Lentinula edodes (Berk.) Pegler, also known as shiitake mushroom, is the most popular edible macrofungus, belonging to the Basidiomycota. Shiitake fruiting bodies and mycelium are a source of several nutrients and bioactive compounds with numerous positive health effects, as numerous studies have shown. Shiitake contains about 68-78% of carbohydrates (mono-, di-, tri-, and polysaccharides), exogenous[Read…]

Flaxseed also called linseed (Linum usitatissimum) belongs to the genus Linum in the family Linaceae. Flaxseed typically yields 35 – 45% oil, containing 9 – 10% of saturated fatty acids (palmitic and stearic), about 20% monounsaturated fatty acids (mainly oleic acid), and more than 70% α-linolenic acid. The protein level of flaxseed ranges from 20[Read…]

Malpighia fruits (Malpighiae emarginata DC/ Malpighia glabra L.), commonly known as acerola cherry come from a plant originating in Yucantan. It then spread among the Americas till Brazil, and then around the equator. The plant presents interesting and valuable health-promoting properties. Consumers are starting to recognize acerola primarily as a fruit high in vitamin C,[Read…]

Astaxanthin is a lipid–soluble, reddish–orange pigment that belongs to a group of carotenoids called xanthophylls, which includes β–cryptoxanthin, canthaxanthin, lutein and zeaxanthin [1]. It is obtained from primary sources such as higher plants; microscopic phytoplankton algae Haematococcus pluvialis, Chlorella zofingiensis, Chlorococcum sp.; and some microorganisms, i.e., Xanthophyllomyces dendrorhous (anamorph Phaffia rhodozyma) yeasts and bacteria such[Read…]

  Bilberry contains a variety of phenolic compounds, including flavonols (quercetin, catechins), tannins, ellagitannins, and phenolic acids, but anthocyanins make by far the largest contribution to its phytochemical mix. Red, blue, and purple-colored flowers, fruits, and vegetables contain these naturally occurring phenolic compounds, which are redox-active antioxidants and iron chelators. In comparison to other berries[Read…]

  Lutein and its isomer zeaxanthin commonly found in nature, is a lipophilic pigment belonging to the xanthophyll family of dietary carotenoids [1]. Carotenoids can be divided into carotenes, e.g., α-carotene, β-carotene, lycopene, torulene, isorenieratene, and their oxygen derivatives, xanthophylls, containing oxygen in the molecule in the form of hydroxyl, epoxy, or carbonyl groups, e.g.,[Read…]

 Lycopene, also known as psi-carotene, belongs to the family of organic pigments known as carotenoid. Plants and microorganisms both produce carotenoid, a lipid-soluble pigment. More than 700 different chemicals make up the carotenoid, which gives many fruits and vegetables their yellow, orange, and red colors. Approximately 90% of the carotenoids in the diet and human[Read…]

Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) is one of the earliest human production and consumption oil crops in the family of Pedaliaceae, rape, soybean, and peanuts, known as China’s four major oil crops. Due to its highly aromatic odor and mellow flavor, sesame is extensively produced and well-liked. Sesame can be divided into three categories based on[Read…]

Collagen constitutes one-third of the total protein in humans and is the most abundant form of structural protein in the body. Collagen has a structure that is similar to a rope. The collagen triple helix is made up of three chains that spiral around one another. These constituent parts combine to form collagen fibrils, which[Read…]

POMEGRANATE EXTRACT The pomegranate (Punica granatum L.), belonging to Punica L. genus, Punicaceae family, is an ancient fruit native to Central Asia in regions spanning from Iran and Turkmenistan to northern India as well as in the Mediterranean area and the Middle East. Pomegranate and its components have been shown in studies conducted over the[Read…]