Anti-obesity effects have been attributed to the culinary plant Boesenbergia rotunda, commonly called fingerroot, particularly to the flavonoids pinostrobin, panduratin A, cardamonin, and isopanduratin A. Yet, the molecular mechanisms through which isopanduratin A mediates its antiadipogenic properties remain unsolved. In a murine (3T3-L1) and human (PCS-210-010) adipocyte study, isopanduratin A, at non-cytotoxic concentrations (1-10 µM), demonstrated a dose-dependent, significant suppression of lipid accumulation. Isopanduratin A, at a range of concentrations, affected the differentiation of 3T3-L1 cells. This was evidenced by a downregulation of key adipogenic markers: effectors (FAS, PLIN1, LPL, and adiponectin), and transcription factors (SREBP-1c, PPAR, and C/EBP). Furthermore, isopanduratin A deactivated upstream regulatory pathways of AKT/GSK3 and MAPKs (ERK, JNK, and p38) and stimulated the AMPK-ACC pathway. In the context of 3T3-L1 cell proliferation, isopanduratin A's inhibitory tendency was noted. see more The passage of 3T3-L1 cells was also halted by the compound, resulting in cell cycle arrest at the G0/G1 phase, as evidenced by modifications in cyclins D1 and D3 levels and CDK2 activity. Impaired p-ERK/ERK signaling could account for the observed lag in mitotic clonal expansion. Through these findings, it is evident that isopanduratin A is a substantial suppressor of adipogenesis, exhibiting multi-target effects and contributing meaningfully to its anti-obesity properties. Fingerroot's potential as a functional food for weight management and preventing obesity is suggested by these findings.

The Republic of Seychelles, a nation situated in the western-central Indian Ocean, recognizes the essential role marine capture fisheries play in its national economic and social life, particularly in the context of food security, employment, and its cultural fabric. A significant portion of the Seychellois population consumes fish at a rate that is among the highest globally, relying on it heavily for protein. The diet, however, is in a state of change, shifting towards a Western-style diet that contains less fish, more animal meat, and easily accessible, highly processed foods. This study investigated the protein content and quality of diverse marine species targeted by Seychelles' industrial and artisanal fisheries, alongside assessing their contribution to the World Health Organization's daily protein intake recommendations. From the waters surrounding the Seychelles, 230 specimens, comprising 33 marine species, were collected between 2014 and 2016. This collection included 3 crustaceans, 1 shark, and 29 teleost fish. High-quality protein, with all essential amino acids exceeding the reference values for adults and children, was a defining characteristic of every analyzed species. Seafood, a staple protein source in the Seychelles, comprising nearly half (49%) of the total animal protein consumed, is vital for delivering essential amino acids and their related nutrients; thus, sustained consumption of local seafood warrants every effort to promote it.

A variety of biological effects are associated with pectins, complex polysaccharides commonly found in plant cells. Due to the high molecular weights (Mw) and intricate structures of natural pectins, their absorption and utilization by organisms are problematic, which restricts their beneficial effects. Modifying pectins is an effective approach to enhancing their structural properties, boosting their biological activities, and potentially introducing novel bioactivities to natural pectins. The present article provides a thorough overview of modifying natural pectins, through chemical, physical, and enzymatic processes, focusing on fundamental information, influencing parameters, and detailed product identification. Moreover, the modifications to pectin bioactivities, including their anticoagulant, antioxidant, antitumor, immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, hypoglycemic, antibacterial properties, and their influence on the intestinal microenvironment, are examined in detail. In summation, suggestions and perspectives related to the advancement of pectin modification methods are discussed.

Background Wild Edible Plants (WEPs) are plants that, through natural processes, flourish by drawing upon the surrounding environment. A paucity of knowledge regarding the bioactive constituents and nutritional/functional capabilities of these plant types contributes to their undervaluation. This review seeks to fully elucidate the utility and significance of WEPs across specific regional contexts, considering (i) their sustainable growth from self-sufficiency, (ii) the richness of bioactive compounds and their resultant nutritional and functional value, (iii) their societal and economic impact, and (iv) their immediate applicability in the agri-food industry. The investigation revealed that consuming 100 to 200 grams of specific WEPs can potentially contribute up to half of the daily recommended intake of protein and fiber, and serve as a natural source of essential macro and micro minerals. In terms of their bioactive components, a majority of these plants boast phenolic compounds and flavonoids, factors which contribute to their antioxidant properties. The research findings demonstrably confirm the substantial promise of WEPs for nutritional, economic, and social gains; nevertheless, further investigations are warranted to explore their complete role in fostering the socio-economic sustainability of farmers worldwide.

An increase in meat consumption carries the potential for adverse effects on the environment. Subsequently, a growing enthusiasm for meat-based analogues is observable. Soy protein isolate is the primary material commonly employed in the development of low- and high-moisture meat analogs (LMMA and HMMA). Full-fat soy (FFS) is an additional promising candidate as a component for LMMA and HMMA. Subsequently, the production of LMMA and HMMA, using FFS, was undertaken, and their subsequent physicochemical attributes were evaluated. see more With escalating FFS concentrations, a diminished water-holding capacity, rebound, and intermolecular attraction were observed in LMMA, in contrast, there was an increase in LMMA's integrity index, chewiness, cutting strength, degree of texturization, DPPH free radical scavenging ability, and total phenolic content. HMMA's physical properties exhibited a downward trend with the augmentation of FFS content, a phenomenon inversely proportional to the growth in its DPPH free radical scavenging activity and overall phenolic content. In summation, the increase of full-fat soy from zero to thirty percent resulted in a positive effect upon the fibrous framework of LMMA. Furthermore, the HMMA process necessitates additional studies to ameliorate the fibrous structure through FFS.

The physiological benefits of selenium-enriched peptides (SPs), an excellent organic selenium supplement, are increasingly recognized and studied. High-voltage electrospraying was employed to fabricate dextran-whey protein isolation-SP (DX-WPI-SP) microcapsules in this study. The optimized preparation process demonstrated that the ideal parameters are 6% DX (w/v), a feeding rate of 1 mL/h, a voltage of 15 kV, and a receiving distance of 15 cm. In microcapsule preparation, the weight per volume (WPI) concentration between 4% and 8% resulted in an average diameter not exceeding 45 micrometers. The substance P (SP) loading efficiency demonstrated a range of approximately 37% to 46%. The DX-WPI-SP microcapsules presented a strong and noteworthy antioxidant capability. The microencapsulation of the SP led to a rise in thermal stability, owing to the protective nature of the wall materials. To assess the sustained-release property of the carrier across different pH values and an in-vitro simulated digestive environment, the release performance was evaluated. The microcapsule solution, once digested, exhibited minimal impact on the cytotoxicity of Caco-2 cells. see more Our findings demonstrate the efficacy of electrospraying as a straightforward method for microencapsulating SP. The future implications of DX-WPI-SP microcapsules within food processing are considerable.

The application of analytical quality by design (QbD) for HPLC method development in food analysis and the separation of complex natural products is not yet fully realized. This pioneering study established and validated a stability-indicating HPLC method capable of simultaneously determining curcuminoids in Curcuma longa extracts, tablets, capsules, and forced degradants of curcuminoids under varied experimental conditions. Regarding the separation methodology, the critical method parameters (CMPs) were established as the percentage ratios of the mobile phase solvents, the pH of the mobile phase, and the temperature of the stationary phase column, while the critical method attributes (CMAs) were designated as the peak resolution, retention time, and the number of theoretical plates. Using factorial experimental designs, the procedure's robustness, method development, and validation were assessed. The operability of the developing method, as determined via Monte Carlo simulation, enabled concurrent identification of curcuminoids in natural extracts, commercial-grade pharmaceutical forms, and forced curcuminoid degradants within the same mixture. The mobile phase, comprising an acetonitrile-phosphate buffer (54.46% v/v, 0.01 mM), at a flow rate of 10 mL/min, a column temperature of 33°C, and a UV (Ultraviolet) wavelength of 385 nm, facilitated optimal separations. The curcumin, demethoxycurcumin, and bisdemethoxycurcumin assay method is highly specific, demonstrating linear behavior (R² = 0.999), excellent precision (% RSD < 1.67%), and accuracy (% recovery 98.76-99.89%). The limits of detection (LOD) and quantitation (LOQ) for the individual compounds were: 0.0024 and 0.0075 g/mL for curcumin; 0.0105 and 0.319 g/mL for demethoxycurcumin; and 0.335 and 1.015 g/mL for bisdemethoxycurcumin, respectively. The analyte mixture's composition is quantified precisely, reproducibly, robustly, and compatibly by this method.