Current Functional Foods - Online First

Rats were given cadmium orally at a dosage of 5 mg/kg/day for 30 days, along with flaxseed oil (FSO) at doses of 2ml/kg/day and 3ml/kg/day for the same duration. The Morris watermaze test (MWM) and the Novel object recognition test (NOR) were performed to evaluate learning and memory abilities. We quantified the amounts of glutathione (GSH), malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO), and acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activity (AChE) in the entire brain homogenate. Additionally, apoptosis and histopathology studies were conducted on rat brain tissues.

Intoxication with cadmium was associated with significant impairment of learning and memory in Morris watermaze (MWM) and novel object recognition (NOR) tests. The group that consumed Cd showed elevated levels of MDA, NO, and AChE in the brain homogenate, higher levels of caspase-3 and Bcl-2, and decreased levels of GSH compared to the control group. Animals treated with FSO exhibited improved learning and memory function, along with balanced levels of oxidative and cholinergic activity in brain tissue. Additionally, levels of caspase-3 and Bcl-2 were reduced in a similar way to the control group.

The study demonstrates that flaxseed oil has positive effects by raising GSH and anti-apoptotic potential levels while reducing MDA, NO, and AChE levels in the brain. This contributes to neuroprotection and decreases neuronal death, as supported by histopathological findings.

Murici is valued by the local population for its healing, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties, which are attributed to its phenolic compounds and carotenoids, although its quality and properties are not well-known.

This research aimed to evaluate the quality of murici pulp (Byrsonima spp.) commercialized in some places of Santarém, Pará, Brazil.

Murici pulp samples were collected in Santarém and Curuá, PA, between October 2022 and January 2023. The samples were packed in plastic containers and stored in a refrigerated laboratory. Physicochemical analyses included pH, titratable acidity, total soluble solids, ash content, moisture, phenolic compounds, proteins, and sugars, following standard methods. Antioxidant activity was measured using DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP assays.

Murici pulp pH ranged from 3.2 to 3.6, all within legal limits, indicating higher acidity suitable for consumption. Titratable acidity ranged from 15.89 to 63.57 meq kg⁻¹, meeting regulatory standards. Ash content varied from 0.15% to 0.86%, moisture from 75.11% to 83.58%, and phenolic compounds from 2.73 to 3.64 mg GA g⁻¹. Significant statistical differences were observed in all analyses, highlighting the nutritional and antioxidant potential of the pulp.

Murici pulp samples showed low sugar and starch concentrations but high total acidity and antioxidant capacity (DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP). pH levels met legal standards, with significant variations due to ripeness and environmental factors. The study underscores murici's health benefits and quality variations influenced by environmental conditions and processing factors.

Calendula (English Marigold), or “Pot Marigold,” is a well-known herbal plant from the family of Asteraceae, which has been used for thousands of years as a medicinal herb. It is one of the most widely used aromatic herbs in the Ayurvedic system of medicine, which is based on the ethnological significance of the plant. Extracts of this plant have been found to possess a range of therapeutic benefits, including anti-hyperlipidaemia, cardiovascular and antidiabetic properties, as well as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Additionally, it has been found to be effective in wound healing and has anti-cancer, anti-hepatitis, antibacterial, and antiretroviral properties. Traditionally, it has been used as a herbal remedy to treat skin tumours and dermatological lesions as well as ulcers and swellings, as well as nervous disorders.

In addition to ethnopharmacology, pharmacology, and toxicology, this abstract also covers the morphology, microscopy, phytoconstituents, pharmacological reports, phytochemistry, and toxicity of the well-known Calendula species. Cosmetic ingredients derived from the C officinalis plant include extracts, flower oil, seed oil, and other components of the plant. These components include minerals, carbohydrates, and lipids; phenolic acids; flavonoids; tannins; coumarins; sterols; steroids; monoterpenes; sesquiterpene; triterpenes; tocopherol; quinones; amino acids; and resins. A chemical analysis of these ingredients reveals a wide variety of chemical compounds, including amino acid, triterpenoid, quinone, flavonoid, volatile oil, carotenoid, and other chemicals. Some Calendula officinalis species have medicinal value, and a literature review highlights their utilization.

Calendula officinalis has a wide range of medicinal properties, ranging from antibacterial and antifungal properties to anthelmintic and antiviral properties. Additionally, it has antioxidant and hepatoprotective properties, as well as cardioprotective and wound-healing properties. Furthermore, it has been used to treat gastrointestinal, eye, and skin diseases. The plant has the potential to be a significant medicinal resource for mankind. It exhibits anti-HIV, cytotoxic, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, and spasmolytic properties. The plant is used in almost 200 cosmetic formulations and has the potential for further research.

This review emphasizes the future scope of Calendula species, focusing on their multifarious biological activities and potential applications as medicinal agents. This research fills gaps in existing studies, allowing researchers to validate traditional claims and advance the safe and effective use of CO in treating various ailments.

A fruit, the soft, pulpy part of a flowering plant, is abundant in essential nutrients like fiber, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and bioactive compounds. It provides macronutrients such as carbohydrates and energy while being low in protein and lipids. Health authorities advocate a minimum daily intake of five servings of fruits and vegetables for a balanced diet. Fruits contain simple sugars such as glucose, fructose, and sucrose, which are essential for regulating blood sugar levels and supporting brain function. However, excessive sugar consumption can be harmful in certain health conditions. This highlights the importance of accurately estimating glucose content in fruits for the field of nutrition science.

In this study, a total of 42 fruit samples from 20 groups were collected from local markets in West Bengal, India, to measure glucose levels using the GOD-POD method.

Results revealed the top five fruits highest in glucose: green grapes (54.12 ± 5.82 mg/g), java apple (green jamrul: 47.25 ± 8.23 mg/g), red grapes (44.75 ± 5.23 mg/g), Zahedi dates (43.88 ± 3.25 mg/g), and Medjool dates (43.48 ± 3.87 mg/g). Conversely, the five fruits lowest in glucose were Indian gooseberry (amla: 0.84 ± 0.21 mg/g), Bengal currant (koromcha: 1.24 ± 0.15 mg/g), gondhoraj lemon (2.62 ± 0.25 mg/g), himsagar mango (3.46 ± 0.81 mg/g), and pearafuli mango (5.5 ± 0.52 mg/g).

This study aims to contribute to the development of a comprehensive database on fruit glucose content. Fruits with lower glucose levels are beneficial for diabetic patients, obese individuals, and others, whereas those with higher glucose levels are not recommended for diabetics but are suitable for athletes and malnourished individuals.