Metabolomics-assisted biotechnological interventions for developing plant-based functional foods and nutraceuticals

Abstract

Today, the dramatic changes in types of food consumed have led to an increased burden of chronic diseases. Therefore, the emphasis of food research is not only to ensure quality food that can supply adequate nutrients to prevent nutrition related diseases, but also to ensure overall physical and mental-health. This has led to the concept of functional foods and nutraceuticals (FFNs), which can be ideally produced and delivered through plants. Metabolomics can help in getting the most relevant functional information, and thus has been considered the greatest -OMICS technology to date. However, metabolomics has not been exploited to the best potential in plant sciences. The technology can be leveraged to identify the health promoting compounds and metabolites that can be used for the development of FFNs. This article reviews (i) plant-based FFNs-related metabolites and their health benefits; (ii) use of different analytic platforms for targeted and non-targeted metabolite profiling along with experimental considerations; (iii) exploitation of metabolomics to develop FFNs in plants using various biotechnological tools; and (iv) potential use of metabolomics in plant breeding. We have also provided some insights into integration of metabolomics with latest genome editing tools for metabolic pathway regulation in plants.

Comparative Analysis of Nutritional Sources on the Morpho-Physiological Characteristics of Mung Bean (Vigna radiata)

“…In investigation of Tomati et al [18], who demonstrated that the impact of vermi-tea on leguminous crops significantly enhanced the root initiation and biomass. Respectively, Kumar et al [3] found these results resemble to the findings of Siddiqui et al (2008) who observed the enhanced root growth by applying vermi-tea to the various plants.…”

“…It contains protein, vitamins, minerals, dietary fibers and large amount of bioactive compounds such as peptides, poly phenols and polysaccharides [2]. Nutritionally, mung bean contributes a significant for improvement of human health and as well as nitrogen fixation in agro-ecosystem [3].…”

Lactation performance and blood metabolites in lactating dairy cows micro-supplemented with <i>Moringa oleifera</i> leaf meal

“…Babiker et al (2017) and Gopalakrishnam et al (2016) reported that positive Moringa effects on milk yield were associated with a higher intake of the plant. Supplementation with phytobiotic-rich plants can stimulate the secretion of digestive fluids, which cause a shift in rumen fermentation, promoting the circulation of blood cholesterol and glucose, which reduce lipid mobilization (Kumar at al., 2017).…”

“…(2015) also reported positive immunomodulatory effects owing to increased white blood cells, lymphocytes, and neutrophils levels. Moringa supplementation had minimal effects on blood urea levels, which indicates improved utilization of dietary nitrogen (Kumar at al., 2017;Nousiainen et al, 2004).…”

Efficient engineered probiotics using synthetic biology approaches: A review

“…FFNs are preferred rather than the traditional medical treatments in many diseases such as cancer and other chronic human disorders where nutritional supplements are needed. They provide health benefits because they act as bioactive components in food . In ancient times, conventional medicine or home remedies were used to treat different diseases.…”