Tariq Ismail

Bahauddin Zakariya University | BZU · Department of Food Science & Technology

Flaxseed is a limited and unexplored natural source for food product stabilization and quality enhancement. Our aim was to utilize flaxseed powder (FP) at different concentrations (2%, 4%, 6% and 8%) and a control (no FP) to investigate its effect on the quality and oxidative stability of cooked goat meat patties. Our results showed that the variat...

Carissa carandas L. (Apocynaceae) is widely distributed in tropical and subtropical regions of Asia including Pakistan, India, Afghanistan, and Sri Lanka. C. carandas is considered as an integral component of traditional medicinal systems to combat several health ailments. The present study aimed to assess this plant’s phytochemical contents and bi...

Background Zinc deficiency poses significant health risks, particularly in low-income settings. This study aims to evaluate the impact of agronomically zinc biofortified (fermented and non-fermented) and post-harvest wheat flour flatbread on zinc status and metabolic health in adolescents and adult women in rural Pakistan. Methods A four-arm tripl...

Objectives Camel milk is gaining popularity worldwide owing to its unique biochemical composition and therapeutic benefits. In persona to available data on camel milk's potential health attributes against noncommunicable diseases, this study examined camel milk's effect on hepatic and renal biomarkers of milk consumers. Materials and Methods An obs...

Brassica campestris (syn. Brassica rapa) is often known as mustard and is grown worldwide owing to its health-promoting characteristics associated with the presence of nutrients and phytochemicals. Along with the nutritional components, B. campestris also contains anti-nutrients (phytates, oxalates, tannins, alkaloids, saponins) that can cause adve...

Spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.) is a leafy green vegetable that belongs to the family Amaranthus, sub-family Chenopodiaceae. It is famous for its low-calorie content and rich nutritional profile of zinc, folic acid, iron, calcium, magnesium, retinol, and ascorbic acid. In contrast, pesticide residues like imidacloprid, cypermethrin, bifenthrin, chlo...

In the original publication [...]

The current research focused on improving the nutritional quality of cupcakes by using micronutrient-rich vegetables, specifically purslane’s leaves and stems. The purslane leaves and stems were sun-dried and analyzed for their proximate, mineral, and antioxidant potential. After conducting preliminary trials, flour blends supplemented with purslan...

South Asia is the most densely populated region of the world. Approximately 20% of the global population is fed from 5% world agricultural land of South Asia. According to the estimates, one-third of the world’s poor population lives in South Asia while 70% of this population belongs to the rural South Asia. Food demands of South Asia are tremendou...

The massive increase in human population, particularly in developing, agriculture-based economies is intensively contributing to the rise in the situation of food insecurity and biodiversity decline. Intensive agriculture farming aimed at supplying global food demands is jeopardizing the natural ecosystems which are otherwise backbone of the food s...

Spinach (Spinacia oleracea) is a winter-season green, leafy vegetable grown all over the world, belonging to the family Amaranthus, sub-family Chenopodiaceae. Spinach is a low-caloric food and an enormous source of micronutrients, e.g., calcium, folates, zinc, retinol, iron, ascorbic acid and magnesium. Contrarily, it also contains a variety of ant...

Grass pea (Lathyrus sativus L.), an indigenous legume of the subcontinental region, is a promising source of protein and other nutrients of health significance. Contrarily, a high amount of β-N-oxalyl-l-α,β-diaminopropionic acid (β-ODAP) and other anti-nutrients limits its wider acceptability as healthier substitute to protein of animal and plant o...

Food packaging material is the primary element of the food industry; therefore, its consideration to sustain food quality and food safety is crucial. Several food-grade materials have been utilized for packaging food commodities for a long time. Still, these materials negatively influence safety, shelf life, texture, quality, and flavors of the foo...

This study aimed to evaluate anti-diabetic potential of functional camel milk yogurt enriched with Cinnamomum verum and Stevia rebaudiana that not only mask its peculiar flavour rather have an antidiabetic effect as well. Sixty-three pathogen free STZ-induced albino Wistar rats were categorized into 7 groups on the basis of treatments. From each tr...

The present study investigates the hydrolysis, microstructural profiling and utilization of guar gum (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba) as a prebiotic in a yoghurt. Guar galactomannans (GG) was purified and partially depolymerized using an acid, alkali and enzyme to improve its characteristics and increase its utilization. The prebiotic potential of hydroly...

This study was aimed to improve nutritional, functional and consumer safety aspects of cabbage powder (CP). White cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata f. alba) was dehydrated to CP following microwave heating, blanching, alkali or acid washing treatments. The results for nutrients and mineral composition of raw and processed CP elucidated raw C...

This study was aimed to improve nutritional, functional and consumer safety aspects of cabbage powder (CP). White cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata f. alba) was dehydrated to CP following microwave heating, blanching, alkali or acid washing treatments. The results for nutrients and mineral composition of raw and processed CP elucidated raw C...

Globally, grown and organoleptically accepted citrus fruits vary in chemical compositions. Traditionally, it has been utilized to treat various health disorders, later supported by reliable pharmacological studies wherein various extracts of citrus anatomical parts (peel, pulp, leaves) reported to exert protective effects against inflammation, mali...

Height-for-age Z-score (HAZ) curves are widely used for detecting children with stunting. The aim of this study was to provide smoothed HAZ growth reference values and their curves for Pakistani children and adolescents aged 2–18 years. The prevalence of stunting in Pakistani children was determined. A total of 10,668 healthy Pakistani participants...

A commonly observed chicken meat issue is its lipid oxidation that leads to deterioration of its organoleptic and nutritional properties and its further-processed products. Basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) is one of the traditional culinary herbs exhibiting food preservation properties. The current study investigated the essential oil composition, antio...

is study aims at evaluating nutritional, toxicological, and sensory attributes of microwave heat-treated potato powder-supplemented unleavened flatbread. Straight-grade wheat flour (SGF) was substituted with potato powder at the rate of 2.5-10% d.w. A comparison was made for nutritional, antinutrient, and organoleptic attributes of microwave heat-t...

Health and nutritional status of the women of reproductive age (WRA) is expected to be influenced with women literacy status alongside other socio-demographic indicators. However, data are scant to validate if literate young women have lower incidence of anemia prevalence. Nexus to the problem stated, a cross-sectional study was conducted on 1,541...

Cannabis sativa var. Kompolti, a variety routinely used for food production purposes, is characterized by a low concentration of psychoactive molecules, although containing many other biologically attractive metabolites in all parts of the plant, including the roots. In the present work, we evaluate the specific biological activities of the roots’...

Basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) is one of the most common aromatic herbs, a rich source of bioactive compounds, and is used extensively to add aroma and flavor to food. The leaves, both in fresh and dried form, are used as a culinary ingredient in different cultures. O. basilicum is also famous for its therapeutic potential and preservation effects. Th...

Background: Head circumference (HC) measurement is a significant measure of brain volume. It is also considered a powerful predictor in the evaluation of developmental and neurological disorders in children. This study aims to develop smoothed reference curves for HC of the Pakistani children of age 6 to 18 years. Methods: A cross-sectional data...

The study was an extension of our earlier work on antiinflammatory and anticancer properties of G. asiatica fruit. We aimed to develop a bioassay guided multistep purification technique for producing bioactive fractions of G. asiatica crude extracts. Dried fruit powder was sequentially fractionated with 100% dichloromethane, 100% methanol (MeOH), a...

Undernutrition is still highly prevalent in developing countries and leads to a multitude of problems as it weakens the immune system, which leads to increased risk of infections and diet-related diseases. COVID-19 has worsened the existing situation and has resulted in unprecedented health, social, and economic disruptions across the world. Before...

Plant proteins-based foods contribute a larger part of human diet and off-course the daily nutrients supply. Complete reliance on plants proteins sources like wheat are expected to anticipate detrimental effects in populations where such cereals are the staple crops and comprises a larger share of the total dietary energy supply. Beside the fact th...

Deleterious impact of animal meat production and consumption on environment and consumers health has developed interests for exploring relatively safer, healthier, and sustainable food sources. Promoting the production and consumption of plants as alternative to meat proteins do not merely conserve the ecosystem but also promote consumers health an...

This study aims at evaluating nutritional, toxicological, and sensory attributes of microwave heat treated potato powder supplemented unleavened flatbread. Straight grade wheat flour (SGF) was substituted with potato powder at the rate of 2.5-10% d.w. A comparison was made for nutritional, antinutrients and organoleptic attributes of microwave heat...

Syzygium cumini, locally known as Jamun in Asia, is a fruit-bearing crop belonging to the Myrtaceae family. This study aims to summarize the most recent literature related to botany, traditional applications, phytochemical ingredients, pharmacological activities, nutrition, and potential food applications of S. cumini. Traditionally, S. cumini has...

Globally, both in developing and developed countries due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there is a loss of income, many people ran out of livelihood, a change in the food environment occurred, social inequalities formed, country’s economy declined, food prices increased, which in return affected the food security and nutrition of the affected countries...

Tribulus terrestris L. belongs to the family Zygophyllaceae and integral part of various ancient medicinal systems including Chinese, Indian, and European to combat various health ailments. The aim of the present study was to assess the phytochemical constituents, in vitro antioxidant activity using DPPH, FRAP, and H2O2 assays, in vitro anticancer...

Ethnopharmacological relevance Syzygium cumini (L.) Skeels has been extensively used in the ancient medical system of Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka to combat diabetes, inflammation, and renal disorders. These health-promoting aspects of S. cumini are related to bioactive metabolites such as phenolic acids, anthocyanins, tannins, and fl...

Globally grown and organoleptically appreciated Grewia species are known as sources of bioactive compounds that avert the risk of communicable and non-communicable diseases. Therefore, in recent years, the genus Grewia has attracted increasing scientific attention. This is the first systematic review which focusses primarily on the nutritional comp...

Although the availability of conventional pharmaceutical formulas for the diabetes management is overwhelmingly increasing, still a number of the diabetic patients across the world rely upon complimentary treatments to address the problem. This research aimed to explore the nutritional index of raw and fermented watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) seeds...

The study aims to evaluate the effect of traditional cooking methods (simple boiling, pan-frying, grilling and steam roasting) on physicochemical and sensory attributes of the Desi, Aseel and commercial Broiler chicken meat. The results declared no variation in the pH, drip loss and expressible moisture contents of the raw meats. However, cooking r...

Purpose This study aims to compare the antioxidant and antimicrobial activity of different parts (tip, mid and base portion) of lemongrass leaves for application as a natural ingredient in the functional drink. Design/methodology/approach Lemongrass leaf powder was prepared from different parts of leaves and evaluated for nutritional composition....

Climate change and variability affect virtually everyone and every region of the world but the effects are nowhere more prominent than in mountain regions and people living therein. The Hindu Kush Himalayan (HKH) region is a vast expanse encompassing 18% of the world’s mountainous area. Sprawling over 4.3 million km², the HKH region occupies areas...

Heterocyclic aromatic amines (HAAs) are potent carcinogenic compounds in-duced by Maillard reaction in well-done cooked meats. Free amino acids, pro-tein, creatinine, reducing sugars and nucleosides are major precursors involved in the production of polar and non-polar HAAs. The variety and yield of HAAs are linked with various factors such as meat...

Globally, both in developing and developed countries due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there is a loss of income, many people ran out of livelihood, a change in the food environment occurred, social inequalities formed, country’s economy declined, food prices increased, which in return affected the food security and nutrition of the affected countries...

This study aimed at investigating the physicochemical and bread-making features of dehydrated spinach. Physicochemical composition of spinach powder was compared with wheat flour and the effect of spinach powder supplementation on the nutri- tional composition, dough rheology, and quality attributes of chapatti were assessed. The results suggest...

The study aims to evaluate the effect of traditional cooking methods (simple boiling, pan-frying, grilling and steam roasting) on physicochemical and sensory attributes of the Desi, Aseel and commercial Broiler chicken meat. The results declared no variation in the pH, drip loss and expressible moisture contents of the raw meats. However, cooking r...

This study was aimed at the nutritional characterization of indigenous lotus seed flour (LSF) and evaluating the impact of its supplementation on textural and sensory attributes of cookies. LSF dried to moisture contents ~ 9% were evaluated for nutritional composition and supplemented in straight grade flour at the rate of 2.5–10% for the developme...

The present study aimed at evaluating nutritional potential and antioxidant activity of the extracts derived from vegetable wastes such as carrot pomace, onion upper bulbs, and peels from garlic, tomato & potato. Proximate composition, minerals profiling and antioxidants activity as 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and trolox equivalent antioxi...

Ethnopharmacological relevance Syzygium cumini (L.) Skeels is an imperative medicinal plant utilized in the health care systems of Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh. S. cumini have been used to cure renal issues, indigestion, diabetes, dysentery, and employed in folk medicine to treat inflammations. It is known to anticipate antioxidant, a...

Purpose-This study aims to compare the antioxidant and antimicrobial activity of different parts (tip, mid and base portion) of lemongrass leaves for application as a natural ingredient in the functional drink. Design/methodology/approach-Lemongrass leaf powder was prepared from different parts of leaves and evaluated for nutritional composition. A...

This study aimed at investigating the physicochemical and bread-making features of dehydrated spinach. Physicochemical composition of spinach powder was compared with wheat flour and the effect of spinach powder supplementation on the nutritional composition, dough rheology, and quality attributes of chapatti were assessed. The results suggested sp...

Aflatoxins pose serious health implications on all age groups, and therefore the exposure assessment of aflatoxins through all means is essential. Human exposure of aflatoxins is mainly through the ingestion route, but a limited amount of aflatoxins may also enter through the inhalation route. Aflatoxin exposure assessment may be performed through...

A cohort study of 90 days was designed to explore the hypercholesterolemic associated blood pressure with intake of extruded flaxseed powder (EFSP) fortified yogurts. The hypercholesterolemic subjects were distributed into two groups (1 and 2), then blood samples and blood pressure were taken. Descriptive statistics were used for comparison between...

Present study aimed at investigating the magnitude of the prevalence and antibiotic resistance among four Salmonella spp. i.e., S. typhi, S. paratyphi A, S. paratyphi B and S. typhimurium. Raw milk and environment samples were collected from the five districts of southern part of the province of Punjab in Pakistan i.e., Multan, Bahawalpur, Lodhran,...

Dyslipidemia management activity of ginger-, garlic-, and lemon-based herbal mixture was tested as paste and herbal extract in hypercholesterolemic adult male albino rats. Atherogenic diet-induced hypercholesterolemia in rats was treated by supplementing the diet with 2.5% herbal paste (4.2 g/kg b.w.) or 2.5 ml oral gavage (20 ml/ kg b.w.) of liqui...

Introduction Chemoprevention of cancer refers to the use of natural or synthetic compounds to abolish or perturb a variety of steps in tumor initiation, promotion, and progression. This can be realized through different mechanisms, including activation of free radical scavenging enzymes, control of chronic inflammation, and downregulation of specif...

Worldwide, there is an array of clinical trials under way to evaluate treatment options against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. Concurrently, several nutritional therapies and alternative supportive treatments are also being used and tested to reduce the mortality associated with a...

Objective: Neck circumference (NC) is considered as an alternative screening method for obesity. The core objectives of this investigation were to evaluate the diagnostic ability of NC as an indicator of central obesity in Pakistani children and to determine the sex-specific best NC cut-off points that would identify centrally obese children. S...

Present study aimed at investigating the magnitude of the prevalence and antibiotic resistance among four Salmonella spp. i.e. S. typhi , S. paratyphi A, S. paratyphi B and S. typhimurium, present in raw milk and environment samples from five districts of southern part of the Province of Punjab in Pakistan i.e. Multan , Bahawalpur, Lodhran, Dera Gh...

This study was planned to develop and characterize extruded multilegume savory bars as a protein supplementary nutrition. Legumes were extruded to prepare composite flour. Proportions of extruded flour were mixed with whey protein concentrate, honey and palm oil for preparation of protein bar. The product was evaluated for physico-chemical, mineral...

Magnetite (Fe3O4) is getting popular due to its super-paramagnetic properties, high biocompatibility and lack of toxicity to humans. Magnetite (Fe3O4) nanoparticles have high surface energy thus these nanoparticles aggregate quickly. This aggregation strongly affects the efficiency of these nanoparticles. So these magnetite nanoparticles are coated...