Nutraceutical Content Research Articles

Evaluating citrus juice: A comparative study of physicochemical, nutraceutical, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties of citrus juices from Nepal

Citrus fruit juice is highly beneficial to human health, providing essential nutrients like carbohydrates, vitamins, phytochemicals, and antioxidants. Juices from citrus fruit varieties grown in various regions of Nepal were analyzed for their physicochemical properties, nutraceutical content, antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. The pH of the juices ranged between 2.09 and 3.62, while total soluble solids (TSS) varied from 7° Brix to 12.3 °Brix. Among varieties, C. aurantifolia exhibited the highest titratable acidity at 7.39 g/100 mL. C. limon showed the highest moisture content (94.74 %), C. reticulata had the highest carbohydrate content (14.6 ± 0.4 g/100 mL, n = 3), and C. aurantifolia presented the highest protein content (34.1 ± 0.7 mg/100 mL). C. sinensis recorded the highest flavonoid content (91.4 ± 0.3 mg/100 mL), C. reticulata had the highest phenolic content (65.8 ± 0.6 mg/100 mL), and C. limon exhibited the highest ascorbic acid content (45.1 ± 0.4 mg/100 mL). The methanolic extracts of all citrus fruit juices demonstrated robust antioxidant properties, as determined by DPPH assay. Notably, C. limon and C. aurantifolia juice extracts demonstrated significant antimicrobial activity against a wide range of microbes. This study highlights the variation in nutrient and phytochemicals compositions among different citrus fruit juices, underscoring the nutritional and medicinal benefits of citrus species.

Boosting Health Benefits in Vegetables: A Novel Ultraviolet B (UVB) Device for Rapid At-Home Enhancement of Phytochemicals and Bioactivity.

The consumption of vegetables is essential for reducing the risk of noncommunicable diseases, yet global intake falls short of recommended levels. Enhancing the nutraceutical content of vegetables through postharvest abiotic stress, such as ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation, offers a promising solution to increase health benefits. This study developed a user-friendly, at-home UVB device designed to increase the phytochemical content in common vegetables like carrots, lettuce, and broccoli. The device applies UVB radiation (305-315 nm) to fresh-cut vegetables, optimizing exposure time and intensity to maximize nutraceutical enrichment. The results demonstrated that UVB exposure increased the phenolic content by 44% in carrots, 58% in broccoli, and 10% in lettuce, with chlorogenic acid levels rising by 367% in lettuce, 547% in broccoli, and 43% in carrots after 48 h of storage. UVB treatment also enhanced antioxidant activity by up to 41% in broccoli and anti-inflammatory potential by 22% in carrots. In terms of gene expression, UVB treatment upregulated UCP-1 expression by 555% in carrots, enhanced thermogenesis, and increased SIRT-1 and ATGL expression by over 200%, promoting lipid metabolism. This process provides a convenient and efficient method for consumers to boost the health benefits of their vegetables. The study concludes that UVB-induced abiotic stress is an effective strategy to improve vegetable nutritional quality, offering a novel approach to increasing bioactive compound intake and aiding in the prevention of diet-related diseases.

Structure–Function Relationships and Health-Promoting Properties of the Main Nutraceuticals of the Cactus Pear (Opuntia spp.) Cladodes: A Review

Over the past decade, several studies have established a direct link between functional foods, nutraceuticals, and a reduced risk of oxidative-stress-related diseases. Nutraceuticals, which encompass a variety of bioactive molecules, exhibit both nutritional and therapeutic properties. The cactus pear (Opuntia spp.) is a plant genus with many species recognized as functional foods, largely attributed to their high content of nutraceuticals, including polyphenols, fatty acids, vitamins, amino acids, pigments, and phytosterols. These compounds of different structures and functions possess different biological activities, contributing to the health-promoting properties of cactus pear. This makes cactus pears a valuable plant for the food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries. While extensive research has focused on the nutritional profile of cactus pear fruits, the cladodes have received comparatively limited attention. Notably, the nutritional composition of cladodes can exhibit considerable variability, influenced by species and growing conditions. Furthermore, although various bioactive compounds have been identified in cladodes, studies elucidating their mechanisms of action, health benefits, and potential therapeutic applications remain insufficient. Addressing these gaps is crucial for enhancing the understanding and utilization of cactus pear cladodes. This paper provides a comprehensive overview of the structure–function relationships of the main nutraceuticals found in cactus pear cladodes. It synthesizes data from recent and relevant literature to elucidate the content of these compounds in relation to species and geographical origin, while also detailing the main biological activities and health-promoting benefits associated with cactus pear cladodes.

Influence in physicochemical, nutritional, and antioxidant properties by addition Moringa oleifera leaves in Avena sativa bread

Moringa oleifera leaves have high nutrient valor, physicochemical, and nutraceutical properties and can be used as ingredients to develop wheat-free enrich. The aim was to evaluate nutritional, chemical, and nutraceutical characterization, antioxidant capacity, along physicochemical parameters to develop four oat bread using yeast (PL), xanthan gum (PG), and 2.5% (M2) or 5.0% (M5) of moringa leaves. Morinaga leaves were a source of 23.19% protein, 12.43% ash, and 30.36% dietary fiber. The bread formulations increased the protein content by 25–50%, and decreased lipid in 52.14% compared with commercial bread. For antioxidant capacity, PLM5 had the highest with values of 11.97 mMTE/g (DPPH), 16.06 mMTE/g (ABTS), and 16.38 mMTE/g (FRAP). In the bread with MOLP were identified Epicatechin, rutin, and dihydroxybenzoic acid by HPLC. The bread with a better texture profile was PLM2. The results suggested that moringa leaves used as an oat bread ingredient can enhance the nutritional and nutraceutical content.

Continuous Blue Light Treatment Enhances the Nutritional Value of Hydroponically Grown Eruca vesicaria L. by Improving Ascorbic Acid Biosynthesis.

This study investigates the effect of continuous blue light (CBL) treatment on quality-related metabolites, focusing on ascorbic acid (AsA) accumulation in hydroponically grown Eruca vesicaria (L.). Plants were subjected to CBL treatment, consisting of 24-h exposure to constant-intensity blue light (48 μmol m-2 s-1) and 12-h exposure to the remaining spectrum (192 μmol m-2 s-1). The activities of key enzymes in AsA biosynthesis and recycling were analyzed, including L-galactono-1,4-lactone dehydrogenase (GalLDh), monodehydroascorbate reductase (MDhAR), dehydroascorbate reductase (DhAR), and ascorbate peroxidase (APX). The results showed a significant increase in AsA accumulation of 65.9% during the "day" and 69.1% during the "night" phases under CBL compared to controls. GalLDh activity increased by 20% during the "day phase" in CBL-treated plants. APX activity also rose significantly under CBL conditions, by 101% during the "day" and 75.6% during the "night". However, this did not affect dehydroascorbic acid levels or the activities of MDhAR and DhAR. These findings highlight the potential of tailored light treatments to enhance the nutraceutical content of horticultural species, offering valuable insights for sustainably improving food quality in controlled-environment agriculture (CEA) systems and understanding the roles of blue light in ascorbic acid biosynthesis.

Wound Healing Efficacy of Cucurbitaceae Seed Oils in Rats: Comprehensive Phytochemical, Pharmacological, and Histological Studies Tackling AGE/RAGE and Nrf2/Ho-1 Cue.

The Cucurbitaceae family includes several edible species that are consumed globally as fruits and vegetables. These species produce high volumes of seeds that are often discarded as waste. In this study, we investigate the chemical composition and biological activity of three seed oils from Cucurbitaceae plants, namely, cantaloupe, honeydew, and zucchini, in comparison to the widely used pumpkin seed oil for their ability to enhance and accelerate wound healing in rats. Our results showed that honeydew seed oil (HSO) was effective in accelerating wound closure and enhancing tissue repair, as indicated by macroscopic, histological, and biochemical analyses, as compared with pumpkin seed oil (PSO). This effect was mediated by down-regulation of the advanced glycation end products (AGE) and its receptor (RAGE) cue, activating the cytoprotective enzymes nuclear factor erythroid 2 (Nrf2) and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), suppressing the inflammatory mediators tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), and nod-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3), and reducing the levels of the skin integral signaling protein connexin (CX)-43. Furthermore, immunohistochemical staining for epidermal growth factor (EGF) showed the lowest expression in the skin after treatment with HSO, indicating a well-organized and complete healing process. Other seed oils from cantaloupe and zucchini exhibited favorable activity when compared with untreated rats; however, their efficacy was comparatively lower than that of PSO and HSO. Gas chromatographic analysis of the derivatized oils warranted the superior activity of HSO to its high nutraceutical content of linoleic acid, which represented 65.9% of the fatty acid content. This study's findings validate the use of honeydew seeds as a wound-healing fixed oil and encourage further investigation into the potential of Cucurbitaceae seeds as sources of medicinally valuable plant oils.

From Farm to Fork: Irrigation Management and Cold Storage Strategies for the Shelf Life of Seedless Sugrathirtyfive Table Grape Variety

Background: Sustainable water management for table grape has the primary goal of optimizing irrigation through Smart Irrigation (SI) approaches, particularly in Mediterranean regions. In addition, extending the shelf life of table grapes through effective cold storage practices is crucial to meet consumer demands year-round. This research examined the journey “from farm to fork” of Sugrathirtyfive variety (Autumn Crisp® brand), exploring the combined effects of Irrigation Volumes (IV), SO2-Generating Pads (SGPs) and Cold Storage Duration (CSD) on the quality of grapes. Methods: Normal Irrigation (NI—based on the farmer’s experience) and SI (100% vine evapotranspiration restored) were supplied in 2023 to Sugrathirtyfive variety white table grape, trained to an overhead tendone system. Yield and quality parameters, berry texture, CIELAB colour coordinates, phenolic content, flavonoids, antioxidant activity and sensory attributes were evaluated on grapes subjected to different times and methods of cold storage. Results: SI grapes showed higher Total Soluble Solids (TSSs) and nutraceutical content, as well as improved CIELAB coordinates with interesting improved berry texture parameters. No differences emerged between single- or dual-release SGPs after 15 days (T1) and 40 days (T2) of CSD. Conclusions: Under our cold storage conditions (3 °C, 85% U.R.), 40 days represent the maximum temporal limit for the cold storage of Sugrathirtyfive variety, regardless of IV, provided they are refrigerated with the aid of SGPs.

Piquin chili, a wild spice: natural variation in nutraceutical contents.

The piquin chili is a wild spice widely consumed from the South United States to Central America and stands out as a source of flavonoids, essential metabolites with antioxidant properties. The concentrations of flavonoids, carotenoids, and capsaicinoids vary according to regions, maturity stages, and ripening processes. These compounds, which are known for their health benefits and industrial applications, highlight the importance of identifying ideal environmental conditions for collecting fruits with the highest contents. Comprehensive studies of the piquin chili are essential for understanding its properties for the benefit of consumers. This approach fortifies trade, contributes to resource conservation, and advances cultivated chili production.

Nutraceutical Content and Biological Properties of Lipophilic and Hydrophilic Fractions of the Phytocomplex from Pistacia atlantica Desf. Buds, Roots, and Fruits.

The aim of the present investigation was to obtain 12 aqueous extracts and 1 oil from Pistacia atlantica Desf. subsp. atlantica specimens. The samples differed for processed plant organs (i.e., roots, buds, and fruits), gender and geographical station of the collected trees. Total phenols, flavonoids, and condensed tannins were determined, revealing that bud extracts exhibited the highest phenolic content (386.785 ± 16.227 mg GAE/g DM), followed by fruit and root preparations. Similar results were detected for flavonoids and tannins, whose quantitation ranged from 0.014 ± 0.005 to 74.780 ± 9.724 mg CE/g DM and from 0.037 ± 0.003 to 14.793 ± 0.821 mg CE/g DM, respectively. The biochemical profile of the extracts was further characterized by HPLC-DAD, in terms of specific phenolics. This analysis identified gallic acid as a typical metabolite for ripe fruit, while hydroxytyrosol for female roots and male buds. In parallel, P. atlantica fruit oil was profiled by GC-MS analysis, which detected 37 lipophilic components, including palmitic acid (the major component, ~55%), anacardol, tetradecanol, arachidic acid, squalene, and some terpenes. The samples revealed interesting antioxidant activity, with EC50 values ranging from 0.073 ± 0.001 to 193.594 ± 28.942 mg/mL and from 0.029 ± 0.001 to 103.086 ± 20.540 mg/mL, in that order, for DPPH and reducing power assays. Concerning the total antioxidant capacity, the results ranged from 0.053 ± 0.008 to 51.648 ± 1.659 mg AAE/g DM. Finally, the antimicrobial potential of the plant extracts was estimated against 7 bacterial species and 2 fungal strains, known to be human pathogens, demonstrating a good antibiotic effect for the bud extracts. All these findings strongly suggest that P. atlantica would represent a natural reservoir for novel additives to be used in therapeutic, food, and cosmetic products.

Millets for Food and Nutrition Security: A Review

Millets are a species of grass plants with small grains that have a remarkable ability to endure severe drought and play an important role in many regions of the country's dietary patterns. Millets possess an abundance amount of minerals, dietary fibre and phytochemicals which makes them nutritionally superior to conventional food grains. Millet also has a high antioxidant capacity and nutraceutical content, which can help prevent oxidative stress-related disorders like diabetes, cancer, and heart disease. Millets have been shown to provide a variety of physiological benefits such as free radical scavenging activity, anti-inflammatory, antitumor, and anti-diabetic properties. Soaking, germination, malting, decortication, and boiling of millets serve to reduce anti-nutritional elements while improving digestibility and nutritional content. Millet is a potentially tremendous crop but under-explored as compared to cereals. Enhancing the consumption of millets would help in addressing the problem of nutritional security, hidden hunger and combating oxidative stress-induced disorders in developing countries.

"Delaying Rot Emergence in Persian Lime (Citrus×latifolia) Through Antifungal Hybrid Films Containing Litsea glaucescens Essential Oil".

Herein we describe the in situ inhibitory activity of three hybrid films (FL1, FL2, and FL3) against two wild strains of Colletotrichum gloeosporioides and Penicillium digitatum as causal agents of rot in Persian limes. The films FL2 and FL3 contained 1.0 and 1.3 % weight/volume Litsea glaucescens essential oil (LgEO) and significantly (p<0.05) delayed rot emergence in Persian limes caused by both pathogens up to 10 days. The physicochemical properties of LgEO and hybrid films were obtained, whereas detailed HPLC profiling revealed that fruit covered with these films significantly (p<0.01) preserved reducing sugars (sucrose, fructose, and glucose), organic acids (citric acid, ascorbic acid, malic acid, and oxalic acid), and flavonoids with nutraceutical activity (hesperidin, eriocitrin, naruritin, neohesperidin, diosmin, vitexin, rutin, and quercetin). This evidence sustains that the composites generated in this investigation improve the shelf life of Persian limes and conserve their nutraceutical content.

Study of an inhibitory effect of plant polyphenolic compounds against digestive enzymes using bench-working experimental evidence predicted by molecular docking and dynamics

The substantial nutritional content and diversified biological activity of plant-based nutraceuticals are due to polyphenolic chemicals. These chemicals are important and well-studied plant secondary metabolites. Their protein interactions are extensively studied. This relationship is crucial for the logical development of functional food and for enhancing the availability and usefulness of polyphenols. This study highlights the influence of protein types and polyphenols on the interaction, where the chemical bindings predominantly consist of hydrophobic interactions and hydrogen bonds. The interaction between polyphenolic compounds (PCs) and digestive enzymes concerning their inhibitory activity has not been fully studied. Therefore, we have examined the interaction of four digestive enzymes (α-amylase, pepsin, trypsin, and α-chymotrypsin) with four PCs (curcumin, diosmin, morin, and 2′,3′,4′-trihydroxychalcone) through in silico and in vitro approaches. In vitro plate assays, enzyme kinetics, spectroscopic assays, molecular docking, and simulations were performed. We observed all these PCs have significant docking scores and preferable interaction with the active site of the digestive enzymes, resulting in the reduction of enzyme activity. The enzyme-substrate binding mechanism was determined using the Lineweaver Burk plot, indicating that the inhibition occurred competitively. Among four PCs diosmin and morin has the highest interaction energy over digestive enzymes with IC50 value of 1.13 ± 0.0047 and 1.086 ± 0.0131 μM. Kinetic studies show that selected PCs inhibited pepsin, trypsin, and chymotrypsin competitively and inhibited amylase in a non-competitive manner, especially by 2′,3′,4′-trihydroxychalcone. This study offers insights into the mechanisms by which the selected PCs inhibit the enzymes and has the potential to enhance the application of curcumin, diosmin, morin, and 2′,3′,4′-trihydroxychalcone as natural inhibitors of digestive enzymes.

Sustainability in Aquaponics: Industrial Spirulina Waste as a Biofertilizer for Lactuca sativa L. Plants

Aquaponics represents an alternative to traditional soil cultivation. To solve the problem of nutrient depletion that occurs in this biotechnological system, the application of a spirulina-based biofertilizer was assessed. The microalgal waste used in this study came from industrial processing. Four different dilutions of the supernatant portion of this waste were sprayed on lettuce plants cultivated in an aquaponics system installed at the Botanical Gardens of the Tor Vergata University of Rome. The biofertilizer was characterized to evaluate its amount of macro- and micronutrients. The analysis conducted on the plants involved both morpho-biometric aspects and qualitative–quantitative measurements. The experiments showed that the spirulina extract had a positive effect on the growth and nutraceutical content of the lettuce plants; the obtained results highlighted that a dilution of 75% was the best for treatment. The use of the proposed organic and recycled fertilizer could increase the sustainability of crop cultivation and promote the functioning of aquaponics systems.

Increase of tocopherols, phytosterols, and carotenoids in high‐oil subtropical maize after recurrent selection

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesSubtropical high‐oil maize (HOM) genotypes have been successfully developed, but further evaluation of the content of liposoluble nutraceuticals is essential. The aim of this study was to determine the concentration and profile of tocopherols, phytosterols, and carotenoids in HOM and the effects of high‐oil selection in white and yellow subtropical populations.FindingsResults indicated that recurrent selection increase of germ proportion (9%–12%) in the total kernel had a direct effect on the oil content and increased the contents of carotenoids, tocopherols, and phytosterols. In particular, carotenoids improved only in yellow populations, with an improvement in total carotenoid (from 13 to 17 mg/kg dry weight [dw]), provitamin A, β‐carotenes, and β‐cryptoxanthin. α‐ and γ‐Tocopherols showed an overall increase in the total content (up to 39 mg/kg dw). Total phytosterols increased significantly in both populations, with similar changes in composition (up to 374 mg/kg dw). β‐Sitosterol was the predominant phytosterol associated with HOM.ConclusionsRecurrent selection for high oil in subtropical maize effectively altered the liposoluble nutraceuticals compounds of improved kernels in terms of carotenoids, tocopherols, and phytosterols, with modifications in their profiles.Significance and NoveltyThis research demonstrated that recurrent selection is an effective traditional breeding tool that improves oil, tocopherols, phytosterols, and carotenoids in subtropical maize. This investigation represents a first step toward understanding how the improvement of oil content affects the lipophilic nutraceutical content.

Characterization, antioxidant activity, and mineral profiling of Auricularia cornea mushroom strains.

Mushrooms are considered as next-generation healthy food components. Owing to their low-fat content, high-quality proteins, dietary fiber, and rich source of nutraceuticals. They are ideally preferred in formulation of low-caloric functional foods. In this view, the breeding strategies of mushroom Auricularia cornea (A. cornea) focusing on high yield and higher quality with rich nutritional values and health benefits are still needed. A total of 50 strains of A. cornea were used to analyze the bio efficiency and the time required for fruiting body formation following the cultivation experiment. The calorimetric method was used to evaluate the antioxidant activity and quantify the crude polysaccharides and minerals content thereafter. The results showed that the time required for fruiting body formation and biological efficiency varied significantly among the selected strains. Noticeably, the wild domesticated strain Ac13 of A. cornea mushroom showed the shortest fruit development time (80 days). Similarly, the hybrid strains including Ac3 and Ac15 possessed the highest biological efficiency (82.40 and 94.84%). Hybrid strains Ac18 (15.2%) and cultivated strains Ac33 (15.6%) showed the highest content of crude polysaccharides, while cultivated strains Ac1 and Ac33, demonstrated the highest content of total polysaccharides in the fruiting body (216 mg. g-1 and 200 mg. g-1). In the case of mineral content, the highest zinc contents were observed from the cultivated strain Ac46 (486.33 mg·kg-1). The maximum iron content was detected from the hybrid strain Ac3 (788 mg·kg-1), and the wild domesticated strain Ac28 (350 mg·kg-1). The crude polysaccharides of the A. cornea strain showed significant antioxidant potential, and the ability of Ac33 and Ac24 to scavenge DPPH radicals and ABTS, which was significantly improved compared to other strains, respectively. Principal component analysis was applied to examine the agronomic traits and chemical compounds of various strains of A. cornea mushrooms. The results revealed that cultivated, wild domesticated, and hybrid strains of A. cornea exhibited distinct characteristics in terms of growth, yield, and nutritional properties. The crude polysaccharides from A. cornea mushroom strains act as natural antioxidants, the wild, hybrid, and commercial A. cornea mushroom strains can achieve rapid growth, early maturation, and high yields. The evaluation of biochemical indexes and nutritional characteristics of strains with excellent traits provided a scientific basis for initiating high-quality breeding, provided germplasm resources for the production of "functional food" with real nutritional and health value.

Nutritional and nutraceutical components of four Cantharellus species (Cantharellaceae, Cantharellales) from the Mountain Region, Veracruz, Mexico

Background and Aims: Cantharellus species are traded in agricultural markets of the Mountain Region, Veracruz, Mexico, as an appreciated mushroom. The objective of this study was to analyze nutrients and nutraceutical properties in four Cantharellus species from Veracruz: antioxidant activity, total phenols, flavonoids, ascorbic acid, lycopene, and β-carotene; as well as the nutritional properties: dry matter, total ashes, crude protein, crude fat, crude fiber, moisture, carbohydrates and energy value of four wild edible mushrooms (Cantharellus violaceovinosus, C. veraecrucis, C. roseocanus y Cantharellus sp.). Methods: Basidiomas of Cantharellus spp. were collected in the Mountain Region, Veracruz, Mexico. The ITS and tef-1α regions were amplified and sequenced. Species were identified molecularly based on the BLAST results. Samples were lyophilized and stored at 4 °C in vacuum bags for the preservation of nutraceutical and nutritional compounds. A methanol-water mixture (80:20 v/v) was used to extract the nutraceutical compounds and to analyze them by spectrophotometric techniques. Key results: In general, outstanding values ​​were found in C. violaceovinosus both in crude protein content (8.04 g/100 g-1) and in antioxidant capacity 2.28 mg TE/g extract. For flavonoids, C. roseocanus showed 2.98 mg QE/g extract and 6.23±0.68 mg/g of carotene. In addition, a high energy value was found in C. violaceovinosus (266.53 Kcal/100g) and C. roseocanus (222.73±15.43 Kcal/100 g). The nutritional and nutraceutical content of C. violaceovinosus, C. veraecrucis and C. roseocanus is presented for the first time. Conclusions: The results show these species from nutritional and nutraceutical perspectives. Cantharellus violaceovinosus showed the highest values of the parameters evaluated. The consumption of these species constitutes an alternative source of protein and nutraceutical components that contribute to food security.

Effects of Organic Farming on the Physicochemical, Functional, and Quality Properties of Pomegranate Fruit: A Review

In this review, a selection of studies was carried out that evaluated the influence of organic agronomic practices on the cultivation of pomegranate; specifically, the influence of these practices on improving soil health and pomegranate fruit quality. Studies were selected (n = 39) in which organic treatments were applied to different cultivars of pomegranate and which evaluated fruit and soil quality parameters. These studies showed that exclusively organic manure and organic manure in combination with mineral fertilizers are suitable to fulfill the requirements of pomegranate crop and reduce the amount of mineral fertilizers. Moreover, the soil health improved with organic manures, as well as growth, and yield in the pomegranate crop. Pomegranate fruits grown under organic conditions showed high levels of fruit quality parameters, such as total soluble solids and fruit juice, and additionally presented high concentrations of bioactive compounds such as anthocyanins and total phenols. Data from these studies endorsed the fact that pomegranates cultured under organic conditions may have a better fruit quality and nutraceutical content than those grown under conventional conditions, although more scientific evidence is required to confirm this.

Growing ‘Genovese’ and ‘Valentino’ Basil in Pots Using Peat Substrate Combined with Phytoremediated Sediment: Effects on Yield and Nutraceutical Content

Climate change is causing a decline in the availability of crucial resources such as water and fertile soil, leading to a detrimental impact on crop yields. Basil (Ocimum basilicum L.), an annual aromatic plant used worldwide for culinary, cosmetic, and medicinal purposes, is especially at risk due to its high water demand and specific growing requirements typical of the Mediterranean climate. In Italy, basil is an essential part of any herb garden and is also commonly found in households as a potted plant. Nowadays, the conventional practice of growing basil in pots with peat as the primary medium is not environmentally sustainable, which underscores the need for alternative and sustainable cultivation techniques to ensure the continued growth of this majestic king of herbs. A greenhouse factorial experiment was conducted to study the impact of peat replacement and reduced water supply on the growth and biochemical traits of basil plants. The study included two cultivars (‘Genovese’ and ‘Valentino’), three substrate mixes with phytoremediated dredged sediment (TS) at varying volume percentages (0%, 12.5%, and 25%), and three levels of water irrigation (normal, reduced by 25%, and reduced by 37.8%). Increasing the TS percentage resulted in higher germination rates and greater biomass production in both cultivars compared with the control. ‘Valentino’ potted plants produced a higher yield than those of ‘Genovese’, while the latter had higher pigment contents due to its genetic characteristics. All combinations of substrates mixed with the highest water amounts of irrigation positively impacted seed germination and biomass-based outputs, while control peat with reduced water availability led to lower plant yields and germination capacity. Substrates with TS had suitable physicochemical characteristics for plant development. Our findings suggest that using peat–TS mixtures can produce quality results comparable to or even better than conventional soilless culture using only peat. Thus, replacing peat with moderate percentages of TS can be an effective and sustainable practice for recycling phytoremediated sediments.

Agronomic Performance and Nutraceutical Quality of a Tomato Germplasm Line Selected under Organic Production System

Organic tomato production is increasing worldwide, thus making necessary the development of varieties adapted to this farming system. It is now well known that the implementation of local tomato plant breeding programs for organic farming is required to increase the performance of varieties in this typology of cultivation regime. In this research, the agronomic performance, nutraceutical contents, and radical scavenging activity of a tomato germplasm line (OSTGL), selected under organically grown conditions, were evaluated for two consecutive years (2018 and 2019) in comparison with the variety ‘Rio Grande’, frequently grown organically in Tunisia. Carotenoids, phenolics, vitamin C, and radical scavenging capacity were assayed spectrophotometrically, while tocopherols were analyzed by HPLC. All data were not affected by year-to-year variability. The OSTGL line showed significantly higher marketable yield, total phenol, flavonoid, vitamin C, α-tocopherol and γ-tocopherol contents, along with radical scavenging activity. The OSTGL red-ripe berries also showed comparable values for average weight, soluble solids, pH, titratable acidity, firmness and coloration, as well as lycopene and β-carotene contents. This open pollinated tomato germplasm line demonstrated to be an effective sustainable variety for improving fruit yield, agronomic, and nutraceutical characteristics under an organic management system.

Antioxidant capacity and nutraceutical compounds content of six common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) varieties harvested in Morelos, Mexico

Common bean is considered one of the most important legumes in the world. It is the main source of protein, calories, B vitamins, minerals, polyphenols and other elements, which collectively give it a high nutraceutical value. In Mexico a great agrobiodiversity exists in the production of this grain, which implies the need to generate information regarding its nutritional quality as a tool to apply future genetic improvement programs. The purpose of this study was to characterize the antioxidant capacity (AC) and nutraceutical content of six bean varieties produced in Morelos State, Mexico. Grain morphometric characteristics, color (L, a*, b* chroma and °hue), nutritional quality, AC (DPPH), nutraceutical compounds content, micro and macro nutrients were determined. A significant effect (p &lt; 0.05) of variety on almost all the variables evaluated except for phytic acid, P, K, Ca, C, S and H was observed. Lower lightness was obtained in varieties with darker colors such as ‘Negro’/102 (24.96), ‘Negro’/104 (26.85) and ‘Sangre de Toro’ (32.41) and higher lightness in lighter colored varieties such as ‘Peruano’ bean (69.21), ‘Pinto’ (65.94) and ‘Flor de Mayo’ (50.14). Nutritional and nutraceutical quality of the latter genotype stood out, as it had the highest crude fiber content (5.71 %), total phenols (4.24 mg GAE g-1), flavonoids (1.99 mg CE g-1), AC (96.76% Inhibition), and a high protein content (23.29%). Results also exhibited significant correlation (p &lt; 0.05) between total phenols and flavonoids with AC. It is concluded that the nutritional characterization carried out on bean varieties from important producing areas in Mexico provide a valuable database for genotype selection with high functional and nutritional character, either to be grown for direct consumption, future biofortification or breeding programs.