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Novel probiotic consortium sustains skeletal muscle function in hyperlipidemic rats
No full textWe evaluated the efficacy of a novel probiotics consortium in preventing hyperlipidaemia-induced loss of muscle
function in rats. Male Wistar rats (300 ± 5 g) were randomised into 4 groups (n = 6) including control (7 % fat),
hyperlipidaemia [(Hyp) 35 % fat], Hyp + Orlistat (10 mg/kg BW) + Cholestyramine (2g/100g of diet) (Hyp + O
+ C) and Hyp + Probiotics (Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bacillus coagulans, and Streptococcus thermophilus) (Hyp +
Pr). After 90 days of feeding, muscle function parameters were assessed. Compared to the Hyp group, the pro-
biotic consortium significantly (p < 0.05) decreased body weight gain, visceral adiposity, and fat-to-muscle ratio,
accompanied by a marked increase in gastrocnemius and soleus indices. Furthermore, probiotics decreased
creatinine, urea, lactic acid, and muscle injury markers (CK-MM, LDH, MYL3, sTnI, FABP3) compared to the Hyp
group (p < 0.05), indicating modulation of muscle integrity and systemic stress. Functional assessments (inverted
screen, exhaustive swimming, and rotarod tests), contractability (myofibrillar protein), and energy reserve
(muscle glycogen) confirmed a significant (p < 0.05) enhancement of muscle strength, endurance, and coordi-
nation in the probiotic-treated group compared to the Hyp group. The muscle atrophy markers (Atrogin-1,
MuRF1, and FoXO1), as well as the myokine MSTN, which is responsible for inhibiting muscle growth and
differentiation, were significantly (p < 0.05) downregulated in the probiotics group compared to the Hyp group.
Whereas the myogenic regulators MyoD and MyoG were significantly (p < 0.05) upregulated in the probiotics
group compared to the Hyp group. Furthermore, the probiotics significantly (p < 0.05) upregulated the
expression of SREBP-1c, PGC-1α, and UCP3 compared to the Hyp group. These findings suggest that a novel
probiotic consortium sustains muscle function and integrity in hyperlipidemic rats
Valorisation of coffee husk for functional arabinogalactans: A sustainable value-added ingredient
No full textCoffee husks, an underutilized byproduct (~18 % of the dry weight of coffee cherry) contain ~58 % poly-
saccharides. Despite their abundance, the physico-chemical composition, structure, and their bioactivities
remain largely unexplored. This study investigates the valorisation of coffee husks to extract polysaccharides
using an alkali extraction (0.4 M NaOH, 1:10 substrate-to-solvent ratio, 55 ◦C, 6 h) yielding an arabinogalactan-
rich polysaccharide (12.83 ± 2.44 %) with 84.49 % total carbohydrates. It is predominantly composed of
galactose (44.77 %) and arabinose (33.57 %) and had a molecular weight of 121 kDa. Characterization via FTIR,
XRD, 1H NMR, and DSC revealed a semi-crystalline structure, thermal stability, and typical carbohydrate pat-
terns. Physicochemical analysis showed water holding (23.8 g/g), oil holding (13.2 g/g), and swelling capacities
(2.25 mL/g). Strong antioxidant activity further, emphasizes their potential as functional food ingredients. This
study presents an efficient extraction method for utilizing coffee husks as a sustainable resource
Influence of debranning on puffing behavior, starch structure, pasting properties, and macromolecular functionality of wheat
No full textThis study examines the impact of debranning on the physicochemical, starch pasting, puffing, and structural
characteristics of puffed wheat. Debranning increased grain dimensions: length (from 7.00 to 8.66 mm), width
(3.84 to 5.37 mm), and thickness (2.78 to 3.58 mm), while reducing hardness (from 252 N to 55.3 N), protein
(from 12.65 % to 11.89 %), and dietary fiber (from 12.23 % to 9.52 %). Puffing performance increased with
higher levels of debranning, as evidenced by enhanced starch expansion and porosity, with puffing yield rising
from 69.2 % in the control to 72.4 % in DPW12. Starch Pasting analysis revealed a decrease in pasting tem-
perature from 73.60 ◦C in control samples to 66.10 ◦C in DPW12, promoting starch gelatinization. Peak, hot
paste, and cold paste viscosities increased, indicating improved starch swelling. Solvent retention capacity (SRC)
results showed a decline in water SRC from 303.36 % to 223.15 %, with similar reductions in lactic acid, sodium
carbonate, and sucrose SRCs, reflecting changes in gluten strength and starch behavior. SEM imaging confirmed
that higher debranning levels led to a more porous microstructure, reducing structural resistance and improving
puffing. Overall, controlled debranning enhances puffing properties, starch functionality, and structural char-
acteristics, making puffed wheat more suitable for instant food applications
Effect of encapsulated spice oleoresins on chronic unpredictable mild stress-induced depression and gut microbiome modulation in mice model
No full textDepression affects millions globally, prompting the search for novel treatments. Natural
compounds like spice oleoresins show promise due to their bioactive constituents. This
study explores the use of Hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin (HPBCD) for nano-
encapsulation to enhance the efficacy of pepper, turmeric, and chilli oleoresins in
alleviating depression in a mice model. Chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) was
induced for 28 days, followed by administering nano-encapsulated oleoresins (25 mg/
kg). Behavioural analyses revealed improved activity, while neurochemical studies
showed increased serotonin and dopamine levels with reduced monoamine oxidase
(MAO) activity. Western blot highlighted changes in BDNF, supported by
histopathological evidence of neuroprotection. Biochemical assays indicated reduced
oxidative stress, acetylcholinesterase activity, and enhanced catalase and superoxide
dismutase levels. 16S rRNA sequencing revealed improved gut microbiota, with
increased beneficial bacteria. Notably, nano-encapsulated chilli oleoresin exhibited the
highest efficacy. These findings support the multi-targeted potential of nano-
encapsulated spice oleoresins as complementary treatments for depression,
addressing neurobiological and gut-related factors
Phycobiliproteins of Marine Red Alga, Kappaphycus Alvarezii Possess Potent Antioxidant and Metal Chelating Properties, and Inhibit Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HepG2) Cell Growth
No full textKappaphycus alvarezii is one of the economically important red alga, harvested primarily
for the production of hydrocolloids. This study aimed to identify an effective extraction
method for the isolation of phycobiliproteins (PBPs) from K. alvarezii and evaluate its
biofunctional properties. Organic solvents, inorganic acids, organic acids, phosphate buf-
fer saline (PBS), distilled water, and freeze-thawing were used to identify an effective
extraction method. The identification of PBPs was carried out by UV-Vis spectrophotom-
etry, FTIR spectroscopy, and SDS-PAGE analysis. The antioxidant potentials of PBPs was
examined by DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging assays. The metal chelating efficiency
was determined using divalent, monovalent, and trivalent metal ions. The WST-1 assay
and DAPI staining were performed to examine HepG2 cell viability and apoptosis, re-
spectively. Among the extraction methods, higher content of phycoeryhrin was recorded
in phosphate buffer saline. The results showed that extraction using PBS exhibits highest
content of phycoerythrin. The PBPs fraction contains phycoerythrin as a major pigment
molecule. The isolated PBPs exhibited increased DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging
activity in a concentration-dependent manner. It has possible quenching ability of Co2+
and Cu2+. The isolated PBPs inhibited HepG2 cell growth in a dose-dependent manner
and induced nuclear fragmentation. The data emphasize that K. alvarezii could be utilized
for the extraction of phycoerythrin which has antioxidant, metal chelation, and anticancer
properties
Ginger (Zingiber officinale) and Black Pepper (Piper nigrum) Fixed Oil Sustain Hepatic and Renal Function: Insight From a Metabolic Disorder Rat Model
No full textWe report hepatic and renal parameters affected by fixed oil from ginger (Zingiber officinale) and black pepper (Piper nigrum) in
male Wistar rats. Dyslipidaemia (hyperlipidemia) and diabetes were induced by feeding 35% saturated fat for 30 days, followed by
the administration of streptozotocin (28 mg/kg bw). Rats were grouped into: DD (dyslipidaemia with diabetes), DD + M + O [met-
formin (20 mg/kg bw) + orlistat (10 mg/kg bw)], DD + G-FO [ginger fixed oil (50 mg/kg bw)], DD + P-FO [black pepper fixed oil
(50 mg/kg bw)] and control with 60-days feeding. The DD group had significantly elevated lipids (total cholesterol, LDL + VLDL
cholesterol, and triglycerides), glycaemic parameters (FBS, insulin, HbA1c, and HOMA-IR), organ function enzyme mark-
ers (ALP, CK-MB, CK-NAC, SGOT, and SGPT) compared to control (p < 0.05), whereas experimental groups (DD + G-FO and
DD + P-FO) showed a significant decrease compared to DD (p < 0.05). The hepatic levels of caspase-3, cytochrome c, and p53 were
increased significantly in DD compared to the control and experimental groups (p < 0.05). Similarly, kidney injury molecule-1
(KIM-1), in both serum and kidney, was significantly increased in DD compared to the control and experimental groups. The
hepatic (bilirubin) and renal (urea, uric acid, and creatinine) markers were elevated significantly in DD compared to the control
and experimental groups (p < 0.05). Liver and kidney histology indicated that DD enhanced lipid accumulation, resulting in tis-
sue damage compared to the control and experimental groups. Thus, we established that fixed oil from ginger and black pepper
sustained hepatic and renal function in metabolic abnormalities like hyperlipidemia and diabetes in the experimental rat model
Conversion of Cyclic Ribose to Acyclic Ribose under Prebiotic Conditions: Implications for Ribose Selection as the RNA Sugar
No full textThe RNA World hypothesis depicts the abiotic formation of
RNA as the key milestone for the origin of life. However, the basis for the
selection of ribose as the RNA sugar from the prebiotic context has not been
explored in great detail. Leveraging on the classical organic chemistry
knowledge that the acyclic form is the most reactive form of the sugar, we
hypothesize that acyclic formation under prebiotic conditions is one of the
primary pathways that led to the selection of ribose as the RNA sugar. As
credible proof for our hypothesis, we identified prebiotically plausible
catalysts [Bentonite/CaCO3/Mg(OH)2] and conditions to achieve the
acyclic form in ribose compared to several other pentoses and hexoses. In
this paper, evidence for the preferential formation of the acyclic form in
ribose among the pool of sugars under prebiotic conditions is revealed. The
results reported in this work suggest that the ability of ribose to exist in the
acyclic form is unique among the pentoses and hexoses, which could have led
to its selection as the RNA sugar
Bioactive compounds from food-grade Bacillus.
No full textBacillus species have attracted significant attention in recent years due to their potential for producing various bioactive compounds
with diverse functional properties. This review highlights bioactive substances from food-grade Bacillus strains and
their applications in functional foods and nutraceuticals. The metabolic capacities of Bacillus species have allowed them to generate
a wide range of bioactive substances, including vitamins, enzymes, anti-microbial peptides, and other non-ribosomal
peptides. These substances have a variety of positive effects, including potential cholesterol-lowering and immune-modulatory
qualities in addition to anti-oxidant and anti-bacterial actions. The uses and mechanisms of action of these bioactive chemicals
can be used to improve the functional qualities and nutritional profile of food products. Examples include the use of antimicrobial
peptides to increase safety and shelf life, as well as the use of Bacillus-derived enzymes in food processing to improve
digestibility and sensory qualities. The exploitation of bioactive compounds from food-grade Bacillus strains presents a promising
frontier in the development of functional foods and nutraceuticals with enhanced health benefits. Due to their wide range
of activity and applications, they are considered as important resources for the development of novel medications, agricultural
biocontrol agents, and industrial enzymes. Ongoing research into the biosynthetic pathways, functional properties, and applications
of these compounds is essential to fully realize their potential in the food industry. This review underscores the significance
of various bioactive compounds generated from Bacillus in tackling global issues like environmental sustainability,
sustainable agriculture, and antibiotic resistance. Future developments in microbiology and biotechnology will enable us to
fully utilize the potential of these amazing microbes, resulting in novel approaches to industry, agriculture, and health
Cold plasma treatment for decontamination of pesticide residues and preservation of spinach leaves
No full textSpinach (Spinacia oleracea L.) is a nutritious, perishable, leafy vegetable with a short shelf life and high post-
harvest losses. This study investigated the efficacy of cold plasma treatments to reduce the microbial load
from the spinach leaf and prolong its shelf life. A comparative analysis was performed using techniques like
ozone and chlorine wash [Acidified sodium chlorite (ASC)] for analysing its efficacy. The study also evaluated
the effectiveness of various decontamination treatments in removing pesticide residues. Treatment with cold
plasma reduced the physiological weight loss, decay rate, microbial count, and enzyme activity and retained the
color. The spinach’s total phenolic content (TPC) was elevated following cold plasma treatments (>50 % higher
than control at the end of cold storage). Organophosphate residues from the spinach surface were reduced
(~90 % reduction in chlorpyrifos and malathion) after cold plasma treatment. The results of study indicated that
cold plasma is a promising alternative to the existing hypochlorite wash. This innovative technique has a
promising future in the fresh produce industry to prevent post-harvest losses through enzyme inactivation,
microbial load reduction, and pesticide decontamination