Food Processing Waste in Vietnam: Utilization and Prospects in Food Industry for Sustainability Development

Vietnam is a country that produces a variety of agricultural products, including vegetables, tubers, fruits, and processed products. Along with the increase in population, the demand for consumers also increases, and the by-products of farming are increasing and being discharged into the environment. This is one of the critical research issues that need to be solved to ensure sustainability in agriculture. This review summarized recent studies on familiar sources of by-products in Vietnam, such as banana peels, citrus peels, dragon fruit skins, rice bran, and rice husks, and their potential in the food industry. Some solutions are also proposed to solve and turn this low-value raw material into a high-value product and serve a variety of products and consumers in the food industry. Especially after the COVID19 pandemic, the by-products contain valuable and reusable biological resources. These compounds could be future applications to support improving the consumer's immune system and various health benefits. Processed and utilized by-products from food production could not only help increase incomes for farmers, especially in developing countries like Vietnam but also could aid in ensuring food security and sustainability in agricultural production.

Pharmacological Properties and Safe Use of 12 Medicinal Plant Species and Their Bioactive Compounds Affecting the Immune System

This paper presents raw plant materials and their characteristic compounds which may affect the immune system. Plant-derived agents in specific doses affect the body's non-specific, antigen-independent defense system. They have immunostimulatory effects on the entire immune regulatory system. They can enhance the immune response through various factors such as macrophages, leukocytes, and granulocytes, as well as through mediators released by the cellular immune system. This paper was inspired by the threats caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The proper functioning of the immune system is important in limiting the effects of viral infection and restoring the normal functioning of the body. This paper also emphasizes the importance of the skillful use of plant immunostimulants by potential patients, but also by those who prescribe drugs. It is important not only to choose the right plant drug but above all to choose the correct dose and duration of treatment.

Bioactive compounds of cinnamon and their effect on decreasing metabolic syndrome: systematic review / Compuestos bioactivos de canela y su efecto en la disminución del síndrome metabólico: revisión sistemática

Introducción. El síndrome metabólico (SM) aumenta el ingreso hospitalario y el riesgo de desarrollar COVID-19, los fármacos utilizados para su tratamiento ocasionan efectos secundarios por lo que se ha optado por la búsqueda de alternativas terapéuticas a base de compuestos bioactivos contenidos en plantas medicinales. La canela se utiliza como agente terapéutico debido a sus propiedades comprobadas con diversos mecanismos de acción reportados en el tratamiento de varias patologías. Objetivo. Documentar los estudios in vitro, in vivo, estudios clínicos y los mecanismos de acción reportados del efecto de la administración de extractos y polvo de canela en las comorbilidades relacionadas con el SM. Materiales y métodos. Revisión sistemàtica de artículos en bases de datos electrónicas, incluyendo estudios de canela en polvo, extractos acuosos, de acetato de etilo y metanol de la corteza de canela, período de 5 años, excluyendo todo artículo relacionado a su efecto antimicrobiano, antifúngico y aceite de canela. Resultados. Las evidencias de los principales compuestos bioactivos contenidos en la canela validan su potencial en el tratamiento de enfermedades relacionadas al SM, con limitados estudios que indagan en los mecanismos de acción correspondientes a sus actividades biológicas. Conclusiones. Las evidencias de las investigaciones validan su potencial en el tratamiento de estas patologías, debido a sus principales compuestos bioactivos: cinamaldehído, transcinamaldehído, ácido cinámico, eugenol y, antioxidantes del tipo proantocianidinas A y flavonoides, los cuales participan en diversos mecanismos de acción que activan e inhiben enzimas, con efecto hipoglucemiante (quinasa y fosfatasa), antiobesogénico (UPC1), antiinflamatorio (NOS y COX), hipolipemiante (HMG-CoA) y antihipertensivo (ECA)(AU)

Introduction. Metabolic syndrome (MS) increases hospital admission and the risk of developing COVID-19. Due to the side effects caused by the drugs used for its treatment, the search for therapeutic alternatives based on bioactive compounds contained in medicinal plants has been chosen. Cinnamon is used as a therapeutic agent due to its proven properties with various mechanisms of action reported in the treatment of various pathologies. Objective. To document the in vitro and in vivo studies, clinical studies and the mechanisms of action reported on the effect of the administration of cinnamon extracts and powder on comorbidities related to MS. Materials and methods. Systematic review of articles in electronic databases, including studies of cinnamon powder, aqueous extracts, ethyl acetate and methanol from cinnamon bark, over a period of 5 years, excluding all those articles related to its antimicrobial, antifungal and antimicrobial effect. cinnamon oil. Results. The evidence of the main bioactive compounds contained in cinnamon validates its potential in the treatment of diseases related to MS, with limited studies that investigate the mechanisms of action corresponding to its biological activities. Conclusions. Research evidence validates its potential in the treatment of these pathologies, due to its main bioactive compounds: cinnamaldehyde, transcinnamaldehyde, cinnamic acid, eugenol, and antioxidants of the proanthocyanidin A type and flavonoids, which participate in various mechanisms of action that activate and they inhibit enzymes, with hypoglycemic (kinase and phosphatase), antiobesogenic (UPC1), anti-inflammatory (NOS and COX), lipid-lowering (HMG-CoA) and antihypertensive (ACE) effects(AU)

Bichromonol, a dimeric coumarin with anti-HIV activity from the stem bark of Hypericum roeperianum.

Infectious diseases caused by viruses like HIV and SARS-COV-2 (COVID-19) pose serious public health threats. In search for new antiviral small molecules from chemically underexplored Hypericum species, a previously undescribed atropisomeric C8-C8' linked dimeric coumarin named bichromonol (1) was isolated from the stem bark of Hypericum roeperianum. The structure was elucidated by MS data and NMR spectroscopy. The absolute configuration at the biaryl axis was determined by comparing the experimental ECD spectrum with those calculated for the respective atropisomers. Bichromonol was tested in cell-based assays for cytotoxicity against MT-4 (CC50 = 54 µM) cells and anti-HIV activity in infected MT-4 cells. It exhibits significant activity at EC50 = 6.6-12.0 µM against HIV-1 wild type and its clinically relevant mutant strains. Especially, against the resistant variants A17 and EFVR, bichromonol is more effective than the commercial drug nevirapine and might thus have potential to serve as a new anti-HIV lead.

Ginkgo Biloba and Long COVID: In Vivo and In Vitro Models for the Evaluation of Nanotherapeutic Efficacy.

Coronavirus infections are neuroinvasive and can provoke injury to the central nervous system (CNS) and long-term illness consequences. They may be associated with inflammatory processes due to cellular oxidative stress and an imbalanced antioxidant system. The ability of phytochemicals with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, such as Ginkgo biloba, to alleviate neurological complications and brain tissue damage has attracted strong ongoing interest in the neurotherapeutic management of long COVID. Ginkgo biloba leaf extract (EGb) contains several bioactive ingredients, e.g., bilobalide, quercetin, ginkgolides A-C, kaempferol, isorhamnetin, and luteolin. They have various pharmacological and medicinal effects, including memory and cognitive improvement. Ginkgo biloba, through its anti-apoptotic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activities, impacts cognitive function and other illness conditions like those in long COVID. While preclinical research on the antioxidant therapies for neuroprotection has shown promising results, clinical translation remains slow due to several challenges (e.g., low drug bioavailability, limited half-life, instability, restricted delivery to target tissues, and poor antioxidant capacity). This review emphasizes the advantages of nanotherapies using nanoparticle drug delivery approaches to overcome these challenges. Various experimental techniques shed light on the molecular mechanisms underlying the oxidative stress response in the nervous system and help comprehend the pathophysiology of the neurological sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection. To develop novel therapeutic agents and drug delivery systems, several methods for mimicking oxidative stress conditions have been used (e.g., lipid peroxidation products, mitochondrial respiratory chain inhibitors, and models of ischemic brain damage). We hypothesize the beneficial effects of EGb in the neurotherapeutic management of long-term COVID-19 symptoms, evaluated using either in vitro cellular or in vivo animal models of oxidative stress.

Ganoderma Lucidum- A Potential Medicinal Mushroom Against MDR Isolates from The Secondary Infections of Covid-19

The severe acute respiratory syndrome produced by COVID-19 is a highly infectious and pathogenic viral infection. Many COVID-19 patients have secondary bacterial infections, which enhance disease and increase death, particularly when requiring invasive mechanical ventilation. One of the most important medicinal mushrooms, Ganoderma lucidum, has been used for food, feed, and medication since the dawn of humanity. The present investigation aims to discover the potential of the medicinal mushroom Ganoderma lucidum inhibited multidrug-resistant isolates from secondary infection of Covid-19 patients. Isolation and identification of urine samples from secondary infection of post-Covid-19 patients and evaluate the antibiotic sensitivity assay, as identification of bioactive compounds, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity from Ganoderma lucidum. Totally 6 clinical urine samples were collected from the age group 45 to 60;3 were male, and 3 were female. In total, nine bacteria and 10 fungi were isolated and identified. As antibiotic sensitivity assays of ceftriaxone, fluoroquinolones, azithromycin and amphotericin, nystatin and fluconazole were performed by the disc diffusion method against bacteria and fungi, the zone of inhibition was maximal in Klebsiella pneumoniae and Fusarium oxysporum. The aqueous and ethanolic extracts of Ganoderma lucidum were analyzed for the bioactive compounds, viz., steroids, flavonoids, alkaloids and phenolic compounds. The effect of the anti-inflammatory activity of the aqueous extract was excellent. The activity of the DPPH assay was maximum in aqueous and ethanolic extracts of all concentrations (100 to 500 ml). Antibiotic resistance could probably rise due to the frequent prescription of broad-spectrum empiric antimicrobials to COVID-19 patients. Hence, Ganoderma lucidum can be exploited to prevent secondary infection in COVID-19 patients.

Potential Challenges of the Extraction of Carotenoids and Fatty Acids from Pequi (Caryocar brasiliense) Oil.

Pequi is a natural source of bioactive compounds with wide versatility for fresh or processed fruit consumption, but it is still little explored economically. Functional foods are the subject of diverse scientific research since, in addition to being nourishing, they contain bioactive compounds capable of promoting several benefits to the human body. Pequi is a fruit species native to the Brazilian Cerrado, which is rich in oil and has components with a high nutritional value, such as unsaturated fatty acids (omega-3, omega-6, EPA, and DHA), antioxidants (carotenoids and phenolic compounds), and vitamins. Therefore, the present narrative review aims to compile and critically evaluate the methods used to extract oil from the pulp and almonds of pequi and describes the carotenoid separation from the oil because carotenoids are natural pigments of great interest in the pharmaceutical and food industries. It is emphasized that the main challenges linked to bioactive compound extraction are their susceptibility to degradation in the processing and storage stages of pequi and its derived products.

Medicinal bismuth: Bismuth-organic frameworks as pharmaceutically privileged compounds

Historically organometallic compounds have been used to cure certain diseases with limited applications. Although bismuth belongs to the category of heavy metals, many of its derivatives have found applications in modern drug discovery research, mainly because of its low toxicity and higher bioavailability. Being an eco-friendly mild Lewis acid, compounds having bismuth as a central atom are capable of binding several proteins in humans and other species. Bismuth complexes demonstrated antibacterial potential in syphilis, diarrhea, gastritis, and colitis. Apart from antibacterial activities, bismuth compounds exhibited anticancer, antileishmanial, and some extent of antifungal and other medicinal properties. This article discusses major synthetic methods and pharmacological potentials of bismuth complexes exhibiting in vitro activity to significant clinical performance in a systematic and timely manner.Copyright © 2022 Elsevier Ltd

Prospecting native and analogous peptides with anti-SARS-CoV-2 potential derived from the trypsin inhibitor purified from tamarind seeds.

The study aimed to prospect in silico native and analogous peptides with anti-SARS-CoV-2 potential derived from the trypsin inhibitor purified from tamarind seeds (TTIp). From the most stable theoretical model of TTIp (TTIp 56/287), in silico cleavage was performed for the theoretical identification of native peptides and generation of analogous peptides. The anti-SARS-CoV-2 potential was investigated through molecular dynamics (MD) simulation between the peptides and binding sites of transmembrane serine protease 2 (TMPRSS2), responsible for the entry of SARS-CoV-2 into the host cell. Five native and analogous peptides were obtained and validated through chemical and physical parameters. The best interaction potential energy (IPE) occurred between TMPRSS2 and one of the native peptides obtained by cleavage with trypsin and its analogous peptide. Thus, both peptides showed many hydrophobic residues, a common physical-chemical property among the peptides that inhibit the entry of enveloped viruses, such as SARS-CoV-2, present in specific drugs to treat COVID-19.

Natural Ingredients to Improve Immunity.

The immune system protects the body from infectious agents such as bacteria, viruses, or fungi. Once encountered with pathogens or antigens, the innate and adaptive arms of the immune system trigger a strong immune response to eliminate them from the system and protect the body. Thus, well-balanced immunity is pivotal for maintaining human health, as an insufficient level of immune defense leads to infections and tumors. In contrast, the excessive functioning of the immune system causes the development of autoimmune diseases and allergies. Strong immunity requires adequate nutrition, dietary interventions, and sufficient intake of certain vitamins (vitamin C, vitamin D, and folic acid) and minerals (magnesium, zinc, and selenium). Therefore, nutritional and micronutrient deficiencies lead to compromised immunity. Several natural ingredients have shown potent immunomodulatory properties. The immune-enhancing properties of many plants and fungi are due to containing bioactive phytoconstituents such as polyphenols, terpenoids, ß-glucans, vitamins, etc. Probiotics and prebiotics can be used as innovative tools to reduce intestinal inflammation and downregulate hypersensitivity reactions. Plant sources of melatonin, a multifunctional molecule with proven anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties, have been discovered relatively recently. The bioactive compounds augment the immune response by directly increasing the cytotoxic activity of natural killer cells, macrophages, and neutrophils. Many phytoconstituents prevent cell damage due to their powerful antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. The present review attempts to understand the molecular mechanisms underlying the immune-enhancing properties of some bioactive compounds from plants, fungi, animals, microorganisms, and other natural sources.

Exploring the Potential Medicinal Benefits of Ganoderma lucidum: From Metabolic Disorders to Coronavirus Infections.

Ganoderma lucidum is a medicinal mushroom that has been traditionally used in Chinese medicine for centuries. It has been found to have a wide range of medicinal properties, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immune-boosting effects. Recent research has focused on the potential benefits of G. lucidum in treating metabolic disorders such as diabetes and obesity, as well as its possible role in preventing and treating infections caused by the coronavirus. Triterpenoids are a major group of bioactive compounds found in G. lucidum, and they have a range of biological activities, including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. These compounds have been found to improve insulin sensitivity and lower blood sugar levels in animal models of diabetes. Additionally, G. lucidum polysaccharides have been found to reduce bodyweight and improve glucose metabolism in animal models of obesity. These polysaccharides can also help to increase the activity of certain white blood cells, which play a critical role in the body's immune response. For coronavirus, some in vitro studies have shown that G. lucidum polysaccharides and triterpenoids have the potential to inhibit coronavirus infection; however, these results have not been validated through clinical trials. Therefore, it would be premature to draw any definitive conclusions about the effectiveness of G. lucidum in preventing or treating coronavirus infections in humans.

The Role of Aquatic Plants in Natural Products and Drug Discovery

Background: Phytochemicals and their derivatives/analogues represent over 50% of the current medicines worldwide in clinical use. Despite a significant contribution to the total bioactive natural plant products, aquatic plants are underestimated, and several species are extinct and in the endangered list. Objective(s): The aim of this review article is to draw the attention of common people and scientists toward a few important contributions of the aquatic plants to natural product chemistry and drug discovery by highlighting the chemical and pharmaceutical aspects of the same. Method(s): The presented data were collected and selected from the literature obtained by an online search for the ethnomedicinal properties, biological activities and bioactive chemical constituents of aquatic plants using Google Scholar, PubMed and Scifinder chemical abstract service. Result(s): The selected literature data revealed that the extract and compounds isolated from several aquatic plants possess significant biological/pharmaceutical properties. For example, the alpha-asarone (24) and asiatic acid (33) isolated from Acorus calamus and Centella asiatica, respectively, exhibited significant neuroprotective effects in vitro and in vivo. The cripowellin A (59), cripowellin C (60), cripowellin B (61) and cripowellin D (62), isolated from Crinum erubescens, exhibited potent antiplasmodial and antiproliferative activities with half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) in nanomolar range (11-260 nM). Several other alkaloids from different Crinum species have also shown anticancer properties against different cancer cell lines with IC50 value <5 microM. Alkaloids and resin glycosides, isolated from different Ipomoea species, have displayed significant psychotropic, psychotomimetic, anticancer, and antibacterial activities with IC50 value <5 microM. Conclusion(s): The aquatic plants play a significant role in the discovery of bioactive natural products. Although several biological activities and bioactive compounds have been reported from these plants, further assessment and scientific validation of most of their traditional usages still need to be done. There are several other similar species that are underestimated and not much explored. Many aquatic plants, such as Ipomoea carnea Jacq., Juncus lomatophyllus Spreng., Commelina benghalensis Linn, Gunnera perpensa L., Scirpus maritimus L. and Mentha longifolia (L.) L., may be considered for further evaluation. In addition to these, one should not undermine the potential of Crinum macowanii for COVID-19 pathogenesis, as its chemical constituent lycorine has shown significant SARS-CoV-2 inhibitory potential (EC50, 0.3 muM;SI >129). Furthermore, most rural communities are still using the wetland resources for their cultural, medicinal, economic, domestic, and agricultural needs. Hence, the conservation of aquatic plants and wetlands is an issue of great concern.Copyright © 2023 Bentham Science Publishers.

Maackia amurensis Rupr. et Maxim.: Supercritical CO2 Extraction and Mass Spectrometric Characterization of Chemical Constituents.

Three types of extraction were used to obtain biologically active substances from the heartwood of M. amurensis: supercritical CO2 extraction, maceration with EtOH, and maceration with MeOH. The supercritical extraction method proved to be the most effective type of extraction, giving the highest yield of biologically active substances. Several experimental conditions were investigated in the pressure range of 50-400 bar, with 2% of ethanol as co-solvent in the liquid phase at a temperature in the range of 31-70 °C. The most effective extraction conditions are: pressure of 100 bar and a temperature of 55 °C for M. amurensis heartwood. The heartwood of M. amurensis contains various polyphenolic compounds and compounds of other chemical groups with valuable biological activity. Tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-ESI-ion trap) was applied to detect target analytes. High-accuracy mass spectrometric data were recorded on an ion trap equipped with an ESI source in the modes of negative and positive ions. The four-stage ion separation mode was implemented. Sixty-six different biologically active components have been identified in M. amurensis extracts. Twenty-two polyphenols were identified for the first time in the genus Maackia.

Updated Organic Composition and Potential Therapeutic Properties of Different Varieties of Olive Leaves from Olea europaea.

Olea europaea L. folium merits further exploration of the potential of its substrates for therapeutic supplements. Quantitative and qualitative analyses were conducted on samples of Madural, Verdeal, and Cobrançosa elementary leaves and leaf sprouts (mamões) collected in the region of Valpaços, Portugal. Organic analysis assessed the moisture content, total carbohydrates, ash, protein, and fat contents, total phenolic content (TPC), vitamin E, and fatty acid (FA) profiles. Moisture content was determined through infrared hygrometry and TPC was determined by a spectrophotometric method. Concerning organic analysis, all leaf samples showed similar moisture content, though Cobrançosa's leaf sprouts and Verdeal's elementary leaves had slightly lower contents. Meanwhile, these cultivars also showed a higher TPC, α-tocopherol isomer, and fatty acid composition (FAC). FAC in all samples exhibited higher contents of PUFA and SFA than MUFA, with a predominance of linolenic and palmitic acids. Organic analyses of Cobrançosa's leaf sprouts and Verdeal's elementary leaf extracts allow for the prediction of adequate physiological properties regarding neuroinflammatory, neurobehavioral, metabolic, cardiovascular, osteo-degenerative, anti-ageing, pulmonary, and immunological defense disorders. These physiological changes observed in our preliminary in silico studies suggest an excellent nutraceutical, which should be borne in mind during severe pandemic situations.

Plant ingredients in Thai food: a well-rounded diet for natural bioactive associated with medicinal properties.

Background: Seeking cures for chronic inflammation-associated diseases and infectious diseases caused by critical human pathogens is challenging and time-consuming. Even as the research community searches for novel bioactive agents, consuming a healthy diet with functional ability might be an effective way to delay and prevent the progression of severe health conditions. Many plant ingredients in Thai food are considered medicinal, and these vegetables, herbs, and spices collectively possess multiple biological and pharmacological activities, such as anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antidiabetic, antipyretic, anticancer, hepatoprotective, and cardioprotective effects. Methodology: In this review, the selected edible plants are unspecific to Thai food, but our unique blend of recipes and preparation techniques make traditional Thai food healthy and functional. We searched three electronic databases: PUBMED, Science Direct, and Google Scholar, using the specific keywords "Plant name" followed by "Anti-inflammatory" or "Antibacterial" or "Antiviral" and focusing on articles published between 2017 and 2021. Results: Our selection of 69 edible and medicinal plant species (33 families) is the most comprehensive compilation of Thai food sources demonstrating biological activities to date. Focusing on articles published between 2017 and 2021, we identified a total of 245 scientific articles that have reported main compounds, traditional uses, and pharmacological and biological activities from plant parts of the selected species. Conclusions: Evidence indicates that the selected plants contain bioactive compounds responsible for anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antiviral properties, suggesting these plants as potential sources for bioactive agents and suitable for consumption for health benefits.

3D Printing of Functional Strawberry Snacks: Food Design, Texture, Antioxidant Bioactive Compounds, and Microbial Stability.

3D printing technology (3DP) as additive manufacturing is an innovative design technology that can meet the individual nutritional and sensory needs of consumers. Therefore, the aim of this work was to apply 3DP in the production of a strawberry-based functional product with the addition of two hydrocolloids (corn and wheat starch) in three proportions (10, 15 and 20%) and to investigate the influence of 3DP process parameters on physico-chemical and textural properties, as well as the bioactive and antioxidant potential and microbiological stability, with(out) the addition of natural antimicrobial agents. Starch type had a significant effect on all tested bioactive compounds, as well as on starch content, except for total phenolic and hydroxycinnamic acid contents. Considering the content of bioactive compounds and antioxidant capacity, program 2 proved to be more suitable than program 1. All samples exhibited good textural properties, a high degree of stability and minimal geometric deviations. Regarding microbiological safety, no pathogenic bacteria were found in the 3DP samples during storage. The 3DP sample with added citral at a concentration of 75 mg L-1 showed the best microbiological quality. Ultimately, 3DP can be successfully used for the production of new strawberry-based functional products.

Therapeutically important bioactive compounds of the genus Polygonum L. and their possible interventions in clinical medicine.

OBJECTIVES: Increasing literature data have suggested that the genus Polygonum L. possesses pharmacologically important plant secondary metabolites. These bioactive compounds are implicated as effective agents in preclinical and clinical practice due to their pharmacological effects such as anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antidiabetic, antiaging, neuroprotective or immunomodulatory properties among many others. However, elaborate pharmacological and clinical data concerning the bioavailability, tissue distribution pattern, dosage and pharmacokinetic profiles of these compounds are still scanty. KEY FINDINGS: The major bioactive compounds implicated in the therapeutic effects of Polygonum genus include phenolic and flavonoid compounds, anthraquinones and stilbenes, such as quercetin, resveratrol, polydatin and others, and could serve as potential drug leads or as adjuvant agents. Data from in-silico network pharmacology and computational molecular docking studies are also highly helpful in identifying the possible drug target of pathogens or host cell machinery. SUMMARY: We provide an up-to-date overview of the data from pharmacodynamic, pharmacokinetic profiles and preclinical (in-vitro and in-vivo) investigations and the available clinical data on some of the therapeutically important compounds of genus Polygonum L. and their medical interventions, including combating the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Key Drivers for Non-Centrifugal Sugar Cane Research, Technological Development, and Market Linkage: A Technological Roadmap Approach for Colombia.

Food science innovation depends on consumers' needs and is currently seeking functional food with health effects. Non-centrifugal cane sugar (NCS) is known for its potential health effects, but there is a lack of holistic analysis on technological advancement and socio-economic and market trends for decision-making in the development of the technology. The aim of this article was to analyse the research trends, recent patents, and market trends and niches for NCS to structure an NCS technological roadmap. Scientometric, bibliometric methods, and global and local market information on NCS were used. Comprehensive analysis of the worldwide research trends and patents on NCS processing and of the growth of the main niche markets for Colombian NCS exports in the last five years was conducted. Finally, with the information obtained, an NCS technological roadmap was structured, which can be used as a tool for planning innovation processes and supporting the development of new research using market information and new norms forged by the COVID-19 pandemic for Colombian case. Furthermore, the methodological design could be used for other NCS producer countries. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12355-022-01200-9.

Sakuranetin State of the Art: Physical Properties, Biological Effects, and Biotechnological Trends

The search for active metabolites present in plants is of great value and has been an important source of bioactive substances for centuries. Sakuranetin, first identified in the bark of cherry trees (Prunus spp.), is a flavonoid of the flavanone subclass, acting as a phytoalexin essential for the plant defense system. The present work aims to describe the state art of sakuranetin, including physical properties, biological effects, and biotechnological trends. An investigation was carried out in the Elsevier Scopus database to understand the main aspects regarding the contributions of sakuranetin to publications reporting its biological effects. Currently, several biological activities are related to it, the most relevant being the antiviral, antibacterial, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antiparasitic, and antibiotic. The anti-inflammatory activity is the leading and most cited biological activity related to sakuranetin, and another exciting capacity is cancer cell proliferation inhibition shown over several cell cultures. Sakuranetin is already known for microbial defense of plants and antiparasitic against Leishmania species was reported, as was virostatic and virucidal characteristics for human viruses, including SARS-COV-2. Due to limitations of the flavonoid molecular characteristics, sakuranetin needs to be implemented in new technologies, and nanoencapsulation techniques are presented as an alternative for enhancing sakuranetin features. More studies are necessary to harness all of the biological potential of sakuranetin in our society.

Immune System and Epidemics: The Role of African Indigenous Bioactive Substances.

With over 6 million coronavirus pandemic deaths, the African continent reported the lowest death rate despite having a high disease burden. The African community's resilience to the pandemic has been attributed to climate and weather conditions, herd immunity, repeated exposure to infectious organisms that help stimulate the immune system, and a disproportionately large youth population. In addition, functional foods, herbal remedies, and dietary supplements contain micronutrients and bioactive compounds that can help boost the immune system. This review identified significant traditional fermented foods and herbal remedies available within the African continent with the potential to boost the immune system in epidemics and pandemics. Methodology: Databases, such as PubMed, the Web of Science, and Scopus, were searched using relevant search terms to identify traditional African fermented foods and medicinal plants with immune-boosting or antiviral capabilities. Cereal-based fermented foods, meat-, and fish-based fermented foods, and dairy-based fermented foods containing antioxidants, immunomodulatory effects, probiotics, vitamins, and peptides were identified and discussed. In addition, nine herbal remedies and spices belonging to eight plant families have antioxidant, immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, hepatoprotective, cardioprotective, and antiviral properties. Peptides, flavonoids, alkaloids, sterols, ascorbic acid, minerals, vitamins, and saponins are some of the bioactive compounds in the remedies. Bioactive compounds in food and plants significantly support the immune system and help increase resistance against infectious diseases. The variety of food and medicinal plants found on the African continent could play an essential role in providing community resilience against infectious diseases during epidemics and pandemics. The African continent should investigate nutritional, herbal, and environmental factors that support healthy living and longevity.