In dairy and food industries lactic acid bacteria （LAB） have been used in form of starter culture that plays vital role in fermentation; as flavouring and texturizing or as preservative agents. There is increasing e...In dairy and food industries lactic acid bacteria （LAB） have been used in form of starter culture that plays vital role in fermentation; as flavouring and texturizing or as preservative agents. There is increasing evidence that lactobacilli which inhabit the gastrointestinal tract develop antimicrobial activities and participate in the host＇s defence system[1]. During fermentation, most of the LAB produces a number of different compounds like organic acids, hydrogen peroxide, diacetyl, acetaldehyde, carbon dioxide, polysaccharides, and proteinaceous compounds called bacteriocins or bacteriocinogenic peptides.展开更多
An estimated 20% of the world’s population is at risk for zinc (Zn) deficiency. Micronutrient deficiencies are most prevalent in Africa and remain a major problem facing poor populations, whose impact is worsened by ...An estimated 20% of the world’s population is at risk for zinc (Zn) deficiency. Micronutrient deficiencies are most prevalent in Africa and remain a major problem facing poor populations, whose impact is worsened by HIV/AIDS pandemic. Adequate zinc nutrition is essential for adequate growth, immunocompetence and neurobehavioral development. In Sub-Saharan Africa, Zn deficiency risk stands at 34.6% with 25.6% of its population having inadequate zinc intake. It is widespread in areas where diets lack diversity and it has been implicated as a contributing factor to stunting in approximately a third of children in low-income countries. In Kenya, it is a public health problem that about 50% of children under 6 years and 50% of women are affected. Zn deficiency rates are severe and pose severe consequences whose impact would translate into poor economic development and would set a vicious cycle effect that will take many generations to correct if left unchecked. It is important to examine zinc in the diet but its concentration in food varies depending partly on processing besides other factors. The objective of this study was to assess blanching as a food preparation method’s implication to Zn levels in vegetables. Blanching is a method where vegetables are dipped in boiling water for around two minutes and removed to avoid over cooking. Zn levels in slenderleaf sp. Indigenous vegetable commonly found in the Lake Victoria Basin region is not known. An experimental study was carried out to analyze zinc levels in raw and blanched slenderleaf sp. (Crotalaria ochroleuca & Crotalaria brevidens) vegetables. Results indicated that blanching reduces Zinc levels in slenderleaf vegetables, however, the reductions are not significant;the levels after blanching are still vital. It is, therefore, recommended to minimize blanching time in order to reduce loss of the vital nutrient in slenderleaf sp. vegetables.展开更多
Functional food can be either natural or processed. Food contains known biologically active compounds, which provides clinically proven and documented health benefit. So far, no database is available in Bangladesh reg...Functional food can be either natural or processed. Food contains known biologically active compounds, which provides clinically proven and documented health benefit. So far, no database is available in Bangladesh regarding the functionality of the indigenous foods. As a primary step, this study had been conducted with an aim to identify and characterize functionality of the indigenous foods of Bangladesh. Eight fruits and vegetables, which are very popular for their taste, price and easy availability, have been selected for in vitro screening of their functionality. High levels of fat and sugar binding capacity were observed in Pineapple (500% and 270.891% respectively). High nuplli mortality rate was found in cytotoxicity test with Pomelo extract (100%), which also contained high level of vitamin C (155 mg/100g). Pomelo contained the highest level of antioxidant among all these foods (0.674 nMol/100μl/mg protein). Red amaranth contained highest amount of protein (4.31 g/100g). In stem amaranth, Iron level was highest (1855.67 mg/kg). Total phenolics content of Water spinach and Stem amaranth were found higher than the other samples (59.339 and 55.728 mg GAE/g respectively). All these experiments showed these vegetables and fruits have high health impacts and can be act as potential functional foods.展开更多
Vegetables are important for nutrition and income of rural and urban households.However,vegetable consumption in Uganda is below World Health Organization(WHO)recommended guidelines,partly due to low production.The pe...Vegetables are important for nutrition and income of rural and urban households.However,vegetable consumption in Uganda is below World Health Organization(WHO)recommended guidelines,partly due to low production.The persistent low production arises from poor cultivation methods,low soil fertility,poor quality seed,pests and diseases,among others.This study compared the profitability of improved cultivation methods for African indigenous vegetables(AIVs),i.e.,pure stand and in lines,versus traditional practice(mixing seeds of different AIVs then broadcast),both for leafy and seed production.The AIVs included:Nakati(Solanum aethiopicum L.),Bugga(Amaranthus blitum L.)and Jobyo(Gynadropsis gynandra L.),arranged in completely randomized(CR)design with three replicates.Results showed that Nakati was more profitable when grown for leafy compared to seed production with benefit:cost ratio(BCR)9.2 and 4.0 for leafy and seed,respectively.Bugga for seed was more profitable compared to leafy production(BCR 18.0 and 2.7 for seed and leafy,respectively).Growing Jobyo for seed was more profitable than leafy production(BCR 14.9,2.4 for seed and leafy,respectively).Growing indigenous vegetables(IVs)for seed in mixed broadcast system,out of the three IVs farmers stand to economically maximize benefits for one crop(BCR 0.9,1.7 and 10.2 for Bugga,Nakati and Jobyo,respectively)compared to pure stand and in lines(BCR 18.0,4.2 and 14.9 for Bugga,Nakati and Jobyo,respectively).Thus,famers stand to benefit more if they grow IVs as pure stand and in lines as opposed to mixed and broadcast,whether for leafy or seed production.展开更多
The objectives of this study were to identify the antioxidants in acid hydrolysates of six of Taiwan’s indigenous purple-leaved vegetables (IPLV), including purple-leaved sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L. Lamark), pur...The objectives of this study were to identify the antioxidants in acid hydrolysates of six of Taiwan’s indigenous purple-leaved vegetables (IPLV), including purple-leaved sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L. Lamark), purple-leaved gynura line 1 (Gynura bicolor D.C.), purple-leaved gynura line 2 (Gynura bicolor D.C.), purple-leaved perilla line 1 (Perilla frutescents L. Britton), bicolored-leaved perilla line 2 (Perilla frutescens L. Britton), and heartleaf houttuynia (Houttuynia cordata Thumb.). Their antioxidant activity and ability to protect DNA from oxidative damage was also evaluated. The antioxidants identified included flavonoids, anthocyanidins and flavonols. Both purple-leaved perilla line 1 and bicolored-leaved perilla line 2 were found to be abundant in cynidin, malvidin, and myricetin. Moreover, purple-leaved sweet potato and heartleaf houttuynia were found to be abundant in quercetin. Purple-leaved sweet potato and purple-leaved perilla line 1 contained significantly higher inhibition percentages of conjugated diene formation than other vegetables. Purple-leaved sweet potato, heartleaf houttuynia, purple-leaved perilla line 1, and bicolored-leaved perilla line 2 had better inhibition percentages of tail DNA% and tail moment in the study. In conclusion, the abovementioned four indigenous purple-leaved vegetables abounded in antioxidants had strong antioxidant activity for protecting DNA in lymphocytes from oxidative damages.展开更多
Antimicrobial resistance is a major problem in the management of infectious diseases. African indigenous functional food-plants such as Chenopodium album and Solanum nigrum may constitute important sources of phytoche...Antimicrobial resistance is a major problem in the management of infectious diseases. African indigenous functional food-plants such as Chenopodium album and Solanum nigrum may constitute important sources of phytochemical constituents for the synthesis of antimicrobial compounds against infectious organisms. The objective of this study was to determine the antimicrobial pro- perties of Chenopodium album and Solanum nigrum-leaves used as functional food-plants in the O.R. Tambo district municipality of South Africa. Organic and aqueous solvent-extracts of C. album and S. nigrum were tested against Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 29213), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC127853), Bacillus subtilis (ATCC 6051), Escherichia coli (25922) and Enterococcus faecalis (51299) using standard microbiological techniques. Ciprofloxacin was included in all the experimental runs as positive control antibiotic. The aqueous extracts of both plants were the most active with zones of inhibition diameters ranging from 0 mm - 20 mm and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC50) values ranging from 0.63 mg/mL - 10 mg/mL. The positive control antibiotic was highly active with zones of inhibition diameters ranging from 17 mm - 31 mm and MIC50 values from 0.0003 mg/mL - 0.0005mg/mL for all the bacteria tested. Both extracts were bactericidal with minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) ranges from 2.5mg/mL - 20mg/mL. From the results, it can be concluded that both plants possess compounds with antimicrobial properties, thus validating scientifically their use in traditional medicine. However, more studies to document the respective plant-principles responsible for antimicrobial activity of these plants would shed more light on their functional properties.展开更多
Andean high-altitude wetlands are important ecosystems that serve a range of socialecological functions. In the Andes, bofedales, a specific type of peat-producing wetland, are essential for the sustainability of moun...Andean high-altitude wetlands are important ecosystems that serve a range of socialecological functions. In the Andes, bofedales, a specific type of peat-producing wetland, are essential for the sustainability of mountain ecosystems and indigenous pastoralist communities. The Chucuyo bofedal in northern Chile is affected by climatic variability and water extraction for agricultural uses via the Lauca canal. Herders in the local community also actively manage this wetland according to their traditional ecological knowledge to ensure permanent fodder for their animals. In this article, we analyze the annual behavior of the Chucuyo bofedal after the wet season. Based on precipitation data, extracted water flows, vegetation vigor from satellite images, and an ethnographic approach, we determined that the bofedal’s productivity was negatively correlated with the amount of precipitation and positively correlated with the surface area of the wetland. However, water extraction via the Lauca channel had no significant relationship with either surface area or vegetation vigor. We identify community practices and traditional ecological knowledge as key elements in the maintenance of these ecosystems. This situation is critical in the context of an aging population and the current pattern of migration out of the region to urban areas. The results provide substantial empirical evidence for future decision-making regarding the conservation of these ecosystems.展开更多
Herbaceous species contribute to the largest proportion of the fodder.Despite the profound benefits obtained,anthropogenic disturbances are hindering its development.On the other hand,to ensure the sustainability of h...Herbaceous species contribute to the largest proportion of the fodder.Despite the profound benefits obtained,anthropogenic disturbances are hindering its development.On the other hand,to ensure the sustainability of herbaceous species,communities and governments have been putting efforts in managing herbaceous species through the establishment of area exclosure(AE).Thus,the main importance of this research paper is to provide information about the role of AE on the restoration of herbaceous species.The objective of this study was to assess the effect of restoration on the herbaceous species following AE established on communal grazing land(CGL).A total of 124 and 73 quadrats of 1×1m^(2) size were laid down at 50 m intervals along parallel transects at AE and CGL,respectively,and data were analyzed by t-test unequal variances using R-software.AE displayed higher plant species richness and diversity than the CGL and showed a significant difference(p<0.001).Similarly,the AE had significantly(p<0.001)higher forage biomass than the CGL.In general,herbaceous species diversity index and species richness were significantly(p<0.001)higher in the AE compared to the CGL.The study concluded that effective AE has the potential to enhance the restoration of herbaceous species and hence forage productivity.展开更多
文摘In dairy and food industries lactic acid bacteria （LAB） have been used in form of starter culture that plays vital role in fermentation; as flavouring and texturizing or as preservative agents. There is increasing evidence that lactobacilli which inhabit the gastrointestinal tract develop antimicrobial activities and participate in the host＇s defence system[1]. During fermentation, most of the LAB produces a number of different compounds like organic acids, hydrogen peroxide, diacetyl, acetaldehyde, carbon dioxide, polysaccharides, and proteinaceous compounds called bacteriocins or bacteriocinogenic peptides.
文摘An estimated 20% of the world’s population is at risk for zinc (Zn) deficiency. Micronutrient deficiencies are most prevalent in Africa and remain a major problem facing poor populations, whose impact is worsened by HIV/AIDS pandemic. Adequate zinc nutrition is essential for adequate growth, immunocompetence and neurobehavioral development. In Sub-Saharan Africa, Zn deficiency risk stands at 34.6% with 25.6% of its population having inadequate zinc intake. It is widespread in areas where diets lack diversity and it has been implicated as a contributing factor to stunting in approximately a third of children in low-income countries. In Kenya, it is a public health problem that about 50% of children under 6 years and 50% of women are affected. Zn deficiency rates are severe and pose severe consequences whose impact would translate into poor economic development and would set a vicious cycle effect that will take many generations to correct if left unchecked. It is important to examine zinc in the diet but its concentration in food varies depending partly on processing besides other factors. The objective of this study was to assess blanching as a food preparation method’s implication to Zn levels in vegetables. Blanching is a method where vegetables are dipped in boiling water for around two minutes and removed to avoid over cooking. Zn levels in slenderleaf sp. Indigenous vegetable commonly found in the Lake Victoria Basin region is not known. An experimental study was carried out to analyze zinc levels in raw and blanched slenderleaf sp. (Crotalaria ochroleuca & Crotalaria brevidens) vegetables. Results indicated that blanching reduces Zinc levels in slenderleaf vegetables, however, the reductions are not significant;the levels after blanching are still vital. It is, therefore, recommended to minimize blanching time in order to reduce loss of the vital nutrient in slenderleaf sp. vegetables.
文摘Functional food can be either natural or processed. Food contains known biologically active compounds, which provides clinically proven and documented health benefit. So far, no database is available in Bangladesh regarding the functionality of the indigenous foods. As a primary step, this study had been conducted with an aim to identify and characterize functionality of the indigenous foods of Bangladesh. Eight fruits and vegetables, which are very popular for their taste, price and easy availability, have been selected for in vitro screening of their functionality. High levels of fat and sugar binding capacity were observed in Pineapple (500% and 270.891% respectively). High nuplli mortality rate was found in cytotoxicity test with Pomelo extract (100%), which also contained high level of vitamin C (155 mg/100g). Pomelo contained the highest level of antioxidant among all these foods (0.674 nMol/100μl/mg protein). Red amaranth contained highest amount of protein (4.31 g/100g). In stem amaranth, Iron level was highest (1855.67 mg/kg). Total phenolics content of Water spinach and Stem amaranth were found higher than the other samples (59.339 and 55.728 mg GAE/g respectively). All these experiments showed these vegetables and fruits have high health impacts and can be act as potential functional foods.
文摘Vegetables are important for nutrition and income of rural and urban households.However,vegetable consumption in Uganda is below World Health Organization(WHO)recommended guidelines,partly due to low production.The persistent low production arises from poor cultivation methods,low soil fertility,poor quality seed,pests and diseases,among others.This study compared the profitability of improved cultivation methods for African indigenous vegetables(AIVs),i.e.,pure stand and in lines,versus traditional practice(mixing seeds of different AIVs then broadcast),both for leafy and seed production.The AIVs included:Nakati(Solanum aethiopicum L.),Bugga(Amaranthus blitum L.)and Jobyo(Gynadropsis gynandra L.),arranged in completely randomized(CR)design with three replicates.Results showed that Nakati was more profitable when grown for leafy compared to seed production with benefit:cost ratio(BCR)9.2 and 4.0 for leafy and seed,respectively.Bugga for seed was more profitable compared to leafy production(BCR 18.0 and 2.7 for seed and leafy,respectively).Growing Jobyo for seed was more profitable than leafy production(BCR 14.9,2.4 for seed and leafy,respectively).Growing indigenous vegetables(IVs)for seed in mixed broadcast system,out of the three IVs farmers stand to economically maximize benefits for one crop(BCR 0.9,1.7 and 10.2 for Bugga,Nakati and Jobyo,respectively)compared to pure stand and in lines(BCR 18.0,4.2 and 14.9 for Bugga,Nakati and Jobyo,respectively).Thus,famers stand to benefit more if they grow IVs as pure stand and in lines as opposed to mixed and broadcast,whether for leafy or seed production.
文摘The objectives of this study were to identify the antioxidants in acid hydrolysates of six of Taiwan’s indigenous purple-leaved vegetables (IPLV), including purple-leaved sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L. Lamark), purple-leaved gynura line 1 (Gynura bicolor D.C.), purple-leaved gynura line 2 (Gynura bicolor D.C.), purple-leaved perilla line 1 (Perilla frutescents L. Britton), bicolored-leaved perilla line 2 (Perilla frutescens L. Britton), and heartleaf houttuynia (Houttuynia cordata Thumb.). Their antioxidant activity and ability to protect DNA from oxidative damage was also evaluated. The antioxidants identified included flavonoids, anthocyanidins and flavonols. Both purple-leaved perilla line 1 and bicolored-leaved perilla line 2 were found to be abundant in cynidin, malvidin, and myricetin. Moreover, purple-leaved sweet potato and heartleaf houttuynia were found to be abundant in quercetin. Purple-leaved sweet potato and purple-leaved perilla line 1 contained significantly higher inhibition percentages of conjugated diene formation than other vegetables. Purple-leaved sweet potato, heartleaf houttuynia, purple-leaved perilla line 1, and bicolored-leaved perilla line 2 had better inhibition percentages of tail DNA% and tail moment in the study. In conclusion, the abovementioned four indigenous purple-leaved vegetables abounded in antioxidants had strong antioxidant activity for protecting DNA in lymphocytes from oxidative damages.
文摘Antimicrobial resistance is a major problem in the management of infectious diseases. African indigenous functional food-plants such as Chenopodium album and Solanum nigrum may constitute important sources of phytochemical constituents for the synthesis of antimicrobial compounds against infectious organisms. The objective of this study was to determine the antimicrobial pro- perties of Chenopodium album and Solanum nigrum-leaves used as functional food-plants in the O.R. Tambo district municipality of South Africa. Organic and aqueous solvent-extracts of C. album and S. nigrum were tested against Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 29213), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC127853), Bacillus subtilis (ATCC 6051), Escherichia coli (25922) and Enterococcus faecalis (51299) using standard microbiological techniques. Ciprofloxacin was included in all the experimental runs as positive control antibiotic. The aqueous extracts of both plants were the most active with zones of inhibition diameters ranging from 0 mm - 20 mm and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC50) values ranging from 0.63 mg/mL - 10 mg/mL. The positive control antibiotic was highly active with zones of inhibition diameters ranging from 17 mm - 31 mm and MIC50 values from 0.0003 mg/mL - 0.0005mg/mL for all the bacteria tested. Both extracts were bactericidal with minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) ranges from 2.5mg/mL - 20mg/mL. From the results, it can be concluded that both plants possess compounds with antimicrobial properties, thus validating scientifically their use in traditional medicine. However, more studies to document the respective plant-principles responsible for antimicrobial activity of these plants would shed more light on their functional properties.
文摘Andean high-altitude wetlands are important ecosystems that serve a range of socialecological functions. In the Andes, bofedales, a specific type of peat-producing wetland, are essential for the sustainability of mountain ecosystems and indigenous pastoralist communities. The Chucuyo bofedal in northern Chile is affected by climatic variability and water extraction for agricultural uses via the Lauca canal. Herders in the local community also actively manage this wetland according to their traditional ecological knowledge to ensure permanent fodder for their animals. In this article, we analyze the annual behavior of the Chucuyo bofedal after the wet season. Based on precipitation data, extracted water flows, vegetation vigor from satellite images, and an ethnographic approach, we determined that the bofedal’s productivity was negatively correlated with the amount of precipitation and positively correlated with the surface area of the wetland. However, water extraction via the Lauca channel had no significant relationship with either surface area or vegetation vigor. We identify community practices and traditional ecological knowledge as key elements in the maintenance of these ecosystems. This situation is critical in the context of an aging population and the current pattern of migration out of the region to urban areas. The results provide substantial empirical evidence for future decision-making regarding the conservation of these ecosystems.
文摘Herbaceous species contribute to the largest proportion of the fodder.Despite the profound benefits obtained,anthropogenic disturbances are hindering its development.On the other hand,to ensure the sustainability of herbaceous species,communities and governments have been putting efforts in managing herbaceous species through the establishment of area exclosure(AE).Thus,the main importance of this research paper is to provide information about the role of AE on the restoration of herbaceous species.The objective of this study was to assess the effect of restoration on the herbaceous species following AE established on communal grazing land(CGL).A total of 124 and 73 quadrats of 1×1m^(2) size were laid down at 50 m intervals along parallel transects at AE and CGL,respectively,and data were analyzed by t-test unequal variances using R-software.AE displayed higher plant species richness and diversity than the CGL and showed a significant difference(p<0.001).Similarly,the AE had significantly(p<0.001)higher forage biomass than the CGL.In general,herbaceous species diversity index and species richness were significantly(p<0.001)higher in the AE compared to the CGL.The study concluded that effective AE has the potential to enhance the restoration of herbaceous species and hence forage productivity.
