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Fioroni N, Mouquet-Rivier C, Meudec E, Cheynier V, Boudard F, Hemery Y, Laurent-Babot C. Antioxidant Capacity of Polar and Non-Polar Extracts of Four African Green Leafy Vegetables and Correlation with Polyphenol and Carotenoid Contents. Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 12:1726. [PMID: 37760029 PMCID: PMC10525563 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12091726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Revised: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/26/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
In sub-Saharan Africa, chronic malnutrition is often associated with intestinal inflammation and oxidative stress. African green leafy vegetables (GLVs), commonly consumed by these populations and rich in bioactive compounds, may improve the antioxidant status. The aim of this study was to measure the antioxidant capacity using complementary assays (DPPH, FRAP, ABTS, ORAC and NO scavenging) in polar and non-polar leaf extracts of four African GLVs, cassava (Manihot esculenta), roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa), jute mallow (Corchorus olitorius), and amaranth (Amaranthus spp.), with spinach (Spinacia oleracea) chosen as a reference. Their antioxidant capacity was correlated with their total polyphenol (TPC), flavonoid (TFC), condensed tannin, lutein, and β-carotene contents. Identification of phenolic compounds by UHPLC-DAD-MS/MS revealed the presence of three main classes of compound: flavonols, flavones, and hydroxycinnamic acids. Cassava and roselle leaves presented significantly higher TPC and TFC than amaranth, jute mallow, and spinach. They also exhibited the highest antioxidant capacity, even higher than that of spinach, which is known for its important antioxidant effect. The antioxidant capacity was 2 to 18 times higher in polar than non-polar extracts, and was more strongly correlated with TPC and TFC (R > 0.8) than with β-carotene and lutein contents. These findings provide new data especially for cassava and roselle leaves, for which studies are scarce, suggesting an appreciable antioxidant capacity compared with other leafy vegetables.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nelly Fioroni
- UMR QualiSud, University of Montpellier, Avignon University, CIRAD, Institut Agro, IRD, University of La Réunion, 34090 Montpellier, France; (C.M.-R.); (F.B.); (Y.H.)
| | - Claire Mouquet-Rivier
- UMR QualiSud, University of Montpellier, Avignon University, CIRAD, Institut Agro, IRD, University of La Réunion, 34090 Montpellier, France; (C.M.-R.); (F.B.); (Y.H.)
| | - Emmanuelle Meudec
- SPO, INRAE, University of Montpellier, Institut Agro, 34060 Montpellier, France; (E.M.); (V.C.)
- INRAE, PROBE Research Infrastructure, Polyphenol Analytical Facility, 34060 Montpellier, France
| | - Véronique Cheynier
- SPO, INRAE, University of Montpellier, Institut Agro, 34060 Montpellier, France; (E.M.); (V.C.)
- INRAE, PROBE Research Infrastructure, Polyphenol Analytical Facility, 34060 Montpellier, France
| | - Frédéric Boudard
- UMR QualiSud, University of Montpellier, Avignon University, CIRAD, Institut Agro, IRD, University of La Réunion, 34090 Montpellier, France; (C.M.-R.); (F.B.); (Y.H.)
| | - Youna Hemery
- UMR QualiSud, University of Montpellier, Avignon University, CIRAD, Institut Agro, IRD, University of La Réunion, 34090 Montpellier, France; (C.M.-R.); (F.B.); (Y.H.)
| | - Caroline Laurent-Babot
- UMR QualiSud, University of Montpellier, Avignon University, CIRAD, Institut Agro, IRD, University of La Réunion, 34090 Montpellier, France; (C.M.-R.); (F.B.); (Y.H.)
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Narzary I, Swarnakar A, Kalita M, Middha SK, Usha T, Babu D, Mochahary B, Brahma S, Basumatary J, Goyal AK. Acknowledging the use of botanicals to treat diabetic foot ulcer during the 21 st century: A systematic review. World J Clin Cases 2023; 11:4035-4059. [PMID: 37388781 PMCID: PMC10303622 DOI: 10.12998/wjcc.v11.i17.4035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Revised: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) is a serious health issue of diabetes mellitus that affects innumerable people worldwide. Management and treatment of this complication are challenging, especially for those whose immune system is weak. AIM To discuss the plants and their parts used to heal DFU, along with the mode of their administration in diabetic patients. METHODS The original articles on "the plants for the treatment of DFU" studied in clinical cases only were obtained from various bibliographic databases using different keywords. RESULTS The search resulted in 22 clinical cases records with 20 medicinal plants belonging to 17 families on 1553 subjects. The fruits and leaves were the most preferentially used parts for DFU treatment, regardless of whether they were being administered orally or applied topically. Of the 20 medicinal plants, 19 reported their effectiveness in increasing angiogenesis, epithelialization, and granulation, thus hastening the wound-healing process. The efficacy of these botanicals might be attributed to their major bioactive compounds, such as actinidin and ascorbic acid (in Actinidia deliciosa), 7-O-(β-D-glucopyranosyl)-galactin (in Ageratina pichinchensis), omega-3-fatty acid (in Linum usitatissimum), isoquercetin (in Melilotus officinalis), anthocyanins (in Myrtus communis), and plantamajoside (in Plantago major). CONCLUSION The validation of mechanisms of action underlying these phytocompounds contributing to the management of DFU can aid in our better understanding of creating efficient treatment options for DFU and its associated problems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Illora Narzary
- Department of Biotechnology, Bodoland University, Kokrajhar 783370, Assam, India
- Department of Zoology, Baosi Banikanta Kakati College, Barpeta 781311, Assam, India
| | - Amit Swarnakar
- Medical Unit, Bodoland University, Kokrajhar 783370, Assam, India
| | - Mrinal Kalita
- Department of Biotechnology, Bodoland University, Kokrajhar 783370, Assam, India
| | - Sushil Kumar Middha
- Department of Biotechnology, Maharani Lakshmi Ammanni College for Women, Bengaluru 560012, Karnataka, India
| | - Talambedu Usha
- Department of Biochemistry, Maharani Lakshmi Ammanni College for Women, Bengaluru 560012, Karnataka, India
| | - Dinesh Babu
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2E1, Canada
| | - Banjai Mochahary
- Department of Biotechnology, Bodoland University, Kokrajhar 783370, Assam, India
| | - Sudem Brahma
- Department of Biotechnology, Bodoland University, Kokrajhar 783370, Assam, India
| | - Jangila Basumatary
- Department of Biotechnology, Bodoland University, Kokrajhar 783370, Assam, India
| | - Arvind Kumar Goyal
- Department of Biotechnology, Bodoland University, Kokrajhar 783370, Assam, India
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Guterres L, Duarte MC, Catarino S, Roxo G, Barnabé J, Sebastiana M, Monteiro F, Romeiras MM. Diversity of Legumes in the Cashew Agroforestry System in East Timor (Southeast Asia). Foods 2022; 11:foods11213503. [PMID: 36360115 PMCID: PMC9655503 DOI: 10.3390/foods11213503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2022] [Revised: 10/21/2022] [Accepted: 10/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Cashew is an important export-oriented crop in several tropical countries, often under monocropping systems. Intercropping with legume species is promoted as a sustainable practice, enhancing agricultural productivity and providing nutritional food sources to rural communities. This study aimed to characterize the diversity of Leguminosae (or Fabaceae) in the cashew agroforestry systems of East Timor (Southeast Asia). Fourteen cashew orchards were sampled across the country, and information about leguminous species uses was collected from local populations. About 50 species are commonly part of the country’s cashew agroforestry system, many of them simultaneously used as food, fodder, and in traditional medicine. Six bean species—Cajanus cajan (L.) Huth, Phaseolus lunatus L., Phaseolus vulgaris L., Vigna angularis (Willd.) Ohwi and H.Ohashi, Vigna radiata (L.) R.Wilczek and Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.—are largely used as food. The mineral contents of these beans revealed relevant differences between species and, in some cases, between types (seed colour) within species. Periods of hunger and low food variety are frequent in East Timor, reflecting a very poor nutritional state of the population. Knowing and using legumes for local nutrition, as well as for healthcare and well-being, adds great value to these species as components of East Timor cashew agroforestry systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lara Guterres
- LEAF—Linking Landscape, Environment, Agriculture and Food Research Center, Associated Laboratory TERRA, Instituto Superior de Agronomia, Universidade de Lisboa, Tapada da Ajuda, 1349-017 Lisbon, Portugal
- Faculdade de Ciências Exatas, Universidade Nacional Timor Lorosa’e, Avenida Cidade de Lisboa, Dili 314, Timor-Leste
| | - Maria Cristina Duarte
- cE3c—Center for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Change & CHANGE—Global Change and Sustainability Institute, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Campo Grande, 1749-016 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Silvia Catarino
- Forest Research Center (CEF), Associated Laboratory TERRA, Instituto Superior de Agronomia, Universidade de Lisboa, Tapada da Ajuda, 1349-017 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Guilherme Roxo
- LEAF—Linking Landscape, Environment, Agriculture and Food Research Center, Associated Laboratory TERRA, Instituto Superior de Agronomia, Universidade de Lisboa, Tapada da Ajuda, 1349-017 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - João Barnabé
- LEAF—Linking Landscape, Environment, Agriculture and Food Research Center, Associated Laboratory TERRA, Instituto Superior de Agronomia, Universidade de Lisboa, Tapada da Ajuda, 1349-017 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Mónica Sebastiana
- BioISI—Biosystems and Integrative Sciences Institute, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Campo Grande, 1749-016 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Filipa Monteiro
- LEAF—Linking Landscape, Environment, Agriculture and Food Research Center, Associated Laboratory TERRA, Instituto Superior de Agronomia, Universidade de Lisboa, Tapada da Ajuda, 1349-017 Lisbon, Portugal
- cE3c—Center for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Change & CHANGE—Global Change and Sustainability Institute, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Campo Grande, 1749-016 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Maria Manuel Romeiras
- LEAF—Linking Landscape, Environment, Agriculture and Food Research Center, Associated Laboratory TERRA, Instituto Superior de Agronomia, Universidade de Lisboa, Tapada da Ajuda, 1349-017 Lisbon, Portugal
- cE3c—Center for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Change & CHANGE—Global Change and Sustainability Institute, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Campo Grande, 1749-016 Lisbon, Portugal
- Correspondence:
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A novel wrinkled-leaf sesame mutant as a potential edible leafy vegetable rich in nutrients. Sci Rep 2022; 12:18478. [PMID: 36323927 PMCID: PMC9630307 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-23263-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) is an ancient and globally important oil crop in the tropic and subtropic areas. Apart from being a good source of high-quality oil, sesame also represents a new source of edible leafy vegetables. However, data regarding the nutritional composition of the sesame leaves, especially their phytonutrient composition, are scarce. Previously we have developed a sesame mutant JQA with curly, wide, and thick leaves that are potentially used as a vegetable. The objective of this work was to gauge the nutrient contents in leaves of the JQA mutant by colorimetry methods. The sesame mutant JQA and its wild-type counterpart JQB were grown in the field, and leaf samples were collected at the flowering stage. Results showed that the sesame wrinkled leaves of JQA are a rich source of crude oil (5.33-6.38%), crude protein (3.14%), amino acids (> 18.6 mg/g), crude fiber (> 0.36%), cellulose or hemicellulose (> 21.4 mg/g), sugars (> 12.5 mg/g), vitamins, and flavones (> 63.2 mg/g). The wrinkled sesame leaves were high in unsaturated acid (32.0 mg/g), calcium (18.5 mg/g), potassium (16.1 mg/g), as well as vitamin B6 (24.5 mg/g), B2 (14.4 mg/g), C (1.7 mg/g) and D (1.3 mg/g) compared to other common green leafy vegetables. The fresh leaves had a mean total flavone content of 65.7 mg/g and can be consumed as fresh vegetables or preserved in a dry state. Collectively, the nutritional composition of the wrinkled leaf mutant JQA was ideal and thus had high RDIs (recommended daily intakes), suggesting that the wrinkled leaves are a rich source of nutrients and therefore suitable to be consumed as a new edible green vegetable.
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Kapoor R, Sabharwal M, Ghosh-Jerath S. Indigenous Foods of India: A Comprehensive Narrative Review of Nutritive Values, Antinutrient Content and Mineral Bioavailability of Traditional Foods Consumed by Indigenous Communities of India. FRONTIERS IN SUSTAINABLE FOOD SYSTEMS 2022; 6:696228. [PMID: 35607508 PMCID: PMC7612755 DOI: 10.3389/fsufs.2022.696228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
India is endowed with several indigenous foods (IFs), that hold special cultural significance among local and ethnic caommunities, yet no attempts have been made till date to systematically compile their nutritive values. As per FAO's recent mandate on creation of “Global-Hub on Indigenous Food Systems,” IFs have received renewed global recognition for their potential to contribute to improved food security while enhancing biodiversity across the world. Hence, the useful properties of wild IFs require proper study and documentation in order to bridge the gap between scientific evidence generation and indigenous peoples' ancestral knowledge. For this purpose, we conducted a literature search in two scientific databases: PubMed and Google Scholar, between July 2020 and December 2021, to identify studies reporting nutritive values and/or antinutrient content of IFs (not included in Indian food composition database), consumed by Indian indigenous communities. A total of 52 Indian research articles were included, from which data was selected and extracted, to create a compendium on nutrient (n = 508) and antinutrient (n = 123) content of IFs, followed by computation of antinutrient-to-mineral molar ratios for 98 IFs to predict their mineral bioavailability. Maximum nutritive values were available for green leafy vegetables (n = 154), followed by other vegetables (n = 98), fruits (n = 66), cereals (n = 63), roots & tubers (n = 51) and nuts and legumes (n = 36). Several IFs seen to have better nutritional content than conventional foods and were found to be rich (i.e., >20% Indian recommended dietary allowances per reference food serve) in iron (54%), calcium (35%), protein (30%), vitamin C (27%), vitamin A (18%), zinc (14%) and folate (13%). Some IFs displayed high levels of antinutrients, however, anti-nutrient-to-mineral molar ratios were found to be low (for mainly leafy vegetables, other vegetables, and roots and tubers), thus indicating high mineral bioavailability. Hence, efforts are desirable to encourage the inclusion of these nutritionally superior IFs into the usual diets of indigenous communities. The IF database collated in our review can serve as a resource for researchers and policymakers to better understand the nutritional properties of region-specific IFs and promote them through contextual food-based interventions for improved dietary quality and nutrition outcomes in indigenous population of India.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ridhima Kapoor
- Indian Institute of Public Health-Delhi, Public Health Foundation of India, Gurgaon, India
- Department of Food and Nutrition, Lady Irwin College, University of Delhi, New Delhi, India
| | - Manisha Sabharwal
- Department of Food and Nutrition, Lady Irwin College, University of Delhi, New Delhi, India
| | - Suparna Ghosh-Jerath
- Indian Institute of Public Health-Delhi, Public Health Foundation of India, Gurgaon, India
- Correspondence: Suparna Ghosh-Jerath
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Marques Mandaji C, da Silva Pena R, Campos Chisté R. Encapsulation of bioactive compounds extracted from plants of genus Hibiscus: A review of selected techniques and applications. Food Res Int 2022; 151:110820. [PMID: 34980372 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodres.2021.110820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2021] [Revised: 09/24/2021] [Accepted: 11/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The genus Hibiscus includes more than 250 species, and many studies showed that these plants contain bioactive compounds with technological potential to be used in the development of functional foods. However, the instability of these compounds during typical food processing conditions, such as exposure to high temperatures, pH changes and presence of light and oxygen have stimulated the use of encapsulation techniques to increase their stability and applicability. Among the existing Hibiscus species, only H. sabdariffa, H. cannabinus, and H. acetosella have been investigated in encapsulation studies, being spray drying the most common method approached. Considering the high technological potential offered by the incorporation of encapsulated bioactive compounds from plants of the genus Hibiscus in food formulations, this review discusses key information of selected encapsulation techniques, which represents promising alternatives to increase food systems' stability and stimulate the design of new functional foods. Relevant gaps in the literature were also noticed, mainly the lack of systematic studies regarding the composition of bioactive compounds after encapsulation, instead of total determinations, and biological activities in different analytical systems, such as antioxidant, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties as well as bioaccessibility and bioavailability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Marques Mandaji
- Graduate Program of Food Science and Technology, Institute of Technology, Federal University of Pará (UFPA), 66075-110 Belém, Pará, Brazil
| | - Rosinelson da Silva Pena
- Graduate Program of Food Science and Technology, Institute of Technology, Federal University of Pará (UFPA), 66075-110 Belém, Pará, Brazil; Faculty of Food Engineering, Institute of Technology, Federal University of Pará (UFPA), 66075-110 Belém, Pará, Brazil
| | - Renan Campos Chisté
- Graduate Program of Food Science and Technology, Institute of Technology, Federal University of Pará (UFPA), 66075-110 Belém, Pará, Brazil; Faculty of Food Engineering, Institute of Technology, Federal University of Pará (UFPA), 66075-110 Belém, Pará, Brazil.
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Kissanga R, Sales J, Moldão M, Alves V, Mendes H, Romeiras MM, Lages F, Catarino L. Nutritional and Functional Properties of Wild Leafy Vegetables for Improving Food Security in Southern Angola. FRONTIERS IN SUSTAINABLE FOOD SYSTEMS 2021. [DOI: 10.3389/fsufs.2021.791705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In Southern Angola, numerous non-woody forest products are sold at local markets, namely in Lubango (Huíla Province). Such is the case of herbaceous wild plants, locally known as lombi, which are sold fresh throughout the year and cooked as a vegetable. Although these wild leafy vegetables are commercialized and widely used in local food, there is still a lack of scientific knowledge about their properties. Thus, this study aimed to identify and characterize the species sold, and to determine their nutritional and functional properties. Our results revealed that three species—Amaranthus hybridus, Bidens pilosa, and Galinsoga parviflora—are usually sold at Lubango markets and consumed by local populations. These are annual exotic plants, native to Southern America, and usually occur spontaneously in croplands or disturbed areas, but can also be cultivated, particularly A. hybridus. Physico-chemical analyses of lombi species and mixtures sold at the markets included measurements of moisture, protein, lipid, and mineral content, as well as total phenolic content, antioxidant activity, and levels of heavy metal contaminants. The results revealed that lombi contain a significant amount of protein (20–28 g/100 g, dry basis), high values of macronutrients and micronutrients, as well as of phenolic compounds (10–40 mg GAE/g) and a good antioxidant capacity. Given the availability of lombi throughout the year, our study demonstrated the importance of wild edible plants in Angola, both as a valuable natural resources and as a complementary food sources, as well as additional sources of income for many families.
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Research Progression of the Genus Merremia: A Comprehensive Review on the Nutritional Value, Ethnomedicinal Uses, Phytochemistry, Pharmacology, and Toxicity. PLANTS 2021; 10:plants10102070. [PMID: 34685875 PMCID: PMC8537340 DOI: 10.3390/plants10102070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2021] [Revised: 09/23/2021] [Accepted: 09/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The genus Merremia Dennst. ex Endl. (Convolvulaceae) is a rich source of structurally diverse phytochemicals with therapeutic relevance. This review presents the first comprehensive, up-to-date information and research progression on the nutritional value, ethnomedicinal uses, phytochemistry, pharmacological activities, and toxicity of the genus Merremia. Using the key search term “Merremia”, relevant documents and information were retrieved from electronic databases. Relevant documents were uploaded in RStudio with installed bibliometric software packages and used for data retrieval, tabulation, and network visualization. Bibliometric analysis revealed that ca. 55% of the studies related to Merremia were published in the last decade, which can be grouped into four thematic areas: (i) drug formulation, (ii) taxonomy, (iii) chemical analysis, and (iv) treatment of diseases. Ethnomedicinal uses, phytochemistry, and biological activities studies showed that species in the genus are promising medicinal plants with various pharmaceutical potentials. However, clinical studies to validate the efficacy of the reported bioactivities and the mechanisms underlying the various activities are lacking and should constitute a future research focus. Additionally, reports on the nutritional and antinutritional constituents of Merremia species revealed that the species meet high nutritional quality criteria for animals and are therefore suitable for inclusion in livestock diets. The few available investigations on toxicity indicated that most Merremia species are safe for human and animal use but not with prolonged chronic administration.
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Salem MA, Zayed A, Beshay ME, Abdel Mesih MM, Ben Khayal RF, George FA, Ezzat SM. Hibiscus sabdariffa L.: phytoconstituents, nutritive, and pharmacological applications. ADVANCES IN TRADITIONAL MEDICINE 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s13596-020-00542-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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Processed Baobab (Adansonia digitata L.) Food Products in Malawi: From Poor Men’s to Premium-Priced Specialty Food? FORESTS 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/f11060698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The baobab tree (Adansonia digitata L.) is an important source of non-timber forest products in sub-Saharan Africa. Its fruits contain high amounts of vitamin C, calcium, and dietary fibre. In addition, other parts of the tree are traditionally used for human consumption, particularly during lean seasons. In line with the increasing demand for natural, healthy, and nutritious food products, the baobab has great potential to contribute to human nutrition and rural livelihoods. In Malawi, where demand for baobab has substantially increased within the last decade, baobab fruits are being processed into a variety of food and non-food products, such as fruit juice, ice-lollies, sweets, and cosmetics. Yet, information on the sociodemographic background and quality preferences of baobab consumers is scanty. The current study, therefore, aimed to (1) map the diversity of baobab products available in Malawi; (2) determine consumer segments and their preferences for the most common baobab food products; and (3) examine the contribution of major attributes of processed baobab food products on their price. We employed a mixed-methods approach including the analysis of 132 baobab products and a survey of 141 consumers in formal and informal retail outlets, adopting multistage and purposive sampling. Qualitative and quantitative data were analysed using cluster analysis, cross tabulation, and hedonic regression. Results pointed to two distinct consumer segments for baobab food products, largely following the formal–informal product divide currently existing in Malawi. Both segments clearly differed with regard to preferred product attributes. We also showed that extrinsic product attributes such as packaging quality, labelling, conformity with food standards, or health claims provided distinct differentiation potential for baobab food manufacturers. In addition to providing empirical evidence for the transition of baobab food products into higher-value market segments, our results can help food processing enterprises to improve the composition and marketing of their baobab products.
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Takahashi JA, Rezende FAGG, Moura MAF, Dominguete LCB, Sande D. Edible flowers: Bioactive profile and its potential to be used in food development. Food Res Int 2020; 129:108868. [DOI: 10.1016/j.foodres.2019.108868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2019] [Revised: 11/21/2019] [Accepted: 11/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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