Sana Noreen

With the increasing search for existing and emerging natural sources of foods, nutrients and bioactive compounds with functional, nutraceutical, healing and medicinal functions, this study aims at evaluating the roles of Telfairia occidentalis Hook. f. in helping to meet this growing demand. This study reviewed recent studies on the nutritional, phytochemical, therapeutic, medicinal, nutraceutical, functional, and healing properties of Telfairia occidentalis and its seeds, leaves, fruits, and whole plant. Their roles in the treatment/management of many diseases, such as their neuro-protective, hepatoprotective, antioxidants, anti-ulcer, pro-reproduction, anti-inflammatory, antiplasmodial, anti-cancer, antimicrobial, antinociceptive, anti-hyperlipidemic, and pharmaceutical properties. Telfairia occidentalis and its seeds, leaves and fruits are excellent sources of vitamins, protein, minerals, essential amino acids, fats and fatty acids, carbohydrates, and important phytochemicals, all of which play important roles in health and disease prevention/treatment. These interesting properties of Telfairia occidentalis can be adequately explored for important applications in nutrition and dietetics, medicine, pharmacy, food production, formulation of dietary supplements, and development of therapeutics and nutraceuticals. Graphical Abstract Potential health effects of fluted pumpkin include neuro-protective, hepatoprotective, antioxidants, anti-ulcer, pro-reproduction, anti-inflammatory, antiplasmodial, anti-cancer, antimicrobial, antinociceptive, anti-hyperlipidemic, and pharmaceutical properties

Barley, a globally significant agricultural commodity, is recognized for its nutritional value and health benefits, which are attributed to its bioactive compounds, which possess potent free radical scavenging properties. The novelty of this study was to assess the antioxidant, phytochemical, and nutritional attributes of five varieties of Pakistani barley (Hordeum vulgare L.): Sultan-17, Pearl-21, Talbina-21, Jau-21, and Durum-21. Proximate analysis demonstrated a high carbohydrate (70.02–72.08%) and protein content (10.60–12.11%), with optimal hydration levels that facilitated safe storage and shelf stability. The protein content of Talbina-21 was the highest, while Durum-21 had the maximum carbohydrate level. According to mineral profiling, potassium and phosphorus were abundant, which are crucial for physiological functions. Among the varieties, Jau-21 stood out with superior antioxidant properties, possessing the highest total phenolic content (43.83 mg GAE/100 g), GABA levels (8.63 mg/100 g), and DPPH inhibition (65.42%). GC–MS analysis identified a rich profile of bioactive compounds, including linoleic acid, γ-sitosterol, α-tocopherol, and ferulic acid, with Jau-21 again leading in most categories. These findings underscore the significant nutraceutical and health-promoting potential of Pakistani barley, offering a robust basis for its use in the development of functional foods and wellness-oriented dietary products. Future studies should focus on clinical trials and bioavailability assessments to validate these health benefits in human populations and support the formulation of targeted functional food products.

Fish is the primary marine source that provides adequate nutrition to the human body. Fish production is increasing every year, contributing to a sustainable economy, as they provide a significant source of income and food: This review highlights the potential health benefits, industrial applications, and toxicity of various fish species Globally, fish possess various bioactive compounds; this efficacy makes them a more edible source to consume worldwide. A wide range of bioactive compounds, primary macronutrients, micronutrients, vitamins, and minerals are present in various fish types that are essential in preventing different human disorders. The nutritional value of fish helps to provide exceptional health benefits against different human ailments. Fish are excellent sources of protein, peptides, and polyunsaturated fatty acids, particularly eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), omega-6 fatty acids, and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), omega-3 fatty acids that influence human health positively. Fish and their by-products are also excellent sources for developing various nutraceutical and functional foods to fight against multiple human disorders. The by-products of fish exert significant effects against infection, viral attack, cardiovascular diseases, immune disorders, oxidative stress, inflammation, neurological diseases, and other physiological complications. Few fish species are contaminated with harmful substances that cause potential risks to children's and adults' bodies. Additionally, the therapeutic use of fish and their by-products unveils the potential nutritional benefits to reduce the burden on public health by managing dietary issues such as food security, protein deficiency, and other nutritional-related problems.

Early and precise diagnosis of cancer is pivotal for effective therapeutic intervention. Traditional diagnostic methods, despite their reliability, often face limitations such as invasiveness, high costs, labor-intensive procedures, extended processing times, and reduced sensitivity for early-stage detection. Electrochemical biosensing is a revolutionary method that provides rapid, cost-effective, and highly sensitive detection of cancer biomarkers. This review discusses the use of electrochemical detection in biosensors to provide real-time insights into disease-specific molecular interactions, focusing on target recognition and signal generation mechanisms. Furthermore, the superior efficacy of electrochemical biosensors compared to conventional techniques is explored, particularly in their ability to detect cancer biomarkers with enhanced specificity and sensitivity. Advancements in electrode materials and nanostructured designs, integrating nanotechnology, microfluidics, and artificial intelligence, have the potential to overcome biological interferences and scale for clinical use. Research and innovation in oncology diagnostics hold potential for personalized medicine, despite challenges in commercial viability and real-world application.

Flaxseed and fennel seeds are rich sources of different types of phenolics such as lignans, phenolic acids, flavonoids, phenylpropanoids, and tannins. The present study was carried out to develop and optimize a technique for isolation and quantification of secoisolariciresinol diglucoside (SDG) from flaxseed and Anethole from fennel seeds and to assess the antioxidant activities of flaxseed (Linum usitatisimum L.) and fennel seeds (Foeniculum vulgare Mill.) extracts. The percentage of extract in fennel seeds and flaxseed was 5.72 and 6.31 %, respectively. Using HPLC, the predominant constituent in fennel seed was determined to be anethole (11.30±0.25 mg/g) and in flaxseed, it was secoisolariciresinol diglucoside (SDG) (8.35±0.52 mg/g) compared to the respective standards solution. Using SPSS, the obtained data from each parameter were statistically analyzed. There are numerous biological and pharmacological effects of trans-anethole. For antioxidant activity, 2,2′-azinobis (3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) showed higher results with acetone (80%), with fennel seed and flaxseed is 7.28±0.17 and 8.29±0.23 mM TE/g. while FTC method it was maximum for distilled water extract of fennel seed (48.35±0.19%) and Flaxseed (65.09±0.72%) and by β-carotene bleaching method, water extract of fennel seed and flaxseed also showed maximum antioxidant activity i.e. 83.06±0.02% and 86.23±0.38%. Additionally, it is used as a masking agent in food products as a flavoring agent. According to the findings of this study, fennel seeds and flaxseed contain bioactive compounds that may assist in the treatment of a number of chronic diseases.

Garcinia gummigutta, also known as Garcinia cambogia, has been shown to have excellent properties beneficial against many health conditions. The use of Garcinia cambogia in traditional medicine has involved treating gastrointestinal ailments, intestinal parasites, rheumatism, digestive disturbances, among other ethnobotanical applications. The fruit, which resembles a pumpkin in appearance, is presently most often used and heavily promoted as a supplement for weight loss. According to studies, hydroxycitric acid (HCA), the main organic acid present in the fruit rind, has antiobesity properties that include lowering appetite and reducing body fat gain by regulating serotonin levels linked to satiety, increasing fat oxidation, and reducing de novo lipogenesis. HCA is a strong inhibitor of the enzyme adenosine triphosphate citrate lyase, which converts citrate to acetyl-coenzyme A, a catalyst for the synthesis of fatty acids, cholesterol, and triglycerides. In in vitro and in vivo models, the plant’s crude extract or components also have hepatoprotective, anti-cholinesterase, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and anti-inflammatory effects. Studies on the phytochemistry of several plant components found that organic acids and xanthones, such as carbogiol and benzophenones, were also present. There are already several G. cambogia/HCA dietary supplements available for weight loss, however there are some safety concerns about the potential toxicity of continuous usage of these supplements. The majority of complaints have been in connection with multi-component formulations. G. cambogia has not been positively identified as a possibly harmful aggressor. In this paper, the scientific properties of G. cambogia are discussed in relation to pertinent botanical features, ethnobotanical applications, phytochemistry, biological activity, and toxicity. The study could be very helpful in emphasizing the therapeutic properties and mechanism of this plant and its applications.

In this review, we discuss the advantages of vegetable sprouts in the development of food products as well as their beneficial effects on a variety of disorders. Sprouts are obtained from different types of plants and seeds and various types of leafy, root, and shoot vegetables. Vegetable sprouts are enriched in bioactive compounds, including polyphenols, antioxidants, and vitamins. Currently, different conventional methods and advanced technologies are used to extract bioactive compounds from vegetable sprouts. Due to some issues in traditional methods, increasingly, the trend is to use recent technologies because the results are better. Applications of phytonutrients extracted from sprouts are finding increased utility for food processing and shelf-life enhancement. Vegetable sprouts are being used in the preparation of different functional food products such as juices, bread, and biscuits. Previous research has shown that vegetable sprouts can help to fight a variety of chronic diseases such as cancer and diabetes. Furthermore, in the future, more research is needed that explores the extraordinary ways in which vegetable sprouts can be incorporated into green-food processing and preservation for the purpose of enhancing shelf-life and the formation of functional meat products and substitutes.

Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa) is plant species which belongs to goosefoot family Chenopodiaceae, which has been cultivated in Andean region for thousands of years. It is an annual herbaceous plant that can grow 1-3cm high, seeds of quinoa are round and flat with a diameter about 1.5-4.0mm. The plant shows strong tolerance in acidic, alkaline and salty soils. Quinoa regarded as pseudo-cereal and highly nutritious due to abundant in protein, fiber, lipids, vitamins and minerals. It is one of the rare plants which have all nine essential amino acids and highest protein content in all cereals. It contains good amount of compounds including betaine, saponins, polyphenols, isoflavones and carotenoids in it. Glycemic index of quinoa ranges in between 35-53 depend upon cooking time. Quinoa shows considerably positive effects on celiac disease, serum lipid, and diabetes. Consumption of quinoa significantly reduces total cholesterol levels, triglycerides and LDL in the human body. Quinoa as low glycemic index food showed positive results on obese and type 2 diabetes patients. Quinoa is used to substitute rice, maize and wheat in various recipes. Consumer acceptability for different quinoa-based items are positive.

Moringa oleifera L. (Family: Moringaceae) is an incredibly useful medicinal herb, possess significantly high nutritional value. It is an exceptionally healthy herb which is edible and its tree could easily and cheaply be cultivated and grown in Pakistan. It is also known as super food as it contains indigenous basis of highly digestible protein, iron, calcium, potassium, Vitamins A, C, E and polyphenols. Moringa is rich source of phytochemicals such as myricetin, phenolic substances, phenolic acids, flavonoids, isothiocyanates, tannins and saponins, quercetin, zeatin and kaempferol flavonoids which are effective antioxidants that have several therapeutic benefits. It is used as a medical herb having various health benefits. Moreover, different portions of moringa such a seed, roots, buds, leaves, flowers and bark, possess various forms of biological actions, such as anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anti-carcinogenic, antihypertensive, anti-hyperlipidemic, antidiabetic hepatoprotective and neuroprotective activities, that helps in the treatment of different aliments. The current review highlights the medicinal, therapeutic properties of and mechanisms of compounds extracted from Moringa oleifera also gaining new perspectives for further researches and advancement.