Effect of cultivars, pretreatment and drying on physicochemical properties of Amla (Emblica officinalis) gratings

Phytochemicals-linked food safety and human health protective benefits of the selected food-based botanicals

Phytochemicals-rich food-based botanicals including traditional or under-utilized plant-based ingredients can serve a dual functional role to help counter food contamination of bacterial origin, while also addressing the rise of diet-linked non-communicable chronic diseases (NCDs) such as type 2 diabetes, chronic hypertension and the associated oxidative stress. Hence the screening of these food-based botanicals for their phenolic content and profile, as well as antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-hyperglycemic and anti-hypertensive properties has relevant merit. Using in vitro assay models, hot water extracts of different forms (slice, pickle, or powder) of amla (Phyllanthus emblica), clove (Syzygium aromaticum), kokum (Garcinia indica), and garlic (Allium sativum) were analyzed for their total soluble phenolic content (TSP) and phenolic profile as well as antimicrobial activity against strains of Salmonella Enteritidis, Listeria monocytogenes, and Escherichia coli that are associated with food-borne disease outbreaks. In addition, the antioxidant, anti-hyperglycemic and anti-hypertensive activity of the extracts were also determined using in vitro assay models, with the goal of establishing a dual functional role of the food safety and health protective benefits of these botanicals. A high baseline TSP content was observed in all the extracts and the major phenolic phytochemicals detected were gallic, cinnamic, ellagic, benzoic, dihydroxybenzoic, protocatechuic, and p-coumaric acid along with catechin and rutin. All extracts displayed significant antimicrobial activity against most of the bacterial strains tested and the antimicrobial activity was specific for each strain targeted in this study. Furthermore, significant antioxidant, anti-hyperglycemic and antihypertensive activity were observed among the botanical extracts, especially among the amla and kokum extracts. These results indicate that phytochemicals enriched botanicals, including amla and kokum, can be integrated into modern-day food preservation and dietary support strategies aimed at improving the food safety and health protective benefits of the food matrix.

Optimization of process parameters of refractance window drying for aonla slices and comparison with other drying techniques

BACKROUND

Aonla is as a good source of antioxidants due to its high ascorbic acid and polyphenol contents. However, because of its high acidity and astringent taste, aonla is rarely consumed in its fresh form. As the constituents in aonla are heat sensitive, it is essential to find a suitable drying method for preservation. Therefore, refractance window drying (RWD) of aonla slices was studied as it has the potential of retaining heat-sensitive compounds.

RESULTS

The effect of RWD process variables, namely water temperature (75, 82.5, 90 °C) and slice thickness (2, 4, 6 mm), on different quality parameters of dehydrated aonla was studied. Increasing water temperature resulted in significantly higher ascorbic acid content, titratable acidity and product temperature, while total phenolic content, free radical scavenging activity and moisture content decreased. With the exception of product temperature, higher slice thickness led to an increase in the values of all the parameters. At the optimized processing conditions of 83 °C water temperature and 4 mm slice thickness, the ascorbic acid content, total phenolic content, free radical scavenging activity, titratable acidity and moisture content values were found to be 269.03 mg (100 g)-1, 242.33 mg (100 g)-1, 87.11%, 3.62% and 4% respectively. The aonla slices subjected to RWD also possessed 4-6% higher phytochemical content than osmotically dried and hot-air-dried samples.

CONCLUSION

This research highlights the effectiveness of RWD in preserving heat-sensitive compounds in food like aonla. The RW-dried slices had a smoother and more uniform microstructure compared to osmotically dried and hot-air-dried samples. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Effect of amla and ginger powders on quality criteria of African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) fingers

Catfish (Clarias gariepinus) meat isn't preferred by consumers in compared to other fish species meat, thus to enhance the use of catfish meat, ready to eat catfish fingers were prepared with some plants additives (amla and ginger powder). The mean objective of this study was to assess the impact of amla and ginger powder on catfish finger qualities in terms of physical, chemical, microbiological, and sensorial parameters under stored at a low temperature (5 ± 1 °C). The obtained results were compared with those of a control sample (basic formula) and a sample containing the synthetic antioxidant. During the storage period, the levels of pH, thiobarbituric acid, total volatile basic nitrogen, trimethylamine, total bacteria count, psychrophilic bacteria, molds and yeasts counts increased dramatically, although the values remained within acceptable ranges. The findings also revealed, that amla and ginger powder considerably (p < 0.05) reduced the changes in quality parameters, as well as there was a considerable increase in the quality parameter in all treated samples than in the control. Finally, amla and ginger powder can be a substitute for synthetic antioxidants and antimicrobials. These findings suggest that the powder of amla and ginger are suitable for use as a natural antioxidants and antimicrobials to extend the shelf-life of animal products.

Functional and Nutraceutical Significance of Amla (Phyllanthus emblica L.): A Review

Phyllanthus emblica L. (also popularly known as amla) is a tree native to the India and Southeast Asia regions that produces fruits rich in bioactive compounds that could be explored as part of the increasing interest in naturally occurring compounds with biological activity. Thus, this review aims to highlight the nutritional aspects, rich phytochemistry and health-promoting effects of amla. Scientific evidence indicates that polyphenols are central components in fruits and other sections of the amla tree, as well as vitamin C. The rich composition of polyphenol and vitamin C imparts an important antioxidant activity along with important in vivo effects that include improved antioxidant status and activity of the endogenous antioxidant defense system. Other potential health benefits are the anti-hyperlipidemia and antidiabetic activities as well as the anticancer, anti-inflammatory, digestive tract and neurological protective activities. The promising results provided by the studies about amla bioactive compounds support their potential role in assisting the promotion of health and prevention of diseases.

Insight about the biochemical composition, postharvest processing, therapeutic potential of Indian gooseberry (amla), and its utilization in development of functional foods-A comprehensive review

Indian gooseberry/Amla (Emblica officinalis Gaertn. syn. Phyllanthus emblica L) has an amazing nutritional profile and is a reservoir of biologically active compounds which have potential health benefits and are regarded as a remedy for lethal diseases. The unique features of amla, conferred by their bioactive components, have extended future prospects about their usage for useful effects on human nutrition and health globally. With the rapidly growing popularity of this unique therapeutic fruit, it is important to have comprehensive knowledge of this fruit. The current review article presents the nutritional profile, bioactive components, antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, and postharvest processing of amla fruit. Moreover, studies related to therapeutic properties of amla and its utilization in development of functional foods have been presented in this review. E. officinalis is a promising source of bioactive compounds which showed varied potential in the management of a number of human ailments which has been proven through various studies. Therefore, amla should be taken in the regular diet, thereby utilizing its potential health benefits. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Amla (Indian gooseberry), as source of natural bioactive compounds, has a great potential application in improving the status of human nutrition and health. The utilization of amla extract has various biological effects, like antimicrobial, antioxidant, gastroprotective, anticancer, hepatoprotective, cardioprotective, radioprotective, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, neuroprotective, and immunomodulatory effect, owing to its bioactive components. The use of amla extract has recently increased in food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic products to replace synthetic antioxidants which have inherent harmful health effects. The review report will provide information on bioactive components, therapeutic properties, utilization of amla in the development of future functional foods, and postharvest processing of amla, which will provide critical information to researchers all over the world.

Plant-Derived Antioxidants: Significance in Skin Health and the Ageing Process

Natural substances have traditionally been used in skin care for centuries. There is now an ongoing search for new natural bioactives that not only promote skin health but also protect the skin against various harmful factors, including ultraviolet radiation and free radicals. Free radicals, by disrupting defence and restoration mechanisms, significantly contribute to skin damage and accelerate ageing. Natural compounds present in plants exhibit antioxidant properties and the ability to scavenge free radicals. The increased interest in plant chemistry is linked to the growing interest in plant materials as natural antioxidants. This review focuses on aromatic and medicinal plants as a source of antioxidant substances, such as polyphenols, tocopherols, carotenoids, ascorbic acid, and macromolecules (including polysaccharides and peptides) as well as components of essential oils, and their role in skin health and the ageing process.

Phyllanthus emblica L. (amla) branch: A safe and effective ingredient against skin aging

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Skin aging influences the changes in skin, including skin dryness, wrinkle, and irregular pigmentation. Amla (Phyllanthus emblica L.) branch has shown several benefits, but not the anti-skin aging. The study aimed to evaluate the anti-skin aging efficacy of amla branch.

EXPERIMENTAL PROCEDURE

Amla branches were standardized the phenolic acids. The extract was investigated anti-skin aging activities, including antioxidant, anti-tyrosinase, anti-melanogenesis, and matrix metalloproteinase-2 inhibitory assays. Topical gel containing extract was prepared and evaluated the skin irritation by a single closed patch test. Randomized, double-blind, placebo-control study was performed in 20 volunteers for 84 consecutive days. The tested skin was evaluated by Chromameter® CR 400, Dermalab® USB, Mexameter® MX 18, Corneometer® CM 825, and Visioscan® VC 98.

RESULTS

Amla branch extract, a dark brown powder, consisted a variety of phenolic acids, mainly sinapic and ferulic acids. The extract exhibited the potent antioxidant and tyrosinase inhibitory activities in vitro assays and the melanin suppression through inhibition of tyrosinase and tyrosinase-related protein-2 activities, the strong antioxidant, and the potent matrix metalloproteinase-2 in cellular assays at 0.1 mg/mL. Topical gel containing 0.1% extract was a stable and safe formulation. Clinical study was proved the superior anti-skin aging efficacy, including the lightening skin color, the enhanced skin elasticity and hydration, and the skin wrinkle reduction.

CONCLUSION

The study results suggested that amla branch is a rich source of bioactive compounds and can be a potential ingredient for utilization in anti-skin aging products.