Touseef Ahmed Wani

Suitability of Different Food Grade Materials for the Encapsulation of Some Functional Foods Well Reported for Their Advantages and Susceptibility

Functional foods find a very important place in the modern era, where different types of cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, etc. are on a high. Irrespective of the abundance of bioactive components in different fruits and vegetables, their low solubility in aqueous solution, vulnerability to destruction in different environmental and gastrointestinal conditions and a low intestinal absorption becomes a concern. Because it is quite difficult to commercialize non food materials for the food encapsulation purposes due to their safety concerns in the human body, scientists in the recent times have come up with the idea of encapsulating the different bioactive components in different food grade materials that are able to safeguard these bioactive components against the different environmental and gastrointestinal conditions and ensure their safe and targeted delivery at their absorption sites. Different food grade encapsulation materials including various oligosaccharides, polysaccharides (starch, cyclodextrins, alginates, chitosan, gum arabic, and carboxymethyl cellulose) and proteins and their suitability for encapsulating various bioactive components like flavonoids (catechins, rutin, curcumin, hesperetin, and vanillin), nonflavonoids (resveratrol), carotenoids (β-carotene, lycopene, and lutein), and fatty acids (fish oil, flaxseed oil, and olive oil) of high medical and nutritional value are reviewed here.

DNA scission inhibition, antioxidant, and antiproliferative activities of water chestnut (Trapa natans) extracted in different solvents

This investigation deals with the study of polyphenolic, antioxidant, and antiproliferative activities of water chestnut extracted in different solvents. The antioxidant activities of the extract in different solvents were the maximum in methanol, followed by ethanol and aqueous solution and were found to be 39.8%, 34.1% and 32.6% from DPPH assay, and 45.64%, 35.08% and 30.52% from lipid peroxidation assay, respectively, whereas the reducing power inhibition assay showed the maximum antioxidant potential in the aqueous extract of the sample, followed by methanolic and ethanolic extracts. The polyphenolic content of the water chestnut was found to be more in methanol than in aqueous and ethanolic extracts. The water chestnut extract also showed the antiproliferative potential when tested against the human colon cancer cell line (Colo-205), human ductal breast epithelial tumor cell line (T47D), and human breast adenocarcinoma cell line (MCF7). It also showed some protection from DNA damage induced by hydroxyl radicals in calf thymus DNA.

Bioactive profile, health benefits and safety evaluation of sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.): A review

Abstract Sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) contains a large number of versatile compounds with antioxidant and hence medical properties that have been reported from time to time. Intensive work on the medical properties of sea buckthorn has concluded incredible results like the effects on atherosclerosis, anti-visceral obesity, platelet aggregation, inflammation, adverse stressful situations, and that of liver injury. Only a few studies have been conducted on the safety evaluation of the plant extract but importantly no study has deemed it unsafe for animal or human consumption till date. Considering the fact that no significant changes have been observed in organ weight/body weight ratios, of any vital organ studied (except liver and kidney in 1 g/kg and 2 g/kg body weight doses, respectively) and biochemical and hematological parameters in different animal trials with an lethal dose for 50% reduction of population (LD50) of >10 g/kg when given orally, there is scope for further investigations regarding its safety in the daily diet as a protective medicine.

Effect of extraction time on antioxidants and bioactive volatile components of green tea (Camellia sinensis), using GC/MS

Abstract Two green tea types, leaf grade and sanding, were extracted at different time intervals: 20, 40, and 120 min at a constant temperature of 50°C. The extracts were analyzed by GC/MS technique. The major compounds identified were myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, oleic acid, 1H-purine-2,6-dione, caffeine, linoleic acid, diethyl ester, and 1H-purine-6-amine. Stearic acid, palmitic acid, linoleic acid, and myristic acid were more abundantly present in the leaf-grade variety than sanding. However, some levels of acetic acid, cyclobutanol, hexadecanoic acid, octadecanoic acid, 9-octadecenoic acid, and caffeine were also found in both the tea types. Most of the volatile compounds were detected between 20–40-min time of extraction. The 40-min time of extraction also showed the maximum content of polyphenols and antioxidants in both the tea types. Thus, 40 min was suggested as the most suitable time for maximum extraction of bioactive volatiles, antioxidants, and polyphenols from green tea.

Physical characteristics, mineral analysis and antioxidant properties of some apricot varieties grown in North India

Abstract Eleven apricot varieties (Chinese, Rival, Tilton, Cuminis Haley, Harcot, Margulam, Narmu, Khante, Halman, Badam Chuli, and Cuban) were studied for their mineral analysis, physical characteristics, and antioxidant properties. The physical characteristics varied significantly (p ≤ 0.05) among the apricot varieties. Cuban and Harcot showed a comparatively larger fruit size. However, Cuminis Haley and Harcot showed the highest edible bulk. Nine minerals (Zn, Ca, Cu, Fe, Mg, Na, Mn, P, and K) were analyzed and were found to vary significantly (p ≤ 0.05) among the apricot varieties. Mn, Cu, and Zn elements were present in micro amounts, while K, Mg, Ca, P, and Fe levels were present in macro amounts. Halman and Margulam showed significantly (p ≤ 0.05) higher amount of the minerals. All the varieties showed lower amounts of Cu as compared to the recommended daily intake, ranging from 0–0.82 ppm. All the varieties proved to be rich sources of polyphenols, with significant (p ≤ 0.05) varietal difference. Khante and Halman showed the significantly (p ≤ 0.05) highest methanolic 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH•) radical scavenging activity.

The possible nomenclature of encapsulated products

The field of encapsulation is being explored widely and new information is not uncommon. However, the basic principles remain the same. Highlighting the importance of the variables in encapsulated products could help improve them for different applications. A separate nomenclature for encapsulated products would not only highlight important variables for producing better encapsulated products but might be helpful from their marketing point-of-view. Nomenclature of encapsulated products has potential in the production, properties, applications, economy, etc. of the final product. It could also help the general public understand more about what they are purchasing, and choose between options claiming the same or similar properties. The nomenclature proposed here is based on four variables (size, wall material, active ingredients and techniques for developing the encapsulated product) employed in the preparation of encapsulated products for different applications.

Postharvest Biology and Technology of Apricot

Apricots are an excellent source of nutrients and are cherished for their peculiar flavor. However, high rates of ripening and susceptibility to mechanical injury and diseases limit their shelf life. Being climacteric in nature, ethylene regulates the ripening of apricot fruits. The adoption of different pre- and postharvest treatments like harvesting at optimum maturity, maintenance of cold chain, selection of proper packaging material, and storage atmospheres, decide the postharvest behavior of fruits. For delaying the ripening and maintaining the quality of harvested produce, prompt cooling and low-temperature storage is recommended. However, if apricots are kept at low temperatures for longer durations, chilling injury occurs in the fruits, which is manifested in the form of various symptoms. Therefore, postharvest technology of apricots aims at the reduction of fruit losses as well as optimization of fruit quality throughout the postharvest chain.

Safety of Nanoemulsions and Their Regulatory Status

Abstract The nanoemulsions utilized in food, supplement, pharmaceutical, cosmetics, or agricultural products may interact with the human body, through oral ingestion, skin contact, or injection routes. Nanoemulsions are often used in these products because they alter the biological fate of encapsulated bioactive agents, such as nutrients, vitamins, nutraceuticals, drugs, cosmetics, pesticides, or antimicrobials. For this reason, it is important to ensure that they are safe to use, and do not have any adverse effects on human health. Consequently, considerable efforts are being directed toward understanding the potential toxicity of ingested nanoparticles, such as nanoemulsions. In this final chapter, some of the potential mechanisms of nanoemulsion toxicity are highlighted, and the current regulatory status of nanoemulsions in different parts of the world is discussed. Some of the potentially toxic effects of nanoemulsions are related to the nature of the ingredients used to formulate them (such as surfactants), their ability to greatly increase the bioavailability of bioactive agents, and the possibility of increased absorption across epithelium cells.

Effect of preservation methods and storage period on the chemical composition and sensory properties of strawberry crush

Abstract Fresh strawberries, analyzed for the physicochemical properties, showed average fruit length, width, weight, total soluble solids (TSS), titrable acidity, total sugar, and reducing sugar of 26.27 mm, 24.19 mm 6.33 g, 8.0°Brix, 1.28, 5.25, and 4.26%, respectively. The ascorbic acid and anthocyanin content was found to be 38.64 and 452 mg/100 g FW, respectively. Strawberries were processed into crush and divided into four treatments. T1 was stored at ambient temperature, T2 was pasteurized at 60°C for 20 min before storage at ambient temperature, T3 was stored under refrigeration, and T4 was pasteurized at 60°C for 20 min before storage under refrigeration. Among the treatments, T3 showed the lowest decrease in the acidity (1.43–1.34%), the highest anthocyanin (90.54–45.25 mg/100 g) and ascorbic acid contents (11.00–6.38 mg/100 g). The sensory attributes including color (8.25–7.75), taste (8.50–7.85), flavor (7.50–5.70), and overall acceptability (7.93–7.15) were also superior for T3 over the storage study of 120 days. T2 showed the maximum decrease in the acidity (1.40–1.12%) and corresponding increase in the pH (2.47–2.97), TSS (60.30–60.75°B), and reducing sugar (22.08–26.56%). However, its nutritional and sensory attributes were poor, showing the lowest anthocyanin (36.55–2.68 mg/100 g), ascorbic acid (8.64–0.85 mg/100 g), color (7.50–6.20), consistency (7.75–5.40), and overall acceptability (7.42–6.50) during the storage. Therefore, T3 could be explored for the best preservation and storage of strawberry crush.

Influence of processing on physicochemical and antioxidant properties of apricot (Prunus armeniaca L. variety Narmo)

Abstract Fresh apricot pulp and its processed products (bar, chutney, and leather) were analyzed for physicochemical (moisture content, titrable acidity (TA), ascorbic acid, and percent reducing sugars) and antioxidant properties (2,2-diphenyl-l-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), reducing power, total phenolics, lipid peroxidation, ferric reducing antioxidant potential, and hydroxyl radical scavenging activity). Reducing sugars, TA, and ascorbic acid content were found to be higher in the processed products than the fresh pulp. A significant difference in the antioxidant properties between the fresh apricot pulp and its processed products was observed. The difference in antioxidant properties between the fresh and the processed products may be attributed to the partial degradation of the bioactive compounds by the action of heat during processing. Among the processed products, apricot bar showed the highest DPPH radical scavenging activity, lipid peroxidation, and hydroxyl radical scavenging activity. Therefore, production of apricot bar could a suitable option for processing of apricots.