Antioxidant and skin-whitening effects of aerial part of Euphorbia supina Raf. Extract.

BACKGROUND: Euphorbia supina (ES) has been widely used in folk medicine owing to its antibacterial, hemostatic, and anti-inflammatory properties. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antioxidant and skin-whitening effects of a 70% ethanol extract of ES. METHODS: The aerial parts of ES plant were extracted with 70% ethanol. The viability of B16F10 cells was evaluated by MTT assay to determine the non-toxic doses for further experiments. The tyrosinase and cellular tyrosinase activities were then measured using an enzyme-substrate assay. In addition, the expression of whitening-related proteins was measured using western blot. RESULTS: The antioxidant activity of the ES samples increased in a dose-dependent manner, as confirmed by their radical scavenging activities in the 2,2-diphenyl-1-1-picrylhydrazyl and 2,2-azino-bis-(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) assays. The ES extract significantly reduced tyrosinase activity and melanin content in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, it decreased α-melanocyte stimulating hormone (MSH)-induced protein expression of tyrosinase and microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF). CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate that the ES extract attenuated α-MSH-stimulated melanin synthesis by modulating tyrosinase and MITF expression. Therefore, the ES extract could be a promising therapeutic agent to treat hyperpigmentation and as an ingredient for skin-whitening cosmetics.

The effects of different extraction methods on essential oils from orange and tangor: From the peel to the essential oil.

Citrus fruits are largely consumed due to their unique and pleasant aromas. Citrus hybrids have been developed to enhance their flavors and bioactivities. Citrus aroma depends on the composition of the volatile compounds in citrus essential oils (CEOs), which are mostly located in the peels. During the extraction of CEOs, a specific series of chemical reactions occurred depending on the extraction methods (CP, cold pressing; HD, hydrodistillation), leading to variations in the composition of volatile compounds. In this study, the orange and the tangor which is a hybrid between C. reticulata × C. sinensis were investigated to compare the changes in volatile compounds based on the extraction methods. Results showed that the CP-specific volatile compounds were sesquiterpenes, oxygenated monoterpenes, and fatty acid derivatives, while the HD-specific volatile compounds were terpinyl cation derivatives, limonene, and 4-vinylguaiacol. On the other hand, the contents of some volatile compounds ((E)-ocimene, α-terpinene, and α-terpinolene) were affected by the Citrus species rather than by the extraction methods. In particular, during HD, terpinene-4-ol and 4-vinylguiacol, known as off-flavor compounds in citrus juice, were formed more abundantly in the orange than in the tangor. In conclusion, these results provide comprehensive data on essential oils, especially those derived from oranges and tangors, for selecting the appropriate extraction method for obtaining a higher yield and quality of citrus flavor.

The Effect of Irradiation on Meat Products.

The effects of irradiation on meat constituents including water, proteins, and lipids are multifaceted. Irradiation leads to the decomposition of water molecules, resulting in the formation of free radicals that can have both positive and negative effects on meat quality and storage. Although irradiation reduces the number of microorganisms and extends the shelf life of meat by damaging microbial DNA and cell membranes, it can also accelerate the oxidation of lipids and proteins, particularly sulfur-containing amino acids and unsaturated fatty acids. With regard to proteins, irradiation affects both myofibrillar and sarcoplasmic proteins. Myofibrillar proteins, such as actin and myosin, can undergo depolymerization and fragmentation, thereby altering protein solubility and structure. Sarcoplasmic proteins, including myoglobin, undergo structural changes that can alter meat color. Collagen, which is crucial for meat toughness, can undergo an increase in solubility owing to irradiation-induced degradation. The lipid content and composition are also influenced by irradiation, with unsaturated fatty acids being particularly vulnerable to oxidation. This process can lead to changes in the lipid quality and the production of off-odors. However, the effects of irradiation on lipid oxidation may vary depending on factors such as irradiation dose and packaging method. In summary, while irradiation can have beneficial effects, such as microbial reduction and shelf-life extension, it can also lead to changes in meat properties that need to be carefully managed to maintain quality and consumer acceptability.

Effects of konjac glucomannan as a freeze-denaturation inhibitor or binder on the physiochemical properties of heat-induced gel of freeze-dried duck blood.

During freeze-drying, the degradation or eutectic melting of duck blood proteins can reduce the quality of duck blood gels. However, the interaction between proteins and polysaccharides during drying can improve protein-based gel quality. Therefore, here, we investigated the physicochemical properties of heat-induced gels of freeze-dried duck blood (FDB) and FDB with different proportions of the polysaccharide konjac glucomannan (KG), which serves as a freeze-denaturation inhibitor agent (FDA) or binder (BG). The pH and water-holding capacity (WHC) of FDB + KG gels were higher than those of FDB gel without KG (control). Especially, the WHC increased from 11.00% for control to 55.65% for FDB gel with 1% KG as a BG. Consequently, cooking loss and texture parameters of FDB + KG gels decreased. The hardness of control was 2.14 kg, which significantly reduced to 0.12-0.87 kg with KG addition. The highest carbonyl content was observed in control gel, and the thiobarbituric acid reactive substance content was reduced by the addition of 1% KG as an FDA (T1) or 0.8% KG as an FDA with 0.2% KG as a BG (T2) (p < 0.05). These changes might be induced by the alteration of tertiary structure and thermodynamic stability of gels. In conclusion, 1% KG can be used as an FDA to improve the quality and physicochemical properties of heat-induced gels of FDB. Optimized FDB gels with KG can be used as an innovative food ingredient to fortify nutrition and develop special dietary purposes.

Variation of volatile compounds and sensory profile for Protaetia brevitarsis larvae fermented with lactic acid bacteria and yeast.

This study aimed to investigate the correlation between the composition of volatile compounds, consumer acceptance, and drivers of (dis)liking of Protaetia brevitarsis larvae fermented using lactic acid bacteria and yeast. Volatile compounds were analyzed using HS-SPME-Arrow-GC-MS, and a sensory evaluation was conducted with 72 consumers. A total of 113 volatile compounds were detected, and principal component analysis indicated that the samples could be divided into three groups. The calculated relative odor activity values (ROAV) revealed the presence of 27 compounds (ROAV >1). Volatile compounds with high ROAV were predominantly found during yeast fermentation. The sensory evaluation results indicated a strong correlation between low levels of off-odor intensity and high odor liking, emphasizing that odor profile had a more direct association with consumer acceptance than odor intensity. These findings suggest that yeast fermentation using volatile compounds, which positively influences consumer acceptance, is appropriate for Protaetia brevitarsis larvae.

Quality Characteristics of Meat Analogs through the Incorporation of Textured Vegetable Protein and Tenebrio molitor Larvae in the Presence of Transglutaminase.

Alternative protein sources with greater nutritional value and a lower environmental footprint have recently attracted interest in the production of meat substitutes. However, it is required that these alternatives mimic the texture and structure of meat. This study investigated varying ratios of textured vegetable proteins (TVP) to Tenebrio molitor larvae (brown mealworm; TM) with the addition of transglutaminase (TG) to determine the quality characteristics of these emulsions. The results demonstrated low protein solubility of the emulsions as TVP content increased. Furthermore, when the proportion of TM was high, the TG-treated emulsion had a low pH. Additionally, when there was a high TM ratio to TVP in the TG treatment, the emulsions demonstrated better thermal stability and water holding capacity. Regarding the rheological properties of the emulsion, both the frequency-dependent storage modulus (G') and loss modulus (G'') increased as the proportion of TVP in the emulsion increased with and without the addition of TG. Differential scanning calorimetry analyses demonstrated two protein denaturation peaks in all treatments, with high peak temperatures for both treatments with a high proportion of TM. The hardness and chewiness of the emulsion were highest in the treatment (T6 and T8) with TG, and the gumminess of the emulsion was greatest when TM only or when equal ratios of TVP and TM were treated with TG, respectively. In conclusion, the addition of TM to TVP with TG improves the overall texture of the protein mixture, making it a suitable meat alternative.

Effects of myofibril-palatinose conjugate as a phosphate substitute on meat emulsion quality.

The objective of this study was to investigate a replacement for phosphate in meat products. Protein structural modification was employed in this study, and grafted myofibrillar protein (MP) with palatinose was added to meat emulsion without phosphate. Here, 0.15% of sodium polyphosphate (SPP) was replaced by the same (0.15%) concentration and double (0.3%) the concentration of grafted MP. Although the thermal stability was decreased, the addition of transglutaminase could increase stability. The rheological properties and pH also increased with the addition of grafted MP and transglutaminase. The addition of grafted protein could be perceived by the naked eye by observing a color difference before cooking, but it was not easy to detect after cooking. The cooking loss, emulsion stability, water holding capacity, lipid oxidation, and textural properties improved with the addition of grafted MP. However, the excessive addition of grafted MP and transglutaminase was not recommended to produce a high quality of phosphate replaced meat emulsion, and 0.15% was identified as a suitable addition ratio of grafted MP.

Effects of grafted myofibrillar protein as a phosphate replacer in brined pork loin.

For the development of healthier meat products, the grafted myofibrillar protein was evaluated as an ingredient that can substitute phosphate in brined loin. Individual brine solutions, consisting of salt (negative control, NP), salt + sodium tripolyphosphate (positive control, PC), salt + myofibrillar protein without grafting (MP), salt + myofibrillar protein grafted at high concentration (GMP-H), and salt + myofibrillar protein grafted at low concentration (GMP-L), were added to the pork loin by 40% of their weight. Differential scanning calorimetry demonstrated that MP and GMP-H lowered the thermal energy for the transition of myosin and actin, thereby improving the thermal stability of pork loin and increasing protein solubility. Sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis analysis showed that thicker protein bands appeared in MP and GMP-H samples while exhibiting increased pH values, moisture content, water holding capacity, and processing yield. Accordingly, the shear force of MP and GMP-H decreased. Lipid oxidation of pork loin was increased in MP, whereas it decreased in GMP-H. Thus, GMP-L is a potential substitute for phosphate since it improves physicochemical properties and prevents the lipid oxidation of pork loin.

Effects of Blanching Methods on Nutritional Properties and Physicochemical Characteristics of Hot-Air Dried Edible Insect Larvae.

Global meat consumption is increasing worldwide, however, supply remains lacking. Several alternative protein sources, such as cultured meat, plant-based protein production, and edible insects, have been proposed to overcome this shortage. Interestingly, edible insects are characterized by superior digestive and absorptive qualities that make them the ideal replacement for traditional protein production. This study aims to further the processing ability of insect protein by investigating the effects of various pre-treatment methods, such as blanching (HB), roasting (HR), and superheated steam (HS), on the nutritional properties and physicochemical characteristics of proteins extracted from Hermetia illucens larvae. The drying rate, pH value, color analysis, amino and fatty acid profile, as well as bulk density, shear force, and rehydration ratios of the above pre-treatment methods, were explored. HS was found to have the highest drying rate and pH value analysis showed that HB and HS samples have significantly higher values compared to the other modalities. Raw edible insects had the highest value in the sum of essential amino acid (EAA) and EAA index when compared to EAAs. HB and HS showed significantly lower bulk density results, and HS showed the highest shear force and the highest value in rehydration ratio, regardless of immersion time. Therefore, taking the above results together, it was found that blanching and superheated steam blanching pre-treatment were the most effective methods to improve the processing properties of H. illucens after hot-air drying.

Peptides inhibiting angiotensin-I-converting enzyme: Isolation from flavourzyme hydrolysate of Protaetia brevitarsis larva protein and identification.

Many angiotensin-I-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory peptides are used to prevent and manage hypertension. In this study, ACE inhibitory peptides were isolated from an insect protein that is attracting attention for it potential antihypertensive activity. Protaetia brevitarsis larva protein was enzymatically hydrolyzed by Flavourzyme®, and the hydrolysate was shown to inhibit ACE. Subsequent fractionation, using ultrafiltration and gel permeation chromatography followed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry analysis, identified four previously unknown peptides with significant ACE inhibition characteristics (Ser-Tyr, Pro-Phe, Tyr-Pro-Tyr, and Trp-Ile). The highest inhibition activity observed for Trp-Ile. These peptides stimulated production of NO in human umbilical vein endothelial cells and, based on molecular docking analysis, exerted their inhibitory effects via hydrogen bonding with the ACE receptor active site. Thus, the identified peptides can be considered as promising candidates for ACE inhibition and have potential to be used as functional food ingredients.

Effect of Drying Methods on Physicochemical Characteristics and Functional Properties of Duck Blood Gel.

The drying of duck blood provides safety and commercial benefits, but each drying method has its own characteristics. Moreover, information on the effects of diverse drying methods on the quality of duck blood is limited. This study aimed to investigate the effects of various drying methods on the chemical and functional properties of duck blood. The physicochemical characteristics and functional properties of duck blood subjected to spray drying (SD), freeze drying (FD), vacuum drying (VD), and hot air drying (HD) were examined. The carbonyl content of FD duck blood powder was the lowest and the thermal stability was higher than that of the other treatments (p<0.05). The gel obtained from spray-dried blood displayed the lowest malondialdehyde content. The hardness, gumminess, and chewiness were the highest in the heat-induced gel prepared from FD duck blood powder (p<0.05). The gel obtained from FD duck blood displayed a denser structure than the other gel samples. Taken together, the FD duck blood exhibited excellent chemical properties and processing suitability.

Effect of hydrocolloids on functionality of Protaetia brevitarsis proteins.

In this study, the effects of various hydrocolloids on the functionality of extracted proteins from Protaetia brevitarsis were investigated. Gel solubility, apparent viscosity, thermal properties, microstructure, textural properties, foaming properties, and emulsion properties were estimated and compared among treatments. Although all hydrocolloids enhanced the protein gelling properties compared with those of the control protein, the protein-polysaccharide complex in samples treated with a hydrocolloid with a lower solubility of hydrophobic bonds and disulfide bonds showed a more compact microstructure with high textural properties, apparent viscosity, and emulsion stability. By contrast, hydrocolloids with a high solubility of hydrophobic bonds increased the foaming properties and showed high thermal stability of the insect proteins. These results indicate that hydrocolloids should be carefully selected when in complex with edible insect proteins according to their purpose as gelling or foaming agents.

Effects of added cereal fibers on the quality characteristics of black pudding prepared with duck blood.

We investigated the physicochemical and rheological properties of black pudding prepared with duck blood using various combinations of cereal fiber sources: oat, buckwheat, quinoa, amaranth, and sorghum. The processing yield of black pudding made with duck blood and the cereals was higher than that of the control (without cereals) in all cases (P < 0.05). The moisture content of the black pudding was the highest in the buckwheat and amaranth groups (P < 0.05). The water activity, pH, and yellowness of the black pudding combined with duck blood and cereals were lower than that of the control (P < 0.05). The hardness of the black pudding with duck blood and cereals was higher than that of the control (P < 0.05), except for the amaranth group. The cohesiveness, gumminess, and chewiness of the black pudding with duck blood and cereals were higher than that of the control (P < 0.05). Differential scanning colorimetry showed distinct peak points according to treatment at the same temperature, and all treatments exhibited 2 peak temperatures, except for sorghum. The viscosities of all samples, including the control, decreased as the shear rate increased, and the viscosity of the black pudding with oat was slightly lower than that of the other samples. Thus, black pudding prepared with duck blood and cereal fibers showed excellent physicochemical and rheological properties, suggesting an improved processing method. These findings can further the development of products using duck blood as a valuable nutritional source rather than being lost as a by-product during slaughter.

Effects of Loquat (Eriobotrya japonica Lindl.) Leaf Extract with or without Ascorbic Acid on the Quality Characteristics of Semi-Dried Restructured Jerky during Storage.

Deterioration of jerky during storage is a major concern; this is usually combated with natural or synthetic antioxidants. This study aimed to evaluate the quality characteristics of semi-dried restructured jerky with and without loquat leaf extract (LE) powder and ascorbic acid (AA) during storage for 180 days. The jerkies were formulated with 0%, 0.15%, and 0.3% LE and/or 0.05% AA (Control, no antioxidant; AA, 0.05% AA; LE 0.15, 0.15% loquat LE; LE 0.15-AA, 0.15% loquat LE+0.05% AA; LE 0.3, 0.3% loquat LE; LE0.3-AA, 0.3% loquat LE+0.05% AA). LE is a phenolic compound, whose 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydarzyl radical scavenging activity and metal chelating activity were found to be higher than AA. All antioxidant combinations having higher LE concentration and containing AA were effective in delaying protein and lipid oxidation compared to the control or AA. At the end of storage period, LE 0.15-AA and AA had higher CIE a* and lower shear force than the control. Therefore, the combination of 0.15% LE and 0.05% AA can result in reduced protein and lipid oxidation without any negative effect on the quality characteristics of semi-dried restructured jerky.

Effects of Protein Functionality on Myofibril Protein-Saccharide Graft Reaction.

The myofibril protein (MP) isolate-saccharide graft reactions was prepared using the Maillard reaction with saccharides. The effects of various saccharides on protein functionality and quality of the Maillard reaction were investigated and compared with those of MP. The grafting degree of the MP isolate-saccharide graft reaction was significantly higher in the reducing sugar-treated groups (lactose, glucose, fructose, and palatinose). The browning intensity of the MP isolate-saccharide graft reaction with fructose, sucrose, and erythitol was higher than that observed in the control reaction (p<0.05). MP that reacted with reducing sugars (glucose, fructose, palatinose, and lactose) had fainter bands than MP that reacted with non-reducing sugars (sucrose, erythitol, trehalose, sorbitol, and xylitol). MPs conjugated with glucose exhibited higher protein solubility. The palatinose and lactose treatments were maximum in water binding capacity, though no significant difference in oil binding capacity among the saccharide treatments was observed. The emulsion stability of the MP isolate-saccharide graft reaction with palatinose and erythitol was higher than that of the control reaction. Therefore, reducing sugars have good protein functionality in the MP isolate-saccharides graft reaction.

How to develop strategies to use insects as animal feed: digestibility, functionality, safety, and regulation.

Various insects have emerged as novel feed resources due to their economical, eco-friendly, and nutritive characteristics. Fish, poultry, and pigs are livestock that can feed on insects. The digestibility of insect-containing meals were presented by the species, life stage, nutritional component, and processing methods. Several studies have shown a reduced apparent digestibility coefficient (ADC) when insects were supplied as a replacement for commercial meals related to chitin. Although the expression of chitinase mRNA was present in several livestock, indigestible components in insects, such as chitin or fiber, could be a reason for the reduced ADC. However, various components can positively affect livestock health. Although the bio-functional properties of these components have been verified in vitro, they show positive health-promoting effects owing to their functional expression when directly applied to animal diets. Changes in the intestinal microbiota of animals, enhancement of immunity, and enhancement of antibacterial activity were confirmed as positive effects that can be obtained through insect diets. However, there are some issues with the safety of insects as feed. To increase the utility of insects as feed, microbial hazards, chemical hazards, and allergens should be regulated. The European Union, North America, East Asia, Australia, and Nigeria have established regulations regarding insect feed, which could enhance the utility of insects as novel feed resources for the future.

Application of Edible Insects as Novel Protein Sources and Strategies for Improving Their Processing.

Insects have long been consumed by humans as a supplemental protein source, and interest in entomophagy has rapidly increased in recent years as a potential sustainable resource in the face of environmental challenges and global food shortages. However, food neophobia inhibits the widespread consumption of edible insects, despite their high nutritional and functional value. The own characteristics of edible insect protein such as foaming properties, emulsifying properties, gelling properties and essential amino acid ratio can be improved by drying, defatting, and extraction. Although nutritional value of some protein-enriched bread, pasta, and meat products, especially essential amino acid components was increased, replacement of conventional food with edible insects as a novel food source has been hindered owing to the poor cross-linking properties of edible insect protein. This deterioration in physicochemical properties may further limit the applicability of edible insects as food. Therefore, strategies must be developed to improve the quality of edible insect enriched food with physical, chemical, and biological methods. It was presented that an overview of the recent advancements in these approaches and highlight the challenges and prospects for this field. Applying these strategies to develop insect food in a more familiar form can help to make insect-enriched foods more appealing to consumers, facilitating their widespread consumption as a sustainable and nutritious protein source.

Effects of Defatting Methods on the Physicochemical Properties of Proteins Extracted from Hermetiaillucens Larvae.

In this study, we investigated the effects of various defatting methods, including organic solvent (aqueous, acetone, ethanol, and hexane) extraction and physical (cold pressure) extraction, on the nutritional, physicochemical, and functional properties of proteins extracted from Hermetia illucens larvae. The total essential amino acid contents were higher with cold pressure protein extraction than other treatments. The surface hydrophobicity with cold pressure treatment was the lowest, and there were no significant differences among the other treatments. The protein solubility after defatting with organic solvent was higher than for other treatments. The nonreduced protein band at 50 kDa of the defatted protein prepared using organic solvent was fainter than in the cold pressure treatment. The cold pressure-defatted protein showed the highest emulsifying capacity, and the water extracted protein showed the lowest emulsifying capacity. Although organic solvents may be efficient for defatting proteins extracted from insects, organic solvents have detrimental effects on the human body. In addition, the organic solvent extraction method requires a considerable amount of time for lipid extraction. Based on our results, using cold pressure protein extraction on edible insect proteins is ecofriendly and economical due to the reduced degreasing time and its potential industrial applications.

Drying-induced restructured jerky analog developed using a combination of edible insect protein and textured vegetable protein.

With an increasing consumer interest in meat analog products, various imitation products have been developed. Among conventional meat products, jerky-type foods are rich in proteins and exhibit a long shelf-life owing to their low water activity (<0.90). Restructured jerky is advantageous because it can be easily processed into uniform products. This study investigated the physicochemical and thermal properties of drying-induced restructured jerky analogs prepared by combining textured vegetable protein (TVP) and edible insect protein (EIP) in the following ratios: 100/0, 80/20, 60/40, 40/60, 20/80, and 0/100% (w/w), as well as the interactions between EIP and TVP. Furthermore, qualitative characteristics, color, pH, moisture content, water activity, shear force, and rehydration capacity of the analogs were investigated. In conclusion, restructured jerky analogs developed by combining TVP and EIP may provide a tender dried food with high nutritional value.

Biological activity and processing technologies of edible insects: a review.

The burgeoning global population growth has raised concerns regarding the expected increase in the demand for food, which could be partially tackled by identifying novel food sources. To this end, edible insects have recently attracted research interest. Several technologies for utilizing edible insect-derived proteins have been introduced; however, research into their functional utilization is insufficient. Herein, we reviewed the relevant literature on the importance of insects as food sources, extraction of edible insects, the nutritional value of insects, biological activities of components, and their applications in food industries. We summarized the studies primarily focused on the functional utilization of edible insects, suggesting that for successful incorporation and growth of edible insects in food and pharmaceutical industries, strategies to improve the extraction methods are required to explore the biological activity of edible insects. Furthermore, the awareness of edible insects with a focus on their allergens warrants consideration.