Citrus peel essential oils have an impressive range of food and medicinal uses. In the present study we investigated the variation in the yield and chemical composition of the essential oils isolated from fresh, ambient-, and oven-dried peels of three Citrus species namely Citrus reticulata (C. reticulata), Citrus sinensis (C. sinensis) and Citrus paradisii (C. paradisii). The hydro-distilled essential oil content from fresh-, ambient-, and oven-dried peels of C. reticulata, C. sinensis and C. paradisii ranged from 0.30-0.50, 0.24-1.07 and 0.20-0.40 g/100 g, respectively. The maximum amount of the oil was determined in oven-dried while the minimum in fresh peel samples. Using GC and GC/MS, a total of 16-27, 17-24 and 18-40 chemical constituents were identified in the peel essential oils of C. reticulate, C. sinensis and C. paradisii, respectively. The content of limonene, the most prevalent chemical constituent, detected in these essential oils, ranged from 64.1-71.1% (C. reticulata), 66.8-80.9% (C. sinensis) and 50.8-65.5% (C. paradisii). The yield and content of most of the chemical components including limonene (the principal chemical compound detected) of the tested essential oils varied significantly (p < 0.05) with respect to drying treatments and species employed.
The Olive tree (Olea europaea L.), a native of the Mediterranean basin and parts of Asia, is now widely cultivated in many other parts of the world for production of olive oil and table olives. Olive is a rich source of valuable nutrients and bioactives of medicinal and therapeutic interest. Olive fruit contains appreciable concentration, 1-3% of fresh pulp weight, of hydrophilic (phenolic acids, phenolic alchohols, flavonoids and secoiridoids) and lipophilic (cresols) phenolic compounds that are known to possess multiple biological activities such as antioxidant, anticarcinogenic, antiinflammatory, antimicrobial, antihypertensive, antidyslipidemic, cardiotonic, laxative, and antiplatelet. Other important compounds present in olive fruit are pectin, organic acids, and pigments. Virgin olive oil (VOO), extracted mechanically from the fruit, is also very popular for its nutritive and health-promoting potential, especially against cardiovascular disorders due to the presence of high levels of monounsaturates and other valuable minor components such as phenolics, phytosterols, tocopherols, carotenoids, chlorophyll and squalene. The cultivar, area of production, harvest time, and the processing techniques employed are some of the factors shown to influence the composition of olive fruit and olive oil. This review focuses comprehensively on the nutrients and high-value bioactives profile as well as medicinal and functional aspects of different parts of olives and its byproducts. Various factors affecting the composition of this food commodity of medicinal value are also discussed.
Toxicity studies are necessary for the development of a new drug. Naphthalene is a bicyclic molecule and is easy to derivatize. In our previous study, a derivative of naphthalene (4-phenyl,3,4-dihydrobenzoquinoline-2(H)one) was synthesized and reported its in vitro activity on different enzymes. This study was a probe to investigate the toxicity potential of that compound (SF3). Acute oral (425), subacute (407), and teratogenicity (414) studies were planned according to their respective guidelines given by organization of economic cooperation and development (OECD). Acute oral, subacute, and teratogenicity studies were carried out on 2000, 5-40, and 40 mg/kg doses. Blood samples were collected for hematological and biochemical analyses. Vital organs were excised for oxidative stress (superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione, and malondialdehyde) and histopathological analysis. LD 50 of SF3 was higher than 2000 mg/kg. In acute and subacute studies, levels of alkaline phosphates and aspartate transaminase were increased. Teratogenicity showed no resorptions, no skeletal or soft tissue abnormalities, and no cleft pallet. Oxidative stress biomarkers were close to the normal, and no increase in the malondialdehyde level was seen. Histopathological studies revealed normal tissue architecture of the selected organs, except kidney, in acute oral and subacute toxicity studies at 40 mg/kg. The study concluded that SF3 is safer if used as a drug.
The presented study was designed to probe the toxicity potential of newly identified compound naphthalen-2-yl 3,5-dinitrobenzoate (SF1). Acute, subacute toxicity and teratogenicity studies were performed as per Organization of economic cooperation and development (OECD) 425, 407, and 414 test guidelines, respectively. An oral dose of 2000 mg/kg to rats for acute toxicity. Furthermore, 5, 10, 20, and 40 mg/kg doses were administered once daily for 28 days in subacute toxicity study. Teratogenicity study was performed with 40 mg/kg due to its excellent anti-Alzheimer results at this dose. SF1 induced a significant rise in Alkaline Phosphatases (ALP), bilirubin, white blood cells (WBC), and lymphocyte levels with a decrease in platelet count. Furthermore, the reduction in urea, uric acid, and aspartate transaminase (AST) levels and an increase in total protein levels were measured in subacute toxicity. SF1 increased spermatogenesis at 5 and 10 mg/kg doses. Teratogenicity study depicted no resorptions, early abortions, cleft palate, spina bifida and any skeletal abnormalities in the fetuses. Oxidative stress markers (Superoxide dismutase (SOD), Catalase (CAT), and glutathione (GSH) were increased in all the experiments, whereas the effect on melanoaldehyde Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels was variable. Histopathology further corroborated these results with no change in the architectures of selected organs. Consequently, a 2000 mg/kg dose of SF1 tends to induce minor liver dysfunction along with immunomodulation, and it is well below its LD 50 . Moreover, it can be safely used in pregnancy owing to its no detectable teratogenicity.
The attempt of this review article is to determine the impact of nuclear and mitochondrial damages on the propagation of cancer incidences. This review has advanced our understanding to altered genes and their relevant cancerous proteins. The progressive raising effects of free reactive oxygen species ROS and toxicogenic compounds contributed to significant mutation in nuclear and mitochondrial DNA where the incidence of gastric cancer is found to be linked with down regulation of some relevant genes and mutation in some important cellular proteins such as AMP-18 and CA-11. Thereby, the resulting changes in gene mutations induced the apparition of newly polymorphisms eventually leading to unusual cellular expression to mutant proteins. Reduction of these apoptotic growth factors and nuclear damages is increasingly accepted by cell reactivation effect, enhanced cellular signaling and DNA repairs. Acetylation, glycation, pegylation and phosphorylation are among the molecular techniques used in DNA repair for rectifying mutation incidences. In addition, the molecular labeling based fluorescent materials are currently used along with the bioconjugating of signal molecules in targeting disease translocation site, particularly cancers and tumors. These strategies would help in determining relevant compounds capable in overcoming problems of down regulating genes responsible for repair mechanisms. These issues of course need interplay of both proteomic and genomic studies often in combination of molecular engineering to cible the exact expressed gene relevant to these cancerous proteins.
The stone fish (Actinopyga lecanora) ethanolic and methanolic tissue extracts were investigated for total phenolic contents (TPCs) as well as antioxidant activity using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH(•)) radical scavenging activity and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays. Both extracts showed low amount of phenolics (20.33 to 17.03 mg of gallic acid equivalents/100 g dried sample) and moderate antioxidant activity (39% to 34% DPPH(•) radical scavenging activity and 23.95 to 22.30 mmol/100 mL FeSO4 FRAP value). Enzymatic proteolysis was carried out in order to improve the antioxidant activity using six commercially available proteases under their optimum conditions. The results revealed that the highest increase in antioxidant activity up to 85% was obtained for papain-generated proteolysate, followed by alcalase (77%), trypsin (75%), pepsin (68%), bromelain (68%), and flavourzyme (50%) as measured by DPPH(•) radical scavenging activity, whilst for the FRAP value, the highest increase in the antioxidant activity up to 39.2 mmol/100 mL FeSO4 was obtained for alcalase-generated proteolysate, followed by papain (29.5 mmol/100 mL FeSO4), trypsin (23.2 mmol/100 mL FeSO4), flavourzyme (24.7 mmol/100 mL FeSO4), bromelain (22.9 mmol/100 mL FeSO4), and pepsin (20.8 mmol/100 mL FeSO4). It is obvious that proteolysis of stone fish tissue by proteolytic enzymes can considerably enhance its antioxidant activity.
Cell impurities are an emerging nucleating molecular barriers having the capability in disordering the metabolic chain reactions of proteolysis, glycolysis and lipolysis. Their massive effects induced by copolymer crystal growth in compaction with metal and mineral transients are extended as well as in damaging DNA and mRNA structure motif and other molecular assembly e.g. histones structure unites. Their polycrystalline packing modes, polydispersity and their tendency to surface and interface adhesion prompted us in structuring scaffold biomaterials enriched with biopeptides, layered by phospho-glycerides ester-forms. The interface tension of the formed map is flexible and dependent to the surface exposure and its collapse modes to the surrounding molecular ligands. Thus, the attempts in increasing surface exposure e.g. the viscoelastic of structured lipopeptides and types of formed network structures interplays an extra- conjugating biomolecules having a least cytotoxicity effects to cells constituents. Disulfides molecules are selected to be the key regulatory element in rejoining both lipidic and proteic moieties by disordering atoms status via chemical ionization using organic catalyst. The insertion of methionine based peptidic chain at the lateral surfaces of scaffold biomaterials enhances the electron-meta-static motions by raising a molecular disordering status at distinct regions of the map e.g. epimerization into a nonpolar side that helps the chemical conjunction of disulfide groups with the esterified phosphoglycerides mono-layers. These effects in turn are accomplished by the formation of meso-sphere nonpolar- vesicles. The oxidation of disulfide group would alter the ordering of initial molecules by raising a newly molecular disorders to the map with high polarity to surface regions. In the same time indicates a continuation in the crystallization growth factor via a low chemical lesions between the impurities and a supersaturation in the intra-atomic distances with maximum cross linking to the deformed ligand with scaffold biomaterials.
Rice (Oryza sativa L.), a cereal grass, belongs to the genus Oryza from the family Poaceae, which encompasses twenty-five species cultured in many countries of Asia, and partly in the rest of the world. From these species, two viz. Oryza sativa (O. sativa) Asian rice and Oryza glaberrima (O. glaberrima) African rice are commonly found and the most widely consumed staple food by a large part of the human population in the world, especially in Asia due to their nutritional and nutraceutical prospects. Rice, a popular source of carbohydrates, also contains a good amount of dietary fiber, minerals (Ca, Zn, Se, P, K, Mg, Fe, and Mn), protein and vitamin B along with several other medicinally important bioactives such as tocols (α-tocopherols and α-tocotrienols) (ßsitosterol) phenolic acids, flavonoids (apiginine), and oryzanol (24-Methylenecylcoartanyl transferulate). Rice bran is a byproduct of the rice polishing industry and is valuable in terms of containing 15-20% high-value oil. Because of the natural antioxidants present in rice, several medicinal benefits and biological properties can be attributed to rice consumption. The nutrient profile of rice varies based on several factors, such as grains (white, brown, red, and black/purple), the extent of polishing, and the preparation method. Considering the importance of rice as a traditional diet rich in high-value bioactives, together with the existing gap of related information, it is worthwhile to assemble a comprehensive review that focuses on the detailed profile of valuable nutrients and high-value phytochemicals and biological activities of rice to explore its functional food and nutraceutical applications. This review attempts to provide collective information on the essential rice cereal for its nutritional and antioxidant potential.
This article presents an optimized ultrasound-assisted ethanolic extraction (UAEE) and characterization of selected high-value components from Gemlik olive fruit (GOF) harvested from Potohar region of Pakistan. Response surface methodology (RSM), involving central composite design (CCD), was applied to optimize the extraction variables i. e., temperature (25-65 °C), extraction time (15-45 min) and aqueous ethanol concentration (60-90 %) for optimal recovery of bioactives extract, total phenolic contents (TPC) and DPPH free radical scavengers. Under the optimized set of conditions such as 43 °C temperature, 32 min extraction time and 80 % aqueous ethanol, the best extract yield (218.82 mg/g), TPC (19.87 mg GAE/g) and DPPH scavenging activity (63.04 %) were recorded. A quadratic polynomial model was found to be reasonably fitted to the observed results for extract yield (p<0.0001 and R2 =0.9941), TPC (p<0.0001 and R2 =0.9891), and DPPH radical scavenging activity (p<0.0001 and R2 =0.9692). Potent phenolic compounds were identified by GC/MS in GOF extract and considerable amount of essential fatty acids were also detected. The current findings support the use of UAEE as an effective green route for optimized recovery of high-value components from GOF and hence its applications can be extended to functional food and nutra-pharmaceutical developments.
The growing momentum of several common life-style diseases such as myocardial infarction, cardiovascular disorders, stroke, hypertension, diabetes, and atherosclerosis has become a serious global concern. Recent developments in the field of proteomics offering promising solutions to solving such health problems stimulates the uses of biopeptides as one of the therapeutic agents to alleviate disease-related risk factors. Functional peptides are typically produced from protein via enzymatic hydrolysis under in vitro or in vivo conditions using different kinds of proteolytic enzymes. An array of biological activities, including antioxidative, antihypertensive, antidiabetic and immunomodulating has been ascribed to different types of biopeptides derived from various food sources. In fact, biopeptides are nutritionally and functionally important for regulating some physiological functions in the body; however, these are yet to be extensively addressed with regard to their production through advance strategies, mechanisms of action and multiple biological functionalities. This review mainly focuses on recent biotechnological advances that are being made in the field of production in addition to covering the mode of action and biological activities, medicinal health functions and therapeutic applications of biopeptides. State-of-the-art strategies that can ameliorate the efficacy, bioavailability, and functionality of biopeptides along with their future prospects are likewise discussed.
Current study presents RSM based optimized production of biodiesel from palm oil using chemical and enzymatic transesterification. The emission behavior of biodiesel and its blends, namely, POB-5, POB-20, POB-40, POB-50, POB-80, and POB-100 was examined using diesel engine (equipped with tube well). Optimized palm oil fatty acid methyl esters (POFAMEs) yields were depicted to be 47.6 ± 1.5, 92.7 ± 2.5, and 95.4 ± 2.0% for chemical transesterification catalyzed by NaOH, KOH, and NaOCH3, respectively, whereas for enzymatic transesterification reactions catalyzed by NOVOZYME-435 and A. n. lipase optimized biodiesel yields were 94.2 ± 3.1 and 62.8 ± 2.4%, respectively. Distinct decrease in particulate matter (PM) and carbon monoxide (CO) levels was experienced in exhaust emissions from engine operating on biodiesel blends POB-5, POB-20, POB-40, POB-50, POB-80, and POB-100 comparative to conventional petroleum diesel. Percentage change in CO and PM emissions for different biodiesel blends ranged from -2.1 to -68.7% and -6.2 to -58.4%, respectively, relative to conventional diesel, whereas an irregular trend was observed for NOx emissions. Only POB-5 and POB-20 showed notable reductions, whereas all other blends (POB-40 to POB-100) showed slight increase in NOx emission levels from 2.6 to 5.5% comparative to petroleum diesel.
Gamma-aminobutyric acid (γ-ABA) can be produced by various microorganisms including bacteria, fungi and yeasts using enzymatic bioconversion, microbial fermentation or chemical hydrolysis. Regenerating conjugated glycerol-amines is valid by the intervention of microbial cyclooxygenase [COX] and lipooxygenase [LOX] enzymes produced via lactobacillus bacteria (LAB) as successor enzymes to glutamate decarboxylases (GAD). Therefore, the aim of this review is to provide an overview on γ-ABA production, and microbiological achievements used in producing this signal molecule based on those fermenting enzymes. The formation of aminoglycerides based conjugated γ-ABA is considered the key substances in controlling the host defense against pathogens and is aimed in increasing the neurotransmission effects and in suppressing further cardiovascular diseases.
The aim of this study was to produce a valuable protein hydrolysate from palm kernel cake (PKC) for the development of natural antioxidants. Extracted PKC protein was hydrolyzed using different proteases (alcalase, chymotrypsin, papain, pepsin, trypsin, flavourzyme, and bromelain). Subsequently, antioxidant activity and degree of hydrolysis (DH) of each hydrolysate were evaluated using DPPH• radical scavenging activity and O-phthaldialdehyde spectrophotometric assay, respectively. The results revealed a strong correlation between DH and radical scavenging activity of the hydrolysates, where among these, protein hydrolysates produced by papain after 38 h hydrolysis exhibited the highest DH (91 ± 0.1%) and DPPH• radical scavenging activity (73.5 ± 0.25%) compared to the other hydrolysates. In addition, fractionation of the most effective (potent) hydrolysate by reverse phase high performance liquid chromatography indicated a direct association between hydrophobicity and radical scavenging activity of the hydrolysates. Isoelectric focusing tests also revealed that protein hydrolysates with basic and neutral isoelectric point (pI) have the highest radical scavenging activity, although few fractions in the acidic range also exhibited good antioxidant potential.
The current study appraises the variations in the yield and physicochemical and antioxidant attributes among kernel oils from the seven most widely consumed varieties of Pakistani mangoes, namely, Anwar Ratul, Dasehri, Fajri, Laal Badshah, Langra, Safed Chaunsa, and Sindhri. The yield of mango kernel oil (MKO) among the tested varieties of mangoes varied significantly (p < 0.05), ranging from 6.33% (Sindhri) to 9.88% (Dasehri). Physicochemical properties, including the saponification value, refractive index, iodine no., P.V, % acid value, free fatty acids, and unsaponifiable matter, for MKOs were noted to be 143.00-207.10 mg KOH/g, 1.443-1.457, 28.00-36.00 g/100 g, 5.5-2.0 meq/kg, 1.00-7.7%, 0.5-3.9 mg/g, and 1.2-3.3%, respectively. The fatty acid composition determined by GC-TIC-MS revealed the presence of 15 different fatty acids with variable contributions of saturated (41.92-52.86%) and unsaturated (47.140-58.08%) fatty acids. Among unsaturated fatty acids, values of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids ranged from 41.92 to 52.85 and 7.72 to 16.47%, respectively. Oleic acid (25.69-48.57%), stearic acid (24.71-38.53%), linoleic acid (7.72-16.47%), and palmitic acid (10.00-13.26%) were the prominent fatty acids. The total phenolic content (TPC) and DPPH radical scavenging (IC50) capacity of MKOs varied from 7.03 to 11.00 mg GAE/g and 4.33 to 8.32 mg/mL, respectively. The results of most of the tested attributes varied significantly (p < 0.05) among the varieties selected. It can be concluded from the findings of this research work that MKOs from the tested varieties are potential sources of valuable ingredients for the development of nutrapharmaceuticals due to their potent antioxidant properties and high oleic fatty acid profile.
Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder defined as hyperglycemia and pancreatic β-cell deterioration, leading to other complications such as cardiomyopathy. The current study assessed the therapeutic effects of phenolic acids extracted from Jasminum sambac phenols of leaves (JSP) against diabetes-induced cardiomyopathy in rats. The rats were divided into four groups, with each group consisting of 20 rats. The rats were given intraperitoneal injections of alloxan monohydrate (150 mg/kg) to induce diabetes. The diabetes-induced groups (III and IV) received treatment for six weeks that included 250 and 500 mg/kg of JSP extract, respectively. In the treated rats, the results demonstrated that JSP extract restored fasting glucose, serum glucose, and hyperlipidemia. Alloxan induced cardiomyopathy, promoted oxidative stress, and altered cardiac function biomarkers, including cardiac troponin I, proBNP, CK-MB, LDH, and IMA. The JSP extract-treated rats showed improved cardiac function indicators, apoptosis, and oxidative stress. In diabetic rats, the mRNA expression of caspase-3, BAX, and Bcl-2 was significantly higher, while Bcl-2, Nrf-2, and HO-,1 was significantly lower. In the treated groups, the expression levels of the BAX, Nrf-2, HO-1, Caspase-3, and Bcl-2 genes were dramatically returned to normal level. According to our findings, the JSP extract prevented cardiomyopathy and heart failure in the hyperglycemic rats by improving cardiac biomarkers and lowering the levels of hyperlipidemia, oxidative stress, apoptosis, hyperglycemia, and hyperlipidemia.
This research work seeks to evaluate the impact of selected enzyme complexes on the optimised release of phenolics from leaves of Pongamia pinnata. After preliminary solvent extraction, the P. pinnata leaf extract was subjected to enzymatic treatment, using enzyme cocktails such as kemzyme dry-plus, natuzyme, and zympex-014. It was noticed that zympex-014 had a greater extract yield (28.0%) than kemzyme dry-plus (17.0%) and natuzyme (18.0%). Based on the better outcomes, zympex-014-based extract values were subsequently applied to several RSM parameters. The selected model is suggested to be significant by the F value (12.50) and R2 value (0.9669). The applicability of the ANN model was shown by how closely the projected values from the ANN were to the experimental values. In terms of total phenolic contents (18.61 mg GAE/g), total flavonoid contents (12.56 mg CE/g), and DPPH test (IC50) (6.5 g/mL), antioxidant activities also shown significant findings. SEM analysis also revealed that the cell walls were damaged during enzymatic hydrolysis, as opposed to non-hydrolysed material. Using GC-MS, five potent phenolic compounds were identified in P. pinnata extract. According to the findings of this study, the recovery of phenolic bioactives and subsequent increase in the antioxidant capacity of P. pinnata leaf extract were both positively impacted by the optimisation approaches suggested, including the use of zympex-014.
Neurodegenerative diseases have complex etiology and pose a challenge to scientists to develop simple and cost-effective synthetic compounds as potential drug candidates for such diseases. Here, we report an extension of our previously published in silico screening, where we selected four new compounds as AChE inhibitors. Further, based on favorable binding possess, MD simulation and MMGBSA, two most promising compounds (3a and 3b) were selected, keeping in view the ease of synthesis and cost-effectiveness. Due to the critical role of BChE, LOX and α-glucosidase in neurodegeneration, the selected compounds were also screened against these enzymes. The IC50 values of 3a against AChE and BChE found to be 12.53 and 352.42 μM, respectively. Moderate to slight inhibitions of 45.26 % and 28.68 % were presented by 3a against LOX and α-glucosidase, respectively, at 0.5 mM. Insignificant inhibitions were observed with 3b against the four selected enzymes. Further, in vivo trial demonstrated that 3a could significantly diminish AChE levels in the mice brain as compared to the control. These findings were in agreement with the histopathological analysis of the brain tissues. The results corroborate that selected compounds could serve as a potential lead for further development and optimization as AChE inhibitors to achieve cost-effective anti-Alzheimer's drugs.
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is primarily associated with respiratory disorders globally. Despite the availability of information, there is still no competitive vaccine available for RSV. Therefore, the present study has been designed to develop a multiepitope-based subunit vaccine (MEV) using a reverse vaccinology approach to curb RSV infections. Briefly, two highly antigenic and conserved proteins of RSV (glycoprotein and fusion protein) were selected and potential epitopes of different categories (B-cell and T-cell) were identified from them. Eminently antigenic and overlapping epitopes, which demonstrated strong associations with their respective human leukocyte antigen (HLA) alleles and depicted collective ~70% coverage of the world's populace, were shortlisted. Finally, 282 amino acids long MEV construct was established by connecting 13 major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class-I with two MHC class-II epitopes with appropriate adjuvant and linkers. Adjuvant and linkers were added to increase the immunogenic stimulation of the MEV. Developed MEV was stable, soluble, non-allergenic, non-toxic, flexible and highly antigenic. Furthermore, molecular docking and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations analyses were carried out. Results have shown a firm and robust binding affinity of MEV with human pathogenic toll-like receptor three (TLR3). The computationally mediated immune response of MEV demonstrated increased interferon-γ production, a significant abundance of immunoglobulin and activation of macrophages which are essential for immune-response against RSV. Moreover, MEV codons were optimized and in silico cloning was performed, to ensure its increased expression. These outcomes proposed that the MEV developed in this study will be a significant candidate against RSV to control and prevent RSV-related disorders if further investigated experimentally.
Medicinal plants are the main natural pools for the discovery and development of new drugs. In the modern era of computer-aided drug designing (CADD), there is need of prompt efforts to design and construct useful database management system that allows proper data storage, retrieval and management with user-friendly interface. An inclusive database having information about classification, activity and ready-to-dock library of medicinal plant's phytochemicals is therefore required to assist the researchers in the field of CADD. The present work was designed to merge activities of phytochemicals from medicinal plants, their targets and literature references into a single comprehensive database named as Medicinal Plants Database for Drug Designing (MPD3). The newly designed online and downloadable MPD3 contains information about more than 5000 phytochemicals from around 1000 medicinal plants with 80 different activities, more than 900 literature references and 200 plus targets. The designed database is deemed to be very useful for the researchers who are engaged in medicinal plants research, CADD and drug discovery/development with ease of operation and increased efficiency. The designed MPD3 is a comprehensive database which provides most of the information related to the medicinal plants at a single platform. MPD3 is freely available at: http://bioinform.info .
Sea cucumbers, belonging to the class Holothuroidea, are marine invertebrates, habitually found in the benthic areas and deep seas across the world. They have high commercial value coupled with increasing global production and trade. Sea cucumbers, informally named as bêche-de-mer, or gamat, have long been used for food and folk medicine in the communities of Asia and Middle East. Nutritionally, sea cucumbers have an impressive profile of valuable nutrients such as Vitamin A, Vitamin B1 (thiamine), Vitamin B2 (riboflavin), Vitamin B3 (niacin), and minerals, especially calcium, magnesium, iron and zinc. A number of unique biological and pharmacological activities including anti-angiogenic, anticancer, anticoagulant, anti-hypertension, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, antithrombotic, antitumor and wound healing have been ascribed to various species of sea cucumbers. Therapeutic properties and medicinal benefits of sea cucumbers can be linked to the presence of a wide array of bioactives especially triterpene glycosides (saponins), chondroitin sulfates, glycosaminoglycan (GAGs), sulfated polysaccharides, sterols (glycosides and sulfates), phenolics, cerberosides, lectins, peptides, glycoprotein, glycosphingolipids and essential fatty acids. This review is mainly designed to cover the high-value components and bioactives as well as the multiple biological and therapeutic properties of sea cucumbers with regard to exploring their potential uses for functional foods and nutraceuticals.