Unhealthy eating habits are frequently mentioned as contributing factors to the increasing prevalence of malnutrition. Therefore, comprehending the relatio

Background: Melanin protects skin and hair from the effects of ultraviolet (UV) radiation damage, which contributes to all forms of skin cancer, including melanoma. Human melanocytes produce two main types of melanin: eumelanin provides effective photoprotection, and pheomelanin offers less protection against UV-induced skin damage. The agouti signaling protein (ASIP) antagonizes the melanocortin-1 receptor (MC1R), hinders melanocyte signaling, and shifts pigmentation toward pheomelanin, promoting UV vulnerability. In this study, we aim to discover compounds that inhibit ASIP–MC1R interaction and effectively preserve eumelanogenic signaling. Methods: The ASIP–MC1R interface-based pharmacophore model from ASIP is implicated in MC1R receptor protein engagement. We performed virtual screening with a validated pharmacophore model for ~4000 compounds curated from ZINCPharmer and applied drug-likeness filters, viz. ADMET and toxicity profiling tests. Further, the screened candidates were targeted for docking to the ASIP C-terminal domain corresponding to the MC1R-binding moiety. Top compounds underwent a 100-nanosecond (ns) run of molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to assess complex stability and persistence of key contacted residues. Results: Sequential triage, including pharmacophore, ADME–toxicity (ADMET), and docking/ΔG, yielded a focused group of candidates against ASIP antagonists with a favorable fit value. The MD run for 100 ns supported pose stability at the targeted pocket. Based on these predictions and analyses, compound ZINC14539068 was screened as a new potent inhibitor of ASIP to preserve α-MSH-mediated signaling of MC1R. Conclusions: Our in silico pipeline identifies ZINC14539068 as a potent inhibitor of ASIP at its C-terminal interface. This compound is predicted to disrupt ASIP–MC1R binding, thereby maintaining eumelanin-biased signaling. These findings motivate experimental validation in melanocytic models and in vivo studies to confirm pathway modulation and anti-melanoma potential.

Background: Beetroot greens (Beta vulgaris L.), a lesser-known leafy vegetable from the Chenopodiaceae family, are often overlooked despite their high nutritional value. This study aimed to enhance traditional Gujarati recipes by incorporating beetroot greens and evaluating their sensory and nutritional properties. Methods: The sensory acceptability and nutritive score of dried beetroot leaves powder (DBLP) incorporated Khaakra and Murukku at different per centages (0, 5,10,15) of added dried beetroot leaves powder (DBLP) were evaluated. Result: There was a direct correlation between increasing levels of DBLP and improved nutrient content. DBLP-enriched products had mostly enhanced parameters, such as moisture content, protein, fiber, iron and calcium, while carbohydrate content was decreased. Among all products, the highest sensory acceptability was that of the product containing 10% DBLP.