Characterization of Desi Ghee Extracted by Different Methods Using Fluorescence Spectroscopy

Thermal Effects on the Quality Parameters of Extra Virgin Olive Oil Using Fluorescence Spectroscopy

Extra virgin olive oil is one of the superlative due to its health benefits. In this work, the Fluorescence spectra of extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) from different olive growing regions of Pakistan and Al-Jouf region from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) were obtained. The emission bands depicted relative intensity variations in all non-heated and heated EVOO samples. Prominent emission bands at 385, 400, 435 and 470 nm represent oxidized products of fatty acids, bands at 520 and 673 nm has been assigned to beta carotene and chlorophyll isomers respectively. All EVOO samples collected from Al-Jouf region, KSA and from Pakistan (Loralai Baluchistan, Barani Agricultural Research Institute, Chakwal and Morgha Biodiversity Park, Rawalpindi) regions showed thermal stability. Other EVOO samples from Chaman Baluchistan and one sample from wild specie (Baluchistan) bought directly from farmers showed denatured spectra even without heating. Chemical characteristics of all EVOO samples changed significantly at 200 °C. Relatively, EVOO samples from Al-Jouf showed more thermal stability which might be due to geographical distribution, environmental effects, genetic background and processing or storage conditions. These results demonstrated fluorescence spectroscopy as a quick, cost-effective and reliable approach to assess the quality and thermal stability of EVOO. These characteristics of fluorescence spectroscopy may lead to the development of portable device for the onsite monitoring of EVOO.

Panchgavya: A precious gift to humankind

Panchgavya represents milk, urine, dung, ghee, and curd, derived from cow and serves irreplaceable medicinal importance in Ayurveda and traditional Indian clinical practices. In Ayurveda,Panchgavya treatment is termed as 'Cowpathy'. In India, the cow is worshipped as a god called 'Gaumata,' indicating its nourishing nature like a mother. Ayurveda recommends Panchagavya to treat diseases of multiple systems, including severe conditions, with almost no side-effects. It can help build a healthy population, alternative sources of energy, complete nutritional requirements, eradicate poverty, pollution-free environment, organic farming, etc. Panchgavya can also give back to mother nature by promoting soil fertility, earthworm production, protecting crops from bacterial and fungal infections, etc. Scientific efforts shall be taken to build evidence for the clinical application of Cowpathy. The present review aims to summarize the health and medicinal benefits of Panchgavya.

Fluorescence Spectroscopy Based Detection of Adulteration in Desi Ghee

Desi ghee, obtained by buffalo and cow milk, is highly expensive because it contains valuable vitamins and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA). Its high demand and cost result in to its adulteration with inferior banaspati ghee. In this study, Fluorescence spectroscopy along with multivariate analysis has been utilised for the detection and quantification of adulteration. Spectroscopic analysis showed that buffalo ghee contains more vitamins and CLA than cow, whereas cow ghee is enriched with beta-carotene. For multivariate analysis, principle component analysis (PCA) and partial least square regression (PLSR) have been applied on the spectral data for the determination of adulteration. PLSR model was authenticated by predicting 23 unknown samples including 3 commercial brands of desi ghee. The root mean square error in prediction (RMSEP) of unknown samples was found to be 1.7 which is a reasonable value for quantitative prediction. Due to non-destructive and requiring no sample pre-treatment, this method can effectively be employed as on line characterization tool for the food safety assurance.