Brassica-derived isothiocyanates as anticancer therapeutic agents and their nanodelivery.

The isothiocyanates (ITCs) derived from the precursor glucosinolate molecules present in Brassica vegetables are bioactive organo-sulfur compounds with numerous pharmacologically important properties such as antioxidant, antiinflammatory, antimicrobial, and anticancer. Over the years, ITCs have been the focus of several research investigations associated with cancer treatment. Due to their potent chemo-preventive action, ITCs have been considered to be promising therapeutics for cancer therapy in place of the already existing conventional anticancer drugs. However, their wide spread use at the clinical stage is greatly restricted due to several factors such as low solubility in an aqueous medium, low bioavailability, low stability, and hormetic effect. To overcome these hindrances, nanotechnology can be exploited to develop nano-scale delivery systems that have the potential to enhance stability, and bioavailability and minimize the hermetic effect of ITCs.

Advances in apple packaging: a review.

Apple (Malus domestica) belongs to the family Rosaceae. It is one of the most commonly cultivated fruit in all temperate zones of the world and holds an equally important place in the global economy. Apple is a climacteric fruit and undergoes metabolic changes even after the harvest and thus prone to post-harvest losses. The packaging of apples plays an important role in extending the shelf life of the apples and also maintains the quality during distribution and transport. The prime role of packaging is to contain the food commodity and protect the enclosed product from external damage. But other functions such as traceability, convenience and temper evidence are of secondary importance. Different packaging techniques are employed for the packaging of apples which include both conventional (wooden boxes, corrugated fiber boxes, crates) and non-conventional packaging like modified atmosphere packaging (MAP), active packaging, edible coatings, etc.

Role of probiotics and prebiotics in mitigation of different diseases.

Probiotics and their food sources, prebiotics, are known to have qualities that help with gastrointestinal issues along with overall improvement in health and well-being. Pro- and prebiotics play a key role in neuroimmune processes. Their beneficial effects on health are linked to interactions of the gastrointestinal tract, immune system, and neurologic systems. The interaction between the microflora-gut-brain axis has a profound effect on brain function, thereby influencing the overall well-being of an individual. Nutritionists, researchers, regulatory bodies (World Health Organization/Food and Agriculture Organization), pharmaceutical, and food manufacturers are currently engaged in enhancing the potential of nutrition in health maintenance and disease prevention. Nutrition has the potential to increase psychological well-being and could be used much as are psychiatric drugs. Probiotics and prebiotics have evolved as promising therapeutic techniques to treat several disease conditions associated with the gastrointestinal tract. The aim of this review was to provide useful information about the use of probiotics and prebiotics in mitigation of various diseases such as COVID-19, congenital heart disease, diarrhea, inflammatory bowel disease, hypertension, genitourinary tract infection, colon cancer, immune system defense, mineral absorption, allergic disorders, and atopic dermatitis.