Nutritional Quality, Bioactive Compounds, and Functional Characteristics of Guar ( Cyamopsis tetragonoloba L.) Genotypes: Multi‐Trait Selection of Superior Genotypes Using MGIDI Index

Assessment of Nutritional Composition, Qualitative Phytochemical Profile, and GC-MS Characterization of Bioactive Compounds in Fermented Seeds of Parkia Biglobosa (African Locust Bean)

Parkia biglobosa (Jacq.) R.Br. ex G.Don (African locust bean; Hausa: ‘Dorawa’) is a multipurpose leguminous tree of the family Fabaceae whose fermented seed condiment — locally known as ‘dawadawa’ or ‘iru’ — is a culturally significant protein- and flavour-rich food ingredient across West and Central Africa. The present study investigated the proximate nutritional composition, qualitative phytochemical constituents, and volatile bioactive compounds (by GC-MS) of fermented P. biglobosa seed. Proximate analysis (AOAC, 2000) revealed a high crude protein content (25.62 ± 0.28%), total carbohydrate (44.96 ± 0.22%), crude lipid (8.11 ± 0.04%), crude fibre (5.59 ± 0.11%), ash (3.80 ± 0.05%), and moisture (11.92 ± 0.03%). Qualitative phytochemical screening of the aqueous extract confirmed the presence of saponins, steroids, alkaloids, and glycosides, while tannins, flavonoids, cardiac glycosides, and phenolics were absent. GC-MS analysis of the methanolic extract identified 50 bioactive compounds; the most abundant were tetradecane (10.89%), oxalic acid (10.84%), tridecane (8.94%), heptafluorobutyric acid (7.78%), dodecyl vinyl ester (5.75%), and 2,6,10,14-tetramethylhexadecane (5.16%). The high protein and carbohydrate contents affirm the well-established nutritional significance of African locust bean as a low-cost protein supplement and energy source. The diverse array of identified phytochemicals supports the ethnomedicinal use of P. biglobosa and highlights its potential as a source of bioactive lead compounds for nutraceutical and pharmaceutical applications.

Comprehensive phytochemical profiling, antioxidant activity, and nutritional characterization of indigenous pea (Pisum sativum L.) genotypes adapted to arid farming systems

Fruit-Softening Enzymes, Sugars, and Phenolic Compounds Influence the Shelf Life of Fruits: A Comparative Study of Different-Colored Guava Genotypes

Wheatgrass (Triticum aestivum L.): The microgreen powerhouse shaping the future of superfoods

Wheatgrass (Triticum aestivum L.), the young shoot of common wheat, has attracted increased interest as a functional microgreen due to its rich phytochemical profile and reported nutritional and bio functional properties. This review summarises cultivation practices, biochemical composition and reported medicinal attributes of wheatgrass. Wheatgrass is a concentrated source of chlorophyll, phenolic compounds, flavonoids, essential amino acids, vitamins (A, C, E and B-complex) and enzymatic antioxidants such as catalase and superoxide dismutase. Among the many pharmacological effects these bioactive elements support is antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-ulcer, anti-diabetic, antibacterial, detoxifying and may exhibit anticancer effects, as suggested by preliminary experimental studies actions. Cultivation approaches such as hydroponics and soil-based systems enable sustainable production of wheatgrass biomass including in urban and space-limited environments. Under optimised light and substrate conditions, elevated chlorophyll and phenolic levels enhance its potential nutritional and functional relevance. Findings from several in vitro and animal-based studies suggest potential applicability of wheatgrass in nutraceutical development. Its more general use depends on further standardising growth conditions, phytochemical extraction techniques and clinical confirmation. This review aims to highlight the botanical significance of wheatgrass as a sustainable microgreen and its potential role in nutrition-focused food system.

Evaluation Of Turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) Genotypes for Physico-Chemical Properties in Salyan, Nepal

Turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) is an important rhizomatous spice crop with good nutritive and medicinal values. Curcuminoids and essential oil are the important quality parameters affecting the export and industrial utilization of turmeric products, while the economic importance of turmeric in Nepal is well-documented, there is a significant research gap regarding the physico-chemical profiling of specific genotypes. In view of addressing this void, an experiment was conducted to evaluate the physico-chemical properties of different turmeric genotypes to identify those meeting international quality standards at the Ginger Research Program (GRP), Kapurkot, Salyan in April 2024. The research was carried out in a completely randomized design with 11 genotypes, each replicated 3 times. Parameters such as dry recovery percentage, powder recovery percentage, bulk density, moisture content of rhizome, pH content, essential oil, and curcumin content were observed. Result showed that curcumin content, essential oil content, and pH content ranged from 2.81% (KH-2) to 6.07% (Cl 9803); from 5.60% (Cl 0209) to 8.33% (Cl 9803), and from 6.17 (Cl 0209) to 6.50 (Cl 0207 and Cl 1312), respectively. Dry recovery and powder recovery percentages ranged from 13.89% (Cl 9802) to 18.90% (Cl 9805) and from 12.95% (Cl 9802) to 17.94% (Cl 9805), respectively. The highest bulk density was observed in Cl 0201 (1.07 g/cm³), and genotype Cl 9802 (87.05%) had the highest moisture percentage in the rhizome. Overall, the genotype Cl 9803 was identified as the best genotype for production, export and industrial utilization. Moreover, the findings of this study may provide information for selective breeding programs by identifying turmeric genotypes with superior physico-chemical properties.

Evaluation of Plant Bio-Regulators and Antioxidants on Fruit Quality and Physiological Attributes of Pomegranate (Punica Granatum L.) cv. Bhagwa

The present investigation was carried out to evaluate the effect of plant bio-regulators and antioxidants on fruit growth, quality, and physiological parameters of pomegranate. The experiment comprised different treatments including NAA, GA₃, salicylic acid, ascorbic acid, and control. The results revealed that application of NAA at 30 ppm (T₂) significantly improved fruit physical characteristics, recording maximum fruit length (108.68 mm), fruit breadth (96.71 mm), fruit weight (352.99 g), and fruit volume (380.89 cc). In contrast, GA₃ at higher concentration (500 ppm) resulted in minimum fruit size and weight. Quality parameters were also positively influenced by NAA treatments, with the highest total soluble solids (14.92 ºB), total sugars (14.69%), and reducing sugars observed under T₂. Titratable acidity was lowest in NAA-treated fruits, indicating improved sweetness and better fruit quality. Among antioxidant treatments, ascorbic acid at 1200 ppm (T₈) significantly enhanced ascorbic acid content (15.12 mg/100 g), while salicylic acid (200 ppm) improved anthocyanin content (0.40 mg/100 g), contributing to better fruit coloration. Juice content was highest under GA₃ 500 ppm treatment. Physiological parameters showed that GA₃ treatments significantly enhanced photosynthetic rate (8.88 μmol CO₂/m²/s), transpiration rate, and chlorophyll content (3.08 mg/g), indicating improved plant metabolic activity. However, stomatal conductance was found to be non-significant among treatments. Overall, the study concluded that foliar application of NAA at 30 ppm is most effective for improving fruit size, yield, and quality of pomegranate, while GA₃ plays a significant role in enhancing physiological traits. Antioxidants such as ascorbic acid and salicylic acid improve biochemical attributes of fruits.