Browsing by Author "Devkota, Hari Prasad"
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- Edible fruits and berries as a source of functional polyphenols: current scene and future perspectivesPublication . Wan, Chunpeng; Langyan, Sapna; Echeverría, Javier; Devkota, Hari Prasad; Tewari, Devesh; Moosavi, Mohammad Amin; Ezzat, Shahira Mohammed; Perez-Vazquez, Ana; Fraga-Corral, Maria; Cravotto, Giancarlo; Prieto Lage, Miguel A.; Belwal, Tarun; Li, MingxiIn recent years, there is a growing interest in nutraceutical-rich functional foods for promoting human health. Wild fruits and berries are excellent sources of phytochemicals even though the most deeply studied are the polyphenolic compounds, among them, the major ones such as flavonoids, anthocyanins, or tannins. This review aimed to comprehensively analyze the currently available literature on wild edible fruits and berries, since these fruits are characterized for their high content of polyphenolic compounds. Moreover, both intrinsic (ripening and genetic variability) and extrinsic (environmental conditions: habitat, light, temperature) factors where considered since they affect the polyphenolic content in these fruits. Besides, the therapeutic potential of berries for treating human diseases was assessed through the revision of in vivo and in vitro assays and clinical studies, having in mind that most of these effects are exerted due to their antioxidant capacity. Furthermore, recent challenges and future trends on the research and utilization of wild fruits and berries were addressed to complete the overview of this sustainable source of natural ingredients. Finally, ScienceDirect, Scopus, and Google Scholar were the databases used for the compilation of the information present in this review, selecting the more recent studies and comparing from a critical point of view, the information found. Thus, this review compiled information of berries regarding their polyphenolic content and the variations this suffer depending on different variables; the potential use of the berries for a therapeutic application; and the trends and challenges that the use of berries faces after the research done.
- Effects of different drying techniques on the quality and bioactive compounds of plant-based products: a critical review on current trendsPublication . Belwal, Tarun; Cravotto, Christian; Prieto Lage, Miguel A.; Venskutonis, Petras Rimantas; Daglia, Maria; Devkota, Hari Prasad; Baldi, Alessandra; Ezzat, Shahira Mohammed; Gómez-Gómez, Lourdes; Salama, Maha Mahmoud; Campone, Luca; Rastrelli, Luca; Echave Álvarez, Javier; Jafari, Seid Mahdi; Cravotto, GiancarloDrying is one of the foremost and important steps during the processing of agricultural crops, medicinal plants and herbs to preserve their properties. The present review provides a detailed overview regarding the effect of drying techniques on the physio-chemical properties (microstructure, color, aroma composition) and bioactive compounds (phenolic compounds, carotenoids, essential oils, etc.) of plant materials. Factors affecting different drying processes and their optimization strategies have also been discussed. Furthermore, current trends in the development of drying techniques for plant materials in terms of the retention of their bioactive compounds are critically analyzed. Based on the published research articles, oven drying, and microwave drying are the preferable techniques for most plant parts; while for drying the plant extract, freeze/spray drying methods have gained higher interest. Finally, recommendations are made considering the better use of drying techniques for both plant materials and retention of their bioactive compounds.