Effect of coatings containing 1-methylcyclopropane or mandarin peel extract on the freshness and metabolic profiles of cold stored strawberry.

The application of coatings is a strategy for maintaining the freshness of highly perishable fruits. This research aimed to evaluate the quality indices of strawberries (Amaou) coated with new coatings based on the sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and cellulose nanofibres (CNF) with incorporated mandarin peel extract (ME) or 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) during storage at 20days at 5 °C and 85% relative humidity (RH). Dissolving the coating solution containing ME in 1-MCP maintained its colour for up to 50 days. Coatings enhanced with ME and/or 1-MCP maintained fresh strawberries more effectively than the control, reducing weight loss and maintaining firmness, total soluble solids (TSS), citric acid, colour, and total phenolic content. The CCM2-2 coating solution showed superior effects on the weight loss and relative percentages of strawberry metabolites compared to the other coatings, as confirmed by the different components.

Effect of mandarin peel extract on experimentally induced arthritis in male rats.

BACKGROUND: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is associated with joint damage. For treatment, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), steroidal agents, and immune-suppressants are used. Their side-effects require a safe and effective natural alternative. ANIMALS AND METHODS: Thirty-six male albino rats, half kept under observation for 1 week (group I) and others for 2 weeks (group II) were used. Each group was subdivided into: normal (A), RA (B), and oral mandarin-peel extract (MPE) treated (C). Ankle diameter, serum levels of RF, interleukin (IL)-1ß, TNFα, IL-4, IL-10, liver homogenates malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and nitric oxide (NO) were measured together with the histopathological examination. RESULTS: MPE treatment was associated with increased serum IL-4, IL-10, liver homogenates GSH, and SOD, and decreased ankle diameter, serum RF, IL-1ß, TNFα, liver homogenates MDA, NO, inflammatory cell infiltrate, and necrosis. Two weeks' treatment was better. CONCLUSIONS: MPE has useful effects in alleviating the disturbed ankle diameter, serum pro- and anti-inflammatory mediators, oxidative stress, and ankle joint histopathology in rheumatic rats.

Production of Functional Processed Cheese Supplemented with Nanoliposomes of Mandarin Peel Extract.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The Mandarin fruit is a wonderful source of essential dietary nutrients. The liposome is an encapsulation method to incorporate the phenolics in functional food. The objective of this study was production of functional processed cheese supplemented with nanoliposomes of mandarin peel extract. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The encapsulation efficiency (EE) of mandarin peel extract powder (MPEP) was examined at five concentrations (0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8 and 1% w/v) and inclusion the highest EE in processed cheese by replacing water with MPEP nanoliposomes at ratios 25, 50 and 100% v/v. The physicochemical properties and phenolics content for processed cheese were analyzed. Rustles: High EE (>80%) of MPEP nanoliposomes was achieved. The chemical composition of the resultant processed cheese was in accordance with the Egyptian standard for half fat processed cheese. Physical and organoleptic properties and color parameters of processed cheese supplemented with MPEP nanoliposomes inferior to the control. CONCLUSION: The characterizations of processed cheese samples supplemented with MPEP nanoliposomes remained unaffected during cold storage. The MPEP nanoliposomes were effectively retained within processed cheese, presented a simple and effective delivery vesicle for phenolic compounds.