Cress seed (Lepidium sativum) mucilage, an overview

Unveiling the potential of linseed mucilage, its health benefits, and applications in food packaging

Industrial waste products derived from the oil industry often contain valuable substances and elements with great potential. These by-products can be used for various purposes, including as nutrients, bioactive compounds, fuels, and polymers. Linseed mucilage (LM) is one such example of a beneficial by-product obtained from linseed. It possesses favorable chemical and functional properties, depending on its method of extraction. Different pretreatments, such as enzymatic extraction, microwave-assisted extraction, pulse electric field, and ultrasound-assisted extraction, have been explored by various researchers to enhance both the yield and quality of mucilage. Furthermore, LM has exhibited therapeutic effects in the treatment of obesity, diabetes, constipation, hyperlipidemia, cancer, and other lifestyle diseases. Additionally, it demonstrates favorable functional characteristics that make it suitable to be used in bioplastic production. These properties preserve food quality, prolong shelf life, and confer antimicrobial activity. It also has the potential to be used as a packaging material, especially considering the increasing demand for sustainable and biodegradable alternatives to plastics because of their detrimental impact on environmental health. This review primarily focuses on different extraction techniques used for linseed mucilage, its mechanism of action in terms of health benefits, and potential applications in food packaging.

Characterization of free oligosaccharides from garden cress seed aqueous exudate using PGC LC-MS/MS and NMR spectroscopy

Garden cress seeds produces mucilage that has found various food applications, however, there is little information on the free oligosaccharides (FOS) contents in these seeds. Herein, we explored the presence of FOS in cress seed aqueous exudate. PGC-LC MS/MS analysis indicated the presence of mainly hexose containing oligosaccharides such as raffinose, stachyose and verbascose belonging to raffinose family of oligosaccharides (RFOs). In addition, minor fraction of planteose, isomeric tri- and tetrasaccharides were also observed. Further, the structural confirmation of the abundant tri- and tetrasaccharide were obtained through 1D and 2D NMR analysis. Thus, the RFOs presence in cress seeds would enhance its bio-functionalities.

Storage impact on egg white powder's physical and functional properties

BACKGROUND

Changes in storage temperature and time alter the functional properties of egg white powder (EWP) and determine its quality and shelf-life, finally affecting the consumer acceptance of the products made from EWP. In the present study, the EWP samples were stored at four different temperatures (-20, 4, 25 and 37 °C) for 60 days, and then the protein structural, physical and functional properties of EWP were measured and assessed further for correlation with storage conditions using heatmap.

RESULTS

The viscosity of the EWP solution increased after 30 days. Foaming ability and rheological properties increased first and then decreased compared to untreated samples with the prolonged storage time. Correlation analysis results indicated that the gel hardness, water holding capacity, foaming ability, emulsifying ability, particle size, dispersibility and viscosity of EWP were significantly related to storage time (P < 0.05). Only the gelation properties of EWP stored at 37 °C for 60 days changed significantly and were negatively related to its moisture content (P < 0.05). Additionally, the random coil content of EWP was positively correlated with particle size, moisture content, solubility and gel properties, whereas β-sheet was negatively correlated with them.

CONCLUSION

Compared to other temperatures, the functional properties of EWP were relatively stable under 4 °C. Therefore, the low temperature (4 °C) was selected as the most suitable storage temperature for EWP. The results of the present study could provide a theoretical basis for the shelf-life extension of EWP. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.

Nutritional, health benefits and toxicity of underutilized garden cress seeds and its functional food products: a review

Garden cress seed is a potential source of macro and micronutrients including essential fatty acids and amino acids as well as minerals such as iron, potassium, calcium and phosphorus. The seed also provides appreciable amount of health-protective bioactive compounds used to treat diabetes, hypercholesterolemia, bone fracture, asthma, constipation and some forms of cancer. Besides,, it is used to develop functional foods of therapeutic value in food manufacturing industries and traditional food preparations. Even though, it is known for its superior health benefits, provision of essential nutrients, and wider application in functional food development it is among the most underutilized crop in the world. Additionally, majority of studies conducted on garden cress seeds are mainly animal trials and hence needs to conduct studies on human. Therefore, the aim of this review paper is to provide up to date research evidence on the nutrient composition and therapeutic use of underutilized garden cress seeds and its functional food products, promising for the prevention of non-communicable and communicable diseases.

Graphical Abstract

Evidence for Health-Promoting Properties of Lepidium sativum L.: An Updated Comprehensive Review

Lepidium sativum L. is a common herb distributed worldwide, used as a food ingredient and therapeutic agent in traditional medicine for treating health-related disorders. L. sativum and its extracts have been described to possess numerous biological activities including antimicrobial, antidiabetic, antioxidant, antidiarrheal, anticancer, and numerous health-promoting effects in in vivo and in vitro studies. The purpose of this review is to summarize the findings describing important biological functions and therapeutic effects of L. sativum in various cell lines and animal models. In this review, the English-language articles were gathered from electronic databases including Web of Science, PubMed and Google Scholar with no time limit applied to any database. The search terms used in this review include, "Lepidium sativum L." and/or "chemical composition", "health benefits", "antimicrobial", "antioxidant", "anticancer", "diuretic", "nephro-protection", "antidiarrheal", "antidiabetic", "anti-asthmatic", "neuroprotection", "metabolic", "bone fracture", and "reproductive performance". Additional and eligible studies were collected from reference lists of appropriate articles. The information presented will be helpful to attract more interest toward medicinal plants by defining and developing novel clinical applications and new drug formulations in the future. Pre-clinical studies showed that L. sativum possesses potent health-promoting effects involving various molecular mechanisms. Taken all together, data suggested that identified herbal plants such as L. sativum, can be exploited as nutritional and therapeutic agents to combat various ailments. Despite much research in this field, further comprehensive in vitro/in vivo studies and clinical trials are needed to identify the mechanisms underlying the biological and therapeutic activities of L. sativum.

Lead adsorption and antibacterial activity using modified magnetic biochar/sodium alginate nanocomposite

Biochar is one of the most promising wastewater treatment materials. As shown in the Scanning Electron Micrograph, the magnetic biochar (BC) cross-linked glutaraldehyde (G) with sodium alginate (SA) (BC-G-SA) nanocomposite formed with uniform particle size without aggregation, and an X-Ray Diffraction study revealed that the BC-G-SA nanocomposite has an amorphous structure. The BC-G-SA nanocomposite enhanced the microwave adsorption process for Pb (II). The maximum metal capacity value was obtained using the microwave adsorption technique at pH 5.0 and contact time 20 s for Pb (II) at medium and low microwave power (940 and 1400 μmol g^-1, respectively). Pb (II) adsorption isotherm follows a pseudo-second-order model. Also, the BC-G-SA nanocomposite effectively inhibited bacterial growth throughout the growth kinetics experiment. BC-G-SA inhibited the growth of S. aureus at a MIC of 200 g mL^-1, whereas L. monocytogenes had a MIC of 200 g mL^-1. The MIC values for E. faecalis and E. faecium were significantly lower (50 and 100 g mL^-1, respectively).

Development of cress seed gum hydrogel and investigation of its potential application in the delivery of curcumin

BACKGROUND

Bioactive compound delivery systems must provide stability against severe food processing and environmental conditions. Cress seed gum (CSG) with high thermal stability can be a promising polysaccharide for preparing physically cross-linked hydrogel as a curcumin delivery system. In the present study, CSG (0.05, 0.10 and 0.15 g kg^-1 ) and calcium chloride (CaCl₂ ) (0.00, 0.02, 0.04, 0.06 and 0.10 g kg^-1 ) solutions were used for hydrogel fabrication.

RESULTS

Physicochemical properties of hydrogels were evaluated by entrapment efficiency, loading capacity and swelling degree, differential scanning calorimetry, scanning electron microscopy, in vitro release and free radical scavenging capacity assessments. Accordingly, 0.15 g kg^-1 CSG-0.02 g kg^-1 CaCl₂ hydrogel was revealed to have high entrapment efficiency (93.6 ± 1.59%), loading capacity (0.92 ± 0.00%) and swelling degree (105.96 ± 12.99%), as well as heat stability above 103 °C. CSG hydrogel significantly (P < 0.05) protected the antioxidant activity of curcumin against thermal process. The curcumin release in the acidic stomach medium was negligible, although it increased significantly in the simulated intestinal environment (42.5 ± 0.75%), which followed the Peppas model.

CONCLUSION

As a result, CSG hydrogel can protect curcumin during food thermal processing and digestion time. Therefore, CSG hydrogel can play a valued role in modern-day food formulations with an increasing consumer preference for plant-derived materials. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.

Effect of bioactive compounds released from Brassicaceae defatted seed meals on bacterial load in pig manure

Animal manure application to soils is considered to be one of the main cause of antibiotic and bacterial pathogen spread in the environment. Pig livestock, which is the source of one of the most used fertilizer for cultivated land, is also a hotspot for antibiotics and antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Besides harsh chemical and physical sanitization treatments for the abatement of antibiotics and bacterial load in livestock waste, more sustainable and environmentally friendly strategies need to be considered. In this context, the use of natural substances which are proved useful for pest and disease control is currently under exploration for their role in the reduction of bacterial pathogen population. Among these, plants and derived products from the Brassicaceae family, characterized by the presence of a defensive glucosinolate-myrosinase enzymatic system, have been successfully exploited for years in agriculture using the so-called biofumigation technique against crop diseases. Although the application of biofumigation to suppress a range of soil borne pests has been well documented, no studies have been examined to reduce bacterial population in animal waste. In the present study, the release and the antibacterial activity of bioactive compounds deriving from different Brassicaceae defatted seed meals against pathogens and bacterial population in pig manure is addressed. Rapistrum rugosum and Brassica nigra defatted seed meals were found to be the most active products against tested pathogens and able to significantly reduce the bacterial load in the manure.

Starch-Mucilage Composite Films: An Inclusive on Physicochemical and Biological Perspective

In recent years, scientists have focused on research to replace petroleum-based components plastics, in an eco-friendly and cost-effective manner, with plant-derived biopolymers offering suitable mechanical properties. Moreover, due to high environmental pollution, global warming, and the foreseen shortage of oil supplies, the quest for the formulation of biobased, non-toxic, biocompatible, and biodegradable polymer films is still emerging. Several biopolymers from varied natural resources such as starch, cellulose, gums, agar, milk, cereal, and legume proteins have been used as eco-friendly packaging materials for the substitute of non-biodegradable petroleum-based plastic-based packaging materials. Among all biopolymers, starch is an edible carbohydrate complex, composed of a linear polymer, amylose, and amylopectin. They have usually been considered as a favorite choice of material for food packaging applications due to their excellent forming ability, low cost, and environmental compatibility. Although the film prepared from bio-polymer materials improves the shelf life of commodities by protecting them against interior and exterior factors, suitable barrier properties are impossible to attain with single polymeric packaging material. Therefore, the properties of edible films can be modified based on the hydrophobic-hydrophilic qualities of biomolecules. Certain chemical modifications of starch have been performed; however, the chemical residues may impart toxicity in the food commodity. Therefore, in such cases, several plant-derived polymeric combinations could be used as an effective binary blend of the polymer to improve the mechanical and barrier properties of packaging film. Recently, scientists have shown their great interest in underutilized plant-derived mucilage to synthesize biodegradable packaging material with desirable properties. Mucilage has a great potential to produce a stable polymeric network that confines starch granules that delay the release of amylose, improving the mechanical property of films. Therefore, the proposed review article is emphasized on the utilization of a blend of source and plant-derived mucilage for the synthesis of biodegradable packaging film. Herein, the synthesis process, characterization, mechanical properties, functional properties, and application of starch and mucilage-based film are discussed in detail.

Scope of herbal mucilage in pharmaceutical formulations. A review

The aim of the article was to obtain maximum information about plant mucilage, its sources and applications in the pharmaceutical industry. This study focuses on the scientific articles and books available in Internet resources and college library that deal with the sources, applications, extraction and isolation of plant mucilage. Mucilage is obtained mainly from plant sources and can be isolated easily. Due to the low cost, easy availability, non-toxicity, non-irritancy, and biocompatibility, mucilage is of great demand in the field of pharmaceuticals. Hibiscus rosa-sinensis L., Trigonella foenum-graecum L., Abelmoschus esculentus L, Plantago ovata Forssk. and Aloe barbadensis L. are some common sources of mucilage. The isolation methods vary depending on the part of the plant where mucilage is present. It is commonly used as gelling agent, suspending agent, binder, and disintegrant. Since it is hydrophilic in nature, chances of deterioration are higher. In this review, different mucilage sources and their isolation methods are discussed in detail. Mucilage is used as excipient in many formulations of tablets, suspensions, gels, etc. The study explores the potential of plant mucilage as an excipient in pharmaceutical formulations. The biodegradable and biocompatible properties of this inexpensive excipient make it more favourable for the newer formulation development.

A Comprehensive Review on Plant-Derived Mucilage: Characterization, Functional Properties, Applications, and Its Utilization for Nanocarrier Fabrication

Easily sourced mucus from various plant parts is an odorless, colorless and tasteless substance with emerging commercial potential in agriculture, food, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals due to its non-toxic and biodegradable properties. It has been found that plant-derived mucilage can be used as a natural thickener or emulsifier and an alternative to synthetic polymers and additives. Because it is an invisible barrier that separates the surface from the surrounding atmosphere, it is used as edible coatings to extend the shelf life of fresh vegetables and fruits as well as many food products. In addition to its functional properties, mucilage can also be used for the production of nanocarriers. In this review, we focus on mucus extraction methods and its use as a natural preservative for fresh produce. We detailed the key properties related to the extraction and preservation of food, the mechanism of the effect of mucus on the sensory properties of products, coating methods when using mucus and its recipe for preserving fruit and vegetables. Understanding the ecological, economic and scientific factors of production and the efficiency of mucus as a multi-directional agent will open up its practical application in many industries.

Development of camel and cow's milk, low-fat frozen yoghurt incorporated with Qodume Shahri (Lepidium perfoliatum) and cress seeds (Lepidium sativum) gum: Flow behavior, textural, and sensory attributes' assessment

In this study, the effect of different concentrations (0.2%, 0.1%, and 0%) of some plant seed gums (Qodume Shahri (Lepidium perfoliatum) and cress (Lepidium sativum)) as the stabilizer on the flow behavior, textural, and sensory properties of frozen yoghurt produced from camel and cow's milk was investigated. The results showed that plant seed gums significantly affected the viscosity, overrun and melting rate, textural, and sensory properties of frozen yoghurt samples prepared from camel and cow's milk. Also, no significant differences were observed in pH and acidity of the samples. The highest overrun value was observed in the control sample. Frozen yoghurt containing 0.2% Qodume Shahri seed gum (QSSG) had the highest viscosity and the longest first dripping time. This is an indication that frozen yoghurt mixes are non-Newtonian at all added concentrations. Finally, Herschel-Bulkley model well described the rheological behavior of frozen yoghurt mixtures due to the higher correlation coefficient. In general, cow's frozen yoghurts containing 0.2% cress seed gum (CSG) and 0.1% QSSG were more acceptable among panelists than camel frozen yoghurt sample.

Localization of Phenolic Compounds at an Air-Solid Interface in Plant Seed Mucilage: A Strategy to Maximize Its Biological Function?

Given a low concentration of phenols in the naturally occurring aqueous lubricant (mucilage) from hydrated seeds, their biological functions should be severely limited. Here, we introduce an undisclosed natural strategy that enables maximization of phenolic functions through exposing the phenols at the air-seed solid interface. Our findings not only offer a new perspective on plant reproduction physiology but also provide insights into an innovative design of lubricating biomaterials with additional phenolic functions.

Seed mucilages as the functional ingredients for biodegradable films and edible coatings in the food industry

In recent years, environmental problems, consumer health concerns, and economic limitations associated with synthetic plastics have led to the application of renewable, biodegradable, and edible resources for developing food packaging. Edible packaging can be important in maintaining the food quality and preventing the microbial and chemical spoilage of foods. Several seeds can produce 'seed-based mucilage' with different techno-functional properties for application in various food products. In the field of packaging, these mucilages can be extruded into coatings and films and improve the barrier properties against the transfer of oxygen and moisture. Likewise, bioactive ingredients can also be incorporated into these mucilages which will extend the shelf life of food products. This study gives an overview of various seed mucilages, their production and characteristics of the films/coatings prepared with them for successful applications in different food products.

Understanding the physics of hydrocolloids interaction using rheological, thermodynamic and functional properties: A case study on xanthan gum-cress seed gum blend

Some rheological, thermodynamic and functional properties of selected hydrocolloids (xanthan gum-cress seed gum (XG-CSG)) blends at different ratios (1-0, 3-1, 1-1, 1-3, 0-1) were characterized to understand physically the biopolymers interaction and networks. XG showed a greater rigidity (elastic modulus, G'_LVE = 58.60 Pa), total structural strength (complex modulus, G*_LVE = 70.69 Pa), yield stress (limiting value of stress, τ_L = 7.58 Pa), emulsion capacity (EC = 6.78%) and foam stability (FC = 18.92%) than CSG (G'_LVE = 7.05 Pa, G*_LVE = 8.53 Pa, τ_L = 1.44 Pa, EC = 86.48% and FC = 14.98%), respectively. Among blends, 3-1 XG-CSG showed the highest G*_LVE, foaming stability (FS) and the extent of recovery (R_r%). The results were summarized using the clustering technique and principal component analyses. The coefficient of the interaction of some parameters, Cole-Cole plots and Gibbs free energy changes (ΔG) of predisturbed and intact networks were investigated. In samples with an intact network, greater compatibility directly related to the extent of synergistic interaction, while in predisturbed samples, the lower compatibility directly related to the extent of synergistic interaction. Although all blends were highly incompatible with antagonistic behavior, 1-1 XG-CSG showed the lowest incompatibility (ΔG = 8028.60 J/mol) among samples with intact structure, while at disrupted state, 1-3 XG-CSG showed the lowest incompatibility (ΔG = 158.6 J/mol).

Insight on Extraction and Characterisation of Biopolymers as the Green Coagulants for Microalgae Harvesting

This review presents the extractions, characterisations, applications and economic analyses of natural coagulant in separating pollutants and microalgae from water medium, known as microalgae harvesting. The promising future of microalgae as a next-generation energy source is reviewed and the significant drawbacks of conventional microalgae harvesting using alum are evaluated. The performances of natural coagulant in microalgae harvesting are studied and proven to exceed the alum. In addition, the details of each processing stage in the extraction of natural coagulant (plant, microbial and animal) are comprehensively discussed with justifications. This information could contribute to future exploration of novel natural coagulants by providing description of optimised extraction steps for a number of natural coagulants. Besides, the characterisations of natural coagulants have garnered a great deal of attention, and the strategies to enhance the flocculating activity based on their characteristics are discussed. Several important characterisations have been tabulated in this review such as physical aspects, including surface morphology and surface charges; chemical aspects, including molecular weight, functional group and elemental properties; and thermal stability parameters including thermogravimetry analysis and differential scanning calorimetry. Furthermore, various applications of natural coagulant in the industries other than microalgae harvesting are revealed. The cost analysis of natural coagulant application in mass harvesting of microalgae is allowed to evaluate its feasibility towards commercialisation in the industrial. Last, the potentially new natural coagulants, which are yet to be exploited and applied, are listed as the additional information for future study.

Quality retention and shelf life extension of fresh beef using Lepidium sativum seed mucilage-based edible coating containing Heracleum lasiopetalum essential oil: an experimental and modeling study

The instability and strong flavor or odor of essential oils (EO) limit their direct incorporation into food products. In this study, the antioxidant and antimicrobial Heracleum lasiopetalum essential oil (HLEO) was added to Lepidium sativum seed mucilage (LSSM) solution at four concentrations (0, 0.5, 1, and 1.5%) to develop a novel edible coating and expand its food application. HLEO-loaded LSSM coating was then used to improve the shelf life and quality of beef as a model food system. The coated and control beef samples were periodically analyzed for physicochemical analysis, microbiological, and sensory characteristics over a period of 9 days at 4 °C. The HLEO-enriched LSSM coating, particularly 1.5% loaded one resulted in a significant (p < 0.05) increase in oxidative and microbiological stability and overall acceptance of the beef samples, compared to the control counterpart. HLEO-loaded LSSM coating, therefore, provides a promising alternative to preserve the meat products under cold storage.

Amelioration of CCl4-Induced Hepatotoxicity in Rabbits by Lepidium sativum Seeds

The current study aimed to evaluate the probable protective effect of Lepidium sativum seeds (LSS) against CCl₄ induced hepatic injury in New-Zealand rabbits. Rabbits were randomly divided into two main groups; group-A (noninjured group, n=15) was divided to subgroups A1 (untreated control) and A2 and A3 which received 200 & 400 mg/kg bw of LSS, respectively, in their diet daily. Group-B (injured group, n=30) were subcutaneously injected with CCl₄ (0.5 ml/kg bw) starting from day one of the experiment and were equally divided into 3 subgroups: B1 received normal standard diet and B2 & B3 received 200 & 400 mg/kg bw of LSS, respectively, in their diet daily. Five rabbits of all subgroups were decapitated 5 and 10 weeks after experimental running. Biochemical analysis revealed significant decrease in serum levels of transaminases, γ-GT, ALP, total bilirubin, cholesterol, triglycerides associated with significant increase in the serum levels of T protein and albumin of 200 and 400 mg/kg bw of LSS protected rabbits for 5 and 10 weeks as compared with CCl₄ treated rabbits. Oxidative stress and depressed antioxidant system of the liver tissues were markedly obvious in the CCl₄ treated group. LSS administration reversed these results towards normalization. Histopathological examination of LSS protected rabbits (200 mg/kg bw of LSS for 10 weeks) showed improvement of the histoarchitectural changes of the liver induced by CCl₄ to the normal aspect, showing regenerating hepatocytes with no steatosis, discrete chronic venous congestion, and discrete inflammatory infiltrate. The current findings provide new evidence that LSS could reverse the hepatotoxic effects of CCl₄ and repair the liver functions.

Hydrocolloid clustering based on their rheological properties

In this study, we proposed an objective classification of seven commercial hydrocolloids and four novel hydrocolloids. Total of 74 rheological parameters was generated by steady (flow behavior, hysteresis loop, single shear decay, in-shear structural recovery experiments), dynamic (strain sweep and frequency sweep tests), and transient (creep/recovery and stress relaxation) shear measurements. Subsequently, the parameters were classified into seven categories with more than 60% similarity indexes in each group using agglomerative hierarchical clustering based on those properties related to the number of linkage, strength of linkage, distance of linkage, rupture and flow, rate of destruction, the extent of destruction, and the state of destructured samples in the absence of flow field. Fuzzy c-means classifier used to extract patterns for each class. Our results correspond to four different classes; κ-carrageenan and agar gum were categorized in the first class, high methoxyl pectin, xanthan, sage seed gum and basil seed gum in the second class, alginate gum and Balangu-Shirazi seed gum in the third class, and guar gum, cress seed gum and carboxymethyl cellulose in the fourth class. Using this classification technique, complete rheological patterns can be extracted for each class. This classification provides a map for other researchers to rationally design the best test type which could describe adequately different properties of materials and avoid experiments with a similar type of parameters. The main reason for the frequent use of hydrocolloids in various industries is their ability to modify the rheology. A lot of works have been done to study the rheological behavior of many hydrocolloids in model and food systems. As there is still demand for new sources of hydrocolloids with more specific functionality in foods, probing the similarities among commercial and emerging hydrocolloids could help us to rationally design structural features in different formulations, besides gives insight into the structure-function relationship between them. This object could be attained by clustering, a part of the pattern recognition theory. Contrary to the traditional clustering methods, in which the membership of a product is exclusive for only a class, in constraint clustering by fuzzy logic methods, a partial membership can be shared by two or more classes. In this way, using the fuzzy logic clustering method, we clustered a number of commercial and novel hydrocolloids based on the steady, transient, and dynamic shear rheological properties and found a specific pattern among them. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: The main reason for the frequent use of hydrocolloids in various industries is their ability to modify the rheology. A lot of works have been done to study the rheological behavior of many hydrocolloids in model and food systems. As there is still demand for new sources of hydrocolloids with more specific functionality in foods, probing the similarities among commercial and emerging hydrocolloids could help us to rationally design structural features in different formulations, besides gives insight into the structure-function relationship between them. This object could be attained by clustering, a part of the pattern recognition theory. Contrary to the traditional clustering methods, in which the membership of a product is exclusive for only a class, in constraint clustering by fuzzy logic methods, a partial membership can be shared by two or more classes. In this way, using the fuzzy logic clustering method, we clustered a number of commercial and novel hydrocolloids based on the steady, transient, and dynamic shear rheological properties and found a specific pattern among them.

Production of a new mucilage compound in Lepidium sativum callus by optimizing in vitro growth conditions

The mucilage in Lepidium sativum L. is considered a biologically active compound with diverse medicinal properties. Different explants (hypocotyls and leaf) were transferred to Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with twelve different plant growth regulator combinations under two different incubations (light and dark). The best mucilage production from callus (36.76% g g^-1 dry weight) was obtained in the MS medium supplemented with 1 mg L^-1 of 2, 4-D and 2 mg L^-1 of BAP under the light condition. The mucilage produced by callus culture was nearly three times more than the mucilage yield of the seeds. The glucose, arabinose + mannose and galactose were 43.4 (mg g^-1 DW), 195.3 (mg g^-1 DW) and 86.2 (mg g^-1 DW) in the mucilage originated from seed, callus leaf and callus hypocotyl, respectively. The present study proposes an efficient method for producing large scales of mucilage with a favorable sugar aimed at food or pharmaceutical industries.

Biochar based remediation of water and soil contaminated by phenanthrene and pentachlorophenol

Phenanthrene (Phe) and pentachlorophenol (PCP) are classified as persistent organic pollutants and represent serious concern for the environment as they are toxic and ubiquitous. Biochar based remediation is an emerging technology used in water and soil contamination. In this study we used poplar (BP) and conifer (BC) biochars to remediate water and soil contaminated by Phe and PCP. BP and BC were able to remove completely either Phe or PCP from contaminated water within one to three days. When biochar was confined in a porous membrane, BC and BP maintained their sorption efficiency for several remediation cycles. However, in these conditions BC allowed faster Phe removal. In soil remediation experiments, addition of two biochar rates, i.e. 2.5 and 5 mg g^-1, strongly reduced Phe extractability (up to 2.7% of the initially added Phe with the larger BC dose). This was similar to the behavior observed when compost was applied in order to verify the role of soil organic matter in the fate of both contaminants. PCP extractability was reduced only up to 75% (in average) in all samples including those with compost amendment. Only larger amount of biochar (20 and 50 mg g^-1) allowed reduction of the extractable PCP and nullified phytotoxicity of the contaminant.

Optimization of the new formulation of ice cream with native Iranian seed gums (Lepidium perfoliatum and Lepidium sativum) using response surface methodology (RSM)

In this study, effect of Qodume shahri (Lepidium perfoliatum) and cress (Lepidium sativum) on rheological properties of ice cream were investigated. The gums were added to the ice cream formulation and different quality attributes including pH, acidity, melting characteristics, viscosity, overrun, texture analysis and sensory evaluation were determined. Results showed that ice cream formulations containing both the gums had improved overrun, melting rate, first dripping time, viscosity, hardness and adhesiveness. The gum concentrations beyond 0.2% level led to a negative effect on gumminess and chewiness of ice cream. Both the gums addition to improved quality attributes and textural properties of ice cream.

The Hypoglycemic and Antioxidant Activity of Cress Seed and Cinnamon on Streptozotocin Induced Diabetes in Male Rats

The present study aimed to estimate the stimulation of pancreas of rats with streptozotocin induced diabetes using 20% (w/w) garden cress seed (Lepidium sativum) and cinnamon methanol extracts. The positive control diabetic group showed a significant increase in fasting blood sugar, lipid peroxide, interleukin-6, carboxymethyl lysine, serum uric acid, urea, creatinine, immunoglobulins, and urine albumin and a significant decrease in antioxidant enzymes, sodium ions, potassium ions, and urine creatinine. Severe histopathological changes in the kidney and pancreas tissues in hyperglycemic rats were also shown in the positive control diabetic group. Meanwhile, the groups that were treated with 20% garden cress seed and cinnamon methanol extracts showed a significant decrease in fasting blood sugar and all elevated abovementioned biochemical parameters and an increase in the lowered ones restoring them nearly to the normal levels of G1. Kidney and pancreas tissues were also ameliorated and restored nearly to the normal status. Both garden cress seed and cinnamon methanol extracts succeeded in controlling hyperglycemia in rats with streptozotocin induced diabetes and ameliorated the biochemical and histopathological changes because of their antioxidant activity acquired by their possession of phenolic phytochemicals.

Effect of S. macrosiphon and L. perfoliatum seed gums on rheological characterization of bitter orange (Citrus aurantium L.) and pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) paste blends

The steady shear flow properties of bitter orange and pomegranate pastes and blend of two pastes including 0.5% Salvia macrosiphon (SMG) and L. perfoliatum (LPG) seed gums, two traditional Iranian hydrocolloids, were determined. All treatments exhibited shear-thinning behaviour. LPG added sample showed stronger shear thinning behaviour than the other due to its high molecular weight and intermolecular through hydrogen bonds and polymer entanglement. Ostwald model was found the best model to describe steady shear flow behaviour among different time-independent rheological model applied. Treatments including 0.5% these two seed gums indicated a flow behaviour index less than 0.6 and consistency coefficient raised by increasing concentration from 60 °Bx to 76 °Bx in bitter orange paste (from 0.55 Pa s(n) to 32.58 Pa s(n)), pomegranate paste (from 0.55 Pa s(n) to 84.87 Pa s(n)) and mix of these two pastes (from 0.64 Pa s(n) to 56.9 Pa s(n)). Oscillatory shear data showed weak gel-like behaviour of bitter orange and pomegranate pastes treatments including seed gums with the elastic modulus predominating over the viscous one at lower frequency. However, after weak gel formation, G″ was higher than G' in the frequency range of 0.01 to 10 Hz. An Ostwald model was used to describe the changes of viscose modulus with frequency. The results indicate that the elastic properties of bitter orange/ pomegranate paste and bitter orange paste may be increased by the presence of LPG and SMG due to associations of ordered chain segments of these gums, resulting in a weak three-dimensional network.