Numerous reactive oxygen species (ROS) entities exist, and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is very key among them as it is well known to possess a stable but poor reactivity capable of generating free radicals. Considered among reactive atoms, molecules, and compounds with electron-rich sites, free radicals emerging from metabolic reactions during cellular respirations can induce oxidative stress and cause cellular structure damage, resulting in diverse life-threatening diseases when produced in excess. Therefore, an antioxidant is needed to curb the overproduction of free radicals especially in biological systems (in vivo and in vitro). Despite the inherent properties limiting its bioactivities, polysaccharides from natural sources increasingly gain research attention given their position as a functional ingredient. Improving the functionality and bioactivity of polysaccharides have been established through degradation of their molecular integrity. In this critical synopsis; we articulate the effects of H2O2 on the degradation of polysaccharides from natural sources. Specifically, the synopsis focused on free radical formation/production, polysaccharide degradation processes with H2O2, the effects of polysaccharide degradation on the structural characteristics; physicochemical properties; and bioactivities; in addition to the antioxidant capability. The degradation mechanisms involving polysaccharide’s antioxidative property; with some examples and their respective sources are briefly summarised.

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Production and evaluation of biscuits made from wheat flour and toasted watermelon seed meal as fat substitute was studied. Extracted watermelon seeds were toasted and grounded into seed meal, which were later usedto formulate composite flour blends in the ratio of 10:90 (MW1), 20:80 (MW2), 30:70 (MW3), 40:60 (MW4) with and 50:50 (MW5) of water melon seed meal: wheat flour respectively, while 100% wheat flour served as control (W1). Each blend was used to produce biscuits adopting robbing process. The functional properties of flour blends, proximate composition and physical properties of the biscuit samples were determined. Sensory qualities of the biscuits were evaluated by 20-members panelist. The accepted composite biscuit samples was stored on a shelf for 6 weeks and analyzed for moisture and total viable count. Data obtained were analyzed statistically (P≤0.05) for ANOVA, and means separated using Fisher’s LSD Test. The results of the functional properties showed variations in behaviour. There were no significant differences (P≤0.05) in pH, swelling index, viscosity and gelation temperature of the flour blends while significant differences ‘(P≤0.05) existed in bulk density, water absorption capacity and wetability. There were significant differences (P≤0.05) in protein, fat, crude fibre, ash and carbohydrate for both flour blends and biscuit samples respectively. The addition of toasted watermelon seed meal increased protein, fat, crude fibre and ash contents while carbohydrate content decreased with higher substitution level of wheat flour. Moisture content ranged from 10-11 % (flour) and 6.25 -10% (biscuit). Significant differences (P≤0.05) were recorded in thickness, spread ratio and break strength within the samples. The result of sensory evaluation showed that W1I was significantly different (P≤0.05) in taste, aroma and overall acceptance. However, MW4 and MW5 were significantly different in texture, but in terms of crispiness, MW1 and MW3 were preferred. Moisture content of the preferred samples (MW1 and MW3) stored for 6 weeks increased from 6.25-11.75 % (MW1) and 6.75 – 11.0% (MW3) while the viable microbial counts ranged from 2.0 x 102-6.8 x 105cfu/g for bacteria and 1.8 x 101-7.4 x 103cfu/g for mould respectively.

Composite flour of different ratios were produced from wheat, date fruit pulp and toasted watermelon seeds. Cookies of various blends (CHU= 100% wheat Flour without fat and sugar; CHUY=100% wheat flour with sugar and fat; CHUY1=90%: 5%:5%; CHUY2= 80%:10%:10%; CHUY3=70%:15%: 15%; CHUY4= 60%: 20%:20% wheat flour: toasted watermelon seed: date fruit pulp flour respectively) were produced. The physical and organoleptic properties of the cookies were determined and Mean values of the triplicate data were subjected to One-Way ANOVA. The means were separated using Fishers’ test (p≤0.05). CHUY3 was preferred in physical properties: spread ratio (3.95), thickness (11.65mm), diameter (45.66mm) and weight (7.30g). The organoleptic qualities of CHUY: aroma (7.15), Colour (7.45), taste (7.55), texture (7.45), crispness (7.35) and overall acceptability (7.35) were better. However no significant (p≤0.05) difference was observed in overall acceptability. Efforts should be geared towards the commercial production of this cookies as well as suitable packaging material for it.