Edible Bird’s Nest: Physicochemical Properties, Production, and Application of Bioactive Extracts and Glycopeptides

Abstract

Edible bird's nest (EBN), the swiftlet's nest, has been consumed for centuries as a tonic or health food. The information upon the usage and benefits of the EBN are largely based on historical and observational reports since its discovery, until some were proven scientifically at recent times. Studies have been conducted on the major components of the EBN, i.e. glycoprotein, in attempts to elucidate the roles of the glycoprotein in terms of functionality toward health improvement. This article presents a review of the physicochemical and nutritional composition of EBN from different harvested locations and its functional properties. The conversion of EBN glycoproteins to glycopeptides via suitable hydrolysis methods to produce bioactive EBN glycopeptides was demonstrated, and it showed improvements in the functionality and nutritional values of EBN. Some applications of EBN glycopeptides into the new development of food and beverage products showed positive results, implicated to the bioavailability of the EBN glycopeptides. The combined information in this review will benefit the scientific communities, EBN manufacturers, and nutraceutical industries.

Edible Bird’s Nest: The Functional Values of the Prized Animal-Based Bioproduct From Southeast Asia–A Review

“…TCM claimed that EBN can treat malnutrition, improve metabolism rate, boost immune system and rejuvenate the skin complexion ( Bashir et al, 2017 ). Moreover, in the modern research, EBN also exhibits some interesting therapeutic effects, such as anticancer, anti-aging, phlegm-dissolving, cough-suppressing, anti-tuberculosis, voice-improving, curing general debility and asthenia, and hastening recovery from illness and surgery ( Daud et al, 2019a ). There is a great amount of research taking place on the investigation of the hidden nutritive and pharmacological properties of EBN.…”

Characterization and Extraction Influence Protein Profiling of Edible Bird’s Nest

“…In traditional Chinese medicine, EBNs are prescribed to treat diseases such as tuberculosis, asthma, dry cough, hemoptysis, asthenia, difficulty in breathing, gastric troubles, and general bronchial ailments [3]. Interestingly, EBNs have also been the focus of modern research and technology, which have revealed their nutritional value and pharmacological activities, including anti-aging, anti-cancer, cough-suppressing, anti-tuberculosis, voice-improving, and phlegm-dissolving properties [4]. Meanwhile, in the food industry, EBN extract has been used as one of the ingredients in foods, drinks, and nutraceutical products.…”

“…Meanwhile, in the food industry, EBN extract has been used as one of the ingredients in foods, drinks, and nutraceutical products. For example, ice cream with 0.2% EBN extract was found to be more favorable than the others due to high melting rates and lower sweetness [4]. These positive nutritional and health effects have increased the demand and supply of EBNs and have generated increasing interest among researchers.…”

“…EBN glycopeptides were used in the formulation of readyto-drink products and have been shown to have significantly higher antioxidant activity (p < 0.05) compared to non-EBN drinks [14]. In the cosmetic industry, EBN extracts have been incorporated into skincare products and have been used to promote skin cell renewal, radiant complexion, and anti-aging [4]. In some studies, EBN has been shown to improve digestive problems [5], with the prebiotic properties of EBN promoting a healthy human gut environment.…”

Evaluation of protein content and antioxidant activity of edible bird’s nest by various methods

“…The nests are built during breeding season and are made almost entirely from saliva that contain glutinous material produced by the bird's sublingual salivary glands [17][18][19][20][21]. It is produced by several different swiftlet species in the genus of Aerodramus and Collocolia and the nest is mainly built by male swiftlets [22].…”