Dry Weight Basis Research Articles

Integrated characterization of Greek fennel genotypes through morpho‐agronomical characteristics, yield components and phytochemical compounds

AbstractBackgroundFennel (Foeniculum vulgare Mill.) is a widely cultivated vegetable and aromatic‐medicinal plant. In this research, field studies assessed 12 fennel genotypes of diverse origin, comprising 10 Greek accessions and two European commercial varieties, focusing on their morpho‐agronomical traits, phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity in the aboveground biomass. Emphasis gave on the post‐harvest determination of seed yield and essential oil's (EO's) profile for each genotype.ResultsMultivariate data analysis on both morpho‐agronomical descriptors and EO's components demonstrated clear distinction of Greek fennel accessions (groups I and III) from commercial varieties (group II). Accessions of groups I and III were ranked with intermediate values of height, foliage density, leaf length, green color intensity and primary canopy diameter. In addition, fennel accessions differentiated in their EO's yield (ranged from 2.2% to 7.8%), although they exhibited similar qualitative profile. The main EO's compound of group I was trans‐anethole, estragole and fenchone for group III, while commercial varieties characterized by high concentration in trans‐anethole and fenchone. Variations among genotypes were also demonstrated in the content of total phenolics (7.0–11.6 mg g−1 on dry weight basis, dw) and flavonoids (5.9–12.4 mg g−1 dw), while the antioxidant activity determined by ABTS test, varied from 9.0 to 16.2 mg Trolox equivalents g−1 dw.ConclusionThe observed variability in morpho‐agronomical descriptors and phytochemical profile among fennel genotypes recorded for the first time the potential of Greek native genetic material. The data of this research provides useful information for direct future uses in pharmaceutical industry and for applications in plant breeding programs, aiming to produce new type of fennel varieties.

Nutrient based classification of Phyllospora comosa biomasses using machine learning algorithms: Towards sustainable valorisation.

Sustainable seaweed value chains necessitate accurate biomass biochemical characterisation that leads to product development, geographical authentications and quality and sustainability assurances. Underutilised yet abundantly available seaweed species require a thorough investigation of biochemical characteristics prior to their valorisation. Abundantly available Australian seaweed species lack such comprehensive investigations within the global seaweed industrial value chains. Aiming to bridge this gap, this study characterises Phyllospora comosa thallus segments (blades, stipes, and vesicles) and unsegmented samples collected from separate locations in Victoria, Australia using high throughput characterisation techniques and machine learning classification models. Carbohydrate (64-68%), ash (27-31%), potassium (31.01 - 65.01mg/g), sodium (20.36 - 30.59mg/g), calcium (15.10 - 18.40mg/g), magnesium (7.71 - 11.81mg/g) and iodine (1.57 - 2.74mg/g) were the most abundant nutrients of the P. comosa biomasses, on a dry weight basis. Variations between segments showed that stipes were rich in carbohydrate, blades in glutamic acid, calcium, magnesium, and iodine and vesicles in potassium, suggesting differing valorisation paths. The "rpart" classification separated the collection sites based on cadmium: Bancoora < 84.9x10-6 mg/g (dw) ≤ Port Fairy with a 88% accuracy and segments, initially based on glutamic acid : blades ≥ 10.61mg/g (dw) or protein 45.25mg/g (dw) > stipes and vesicles and then by potassium : vesicles ≥ 44.88mg/g (dw) > stipes with a 100% accuracy. These highly accurate characterisation and classification methods, when applied to larger sample sizes will assist in the diversification and expansions of authentic and sustainable Australian seaweed value chains.

Techno-functionality of jack bean (Canavalia ensiformis) protein concentrate: a comparative study with soy and pea proteins.

With the growing human awareness of the environmental and animal stress caused by the meat industry, the consumption of plant-based products has expanded. Plant proteins have gained market prominence due to their sustainable origin, economic value and health benefits. Well-established plant proteins in the market, such as those of soy and pea, have various applications as ingredients in the food industry. However, given the wide variety of protein sources, it is necessary to conduct studies on the chemical and techno-functional characterization of other raw materials to further diversify their properties. In this context, the present study introduces jack bean protein concentrate (JBPC) as a potential alternative to proteins already established in the market. Techno-functional properties such as surface hydrophobicity, solubility, zeta potential, water- and oil-holding capacity, foam capacity and stability, emulsion stability and gel formation and rheology were analyzed. The protein content obtained from the extraction of the JBPC was 73 g (100 g)-1 on a dry weight basis, with an extraction yield of approximately 10% (w/w). Least gelation concentration for JBPC was 20%. JBPC exhibited a predominantly hydrophobic nature, with good oil retention capacity and emulsion and foam stabilization properties. The structure of JBPC was more linear, stable and rigid, which primarily influenced gel stiffness. Based on the study of techno-functional properties, JBPC proved to be an excellent alternative to soy protein isolate and pea protein concentrate in various applications, with potential for becoming an innovative ingredient in the food industry. © 2025 Society of Chemical Industry.

Intraspecific hybridization of Pleurotus djamor (Agaricomycetes) for developing short duration, high-yielding improved hybrid strain

Pleurotus is a dominant genus comprising several edible species of commercial importance. In recent years, there has been a demand for developing improved strains with superior nutritional attributes. Breeding of improved strains for shorter duration, high biological efficiency that is, the total yield relative to the dry substrate weight, becomes essential to make hybrid strains economically more attractive compared to parents with improved nutritional and functional properties linked with health benefits is an emerging concept. The present experiment was conducted during 2021 and 2022 at Agricultural College and Research Institute (Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu), Madurai, Tamil Nadu to develop three intraspecific hybrids, viz. K2M2, K4M4 and K7M2 with blended characters of both parents by crossing between Pleurotus djamor isolate woody-1 and P. djamor var. MDU-1. Hybrid strains K2M2 and K4M4 were found promising and produced 1st pinhead in shorter duration of 12–15 days with a total duration of 35–40 days. Hybrid K2M2 produced maximum yield of 587.66 g/500 g of paddy straw substrate on a dry weight basis with biological efficiency of 117.53% followed by K4M4. In this study the developed hybrids were subjected to determine the bioactive secondary metabolites through Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) and proximate composition. Analysis of secondary metabolites revealed that hybrids and parents had specific secondary metabolites at differential levels. Also proximate analysis and organoleptic evaluation revealed that hybrids possessed improved nutritional and sensory characters compared to parents. Hybrid cultivars possesses good sensory traits, better yield and shorter duration than parents have been found to increase the number of cropping cycles annually along with improved nutritional and health benefits for the benefit of mushroom farmers.

Formulation and Nutritional Quality of Complementary Foods Developed from Red Beans, Orange-Fleshed Sweet Potatoes and Peanut Flour

Malnutrition and micronutrient deficiencies during infancy and early childhood are major problems facing developing countries, particularly Cameroon. This study aimed to formulate highly nutritious infant foods from locally available and affordable raw materials: orange-fleshed sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L.), beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), and peanuts (Arachis hypogaea L.) grown in Cameroon. The formulated diets were analysed for their proximate (protein, fat, ash, fibre, carbohydrates), mineral (iron, zinc, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus), and antinutritional contents using standard methods. They were compared with the FAO/WHO standards. A total of two formulations were produced, with compositional proportions calculated based on recommended daily allowances (RDAs) for young children. The formulated ingredient varied 57-58% sweet potato, 23-25% beans, and 18-19% peanut. The linear programming method combined the samples into different formulations to meet FAO/WHO/UNICEF requirements. The results showed that the nutritional composition of the flour on a dry weight basis was as follows: crude protein: 12.66-13.66g/100g, lipid: 8.95-9.13g/100g, carbohydrates: 61.58-63.71g/100g, fibre: 5.58-6.22g/100g, ash: 3.82-4.64g/100g, energy: 381.53-387.65 Kcal, iron 9.45-10.46mg/100g, zinc 3.00-4.24mg/100g. The proximate contents of the formulated flours meet the FAO/WHO standards, except the energy content. The results of the study showed that the formulated diets contain very low antinutritional factors (phytate: 0.12 mg/100g and trypsin inhibitory content 0.30 to 0.35mg/100g). Based on the results, the complementary food formulated from sweet potato, beans, and peanut flour is a good source of protein, iron, and zinc and would contribute to the daily requirements of infants and young children.

Estimating the mineral content and analyzing the chemical composition and active groups of basil seeds (Ocimum basilicum), studying their antioxidant and incorporating them into healthy diets.

The chemical composition of basil seeds (Ocimum basilicum) was determined, chemical analyzes showed that the percentage content of moisture, ash, protein, fat, and carbohydrates on a dry weight basis was 22.5, 2.57, 3.15, 0.364 and 71.416 % respectively. The concentrations of the mineral elements represented by zinc, lead, cadmium, nickel, and copper were 28.3, 0.822, 0.0615, 3.643, 19.5 ppm respectively. The significant tests for the aqueous extract showed that it’s contain the active compounds represented by carbohydrates, saponins, tannins, flavonoids, alkaloids, phenols and glycosides which gave a positive result. As for the antioxidant activity, it was estimated by (2, 2 diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) method. The ability of the extract to capture free radicals increased with increasing concentration reaching the lowest value70.3% at a concentration of 50 mg/ ml, and the highest value 90.5% at a concentration 200 mg/ml as compared to the standard substance (butyl hydroxyl toluene), its effectiveness was 95.4. The reducing power increased with increasing concentration, at a concentration of 200 mg/ml it gave an effectiveness of 83.2% compared to ascorbic acid, which had an effectiveness of 85.4%. It was used in food applications as a thickening material in the jam industry using different ratios of 0.5, 1, 1.5 and 2 g. It was noted that the best concentration is Adding 2 gm.

Characterization and peptide identification of umami fractions from rusip-a traditional fermented anchovy product.

Rusip is a spontaneously fermented anchovy product originating from Bangka Belitung province in Indonesia, used as umami seasoning. This study investigated the characteristics of rusip and its umami fractions to reveal umami peptides in rusip. Six commercial rusip samples from Bangka were analyzed for their proximate composition, pH, total titratable acids, NaCl, total sugars, free glutamic acid, nucleotide (adenosine monophosphate), and total amino acid composition. Umami taste intensity of water-soluble extracts (WSE) was analyzed by a sensory panel. Total plate count and total lactic acid bacteria were also analyzed to assess the microbial variations between the samples. Stepwise ultrafiltration on the highest umami intensity WSE was conducted to obtain three fractions: >5kDa, 3-5kDa, and <3kDa, followed by chromatography fractionation of fraction <3kDa by Sephadex G-15 gel to acquire umami fractions (F1-F4). Protein (28.94%-44.53% dry weight basis [db]) and NaCl (30.86%-55.73% db) were the major solids of rusip. Concentrations of free glutamic acid (5.79%-8.99% db) in rusip are related with umami intensities of WSE. F1 was the umami fraction with its residual umami amino acids higher than its free ones; therefore, F1 was also a peptide fraction. It contained peptides of 3-12 residues within the highest relative area. Their sequences contained those of umami peptides listed in BIOPEP database. Some of these peptides were also associated with bioactivities. This information could broaden the insight of umami peptides and their bioactivities in fermented foods. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Rusip is used as a source of umami ingredient in food. The characteristics of product quality of rusip were reported in this study. In addition, the chemical and sensory characteristics as well as peptides of its umami fraction were also described. This information is important for the exploration of umami peptides from fish fermented products.

Extraction and Fermentation of Sugars from Almond Hull to Produce Astaxanthin

Almond hull is one of major byproducts of almond industry. It is rich in fermentable sugars which can be extracted for value-added applications. This study optimized the fermentable sugar extraction from almond hull by using response surface methodology with Box-Behnken design to optimize the operating parameters, including temperature (30, 55, and 80°C), shaking speed (200, 400, and 600 rpm), and extraction time (10, 65, and 120 min). The results showed that temperature is the most significant factor and the maximum total fermentable sugar yield of 36 ± 0.1 g/L was achieved under the conditions of 120 min, 80°C and 600 rpm for at 10% (dry weight basis) almond hull loading. A second-degree polynomial model can accurately predict the TFS extraction (R2=0.71). The extracted sugars (i.e., almond hull extract - AHE) were fermented into a high-value antioxidant, astaxanthin by using a yeast, Xanthophyllomyces dendrorhous while the effect of the type of nitrogen source on astaxanthin production was investigated, including yeast extract/peptone, ammonium chloride, ammonium sulfate, and urea. Amongst, yeast extract/peptone with the synthetic AHE and ammonium chloride with the original AHE achieved the maximum astaxanthin concentration of 3.31 ± 0.22 mg/L and 2.05 ± 0.27 mg/L, respectively. Selecting proper nitrogen sources (e.g., ammonium chloride) could mitigate the inhibition on astaxanthin fermentation of the original AHE fermentation. Astaxanthin production is a potential value-added outlet for almond hulls and a profit opportunity for the almond industry.

Co-solvent assisted supercritical fluid extraction of Curcuma caesia Roxb. (black turmeric) as a green and sustainable technology: Its bioactivity and anti-cancer properties

This study investigates a green method to extract black turmeric oleoresin (BTO) using supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) with ethanol as co-solvent. The optimized parameters of SFE were 350 bar/65 °C/150 min, yielding 6.56 g oleoresin/100 g dwb and 134 μg total curcuminoids/ g dwb (dry weight basis). The conventional ethanol extraction gave 13.94 g/100 g oleoresin, and the total curcuminoids in the oleoresin was 128 µg/g dwb. Hence ethanol was used as a co-solvent and this approach increased the yield of the oleoresin to 12.53 g/100 g and curcuminoids (223 µg/g) among all the methods. The SFE+ co-solvent extracted BTO showed significant antioxidant activity. Phytochemicals present in extracted oleoresin were quantified using HPLC, LCHRMS, GCMS, and FTIR. Similarly, a comparatively higher (84 %) anti-inflammatory activity compared to diclofenac and bactericidal effects against Salmonella typhi, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Listeria monocytogenes have been observed. The remarkable in vitro anticancer activity of the extract in HepG2 (IC50: 6 µL/mL) and HPAC (IC50: 5 µL/mL) cell lines indicated the potency of the extract.

Methane Generation Potential of the Easily Degradable Group of Landfilled Municipal Solid Waste

Municipal solid waste (MSW) remains in sanitary landfills for many years. To maintain a circular economy, assessing the feasibility of reinserting MSW excavated from sanitary landfills into the production chain is important. This reduces environmental impacts, helping to minimize soil, water, and air pollution resulting from the decomposition of waste in landfills. In addition, it promotes economic benefits from the energy recovery of waste, such as biomass, which can generate electricity and heat, contributing to a sustainable energy matrix. The present study aimed to evaluate the easily degradable MSW group with 24 years of landfilling (ED-24) regarding its potential for methane generation. The ED group consisted of putrescible organic matter, wood, paper, cardboard, and pruning landfilled at a sanitary landfill in Southeastern Brazil. The feasibility of valuing ED-24 as a substrate for anaerobic digestion was assessed by analyzing its physical, chemical, and biochemical characterization and calculating its theoretical methane yield (TMY). The total volatile solids (TVS) and holo-cellulose contents of ED-24 were 73.45% and 61.39%, respectively, on a dry-weight basis. These values were in the range of those determined for non-landfilled lignocellulosic materials. Thus, 24 years of landfilling partially degraded the anaerobically lignocellulosic materials. The TMY of ED-24 was 233.41 mL CH4/g TVS, indicating a potential to generate methane. Despite the high lignin value, ED-24 can be valued as a substrate for anaerobic digestion.

Canned complementary porridges for infants and young children (6-23 months) based on African indigenous crops; nutritional content, consistency, sensory, and affordability compared to traditional porridges based on maize and finger millet.

Child malnutrition is a major health problem in Sub-Saharan Africa. Complementary foods made from African indigenous and locally available raw materials are often low in protein and nutrients. It is, therefore, important to supply complementary foods that are nutritious and affordable, and with an acceptable consistency and taste. The objective of this study was to develop, on a pilot scale, food-to-food fortified, convenient, canned complementary porridges based on blends of African indigenous crops, i.e., orange fleshed sweet potato (OFSP) flour, and leguminous (i.e., cowpea, and Bambara groundnut) and cereal flours (i.e., teff, finger millet, maize, and amaranth), and milk powder. Plant-based, African complementary foods are often lacking in vitamin A, zinc, iron, and energy. Porridge with OFSP on a 32% dry weight (dw) basis achieved recommended levels of vitamin A (530 µg per 100 g dw). Satisfactory energy (431 Kcal per 100 g dw) was obtained by supplementation of vegetable oil. A nutritious, low-cost porridge (costing 0.15 € per 100 g can) that fulfills consistency constraints was obtained by including supplements of zinc and iron salts as ingredients. The solids content and thus protein/energy could be significantly increased using protein fractionated or germinated cowpea flours without compromising on viscosity. The sensory profile was characterised by more intense vegetable, leguminous, and malty flavours as compared to traditional reference porridges.

Phytochemical variability in essential oils of Juniperus communis var. saxatilis populations grow wild in western Himalaya, India

Needle and berry samples of Juniperus communis L. var. saxatilis Pall. were sampled separately during post rainy season to comparatively investigate the essential oil (EO) yield and phytochemical variability in eight populations grow wild in western Himalaya, India. The EOs obtained from air-dried needle and berry samples separately by hydrodistillation method using Clevenger type apparatus varied in yield with geographic origin of populations, ranged between 2.5-3.4% and 1.8-2.8% (v/w, dried weight basis), respectively. GC-MS analysis of EO profiles resulted in identification of a total ninety-four phytochemicals, representing over 95% of total oil content. Both, needle as well as berry EO samples were dominated by monoterpene hydrocarbons α-pinene (18.52-30.65% and 14.31-27.37%), D-limonene (17.01-28.96% and 15.80-29.70%), β-myrcene (3.74-5.59% and 4.12-14.23%), followed by sesquiterpene hydrocarbons β-elemene (0.86-4.13% and 0.77-3.65%) and germacrene D (0.27-2.57% and 0.20-6.15%), respectively. The oxygenated sesquiterpenes α-cadinol (0.34-5.90% and to 5.63%) and α-bisabolol (to 3.39 and 0.95-6.71%) constituted the third most abundant group of terpenes while oxidized monoterpenes with α-terpineol (0.73-2.17% and 0.10-3.51%) and α-terpinyl acetate (2.10-4.76% and 0.05-3.54%) were the least dominant group. The principal component and hierarchical cluster analysis indicated that selective local environmental forces driving the microhabitat conditions appeared to be linked to high variability in essential oil composition of different common Juniper populations instead of their geographical proximity. The present study revealed that common Juniper essential oils from western Himalaya, India fulfil minimum requirements of European Pharmacopoeia and warrants its further exploitation as a natural resource of commercial significance for dietary and therapeutic applications.

Controlled-Release Iodine Fertilizer Improved Iodine Accumulation, Antioxidant Capacity, and Quality of Lettuce

To clarify the effects of newly developed controlled-release iodine fertilizer (CRIF) on enhancing lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) iodine accumulation, improving the physiological traits, and reducing iodine leaching from soil, a greenhouse pot experiment was conducted. Polymer-coated iodate (PCIO), polymer-coated iodide (PCI), and two conventional iodine fertilizers—iodate (CIO) and iodide (CI)—were applied at a rate of 15 mg iodine per kg soil. The study found that the coating of iodine fertilizers had no significant effects on the biomass of lettuce. The iodine concentration in lettuce leaves subjected to PCIO treatment was elevated by 50.1% and 45.5%, respectively, in comparison to leaves treated with CIO and PCI. The soil-to-leaf transfer factor (TFleaf, dry weight basis) for plants treated with PCIO was significantly higher than that of PCI-treated plants. PCIO also significantly reduced iodine leaching by 46.3% compared to CIO. In lettuce leaves with PCIO treatment, the enzymatic activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) significantly increased by 50.8% and 27.6%, respectively. Likewise, malo-naldehyde (MDA) levels decreased by 23.2% compared to the control samples. PCIO also demonstrated advantages in enhancing the quality of the lettuce. In conclusion, the application of controlled-release iodine fertilizer could be a highly effective and eco-friendly approach to cultivating iodine-rich vegetables.

Revealing the distribution of synthetic musks in Chinese estuarine sediments driven by natural and anthropogenic factors

Synthetic musks (SMs) commonly used in personal care products can accumulate in the estuarine environment, but influencing factors on their distribution at large-scale region remain largely unexplored. Herein, surface sediment samples from 18 main estuaries of China and two river outlets in the Yangtze River Estuary were collected to discern the spatial and temporal variations of SMs. Moreover, fourteen influencing factors consisting of natural and anthropogenic parameters were scrutinized and their significance were analyzed by using Spearman's rank correlation and Random Forest. The widespread distribution of SMs were observed in Chinese estuarine sediments with the levels ranging from < reporting limit to 28 ng g−1 on a basis of dry weight (mean: 3.5 ng g−1). Predominated polycyclic musks shared similar sources both spatially and temporally. Positive correlation was found between SMs and total organic carbon in sediments, whereas the SM distribution was strongly influenced by regional anthropogenic activities. Regional population density was the primary influencing factor, followed by gross domestic product per unit area and wet deposition of particulate matters. A good correlation between SMs and water quality category indicated SMs could serve as an indicator for water quality. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to identify the main influencing factors on SM distribution in estuarine sediments, aiming to better understand the distribution and fate of emerging organic chemicals in the estuarine environment.

Bio-composites from barley, wheat, and cassava flours reinforced with oil palm residues: Characterization and tensile mechanical performance

This study explores the production of bio-composites from barley, wheat, and cassava flours, reinforced with varying ratios of oil palm residues. The research emphasizes principles of circular economy and sustainability. Both flours and reinforcements underwent characterization to elucidate how their physicochemical properties affect the mechanical behavior of the bio-composites. Barley flour exhibited significantly higher levels of protein (11.11 %), crude fiber (5.64 %), and ash (2.80 %) compared to wheat and cassava flours. Conversely, cassava flour stood out for its high carbohydrate concentration (approximately 97.8 % on a dry weight basis). Characterization highlighted enhanced adhesion between reinforcements in bio-composites with cassava flour, alongside morphological distinctions on fractured surfaces. Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) analysis unveiled several functional groups in the bio-composites, while thermogravimetric analysis delineated five stages of thermal degradation. In terms of mechanical properties, bio-composites with barley flour showed higher elastic modulus values (970.5 MPa), while those with 12 % OPKS exhibited tensile strengths of 1.7–2.1 MPa. The interaction among components emerged as a fundamental factor influencing the mechanical properties of bio-composites, underscoring the necessity of considering reinforcement composition and distribution during fabrication.

Gelation and dough‐forming properties of canary seed protein concentrate in comparison with commercial soy protein concentrate and vital wheat gluten

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesIn this study, a lab‐scale process was developed to aqueously de‐oil canary seed (yellow and brown‐seeded) flour and derive a protein concentrate. The protein concentrates prepared were evaluated for their gelation and bread dough‐forming properties.FindingsThe aqueous process successfully reduced the oil content in both yellow‐seed and brown‐seed roller‐milled flour. The protein concentrate prepared from yellow‐seed flour and brown‐seed flour had 74.9% and 68.6% purity (dry weight basis), respectively. Proteins showed high resistance to thermal denaturation (peak denaturation at 107°C). It was found that the least gelation concentration of both protein concentrates was 16% (w/w). There were no significant differences in viscoelastic properties and water holding capacity between the protein gels of these two canary seed types and the addition of salt did not noticeably improve these properties. Compared to canary seed, commercial soy protein showed better gelation properties. Both yellow and brown canary seed protein showed a good potential for improving bread dough strength when incorporated into a low‐gluten‐strength wheat flour and was comparable to commercial vital wheat gluten at 1%–3% (w/w) inclusion levels.ConclusionsThe new canary seed protein ingredients prepared by the solvent‐free aqueous‐based process hold good potential for application in food formulation based on their gelation and bread dough‐forming properties.Significance and NoveltyThe gelation and dough‐forming properties of canary seed were not previously studied; therefore, this study provides an insight into those properties for potential food applications for canary seed proteins, which is important for canary seed market diversification as a novel protein source.

Major Bitter-Tasting Compounds from the Dichloromethane Fraction of Bitter Gourd (Fruit of Momordica charantia L.) Extract and Their Precursors.

The unripe fruit of the plant Momordica charantia L., commonly known as bitter gourd or bitter melon, is a popular vegetable and medical herb in many parts of the world and is characterized by its strong bitter taste. In our endeavor to decode its bitter taste, the dichloromethane fraction of 75% methanol extract of bitter gourd was found to be intensely bitter. Combining sensory analysis-guided fractionation and newly developed comparative high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis-guided purification led to the isolation of five known compounds including momordicoside L (1), (23E)-3β-O-malonyl-7β,25-dihydroxycucurbita-5,23-dien-19-al (2), 3-O-β-d-allopyranosyl-7β,25-dihydroxycucurbita-5,23(E)-dien-19-al (3), momordicine IV (5), and charantoside B (6) and three new compounds 3-O-β-d-3-ketoglucopyranosly-7β,25-dihydroxycucurbita-5,23(E)-dien-19-al (4), 6'-O-malonylmomordicoside L (7), and 6'-O-malonylmomordicine IV (8) from bitter gourd. Sensory analysis revealed compounds 3-8 had strong bitter taste with their bitter taste recognition thresholds in the range between 3.6 (4) and 13.6 ppm (6) in 3% ethanol. UPLC-MS/MS quantification showed that their concentration in bitter gourd ranged from 16.5 ± 1.3 mg/kg (4) to 214.8 ± 14.0 mg/kg (6) on a dry weight basis. Calculation of the dose-over-threshold (DoT) factor showed that momordicine IV (5) and charantoside B (6) should be considered as bitter principles of bitter gourd. In addition, the study also demonstrated the ubiquity of the isomerization reaction in the side chain of cucurbitane-type triterpenoids. Many isolated compounds were the isomerized products of their natural precursors, and these precursors should be the primary bitterness contributors of fresh fruits. In addition, comparative HPLC analysis-guided purification could be a practical approach for the fast isolation of acid-labile precursors.

Isolation and Characterization of β-Glucan Containing Polysaccharides from Monascus spp. Using Saccharina japonica as Submerged Fermented Substrate

Beta-glucan (β-glucan), a naturally occurring complex polysaccharide, has drawn attention for its diverse health benefits, including immune system modulation. β-glucan was extracted from two fungi, Monascus purpureus (Mp) and Monascus kaoliang (Mk), cultured in Saccharina japonica via submerged fermentation. The yield, solubility, total sugar, reducing sugar, protein content, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), in vitro free radical scavenging activity, and cytotoxicity were analyzed. A significant yield of β-glucans, with the contents of 51.30 ± 1.54% in Mp and 44.24 ± 1.18% in Mk was observed on a dry weight basis. Water solubility slightly varied, measuring 36.25 ± 1.14% in Mp and 31.25 ± 0.94% in Mk. Total sugar and reducing sugar content in Mp and Mk derived β-glucans were 114.75 ± 2.54 mg/g and 100.25 ± 1.86 mg/g, 7.38 ± 0.78 mg/g, and 8.39 ± 0.46 mg/g, respectively. FTIR spectra resembled the standard, and TGA confirmed heat stability. XRD patterns indicated that the extracted β-glucans, including the standard one, showed the most prominent diffraction peaks in the lower 2θ range, suggesting similar crystalline phases; however, they differed in crystallinity and degree of amorphous content. SEM images displayed characteristic rough and fibrous shapes and surfaces for extracted β-glucans but it was uniform and of a regular shape in the standard sample. The isolated β-glucans exhibited in vitro free radical scavenging and no cytotoxicity was observed in the MTS assay. Therefore, utilizing S. japonica as a substrate in the fermentation process by Monascus spp. presents a unique opportunity in the production and utilization of β-glucans.

Spatial distribution of PAHs, nickel, and vanadium in sediments from a large coastal lagoon near a petroleum extraction area in the southern Gulf of Mexico

One of the world's crucial areas for crude oil exploration and extraction is the southern Gulf of Mexico, where Terminos Lagoon (TL) is located. Sediments from the TL region were used to assess the spatial patterns, origins, and ecotoxicological risks associated with 16 priority polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs; 3.1–248.9 ng⸳g−1 dry weight basis, dw) and trace metals (Ni = 11.0–104.0 mg⸳kg−1; V = 2.0–35.0 mg⸳kg−1 dw) linked to anthropogenic activities. Although origin indices based on PAHs and metals concentrations indicate no crude oil pollution in the region, sources of pyrogenic PAHs were identified. A chemometric approach demonstrated associations between organic matter and PAHs, and that metal accumulation depends mostly by the input of lithogenic materials. Ecotoxicological risk estimations showed a higher risk of possible adverse effects in sites near swamps and mangrove zones, highlighting the need of future monitoring. This study provides a reference for policymakers to conserve Mexico's largest coastal lagoon and other oil-impacted coastal areas worldwide.

Nutritional and phytochemicals analysis of high‐altitude common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) cultivars of Nepal

AbstractThe common bean, Phaseolus vulgaris L., is an important legume grown in all parts of Nepal to supply dietary protein for humans and livestock. They are rich in a variety of bioactive compounds and thus possess health‐promoting effects in the prevention of chronic diseases, including cancer, cardiovascular diseases, obesity, and diabetes. The present study examined the nutritional and proximate composition and screened the bioactive compounds present in beans grown in the high‐altitude regions of Nepal. The analysis of 18 beans indicated the moisture (6.48%–8.83%), crude protein (17.39%–23.54%), carbohydrate (58.74%–66.37%), crude fat (0.78%–1.58%), crude fiber (3.36%–4.75%), total ash (3.33%–4.69%), and total energy (340.24–350.16 kcal/100 g). The results showed that the common beans were also good sources of nutritionally important minerals, including copper (2.72–8.77 mg/kg), calcium (843.86–2763.62 mg/kg), iron (38.93–73.69 mg/kg), magnesium (1540.63–2083.52 mg/kg), sodium (205.91–695.81 mg/kg), potassium (13,560.21–16,957.05 mg/kg), and zinc (19.80–31.00 mg/kg) on a dry weight basis. Quantification of bioactive compounds revealed the highest concentration of total phenolic content (TPC) in the beans from Jumla (5.96 mg GAE/g) than Dolakha and Darchula. However, the total flavonoid content was higher in Dolakha beans (3.47 mgQE/g). The EP‐15‐03FB landrace from Jumla was superior in terms of protein, phytochemical, and TPC. The results of this study will provide valuable information on the nutritional and phytochemical contents of beans and serve as a basis for further utilization of common beans.