Multiple Biological Activities of Unconventional Seed Oils

Multiple Biological Activities of Unconventional Seed Oils

Author: Abdalbasit Adam Mariod

Publisher: Academic Press

Published: 2022-01-26

Total Pages: 454

ISBN-13: 0323903266

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Multiple Biological Activities of Unconventional Seed Oils brings detailed knowledge concerning the biological properties of oils (antioxidant, antimicrobial, antidiabetic, antitumor, anti-inflammatory, etc.), the content of individual substances with health-promoting properties, methods for biological properties assay, the influence of raw material quality and technological processes on the quality of oils, and possible raw materials and oil contaminants with adverse health effects. The book's chapters also highlight the unique properties of new oils, along with their biological activities. Less than a decade ago, the vegetable oils on grocery store shelves were derived from conventional oil seeds e.g., cotton, groundnut, sesame, corn sunflower and soybean. However, as consumers began to understand how fat intake affects overall health, researchers, plant growers and food manufacturers started to produce oils from unconventional sources. This book highlights what we've learned in the process. Explores unconventional oils, their different sources, and where they grow worldwide Explains the medicinal uses of unconventional oils Details the biological activities, antioxidant and physico-chemical composition of unconventional oils


Book Synopsis Multiple Biological Activities of Unconventional Seed Oils by : Abdalbasit Adam Mariod

Download or read book Multiple Biological Activities of Unconventional Seed Oils written by Abdalbasit Adam Mariod and published by Academic Press. This book was released on 2022-01-26 with total page 454 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Multiple Biological Activities of Unconventional Seed Oils brings detailed knowledge concerning the biological properties of oils (antioxidant, antimicrobial, antidiabetic, antitumor, anti-inflammatory, etc.), the content of individual substances with health-promoting properties, methods for biological properties assay, the influence of raw material quality and technological processes on the quality of oils, and possible raw materials and oil contaminants with adverse health effects. The book's chapters also highlight the unique properties of new oils, along with their biological activities. Less than a decade ago, the vegetable oils on grocery store shelves were derived from conventional oil seeds e.g., cotton, groundnut, sesame, corn sunflower and soybean. However, as consumers began to understand how fat intake affects overall health, researchers, plant growers and food manufacturers started to produce oils from unconventional sources. This book highlights what we've learned in the process. Explores unconventional oils, their different sources, and where they grow worldwide Explains the medicinal uses of unconventional oils Details the biological activities, antioxidant and physico-chemical composition of unconventional oils


Industrial Oil Crops

Industrial Oil Crops

Author: Thomas McKeon

Publisher: Elsevier

Published: 2016-02-24

Total Pages: 474

ISBN-13: 0128053852

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Industrial Oil Crops presents the latest information on important products derived from seed and other plant oils, their quality, the potential environmental benefit, and the latest trends in industrial uses. This book provides a comprehensive view of key oil crops that provide products used for fuel, surfactants, paints and coatings, lubricants, high-value polymers, safe plasticizers and numerous other products, all of which compete effectively with petroleum-derived products for quality and cost. Specific products derived from oil crops are a principle concern, and other fundamental aspects of developing oil crops for industrial uses are also covered. These include improvement through traditional breeding, and molecular, tissue culture and genetic engineering contributions to breeding, as well as practical aspects of what is needed to bring a new or altered crop to market. As such, this book provides a handbook for developing products from renewable resources that can replace those currently derived from petroleum. Led by an international team of expert editors, this book will be a valuable asset for those in product research and development as well as basic plant research related to oil crops. Up-to-date review of all the key oilseed crops used primarily for industrial purposes Highlights the potential for providing renewable resources to replace petroleum derived products Comprehensive chapters on biodiesel and polymer chemistry of seed oil Includes chapters on economics of new oilseed crops, emerging oilseed crops, genetic modification and plant tissue culture technology for oilseed improvement


Book Synopsis Industrial Oil Crops by : Thomas McKeon

Download or read book Industrial Oil Crops written by Thomas McKeon and published by Elsevier. This book was released on 2016-02-24 with total page 474 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Industrial Oil Crops presents the latest information on important products derived from seed and other plant oils, their quality, the potential environmental benefit, and the latest trends in industrial uses. This book provides a comprehensive view of key oil crops that provide products used for fuel, surfactants, paints and coatings, lubricants, high-value polymers, safe plasticizers and numerous other products, all of which compete effectively with petroleum-derived products for quality and cost. Specific products derived from oil crops are a principle concern, and other fundamental aspects of developing oil crops for industrial uses are also covered. These include improvement through traditional breeding, and molecular, tissue culture and genetic engineering contributions to breeding, as well as practical aspects of what is needed to bring a new or altered crop to market. As such, this book provides a handbook for developing products from renewable resources that can replace those currently derived from petroleum. Led by an international team of expert editors, this book will be a valuable asset for those in product research and development as well as basic plant research related to oil crops. Up-to-date review of all the key oilseed crops used primarily for industrial purposes Highlights the potential for providing renewable resources to replace petroleum derived products Comprehensive chapters on biodiesel and polymer chemistry of seed oil Includes chapters on economics of new oilseed crops, emerging oilseed crops, genetic modification and plant tissue culture technology for oilseed improvement


Valorization of Fruit Seed Waste from Food Processing Industry

Valorization of Fruit Seed Waste from Food Processing Industry

Author: Manoj Kumar

Publisher: Elsevier

Published: 2024-06-21

Total Pages: 344

ISBN-13: 0443155364

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"Developments in Food Quality and Safety Series" is the most up-to-date resource covering trend topics such as Advances in the analysis of toxic compounds and control of food poisoning; Food fraud, traceability and authenticity; Revalorization of agrifood industry; Natural antimicrobial compounds and application to improve the preservation of food; Non-thermal processing technologies in the food industry; Nanotechnology in food production; and Intelligent packaging and sensors for food applications.Volume 5, "Valorization of fruit seed waste from food processing industry: Insights on Nutritional profile, biological functions, and applications", provides comprehensive information regarding different aspects of fruit seed waste which can be of great help to students, research scholars, professors and food industries for both theoretical and practical work. This book covers the composition of different types of fruit seed waste including their biological and functional characteristics, applications and extraction/valorization methods for the production of value-added products which will help to tailor the experiments for the development of advanced valorization technologies with respect to specific characteristics of each type of fruit seed waste. The series is edited by Dr. José Manuel Lorenzo and authored by a team of global experts in the fields of Food Quality and Safety, providing comprehensive knowledge to food industry personals and scientists. Covers the fundamentals and latest developments in valorization methods for different fruit seed waste Provides a comprehensive view of the recovery of valuable ingredients from fruit seed waste Thoroughly explores extraction methods for obtaining bioactive components, characterization methods, and phytochemical profile of the seed


Book Synopsis Valorization of Fruit Seed Waste from Food Processing Industry by : Manoj Kumar

Download or read book Valorization of Fruit Seed Waste from Food Processing Industry written by Manoj Kumar and published by Elsevier. This book was released on 2024-06-21 with total page 344 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: "Developments in Food Quality and Safety Series" is the most up-to-date resource covering trend topics such as Advances in the analysis of toxic compounds and control of food poisoning; Food fraud, traceability and authenticity; Revalorization of agrifood industry; Natural antimicrobial compounds and application to improve the preservation of food; Non-thermal processing technologies in the food industry; Nanotechnology in food production; and Intelligent packaging and sensors for food applications.Volume 5, "Valorization of fruit seed waste from food processing industry: Insights on Nutritional profile, biological functions, and applications", provides comprehensive information regarding different aspects of fruit seed waste which can be of great help to students, research scholars, professors and food industries for both theoretical and practical work. This book covers the composition of different types of fruit seed waste including their biological and functional characteristics, applications and extraction/valorization methods for the production of value-added products which will help to tailor the experiments for the development of advanced valorization technologies with respect to specific characteristics of each type of fruit seed waste. The series is edited by Dr. José Manuel Lorenzo and authored by a team of global experts in the fields of Food Quality and Safety, providing comprehensive knowledge to food industry personals and scientists. Covers the fundamentals and latest developments in valorization methods for different fruit seed waste Provides a comprehensive view of the recovery of valuable ingredients from fruit seed waste Thoroughly explores extraction methods for obtaining bioactive components, characterization methods, and phytochemical profile of the seed


Medicinal Spice and Condiment Crops

Medicinal Spice and Condiment Crops

Author: Azamal Husen

Publisher: CRC Press

Published: 2024-04-22

Total Pages: 393

ISBN-13: 1040005268

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Spices are used in small quantities to add flavor, aroma, color, and texture in food preparation. However, spices and condiments have also been recognized as having medicinal value. They have been used traditionally as curative and preventive agents, the bioactive compounds obtained from these plants are used in herbal drug formulations in modern times. Medicinal Spice and Condiment Crops provides a comprehensive overview on the medicinal properties of spices and condiments with focus on various phytochemicals derived from them. KEY FEATURES: • Examines spices and condiments with respect to their biology, diversity, distribution, and pharmacological values. • Explores the scientific validations of the therapeutic potentials of spice and condiment plant species. • Discusses the bioactive agents involved in alleviating symptoms of cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, ulcers, skin disorders, and neurodegenerative diseases. • Explains specific medicinal features of spice and condiment-producing plant species inspiring research, discovery, and safe herbal drug formulation. A volume in the Exploring Medicinal Plants series, this book is useful for plant scientists, economic botanists, those who work with herbal and complementary medicine, as well as people working in the pharmaceutical industry.


Book Synopsis Medicinal Spice and Condiment Crops by : Azamal Husen

Download or read book Medicinal Spice and Condiment Crops written by Azamal Husen and published by CRC Press. This book was released on 2024-04-22 with total page 393 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Spices are used in small quantities to add flavor, aroma, color, and texture in food preparation. However, spices and condiments have also been recognized as having medicinal value. They have been used traditionally as curative and preventive agents, the bioactive compounds obtained from these plants are used in herbal drug formulations in modern times. Medicinal Spice and Condiment Crops provides a comprehensive overview on the medicinal properties of spices and condiments with focus on various phytochemicals derived from them. KEY FEATURES: • Examines spices and condiments with respect to their biology, diversity, distribution, and pharmacological values. • Explores the scientific validations of the therapeutic potentials of spice and condiment plant species. • Discusses the bioactive agents involved in alleviating symptoms of cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, ulcers, skin disorders, and neurodegenerative diseases. • Explains specific medicinal features of spice and condiment-producing plant species inspiring research, discovery, and safe herbal drug formulation. A volume in the Exploring Medicinal Plants series, this book is useful for plant scientists, economic botanists, those who work with herbal and complementary medicine, as well as people working in the pharmaceutical industry.


Sustainable Use of Feed Additives in Livestock

Sustainable Use of Feed Additives in Livestock

Author: Georgios Arsenos

Publisher: Springer Nature

Published: 2023-12-28

Total Pages: 962

ISBN-13: 3031428552

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This book offers a comprehensive collection of cutting-edge research on feed additives for a sustainable animal production, including insects and aquaculture. In five clearly structured sections, the sources of feed additives, details on their biochemistry, feed security as well as specific applications for individual farm animal species, livestock health and product characteristics (meat, milk and eggs) find attention. International expert authors provide a full description on the use of aromatic plants, extracts and essential oils as feed additives alone or in combination with functional feeds of different categories. Readers will explore the potential of feed additives to tackle environmental issues. Practical examples include the use of local feedstuffs in combination with herbal additives and enzymes. Emphasis is placed on the consequences of using local feed sources versus imported feedstuffs on global warming potential, primary energy use, nutrient excretion and the feed additive influence on lessening the pollution from animal operations. The results presented will support realization of the Sustainable Development Goals, in particular SDG 12 which stands for Responsible Consumption and Production worldwide. The use of novel and different feed additives can be an important tool to enhance sustainability, support productivity, and match increased food demands around the globe. Animal production depends on feed efficiency to sustain growth and profitability. Along these lines, the present volume is an essential reading for all future-oriented veterinarians, animal nutritionists, agricultural scientists, and moreover the feed, food and plant industry.


Book Synopsis Sustainable Use of Feed Additives in Livestock by : Georgios Arsenos

Download or read book Sustainable Use of Feed Additives in Livestock written by Georgios Arsenos and published by Springer Nature. This book was released on 2023-12-28 with total page 962 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book offers a comprehensive collection of cutting-edge research on feed additives for a sustainable animal production, including insects and aquaculture. In five clearly structured sections, the sources of feed additives, details on their biochemistry, feed security as well as specific applications for individual farm animal species, livestock health and product characteristics (meat, milk and eggs) find attention. International expert authors provide a full description on the use of aromatic plants, extracts and essential oils as feed additives alone or in combination with functional feeds of different categories. Readers will explore the potential of feed additives to tackle environmental issues. Practical examples include the use of local feedstuffs in combination with herbal additives and enzymes. Emphasis is placed on the consequences of using local feed sources versus imported feedstuffs on global warming potential, primary energy use, nutrient excretion and the feed additive influence on lessening the pollution from animal operations. The results presented will support realization of the Sustainable Development Goals, in particular SDG 12 which stands for Responsible Consumption and Production worldwide. The use of novel and different feed additives can be an important tool to enhance sustainability, support productivity, and match increased food demands around the globe. Animal production depends on feed efficiency to sustain growth and profitability. Along these lines, the present volume is an essential reading for all future-oriented veterinarians, animal nutritionists, agricultural scientists, and moreover the feed, food and plant industry.


The Agronomy and Economy of Important Tree Crops of the Developing World

The Agronomy and Economy of Important Tree Crops of the Developing World

Author: K.P. Prabhakaran Nair

Publisher: Elsevier

Published: 2010-04-22

Total Pages: 366

ISBN-13: 0123846781

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Major tree crops contribute substantially to the economy of many developing countries on the Asian, African and Latin American continents. For example, coffee is the main revenue earner for Kenya. This book provides a comprehensive review of the agronomy, botany, taxonomy, genetics, chemistry, economics, and future global prospects of a range of crops that have great food, industrial and economic value such as cocoa, coffee, cashew, oil palm and natural rubber. Discusses the major tree crops of great economic value to the developing world The author is an eminent scientist who has won numerous awards for his work in this area


Book Synopsis The Agronomy and Economy of Important Tree Crops of the Developing World by : K.P. Prabhakaran Nair

Download or read book The Agronomy and Economy of Important Tree Crops of the Developing World written by K.P. Prabhakaran Nair and published by Elsevier. This book was released on 2010-04-22 with total page 366 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Major tree crops contribute substantially to the economy of many developing countries on the Asian, African and Latin American continents. For example, coffee is the main revenue earner for Kenya. This book provides a comprehensive review of the agronomy, botany, taxonomy, genetics, chemistry, economics, and future global prospects of a range of crops that have great food, industrial and economic value such as cocoa, coffee, cashew, oil palm and natural rubber. Discusses the major tree crops of great economic value to the developing world The author is an eminent scientist who has won numerous awards for his work in this area


Proceedings of the 2nd International Interdisciplinary Conference on Environmental Sciences and Sustainable Developments Education and Green Economy (IICESSD-EGE 2022)

Proceedings of the 2nd International Interdisciplinary Conference on Environmental Sciences and Sustainable Developments Education and Green Economy (IICESSD-EGE 2022)

Author: Femilia Zahra

Publisher: Springer Nature

Published: 2024-01-30

Total Pages: 422

ISBN-13: 2384761722

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This is an open access book. THE SUBJECT MATTER OF THE CONFERENCE INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING AND RELATED ISSUES:Agriculture and forestry for the environment and sustainable developmentHealth for the environment and sustainable developmentEngineering science for environment and sustainable developmentEducation for the environment and sustainable developmentGreen economy, entrepreneurship and good governance for sustainable development


Book Synopsis Proceedings of the 2nd International Interdisciplinary Conference on Environmental Sciences and Sustainable Developments Education and Green Economy (IICESSD-EGE 2022) by : Femilia Zahra

Download or read book Proceedings of the 2nd International Interdisciplinary Conference on Environmental Sciences and Sustainable Developments Education and Green Economy (IICESSD-EGE 2022) written by Femilia Zahra and published by Springer Nature. This book was released on 2024-01-30 with total page 422 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This is an open access book. THE SUBJECT MATTER OF THE CONFERENCE INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING AND RELATED ISSUES:Agriculture and forestry for the environment and sustainable developmentHealth for the environment and sustainable developmentEngineering science for environment and sustainable developmentEducation for the environment and sustainable developmentGreen economy, entrepreneurship and good governance for sustainable development


Acceleration of the Biopsychosocial Model in Public Health

Acceleration of the Biopsychosocial Model in Public Health

Author: Taukeni, Simon George

Publisher: IGI Global

Published: 2023-02-20

Total Pages: 367

ISBN-13: 1668464977

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It is generally well-established that the biomedical model is informed on the assumption that the occurrence of the disease is the result of biological molecules inside the body. This is seen in the view of the biopsychosocial model that the biomedical model is excluding the importance of psychological, social, economic, environmental, spiritual, and behavioral dimensions of the illness. It is essential to create better awareness to accelerate the use of the biopsychosocial model—focusing on the individual as a whole rather than the illness alone. Acceleration of the Biopsychosocial Model in Public Health accelerates the inclusion of the biopsychosocial model in the public health sector in order to achieve universal health coverage. It provides a better understanding of the role of various factors, such as psychological, social, emotional, economic, and behavioral, that are responsible for the development of diseases in order to develop comprehensive prevention and intervention measures. Covering topics such as psychological well-being, public health awareness, and system dynamics, this premier reference source is an excellent resource for public health officials, health therapists, health educators, health psychologists, occupational therapists, palliative care providers, community healthcare providers, hospital administrators, health professionals, medical students, medical libraries, researchers, and academicians.


Book Synopsis Acceleration of the Biopsychosocial Model in Public Health by : Taukeni, Simon George

Download or read book Acceleration of the Biopsychosocial Model in Public Health written by Taukeni, Simon George and published by IGI Global. This book was released on 2023-02-20 with total page 367 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: It is generally well-established that the biomedical model is informed on the assumption that the occurrence of the disease is the result of biological molecules inside the body. This is seen in the view of the biopsychosocial model that the biomedical model is excluding the importance of psychological, social, economic, environmental, spiritual, and behavioral dimensions of the illness. It is essential to create better awareness to accelerate the use of the biopsychosocial model—focusing on the individual as a whole rather than the illness alone. Acceleration of the Biopsychosocial Model in Public Health accelerates the inclusion of the biopsychosocial model in the public health sector in order to achieve universal health coverage. It provides a better understanding of the role of various factors, such as psychological, social, emotional, economic, and behavioral, that are responsible for the development of diseases in order to develop comprehensive prevention and intervention measures. Covering topics such as psychological well-being, public health awareness, and system dynamics, this premier reference source is an excellent resource for public health officials, health therapists, health educators, health psychologists, occupational therapists, palliative care providers, community healthcare providers, hospital administrators, health professionals, medical students, medical libraries, researchers, and academicians.


Natural Bio-active Compounds

Natural Bio-active Compounds

Author: Mohd Sayeed Akhtar

Publisher: Springer Nature

Published: 2019-09-06

Total Pages: 608

ISBN-13: 9811371547

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Bioactive compounds produced by natural sources, such as plants, microbes, endophytic fungi, etc., can potentially be applied in various fields, including agriculture, biotechnology and biomedicine. Several bioactive compounds have proved to be invaluable in mediating plant-microbe interactions, and promoting plant growth and development. Due to their numerous health-promoting properties, these compounds have been widely used as a source of medication since ancient times. However, there is an unprecedented need to meet the growing demand for natural bioactive compounds in the flavor and fragrance, food, and pharmaceutical industries. Moreover, discovering new lead molecules from natural sources is essential to overcoming the rising number of new diseases. In this regard, natural bioactive compounds hold tremendous potential for new drug discovery. Therefore, this field of research has become a vital area for researchers interested in understanding the chemistry, biosynthetic mechanisms, and pharmacological activities of these bioactive metabolites. This book describes the basics of bioactive plant compounds, their chemical properties, and their pharmacological biotechnological properties with regard to various human diseases and applications in the drug, cosmetics and herbal industries. It offers a valuable asset for all students, educators, researchers, and healthcare experts involved in agronomy, ecology, crop science, molecular biology, stress physiology, and natural products.


Book Synopsis Natural Bio-active Compounds by : Mohd Sayeed Akhtar

Download or read book Natural Bio-active Compounds written by Mohd Sayeed Akhtar and published by Springer Nature. This book was released on 2019-09-06 with total page 608 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Bioactive compounds produced by natural sources, such as plants, microbes, endophytic fungi, etc., can potentially be applied in various fields, including agriculture, biotechnology and biomedicine. Several bioactive compounds have proved to be invaluable in mediating plant-microbe interactions, and promoting plant growth and development. Due to their numerous health-promoting properties, these compounds have been widely used as a source of medication since ancient times. However, there is an unprecedented need to meet the growing demand for natural bioactive compounds in the flavor and fragrance, food, and pharmaceutical industries. Moreover, discovering new lead molecules from natural sources is essential to overcoming the rising number of new diseases. In this regard, natural bioactive compounds hold tremendous potential for new drug discovery. Therefore, this field of research has become a vital area for researchers interested in understanding the chemistry, biosynthetic mechanisms, and pharmacological activities of these bioactive metabolites. This book describes the basics of bioactive plant compounds, their chemical properties, and their pharmacological biotechnological properties with regard to various human diseases and applications in the drug, cosmetics and herbal industries. It offers a valuable asset for all students, educators, researchers, and healthcare experts involved in agronomy, ecology, crop science, molecular biology, stress physiology, and natural products.


Opuntia spp.: Chemistry, Bioactivity and Industrial Applications

Opuntia spp.: Chemistry, Bioactivity and Industrial Applications

Author: Mohamed Fawzy Ramadan

Publisher: Springer Nature

Published: 2021-09-27

Total Pages: 1045

ISBN-13: 3030784444

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The Opuntia fruits, commonly known as cactus pears or prickly pears, have been suggested by the Food and Agriculture Organization to be a promising and strategic crop in regions suffering from lack of water. In Mexico, India, South Africa, and the Mediterranean, the Opuntia fruits have become popular due to their nutritive value and health-promoting benefits, including antioxidant, antiulcerogenic and antiatherogenic traits and protective effects against LDL oxidation. Additionally, readily absorbable sugars, high vitamin C and mineral content, and a pleasant flavour make Opuntia tailor-made for novel foods. Due to their ecological advantages, high functional value, and health-related traits, Opuntia fruits can be highly exploited in different food processing applications. For instance, Opuntia cactus fruits are used for the preparation of juices and marmalades; Opuntia cactus plants are used to feed animals in African and Latin American countries; Peruvian farmers cultivate Opuntia cactus for growing the cochineal (Dactylopius coccus) insect and producing the natural dye carmine; and the commercial production of food and non-food products from Opuntia has been established in Mexico, USA and several Mediterranean countries. Opuntia spp.: Chemistry, Bioactivity and Industrial Applications creates a multidisciplinary forum of discussion on Opuntia cactus with special emphasis on its horticulture, post-harvest, marketability, chemistry, functionality, health-promoting properties, technology and processing. The text includes detailed discussion of the impact of traditional and innovative processing on the recovery of high-added value compounds from Opuntia spp. by-products. Later chapters explore the potential applications of Opuntia spp. in food, cosmetics and pharmaceutical products.


Book Synopsis Opuntia spp.: Chemistry, Bioactivity and Industrial Applications by : Mohamed Fawzy Ramadan

Download or read book Opuntia spp.: Chemistry, Bioactivity and Industrial Applications written by Mohamed Fawzy Ramadan and published by Springer Nature. This book was released on 2021-09-27 with total page 1045 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The Opuntia fruits, commonly known as cactus pears or prickly pears, have been suggested by the Food and Agriculture Organization to be a promising and strategic crop in regions suffering from lack of water. In Mexico, India, South Africa, and the Mediterranean, the Opuntia fruits have become popular due to their nutritive value and health-promoting benefits, including antioxidant, antiulcerogenic and antiatherogenic traits and protective effects against LDL oxidation. Additionally, readily absorbable sugars, high vitamin C and mineral content, and a pleasant flavour make Opuntia tailor-made for novel foods. Due to their ecological advantages, high functional value, and health-related traits, Opuntia fruits can be highly exploited in different food processing applications. For instance, Opuntia cactus fruits are used for the preparation of juices and marmalades; Opuntia cactus plants are used to feed animals in African and Latin American countries; Peruvian farmers cultivate Opuntia cactus for growing the cochineal (Dactylopius coccus) insect and producing the natural dye carmine; and the commercial production of food and non-food products from Opuntia has been established in Mexico, USA and several Mediterranean countries. Opuntia spp.: Chemistry, Bioactivity and Industrial Applications creates a multidisciplinary forum of discussion on Opuntia cactus with special emphasis on its horticulture, post-harvest, marketability, chemistry, functionality, health-promoting properties, technology and processing. The text includes detailed discussion of the impact of traditional and innovative processing on the recovery of high-added value compounds from Opuntia spp. by-products. Later chapters explore the potential applications of Opuntia spp. in food, cosmetics and pharmaceutical products.