Cytotoxic and Antioxidant Effects of Phoenix dactylifera L. (Ajwa Date Extract) on Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma Cell Line.
Aim: The aim of the current study is to investigate the antioxidant and apoptotic potential of Ajwa date flesh (ADF) and Ajwa date pit (ADP) extract on human squamous cell carcinoma cell line (HSC-2). Method: ADF and ADP were extracted with a solvent extraction method using hexane, acetone, and ethanol, which were then subjected to antioxidant assay by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH). HSC-2 cells were then treated with different concentrations of ADF and ADP extract for 24, 48, and 72 hours. MTT assay was performed to assess the antiproliferative effect, and Annexin V-FITC was used for the detection of cellular apoptosis. Results: Acetone extracts of ADF and ADP had the highest radical scavenging and antioxidant activities followed by the ethanolic extracts, whereas ADP appeared to have significantly higher antioxidant effects than ADF. MTT assay demonstrated that acetone extracts of ADF and ADP were significantly cytotoxic against HSC-2 cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner. The half inhibitory concentration (IC50) of ADF was found to be 8.69 mg/ml at 24 h, and the maximum cell growth inhibition was observed at 50 mg/ml. The IC50 for the ADP was found to be 0.97 mg/ml at 24 h, and the maximum cell growth inhibition was observed at 5 mg/ml. Statistical analysis of the flow cytometry assay showed that the treatment with ADF and ADP extracts had a significant apoptotic effect which occurred in a dose-dependent manner. HSC-2 cells were seen in the late apoptotic stage with higher doses of ADF and ADP extract. ADP extract demonstrated higher apoptotic activity than ADF extract. In addition, combined treatment of ADF and ADP was also performed on HSC-2 cells which demonstrated higher apoptotic activity when compared to the single extract. Conclusion: Ajwa date fruit has a promising cytotoxic effect by inhibiting the growth and proliferation of OSCC cells and inducing cell death by apoptosis. https://doi.org/10.1155/2022/5792830
The Effect of Walnut (Juglans regia) Leaf Extract on Glycemic Control and Lipid Profile in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials.
Numerous clinical trials have examined the beneficial effects of Juglans regia leaf extract (JRLE) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM); however, the results of these studies are inconsistent. Therefore, we conducted the current systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the effect of JRLE on glycemic control and lipid profile in T2DM patients. We searched online databases including PubMed, Scopus, EMBASE, and Web of Science for randomized controlled clinical trials that examined the effect of JRLE on glycemic and lipid indices in T2DM patients. Data were pooled using both fixed and random-effect models and weighted mean difference (WMD) was considered as the overall effect size. Of the total records, 4 eligible studies, with a total sample size of 195 subjects, were included. The meta-analysis revealed that JRLE supplementation significantly reduces fasting blood glucose (WMD, -18.04; 95% confidence interval [CI], -32.88 mg/dL, -3.21 mg/dL; p = 0.017) and significantly increases fasting insulin level (WMD, 1.93; 95% CI, 0.40 U/L, 3.45 U/L; p = 0.014). Although the overall effect of JRLE supplementation on hemoglobin A1c was not significant, a significant reduction was seen in studies with an intervention duration of > 8 weeks (WMD, -0.64; 95% CI, -1.16%, -0.11%; p = 0.018). Moreover, we also found no significant change in lipid parameters. Our findings revealed a beneficial effect of JRLE supplementation on glycemic indices in T2DM patients, but no significant improvement was found for lipid profile parameters. https://doi.org/10.7762/cnr.2022.11.2.120
Walnut Oil Reduces Aβ Levels and Increases Neurite Length in a Cellular Model of Early Alzheimer Disease.
1) Background: Mitochondria are the cells' main source of energy. Mitochondrial dysfunction represents a key hallmark of aging and is linked to the development of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Maintaining mitochondrial function might contribute to healthy aging and the prevention of AD. The Mediterranean diet, including walnuts, seems to prevent age-related neurodegeneration. Walnuts are a rich source of α-linolenic acid (ALA), an essential n3-fatty acid and the precursor for n3-long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (n3-PUFA), which might potentially improve mitochondrial function. (2) Methods: We tested whether a lipophilic walnut extract (WE) affects mitochondrial function and other parameters in human SH-SY5Y cells transfected with the neuronal amyloid precursor protein (APP695). Walnut lipids were extracted using a Soxhlet Extraction System and analyzed using GC/MS and HPLC/FD. Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) concentrations were quantified under basal conditions in cell culture, as well as after rotenone-induced stress. Neurite outgrowth was investigated, as well as membrane integrity, cellular reactive oxygen species, cellular peroxidase activity, and citrate synthase activity. Beta-amyloid (Aβ) was quantified using homogenous time-resolved fluorescence. (3) Results: The main constituents of WE are linoleic acid, oleic acid, α-linolenic acid, and γ- and δ-tocopherol. Basal ATP levels following rotenone treatment, as well as citrate synthase activity, were increased after WE treatment. WE significantly increased cellular reactive oxygen species but lowered peroxidase activity. Membrane integrity was not affected. Furthermore, WE treatment reduced Aβ1-40 and stimulated neurite growth. (4) Conclusions: WE might increase ATP production after induction of mitochondrial biogenesis. Decreased Aβ1-40 formation and enhanced ATP levels might enhance neurite growth, making WE a potential agent to enhance neuronal function and to prevent the development of AD. In this sense, WE could be a promising agent for the prevention of AD. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14091694
Emulsion and Microemulsion Systems to Improve Functional Edible Oils Enriched with Walnut and Pistachio Phenolic Extracts
The purpose of this research was to improve the properties of functional edible oils with potential health promoting effects, enriched with phenolic-rich extracts obtained from pistachio and walnut (5.1 and 27.4% phenolic contents respectively), by means of emulsion and micro emulsion systems. Stable water-in-oil (W/O) emulsions were obtained employing polyglycerol polyrhizinoleate (PGPR) as emulsifier (0.5, 2% H2O in oil), despite having a whitish and opaque appearance; transparent and stable microemulsions were prepared using proper proportion (e.g., 97:3) between the oily phase and the mixture of aqueous phase and emulsifiers (3:2 lecithin-distilled monoglycerides (DMG). Total polar phenolics contents ranging between 257 and 835 mg/kg were obtained in the novel functional edible oils' formulations, reaching higher content using walnut as compared to pistachio extracts. Antioxidant capacity determined by the 2,2-diphenyl-1-(2,4,6-trinitrophenyl)hydrazyl (DPPH) method increased approx. 7.5 and 1.5 times using walnut and pistachio extracts respectively. An emulsion using gallic acid and a microemulsion employing hydroxytyrosol, two well-known antioxidants, were also studied to compare antioxidant capacity of the proposed enriched oils. Furthermore, the oxidative stability of these products-very relevant to establish their commercial value-was measured under accelerated testing conditions employing the Rancimat equipment (100 °C) and performing an oven test (at 40 °C for walnut oils and 60 °C for pistachio and refined olive oils). Rancimat oxidative stability greatly increased and better results were obtained with walnut (2-3 times higher) as compared to pistachio extract enriched oils (1.5-2 times higher). On the contrary, under the oven test conditions, both the initial oxidation rate constant and the time required to reach a value of peroxide value equal to 15 (upper commercial category limit), indicated that under these assay conditions the protection against oxidation is higher using pistachio extract (2-4 times higher) than walnut's (1.5-2 times higher). Stable emulsions and transparent microemulsions phenolic-rich nut oils (250-800 mg/kg) were therefore developed, possessing a higher oxidative stability (1.5-4 times) and DPPH antioxidant capacity (1.5-7.5 times). https://doi.org/10.3390/foods11091210
Effect of cashew nut protein concentrate substitution on the physicochemical properties, antioxidant activity and consumer acceptability of wheat bread
The effect of incorporating different proportions (5, 10, 15 and 20%) of cashew nut protein concentrate (CNPC) on the physicochemical properties, antioxidant activity and consumer acceptability of bread was investigated. Substitution of wheat flour with CNPC increased the water and oil absorption capacity, swelling capacity, peak and final viscosities. Substitution of CNPC in wheat bread significantly increased the protein (12.69-22.04 g/100 g), ash, crude fiber, calcium, magnesium, iron (2.09-3.36 mg/100 g), phosphorus and zinc (0.79-1.57 mg/100 g) content, while carbohydrate value decreased. Substitution of wheat flour with CNPC in bread increased the loaf weight while specific volume decreased (4.36-2.21 cm3/g). Acceptable bread was prepared with up to 15% CNPC; which contained the highest total phenolics (2.64 mg GAE/g), DPPH radical scavenging activity (71.22 µmol TE/100 g), ferric reducing antioxidant power (427.77 µmol TE/100 g) and ABTS radical scavenging activity (195.68 µmol TE/100 g) than the 100% wheat bread (1.28 mg GAE/g, 40.81 µmol TE/100 g, 375.62 µmol TE/100 g and 154.02 µmol TE/100 g) https://doi.org/10.1007/s13197-021-05233-y
Perceptions of Nut Consumption amongst Australian Nutrition and Health Professionals: An Online Survey.
Habitual nut consumption is associated with reduced risk of chronic diseases; however, consumption levels in Australia are below recommendations. This study examined perceptions and knowledge regarding nut consumption among Australian healthcare professionals and their provision of nut consumption recommendations. A cross-sectional online survey of Australian health professionals was conducted in February-April 2020. Questions in the survey included demographic details, participants' perceptions of nut consumption, and nut consumption recommendations they may make to clients and patients. A total of 204 health professionals completed the survey, of which 84% were dietitians or nutritionists. Health professionals demonstrated basic nutritional knowledge regarding nut consumption; however, non-dietitians/nutritionists lacked knowledge of long-term benefits of nut consumption. Dietitians/nutritionists were more likely to agree that nuts are healthy and do not cause weight gain when compared to non-dietitians/nutritionists (p = 0.021). A total of 63% of health professionals advised at least some of their clients to eat more nuts, and this was higher among dietitians/nutritionists (68%) than non-dietitians/nutritionists (31%). While basic nutritional knowledge regarding nut consumption was observed among all health professionals, there is scope for further education, particularly for non-dietitians/nutritionists, to ensure that nutrition information provided to patients and clients is accurate and reflects the current evidence base. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14081660
Almond Consumption for 8 Weeks Altered Host and Microbial Metabolism in Comparison to a Control Snack in Young Adults
Almond consumption can improve cardiometabolic (CM) health. However, the mechanisms underlying those benefits are not well characterized. This study explored the effects of consuming a snack of almonds vs. crackers for 8 weeks on changes in metabolomic profiles in young adults. Participants (n = 73, age: 18-19 years, BMI: 18-41 kg/m2) were randomly assigned to consume either almonds (2 oz/d, n = 38) or an isocaloric control snack of graham crackers (325 kcal/d, n = 35) daily for 8 weeks. Blood samples were collected at baseline prior to and at 4 and 8 weeks after the intervention. Metabolite abundances in the serum were quantified by hydrophilic interaction chromatography quadrupole (Q) time-of-flight (TOF) mass spectrometry (MS/MS), gas chromatography (GC) TOF MS, CSH-ESI (electrospray) QTOF MS/MS, and targeted analyses for free PUFAs, total fatty acids, oxylipins and endocannabinoids. Linear mixed model analyses with baseline-adjustment were conducted, and those results were used for enrichment and network analyses. Microbial community pathway predictions from 16S rRNA sequencing of fecal samples was done using PICRUST2. Almond consumption enriched unsaturated triglycerides, unsaturated phosphatidylcholines, saturated and unsaturated lysophosphatidylcholines, tricarboxylic acids, and tocopherol clusters (p < 0.05). Targeted analyses reveal lower levels of omega-3 total fatty acids (TFAs) overall in the almond group compared to the cracker group (p < 0.05). Microbial amino acid biosynthesis, and amino sugar and nucleotide sugar metabolism pathways were also differentially enriched at the end of the intervention (p < 0.05). The study demonstrates the differential effects of almonds on host tocopherol, lipid, and TCA cycle metabolism with potential changes in microbial metabolism, which may interact with host metabolism to facilitate the CM benefits. https://doi.org/10.1080/07315724.2021.2025168
INC Releases Import Border Rejections
2021 Import Border Rejections
- EU-RASFF. Notifications for edible nuts in 2021 increased by 14%, compared to the previous year. In terms of dried fruits, 2021 total notifications displayed a decrease of 5% compared to 2020. The main reason for notifying was aflatoxins. The most notified edible nuts were peanuts, followed by pistachios and hazelnuts. As for dried fruits, figs, raisins and dates were the most notified. Source: European Union’s Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF) Portal
- USA. The number of notifications for edible nuts and dried fruits in the US was higher (10% and 20% respectively) than in 2020. Peanuts and pistachios were the most notified edible nut, with 11 notifications each. Dates were the most notified dried fruit, accounting for almost 60% of the total notifications. The main reason for notifying edible nuts was salmonella (56% of total); for dried fruits it was filthy (76%). Source: U.S. Food and Drug Administration Import Refusal Reports for OASIS
- Japan. Notifications for edible nuts and dried fruits increased by 12% with respect to 2020, from 89 to 100 notifications, after two years of subsequent decreases in the number of total notifications. Peanut was the most notified nut (49 not.) and the presence of aflatoxins was the main reason for almost all of the notifications (97 not). Figs were the most notified dried fruit. Source: Imported Foods Inspection Services. Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare of Japan
- Australia. The number of notifications increased by 20% in comparison with the previous year. The most notified edible nuts were peanut products (22 not.) and peanuts (11 not.) while the most notified dried fruits were raisins (7 not.) and dates (2 not.). The main reason for notifying edible nuts and dried fruits was aflatoxins and pesticides. Source: Failing food reports. Australian Government, Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment
Brown Marmorated Stink Bug Webinar
On May 25th, 2022 from 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm (CEST), Edagricole will host a webinar in collaboration with the INC Global Hazelnut Project covering the Brown Marmorated Stink Bug and how it is affecting hazelnut production. INC 2nd Vice Chairman, Pino Calcagni will participate in the opening of the webinar. The session will feature a wide range of experts from Italy, Turkey, Georgia, and the USA who will touch on the current status of BMSB in their respective regions, and different plans and tools to minimize the negative effect of BMSB. It will be followed up with a Discussion Q&A. The event will be in English with simultaneous translation into Italian, Georgian, Serbian, Spanish and Turkish. [Program] [REGISTER FOR FREE NOW]