WAQAS ASGHAR - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by WAQAS ASGHAR

Research paper thumbnail of Global perspective on food fraud with special emphasis on the prevalence of food fraud practices and policies in Pakistan

Research paper thumbnail of Therapeutic Potential of Marine Bioactive Peptides against Human Immunodeficiency Virus: Recent Evidence, Challenges, and Future Trends

Marine Drugs

Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is a chronic and potentially fatal ailment caused by th... more Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is a chronic and potentially fatal ailment caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and remains a major health problem worldwide. In recent years, the research focus has shifted to a greater emphasis on complementing treatment regimens involving conventional antiretroviral (ARV) drug therapies with novel lead structures isolated from various marine organisms that have the potential to be utilized as therapeutics for the management of HIV-AIDS. The present review summarizes the recent developments regarding bioactive peptides sourced from various marine organisms. This includes a discussion encompassing the potential of these novel marine bioactive peptides with regard to antiretroviral activities against HIV, preparation, purification, and processing techniques, in addition to insight into the future trends with an emphasis on the potential of exploration and evaluation of novel peptides to be developed into effective antiretroviral ...

Research paper thumbnail of Developing novel foods using multiple emulsions: insights with reference to bioaccessibility and bioavailability

Current Advances for Development of Functional Foods Modulating Inflammation and Oxidative Stress, 2022

Research paper thumbnail of Scleroglucan and Schizophyllan

Polysaccharides of Microbial Origin, 2021

Microbial exopolysaccharides, particularly scleroglucan and schizophyllan, have shown outstanding... more Microbial exopolysaccharides, particularly scleroglucan and schizophyllan, have shown outstanding potential for use in food and medical/pharmaceutical industries. Scleroglucan and schizophyllan are obtained from fungal sources and their exclusive physico-chemical attributes offer a wide range of applications as stabilizers, gelling agents, thickeners, carriers of nutraceuticals, drugs and other bioactive compounds, prebiotics, immunostimulants, immunomodulators, antimicrobial and antiviral agents, hypoglycemic and hypocholesterolemic substances, and excipients. Additionally, several potential applications of these exopolysaccharides are yet to be explored for the development of functional foods and commercial pharmaceuticals. This chapter provides a comprehensive overview about the structural description, sources, physicochemical properties,

Research paper thumbnail of Food Security Challenges for Pakistan During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Asia Pacific Journal of Public Health

Research paper thumbnail of Assessment of different heavy metals in cigarette filler and ash from multiple brands retailed in Saudi Arabia

Journal of King Saud University - Science

Research paper thumbnail of Food security challenges for Pakistan during COVID‐19 pandemic: An overview of the response plan

Research paper thumbnail of Profiling of essential mineral content, heavy metals, and bacterial contaminants in conventional and organic eggs available in the hypermarkets of the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia

Recent Patents on Food, Nutrition & Agriculture

Background: Eggs are commonly regarded as one of the best sources of various macro, and micronutr... more Background: Eggs are commonly regarded as one of the best sources of various macro, and micronutrients, in particular, high biological value (BV) proteins, and both saturated, and unsaturated fatty acids. Apart from proteins, eggs are excellent sources of various high health value lipid components, carotenoids, minerals, and both water and lipid-soluble vitamins. However, the nutrient-rich nature of this ‘superfood’ also makes them susceptible to microbial contamination from various sources, such as fecal matter, drinking water for layer chicken, and the surrounding environment. Moreover, drinking water and chicken feed are also sources of heavy metal contamination. The presence of both factors poses serious health concerns for consumers. Objective: The main aim of this research was to proximate heavy metals and bacterial contaminants in nine different brands of brown organic and white conventional eggs available in the hypermarkets of the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. Methods: ...

Research paper thumbnail of Phytochemical constituents and biological properties of domesticated capsicum species: a review

Bioactive Compounds in Health and Disease

Pepper (Capsicum spp) is cultivated and consumed in almost every region of the world both as fres... more Pepper (Capsicum spp) is cultivated and consumed in almost every region of the world both as fresh vegetable and dried spice. Capsicum and its different varieties possess many valuable properties which distinguish them from other vegetables and in many food items as a spice for its strong pungent flavor that is produced during the secondary metabolism of the plant.Capsicum fruit exhibits a multiple color profile due to the presence of carotenoids which can be used as a natural coloring agent and antioxidant. Almost all the parts of the capsicum are considered a rich source of health-related bioactive compounds including polyphenols, flavonoids, and other aromatic compounds. One of the important biological properties of capsicum is its ability to act as antioxidants to reduce oxidative stress leading to the prevention of several degenerative diseases. The functional compounds of capsicum exhibit excellent antimicrobial properties, particularly against gram-positive pathogenic microor...

Research paper thumbnail of A comprehensive review on chlorpyrifos toxicity with special reference to endocrine disruption: Evidence of mechanisms, exposures and mitigation strategies

Science of The Total Environment

Research paper thumbnail of Formulation and characterization of oil-in-water nanoemulsions stabilized by crude saponins isolated from onion skin waste

RSC Advances

Crude saponins isolated from onion skin waste were studied to minimize the interfacial tension at... more Crude saponins isolated from onion skin waste were studied to minimize the interfacial tension at oil–water interfaces, and to evaluate important factors on the formulation and characterization of nanoemulsions stabilized by these saponins as a new natural emulsifier.

Research paper thumbnail of Phalsa (Grewia asiatica L) fruit berry a promising functional food ingredient: A comprehensive review

Journal of Berry Research

Research paper thumbnail of A Question Mark on Emerging Zinc-Related Nutritional Deficiencies in Pakistani Population

Asia-Pacific journal of public health, 2018

Research paper thumbnail of In vitro comparative study of Bougainvillea spectabilis “stand” leaves and Bougainvillea variegata leaves in terms of phytochemicals and antimicrobial activity

Chinese Journal of Natural Medicines, 2012

To study the qualitative analysis of phytochemicals and antibacterial activity of the ethanolic a... more To study the qualitative analysis of phytochemicals and antibacterial activity of the ethanolic and methanolic extracts of Bougainvillea spectabilis and Bougainvillea variegata leaves. METHODS: Phytochemical constituents were determined qualitatively by the Harborne method, while antimicrobial activities were determined by measuring the zone of inhibition on Mueller Hinton Agar. RESULTS: The maximum inhibitory effects were obtained against the Gram positive microbe Staphylococcus aureus for the methanolic extracts of both B. spectabilis [(28.54 ± 0.18) mm] and B. variegata [(21.97 ± 0.06) mm]. The Gram negative microbes Proteus vulgaris [(16.00 ± 0.15) mm] and Serratia marcescens [(16.00 ± 0.06) mm] gave maximum inhibitory effects for the ethanolic extracts of B. variegata, while Salmonella typhimurium [(17.26 ± 0.12) mm] gave a maximum zone of inhibition for the methanolic extract of B. spectabilis.No inhibitory effects were observed for the extracts of B. spectabilis or B. variegate against Enterococcus faecalis, Vibro cholera or Klebsiella pneumoniae. CONCLUSION: Both B. spectabilis and B. variegata possess significant antimicrobial activity that, following additional studies, could replace commercially known antibiotics.

Research paper thumbnail of < i> In vitro</i> comparative study of< i> Bougainvillea spectabilis “stand”</i> leaves and< i> Bougainvillea variegata</i> leaves in terms of phytochemicals and antimicrobial activity

Chinese Journal of Natural Medicines, Nov 30, 2012

AIM: To study the qualitative analysis of phytochemicals and antibacterial activity of the ethano... more AIM: To study the qualitative analysis of phytochemicals and antibacterial activity of the ethanolic and methanolic extracts of Bougainvillea spectabilis and Bougainvillea variegata leaves. METHODS: Phytochemical constituents were determined qualitatively by the Harborne method, while antimicrobial activities were determined by measuring the zone of inhibition on Mueller Hinton Agar. RESULTS: The maximum inhibitory effects were obtained against the Gram positive microbe Staphylococcus aureus for the methanolic extracts of ...

Research paper thumbnail of Phytochemical constituents and biological properties of domesticated capsicum species: a review

Bioactive Compounds in Health and Disease, 2021

Pepper (Capsicum spp) is cultivated and consumed in almost every region of the world both as fres... more Pepper (Capsicum spp) is cultivated and consumed in almost every region of the world both as fresh vegetable and dried spice. Capsicum and its different varieties possess many valuable properties which distinguish them from other vegetables and in many food items as a spice for its strong pungent flavor that is produced during the secondary metabolism of the plant.

Capsicum fruit exhibits a multiple color profile due to the presence of carotenoids which can be used as a natural coloring agent and antioxidant. Almost all the parts of the capsicum are considered a rich source of health-related bioactive compounds including polyphenols, flavonoids, and other aromatic compounds. One of the important biological properties of capsicum is its ability to act as antioxidants to reduce oxidative stress leading to the prevention of several degenerative diseases. The functional compounds of capsicum exhibit excellent antimicrobial properties, particularly against gram-positive pathogenic microorganisms. The nutraceutical functionality of phytogenic compounds obtained from capsicum also confirms the anticarcinogenic and cardio-preventive effectiveness. The essential oils from capsicum are also being used as anti-aging substances in cosmetic products.

Accordingly, this article is an attempt to provide an overview of the chemical and functional properties of the bioactive compounds sourced from capsicum and their effective utilization in the medicine, food, agricultural, cosmetic, and textile industries.

Keywords: Capsicum, capsaicinoids, capsaicin, carotenoids, pungency

Research paper thumbnail of Global perspective on food fraud with special emphasis on the prevalence of food fraud practices and policies in Pakistan

Research paper thumbnail of Therapeutic Potential of Marine Bioactive Peptides against Human Immunodeficiency Virus: Recent Evidence, Challenges, and Future Trends

Marine Drugs

Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is a chronic and potentially fatal ailment caused by th... more Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is a chronic and potentially fatal ailment caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and remains a major health problem worldwide. In recent years, the research focus has shifted to a greater emphasis on complementing treatment regimens involving conventional antiretroviral (ARV) drug therapies with novel lead structures isolated from various marine organisms that have the potential to be utilized as therapeutics for the management of HIV-AIDS. The present review summarizes the recent developments regarding bioactive peptides sourced from various marine organisms. This includes a discussion encompassing the potential of these novel marine bioactive peptides with regard to antiretroviral activities against HIV, preparation, purification, and processing techniques, in addition to insight into the future trends with an emphasis on the potential of exploration and evaluation of novel peptides to be developed into effective antiretroviral ...

Research paper thumbnail of Developing novel foods using multiple emulsions: insights with reference to bioaccessibility and bioavailability

Current Advances for Development of Functional Foods Modulating Inflammation and Oxidative Stress, 2022

Research paper thumbnail of Scleroglucan and Schizophyllan

Polysaccharides of Microbial Origin, 2021

Microbial exopolysaccharides, particularly scleroglucan and schizophyllan, have shown outstanding... more Microbial exopolysaccharides, particularly scleroglucan and schizophyllan, have shown outstanding potential for use in food and medical/pharmaceutical industries. Scleroglucan and schizophyllan are obtained from fungal sources and their exclusive physico-chemical attributes offer a wide range of applications as stabilizers, gelling agents, thickeners, carriers of nutraceuticals, drugs and other bioactive compounds, prebiotics, immunostimulants, immunomodulators, antimicrobial and antiviral agents, hypoglycemic and hypocholesterolemic substances, and excipients. Additionally, several potential applications of these exopolysaccharides are yet to be explored for the development of functional foods and commercial pharmaceuticals. This chapter provides a comprehensive overview about the structural description, sources, physicochemical properties,

Research paper thumbnail of Food Security Challenges for Pakistan During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Asia Pacific Journal of Public Health

Research paper thumbnail of Assessment of different heavy metals in cigarette filler and ash from multiple brands retailed in Saudi Arabia

Journal of King Saud University - Science

Research paper thumbnail of Food security challenges for Pakistan during COVID‐19 pandemic: An overview of the response plan

Research paper thumbnail of Profiling of essential mineral content, heavy metals, and bacterial contaminants in conventional and organic eggs available in the hypermarkets of the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia

Recent Patents on Food, Nutrition & Agriculture

Background: Eggs are commonly regarded as one of the best sources of various macro, and micronutr... more Background: Eggs are commonly regarded as one of the best sources of various macro, and micronutrients, in particular, high biological value (BV) proteins, and both saturated, and unsaturated fatty acids. Apart from proteins, eggs are excellent sources of various high health value lipid components, carotenoids, minerals, and both water and lipid-soluble vitamins. However, the nutrient-rich nature of this ‘superfood’ also makes them susceptible to microbial contamination from various sources, such as fecal matter, drinking water for layer chicken, and the surrounding environment. Moreover, drinking water and chicken feed are also sources of heavy metal contamination. The presence of both factors poses serious health concerns for consumers. Objective: The main aim of this research was to proximate heavy metals and bacterial contaminants in nine different brands of brown organic and white conventional eggs available in the hypermarkets of the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. Methods: ...

Research paper thumbnail of Phytochemical constituents and biological properties of domesticated capsicum species: a review

Bioactive Compounds in Health and Disease

Pepper (Capsicum spp) is cultivated and consumed in almost every region of the world both as fres... more Pepper (Capsicum spp) is cultivated and consumed in almost every region of the world both as fresh vegetable and dried spice. Capsicum and its different varieties possess many valuable properties which distinguish them from other vegetables and in many food items as a spice for its strong pungent flavor that is produced during the secondary metabolism of the plant.Capsicum fruit exhibits a multiple color profile due to the presence of carotenoids which can be used as a natural coloring agent and antioxidant. Almost all the parts of the capsicum are considered a rich source of health-related bioactive compounds including polyphenols, flavonoids, and other aromatic compounds. One of the important biological properties of capsicum is its ability to act as antioxidants to reduce oxidative stress leading to the prevention of several degenerative diseases. The functional compounds of capsicum exhibit excellent antimicrobial properties, particularly against gram-positive pathogenic microor...

Research paper thumbnail of A comprehensive review on chlorpyrifos toxicity with special reference to endocrine disruption: Evidence of mechanisms, exposures and mitigation strategies

Science of The Total Environment

Research paper thumbnail of Formulation and characterization of oil-in-water nanoemulsions stabilized by crude saponins isolated from onion skin waste

RSC Advances

Crude saponins isolated from onion skin waste were studied to minimize the interfacial tension at... more Crude saponins isolated from onion skin waste were studied to minimize the interfacial tension at oil–water interfaces, and to evaluate important factors on the formulation and characterization of nanoemulsions stabilized by these saponins as a new natural emulsifier.

Research paper thumbnail of Phalsa (Grewia asiatica L) fruit berry a promising functional food ingredient: A comprehensive review

Journal of Berry Research

Research paper thumbnail of A Question Mark on Emerging Zinc-Related Nutritional Deficiencies in Pakistani Population

Asia-Pacific journal of public health, 2018

Research paper thumbnail of In vitro comparative study of Bougainvillea spectabilis “stand” leaves and Bougainvillea variegata leaves in terms of phytochemicals and antimicrobial activity

Chinese Journal of Natural Medicines, 2012

To study the qualitative analysis of phytochemicals and antibacterial activity of the ethanolic a... more To study the qualitative analysis of phytochemicals and antibacterial activity of the ethanolic and methanolic extracts of Bougainvillea spectabilis and Bougainvillea variegata leaves. METHODS: Phytochemical constituents were determined qualitatively by the Harborne method, while antimicrobial activities were determined by measuring the zone of inhibition on Mueller Hinton Agar. RESULTS: The maximum inhibitory effects were obtained against the Gram positive microbe Staphylococcus aureus for the methanolic extracts of both B. spectabilis [(28.54 ± 0.18) mm] and B. variegata [(21.97 ± 0.06) mm]. The Gram negative microbes Proteus vulgaris [(16.00 ± 0.15) mm] and Serratia marcescens [(16.00 ± 0.06) mm] gave maximum inhibitory effects for the ethanolic extracts of B. variegata, while Salmonella typhimurium [(17.26 ± 0.12) mm] gave a maximum zone of inhibition for the methanolic extract of B. spectabilis.No inhibitory effects were observed for the extracts of B. spectabilis or B. variegate against Enterococcus faecalis, Vibro cholera or Klebsiella pneumoniae. CONCLUSION: Both B. spectabilis and B. variegata possess significant antimicrobial activity that, following additional studies, could replace commercially known antibiotics.

Research paper thumbnail of < i> In vitro</i> comparative study of< i> Bougainvillea spectabilis “stand”</i> leaves and< i> Bougainvillea variegata</i> leaves in terms of phytochemicals and antimicrobial activity

Chinese Journal of Natural Medicines, Nov 30, 2012

AIM: To study the qualitative analysis of phytochemicals and antibacterial activity of the ethano... more AIM: To study the qualitative analysis of phytochemicals and antibacterial activity of the ethanolic and methanolic extracts of Bougainvillea spectabilis and Bougainvillea variegata leaves. METHODS: Phytochemical constituents were determined qualitatively by the Harborne method, while antimicrobial activities were determined by measuring the zone of inhibition on Mueller Hinton Agar. RESULTS: The maximum inhibitory effects were obtained against the Gram positive microbe Staphylococcus aureus for the methanolic extracts of ...

Research paper thumbnail of Phytochemical constituents and biological properties of domesticated capsicum species: a review

Bioactive Compounds in Health and Disease, 2021

Pepper (Capsicum spp) is cultivated and consumed in almost every region of the world both as fres... more Pepper (Capsicum spp) is cultivated and consumed in almost every region of the world both as fresh vegetable and dried spice. Capsicum and its different varieties possess many valuable properties which distinguish them from other vegetables and in many food items as a spice for its strong pungent flavor that is produced during the secondary metabolism of the plant.

Capsicum fruit exhibits a multiple color profile due to the presence of carotenoids which can be used as a natural coloring agent and antioxidant. Almost all the parts of the capsicum are considered a rich source of health-related bioactive compounds including polyphenols, flavonoids, and other aromatic compounds. One of the important biological properties of capsicum is its ability to act as antioxidants to reduce oxidative stress leading to the prevention of several degenerative diseases. The functional compounds of capsicum exhibit excellent antimicrobial properties, particularly against gram-positive pathogenic microorganisms. The nutraceutical functionality of phytogenic compounds obtained from capsicum also confirms the anticarcinogenic and cardio-preventive effectiveness. The essential oils from capsicum are also being used as anti-aging substances in cosmetic products.

Accordingly, this article is an attempt to provide an overview of the chemical and functional properties of the bioactive compounds sourced from capsicum and their effective utilization in the medicine, food, agricultural, cosmetic, and textile industries.

Keywords: Capsicum, capsaicinoids, capsaicin, carotenoids, pungency