Rice hull smoke extract inactivates Salmonella Typhimurium in laboratory media and protects infected mice against mortality

Non-fuel applications of bio-oil for sustainability in management of bioresources

Biomass valorization by thermochemical conversion method is a promising and intriguing pathway due to the flexibility of utilizing a diverse group of biomass and biowastes, specific product delivery mechanism through manipulation of process parameters, and wide applicability of the products. Pyrolysis has been viewed as an effective valorization technique to transform biowastes into pyrolytic oil, solid char, and syngas. Syngas is generally fed to the pyrolysis process to generate heat necessary for the pyrolysis process to sustain. Pyrolysis may also be a subsidiary component in a biorefinery system where it draws feedstocks from refinery process residues or the side streams of the refinery operation. In recent times, pyrolysis products have been under intense research for their usability and diverse applicability. Bio-oil's rich chemical makeup has promising potential to be used as an advanced biofuel and is considered as a storehouse of diverse chemical species ranging from green solvents to bioactive chemicals. The current review provides a state of knowledge on non-fuel uses of bio-oil and concludes that the pyrolysis process and products could be a part of the future bioeconomy if designed in a manner that biowastes are transformed into value-added products which replace products of petroleum origin.

A Preliminary Study on the Use of Rice Husk-Based Smoke Powder for Meatball Preservatives

This study examines the use of smoke powder derived from rice husks as a preservative for chicken meatballs. Rice husks were pyrolyzed in a slow pyrolysis reactor at the temperatures of 300°C (T1), 350°C (T2), and 400°C (T3) to produce liquid smoke. Each of the liquid smoke was distilled at 190°C and then converted into smoke powder by spray drying method. The smoke powder’s feasibility as a meatball preservative was examined by total plate count (TPC), total volatile base (TVB), most probable number (MPN) test of E. coli, and organoleptic (aroma, texture, and color) tests. The results showed that the TPC and TVB increased with storage time. At the storage time of 76 hours, the meatballs were no longer suitable for consumption as the TPC had exceeded the minimum limit. In meatballs with T3 smoke powder at 72-hour storage, the number of colonies was 6.87 × 104 CFU/g, indicating the TPC value has not exceeded the threshold yet. The TVB test showed that up to 72 hours of storage, the meatballs remained fresh with a TVB value of less than 0.20 mgN/g. The result of the organoleptic test also showed that meatballs could last for 72 hours. The MPN test, on the other hand, revealed that the E. coli was still permissible after 68 hours of preservation.

The expression of interleukin-1β and nuclear factor erythroid-2 in the periodontitis after treatment of liquid smoke rice hull

Nonsurgical treatment such as scaling and root planing has been the main therapy of periodontal management. However, some individuals are nonresponsive with only mechanical therapy. Rice hull liquid smoke (RH-LS) with higher of phenolic compound supposed to interfere with inflammation process. Thus, the purpose of this study is to investigate the anti-inflammation properties of RH-LS for chronic periodontitis adjunct therapy by observing the expression of nuclear factor erythroid-2 (Nrf-2) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β). Two groups of Wistar rats were used. Control group was induced by 1 × 10⁹ colony-forming unit (CFU)/ml Porphyromonas gingivalis (PG) and treated with aquadest for 2 and 7 days. Meanwhile, the other group was induced by 1 × 10⁹ CFU/ml PG and treated with RH-LS for 2 and 7 days. Two central incisive/mandibulae were dissected and stained with immunohistochemistry for analyzed the expression of Nrf-2 and IL-1β. Data were then analyzed statistically using independent t-test (P = 0.05). Treatment with RH-LS for 7 days showed lower expression of IL-1β (4.00 ± 1.58) than control group (13.60 ± 2.70) and showed higher expression of Nrf-2 (11.60 ± 1.95) than control group (4.20 ± 1.64) (P = 0.000) (P < 0.05). Treatment of RH-LS for 2 days showed higher expression of Nrf-2 (2.20 ± 1.31) than control group (6.80 ± 1.92) (P = 0.003) (P < 0.05). RH-LS showed anti-inflammation properties by elevating the expression of Nrf-2 and depressing expression of IL-1β in periodontitis induced by PG.

Pyrolysis of cajuput (Melaleuca leucadendron) twigs and rice (Oryza sativa) husks to produce liquid smoke-containing fine chemicals for antibacterial agent application

Pyrolysis of cajuput (Melaleuca leucadendron) twigs and rice (Oryza sativa) husks to produce liquid smoke and antibacterial activities of the liquid smoke fractions were investigated. The liquid smoke was produced by pyrolysis at 500 °C for 8 h and contained fine chemicals, such as acetic acid, carbonyl, cyclic ketones, and phenolic compounds with pH 2.1-2.9. The liquid smoke was separated by vacuum evaporation under vacuum conditions at low temperatures (40 °C, 50 °C, and 60 °C) to recover three fractions. The composition of each fraction influenced its antibacterial activities. Antibacterial activities of the liquid smoke fractions were tested against Gram-positive bacteria (Listeria monocytogenes, Bacillus subtilis, and Staphylococcus aureus) and Gram-negative bacteria (Salmonella typhimurium, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Escherichia coli). Whole fractions of the liquid smoke inhibited the six pathogenic bacteria, with the inhibition zone larger or smaller than the positive control. Among the liquid smoke fractions, the liquid recovered at 60 °C for the cajuput twigs and rice husks demonstrated a stronger inhibitory effect on bacterial growth than the other fractions.

Working goal of Brazilein sappan wood as a candidate for SARS-coV-2 antivirus drug against spike (S) glycoprotein, papain-like proteinase, and main protease: In silico study

Brazilein sappan wood, played by Spike (S) glycoprotein, Papain-Like proteinase (PLpro), and Main protease (Mpro), is expected to be a candidate for the antiviral drug SARS-CoV-2, which can inhibit viral attachment to the human body, replication, and transcription processes. The aim of this study was to predict in silico, using the comparative drug hydroxychloroquine, the working goal of brazilein sappan wood as a candidate for the antiviral drug SARS-CoV-2 against protein S, PLpro, and Mpro. The approach used is the in silico docking test using the computer program Molegro Virtual Docker. Receptor used by protein S, Protein Data Bank (PDB) code: 6M0J, NAG_601[E] ligand; PLpro, PDB code: 7JIT, Y95_501[A] ligand; and Mpro, PDB code: 1WOF, I12_1145[A] ligand. Data analysis was carried out by comparing the docking bond energies between the ligands at the target receptor. Silico test results for protein S: ligand bond energy NAG_601 [E] = -59.4555, brazilein = -71.5537, hydroxychloroquine = -79.3704; PLpro protein: Ligand bond energy Y95_501 [A] = -129.561, brazilein = -94.9761, hydroxychloroquine = -100.984; Mpro protein: Ligand bond energy I12 1145 [A] = -141.135, brazilein = -96.6169, hydroxychloroquine = -104.88. The above test results indicate that brazilein sappan wood has potential as a SARS-CoV-2 drug candidate, has a stable bond, and that the biological activity of the compound is stronger against S protein than the proteins of PLpro and Mpro.

Validation of environmental disinfection efficiency of traditional Ayurvedic fumigation practices

Environmental disinfection greatly reduces the occurrence of nosocomial or healthcare associated infections (HCAIs) which are the major healthcare problems worldwide. In India, Ayurvedic traditional fumigation with natural plant products is used to disinfect environment. In the present study, environmental disinfection efficiency of traditional fumigation practice has been evaluated by using natural plant products such as garlic (Allium sativum) peel, turmeric (Curcuma longa) powder, Carom (Trachyspermum ammi) seeds (Ajwain) and Loban (resin of Styrax benzoin and Boswellia species). The efficiency of traditional fumigation using these natural products to disinfect air and surface was evaluated. The effect of traditional fumigation on the microbiological quality of air was revealed by active air sampling. In addition, the ability of the traditional fumigation using garlic peel to disinfect inanimate surface was evaluated using three strains of methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Glass slide was artificially contaminated with the bacteria and fumigated whereas non-fumigated slide served as control. The control and fumigated slides were analyzed for surviving bacteria and subjected to scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis. Traditional fumigation performed separately with three grams of garlic peel, turmeric, carom seeds and loban powder reduced the average air borne bacterial colony forming units (cfu)/m³ compared to non-fumigated control. The SEM analysis showed reduced number of bacteria in garlic peel fumigated surface samples. The results of the study strongly suggested that the traditional Ayurvedic fumigation with natural plant products is effective in reducing air-borne bacteria and in disinfecting inanimate surfaces. The traditional fumigation with herbal products has huge potential to address the problem of nosocomial infections.

Exploratory Study of the Application of Smoke Aerosols to Manure-Based Composting Materials To Reduce Prevalence of Salmonella

During the early stages of aerobic composting, heat is generated and when the materials are self-insulating, extended exposure of pathogens to this heat source will lead to significant reduction, if not elimination, of the pathogens. However, when insufficient heat is applied to the composting materials, pathogens may survive. Under those conditions if the compost had contained material of animal origin or food waste, it would be considered untreated and would not be allowed in fields growing crops that may be consumed raw. However, alternative treatment processes are allowed, provided they are validated to meet the microbial standards stipulated in the Produce Safety final rule of the Food Safety Modernization Act and that the physical parameters of the process are documented to ensure that the conditions under which the process was validated have been met. Hence, this exploratory study was undertaken in a laboratory setting to determine the potential for application of aerosolized smoke to inactivate Salmonella in manure-based compost. Smoke generated from wood chips (oak or pecan) and introduced to the headspace of contaminated cow manure compost (≤3 log CFU/g) in sealed containers (35 g per container) resulted in no Salmonella detected by enrichment culture in 100% (0 of 14) of the samples after 18 to 48 h of exposure, whereas Salmonella in control samples remained at initial levels over the same time period. Shorter exposure times (6 h) to the smoke aerosols were less effective (11 of 24 samples positive by enrichment culture), and additional flushes with the wood smoke during this time failed to decrease the prevalence of contamination. Smoke aerosols generated from waste agricultural materials and held in containers with Salmonella-contaminated compost for 18 h significantly reduced the prevalence of the pathogen in samples compared with control samples (P < 0.05). The odds of not finding Salmonella in smoke-exposed compost were 14 (pine needles and rice hulls), 23 (cocoa hulls, orange rind, and peanut hulls), and 28 (sunflower hulls) times greater compared with samples not exposed to smoke. Many other variables remain to be examined (e.g., compost composition, compost maturity, and anaerobic conditions) to determine whether this approach could be universally applied to manure-based compost. Validation under field conditions will be required and may entail use of this approach in combination with suboptimal thermal conditions (<55°C).

The composition of a bioprocessed shiitake (Lentinus edodes) mushroom mycelia and rice bran formulation and its antimicrobial effects against Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Typhimurium strain SL1344 in macrophage cells and in mice

Background

Human infection by pathogenic Salmonella bacteria can be acquired by consuming of undercooked meat products and eggs. Antimicrobial resistance against antibiotics used in medicine is also a major concern. To help overcome these harmful effects on microbial food safety and human health, we are developing novel antimicrobial food-compatible formulations, one of which is described in the present study.

Methods

The composition of a bioprocessed (fermented) rice bran extract (BPRBE) from Lentinus edodes liquid mycelia culture was evaluated using gas chromatography and mass spectrometry, and the mechanism of its antibacterial effect against Salmonella Typhimurium, strain SL1344 was investigated in macrophage cells and in mice.

Results

BPRBE stimulated uptake of the bacteria into RAW 264.7 murine macrophage cells. Activation of the cells was confirmed by increases in NO production resulting from the elevation of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) mRNA, and in protein expression. Salmonella infection down-regulated the expression of the following protein biomarkers of autophagy (a catabolic process for stress adaptation of cellular components): Beclin-1, Atg5, Atg12, Atg16, LC3-I and LC3-II. BPRBE promoted the upregulation of protein expressions that induced bacterial destruction in autolysosomes of RAW 264.7 cells. ELISA analysis of interferon IFN-β showed that inflammatory cytokine secretion and bactericidal activity had similar profiles, suggesting that BPRBE enhances cell-autonomous and systemic bactericidal activities via autophagic capture of Salmonella. The treatment also elicited increased excretion of bacteria in feces and their decreased translocation to internal organs (cecum, mesenteric lymph node, spleen, and liver).

Conclusions

The antibiotic mechanism of BPRBE involves the phagocytosis of extracellular bacteria, autophagic capture of intracellular bacteria, and prevention of translocation of bacteria across the intestinal epithelial cells. The new bioprocessing combination of mushroom mycelia and rice brans forms a potentially novel food formulation with in vivo antimicrobial properties that could serve as a functional antimicrobial food and medical antibiotic.

Antimicrobial potential of pyroligneous extracts - a systematic review and technological prospecting

Pyroligneous extract is applied in diverse areas as an antioxidant, an antimicrobial, and an anti-inflammatory agent. The discovery of new cost-effective antimicrobial agents of natural origin remains a challenge for the scientific community. This study aimed to conduct a systematic review and a technological forecasting of the existent evidence regarding the use of pyroligneous extract as a potential antimicrobial agent. Studies were identified through an investigation of various electronic databases: PubMed, SciFinder, Web of Science, Scopus, Scielo, Google scholar, and ProQuest. Patents were searched through INPI, Google patents, Espacenet, Patents online, USPTO, and WIPO. The literature on antimicrobial activity of pyroligneous extract are limited given the short duration of studies and variability in study design, use of pyroligneous preparations, and reports on results. However, evidence suggests the potential of pyroligneous extract as a natural antimicrobial agent. The most studied activity was the role of PE as a food preservative. However, pyroligneous extracts are also effective against pathogenic bacteria in the oral microflora and treatment of candidal infections. Further research is needed using standardized preparations of pyroligneous extracts to determine their long-term effectiveness and ability as antimicrobial agents.

Mechanism of Antibacterial Activities of a Rice Hull Smoke Extract (RHSE) Against Multidrug-Resistant Salmonella Typhimurium In Vitro and in Mice

The present study tested antibacterial activity of a rice hull smoke extract (RHSE) against a multidrug-resistant strain of Salmonella Typhimurium and examined its mode of suppressive action in vitro and in mice. In vitro studies showed that the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) value of RHSE was 1.29% (v/v). The inactivation was confirmed by complete loss of cell viability in the range of 10⁴ to 10⁷ colony forming units of the resistant Salmonella Typhimurium strain. Agarose and sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoreses were used to evaluate the integrities of bacterial genomic DNA and total cellular protein profiles. The antibacterial action of RHSE results from a leakage of intracellular macromolecules following rupture of bacterial cells. Scanning electron microscopy of the cells shows that RHSE also induced deleterious morphological changes in the bacterial cell membrane of the pathogens. In vivo antibacterial activity of RHSE at a 1 × MIC concentration was examined in a bacterial gastroenteritis model using Balb/c mice orally infected with the Salmonella Typhimurium. The results show greatly decreased excretion of the bacteria into the feces and suppressed translocation of the bacteria to internal organs (cecum, mesenteric lymph node, spleen, and liver) compared with the infected mice not subjected to the RHSE treatment. Collectively, the present findings indicate that the mechanism of the antibacterial activities both in vitro and in the gastroenteritis environment of the animal model is the result of the direct disruption of cell structure, leading to cell death. RHSE has the potential to serve as a multifunctional food additive that might protect consumers against infections by antibiotic-resistant microorganisms.

PRACTICAL APPLICATION

The rice hull derived liquid smoke has the potential to complement widely used wood-derived smoke as an antimicrobial flavor and health-promoting formulation for application in foods and feeds.

Chemistry, Antimicrobial Mechanisms, and Antibiotic Activities of Cinnamaldehyde against Pathogenic Bacteria in Animal Feeds and Human Foods

Cinnamaldehyde is a major constituent of cinnamon essential oils produced by aromatic cinnamon plants. This compound has been reported to exhibit antimicrobial properties in vitro in laboratory media and in animal feeds and human foods contaminated with disease-causing bacteria including Bacillus cereus, Campylobacter jejuni, Clostridium perfringens, Escherichia coli, Listeria monocytogenes, and Salmonella enterica. This integrated review surveys and interprets our current knowledge of the chemistry, analysis, safety, mechanism of action, and antibiotic activities of cinnamaldehyde in food animal (cattle, lambs, calves, pigs, poultry) diets and in widely consumed liquid (apple, carrot, tomato, and watermelon juices, milk) and solid foods. Solid foods include various fruits (bayberries, blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries), vegetables (carrots, celery, lettuce, spinach, cucumbers, and tomatoes), meats (beef, ham, pork, and frankfurters), poultry (chickens and turkeys), seafood (oysters and shrimp), bread, cheese, eggs, infant formula, and peanut paste. The described findings are not only of fundamental interest but also have practical implications for food safety, nutrition, and animal and human health. The collated information and suggested research needs will hopefully facilitate and guide further studies needed to optimize the use of cinnamaldehyde alone and in combination with other natural antimicrobials and medicinal antibiotics to help prevent and treat food animal and human diseases.

Differential effects of rice bran cultivars to limit Salmonella Typhimurium in chicken cecal in vitro incubations and impact on the cecal microbiome and metabolome

In this study, rice brans from different cultivars (Calrose, Jasmine, and Red Wells) were assessed for their ability to inhibit Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium using an in vitro mixed anaerobic culture system containing cecal microbiota obtained from broilers of different ages. Salmonella Typhimurium was added to controls (feed only, cecal only, and feed + cecal material) and treatments (feed + cecal + different rice brans) and S. Typhimurium populations were enumerated at 0, 24, and 48 h. Two experimental conditions were applied 1) unadapted condition in which S. Typhimurium was added at the beginning of the culture incubation and 2) adapted condition in which S. Typhimurium was added after a 24 hour pre-incubation of the cecal bacteria with the feed and/or rice bran. Among the three rice brans, only Calrose exhibited a rapid inhibition of S. Typhimurium, which decreased to undetectable levels after 24 h under the adapted incubation. Changes in microbiological composition and metabolites by addition of Calrose bran were also investigated with an Illumina MiSeq platform and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, respectively. Addition of Calrose bran resulted in significant changes including decreased Firmicutes phylum abundance and an increased number of metabolites associated with fatty acid metabolism. In summary, it appears that rice bran from specific rice cultivars may be effective as a means to reduce Salmonella in the chicken ceca. In addition, Calrose rice bran inclusion leads to changes in cecal microbiological composition and metabolite profile.

β-glucans from Coriolus versicolor protect mice against S. typhimurium challenge by activation of macrophages

The effects of β-glucans from Coriolus versicolor (CVP), which are extracted from a well-known immune stimulator C. versicolor, have been demonstrated extensively in vitro and in vivo. However, until now, the phagocytic activity has not been elucidated. Hence, the objective of the present study was to identify the antibacterial activity of CVP or CVP-treated macrophages by an analysis of cell cytotoxicity, phagocytic activity, intracellular bacterial survival, macrophage activation, production of nitric oxide (NO) and expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in CVP-treated macrophages using flow cytometry, RT-PCR, a gentamicin protection assay, a Nitric oxide assay and an iNOS enzymatic activity assay. The results indicate that CVP-treated macrophages can phagocytize and kill bacteria, probably due to the production of NO and iNOS. More importantly, CVP-treated macrophages are effective at protecting mice against the challenge of Salmonella typhimurium. The results of this study suggest that the antibacterial effects of CVP are probably caused by the activation of innate immune cells, especially macrophages, because the activated macrophage produces NO, which kills bacteria. These phenomena indicate the possibility of CVP as a potential alternative for antibiotics against resistant bacteria.

The nasal microbiota in health and disease: variation within and between subjects

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) affects approximately 5% of the adult population in Western societies and severely reduces the patient's quality of life. The role of bacteria in the pathogenesis of this condition has not yet been established with certainty. However, recent reports of bacterial and fungal biofilms in CRS highlight a potential role for these microorganisms. In this study, 16S rRNA gene-targeted amplicon pyrosequencing and qPCR were used to determine the composition and abundance, respectively, of the sinus microbiota within 9 patients with CRS and 6 healthy individuals. Within-patient variability was also investigated by sampling from anterior nares, inferior turbinate, and middle meatus on each side of the sinuses. Our results indicate that more of the variation in bacterial composition can be explained by inter-personal differences, rather than sampling location or even disease status. In addition, bacterial community diversity was significantly lower in CRS samples compared to those from healthy subjects, whereas bacterial load was not associated with disease status. Although members of the genera Corynebacterium and Staphylococcus were prevalent in the majority of samples (including healthy subjects), the large amount of variation observed between individuals, particularly within the CRS cohort, suggests that an imbalance or dysbiosis in community structure could be the driving force behind the disease. Ultimately, understanding the causes of variation within the sinus microbiota may lead to more personalized treatment options for CRS.

The nasal microbiota in health and disease: variation within and between subjects

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) affects approximately 5% of the adult population in Western societies and severely reduces the patient's quality of life. The role of bacteria in the pathogenesis of this condition has not yet been established with certainty. However, recent reports of bacterial and fungal biofilms in CRS highlight a potential role for these microorganisms. In this study, 16S rRNA gene-targeted amplicon pyrosequencing and qPCR were used to determine the composition and abundance, respectively, of the sinus microbiota within 9 patients with CRS and 6 healthy individuals. Within-patient variability was also investigated by sampling from anterior nares, inferior turbinate, and middle meatus on each side of the sinuses. Our results indicate that more of the variation in bacterial composition can be explained by inter-personal differences, rather than sampling location or even disease status. In addition, bacterial community diversity was significantly lower in CRS samples compared to those from healthy subjects, whereas bacterial load was not associated with disease status. Although members of the genera Corynebacterium and Staphylococcus were prevalent in the majority of samples (including healthy subjects), the large amount of variation observed between individuals, particularly within the CRS cohort, suggests that an imbalance or dysbiosis in community structure could be the driving force behind the disease. Ultimately, understanding the causes of variation within the sinus microbiota may lead to more personalized treatment options for CRS.

Mechanism of the antiadipogenic-antiobesity effects of a rice hull smoke extract in 3T3-L1 preadipocyte cells and in mice on a high-fat diet

Photomicrographs and dose-dependent lipid reduction in adipocyte cells induced by the rice hull extract.

Rice hull smoke extract protects mice against a Salmonella lipopolysaccharide-induced endotoxemia

Endotoxemia (sepsis, septic shock) is an inflammatory, virulent disease that results mainly from infection by Gram-negative bacteria. The present study investigates the inhibitory effects of a rice hull smoke extract (RHSE) against murine endotoxemia induced by Salmonella lipopolysaccharide and d-galactosamine (LPS/GalN). Pretreatment of the mice with RHSE via dietary administration for 2 weeks resulted in the suppression (in %) of LPS/GalN-induced catalase by 70.7, superoxide dismutase (SOD) by 54.6, and transaminase (GOT/GPT) liver enzymes by 40.6/62.5, the amelioration of necrotic liver lesions, and the reduction of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) by 61.1 and nitrite serum level by 83.4, as well as myeloperoxidase (MPO) enzyme associated with necrotic injury of the lung and kidney by 65.7 and 63.3, respectively. The RHSE also extended the lifespan of the toxemic mice. The results using inflammation biomarkers and from the lifespan studies suggest that the RHSE can protect mice against LPS/GalN-induced liver, lung, and kidney injuries and inflammation by blocking oxidative stress and TNF-α production, thereby increasing the survival of the toxic-shock-induced mice. These beneficial effects and previous studies on the antimicrobial effects against Salmonella Typhimurium in culture and in mice suggest that the smoke extract also has the potential to serve as a new multifunctional resource in human food and animal feeds. Possible mechanisms of the beneficial effects at the cellular and molecular levels and suggested food uses are discussed.

Antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties of wines and winery byproducts in relation to their flavonoid content

Grapes produce organic compounds that may be involved in the defense of the plants against invading phytopathogens. These metabolites include numerous phenolic compounds that are also active against human pathogens. Grapes are used to produce a variety of wines, grape juices, and raisins. Grape pomace, seeds, and skins, the remains of the grapes that are a byproduct of winemaking, also contain numerous bioactive compounds that differ from those found in grapes and wines. This overview surveys and interprets our present knowledge of the activities of wines and winery byproducts and some of their bioactive components against foodborne (Bacillus cereus, Campylobacter jejuni, Escherichia coli, Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella enterica, Staphylococcus aureus, Yersinia enterocolitica, Vibrio cholerae, Vibrio vulnificus), medical (Helicobacter pylori, Klebsiella pneumoniae), and oral pathogenic bacteria, viruses (adeno, cytomegalo, hepatitis, noro, rota), fungi (Candida albicans, Botrytis cinerea), parasites (Eimeria tenella, Trichomonas vaginalis), and microbial toxins (ochratoxin A, Shiga toxin) in culture, in vivo, and in/on food (beef, chicken, frankfurters, hot dogs, lettuce, oysters, peppers, pork, sausages, soup, spinach) in relation to composition and sensory properties. Also covered are antimicrobial wine marinades, antioxidative and immunostimulating aspects, and adverse effects associated with wine consumption. The collated information and suggested research needs might facilitate and guide further studies needed to optimize the use of wines and byproducts to help improve microbial food safety and prevent or treat animal and human infections.

Temperature effects on the antimicrobial efficacy of condensed smoke and lauric arginate against Listeria and Salmonella

Condensed smoke or liquid smoke (LS) and lauric arginate (LAE) are antimicrobials used in food preservation. They have demonstrated abilities to reduce or inhibit pathogenic and spoilage organisms. Few studies, however, have reported on the effectiveness of LS or LAE over the range of temperatures typically encountered in food marketing channels. Therefore, the effects of temperature on the antimicrobial properties of two commercial LS fractions, an LS derived from pecan shells, and LAE against two common foodborne pathogens, Listeria and Salmonella, were investigated. The MICs of the three LS samples and LAE were measured at 4, 10, and 37°C for Listeria monocytogenes strains 2045 (Scott A, serotype 4b) and 10403S (serotype 1/2a) and two strains of Listeria innocua, a well-established surrogate, and at 10, 25, and 37°C for Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium and Salmonella enterica serovar Heidelberg. The MICs for LS against Listeria ranged from 3 to 48% (vol/vol), with higher MICs seen with lower temperatures. The MICs for LS on Salmonella ranged from 3 to 24%. Values for LAE ranged between 0.004 and 0.07% for both pathogens, and like LS, higher MICs were always associated with lower incubation temperatures. Understanding how storage temperature affects the efficacy of antimicrobials is an important factor that can contribute to lowering the hurdles of use levels and costs of antimicrobials and ultimately improve food safety for the consumer.

A Polysaccharide isolated from the liquid culture of Lentinus edodes (Shiitake) mushroom mycelia containing black rice bran protects mice against salmonellosis through upregulation of the Th1 immune reaction

The present study investigated the antibacterial effect of a bioprocessed polysaccharide (BPP) isolated from Lentinus edodes liquid mycelial culture supplemented with black rice bran against murine salmonellosis. BPP was not bactericidal in vitro, it did, however, stimulate uptake of the bacteria into RAW 264.7 murine macrophage cells, as indicated by increased colony-forming unit (CFU) counts of the contents of the lysed macrophages incubated with Salmonella Typhimurium for 30 and 60 min. Two hours postinfection, the bacterial counts drastically increased in the macrophages, but 4 and 8 h postinfection BPP extract-treated cells showed lower bacterial counts than the vehicle (saline phosphate pH 7.4 buffer, PBS)-treated control. BPP elicited altered morphology and markedly elevated inducible nitric oxide (NO) synthase (iNOS) mRNA and protein expression in the infected macrophage cells. BPP also activated leukocytes in S. Typhimurium-infected mice, as determined by spleen lymphocyte proliferation and IFN-γ levels in mice sera. ELISA analysis on cytokine production by Th1 and Th2 immune cells from splenocytes of infected mice showed significant increases in the levels of the following Th1 cytokines: IL-1β, IL-2, IL-6, and IL-12. Histology assays of the livers of mice infected with a sublethal dose (1 × 10(4) CFU) of S. Typhimurium showed that BPP, administered daily through an intraperitoneal (ip) or oral route, protected against necrosis of the liver, a biomarker of in vivo salmonellosis. The lifespan of mice similarly infected with a lethal dose of S. Typhimurium (1 × 10(5) CFU) was significantly extended by ip injection or oral administration of the BPP without side effects. These results suggest that the activity of BPP against bacterial infection in mice occurs mainly through the activation of macrophage-mediated immune response resulting from augmented Th1 immunity. The significance of the results for microbial food safety and human health and further research needs are discussed.

Functionality of liquid smoke as an all-natural antimicrobial in food preservation

The smoking of foods, especially meats, has been used as a preservation technique for centuries. Today, smoking methods often involve the use of wood smoke condensates, commonly known as liquid smoke. Liquid smoke is produced by condensing wood smoke created by the pyrolysis of sawdust or wood chips followed by removal of the carcinogenic polyaromatic hydrocarbons. The main products of wood pyrolysis are phenols, carbonyls and organic acids which are responsible for the flavor, color and antimicrobial properties of liquid smoke. Several common food-borne pathogens such as Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella, pathogenic Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus have shown sensitivity to liquid smoke in vitro and in food systems. Therefore liquid smoke has potential for use as an all-natural antimicrobial in commercial applications where smoke flavor is desired. This review will cover the application and effectiveness of liquid smoke and fractions of liquid smoke as an all-natural food preservative. This review will be valuable for the industrial and research communities in the food science and technology areas.

A polysaccharide isolated from the liquid culture of Lentinus edodes (Shiitake) mushroom mycelia containing black rice bran protects mice against a Salmonella lipopolysaccharide-induced endotoxemia

Endotoxemia (sepsis, septic shock) is an inflammatory, virulent disease that results mainly from bacterial infection. The present study investigates the inhibitory effect of a bioprocessed polysaccharide (BPP) isolated from the edible Lentinus edodes liquid mycelial mushroom culture supplemented with black rice bran against murine endotoxemia induced by the Salmonella lipopolysaccharide and d-galactosamine (LPS/GalN). BPP was obtained after dialysis against water using a cellulose tube with a molecular weight cutoff of 10000. BPP eluted as a single peak on an HPLC chromatogram. Acid hydrolysis of BPP showed the presence of the following sugars: fucose, galactose, galactosamine, glucose, glucosamine, mannose, rhamnose, and xylose. Treatment of BPP with β-glucanase reduced its immunostimulating activity, suggesting that the polysaccharide has a β-glucan structure. Pretreatment of mice with BPP via oral or intraperitoneal (ip) administration for 2 weeks resulted in the suppression of LPS/GalN-induced catalase, superoxide dismutase (SOD), and transaminase (GOT/GPT) liver enzymes, amelioration of necrotic liver lesions, and reduction of tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) and nitrite serum levels as well as myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, an index of necrotic injury. Immunostimulating macrophage activity was up to 5.4-fold greater than that observed with the culture without the rice bran. BPP also extended the lifespan of the toxemic mice. These positive results with inflammation biomarkers and lifespan studies suggest that the BPP can protect mice against LPS/GalN-induced liver, lung, and kidney injuries and inflammation by blocking oxidative stress and TNF-α production, thus increasing the survival of the toxic shock-induced mice. The polysaccharide has the potential to serve as a new functional food.

Rice brans, rice bran oils, and rice hulls: composition, food and industrial uses, and bioactivities in humans, animals, and cells

Rice plants produce bioactive rice brans and hulls that have been reported to have numerous health-promoting effects in cells, animals, and humans. The main objective of this review is to consolidate and integrate the widely scattered information on the composition and the antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and immunostimulating effects of rice brans from different rice cultivars, rice bran oils derived from rice brans, rice hulls, liquid rice hull smoke derived from rice hulls, and some of their bioactive compounds. As part of this effort, this paper also presents brief summaries on the preparation of health-promoting foods including bread, corn flakes, frankfurters, ice cream, noodles, pasta, tortillas, and zero-trans-fat shortening as well as industrial products such bioethanol and biodiesel fuels. Also covered are antibiotic, antiallergic, anticarcinogenic, antidiabetic, cardiovascular, allelochemical, and other beneficial effects and the mechanisms of the bioactivities. The results show that food-compatible and safe formulations with desirable nutritional and biological properties can be used to develop new multifunctional foods as well as bioethanol and biodiesel fuel. The overlapping aspects are expected to contribute to a better understanding of the potential impact of the described health-promoting potential of the rice-derived brans, oils, and hulls in food and medicine. Such an understanding will enhance nutrition and health and benefit the agricultural and industrial economies.

Fumigation in Ayurveda: potential strategy for drug discovery and drug delivery

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Ayurveda has its unique perceptions and resultant methodologies for defining and treating human diseases. Fumigation therapy is one of the several treatment methods described in Ayurveda whereby fumes produced from defined drug formulations are inhaled by patients. This therapeutic procedure offers promising research opportunities from phytochemical and ethnopharmacological viewpoints, however, it remains under-noticed. Considering these facts, this review is primarily aimed at introducing said Ayurvedic fumigation therapy and discussing its scientific gaps and future challenges.

METHODOLOGY

A search of multiple bibliographical databases and traditional Ayurvedic text books was conducted and the articles analyzed under various key themes, e.g., Ayurvedic fumigation, fumigation therapy, medicinal fumigation, inhalation of drugs and aerosol therapy.

RESULT

Ayurveda recommends fumigation as a method of sterilization and therapeutic procedure for various human diseases including microbial infections and psychological disorders. However, it has not gained much attention as a prospective field with multiple research opportunities.

CONCLUSION

It is necessary to have a more detailed and systematic investigation of the phytochemical and pharmacodynamic properties of Ayurvedic fumigation therapy in order to facilitate the identification of novel bioactive compounds and more effective drug administration methods.

Dietary rice bran component γ-oryzanol inhibits tumor growth in tumor-bearing mice

SCOPE

We investigated the effects of rice bran and components on tumor growth in mice.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Mice fed standard diets supplemented with rice bran, γ-oryzanol, Ricetrienol®, ferulic acid, or phytic acid for 2 weeks were inoculated with CT-26 colon cancer cells and fed the same diet for two additional weeks. Tumor mass was significantly lower in the γ-oryzanol and less so in the phytic acid group. Tumor inhibition was associated with the following biomarkers: increases in cytolytic activity of splenic natural killer (NK) cells; partial restoration of nitric oxide production and phagocytosis in peritoneal macrophages increases in released the pro-inflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 from macrophages; and reductions in the number of blood vessels inside the tumor. Pro-angiogenic biomarkers vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and 5-lipoxygenase-5 (5-LOX) were also significantly reduced in mRNA and protein expression by tumor genes. ELISA of tumor cells confirmed reduced expression of COX-2 and 5-LOX up to 30%. Reduced COX-2 and 5-LOX expression downregulated VEGF and inhibited neoangiogenesis inside the tumors.

CONCLUSION

Induction of NK activity, activation of macrophages, and inhibition of angiogenesis seem to contribute to the inhibitory mechanism of tumor regression by γ-oryzanol.

Antidiabetic effects of rice hull smoke extract on glucose-regulating mechanism in type 2 diabetic mice

The aim of this study is to determine the protective effect of a liquid rice hull smoke extract (RHSE) against type 2 diabetes (T2D) in mice induced by a high-fat diet. As compared to the control group of mice on a high-fat diet (HFD), feeding the HFD supplemented with 0.5% or 1% RHSE for 7 weeks resulted in significantly reduced blood glucose and triglyceride and cholesterol concentrations, higher serum insulin levels, and improved glucose tolerance, as assessed by an oral glucose tolerance assay. The hypoglycemic effect of RHSE was accompanied by changes in enzyme activities and cognate gene expression assessed using RT-PCR. Among the glucose metabolism regulating genes evaluated, hepatic glucokinase (GCK), the glucose transporters GLUT2 and GLUT4, and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPAR-γ) were up-regulated, whereas glucose-6-phosphatase (G6 Pase) and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK) were down-regulated in the liver of mice with RHSE-supplementation. These changes resulted in restoration of glucose-regulating activities to normal control levels. Histopathology showed that a high-fat diet intake also induced liver necrosis and damage of the islet of Langerhans in the pancreas, whereas RHSE supplementation restored necrotic damage to normal levels. Immunohistochemistry showed that RHSE supplementation can restore the reduced insulin-producing β-cell population in islet of Langerhans associated with a high-fat diet intake to nondiabetic normal control levels in a dose-dependent manner. RHSE-supplemented food could protect insulin-producing islet cells against damage triggered by oxidative stress and local inflammation associated with diabetes.

Hericium erinaceus mushroom extracts protect infected mice against Salmonella Typhimurium-Induced liver damage and mortality by stimulation of innate immune cells

The present study investigated the antibacterial effect of four extracts from the fruitbody of the edible medicinal mushroom Hericium erinaceus (hot water extract, HWE; microwave/50% ethanol extract, MWE; acid extract, ACE; and alkaline extract, AKE) against murine salmonellosis. The extracts had no effect on Salmonella ser. Typhimurium growth in culture. Nor were the extracts toxic to murine macrophage cells, RAW 264.7. HWE and MWE stimulated uptake of the bacteria into the macrophage cells as indicated by increased colony-forming unit (CFU) counts of the contents of the lysed macrophages infected with Salmonella Typhimurium for 30 and 60 min. Two hours postinfection, the bacterial counts increased in the macrophages, but 4 and 8 h postinfection the HWE- and MWE-treated cells showed greater activity against the bacteria than the control. HWE- and MWE-treated noninfected macrophages had altered morphology and elevated inducible nitric oxide (NO) synthase (iNOS) mRNA expression. In the presence of S. Typhimurium, iNOS mRNA expression was further increased, accompanied by an increase in NO production. Histology assays of the livers of mice infected with a sublethal dose (1 × 10(4) CFU) of S. Typhimurium showed that HWE and MWE, administered by daily intraperitoneal injection, protected against necrosis of the liver, a biomarker of in vivo salmonellosis. The lifespans of mice similarly infected with a lethal dose of S. Typhimurium (1 × 10(5) CFU) were significantly extended by HWE and MWE. β-Glucan, known to stimulate the immune system, was previously found to be present in high amounts in the active extracts. These results suggest that the mushroom extract activities against bacterial infection in mice occur through the activation of innate immune cells.

Antidiabetic effects of rice hull smoke extract in alloxan-induced diabetic mice

This study investigated the protective effect of a liquid rice hull smoke extract (RHSE) against diabetes in alloxan-induced diabetic mice. Antidiabetic effects of RHSE were evaluated in both the rat insulinoma-1 cell line (INS-1) and diabetic ICR mice induced by intraperitoneal (ip) injection of alloxan. Alloxan treatment (10 mM) increased cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in the INS-1 cells, which were inversely related to cell viabilities. RHSE inhibited alloxan-induced nitric oxide (NO) generation through inhibition of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) gene expression and suppressed the inflammatory reaction in INS-1 cells through inhibition of expression of pro-inflammatory genes, including tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and interleukin-6 (IL-6). Dietary administration of 0.5 or 1% RHSE to alloxan-induced diabetic mice caused a decrease in blood glucose and increases in both serum insulin and hepatic glycogen levels. RHSE induced decreases in glucose-6-phosphatase (G6 Pase) and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK) levels and an increase in the glucokinase (GCK) level. These changes resulted in restoring glucose-regulating enzyme levels to control values. Histopathology showed that alloxan also induced damage of Langerhans islet cells of the pancreas and liver necrosis associated with diabetes. Oral administration of RHSE restored the islet and liver cells to normal levels. RHSE-supplemented functional food could protect insulin-producing islet cells against damage triggered by oxidative stress and local inflammation associated with diabetes.