Plant Extracts In Food Applications

Plant Extracts in Food Applications is the first book of its kind focusing on the application of plant extracts in the food industry. Topics cover sources, extraction and encapsulation techniques, the chemistry and stability of plant extracts, antimicrobials, preservatives, nutrient enhancers, enzymes, flavoring and coloring agents, packaging aid, health benefits, opportunities and the challenges surrounding the use of plant extracts in food applications. Written by several experts in the field, this book is a valuable resource for students, scientists, and professionals in food science, food chemistry and nutrition. Concerns and potential risks regarding the use of synthetic chemicals have renewed the interests of consumers using natural and safe alternatives. Plant extracts represent an interesting ingredient, mainly due to their natural origin and phytochemical properties, allowing for obtaining active materials to extend shelf-life and add value to the product. Presents chapters that deal with different sources of plant extracts and their applications in the food industry Covers the various extraction procedures which are used for plant extracts Includes the health benefits and stability of plant extracts Provides the role of plant extracts for shelf life enhancement, packaging aid, and as flavoring and coloring agents

In this book, the authors present current research in the study of the role in agriculture, health effects and medical applications of plant extracts. Topics discussed include the risks and benefits of phytochemicals present in fruits and vegetables; medicinal plants and their pharmacological attributes; Moringa oleifera and its benefits in nutrition and health; the potential health benefits and applications of the agave species; herbal medicinal plants used in the treatment of diabetes in Africa; phenolic compounds extracted from medicinal plants as an alternative for cancer prevention and treatment; using the antifeedant and repellent effects of plant extracts in the protection of plants and human health; essential oils and extracts of medicinal plants in the control of diseases in plants; herbal therapies for dermatological disorders; polyphenols as a source of antimicrobial agents against human pathogens; and new trends in plant extract use for food-borne pathogenic bacterial control.

Nature has always been, and still is, a source of food and ingredients that are beneficial to human health. Nowadays, plant extracts are increasingly becoming important additives in the food industry due to their antimicrobial and antioxidant activities that delay the development of off-flavors and improve the shelf life and color stability of food products. Due to their natural origin, they are excellent candidates to replace synthetic compounds, which are generally considered to have toxicological and carcinogenic effects. The efficient extraction of these compounds from their natural sources and the determination of their activity in commercialized products have been great challenges for researchers and food chain contributors to develop products with positive effects on human health. The objective of this Special Issue is to highlight the existing evidence regarding the various potential benefits of the consumption of plant extracts and plant-extract-based products, with emphasis on in vivo works and epidemiological studies, the application of plant extracts to improving shelf life, the nutritional and health-related properties of foods, and the extraction techniques that can be used to obtain bioactive compounds from plant extracts.

This new volume presents an array of new and emerging techniques in the food processing sector, focusing on the extraction, encapsulation, and health benefits of bioactive Compounds. It illustrates various applications of novel food processing extraction and encapsulation techniques along with the health and safety aspects of plant-derived bioactive compounds and functional foods Some of the sustainable and green extraction techniques discussed include novel extraction techniques, such as microwave-assisted extraction (MAE), ultrasonic assisted extraction (UAE), supercritical fluid extraction (SFE), accelerated solvent extraction (ASE), and rapid solid-liquid extraction (RSLE). The volume also covers the principles and methods of encapsulation, its role and application in protection and stabilization and as a targeted delivery system for enhanced nutritional health benefits. Various encapsulation methods, such as spray drying, spray cooling/chilling, fluidized bed coating, coacervation, liposome entrapment, extrusion, inclusion complexation, etc., are discussed in detail for application in the food industry. Novel Processing Methods for Plant-Based Health Foods: Extraction, Encapsulation, and Health Benefits of Bioactive Compounds also highlights the potential of nutraceuticals and biological active compounds in human health, various sources, consumers’ acceptance, safety aspects, and their application in development of functional foods. This volume offers many tremendous applications in different areas of the food industry, including in food processing, preservation, health-promoting properties, and safety and quality evaluation of plant-based foods. The book provides a wealth of information and will be an excellent reference material for researchers, scientists, students, growers, traders, processors, industry professionals, and others on the emerging food processing approaches for extraction and encapsulation of plant-based bioactive compounds and health-promoting properties of plant-derived nutraceuticals and safety aspects in production of functional foods.

Nature has always been, and still is, a source of food and ingredients that are beneficial to human health. Nowadays, plant extracts are increasingly becoming important additives in the food industry due to their antimicrobial and antioxidant activities that delay the development of off-flavors and improve the shelf life and color stability of food products. Due to their natural origin, they are excellent candidates to replace synthetic compounds, which are generally considered to have toxicological and carcinogenic effects. The efficient extraction of these compounds from their natural sources and the determination of their activity in commercialized products have been great challenges for researchers and food chain contributors to develop products with positive effects on human health. The objective of this Special Issue is to highlight the existing evidence regarding the various potential benefits of the consumption of plant extracts and plant-extract-based products, with emphasis on in vivo works and epidemiological studies, the application of plant extracts to improving shelf life, the nutritional and health-related properties of foods, and the extraction techniques that can be used to obtain bioactive compounds from plant extracts.

In this book, the authors present current research in the study of the role in agriculture, health effects and medical applications of plant extracts. Topics discussed include the risks and benefits of phytochemicals present in fruits and vegetables; medicinal plants and their pharmacological attributes; Moringa oleifera and its benefits in nutrition and health; the potential health benefits and applications of the agave species; herbal medicinal plants used in the treatment of diabetes in Africa; phenolic compounds extracted from medicinal plants as an alternative for cancer prevention and treatment; using the antifeedant and repellent effects of plant extracts in the protection of plants and human health; essential oils and extracts of medicinal plants in the control of diseases in plants; herbal therapies for dermatological disorders; polyphenols as a source of antimicrobial agents against human pathogens; and new trends in plant extract use for food-borne pathogenic bacterial control.

Society has recently demonstrated a high level of awareness and responsibility concerning environmental issues. The interest in bioactive compounds extracted from natural sources has increased due to their potential application as active ingredients in several industries, particularly the cosmetic, food, and pharmaceutical industries. Plants are rich sources of phenolic compounds that have been widely studied due to their health-promoting properties, namely antioxidant, anti-carcinogenic, and anti-inflammatory activities, among others. Extraction is usually the limiting analytical step in the yield of bioactive compounds. From a green point of view, many extraction techniques have been employed as potential candidates to replace conventional methods, such as ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE), pressurized liquid extraction (PLE), microwave-assisted extraction (MAE), supercritical fluid extraction (SFE), pulsed electric field extraction, and enzyme-assisted extraction. In this Special Issue, we focus our attention on the chemical characterization of plant extracts and their bioactive composition, focusing also on in-vitro cell assays and molecular tools. The issue comprises original research articles, as well as a review, on topics such as phenolic profile, radical scavenging capacity, in vitro cell assays, comet assay, and antimicrobial capacity. We close this Special Issue with a review paper that focuses on the pharmacological activities of quercetin, one of the principal polyphenols. With this, we aim to provide a contemporary overview of the advantages of bioactive compounds extracted from plants.

This volume presents a wide range of new approaches aimed at improving the safety and quality of food products and agricultural commodities. Each chapter provides in-depth information on new and emerging food preservation techniques including those relating to decontamination, drying and dehydration, packaging innovations and the use of botanicals as natural preservatives for fresh animal and plant products. The 28 chapters, contributed by an international team of experienced researchers, are presented in five sections, covering: Novel decontamination techniques Novel preservation techniques Active and atmospheric packaging Food packaging Mathematical modelling of food preservation processes Natural preservatives This title will be of great interest to food scientists and engineers based in food manufacturing and in research establishments. It will also be useful to advanced students of food science and technology.