Β-carotene Research Articles

Fabrication of millet starch nanocapsules loaded with beta carotene using acid hydrolysis and ultrasonication: Characterisation, release behaviour and bioactivity retention

The acid hydrolysis process was used to create novel millet starch-based nanoparticles from three different sources: sorghum, foxtail millet and pearl millet. An environment-friendly, risk-free ultrasonication technique was used for encapsulating beta carotene in starch nanoparticles to create nanocapsules that will shield the bioactivity of beta carotene in gastrointestinal conditions and increase its accessibility after consumption. Formulated nanocapsules were examined for zeta potential, particle size and encapsulation efficiency. The particle dimensions of beta carotene-loaded sorghum (SSB), foxtail millet (FSB), and pearl millet (PSB) starch nanoparticles were 416, 399 and 587 nm with zeta potential of −17.98, −19.03 and –22.31 mV respectively. Encapsulation efficiencies of nanocapsules were found to be 85.83, 89.65 and 78.32 % for SSB, FSB and PSB respectively. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was also harnessed as a confirmatory tests towards the presence of beta carotene in nanocapsules. Beta carotene encapsulation in starch nanoparticles was also demonstrated using ATR-FTIR which revealed broad characteristic peaks at 3000, 1086 and 885 cm−1 that occur without any discernible interaction. Intestinal juice with higher beta carotene content ensured controlled release in the intestine. Encapsulated beta carotene showed more bioactive properties in terms of antioxidant activity as compared to free beta carotene form

Management of Oral Leukoplakia – A Systematic Umbrella Review of Global Evidence

Objective: To summarize the global evidence related to various interventions for treating Oral Leukoplakia. Introduction: Oral leukoplakia is a common oral potentially malignant lesion that precedes the development of oral cancer. The main aim of any treatment is to prevent the malignant transformation. This umbrella review updates the global evidence of different medicinal treatment available for Oral Leukoplakia. Methods: The databases searched were Cochrane database of systematic reviews, JBI Evidence Synthesis, MEDLINE, Web of Science, Scopus. The key terms used were leukoplakia, oral leukoplakias, Proliferative verrucous leukoplakia, interventions, management, chemoprevention, laser, photodynamic, topical agents. JBI Sumari software was used to screen and appraise the articles along with data extraction and data synthesis. Results: A total of 670 citations were identified through the electronic search. Out of which 61 systematic reviews were recognized. Following removal of duplicates, 47 records were retrieved. The full texts of 13 papers were retrieved for further examination with 9 systematic reviews meeting the inclusion criteria and therefore included in this umbrella review. Study overlap calculation was conducted and pooled results showed that the treatments available for oral leukoplakia has little effect on clinical response and malignant transformation rate. Conclusions: Currently we do not have evidence of a treatment that is preventing oral leukoplakia from converting to oral cancer. Treatments such as vitamin A and beta carotene may be effective in reducing clinical size of oral lesions. More long-term studies are required for surgical management, lasers and photodynamic therapy.

The Effect of Substituting Wheat Flour with Composite Flour (Cucurbita moschata and Daucus carota L.) on Biscuits as a Source of Beta Carotene for Stunted Children

The problem of stunting in Indonesia is still quite high, namely 21,6% based on data from the 2022 Indonesian Nutrition Status Survey (SSGI). One of the effective measures to control stunting is through providing additional food (PMT) such as biscuits to children. Carrots and pumpkin are local foods that are rich in beta carotene. Carotenoids as a source of provitamin A are able to overcome the problem of vitamin A deficiency (VAD), which is the cause of growth disorders in children. This research aims to determine the effect of substitution of yellow pumpkin (Cucurbita moschata) and carrot (Daucus carota L.) composite flour on organoleptic characteristics including color, aroma, taste, texture and nutritional content (beta carotene, carbohydrates, protein and fat). This research used a Randomized Block Design (RAK) with 3 treatments, namely formula 1 (150 grams of wheat flour, 50 grams of pumpkin flour and 50 grams of carrot flour), formula 2 (50 grams of wheat flour, 60 grams of pumpkin flour and 50 grams of flour carrots) and formula 3 (50 grams of wheat flour, 50 grams of pumpkin flour and 150 grams of carrot flour) with 3 repetitions. The research results showed that formula 3 biscuits were the best formulation in terms of organoleptic characteristics with the highest beta carotene content compared to F1 and F2. F3 biscuits contain 30,97 mg beta carotene, 7,45 grams of carbohydrates, 3,22 grams of protein and 8,89 grams of fat. The conclusion of this research is that the substitution of wheat flour with composite flour (Cucurbita moschata and Daucus carota L.) has an effect on the nutritional content (beta carotene, carbohydrates, protein and fat) of biscuits. Consuming pumpkin biscuits per 100 grams can qualify as a good source of the antioxidant beta carotene.

Pengaruh Penambahan Puree Labu Kuning terhadap Kadar Proksimat, Beta Karoten, dan Sifat Organoleptik Cookies Umbi Garut Bebas Gluten

Background: Arrowroot flour is one of the food ingredients that can be used to replace the use of wheat flour and is a gluten-free flour. Objective: The purpose of this study was to utilize arrowroot flour and pumpkin puree in the manufacture of gluten-free cookies that are organoleptically acceptable and have good nutritional content. Method: The experimental design used was a one-factor completely randomized design (CRD) with two replications. The factor in this study was the formulation of arrowroot flour and pumpkin puree which consisted of 3 levels and 1 control, namely F1 (53% : 47%), F2 (50% : 50%), F3 (47% : 53%)), and control F0 (0% : 0%). Results: the use of arrowroot flour and pumpkin puree had a significant effect on the moisture content, ash, protein, and beta carotene of cookies (p<0.05). The results of the hedonic test analysis and the hedonic quality of cookies significantly affected the color quality, taste quality of arrowroot, and texture quality (p<0.05). Conclusion: The selected cookie formulation is F1 with a nutritional content of 100 g, which is 527 kcal of energy; 5.78 g protein; fat 33.93 g; carbohydrates 49.61 g; and beta carotene 1204.5 mcg.Keywords: Arrowroot_flour, Beta_carotene, Cookies, Gluten, Yellow_pumpkin_puree.

Pengaruh Imbangan Terigu, Tepung Garut (Maranta arundinacea L.) dan Tepung Wortel (Daucus carota L.) terhadap Karakteristik Kulit Pangsit Kukus

The purpose of this study was to obtain the best results of the ratio of flour, arrowroot flour, and carrot flour to the characteristics of steamed dumpling skins. This research was conducted at the Chemistry Laboratory of the Faculty of Agriculture, Ma'soem University, Chemistry Laboratory at the Bakti Asih Bandung School of Analysis, Bandung Sibaweh Chemistry Laboratory from June to August 2023. This study used a randomized block design (RBD) with a total of 5 treatments, namely treatment A (70:30:0), treatment B (70:25:5), treatment C (70:20:10), treatment D (70:15 :15), and treatment E (70:10:20). The characteristic parameters observed were chemical parameters consisting of water content, carbohydrate content, and beta-carotene content, and sensory parameters were carried out by 25 panelists for the level of preference for color, aroma, taste, and elasticity. The results showed that the best treatment resulted from treatment D with a balance of 70 Wheat : 15 Garut Flour : 15 Carrot Flour which was produced from the effectiveness test. Steamed dumpling skin treatment D balance 70 Wheat : 15 Arrowroot Flour : 15 Carrot Flour with organoleptic values ??for color, aroma, firmness and taste respectively 3.36 (neutral), 3.08 (neutral), 3.48 ( neutral), 3.08 (neutral) and chemical content in the form of water content of 22.88%, carbohydrate content of 28.01% and beta carotene content after steaming of 0.15 mg.

Assessing the effect of provitamin a on maize field resistance to aflatoxin and fumonisin contamination

Vitamin A deficiency in sub-Saharan Africa is mainly being addressed through crop biofortification. Several high provitamin A (PVA) maize varieties have been released as part of these measures. However, these varieties are grown in areas where Aspergillus ear rot (AER) and Fusarium ear rot (FER) frequently occur, leading to contamination with mycotoxins, which in turn reduce the yield and grain quality. Chronic mycotoxin exposure leads to serious public health problems. Therefore, PVA maize varieties should be resistant to mycotoxin contamination. In a previous study, we generated 120 PVA hybrids by crossing 60 PVA inbreds and two testers with contrasting PVA content. Several inbreds resistant to aflatoxin were detected through laboratory-based kernel screening assays. In the current study, 21 PVA inbred lines with varying carotenoid content inoculated with toxigenic isolates of A. flavus and F. verticillioides were evaluated in field trials conducted at two locations in Nigeria for resistance to ear rots and mycotoxin production. Inbred lines resistant to AER, FER, aflatoxin and fumonisin contamination were identified. High PVA inbred lines were less susceptible to the ear rots, aflatoxin, and fumonisin than those with low PVA content. There were negative correlations between PVA content and each of AER (r = −0.28, P < 0.0001), FER (r = −0.37, P < 0.0001), aflatoxin (r = −0.15, P < 0.05), and fumonisin (r = −0.27, P < 0.0001). Three promising inbred lines were resistant to both aflatoxin and fumonisin. Moreover, the inbred TZI1715 combined resistance to AER, FER, aflatoxin, and fumonisin with desirable general combining ability for high β-carotene and total PVA content. These results suggest that the PVA biofortified maize developed to address vitamin A deficiency can also contribute to reduced exposure to aflatoxin and fumonisin.

Micronutrients and Allergic Diseases: A Mendelian Randomization Study

Introduction: Previous studies have indicated a controversy regarding the association between dietary micronutrient concentrations and the risk of allergic diseases. In this study, we employed Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis using data from two samples to investigate the causal relationship between circulating micronutrient concentrations and three allergic diseases. Methods: In this study, we considered 16 circulating micronutrients as exposure variables (beta carotene, calcium, copper, folate, iron, lycopene, magnesium, phosphorus, selenium, vitamin A1, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin E, and zinc); and three common allergic diseases (allergic asthma [AA], atopic dermatitis [AD], and allergic rhinitis [AR]) as outcomes. The inverse variance weighted (IVW) method was primarily applied for MR analysis, supplemented by MR-Egger and weighted-median methods to corroborate the IVW results; and sensitivity analysis was conducted to ensure the robustness of the MR assumptions. Results: Our results revealed that an increase in serum phosphorus and zinc concentrations may diminish the risk of AA, while for AD an increase in serum zinc concentration may reduce the risk, but an increase in serum vitamin C concentration may elevate the risk. As for AR, an increase in serum phosphorus and selenium concentrations appeared to be associated with a reduced risk. We did not find evidence for an association between other micronutrients and the risk of allergic diseases. Conclusion: Our study indicates that an increase in serum phosphorus and zinc concentrations may reduce the risk of AA, while an increase in serum zinc concentration may reduce the risk of AD, but an increase in serum vitamin C concentration may elevate the risk of AD. An increase in serum phosphorus and selenium concentrations is associated with a reduced risk of AR. This provides additional support for research on the effects of micronutrients on allergic diseases.

Assessing the carotenoid profiles and allelic diversity of yellow maize inbred lines adapted to mid-altitude subhumid maize agroecology in Ethiopia.

Biofortification of provitamin A in maize is an attractive and sustainable remedy to the problem of vitamin A deficiency in developing countries. The utilization of molecular markers represents a promising avenue to facilitate the development of provitamin A (PVA)-enriched maize varieties. We screened 752 diverse tropical yellow/orange maize lines using kompetitive allele-specific PCR (KASP) makers to validate the use of KASP markers in PVA maize breeding. To this end, a total of 161 yellow/orange inbred lines, selected from among the 752 lines, were evaluated for their endosperm PVA and other carotenoid compounds levels in two separate trials composed of 63 and 98 inbred lines in 2020 and 2021, respectively. Significant differences (p < 0.001) were observed among the yellow maize inbred lines studied for all carotenoid profiles. An inbred line TZMI1017, introduced by the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) showed the highest level of PVA (12.99 µg/g) and β-carotene (12.08 µg/g). The molecular screening showed 43 yellow maize inbred lines carrying at least three of the favorable alleles of the KASP markers. TZMI1017 inbred line also carried the favorable alleles of almost all markers. In addition, nine locally developed inbred lines had medium to high PVA concentrations varying from 5.11 µg/g to 10.76 µg/g and harbored the favorable alleles of all the KASP PVA markers. Association analysis between molecular markers and PVA content variation in the yellow/orange maize inbred lines did not reveal a significant, predictable correlation. Further investigation is warranted to elucidate the underlying genetic architecture of the PVA content in this germplasm. However, we recommend strategic utilization of the maize-inbred lines with higher PVA content to enhance the PVA profile of the breeding program's germplasm.

Coffee Consumption and Prostate Cancer Risk in the Alpha-Tocopherol, Beta Carotene Cancer Prevention Study

Coffee Consumption and Prostate Cancer Risk in the Alpha-Tocopherol, Beta Carotene Cancer Prevention Study

EFEK EKSTRAK BAYAM MERAH VARIETAS MIRA TERHADAP GLUKOSA DARAH PUASA DAN MALONDIALDEHID TIKUS MODEL DMT2

Persistent hyperglycemia in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) increases the risk of lipid peroxidation that produces malondialdehyde (MDA). Red spinach mira extract (RSME) contains anthocyanins and beta carotene, both of which have the potential as antioxidants in reducing fasting blood glucose (FBG) and MDA levels. The purpose of the study was to determine the effect of RSME administration on FBG and MDA levels in T2DM. The research method was true-experimental with pretest-posttest. The study used 30 male Wistar rats, and divided into 5 groups, namely the normal group and given standard diet, K- T2DM rats and given a standard diet, K+ T2DM rats and given acarbose drug therapy 1.8 mg/200g/day, P1 T2DM rats and given a dose of RSME 688 mg/200g Body weight (BW) and P2 T2DM rats and given a dose of RSME 1376 mg/200g BW for 14 days. Statistical analysis of FBG and MDA using One Way Anova test and continued with Post Hoc test to determine the difference between groups, while to determine the effect using Paired t-test. The results of the study after intervention for 14 days, all groups given RSME experienced a decrease in FBG levels P1 by 158.60 mg/dl (p=0.000), KP2 by 180 mg/dl (p=0.000) and MDA KP1 decreased by 6.01 nmol/mL (p=0.000) and KP2 by 7.75 nmol/mL (p=0.000) and there was significant value (p&lt;0.05). The study concluded that the best dose is KP2, which reduces FBG levels by 180.84 mg/dl and MDA by 7.75 nmol/ml, the highest decrease compared to the other doses.

Identification of secondary metabolite compounds in n-hexane extract of noni (Morinda citrifolia Linn) leaves through phytochemical test

Abstract Noni (Morinda citrifolia Linn) is one of the plants with a high antioxidant content in its roots, leaves, and fruit. Noni leaf extract contains numerous active compounds, including flavonoids, anthraquinones, sterols, terpenoids, alkaloids, tannins, ascorbic acid, beta carotene, and prexeronin. The aim of this study was to use phytochemical tests to identify the active compounds in n-hexane extracts of noni leaves. This test begins with extracting noni leaves using n-hexane solvent. The resulting extracts were subjected to phytochemical testing including alkaloid, flavonoid, steroid, terpenoid, tannin, and saponin tests. The results of this test showed that the n-hexane extract of noni leaves contained only terpenoids and steroids. As a result, it can be concluded that these two compounds can react with non-polar solvents such as n-hexane.

Harnessing Micronutrient Power: Vitamins, Antioxidants and Probiotics in Breast Cancer Prevention.

Breast cancer remains a global health challenge, prompting a search for preventive strategies beyond conventional approaches. This review explores the potential of specific micronutrients, including antioxidants, vitamins, and probiotics, in breast cancer prevention. Through an extensive literature search encompassing PubMed up to March 2024, 14 micronutrients emerged with promising roles in breast cancer prevention. These include five vitamins: folate, vitamin D, vitamin B6, beta carotene, and vitamin C and nine other micronutrients: curcumin, piperine, epigallocatechin-3-gallate, quercetin, sulforaphane, indole-3-carbinol, lactobacillus, n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and lycopene. Understanding the efficacy of these micronutrients could pave the way for personalized preventive interventions, offering new avenues for reducing breast cancer incidence and improving public health outcomes.

Assessment of the nutritional quality of weaning food prepared from fermented blends of sorghum (Ogi) and soybean

This study investigated the nutritional quality of weaning food prepared from fermented blends of sorghum (ogi) and soybean. The raw samples were processed into flour and were mixed in ratio of 60:40 and 70:30 respectively. Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) were isolated from fermented ogi and were accessed for their technological properties. The pH and total titratable acidity of the ogi was accessed, proximate composition and shelf-life of the weaning blends were determined by standard methods. A total of 10 LAB isolates were obtained, characterized and identified as L. plantarum (50%), L. fermentum (30%), L. delbrueckii (10%), and L. brevi (10%). Lactic acid, diacetyl and hydrogen peroxide produced by the LAB isolates ranged from 1.203 ± 0.006 - 3.410 ± 0.010, 1.21 ± 0.02 - 3.63 ± 0.05 and 0.650 ± 0.060 - 1.910 ± 0.040 (mg/mL) respectively. The fermentation of the ogi resulted in pH reduction from 4.5 ± 0.01- 2.40 ± 0.01 and increased titratable acidity 12.49 ± 0.01 - 23.00±0.01 g/L. The 60:40 weaning blend of sorghum ogi flour and soybean improved protein, ash, crude fiber, moisture, fat, vitamin A, ascorbic acid, riboflavin, and beta carotene content compared to a 70:30 blend. The blend also showed improvements in mineral content, with a significantly higher overall nutritional value compared to the 70:30 blend. Coliforms were not observed during the shelf-life monitoring. This study concluded that these blends meet daily nutritional requirements, provide health benefits, and meet recommended standards for weaning.

Impact of Fertilizer and Mulch on Growth, Yield and Quality of Carrot in Arecanut Cropping System Under Conservation Agriculture Practices

This study aims to comprehensively assess the influence of conservation agriculture techniques, encompassing reduced tillage, cover cropping (live mulch) and nutrient levels on a range of growth parameters and the ultimate yield of crop. As per the principles of conservation agriculture i.e., soil was disturbed minimally, berseem mulch was incorporated in the experiment and carrot was raised under arecanut plantation during rabi and it was succeeded by mint crop in pre-kharif season. Experiment was laid out in Randomized block design with seven treatments of different nutrient doses and mulch replicated thrice. Field experiments were conducted across two growing seasons i.e., 2019-20 and 2020-21 during Rabi (Winter) at Balindi research farm, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Mohanpur. Precise measurements and meticulous analyses were conducted on key parameters; Vegetative growth i.e., plant height and number of leaves, yield attributing parameters like root length, diameter, weight and total yield of crop. TSS and beta carotene was also estimated. These parameters unequivocally indicate that conservation agriculture practices exert a substantial influence on both the growth and yield. Among various nutrient levels, higher dose of fertilizer (T4 - 120:90:120 NPK kg ha-1) with berseem (Trifolium alexandrinum L.) as a cover crop in the interspaces showed maximum vegetative growth i.e., plant height and number of leaves plant-1 at all growth stages (30, 60 and 90 DAS) while decreasing trend was observed in yield parameters with higher levels of nutrient doses, medium level of fertilizer dose (T5 - 90:60:90 kg ha-1 + berseem (Trifolium alexandrinum) recorded highest root length, diameter, weight and projected yield of 18.5cm, 3.58 cm, 118.37 g plant-1 and 26.63 t ha-1 respectively. These findings underscore the considerable potential of conservation agriculture practices as a sustainable approach to optimize carrot crop production. This research contributes valuable scientific insights that hold significant implications for agricultural stakeholders, including farmers and practitioners, seeking to fine-tune carrot cultivation methodologies while concurrently fostering soil health and environmental sustainability.

Nutritional and Phytochemical Properties of Morula (Sclerocarya birrea), Moretologa (Ximenia americana), Mowana (Adansonia digitata L.) and Mogose (Bauhinia petersiana): Indigenous Plants in Botswana

Sub-Saharan Africa continues to struggle with food insecurity, which has been made worse by issues like the COVID-19 pandemic and climate change. In the African continent, plants have been used for food and medicine for many generations. Morula (Sclerocarya birrea), Moretologa (Ximenia americana), Mowana (Adansonia digitata L.), and Mogose (Bauhinia petersiana) are among the most consumed indigenous plants in Botswana. The objective of this study was to analyse nutritional and phytochemical profiles of these indigenous plants. The results showed that protein content ranged between 1.80% (Morula) and 25.54% (Mogose). The highest fat content of 14.29% was observed in Mogose seeds. Mowana proved to be rich in calcium compared to other plants. Manganese was detected only in Mogose samples. Phytochemical screening showed the presence of various phytochemicals. Moretologa proved to be a good source of beta carotene (419.33 μg/100 g). The plants contained different amounts of ascorbic acid; 163.83, 141.59, 24.78, and 3.00 mg/100 g were recorded in Mowana, morula, Moretologa, and Mogose, respectively. Total phenols ranged between 7.98 mg/100 g (Moretologa) to 14.3 mg/100 g (Mowana). The four indigenous plants proved to have good nutritional qualities and their increased consumption may contribute positively towards efforts to attain food security in Botswana. Additionally, the plants are good sources of phytochemicals, and they may aid in the discovery of novel drugs and medicines and be useful in formulation of functional foods.

Optimum Condition for the Formation of β-ionone by Thermal Decomposition of Carotenoids Extract from Orange Sweet Potato (Ipomoea Batatas L.)

Introduction The need for rose aromatic compounds is very high globally, where the beta-ionone compound as a precursor for rose aroma can be produced through the oxidation process of carotenoids, especially beta carotene. Therefore, Beta-ionone is the compound responsible for the rose fragrance, which is needed industrially. Carotenoids are easily degraded by various factors, namely heat, oxygen, light and enzymatic. This research has carried out heat degradation of carotene compounds extracted from orange sweet potato to determine the effect of heating time on forming aromatic compounds such as Beta-ionone and dihydroactinidiolide (dhA). Methodology Thermal degradation of carotene was carried out at 140°C for 1, 2, 3, and 4 h. The constant oxygen concentration of 7 l.h-1 was used to induce the oxidation. The spectrophotometric analysis of total carotene and the gas chromatographic-mass spectrometry analysis of volatile compounds were conducted to clarify the efficiency of the carotene degradation process and aromatic compounds' formation, respectively. Results Orange sweet potatoes contain 1.2% of carotenoids on a dry weight basis. Beta-ionone and dihydroactinidiolide compounds increased along with decreased total carotene value during heating. The results showed that heating sweet potato carotene at 140°C for 4 h caused carotene degradation of up to 93%. Therefore, the optimum thermal degradation treatment for the formation of β-ionone and dhA compounds was the heating condition at a temperature of 140°C for 4 h. Conclusion This research has shown the potential of sweet potatoes as a non-aromatic raw material that can be used to produce aromatic compounds. The use of the crude extract in this research means that the beta-ionone content in the product after oxidation is still low due to the presence of other components; this needs to be a concern for further research.

Sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L.) genotype selection using advanced indices and statistical models: A multi-year approach

In Bangladesh, sweet potato holds the fourth position as a crucial carbohydrate source, trailing rice, wheat, and potato. However, locally grown sweet potato varieties often display limited stability and yield. To tackle this challenge, diverse selection methods and statistical models were utilized to pinpoint sweet potato genotypes showcasing both stability and superior yield and quality traits. In the initial two years, multiple selection methods were employed to narrow down the collections based on preferences for yield and its contributing traits. Subsequently, a multi-environment trial (MET) was conducted in the following year to pinpoint superior and stable genotypes with desirable yield and quality characteristics. An integrated approach involving the Multi-Trait Genotype Ideotype Distance Index (MGIDI), Factor Analysis and Ideotype-Design (FAI-BLUP), and Smith-Hazel Index (SH) led to the identification of 71 superior sweet potato genotypes out of a total of 351 in the initial growing season. In the subsequent season, the MGIDI selection index was applied to the 71 genotypes, resulting in the selection of 11 top-performing genotypes. This selection process was complemented by a detailed analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of the selected genotypes. In the MET, the mixed effect model, specifically the linear mixed model (LMM), identified significant genotypic and genotype-environment interaction (GEI) variances. This points to elevated heritability and selection accuracy, ultimately boosting the model's reliability. By combining the strengths of LMM and additive main effects and multiplicative interaction (AMMI), the best linear unbiased prediction (BLUP) index identified H20 as the top-performing genotype for marketable root yield (MRY), H37 for dry weight of root (DW), H8 for beta carotene (BC) and H41 for vitamin c (VC). These genotypes surpassed the overall average in the WAAS index. For simultaneous stability and high performance, the WAASBY index selected H37 for MRY, H6 for DW, H61 for BC, and H3 for VC. Finally, genotypes H3 and H20 were selected using multi-trait stability index (MTSI), as they possessed high performance and stability. Based on the selection sense, the objective has been achieved with regards to the trait MRW, which serves as a major criterion for a superior variety of sweet potato.

GC-MS analysis and antioxidant activity of Gyrocarpus asiaticus Willd.

Aims: The plant Gyrocarpus asiaticus Willd mainly found in south India comes under the family Hernandiaceae. Present phytochemical analysis by GC-MS is to identify compounds and their structural determination and examine antioxidant properties of the plant. Methodology: GC-MS analysis of a hydroalcoholic extract of Gyrocarpus asiaticus Willd was done on Shimadzu QP 2010 Ultra, and carrier gas was used as Helium and Nitrogen. In-vitro antioxidant activity of hydroalcoholic extract carried out by 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) method, Ascorbic acid used as a standard drug and analyzed by UV-Visible spectrophotometer (Analytical 2008). Result: The GC-MS analysis of the hydroalcoholic extract shows there are several phytochemical constituents present. From the library of the GC-MS, there are a total of 105 compounds are identified like Alpha -toluenephosphoric acid, 1,2-Benzenedicarboxylic acid, diethyl ester, n-Tetradecanoic acid, Eicosen-1-ol, N -Tridecoic acid, Phytyl eicosanoate, Pentadecane carboxylic acid, Heptadecanoic acid, 9-Octadecenoic acid, Octadecanoic acid, Doxepin, Rotenone, Vitamin D3, Vitamin D2, Beta carotene, Calcifediol, Vitamin E, Amoxapine, Cholesteone. The in-vitro antioxidant study of 20,40,60,80,100 μg/ml concentration of the hydroalcoholic extract of the plant shows % of free radical scavenging activity like 46.07, 56.27, 68.35, 73.89, and 73.55 and shows IC50 value 44.63. Conclusion: The hydroalcoholic extract of Gyrocarpus asiaticus WILLD shows various biologically active compounds and significant antioxidant activity.

Impact of Specific Leaf Extracts on Soil pH and Beta-Carotene in Amaranthus in Kiambu County, Kenya

Amaranthus (Amaranthus spp.) leaves are a good source of nutrients including vitamins antioxidants and dietary minerals including calcium, iron, and potassium. Soil pH is a very important chemical property of the soil, as it dictates the availability of plant nutrients. Acidic soils reduce availability of plant nutrients and hinder growth. This is corrected by adding lime which is expensive, does not add nutrients and requires re-application. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of leaf extracts from selected tree leaves on soil acidity and beta-carotene levels of amaranthus. Plant leaves that were tested were Turril (Vitex keniensis) Mexican sunflower (Tithonia diversifolia) and Indian nettle (Plectranthus barbatus). The experiment setup was in a 2 x 7 factorial arrangement in a randomized complete block design(RCBDreplicated three timesThe treatments were; the three leaves extracts, lime, farm yard manure, inorganic fertilizer and control.. Leaves were dried,ground and soaked in distilledwater for sixty days as pH was monitored and the resulting extract was added to soil for amanthus grown with plant extracts. Data on plant height, leaf area, number of leaves, fresh weight and dry weight and levels of beta carotene levels were collected. AOAC method was used for analysis of beta carotene. All data was subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) at 5% level of significance using SAS and least significant difference (LSD) for means separation. The results showed that leaf extracts significantly reduced soil acidity to above (6) while inorganic fertilizer increased the acidity (pH5.9) to (5.3) on all growing conditions while humus increased acidity during rainy and irrigation conditions. On beta carotene levels, Farmyard Manure had the highest levels(51.1µg) followed by the leaf extracts with extract 3-Plectras barbatus having higher levels. Control had the lowest levels of beta carotene followed by inorganic fertilizer and lime.These results suggest that farmers should be encouraged to grow vegetables using farmyard manure and leaf extracts to increase antioxidant levels and reduce soil acidity.They should also be encouraged to grow more of trees and shrubs studied to increase forest cover.

Projecting the Contribution of Provitamin A Maize Biofortification and Other Nutrition Interventions to the Nutritional Adequacy and Cost of Diets in Rural Zimbabwe

BackgroundEvidence of the effectiveness of biofortified maize with higher provitamin A (PVA) to address vitamin A deficiency in rural Africa remains scant. ObjectivesThis study projects the impact of adopting PVA maize for a diversity of households in an area typical of rural Zimbabwe and models the cost and composition of diets adequate in vitamin A. MethodsHousehold-level weighed food records were generated from 30 rural households during a week in April and November 2021. Weekly household intakes were calculated, as well as indicative costs of diets using data from market surveys. The impact of PVA maize adoption was modeled assuming all maize products contained observed vitamin A concentrations. The composition and cost of the least expensive indicative diets adequate in vitamin A were calculated using linear programming. ResultsVery few households would reach adequate intake of vitamin A with the consumption of PVA maize. However, from a current situation of 33%, 50%–70% of households were projected to reach ≥50% of their requirements (the target of PVA), even with the modest vitamin A concentrations achieved on-farm (mean of 28.3 μg RAE per 100 g). This proportion would increase if higher concentrations recorded on-station were achieved. The estimated daily costs of current diets (mean ± standard deviation) were USD 1.43 ± 0.59 in the wet season and USD 0.96 ± 0.40 in the dry season. By comparison, optimization models suggest that diets adequate in vitamin A could be achieved at daily costs of USD 0.97 and USD 0.79 in the wet and dry seasons, respectively. ConclusionsThe adoption of PVA maize would bring a substantial improvement in vitamin A intake in rural Zimbabwe but should be combined with other interventions (e.g., diet diversification) to fully address vitamin A deficiency.