Development and characterization of a novel flavored functional fermented whey-based sports beverage fortified with Spirulina platensis.

Spirulina platensis, a microalga known for its exceptional nutritional value, especially its bioactive compounds and protein content, holds promise for incorporation into functional food products. Ricotta cheese whey is a byproduct of the production of ricotta cheese that is difficult to use in industries due to its low pH and less favorable processing qualities. This research aimed to create a unique fermented ricotta cheese whey-based beverage supplemented with various Spirulina powder concentrations (0.25 %, 0.5 %, and 0.75 % w/w) cooperated with a mixture of lemon and peppermint juice 10 % and fermented by probiotic (ABT) culture. The physicochemical, rheological, bioactive compounds, microbiological, and sensory properties were evaluated over a storage period of 21 days at cold storage. Spirulina-fermented whey-based beverages with a mixture of lemon and peppermint juice increased the concentration of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and total phenolic compounds in the final product. The count of probiotic bacteria in all fermented beverage samples exceeded 7 log CFU/mL throughout storage, indicating that the fermented beverage kept its probiotic properties. The addition of 0.5 % Spirulina significantly improved the final product's structural qualities and sensory acceptance.

In Vitro Antioxidant and In Vivo Hepatoprotective Properties of Wissadula periplocifolia Extract.

Wissadula periplocifolia (L.) Thwaites is a traditional medicinal plant belonging to the family Malvaceae, used in folk medicine for inflamed snake bites and bee stings. The current study was designed to investigate the in vitro antioxidant and in vivo anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective activities of 80% ethanol extract of W. periplocifolia and its different fractions. The crude ethanolic extract (CEE) was then serially fractionated with petroleum ether fraction (PEF), chloroform fraction (CHF), and aqueous fraction (AQF). The antioxidant activity was assessed using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical assay, anti-inflammatory activity was determined in the xylene-induced ear edema model, and hepatoprotective activity was measured in the paracetamol-induced hepatic injury model. PEF showed a significant scavenging effect with an IC50 value of 33.5 µg/mL, followed by CEE (IC50 = 42.2 µg/mL), CHF (IC50 = 77 µg/mL), and AQF (IC50 = 80 µg/mL), compared to standard butylated hydroxytoluene (IC50 = 14.8 µg/mL). Both doses of CEE (250 and 500 mg/kg) could reduce ear edema by 41.3 and 50%, respectively, compared to standard diclofenac sodium (76.09%). Moreover, CEE significantly reduces the elevated liver enzymes (ALT, AST, and ALP), compared to control. Nevertheless, it elevated blood protein and reduced the blood bilirubin level (p < 0.01), compared to control. Histopathological studies also indicated significant protection of the liver from paracetamol-induced liver damage. In conclusion, W. periplocifolia could be a good source of antioxidant and hepatoprotective phytochemicals; meanwhile, toxicological and pharmacokinetic studies are recommended.

Esculentoside A Inhibits Proliferation, Colony Formation, Migration, and Invasion of Human Colorectal Cancer Cells.

Esculentosides include a group of plant-derived compounds with tremendous pharmacological potential. The antiproliferative effects of esculentoside A against different colorectal cancer cells were evaluated. We found that the proliferation of all the colorectal cancer cells was halted by esculentoside A. The IC50 of esculentoside A ranged from 16 to 24 µM against different colorectal cancer cells. Investigation of the underlying molecular mechanism revealed that esculentoside A caused an increase in the colorectal cancer cells at the G1 phase of the cell cycle, indicative of G0/G1 cell cycle arrest. The percentage of G1 cells increased from 22.68% in control to 54.23% at 16 µM esculentoside A. We also found that the colony formation of HT-29 cells was inhibited by 59% at 24 µM esculentoside A. Finally, effects of esculentoside A on the motility of HT-29 colorectal cancer cells were investigated, and it was found that esculentoside A caused a significant decline in HT-29 colorectal cancer cell migration and invasion. The migration and invasion of esculentoside A-treated HT-29 cells were 45% and 51% higher, respectively, than those of untreated cells. Summing up, these results suggest that esculentoside A exhibits antiproliferative effects against human colorectal cancer cells.

Silver Nanoparticle Production by Ruta graveolens and Testing Its Safety, Bioactivity, Immune Modulation, Anticancer, and Insecticidal Potentials.

Ruta graveolens, a plant belonging to the family Rutaceae, is traditionally used as a medicinal plant and a flavoring agent in food. This work aimed to prepare silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using the ethanol extract from R. graveolens leaves and test different biological activities as well as insecticidal potentials in the extract and extract prepared AgNPs. Dried and powdered R. graveolens leaves were subjected to extraction using ethanol, and this extract was used to synthesize AgNPs. AgNP synthesis was monitored by the change in color, UV spectrophotometry, and electron microscopy (scanning). Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy was used to monitor the functional groups in the extracts. Immunological, physiological, anticancer, antibacterial, and insecticidal potentials of the extract and its prepared AgNPs were tested. Results showed the ability of the leaf extract to synthesize. SEM examination revealed a spherical shape of AgNPs with a size of 40-45 nm. The extract contained many functional groups as indicated by FT-IR. The extract alone inhibited the growth of normal rat splenic cells, while the extract containing AgNPs stimulated its growth. Extract alone stimulated HeLa cell proliferation and inhibited HepG2 growth, while both cell line growth was inhibited by the extract containing AgNPs. Both the extract and extract with AgNPs were safe on RBCs and did not cause any severe elevation in liver enzymes. The extract alone and with AgNPs showed insecticidal activity against Culex pipiens. Our findings suggest that the R. graveolens leaf extract, alone or with AgNPs, is biologically safe on animal cells and has antibacterial, insecticidal, and immunomodulation potentials.