Manilkara zapota (Linn.) Seeds: A Potential Source of Natural Gum

Malva parviflora Leaves Mucilage: An Eco-Friendly and Sustainable Biopolymer with Antioxidant Properties

Malva parviflora L. is an edible and medicinal herb containing mucilaginous cells in its leaves. Mucilage obtained from M. parviflora leaves (MLM) was extracted in distilled water (1:10 w/v) at 70 °C followed by precipitation with alcohol. Preliminary phytochemical tests were performed to assess the purity of the extracted mucilage. Results showed that the yield of mucilage was 7.50%, and it was free from starch, alkaloids, glycosides, saponins, steroids, lipids and heavy metals. MLM had 16.19% carbohydrates, 13.55% proteins and 4.76% amino acids, which indicate its high nutritional value. Physicochemical investigations showed that MLM is neutral and water-soluble, having 5.84% moisture content, 15.60% ash content, 12.33 swelling index, 2.57 g/g water-holding capacity and 2.03 g/g oil-binding capacity. The functional properties, including emulsion capacity, emulsion stability, foaming capacity and stability increased with increased concentrations. Micromeritic properties, such as bulk density, tapped density, Carr's index, Hausner ratio, and angle of repose, were found to be 0.69 g/cm3, 0.84 g/cm3, 17.86%, 1.22 and 28.5, respectively. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed that MLM is an amorphous powder possessing particles of varying size and shape; meanwhile, rheological studies revealed the pseudoplastic behavior of MLM. The thermal transition process of MLM revealed by a differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) thermogram, occurring at a reasonable enthalpy change (∆H), reflects its good thermal stability. The presence of functional groups characteristic of polysaccharides was ascertained by the infrared (IR) and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) analyses. GC revealed the presence of five neutral monosaccharides; namely, galactose, rhamnose, arabinose, glucose and mannose, showing 51.09, 10.24, 8.90, 1.80 and 0.90 mg/g of MLM, respectively. Meanwhile, galacturonic acid is the only detected acidic monosaccharide, forming 15.06 mg/g of MLM. It showed noticeable antioxidant activity against the DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) radical with an IC50 value of 154.27 µg/mL. It also prevented oxidative damage to DNA caused by the Fenton reagent, as visualized in gel documentation system. The sun protection factor was found to be 10.93 ± 0.15 at 400 µg/mL. Thus, MLM can be used in food, cosmetic and pharmaceutical industry and as a therapeutic agent due to its unique properties.

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.

Protective effect of lyophilized sapodilla (Manilkara zapota) fruit extract against CCl4-induced liver damage in rats

The tropical fruit sapodilla (Manilkara zapota syn. Achras zapota) is a rich source of nutrients, minerals and a myriad of bioactive phytochemicals such as flavonoids and catechins. Pharmacologically, sapodilla has been shown to exhibit anti-bacterial, anti-parasitic, anti-fungal, antiglycative, hypocholesterolemic and anti-cancer effects. However, its influence on hepatic tissue and serum lipids remains obscure. To address this, we used an in vivo model of liver damage to elucidate the effect of lyophilized sapodilla extract (LSE) treatment in carbon tetra chloride (CCl₄) intoxicated rats. Exposure of CCl₄ resulted in elevation of serum biomarkers of liver damage (aspartate transaminase, alanine aminotransferase, γ-glutamyl transferase and alkaline phosphatase), bilirubin and dysregulation of serum lipid profile (cholesterol and triglycerides). These effects were significantly and dose-dependently reversed by LSE treatment (250 and 500 mg/kg). Administration of LSE also reduced the structural damage caused by CCl₄ in the liver. Furthermore, determination of oxidative stress parameters (malondialdehyde and non-protein sulfhydryls) revealed that LSE treatment mitigated CCl₄-triggered modulation of both molecules. LSE also showed a strong antioxidant activity in 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and β-carotene-linoleic acid assays. In conclusion, the present study discloses the hepatoprotective and lipid-lowering effects of lyophilized sapodilla extract against CCl₄-induced liver damage, an effect, at least in part, mediated by its antioxidant activity.