Current Nutrition & Food Science - Online First

Inflammation is a biological response to harmful stimuli, which can include pathogens, damaged cells, or irritants. The current study presents an efficient process of phytochemical extraction from three important Cucurbitaceae species, Lagenaria siceraria (Molina) Standl., Momordica charantia L., and Cucurbita pepo Duchesne, providing a comparative in vivo anti-inflammatory evaluation of the extractants using a carrageenan-induced paw edema model in male Wistar rats, with a specific focus on IL-6 marker assessment. These natural product extracts have been shown to possess medicinal properties, making them suitable for advanced studies into their pharmacological effects.

This research study specifically aimed to investigate the efficient phytochemical extracts from Lagenaria siceraria (Molina) Standl., Momordica charantia L., and Cucurbita pepo Duchesne, and demonstrate their anti-inflammatory effects comparatively using a carrageenan-induced paw edema model in Wistar rats, with a specific focus on analyzing the IL-6 marker.

The present study consisted of two components. The first involved the preparation of extracts from Lagenaria siceraria (Molina) Standl., Momordica charantia L., and Cucurbita pepo Duchesne separately. The second component focused on in vivo studies using a relevant animal model. For this, Wistar rats were divided into six experimental groups, with one serving as the normal control and the others receiving various treatments. The paw edema was induced in the test groups using carrageenan, and the effects of both the standard drug and test extracts on paw edema volume were measured at multiple time points. Serum samples were collected and analysed for IL-6 levels.

An effective extraction process, along with strict adherence to the in vivo study, demonstrated the test extracts' potent anti-inflammatory properties. Significant reductions in paw edema were observed (p < 0.0001) at 4, 8, and 12 hours, alongside suppression of IL-6. Among the treatments, extract 1 (Lagenaria siceraria (Molina) Standl.) exhibited the strongest effect.

The results demonstrated the efficacy of the treatments in targeting late-phase inflammatory mediators, making them promising candidates for further research.

This study has reassessed the efficient extraction methods for three key Cucurbitaceae species, Lagenaria siceraria (Molina) Standl., Momordica charantia L., and Cucurbita pepo Duchesne, and examined their phytochemical extracts using in vivo experimental models. More importantly, for the first time in literature, the comparative anti-inflammatory activity of the three species of the same family has been thoroughly investigated. The purpose of the comparative investigation of the three species has been to demonstrate synergism for inflammation.

Food allergies pose serious health risks, particularly in restaurant settings where unintended exposure to an allergen can result in life-threatening reactions. In Saudi Arabia, limited research exists on the preparedness of restaurant workers in managing food allergies. This study aims to assess food allergy Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices (KAP) among restaurant personnel in Saudi Arabia.

A mixed-methods, cross-sectional study was conducted among 413 workers from 94 restaurants, who completed structured surveys on demographics, knowledge (5-item score), attitudes (7-item scale), and practices (training, policies, and communication). Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 50 purposively selected workers across diverse roles between May and October 2024 to explore experiences, barriers, and preparedness..

Over half of the participants (54.9%) demonstrated inadequate knowledge (≤ 2/5). Only 20.1% correctly identified that cooking does not eliminate allergens, and 21.3% recognized that removing allergens from prepared meals is unsafe. Attitude scores were generally favorable (mean = 5.6/7), with 82% scoring ≥ 5; nearly all participants agreed that food allergy management requires a team approach (96.9%). Linear regression using knowledge score as the dependent variable and demographics, training, restaurant type, and policies as predictors showed no significant associations. No significant correlation was observed between knowledge and attitudes (r = 0.017, p = 0.73). Qualitative analysis revealed four themes: misconceptions and limited knowledge, emotional reactions and responsibility, unsafe practices, and institutional gaps.

Restaurant workers in Saudi Arabia exhibit positive attitudes, but substantial gaps in knowledge and practices persist, including misconceptions about allergen safety and a lack of preparedness. These findings underscore the need for structured training and standardized protocols to strengthen allergy management and enhance customer safety.

γ-Oryzanol is present in rice bran, offering antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and helping reduce blood cholesterol levels.

This study aimed to optimize the extraction and enrichment of γ-oryzanol from rice bran, produce γ-oryzanol powder, and test its antioxidant and anti-diabetic activities, which serve as quality indicators of the powder.

γ-Oryzanol rich fraction (ORF) was extracted from Hom Mali rice bran using different extraction methods and three dewaxed-degummed protocols. Then, γ-oryzanol powder was produced using a spray dryer at different inlet temperatures of 150, 170, 190, and 210°C.

Maceration with ethanol and protocol 1 of dewax-degum had the highest γ-oryzanol content, 1.83 mg/g of rice bran. The highest γ-oryzanol contents were observed at 150°C and 170°C, with no significant difference. Furthermore, powder produced at 150°C exhibited the best antioxidant activities, with the lowest IC50 of ABTS (812.75 µg/mL) and the highest ferric-reducing antioxidant power (9.16 µg TE/mg). In terms of anti-diabetic activity, γ-oryzanol powders at all inlet temperatures demonstrated good α-glucosidase inhibitory activity (IC50 = 1.13-1.56 mg/mL) and α-amylase inhibitory effect (IC50 = 130.50-145.86 µg/mL).

Therefore, maceration with ethanol for 7 days and protocol 1 of dewaxed-degummed, which uses acetone, methanol, and freezing, is the best method to obtain high γ-oryzanol content. Additionally, the spray dryer operating at 150°C can produce high-quality γ-oryzanol powders with elevated levels of γ-oryzanol, antioxidant activity, and anti-diabetic properties.

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has left survivors with long-term health consequences, including malnutrition, sleep disorders, and reduced physical activity. This study aimed to investigate the effects of changes in malnutrition risk on sleep quality and physical activity in COVID-19 survivors after hospitalization.

This was a retrospective cohort study with prospective follow-up. Comprehensive screening of 2700 electronic medical records identified eligible participants who were hospitalized with COVID-19 at King Salman Specialist Hospital in Ha’il, Saudi Arabia, between 2021 and 2023. The impact of malnutrition risk on sleep quality and physical activity was evaluated in 103 patients with COVID-19 after hospitalization. Nutritional status was assessed using the malnutrition screening tool, while sleep quality and physical activity were self-reported.

Malnutrition risk increased from 32% at admission to 42.7% at follow-up. Sleep quality was significantly worse among malnourished patients, especially those with comorbidities (P = 0.048), and only 16.9% reported uninterrupted sleep. Physical activity remained low overall, with 46.5% of non-malnourished patients with comorbidities reporting reduced activity. Obesity rates decreased slightly (from 59.2% to 54.4%); however, patients with obesity maintained unhealthy sleep and lifestyle habits. Reduced screen time (0–3 hours/day) correlated with better dietary habits and weight management (P = 0.040).

The findings have emphasized the interrelation of malnutrition risk, sleep disorders, and physical inactivity in COVID-19 recovery. Multidisciplinary rehabilitation programs should integrate nutritional support, sleep hygiene, and personalized exercise plans, especially for high-risk groups, such as older adults and patients with comorbidities. Combating physical inactivity and promoting a healthier lifestyle can improve long-term recovery prospects. Multidisciplinary care and continuous monitoring are crucial for mitigating the lasting effects of COVID-19.

The relationship between diet, digestive health, and physical performance is increasingly recognized, particularly among athletes. Probiotics and prebiotics have gained attention for their potential to enhance gut health and improve performance outcomes. However, limited research focuses on athletes’ perceptions and experiences with these dietary components.

This study aims to explore athletes' perceptions of probiotics and prebiotics concerning their digestive health and physical performance, addressing the existing gap in the literature regarding their specific impact on athletic populations.

A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 425 athletes from various sports disciplines in Saudi Arabia. Participants completed a structured questionnaire assessing their consumption habits, awareness levels, beliefs about the effects of probiotics and prebiotics, and experiences with digestive health.

The findings revealed a mean frequency of consumption of probiotics at 3.93 (SD = 1.62) and prebiotics at 4.22 (SD = 0.95), with awareness levels of 2.89 (SD = 2.23) for probiotics and 2.88 (SD = 2.12) for prebiotics. Males reported significantly higher beliefs in the impact of probiotics (mean: 4.14, p = .0103) and prebiotics (mean: 4.23, p < .0001) on physical performance compared to females. Significant differences in awareness were noted based on competitive level, with professionals exhibiting the highest awareness scores (probiotics: 4.07, prebiotics: 4.44, p < .0001).

The study underscores the importance of personalized nutrition strategies for athletes, highlighting the need for tailored probiotic and prebiotic interventions to optimize digestive health and enhance performance.

Evaluation of the nutritional value of fish is critical because fish contain essential fatty acids. The hydrolysis process of fish oil is necessary to determine the fatty acids located at the sn-2 position on triglycerides. Essential fatty acids occupying the sn-2 position are very important to be identified because they are maximally absorbed in the digestive system. Research on the hydrolysis process of fish oil can be optimally conducted using Design Expert software to achieve a perfect hydrolysis percentage. This study aims to obtain optimal pH, temperature, and incubation time for % hydrolysis using Design Expert software. Furthermore, the marine fish should be evaluated based on the position of fatty acids.

Fish samples from the market included Sardinella pilchardus, Euthynnus affinis, Rastrelliger kanagurta, Lutjanus argentimaculatus, and Thunnus sp.. The optimization of % hydrolysis was perfectly carried out using response surface methodology and Design Expert software. After obtaining the optimal pH, hydrolysis time, and temperature, hydrolysis was performed on marine fish samples. Analysis of fatty acid composition was conducted using gas chromatography.

The optimal results of the hydrolysis process were achieved at pH 8, a temperature of 50°C, and a duration of 8 hours and 30 minutes, with a hydrolysis percentage of 65.357 ± 1.047%.

The strong negative correlation between PUFA and both the ω6/ω3 ratio and thrombogenic index (TI) suggests that higher PUFA intake, particularly omega-3 fatty acids, may reduce inflammatory and thrombotic risks. Additionally, the positive association between PUFA and the P/S ratio supports the cardiovascular benefits of diets rich in polyunsaturated fats over saturated fats.

Evaluation of nutritional values based on fatty acids at the sn-2 position indicates that the marine fish with the best dietary levels are Euthynnus affinis, Lutjanus argentimaculatus, Rastrelliger kanagurta, Thunnus sp., and Sardinella pilchardus based on the IQN index.

Grape-derived products constitute a significant and affordable source of natural bioactive compounds, particularly polyphenols. Regular consumption of these substances is associated with reduced cases of various degenerative and long-term illnesses, largely due to their potent antioxidant properties that combat oxidative stress. This study aimed to explore the phenolic composition of grape-derived products from three Georgian grape varieties and evaluate their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities.

Phenolic compounds were assessed qualitatively and quantitatively using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The ORAC (oxygen radical absorbance capacity) and the DCFH-DA assay on WS1 human fibroblasts were used to evaluate antioxidant activity. Anti-inflammatory activity was assessed via nitrite quantification in RAW 264.7 macrophages treated with extracts.

Saperavi seeds demonstrated highest value for phenolic composition, as well as antioxidant activity with an IC50 value of 18 µg/mL and ORAC of 0.9 µmol TE/mg. Anti-inflam-matory properties were most prominent in seed extracts of Kisi (53% inhibition), Rkatsiteli (41.7%), and Saperavi (39.5%).

Polyphenol profiles varied by grape tissue; Saperavi seeds were rich in flavanols, while skins contained anthocyanins, such as delphinidin-3-O-glucoside. Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities also differed by variety; notably, Kisi seeds showed highest NO inhibition. These results highlighted tissue- and variety-dependent polyphenol distribution and bioactivity.

Grape-derived products, particularly seeds and skins, are rich in polyphenols with strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. This evidence valorizes grape by-products as sustainable sources of natural bioactives suitable for functional food and pharmaceutical applications.

Reducing global stunting rates is a critical focus of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly under the objectives of zero hunger, good health and well-being. Indonesia has set a target to reduce the prevalence of stunting to 14%. However, as of 2023, the national prevalence remains at 21.5%, with East Java, a densely populated region, reporting a rate of 19.2%. This study aimed to identify risk factors for nutritional problems among infants and toddlers in East Java to guide region-specific interventions and serve as a global model for addressing stunting and nutritional issues.

Data was collected from provincial health registries and analysed for trends and associations using STATA18 and spatial distribution using QGIS3.34. Factors examined included community participation, ferrous supplementation during pregnancy, newborn birth weight, exclusive breastfeeding rates, vitamin A supplementation, and child nutritional status monitoring.

While the prevalence of underweight, stunted, and wasted children showed a decreasing trend, critical factors such as ferrous supplementation in pregnant women, exclusive breastfeeding rates, and vitamin A supplementation also exhibited declines. Early and exclusive breastfeeding and vitamin A supplementation were significantly associated with underweight status.

Improvements in child nutritional status coexist with persistent challenges, including suboptimal breastfeeding practices, declining vitamin A supplementation, and pandemic-related healthcare disruptions, necessitating reinforced health systems and targeted interventions to attain national and SDGs targets.

Strengthening nutritional and health services in high-burden areas could improve outcomes in East Java and offer a replicable framework for addressing stunting and malnutrition globally.

Microplastics (MP) are commonly found in food and water, leading to their ingestion through daily diets. MP particles smaller than 150 µm can cross the intestinal epithelium, posing potential health risks. Rapid excretion of MPs from the intestines may help reduce these risks.

Fermented plant extract (FPE) is a rich source of nutrients and active substances, which promote gut health and relieve constipation. To evaluate the MP-excluding potential of FPE, it was suspended in artificial gastric or intestinal juices, followed by the addition of 100 mg of MP particles, which remained floating in the solution. After shaking for 1 hour at 37°C, the floating MP particles were collected and weighed. The excluded weight was calculated by subtracting the weight of the floating MP particles from the initial 100 mg.

The weights of non-floating MP particles (diameter: 106–125 μm) in artificial gastric juice mixed with 10, 5, 2.5, and 1 g of FPE were 73 ± 0.3, 74 ± 1.7, 63 ± 1.5, and 31 ± 1.5 mg, respectively. In artificial intestinal juice, the values were 45 ± 2.3, 55 ± 1.2, 43 ± 1.2, and 16 ± 2.6 mg, respectively. The weights of non-floating particles with a diameter of 250-300 μm were significantly lower than those with a diameter of 106-125 μm.

FPE exhibited greater effectiveness in acidic gastric juice, suggesting that certain MP-binding components in FPE become ionized under acidic conditions, thereby enhancing ionic interactions with microplastics. Smaller MP particles were bound more effectively than larger ones, likely due to their relatively greater surface area.

FPE facilitates MP exclusion from the gastrointestinal tract, reducing the risk of intestinal absorption.