Sajad A. Rather

Emerging concepts in the nutraceutical and functional properties of pectin—A Review

Pectin is a structural heteropolysaccharide found ubiquitously in terrestrial plants. It finds diverse food applications such as that of a gelling agent, stabilizer, and fat replacer. In the pharmaceutical arena, pectin exhibits a number of functions, from decreasing blood fat to combating various types of cancers. This review shows the shift of pectin from its conventional roles to its progressive applications. Insights into the advances in the production of pectin, the role it plays as a nutraceutical, possible prebiotic potential and a delivery vehicle for probiotics, and food applications are highlighted. Bioactive and functional properties of pectin are discussed and how the structural built up defines them, is emphasized. As a biopolymer, the applications of pectin in active packaging are also mentioned.

Application of guar–xanthan gum mixture as a partial fat replacer in meat emulsions

Abstract The physicochemical, oxidative, texture and microstructure properties were evaluated for low fat meat emulsions containing varying levels of guar/xanthan gum mixture (1:1 ratio) as a fat substitute. Partial replacement of fat with guar/xanthan gum resulted in higher emulsion stability and cooking yield but lower penetration force. Proximate composition revealed that high fat control had significantly higher fat and lower moisture content due to the difference in basic formulation. Colour evaluation revealed that low fat formulations containing gum mixture had significantly lower lightness and higher yellowness values than high fat control formulation. However non-significant difference was observed in redness values between low fat formulations and the high fat control. The pH values of the low fat formulations containing gum mixture were lower than the control formulations (T0 and TC). The MetMb% of the high fat emulsion formulation was higher than low fat formulations. The significant increase of TBARS value, protein carbonyl groups and loss of protein sulphydryl groups in high fat formulation reflect the more oxidative degradation of lipids and muscle proteins during the preparation of meat emulsion than low fat formulations. The SEM showed a porous matrix in the treatments containing gum mixture. Thus, the guar/xanthan gum mixture improved the physicochemical and oxidative quality of low fat meat emulsions than the control formulations.

In vitro bactericidal and fungicidal activities of various extracts of saffron (Crocus sativus L.) stigmas from Jammu & Kashmir, India

Abstract Antimicrobial activities of methanolic and petroleum ether extracts of Croccus sativus L. (saffron) stigmas, were tested against various bacterial strains (Proteus vulgaris, Klebsiella pneumonia, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli) and fungi (Candida albicans, Aspergillus niger and Aspergillus fumigatus) by agar well diffusion method. Minimal inhibitory concentration and minimum bactericidal and fungicidal concentration values of each active extract were also determined. The results showed a strong activity of the petroleum ether and methanolic extracts of saffron stigmas against bacteria and fungi used as test organisms. The results of different antimicrobial assays also indicate that the extracts had significantly higher bactericidal than fungicidal activities (p < 0.05). The results suggest that these extracts can be used in pharmaceutical and food formulations for inhibiting pathogenic bacterial and fungal species.