Beneath the rind: A review on the remarkable health benefits and applications of the wood apple fruit.

Limonia acidissima Groff, commonly referred to as the Wood apple, is a tropical fruit belonging to Rutaceae family. Indigenous to Sri Lanka, India, and Myanmar, it is extensively cultivated throughout Southeast Asia. This fruit holds a profound historical significance in traditional medicine due to its exceptional nutritional and therapeutic attributes. Wood apple pulp is significantly abundant in ß-carotene, a precursor to vitamin A, and contains a substantial amount of vitamin B, including riboflavin and thiamine, as well as trace amounts of ascorbic acid (vitamin C). Moreover health-benefitting properties associated with L. acidissima, such as, antioxidant, hepatoprotective, antimicrobial, neuroprotective, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, anti-spermatogenic, analgesic, antiulcer, and antihyperlipidemic properties, are attributed to a diverse range of phytochemicals. These encompass polyphenolic compounds, saponins, phytosterols, tannins, triterpenoids, coumarins, amino acids, tyramine derivatives, and vitamins. From the findings of the various studies, it was observed that wood apple fruit shows significant anticancer activity by inhibiting the proliferation of cancer. Furthermore, wood apple finds wide-ranging commercial applications in the formulation of ready-to-serve beverages, syrups, jellies, chutneys, and various other food products. In summary, this review highlights the nutritional and phytochemical constituents of wood apple, depicts its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-diabetic capabilities, and explores its potential in value-added product development. Nevertheless, it is crucial to acknowledge that the molecular mechanisms supporting these properties remain an underexplored domain. To ensure the safe integration of wood apple fruit into the realms of the food, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical sectors, rigorous clinical trials, including toxicity assessments, are required. These endeavors hold the potential to promote innovation and contribute significantly to both research and industrial sectors.

A Comparative Analysis of Sparisoma cretense in Island Environments: Unraveling Metal Accumulation Differences in the Canary Islands (Spain, NW African Waters).

This study investigates the impact of varying environmental conditions on the metal composition within the tissues of Sparisoma cretense, contributing to the understanding necessary to offer scientifically sound advice regarding the health status of this species. This knowledge extends beyond fishery production, encompassing implications for food security. The data span the years 2022 and 2023, encompassing both cold and warm climatic seasons. The concentrations of various metals, such as Al, Zn, Cd, Pb, Fe, and Cu, exhibited noteworthy variations across the islands, with significant increases recorded in 2023, particularly during the warm season. The intricate interplay between multiple factors shaped the availability of the analyzed elements in S. cretense. Factors such as rising temperatures during the warm season increased biological activity in marine ecosystems, seasonal fluctuations in weather conditions, water quality, and anthropogenic influences, all contributing to the observed variations in metal concentrations. Additionally, the geological composition of each island and the patterns of marine currents and sediment transport play pivotal roles in these differences. Comprehensive scientific research, monitoring, and environmental surveillance are essential for a holistic understanding of this variability and providing valuable insights for the conservation and management of marine ecosystems in the Canary archipelago.

Phytochemicals, therapeutic benefits and applications of chrysanthemum flower: A review.

Chrysanthemum is a flowering plant belonging to a genus of the dicotyledonous herbaceous annual flowering plant of the Asteraceae (Compositae) family. It is a perpetual flowering plant, mostly cultivated for medicinal purposes; generally, used in popular drinks due to its aroma and flavor. It is primarily cultivated in China, Japan, Europe, and United States. These flowers were extensively used in various healthcare systems and for treating various diseases. Chrysanthemum flowers are rich in phenolic compounds and exhibit strong properties including antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, anti-allergic, anti-obesity, immune regulation, hepatoprotective, and nephroprotective activities. The main aim of the present review was to investigate the nutritional profile, phytochemistry, and biological activities of flowers of different Chrysanthemum species. Also, a critical discussion of the diverse metabolites or bioactive constituents of the Chrysanthemum flowers is highlighted in the present review. Moreover, the flower extracts of Chrysanthemum have been assessed to possess a rich phytochemical profile, including compounds such as cyanidin-3-O-(6″-O-malonyl) glucoside, delphinidin 3-O-(6" -O-malonyl) glucoside-3', rutin, quercetin, isorhamnetin, rutinoside, and others. These profiles exhibit potential health benefits, leading to their utilization in the production of supplementary food products and pharmaceutical drugs within the industry. However, more comprehensive research studies/investigations are still needed to further discover the potential benefits for human and animal utilization.

Chemical Diversity and Medicinal Potential of Vitex negundo L.: From Traditional Knowledge to Modern Clinical Trials.

BACKGROUND: In Vedic context, Nirgundi (V. negundo) has been utilized for its anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and wound-healing properties. It has been employed to alleviate pain, treat skin conditions, and address various ailments. The plant's leaves, roots, and seeds have all found applications in traditional remedies. The knowledge of Nirgundi's medicinal benefits has been passed down through generations, and it continues to be a part of Ayurvedic and traditional medicine practices in India.

Exploring the Chemical and Biological Potential of Jamun (Syzygium cumini (L.) Skeels) Leaves: A Comprehensive Review.

Leaves of jamun collected as agro by-produce during the cultivation of jamun is traditionally used as ayurvedic medicine to treat diabetes, gall bladder stones and other ailments. Most of the beneficial effects of jamun leaves are associated with phytochemicals found in jamun leaves such as gallic acid, tannins, mallic acid, flavonoids, essential oils, jambolin, ellagic acid, jambosine, antimellin and betulinic acid. Jamun possess curative activities like anticancer, antidiabetic, antifertility, anti-inflammatory, antidiarrheal, antimicrobial, antinociceptive, antioxidant, antiradiation, chemotherapeutic, and gastroprotective. The main goal of this review article is to provide information on the nutritional content, phytochemical composition and health promoting properties of jamun leaves. The review of literature based on the phytochemical composition and health promoting benefits of the jamun leaves, suggests that leaves can be used as potential constituent in the formulation of pharmacological drugs. From the review literature it is found that clinical, in-vivo, in-vitro studies are still required to check the health promoting effects of jamun leaves extracts on humans.

Tea (Camellia sinensis (L.) Kuntze) as an emerging source of protein and bioactive peptides: A narrative review.

Tea residues represent one of the major agricultural wastes that are generated after the processing of tea. They account for 21-28% of crude protein and are often discarded without the extraction of valuable proteins. Due to various bioactivity and functional properties, tea proteins are an excellent alternative to other plant-based proteins for usage as food supplements at a higher dosage. Moreover, their good gelation capacity is ideal for the manufacturing of dairy products, jellies, condensation protein, gelatin gel, bread, etc. The current study is the first to comprehend various tea protein extraction methods and their amino acid profile. The preparation of tea protein bioactive peptides and hydrolysates are summarized. Several functional properties (solubility, foaming capacity, emulsification, water/oil absorption capacity) and bioactivities (antioxidant, antihypertensive, antidiabetic) of tea proteins are emphasized.

Family Myrtaceae: The treasure hidden in the complex/diverse composition.

Myrtaceae is one of the most important plants families, being regarded as the eighth largest flowering plant family. It includes many genera of utmost ecological and economical importance distributed all over the world. This review aimed to report the latest studies on this family focusing on certain widely used plants including Eucalyptus sp., Eugenia sp. (Eugenia uniflora, Eugenia sulcata), Syzygium sp. (Syzygium aromaticum and Syzygium cumini), Psidium sp., Pimenta dioica, Myrtus sp. (Myrtus communis), Myrciaria sp. and Melaleuca alternifolia. The extraction of bioactive compounds has been evolving through the optimization of conventional methods and the use of emerging technologies. Supercritical CO2 was applied for essential oils and ultrasound for polyphenols leading to extracts and essential oils rich in bioactive compounds. Advances in the field of encapsulation and delivery systems showed promising results in the production of stable essential oils nanoemulsions and liposomes and the production of plant extracts in the form of nanoparticles. Moreover, a significant increase in the number of patents was noticed especially the application of Myrtaceae extracts in the pharrmacuetucal field. The applications of ceratin plants (Pimenta dioica, Melaleuca alternifolia, Syzygium aromaticum essential oils or Myrciaria cauliflora peel extract) in food area (either as a free or encapsulated form) also showed interesting results in limiting microbial spoilage of fresh meat and fish, slowing oxidative degradation in meat products, and inhibiting aflatoxin production in maize. Despite the massive literature on Myrtaceae plants, advances are still necessary to optimize the extraction with environmentally friendly technologies and carry out risk assessment studies should be accomplished to harness the full potential in food, industrial and pharmaceutical applications.

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.

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.

Tinospora cordifolia (Willd.) Hook.f. & Thomson polysaccharides: A review on extraction, characterization, and bioactivities.

Human awareness of the need for health and wellness practices that enhance disease resilience has increased as a result of recent health risks. Plant-derived polysaccharides with biological activity are good candidates to fight diseases because of their low toxicity. Tinospora cordifolia (Willd.) Hook.f. & Thomson polysaccharides extract from different plant parts have been reported to possess significant biological activity such as anti-oxidant, anti-cancer, immunomodulatory, anti-diabetic, radioprotective and hepatoprotective. Several extraction and purification techniques have been used to isolate and characterize T. cordifolia polysaccharides. Along with hot-water extraction (HWE), other novel techniques like microwave-assisted extraction (MAE), ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE), pulsed electric field (PEF), supercritical-fluid extraction (SFE), and enzyme-assisted extraction (EAE) are used to extract T cordifolia polysaccharides. SFE is a revolutionary technology that gives the best yield and purity of low-molecular-weight polysaccharides. According to the findings, polysaccharides extracted and purified from T. cordifolia have a significant impact on their structure and biological activity. As a result, the methods of extraction, structural characterization, and biological activity of T. cordifolia polysaccharides are covered in this review. Research on T. cordifolia polysaccharides and their potential applications will benefit greatly from the findings presented in this review.

Application of ultrasonication as pre-treatment for freeze drying: An innovative approach for the retention of nutraceutical quality in foods.

Freeze drying (FD) is an important and highly effective technology in food industry for retaining the quality in final dried product. This drying technique is performed at lower temperatures, restricting the damage suffered by thermally sensitive ingredients. However, FD consumes large amount of energy and required more time than conventional drying methods. The utilization of ultrasonic technology (US) as pre-treatment before FD represents a promising alternative in accelerating the drying process, decreases energy consumption and maintaining quality as compared to the non pre-treated sample. This review summarizes research progress and current studies in ultrasonic as pre-treatment for freeze drying (US + FD) technique. The impact of US + FD on phytochemical, color, texture and micro-structure of food are well summarized. The review also suggests that the optimised US treatment parameters are required to improve heat and mass transfer in food samples which help in speed up the drying process and reduction of drying time.

Elderberry Lipophilic and Hydrophilic Bioactive Compounds: Characterization and Extract Encapsulation.

There are few studies on the use of elderberry in the food industry, and its form of application differs between the different studies. Therefore, the objective of this study is to describe a procedure for obtaining a stabilized product with a high content of hydrophilic bioactive compounds (encapsulated elderberry extract). Moreover, the solid residue resulting from the extraction of the polyphenols was characterized, and the lipophilic compounds retained in this residue were analyzed. The results show an important antioxidant activity of the extracts obtained, mainly linked to the high content of anthocyanins, hydroxycinnamic acids, and flavonols. The lipophilic bioactive compounds were characterized by a high content of essential fatty acids and high proportions of tocopherols. The information and results of the present study provide novel information about both lipophilic and hydrophilic compounds for the integral valorization of elderberries to promote a circular economy strategy.

Determining Effective Environmental Factors in the Distribution of Endangered Endemic Medicinal Plant Species Using the BMLR Model: The Example of Wild Celery (Kelussia odoratissima Mozaff., Apiaceae) in Zagros (Iran).

Kelussia odoratissima Mozaff. is a medicinal species native to Iran. The goal of this research was to determine the environmental factors important for the distribution of K. doratissima in Iran using BMLR modeling. Six random transects were established throughout the species' habitat, and 220 quadrats with an area of 4 m2 were plotted. The canopy cover percentages of K. doratissima were estimated in each quadrat. Topographic factors, including elevation, slope, and aspect maps, were generated by creating DEM images. Land use, land evaluation, evaporation, temperature, and precipitation maps of the area were created accordingly. The data collected from the experiments were analyzed using the Minitab and R statistical packages. To determine the effect of the studied factors in the distribution of K. doratissima, we ran a set of backward multiple linear regressions. The results showed that the effects of evaporation, elevation, and slope were significant in the species' distribution, with elevation having a positive effect and evaporation and slope showing negative effects. Further, elevation had the highest effect on distribution (greatest absolute value of beta at 9.660). The next most significant factors in the plant's distribution were evaporation (beta = 8.282) and slope (beta = 0.807), respectively.

Spectrophotometric Methods for Measurement of Antioxidant Activity in Food and Pharmaceuticals.

In recent years, there has been a growing interest in the application of antioxidants in food and pharmaceuticals due to their association with beneficial health effects against numerous oxidative-related human diseases. The antioxidant potential can be measured by various assays with specific mechanisms of action, including hydrogen atom transfer, single electron transfer, and targeted scavenging activities. Understanding the chemistry of mechanisms, advantages, and limitations of the methods is critical for the proper selection of techniques for the valid assessment of antioxidant activity in specific samples or conditions. There are various analytical techniques available for determining the antioxidant activity of biological samples, including food and plant extracts. The different methods are categorized into three main groups, such as spectrometry, chromatography, and electrochemistry techniques. Among these assays, spectrophotometric methods are considered the most common analytical technique for the determination of the antioxidant potential due to their sensitivity, rapidness, low cost, and reproducibility. This review covers the mechanism of actions and color changes that occur in each method. Furthermore, the advantages and limitations of spectrophotometric methods are described and discussed in this review.

The Neuroprotective Potential of Endophytic Fungi and Proposed Molecular Mechanism: A Current Update.

Millions of people are affected by neuronal disorders that are emerging as a principal cause of death after cancer. Alzheimer's disease, ataxia, Parkinson's disease, multiple system atrophy, and autism comprise the most common ones, being accompanied by loss of cognitive power, impaired balance, and movement. In past decades, natural polyphenols obtained from different sources including bacteria, fungi, and plants have been utilized in the traditional system of medicine for the treatment of several ailments. Endophytes are one such natural producer of secondary metabolites, namely, polyphenols, which exhibit strong abilities to assist in the management of such affections, through modifying multiple therapeutic targets and weaken their complex physiology. Limited research has been conducted in detail on bioactive compounds present in the endophytic fungi and their neuroprotective effects. Therefore, this review aims to provide an update on scientific evidences related to the pharmacological and clinical potential along with proposed molecular mechanism of action of endophytes for neuronal protection.

Phytochemistry, Biological and Pharmacological Activities of the Anacyclus pyrethrum (L.) Lag: A Systematic Review.

Anacyclus pyrethrum (L.) (Asteraceae) is an important annual medicinal herb and is widespread in Morocco and Algeria. Most of its parts are used in traditional medicine and the roots are the most important parts used. The present review gives an account of the updated information on its phytochemical and pharmacological properties. We have collected the essential characteristics and the different scientific data of the A. pyrethrum species, and reviewed its potential. It is seen from the literature that A. pyrethrum is a rich source of the phytochemical constituents such as alkaloids (pellitorin) and n-alkylamides. This species also contains pyrethrins, sesamin, traces of essential oils and a wide range of other chemical compounds. These active substances possess antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activities. The plant has an antidiabetic, insecticidal and immunostimulatory effect, as well as an aphrodisiac and antioxidant potentials, and various other important medicinal properties. Many traditional uses are also reported in previous research such as for rheumatism, sciatica, colds, neuralgia and paralysis. This species is considered to be a sialagogue, and used in the treatment of stomach ailments, diseases of inflammation of the mouth, against cysts in the genital tract and to relieve toothaches. Thus, further research must be carried out in order to establish any relationship between the traditional uses, phytochemistry and toxicity. Moreover, A. pyrethrum is quite promising as a medicinal agent, so further clinical trials should be performed to prove its efficacy.

Aegle marmelos (L.) Correa: An Underutilized Fruit with High Nutraceutical Values: A Review.

Aegle marmelos (L.) Correa (Bael) fruit, a member of the Rutaceae family, is a major cultivated fruit plant in tropical and subtropical regions in countries of southeast Asia. Bael fruit has been a major topic for studies in recent years mainly due to its high nutritional (carbohydrates, proteins, minerals, and vitamins) value and presence of various phytochemicals, which attributed to its high medicinal value. These phytochemicals include various compounds, e.g., alkaloids, flavonoids, and phenolic acids (protocatechuic acid, gallic, and ellagic acid). The fruit extract of bael has been also an important study area for its pharmacological activities, including antidiarrheal, antioxidant, antidiabetic, hepatoprotective, radioprotective, anticancer, antiulcer properties. The current review mainly highlighted the nutritional and pharmacological activities of bael fruit. The nutritional profile and phytochemical profile were discussed in the review, along with their concentration in the fruit. Moreover, the experiments carried out in vivo and in vitro of bael fruit extracts with respect to their pharmacological activities were also discussed in the article. The recent literature based on nutritional and pharmacological values of bael fruit showed its high potential as a food and pharmaceutical product. Despite having high nutritional and pharmacological value, research related to molecular mechanisms of bael fruit is still limited, and clinical trials are needed to ensure its safety as a product in the food and pharma industries.

Onion and garlic polysaccharides: A review on extraction, characterization, bioactivity, and modifications.

Allium cepa (onion) and Allium sativum (garlic) are important members of the Amaryllidaceae (Alliaceae) family and are being used both as food and medicine for centuries in different parts of the world. Polysaccharides have been extracted from different parts of onion and garlic such as bulb, straw and cell wall. The current literature portrays several studies on the extraction of polysaccharides from onion and garlic, their modification and determination of their structural (molecular weight, monosaccharide unit and their arrangement, type and position of glycosidic bond or linkage, degree of polymerization, chain conformation) and functional properties (emulsifying property, moisture retention, hygroscopicity, thermal stability, foaming ability, fat-binding capacity). In this line, this review, summarizes the various extraction techniques used for polysaccharides from onion and garlic, involving methods like solvent extraction method. Furthermore, the antioxidant, anticancer, immunomodulatory, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antidiabetic properties of onion and garlic polysaccharides as reported in in vivo and in vitro studies are also critically assessed in this review. Different studies have proved onion and garlic polysaccharides as potential antioxidant and immunomodulatory agent. Studies have implemented to improve the functionality of onion and garlic polysaccharides through various modification approaches. Further studies are warranted for utilizing onion and garlic polysaccharides in the food, nutraceutical, pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries.

Bioactive potential of beetroot (Beta vulgaris).

Beetroot (Beta vulgaris) is the most well-known and commonly cultivated fruit from the Chenopodiaceae family. Beetroot is a rich source of nutrients including vitamins (B complex and C), minerals, fibre, proteins, and a variety of bioactive phenolic substances, which are chiefly composed of betalains, and other components possessing antioxidant activity, such as coumarins, carotenoids, sesquiterpenoids, triterpenes, and flavonoids (astragalin, tiliroside, rhamnocitrin, kaempferol, rhamnetin). Beetroot and its value-added products provide a variety of health advantages and may help prevent and manage various ailments and diseases due to bioactive components. Beetroot's phytochemical diversity makes them potential sources of nutraceutical chemicals that can be used to build functional foods. Pharmacologically, beetroot has the potential to be an antioxidant, antimicrobial, anticancerous, hypocholesterolemic, and anti-inflammatory agent. In a comprehensive analysis, this review first provides an overview of the bioactive compounds present in beetroot and its parts, followed by a specific description of the current evidence on this bioactive potential of beetroot and its parts, highlighting the biochemical mechanisms involved. Additionally, the factors affecting the concentration and activity of the beetroot bioactives and the best possible method to conserve its bioactivity has also been discussed in this review.

A survey on ethnoveterinary medicines used by the tribal migratory shepherds of Northwestern Himalaya.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Tribal migratory shepherds (Gaddi) living in the Northwestern Himalayan region are well known for their nomadic lifestyle in which tribal migratory shepherds along with their livestock which mainly include sheep and goat migrate seasonally in the Northwestern Himalayan region from high hills to low hills for the survival of their livestock from cold winters and hot summer. Due to harsh environmental conditions, heavy snowfall, heavy rainfall, wild animal attacks, no medical facilities, no transportation, and no electricity facilities tribal migratory shepherds mostly rely on plant species mentioned for ethnoveterinary use to treat livestock disease. AIM OF STUDY: The aim of our study is to conduct ethnoveterinary survey for the first time to document the contemporary oral ethnoveterinary knowledge of Gaddi shepherds living in Northwestern Himalayan region. METHODOLOGY: The documentation of plant species mentioned for ethnoveterinary use was executed through extensive field surveys from 2017 to 2019. Data were collected through direct interviews by administrating questionnaire among tribal migratory shepherds. RESULTS: A total of 181 plant species mentioned for ethnoveterinary use belonging to the same or different families were documented during the seasonal migration of shepherds from Northwestern Himalayan region. Most frequently occurring family of plant species mentioned for ethnoveterinary was Poaceae, leaves and roots were reported to be the most frequently used plant parts. Most frequently documented plant species for ethnoveterinary use were Cynodon dactylon, Chenopodium album, Zanthoxylum armatum, Aloe vera, Azadirachta indica and Cannabis sativa. Chrysopogon serrulatus, Cynodon dactylon, and Vitex negundo were reported with high use reports. Some of the endemic species of Northwestern Himalayan region such as Elymus himalayanus and Euphorbia pilosa and one endangered species Picrorhiza kurrooa were reported in current study. CONCLUSION: It is observed that there is a need to raise awareness among the tribal migratory shepherds about the sustainable use and conservation of some of the plant species mentioned for ethnoveterinary use. This study provided an inventory of plant species mentioned for ethnoveterinary use having significant ethnoveterinary potential, however there is need of scientific evaluations by in vitro, in vivo and clinical studies.