Composition Of Bioactive Compounds Research Articles

LC−MS/MS−based metabolite profiling and antioxidant evaluation of three Indonesian orange varieties

The orange peel contains bioactive components with health−promoting effects, a rich source of antioxidants, and could be used for functional food. However, due to many factors, the composition and concentration of bioactive compounds from orange peels differ because of their variety. This study aims to identify the metabolite and evaluate the antioxidant activity of peels from Indonesian orange varieties, i.e., Rimau Gerga Lebong (RGL, Bengkulu), Brastagi (JBM, North Sumatra), and Garut (JSG, West Java). The metabolite profile was analyzed using LC−MS/MS and discriminated based on orange variety using principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical clustering analysis (HCA). Antioxidant activity was measured using the 2,2 −diphenyl− 1 −picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), cupric ion−reducing antioxidant capacity (CUPRAC), and ferric−reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) methods. In this study, the metabolite profile of orange peel proved to be rich in flavonoids like hesperidin, rutin, nobiletin, polyphenol−organic acids like p − coumaric acid, citric acid, quinic acid, and other metabolites from the class terpenoids, amino acids, and sugars. PCA separated each variety and HCA heatmaps showed variations in the distribution of identified metabolites. In the RGL variety, 47 metabolites were identified, dominated by flavonoids and terpenoids. As many as 44 metabolites in the JBM variety contain many amino acids and flavonoids. In JBM, 44 metabolites were identified with carboxylic and amino acids as the main compounds. RGL orange peel extract had the highest antioxidant activity using the DPPH and CUPRAC methods, whereas the FRAP method did not show significant differences. Regarding metabolites and antioxidant activity, RGL, JBM, and JSG orange peels can be developed as alternative functional foods.

Intensification of the SFE Using Ethanol as a Cosolvent and Integration of the SFE Process with sc-CO2 Followed by PLE Using Pressurized Ethanol of Black Soldier Fly (Hermetia illucens L.) Larvae Meal—Extract Yields and Characterization

The objective of this research was to investigate and compare the results obtained in the intensification and integration of (sc-CO2) under different pressure conditions (25 and 30 MPa) at 60 °C. When intensifying the process, ethanol (10%) was used as a co-solvent (sc-CO2 + EtOH). In the process integration, black soldier fly larvae flour, defatted via supercritical extraction (SFE), was the raw material for pressurized liquid extraction (PLE) using ethanol as solvent. The extract yields, fatty acid profile, free fatty acids, triacylglycerols (TAGs), oxidative stability, and nutritional quality of the oil obtained using sc-CO2 + EtOH were evaluated. The composition of bioactive compounds (carotenoids, acidity, antioxidant compounds, tocopherols, and phospholipids) was determined in both extracts. The yields of the extracts were different by 32.5 to 53.9%. In the extracts obtained with sc-CO2 + EtOH (10%), the predominant fatty acids were oleic, palmitic, and linoleic, with considerable levels of desirable fatty acids (DFA), tocopherols, and phospholipids. The nutritional indices showed good values for polyunsaturated and saturated fatty acids (PUFAs/SFAs), above 0.45%. Extracts from larvae meal defatted with SFE showed carotenoids, phenolic compounds, and antioxidant activity. HPTLC and HPLC analyses indicated the presence of amino acids, sugars, phenolics, and organic acids in their composition. This study revealed that the supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) process, or its conditions, can modify the fatty acid composition and the presence of minor bioactive compounds in the obtained extracts.

Analysis of the amino acid profile of red and white graphs winery by-products from western Sicily

Nowadays, research addressing the composition of nutrients and bioactive compounds in waste from the agri-food industry has increased due to environmental and economic interests. The wine industry produces enormous quantities of by-products every year along the production chain. The nitrogen content in wine grapes is important for the yeast' metabolism and growth, playing a key role in both grape and wine quality. Besides research in grapes and derived products, few studies are present in the literature on the characterization of the amino acid content of wine industry by-products. In this context, this preliminary research aims at the application of a methodological approach for the identification and quantification of amino acids profile from grape by-products (red and white skins, red and white defatted grape seeds) by HPLC-FLD analysis. The most abundant amino acid in red skins was leucine (3.163 g/100g), while in white skins was histidine (1.886 g/100g). Higher amounts of leucine, histidine and phenylalanine were found in red seeds, compared to white seeds. By-products of the wine industry, due to the presence of essential amino acids, together with other bioactive substances contained, can be used as functional ingredients for food fortification.

Control of Fungal Pathogens Associated with Post-Harvest Rot Agents of Groundnut using Plant Extracts

Post-harvest losses due to fungal pathogens pose a significant threat to groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) production, affecting both food security and economic stability. In this study, we investigated the potential of plant extracts as eco-friendly alternatives for controlling fungal pathogens associated with post-harvest rot of groundnut. Four plant species, including neem (Azadirachta indica), garlic (Allium sativum), ginger (Zingiber officinale), and turmeric (Curcuma longa), were selected based on their known antimicrobial properties. Crude extracts were prepared from these plants and evaluated for their antifungal activity against common post-harvest rot agents, including Aspergillus spp., Fusarium spp., and Penicillium spp. The agar well diffusion method was employed to assess the inhibitory effects of the plant extracts against the fungal pathogens. Additionally, a control trial was conducted using leaf extracts of neem and drumstick (Moringa oleifera), with phytochemical analysis performed to determine the composition of bioactive compounds. The results revealed significant antifungal activity of all tested plant extracts, with neem extract exhibiting the highest efficacy against fungal pathogens. Phytochemical analysis indicated the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, phenols, tannins, saponins, and terpenoids in the leaf extracts, highlighting their potential as sources of natural bioactive compounds. These findings suggest that plant extracts offer promising alternatives to synthetic fungicides for controlling post-harvest rot pathogens in groundnut. Further research is warranted to optimize the efficacy of plant extracts and elucidate their mechanisms of action for practical applications in groundnut storage and processing facilities.

Usefulness of Opuntia spp. on the Management of Obesity and Its Metabolic Co-Morbidities.

The plants of the Opuntia genus mainly grow in arid and semi-arid climates. Although the highest variety of wild species is found in Mexico, Opuntia spp. is widely distributed throughout the world. Extracts of these cacti have been described as important sources of bioactive substances that can have beneficial properties for the prevention and treatment of certain metabolic disorders. The objective of this review is to summarise the presently available knowledge regarding Opuntia ficus-indica (nopal or prickly pear), and some other species (O. streptacantha and O. robusta) on obesity and several metabolic complications. Current data show that Opuntia ficus-indica products used in preclinical studies have a significant capacity to prevent, at least partially, obesity and certain derived co-morbidities. On this subject, the potential beneficial effects of Opuntia are related to a reduction in oxidative stress and inflammation markers. Nevertheless, clinical studies have evidenced that the effects are highly contingent upon the experimental design. Moreover, the bioactive compound composition of nopal extracts has not been reported. As a result, there is a lack of information to elucidate the mechanisms of action responsible for the observed effects. Accordingly, further studies are needed to demonstrate whether Opuntia products can represent an effective tool to prevent and/or manage body weight and some metabolic disorders.

Characterization of Bioactive Metabolites and Antioxidant Activities in Solid and Liquid Fractions of Fresh Duckweed (Wolffia globosa) Subjected to Different Cell Wall Rupture Methods.

Fresh Wolffia globosa, the smallest flowering plant well-known for its favorable nutrient composition and rich content of bioactive compounds, was subjected to boiling, freeze-thawing, and mechanical crushing to reduce its excessive (95-96%) moisture level and consequent drying time. The resultant three wolffia matrixes were filtered through a plankton net to fractionate into the residue and the filtrate. The proximate composition, bioactive metabolites, antioxidant activity, and characterization of bioactive metabolites by LC-ESI-QTOF-MS/MS and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy were made from oven-dried residues and filtrates. Among residues, crude protein (29.84%), crude lipid (5.77%), total carotenoids (TCC; 722.8 μg/g), and vitamin C (70.02 mg/100 g) were the highest (p < 0.05) for freeze-thawing against higher ash (7.99%), total phenolic content (TPC; 191.47 mg GAE g-1 dry weight), total flavonoid content (TFC; 91.54 mg QE g-1 dry weight), DPPH activity (47.46%), and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) activity (570.19 μmol FeSO4 equiv/mg) for the crushed counterpart and Chl-b in residues from boiling. No significant variation was evident in the total tannin content (TTC). Among filtrates, higher total phenolic content (773.29 mg GAE g-1 dry weight), TFC (392.77 mg QE g-1 dry weight), TTC (22.51 mg TAE g-1), and antioxidant activity as DPPH activity (66.46%) and FRAP (891.62 μmol FeSO4 equiv/mg) were evident for boiling, while that from crushing exhibited the highest TCC (1997.38 μg/g DM). LC-ESI-QTOF-MS/MS analysis identified 72 phenolic compounds with the maximum in residue (33) and filtrate (33) from freeze-thawing, followed by crushing (18 and 19) and boiling (14 and 13) in order, respectively. The results indicated that the predrying cell rupturing method significantly impacted quantitative, as well as qualitative compositions of residues and filtrates from fresh wolffia.

A Healthy Brazil Nut Beverage with Opuntia stricta var. dillenii Green Extract: Beverage Stability and Changes in Bioactives and Antioxidant Activity during Cold Storage.

Plant-based beverages are one of the foods that currently arouse a lot of interest in the population due to their composition with compounds beneficial to health in addition to their being used as milk substitutes for people who suffer from food disorders. Also, their fortification with different nutrients or healthy ingredients with the aim of improving plant-based health potential is actually gaining importance in the food industry. For this reason, the aim of the present investigation was the preparation of a healthy Brazil nut beverage enriched with Opuntia stricta var. dillenii pulp green extracts (ODPs), in order to produce a healthy plant-based beverage with improved nutritional characteristics. The microstructural characterization of the Brazil nut beverage, its stability during cold storage for up to 24 days at 5 °C, the composition of bioactive compounds provided via ODP extract (betalains and phenolic compounds), and their antioxidant activity were evaluated in this study. Green ODP extracts (0.5 and 1 g/100 g beverage) were added to a standardized Brazil nut beverage (reduced fat beverage). The characterization of the bioactive composition (betalains and phenolic compounds) of the elaborated beverage was achieved via HPLC (UV-vis and MS-QT of detection), and the antioxidant activity measurements via ORAC were also carried out. Optical microscopy, particle size, and Z potential analysis was conducted to characterize the structure of the Brazil nut beverages as food emulsions in which ODP extract was added. Most of the bioactive compounds from the green ODP extract added to the beverages showed good retention and remained stable throughout the 24 days of storage at 7 °C, with encapsulation efficiencies ranging from 98.34% to 92.35% for betalains and from 93.67% and 81.20% for phenolic compounds. According to the results of this study, Brazil nut beverage seems to be a healthy and efficient food emulsion system to encapsulate ODP extract rich in betalains and phenolic compounds, with high antioxidant activity, making possible the development of a Brazil nut beverage with improved health potential.

Analysis of bioactive compounds in Cordyceps militaris fruiting bodies and dietary supplements: in vitro bioaccessibility determination in artificial digestive juices

SummaryIn recent years, Cordyceps militaris has garnered increased attention in both scientific research and popular culture, exemplified by references in the entertainment industry, such as ‘The Last Of Us’. This study aims to investigate the qualitative and quantitative composition of bioactive compounds (such as cordycepin, ergothioneine, L‐phenylalanine, lovastatin, sterols, indole and phenolic compounds) in various samples. These samples encompass commercially available dietary supplements (in the form of capsules or powder), featuring standardised extracts or non‐standardised C. militaris material. Additionally, fruiting bodies cultivated in Poland and China were examined. The bioactive compounds were subsequently analysed after extraction into artificial digestive juices. Each sample underwent extraction, evaporation and dissolution in methanol, followed by qualitative and quantitative analyses using RP‐HPLC (with UV and DAD detectors) for the determination of bioactive compounds. The results of this analysis revealed that extracts with cordycepin contents of 7% and 1% exhibited the highest cordycepin concentrations, as well as significant ergothioneine levels (4405 and 928 mg/100 g d.w. and 234 and 77.6 mg/100 g d.w. respectively). However, on analysis of simulated digestive juices, it became evident that the fruiting bodies of C. militaris are superior sources of bioactive compounds. Consequently, this study underscores the efficacy of unprocessed material, such as fruiting bodies, as the preferred form of supplementation for potential consumers of C. militaris.

Anti-inflammatory and regenerative effects of MKARE® Eggshell Membrane: An in vitro osteoarthritis model and placebo-controlled clinical study

MKARE®, a 100% natural ingredient derived from fresh eggshell membrane (ESM), has a rich composition in bioactive compounds like collagen, hyaluronic acid, and elastin. These components are beneficial for managing osteoarthritis (OA) due to their anti-inflammatory and regenerative properties. Highlighting the significance of freshness, our research has shown that the effectiveness of MKARE® is higher than that of other commercial products based on ESM that have been stored for several days at room temperature, losing their bioactive compounds. This study explores the MKARE® anti-inflammatory capacity through an in vitro and clinical analyses, demonstrating its ability to alleviate OA symptoms and improve joint health. This underscores the crucial role of freshness in optimizing the therapeutic benefits.

The Potential Role of Major Argan Oil Compounds as Nrf2 Regulators and Their Antioxidant Effects.

In recent years, research on the discovery of natural compounds with potent antioxidant properties has resulted in growing interest in these compounds due to their potential therapeutic applications in oxidative-stress-related diseases. Argan oil, derived from the kernels of a native tree from Morocco, Argania spinosa, is renowned for its rich composition of bioactive compounds, prominently tocopherols, polyphenols, and fatty acids. Interestingly, a large body of data has shown that several components of argan oil activate the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) pathway, playing a crucial role in the cellular defense against oxidative stress. Activation of this Nrf2 pathway by argan oil components leads to the increased expression of downstream target proteins like NAD(P)H quinone oxidoreductase (NQO1), superoxide dismutase (SOD), heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1), and catalase (CAT). Such Nrf2 activation accounts for several health benefits related to antioxidant defense, anti-inflammatory effects, cardiovascular health, and neuroprotection in organisms. Furthermore, the synergistic action of the bioactive compounds in argan oil enhances the Nrf2 pathway. Accordingly, the modulation of the Kelch-like ECH associated protein 1 (Keap1)/Nrf2 signaling pathway by these components highlights the potential of argan oil in protecting cells from oxidative stress and underlines its relevance in dietetic prevention and therapeutic applications. This review aims to provide an overview of how major compounds in argan oil activate the Nrf2 pathway, updating our knowledge on their mechanisms of action and associated health benefits.

Unleashed Treasures of Solanaceae: Mechanistic Insights into Phytochemicals with Therapeutic Potential for Combatting Human Diseases.

Plants that possess a diverse range of bioactive compounds are essential for maintaining human health and survival. The diversity of bioactive compounds with distinct therapeutic potential contributes to their role in health systems, in addition to their function as a source of nutrients. Studies on the genetic makeup and composition of bioactive compounds have revealed them to be rich in steroidal alkaloids, saponins, terpenes, flavonoids, and phenolics. The Solanaceae family, having a rich abundance of bioactive compounds with varying degrees of pharmacological activities, holds significant promise in the management of different diseases. Investigation into Solanum species has revealed them to exhibit a wide range of pharmacological properties, including antioxidant, hepatoprotective, cardioprotective, nephroprotective, anti-inflammatory, and anti-ulcerogenic effects. Phytochemical analysis of isolated compounds such as diosgenin, solamargine, solanine, apigenin, and lupeol has shown them to be cytotoxic in different cancer cell lines, including liver cancer (HepG2, Hep3B, SMMC-772), lung cancer (A549, H441, H520), human breast cancer (HBL-100), and prostate cancer (PC3). Since analysis of their phytochemical constituents has shown them to have a notable effect on several signaling pathways, a great deal of attention has been paid to identifying the biological targets and cellular mechanisms involved therein. Considering the promising aspects of bioactive constituents of different Solanum members, the main emphasis was on finding and reporting notable cultivars, their phytochemical contents, and their pharmacological properties. This review offers mechanistic insights into the bioactive ingredients intended to treat different ailments with the least harmful effects for potential applications in the advancement of medical research.

Influence of cultivation substrate on antioxidant activities and triterpenoid profiles of the fruiting body of Ganoderma lucidum.

The fruiting body of Ganoderma lucidum has been believed to possess a wide range of therapeutic effects. There are two main methods for artificial cultivation of G. lucidum to produce the fruiting body, namely wood log cultivation and substitute cultivation. The impact of cultivation substrates on the composition of bioactive compounds remains largely unexplored. This study aims to compare the antioxidant activities and triterpenoid profiles of the fruiting bodies of G. lucidum that cultivated through wood log cultivation (WGL) and substitute cultivation (SGL) methods. The antioxidant activities, including the DPPH radical scavenging, hydroxyl radical scavenging, superoxide radical scavenging, and total antioxidant activities, were assessed in both WGL and SGL samples. Furthermore, the UHPLC-Q-Orbitrap-MS technique was employed to compare their phytochemical profiles, with a specific emphasis on triterpenoid constituents. It was found that WGL samples exhibited significantly higher total triterpenoid content, DPPH radical scavenging activity, and total antioxidant activity. Furthermore, an untargeted metabolomics approach employing UHPLC-Q-Orbitrap-MS tentatively identified a total of 96 triterpenoids. Distinguishingly different triterpenoid profiles between the two types of G. lucidum samples were revealed via the utilization of principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA). Specifically, 17 triterpenoids showed significant differences. Of these triterpenoids, 6 compounds, such as ganosporelactone B, ganoderol A, ganoderic acid A, ganoderic acid alpha, were significantly higher in SGL samples; 11 compounds, such as lucidenic acid A, lucidenic acid D1, lucidenic acid F, lucidenic acid G, lucidenic acid J, ganoderic acid E, and ganoderic acid O, were significantly higher in WGL samples. These findings expand our knowledge regarding the impact of cultivation substrate on the antioxidant activities and triterpenoid profiles of G. lucidum, and offer practical implications for its cultivation.

Comprehensive analysis of metabolites in the mycelium of Cordyceps fumosorosea cultured on Periplaneta americana

Abstract Background Cordyceps fumosorosea is one of the common species within the Cordyceps genus, which are cultured on Periplaneta americana. This study aimed to determine the composition of bioactive compounds, including β-glucans, polysaccharides, cordycepic acid, flavonoids, ergosterol, and nitrogenous compounds (specifically nucleosides: adenosine, guanosine, adenine, and hypoxanthine), present in the mixture and mycelium at various time incubation. Methods Different bioactive compounds, including β-1,3-glucan, polysaccharides, cordycepic acid, flavonoids, ergosterol, and nitrogenous compounds (specifically nucleosides: adenosine, guanosine, adenine, and hypoxanthine) are detected from C. fumosorosea which cultured on P. americana by UV and HPLC. Results Mycelia of C. fumosorosea were cultivated in P. americana (medium). The highest total β-1,3-glucan content was observed in the mixture (C. fumosorosea + P. americana) after 25 days (69.21 ± 0.07 mg/g) and in the mycelium after 25 days (56.32 ± 0.39 mg/g) using different solvents. The highest β-1,3-glucan content was attained at specific time incubation in other solvents. The content of cordycepic acid peaked at 52.28 ± 0.11 mg/g in the mixture after 25 days and at 46.96 ± 0.13 mg/g in the mycelium after 25 days. The polysaccharide content reached its highest level in the mixture after 20 days (16.68 ± 0.38 mg/g) and in the mycelium after 20 days (14.85 ± 0.10 mg/g). The peak flavonoid content was observed in the mixture after 25 days (4.65 ± 0.24 mg/g) and in the mycelium after 25 days (4.04 ± 0.07 mg/g). Nucleosides, including adenine, adenosine, hypoxanthine, and guanosine, exhibited their highest levels after 25 days in the mixture and mycelium. Ergosterol content peaks at 25 days (2.25 ± 0.04 mg/g). Conclusion Cordyceps fumosorosea mixture and time incubation of 20 and 25 days are optimal for detecting a diverse array of bioactive compounds, including β-1,3-glucan, polysaccharides, cordycepic acid, flavonoids, ergosterol, and nucleosides.

Anticipation and Verification of Dendrobium-Derived Nanovesicles for Skin Wound Healing Targets, Predicated Upon Immune Infiltration and Senescence.

Dendrobium, with profound botanical importance, reveals a rich composition of bioactive compounds, including polysaccharides, flavonoids, alkaloids, and diverse amino acids, holding promise for skin regeneration. However, the precise mechanism remains elusive. Seeking a potent natural remedy for wound healing, exocyst vesicles were successfully isolated from Dendrobium. This investigation aimed to employ bioinformatics and in vivo experiments to elucidate target genes of Dendrobium-derived nanovesicles in skin wound healing, focusing on immune infiltration and senescence characteristics. C57 mice experienced facilitated wound healing through Dendrobium-derived nanovesicles (DDNVs). Bioinformatics analysis and GEO database mining identified crucial genes by intersecting immune-related, senescence-related, and PANoptosis-associated genes. The identified genes underwent in vivo validation. DDNVs remarkably accelerated skin wound healing in C57 mice. Bioinformatics analysis revealed abnormal expression patterns of immune-related, senescence-related, and pan-apoptosis-related genes, highlighting an overexpressed IL-1β and downregulated IL-18 in the model group, Exploration of signaling pathways included IL-17, NF-kappa B, NOD-like receptor, and Toll-like receptor pathways. In vivo experiments confirmed DDNVs' efficacy in suppressing IL-1β expression, enhancing wound healing. Plant-derived nanovesicles (PDNV) emerged as a natural, reliable, and productive approach to wound healing. DDNVs uptake by mouse skin tissues, labeled with a fluorescent dye, led to enhanced wound healing in C57 mice. Notably, IL-1β overexpression in immune cells and genes played a key role. DDNVs intervention effectively suppressed IL-1β expression, accelerating skin wound tissue repair.

Characterization of halotolerant microalga isolated from waterlogged habitats: Deciphering the biochemical profiling and unraveling the molecular identity.

The primary objective of this study was to comprehensively explore the biochemical profile of the novel halotolerant microalgae strain, biogas laboratory scenedesmus (BGLRS), previously isolated from waterlogged regions in the southwest zone of Punjab, India. To achieve this, three distinct drying methods viz. freeze-drying, oven-drying, and shade-drying were employed and biochemical composition and antioxidant analyses on the microalgal biomass were conducted. Utilizing advanced analytical techniques, including high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES), and gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GC-MS) on freeze-dried biomass, its carbohydrate profile, micronutrient composition, and presence of bioactive compounds with potential therapeutic and nutraceutical significance were sought to unravel. Among the drying methods evaluated, freeze-drying exhibited the most promising experimental results, prompting its selection for further investigation. Notably, ICP-AES unveiled elevated concentrations of essential elements such as calcium, iron, magnesium, and phosphorus in BGLRS, with negligible traces of heavy metals, underscoring its safety for human consumption. GC-MS analysis further divulged the existence of numerous biologically active compounds, indicating potential applications in medical and nutraceutical fields. Through molecular identification using sequencing of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region, a close taxonomic resemblance between BGLRS and Scenedesmus sp. MKB was established, solidifying its unique position within the microalgal taxonomy. The deposition of ITS sequences into the NCBI GenBank, obtaining accession number MN796425, attests to the rigor and transparency of this research. Overall, these findings strongly suggest that microalgae BGLRS possesses high-quality biochemical attributes of significant therapeutic and nutraceutical importance.

Valorization of Salicornia patula Duval-Jouve Young Shoots in Healthy and Sustainable Diets.

The revalorization of natural resources in food production is increasing, and the effect of climate change is negatively affecting the production of conventional crops. In recent years, edible halophytes have received more attention due to their ability to tolerate a wide range of salinities. Thus, the use of halophytes that require less water and are strongly adapted to high-salinity soil and coastal areas can provide sustainable agriculture in certain areas. In addition, there is growing interest in the study of the possibilities that these species offer as foods due to their excellent nutritional profile and antioxidant properties. For that reason, the exploitation of plants adapted to these areas is nowadays even more important than in the past to guarantee food security in arid or semiarid salinized territories. The available data about the nutrients and bioactive compounds composition of many non-cultivated edible vegetables traditionally used in the Mediterranean area, such as Salicornia edible young shoots, are still scarce. With the aim of improving the knowledge on their nutritional value, the present study provides new data about the content of some compounds with biological activity, such as fiber and organic acids, in eight samples of young shoots of S. patula Duval-Jouve gathered in great mainland and coastal salt marshes in Southwest and Central Spain. Results showed that this vegetable can be considered a healthy food and a very good source of dietary fiber (4.81-6.30 g/100 g fw total fiber). Its organic acid profile showed oxalic, malic, citric and succinic acids. Oxalic acid was the major one, with mean values of 0.151-1.691 g/100 g fw. From the results obtained in this study, S. patula shoots could be recommended as an alternative source of fiber for healthy and sustainable diets in the general adult population with no risk of renal disease.

Effect of roasting in electric oven on oil quality and residue from Cucurbita maxima (Marina di Chioggia) and Cucurbita pepo (Calabaza Mercado Verde) seeds from Morocco

This study aimed to assess the impact of the roasting process, conducted in an electric oven, on the oil quality and residue derived from two pumpkin seed species, namely Cucurbita maxima (C. maxima) and Cucurbita pepo (C. pepo), cultivated in Morocco. The seeds underwent roasting at temperatures of 60, 90, 120, and 150 °C for 45 min. The cold press extracted oils were characterize in terms of fatty acids, phytosterols, tocopherols and pigment content meanwhile phenolic content and antioxidant activity were evaluated in the residues. The heat treatment did not significantly affect fatty acid content; however, it affected sterols, particularly β-sitosterol, which experienced an 8 % decrease in C. maxima. Instead, total sterols significantly increased in C. pepo from 153.84 to 181.71 mg/100g. Moreover, the heat treatment influenced the tocopherol contents, revealing a substantial increase in both species. Phenolic content was significantly affected in C. pepo whereas the variation in C. maxima was statistically nonsignificant. Antioxidant activity exhibited fluctuations during the heat treatment, resulting in an overall increase in the oils. The roasting process influences the composition of bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity in pumpkin seed oil. These findings contribute to a deeper exploration of the functional properties of pumpkin seed products.

The Content of Antioxidant Compounds and VOCs in Sorghum Grain Grown in Central and Eastern Europe

Sorghum is a plant belonging to the Poaceae family. It is drought-resistant and has low soil requirements. In the face of climate change, it is increasingly cultivated in Europe. Poland is a country with great agricultural potential; it is thus important to develop effective and economic methods of agricultural production, which is confirmed by the introduction of sorghum into cultivation. The aim of this study was to characterize the composition of bioactive compounds (i.e., phenolic acids, flavonoids, carotenoids, and phytosterols) and VOCs in sorghum grain of two varieties, i.e., white ‘Sweet Caroline’ and red ‘Sweet Susana’ grown in the temperate climate (Pętkowo, Poland (52°12′40″ N 17°15′31″ E)). The following tests were carried out: analysis of phenolic acids, flavonoids, carotenoids, phytosterols, antioxidant activity (ABTS), free phenolic acids (FPAs); elemental analysis; and water, fat and starch content analysis. Based on the conducted research, it was concluded that Poland has appropriate conditions for growing sorghum, as the content of bioactive (antioxidant) compounds was at a similar level to those grown in tropical and subtropical climates. Of the nine phenolic acids and seven flavonoids determined, the highest concentrations in both sorghum grain varieties were found for ferulic, p-coumaric and protocatechuic acids. The content of ferulic acid was three times higher in Sweet Caroline grains than in Sweet Susana grains. Differences in the content of these compounds may be the result of genetic differences between the Sweet Susana and Sweet Caroline varieties.

Blueberry Pruning Wastes: From an Undervalued Agricultural Residue to a Safe and Valuable Source of Antioxidant Compounds for the Food Industry.

Blueberry fruits have been widely explored for their rich composition of bioactive compounds with recognized health benefits. In contrast, blueberry pruning waste (BPW), generated during the pruning stages of blueberries, has been typically overlooked, even though it can represent a potential source of natural antioxidants. This study aims to characterize the value-added compounds extracted from BPW using green techniques, namely microwave-assisted and subcritical water extraction. The total phenolic content ranged from 157 ± 5 to 335 ± 12 mg GAE/g dw, while the radical scavenging activity determined by a DPPH assay varied from 223 ± 21 to 453 ± 21 mg Trolox equivalents/g dw. Additionally, to ensure the safe application of BPW and its extracts, a screening of pesticides and several environmental contaminants was conducted. Chlorpyrifos-methyl was quantified at a concentration of 4.27 µg/kg in a Bluecrop variety collected in 2019; however, none of the studied compounds were found in the extracts. Despite the presence of a pesticide, this level was below the maximum residue limits for blueberry crops. The results of this study demonstrated the potential of this agro-industrial residue as a natural source of bioactive compounds with high antioxidant activity for food industry applications.

Antioxidant activity of chia flour as a food supplement in a cellular model: Repercussions of processing and in vitro digestion

Food processing and digestion can alter bioactive compound composition of food, affecting their potential biological activity. In this study, we evaluated the direct and protective antioxidant effects of polyphenols extracted from defatted chia flour (DCF) (salviaflaside, rosmarinic and fertaric acid as major compounds), sweet cookies supplemented with DCF (CFC) (same major compounds), and their digested fractions (rosmarinic acid, salviaflaside, fertaric and salvianolic E/B/L acid as major compounds) in HepG2 cells in basal and in oxidative stress conditions. DCF showed protective antioxidant effects by decreasing reactive oxygen species (ROS) and protein oxidation products (POP) while increasing reduced glutathione (GSH). Additionally, CFC revealed similar protective effects and even showed enhanced modulation of the antioxidant system due to the activation of antioxidant enzymes. However, the digested fractions only decreased ROS, indicating continued antioxidant effects. This study underscores the importance of evaluating manufacturing and digestion effects to confirm a food's antioxidant properties.