The human gut possesses millions of microbes that define a complex microbial community. The gut microbiota has been characterized as a vital organ forming its multidirectional connecting axis with other organs. This gut microbiota axis is responsible for host-microbe interactions and works by communicating with the neural, endocrinal, humoral, immunological, and metabolic pathways. The human gut microorganisms (mostly non-pathogenic) have symbiotic host relationships and are usually associated with the host’s immunity to defend against pathogenic invasion. The dysbiosis of the gut microbiota is therefore linked to various human diseases, such as anxiety, depression, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, obesity, diabetes, inflammatory bowel disease, and cancer. The mechanism leading to the disease development has a crucial correlation with gut microbiota, metabolic products, and host immune response in humans. The understanding of mechanisms over gut microbiota exerts its positive or harmful impacts remains largely undefined. However, many recent clinical studies conducted worldwide are demonstrating the relation of specific microbial species and eubiosis in health and disease. A comprehensive understanding of gut microbiota interactions, its role in health and disease, and recent updates on the subject are the striking topics of the current review. We have also addressed the daunting challenges that must be brought under control to maintain health and treat diseases.

Consumers demand for functional foods and nutraceutical is increasing owing to their health endorsing properties. Natural bioactive compounds are getting attention due to their health promoting potential. In addition, the extraction of these bioactive compounds is a significant industrial and technological perspectives. These bioactive moieties can be extracted via various conventional and modern methods. For instance; solid-phase extraction, solid-phase micro-extraction, and liquid-liquid extraction are considered as traditional/conventional methods. In contrast, modern eco-innovative methods for extraction such as ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE), microwave-assisted extraction (MAE), pulsed electric field (PEF), supercritical fluid extraction (SFE), instant controlled pressure drop (DIC), etc. are more economical and environment friendly. Additionally, these are ever-increasing demands of energy-efficient methods for the recovery of valuable compounds. Moreover, these methods produced less wastewater and hazardous substances. Conclusively, this review highlighted the conventional and modern extraction technologies and the role of these eco-innovative technologies in achieving the goal of a sustainable food system.

Scientific literature is evident that the germinated seeds possess a promising potential for essential nutrients, flavors, and textural attributes over nongerminated grain. In recent decades, sprouting has also been investigated as a potential green food engineering technique to boost the nutritive profile of grains. Sprouting grains have multifold applications in different fields such as baking, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries. During sprouting, shifting of molecular structures to macroscopic takes place. Sprouting reactivates the grain metabolism which leads to the catabolism and degradation of antinutrient and macronutrient compounds. These modifications have an effect on human health and on the nutritional content of the foodstuffs. Sprouting grains have high bioactivity against diabetes and cancer. Germination is also an outstanding green food development technique to increase the seed nutritive profile in terms of quality. The present review focuses on the sprouting of grains, changes in nutritional profile, and the technological exploration of sprouted grains.

Fresh produce is recognized as highly beneficial for human health. The substantial changes in the life-style of populations and upturn awareness about nutritional aspects of dietary patterns, fresh produce has high demand. In developing countries, postharvest losses can reach up to 50%, and improper storage can cause serious food safety and quality-related issues. To fulfill the ever increasing demand of fresh produce, more attention should be given to reduce postharvest losses in addition to increase the production. Postharvest operations are one of the promising approaches for regulating food safety and security. Recently, various technologies have emerged to preserve the fresh produce and to extend their shelf life. However, consumers demand chemical free fresh product with excellent quality and nutritional profile. In this context, edible coating of fresh produce seems to be an effective approach to mitigate produce safety and quality issues. This review explores numerous types of edible coatings with their impact on quality attributes of fresh produce, as well as the benefits and main functions of each type of coating. This valuable information could help the processors in selecting the appropriate coating material for various fresh and minimally processed foods.

Kaempferol, found in various plants and foods, has gained attention as a useful flavonoid owing to its potential biological properties, including anticancer characteristics. Recent research studies suggest that kaempferol is effective in the inhibition and treatments of several forms of cancer, e.g. lung, ovarian, breast and lung cancer. One probable mechanism of action of kaempferol is its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant potentials, which may help to prevent DNA damage and inhibit the proliferation of cancerous cells. Besides triggering apoptosis in cancerous cells, Kaempferol may also inhibit the growth and relocation of cancerous cells. Moreover, kaempferol has a very wide range of bioactivities, involving anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. This includes understanding the optimal dosing and timing of kaempferol treatment, as well as the potential interactions with other medications and the long-term safety of kaempferol use. Overall, the available evidence and studies suggest that kaempferol may provide a potential natural agent for the prevention and treatments of cancers. Despite the promising findings in preclinical and clinical research, further research is needed to confirm its efficacy and understand the mechanisms of action, and to fully explore the potential of kaempferol in different cancers.