Highest Antioxidant Activity Research Articles

Hydrolysates from cauliflower and artichoke industrial wastes as biostimulants on seed germination and seedling growth: a chemical and biological characterization.

Cauliflower (Brassica oleracea L.) and globe artichoke (Cynara scolymus L.) are vegetables with a high waste index mainly related to stems and leaves. In this study, enzymatic hydrolysates obtained from these wastes were proposed to be used as plant biostimulants. Life cycle assessment methodology was also applied to evaluate environmental performances related to cauliflower and artichoke byproducts. Hydrolysates (HYs) were chemically and biologically characterized. Amino acids, organic acids, amines, polyols, mineral elements, phenols, tannins, flavonoids and sulfur compounds were identified and quantified by means of NMR, inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry and UV-visible analyses. Cauliflower leaf and flower HYs showed the highest concentration of free amino acids, whereas stems showed the highest concentration of Ca. Regarding artichoke, asparagine, glutamine and aspartic acid were exclusively detected in stems, whereas artichoke leaves showed the highest Mg and Mn levels together with the highest antioxidant activity. The HYs diluted in water were tested as biostimulants. The impacts of five concentrations of HYs (0.00, 0.28, 0.84, 2.52 and 7.56 g L-1) on seed germination and early seedling growth of crimson clover, alfalfa, durum wheat and corn were investigated. The application of artichoke biostimulant (0.28 g L-1) positively influenced the coefficient of velocity of germination in alfalfa, crimson clover and durum wheat, whereas cauliflower biostimulant significantly improved corn germination speed. © 2024 The Author(s). Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

Exploring the potential of wild leafy vegetables widespread in European Alps as functional food

Wild leafy vegetables, historically vital for Alpine biodiversity and nutrition during hardship, are regaining importance due to the demand for healthy and sustainable food. This study evaluated mineral and phytochemical compositions of eight species: Achillea millefolium, Alchemilla xanthochlora, Bistorta officinalis, Blitum bonus-henricus, Phyteuma betonicifolium, Plantago lanceolata, Silene vulgaris, Taraxacum sect. Taraxacum. Total trace element concentrations ranged from 26 mg kg−1 (T. officinalis) to 92 mg kg−1 (B. officinalis), and potential toxic elements were below legal limits. The sum of the phenolic compounds analysed ranged from 155.30 mg GAE 100 g−1 FW (A. millefolium) to 1200.38 mg GAE 100 g−1 FW (A. xanthochlora). Flavanols were the most abundant phenolic class, but cinnamic acids, flavonols, benzoic acids and vitamin C also showed high values in the analysed species, contributing to high antioxidant activity (from 0.59 μmol TE g−1 FW in A. millefolium to 149.39 μmol TE g−1 FW in A. xanthochlora for DPPH). Overall, A. xanthochlora stood out for its richness in phenolic compounds. These findings underscore wild vegetables potential as functional foods, offering bioactive compounds comparable to or exceeding cultivated plants. Emphasizing preservation of traditional diets and rural innovation, this research supports the integration of wild leafy vegetables into contemporary nutrition strategies.

Characterization of Phenolic Profile and Biological Properties of Astragalus membranaceus Fisch. ex Bunge Commercial Samples.

Astragalus membranaceus Fisch. ex Bunge (syn. Astragalus mongholicus Bunge) is one of the notable medicinal and food plants. Therefore, the aim of this study was to calculate the phenolic composition and antioxidant, antimicrobial, as well as enzyme inhibitory [acetylcholinesterase (AChE), butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), and tyrosinase (TYR)] activities with chemometric approaches of the hydromethanolic and water extracts of commercial A. membranaceus samples. Ten individual phenolic compounds were determined using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and only quercetin was found at a level of above 80 µg/g DW in both extracts. Moreover, the highest antioxidant activity in DPPH, FRAP, ABTS, and CUPRAC assays was found in the sample containing the roots in loose form from USA. A. membranaceus extracts displayed the inhibition zone diameters within the range from 10 to 22 mm antimicrobial activity against S. aureus, while there were no inhibition zones in any extracts in case of E. coli. The extracts of A. membranaceous showed an inhibition rate below 40% against TYR, and among tested extracts, only two samples were able to inhibit BChE with IC50 values of above 30 µg/mL. Correlation analysis showed a highly positive relationship between their phenolic composition and antioxidant activity. Concluding, the obtained results confirmed that A. membranaceus commercial samples could be an important dietary source of natural antioxidants.

ESSENTIAL OIL CONTENTS AND BIOLOGICAL ACTIVITIES OF THYMUS CANOVIRIDIS JALAS AND THYMUS SIPYLEUS BOISS.

Objective: Members of the Lamiaceae family are considered to be major sources of bioactive therapeutic agents. Many of them are important medicinal and aromatic plants used in traditional and modern medicine and in the food, cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries. The aim of this study was to investigate in detail the biological activities and chemical composition of the essential oils of Thymus canoviridis Jalas and Thymus sipyleus Boiss. species belonging to the genus Thymus, one of the most important genera of the Lamiaceae family. Material and Method: The essential oil content of the species was determined by GC-MS. Antioxidant activities of the essential oils were determined using lipid peroxidation, DPPH free radical, ABTS cation radical and CUPRAC methods. In addition, cytotoxic activities against breast cancer (MCF-7) and colon cancer (HT-29) cell lines and anticholinesterase (against AChE and BChE enzymes), urease, tyrosinase, elastase, collagenase and angiotensin converting enzyme inhibition activities were determined. Result and Discussion: When the essential oil composition of T. sipyleus was analyzed, the major compounds were 1,8-cineole (eucalyptol) (18.16%), camphor (15.08%) and endo-borneol (11.63%), while T. canoviridis was found to be rich in carvacrol (72.88%). T. canoviridis showed high antioxidant activity in lipid peroxidation (IC50: 45.72±0.12 μg/ml), ABTS (IC50: 6.12±0.03 μg/ml) and CUPRAC (IC50: 5.31±0.01 μg/ml) methods. The selectivities of T. canoviridis and T. sipyleus species against MCF-7 cell line were 4.39 and 6.81, respectively. In the enzyme inhibition studies, both Thymus species showed moderate inhibition activity against BChE enzyme (Inhibition%: 57.88±1.14, 39.21±0.89, respectively). In addition, T. sipyleus showed moderate inhibition of elastase enzyme (Inhibition%: 25.33±0.79). When the results are evaluated in general, it can be said that T. canoviridis essential oil with its rich carvacrol content and high cytotoxic and antioxidant activity can be preferred as a safer and natural option instead of synthetic preservatives in food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries to extend shelf life and ensure food safety.

Study of Phytochemical Attributes of Ashwagandha Ghrita from Desi Cow Milk

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

Composite Materials Based on Biocompatible Metal-Organic Framework and Anthocyanins from Hibiscus sabdariffa for Active Food Packaging

The biocompatible metal-organic framework [Zn4(GA)4(H2O)4] · 4H2O (H2GA = glutamic acid) was used as a container for anthocyanins from Hibiscus sabdariffa in composite films based on kappa-carrageenan and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose. The obtained composite materials showed high antioxidant activity and ability to undergo pH-induced color change upon reactions with gaseous products of pathogen development and, hence, possess the potential for practical application as functional materials for food packaging.

Effect of Andean Lupin (Lupinus mutabilis) genotype and harvest altitude on the chemical composition and nutritional quality of flours

Andean Lupin (Lupinus mutabilis S.) or tarwi, a legume cultivated in the Andean region of South America, is considered a protein source. In this work, flours were prepared from different Andean Lupin genotypes, namely Cholo Fuerte (CHF), Común (CM), or Altagracia (ALT), grown at 2700 (1) or 3300 (2) meters above sea level. The effect of genotype and growth altitude on the chemical composition, color, phytochemical (alkaloids, free phenolics, fatty acids, and sterols) content, antioxidant activity, and microbiological quality of the flours was evaluated. CM-1 flour had higher protein, polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA), and Δ5-avenasterol content. CHF-1 flour had higher crude fiber, Δ7-campesterol, clerosterol, and saturated fatty acid (SFA) content and higher antioxidant activity. ALT-2 flour had the highest total sterol content, particularly stigmasterol and β-sitosterol. None of the flours contained alkaloids or microorganisms, confirming that the preparation process was efficient. Andean Lupin cultivated at high and low altitude provides flour with high phytosterol and PUFA content, respectively. CM-1 flour has potential use in the food and nutraceutical industry due to its higher protein, essential fatty acid or PUFA, and total sterol content as well as low SFA content.

A Review of the Benefits of the Sustainable Utilization of Shrimp Waste to Produce Novel Foods and the Impact on Human Health

In recent years, there has been an increase in the industrial processing of shrimp, aiming to cover the increasing demand for shrimp products for human consumption, and, consequently, an increase in shrimp by-products as shrimp waste. This waste includes the cephalothoraxes, heads, shells, tails, pleopods, and exoskeleton appendages of processed shrimps. The appropriate method for the enzymatic hydrolysis of shrimp waste can recover its bioactive substances, including carotenoids. Thus, these xanthophylls and carotenes are of high financial interest and have high antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer activities. Therefore, these substances can be incorporated into fish feed as ingredients that improve fish health and simultaneously lead to the production of aquaculture fishes similar in coloration to the wild ones. Thus, the consumption of such novel food acts as a preventive factor for human health. In this regard, β-carotene has antioxidant and fat-soluble activities owing to vitamin A sufficiency and has an anti-cancer effect, too. Canthaxanthin can be used as a product for personal care and as a natural tanning agent for human skin. Zeaxanthin and lutein have positive effects on various eye and heart diseases, neuronal damage, human skin diseases, and certain types of cancer. Astaxanthin also has anti-diabetic and anti-obesity properties. Therefore, the purpose of this review is to highlight the sustainable utilization of shrimp waste via enzymatic hydrolysis, the benefits of a fish diet enriched with astaxanthin, the consumption of fish enriched with carotenoids, and the effects of carotenoids on human health. The problem of shrimp waste disposal affects the environment, does not contribute to sustainable development, and is directly related to the phenomenon of environmental change.

Studies of TLC-Chromatographic Quantification of Astaxanthin in Dietary Supplements and Its Antioxidant Activity

Astaxanthin is a red carotenoid pigment known for its strong antioxidant and immune-supporting properties, which are higher than other carotenoids. The aim of this study was the qualitative and quantitative evaluation of dietary supplements containing astaxanthin. First, optimal conditions for conducting analyses using the TLC technique with densitometric detection were developed. The mobile phase consisting of methanol: ethyl acetate: 1,4-dioxane (1:3:6 v/v/v) was selected, while the stationary phase consisted of Silica gel 60 F254. Densitometric detection was performed at 460 nm. Next, the validation process of the developed method was carried out according to the guidelines of the International Conference on Harmonization (ICH). The range of linearity tested was 0.0026–0.0100 µg/spot, and the determined LOD and LOQ values were 0.85 and 2.57 ng/μL, respectively. The variation coefficient at the level of 4.75% proves good precision. The percentage of recovery was in the range of 95.25–104.94%. The obtained results confirmed the good accuracy of the method. Subsequently, quantitative analyses of the preparations were carried out. Analysis of dietary supplements showed significant deviations from the declared astaxanthin content. Astaxanthin solutions were stable in alkaline environments and when exposed to light and oxidizing substances; however, the substance degraded in acidic environments. The performed antioxidant capacity tests confirmed the high antioxidant activity of astaxanthin.

Combined transcriptome and metabolome analyses reveal the mechanism of abundant bioactive compounds and high antioxidant activity in germinated weedy rice.

Germinated brown rice has recently garnered widespread attention due to its high nutritional value. Previous research demonstrated that the bioactive components and functional properties of germinated brown rice varieties exhibit significant differences. Three germinated rice cultivars weedy rice WR04-6 (WR) and two cultivated rice cultivars with superior eating quality, Koshihikari (YG) and Daohuaxiang (DHX), were analyzed using metabolites and transcriptome profiling. Widely targeted metabolomics results showed that 85.9% and 71.2% of differential metabolites for WR vs. YG and WR vs. DHX were enriched in WR, respectively. The substances mainly included amino acids and derivatives, carbohydrates and its derivatives, organic acids and its derivatives, and flavonoids. Higher antioxidant activity was detected in WR compared to cultivated rice in metabolome analysis. Transcriptome analyses indicated that 18 responsive genes played pivotal roles in the conversion of key metabolites. These findings will provide theoretical underpinnings for the development of rice germplasm resources and the formulation of functional germinated grain foods.

Evaluation of the antibacterial and antifungal properties of oleuropein, olea Europea leaf extract, and thymus vulgaris oil

BackgroundAlthough synthetic preservatives and antioxidants may have high antimicrobial and antioxidant activity, they are usually associated with adverse effects on human health. Currently, there is a growing interest in natural antimicrobial and antioxidant agents. This study aimed to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of two medicinal plant extracts and one active compound. Olive leaf extracts (0.2, 0.3, and 0.4% w/v), oleuropein (0.2, 0.4, and 0.6% w/v), thyme oil (0.1%), and oleuropein in combination with thyme oil (0.4% w/v and 0.1% v/v) were used against three bacterial strains (Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus) and two fungal strains (Candida albicans and Aspergillus niger).ResultsThe use of oleuropein resulted in complete antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Escherichia coli. In this context, a reduction of 7 logs was achieved during the storage period (4 weeks). Oleuropein showed no fungal activity at low concentrations (0.2%), but Aspergillus niger was reduced by 2.35 logs at higher concentrations (0.6% w/v). Similar antibacterial and antifungal properties were observed for the olive leaf extracts. Oleuropein at a concentration of 0.4 w/v and a mixture of oleuropein and thyme at concentrations of 0.4 and 0.1 (v/v) showed strong antimicrobial activity against the studied microorganisms.ConclusionOlive leaf extract, thyme oil, and oleuropein have strong antibacterial and weak antifungal properties. There was a good synergistic effect between oleuropein and thymol.

Kalanchoe tomentosa: Phytochemical Profiling, and Evaluation of Its Biological Activities In Vitro, In Vivo, and In Silico.

In this work, the leaves of K. tomentosa were macerated with hexane, chloroform, and methanol, respectively. The phytochemical profiles of hexane and chloroform extracts were unveiled using GC/MS, whereas the chemical composition of the methanol extract was analyzed using UPLC/MS/MS. The antibacterial activity of extracts was determined against gram-positive and gram-negative strains through the minimal inhibitory concentration assay, and in silico studies were implemented to analyze the interaction of phytoconstituents with bacterial peptides. The antioxidant property of extracts was assessed by evaluating their capacity to scavenge DPPH, ABTS, and H2O2 radicals. The toxicity of the extracts was recorded against Artemia salina nauplii and Caenorhabditis elegans nematodes. Results demonstrate that the hexane and chloroform extracts contain phytosterols, triterpenes, and fatty acids, whereas the methanol extract possesses glycosidic derivatives of quercetin and kaempferol together with sesquiterpene lactones. The antibacterial performance of extracts against the cultured strains was appraised as weak due to their MIC90 values (>500 μg/mL). As antioxidants, treatment with extracts executed high and moderate antioxidant activities within the range of 50-300 μg/mL. Extracts did not decrease the viability of A. salina, but they exerted a high toxic effect against C. elegans during exposure to treatment. Through in silico modeling, it was recorded that the flavonoids contained in the methanol extract can hamper the interaction of the NAM/NAG peptide, which is of great interest since it determines the formation of the peptide wall of gram-positive bacteria. This study reports for the first time the biological activities and phytochemical content of extracts from K. tomentosa and proposes a possible antibacterial mechanism of glycosidic derivatives of flavonoids against gram-positive bacteria.

Determination of in vitro Antioxidant, Anticholinergic and Antiepileptic Activities of Some Aromatic Plant Extracts

Medicinal and aromatic plants such as Crocus cancellatus, Scilla Siberica subsp. armena, Juniperus oxycedrus subsp. oxycedrus and Anthriscus nemorosa have many different biological activities. While antioxidants are significant in preventing many diseases, inhibition of metabolic enzymes is also important in preventing many significant diseases. In this study, antioxidant activities of water, ethanol, and dichloromethane extracts of four different medicinal and aromatic plant species were determined by 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH·) and 2,20-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulphonic acid (ABTS·+) radical scavenging and Cu2+, Fe+3, and Fe3+-2,4,6-tris(2-pyridyl)-S-triazine (TPTZ) reducing assays. Standard antioxidants (BHA, BHT, Trolox, α-Tocopherol) were used in antioxidant assays, and the results were evaluated according to these standards. Enzyme inhibition studies were performed with metabolic enzymes acetylcholinesterase, butyrylcholinesterase, carbonic anhydrase I and II isoenzymes. The ethanol extract of A. nemorosa showed the highest activity in DPPH assay (IC50: 17.36 µg mL-1). In the ABTS assay, the ethanol extract of A. nemorosa plant showed the highest activity (IC50: 7.02 µg mL-1). In the Fe3+ reducing assay, the dichloromethane extract of A. nemorosa showed the highest activity (1.96±0.060 µg mL-1). In the Cu2+ reducing assay, the dichloromethane extract of J. oxycedrus showed the highest activity (1.773±0.066 µg mL-1). In the Fe3+-TPTZ reducing assay, the ethanol extract of S. siberica showed the highest activity (1.256±0.011 µg mL-1). In the enzyme inhibition results, it was determined that all plants and all extracts inhibited the enzymes studied. As a result of this study, it was determined that these four medicinal and aromatic plants have high biological and antioxidant activities.

Development of Functional Composite Edible Films or Coatings for Fruits Preservation with Addition of Pomace Oil-Based Nanoemulsion for Enhanced Barrier Properties and Caffeine for Enhanced Antioxidant Activity.

The aim of this study was to develop functional composite edible films or coatings for fruit preservation by the addition of bioactive components in combinations that have not yet been thoroughly studied, according to the relevant literature. Edible films were initially composed of (i) chitosan (CH), cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) and beta-cyclodextrin (CD) (50%-37.5%-12.5% ratio), and (ii) hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) and beta-cyclodextrin (CD) (50%-37.5%-12.5% ratio). The bioactive components incorporated (5, 10 and 15% v/v) were as follows: (i) pomace oil-based nanoemulsion (NE) aiming to enhance barrier properties, and (ii) caffeine (C), aiming to enhance the antioxidant activity of films, respectively. Indeed, NE addition led to very high barrier properties (low oxygen and water vapor permeability), increased flexibility and reduced color. Furthermore, the contribution of these coatings to fresh strawberries' preservation under cold storage was investigated, with very promising results concerning weight loss, color difference, and preservation of fruit moisture and quantity of O2 and CO2 inside the packages. Additionally, C addition led to very high antioxidant activity, reduced color and improved barrier properties. Finally, the contribution of these coatings to avocado's preservation under cold storage was investigated, with very encouraging results for color difference, hardness and peroxide value of the fruit samples.

Ziziphus mauritiana Lam. Bark and Leaves: Extraction, Phytochemical Composition, In Vitro Bioassays and In Silico Studies.

In this work, homogenizer-assisted extraction (HAE) and maceration (MAE) were applied on leaves and bark of Ziziphus mauritiana using water and methanol (MeOH) as solvents. HAE and MAE extracts were compared through liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (LC-MS) and evaluating the antioxidant activity, and enzyme inhibition against acetylcholinesterase (AChE), butrylcholinesterase (BChE), tyrosinase, α-amylase, and α-glucosidase. Considering the phytochemical contents and the bioassays results, the HAE extracts resulted favorably with larger content of phenolics and higher antioxidant activity. The MeOH extracts displayed the highest α-amylase inhibitory activity, with HAE MeOH leaf extract leading at 0.78 mmol acarbose equivalent (ACAE)/g. In conclusion, the study highlights that HAE can increase the extraction of phenolic and flavonoid from Z. mauritiana plant materials compared to maceration. Further research could explore the potential therapeutic applications of Z. mauritiana extracts, especially HAE MeOH leaf extracts, for their notable antioxidant and enzyme inhibitory activities, facilitating the way for the development of novel pharmaceutical interventions.

Antioxidant and cytoprotective activities of marine fungi isolated from brown seaweeds in Nha Trang Bay, Khanh Hoa Province, Central Vietnam

This study aims to evaluate the antioxidant and cytoprotective activities of 32 fungal strains isolated from brown seaweeds collected from Nha Trang Bay, Khanh Hoa Province, Central Vietnam. These fungal extracts were screened for antioxidant activity by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2’-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS) free radical scavenging assay. In contrast, cytoprotective activity on rat cardiomyocytes H9c2 cell line was evaluated by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5 diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. The results indicated the capacity for free DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging of fungal crude extracts with 31.25% (n = 10) and 81.25% (n = 26), respectively. Among the fungal strains with high antioxidant activity, the three fungal extracts 2104NT-1.3, 2104NT-3.3, and 2104NT-7.7 increased the viability of rotenone-exposed cardiomyocyte cells by 9.9%, 15.2%, and 13.6%, respectively. Three fungal strains with significant antioxidant and cytoprotective activities were identified as Penicillium chermesinum 2104NT-1.3, Aspergillus sp. 2104NT-3.3, and Penicillium sp. 2104NT-7.7 based on sequence analysis of internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region. This study provided the potential fungal strains isolated from Nha Trang Bay for further investigation of antioxidant and cytoprotective compounds.

Production of antioxidant hydrolysates from bovine caseinate and soy protein using three non-commercial bacterial proteases

The release of bioactive peptides from proteins can be achieved by enzymatic hydrolysis, whereby mainly commercial enzymes are applied, although increasing attention is focused on alternative proteases. Hence, crude proteases from Bacillus sp. CL14, CL18, and CL33A were investigated to obtain antioxidant hydrolysates from bovine sodium caseinate (NaCAS) and soy protein isolate (SPI). The proteases were able to hydrolyze both substrates. Hydrolysis improved the radical-scavenging, Fe2+-chelating, and reducing power abilities of NaCAS and SPI. Higher antioxidant activities were commonly achieved at 2–3 h of hydrolysis. Overall antioxidant activities were higher for NaCAS hydrolysates produced with CL14 > CL18 > CL33 protease, and for SPI hydrolysates obtained with CL14 > CL33A ∼ CL18 protease. Generation of antioxidant protein hydrolysates suggest applications of enzymes and hydrolysates in food/feed (bio)technology.

Antimicrobial activity of eight plant essential oils having antioxidant property against spoilage microbes.

To identify efficient, broad-spectrum, and non-toxic preservatives for natural agricultural products, eight essential oils were screened for high inhibitory and antioxidant activities against spoilage microbes. The zone of inhibition test and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) assay were performed to assess the antimicrobial activity of eight essential oils against Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Penicillium, Saccharomyces, and Escherichia coli. Among the eight essential oils, garlic and rose essential oils exhibited the best inhibitory effects, their MICs against the spoilage microbes were 40-640 μl/l and 10-320 μl/l, respectively. In addition, the antioxidant activities of eight essential oils were compared using the DPPH and ABTS radical-scavenging assays and the reducing power assay. Eight essential oils had antioxidant capacity, among which rosemary, thyme, rose, and tea tree essential oils performed the best. Moreover, the combination of thyme and rose exerted stronger antioxidant activity. Therefore, the concentrations of rose and garlic, and thyme essential oils were optimized using response surface methodology to obtain the optimal composite ratios, which were 1254 μl/l, 640 μl/l, and 1228 μl/l for rose, garlic, and thyme, respectively. The DPPH free radical-scavenging rate detected using this formulation was 50.2%, basically consistent with the prediction. Zone of inhibition diameters with the compound essential oil, against five spoilage microbes, were all greater than 45mm. The essential oil combination had high antimicrobial, against agricultural product spoilage microbes, and antioxidant activities.

Assessment of nutritional value and safety of soft drinks enriched with berries growing in the Republic of Azerbaijan in comparison with traditional drinks

The study used modified formulations of traditional drinks to enrich them with several nutrients and microelements. Berries selected for the study, namely: dogwood, pomegranate, persimmon, blueberry, and raspberry, demonstrated high antioxidant activity and rich vitamin composition. The study revealed a significant increase in the antioxidant activity of traditional Azerbaijani drinks when enriched with berry extracts. The antioxidant activity of arrowroot increased by 20 mg GAE/100 ml after dogwood enrichment. Sherbet showed an increase in activity of 22.5 mg GAE/100 ml with the addition of raspberries. Tea enriched with persimmon increased its antioxidant activity by 125%. The pomegranate-enriched compote increased its activity by 24 mg GAE/100 ml. Blueberry pekmez showed average results, although due to the high level of nutritional properties of blueberries, it was also a promising research object. The study also analysed the selected berries, further evaluating potential changes in the vitamin composition, antioxidant activity, and organoleptic properties of the beverages after adding the berries. The most significant improvement in taste, aroma, colour and texture of the drinks was observed in persimmon extract-enriched tea and blueberry pekmez, which received the highest scores for all parameters after enrichment. The antioxidant activity of the drinks also increased significantly after adding berry extracts. The microbiological and chemical risks associated with the use of fresh berries and the proposed measures to ensure the safety of beverages helped to shape the further vector of research in this area

Effect of Rheum ribes L. pulp enriched with eugenol or thymol on survival of foodborne pathogens and quality parameters of chicken breast fillets

The aim of this study was to characterize the pulp of Rheum ribes L. and to determine the effect of the pulp enriched with eugenol (1 %) or thymol (1 %) on the microbiological and physico-chemical quality of chicken breast fillets. Chicken breast fillets, inoculated with Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Typhimurium, and Escherichia coli O157:H7 (~6.0 log10), were marinated for 24 h in a mixture prepared from a combination of Rheum ribes L. pulp with eugenol or thymol. The quality parameters were analyzed for 15 days at +4 °C. The Rheum ribes L. pulp was found to have high antioxidant activity, high total phenolic content and contained 22 different phenolic substances, among which rutin ranked first. The pulp contained high levels of p-xylene and o-xylene as volatile substances and citric acid as an organic acid. The combination of Pulp + Eugenol + Thymol (PET) reduced the number of pathogens in chicken breast fillets by 2.03 to 3.50 log10 on day 0 and by 2.25 to 4.21 log10 on day 15, compared to the control group (P < 0.05). The marinating treatment significantly lowered the pH values of fillet samples on the first day of the study, compared to the control group (P < 0.05). During storage, TVB-N levels showed slower increase in the treatment groups compared to the control group (P < 0.05). In addition, the marinating process led to significant changes in physicochemical parameters such as water holding capacity, color, texture, cooking loss, and drip loss compared to the control group (P < 0.05). In conclusion, the results of this study showed that the pulp of Rheum ribes L., which has a high antioxidant capacity and contains various bioactive compounds. Furthermore, S. Typhimurium, E. coli O157:H7 and L. monocytogenes were inhibited considerably by marinating Rheum ribes L. pulp with a combination of eugenol and thymol.