Alpha-linolenic Acid Content Research Articles

Effects of supplementing a feedlot diet with microalgae (Chlorella vulgaris) on the performance, carcass traits and meat quality of lambs

This study evaluated the effect of different levels of fresh microalgae (Chlorella vulgaris) in a feedlot diet on the performance, carcass traits, and meat quality of lambs. Forty-five, four-month-old wether lambs were randomly assigned to one of three dietary treatments: 1) CONTROL, without algae; 2) MEDIUM, with 0.5 % dry matter (DM) algae; or 3) HIGH, with 1 % DM algae added to a basal diet consisting of barley hay and commercial feedlot pellets in a 41:59 ratio. The lambs were fed for 98 days and then slaughtered. Microalgae supplementation did not affect (P ≥ 0.09) growth performance, wool quality, rumen fermentation parameters, carcass weight, dressing percentage, or subcutaneous fat thickness of the lambs. However, microalgae supplementation at 0.5 % DM increased (P ≤ 0.05) the concentration of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA; C18:3n-3), arachidic acid (C20:0), and total omega-3 long-chain (n-3 LC) fatty acids in the longissimus lumborum et thoracis (LTL) muscle of lambs, compared to the CONTROL. Intramuscular fat (%) was similar between the CONTROL and the MEDIUM group (av. 3.65 %), but was lower (P = 0.044) in the HIGH group (3.1 %). Therefore, our results indicate that adding 0.5 % DM microalgae to lamb diets can increase the levels of alpha-linolenic acid and total n-3 LC PUFA in fresh lamb meat without affecting lamb performance or carcass characteristics.

Flaxseed: A Rich Source of Bioactive Compounds with Potential Health Benefits

Flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum L.) is a nutritional powerhouse rich in alpha-linolenic acid (omega-3 fatty acid), lignans (especially secoisolariciresinol diglucoside), and dietary fiber. These bioactive components possess anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, and lipid-modulating properties, suggesting potential health benefits for humans and animals. This review explores the effects of flaxseed consumption or its isolated bioactive ingredients on various health conditions. We delve into existing research on the potential impact of flaxseed on cardiovascular health, cancer, gut health, brain function, and hormonal balance in menopausal women. The review highlights the unique composition of flaxseed, including its high content of alpha-linolenic acid (over 70% of total oil), protein (20–30%), and dietary fibre (28%). Flaxseed also has the highest lignan concentration among plant sources. This distinct chemical profile positions flaxseed as a promising candidate for exploring its preventive and functional properties. The review emphasises the well-established safety of flaxseed under proper storage and processing conditions.

Morpho-physiochemical traits and metabolic analysis reveal the rapeseed responses under large clod sized soil conditions

Soil clod size is an important factor affecting seedling growth; besides, cultivation of strong seedlings is important to improve yield and benefit of direct-seeding rapeseed. To simulate the open field conditions, two rapeseed cultivars were grown in different clod sized soil to study morpho-physiochemical responses at five leaf stage, beside applying metabolite profiling. Moreover, foliar application via alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) was applied to improve the adaptability of rapeseed to large clod sized soil. Our results showed that soil water content was decreased in large clod sized soil (K2) versus small clod sized soil (K1), which decreased seedling weight, shoot length and root vitality, while increasing root length. Furthermore, osmolyte contents and peroxidase (POD) and catalase (CAT) activity were decreased with increasing malondialdehyde content in studied rapeseed cultivars under K2 conditions. Moreover, phospholipase A2 (PLA2) of phospholipid metabolism and its related enzymes were decreased, while its content and gene expression were increased. Besides, ALA metabolism was up-regulated, while lipoxygenase (LOX) activity, content and its gene expression were elevated under K2 conditions. Metabolic profiling showed that lipid metabolism was significantly changed than other identified components, which is synthetic precursors of various secondary metabolites. Compared with K1, the metabolic pathways of ALA and pyrimidine were up-regulated, while the metabolic pathways of glycerophospholipids and purines were down-regulated in both studied cultivars under K2 conditions. Moreover, ALA application enhanced seedling growth by improving root length, shoot and root dry weight, root vitality, ALA and proline contents, while reducing the malondialdehyde (MDA) content of two rapeseed cultivars under K2 conditions. Taken together, our study provided a theoretical basis and technical support for the soil tillage and cultivation of direct-seeding rapeseed.

CDC Kernen oilseed flax

CDC Kernen, a late maturing oilseed flax ( Linum usitatissimum L.), was registered in 2021 by the Crop Development Centre, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. This cultivar had a significant yield advantage (107%) compared to CDC Glas (the yield check) in all soil zones of the Northern Prairies. The yield of CDC Kernen was 115%, 98%, and 105% of CDC Glas in the Black, Brown, and Black and Grey soil zones of Western Canada, respectively. This cultivar has medium (45.1%) oil content, oil quality (iodine value (IV) 192; alpha linolenic acid content 57.1%), equivalent to CDC Glas (the seed quality standard) coupled with larger seed size (thousand seed weight 6.1 g) than CDC Glas. It is immune to North American rust (race 371) caused by Melampsora lini and moderately resistant to wilt caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lini and powdery mildew caused by Oidium lini.

CDC Esme oilseed flax

CDC Esme, a high-yielding, late-maturing oilseed flax (Linum usitatissimum L.) cultivar, was registered in 2023 by the Crop Development Centre, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. CDC Esme had a superior yield (106%) compared to the check variety, CDC Glas, in all soil zones of the Northern Prairies. The yield of CDC Esme was 106%, 105%, and 105% of CDC Glas, in the long-season Black, Brown, and short-season Black and Grey soil zones of Western Canada, respectively. CDC Esme has larger seeds (thousand seed weight) than that of check cultivar, CDC Glas with improved quality based on the iodine value (IV) of 192 and alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) content of 57.1%. This cultivar is immune to the North American rust (race 371) caused by Melampsora lini and moderately resistant to wilt caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lini.

The identification and expression analysis of walnut Acyl-ACP thioesterases.

Walnuts (Juglans regia L.), renowned for their nutritional potency, are a rich source of unsaturated fatty acids. Their regular intake plays a pivotal role in health maintenance and recuperation from a myriad of ailments. Fatty acyl-acyl carrier protein thioesterases, which orchestrate the hydrolysis of acyl-ACP thioester bonds, thereby yielding fatty acids of varying chain lengths, are instrumental in augmenting plant fatty acid content and modulating the balance between saturated and unsaturated fatty acids. Despite some investigative efforts into the synthesis and metabolic pathways of fatty acids in walnuts, our comprehension of Fat in walnuts remains rudimentary. This research undertook a comprehensive characterization of the JrFat family, predicated on the complete genome sequence of walnuts, leading to the identification of 8 JrFat genes and an exploration of their protein physicochemical properties. Utilizing Arabidopsis and soybean Fat genes as outgroups, JrFat genes can be categorized into 5 distinct subgroups, three of which encompass a pair of homologous gene pairs. These genes have demonstrated remarkable conservation throughout the evolutionary process, with highly analogous conserved base sequences. The promoter region of JrFats genes predominantly harbors light response and plant hormone response regulatory elements, with no discernible disparity in promoter elements among different JrFats. Predictive analyses indicate that JrFats proteins engage extensively with walnut fatty acid synthesis and metabolism-associated proteins. qRT-PCR analysis reveals an initial surge in the expression of JrFats during the development of walnut kernels, which either stabilizes or diminishes following the hard core period. Homologous gene pairs exhibit analogous expression patterns, and the expression trajectory of JrFats aligns with the dynamic accumulation of fatty acids in kernels. The expression of JrFatA2 exhibits a strong correlation with the content of Alpha-linolenic acid, while the expression of JrFatB2 is inversely correlated with the content of two saturated fatty acids. Collectively, these findings enrich our understanding of fatty acid synthesis and metabolism in walnuts and furnish gene resources for enhancing the content and ratio of fatty acids in walnuts.

1H NMR-based metabolomics study of the lipid profile of omega-3 fatty acid supplements and some vegetable oils

Omega-3 fatty acids, which consist of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), are a type of polyunsaturated fatty acids that are crucial for enhancing human health. These three omega-3s are regarded as vital dietary nutrients because it cannot synthesize them on its own. Therefore, they must be obtained through dietary sources. On the other hands, there are concerns regarding the quality and quantity of omega-3 in dietary sources and supplements. In this study, 1H NMR spectroscopy and multivariate analysis were harnessed for non-destructive profiling of fatty acids in commercially available omega-3 supplements and plant-based oils. Results disclosed substantial disparities in omega-3 content from 8 to over 50 %, with some revealing unexpected adulteration. Notably, in one fish oil sample DHA could not be detected indicating the possibility of adulteration. Additionally, the research delineated the fatty acid composition of plant-based oils, emphasizing variations in alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) and linoleic acid (LA) content among flaxseed, chia seed, and walnut oils. Chia seeds emerged as a rich source of ALA (57–65 %mol), while walnuts contained considerable LA (44–53 % mol). The findings emphasize the power of metabolomics as a rapid and affordable tool for finding omega-3 fatty acids content and adulteration in commercial dietary products.

Integrated analysis of miRNA, transcriptome, and degradome sequencing provides new insights into lipid metabolism in perilla seed

MicroRNAs (miRNA) are small noncoding RNAs that play a crucial as molecular regulators in lipid metabolism in various oil crops. Perilla (Perilla frutescens) is a specific oil crop known for its high alpha-linolenic acid (C18:3n3, ALA) content (>65 %) in their seed oils. In view of the regulatory mechanism of miRNAs in perilla remains unclear, we conducted miRNAs and transcriptome sequencing in two cultivars with distinct lipid compositions. A total of 525 unique miRNAs, including 142 differentially expressed miRNAs was identified in perilla seeds. The 318 miRNAs targeted 7,761 genes. Furthermore, we identified 112 regulated miRNAs and their 610 target genes involved in lipid metabolism. MiR159b and miR167a as the core nodes to regulate the expression of genes in oil biosynthesis (e.g., KAS, FATB, GPAT, FAD, DGK, LPAAT) and key regulatory TFs (e.g., MYB, ARF, DOF, SPL, NAC, TCP, and bHLH). The 1,219 miRNA-mRNA regulation modules were confirmed through degradome sequencing. Notably, pf-miR159b-MYBs and pf-miR167a-ARFs regulation modules were confirmed. They exhibited significantly different expression levels in two cultivars and believed to play important roles in oil biosynthesis in perilla seeds. This provides valuable insights into the functional analysis of miRNA-regulated lipid metabolism in perilla seeds.

Predicted essential fatty acid intakes for a group of dairy cows also apply at individual animal level

The ruminant requirements for essential fatty acids (EFAs), particularly linoleic acid (LA) and alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), have not been fully determined, although evidence suggests that an adequate supply of polyunsaturated fatty acids (FAs) could improve immunity and reproduction in transition cows. In previous studies, we predicted EFA intake for a group of cows based on animal characteristics and milk EFA secretions. However, to support precision livestock feeding, we need to match the nutrient requirements and intakes of each cow as closely as possible. Our group-level predictions may not be accurate enough to estimate the EFA intake of an individual cow, due to inter-individual variations in EFA digestion and metabolism related to differences in feed intake, intake patterns, and the composition and functioning of the rumen microbiota. To address this issue, here we set out to establish specific equations that predict EFA intake for an individual cow based on the difference (i.e. the residuals) between observed EFA intake and the predicted EFA intake based on our group-level equations. We studied a database of individual dairy cows (26 experiments; 503 datapoints from three research teams) and we predicted the residuals from (1) dietary and animal-related factors (i.e. full predictions) and (2) animal-related factors only (i.e. field predictions), which are considered more field-amenable. The variance of predicted LA and log ALA intake was explained to 68% by observed LA intake and 66% by observed log ALA intake, respectively. The residuals of LA intake were predicted by dietary ALA content, total FA intake, BW, milk yield and fat content in full predictions, and by BW, feeding level, milk yield and fat content, and sum of milk C4:0 to C14:0 FA in field predictions. The log residuals of ALA intake were predicted by dietary NDF and total FA contents, NDF intake, BW, milk protein, LA and ALA contents, and fat yield in full predictions, and by BW, DM intake, milk LA and ALA contents, and fat yield in field predictions. The field predictions showed a moderate loss of accuracy compared to full predictions based on RMSE of prediction (from 38 to 54 g/d for LA and from 0.090 to 0.12 log (g/d) for ALA). This work is the first to predict the EFA intake of an individual cow based on previously established group-level predictions of EFA intake adjusted for dietary and animal-related factors.

The content of selected omega-3 free fatty acids in breast milk samples and their interactions with macronutrients as well as personal characteristics of mothers

Human milk contains many nutritional and non-nutritional components, including free fatty acids (FFAs) such as alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). These acids were determined in 67 breast milk samples collected from Polish women. The average content of FFAs was 0.3 ± 0.2 mg g−1 of fat for EPA, 1.4 ± 0.6 mg g−1 of fat for ALA, and 0.4 ± 0.3 mg g−1 of fat for DHA. In each milk sample energy, fat, carbohydrate, crude and true protein, and total solids were also determined. The correlations between the content of FFAs and/or macronutrients and other parameters characteristic of nursing milk donors were found using statistical analysis. Among the most important connections with EPA, DHA, ALA contents are an effect of dietary and lactation supplements, eating habits, or breastfeeding complications.

Influence of marine algae (Schizochytrium sp.) supplementation, ripening and vacuum packaging on goat cheese composition and fatty acid profile

The effect of diet (marine algae – MA; control – C), time of ripening (2 days, 4 and 8 weeks) and vacuum packaging on the composition and fatty acid (FA) profile of semi-hard cheese were evaluated in this study. Twenty-eight Alpine goats were housed indoors and randomly allocated to two groups: control group (C) was fed by 1500 g alfalfa hay and 600 g concentrate (n = 14); experimental group (MA) was fed by the same feed as C group supplemented 10 g/head/day Schizochytrium limacinum (n = 14). The study lasted 45 days, when milk samples were taken the last 10 days for their processing and analysis. Cheese samples (C: n = 15; MA: n = 25) were prepared from bulk milk from both groups and ripened. On day 2 of ripening, ten MA cheese samples were vacuum packed in foil. The semi-hard cheese samples were collected at 2nd day, then 4th and 8th weeks of ripening period. The MA supplementation did not significantly affect the composition of the milk. However, the MA supplementation had a significant (p < 0.05) effect on chemical composition of cheese, with the exception of fat content and fat content in TS. The supplementation of MA significantly (p < 0.05) increased the contents of DHA and rumenic acid in the cheese samples (MA group: 0.18 and 0.34 g/100 g, C group: 0.0 and 0.30 g/100 g of fatty acids (FA), respectively). The MA supplementation had a significant (p < 0.05) effect on contents of all odd- and branched-chain fatty acids in cheese, with the exception of C9:0. The ripening had significant (p < 0.05) influence on the rumenic acid (c9t11 C18:2) and alpha-linolenic acid (C18:3) content in the cheese. Vacuum packaging (VP) had a significant (p < 0.05) effect on the contents of fat, fat in TS and TS in cheese, while their contents were in all cases higher in unpackaged cheese. The VP also had a significant (p < 0.05) effect on the contents of most of monitored FAs in cheese.

Comparison of the nutritional quality and the fat globule size after six months of lactation of donkey and human milk

Donkey milk is acknowledged as a valuable nutritional source in the human diet, well known for its bioactive and functional properties. Therefore, the main goal of this research was to investigate the similarities between donkey and human milk after six months of lactation with respect to the lipid composition, milk fat globule particle size distribution, antioxidant activity, and mineral content. These components are related to the nutritional properties of milk and they are important for the dairy industry as well to human health. The obtained results showed that the most dominant fatty acids in both types of milk were oleic, palmitic, and linoleic followed by lauric, capric, and alpha-linolenic acids. Donkey milk had a desirable fatty acid composition due to its high alpha-linolenic acid content and especially low omega-6/omega-3 ratio. After the fat globule distribution was analysed, it was found that fat globules smaller than 2 μm had the highest percentage in both human and donkey milk. The antioxidant activity of human milk was significantly higher at 42.95% compared to donkey milk at 35.83%. Predominant mineral in both types of milk was Ca, followed by P, Zn, Fe and Cu. Highlighting the similarity between donkey milk and human milk encourages the use of donkey milk as a potential substitute for human milk in the future.

The Effect of Crackers Enriched with Camelina Sativa Oil on Omega-3 Serum Fatty Acid Composition in Older Adults: A Randomized Placebo-Controlled Pilot Trial

BackgroundCamelina sativa oil is one of the richest dietary sources of omega-3, with polyunsaturated fatty acids amounts of over 50%, linolenic acid content of around 40–45%, and linoleic acid of about 15%. Moreover, this oil is a valuable source of antioxidants which provide oxidative stability. All those features raise interest in considering Camelina oil as an alternative and sustainable oil source providing stable omega-3-rich emulsions for functional food production.ObjectivesThe present study aimed to investigate the effects of Camelina oil-enriched crackers on serum omega-3 concentration, inflammatory markers and serum lipid profile.DesignRandomized placebo-controlled pilot trial. Setting: Research and Development Center (Complife Italia s.r.l.).ParticipantsSixty-six free-living older volunteers (aged≥65 years).InterventionOlder adults were enrolled and randomly assigned to one of two groups: the camelina group or the placebo group. Subjects consumed daily 35 g of crackers (Camelina enriched crackers or placebo ones) twice daily for 12 weeks.MeasurementsSerum polyunsaturated fatty acid profile, inflammatory status and serum lipid panel parameters were recorded pre and post-intervention.ResultsIn the camelina group, alpha-linolenic acid serum concentration was significantly higher (p<0.01) compared to the placebo group at the end of the study. Concerning inflammatory plasma markers, a significant mean pro-inflammatory interleukin-18 plasma concentration decrease in the placebo group compared to the camelina one was observed (p<0.05). No significant differences in other mean inflammatory markers concentrations post-intervention were noted in either group. Lastly, examining the change in lipid profile, it is noteworthy that a higher reduction of total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein and triglycerides in the camelina group postintervention, despite the lack of statistical significance.ConclusionCamelina oil significantly elevated the serum alpha-linolenic acid concentration with no significant changes in inflammatory markers and lipid profile.

Isolation of Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) from tasar, Antherea mylitta pupal oil and its anticancer activity

Previously, we reported that tasar silkworm pupal oil (TPO) is a rich source of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) (37%). In this study, we have used three chromatographic techniques, namely preparative HPLC, gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GC-MS), and gas chromatography flame ionization detection (GC-FID), to purify, determine, and quantify alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), respectively, from TPO. Additionally, to determine the potential of the purified ALA as an anticancer drug, the sulforhodamine B (SRB) assay was utilised for in vitro investigation. Results revealed that ALA was successfully purified in a fraction of TPO by preparatory HPLC. It was discovered that only ALA was present in the purified fraction of ALA when it underwent GC-MS analysis, further confirming its purity. In addition, the quantification analysis using GC-FID showed that the concentration of ALA was 11760 ppm. Furthermore, anticancer analysis revealed purified ALA significantly inhibited the growth of a colon cancer cell line, (COLO-205) with a GI 50 ≤20. This is the initial investigation into isolating and purifying ALA from Tasar pupal oil.&#x0D; Keywords: Alpha-linolenic acid; GC-FID; HPLC; Omega-3Preparative, Tasar pupal oil.

Green cabbage supplementation influences the gene expression and fatty acid levels of adipose tissue in Chinese Wanxi White geese.

Dietary green cabbage was evaluated for its impact on fatty acid synthetic ability in different adipose tissues during fattening of Wanxi White geese. A total of 256 Wanxi White geese at their 70 days were randomly allocated into 4 groups with 4 replicates and fed 0%, 15%, 30%, and 45% fresh green cabbage (relative to dry matter), respectively, in each group. Adipose tissues (subcutaneous and abdominal fat), liver and blood were collected from 4 birds in each replicate at their 70, 80, 90, and 100 days for fatty acid composition, relative gene expression and serum lipid analysis. Two-way or three-way analysis of variance was used for analysis. The contents of palmitic acid (C16:0), palmitoleic acid (C16:1), linoleic acid (C18:2), and alpha-linolenic acid (C18:3) were feeding time dependently increased. The C16:0 and stearic acid (C18:0) were higher in abdominal fat, while C16:1, oleic acid (C18:1), and C18:2 were higher in subcutaneous fat. Geese fed 45% green cabbage exhibited highest level of C18:3. Geese fed green cabbage for 30 d exhibited higher level of C16:0 and C18:0 in abdominal fat, while geese fed 30% to 45% green cabbage exhibited higher C18:3 in subcutaneous fat. The expression of Acsl1 (p = 0.003) and Scd1 (p<0.0001) were decreased with green cabbage addition. Interaction between feeding time and adipose tissue affected elongation of long-chain fatty acids family member 6 (Elovl6), acyl-CoA synthetase longchain family member 1 (Acsl1), and stearoly-coA desaturase 1 (Scd1) gene expression levels (p = 0.013, p = 0.003, p = 0.005). Feeding time only affected serum lipid levels of free fatty acid and chylomicron. Higher contents of C16:0, C18:1, and C18:3 were associated with greater mRNA expression of Scd1 (p<0.0001), while higher level of C18:2 was associated with less mRNA expression of Scd1 (p<0.0001). Considering content of C18:2 and C18:3, 30% addition of green cabbage could be considered for fattening for 30 days in Wanxi White geese.

Adipose tissue n-3/n-6 fatty acids ratios versus n-3 fatty acids fractions as predictors of myocardial infarction

Tissue levels of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) have been inversely related with risk of myocardial infarction (MI). Whether ratios of n-3 to n-6 PUFAs, reflecting both dietary intake of n-3 PUFAs and competing n-6 PUFAs, are better predictors of future MI than n-3 PUFA fractions is unclear. We aimed at investigating whether such ratios in adipose tissue better predict MI than n-3 PUFA fractions. Subcutaneous adipose tissue biopsies were obtained in a random sample (n=3,500) of the Diet, Cancer and Health cohort (n=57,053). Adipose tissue content of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosapentaenoic acid (DPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), arachidonic acid (AA) and linoleic acid was determined using gas chromatography. Fractions of selected n-3 PUFAs and n-3/n-6 PUFA ratios were correlated to the 15-year occurrence of MI in a case-cohort design. A total of 2,406 participants experienced an MI during follow-up. Adipose tissue total marine n-3 PUFAs, EPA+DHA, EPA, EPA/AA, DHA/AA and (EPA+DPA+DHA)/AA were all inversely associated with risk of incident MI. Evaluating the predictive power (Harrel's C-index) of the selected metrics, fractions of marine n-3 PUFAs and ratios of EPA/AA, DHA/AA, (EPA+DHA)/AA and (EPA+DPA+DHA)/AA all refined risk prediction over age and sex alone. At multivariable analyses, however, the above ratios were the only metrics providing additional risk prediction. Differences in ratios were related to differences in food intake. Both adipose tissue n-3 PUFAs fractions and ratios of n-3 PUFAs/AA were associated with a lower occurrence of MI, but ratios provided superior risk prediction. Dietary strategies affecting n-3/n-6 PUFA ratios should be further investigated for prediction of MI with dietary interventions at the population level and in intervention studies.

Effect of Black Caraway Oil on Prolonging the Storage Life of Flaxseed Oil

The study was conducted for the purpose of prolonging the shelf life of flax oil by replacing different percentages of flax oil with black caraway oil. Flax oil was replaced with black caraway oil with of 10,5,2.5%, as well as a Comparison sample without addition. The samples were kept at a temperature of 25-30 °C for a period of 1 day, 3, 5 and 8 weeks. The results of estimating the fatty acids of flax oil showed a high content of alpha-linolenic fatty acid, as It reached 50.88%. As for oleic and linoleic acid, they reached 15.18,16.20%, respectively, while the percentages of linolenic, oleic and linoleic acid in black caraway oil were 0.22, 24.51, 55.2%, respectively. The results of estimating the effective compounds also showed that black caraway oil contains many effective compounds, and the compound, Phellandral, recorded the highest percentage, which amounted to 2.54%, and the paeonol compound recorded the lowest percentage, which amounted to 0.13%. As for the development in the pH, peroxide and thiobarbituric acid values of the samples, it was less in the oil sample with a 10% replacement ratio, as it reached 6.80, 3.33 mEq / kg fat, 0.051 mg Malone Dehyde / kg, respectively and the highest in the control treatment oil was 5.75, 5.25 mEq / kg fat, 0.085 mg Malone Aldehyde / kg, respectively, after 8 weeks of storage at a temperature of 30-25 ° C.

Chemical characterization, anti-nociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities of Plukenetia conophora seed oil in experimental rodent models

Ethnopharmacological relevanceThe seed of the African walnut, Plukenetia conophora Mull.-Arg is well-known for its nutritional and medicinal values. The seed oil is widely used in massages to relieve pain, as nerve tonic and to enhance sexual performance. ObjectiveThe study aimed at investigating the chemical profile, antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities of P. conophora oil (PCO). MethodsSeed oil of P. conophora was characterized using Gas-Liquid Chromatographic method (GC-MS) and oral acute toxicity evaluated at 2000 mg/kg. Antinociceptive effects were evaluated in hot plate, acetic acid and formalin-induced paw licking tests. The anti-inflammatory effects were investigated in egg albumin and carrageenan-, formalin and complete Freund adjuvant (CFA)-induced paw oedema models. The levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the fluid exudates were also evaluated in carrageenan air pouch model. ResultsPCO exhibited high content of alpha linolenic acid (ALA). No toxicity was observed at 2000 mg/kg of PCO. PCO (50–200 mg/kg) demonstrated significant anti-nociceptive activity in pain models. PCO exhibited anti-inflammatory activity against oedema formation by phlogistic agents. The increased inflammatory oedema and oxidative stress in CFA-treated rats were also attenuated by PCO. The PCO (100 and 200 mg/kg) significantly reduced the levels of TNF-α (59.3% and 85.2%) and IL-6 (27.5% and 72.5%) in carrageenan-induced air pouch model. ConclusionThe results of this study suggest that ALA-rich seed oil of Plukenetia conophora demonstrated anti-nociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities via inhibition of pro-inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress, lending supportive evidences for its use in painful inflammatory conditions.

The dynamic changes of flavors and UPLC-Q-Exactive-Orbitrap-MS based lipidomics in mackerel (Scomberomorus niphonius) during dry-cured processing

Dry-cured mackerel is favored by consumers for its suitable salty flavor. Herein, the dynamic changes of volatile compounds and lipids in the mackerel, and the lipidomics based on UPLC-Orbitrap/MS technique during dry-cured processing were investigated. The results showed that endogenous lipases activities in dry-cured mackerel decreased. The dry-cured processing of mackerel had significant effects on its lipid classes and content. The contents of Arachidonic acid (C20:4n6), docosapentaenoic acid (C22:5n3), linoleic acid (LA, C18:2n6), alpha-linolenic acid (C18:3n3), eicosatrienoic acid (C20:3n3) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, C22:6n3) increased during dry-cured processing. A total of 38 kinds of volatile compounds were detected in the dry-cured mackerel, 12 of which were derived from fatty acid oxidation. Among 30 lipid metabolites (FC ≥ 2 and VIP > 2), phosphatidylethanolamine (PE, 19:0/22:6) accounted for the highest content, and its difference between three stages was the most obvious. Glycerophospholipid and sphingolipid metabolisms were the most important metabolic pathways involved in dry-cured processing.

Enhancement of sesame omega-3 fatty acid content using Fusarium moniliforme bifunctional desaturase gene

Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) is the precursor for the synthesis of essential fatty acids such as EPA and DHA. The dietary requirement of omega 3 fatty acid is 1.59 g for females and 2.06 g for males. There is an urgent need for enhancing omega 3 fatty acid in vegetative sources. Sesame oil is unique in its flavor and medicinal properties but it contains only traces of ALA. In this study attempts were made to increase the omega 3 fatty acid content in sesame seeds using a bi-functional ∆12/ω3 fatty acid desaturase gene from Fusarium moniliforme . Sesame seed-specific promoter isolated from oleic acid desaturase was used for high and tissue-specific expression. The fungal bi-functional ∆12/ω3 fatty acid desaturase gene under the control of sesame seed-specific promoter was transferred to sesame the ALA content in transgenic sesame was evaluated. Expression of fungal ∆12/ω3 fatty acid desaturase gene resulted in increased ALA content up to 12 fold in transformed sesame plants compared to untransformed control. • Transgenic sesame plants were generated using fungal bi-functional desaturase gene to enhance omega 3 fatty acid. • This opens the possibility of using sesame leaves for omega 3 fatty acid production. • Constitutive promoters produce more of ALA throughout the plant than the strong oleic acid promoter in seeds.