Grain nutritional and antioxidant profiling of diverse lentil (Lens culinaris Medikus) genetic resources revealed genotypes with high nutritional value.

The lentil (Lens culinaris Medikus ssp. Culinaris) is a self-pollinating, diploid (2n = 2X = 14) crop with a genome size of 4 Gbp. The present study was conducted to provide a database for the evaluation of lentil antioxidant capacity, nutritional quality, and biochemical attributes. For these purposes, lentil germplasm, including 100 exotic and local genotypes from different agro-climatic zones of Pakistan, was collected. Significant variation (p < 0.05) was found among the genotypes under investigation using the Tukey HSD test. Ascorbate peroxidase was highest in ALTINOPARK (2,465 Units/g s. wt.), catalase in LPP 12110 (5,595 Units/g s. wt.), superoxide dismutase in LPP 12105 (296.75 Units/g s. wt.), and peroxidase in NIAB Masoor 2002 (3,170 Units/g s. wt.). Furthermore, NLM 15016 had a maximum total antioxidant capacity of 15.763 mg/g s. wt. The maximum values of total soluble sugars (83.93 mg/g. s. wt.) and non-reducing sugars (74.79 mg/g. s. wt.) were noticed in NLM 15015. The highest reducing sugars were detected in ILL 8006 (45.68 mg/g. s. wt.) ascorbic acid in LPP 12182 (706 µg/g s. wt.), total phenolic content in NLI 17003 (54,600 µM/g s. wt.), and tannins in NLI 17057 (24,563 µM/g s. wt.). The highest chlorophyll a (236.12 µg/g s. wt.), chlorophyll b (317 µg/g s. wt.), total chlorophyll (552.58 µg/g s. wt.), and lycopene (10.881 µg/g s. wt.) were found in NLH 12097. Maximum total carotenoids were revealed in the local approved variety Markaz 2009 (17.89 µg/g s. wt.). Principal component analysis (PCA), correlation analysis (Pearson's test), and agglomerative hierarchical clustering (AHC) were performed to detect the extent of variation in genotypes. In cluster analysis, all genotypes were categorized into three clusters. Cluster II genotypes showed remarkable divergence with cluster III. According to PCA, the contribution of PC-I regarding tested nutritional parameters toward variability was the highest (39.75%) and indicated positive factor loading for the tested nutritional and biochemical parameters. In conclusion, genotype X 2011S 33-34-32 can be used by the food industry in making pasta, multigrain bread, and snacking foods due to its high protein content for meat alternative seekers. Identified genotypes with high nutritional attributes can be utilized to improve quality parameters in the respective lentil breeding lines.

Wheat quality: A review on chemical composition, nutritional attributes, grain anatomy, types, classification, and function of seed storage proteins in bread making quality.

Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) belonging to one of the most diverse and substantial families, Poaceae, is the principal cereal crop for the majority of the world's population. This cereal is polyploidy in nature and domestically grown worldwide. Wheat is the source of approximately half of the food calories consumed worldwide and is rich in proteins (gluten), minerals (Cu, Mg, Zn, P, and Fe), vitamins (B-group and E), riboflavin, niacin, thiamine, and dietary fiber. Wheat seed-storage proteins represent an important source of food and energy and play a major role in the determination of bread-making quality. The two groups of wheat grain proteins, i.e., gliadins and glutenins, have been widely studied using SDS-PAGE and other techniques. Sustainable production with little input of chemicals along with high nutritional quality for its precise ultimate uses in the human diet are major focus areas for wheat improvement. An expansion in the hereditary base of wheat varieties must be considered in the wheat breeding program. It may be accomplished in several ways, such as the use of plant genetic resources, comprising wild relatives and landraces, germplasm-assisted breeding through advanced genomic tools, and the application of modern methods, such as genome editing. In this review, we critically focus on phytochemical composition, reproduction growth, types, quality, seed storage protein, and recent challenges in wheat breeding and discuss possible ways forward to combat those issues.

Association of faecal volatiles and steroids with behavioural expression during oestrous cycle of sheep (Ovis aries).

This study was investigated to determine the faecal volatiles, steroid hormones and their correlation with behavioural signs during oestrous cycle in sheep (Ovis aries). This experiment was monitored from pro-oestrous to met-oestrous phases for correlation of endocrine dependence biochemical constituents in faeces and blood to detection of oestrous biomarkers. Medroxyprogesterone acetate sponges were used for 8 days to bring uniformity of oestrus in sheep. Faeces were collected during different phases of cycle and subjected to determination of fatty acids, minerals, oestrogens and progesterone analysis. Likewise, blood samples were also obtained for enzymatic and no-enzymatic antioxidants. The results revealed that faecal progesterone and oestrogen levels significantly increased during pro-oestrous and oestrous phase, respectively (p < .05). The blood plasma enzymatic levels showed significant demarcation during the oestrous phase than other periods (p < .05). There were also reported marked variations in volatile fatty acids across different phases of the oestrous cycle. Interestingly, methyl octanoate, methyl cis-10 pentadecenoate and methyl heptadecanoate volatiles were found to be specific to oestrus period. In addition, methyl hexanoate, methyl palmitoleate and methyl cis-9 oleate were identified in met-oestrus, indicating their possible role to be an oestrous biomarker. It is concluded that the pattern of volatile compounds and faecal steroids, in association with behavioural patterns, could be measured as a non-invasive method of heat detection in sheep.

A Comparative Study of Diospyros malabarica (Gaub) Extracts in Various Polarity-Dependent Solvents for Evaluation of Phytoconstituents and Biological Activities.

Keeping in mind the ascribed repute of Diospyros malabarica (D. malabarica), this investigation was commenced to assess the effect of diverse solvents on extraction yields, phytochemical components and antioxidant capability, and in vitro biological activities of D. malabarica for pharmaceutically active constituents to combat various infections. To screen phytochemicals both qualitatively (flavonoids, terpenoid, saponins, tannins) and quantitatively like total phenolic and flavonoid contents, Diospyros malabarica parts include the following: root, leaves, bark, stem, ripe, and unripe fruit were sequentially extracted with organic solvents such as petroleum ether, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, ethanol, methanol, and water in increasing order of polarity from less polar to more polar solvents. Furthermore, biological activities such as antibacterial, antifungal, anticancer, antidiabetic, and anti-inflammatory were explored. The results revealed that all the tested solvents displayed a vital role in the extraction yield, the content of phytochemicals, and the studied biological activities. Methanol was found as the best solvent followed by the ethanol for the extraction, representing the highest extraction yield (18.3%), rich diversity of phytochemicals, and the highest total phenolic contents (602 ± 0.001 µg EAG/mg of extract) and total flavonoid contents (455 ± 0.6 µg EQ/mg of extract) in bark extract. Furthermore, methanol bark extract showed high in vitro antibacterial activity (30.25 mm ± 0.9), antifungal activity (18.25 mm ± 0.2), anticancer activity (48%), antidiabetic activity (68%) and anti-inflammatory activity (62%) followed by ethanol amongst other extracts of D. malabarica. Accordingly, methanol might be as an ideal solvent to get maximum content of phytochemicals, promising antioxidants, and in vitro biological activities from bark extract amongst other extracts of D. malabarica compared to pet ether, ethyl acetate, and dichloromethane and may act as free radical rummager because phytochemical constituents exhibit antioxidant capability. Our findings suggest that phytochemical compounds (flavonoids, tannins, phenols, saponins, and terpenoids) found in the bark extract of D. malabarica may be attributed to evaluate potent anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antidiabetic, antibacterial, and antifungal activities.

Moringa oleifera Supplementation Improves Antioxidant Status and Biochemical Indices by Attenuating Early Pregnancy Stress in Beetal Goats.

This study investigated the effects of supplementing different levels of Moringa oleifera leaf powder (MOLP) on antioxidant status and blood biochemical indices during early gestation in Beetal goats. A total of 30 goats were randomly divided into three groups (n = 10) comprising control (basal diet without MOLP), the 1.6% MOLP supplemented group (basal diet + 1.6% MOLP), and the 3.2% MOLP supplemented group (basal diet + 3.2% MOLP). The experiment started 5 days before estrus synchronization and lasted till day 60 of gestation. The MOLP significantly increased plasma flavonoids in 1.6% as well as 3.2% supplemented group on days 40 and 60 of pregnancy, while total phenolic contents were observed to be higher in the 3.2% MOLP supplemented group throughout the experiment in comparison with the control group. The supplementation improved plasma total antioxidant capacity (TAC) by decreasing malondialdehyde (MDA) and total oxidant status (TOS) in contrast to the control group. The activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and peroxidase (POD) were enhanced in both supplemented groups, whereas catalase (CAT) activity was noticed to be significantly high in the 3.2% MOLP supplemented group. The protein contents were significantly elevated with 1.6 and 3.2% supplementation levels from day 40 to day 60 of the experiment. Plasma sugar level, carotenoids, progesterone profile, and hydrolytic (protease and amylase) enzymes activities were improved only when supplemented with 3.2% MOLP. The findings suggest that supplementing with 3.2% MOLP provides beneficial effects on early pregnancy stress in Beetal goats.

Biochemical Profiling for Antioxidant and Therapeutic Potential of Pakistani Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) Genetic Resource.

In Pakistan, chickpeas (Cicer arietinum L.) are the largest grown legume crops, especially in desert areas. Along with an excellent source of nutrition, chickpea seeds have discernible medicinal and antioxidant characteristics. The diverse set of 90 chickpea genotypes (66 desi and 24 kabuli) were collected from different research zones in Pakistan, and seed flour was used for biochemical profiling. Genotypes were significantly different (Tukey HSD test, P < 0.05) for the traits under investigation. In non-enzymatic antioxidants, highest seed total phenolic contents (TPC) (34725 ± 275 µM/g s. wt.) was found in CM-98 (desi), ascorbic acid (AsA) (69.23 ± 2.25 µg/g s. wt.) in WH-3 (desi), and total flavonoid content (TFC) (394.98 ± 13.06 µg/mL sample) was detected in WH-11 (desi). In the class of enzymatic antioxidants, the highest seed ascorbate peroxidase (APX) (1680 ± 40 Units/g s. wt.) was detected in Tamman-2013 (kabuli), peroxidases (POD) (2564.10 ± 233.10 Units/g s. wt.) activity in CM1235/08 (desi), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) (279.76 ± 50 Units/g s. wt.) was detected in CH24/11 (desi). Highest seed catalase activity (CAT) (893 ± 50 Units/g s. wt.) and proline content (272.50 ± 20.82 µg/g s. wt.) was detected in an ICC-4951 (desi). In hydrolytic enzymes, the highest activity of esterase (37.05 µM/min/g s. wt) was found in, CH56/09(Kabuli), protease (11080 ± 10 Units/g s. wt.) in Karak-2 (desi), and α-amylase (213.02 ± 3.20 mg/g s. wt.) was observed in CH74/08 (kabuli). In other biochemical parameters, the highest seed total oxidant status (TOS) (356 ± 17.50 µM/g s. wt.) was detected in CM3457/91 (desi); malondialdehyde (MDA) content (295.74 ± 3.097 uM/g s. wt.) was observed in CM-2008 (kabuli), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) (8.36 ± 0.082 µM/g s. wt.) was found in CM-72 (desi). In case of pigment analysis, Sheenghar-2000 (desi) depicted highest lycopene (12.579 ± 0.313 µg/g s. wt.) and total carotenoids (58.430.23 ± 0.569 µg/g s. wt.) contents. For seed therapeutic potential, the highest seed α-amylase inhibition (82.33 ± 8.06%) was observed in CM-88 (desi), while WH-1, WH-6, and ICCV-96030 (desi) depicted the highest value for seed anti-inflammatory potential (78.88 ± 0.55%). Genotypes with the highest antioxidant and therapeutic potential can be utilized as a natural antioxidant source and in breeding programs aimed at improving these traits in new breeding lines.

Vitamin E and Selenium Treatment Alleviates Saline Environment-Induced Oxidative Stress through Enhanced Antioxidants and Growth Performance in Suckling Kids of Beetal Goats.

Salinity is a worldwide, threatening problem affecting socioeconomic status globally. Saline land comprises salt content in soil, plants, and drinking water. Livestock farming is the worthy option for proper utilization of saline land in a cost-effective approach. Animals reared on this land experience a variety of stresses. Such stresses promote oxidative stress and reduced animal performance. The purpose of this study was to investigate the antioxidative function of vitamin E and selenium (Se) on pregnant/nonpregnant animals reared on the saline environment. A total of 36 multiparous pregnant (n = 18) and nonpregnant (n = 18) goats weighing about 38-45 (average 41.5) kg were equally divided into control and supplemented groups. The experiment lasted from 120 days of gestation to 15 days after parturition for pregnant goats and 0 to 45 days for nonpregnant cyclic goats (>50 days post-kidding). The supplemented group was administered vitamin E (1000 mg/kg BW) and selenium (3 mg/50 kg BW), while the control group was kept on normal saline (0.9% NaCl) with the same route 15 days apart. The blood samples were collected with 15 days apart during the entire experimental period of 45 days and subjected to assessment of enzymatic/nonenzymatic antioxidants, hydrolytic enzymes, oxidants, stress metabolic biomarkers, Se, and progesterone concentration of (pregnant) animals. Results revealed that vitamin E and Se supplementation significantly enhanced the activity of enzymatic (catalase and peroxidase) and nonenzymatic antioxidants such as total phenolic/flavonoid content and vitamin C and increased blood plasma level of Se concentration in comparison with the control group (P < 0.01). Exposure to antioxidant supplementation mitigated lipid peroxidation and enhanced progesterone level and total antioxidant capacity (P < 0.01) as compared to the control group in pregnant goats. Administration of vitamin E and selenium promoted kid survival rate (100%) along with increased initial birth weight, daily average weight gain, and total weight gain in comparison with the control group. Besides, the twinning rate and sex ratio were also recorded in pregnant animals. It is concluded that vitamin E and Se supplementation ameliorated salinity-induced oxidative stress, improved antioxidant status, and enhanced reproductive and growth performance of suckling kids reared on saline land.

Effect of Postharvest Application of Aloe Vera Gel on Shelf Life, Activities of Anti-Oxidative Enzymes, and Quality of 'Gola' Guava Fruit.

Guava is an important climacteric fruits in terms of taste and aroma, which contains various vital nutrients such as minerals, carotenoids, ascorbic acid, and polyphenols. At ambient conditions, it exhibits a short shelf life, which makes it difficult for marketing and subsequent storage. Therefore, it is necessary to develop procedures to extend its shelf life and conserve quality. For this purpose, an aloe vera (AV) gel coating was assessed for its potential to enhance the shelf life of guava fruits. Guava fruits coated with AV gels (0, 20, 40, 60 and 80%, v/v) were evaluated for postharvest shelf life extension, changes in quality attributes, anti-oxidative activities, and flavonoid content when stored at ambient conditions (23 ± 2 °C and 70-75% relative humidity) for 12 days. The AV gel-treated fruits showed reduced increments in total sugar, malondialdehyde, and total carotene contents compared to untreated controls. AV gel-treated fruits exhibited higher contents of ascorbic acid, flavonoids (quercetin and rutin), and total phenolics in comparison to control fruits. Moreover, AV gel-treated fruits displayed greater activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, and ascorbate peroxidase, along with higher antioxidant capacity and higher levels of total soluble solids, than untreated fruits. These results demonstrate that AV gel coating, especially at high concentrations, can be considered an eco-friendly and non-chemical substitute treatment for maintaining the postharvest quality of guava fruit.

Chemical composition, antioxidant activities and protein profiling of different parts of Allamanda cathartica.

The phytochemical screening and protein profiling of Allamanda cathartica was performed. Biochemical analysis revealed that peroxidase (8730 ± 307 units/g), superoxide dismutase (181 ± 3.79 units/g), catalase (529 ± 28.9 units/g), protease (3598 ± 79.8 units/g), total phenolic contents (19,344 ± 657 µM/g), ß-esterases (342 ± 46.5 units/g) and the total oxidant status were highest in the roots as compared to other plant parts. However, total soluble proteins (128 ± 1.54 mg/g), lycopene (5.70 ± 0.61 mg/g), chlorophyll a (161 ± 24.9 µg/g), total chlorophyll content (267 ± 34.3 µg/g) and total carotenoid content (12.4 ± 1.71 mg/g) were found to be highest in leaves. Moreover, total antioxidant capacity (5.43 ± 0.29 µM/g) detected by using ABTS method and α-esterase (714.580 ± 23.6 units/g) were highest in shoots. The protein profiling was performed using SDS-PAGE. In leaves, 13 peptides with molecular weight (M.wt.) from 27 to 168 kDa were detected while in shoots 10 peptides with M.wt. from 30 to 95 kDa were resolved. Similarly, in roots, 10 peptides of 30-880 kDa and in flower seven peptides of 30-88 kDa were detected.

Alleviation of cadmium toxicity by silicon is related to elevated photosynthesis, antioxidant enzymes; suppressed cadmium uptake and oxidative stress in cotton.

Biotic systems face immense environmental hazards such as accumulation of heavy metals, particularly in agricultural ecosystems that might cause deterioration of yield and quality of crops. In this study, we evaluated the role of silicon (Si) in alleviating the heavy metal (Cd) stress tolerance in cotton by analyzing the induced Physio-chemical changes. Cotton plants were grown in hydroponic culture with three different Cd levels (0, 1 and 5µM) along with two Si treatment levels (0 and 1mM). The data showed that Cd alone reduced the plant growth as well as the efficiency of antioxidant activity as compared to control plants. Plant growth, gas exchange characteristics (net photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, transpiration rate, water use efficiency) chlorophyll contents, and carotenoids as well as the performance of antioxidant enzymes were improved by the exogenous application of Si. The adverse effects of Cd on plant growth were alleviated by the exogenous application of Si. It was observed that Si effectively mitigated the adverse effects of Cd on cotton plants and markedly enhanced the growth, biomass and photosynthetic parameters while decreased the contents of malondialdehyde (MDA), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and electrolytic leakage (EL). The antioxidant enzyme activities in cotton leaves and roots increased significantly, when Si was added to control as well as Cd stressed plants. In conclusion, Si improved the growth and photosynthesis attributes of cotton plants by mitigating the adverse effects of Cd stress through reduced EL, MDA and H2O2 contents and improved activities of antioxidant enzymes.