Fatty Acid Composition, Antioxidant Properties, and Antiproliferative Capacity of Selected Cold-Pressed Seed Flours

A New Approach for the Development and Optimization of Gluten-Free Noodles Using Flours from Byproducts of Cold-Pressed Okra and Pumpkin Seeds

The significant protein and dietary fiber content of cold-pressed pumpkin (PSF) and okra (OSF) seed byproducts are well-known. However, their impact on noodles' nutritional quality has never been studied. For the first time, noodle formulation was developed employing a genetic algorithm in the R programming language to achieve the most optimal sensory attributes as well as nutritional composition, color, cooking, and textural properties. The optimized noodle formulation was detected for OSF, PSF, gluten-free flour, salt, and egg with the following amounts: 11.5 g, 87.0 g, 0.9 g, 0.6 g, and 40 g, respectively, with 10.5 mL of water. The total protein (TP%), total fat (TF%), total carbohydrate (TC%), total dietary fiber content (TDF%), ash (%), total phenolic content (TPC mg GAE/100 g), and ABTS (%) of PSF were found to be 39%, 17%, 7%, 18%, 3%, 19%, and 48%, respectively, whereas for OSF, 33%, 8%, 21%, 32%, 5%, 16%, and 38%, respectively, were detected. In addition, TP (42.88%), TF (15.6%), ash (5.68%), TDF (40.48%), TPC (25.5 mg GAE/100 g), and ABTS (70%) values were obtained for the noodles. Consequently, the valorization of the cold oil press industry's byproducts may be used as ingredients that add high value to gluten-free protein and fiber-rich noodle production, and they may gain interest from both processors and consumers.

Chemical Composition of Honeysuckle (Lonicerae japonicae) Extracts and Their Potential in Inhibiting the SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein and ACE2 Binding, Suppressing ACE2, and Scavenging Radicals

Honeysuckle (Lonicerae japonicae) has been used in functional tea products. The chemical compositions of the water and ethanol extracts of honeysuckle were examined in the present study, along with their potential in inhibiting SARS-CoV-2 spike protein binding to ACE2, suppressing ACE2 activity, and scavenging reactive free radicals. Thirty-six compounds were tentatively identified from the honeysuckle extracts using HPLC-MS/MS, with ten reported for the first time in honeysuckle. Both honeysuckle extracts inhibited the binding of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein to ACE2, as well as ACE2 activity. The ethanol extract exhibited a 100% inhibition on binding of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein to ACE2 at 100 mg botanical equivalent/mL, whereas the water extract had a 65% binding inhibition at the same concentration. Furthermore, the water extract exhibited 90% ACE2 activity inhibition, which was stronger than that of the ethanol extract (62% inhibition) at the same botanical weight concentration. In addition, higher total phenolic contents and greater scavenging activities against hydroxyl (HO•), DPPH•, and ABTS•+ radicals were observed in the water extract than the ethanol extract counterpart on a dry botanical weight concentration basis. These findings suggest honeysuckle has the potential to reduce the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection and the development of severe COVID-19 symptoms.

Impact of Metal Nanoparticles on the Phytochemical and Antioxidative Properties of Rapeseed Oil

The agricultural uses of nanoparticles continue to be considered as innovative methods that require more in-depth research into their impact on product quality. In our study, we investigated the effects of fertilizers containing metal nanoparticles (silver AgNPs and copper CuNPs) during the plant growth stage of winter rape cultivation, and in most experimental variants, with the exception of the (x2) application of AgNPs, we observed a decrease in the mass of one thousand seeds (MTS). The obtained result was 11.55% higher relative to the control sample in 2019, and also increased after the (x1) 4.36% and (x2) 11.11% application of CuNPS in 2020. The analyzed oxidative stability of the oil increased in both experimental years (2019-2020), with the highest values recorded after the (x1) and (x2) application of CuNPS-4.94% and 8.31%, respectively, in the first year of cultivation, and after the (x2) application of CuNPS-12.07% in the subsequent year. It was also observed that the content of polyphenols, flavonoids, squalene, tocopherols α and δ, chlorophylls, and carotenoids increased in the oil. Moreover, spectral FTIR analysis was performed on the oil samples obtained from cultivations sprayed with solutions containing Ag or Cu nanoparticles and revealed changes in several spectral regions with the maxima at ~1740, 1370, 1230, and ~1090 cm^-1. Additionally, a FTIR analysis conducted in combination with multivariate analysis allowed us to classify the studied oils into the most similar groups and to study the structure of data variability. The conducted analyses revealed that the use of nanoparticles resulted in decreased size of the produced seeds and improved antioxidative properties of rapeseed oil.

Changes in Selected Properties of Cold-Pressed Oils Induced by Natural Plant Additives

Cold-pressed oils are becoming increasingly popular. The stability of these oils is the main concern, as changes occur in their organoleptic characteristics during storage, which could affect their suitability for consumption. Various natural plant components with antioxidant properties are added to cold-pressed oils to preserve their freshness for as long as possible. The present study assessed the effect of addition of garlic and chili pepper on the chemical properties of cold-pressed oil extracted from seeds of flax, hemp, and black cumin. First, the moisture level and the fat and protein content in the seeds were determined, and the oil was then extracted. The oil extraction yield was calculated, and the oil was analyzed to determine its fatty acid composition, acid value, peroxide value, and oxidative stability. Three samples were prepared for further analyses: a control sample with pure oil and two samples supplemented with 1 g/100 g of garlic or chili pepper. Changes in the oil samples stored for 2, 4, and 6 weeks were assessed based on the values of some parameters. The additives were found to exert antioxidant properties, as they caused effective inhibition of oxidative changes occurring during storage of the oils. The additives also extended the induction time.

Technological Changes in Wheat-Based Breads Enriched with Hemp Seed Press Cakes and Hemp Seed Grit

Hemp and hemp seed press cake—a by-product of hemp oil production—are high-protein, gluten-free raw materials that are often used to enhance the nutritional value of breads. The addition of hemp materials, however, often negatively impacts the technological parameters of breads. Consequently, this study investigated whether and how much the addition of various by-products of hemp seed press cakes to wheat bread mixtures adversely affects the texture and colour profile. The texture profile and colour were determined using a texture analyser and tristimulus measurements. The particle size of raw materials was also measured. Principal component analysis was then used to visualise the correlation between all measured values as well as nutritional parameters. The results showed that the addition of only 1% of some hemp raw materials caused significant technological changes (p > 0.05). Hemp raw materials increased bread hardness and decreased elasticity. The colour of breads containing 1% hemp was also visibly darker than the reference bread. The addition of more hemp led to further darkening and the deterioration of the technological parameters of the products. Consequently, while various hemp materials have high nutritional value, a balance with sensory properties, e.g., textural and colour, has to be reached.

Antioxidant Potential of Cookies Formulated with Date Seed Powder

Utilising major waste products from the food industry can have both a great environmental impact and be a means to improve consumer health. Date seed is a food industry byproduct that has been proven to have high nutritional value. The aim of this work was to measure the total polyphenolic content (TPC), flavonoids, and antioxidant activity of the seeds of six date fruit varieties, Fard, Khalas, Khinaizi, Sukkary, Shaham, and Zahidi, and to use those seeds to enhance the antioxidant value of cookies by partially substituting flour with ground date seed. Date seed powder (DSP) was extracted at three levels of sample to solvent ratio (5:1, 10:1 and 15:1 mg/mL). Cookies were prepared using three substitution levels of wheat flour (2.5, 5.0, and 7.5%, w/w) by DSP and two types of flour (white and whole wheat), and were baked at two different temperatures, 180 and 200 °C. The composite cookies were found to contain a significant amount of TPC and flavonoids, and showed increased antioxidant activity compared with the control samples.

Oilseed Cake Flour Composition, Functional Properties and Antioxidant Potential as Effects of Sieving and Species Differences

Oilseed cakes are produced as a by-product of oil pressing and are mostly used as feed. Their use for human consumption is due to the functional properties and benefits for human health. Herein, oilseed cake flours of eight species (flax, hemp, milk thistle, poppy, pumpkin, rapeseed, safflower, sunflower) were sieved into fractions above (A250) and below (B250) 250 µm. The chemical composition, SDS-PAGE profiles, colour, functional properties and antioxidant activities of these flours were evaluated. The B250 fractions were evaluated as being protein and ash rich, reaching crude protein and ash content ranging from 31.78% (milk thistle) to 57.47% (pumpkin) and from 5.0% (flax) to 11.19% (poppy), respectively. A high content of carbohydrates was found in the flours of hemp, milk thistle and safflower with a significant increase for the A250 fraction, with a subsequent relation to a high water holding capacity (WHC) for the A250 fraction (flax, poppy, pumpkin and sunflower). The A250 milk thistle flour was found to have the richest in polyphenols content (TPC) (40.89 mg GAE/g), with the highest antioxidant activity using an ABTS•+ assay (101.95 mg AAE/g). The A250 fraction for all the species exhibited lower lightness than the B250 fraction. The obtained results indicate that sieving oilseed flour with the aim to prepare flours with specific functional characteristics and composition is efficient only in combination with a particular species.

Comparative evaluation of the antioxidant, antimicrobial and nutritive properties of gluten-free flours

Gluten-free flours are interesting alternative to wheat flours. They could be by-products of oilseed processing, characterized by high content of bioactive compounds. Therefore the aim of the study was to determine the antioxidant, antimicrobial properties, amino acid and fatty acid profile of flours obtained as by-products from the oil industry. The highest total polyphenol content and antioxidant activity was found to have evening primrose flour. The widest spectrum of microbial growth inhibition was indicated for corn germ extract which showed no antimicrobial activity only against Bacillus subtilis. The highest protein content was found in pumpkin, peanut and almond flours (more than 50 g/100 g). The major abundant amino acids in all the analysed oilseed cake flours were aspartic acid, glutamic acid and arginine. The analysed gluten-free flours were found to be a good source of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), which comprised mainly linoleic acid and α-linolenic acid, whereas the best source of PUFAs was evening primrose flour. The results suggest that the cold-pressed seed flours possess valuable chemical composition and may be considered for improvement of the nutritional properties of food products.

Herbal Additives Substantially Modify Antioxidant Properties and Tocopherol Content of Cold-Pressed Oils

The aim of the study was to examine combinations of base oils and herbal additives with a view to obtaining macerates with improved health benefits. Base oils were cold-pressed from the seeds of black cumin, borage, evening primrose, safflower, walnut, common hazel, and oilseed rape, as well as the flesh of sea-buckthorn fruits. They were then supplemented with herbs, including basil, thyme, and sage, in order to create macerates. Total antioxidant activity and tocopherol level were analyzed in oils, macerates, and oil cakes. Additionally, chemical properties of oil cakes—such as the level of fibre, vitamin C, β-carotene, and lutein—were also examined. Supplementation with herbs caused diversified effects on antioxidant activity and tocopherol level in macerates depending on the base oil, herb, and supplementation method. The obtained results indicate that tocopherol level does not play a decisive role in determining the antioxidant properties of oils, macerates, and oil cakes, suggesting significant involvement of other antioxidants. Among the tested macerates, the most promising one seems to be oilseed rape oil enriched with sage or basil to maximize its health benefits. The study can serve as a starting point for the development and implementation of functional macerates and oil cakes in healthy nutrition.

Spices in the Apiaceae Family Represent the Healthiest Fatty Acid Profile: A Systematic Comparison of 34 Widely Used Spices and Herbs

Spices and herbs are well-known for being rich in healthy bioactive metabolites. In recent years, interest in the fatty acid composition of different foods has greatly increased. Thus, the present study was designed to characterize the fatty acid composition of 34 widely used spices and herbs. Utilizing gas chromatography (GC) flame ionization detection (FID) and GC mass spectrometry (MS), we identified and quantified 18 fatty acids. This showed a significant variation among the studied spices and herbs. In general, oleic and linoleic acid dominate in seed spices, whereas palmitic, stearic, oleic, linoleic, and α-linolenic acids are the major constituents of herbs. Among the studied spices and herbs, the ratio of n-6/n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) was recorded to be in the range of 0.36 (oregano) to 85.99 (cumin), whereas the ratio of PUFAs/saturated fatty acids (SFAs) ranged from 0.17 (nutmeg) to 4.90 (cumin). Cumin, coriander, fennel, and dill seeds represent the healthiest fatty acid profile, based upon fat quality indices such as the ratio of hypocholesterolemic/hypercholesterolemic (h/H) fatty acids, the atherogenic index (AI), and the thrombogenic index (TI). All these seed spices belong to the Apiaceae family of plants, which are an exceptionally rich source of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) in the form of petroselinic acid (C18:1n12), with a very small amount of SFAs.

DETERMINATION OF SAFETY INDICATORS IN THE DEVELOPED MUFFINS WITH NON-TRADITIONAL RAW MATERIALS

The aim of research is studying the effect of unconventional raw materials (buckwheat, oatmeal, rye, corn, milk whey, skimmed milk powder, propolis, flower pollen, bean powder, sesame oil, pumpkin seed oil, walnut oil, walnut kernels, candied fruit mixes (apple-cherry fruits of bilberries, natural honey with floral pollen, natural honey with propolis) for the quality and safety of new muffins. The article analyzes the results of the study of the quality and safety indicators of muffins of improved composition, manufactured using non-traditional raw materials. For the preparation of new types of muffins, part of the wheat flour was replaced with buckwheat, corn, oat, milk whey, skimmed milk powder and additives of vegetable origin. Margarine has been replaced by vegetable oils. It has been established that flour confectionery products have high organoleptic properties. From the physico-chemical parameters, the mass fraction of total sugar was determined, which ranged from 28.17 % to 33.07 %, the mass fraction of fat – 16.2–20.66 %, the mass fraction of moisture – 18.0–22.0, mass fraction of ash – 0.03–1.3 %, alkalinity – 0.03–1.8°, the content of toxic elements (copper, zinc, lead, cadmium, arsenic, mercury) and microbiological indicators were also determined. Based on the data obtained as a research result, the expediency of using non-traditional raw materials to expand the range of flour confectionery products, in particular muffins is substantiated.

The chemical composition of a cold-pressed milk thistle seed flour extract, and its potential health beneficial properties

Cold-pressed milk thistle seed flour was extracted with 50% acetone and evaluated for its phytochemical composition, and gut microbiota modulating, free radical scavenging, anti-inflammatory and anti-proliferative capacities. UHPLC-MS analysis detected fifteen compounds in the milk thistle seed flour extract with silychristin as the primary component followed by silybin B and isosilybins A & B. The milk thistle seed flour extract enhanced the total bacteria number and altered the abundance of a specific bacterial phylum or genus under the experimental conditions. The extract had RDSC, ORAC, HOSC, and ABTS˙+ scavenging capacities of 49, 634, 10 420 and 116 μmol Trolox equivalents (TE) per g flour, respectively. In addition, the milk thistle seed flour extract suppressed LPS induced IL-1β mRNA expression in the cultured J774A.1 mouse macrophages and the proliferation of LNCaP prostate cancer cells. The results suggest milk thistle seed flour's potential health benefits in functional foods.

Chemical Compositions of Cold-Pressed Broccoli, Carrot, and Cucumber Seed Flours and Their in Vitro Gut Microbiota Modulatory, Anti-inflammatory, and Free Radical Scavenging Properties

Carrot, cucumber, and broccoli seed flours were extracted with 50% acetone and evaluated for their phytochemical compositions along with their potential gut microbiota modulating, free radical scavenging, and anti-inflammatory capacities. Nine and ten compounds were detected in the broccoli and carrot seed flour extracts, with kaempferol-3- O-rutinoside and glucoraphanin as the primary component of each, respectively. All three seed flour extracts enhanced total number of gut bacteria and altered the abundance of specific bacterial phylum or genus in vitro. The broccoli seed flour extract had the greatest relative DPPH radical scavenging capacity, oxygen radical absorbing capacity, and hydroxyl radical (HO^•) scavenging capacity values of 85, 634, and 270 μmol trolox equivalent (TE)/g, respectively. Carrot seed flour extract showed the greatest ABTS^•+ scavenging capacity of 250 μmol TE/g. Also, three seed flour extracts suppressed LPS induced IL-1β and COX-2 mRNA expressions in J774A.1 cells. The results might be used to promote the value-added utilization of these vegetable seed flours in improving human health.

Characteristics of antioxidant activity and composition of pumpkin seed oils in 12 cultivars

The objective of this study was to determine the antioxidant properties, and provide characteristics, of the oil obtained from the seeds of 12 pumpkin varieties belonging to the species Cucurbita maxima Duch. and Cucurbita pepo L. Another objective was to establish which of the two extracting agents, ethanol or methanol, is more effective. The seeds of the pumpkin varieties examined differ in chemical composition and antioxidant activity. The seeds of the cultivars belonging to the species C. maxima are characterised by a higher content of fatty acids than are the cultivars of the species C. pepo. In the seed oil, unsaturated acids are dominant (oleic and linoleic), and their proportion depends on the pumpkin variety. The highest content of unsaturated acids has been measured in the oil extracted from the seeds of the cultivar, Jet F1 (C. pepo). Antioxidant activity analysis has produced the following findings. The seeds of the pumpkin varieties that belong to the species C. pepo exhibit better antioxidant properties, regardless of the extraction solvent used. 50% ethanol is more efficient than 80% methanol when used as an extracting agent. The antioxidant activity values obtained with 50% ethanol are higher than those achieved with 80% methanol. Owing to the considerable differences in composition among the fatty acids examined, it is possible to choose the desired pumpkin variety for the intended use.

Bioactive compounds in lipid fractions of pumpkin (Cucurbita sp) seeds for use in food

Seeds are considered to be agro-industrial residues, which can be used as source of macronutrients and/or raw material for extraction of vegetable oils, since they present great quantities of bioactive compounds. This study aimed to characterize the lipid fractions and the seeds of pumpkin (Cucurbita sp) varieties Nova Caravela, Mini Paulista, Menina Brasileira, and Moranga de Mesa aiming at using them in food. The chemical composition of the seeds was performed according to the official methods of American Oil Chemists' Society and Association of Official Analytical Chemists. Total carotenoids and phenolic compounds were determined by spectrophotometry, while the levels of tocopherols were analyzed by high efficiency liquid chromatography. It was noted that the seeds contain high amounts of macronutrients that are essential for the functioning of the human organism. As to total carotenoids, Mini Paulista and Menina Brasileira pumpkin varieties presented significant amounts, 26.80 and 26.03 μg/g, respectively. Mini Paulista and Nova Caravela pumpkin varieties showed high amounts of total phenolic compounds in the lipid fractions and in the seeds. It was also found that γ-tocopherol is the isomer that stood out in the lipid fractions and in the seeds, mainly in Menina Brasileira. Finally, the consumption of these seeds and use of lipid fractions provide the supply of large quantities of compounds that are beneficial for health and that may be potentially used in food, besides representing an alternative to better use of agro-industrial residues.

PRACTICAL APPLICATION

Bioactive compounds, besides presenting basic nutritional functions, provide metabolic and physiological health benefits when consumed as part of the usual diet. Therefore, there is a growing interest in vegetable oils of special composition, such as the ones extracted from fruit seeds. The seeds of Cucurbita sp are shown to be promising sources of oils, and especially the Cucurbita moschata and maxima species have not yet been fully elucidated. For this reason, it becomes important to investigate the chemical composition and lipid fractions of these seeds, aiming to use them in food.

Phytochemical, antioxidant, and antiproliferative properties of seed oil and flour extracts of Maryland-grown tobacco cultivars

To determine the possible alternative use of tobacco, the seeds representing seven Maryland tobacco cultivars were investigated for their phytochemical, antioxidant, and antiproliferative properties. Tobacco seed oils were extracted by the Soxhlet method, and analyzed for their yield, density, refractive index, fatty acid profiles, and tocopherol profile. The defatted flours were extracted in 50% acetone and 80% ethanol. The tobacco seed oil and flour extracts were analyzed for total phenolic contents (TPC) and scavenging capacities against peroxyl, hydroxyl and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryhydrazyl (DPPH) radicals. The fatty acid compositions of phospholipids and the protein content of the flours were also analyzed. In addition, oil and flour extracts of varieties MD609 and MD609LA were evaluated for their antiproliferative effects on HT-29 human colon cancer cells. All of the tested extracts significantly inhibited HT-29 cell proliferation except that from MD609 oil. The data from this study suggest the potential alternative use of tobacco seeds in developing natural antioxidants and antiproliferative agents for improving human health.

Fatty acid composition, oxidative stability, antioxidant and antiproliferative properties of selected cold-pressed grape seed oils and flours

Cold-pressed chardonnay, muscadine, ruby red, and concord grape seed oils and their defatted flours were studied for their fatty acid composition, oxidative stability and antioxidant and antiproliferative activities. The phenolic profiles of the seed flours were also measured. The most abundant fatty acid in the oils was linoleic acid, ranging from 66.0g/100g of total fatty acids in ruby red seed oil to 75.3g/100g of total fatty acids in concord seed oil. The oils were also high in oleic acid and low in saturated fat. Ruby red grape seed oil recorded the highest oxidative stability index of 40h under the accelerated conditions. Total phenolic content (TPC) was up to 100 times lower in the oils than in the flours. Lutein, zeaxanthin, cryptoxanthin, β-carotene, and α-tocopherol levels were also measured. DPPH radical-scavenging capacity ranged from 0.07 to 2.22mmol trolox equivalents (TE)/g of oil and 11.8 to 15.0mmol TE/g of flour. Oxidative stability of menhaden fish oil containing extracts of the seed flours was extended by up to 137%. HPLC analysis was conducted to determine the levels of free soluble, soluble conjugated and insoluble bound phenolics in the seed flours. The phenolic compounds analyzed included catechin, epicatechin, epicatechin gallate, quercetin, gallic acid, and procyanidins B1 and B2. Antiproliferative activity was tested against HT-29 colon cancer cells. All of the seed flours and muscadine seed oil registered significant (P<0.05) inhibition of cancer cell growth. The results from this study demonstrate the potential of developing value-added uses for these seed oils and flours as dietary sources of natural antioxidants and antiproliferative agents for optimal health.