Unsaponifiable Fraction Research Articles

Combination of vintage and new-fashioned analytical approaches for varietal and geographical traceability of olive oils

There is a great need for having accurate analytical methods able to guarantee the authenticity and traceability of foods, especially for those of high quality and economic value such as extra-virgin olive oil. In the present work, we assessed the potential of combining traditional analytical techniques, based on the characterization of the unsaponifiable fraction, together with novel nuclear magnetic resonance fingerprinting with the aim to investigate the effect of variety and geographical origin on olive oils collected from different locations across the province of Huelva (Spain). Various complementary supervised pattern recognition procedures and machine learning algorithms were then applied to build classification and predictive models. Extra-virgin olive oils were characterized by high concentrations of apparent β-sitosterol (93% of total sterol content), α-tocopherol (representing almost 91% of the total tocopherol fraction), squalene (90% of the total hydrocarbon content), heptacosanol and eicosane (the most abundant aliphatic alcohol and n-alkane, respectively). Furthermore, olive oil classes could be clearly differentiated on the basis of a characteristic chemical pattern, comprising tocopherols, squalene, sterols (campesterol, stigmasterol, β-sitosterol), aliphatic alcohols (heptacosanol, octacosanol) and some nuclear magnetic resonances related to fatty acid chains.

Fatty Acids, the Unsaponifiable Matter, and Polyphenols as Criteria to Distinguish Pistacia atlantica Unripe Fruit Oil

AbstractThis study aimed to determine the effect of the maturation degree on the chemical composition of Pistacia atlantica fruits oil. A total number of 21 samples of fruits at three stages of maturation (unripe, middle maturity, and ripe fruits) were used in this study. Thus, the fatty acid composition was studied; the percentage of the unsaponifiable matter (w/w) and its anti‐DPPH (2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl) activity were assessed. The total phenolic compound content was also evaluated. The obtained results indicated, for the first time, that unripe fruits oil was characterized by richness in linoleic acid (31.63% ± 3.64%), in unsaponifiable matter (9.29% ± 6.19% w/w), and in phenolic compounds (2.51 mg per 100 g oil). For ripe fruit oil, these values were similar to those of some seed oils (22.41% ± 3.66%, 2.98% ± 1.71% w/w, and 0.13 mg per 100 g oil, respectively). Data analysis by principal component analysis showed that linoleic acid percentage and the unsaponifiable fraction percentage could constitute good markers for these fruits. These two parameters associated with a high level of phenolic compounds seem to distinguish and value the oil of P. atlantica unripe fruits. Thus, the findings revealed that the unripe fruits, rich in bioactive molecules such as unsaturated fatty acids and phenolic compounds, would be the optimal stage of harvesting time. Based on this, we could integrate this natural bioresource in industrial applications.

Extracts from Microalga Chlorella sorokiniana Exert an Anti-Proliferative Effect and Modulate Cytokines in Sheep Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells.

Simple SummaryIn the last several years, the animal production sector has been very concerned about the overuse of antibiotics and the concomitant increase in antimicrobial resistance. The objective of this paper was the evaluation of the immune properties of different extracts isolated from Chlorella sorokiniana applied to sheep peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). In particular, the effects of the unsaponified fraction (UP), the acetylated unsaponified fraction (AUP), and the total lipid fraction (TL) at two concentrations (0.4 and 0.8 mg/mL) on the proliferative response of sheep cells and their cytokine secretion were tested. All the extracts showed an inhibitory effect on cell proliferation, particularly in the presence of the UP fraction at a 0.4 mg/mL concentration. As regards cytokine production, the UP extract tested at a 0.8 mg/mL concentration increased interleukin(IL)-10 production, whereas the TL fraction at 0.4 mg/mL showed a cytokine profile characterized by an increase in both IL-10 secretion and the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-6, and, to a lesser extent, IL-1β secretions, which are proinflammatory cytokines. These results supported the hypothesis that extracts from Chlorella sorokiniana could be considered useful ingredients to be integrated into animal feed with the aim to control immune responses during inflammation and minimize the use of antibiotics.The objective of this experiment was to study the effects of the unsaponified fraction (UP), the acetylated unsaponified fraction (AUP), and the total lipid fraction (TL) extracted and purified from Chlorella sorokiniana (CS) on the proliferation and cytokine profile of sheep peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Cells were cultured with 0.4 mg/mL and 0.8 mg/mL concentrations of each extract (UP, AUP, and TL fractions) and activated with 5 μg/mL concanavalin A (ConA) and 1 μg/mL lipopolysaccharide (LPS) at 37 °C for 24 h. PBMCs cultured with ConA and LPS represented the stimulated cells (SC), and PBMCs without ConA and LPS represented the unstimulated cells (USC). Cell-free supernatants were collected to determine IL-10, IL-1β, and IL-6 secretions; on cells, measurement of proliferation was performed. All the extracts tested significantly decreased the cell proliferation; in particular, the UP fraction at 0.4 mg/mL showed the lowest proliferative response. Furthermore, at 0.8 mg/mL, the UP fraction enhanced IL-10 secretion. On the contrary, the TL fraction at 0.4 mg/mL induced an increase in IL-10, IL-6, and, to a lesser extent, IL-1β secretions by cells. The AUP fraction did not change cytokine secretion. The results demonstrated that CS extracts could be useful ingredients in animal feed in order to minimize the use of antibiotics by modulating cell proliferation and cytokine response.

Влияние способа обеспечения пивных дрожжей кислородом на синтез стеринов

Oxygen is necessary for yeast to synthesize membrane components (unsaturated fatty acids and sterols), but its high content in the medium during fermentation increases the concentration of cell oxidative metabolism products. This slows down beer maturation process and impairs its quality. The alternative way is to aerate the inoculum to accumulate sterols in cells and reduce the cells’ requirement for oxygen. The author studied the effect of inoculum preparation conditions and oxygen content in the fermentation medium on the formation of sterols by the brewer’s yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Pre-fermentation treatment involved a short aeration of the inoculum (for 30 min) in water, beer wort or young beer with further exposure in an anaerobic environment (for 1–3 hours). The content of sterols was evaluated by means of spectrophotometry, chromatography-mass spectrometry, thin-layer chromatography (TLC), and gas-liquid chromatography (GLC). The article reveals that when yeasts are aerated in young beer, cells synthesize by 16% and 73% more sterols than in water and wort, respectively. This is due to the presence of carbon sources in beer which are effective for sterols synthesis. After application of any method for providing yeast with oxygen (at culture preparation or wort fermentation stage) six components were detected in the unsaponifiable fraction using TLC: ergosterol, ergosta-5,7-diene-3β-ol, ergosta-7,22-diene-3β-ol, fecosterol, zymosterol, lanosterol. GLC revealed five compounds: squalene (39–54%), lanosterol, 24 (28) -dihydroergosterol, ergosterol (23–35%) and an unidentified component which according to mass spectrometry was 24-methylene-24,25-dihydrolanosterol. An increase in the oxygen level in the fermentation medium from 4.0 to 16.0 mg/l contributes to the decrease in sterols accumulation per unit of oxygen consumed by the yeast. Preliminary aerationallowed yeast to multiply regularly at oxygen concentration in the fermentable wort of 4.0 mg/l and ferment the extract of the medium at the level of the sample where oxygen content was 8.0 mg/l. This shows the advantage of using yeast pre-fermentation aeration and conducting beer wort fermentation process without additional saturation with oxygen.

Investigation of antiplasmodial efficacy of lupeol and ursolic acid isolated from Ficus benjamina leaves extract

This study emphasizes on the investigation of antiplasmodial activity of triterpenoids isolated from Ficus benjamina leaves. An unsaponified fraction of petroleum ether extract of plant leaves was subjected to silica gel column chromatography which led to the isolation of two known triterpenoids; namely ursolic acid and lupeol. These compounds were evaluated for antiplasmodial activity by schizont maturation inhibition assay using 3D7 Plasmodium strains. Both, ursolic acid and lupeol were found to exhibit significant antiplasmodial effect with an IC50 value of 18 µg/ml and 3.8 µg/ml, respectively. This study further confirms the traditional role of Ficus benjamina plant in the treatment of malaria which may be attributed to ursolic acid and lupeol.

Acetylcholinesterase inhibition, antioxidant and identification of some chemical constituents of Phyllanthus atropurpureus cultivated in Egypt

Investigation of the lipid constituents of the aerial parts of Phyllanthus atropurpureus resulted in isolation and identification of the fatty acid mixture which consists of eight acids with linolenic acid as major and the unsaponifiable fraction that contain a series of hydrocabons, sterols, in addition to one triterpene (α-amyrin). The acetone insoluble fraction was found to contain two fatty alcohols and three n-hydrocabons in which the n-eicosane is the most abundant (44.16%). The flavonoidal constituents were isolated from ethyl acetate and butanol fractions which were identified as: luteolin-7-O-glucoside, kaempferol 3-O-(p-coumaroylglucoside), kaempferitrin, luteolin and kaempferol. Evaluation of different extracts as acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (AChI), established the chloroform fraction as a promising inhibitor of the enzyme. The antioxidant testing with DPPH radical revealed the potential of precipitate from MeOH extract as a radical scavenger.

Nutritional Potential of Co-products of Two Species of Benin Cucurbits

In the perspective of sustainable development, which involves the use of all biomass, two oilseeds have been selected according to their potential interests: <i>Citrullus lanatus</i> and <i>Lagenaria siceraria</i>. The physico-chemical characterization (oil and extraction cake) has been done. Thus, for extracted oils, unsaturated fatty acids are in the majority with the predominance of oleic and linoleic acids (21.31 to 44.36% and 16.20 to 70.35% respectively). The study of unsaponifiable fractions revealed that: <i>Citrullus lanatus</i> oil contains 134 mg/100g sterols (including 78.60% β-sitosterol) and 83.9mg/100g tocopherols (including 73.7% α-tocopherol) and <i>Lagenaria siceraria oil</i> contains 124mg/100 sterols (including 58.14% β-sitosterol) and 76.4mg/100g tocopherols (including 66.9% α-tocopherol). Phospholipids (0.39 and 0.40% respectively for <i>Lagenaria siceraria</i> and <i>Citrullus lanatus</i>) were quantified on the basis of phosphorus content. This study shows the nutritional value of oils through their compositions in essential fatty acids, their richness in phytosterols and tocopherols on the one hand and the ways in which co-products resulting from the extraction of selected seeds on the other hand are valued. Research showing the influence of stabilizing agents on the quality and stability of oils should be carried out to make their use easier. Tests of the use of these oils in the fields of cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, paints and polymer synthesis industries could be carried out.

Formation of by-products during chemical interesterification of lipids. Detection and characterization of dialkyl ketones by non-aqueous reversed-phase liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry

A new class of foreign substances present in the unsaponifiable fraction of vegetable oils undergone to chemical interesterification was systematically investigated. Their chemical structure, corresponding to dialkyl ketones (DAK) molecules, was elucidated both by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC–MS), and liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS). An analytical protocol aimed to qualitative and quantitative detection of DAK molecules in vegetable oils of confectionery industry interest was developed. Being the range of concentration levels to be evaluated dependent on the technological task of interesterification process, the quantitation step was thoroughly examined. All the validation parameters were satisfactory and particularly the concentration determinations were made more reliable by the contemporary use of several quantitation standards. GC–MS and LC-HRMS analytical techniques exhibited comparable performances even if the second one shown better detection sensitivity.

Evaluation and comparison of in vitro antioxidant activities of unsaponifiable fraction of 11 kinds of edible vegetable oils.

The radical scavenging capabilities of the extracts from eleven edible vegetable oils were investigated by using 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2′‐azino‐bis‐3‐ ethylbenzothiazoline‐6‐sulfonic acid (ABTS), and ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP) assays. The results indicated that rapeseed oil and sesame oil showed higher radical scavenging abilities than other vegetable oils. When the radical scavenging capabilities of the extracts from virgin camellia oils and commercially available refined camellia oils were evaluated by FRAP assay, the results showed that the antioxidant capabilities of the former were higher than the latter. Therefore, it is recommended that moderate refining processes should be taken to minimize the loss of antioxidant components and people consume virgin oils or less processed edible vegetable oils for higher antioxidant activities.

CHEMICAL COMPOSTION OF TAURUS FIR (Abies cilicica subsp. isaurica) OLEORESIN

ABSTRACT The main objective of this study was to determine the chemical composition of both turpintine and colophony parts of Abies cilicica subsp. isaurica (Taurus fir) oleoresin collected from Mersin-Turkey. Colophony of taurus fir was not performed before. Hydro-distillation was applied for the separation of turpentine and colophony. Samples were analyzed separately by FID-GC and GC-MS. The yield of oleoresin was 14,3 % turpentine and 82,5 % colophony. Fourty-six compounds were found in the turpentine where α-pinene (81,2 %) was the major compound with β-pinene (12,6 %). However, in the colophony abietane type resin acids were forming the main group (abietic 46,8%, neoabietic 29,5%). Resin hydrocarbons and terpenes were identified in the unsaponified fraction of colophony of Taurus fir. High α-pinene and abietic acid contents make this oleoresin to be used in pharmacy and chemical industries.

Corrigendum to: Effects of Arthrocen, an avocado/soy unsaponifiables agent, on inflammatory mediators and gene expression in human chondrocytes.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1002/2211-5463.12176.].

Chemical characterization and in vitro antioxidant capacity of nine Algerian date palm cultivars (Phoenix dactylifera L.) seed oil

Date pits are another major date palm crops and low grade rejected, used locally in the management of diabetes and as animal feed ingredient or turned into non-caffeinated coffee by the Arabs although their richness with valuable bioactive and antioxidant compounds. In this study and for the first time, lipids, fatty acids profiles, total tocopherols and sterols of nine (9) Algerian date palm cultivars (Phoenix dactylifera L.) seed oil were investigated and their antioxidant activities were evaluated. Oil yield ranged from 4.86% to 6.7% . Gas liquid chromatography revealed that the oil fraction contained unsaturated fatty acids in majority with the preponderance of oleic acid (37.83–55.00%) followed by lauric and myristic acids (6.63–25.36% and 9.30–19.33%) respectively. The study of the unsaponifiable fraction revealed the presence of sterols and tocopherols. The sterols contents ranged from 4.7 to 8.45 mg/g DW. Whereas, the levels of total tocopherols ranged from 0.32 to 0.74 mg/DW, which α-tocopherol was the predominant tocopherol (15.57% – 74.1%) followed by (β+γ)-tocopherol (25.12% – 56.01%). The antioxidant activity of date seeds oil was determined with DPPH radical scavenging assays. The oils had a moderate bleaching effect on DPPH free radicals, where Ghars (GH), Sbo3 Lossif (SL) and Timjhourt (TIM) seed oils were the active ones. The richest of date seed oil by active components such sterols, tocopherols also high amounts of oleic, lauric and other fatty acids suggest it to be as a useful source of edible oils for human consumption as well as using as additives in food, for medicinal use, in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and food industries.

Nutraceutical potentialities of Tunisian Argan oil based on its physicochemical properties and fatty acid content as assessed through Bayesian network analyses

BackgroundArgan oil is traditionally produced by cold pressing in South-western Morocco where rural population uses it as edible oil as well as for its therapeutic properties which give them in counterpart valuable income. Given the economical interest of this oil, several attempts of fraudulency have been registered in the world global market leading to loss of authenticity. Our purpose is to launch a program of Tunisian Argan oil valorization since trees from this species have been introduced sixty years ago in Tunisia. The first step was thus to characterize the physicochemical properties and determine the chemical composition of Tunisian Argan oil in order to assess its quality.MethodsPhysicochemical parameters of oil quality were determined according to the international standard protocols. Fatty acid content analysis of Argan oils was performed by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrophotometry. A comparative study was realized among Tunisian, Moroccan and Algerian samples differing also by their extraction procedure. The impact of geographical localisation on the fatty acids composition was studied by statistical and modeling Bayesian analyses.ResultsPhysicochemical parameters analysis showed interestingly that Tunisian Argan oil could be classified as extra virgin oil. Argan oil is mainly composed by unsaturated fatty acids (80%), mainly oleic and linoleic acid (linoleic acid was positively influenced by the geographical localization (r = 0.899, p = 0.038) and the P/S index (r = 0.987, p = 0.002)) followed by saturated fatty acids (20%) with other beneficial compounds from the unsaponifiable fraction like polyphenols and carotenoids. Together with fatty acid content, these minor components are likely to be responsible for its nutraceutical properties and beneficial effects.ConclusionTunisian Argan oil displayed valuable qualitative parameters proving its competitiveness in comparison with Moroccan and Algerian oils, and could be therefore considered as extra virgin edible oil for nutraceutical purposes as well as for cosmetic use.

Assessment of the antimicrobial activity of the lipoidal and pigment extracts of Punica granatum L. leaves

Punica granatum L. is one of the famous and old species belonging to Family Punicaceae. The lipoidal and natural pigment extracts of the pomegranate were screened for their antimicrobial activity against nine different microbial pathogens. Three different doses of each extract (50, 100 and 150 μl) at three different contact times (15, 30 and 60 min) were examined. Results can be cleared that, all tested microbial pathogens were inhibited by 150 μl of both extracts at 60 min. Furthermore, the removal efficiency of n-hexane extract was powerful than the pigment extract. Also, the quantitative evaluation of the pigments in the leaves was performed using spectroscopical and HPLC analyses, carotenoids and chlorophylls content of P. granatum L. leaves were spectroscopically determined (mg/g) as 6.7 ± 0.214 and 4.9 ± 0.251, respectively. Chlorophyll a and b were 2.33 ± 0.014 and 1.51 ± 0.023, respectively. HPLC analysis of lutein and β-carotene were investigated as 3.652 and 1.915 mg/g. GC/MS analysis of the saponifiable and unsaponifiable fraction of n-hexane extract was carried out and α-amyrin acetate, ergosterol, and α-tocopherol were isolated, purified and identified using different spectroscopical methods. Toxicity assessment demonstrated their high biocompatibility since no toxic effect was recorded.

English

This study set out to investigate the anti-inflammatory activity of Vangueria infausta, an edible wild fruit from Zimbabwe. The importance lies in the fact that this plant species could be developed as a low cost and effective therapeutic agent, with little or no side effects from natural sources. The fruit pulp of V. infausta was subjected to cold ethanol extraction to get crude extract. Flavonoids were isolated by thin layer chromatography (TLC) and unsaponifiable matter by liquid-liquid extraction using petroleum ether. The three were assayed by egg albumin denaturation and Nitric Oxide radical scavenging assays. Unsaponifiable fraction, crude ethanol extract and flavonoid fraction exhibited potent anti-inflammatory activity with a high of 93.12&plusmn;0.03% (at 400 mg/L), 79.91&plusmn;0.042% (at 800 mg/L) and 54.40&plusmn;0.061% (at 800 mg/L), respectively in the egg albumin denaturation assay, whereas, in the nitric oxide (NO) radical scavenging assay it was respectively 68.99&plusmn;0.058% (800 mg/L), 82.85&plusmn;0.047% (at 800 mg/L) and 33.46&plusmn;0.036% (at 800 mg/L). V. infausta crude extract and unsaponifiable fraction were superior to indomethacin and quercetin standards at lower concentrations in the egg albumin inhibition assay. This study shows that V. infausta possess potent anti-inflammatory phytochemicals that could be developed into anti-inflammatory drugs.&nbsp; &nbsp; Key words: Vangueria infausta, unsaponifiable fraction, crude ethanol extract, flavonoids, anti-inflammatory activity, egg albumin assay, NO radical scavenging assay.&nbsp

Phytochemical analysis of successive extracts of the Cordia macleodii leaves Hook.: A Folklore medicinal plant

‘Preliminary phytochemical analysis of successive extracts, fluorescence analysis and HPTLC of C. macleodiileaves has been planned in the current study.’ The extracts of the dried coarse powdered of C. macleodii leaves obtained using different polarities solventsin succession were tested for the presence of various active phytoconstituents. Fluorescence analysis was investigated andunsaponifiable fraction of petroleum ether extract was also observed forchromatographic evaluations. The outcome suggest that the existence of various dynamic phytoconstituents having particular solubility in selected solvents of different polarities used in succession. The fluorescent analysis under the visible and UV light by treatment of diverse chemical reagents showed diverse colours. HPTLC profile of unsaponifiable fraction showed 10 and 3 spots at 254 nm and 366 nm radiation respectively. After spraying with diluted H2SO4, it showed 5 and 6 spots at 254 nm and 366 nm radiations respectively. The presence of active constituents in different polarities solvent, which were used in progression suggesting the significance of the solvent as a conclusive factor. Further the data suggests that, the successive extractions using Petroleum ether, chloroform, methanol and water solvents of different polarities would maximize the exploitation of the diverse bioactive compounds. Study concluded that it would be help to isolate and characterize the different pharmacologically dynamic principles of the C. macleodii such as mouth sores, treating jaundice, hepatoprotective and also as an aphrodisiac. It shows their importance for supporting their claimed uses and biological activities such as wound healing.

Chemical and Nutritional Characterization of Seed Oil from Cucurbita maxima L. (var. Berrettina) Pumpkin

Pumpkin (Cucurbita spp.) has received considerable attention in recent years because of the nutritional and health-protective value of seed oil. The nutritional composition of pumpkin native to central Italy, locally known as “Berrettina” (Cucurbita maxima L.), was evaluated. In particular, the lipid fraction of seed oil was characterized, and the triacylglycerol (TAG) was thoroughly studied by using a stereospecific procedure to obtain the intrapositional fatty acid composition of the three sn-positions of the glycerol backbone of TAG. Moreover, alkaline hydrolysis was carried out to study the main components of the unsaponifiable fraction, i.e., sterols and alcohols. It was observed that monounsaturated fatty acids and polyunsaturated fatty acids were the most abundant (41.7% and 37.2%, respectively) in Berrettina pumpkin seed oil, with high content of oleic and linoleic acid (41.4% and 37.0%, respectively). The main sterols of Berrettina pumpkin seed oil were Δ7,22,25-stigmastatrienol, Δ7,25-stigmastadienol, and spinasterol; with regard to the alcoholic fraction, triterpenic compounds were more abundant than aliphatic compounds (63.2% vs. 36.8%). The obtained data are useful to evaluate pumpkin seed oil from a nutritional point of view. The oil obtained from the seed could be used as a preservative and as a functional ingredient in different areas, e.g., cosmetics, foods, and nutraceuticals.

Effects of pomegranate seed oil and fermented juice polyphenols fraction in different solvents on copper-induced LDL oxidation

ABSTRACTEffects of pomegranate seed oils extracted with supercritical fluid or cold press methods (SFE-PSO and CP-PSO), unsaponifiable (N), and fermented juice polyphenols (W) fractions of pomegranate as well as olive oil and alpha-tocopherol, as pure or in different solvents were evaluated on preventing copper-induced LDL oxidation. The results showed addition of pure SFE-PSO, CP-PSO, N fractions, and olive oil had no significant effect on LDL oxidation. Also using various solvents did not help in the term of extending the oxidation lag phase. However, adding 0.5, 1, 1.5, and 3 µL of the W solution in EtOH could delay the lag phase 103.5, 145.9, 200, and 199.1 min, respectively. There was no synergistic effect between W and N on inhibiting the oxidation. It can be concluded that polyphenolic fraction of pomegranate juice can act as antiatherogenic supplementation and natural preservative for meat and fatty foods through direct inhibition of LDL oxidation.

Unsaponifiable fraction isolated from grape (Vitis vinifera L.) seed oil attenuates oxidative and inflammatory responses in human primary monocytes.

Grape (Vitis vinifera L.) seed has well-known potential for production of oil as a byproduct of winemaking and is a rich source of bioactive compounds. Herein, we report that the unsaponifiable fraction (UF) isolated from grape seed oil (GSO) possesses anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory properties towards human primary monocytes. The UF isolated from GSO was phytochemically characterized by GC-MS and HPLC. Freshly obtained human monocytes were used to analyse the effects of GSOUF (10-100 μg mL-1) on oxidative and inflammatory responses using FACS analysis, RT-qPCR, and ELISA procedures. GSOUF skewed the monocyte plasticity towards the anti-inflammatory non-classical CD14+CD16++ monocytes and reduced the inflammatory competence of LPS-treated human primary monocytes diminishing TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 gene expression and secretion. In addition, GSOUF showed a strong reactive oxygen species (ROS)-scavenging activity, reducing significantly nitrite levels with a significant decrease in Nos2 gene expression. Our results suggest that the UF isolated from GSO has significant potential for the management of inflammatory and oxidative conditions and offer novel benefits derived from the consumption of GSO in the prevention of inflammation-related diseases.

Yield and qualitative characterisation of seeds of Amaranthus hypochondriacus L. and Amaranthus cruentus L. grown in central Italy

Amaranth can be considered a very interesting crop for the Mediterranean region, thanks to its inherent tolerance to disadvantageous growing conditions, along with the high nutritional and nutraceutical value of its seeds. The study aims to evaluate the seed yield, and the oil content and quality of two amaranth genotypes (species Amaranthus hypochondriacus L. and Amaranthus cruentus L., respectively) grown in central Italy, testing two types of soil (loamy and sandy soil). The two species showed a good performance in the tested environment, with satisfactory seed yield and relative short growth cycle. Significant differences between the two genotypes were observed in terms of seed yield. The crude oil content ranged from 7.5% to 6.0%, with linoleic, palmitic and oleic acids as the major fatty acids of the oil in both genotypes. The unsaponifiable fraction was rich in sterols (campesterol, stigmasterol and β-sitosterol), and interesting levels of squalene were found. This study demonstrated the unique nutraceutical properties of the seeds of two genotypes of A. hypochondriacus and A. cruentus, grown in central Italy environment, as a source of polyunsaturated fatty acid and squalene. These characteristics make amaranth a valuable alternative crop for specialty oil production in the Mediterranean region.