International Journal of Food, Nutrition & Dietetics

The production of biofilm by bacteria is the survival tactic in inappropriate environmental conditions. Biofilms also encourage pathogenic bacterial strains to develop antibiotic resistance. Exopolymeric substances (EPS) are the main constituent of biofilm that restricts the diffusion of plenty of antimicrobial compounds. Therefore, plant-derived compounds ‘phytochemicals (flavonoids, tannins, alkaloids, terpenes, etc.) provide alternative options by showing the capability to inhibit biofilm produced by bacteria. However, the low stability, improper absorption, poor aqueous solubility, and easy degradability are few unfavorable features of phytochemicals that limit their use for further medical applications. However, the advancement in nanotechnology revolutionized antimicrobial chemotherapy, as various nanocarriers were shown their effectiveness in delivering bioactive compounds. Chitosan, derived from chitin, acts as bio carrier for a wide range of phytochemicals and improve their delivery and stability by exhibiting excellent antimicrobial and antibiofilm activities. The chitosan-based nanoparticles provided a feasible options to provide stability for encapsulated ‘phytochemical/antibiofilm drug, and ensure its slow and proper release at the target site. Various methods such as ionic gelation, spray-drying’ and ‘emulsification' are used for encapsulating the natural bioactive components such as phytochemicals. The chitosan-based nanoparticles encapsulated with a number of phytochemicals namely ferulic acid, curcumin, cinnamaldehyde, chrysin, quercetin , and baicalein showed inhibitory potential against biofilm. This review presents a concise view of nano encapsulated phytochemicals for antibiofilm application, and development of efficient chitosan nanoparticles based antimicrobial therapeutic approach through effective drug (especially phytochemicals) delivery.

Keywords: Biofilm; Phytochemicals; Chitosan nanoparticles; Drug delivery.`

Ayurveda is ancient plant science. According to the type of the human body, the combinations of doshas must be balanced. When the doshas become unbalanced the body showing some form of disease and disorder. The symptoms may be the same for so many problems. So, the Ayurveda concentrates on balancing the body that the doshas instead of something else but it totally depends upon the type of body. After identifying the body types the management of all diseases even Covid 19 can also manage to the large extent. Data have been obtained and rigorous experimentation with statistical testing with inference has been done. The utilization of Ayurveda in life for balancing the doshas and increasing the immunity manage the treatment of patients suffered from Covid 19 gives promising results.

Keywords: Covid 19; Vata; Pitta; Kapha; Mind; Soul; Digestion; Meditation; Management; Happiness; Treatment; Spices; Herbs

Coronary heart disease (CHD) is the most common type of heart disease and cause of heart attack. The risk of coronary heart disease increases as age increases. Middle aged adults are mostly affected by CHD. Although coronary heart disease incidences is increasing, it can be highly preventable as it is caused by many modifiable risk factors like smoking, alcohol consumption, obesity, physical inactivity, unhealthy diet, stress, high blood pressure etc. For prevention and reduction of the burden of coronary heart disease it is essential that people have knowledge of risks of Coronary heart disease so that they assume themselves at risk and adopt measures to prevent the disease. In the present study an attempt has been made to find out the knowledge level of population of Jorhat district of Assam towards risk factors of CHD. From the study it is observed that irrespective of sex both male (34.70%) and female (35.06%) maximum percentage of population had low level of knowledge regarding general nutrition. Majority of male (32.09%) and female (33.76%) respondents had low level overall knowledge about the risk factors. It is also recorded that the irrespective of sex the respondents had low level of existing knowledge regarding risk factors viz., diabetes, obesity and diet and risk factors of CHD. While in respect of hypertension, majority of respondents both male (38.06%) and female (36.53%) had medium level of existing knowledge. The incidence of CHD is likely to increase further because of rapid urbanization and its accompanying lifestyle changes. Therefore, there is an immediate need to raise awareness among the general population about these risk factors, promote the correct diet and physical activity.

Keywords: Coronary heart disease (CHD); Risk-factors; Knowledge level