Nanoemulsions in Food Industry

A great attention has been received in the last few years for nanotechnology applications in food as well as pharmaceutical industries. People are looking for healthy and safe food worldwide. Therefore, researchers have been currently focusing on nanoemulsion technology that is particularly suited for the production of functional food. This chapter includes an overview about nanoemulsion terminology and formulation, various approaches for production of nanoemulsions which include high energy approaches such as high-pressure valve homogenization, microfluidizers and ultrasonic homogenization, and low energy methods such as spontaneous emulsification, phase inversion composition, phase inversion temperature and emulsion inversion point. In addition, the applications of nanoemulsions in food industry are discussed in detail

Bioactive compounds from Acokanthera oblongifolia

One cardiotonic glycoside, three triterpenes and one steroidal glycoside were isolated from Acokanthera oblongifolia fruits (pericarp) growing in Libya. Their structures were investigated by extensive application of IR, MS, 1DNMR and 2DNMR spectroscopy. The isolated compounds have evidenced in-vitro cytotoxicity on selected human cell lines (A-549, H-1299) when compared to doxorubicin. Keywords: Cardenolide; Acokanthera oblongifolia; antitumor activity; lung carcinoma cell line (A-549, H-1299)

COMPARATIVE BOTANICAL AND GENETIC CHARACTERIZATION OF CERTAIN SOLANUM SPECIES GROWN IN EGYPT

Objective: Urgent need for proper identification and characterization has emerged for some Solanum species as their toxicity to humans and animals ranges from mildly irritating to fatal. The objective of this work was targeted towards discrimination between Solanum seaforthianum Andrews and Solanum macrocarpon L.Methods: For establishment of different botanical and genetic criteria, this study presents a comparative investigation of the botanical features of the roots, stems and leaves of both plants through microscopical investigation of the prepared entire, transverse sections and powdered forms of different organs of both plants under study. Furthermore, the DNA of both plants was extracted from leaf samples and Random Amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) analysis using ten primers of arbitrary sequences.Results: Comparative botanical characters of different organs were identified. On the other hand a total 101 fragments were generated in S. macrocarpon while 105 fragments were generated in S. seaforthianum. Where the highest degree of similarities (70%) was recorded using primer B16 therefore could be used as an indicator for obtaining genetic markers, followed by 65.38% for Z13 and the lowest degree of similarity (38.1%) was recorded using primer O14 which could be used to discriminate between the two Solanum species depending on their low values of similarity coefficients and high level of polymorphism.Conclusion: For the present study, macro and micro-morphological characters, as well as, DNA fingerprinting can be considered as the identifying parameters to authenticate and differentiate between the two plants under study.Â

Antidepressant-Like Effect of Selected Egyptian Cultivars of Flaxseed Oil on a Rodent Model of Postpartum Depression

Flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum L.) is a multipurpose crop with health promoting potential. This study was undertaken to investigate the fatty acid profile and yield of fixed oil of six Egyptian flaxseed cultivars. The selected cultivars with the highest content of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) (G9 and G10) were assessed for their antidepressant-like effect in rat model of postpartum depression (PPD) induced by hormone-simulated pregnancy followed by hormone withdrawal and compared to fluoxetine. As compared to control group, administration of G9 and G10 (270 mg/kg/day, p.o) for two weeks during the postpartum period can alleviate anxiety and depressive-like behaviors and biochemical changes in PPD-induced rats. This was confirmed by evaluation of anxiety-like behaviors (elevated plus maze, open field test, and forced swim test tests), in addition to biochemical analysis (brain monoamine oxidase-A, corticosterone level, proinflammatory cytokines, and hippocampal redox state). In conclusion, flaxseed oil of Egyptian cultivars G9 and G10 exhibited significant antidepressant-like effect in rat model of PPD without affecting locomotor activity. At the treatment doses, the antidepressant-like activity of Giza 9 oil is comparable to fluoxetine

A critical analysis of extraction techniques used for botanicals: Trends, priorities, industrial uses and optimization strategies

Plant extracts have been long used by the traditional healers for providing health benefits and are nowadays suitable ingredient for the production of formulated health products and nutraceuticals. Traditional methods of extraction such as maceration, percolation, digestion, and preparation of decoctions and infusions are now been replaced by advanced extraction methods for increased extraction efficiency and selectivity of bioactive compounds to meet up the increasing market demand. Advanced techniques use different ways for extraction such as microwaves, ultrasound waves, supercritical fluids, enzymes, pressurized liquids, electric field, etc. These innovative extraction techniques, afford final extracts selectively rich in compounds of interest without formation of artifacts, and are often simple, fast, environmentally friendly and fully automated compared to existing extraction method. The present review is focused on the recent trends on the extraction of different bioactive chemical constituents depending on the nature of sample matrices and their chemical classes including anthocyanins, flavonoids, polyphenols, alkaloids, oils, etc. In addition, we review the strategies for designing extraction, selection of most suitable extraction methods, and trends of extraction methods for botanicals. Recent progress on the research based on these advanced methods of extractions and their industrial importance are also discussed in detail

A new α-glucosidase inhibitor from <i>Achillea fragrantissima</i> (Forssk.) Sch. Bip. growing in Egypt

<div><p>α-Glucosidase inhibitors (AGIs) represent a class of oral antidiabetic drugs that delay the absorption of ingested carbohydrates, reducing the postprandial glucose and insulin peaks to reach normoglycaemia. In this study, a bioassay-guided fractionation of the ethanolic extract of the aerial parts of <i>Achillea fragrantissima</i> (Forssk.) Sch. Bip. growing in Egypt led to the isolation of a new potent AGI; acacetin-6-C-(6″-acetyl-β-d-glucopyranoside)-8-C-α-l-arabinopyranoside (<b>5</b>) alongside with four known compounds: chondrillasterol (<b>1</b>), quercetin-3,6,7-trimethyl ether (chrysosplenol-D) (<b>2</b>), isovitexin-4′-methyl ether (<b>3</b>) and isovitexin (<b>4</b>). The structure of the new compound (<b>5</b>) was elucidated on the basis of its spectral data, including HR-FAB-MS, UV, ¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR, ¹H–¹H COSY, HSQC and HMBC. The new compound (<b>5</b>) exhibited the most significant α-glucosidase inhibitory activity (IC₅₀ 1.5 ± 0.09 μg/mL). Under the assay conditions, all the tested compounds were more potent than the positive control acarbose (IC₅₀ 224 ± 2.31 μg/mL).</p></div

Rho-Kinase II Inhibitory Potential of Eurycoma longifolia New Isolate for the Management of Erectile Dysfunction

Background. Eurycoma longifolia Jack (Fam.: Simaroubaceae), known as Tongkat Ali (TA), has been known as a symbol of virility and sexual power. The aim of the study was to screen E. longifolia aqueous extract (AE) and isolates for ROCK-II inhibition. Results. The AE (1-10 μg/ml) showed a significant inhibition for ROCK-II activity (62.8-81%) at P < 0.001 with an IC50 (651.1 ± 32.9 ng/ml) compared to Y-27632 ([(+)-(R)-trans-4-(1-aminoethyl)-N-(4-pyridyl)cyclohexanecarboxamide dihydrochloride]) (68.15-89.9 %) at same concentrations with an IC50 (192 ± 8.37 ng/ml). Chromatographic purification of the aqueous extract (AE) allowed the isolation of eight compounds; stigmasterol T1, trans-coniferyl aldehyde T2, scopoletin T3, eurycomalactone T4, 6α- hydroxyeurycomalactone T5, eurycomanone T6, eurycomanol T7, and eurycomanol-2-O-β-D-glucopyranoside T8. This is the first report for the isolation of T1 and T3 from E. longifolia and for the isolation of T2 from genus Eurycoma. The isolates (at 10 μg/ml) exhibited maximum inhibition % of ROCK-II 82.1 ± 0.63 (T2), 78.3 ± 0.38 (T6), 77.1 ± 0.11 (T3), 76.2 ± 3.53 (T4), 74.5 ± 1.27 (T5), 74.1 ± 2.97 (T7), 71.4 ± 2.54 (T8), and 60.3 ± 0.14 (T1), where the newly isolated compound trans-coniferyl aldehyde T2 showed the highest inhibitory activity among the tested isolated compounds and even higher than the total extract AE. The standard Y-27632 (10 μg/ml) showed 89.9 ± 0.42 % inhibition for ROCK-II activity when compared to control at P < 0.0001. Conclusion. The traditional use of E. longifolia as aphrodisiac and for male sexual disorders might be in part due to the ROCK-II inhibitory potential

Antihyperglycemic and antihyperlipidemic effects of the methanol extracts of Cleome ramosissima Parl., Barleria bispinosa (Forssk.) Vahl. and Tribulus macropterus Boiss.

The antihyperglycemic and antihyperlipidemic effects of the methanolic extracts of the aerial parts of Cleome ramosissima Parl. (Cleomaceae), Barleria bispinosa (Forssk.) Vahl. (Acanthaceae) and Tribulus macropterus Boiss. (Zygophyllaceae) were evaluated in streptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetic rats at a dose of 500 mg/kg bw. The reduction in fasting blood glucose level (BGL) was observed in the following order C. ramosissima, B. bispinosa and T. macropterus at the 4th week of administration. C. ramosissima and T. macropterus also showed significant increase in plasma insulin by 100.6% and 189.9%, respectively. The studied plant extracts induced an increase in both utilization and tolerance of glucose in diabetic rats. The hypolipidemic effect of C. ramosissima and T. macropterus was demonstrated by a significant reduction in plasma total cholesterol (TC) (42.6% and 37.2%, respectively) and low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) (48.0% and 42.1%, respectively) and the increase of high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) by 81.0% and 91.9%, respectively. B. bispinosa decreased the blood levels of LDL-C and increased the levels of HDL-C, while it did not affect the TC blood levels. The present data suggest that C. ramosissima and T. macropterus have both antihyperglycemic and hypolipidemic effects with high insulin-secreting activity

An approach for an enhanced anticancer activity of ferulic acid-loaded polymeric micelles via MicroRNA-221 mediated activation of TP53INP1 in caco-2 cell line

Abstract Ferulic acid (FA) has powerful antioxidant and antitumor activities, but it has low bioavailability owing to its poor water solubility. Our aim is to formulate polymeric mixed micelles loaded with FA to overcome its poor solubility and investigate its potential anticancer activity via miRNA-221/TP53INP1 axis-mediated autophagy in colon cancer. A D-optimal design with three factors was used for the optimization of polymeric mixed micelles by studying the effects of each of total Pluronics mixture (mg), Pluronic P123 percentage (%w/w), and drug amount (mg) on both entrapment efficiency (EE%) and particle size. The anticancer activity of FA and Tocopheryl polyethylene glycol 1000 succinate (TPGS) mixed micelles formula (O2) was assessed by MTT and flow cytometry. O2 showed an EE% of 99.89%, a particle size of 13.86 nm, and a zeta potential of − 6.02 mv. In-vitro drug release studies showed a notable increase in the release rate of FA from O2, as compared to the free FA. The (IC50) values for FA from O2 and free FA were calculated against different cell lines showing a prominent IC50 against Caco-2 (17.1 µg/ml, 191 µg/ml respectively). Flow cytometry showed that FA caused cell cycle arrest at the G2/M phase in Caco-2. RT-PCR showed that O2 significantly increased the mRNA expression level of Bax and CASP-3 (4.72 ± 0.17, 3.67 ± 0.14), respectively when compared to free FA (2.59 ± 0.13, 2.14 ± 0.15), while miRNA 221 levels were decreased by the treatment with O2 (0.58 ± 0.02) when compared to free FA treatment (0.79 ± 0.03). The gene expression of TP53INP1 was increased by the treatment with O2 compared to FA at P < 0.0001. FA-loaded TPGS mixed micelles showed promising results for enhancing the anticancer effect of FA against colorectal cancer, probably due to its enhanced solubility. Thus, FA-loaded TPGS mixed micelles could be a potential therapeutic agent for colorectal cancer by targeting miRNA-221/TP53INP1 axis-mediated autophagy

Nanotechnology in leukemia: diagnosis, efficient-targeted drug delivery, and clinical trials

Abstract Leukemia is a group of malignant disorders which affect the blood and blood-forming tissues in the bone marrow, lymphatic system, and spleen. Many types of leukemia exist; thus, their diagnosis and treatment are somewhat complicated. The use of conventional strategies for treatment such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy may develop many side effects and toxicity. Hence, modern research is concerned with the development of specific nano-formulations for targeted delivery of anti-leukemic drugs avoiding toxic effects on normal cells. Nanostructures can be applied not only in treatment but also in diagnosis. In this article, types of leukemia, its causes, diagnosis as well as conventional treatment of leukemia shall be reviewed. Then, the use of nanoparticles in diagnosis of leukemia and synthesis of nanocarriers for efficient delivery of anti-leukemia drugs being investigated in in vivo and clinical studies. Therefore, it may contribute to the discovery of novel and emerging nanoparticles for targeted treatment of leukemia with less side effects and toxicities