Current Nutrition & Food Science - Volume 18, Issue 2, 2022

Background: In recent years, the scientific interest about the possible role of dietary attitudes on gut microbiota modulation has been increasing. Objective: The present literature review aimed to analyze the effect of Mediterranean diet adoption on gut microbial composition, in comparison with the Western diet. Methods: From an initial number of 38, 21 recent studies were selected using comprehensive scientific databases and relative keywords, such as microbial composition, dietary attitudes, and beneficial effects. The selected studies were recently published based on animal models, human interventional trials, metanalyses and gut microbiome analysis, such as metagenomics. Results: According to the basic findings of the present review study, Mediterranean diet adherence leads to a gut microbial richness and richer diversity as well as a higher abundance of genera Lactobacillus, Faecalibacterium, Oscillospira, Bifidobacterium, Eubacterium species, that stimulate the production of total short-chain fatty acids. This diet also leads to a lower Firmicutes / Bacteroidetes ratio due to the increase of Bacteroidetes and decrease of Firmicutes, accompanied by a decrease of circulating Trimethylamine N oxide levels and a reduction in abundance of Ruminococcus, Lachnospiraceae, Proteobacteria and Coprococcus, in comparison to the Western diet. Conclusion: Further understanding of the multifactorial effect of both Mediterranean and Western diet on gut microbiota could allow the establishment of nutritional educational programs and nutritional policies with aim to improve human health by modulating gut microbial composition.

Background: Since the beginning of medical history, plants have been exemplary sources of a variety of pharmacological compounds that are still used in modern medication. Respiratory infections are a serious and persistent global health problem, most acute and chronic respiratory infections are caused by viruses, whose ability to mutate rapidly may result in epidemics and pandemics, as seen recently with MERS-COV (2012) and SARS-COV-2 (2019), the latter causing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Methods: This study aims to highlight the tremendous benefits of plants that have been widely used as dietary supplements or traditional treatment for various respiratory infections, with a focus on the most effective constituents and studies that revealed their activities against COVID-19. Results: Several traditional plants and their phytoconstituents have shown activity against respiratory viruses, including SARS-COV-2. The presented plants are Nigella sativa, Punica granatum, Panax ginseng, Withania somnifera, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Curcuma longa, Zingiber officinale, Camellia sinensis, Echinacea purpurea, Strobilanthes cusia, Stephania tetrandra, and genus Sambucus. Conclusion: The data discussed in this review can encourage carrying out in-vivo studies that may help in the discovery of herbal leads that can be feasibly used to alleviate, prevent or treat COVID-19 infection.

Background: Malnutrition is a common universal health problem, but it is more chronic for developing countries. Due to increasing nursing home recognition, it has become a major research priority internationally. Lower immunity due to malnutrition has a high prevalence and other clinical consequences. Disease-related malnutrition is potentially severe for patients and has a high economic impact on the healthcare system. Objectives: The aim of this review is to describe various experimental models employed for the evaluation of malnutrition and immunomodulatory activities. Methods: This review is intended for both clinicians and researchers to describe several screening methods that better suit the type of lead compounds and are suitable for screening molecules for better treatment outcomes. Results: This review focuses on the various screening methods for the evaluation of malnutrition and suggests their implications in the research and practice. Conclusion: The malnutrition-induced diseases cause a rise in health care costs that can be minimized with an introduction of drugs and nutritional supplements by selecting proper screening models and performing exhaustive research.

The immune system involves both active and passive immunization. The antibodies are developed against the antigens during active immunization and are permanently stored. But, in the case of passive immunization, the antibodies are exposed to the same antigens in every person who is already infected. In order to enhance the immune systems i.e. innate and adaptive immune responses, herbal plants are used as an immune booster. Some of the herbal plants have been proven clinically to enhance immunity that includes Morniga oleifera (Drumstick), Azadirachta indica (Neem), Ocimum sanctum (Tulsi), Withania somnifera (Aswagandha), Zingiber officinale (Ginger), Allium sativum (Garlic), Curcuma longa (Turmeric), Emblica officinalis (Amla) etc. Compared to synthetic drugs, herbal drugs have fewer side effects and stimulate the immune system to defend against various foreign pathogens. Even though herbal medicines are usually considered as safe and effective therapy, it is clinically proven that if a drug is effective, it would have some side effects. But, sometimes, the antioxidant property of herbal medicines is helpful in reducing the toxicities produced by any toxic substances or any drugs. This review aims to encourage the study of various herbal constituents and their role in the treatment of different types of viral infections.

The process of preservation of various food sources, over time, gave rise to fermented foods. Traditionally, each ethnic group has its distinct fermented food(s) incorporated into their diet, both as culinary enjoyment and nutrition. Fermentation increases nutrient availability and enhances the texture and flavor of the original food. The benefits of fermented food consumption and potential probiotic intake are discussed in this review. The review describes mechanism(s) of action of bioactive components from fermented foods on the human system, their role in health management, and an overview of the role of fermented foods in improving diseases, namely obesity, cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), hematological cancers, and radiation-induced diarrhea in cancer patients and allergies are briefly reviewed.

From ancient times, humans have depended on plants as a source of medicines. The interest in plants is as old as mankind itself. For novel agents to heal various disorders and improve health, the plant kingdom represents a rich store of folk traditional medicines and organic compounds. Various plants with medicinal properties are used as traditional medicines; M. oleifera Lam. (family Moringaceae) is one of them. M. oleifera Lam. drumstick tree is a tropical species known by various regional names as kelor, saguna, sahjan, sajiwan, sajna, Subhanjana, and suragavo. M. oleifera occurs naturally and is also cultivated throughout India. It is a small to medium-sized tree known as an admirable source of nutrition and a natural energy booster. Primary and secondary metabolites such as minerals, protein, vitamins, and various phenolic compounds are present in different parts of the plant. Most parts of this plant (bark, flowers, fruits, leaves, pods, roots, and seeds) show various pharmacological activities such as analgesic, anti-atherogenic, anti-cancer, antidiabetic, anti-fertility, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, anti-oxidative, anti-pyretic, etc. M. oleifera has the potential to improve nutrition and to reduce malnutrition, especially among infants and nursing mothers as well as boost food security in developing countries.

Background: The presence of free radicals in the human body is harmful, which may induce many diseases like cardiovascular, diabetes, cancer, inflammation, neurodegenerative disorder, atherosclerosis, cataract, etc. Antioxidants can balance the effect of free radicals. Antioxidant- rich herbs have been identified for the preparation of drugs that can be administered to neutralize the free radicals. In the present context, the selected medicinal plant is “Origanum majorana” (Family- Lamiaceae) widely known as Marwa in the Indian sub-continent. As the medical professionals show their desire towards composite or lateral treatment, the application of drugs with herbal origin has gained its importance. Objective: This review presents various in vitro and in vivo methods used in the antioxidant activity study of O. majorana and highlights its efficacy in reducing the oxidative stress. Methods: Many reliable sources like Research gate, PubMed, Science Direct, Google scholar, Wiley online library, and books have been referred to collect all information regarding the antioxidant activity of the selected plant. Results: Several methods have been used to determine the antioxidant activity of O. majorana, such as superoxide radical scavenging, ferric ion reducing antioxidant potency, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, hydrogen peroxide scavenging, hydroxyl radical scavenging, lipid peroxidation inhibition, etc. The selected plant contains many phytoconstituents such as gallic acid, ferulic acid, apigenin, catechin, rutin, quercetin, luteolin, linolenic acid, β-sitosterol, and essential oils, which may be responsible for antioxidant activity. Conclusion: The review article provides information for investigating and developing new antioxidant methods and major phytoconstituents from O. majorana for better therapy of oxidative stress-mediated complications.

Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common female endocrine disorder and is accompanied by metabolic syndrome (MS), a risk factor for cardiovascular disorders. Objective: To evaluate the effect of Omega 3 on the improvement of some metabolic parameters. Materials/methods: Sixty women (29±6 years) with PCOS and MS were randomized into two groups: 30 received supplementation with omega-3 (Doppelherz, Activ, Germany), 3g/day (1g per capsule and 3 capsules/day), (180mg Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA)/ 120mg Docosahexaenoic Acid DHA per day), and 30 were used as controls. Blood samples were drawn at baseline (T0), 3 weeks (T1) and 6 weeks (T2) after start of treatment. We analysed glycemia, lipid profile, markers of inflammation and oxidative stress. Results: In omega-3 group compared to control, a reduction (p<0.05) in glucose levels was noted at T1 and T2. C-reactive protein (CRP) concentrations were decreased (-25%) at T2. Oxidative stress remain unchanged, but the activity of superoxide dismutase increased as well as the concentrations of Catalase and thiols at T1 and T2 (p<0.001). Conclusion: Omega 3 supplementation improves hyperglycemia, inflammation, and antioxidant defense in PCOS women with MS, and may lead to decreased cardiovascular complications.

Background: The prevalence of overweight and obesity is still on the rise worldwide. Uncontrolled craving for specific foods has been associated with overweight/ obesity, categorizing them as possible abuse-related disorders with food addiction (FA) as their possible main phenotype. The association between FA and the onset of overweight/ obesity is still controversial, yet scientifically plausible and is the focus of many recent overweight/ obesityrelated investigations. Objective: The current study was the first to examine the association of FA symptoms and obesity among young Bahraini adults. Methods: This study was designed using a cross-sectional research method recruiting a convenience sample of 654 adults aged 18-35 years. FA prevalence using Yale Food Addiction Scale (YFAS), sociodemographic, and anthropometric data, were collected using an online self-declared, semi-structured questionnaire. The descriptive results of the YFAS survey and the sociodemographic and anthropometric information were reported using descriptive statistics. Multiple regression test was utilized to analyze the correlations among examined factors. Results: A total of 124 (18.96%) participants met the criteria for FA. Responses showed that females had a slightly higher proportion of FA compared to the male participants. Results also showed no statistically significant association between various body mass index (BMI) categories and YFAS. For overweight participants, gender p = 0.018 appeared to be a significant predictor for BMI; and for obese participants, age p=0.001 and sex p= 0.001 appeared to be significant predictors of BMI. Conclusion: No significant correlation was found between FA and BMI, age, and gender; on the other hand, age and gender were significant predictors for BMI.

Background: Quality monitoring and/or assessment are parts of a freshness/quality control system, which is of utmost importance for fresh seafood, especially Scombridae fish. The quality index method (QIM) is a simple, convenient, unique, and reliable tool to determine the sensory status and estimate the remaining shelf life of aqua products. Objective: This study aimed to develop a QIM scheme for chilled stored yellowfin tuna and apply the protocol in the fish quality evaluation and storage time estimation. Method: Eight gutted yellowfin tuna of 20, 30, and 40 kg up were used in the study. Five panelists participated in the QIM development, training and application. Control and/or validation analyses were sensory assessment by a control sheet, total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB-N) quantification, and total viable count (TVC) determination. Chilled storage of tuna was performed in liquid ice and traditional crushed block ice. Partial least square regression (PLS-R) was conducted on quality index (QI) dataset over storage time to find the regression line and prediction accuracy. Results: The established QIM protocol for gutted yellowfin tuna comprised 6 attributes (namely, color of whole fish, odor of whole fish and flesh, eyes, appearance of whole fish, flesh color and flesh texture) and a maximal QI of 15. The PLS-R showed that QI could be used to estimate the remaining time with a precision of ± 2.0 and 1.4 days for fish stored in slurry ice and crushed ice, respectively. The TVB-N content in the fish flesh maintained below the acceptable level of 25 mg N/100 g throughout the storage period, which made the parameter impractical to detect the fish shelf life. The TVC overreached the allowable level of 10⁷ CFU/g around the time of fish rejection by the sensory method. Conclusion: The developed QIM scheme for yellowfin tuna showed to be more advantageous in detecting fish quality changes compared to the control sensory method and could be used to estimate the fish's remaining shelf life.

Objectives: The aim of this study is to evaluate the microbial quality and associated health risk of raw milk from the Tangail region of Bangladesh. Methodology: An intensive study was carried out from January to October 2019 at the Tangail district of Bangladesh to assess bacterial contamination of raw milk. A total of 60 samples were examined by following the standard bacteriological methods and the health impact was evaluated with the help of a semi-structured-based questionnaire. Molecular characterization of isolated bacteria was carried out by PCR. Results: Results revealed the mean values of TVC and TCC in raw milk, udder, oil, and utensil samples were 7.6×10⁶, 8.8×10⁶, 4.6×10⁶, and 1.3×10⁶ cfu/ml and 3.7×10⁵, 1.4×10⁶, 4.4×10⁵, and 8.9×10⁴ cfu/ml, respectively. The yeast and mold in raw milk, udder, and oil were 1.5×10³, 1.8×10³, and 1.3×10²cfu/ml, respectively, and the mean values of E. coli in the abovementioned samples were 1.9×10³, 1.8×10⁴, 2.1×10³, and 1.6×10³cfu/ml, respectively. On the other hand, the mean values of Salmonella spp. in raw milk, udder, oil, and utensil samples were 2.4×10², 7.9×10², 1.5×10², and 1.1×10²cfu/ml, respectively. Some selected isolates confirmed by molecular identification were tested for their sensitivity against some common antibiotics used in Bangladesh. Escherichia coli showed 70% resistance to Amoxicillin and 90% sensitivity to Ciprofloxacin whereas Salmonella spp. and Staphylococcus aureus showed 90% resistance to Ampicillin and both were 80% and 90% sensitive to Ciprofloxacin, respectively Conclusion, Significance, and Impact of Study: Milk producers should be appropriately trained to monitor the overall hygienic conditions surrounding the production and handling of milk until it reaches the consumer. Frequent monitoring of the milk production facility, occasional testing of raw milk, and minimal use of antibiotics will ensure the quality of milk. Consumption of quality milk and avoidance of raw milk consumption will reduce the health risk of the consumers.

Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a worldwide chronic, complex, and progressive disease that usually requires combination therapy for improved glycemic control. Although conventional medicine showed more potency than herbal medicine, a combination of both may result in better therapeutic outcomes with fewer side effects. Objective: This study was conducted to investigate the antihyperglycemic potential of fenugreek seeds (Trigonellafoenum-graecum L.) and ginger root (Zingiber officinalis) in patients with T2DM along with their usual antidiabetic medications. Methods: A double-blind, placebo-controlled study was conducted using 33 cases, who were randomly divided into three groups. The first group received oral placebo capsules (1 g 3 times a day) and served as a control group, while the other two groups each received capsules of either fenugreek or ginger powder of the same dosage (1 g 3 times a day). The study was conducted for 8 weeks and treatment effects in patients were assessed through the measurements of serum’s fasting blood sugar (FBS), HbA1c, lipid profile, as well as kidney and liver functions. Results and Discussion: After 8 weeks of intervention, fenugreek and ginger induced a significant reduction in FBS by 19.1 ± 3.8% and 16.0 ± 8.0% compared to their baselines, respectively (p ≤ 0.05). Moreover, fenugreek significantly reduced HbA1c by 15.9 ± 4.9% compared to the baseline, while ginger did not. Creatinine and triglyceride levels were also reduced significantly (p ≤ 0.05) compared to their baselines in both fenugreek and ginger groups. However, all the other parameters did not significantly change. Conclusion: This study provides evidence that using fenugreek and ginger may enhance glycemic control in T2DM patients. Additionally, they might improve kidney function and lipids profile. Clinical Trial Registeration: The clinical trial has been registered with the number (2015-03128;229) at King Fahd University Hospital, Dammam, Saudi Arabia.