Combined antidiabetic potential of camel milk yogurt with Cinnamomum verum and Stevia rebaudiana by using rodent modelling.

This study aimed to evaluate anti-diabetic potential of functional camel milk yogurt enriched with Cinnamomum verum and Stevia rebaudiana that not only mask its peculiar flavour rather have an antidiabetic effect as well. Sixty-three pathogen free STZ-induced albino Wistar rats were categorized into 7 groups on the basis of treatments. From each treatment group three animals were dissected periodically at 0, 7 and 21 days of study to determine the effect of all treatments on physicochemical parameters, serum glucose, serum chemistry and haematology. The study revealed that the mean blood glucose level in the untreated control group was within normal range (100-108 mg/dl) while there was noticeable decrease in mean blood glucose level of all the treated groups during three weeks' trial. Decline in blood glucose level (46%) was higher in animal group containing functional camel milk yogurt (T4) at 3rd week of trial as compared to other treatments.

A randomized controlled trial on albino rats treated with chicory plant to improve liver efficiency.

Chicory can be used as herbal medicine against different ailments and also added to daily diet as vegetable or animal feed. An efficacy trial was conducted to assess the potential of this plant against liver disorders using rodent modeling. The trials comprised two modules i.e., normal diet and chicory-based supplemented diet. Moreover, experimental animals (rats) were divided into six groups with both modules including C0 (control diet), C1 (Chicory root containing diet), C2 (chicory seed containing diet), C3 (chicory stem containing diet) and C4 (chicory leaf containing diet). During 56 days of the trial period, serum lipid profile, liver and renal functioning tests were performed. The highest feed and water intake, as well as weight gain, was noted in control (C0) trailed by C1, C2, C3, C4 and C5group in an experimental trial, respectively. The resultant diet C2 lowered the liver alkaline phosphatase level (ALP) from C0 (240.72±3.35) to 203.52±2.08 (C2), respectively. Similarly, C2 significantly lowered the ALT from 60.28±2.23 (C0) &57.58±0.91 (C2) in rats. Moreover, C2 treatment showed a maximum reduction of AST from 145.13±2.10 (C0) to 134.52±1.24 (C2), respectively. Convincingly, chicory-based diet may be employed as an alternative to medication in the prevention and treatment of hypercholesterolemia and hepatic malfunctioning.

Potential protective role of curcumin powder to regulate arsenic-induced hepatorenal toxicity and hyperlipidemic metabolic dysfunction in rat model.

The present work was conceptualized to determine the potential protective effects of curcumin on arsenic-induced kidney damage in male albino rat model. Thirty six male albino rats were selected, weighed about 175±10g and classified into four groups (9 rats in each group) such as C group (control with basal diet), Cur group (curcumin 200mg/kg body weight), AI group (arsenic-induced 5mg/kg body weight) and AI + Cur group (arsenic 5mg/kg+curcumin 200mg/kg body weight), respectively. Arsenic and curcumin were offered through the gavage method once daily with basal diet. The different analyzed parameters showed that arsenic-induced elevation of aspartate amino transferase, alkaline phosphatase, bilirubin urea, alanine aminotransferase and creatinine significantly decreased with curcumin application in AI + Cur group. Similarly, the statistically significant decline of low-density lipoprotein (LDL), cholesterol, triglyceride and increased in high-density lipoprotein (HDL) was observed in rats of AI + Cur group with curcumin treatment as compared to the rats of AI group. The level of different enzymes of the liver as well as kidney was noted depleted on arsenic exposure whereas increased in level was observed with curcumin application in AI + Cur group. Moreover, pathological histology changes were also recorded. The outcomes suggest that curcumin has a potential effect against arsenic-induced toxicity in biological model.

Impact of different omega-3 fatty acid sources on lipid, hormonal, blood glucose, weight gain and histopathological damages profile in PCOS rat model.

BACKGROUND: Omega-3 fatty acids (Ω-3 PUFAs) may help to improve health status in polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) by reducing numerous metabolic disorders (insulin sensitivity, hyperinsulinemia, lipid profile, obesity and inflammation). To evaluate the current objective, 16 weeks (6 weeks of adjustment period followed by 10 weeks of collection period) research trial was planned to check the impact of different sources of Ω-3 PUFAs (synthetic Ω-3, flaxseed and fish oil) on nutrient digestibility, weight gain, productive (lipid profile, glucose and insulin), reproductive profile (progesterone, follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), estrogen, luteinizing hormone (LH) and prolactin) and histological study of ovarian tissues in Wistar female rats. METHODS: Forty-five rats of 130 ± 10 g weight were divided into 5 groups, each having 9 rats: NC (negative control without PCOS), PC (positive control with PCOS), SO (synthetic omega-3 containing ALA, EPA and DHA), FO (flaxseed oil) and F (fish oil) fed at 300 mg/kg/orally/daily of these sources were added in the basal diets while PC and NC received only the basal diet. Food and water were offered ad libitum. PCOS was induced in the rats fed of PC, SO, FO and F diets group by single intramuscular injection of estradiol-valerate (4 mg/rat/IM). Body weight and blood glucose was recorded weekly. At 16th week of trial, blood samples were collected for lipid and hormonal analysis. Ovarian tissues were removed for pathological evaluation. Digestibility was measured by total collection method. RESULTS: Cholesterol, triglycerides and low-density lipoproteins were reduced in SO, FO and F groups when compared with rats of PC group. However, increasing trend of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) was found in same groups. The highest HDL (36.83 ± 0.72 mg/dL) was observed in rats fed F diet. In case of a hormonal profile, testosterone, LH and insulin levels showed a significant reduction after treatments. Blood glucose results showed significantly reducing trend in all the rats fed with Ω-3 PUFAs sources than PC from 5 to 10th week of trial. However, similar trend was noticed in rat's body weight at the end of 6th week. In ovarian morphology, different stages of follicles were observed in groups fed SO, FO and F diets. Nutrient digestibility in PCOS induced rats was remained non-significant. CONCLUSIONS: The three sources of Ω-3 PUFAs had effective role in improving lipid and hormonal profile, reducing blood glucose, weight gain and histopathological damages in PCOS rats. However, fish oil source might be an innovative approach to cure PCOS via reducing the weight and metabolic anomalies due to EPA and DHA.

Potential preventive and protective perspectives of different spice powders and their mixtures in rat model.

BACKGROUND: The spices based dietary interventions are in lime light among the scientific community owing to their promising therapeutic perspective. The bioactive components in spices can be used to exert various health promoting functions in human body such as prompting weight loss, inhibit diet-induced obesity, hypercholesterolemia, hyperglycemia, allergies and various other maladies. In current study extraction and in vitro characterization of coriander seed (CS), black cumin seed (BCS) and fenugreek seed (FS) polyphenols was conducted for further development of dietary intervention against lipid and glycemia related abnormalities in experimental Sprague Dowley rats fed with control and different spice powder supplemented diets. METHODS: Purposely, extraction of Coriander (CS), Black cumin (BCS) and Fenugreek seeds (FS) were carried out by using water and aqueous methanol (70:30 v/v). Afterwards, the resultant extracts were thoroughly investigated for their antioxidant potential through different indices like TPC, TFC, FRAP and ß Carotene Bleaching Assay and ABTS. Furthermore, HPLC quantification were also conducted with special reference to thymoquinone, disogenin, chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid and kaempferol alongside in vitro pancreatic lipase inhibitory activity estimation. Bio-evaluation trial was consisting of three modules i.e. study-I (normal diet), study-II (high cholesterol diet) and study-III (high sucrose diet). Furthermore, rats were sub-divided in five groups in each module on the basis of diet provision including T0 (control), T1 (Diet containing CS), T2 (Diet containing BCS), T3 (Diet containing FS) and T4 (Diet containing CSP + BCSP + FSP). At the beginning of trial, some rats were dissected to evaluate the baseline values whilst rest of the rats was killed at the termination (56th day). Feed and drink intakes were quantified on daily bases whereas, body weight was calculated weekly. Cholesterol level, serum low density lipoproteins (LDL), high density lipoproteins (HDL), triglycerides, glucose concentration and insulin level of collected sera was measured by standard procedures. RESULTS: The in vitro characterization showed better extraction of spices antioxidant through aqueous methanol as compared to water. Among the spices, Black cumin seed alone or in combination revealed highest antioxidant activity in T2 (BCS) followed by T4 (CS + BCS), T7 (CS + BCS + FS), T1 (CS), T6 (BCS + FS), T5 (CS + FS) and lowest in T3 (FS). Likewise, the HPLC characterization showed the presence of thymoquinone in BCS, Dosignienin FGS and chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid and kaempferol in the other treatments. Furthermore, all the treatments showed dose dependent inhibition in Pancreatic lipase activity and order of inhibition was BCS > CS + BCS > CS + BCS + FS > CS > BCS + FC > CS + FS > FS. The maximum feed intake, drink intake and weight gain was observed in T0 (control) trailed by T1, T2, T3 and T4 group in experimental study I, II and III, respectively. The resultant diet T4 enhanced the high density lipoprotein from T0 (58.58 ± 2.51) to 61.71 ± 1.62 (T4) in hypercholesterolemia rats whereas in hyperglycaemia rats the HDL was varied from 38.77 ± 1.2 to 40.02 ± 0.99 in T0 and T4, respectively. Similarly, T2 significantly lowered the low density lipoprotein from 62.53 ± 1.22 (T1) & 46.53 ± 0.99 to 54.88 ± 0.52 & 40.94 ± 1.99 (T2) in hypercholesteraemic and diabetic rats. Moreover, T4 treatment showed maximum reduction as 10.01 & 11.53% in respective studies. CONCLUSIONS: The diet prepared from the different combination of spices has been proven effective against Oxidative stress related physiological malfunctioning.

Hematological and toxicological effects of aqueous leaf extract of Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni in normal rat modals.

Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni a non-caloric, safe and natural sweetener has been shown pharmaceutically important in the management of blood disorders. This study was designed to investigate hematology and safety of stevia aqueous extract through animal modeling. For this purpose, fifty albino rats were categorized into 5 groups and all the groups were received aqueous stevia extract at different dosage levels (200, 300, 400 and 500 ppm/kg b. wt) for 8 weeks except control group. Hematological and toxicological analyses were conducted using standard recommended procedures. The results indicated that biochemical parameters (RBC, HB, HCT, MCV, MCH, MCHC, WBC, eosinophils, lymphocytes and neutrophils) of albino rats significantly (P<0.05) increased and PLT, MPV and monocytes levels non-significantly decreased by using aqueous extract of stevia at different levels after eight weeks of study. Furthermore, Stevia aqueous extracts had non-toxic effect on liver functioning tests. However, stevia aqueous extracts were insignificant in their impression regarding organ to body weight ratios. The stevia aqueous extract has positive effect on hematological parameters of albino rats and is toxicologically safe. Therefore it could be used as a natural remedy for the management of hematological disorders without any health hazards.

Reconnoitring the impact of different extraction techniques on ginger bioactive moieties extraction, antioxidant characterization and physicochemical properties for their therapeutic effect.

The core directive of current study was to compare the different extraction techniques for their extraction yield of ginger bioactive moieties. Purposely, ultrasonic assisted and supercritical fluid extraction techniques were adapted alongside conventional solvent extraction for comparison. The variables targeted for the extraction process in different modules were time (20, 30, 40 minutes), temperature (30, 40, 50oC), solvent to sample ratio (4:6, 6:4, 8:2), pressure (2000, 3000, 4000 psi) and amplitude (20, 30, 40%). All variables were found to be momentously (P>0.05) effecting the extraction rates. The antioxidant potential of bioactive moieties was evaluated through FRAP, DPPH and ABTS. The outcomes of the optimization process suggested that the total phenolic content and total flavonoids content extracted through 80% ethanol at 50oC for 40 minutes showed maximum antioxidant activity. However, ultrasound assisted extraction, by using 80% ethanol, at 50oC for 40 minutes and at ultrasonic amplitude of 40% exhibited best results. Moreover, supercritical fluid extraction at 50oC for 40 minutes at5000 psi pressure, showed maximum extraction potential. All the extracts gathered through conventional, ultrasound and supercritical techniques were further quantified through HPLC protocols. The statistical interpretation of the results from all the analytical findings revealed highest concentration of polyphenols in supercritical fluids extracts followed by ultrasound and conventional extracts. One best treatment on the basis of superior nutritional profile as depicted by HPLC quantification was selected for the formulation of ginger drink. Physicochemical analysis elucidated momentous upshot on color, pH and acidity with progressive storage period whereas TSS followed a non-significant trend. Moreover, storage interval and treatments significantly affected the antioxidant potential of drinks.

Antihyperlipidemic efficacy of aqueous extract of Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni in albino rats.

BACKGROUND: Stevia (Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni) natural, safe, non-toxic, non-caloric sugar substitute is rich source of pharmacologically important glycoside stevioside that is linked to the pathology and complications of hyperlipidemia. METHODS: The present research was carried out to explore the anti-hyperlipidemic effect of aqueous extract of Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni leaves in albino rats. For this purpose, hyperlipidemia was induced by administration of Cholesterol (90% E, Appli Chem, Darmstadt, Germany) mixed at dose of 400 mg/kg body weight of rats in their daily routine feed. The hyperlipidemic rats were administered with aqueous stevia extract at different dose levels (200, 300, 400 and 500 ppm/kg b.w.) for 8 weeks; the control rats were fed basal diet during this period. Ethical approval for the current research was obtained from Institutional Review Board Faculty of Science & Technology Government College University, Faisalabad, Pakistan. RESULTS: Stevia aqueous extract decreased the body weight gain by lowering the feed intake of hyperlipidemic rats. Furthermore, administration of stevia extract at different levels significantly (P < 0.05) lowered the TC (125.22 ± 5.91 to 110.56 ± 5.81 mg/dL), TG (102.13 ± 6.89 to 98.62 ± 7.22 mg/dL), LDL (33.02 ± 4.79 to 22.77 ± 4.36 mg/dL), VLDL (21.22 ± 5.79 to 19.33 ± 5.95 mg/dL) levels and LDL/HDL ratios (0.83 ± 1.22 to 0.54 ± 1.66 mg/dL) from H1 to H4. Conversely, it improved the HDL (39.76 ± 4.34 to l42.02 ± 4.39 mg/dL) level in hyperlipidemic rats compared with untreated rats after eight weeks study period. CONCLUSION: It is concluded that aqueous extract of stevia has anti-hyperlipidemic effects in albino rats, and therefore could be a promising nutraceutical therapy for the management of hyperlipidemia and its associated complications.

Phytochemical composition, antilipidemic and antihypercholestrolemic perspectives of Bael leaf extracts.

BACKGROUND: In recent times, focus on plant research has improved all over the world and essential parts of plants provide bioactive compounds in human diet. The bael (Aegle marmelos) has enormous traditional uses in the treatment of chronic diarrhea, dysentery, peptic ulcers and as a laxative. The main focus of this study was characterization of bael leaf extract for its bioactive constituents, antihypercholestrolemic and antilipidemic perspectives. METHODS: After proximate composition of bael powder, the aqueous extract of bael leaf was used for phytochemical profiling (alkaloids, total phenolic content and total flavonoid content). Afterwards, normal rats group G0 was administrated basal diet while G1 and G2 normal rat groups were fed diets containing bael leaf extract 125 mg and 250 mg, respectively for consecutive 60 days. In a similar way, hyperlipidemic rats group Gh0 was administrated basal diet while Gh1 and Gh2 hyperlipidemic rat groups were fed diets containing bael leaf extract 125 mg and 250 mg, respectively for consecutive 60 days. The blood drawn on day 0, day 30 and day 60 was analyzed for serum parameters, such as total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides concentration and free and ester cholesterol. RESULTS: Bael leaf powder is a rich source of crude fiber (14.50 ± 0.10 g/100 g). Aqueous extract of bael leaf contains alkaloids (15.58 ± 0.05 mg/g), flavonoids (64.00 ± 0.05 mg/g), phenolics (30.34 ± 0.01 GAEmg/g). From the In vivo studies, the lowest weight gain was observed in group G2 and in Gh2 as compared to control of both groups. The decrease in serum TC for G1-15.06%, G2-17.27% while in Gh1-22.46% and Gh2-34.82% after day 60, respectively. The maximum decrease was observed in group G2 (- 14.33%) and in Gh2 (- 24.79%) for triglycerides after 60 days. For HDL-cholesterol, significant increase (11.20%) in G2 and (49.83%) in Gh2 was observed of after 60 days. A trend in decrease of serum LDL-cholesterol in G2 (- 9.63%) and in Gh2 (- 44.65%) was also observed at day 60, and - 19.05% and - 30.06% decrease was noted in G2 and Gh2, respectively and decreasing trend was observed in free and total cholesterol - 22.30% and - 81.49% for groups G2 and Gh2 after day 60. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the present study demonstrated that the extract contents of bael leaf provide protective role against hypercholesterolemic and hyperlipidemic conditions.

Ruminant meat flavor influenced by different factors with special reference to fatty acids.

Ruminant meat flavor is an important quality and sensory parameter which relays mainly on the organoleptic characteristics of meat. Meat flavor is vital factor for the palatability and acceptability of meat by the consumers. There are various intrinsic and extrinsic factors that influence eating quality of meat. Among these factors, flavor is the major contributor. Fat and low-molecular-weight water-soluble compounds are the most important precursor components in meat, responsible for the meat flavor. The present review focus on the different pre and post-harvest factors that influences the ruminant meat flavor. Raw meat has little flavor but cooking adds value in flavor due to different temperature and cooking methods. The volatile flavoring compounds which are responsible for cooked meat flavor are produced thermally by the Maillard's reaction itself or interaction with lipid oxidation products and vitamin degradation. In nutshell, this review provides perception into previous literature on flavor that affected by various factors particularly the fatty acids and cooking methods.

Anti diabetic property of aqueous extract of Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni leaves in Streptozotocin-induced diabetes in albino rats.

BACKGROUND: Stevia (Stevia rebaudiana) natural, non-caloric sugar substitute is rich source of pharmacologically important glycoside stevioside that is linked to the pathology and complications of diabetes. METHODS: The current research was carried out to explore the anti-diabetic effect of aqueous extract of Stevia rebaudiana leaves in albino rats. For this purpose, diabetes was induced by administration of streptozotocin (40 mg/kg body weight, intraperitoneally). The diabetic rats were administered with aqueous stevia extract at different dose levels (200, 300, 400 and 500 ppm/kg b.w) for 8 weeks; the control rats were fed basal diet during this period. RESULTS: Stevia aqueous extract improved caloric management and weight control by decreasing the feed intake and body weight gain. Furthermore, intake of stevia extract resulted in significant (P < 0.05) decrease in the random blood glucose level (- 73.24%) and fasting blood glucose (- 66.09%) and glycosylated (HbA1c) hemoglobin (5.32%) while insulin (17.82 µIU/mL) and liver glycogen (45.02 mg/g) levels significantly improved in the diabetic rats, compared with the diabetic and non-diabetic control rats after 8 weeks study period. CONCLUSIONS: It is concluded that aqueous extact of stevia has anti-diabetic effects in albino rats, and therefore could be promising nutraceutical therapy for the management of diabetes and its associated complications.

Preventive role of green tea catechins from obesity and related disorders especially hypercholesterolemia and hyperglycemia.

BACKGROUND: During the last few years, scientific investigations have proposed diet based regimens to prevent several health ailments including obesity, hypercholesterolemia and diabetes. In this regard, a promising tool is the use of functional foods/nutraceuticals. Present research project was an attempt to explore nutraceutical worth of locally grown green tea variety (Qi-Men) against lifestyle related disorders. METHODS: Functional drinks (T2 and T3) were prepared by adding catechins and epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) @ 550 mg/500 mL and compared with control (T1). These functional drinks were tested in experimental rats modeling (Sprague Dawley). Based on diets, four studies were conducted i.e. trial-I (normal diet), trial-II (high cholesterol diet), trial-III (high sucrose diet), trial-IV (high cholesterol + high sucrose diet). Rats were monitored daily for their feed and drink intake while body weight was measured on weekly basis. After period of 56 days rats were sacrificed and evaluated their serum lipid (cholesterol, LDL and HDL), glucose and insulin levels. RESULTS: Results for feed consumption by rats revealed that highest feed intake was recorded in group provided control drink than other groups. However, non significant differences were noted among all groups for drink consumption. Functional drinks resulted in significant reduction in body weight with maximum lowering noted in trial-II and III i.e. 10.73 to 8.49% and 10.12 to 10.49%, respectively. Likewise, cholesterol and LDL were substantially reduced with 14.42% decrease observed in trial-IV and 30.43% in trial-II, respectively. Furthermore, serum glucose and insulin levels were also lowered significantly in the trial-III and IV while in trial-I and II differences were non-significant. In contrast to lipid profile, experimental drink containing EGCG reduced the trait better than catechins based functional drink. CONCLUSIONS: The drinks supplemented with catechins and EGCG are effective against obesity, hypercholesterolemia and hyperglycemia.

Green tea and anticancer perspectives: updates from last decade.

Green tea is the most widely consumed beverage besides water and has attained significant attention owing to health benefits against array of maladies, e.g., obesity, diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disorders, and cancer insurgence. The major bioactive molecules are epigallocatechin-3-gallate, epicatechin, epicatechin-3-gallate, epigallocatechin, etc. The anticarcinogenic and antimutagenic activities of green tea were highlighted some years ago. Several cohort studies and controlled randomized trials suggested the inverse association of green tea consumption and cancer prevalence. Cell culture and animal studies depicted the mechanisms of green tea to control cancer insurgence, i.e., induction of apoptosis to control cell growth arrest, altered expression of cell-cycle regulatory proteins, activation of killer caspases, and suppression of nuclear factor kappa-B activation. It acts as carcinoma blocker by modulating the signal transduction pathways involved in cell proliferation, transformation, inflammation, and metastasis. However, results generated from some research interventions conducted in different groups like smokers and nonsmokers, etc. contradicted with aforementioned anticancer perspectives. In this review paper, anticancer perspectives of green tea and its components have been described. Recent findings and literature have been surfed and arguments are presented to clarify the ambiguities regarding anticancer perspectives of green tea and its component especially against colon, skin, lung, prostate, and breast cancer. The heading of discussion and future trends is limelight of the manuscript. The compiled manuscript provides new avenues for researchers to be explored in relation to green tea and its bioactive components.

Black tea polyphenols: a mechanistic treatise.

Dietary interventions are among the emerging trends to curtail physiological malfunctioning like cancer, diabetes, cardiac complications, etc. The essence of phytonutrients has developed the concept of nutraceuticals at the junction of diet health linkages. In this context, theaflavin & thearubigins are the oxidized derivatives of black tea catechins during fermentation having nutraceutical potential owing to esterification of hydroxyl ring with digallate esters. Theaflavin may influence activation of transcription factors such as NFnB or AP-1 that ultimately hinder the formation of nitric oxide expression gene. Likewise, black tea contains a unique amino acid theanine acts as neurotransmitter owing to its ability to cross the blood-brain barrier. Moreover, it boasts immunity by enhancing the disease-fighting ability of gamma delta T cells. Theaflavin & thearubigins act as safeguard against oxidative stress thereby effective in the cardiac functioning. The mechanistic approach of these antioxidants is likely to be associated with inhibition of redox sensitive transcription factors & pro-oxidant enzymes such as xanthine oxidase or nitric oxide synthase. However, their involvement in antioxidative enzyme induction as in glutathione-S-transferases is also well documented. They act as curative agent against numerous pathological disorders by disrupting the electron chain thus inhibiting the progression of certain ailments. Black tea polyphenols established themselves as strong antioxidants due to their standard one-electron potential, and their vitality is dependent on the concentration of polyphenols and pH for their inclusive execution. Present review is an attempt to enrich the readers regarding the health promoting aspects of black tea polyphenols. Concomitantly, it needs core attention of researchers for the exploitations of black tea flavanols as an important dietary constituent for the vulnerable segment.

Biochemical perspectives of xylitol extracted from indigenous agricultural by-product mung bean (Vigna radiata) hulls in a rat model.

BACKGROUND: The production of xylitol from lignocellulosic material is of great interest around the world. It can be used as bulk sweetener and its possible lower energy value has increased acceptance for discerning consumers. Xylitol was produced from indigenous agricultural by-product (mung bean hulls) through Candida tropicalis fermentation. Further, xylitol incorporation at different concentrations (0, 100 and 200 g kg⁻¹) was carried out with the purpose of appraising the suitability and claimed health benefits of this dietetic ingredient in food products. Asserted biochemical perspectives of the xylitol intake were evaluated through biological studies for normal and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. RESULTS: The addition of xylitol significantly affected feed intake, weight gain, liver and cecum weight in both normal and diabetic rats. The biochemical profile of serum was improved with xylitol incorporation in the diet. Serum glucose, cholesterol and triglycerides levels were decreased depending on xylitol intake level. CONCLUSION: The results of the present study demonstrated that mung bean hulls have high potential as a new feedstock for xylitol production. In addressing the current concerns of obesity and diabetes, xylitol extracted from such agricultural waste should be considered in diet-based therapies for weight loss programmes.

Optimization of Production Parameters for Fabrication of Gum Arabic/Whey Protein-Based Walnut Oil Loaded Nanoparticles and Their Characterization.

The encapsulation of fatty acids, including walnut oil, within complexes is a promising strategy to address challenges, for instance, low water solubility and susceptibility to oxidation while incorporating these oils into food products. Additionally, encapsulation can effectively mask undesirable odor and flavor. The current study focuses on the optimization of walnut oil nanoparticles (WON) using complexes fabricated from gum arabic and whey protein by applying a response surface methodology. The impact of three different independent variables were determined, such as surfactant mixture (33-66%), walnut oil (5-25%), and sonication time (60-300 s), under three distinct desired conditions (low, medium, and high) on four different responses, i.e., particle size, polydispersity index (PDI), moisture level, and encapsulation efficiency (EE). The findings of the present study indicate that the point prediction-based WON resulted in significantly low particle size (82.94 nm), PDI (0.19), moisture content (3.49%), and high EE (77.26%). Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) study demonstrated the successful encapsulation of walnut oil and wall material into nanocapsules. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) verified the improved thermal stability property of WON after incorporation, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) indicated that the WON had relatively fragile and smooth surfaces, along with the presence of few porous structures. The recorded experimental data from the existing study showed that the developed formulation of WON was potentially useful as a value-added ingredient for food industries.

Green tea catechins based functional drink (Green cool) improves the antioxidant status of SD rats fed on high cholesterol and sucrose diets.

In the recent epoch, functional and nutraceuticals foods are gaining wide range of acceptability from the consumers. In the present research investigation, efforts were directed to exploit the green tea phytochemicals. Functional beverage was prepared with catechins and epigallocatechins gallate (EGCG) added individually @550 mg/500mL in respective drink. Prepared drinks were evaluated for their physicochemical analysis. Efficacy trial was also conducted, in which diets consisting of high sucrose and cholesterol were provided to rats with concurrent intake of functional drinks. CIE-Lab Color analysis of functional drinks showed that indices of color tonality were non-significantly affected. However, decreasing trend in pH and increased tendency in acidity of drink was noted. While scores for sensory evaluation remained in acceptable range showing suitability for industrial applications. Results of efficacy trial revealed that functional drinks improved serum antioxidant potential of rats. Thus results paved the way for the development of functional beverages using green tea catechins for vulnerable segments.

Extraction of protein from apricot kernel oil press cake (AKOPC) through innovative techniques and the formulation of supplemented yogurt.

The apricot kernel oil press cake (AKOPC) is a high protein natural by-product of oil mechanical expression with potential uses in cosmetics, medicines, and food. The purpose of this research was to improve the protein extraction process from apricot kernel oil press cake by using enzymatic extraction (EEP), aqueous extraction (AEP), and ultrasound extraction (UEP) process. Protein extraction by AEP was facilitated by a low solid-liquid ratio (SLR) (1:15.97) and prolonged reaction durations (3.30 h), resulting in extraction yields of 68%. When compared to the AEP by similar reaction time, increased enzyme utilization (0.90%) in the EEP resulted in greater protein extraction yields (70%) in a shorter reaction time. In addition to AEP and EEP, ultrasound extraction was also used to improve protein extractability. Temperature (50°C), power density (225 W/L), and extraction duration (20 min) were shown to be the best extraction points. Protein yield was found to be 56.47% at ideal UEP conditions. The experimental values for these reactions were found to be equivalent to the predicted values formed by the mathematical models. When supplementary skimmed milk powder (SMP) was substituted with apricot kernel protein (AKP) in the yogurt manufacturing process, the total solids, average titratable acidity, total protein, and fat contents of the yogurt were increased. In contrast, pH and syneresis values decreased as AKP increased in the resulting yogurt, whether fresh or after 7 days of cold storage. Substitution of additional SMP with AKP in yogurt production might be recommended up to 35%.

Formulation and biochemical evaluation of designer diet enriched with botanicals for bone health.

The study designed to evaluate the role of sesame, fenugreek flax, and nuts seeds as best alternatives for therapeutic agents to improve bone mineral status. Effect of these plant seeds on proximate composition, antioxidant potential, mineral, fatty acid, and amino acid profile of supplements was studied. The sesame, fenugreek, and flaxseeds were incorporated with nuts at level of 35% to develop supplement. Improved contents of protein, fat, and NFE were recorded in range of 25.72-32.23, 18.92-23.15, and 34.25%-39.59%, correspondingly. The antioxidant potential of supplements is high (450.56 mg GAE/ 100g) prepared with fenugreek followed by flaxseeds and sesame seeds. Calcium as fundamental bone mineral found greater (525.15%-790.21%) in seed-based supplement. Enhanced contents of Oleic, linoleic, and linolenic acids ranged 17.32-41.78, 21.72-44.23, and 1.00%-47.12%, respectively. Nutritional enriched supplements may be best alternatives for improving bone health by lowering osteoclast and increasing osteoblast mechanism in bone development.

Influence of E-beam irradiation on microbiological and physicochemical properties and fatty acid profile of frozen duck meat.

This study investigated the effect of different doses (0, 3, and 7 kGy) of e-beam on the microbiological and physicochemical qualities and the profile of fatty acids of the frozen duck meat (FDM). Electron beam at the dose of 3 kGy showed more than 2 log and 1 log cycles of reduction in the total bacterial (TAB) and coliform counts (TCC), respectively. The results indicated an increase in the TBARS values (1.50 ± 0.02 mg MDA/kg), peroxide value (0.83 ± 0.04 meq peroxide/kg), and total volatile base nitrogen (1.31 ± 0.16 mg/100 ml), but no effect on the sensory parameters. Irradiation lowered the lightness (L*) (31.87 ± 0.98) and redness (a*) (11.04 ± 0.20) values but elevated the metmyoglobin content in FDM. In addition, irradiation had no effect on the benzopyrene content; however, a reduction was observed in the vitamin A (0.239 ± 0.015 µg/g) and vitamin E (1.847 ± 0.075 µg/g) contents of the FDM samples. There were no trans-fatty acids present in the treated (irradiated) as well as the untreated (nonirradiated) meat samples (FDM), whereas the fatty acid content decreased in irradiated samples, in contrast with the nonirradiated control. Electronic nose clearly discriminated between the nonirradiated and irradiated FDM based on principal component analysis. It is concluded that the e-beam successfully improved the microbial quality of FDM with slight changes in physicochemical properties, but without altering its sensory properties.