Lower Phenolic Content Research Articles

POST-HARVEST QUALITY IN THE ‘TOMMY ATKINS’ MANGO FOR DIFFERENT HARVEST TIMES

Determining the correct harvest time is essential for maintaining post-harvest fruit quality. The aim of the present study was to investigate the biochemical and physiological effect of three different harvest times on maintaining post-harvest quality in ‘Tommy Atkins’ mangoes from the state of Roraima, sold in markets in the city of Manaus. The treatments consisted of the different harvest times: control, harvested 90 days after anthesis; early harvest, harvested 70 days after anthesis; and late harvest, harvested 105 days after anthesis. At the end of the experimental period, mangoes harvested at 70 DAA were found to have a low carotenoid content, with the pulp unable to reach commercial maturity; the pulp had a high level of firmness, with the highest concentrations of vitamin C and phenolics, and the greatest antioxidant activity. When the mangoes were harvested at 105 DAA, the pulp had the least firmness and a sugar content very close to that of the early-harvested fruit, with lower concentrations of phenolics and vitamin C, and lower antioxidant activity. On the other hand, the fruit harvested at 90 DAA showed adequate physical resistance and acceptable results for sensory quality, functional compounds and antioxidant activity.

Comparison of Phenolic Content and Antioxidant Activities of Extracts of Phytolacca americana Plant Based on Some Different Habitats from Türkiye

In this study, leaf and fruit samples of Phytolacca americana collected in the early, mature and senescent period from localities with different habitat characteristics (non-polluted, polluted and wetland) were studied. The total phenolic content, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity and iron (III) reduction antioxidant power (FRAP) of the water and methanol extracts of the samples dried in oven and at room temperature were evaluated and compared as statistically. According to the results of the analyses, the highest phenolic content (263.25 mg GAE/g sample) was found in the leaf parts of the plant collected from the wetland during senescent period, dried at room temperature and extracted with water. The lowest phenolic content (0.22 mgGAE/g sample) was determined in water extract of the fruit parts of the plant collected from the same locality in the same period. Among the antioxidant activity values determined the highest and lowest findings belong to the samples. It can be concluded that each tested variable is statistically significant for both the leaf and fruit part, and by bringing these variables under suitable conditions, biochemically more efficient use of plants can be achieved.

Physiochemical Analysis, Antioxidant Activity, Antimicrobial Activity and Phenolic Profile of Ipomoea eriocarpa R. Br. Leaves.

Many active substances found in plants are essential in the treatment of transmissible and non-transmissible ailments. To enhance their well-being and capabilities, most people around the globe use medicines from plants and herbal origin. The goal of the current study was an assessment of physiochemical properties as well as measuring the effect of various solvents (ethanol, chloroform, and water) on the phenolic profile and on free radical scavenging potential. The standard procedures were used for the preliminary phytochemical, physiochemical and fluorescence analysis. Folin-Ciocalteu and colorimetric methods were used to determine the quantitative phytochemical analysis, respectively. The free radical scavenging potential was determined through 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2′′-casino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic) acid (ABTS) assays. The antimicrobial activity was assessed using the disk diffusion method on a range of bacterial and fungal strains. The finding showed that ethanol was the best solvent for extracting polyphenols. The presence of alkaloids, carbohydrates, flavonoids, glycosides, phenolic compounds, and tannins was observed in the plant. Additionally, fluorescence characteristics and physiochemical parameters provided valuable data that can be used to establish standards for this plant. Results of quantitative phytochemical estimation revealed that the ethanol extract had a higher phenolic content (71.82 mg/g GAE) and flavonoid content (82.7 mg/g QE), while the aqueous extract had the lowest phenolic content (27.05 mg/g GAE) and flavonoid content (18.93 mg/g QE). The I. eriocarpa ethanolic extract had the maximum scavenging potential against DPPH (32.36 µg/mL) and ABTS (55.54 µg/mL). The results of the antimicrobial activity assessment also indicate that the ethanol extract exhibited a greater inhibition zone when tested against both bacterial strains. Results of thecurrent study suggested that the ethanolic extract has significant antioxidant potential and has the capability of being a notable source of organic antioxidants for the formulation of functional foods.

Antioxidant And Anticancer Potential of Bioactive Compounds from Locally Isolated Microalgae

The current cancer therapy research focuses on the curative strategies but also targeting to improve the development of the preventive strategies. Anticancer, antibacterial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects have been demonstrated by the bioactive compound extracted from microalgae. Marine organisms, particularly microalgae might be one the alternative that may contribute to the achievement of one of Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) which is SDG 3, Good Health and Wellbeing. It is crucial for long-term sustainable development to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being at all ages. Two microalgal samples from Malaysia Acutodesmus obliquus (CN01) and Desmodesmus perforates (SP04) were isolated from fresh waters and cultivated. A total of three different solvents, polar, intermediate and nonpolar solvent was used to extracts the microalgae sample which are methanol, acetone and hexane, respectively. Acutodesmus obliquus and Desmodesmus perforates extracts show low total phenolic content in range from 0.2447 ± 0.0009 to 0.2614 ± 0.0003. Secondly, the antioxidants activity of both microalgae shows significant radical scavenging activity especially in acetone extracts of both microalgae, with values of 11.5433 ± 0.0115 and 13.5847 ± 0.0618 for Acutodesmus obliquus (CN01) whereas Desmodesmus (SP04), 13.7898 ± 0.2601 and 22.3212 ± 0.2302 scavenging activity percentage. Then, the anticancer effect of the crude extracts was tested against breast cancer, MCF-7 breast cancer cell lines by using MTT assay and apoptosis assay. Methanolic extract has demonstrated high antiproliferative effect against MCF-7, with cell inhibition percentage within range of 87±1.1271 % to 73 ± 0.2744 % and 82 ± 0.0236 % to 73 ± 0.0423 % of Acutodesmus obliquus (CN01) and Desmodesmus (SP04) respectively. Finally, both microalgae show similar compound group as HPLC is used to identified lipid, which is believed to play the big role in contributing to anticancer and antioxidant activity. This suggests that Acutodesmus obliquus sp and Desmodesmus perforates sp possess diverse biosynthetic capacities, potentially enabling the creation of new pharmaceuticals.

Clove essential oil and its major component, eugenol: a comparative study of their in vitro antioxidant and anticancer properties

Syzygium aromaticum L. (clove) is a species native to subtropical countries. Its dried flower buds are rich in essential oils, which have shown insecticidal, anti-inflammatory and anaesthetic effects. This work was aimed to study the differences in antioxidant and anticancer activities between clove essential oil (CEO) and its major component, eugenol. The chemical composition of the CEO was determined by GC-MS. The physicochemical properties and antioxidant activity were determined in CEO and eugenol. Finally, anticancer activities were assayed against seven cell lines. Chemical analysis revealed that 80% of the CEO was eugenol. The density and IR were similar, and the colour was ΔE*>3. CEO had a lower phenolic content, but similar antioxidant activity to eugenol. The anticancer activity of the CEO was greater than that of eugenol in all the cell lines except for HeLa cells. These results suggest that secondary compounds in CEO enhance its antioxidant and ­anticancer activities.

Wild asparaguses as a rich source of bioactive compounds: Biogeographic, intra- and interspecific variability

Asparagus spears are a widely renowned vegetable, known for their taste and nutritional value, alongside many benefits for human health. However, wild species are understudied, although they are widely consumed in traditional cuisine. Here, we focus on cultivated (A. officinalis) and wild (A. tenuifolius and A. acutifolius) species from Slovenia. We described in detail the external morphology and quality parameters, as well as the primary and secondary metabolism using HPLC and/or MS/MS systems, and their variation among species, spear portions, and geographical location. We found many significant differences between these factors, especially between species, where the wild species show low sugar and high phenolic content. Therefore, native species of Asparagus could be considered promising alternatives rich in bioactive compounds. This knowledge is vital not only as a basis for future research in this genus, but also for optimizing dietary recommendations, food processing methods, biodiversity conservation efforts, sustainable agriculture practices, and future breeding efforts.

The Effect of UV-A / UV-B Radiation on Quality Changes of Harvested Curly Lettuce During the Storage

This study investigated the effects of UV-A and UV-B radiation on curly lettuce quality. Results focused on colour, total phenolic content, antioxidant activity, and ascorbic acid. The findings revealed that the highest phenolic content (46.1 mg GAE/100 g FL) had been observed in lettuce samples treated with high dose UV-B on the 7th day. The lowest phenolic content (13.7 mg GAE/100 g FL) was recorded in those treated with low dose UV-B on the same day of storage. Data showed an increase of 29.7% in antioxidant activity and 53.7% in total phenolic content after 7 days of storage in samples treated with high dose UV-B. High dose UV-A radiation was found to be the most effective in maintaining and enhancing the ascorbic acid content of the lettuce. UV applications did not cause yellowing in the stored lettuce leaves. Further research on different doses and optimization is recommended.

Impact of Processing on the Phenolic Content and Antioxidant Activity of Sorghum bicolor L. Moench.

Sorghum, a cereal grain rich in nutrients, is a major source of phenolic compounds that can be altered by different processes, thereby modulating their phenolic content and antioxidant properties. Previous studies have characterised phenolic compounds from pigmented and non-pigmented varieties. However, the impact of processing via the cooking and fermentation of these varieties remains unknown. Wholegrain flour samples of Liberty (WhiteLi1 and WhiteLi2), Bazley (RedBa1 and RedBa2), Buster (RedBu1 and RedBu2), Shawaya black (BlackSb), and Shawaya short black 1 (BlackSs) were cooked, fermented, or both then extracted using acidified acetone. The polyphenol profiles were analysed using a UHPLC-Online ABTS and QTOF LC-MS system. The results demonstrated that combining the fermentation and cooking of the BlackSs and BlackSb varieties led to a significant increase (p < 0.05) in total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant activities, as determined through DPPH, FRAP, and ABTS assays. The 2,2'-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) radical scavenging activity of WhiteLi1, BlackSb, RedBu2, and BlackSs increased by 46%, 32%, 25%, and 10%, respectively, post fermentation and cooking. Conversely, fermentation only or cooking generally resulted in lower phenolic content and antioxidant levels than when samples were fully processed compared to raw. Notably, most of the detected antioxidant peaks (53 phenolic compounds) were only detected in fermented and cooked black and red pericarp varieties. The phenolic compounds with the highest antioxidant activities in pigmented sorghum included 3-aminobenzoic acid, 4-acetylburtyic acid, malic acid, caffeic acid, and luteolin derivative. Furthermore, the growing location of Bellata, NSW, showed more detectable phenolic compounds following processing compared to Croppa Creek, NSW. This study demonstrates that sorghum processing releases previously inaccessible polyphenols, making them available for human consumption and potentially providing added health-promoting properties.

Invitro Antibacterial, Antioxidant and XRF Analysis of &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Commelina Diffusa Burm.F. &amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;Plant Extracts

Ethiopia has a long history of using medicinal herbs for treating both human and animal illnesses. Nonetheless, not enough research has been done on the antibacterial properties and possible bioactive components of the majority of medicinal plants. Therefore, this study deals with the evaluation of phytochemical, antimicrobial, antioxidant activities, phenol content and XRF analysis of &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Commelina Diffusa Burm.F. &amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;plant extracts. Mean values of the antimicrobial activity, MIC, antioxidant activities, phenol content and XRF analysis were reported as mean ± standard deviation. The chloroform leaf extracts of the plant gave the highest yield 23.4% followed by methanol 22.27%. The presence of several metabolite components, including alkaloids, diterpenes, flavonoids, glycosides, phenol, protein, saponin, steroids, tannins, terpenoids, tri-terpenoids and amino acids, has been shown by qualitative phytochemical analysis of plant parts. Significant antibacterial activity against the test bacterial strains was demonstrated by steam extracts of&amp;lt;i&amp;gt; Commelina Diffusa Burm.F. &amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;Moreover, the methanolic extract of the plant demonstrated notable antioxidant activity. The highest value of phenolic content was obtained in &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Commelina Diffusa Burm.F. &amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;steam methanol extract followed by leaf extract while &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Commelina Diffusa Burm.F. &amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;root extract shows lower phenolic content. In this study, threaten elements were determined in the &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Commelina Diffusa Burm.F. &amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;plant part by using XRF spectroscopy. Overall, this research contributes to the understanding of pharmacological potential of &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Commelina Diffusa Burm.F. &amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;and highlights the importance of further exploring its medicinal properties. The findings provide valuable insights into utilizing medicinal plants for disease treatment and support the development of natural therapeutic agents.

Understanding natural genetic variation for nutritional quality in grain and identification of superior haplotypes in deepwater rice genotypes of Assam, India

Rice grown under deepwater ecosystem is considered to be natural farming and hence they are considered to be input efficient. Thus, to identify gene responsible for nutritional content under natural conditions, a genome-wide association study (GWAS)was performed. GWAS identified single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) significantly associated with various nutritional quality traits such as Zn (mg/kg), Fe (mg/kg), Protein (%), Oil (%), Amylose (%), Starch (%), Phytic acid (%), Phenol (%) and TDF (%) in 184 deepwater rice accessions evaluated over 2 consecutive years. A total of 278 SNPs distributed across 12 chromosomes were found to be significantly associated with Zn, Oil and Phenol content. Among them, eight high confidence SNPs were significant and identified on chr1 (AX-95933712), chr7 (AX-95957036), and chr8 (AX-95965181) for Zn content. Similarly, on chr2 (AX-95945186), chr8 (AX-95964718), and chr11 (AX-95961099) have been found to be associated with Oil content and on chr3 (AX-95922121) and chr4 (AX-95963889) for Phenol content. Genomic regions of ± 220 kb flanking the three consistent lowest p value containing SNPs for each trait were considered for finding superior haplotypes. These SNPs showed significant phenotypic variations with different identified haplotype blocks. The allelic variations with phenotypes were considered to be superior haplotypes i.e., Block 1: Hap 1 (ACCC) for high Zn content, Block 2: Hap 1 (CT) for high Oil content, and Block 2: Hap 1(CGGG) for low Phenol content. The discovered superior haplotype with high nutritional content could be important for understanding the mechanisms involving nutrient use efficiency. Thus, the present study demonstrated that developing rice varieties with appropriate nutritional quality traits will be possible through the incorporation of such superior haplotypes in breeding programs.

Extruded wholegrain sorghum porridges fortified with baobab fruit and moringa leaves display bioactive phenolics-related health-promoting properties

Background and objectivesFood-to-food fortification (FtFF) is gaining traction as a strategy to enhance nutritional value of cereal-based foods. Sorghum, a major food crop for millions in the semi-arid tropics lends itself to such FtFF efforts. Such food-to-food fortified (FtF fortified) foods also contain bioactive phenolics with health-promoting properties in relation to potential protection against diet-related non-communicable diseases (NCDs) whose prevalence is increasing in sub-Saharan Africa. In this study, the effects of extrusion cooking of sorghum-based porridges FtF fortified with baobab fruit powder and moringa leaf powder on antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic and anti-lipogenic properties were determined. FindingsFtFF porridges showed higher phenolic content (phenolic acids and their esters, flavonoids and their glycosides) and greater radical scavenging properties and reduction in advanced glycation end products (AGEs) compared to unfortified porridges. Extruded instant porridges had lower phenolic content, radical scavenging properties and showed less reduction in AGEs compared to conventionally wet-cooked porridges. All porridges exerted antioxidant effects in Caco-2 cells and FtFF inhibited nitric oxide (NO) formation in RAW 264.7 cells. Extracts from all porridge samples exhibited prevention and reduction of adipocyte formation in 3 T3-L1 cells, indicating anti-lipogenic effects. ConclusionFtFF (with moringa and baobab) and extrusion cooking can be used to produce instant porridges from wholegrain sorghums with targeted health-promoting properties to address rising non-communicable diseases in sub-Saharan Africa. Significance and noveltyThis study highlights the potential of FtFF with tropical plant foodstuffs to improve health-promoting properties of cereal wholegrain-based starchy staple foods.

Physio-biochemical Changes during Adventitious Root Formation in Gmelina arborea Roxb. Bud Sprout Cuttings

Changes in the endogenous moisture content and biochemical viz., soluble sugar), phenols, o-phenol and peroxidase activity at different stages of adventitious rooting in auxin-treated (5 mM IBA) and non-treated miniature bud sprout cuttings of Gmelina arborea Roxb. were investigated at 0 h, 24 h, 3 days, 7 days, 2 weeks and 3 weeks of planting to elucidate the process of adventitious root formation at physio-biochemical level. Simultaneously adventitious rhizogenesis parameters viz., proportion of live green sprouts (%), callusing (%) and rooting (%) were recorded. Two weeks after planting, the marked difference for adventitious rhizogenesis was noticeable between treated and non-treated sprout cuttings. More than 20% rooting and 75% callusing were recorded in treated sprout cuttings. In contrast, only 7.4% non-treated sprout cuttings exhibited callusing. At the end of Week 3, more than 90% rooting was observed in treated sprout cuttings while it was absent in non-treated ones. All biochemicals exhibited changes in the first 24 h, indicating early incidence of consequential process(s), which influenced the differential response of cuttings to adventitious rhizogenesis in auxin-treated and non-treated state. Overall, the results indicate two possible phases of adventitious rhizogenesis – Phase I of Induction -the initial phase exhibiting low endogenous moisture and o-phenol but elevated phenol and peroxidase activity and Phase II of Initiation – the later phase coinciding with higher endogenous moisture and low phenol content and peroxidase activity. Both phases appear to be separated by an intervening unstable duration (Gap Phase of Stabilization) which may vary among different types of cuttings/species.

Mango peel extracts and mangiferin chromatographic Fourier-transform infrared correlation with antioxidant, antidiabetic, and advanced glycation end product inhibitory potentials using in silico modeling and in vitro assays.

Mangifera indica peels are a rich source of diverse flavonoids and xanthonoids; however, generally these are discarded. Computational studies revealed that mangiferin significantly interacts with amino acid residues of transcriptional regulators 1IK3, 3TOP, and 4f5S. The methanolic extract of Langra variety of mangoes contained the least phenol concentrations (22.6 ± 0.32 mg/gGAE [gallic acid equivalent]) compared to the chloroform (214.8 ± 0.12 mg/gGAE) and ethyl acetate fractions (195.6 ± 0.14 mg/gGAE). Similarly, the methanolic extract of Sindhri variety contained lower phenol concentrations (42.3 ± 0.13 mg/gRUE [relative utilization efficiency]) compared with the chloroform (85.6 ± 0.15 mg/gGAE) and ethyl acetate (76.1 ± 0.32 mg/gGAE) fractions. Langra extract exhibited significant α-glucosidase inhibition (IC50 0.06 mg/mL), whereas the ethyl acetate fraction was highly active (IC50 0.12 mg/mL) in Sindhri variety. Mangiferin exhibited significant inhibition (IC50 0.026 mg/mL). A moderate inhibition of 15-LOX was observed in all samples, whereas mangiferin was least active. In advanced glycation end product inhibition assay, the chloroform fraction of Langra variety exhibited significant inhibition in nonoxidative (IC50 64.4μg/mL) and oxidative modes (IC50 54.7μg/mL). It was concluded that both Langra and Sindhri peel extracts and fractions possess significant antidiabetic activities. The results suggest the potential use of peel waste in the management and complications of diabetes.

Uncovering the nutraceutical potentials of fermented sago starch “Lemantak” by endophytic fungi

Fermentation food has been widely consumed since ancient times due to its many beneficial properties as well as improved texture and taste. Raw sago starch “lemantak” (RSS “lemantak”) is one of the staple foods in the state of Sarawak. Derived from the bark of Metroxylon sagu, this starch has yet to be investigated in terms of its phytochemical and nutraceutical properties after being subjected to fermentation. This study investigated the nutraceutical of fermented RSS “lemantak” in its phenolic content and antioxidant activity in different fermentation conditions by selected endophytic fungi, Aspergillus niger, Penicillium chermesinum and Fusarium equiseti. This study compared two different fermentation modes and also investigated phenolic production by manipulating the fungal consortia, incubation period as well as the solvent used. It was determined that the best endophyte culture was consortia of Aspergillus niger and Penicillium chermesinum under solid state fermentation (SSF) while monoculture Aspergillus niger was the best fungal culture under SMF. It was found that the dual cultures of Aspergillus niger and Penicillium chermesinum (AP) showed high total phenolic content of 174.95 mg GAE/g and high antioxidant activity at different concentrations ranging from 90.21-76.17% under solid-state fermentation at day 7. In contrast, under submerged fermentation, it was found that consortia of Aspergillus niger and Penicillium chermesinum produced low phenolic content of 11.54 mg GAE/g and had lower antioxidant capacity with the range values of 39.26-34.03%. On the other hand, monoculture Aspergillus niger strives best under SMF at 203.65 mg GAE/g and has good antioxidant activity of 90.72-14.15% of scavenging activity. Nevertheless, it was determined that the dual culture of AP showed high potential based on the phenolic content antioxidant activity under SSF while monoculture A. niger showed potential as a phenolic content producer and antioxidant activity. This study ascertained that the best conditions for fermented RSS “lemantak” with higher phenolic content and antioxidant properties are the methanol extract of fermented RSS inoculated with dual cultures Aspergillus niger and Penicillium chermesinum for a period of 7 days of incubation under SSF.

Hydrogel immobilized microalgae-alginate beads to model the fermentation of phenol-containing wastewater into biohydrogen molecules

The potential of hydrogel immobilized microalgae-alginate beads to concurrently remove phenol and produce biohydrogen molecules from phenol-containing wastewaters with different phenol concentrations of 0.2 g/L to 1.2 g/L via dark fermentation had been successfully modelled and proven. Highest biohydrogen production and phenol removal were achieved at phenol concentration of 1.2 g/L. The lag phase of biohydrogen production increased with increasing of phenol concentration as the microalgal cells entailed a longer time to acclimatize in inhibitory medium of high phenol strength. The extended period for fermentation could also generate more biohydrogen molecules as compared with batch setup that was easily inhibited due to inadequate acclimatization allocation. Then, a new kinetic model was rederived from the modified Gompertz model and Andrew’s inhibition model to describe the relationship between phenol concentration impacting the microalgal growth and subsequent biohydrogen production. Low concentration of phenol could serve as an alternative source of carbon to promote the microalgal growth and development; but high phenol concentration could hinder the growth of microalgae, afflicting the fermentative biohydrogen production. The rederived kinetic model was able to fit the experimental data for all phenol concentrations with coefficients of determination of greater than 0.95. This study had ultimately evidenced that the immobilized microalgae were able to ferment phenol and produce biohydrogen molecules simultaneously from phenol-containing wastewater.

Preparation of high antioxidant nanolignin and its application in cosmetics

Lignin, as a natural polyphenol, displays anti-oxidant activity by trapping and binding free radicals through its free phenolic hydroxyl groups. However, the most accessible form, industrial lignins, generally has low phenolic hydroxyl content, which severely limits their application value and scenarios. Herein, we showed that potassium-glycerate deep eutectic solvent (PG-DES) treatment can be combined with laccase oxidation to afford prepared high antioxidant lignin nanoparticles (HA-LNPs) with notably improved anti-oxidant activities benefiting from both the enhanced phenolic hydroxyl content 170.8 % and reduced average particle size (59.0 nm). At concentrations as low as 60 μg/mL, HA-LNPs showed favorable effects in promoting collagen formation. When HA-LNPs were used as an active ingredient in the anti-aging mask formulation, the reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging activity of mask samples containing 0.4 % HA-LNPs reached 37.2 %. The data suggest great promise of HA-LNPs as a natural antioxidant for formulating in anti-aging skin care products.

Can a functional cheese spread incorporating Akkermansia muciniphila deliver beneficial physicochemical and biological properties while enhancing probiotic stability and viability during aerobic storage and in vitro digestion?

In the present study, next generation probiotic Akkermansia muciniphila was incorporated into a dairy matrix containing Portuguese whey cheese and Greek-style yoghurt in a proportion of 3.5:1, respectively. Subsequently, this innovative food was characterized in terms of microbiological and physicochemical parameters, total phenolic content and antioxidant, antidiabetic, and antihypertensive activities, as well as its protective effect on A. muciniphila viability during 21 d of refrigerated aerobic storage and when subjected to simulated gastrointestinal passage. The probiotic cheese spread displayed high microbiological quality, low total phenolic content (0.36 mg gallic acid equivalents/g of dried cheese) and interesting biological activities, including antidiabetic (98.10% α-glucosidase inhibition) and antihypertensive (49.18% angiotensin converting enzyme inhibition). Simultaneously, this food ensured a high A. muciniphila viability (>108 CFU/g) during 21 d of refrigerated aerobic storage with subsequent in vitro digestion. Additionally, this probiotic cheese presented a similar profile in terms of texture, color, water activity and pH when compared to the cheese control (without A. muciniphila), suggesting a potentially high acceptance among consumers. In conclusion, the developed cheese spread seems to be a promising and suitable food vector to safeguard A. muciniphila viability during refrigerated aerobic storage for at least 21 d with subsequent gastrointestinal passage.

Functional Gelato for cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy treatment

A large amount of organic waste is generated every year, mainly due to food waste, causing negative impacts on the environment. At the same time, cancer incidence and mortality are rapidly growing world-wide and have a great impact on patients' quality of life, especially during chemotherapy treatment. Therefore, the aim of this study was to develop a sustainable gelato with orange peel for cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. The orange peel gelato developed presented protein content of high biological value, easily digested fat, low glycemic carbohydrate, phenolic and flavonoid content, and antioxidant potential. The orange peel may be used to develop sustainable gelato aiming to increase the intake of bioactive compounds in the general population, control chemotherapy symptoms of oncological patients and to contribute to the environment by reducing the generation of organic waste.

A STUDY ON DETERMINATION OF TOTAL PHENOLIC AND PROTEIN AMOUNTS OF WASTE GREEN ALGAE OF MAMASIN DAM LAKE (AKSARAY-TURKEY)

The excessive proliferation of green algae in aquatic ecosystems threatens aquatic life, leading to oxygen depletion and water pollution. This study investigates two common green algae species, Ulva sp. and Cladophora sp., with potential in terms of protein and phenolic compounds. Cladophora sp. and Ulva sp. extracts were analyzed for total phenolic content using the Folin-Ciocalteau method. Despite lower phenolic content compared to specific plant species, both algae species exhibit various phenolic compounds. GC-MS analysis indicates the presence of major compounds such as limonene in Cladophora sp. and Tetradec-1-ene in Ulva sp., suggesting potential applications in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. Despite modest protein amounts, the study emphasizes that algae, aligned with the increasing interest in plant-based nutrition, are a promising source for plant-based protein production. Ulva sp. and Cladophora sp. algae demonstrate potential as alternative protein sources and reservoirs of bioactive phenolic compounds from waste sources. This study pioneers further research in the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries to contribute to sustainable water resource utilization.

Biochemical Profile and Antioxidant Activity of Dried Fruit Produced from Apricot Cultivars Grown in Latvia

The present study focused on evaluating the biochemical profiles of four apricot cultivars (cv.) (Prunus armeniaca L.) grown in Latvia and demonstrating their processing to obtain the food product, dried candied fruit (DCF). The fingerprinting of apricot fruit approached by LC-MS and ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy revealed the abundance of bioactives responsible for the antioxidant activity. The outstanding composition of group compounds, i.e., phenolics, flavonoids, and vitamin C, was observed in the cv. ‘Dimaija’, followed by cv. ‘Gundega’ and cv. ‘Velta’. The lowest values were found in the cv. ‘Boriss’ and fruit from a market of Greek origin. However, the latter two contained the highest carotenoid levels due to a more pronounced maturity. Amongst the 13 individual phenolics detected, rutin, chlorogenic and neochlorogenic acids, catechin, and epicatechin prevailed. The concentrations observed were the highest in cv. ‘Dimaija’, followed by cv. ‘Velta’ and cv. ‘Gundega’. Osmotic dehydration and convective drying of apricot fruit variedly influenced the content of bioactives in DCF products. The most substantial decrease due to thermal lability was observed in the vitamin C content in DCF, accounting for a 95.3% loss for all cultivars. The content of total phenolics, flavonoids, and carotenoids in DCF, on average, was 62.7%, 49.6%, and 87.6% lower than that observed in the raw fruit, respectively. On average, the content of individual phenolics in DCF, such as rutin and chlorogenic acid, decreased by 63.8% and 20.8%, respectively. The decline in the content of bioactives was conditioned by the physical migration of the cell components to the hypertonic solution. However, the increase in the content of cell wall-bound phytochemicals, such as catechin and epicatechin, after osmotic dehydration and convective drying, was observed in DCF, corresponding to a 59.5% and 255.64% increase compared with the raw fruit, respectively. Panelists generally responded positively to the developed DCF; however, greater preference was given to products with a lower phenolic content, such as cv. ‘Boriss’ and those produced from the market fruit. It is believed that the high flavan-3-ols content, along with chlorogenic acid, contributed to the bitter taste of DCF. Overall, apricot fruits represent the abundance of bioactives retained in DCF after osmotic dehydration and convective drying. The findings observed in the current study allow to consider DCF as a functional food; however, given the high sugar content, their consumption should be in moderation.