Superfood Research Articles

Impact of green techniques on intricate cell wall structure of bee pollen to enhance functional characteristics and improve its in vitro digestibility.

Bee pollen is a nutrient-rich super food, but its rigid dual-layered structure limits nutrient release and absorption. The outer exine, composed of stress-resistant sporopollenin, and the inner intine, consisting of cellulose and pectin, form a barrier to digestive breakdown. This study investigates the potential of green techniques, specifically supercritical fluid extraction and ultrasonication, to disaggregate pollen cell walls, enhancing its bioavailability and maximizing nutrient utilization. Ultrasonication treated pollen (USTP) and supercritical fluid extraction-treated pollen (STP) demonstrated disruption, as evidenced by scanning electron microscopy imaging. In relation to scanning electron microscopy, techno-functional, antioxidant, and compositional analysis displayed a positive outcome, with crude lipid, protein, antioxidant activity (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl activity and 2,2'-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulphonic acid assay) and total phenolic content increased by 34.80%, 32.58%, 10.80%, 11.37%, and 83.94%, respectively. Based on the above properties, USTP for 4 h and STP at 400 bar for 40 min were identified as the optimal conditions for disintegration. Furthermore, optimized samples analyzed for amino acid and mineral release revealed a notable increase in composition of essential amino acid and minerals (Ca, Cu, Fe, etc.) by ∼1.5 and 1.2 times, respectively. Along with significant changes in composition, fractured pollen exhibited 1.4 folds increase in protein digestibility with minor differences in thermal stability, and crystallinity as established by differential scanning calorimetry, and X-ray diffraction analysis. The study confirms that nutrient release and absorption remain restricted without pre-treatment, highlighting the necessity of specific treatment to disintegrate bee pollen before its use as a functional food ingredient. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Bee pollen is a rich source of all the essential nutrients required by the humans and recognised as a complete food. However, its tough cellular structure restricts its utilisation in numerous food applications. Therefore, to disintegrate bee pollen and release its nutrients, ultrasonication and super critical fluid extraction processes were employed to improve its utilization for human purposes. Both the treatment techniques, enhanced bee pollen's bioavailability and functional properties, making it more suitable for use in nutraceuticals and functional foods.These treatments proved to increase the antioxidant capacity, digestibility, and create high-value ingredient for supplements, beverages, and fortified foods.

Optimization of Production Process of Alcohol Vinegar Macerated With Acai (Euterpe Precatoria) Using RSM to Add Colour and Functional Compounds to Vinegar

In Brazil, the alcohol vinegar is the cheapest vinegar found in the market and it has the lowest nutritional quality. The acai, a native Amazon fruit, is globally recognized as a super fruit and it is highly perishable. Research has been performed to deliver bioactive compounds and to substitute synthetic by the natural colourants in finished foods.

Pulp colour and pigment composition have no genetic correlation with seed hardness in guava (Psidium guajava L.)

ABSTRACT Guava (Psidium guajava L.) is a ‘super fruit’, also known as the ‘apple of the tropics’. This study was conducted on five guava parents and their 42 F1s. They were studied for their pigment composition (lycopene, total anthocyanin, and total carotenoid content) and seed-based parameters (seed hardness, index, length, and width). Transgressive segregation was present for pigment composition, seed index, and seed hardness. For lycopene and total carotenoids content, F1s had maximum values. However, for total anthocyanins content, only guava parent BG had a considerably higher value (8.881 mg/100 g) and had a purple pulp colour. Most F1s belonged to the soft seed category (28 F1s out of 42) and intermediate seed index 1–1.5 g (24 F1s out of 42). The findings indicate that, in guava, pulp colour is not correlated with seed hardness. However, a significantly positive correlation between seed hardness and other seed-related parameters (namely seed index, seed length, and seed width) indicates that a bigger seed size is associated with seed hardness.

Bioactivity and Therapeutic Applications of Punica granatum L. Peel: Evidence and Prospects

Background: Inclination of the world towards natural and super foods has intended researchers and nutritionists to develop foods that are highly nutritious, feasible, eco-friendly along with immuno-boosting potential. Massive amounts of agro-industrial waste are generated across the world which can be turned-up into a functional ingredient by utilization and transformation of these wastes into wealth. An Indian balanced diet consists of foods from all food categories, with fruits and vegetables constituting one-fourth of the diet. Since ancient times, pomegranate (Punica granatum) and its various parts have been well-known for their therapeutic properties and delicious flavor. Worldwide approximately million tons of pomegranate peels are produced per annum which are a considerable source of vitamins, minerals, and numerous bioactive compounds such as phenolics, flavonoids (anthocyanins, flavonols, flavones) and tannins. Consequently, it has many health benefits, including antioxidative, anticancer, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, antimutagenic, cardio-protective, hepato-protective, nephro-protective properties as well as it is also helpful in the prevention of many other chronic diseases. Its safety and efficacy for consumption have been proved by incorporating it in food products and industrial applications. The main aim of this review is to focus on the vital bioactive compounds present in pomegranate peel and their positive health benefits on human health.

Comprehensive insights on medicinal and nutritional prospects of mushroom as sustainable super food

Comprehensive insights on medicinal and nutritional prospects of mushroom as sustainable super food

Strategy to Develop Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) Plantation Based on Land Suitability Class and SWOT analysis

Okra is famous as super food sources that prevent diabetes and reduce cholesterol. To meet the increasing demand for okra, it is necessary to develop plantation for okra cultivation. In this sense, land suitability analysis for okra plantation is needed as base information to develop the plantation development strategies. This study aimed to identify the okra plantation development strategies in Jember Regency. The strategies involved the technology recommendations needed to improve land conditions. Land suitability evaluation parameters were analyzed using ArcGIS software. The results of the analysis were used to determine internal and external factors in the SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats) analysis to determine the technology needed. Results showed that suitable area for okra plantation was divided into class S1 (highly suitable) of 56.85%, and class S2 (moderately suitable) 43.15% of the area. Moreover, based on SWOT analysis the proposed technology strategies for 7 sub districts were in the quadrant II, meaning had weaknesses. Increasing compost as fertilizer was recommended to increase N, K, and P in the soil as well as to increase soil solum. In addition, irrigation and drainage system was proposed to solve problems regarding rainfall. Recommendation to reduce sloping area included terracing development. Keywords: GIS, Land suitability analysis, Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.), Plantations development strategies, SWOT.

Pigmented Rice: A Source of Health and Longevity

Rice of different varieties forms the staple food of more than half of the population in the world and is the leading cereal crop in many developing countries of the world. About half of the world population consumes rice as their major source of carbohydrate however it is also consumed as a source of protein in many countries. Rice comes in many shapes, sizes and color and thus its nutritional quality, cooking and uses vary accordingly. It is not only the white rice which contributes to these production figures, but it are available in many colors and pigments including black, purple, brown and red. The yellow, green, brown, red, purple and black colors of the rice have neutraceutical properties and hold the potential to promote health and improve metabolism. Black rice, also called "emperor's rice," has a thin layer of black bran, due to the presence of the purple/ black pigment biochemically termed as 'anthocyanin'. It is a rich source of antioxidants along with other nutrients including B vitamins (thiamine, niacin), vitamin E, magnesium, phosphorous, iron and dietary fibers. Similar to normal white rice, pigmented/ black rice is also glutinous and is relished for its nutritional significance of being low in fat, sugar and salt it is also free from gluten and cholesterol. Not only the historical evidence but modern research findings also support the claim of pigmented rice being 'super food' of twenty-first century. It has wide health benefits including lowering risk of obesity, anti-ageing, anti-cancerous, anti-diabetes and many more. Its consumption even in limited amounts acts as a savior from many serious diseases and illnesses. Due to its nutritional composition and various health benefits, it is considered as a functional food. The presence of anthocyanin, the pigment that imparts it a specific colour and holds antioxidant properties supports health and longevity. The present review reflects the nutritional profile and significant benefits of pigmented rice including its food uses so that the commodity can be popularized and utilized by the population for gaining various health benefits.

Development of Value-added Ready-to-serve Beverage Based on Garcinia pedunculata: A Super Fruit

Garcinia pedunculata is an indigenous plant and a seasonal fruit of Assam, North-east India with therapeutic potential. The aim of the present study was to develop a value-added RTS beverage to derive optimum commercial benefit to the local growers of Assam. The study was conducted with the following objectives- to develop and standardize RTS beverage from Garcinia pedunculata, to evaluate its organoleptic acceptability, to analyze its nutritional composition and shelf-life stability. Three variations of garcinia RTS beverages were formulated in the study viz., R1, R2 and R3 along with a control (C) and in each variant, different flavours such as chilli powder, jeera powder and ajwain powder were added. Using the standard 9-point hedonic scale, the RTS beverages were evaluated for their acceptability by 30 semi-trained panelists considering their sensory attributes. Also, the nutritional profiles were assessed and shelf-life estimation was done. The results revealed that garcinia RTS (R2 formulation) had maximum sensory attributes which was selected for further analysis and storage study. The TSS and pH value was recorded as 10 and 1.68 respectively which increased during storage. R2 reported a total sugar content of 24.68 g/100 g, Fe- 3.60 mg/100 g, K- 256.56 mg/100 g and vitamin C- 24.65 mg/100 g. The total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC) in R2 was reported to be 161.20 mg GAE/100 g and 312.86 mg CE/100 g respectively. DPPH and FRAP assay recorded the values of 59.31 (%inhibition) and 4.13 µmol Fe (II/g) respectively in R2. The shelf-life studies indicated no visible microbial growth but presence of colony formation was recorded. Thus, RTS beverage prepared from Garcinia pedunculata is highly nutritious and can be commercialized as micronutrient enriched value added drink, thereby making it available throughout the season, which shall further help in sustainable economic status of the local growers.

Improving seed germination and seedling growth of dragon fruit (Hylocereus undatus) by PGRs

Dragon fruit [Hylocereus undatus (Haworth) Britton and Rose] is an exotic super fruit introduced in India. It can be naturally propagated through seeds and stem cuttings. Present study was carried out during 2018 to 2021 at Main Horticultural Research and Extension Centre (MHREC), College of Horticulture, University of Horticultural Sciences, Bagalkote, Karnataka to improve the efficiency of seed germination and seedling growth in dragon fruit using PGRs. The results showed that, there were significant differences among various treatments. Treatment 100 ppm GA3 recorded as the best treatment with respect to the parameters, viz. days taken for germination (10.60 days), germination percentage (87.00%), shoot length (10.27 cm), root length (8.06 cm), number of roots (6.20), seedling length (18.33 cm), seedling fresh weight (3.26 g), seedling dry weight (1.22 g) respectively at 90 days after sowing (DAS) and survival percentage (48%) than other treatments.

Studies Influenced by Bio-fertilizers and Organic Manures on Flowering Behaviour and Yield Attributes of Dragon Fruit

Dragon fruit (Hylocereus spp.) is a exotic and newly introduced super fruit crop of India. The flowering behavior of this plant is crucial for breeding and hybridization. As a fact, there are no such scientific studies has been conducted, the current research is focused on the flowering behavior and yield of red and white fleshed dragon fruit types. From the year 2019 to 2021, the experiment was carried out in the field of a progressive farmer. Treatments consisted of T1 - Control, T2 - 100% N through FYM, T3 - 100% N through FYM + PSB @ 10kg/ha, T4 - 100% N through FYM + VAM @ 10kg/ha, T5 - 100% N through FYM + PSB @ 10kg/ha + VAM @ 10 kg/ha, T6 - 100% N through poultry manure, T7 - 100% N through poultry manure + PSB @ 10 kg/ha, T8 - 100% N through poultry manure + VAM @ 10kg/ha, T9 - 100% N through poultry manure + PSB @ 10kg/ha + VAM @ 10kg/ha, T10 - 100% N through vermicompost, T11 - 100% N through vermicompost + PSB @ 10kg/ha, T12 - 100% N through vermicompost + VAM @ 10 kg/ha, T13 - 100% N through vermicompost + PSB @ 10kg/ha + VAM @ 10kg/ha. The data was pooled for two successive years on red fleshed and white fleshed type dragon fruit and the results revealed that treatment T13 comprising of 100 per cent N through vermicompost + PSB at 10 kg ha-1+ VAM at 10 kg ha-1 had significantly greater impact on flowering and yield parameters.

Edible Flowers: Super Foods with Potential Health Benefits

Edible flowers have become popular in recent years as a unique and visually tempting addition to culinary creations. This review article explores the assorted world of edible flowers, focusing on their potential health benefits, bioactive compounds, and associated toxicological risks, with particular attention to the anti-nutritional compounds and toxic flowers. Edible flowers from different plant species provide a variety of bioactive compounds that contribute to their flavor, aroma, and potential health benefits. These bioactive compounds, including antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals, make edible flowers not only beautiful but also nutritious. Incorporating them into your diet can improve the overall nutritional content of your meals. However, consuming edible flowers is not without risks. Some flowers contain anti-nutrient compounds, such as oxalates and phytates, which can interfere with the absorption of essential minerals and lead to nutritional deficiencies over time. Therefore, it is important to practice moderation when consuming certain edible flowers, especially for those with pre-existing medical conditions or prone to mineral imbalances. However, it is essential to pay attention to anti-nutritional compounds that can affectmineral absorption and the potential toxicity of certain flowers. When used judiciously and safely, edible flowers can be a delicious and healthy addition to a balanced diet. Careful selection and proper preparation are essential to reap the benefits while minimizing the risks associated with these beautiful flowers. This review serves as a valuable resource for consumers, chefs and nutritionists, providing insight into the world of edible flowers and their bioactive compounds as well as considerations regarding anti-nutritional compounds and their toxicity.

First Report of Postharvest Fruit Rot Caused by Botrytis cinerea on Blue Honeysuckle (Lonicera caerulea L.) Fruit in China.

Blue honeysuckle (Lonicera caerulea L.) fruit is growing in popularity as a natural, functional 'super fruit', but its storage is challenged by pathogen infection. In June 2022, approximately 30% of 100 kg of blue honeysuckle fruits (cv. Lanjingling) obtained in Harbin, China (128.70°E, 44.87°N) showed postharvest fruit rot symptoms after 15 d of storage at 4°C, leading to whole fruit rotting with gray fungal growth (Fig.1 A). Small (1-2 mm) segments of infected tissue were obtained from 20 randomly selected fruits which were surface sterilized with 75% ethanol for 30 s and 5% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) for 3 min, rinsed three times with sterile distilled water, dried in paper towel, and plated in 9 cm Petri dishes containing potato dextrose agar (PDA). Five purified cultures were obtained and their front colonies were dark brown (Fig.1 C) on the PDA plates after 5 d at 25°C (Alam et al. 2019; Riquelme-Toledo et al. 2020). The conidia (n = 50) were single-celled, hyaline, either ellipsoid or ovoid, and measured 7.5-15.0 μm (11.7 μm average) × 6.0-11.4 μm (8.3 μm average). The conidiophores (Fig.1 E) were branched at the apex bearing bunches of conidia resembling grape clusters (Ellis 1971). For molecular confirmation, genomic DNA was extracted from a representative isolate LDGS-3 using the Ezup Column Fungi Genomic DNA Purification kit (Sangon Biotech, Shanghai, China). The internal transcribed spacer region (ITS, GenBank ON952502), heat shock protein (HSP60, GenBank OP039103), the second-largest subunit of RNA polymerase II (RPB2, GenBank OP186114) and glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (G3PDH, GenBank OQ658508) genes were partially amplified with the respective primers ITS1/ITS4, HSP60f/HSP60r, RPB2f/RPB2r, and G3PDH-F/G3PDH-R (Staats et al. 2005; White et al. 1990). BLAST analysis revealed that the sequences of the four genes showed 100% homology with the MH782039, MH796663, MN448501 and MH796662 sequences for isolates of Botrytis cinerea. Based on morphology and molecular characteristics, the isolate LDGS-3 was identified as B. cinerea. For pathogenicity, twenty healthy blue honeysuckle fruits (cv. Lanjingling) were superficially sterilized with 75% ethanol and washed with distilled water. Ten inoculated blue honeysuckle fruits, which were injected with 10 μL conidial suspension of isolate LDGS-3 (106 spores/mL) displayed fruit rot symptoms (Fig.1 B) inside 9 cm Petri dishes after 10 d at 4°C, while no symptoms were detected on ten fruits inoculated with sterile distilled water (Alam et al. 2019). The same isolate that was reisolated from infected fruits with the same morphological and molecular traits was also identified as B. cinerea, confirming Koch's postulates. B. cinerea was previously reported in Henan Province, China in hawthorn (Zhang et al. 2018). To our knowledge, this is the first report of postharvest fruit rot caused by B. cinerea on blue honeysuckle fruit in China, which will aid future management of this emerging postharvest disease.

Complete novel review on Selenicereus undatus

Hylocereus undatus is characteristically the most cultivate vine cactus belonging to the family of Cactaceae, originating natively from Mexico and America. Commonly, it is well acknowledged under the name of “dragon fruit” Or “pitaya”. It is also called ‘buahnaga’ in Malaysia gives the meaning of dragon fruit. Dragon fruit is reported to have numerous health imparting phytochemicals such as polyphenols, flavonoids, and vitamin C which bestow strong antioxidant potential to dragon fruit. Betacyanin present in the red pulped dragon fruit protect the mice from diet-induced obesity and itsrelated metabolic disorders. The consumption of dragon fruit by type 2 diabetics substantially reduced the levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL cholesterol while it increased the levels of Dicholesteryl. It also significantly improves the insulin resistance in rats and decreases the blood glucose level in type II diabetic subjects. Our nature is surrounded with wide variety of plants and many of them are having medicinal properties. They contain the substances that provide nourishment essential for maintenance of life and for growth. The dragon fruit is a relatively super fruit on the Indian mark. Because of its appealing fruit color and mouth- watering pulp, nutraceutical value, excellent export potential, and highly remunerative in nature, it is gaining tremendous popularity among growers. Currently, several technologies can extend the shelf life of dragon fruit, such as coating it with wax or cassava starch and applying the Modified Atmospheric Packing.

Royal Jelly, A Super Food, Protects Against Celecoxib-Induced Renal Toxicity in Adult Male Albino Rats.

Celecoxib is a COX-2 nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It is widely used for the treatment of osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis. This study aimed to explore the effect of long-term administration of celecoxib on kidney of male albino rats, and to study the potential effect of treatment discontinuation on such tissues. The study also examined the alleged ameliorative effect of royal jelly (RJ). Fifty, male albino rats were divided into 5 equal groups; 10 each. Group 1: rats received no drug (control group). Group 2: rats received celecoxib (50 mg/kg/day, orally for 30 successive days). Group 3: rats received celecoxib (50 mg/kg/day, orally) and royal jelly (300 mg/kg/day, orally) for 30 successive days. Group 4: rats received celecoxib for 30 successive days, then rats were left untreated for another 30 days. Group 5: rats received celecoxib and RJ for 30 successive days, then rats were left untreated for another 30 days. Long-term celecoxib administration caused significant elevation in kidney function tests, with ameliorative effects of RJ against celecoxib-induced renal toxicity. Long-term celecoxib administration caused renal toxicity in male albino rats, with ameliorative effects of RJ.

Effect of postharvest treatments and storage temperature on the physiological, nutritional, and shelf-life of broccoli (Brassica oleracea) microgreens

Microgreens are categorized in the class of ‘super foods’ due to their high content of phytochemical and bioactive compounds. Rapid senescence and short life span are the restrictive parameters for the industrial production and marketing of these immature greens. Hence, there is a need to improve the production and storage conditions of microgreens to magnify postharvest quality, life span, and safety of microgreens, thereby emerging markets. To prolong their shelf life, effect of different postharvest treatments (MAP (modified Atmospheric Packaging) and GRAS chemical treatments) and storage temperature on physiological, nutritional and shelf life of broccoli (Brassica oleracea) microgreens studied. The effect of ascorbic acid + citric acid (0.25 % w/v each) along with MAP conditions (15 % CO2 + 5 % O2 + balanced N2) stored at 5 °C was used for post-harvest quality evaluation of broccoli microgreens. Microgreens treated with an organic acid in high CO2 conditions retained significantly (p < 0.05) higher bioactive compounds in terms of total phenols (1247.68 mg GAE/100 g FW), flavonoids (56.9 mg QE/100 g FW), and chlorophyll (42.12 mg/100 g FW) with better antioxidant activity (44.78 % inhibition). In addition, MAP conditions in the package significantly (p < 0.05) suppressed the weight loss that helped to retain better firmness. The combined effect of organic acids and MAP conditions significantly (p < 0.05) reduced the microbial load with better color quality and higher overall acceptability. The results indicate that post-harvest treatment of ascorbic acid + citric acid along with MAP conditions could be the practical approach to enhance the shelf life of microgreens up to 12 days while maintaining the nutritional quality, to provide avenues for better marketability and commercial gains.

Taxonomic Evaluation of Spinacia oleracea L. Accessions by Morphological and Anatomical Markers

Spinacia oleracea L. is an edible crop and considered as super food due to high nutrient values. Due to these properties the pot-based project was designed to explore the most diverse accession of this species, 31 local S. oleracea accessions were evaluated taxonomically on the basis of morphological and anatomical markers. Seeds were sown in clay pots to evaluate different morphological characters. The germination period varied from 6 to 15 days while variation in number of leaves was observed to be from 12 to 68 leaves per plant. Moreover, abaxial and adaxial epidermal leaf analysis was examined under light microscope to study the existing anatomical variations. Substantial variations were observed among quantitative characters including number of subsidiary cells (3-5 on both abaxial and adaxial sides), stomata number per unit area (6-21 on abaxial side; 8-18 on adaxial side) and stomatal index (13.9-28.6 on abaxial side; 14.8-25.5 on adaxial side). The shape of epidermal cells varied from tetragonal to pentagonal, hexagonal and irregular. The results concluded that leaf epidermal anatomical markers could be applied considerably in delimiting the species to solve the existing taxonomic problems among them. However, for more authentic results it would be preferred to use more taxonomic tools in integration with anatomy to study intraspecific variations.

Super food or super toxic? Turmeric and spirulina as culprits for the toxic effects of food dyes in Drosophila

Prolonged exposure to food dyes, even for those considered safe for consumption, are known to have toxic effects. However, we lack a proper understanding of the underlying compounds that are responsible for the observed toxicity. Here, we tested the toxic effects of three common commercially available natural food dyes (red, green, blue), and their main ingredients (turmeric and spirulina), on Drosophila melanogaster oviposition, larval development, and larval foraging behaviour. Larval development and egg-to-adult survival was significantly impacted by blue and green dyes. These effects were recapitulated when flies were fed with increasing concentrations of turmeric and spirulina, suggesting that turmeric is a toxic component of the food dye. Red dye, which contains neither turmeric or spirulina, had little impact on fly health and behaviour. Green and blue food dyes decreased egg laying, an effect similar to that observed in increasing concentrations of turmeric and, to a lesser extent, spirulina. When given a choice, larvae preferred to feed as follows: control > red > blue > green diet patches, a pattern inversely correlating with the previously observed toxicity. Our results show that, despite turmeric being often considered a super food, it can have toxic effects that the impact health of organisms.

Recent Advances and Prospects for Dragon Fruit (Hylocereus spp.) Plant Propagation Techniques

Dragon fruit (Hylocereus spp.) is a recently introduced super fruit in India, gaining popularity both in rural and urban areas because of its attractive colour, delicious taste, and high nutritive and medicinal values. It is adaptable to humid as well as semi-arid tropical and subtropical conditions. The growing acceptance of this fruit along with its enormous medicinal and antioxidant properties has increased the demand for its cultivation followed by quality planting materials in the desired quantity. Propagation of Dragon fruit can be done by both micropropagation sexual via seeds and asexual methods via stem cuttings, grafting, and micropropagation. In this review, attempts have been made to cover various fruit propagation methods along with other related crop features about which there is relatively scanty information. The assessment also attempted to highlight the prospective propagation locations for dragon fruit, which calls for additional study to produce more information and advance crop propagation methods.

Intervention mechanisms of cold plasma pretreatment on the quality, antioxidants and reactive oxygen metabolism of fresh wolfberries during storage

Fresh wolfberries, a nutritious “super fruit”, face limited marketing potential due to storage difficulties. This study aimed to enhance their storage stability using dielectric barrier discharge plasma (DBD) pretreatment and investigate the intervention mechanism. The results indicated that the optimal condition of DBD pretreatment for fresh wolfberries was 13.64 kV, 70 s and 2.7 kHz, which extended their shelf from 2 to 5 d at room temperature. This pretreatment reduced decay, weight loss, and firmness reduction by inactivating microorganisms and inhibiting respiration. Additionally, the decline of phenols, flavonoids, ascorbic acid, and antioxidant activity was inhibited, while maintaining high content of polysaccharides, titratable acid, and carotenoids. Interestingly, moderate DBD treatment produced reactive oxygen species (ROS) that triggered the defense response of wolfberries' ROS metabolism system and promoted the biosynthesis of flavonoids, thereby enhancing resistance to decay. The findings offer new insight into plasma effects on fruits and vegetables.

Mushrooms and Algae– ‘Microorganisms as source Superfoods’: A Review

Mushrooms and algae have been consumed since ancient times because of their culinary and gastronomic attributes. Both are important dietary sources of bioactive compounds including essential minerals, vitamins, complete profile of amino acids and are valuable source of dietary fibres. They are low in calorie content because of negligible amount of fats and carbohydrates. Beyond the excellent nutrition profile of these superfoods, they also belong to the category of nutraceuticals which provide medicinal benefits along with meeting daily dietary requirements. Bioactive compounds present in them are an interest of research because of anti-cancerous, antimicrobial, antiviral, antioxidant, hypoglycemic and immunomodulatory activities. These microorganisms are easy to grow on varied substrates therefore cost effective and eco-friendly that gives a great advantage over synthetic super foods obtained from animal origin. The current review focusses on the nutritional and medicinal value with importance of mushrooms and algae as a super food. Review also discusses about the toxicity associated with mushrooms along with the current status in trends of production, cultivation and consumption of fungi and algae based foods in different countries and offers thoughts on course.