ABSTRACT

Objective

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of hypocaloric high-protein, low-carbohydrate weight loss diet supplemented with fennel on anthropometric and androgen indices in overweight and obese women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Methods

A randomized controlled trial with a factorial design was performed on sixty-four overweight/obese women with PCOS. Participants were randomly allocated to four groups (n = 16 per group) as follows: 1) hypocaloric standardize diet + fennel (2 capsule/day) (HSDF), 2) hypocaloric high-protein diet + fennel (2 capsule/day) (HHPF), 3) hypocaloric standardize diet + placebo (HSDP), and 4) hypocaloric high-protein diet + placebo (HHPP).

Results

The mean (SD) age of the participants was 28.54 (6.80) years and body mass index was 32.24 (4.65) kg/m2. At the end of intervention, protein intake was 20.43 % in the groups that received a high-protein diet versus 16.37 % in the standard diet groups (P < 0.001). Combination of hypocaloric high-protein diet and fennel capsule did not significantly affect change in outcomes compared with groups not receiving them. There was a significant interaction between hypocaloric high-protein diet and fennel on weight (P = 0.019).

Conclusion

A hypocaloric high-protein diet along with fennel supplementation could not provide additional improvements in anthropometric and androgen indices among PCOS women. Further studies are required to more precisely elucidate these findings.

ABSTRACT

Cancer is the leading cause of death worldwide. It is estimated that there are 200,000 to 250,000 new cancer cases in children under the age of 15 each year worldwide, of which 40,000 to 50,000 are in India. Malnutrition, especially under nutrition, is common in children with cancer and may appear at the time of diagnosis or at any stage during treatment. In low- and middle-income countries (LMIC), the prevalence of primary malnutrition in children is high, and this problem is even more serious. When these children are diagnosed with cancer and receive treatment, their risk of secondary malnutrition is greatly increased, including obesity.

Advances in all areas of oncology have led to improved outcomes. In most pediatric malignancies, the 5-year survival rate is close to 80%. This has led to more and more childhood cancer survivors (CCS), people paying more and more attention to the later effects of treatment and quality of life. The prevalence of obesity / overweight is seen higher in childhood cancer survivors as compared with general pediatric population. Lifestyle changes, such as poor eating habits, reduced physical activity, and reduced energy expenditure, also cause childhood cancer survivors to be overweight/ obese.

At the initial time of treatment, pediatric ALL patients are at high risk of obesity with unhealthy weight gain which makes them more prone to higher risk of insulin resistance and high blood pressure, and long term survivors are more prone to higher incidence of chronic diseases later in life. Childhood cancer survivors also have low levels of physical activity. Both high intakes of empty calories and less physical activity indicate risk factors for obesity and CVD risk.

ABSTRACT

Piperine is an alkaloid found in black pepper (Piper nigrum), one of the most extensively used spices, as well as long pepper (Piper longum) and other Piperaceae species fruits. Piperine is what gives black pepper its unique biting bite. Piperine is the integral compound present in black pepper, which has been used worldwide since ages as a spice or a taste enhancer in human food. Besides its use as spice or taste maker, it is used in traditional medicine for many purposes, and same is justified by modern scientific studies on its biological effects.

Piperine offers a variety of pharmacological actions and health advantages, including the lowering of insulin resistance, anti-inflammatory properties, and the alleviation of hepatic steatosis. It has been proven that piperine has substantial biologic activity such as antimicrobial action and physiological alterations which may affect to general human health. Piperine has immunomodulatory, hepatoprotective, antioxidant, antimetastatic, antitumor, and many other activities. Evidence from clinical studies demonstrated remarkable antioxidant, antitumor, and drug availability-enhancing characteristics of this compound, clubbed with immunomodulation action.

The therapeutic potential of piperine and the need to incorporate this compound into management of hepatic diseases specifically alcohol liver disease (ALD) and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), as well as into those that would be used an adjunctive therapy in order to enhance the bioavailability of various (chemo)therapeutic agents. The role of piperine for improvement of liver in parameters can be studied and can help to check to see the improvements in hepatic function.

ABSTRACT

Malnutrition and deficiencies of nutrients in the common public is very much prevalent in India. One such vital nutrient is protein. 2 in 3 people or 73 percent population in India are hypoproteinemic, so protein should be added to the diet [1]. In children with prolonged protein deficiencies, diseases like Kwashiorkor and Marasmus are known to develop [2]. Pulses and legumes have been regarded as the poor man’s meat when it comes to protein. Therefore, the product prepared focuses on deriving most of its protein content from pulses, legumes, and beans. A vegan protein supplement was made in powdered form, while keeping in mind a larger consumer spectrum, therefore making it vegetarian and lactose free, as major population in India is either vegetarian or lactose intolerant [3,4]. Enrichment of Vitamin D was also done. Proteins help in the production of various enzymes and hormones in the body and is useful against many metabolic disorders like obesity, PCOS, hypertension, and even diabetes. Proper intake of protein has shown great impact on reduction in insulin resistance, thus reducing blood glucose levels. The purpose was to create a product from commonly used items, keeping it low cost and away from the existing myths. The main ingredients used were Soybean (Glycine max), Amaranth (Amaranthus) seeds, Peas (Pisum sativum), Lentil dal (Lens culinaris), Agathi (Sesbania grandiflora) leaves, Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea) and Oyster Mushrooms (Pleurotus ostreatu). Methods used were germination, roasting, drying, parching, blanching, dehydration, and homogenization. Organoleptic properties were studied using triangle test, 9-point hedonic test and ranking test. While nutritional evaluation was done for energy, protein, carbohydrate, fibre, fat, ash, and vitamin D content. Different statistical analysis was done by calculating mean, standard deviation. It is also a good source of energy. Sample H3c, with a sensory score of 8.6±0.48 was found to be the most acceptable by the panellists. Sample H3c was found to be a rich source of energy (333.44 Kcal), protein (29.73g), calcium (191.41mg), and vitamin D (321.55µg). It can help against PEM and relieve the effects of nutritional deficiencies.

ABSTRACT

Lactating mothers (LM) from low-income countries are nutritionally at risk due to dissimilar socio demographic factors and being short of nutritional knowledge affects the health and well-being of children. Breastfeeding (BF) is the innate function of a woman‘s body. Considerable complications to BF linger, and LM, mainly those having low-income background they undergo social, psychological, and physiological stresses which affect breast-feeding. Consequently, dietary habits of the LM affect the composition or production of their breast milk (BM). Post-delivery and birth of the new born, both mother and neonate are exposed to oxidative stress. Human milk (HM) contains defence mechanisms that can suppress oxidative stress. The content of antioxidant in breastmilk is affected by maternal antioxidant status which influences the antioxidant status of breastfed infants.

Galactogogues are substances that are consumed to initiate, stimulate, increase, enhance, or maintain the BM supply for the purposes of BF. Indian galactagogues such as, Trigonella foenum graecum (Fenugreek), Asparagus racemosus (Shatavari), Pimpinella anisum (Anise), Galega officinalis (Goat’s Rue), Silybum marianum (Milk Thistle) , Rubus idaeus (Raspberry Leaf), Cuminum cyminum (Cumin Seed), Borago officinalis (Borage) , Humulus lupulus (Hops) , Medicago sativa (Alfalfa), Lepidium Sativum (Garden Cress seeds) are commonly utilized during agalactia. Therefore, aim is to prepare a snack bar with galactagogic and antioxidant properties for Lactating women to improve the quality and secretion of HM.

ABSTRACT

Presently, non-communicable diseases are the main cause of morbidity and mortality all over the world because it can lead to problems in health and affect the quality of life. High intake of high caloric diet and low intake of dietary fibres (DF), particularly from fruit and vegetables, has increased the risk of cardiovascular diseases, colorectal cancer, diabetes and other illnesses. The purpose of this study is to develop and investigate the effects of incorporation of selected agricultural by-products in enhancing DFs content and lowering glycemic index (GI) value in selected baked foods. The GI of test foods was determined according to WHO/FAO 1998's protocols. A low GI diet is beneficial to reduce the risks and complications of different health conditions such as diabetes. Mechanistically, the DF enhances glycemic response by raising the rate of absorption of glucose in the small intestine, thereby lowering the GI value. Our research reveals that incorporation of materials from banana (over-ripe banana), oyster mushroom and cornlettes in a few baked-based products such as cookies, pasta, cakes, muffins and flatbread is proven in improving DF content while lowering the GI values. A low GI diet will make us feel full for a longer duration while minimizing overeating at the same time. Besides, the SEM observation reveals that the oyster mushroom DF reduces starch hydrolysis, thus slowly raises blood glucose. Also, the ethyl acetate fraction of cornlettes was possessed higher antioxidant and scavenging capacities followed by other fractions in the antioxidant assay tested. Being physically active and eating a sufficient amount of DF from fruits and vegetables are vital in maintaining the health status and sustaining quality of life and societal well-being.

ABSTRACT

Cancer is the leading cause of death worldwide. It is estimated that there are 200,000 to 250,000 new cancer cases in children under the age of 15 each year worldwide, of which 40,000 to 50,000 are in India. Malnutrition, especially under nutrition, is common in children with cancer and may appear at the time of diagnosis or at any stage during treatment. In low- and middle-income countries (LMIC), the prevalence of primary malnutrition in children is high, and this problem is even more serious. When these children are diagnosed with cancer and receive treatment, their risk of secondary malnutrition is greatly increased, including obesity.

Advances in all areas of oncology have led to improved outcomes. In most pediatric malignancies, the 5-year survival rate is close to 80%. This has led to more and more childhood cancer survivors (CCS), people paying more and more attention to the later effects of treatment and quality of life. The prevalence of obesity / overweight is seen higher in childhood cancer survivors as compared with general pediatric population. Lifestyle changes, such as poor eating habits, reduced physical activity, and reduced energy expenditure, also cause childhood cancer survivors to be overweight/ obese.

At the initial time of treatment, pediatric ALL patients are at high risk of obesity with unhealthy weight gain which makes them more prone to higher risk of insulin resistance and high blood pressure, and long term survivors are more prone to higher incidence of chronic diseases later in life. Childhood cancer survivors also have low levels of physical activity. Both high intakes of empty calories and less physical activity indicate risk factors for obesity and CVD risk.

ABSTRACT

The growing human population demands a protein rich diet and fish is the cheapest and best option to meet this demand. Currently, stagnation in capture fisheries promotes aquaculture to provide quality proteins to the growing population. A successful aquaculture enterprise incurs a high expenditure of 50 to 60% on the cost of feed. Therefore, reduction in feed cost by identifying alternative feed ingredients will improve the economic condition of aquaculture business. At present, the conventional ingredients used in aquafeed are becoming expensive, which increases the cost of the feed, thereby increasing the final cost of fish production. Hence, there is a need to switch to low cost non-conventional aquafeed ingredients and Prosopis pod meal has great potential in this context. Prosopis pod meal has an excellent nutritional profile and can be used in place of regularly used ingredients such as corn meal, wheat flour, rice bran, etc. This technical review discusses the scope and limitations of using Prosopis pod meal as one of the key ingredients in aquafeed.

ABSTRACT

Among the potential antioxidants in food and animal feed include vitamins A, E and C that inhibit oxidation and protect humans and livestock against harmful substances which are released during food oxidation. In this paper presented are the results obtained from investigation in the presence of vitamins A, E and C in cow milk obtained from livestock farms at three production regions.  Methods for analysis of vitamin A (Retinol) and vitamin E (Tocopherol) in milk was analyzes are chromatographed with apparatus HPLC - Perkin Elmer, pump: series 200LC, auto sampler; ISS - 200, detector LC - 135 / LC -235 C DA. Method for determination of vitamin C (Ascorbic acid) used spectrophotometrically (Spectroquant Pharo 300 - Merck) at 520 nm. The highest value of vitamin A in milk was 38,25 (μg/100 g), and the lowest was 30 (μg/100g). The values of vitamin A were higher in fresh milk compared with those of commercial pasteurized milk. Values for vitamin E ranged from the highest one of 1,09 (μg/100g) to the lowest of 0.86 (μg/100g). The highest value of vitamin C in milk was 2,8 (μg/ml), while the lowest was 1,4 (μg/ml). Vitamins A, E and C in this study were examined as nutrients that increase the effect of antioxidant action in milk, where vitamins A and E was higher in raw milk compared to pasteurized milk, while the content of vitamin C was lower. It we concluded that content of vitamin E, A and C in milk samples were in agreement with the literature data.

ABSTRACT

Synthetic plastics are regarded as threat to environment. The increased amount of waste production and increase in pollution has increased a shift towards the biodegradable plastic i.e., Polyhydroxyalkanoates. Due to their more biodegradability, thermostability and more efficient chemical and mechanical properties these are regarded as ideal candidates for substitution for the conventional synthetic plastics. These are regarded as the byproducts of bacteria metabolism as they are synthesized by the microorganism as storage house of energy in the form of lipid inclusions within their cellular structure. Mostly, they are the polyesters of hydroxy fatty acids (mainly 3-,4-,5- and 6- hydroxy alkanoic acid. Owing to the immense properties of Polyhydroxyalkanoates its production has become a most significant area of research in recent years. At present time, handful of commercial companies as well as industries have shifted towards research development in the field of Polyhydroxyalkanoates. Earlier, the production of this was only limited to halophiles or the microbial culture. But with the advancement of technology and shift towards industrial production, food processing industries waste is also serving as an ideal candidate for its production. Food waste can be regarded as an ideal carbon source which is making up to 60 percent of the production process of Polyhydroxyalkanoates. Cheese whey, effluent from rice mill and vegetable oils frying can be considered as an ideal-substrates for its production. On the basis of their composition and monomer arrangement they can be ranging from elastomers - brittle thermoplastics. Due to its properties, it has encouraging applications in various industries ranging from agricultural, food and medical sector. As they are regarded as substitutes for synthetic plastics, they form the major basis for the packaging materials to be used in various industries. This study focuses on Polyhydroxyalkanoates new advancements in their production as well as applications in packaging industry.

ABSTRACT

Plants are becoming popular source of medicine due to their natural origin, local availability, and cost-effective
purchases. Aloe vera is one such medicinal plant that functions as dietary neutraceutical, and has both medicinal
and therapeutic potential. Aloe vera is known to have certain therapeutic properties, but its antibacterial
properties need to be investigated in a little more detail. Keyword search of Medline, PubMed, Scopus, research
gate, Google Scholar, and Web of Science databases covered publications from 2006 to 2022, excluding the
animal studies using the following search terms/ MESH or combination of terms: ‘Aloe vera’, ‘Mycobaterium’,
‘tuberculosis’, ‘neutraceuticals’, ‘plant extract’, ‘phytochemical’,‘medicinal plants’ was undertaken and a
review was performed summarizing the evidence concerning the use of aloe vera extract against the species of
Mycobacterium. The available results indicate that different solvent extracts were used to test the anti- microbial
activity of the aloe vera extract against the Mycobacterium sp. Methanol, ethanol and aqueous solutions were
commonly used solvents. Aloe vera was rich source of key antioxidants, B- group vitamins, photochemical etc.
The phytochemical components of Aloe vera leaf extracts include alkaloids, flavonoids, saponin, phenol,
glycosides and tannins, which provide health benefits and disease prevention through antioxidant activity. For
determination of anti-bacterial activities on the test organism, different drug compositions were used as standard

and plant extract showed different zones of inhibition on the test organism. Aloe vera extract exhibited anti-
microbial activity against selected species. Future research may be aimed at isolation and identification of active

substances from the aloe vera extract which can be used in various food ingredients for health benefits.