The North African Journal of Food and Nutrition Research

Exploring the Antioxidant Potential and HPLC Profile of Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) Seed Extracts

Ahmed Hazel — 2025-05-26

Background: The growing concerns regarding the adverse effects of synthetic antioxidants, coupled with documented detrimental outcomes of adverse drug reactions, such as increased morbidity, mortality, and hospitalization, as highlighted by several studies, have emphasized the necessity of natural alternatives. Therefore, medicinal compounds derived from plants are increasingly advocated for the management of various diseases, due to their perceived minimal side effects and extensive health benefits.

Aims: The objective of the present study was to investigate the potential of Trigonella foenum-graecum seeds as a natural source of bioactive compounds by assessing their antioxidant activity employing various in vitro assays. Additionally, this study aimed to determine the total phenolic, falconoid, and tannin contents in both hydroethanolic (50% v/v) and hydromethanolic (50% v/v) extracts. Furthermore, phytochemical profiling of the fenugreek seed extract was performed utilizing High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC).

Materials and Methods: Following the extraction and quantification of total polyphenols, flavonoids, and tannins from hydroethanolic and hydromethanolic extracts, antioxidant activity was assessed employing three in vitro assays: the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging test, the ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay, and the total antioxidant capacity (TAC) assay. Phenolic compounds were separated and identified using HPLC with Diode Array Detection (DAD). The obtained data were analyzed using SPSS software.

Results: Phytochemical analysis revealed that the hydroethanolic extract exhibited a higher total polyphenol content (50.5 mg GAE/g) compared to the hydromethanolic extract (47.33 mgGAE/g). However, the evaluation of the antioxidant activity demonstrated that the hydromethanolic extract displayed the highest reducing power, as evidenced by the DPPH (IC₅₀=314,53 mg/L), FRAP (21.49 mg AAE/g), and TAC (74.53 mg AAE/g) assays. Chromatographic characterization by HPLC identified six phytochemical compounds in the hydromethanolic extract of T. foenum graecum powder, which was obtained through maceration.

Conclusions: In conclusion, Trigonella foenum graecum seeds represent a promising natural resource possessing significant biological activity. Their potent antioxidant properties render them valuable candidates for incorporation in pharmaceutical and cosmetic formulations to promote health and reduce damage induced by oxidative stress.

Keywords: Trigonella foenum-graecum, polyphenols, Antioxidant activity, Chromatography.

Effect of Sunlight Exposure and Packaging Materials on the Quality and Oxidative Stability of Commercial Vegetable Oils in Cameroon

Fabrice Tonfack Djikeng — 2025-04-26

Background: In Cameroon, edible oils are commonly packaged in translucent 1L polyethylene bottles and opaque 5L, 10 L, and 20L polyethylene containers. The translucent packaging is often favored by customers due to product visibility, potentially influencing purchasing decisions. However, in local markets, these oils are frequently exposed to direct sunlight throughout the day for display purposes until sail. Such exposure can compromise oil quality and pose potential health risks to consumers.

Aims: The study aimed to evaluate the impact of ambient and direct sunlight storage conditions, as well as different packaging materials, on the quality and oxidative stability of palm olein, palm oil, and soybean oil.

Methods: Palm oil, palm olein and soybean oil were selected for this study. Approximately 2.5 L of each oil was aliquoted into three portions: two 1.2 L portions for experimental storage and one 0.1 L portion to serve as an initial control. Each of the two 1.2 L experimental portions was further subdivided into nine 130 mL aliquots and transferred into three types of packaging: translucent polyethylene bottles (TPEB), non-translucent polyethylene bottles (NTPB), and brown dark glass bottles (BDGB). One set of nine packaged aliquots was stored in dark ambient conditions, while the other set was exposed to direct solar radiation for 8 hours daily over a 30-day period. Samples from both storage conditions were collected every 10 days for analysis of quality and stability parameters, including color, peroxide value, p-Anisidine value, TOTOX value, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), acid values, and Fourier Transformed Infrared (FTIR) Spectroscopy.

Results: Our findings indicate that sunlight significantly reduced the L* and b* color values of palm oil. Furthermore, exposure to sunlight markedly increased the peroxide, p-anisidine, TOTOX, and thiobarbituric acid values in all analyzed oil samples compared to those stored in dark ambient conditions. This increase was most pronounced in soybean oil, likely attributable to its higher content of polyunsaturated fatty acids. Notably, the palm oil extraction process significantly elevated its initial acidity. FTIR spectra revealed minor differences, with soybean oil exhibiting the most significant alterations. Both BDGB and NTPB demonstrated superior protection of the tested oils' quality under sunlight exposure compared to TPEB.

Conclusions: Based on these findings, we recommend that edible oils sold in the market be packaged in NTPB or BDGB so as to effectively reduce the adverse effects of direct sunlight and limit photo-oxidative reactions. Furthermore, storing oils should under dark ambient conditions is crucial to prevent degradation caused by photo-oxidation.

Keywords: Palm oil, Soybean oil, Palm olein, Packaging material, Sunlight, Oxidation.

Fluid intake, fiber consumption, and physical activity related to constipation among elderly, which one is more important? A cross-sectional study in Iran

Maryam Safarvanadeh — 2025-02-02

Background: Chronic constipation is a common, self-reported, and symptom-based disorder which can significantly influence an individual’s health-related quality of life and imposes several financial costs.

Aims: The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of water consumption, fiber intake, and physical activity (PA) on constipation, and which one is more critical by considering the mediating effect of BMI.

Subjects and Methods: This cross-sectional study involved 400 older adults in 2019 referring to the comprehensive health service centers in Karaj, the capital of Alborz province. The data were collected using the questionnaires of demographic and anthropometric characteristics, PASE (Physical activity for elderly), fluid intake, FFQ (Food Frequency questionnaire), Wexner constipation, and Persian lifestyle questionnaire analyzed using SPSS and LISREL software.

Results: Based on the final fitted model, PA is the most critical constipation-related factor compared to the fluid intake and fiber consumption. In addition, fiber consumption is the second crucial factor affecting constipation, and there is a negative association between constipation and fiber intake.

Conclusion: As price is one of the barriers to fiber consumption among the elderly, the recommendation to do physical activity such as walking to solve constipation is efficient and inexpensive for individuals with different socio-economic status.

Keywords: Physical activity, Wexner constipation, fiber consumption, elderly, Iran.

Association between dietary diversity and nutritional status of children aged 6-59 months in the Tamale Metropolis

Michael Wiafe — 2025-04-08

Background: Optimal growth and development in children requires adequate dietary intake from diverse food groups. A varied diet provides a comprehensive array of nutrients for achieving and maintaining optimal nutritional status in the pediatric population.

Aims: This study aimed to assess the association between dietary diversity and nutritional status of children aged 6 to 59 months in the Tamale Metropolis.

Methods: A cross-sectional study design was employed, utilizing systematic random sampling to select a cohort of 343 mothers and their children from four health facilities within the Tamale Metropolis. Data pertaining to sociodemographic characteristics, dietary intake, and anthropometric measurements, were collected. Dietary diversity score was assessed based on seven food groups, as recommended by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. Z-scores for anthropometric indices were calculated using WHO Anthro software. Descriptive statistics, Chi-square tests, and partial correlation analyses were used for data analysis.

Results: The mean age (standard deviation) of the children was 11.9 ± 5.0 months. The prevalence of stunting, wasting, underweight, and overweight/obesity were recorded as 38.5%, 14.3%, 28.9%, and 18.1%, respectively. The proportions of children consuming from the various food groups in the preceding 24 hours were as follows: grains, roots and tubers (86.9%); legumes and nuts (24.8%); dairy products (46.1%); flesh foods (43.7%); eggs (17.8%); vitamin A rich fruits and vegetables (39.7%); and other fruits and vegetables (72.9%). The mean dietary diversity score was 3.3 ± 1.7, with 55.4% of children meeting the minimum dietary diversity criteria. Dietary diversity scores exhibited statistically significant correlations with z-scores for weight-for-age (r = 0.292), height-for-age (r = 0.382) and BMI-for-age (r = -0.165).

Conclusions: Despite a majority of the children in the Tamale Metropolis meeting the minimum dietary diversity, malnutrition remains a significant public health concern. Dietary diversity was found to exert a distinct influence on the nutritional status of the children in this study population.

Keywords: Dietary Diversity, Underweight, Wasting, Stunting, Nutritional Status, Children.

Implications of climate-smart aquaculture practices on households’ income and food security in Mwanza and Mara, Tanzania’s Lake Zone

Christopher N. Mdoe — 2025-03-04

Background: Climate-Smart Aquaculture (CSAq) practices present significant opportunity for the mitigation of climate-related challenges within the aquaculture sub-sector, particularly in the Lake Zone of Tanzania, where aquaculture and fisheries are central to household well-being.

Aims: This study aimed to evaluate the impact of three CSAq practices—integrated farming, polyculture, and monoculture—on household income and food security.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted between November 2023 and February 2024, involving 384 aquaculture households across the Mara and Mwanza regions. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistical methods, including chi-square and t-tests, to determine the influence of CSAq practices on economic and food security outcomes.

Results: The findings revealed that integrated farming significantly enhanced both household income and food security, with participating households achieving a "Very Satisfactory" Household Food Security Index (HFSI) score. In Mara, where integrated farming was more prevalent, households reported significantly higher yields (3303 ± 155 kg) compared to those in Mwanza (2454 ± 146 kg; t = 4.96, p < 0.001). However, Mwanza exhibited significantly higher prices per kilogram (6719 ± 103 TSH) than Mara (5799 ± 122 TSH; t = -5.29, p < 0.001) attributed to superior market access and infrastructure. Polyculture practices, more frequently adopted in Mwanza (35.7%) than in Mara (21.8%), yielded variable impacts on income and food security. Chi-square analysis (χ² = 9.269, p = 0.010) indicated significant regional disparities in CSAq adoption, with Mara exhibiting higher adoption rates of integrated farming (69.3%) compared to Mwanza (56.0%).

Conclusions: This study confirmed that integrated aquaculture-agriculture systems significantly improve household income and food security, while monoculture increases vulnerability. Regional variations indicate higher yields in Mara, associated with the widespread adoption of integrated farming, whereas Mwanza benefited from enhanced market access and elevated fish prices. Strengthening financial access, training programs, and institutional support is crucial for enhancing CSAq adoption. Key recommendations include the expansion of extension services, the improvement of market infrastructure, and the fortification of cooperative support systems to ensure sustainable aquaculture.

Keywords: Climate-Smart Aquaculture (CSAq), Income, Food Security, Household Well-being, Tanzania’s Lake Zone.