Nutritional evaluation of Kedrostis africana (L.) Cogn: An edible wild plant of South Africa

Investigating the effect of solvent on anti-antioxidant properties of Sesamum indicum seeds

Dietary phytochemicals are important bioactive compounds that can scavenge reactive oxygen species. These essential compounds may have antioxidant properties which are known to play a significant role in the treatment and prevention of many chronic diseases. Sesame, an oil-bearing seed, is a well-known promising source of food with both nutritional and therapeutic benefits. As a result, the study aimed to evaluate the antioxidant properties of different solvent extracts of Sesame seeds and to analyse the bioactive compounds present. The seeds were obtained from the local farmers and prepared for analysis. The bioactive compounds present in the seeds were extracted using hexane, ethyl acetate, ethanol, and water. The total phenolic content (TPC), the condensed tannin content (CTC), the total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and the 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assay were also determined using standard methods. Two chemometric methods, hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) and Pearson correlation, were employed to evaluate the interdependence of the various parameters and the antioxidant activity. Anti-nutrients such as saponins, alkaloids, phytates, and oxalates were also analysed from the powdered seeds. The study results revealed the presence of anti-nutrients such as phytate (7.691 ± 0.8576 mg/g), oxalate (1.501 ± 0.1375 mg/g), saponins (21.33 ± 4.619 mg/g) and alkaloids (317.33 ± 30.29 mg/g). The study also revealed that the aqueous extract exhibited the highest TPC (17.12 ± 0.041 mg GAE/g of dried extract, p < 0.05) and CTC (64.27 ± 4.711 mg CE/g of dried extract, p < 0.05). Ethanol and hexane had a similar total phenolic content (14.83 ± 0.123 and 14.66 ± 1.474 mg GAE/g of dried extract, respectively, p < 0.05Ethyl acetate had the lowest TPC content. Ethanol extracts had the highest antioxidant activity with a TAC value of 232.6 ± 6.267 mg/g AAE and a DPPH scavenging activity of IC50 of 52.81 ± 2.30 μg/mL. A good correlation (p < 0.05) was established between the extracts' TPC, CTC, TAC, and DPPH radical scavenging activity. Chemometric analysis from the study showed no significant connection between the radical scavenging activity of TPC and DPPH. From the results obtained, it can be concluded that the bioactive compounds present in the sesame seed and their subsequent antioxidant properties are dependent on the nature of the solvent used for extraction.

Impact of Irpex lenis and Schizophyllum commune endophytic fungi on Perilla frutescens: enhancing nutritional uptake, phytochemicals, and antioxidant potential

BACKGROUND

Endophytic fungi (EF) reside within plants without causing harm and provide benefits such as enhancing nutrients and producing bioactive compounds, which improve the medicinal properties of host plants. Selecting plants with established medicinal properties for studying EF is important, as it allows a deeper understanding of their influence. Therefore, the study aimed to investigate the impact of EF after inoculating the medicinal plant Perilla frutescens, specifically focusing on their role in enhancing medicinal properties.

RESULTS

In the current study, the impact of two EF i.e., Irpex lenis and Schizophyllum commune isolated from A. bracteosa was observed on plant Perilla frutescens leaves after inoculation. Plants were divided into four groups i.e., group A: the control group, group B: inoculated with I. lenis; group C: inoculated with S. commune and group D: inoculated with both the EF. Inoculation impact of I. lenis showed an increase in the concentration of chlorophyll a (5.32 mg/g), chlorophyll b (4.46 mg/g), total chlorophyll content (9.78 mg/g), protein (68.517 ± 0.77 mg/g), carbohydrates (137.886 ± 13.71 mg/g), and crude fiber (3.333 ± 0.37%). Furthermore, the plants inoculated with I. lenis showed the highest concentrations of P (14605 mg/kg), Mg (4964.320 mg/kg), Ca (27389.400 mg/kg), and Mn (86.883 mg/kg). The results of the phytochemical analysis also indicated an increased content of total flavonoids (2.347 mg/g), phenols (3.086 mg/g), tannins (3.902 mg/g), and alkaloids (1.037 mg/g) in the leaf extract of P. frutescens inoculated with I. lenis. Thus, overall the best results of inoculation were observed in Group B i.e. inoculated with I. lenis. GC-MS analysis of methanol leaf extract showed ten bioactive constituents, including 9-Octadecenoic acid (Z)-, methyl ester, and hexadecanoic acid, methyl ester as major constituents found in all the groups of P. frutescens leaves. The phenol (gallic acid) and flavonoids (rutin, kaempferol, and quercetin) were also observed to increase after inoculation by HPTLC analysis. The enhancement in the phytochemical content was co-related with improved anti-oxidant potential which was analyzed by DPPH (% Inhibition: 83.45 µg/ml) and FRAP (2.980 µM Fe (II) equivalent) assay as compared with the control group.

CONCLUSION

Inoculation with I. lenis significantly enhances the uptake of nutritional constituents, phytochemicals, and antioxidant properties in P. frutescens, suggesting its potential to boost the therapeutic properties of host plants.

Nutritional, Phytochemical, and Functional Properties of Four Edible Orchid Species from Malawi

Terrestrial orchid tubers are an important source of food in some parts of Africa and are traditionally included in the diets of most rural communities in Malawi. However, there is limited information on the nutritional and phytochemical content of the Malawian orchids to substantiate their traditional use. The present study evaluates the nutritional and phytochemical variation of four orchid species: Disa zombica, Satyrium buchananii, Satyrium carsonii, and Satyrium trinerve, collected from the same ecological zone of Malawi. The proximate content, minerals, phytochemicals, and functional properties were analysed using official procedures. Protein ranged from 2.19% to 4.65%, whereas carbohydrate ranged from 65.24% to 80.22%, with S. carsonii and S. trinerve registering the highest protein and carbohydrate contents, respectively. Iron and potassium were highest in D. zombica, while sodium and calcium were highest in S. buchananii. The total phenolics ranged from 228.56 to 500.00 mg GAE/100 g, with D. zombica registering the highest. The water absorption capacity ranged from 4.10 to 10.88 g/g. Despite variable levels, the study provides evidence that orchid species contain essential nutrients and phytochemicals important for human nutrition and health. Furthermore, the functional properties can be utilised in the development of food products, such as baked products.

Exploring Phytochemical Profile, Pharmaceutical Activities, and Medicinal and Nutritional Value of Wild Edible Plants in Ethiopia

In many parts of the world, wild edible plants (WEPs) constitute an essential component of the global food basket, providing an alternative source of wholesome and nourishing food. Ethiopia is one of countries of the world having largest concentrations of WEPs. In the country, various parts of WEPs, such as fruits, stems, leaves, tubers, roots, or entire plant sections, are frequently consumed and used as food sources for famine relief during seasonal food shortages, as well as for commercial purposes. WEPs have been also used in the country as sources of phytochemicals, traditional medicine, and pharmaceutical applications. Approximately 30%-40% of WEPs and over 413 different kinds of WEPs are commonly consumed by Ethiopians regularly. Most plant families utilized as WEPs are Moraceae, Fabaceae, Flacourtiaceae, Myrtaceae, Rosaceae, and Tiliaceae. The most widely used plant parts of WEPs were fruits. WEPs can be used as substitutes for traditional plant-based human diets because of their high nutritional value, which includes proteins, vitamins B2 and C, and low moisture content. This review focuses on using edible wild plants for pharmacological purposes, dietary supplements, and alternative medicine. Many obstacles prevent people from consuming WEPs, even when they are easily accessible and available. The use of WEPs must be encouraged by nutrition policies as one of the pillars of food and nutrition security. To increase yield, diversify the revenue streams of small-scale farmers, and protect the diminishing wild edible fruit resources, it is imperative to domesticate and enhance WEPs.

Identification of Bioactive Phytoconstituents, Nutritional Composition and Antioxidant Activity of Calyptocarpus vialis

This study is focused to highlight the phytochemical, nutrient content and in vitro antioxidant capacity of the wildly growing plant Calyptocarpus vialis (CV) of the Asteraceae family collected from the Garhwal region of India. Phytochemical and nutritional analysis of CV is done by qualitative and quantitative methods. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) analysis confirmed the presence of phenols, alkanes, aliphatic primary amines, carboxylic acids, nitrile, aromatics and alcohols. Gas chromatography and mass spectroscopy (GC-MS) revealed the presence of terpenoids, plant sterols and phenols such as phytol (14.9%), stigmasterol (10.02%), viridiflorol (4.19%), squalene (2.54%) and various other phytochemicals. The plant's study reveals the existence of numerous nutritious elements, including proteins, vitamins, carbohydrates and amino acids. It also revealed the presence of the huge amount of phenolic content ⁓13.49 g in a 100-g dried CV plant sample. The antioxidant potential of methanolic extract of CV was estimated using DPPH (2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) free radical scavenging assay, phosphomolybdate assay and reducing power assay. The highest percentage of antioxidant activity determined from three assays is 74 to 87% for 1 mg of dry extract. It is observed that the CV extract act as a good antioxidant when compared to other plants of the Asteraceae family even at very low concentration of the sample. Hence, CV found in the foothills of Himalayas can be further explored as a source of potent bioactive compounds and natural and economical antioxidant for biomedical and immunity-boosting applications.

Nutritional Composition and Phytochemical Evaluation of Some Selected Wild Edible Plants in Tach Gaint District, Northwestern Ethiopia

The objective of the study was to evaluate the nutritional, mineral, and phytochemical analyses of some selected wild edible plants from Tach Gaint District, Northwest Ethiopia. Proximate composition parameters (moisture, ash, crude fibre, crude fat, crude protein, carbohydrate, and energy) were evaluated using the methods of the Association of Official Analytical Chemists, and elemental analysis was performed using the atomic absorption spectroscopy technique. Results from the nutritional analysis show that Erucastrum abyssinicum leaves had the highest crude protein content (17.47 ± 0.03 g/100 g), followed by Amaranthus graecizans (14.97 ± 0.03 g/100 g). The maximum moisture content (40.8 ± 0.00 g/100 g) and ash content (24.70 ± 0.15 g/100 g) were reported in the leaves of Amaranthus graecizans. The young shoots of Rumex abyssinicus had the highest crude fat content (14.07 ± 0.03 g/100 g) and the highest fibre content (34.70 ± 0.25 g/100 g), while the fruits of Opuntia ficus-indica had the highest amount of utilisable carbohydrate (44.4 ± 0.00 g/100 g) and the estimated energy value (326.4 ± 0.00 Kcal/100 g). Calcium was detected in considerable proportions (754.9 ± 0.23 mg/100 g) followed by iron (31.63 ± 0.03 mg/100 g) in Urtica simensis leaves and zinc content (3.09 ± 0.02 mg/100 g) in young shoots of Rumex abyssinicus. Qualitative phytochemical screening, alkaloids, phenols, flavonoids, triterpenes, saponins, and tannins were found in the methanolic extract of the plants. The results of this study suggest that the consumption of such nutrient-rich wild edible plants could help add a remarkable amount of nutrient and mineral in the human diet.

Antioxidant activity and mineral content of Impatiens tinctoria A. Rich (Ensosila) tuber, an Ethiopian medicinal plant

Recently, an interest has surged in incorporating extracts of medicinal plants as active ingredients in cosmetic formulations, highlighting the need to analyze medicinal plants of cosmetic interest for phytochemicals and bioactivities. The tuber of the Ethiopian medicinal plant Impatiens tinctoria A. Rich (Ensosila) is used to make traditional cosmetics. The aim of the study was to investigate the antioxidant and mineral content of the Impatiens tinctoria tuber. Water, ethanol, and methanol were used during the extraction process. High phenolic content was found in methanol extract (107.8 ± 0.025 µg/ml GAE) followed by water extract (92.4 ± 0.02 µg/ml GAE). High flavonoid content was also obtained in methanol extract (136.7 ± 0.04 µg/ml QE). Strong 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging activity was recorded for methanol extract with IC50 value of 44.4 µg/ml, compared with ethanol extract (97.54 µg/ml) and water extracts (98.24 µg/ml). The lower IC50 value of methanolic extract demonstrated strong antioxidant activity. The three elements that were most prevalent in Impatiens tinctoria tuber out of the eight elements examined were K (170 ± 0.05 mg/100 g sample), Ca (87 ± 0.08 mg/100 g sample), and Mg (16 ± 0.01 mg/100 g sample). The phenolics, flavonoids, and minerals found in Impatiens tinctoria A. Rich (Ensosila) tuber may protect against oxidative stress-related skin damage and thus deserving attention for future applications in cosmetics formulations.

Exploring the Use of Indigenous Wild Vegetables by the Basotho People of Southern Africa: A Comprehensive Review of the Literature and Nutritional Analysis of Selected Species

Wild indigenous vegetables have recently been receiving attention due to their accessibility and potential to fight malnutrition. The current study investigated the nutritional profile of 10 selected wild indigenous vegetables, namely Asclepias multicaulis, Lepidium africanum, Erucastrum austroafricanum, Solanum nigrum, Sonchus dregeanus, Sonchus integrifolius, Sonchus nanus, Rorippa fluviatilis, Tribulus terrestris, and Urtica lobulata, consumed by the Basotho people of southern Africa. This was done by first compiling a comprehensive literature review to identify the knowledge gaps and further analysing the selected vegetables for mineral contents and proximate compositions using standard analytical procedures of AOAC. The literature survey revealed that 90 wild plants are used as vegetables by the Basotho people, and there are knowledge gaps on the nutritional value of many species. Mineral analyses of the wild vegetables showed that Asclepias multicaulis and Sonchus dregeanus are rich in minerals such as Al, Ca, K, Mg, Na, P, and S and can compete favourably with commercialised vegetables such as lettuce and spinach in terms of mineral components. Also, all the wild vegetables studied have more than 12% recommended caloric protein value except Tribulus terrestris (10.07%) and Lepidium africanum (11.32%). The crude fat content in Asclepias multicaulis, Lepidium africanum, Rorippa fluviatilis, Erucastrum austroafricanum, and Urtica lobulata fall within the range required for healthy living. The concentrations of cadmium, copper, and lead in all the vegetables studied are below the detection level, thus making them non-toxic and safe for consumption.

Cytotoxic Potential of Diospyros villosa Leaves and Stem Bark Extracts and Their Silver Nanoparticles

Diospyros villosa is traditionally used for an anti-bacterial property. Its cytotoxic effects have not been studied before. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the nutritional properties as well the cytotoxic effects of D. villosa. The leaves and stem barks were subjected to three different extraction methods (methanol, chloroform and hexane) and their nanoparticles were synthesized at two different temperatures (room temperature and at 80 °C). Thereafter, extracts were assessed using the associated AOCC protocols, for their nutritional content (moisture, fibre, proteins, lipid, ash and hydrolysable carbohydrates). Diospyros villosa extracts and their corresponding nanoparticles were then incubated overnight with cancerous and noncancerous cell lines to evaluate their cytotoxic potential. The nutritional analysis revealed that both young and mature leaves were rich sources of protein having values of 14.95% and 11.37% respectively. The moisture content was observed to be higher in all the leaf types (8.54 ± 0.75%, 9.67 ± 0.98% and 7.40 ± 0.80%) compared to the stem (2.13 ± 0.07%) respectively. The MTT cytotoxicity assay showed that the cell viability of MCF-7 cell lines was significantly lower when exposed to hexane and chloroform leaves extracts of D. villosa (IC₅₀ of 26.64 and 26.07 µg mL^-1) respectively, compared to camptothecin (36.54 µg mL^-1). Similarly, the MCF-7 cell viability was observed to be significantly lower when exposed to hexane and chloroform stem extracts of D. villosa (IC₅₀ of 24.57 and 3.92 µg mL^-1), compared to camptothecin (36.54 µg mL^-1). The cell viability of A549 cell lines was also found lower when exposed to the hexane and chloroform extracts (IC₅₀ of 7.76 and 4.59 µg mL^-1) compared to camptothecin (IC₅₀ of 19.26 µg mL^-1). Furthermore, the viability of A549 cell lines was found lower when exposed to hexane and chloroform stem extracts of D. villosa (IC₅₀ of 10.67 and 5.35 µg mL^-1) compared to camptothecin (19.26 µg mL^-1). The biosynthesized nanoparticles further displayed an anticancer activity with an IC₅₀ value of 4.08 µg mL^-1 when compared to the control (36.54 µg mL^-1). However, the HEK293 cell viability was observed to be significantly higher on exposure to hexane stem extracts of D. villosa (IC₅₀ of 158.5 µg mL^-1) compared to camptothecin (IC₅₀ of 14.77 µg mL^-1). Therefore, Diospyros villosa leaves, stem bark and nanoparticles synthesized showed high potential for being considered as a candidate for an anti-cancer regimen.

Proximate, Minerals, and Vitamin C Contents of Selected Wild Edible Plants in Lasta District, Northeastern Ethiopia

Wild edible plants (WEPs) are the natural food source that can help to mitigate food insecurity and improve starvation in low income countries including Ethiopia. Despite the widespread use of WEPs in Ethiopia, studies on the nutritional contents of Ethiopian WEPs are limited. The objective of the current study is to evaluate the nutritional value (proximate, mineral, and vitamin C contents) of the most consumed seven wild edible plants collected from Lasta District, Northeastern Ethiopia. The nutritional parameters including proximate, macro and micronutrients, and also vitamin C contents of the selected seven wild edible plants were evaluated using standard food analysis methods (moisture by dry-oven method, ash by high-temperature incineration in an electric muffle furnace, fat by Soxhlet extraction procedure, protein by Kjeldahl process, minerals by Atomic absorption spectrometer and atomic emission spectrometry and vitamin C by using a spectrophotometer). One-way ANOVA was used to analyze the nutritional content variations of selected WEPs. The proximate composition of the 7 WEPs came in the respective ranges of moisture (6.50–9.77 g/100 g); ash (6.99–26.35 g/100 g); crude protein (13.1–33.63 g/100 g); crude fat (1.08–9.83 g/100 g); crude fiber (6.21–43.77 g/100 g); utilizable carbohydrate (30.11–66.25 g/100 g) and gross energy (213.05–414.80 Kcal/100 g). The mineral composition of WEPs (mg/100 g dry weight) for macronutrients ranged from 25.53–37.99 Na, 56.65–72.79 Mg, 14.40–43.57 K, 44.35–60.14 Ca, and for micronutrients it ranged from 10.51–27.96 Fe, 8.35–23.87 Zn, 14.08–23.20 Cu, and 7.99–19.08 Mn. The vitamin C contents of WEPs (mg/100 g dry weight) ranged from 2.16–70.42 except in Haplocarpha rueppelii leaves in which its vitamin C content is below the detection limit. The outcome of the investigation indicates that the proximate, mineral and vitamin C contents of the WEPs included in the analysis were higher than those of some common crops (sorghum, rice, wheat, barley and maize), indicating their nutritional contribution to the human diet in the studied area. These wild food sources make up a good part of the traditional subsistence system of the people of Lasta District alongside their common food crops and other food sources.

Proximate, Vitamins, Minerals and Anti-Nutritive Constituents of the Leaf and Stem of Helichrysum odoratissimum (L.) Sweet: A Folk Medicinal Plant in South Africa

Helichrysum odoratissimum (L.) Sweet (Asteraceae) is a perennial shrub used in South African folk medicine to combat human diseases such as diabetes, coughs, asthma, and diarrhoea, and for wound treatment. This study evaluated the leaf and stem of H. odoratissimum for their nutritive and anti-nutritive qualities using the standard methods of the Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC), atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS) and colorimetry. Crude fat and protein were high in the leaf (7.61% and 7.82% DW), but low in the stem (2.25% and 3.4%), respectively. The neutral detergent fibre (NDF) content was significantly higher in the stem (68.5%) compared to the leaf (43.6%), while non-fibre carbohydrate (NFC) in the leaf (24.93%) was higher than in the stem (15.67%). Mineral analysis showed that both the leaf and stem of H. odoratissimum are good sources of potassium, calcium, sodium, magnesium, phosphorus and iron. Appreciable amounts of vitamins B2, C and E in the leaf and stem supports the folkloric utility of the plant in the traditional treatment of wounds, coughs and colds. A tolerable amount of phytate in both leaf (0.36%) and stem (1.06%) might be a factor for safer consumption of the plant as food and medicine. These findings suggest the use of the plant as a source for dietary supplementation and ethnomedicinal applications.

Antioxidant Activity and Anti-Nutritional Factors of Selected Wild Edible Plants Collected from Northeastern Ethiopia

In Ethiopia, wild edible plants (WEPs) offer a natural food supply for humans to alleviate food insecurity and hunger. Despite the extensive usage of WEPs in Ethiopia, there have been few investigations on their nutritional composition. Our study aimed to evaluate the antioxidant activity and anti-nutritional factors of the most commonly consumed WEPs in Northeastern Ethiopia. The antioxidant parameters including total phenol, total flavonoid, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and Ferric Antioxidant Power (FRAP) assay contents and the anti-nutritional parameters including oxalate, phytate and tannin contents of the selected seven WEPs were evaluated using standard food analysis techniques. The total phenol (mg GAE/100 g) and total flavonoid (mg QE/100 g) content of WEPs resulted in ranges of 0.79–17.02 and 2.27–7.12, respectively. The antioxidant activity revealed that leaves of Amaranthus hybridus and Rumex nervosus have the highest DPPH and FRAP value, scavenging 50% of free radicals under 50 µg/mL. Non-food values resulted in the respective ranges of 3.37–11.73 mg/100 g oxalate, 16.31–165 µg/100 g phytate and 1.38–5.49 mg/100 g tannin. The investigation indicates that the antioxidant activity of WEPs under research was higher than common crops, and the non-food values were laid in the safe limit, indicating that these might be used for making more healthy and nutritious foods.

Effect of Microwave Heat Processing on Nutritional Indices, Antinutrients, and Sensory Attributes of Potato Powder-Supplemented Flatbread

This study aims at evaluating nutritional, toxicological, and sensory attributes of microwave heat-treated potato powder-supplemented unleavened flatbread. Straight-grade wheat flour (SGF) was substituted with potato powder at the rate of 2.5–10% d.w. A comparison was made for nutritional, antinutrient, and organoleptic attributes of microwave heat-treated potato powder and SGF—potato powder composite flour-based flatbreads. The results suggest processed potato powder supplementation in SGF to significantly ( $p<0.05$ ) improve ash (0.48 to 0.63 g/100 g), dietary fiber (2.15 to 2.61 g/100 g), and protein (8.33 to 9.91 g/100 g) contents of composite chapatis. Likewise, significant ( $p<0.05$ ) improvement in the concentration of microelements and trace elements was observed including Ca, Na, K, Fe, and Zn contents, which were increased from 29.7 to 33.5 mg/100 g, 2.8 to 6.3 mg/100 g, 376 to 466 mg/100 g, 3.1 to 3.4 mg/100 g, and 3.17 to 3.25 mg/100 g, respectively. Microwave heating of potato powder was observed to reduce the load of alkaloids, oxalates, tannins, and phytates of the raw potato powder at the rate of 76%, 80%, 84%, and 82%, respectively, thus anticipating a promising response to minimize toxicant load in supplemented flatbread. Supplementing potato powder in SGF elucidated significant ( $p<0.05$ ) improvement in color values, i.e., a∗ (1.89–2.32) and b∗ (10.95–13.22), and increased product hardness from 3.17 to 7.9 N. The study concludes that microwave heat-treated potato powder yield improved nutritional and safety concerns of the consumers when used alone or as a supplement for developing composite flours based on value-added products.

Ginger from Farmyard to Town: Nutritional and Pharmacological Applications

Ginger (Zingiber officinale) is one of the most widely used natural products consumed as a spice and medicine for treating diabetes, flatulent intestinal colic, indigestion, infertility, inflammation, insomnia, a memory booster, nausea, rheumatism, stomach ache, and urinary tract infections. To date, over 400 bioactive components, such as diarylheptanoids, gingerol analogues, phenylalkanoids, sulfonates, monoterpenoid glycosides, steroids, and terpene compounds have been derived from ginger. Increasing evidence has revealed that ginger possesses a broad range of biological activities, especially protective effects against male infertility, nausea and vomiting, analgesic, anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, anti-obesity, and other effects. The pharmacological activities of ginger were mainly attributed to its active phytoconstituents such as 6-gingerol, gingerdiol, gingerol, gingerdione, paradols, shogaols, sesquiterpenes, zingerone, besides other phenolics and flavonoids. In recent years, in silico molecular docking studies revealed that gingerol (6-gingerol, 8-gingerol, and 10-gingerol) and Shogaol (6-shogaol, 8-shogaol, 10-shogaol) had the best binding affinities to the receptor protein in disease conditions such as diabetes, inflammation, obesity, and SARS-CoV-2. Furthermore, some clinical trials have indicated that ginger can be consumed for alleviation of nausea and vomiting induced by surgery, pain, diabetes, obesity, inflammation, male infertility. This review provides an updated understanding of the scientific evidence on the development of ginger and its active compounds as health beneficial agents in future clinical trials.

The Impact of Salt Stress on Plant Growth, Mineral Composition, and Antioxidant Activity in Tetragonia decumbens Mill.: An Underutilized Edible Halophyte in South Africa

Climate change, expanding soil salinization, and the developing shortages of freshwater have negatively affected crop production around the world. Seawater and salinized lands represent potentially cultivable areas for edible salt-tolerant plants. In the present study, the effect of salinity stress on plant growth, mineral composition (macro-and micro-nutrients), and antioxidant activity in dune spinach (Tetragonia decumbens) were evaluated. The treatments consisted of three salt concentrations, 50, 100, and 200 mM, produced by adding NaCl to the nutrient solution. The control treatment had no NaCl but was sustained and irrigated by the nutrient solution. Results revealed a significant increase in total yield, branch production, and ferric reducing antioxidant power in plants irrigated with nutrient solution incorporated with 50 mM NaCl. Conversely, an increased level of salinity (200 mM) caused a decrease in chlorophyll content (SPAD), while the phenolic content, as well as nitrogen, phosphorus, and sodium, increased. The results of this study indicate that there is potential for brackish water cultivation of dune spinach for consumption, especially in provinces experiencing the adverse effect of drought and salinity, where seawater or underground saline water could be diluted and used as irrigation water in the production of this vegetable.

Nutritional composition and antinutrient content of Heteromorpha arborescens (Spreng.) Cham. & Schltdl. leaves: An underutilized wild vegetable

The nutritional and antinutrient composition of Heteromorpha arborescens (Spreng.) Cham. & Schltdl. leaves was reported in this study. Proximate analysis revealed the presence of 8.5% total ash, 4.92% crude fat, 8.41% moisture, 15.74% crude protein, 21.48% crude fiber, 40.95% carbohydrates, and 271.04 kcal/100 g energy value. Mineral analysis showed that H. arborescens leaves are very rich in K, Ca, and Fe. Considerable amounts of Mg, Mn, Na, P, Cu, and Zn were also present. Vitamin analysis showed that the plant has a high content of vitamins A, C, and E. The antinutrients evaluated were phytate, oxalate, saponin, and alkaloids, all of which were below toxic levels except for saponin which was observed at moderately high level. The results credibly indicate that H. arborescens leaves are nutrient-rich and can contribute effectively to the daily nutrient requirements alongside its therapeutic properties.

Mineral Composition and Antioxidant Potential in the Common Poppy (Papaver rhoeas L.) Petal Infusions

The flowers of the common poppy are used for medicinal purposes, both internally and externally. They are reported to have antispasmodic and antitussive properties, to alleviate inflammatory conditions and soothe anxiety-related digestive problems. The aim of the study was to determine the antioxidant potential and the content of vitamin C, polyphenols, and minerals in infusions made from the petals of the common poppy at different temperatures. The infusions were made at various temperatures (25 °C, 70 °C, 80 °C, and 90 °C). The antioxidant potential and the content of polyphenols and vitamin C were determined by spectrophotometric methods. The mineral content was determined using the ICP-OES method. The total polyphenol content ranged from 135.2 to 137.24 ppm and that of vitamin C-from 15.47 to 15.78 mg/100 mL. The temperature of the water used to make the infusions did not appear to have a significant effect on these parameters. The temperature did, however, significantly affect the antioxidant potential of the infusions-the highest antioxidant activity (71.21% DPPH inhibition) was observed in the infusion prepared using water at 80 °C. The infusions included in the study contained a number of minerals. No significant effect of temperature was found for the content of K, Zn, Cu, Fe, and Ni in the infusions. On the other hand, the content of Ca in the infusions was significantly correlated with the increasing temperature of the water. It was concluded that poppy petal infusions may serve as a valuable dietary supplement, providing antioxidants and minerals required by the human body to function properly.

Nutrients and antinutrient constituents of Amaranthus caudatus L. Cultivated on different soils

This study investigated variations in the concentration of nutrients, antinutrients and mineral content of Amaranthus caudatus harvested from different soil types at various stages of maturity. Four out the five soils namely; sandy clay loam, silty clay loam, clayey loam and loam were experimentally formulated from primary particles of silt, clay and sand in line with the United State Department of Agriculture's (USDA) soil triangle protocol. The unfractionated soil was used as the control. After harvesting at pre-flowering (61 days after planting), flowering (71 days after planting) and post-flowering (91 days after planting) stages, nutrient and antinutrient analyses were carried out following Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC) and other referenced methods while the Inductively Coupled Plasma- Optical Emission Spectrometer was used to determine mineral compositions of the plant samples. The results of the study revealed that particle size and physicochemical properties of the soil influenced the number of minerals deposited in plant tissues. It was further observed that the nutritional properties of the plant change as plant ages. For an optimal yield of vitamins A and E, clayey loam proved to be the best soil particularly when A. caudatus is harvested before flowering but for vitamin C, sandy clayey loam yielded the highest output at the same stage. Similarly, clayey loam and loam soils yielded the highest proximate compositions at flowering and pre-flowering; however, mineral elements (micro and macro) were highest in control and loam soils.

Heavy Metal Levels and Mineral Nutrient Status in Different Parts of Various Medicinal Plants Collected from Eastern Mediterranean Region of Turkey

Medicinal plants have been used for treatment of many diseases since the ancient times with traditional knowledge being transferred from generation to generation. However, in recent years, many natural habitats have been contaminated due to increased anthropogenic activities. Plants which are exposed to heavy metal toxicity may experience several serious problems. Furthermore, the inclusion of these plants into the food chain poses a threat to human health as well. Additionally, presence of heavy metals directly effect mineral nutrition and consequently the food quality. The aim of this study herewith is to determine the heavy metal content and mineral nutrient status of some medicinal plants to have insight on their health repercussions on plants and humans. The concentrations of Al, B, Ca, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Na, Ni, Pb and Zn in commonly used parts (root, rhizome, seed, resin, gall, fruit) especially for remedial purposes of 17 medicinal plants collected from Turkey were analyzed by ICP-OES. The measured values for concentrations from lowest to highest were (in mg kg^-1) 30.983-368.877 for Al, 13.845-186.015 for B, 1335.699-11213.951 for Ca, 0.016-0.653 for Cd, 0.379-30.708 for Cr, 23.838-90.444 for Cu, 78.960-1228.845 for Fe, 1035.948-6393.491 for K, 83.193-2252.031 for Mg, 12.111-362.570 for Mn, 278.464-1968.775 for Na, 1.945-35.732 for Ni, 0.796-17.162 for Pb and 166.910-395.252 for Zn. Overall, heavy metal concentrations in medicinal plants collected nearby industrial regions, mining and farming sites, were found to be in slightly higher levels. This shows us that it is of crucial importance that the areas where medicinal plants are collected are clean especially by means of heavy metals for the reason that these plants can cause more harm than the benefits they may provide if they are contaminated.

Progress in the Study and Use of Seawater Vegetables

As global soil salinization increases, halophytes that can grow in saline soils are the primary choice for improving soil quality. Some halophytes can even be irrigated with seawater and used as vegetables. These so-called seawater vegetables include those that can be planted on saline and alkali soils and some edible halophytes and ordinary vegetables that are salt-tolerant. The cultivation of seawater vegetables on saline soil has become a matter of increasing interest. In this review, we focus on the salt-tolerance mechanisms and potential applications of some seawater vegetables. We also summarize their value to health, medicine, industry, and the economy as a whole. Further improvement and development to support the use of seawater vegetables will require in-depth research at the cellular and molecular levels.

Comparative Evaluation of the Nutritive, Mineral, and Antinutritive Composition of Musa sinensis L. (Banana) and Musa paradisiaca L. (Plantain) Fruit Compartments

Banana and plantain contribute significantly to food security and amelioration of malnutrition, earning their status as staples in several localities of tropical and sub-tropical regions. The distribution of metabolites within the various parts also remains as a key essential to their nutritive and therapeutic potential. This study was aimed at evaluating the nutritional and mineral composition of the flesh, peel, and peel extract components of Musa sinensis L. and Musa paradisiaca L. fruits as well as their nutritional and therapeutic potentials. Proximate and antinutritional analyses were carried out using standard analytical methods of the Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC), while the mineral constituents were evaluated using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES). Proximate analysis revealed that the flesh and peel of M. sinensis L. and M. paradisiaca L. contain substantial amounts of moisture, fiber, carbohydrates, and low fat content, while minerals K, Mg, Ca, Na, P, and N were substantially concentrated in the peels and peel extracts in particular. The antinutrients alkaloid, oxalate, saponin, and phytate were detected in safe amounts according to the World Health Organization (WHO). The study points out that the peel and its derivative extract, as well as the flesh of M. sinensis L. and M. paradisiaca L. are to be put to more relevant human nutritional and therapeutic use.

Biochemical, Hematological and Histopathological Indices of Wistar Rats Fed Vitamin and Mineral Deficient Diets Supplemented with Moringa oleifera Leaf Meal

Background:

Moringa oleifera is currently and rapidly gaining superfood status.

Objective:

This study evaluated the effect of Moringa oleifera leaves (MOLM) on haematological, biochemical and histopathology indices of rats fed with Vitamins and Minerals Deficient (VMD) diets.

Methods:

Twenty-five male Wistar rats (220-290g) were randomly assigned into 5 groups of 5 rats each. The control (normal rat chow), remaining four diets were VMD plus MOLM at 0, 3, 5 and 10%. Haematological, biochemical and histopathological statuses were evaluated after 28 days.

Results:

Non-significant increase in RBC was observed in rats fed with the MOLM diets compared to control. Rats on VMD diet had the lowest haemoglobin levels, whereas haemoglobin increased with MOLM. No significant differences were observed in haematocrit, MCH, MCHC, platelets, RDW and MPV in all the treatments and control group. However, VMD rats showed a decrease in haemoglobin, and an increase in WBC and platelets. Electrolytes and glucose for all the treatments and control were not significantly different, but, control and VMD10 diets rats showed significantly higher values for creatinine compared to MOLM diets; total protein and albumin increased with MOLM and were higher than in VMD and control rats. Serum activities of hepatic, cardiac and adrenal marker enzymes were observed to be significantly lower in MOLM rats compared to VMD and control. Mild congestion in VMD and VMD3 rats’ liver and diffused congestion in the kidney of VMD diet rats were observed.

Conclusion:

The significantly high increase in platelet count in the VMD treated rats, indicative of anemia and other physiological imbalances, highlights the effect of micronutrient (mineral and vitamins) deficiencies in the diet. There is also the possibility that the anti-nutrients factors present in Moringa oleifera prevented uptake and bioavailability of nutrients, since the MOLM did not undergo any processing that could have removed or reduced these antinutrients. Further studies are still needed on Moringa oleifera leaves to validate the bioavailability of nutrients from the plant.

Comparison of the Proximate Composition, Vitamins (Ascorbic Acid, α-Tocopherol and Retinol), Anti-Nutrients (Phytate and Oxalate) and the GC-MS Analysis of the Essential Oil of the Root and Leaf of Rumex crispus L

Medicinal plants are a pertinent and effective remedy, employed in indigenous healthcare systems by traditional healers. This study focused on proximate parameters, minerals, vitamins, anti-nutrients and essential oil of the root and leaf of the medicinal plant; R. crispus, using the standard food analysis techniques. The result reveals that the moisture content of the leaf (7.57 ± 0.40%) and root (7.59 ± 0.08%) was not significantly different. The leaf has a higher ash, crude fat, fibre and mineral content than the root, except the carbohydrate (57.74 ± 3.06%) and Ca (1190.0 ± 0 mg/100g) values which are quite higher in the root. Traces of phytate was found in the leaf (1.15 ± 0.74%) and root (1.38 ± 0.27%) of R. crispus. The highest value of retinol, ascorbic acid and α-tocopherol was found in dried leaf (1.29 ± 0.014 mg retinol/100g), fresh leaf (159.73 ± 26.77 mg ascorbic acid/100g) and fresh root (54.90 ± 0.39 mg α-tocopherol/100g) respectively. The principal compound in the essential oil of the leaf are; 5-Eicosene, (E)-, docos-1-ene, trans-5-Octadecene, tetradecane while those found in the root are; 1-Heptacosanol, 4-Methyloctane, ethylcyclohexane, eucalyptol, m-Xylene, octadecane, phytol, and tetradecane. The research reveals that R. crispus may not only be used for medicinal purposes but could also be suitable for a complementary diet.

In vitro α-amylase, α-glucosidase, lipase inhibitory and cytotoxic activities of tuber extracts of Kedrostis africana (L.) Cogn

Kedrostis africana, is a tuberous plant commonly used by traditional healers in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa for the management of obesity. The aim of this study was to investigate the antiobesity and cytotoxic effects of Kedrostis africana extracts in vitro The α-amylase, α-glucosidase and lipase inhibitory activities of aqueous and ethanol extracts of Kedrostis africana tuber were investigated while the cytotoxic effects of these extracts were analyzed using Hoechst 33342 and propidium iodide (PI) dual staining in combination with Molecular Devices ImageXpress Micro XLS Widefield microscope for high content analysis on human cervical (HeLa) cell line. The ethanol extract exhibited the strongest inhibitory effect on pancreatic lipase (IC₅₀ = 381.86 μg/ml) and on α-glucosidase (IC₅₀ = 157.99 μg/mL) while the aqueous extract has strongest α-amylase (IC₅₀ = 439.45 μg/ml). Both tuber extracts were found nontoxic at tested concentrations on HeLa cell lines as confirmed by the Hoechst 33342 and propidium iodide dual staining respectively. This study revealed that both the aqueous and ethanol tuber extract of K. africana exerts a certain degree of inhibitory effect on α-amylase, α-glucosidase and lipase and were also nontoxic to HeLa cell line at tested concentrations.

Acute and subacute toxicity of aqueous extract of the tuber of Kedrostis africana (L.) Cogn in Wistar rats

Kedrostis africana (L.) Cogn (Cucurbitaceae) is used in South African traditional medicine and pharmacopoeia as an emetic, purgative and diuretic, and it is used against dropsy in the management of obesity. Aim of the study In this study, acute and subacute toxicity of aqueous extract of K. africanatuber was evaluated in male and female Wistar rats in order to assess its safety profile. Materials and methods In acute toxicity, the effects of a single oral dose (2,000 and 5,000 mg/kg) of aqueous extract was determined in both sexes. General behavior, adverse effects and mortality were determined for 3 h and then periodically for 14 days. The subchronic toxicity test was performed in rats. The effects of the extract in daily single oral administration at the doses of 200, 400 and 600 mg/kg for 28 days were determined. Food and water intakes were monitored daily while body weight was monitored on a weekly bases. Hematological, biochemical and organ parameters were determined at the end of the 28-day administration. Results In the acute study, a single administration of the aqueous extract at the doses of 2,000 and 5,000 mg/kg did not induce mortality. Thus, the LD50 of the aqueous extract of K. africana (AEKA) has been estimated to be higher than 5,000 mg/kg. In the subchronic study, daily oral administration of the AEKA did not result in death of the rats or significant changes in hematological or biochemical parameters at the highest dose of 600 mg/kg. No alteration was observed in body weight, food and water intake. Liver, kidney and heart histopathology did not reveal morphological alteration. Conclusions The results showed that the aqueous tuber extract of K. africana did not cause any death, nor did it cause abnormalities in necropsy and histopathology findings. There were no acute or subchronic toxicity observed, and this indicates that the plant extract could be considered safe for oral medication.