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The objectives of this study were to: (i) define the optimum concentration of triticale bran (TB) that can be incorporated in yogurt, (ii) evaluate the prebiotic effects of TB on microbial viability, pH and total titratable acidity (TTA) in yogurt across 28 days of cold storage, and (iii) measure the oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) of water-extractable polysaccharides (WEP) in TB. Lactobacillus bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus were used as starter cultures. Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium lactis were used as probiotics. A concentration of 4% TB in yogurt was determined to be the maximum amount that could be added without causing synersis. By day 7, the number of bacteria greatly increased in yogurt samples containing TB and maintained higher viable bacteria counts at the end of the cold storage period, in comparison to controls (P ≤ 0.05). Confirming this data was the lower pH levels and higher TTA values of TB yogurt samples exhibited throughout 28 days (P ≤ 0.05). Polysaccharide extracts of TB exhibited strong antioxidant activity with an ORAC value of 33.86 ± 2.30 μmol trolox equivalents (TE)/g of bran. Results of this study suggest that TB may serve as a new prebiotic and antioxidant source for functional foods and nutraceutical applications.

Triticale (× Triticosecale Whitm.) is a cereal grain with high levels of alkyresorcinols (AR) concentrated in the bran. These phenolic lipids have been shown to reduce or inhibit triglyceride accumulation and protect against oxidation; however, their biological effects have yet to be evaluated in vivo. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of ARs extracted from triticale bran (TB) added to a high–fat diet on the development of obesity and oxidative stress. CF-1 mice were fed a standard low-fat (LF) diet, a 60% high-fat diet (HF) and HF diets containing either 0.5% AR extract (HF-AR), 10% TB (HF-TB), or 0.5% vitamin E (HF-VE). Energy intake, weight gain, glucose tolerance, fasting blood glucose (FBG) levels, and body composition were determined. Oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC), superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, and glutathione (GSH) assays were performed on mice liver and heart tissues. The findings suggest that ARs may serve as a preventative measure against risks of oxidative damage associated with high-fat diets and obesity through their application as functional foods and neutraceuticals. Future studies aim to identify the in vivo mechanisms of action of ARs and the individual homologs involved in their favorable biological effects.

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With global consumer demand shifting towards the consumption of healthier foods, it is crucial to discover new sources of edible plants with high nutritional value and low cost. Unique weeds such as purslane have the potential to be used as an untapped source of unconventional food with diverse nutrients and beneficial bioactive properties. Inflammation can cause oxidative stress related diseases including cardiovascular disorders, aging and cancer. One key nutrient of purslane is omega-3 with potential of inhibitory properties against inflammatory and estrogenic mediators. Purslane is known to be a rich source of α-linolenic acid, 18:3 ω-3, an essential fatty acid, carotenes, antioxidants and minerals. However, the precise mechanism of action of its individual components in disease prevention is unknown. This review provides a summary on the role of purslane bioactives, particularly omega-3 fatty acids as one of purslane's main constituents with potential of anti-inflammatory and anti-estrogenic properties. The discovery of new sources of plants rich in omega-3 fatty acids may be a useful strategy in utilizing natural alternative sources of foods that can enhance human health and wellbeing.

Part of the solution to reducing the prevalence of chronic diseases is the employment of food as medicine. Whole grain consumption has been associated with a variety of health benefits owing to their bioactive constituents, namely fibre and phytochemicals. The overall aim of this study was to discover the underlying mechanisms behind the positive physiological effects of whole grains and further elucidate their nutritional value. In particular, the bioactive properties of alkylresorcinols (ARs), phenolic lipids present almost exclusively in cereal grains, and soluble dietary fibre, potential prebiotics, were investigated using triticale bran (TB), an underestimated cereal crop.Specific objectives were met through the following projects. Conditions for large-scale extraction of ARs from cereal grains were optimized using response surface methodology (RSM). Isolation ofARs for 16-24 h at a solid-to-solvent ratio of 1:40 (weight per volume) and temperature of 24 °C produced the highest yield with the least amount of co-extractives/unknowns. The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of ARs were evidenced by in vitro model systems, ORAC, DPPH, and COX assay whereby results were in agreement with ex vivo model systems, RAW 264.7 macrophage cell cultures induced by AAPH or LPS. Subsequently, the in vivo effects of ARs were evaluated and oxidative stress markers in liver and heart tissues of mice supplemented 0.5% ARs and mice fed 10% TB demonstrated antioxidant protection. Additionally, water extractable polysaccharides (WEP) from cereal samples were isolated by varying treatments;the highest yield with the least amount of impurities was achieved by boiling water extraction followed by successive enzyme treatments, dialysis and successive ethanol fractionations. Using yogurt as fermentation model, probiotic yogurt in the presence of TB produced significantly higher TTA values, lower pH levels, and improved microbial viability compared to controls. In addition to the prebiotic potential of TB, likely owing to its high fibre content, isolates of WEP also demonstrated antioxidant activity as measured by ORAC assay.First and foremost, I would like to thank my academic supervisor Dr. Farah Hosseinian for this incredible and life changing opportunity that has helped me learn and grow as a researcher, student, teacher, team player, and as an individual overall. I am very fortunate to have a supervisor like Dr. Hosseinian who encouraged me to work hard and push forth during trying times. She gave me confidence in my abilities, guidance, and shared all of her knowledge and wisdom while still challenging me to push myself beyond my perceived limits.

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