Current Nutrition & Food Science - Volume 19, Issue 4, 2023

Background: Natural herbal medicines may contribute to preventing and treating various diseases and have substantial medicinal properties. Objective: The goal of this manuscript is to examine the natural benefits, chemical components, and medicinal values of pennyroyal. Methods: This manuscript aimed to outline the most notable advantages and pharmaceutical benefits of pennyroyal. It includes review articles, randomized control experiments, analytical studies, and observations, which have been gathered from different sources, such as Google Scholar, Scopus, Science Direct, and PubMed. A literature review was carried out using the keywords, such as pennyroyal, Mentha pulegium L., natural products, and pharmaceutical benefits. Results: The major pennyroyal essential oils are pulegone, menthone, isomenthone, piperitone, mentol, neo-menthol, and 3-Octanol. The major properties of pennyroyal are antiseptic, depurative, digestive, anti-rheumatic, anti-arthritic, antimicrobial, antibacterial, stomachic, astringent, emmenagogue, decongestant, and insecticide. Conclusion: Nutrition therapy on the basis of traditional medicinal science is definitely useful for treating common diseases. Pennyroyal has notable promising health benefits, and its phytochemical and pharmacological benefits indicate its importance in modern medicinal studies.

Coffee is the most extensively consumed drink in the world. However, in the last few years, unroasted coffee seeds, popularly known as green coffee beans (GCB), attracted people due to its health properties. This review covers pharmacological efficacy, mechanism of action and bioactive components of green coffee beans. It contains a unique set of polyphenolic compounds, methylxanthines and diterpenes which are responsible for the astringency, flavour, smell and taste as well as for its health benefits. Chlorogenic acid, a polyphenolic compound, is the major bioactive compound in coffee beans which contributes most to the medicinal activities present in it. The finding reveals the effectiveness of green coffee beans in all parameters of metabolic syndrome by regulating adipokines. It prevents doxorubicin induced cardiomyocyte cell death and also has antimutagenic activity on the HeLa cell line and PA-1 cell line. Neuroprotective effect of GCB in degenerative disease was achieved by reducing neuroinflammatory markers TNF-α (tumor necrosis factor-α) and IL-1β (interleukin-1β). Along with these properties, GCB has shown some potential antimicrobial, hepatoprotective, cardioprotective and sunscreen effects, as it contains a high sun protection factor. The findings from this study conclude that green coffee beans have shown bizarrely several health benefits, but a large number of trials and intervention are required to establish its medicinal values.

Plants are used by almost 80% of the world's population for health and healing, and medicinal and aromatic plants account for 25% of all integrated pharmaceuticals. Moringa oleifera is a multi-purpose herbal plant that is utilized as a portion of human food and a therapeutic alternative all over the world. According to studies, it has been discovered as a plant with a wide range of health benefits, including nutritional and medicinal characteristics. It can live on nutrient- depleted soils and is drought-resistant, and it flourishes in wet tropics and scorching dry regions. With a pH of 5.0-9.0, a minimum annual rainfall need of 250 mm, and a maximum annual rainfall demand of over 3000 mm, it can endure a wide variety of rainfall. Moringa is a plant that can aid in the fight against climate change. Moringa’s ability to respond to water stress and its tolerance to it were investigated in this study. Moringa is used in traditional medicine all over the world for a variety of ailments, including skin infections, anemia, anxiety, asthma, blood impurities, bronchitis, chest congestion, cholera, infections, fever, glandular, swelling, headaches, abnormal blood pressure, hysteria, pain in joints, pimples, psoriasis, respiratory disorders, scurvy, semen deficiency, sore throat, sprain, tuberculosis, for intestinal worms, lactation, diabetes, and pregnancy. Moringa oil is prized in the cosmetic business because of its unique properties. Moringa oil is light and easily absorbed by the skin. It is ideal for massage and aromatherapy purposes. Although M. oleifera's nutritional value is lower than that claimed by popular nutritional claims, its abundance in food-insecure areas and wide range of nutrients keep it viable as a nutritious food source for populations in low- and middle-income countries. Malnutrition, which includes undernutrition, micronutrient deficiency, and overnutrition, is more widespread than hunger per se and affects most nations around the world. The diversity and quality of food produced and consumed are crucial in reducing the triple burden of malnutrition. In this climate, fruit, vegetables, and nuts are quickly becoming the focus of the nutrition community. Moringa's diet is higher in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) than in saturated fatty acids (SFAs).

Since the dawn of time, cereals have been acknowledged to play a critical role in meeting human food demand as they are capable of providing significant amounts of macro and micronutrients and calories to an individual’s diet. Pseudocereals, on the other hand, are also naturally high in these critical nutrients but have not been fully investigated for their ability to be used in large-scale manufacturing activities. Although pseudocereal grains provide a reasonable advantage to their users in terms of nutrition and health benefits, many people still do not get the whole advantage out of them. Pseudocereals are edible seeds from the class Dicotyledonae, and represent increasingly popular gluten-free grains with high nutritional value in human diets. Pseudocereals are high in starch, fiber, proteins, minerals, vitamins, and phytochemicals (especially phenolics), which dispense profuse health benefits. They can lower the risk of chronic diseases, such as diabetes, cancer, and cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, this work aims to provide an outline of the major types, nutritional and phytochemical composition, health benefits, and potential applications of the three most commonly consumed pseudocereal grains: amaranth, quinoa, and buckwheat, to popularize these grains among people. Commercialization of products containing these pseudocereals would aid in combating a variety of health-related issues. Amaranth, quinoa, and buckwheat are gluten-free sources and contain no prolamins that are harmful to celiac disease patients. Therefore, pseudocereal-incorporated gluten-free foods would symbolize a step forward in guaranteeing sufficient input of nutrients in celiac disease patients.

Mushrooms are an important aspect of the human diet, and their popularity has increased over the years. Pleurotus ostreatus (P. ostreatus) is the most commonly consumed mushroom by rural dwellers in South Western Nigeria, perhaps based on their nutritive value and health-enhancing benefits. Pleurotus is a genus of about 40 mushroom species popularly referred to as "oyster mushrooms." P. ostreatus is one of several Pleurotus species widely consumed for their flavour, nutritional value, and medicinal properties. Polysaccharides, proteins, peptides, triterpenoids, lectins, lipids, and their derivatives are all found in the P. ostreatus mushroom, in addition to its essential therapeutic components. P. ostreatus, commonly consumed as food or food supplement, has been reported in folklore for its antihypertensive property with limited scientific proof. This review emphasizes the excellent nutritional value of P. ostreatus mushroom.

Diabetes is characterized by hyperglycemia due to the decreased and inadequate levels of insulin in the body, resistance to the effects of insulin, or a combination of both. There are three types of diabetes. However, Type 2 disease is the most common, followed by Type 1 and gestational diabetes. Most common factors responsible for diabetes are obesity or being overweight, impaired glucose tolerance, insulin resistance, ethnic background, sedentary lifestyle, and family history. Because of the increased longevity, it is becoming a disease of the elderly, thus contributing to the complexity of managing it in the ageing population. Diabetes also has implications for cancer and heart disease. Some studies have shown increased cancer risk in prediabetic and diabetic individuals. A recent major study draws firm conclusion that diabetes promotes a person’s risk of developing different types of cancer. The occurrence and mortality of cancer types, e.g., pancreas, liver, colorectal, breast, endometrial, and bladder cancers, may produce a modest rise in diabetics. Women with diabetes are 27% likelier to develop cancer compared to healthy women. On the other hand, only 19% more men with diabetes are likely to develop cancer when compared to healthy men. Preventive measures such as proper diet, physical activity, weight management, smoking cessation, and controlling obesity may improve Type 2 diabetes (T2D) outcomes and some forms of cancer. Developing awareness of the genetic association relationship between T2D and coronary heart disease has begun to provide the potential for better prevention and treatment of both disorders. Significant preventive measures for diabetes include - the consumption of nutrients such as vitamin D, nuts, minerals chromium and magnesium, controlling weight, hypertension, plant foods, and a Mediterranean plant-based diet along with increased exercise.

As a typical and ancient Iranian drink based on fermented milk, Doogh is normally produced from yogurt, drinking water, salt, and flavoring agents on both traditional and industrial scales. Referring to the large production and consumption of Doogh in many countries and the adoption of its Codex standard (2018), considering its technological and health (nutritional and safety) aspects is of special importance. There is versatility and variety in ingredients, production methods, and packaging of Doogh that can affect the physicochemical (i.e., physical, chemical, and rheological) sensory, nutritional, and safety characteristics of the product. On the other hand, its shelf life is regularly an extended shelf life (>2 months) which can be challenging from a technological point of view. This article comprehensively reviews the technological and health aspects of industrial Doogh.

Background: In addition to lifestyle, diet, environmental, and physiological factors, genetics also contributes to an increase in mitochondrial vulnerability. With depression, the hypothalamic, pituitary, and adrenal (HPA) axis are overactive, which is linked to higher CNS glucocorticoid levels. In recent years, topical drug delivery has been used on a priority basis compared to other drug delivery systems because of its specific site action and sustained release capacity. An emulsion gel is prepared by an emulsion incorporated into a gel by a gelling agent. Glucosamine Sulphate Potassium Chloride (GSPC) is used to treat osteoarthritis. It does this by increasing the production of proteoglycans, which can cause the cartilage to break down. Objectives: The aim behind choosing the glucosamine sulphate potassium chloride for the management of Osteoarthritis (OA) is that it has many clinical investigations and has topical properties which are effective against osteoarthritis. Methods: Osteoarthritis is a prevalent rheumatic musculoskeletal disorder. It is a pervasive disorder affecting people worldwide and can affect any joint, mainly the knees, hips, spine, and hand joints. The review is based on many studies extracted from Google Scholar, Google Patents, etc. Data from other sources were gathered to do further research on osteoarthritis. Results: Extensive literature was studied about Glucosamine Sulphate Potassium Chloride. It has been shown that GSPC is effective against osteoarthritis, and also, some patents regarding GSPC have a therapeutic effect on making our joints healthy. Conclusion: Topical formulations are widely used for better patient compliance, and emulgel is a good choice regarding viscosity and spreadability. GSPC is effective against osteoarthritis; many clinical studies have evidence of this.

Background: Ananas comosus belongs to the family Bromeliaceae and is commonly known as pineapple, anannas and anannaasa. Objective: The present review gives detailed information about synonyms, geographical distribution, taxonomical classification, cultivation, pharmacognostical and phytochemical profile as well as about therapeutic potential of Ananas comosus. Methods: For the preparation of the manuscript, all the information was collected from scientific engines and databases (Web of Science, Scifinder, Google Scholar, Scopus, PubMed, Wiley Online Library, Taylor & Francis online) using different keywords. Result: Recent studies of A.comosus are based on traditional use, phytochemistry and pharmacology. The nutritional properties of the fruit are well known. The fruit contains various biological active phytoconstituents such as polyphenol compounds, volatile compounds and carotenoids, etc. which are therapeutically active. A.comosus is used for digestive issues, inflammation, seasickness and in a sore throat. Different studies on A.comosus have been conducted due to ethnopharmacological profile. It possesses antimalarial, antidiabetic, abortifacient, anticancer, antioxidant, antidiarrhoeal activity, etc. Finally industrial applications and ongoing clinical trials on pineapple are also summarized. Conclusion: This review would assist researchers in formulating a therapeutically active herbal remedy.

Background: Neurodegenerative disorder is a consequence of the gradual and progressive deterioration of the function and structure of the peripheral nervous system or central nervous system or both. Currently, effective treatment for this neurodegenerative disease does not exist, thus, flavonoids abundant in fruits and vegetables have attracted attention as potential neuroprotective agents. Objective: The aim of this review was to discuss the existing scientific literature data regarding flavonoids from edible plants and their potential as neuroprotective agents to provide constituent compound and pharmacological relevance in the prevention or treatment of age-related deficits in learning, memory, and Alzheimer’s disorder. Methods: Exhaustive bibliographic investigation on phytochemistry and pharmacology associated with flavonoids from edible plants was performed using scientific databases like Science Direct, PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, EMBASE, Google Scholar, ChemSpider. "Cognitive deficits", "age-related cognitive", "Alzheimer disease" "flavonoids" and "phenolic compounds" utilized as keywords in the search in the databases. Published articles from 1992 to 2022 were collected and studied. Results: The finding indicated that flavonoids in edible plants can exert powerful effects on cognition and consequently can reverse the age-related deficit in learning and memory and retard the development of Alzheimer’s disorder due to their capacity to interact with the molecular architecture of the brain responsible of the memory. Mechanisms of actions were analyzed, including the effect on neuroinflammation, synaptic plasticity, signaling pathways, Aβ peptides, and hippocampus, among others. Conclusion: This study can be used as scientific support for the development of alternative drugs, food supplements, and nutraceuticals to prevent, maintain and enhance the neurophysiological status.

Background: Increased intracellular iron metabolism is a hallmark of breast cancer. Curcumin is an iron chelator with suggested anti-proliferative effects in breast cancer cell lines. However, preclinical studies in murine models are required to validate these important benefits. Aims: Therefore, this study aimed to determine if the iron-chelating properties of curcumin are responsible for its anti-proliferative effect in breast cancer cells and to investigate the translation of this effect to in vivo models. Methods: For in vitro experiments, human MCF-7 and mouse 4T1 breast cancer cells were tested. Cell proliferation was assessed in the presence and absence of different concentrations of FAC (ferric ammonium citrate) and curcumin. For in vivo studies, 4T1 cells were implanted into BALB/c mice. After tumor development, animals were divided into four groups (n=5); control, curcumin, optimized curcumin (OC) and chemotherapy group. Tumor volumes were calculated prior and posterior oral gavage treatments. Result: Curcumin inhibited cell proliferation in both MCF-7 and 4T1 cell lines in a seemingly iron-dependent manner. FAC addition inhibited the anti-proliferative effect exhibited by curcumin. Moreover, curcumin group showed a significantly decreased in tumor growth; interestingly, treatment with OC supplement induced the opposite effect. Conclusion: These results suggest that curcumin may have an important positive impact on breast cancer, due to its iron-dependent and anti-proliferative properties.

Background: Nutrition is involved in various ways in the 17 distinct SDGs of the United Nations Agenda 2030. The COVID-19 pandemic is testing the world, threatening health, nutrition, education, and social protection. Objective: The objective of this study was to assess the adolescents’ adherence to the Mediterranean diet that attended senior high school in the Greek city of Rhodes during the lockdown period. Methods: In this cross-sectional, observational study, the sample of the research was 227 students aged 11-15 years old, who self-reported their weight and height and completed validated questionnaires for their nutritional attitudes. Results: The percentages of students who were overweight/obese were 22.5% of the total sample (17.2% overweight and 5.3% obese) according to the IOTF (International Obesity Taskforce) cutoffs and 30.4% (21.6% overweight and 8.8% obese) according to the WHO (World Health Organization) cutoffs. The average KIDMED score of the sample was medium (6.00) and the adherence to the Mediterranean diet of the sample needs improvement. Conclusion: Results support a shift from the traditional Mediterranean diet to more unhealthy eating patterns. Adolescents' limited physical activity mainly on weekdays was reported, and further research could examine the role of distant education in this behavior. Policies and strategies targeting the students’ population are essential for adolescents’ nutrition education and the improvement of their dietary habits toward the sustainable Mediterranean diet, during the specific circumstances of covid pandemic.

Background: Older adults are vulnerable to disease exposure because of the agerelated decrease in immune capacity. Older adults with macronutrient and micronutrient deficiencies may have poor nutritional status and low immune responses, making them prone to COVID-19 infection. Objective: This study aimed to assess the effect of orange almond potato cookie supplementation on weight, hemoglobin, and albumin levels in undernourished older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: A quasi-experimental study design was utilized in a cohort of 31 older adults. The subjects consumed 50 grams of cookies per day for 4 weeks. The examination was performed to assess the hemoglobin and albumin levels at pre- and post-study timepoints. Education about balanced nutrition and anemia was provided throughout the study using leaflets, flipcharts, and videos. The subjects were weighed weekly to assess compliance; cookies were distributed, and a daily food consumption record was collected three times a week during home visits. Results: Weight, hemoglobin, and albumin levels increased by 0.4 kg, 0.1 points, and 1 point, respectively. The difference was significant for weight, albeit nonsignificant for hemoglobin and albumin levels. At the end of the study, participants’ knowledge regarding balanced nutrition and anemia was statistically significantly different, as well as that of energy, carbohydrate, protein, fat, vitamin C, and iron intake. Weight gain was found to be influenced by the total cookie consumption (p < 0.035). Conclusion: Orange almond potato cookies increased the undernourished older adults’ weight when consumed for 4 weeks.

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the average amount of acrylamide in two types of traditional bread (Barbari and Sangak) and one type of industrial bread (toast) and to investigate their hazard potential (HQ) and carcinogenic risk (CR). Methods: Twenty samples of each Barbari, Sangak, and Toast from a bakery in one of the neighborhoods of Tehran in one month were prepared randomly. Results: The results were obtained using liquid-liquid extraction (LLE) method and a chromatographic device equipped with a phosphorus-nitrogen detector (NPD). The highest amount of acrylamide was obtained in Sangak (59.7 ng g^-1), Barbari (52.6 ng g^-1) and toast (38.2 ng g^-1) bread, respectively. Conclusion: Carcinogenic risk factor (CR) in Sangak and Barbari bread in the amounts of 320 and 500 g per day can be problematic for the consumer and increase the risk of carcinogenic diseases. However, these values do not prohibit the consumption of toast.