Preliminary screening of some Egyptian weeds for antimicrobial activity

Eleven Egyptian weeds collected from the Menoufeya district were screened for phytochemical compounds effective against several representatives of bacteria and yeasts. It was found that Soxhlet benzene extracts, especially those of Capsella bursa-pastoris (L.) Medik., were the most effective. Alkaloids and flavonoids of Capsella gave the highest antibiotic potencies and had the broadest antimicrobial spectra. It is suggested that these alkaloids might consist of yohimbine and ergocristine and the flavonoids included the flavone diosmin.     

The role of lactic acid bacteria in accelerated cheese ripening

Abstract: The ripening of cheese is a slow and consequently an expensive process. The economic advantage of rapid development of more intense cheese flavour in shorter periods of time would be substantial. Lactic acid bacteria play a key role during ripening and can therefore be used as accelerating agents. This review describes the different strategies where lactic acid bacteria or their enzymes were used to reduce the ripening time of cheese. The advantages, limitations and technical feasibility as well as the commercial potential of the different approaches are also considered.