Review
Food Science & Technology
Ya Gao, Xian Li, Yanjie Huang, Jianchao Chen, Minghua Qiu
Summary: Bitter melon has been traditionally used in diabetes management, and both animal studies and clinical trials have shown its remarkable antidiabetic effects. The mechanisms include enhancing insulin sensitivity, repairing damaged beta-cells, stimulating insulin secretion, and regulating intestinal flora.
FOOD REVIEWS INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Ricardo Gomez-Garcia, Ana A. Vilas-Boas, Manuela Machado, Debora A. Campos, Cristobal N. Aguilar, Ana R. Madureira, Manuela Pintado
Summary: This research evaluated the effect of in vitro gastrointestinal digestion on melon peel juice powder from fruit processing industry by-products. The study found that the antioxidant activity and total phenolic content of the powder decreased after gastrointestinal digestion, but remained stable. Additionally, the non-absorbed fraction of the powder had a positive impact on the growth of beneficial bacteria and was found to be safe for intestinal cells.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Ricardo Gomez-Garcia, Ana A. Vilas-Boas, Manuela Machado, Debora A. Campos, Cristobal N. Aguilar, Ana R. Madureira, Manuela Pintado
Summary: The study found that melon peel juice exhibited decreased antioxidant activity under in vitro gastrointestinal digestion conditions, but maintained stable accessibility. The non-absorbed fraction had a positive impact on beneficial bacterial strains, indicating its potential as a food functional ingredient.
Article
Cell Biology
Ting Feng, Yilin Wan, Bin Dai, Yanlei Liu
Summary: Due to its low immunogenicity, high biocompatibility, and ready availability in large quantities, plant-derived vesicles extracts have gained considerable attention as a novel nanomaterial in tumor therapy. This study found that bitter melon-derived vesicles extract (BMVE) exhibits significant inhibitory effects on breast cancer, including anti-proliferative, migration-inhibiting, and apoptosis-inducing effects. Furthermore, BMVE can effectively inhibit tumor growth in vivo with negligible adverse effects. These findings highlight the potential of BMVE as a promising therapeutic agent for breast cancer treatment.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Iason Psilopatis, Kleio Vrettou, Constantinos Giaginis, Stamatios Theocharis
Summary: Bitter melon, a vine with potent antitumor effects, has not been extensively reviewed for its role in breast and gynecological cancer prevention and therapy. This comprehensive review highlights the promising anticancer effects of bitter melon on breast, ovarian, and cervical cancer cells and provides recommendations for future research.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Morteza Sheikhalipour, Behrooz Esmaielpour, Mandi Behnamian, Gholamreza Gohari, Mousa Torabi Giglou, Pavia Vachova, Anshu Rastogi, Marian Brestic, Milan Skalicky
Summary: Chitosan-selenium nanoparticles were synthesized and applied through foliar spray, enhancing the salt tolerance of bitter melon by improving growth and yield, increasing antioxidant enzyme activity and proline concentration, and reducing oxidants content.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Qing-guo Cao, Qin Guo, Jie Bai, Ying Dong, Xiao-hua Zhang, Wen-long Hong
Summary: The study demonstrated that bitter melon seed (BMS) has anticancer properties by inducing apoptosis in HepG2 cells through regulating miR-421 and CASP3.
JOURNAL OF FOOD BIOCHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Oncology
Tyler Alfonzetti, Michele Moreau, Sayeda Yasmin-Karim, Wilfred Ngwa, Stephen Avery, Denisa Goia
Summary: Despite advances in radiation therapy, cancer patients still face issues with survival rates, local control, and quality of life, while many lack access to expensive treatments. Phytomedicines have shown promise in inducing tumor cell death, reducing cancer incidence, and alleviating harmful conditions. However, there is limited research on phytoradiotherapy, which combines radiation treatment with phytomedicines. This study validates a protocol to test the radiosensitizing effects of phytomedicines and examines the potential of plant-based medicines like cannabidiol and Bitter Melon. The results suggest that these phytomedicines can enhance tumor cell killing and prolong survival, highlighting the potential of phytoradiotherapy in improving cancer care.
FRONTIERS IN ONCOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Lian Xue, Hao Sun, Qiang Wu, Weifeng Yao
Summary: In this study, P-doped CN photocatalyst with high efficiency for H2O2 production was successfully synthesized using a simple one-step calcination method. The mechanism of H2O2 production over P-CN was revealed through density functional theory calculations, showing that P-doping promotes the adsorption of O-2 on CN and enhances the formation of intermediate products. Experimental results confirmed that P-doping suppresses electron and hole recombination, leading to improved photocatalytic performance of P-doped CN.
JOURNAL OF COLLOID AND INTERFACE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Nkululeko Nkosi, Diakanua Nkazi, Kaniki Tumba
Summary: One of the challenges faced by the fruit juice industry is the increasing energy costs. This study explores the use of hydrate-based juice concentration technology as an environmentally friendly and cost-effective solution. Experimental data shows that reducing the water content in the juice shifts the hydrate phase equilibrium conditions. The study concludes that hydrate-based fruit juice concentration technology is a viable alternative to current commercial technologies.
Article
Plant Sciences
Mahwish, Farhan Saeed, M. Tauseef Sultan, Ayesha Riaz, Sagheer Ahmed, Nicusor Bigiu, Ryszard Amarowicz, Rosana Manea
Summary: Natural products, such as bitter melon, are increasingly recognized for their potential in managing diabetes and improving health. Research has shown that bitter melon contains key bioactive components that can help control blood glucose levels and insulin secretion, particularly in hyperglycemic rats.
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Ying Zhu, Juan Bai, Xiwen Qian, Xue Yang, Xinyu Zhou, Yansheng Zhao, Ying Dong, Xiang Xiao
Summary: This study investigated the effects of superfine grinding on bitter melon powder (BMP), and found that it improved the physical properties and bioaccessibility of BMP, while enhancing its anti-obesity activity.
JOURNAL OF THE SCIENCE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE
(2022)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Jose L. Perez, Siddanagouda R. Shivanagoudra, Wilmer H. Perera, Da Mi Kim, Chia S. Wu, Yuxiang Sun, G. K. Jayaprakasha, Bhimanagouda S. Patil
Summary: The study found that bioactive compounds found in bitter melon, such as momordicoside A, momordicoside L, karaviloside VI, karaviloside VIII, and charantoside XV, exhibited anti-inflammatory effects in LPS-induced inflammation, possibly by suppressing the NF-KB-NLRP3 pathway.
JOURNAL OF FUNCTIONAL FOODS
(2021)
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Qi Wang, Xiaohui Li, Chen Zhang, Ning Yue, Simeng Li, Xueying Chen, Hua Shao, Fen Jin, Jing Wang
Summary: The application of forchlorfenuron to oriental melon fruit causes bitterness due to the accumulation of cucurbitacins. The study found that forchlorfenuron treatment increased the concentration of cucurbitacin B and decreased arvenin I, which are the key contributors to the bitter taste in oriental melon fruit. These findings provide practical guidance on the rational use of forchlorfenuron and understanding the source of bitterness in oriental melon fruit.
JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Meghna Shashikant, Aarti Bains, Prince Chawla, Melinda Fogarasi, Szabolcs Fogarasi
Summary: In recent years, mushrooms have been extensively researched in the fields of pharmaceuticals and food science. Mushrooms attract attention due to their nutritional value, use as food, and global commodity. Milky white mushrooms, the third most important commercially grown mushrooms, contain natural components and antioxidants that may have pharmaceutical and therapeutic applications.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Penta Pristijono, Michael C. Bowyer, Konstantinos Papoutsis, Christopher J. Scarlett, Quan V. Vuong, Costas E. Stathopoulos, John B. Golding
JOURNAL OF FOOD SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY-MYSORE
(2019)
Article
Agronomy
Xuan T. Tran, Sophie E. Parks, Paul D. Roach, Minh H. Nguyen
EXPERIMENTAL AGRICULTURE
(2020)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Hoang V. Chuyen, Paul D. Roach, John B. Golding, Sophie E. Parks, Minh H. Nguyen
Article
Food Science & Technology
Mutamed Ayyash, Constantinos Stathopoulos, Basim Abu-Jdayil, Gennaro Esposito, Mohammad Baig, Mark S. Turner, Ahmad Salihin Baba, Vasso Apostolopoulos, Anas Al-Nabulsi, Tareq Osaili
LWT-FOOD SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2020)
Article
Agronomy
Xuan T. Tran, Sophie E. Parks, Minh H. Nguyen, Paul D. Roach
Summary: This study found that cool storage of Gac fruit pollen reduces viability, impacting fruit set and quality, but has minimal effect on lycopene and beta-carotene concentrations in the aril, making it suitable for short-term storage. Further investigation is needed to explore the effects of drying pollen for storage and to improve fruit set and physicochemical qualities through hand pollination.
Review
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Liam K. Kendall, Lisa J. Evans, Megan Gee, Tobias J. Smith, Vesna Gagic, Juan D. Lobaton, Mark A. Hall, Jeremy Jones, Lindsay Kirkland, Manu E. Saunders, Carolyn Sonter, Brian T. Cutting, Sophie Parks, Katja Hogendoorn, Cameron Spurr, Alistair Gracie, Melinda Simpson, Romina Rader
Summary: Protective covers such as glasshouses, netting enclosures, and polytunnels are increasingly used in crop production to enhance crop quality, yield, and production efficiency. Bees are the dominant taxon used in protected systems, with 90% of studies using eusocial bees. However, negative effects on pollinator health have been observed in over 50% of studies, possibly due to changes in environmental conditions and reduced access to food resources. Strategies to enhance pollinator health and efficiency in covered systems include careful bee hive location selection, increased floral diversity, and manipulation of flower physiology. Practitioners need to ensure that crop pollination services are compatible with suitable conditions for pollinator health to safeguard crop yields in pollinator dependent protected cropping systems.
AGRICULTURE ECOSYSTEMS & ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Zun Wang, Suwimol Chockchaisawasdee, John Ashton, Zhongxiang Fang, E. Costas Stathopoulos
Summary: This study investigated the effects of temperature and initial moisture content on the critical relative humidity of whole-grain breakfast wheat biscuit using DVS and DSC methods. The results showed that RHc values were positively correlated with M0 and negatively correlated with temperature. Wheat biscuits with 7% moisture content were found to be optimally stored at RH below 43.2% at 20 degrees C.
LWT-FOOD SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Agronomy
Melinda Simpson, Sophie E. Parks, Stephen Morris, Daryl Joyce
Summary: This field experiment examined the impact of different treatments on the fruit quality of southern highbush blueberries in Australia. The results showed that urea and ammonium thiosulphate were effective at desiccating open flowers, while benzyladenine failed to thin fruit. Furthermore, hand thinning, ATS, BA, and ATS/BA treatments increased fruit size without affecting the concentration of total sugars or acids. Foliar urea had little effect on fruit size and leaf canopy area.
NEW ZEALAND JOURNAL OF CROP AND HORTICULTURAL SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Meththa Ranasinghe, Ioannis Manikas, Sajid Maqsood, Constantinos Stathopoulos
Summary: Dates and their by-products are rich in nutrients and have been widely studied for their health benefits and incorporation into value-added products. However, the date-processing industry faces sustainability challenges due to the significant amount of waste and by-products generated. Utilizing date components in bakery products is a trending research area, but there are several drawbacks and gaps in knowledge that need further research, such as the impact on shelf life.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Zein Najjar, Maitha Alkaabi, Khulood Alketbi, Constantinos Stathopoulos, Meththa Ranasinghe
Summary: This study found that substituting flour with date seed powder can improve the texture and functional value of cookies, with slight effects on the physical and chemical characteristics. Adding date seed powder had no significant impact on moisture, ash, fat and protein content, but it did affect the brightness and hardness of the cookies. Sensory analysis showed that cookies made with whole wheat flour and 7.5% date seed powder were acceptable in terms of smell, taste, texture and overall acceptability.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Zein Najjar, Jaleel Kizhakkayil, Hira Shakoor, Carine Platat, Constantinos Stathopoulos, Meththa Ranasinghe
Summary: This study explores the use of date seeds, a byproduct of the food industry, as a means to improve the nutritional value and antioxidant activity of cookies. The results show that the seeds contain high levels of polyphenols and flavonoids, and substituting flour with ground date seed enhances the cookies' antioxidant properties.
Review
Food Science & Technology
Iveta Klojdova, Constantinos Stathopoulos
Summary: Pickering emulsions, stabilized by adsorbed particles, have high potential for application in the food industry. They provide more benefits compared to emulsions stabilized with surfactants, such as lower susceptibility to coalescence and possible encapsulation and controlled release of functional compounds. Additionally, they can be used for fat reduction and encapsulation of sensitive compounds.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Priti Krishna, Gareema Pandey, Richard Thomas, Sophie Parks
Summary: Blueberries are a highly nutritious fruit, packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. The antioxidants in blueberries, particularly the abundant anthocyanin pigment, have been found to contribute to their health benefits. However, blueberries grown under plastic covers have been reported to have reduced antioxidant capacity compared to those grown in open fields.
Review
Horticulture
Suwimol Chockchaisawasdee, Constantinos E. Stathopoulos
Summary: Industrial-scale food manufacturing generates a large amount of fruit-and-vegetable solid by-product and waste streams, posing challenges to the environment after production. Therefore, utilizing these waste materials to produce bioactive ingredients has attracted research interest.
