Nutritional Characterization of Leaves and Herbal Tea of Moringa oleifera Cultivated in Greece

Effect of Monascus-fermented Moringa oleifera on production performance, carcass characteristics, and meat quality attributes in broilers

This study investigated the production performance, carcass characteristics, and meat quality attributes of broilers fed with different doses of Monascus-fermented Moringa oleifera leaves. A total of 400 one-day-old unsexed Greenleg partridge broilers were randomly divided into 4 dietary which were fed a basal diet supplemented with 0, 5% Monascus-fermented Moringa oleifera leaves, 10% Monascus-fermented Moringa oleifera leaves, and 10% Moringa oleifera leaves, respectively. Each group had 5 replicates of twenty birds each. The whole trial lasted for 63 d. The results indicated that a high dose of Moringa oleifera leaves supplement in broiler diet reduced the production performance, carcass characteristics, and meat quality attributes (P < 0.05). While the addition of the same dose of Monascus-fermented Moringa oleifera leaves reversed this adverse effect, and the 5% Monascus-fermented Moringa oleifer leaves supplement was found to be more effective (P < 0.05). In addition, Monascus-fermented Moringa oleifera leaves improved the concentration of amino acids and polyunsaturated fatty acids in the meat, which could be beneficial for human health. We conclude that, a 5% Monascus-fermented Moringa oleifera leaves supplement in the diet is beneficial in terms of improved growth performance and the functional attributes of meat than sole Moringa oleifera leaves supplement.

Exploiting Agri-Food Waste as Feed for Tenebrio molitor Larvae Rearing: A Review

The agri-food industry generates substantial amounts of waste, including by-products and residues. The increasing demand for sustainable and eco-friendly practices in the agri-food sector has sparked an interest in finding alternative uses for such waste materials. One promising approach is the utilization of waste from the agri-food industry as feed for the rearing of mealworms (Tenebrio molitor). Since agri-food waste is rich in proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, and vitamins, as well as other bioactive compounds, all of which are essential for insect growth and development, incorporating such waste into the diet of mealworms promotes sustainable insect production, reducing the economic and environmental problems associated with waste disposal. This practice can also be beneficial for the rearing of mealworms since their nutritional value can also be enhanced. To this end, various waste materials, such as fruit and vegetable peels, spent grains, and food processing residues, have been investigated as potential feed sources, leading to increased mass production, lower cost, and enhanced nutritional value. This review aims to highlight the potential of agri-food waste as a feed source for mealworms, as well as their potential to enhance their nutritional value. Furthermore, the potential applications of mealworms reared on agri-food waste are highlighted, including their potential as a sustainable protein source for human consumption and as feed ingredients in the livestock and aquaculture sectors.

Enhancing the Nutritional Profile of Tenebrio molitor Using the Leaves of Moringa oleifera

Nowadays, more and more research is being carried out on various feeds of Tenebrio molitor larvae, in order to increase their nutritional value and render them a valuable component of the human diet. In this study, Moringa oleifera leaves were used in different proportions (up to 50%) to substitute wheat bran (the usually employed feed), in order to evaluate their effect on the growth and development of the larvae, as well as on their composition in crude protein, fat and fatty acids, ash, vitamins, and antioxidants. It was found that the addition of M. oleifera leaves in the feed had no negative impact on the development and survival of the insects, while an increase in their nutritional value was recorded. More specifically, an increase in the crude protein of up to 22.61% and vitamin C and A contents of up to 40.74% and 491.63%, respectively, was recorded. Therefore, the use of M. oleifera leaves as a feed additive is highly recommended for rearing T. molitor larvae to enhance the nutritional value of the insects.

Dielectric investigation of irradiated RBCs and study the role of Moringa leaves extract against radiation damage

This research article introduces dielectric and thermodynamic state functions as physical markersdetecting both radiation effects and biological repairs to such damages. The red blood cells of rats were physically investigated in this work after whole body irradiation by 7 Gy of gamma rays and trying for reducing the damage effect of ionizing radiation by using the one of the best medicinal plants, Moringa leaves, which are rich with plentiful amounts of antioxidants and nutrients. The animals were divided into six groups; control, Moringa, irradiated, protected, treated, pro-treated. The physical parameters measured were impedance and DC conductivity then, relaxation time, activation energy and enthalpy change were calculated. Most of these parameters showed that the damage occurred in RBCs membrane due to ionizing radiation needs more than four weeks after irradiation to recover. As dipolar relaxation required much more time to occur and charge conduction were greatly reduced.

Enhancement of Polyphenols Recovery from Rosa canina, Calendula officinalis and Castanea sativa Using Pulsed Electric Field

The current study evaluates the Pulsed Electric Field (PEF) technique for the extraction of polyphenols from the plants Rosa canina, Calendulaofficinalis and Castanea sativa. These plants are traditionally used both for the preparation of therapeutic decoctions and the aromatization of beverages (alcoholic or not). Pulses of 10 μs duration were used to apply electric field intensities ranging from 1.2 to 2.0 kV cm−1. The period of the phenomenon was set to 1 ms, with a total extraction time of 20 min. The total polyphenol content as well as the identified polyphenolic compounds of the extracts were determined for monitoring and evaluation. To estimate the PEF effect, control extracts were prepared using the same process as PEF extracts but without the application of electric field. For all the three plant materials studied, the PEF technique appeared to be successful in increasing polyphenols extraction. The application of a moderate to high electric field, up to 1.4 kV cm−1, resulted in increased total and individual polyphenols recovery, reaching 63.79% and 84%, respectively, in the case of Rosa canina fruits.

European Database of Carotenoid Levels in Foods. Factors Affecting Carotenoid Content

Many studies indicate that diets including carotenoid-rich foods have positive effects on human health. Some of these compounds are precursors of the essential nutrient vitamin A. The present work is aimed at implementing a database of carotenoid contents of foods available in the European market. Factors affecting carotenoid content were also discussed. Analytical data available in peer-reviewed scientific literature from 1990 to 2018 and obtained by HPLC/UHPLC were considered. The database includes foods classified according to the FoodEx2 system and will benefit compilers, nutritionists and other professionals in areas related to food and human health. The results show the importance of food characterization to ensure its intercomparability, as large variations in carotenoid levels are observed between species and among varieties/cultivars/landraces. This highlights the significance of integrating nutritional criteria into agricultural choices and of promoting biodiversity. The uncertainty quantification associated with the measurements of the carotenoid content was very rarely evaluated in the literature consulted. According to the EuroFIR data quality evaluation system for food composition tables, the total data quality index mean was 24 in 35, reflecting efforts by researchers in the analytical methods, and less resources in the sampling plan documentation.

Application of Capillary Electrophoresis to the Analysis of Bioactive Compounds in Herbal Raw Materials

The article is a summary of scientific reports from the last 16 years (2005-2021) on the use of capillary electrophoresis to analyze polyphenolic compounds, coumarins, amino acids, and alkaloids in teas or different parts of plants used to prepare aqueous infusions, commonly known as "tea" or decoctions. This literature review is based on PRISMA guidelines and articles selected in base of criteria carried out using PICOS (Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome, Study type). The analysis showed that over 60% of articles included in this manuscript comes from China. The literature review shows that for the selective electrophoretic separation of polyphenolic and flavonoid compounds, the most frequently used capillary electromigration technique is capillary electrophoresis with ultraviolet detection. Nevertheless, the use of capillary electrophoresis-mass spectrometry allows for the sensitive determination of analytes with a lower limit of detection and gives hope for routine use in the analysis of functional foods. Moreover, using the modifications in electrochemical techniques allows methods sensitivity reduction along with the reduction of analysis time.

The Potential Applications of Moringa oleifera Leaves in Functional Herbal Beverages: A Review of its Nutritional, Medicinal, and Toxicity Profiles

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In recent times, Moringa oleifera Lam. has become one of the most sought after therapeutic cure-all plants in tropical and subtropical zones, including Jamaica. Anecdotally, the most popular choice of Moringa consumption locally is in the form of functional herbal beverages, such as teas and juices, prepared from the leaves of the plant. However, there is little or no scientific evidence to validate the efficacy and or safety of such beverages.

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An extensive search of scientific literature published over the last decade (2010-2020) related to the nutritional, medicinal, and toxicological profiles of Moringa oleifera was, therefore conducted with special emphasis on literature related to the dried leaves and aqueous leaf extracts thereof. Google Scholar, Science Direct, and PubMed databases were the main search tools employed. Articles that referred to varieties of Moringa, other than oleifera, were excluded from the searches, as were articles that referred to subject matters outside of nutrition, medicinal properties, and toxicity. All peer-reviewed journal articles, and other online articles, which referred to the subject matters of interest were critically read and included in the review.

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This review is a compilation of evidence-based literature, indicating the outstanding nutritive value, high therapeutic potential, and the relatively non-toxic properties of the dried leaves and aqueous leaf extracts of Moringa oleifera. Prospects for their application in the development of safe and efficacious functional herbal beverages are indicated.

Effect of Steam Blanching, Dehydration Temperature & Time, on the Sensory and Nutritional Properties of a Herbal Tea Developed from Moringa oleifera Leaves

The core purpose of the current study is to explore the use of Moringa oleifera leaves, to produce a herbal tea with acceptable sensory properties and nutritional properties by utilizing the steam blanching technique, different dehydration temperatures and time, which can be accepted in the Sri Lankan market. Six sets of samples were prepared where temperature and time combinations were 55°C—6 h, 60°C—4.30 h, 65°C—3 h for the unblanched samples & 55°C—6 h, 60°C—5.30 h & 65°C—4 h for the steam blanched samples. These samples were evaluated, employing a trained panel of 5 tea tasters and a semi trained panel of 35 members. The sample code 706 (steam blanched, 65°C—4 h) was selected as the sample with best sensory attributes. The blanched and unblanched samples dried at 65°C were tested for their proximate, mineral, vitamin, antioxidant and phytochemical contents. The effects of steam blanching on these two samples were evaluated & compared. This study highlights that steam blanching significantly increased the carbohydrates, fat, Mn, Fe, vitamin A, vitamin E and the DPPH scavenging activity whereas steam blanching significantly reduced the protein, fiber, Na, K, Ca, Total phenolic contents and flavonoids content but vitamin C, Zn, Cu and Mg contents were unaffected by steam blanching.

The Effect of Ultrasonication Pretreatment on the Production of Polyphenol-Enriched Extracts from Moringa oleifera L. (Drumstick Tree) Using a Novel Bio-Based Deep Eutectic Solvent

Moringa oleifera L. leaves are a plant tissue particularly rich in polyphenolic phytochemicals with significant bioactivities, and there has been significant recent interest for the production of extracts enriched in these substances. The current investigation is aimed at establishing a green extraction process, using a novel eco-friendly natural deep eutectic solvent, composed of glycerol and nicotinamide. Furthermore, sample ultrasonication prior to batch stirred-tank extraction was studied to examine its usefulness as a pretreatment step. Optimization of the extraction process through response surface methodology showed that the maximum total polyphenol yield (82.87 ± 4.28 mg gallic acid equivalents g−1 dry mass) could be achieved after a 30 min ultrasonication pretreatment, but the difference with the yield obtained from the non-pretreated sample was statistically non-significant (p < 0.05). Extraction kinetics revealed that the activation energy for the ultrasonication-pretreated samples was more energy-demanding, a fact attributed to phenomena pertaining to washing of the readily extracted polyphenols during pretreatment. Liquid-chromatography-diode array-mass spectrometry showed that ultrasonication pretreatment may have a limited positive effect on polyphenol extractability, but the overall polyphenolic profile was identical for the ultrasonication-pretreated and non-pretreated samples.

A Strategy to Deliver Precise Oral Doses of the Glucosinolates or Isothiocyanates from Moringa oleifera Leaves for Use in Clinical Studies

The tropical tree Moringa oleifera produces high yields of protein-rich leaf biomass, is widely used as a food source, contains an abundance of phytochemicals, and thus has great potential for chronic disease prevention and perhaps, treatment. We have developed and characterized standardized ways of preparing aqueous “teas” from moringa leaves to deliver precisely calibrated levels of phytochemicals for use in clinical trials. These phytochemicals, especially the glucosinolate glucomoringin and the isothiocyanate moringin, produced from it following hydrolysis by the enzyme myrosinase, provide potent anti-inflammatory and cytoprotective indirect antioxidant activity. The taste of both hot and cold teas is palatable without the need for flavor masking. These teas can be easily and reproducibly prepared in underserved tropical regions of the world where moringa is cultivated. Isothiocyanate yield from a cold extraction was rapid and essentially complete after 30 min and its anti-inflammatory potential is comparable to that of equimolar purified moringin. A preparation similar to this may be safe to consume with respect to its bacterial titer even after 48 h without refrigeration. Thus, facile delivery of moringa tea to both adults and children for clinical evaluation of their effects on such conditions as autism, diabetes, and hypertension, is now possible.

Pulsed Electric Field Extraction and Antioxidant Activity Determination of Moringa oleifera Dry Leaves: A Comparative Study with Other Extraction Techniques

The scope of this work was to determine the possibility of the application of the pulsed electric field (PEF) technique to the production of extracts from Moringa oleifera plant material (freeze-dried leaves). Various PEF conditions (pulse duration—PD; and pulse interval—PI) were tested. A field strength of 7 kV/cm was used. The total phenols in the extracts were evaluated by the Folin–Ciocalteu method and the antioxidant activity was evaluated by the radical scavenging activity (DPPH•), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and Rancimat methods. The results were compared with those of the extracts obtained using other extraction techniques, namely microwave-assisted and ultrasound-assisted extractions, simple boiling water extraction, and plain maceration with water (as the control). The highest extraction of total phenols was achieved by the PEF procedure using 40 min treatment at a PD of 20 msec and a PI of 100 μsec. Additionally, all methods for the determination of the antioxidant activity showed that the activity of the extracts was proportional to the total phenol content. Concerning the PEF procedure, a low pulse duration with a high pulse interval is proposed in order to achieve higher extraction efficiency.

Biophysical and biochemical roles of Moringa oleifera leaves as radioprotector

It has been found that medicinal plants have chemical and/or therapeutic effects on different diseases related to oxidative damage. This work investigates the use of ethanolic Moringa oleifera leaves extract; as a protective and/or therapeutic agent against damage induced by high acute dose of ionizing radiation. Also, this study aims to explore the associations of electrical properties (relaxation time and DC conductivity of bone marrow) with biochemical markers (SOD, CAT and GSH) to detect and prognosticate radiation effects. Biophysical and biochemical data revealed that Moringa extract can improve the electrical properties of bone marrow and the antioxidants levels in the blood. They also showed that the feeding of Moringa leaves extract post irradiation is preferred to recover rapidly and continuously from radiation effects.