Extraction of Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graceum L.) Seed Oil Using Subcritical Butane: Characterization and Process Optimization

Fatty acid and nutrient profiles, diosgenin and trigonelline contents, mineral composition, and antioxidant activity of the seed of some Iranian Trigonella L. species

BACKGROUND

Fenugreeks (Trigonella L. spp.), belonging to the legume family (Fabaceae), are well-known multipurpose crops that their materials are currently received much attention in the pharmaceutical and food industries for the production of healthy and functional foods all over the world. Iran is one of the main diversity origins of this valuable plant. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to explore vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids profile, proximate composition, content of diosgenin, trigonelline, phenolic acids, total carotenoids, saponins, phenols, flavonoids, and tannins, mucilage and bitterness value, and antioxidant activity of the seed of thirty populations belonging to the ten different Iranian Trigonella species.

RESULTS

We accordingly identified notable differences in the nutrient and bioactive compounds of each population. The highest content (mg/100 g DW) of ascorbic acid (18.67 ± 0.85‒22.48 ± 0.60) and α-tocopherol (31.61 ± 0.15‒38.78 ± 0.67) were found in the populations of T. filipes and T. coerulescens, respectively. Maximum content of catechin was found in the populations of T. teheranica (52.67 ± 0.05‒63.50 ± 0.72 mg/l). Linoleic acid (> 39.11% ± 0.61%) and linolenic acid (> 48.78 ± 0.39%) were the main polyunsaturated fatty acids, with the majority in the populations of T. stellata (54.81 ± 1.39‒63.46 ± 1.21%). The populations of T. stellata were also rich in trigonelline (4.95 ± 0.03‒7.66 ± 0.16 mg/g DW) and diosgenin (9.06 ± 0.06‒11.03 ± 0.17 mg/g DW).

CONCLUSIONS

The obtained data provides baseline information to expand the inventory of wild and cultivated Iranian Trigonella species for further exploitation of rich chemotypes in the new foods and specific applications.

Dietary Resveratrol Ameliorates Hepatic Fatty Acid Metabolism and Jejunal Barrier in Offspring Induced by Maternal Oxidized Soybean Oil Challenge

Increasing evidence indicates that maternal exposure to oxidized soybean oil (OSO) causes damage to the mother and offspring. The antioxidant resveratrol (Res) has a variety of health benefits. However, the protective effect of Res on mitigating offspring damage after maternal exposure to OSO and its mechanism remains unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effect of Res on hepatic fatty acid metabolism and the jejunal barrier in suckling piglets after maternal OSO exposure. A total of 18 sows in late gestation were randomly assigned to three treatments. The sows were fed with a fresh soybean oil (FSO) diet, an OSO diet, or the OSO diet supplemented with 300 mg/kg Res (OSO + Res), respectively. The results showed that maternal supplementation of Res restored the mRNA levels of genes related to fatty acid metabolism and increased the activities of catalase (CAT) and total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD) in suckling piglets' livers under the OSO challenge. Moreover, the OSO + Res group restored the mRNA levels of occludin and claudin 4 in suckling piglet jejunum compared with the results of the OSO challenges. In summary, supplementation with Res improves hepatic fatty acid metabolism and intestinal barrier function of suckling piglets after maternal OSO challenge during late gestation and lactation.

Psyllium and okra mucilage as co-carrier wall materials for fenugreek oil encapsulation and its utilization as fat replacers in pan bread and biscuit production

This study aimed to investigate the potential use of okra and psyllium mucilage as co-carrier wall materials with whey protein and gum Arabic polymers for encapsulation of fenugreek oil to mask its undesirable flavor and promote their health benefits. Particle size, zeta potential, encapsulation efficiency, morphological properties and fatty acid profiles of crude and encapsulated oils were examined using zeta-sizer, SEM and GC-MS techniques. Crude and encapsulated fenugreek oils were added as functional ingredients during production of pan bread and biscuits. The quality characteristics (baking quality, color and organoleptic properties) of bread and biscuits as well as microbiological properties of bred samples were evaluated. Results showed that the forming microcapsules had sphere particles with the size of 5.05 and 31.64 μm for okra and pysillium mucilage, respectively and had smooth continuous surfaces with no holes or fractures. Fatty acids analysis showed that fenugreek oil is superior functional edible oil, rich in unsaturated fatty acids. The organoleptic properties of products were improved when fat replaced with encapsulated fenugreek oil with okra or psyllium mucilage. Likewise, encapsulated fenugreek oil showed antimicrobial activity in bread samples during storage period. On contrary, Bread and biscuits incorporated with crude fenugreek oil gained the lowest scores for all organoleptic parameters. Regarding these results, encapsulated fenugreek oil presents good fat alternatives in dough formulations with acceptable technological, sensory and antimicrobial properties. However, further investigations still needed regarding the biological activity of encapsulated fenugreek oil and its utilization as a food supplement in other food products.

Novel enrichment in biobased monomers of waterborne polyurethane dispersions as a textile finishing agent for poly-cotton fabrics

This study introduces a novel biobased textile finishing agent synthesized as waterborne polyurethane dispersions (FCCB-WPUDs), utilizing bio-based monomers like fenugreek oil-based polyol, corn oil-derived emulsifier, and cellulose acetate butyrate (CAB) chain extender. The FCCB-WPUDs were prepared through the prepolymer polymerization method and characterized using FTIR, TGA, DMA, SEM, DLS, and swelling tests. Their application to poly-cotton fabrics significantly improved various fabric properties. The enhancements included increased washing fastness (from 3/4 ± 0.01 to 4 ± 0.02 for dyed and 3 ± 0.02 to 4/5 ± 0.02 for printed fabrics), rubbing fastness (from 3 ± 0.02 to 4/5 ± 0.03 for dyed and 4 ± 0.02 to 4/5 ± 0.03 for printed fabrics), and perspiration fastness (from 3 ± 0.02 to 4 ± 0.03 for acidic dyed and 3/4 ± 0.02 to 4 ± 0.02 for alkaline printed fabrics). Additionally, tear strengths improved significantly (from 13.66 ± 0.04 N/m to 20.53 ± 0.06 N/m for warp dyed and 10.85 ± 0.06 N/m to 15.14 ± 0.06 N/m for warp printed fabrics), along with tensile strengths (from 327 ± 5.38 N/m to 361 ± 3.26 N/m for warp dyed and 357 ± 5.34 N/m to 449 ± 4.90 N/m for warp printed fabrics). These improvements correlated with increasing CAB moles as a chain extender. This research presents a cost-effective and simple biobased method for textile finishing, offering an alternative to petrochemical-based monomers in conventional WPUD preparation.

High-oleic rapeseed oil quality indicators and endogenous antioxidant substances under different processing methods

This study exposed high-oleic rapeseed oil (HORO) to different pretreatment (microwave or roasting) and processing methods to investigate (cold pressing, hexane extraction, subcritical butane extraction, and aqueous enzymatic extraction) the effects of processing technologies on HORO parameters associated with its physicochemical properties, endogenous antioxidant substances, and antioxidant capacity. The oil yield of various processing technologies was between 35.4% and 59.7%, and the fatty acid composition did not significantly differ. Hierarchical clustering and principal component analyses were used for evaluation. The results revealed that the microwave pretreatment-hexane extraction (M-HE) method resulted in significantly higher levels of tocopherols (688.4 mg/kg), polyphenols (1007.76 mg/kg), and phytosterols (1810.6 mg/kg) in HORO, implying strong free radical scavenging capacity (DPPH-oil: 79.63, DPPH-nonpolar: 71.42, DPPH-polar: 6.65, FRAP: 55.4, ABTS: 3043.7 μmol TE/kg). Hence, M-HE is a promising method for producing HORO with a higher stability and nutritional value.

Effects of oxidized soybean oil on the performance of sows and jejunum health of suckling piglets

Oils provide a considerable amount of energy to the swine diet, but they are prone to lipid oxidation if not properly preserved. Consumption of oxidized oils can adversely affect the animal organism and even the offspring. This study investigated the impact of oxidized soybean oil in the diets of sows from 107 days gestation to 21 days of lactation on the performance of sows and jejunum health of suckling piglets. Sixteen sows were randomly allocated into two groups: one group (n = 8) was fed with the fresh soybean oil (FSO) diet, and another group (n = 8) was treated with the oxidized soybean oil (OSO) diet. Dietary oxidized soybean oil does not affect sow performance. Antioxidant enzyme activity in the milk was reduced significantly in the OSO group, such as the superoxide dismutase (SOD), total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), and catalase (CAT) activities (p < 0.05). On Day 21, oxidized soybean oil increased tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin 6 (IL-6), and interleukin 8 (IL-8) levels in sow milk and the concentrations of TNF-α and IL-8 cytokines in plasma (p < 0.05). Suckling piglets from sows fed on OSO showed a trend towards increased IL-6 and TNF-α in plasma (p < 0.1). The mRNA expression of interleukin 1β (IL-1β) was augmented, whereas interleukin 10 (IL-10) was decreased, and zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) had a tendency to be down-regulated in OSO treatment. This study revealed that the OSO of feed decreased the antioxidant capacity of milk, further contributing to the inflammatory response in the jejunum of suckling piglets.

Revisiting Trigonella foenum-graecum L.: Pharmacology and Therapeutic Potentialities

Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) is a medicinal plant that has been used as a food condiment as well as for its multiple therapeutic characteristics since ancient times. Fenugreek plant grows up to 60 cm in height, and its seeds are golden-yellow rhomboidal-shaped. Though fenugreek is more commonly known for its seeds, the leaves and stem have also been reported to have medicinal uses. These properties exhibited are due to the content of the secondary metabolites, also known as phytochemicals, in the fenugreek plant. Such metabolites are alkaloids, saponins, tannins, phenols, and many others. Fenugreek has been used traditionally for numerous indications, such as aid in labour, lactation stimulant, and laxatives. In modern research, there have been several animal and clinical studies that have shown therapeutic effects of fenugreek when taken orally. Fenugreek is a suitable plant candidate with a high prospect of being used as a credible medicinal plant to derive new drugs. This review aims to summarize the physical and chemical properties of fenugreek and its bioactive compounds that have been isolated for medicinal purposes and discusses the traditional and pharmacological uses of fenugreek.

Tiger Nut (Cyperus esculentus L.): Nutrition, Processing, Function and Applications

The tiger nut is the tuber of Cyperus esculentus L., which is a high-quality wholesome crop that contains lipids, protein, starch, fiber, vitamins, minerals and bioactive factors. This article systematically reviewed the nutritional composition of tiger nuts; the processing methods for extracting oil, starch and other edible components; the physiochemical and functional characteristics; as well as their applications in food industry. Different extraction methods can affect functional and nutritional properties to a certain extent. At present, mechanical compression, alkaline methods and alkali extraction-acid precipitation are the most suitable methods for the production of its oil, starch and protein in the food industry, respectively. Based on traditional extraction methods, combination of innovative techniques aimed at yield and physiochemical characteristics is essential for the comprehensive utilization of nutrients. In addition, tiger nut has the radical scavenging ability, in vitro inhibition of lipid peroxidation, anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic effects and displays medical properties. It has been made to milk, snacks, beverages and gluten-free bread. Despite their ancient use for food and feed and the many years of intense research, tiger nuts and their components still deserve further exploitation on the functional properties, modifications and intensive processing to make them suitable for industrial production.

Preparation and characterization of polylactic acid/fenugreek essential oil/curcumin composite films for food packaging applications

Curcumin and Fenugreek essential oil (FEO) were blended into the PLA matrix by solution casting technique to improve the functional properties of the composite film. Both fillers (curcumin and FEO) were properly combined and uniformly distributed in the polymer matrix to create a PLA-compatible composite evidenced by Scanning electron microscope (SEM) and Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) results. The addition of FEO and curcumin to the composite film improved UV-blocking, surface color, tensile strength, flexibility, thickness, and Water contact angle (WCA). However, the inclusion of curcumin and FEO slightly diminish the Water vapor permeability (WVP) while maintaining its thermal stability. The PLA-based composite film exhibited good antibacterial and anti-oxidant properties. In addition, a food quality test was performed on strawberry, and the results were compared to the commercial (polyethylene) film.

Fenugreek Cultivation with Emphasis on Historical Aspects and its uses in Traditional Medicine and Modern Pharmaceutical Science

Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) is a native plant found in the parts of Iran to the North of India, and is presently planted also in other regions of the world. Fenugreek is considered a notable multipurpose medicinal and traditional herb in Iran, India, and China for several centuries. The most important components of fenugreek seeds are protein, neutral detergent fiber, gum, lipids, moisture, ash and starch. Fenugreek seeds and leaves are anti-cholesterolemic, anti-tumor, antiinflammatory, carminative, demulcent, deobstruent, emollient, expectorant, galactogogue, febrifuge, laxative, hypoglycaemic, restorative, parasiticide and uterine tonic and useful in burning sensation. Traditionally, fenugreek seeds being used worldwide are beneficial for bone and muscles, respiratory system, gastro-intestinal system, female reproductive system, cardio-vascular system, endocrinology and hepatic. Fenugreek helps reduce cholesterol, reduce cardiovascular risk, control diabetes, a good consolation for sore throats, a remedy for acid reflux, constipation, colon cancer prevention, appropriate for kidney trouble, skin infection, increase milk production, reduce menstrual discomfort, and reduce menopause symptoms. It is also an appetite suppressant that helps in weight loss. Both modern science and traditional medicine integration with novel technologies and discoveries will secure the cultivation of medicinal herbs and promote sustainability in the long-term and a wide-range.

Polyherbal formula (ASILACT®) induces Milk production in lactating rats through Upregulation of α-Lactalbumin and aquaporin expression

Background

Polyherbal formula (PHF) contains extract of Sauropus androgynous (L.) Merr., Trigonella foenum-graceum L., and Moringa oleifera Lam. considered to induce galactagogue activity. This research aimed to evaluate the galactagogue activity of PHF and its effects on α-lactalbumin (LALBA) as well as aquaporin (AQP) gene expression at messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) levels in mammary glands of lactating rats.

Methods

Thirty lactating Wistar rats were randomly divided into five groups (n = 6), each has 7 pups. Group I was treated orally with distilled water as negative control. Groups II, III, and IV were orally administered with PHF at 26.25, 52.5 and 105 mg/kg/day, respectively. Group V was treated with domperidone 2.7 mg/kg/day, orally as positive control. The treatment was performed at third day until fifteenth day of parturition. The observed parameters include the galactagogue activity indicating by milk yield of lactating rats, the pup weight changes and lactating rats body weight changes during lactating period, mRNA expression of LALBA and AQP using quantitative Real Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (qRT-PCR) and histopathological analysis of mammary glands at the end of treatment period.

Result

The result showed that the PHF groups (52.5 and 105 mg/kg/day) and domperidone were significantly increased milk production of lactating rats (p < 0.05). The levels of mRNA expression of LALBA and AQPs were significantly upregulated by 105 mg/kg/day of PHF or 2.7 mg/kg of domperidone administration (p < 0.0001). Histopathological analysis of mammary glands shows that alveoli diameter was increase 14.59 and 19.33% at 105 mg/kg of PHF and 2.7 mg/kg of domperidone treatment, respectively.

Conclusion

The study suggested that PHF has potentially to induce galactagogue activity on lactating period through upregulation of LALBA and AQP genes at the mRNA level.

Supplementary Information

Supplementary information accompanies this paper at 10.1186/s12906-020-03152-7.

Physicochemical characterization and nutraceutical compounds of the selected spice fixed oils

Spices and herbs are well appreciated for their medicinal properties since ancient times. Till date, spices are being explored for volatile oils (essential), flavour and for addressing many chronic diseases. In the present study, we investigated the physicochemical properties, fatty acid composition, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), elemental composition and nutraceutical compounds of fixed oils (non-volatile) from five selected spices viz., Alpinia galanga, Cinnamomum zeylanicum, Trigonella foenum-graecum, Foeniculum vulgare, and Myristica fragrans. The fixed oil (FO) content of volatiles-free powders of the five selected spices ranged from 1.58% (C. zeylanicum) to 26.43% (M. fragrans). The studied FO showed a good quality index which was analysed by estimation of free fatty acids, iodine value and unsaponifiable matter. The fatty acid analysis showed high palmitic acid in the FO of A. galanga and C. zeylanicum. High linoleic, oleic, and myristic acid levels were observed in T. foenum-graecum, F. vulgare and M. fragrans FOs, respectively. The nutraceutical compounds such as total phenolics were high in C. zeylanicum FO (0.53%). Hence the studied FO could be an excellent alternative to oil nutraceutical compounds. It may be used as a functional ingredient in foods which needs further validation for value addition.

Extraction and Characterization of Flaxseed Oil Obtained with Subcritical n-Butane

In this study, subcritical n-butane was adopted to extract oil from flaxseed. The extraction conditions i.e. extraction temperature, extraction time, and liquid-solid ratio were investigated and optimized by response surface methodology. The flaxseed oil obtained by subcritical n-butane were characterized and compared with those prepared by n-hexane and cold pressing. Results indicated that the optimal combination of parameters was 53.93℃, 56.82 min, and 19.98:1 mL/g. Subcritical n-butane had higher yield (28.75%) than n-hexane and cold pressing. GC analysis indicated that subcritical n-butane extraction had no obvious influence on the fatty acid composition. Nevertheless, the oil obtained by subcritical n-butane with higher contents of phytosterols (2.93 mg/g) and carotenoids (46.56 mg/kg), and presented a higher oxidation stability (9.27 h). Thus, it was suggested that subcritical n-butane extraction is a promising alternative to extract high quality flaxseed oil.

Extraction of rapeseed cake oil using subcritical R134a/butane: Process optimization and quality evaluation

The optimal extraction conditions of rapeseed cake oil using subcritical R134a/butane were established by response surface methodology. The quality of subcritical R134a/butane extraction oil (SRBEO) was compared with supercritical CO2 extraction oil (SCO2EO) and hexane extraction oil (HXEO). The results showed the highest extraction yield obtained by subcritical R134a/butane in the condition of R134a-butane ratio of 1.5 kg/kg, at 45°C for 50 min. Compared with SCO2EO and HXEO, the extraction yield and β-carotene content of SRBEO (87.76%, 357.21 μg/100g) were the highest. The content of phospholipids and canolol in SRBEO (3.01 mg/g, 118.51 mg/100 g) was higher than SCO2EO (not detected, 95.82 mg/100 g) and less than HXEO (25.78 mg/g, 131.85 mg/100 g). The tocopherols in SRBEO were equivalent to SCO2EO but phytosterol content of SRBEO (560.19 mg/100 g) was less than SCO2EO (591.40 mg/100 g). For fatty acids, the three extraction oils had slight difference. Thus, subcritical R134a/butane extraction appeared to be feasible for rapeseed cake oil extraction.

Kinetics and Characteristics of Soybean Oil and Protein Extracted by AOT Reverse Micelle Technology

The mass transfer process of soybean oil extracted by AOT reverse micelle was determined. Meanwhile, the physicochemical properties of oil and structural properties of protein were also investigated by gas chromatography (GC), Fourier infrared spectrum (FTIR), and amino acid analyzer. The results indicated that the mass transfer model can be set up as 1+2(1-x)-3(1-x)2/3=0.248•exp⁡(-720.8/T)•t. The reaction probably belongs to internal diffusion. The oil extracted by AOT reverse micelle was in better quality according to physicochemical analysis. The soybean protein almost retained its original structure in AOT reverse micelle by FTIR and amino acid analysis. Therefore, AOT reverse micelle is an attractive procedure for extracting oil and protein simultaneously.

Subcritical Fluid Extraction of Chinese Quince Seed: Optimization and Product Characterization

Chinese quince seed (CQS) is an underutilized oil source and a potential source of unsaturated fatty acids and α-tocopherol-rich oil. Subcritical fluid (SCF) extraction is executed at lower pressures and temperatures than the pressures and temperatures used in supercritical fluid extraction. However, no studies on the SCF extraction of CQS oil are reported. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the use of SCF for the extraction of CQS oil and to compare the use of SCF with the classical Soxhlet (CS) and supercritical CO₂ (SC-CO₂) extraction methods. Response surface methodology (RSM) was used to investigate the extraction conditions: temperature (45–65 °C), time (30–50 min), and solvent/solid ratio (5–15 mL/g). The optimization results showed that the highest yield (27.78%) was obtained at 56.18 °C, 40.20 min, and 12.57 mL/g. The oil extracted by SCF had a higher unsaturated fatty acid content (86.37%–86.75%), higher α-tocopherol content (576.0–847.6 mg/kg), lower acid value (3.97 mg/g), and lower peroxide value (0.02 meq O₂/kg) than extractions using CS and SC-CO₂ methods. The SCF-defatted meal of oilseed exhibited the highest nitrogen solubility index (49.64%) and protein dispersibility index (50.80%), demonstrating that SCF extraction was a promising and efficient technique as an alternative to CS and SC-CO₂ methods, as very mild operating conditions and an eco-friendly solvent can be used in the process with maximum preservation of the quality of the meal.