Phytosterol Content Research Articles

Enhancing Antioxidant Activity and Nutritional Profile of Dark Chocolate Through Enrichment with Plant Sterols: A Study on Phytosterol Concentrations and Functional Properties

Chocolate, particularly dark chocolate, is recognized for its antioxidant properties attributed to the presence of flavonoids that promote cardiovascular health. Enriching chocolate with phytosterols, naturally occurring plant compounds known to be effective in reducing cholesterol levels, has the potential to enhance cardiovascular benefits. The incorporation of phytosterols into chocolate provides a palatable and cost-effective means of delivering these beneficial compounds to the body. This study examined the concentrations of sterols and stanols, as well as the antioxidant properties of dark chocolate enriched with plant-derived sterols and stanols. A commercially available preparation containing phytosterol esters (Vegapure® 95 WE) was utilized for this enrichment. Four levels of phytosterol esters (3, 6, 9, and 12%) were added at two distinct stages of chocolate processing: conching and tempering. Sterol and stanol contents were analyzed chromatographically, total phenolic content was determined using the Folin–Ciocalteu method, and antioxidant capacity was assessed via the DPPH assay. Additionally, a sensory evaluation was performed to assess the palatability of the enriched chocolates. The enriched chocolates showed significantly increased levels of sitosterol (up to 1117.68 mg/100 g), campesterol (up to 119.10 mg/100 g), and sitostanol (up to 76.42 mg/100 g). The antioxidant capacity of the enriched dark chocolates was more strongly correlated with phenolic compound content than with phytosterol content. Sensory differences, particularly in taste, were also noted, influenced by the addition of phytosterols. The stage at which phytosterol esters were introduced affected the chocolate’s properties, with the tempering stage proving to be the more advantageous step for incorporating phytosterols, resulting in a lower loss of bioactive compounds. These findings suggest that enriching dark chocolate with phytosterols improves its nutritional profile and functional properties, positioning it as a potential dietary supplement for cholesterol management and cardiovascular health.

Characterization of quality parameters and phytosterol content in oils and their formulated margarines

AbstractUnlike lipid stability and oxidation studies in commonly used edible oils and margarines, margarines formulated with unconventional oils are not well characterized. This study investigated the effect of heat treatment (HT) on the stability and content of phytosterol in njangsa seed oil (NSO), bush mango oil (BMO), soybean oil (SBO), coconut oil (CCO), and margarines formulated from their blends: BN (BMO and NSO), BS (BMO and SBO), CN (CCO and NSO), CS (CCO and SBO), and commercial margarines (CM1 and CM2). Both oils and margarines were heat‐treated at 130, 170, and 210°C for 10, 15, 20, and 120 min (only oils). Changes in free fatty acid (FFA), peroxide value (PV), para‐anisidine value (AnV), and fatty acid (FA) composition and phytosterol content were determined after 20 min (margarines) and 120 min (oils) of HT and compared to their control/pre‐HT/unheated (UH) counterparts. The FA composition did not change significantly with HT. Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA)‐rich oils such as NSO and SBO showed significantly higher increase in FFA content with HT compared with oils with higher saturated fatty acid content (BMO and CCO). Oils with higher proportions of linoleic acid, such as SBO (68.3%) and NSO (60.35%), had higher AnV at the end of the HT compared with oils with lower content, such as BMO (0.51%). Phytosterol content fluctuated with HT, and changes in content were generally more pronounced in β‐sitosterol than in stigmasterol and campesterol. Both principal component analysis (PCA) and partial least‐squares discriminant analysis (PLS‐DA) were carried out to observe possible clusters. The results suggest that changes in quality and content of oils and margarines during heating are dependent on more than their fatty acid composition.

Assessment of the Quality, Bioactive Compounds, and Antimicrobial Activity of Egyptian, Ethiopian, and Syrian Black Cumin Oils

Background: The oils obtained from the seeds of Nigella sativa, also named black cumin, are rich in bioactive compounds that strengthen immunity and support human health. This study aimed to compare Nigella sativa oils pressed from Egyptian (Eg-NSSO), Ethiopian (Et-NSSO), and Syrian (Sy-NSSO) seeds. Methods: The analyzed oils were obtained from a local company. The content of phenolic compounds, tocochromanols, phytosterols, volatile compounds, triglycerides, and fatty acids composition was determined using chromatographic methods. The oxidative stability was determined by Rancimat technique as well as the determination of DPPH and ABTS scavenging activity. As an assessment of bioactivity, the antimicrobial and anti-aflatoxigenic properties of oils were evaluated. Results: Ethiopian oil had highest content of phenolic compounds, flavonoids, phytosterols, and tocochromanols and was characterized by the longest induction period (IP = 7.89 h). The share of thymoquinone was the highest in Ethiopian oil (34.84%), followed by Egyptian (27.36%), then Syrian (22.59%). Ethiopian oil recorded a high antibacterial activity, while Egyptian oil showed a unique antifungal activity against toxigenic fungi. Aflatoxins’ secretion into liquid medium containing NSSO was reduced, especially with Egyptian oil.

Analysis of pentacyclic triterpenoids and phytosterols in cloudberry (Rubus chamaemorus L.) by LC-MS/MS.

Cloudberry (Rubus chamaemorus L.) is a plant rich in various biologically active compounds. In this work, the composition and concentrations of pentacyclic triterpenoids (PCTs) and phytosterols in various parts of cloudberries were studied using high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry by multiple reaction monitoring mode (MRM, targeted analysis) and precursor ion scan mode (non-targeted analysis and semi-quantitative determination). Moderately polar fractions of cloudberry leaves, sepals and berries extracts are rich in β-sitosterol glycoside and various triterpenoid acids, among which tormentic acid (∼190-1800 μg/g dw part of cloudberries) and its hydroxyl derivatives (∼3.1-470 μg/g dw part of cloudberries) predominate. Non-polar fractions are characterised by the presence of amyrins (0.76-110 μg/g dw part of cloudberries), β-sitosterol (62-750 µg/g dw part of cloudberries) and β-sitosterol glycoside (∼92-360 μg/g dw sepals).

RESEARCH OF STEROID AND VOLATILE COMPOUNDS IN VERBENA OFFICINALIS L. HERB

Biologically active compounds of medicinal plants are able to affect various links of processes in the living organism, namely, they regulate the processes of metabolism, growth and development of organisms. The therapeutic potency of medicinal plant raw materials is derived by a complex of biologically active compounds that influence various biologically processes, including metabolism, growth, and development. Numerous steroid-like remedies of plant origin exhibit remarkable activity. Phytosterols, chemical compounds similar to cholesterol, are synthesized in plant organisms and have been found to have anti-tumor effects and lower blood cholesterol. Additionally, steroid and volatile compounds demonstrate antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activity. The genus Verbena includes 250 species. 3 species grow on the territory of Ukraine: Verbena officinalis L., Verbena supinа L., Verbena hybrida Hort. Verbena officinalis L. is globally recognized for its antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, showcasing anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antispasmodic, and anti-allergic effects. However, comprehensive chemical studies of Verbena officinalis L. are limited, necessitating a detailed analysis of phitosterol and volatile compound content using modern precise methods. The aim of the research was to qualitatively and quantitatively determine the content of steroid and volatile compounds in Verbena officinalis L. herb using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. We chose the herb Verbena officinalis L. as the object of the study. Materials and methods. The content of phytosterols and volatile compounds in Verbena officinalis L. herb was studied using the GC/MS method. We chose the herb Verbena officinalis L. as the object of the study. An Agilent Technologies 6890 chromatograph with a 5973 mass spectrometric detector with an HP-5 ms capillary column were used. The mass spectra library in conjunction with AMDIS and NIST identification programs was employed for components were identification. Research results. The study of phytosterols in Verbena officinalis L. identified campesterol (9.32%), stigmasterol (7.13%), γ-sitosterol (72.21%) and androst-5,15-dien-3-ol-acetate were identified (11.35%). In the volatile fraction 8 compounds were identified, with benzophenone (33.96%) and hexahydro farnesyl acetone (22.57%) being dominant. Conclusions. The GC/MS method allowed for the qualitative and quantitative analysis of steroid and volatile compounds in Verbena officinalis L, identifying 4 phytosterols and 8 volatile compounds. The identified phytosterols and volatile compounds in the herb have significant implications for the production of phytoremedies and the development of raw material standardization parameters. We identified campesterol, stigmasterol, γ-sitosterol and androst-5,15-dien-3-ol-acetate in the herb Verbena officinalis L. Eight volatile compounds were identified in the herb Verbena officinalis L. by the chromato-mass spectrometric method. Benzophenone and hexahydro farnesyl acetone are dominant. Steroid compounds (mg/kg) were identified and quantified: campesterol, stigmasterol, γ-sitosterol and androst-5,15-dien-3-ol-acetate. The obtained research results will be taken into account in the further production of phytoremedies based on the medicinal Verbena herb, as well as in the development of raw material standardization parameters.

Improvement of 9α-hydroxyandrost-4-ene-3,17-dione production in Mycolicibacterium neoaurum by regulation of cell wall formation and transcriptional regulator PadR

The biotransformation of phytosterol into high value steroid intermediates such as 9α-hydroxyandrost-4-ene-3,17-dione (9-OHAD) in Mycolicibacterium is the cornerstone of the steroid pharmaceuticals. However, the limited permeability of the dense mycobacterial cell wall severely hinders the efficient transportation of phytosterol and their bioconversion to 9-OHAD. In this study, we disrupted the genetic pathways involved in trehalose biosynthesis, trehalose recycle and by-product formation, leading to alterations in cell wall formation, cell permeability and 9-OHAD productivity. This manipulation led to an increase of 63.7% in the yield of 9-OHAD, reaching 10.8 g/L at a phytosterol concentration of 20 g/L in shake flask. The enhancement of cell permeability and 9-OHAD production were achieved through the deletion of genes TreS, TreY, OtsA, LpqY, and SugC, as well as the inactivation of regulator PadR. Notably, it was found that the increase in TMM content of cell wall components via TLC analysis directly affected the distribution of 9-OHAD within and outside the cell, ultimately leading to an increase in extracellular production of 9-OHAD from 12% to 32.1%. Therefore, this study provides with an effective strategy for enhancing 9-OHAD production by increasing cell permeability while minimizing by-product 4-AD formation.

Structure–Function Relationships and Health-Promoting Properties of the Main Nutraceuticals of the Cactus Pear (Opuntia spp.) Cladodes: A Review

Over the past decade, several studies have established a direct link between functional foods, nutraceuticals, and a reduced risk of oxidative-stress-related diseases. Nutraceuticals, which encompass a variety of bioactive molecules, exhibit both nutritional and therapeutic properties. The cactus pear (Opuntia spp.) is a plant genus with many species recognized as functional foods, largely attributed to their high content of nutraceuticals, including polyphenols, fatty acids, vitamins, amino acids, pigments, and phytosterols. These compounds of different structures and functions possess different biological activities, contributing to the health-promoting properties of cactus pear. This makes cactus pears a valuable plant for the food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries. While extensive research has focused on the nutritional profile of cactus pear fruits, the cladodes have received comparatively limited attention. Notably, the nutritional composition of cladodes can exhibit considerable variability, influenced by species and growing conditions. Furthermore, although various bioactive compounds have been identified in cladodes, studies elucidating their mechanisms of action, health benefits, and potential therapeutic applications remain insufficient. Addressing these gaps is crucial for enhancing the understanding and utilization of cactus pear cladodes. This paper provides a comprehensive overview of the structure–function relationships of the main nutraceuticals found in cactus pear cladodes. It synthesizes data from recent and relevant literature to elucidate the content of these compounds in relation to species and geographical origin, while also detailing the main biological activities and health-promoting benefits associated with cactus pear cladodes.

Comprehensive profiling and evaluation of free/conjugated Phytosterols in crops using chemical derivatization coupled with UHPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS/MS

Phytosterols are naturally existed in crops but their detection is constrained by sensitivity and accuracy due to the inefficient analytical approaches. This study hypothesizes that an untargeted analytical method combining chemical derivatization with ultrahigh performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry can identify the various composition and contents of phytosterols in different crops. The results showed that chemical derivatization significantly enhanced intensity of phytosterols compared with non-derivatized samples. Using precursor ion scanning (PIS) of m/z 252.0690, dansyl chloride-labeled phytosterols were identified, demonstrating that rapeseeds had the highest content of total phytosterol (3981.2 ± 95.3 mg/kg), followed by sunflower seeds, flaxseeds, corn and rice, respectively. Principal component analysis revealed significant variations in phytosterol distribution among 15 crop samples, suggesting the applicability of phytosterol profile as a marker for phytosterols-contained crops. Hence, the proposed analytic approach proves high efficiency and accuracy in determining phytosterols and advances the study for phytosterol-enriched crops.

Investigation on the structure and properties of nanostructured lipid carriers loaded with different contents of phytosterols and their impact on lipid oxidation

In this study, nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) were prepared using walnut oil as a liquid lipid to load phytosterols (PS). The effects of different ratios of PS to lipids on the structural and functional properties of these carriers and lipid oxidation of PS-loaded carriers were investigated. The XRD, FTIR, and DSC results indicated that NLCs formulated with walnut oil as the liquid lipid were successful in incorporating PS. These NLCs exhibited a smaller average particle size (<300 nm) and a lower PDI (<0.3), along with a higher zeta potential. Furthermore, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) revealed that PS5-NLC displayed the most uniform particle size distribution and excellent dispersion. Notably, NLCs demonstrate high encapsulation efficiency and antioxidant capacity. Importantly, the bioaccessibility of PS in the carriers significantly increased from 23.5% to 86.8% compared with that of pure PS. Following a storage period of 21 days, the NLCs loaded with PS showed a lipid hydroperoxide (LH) value of 32.4 mmol/L and a malondialdehyde (MDA) content of 9.9 μmol/L, which were 13.6% and 33.3% lower, respectively, than those of the carriers without PS, indicating an effective reduction in lipid oxidation. This study is first to introduce the innovative use of walnut oil as a liquid lipid for preparing NLCs. It was observed that incorporating PS not only enhanced the bioaccessibility of these compounds but also effectively mitigated lipid oxidation. Overall, this study offers valuable insights into the development of PS delivery systems and broadens the potential applications of walnut oil.

Phytosterols in mountain cultivated ginseng, as master healthy ageing dietary supplement, activates steroid signaling in ageing Drosophila melanogaster

Mountain cultivated ginseng (MCG) is planted in mountain forests to simulate traditional wild ginseng; therefore, it has a greater pharmacological effect than cultivated ginseng (CG) in the garden; however, insufficient evidence confirms this theory. In light of the health-promoting and life-extending properties of ginseng, we analyzed the efficacy of MCG and CG. Initial observations revealed that the phytosterols content of MCG was higher than that of CG, with a positive correlation to the duration of growth. The distinction between phytosterols in MCG and in CG is predominately determined by the stigmasterol content using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). The lifespan of Drosophila melanogaster (fruit flies) that aged naturally was prolonged by phytosterols in MCG and CG and stigmasterols. Further, they prolonged healthy ageing as measured by progeny numbers, length of sleep, climbing distance, and survival following oxidative damage. The findings of behavioral observations revealed that phytosterols in MCG were more efficacious than in CG in promoting health maintenance and life extension; moreover, stigmasterol indicated that these effects were dose-dependent. Stigmasterols, phytosterols in MCG and CG have restored age-associated decreases in steroid hormone levels. Notably, molecular docking was predicted to promote stigmasterol's binding to the steroid hormone receptor ECR due to its similarity to steroid hormones. In addition, stigmasterols triggered the steroid hormone signaling pathway by increasing the activity of key genes Eip75B and Br in 20E signaling and Jhamt, HmGR, Met, and Kr-h1 in JH signaling. Phytosterols, as a natural product, regulated health and longevity as a dietary supplement similar to that of steroids, which supported the social requirements of healthy ageing.

Assessment of Yield, Flavonoid and Phytosterol Contents, and Fatty Acid Composition of Baru Almond Oil (Dipteryx alata Vogel) by Supercritical CO2 Extraction

Assessment of Yield, Flavonoid and Phytosterol Contents, and Fatty Acid Composition of Baru Almond Oil (Dipteryx alata Vogel) by Supercritical CO2 Extraction

Study of Phytochemical Attributes of Ashwagandha Ghrita from Desi Cow Milk

Background: The dairy industry constantly works to manufacture healthier products to fulfill consumer demand. Ashwagandha therapeutic and medical qualities are highly recognized. The current study examines the phytochemical attributes of Ashwagandha (Withania Somnifera) ghrita from desi cow milk. Methods: The Ashwagandha ghrita was prepared by following the guidelines of the Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS). Cow ghee contains 0.20% moisture, 99.85% milk fat and 0.20% free fatty acids as oleic acid. The butyro refractometer value is 41, the Reichert-Meissel value is 31, the Polenske value is 1.18, the Peroxide value is 0.75 and DPPH is 75.6. The Ashwagandha ghee contains 0.18 % moisture, 99.82% milk fat and 0.40% free fatty acids as oleic acid. It has a Butyro Refractometer value of 42, Reichert-Meissel value of 32, Polenske value of 1.19, Peroxide value of 0.80, DPPH of 83.98, total phenolic content (GAE/ml) of 62.85 µg and phytosterol content of 0.33 mg/g. Result: During investigation, it was found that the nutritional profile of Ashwagandha ghrita is better as compared to cow ghee. The sensory evaluation (flavor, texture, color, freedom from suspended solid and overall acceptability) was found significant (p less than 0.05) which was evaluated by a trained panel. Ashwagandha may be used as a natural ingredient for the development of Ashwagandha ghee with high antioxidant activity.

The Effect of High-Temperature Heating on Amounts of Bioactive Compounds and Antiradical Properties of Refined Rapeseed Oil Blended with Rapeseed, Coriander and Apricot Cold-Pressed Oils.

Cold-pressed oils are rich sources of bioactive substances, which may protect triacylglycerols from degradation during frying. Nevertheless, these substances may decompose under high temperature. This work considers the content of bioactive substances in blends and their changes during high-temperature heating. Blends of refined rapeseed oil with 5% or 25% in one of three cold-pressed oils (rapeseed, coriander and apricot) were heated at 170 or 200 °C in a thin layer on a pan. All non-heated blends and cold-pressed oils were tested for fatty acid profile, content and composition of phytosterols, tocochromanols, chlorophyll and radical scavenging activity (RSA) analyzed by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), and 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS) assays. Moreover, the stability of phytosterols, tocochromanols, DPPH and ABTS values was determined in heated blends. All tocochromanols were lost during the heating process, in particular, at 200 °C. However, there were some differences between homologues. α-Tocopherol and δ-tocopherol were the most thermolabile and the most stable, respectively. Phytosterols were characterized by very high stability at both temperatures. We observed relationships between ABTS and DPPH values and contents of total tocochromanols and α-tocopherol. The obtained results may be useful in designing a new type of fried food with improved health properties and it may be the basis for further research on this topic.

Comparison of chemical compositions and aroma characteristics of walnut oil prepared by different roasting processes.

Walnut oil is an edible oil with high nutritional value, and the roasting process influences its quality and flavor. This study aimed to investigate the effects of roasting on the fatty acid composition, bioactive compounds (tocopherols, polyphenols, and phytosterols), and antioxidant capacity of walnut oil. Additionally, the aroma compounds and sensory characteristics were evaluated to comprehensively assess the variations in walnut oil after roasting. Roasting resulted in no notable impact on the fatty acid composition of walnut oil but increased the content of tocopherols and polyphenols in walnut oil, increasing its antioxidant capacity. Heavy roasting (160°C/20min) reduced the phytosterol content in walnut oil by 2.3%. In total, 146 volatile compounds were detected in both cold-pressed and roasted walnut oil using headspace solid-phase microextraction-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, and 32 key aroma compounds were identified. Aromatic aldehydes, aliphatic aldehydes, and heterocyclic compounds significantly contributed to fragrant walnut oil. Furthermore, the principal component analysis based on quality characteristics and sensory evaluation indicated that moderate roasting (130°C/20min, 130°C/30min, and 160°C/10min) provided walnut oil with a sweet, nutty, and roasted aroma, as well as high levels of linoleic acid, phytosterols, and γ-tocopherol. Although heavy roasting (160°C/15min and 160°C/20min) enhanced the antioxidant capacities of walnut oils due to high levels of polyphenols, the oils exhibited an unpleasant burnt aroma. This study showed that roasting promoted the quality and flavor of walnut oil, and moderate conditions endowed walnut oil with a characteristic-rich flavor while maintaining excellent quality.

Supercritical CO2 extraction of valuable lipophilic compounds from pre-fractionated sour cherry pomace and evaluation of their composition and properties

Valorisation of fruit processing by-products and waste is an important task for increasing the sustainability of agro-food sector. In this study, pitted sour cherry pomace was mechanically pre-fractionated into the 6 different particle size (>10, 4−10, 3−4, 1−3, 0.8−1, <0.8 mm) fractions (9.71−16.41 % proteins, 5.68−12.16 % fat, 62.55−78.39 % carbohydrates) and subjected to supercritical fluid extraction with CO2 for the recovery of lipophilic constituents. Extract yield depended on fat content and was from 3.38 % to 8.69 %. Linoleic (38.52−47.11 %) and oleic (21.85−39.03 %) were major fatty acids, while triacylglycerols composed of these acids were major in the extracted oils. The concentrations of tocopherols, carotenoids and phytosterols in the extracts were 116.3−432.0, 1218−2564 and 4294−8449 μg/g. Antioxidant activity values were determined for the extracts and solids of initial dry pomace and its residue after extraction. Folin-Ciocalteu Index (basically similar to total phenolic content, TPC), ABTS•+-scavenging and oxygen radical absorbance (ORAC) values of extracts were 7.86−8.75 mg of gallic acid equivalents/g, 1.72−6.37 and 35.12−95.49 of mg trolox equivalents/g, respectively. It is the first report on comprehensive characterisation of sour cherry pomace fractions extracted by supercritical CO2.

A new Israeli almond ‘Shefa’: phytochemical composition and response to roasting temperature and duration

ABSTRACT Demand for almond is in rise, due to its desired flavor and beneficial health-related properties. Roasting is the most common practice in almond processing, improving aroma and texture, as well as nutritional properties. “Shefa,” a new Israeli almond variety, was recently introduced; however, no information is available regarding its phytochemical composition and response to roasting. The aim of the current work was to characterize its health-related composition, in addition to describe its response to moderate roasting conditions, including temperature and duration. For this, “Shefa” almonds were roasted at 100°C, 125°C, 150°C, and 175°C for 15 and 25 min. and compared to raw unroasted kernels. Health and nutritional quality parameters included antioxidant capacity (DPPH, FRAP, and ABTS; spectrophotometric), total polyphenol, tocopherol and phytosterol content (spectrophotometric), and fatty acid profiling (GC-MS). Our results demonstrate that “Shefa” variety phytochemical composition resembles that of other Mediterranean almond varieties, e.g. Italian and Turkish are high in tocopherols and phytosterols, with average polyphenol content. Its antioxidant activity was 19.11, 25.56, and 22.18 mg TE/100 g DW for DPPH, FRAP, and ABTS, respectively. In addition, under the roasting conditions evaluated in the current work, “Shefa” almonds presented an improved health-related composition, with levels of antioxidant capacity, polyphenols, tocopherols, and phytosterols increasing with temperature and duration. “Shefa” response to roasting resembled that of other almond varieties evaluated under comparable roasting conditions. To conclude, the newly introduced Israeli almond “Shefa” has a healthy and nutritionally beneficial phytochemical composition, which improves with moderate roasting. Further investigation is needed to profile its polyphenol and tocopherol composition, to provide additional valuable insights into its phytochemical composition.

Insights into date seed oil composition: Geographical variability and potential applications

AbstractDate fruit (Phoenix dactylifera L.) processing generates substantial quantities of date seeds, constituting a potential source of valuable oil yet currently considered waste. This study aimed at characterizing date seed oil (DSO) as a prospective approach for date seed valorization while investigating the influence of geographical origin on its composition. Samples from three Moroccan palm groves (Allougoum, Alnif, and Errachidia) and four non‐Moroccan samples were analyzed. Liquid and gas chromatography were applied to determine the chemical composition. The prevalent fatty acids were oleic acid (Ol), ranging from 40.8% to 50.2%, followed by lauric acid (La, 14.0%–24.2%), myristic acid (My, 9.0%–12.6%), palmitic acid (Pa, 9.0%–11.6%), linoleic acid (7.1%–10.7%), and stearic acid (St, 2.4%–4.8%). Major triacylglycerols identified included LaOlLa, LaOlMy, LaOlPa, LaOlOl, MyOlPa, MyOlOl, and PaOlOl. Notably, DSO contains significant tocochromanol (424–760 mg kg−1) and phytosterol content (3422–4827 mg kg−1), with specific phytosterols identified for the first time. Multivariate analysis employing principal component analysis and hierarchical cluster analysis, supplemented by heatmaps, underscored the influence of geographical origin on DSO composition. Moroccan samples exhibited distinctive profiles rich in St, Ol, Pa, PaOlSt, MyOlPa, PaOlPa, γ‐tocotrienol, and δ‐tocotrienol, leading to a differentiation from non‐Moroccan oils. Challenges in classifying DSO within selected Moroccan palm groves were discussed, emphasizing the necessity to consider major and minor compounds, along with date varieties, in geographical effect studies.Practical Applications: By delving into the chemical properties and potential applications of DSO, this research strives to contribute to sustainable and economically viable approaches for utilizing agricultural waste products.

Construction of Pickering emulsion and its application in enzymatic synthesis of phytosteryl oleate

In this study, Janus nanoparticles were prepared and used to construct Pickering emulsion as an emulsifier in presence of lipase. The results showed that Janus nanoparticles could be used to stable water phase in emulsion and the average particle size of emulsion was 60 μm. Phytosterol ester was successfully synthesized in Pickering emulsion catalytic system by using oleic acid as acyl accepter, and the phytosterol conversion reached 91.65 ± 2.07% under the following conditions: emulsifier amount of 1.0 wt%, oil-water ratio of 6:1, phytosterol concentration of 110 mmol/L, lipase dosage of 20 g/L, reaction temperature of 45 °C. Compared with biphasic catalytic system, Pickering emulsion catalytic system could enhance the catalytic efficiency and shorten the reaction time due to large interface area and short molecule diffusion distance. At the end of reaction, Janus nanoparticles could be recovered by simple centrifugation, the relative activity of lipase remained 72.89 ± 1.83% after repeated use for 6 times. Overall, this paper provides a novel and high efficiency interfacial biocatalysis technique for the synthesis of phytosteryl oleate.

Metabolome and transcriptome analysis reveal the effect of methyl jasmonate on phytosterol biosynthesis in Brassica napus

AbstractPhytosterols are a group of nonpharmacological alternatives to prevent or control dyslipidemias and cardiovascular disease. Increasing the phytosterol content in rapeseed oil is important to enhance daily phytosterol intake. However, the mechanisms of biosynthesis and regulation of phytosterol in rapeseed remain unclear. In this study, two representative rapeseed cultivars with extremely high (H286) and low (H174) phytosterol content were selected and treated with various concentrations (0.5−5.0 mM) of methyl jasmonate (MeJA). The results showed that treatment with 1 mM MeJA increased the phytosterol content of H174 and H286 by 17% and 27%, respectively. Based on the multiomics data, a gene‐phytosterol regulatory network was constructed. We deduced that MeJA down‐regulated the expression level of BnaA07.SCL15, BnaC05.MYB61, and BnaC03.AGL2, thereby promoting the phytosterol biosynthesis , and which were validated through the transient expression in tobacco. Notably, overexpression of Arabidopsis BnaA07.SCL15 exhibited a significant decrease in their phytosterol content. Additionally, an integrative analysis of the high‐resolution metabolome and transcriptome revealed that the accumulation patterns of 997 metabolites were highly correlated with their corresponding gene expression patterns. MeJA also significantly affected flavonoid biosynthesis, α‐linolenic acid metabolism, and amino acid metabolism. Furthermore, BnaA09.TT8 and BnaC09.TT8 were found to regulate of flavonoids. Overall, this study provides valuable insights into the phytosterol biosynthesis in rapeseed and offers a simple and effective approach for improving rapeseed quality.

Phytosterol supplementation enhances the growth performance, feed utilization, antioxidant status and glucose metabolism of juvenile largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) fed a high-starch diet

IntroductionPrevious studies found that phytosterols could influence growth performance, feed utilization and lipid metabolism as well as improve the antioxidant capacity of animals.MethodsTo investigate the effects of dietary phytosterol supplementation on juvenile largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) fed a high-starch diet, a 56- day feedingtrial was conducted with four dietary feeds for juvenile largemouth bass: extruded floating feed isonitrogenous and isoenergetic diets were formulated to contain 10% and 15% α-starch; on the basis of a 15% α-starch diet, two other diets were formulated with supplementation of 0.1% and 0.5% phytosterol, respectively. After the feeding trials, the survival rate, weight gain and specific growth rate, feed conversion ratio, intraperitoneal fat ratio, feed intake, protein efficiency ratio and activities of three digestive enzymes, as well as the concentrations of nine plasma biochemical indices, hepatic enzyme activities and glycogen contents, were measured and calculated, and the data were statistically analyzed.ResultsThe results of the present study showed that the survival rate, weight gain and specificgrowthrates were significantly greater in plants fed high-starch diets supplemented with phytosterols. As the supplemental phytosterol concentration increased, the feed conversion ratio and intraperitoneal fat ratio significantly decreased; the protease and lipase levels in the pyloric zone markedly increased; the plasma cholesterol, triglyceride, glucose, malondialdehyde, aspartate transaminase and alanin transaminase levels significantly decreased; the glucokinase and pyruvate kinase levelsmarkedly increased; and the hepatic glycogen content significantly decreased.DiscussionIn summary, dietary phytosterol supplementation promoted the growth performance, feed utilization and antioxidant status of juvenile largemouth bass fed a highstarch diet; enhanced glucose utilization and metabolism; and alleviated the negative stimulation of glycemia stress in M. salmoide fed a high-starch diet.