Development of Centella Asiatica Beverages with Potential Antioxidant and Prebiotic Activity for Maintaining Intestinal Health

Bala, Esha; Patra, Sanjukta; Singha, Siddhartha

doi:10.2139/ssrn.4385196

Cited by 2 publications

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“…People prepare dish by blanching fresh and tender P. oleracea leaves in boiling water, cutting them into segments, and seasoning them with minced garlic, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Experimental studies have shown that Centella asiatica flavonoids have diverse physiological effects, including anticarcinogenic actions against tumors, antioxidative properties, antibacterial activity, wound healing acceleration, heat-clearing and detoxifying effects, as well as anti-inflammatory and bruise-treating capabilities [64]. Local residents not only stir-fry to preserve its freshness but also combine it with meat.…”

Section: Dietary Therapymentioning

confidence: 99%

Wild edible plants and their cultural significance among the Zhuang ethnic group in Fangchenggang, Guangxi, China

Liu,

Huang,

Bin

et al. 2023

J Ethnobiology Ethnomedicine

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Introduction Fangchenggang is situated in the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China, renowned for its rich biodiversity and ethnically diverse population. The Zhuang people, constituting the largest minority group in the area, possess a wealth of traditional knowledge concerning wild edible plants (WEPs) owing to the region's favorable environment and dietary customs. With the rapid development of urbanization, tourism, and trade, the Zhuang people's food culture, including the consumption of wild edible plants, has become an attractive aspect of urban development. However, there is almost no comprehensive report available on WEPs consumed by the Zhuang people. The objectives of this study were to: (1) conduct a comprehensive ethnobotanical investigation of the WEPs among the Zhuang people in the region; (2) evaluate the cultural food significance index (CFSI) for the local communities; (3) summarize the cultural characteristics of the wild edible plants consumed, providing scientific support for the development of Fangchenggang as a sustainable and attractive tourism destination. Methods Ethnobotanical investigation including market surveys, semi-structured interviews, key informant interviews and participatory observations was conducted in Fangchenggang from January 2021 to March 2023. A total of 137 informants were selected using the snowball method. Information about WEPs, including vernacular names, food categories, parts used, mode of consumption, collecting season, and recipes, was collected and recorded. The CFSI (cultural food significance index) was calculated to identify the most culturally significant WEPs. Results A total of 163 species of wild edible plants consumed by the Zhuang people were identified, belonging to 67 families. The main categories of WEPs include wild vegetables (69) and tea substitutes (42). The most commonly consumed parts are fruits (37), followed by whole plants (33) and leaves (21), with herbaceous plants (74) being the most numerous. The availability of wild edible plants remains high throughout the year, with the peak seasons occurring in August and October, and significant abundance also noted in July and November. In the highly significant category (CFSI > 500), a total of 15 plant species were identified, which play a crucial role in the local diet. Additionally, 17 alien species have become part of the local consumption of wild plants, with 7 species listed as invasive alien species. Discussion and Conclusions This study documented 163 wild edible plant species and their associated traditional knowledge of the Zhuang people. The research identified culturally significant WEPs and analyzed their multiple uses. The historical development of wild plant consumption in Fangchenggang showed the strong influence of natural and social environments on the Zhuang ethnic group's dietary traditions. The WEPs are characterized by “sour food”, “fresh ingredients” and “cold dishes”, aligning with their health-oriented philosophy of “homology of medicine and food”. Future prospects encompass the cultivation of economically sustainable wild edible plants (WEPs), the preservation of their traits through cross-breeding, ensuring safe consumption through research and safety evaluations, and advocating for the preservation of WEPs' culinary culture to support tourism and sustainable urban development.

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Section: Dietary Therapymentioning

confidence: 99%

Wild edible plants and their cultural significance among the Zhuang ethnic group in Fangchenggang, Guangxi, China

Liu,

Huang,

Bin

et al. 2023

J Ethnobiology Ethnomedicine

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“…The signature spectra and antioxidant values in terms of a global score can be used for quality specification of a herb or medicinal plant with potential antioxidant capacity. [13][14][15] Centella asiatica, Eryngium foetidum, Enhydra fluctuans, and Marsilea minuta are tropical herbs that are known for their culinary and medicinal value in many ethnic societies worldwide. These medicinal plants have been used traditionally for treating a wide range of diseases, especially gut-related diseases, and gained recognition in various clinical settings.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Therefore, in the present study we attempted to provide valuable insight into the potential use of microwave oven‐drying as a suitable drying method for effective MC determination and quality assessment, including antioxidant activity assays and chromatography of different herbal plants. The signature spectra and antioxidant values in terms of a global score can be used for quality specification of a herb or medicinal plant with potential antioxidant capacity 13–15 . Centella asiatica , Eryngium foetidum , Enhydra fluctuans , and Marsilea minuta are tropical herbs that are known for their culinary and medicinal value in many ethnic societies worldwide.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Assessment of microwave drying for rapid and convenient analysis of medicinal plants for quality assurance

Bala,

Dey,

Patra

et al. 2024

Phytochemical Analysis

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IntroductionThe safety and quality of many medicinally important herbs are compromised since farmers and small organizations are involved in the cultivation, aggregation, and primary processing of these herbs. Such organizations often lack adequate quality control facilities. To improve the safety and quality of herbal products, simple, rapid, and affordable quality control systems are required.ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to assess the suitability of microwave oven‐drying for moisture content (MC) determination and sample preparation of herbs in small organizations.MethodsMicrowave oven‐drying (720 W) and convective oven‐drying at 105°C for MC determination were compared. The effects of three different drying methods (microwave oven‐drying, low‐temperature convective drying, and freeze‐drying) on in vitro antioxidant and polyphenol oxidase (PPO) activity were determined, similarity analysis was conducted using HPLC signature spectra, and validation was performed with LC‐MS focusing on one herb.ResultsMicrowave oven‐drying at 720 W significantly reduced the drying time (from hours to minutes), whereas the spatial variation of temperature in convective ovens set at 105°C can cause about 10% underestimation of MC. Microwave oven‐drying showed similar macro‐properties like freeze‐drying and higher extractability (10%–20%) and in vitro antioxidant capacity (33%–66%) and lower PPO activity compared to low‐temperature convective drying. HPLC signature spectra revealed strong similarity of soluble components between freeze‐dried and microwave oven‐dried herbs. LC‐MS analysis demonstrated more common compounds between freeze‐dried and microwave oven‐dried Centella asiatica extracts, whereas convective tray‐dried samples had fewer compounds common with samples obtained by freeze‐drying or microwave oven‐drying.ConclusionsMicrowave oven‐drying is rapid (tens of min) and shows small batch‐to‐batch variation compared to oven‐drying at 105°C. The in vitro antioxidant assays and signature spectra can be used for assessing the source and purity or quality of a specific herb variety.

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Development of Centella Asiatica Beverages with Potential Antioxidant and Prebiotic Activity for Maintaining Intestinal Health

Cited by 2 publications

References 0 publications

Wild edible plants and their cultural significance among the Zhuang ethnic group in Fangchenggang, Guangxi, China

Wild edible plants and their cultural significance among the Zhuang ethnic group in Fangchenggang, Guangxi, China

Assessment of microwave drying for rapid and convenient analysis of medicinal plants for quality assurance

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