Research Publications (Food Safety)

CH and RH reduced browning severity of fresh‐cut taros; CH and RH reduced browning of fresh‐cut taros by regulating PAL, POD and PPO activity; Terpenoids contained in hydrosol extracts might play roles in regulating the activity of PAL, POD and PPO. Abstract Hydrosols are byproducts produced by steam distillation of aromatic plant materials.

A dietary supplement composed of lactoferrin hydrolysate (LfH), whey protein hydrolysate (WPH) and vanillin showed antibacterial activity against E.coli and S.aureus in vitro. The studied supplement also exhibited significant antioxidant properties in the model system and anti‐oxidative stress activity in mice exposed to paclitaxel. This supplement has a potential for use in the food matrix to reduce the chemotherapy side effects and to act as a chemoprotective agent.

About 19 hydrolyzable tannins were computed against 3CLpro enzyme of 2019‐nCoV. It was found that pedunculagin, tercatain, and castalin interacted with Cys145 and His41 of 2019‐nCoV‐3CLpro. Likewise, pedunculagin‐2019‐nCoV‐3CLpro remain stable, with no obvious fluctuations. We predicted that the understandings obtained in the current study may evidence valued for discovering and unindustrialized novel natural anti‐COVID‐19 therapeutic agents in the near future.

Chitosan‐stabilized selenium nanoparticles (Ch‐SeNPs) displayed high radical‐scavenging activity and reducing power that were not significantly changed during storage. Ch‐SeNPs displayed more protection against ACR‐induced damages comparing to Na2SeO3, where more than 90% of the glutathione pool in the brain tissue was in reduced form. Correlation coefficient analysis demonstrated the attenuating effect of Ch‐SeNPs against ACR‐induced brain‐injury and hormone imbalance.

The FTIR explored various functional groups and HPLC analysis indicated the presence of kaempferol and quercetin in the methanol extract of Moringa oleifera leaf. In vitro cytotoxicity assay revealed that IC50 of the plant extract was more than 1,000 µg/ml. The plant extract might be safe up to 2,000 mg/kg single dose. Long term use of the plant extract was mostly devoid of major system toxicities. Abstract The study was planned to evaluate toxicity of M.

In this study, we assessed the protective effect of berberine (BBR) against mercuric chloride (HgCl2)‐induced reproductive impairment. Twenty‐eight adult male Wistar rats were placed into four groups: control, BBR, HgCl2 and BBR + HgCl2. HgCl2 intoxication caused a marked decrease in testosterone accompanied by a pro‐oxidant/antioxidant imbalance.

High levels of p‐Coumaric acid was first isolated and identified from Spirulina. Inhibitory kinetics and mechanism of p‐Coumaric acid on two enzymes were studied. Molecular modeling revealed the Spirulina p‐Coumaric acid binding mode. Abstract Spirulina species are edible with high nutritional as well as potential therapeutic values.

Black tea (BTE) or curcumin (CMN) ameliorated hepatorenal changes induced by aflatoxin‐B1 (AFB1) with high improvement when combined BTE/CMN was used. Forty eight adult male rats were used into 8 groups: G1; control, G2, G3, and G4 were; olive oil, BTE and CMN, respectively, G5 was; olive oil‐dissolved AFB1. G6, G7 and G8 were; AFB1 along with BTE, CMN and BTE plus CMN, respectively. Liver/kidney function, oxidative stress and tumor/antitumor markers were measured in serum.

PC12 cells were treated with acrylamide (AA) in the absence or presence of P‐CS, and cell apoptosis was analyzed. Interestingly, P‐CS pretreatment of the cells could significantly prevent AA‐induced cell death, glutathione (GSH) contents decrease, and ROS overproduction. Further investigation of the molecular mechanism underlying the effect of P‐CS on cell apoptosis revealed that P‐CS was able to suppress the expression of Bax and Bim induced by AA and inhibit the JNKs pathway.

Allergic diseases are known as an IgE‐mediated immune response to an innocuous environmental antigen. Especially, FcεRI expressing on the cell surface of mast cells and basophils is considered as a key trigger of acute allergic responses. Recently, numerous bioactive agents derived from natural products have been revealed to inhibit the expression of FcεRI subunits as well as block FcεRI activation.

Antioxidant and anti‐proliferative activities of M. laevigeta leaf and bark extract were determined against EAC cells in the peritoneum fluid of Swiss albino mice. Morphological alteration of the treated EAC cells on florescence microscope and DNA degradation in gel electrophoresis confirmed the apoptosis induction.

The best harvesting periods to obtain high level of bioactive compounds were assessed in minimally processed orange‐ and cream‐flesh sweet potatoes. Cream‐flesh showed browning, while orange‐flesh presented whitening after minimally process. Best visual quality was obtained by delaying the harvest for 30 and 60 days. Orange sweet potatoes presented β‐carotene as the major carotenoid (up to 99%) and high content of phenolic compounds, standing out for its nutritional potential.

Soybean peptides on the inhibition of lipopolysaccharide‐induced RAW264.7 cell inflammation, which impeded the increase of toll‐like receptor 4 activity by restricting LY96, while also inhibiting the mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK)‐c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK) pathway in cells, as well as LPS‐induced NF‐κB activation caused by the degradation of nuclear factor of kappa light polypeptide gene enhancer in B‐cells inhibitor, alpha (IκBα).

Praying mantis egg case powder inhibits the accumulation of Cd concentration in catfish bone and muscle tissues and increases its dietary protein content. It also up‐regulated serum NO level in catfish to initiate vasodilatation of bones and muscles for proper blood flow.

Zingerone restored anti‐oxidant enzyme activity (CAT, SOD, GPx, and GR), normalized lipid profile, improved organ function, and prevented tissue injury in kidney and liver. Abstract Among the heavy metal poisonings, lead is considered as a major toxic metal causing hematological, neurological, immunological, hepatic, and renal dysfunctions. Lead causes inhibition of ALAD leading to the ALA accumulation inside the cells.

The adverse effect of Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) and the beneficial effects of gallic Acid (GA) against AFB1 induced toxicity in vitro have been published. Here we present in vivo findings on AFB1 and GA on hepatorenal function in rats, exposed to AFB1 only or co‐treated with GA for 28 successive days. AFB1 significantly increased pro‐inflammatory biomarkers, suppressed IL‐10 levels, and increased oxidative stress in rats’ liver and kidney.

Quercetin at the dosages investigated substantially reversed the high blood glucose and glycosylation, enhanced glycogen and haemoglobin (Hb) contents as well as improved the pancreatic antioxidant status. Quercetin normalized reduction in organ body weight ratio of the pancreas and liver observed in type 2 diabetic rats via increased hepatic hexokinase and decreased glucose‐6‐phosphatase activities and restoration of liver and pancreas integrity.

A detailed study on two Nepeta species. The essential oils of two Nepeta species might be used as Germacrene D source. The Nepeta heliotropifolia and N. congesta subsp. cryptantha flowers being rich in rosmarinic acid and having antioxidant potential, and their essential oils could be source for nutraceutical, food and drug industries. Abstract In the present study, the essential oil and aroma compositions of Nepeta heliotropifolia (NH) and N. congesta subsp.

Maillard reaction is known to result in loss of nutrients, particularly that of essential amino acids; decrease in digestibility and safety issues due to the development of toxic compounds. Maillard reaction products are also known to cause oxidation of tissues and inflammation, thus increasing the risk of cardiovascular diseases and diabetes.

A previously unreported xylated glycosaminoglycan with a β‐D‐Xylop(1 → 3)‐(⋯ → 4)‐GlcpA(1 → 3)‐GlcpNAc(1 → ⋯) framework was isolated to homogeneity from marine buccinid gastropod Babylonia spirata, and was found to possess potential antioxidant and 5‐lipoxygenase attenuation activities. The isolated metabolite might be anticipated as potential naturally‐derived bioactive constituent in functional food and pharmaceutical applications.

Interactions of the flavoring compounds hexyl acetate (HxAc), heptyl acetate (HpAc), linalyl formate (LiFo), linalyl acetate (LiAc), geraniol, linalool, limonene, and myrcene with soy protein isolate (SPI) were estimated in pH 3.0, 6.0, and 9.0 aqueous solutions using headspace solid‐phase microextraction gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (SPME–GC–MS). The binding capacity of HxAc, HpAc, LiFo, LiAc, geraniol, and linalool increased in the pH of the medium from 3 to 9.

The capsaicin in hot peppers is an important biological active substance that is widely used in food and medicine. Our current study shows that capsaicin derivatives have good antioxidant and antibacterial activities, and therefore, the present study of capsaicin derivatives with good activity provides a good foundation for future applications in natural food additives and medicine.

Pretreatment with beetroot‐based beverages for 8 weeks showed significantly higher levels of superoxide dismutase (25%–28%), catalase (21%–24%), and hepatic enzymes (15%–19%) alongside reduced lipid peroxidation (27%–32%) in liver tissues of hepatotoxicity‐induced rats. Hepatic injury was reduced by 19%–26% as indicated by concentrations of serum hepatic health biomarkers in hepatotoxicity‐induced rats treated with beetroot‐based beverages.

The current study evaluated the immunomodulatory effects of Carica papaya pulp and seeds methanol (MeOH) extracts on mice infected with Listeria monocytogenes. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis identified 10 active constituents in C. papaya seed MeOH extract and 10 compounds in C. papaya pulp MeOH extract. The experimental animals were divided into negative control (G1) group, positive control (G2) group, pulp extract treated (G3) group, and seed extract treated (G4) group.

Ellagic acid reversibly and effectively inhibited tyrosinase in a mixed manner. Ellagic acid inhibited cell proliferation and induced apoptosis in B16 cells. Hydrogen bond and electrostatic force existed between ellagic acid and tyrosinase. Abstract The activities of ellagic acid in inhibiting mushroom tyrosinase and cell proliferation were evaluated in this research. The results of enzyme kinetics indicated that ellagic acid could effectively inhibit tyrosinase activity.