Natural herbs are now receiving more attention due to the growing demand for their antioxidant properties. This study compared flaxseed and fennel seeds for their nutritional composition, bioactive moieties, and antioxidant activity—the study comprised two different phases. According to methods, phase I analyzed flaxseed and fennel seeds for proximate composition, mineral profile, dietary fiber, and amino acid content. In phase II, seeds were extracted using three different solvents, i.e., ethanol 80%, acetone 80%, and distilled water, to probe the total phenolic and flavonoid content. Antioxidant activity was measured using DPPH and a FRAP in the final phase. Current study revealed that flaxseed had higher protein (17.33 ± 0.02%), fat content (36.76 ± 0.02%), potassium (763.66 ± 4.04 mg/100 g), iron (5.13 ± 0.03 mg/100 g), phosphorus (581.46 ± 4.07 mg/100 g), magnesium (406.60 ± 5.12 mg/100 g), and zinc (3.30 ± 0.49 mg/100 g), respectively. In fennel seed, high dietary fiber (53.2 ± 0.01 g/100 mg), calcium, manganese, and sodium (588.93 ± 7.77, 20.30 ± 0.95, and 57.34 ± 0.33 mg/100 g, respectively) were found. Acetone showed better extraction efficiency than acetone, ethanol, and distilled water. Moreover, acetone flaxseed extract showed higher total phenolic content (84.13 ± 7.73 mgGAE/g), flavonoid content (5.11 ± 1.50 mgQE/g), and FRAP (5031 ± 15.92 μMFe^2+/g) than fennel seed extract. This study showed that, among both herbs, flaxseed extract may have pharmacological potential in preventing illnesses and may be suggested for use in the food industry as a natural antioxidant.

Globally, 50% of people consume rice (Oryza sativa), which is among the most abundant and extensively ingested cereal grains. Rice bran is a by-product of the cereal industry and is also considered a beneficial waste product of the rice processing industry. Rice bran oil (RBO) is created from rice bran (20–25 wt% in rice bran), which is the outermost layer of the rice kernel; has a lipid content of up to 25%; and is a considerable source of a plethora of bioactive components. The main components of RBO include high levels of fiber and phytochemicals, including vitamins, oryzanols, fatty acids, and phenolic compounds, which are beneficial to human health and well-being. This article summarizes the stabilization and extraction processes of rice bran oil from rice bran using different techniques (including solvent extraction, microwaving, ohmic heating, supercritical fluid extraction, and ultrasonication). Some studies have elaborated the various biological activities linked with RBO, such as antioxidant, anti-platelet, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, anti-thrombotic, anti-mutagenic, aphrodisiac, anti-depressant, anti-emetic, fibrinolytic, and cytotoxic activities. Due to the broad spectrum of biological activities and economic benefits of RBO, the current review article focuses on the extraction process of RBO, its bioactive components, and the potential health benefits of RBO. Furthermore, the limitations of existing studies are highlighted, and suggestions are provided for future applications of RBO as a functional food ingredient.

Handling industrial agricultural wastes is a requirement for industrial waste management in the context of circular bioeconomy innovations. The recovery and re-use of agricultural wastes and their by-products have become an important topic of research and development to investigate their functional and nutraceutical properties. The bioeconomy provides an opportunity to create innovative bio-based products and processes, thereby opening up new markets. Agricultural waste contains a high concentration of protein, fat, carbohydrates, fiber, and other functional compounds such as antioxidants, which can be used to add value to a variety of food products. Due to its higher nutritional profile, cereal bran, as an agricultural waste and by-product, has a variety of functional and nutraceutical properties. Despite the fact that it is rich in bioactive compounds with health benefits, cereal bran is still underutilized in the food system. It can be used either directly for the processing of various foods or the extraction of various bioactive components present therein. Furthermore, the extracts from cereal bran have been used to obtain antioxidants, antibiotics, vitamins, and enzymes as functional components to be employed in agri-food and animal feed, pharmaceutical, and cosmetics industries. Therefore, this review aims to promote cereal bran waste and by-products, highlighting how to use them as functional ingredients with health-promoting properties and desirable technological aspects. Currently, there are few data on the nutritional exploration of these by-products as health-promoting agri-food products. Cereal bran is a nutritious natural agricultural by-product, but its potential application in the food industry is still limited due to a lack of literature focused on its quality attributes, which may become useful for informal explanation and evaluation during food product formulation. With the growing demand for fiber-rich foods, cereal bran valorization can generate revenue for milling industries.

Background: Sarcopenia is characterised by a decline in the skeletal muscle mass with increasing age. This poses many challenges to the health and independence of older individuals. New and emerging studies have focused on supplementing leucine‐enriched whey protein and resistance training in older adults to mitigate the effects of sarcopenia, including significant muscle mass loss. Methods: This study aimed to comprehensively analyse the current literature regarding the beneficial effects of leucine‐enriched whey protein supplementation in older adults. This article systematically reviewed randomised controlled trials, longitudinal studies, and meta‐analyses published between 2011 and 2024. The biochemical mechanisms underlying the anabolic properties of leucine, including its role in protein synthesis and mTOR signalling pathways, were explored to elucidate its potential to enhance muscle protein accretion. Results: Findings from the reviewed studies indicate that the combined intervention of leucine‐enriched whey protein supplementation and resistance training elicits favourable outcomes regarding increased lean muscle mass, muscle strength and physical performance in older adults with sarcopenia. The potential of leucine‐enriched whey protein to mitigate muscle protein breakdown is discussed along with its potential synergistic effects with resistance exercise to optimise muscle adaptation. Future research directions, including investigations of optimal dosing regimens, long‐term sustainability and potential contraindications, are proposed to enhance the precision and applicability of this intervention strategy. Conclusion: Leucine‐enriched whey protein supplementation combined with resistance training is beneficial in addressing sarcopenia in older adults. This review consolidates the current understanding of this intervention, highlights its potential benefits and provides insights for future research and clinical applications in geriatric muscle health.

Crocus sativus L., widely recognized as saffron, is a high‐value spice renowned for its culinary and medicinal applications. Cultivated primarily in regions like Iran, Greece, and India, saffron is derived from the red stigmas of the Crocus flower. Saffron's distinct aroma and therapeutic properties stem from its rich composition of volatile compounds, including terpene alcohols, terpenes, and their esters. Extensive research has highlighted saffron's diverse pharmacological effects, establishing its role as a potent agent in both traditional and modern medicine. Its bioactive components exhibit significant antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti‐inflammatory, and antinociceptive activities. Furthermore, saffron has demonstrated promising potential in treating various conditions due to its anticonvulsant, antidepressant, antibacterial, antitumor, anticancer, antiaging, and antidiabetic properties. This review provides an in‐depth analysis of saffron's chemical composition and wide‐ranging health benefits. It explores the therapeutic potential of saffron in managing conditions such as neurodegenerative disorders (e.g., Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases), erectile dysfunction, cardiovascular diseases, liver diseases, pancreatic disorders, primary dysmenorrhea, gastrointestinal disorders (e.g., gastritis, peptic ulcers), and skin‐related disorders. While saffron presents significant therapeutic promise, it is crucial to consider its toxicological profile. Although generally regarded as safe for human consumption in moderate quantities, high doses of saffron can lead to adverse effects. This review offers a comprehensive overview of saffron's bioactive constituents, therapeutic potential, and safety profile, emphasizing its significance as a multifaceted natural product with applications in food and medicine.

Current research investigates the effect of ultrasonication (US) (20/40/60 kHz, 220 W, 30 min), germination (65 °C, 6 h), and their combined treatment (US + G) on gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) enhancement and quality profile of barley flour and bran. The results showed the highest improvements in ultrasound-assisted germinated barley flour. GABA levels increased significantly, correlating with enhanced GAD and GABA-T enzyme activities. Similarly, TPC, TFC and antioxidant potential were improved, associated with upregulated expression of mPAL, mC3H, mCHS, and mC4H genes in WB and BB tissues, enhancing phenolics biosynthesis. Surface disruptions, increased porosity, and cellular disintegration were observed in ultrasonicated samples. XRD patterns showed significant molecular arrangements and increased amorphous regions in ultrasound-treated fractions. Furthermore, FTIR spectra reveal protein unfoldings in the amide I region, suggesting enhanced protein functionality in ultrasound-assisted germinated flour. Hence, ultrasound-assisted germination can be proposed as a sustainable approach for nutritional enhancement of barley fractions to improve their suitability for functional implications.