Rapid and nondestructive watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) seed viability detection based on visible near-infrared hyperspectral imaging technology and machine learning algorithms.

The improper storage of seeds can potentially compromise agricultural productivity, leading to reduced crop yields. Therefore, assessing seed viability before sowing is of paramount importance. Although numerous techniques exist for evaluating seed conditions, this research leveraged hyperspectral imaging (HSI) technology as an innovative, rapid, clean, and precise nondestructive testing method. The study aimed to determine the most effective classification model for watermelon seeds. Initially, purchased watermelon seeds were segregated into two groups: One underwent sterilization in a dehydrator machine at 40°C for 36 h, whereas the other batch was stored under favorable conditions. Watermelon seeds' spectral images were captured using an HSI with a charge-coupled device camera ranging from 400 to 1000 nm, and the segmented regions of all samples were measured. Preprocessing techniques and wavelength selection methods were applied to manage spectral data workload, followed by the implementation of a support vector machine (SVM) model. The initial hybrid-SVM model achieved a predictive accuracy rate of 100%, with a test set accuracy of 92.33%. Subsequently, an artificial bee colony (ABC) optimization was introduced to enhance model precision. The results indicated that, with kernel parameters (c, g) set at 13.17 and 0.01, respectively, and a runtime of 4.19328 s, the training and evaluation of the dataset achieved an accuracy rate of 100%. Hence, it was practical to utilize HSI technology combined with the PCA-ABC-SVM model to detect different watermelon seeds. As a result, these findings introduce a novel technique for accurately forecasting seed viability, intended for use in agricultural industrial multispectral imaging. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: The traditional methods for determining the condition of seeds primarily emphasize aesthetics, rely on subjective assessment, are time-consuming, and require a lot of labor. On the other hand, HSI technology as green technology was employed to alleviate the aforementioned problems. This work significantly contributes to the field of industrial multispectral imaging by enhancing the capacity to discern various types of seeds and agricultural crop products.

Comparison of four rheological models for estimating viscosity and rheological parameters of microwave treated Basil seed gum.

Dispersion of Basil seed gum has high viscosity and exhibits shear-thinning behavior. This study aimed to analyze the influence of microwave treatment (MT) at various time intervals (0, 1, 2, and 3 min) on the viscosity and rheological behavior of Basil seed gum dispersion (0.5%, w/v). The finding of this study revealed that the apparent viscosity of Basil seed gum dispersion (non-treated dispersion) reduced from 0.330 Pa.s to 0.068 Pa.s as the shear rate (SR) increased from 12.2 s-1 to 171.2 s-1. Additionally, the apparent viscosity of the Basil seed gum dispersion reduced from 0.173 Pa.s to 0.100 Pa.s as the MT time increased from 0 to 3 min (SR = 61 s-1). The rheological properties of gum dispersion were successfully modeled using Power law (PL), Bingham, Herschel-Bulkley (HB), and Casson models, and the PL model was the best one for describing the behavior of Basil seed gum dispersion. The PL model showed an excellent performance with the maximum r-value (mean r-value = 0.942) and the minimum sum of squared error (SSE) values (mean SSE value = 5.265) and root mean square error (RMSE) values (mean RMSE value = 0.624) for all gum dispersion. MT had a considerable effect on the changes in the consistency coefficient (k-value) and flow behavior index (n-value) of Basil seed gum dispersion (p < 0.05). The k-value of Basil seed gum dispersion decreased significantly from 3.149 Pa.sn to 1.153 Pa.sn (p < 0.05) with increasing MT time from 0 to 3 min. The n-value of Basil seed gum dispersion increased significantly from 0.25 to 0.42 (p < 0.05) as the MT time increased. The Bingham plastic viscosity of Basil seed gum dispersion increased significantly from 0.029 Pa.s to 0.039 Pa.s (p < 0.05) while the duration of MT increased. The Casson yield stress of Basil seed gum dispersion notably reduced from 5.010 Pa to 2.165 Pa (p < 0.05) with increasing MT time from 0 to 3 min.

Unlocking the therapeutic potential of Nigella sativa extract: phytochemical analysis and revealing antimicrobial and antioxidant marvels.

The growing global threat of antimicrobial resistance endangers both human and animal life, necessitating the urgent discovery of novel antimicrobial solutions. Medicinal plants hold promise as sources of potential antimicrobial compounds. In this study, we investigated the phytochemical constituents and microbicidal capabilities of the ethanolic extract from Nigella sativa (black seed). Gas chromatography analysis (GC) identified 11 compounds, among them thymoquinone, and thymol, contributing to antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. Antimicrobial assays demonstrated notable inhibition zones against broad spectra of bacteria, including Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhi, Staphylococcus aureus, Enterobacter, and Bacillus subtilis, along with potent antifungal activity against Aspergillus niger, Penicillium, and Candida albicans. Notably, when combined with antibiotics, the extract displayed exceptional synergistic antimicrobial efficacy. The black seed extract demonstrated membrane-damaging activity and disrupted virulence factors that protect microbes from antimicrobial agents, including the formation of bacterial biofilm and protease secretion. Thymoquinone, the primary active constituent of the extract, exhibited similar antimicrobial and ant virulence properties. In silico analysis targeting key regulators of quorum sensing and biofilm formation in P. aeruginosa, such as RhlG, LasR, and PqsR, showed a remarkable affinity of thymol and thymoquinone for these targets. Moreover, the N. sativa extract exhibited dose-dependent cytotoxicity against both the promastigote and amastigote forms of Leishmania tropica parasites, hinting at potential antiparasitic activity. In addition to its antimicrobial properties, the extract displayed potential antioxidant activity at a concentration of 400 µg/mL.

A chemometric approach to assess the oil composition and content of microwave-treated mustard (Brassica juncea) seeds using Vis-NIR-SWIR hyperspectral imaging.

The wide gap between the demand and supply of edible mustard oil can be overcome to a certain extent by enhancing the oil-recovery during mechanical oil expression. It has been reported that microwave (MW) pre-treatment of mustard seeds can have a positive effect on the availability of mechanically expressible oil. Hyperspectral imaging (HSI) was used to understand the change in spatial spread of oil in the microwave (MW) treated seeds with bed thickness and time of exposure as variables, using visible near-infrared (Vis-NIR, 400-1000 nm) and short-wave infrared (SWIR, 1000-1700 nm) systems. The spectral data was analysed using chemometric techniques such as partial least square discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) and regression (PLSR) to develop prediction models. The PLS-DA model demonstrated a strong capability to classify the mustard seeds subjected to different MW pre-treatments from control samples with a high accuracy level of 96.6 and 99.5% for Vis-NIR and SWIR-HSI, respectively. PLSR model developed with SWIR-HSI spectral data predicted (R2 > 0.90) the oil content and fatty acid components such as oleic acid, erucic acid, saturated fatty acids, and PUFAs closest to the results obtained by analytical techniques. However, these predictions (R2 > 0.70) were less accurate while using the Vis-NIR spectral data.

Herbal Formulation of High Phenols and Flavonoids with the Extract of Phyllanthus emblica, Punica granatum, and Illicium verum and Assessment of Hematotoxicity Assay: An In vitro Study.

BACKGROUND: A growing number of consumers are embracing the philosophy that natural products are better for their health and the environment. As such, they are seeking products they perceive to be safer, healthier, and without toxic chemical or synthetic ingredients. Natural products are gentle enough for daily use and provide a less abrasive alternative to more potent prescription formulations meant for short-term use. Herbal antimicrobial and antioxidant mouth rinses are considered effective adjuncts to toothbrushing and flossing for patients having gingivitis who have undergone implant treatment, providing a clinically significant benefit in the reduction of dental plaque, and also being antioxidant in nature. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Three types of plant species were taken into consideration. Phyllanthus emblica fruit, Punica granatum flower, and Illicium verum fruit and seed were collected from the native trees of Chennai, Tamil Nadu. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: We conclude that P. emblica fruit, P. granatum flower, and I. verum fruit and seed exhibit large amounts of flavonoids, phenolics, and tannins. This study also shows that these samples can be used in clinical practice as it has less hematotoxixity percentage. P. granatum that is a pomegranate flower shows a high positive percentage in the presence of flavonoids and phenols. These plant extracts can be used in further studies and in clinical use as mouthwash or topical gel by adding preservatives and flavoring agents.

RésuméEn tant que tels, ils recherchent des produits qu'ils perçoivent comme étant plus sûrs, plus sains et sans ingrédients chimiques ou synthétiques toxiques. Les produits naturels sont suffisamment doux pour un usage quotidien et offrent une alternative moins abrasive aux formulations d'ordonnance plus puissantes destinées à une utilisation à court terme. Les bains de bouche antimicrobiens et antioxydants à base de plantes sont considérés comme des compléments efficaces au brossage des dents et à l'utilisation de la soie dentaire pour les patients atteints de gingivite qui ont subi un traitement implantaire, offrant un avantage cliniquement significatif dans la réduction de la plaque dentaire et étant également de nature antioxydante. Matériels et méthodes: Trois types d'espèces végétales ont été pris en considération. Le fruit de Phyllanthus emblica, la fleur de Punica granatum et le fruit et la graine d'Illicium verum ont été récoltés sur les arbres indigènes de Chennai, Tamil Nadu. Résultats et Conclusion: Nous concluons que les fruits de P. emblica, la fleur de P. granatum et les fruits et graines d'I. verum présentent de grandes quantités de flavonoïdes, de composés phénoliques et de tanins. Cette étude montre également que ces échantillons peuvent être utilisés en pratique clinique car ils ont un pourcentage d'hématotoxinie inférieur. P. granatum qui est une grenadeLa fleur présente un pourcentage positif élevé en présence de flavonoïdes et de phénols. Ces extraits de plantes peuvent être utilisés dans d'autres études et en utilisation clinique comme bain de bouche ou gel topique en ajoutant des conservateurs et des agents aromatisants.

Posaconazole-hemp seed oil loaded nanomicelles for invasive fungal disease.

Invasive fungal infections (IFI) pose a significant health burden, leading to high morbidity, mortality, and treatment costs. This study aims to develop and characterize nanomicelles for the codelivery of posaconazole and hemp seed oil for IFI via the oral route. The nanomicelles were prepared using a nanoprecipitation method and optimized through the Box Behnken design. The optimized nanomicelles resulted in satisfactory results for zeta potential, size, PDI, entrapment efficiency, TEM, and stability studies. FTIR and DSC results confirm the compatibility and amorphous state of the prepared nanomicelles. Confocal laser scanning microscopy showed that the optimized nanomicelles penetrated the tissue more deeply (44.9µm) than the suspension (25µm). The drug-loaded nanomicelles exhibited sustained cumulative drug release of 95.48 ± 3.27% for 24 h. The nanomicelles showed significant inhibition against Aspergillus niger and Candida albicans (22.4 ± 0.21 and 32.2 ± 0.46 mm, respectively). The pharmacokinetic study on Wistar rats exhibited a 1.8-fold increase in relative bioavailability for the nanomicelles compared to the suspension. These results confirm their therapeutic efficacy and lay the groundwork for future research and clinical applications, providing a promising synergistic antifungal nanomicelles approach for treating IFIs.

Systematic study on date palm seeds (Phoenix dactylifera L.) extraction optimisation using natural deep eutectic solvents and ultrasound technique.

Natural deep eutectic solvents (NADES) are emerging, environment-friendly solvents that have garnered attention for their application in extracting phenolic compounds. This study investigated the effects of four synthetic NADES on polyphenols extracted from date seeds (DS) using choline chloride (ChCl) as a hydrogen-bond acceptor and lactic acid (La), citric acid (Citri), glycerol (Gly), and fructose (Fruc) as hydrogen-bond donors, in comparison with DS extracts extracted by conventional solvents (water, 70% methanol, and 70% ethanol). The antioxidant activity (DPPH), total phenolic content (TPC) and 6 phenolic compounds were determined using HPLC. The results showed that the ChCl-La and ChCl-Citri systems exhibited a high extraction efficiency regarding TPC, and DPPH in the DS extracts extracted by NADES compare to those DS extracts extracted with conventional solvents (p ˂ 0.001). HPLC results demonstrated that DS extracted by ChCl-La contained all measured phenolic compounds. Also gallic acid and catechin were the major compounds identified in the DS extracts. In addition DS extracted by ChCl-Citri and ChCl-Gly had the highest concentration of catechin. In conclusion, combining NADES is a promising and environment-friendly alternative to the conventional solvent extraction of phenolic compounds from DS.

Neuroprotection by Anethum graveolens (Dill) Seeds and Its Phytocompounds in SH-SY5Y Neuroblastoma Cell Lines and Acellular Assays.

Neurodegeneration diseases (NDs) are a group of complex diseases primarily characterized by progressive loss of neurons affecting mental function and movement. Oxidative stress is one of the factors contributing to the pathogenesis of NDs, including Alzheimer's disease (AD). These reactive species disturb mitochondrial function and accelerate other undesirable conditions including tau phosphorylation, inflammation, and cell death. Therefore, preventing oxidative stress is one of the imperative methods in the treatment of NDs. To accomplish this, we prepared hexane and ethyl acetate extracts of Anethum graveolens (dill) and identified the major phyto-components (apiol, carvone, and dihydrocarvone) by GC-MS. The extracts and major bioactives were assessed for neuroprotective potential and mechanism in hydrogen peroxide-induced oxidative stress in the SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cell model and other biochemical assays. The dill (extracts and bioactives) provided statistically significant neuroprotection from 0.1 to 30 µg/mL by mitigating ROS levels, restoring mitochondrial membrane potential, reducing lipid peroxidation, and reviving the glutathione ratio. They moderately inhibited acetylcholine esterase (IC50 dill extracts 400-500 µg/mL; carvone 275.7 µg/mL; apiole 388.3 µg/mL), displayed mild anti-Aß1-42 fibrilization (DHC 26.6%) and good anti-oligomerization activity (>40% by dill-EA, carvone, and apiole). Such multifactorial neuroprotective displayed by dill and bioactives would help develop a safe, low-cost, and small-molecule drug for NDs.

Effects of n-hexane fraction of Piper guineense seed extract on Nω-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester hydrochloride-induced hypertension in rats.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of the n-hexane fraction of the ethanolic seed extract of PG (NFESEPG) on hypertension induced by Nω-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) in rats. Specifically, the study examined the impact of NFESEPG on blood pressure, oxidative stress markers, NO concentration, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) and arginase activities, and cardiac biomarkers in hypertensive rats. The study involved collecting, identifying, and processing the PG plant to obtain the ethanolic seed extract. The extract was then partitioned with solvents to isolate the n-hexane fraction. Hypertension was induced in rats by oral administration of L-NAME for 10 days, while concurrent treatment with NFESEPG at two doses (200 and 400 mg/kg/day) was administered orally. Blood pressure was measured using a noninvasive tail-cuff method, and various biochemical parameters were assessed. Treatment with both doses of NFESEPG significantly reduced systolic and diastolic blood pressure in L-NAME-induced hypertensive rats. Additionally, NFESEPG administration increased NO concentration and decreased ACE and arginase activities, malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, and cardiac biomarkers in hypertensive rats. The findings indicate that NFESEPG effectively lowered blood pressure in hypertensive rats induced by L-NAME, potentially through mechanisms involving the modulation of oxidative stress, NO bioavailability, and cardiac biomarkers. These results suggest the therapeutic potential of NFESEPG in managing hypertension and related cardiovascular complications.

Determination of Flavonolignan Compositional Ratios in Silybum marianum (Milk Thistle) Extracts Using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography.

Milk thistle is one of the most popular ingredients in the liver protection products market. Silymarin is the main component of milk thistle and contains multiple isomers. There have been few studies focusing on the compositional ratios of silymarin isomers. In this study, we developed an HPLC method for the separation and quantification of silymarin isomers, thereby elucidating their compositional ratios. Through the analysis of more than 40 milk thistle extract products on the market, we found that the ratios, specifically Ratio 1 (the silybin B content to the silybin A content, SBNB/SBNA) and Ratio 2 (the sum of the contents of silybin B and isosilybin B to the sum of the contents of silybin A and isosilybin A, (SBNB + IBNB)/(SBNA + IBNA)), are highly consistent across milk thistle extracts, averaging approximately 1.58 and 1.28, respectively. Furthermore, such ratios were verified in milk thistle seed samples. This study introduces significant findings concerning the stable ratios among silymarin isomers in milk thistle extracts and seeds, thereby offering an innovative approach for quality assurance of milk thistle extracts.

Comprehensive Quality Assessment of Brassica napus L. Seeds via HPTLC, LC-QToF, and Anatomical Investigation.

The Brassicaceae family, commonly referred to as cruciferous plants, is globally cultivated and consumed, with the Brassica genus being particularly renowned for its functional components. These vegetables are rich sources of nutrients and health-promoting phytochemicals, garnering increased attention in recent years. This study presents a comprehensive microscopic, chromatographic, and spectroscopic characterization of Brassica napus L. seeds from Kazakhstan aimed at elucidating their morphological features and chemical composition. Microscopic analysis revealed distinct localization of flavonoids, total lipids, and alkaloids. High-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) analysis of seed extracts demonstrated a complex chemical profile with significant quantities of non-polar compounds in the hexane extracts. Additionally, methanolic extracts revealed the presence of diverse chemical compounds, including alkaloids, flavonoids, and glucosinolates. The chemical composition exhibited varietal differences across different Brassica species, with B. napus L. seeds showing higher concentrations of bioactive compounds. Furthermore, liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC-QToF-MS) analysis provided insights into the chemical composition, with sinapine isomers, feruloyl, and sinapoyl choline derivatives as major compounds in the seeds. This study contributes to a better understanding of the chemical diversity and quality control methods' approximations of B. napus L. seeds, highlighting their importance in functional food and nutraceutical applications.

Optimizing the Extraction of the Polyphenolic Fraction from Defatted Strawberry Seeds for Tiliroside Isolation Using Accelerated Solvent Extraction Combined with a Box-Behnken Design.

Tiliroside is a natural polyphenolic compound with a wide range of biological activity, and defatted strawberry seeds are its rich source. The goal of this study was to optimize accelerated solvent extraction (ASE) conditions, including temperature, solvent composition, and the number of extraction cycles, using Box-Behnken design to maximize the yield of tiliroside. UPLC-DAD-MS was applied to investigate the polyphenolic composition of the extracts, and preparative liquid chromatography (pLC) was used for isolation. All obtained mathematical models generally showed an increase in the efficiency of isolating polyphenolic compounds with an increase in temperature, ethanol content, and the number of extraction cycles. The optimal established ASE conditions for tiliroside were as follows: a temperature of 65 °C, 63% ethanol in water, and four extraction cycles. This allowed for the obtainment of a tiliroside-rich fraction, and the recovery of isolated tiliroside from plant material reached 243.2 mg from 100 g. Our study showed that ASE ensures the isolation of a tiliroside-rich fraction with high effectiveness. Furthermore, defatted strawberry seeds proved to be a convenient source of tiliroside because the matrix of accompanying components is relatively poor, which facilitates separation.

The Discovery of Highly Efficient and Promising ABA Receptor Antagonists for Agricultural Applications Based on APAn Modification.

Abscisic acid (ABA) is one of the many naturally occurring phytohormones widely found in plants. This study focused on refining APAn, a series of previously developed agonism/antagonism switching probes. Twelve novel APAn analogues were synthesized by introducing varied branched or oxygen-containing chains at the C-6' position, and these were screened. Through germination assays conducted on A. thaliana, colza, and rice seeds, as well as investigations into stomatal movement, several highly active ABA receptor antagonists were identified. Microscale thermophoresis (MST) assays, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics simulation showed that they had stronger receptor affinity than ABA, while PP2C phosphatase assays indicated that the C-6'-tail chain extending from the 3' channel effectively prevented the ligand-receptor binary complex from binding to PP2C phosphatase, demonstrating strong antagonistic activity. These antagonists showed effective potential in promoting seed germination and stomatal opening of plants exposed to abiotic stress, particularly cold and salt stress, offering advantages for cultivating crops under adverse conditions. Moreover, their combined application with fluridone and gibberellic acid could provide more practical agricultural solutions, presenting new insights and tools for overcoming agricultural challenges.

Valorization of Carapa guianensis Aubl. seeds treated by compressed n-propane.

This study evaluated the oil content obtained from andiroba seeds by pressurized n-propane at different conditions of temperature (25, 35, and 45 °C) and pressure (40, 60, and 80 bar), and conventional extraction technique using n-hexane as the solvent. Kinetic extraction curves were fitted using Sovová's mathematical model. The chemical characterization of the oil was reported as well as the protein content in the extraction by-product. Pressurized extractions conducted at 25 °C provided the highest oil recovery (~45 wt%) from the seeds. The increase in pressure at 25 ºC favored obtaining oil with higher Stigmasterol contents, however, the Squalene content was higher in the oil obtained at 40 bar. The oils with the highest concentration phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity were obtained at 80 bar. Extraction with n-propane provided oils with higher levels of phenolic compounds, however, with antioxidant activity similar to conventional extraction. For all evaluated extractions, the product showed a predominance of oleic and palmitic acids, with similar values of oxidative stability. The extraction of the by-product with the highest soluble protein content was obtained under mild processing conditions (25 °C and 40 bar) with n-propane.

Characterization of the Polyphenolic Profile in Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum P. Mill) Peel and Seeds by LC-HRMS/MS.

Peel and seeds are the main byproducts from tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum P. Mill) processing with high concentrations of polyphenols that have been underexploited. Herein, polyphenolic profiles in tomato peel and seeds were elucidated by untargeted liquid chromatography coupled to high-resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS) with an LTQ Orbitrap analyzer. Samples from two Spanish regions─"Murcia" and "Almería"─were analyzed to obtain complementary results. 57 compounds were found, mainly phenolic acids and flavonoids, of which eight were identified for the first time in tomato. Polyphenols were more abundant in byproducts from "Murcia" samples than in those from"Almería" samples, where the abundance of compounds like coutaric, caffeic, neochlorogenic, dicaffeoylquinic and ferulic acids, vanillic acid hexoside, catechin, naringenin, prunin, apigenin-O-hexoside, rutin, and rutin-O-pentoside was even much higher in byproducts than that in whole fruits. These results reveal the wide range of polyphenols found in tomato byproducts, with potential applications in pharmaceutical research, food preservation, and cosmetic development, among others.

Investigating Key Volatile Compound Diffusion in Cocoa Beans during Yeast Fermentation-like Incubation.

An experimental setup was devised to investigate the permeability of cocoa bean seed coat and pulp to key volatile compounds during fermentation. Four labeled compounds (ethyl acetate-d3, ethyl octanoate-d15, 2-phenylethanol-d5, linalool-d5) and 2 unlabeled (beta-damascenone, delta-decalactone) were chosen for the investigation. The beans (cotyledons), depulped beans, or pulped beans were immersed separately in a concentrated solution of these volatile compounds at 36 or 46 °C for durations ranging from 3 to 120 h. The imbibed beans were dissected, and the cotyledons were analyzed by SPME-GC/MS. The diffusion of volatile compounds from the external solution to the seed was categorized into three groups: (1) not diffusible (ethyl octanoate-d15); (2) semidiffusible (ethyl acetate); and (3) totally diffusible (2-phenylethanol-d5, linalool-d5, beta-damascenone, delta-decalactone). The impact of the yeast on volatile compound diffusion was also investigated by immerging the pulped beans into the same concentrated solution with a yeast starter. Results highlighted the positive role of yeast in the diffusion of volatile compounds. The starter positively contributed to volatile compound diffusion after a transition phase occurring at approximately 48 h of fermentation, enriching the cocoa beans with key aromatic volatile compounds.

Fatty acid and nutrient profiles, diosgenin and trigonelline contents, mineral composition, and antioxidant activity of the seed of some Iranian Trigonella L. species.

BACKGROUND: Fenugreeks (Trigonella L. spp.), belonging to the legume family (Fabaceae), are well-known multipurpose crops that their materials are currently received much attention in the pharmaceutical and food industries for the production of healthy and functional foods all over the world. Iran is one of the main diversity origins of this valuable plant. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to explore vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids profile, proximate composition, content of diosgenin, trigonelline, phenolic acids, total carotenoids, saponins, phenols, flavonoids, and tannins, mucilage and bitterness value, and antioxidant activity of the seed of thirty populations belonging to the ten different Iranian Trigonella species. RESULTS: We accordingly identified notable differences in the nutrient and bioactive compounds of each population. The highest content (mg/100 g DW) of ascorbic acid (18.67 ± 0.85‒22.48 ± 0.60) and α-tocopherol (31.61 ± 0.15‒38.78 ± 0.67) were found in the populations of T. filipes and T. coerulescens, respectively. Maximum content of catechin was found in the populations of T. teheranica (52.67 ± 0.05‒63.50 ± 0.72 mg/l). Linoleic acid (> 39.11% ± 0.61%) and linolenic acid (> 48.78 ± 0.39%) were the main polyunsaturated fatty acids, with the majority in the populations of T. stellata (54.81 ± 1.39‒63.46 ± 1.21%). The populations of T. stellata were also rich in trigonelline (4.95 ± 0.03‒7.66 ± 0.16 mg/g DW) and diosgenin (9.06 ± 0.06‒11.03 ± 0.17 mg/g DW). CONCLUSIONS: The obtained data provides baseline information to expand the inventory of wild and cultivated Iranian Trigonella species for further exploitation of rich chemotypes in the new foods and specific applications.

Effects of dispersing media on the rheological and tribological properties of basil seed mucilage-based thickened liquids.

The development of thickening powders for the management of dysphagia is imperative due to the rapid growth of aging population and prevalence of the dysphagia. One promising thickening agent that can be used to formulate dysphagia diets is basil seed mucilage (BSM). This work investigates the effects of dispersing media, including water, milk, skim milk, and apple juice, on the rheological and tribological properties of the BSM-thickened liquids. Shear rheology results revealed that the thickening ability of BSM in these media in ascending order is milk < skim milk ≈ apple juice < water. On the other hand, extensional rheology demonstrated that the longest filament breakup time was observed when BSM was dissolved in milk, followed by skim milk, water, and apple juice. Furthermore, tribological measurements showed varying lubrication behavior, depending on the BSM concentration and dispersing media. Dissolution of BSM in apple juice resulted in the most superior lubrication property compared with that in other dispersing media. Overall, this study provides insights on BSM's application as a novel gum-based thickening powder in a range of beverages and emphasizes how important it is for consumers to have clear guidance for the use of BSM in dysphagia management.

Ultrasound-assisted extraction of bioactive compounds from longan seeds powder: Kinetic modelling and process optimization.

Investigating the extraction of bioactive compounds represents a hopeful direction for maximizing the value of longan fruit byproducts. This study explored the influence of ultrasonic-assisted extraction (UAE) parameters-specifically ultrasonic power ratios, temperatures, and exposure times-utilizing water as a green solvent on several properties of the longan seeds extract (LSE). These properties encompassed the energy consumption of the UAE process (EC), extraction yield (EY), total phenolic contents (TPC), total flavonoid contents (TFC), and antioxidant activity (DPPH). Additionally, the study sought to optimize the conditions of UAE process and examine its thermodynamic properties. A three-level, three-factor full factorial design was utilized to assess the effects of different factors on LSE properties. Results indicated that EC, EY, TPC, TFC, and DPPH were significantly influenced by power ratios, temperatures, and exposure time. Moreover, the proposed models effectively characterized the variations in different properties during the extraction process. The optimized extraction conditions, aimed at minimizing EC while maximizing EY, TPC, TFC, and DPPH radical scavenging activity, were demonstrated as an ultrasonic power ratio of 44.4 %, a temperature of 60 °C, and an extraction time of 17.7 min. Optimization led to 563 kJ for EC, 7.85 % for EY, 47.21 mg GAE/mL for TPC, 96.8 mg QE/mL for TFC, and 50.15 % for DPPH radical scavenging activity. The results emphasized that the UAE process exhibited characteristics of endothermicity and spontaneity. The results provide valuable insights that could inform the enhancement of extraction processes, potentially benefiting industrial utilization and pharmaceutical formulations.

Nigella sativa-Fortified Cookies Ameliorate Oxidative Stress, Inflammatory and Immune Dysfunction in Plasmodium berghei-Infected Murine Model.

Malaria impedes the ability of primary cells of the immune system to generate an efficacious inflammatory and immune response. Black seed (Nigella sativa) is a core dietary supplement and food additive in folklore. This study investigated the antioxidant, immunomodulatory, and anti-inflammatory effects of N. sativa cookies in Plasmodium berghei-infected mice. Aqueous extract of black seed was prepared, and the total phenol and flavonoid contents were determined. The mice were infected with standard inoculum of the strain NK65 P. berghei. The mice weight and behavioral changes were observed. The mice were fed with the N. sativa cookies (2.5%, 5%, and 10%) and 10 mg/kg chloroquine for 5 consecutive days after the infection was established. The reactive oxygen species (ROS), malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase, catalase, and hematological parameters (red cell indices, leukocytes, and its differentials) in the infected mice were determined. The inflammatory mediators, C-reactive protein (CRP), and myeloperoxidase (MPO) were also assayed. The result revealed that black seed had a total phenol content of 18.73 mgGAE/g and total flavonoid content of 0.36 mgQUE/g. The infected mice treated with N. sativa cookies showed significantly decreased parasitaemia, MDA, and ROS levels. Furthermore, the results showed significant suppression in proinflammatory mediators (CRP and MPO) levels and enhanced antioxidant status of infected mice treated with N. sativa. The study suggests that N. sativa could function as nutraceuticals in the management of Plasmodium infection associated with inflammatory and immunomodulatory disorders.