Agriculture (General)
Alternative Remedies and Natural Products for Cancer Therapy: An Integrative Approach
This book provides a holistic view of natural products and remedies that have been used to treat cancer. The editors aim to educate readers about the importance of the translational role of natural products in cancer treatment by compiling 14 chapters. The book emphasizes an integrative approach to the topic by blending traditional knowledge that supports alternative therapies with the science of phytochemicals and drug discovery technologies as a means to manage the disease.
Key topics include alternative therapies (such as aromatherapy and immune boosting herbal medications) cytotoxic and anti-cancer phytochemicals drug delivery and discovery technologies (including high-throughput screening) and some drug targets of interest for cancer treatment (such as topoisomerases and caspases). Readers will be able to learn about natural sources of ant-cancer compounds and the methods used by research and development experts in pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industries to isolate and formulate these compounds.
This book will be a handy resource for a wide range of readers. This includes researchers traditional medical practitioners PG students Ph.D. scholars and general readers to understand the role of natural products in cancer treatment.
key features
- Explains the importance of alternative therapies in the management of cancer
- Emphasizes the ethnopharmacological approaches to cancer
- Explores natural anticancer drug libraries
- Discusses the role of modern cancer targets and the importance of in-silico tools in anticancer drug discovery
- Addresses modern drug discovery tools and drug delivery technologies concerning their applications in cancer treatment.
- Includes references for further reading
Aloe vera Compositions Used for Medicinal Applications: A Patent Review (2013-till 2020)
Background: Aloe vera is a plant traditionally used for medicinal purposes. It is also used as a cosmetic. Aloe vera gel/extract/juice is used in hair care moisturizing cleansing and thickening agent in formulations. Aloe vera gel is rarely used for burns wounds infections and gastric diseases. Objectives: To study the patents filed recently and understand the trend in the application of Aloe vera for therapeutic purposes. Methods: This patent review focuses on granted patents during the year 2013 to 2020. The patents were analyzed and their therapeutic use was studied to assess the recent trends in Aloe vera formulations. Results: Most of the patents studied in this article are based on skincare products. Out of those the maximum patents are on moisturizing compositions. Most of the patents are found in US jurisdiction and a few in Europe and China. As there are certain restrictions on patenting inventions related to composition and natural products in various jurisdictions patents are only found in a few jurisdictions. Conclusion: The trend of the use of Aloe vera is still towards cosmetic products. Also Aloe vera is used in oral care composition deodorant compositions anti-inflammatory composition vitamin compositions antibiotic compositions etc.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS TO REVIEWERS
An In Vitro Study on the Effects of Selected Natural Dietary Fiber from Salad Vegetables for Lowering Intestinal Glucose and Lipid Absorption
Background: Salad vegetables are good sources of dietary fiber and are becoming increasingly popular among consumers. Therefore these plants have the potential to be developed as functional foods. Objective: Using an in vitro model this study investigated the physical properties and intestinal glucose and lipid absorption capacities of dry dietary fiber from vegetables typically consumed in salads (types of lettuce including red oak red coral green oak butterhead and cos). Method: Fiber was prepared from each type of lettuce using an enzymatic method and then characterized. Physical properties including solubility and water-binding swelling cation-exchange and oil-binding capacities and antihyperglycemic and antihypercholesterolemic effects of fiber were investigated. Results: The hydration capacity of total dietary fiber and insoluble fiber from the majority of sources was significantly different from that of cellulose. Adsorption and diffusion of glucose were directly proportional to incubation time and the diffusion rate was significantly lower in the treatments containing fiber compared to the cellulose control. Fiber from these vegetables also inhibited amylase and alpha-glucosidase activities. Moreover fiber from all sources exhibited significantly higher sodium cholate and cholesterol-binding capacity compared to cellulose and also retarded pancreatic cholesterol esterase activity in a concentration-dependent manner. Conclusion: This study demonstrates that natural dietary fiber from salad vegetables can reduce glucose and lipid absorption and breakdown rates thus preventing increases in postprandial blood glucose and cholesterol levels which can be beneficial to human health.
Application of Nutraceuticals in Managing Osteoarthritis and Osteoporosis
Background: Several health problems especially musculoskeletal disorders are caused by differences in work cultures and human lifestyles around the world. While the conventional approach to treating such conditions emphasizes a balanced work-life and daily exercise nutraceuticals have proven to be successful. Nutraceuticals are dietary compounds that help sustain cartilage metabolism homeostasis reducing articular pain. Dietary intake of a variety of nutraceuticals is thought to be essential for controlling and more specifically preventing osteoarthritis and osteoporosis. Objective: The current article offers a succinct overview in which data was gathered and searched using specific key terms related to nutraceuticals osteoarthritis and osteoporosis that were available in public domains for analysis and evaluation. Methods: The current write-up offers a concise summary of disease and its relevance as to how nutraceuticals are helpful based on the defined findings and their interpretation. The present review also discusses the existing literature patents and current studies in the era of nutraceuticals for osteoarthritis and osteoporosis treatment offering a rational basis for further investigation and research. Result: This article discusses a wide variety of nutraceuticals with possible uses for osteoarthritis and osteoporosis patients. An analysis revealed that nutraceuticals' efficacy has been established. However further study and investigation are needed to determine their protection. Conclusion: As a result of this analysis it was concluded that more innovation and technology transfer were required. It was also concluded that greater industry-academic collaboration was required to begin more effective research in the treatment of osteoarthritis and osteoporosis with nutraceuticals.
Profiling of Essential Mineral Content, Heavy Metals, and Bacterial Contaminants in Conventional and Organic Eggs Available in the Hypermarkets of the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia
Background: Eggs are commonly regarded as one of the best sources of various macro and micronutrients in particular high biological value (BV) proteins and both saturated and unsaturated fatty acids. Apart from proteins eggs are excellent sources of various high health value lipid components carotenoids minerals and both water and lipid-soluble vitamins. However the nutrient-rich nature of this ‘superfood’ also makes them susceptible to microbial contamination from various sources such as fecal matter drinking water for layer chicken and the surrounding environment. Moreover drinking water and chicken feed are also sources of heavy metal contamination. The presence of both factors poses serious health concerns for consumers. Objective: The main aim of this research was to proximate heavy metals and bacterial contaminants in nine different brands of brown organic and conventional white eggs available in the hypermarkets of the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. Methods: An Inductively Coupled Plasma-Optical Emission Spectrometer (ICP-OES) was used to determine the concentration of metals with high sensitivity. Standard plate count was followed by enrichment of bacterial contaminants in a double-strength nutrient broth medium for microbiological assessment. Results: The results indicated that Pb Cd Al and As were present in high concentrations in all egg brands of both types (organic and conventional). The estimated daily intake (EDI) values for Ca Fe Mn and Mg were within the range of WHO-recommended thresholds and these essential minerals were present in adequate amounts in all egg brands. The two major groups predominating the microbial loads were the family Enterobacteriaceae and Pseudomonas sp. Conclusion: The presence of heavy metals such as Al As Pb and Cd in nearly all the brands in amounts that exceeded the established ADI and EDI thresholds was considerably concerning. In particular the elevated levels of Cd and Pb in group 1 and group 2A probable human carcinogens respectively demands that local regulatory authorities investigate the sources of heavy metal contamination and alleviate this considerable risk to human health. Furthermore this study could be a benchmark for establishing food safety and hygiene standards for local egg production storage handling and transport in Saudi Arabia.
Diet Supplementation with Madagascar Cockroach Flour (Gromphadorhina portentosa) Improved Malnourished Mice Metabolism and Ameliorated Liver Inflammatory Markers
Background: Malnutrition and accessible high-quality protein food sources are two of the world’s alimentary challenges. Edible insects are nowadays recognized as a possible functional food solution with lower environmental impacts and beneficial health effects. Objective: In this context the aim of the present study is to evaluate Madagascar cockroach (Gromphadorhina portentosa) flour supplementation effects on a malnourished mice model considering its effects on metabolism adiposity and inflammatory liver profiles. Method: Male Swiss mice are divided into five groups and fed with experimental diets for eight weeks including a standard diet (ST) ad libitum AIN93 ad libitum (AIN) insect flour-enriched AIN93 (AIN+IM) AIN-40% feed restriction (AIN-FR) and insect flour-enriched AIN-40% of feed restriction (AIN-FR+IM). The metabolic profiles adipose tissue biochemical parameters and liver IL-6 and IL-10 expression are evaluated. Results: The main findings show a body weight and metabolism improvement followed by an increased recovery of the adipocyte area in the AIN-FR+IM group when compared to the AIN-FR malnourished group. Reduced hepatic IL-6 and increased IL-10 expression are also detected in the AIN-FR+IM group. Conclusion: The results show that insect flour supplementation enhances both body weight and adiposity gain/recovery. The results also show hepatic improvement of inflammatory markers.
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Patent Selections
Investigation of Different Selenium Sources and Supplying Methods for Selenium Enrichment of Basil Vegetable (A Case Study under Calcareous and Non-calcareous Soil Systems)
Background: Selenium (Se) is a crucial component of selenoaminoacids and selenoproteins. Therefore Se-enriched agricultural products can reduce health complications induced by Se deficiency. Objective: This research was carried out to investigate the effects of Se bio-enrichment on Basil grown in calcareous and non-calcareous soil systems and also to evaluate the changes in Se concentration in the soil after harvesting. Methods: The experiment executed in two calcareous and one non-calcareous soil systems and different Se application methods (control soil application seed inoculation foliar application and soil + foliar application) were administered. Selenobacteria a plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) derived from the soil was used as a biofertilizer compared to the other Se sources. Results: The results showed that both soil types and the methods of Se application had significant effects (P < 0.01) on root and shoot dry weights and concentrations of P K Zn Fe and Se in both of the root and shoot. Shoot dry weight of plants treated with foliar Se was maximum in the calcareous soil. Compared to the control treatment foliar application of Se increased shoot Se content in both calcareous and non-calcareous soils by 242% and 204% respectively. Furthermore the increase in shoot Se concentration in calcareous soil induced by Se application increased the concentration of other nutrients in the shoot and root. Plant growth parameters and concentrations of nutrients were significantly increased by using selenobacter inoculum. Conclusion: The application of Se-containing compounds can improve vegetable quality. Considering the daily requirement of the human body for minerals and nutrients enriching basil with Se can play an important role in community health. Moreover some patents have reported the effectiveness of endophyte bacteria.
Trends in Grinding of Agroindustrial Products-A Literature Review
Background: This article aims to present the results of a literature review on food milling to identify the most recent uses types of mills and new grinding trends. Methods: For this a search was made with the keywords “grinding” “milling” and “food” in the Scopus which yielded 192 articles 52 of which directly related to food were analyzed. Results: Contributions were found related to various types of grinding such as cryogenic grinding nano-scaled grinding ultrafine and superfine grinding. The authors highlighted the uses of these types of milling in agro-industrial products such as nutmeg (Myristica fragrans) wheat bran (Triticum spp.) ginger (Zingiber officinale) and green tea powder (Camellia sinensis) among others. Conclusion: It is observed that engineering texts dealing with theoretical and analytical food milling operations do not emphasize the new trends found. As a complementary part of this study eight patents related to cryogenic grinding in food were analyzed identifying uses of this type of grinding in coffee lipids lycopene proteins grains and seeds. Besides a search was carried out to find out commercial suppliers of cryogenic grinding equipment in which six companies from China with their equipment were identified.
Hypnotic Activity of Capparis spinosa Hydro-alcoholic Extract in Mice
Background: Sleep disorders are among the most common psychiatric and medical conditions. Herbal medicine appears to be effective in the treatment of sleep disorders which have been valued by many of publications and patents. Objective: The present study aimed at investigating the hypnotic activity of the hydro-alcoholic extract of Capparis spinosa (HAE) in mice. Methods: Three doses of HAE (30 60 and 120 mg/kg) and three fractions of it namely n-hexane fraction (NHF) water fraction (WF) and ethyl acetate fraction (EAF) were given in comparison with diazepam (3 mg/kg body weight i.p.) as a positive control and saline as a negative control. After 30 min pentobarbital (30 mg/kg body weight i.p.) was administered. In addition LD50 of HAE was examined and the cytotoxicity of HAE was assessed in l929 cells using the MTT assay. Moreover for motorcoordination ability 30 mins after administration of HAE the rotarod test was performed. Results: The results exhibited that the HAE and all the fractions significantly augmented pentobarbital induced sleeping time which was comparable to that of induced by diazepam. The LD50 value was 2.4 g/kg. The extract did not induce any cytotoxic effects in L929 fibroblast cells. HAE did not affect the animals’ performance on the rotarod test. Conclusion: Our finding suggests that the hydro-alcoholic extract of C. spinosa possesses a hypnotic potential that may require further scientific investigations.
The Molecular Characterization and Biological Assessment of the Leaves Extracts of Loofah Reveal their Nutraceutical Potential
Background: Luffa cylindrica is a plant that is widely distributed in Africa and Asia and can be grown in regions with tropical or subtropical climates. Few patents dealt with Loofah biological properties including some functional foods formulated from its leaves. Objective: This study aimed to structurally and functionally characterize the bioactive compounds of L. cylindrica leaves grown in two different environments. Methods: The extracts of L. cylindrica leaves collected from two Tunisian locations: Essouasi (LE) a semi-arid region and Medenine (LM) an arid region were investigated for their phenolic compounds and fatty acids using HPLC/TOF-MS and GC-MS techniques respectively. Furthermore the antioxidant capacity was evaluated with DPPH Chelating effect Hydroxyl radical and Superoxide anion scavenging activities while the anticancer activity against HeLa cell lines was assessed using xCELLigence real time cell analyzer and lactate dehydrogenase cytotoxicity assay. Results: The antiproliferative capacity of both extracts was time and dose-dependent with LE presenting the lowest HeLa cell index (CI = 0.035 ± 0.018 250 μg/ml). LE also showed the best cytotoxic capacity (56.49 ± 0.8%) and antioxidant potential (IC50 = 54.41 ± 1.12 μg/ml for DPPH and 12.12 ± 0.07 μg/ml for chelating effect). 14 phenolic compounds were detected in LE with ferulic acid being the major compound (5128.5 ± 4.09 μg Phenols/g) while LM had only 6 phenolics. GCMS analysis showed the presence of omega-3 fatty acids in LE. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that L. cylindrica leaves especially when collected from semiarid regions are promising for formulating nutraceuticals of interest.
Study of Antioxidant, Antiproliferative and DNA Damage Protecting Activities of Cinnamomum cassia Extracts Obtained by Sequential Extraction
Background: Cinnamomum cassia (C. cassia) is an evergreen tree in China and Southern and Eastern Asia. In traditional medicine cinnamon is widely used due to its many bioactivity effects. Objective: The present novel study aims to evaluate and make a comparison of antioxidant and antiproliferative activities of different extractions of C. cassia bark using seven solvents having different polarities. Solvents polarity gradients start with the solvent of lower polarity n-hexane and end with water as the highest polar solvent. Among the extracts acetone extract contains the highest phenolic and flavonoid contents; therefore it is assessed for the ability to protect DNA from damage. Methods: The extracts are evaluated for total phenolic flavonoid contents and antioxidant activities using FRAP DPPH superoxide and hydroxyl and nitric oxide radicals scavenging assays. DNA damage protecting activity of the acetone extract is studied with the comet assay. Each of the extracts is studied for its antiproliferative effect against MCF-7 MDA-MB-231(breast cancer) and HT29 (colon cancer) using MTT assay. Results: The acetone extract exhibited the highest FRAP value phenolic and flavonoids contents when compared to the other extracts and could protect 45% mouse fibroblast cell line (3T3-L1) from DNA damage at 30 μg/ml. The lowest IC50 value in DPPH superoxide and hydroxyl radicals scavenging was noticed in the ethyl acetate extract. IC50 value obtained for the hexane extract was the lowest compared to the other extracts in scavenging nitric oxide radicals. The hexane extract showed the highest antiproliferative effect against cancer cells followed by the chloroform extract. The ethyl acetate extract inhibited the proliferation of only MCF-7 by IC50 of 100 μg/ml while the other extracts exhibited no IC50 in all the cancer cells. Conclusion: C. cassia showed promising antioxidant and anticancer activities with significant DNA damage protecting effect.
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Preface
Changes in Phenolic Compounds Profiles in Tea Extracts and the Composition of these Phenolic Compounds in Yogurt
Background: Green white and black tea water extracts are rich in phenolic compounds. Objective: The changes in phenolic compound profiles of green white and black tea (GT WT & BT respectively) water extracts and their respective yogurt were investigated. Methods: Three types of yogurt with tea water extracts were prepared and the phenolic compound profiles were analyzed using the liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) method. Results: The present data found that flavonol glycosides such as kaempferol-3-rutinoside and quercetin-rhamnosylgalactoside or rutinoside were present in WT extract whereas catechin derivatives such as gallocatechin (GC) and epigallocatechin (EGC) were present in GT extract. Moreover theaflavin-3-O-gallate was observed in BT extract. Many of the catechin and its derivatives detected in the tea extracts were not identified in the tea yogurt samples. However new phenolic compounds were present in GT-yogurt (i.e. kaempferol-3-rutinoside and quinic acid conjugate) but absent in GT extract. Conclusion: GT WT & BT extracts could be used to enriched-yogurt with phenolic compounds which may have antioxidant properties.
Microbial-based Biocontrol Solutions for Fruits and Vegetables: Recent Insight, Patents, and Innovative Trends
Background: Fruits and vegetables are susceptible to colonisation by undesired microflora which in pre- and post-harvest conditions negatively impact the quality of these products leading to a reduction of yield shelf-life and marketability. In the few last years the use of microbial Biological Control Agents (BCAs) has assumed international relevance in order to control harmful microorganisms as a promising alternative to chemical interventions. Objective: The purpose of this review is to discuss the microbial-based solutions applicable for the biocontrol of the main microbial spoilers phytopathogens and human food-borne pathogens affecting fruits and vegetables during their production and storage. Results: A comprehensive overview of the scientific literature investigating the effectiveness of BCA-based products available on the market is provided as well as of the most recent patents protecting biotechnological applications in this field. Innovative trends are discussed with a particular focus on the integration of BCAs to minimise spoilage phenomena and microbiological risks adopting combined approaches. Conclusion: This study underlines the growing interest about biocontrol strategies to counteract the growth of spoilage and/or pathogenic microorganisms indicating that in the next years a considerable increase of commercial products and patents will be developed worldwide to exploit innovative biotechnological solutions in the sector.
Liver Damage Produced by Malnutrition is Improved by Dietary Supplementation in Mice: Assessment of a Supplement Based on Buriti (A Cerrado Fruit) and Dairy By-products
Background: Malnutrition induced by dietary restriction produces several metabolic changes that affect body weight the digestive system and annex organs including the liver. Malnutrition generates an inflammatory state and increases oxidative stress. The liver is one of the body vital organs becoming necessary to analyze the impact of food supplementation on the repair of possible changes that may occur in this organ due to malnutrition. Aims: To evaluate the effects of a low-cost supplementation derived from Buriti and dairy byproducts on liver recovery in malnourished mice focusing on the expression of oxidative stressrelated genes as well as biochemical and histological parameters. Methods: Swiss mice were divided into six groups and submitted to two treatment phases: food restriction for malnutrition onset; and renutrition with mice being fed with different diets. Results: Our results indicate that dietary supplementation was successful in recovering liver damage caused by malnutrition in animal models. The new supplement has been shown to recover liver damage with similar or superior results compared to the commercial reference supplement on the market. Conclusion: Our work presents a new composition of low cost food supplement based on buriti and dairy by-products proven to be effective in the malnutrition treatment of malnutrition. The improvements were proven through the recovery of body weight reduction of inflammation and oxidative stress.
Bioprocess Optimization for Exopolysaccharides Production by Ganoderma lucidum in Semi-industrial Scale
Background: For many years Ganoderma was highly considered as biofactory for the production of different types of bioactive metabolites. Of these bioactive compounds polysaccharides gained much attention based on their high biotherapeutic properties. Therefore special attention has been paid during the last years for the production of mushrooms bioactive compounds in a closed cultivation system to shorten the cultivation time and increase the product yield. Objectives: This work focuses on the development of a simple cultivation strategy for exopolysaccharides (EPS) production using Ganoderma lucidum and submerged cultivation system. Methods: At first the best medium supporting EPS production was chosen experimentally from the current published data. Second like many EPS production processes carbon and nitrogen concentrations were optimized to support the highest production of polysaccharides in the shake flask level. Furthermore the process was scaled up in 16-L stirred tank bioreactor. Results: The results clearly demonstrated that the best cultivation strategy was cultivation under controlled pH conditions (pH 5.5). Under this condition the maximal volumetric and specific yield of EPS production were 5.0 g/L and 0.42 g/g respectively. Conclusion: The current results clearly demonstrate the high potential use of submerged cultivation system as an alternative to conventional solid-state fermentation for EPS production by G. lucidum. Furthermore the optimization of both carbon and nitrogen sources concentration and scaling up of the process showed a significant increase in both volumetric and specific EPS production.