G. R. Patil

Potential Herbs and Herbal Nutraceuticals: Food Applications and Their Interactions with Food Components

Since ancient times, herbs have been used as natural remedies for curing many physiological disorders. Traditional medicinal literature appreciated their value as natures gift to mankind for the healing of illnesses. Some of the herbs have also been used for culinary purposes, and few of them have been used in cheese manufacture both as coagulating agents and flavor ingredients. Scientific investigations regarding biological activity and toxicity of chemical moieties present in many herbs have been carried out over a period of time. Consequently, literature related to the use of herbs or their functional ingredients in foods and their interaction with food constituents has been appearing in recent times. This article presents the information regarding some biologically active constituents occurring in commonly used herbs, viz., alkaloids, anthraquinones, bitters, flavonoids, saponins, tannins, and essential oils, their physiological functionalities, and also the description of few herbs of importance, viz., Asparagus racemosus, Withania somnifera, Bacopa monniera, Pueraria tuberose, Emblica officinalis, Terminalia chebula, Terminalia belerica, Terminalia arjuna, and Aloe vera, in terms of their chemical composition, biological functionality, and toxicity. This article also reviews the use of herbs and their active ingredients in foods and their interactions with different food constituents.

Hypolipidaemic and anti-oxidative potential of encapsulated herb (Terminalia arjuna) added vanilla chocolate milk in high cholesterol fed rats

BACKGROUND Atherosclerosis is associated with coronary artery disease and occurs in developing as well as developed countries. In the present investigation, hypolipidaemic and anti-oxidative properties of encapsulated herb (Terminalia arjuna, 1.8%) added vanilla chocolate dairy drink was evaluated in high cholesterol fed Wistar rats for 60 days. RESULTS At the end of the experimental period, a significant decrease in the body weight gain by rats receiving the encapsulated herb extract was noted as compared to high cholesterol fed rats. Administration of microencapsulated herb showed a statistically significant decrease in organ weights (epididymal fat and liver). Moreover, a significant decrease in serum lipids such as triglycerides, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, very-low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and atherogenic index was observed with encapsulated Terminalia arjuna extract in high cholesterol fed group. Increases in reduced glutathione and decreases in TBARS levels were also reported in both liver and red blood cell lysates with encapsulated herb supplementation. CONCLUSION The results demonstrated that the bioactive components (phytosterols, flavanoids, saponins and tannins etc.) which are present in the encapsulated T. arjuna not only withstand the processing conditions but also are effectively released in the intestine and show their effects, such as hypolipidaemic and antioxidant activities, for better treating cardiovascular disease.

Sensory characterization of doda burfi (Indian milk cake) using Principal Component Analysis

Traditional sweetmeats of various countries hold a great and promising scope in their improvement and in order to tap the potential of the same, several companies and co-operative federations have started their organized production. Doda burfi, a heat desiccated and popular sweetmeat of northern India, is one of the regional specific, unfamiliarized products of India. The typical sweetmeat is characterized by caramelized and nutty flavour and granular texture. The purpose of this study was to determine the close relationship among various sensory attributes of the product collected from renowned manufacturers located in four different cities and to characterize an overall acceptable product. Individuals from academia participated in a round table discussion to generate descriptive terms related to colour and appearance, flavour and texture. Prior to sensory evaluation, sensory panel was trained and briefed about the terminology used to judge the product involving a descriptive intensity scale of 100 points for describing major sensory attributes. Results were analyzed using ANOVA and principal component analysis. Correlation table indicated a good degree of positive association between the attributes such as glossy appearance, dark colour, caramelized and nutty flavour and cohesive and chewy texture with the overall acceptability of the product.

Release characteristics of polyphenols from microencapsulated Terminalia arjuna extract: Effects of simulated gastric fluid

ABSTRACT Terminalia arjuna (TA) encapsulated microcapsules were prepared using two different wall materials consisting of a combination of maltodextrin + gelatine (MDG) and maltodextrin + gum acacia (MDGA). Total phenolic, tannin, and flavonoids content of TA ethanolic extract were found to be 19.6 ± 0.7 g/100 g extract, 7.5 ± 0.7 g/100 g extract, and 2.7 ± 0.2 g/100 g extract, respectively. In vitro release of polyphenols increased with the time of stirring in simulated intestinal fluid (SIF; pH 6.8). The encapsulation efficiency (EE) and release of polyphenols (after 60 min) were observed to be 42 ± 4.g/100 g; 77.0 g/100 g; and 31.0 ± 0.5 g/100 g; 72.0 g/100 g, respectively for MDGA and MDG microcapsules. This study concluded that MDGA provided higher EE and stability than MDG for TA extract.

A comparative study on the quality of laboratory-made and market samples of milkcake-a traditional Indian sweet

A study was conducted to evaluate the quality of milkcake available in market and to compare it with laboratory-made milkcake. Samples of milkcake were collected from commercial manufacturers and analyzed for sensory attributes, chemical characteristics and microbiological quality. Results of the study indicated that various samples collected from the local market of Karnal, were found to vary widely in physico-chemical, microbiological and sensory quality, however, overall quality of laboratory-made milkcake showed less standard deviation as compared to that of samples collected from market. Quality characteristics of market samples were found inferior to the laboratory sample in all aspects of quality parameters, thereby indicating adoption of non-standard procedures and uncontrolled and unhygienic conditions of manufacture, handling and storage at the commercial shops. Hence, standard procedure for the preparation of milkcake be devised and strict guidelines for the manufacture, processing and handling conditions must be formulated and they should be stringently executed both in unorganized and organized sectors effectively.