Proanthocyanidins are condensed tannins with various pharmacological properties. These phytochemicals are considered as ‘offense and defense molecules because of their human health benefits. The ...validation of their diverse health aspects, namely, antioxidant, anticancer, antidiabetic, neuroprotective, and antimicrobial has earned them repute in thermochemistry. Proanthocyanidins are oligo- or polymers of monomeric flavan-3-ols produced as an end product of flavonoid biosynthetic pathway. Agricultural wastes and food processing wastes contain immense amount of proanthocyanidins, exploitation of which can be a sustainable source of dietary supplements and functional ingredients. The current review article discusses recent developments in the health promoting properties of proanthocyanidins and the associated hurdles.
The presence of toxic substances in aquifers, particularly potentially toxic heavy metals, is an important environmental and social concern worldwide. These heavy metals are capable to exert many ...injurious health effects in human beings by intake of drinking metal-contaminated water. However, very little attention is paid towards quantitative and qualitative analysis of groundwater used for drinking purpose in several less-developed countries. Therefore, this study was intended to estimate, for the first time, the heavy metal levels in groundwater/drinking water in District Vehari, Pakistan. A total of 129 groundwater samples were obtained and subjected to analyze heavy metal concentrations (lead, copper, cadmium, nickel, manganese, chromium, iron, and zinc). Moreover, pH, electrical conductivity, temperature, total dissolved solids, and anion (carbonates, chloride, and bicarbonates) and cation (calcium, potassium, sodium, lithium, and barium) contents of groundwater were also determined. It was noticed that the values of several groundwater physicochemical characteristics such as cation contents, alkalinity, chloride concentration, and especially the concentrations of heavy metals such as Pb (93%), Cd (68%), and Fe (100%) were higher than their limit values given by WHO. Principal component analysis separately grouped heavy metals and physicochemical characteristics of groundwater. The risk assessment indices predicted potential carcinogenic risks due to the consumption of metal-rich groundwater, predominantly with Cd (0.0007–0.03). The mean hazard quotient (HQ) values for all the metals were < 1, while Pb showed HQ > 1 envisaging non-carcinogenic risk with the consumption of studied groundwater. The findings of the study emphasized on the need of appropriate approaches to remediate groundwater before being used for drinking purpose.
A marked decrease in human cancers, including breast cancer, bone cancer, and cervical cancer, has been linked to the consumption of vegetable and fruit, and the corresponding chemoprotective effect ...has been associated with the presence of several active molecules, such as kaempferol. Kaempferol is a major flavonoid aglycone found in many natural products, such as beans, bee pollen, broccoli, cabbage, capers, cauliflower, chia seeds, chives, cumin, moringa leaves, endive, fennel, and garlic. Kaempferol displays several pharmacological properties, among them antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antitumor, cardioprotective, neuroprotective, and antidiabetic activities, and is being applied in cancer chemotherapy. Specifically, kaempferol-rich food has been linked to a decrease in the risk of developing some types of cancers, including skin, liver, and colon. The mechanisms of action include apoptosis, cell cycle arrest at the G2/M phase, downregulation of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related markers, and phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B signaling pathways. In this sense, this article reviews data from experimental studies that investigated the links between kaempferol and kaempferol-rich food intake and cancer prevention. Even though growing evidence supports the use of kaempferol for cancer prevention, further preclinical and clinical investigations using kaempferol or kaempferol-rich foods are of pivotal importance before any public health recommendation or formulation using kaempferol.
Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, a sudden surge in the production and utilization of disposable, single-use facial masks has been observed. Delinquency in proper disposal of used facial masks endangers ...the environment with a new form of non-biodegradable plastic waste that will take hundreds of years to break down. Therefore, there is an urgent need for the resourceful recycling of such waste in an environmentally friendly way. This study presents an efficient solution by using waste masks in fibered or crushed form to produce environmentally friendly and affordable green concrete. This investigation assessed the mechanical and durability properties of waste masks-incorporated concrete. A total of six mixes were prepared for standardized tests to determine compressive strength, split cylinder tensile strength and rapid chloride penetration test (RCPT), and freeze-thaw resistance. The percentage of mask fibers used were 0.5, 1, 1.5, and 2% of concrete by volume, while crushed masks were used at 0.5% only. The mask waste in both forms was found suitable to be used in concrete. One percent of waste mask fibers was found as an optimum value to increase compressive and tensile strength, reduce chloride permeability, and increase freeze-thaw resistance. Besides this, 0.5% crushed mask fiber also performed well, especially for producing less permeable and highly durable concrete. It is thus corroborated that waste masks that increase pollution worldwide can be utilized sustainably to help build green buildings. By reutilizing waste masks to produce improved concrete with better strengths and higher durability, circular economy and sustainability are achieved, along with efficient waste management.
The human gut possesses millions of microbes that define a complex microbial community. The gut microbiota has been characterized as a vital organ forming its multidirectional connecting axis with ...other organs. This gut microbiota axis is responsible for host-microbe interactions and works by communicating with the neural, endocrinal, humoral, immunological, and metabolic pathways. The human gut microorganisms (mostly non-pathogenic) have symbiotic host relationships and are usually associated with the host’s immunity to defend against pathogenic invasion. The dysbiosis of the gut microbiota is therefore linked to various human diseases, such as anxiety, depression, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, obesity, diabetes, inflammatory bowel disease, and cancer. The mechanism leading to the disease development has a crucial correlation with gut microbiota, metabolic products, and host immune response in humans. The understanding of mechanisms over gut microbiota exerts its positive or harmful impacts remains largely undefined. However, many recent clinical studies conducted worldwide are demonstrating the relation of specific microbial species and eubiosis in health and disease. A comprehensive understanding of gut microbiota interactions, its role in health and disease, and recent updates on the subject are the striking topics of the current review. We have also addressed the daunting challenges that must be brought under control to maintain health and treat diseases.
Prebiotics are good source of dietary fiber or a group of nutrients or non-digestible short chain carbohydrates which human body cannot digest and it stimulates the growth and activity of some ...friendly bacteria in your intestinal tract. Prebiotics fibers are linked to β-(2→1) fructosyl units and are universally agreed to be fructooligosaccharides (FOS) or oligofructose or oligosaccharide or inulin. FOS are oligosaccharides that occur naturally in a variety of plants such as garlic and onions, wheat, rye, chicory roots, jerusalem artichokes, nectarine, seaweed, sugar cane bagasse, cassava waste, rice bran, rice straw, apple pomace, papaya, beet root peels, flaxseed, cereals, and banana peels among many others. These are extracted from fruits, vegetables, seeds and cereals using the various novel techniques such as membrane ultra-filtration method, microwave extraction, Ultrasonic Microwave Assisted Extraction, and high-pressure solvent extraction method. FOS are non-digestible carbohydrates with low-calorie that improve the taste and texture of food products while immunity booster, nutraceutical properties, bone health, microbial properties and its prebiotic activity in digestive track are the limelight of current review article. In addition, the main beneficial physiological effects of FOS such as low carcinogenicity, improved mineral absorption in gut and a reduction in serum cholesterol levels, triacylglycerols and phospholipids are the major part of this review. Moreover, FOS is beneficial for long-term blood glucose and its sensitivity to insulin due to the higher contents of plasma-free fatty acids using low tissue glucose. Conclusively, FOS improves intestinal flora, with subsequent relief of constipation, reduce the risk of heart diseases and certain cancers, improved blood lipids in hyperlipidemia, suppressed the production of intestinal putrefactive-substances and make your digestive work better.
Pakistan has made numerous attempts to establish and implement a national mandatory CME program which currently do not exist. The purpose of this study is to explore the views of major CME providers ...in order to identify possible strengths and weaknesses in the current program, and offer evidence-based recommendations to help further enhance the national CME program in Pakistan.
An exploratory study design using a case study approach through in depth interviews was conducted to examine CME providers' experiences and perceptions. The study was conducted in Pakistan between August and November 2019 with CME providers from Sindh, Punjab, the North-West Frontier Province, and the Federal Capital Territory. Thirty-six providers recognised by the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council who were involved in providing CME activities at the national level and whose contact information was publicly available on their websites, were selected for the study. Of the 36 providers invited, 22 participated in this study.
The results generated several organising themes grouped into three major themes: (1) CME current practices, (2) CME past experiences, and (3) Future developments.
Participants recommended needs-based educational activities for physicians, a well-structured central regulatory CME body collaborating with existing providers, involving experienced providers for rural CME, accrediting diverse local providers, limiting commercial entities' role, and implementing CME with proper preparation and a phased approach.
The core objective of this research work was to determine the nutritional and bioactive profile of raw and fermented (black) garlic. For this purpose, different varieties of garlic i.e., desi and ...farmi were procured from local market of Faisalabad, Pakistan. In addition, desi raw garlic (DRG) and farmi raw garlic (FRG) were converted into desi fermented (black) garlic (DFG) and farmi fermented garlic (FFG) through fermentation in incubator at 60°C and 70-80% humidity level for 30 days. Moreover, nutritional composition and antioxidant activity of raw and fermented (black) garlic were also elucidated. Results showed that moisture content of garlic was rapidly reduced, whereas crude protein, crude fiber, crude ash, and carbohydrate contents were significantly improved after fermentation. In addition, protein contents of DRG and FRG garlic were 8.57 ± 0.21 and 6.38 ± 0.05 g/100 g whilst 9.5 ± 0.35 and 8.1 ± 0.06 g/100 g, in DFG and FFG, respectively, after fermentation. Additionally, carbohydrate contents were also increased up to 30-40% after fermentation. Mineral contents such as potassium, sulfur, aluminum, iron, sodium, magnesium, zinc, and copper were also increased after fermentation. Furthermore, garlic fermentation significantly reduced pH level. Antioxidant activity showed that total phenolic contents (TPC) of DRG & FRG were 2421.3 & 2128.5 mg GAE/kg while 2886.7, & 2529.8 mg GAE/kg for DFG and FFG, respectively. Total flavonoid contents of DRG and FRG were 124 & 101 mg RE/100 g, whereas DFG and FFG were 191 & 121mgRE/100 g. FRAP, DPPH, and ABTS values were higher in DRG and DFG as compared to FRG and FFG. Conclusively, fermented (black) garlic showed a higher nutritional profile, mineral content, as well as antioxidant activity as compared to raw garlic. C-1: Avoid % for concentration, use more clearly; for examples g/100 g raw materials, g/100 g dry-solids, g/100 g extract, g/100 g oil???) Check all???
For millennia, spices have been an integral part of human diets and commerce. Recently, the widespread recognition of diet-health linkages bolsters their dietary importance. The bioactive components ...present in them are of considerable significance owing to their therapeutic potential against various ailments. They provide physiological benefits or prevent chronic ailment in addition to the fundamental nutrition and often included in the category of functional foods. Black pepper (Piper Nigrum L.) is an important healthy food owing to its antioxidant, antimicrobial potential and gastro-protective modules. Black pepper, with piperine as an active ingredient, holds rich phytochemistry that also includes volatile oil, oleoresins, and alkaloids. More recently, cell-culture studies and animal modeling predicted the role of black pepper against number of maladies. The free-radical scavenging activity of black pepper and its active ingredients might be helpful in chemoprevention and controlling progression of tumor growth. Additionally, the key alkaloid components of Piper Nigrum, that is, piperine assist in cognitive brain functioning, boost nutrient's absorption and improve gastrointestinal functionality. In this comprehensive treatise, efforts are made to elucidate the antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, gastro-protective, and antidepressant activities of black pepper. Moreover, the synergistic interaction of black pepper with different drugs and nutrients is the limelight of the manuscript. However, the aforementioned health-promoting benefits associated with black pepper are proven in animal modeling. Thus, there is a need to conduct controlled randomized trials in human subjects, cohort studies, and meta-analyses. Such future studies would be helpful in recommending its application in diet-based regimens to prevent various ailments.
Consumers demand for functional foods and nutraceutical is increasing owing to their health endorsing properties. Natural bioactive compounds are getting attention due to their health promoting ...potential. In addition, the extraction of these bioactive compounds is a significant industrial and technological perspectives. These bioactive moieties can be extracted via various conventional and modern methods. For instance; solid-phase extraction, solid-phase micro-extraction, and liquid-liquid extraction are considered as traditional/conventional methods. In contrast, modern eco-innovative methods for extraction such as ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE), microwave-assisted extraction (MAE), pulsed electric field (PEF), supercritical fluid extraction (SFE), instant controlled pressure drop (DIC), etc. are more economical and environment friendly. Additionally, these are ever-increasing demands of energy-efficient methods for the recovery of valuable compounds. Moreover, these methods produced less wastewater and hazardous substances. Conclusively, this review highlighted the conventional and modern extraction technologies and the role of these eco-innovative technologies in achieving the goal of a sustainable food system.
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