Fingerroot, the culinary plant Boesenbergia rotunda, has historically been associated with anti-obesity properties. This activity has been partially attributed to pinostrobin, panduratin A, cardamonin, and isopanduratin A, four flavonoids. Nonetheless, the precise molecular mechanisms of isopanduratin A's antiadipogenic impact are unclear. The findings from this study indicate a significant, dose-dependent decrease in lipid accumulation in murine (3T3-L1) and human (PCS-210-010) adipocytes treated with isopanduratin A at non-cytotoxic concentrations (1-10 µM). Treatment with varying concentrations of isopanduratin A resulted in a decrease in adipogenic effectors (FAS, PLIN1, LPL, and adiponectin) and transcription factors (SREBP-1c, PPAR, and C/EBP) within differentiated 3T3-L1 cells. This compound also blocked the upstream regulatory pathways of AKT/GSK3 and MAPKs (ERK, JNK, and p38), while conversely enhancing the AMPK-ACC pathway. The growth of 3T3-L1 cells was subject to an inhibitory influence from isopanduratin A. selleck chemicals Due to the compound's action, 3T3-L1 cell progression was interrupted, leading to a cell cycle arrest at the G0/G1 phase, which was further corroborated by changes in the expression levels of cyclins D1 and D3, and CDK2. The delayed mitotic clonal expansion may stem from disruptions in p-ERK/ERK signaling. The study's findings indicate that isopanduratin A strongly inhibits adipogenesis through multifaceted mechanisms, thus significantly contributing to its anti-obesogenic action. These results point to the possibility of fingerroot as a functional food, beneficial for controlling weight and preventing obesity.
The Republic of Seychelles, positioned in the western-central Indian Ocean, finds its economic and social landscape shaped by the crucial role of marine capture fisheries, in relation to its national food security, employment structure, and its unique cultural identity. In terms of per capita fish consumption, Seychellois citizens rank amongst the world's highest, their diet heavily reliant on fish for its protein content. The diet, however, is in a state of change, shifting towards a Western-style diet that contains less fish, more animal meat, and easily accessible, highly processed foods. Examining and assessing the protein content and quality of a broad spectrum of marine species utilized by the Seychelles' industrial and artisanal fisheries was the goal of this research, which also sought to evaluate their contribution to the World Health Organization's suggested daily protein intake. In the Seychelles waters, from 2014 to 2016, a total of 230 individuals representing 33 diverse marine species were collected. This group consisted of 3 crustaceans, 1 shark, and 29 teleost fish. All analyzed species demonstrated a noteworthy concentration of high-quality protein, encompassing all indispensable amino acids that surpassed the reference values for both adults and children. In the Seychelles, where seafood accounts for nearly half of the animal protein intake, it's crucial as a provider of vital amino acids and related nutrients; therefore, supporting the consumption of local seafood is paramount.
A variety of biological effects are associated with pectins, complex polysaccharides commonly found in plant cells. Although natural pectins possess high molecular weights (Mw) and complex structures, this hinders their absorption and utilization by organisms, consequently diminishing their beneficial effects. Enhancing the structural and biological properties of pectins, along with potentially introducing new bioactivities to these natural substances, is a significant outcome of pectin modification. This review explores the techniques used to modify natural pectins, including chemical, physical, and enzymatic methods, by analyzing their basic properties, influencing parameters, and product identification protocols. The bioactivity modifications to pectins, including their anticoagulant, antioxidant, anticancer, immune-regulatory, anti-inflammatory, blood sugar-lowering, antibacterial properties, and their influence on the intestinal environment, are investigated. Concluding the discussion, perspectives and recommendations for the development of pectin modification are provided.
Background Wild Edible Plants (WEPs) are plants that, through natural processes, flourish by drawing upon the surrounding environment. Undervaluation of these plant types stems from the absence of a thorough understanding of their bioactive components and nutritional/functional potential. This review will fully identify the potential uses and impact of WEPs in certain regions, based on (i) their sustainability from self-reliance, (ii) the bioactive compounds and consequent nutritional and functional benefits, (iii) their socio-economic significance, and (iv) their short-term applicability within the agri-food industry. The investigation revealed that consuming 100 to 200 grams of specific WEPs can potentially contribute up to half of the daily recommended intake of protein and fiber, and serve as a natural source of essential macro and micro minerals. Phenolic compounds and flavonoids are prevalent in the bioactive makeup of most of these plants, ultimately defining their antioxidant potential. The results strongly suggest that WEPs hold great promise from nutritional, economic, and social perspectives; however, additional investigation is necessary to explore their potential role in the sustainable development of farming communities globally.
Meat consumption's escalation could negatively impact the surrounding environment. Hence, there's an increasing desire for meat alternatives. Soy protein isolate is the most usual initial component for making both low- and high-moisture meat analogs (LMMA and HMMA). Full-fat soy (FFS) is another prospective ingredient to use for LMMA and HMMA. The current study detailed the fabrication of LMMA and HMMA, augmented by FFS, with the subsequent evaluation of their physicochemical characteristics. selleck chemicals The water-binding capacity, resilience, and coherence of LMMA decreased with an increase in FFS content, whereas the integrity index, chewiness, cutting resistance, degree of texturization, DPPH radical quenching efficiency, and phenolic content of LMMA elevated. The incorporation of increasing amounts of FFS resulted in a weakening of HMMA's physical properties, but a corresponding enhancement in its ability to neutralize DPPH free radicals and its total phenolic content. Concluding, the increment in the full-fat soy concentration from zero to thirty percent led to a beneficial change in the fibrous structure of the LMMA material. Furthermore, the HMMA process necessitates additional studies to ameliorate the fibrous structure through FFS.
An excellent organic selenium supplement, selenopeptides, have gained increasing recognition for their remarkable physiological effects. The high-voltage electrospraying process was used in this study to create dextran-whey protein isolation-SP (DX-WPI-SP) microcapsules. Upon optimizing the preparation process, the parameters identified were 6% DX (w/v), 1 mL/h feeding rate, a voltage of 15 kV, and a 15 cm receiving distance. The average diameter of microcapsules produced using a WPI (weight/volume) concentration of 4-8% did not exceed 45 micrometers, and the loading efficiency of SP was found to be between approximately 37% and 46%. Microcapsules of the DX-WPI-SP variety showcased an impressive antioxidant capability. The protective barriers of the wall materials surrounding the SP contributed to an enhanced thermal stability of the microencapsulated SP. Release performance was investigated to determine the sustained-release capability of the carrier under a range of pH values and within a simulated in-vitro digestion process. The digested microcapsule solution displayed a negligible impact on the cytotoxic activity towards Caco-2 cells. selleck chemicals The functional encapsulation of SP within microcapsules using electrospraying provides a straightforward solution, indicating the potential of DX-WPI-SP microcapsules for the food processing industry.
The effectiveness of the analytical quality by design (QbD) strategy in developing HPLC methods for characterizing food components and separating complex natural mixtures remains underdeveloped. A novel stability-indicating HPLC method was, for the first time, developed and validated in this study to simultaneously quantify curcuminoids in Curcuma longa extracts, tablets, capsules, and forced curcuminoid degradants across various experimental conditions. A key component of the separation technique involved critical method parameters (CMPs), such as the percentage of mobile phase solvents, the pH of the mobile phase, and the stationary phase column temperature. The critical method attributes (CMAs) included peak resolution, retention time, and the number of theoretical plates. Factorial experimental designs were instrumental in the method development, validation, and robustness analysis of the procedure. A Monte Carlo simulation's analysis of the developing method's operability validated concurrent detection capabilities for curcuminoids in a blend of natural extracts, commercial-grade pharmaceutical formulations, and forced curcuminoid degradants. Optimum separations were obtained using a mobile phase of acetonitrile-phosphate buffer (54.46% volume/volume, 0.01 millimoles per liter) at a flow rate of 10 milliliters per minute, a column temperature of 33 degrees Celsius, and UV spectral detection at a wavelength of 385 nanometers. The curcumin, demethoxycurcumin, and bisdemethoxycurcumin assay method is highly specific, demonstrating linear behavior (R² = 0.999), excellent precision (% RSD < 1.67%), and accuracy (% recovery 98.76-99.89%). The limits of detection (LOD) and quantitation (LOQ) for the individual compounds were: 0.0024 and 0.0075 g/mL for curcumin; 0.0105 and 0.319 g/mL for demethoxycurcumin; and 0.335 and 1.015 g/mL for bisdemethoxycurcumin, respectively. The method, which is compatible, robust, and precise, yields reproducible and accurate quantification of the analyte mixture's composition.