Plants are rich in a wide variety of secondary metabolites such as tannins, terpenoids, alkaloids, and flavonoids. These compounds from herbs, spices, and plant extracts have been shown to possess antimicrobial properties against a wide range of harmful microorganisms. Thus, there has been increased interest in the antimicrobial properties of plant-derived products for their potential uses as alternatives to synthetic preservatives. Plant antimicrobials have proven to be relatively safe and could be used to extend the shelf life of foods in order to overcome food safety issues.

This chapter was originally published in the book Fruits, Vegetables, and Herbs, published by Elsevier,

and the attached copy is provided by Elsevier for the author’s benefit and for the benefit of the author’s

institution, for non-commercial research and educational use including without limitation use in

instruction at your institution, sending it to specific colleagues who know you, and providing a copy to

your institution’s administrator.
 
 

Provided for non-commercial research and educational use only.

Energy drinks have become a popular beverage worldwide. The global market for energy drink has gained momentum in the

past decade, and demand is increasing every year. The objective of this study was to evaluate the microbiological quality and

safety of commercial energy drinks available in the local stores in Saudi Arabia. Total bacterial count, coliform,

Escherichia

coli, Salmonella

, and

Staphylococcus aureus

were included in this analysis. Out of a total of 20 tested energy drinks, microbial con-

Energy drinks are popular among college students in Saudi Arabia (S.A) who consume these drinks for a variety of reasons. For example, college students believe that energy drinks can improve attention and/or reaction times during extended periods of cognitive demand. However, some of the ingredients in energy drinks, particularly sucrose and caffeine, can cause negative health effects such as an increase in heart rate and blood pressure and possible dehydration. In addition, these drinks can interfere with and disrupt normal sleep patterns.

Dietary supplement is defined as any product taken orally containing a “dietary

ingredient” (vitamins, minerals, herbs, amino acids, enzymes, etc.) that is

intended to supplement one’s diet. Dietary supplement include plant extracts

and food concentrates. Their main purpose is to provide the required nutrients

and to fulfill the daily nutritional needs. Sports professionals should be aware

of the possible benefits of the supplements as well as the side effects and

associated risks towards taking advantage of the supplements for daily training

الهدف من هذه الدراسة هو دراسة فعالية برنامج تعليمي مقترح على الحالة المعرفية والعادات حول استخدام معلومات بطاقة المكملات الغذائية للمستهلكين بالمملكة العربية السعودية .

The objective of this study was to evaluate the β-galactosidase activity of commercial probiotic supplements available in the market. Fifteen different supplements (15) were included in the study. Two capsules of each supplement were transferred into 10 ml fresh, sterile MRS broth and incubated at 37 °C for 10-12 h to allow bacterial cells to recover from any environmental stressors. Aliquots from each supplement (100µl) were then inoculated into batches of 10ml TPY broth with lactose (induced) or glucose (un-induced) and incubated for 14 hr. at 37°C.

The objective of this study was to determine the use of phytone peptone to optimize the growth and cell density of Lactobacillus reuteri. Four strains of L. reuteri (DSM 20016, SD 2112, CF 2-7F, and MF 2-3,) were used in this study. An overnight culture of individual strains was inoculated into fresh basal media with various protein sources (peptone, tryptone, proteose peptone #3, phytone peptone, tryptic soy broth, yeast extract, and beef extract). Samples were then mixed well and incubated at 37 °C for 15 h.