Bambara groundnut (BGN) [Vigna subterranean (L) Verdc] and Pigeon pea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millspaugh] are grain legume species grown in tropical and subtropical parts of the world. Both legume grains are highly nutritious and have been used as food and medicine for both humans and animals. However, Bambara groundnut and pigeon pea are still highly underutilized and produced in low quantities despite their nutritional benefits. This review examines nutritional properties, medicinal uses, nutraceutical potential and the limitations in the utilization of bambara groundnut and pigeon pea. Scholarly articles and organization white papers were searched for using various word combinations of traditional farm practices, modern agricultural practices, traditional medicinal uses, nutritional composition, biochemical composition, Bambara groundnut and pigeon pea. Bambara groundnut and pigeon pea are popularly used as medicine in many parts of Africa. Both species are rich sources of bioactive compounds and several studies have documented their efficacy against several diseases. Bambara groundnut has been used to treat polymenorrhea, venereal diseases, cataracts, and morning sickness. The stem, leaves, seeds, and roots of pigeon pea plant has been used to treat many diseases in many parts of the world. Bambara groundnut has been found to be a potential dietary probiotic, antioxidant, antibiotic and anticancer. Hypocholesterolemic, anticancer, hepatoprotective, antidiabetic and antimicrobial activities have been documented for pigeon pea as well. However, low yield, unfavourable land tenure systems, unimproved varieties, diseases, and pests are the major constraints of the traditional production of bambara groundnut and pigeon pea. Both legume grain species are important sources of nutrients and they both possess strong potentials to be nutraceutical agents against many diseases including malnutrition. However, advanced and intensive research on pest management, improvement of the traditional landrace cultivars for improved yield and palatability as well as formulation of favourable land tenure policies are recommended for better adoption, utilization and commercialization of bambara groundnut and pigeon pea.

The food industry has continued to evolve in terms of technologies employed in food processing. These advancements are because of increasing demand of food. Many industries are beginning to explore new technologies to enhance maximum efficiency and productivity across the food value chain. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is one of the emerging technologies that have found great relevance in the food sector. AI is simply the creation of smart machines capable of exhibiting human intelligence. This technology uses algorithms like machine learning and deep learning to mimic human behavior. AI has continued to find relevance in food processing and has proven to be an added advantage to the industry. In this article, we considered the relevance of AI to the food industry, its various applications in food processing, benefits, and setbacks to its adoption in the food industry.

Diabetes mellitus type 2 (T2DM) is a growing burden in the global public health and economic systems. Older adults are more than two times predisposed to T2DM and they are more likely to develop T2DM-related complications. A complex interaction of genes, diet and environment is a key factor in the development of this chronic metabolic disorder. With nutrigenomics, researchers are beginning to understand this interaction. This review aims at examining gene-diet relationships concerning T2DM as well as the applications and potential of nutrigenomics in managing geriatric type 2 diabetes. Several genome-wide association studies have documented susceptibility genes for T2DM. Among these genes are TCFL2, PPARGγ, CAP 10, ADBR3, DPARGCIA, and ENPP genes. Several bioactive compounds in foods have also been shown to act as switches on T2DM susceptibility genes, aiding in the progression or inhibition of the disease. These findings have helped in developing nutritional recommendations that are relevant to the management of T2DM particularly in carriers of these susceptibility genes. In this comprehensive review, the current trends, and prospects of nutrigenomics as an intervention for geriatric diabetes is explained.