This study aims to evaluate the in vitro cytotoxic and anti-migratory effects of Marantodes pumilum Blume Kuntze plant extracts on prostate cancer cells, identify the active compound/s, and characterize their mechanism of action. The crude methanolic extract was partitioned into n-hexane (MPh), chloroform (MPc), and aqueous (MPa) extracts. Antiproliferative fractions (IC50 < 30 μg/mL based on SRB staining of LNCaP and PC3 cell lines) were further fractionated. Active compound/s were identified using spectroscopic methods. In vitro mechanistic studies on PC3 cells included: annexin V-FITC staining, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) depolarization measurements, the activity of caspases 3 and 7, nuclear DNA fragmentation, cell cycle analysis, modulation of Bax, Bcl-2, Smac/Diablo, Alox-5, VEGF-A, CXCR4, and CXCL12 mRNA gene expression via RT-PCR, 2D migration (scratch assay), and 3D invasion (Boyden chamber). MPc extract was the most active, inducing cell death (p < 0.05) via apoptosis, as evidenced by nuclear DNA fragmentation and an increase in MMP depolarization (p < 0.05) as well as the activation of caspases 3/7 (MPc p < 0.01) in both PC3 and LNCaP cell lines. In addition, MPc upregulated Bax and Smac/DIABLO, downregulated Bcl-2 (p < 0.05), and inhibited ALOX-5 mRNA gene expression (p < 0.001). MPc was not cytotoxic against normal human fibroblast cells (HDFa) at the tested concentrations. Moreover, MPc inhibited migration and invasion of PC3 cells (p < 0.01). These effects were accompanied by the downregulation of both VEGF-A and CXCL-12 gene expressions (p < 0.001). A monounsaturated 5-alkyl resorcinol was isolated as the active compound in the MPc extract and identified as 5-henicosene-1-yl-resorcinol.

Harvested fruit have high metabolic and moisture content which leads to an active biochemical reaction that contributes to decrement of nutritional value such as vitamin, proteins and lipids. The application of low temperature as a single-effective management to prolong shelf-life of fruits is a common practice which applied to keep agriculture commodities at high quality. A matured stage pineapple is very perishable and cold storage chain is crucial in maintaining the chemical and physical quality attributes in order to assure its commercial value for market. The main objective of this study is to evaluate the effect of sub-optimum cold storage scenario on changes of pineapple fruits physical quality attributes, the activity of browning enzyme and antioxidant related enzyme in 2 pineapple cultivars (cv.), Morris (Queen-type) and Josapine (hybrid of Spanish and Smooth Cayeen). Malaysian pineapple fruit cv. with different sensitivity toward CI, Morris (Queen-type) and Josapine (Smooth-Cayenne-type) were stored at sub-optimal storage temperatures (4±2°C) for 28 days to investigate the effects of CI towards physical quality attributes and antioxidant enzyme activity. The result indicated both cv. was affected with CI towards the 28 days of sub-optimum cold storage. Overall physical quality attributes indicated CI was found positively correlated with the increase of EL and TTA and on the contrary decrease its firmness, weight (% w/w), brightness (L*) and redness (A*). Similarly, a positive correlation was also deduced between CI symptoms and the activities of PPO and APX which reflect the incident of oxidative stress. The results derived from this study may serve as a basis for evaluation of better postharvest strategies to control CI during cold chain storage of pineapple fruits and thus assure the quality and nutritional value till it reaches to consumer.

The incorporation of pumpkin flour in pasta improves both crude fiber and sensory attributes. However, the impact of blanching and drying processes of pumpkin flour on the crude fiber content and sensory attributes of pasta has not been reported. The study aims to determine the effect of blanching and drying temperature on the proximate values including moisture, ash, fat, and protein as well as crude fiber content in pumpkin flour and to determine the sensory acceptability of pumpkin flour in pasta. The pumpkin flour was blanched and dried at different temperatures (60 °C, 70 °C, and 80 °C). The pumpkin flour was incorporated in pasta in different concentration. The proximate value was compared with a control pumpkin flour and wheat flour. The sensory evaluation was conducted to assess consumer acceptability. It was found that blanched pumpkin flour had lower fat and protein content but significantly higher crude fiber content (10.77 ± 0.014%). Pasta formulations containing 20% pumpkin flour has the highest mean score (4.40 ± 0.50) for overall acceptability. The study found that blanching is an effective pretreatment for preparing pumpkin flour with high fiber content, and pumpkin flour exhibits good potential for use in pasta formulation without compromising its sensory acceptability.

Stingless bee honey, highly valued for its nutritional and medicinal benefits, is widely produced in Malaysia, especially in Johor. However, optimal storage conditions are essential to preserve these qualities over time. This study investigates the effects of temperature and storage duration on the quality of stingless bee honey, analyzing 27 samples collected from 10 districts in Johor, Malaysia. Specifically, the study examines variations in moisture content, acidity, and hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) levels across three temperatures (4°C, 24°C, and 35°C) and storage periods ranging from 30 to 90 days. Findings reveal that lower temperatures, particularly 4°C, are effective in minimizing increases in moisture content, acidity, and HMF over shorter storage periods, preserving honey quality most effectively at 30 days. These findings highlight the significance of cool storage in preserving the physicochemical properties of honey and offer valuable insights for developing storage standards that improve the safety, quality, and therapeutic value of honey products from Malaysian stingless bees. This research also contributes valuable insights for broader applications in the honey industry, particularly within Malaysia's climate.