scholarly journals Phycochemical Constituents and Biological Activities of Fucus spp.

Marine Drugs ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 16 (8) ◽  
pp. 249 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marcelo Catarino ◽  
Artur Silva ◽  
Susana Cardoso
Keyword(s):  
Nutritional Value ◽  
Dietary Habits ◽  
Biological Activities ◽  
Wide Spectrum ◽  
Marine Macroalgae ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
East Asian Culture ◽  
Health Promoting ◽  
Major Application ◽  
Polyunsaturated Lipids

Seaweeds are known to be a good supply of key nutrients including carbohydrates, protein, minerals, polyunsaturated lipids, as well as several other health-promoting compounds capable of acting on a wide spectrum of disorders and/or diseases. While these marine macroalgae are deeply rooted in the East Asian culture and dietary habits, their major application in Western countries has been in the phycocolloid industry. This scenario has however been gradually changing, since seaweed consumption is becoming more common worldwide. Among the numerous edible seaweeds, members of the genus Fucus have a high nutritional value and are considered good sources of dietary fibers and minerals, especially iodine. Additionally, their wealth of bioactive compounds such as fucoidan, phlorotannins, fucoxanthin and others make them strong candidates for multiple therapeutic applications (e.g., antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, anti-obesity, anti-coagulant, anti-diabetes and others). This review presents an overview of the nutritional and phytochemical composition of Fucus spp., and their claimed biological activities, as well as the beneficial effects associated to their consumption. Furthermore, the use of Fucus seaweeds and/or their components as functional ingredients for formulation of novel and enhanced foods is also discussed.

scholarly journals Pinus Species as Prospective Reserves of Bioactive Compounds with Potential Use in Functional Food—Current State of Knowledge

Plants ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (7) ◽  
pp. 1306
Author(s):  
Marcin Dziedziński ◽  
Joanna Kobus-Cisowska ◽  
Barbara Stachowiak
Keyword(s):  
Human Health ◽  
Bioactive Compounds ◽  
Functional Food ◽  
Biological Activities ◽  
Food Ingredients ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Pine Tree ◽  
Pine Trees ◽  
Health Promoting ◽  
Few Data

The pine (Pinus L.) is the largest and most heteromorphic plant genus of the pine family (Pinaceae Lindl.), which grows almost exclusively in the northern hemisphere. The demand for plant-based remedies, supplements and functional food is growing worldwide. Although pine-based products are widely available in many parts of the world, they are almost absent as food ingredients. The literature shows the beneficial effects of pine preparations on human health. Despite the wide geographical distribution of pine trees in the natural environment, there are very few data in the literature on the widespread use of pine in food technology. This study aims to present, characterise and evaluate the content of phytochemicals in pine trees, including shoots, bark and conifer needles, as well as to summarise the available data on their health-promoting and functional properties, and the potential of their use in food and the pharmaceutical industry to support health. Various species of pine tree contain different compositions of bioactive compounds. Regardless of the solvent, method, pine species and plant part used, all pine extracts contain a high number of polyphenols. Pine tree extracts exhibit several described biological activities that may be beneficial to human health. The available examples of the application of pine elements in food are promising. The reuse of residual pine elements is still limited compared to its potential. In this case, it is necessary to conduct more research to find and develop new products and applications of pine residues and by-products.

scholarly journals Mango (Mangifera indica L.) Leaves: Nutritional Composition, Phytochemical Profile, and Health-Promoting Bioactivities

Antioxidants ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 299 ◽  
Author(s):  
Manoj Kumar ◽  
Vivek Saurabh ◽  
Maharishi Tomar ◽  
Muzaffar Hasan ◽  
Sushil Changan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Biological Activities ◽  
Mangifera Indica ◽  
The Philippines ◽  
Nutritional Composition ◽  
Lipid Lowering ◽  
Pharmaceutical Drugs ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Health Promoting ◽  
Phytochemical Profile ◽  
Mango Leaves

Mangifera indica L. belongs to the family of Anacardiaceae and is an important fruit from South and Southeast Asia. India, China, Thailand, Indonesia, Pakistan, Mexico, Brazil, Bangladesh, Nigeria, and the Philippines are among the top mango producer countries. Leaves of the mango plant have been studied for their health benefits, which are attributed to a plethora of phytochemicals such as mangiferin, followed by phenolic acids, benzophenones, and other antioxidants such as flavonoids, ascorbic acid, carotenoids, and tocopherols. The extracts from mango leaves (MLs) have been studied for their biological activities, including anti-cancer, anti-diabetic, anti-oxidant, anti-microbial, anti-obesity, lipid-lowering, hepato-protection, and anti-diarrheal. In the present review, we have elaborated on the nutritional and phytochemical profile of the MLs. Further, various bioactivities of the ML extracts are also critically discussed. Considering the phytochemical profile and beneficial effects of the MLs, they can be used as a potential ingredient for the development of functional foods and pharmaceutical drugs. However, more detailed clinical trials still needed to be conducted for establishing the actual efficacy of the ML extracts.

scholarly journals Guava (Psidium guajava L.) Leaves: Nutritional Composition, Phytochemical Profile and Health-Promoting Bioactivities

Foods ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 752
Author(s):  
Manoj Kumar ◽  
Maharishi Tomar ◽  
Ryszard Amarowicz ◽  
Vivek Saurabh ◽  
M. Sneha Nair ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Biological Activities ◽  
Epigallocatechin Gallate ◽  
Psidium Guajava ◽  
Nutritional Composition ◽  
Lipid Lowering ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Health Promoting ◽  
Tropical Areas ◽  
Phytochemical Profile ◽  
Guava Leaves

Psidium guajava (L.) belongs to the Myrtaceae family and it is an important fruit in tropical areas like India, Indonesia, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and South America. The leaves of the guava plant have been studied for their health benefits which are attributed to their plethora of phytochemicals, such as quercetin, avicularin, apigenin, guaijaverin, kaempferol, hyperin, myricetin, gallic acid, catechin, epicatechin, chlorogenic acid, epigallocatechin gallate, and caffeic acid. Extracts from guava leaves (GLs) have been studied for their biological activities, including anticancer, antidiabetic, antioxidant, antidiarrheal, antimicrobial, lipid-lowering, and hepatoprotection activities. In the present review, we comprehensively present the nutritional profile and phytochemical profile of GLs. Further, various bioactivities of the GL extracts are also discussed critically. Considering the phytochemical profile and beneficial effects of GLs, they can potentially be used as an ingredient in the development of functional foods and pharmaceuticals. More detailed clinical trials need to be conducted to establish the efficacy of the GL extracts.

scholarly journals Phytochemical Constituents, Biological Activities, and Health-Promoting Effects of the Melissa officinalis

2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-20
Author(s):  
Javad Sharifi-Rad ◽  
Cristina Quispe ◽  
Jesús Herrera-Bravo ◽  
Muhammad Akram ◽  
Wafa Abbaass ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Medicinal Plants ◽  
Quantitative Research ◽  
Biological Activities ◽  
Phenolic Antioxidants ◽  
Special Focus ◽  
Melissa Officinalis ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Health Promoting

Medicinal plants are being used worldwide for centuries for their beneficial properties. Some of the most popular medicinal plants belong to the Melissa genus, and different health beneficial effects have already been identified for this genus. Among these species, in particular, the Melissa officinalis L. has been reported as having many biological activities, such as antioxidant, antimicrobial, antitumour, antiviral, antiallergic, anti-inflammatory, and also flatulence inhibiting effects. The beneficial properties of the Melissa officinalis, also known as “lemon balm herb”, can be related to the bioactive compounds such as terpenoids, alcohols, rosmarinic acid, and phenolic antioxidants which are present in the plant. In this updated review, the botanical, geographical, nutritional, phytochemical, and traditional medical aspects of M. officinalis have been considered as well as in vitro and in vivo and clinically proven therapeutic properties have been reviewed with a special focus on health-promoting effects and possible perspective nutraceutical applications. To evidence the relevance of this plant in the research and completely assess the context, a literature quantitative research analysis has been performed indicating the great interest towards this plant for its beneficial properties.

scholarly journals Indigenous Crops of Asia and Southeast Asia: Exploring Health-promoting Properties

HortScience ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 47 (7) ◽  
pp. 821-827 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bhimanagouda S. Patil ◽  
G.K. Jayaprakasha ◽  
Amit Vikram
Keyword(s):  
Southeast Asia ◽  
Nutritional Value ◽  
Biological Activities ◽  
Potential Health ◽  
Daily Diet ◽  
Health Related ◽  
Health Promoting ◽  
Indigenous Vegetables ◽  
Vegetables And Fruits ◽  
Indigenous Crops

Diets rich in vegetables and fruits are known to be protective against several diseases. Only a limited number of vegetables and fruits are consumed as part of the daily diet in Western countries. Historically, indigenous vegetables and fruits are known for their medicinal and nutritional value in countries where they were originated and/or domesticated. However, relatively few systemic studies and reviews were conducted to enumerate the potential of these vegetables to human health benefits. Although certain indigenous crops have received attention, the majority of these crops with strong potential biological activities were neglected and/or not reported. Considering the current health-related problems and obesity-related diseases, it is timely to enumerate the health-promoting properties of certain indigenous vegetables. In this report, we have reviewed some of the important crops indigenous to Southeast Asia and their potential health-promoting properties.

scholarly journals Seasonal Changes in Essential Oil Constituents of Cystoseira compressa: First Report

Molecules ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (21) ◽  
pp. 6649
Author(s):  
Ivana Generalić Mekinić ◽  
Martina Čagalj ◽  
Giulia Tabanelli ◽  
Chiara Montanari ◽  
Federica Barbieri ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Essential Oil ◽  
Biological Activities ◽  
Wide Spectrum ◽  
Marine Macroalgae ◽  
Volatile Fraction ◽  
First Report ◽  
Cystoseira Compressa ◽  
Volatile Organic ◽  
Total Oil ◽  
High Share

Marine macroalgae are well known to release a wide spectrum of volatile organic components, the release of which is affected by environmental factors. This paper aimed to identify the essential oil (EO) compounds of the brown algae Cystoseira compressa collected in the Adriatic Sea monthly, from May until August. EOs were isolated by hydrodistillation using a Clavenger-type apparatus and analyzed by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC–MS). One hundred four compounds were identified in the volatile fraction of C. compressa, accounting for 84.37–89.43% of the total oil. Samples from May, June, and July were characterized by a high share of fatty acids (56, 69, and 34% respectively) with palmitic acid being the dominant one, while in the August sample, a high content of alcohols (mainly phytol and oleyl alcohol) was found. Changes in the other minor components, which could be important for the overall aroma and biological activities of the algal samples, have also been noted during the vegetation periods. The results of this paper contribute to studies of algal EOs and present the first report on C. compressa EOs.

scholarly journals Fungal Pigments and Their Roles Associated with Human Health

2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (4) ◽  
pp. 280
Author(s):  
Lan Lin ◽  
Jianping Xu
Keyword(s):  
Human Health ◽  
Fungal Infections ◽  
Biological Activities ◽  
Wide Spectrum ◽  
Host Immune System ◽  
Positive Role ◽  
Human Welfare ◽  
Pigment Synthesis ◽  
Health Promoting ◽  
Fungal Pigments

Fungi can produce myriad secondary metabolites, including pigments. Some of these pigments play a positive role in human welfare while others are detrimental. This paper reviews the types and biosynthesis of fungal pigments, their relevance to human health, including their interactions with host immunity, and recent progresses in their structure–activity relationships. Fungal pigments are grouped into carotenoids, melanin, polyketides, and azaphilones, etc. These pigments are phylogenetically broadly distributed. While the biosynthetic pathways for some fungal pigments are known, the majority remain to be elucidated. Understanding the genes and metabolic pathways involved in fungal pigment synthesis is essential to genetically manipulate the production of both the types and quantities of specific pigments. A variety of fungal pigments have shown wide-spectrum biological activities, including promising pharmacophores/lead molecules to be developed into health-promoting drugs to treat cancers, cardiovascular disorders, infectious diseases, Alzheimer’s diseases, and so on. In addition, the mechanistic elucidation of the interaction of fungal pigments with the host immune system provides valuable clues for fighting fungal infections. The great potential of fungal pigments have opened the avenues for academia and industries ranging from fundamental biology to pharmaceutical development, shedding light on our endeavors for disease prevention and treatment.

scholarly journals Polyphenols in Colorectal Cancer: Current State of Knowledge including Clinical Trials and Molecular Mechanism of Action

2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-29 ◽  
Author(s):  
Md Nur Alam ◽  
Muhammad Almoyad ◽  
Fazlul Huq
Keyword(s):  
Colorectal Cancer ◽  
Clinical Trials ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Biological Activities ◽  
Wide Spectrum ◽  
Future Directions ◽  
Mortality And Morbidity ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Current State ◽  
Molecular Mechanism Of Action

Polyphenols have been reported to have wide spectrum of biological activities including major impact on initiation, promotion, and progression of cancer by modulating different signalling pathways. Colorectal cancer is the second most major cause of mortality and morbidity among females and the third among males. The objective of this review is to describe the activity of a variety of polyphenols in colorectal cancer in clinical trials, preclinical studies, and primary research. The molecular mechanisms of major polyphenols related to their beneficial effects on colorectal cancer are also addressed. Synthetic modifications and other future directions towards exploiting of natural polyphenols against colorectal cancer are discussed in the last section.

scholarly journals review of nutritional value and putative health-effects of quince (Cydonia oblonga Mill.) fruit

2013 ◽  
Vol 19 (3-4) ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Hegedűs ◽  
N. Papp ◽  
É. Stefanovits-Bányai
Keyword(s):  
Health Effects ◽  
Nutritional Value ◽  
Protective Effects ◽  
Cydonia Oblonga ◽  
Breeding Programs ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Heat Stable ◽  
Health Related ◽  
Health Promoting ◽  
Processed Form

Quince (Cydonia oblonga Mill.) has been long regarded to be a health-promoting fruit. Although it is mainlyconsumed in processed form, its relatively heat-stable polyphenolics were confirmed to be responsible for most of the beneficial effects. This review aims to show basic nutritional information on quince fruit such as carbohydrate, fibre, pectin and mineral element contents. In addition, vitamin and polyphenolic contents and composition as well as the physiological effects of quince consumption were also surveyed. Information on presumable protective effects against several diseases including infl ammation, atopic dermatitis, ulcers and cancer is summarized. Potential antibacterial effects of quince polyphenolics were also considered. Polyphenolics are supposed to be responsible for the major part of benefi cial health-effects, and phenolic compounds predominantly accumulate in peel. There exists a considerable extent of genetic variation in phytochemical composition among cultivars, which might be exploited in designing future breeding programs for quince improvement and opening new ways for health-related uses.

scholarly journals Botany, Nutritional Value, Phytochemical Composition and Biological Activities of Quinoa

Plants ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (11) ◽  
pp. 2258
Author(s):  
M. Iftikhar Hussain ◽  
Muhammad Farooq ◽  
Qamar Abbas Syed ◽  
Anum Ishaq ◽  
Abdullah Ahmed Al-Ghamdi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Human Health ◽  
Chronic Diseases ◽  
Nutritional Value ◽  
Biological Activities ◽  
Nutritional Composition ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Gluten Free ◽  
Health Promoting ◽  
Grain Crop ◽  
Food Grain

Quinoa is a climate-resilient food grain crop that has gained significant importance in the last few years due to its nutritional composition, phytochemical properties and associated health benefits. Quinoa grain is enriched in amino acids, fiber, minerals, phenolics, saponins, phytosterols and vitamins. Quinoa possesses different human-health promoting biological substances and nutraceutical molecules. This review synthesizes and summarizes recent findings regarding the nutrition and phytochemical properties of quinoa grains and discusses the associated biological mechanisms. Quinoa grains and grain-based supplements are useful in treating different biological disorders of the human body. Quinoa is being promoted as an exceptionally healthy food and a gluten-free super grain. Quinoa could be used as a biomedicine due to the presence of functional compounds that may help to prevent various chronic diseases. Future research needs to explore the nutraceutical and pharmaceutical aspects of quinoa that might help to control different chronic diseases and to promote human health.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document