In vivo assessment of the anti-benign prostatic hyperplasia effect of hot ethanolic extract of flax seeds in male rats.

Background: The most widespread condition that affected on primarily the male population is Benign hyperplasia of the prostate benign prostatic hyper-plasia (BPH). Flax seeds have been reported to have antiproliferation properties and exhibit antitumor. Aim: We assessed the impact of flax seeds ethanolic excerpt on BPH within a testosterone propionate (TP)-induced model of rats. Methods: A pre-3-week daily injection of TP (3 mg/kg BW) was used to induce BPH. Twenty male rats (200-240 gm) were randomly divided into 4 equal groups (n = 5) negative Group under control was given PBS orally, corn oil S/C, BPH-induced rats received 3 mg/kg BW TP for 3 weeks, extract group received 50 mg/Kg extract twice daily for 2 weeks Finasteride group received standard drug 10 mg/Kg BW for 2 weeks. When the course of treatment is over, rats were sacrificed and the blood was collected and separated, the prostate of the rats was harvested for histological examination. Results: The results showed that flax seeds ethanolic extract could significantly (p < 0.05) reduce the prostate gland weight, prostate index, serum level of PAS, testosterone, and 5-a reductase enzyme in BPH-induced rats and improve the tissue morphology of the prostate. Conclusion: Based on our results, the extract suggested that have a promising role in the treatment of benign hyperplasia of the prostate.

The Impact of a Non-Pathogenic Strain of Fusarium Oxysporum on Structural and Biochemical Properties of Flax Suspension Cultures.

Flax (Linum usitatissimum L.) is an important crop plant with pharmaceutical significance. It is described in pharmacopoeias (the United States Pharmacopeia and the European Pharmacopoeia), which confirms that it (especially the seeds) is a valuable medicinal product. Similar to flax seeds, which accumulate bioactive compounds, flax in vitro cultures are also a rich source of flavonoids, phenolics, lignans and neolignans. In the present study, flax suspension cultures after treatment of the non-pathogenic Fusarium oxysporum strain Fo47 were established and analyzed. The study examined the suitability of Fo47 as an elicitor in flax suspension cultures and provided interesting data on the impact of these endophytic fungi on plant metabolism and physiology. Two flax cultivars (Bukoz and Nike) and two compositions of media for flax callus liquid cultures were tested. Biochemical analysis revealed enhanced levels of secondary metabolites (total flavonoid and total phenolic content) and photosynthetically active pigments in the flax callus cultures after treatment with the non-pathogenic fungal strain F. oxysporum Fo47 when compared to control, untreated cultures. In cultures with the selected, optimized conditions, FTIR analysis was performed and revealed changes in the structural properties of cell wall polymers after elicitation of cultures with F. oxysporum Fo47. The plant cell wall polymers were more strongly bound, and the crystallinity index (Icr) of cellulose was higher than in control, untreated samples. However, lignin and pectin levels were lower in the flax callus liquid cultures treated with the non-pathogenic strain of Fusarium when compared to the untreated control. The potential application of the non-pathogenic strain of F. oxysporum for enhancing the synthesis of desired secondary metabolites in plant tissue cultures is discussed.

Effect of heat-treated flaxseed lignan macromolecules on the interfacial properties and physicochemical stability of α-linolenic acid-enriched O/W emulsions.

Flaxseed lignan macromolecules (FLMs) are important polyphenols present in flaxseeds with interfacial adsorption behavior. However, FLMs are easily degraded during thermal treatment in emulsions, which further influences their interfacial properties and application. In this work, the interfacial properties of FLMs between oil and water were evaluated using compression isotherms and interfacial tension to investigate the regulation mechanism of FLMs and their heat-treated products on the stability of O/W emulsions. Furthermore, the improvement mechanism of FLM heat-treated products on the physicochemical stability of flaxseed oil emulsions was clarified. Studies showed that thermal degradation occurred on terminal phenolic acids in FLMs when treated under 100 and 150 °C (FLM-100 and FLM-150) without any decrease in antioxidant activity. FLM-100 and FLM-150 improved the physicochemical stability of sunflower lecithin (S90)-stabilized flaxseed oil emulsions and reduced the concentration of hydroperoxides and TBARS by 26.7% and 80% (p < 0.05), respectively, during storage. This was due to the high interfacial anchoring of FLM-100 and FLM-150, which further strengthened the interface of oil droplets and improved the interfacial antioxidant effect of FLMs. This implies that FLM-100 and FLM-150 could act as new efficient antioxidants for application in food emulsions.

Comparison of kink-band structures and specificities of cell wall polysaccharides in modern and ancient flax fibres.

Flax (Linum usitatissimum L.) is a plant of industrial importance, its fibres being presently used for high-value textile applications, composite reinforcements as well as natural actuators. Human interest in this fibre-rich plant dates back several millennia, including to Ancient Egypt where flax was used extensively in various quotidian items. While the recent technical developments of flax fibres continue to diversify through scientific research, the historical use of flax also has rich lessons for today. Through careful examination of ancient Egyptian and modern flax fibres, this study aims to conduct a multi-scale characterization from the yarn to the fibre cell wall scale, linking differences in structure and polysaccharide content to the mechanical performance and durability of flax. Here, a multi-scale biochemical study is enriched by scanning electron microscopy and nanomechanical investigations. A key finding is the similarity of cellulose features, crystallinity index and local mechanical performances between ancient and modern fibres. Biochemically speaking, monosaccharides analysis, deep-UV and NMR investigations demonstrate that ancient fibres exhibit less pectins but a similar hemicellulosic content, especially through uronic acids and galactose, suggesting the sensitivity of these non-crystalline components.

Flaxseed promotes productive performance through regulating gut microbiome in ducks.

BACKGROUND: Flaxseed has been widely used in animal diets to increase the omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid content in animal products and promote overall animal health, but little known about its effects on the productive performance and the mictobita of gut of laying duck. METHODS AND RESULTS: Jinding duck, a Chinese indigenous breed, was used in the study. The corn-soybean basal diet supplemented with 0, 2%, 3% 4% and 5% flaxseed were provided to Control, 2% Fla, 3% Fla, 4% Fla and 5% Fla groups for 53 days, respectively. Compared with Control group, groups fed with flaxseed diets showed higher egg production, egg mass, ovary weight and more preovulatory follicles. The Docosahexaenoic Acid content of egg was extremely significantly elevated by flaxseed diets (P < 0.01), and the albumen height and haugh unit were elevated, especially in 4% Fla and/or 5% Fla group (P < 0.05). Groups 4% Fla and 5% Fla had highest ileal villus height, jejunal and ileal crypt depth. Moreover, Flaxseed diets significantly increased the levels of IgG and IgM in all Fla groups (P < 0.01), while increased IgA levels except for in 3% Fla group (P < 0.05). The results of 16s rDNA sequencing showed that flaxseed diet altered the microbial composition of gut and reduced the diversity and evenness of gut microbial communities except for 5% Fla. The correlation analysis identified Blautia, Butyricicoccus and Subdoligranulum positively associated with egg production. Genera Fourinierella, Fusobacterium and Intestinimonas positively associated with ovary weight, haught unit and album height. And Mucispirillum positively associated with haugh unit and album height. CONCLUSION: This study has suggested that flaxseed play a positive role in productive performance, the overall or intestinal health of laying ducks.

Coenzyme Q10-loaded microcapsules stabilized by glyceryl monostearate and soy protein isolates-flaxseed gum: Characterization, in vitro release and digestive behavior.

This study aimed to stabilize microcapsules with core materials of glyceryl monostearate (GMS) and octyl and decyl glycerate, and wall materials of soy protein isolates (SPI) and flaxseed gum (FG) by complex coacervation method to overcome the drawbacks of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10). It was demonstrated by the study that the obtained microcapsules were irregular aggregates. Differential scanning calorimetry and x-ray diffraction patterns indicated that CoQ10 was entrapped inside the disordered semisolid cores of microcapsules. The CoQ10 loading and encapsulation efficiency analysis revealed that GMS and FG helped CoQ10 better encapsulated inside the microcapsules. The in vitro release curve showed a "burst" release of CoQ10 absorbed on the surface of microcapsules for the first 180 min, followed by a sustained release of the encapsulated CoQ10. GMS and FG contributed to the sustained release and the release mechanism of the microcapsules was Fickian diffusion. The in vitro simulated digestion demonstrated that the constructed microcapsules improved the bio-accessibility of CoQ10. Finally, due to the protection of GMS and FG, microcapsules had good storage stability. In conclusion, this study emphasized the potential of using new microcapsules to deliver and protect lipophilic ingredients, providing valuable information for developing functional foods with higher bioavailability.

Flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum) mucilage: A versatile stimuli-responsive functional biomaterial for pharmaceuticals and healthcare.

The present review is novel as it discusses the main findings of researchers on the topic and their implications, as well as highlights the emerging research in this particular area and its future prospective. The seeds of Flax (Linum usitatissimum) extrude mucilage (FSM) that has a diverse and wide range of applications, especially in the food industry and as a pharmaceutical ingredient. FSM has been blended with several food and dairy products to improve gelling ability, optical properties, taste, and user compliance. The FSM is recognized as a foaming, encapsulating, emulsifying, suspending, film-forming, and gelling agent for several pharmaceutical preparations and healthcare materials. Owing to stimuli (pH) -responsive swelling-deswelling characteristics, high swelling indices at different physiological pHs of the human body, and biocompatibility, FSM is considered a smart material for intelligent, targeted, and controlled drug delivery applications through conventional and advanced drug delivery systems. FSM has been modified through carboxymethylation, acetylation, copolymerization, and electrostatic complexation to get the desired properties for pharma, food, and healthcare products. The present review is therefore devoted to the isolation techniques, structural characterization, highly valuable properties for food and pharmaceutical industries, preclinical and clinical trials, pharmacological aspects, biomedical attributes, and patents of FSM.

Estimating the Potential Health Care Cost-Savings from a Flax-Based Treatment for Hypertension.

Hypertension contributes to the increase in health care spending in Canada through two primary mechanisms. First, it directly increases costs, as individuals with hypertension require medical care to manage the condition. Second, it indirectly raises expenses by serving as a risk factor for numerous chronic diseases, leading to increased health care utilization among those affected. Therefore, reducing hypertension prevalence could alleviate its resulting strain on the Canadian health care system. Clinical trials have demonstrated that daily flaxseed consumption effectively lowers both systolic and diastolic blood pressure. This study employs a four-step cost-of-illness analysis to estimate the potential health care cost-savings from a flaxseed-based treatment for hypertension. The analysis begins by assessing the proportion of individuals with hypertension likely to adopt the flaxseed regimen. It then evaluates the impact of flaxseed consumption on systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Next, data from the Canadian Health Measures Survey, Cycles 5 and 6, are used to estimate the prevalence of hypertension and the expected reduction in prevalence due to the flaxseed treatment. Finally, the potential reduction in health care spending is calculated. To incorporate uncertainty, partial sensitivity analysis and Monte Carlo simulations were utilized, varying the intake success rate and other model parameters, respectively. The most conservative estimate suggests a potential health care cost-savings of CAD 96,284,344 in Canada for the year 2020.

Combining Targeted Metabolomics with Untargeted Volatilomics for Unraveling the Impact of Sprouting on the Volatiles and Aroma of False Flax (Camelina sativa) Cold-Pressed Oil.

Sprouting of stored oilseeds due to improper storage can lead to quality defects of cold-pressed oils obtained from them. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of seed sprouting on volatile organic compounds (VOCs), aroma-active compounds, and the content of nonvolatile metabolites in cold-pressed false flax oil obtained from sprouted seeds. In this study, 88 unique VOCs were detected in sprouted oils, whereas only 42 were found in the control oils. The control oils were characterized by a higher abundance of alcohols, while all other groups of compounds were associated with sprouted seeds. The formation of many VOCs was reflected in changes in the nonvolatile precursors. Fifteen aroma-active compounds were identified in sprouted oil, with five compounds playing a significant role (FD ≥ 128) in aroma formation. The presented approach allowed identification of differences caused by seed sprouting, resulting in oils with a much stronger aroma and a richer profile of VOCs due to intensive metabolic changes. The origin of many VOCs can be explained by alterations in the content of nonvolatile metabolites.

Comprehensive characterization of protease inhibiting gene family, cis-regulatory elements, and protein interaction network in linseed and their expression upon bud fly infestation.

Linseed, also known as flax is an important oilseed crop with many potential uses in paint, textile, food and pharmaceutical industries. Susceptibility to bud fly (Dasyneura lini Barnes) infestation is a serious biotic concern leading to severe yield penalty in linseed. Protease inhibitors (PIs) are potential candidates that activate during the insect-pest attack and modulate the resistance. In the present study, we explored the PI candidates in the linseed genome and a total of 100 LuPI genes were identified and grouped into five distinct subgroups. The analysis of cis-acting elements revealed that almost all LuPI promoters contain several regulatory elementary related to growth and development, hormonal regulation and stress responses. Across the subfamilies of PIs, the specific domains are consistently found conserved in all protein sequences. The tissue-specific in-silico expression pattern via RNA-seq revealed that all the genes were regulated during different stress. The expression through qRT-PCR of 15 genes revealed the significant up-regulation of LuPI-24, LuPI-40, LuPI-49, LuPI-53, and LuPI-63 upon bud fly infestation in resistant genotype EC0099001 and resistant check variety Neela. This study establishes a foundation resource for comprehending the structural, functional, and evolutionary dimensions of protease inhibitors in linseed.

Leveraging genetic resource diversity and identification of trait-enriched superior genotypes for accelerated improvement in linseed (Linum usitatissimum L.).

Linseed or flaxseed, native to the Indian subcontinent, had undergone domestication, edaphic selection and evolutionary processes that may have resulted in huge genetic variability in Indian genotypes. To understand the hitherto unexplored genetic diversity for sustainable flaxseed production amid challenges of climate fluctuation and identify trait-specific high-yielding genotypes, 2576 unique linseed accessions were comprehensively evaluated for 36 traits for up to six environments representing two major agroecological zones in India. A wide range of variability was recorded for days to initiation of flowering (42.86-114.99), plant height (43.31-122.88 cm), capsules/plant (64.62-375.87), seed size (6.06-14.44 cm2), thousand seed weight (2.80-11.86 g), seed yield (2.93-17.28 g/plant), oil content (30.14-45.96%) and fatty acid profile especially the key constituent omega-3 fatty acid (25.4-65.88%). Most of the traits such as plant height, flowering time, seed yield, seed and capsule size showed a high or moderately high level of variance coupled with high broad sense heritability indicating precise capturing of less heritable quantitative traits. The infraspecific classification of the tested collection revealed the seed/oil type (2498 accessions) as the dominant morphotype over dual-purpose/fiber flax (78 accessions) in the conserved collection. Correlation analysis indicated a significant positive association between flowering time, plant height, days to maturity and oil content. Trait-specific superior genotypes for earliness (50% flowering in < 60 days, maturity in < 122 days), bold seeds with high thousand seed weight (> 11 g), capsules/plant (> 350), oil content (> 45%) and fatty acid composition (> 65% alpha-linolenic acid) were identified to aid genetic improvement of linseed and to broaden the narrow genetic base.

Effects of flaxseed supplementation on inflammatory biomarkers: A GRADE-assessed systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Several studies reported the benefits of flaxseed on inflammatory biomarkers, while others reported conflicting findings. Thus, the aim of this meta-analysis was to assess the impacts of flaxseed on inflammatory biomarkers in adults. Databases including Embase, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Sciences were searched till February 2024. The 54 RCTs were included in the final analysis, which involved 3000 individuals from 12 countries. Overall, the flaxseed supplementation had a significant reduction in C-reactive protein (CRP) (SMD = -0.46; 95 % CI: -0.70, -0.23, P < 0.001; I2 = 82.9 %, P < 0.001), and interleukin 6 (IL-6) (SMD = -0.64, 95 % CI: -1.13, -0.16, P = 0.010; I2 = 92.7, P < 0.001). Furthermore, flaxseed did not significantly change the concentration of tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) (SMD = -0.17; 95 % CI: -0.63, 0.29, P = 0.467; I2 = 92, P < 0.001). Flaxseed supplementation significantly decreased serum concentrations of CRP and IL-6, but not TNF-a. Thus, this meta-analysis suggests that the current evidence supports the potential benefits of flaxseed in managing inflammatory conditions.

Does flaxseed supplementation affect apo-lipoproteins? A GRADE-assessed systematic review and meta-analysis.

Several studies indicated the ameliorating effects of flaxseed supplementation on apolipoproteins, although others have conflicting results. Therefore, the present research was conducted in order to accurately and definitively understand the effect of flaxseed on apolipoproteins in adults. All articles published up to Juan 2024 were systematically searched through PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Web of Science to collect all randomized clinical trials (RCTs). A random effects model was used to measure the combined effect sizes. Also, standardized mean difference (SMD) and 95 % confidence interval (CI) were used to report the combined effect size. Our results showed that flaxseed supplementation significantly reduced apo-BI (SMD: -0.57; 95 % CI: -0.95, -0.19, p = 0.003; I2 = 83.2 %, heterogeneity p < 0.001) and lipo(a) decreased (SMD: -0.34; 95 % CI: -0.59, -0.09, p=0.007; I2=30.3 %, heterogeneity p=0.197). However, flaxseed did not change apo-AI levels (SMD: -0.37; 95 % CI: -0.87, 0.13, p = 0.146; I2 = 89.2 %, p-heterogeneity < 0.001). This meta-analysis has shown that flaxseed supplementation may have beneficial effects on apolipoproteins. Future high-quality, long-term clinical trials are needed to confirm our results.

Linum usitatissimum Delivery over Chitosan Nanobiopolymer: Enhanced Effects on Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Condition.

Herein, chitosan nanoparticle (CHIT) was used as a safe and biocompatible matrix to carry flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum L.) extract (FSE). The number of main features and bio-interface properties of CHIT-FSE were determined by SEM, DLS, FTIR, XRD, TGA, and zeta potential analyses and compared to those of chitosan lacking FSE. A GC-MS analysis was also conducted to reveal the bioactive compounds of FSE. The active anchoring of the FSE phytomolecules over chitosan nanoparticles with enhanced thermal and structural stability was correspondingly verified. Subsequently, the influence of CHIT-FSE, CHIT-TPP, and FSE supplementation was assessed on hormonal and biochemical markers of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in female rats and compared with untreated and healthy control groups. After 16 days of treatment, CHIT-FSE represented the best performance for controlling the serum levels of the studied biochemical (lipid profile and blood glucose level) and hormonal (insulin, testosterone, luteinizing, and follicle-stimulating hormone) parameters. Considering the negligible therapeutic activity of CHIT-TPP, the enhanced activity of CHIT-FSE compared to only FSE was expounded based on the potent action of chitosan nanoparticles in enhanced stabilization, bioavailability, transport, and permeability of the therapeutically important phytomolecules. As per the results of this investigation, supporting medically important biomolecules over chitosan can enhance their therapeutic effectiveness in controlling PCOS.

Marine biofilm formation on flax fibre reinforced biocomposites.

Artificial reefs represent useful tools to revitalize coastal and ocean ecosystems. Their formulation determines the biofilm formation which is the prerequisite for the colonization process by marine micro- and macroorganisms. In comparison with concrete, biobased polymers offer improved characteristics, including architecture, formulation, rugosity and recycling. This article aims to explore a new scale of artificial reef made of biocomposites reinforced with a high flax fibre (Linum utilatissimum) content (30%). Cellular adhesion and resulting biofilm formation were assessed using two marine microorganisms: Pseudoalteromonas sp. 3J6 and Cylindrotheca closterium. The influence of flax fibre leachates and plastic monomers on the growth of those marine microorganisms were also evaluated. Results indicated that the introduction of flax fibres inside the polymer matrix modified its physicochemical properties thus modulating adhesion and biofilm formation depending on the microorganism. This study gives insights for further developments of novel functionalized artificial reefs made of biocomposites.

"One for two" strategy to construct an organic-inorganic polymer colloid for flame-retardant modification of flax fabric and rigid polyurethane foam.

Polymeric materials such as fabric and foam have high flammability which limits their application in the field of fire protection. To this end, an organic-inorganic polymer colloid constructed from carboxymethyl chitosan and ammonium polyphosphate was used to improve the flame retardancy of flax fabric (FF) and rigid polyurethane foam (RPUF) based on a "one for two" strategy. The modification processes of FF and RPUF relied on pad-dry-cure method and UV-curing technology, respectively, and the modified FF and RPUF were severally designated as CMC/APP-FF and RFR-RPUF. Flame retardancy studies showed that CMC/APP-FF and RFR-RPUF exhibited limiting oxygen index values as high as 39.4 % and 42.6 %, respectively, and both achieved self-extinguishing behavior when external ignition source was removed. Thermogravimetric analysis and cone calorimetry test confirmed that CMC/APP-FF and RFR-RPUF had good charring ability and demonstrated reduced peak heat release rate values of 90.1 % and 10.8 %, respectively, distinct from before they were modified. In addition, condensed phase analysis showed that after burning, CMC/APP-FF became an integration char structure, whereas RFR-RPUF turned into a sandwiched char structure. In summary, the "one for two" strategy reported in this work provides a new insight into the economical fabrication of flame-retardant polymeric materials.

The effects of flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum) supplementation on anthropometric indices: An updated systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.

OBJECTIVE: Flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum) supplementation has shown promise as an anti-obesity agent in various clinical trials, although results have been inconsistent. To provide a more accurate assessment of the impact of flaxseed supplementation on anthropometric indices, a systematic review and meta-analysis was performed. METHODS: We searched several international databases until August 2023, including Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and Cochrane Library. Weighted mean differences (WMDs) were analyzed using a random-effects model. RESULTS: Sixty-four trials comprising 72 treatment arms were included. All studies reported the intervention types (Lignans, Whole flaxseed, and Flaxseed oil) and dosage. However, three studies did testing for purity, and 40 studies reported potency. Also, the risk of contamination with heavy metals was not mentioned in studies. Another limitation was the lack of blind evaluation in the studies. According to three trials included in the systematic review, flaxseed did not affect anthropometric indices. Our meta-analysis revealed significant reductions in body weight (WMD = -0.63 kg; 95 % CI: -1.00, -0.27, P < 0.001; I2 = 76.7 %, P < 0.001), body mass index (BMI) (WMD: -0.24 kg/m2, 95 % CI: -0.36, -0.11, P < 0.001; I2 = 78.5 %, P < 0.001) and waist circumference (WC) (WMD: -1.43 cm, 95 % CI: -2.06, -0.80, P < 0.001; I2 = 81.1 %, P < 0.001) following flaxseed supplementation. Subgroup analyses indicated that interventions lasting 10-20 weeks, and studies involving subjects with higher BMI (>30 kg/m2) showed more significant anti-obesity effects. Based on the GRADE evaluation, body weight, BMI, and WC results were considered as moderate-certainty evidence. CONCLUSION: Our systematic review and meta-analysis suggests that supplementation with flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum) leads to meaningful improvements in body weight, BMI, and WC. Therefore, flaxseed can be considered as an adjunctive therapeutic approach in improving obesity.

Unravelling the importance of seed roasting for oil quality by the non-targeted volatilomics and targeted metabolomics of cold-pressed false flax (Camelina sativa L.) oil and press cakes.

False flax (Camelina sativa L.), known as camelina, is an ancient oil plant that has gathered renewed interest. In this study, a comprehensive analysis encompassing nontargeted volatilomics and targeted, quantitative metabolomics performed for cold-pressed oil and press cake and was integrated with sensory analysis of cold-pressed camelina oil and the effect of seed roasting was evaluated. Roasting in general resulted in the formation of 22 new volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in oil, while roasting at 140 and 180 °C resulted in the formation of 12 and 124 unique VOCs, respectively. Roasting notably influenced the profile of primary and secondary metabolites in both oil and press cakes, as well as volatilome and aroma of cold-pressed camelina oil. Many VOCs can be attributed to thermal degradation of primary and secondary metabolites. Roasting intensified the flavour of cold-pressed camelina oil, enhancing the perception of notes formed through the Maillard reaction.

Insights into digestibility, biological activity, and peptide profiling of flaxseed protein isolates treated by ultrasound coupled with alkali cycling.

This study aims to investigate the effects of ultrasound coupled with alkali cycling on the structural properties, digestion characteristics, biological activity, and peptide profiling of flaxseed protein isolates (FPI). The digestibility of FPI obtained by ultrasound coupled with pH 10/12 cycling (UFPI-10/12) (74.56 % and 79.12 %) was significantly higher than that of native FPI (64.40 %), and UFPI-10 showed higher hydrolysis degree (35.76 %) than FPI (30.65 %) after intestinal digestion. The combined treatment induced transition from α-helix to ß-sheet with an orderly structure. Large FPI aggregates broke down into small-sized FPI particles, which induced the increase of specific surface area of particles. This might expose more cutting sites and contact area with enzymes. Furthermore, UFPI-10 showed high antioxidant activity (29.18 %) and lipid-lowering activity (70.52 %). Peptide profiling revealed that UFPI-10 exhibited a higher proportion of 300-600 Da peptides and significantly higher abundance of antioxidant peptides than native FPI, which might promote its antioxidant activity. Those results suggest that the combined treatment is a promising modification method to improve the digestion characteristics and biological activity of FPI. This work provides new ideas for widespread use of FPI as an active stabilizer in food systems.

Application of seed mucilage as functional biopolymer in meat product processing and preservation.

Meat products consumption is rising globally, but concerns about sustainability, fat content, and shelf life. Synthetic additives and preservatives used for extending the shelf life of meat often carry health and environmental drawbacks. Seed mucilage, natural polysaccharides, possesses unique functional properties like water holding, emulsifying, and film forming, offering potential alternatives in meat processing and preservation. This study explores the application of seed mucilage from diverse sources (e.g., flaxseed, psyllium, basil) in various meat and meat products processing and preservation. Mucilage's water-holding and emulsifying properties can potentially bind fat and decrease the overall lipid content in meat and meat-based products. Moreover, antimicrobial and film-forming properties of mucilage can potentially inhibit microbial growth and reduce oxidation, extending the shelf life. This review emphasizes the advantages of incorporating mucilage into processing and coating strategies for meat and seafood products.