Journal of Food and Drug Analysis

Circadian rhythms regulate fundamental aspects of physiology and behavior. The disruption of circadian rhythms has been associated with metabolic disorders, cardiovascular disease, obesity, and impaired immune function. Feeding behavior and gut microbiota represent two essential nodes within this regulatory network, as both are highly responsive to environmental cues such as diet composition and sleep-wake cycles. Research has shown that high-fat diets, excessive fructose, and chronic alcohol consumption perturb peripheral circadian rhythms and impair metabolic pathways, contributing to obesity and insulin resistance. Conversely, dietary interventions such as time-restricted feeding and macronutrient-specific entrainment can restore rhythmic gene expression and prevent metabolic pathologies. The gut microbiota plays a central role in mediating these effects through its diurnal oscillations in community composition and metabolite production, particularly short-chain fatty acids, which act as systemic cues for host circadian clocks. Disruption of microbial rhythmicity, whether through irregular eating schedules, jet lag, or environmental pollutants, can exacerbate circadian misalignment and metabolic dysfunction. Recent findings highlight a bidirectional relationship between the host circadian system and the microbiota, underscoring their interdependence in maintaining metabolic homeostasis and gastrointestinal integrity. Although preclinical models have produced mechanistic insights, the translation to humans remains limited by methodological variability and incomplete characterization of signaling pathways. This review synthesizes the current knowledge on diet-microbiota-circadian interactions and discusses potential therapeutic strategies, including dietary modulation and natural products, to mitigate circadian misalignment and its associated health risks.

Cannabis sativa L. or hemp is a cosmopolitan, multi-purpose plant and area of its cultivation has been growing in recent years. Its public perception is influenced by potential to produce narcotic substances. However, hemp seed can be a valuable source of nutrients for humans and may be of particular interest in more sustainable food consumption patterns, including vegetarian and flexitarian diets. The paper presents benefits and risks of hemp seeds in case of their consumption in food. Low cannabinoids varieties are considered only. The biological activity of cannabinoids and related effects are considered out of scope of the study. Nutritional value of hemp seeds regarding content of amino acids is comparable to the value of egg whites and soya. Oil is a source of two essential fatty acids: linoleic acid and alpha-linolenic acid in a desirable ratio of 3:1. Hemp seeds are also a source of minerals, vitamins and carbohydrates, including fiber. Their most characteristic hazardous properties are ability to accumulate toxic heavy metals and produce anti-nutritional substances. Breeding hemp to reduce the anti-nutritional compounds content may be promising in view of its growing popularity as a food source.

Pomelo (Citrus maxima) is a widely cultivated tropical fruit with global production reaching approximately 8.55 million tons in 2023. This large-scale production generates a substantial amount of peel waste despite the fact that pomelo peel contains secondary metabolites with promising pharmacological potential. This study aimed to evaluate global research trends related to the pharmacological potential of pomelo peel using a bibliometric and review-based approach, as well as to identify future research directions. Data were collected from the Scopus database and filtered for English-language scientific articles, reviews, and conference proceedings. The analysis was performed using the Biblioshiny and VOSviewer software. In total, 251 relevant articles were identified between 2002 and 2025, with a significant increase in publications since 2020. Countries such as China, Vietnam, Nigeria, and Thailand have emerged as leading contributors, supported by institutions focused on natural product research. Research has evolved from compound characterization to pharmacological applications, including antioxidant, antidiabetic, antimicrobial, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and other activities. Keyword analysis revealed a growing trend toward multidisciplinary approaches involving green synthesis, electroactive biosensors, and nanoencapsulation to enhance the stability and efficacy of bioactive compounds. Future studies should integrate nanotechnology and sustainable bioprocessing to advance the clinical validation and practical biomedical applications of pomelo peel.

Plant by-products, often considered as waste in various agricultural and food processing industries, have emerged as a valuable source of natural antidiabetic or antihyperglycemic compounds. These compounds, derived from plant materials that would otherwise be discarded, have the potential to mitigate the global burden of diabetes and offer sustainable solutions for glycemic control. Prominent groups of natural antidiabetic compounds found in plant by-products are polyphenols, as well as bioactive proteins and peptides. In addition, agro-industrial residues such as wheat bran, oat husks, and fruit peels are excellent sources of carbohydrates that can be incorporated into functional foods to help manage diabetes. In addition to their antidiabetic potential, plant by-products contribute to sustainability and waste reduction by turning materials that would otherwise be discarded into valuable resources. Furthermore, the utilization of natural antidiabetic compounds from waste materials promises to improve diabetes management and promote a more sustainable food industry. The paper will address the valorization of agro-industrial by-products as natural sources of antiglycemic compounds, including an economic analysis and exploration of different raw material sources. It will present both the advantages and the key challenges associated with the biological activity, metabolism, bioavailability, and toxicological profiles of these compounds, as well as their economic and environmental implications. Furthermore, the review will highlight the prospects for automating this process through the application of artificial intelligence (AI), which may facilitate greater standardization and efficiency in future development.

Candida albicans is an opportunistic fungal pathogen responsible for infections ranging from superficial mucosal disease to life-threatening systemic candidiasis, particularly in immunocompromised hosts. Its pathogenicity is enhanced by morphological plasticity, biofilm formation, and immune evasion, contributing to antifungal resistance. Limitations of existing antifungals have driven interest in emerging therapeutics. This review highlights strategies including metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), host-directed therapies (HDTs), CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing, and phytochemicals. MOFs offer high drug-loading capacity, controlled release, and enhanced penetration into biofilms, showing promise against drug-resistant strains. Selected phytochemicals demonstrate inhibitory effects on virulence traits such as hyphal formation and enzyme secretion. CRISPR-Cas9 enables functional genomic studies to identify and disrupt key pathogenicity genes, while HDTs aim to boost host immune responses. Additionally, the potential role of gut microbiota modulation in controlling C. albicans colonization is discussed. By integrating mechanistic insights with translational perspectives, this review provides a concise overview of emerging antifungal strategies, opportunities, and challenges with the potential to overcome current therapeutic limitations