Recent scientific studies have established a relationship between the consumption of phytochemicals such as carotenoids, polyphenols, isoprenoids, phytosterols, saponins, dietary fibers, polysaccharides, etc., with health benefits such as prevention of diabetes, obesity, cancer, cardiovascular diseases, etc. This has led to the popularization of phytochemicals. Nowadays, foods containing phytochemicals as a constituent (functional foods) and the concentrated form of phytochemicals (nutraceuticals) are used as a preventive measure or cure for many diseases. The health benefits of these phytochemicals depend on their purity and structural stability. The yield, purity, and structural stability of extracted phytochemicals depend on the matrix in which the phytochemical is present, the method of extraction, the solvent used, the temperature, and the time of extraction.

Ganoderma lucidum is a medicinal mushroom that has been traditionally used in Chinese medicine for centuries. It has been found to have a wide range of medicinal properties, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immune-boosting effects. Recent research has focused on the potential benefits of G. lucidum in treating metabolic disorders such as diabetes and obesity, as well as its possible role in preventing and treating infections caused by the coronavirus. Triterpenoids are a major group of bioactive compounds found in G. lucidum, and they have a range of biological activities, including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. These compounds have been found to improve insulin sensitivity and lower blood sugar levels in animal models of diabetes. Additionally, G. lucidum polysaccharides have been found to reduce bodyweight and improve glucose metabolism in animal models of obesity. These polysaccharides can also help to increase the activity of certain white blood cells, which play a critical role in the body’s immune response. For coronavirus, some in vitro studies have shown that G. lucidum polysaccharides and triterpenoids have the potential to inhibit coronavirus infection; however, these results have not been validated through clinical trials. Therefore, it would be premature to draw any definitive conclusions about the effectiveness of G. lucidum in preventing or treating coronavirus infections in humans.

Ferulic acid ((E)‐3‐(4‐hydroxy‐3‐methoxy‐phenyl) prop‐2‐enoic acid) is a derivative of caffeic acid found in most plants. This abundant phenolic compound exhibits significant antioxidant capacity and a broad spectrum of therapeutic effects, including anti‐inflammatory, antimicrobial, anticancer, antidiabetic, cardiovascular and neuroprotective activities. It is absorbed more quickly by the body and stays in the bloodstream for a longer period compared with other phenolic acids. It is widely used in the food (namely whole grains, fruits, vegetables and coffee), pharmaceutical and cosmetics industries. The current review highlights ferulic acid and its pharmacological activities, reported mechanisms of action, food applications (food preservative, food additive, food processing, food supplements and in food packaging in the form of edible films) and role in human health. In the future, the demand for ferulic acid in the food and pharmaceutical industries will increase. © 2024 The Author(s). Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

Summary: In this study, the copper nanoparticles were synthesized using various concentrations (5%, 6 %, 8%, and 10%) ofNigella sativaseed extracts, and their antibacterial and antiobesity effect was evaluated. The optimum particle size (98.23 nm) of nanoparticles was obtained at an extract concentration of 8%. FTIR results confirmed the functional groups responsible for copper ion reduction, The synthesized nanoparticles exhibited high antibacterial activity againstPseudomonas aeruginosaandEscherichia colihaving inhibition zone of 25 mm and 24 mm, respectively. Significantly (P< 0.005) percent lipase and amylase inhibition assay of copper nanoparticles confirmed their antiobesity activities.

We aimed to examine the association between chili intake and cognitive function in Chinese adults. This is a longitudinal study of 4852 adults (age 63.4 ± 7.7) attending the China Health and Nutrition Survey during 1991 and 2006. Cognitive function was assessed in 1997, 2000, 2004 and 2006. In total, 3302 completed cognitive screening tests in at least two surveys. Chili intake was assessed by a 3-day food record during home visits in each survey between 1991 and 2006. Multivariable mixed linear regression and logistic regression were used. Chili intake was inversely related to cognitive function. In fully adjusted models, including sociodemographic and lifestyle factors, compared with non-consumers, those whose cumulative average chili intake above 50 g/day had the regression coefficients (and 95% CI) for global cognitive function of −1.13 (−1.71–0.54). Compared with non-consumers, those with chili consumption above 50 g/day had the odds ratio (and 95% CI) of 2.12(1.63–2.77), 1.56(1.23–1.97) for self-reported poor memory and self-reported memory decline, respectively. The positive association between chili intake and cognitive decline was stronger among those with low BMI than those with high BMI. The longitudinal data indicate that higher chili intake is positively associated with cognitive decline in Chinese adults in both genders.

Purpose: In many developing countries, the main source of food related illness is the fast foods restaurants. Health inspections of fast-food restaurants may not be sufficient to ensure and enforce the food safety regulations. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the food safety knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) of fast food handlers in Qatar. Design/methodology/approach: Data were collected from 102 fast-food handlers through a structured survey. The questionnaire comprised questions on food safety KAP. The association between scores for KAP among the food handlers was measured with Spearman’s rank correlation. Findings: A significant direct association was found throughout the different criteria of food safety KAP. In total, 90 percent of fast food handlers had undergone formal training on food safety. Although fast food handlers thought they had overall good knowledge on food safety (93.9 percent), results showed that they had a poor knowledge on proper cleaning of equipment, cross-contamination, foodborne diseases, food danger zone and correct procedures for thawing of frozen food. Only (34.7 percent) of the food handlers correctly identified Salmonella as a food pathogen. Originality/value: Based on the current findings, the authors believe that continuous food safety and hygiene training should be implemented in all food service operations especially in fast-food restaurants in Qatar to ensure that all food handlers have the knowledge and the skill to provide safe food.