Displaying publications 1 - 20 of 44 in total

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  1. Sonication improves kasturi lime (Citrus microcarpa) juice quality
    Bhat R, Kamaruddin NS, Min-Tze L, Karim AA
    Ultrason Sonochem, 2011 Nov;18(6):1295-300.
    PMID: 21550834 DOI: 10.1016/j.ultsonch.2011.04.002
    Freshly squeezed kasturi lime fruit juice was sonicated (for 0, 30 and 60min at 20°C, 25kHz frequency) to evaluate its impact on selected physico-chemical and antioxidant properties, such as pH, °Brix, titratable acidity, Hunter color values (L(∗), a(∗), b(∗)), ascorbic acid, DPPH radical scavenging activity, total phenolics, antioxidant capacity, flavonoids and flavonols. Additionally, the effect of sonication treatments on the microbial load (TPC, yeast and mold) were also evaluated. Sonication of juice samples for 60min showed enhancement in most of the bioactive compounds compared to samples treated for 30min and control samples (untreated). Significant reductions in the microbial load corresponding to sonication time were also recorded. Results of the present study indicate that sonication may be employed as a suitable technique for kasturi lime juice processing, where antioxidant and other bioactive compound retention or enhancement is desired, along with the achievement of safety and quality standards.
  2. Ultrasound enhanced growth and cholesterol removal of Lactobacillus fermentum FTDC 1311 in the parent cells but not the subsequent passages
    Lye HS, Khoo BY, Karim AA, Rusul G, Liong MT
    Ultrason Sonochem, 2012 Jul;19(4):901-8.
    PMID: 22265020 DOI: 10.1016/j.ultsonch.2011.12.018
    The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of ultrasound on the intestinal adherence ability, cell growth, and cholesterol removal ability of parent cells and subsequent passages of Lactobacillus fermentum FTDC 1311. Ultrasound significantly decreased the intestinal adherence ability of treated parent cells compared to that of the control by 11.32% (P<0.05), which may be due to the protein denaturation upon local heating. Growth of treated parent cells also decreased by 4.45% (P<0.05) immediately upon ultrasound (0-4h) and showed an increase (P<0.05) in the viability by 2.18-2.34% during the later stage of fermentation (12-20 h) compared to that of the control. In addition, an increase (P<0.05) in assimilation of cholesterol (>9.74%) was also observed for treated parent cells compared to that of the control, accompanied by increased (P<0.05) incorporation of cholesterol into the cellular membrane. This was supported by the increased ratio of membrane cholesterol:phospholipids (C:P), saturation of cholesterol in the apolar regions, upper phospholipids regions, and polar regions of membrane phospholipids of parent cells compared to that of the control (P<0.05). However, such traits were not inherited by the subsequent passages of treated cells (first, second, and third passages). Our data suggested that ultrasound treatment could be used to improve cholesterol removal ability of parent cells without inducing permanent damage/defects on treated cells of subsequent passages.
  3. Enhanced growth of lactobacilli and bioconversion of isoflavones in biotin-supplemented soymilk upon ultrasound-treatment
    Ewe JA, Wan Abdullah WN, Bhat R, Karim AA, Liong MT
    Ultrason Sonochem, 2012 Jan;19(1):160-73.
    PMID: 21775184 DOI: 10.1016/j.ultsonch.2011.06.013
    This study aimed at utilizing ultrasound treatment to further enhance the growth of lactobacilli and their isoflavone bioconversion activities in biotin-supplemented soymilk. Strains of lactobacilli (Lactobacillus acidophilus BT 1088, L. fermentum BT 8219, L. acidophilus FTDC 8633, L. gasseri FTDC 8131) were treated with ultrasound (30 kHz, 100 W) at different amplitudes (20%, 60% and 100%) for 60, 120 and 180 s prior to inoculation and fermentation in biotin-soymilk. The treatment affected the fatty acids chain of the cellular membrane lipid bilayer, as shown by an increased lipid peroxidation (P<0.05). This led to increased membrane fluidity and subsequently, membrane permeability (P<0.05). The permeabilized cellular membranes had facilitated nutrient internalization and subsequent growth enhancement (P<0.05). Higher amplitudes and longer durations of the treatment promoted growth of lactobacilli in soymilk, with viable counts exceeding 9 log CFU/mL. The intracellular and extracellular β-glucosidase specific activities of lactobacilli were also enhanced (P<0.05) upon ultrasound treatment, leading to increased bioconversion of isoflavones in soymilk, particularly genistin and malonyl genistin to genistein. Results from this study show that ultrasound treatment on lactobacilli cells promotes (P<0.05) the β-glucosidase activity of cells for the benefit of enhanced (P<0.05) isoflavone glucosides bioconversion to bioactive aglycones in soymilk.
  4. Fulltext Natural history of asymptomatic gallstones: differential behaviour in male and female subjects
    Sood S, Winn T, Ibrahim S, Gobindram A, Arumugam AA, Razali NC, et al.
    Med J Malaysia, 2015 Dec;70(6):341-5.
    PMID: 26988206 MyJurnal
    OBJECTIVE: The natural history of asymptomatic (silent) gallstones has been inadequately studied. Existing information derives from studies based on oral cholecystography or relatively small sample sizes. We planned a retrospective cohort study in subjects with gallstones to determine conversion rates from asymptomatic to symptomatic.
    METHODS: We extracted data from computerised databases of one government hospital and two private clinics in Malaysia. Files were scrutinised to ensure that criteria for asymptomatic gallstones were fulfilled. Patients were called on telephone, further questioned to confirm that the gallstones at detection were truly asymptomatic, and asked about symptoms that were consistent with previously defined criteria for biliary colic. Appropriate ethical clearances were taken.
    RESULTS: 213 (112 males) patients fulfilled the criteria for asymptomatic gallstones and could be contacted. 23 (10.8%) developed pain after an average follow up interval of 4.02 years (range 0.1-11 years). Conversion rates from asymptomatic to symptomatic gallstones were high in the first two years of follow up, averaging 4.03±0.965 per year. Over time the conversion rates slowed, and by year 10 the annual conversion rate averaged only 1.38±0.29. Conversion rates were much higher for females compared to males (F:M hazard ratio 3.23, SE 1.54, p>z 0.014). The lifetime risks for conversion approached 6.15% for males, and 22.1% for females.
    CONCLUSION: In conclusion, asymptomatic gallstones are much more likely to convert to symptomatic in females than in males. Males in whom asymptomatic stones are discovered should be advised conservative treatment. Surgery may be preferable to conservative management if the subject is a young female.
    m radiology records of Hospital
    Study site: Computerised database, Hospital Selayang, Selangor; private clinics, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
  5. Augmentation index is a better marker for cardiovascular risk in young Malaysian males. A comparison of involvement of pulse wave velocity, augmentation index, and C-reactive protein
    Aminuddin A, Chellappan K, Maskon O, Zakaria Z, Karim AA, Ngah WZ, et al.
    Saudi Med J, 2014 Feb;35(2):138-46.
    PMID: 24562512
    To determine the association between carotid femoral pulse wave velocity (PWVCF) and augmentation index (AI) with future cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk, and to assess whether high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) is an important mediator towards these vascular changes, among young men.
  6. Fulltext A Review on Antimicrobial Packaging from Biodegradable Polymer Composites
    Kamarudin SH, Rayung M, Abu F, Ahmad S, Fadil F, Karim AA, et al.
    Polymers (Basel), 2022 Jan 02;14(1).
    PMID: 35012197 DOI: 10.3390/polym14010174
    The development of antimicrobial packaging has been growing rapidly due to an increase in awareness and demands for sustainable active packaging that could preserve the quality and prolong the shelf life of foods and products. The addition of highly efficient antibacterial nanoparticles, antifungals, and antioxidants to biodegradable and environmentally friendly green polymers has become a significant advancement trend for the packaging evolution. Impregnation of antimicrobial agents into the packaging film is essential for impeding or destroying the pathogenic microorganisms causing food illness and deterioration. Higher safety and quality as well as an extended shelf life of sustainable active packaging desired by the industry are further enhanced by applying the different types of antimicrobial packaging systems. Antimicrobial packaging not only can offer a wide range of advantages, but also preserves the environment through usage of renewable and biodegradable polymers instead of common synthetic polymers, thus reducing plastic pollution generated by humankind. This review intended to provide a summary of current trends and applications of antimicrobial, biodegradable films in the packaging industry as well as the innovation of nanotechnology to increase efficiency of novel, bio-based packaging systems.
  7. Fulltext Protective effects of Ficus racemosa stem bark against doxorubucin-induced renal and testicular toxicity
    Ahmed F, Urooj A, Karim AA
    Pharmacogn Mag, 2013 Apr;9(34):130-4.
    PMID: 23772108 DOI: 10.4103/0973-1296.111265
    BACKGROUND: Ficus racemosa Linn. (Moraceae) bark is a rich source of phenolic compounds known to possess potential antioxidant activity offering numerous health benefits.

    MATERIALS AND METHODS: The present study evaluated the protective effects of sequential acetone extract of Ficus racemosa bark at two doses (FR250; 250 mg kg(-1) and FR500; 500 mg kg(-1) p.o.) against doxorubicin-induced renal and testicular toxicity in rats.

    RESULTS: Doxorubicin administration resulted in significant decrease (P ≤ 0.05) in total protein and glutathione concentrations, while increased (P ≤ 0.05) serum urea, creatinine and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS). Extract pretreatment restored biochemical parameters toward normalization. FR250 and FR500 decreased serum creatinine levels by 22.5% and 44%, while serum urea levels were decreased by 30.4% and 58.8%, respectively. Extract pretreatment (500 mg kg(-1)) decreased TBARS and increased glutathione levels in the kidney and testis to control levels. These observations were substantiated by histopathological studies, wherein normal renal and testicular architecture was restored in FR500 group.

    CONCLUSION: Doxorubicin exposure results in pronounced oxidative stress, and administration of F. racemosa stem bark extract offers significant renal and testicular protection by inhibiting lipidperoxidation-mediated through scavenging free radicals.

  8. Reduction of DNA damage in older healthy adults by Tri E Tocotrienol supplementation
    Chin SF, Hamid NA, Latiff AA, Zakaria Z, Mazlan M, Yusof YA, et al.
    Nutrition, 2008 Jan;24(1):1-10.
    PMID: 17884341
    The free radical theory of aging (FRTA) suggests that free radicals are the leading cause of deteriorating physiologic function during senescence. Free radicals attack cellular structures or molecules such as DNA resulting in various modifications to the DNA structures. Accumulation of unrepaired DNA contributes to a variety of disorders associated with the aging process.
  9. Biochemical and radical-scavenging properties of sea cucumber (Stichopus vastus) collagen hydrolysates
    Abedin MZ, Karim AA, Latiff AA, Gan CY, Ghazali FC, Barzideh Z, et al.
    Nat Prod Res, 2014;28(16):1302-5.
    PMID: 24670209 DOI: 10.1080/14786419.2014.900617
    The molecular mass distribution, amino acid composition and radical-scavenging activity of collagen hydrolysates prepared from collagen isolated from the sea cucumber Stichopus vastus were investigated. β and α1 chains of the collagen were successfully hydrolysed by trypsin. The molecular mass distribution of the hydrolysates ranged from 5 to 25 kDa, and they were rich in glycine, alanine, glutamate, proline and hydroxyproline residues. The hydrolysates exhibited excellent radical-scavenging activity. These results indicate that collagen hydrolysates from S. vastus can be used as a functional ingredient in food and nutraceutical products.
  10. Fulltext Mixed biopolymer systems based on starch
    Abd Elgadir M, Akanda MJ, Ferdosh S, Mehrnoush A, Karim AA, Noda T, et al.
    Molecules, 2012 Jan 09;17(1):584-97.
    PMID: 22231495 DOI: 10.3390/molecules17010584
    A binary mixture of starch-starch or starch with other biopolymers such as protein and non-starch polysaccharides could provide a new approach in producing starch-based food products. In the context of food processing, a specific adjustment in the rheological properties plays an important role in regulating production processing and optimizing the applicability, stability, and sensory of the final food products. This review examines various biopolymer mixtures based on starch and the influence of their interaction on physicochemical and rheological properties of the starch-based foods. It is evident that the physicochemical and rheological characteristics of the biopolymers mixture are highly dependent on the type of starch and other biopolymers that make them up mixing ratios, mixing procedure and presence of other food ingredients in the mixture. Understanding these properties will lead to improve the formulation of starch-based foods and minimize the need to resort to chemically modified starch.
  11. Fulltext Fruit pod extracts as a source of nutraceuticals and pharmaceuticals
    Karim AA, Azlan A
    Molecules, 2012 Oct 10;17(10):11931-46.
    PMID: 23052712 DOI: 10.3390/molecules171011931
    Fruit pods contain various beneficial compounds that have biological activities and can be used as a source of pharmaceutical and nutraceutical products. Although pods or pericarps are usually discarded when consuming the edible parts of fruits, they contain some compounds that exhibit biological activities after extraction. Most fruit pods included in this review contain polyphenolic components that can promote antioxidant effects on human health. Additionally, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal and chemopreventive effects are associated with these fruit pod extracts. Besides polyphenolics, other compounds such as xanthones, carotenoids and saponins also exhibit health effects and can be potential sources of nutraceutical and pharmaceutical components. In this review, information on fruit pods or pericarp of Garcinia mangostana, Ceratonia siliqua, Moringa oleifera, Acacia nilotica, Sapindus rarak and Prosopis cineraria is presented and discussed with regard to their biological activity of the major compounds existing in them. The fruit pods of other ethno- botanical plants have also been reviewed. It can be concluded that although fruit pods are considered as being of no practical use and are often being thrown away, they nevertheless contain compounds that might be useful sources of nutraceutical and other pharmaceutical components.
  12. Isolation and characterization of pepsin-solubilized collagen from the integument of sea cucumber (Stichopus vastus)
    Abedin MZ, Karim AA, Ahmed F, Latiff AA, Gan CY, Che Ghazali F, et al.
    J Sci Food Agric, 2013 Mar 30;93(5):1083-8.
    PMID: 22936269 DOI: 10.1002/jsfa.5854
    Sea cucumber (Stichopus vastus) is considered an underutilized resource, since only its stomach and intestines are eaten raw as salad in a few countries and the remaining parts, especially the integument rich in collagen, is discarded. Hence a valuable by-product having potential nutraceutical and pharmaceutical applications is wasted. In the present investigation, pepsin-solubilized collagen (PSC) from the integument of S. vastus was isolated, purified and characterized.
  13. Antioxidant capacity and phenolic composition of fermented Centella asiatica herbal teas
    Ariffin F, Heong Chew S, Bhupinder K, Karim AA, Huda N
    J Sci Food Agric, 2011 Dec;91(15):2731-9.
    PMID: 21987075 DOI: 10.1002/jsfa.4454
    C. asiatica was exposed to various fermentations: no fermentation (0 min), partial fermentation (120 min) and full fermentation (24 h). Total phenolic content (TPC) and ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) of C. asiatica infusions were studied as a function of water temperature (60, 80 or 100 °C), the brewing stage (one, two or three) and the brewing time (1, 3, 5, 10, 15 or 20 min). The optimum brewing procedure was adopted to study the antioxidant properties and phenolic compounds in C. asiatica infusions.
  14. Comparison of physicochemical and functional properties of duck feet and bovine gelatins
    Kuan YH, Nafchi AM, Huda N, Ariffin F, Karim AA
    J Sci Food Agric, 2017 Mar;97(5):1663-1671.
    PMID: 27465360 DOI: 10.1002/jsfa.7970
    BACKGROUND: Previous studies have indicated that duck feet are a rich source of gelatin extractable from avian sources. In this study, the physicochemical and functional properties of avian gelatin extracted from duck feet (DFG) with acetic acid were compared with those of commercial bovine gelatin (BG).

    RESULTS: The yield of DFG obtained in this study was 7.01 ± 0.31%. High-performance liquid chromatography analysis indicated that the imino acid content was slightly lower for DFG compared with BG (P < 0.05). Differences in molecular size and amino acids between DFG and BG were also observed. The isoelectric points of DFG and BG were at pH 8 and 5 respectively, and the overall protein solubility of BG was higher than that of DFG. Gels prepared from BG exhibited higher bloom strength, viscosity and clarity and were darker in colour compared with DFG gels (P < 0.05). The gelling and melting points of BG were 21.8 and 29.47 °C respectively, while those of DFG were 20.5 and 27.8 °C respectively. BG exhibited slightly better emulsifying and foaming properties compared with DFG.

    CONCLUSION: Although some differences between DFG and BG were observed, the disparities were small, which indicates that DFG could be exploited commercially as an alternative source of gelatin. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry.

  15. Growth properties and cholesterol removal ability of electroporated Lactobacillus acidophilus BT 1088
    Lye HS, Khoo BY, Karim AA, Rusul G, Liong MT
    J Microbiol Biotechnol, 2012 Jul;22(7):981-9.
    PMID: 22580318
    This study aimed to evaluate the effects of electroporation on the cell growth, cholesterol removal, and adherence abilities of L. acidophilus BT 1088 and their subsequent passages. The growth of electroporated parent cells increased (P<0.05) by 4.49-21.25% compared with that of the control. This may be attributed to the alteration of cellular membrane. However, growth of first, second, and third passages of treated cells was comparable with that of the control, which may be attributed to the resealing of transient pores on the cellular membrane. Electroporation also increased (P<0.05) assimilation of cholesterol by treated parent cells (>185.40%) and first passage (>21.72%) compared with that of the control. Meanwhile, incorporation of cholesterol into the cellular membrane was also increased (P<0.05) in the treated parent cells (>108.33%) and first passage (>26.67%), accompanied by increased ratio of cholesterol:phospholipids (C:P) in these passages. Such increased ratio was also supported by increased enrichment of cholesterol in the hydrophilic heads, hydrophobic tails, and the interface regions of the membrane phospholipids of both parent and first passage cells compared with that of the control. However, such traits were not inherited by the subsequent second and third passages. Parent cells also showed decreased intestinal adherence ability (P<0.05; decreased by 1.45%) compared with that of the control, without inheritance by subsequent passages of treated cells. Our data suggest that electoporation could be a potential physical treatment to enhance the cholesterol removal ability of lactobacilli that was inherited by the first passage of treated cells without affecting their intestinal adherence ability.
  16. Fulltext Towards producing novel fish gelatin films by combination treatments of ultraviolet radiation and sugars (ribose and lactose) as cross-linking agents
    Bhat R, Karim AA
    J Food Sci Technol, 2014 Jul;51(7):1326-33.
    PMID: 24966426 DOI: 10.1007/s13197-012-0652-9
    Developing novel fish gelatin films with better mechanical properties than mammalian gelatin is a challenging but promising endeavor. Studies were undertaken to produce fish gelatin films by combining treatments with different sugars (ribose and lactose) followed 'by' 'and' ultraviolet (UV) radiation, as possible cross-linking agents. Increase in tensile strength and percent elongation at break was recorded, which was more significant in films without sugars that were exposed to UV radiation. Films with added ribose showed decreased solubility after UV treatment and exhibited higher swelling percentage than films with added lactose, which readily dissolved in water. FTIR spectra of all the films showed identical patterns, which indicated no major changes to have occurred in the functional groups as a result of interaction between gelatin, sugars and UV irradiation. The results of this study could be explored for commercial use, depending on industrial needs for either production of edible films or for food packaging purposes.
  17. Fulltext The free radical scavenging and antioxidant activities of pod and seed extract of Clitoria fairchildiana (Howard)- an underutilized legume
    Annegowda HV, Bhat R, Tze LM, Karim AA, Mansor SM
    J Food Sci Technol, 2013 Jun;50(3):535-41.
    PMID: 24425949 DOI: 10.1007/s13197-011-0370-8
    We evaluated the phenolic content and antioxidant capacities of pod and seed extracts (in methanol, ethanol, and water) of an underutilized legume, Clitoria fairchildiana (Howard). The antioxidant capacity of the extracts was determined using the ferric reducing antioxidant potential assay, and the free radical-scavenging capacity was evaluated using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical-scavenging and ABTS assays. In addition, the total flavonoids, flavonols, and tannin contents were also determined. Overall, the methanol extracts of the pod contained high concentration of phenolics and showed high antioxidant capacities compared to seed extracts. In addition, a positive correlation was found between total phenol and tannin versus antioxidant capacity. Results of the present study indicate pods and seeds of C. fairchildiana to possess rich amount of natural antioxidants, and can be further explored for their possible use as a natural additive in food or in pharmaceutical industries.
  18. Fulltext Influence of sonication treatments and extraction solvents on the phenolics and antioxidants in star fruits
    Annegowda HV, Bhat R, Min-Tze L, Karim AA, Mansor SM
    J Food Sci Technol, 2012 Aug;49(4):510-4.
    PMID: 23904662 DOI: 10.1007/s13197-011-0435-8
    The present study was conducted to examine the effects of sonication treatments (time intervals of 0, 15, 30, 45 and 60 min.) on phenolics and other antioxidant compounds in starfruits extracted in methanol and water. Overall, methanolic extracts exhibited significantly higher extractability, percentage inhibition of DPPH radicals, ferric reducing antioxidant property (FRAP) value, antioxidant capacity, flavonoids, total phenolics and tannins (p 
  19. Fulltext Preparation and characterization of a novel edible film based on Alyssum homolocarpum seed gum
    Mohammadi Nafchi A, Olfat A, Bagheri M, Nouri L, Karim AA, Ariffin F
    J Food Sci Technol, 2017 May;54(6):1703-1710.
    PMID: 28559629 DOI: 10.1007/s13197-017-2602-z
    In this study a novel biodegradable edible film based on Alyssum homolocarpum seed gum (AHSG) was fabricated and characterized. Glycerol at three levels (25, 35, and 45% based on dried AHSG) as plasticizer were added. The microstructure and barrier, electromagnetic, mechanical, and thermal properties of the film were characterized. Results showed that permeability to both oxygen and water vapor, increased as the plasticizer content increased from 25 to 45%. The mechanical properties of AHSG films were comparable to those of polysaccharide films. Results showed that the glycerol content significantly decreased the glass-transition temperature of the film. The color measurement indicated that increasing the plasticizer content augmented the b* and L* values. Results of the field emission scanning electron microscopy revealed a uniform and smooth surface morphology and an absence of phase separation among the film compositions. The findings demonstrated that AHSG has the potential to fabricate edible films with enhanced quality characteristics.
  20. Characteristics of Metroxylon sagu resistant starch type III as prebiotic substance
    Zi-Ni T, Rosma A, Napisah H, Karim AA, Liong MT
    J Food Sci, 2015 Apr;80(4):H875-82.
    PMID: 25739421 DOI: 10.1111/1750-3841.12817
    Resistant starch type III (RS3 ) was produced from sago (Metroxylon sagu) and evaluated for its characteristics as a prebiotic. Two RS3 samples designated sago RS and HCl-sago RS contained 35.71% and 68.30% RS, respectively, were subjected to hydrolyses by gastric juice and digestive enzymes and to absorption. Both sago RS and HCl-sago RS were resistant to 180 min hydrolysis by gastric acidity at pH 1 to 4 with less than 0.85% hydrolyzed. Both samples were also resistant toward hydrolysis by gastrointestinal tract enzymes and intestinal absorption with 96.75% and 98.69% of RS3 were recovered respectively after 3.5 h digestion and overnight dialysis at 37 °C. Sago RS3 supported the growth of both beneficial (lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria) and pathogenic microbes (Escherichia coli, Campylobacter coli, and Clostridium perfringens) in the range of 2.60 to 3.91 log10 CFU/mL. Hence, prebiotic activity score was applied to describe the extent to which sago RS3 supports selective growth of the lactobacilli and bifidobacteria strains over pathogenic bacteria. The highest scores were obtained from Bifidobacterium sp. FTDC8943 grown on sago RS (+0.26) and HCl-sago RS (+0.24) followed by L. bulgaricus FTDC1511 grown on sago RS (+0.21). The findings had suggested that sago RS3 has the prebiotic partial characteristics and it is suggested to further assess the suitability of sago RS3 as a prebiotic material.
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