Combined antidiabetic potential of camel milk yogurt with Cinnamomum verum and Stevia rebaudiana by using rodent modelling.

This study aimed to evaluate anti-diabetic potential of functional camel milk yogurt enriched with Cinnamomum verum and Stevia rebaudiana that not only mask its peculiar flavour rather have an antidiabetic effect as well. Sixty-three pathogen free STZ-induced albino Wistar rats were categorized into 7 groups on the basis of treatments. From each treatment group three animals were dissected periodically at 0, 7 and 21 days of study to determine the effect of all treatments on physicochemical parameters, serum glucose, serum chemistry and haematology. The study revealed that the mean blood glucose level in the untreated control group was within normal range (100-108 mg/dl) while there was noticeable decrease in mean blood glucose level of all the treated groups during three weeks' trial. Decline in blood glucose level (46%) was higher in animal group containing functional camel milk yogurt (T4) at 3rd week of trial as compared to other treatments.

Effects of white mulberry powder fortification on antioxidant activity, physicochemical, microbial and sensorial properties of yogurt produced from buffalo milk.

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of sun-dried white mulberry fruit powder (WMFP) at addition levels of 2%, 4%, and 6% for enhancing nutritional value and improving the quality of yogurt during refrigerated storage. Results showed that the highest (p < .05) antioxidant activity of 54.53 ± 0.15% was observed in 6% WMFP-added yogurt samples. Highest pH of 4.53 ± 0.08 was observed in control. Significantly highest (p < .05) acidity (1.12 ± 0.02%) was recorded in the yogurt with 6% WMFP-added yogurt samples on 28th day. Moreover, the addition of WMFP elevated the total soluble solids up to 20.05 ± 0.02 °Brix and water-holding capacity up to 55.06 ± 0.34% and lessened the syneresis value (22.92 ± 0.25) in 6% yogurt samples. 2% WMFP-added yogurt sample was given the highest sensory score in terms of overall acceptability by the panelists (8.00 ± 0.00). Thus, it was concluded that fruit powder of white mulberry can be used to improve physicochemical and sensory properties of fortified yogurt. WMFP addition to yogurt enhanced its antioxidant potential and physicochemical quality. The study introduces white mulberry-enriched yogurt and suggests the food industries to launch this product in the market.

Probing the physicochemical characteristics of carrot sauce during storage.

Globally, the prevalence of vit-A deficiency disorders i.e., xerophthalmia and nyctalopia is increasing especially in teenagers due to lifestyle shifts and undernutrition. This research was designed to develop carrot-supplemented tomato sauce to overcome vit-A deficiency and its related disorders. The carrot sauce was formulated with the addition of 50, 60, and 70% carrot pulp in tomato paste. The prepared sauce samples were tested for physical and biochemical changes in beta carotene (BC), lycopene, viscosity, pH, total soluble solids, titratable acidity, total plate count, and sensory parameters for 12 weeks. A non-significant effect of storage on BC, lycopene, and total soluble solids was observed. The total plate count, acidity, pH, and viscosity were influenced significantly. Sauce containing 60% of the carrot paste showed good sensory characteristics and 42.39 µg/g BC for the whole period of storage. It is concluded that carrot sauce can be used as tomato ketchup replacers to boost the overall quality of life by fighting against vit-A deficiency disorders.

Protein-biomolecule interactions play a major role in shaping corona proteome: studies on milk interacted dietary particles.

Despite the significance of surface absorbed proteins in determining the biological identity of nanoparticles (NPs) entering the human body, little is known about the surface corona and factors that shape their formation on dietary particles used as food additives. In this study, food grade NPs of silica and titania and their food additive counterparts (E551 and E171) were interacted with milk proteins or with skimmed milk and the levels of protein adsorption were quantified. Characteristics of proteins correlating with their level of adsorption to NPs were determined using partial least squares regression analysis. Results from individual protein-particle interactions revealed the significance of factors such as zeta potential, hydrophobicity and hydrodynamic size of particles, and protein characteristics such as the number of beta strands, isoelectric points, the number of amino acid units (Ile, Tyr, Ala, Gly, Pro, Asp, and Arg), and phosphorylation sites on their adsorption to particles. Similar regression analysis was performed to identify the characteristics of twenty abundant and enriched proteins (identified using LC-MS/MS analysis) for their association with the surface corona of milk-interacted particles. Contrary to individual protein-particle interactions, protein characteristics such as helices, turns, protein structures, disulfide bonds, the number of amino acid units (Cys, Met, Leu, and Trp), and Fe binding sites were significant for their association with the surface corona of milk interacted particles. This difference in factors identified from individual proteins and milk interacted particles suggested possible interactions of proteins with surface adsorbed biomolecules as revealed by scanning transmission X-ray microscopy and other biochemical assays.

Vitex negundo Linn.: phytochemical composition, nutritional analysis, and antioxidant and antimicrobial activity.

Vitex negundo (VN) is a widely used plant in folk medicine, namely for the treatment of jaundice, wounds, body ache, toothache, asthma, eye pain, and migraine. These effects have been increasingly attributed to its chemical composition. Here, we assessed the VN chemical and nutritional composition and biological activity, with particular emphasis on antioxidant and antimicrobial effects. VN methanol and hexane extracts revealed the presence of important phytochemical, such as terpenoids, polyphenol, steroids, saponins, phenolic compound and flavonoids. Total phenolic content of VN methanol extract from bark was 1082.473 mg/g GAE and that of leaves was 1382.984 mg/g GAE. The total flavonoids content in VN methanol extract from VN bark was 127.744 mg/g QE and that of leaves was 123.776 mg/g QE. VN methanol extract from bark exhibited high antioxidant effects (IC50=38.47 ppm). The content (%) of ash, moisture, crude fiber, crude protein and fat in VN leaves was, respectively, 7.86%, 18.35%, 6.52%, 9.687% and 6.19%. VN leaves methanol extract revealed antimicrobial activity against Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus, with inhibition halos being, respectively, 13 mm and 14 mm, and the MBC values were found to be 1.562 mg/mL and 6.25 mg/mL, respectively. Similarly, VN bark methanol extract led to inhibition halos of 18 mm and 15 mm for B. subtilis and S. aureus, respectively, and the MBC values were found to be 2.372 mg/mL and 0.245 mg/mL. GC-MS analysis of the VN bark methanol extract revealed that monoolein was the major compounds, with an area of 0.57%. Thus, our results encourage the potential use of VN as a medicinal product, with high protein contents, and prominent antioxidant and anti-bacterial effects.

Palmatine antioxidant and anti-acetylcholinesterase activities: A pre-clinical assessment.

There is evidence that palmatine (PA), an alkaloid isolated from the Guatteria friesiana plant, has some important biological activities, including anti-inflammatory and antidepressant effects. In this study, the antioxidant and anti-acetylcholinesterase (AChE) effects of PA were assessed. The antioxidant capacity was evaluated in vitro and in vivo through 7 distinct assays, and the anti-AChE activity was determined in vitro. The standards, trolox and ascorbic acid were used for the in vitro antioxidant test, while hydrogen peroxide was selected as a stressor for the Saccharomyces cerevisiae test. Additionally, PA was also combined with trolox and ascorbic acid to determine the likelihood of synergistic effects occurrence to what concerns to antioxidant potential. PA exhibited a potent and concentration-dependent antioxidant potential, although a stronger antioxidant activity was stated using the PA + trolox combination. PA was also found to inhibit AChE activity when compared to the negative control. Thus, PA may be viewed as a promissory phytotherapeutic agent to manage oxidative stress-mediated neurological diseases, especially the Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases.

Anxiolytic-like effects of Moringa oleifera in Swiss mice.

Moringa oleifera is evident to act against many neurological diseases, including muscle spasm, epilepsy, nervousness, fatigue, memory impairment, convulsion, and epilepsy. Anxiety represents the most common and disabling psychiatric condition, being often associated with depressive symptoms. This study investigated the anxiolytic-like effects of crude organic fractions of M. oleifera leaves in different behavioral paradigms that evaluate anxiety in mice. To this end, mice were administered with crude extracts (500 mg/kg, p.o.) and/or diazepam (2 mg/kg, p.o.), and submitted to behavioral tests. In the open-field test, the number of square field cross, grooming and rearing were calculated, while in light-dark and swing test were, respectively, the time spent in dark portion and number of swings. Each test was performed for 3 min. M. oleifera leaf methanol and n-hexane extracts elicited an anxiolytic-like effect observed by increased total time in the center and decreased number of rearings and groomings responses in the open field and swing tests, and residence in the dark portion in the light-dark box, similar to the diazepam group. A moderate anxiolytic effect was observed in the aqueous fraction group, while insignificant effects were recorded in the ethyl acetate fraction group in all test paradigms. In addition, both extracts potentiate the calming effects of diazepam in experimental animals. Preliminary phytochemical reports suggest that M. oleifera contains alkaloids, flavonoids, phenols, steroids, glycosides, saponins, tannin, terpenes, and gums. Of note, the results expand the understanding of M. oleifera effects in central nervous system and suggest that plant metabolites may be helpful for anxiety-related disorders management.

Antitumor effects of citrinin in an animal model of Sarcoma 180 via cytogenetic mechanisms.

Citrinin (CIT) is a cytotoxic, hepatotoxic, nephrotoxic and cardiotoxic metabolite obtained from Penicillium citrinum, that has been increasingly searched as an anticancer drug candidate. In this study, we assessed the antitumor effects of citrinin, using cytogenetic biomarkers for genotoxicity in Sarcoma 180 (S-180) ascitic fluid cells of mice. Citrinin, extracted from P. citrinum acetonitrile extract, was characterized by LC-MS. Cytotoxic assessment was done through using comet (alkaline version) and micronucleus assays. In S-180 cells, CI50 of CIT was 3.77 µg/mL, while at 12.5 and 100 µg/mL, CIT was as cytotoxic as doxorubicin (2 µg/mL). At 0.5, 1.0 and 2.0 µg/mL, it induced genotoxicity and mutagenicity in S-180 cells, especially at 2 µg/mL, triggering oxidative damage similar to hydrogen peroxide (10 mM). The antitumor effects were evidenced by a marked increase in S-180 cells apoptosis and necrosis due to clastogenic and/or aneugenic cytogenetic effects (micronucleus formation), as well as by induction of nucleoplasm bridges and nuclear buds, culminating in S-180 apoptosis and necrosis. CIT has potential as drug candidate for antitumor purposesbyinvolving cytogenetic mechanisms.

A Framework for Improving Parent Satisfaction With the Inpatient Pediatric Admission Process: Experience From a Low-Resource Setting.

The objective for this initiative was to reduce parental anxiety and thus improve their satisfaction related to hospital admission by ensuring that the child's management plan and basic amenities were communicated to the parents within the first hour of arrival at the Children's Hospital inpatient unit. The intervention for this project was developed based on the Theory of Change framework. Effectiveness of the intervention was assessed by comparing change in parent-reported anxiety scores and improvement in patient satisfaction scores at 24 hours post-admission as an indicator of experience. The frequency of delivery of each individual message was also tracked and compared at baseline and post-intervention. The results showed a significant reduction in parental anxiety levels within the first 24 hours of admission (3.5 to 3.2, P = .01). The parent satisfaction score was significantly improved from baseline to post-intervention (4.00 vs 4.82 respectively; P < .001). Comparison between the baseline and post-intervention demonstrated a statistically significant (P < .001) increase in frequency of messages delivered. This initiative highlighted that reengineering the current system using existing resources to standardize admission communication along with an adequate monitoring and feedback plan can help reduce parental anxiety, thus improving parent satisfaction with the services.

Antihyperlipidemic efficacy of aqueous extract of Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni in albino rats.

BACKGROUND: Stevia (Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni) natural, safe, non-toxic, non-caloric sugar substitute is rich source of pharmacologically important glycoside stevioside that is linked to the pathology and complications of hyperlipidemia. METHODS: The present research was carried out to explore the anti-hyperlipidemic effect of aqueous extract of Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni leaves in albino rats. For this purpose, hyperlipidemia was induced by administration of Cholesterol (90% E, Appli Chem, Darmstadt, Germany) mixed at dose of 400 mg/kg body weight of rats in their daily routine feed. The hyperlipidemic rats were administered with aqueous stevia extract at different dose levels (200, 300, 400 and 500 ppm/kg b.w.) for 8 weeks; the control rats were fed basal diet during this period. Ethical approval for the current research was obtained from Institutional Review Board Faculty of Science & Technology Government College University, Faisalabad, Pakistan. RESULTS: Stevia aqueous extract decreased the body weight gain by lowering the feed intake of hyperlipidemic rats. Furthermore, administration of stevia extract at different levels significantly (P < 0.05) lowered the TC (125.22 ± 5.91 to 110.56 ± 5.81 mg/dL), TG (102.13 ± 6.89 to 98.62 ± 7.22 mg/dL), LDL (33.02 ± 4.79 to 22.77 ± 4.36 mg/dL), VLDL (21.22 ± 5.79 to 19.33 ± 5.95 mg/dL) levels and LDL/HDL ratios (0.83 ± 1.22 to 0.54 ± 1.66 mg/dL) from H1 to H4. Conversely, it improved the HDL (39.76 ± 4.34 to l42.02 ± 4.39 mg/dL) level in hyperlipidemic rats compared with untreated rats after eight weeks study period. CONCLUSION: It is concluded that aqueous extract of stevia has anti-hyperlipidemic effects in albino rats, and therefore could be a promising nutraceutical therapy for the management of hyperlipidemia and its associated complications.

Thermal stability and haemolytic effects of depolymerized guar gum derivatives.

The purpose of current study was to purify and partially depolymerize guar gum by ß-mannanase, HCl, Ba(OH)2 actions and subjected to inspect compositional, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and haemolytic activity. Chemical composition revealed mannose and galactose ratio remained un-altered even after process of purification and hydrolysis. TGA thermograms affirmed initial and final decomposition temperature in various zones. Major decomposition stages apparently revealed partially hydrolyzed guar gum (PHGG) exhibited better heat stable properties having more zones of degradation than crude one. Furthermore, all guar fractions (2.5-250 mg/mL) were subjected to haemolysis to evaluate toxic effects during process of hydrolysis. The crude and hydrolyzed guar galactomannans exhibited minor haemolytic activity (1.9 ± 0.03-7.24 ± 0.02%) when compared to 0.1% Triton-X 100 (100% haemolysis) showing no toxic effects to human RBC's. Conclusively, hydrolyzed guar-galactomannans are safe and can be used in food products with improved heat stability.

Determination of Aflatoxin M1 and Heavy Metals in Infant Formula Milk Brands Available in Pakistani Markets.

Aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) after its bioconversion from aflatoxin B1 in animal liver becomes the part of milk while heavy metals get entry into milk and milk products during handling in the supply chain. Aflatoxin M1 and heavy metals being toxic compounds are needed to be monitored continuously to avoid any ailments among consumers of foods contaminated with such toxicants. Thirteen commercially available infant formula milk (IFM) brands available in Pakistani markets were analyzed for the quantitative determination of AFM1 and heavy metals through ELISA and atomic absorption spectrophotometer, respectively. AFM1 was found positive in 53.84% samples while 30.76% samples were found exceeding the maximum EU limit i.e. 0.025 µg/kg for AFM1 in IFM. Heavy metals lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) were found below the detection limits in any of the sample, whereas the concentrations of iron (Fe), zinc (Zn) and nickel (Ni) ranged between 45.40-97.10, 29.72-113.50 and <0.001-50.90 µg/kg, respectively. The concentration of Fe in all the tested brands was found in normal ranges while the concentrations of Zn and Ni were found exceeding the standard norms. Elevated levels of AFM1, Zn and Ni in some of the tested IFM brands indicated that a diet completely based on these IFM brands might pose sever health implications in the most vulnerable community i.e., infants.