The present study was designed to isolate Bifidobacterium strains from raw camel milk and to investigate their probiotic characteristics. Among 35 isolates, 8 were identified as Gram-positive, catalase negative, non-spore forming, non-motile and V or Y shaped rods. B-2, B-5, B-11, B-19 and B-28 exhibited good survival at low pH and high bile salt concentration. Most of the isolates were resistant to nalidixic acid, fusidic acid, polymyxin B, neomycin, streptomycin, gentamicin, rifampicin and kanamycin. Furthermore, the production of exopolysaccharides (EPS), adhesion characteristics, antioxidant properties, antagonistic activities, nitrite reduction and cholesterol assimilation were also studied. Isolate B-11 was chosen because it exhibited most of the probiotic properties among all the tested isolates. It is identified as the member of Bifidobacterium longum group through 16S rRNA gene sequencing and named as B. longum B-11. B. longum B-11 was further selected for in vivo attachment to rat intestine and scanning electron micrographs revealed that attachment of a large number of rods shaped bacterial cell. Our findings suggest that B. longum B-11 processes excellent attributes to be used as potential probiotic in the development of functional probiotic food.

Background: In the present era, the attention of nutritionist diverted towards the bioactive entities present in natural sources owing to the presence of health boosting perspectives against lifestyle related disarrays. Methods: In this context, different parts of ginger crop i.e. rhizome, leaves and flower of variety Suravi (ID no. 008) were used for the preparation of ginger extracts with 50% methanol, 50% ethanol and water via rotatory shaker for 45 min. After that, different phytochemical analysis and in vitro analyses were carried out to determine the antioxidant potential of these extracts. Lastly, the best selected extracts from each part was quantified through HPLC. Results: The results of current investigated indicated that ethanol extract proved to have maximum quantity of phytoceutics as compared to methanol and water. The maximum TPC, flavonoids, flavonols, DPPH assay, antioxidant activity, FRAP assay, ABTS assay and metal chelating potential was observed in ginger leaves as 780.56 ± 32.78 GAE/100 g, 253.56 ± 10.65 mg/100 g, 49.54 ± 1.74 mg/100 g, 75.54 ± 3.17%, 77.88 ± 3.27%, 105.72 ± 4.44 μmole TE/g, 118.43 ± 4.97 μmole TE/g and 35.16 ± 1.48%, respectively followed by ginger flowers and ginger rhizome. The lowest antioxidant activity was estimated in ginger rhizome. On the basis of phytochemical profiling and in vitro analyses, ethanol extracts of ginger flowers, leaves and rhizome were selected for the quantification through HPLC. Conclusion: The findings proved that maximum 6-gingerol was present in ginger leaves (4.9 mg/g) tackled by ginger flowers (2.87 mg/g) and ginger rhizome (1.03 mg/g).

In recent years, new avenue has been opened for extensive research and debate between Natural and artificial sweeteners. Stevia rebaudiana has emerged as a potent and remarkable substitute to artificial and calorie dense sweeteners. Stevia being natural and zero caloric is becoming a choice of many diet conscious people. The leaves and extract of Stevia plant are used to sweeten different food stuffs, desserts, beverages, etc. across globe especially in USA, Europe, China and Japan. Sweet components responsible for intense sweetness are the Steviosides having sweetness ranging from 250 to 400 times sweeter as compared to sucrose. Bioactive moieties in Stevia play vital role in health promotion aiding and boosting immune system to fight against cancer, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and lower the occurrence of various other ailments diseases. This review article encompasses the biochemical, nutritional, therapeutic potential and end use applications of Stevia.Perspectivas nutricionales y terapéuticas de Stevia rebaudiana como edulcorante emergente; un camino a seguir para la industria de los edulcorantes RESUMEN En los últimos años se ha abierto una nueva vía que propicia una extensa investigación y debate sobre las cualidades de los edulcorantes naturales y artificiales. La Stevia rebaudiana se ha convertido en un sustituto pujante y notable de los edulcorantes artificiales y de aquellos densos en calorías. Tratándose de un producto natural sin calorías, la stevia se está volviendo una opción para muchas personas que han tomado conciencia de su dieta. Las hojas y el extracto de la planta de stevia se usan para endulzar diferentes alimentos, postres, bebidas, etcétera en todo el mundo, especialmente en EE. UU., Europa, China y Japón. Los componentes responsables de su dulzura son los esteviósidos, cuya dulzura es entre 250 y 400 veces más intensa que la de la sacarosa. Por otra parte, los componentes bioactivos de la stevia desempeñan un papel vital en la promoción de la salud, ayudando y estimulando el sistema inmunológico para luchar contra el cáncer, las enfermedades cardiovasculares, la diabetes y reducir la aparición de otras enfermedades. El presente artículo de revisión aborda el potencial bioquímico, nutricional, terapéutico, así como las aplicaciones de uso final de la stevia.