Desert Truffles Research Articles

Assessing Quality Attributes and Antioxidant Effects in Chocolate Milk Formulated with Gum Arabic and Desert Truffle

Assessing Quality Attributes and Antioxidant Effects in Chocolate Milk Formulated with Gum Arabic and Desert Truffle

Chemical Composition, Fatty Acids, Total Phenolics and Antioxidant Activity of the Desert Truffle Terfezia Boudieri Chatin in the Northern Region of Saudi Arabia

Terfezia boudieri Chatin (T. boudieri), which belongs to the Terfeziaceae family, is a desert truffle growing naturally from mycorrhizal relationships with plants that inhabit the slightly moist sandy soils of some desert or semi-desert regions. The chemical examination of the methanolic extract of T. boudieri led to the isolation of a new ketone and the known compound mannitol. The structures of the 2 isolated compounds were resolved using spectroscopic analysis including 1D and 2D Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR), Infrared (IR) spectroscopy and were supported by literature data. The GC-MS analysis of the Fatty Acids (FAs) of T. boudieri oils showed high Unsaturated FA (UFA) profile (78.72%). The major FAs were linoleic acid (62.36%) and oleic acid (14.7%). Comparing the extracts obtained, the methanolic extract revealed the highest levels of Total Phenolic Content (TPC) of 185.56 mg GAE/100 g of truffle, thus the same extract showed the best results for antioxidant activity.

From 'Farm to Fork': Exploring the Potential of Nutrient-Rich and Stress-Resilient Emergent Crops for Sustainable and Healthy Food in the Mediterranean Region in the Face of Climate Change Challenges.

In the dynamic landscape of agriculture and food science, incorporating emergent crops appears as a pioneering solution for diversifying agriculture, unlocking possibilities for sustainable cultivation and nutritional bolstering food security, and creating economic prospects amid evolving environmental and market conditions with positive impacts on human health. This review explores the potential of utilizing emergent crops in Mediterranean environments under current climate scenarios, emphasizing the manifold benefits of agricultural and food system diversification and assessing the impact of environmental factors on their quality and consumer health. Through a deep exploration of the resilience, nutritional value, and health impacts of neglected and underutilized species (NUS) such as quinoa, amaranth, chia, moringa, buckwheat, millet, teff, hemp, or desert truffles, their capacity to thrive in the changing Mediterranean climate is highlighted, offering novel opportunities for agriculture and functional food development. By analysing how promoting agricultural diversification can enhance food system adaptability to evolving environmental conditions, fostering sustainability and resilience, we discuss recent findings that underscore the main benefits and limitations of these crops from agricultural, food science, and health perspectives, all crucial for responsible and sustainable adoption. Thus, by using a sustainable and holistic approach, this revision analyses how the integration of NUS crops into Mediterranean agrifood systems can enhance agriculture resilience and food quality addressing environmental, nutritional, biomedical, economic, and cultural dimensions, thereby mitigating the risks associated with monoculture practices and bolstering local economies and livelihoods under new climate scenarios.

Diversity of endomycorrhizal and ectomycorrhizal fungi in the rhizosphere of Helianthemum ledifolium in the Bni Guil area (Eastern Morocco)

This work aimed to study the diversity of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and ectomycorrhizal fungi (ECM) present in the rhizosphere of Helianthemum ledifolium in the Bni Guil area (Figuig Province, Morocco), known for its arid climate and desert truffle production. Soil samples from the rhizosphere of Helianthemum ledifolium were taken for spore extraction, while the roots of this host plant were sampled for root observation. The results of this study showed that the density of spores extracted by wet sieving was 165 spores per 50g of the soil. Identification of these spores indicated the presence of 37 species, belonging to three AMF families (Glomeraceae, Acaulosporaceae, and Claroideoglomeraceae) and one ECM family (Cistaceae). The Glomus and Acaulospora genera are the most dominant, with 17 and 14 species, respectively, compared with the other genera. In addition, the frequency of occurrence of the Glomus genus is higher (50%) than that of the other fungal genera present, especially the Terfezia genus, reflecting the scarcity of desert truffles in recent decades. The results of root observations showed the presence of ectomycorrhization with a typical Hartig network and no fungal mantle, despite the dominance of AMF fungi, indicating some host specificity towards ECM fungi.

Gamma Irradiation-Mediated Alterations in Chemical Composition and Antimicrobial Efficacy of Zubaidi, a Wild Edible Desert Truffle (Terfezia boudieri), with Implications for Pharmaceutical Applications

In exploring the impact of γ-radiation on the biochemical makeup and antimicrobial attributes of Zubaidi truffle (Terfezia boudieri), this study delved into the nuanced interplay between irradiation doses, chemical components, and antimicrobial efficacy. This research scrutinized the influence of γ-radiation on the chemical constitutes and antimicrobial characteristics of Zubaidi truffle (Terfezia boudieri). By applying four distinct doses of γ-radiation (2.5, 5.0, 7.5, and 10 kGy), the study assesses various parameters, including phenols, flavonoids, total and reduced soluble sugars, crude and soluble protein, total amino acids, antioxidant activity, and the susceptibility of examined strains to irradiated and non-irradiated truffle extracts in comparison to standard antibiotics. The findings elucidate that γ-irradiation induces moderate adjustments in the chemical composition, coupled with a dose-dependent escalation in antioxidant activity. Remarkably, irradiated truffle extracts highlight antibiotic efficacy comparable to standard antibiotics, unveiling a nuanced correlation influenced by both radiation dosage and bacterial strain.

Root-secreted nucleosides: signaling chemoattractants of rhizosphere bacteria.

The rhizosphere is a complex ecosystem, consisting of a narrow soil zone influenced by plant roots and inhabited by soil-borne microorganisms. Plants actively shape the rhizosphere microbiome through root exudates. Some metabolites are signaling molecules specifically functioning as chemoattractants rather than nutrients. These elusive signaling molecules have been sought for several decades, and yet little progress has been made. Root-secreted nucleosides and deoxynucleosides were detected in exudates of various plants by targeted ultra-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry. Rhizobacteria were isolated from the roots of Helianthemum sessiliflorum carrying the mycorrhizal desert truffle Terfezia boudieri. Chemotaxis was determined by a glass capillary assay or plate assays on semisolid agar and through a soil plate assay. Nucleosides were identified in root exudates of plants that inhabit diverse ecological niches. Nucleosides induced positive chemotaxis in plant beneficial bacteria Bacillus pumilus, Bacillus subtilis, Pseudomonas turukhanskensis spp., Serratia marcescens, and the pathogenic rhizobacterium Xanthomonas campestris and E coli. In a soil plate assay, nucleosides diffused to substantial distances and evoked chemotaxis under conditions as close as possible to natural environments. This study implies that root-secreted nucleosides are involved in the assembly of the rhizosphere bacterial community by inducing chemotaxis toward plant roots. In animals, nucleoside secretion known as "purinergic signaling" is involved in communication between cells, physiological processes, diseases, phagocytic cell migration, and bacterial activity. The coliform bacterium E. coli that inhabits the lower intestine of warm-blooded organisms also attracted to nucleosides, implying that nucleosides may serve as a common signal for bacterial species inhabiting distinct habitats. Taken together, all these may indicate that chemotaxis signaling by nucleosides is a conserved universal mechanism that encompasses living kingdoms and environments and should be given further attention in plant rhizosphere microbiome research.

The beneficial effects of the Algerian desert truffle Terfezia claveryi Chatin: Chemical profiling and evaluation of the biological properties

The beneficial effects of the Algerian desert truffle Terfezia claveryi Chatin: Chemical profiling and evaluation of the biological properties

Opium Art and Truffle Texts in the Aegean and Ancient Near East

From the third millennium BC on, the opium poppy was exploited by the civilizations of the Aegean and Near East. While the terms for it in the ancient languages of the region are still unknown, the distinctive features of the harvest-ready seed pod would seem to find reflection in numerous works of Minoan, Mycenaean, Mesopotamian, and related art. This paper proposes that the corpus of opium imagery is far more extensive than previously recognized, including pins, finials, jewelry, seals, vessels, and weapons. It would also seem that certain elite women played vital roles in ancient opium matters. As for the desert truffle, it thrives in the area’s arid and semi-arid ecosystems, where the opium poppy cannot. We have no truffle art, so far as can be determined, but its suggestive presence in cuneiform documents, among them the seven Mari letters collected here, may signal that it was prized for its ability to engender altered states of consciousness, in addition to its nutritional and pharmaceutical benefits.

Using Science and Technology to Unveil The Hidden Delicacy Terfezia arenaria, a Desert Truffle.

Terfezia arenaria is a desert truffle native to the Mediterranean Basin region, highly appreciated for its nutritional and aromatic properties. Despite the increasing interest in this desert truffle, T. arenaria is not listed as an edible truffle authorized for trade in the European Union. Therefore, our objective was to showcase T. arenaria's nutritional and chemical composition and volatile profile. The nutritional analysis showed that T. arenaria is a good source of carbohydrates (67%), proteins (14%), and dietary fibre (10%), resulting in a Nutri-Score A. The truffle's volatile profile was dominated by eight-carbon volatile compounds, with 1-octen-3-ol being the most abundant (64%), and 29 compounds were reported for the first time for T. arenaria. T. arenaria's nutritional and chemical compositions were similar to those of four commercial mushroom and truffle species, while the aromatic profile was not. An electronic nose corroborated that T. arenaria's aromatic profile differs from that of the other four tested mushroom and truffle species. Our data showed that T. arenaria is a valuable food resource with a unique aroma and an analogous composition to meat, which makes it an ideal source for plant-based meat products. Our findings could help promote a sustainable future exploitation of T. arenaria and ensure the quality and authenticity of this delicacy.

Impact of ultrasonication on the contents, profiles and biofunctional properties of free and bound phenolics from white desert truffle (Tirmania nivea) and its protein fractions

The molecular and biofunctional properties of protein and phenolic fractions in edible truffles remain largely unknown. This study examined the effect of ultrasonication on the contents, profiles, and bioactive properties of free and bound phenolics (FP and BP) from desert truffle (Tirmania nivea) and its protein fractions. Protein fractions from the Osborne extraction scheme were biochemically and structurally characterized. The albumin fraction showed the highest abundance (16.8%) and yield (35.8%). Total phenolic contents were the highest in non-sonicated samples (3.5–34.1 mg/g), particularly in the albumin fraction and in whole truffle. FP extracted at 30 °C (FP-30 °C) accounted for the largest proportion of total phenolics in all protein fractions, whereas BP-30 °C and FP-60 °C were predominant in non-sonicated and sonicated truffle, respectively. The highest antioxidant activity was obtained with FP-30 °C extracts from non-sonicated albumins, globulins and truffle (91.9, 72.7 and 30.0%), followed by BP-30 °C from non-sonicated albumins (25.4%) and FP-60 °C from sonicated glutelins-1 (24.2%). High inhibition of α-amylase was evidenced in several extracts, including FP-30 °C from non-sonicated glutelins-1 (99.2%) and FP-30 °C from sonicated globulins (72.4%). Several extracts also displayed high inhibition of angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE), including FP-60 °C from non-sonicated glutelins-1 (65.1%) and sonicated glutelins-1 (71.1%) and globulins (64.7%). Most extracts were rich in epicatechin, gallic acid, chlorogenic acid and catechin. Correlations between phenolic content, antioxidant activity, anti-α-amylase and anti-ACE activities were influenced by sonication. Sonication reduced the particle size of the proteins and modified their structural characteristics. These findings demonstrate that white desert truffle proteins co-occur with bioactive phenolics whose functionalities can be tailored by protein fractionation and sonication.

Ecological studies of Helianthemum plants associated with Desert Truffles in the Mediterranean North Coastal area, Egypt

Ecological studies of Helianthemum plants associated with Desert Truffles in the Mediterranean North Coastal area, Egypt

Ecological studies of Helianthemum plants associated with Desert Truffles in the Mediterranean North Coastal area, Egypt

Ecological studies of Helianthemum plants associated with Desert Truffles in the Mediterranean North Coastal area, Egypt

Characterization of bacterial-associated with Egyptian Tirmania nivea and Terfezia canariensis

Recently, various studies investigate the cultivable microbial diversity of different truffles species. However, this study is still very limited for Egyptian desert truffles. Two morphologically different kinds of wild desert truffles collected from Western Egyptian Desert were characterized using general description in combination with ITS-rDNA data. The phylogeographic analysis of the obtained sequences in comparison to Mediterranean genera from GeneBank revealed the identification of white truffle as Tirmania nivea with 100% identity of isolate from Libya. While the red truffles were Terfezia canariensis which was grouped in one clade with isolates from Canary Island Spain and Portugal. A scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis indicated bacterial cells inhabiting the healthy gleba of the truffles. The cultivable bacterial isolates were Gram-positive related to the Firmicutes phyla identified as Bacillus boroniphilusMZ361726 (B2), Lactococcus lactisMZ361727 (B4), Bacillus licheniformisMZ361728 (B7), Bacillus haynesiiMZ361729 (B8), and Bacillus velezensisMZ361730 (B11) based on partial sequencing of 16S rRNA. The liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) of the most potent identified strains (B4, B7, and B11), revealed bioactive compounds showing antimicrobial activity as docosahexaenoic acid, fucosterol, and kolaflavanone which exist in truffle literatures. In conclusion, our findings reveal new insight into the microbiota associated with T. nivea and T. canerienasis and supported that these organisms represent a rich source for the development of novel antimicrobial bioactive compounds.

Terfezia boudieri and Terfezia claveryi inhibit the LPS/IFN-γ-mediated inflammation in RAW 264.7 macrophages through an Nrf2-independent mechanism

Desert truffles have been used as traditional treatments for numerous inflammatory disorders. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying their anti-inflammatory effects in RAW 264.7 macrophages have yet to be fully elucidated. The present study investigated the anti-inflammatory activities of two main desert truffles, Terfezia boudieri and T. claveryi, and the underlying mechanisms associated with their anti-inflammatory activities in RAW 264.7 macrophages stimulated with lipopolysaccharide/interferon-gamma (LPS/IFN-γ). Our results demonstrated that treatment with T. boudieri and T. claveryi extracts effectively suppressed the inflammatory response in LPS/IFN-γ-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages. Specifically, T. boudieri extract was found to reduce the production of nitric oxide and inhibit the expression of various pro-inflammatory markers, including inducible nitric oxide synthase, cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), tumor necrosis factor-α, and interleukin-6 (IL-6) at both the mRNA and protein levels. Similarly, T. claveryi extract exhibited comparable inhibitory effects, except for the expression of IL-6 and COX-2 at the protein level, where no significant effect was observed. Moreover, both studied extracts significantly downregulated the microRNA expression levels of miR-21, miR-146a, and miR-155, suggesting that T. boudieri and T. claveryi suppress the inflammatory response in LPS/IFN-γ-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells through an epigenetic mechanism. Furthermore, our study reveals a new mechanism for the anti-inflammatory properties of desert truffle extracts. We show for the first time that Terfezia extracts do not rely on the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 pathway, previously linked to anti-inflammatory responses. This expands our understanding of natural product anti-inflammatory mechanisms and could have important implications for developing new therapies. To account for differences in truffle effects, extracts prepared were subjected to secondary metabolites profiling using UPLC-MS. UPLC-MS led to the annotation of 87 secondary metabolites belonging to various classes, including amino acids, carbohydrates, alkaloids, amides, fatty acids, sterols, and phenolic compounds. Therefore, these results indicate that T. boudieri and T. claveryi exhibit anti-inflammatory activities through suppressing multiple inflammatory mediators and cytokines and may be potential anti-inflammatory agents.

Molecular and Phytochemical features of three Saudi Arabian desert truffles and their extract silver nanoparticles associated with their antimicrobial activities against selected pathogens

Molecular and Phytochemical features of three Saudi Arabian desert truffles and their extract silver nanoparticles associated with their antimicrobial activities against selected pathogens

Updating Ecology and Distribution of Wild Truffles in Morocco

The distribution and abundance of the various truffle species are influenced by the climate, soil, and vegetation conditions. The setting of these characteristics is necessary for the potential species’ cultivation. Here, we describe the ecological characteristics of Moroccan truffles and desert truffles and their associations with host plants. We also determine the climate and soil parameters relating to the geographic distribution and fructification of truffles and desert truffles. In contrast to truffles, which are found in sub-humid environments, desert truffles are found in semi-arid and arid regions of Morocco. The dissemination of desert truffles in the Mamora forest and oriental regions of Morocco is typically linked to the presence of Helianthemum sp., whereas the existence of truffles (Tuber spp.) in the Middle Atlas depends on the subsistence of Quercus ilex and Q. faginea. The truffles’ and desert truffles’ fructification depends mainly on the precipitation frequency. Terfezia arenaria and Tuber oligospermum, the two major desert truffles of Mamora forest, require an annual rainfall of 435 mm on average in slightly acidic soil. While the oriental and Highland desert truffles, namely Terfezia boudieri, T. claveryi, and Tirmania spp., require an annual precipitation average of 123 to 267 mm and a high CaCO3 content. Otherwise, there is Tuber aestivum, localized in humid regions with a rainfall rate of more than 650 mm, and found under calcareous soil rich in organic matter with the presence of potential host plants, such as oaks, cedars, and pines. Our findings open up the possibility of successful cultivation of truffles and desert truffles having an economic interest through understanding their ecological requirements in Morocco.

In-vitro antibacterial, cytotoxicity, and anti-prostate cancer effects of gold nanoparticles synthesized using extract of desert truffles (Tirmania nivea)

Herein, a cost-effective bio approach using extract derived from desert truffles (Tirmania nivea) is utilized to synthesize gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). AuNPs were thoroughly investigated using UV–vis, XRD, SEM, and TEM analyses. It was shown that nanoparticles had an fcc structure with a smooth spherical surface, an average diameter of 9.44 ± 0.26 nm, and an SPR band observed at 548 nm. Investigations were conducted on AuNPs' antibacterial and anti-cancer properties of prostate cancer cells. The findings suggest that AuNPs showed better antibacterial effects against S. aureus compared to E. coli, P. aeruginosa, and K. pneumoniae. AuNPs’ combination with antibiotics demonstrated a synergistic effect with significant antibacterial activity. Also, AuNPs show toxicity to the prostate cancer cell line (VCaP). The greatest percentage of inhibition rate of AuNPs to the VCaP cells line was 74.6%.

Detection of Tirmania pinoyi in Roots of Inoculated Cistaceae Plant Species by Nested Polymerase Chain Reaction

Desert truffles are edible hypogeous fungi, which grow in arid and semiarid areas of the Mediterranean region. They play an important role in the maintenance of rangelands by preventing erosion and desertification. In recent years, rangelands have experienced serious crises due to global warming and groundwater scarcity. One of the ways to improve rangelands is to use desert truffles as part of conservation or restoration efforts. For these reasons it is important to study the mycorrhizal association of these fungi with rangeland plants. For the first time, we investigated the mycorrhizal association of the desert truffle (Tirmania pinoyi) with the perennial plant species Helianthemum lippii, Helianthemum almeriense, Cistus laurifolius, and Cistus ladanifer. We inoculated all four plant species with T. pinoyi and found the presence of an ectendomycorrhizal association with varying degrees of sheath development. Our results shows that H. lippii is a suitable plant host for T. pinoyi, and the mycorrhization rate and relative mycorrhizal dependency in this native plant were about 90% and 57.85%, respectively, and higher than the other three plant species. The effect of the mycorrhizal fungus on host growth (root weight, root height, shoot weight, shoot height, plant height, and plant weight) was statistically significant compared with noninoculated plants. To detect the roots colonized by T. pinoyi, a polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based diagnostic method was developed with the species-specific primer pairs FTiPi and RTiPi designed from the sequence of the internal transcribed space regions (ITS1 and ITS2). The specificity of the primers was verified by PCR analysis of DNA from T. pinoyi specimens and other desert truffles. The method detected T. pinoyi in inoculated root plants, and no cross-reactions were observed with any other tested desert truffles. This species-specific PCR method is suitable for quick, simple, and reliable detection of T. pinoyi mycorrhizas.

Identification and complete genome sequencing of a novel betapartitivirus naturally infecting the mycorrhizal desert truffle Terfezia claveryi.

Viruses that naturally infect fungal species and capable of establishing mycorrhizae are largely unknown. In this study, we identified and characterized a new partitivirus inhabiting the ascomycete, mycorrhizal desert truffle species Terfezia claveryi, and named it "Terfezia claveryi partitivirus 1" (TcPV1). The entire genome of TcPV1, sequenced by both high throughput sequencing of the total dsRNA extracts and by Sanger sequencing of the RLM-RACE PCR products comprised two dsRNA segments of 2404bp and 2374bp, respectively. Both dsRNA genome segments harbored a single open reading frame (ORF), encoding a putative RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp), and a capsid protein (CP), respectively. The BLASTp search of the RdRp and CP sequences revealed the highest sequence identities (41.92% and 24.13% identity, respectively) to those of Bipolaris maydis partitivirus 2 and Plasmopara viticola lesion associated partitivirus 5. Molecular phylogenetic analyses of the RdRp sequence showed that TcPV1 fall within a clade composed entirely of members of the genus Betapartitivirus, belonging to the family Partitiviridae. In light of this molecular evidence, TcPV1 is a new member of the genus Betapartitivirus. This is the first report of a new partitivirus hosted by the ascomycete, mycorrhizal fungus T. claveryi.

A mycorrhizal helper bacterium alleviates drought stress in mycorrhizal Helianthemum almeriense plants by regulating water relations and plant hormones

Complex interactions between mycorrhizal helper bacteria (MHBs) and mycorrhizal fungi have rarely been studied in the context of drought. Separately, both MHB inoculation and moderate drought stress have previously shown to enhance desert truffle mycorrhization in Helianthemum almeriense plants, but the combined effect of both of them has not been evaluated yet. The goal of this study is to determine whether mycorrhization between Helianthemum almeriense and the desert truffle Terfezia claveryi can be triggered by applying Pseudomonas mandelii #29 under drought stress and whether this could improve plant water-relations. To investigate this, we evaluated the effect of the combination of MHB inoculation with two different water regimes (well-watered and water-deficit) over the mycorrhizal development, root hydraulic properties, gene expression of AQPs and plant hormones. The results showed that presence of P. mandelii under drought stress caused a synergistic increase of fungal colonization and a higher nutrient uptake. Although drought stress decreased root hydraulic conductivity (Lpr) regardless of whether plants were MHB-inoculated or not, this decrease was buffered in MHB-inoculated plants, concomintantly with regulation of plant hormones, such as abscisic acid, and aquaporin gene expression. Our results indicate that drought-mediated tripartite interactions (P. mandelii #29 x T. claveryi x H. almeriense) are beneficial for the plant to cope with water stress.