Use of propolis in foods and its protective properties

Propolis is a natural mixture of saliva, enzymes and plant secretions which collected by bees from various plants and used for protection of hives against external fac-tors. Biological activities and chemical composition of propolis may vary accor-ding to the plant sources, location and time, and it contains phenolic compo-unds, aromatic acids, essen-tial oils, minerals and vita-mins. Propolis has been used in traditional medicine for various therapeutic pur-poses, and it has a potential as a natural preservative in foods. Propolis may have various protective effects such as reducing microbial growth and oxidation, pre-venting fungus, rotting and weight loss, maintaining product stability and exten-ding shelf life in meat, po-ultry, fish, dairy, vegetables, fruits and fruit juices during storage. However, propolis's unique odor and taste may alter the sensory quality of foods and that may effect its use in the food industry ne-gatively.

Pharmacology and Phytochemistry of Coriander

Coriander, named as Coriandrum sativum Linn, belongs to the family Umbelliferae and is one of the most popular and well-known spices/condiments and herbal medicines. The essential oils and fatty oils are the two major active chemical constituents present in the plant. The other minor ingredients found to be present are monoterpenes hydrocarbons i-e limonene, γ-terpinene, α-pinene, p-cymene, borneol, citronellol, camphor, geraniol, and geraniol acetate and abd heterocyclic components such as pyrazine, pyridine, thiazole, furan and tetrahudrofuran derivatives, isocoumarins, coriandrin, dihydrocoriandrin, coriandrons A-E, flavonoids. The volatile oil from the leaf contains aromatic acids such as 2-decenoic acid, E-11-tetradecenoic acid, undecyl alcohol, tridecanoic acid, capric acid, undecanoic acid, and more. The current pharmacological research reveals the application of coriander has antibacterial and antifungal activity.

Phospholipid Derivatives of Cinnamic Acid Restore Insulin Sensitivity in Insulin Resistance in 3T3-L1 Adipocytes

Background: Insulin resistance (IR) is a condition in which the physiological amount of insulin is insufficient to evoke a proper response of the cell, that is, glucose utilization. Metformin is the first choice for therapy, thanks to its glycemic efficacy and general tolerability. In addition, various natural compounds from plant extracts, spices, and essential oils have been shown to provide health benefits regarding insulin sensitivity. In the present study, we analyzed the effect of phospholipid derivatives of selected natural aromatic acids on insulin action and their potential use to overcome insulin resistance. Methods: The 3T3-L1 fibroblasts were differentiated into mature adipocytes; next, insulin resistance was induced by palmitic acid (16:0). Cells were further cultured with phenophospholipids at appropriate concentrations. To assess insulin sensitivity, we measured the insulin-stimulated glucose uptake, using a glucose uptake test. Results: We showed that cinnamic acid (CA) and 3-methoxycinnamic acid (3-OMe-CA) restored the proper insulin response. However, 1,2-dicinnamoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (1,2-diCA-PC) and 1-cinnamoyl-2-palmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (1-CA-2-PA-PC) improved insulin sensitivity in insulin-resistant adipocytes even stronger, exhibiting more beneficial effects. Conclusions: The binding of aromatic acids to phosphatidylcholine increases their beneficial effect on insulin sensitivity in adipocytes and expands their potential practical application as nutraceutical health-promoting agents.

Polymers and compositions based on polyethylene terephthalate: methods for obtaining and properties

The article describes the methods for producing polymers and compositions based on aromatic acids (terephthalic, isophthalic) and various diols (ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, butanediol and others), developed by domestic and foreign scientists.