Terrence Madhujith | University Of Peradeniya,Sri Lanka (original) (raw)
Papers by Terrence Madhujith
Food Research International
Asia Pacific Journal of Public Health
Reference Series in Phytochemistry
Advances in Agriculture
Bael (Aegle marmelos L. Corrêa) is an economically valuable tree species in South Asia. The ripen... more Bael (Aegle marmelos L. Corrêa) is an economically valuable tree species in South Asia. The ripen bael fruits are popular among people because of the delicious fruit pulp, which is ideal for making jam, syrup, and pudding. Bael possesses many medicinal values and therefore used as an ingredient in ayurvedic herbal medical preparations. The fruits, bark, leaves, seeds, and roots of bael contain bioactive compounds such as coumarin, xanthotoxol, imperatorin, aegeline, and marmeline. These compounds can provide antidiabetic, anticancerous, antifertility, antimicrobial, immunogenic, and insecticidal activities. Bael is also essential as a species for reforestation, especially in the unfertile marginal lands. Bael seeds possess a unique fatty acid (12-hydroxyoctadec-cis-9-enoic acid or ricinoleic acid), a convertible item into biodiesel. Bael is an underutilized fruit species in South Asian countries. However, numerous studies report the medically significant properties and industrially ...
Tropical Agricultural Research
Bael fruit pulp possesses delicious taste with pleasing aroma and exhibit important pharmacologic... more Bael fruit pulp possesses delicious taste with pleasing aroma and exhibit important pharmacological attributes such as hepato-protective and anti-cancerous properties. Although, bael is popular among the general public, it is considered as an underutilized fruit species in Sri Lanka. The Fruit Research and Development Institute of Sri Lanka has identified five superior bael Accessions (Beheth Beli, Paragammana, Mawanella, Rambukkana and Polonnaruwa Supun) from diverse agro-ecological zones. In the present study, morphological diversity of the ripened fruits harvested from the five selected bael Accessions was investigated in three fruiting seasons in 2015-2017. The fruit weight, length, width, inner diameter, number of seeds, shell thickness, fruit color according to Munsell Color Chart, L*, a*, b*, Chroma and Hue angle were measured and the data were statistically analyzed. The mean fruit weight was significantly high in Polonnaruwa Supun (951.86 g) followed by Rambukkana (669.14 g) and Mawanella (310.70 g) (p<0.05). The accessions Beheth Beli and Paragammana had the lowest fruit sizes 138.29 g and 158.09 g, respectively (p<0.05). Mean number of seeds were lowest in Polonnaruwa Supun (20 per fruit) and highest in the accessions Mawanella (60.33) and Rambukkana (60 per fruit) (p<0.05). The growing season has no effect either on size of fruits or number of seeds present. Three clear clusters could be identified based on fruit size, in which Polonnaruwa Supun and Rambukkana with 83.2% similarity clustered together and Beheth Beli and Paragammana with 94.4% similarity clustered together. The accession Mawanella was separated from the rest. The shell colour was not variable among the five accessions however; flesh colour of Rambukkana was the darkest with the highest significant Chroma. The accession Polonnaruwa Supun could be considered as the best fruit type with the largest fruit size, least number of miniature seeds and appealing flesh colour for consumption as a fresh fruit, while Rambukkana fruits can be considered as the best for processing due to its flesh colour.
Tropical Agricultural Research
Lyophilized aqueous extracts of four underutilized fruit species namely Diospyros discolor (Velve... more Lyophilized aqueous extracts of four underutilized fruit species namely Diospyros discolor (Velvet apple), Pouteria campechiana (Lavulu/Canistel), Phylanthus acidus (Mal-Nelli/Star gooseberry) and Phyllanthus emblica (Nelli/Indian gooseberry) were investigated for the antioxidant potential (AP) by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay, 2,2-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid (ABTS) assay and ferrous reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay. Total phenolic content (TPC) and total monomeric anthocyanin content (TMAC) were determined by Folin-Ciocalteu's colorimetric assay and pH differential method, respectively. Vitamin C (VitC) content of fresh fruit was evaluated titrimertically and expressed as mg of ascorbic acid in 100 g of fresh weight (FW). The TPC and TMAC were expressed as mg of gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/100g FW and mg of cyanodin-3-glucoside (C3G)/100g FW. The measured parameters differed significantly among four fruit species. The values ranged between 84.42-1939.70 mg GAE/100g FW, 10.41-55.64 mg C3G/100g FW, 0.067-310.63 mg FW/ml, 9-81.29%, 238.25-2891.57 Fe 2+ mol/100g FW and 17.12-523.14 mg/100g FW for TPC, TMAC, IC50, RSA, FRAP and VitC, respectively. Phyllanthus emblica possessed highest values in all parameters while Phyllanthus acidus showed the lowest except in TPC. The lowest TPC was observed in Diospyros discolor. The extract of Pouteria campechiana also showed considerable amount of TPC (640 mg C3G/100g FW), RSA (76%) and VitC of 53 mg/ 100g. The results revealed that these underutilized fruit crops can be used as sources of natural antioxidants and vitamin C.
Tropical Agricultural Research
There has been mounting interest in the health benefits associated with live microorganisms commo... more There has been mounting interest in the health benefits associated with live microorganisms commonly known as probiotics. Many probiotic bacterial species have been identified. However, the potential of yeasts as a source of probiotics has not been well explored. The present study was carried out to screen and identify potential probiotic yeasts from selected dairy sources available in Sri Lanka. Yeasts from raw bovine milk and curd were isolated, purified, selected and phenotypically characterized by performing morphological, physiological and biochemical tests. Isolates were assessed for their ability to survive under simulated gastro-intestinal conditions to explore their probiotic potential. Approximately, 190 colonies similar to yeast were isolated and 45 isolates of the division Ascomycota were selected and coded for convenience (SLDY_001-SLDY_045). Most promising probiotic isolates (20) were genotypically identified to be species of Pichia (55%), Candida (30%), and Kluyveromyces (15%) of the family: Saccharomycetaceae. Considering a threshold of >95% similarity to the type strain, eight different yeast species were identified. Isolates (SLDY_005, SLDY_006 and SLDY_039) of Kluyveromyces marxianus species showed the highest probiotic potential from the pool. The strain confirmation and in-vitro/invivo safety assessment of these isolates will further verify their suitability as probiotic starter cultures to be used in local food and pharmaceutical industries.
Tropical Agricultural Research
Dehulled grain flour of finger millet (Eleusine coracana), proso millet (Panicum miliaceum) and f... more Dehulled grain flour of finger millet (Eleusine coracana), proso millet (Panicum miliaceum) and foxtail millet (Setaria italica) and phenolic extracts of millet hulls were evaluated for ability to inhibit lipid oxidation in several food model systems, namely cooked comminuted pork and fish, roasted peanut butter and gingelly oil. Food samples were kept for 14 days with added millet hull extracts and dehulled grain flours. The percentage inhibition of production of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) during storage was determined. Inhibitory activities of phenolic extracts of finger millet dehulled grain and finger millet foods, namely, Rotti, Pittu, Halapa, Thalapa and porridge, against human very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) oxidation were determined by measuring the production level of conjugated dienes (CD) in vitro. Finger millet had higher phenolic content and antioxidant activities compared to the respective proso and foxtail millet samples. Finger millet hull extracts exhibited the highest inhibition of lipid peroxidation in food model systems. The maximum percentage inhibition of TBARS in pork, fish, and peanut with added finger millet hull extracts were observed at days 3, 7, 5, and 14, respectively. The percentage inihibition of TBARS in cooked pork and fish with added millet hull extracts ranged from 4.4 to 12.8% and 63 to 77%, respectively at the end of the second week. Millet grains and desolventized millet phenolic extracts can act as natural sources of antioxidants at different degrees in pork, fish, peanut and gingelly oil to prevent lipid oxidation during storage.
Sri Lanka Journal of Aquatic Sciences
Journal of Food Engineering
Planta
Main conclusion Nutrient-rich neglected and underutilized plant species could help transform food... more Main conclusion Nutrient-rich neglected and underutilized plant species could help transform food systems, provided science and policy are better connected, and greater coordination exists among the diverse stakeholders working with these species.
Tropical Agricultural Research
The effect of extracts of pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) peel, rosemary and oregano on the oxid... more The effect of extracts of pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) peel, rosemary and oregano on the oxidative stability of Coconut Oil (CO), Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO), Palm oil (PO), Sunflower Oil (SO) and Sesame Oil (SSO) during deep frying (170 ± 5 °C/10 min) was determined. These five locally available edible oils were used for frying standard size potato strips in the presence of three different antioixdative extracts namely, pomegranate pee, oregano and rosemary extracts at 2% (w/w) level. A sample of oil used for frying (10 mL) was collected into a glass vial, flushed with nitrogen and stored at-18°C until analysis. Frying was repeated twice more with the same oil. Oil devoid of any extract was used as the control. The samples were analysed for peroxide value (PV) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS). Results revealed that both PV and TBARS values gradually increased with the frying cycle across all oil systems tested indicating a gradual rise of oxidation of oils with use. The order of oxidative stability of oils followed the order: SO< SSO< PO< CO< VCO. A significant (p<0.05) inhibition of oxidation was observed in all oil systems tested as a result of the plant extracts incorporated into oils during deep frying. The least resistance against oxidation was observed in SSO which is predominantly rich in unsaturated fatty acids while VCO exhibited the highest level of resistance. Results further revealed that the pomegranate peel powder exerted the strongest antioxidant activity compared to that of the oregano and rosemary extracts.
BMC Cardiovascular Disorders
Background: Lifestyle factors associated with hypertension (HT) in South Asian populations are re... more Background: Lifestyle factors associated with hypertension (HT) in South Asian populations are relatively unknown. The objective of the current study was to investigate the prevalence rates of undiagnosed HT and factors associated with it in a cohort of males from the Central Province of Sri Lanka. Methods: The study group consisted of 2462 males (mean age 31 years, range: 16-72 years) who underwent a routine medical examination at the National Transport Medical Institute, Kandy, Sri Lanka. Participants with previously diagnosed heart disease, diabetes, hypertension or other chronic illnesses were excluded from this study. Dietary and other lifestyle factors were studied using validated self-administered questionnaires. Body Mass Index (BMI) cutoff values for Asians were used to categorize the subjects according to weight status. The association of individual dietary and lifestyle patterns with HT was assessed by fitting into binary logistic regression models. Results: The mean systolic (SBP) and diastolic blood pressures (DBP) of the individuals were 125.9 mmHg and 80. 5 mmHg, respectively. The prevalence rate of undiagnosed HT was 31.7%. Both SBP and DBP showed significant positive correlations with age, weight, BMI and waist circumference. After adjusting for potential confounders, HT was associated with older age (p = 0.001) and increased weight status (p < 0.001) with trends of association for level of education (p = 0.058). Level of income, alcohol consumption, sleeping hours, smoking, physical activity level, ethnic difference, consumption of fruits, fish, meat, dairy, sweets or fried snacks were not significantly associated with HT. Obese males were 92.1% [odds ratio: 1.9 (1.4-2.7)] more likely to be hypertensive compared to normal weight males. Conclusions: Undiagnosed HT is prevalent at an alarming rate among adult males in the Central Province of Sri Lanka. Its association with age and BMI (weight status) highlights the importance of routine screening for HT as well as interventions targeted at reducing obesity to curb the rise of this modifiable cardiovascular disease risk factor.
BMC Public Health, 2017
Background: Obesity has become a global epidemic. The prevalence of obesity has also increased in... more Background: Obesity has become a global epidemic. The prevalence of obesity has also increased in the South Asian region in the last decade. However, dietary and lifestyle factors associated with obesity in Sri Lankan adults are unclear. The objective of the current study was to investigate the association of dietary and lifestyle patterns with overweight and obesity in a cohort of males from the Central Province of Sri Lanka. Methods: A total of 2469 males aged between 16 and 72 years (x ¼ 31) were included in the study. The sample comprised individuals who presented for a routine medical examination at the National Transport Medical Institute, Kandy, Sri Lanka. The Body Mass Index (BMI) cutoff values for Asians were used to categorize the participants into four groups as underweight, normal weight, overweight or obese. The data on dietary and lifestyle patterns such as level of physical activity, smoking, alcohol consumption, sleeping hours and other socio demographic data were obtained using validated self-administered questionnaires. Multinomial logistic regression model was fitted to assess the associations of individual lifestyle patterns with overweight and obesity. Results: The mean BMI of the study group was 22.7 kg m −2 and prevalence rates of overweight and obesity were 31.8 and 12.3%, respectively. Mean waist circumference of the participants was 78.6 cm with 17.1% of them being centrally obese. After adjusting for potential confounders, weight status was associated with older age (P < 0.0001), ethnicity (P = 0.0033) and higher income (P = 0.0006). While higher physical activity showed a trend for being associated with lower odds of being obese (odds ratio: 0.898confidence interval: 0.744-1.084), alcohol intake, consumption of fruits, level of education, sleeping hours, smoking, consumption of fish, meat, dairy, sweets or fried snacks were not significantly associated with the weight status. Conclusion: The high prevalence rates of overweight and obesity in working-age males is a threatening sign for Sri Lanka. Since the prevalence rate is higher in certain ethnic groups and higher-income groups, targeted interventions for these groups may be necessary.
Journal of the American Oil Chemists Society, Jan 6, 2004
Four bean varieties with different hull colors (white, brown, red, and black) were extracted with... more Four bean varieties with different hull colors (white, brown, red, and black) were extracted with 80% acetone and evaluated for their antioxidant potential. Red, brown, and black bean extracts were able to effectively retain supercoiled DNA against 2,2'-azobis(2-methylpropionamidine) dihydrochloride (AAPH)-induced radical damage at the concentration levels (5, 10, 50, and 100 ppm) tested. Delphinidin, cyanidin, and procyanidins B2, C1, C2, and X were identified in red, brown, and black bean hull extracts, whereas white bean hull extract contained only a small amount of flavonoids. Vanillic, caffeic, pcoumaric, ferulic, and sinapic acids were the main phenolic acids identified in bean hull extracts.
Food Chemistry, 2007
... respectively (Holub, 2001). During intrauterine life, DHA is incorporated into phospholipid m... more ... respectively (Holub, 2001). During intrauterine life, DHA is incorporated into phospholipid membranes of retina and brain and continues to accumulate during the first two years of life after birth (Newton, 2001). Hence, fish oils ...
Tropical Agricultural Research, 2015
The effect of pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) peel extracts on the stability of white coconut oi... more The effect of pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) peel extracts on the stability of white coconut oil during deep frying (180 ± 5 °C/10 min) was determined. Antioxidative constituents present in the peel of pomegranate varieties Nayana, Daya and Nimali were extracted into acetone and incorporated into white coconut oil (WCO) at 2 % (w/w) level. The WCO samples containing peel extracts were used to fry standard sized potato pieces. The oil samples were subjected to three frying cycles. After each frying cycle, oil samples (10 mL) were drawn and the level of oxidation was assessed using peroxide value (PV), thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), conjugated dienes (CD) and conjugated trienes (CT). α-Tocopherol was used as the reference antioxidant and oil devoid of any additive was used as the control. Results revealed that pomegranate peel extracts from the three varieties tested are potent antioxidants that can effectively suppress oxidation and stabilize WCO during deep frying.
Food Research International
Asia Pacific Journal of Public Health
Reference Series in Phytochemistry
Advances in Agriculture
Bael (Aegle marmelos L. Corrêa) is an economically valuable tree species in South Asia. The ripen... more Bael (Aegle marmelos L. Corrêa) is an economically valuable tree species in South Asia. The ripen bael fruits are popular among people because of the delicious fruit pulp, which is ideal for making jam, syrup, and pudding. Bael possesses many medicinal values and therefore used as an ingredient in ayurvedic herbal medical preparations. The fruits, bark, leaves, seeds, and roots of bael contain bioactive compounds such as coumarin, xanthotoxol, imperatorin, aegeline, and marmeline. These compounds can provide antidiabetic, anticancerous, antifertility, antimicrobial, immunogenic, and insecticidal activities. Bael is also essential as a species for reforestation, especially in the unfertile marginal lands. Bael seeds possess a unique fatty acid (12-hydroxyoctadec-cis-9-enoic acid or ricinoleic acid), a convertible item into biodiesel. Bael is an underutilized fruit species in South Asian countries. However, numerous studies report the medically significant properties and industrially ...
Tropical Agricultural Research
Bael fruit pulp possesses delicious taste with pleasing aroma and exhibit important pharmacologic... more Bael fruit pulp possesses delicious taste with pleasing aroma and exhibit important pharmacological attributes such as hepato-protective and anti-cancerous properties. Although, bael is popular among the general public, it is considered as an underutilized fruit species in Sri Lanka. The Fruit Research and Development Institute of Sri Lanka has identified five superior bael Accessions (Beheth Beli, Paragammana, Mawanella, Rambukkana and Polonnaruwa Supun) from diverse agro-ecological zones. In the present study, morphological diversity of the ripened fruits harvested from the five selected bael Accessions was investigated in three fruiting seasons in 2015-2017. The fruit weight, length, width, inner diameter, number of seeds, shell thickness, fruit color according to Munsell Color Chart, L*, a*, b*, Chroma and Hue angle were measured and the data were statistically analyzed. The mean fruit weight was significantly high in Polonnaruwa Supun (951.86 g) followed by Rambukkana (669.14 g) and Mawanella (310.70 g) (p<0.05). The accessions Beheth Beli and Paragammana had the lowest fruit sizes 138.29 g and 158.09 g, respectively (p<0.05). Mean number of seeds were lowest in Polonnaruwa Supun (20 per fruit) and highest in the accessions Mawanella (60.33) and Rambukkana (60 per fruit) (p<0.05). The growing season has no effect either on size of fruits or number of seeds present. Three clear clusters could be identified based on fruit size, in which Polonnaruwa Supun and Rambukkana with 83.2% similarity clustered together and Beheth Beli and Paragammana with 94.4% similarity clustered together. The accession Mawanella was separated from the rest. The shell colour was not variable among the five accessions however; flesh colour of Rambukkana was the darkest with the highest significant Chroma. The accession Polonnaruwa Supun could be considered as the best fruit type with the largest fruit size, least number of miniature seeds and appealing flesh colour for consumption as a fresh fruit, while Rambukkana fruits can be considered as the best for processing due to its flesh colour.
Tropical Agricultural Research
Lyophilized aqueous extracts of four underutilized fruit species namely Diospyros discolor (Velve... more Lyophilized aqueous extracts of four underutilized fruit species namely Diospyros discolor (Velvet apple), Pouteria campechiana (Lavulu/Canistel), Phylanthus acidus (Mal-Nelli/Star gooseberry) and Phyllanthus emblica (Nelli/Indian gooseberry) were investigated for the antioxidant potential (AP) by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay, 2,2-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid (ABTS) assay and ferrous reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay. Total phenolic content (TPC) and total monomeric anthocyanin content (TMAC) were determined by Folin-Ciocalteu's colorimetric assay and pH differential method, respectively. Vitamin C (VitC) content of fresh fruit was evaluated titrimertically and expressed as mg of ascorbic acid in 100 g of fresh weight (FW). The TPC and TMAC were expressed as mg of gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/100g FW and mg of cyanodin-3-glucoside (C3G)/100g FW. The measured parameters differed significantly among four fruit species. The values ranged between 84.42-1939.70 mg GAE/100g FW, 10.41-55.64 mg C3G/100g FW, 0.067-310.63 mg FW/ml, 9-81.29%, 238.25-2891.57 Fe 2+ mol/100g FW and 17.12-523.14 mg/100g FW for TPC, TMAC, IC50, RSA, FRAP and VitC, respectively. Phyllanthus emblica possessed highest values in all parameters while Phyllanthus acidus showed the lowest except in TPC. The lowest TPC was observed in Diospyros discolor. The extract of Pouteria campechiana also showed considerable amount of TPC (640 mg C3G/100g FW), RSA (76%) and VitC of 53 mg/ 100g. The results revealed that these underutilized fruit crops can be used as sources of natural antioxidants and vitamin C.
Tropical Agricultural Research
There has been mounting interest in the health benefits associated with live microorganisms commo... more There has been mounting interest in the health benefits associated with live microorganisms commonly known as probiotics. Many probiotic bacterial species have been identified. However, the potential of yeasts as a source of probiotics has not been well explored. The present study was carried out to screen and identify potential probiotic yeasts from selected dairy sources available in Sri Lanka. Yeasts from raw bovine milk and curd were isolated, purified, selected and phenotypically characterized by performing morphological, physiological and biochemical tests. Isolates were assessed for their ability to survive under simulated gastro-intestinal conditions to explore their probiotic potential. Approximately, 190 colonies similar to yeast were isolated and 45 isolates of the division Ascomycota were selected and coded for convenience (SLDY_001-SLDY_045). Most promising probiotic isolates (20) were genotypically identified to be species of Pichia (55%), Candida (30%), and Kluyveromyces (15%) of the family: Saccharomycetaceae. Considering a threshold of >95% similarity to the type strain, eight different yeast species were identified. Isolates (SLDY_005, SLDY_006 and SLDY_039) of Kluyveromyces marxianus species showed the highest probiotic potential from the pool. The strain confirmation and in-vitro/invivo safety assessment of these isolates will further verify their suitability as probiotic starter cultures to be used in local food and pharmaceutical industries.
Tropical Agricultural Research
Dehulled grain flour of finger millet (Eleusine coracana), proso millet (Panicum miliaceum) and f... more Dehulled grain flour of finger millet (Eleusine coracana), proso millet (Panicum miliaceum) and foxtail millet (Setaria italica) and phenolic extracts of millet hulls were evaluated for ability to inhibit lipid oxidation in several food model systems, namely cooked comminuted pork and fish, roasted peanut butter and gingelly oil. Food samples were kept for 14 days with added millet hull extracts and dehulled grain flours. The percentage inhibition of production of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) during storage was determined. Inhibitory activities of phenolic extracts of finger millet dehulled grain and finger millet foods, namely, Rotti, Pittu, Halapa, Thalapa and porridge, against human very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) oxidation were determined by measuring the production level of conjugated dienes (CD) in vitro. Finger millet had higher phenolic content and antioxidant activities compared to the respective proso and foxtail millet samples. Finger millet hull extracts exhibited the highest inhibition of lipid peroxidation in food model systems. The maximum percentage inhibition of TBARS in pork, fish, and peanut with added finger millet hull extracts were observed at days 3, 7, 5, and 14, respectively. The percentage inihibition of TBARS in cooked pork and fish with added millet hull extracts ranged from 4.4 to 12.8% and 63 to 77%, respectively at the end of the second week. Millet grains and desolventized millet phenolic extracts can act as natural sources of antioxidants at different degrees in pork, fish, peanut and gingelly oil to prevent lipid oxidation during storage.
Sri Lanka Journal of Aquatic Sciences
Journal of Food Engineering
Planta
Main conclusion Nutrient-rich neglected and underutilized plant species could help transform food... more Main conclusion Nutrient-rich neglected and underutilized plant species could help transform food systems, provided science and policy are better connected, and greater coordination exists among the diverse stakeholders working with these species.
Tropical Agricultural Research
The effect of extracts of pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) peel, rosemary and oregano on the oxid... more The effect of extracts of pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) peel, rosemary and oregano on the oxidative stability of Coconut Oil (CO), Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO), Palm oil (PO), Sunflower Oil (SO) and Sesame Oil (SSO) during deep frying (170 ± 5 °C/10 min) was determined. These five locally available edible oils were used for frying standard size potato strips in the presence of three different antioixdative extracts namely, pomegranate pee, oregano and rosemary extracts at 2% (w/w) level. A sample of oil used for frying (10 mL) was collected into a glass vial, flushed with nitrogen and stored at-18°C until analysis. Frying was repeated twice more with the same oil. Oil devoid of any extract was used as the control. The samples were analysed for peroxide value (PV) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS). Results revealed that both PV and TBARS values gradually increased with the frying cycle across all oil systems tested indicating a gradual rise of oxidation of oils with use. The order of oxidative stability of oils followed the order: SO< SSO< PO< CO< VCO. A significant (p<0.05) inhibition of oxidation was observed in all oil systems tested as a result of the plant extracts incorporated into oils during deep frying. The least resistance against oxidation was observed in SSO which is predominantly rich in unsaturated fatty acids while VCO exhibited the highest level of resistance. Results further revealed that the pomegranate peel powder exerted the strongest antioxidant activity compared to that of the oregano and rosemary extracts.
BMC Cardiovascular Disorders
Background: Lifestyle factors associated with hypertension (HT) in South Asian populations are re... more Background: Lifestyle factors associated with hypertension (HT) in South Asian populations are relatively unknown. The objective of the current study was to investigate the prevalence rates of undiagnosed HT and factors associated with it in a cohort of males from the Central Province of Sri Lanka. Methods: The study group consisted of 2462 males (mean age 31 years, range: 16-72 years) who underwent a routine medical examination at the National Transport Medical Institute, Kandy, Sri Lanka. Participants with previously diagnosed heart disease, diabetes, hypertension or other chronic illnesses were excluded from this study. Dietary and other lifestyle factors were studied using validated self-administered questionnaires. Body Mass Index (BMI) cutoff values for Asians were used to categorize the subjects according to weight status. The association of individual dietary and lifestyle patterns with HT was assessed by fitting into binary logistic regression models. Results: The mean systolic (SBP) and diastolic blood pressures (DBP) of the individuals were 125.9 mmHg and 80. 5 mmHg, respectively. The prevalence rate of undiagnosed HT was 31.7%. Both SBP and DBP showed significant positive correlations with age, weight, BMI and waist circumference. After adjusting for potential confounders, HT was associated with older age (p = 0.001) and increased weight status (p < 0.001) with trends of association for level of education (p = 0.058). Level of income, alcohol consumption, sleeping hours, smoking, physical activity level, ethnic difference, consumption of fruits, fish, meat, dairy, sweets or fried snacks were not significantly associated with HT. Obese males were 92.1% [odds ratio: 1.9 (1.4-2.7)] more likely to be hypertensive compared to normal weight males. Conclusions: Undiagnosed HT is prevalent at an alarming rate among adult males in the Central Province of Sri Lanka. Its association with age and BMI (weight status) highlights the importance of routine screening for HT as well as interventions targeted at reducing obesity to curb the rise of this modifiable cardiovascular disease risk factor.
BMC Public Health, 2017
Background: Obesity has become a global epidemic. The prevalence of obesity has also increased in... more Background: Obesity has become a global epidemic. The prevalence of obesity has also increased in the South Asian region in the last decade. However, dietary and lifestyle factors associated with obesity in Sri Lankan adults are unclear. The objective of the current study was to investigate the association of dietary and lifestyle patterns with overweight and obesity in a cohort of males from the Central Province of Sri Lanka. Methods: A total of 2469 males aged between 16 and 72 years (x ¼ 31) were included in the study. The sample comprised individuals who presented for a routine medical examination at the National Transport Medical Institute, Kandy, Sri Lanka. The Body Mass Index (BMI) cutoff values for Asians were used to categorize the participants into four groups as underweight, normal weight, overweight or obese. The data on dietary and lifestyle patterns such as level of physical activity, smoking, alcohol consumption, sleeping hours and other socio demographic data were obtained using validated self-administered questionnaires. Multinomial logistic regression model was fitted to assess the associations of individual lifestyle patterns with overweight and obesity. Results: The mean BMI of the study group was 22.7 kg m −2 and prevalence rates of overweight and obesity were 31.8 and 12.3%, respectively. Mean waist circumference of the participants was 78.6 cm with 17.1% of them being centrally obese. After adjusting for potential confounders, weight status was associated with older age (P < 0.0001), ethnicity (P = 0.0033) and higher income (P = 0.0006). While higher physical activity showed a trend for being associated with lower odds of being obese (odds ratio: 0.898confidence interval: 0.744-1.084), alcohol intake, consumption of fruits, level of education, sleeping hours, smoking, consumption of fish, meat, dairy, sweets or fried snacks were not significantly associated with the weight status. Conclusion: The high prevalence rates of overweight and obesity in working-age males is a threatening sign for Sri Lanka. Since the prevalence rate is higher in certain ethnic groups and higher-income groups, targeted interventions for these groups may be necessary.
Journal of the American Oil Chemists Society, Jan 6, 2004
Four bean varieties with different hull colors (white, brown, red, and black) were extracted with... more Four bean varieties with different hull colors (white, brown, red, and black) were extracted with 80% acetone and evaluated for their antioxidant potential. Red, brown, and black bean extracts were able to effectively retain supercoiled DNA against 2,2'-azobis(2-methylpropionamidine) dihydrochloride (AAPH)-induced radical damage at the concentration levels (5, 10, 50, and 100 ppm) tested. Delphinidin, cyanidin, and procyanidins B2, C1, C2, and X were identified in red, brown, and black bean hull extracts, whereas white bean hull extract contained only a small amount of flavonoids. Vanillic, caffeic, pcoumaric, ferulic, and sinapic acids were the main phenolic acids identified in bean hull extracts.
Food Chemistry, 2007
... respectively (Holub, 2001). During intrauterine life, DHA is incorporated into phospholipid m... more ... respectively (Holub, 2001). During intrauterine life, DHA is incorporated into phospholipid membranes of retina and brain and continues to accumulate during the first two years of life after birth (Newton, 2001). Hence, fish oils ...
Tropical Agricultural Research, 2015
The effect of pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) peel extracts on the stability of white coconut oi... more The effect of pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) peel extracts on the stability of white coconut oil during deep frying (180 ± 5 °C/10 min) was determined. Antioxidative constituents present in the peel of pomegranate varieties Nayana, Daya and Nimali were extracted into acetone and incorporated into white coconut oil (WCO) at 2 % (w/w) level. The WCO samples containing peel extracts were used to fry standard sized potato pieces. The oil samples were subjected to three frying cycles. After each frying cycle, oil samples (10 mL) were drawn and the level of oxidation was assessed using peroxide value (PV), thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), conjugated dienes (CD) and conjugated trienes (CT). α-Tocopherol was used as the reference antioxidant and oil devoid of any additive was used as the control. Results revealed that pomegranate peel extracts from the three varieties tested are potent antioxidants that can effectively suppress oxidation and stabilize WCO during deep frying.