Life Sciences Commons^™

Detection Of Apple Freshness During Storage Based On Zigbee Network And Pls-Da, Huang Haiyang, Qu Liqiu, Ma Yunlong

Food and Machinery

[Objective] To address the long detection cycles, complex operation, and destructive sampling in apple freshness detection, a rapid and non-destructive detection method based on Zigbee wireless sensor network and partial least squares-discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) is proposed. [Methods] With Red Fuji apples as the research object, a gas sensor array acquisition system based on the Zigbee protocol is designed to monitor the concentration changes of four characteristic gases (ethanol, ethylene, oxygen, and carbon dioxide) during apple storage in real time. Least squares filtering is employed to preprocess the raw data, and the stable value, mean value, and maximum value are extracted …

Effects Of Different Pretreatment Methods On Moisture Variation And Pore Structure Of Apple Slices During Microwave Freeze-Drying, Qu Zhanping, Zhang Xiaoyan, Zhang Jinglin, Gu Yujuan

Food and Machinery

[Objective] To investigate the effects of pretreatment methods on moisture variation and pore structure of apple slices during microwave freeze-drying. [Methods] Apple slices pretreated with four methods (ultrasound, blanching, freeze-thawing, and osmotic dehydration) are subjected to microwave freeze-drying. The effects of different pretreatments on drying characteristics, moisture migration, and microscopic pore structure of the samples are comparatively analyzed. [Results] All four pretreatment methods increase the effective moisture diffusion coefficient and reduce drying time by 11.1% to 44.4%, with osmotic dehydration requiring the shortest drying time. Low-field nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) analysis indicates that the pretreatments accelerate free water removal, consequently …

Overexpression Of Liax Enhances Stress Tolerance In Lacticaseibacillus Paracasei L9, Liu Ting, Ma Xiayin, Yan Ningning, Chen Shihao, Bai Jingfu

Food and Machinery

[Objective] To investigate the protective role of the surface protein LiaX in Lacticaseibacillus paracasei L9 against external stresses, such as bile salts, antibiotics, and the gastrointestinal environment. [Methods] A LiaX-overexpressing strain was constructed and the protein was purified. Spent media assays, in vitro simulated digestion, and exogenous protein supplementation experiments were comprehensively employed to evaluate the effect of LiaX on the survival rate of the strain under digestive, bile salt, and antibiotic stresses. [Results] The LiaX-overexpressing strain LPL9psip0968 his was successfully constructed, and the LiaX protein was isolated and purified. Spent media assays and exogenous addition of purified LiaX protein …

Preparation Of Agaricus Bisporus Chitosan Nanoliposomes And Their In Vitro Hypoglycemic Effects, Chen Yanzhi, Zhang Jiawen, Zhang Molan, You Lijun

Food and Machinery

[Objective] To address the limited oral utilization of metformin hydrochloride (MET) and the insufficient delivery efficiency of conventional liposomes, MET-loaded nanoliposomes modified with Agaricus bisporus chitosan (ACS) (ACS-modified liposomes, A-M-L) were developed, and their physicochemical properties, storage stability, cytocompatibility, and effects on glucose consumption by HepG2 cells were evaluated. [Methods] ACS was used as a substitute for crustacean chitosan to prepare MET-loaded nanoliposomes using the thin-film dispersion-ultrasonication method. The structural characteristics and microscopic morphology were observed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and particle size, polydispersity index (PDI), zeta potential, encapsulation efficiency, storage stability, cytotoxicity, …

Purification , Characterization , And Hypoglycemic Activity Of Peanut Coat Polyphenols, Zhou Wenda, Yin Yunhui, Fu Jingxuan

Food and Machinery

[Objective] To optimize the purification process of peanut skin polyphenols (PSPs), improve purification efficiency, and investigate their in vitro hypoglycemic activity. [Methods] Three types of PSPs (red, white, and purple) were extracted by ultrasound-assisted ethanol extraction. Seven macroporous resins were used for static adsorption and desorption of PSPs, and the resin with the best performance was selected for single-factor experiments. The components of the purified PSPs were analyzed by UPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS/MS. Using acarbose as a positive control, the inhibitory activity and inhibition types of PSPs against α-amylase and α-glucosidase were investigated. [Results] Purple peanut skins exhibited the highest contents of total …

Effects Of Total Flavonoids From Perilla Leaves On Anti-Fatigue Capacity In Adolescent Athletes, Liu Baofeng, Liang Xiao

Food and Machinery

[Objective] To clarify the improvement effects of total flavonoids from perilla leaves on the anti-fatigue capacity of adolescent athletes and to compare the effects of different purification methods and liquid-to-solid ratios on their efficacy. [Methods] Total flavonoids from perilla leaves were extracted using microwave-assisted extraction, and two purification methods were employed for total flavonoid purification. Male adolescent track and field athletes aged 16 years with comparable physical fitness were selected to participate in a trial involving total flavonoid intake. Exhaustion time, maximum oxygen uptake, and serum lactate, serum urea nitrogen, and creatine kinase levels were measured in the male adolescent …

Effects Of Re-Frying Processes On The Quality And Volatile Flavor Compounds Of Pre-Fried Coated Tofu, Nie Jingwen, Chen Hao, Zhao Dan, Zhou Xiaohu, Yang Dajun, Zhao Liangzhong

Food and Machinery

[Objective] To investigate the effects of deep frying process (DFP), microwave process (MP), and air frying process (AFP) on the quality and aroma characteristics of pre-fried coated tofu. [Methods] The optimal re-frying conditions are selected using slurry exudation rate, moisture content, color difference, and sensory evaluation as indicators. Subsequently, the re-frying method most suitable for consumers is comprehensively determined based on texture properties, oil content, malondialdehyde content, electronic nose analysis, and volatile compound composition. [Results] Under the three re-frying methods, the coated tofu exhibits an increase-then-decrease trend in slurry exudation rate and sensory evaluation, accompanied by a continuous decline in …

Effects Of Different Extraction Methods On The Chemical Composition And Antioxidant Activity Of Guangfoshou Essential Oil, Wang Youdi, Chen Wentao, Yan Bin, Xu Shuling, Lyu Yiting, Yang Yuyan, Xu Juanjuan, Ou Xiaohua

Food and Machinery

[Objective] To comparatively evaluate the effects of three extraction methods, i.e., steam distillation (SD), enzyme-assisted steam distillation (EHSD), and ultrasound-assisted steam distillation (UASD), on the extraction efficiency, chemical composition, and bioactivity of Citrus medica L. var. sarcodactylis (Guangfoshou) essential oil. [Methods] Guangfoshou essential oil was extracted using SD, EHSD, and UASD. The chemical constituents of the essential oils were analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Cluster heatmap analysis was employed to compare differences in essential oil composition obtained by the three extraction methods. Antioxidant activity was assessed based on total antioxidant capacity, DPPH radical scavenging activity, and hydroxyl radical scavenging …

Extrusion Pretreatment Improves The Protein Digestibility Of Black Soybean Meal And Its Effects On The Final Quality And Antioxidant Activity Of Soy Sauce, Cheng Xiaoyuan, Ma Chengye, Li Hongjun

Food and Machinery

[Objective] To investigate the regulatory mechanisms of extrusion pretreatment on the protein digestibility of black soybean meal and systematically evaluate its effects on soy sauce quality and antioxidant activity. [Methods] A mixture of black soybean meal and flour was pretreated using extrusion technology for soy sauce brewing. Extrusion temperature, screw speed, flour addition, and moisture content were selected as the main process parameters to investigate their effects on protein digestibility. Under the optimal extrusion conditions, the raw materials were prepared and further subjected to simulated low-salt solid-state soy sauce fermentation. Amino nitrogen, total nitrogen, reducing sugar, pH, total acid, ammonium …

Research Progress In Extraction Of Food Functional Ingredients With Subcritical Dimethyl Ether, Wan Xiaofu, Pan Le, Li Muchun

Food and Machinery

With the growing demand for high-quality natural product extracts, dimethyl ether as a new green solvent operating under subcritical conditions has exhibited notable benefits for the extraction of lipids, carotenoids, and long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, attributable to its distinctive physicochemical characteristics. This paper reviews the progress in the application of dimethyl ether in natural product extraction, focusing on its advantages in treating biomass with high moisture content, improving extraction efficiency, and reducing energy consumption and environmental load, with a view to providing reference for the application of subcritical dimethyl ether in extraction.

Functional Components And Food Application Progress Of Almond By-Products, Xie Jingyi, Wang Wanqing, Wang Xinyi, Yuan Chunle, Li Yuna, Hua Wei

Food and Machinery

As the global almond industry expands rapidly, large quantities of by-products are generated during processing (such as green hulls, shells, and skins), which are rich in functional constituents including polyphenols, flavonoids, dietary fibers, and volatile aroma compounds. This review summarizes the compositional characteristics and extraction technologies of these by-products, while elucidating their potential applications in food and biomaterials, with a specific focus on their antioxidant properties, bioactivities, and structural features. Furthermore, in light of recent research advances, the review further discusses poor stability, low bioavailability, challenges in processing compatibility, and other problems, proposing enhancement strategies such as nano-delivery, structural modification, …

Research Progress Of 3d Printing Technology In Food Texture Design, Ou Suiling, Xie Zihong

Food and Machinery

Food texture is a key factor influencing consumer acceptance. With the growing demand for personalized and health-oriented diets, the technical bottlenecks of traditional food processing methods have gradually become apparent in texture control and diversified texture presentation. Owing to its flexible and personalized characteristics, 3D printing offers a novel approach for food texture design. This paper reviews the textures that can be personalized and optimized by 3D printing through material modulation, structural modeling, and equipment optimization. Furthermore, this paper analyzes the challenges faced by this technology, including cooking adaptability, food safety assurance, and consumer acceptance, proposing corresponding solutions.

Comparison Of Preenrichment And Screening Methods For The Detection Of Salmonella Enterica Serovar Agona In Meat Analog Products, Kylie Sacapano, Amanda Tabb, Biola Fatusin, Samantha M. Covaia, Isha Shingre, Lieuchi Phan, Kyson Chou, Jamie Du, Beilei Ge, Donna Williams-Hill, Rosalee S. Hellberg

Food Science Faculty Articles and Research

With the growing demand and variety of meat analogs on the commercial market, there is a need to revisit testing methods for foodborne pathogens in these products. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulatory methods for Salmonella enterica detection in meat analogs follow the Bacteriological Analytical Manual and are relatively time-consuming. Therefore, this study aimed to compare preenrichment and screening methods for the detection of Salmonella in meat analogs by evaluating current FDA reference methods alongside alternative preenrichment broths and rapid molecular screening techniques. Meat analog samples were inoculated with S. enterica serovar Agona at three levels: (1) uninoculated …

Chemical Composition And Mechanism Investigation Of Subfraction From Wuwei Zijin San Guided By Anti-Hepatic Fibrosis Activity, Yazhen Guo, Zhongzhi Qi, Yajuan Chen, Lijuan Nie, Mingyu Luo, Yuechen Guo, Hui Wu, Bengui Ye, Jun He

Journal of Food and Drug Analysis

BACKGROUND  Among the spectrum of hepatopathies that pose a significant global health threat, halting the progression of hepatic fibrosis is a key therapeutic objective. Wuwei Zijin San (WWZJS) is derived from a traditional Tibetan empirical formula, yet its efficacy against hepatic fibrosis, along with the underlying mechanisms and active ingredients, remains uncertain.

PURPOSE  The aim of this study was to investigate the protective effect of WWZJS against hepatic fibrosis, explore its underlying mechanisms and material basis, and evaluate the potential of direct interactions between the biologically active ingredients and their corresponding targets.

METHODS Chemical profiling of the active …

Simotang Oral Liquid Alleviates Functional Dyspepsia-Related Motility Dysfunction Through Ca²⁺-Dependent Smooth Muscle Contraction And Nrf2/Nf-Κb Modulation, Guo Mao, Chunxiang He, Jiaqin Liu, Dahua Wu, Puhua Zeng, Ye Mao

Journal of Food and Drug Analysis

Functional dyspepsia (FD) is a disorder of gut-brain interaction involving heterogeneous motor, sensory, immune, and oxidative stress-related mechanisms. Simotang oral liquid (SMT), a traditional Chinese medicine formulation used for dyspeptic and gastrointestinal motility-related symptoms, has not been evaluated with an integrated clinical, functional, and molecular framework. This single-arm prospective pre-post study assessed gastric emptying by the 13C-octanoic acid breath test, gastric electrical activity by electrogastrography, postprandial tolerance by nutrient drink testing, symptom scores, serum biomarkers, and gastric antral tissue markers in patients with FD. FD-like mice were used for charcoal meal transit, smooth muscle strip tension, calcium channel blockade, and …

Integration Of Freshness Monitoring And Active Packaging Technologies For Aquatic Products, Maria Ali, Abdul Waheed Ghanghro, Bheem Raj Serani, Mahrukh Zakir

Journal of Food and Drug Analysis

Aquatic products are nutritionally valuable but highly perishable, with quality loss driven by microbial spoilage, biochemical changes, including total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB-N), trimethylamine (TMA) and histamine, and physicochemical deterioration, including lipid oxidation, gas production and texture loss. Conventional packaging slows these processes but does not report real-time freshness. This review analyzes how active packaging (antimicrobial, antioxidant, enzyme-inhibiting, and oxygen-scavenging systems, including bio- and nanocomposites) can be combined with freshness monitoring technologies (colorimetric/pH indicators, gas sensors, biosensors, and digital tools such as radio frequency identification (RFID) and Internet of Things (IoT) systems) specifically for fish, shrimp, and mollusks. We first …

A Target-Responsive And Signal-Amplified Dna Hydrogel Biosensor For Visual And Quantitative Detection Of Aflatoxin B1, Haojie Du, Haoyue Liu, Yongshuai Li, Shiyi Wei, Xinning Wang, Yunxuan Weng, Xiaoying Zhao

Journal of Food and Drug Analysis

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) poses a severe threat to food safety due to its potent carcinogenicity. To address the need for rapid and on-site detection, this study developed a colorimetric biosensor based on an AFB1-responsive DNA aptamer-cross-linked sodium alginate hydrogel. Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) were encapsulated within the hydrogel as a visual signal reporter. The sensing mechanism relies on target-induced dissociation of aptamer crosslinkers, leading to hydrogel disintegration and release of AuNPs. The hydrogel formulation was optimized regarding sodium alginate concentration and crosslinking conditions. To enhance sensitivity, an Exonuclease I (Exo I)-triggered target recycling strategy was implemented, which amplifies hydrogel network disruption …

Amorphous Calcium Phosphate Maintains Casein Microarchitecture While Modulating Bacterial Growth Kinetics, Vuk Uskoković, Michael Ibba, Lorenzo Eugenio Leiva

Biology, Chemistry, and Environmental Sciences Faculty Articles and Research

Casein, the primary source of protein in ruminant milk, represents a family of proteins that self-assemble into globules composed of finer spherical subunits and stabilized by calcium phosphate (CP) nanoparticles. These globules act as holdase-type chaperones for unfolded or partially folded proteins, preventing their aggregation. Simultaneously, by integrating CP nanoparticles, they enable the bioavailability of calcium and phosphate beyond their solubility limits, thereby enhancing the nutritional value of milk. Using a range of physicochemical and biological characterization techniques, including scanning and transmission electron microscopy, organic and inorganic elemental analyses, SDS-PAGE, and vibrational, UV/Vis and NMR spectroscopies, it is demonstrated that …

Stress Conditioning Modulates Phenolic Antimicrobial Responses In Salmonella Typhimurium And Listeria Innocua, Titus Puorizaa, Veerachandra K. Yemmireddy

School of Integrative Biological & Chemical Sciences Faculty Publications

Environmental stress adaptation can alter bacterial responses to antimicrobial interventions used in food processing and preservation. This study evaluated how prior acid, osmotic, and cold conditioning affected the susceptibility and growth behavior of Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium and Listeria innocua during exposure to carvacrol and thymol. Cells were conditioned in acidic tryptic soy broth (TSB, pH 5.5), osmotic (TSB supplemented with 2.5% NaCl), or low temperature (4°C) before antimicrobial treatment. Susceptibility was assessed using modified broth microdilution and minimum bactericidal concentration assays, while recovery was evaluated using 24 h optical-density growth curves and primary growth modeling. Stress conditioning produced modest, …

Identification Of Ca2 As A Potential Candidate Gene Involved In The Therapeutic Effect Of Huatan Huoxue Decoction On Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: An Integrated Study Of Network Pharmacology, Mendelian Randomization, And Experimental Validation, Chan Zhu, Yijin Zhang, Panwei Hu, Cong Qi, Qiu Chen, Hong Yang, Jing Li

Journal of Food and Drug Analysis

Purpose: Huatan Huoxue decoction (HTHXD) is effective in treating polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS); however, its underlying mechanisms of action remain unclear. Methods: Gene targets were obtained through Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis using druggable genes from public databases and genome-wide association study data for PCOS from the FinnGen R12 database. These targets were integrated with the active ingredients and protein targets of HTHXD retrieved from the TCMSP and BATMAN-TCM databases for network pharmacology analysis. Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment analyses were conducted. Core targets were validated using molecular docking. Experimental validation was performed using a letrozole-induced …

The Plastic Footprint Of Sugar: Microplastic Contamination In Bangladesh’S Commercial Sugar, Sadia Afrin, Nayon Hossain, Mostafizur Rahman

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

The presence of microplastics (MPs) in food has emerged as an environmental and public health concern, yet evidence regarding their occurrence in refined dietary commodities remains limited. This study assesses microplastic contamination in commercially available sugar and estimates the daily intake of MPs. Seven branded and non-branded sugar products were analysed using stereomicroscopy for particle characterization and FTIR spectroscopy for polymer identification. Microplastics were detected in 95% of samples, with concentrations ranging from 210 to 508 particles/kg. Branded sugar contained 322 ± 109.53 particles/kg, while non-branded sugar exhibited 403 ± 148.5 particles/kg, indicating comparatively higher contamination in freely available market …

Bioactive Peptides From The Cucurbitaceae Family: From Identification And Health-Promoting Functions To Industrial Utilization, Himani R. Kekiri Obada Gamage, Mahya Bahmani, Utpal Bose, Mekhala Vithana, Michelle L. Colgrave, Angéla Juhász

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Cucurbitaceae is a major plant family within the kingdom Plantae, encompassing popular food crops such as zucchini, squash, pumpkins, and melons. With the growing interest in discovering novel bioactive peptides (BPs) from various plant sources, Cucurbitaceae crops have emerged as a popular candidate for isolating nutrient-enriched peptides due to their diverse applications in the nutritional and pharmaceutical sectors, with experimentally evidenced antihypertensive, antidiabetic, antimicrobial, and anticancer properties. However, current investigations are limited to a few economically important species and are seed-centric within this family, with limited in vivo and clinical validations for their in vitro functional properties. In this review, …

Outcome Evaluation Of Percutaneous Coronary Intervention Vs Medical Therapy Alone In Patients With Chronic Coronary Syndrome, Hsien-Yuan Chang, Hsin-Yu Fang, Mu-Shiang Huang, You-Zhen Chen, Di-Yung Chen, Edward Chia-Cheng Lai, Jung-Der Wang, Yi-Heng Li, Li-Jung Elizabeth Ku

Journal of Food and Drug Analysis

This study provides real-world evidence by comparing the long-term clinical outcomes of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) versus medical therapy alone in patients with chronic coronary syndrome (CCS) diagnosed non-invasively, given the lack of evidence in this population. This retrospective cohort study (2013-2018) utilized data from a medical center’s Cardiovascular Disease Databank, which was linked to national mortality records in Taiwan. Propensity score matching (PSM) and stabilized inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) were applied to adjust for baseline differences between the PCI and medication-only groups. Major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), including all-cause mortality, non-fatal myocardial infarction (MI), and revascularization, were …

Beyond Better Conditions: Seaweed Farming And The Number Of Sentient Animals In Aquaculture, Shrilaxmi Patil, Matthew Unerman, Wasseem Emam

Animal Sentience

Oldfield & Bonano (2024) (O&B) document how far  fish welfare research lags behind welfare research in other animals. We share O&B’s feelings-based concept of welfare and agree that aquaculture seeded this field; but research volume has not scaled with animal numbers: Welfare attention per farmed fish or decapod remains negligible. Along the lines of preceding commentaries (Maia 2024, Mather 2024), we treat farmed aquatic animals as individuals rather than tonnage. We then raise a point so far absent from the commentary on O&B so far: reducing the number of sentient animals entering intensive systems. Coastal seaweed farming, which cultivates non-sentient …

Food Insecurity Among Freshman Male Collegiate Athletes At A Historically Black University In Maryland, Petita Cue Rentz

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Food insecurity is an emerging public health issue impacting collegiate student-athletes enrolled at Historically Black Universities (HBUs). Recent research revealed that 63% of football players have reported some form of food insecurity which disproportionately impacts Black athletes at higher rates. The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore the lived experiences and dietary behaviors of freshman male collegiate student-athletes who lacked access to food despite receiving athletic scholarships in a publicly funded HBU in Maryland. The research questions for this qualitative study focused on exploring the lived experiencing of Black male athletes who were experiencing food insecurity at an …

Mindful Parenting And Toddlers' Food Responsiveness: The Role Of Controlling Feeding Practices, Qingyu Jiang, Holly Wilhite, Natalie A. Williams, Dipti A. Dev, Caron A. C. Clark, Pearl Avari, Sarah B. Ladd

Journal of Extension

Controlling feeding practices may negatively impact children's eating behaviors. Mindful parenting may offer a promising way to reduce the use of these practices. This study examined the mediating role of pressuring children to eat and using food as a reward in the association between mindful parenting and toddlers' food responsiveness. Results indicated that higher levels of mindful parenting were associated with lower pressuring to eat, which was related to lower food responsiveness in toddlers. The results may inform Extension professionals providing mindfulness strategies for mothers of young children to improve feeding practices, ultimately reducing children's unhealthful eating behaviors.

Metabolic Dynamics Of Secondary Metabolites In Arabica Coffee (Coffea Arabica): From Biosynthesis To Post-Harvest Transformations, Kamilrashid Hadi Dwitama, Yudithia Maxiselly, Cucu Suherman, Santi Rosniawaty

Jurnal Kultivasi

Coffee (Coffea arabica) is a globally significant beverage whose sensory profile and physiological effects derive from a complex matrix of secondary metabolites. This review presents a comprehensive "lifecycle" perspective of three pivotal classes: the alkaloid caffeine, phenolic chlorogenic acids (CGA), and the diterpenoids cafestol and kahweol. Here, 'lifecycle' defines a metabolite's continuous biochemical trajectory, tracking its genetic origin and ecological function in the plant through structural modifications during fermentation, drying, storage, and roasting. These classes are highlighted because they serve as the primary drivers of bitterness, acidity, and health bioactivities with fundamentally distinct transformational pathways. Following a systematic methodology, this …

Evaluating The Potential Of Cajanus Cajan (L.) Millsp. Root To Improve Atopic Dermatitis With Different Anti-Inflammatory Models And Active Compounds, Shu-Er Yang, Xiang-Ming Cai, Yu-Wen Chu, Jen-Chieh Tsai, Mey-Fann Lee, Tuzz-Ying Song

Journal of Food and Drug Analysis

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by recurrent bacterial infections that cause pruritus, erythema, xerosis and thickening. Cajanus cajan root extract prepared with 95% ethanol (EECR95) has been shown to possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties in previous studies. This study aimed to evaluate EECR95’s ability to improve AD by inhibiting methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) growth and reducing inflammation. This study found EECR95 effectively inhibits MRSA growth (IC₅₀ = 103.74 μg/mL) and reduces pro-inflammatory cytokine production in an MRSA-keratinocyte-macrophage model. LC/MS/MS analysis revealed the presence of active compounds- flavonoids, isoflavones, and flavonoid glycosides, highlighting EECR95's potential …

In Vitro Digestion Modifies Lepidium Meyenii Extract, Altering Its Major Glucosinolates, Lepidilines, Β-Carbolines, And Gut Bacterial Growth, Dominik Tarabasz, Ewa Baranowska-Wójcik, Paweł Szczeblewski, Tomasz Laskowski, Klaudia Gustaw, Marzena Furtak-Niczyporuk, Dominik Szwajgier, Rita Cristina Orihuela-Campos, Henry O. Meissner, Julia Borzyszkowska-Bukowska, Wirginia Kukula-Koch

Journal of Food and Drug Analysis

The tubers of Lepidium meyenii (commonly known as maca) have been used in the Andean cuisine for ages. The study aims to determine the behavior of the extract from the red phenotype of maca in the in vitro gastrointestinal tract model and also to define the overall impact of the extract on the microbiota. Glucosinolates, lepidilines, and a derivative of β-carboline alkaloid, i.e. 1-methyltetrahydro-β-5,6-hydride-carboline-3-carboxylic acid, as representatives of one of the main groups of metabolites were selected for the quantitative analysis after in vitro digestion at every stage of the digestion model. The results showed that lepidilines …

Urinary Antimony As A Biomarker For Differentiating Heroin And Brown Mixture Use, Shu-Mei Tsai, Yu-Han Hsiao, Yan-Zin Chang, Sai-Wai Ho

Journal of Food and Drug Analysis

Heroin is classified as a Schedule I controlled substance with severe legal consequences for its use, whereas liquid Brown Mixture (BM) is a legally available and commonly prescribed cough remedy in Taiwan. However, numerous cases of BM ingestion have been misinterpreted as heroin use because BM contains opium tincture, leading to similar urine test results. Owing to the rapid metabolism of heroin, detection of the parent drug and its primary metabolite, 6-acetylmorphine, in urine is difficult; thus, interpretation often relies on morphine concentration and the morphine-to-codeine (M/C) ratio, which can be inconclusive. In our BM analysis, the M/C ratio was …