sorbents, an increase in the number of macropores and a change in the general morphological structure are observed. As a result of defining the sorption capacity of sorbents produced by acid-alkaline activation, it is on average 0.06 mg/g in iodine and 1.3 mg/g in methylene blue higher than that of medical activated carbon. The results of materials sorption capacity study produced from sunflower husk, sequentially treated with 8.2% hydrochloric acid solution and 16,5% sodium hydroxide solution, indicated effect respect to Ca2+ and Mg2+ ions showed a high purification effect of 98.7% and 95.8%, respectively. The above-mentioned modified sorbent is proposed as a sorption material in the production of filters for drinking water purification.

Ora-Pro-Nobis (Pereskia aculeata) and its technological applications in foods: a review

Ora-pro-nóbis is an unconventional food plant, with edible leaves rich in nutrients, with great potential for application in the food industry. In this context, this review aims to critically analyze studies about the technological properties, and innovative food products containing ora-pro-nóbis to meet new consumer trends. The data search was performed using the Prisma guidelines and was conducted in the following databases: Pubmed, Scielo, Embase and Web of Science. The Rayyan was use for the selection of the 14 studies included in this review. The plant can add nutritional and functional value to food products and act as a thickening, gelling agent, emulsifier, stabilizer, and as a supplement in the food industry. Greater dissemination of the benefits associated with the consumption of ora-pro-nóbis, in addition to having an impact on consumers' health and nutritional enrichment of the diet, contributes to the sustainable development of agrifood systems, the valorization of Brazilian biodiversity, and family farming.

How trustful are food safety control measures – insight into their validation

PurposeThe main purpose of this paper was to evaluate the validation process of food safety control measures.Design/methodology/approachThe validation of control measures has been analyzed at 50 food companies in Serbia. The sample included companies that produce food of both plant and animal origin and have certified food safety management systems. A total of 156 control measures that combat physical hazards (41.6%), followed by microbial hazards (34.0%) and chemical hazards (24.4%), have been analyzed. To enable quantification of the validation protocols, each control measure was assigned a score.FindingsThe validation scores showed that the highest level of validation was observed in large companies, as opposed to small and medium-sized companies (p < 0.05). The type of food safety hazards and the food sector did not reveal any statistical differences in-between the scores. The main approach to validating control measures was referring to the technical documentation of equipment used (52.6%), followed by scientific and legal requirements (30.7%). Less than 20% of the analyzed control measures were validated with operational data collected on-site. No mathematical modeling was observed for the sampled food companies. Future steps should include the development of validation guides for different types of control measures and training modules.Practical implicationsThis study can serve as an improvement guide for food safety consultants, food safety auditors, certification bodies, inspection services, food technologists and food managers.Originality/valueThis study is one of the first to provide an insight into how food companies validate their control measures to combat microbial, chemical and physical food safety hazards.