Alicyclobacillus bacteria are important contaminants in the beverage industry because their spores remain in the product after usual pasteurization. At the same time, their impact on human health has yet to be characterized, as it is generally assumed to be low or non-existent. However, these bacteria are causing quality concerns mainly due to odor and taste changes of the product. Since potential health effects are not precisely known, an experimental assessment was performed, including a biosafety assessment of six viable and non-viable vegetative and spore forms of Alicyclobacillus spp. strains using cell cultures and rodent study. The monolayer of Caco-2 (Cancer coli-2) cells was investigated for its adsorption effect on the epithelium of the small intestine of mice. Lactate dehydrogenase leakage (LDH) and transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) tests were used to ensure the integrity of the cell membrane and tight junctions. The methylthiazole tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay examined in vitro cytotoxicity in Caco-2 and HepG2 cell lines. The hemolysis of erythrocytes was spectrophotometrically measured. The results showed negligible cytotoxicity or non-toxic response in mice. In conclusion, Alicyclobacillus spp. exhibited biocompatibility with negligible cytotoxicity and minimal safety concerns.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a multifactorial endocrinological and metabolic disorder that affects women of reproductive age. It is often associated with hyperandrogenism, obesity, anovulation, infertility and insulin resistance. In this study, the imminent efficacy of MoLP ( Moringa oleifera leaf powder) and MoLE ( M. oleifera leaf extract) in treating PCOS in female albino mice was explored. Female albino mice were injected with testosterone enanthate [1.0 mg/100 g body weight (b.w.)] for 35-days to induce PCOS. For the treatment, mice were administered with M. oleifera leaf powder (250 and 500 mg/kg b.w.), M. oleifera leaf extract (250 and 500 mg/kg b.w.), and metformin (250 mg/kg b.w.) for 14 days. Following the intervention, body weight, blood glucose, c-peptide, testosterone, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) levels and stages of the estrus cycle were measured at 0, 7 and 14 days. The ovaries were examined stereologically to determine the number and diameter of follicles. Results indicated that MoLP, MoLE (500 mg/kg b.w.) and metformin (250 mg/kg b.w.) significantly decreased body weight, blood glucose, c-peptide, testosterone and LH levels while increasing FSH levels and ovary weight over time compared to PCOS-induced mice. Additionally, regulation of the estrus cycle and folliculogenesis in PCOS-induced mice was observed. Overall, the present study revealed that M. oleifera may have the potential as a therapeutic intervention for PCOS. Graphical Abstract