Optimization of Ethanolic Extraction of Phenolic Antioxidants from Lychee and Longan Seeds Using Response Surface Methodology.

Lychee seeds (LS) and longan seeds (LoS) are excellent sources of phenolic compounds (PCs) with strong antioxidant activity (AOA). The aim of this study was to optimize the extraction conditions regarding extraction yield (EY), extractable phenolic compound (EPC), and AOA from LS and LoS using surface response methodology (RSM). Solvent concentration, extraction temperature, time, and solid to liquid ratio were optimized using RSM. Increasing the solid to solvent ratio from 1:05 to 1:40 (w/v), increased EY for LoS, however, EY did not change from 1:20 to 1:40 for LS. Solid-liquid ratio 1:20 was chosen for this study. Increasing the quantity of solvent leads to higher EPC and FRAP. The results showed that LoS exhibited higher AOA than LS measured as DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP, respectively. Ethanol concentrations and temperatures significantly (p < 0.05) affect EY, EPC, and AOA. The results (R2 > 0.85) demonstrated a good fit to the suggested models and a strong correlation between the extraction conditions and the phenolic antioxidant responses. The ethanol concentrations of 41 and 53%, temperatures of 51 and 58 °C, and the corresponding times of 139 and 220 min were the optimal conditions that maximized the EY, EPC, and AOA from LS and LoS.

Antioxidant and Anti-Cytotoxicity Effect of Phenolic Extracts from Psidium guajava Linn. Leaves by Novel Assisted Extraction Techniques.

Phytochemicals (PCs) are gaining popularity due to their antioxidant effects and potential protection against infection, cardiovascular disease, and cellular metabolic activity. These PCs must be retained as much as possible during extraction. This research focused on the extraction of PC from Psidium guajava Linn. leaves due to higher antioxidant potential. Solvent extraction (SE), microwave-assisted extraction (MAE), and ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) using distilled water (DW) or 60% (v/v) ethanol/water (ET) were used for the extraction of PC. ET shows higher total phenolic (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC) as well as higher antioxidant activity than DW. Phytochemical screening demonstrated that all of the screening showed positive results in all extraction methods, except glycoside. There were no significant differences (p > 0.05) in TPC and TFC during MAE/ET, SE/ET, and UAE/ET. Antioxidant analysis shows that MAE and SE resulted in high (p < 0.05) DPPH and FRAP values for ET and DW, respectively. MAE/ET showed the highest inhibitory activity (IC50 = 16.67 µg/mL). HPLC and TLC analysis reveal the fingerprint of morin, which might function as an anticancer agent with other bioactives. Increasing the extract content increased the inhibitory activity of SW480 cells via MTT assay. In conclusion, MAE/ET is the most efficient among the extraction techniques in terms of anti-cytotoxicity effects.

Mushroom-Legume-Based Minced Meat: Physico-Chemical and Sensory Properties.

A growing number of health-conscious consumers are looking for animal protein alternatives with similar texture, appearance, and flavor. However, research and development still needs to find alternative non-meat materials. The aim of this study was to develop a mushroom-based minced meat substitute (MMMS) from edible Pleurotus sajor-caju (PSC) mushrooms and optimize the concentration of chickpea flour (CF), beetroot extract, and canola oil. CF was used to improve the textural properties of the MMMS by mixing it with PSC mushrooms in ratios of 0:50, 12.5:37.5, 25:25, 37.5:12.5, and 50:0. Textural and sensory attributes suggest that PSC mushrooms to CF in a ratio of 37.5:12.5 had better textural properties, showing hardness of 2610 N and higher consumer acceptability with protein content up to 47%. Sensory analysis suggests that 5% (w/w) canola oil showed the most acceptable consumer acceptability compared to other concentrations. Color parameters indicate that 0.2% beetroot extract shows higher whiteness, less redness, and higher yellowness for both fresh and cooked MMMS. This research suggests that MMMS containing PSC, CF, canola oil, and beetroot extract could be a suitable alternative and sustainable food product which may lead to higher consumer adoption as a meat substitute.

Developments of Plant-Based Emulsion-Type Sausage by Using Grey Oyster Mushrooms and Chickpeas.

Plant-based (PB) meat alternatives are developing due to the consumer's demand, especially those who are mainly health-concerned. Soy proteins (SP) are commonly used as the main ingredients for PB meat analogues; however, SP may have adverse effects on the cognitive function and mood of humans. This study aimed to use grey oyster mushroom (GOM) and chickpea flour (CF) as an alternative source of SP to prepare emulsion-type sausages (ES). The effect of different hydrocolloids and oil on the quality of sausage was also investigated. The sausage was prepared using different concentrations of GOM and CF (20:20, 25:15, and 30:10 w/w). The GOM to CF ratio 25:15 was selected for the ES based on protein content, textural properties, and sensory attributes. The result indicated that sausage containing konjac powder (KP) and rice bran oil (RBO) provided a better texture and consumer acceptability. The final product showed higher protein (36%, dry basis), less cooking loss (4.08%), purge loss (3.45%), higher emulsion stability, and better consumer acceptability than the commercial sausage. The best recipe for mushroom-based ES is 25% GOM, 15% CF, 5% KP, and 5% RBO. In addition, GOM and CF could be an alternative option to replace SP in PB meat products.

Effects of sprouting of soybean on the anti-nutritional, nutritional, textural and sensory quality of tofu.

Soybean (Glycine max) is a superior plant food known as the miracle golden bean due to its treasure trove of inexpensive and superior protein to high-priced meat protein. Tofu is typically thought of as a salt or acid-coagulated water-based gel containing soy lipids and proteins trapped within its gel networks. Sprouted tofu is easier to digest and contains more nutrients than regular tofu. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the nutritional and sensory quality of tofu. The study was concerned with the preparation of tofu from non-germinated and germinated soybeans of 0 (T0), 2 (T1), 4 (T2) and 6 (T3) days. The length of the radicle was 0.8, 1.5, and 2 inches for T1, T2, and T3, respectively. Lipoxygenase activity, phytate inhibitory activity, urease activity, trypsin inhibitory activity, protein solubility, nutritional, and sensory quality of prepared tofu were all assessed. Longer sprouting times reduced phytate, urease, trypsin, and lipoxygenase activity while increasing protein solubility. Tofu prepared from T3 showed significantly better physicochemical properties than others. Protein, ash, and fat contents were significantly higher in T3. The level of nutrient content for tofu samples was in the rank of T3>T2>T1>T0. The L∗, a∗ and b∗ values were followed the same ranked as nutrient content (T3>T2>T1>T0). Sensory characteristics indicated that T3 was significantly more acceptable to the panelist. This study concludes that tofu made from 6 day sprouted soybeans with a height of 2 inches can be a good source of nutrition for consumers.

COVID-19 knowledge, attitude, and practices among the Rohingya refugees in Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh.

Objectives: The Rohingya refugee population in Bangladesh has become more vulnerable to COVID-19 because of their living and environmental conditions. The aim of the study was to represent an assessment of the Rohingya people's COVID-19-related knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) at eight refugee camps in Cox's Bazar. Study design: Cross-sectional study. Methods: This study was completed with a total of 400 responses between July and September of 2020. A questionnaire was created to assess demographic characteristics (5 items), knowledge (10 items), attitude (5 items), practices (5 items), and information sources (1 item). Aside from the KAP scores, the scores are also presented based on demographic variables. Results: The KAP of the respondents were not satisfactory, with scores of 5.8 ± 1.8, 2.2 ± 1.0, and 0.9 ± 0.7, respectively. We found significant differences only in the knowledge scores based on education and gender. Conclusion: In conclusion, this study emphasizes the importance of COVID-19 training that focuses on behavioral changes for the Rohingya people in Bangladesh.

In vitro and in vivo inhibition of maillard reaction products using amino acids, modified proteins, vitamins, and genistein: A review.

Maillard reaction is known to result in loss of nutrients, particularly that of essential amino acids; decrease in digestibility and safety issues due to the development of toxic compounds. Maillard reaction products are also known to cause oxidation of tissues and inflammation, thus increasing the risk of cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. The aim of this review is to present a detailed information about the role of foodborne constituents as antibrowning agents to significantly reduce the harmful compounds like advanced glycation end products (AGEs) during food processing. This review includes strategies involving addition of amino acids, aromatic compounds, vitamins, modification of amino acids, and reducing sugars as antibrowning agents to reduce the AGEs. The role of Food borne functional ingredients such as catechin, epicathechin, luteolin, and ferulic acids as inhibitors of AGEs is also discussed. Among the naturally occurring inhibitors, genistein could be a crucial and safe agent to reduce reactive intermediates. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Maillard reaction leads to changes in food color, protein functionality, protein digestibility, and loss of nutrient from foods. Maillard reaction products (MRPs) is also reported to be associated with various inflammatory conditions and may contribute to the progress of chronic diseases, including diabetes. It is hence necessary to reduce the MRPs, in both food and biological products, to offset this phenomenon. Among the strategies adopted till date, chemical agents could inhibit reactive carbonyl species and reactive oxygen species, but also are known to elicit serious side effects. Dietary flavonoids could be a very good inhibitor of MRPs both in biological and in food systems. It could be suggested that dietary flavonoids and isoflavones can be used as antibrowning agents in food and pharmaceutical industries particularly for targeted and sustained release of hypoglycemic drug in the intestines.