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The potential use of Pediococcus spp. probiotic in aquaculture: A review
99-106Views:472Aquaculture production has significantly increased over the previous few decades. However, antibiotics have been implemented regularly and extensively to overcome outbreaks of pathogens in aquaculture to cover the human needs for animal protein, leading to the appearance of resistant strains that may cause serious damages in the environment and also human health. In the last few years, the implementation of probiotics as an alternative technique to antibiotics use in fish production has achieved promising results in aquaculture due to their beneficial impact on fish health and growth performance. Among different types of probiotics, the Pediococcus spp. bacteria stand out as a promising probiotic for their beneficial impact to aquaculture. Thus, the current study has been conducted to give an overview about the interactions between Pediococcus spp. and aquaculture. In addition, this review highlights the role of Pediococcus spp in promoting growth performance, improving feed conversion ratios and the intestinal architecture, enhancing the immune response and inhibiting fish pathogens, thereby preventing or at least reducing the use of antibiotics. Practical use of Pediococcus spp. probiotic in aquaculture as feed additives through selected case studies is also considered.
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Desert greens: Unveiling the antioxidant power and health benefits of Qatar's locally grown leafy vegetables
11-17Views:523The long-term consumption of diets rich in plant polyphenols has a high potential to reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes. This study focuses on the phenolic and antioxidant properties of eight green leafy vegetables, red spinach, green spinach, water spinach, chives, rocca, Swiss chard, jute mallow, and purslane, commonly cultivated in Qatar. Antioxidant capacity (AC) was assessed using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging method. The total phenolic content (TPC) of the samples was quantified using the Folin-Ciocalteu assay. Among all the vegetables, results indicated significant differences among all examined values at level of 5% Jute Mallow exhibited the highest phenolic content at 205.39±11.50 mg GA/100g, followed by Green Spinach at 189.58±10.56 mg GA/100g and Red Spinach at 185.15±2.93 mg GA/100g. Swiss chard exhibited the highest antioxidant activity of 89.26%. This study provides valuable data on these vegetables to positively affect the health and well-being of the population. Intensifying further future investigation to embrace a wider phytochemical profile (e.g., flavonoids, carotenoids, vitamin C), varied antioxidant assays (e.g., FRAP, ABTS), and bioavailability tests would expand the understanding of the studied leafy vegetables health benefits.
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Baobab (Adansonia digitata L.) as a remedy to human livelihood challenges: a review
5-11Views:373Baobab (Adansonia digitata L.) is a unique plant predominant in different ecosystems in Africa. This review assessed its value in relation to human nutrition, health, and related aspects. Our synthesis shows that baobab leaves, seed oil, and fruit pulp were utilised in different forms. Baobab tree products such as fruit pulp, leaves, and seed oil contain high levels of macronutrients, micronutrients, vitamins, carbohydrates, and proteins. Therefore, promoting the utilization and processing of baobab products for improved human nutrition is key. However, the determination of optimal parameters through elemental traceability as well as the relationship between geographical locations and nutrient composition of the baobab plant is required. Altogether, promoting innovative utilization of baobab products by exploring processing techniques to develop novel food and product formulation from Adansonia digitata tree products sheds a green light to sustain human livelihoods.