Gas Chromatography-flame Ionization Detector Research Articles

Phytochemicals and volatile composition of Justicia carnea leaf ethanol extract

The present study assessed the bioactive and volatile composition of Justicia carnea leaf ethanol extract. The quantitative phytochemical composition of the extracts was determined using gas chromatography flame ionization detector (GC-FID) while volatile components were determined using gas chromatography- mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The results obtained from the study showed that the extract is rich in a battery of pharmacologically beneficial alkaloids and flavonoid which include Spartein (9.17 μg/ml), Epihedrine (7.35 μg/ml), Narigenin (7.20 μg/ml), Phytate (6.86 μg/ml), Kaempferol (6.43 μg/ml), Dihydrocytisine (5.73 μg/ml), Sapogenin(4.42 μg/ml), Flavone (3.9 μg/ml), Anthocyanin (3.86 μg/ml), and Ribalinidine (3.37 μg/ml). Spartein, Epihedrine, Narigenin, Phytate, Kaempferol and Dihydrocytisine were the most abundant secondary metabolites of J. carnea leaf ethanol extract. GC-MS analysis identified 86 volatile bioactive compounds in the ethanolic extract of Justicia carnea leaf; these includes 1-Piperonyl-3,5-diamino-1,2,4-triazole, 1,2-Dipiperonyl-3-imino-1,2,4-triazine (3.70%), 1H-Cyclopenta[1,3]cyclopropa[1,2]benzene,octahydro-7-methyl-3-methylene-4-(1-methylethyl)-(3.74%), (E)-.beta.-Famesene,1,6,10-Dodecatriene (4.34%), Aromandendrene Bicyclo [7.2.0]undec-4-ene (6.27%), Cyclohexene, 3-(1,5-dimethyl-4-hexenyl)-6-methylene- (7.59%), 1-Formyl-1-piperonylhydrazine Benzene, isothiocyanato- (8.32%) and (E)-.beta.-Famesene, .beta.-Bisabolene (10.87%) as the major bioactive compounds. These compounds may contribute to the documented pharmacological activities of the plants, including antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties.

Nutritional evaluation of fish scale of selected saline and fresh water fish species

Fish scale is the major waste materials of fish having different vital nutrients, proteins, and fatty acids. But unfortunately, it has not been drawn much attention due to want of available researches and information. So, the present research has been emphasized on the exploration of proximate compositions and fatty acid profile in two fresh water fish L. rohita and C. idella as well as saline water fish L. calcarifer and T. ilisha. All the experiments were carried out according to International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC). The individual percentage of fatty acid was identified and quantified, using Gas Chromatography-Flame Ionization Detector (GC-FID) and the prominent percentage of docosanoic acid was found as 25.96 ± 0.05%, 51.74 ± 0.04%, 56.58 ± 0.01%, and 32.88 ± 0.04% in L. rohita, C. idella, L. calcarifer, and T. ilisha, respectively. Besides, among the mono and poly unsaturated fatty acids, palmitoleic acid and linolenic acid were traced in higher amount respectively, in all fish species. The quality of fish scale oil was evaluated using saponification value, iodine value, ester value, acid value, percentage of free fatty acid, and percentage of glycerin that was found as 183.78 ± 0.34 mg KOH/g, 29.93 ± 0.21 mg I2/g, 175.31 ± 0.31 mg KOH/g, and 17.53 ± 0.24 mg KOH/g, in L. rohita, T. ilisha, L. rohita, and L. rohita, respectively. The proximate analyses showed that the maximum percentage of moisture (53.20 ± 0.23%) and lipid (1.42 ± 0.11%) was noticed in L. rohita whistle, the maximum percentage of ash (18.70 ± 0.27%) and protein (32.37 ± 0.26%) was found in T. ilisha. Furthermore, among the different minerals, calcium was found as higher amount than others minerals in all four species.

CONJUGATED LINOLEIC ACID AND FATTY ACID ISOMERS IN SELECTED COLD PRESSED OILS: ANALYSIS BY GC/FID TECHNIQUE

The conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) isomers in cold pressed oils [pomegranate seed oil (PGSO), linseed oil (LSO), black cumin seed oil (BCSO), nettle seed oil (NSO),grape seed oil (GSO), sesame seed oil (SSO),safflower oil (SFO), pumpkin seed oil (PSO), wheat germ oil (WGO), fig seed oil (FSO), coriander oil (CO), walnut oil (WO) and coconut oil (CNO)] extracted with lab–scale screw press machine were further subjected to gas chromatography/flame ionization detection (GC/FID) analysis. The composition of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) and saturated fatty acids (SFAs) of the samples was also determined. The five different positional and geometric isomers of CLA [cis–9, cis–11 CLA, cis–9, trans–11 CLA, trans–9, cis–11 CLA, trans–9, trans–11 CLA and trans–10, cis–12 CLA] were also well separated by a highly polar column (100m×0.2μm×0.25mm i.d; HP–88 cyanopropyl) and an applied GC temperature program. It was concluded that the samples were all rich in total CLA (∑CLA) and they were found between 0.14% for PSO and 2.11% for SSO. The most abundant CLA isomer was in general to be cis–9, trans–11 CLA form, which represented the content of isomer between 3.15% and 72.08% of ∑CLA. Besides, the ∑SFA values were detected between 2.43% and 93.14%, ∑MUFA values were between 4.60% and 71.11% and ∑PUFA values were between 1.79% and 87.59%. Therefore, this study might offer valuable information for the introduction of new food sources, as well as incorporation into medicinal purposes and food formulations which have the potential to be commercially valuable.

Eco-friendly miniaturized kapok-fiber supported liquid-phase extraction coupled with gas chromatography-flame ionization detector for high-throughput edible oil preparation and low-cost determination of synthetic antioxidants

The addition of synthetic phenolic antioxidants can effectively delay or prevent oxidation of edible oils. However, excessive use of these antioxidants can have negative impacts, which emphasizes the importance of accurate analysis methods to determine their presence in edible oils. Given the large number of food samples involved in regulatory purposes, there is a need to develop high-throughput and cost-effective detection methods for routine analysis. However, the existing methods are not suitable, indicating a need for further improvement. This study presents a technique that combines miniaturized-kapok fiber-supported liquid-phase extraction (mini-KF-SLE) with gas chromatography-flame ionization detection (GC-FID) to determine synthetic antioxidants like 3-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyanisole, 3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxytoluene, and tert-butylhydroquinone in edible oils. The mini-KF-SLE device consists of 20mg of kapok fibers placed in a 1mL pipette tip attached to a pipette. The extraction procedure involves three simple steps: loading the oil sample (150mg), adding the extractant (150µL of ACN), and eluting the extractant by applying air pressure using a pipette. The developed mini-KF-SLE-GC-FID method shows satisfactory quantitation ability (R2>0.99) and detection limits of 0.4–0.5µg/g. Moreover, the relative standard deviations for all analytes were below 9.2%, indicating good precise of the method for routine analysis. The proposed method also exhibits excellent environmental friendliness, as evidenced by three widely recognized metrics. Overall, the mini-KF-SLE-GC-FID method provides a convenient, low-cost, environmentally friendly, and easy to automate alternative for routinely determining synthetic antioxidants in edible oils.

Zinc oxide–aluminum oxide nanocomposite solid phase microextraction for diazepam and oxazepam trace determination

A new efficient ZnO-Al2O3 nanocomposite (ZANC) was synthesized to form solid-phase microextraction (SPME) fiber. The prepared fiber was used for trace determination of benzodiazepines by gas chromatography-flame ionization detector in urine samples. The effective parameters on the extraction process including extraction time, salt percentage, desorption time and sample pH were optimized by a factorial design method.The method was evaluated at the optimum conditions and limits of detection (LODs) were calculated 20 µg/L for diazepam and oxazepam. The method repeatability for oxazepam and diazepam (50 µg/L, n = 4) was calculated at 8.8 % and 6.4 %. Also, the method reproducibility was obtained, 7.45 % and 6.61 % for oxazepam and diazepam (50 µg/L, n = 4). Also, fiber-to-fiber relative standard deviation (RSDs%) for the target analytes were less than 15.5 %. The method linearity is within the range of 62–500 µg/L for diazepam and oxazepam. The ZANC-SPME fiber showed a good lifetime (60 times) with high chemical stability. The high thermal stability of ZANC-SPME fiber was attained at 280 °C. The extraction results of poly dimethylsiloxan/divinyl benzene (PDMS/DVB) fiber were compared by ZANC-SPME fiber. Therefore, the method is proposed as a suitable technique for benzodiazepines detection in the urine sample.

Oxidative Conversion of Polyethylene Towards Di-Carboxylic Acids: A Multi-Analytical Approach.

To reduce the pressure on the environment created by the increasing amount of plastic waste, the need to develop suitable plastic recycling methods has become more evident. However, the chemical recycling toolbox for polyethylene (PE), the most abundant type of plastic waste, remains underdeveloped. In this work, analytical methods were developed to explore the possibility to oxidatively convert PE into di-carboxylic acids as reaction products. A multi-analytical approach including gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, gas chromatography-flame ionization detection, several (2D) nuclear magnetic resonance methods as well as in-situ transmission infrared spectroscopy was used. This led to a thorough qualitative and quantitative analysis on the product mixture, which extends and clarifies the existing literature. Without a catalyst (thermally) already up to 7 mol % di-carboxylic acids can be formed. Furthermore, it was found that the majority of the oxidized functionalities are carboxylic acids, (methyl) ketones, γ-lactones, γ-ketones and esters. An intra-molecular hydrogen shift seemed key in the cleavage step and the formation of late-stage side products. In addition, crosslinking reactions due to esterification reactions seem to limit the di-carboxylic acid yield. Therefore, these two handles can be taken into account to study and design similar (catalytic) systems for the oxidative conversion of plastic waste.

Development of user-friendly protocols for single-cell arachidonic acid production in developing countries

Arachidonic acid (ARA) is a sorely needed nutrient and an effective and safe schistosomicide and tumoricide. Consumption levels are low in developing countries because of unawareness of its critical impact on health and limited commercial availability. The research work aims to encourage production in developing countries via providing user-friendly definitive protocols for polyunsaturated fatty acids production by the fungus Mortierella alpina and ARA isolation. Fatty acids content was determined by gas chromatography-flame ionization detector. The optimal cultivation conditions included culture medium to flask volume 1:5; shake-flask culture at 25 °C, then at 20 °C, and stationary aging at 10 °C, each over 7 days, while addition of trace minerals and vitamins was dispensable. The ARA yield attained >1.8 g per liter culture. Repeat experiments led to the selection of an optimal lipid extraction method from dried biomass, and efficacious urea complexation-based protocol for obtention of high ARA yield and purity.

GC-FID spectroscopic analysis and antioxidant activities of methanolic fraction of Cassia tora leaves

IntroductionFrom time immemorial, different parts of Cassia tora (Jue ming zi) have found application in Chinese medicine. There is a reputation for the therapeutic properties of the plant's leaves, seeds, and roots. The objective of this study is to ascertain the antioxidant properties and bioactive compounds found in Cassia tora leaf. Materials and methodPhytochemical and antioxidant studies were carried out using standard analytical techniques. Bioactive compounds were analysed using GC FID. ResultsResults of the quantitative phytochemical analysis of the methanolic fraction of Cassia tora leaves indicated the presence of saponins (71,760±943.2µg/ml), terpenoids (47,466.70±46.2µg/ml), tannins (21,253.30±46.2µg/ml), flavonoids (14,682.70±40.3µg/ml), phenols (30,986.70±46.2µg/ml), steroids (13,557.30±24.4µg/ml), alkaloids (9770.67±9.2µg/ml), glycosides (5434.67±139.8µg/ml). Using ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) to analyze the antioxidant properties of the methanolic fraction of Cassia tora leaves, it was discovered that the higher the scavenging power of the fraction, the lower the concentration of the standard (ascorbic acid). In comparison to the standard (ascorbic acid), the fraction had the maximum antioxidant capacity at 6.86mg/ml. Total antioxidant power in the fraction ranged from 1.78mg/ml to 16mg/ml. Twenty (20) bioactive chemicals were found in the methanol fraction of Cassia tora leaves, according to the results of the gas chromatography flame ionization detector (GC-FID) investigation. ConclusionThe findings of this current study demonstrate that the leaves of Cassia tora are rich in numerous bioactive compounds and are natural sources of antioxidants.

Physico Chemical Properties and Fatty Acid Profile of Blended Vegetable Oil

Modifying dietary fat intake is essential for reducing and preventing cardiovascular disease risk. In recent years, blending oil has shown to be a more commercially viable method of improving the nutrient profile of oil while preserving a balanced fatty acid composition. The present study aims at designing blended oil and analysing its physicochemical properties and fatty acids profile. Flaxseed, groundnut, safflower, gingelly, and sunflower oil were acquired from retail outlets in Coimbatore. All five vegetable oils were combined into two blends: blended oil - I (Sunflower - 50 ml: Flaxseed-12.5 ml: Groundnut-12.5 ml: Gingelly-12.5 ml: Safflower-12.5 ml) and blended oil - II (Safflower -50 ml: Flaxseed-12.5 ml: Sunflower-12.5 ml: Groundnut-12.5 ml: Gingelly -12.5 ml). The physical and chemical properties of the blended vegetable oil. Fatty acids profiling of blended oil was carried out using the standard procedure using Gas Chromatography Flame Ionization Detector. Modified oil was equally beneficial in terms of fatty acid composition. The peroxide values of blended oil-I and II was found to be 0.1 Meq/kg and 0.1 Meq/kg, respectively. The saturated fatty acid content of blended oil I and II were found to be 26.67±2.08 and 16.67±2.08, respectively, whereas the monounsaturated fatty acid content of both blended oil I and II was reported to be 28.67±2.08. The polyunsaturated fatty acid content of blended oil I and II were observed to be 39.67±2.08 and 39.33±2.08, respectively. Thus the formulated blended oil with the combination of different types of oil was suggested to be superior compared to common cooking oil like sunflower and safflower oil.

In-situ formation of CO2-incorportaed solid sorbent for dispersive solid phase extraction of phenolic compounds from water and wastewater samples prior to gas chromatography-flame ionization detector

BackgroundHerein, a new extraction procedure based on in-situ formation of carbon dioxide-incorporated solid sorbent was introduced for dispersive solid phase extraction of phenolic compounds from aqueous samples. In this study, incorporation of carbon dioxide into the structure of a diamine led to the formation of a solid compound in the sample solution that adsorbed the analytes. ResultsThe sample solution was mixed with isophorone diamine and placed under carbon dioxide stream. By doing so, isophorone diamine reacted with carbon dioxide and produced a carbamic acid analogue. It was dispersed into the sample solution as tiny particles that adsorbed the analytes. The adsorbed analytes were eluted by a volatile organic solvent and concentrated more by the vaporization of the eluate. The extraction procedure was done at low temperature to limit the releasing carbon dioxide from the produced compound. To obtain the reliable results, the method was validated and the obtained limits of detection and quantification were in the ranges of 0.29–41 and 0.96–1.3 ng/mL, respectively. Acceptable relative standard deviation (≤7.3%) and coefficient of determination (≥0.994) values confirmed the method repeatability and linearity. High enrichment factors (410–435) and extraction recoveries (82–87%) were attained with the introduced method. Significance and noveltyIn this work, a chemical reaction was done between isophorone diamine and carbon dioxide in solution. The produced product (sorbent) was insoluble in solution and dispersed in whole parts of the solution as tiny particles. A high contact area between the sorbent and analytes provided high extraction efficiency for the analytes. The method was successful utilized in determining target analytes in real samples and the matrix effect of the samples had no important effect on the obtained results.

Application of gas chromatography in the analysis of phytocannabinoids: An update (2020-2023).

Cannabinoids are a group of compounds that bind to cannabinoid receptors. They possess pharmacological properties like that of the plant Cannabis sativa. Gas chromatography (GC) is one of the popular chromatographic techniques that has been routinely used in the analysis of cannabinoids in different matrices. The article aims to review the literature on the application of GC-based analytical methods for the analysis of phytocannabinoids published during the period from January 2020 to August 2023. A thorough literature search was conducted using different databases, like Web of Knowledge, PubMed, Google Scholar, and other relevant published materials including published books. The keywords used, in various combinations, with cannabinoids being present in all combinations, in the search were cannabinoids, Cannabis sativa, marijuana, analysis, GC, quantitative, qualitative, and quality control. From the search results, only the publications that incorporate the GC analysis of phytocannabinoids were reviewed, and papers on synthetic cannabinoids were excluded. Since the publication of the review article on GC analysis of phytocannabinoids in early 2020, several GC-based methods for the analysis of phytocannabinoids have appeared in the literature. While simple 1D GC-mass spectrometry (MS) and GC-flame ionisation detector (FID) methods are still quite common in phytocannabinoids analysis, 2D GC-MS and GC-MS/MS are increasingly becoming popular, as these techniques offer more useful data for identification and quantification of phytocannabinoids in various matrices. The use of automation in sample preparation and the utilisation of mathematical and computational models for optimisation of different protocols have become a norm in phytocannabinoids analysis. Pre-analyses have been found to incorporate different derivatisation techniques and environmentally friendly extraction protocols. GC-based analysis of phytocannabinoids, especially using GC-MS, remains one of the most preferred methods for the analysis of these compounds. New derivatisation methods, ionisation techniques, mathematical models, and computational approaches for method optimisation have been introduced.

Changes in free amino acid profile in goats with pregnancy toxemia.

Pregnancy toxemia is a metabolic disorder that afflicts goats when the heightened energy requirements preceding parturition are not sufficiently satisfied. At present, the potential association between pregnancy toxemia and the free amino acid composition in hair goats remains uncharted territory. The purpose of this study is to investigate the free amino acid profile in goats during the pivotal three weeks preceding delivery, distinguishing among those with subclinical pregnancy toxemia (SPT), clinical pregnancy toxemia (CPT), and those in the control group (CG). Additionally, the study aims to investigate any potential relationship between the amino acid profile and beta hydroxy butyric acid (BHBA) levels. The researchers analyzed a total of 50 goats, comprising 20 goats with SPT, 20 with CPT, and 10 in the CG. The serum free amino acid profile was determined using a gas chromatography flame ionization detector (GC-FID) device. BHBA concentration in goats with CPT and SPT was significantly higher than KG (p < 0.001). Furthermore, in goats with CPT, the glucose concentration was significantly lower than in CG (p < 0.012). In goats with CPT and SPT, the concentration of valine, one of the gluconeogenic amino acids, was significantly higher than in control group (p < 0.001), while histidine concentration was significantly lower (p < 0.020) than in control group. Specifically in goats with CPT, the concentrations of alanine (p < 0.002), serine (p < 0.001), and threonine (p < 0.043) were significantly lower than in control group. Moreover, the concentration of phenylalanine, which is both a glycogenic and ketogenic amino acid, was significantly lower (p < 0.028) in goats with SPT compared to the control group. The Fisher ratio (p < 0.010) and Glycine/Alanine ratio (p < 0.001) were significantly higher inpregnancy toxemia goats with than in control group goats, indicating a poor nutritional and energy status of the goats during the prepartum period. In summation, the findings of this study underscore that amino acids exhibiting marked concentration variations hold considerable promise in the diagnosis, prognosis, and therapeutic management of pregnancy toxemia.

Accurate low-dose exposure assessment of benzene and monoaromatic compounds by diffusive sampling: sampling and analytical method validation according to ISO 23320 for radiello® samplers packed with activated charcoal.

The research study aimed at providing an accurate low-dose benzene exposure assessment method, by validating diffusive monitoring techniques for benzene personal exposure measurements at workplaces where benzene concentrations are expected in the low ppb range, such as in the present-day chemical, petrochemical, foundry, and pharmaceutical industry. The project was aimed at addressing the need for a robust and fully validated method to perform personal exposure measurements considering that the occupational exposure limit value for benzene is going to be significantly lowered in the next few years. Diffusive sampling offers a reliable alternative to pumped sampling methods, intrinsic safety in potentially explosive atmospheres, lightness, and ease of use. In this study, the radiello® diffusive sampler, with the packed activated charcoal RAD130 adsorbing substrate [suitable for solvent desorption and analysis by high-resolution gas chromatography-flame ionization detection (HRGC-FID)], was used. The experiments have been conducted following the ISO 23320 standard in the range from 0.005 to 0.1 ppm (16 to 320 μg/m3), yielding a full validation of the sampling and analytical method. The sampler performances have fulfilled all requisites of the ISO 23320 standard, in particular: bias due to the selection of a non-ideal sorbent is lower than 10% (no significant back diffusion of benzene due to concentration change in the atmosphere); bias due to storage of samples for up to 2 months is lower than 10%; nominal uptake rate for benzene on RAD130 is 74.65 mL/min; and expanded uncertainty of the sampling and analytical method is 20.6%. The sampling and analytical method is therefore fit-for-purpose for the personal exposure measurements aimed at testing compliance with occupational exposure limit values for benzene. The method is also fit for short-duration exposure monitoring related to specific tasks, and other volatile organic compounds, usually found in the same workplaces, such as aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons and some oxygenated compounds, have also been studied. In particular, n-hexane and isopropyl benzene, whose classification is currently under revision, can be efficiently monitored by this technique.

Phytochemical analysis, biological activities of methanolic extracts and an isolated flavonoid from Tunisian Limoniastrum monopetalum (L.) Boiss: an in vitro and in silico investigations

In recent years, due to the dramatic increase of the bacteria resistance to antibiotics and chemotherapeutic drugs, an increasing importance is given to the discovery of novel bioactive molecules, more potent than those in use. In this contest, methanol extracts of different parts of the medicinal plant Limoniastrum monopetalum (L.) Boiss. (Plumbaginaceae), widely occurring in Tunisia, were prepared to evaluate the antimicrobial and antiproliferative activities. The methanol extract of the roots showed the highest antibacterial activity against E. coli, S. aureus and E. faecalis, whereas the stem extract exhibited the highest antiproliferative effects towards a Hela cell line. Analysis of volatile fractions, using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) and gas chromatography–flame ionization detector (GC–FID) techniques, led to the identification of camphor as the most abundant constituent, which represented from 84.85 to 99.48% of the methanol extracts. Multiple chromatographic separation of the methanol leaf extract afforded the flavonoid maeopsin-6-O-glucoside (S1) and a few fractions that were subjected to biological activity assays. One fraction exhibited interesting antibacterial activity against E. coli and E. faecalis (MIC values of 62.5 and 78.12 µg/mL, respectively), and antiproliferative effects against Hela and A549 cells (IC50 = 226 and 242.52 μg/mL, respectively). In addition, in silico studies indicated that maesopsin-6-O-glucoside, which was moderately active against Staphylococcus aureus, strongly interacted with the active site of the accessory gene regulator protein A (AgrA) of Staphylococcus aureus.

Chemical composition and antimicrobial activity of essential oils of two wild olive subspecies Olea europaea L.var. sylvestris and the endemic olive Olea europaea subsp. lapperinie from Algeria

Two wild olive subspecies are fixed in this research: Olea europaea L.var. sylvestris and Olea europaea subsp. laperrinei despite its ecological value, the chemical composition of subsp. laperrinei oil remains unknown. The samples were harvested from the different geographical area. Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) and Gas Chromatography-flame-ionization detection (GC-FID) analysis of Olea europaea L. var. sylvestris allowed the identification of 29 compounds oil with Nonanal (11.82%), theaspiranea A (9.81%), 3-hexen-1-ol,benzoate(9.31%) as a major constituents, while in the subspecies of the Saharan region 31 compounds were separated, where α-pinene (16%), β-Ocimene (12.82%), dl-Limonene (8.20%) were the main components. The results of the disc diffusion method showed that the two volatile oils have efficient antibacterial activity but, subsp. laperrinei essential oil has a higher range of inhibition, in which P. aeruginosa and B. subtilis showed an extreme sensitivity, while the K. pneumoniae bacterium shows a great resistance to the two essential oils.

Comparison of fatty acid profile and mineral content of black mulberry (Morus nigra), white mulberry (Morus alba) and red mulberry (Morus rubra) grown in Bahrain

Mulberries are a rich source of many nutrients and have various health-promoting benefits. Nevertheless, their growth conditions can influence their nutritional composition and thus their benefits. Thus, this study examines the fatty acid profile and mineral content of three mulberry varieties: black (Morus nigra L.), white (Morus alba L.), and red (Morus rubra L.) grown in Bahrain for the first time. Fatty acid analysis, using gas chromatography-flame ionization detector (GC-FID), revealed that linoleic acid (C18:2n6) and palmitic acid (C16:0) were the primary fatty acids present in mulberry fruits, while minor fatty acids varied among the cultivars. Black mulberries exhibited a composition of 33.08 % saturated fatty acids (SFAs) and 66.92 % unsaturated fatty acids (UFAs), while red mulberries had 34.48 % SFAs and 66.52 % UFAs, and white mulberry had 27.15 % SFAs and 72.85 % UFAs. The mineral content analysis using inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) revealed variations in the content of magnesium (Mg), iron (Fe), sodium (Na), potassium (K), and calcium (Ca) among the mulberry varieties. Black mulberries displayed the highest levels of Mg (706.67 mg/100 g), Fe (31.33 mg/100 g), Na (1406 mg/100 g), K (4161.33 mg/100 g), and Ca (1008.67 mg/100 g). Mulberries reported moderate levels of Mg (442.33 mg/100 g), Fe (45.6 mg/100 g), Na (635.68 mg/100 g), K (3278 mg/100 g), and Ca (583.1 mg/100 g). These findings indicate that black mulberries exhibit a superior mineral content across all parameters, whereas red mulberry has lower levels among the three varieties.

Chemical profiling and assessment of biological activities of wild Artemisia absinthium L. essential oil from Algeria

Artemisia absinthium L. (A. absinthium L.) is an important perennial shrubby plant widely employed in traditional medicine for the treatment of several ailments including gastritis, wound healing, and digestive disorders. In this study we assessed the chemical composition, as well as the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities of a pure essential oil obtained from the aerial part of A. absinthium L., growing wild in Cherchell (Tipaza, Algeria). The essential oil, obtained through hydrodistillation using a Clevenger-type apparatus, underwent gas chromatography-flame ionization detection (GC-FID) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis. The essential oil yield was 0.67 ± 0.02% (w/w), comprising 38 identified components, constituting 89.05% of the essential oil. Notable components included trans-thujone (54.7%), chamazulene (10.05%), β-eudesmol (4.7%), cis-thujone (4.2%), terpinen-4-ol (4.2%), and germacrene D (4.1%). Antioxidant activities were assessed via the DPPH٠free radical test (IC50: 489.19 ± 5.28 μg/mL) and the reducing power test (EC0.5: 424.95 ± 1.25 μg/mL). While the essential oil exhibited relatively low antioxidant activity compared to standard antioxidants, it showed significant antioxidant activity in the β-carotene-linoleic acid test (78.38 ± 0.83%). An acute toxicity study using various essential oil doses (10-100 mg/kg) revealed no signs of toxicity or mortality. Anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive activities were observed when testing the essential oil on carrageenan-induced paw edema in mice and acetic acid-induced pain in mice, with significant reductions (P < 0.05). In conclusion, A. absinthium L. essential oil possesses antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antinociceptive properties, suggesting its potential as a natural preservative ingredient in the food, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical industries.

Terahertz/far infrared spectroscopy as an alternative method for the characterization of major components in Laggera decurrens essential oil

The Fourier Transform Infrared technique was used to determine the major components of Laggera decurrens essential oil. The experiment revealed that there are signatures of thymol, carvacrol and thymoquinone in Laggera decurrens essential oil. This was suggested by the existence of shared absorption bands between these pure compounds and Laggera decurrens essential oil. The PBE0 DFT functional was employed to calculate the theoretical spectra of thymol, carvacrol and thymoquinone. A good correspondence was obtained between the experimental and theoretical spectra of these materials. Peak assignments showed that the Laggera decurrens absorption bands at 5.68 THz, 9.47 THz, 14.20 THz, 15.71 THz and 18.10 THz had corresponding absorption bands in either of the three materials with the same vibration modes. These further confirms the existence of thymol, carvacrol and thymoquinone in Laggera decurrens essential oil. This work presents a novel method for the characterization of major components in essential oils which has otherwise been commonly performed using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry/ Gas Chromatography-Flame Ionization Detector. This presents the use of terahertz or far infrared spectroscopy for the quality control of essential oils. This study further highlights the effectiveness of the Fourier Transform Infrared method in determining constituents of complex samples.

Sensory profile and the contribution of key aroma compounds in Jiang-flavor rounded-base Baijiu produced in the Chishui river basin

The flavor characteristics of Jiang-flavor rounded-base Baijiu (JRBB) in four producing areas of the Chishui River Basin were systematically investigated. A total of 246 major volatile flavor compounds were detected through a gas chromatography-flame ionization detection (GC-FID) and liquid-liquid microextraction, headspace solid-phase microextraction combined gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (LLME/HS-SPME-GC-MS). Partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) revealed that different rounds of JRBB had a significant classification effect. Based on odor activity value (OAV) and variable important in projection, the 20 most key aroma compounds in samples were identified. Among them, furfural (OAV: 524.07), hexanal (OAV: 506.33) and ethyl acetate (OAV: 264.45) contributed remarkably to flavor. Moreover, flavor reconstruction analysis showed jiang aroma in reconstructed samples had the highest similarity to the original ones. The 17 flavor compounds were positively correlated with aroma profiles (jiang, ethanol, liang, honey, fruity, floral, roasted, and baked aroma). The liang, jiang, and baked aromas were respectively prominent in the first and second round of JRBB, the third to fifth round of JRBB, as well as the sixth and seventh round of JRBB. This study provides comprehensive understanding regarding sensory profile of JRBB, which provides theoretical support for Baijiu blending techniques and improves the development of Baijiu industry.

Respiratory Health Effects of Pollution Due to Artisanal Crude-Oil Refining in Bayelsa, Nigeria.

Artisanal refining of crude oil has been associated with the manifestations of various health problems directly related to the release of particulate matter, including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), into the environment. This study thus assessed the respiratory health effects associated with being resident in areas where crude oil is artisanally refined in Bayelsa State. This study utilized a comparative, cross-sectional design and was conducted in three communities in Bayelsa State. These included Sampou (a mildly exposed community), Nembe, and Gbarain (severely exposed communities). A sample population of 615 adults selected by multistage sampling completed the study instrument, which assessed data on their respiratory health. Environmental monitoring of the PAHs levels of the samples was done, and concentrations were determined using the gas chromatography/flame ionization detector (GC/FID). The Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 25 was used to conduct descriptive and inferential analyses. Findings revealed that the highest number of moderate to severe respiratory disease symptoms was experienced by respondents from Nembe 12 (41.4%), followed by those from Sampou 8 (27.6%), and then by those from Gbarain 9 (31.0%). Also, coughing that occurred mostly when lying down was found to be significantly prevalent among residents of Nembe [35 (47.9%); p-value: 0.016], among other symptoms. Respiratory disease symptoms were more likely to be found among females (p-value: 0.037), smokers (p-value: 0.002), and those having a low health risk perception related to PAHs exposure (p-value: 0.002). Respondents from the three study sites had in the past 12 months experienced various respiratory disease symptoms, which could be directly related to their exposure to pollution from artisanal crude oil refining. Artisanal refining of crude oil should be continually dissuaded through unwavering enforcement of environmental health laws in order to further improve public and environmental health.