Current Functional Foods - Current Issue

Cucurbitaceae family plants have been widely used as traditional medicines for the prevention and treatment of many ailments. Citrullus colocynthis Linnaeus also known as Colocynth, is a bitter plant commonly found growing in sandy deserts around the world, and it grows naturally in the Western Haryana region. Fruits of this plant have been utilized traditionally for various medicinal purposes, like as an appetite suppressant, hypoglycemic, diuretic, laxative, anthelmintic, and for treating renal stones.

The objective of this study is to carry out the in vitro anti-obesity investigation, pharmacognostical studies, heavy metal and pesticide residue analysis, microbial contamination, and mycotoxins evaluation of the Citrullus colocynthis fruits for establishing their quality, safety, efficacy, and purity standards.

Fresh fruits were collected and taxonomically authenticated. The pharmacognostical characteristics of the intact and powdered fruits were identified and qualitative and quantitative phytochemical evaluation was performed. Physicochemical evaluation, heavy metal and pesticide residue detection, microbial contamination, and mycotoxins analysis were performed as per WHO guidelines 2011. In vitro inhibition activities for pancreatic lipase and α-amylase enzymes were carried out as per standard procedures and IC50 values were recorded.

The pharmacognostical standards viz. macroscopy, microscopy and physicochemical parameters were laid, and the drug was declared free from microbial contamination and mycotoxins. Heavy metal analysis and pesticide residue detection revealed that their presence was below toxic levels. The Powder microscopy, microbial contamination, mycotoxin evaluation, and pesticide residue of the Colocynth fruits are novel findings. The IC50 values (µg/ml) for pancreatic lipase inhibition for aqueous and ethanolic extracts were found to be 21.27±1.25 and 34.35±1.86, and for α-glucosidase, the values were 271.12±2.64 and 283.21±3.06, and for α-glucosidase, the values were 295.67±2.92 and 306.15±3.44 respectively. Thus, the fruit extracts showed significant in vitro anti-obesity potential.

Pharmacognostical and physicochemical studies prove to be useful in reducing commercial adulteration of the crude drug by assuring their purity and identity and this could further help in improving the quality of formulations incorporating it. The results of various standardization parameters could be used for designing the monograph of the crude drug. The fruits were found to be fit for therapeutic consumption and their extracts have shown good pancreatic lipase inhibition. The in vitro anti-obesity investigation findings of the fruit extracts can further be explored in-vivo for evaluating their therapeutic efficacy.

An acne is a frequent form of skin condition brought on by an overproduction of the particular oil “sebum”, which is produced by the sebaceous gland. This oil accumulates in the follicles and causes the swelling of pores. Many microbial species such as Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtills, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Aspergillus tubingensis etc. are responsible for acne directly or indirectly. The aim of this study was to synthesise the herbal gel of tea tree oil obtained from the plant M.alternifolia.

The gel was prepared using Carbopol-940 as a gelling agent using the swelling method and parameters like spreadability, extrudability, pH, etc were also determined. Zone of inhibition (ZOI) was estimated with renowned standards (Ciprofloxacin and fluconazole).

Studies revealed that the gel was highly effective against the selected species except fungal strains. ZOI was observed ranging from 1.6 ± 0.01 mm to 14.9 ± 0.43 mm. The maximum ZOI was observed (14.9 ± 0.43) against Staphylococcus aureus. The physical properties of the gel satisfied the standard parameters.

The herbal gel was found to be highly promising activity against bacterial species associated with acne in a concentration-dependent manner, but more research is needed.

Ayran is drinkable yoghurt that is prepared by mixing water, salt, and yoghurt, or by adding water to milk and inoculation with yoghurt culture and adding salt after fermentation.

This study investigates the effect of using classic, probiotic, EPS-producing and EPS-producing + probiotic (BB12) cultures on the chemical, microbiological and sensorial characteristics of drinkable dairy product ayran.

Four treatments of ayran were made using classic yogurt culture (T1), ABT-5 culture (T2), exopolysaccharide (EPS) producing culture (YO-Flex Mild 1.0) (T3), and EPS-producing culture + Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BB12 (mixture culture) (T4).

Sample T2 had the lowest acidity values during the fermentation period. While sample T2 had the highest pH values, the total solids, fat, and total protein contents of the ayran treatments were unaffected by culture type. Mineral contents slightly decreased in samples T3 and T4. In comparison to other treatments, sample 4 had higher counts of S. thermophilus, L. delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus, and Bifidobacterium. The recommended level of probiotic bacteria (10⁷ cfu g⁻¹) was exceeded for all treatments, particularly T4, and remained above (10⁷ cfu g⁻¹) until the end of storage. Moreover, Ayran, made with mixture culture (T4), received the highest sensory evaluation scores.

Mixture culture (EPS-producing culture + BB12) is a good starter to make bioayran containing high counts of probiotics.

Tarumã-do-Cerrado (Vitex cymosa Bertero ex Spreng, TC) is a little-explored Brazilian native fruit.

The sustainable bioprospecting of new fruits is essential to devise strategies for preventing and treating noncommunicable diseases, like obesity, and even contribute to food diversity and discovering functional ingredients.

This study evaluated the proximate composition, minerals, dietary fiber, and their fractions, phenolic compounds by two types of extraction, and antioxidant activity in the TC edible part. We also determined its fatty acid profile from the seed’s crude oil.

TC has 100 g low-fat content (0.19 g) containing good phosphorus (91.50 mg) source and is rich in chromium (0.05 mg) and molybdenum (0.53 mg). It has a high range of dietary fiber in fresh and freeze-dried fruit (4.01 g and 26.23 g, respectively). The different extraction conditions showed medium to high content (101.58 to 598.80 µg GAE/100 g) of phenolic compounds. Antioxidant activity has been demonstrated in vitro using electron or hydrogen/proton transfer mechanisms. The crude oilseed is a source of oleic (35.91%) and linoleic acid (32.20%).

TC provides essential nutrients, fibers, and bioactive compounds to be allied to sustainable health strategies for food diversity and nutraceutical product development.

Obesity is strongly associated with mood disorders. There is evidence that obesity and mood disorders may be related pathologically. Depression and manic episodes are more common among overweight or obese individuals. Human subjects have reported the restorative effects of probiotic supplementation on neuroendocrine functions. Gut microbiota, neuroendocrine status, and obesity are related. Magnesium enriches the gut microbiota. Based on the association between gut microbiota, magnesium levels, obesity, and neuropsychiatric disorders, we examined the possibility of co-supplementation of probiotics and magnesium in humans.

For 74 individuals, demographic data, quality of life scores (SF -12), depression, anxiety, and stress scores (DASS-21) were collected, along with body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, and serum cortisol levels. An SPSS analysis was performed.

Both the intervention and control groups experienced significant reductions in depression, anxiety, and stress. A significant improvement in mental health, role-emotional function, and vitality was observed in the probiotic and magnesium supplement group.

Magnesium supplements and probiotics increased vitality (VT) and mental health (MH) and reduced functional impairment from emotional stress (RE). They experienced fewer functional limitations because of physical conditions.

IRCT20191127045525N1.

This review provides a concise overview of existing scientific research concerning the potential advantages of incorporating spirulina, a blue-green algae, into one's diet to promote brain health. The substantial nutritional composition and associated health benefits of algae have drawn significant interest.

Numerous studies have illuminated the neuroprotective characteristics of spirulina, contributing to its positive influence on brain functionality. Primarily, spirulina boasts antioxidants, like phycocyanin and beta-carotene, that effectively counter oxidative stress and curb inflammation within the brain. This is particularly significant as these factors play roles in the advancement of neurodegenerative conditions like Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease. Additionally, spirulina has demonstrated the capacity to enhance cognitive capabilities and enrich memory and learning aptitudes.

Animal-based investigations have revealed that introducing spirulina can bolster spatial learning and memory, as well as guard against cognitive decline linked to aging. Research has indicated its potential in shielding against neurotoxins, encompassing heavy metals and specific environmental pollutants. Its potential to neutralize heavy metals and counteract free radicals contributes to these protective effects, potentially thwarting neuronal harm.

In conclusion, the extant scientific literature proposes that spirulina integration can elicit advantageous outcomes for brain health. Its antioxidative, neuroprotective, cognitive-enhancing, and mood-regulating properties present a promising avenue for bolstering brain health and potentially diminishing the susceptibility to neurodegenerative ailments. Nonetheless, further research, notably well-designed human clinical trials, is imperative to ascertain the optimal dosing, duration, and enduring consequences of spirulina supplementation concerning brain health.

Plant products have been used for the treatment of numerous kinds of human disorders since the very ancient age. Iridoid glycosides are secondary plant metabolites of medicinal importance that have been well investigated in the scientific field for their role in plants. Numerous iridoid class phytochemicals have cardiovascular, anti-viral, anti-hepatotoxic, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, immunomodulatory, anti-spasmodic, hypolipidemic, choleretic, purgative, and hypoglycaemic activity.

Here in the present work, we have collected scientific information on cornin and presented it with respect to its medicinal importance and pharmacological activities with their analytical aspects. Scientific information on cornin has been collected from numerous scientific databases such as PubMed, Science Direct, Google, and Scopus to know the biological potential of cornin in medicine. Further, pharmacological activity scientific data of cornin has been presented in this work with proper citations.

The scientific data of the present paper described the biological significance of cornin in medicine. The further detailed pharmacological activity of cornin signified its therapeutic effectiveness on cerebral ischemia, angiogenesis, autophagy, myocardial injury, cerebral injury, oxidative injury, lipid peroxidation, proliferation, and cytochrome p450. Analytical data signified the separation, isolation, and identification techniques of cornin in medicine.

The scientific information of the present work will be beneficial for all scientific people to explore the therapeutic effectiveness of cornin in medicine.

Mango, known as “the king of fruits,” is one of the most popular fruits on the planet. Vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and bioactive substances abound.

In the present review, we aimed to explore the therapeutic effects of mango as an antioxidant.

Scopus and ScienceDirect databases were used to gather research papers over the previous 12 years.

Our research explores the formidable antioxidant potential of mango, driven by its elevated phenolic and flavonoid content. Within mango, crucial metabolites such as glutathione and euxanthone contribute significantly to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory prowess. A noteworthy bioactive compound, Mangiferin, found in mango, exhibits anti-diabetic properties by inhibiting sucrase and isomaltase, consequently reducing glucose absorption in the intestine.

In our study, mango has demonstrated its ability to lower blood sugar levels, enhance insulin production, and reduce lipid levels. These beneficial effects are attributed to high soluble fiber, polyphenols, and carotenoids, including quercetin and beta-carotene. Our findings shed light on the multifaceted health-promoting attributes of mango, positioning it as a valuable natural resource for potential dietary interventions and health enhancement. In conclusion, effective blood sugar management hinges on strategic dietary decisions. Steering clear of high-glycemic combinations with mangoes, choosing daytime consumption, and integrating regular physical activity for energy equilibrium is paramount.