High Content Of Vitamin Research Articles

RESEARCH ON THE BEHAVIOR OF THE LONG PEPPER GENOTYPE 'BOGDAN' (CAPSICUM ANNUUM L.) IN SANDY SOIL CONDITIONS AT DĂBULENI RDSPCS

Among the vegetable species, the long pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) is one of the most important crops globally, due to its flavor, high nutritional value, high content of vitamins (C, A, E, B, etc.) as well as an excellent source of natural colorants and antioxidant compounds (Howard et al. 2000). The success of long pepper cultivation is conditioned, to a large extent, by the cultivar used. In this sense, at Dăbuleni Research-Development Station for Plant Culture on Sands, research was carried out in 2023 regarding the variability of the main quantitative characters in the long pepper genotype 'Bogdan'. Fruit weight (g), fruit diameter (cm), pericarp thickness (mm) and shape index were analyzed. The registered biometric data were statistically processed, calculating for each analyzed character the mean (x̄x̄), the standard deviation (s), the coefficient of variability (s%), the range of variability (k = x̄ ± s), frequency of individuals (%).The calculation and analysis of variability showed, on average, over the three years of the study, a medium variability for the characters analyzed (fruit weight s% = 24.35; fruit height s% = 13.06; pericarp thickness s% = 20.97; shape index s% = 15.84). The statistical analysis of the recorded data showed that for the long pepper genotype 'Bogdan', they are uniform in terms of the variability of the main characters, the coefficient of variability having high and medium values for most of the analyzed characters, and it represents a valuable material for the improvement of this species in the conditions of sandy soils from the south of Oltenia.

COMPREHENSIVE ASSESSMENT OF THE QUALITY AND BIOLOGICAL VALUE OF APPLE FRUIT OF DIFFERENT VARIETIES GROWN IN THE CONDITIONS OF THE REPUBLIC OF ADYGEA

Background. Apple fruits are a valuable food product with a unique chemical composition that determines the taste and biological value. The chemical composition of fruits depends on the variety of apples, ripening terms, conditions and place of growth, which makes research relevant in the conditions of a certain region, including the Republic of Adygea, where horticulture not only has deep historical roots, but has been actively reviving and developing in recent decades. with the use of new technologies and the introduction of new varieties.
 Target. Carrying out a comprehensive assessment of the quality and biological value of apple fruits of different varieties grown in the conditions of the Republic of Adygea on the basis of a study of organoleptic, physicochemical and biochemical indicators.
 Materials and methods. The objects of the study were samples of apple fruits of the agricultural enterprise LLC “Yumiks” of 5 varieties: Braeburn, Granny Smith, Idared, Florina, Simirenko, grown in the conditions of the Republic of Adygea. In the samples under study, the determination of organoleptic, physicochemical and biochemical parameters was carried out: soluble solids (SS), titratable acids per malic acid, vitamin C, total sugars, iron, polyphenol oxidase activity, antioxidant activity (AOA). Statistical data processing was carried out in MS Excel 2016.
 Results. For the first time, on the basis of a complex of organoleptic, physicochemical and biochemical methods, studies of apple varieties grown in the Republic of Adygea were carried out: Florina, Idared, Granny Smith, Braeburn, Simirenko. It has been established that the highest index of sensory quality has apple varieties Braeburn and Simirenko, the Braeburn variety is distinguished by a high content of solids and sugars, more harmonious taste, i.e. the optimal ratio of sugar to acid is found in the Braeburn and Florina varieties. The highest content of vitamin C and bioavailable iron is characteristic of Braeburn and Simirenko apple varieties. Polyphenol oxidase activity in Simirenko, Idared and Florina varieties was higher than in samples of other varieties, while a higher AOA value was found in Granny Smith.
 Conclusion. The data obtained by us on the basis of a comprehensive study of apple varieties new to the Republic of Adygea, but already in a certain consumer demand, will allow us to give an objective assessment of their contribution to the biological value of the diets of various population groups, and also, subject to further monitoring studies, can be used gardeners of the Republic of Adygea when expanding the area under varieties with the highest taste and stable indicators of biological value.

Quantification of fatty acids in seed oil and important bioactive compounds in Iranian Rosa canina L. ecotypes for potential cosmetic and medicinal uses

Rosa canina L. (Rosaceae), commonly known as the rose hip, is originated from Europe, Africa, and Asia with a long history in medicinal applications. This study aimed to analyze the morphological traits, fatty acids profile, and content of phenolic compounds, anthocyanins, vitamin C, total carotenoid, total phenol, total flavonoid, and antioxidant activity of the fruits of eleven Iranian R. canina ecotypes (RCEs). The highest coefficient of variation was obtained in 1000 seed weight (46.57%). The seed oil varied from 8.08 ± 0.17% to 16.91 ± 0.35%. Linoleic (35.41 ± 0.78% to 49.59 ± 0.96%) and eicosanoic (17.67 ± 0.06% to 25.36 ± 0.54%) acids were the predominant fatty acids in the studied samples. The anthocyanin content in the fruits was ranged from 0.98 ± 0.03 to 4.41 ± 0.04 mg cyanidin 3-glucoside/100 g of dry weight (mg C3G/100 g DW). The high content of vitamin C (103.51 ± 1.24–419.70 ± 3.12 mg/100 g DW), total carotenoid (111.22 ± 0.78–206.98 ± 1.25 mg β-carotene equivalents per g of dry weight (mg β-CARE/g DW)), total phenol (52.87 ± 0.82–104.52 ± 0.23 mg GAE/g DW), and total flavonoid (14.20 ± 0.12–25.18 ± 0.47 mg RE/g DW) were observed in the studied samples. Catechin (20.42 ± 0.47–19.22 ± 0.13 µg/g DW) was the major phenolic compound. The high antioxidant activity in the fruits of the plant was recorded in the studied RCEs (IC50 = 12.54 ± 0.18–26.33 ± 0.13 μg/ml). A significant correlation between some phytochemical compounds (dependent variable) and morphological features (independent variable) was found. Based on our findings, the fruit of the studied ecotypes can be used for future breeding programs and drug development.

Moringa oleifera Oil Nutritional and Safety Impact on Deep-Fried Potatoes.

Aiming to understand the nutritional impact of Moringa oleifera oil (MOO) on the quality of fried potatoes as consumed, a frying study using intermittent frying at 180 °C was conducted over 5 days, with a total heating time of 15 h, against olive (OO) and sunflower (SFO) oils. Additionally, due to MOO's higher costs, a SFO/MOO blend (80/20 w/w) was tested. With similar fat incorporation and moisture contents, potato lipid composition revealed the impact of oil oxidation over the frying time, gradually decreasing the content of unsaturated fatty acids and antioxidants, including vitamin E, carotenoids and ascorbic acid, and increasing the incorporation of trans fatty acids (TFAs) and volatile aldehydes. When the potatoes fried at the ninth hour of heating are compared, MOO and OO were still able to protect potato ascorbic acid better than SFO, due to the low oxidative stress imposed by their fatty-acid composition. SFO, on the contrary, with linoleic acid as the main fatty acid, and despite its higher content of vitamin E, demonstrated higher oxidative stress and increased incorporation of alkenals and alkadienals. Acrylamide content was generally low, as were the trans fatty acids formed and incorporated with frying time, with MOO fried potatoes having lower amounts of all these process contaminants. Interestingly, the blend SFO/MOO (80/20 w/w) doubled the amount of vitamin E in fried potatoes when compared with SFO alone, increased the ascorbic acid protection and reduced by half the amounts of volatile aldehydes, indicative of an efficient reduction of the oxidative status of the SFO-fried potatoes, with benefits to the consumer from a health point of view.

Millet's Role as a Climate Resilient Staple for Future Food Security: A Review

This review comprehensively examines the role of millets as a sustainable and resilient food source in the context of global climate change and escalating food security challenges. Millets, a group of small-seeded grasses traditionally grown in semi-arid regions of Africa and Asia, are re-emerging as crops of significance due to their remarkable adaptability to harsh environmental conditions and their rich nutritional profile. The review begins by outlining the various types of millets, including pearl, finger, and foxtail millet, and their geographic distribution, emphasizing their adaptability to diverse climatic conditions. It then delves into the nutritional aspects of millets, highlighting their high content of dietary fiber, vitamins, minerals, and essential amino acids, making them a potent solution to combat malnutrition and micronutrient deficiencies prevalent in many developing regions. A critical focus is placed on the climate resilience of millets. Their exceptional drought tolerance, ability to thrive in poor soil conditions, lower water, and nutrient requirements compared to staple crops like wheat and rice, and resistance to pests and diseases underscore millets' potential as sustainable crops in increasingly unpredictable climatic scenarios. This resilience not only promises to bolster food security but also contributes to sustainable agricultural practices. It explores the challenges and limitations in millet cultivation, processing, consumer acceptance, and market integration. It highlights the current gaps in millet-focused agricultural policies, the need for improved processing technologies, and strategies to enhance consumer appeal and marketability. Innovations in millet breeding for enhanced traits, advances in processing technologies, and the impact of biotechnology and climate-smart agricultural practices are examined. These technological and scientific advancements present opportunities for overcoming existing challenges and enhancing the role of millets in global food systems. Also presents case studies from various countries, particularly India, illustrating successful initiatives in millet cultivation, integration into national food policies, and community-led efforts. These examples offer valuable insights into practical approaches for promoting millets.

DETERMINATION OF VITAMIN C CONTENT IN BELL PEPPER (Capsicum annuum L.) WITH DIFFERENT PROTIC POLAR SOLVENT BY UV-VIS SPECTROSCOPY

Bell pepper can be an antioxidant and has many health benefits because of the high content of vitamin C. Vitamin C contents in yellow and orange bell peppers were extracted using different protic polar solvents and analyzed using the UV-Vis Spectrophotometry method. In this research, the bell peppers were extracted using the maceration technique for two days in 90% concentration of solvents (methanol and ethanol, respectively). Subsequently, the maximum wavelength was determined, and then 100 ppm ascorbic acid was used as a standard solution to analyze vitamin C content. Linearity based on a calibration curve is used to obtain the correlation coefficient of concentration between the standard solution and vitamin C levels in the sample. The result of UV-Vis spectroscopy analysis of this sample shows 373.5 nm of λmax. The linearity is shown in the equation y = 0.0006 x + 0.019. The vitamin C content in all samples had significant differences based on randomized complete block design (RCBD) test result with α = 0.05. The vitamin C level in the yellow pepper sample with an ethanol solvent (340 mg/100 g) was higher than that of the orange pepper sample with ethanol (251 mg/100 g). Meanwhile, the vitamin C content in the sample of yellow peppers with methanol solvent (562.5 mg/100 g) was smaller than that of orange peppers with methanol solvent (757.5 mg/100 g). These contents indicated a different result in the level sources of vitamin C, even if the maceration process used a solvent with a higher dielectric constant.

The Influences of Soil and Meteorological Factors on the Growth and Fruit Quality of Chinese Jujube (Ziziphus jujuba Mill.).

Chinese jujube (Ziziphus jujuba Mill.) is attracting more and more attention worldwide due to their tasty and nutritious fruit with extremely high contents of vitamin C (Vc) and soluble sugar. In order to find out the main factors that influence jujube growth and reproductive adaptability, the phenological periods, vegetative growths, fruiting abilities, and fruit qualities of eight newly released cultivars were compared and comprehensively analyzed in three representative ecological sites of the three main jujube-producing regions including Fuping (Hebei), Taigu (Shanxi), and Alar (Xinjiang) in China. Our results showed that the characteristics of jujube cultivars were significantly affected by soil and meteorological factors. The fruit number per bearing shoot was much more affected by temperature, light, and rainfall. The fruit number per bearing shoot, contents of soluble solids, and soluble sugar and Vc contents in fruits were influenced more by meteorological factors. The content of flavonoids was affected by both soil and meteorological factors. A principal component analysis (PCA) indicated that cultivars suitable for planting in Fuping (Hebei) were Yuhong and Lengbaiyu. Zaocuimi, Fucuimi, and Zaoqiuhong were suitable to be cultivated in Taigu (Shanxi), while Zaocuimi, Yuhong, Yulu, Luzao 2, and Yueguang behaved better in Alar (Xinjiang). This study provides insights of the environmental factors on jujube yield and quality and therefore provides references for highly efficient jujube cultivation.

Dynamics of Bioactive Compounds under the Influence of Yellow, Blue, and Violet Light Filters on Hippophae rhamnoides L. (Sea Buckthorn) Fruits

The current study was carried out to monitor the dynamics of phenolic compounds and vitamin C variations in Hippophae rhamnoides L. (sea buckthorn) under the influence of different color filters, as follows: yellow (590 nm), blue (450 nm), and violet (400 nm). The fruits were harvested at maturity from different parts of the canopy (i.e., base, middle, and top), immediately stored at −18 °C, and afterward lyophilized to reduce the loss of compounds for preparing the chemical assays that were carried out. HPLC-DAD-ESI+ was used to determine the phenolic compounds and vitamin C content of the fruits. EPR (electron paramagnetic resonance) measurements were also carried out to confirm the antioxidant character of the berries. This is the first study to examine the effect of different color filters on the accumulation of phenolic compounds and vitamin C content in the fruits of sea buckthorn. Among the three color filters used, the violet filter proved to be the most beneficial for the accumulation of total phenolic compounds (3.326 mg/g) and vitamin C (1.550 mg/g) in the berries. To reach high contents of phenolic compounds and vitamin C, the best setup included using very-high-energy emission LEDs as close as possible to blue and violet (400–450 nm). Therefore, the different light color intensities and temperatures on each level of a canopy play key roles in enhancing the phenolic compound content, antioxidant activity, and vitamin C content of sea buckthorn fruits. This knowledge will help provide insights into the accumulation of secondary metabolites and improve future production strategies in sea buckthorn.

Comparison of Fatty Acid Profile and Quality Properties of Commercial Apricot (Prunus Armeniaca) Kernel Oils

Prunus armeniaca L. known as apricot, is one of the important export products of Turkey and its kernel oil has become widely popular in different fields such as food pharmacy, aromatherapy and cosmetics industry. Apricot oil obtained from the kernels of apricots is characterized by high contents of oil, fiber, various minerals, proteins, vitamins and phenolics with health-improving effects. The aim of this study was to compare the fatty acid composition and some quality properties of 10 different kinds of apricot kernel oils produced by the different brands. The lowest value of free fatty acid with 0.30 % was determined in the A5 sample. The antioxidant activity results of A1 brand apricot oil sample were found similar to A4 brand apricot oil (P>0.05). In the results of the total phenolic content was lowest in A5 sample with 101.17 mg GAE/100g. The results of the highest antioxidant activity and total phenolic content were determined in the sample A3. The common major fatty acids in the analyzed oil samples were determined as oleic acid, linoleic acid, palmitic acid and stearic acid. Oleic acid was determined as the main unsaturated fatty acid component for all oil types except the A1 sample.

DETERMINATION OF VITAMIN C AND MINERAL CONTENT OF TWO LOCAL SPECIES OF Carica papaya (SAMBA AND HORTUS GOLD PAPAYA) AT VARIOUS STAGES OF RIPENING

Papaya (Carica papaya Linn) is a popular fruit grown in the tropical and subtropical parts of the world, also known as "pawpaw". The fruit is consumed when ripe and also processed. The many benefits of papaya are owed due to the high content of Vitamin A, B and C, and minerals. This study aimed at determining the concentration of vitamin C in two species of the fruits as a function of the ripening periods, using the redox titration method indicated that the concentration of vitamin C decreased from 98 mg/kg to 70 mg/kg in Samba papaya and from 96 mg/kg to 68 mg/kg in the Hortus gold papaya with ripening period. Samba papaya is recommended for vitamin C enhancement at the early ripening stage. Calcium, magnesium and potassium concentrations determined using atomic absorption spectrophotometry decreased in concentration with storage day. Domestic and industry supply of vitamin C and essential minerals is key to health need to be obtained from fruits at the optimum stage.

Evaluation of some Selections Obtained in the Strawberry Breeding Program

The strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa Duch.) is a fruit species of interest to growers and consumers due to the early ripening of the fruits, high yields and special nutritional qualities (high content of minerals and vitamins). The paper evaluates the performance of 14 selections from Romanian strawberry breeding and a Romanian cultivar ('Premial') of strawberry under field conditions during 2021-2023. The characteristics evaluated are: phenological data, yield (g/plant), average fruit weight (g), firmness (N), shape, color, soluble solid content and pH. Based on the data obtained, from the 14 selections, it was proposed to introduce into next stages for evaluation those that recorded over 500 g/plant and over 20 g/fruit, namely: '16-3-188', '16-2-12', '16-3-170', '16-3-123'.

DEVELOPMENT AND PRACTICAL TESTS OF A SOLAR DRYER WITH VARIOUS COATINGS FOR DRYING AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS

A solar dryer for drying fruits, vegetables, medicinal plants, and other agricultural products is proposed. This solar dryer (s/d) is simple to construct, and its drying chamber can be covered with polyethylene, polycarbonate, glass, metal sheet, or other material, depending on the dried raw material. As the results of the experiments in the solar dryer showed, the drying speed is high; products obtained in a solar dryer are of high quality - without preservatives and dyes, with a high content of vitamins, with good taste properties. For example, when drying cornel in a solar dryer, vitamin C losses are almost 2 times less than with natural drying.The shelf life of dried products is also increased when the storage conditions are properly observed. The high drying speed is explained by the enhanced convective movement of air in the dryer. The proposed solar dryer can be used on farms, as well as by urban residents, depending on the size of the dryer.

The phytochemical study of Eleutherococcus senticosus (Rupr. & Maxim) leaves in hydroponics and soil culture

Background: In the medical fieldEleutherococcus senticosus (Rupr. & Maxim) (E. senticosus) or Siberian ginseng is known as a natural adaptogen and immunomodulator. All parts of E. senticosus: roots, stems, leaves, and berries, have medicinal properties. In medicine, E. senticosus is used to treat depression, Alzheimer's and Parkinson’s diseases, cardiovascular diseases, cerebral ischemia, and diabetes. The adaptogenic properties of the plant are related to its rich composition of biologically active compounds (phenylpropanoids, eleuterosides, flavonoids, phenolic acids, anthocyanins, vitamins, etc.). E. senticosus activates the body’s protection mechanisms, directly affecting tissue metabolism. It increases mental and physical performance, immunity, and protects from stress, making its use important in sports medicine and the military. The use of E. senticosus in food and dietary supplements has become popular in recent years, whereas some studies suggest that its potential benefits are the reduction of stress and enhancement of immune system function. Objective: To study the content of the main biologically active compounds of medicinal raw material (leaves) of E. senticosus, cultivated in outdoor hydroponics and soil conditions during different stages of growth and development. Methods: The spectrophotometric method was used to determine the content of total phenols, flavonoids, phenolic acids and eleutherosides in a 70 % water-alcohol extract from E. senticosus dry leaves at different phases of vegetation period. The spectra were recorded using an Agilent Cary 60 UV-Vis spectrophotometer. Moreover, the content of extractive substances was determined, and the content of vitamin C, and β-carotene in fresh leaves (State Pharmacopoeia 2015).Results:The results of our study showed that levels of phenolic compounds in the leaves of E. senticosus obtained in hydroponics and soil culture are the highest during the flowering phase (August-September). It was observed that during the flowering period, the content of total phenols, phenolic acids, and eleutherosides was 1.3 times higher, and flavonoids - 1.2 times higher compared to the vegetative phase. It is worth noting that the content of vitamin “C”, β-carotene and extractives was also higher during the flowering period. Hydroponic plants had higher content of vitamin “C”, β-carotene, and extractives, respectively by 1.4, 1.2 and 1.2 times compared to soil plants. This could be due to several factors such as the optimal content of nutrients (N=200 mg/L, P=65 mg/L, K=350 mg/L), and the high content of oxygen in the hydroponic system. Conclusion: According to the results of a phytochemical study of E. senticosus leaves grown in outdoor hydroponics and soil culture in the Ararat Valley, the highest content of biologically active compounds (eleutherosides, phenols, phenolic acids, vitamins) is recorded in hydroponic plants in the flowering period. In general, the research has practical importance,since the E. senticosus plants grown in hydroponic conditions can be a rich source for the production of natural food and dietary supplements. Keywords:biologically active compounds, adaptogen, eleutherosides, flavonoids, phenolic acids, medicinal raw material

Effect of the biological protection system on the composition of soil microbiota and quality of potatoes in the central agro‐climatic zone of Krasnodar Territory, Russia

Aim. Assessment of the effect of biological products on soil suppression, biological efficacy, yield and biochemical parameters of potatoes in Krasnodar Territory.Material and Methods. The experiment was carried out on potatoes of the Colomba variety. The biological preparations against potato diseases have been studied. The research was carried out according to generally accepted methods.Results. During the study period, representatives of the genera Alternaria, Fusarium, Verticillium, Cladosporium, Trichoderma, Penicillium, Aspergillus were identified in the complex of soil fungi. When using biological products, an increase in Trichoderma spp. and conditionally suppressive fungi Penicillium spp. and Aspergillus spp. compared with the control and the chemical protection option, by 4.0 and 29.0 times, 1.7 and 1.8 times and 1.4 and 4.5 times, respectively, was observed. The efficacy of the biological products against Alternaria and Fusarium wilt was 73.4–77.7 % in the first year of the research, and 70.0–76.3 % in the second year, which was higher than chemical protection by 3.3–3.8 % and 0.8–2.7 %, respectively. The yield of potato tubers was higher than the control and the chemical protection option by 49.3–10.1 %. The highest content of vitamin C was noted in the biological protection system option. The content of nitrates in all variants of the experiment was within the normal range. The content of starch was higher than the control and the chemical protection option by 1.1–0.2%, respectively.Conclusions. The application of a biological protection system made it possible to reduce the development of Alternaria and Fusarium on potato plants, increase soil suppression, increase yield and improve biochemical indicators.

Study of technological processes of extractive substances extraction from osmo-dehydrated berry products

The process of extraction from vegetable raw materials is an important technological solution in the food industry for obtaining extractive substances that contain minerals, organic acids, phenolic substances, pectin’s, sugars and vitamins. The extraction process is influenced by the main factors - the size of the plant material, its duration and temperature conditions. Segmentation is essential for extraction. The correct choice of size allows you to better preserve the cellular structure of the berries, the diffusion processes proceed optimally efficiently, the extraction slows down, and the resulting extract contains less mechanical impurities and is easier to clean. The traditional method for extracting vegetable raw materials is water-alcohol solutions, but the extraction of water-soluble substances occurs partially, and as is known, vitamins, sugars, and phenolic substances predominate in berry raw materials. The most accessible and economical means for extraction is water. When extracted with water, the final product contains water-soluble substances and no fat-soluble substances. Extraction of osmo-dried berries was carried out with an aqueous solution at different temperature conditions with ranges of 30–40 °C, 50–60 °C and 70–80 °C. To determine the duration of extraction of osmo-dried berries, the yield of dry matter was used. It has been established that the highest yield of dry matter from osmo-dried strawberries (10,17 %), raspberries (8,74 %) and black currants (11,43 %) is observed at an extraction temperature of 50–60 °C and 70–80 °C. With a duration of 8 – 12 hours. The extraction time is described by polynomial regression equations of the 2nd degree. It was revealed that the highest content of vitamin C is observed at a temperature in the range of 50–60 °C, extraction of 36,7 mg/100 g of extract, and at a temperature in the range of 60–70 °C, the content of ascorbic acid decreased by 40 %.

Influence of different forms and rates of mineral nitrogen fertilizers on tomato productivity in open field conditions

Tomato is one of the major vegetable crops valued for its high content of various vitamins, organic acids, antioxidants, essential macro- and microelements, and other substances necessary for maintaining normal body functions. Due to its characteristics, tomatoes are widely grown, but there are still "blank spots" in their production technology, especially in fertiliser application. This article presents the experience of using different rates of liquid (KAS-32) and solid (ammonium nitrate) mineral nitrogen fertilisers on the author's tomato varieties in open field conditions. The authors found a significant effect of nitrogen fertilisers on the duration of the main phases of the growing season and the entire period of tomato growth. Specifically, using ammonium nitrate for up to 15 days and KAS-32 for up to 17 days increases the vegetation period. Fertiliser application substantially improves crop structure and increases crop productivity. The difference compared to the control is over 150%, with the maximum effect achieved at increased doses of KAS-32. The maximum yield increase is 45 t/ha in variants with ammonium nitrate and up to 62 t/ha in variants with KAS-32. Under the influence of nitrogen fertiliser application, the content of dry matter increases by 15–20%, total sugar by 76%, and vitamin C by 38%. The most significant effect is achieved using KAS-32, where all quality indicators are 5–10% higher than ammonium nitrate.

Morphological Characters, Phytochemical Profile and Biological Activities of Novel Garden Roses Edible Cultivars

Modern roses (Rosa × hybrida) are among the most important and economically profitable horticultural plants. Besides their beauty and remarkable fragrance, they are also rich sources of biologically active compounds with potential health benefits. The aim of this study was to valorize the prospective of six new genotypes of edible roses to be utilized as functional foods. Rose flowers were subjected to detailed characterization of morphological traits, fragrance analysis, GC-MS analysis of aroma carriers, determination of phenolic profile and vitamin C content, and evaluation of biological activities. The results showed that all the investigated cultivars have a favorable aroma for human consumption (pear-like, strawberry-like or fruity), high contents of phenolics and vitamin C, strong antioxidant content and moderate neuroprotective activity. They are characterized by large amounts of quercetin 3-O-glycosydes and quinic acid. The genotype ‘Marija Frayla’ stands out from others due to facilitated flower morphology, the highest level of total phenolics (217 mg of galic acid equivalents/g of dry extract) and the strongest antioxidant activity (in the DPPH assay, IC50 = 9.24 µg/mL; and antioxidant potential in the FRAP assay was 220 mg ascorbic acid equivalents/g of dry extract), thus represents the most valuable amendment to the development of novel functional food products. The ‘Eveline Wild’ genotype has the highest neuroprotective activity (68.5 ng of eserine equivalents/g of dry extract), thus might be applied in the prevention of dementia. The ‘Pear’ cultivar with the lowest phenolics content and biological activity has a mild, fruity aroma, thus can be used in everyday eating.

Vegetable and fruit consumption during the COVID-19 lockdown: eating habits in Ecuador

This study identifies changes in fruit and vegetable (FV) consumption habits during the COVID-19 pandemic in Quito-Ecuador and observe relationships regarding household income and the relevance of FV nutritional value. The study used an online survey among urban residents (n = 1093) in Quito-Ecuador, regarding FV consumption patterns during the lockdown along with household socioeconomic status. A multiple response logistic model was used to analyse changes in FV eating habits across four income categories. Income had a statistically significant effect over the healthy food consumption of FV for the low- and high-income category. Families did not change eating habits nor decide to maintain a diet based on differences of income. Further, approximately two thirds of the families increased FV consumption during the lockdown. Eating habits changed during the lockdown of urban households in Ecuador. Income explained changes in FV consumption for low- and high-income households but did not for the middle-income group. Households that purchased more FV had a higher perception of their own healthy eating habits. The consumption of FV with high content of vitamin C increased, however, families did not purchase products with the highest vitamin-C content.

Basic Chemical Composition, Antioxidant Activity and Selected Polyphenolic Compounds Profile in Garlic Leaves and Bulbs Collected at Various Stages of Development.

Garlic is commonly used as vegetable or spice and as a herb in folklore as well as traditional medicine in many countries. The current study aimed to compare the chemical composition, antioxidant activity, and the content of selected polyphenolic compounds in cloves as well as leaves of winter garlic plants of the Harnaś and Ornak cultivars, which are of Polish origin. Garlic was grown from cloves for three years (2018-2020) in the experimental field of the University of Agriculture in Krakow, Poland. The research material was harvested on three dates: May; June, unripe garlic plants; and in July, the plant at full maturity. The content of vitamin C in the fresh material was determined. The proximate analysis was determined in the freeze-dried plants of garlic, and the total carbohydrate content was calculated. The antioxidant activity and the content of selected polyphenolic compounds were also determined. Garlic cloves showed a higher content of dry matter, and total carbohydrates than the leaves of garlic plants. On the other hand, in the leaves, a significantly higher content of protein, total fat and ash were observed. Additionally, garlic leaves were characterised by a higher content of vitamin C, total polyphenols, and a higher antioxidant activity than garlic cloves. The leaves of young garlic plants from the May harvest were distinguished by a higher content of these compounds. The dominant phenolic compounds were catechin and epicatechin. The leaves of young plants can be a valuable source of bioactive substances, especially in early spring.

Investigation of the effect of plant supplements on the immunostimulating properties of a pastille product

This article shows a way to improve the technology of an immunostimulating pastille product. The object of the study was a whipped protein pastille based on fruit puree, with the addition of the following vegetable raw materials: hypericum and sea buckthorn, cranberry, sage, eleutherococcus and ginger syrup. The aim of the study was to study the effect of enriching raw materials on the biological value of the product. The methodology of the study consisted in the study of chemical parameters, namely: the content of vitamins, antioxidants and organic acids compared with the control sam-ple. Laboratory analysis showed that the addition of cranberries (7.6% by weight) significantly increases the content of organic acids, antioxidants and vitamins, compared with the control sample. It was revealed that sample №2, with the ad-dition of cranberries, contains a high amount of antioxidants (0,44±0,0010 mg/100 g), tartaric acid (700±140mg/100g) and acetic acid (7±1,4 mg/100g). Sample №4, with the addition of sage - contains a large amount of formic acid (700 ± 140 mg/100g), citric acid (60 ± 12 mg/100g), lactic acid (10,5 ± 2,1 mg/100g). Sample №5 with the addition of eleutherococcus, in general, contains the average values of all organic acids, especially lactic (40,5 ± 8,1 mg/100g). Sample №6 with the addition of ginger syrup is the leader in terms of malic acid (100 mg / 100g), which is 2.5 times more than in the control sample; and succinic acid (42 ± 8,4 mg/100g). According to the content of vitamins B2 and B5, samples with the addition of cranberries, hypericum and sea buckthorn and eleutherococcus are leading, vitamin B1 was found in a sample with the addition of sage, B3 – in a sample with the addition of sage, and with the addition of cranberries, hypericum and sea buck-thorn. A high content of vitamin C was found in the sample with the addition of ginger syrup (17 mg/100g), the average content among the enriched samples is 9.5 mg/ 100g, which is 3 times more than in the control sample. The value of the study is that the introduction of a whipped confectionery product with a high content of active substances into the diet will solve the problem of reducing immunity and expand the range of the market in the functional products sector.