Current Nutrition & Food Science - Volume 13, Issue 4, 2017

Introduction: Quercetin (QUER) is a bioactive phytochemical belonging to a large group of polyphenolic flavonoid substances and one of the most abundant flavonoids in the human diet. The antioxidant and pro-oxidant activity of QUER has been extensively investigated because of contradictory findings about its ability to protect mammalian cells from cytotoxicity. QUER is concomitant with mycotoxins in numerous food and foodstuffs. In the 80s, experimental approaches started to evaluate in vitro its protective effects against cytotoxicity related to mycotoxin ingest. Objective: The aim of this mini-review was to analyze how QUER treatment modifies mycotoxin effects in in vitro experimental models. Methods: A literature research was performed using the keyword “quercetin”, “mycotoxin” and “in vitro”, individually or all together, in Scopus, Web of Science and Pubmed. Results: In literature, the tested mycotoxins are described as follows: ochratoxin A, zearalenone and its metabolites α- and β-zearalenol, alternariol, alternariol monomethyl ether, T-2 toxin, patulin, aflatoxin B-1, deoxynivalenol, enniatins and beauvericin. Regarding the experimental models, human hepatocellular (HepG2) and colorectal carcinoma (HCT116 and Caco-2), human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (hPMBC), embryonic kidney (HEK293), Chinese hamster ovary (CHO-K1) and African green monkey kidney (Vero) cell lines were used. Conclusion: QUER showed promising results that made researchers move up to in vivo experiments. As future implementation, a combination of dietary non-enzymatic antioxidant products in food and feed could reduce the effects of mycotoxins on humans and animals.

Background: Alzheimer's Disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia and age related neurodegenerative incurable disease, distinguished by loss of memory and cognitive impairments. The etiology of this disease is still not well defined. However, the typical pathological features that affect AD patients are amyloid plaques (Aβ), increased oxidative stress, neurofibrillary tangles (NFT) in neurons; another very important feature is a deficit of acetylcholine due to hydrolysis by acetylcholinesterase (AChE). Since the past two decades, patients have been treated by AChE inhibitors only, but it is also important to consider the other features that are related to the onset of AD. Methods: In this context, the development of multitargeted drugs for AD is a challenge for many research groups. Exploring natural products (for example polyphenols, alkaloids and cannabinoid) that have shown antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, anti-amyloidogenic and anti-apoptotic activities is very important in the drug discovery to treat the AD. Results: Herein, the review demonstrated the summary of articles mainly, related to natural products that showed the inhibition activity for therapeutic targets and summarized the reported results from many research groups with structural illustration and influence of functional groups on inhibition studies. Conclusion: Hence, an updated review in this area could provide useful information for researchers working on this area, to develop potential novel drugs to treat the AD.

Background: Almonds are edible seeds of almond tree (Prunus dulcis) currently cultivated around the world in dry and temperate climates. Throughout history, they have been a source of energy, essential fatty acids, protein and micronutrients like vitamins and minerals. Almonds are rich in monounsaturated fats and fiber that contribute to the hypocholesterolemic benefit from their consumption. On the other hand, almonds, like other nuts, are susceptible to aflatoxins contamination, well known toxic fungal metabolites. Methods: This paper briefly reviews health benefits of almonds composition and their contamination of aflatoxins, focusing on the evaluation of risks and benefits of these promising nuts. Results: Due to their unique nutrient composition, almonds could give consumers benefit against other cardiovascular and diabetes risks, such as excessive body weight, glucose homeostasis and oxidative stress. Many efforts have been made to ensure food safety and prevent diseases linked to aflatoxins exposure in almonds, as well as other tree nuts. Among these, research results show a consistent reduction of aflatoxins (above 50%) during roasting and sorting. Conclusion: So many aflatoxin reduction strategies have been set up for almonds over the years and many others are in progress. Thanks to these strategies and the strict monitoring of the almonds processing chain, we can already get benefit from their nutritional profile and added value to diet, while focusing as scientists on the constant improvement of the toxicity level assessment in the next years, so to prevent and contrast the metabolic syndrome, a widespread and chronic disease and escalating public-health issue.

Background: Information on the bioavailability of the essential mineral Mg2+ is sparse. Objective/Method: Evaluation of the present knowledge on factors influencing the bioavailability and intestinal absorption of Mg2+. Results: Mg2+ is absorbed via a paracellular passive and a transcellular active pathway that involves TRPM6/7 channel proteins. The bioavailability of Mg2+ varies within a broad range, depending on the dose, the food matrix, and enhancing and inhibiting factors. Dietary factors impairing Mg2+ uptake include high doses of other minerals, partly fermentable fibres (e.g., hemicellulose), non-fermentable fibres (e.g., cellulose, lignin), phytate and oxalate, whereas proteins, medium-chain-triglycerides, and low- or indigestible carbohydrates (e.g., resistant starch, oligosaccharides, inulin, mannitol and lactulose) enhance Mg2+ uptake. The Mg2+ dose is a major factor controlling the amount of Mg2+ absorbed. In principle, the relative Mg2+ uptake is higher when the mineral is ingested in multiple low doses throughout the day compared to a single, large intake of Mg2+. The type of Mg2+ salt appears less relevant than is often thought. Some studies demonstrated a slightly higher bioavailability of organic Mg2+ salts compared to inorganic compounds under standardized conditions, whereas other studies did not. Conclusion: Due to the lack of standardized tests to assess Mg2+ status and intestinal absorption, it remains unclear which Mg2+ binding form produces the highest bioavailability. The Mg2+ intake dose combined with the endogenous Mg2+ status is more important. Because Mg2+ cannot be stored but only retained for current needs, a higher absorption is usually followed by a higher excretion of the mineral.

Background: Plants are the primary source of various types of edible products, of which fruits form a major class. Several fruits are being used all over the world for edible as well as medicinal purposes. Based on the place of origin and preferred climatic conditions, fruits are being classified broadly to temperate and tropical fruits. Kerala, a southern state in India, which is also known as “god's own country” because of its peculiar climatic and geographical conditions, have been using a wide variety of fruits traditionally. Objective: The present review attempts to provide a summary of traditionally used fruits in Kerala and a brief outline of their bioactive components emphasizing its health promoting effects. Method: The data were collected from PubMed and Google scholar that are available till date. Results: Compared to the other parts of India, tropical fruits are produced in Kerala. This includes jackfruit, mango, papaya, banana, guava etc. They are used widely for edible purposes as well as in traditional and folk medicine. Most of these fruits are sources of several bioactive compounds including phenolics, flavonoids, anthocyanin etc. Studies have reported a wide array of health benefits including lipid lowering, hypoglycemic and anticancer effects. Conclusion: The tropical fruits contain a variety of bioactive compounds with promising health promoting activities. However, there are many more to be explored for their applications, hence the review recommends extensive research in the area of tropical fruits.

Background: Nutritional surveys focused on anthropometric measurements and gene profiles may present early predictors for atherosclerosis. Since lysosomal lipid entrance system is effectively related to the lysosomal membrane LAMP-1/-2 proteins thus the aim of this study was to evaluate the associations between their gene expression levels and anthropometric measurements. Methods: A total of 126 healthy volunteers participated in the study. The LDL-C, HDL-C, and TC values were measured by routine laboratory techniques. The WC, HC, BAI, HC and WHR measures were calculated on the basis of current anthropometric methods. The LAMP-1 and LAMP-2 expression levels were measured by Real Time qPCR technique. Results: The results showed that the HC, WC, WHR and BAI measures are significantly related to BMI value (r 0.6, p 0.0001; r 0.6, p 0.0001; r 0.1, p 0.006; r 0.55, 0.0001, respectively). The LAMP-2 expression level was conversely related to LDL-C value, based on normal upper range (>130 mg/dl, p&;lt;0.005). Furthermore, the LAMP-2 expression level was conversely correlated to WHR (r -0.35, p 0.009). Conclusion: We proposed that the lysosomal lipid entrance system relates conversely to abdominal adiposity. Furthermore, we suggested that the increase of WHR may indicate the increase of intracellular cholesterol synthesis due to the decrease of cholesterol uptake.

Background: The use of pseudocereals is of great nutritional interest because of their peculiar chemical composition and other components found in these grains. Pseudocereals are significant sources of various bioactive components including phytosterols, polyphenols, saponins, fagopyritols and certain essential minerals but some of them are unavailable because of the presence of some anti-nutrients such as tannins and phytates. Objective: The aim of this review was to summarize the recent studies regarding nutritional quality, the effect of processing and potential health benefits of pseudocereals. Conclusion: Pseudocereals are subjected to various processing treatments like puffing, fermentation, germination and cooking to improve their organoleptic and nutritional characteristics. All these processing treatments cause an alteration in the nutritional quality either by reduction of antinutrients or an improvement in digestibility or availability of nutrients. Also, pseudocereals are gluten-free grains, therefore their flour or products can be used by the persons suffering from celiac diseases. In addition, because of the potential health benefits, pseudocereals are now receiving more interest from nutritionists and food scientist.

Background: Vinegar could be counted as one of the oldest acetic acid diluted solution products among the history. It can be produced by various fermentation methods using any sugary substrate, especially fermented fruit juice. Due to the presence of many kinds of compounds which formed in the fermentation process, the final vinegar products could show unique functions. The aim of current study was to produce a new type of vinegar kombucha using different fruit juices substrates. Methods: Kombucha vinegar was obtained by fermentation of kombucha broth layer on sweetened pasteurized fruit juices (pomegranate, red grape, sour cherry and apple). Fermentation took place in 4 L glass vessel and fortified with 2% of previously processed broth. Incubation was carried out at 27±2 °C for 14 days. Several factors such as; pH, total acidity, and acetic acid content, invert sugars, remaining sucrose, alcohol, soluble solids and the yield of biomass were measured periodically (0, 3, 7, 10 and 14 days after processing). Results: As the fermentation continues, the actual concentration of acids, pH value, fructose content and biomass yield significantly increased (P<0.01) but the alcohol and residual sucrose content decreased in all the juices. Contents of acetic acid on 14th day of fermentation were 3.8, 3.6, 3.5 and 3.4 g/100 ml of pomegranate, red grape, sour cherry and apple juice vinegar, respectively. Moreover, soluble solid in kombucha vinegar was determined (24.7, 38.1, 19.1 and 36.5 g/100 ml in pomegranate, red grape, sour cherry, and apple, respectively). Conclusion: The composition of different kombucha preparations is greatly affected by the individual kombucha layer used.

Background: Milk and milk products are a major source of dietary cholesterol. Beta Cyclodextrin (βCD) has emerged as one of the most preferred cholesterol removal aids. The literature demonstrates a number of studies that explains the methodology for cholesterol removal from dairy products. In this review, the characteristics of β CD and practical aspects of utilizing this compound as a processing aid to remove cholesterol from dairy products are discussed. Methods: Online research content related to cholesterol removal from milk and milk products was collected by undertaking a structured search of the bibliographic database. The available data online for the magnitude of compositional changes has been presented in a tabular form in this review article, which would facilitate the reader to have an overview. Further, the possible reasons for these changes and the consequences have been discussed. Results: The structural characteristics of βCD and processing conditions involved in cholesterol removal indicates possible loss of non-cholesterol molecules. Removal of cholesterol and non-cholesterol molecules results in altering the chemical composition and other physico-chemical properties of dairy products. These changes also have an effect on the sensory, rheological and storage properties of dairy products. In addition, this review also presents the global regulatory status and usage of βCD. Conclusion: From technological point of view, removal of cholesterol and non-cholesterol molecules also alters characteristics of dairy products such as storage stability and sensorial acceptability. However, the magnitude of these changes can be minimized by optimizing conditions of cholesterol removal.

Background: A new vegetable cultivated in North Iran (Guilan and Mazandaran) is Cucurbita pepo. C. pepo peel is often removed from the fruit before use. Thus, antioxidant activity of C. pepo peel could be an interesting topic for research. Methods: In this research, antioxidative activity of peels from C. pepo cultivated in Behshar and Amol areas (in Mazandaran province, Iran) was investigated. For this purpose, water-ethanol extracts of C. pepo were prepared by common and ultrasound-assisted methods. Antioxidative activities of the extracts were investigated by three methods including β-carotene bleaching assay, 2,2-diphenyl- 1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical-scavenging assay and rancimat test. Moreover, total reducing capacity (total phenolic compounds) and tocopherols of the extracts were measured. Results: C. pepo extract was better than tert-Butylhydroquinone (TBHQ) in β-carotene bleaching assay and DPPH radical-scavenging assay; while the opposite was the case for rancimat test. Moreover, antioxidative power of peel from C. pepo cultivated Behshahr region was better than that of Amol region. Ultrasound waves promoted extraction of phenolic compounds, too. Conclusion: The results obtained in this research indicated that C. pepo peel is rich source of antioxidative compounds.