As the increase in sale and consumption of moringa (Moringa oleifera) leaf-based products continues to grow, there is a need to review current scientific research, increase understanding of moringa’s potential health benefits, share current knowledge on processing that effects beneficial components, and caution against unwarranted health claims. This review examines the three main uses of moringa leaves in human diets including vitamin and mineral content, high-quality dietary protein, and glucosinolate (isothiocyanate) content and potential benefits. For each use the authors provide background information and scientific research supporting the potential benefits, recommend types of processing to provide maximal concentrations of interested components, and discuss moringa products and claims that may or may not align with current scientific knowledge or realistic dosages for the desired benefits. © 2021 International Society for Horticultural Science. All rights reserved.
Tag: protein
Impacts of heat stress-induced oxidative stress on the milk protein biosynthesis of dairy cows
Heat stress (HS) is one of the most important factors posing harm to the economic wellbeing of dairy industries, as it reduces milk yield as well as milk protein content. Recent studies suggest that HS participates in the induction of tissue oxidative stress (OS), as elevated levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and mitochondrial dysfunction were observed in dairy cows exposed to hot conditions. The OS induced by HS likely contributes to the reduction in milk protein content, since insulin resistance and apoptosis are promoted by OS and are negatively associated with the synthesis of milk proteins. The apoptosis in the mammary gland directly decreases the amount of mammary epithelial cells, while the insulin resistance affects the regulation of insulin on mTOR pathways. To alleviate OS damages, strategies including antioxidants supplementation have been adopted, but caution needs to be applied as an inappropriate supplement with antioxidants can be harmful. Furthermore, the complete mechanisms by which HS induces OS and OS influences milk protein synthesis are still unclear and further investigation is needed. © 2021 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.