Noor Akram

Ms. Noor Akram

orcid

Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

4Years (2023-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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30 March 2023 in Polymers
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
YSYasir Abbas Shah
Yasir Abbas Shah
Saurabh BhatiaSaurabh Bhatia
Saurabh Bhatia
Ahmed Al-HarrasiAhmed Al-Harrasi
Ahmed Al-Harrasi
Muhammad AfzaalMuhammad Afzaal
Muhammad Afzaal
FSFarhan Saeed
Farhan Saeed
ZFZargham Faisal
Zargham Faisal
The quality and safety of food products greatly depend on the physiochemical properties of the food packaging material. There is an increasing trend in the utilization of protein-based biopolymers for the preparation of edible films and coating due to their film-forming properties. Various studies have reported the preparation of protein-based edible films with desirable mechanical and barrier properties. The mechanical attributes of the protein-based food packaging materials can be enhanced by incorporating various components in the film composition such as plasticizers, surfactants, crosslinkers, and various bioactive compounds, including antimicrobial and antioxidant compounds. This review article summarizes the recent updates and perspective on the mechanical attributes such as Tensile Strength (TS), Elongation at Break (EAB), and Young’s Modulus (YM) of edible films based on different proteins from plants and animal sources. Moreover, the effects of composite materials such as other biopolymers, bioactive compounds, essential oils, and plasticizers on the mechanical properties of protein-based edible films are also discussed.

7 December 2023 in Food Science & Nutrition
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
NANoor Akram
Noor Akram
ZFZargham Faisal
Zargham Faisal
RIRushba Irfan
Rushba Irfan
YSYasir Abbas Shah
Yasir Abbas Shah
SBSyeda Ayesha Batool
Syeda Ayesha Batool
MKMahbubur Rahman Khan
Mahbubur Rahman Khan
Modulatory effects of serotonin (5‐Hydroxytryptamine [5‐HT]) have been seen in hepatic, neurological/psychiatric, and gastrointestinal (GI) disorders. Probiotics are live microorganisms that confer health benefits to their host. Recent research has suggested that probiotics can promote serotonin signaling, a crucial pathway in the regulation of mood, cognition, and other physiological processes. Reviewing the literature, we find that peripheral serotonin increases nutrient uptake and storage, regulates the composition of the gut microbiota, and is involved in mediating neuronal disorders. This review explores the mechanisms underlying the probiotic‐mediated increase in serotonin signaling, highlighting the role of gut microbiota in the regulation of serotonin production and the modulation of neurotransmitter receptors. Additionally, this review discusses the potential clinical implications of probiotics as a therapeutic strategy for disorders associated with altered serotonin signaling, such as GI and neurological disorders. Overall, this review demonstrates the potential of probiotics as a promising avenue for the treatment of serotonin‐related disorders and signaling of serotonin.

10 January 2024 in Food Science & Nutrition
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
ZFZargham Faisal
Zargham Faisal
RIRushba Irfan
Rushba Irfan
NANoor Akram
Noor Akram
HMHafiz Muhammad Irfan Manzoor
Hafiz Muhammad Irfan Manzoor
MAMohib Ali Aabdi
Mohib Ali Aabdi
Derese DestaDerese Desta
Derese Desta
The present lifestyle, dietary patterns, psychological pressure, environmental factors, and the widespread exploitation of processed substances in food production and farming have collectively contributed to a substantial expediting in the development of various health problems. Globally, researchers have been seeking natural pharmaceutical substances with the potential to be employed in treating lifestyle‐related diseases or delaying their onset. Fenugreek seeds have gained significant attention in various fields, including health, nutrition, and cutting‐edge nanotechnology applications, due to their versatile qualities. The current investigation offers a comprehensive discussion of the nutritional composition and therapeutic potential of fenugreek seeds, with an emphasis on their plentiful reservoir of bioactive compounds. This seed demonstrates promising medicinal potential in addressing a wide range of health issues. Significantly, these findings indicate noteworthy properties, such as antidiabetic, antioxidant, anti‐obesity, hypocholesterolemic, anticancer, and cardioprotective effects. Moreover, the components of fenugreek seeds are important in the development of a multitude of foods, which is the reason why they are used extensively in the area of food research. In addition to their nutritional value, their exploration of nanotechnology reveals a promising domain, utilizing the distinctive characteristics of seeds for many purposes, such as nanoparticle synthesis and oil for edible films and nanoemulsions. This review article focuses on a comprehensive analysis of fenugreek seeds, examining their wide‐ranging applications in the fields of health, nutrition, food, and nanotechnology.

28 January 2024 in Food Science & Nutrition
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
ZFZargham Faisal
Zargham Faisal
AMAimen Mazhar
Aimen Mazhar
SBSyeda Ayesha Batool
Syeda Ayesha Batool
NANoor Akram
Noor Akram
MHMaleeha Hassan
Maleeha Hassan
Derese DestaDerese Desta
Derese Desta
Resveratrol, a natural polyphenol in various plants, has gained significant attention for its potential health‐promoting properties. It has been demonstrated, after reviewing various clinical and in vitro studies, that resveratrol possesses potent antioxidant potential. Resveratrol demonstrates cellular component protection by directly neutralizing free radicals (FRs) and enhancing the expression of natural antioxidant enzymes, thereby mitigating oxidative damage to proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids. Clinical trials have shown promising results, indicating that resveratrol supplementation can enhance antioxidant defenses and reduce oxidative damage markers in various populations. In addition to its antioxidant effects, resveratrol exhibits potent anti‐inflammatory properties. It can modulate key inflammatory pathways, such as nuclear factor‐kappa B (NF‐κB) and mitogen‐activated protein kinases (MAPKs), thereby suppressing the production of pro‐inflammatory cytokines and chemokines. Furthermore, resveratrol's multimodal effects extend beyond its antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory properties. It has been discovered to exert regulatory effects on various cellular processes, including apoptosis, cell cycle progression, angiogenesis, and immunological responses. The primary aim of this review paper is to provide a thorough overview of the current knowledge on resveratrol, including its chemical composition, bioaccessibility, clinical effectiveness, and utilization in nanotechnology to enhance its bioavailability. From future perspectives, revising the administration methods for certain contexts and understanding the underlying systems responsible for resveratrol's effects will require further inquiry. For the highest potential health results, advanced trial‐based research is necessary for combinational nano‐delivery of resveratrol.

1 November 2024 in Food Science & Nutrition
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
MWMarwa Waheed
Marwa Waheed
MHMuhammad Bilal Hussain
Muhammad Bilal Hussain
FSFarhan Saeed
Farhan Saeed
Muhammad AfzaalMuhammad Afzaal
Muhammad Afzaal
AAAftab Ahmed
Aftab Ahmed
GHGebremichael Gebremedhin Gebremedhin Hailu
Gebremichael Gebremedhin Gebremedhin Hailu
Thymol is a phenol monoterpene that is naturally derived from cymene and is an isomer of carvacrol. It constitutes a significant portion (10%–64%) of the essential oils found in thyme ( Thymus vulgaris L., Lamiaceae), a medicinal plant renowned for its therapeutic properties. Wild thyme is native to the Mediterranean region and has been used in cooking and medicine for a long time. In contemporary contexts, both thymol and thyme offer diverse functional applications in the pharmaceutical, food, and cosmetic industries. Thymol has attracted scientific interest for its potential therapeutic applications in pharmaceuticals and nutraceuticals. Studies have explored its efficacy in treating respiratory, nervous, and cardiovascular disorders, highlighting its promising role in diverse therapeutic interventions. Additionally, this compound demonstrates antimicrobial, antioxidant, anticarcinogenic, anti‐inflammatory, and antispasmodic properties. It also shows potential as a growth enhancer and has immunomodulatory properties as well. Other discussed aspects include thymol toxicity, bioavailability, metabolism, and distribution in animals and humans. This review summarizes the most significant data regarding the beneficial effects of thyme bioactive compounds and their applications as a food preservative while taking into account the thyme plant extract and its essential oil.

8 April 2024 in Food Science & Nutrition
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
ZAZarina
Zarina
AWAb Waheed Wani
Ab Waheed Wani
MRMonisha Rawat
Monisha Rawat
HKHarjinder Kaur
Harjinder Kaur
SDSachitanand Das
Sachitanand Das
YSYasir Abbas Shah
Yasir Abbas Shah
The tropical and subtropical regions of the world support the growth of the Indian plant Moringa oleifera. It usually goes by the name drumstick tree or horseradish tree and thrives in warm climates. The leaves of the M. oleifera tree are now frequently used as nutrients and nutraceuticals due to their availability of various minerals. While having only very minor antinutritional effects, the leaves are abundant in many beneficial compounds. A recent review of the bioactive components and activity of moringa leaves has focused on both in vivo and in vitro studies. Drumstick leaves have antidiabetic qualities, anti‐inflammatory, anticancer, and antibacterial qualities among other health benefits. Phytochemicals, in addition to minerals and vitamins, are abundant in this vegetable. The majority of these effects, according to a review in the literature, are mostly brought on by the presence of carotenoids, glucosinolates, and phytochemicals. As a value‐added component in the production of wholesome meals, moringa is becoming more popular. Despite extensive research into locating and quantifying these advantageous elements in drumstick leaves, bioavailability and bioaccessibility studies were carried out. Beneficial photochemicals are absorbed and digested through incredibly intricate processes that involve several physicochemical and physiological interactions. Therefore, the biological impact of food may be attributed to its various metabolites that can access particular areas of action rather than its original substances. This body of literature offers the most recent findings in scientific research on the bioavailability, health advantages, nutritional profiles, and bioactive activities of moringa leaves as they relate to their use in a range of food products. Drumsticks are frequently used as a food element that promotes health because of their potent protection against a variety of ailments and the presence of environmental pollutants.