Abstract Increased consumption of artificial and intense natural sweeteners have led to serious health implications and safety issues for intended consumers. Among all natural sweeteners, steviol glycosides (SGs: stevioside & rebaudioside-A) are popularly known as zero-caloric intense sweetening compounds of natural origin. Hot water extraction (HWE) is considered ecofriendly and less expensive, and HWE extracts are safe for human consumption as compared to organic solvents extraction. Onion (Allium cepa L.) and stevia (Stevia rebaudiana) were extracted using a single factor experimental approach to determine the optimal onion-stevia hot water extract (OSHE) extraction conditions. Physicochemical and sensory attributes of onion hot water extract (OHE) and OSHE extracted at varying stevia-to-onion ratios and temperatures were investigated. The results showed that total phenolic content (TPC) increased and total flavonoid content (TFC), L*, a* and b* values decreased with corresponding increases in stevia-to-onion ratio and extraction temperature. In contrast, total soluble solids increased with increase in onion-stevia ratio, whereas pH values declined with increasing temperature. Glucose was the most dominant organic sugar in OSHE followed by sucrose and fructose. In conclusion, OSHE obtained at 115 °C and 1:100 stevia-to-onion ratio (w/w) could be produced as a natural sweetener after concentration or drying and could be exploited in beverages and cooked foods without any deteriorating quality effects with improved thermal and pH stability and fermentation resistance. Furthermore, OSHE can be manufactured as a natural sweetener because it can be extracted at high temperature and pressure using stevia leaves with only the bound water content of onion without any additional moisture from external sources. As an eco-friendly alternative of expensive enzymatic digestion or organic solvent extraction.

Abstract This study was aimed at explanation of evolution process of bound phenolics from IDF through structural modifications after alkaline hydrolysis along with free phenolics and functional characteristics. SEM results depicted that IDF with bound phenolics exhibited denser, more compact and tubular shape whereas, the surface features of alkali-hydrolyzed residue exhibited clear fragmentation, wrinkling and porosity on outside surfaces. Microstructure changes due to alkaline hydrolysis caused disintegration of linkages among hemicellulose and cellulose microfibers. As evident from the FTIR spectra, both IDF samples (with phenolic) and alkali-soluble residue (IDF without phenolics) exhibited resemblance in FTIR spectral features and characteristics bonds. Overall, the peak positions of IDF samples and alkali-hydrolyzed residue did not show any significant change, which was indicative of the fact that no major alterations were occurred in crystalline structures of IDF due to alkali-hydrolysis treatment. IDF-bound phenolic complexes showed the highest TPC, ABTS and FRAP than SDF. In IDF alkaline extracts, total 6 phenolic compounds were detected through HPLC. The identified phenolic compounds were as; salicylic acid, chlorogenic acid, syringic acid, epigallocatechin, p-coumaric acid and ferulic acid. These results demonstrated that higher antioxidant activity of dietary fiber would be related to bound phenolics.

Abstract Chinese yam (Rhizoma Dioscoreas Oppositae) has been recorded in Traditional Chinese Medicine and is utilized as a common food delicacy in China. This study was carried out to evaluate effects of superfine grinding at variable mesh sizes on physicochemical, thermal, microstructural attributes, bioactive compounds and radical scavenging activities (RSA’s) of yam flour powders (YFP). Physical, color, hydration, total phenolic, flavonoid contents, RSA’s and absorption characteristics were significantly influenced by exhibiting increasing trends with reduction of YFP particle sizes. YFP fraction obtained at M400 size showed obviously improved specific surface area as compared to M60 fraction. Generally, it may be implied from the results that free-form phenolic compounds exhibited increasing trends whereas cell-wall bound phenolic compounds showed particle size-dependent decreases with corresponding increases in mesh size. ESEM micrographs endorsed the finding of reduction of YFP particle sizes with corresponding increases in sieve mesh sizes. ESEM analysis evidently showed that mechanical shear significantly led to enhancement of surface area. Differential scanning calorimetry showed that melting temperature of YFP with reduced particle size were lower. Conclusively, it may be implied that YFP superfine powders might be utilized in food formulations with improved functional properties and uniformity.

Abstract Highly nutritional and functional properties of chia seeds would make it unique than other grains. Considering its known properties chia can be used as an important food ingredient. These are rich in fiber, ash, protein, polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) and antioxidants. Higher proportion of protein having greater biological value with essential amino acids and high dietary fiber content prevents several metabolic disorders and obesity. It is also consist of PUFA helpful in lowering cardiovascular diseases. Rusks were supplemented with chia flour at a rate ranging 5 to 20% with the goal to modify the fiber content, nutritional contents and physicochemical properties. The obtained results were highly significant and showed increasing trend in dietary fiber and PUFA values. Texture values decreased significantly. Sensory evaluation showed significant (p<0.05) differences in color, flavor, texture and overall acceptability. Most acceptable treatment was with 5% chia flour supplementation with a mean score of 8.10. Hence, Chia flour-supplemented rusks up to 5% addition level could be utilized as a convenience food and vehicle of improved nutritional status with health beneficial bioactive compounds. Moreover, supplementation of chia flour led to improvement of functional properties of wheat rusks as a valuable source of dietary fiber and bioactive compounds.

Abstract This study was aimed at evaluation of effects of ball-milled roasted chickpea (RC) powder on physicochemical, rheological and sensorial properties of yogurt supplemented with RC levels of 1 (RCY1), 2 (RCY2), 3 (RCY3), 4 (RCY4), and 5 g/100 mL (RCY5). Results showed a gradual decline in the pH of pre-inoculated samples with corresponding increases in powder concentration from 1 to 5 g/ 100 mL. Degrees of lightness and yellowness increased in supplemented samples as compared to control (RCY0). Higher firmness was exhibited by RCY3 and RCY5 samples in the range of 59.39-78.56 g. RCY3 showed the highest consistency value (1480.214 g/s). Overall, the syneresis was significantly lower (p<0.05) in supplemented samples as compared to control. The addition levels of more than 3% RC resulted in smoother and more gradual dispersive patterns of particles, and RCY4 showed the most prominent polydispersity and resembled RCY5. Comparatively, supplemented samples exhibited a significantly lower degree of shear-thinning as compared to control samples. RCY5 showed the maximum texture score among all supplemented samples, and supplemented samples showed comparable sensory attributes to those of control samples. It was evident from this study that RC powder can be employed as a functional food ingredient in yogurt production.

Abstract To isolate and characterize anti-tumor compounds through nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy of ethyl acetate extract of R. japonicus Houtt root and their cytotoxic effects were evaluated in terms of measuring inhibition of growth of three cancer cell lines: human hepatoma cells (HepG2), cerebral glioma cells (U251) and ovarian carcinoma cells (SK-OV-3/DDP). The roots of R. japonicus Houtt were extracted with ethanol, and partitioned with petroleum ether, dichloromethane and ethyl acetate, respectively. The ethyl acetate extract was separated chromatographically using macroporous resin, positive and negative phase silica gel and high performance liquid chromatography. The structures of isolated compounds were elucidated by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectral data. Ten compounds were isolated form the ethyl acetate extract of R. japonicus roots. Their structures were determined as emodin (1), chrysophanol (2), aloe emodin (3), physcion (4), quercetin (5), resveratrol (6), β-sitosterol (7), 3β-acetoxy-28-hydroxyurs-12-ene (8), sucrose (9) and dibutyl phthalate (10). Among of them, compounds 1, 3, 4, 6 and 8 exhibited highly significant (p<0.05) cytotoxicities against HepG2 to a certain extent. Compounds 3-6 exhibited moderate cytotoxicities against U251 with IC50 values of 19.8, 23.5, 23.8 and 17.8 µM, respectively. Compounds 1, 2 and 7 also exhibited cytotoxicities against U251 to a certain extent with IC50 values of 48.3, 50.1 and 85.3 µM, respectively. Compounds 1-6 exhibited moderate cytotoxicities against (SK-OV-3/DDP) with IC50 values of 62.8, 64.2, 31.3, 61.0, 47.4 and 42.0 µM, respectively.

Abstract Hard textural attributes of chickpea necessitate the employment of specialized pretreatment prior to roasting. As compared to frying, the Intensification of Vaporization by Decompression to the Vacuum (IVDV) as a vacuum expansion (VE) technique was utilized to improve and preserve the nutritional, textural, and structural properties of chickpeas. It was clearly demonstrated that frying (FR) caused decrease in degrees of lightness in chickpeas as compared to VE samples. Raw and VE samples showed a combination of green and red colors. VE caused C=O stretching in chickpeas and imparted desirable color. The surface fissures were more evident in FR grains as compared to VE grains. The grain structure was modified from largely ovoid to round or spherical forms. Enhanced cross-linking was observed in VE samples due to stable rheological properties. IVDV improved nutritional, color and structural attributes of chickpeas were preserved after texturization.

Abstract This study was aimed at optimization of potato starch gel preparation process by response surface methodology and various process parameters were optimized for textural, gelation and sensory properties. 3D response surface and contour plots showed that independent variables, such as extraction time, extraction temperature and potato starch concentration significantly affected (p < 0.05) texture of potato starch gel. It was observed from RSM analysis that target responses regarding texture characteristics (hardness 1, hardness 2, springiness and chewiness) were significantly reliant on potato starch conc. followed by extraction time and temperature. To was found in range from 102.98 to 109.87 °C whereas, the mean To was maintained at 107.20 °C. It was evident from data of experimental runs that To showed relatively consistent tendency in majority of samples while, experimental runs no. 4 and 5 exhibited a maxima and minima of 109.87 °C and 102.98 °C, respectively. It was evident from To value that starch granules were subjected to degree of disintegration in its internal granules structure, and this disintegration led to polysaccharides release in surrounding medium.

Abstract Calcium fortification is usually achieved by employing wheat flour as the most frequently used vehicle. In this study, potential of calcium extraction from chicken eggshell and its utilization as a bread fortificant in straight grade flour (SGF) is investigated. In addition, the fortified and unfortified (control) flour samples were evaluated for nutrient composition and rheological properties. Results showed that addition of fortificant at different concentrations significantly (p<0.05) enhanced calcium content of fortified flour and it was considerably increased from 115.80 mg/kg (To) to 1135.1 mg/kg (T3). Nutrient composition data of fortified flour have shown a significant (p<0.05) reduction in moisture content of flour from 12.7% (To) to 11.76% (T3) and protein content from 9.89% (To) to 9.79% (T3). However, a significant increase in ash content was observed by increasing fortificant level from 0.54% (To) to 1.04% (T3). Rheological properties indicated a significant increase in water absorption from 63.60 to 67.527%, dough development time (DDT) from 7.38 to 11.37 min and dough stability from 13.79 to 17.37 min. Textural characteristics of fortified bread revealed a significant reduction for hardness values from 11.40 N (control) to 6.50 N (T3) in response to fortificant addition. Quality assessment of bread indicated that bread quality was significantly affected with corresponding rises in fortificant addition levels.

Abstract The present study was designed to characterize oat bran for their biological attributes. The results showed that bran of Avon variety contained high TDF, SDF, β-glucan and extractability of β-glucan than bran of oat variety Sargodha-81. The extrusion process exhibited the highest extractability of β-glucan (45.37%) followed by cooking (37.28%) and baking methods (32.45%). Moreover, the glucose level reduction was found significantly different when raw and processed oat bran diets fed to normal, hypercholesterolemic and diabetic rats. The highest reduction was recorded when fed on diet containing 30% processed oat bran. The processed oat bran exhibited more reduction as compared to raw oat bran. Furthermore, addition of 20% oat bran in wheat grits porridge was found to have significant effect (p < 0.05) on appearance, mouth feel and overall acceptability. Convincingly, it is recommended that processed oat bran may be introduced in diet-based remedy to rheostat lifestyle-related disorders.

Abstract Lifestyle associated disorders have always been a hazard for the advancement of chronic diseases. Therefore, use of natural dietary sources is proved to be safe for reducing the occurrence and management of chronic diseases. Okra along with its various parts has been used for the treatment of several diseases. The present study was done to examine the ameliorating effect of okra seed oil on hypercholesterolemic rats. Spargue Dawley Rats were randomly divided into five groups fed with selected experimental diets for a period of 30 days. After inducing hypercholesterolemia, the rats in treatment groups were fed with 6%, 12% and 18% okra seed oil respectively mixed with their normal diet. Decrease in cholesterol and LDL were observed in group 2, 3 and 4. Increase in HDL was also observed in group 2, 3 and 4 from 24.33 ± 1.29 to 25.33 ± 1.29, 23 ± 2.94 to 25 ± 2.94 and from 23.67 ± 1.29 to 26.67 ± 1.29 at day 28. A decrease pattern was also observed in triglycerides in group 2, 3 and 4 from 74 ± 2.22 to 72 ± 2.22, 72 ± 1.63 to 68 ± 1.63 and from 74 ± 3.11 to 66.67 ± 2.45 at day 28. Okra seed oil has the potential to ameliorate hypercholesterolemia. This vegetable can be a part of medical nutrition therapy.

Abstract Spinach is highly contaminated with different pesticide residues. This study was designed to evaluate organochlorine and pyrethroid pesticide residues present in various washing treatments (T0-T13) of fresh and chemically washed spinach with respect to maximum residues limits. Efficiency of washing solutions (citric acid, acetic acid, garlic extract and ginger extract) of different concentrations (w/v %) along with tap water in spinach was investigated for residues dissolution. Results showed that the highest reductions in endosulfan, deltamethrin and cypermethrin residues were 0.008 ± 0.008 mg.kg-1 (53%), 0.023 ± 0.024 mg.kg-1 (76%) and 0.017 ± 0.014 mgkg-1 (83%) in treatment of T5 (10% acetic acid) followed by 0.035 ± 0.029 mg.kg-1 (50%), 0.051 ± 0.029 mg.kg-1 (73%) and 0.037 ± 0.048 mg kg-1 (81%) in treatment T11 (10% ginger extract) while the lowest reductions in residues were 0.304 ± 0.004 mg.kg-1 (23%), 0.432 ± 0.030 mg.kg-1 (35%) and 0.468 ± 0.016 mg kg-1 (38%) in treatment T2 (5% citric acid), respectively. In conclusion, 10% acetic acid, ginger extract and mixture of acetic and citric acids can effectively minimize pesticide residues in treated spinach.

Abstract Goat meat is consumed all over the world because of its nutritional profile and delicacy. It is produced in all areas of Pakistan but the meat produced in the Karakoram region of the Pakistan is mostly organic and the animals are fed on the natural vegetation having nutrition benefits for humans. In current study, goats were reared on the different systems having natural flora of alfalfa and grass hey (MS I) sea buckthorn (MS II), Russian Olive (MS III) and the mix ration of sea buckthorn and Russian olive (MS IV). The animals were reared for 6 months and after slaughtering evaluated for fatty acids, physiochemical, microbiological and the sensory evaluation of the smoked meat. It has been observed that the meat has microbiological quality on acceptable degrees, fatty acid profile of the meat was best for MS IV, mineral and sensory characteristics, color and physical properties for all treatments remained non-significant. The basic choice for health-conscious consumer is on the profile of fatty acids in the meat so on the basis of data it could be suggested that the meat fed on the sea buck thorn and Russian olive is best among all treatments.

Abstract The hyperglycaemia defines features of type 2 diabetes (T2DM), which is a real time problem and poses a significant economic burden on the globe and is spreading like an epidemic. Currently it affects 384 million people on the globe and this number is expected to reach 592 million in 2035 as reiterated by International Diabetes Federation (IDF). By improving the quality of diet and decreasing the intake of sugary foods T2DM can be treated. Fenugreek seeds powder in sachet form of 20 g/day used to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus as a natural supplement. Anthropometric parameters of height, weight, age and BMI of T2DM patient was also calculated. In this study patients from Rawalpindi and Islamabad region were selected for study purpose. Blood sugar levels such as fasting blood glucose (FBG), random blood glucose (RBG), and HbA1c of both the groups (treated and control) were taken at baseline, after one month and at the end of study. When fenugreek seeds were given to T2DM patients significant decrease in their glucose levels were seen after 30 and then 60 days of treatment.

Abstract Aqueous and ethanol extracts of A. victorialis were obtained by reflux extraction. A model of kidney yang deficiency as established by injecting hydrocortisone into male Sprague-Dawley rats. The experimental groups (n=8 rats per group) consisted of blank group, kidney yang deficiency group, and Jingui Shenqi control group (oral administration of Jingui Shenqi herbal preparation). In the treated groups, A. victorialis aqueous or ethanol extract was applied at doses of 1000, 800, or 400 mg/kg. In the model group, kidney yang was associated with loss of appetite, increased drinking water consumption and urine output, and decreased range of activity. With a longer injection time, body weight slowly increased, the body temperature decreased, the response was slow, kyphosis was evident in the back of the bow, and body hair became sparse and lost luster in treated group.