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.

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.

Obesity is arising as a global pandemic throughout the world. Over the past few decades, obesity has tripled worldwide, creating an alarming situation. The majority of people nowadays are suffering from obesity and overweight. It affects health of people of all age groups, ethnicity, gender, and sex, and is linked to a sedentary lifestyle of people, poor eating habits, and disturbed sleeping patterns. It causes several diseases such as diabetes mellitus type 2, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, asthma, gallstones, and colon cancer. Many synthetic anti-obesity drugs such as orlistat, lorcaserin, phentermine, bupropion, and liraglutide are already available on the market. However, these drugs have side effects, including dry mouth and sleeping disorders, dizziness, blood pressure, heart rate elevation, constipation, and headache. Humans have a long and ancient history of dependency on traditional medicinal plants and their major bioactive antioxidant components, such as quercetin, anthocyanins, and ellagic acid, for treating such diseases and disorders. This review discusses the herbal approach, bioactive compounds, and their mechanism for treating obesity.

This study investigated the effects of ultrasonication (US) and acetic acid treatments on starches extracted from non-conventional sources: elephant foot yam (NES), cassava (NCS) and sweet potato (NSP). The starches underwent ultrasonication at 40°C for 3, 9, and 15 min, followed by acetylation, with native starches used as control. The morphological, physicochemical, and functional properties were comprehensively analyzed. Results revealed that increased treatment time significantly (p<0.05) affected the starches functional properties, morphology and crystallinity. Amylose content was highest in NES (22.85 %), followed by NSP (21.05 %) and NCS (19.28 %). Following dual modification, a significant reduction in amylose content was observed in ultrasonic-assisted acetylated starches. Morphological analysis revealed granular aggregation, surface changes, and the formation of pores and cracks. X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns demonstrated that NSP and NES starches exhibited major peaks characteristic of C-type starches, while NCS starches displayed an A-type pattern. Following ultrasound-assisted acetylation, the crystalline structures of all starches remained largely unchanged, although relative crystallinity slightly decreased compared to native starches. The oil absorption capacity and tap density of NES increased with dual modification, suggesting enhanced hydrophobicity. These findings highlight the potential of dual modification to improve starch properties for industrial applications, including confectionery, edible films, tablet binders, and encapsulation.