Functionality and Health-Promoting Properties of Polysaccharide and Plant-Derived Substances from Mesona chinensis.

Mesona chinensis, in Thai called Chao Kuay and in Chinese Hsian-tsao, belongs to the Lamiaceae family. This herbal plant grows widely in Southern China, Taiwan (China), Malaysia, the Philippines, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Thailand. The Mesona plant is used to make functional products such as drinks and soft textured sweet treats, and also traditional medicine, to treat heat stroke, high blood pressure, heart attack, high blood sugar, hepatic diseases, colon diseases, inflammatory conditions, and to alleviate myalgia. The proximate composition of M. chinensis is a mixture of protein, fat, fiber, ash, and minerals. The main biological compounds in M. chinensis extracts are polysaccharides, terpenoids, flavonoids, and polyphenols, with wide-ranging pharmacological properties including antioxidant, antidiabetic, antilipidemic, carcinoma-inhibitory, renal-protective, antihypertensive, DNA damage-protective, and anti-inflammatory effects. This review investigated the proximate composition, polysaccharide type, and pharmacological properties of M. chinensis extracts. Phytochemical properties enhance the actions of the gut microbiota and improve health benefits. This review assessed the functional and medicinal activities of M. chinensis extracts. Future studies should further elucidate the in vitro/in vivo mechanisms of this plant extract and its impact on gut health.

Nutritional Content and Microbial Load of Fresh Liang, Gnetum gnemon var. tenerum Leaves.

Liang (Gnetum gnemon var. tenerum) leaves are widely consumed as a green vegetable in Southern Thailand, and the plant is valued for its nutritional benefits. However, like other leafy greens, liang is vulnerable to microbial contamination, generating foodborne illnesses. This study examined the nutritional content and microbial load of liang leaves at different maturity stages and the effects of washing with chlorinated water. Various growth stages were analysed for proximate composition, amino acids, vitamins, and minerals. Results revealed distinct nutritional profiles, with tip leaves rich in protein and fat and intermediate leaves high in dietary fibre. Liang leaves are abundant in essential amino acids and proteins. Washing with chlorinated water increased leaf weight due to water retention but also caused physical damage, fostering microbial growth and spoilage. Microbiological analysis showed marginal reductions in total viable counts after washing with chlorinated water and significant decreases in coliform and Escherichia coli counts. However, stem detachment during washing increased the coliform and E. coli counts. Liang leaves exhibited favourable nutritional content, especially in the intermediate stage. Proper handling and storage of liang leaves are crucial to preventing physical damage and microbial contamination. Improved food safety measures, including appropriate post-harvest washing and handling of leafy vegetables, will ensure that consumers can safely enjoy the nutritional benefits of liang leaves.

Thunbergia laurifolia Leaf Extract Increased Levels of Antioxidant Enzymes and Protected Human Cell-Lines In Vitro Against Cadmium.

Thunbergia laurifolia or Rang Jued has been used as an herbal tea and in folk medicine as a detoxifying agent. Cd contamination is globally widespread and a serious public health problem. The aim of this study was to determine the endogenous antioxidant enzyme activities and malondialdehyde (MDA) production of the crude dried extract (CDE) of T. laurifolia leaves, using human embryonic kidney (HEK293) and human liver (HepG2) cells as in vitro models. Moreover, the cytotoxicity including anti-cadmium (Cd) toxicity in both cells were measured. The experimental design had 3 treatment groups with combined, pre-, and post-treatments for investigating the anti-Cd toxicity, and cell viability was determined with MTT test (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide). The CDE showed low cytotoxicity and increased catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities with decreased malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in both cell types. It was found that the CDE protected against Cd-induced toxicity in both cell types, and a synergistic combination therapy effect was seen when CaNa2EDTA, a chelating agent, was applied. Therefore, CDE can protect against Cd-induced oxidative stress in cells, possibly due to its antioxidant properties. Moreover, using the extract or drinking the herbal tea together with chelating agent should have an efficacy advantage over using the CDE or the chelating agent singly.