Recent Advances in Food Nutrition & Agriculture - Online First

India, the second-largest producer of fruits and vegetables globally, generates significant quantities of agricultural by-products such as bran, husk, and seeds due to its rapidly expanding food processing sector. These by-products offer valuable opportunities for the extraction of dietary fiber and bioactive components, which can be incorporated into functional foods and nutraceutical products to address growing health concerns. Dietary fiber, an indigestible component of plant-based foods, can be classified into soluble and insoluble forms. Soluble fibers, derived from sources such as oat bran, barley, lentils, and certain fruits and vegetables, are rich in pectin, beta-glucans, and inulin. Insoluble fibers, found in wheat bran, cereal grains, and vegetables, primarily consist of cellulose and hemicellulose. This review explores the potential of dietary fiber in disease management, its diverse sources, and its application in functional and nutraceutical products. Regular intake of dietary fiber is associated with a reduced risk of coronary heart disease, stroke, hypertension, diabetes, obesity, and various gastrointestinal disorders. Soluble fiber, in particular, improves glycemic control and insulin sensitivity, while fiber supplementation aids in weight management among obese individuals. Additionally, increased fiber consumption is linked to lower blood pressure and serum cholesterol levels. Dietary fiber also alleviates gastrointestinal conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux disease, constipation, and hemorrhoids, while prebiotic fibers enhance immune function. Despite its proven benefits, consumer awareness regarding dietary fiber remains insufficient. Enhancing communication and education on the importance of fiber-rich foods and supplements is essential to promote their widespread consumption and leverage their health benefits effectively.

Parkinson's Disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the progressive loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra, leading to motor dysfunction and non-motor symptoms. Current treatments primarily offer symptomatic relief without halting disease progression. This has driven the exploration of natural compounds with neuroprotective properties. In previous studies, α-phellandrene, a monoterpene present in essential oils of various aromatic plants, has shown promise in mitigating neurodegenerative processes. This study focuses on alpha-phellandrene's therapeutic potential in a rotenone-induced Parkinson's Disease model. Rotenone, a mitochondrial complex I inhibitor, is commonly used to induce PD-like symptoms in experimental models due to its ability to mimic the neurodegenerative processes observed in human PD. Our review explores the neuroprotective effects of alpha-phellandrene, focusing on its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic properties. Experimental groups of rodents received rotenone to induce PD-like symptoms, followed by alpha-phellandrene treatment. Biochemical analyses were performed to measure oxidative stress markers, inflammatory cytokines, and apoptotic signals in brain tissues. Results indicated that alpha-phellandrene administration significantly improved motor function and reduced rotenone-induced oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis in dopaminergic neurons. Histopathological examinations revealed a notable preservation of neuronal integrity in alpha-phellandrene-treated groups compared to controls. In conclusion, alpha-phellandrene demonstrates considerable neuroprotective effects in a rotenone-induced Parkinson's dmodel. These findings suggest that alpha-phellandrene could be a promising natural therapeutic agent for PD, warranting further investigation into its mechanisms of action and potential clinical applications. Specifically, our review indicates that alpha-phellandrene may exert neuroprotective effects by various mechanisms, such as reducing oxidative stress, modulating neurotransmitter levels, or inhibiting neuroinflammation. These mechanisms highlight its potential to alleviate PD symptoms and slow disease progression, underscoring the need for in-depth studies to validate these therapeutic effects in clinical settings

A metabolic disease that requires insulin and is marked by consistently high blood sugar levels is known as diabetes mellitus. Many healthcare systems throughout the world have long relied on medicinal herbs as a means of addressing diabetes and its complications. Traditional medicine derived from plant extracts has several advantages over contemporary pharmaceuticals, including lower costs, greater clinical efficacy, and fewer side effects. Primarily, the condition has been managed by a range of synthetic medications that improve the altered glycemic state in individuals with diabetes. Synthetic medications work well, but along with their benefits, they come with noticeable adverse effects. Due to the lack of knowledge regarding their chemical composition, preparation method, active bio-actives, potential side effects, and the optimal way to administer them, medicinal plants have not been fully utilised as acceptable drugs in the treatment of diabetes, despite their long history of use as primary health care. Because of a lack of sufficient data on the parameters described earlier, most medicinal plants that show promise as anti-diabetic agents do not make it to the clinical trial phase. Medicinal plants that have been studied in humans with diabetes and shown promise as a treatment for the disease, either alone or in conjunction with other plants, are summarised in this review. Pharmacologically active phytomolecules with an antidiabetic action that are derived from medicinal plants were the primary topic of this review article. Its goal was to discuss their importance in diabetes management and therapy. These all-natural substances have the potential to be successful and alternative diabetes treatments, as well as a new method of approaching the disease

Phytomedicines represent a diverse array of plant-derived compounds renowned for their therapeutic potential. Traditionally, these mixtures were extracted using water or ethanol, but simpler methods like tea infusions are gaining prominence. However, ensuring the efficacy and safety of phytomedicines demands high-quality plant material and stringent production processes. Advancements in biological screening techniques have shed light on the mechanisms of action of phytomedicines, emphasizing the significance of synergistic interactions among their constituents. Ten widely-used phytomedicines are outlined, detailing their applications, efficacy, and safety profiles, underscoring their global importance in healthcare. Moreover, ongoing research in phytomedicine development showcases the rich biodiversity's capacity to yield novel medicinal compounds. These studies highlight the potential of untapped plant sources in providing innovative solutions to medical challenges, offering promising avenues for future therapeutics. In essence, the utilization of phytomedicines underscores a fusion of traditional knowledge with modern scientific approaches, emphasizing both the importance of respecting ancient remedies and harnessing contemporary advancements for improved healthcare outcomes.