High Bioactive Content Research Articles

Bioactive Compounds, Cosmeceutical And Nutraceutical Applications of Green Seaweed Species (Chlorophyta)

Seaweeds are valuable marine plants that have garnered much attention from the public due to their high bioactive, nutrients and minerals content. Seaweeds have been used in multiple applications, including in cosmeceutical, nutraceutical and pharmaceutical industries. Nevertheless, this review will focus on the bioactive compounds of Chlorophyta and their potential application in nutraceutical and cosmeceutical industries. Chlorophyta are believed to possess a significant amount of nutrients and minerals, sufficient to meet the daily requirements of nutrients and minerals in the human body. Considering the nutritional aspect, deficiency in nutrients may lead to severe ailments, including heart disease, neurological disorder and cancer. The main compounds studied in this review are polysaccharides, proteins, amino acids, lipids, fatty acids, pigments, minerals, vitamins and secondary metabolites. Among all, polysaccharides are the most exploited compounds and used in many advanced applications in the nutraceutical and cosmeceutical industries. This review also offers insights into the beneficial biological properties of Chlorophyta, highlighting their potential in cosmeceutical and nutraceutical applications. Further research is required to highlight the Chlorophyta sp. aquaculture, its extraction method, and the most targeted bioactive compounds from the species. Therefore, the challenge is to increase public awareness of the promising application of this species in the nutraceutical and cosmeceutical industries.

Enhanced Recovery of Phenolic and Tocopherolic Compounds from Walnut (Juglans Regia L.) Male Flowers Based on Process Optimization of Ultrasonic Assisted-Extraction: Phytochemical Profile and Biological Activities.

The extraction of bioactive compounds present in walnut (Juglans regia L.) male flowers (WMFs) was performed based on an experimental design using ultrasonic-assisted extraction. Solvent nature, extraction time, and water content were selected as experimental variables, and phenolic, flavonoidic, and condensed tannins contents and antioxidant properties were evaluated. Acetone was the solvent with the highest extraction performance, with the extracts obtained using this solvent displaying an increased concentration of bioactive compounds and increased antioxidant activities. For several extracts with high bioactive content, individual polyphenolic and tocopherolic compounds were evaluated by means of LC-MS and LC-MS/MS. The best extraction conditions for polyphenolic (2.86 mg gallic acid equivalents/g WMF) and tocopherolic compounds (29.4 µg/g WMF) were acetone with 40% water content (N20) and acetone with 20% water content (N15), respectively. Although the total tocopherol concentrations were lower than in other Juglans regia parts, most of the total tocopherol quantity was provided by the highly biologically active δ-tocopherol (84%). Significant quantities of quercetin (101.9 µg/g), hyperoside (2662.9 µg/g), quercitrin (405.7 µg/g), and isoquercitrin (1293.7 µg/g) were determined in WMF (N20). Both extracts inhibited the enzymatic activity of α-glucosidase and tyrosinase; however, an increased inhibition was observed for N20, the extract with the higher polyphenolic content. Conversely, N15 had higher anticancerous activity on the cell lines used, with a moderate selectivity towards the cancerous phenotype being observed for both extracts. At non-cytotoxic concentrations, both extracts displayed good antioxidant activities in cellular cultures, decreasing basal and H2O2-induced oxidative stress. This is the first characterization of both hydrophilic and lipophilic phytochemicals in WMF extracts. The outcomes of our study reveal that walnut male flowers have strong biological activities, thus justifying further research to demonstrate their usefulness in the food, pharmaceutical, and/or cosmetic industries.

Sub-acute oral toxicity evaluation of aqueous extract of bamboo shoots (Dendrocalamus hamiltonii) in Balb/c mice

Probiotics Bamboo shoot (Dendrocalamus hamiltonii), the young tender and immature culm, is being considered as a complete health food due to its high nutritional and bioactive content. Although, freshly harvested bamboo shoots are nutritionally richer; anti-nutritional factors and toxicity in fresh shoots used for consumption are a matter of concern. This study was conducted to evaluate the sub-acute oral toxicity of aqueous extract in shoots of Dendrocalamus hamiltonii. The bamboo shoot extract was administered orally to Balb/c mice at doses of 400, 800 and 1600 mg/kg, body weight for 28 days. Results revealed a significant enhancement in the level of reduced glutathione and superoxide dismutase accompanied by a significant reduction in the level of lipid peroxidation. A dose-dependent increase was observed in the activity of glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase while, a marked reduction was seen in the activity of enzyme catalase. None of any mortality and behavioral changes was observed. At higher dose (1600 mg/kg, body weight) the level of serum creatinine, serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase and lactate dehydrogenase increased significantly however, the histo-architecture of liver and kidney was normal. Therefore, it is concluded that the medium-term oral administration of the bamboo shoot extract for 28 days does not cause toxicity.

Camu-camu (Myrciaria dubia) and jambolan (Syzygium cumini) juice blend: sensory analysis and bioactive compounds stability

Abstract In this study, the stability of the bioactive compounds from camu-camu and jambolan mixture was evaluated, and a juice blend formulation based on its sensorial properties was established. The stability of three juice formulations with camu-camu/jambolan/water (w:w:w), 37.5:12.5:50 (JB); 37.5:0:62.5 (CJ) and 0:12.5:87.5 (JJ) was evaluated. Additionally, the bioactive compounds and sensory acceptance were performed in six juice formulations with camu-camu/jambolan: 12.5:37.5 (F1); 17.5:32.5 (F2); 22.5:27.5 (F3); 27.5:22.5 (F4); 32.5:17.5 (F5) and 37.5:12.5 (F6). The stability of the anthocyanins in the JB formulation was ensured for 5 days of storage at 25 °C. First-order reaction kinetics described the degradation of anthocyanins during 10 days of storage. The internal preference map analysis evidenced two groups: one formed by the formulations F1 and F2 and the other by F3, F4, F5 and F6. Sensory analysis showed that the formulation with the lowest concentration of camu-camu (F1) presented the highest sensory acceptance rate (80.4%), high bioactive compounds contents: 23.04 mg anthocyanins.100 mL-1, 353.32 mg ascorbic acid.100 mL-1, 892.06 mg phenolic compounds.100 mL-1, and high antioxidant capacity (3667.78 mM ET.100 mL-1). The results shows that juice blend with camu-camu/jambolan 12.5:37.5 (F1) have a good acceptance and high bioactive compounds content.

Longitudinal Assessment of the Tiger Milk Medicinal Mushroom, Lignosus rhinocerus (Agaricomycetes), Sclerotium Cultivar: Uniformity of Bioactive Components.

Traditional use of the tiger milk medicinal mushroom, Lignosus rhinocerus, to treat various illnesses has been recorded for > 4 centuries. Successful cultivation of L. rhinocerus using proprietary solid-state fermentation (SSF) technology by LiGNO Biotech has enabled large-scale production of L. rhinocerus sclerotia (termed L. rhinocerus TM02) and further investigations into its medicinal properties. Pharmacological activities of L. rhinocerus TM02, including its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and immunomodulatory effects and the bioactive components responsible, have been validated by various scientific studies. In this study, we assessed the consistency of the bioactive components in 11 batches of L. rhinocerus TM02 produced over a 9-year period. The different batches of L. rhinocerus TM02 consisted of stable protein, polysaccharide, and glycoprotein contents, and all tested samples were comparable to the wild type. L. rhinocerus TM02 had greater protein, carbohydrate, and glycoprotein contents, which were mostly bioactive compared to another cultivar from a different cultivation technology (TM-UN). Together with previous scientific validations, L. rhinocerus TM02 produced using SSF cultivation is of optimal quality with high consistent bioactive contents, which can be an appropriate indicator for quality validation of the much sought-after medicinal mushroom, L. rhinocerus.

Comparative cellular, physiological and transcriptome analyses reveal the potential easy dehulling mechanism of rice-tartary buckwheat (Fagopyrum Tararicum)

BackgroundTartary buckwheat has gained popularity in the food marketplace due to its abundant nutrients and high bioactive flavonoid content. However, its difficult dehulling process has severely restricted its food processing industry development. Rice-tartary buckwheat, a rare local variety, is very easily dehulled, but the cellular, physiological and molecular mechanisms responsible for this easy dehulling remains largely unclear.ResultsIn this study, we integrated analyses of the comparative cellular, physiological, transcriptome, and gene coexpression network to insight into the reason that rice-tartary buckwheat is easy to dehull. Compared to normal tartary buckwheat, rice-tartary buckwheat has significantly brittler and thinner hull, and thinner cell wall in hull sclerenchyma cells. Furthermore, the cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin contents of rice-tartary buckwheat hull were significantly lower than those in all or part of the tested normal tartary buckwheat cultivars, respectively, and the significant difference in cellulose and hemicellulose contents between rice-tartary buckwheat and normal tartary buckwheat began at 10 days after pollination (DAP). Comparative transcriptome analysis identified a total of 9250 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between the rice- and normal-tartary buckwheat hulls at four different development stages. Weighted gene coexpression network analysis (WGCNA) of all DEGs identified a key module associated with the formation of the hull difference between rice- and normal-tartary buckwheat. In this specific module, many secondary cell wall (SCW) biosynthesis regulatory and structural genes, which involved in cellulose and hemicellulose biosynthesis, were identified as hub genes and displayed coexpression. These identified hub genes of SCW biosynthesis were significantly lower expression in rice-tartary buckwheat hull than in normal tartary buckwheat at the early hull development stages. Among them, the expression of 17 SCW biosynthesis relative-hub genes were further verified by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR).ConclusionsOur results showed that the lower expression of SCW biosynthesis regulatory and structural genes in rice-tartary buckwheat hull in the early development stages contributes to its easy dehulling by reducing the content of cell wall chemical components, which further effects the cell wall thickness of hull sclerenchyma cells, and hull thickness and mechanical strength.

Optimization of biomass and some metabolites productivity of Merismopedia tenuissima and Spirulina (Arthrospira) platensis grown under stress conditions

The attention to using cyanobacteria as a nutrient supplement has increased due to their nutritional value and high bioactive metabolites contents. The reason behind designing such a study is to illustrate and clarify stress conditions effects like nitrogen and phosphorus supplementation and deficiency, salinity stress, and different pH values on the biomass, lipid, protein, amino acid, and carbohydrate productivities of Merismopedia tenuissima and Spirulina (Arthrospira) platensis.  The obtained results revealed that an increase in sodium nitrate by 100% caused an improvement in biomass, protein, and amino acid’s productivity of S. platensis  and M. tenuissima by 7.02 % and 7.05, 9.2% and 47.5%, 11.8% and19.5, respectively while 100% nitrogen deficiency enhanced lipid productivity of S. platensis  and M. tenuissima to 41% and 94%. Moreover, phosphorus limitation led to a reduction in biomass, protein, amino acid, and carbohydrate S. platensis to 24.3%, 21.1%, 43.3%, and 28.1%, respectively. However, phosphorus-free medium showed an increase in lipid productivity of S. platensis and M. tenuissima by 46.8% and 81.8%, respectively. The addition of 0.05 M NaCl concentration to S. platensis  medium stimulates the biomass, protein, and carbohydrate productivity by 6%, 7.75%, and 18.1%, respectively, whilst, among all concentration, zero M NaCl (control) resulted in increasing biomass, protein, and amino acids, whilst, high concentration (0.3M) of NaCl enhanced lipid productivity to 125.9% and 153.5% at S. platensis  and M. tenuissima, respectively. Applications of high alkalinity (pH 9) increased the productivities of all studied metabolites in S. platensis and reduction of all mention metabolites in M. tenuissima.

Effects of Fermented Herbal Tea Residues on the Intestinal Microbiota Characteristics of Holstein Heifers Under Heat Stress

Herbal tea residue (HTR) is a reusable resource with high nutritional value and bioactive substances content, which can be used as a feed additive. In the present study, HTRs were fermented by lactic acid bacteria, and then fed to a total of 90 Holstein heifers, termed as CN, LC, and HC groups. The supplementation improved physiological indices of respiratory frequency and rectal temperature, increased the concentrations of immunoglobulins and antioxidant capacity-related parameters, and reduced the concentrations of heat stress-related parameters and serum hormones. The heifers’ body height increased considerably, while their energy metabolism rates were stimulated in response to fermented HTRs. We also studied the fecal microbial community composition of 8 Holstein heifers in each group, and employed correlation analysis with tested parameters. We found that the bacteria were closely related to characteristics including the energy utilization rate, growth performance, serum biochemical indexes, and fecal SCFA levels of the heifers. Based on our findings, the 5% fermented HTRs replaced corn silage might be advantageous for the heifers’ characteristics under heat stress.

Carotenoid, Carotene and Anthocyanin Levels of Naturally Grown old Garden Roses (Rosa ssp.) in Van

Secondary metabolites especially phenolic compounds, flavonoids, tannins, and terpenoids have potential antioxidants and antimicrobial activity. Carotenoids are important antioxidants and bioactive compounds supplying to the health benefits of different foods and rosehips known for high bioactive content. Anthocyanins have physiological importance because of their abilities to protect leaves from photooxidative injuries without significantly compromising photosynthesis. Numerous studies shown that roses are rich sources of bioactive compounds. The genus Rosa contains various species that are widely grown in Europe, Asia, The Middle East and North America. In this study it was aimed that determination of carotenoid, carotene and anthocyanin amounts of naturally growing old garden roses species in Van ecological conditions. In this study eleven species of rosehips (Rosa damascena, Rosa damascena var. semperflorens, Rosa laxa ssp. harputensis, Rosa alba, Rosa multiflora, Rosa pisiformis, Rosa foetida, Rosa foetida var. bicolor, Rosa hemisphaerica, Rosa hemisphaerica var. plena hort, Rosa heckellana subsp. vanheurckiona) naturally grown in Van conditions were used as plant material. The fresh leaves (100-200 mg), immediately after harvesting, were homogenized by 80% aqueous acetone and filtered by white tape filter paper. In the extracts, carotenoid, carotene and anthocyanin levels were determined by using UV spectrophotometer in 470 nm, 537 nm, 647 nm, 663 nm wavelengths respectively. As a result, the highest and lowest carotenoid levels were found as 3.18 µg/ml and 0.59 µg/ml in R. heckellana subsp. vanheurckiona and R. damascena var. semperflorens. The highest anthocyanin level was determined in R. damascena as 0.06 µg/ml.

Physicochemical Characterization, Antioxidant Activity, and Phenolic Compounds of Hawthorn (Crataegus spp.) Fruits Species for Potential Use in Food Applications.

Hawthorn belongs to the Crataegus genus of the Rosaceae family and is an important medicinal plant. Due to its beneficial effects on the cardiovascular system and its antioxidant and antimicrobial activity hawthorn has recently become quite a popular herbal medicine in phytotherapy and food applications. In this study, physicochemical characterization (color parameters, pH, titratable acidity, total soluble solids, soluble carbohydrate, total carotenoid, total phenols, and flavonoid contents), antioxidant activity (by ferric-reducing antioxidant power, FRAP assay), and quantification of some individual phenolic compounds of fruits of 15 samples of different hawthorn species (Crataegus spp.) collected from different regions of Iran were investigated. According to findings, the total phenols, total flavonoid content, and antioxidant activity were in the range of 21.19–69.12 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/g dry weight (dw), 2.44–6.08 mg quercetin equivalent (QUE)/g dw and 0.32–1.84 mmol Fe++/g dw, respectively. Hyperoside (0.87–2.94 mg/g dw), chlorogenic acid (0.06–1.16 mg/g dw), and isoquercetin (0.24–1.59 mg/g dw) were found to be the most abundant phenolic compounds in the extracts of hawthorn fruits. The considerable variations in the antioxidant activity and phenolic compounds of hawthorn species were demonstrated by our results. Hence, the evaluation of hawthorn genetic resources could supply precious data for screening genotypes with high bioactive contents for producing natural antioxidants and other phytochemical compounds valuable for food and pharma industries.

Optimization of ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) process for the recovery of bioactive compounds from bitter gourd using response surface methodology (RSM)

This article presents the ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) of antioxidants, total phenolics and soluble proteins from bitter gourd (Momordica charantia). For comparative purposes, two sonication modes, namely normal and pulsed mode have been considered and the response variables have been addressed as a function of temperature, extraction time and vegetable to water ratio using response surface methodology (RSM) based design of experiments. Except for a few cases, the carried out investigations affirmed non-linear dependence of response variables (bioactive compound content) on control variables. Among all cases, pulsed mode sonication performed effectively than normal sonication mode with marginally lower vegetable to solvent ratio but higher bio-active content. These research findings indicate promising opportunities for pulsed mode ultra-sonication process with respect to conventional extraction methods for the production of bitter gourd aqueous extract for medicinal and functional food applications.

Investigation of Bioactive Compounds on Relict Endemic Ajuga relicta P. H. Davis (Lamiaceae) from Turkey

Species belonging to genus Ajuga (Lamiaceae) have been used to treat many diseases in traditional medicine. The plants of the genus Ajuga have been reported to have antifungal, antibacterial, antimycobacterial, antihypertensive, antiplasmodial, hypoglycaemic, and larvae and insect activity. Ajuga relicta is a relict endemic plant which grows only in Kahramanmaras. The total phenolic contents of the extracts have been quantified with Folin Ciocalteu colorimetric method, and the antioxidant activities of the extracts have been tested with DPPH, and FRAP. Antimicrobial activities of plant extracts were determined by the well-diffusion method against seven bacteria and four yeasts. Besides, the fatty acid composition was determined in GC-MS. As a result of GC-MS analysis of the oil obtained from the A. relicta extracts, 21 different fatty acids were identified. The highest contents of these fatty acids were palmitic acid (29.50%), oleic acid (23.51%), stearic acid (9.13%) and linoleic acid (7.18%). Total phenolic value of plant extract was 11.94 mg/g, total flavonoid amount 2.28 mg/g, FRAP value 43.53 μg/g and DPPH value 1.63 mg/g. Antimicrobial activity experiment on a total of 11 microorganisms (seven bacteria and four yeast) showed that Ajuga extracts inhibited the growth of tested microorganisms except Enterobacter cloacae, Candida glabrata and Saccharomyces cerevisiae. A. relicta was found to have high bioactive content and antimicrobial activity. The plant extracts are rich in constant fatty acids and similar to olive oil (palmitic-oleic-linoleic), which is well known for its health benefits in terms of major fatty acids.

Enhancement of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities of prickly pear fruits by high hydrostatic pressure: A chemical and microstructural approach

Abstract Prickly pears were submitted to high hydrostatic pressure (HHP) (pressure: 100, 350 and 600 MPa; temperature: 17–34 °C; time: come-up time (CUT) and 5 min) to enhance their health potential by increasing the extractability of bioactive compounds. Phenolics, betalains and ascorbic acid were analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and spectrophotometry in peels and in pulps to determine their contribution to in-vitro bowel-related antioxidant (oxygen radical absorbance capacity; ORAC) and anti-inflammatory activities (hyaluronidase inhibition and nitric oxide radical scavenging activity). Antioxidant activity in Pelota and Sanguinos pulps increased 81.1 and 68.2% at 350 MPa/5 min, respectively, and correlated with the increase of phenolic acids, isorhamnetin glucosyl-rhamnosyl-rhamnoside (IG1) and isorhamnetin glucosyl-rhamnoside (IG5). Anti-inflammatory activity increased 85.7 and 117.5% in Pelota and Sanguinos pulps, respectively, at 600 MPa/CUT and correlated with the increase of isorhamnetin glucosyl-rhamnosyl-pentoside (IG2), isorhamnetin glucosyl-pentoside (IG4) and IG5. Industrial relevance Prickly pears are potential sources of low-cost functional foods because they are rich in valuable bioactive compounds. However, these are only partially bioaccessible because they compartmentalized within cellular structures and bound to cell walls. By processing with high hydrostatic pressure, we can obtain fruit products with a higher bioactive content. This potentially enhances bowel-related antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. These results take us one step closer to the prevention of chronical diseases with the consumption of our everyday foods. The use of non-thermal technologies for the enhancement of health potential in vegetable foods could result in a useful tool for the development of the novel foods of the 21st century.

Leaf removal at veraison stage differentially affects qualitative attributes and bioactive composition of fresh and dehydrated grapes of two indigenous Cypriot cultivars

The effect of leaf removal on postharvest performance of dehydrated grapes has been poorly analyzed. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of leaf removal at veraison stage on the metabolites of fresh and dehydrated grapes of two indigenous Cypriot cultivars ('Mavro' and 'Xynisteri'), which are destined for the production of 'Commandaria', a protected designation of origin (PDO) premium sweet wine. Leaf removal led to a reduction of soluble solids, titratable acidity, aroma potential and most of the phenolic groups in the musts of both cultivars. Dehydration led to a significant increase in all of these parameters in both cultivars, being more pronounced in cv. 'Mavro'. Interestingly, leaf removal indicated differential response in the dehydrated product of the cultivars examined; liquid chromatography (LC-DAD-qTOF-MS) data showed a significant decrease in phenolic compounds in 'Xynisteri' must (from 66.73 to 44.15 mg L-1 ), while 'Mavro' must registered similar values of phenolic compounds (from 94.78 to 96.72 mg L-1 ), but with a different distribution among phenolic groups. Intriguingly, flavonols and flavan-3-ols that present significant health-promoting properties showed higher concentrations in the must from dehydrated 'Mavro' grapes that were subjected to preharvest leaf removal. Leaf removal at veraison stage followed by sun drying differentially affected the chemical composition of the examined cultivars. This preharvest application followed by postharvest dehydration was beneficial for cv. 'Mavro', while this was not the case for cv. 'Xynisteri'. The effects of leaf removal in other developmental stages (i.e. pre/post bloom stage) need to be dissected with the ultimate goal of providing an end product with high bioactive content. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry.

Determination of Antioxidant Activity and Total Anthocyanin Content of Frozen and Thawed Strawberries under Different Conditions

Strawberries are among the summer fruits popularly consumed by consumers. High antioxidant activity, anticancer, anti-inflammatory effect and high bioactive substance content are also beneficial to human health. However, their shelf life is short due to their high water content and active metabolismThey can be kept frozen and processed in order to be consumable in all seasons. During freezing, when the water in the contents turns into ice crystals, the expansion occurs. For this reason, frozen and thawed fruit is generally softer than fresh fruit. These effects can vary with different types of freezing condition. In addition, freezing and thawing conditions can affect the stability of phenolic compounds, anthocyanins and antioxidant activity. In this study, fresh strawberries were frozen at different temperatures; -18 °C, -86 °C, and individually quick frozen (IQF) as freezing methods. Frozen strawberries were thawed at 24 °C at room condition, +4 °C in the refrigerator and microwave oven with thawing mode. Total phenolic compounds, total flavonoid and total anthocyanins content, and total antioxidant activity were performed to examine the effect of freezing and thawing on biocompatibility. According to the results, the total phenolic compounds in the range of 0.77-2.76 mg gallic acid equivalent/g, flavonoid content 0.32-0.90 mg catechin equivalent/g, total anthocyanin content 0.02-0.16 mg/g and total antioxidant capacity 49.06 and 55.64% were found in strawberries. According to these results, it was determined that the loss of bioactive components was minimized by frozen with IQF and thawing in the microwave oven. In addition, the shortness of the thawing time in this process provides an extra advantage.

Bioactives Screening in Overripe Fruits and Vegetables by Liquid Chromatography Coupled to Photodiode Array and Mass Spectrometry Detection

Food waste production generated by large distribution represents an emerging issue due to the large polluting impact and, at the same time, due to the enormous increase of nutrients’ need worldwide. Overripe fruits are considered as “food wastes” despite they could be yet rich sources of food ingredients and bioactives, such as carotenoids and polyphenols. In this work, a phytochemical screening of 20 selected overripe vegetables and fruits was accomplished by liquid chromatography coupled to photodiode array and mass spectrometry detection. The obtained results showed that the low-sugar-content fruits and vegetables had a higher bioactive content compared to the high-sugar fruits; in particular, tomato, wild swiss chard, green bell pepper, and lettuce leaves were the richest in bioactive phytochemicals. Green bell peppers showed the highest pigment content (875.3 mg/kg), whereas tomato, wild swiss chard, and lettuce leaves showed the highest polyphenol contents, 4541.9, 1692.4, and 712.9 mg/kg, respectively. This is the first work where a large-scale monitoring of bioactives in overripe fruits was carried out and two mixtures of fresh and dry material for animal feed are presented.

Phenotypic and chemical variation of black mulberry (Morus nigra) genotypes

It is believed that black mulberry (Morus nigra) is a healthier fruit among mulberry species due to its high bioactive content. In the present study, the morphological and chemical variabilities of this species were investigated. There were statistical differences in terms of the morphological and chemical traits between the genotypes. Out of 37 morphological and seven chemical characters, 20 morphological and five chemical traits showed a coefficient of variation (CV) greater than 20.00%, indicating a high variability between the genotypes for these traits. The fruit weight varied between 1.79 and 5.69 g with an average of 3.85 g. The highest TSS content was 24.80%, while the lowest TSS was 11.20%, with an average of 18.42. The content of total anthocyanins was found between 57.62 and 475.65 mg CGE 100 g−1 FrWe. Total phenols ranged from 232.27 to 1777.73 mg GAE 100 g−1 FrWe. The fruit weight showed positive correlations with tree growth vigor, leaf length and leaf width. In addition, fruit weight was positively correlated with fruit length and fruit width. Furthermore, TSS was positively correlated with phenolic content and flavonoid content. The results obtained from the hierarchical grouping analysis separated genotypes into three and two main groups based on morphological and chemical characters, respectively. The present study increased knowledge about the phenotypic variation and phytochemical properties of black mulberry fruits and can be useful for producers, breeders, and processors.

Improving vegetable quality in controlled environments

Abstract During the last decades, food security has become a vital global concern driven by projections of population increase and exacerbated by the impending pressure of climate change on agriculture. Vegetable crops represent a fundamental ingredient of human diet due to their high nutritional value and bioactive content and could serve towards improving food security and nutritional quality, especially when managed under highly intensified cropping systems in controlled environments. Greenhouse and indoor growing modules not only allow for significantly higher yields compared to open field cropping systems, but also they can facilitate out of season production and substantial manipulation of the chemical composition and bioactive profile of the final product. The present work provides an updated critical overview of scientific advances regarding genotype and microclimate effects on the quality of greenhouse crops. In this context, innovative crop management practices are discussed, including management of the nutrient solution, biofortification and application of plant biostimulants. The review concludes by proposing future research pathways towards enhancing product quality of greenhouse vegetables.

Functional and physical properties of cookies enriched with dephytinized oat bran

Oat bran is widely used for enrichment of health-oriented products due to their high dietary fiber (DF) and bioactive compounds contents. However, its high phytic acid (PA) content generally is overlooked. PA is an antinutrient which decreases bioavailability of minerals and proteins. Therefore, our aim was to produce oat bran cookies with low PA content. Oat bran was dephytinized with two different methods (fermentation and hydrothermal). Cookies were prepared by substitution of flour with dephytinized oat brans (0%, 7%, 14% and 21%) and evaluated in terms of physical characteristics, functional and sensory properties. Dephytinized oat brans supplemented cookies had significantly low PA content. Additionally, this supplementation enhanced DF content, phenolic compounds content and antioxidant activity of corresponding cookies much more than untreated bran. Oat bran and dephytinized oat bran addition has similar effects on cookies, resulted in higher spread ratios, harder texture and darker color. Their sensory evaluation scores are promising, especially fermented oat bran's. These results show dephytinized oat brans have a great potential use in bakery industry, does not have to be limited with cookies but also could be suitable for different types of baked goods.

Optimization infusions conditions for improving phenolic content and antioxidant activity in Sideritis scardica tea using response surface methodology

Sideritis scardica (Mountain Tea), an endemic plant of the Balkan Peninsula, is generally acknowledged as a very popular consumed beverage with multiple pharmacological properties including antioxidant activity. This study was designed to optimize the infusion conditions, aiming to maximize the phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity of the tea-infusion, made from different parts of Sideritis plants. The influence of different infusion temperatures (60, 80 and 93 °C) and steeping times (10, 20 and 30 min) either as aerial parts or as stems, flowers, leaves of Sideritis plants was determined using response surface methodology. The results showed good fit of data and the optimal infusion conditions were steeping time no more than 10 min and temperature water ranged between 87.5–99.8 °C for all infusions under investigation. The highest bioactive content and antioxidant activity was exhibited in leaves infusions followed by flower, aerial parts, and stems. Under this condition, chlorogenic acid was detected as the major phenolic acids in all Sideritis infusions. Moreover, the most abundant minerals were recorded in the order: K > P > Ca > Mg > Na > Fe. Stems tea-infusions contained the highest amount of minerals followed by those obtained from flowers, aerial parts and leaves, respectively.