Current Nutrition & Food Science - Volume 17, Issue 7, 2021

Background: Since last decades, breast cancer has emerged as one of the most aggressive forms of cancer which causes the highest mortality rates. The synthetic drugs that are available for the treatment of breast cancer either have high toxicity or becoming resistant. Given this, researchers are constantly in search of natural drugs that can control aggressive breast cancer and at the same time possess less toxicity. Aim: The manuscript aims to summarize potential herbal molecules having significant activity against breast cancer. Methods: Extensive literature survey was carried out to compile data obtained from primary and secondary information sources. Google Scholar, Science Direct, Bentham Science, Springer, PubMed, etc. were used as the source of data. Results: In the present review, an attempt has been made to summarize herbal molecules that have shown promising results against breast cancer either in preliminary studies or in clinical studies. Herbal molecules gain good attention among the scientific community for their therapeutic properties against breast cancer. Conclusion: After the literature survey, it was also concluded that herbal molecules have significant potential to control the growth of breast cancer.

Anthocyanins are widely spread in different kinds of food, especially fruits and floral tissues, there is an extensive range of anthocyanin compounds reach more than 600 exist in nature. Anthocyanins can be used as antioxidants and raw material for several applications in food and pharmaceutical industry. Consequently, a plenty of studies about anthocyanins sources and extraction methods were reported. Furthermore, many studies about their stability, bioactive and therapeutic properties have been done. According to the body of work, we firstly worked to shed light on anthocyanin properties including chemical, antioxidant and extraction properties. Secondly, we reported the applications and health benefits of anthocyanin including the applications in food processes and anthocyanin characteristics as therapeutic and prophylactic compounds. We reviewed anticancer, anti-diabetic, anti-fatness, oxidative Stress and lipid decreasing and vasoprotective effects of anthocyanins. In conclusion, because the importance of phytochemicals and bioactive compounds the research is still continuing to find new anthocyanins from natural sources and invest them as raw materials for pharmaceutical and nutrition applications.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is considered one of the major causes of mortality worldwide, with approximately 17.9 million deaths per year. There are several risk factors of cardiovascular diseases, such as behavioral factors (e.g., tobacco use, imbalanced diet, alcohol misuse, and lack of physical activities) and other underlying health-related factors (e.g., hypertension, dyslipidemia, and hyperglycemia). These factors are also correlated with the pathophysiology of CVD, and one of the determinants of early aging is the poor overall quality of life. One of the main strategies to prevent these risks is by achieving a healthy lifestyle, including the consumption of natural supplements. Recently, β -carotene has gained the attention of researchers owing to its natural antioxidant properties. It is found in fruit and vegetable compounds. In this article, we review the effects of β-carotene as an antioxidant that counteracts free radicals and cytoprotective agents that have positive benefits, such as preventing several age-related diseases improvement of the health of the cardiac muscle.

Background: The safety and quality of food have been a matter of great discussion throughout the centuries and the application of nanotechnology in the field of nutraceuticals i.e. nanoceuticals has improved the variety and protection of food products in many ways. Objective: Improving the quality and safety of food products with a view to improving public health and the invasion of nanotechnological advancements in the area of nutrition have resulted in the expansion of novel foods with improved oral bioavailability as well as thermal stability. The main objective of this review is to summarize the available literature on nanoceuticals including patents and clinical trials. Methods: The review was extracted from the searches performed on PubMed, Google Patents and Google Scholars, etc. Data from these searches were collected and evaluated for getting the information about the available literature on the nanoceuticals. Along with this, some reported patents have also been included in this review in order to conclude the future of nanoceuticals. Results: The literature so obtained was studied thoroughly as per the requirement of the objective of this review. The details of nanoceuticals including major applications, regulatory aspects, some reported patents and clinical trials are compiled here in this review. Nanoceuticals like vitamins, antibiotics, bioactive peptides, probiotics, etc., which are dispersed, absorbed or incorporated in nano diameter range sacs, have improved solubility, delivery properties, biological activities, protection against degradation and therefore have improved biological activities and delivery to the target cells and tissues in the body. Different regulations from various countries recommend that any food ingredients which result from the use of nanotechnologies must undergo safety risk assessment standards before entering into the market as nano-food. Conclusion: The idea of “nanoceuticals” is increasing enthusiasm and marketable dairy/food and food supplements. This article focuses on the history, applications, regulation aspects, patents, clinical trials and future prospects of nanoceuticals.

Low caloric sugars of intense sweetness are world widely used as artificial sweeteners. Aspartame, being a non-nutritive sugar, acts as a sweetening agent and flavour enhancer which leads to the replacement of many nutritive sugars. The origin of aspartame was serendipitous, but it has been into huge controversy since then related to its toxic effects that come along with its excess sweetness. It is quite evident that aspartame has its toxicity due to its metabolites which are - phenylalanine (50%), aspartic acid (40%), and a small amount of methanol (10%). The present review entails in detail the mechanism and the harmful effects of metabolites based on various studies carried out on aspartame for long. According to World Health Organization, the acceptable daily intake of aspartame is 40 mg/kg bw except for phenylketonurics. Toxicity of aspartame and its metabolites is controversial but its chronic consumption as a food additive is considered treacherous. Hence, it is assumed as unsafe for human use if ingested on regular basis. The present review focuses on the collective data signifying adverse events associated with aspartame linking nephrotoxicity, neurotoxicity, reproductive abnormalities and apoptosis to aspartame usage.

Background: Insects have formed a part of the human diet since pre-historic times. Entomophagy has garnered recent attention due to its increased role in food security as nutrient-rich alternatives of conventional livestock. Methods: We have made an effort in this paper to study the edible insect composition of Manas National Park, a UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site and Biosphere Reserve, located in the Indo- Burma biodiversity hotspot of Southern Asia. Edible insect variety was determined through a field reconnaissance while the nutrient composition (macronutrient and micronutrient) of each edible insect species was computed through biochemical analyses with a view to explore the possibility of promoting them as food/feed or as a base for nutritive products. We conducted nutrient profiling using the Nutrient Value Score (NVS) model and UK Ofcom nutrient profiling (NP) model. Results: Hymenoptera and Orthoptera were found to be the dominant orders with 4 species each, followed by Hemiptera with 3 species, Lepidoptera with 2 species, Mantodea, Blattodea and Coleoptera with 1 species each. The nutrient analysis shows that insects have a rich nutrient composition that is comparable with typical livestock. Conclusion: As realised during COVID-19, insects may prove to be an alternative, sustainable, and cheaper sources of nutrients necessary for ensuring global food security.

Background: Mulberry leaves are highly nutritious. They are loaded with powerful plant compounds like polyphenol antioxidants, as well as vitamin C, zinc, calcium, iron, potassium, phosphorus, and magnesium. Objective: The main aim of the study is to determine the nutrient and phytochemical analysis, antimicrobial activity, and development of products with mulberry (Morus indica L.) dry leaves powder. Methods: Mulberry leaves were collected from the field and dried, and their powder was used for further analysis. Four products were developed using mulberry powder, they are mulberry roti, mulberry poori, mulberry namkeens, and mulberry sweet namkeens. Results: The nutrient composition of mulberry leaves contains protein 19 g, calcium 581 mg, iron 21 mg, vitamin-A 9.21 μg, and vitamin-C 18 mg per 100 gm of dried mulberry powder. The important phytochemicals, such as flavonoids, alkaloids, glycosides, phenols, tannins and glycosides, were present. In the antimicrobial activity, mulberry had the efficiency to fight against the bacterial activity. From the four food products, mulberry sweet namkeens obtained a good sensory score. Conclusion: Many nutritional benefits and medicinal values are associated with Mulberry, therefore its consumption is good for health.

Background: The prevalence of diabetes mellitus is increasing inexplicably day by day worldwide. When it is not controlled, it has dire consequences for health. However, diet is the main factor in triggering glycemic parameters. Objectives: This study was designed to investigate the association between dietary intake and glycated hemoglobin among Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) patients. Methods: In total, 98 previously diagnosed T2DM patients in Tangail, Bangladesh, were evaluated. Dietary patterns were evaluated using a validated food frequency questionnaire. Relevant biochemical, socio-demographic, anthropometric, and diabetes-related information assays were carried out using the standard protocol. Results: Respondent’s mean energy intake was found to be 1752 kcal/day. The ratio of energy supplied by protein, fat, and carbohydrate was 15.4%, 25.7%, and 59.9%, respectively. In this study, the mean HbA1c in type 2 diabetic patients was found to be 8.9%. The high HbA1c group (HbA1c >10.0%) had significantly lower protein, fat, and carbohydrate intake than other low HbA1c groups (HbA1c <6.5%, 6.5-8.0%, 8.0-10.0%). No significant association was found between carbohydrate intake and HbA1c (p=0.331). Also, after adjusting for diabetes treatment, there was no significant relationship found between carbohydrate intake and change in HbAlc in any of the three treatments (Diet + Oral Hypoglycemic Agents, Diet + Insulin, and Diet + Oral Hypoglycemic Agents + Insulin) strata. Whereas, there was a significant relationship found between carbohydrate intake and change in HbAlc in only diet treatment patients (P<0.001). There was no significant association found between protein intake and HbA1c (2(3)>=0.790, p=0.852). Conclusion: The dietary carbohydrate, protein and fat exhibited no significant relationship with HbA1c, suggesting that any factors without diet could be responsible for increasing glycated hemoglobin.

Background: Etlingera elatior (Ee) contains phytochemical compounds that are rich in antioxidants, which may reduce several biochemical markers of metabolic syndrome (MetS). Objective: We aimed to study the effect of fresh Etlingera elatior (FEe) and steamed Etlingera elatior (SEe) as a part of rat diet on body weight, serum lipid, and malondialdehyde (MDA) level in Wistar rats with MetS induced by a high-fat, high-fructose diet. Methods: Our research was a true experimental randomized control group design with pre- and post-test. A total of 24 male Wistar rats were divided randomly into the following four groups: 1) Control, fed standard rat diet during the whole duration of the study, 2) HFFr-Sd, fed high-fat high- -fructose (HFFr) diet for 29 days, followed by 29 days of the standard diet, 3) HFFr-FEe, fed HFFr diet for 29 days, followed by 29 days of a standard diet containing 33.3% FEe, and 4) HFFr-SEe, fed HFFr diet for 29 days, followed by 29 days of a standard diet containing 33.3% SEe. The HFFr diet was given at 15 g/day along with fructose drink (20% pure fructose) at 100 ml/day. The diets in each group after the MetS induction period are referred to as intervention diets. Data at the end of HFFr (pre) and intervention diets (post) were analyzed by paired t-test. The data among groups were analyzed by one-way analysis of variance followed by post hoc test. Results: HFFr diet for 29 days induced MetS in Wistar rats fulfilling the criteria of obesity (Lee Index), hypertriglyceridemia, and decreased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C). Also, there was a significant increase in serum total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and MDA level (p < 0.05). Feeding a diet containing FEe or SEe can significantly reduce body weight, serum triglyceride, total cholesterol, LDL-C, and MDA, and increase HDL-C levels (p < 0.05). The effect of FEe was more pronounced in ameliorating body weight and lipid profile than SEe. Conclusion: Fresh Ee and Steamed Ee can ameliorate obesity, dyslipidemia, and oxidative stress in MetS Wistar rats induced by a high-fat, high-fructose diet. It suggests that dietary Ee accounting for one-third of daily standard diet can assist in normalizing some MetS markers in rats.

Background: Vegetable oil is widely used for frying food, especially palm oil. Repeated use of cooking oil is often unavoidable. Frying is known to change cis unsaturated fatty acids into trans. However, the effects of repeated frying of olive oil compared to palm oil is still not widely known. Objective: The objective of this study is to determine the effect of repeated frying of palm oil and olive oil on survival rate and blood glucose pattern in mice. Methods: There were 39 adult male mice divided into 3 groups: control (n=12), palm (n=13), and olive (n=14). Control group was given oral gavage of water during research. Palm and olive oils were given in palm and olive groups. Before given to mice, palm and olive oils were used for frying sweet potatoes 5 times then given to mice for 4 weeks. At the beginning and after treatment, fasting blood glucose (FBG), the 2 hours postprandial oral glucose tolerance test (2-h OGTT) blood glucose level were measured and then area under the curve (AUC) was also calculated. Results: After 4 weeks of treatment, there were 9 mice that remained alive in the control group, 9 mice in the palm group, and 11 mice in the olive group. The survival rate was 75% in the control group, 69.23% in the palm group, and 78.57% in the olive group. Weight gain was significantly different between pre and post in the control and olive groups (p=0.009; p=0.004). FBG level increased significantly in the palm group compared to the control group (P<0.05). The 2-h OGTT glucose level increased significantly compared to pre in the control group (p=0.004) and olive group (p=0.000). AUC of the olive group increased significantly compared to the control group (p=0.0039). Conclusion: Consumption of olive oil which is fried repeatedly and given for 4 weeks shows a better survival rate than palm oil.

Background: Recent in vitro studies point to the immune properties of milk proteins. Objective: To investigate the immunomodulating properties of whey protein isolate (WHEY) compared to those of casein (CAS) on peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) death and supernatant cytokine levels in chronic liver disease (CLD) patients and healthy individuals. Methods: The role of WHEY on the immune cells was evaluated under-stimulated and non-stimulated conditions to determine cellular death and cytokine production, post-exposure with 40, 400 or 4.000 μg mL^-1 of WHEY or CAS. Flow cytometry was used to identify the monocyte and lymphocyte population. Cytokines were measured from the supernatants of 24 hour-old PBMC cultures. Results: Compared to CAS, WHEY significantly decreased lymphocyte death at 4.000 μg mL^-1 in both groups of individuals with no effects on the monocyte population regardless of the group. At the same concentration (4.000 μg mL^-1), WHEY increased TNF and IL-10 cytokine levels in the stimulated PBMC supernatant from CLD patients. Conclusion: Compared to CAS, WHEY exerted immunomodulating effects in CLD patients. A similar response may be anticipated for other pathological conditions in which high stress and immune dysfunction are present.

Background: Older people vulnerability to COVID-19 is related to the presence of comorbidities, diseases, and low immunity. Undernutrition conditions make them prone to anemia (low hemoglobin/Hb), and low lymphocyte level brings a higher risk for COVID-19 infection. Objective: To assess the effect of potato almond orange cookies on weight, Hb, and lymphocyte levels of undernourished older people amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: This 3-week randomized controlled trial involved 48 subjects > 60 years, divided randomly into treatment group (potato almond orange cookies) and control groups (potato almond cookies). Lymphocyte and Hb were collected before and after the study. Both groups received nutrition education. The analysis was performed using an independent t-test and paired t-test. Results: Weight gained in the treatment group (0.7 kg) was significantly different from the control group (p=0.002), with a 0.3 point change observed in the BMI of the treatment group. Changes were also seen in vitamin C intake in treatment group (+10.3 mg, p = 0.03) and vitamin E intake in both groups (+4.6 mcg, p = 0.001 and +2.9 mcg, p = 0.001, respectively), but not for inter-group. Weight, Hb, and lymphocyte level increased in both groups, with the highest weight increased in the treatment group while the highest Hb increased in the control group. The lymphocyte increased 1 point in both groups. Weight, Hb, and lymphocyte level differences were insignificant between the two groups. Conclusion: Potato almond orange consumption tends to increase weight, Hb, and lymphocyte level in undernourished older people during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Background: Consumer interest in convenience foods is a new trend worldwide that is expected to increase due to busy lifestyles. Studies have shown that sweet potato has unique nutrients, which if incorporated into cheese, can make it a functional food. Food product development process requires that before a product is commercialized, it is subjected to consumer acceptability and shelf-life tests. Objective: The objective of this study was to determine the sensory acceptability and shelf life of mozzarella cheese that was enriched with orange-fleshed sweet potato to improve fiber content. Methods: Mozzarella cheese was prepared with orange-fleshed sweet potato powder at 0% up to 5.5% at intervals of 0.5% and a seven-point hedonic scale was used to evaluate product acceptability based on colour, aroma, acidity, texture, and fibrousness. Cluster analysis and principal component analysis were carried out using Minitab® software. For shelf life, total coliform count, E. coli, and yeasts and moulds counts were used. Results: Hedonic scores for all sensory attributes except color were not significantly (p>0.05) different between control and treatments. Cluster analysis grouped the sensory attributes into 3 clusters (1-color; 2-aroma, texture and fibrousness; 3-taste and acidity). All the sensory attributes loaded positively on component 1, while taste, acidity, and fibrousness loaded negatively on component 2 of principal component analysis. Fresh cheese had no coliforms, E. coli, yeasts and molds. The yeasts and molds were used to predict shelf life and their numbers were directly proportional with the cheese storage period. The control samples had the longest predicted shelf life of 42 days and the shelf life decreased with increase in orange-fleshed sweet potato incorporation with a treatment of 5.5% orange-fleshed sweet potato having 29 days. Conclusion: Orange-fleshed sweet potato (OFSP)-enriched mozzarella cheese had similar sensory acceptability as the control without OFSP. It should therefore be promoted as a functional food with a possibility of using food grade anti-mold agents for extended shelf life.

Background: Fragrant pandan leaf extract (Pandanus amayllifolius Roxb.) has pharmacological activity as an anti-diabetes, while sweet corn is believed to be a staple food or snack for people with diabetes mellitus. Thus, the foods could be used as an alternative to anti-diabetic functional food. Objective: This study aims to investigate the effectiveness of “Panjang” poffertjes consumption with the addition of pandan leaves extract and sweet corn on the blood glucose level. Methods: This study employs a randomized controlled trial approach with the pre-and post-test design. The data collected on the value of the glycemic index, glycemic load, and the results of 2 hours postprandial (pp) blood sugar level examination after consuming two Poffertjes formulas. The glycemic index (GI) was calculated by employing incremental area under the blood glucose response curve method for ten subjects and a 2-hour postprandial (pp) blood sugar level examination in 25 subjects with the range age between 18-24 years, with normal nutritional status (BMI = 18.58-23.88), 100% had no history of diabetes, did not smoke or alcohol and were not allergic to the tested food ingredients. Results: the results show that the glycemic index of control Poffertjes obtained a value of 71.88 (high category), and “Panjang” Poffertjes got 52.82 (low category). The glycemic load of control Poffertjes obtained a value of 12.78 (medium category), while “Panjang” Poffertjes attained a value of 6.37 (low category). The difference in the average reduction in blood glucose with the intervention poffertjes was 11.08 mg/dl. Conclusion: the provision of “Panjang” poffertjes has a significant effect on the decrease in twohour postprandial blood glucose level.

Background: Meningioma is a pathological condition in the central nervous system (CNS), while obesity is defined as excess fat accumulation in the body, which is associated with adverse effects on health. Obesity is characterized by an increase in the Body Mass Index (BMI) and Waist Hip Ratio (WHR). Research on the relationship of BMI, and WHR with meningioma has been widely carried out in various countries of Europe, however, it has not been done much in the Asian countries, especially in Indonesia. Objective: To prove BMI and WHR as risk factors for the incidence of meningioma after being controlled by confounding variables of age and sex. Methods: This is a case-control research involving 44 meningioma patients and 44 family members as controls. The study was conducted at the outpatient clinic at Kariadi Doctors Hospital from May 2019 to June 2019. We collected data including age, sex, BMI, and WHR. Bivariate analysis using the Chi-square test and multivariate analysis with logistic regression was performed. Results: Bivariate test results showed a significant relationship between meningioma and BMI (p < 0.001), WHR (p < 0.001), and sex (p < 0.001). Multivariate test results found that the variables that influence the incidence of meningioma the most were BMI, WHR, and sex. Conclusion: Besides BMI, the increase of WHR and female sex are risk factors for meningioma incidence.