Total Sugar Content Research Articles

Enhancing dietary analysis: Using machine learning for food caloric and health risk assessment.

In the wake of growing concerns regarding diet-related health issues, this study investigates the application of machine learning methods to estimate the energy content and classify the health risks of foods based on the USDA National Nutrient Database. The caloric content of foods was estimated using the nutritional composition (i.e., carbohydrates, protein, total lipid, and total sugar content) and classified based on their weighted health risks, considering their carbohydrate, lipid, and glycemic index levels. The algorithms used for modeling include multiple linear regression (MLR), K-nearest neighbors, support vector machine, random forest regression (RFR), gradient-boosted regression, decision trees (DT), and deep neural networks. The MLR model demonstrated high accuracy on the training dataset (R2=0.99, mean absolute error [MAE]=7.71kcal, and root mean squared error [RMSE]=17.89kcal) and testing dataset (R2=0.99, MAE=7.75kcal, and RMSE=18kcal) in energy estimation, indicating its effectiveness in dietary assessment. The RFR and DT models were useful in categorizing foods into low-health-risk foods, but their performance was reduced in medium and high-health-risk groups. This research contributes to developing tools that could aid in personalized dietary planning and public health interventions to mitigate diet-related health risks. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: This study applies machine learning to estimate how many calories are in food and to understand the health risks different foods might have. By investigating the fats, cholesterol, and sugars in food items listed in a public database, we can better plan diets or develop apps that help people make healthier eating choices. This work aims to improve public access to nutritional information, supporting efforts to combat diet-related diseases through educational materials and applications that guide dietary choices in various settings.

Investigation of γ-polyglutamic acid production via asynchronous saccharification and fermentation of raw corn starch.

Starch, a crucial raw material, has been extensively investigated for biotechnological applications. However, its application in γ-polyglutamic acid (γ-PGA) production remains unexplored. Based on γ-PGA output of Bacillus subtilis SCP010-1, a novel asynchronous saccharification and fermentation process for γ-PGA synthesis was implemented. The results revealed that a starch concentration of 20%, α-amylase dosage of 75 U/g, liquefaction temperature of 72℃, and γ-PGA yield of 36.31g/L was achieved. At a glucoamylase dosage of 100 U/g, saccharification 38h at 60℃, the yield of γ-PGA increased to 48.88g/L. The contents of total sugar, glucose, maltose and oligosaccharide in saccharified liquid were determined. Through batch fermentation of saccharified liquid in fermentor, the γ-PGA output was elevated to 116.08g/L. This study can offer a potential cost reduction of 40%, which can be a promising advancement in industrial γ-PGA production. Moreover, our approach can be applied in other starch-based fermentation industries.

Changes in the nutritional, flavor, and phytochemical properties of Citrus reticulata Blanco cv. ‘Dahongpao’ whole fruits during enzymatic hydrolysis and fermentation

IntroductionCurrently, the large-scale consumption of fresh citrus fruits in the form of juices, jams, and purees results in significant quantities of waste consisting of citrus peels, pulp, and seeds.MethodsTo improve the utilization rate of whole citrus fruits and reduce the generation of processing waste, the best pre-optimized enzymatic fermentation conditions were used to treat whole citrus fruits and to analyse the changes in nutritional and active components (Enzymatic: pectinase, cellulase, hemicellulase added at a ratio of 1:1:1 for 63.326 min at a temperature of 60°C, with 0.506% of each enzyme added; Fermentation: Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus TR08, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum subsp. Plantarum CICC 6257, and Limosilactobacillus fermentum CCFM1139 were added at a ratio of 1:1:1 for 30 h, with the concentration was 108 CFU/mL, and the total amount added was 6%).ResultsResults showed that after enzymatic hydrolysis, the mineral elements (Nitrogen, phosphorus), total amino acid, vitamin C, and organic acid content increased. For soluble sugars, the contents of fructose and glucose increased, whereas the sucrose content decreased. Fermentation had a minimal effect on the mineral content; however, the total amino acid, vitamin C, and soluble sugar contents decreased. Additionally, when comparing the samples after enzymatic fermentation to those after enzymatic hydrolysis alone, the total phenols, total flavonoids, carotenoids and antioxidant activities were significantly increased by 1.39, 1.49, 1.21 and 3.79 folds, respectively.DiscussionThis study addresses the challenges of utilizing fruit residue in the current market, including high treatment costs and environmental pollution, by providing a novel perspective on the enzymatic hydrolysis and fermentation of whole red oranges. Furthermore, it aims to improve the nutritional, functional, and health benefits of citrus fruit products.

Identification of Key Genes Controlling Sugar and Organic Acid Accumulation in Wampee Fruit (Clausena lansium) via Genome Assembly and Genome-wide Association Analysis.

Wampee (Clausena lansium) is an economically significant subtropical fruit tree widely cultivated in Southern China. To provide high-quality genomic resources for C. lansium, we report a chromosome-level genome sequence for the "JinFeng" cultivar. The 297.1 Mb C. lansium genome contained nine chromosomes with a scaffold N50 of 29.2 Mb and encoded 23,468 protein-coding genes. Selective sweep analysis between sweet and sour C. lansium varieties and genome-wide association analysis identified 14 candidate genes putatively involved in sugar and acid accumulation. ClERF061, encoding an ethylene response factor, and ClSWEET7, encoding a Sugars Will Eventually be Exported Transporters (SWEET) family protein, were proposed as key regulators of the sweet and sour tastes of the wampee fruit. ClERF061 and ClSWEET7 overexpression in tomatoes increased the total sugar and acid content in fruits. ClSWEET7 promoter activation by ClERF061 was confirmed via Nicotiana benthamiana transient expression. Our study provides valuable genomic resources for C. lansium genetics and breeding.

A comprehensive study of the physiology and chemistry of tea withering based on untargeted metabolomic, transcriptomic, and biochemical analyses

Withering is an important process for achieving high-quality flavor in tea. In this study, histological, metabolomics, transcriptomics, and biochemical analyses were combined to comprehensively explore the accumulation and molecular regulatory profiles of quality metabolites during tea withering. The results of tissue staining indicated that as the water content decreased, the vitality of the nucleus weakened, cytoplasmic content increased, flavone content decreased, and proteins degraded. Omics analysis showed that the total content of soluble sugars, free amino acids, and terpenoids increased, whereas that of catechins decreased significantly, although the caffeine content barely changed. Biochemical analysis revealed that the translated products of genes CSA010827 and CSA001819 catalyzed the biosynthesis of galactose and flavanol 3-O-glycosides, respectively, thereby increasing the content of soluble sugars and contributing to the astringent taste. Overall, by combining omics with histological and biochemical analyses, we revealed the metabolic profile and possible molecular mechanisms during the withering process of tea.

Transcriptome Analysis Revealed the Response Mechanism of Pomegranate to Salt Stress

Pomegranate (Punica granatum) is a well-known fruit tree species and a significant pioneer ecological species on saline–alkali land with moderate resistance to salt stress. To explore its response mechanism to salt stress could provide valuable insights into the molecular and physiological strategies plants employ to adapt and survive in high-salt environments. In this study, changes in physiological parameters and gene expressions were examined following salt treatment. After 72 h of salt treatment, change patterns of SOD and POD differed between high and low salt concentrations. Similar changes were found in the contents of proline and total soluble sugar. RNA-Seq analysis of fifteen samples detected 32,630 genes from the pomegranate genome data. A total of 6571 DEGs, including 374 TFs, were identified across different treatments. Six special modules and 180 hub genes were obtained by WGCNA analysis. Functional annotation highlighted signaling pathways and the accumulation of primary and secondary metabolites as significant pathways. These findings could reveal the salt tolerance mechanism in pomegranate leaves, offering a theoretical foundation for enhancing plant salt tolerance through genetic engineering.

The transcription factor TaNF-YB4 overexpression in wheat increases plant vigor and yield

Ensuring food security is a priority in developing countries. This study aimed to improve wheat yield by overexpressing the TaNF-YB4 transcription factor, which is involved in carbon assimilation and stress tolerance. An expression cassette for TaNF-YB4 was developed in a modified wheat transformation vector (pSB219) and examined through transient expression in Nicotiana tabacum, followed by Agrobacterium-mediated transformation of wheat variety FSD-2008. T0 transgenic plants were propagated to obtain T3 generation PCR-positive plants. Transgene expression was assessed in PCR-verified T2 plants using RT-PCR and qRT-PCR at six weeks post-germination. qRT-PCR analysis using the ΔΔCT method indicated higher TaNF-YB4 expression in transgenic lines than in the wild-type control plants. Improved agronomic and phenotypic traits were observed with a 6-36% increase in 1000-grain weight in the selected transgenic lines. Root architecture assessments demonstrated enhanced root length, surface area, and projected area in transgenic lines compared with wild-type plants. Additionally, notable variances in total chlorophyll, protein, and sugar content levels were observed between the transgenic lines and control plants, demonstrating statistical significance with a p-value ≤ 0.05. This study indicates that low-level constitutive expression of TaNF-YB4 can enhance wheat yield, presenting a viable strategy for improving wheat productivity.

Biochemical characterization of sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) varieties grown in Togo

Food and nutrition insecurity are a major problem in low-income countries. However, some crops like sesame are still underused and can be used to improve the food and nutritional security in rural areas. Grains of seven varieties of sesame comprising four (4) local and three (3) introduced varieties were studied for their nutrient content and oil composition to provide information on their nutritional value and oil quality for a holistic development and valorisation of the crop in Togo. Results revealed that water, ash, lipid, protein, total sugar, fiber, vitamin C, energy, total phenol and tannin contents ranged from 5.08 to 6.30%; 3.94 to 5.40%; 36.69 to 45.62%; 19.52 to 25.37; 11.10 to 19.16; 3.84 to 7.01%; 1.10 to 1.94%; 660 to 953.3 Kcal/ 100g; 0.0020-7 to 0.006% and 0.005 to 0.017%. The oils extracted from these different varieties had saponification and acid indices that ranged respectively from 179.95 to 190.54 and from 4.47 to 8.96. In terms of fatty acid composition, oleic acid and linoleic acid ranged from 37.92 to 42.24% and 36.1 to 39.8% respectively, while palmitic acid ranged from 6.82 to 12.41% and stearic acid from 5.51 to 7.83%. The results enabled us to identify the sesame grains of local varieties G3 and G3B as being suitable for enriching infant flours or for remedying the problems of protein and energy deficiency in Togo. Further, the oils extracted from these varieties are of good quality and can therefore be used in industry and for food purposes.

Plant Beneficial Desert Actinomycete, Modestobacter caceresii KNN 45-2bT, Promote Growth of Tomato (Lycopersicum esculentum Mill.) under Drought Condition

Drought stress is currently the most serious challenge to global food security and agricultural productivity. Desert actinobacteria have gained attention as potential candidates for enhancing plant growth in water stress environments. In this regard, a desert actinomycete, namely Modestobacter caceresii strain KNN 45-2bT, was selected to investigate its plant growth promoting abilities and drought tolerance. Next, this desert strain was inoculated to tomato (Lycopersicum esculentum Mill.) under drought, and the results included increases in root length, shoot and root fresh weight, shoot and root dry weight, total fresh weight and dry weight, fruit weight, proline accumulation, total soluble sugar content and trolox content. Stress treatments on the bacterized tomato plants also resulted in the reduction of hydrogen peroxide accumulation. Putative proteins coding sequences conferring plant growth promoting (PGP) traits (IAA production, phosphate solubilization, siderophore production, nitrogen fixation) and drought response (biosynthesis of proline metabolism, oxidative and osmotic stress response) were also detected from their genomic analyses. In conclusion, these results provide credence to the idea that the inoculation of tomato plants with plant beneficial desert actinomycete is an effective method of combating the negative effects of drought stress.

Proline Priming Enhances Seed Vigour and Biochemical Attributes of Rice (Oryza sativa L.) during Germination.

Seed vigour is a desirable trait especially for direct seeded rice (DSR) cultivation. Seeds with high vigour could improve seed germination, support seedlings in competing with weeds for water and nutrients, and improving seedling establishment throughout the early stages of crop growth. The success of DSR system which account for more 25% of world cultivation areas is highly dependent on the seed vigour and seedling establishment. Seed priming is a promising technique to improve seed vigour. Proline is an amino acid that has been well studied for its roles in plants under different environmental stress conditions. Nevertheless, the effect of proline as a seed priming agent in improving seed vigour in rice remain elusive. In this research, the effect of 24 h of proline priming at various concentrations (0 mM, 1 mM, 2 mM, 10 mM and 20 mM) on rice seed vigour, amylase activity, and total soluble sugar (TSS) content of a Malaysia indica rice variety, MR269 was investigated. Results showed that seeds primed with lower concentration of proline (0 mM, 1 mM and 2 mM) had better germination responses while priming at high concentrations (10 mM and 20 mM) reduced seed germination. Among the concentration tested, priming with 1 mM proline enhanced seed vigour with significantly higher germination percentage (GP), germination rate index (GRI) and seedling vigour index (SVI). In addition, proline primed seeds also exhibited increased amylase activity and TSS content as compared to unprimed seeds. However, priming seed with 20 mM proline was detrimental to the seed vigour and seedling growth whereby lower GP, GRI and SVI and higher mean germination time (MGT) were observed. In short, this study shows that proline could be a potential seed priming agent to improve seed vigour in rice.

Optimization of microwave-assisted hydrolysis of glucose from oil palm empty fruit bunch

Hydrolysis of oil palm empty fruit bunches (OPEFB) using microwave as an energy source is carried out to produce sugar with mild operating conditions. One way to find the best conditions that can obtain high-quality sugar is to optimize the hydrolysis process. In this study, optimization was carried out using Response Surface Methodology (RSM) with a Central Composite Design (CCD) experimental design. Estimated variables to affect the hydrolysis process are the ratio of OPEFB to solvent (X1: 1:20-4:20 g/ml), solvent concentration (X2: 0.5-1.5%), and hydrolysis time (X3: 5-15 minutes). Hydrolysis success parameters were measured by hydrolysis temperature (Y1), glucose (Y2), fructose (Y3), and total sugar (Y4) concentration. The optimization results show that the three independent variables contribute 53.25% to the hydrolysis temperature and 86.42% to the sugar concentration. The recommended operating conditions were hydrolysis with the ratio of OPEFB to solvent of 4:20 g/ml, 0.50% solvent concentration, and done for 10 minutes. The hydrolysis temperature cannot be optimized because there is a mismatch in the temperature model analysis. The application of these conditions is predicted to produce glucose, fructose, and total sugar of 315.51; 258.24; 573.85 mg/L. The last step is to validate these conditions in the laboratory to get the actual value. Actual glucose, fructose, and total sugar obtained were 300.40; 245.44; 545.84 mg/L. The error in this study is less than 5% which indicates the actual value is following the predicted value. © 2001 Elsevier Science. All rights reserved

Application of HPLC Coupled with a Charged Aerosol Detector to the Evaluation of Fructose, Glucose, Sucrose, and Inositol Levels in Fruit Juices, Energy Drinks, Sports Drinks, and Soft Drinks

The study aimed to estimate the levels of fructose, glucose, sucrose, and inositol levels in sweetened beverages with a newly developed method using HPLC coupled with a charged aerosol detector (CAD). In total, 85 commercially available non-alcoholic beverages, including 18 energy drinks, 8 sports drinks, 15 soft drinks, 14 fruit drinks, 7 fruit nectars, and 22 fruit juices were analyzed by HPLC-CAD. The method was validated, and it was characterized by a wide concentration range (1–150 µg/mL), sensitivity, and good accuracy (94.9–103%). The results showed significant variation in fructose, glucose, and sucrose concentrations in energy drinks, sports drinks, soft drinks, fruit drinks, fruit nectars, and juice. The highest total sugar contents (fructose, glucose, sucrose, and inositol) were found in energy drinks (14.2 g/100 mL), followed by fruit nectars (13.7 g/100 mL) and soft drinks (12.7 g/100 mL). Statistical analysis (Spearman correlation test, Kruskal–Wallis test) of the data showed significant relationships between particular sugars in the analyzed products.

High-solids saccharification of non-pretreated citrus peels through tailored cellulase

Citrus peels, characterized by their low lignin and high sugar content, have been drawing increasing attention as a valuable lignocellulosic biomass with significant potential in biorefinery. Notably, in this study, the citrus waste was found to be enzymatically accessible without any pretreatment. Moreover, to promote the high-solids saccharification of the citrus peels, a tailored cellulase cocktail was formulated by response surface methodology (RSM), along with a fed-batch strategy aiming to obtain a high substrate loading. The study resulted in an optimized cellulase cocktail (7.08 U/g DM of β-glucosidase, 164.17 U/g DM of hemicellulase, 47.38 mg/g DM of sophorolipid, and 64.68 mg/g DM of Tween 80) and achieved solids loading of 22 % with a total sugar concentration of 123.84 g/L, corresponding to a yield of 93.12 % (65.28 % in batch operation). These findings provided essential validation for the efficient utilization of citrus waste, ensuring them promising potential as feedstock for sugar platforms.

EFFECT OF ADDITION OF ARUMANIS MANGO (MANGIFERA INDICA) JUICE ON PHYSICOCHEMICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF JELLY CANDY FROM SAFFRON (CROCUSSATIVUS) EXTRACT

This research aimed to determine the effect of addingarumanis mango juice to the characteristics of jelly candyfrom saffron extract. This research was designed using a completely randomized design with 5 treatments namely A(addition of 0% mango juice), B (addition of 2% mango juice), C (addition of 4% mango juice), D (addition of 6%mango juice) and E (addition of 8% mango juice) with 3 repetitions. The data obtained were analyzed statisticallyusing ANOVA (Analysis of Variance) and if they were significantly different, the were continued with the DNMRT(Duncans News Mutiple Range Test) at 5% significance level. The results showed that the addition of mango juice tothe characteristics ofjellycandywas significantlydifferentonwatercontent, ash content,total sugar content,vitamin C, pH value and antioxidant acitvity. The best product based on physical and chemicalanalysis tests was jelly candy with the addition of 4% mango juice with hardness (78.38 N/cm2), moisturecontent (19.79 %), ash content (1.40 %), vitamin C (43.64 mg/100 g), total sugar content (57.33 %), pH value (4.90),and antioxidant activity(47.65 %).

Influence of Goji Berry EM Fermentation and Saccharification Products as Cosmetic Raw Materials on Hair Protection

Purpose: Recently, as the number of cases of side effects due to exposure to chemicals has increased, consumers' anxiety about chemicals has deepened, and interest in cosmetics using natural extracts that do not use chemical ingredients has increased. No-chemicals are being created and scientific research using natural extracts is expanding. Accordingly, Goji berry, which is a natural product handed down from the private sector and is rich in various functional ingredients such as carotinoids, choline, and zeatin, and is said to be excellent for antioxidation effects, was fermented and the active ingredients and effectiveness (in vitro) were investigated.
 Method: Goji berry, which has been found to contain large amounts of functional ingredients such as betaine and rutin, is extracted through double fermentation using EM (Effective Microorganisms) and malt to obtain total polyphenol content, flavonoid content, total sugar content, DPPH radical scavenging ability, and SOD. Effectiveness (in vitro) was examined through activity, catalase activity, hydrogen peroxide, and peroxidase verified.
 Results: As a result of the measurement, the sugar content increased when the EM (Effective Microorganisms) fermented product was enzymatically fermented after extracting Goji berry fruit with purified water. The difference depending on the enzyme fermentation temperature was also higher when the enzyme fermented at 60°C compared to immediately after fermentation. The sugar content increased by about two-fold. The total polyphenol and total flavonoid content decreased when the EM (Effective Microorganisms) fermentation product of the sealed pressurized hot water extract was enzymatically fermented at 60°C.
 Conclusion: The extract double-fermented from Goji berry fruit through EM (Effective Microorganisms) fermentation and malt enzyme fermentation has excellent antioxidant ability, suggesting the possibility of using Goji berry fruit and EM (Effective Microorganisms) fermentation as a natural antioxidant. I confirmed that it exists. In particular, it has antioxidant and antibacterial functions, and its feasibility as a natural raw material used in hair products was found.

Physico-chemical properties and organoleptic acceptability of star fruit (Averrhoa bilimbi Linn.) jam with variations of natural sweeteners

Belimbing wuluh (Averrhoa bilimbi Linn.) is a fruit plant from Indonesia that has a very sour taste because it contains citric acid and oxalic acid. This sour taste is why this fruit has yet to be optimally utilized. This study aimed to determine the effect of natural sweetener variations on wuluh star fruit jam's physico-chemical and organoleptic properties. This study used an experimental method in which the experiment was designed in a completely randomized design (CRD) with 4 treatments and 3 repetitions. The results of this study showed that the addition of natural sweeteners to wuluh star fruit jam had a significant effect (p < 0.05) on viscosity (9143 – 9450 mpa.s), sineresis (1.295 – 4.592 mg), vitamin C test (17.540 – 25.629 mg/100g), moisture content (23.57 – 31.19%), total sugar content (58.01 – 69.41%wb) and which had no significant effect (p>0.05) on pH (3.38 – 3.64%). Meanwhile, organoleptic testing did not significantly affect taste, color, texture, aroma, and spreadability parameters. Keywords: Belimbing wuluh, Cassava sugar, Corn sugar, Honey, Jam

Investigation of Drought Stress on Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) Genotypes Employing Various Physiological Enzymatic and Non-Enzymatic Biochemical Parameters.

Drought stress is a universal crisis in sustaining the growth and production of major legumes, including the chickpea. Drought severely reduces the biomass of chickpea plants, with the effect on leaves appearing the most apparent. The aim of this study was to investigate, using various physiological and biochemical markers throughout the pod filling stage, how 78 desi chickpea genotypes tolerated drought stress. Most of the evaluated characteristics showed significant variations between control and drought treatments. The mean performance of most of the investigated parameters significantly decreased under moisture-stressed conditions. RWC, SWD, MSI, and CTD were investigated under terminal drought-stressed conditions. Except for saturated water deficit (SWD), all remaining characteristics declined with increasing stress. Genotypes SAGL152210, SAGL152252, SAGL152347, SAGL22-115, and JG11 were recognized as drought-tolerant based on physiological characteristics. Biochemical markers viz., protein content, total soluble sugar, lipid peroxidation, and proline content, had an impact on osmotic adjustment. Based on non-enzymatic biochemical traits, genotypes SAGL22-115, ICC4958, ICCV201108, ICCV201107, SAGL152252, and JG11 were identified for their capability to survive under drought-stressed conditions. H2O2 content, CAT, SOD, POD, APX, and DPPH were considered antioxidant agents. Genotypes SAGL152208, SAGL22-105, SAGL22-112, ICC201108, SAGL152278, SAGL152252, SAGL162371, SAGL162390, ICC 4958, and JG315 may be considered drought-tolerant based on antioxidant activities. These genotypes are believed to be better equipped with physio-biochemical mechanisms and antioxidant defense systems at the cellular level and can be used in breeding programs to breed drought-tolerant cultivar(s). They can also be screened in the future, allowing the line(s) that have remained consistent over time to be recognized and registered as drought-tolerant donors.

Characterization of Palmyra palm (Borassus flabellifer Linn.) sap after harvest across different pH ranges for production of palm sugar

The quality of palm sap harvested from the inflorescence of Palmyra palm (Borassus flabellifer Linn.) trees can vary significantly from one container to another, affecting the production of palm sugar. Assessing the pH of the sap is a quick and convenient method for farmers to gauge its quality in Palmyra palm fields. In this study, palm sap collected from various containers was categorized into four groups based on different pH ranges. The objectives were to assess the physical, chemical, and microbiological characteristics of each group and to correlate these characteristics using principal component analysis, as well as to produce palm sugar from each group. The findings revealed that the palm sap with a pH below 5.0 (pHA) exhibited higher levels of reducing sugars, titratable acidity, and total phenolic substances, along with increased lactic acid bacteria (LAB) loads, larger particle sizes, lower contents of total and non-reducing sugar, protein, amino acids, and browning color values compared to sap from other pH ranges (pHB: 5.6–6.5, pHC: 6.9–7.5, and pHD: above 8.0). Principal component analysis indicated similarities between the palm sap groups of pHC and pHD, which were highly correlated with protein and total amino acids, total sugar contents, browning index, and color values of a* and b*. Conversely, pHA was distinct, being highly correlated with reducing sugar and total phenolic contents, titratable acidity, LAB loads, L* value, and particle volume. Meanwhile, pHB showed a high correlation with potassium and calcium contents, % transmission, electrical conductivity, and coliform loads. Crystallization of palm sugar derived from pHA sap was challenging, whereas sugar from the other sap groups readily crystallized. It can be concluded that pH evaluation strongly contributed to parameters of palm sap quality for palm sugar production.

Influence of Harvesting Stage on Phytochemical Composition, Antioxidant, and Antidiabetic Activity of Immature Ceratonia siliqua L. Pulp from Béni Mellal-Khénifra Region, Morocco: In Silico, In Vitro, and In Vivo Approaches.

Ceratonia siliqua L. is a medicinal plant that has long been used in traditional Moroccan medicine to treat many diseases. This study aimed to assess the impact of the stages of the immature phase of carob pulp (M1, M2, M3, M4, and M5) on phytochemical composition, antioxidant activity, and antidiabetic activity of Ceratonia siliqua L. The identification of the phenolic profile by HPLC-UV/MS-MS and the study of the antidiabetic effect by in silico, in vitro, and in vivo studies were carried out for extracts with high contents of phenolic compounds from immature wild carob pulp from the communes of Timoulit (TM), Bin Elouidane (AW), and Ouaouizerth (TG) in the province of Azilal in the Béni Mellal-Khénifra region. The results revealed a gradual increase in total sugar content over the pulp's ripening period, reaching a value of 2134 ± 56.23 mg GE/100 g fresh weight (FW) for TG. The three locations showed peak values for total polyphenol content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and total condensed tannin (TCT) at the M2 stage. AW had the highest concentrations of TPC (3819 ± 226.4 mg GAE/100 g FM), TFC (1034 ± 57.08 mg QE/100 g FM), and TCT (1472 ± 28.46 mg CE/100 g FM). The DPPH assay (7892 ± 296.1 mg TE/100 g FM) and the FRAP assay (278.2 ± 7.85 mg TE/100 g FM) both demonstrated that the TG zone is a highly potent antioxidant zone. In contrast, the AW site exhibited a markedly elevated value of 725.4 ± 103.6 mg TE/100 g FM in the ABTS assay. HPLC-UV-MS/MS analysis showed that the methanolic extracts of immature carob pulp (MEICP) from the three areas contained several different chemical compounds. The most prevalent were 3-O-p-coumaroyl-5-O-caffeoylquinic acid, quercetin 3-methyl ether, gallic acid, and galloylquinic acid. Immature carob pulp extract (ICPE) from AW showed the strongest in vitro inhibition of pancreatic α-amylase (IC50 = 0.405 µg/mL) and TG extracts were most potent against intestinal α-glucosidase (IC50 = 0.063 µg/mL). In vivo, AW, TG, and TM extracts significantly reduced postprandial glycemia in rats, with AW having the greatest effect. These results highlight the antidiabetic potential of ICPE. The 3-O-p-Coumaroyl-5-O-caffeoylquinic acid showed better affinity for α-amylase compared to acarbose and interacted significantly with several amino acid residues of the enzyme. Similarly, this molecule and 3,4-Dicaffeoylquinic acid demonstrated a strong affinity for α-glucosidase, suggesting their potential as natural inhibitors of enzymes involved in carbohydrate metabolism. Most of the compounds are not substrates of P-glycoprotein and exhibited high intestinal absorption. Furthermore, the majority of these compounds did not act as inhibitors or substrates of CYP450 enzymes, reinforcing their suitability for development as oral medications. These results underscore the potential of immature carob pulp as a promising antidiabetic agent.

Ultra-high pressure assisted extraction of polysaccharide from Bangia fusco-purpurea: Structure and in vitro hypolipidemic activity

The structure and in vitro hypolipidemic activity of Bangia fusco-purpurea polysaccharide (BFP) assisted extracted with ultra-high pressure (UHP) at 100–600 MPa were studied. Compared to native BFP, UHP assisted extracted BFP had a more loose network structure with higher total sugar and uronic acid contents while less molecular weight (p < 0.05). Moreover, UHP assisted extraction significantly improved the in vitro hypolipidemic and antioxidant activity of BFP. Especially at 400 MPa UHP, the cholesterol adsorption and antioxidant capacities of BFP were increased by approximately 38.02 % and 11.69 %–32.29 %, respectively. BFP with UHP assisted extraction could alleviate oleic acid-induced lipid accumulation and lipid oxidation in HepG2 cells more effectively by activating the AMPK signaling pathway as well as inhibiting PPARγ expression, which was much related with its reduced molecular weight and loose network structure. The findings indicated that UHP assisted extracted BFP has better potential to develop natural hypolipidemic agent.