Characterization of Moringa oleifera Leaf Powder Extract Encapsulated in Maltodextrin and/or Gum Arabic Coatings

Improving benzyl - isothiocyanate bioaccessibility in white mustard (Sinapis alba) sauce through spray - drying microencapsulation and Pickering emulsions

This study compared the bioaccessibility and behaviour of different formulations of benzyl - isothiocyanate (benzyl - ITC) prepared using different approaches and the INFOGEST in vitro digestion protocol. The aim was to improve the low bioaccessibility of this bioactive compound caused by its lipophilic properties. Spray-dried microparticles were prepared using a matrix of either mannitol or maltodextrin, and compared with Pickering emulsions produced with cellulose nanofibres. The different systems were characterised and their ability to associate benzyl - ITC determined. The in vitro digestion characteristics provided by the different systems was evaluated. Microencapsulation of benzyl-ITC by spray-drying was not successful when mannitol was used as excipient, while maltodextrin resulted in a production yield around 70 % with an ITC association efficiency up to 75 %. Nevertheless, significant improvement of benzyl - ITC bioaccessibility in a mustard sauce was not achieved. In contrast, the formulation of benzyl - ITC in a Pickering emulsion prepared with cellulose nanofibres showed an association efficiency of around 100 % and high bioaccessibility with values up to 77 %. The chemical similarity between the mixed micelles formed for lipid absorption in the small intestine, and the structure of cellulose nanofibre emulsion could justify the observed improvement.

Enhanced anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic effects of nanoparticles loaded with a combination of Aloe vera-Moringa oleifera extracts

Metabolic associated steatohepatitis characterized by lipid accumulation, inflammation and fibrosis, is a growing global health issue, contributing to severe liver-related mortality. With limited effective treatments available, there is an urgent need for novel therapeutic strategies. Moringa oleifera, rich in antioxidants, offers potential for combating steatohepatitis, but its cytotoxicity presents challenges. Aloe vera, renowned for its cytocompatibility and anti-inflammatory effects, shows promise in mitigating these risks. Using infrared spectrometry and mass spectrometry, we identified 1586 metabolites from both plants across 84 chemical classes. By encapsulating these phytochemicals in nanoparticles, we achieved increased solubility, cytocompatibility, and gene modulation to hepatic stellate cells affected by steatohepatitis. Chemoinformatic analysis revealed bioactive metabolites, including hesperetin analogs, known to inhibit TGF-β. Our results demonstrate that these nanoparticles not only improved gene expression modulation related to metabolic associated steatohepatitis, particularly TGF-β and COL1A1, but also outperformed free compounds, highlighting their potential as a novel therapeutic approach.

Physicochemical Characterization, Storage Stability Behavior, and Intestinal Bioaccessibility of Clove Extract Encapsulated Using Varying Combinations of Gum Arabic and Maltodextrin

Clove (Syzygium aromaticum, L.) is a rich source of polyphenols and antioxidants, but its intense flavor, poor solubility, and instability may limit its widespread and efficient use in industrial applications. In a series of laboratory-scale experiments, gum Arabic (GA) and maltodextrin (MD) were used as coating agents in various proportions (ranging from 0MD:100GA to 100MD:0GA) for encapsulation of clove extract using a freeze-drying method. The encapsulates were assessed for the physicochemical properties, storage stability behavior, and intestinal bioaccessibility of phenolics using an in vitro gastrointestinal digestion test. The freeze-dried encapsulates were characterized as having low water activity (<0.3, which is a critical threshold to ensure chemical and microbiological stability), high water solubility (>90%), solid (product) recovery (mean 93.1 ± 1.77%), and encapsulation efficiency (91.4-94.9%). Hygroscopicity increased as the GA:MD proportion increased in the encapsulation formulations. Encapsulation was effective in protecting bioactive components of clove extract during storage at room (up to 40 days) or high temperature (60 °C for 7 days) and minimized the loss of antioxidant activity during storage, as compared to the clove extract in a non-encapsulated form. All encapsulation formulations were characterized by a negative zeta potential (from -22.1 to -29.7 mV) and a polydispersity index ranging from 0.47 to 0.68, classifying the formulations as having a mid-range polydisperse particle size distribution. The FTIR analysis demonstrated that the freeze-drying encapsulation process resulted in no evident chemical interaction between coating and core materials. Intestinal bioaccessibility of total phenolics after the in vitro-simulated gastrointestinal digestion was greater in the encapsulated clove extract compared to the non-encapsulated clove extract. In conclusion, the encapsulation process was effective in protecting the bioactivity of the polyphenol-rich clove extract during storage and improved the phenolic bioaccessibility, potentially supporting the application of the encapsulated clove extract for use in functional food development.

From 'Farm to Fork': Exploring the Potential of Nutrient-Rich and Stress-Resilient Emergent Crops for Sustainable and Healthy Food in the Mediterranean Region in the Face of Climate Change Challenges

In the dynamic landscape of agriculture and food science, incorporating emergent crops appears as a pioneering solution for diversifying agriculture, unlocking possibilities for sustainable cultivation and nutritional bolstering food security, and creating economic prospects amid evolving environmental and market conditions with positive impacts on human health. This review explores the potential of utilizing emergent crops in Mediterranean environments under current climate scenarios, emphasizing the manifold benefits of agricultural and food system diversification and assessing the impact of environmental factors on their quality and consumer health. Through a deep exploration of the resilience, nutritional value, and health impacts of neglected and underutilized species (NUS) such as quinoa, amaranth, chia, moringa, buckwheat, millet, teff, hemp, or desert truffles, their capacity to thrive in the changing Mediterranean climate is highlighted, offering novel opportunities for agriculture and functional food development. By analysing how promoting agricultural diversification can enhance food system adaptability to evolving environmental conditions, fostering sustainability and resilience, we discuss recent findings that underscore the main benefits and limitations of these crops from agricultural, food science, and health perspectives, all crucial for responsible and sustainable adoption. Thus, by using a sustainable and holistic approach, this revision analyses how the integration of NUS crops into Mediterranean agrifood systems can enhance agriculture resilience and food quality addressing environmental, nutritional, biomedical, economic, and cultural dimensions, thereby mitigating the risks associated with monoculture practices and bolstering local economies and livelihoods under new climate scenarios.

The application of encapsulation technology in the food Industry: Classifications, recent Advances, and perspectives

Encapsulation technology has been extensively used to enhance the stability, specificity, and bioavailability of essential food ingredients. Additionally, it plays a vital role in improving product quality and reducing production costs. This study presents a comprehensive classification of encapsulation techniques based on the state of different cores (solid, liquid, and gaseous) and offers a detailed description and analysis of these encapsulation methods. Specifically, it introduces the diverse applications of encapsulation technology in food, encompassing areas such as antioxidant, protein activity, physical stability, controlled release, delivery, antibacterial, and probiotics. The potential impact of encapsulation technology is expected to make encapsulation technology a major process and research hotspot in the food industry. Future research directions include applications of encapsulation for enzymes, microencapsulation of biosensors, and novel technologies such as self-assembly. This study provides a valuable theoretical reference for the in-depth research and wide application of encapsulation technology in the food industry.

Microencapsulation of Chilean Papaya Waste Extract and Its Impact on Physicochemical and Bioactive Properties

The microencapsulation of bioactive extracts of Chilean papaya waste, including both seeds and skin, was investigated. Papaya waste extract microcapsules utilizing maltodextrin at 10% (MD10), 20% (MD20), and 30% (MD30) (w/v) as the wall material through the freeze-drying process were obtained, and subsequently their physicochemical, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties were evaluated. The TPC efficiency and yield values achieved were more than 60% for the microencapsulated seed and skin extracts, respectively. The best results for phenolic and antioxidant compounds were found in the microencapsulated seed extract with MD20, with a value of 44.20 ± 3.32 EAG/g DW for total phenols and an antioxidant capacity of 12.0 ± 0.32 mol ET/g DW for the DPPH and 236.3 ± 4.1 mol ET/g DW for the FRAP assay. In addition, the seed and skin samples reduced ROS generation in H2O2-treated Hek293 cells. In terms of antimicrobial activity, values ranging from 7 to 15 mm of inhibitory halos were found, with the maximum value corresponding to the inhibition of S. aureus, for both microencapsulated extracts. Therefore, the successful microencapsulation of the waste bioactive extracts (seed and skin) with the demonstrated antimicrobial and antioxidant properties highlight the bioactivity from Chilean papaya waste resources.

Encapsulation of betalain-rich extract from beetroot postharvest waste using a binary blend of gum Arabic and maltodextrin to promote a food circular bioeconomy

Introduction

The present study evaluated the potential of maltodextrin (MT), gum Arabic (GA), and their blends to produce functional beetroot waste extract powder (BWEP).

Methods

The beetroot waste extracts were produced using 50% ethanol and encapsulated using 10% (1:10, w/v) of the GA and MT carriers at different blending ratios, namely, GA:MT 1:0, GA:MT 0:1, GA:MT 1:1, GA:MT 2:1, and GA:MT 1:2, respectively. The BWEP were analyzed for physicochemical, technofunctional, morphological, crystallinity, and antioxidant properties.

Results

BWEP produced using either GA or MT exhibited better color, solubility, encapsulation efficiency, and betalain content. Powders from the blends of GA and MT showed better oil holding capacity and total phenolic content. On the other hand, powder yield, total soluble solids, titratable acidity, bulk density, and DPPH radical scavenging activity did not significantly differ (p > 0.05) among the powders. BWEP produced using GA and MT separately was relatively smaller and more regular compared to the powders from the blended biopolymers. All powders showed signs of agglomeration, which was more pronounced in the powders from the blended biopolymers. A total of 16 metabolites, including betalains (9), phenolic acids (2), and flavonoids (5), were tentatively identified. The majority of the metabolites were entrapped in the BWEP produced using GA and MT separately. The quantified metabolites included gallic acid (33.62-44.83 μg/g DM), (+)-catechin (32.82-35.84 μg/g DM), (-)-epicatechin (37.78-45.89 μg/g DM), and myricetin (30.07-35.84 μg/g DM), which were significantly higher in the BWEP produced from GA or MT separately.

Discussion

The study showed that although blending GA and MT has the potential to improve the quality of BWEP, using these biopolymers separately showed a promise to promote a food circular bioeconomy.

Efficient extraction, excellent activity, and microencapsulation of flavonoids from Moringa oleifera leaves extracted by deep eutectic solvent

A deep eutectic solvent (choline chloride (ChCl)-urea) was chosen to extract flavonoids from Moringa oleifera leaves (FMOL), the condition of extraction was tailor-made, under the optimal extraction conditions (material-to-liquid ratio of 1:60 g/mL, extraction time of 80 min, extraction temperature of 80 °C), the highest extraction efficiency reached 63.2 ± 0.3 mg R/g DW, and nine flavonoids were identified. Then, the biological activities including antioxidant activities, antibacterial activities, and anti-tumor activities were systematically studied. FMOL was superior to positive drugs in terms of antioxidant activity. As to DPPH investigation, the IC50 of FMOL and Vc were 64.1 ± 0.7 and 176.1 ± 2.0 µg/mL; for the ABTS, the IC50 of FMOL and Vc were 9.5 ± 0.3 and 38.2 ± 1.2 µg/mL, the FRAP value of FMOL and Vc were 15.5 ± 0.6 and 10.2 ± 0.4 mg TE/g, and ORAC value of FMOL and Vc were 4687.2 ± 102.8 and 3881.6 ± 98.6 µmol TE/g. The bacteriostatic (MICs were ≤ 1.25 mg/mL) activities of FMOL were much better than propyl p-hydroxybenzoate. Meanwhile, FMOL had comparable inhibitory activity with genistein on tumor cells, IC50 was 307.8 µg/mL, and could effectively induce apoptosis in HCT116. Microcapsules were prepared with xylose-modified soybean protein isolate and gelatin as wall materials; after that, the intestinal release of modified FMOL microcapsules was 86 times of free FMOL. Therefore, this study confirmed that FMOL extracted with ChCl/urea has rich bioactive components, and microencapsulated FMOL has potential application in food industry.

Graphical abstract

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13399-023-03877-8.

A Comprehensive Review of Moringa oleifera Bioactive Compounds-Cytotoxicity Evaluation and Their Encapsulation

Moringa oleifera Lam. has gained a lot of attention due to its potential use as a functional food not only for human health but also for animal health. Its bioactive molecules include carbohydrates, phenolic compounds, carotenoids, fatty acids, essential amino acids, and functional peptides. Despite significant efforts to isolate and characterize bioactive metabolites with health functions, few effective metabolites are accessible. The current review aims to describe the main processes for extracting and encapsulating bioactive compounds from Moringa oleifera for potential impact on food science and public health. Researchers have shown that different extraction techniques significantly impact the Moringa polysaccharides' molecular structure and biological activity. Encapsulation has been proposed to reduce oxidative stability and entrap active agents within a carrier material to deliver bioactive molecules into foods. Currently, polysaccharides and proteins, followed by lipids, are used for material encapsulation. Recent techniques include spray drying, cross-linking gelation, freeze-drying, nanoencapsulation, electrospinning, and electrospraying. Moreover, these encapsulations can overlap concerns regarding the Moringa oleifera compounds' cytotoxicity. Future studies should prioritize the effect of new encapsulation materials on Moringa extract and develop new techniques that consider both encapsulation cost and efficiency.

Anti-Inflammatory and Anti-Angiogenic Aattributes of Moringa olifera Lam. and its Nanoclay-Based Pectin-Sericin films

Background: Inflammation is a strong reaction of the non-specific natural immune system that helps to start protective responses against encroaching pathogens and develop typical immunity against intruding factors. However, prolonged inflammation may lead to chronic autoimmune diseases. For thousands of years, medicinal plants have served as an excellent source of treatment for chronic pathologies such as metabolic diseases.

Purpose: The present study aims to evaluate the anti-inflammatory and anti-angiogenic potential of Moringa olifera Lam. extract (MO) and Moringa-loaded nanoclay films.

Methods: The extract preparation was done through the maceration technique using absolute methanol (99.7%) and labelled as Mo. Me. Mo. Me-loaded nanoclay-based films were prepared by using pectin and sericin (Table 1). The in vitro studies characterized the film thickness, moisture, and phytochemical contents. The in vivo anti-inflammatory tests involved using a cotton pellet-induced granuloma model assay. In addition, the chick chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assay was employed for angiogenesis activity.

Results: The phytochemical analysis of the extract confirmed the presence of alkaloids, glycosides, flavonoids and phytosterol. This extract contained quercetin in a large quantity. Cotton-pellet induced granuloma model study revealed a comparable (p > 0.05) effect of a high dose of Mo. Me (500 mg/kg) as compared with standard drug. Noteworthy, data obtained through the RT-PCR technique manifested the dose-dependent anti-oedematous effect of Moringa olifera via downregulation of TNF-α and interleukin-1ß. The findings of the CAM assay exhibited a remarkable anti-angiogenic activity of Mo. Me loaded nanoclay films, showing diffused vasculature network in the macroscopic snapshot.

Conclusion:Moringa olifera and its nanocomposite films have therapeutic potential against inflammation.

Micro-Encapsulation of Phytochemicals in Passion Fruit Peel Waste Generated on an Organic Farm: Effect of Carriers on the Quality of Encapsulated Powders and Potential for Value-Addition

The passion (Passiflora edulis Sims) fruit peel is rich in phenolics and other bioactive compounds and has great potential as a natural food preservative. The present study investigated the value-adding potential of passion fruit peel waste generated on an organic farm. The effect of carriers in encapsulating the peel extract to develop a polyphenolic-rich powder was investigated. The passion fruit peel extracts were prepared using 70% ethanol (1:10 w/v), and encapsulated using waxy starch (WS), gum arabic (GA), and maltodextrin (MT) before freeze-drying. The effects of carriers on the passion fruit peel powder (PFPP) production yield, physicochemical, rheological, phytochemical, and antioxidant properties were investigated. GA-and MT-encapsulated powders had better physical, phytochemical, and antioxidant properties, including yield, total soluble solids, solubility, bulk density, total phenolic content, and ferric reducing antioxidant powder. A total of 18 metabolites, including phenolic acids (10), flavonoids (6), and stilbenes (2), were tentatively identified in all the PFPP samples, with WS exhibiting a higher concentration of the compounds compared to GA and MT. Our results indicated that no single carrier was associated with all the quality attributes; therefore, better results could be produced by compositing these carriers. Nonetheless, our results highlight the potential of passion fruit peels as a source of polyphenols and functional ingredient in formulating natural food additives.

Moringa oleifera: Miracle Plant with a Plethora of Medicinal, Therapeutic, and Economic Importance

Moringa oleifera Lam. (Moringaceae) is one of the most essential medicinal plants primarily found in the rainforest area and forest ecosystem, but is now well-adapted in an organized cultivation system. Moringa oleifera (M. oleifera) is well-known as Drumstick tree, Moringa kai, color, Marengo, Moringe, mulangay, Sahjan, and Sajna, which are its native names commonly used. It has nourishing, beneficial, and preventive effects when taken as food and has an extensive scope of high restorative properties with huge dietary benefits. Different parts of the M. oleifera plants, such as leaves, flowers, fruits, seeds, and roots, contain a significant amount of protein, ß-carotene, amino acids, important minerals, and various phenolic compounds. Because of its multifarious health benefits for its therapeutic value, it is considered an essential plant. The plant is found to be blessed with several medicinal characteristics such as antitumor, anti-inflammatory, antiulcer, antipyretic, antiepileptic, antispasmodic, diuretic, antihypertensive, antidiabetic, cholesterol-level down, cell reinforcement, and hepatoprotective. Moreover, it is used traditionally in the local curative system against cardiac problems, and the antifungal properties are efficiently utilized for the treatment of a wide range of ailments. The present review article was designed to explore the nutritional and economic benefits, medicinal and therapeutic applications, and the future biomedical prospects of Moringa with a view towards human wellbeing.