Cytotoxic and Apoptotic Effects of Luffa Cylindrica Leaves Extract against Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemic Stem Cells

An investigation into the sensory properties of luffa [Luffa cylindrica (L.)] sap

The seeds and sap of luffa [Luffa cylindrica (L.)] are usually discarded as waste. As such, this study aimed to identify the sensory properties of luffa sap (aqueous solution) and if it can be incorporated into a food item (orange juice) for added nutritional benefits and as an alternative sweetener. A sensory trial (n = 94) asked participants to evaluate a luffa sap sample and five different orange juice samples with increasing amounts of luffa sap (control [0%], 5%, 7.5%, 10%, 12.5%). The participants evaluated the samples using 9-point hedonic scales, check-all-that-apply, and an open-ended comment question. The luffa sap was described as having a mild flavor as well as woody, earthy, and floral attributes and an aftertaste. The liking scores for the orange juice with the 5% luffa sap did not significantly differ from the control. However, as the amount of luffa sap increased above 5%, the liking scores decreased and were significantly different from the control. The orange juice with luffa sap samples (7.5% and above) was associated with off-flavors, while the orange juice with 5% luffa sap and the control were associated with the attributes (sweet, fruity, orange, tropical, citrus) that increased the participants liking. Future studies should continue to investigate the sensory properties of luffa sap and its incorporation into different food products. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: This is one of the first studies to investigate the sensory properties of luffa sap with participants residing in the Western world. The luffa sap was found to be woody, earthy, bitter, and floral. It was acceptable to add luffa sap to orange juice up to 5% by volume. However, it did not increase the sweetness perception of the orange juice. At a 7.5% luffa sap addition and higher levels, off-flavors were observed in the orange juice.

Anticancer Potential of Apigenin and Isovitexin with Focus on Oncogenic Metabolism in Cancer Stem Cells

It has been demonstrated that cancer stem cells (CSCs) go through metabolic changes that differentiate them from non-CSCs. The altered metabolism of CSCs plays a vital role in tumor initiation, progression, immunosuppression, and resistance to conventional therapy. Therefore, defining the role of CSC metabolism in carcinogenesis has emerged as a main focus in cancer research. Two natural flavonoids, apigenin and isovitexin, have been shown to act synergistically with conventional chemotherapeutic drugs by sensitizing CSCs, ultimately leading to improved therapeutic efficacy. The aim of this study is to present a critical and broad evaluation of the anti-CSC capability of apigenin and isovitexin in different cancers as novel and untapped natural compounds for developing drugs. A thorough review of the included literature supports a strong association between anti-CSC activity and treatment with apigenin or isovitexin. Additionally, it has been shown that apigenin or isovitexin affected CSC metabolism and reduced CSCs through various mechanisms, including the suppression of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, the inhibition of nuclear factor-κB protein expression, and the downregulation of the cell cycle via upregulation of p21 and cyclin-dependent kinases. The findings of this study demonstrate that apigenin and isovitexin are potent candidates for treating cancer due to their antagonistic effects on CSC metabolism.

Volatile Compounds Governed by Single Recessive Gene Impart Aroma in Sponge Gourd (Luffa cylindrica L. Roem)

As a vegetable crop, sponge gourd is widely consumed worldwide due to its health promoting and nutraceutical value. This study describes genetics of an aromatic genotype VRSG-7-17 and deciphers the genetic control and volatile compound composition of sponge gourd. To study the inheritance of this trait, a cross was made between aromatic light-green-fruited VRSG-7-17 and non-aromatic dark-green-fruited VRSG-194 genotypes. The F₁s were found to be non-aromatic and have a green fruit colour. Chi-square (χ²) analysis of backcross and F₂ population segregating for aroma suggested that the inheritance of aroma in VRSG-7-17 is governed by a single recessive gene in a simple Mendelian fashion. The SPME-GC/MS analysis of the volatile compounds suggested that the compounds responsible for Basmati rice-like aroma were mainly hexanal, 1-octen-3-ol, 3-octanone and limonene. The aroma persists in the cooked VRSG-7-17 fruits, that did not lose fragrance traits at high temperatures. The inheritance of fruit colour was found to be controlled by a single gene with incomplete dominance. The segregation analysis showed that the aroma and fruit colour were not linked, and they segregated independently. The findings will lead to understanding the inheritance of the aromatic compounds in the sponge gourd and may be utilised in the breeding programmes for developing improved aromatic varieties.

Evaluation of the biological activities of β-glucan isolated from Lentinula edodes

Lentinula edodes (shiitake) is an edible mushroom that contains many constituents and β-glucan is considered a major polysaccharide. This study, therefore, aimed to characterize β-glucan and evaluate its activities. Fresh fruit bodies of L. edodes were used for β-glucan extraction and followed by analyses via Fourier transform infrared, Nuclear magnetic resonance, and High Performance Liquid Chromatography confirming its characteristic structure. For evaluating biological activities of β-glucan, different concentrations (0.1-3.5 mg ml^-1 ) were assessed. The optimal dose was 3.5 mg ml^-1 that showed the highest scavenging radical ability (75.3%) confirms antioxidant activity, strong inhibition of the peroxyl radical (80.9%) to inhibit lipid peroxidation, elevation the inhibition percentage of both α-amylase (73.4%) and α-glucosidase (70.3%) indicates the antidiabetic properties, and highest AFB1 reduction (88%) which ensured the aflatoxin-detoxifying ability. In addition, antifungal activity of β-glucan was evaluated to inhibit sporulation process in Aspergillus niger and recorded with minimum inhibitory concentration of 2.5 mg ml^-1 and minimum fungicidal concentration of 3 mg ml^-1 . In a dose-dependent manner, higher concentration of β-glucan affects viability of tumor cells concomitant induces potent anti-cancer immune responses and inhibited the activity of topoisomerase I which are considered an important target for cancer chemotherapy. Therefore, L. edodes-β-glucan has the potential to act as a suggestive agent for antioxidant, antidiabetic, antifungal activity, and aflatoxin detoxification.