Herbal remedies in the management of hyperuricemia and gout: A review of in vitro, in vivo and clinical evidences.

Gout, or hyperuricemia is a multifactorial and multi-faceted metabolic disease that is quite difficult to manage and/or treat. Conventional therapies such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as allopurinol, corticosteroids and colchicine amongst others, have helped in its management and treatment to some extent. This study aimed to compile and analyze the different herbal remedies used in the management of hyperuricemia and gout. A literature search was conducted from key databases (PubMed, ScienceDirect, Cochrane Library, Google Scholar) using relevant keywords via the PRISMA model. Smilax riparia A.DC. from Traditional Chinese Medicine is used in many countries for its therapeutic effect on lowering serum urate levels. No single study was able to establish the efficacy of a specific traditionally used herb via in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies. Patients were found to use a panoply of natural remedies, mainly plants to treat hyperuricemia and gout, which have been validated to some extent by in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies. Nonetheless, further research is needed to better understand the ethnopharmacological relationship of such herbal remedies.

Breaking down barriers and building up facilitators of lecture free curriculum in medical education: An interpretive structural modeling.

INTRODUCTION: The field of medical education has seen a growing interest in lecture free curriculum. However, it comes with its own set of challenges and obstacles. In this article, we aim to identify the prerequisites, facilitators, challenges, and barriers of lecture-free curriculum in medical education and examine their interrelationships using interpretive structural modeling (ISM) technique. METHODS: In this mixed-method study initially, we performed a scoping review and semi-structured interviews and determined the main prerequisites, facilitators, challenges, and barriers of lecture-free curriculum in medical education using qualitative content analysis approach. The interrelationships among these components were investigated using ISM. Therefore, self-interactive structural matrices were formed, initial and final reachability matrices were achieved, and MICMAC analysis was conducted to classify the factors. RESULTS: Finally, two ISM models of prerequisites and facilitators with 27 factors in 10 levels and challenges and obstacles with 25 factors in eight levels were developed. Each of the models was divided into three parts: key, strategic, and dependent factors. 'Providing relevant evidence regarding lecture free curriculum' emerged as the most important prerequisite and facilitator, and 'insufficient support from the university' was identified as the most critical barrier and challenge. CONCLUSIONS: The study highlights the significant importance of lecture-free curriculum in medical education and provides insights into its prerequisites, facilitators, challenges, and barriers. The findings can be utilized by educational managers and decision-makers to implement necessary changes in the design and implementation of lecture-free in medical education, leading to more effective improvements in the quality and success of education.

Comparison of barriers to effective nurse-patient communication in COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 wards.

BACKGROUND: Communication is a basic need of humans. Identifying factors that prevent effective nurse-patient communication allows for the better implementation of necessary measures to modify barriers. This study aims to compare the barriers to effective nurse-patient communication from the perspectives of nurses and patients in COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 wards. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted in 2022. The participants included 200 nurses (by stratified sampling method) and 200 patients (by systematic random sampling) referred to two conveniently selected hospitals in Shahroud, Iran. The inclusion criteria for nurses were considered having at least a bachelor's degree and a minimum literacy level for patients to complete the questionnaires. Data were collected by the demographic information form and questionnaire with 30 and 15 questions for nurses and patients, which contained similar questions to those for nurses, based on a 5-point Likert scale. Data were analysis using descriptive indices and inferential statistics (Linear regression) in SPSS software version 18. RESULTS: The high workload of nursing, excessive expectations of patients, and the difficulty of nursing work were identified by nurses as the main communication barriers. From the patients' viewpoints, the aggressiveness of nurses, the lack of facilities (welfare treatment), and the unsanitary conditions of their rooms were the main communication barriers. The regression model revealed that the mean score of barriers to communication among nurses would decrease to 0.48 for each unit of age increase. Additionally, the patient's residence explained 2.3% of the nurses' barriers to communication, meaning that native participants obtained a mean score of 2.83 units less than non-native nurses, and there was no statistically significant difference between the COVID and non-COVID wards. CONCLUSION: In this study, the domain of job characteristics was identified by nurses as the major barrier, and patients emphasized factors that were in the domain of individual/social factors. There is a pressing need to pay attention to these barriers to eliminate them through necessary measures by nursing administrators.

Exosome-based nanomedicine for cancer treatment by targeting inflammatory pathways: Current status and future perspectives.

Cancer is one of the dreadful diseases worldwide. Surgery, radiation and chemotherapy, are the three basic standard modes of cancer treatment. However, difficulties in cancer treatment are increasing due to immune escape, spreading of cancer to other places, and resistance of cancer cells to therapies. Various signaling mechanisms, including PI3K/Akt/mTOR, RAS, WNT/ß-catenin, TGF-beta, and notch pathways, are involved in cancer resistance. The adaptive inflammatory response is the initial line of defence against infection. However, chronic inflammation can lead to tumorigenesis, malignant transformation, tumor growth, invasion, and metastasis. The most commonly dysregulated inflammatory pathways linked to cancer include NF-κB, MAPK, JAK-STAT, and PI3K/AKT. To overcome major hurdles in cancer therapy, nanomedicine is receiving much attention due to its role as a vehicle for delivering chemotherapeutic agents that specifically target tumor sites. Several biocompatible nanocarriers including polymer and inorganic nanoparticles, liposomes, micellar nanoparticles, nanotubes, and exosomes have been extensively studied. Exosome has been reported as an important potential system that could be effectively used as a bioinspired, bioengineered, and biomimetic drug delivery solution considering its toxicity, immunogenicity, and rapid clearance by the mononuclear phagocyte system. Exosome-mimetic vesicles are receiving much interest for developing nano-sized delivery systems. In this review, exosomes in detail as well as certain other nanocarriers, and their potential therapeutic roles in cancer therapy has been thoroughly discussed. Additionally, we also reviewed on oncogenic and tumor suppressor proteins, inflammation, and their associated signaling pathways and their interference by exosomes based nanomedicine.

Immune response to COVID-19 vaccines among people living with human T-cell lymphotropic virus type 1 infection: a retrospective cohort study from Iran.

The effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccination is still unclear in individuals with underlying diseases such as HTLV-1 infection. This retrospective cohort study aimed to evaluate the humoral response of COVID-19 vaccines among people living with HTLV-1 (PLHTLV) in northeastern Iran. From December 2021 to October 2022, eighty-six HTLV-1+ subjects (50 males and 36 females; 47.7 ± 11.2 years) and 90 HTLV-1 seronegative individuals (age- and sex-matched convenient samples) were enrolled. The humoral immune response was evaluated by measuring different COVID-19 Abs in serum samples at least 28 days after receiving 2nd or 3rd doses of COVID-19 vaccines. Throughout all three rounds of immunization, Sinopharm was the most commonly used COVID-19 vaccine across all three immunization rounds. Compared to the HTLV-1- group, a significantly lower frequency of all four Abs activity was observed among PLHTLV:anti-nucleocapsid (66.3% vs 86.7%, p = 0·001), anti-spike (91.9% vs 98.9%, p = 0·027), RBD (90.7% vs 97.8%, p = 0·043), and neutralizing Abs (75.6% vs 95.5%, p < 0·001). Also, the frequency of all Abs in 28 patients with HAM/TSP was higher than that of 58 asymptomatic carriers, although this difference was statistically significant only in the case of anti-spike Abs (p = 0.002). Notably, PLHTLV-vaccinated against COVID-19 demonstrated significantly lower antibody activities, indicating a reduced humoral immune response to COVID-19 vaccines.

Biological activity and development of functional foods fortified with okra (Abelmoschus esculentus).

The Abelmoschus esculentus plant, better known as okra, is an interesting crop from a nutritional standpoint. The okra plant is native to the African region but can now be found throughout tropical and subtropical areas of the world. This plant, known for its healing abilities, has been used as a traditional medicine to treat several diseases and external ailments, such as wounds or boils. This article reviews the potential health benefits from okra consumption, as well as the bioactive compounds that are suggested to be responsible. Furthermore, the okra plant and its derivatives have been evaluated in the formulation and manufacture of new functional food products. The latest advances in this direction, which includes characterizing the technical properties of functional foods fortified with okra are also presented in this review. A series of bioactive compounds such as flavonoids and catechins have been found in the okra plant, which were associated with numerous biological properties observed in research studies that reported potential anti-diabetic, anti-cancer, anti-hypertensive, and antimicrobial effects, among others, as a result of their consumption. These potential health benefits contribute to the development of new and useful functional foods, with okra (or its derivatives) being used as the highlighted ingredient.

Valorization of by-products from Prunus genus fruit processing: Opportunities and applications.

Food processing, especially the juice industry, is an important sector that generate million tons of residues every. Due to the increasing concern about waste generation and the interest in its valorization, the reutilization of by-products generated from the processing of popular fruits of the Prunus genus (rich in high-added value compounds) has gained the spotlight in the food area. This review aims to provide an overview of the high added-value compounds found in the residues of Prunus fruits (peach, nectarine, donut peach, plum, cherry, and apricot) processing and applications in the food science area. Collective (pomace) and individual (kernels, peels, and leaves) residues from Prunus fruits processing contains polyphenols (especially flavonoids and anthocyanins), lipophilic compounds (such as unsaturated fatty acids, carotenes, tocopherols, sterols, and squalene), proteins (bioactive peptides and essential amino acids) that are wasted. Applications are increasingly expanding from the flour from the kernels to encapsulated bioactive compounds, active films, and ingredients with technological relevance for the quality of bread, cookies, ice cream, clean label meat products and extruded foods. Advances to increasing safety has also been reported against anti-nutritional (amygdalin) and toxic compounds (aflatoxin and pesticides) due to advances in emerging processing technologies and strategic use of resources.

Emerging role of nutritional short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) against cancer via modulation of hematopoiesis.

The understanding of gut microbiota has emerged as a significant frontier in development of strategies to maintain normal human body's homeostasis and preventing the disease development over the last decade. The composition of the gut microbiota influences the clinical benefit of immune checkpoints in patients with advanced cancer, but the mechanisms underlying this relationship are unclear. Cancer is among the leading causes of mortality worldwide. So far, there is no universal treatment for cancer and despite significant advances, a lot of improvement on cancer therapy is required. Owing to its role in preserving the host's health and maintaining cellular integrity, the human gut microbiome has recently drawn a lot of interest as a target for cancer treatment. Dietary fiber is fermented by the gut microbiota to generate short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), such as acetate, butyrate, and propionate, which are physiologically active metabolites. SCFAs can modulate the pathophysiology of the tumor environment through various critical signaling pathways. In addition, SCFAs can bind to carcinogens and other toxic chemicals, thus facilitating their biotransformation and elimination through different excretory mechanisms. This review discusses the mechanisms of action of short-chain fatty acids in modulating hematopoiesis of various immune system cells and the resultant beneficial anti-cancer effects. It also provides future perspectives on cancer therapy.

Effects of Mediterranean diets and nutrigenomics on cardiovascular health.

The field of nutrigenomics studies the interaction between nutrition and genetics, and how certain dietary patterns can impact gene expression and overall health. The Mediterranean diet (MedDiet), characterized by a high intake of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats, has been linked to better cardiovascular health (CVH) outcomes. This review summarizes the current state of research on the effects of nutrigenomics and MedDiet on cardiovascular health. Results suggest that MedDiet, through its impact on gene expression, can positively influence CVH markers such as blood pressure, lipid profile, and inflammation. However, more research is needed to fully understand the complex interactions between genetics, nutrition, and CVH, and to determine the optimal dietary patterns for individualized care. The aim of this scientific review is to evaluate the current evidence on the effects of nutrigenomics and MedDiet on cardiovascular health. The review summarizes the available studies that have investigated the relationship between nutrition, genetics, and cardiovascular health, and explores the mechanisms by which certain dietary patterns can impact CVH outcomes. The review focuses on the effects of MedDiet, a dietary pattern that is rich in whole foods and healthy fats, and its potential to positively influence CVH through its impact on gene expression. The review highlights the limitations of current research and the need for further studies to fully understand the complex interplay between nutrition, genetics, and cardiovascular health.

Nutritional, medicinal and functional properties of different parts of the date palm and its fruit (Phoenix dactylifera L.) - A systematic review.

Appraised for being one of the oldest staple nutritive foods mainly in the Arabian Peninsula, the date palm tree (Phoenix dactylifera L.), is a crop native to the subtropical and tropical regions of Southern Asia and Africa. Different parts of the date tree have been extensively studied for their nutritional and therapeutic properties. Despite an array of publications on the date tree, there has been no attempt to compile in a single study the traditional uses, nutritive value, phytochemical profile, the medicinal properties as well as the potential of the different plant parts as a functional food. Therefore, this review endeavors to systematically review the scientific literature to highlight the traditional uses of date fruit and parts around the world, the nutritional profile of several parts and the medicinal properties. A total of 215 studies was retrieved (traditional uses (n = 26), nutritional (n = 52), and medicinal (n = 84)). Scientific articles were further categorized as in vitro (n = 33), in vivo (n = 35), and clinical (n = 16) evidences. Date seeds were found to be effective against E. coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Aqueous date pollen was used to manage hormonal problems and boost fertility. Palm leaves showed anti-hyperglycemic effects via inhibition of α-amylase and α-glucosidase. Unlike previous studies, this study highlighted the functional roles of all the plant parts of the palm tree and provided insights into the various mechanism of action of their bioactive compounds. Although scientific shreds of evidence have been growing over the years, there is still a dearth of studies concerning the clinical validation of the date fruit and other plant parts to provide strong evidence on their medicinal uses. In conclusion, P. dactylifera can be regarded as a potent medicinal plant with prophylactic potential and should be further explored to alleviate the burden of both communicable and non-communicable diseases.

Recent insights on tea metabolites, their biosynthesis and chemo-preventing effects: A review.

Tea manufactured from the cultivated shoots of Camellia sinensis (L.) O. Kuntze is the most commonly consumed nonalcoholic drink around the world. Tea is an agro-based, environmentally sustainable, labor-intensive, job-generating, and export-oriented industry in many countries. Tea includes phenolic compounds, flavonoids, alkaloids, vitamins, enzymes, crude fibers, protein, lipids, and carbohydrates, among other biochemical constituents. This review described the nature of tea metabolites, their biosynthesis and accumulation with response to various factors. The therapeutic application of various metabolites of tea against microbial diseases, cancer, neurological, and other metabolic disorders was also discussed in detail. The seasonal variation, cultivation practices and genetic variability influence tea metabolite synthesis. Tea biochemical constituents, especially polyphenols and its integral part catechin metabolites, are broadly focused on potential applicability for their action against various diseases. In addition to this, tea also contains bioactive flavonoids that possess health-beneficial effects. The catechin fractions, epigallocatechin 3-gallate and epicatechin 3-gallate, are the main components of tea that has strong antioxidant and medicinal properties. The synergistic function of natural tea metabolites with synthetic drugs provides effective protection against various diseases. Furthermore, the application of nanotechnologies enhanced bioavailability, enhancing the therapeutic potential of natural metabolites against numerous diseases and pathogens.

Minor tropical fruits as a potential source of bioactive and functional foods.

Tropical fruits are defined as fruits that are grown in hot and humid regions within the Tropic of Cancer and Tropic of Capricorn, covering most of the tropical and subtropical areas of Asia, Africa, Central America, South America, the Caribbean and Oceania. Depending on the cultivation area covered, economic value and popularity these tropical fruits are divided into major and minor tropical fruits. There is an annual increment of 3.8% in terms of commercialization of the tropical fruits. In total 26 minor tropical fruits (Kiwifruit, Lutqua, Carambola, Tree Tomato, Elephant apple, Rambutan, Bay berry, Mangosteen, Bhawa, Loquat, Silver berry, Durian, Persimon, Longan, Passion fruit, Water apple, Pulasan, Indian gooseberry, Guava, Lychee, Annona, Pitaya, Sapodilla, Pepino, Jaboticaba, Jackfruit) have been covered in this work. The nutritional composition, phytochemical composition, health benefits, traditional use of these minor tropical fruits and their role in food fortification have been portrayed.

Natural plant products as effective alternatives to synthetic chemicals for postharvest fruit storage management.

Fruits contain enormous source of vitamins that provides energy to the human body. These are also affluent in essential and vital vitamins, minerals, fiber, and health-promoting components, which has led to an increase in fruit consumption in recent years. Though fruit consumption has expanded considerably in recent years, the use of synthetic chemicals to ripen or store fruits has been steadily increasing, resulting in postharvest deterioration. Alternatives to synthetic chemicals should be considered to control this problem. Instead of utilizing synthetic chemicals, this study suggests using natural plant products to control postharvest decay. The aim of this study indicates how natural plant products can be useful and effective to eliminate postharvest diseases rather than using synthetic chemicals. Several electronic databases were investigated as information sources, including Google Scholar, PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, ScienceDirect, SpringerLink, Semantic Scholar, MEDLINE, and CNKI Scholar. The current review focused on the postharvest of fruits has become more and more necessary because of these vast demands of fruits. Pathogen-induced diseases are the main component and so the vast portion of fruits get wasted after harvest. Besides, it may occur harmful during harvesting and subsequent handling, storage, and marketing and after consumer purchasing and also causes for numerous endogenous and exogenous diseases via activating ROS, oxidative stress, lipid peroxidation, etc. However, pathogenicity can be halted by using postharvest originating natural fruits containing bioactive elements that may be responsible for the management of nutritional deficiency, inflammation, cancer, and so on. However, issues arising during the postharvest diseases must be controlled and resolved before releasing the horticultural commodities for commercialization. Therefore, the control of postharvest pathogens still depends on the use of synthetic fungicides; however, due to the problem of the development of the fungicide-resistant strains there is a good demand of public to eradicate the use of pesticides with the arrival of numerous diseases that are expanded in their intensity by the specific chemical product. By using of the organic or natural products for controlling postharvest diseases of fruits has become a mandatory step to take. In addition, antimicrobial packaging may have a greater impact on long-term food security by lowering the risk of pathogenicity and increasing the longevity of fruit shelf life. Taken together, natural chemicals as acetaldehyde, hexanal, eugenol, linalool, jasmonates, glucosinolates, essential oils, and many plant bioactive are reported for combating of the postharvest illnesses and guide to way of storage of fruits in this review.

Impacts of nutritive and bioactive compounds on cancer development and therapy.

For persons who survive with progressive cancer, nutritional therapy and exercise may be significant factors to improve the health condition and life quality of cancer patients. Nutritional therapy and medications are essential to managing progressive cancer. Cancer survivors, as well as cancer patients, are mostly extremely encouraged to search for knowledge about the selection of diet, exercise, and dietary supplements to recover as well as maintain their treatment consequences, living quality, and survival of patients. A healthy diet plays an important role in cancer treatment. Different articles are studied to collect information and knowledge about the use of nutrients in cancer treatment as well as cancer prevention. The report deliberates nutrition and exercise strategies during the range of cancer care, emphasizing significant concerns during treatment of cancer and for patients of advanced cancer, but concentrating mostly on the requirements of the population of persons who are healthy or who have constant disease following their repossession from management. It also deliberates choice nutrition and exercise problems such as dietary supplements, food care, food selections, and weight; problems interrelated to designated cancer sites, and common questions about diet, and cancer survival. Decrease the side effects of medicines both during and after treatment.

High Altitude as a Risk Factor for the Development of Nonarteritic Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy.

BACKGROUND: Episodic high-altitude exposure leads to optic disc edema and retinopathy. It is uncertain whether high-altitude exposure is a risk factor for nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION). METHODS: We performed a single-center, retrospective, cross-sectional case study of 5 patients with high-altitude-associated NAION (HA-NAION) from April 2014 to April 2019. Main study parameters included known vascular risk factors for NAION, evolution of visual acuity, visual field, optic disc, and macula measurements. RESULTS: We studied 5 eyes of 5 patients with HA-NAION that occurred at 7,000-9,000 ft above sea level, 28 patients with classic NAION that developed at sea level (normal altitude NAION or NA-NAION), and 40 controls. All 5 patients with HA-NAION had clinically confirmed NAION by a neuro-ophthalmologist within 3-21 days of onset and comprehensive follow-up evaluations (average follow-up of 23 months). Other than high-altitude exposure, 4 of 5 patients had undiagnosed obstructive sleep apnea (OSA, apnea-hypopnea index 5.4-22.2) and 1 had systemic vascular risk factors. All patients had disc-at-risk in the contralateral eye. The best-corrected distance visual acuity was 20/20 to 20/70 (median logMAR 0) at presentation and 20/70 to counting finger (median logMAR 0) at ≥6 months. Automated static perimetry revealed average mean deviation of -18.6 dB at presentation and -22.1 dB at ≥6 months. The average retinal nerve fiber layer was 244 µm (80-348 µm) at onset and 59 µm (55-80 µm) at ≥6 months. The average ganglion cell complex thickness was 50 µm (43-54 µm) at onset and 52 µm (50-55 µm) at ≥6 months. The patients with OSA were started on home continuous positive airway pressure treatment. Visual outcomes were similar in patients with HA-NAION and NA-NAION. - After addressing all NAION risk factors, no new events occurred in the HA-NAION group within 2-8 years with or without repeat high-altitude exposure. CONCLUSIONS: NAION can occur under high-altitude conditions. HA-NAION is associated with relatively younger age at onset, disc-at-risk, and OSA. These patients exhibit a relatively progressive course of vision loss after initial onset and severe thinning of optic nerves on optical coherence tomography. Treatment for OSA is recommended, especially with repeated high-altitude exposure.

The role of motivational components in metamotivational monitoring in medical students: a mixed method study.

BACKGROUND: In metamotivational monitoring, students try to identify the declined motivational component in order to regulate their motivation. There is scarcity of evidence on which motivational components are targeted by the medical students when they use each motivational regulation strategies. This study aims were identifying motivational components in motivational regulation process, developing a measurement tool and, testing the predictive relationship between the motivational components and motivational regulation strategies. METHODS: This exploratory sequential design mixed method study is part of a project has been started from 2018 with medical students at Tehran University of Medical Science. First, in a qualitative study conducting a semi-structured in-depth interview, the motivational components were explored. The interviews continued until saturation of data. Then, in a psychometric study the validity and reliability evidence of questionnaire obtained. In the quantitative study, applying the convenience sampling method, 508 students completed the questionnaires. Predictive relation between the motivational regulation strategies and motivational components was assessed utilising Structural Equation Modelling. Path coefficients, T-Value, and R2 index were reported by SmartPLS software. RESULTS: In the Exploratory Factor Analysis of Motivational Components Questionnaire (MCQ), 6 factors were discovered that explained 74% of the total variance. All paths in seven models of SEM showed a T-Value above 1.96 that means there is a significant correlation between all strategies and components. In examining the predictive relationships, each of the four components of self-efficacy, intrinsic value, self-relevant value and promotion value were specifically predicted by two motivational regulation strategies. CONCLUSIONS: Evidence of validity and reliability of the MCQ indicates that this questionnaire can be used in medical education contexts. Health Profession Educators can improve the academic motivation of students by identifying one or more declined motivational component and teaching specific motivational regulation strategies. It is recommended to hold training courses on motivational regulation strategies for medical school faculty, study-skills advisors, and students.

Essential Oils Composition and Biological Activity of Chamaecyparis obtusa, Chrysopogon nigritanus and Lavandula coronopifolia Grown Wild in Sudan.

Generally, there are scant data about the constituents and eventually the biological activity of essential oils (EOs) from aromatic plants that grow naturally in Sudan. The present study aimed to determine the chemical composition, and antioxidant and enzyme inhibitory activities of EO extracted from the fruit of Chamaecyparis obtusa (Siebold and Zucc.) Endl. (family Cupressaceae), root of Chrysopogon nigritanus (Benth.) Veldkampis (family Poaceae) and aerial part of Lavandula coronopifolia Poir (family Lamiaceae). The fruit of C. obtusa contained only monoterpenes, mainly hydrogenated ones, with α-pinene (69.07%) as the major component. Oxygenated sesquiterpenes comprised the highest content of the C. nigritanus root EO with cedr-8-en-15-ol (28.69%) as the major constituent while aerial parts of L. coronopifolia contained both monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes and the oxygenated monoterpene lavandulol (26.56%) as dominant compounds. The EO of the root of C. nigritanus significantly displayed (p < 0.05) the highest anti-DPPH radical, Fe3+- and Cu2+-reducing and metal-chelating activities, while that of C. obtusa fruit significantly exerted (p < 0.05) the best anti-ABTS radical and total antioxidant activity. The two EOs significantly exhibited (p < 0.05) the highest anti-acetylcholinesterase and -butyrylcholinesterase activities, respectively, while EO of L. coronopifolia was the only oil to show a considerable inhibitory effect against the tyrosinase and α-glucosidase enzymes. In conclusion, EOs from these three plants could be natural agents with promising functional properties for food, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical applications.

Nature's palette: An emerging frontier for coloring dairy products.

Consumers all across the world are looking for the most delectable and appealing foods, while also demanding products that are safer, more nutritious, and healthier. Substitution of synthetic colorants with natural colorants has piqued consumer and market interest in recent years. Due to increasing demand, extensive research has been conducted to find natural and safe food additives, such as natural pigments, that may have health benefits. Natural colorants are made up of a variety of pigments, many of which have significant biological potential. Because of the promising health advantages, natural colorants are gaining immense interest in the dairy industry. This review goes over the use of various natural colorants in dairy products which can provide desirable color as well as positive health impacts. The purpose of this review is to provide an in-depth look into the field of food (natural or synthetic) colorants applied in dairy products as well as their potential health benefits, safety, general trends, and future prospects in food science and technology. In this paper, we listed a plethora of applications of natural colorants in various milk-based products.

Underutilized green leafy vegetables: frontier in fortified food development and nutrition.

From the ancient period, Green leafy vegetables (GLV) are part of the daily diet and were believed to have several health beneficial properties. Later it has been proved that GLV has outstanding nutritional value and can be used for medicinal benefits. GLV is particularly rich in minerals like iron, calcium, and zinc. These are also rich in vitamins like beta carotene, vitamin E, K, B and vitamin C. In addition, some anti-nutritional elements in GLV can be reduced if it is grown properly and processed properly before consumption. Tropical countries have a wide variety of these green plants such as Red Spinach, Amaranth, Malabar Spinach, Taro Leaf, Fenugreek leaf, Bengal Gram Leaves, Radish Leaves, Mustard Leaves, and many more. This review focuses on listing this wide range of GLVs (in total 54 underutilized GLVs) and their compositions in a comparative manner. GLV also possesses medicinal activities due to its rich bioactive and nutritional potential. Different processing techniques may alter the nutritional and bioactive potential of the GLVs significantly. The GLVs have been considered a food fortification agent, though not explored widely. All of these findings suggest that increasing GLV consumption could provide nutritional requirements necessary for proper growth as well as adequate protection against diseases caused by malnutrition.

A comprehensive review of beetroot (Beta vulgaris L.) bioactive components in the food and pharmaceutical industries.

Beetroot is rich in various bioactive phytochemicals, which are beneficial for human health and exert protective effects against several disease conditions like cancer, atherosclerosis, etc. Beetroot has various therapeutic applications, including antioxidant, antibacterial, antiviral, and analgesic functions. Besides the pharmacological effects, food industries are trying to preserve beetroots or their phytochemicals using various food preservation methods, including drying and freezing, to preserve their antioxidant capacity. Beetroot is a functional food due to valuable active components such as minerals, amino acids, phenolic acid, flavonoid, betaxanthin, and betacyanin. Due to its stability, nontoxic and non-carcinogenic and nonpoisonous capabilities, beetroot has been used as an additive or preservative in food processing. Beetroot and its bioactive compounds are well reported to possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiapoptotic, antimicrobial, antiviral, etc. In this review, we provided updated details on (i) food processing, preservation and colorant methods using beetroot and its phytochemicals, (ii) synthesis and development of several nanoparticles using beetroot and its bioactive compounds against various diseases, (iii) the role of beetroot and its phytochemicals under disease conditions with molecular mechanisms. We have also discussed the role of other phytochemicals in beetroot and their health benefits. Recent technologies in food processing are also updated. We also addressed on molecular docking-assisted biological activity and screening for bioactive chemicals. Additionally, the role of betalain from different sources and its therapeutic effects have been listed. To the best of our knowledge, little or no work has been carried out on the impact of beetroot and its nanoformulation strategies for phytocompounds on antimicrobial, antiviral effects, etc. Moreover, epigenetic alterations caused by phytocompounds of beetroot under several diseases were not reported much. Thus, extensive research must be carried out to understand the molecular effects of beetroot in the near future.