Fatty acid composition of seed oil of different Sorghum bicolor varieties

Silencing of SbPPC3 reduces the germination capacity in salinity and decreases the nutritional value of sorghum seeds

Sorghum (Sorghumbicolor L.) is the fifth most important cereal crop worldwide and tolerant to drought and salinity. Phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase (PEPC; EC 4.1.1.31) is an enzyme playing key roles in seed development and germination. We have previously demonstrated that the silencing of the non-photosynthetic SbPPC3 gene affects plant growth and productivity, delaying flowering, and reducing seed production. In this work, knock-down lines (Ppc3 lines) were used for assessing the contribution of PPC3 to seed filling and germination. PEPC activity was greatly reduced in dry and germinating seeds although the germination capacity was not affected. This could be due to increased phosphorylation of PPC2, the only PEPC isoenzyme co-expressed in the dry seed stage with PPC3. In salinity, PPC2 does not increase its phosphorylation in Ppc3 lines, and silenced lines show lower germination rate. In addition, the survival of seedlings in salinity was reduced to 25% in Ppc3 plants, whereas it remains close to 80% in WT. Thereby, the importance of PPC3 isoenzyme during seed germination in salinity is stablished. The dry seeds of silenced lines show reduced weight, lower starch and fibers levels, and altered energetic state. Despite lower levels of protein compared to WT seeds, Ppc3 seeds showed lower C/N ratio and higher phytate content, indicating alterations in C, N and P metabolisms. These results show that PPC3 activity affects replenishment of seed reserves, thus altering its nutritional value. In addition, they corroborate the relevance of phosphorylation of a starch-storing-cereal seed PEPC during germination.

Rapid evaluation of vegetable oil varieties and geographical origins by ambient corona discharge ionization mass spectrometry

The composition and ratio of unsaturated fatty acids in vegetable oils play a crucial role in determining their overall quality. In this study, we present a corona discharge ionization mass spectrometry (MS) method for the rapid differentiation of vegetable oil varieties and their geographical origins under environmental conditions. Abundant water dimer radical cations, (H2O)2+•, were generated by the ionization setup, which effectively activated carbon‑carbon double bonds (C=C) to form epoxidized products. These epoxidation products were analyzed using tandem MS, generating diagnostic fragment ions that precisely identified CC bond positions. Statistical analysis models were subsequently developed using the resulting MS fingerprint data, revealing significant differences between various vegetable oils and olive oils from different origins. Key advantages of this method include minimal sample preparation, rapid analysis, and easily interpretable spectra. This study provides a new MS-based strategy for food quality assessment and offers a promising tool for identifying CC positional isomers in complex systems.

Preparation and nutritional characterisation of protein concentrate prepared from foxtail millet (Setaria italica)

Plant-based protein sources as a sustainable alternative to animal sources are highly relevant for food and dietary supplements industries. Plant proteins are becoming popular as an eco-friendly source for meeting global protein requirements due to their importance in nutrition, management of metabolic diseases, biological activities, functionality in processed food products and their low carbon footprints. We applied biochemical protein extraction protocol and prepared protein concentrate from an underutilised cereal, foxtail millet, with plausible applications in foods and supplements. Herein efforts were utilised to obtain foxtail millet protein (FMP) concentrate by means of standardisation of processes of extraction cum isolation. The conditions including flour to solvent ratio, extraction-precipitation pH, dissolution time, etc. were optimised to significantly improve protein yield and recovery. The FMP concentrate prepared was also analysed for nutritional composition, bioactive compounds, amino acid content and digestion properties in comparison to packaged brown rice protein concentrate. The protein concentrate prepared was found to have high digestibility, rich in essential amino acids with good phenolic and flavonoid content, thereby making it a potential sensory and antioxidant additive for food/pharmaceutical applications.

Harnessing the nutritional profile and health benefits of millets: a solution to global food security problems

India is dealing with both nutritional and agricultural issues. The maximum area of agricultural land with irrigation capabilities has been largely utilized, while the amount of dry land is expanding. The influence is distinct on farmer's livelihoods and earnings, which ultimately affects nutritional security. In order to attain nutritional security and the goal of SDG (Sustainable Development Goals), millets are sustainable solutions, with respect to high nutritional content, bioactive and medicinal properties, and climate resilience. The nutrient profile of millet includes 60%-70% carbohydrate content, 3.5%-5.2% fat, and 7.52%-12.1% protein sources. A wide spectrum of amino acids, including cysteine, isoleucine, arginine, leucine, tryptophan, lysine, histidine, methionine, tyrosine, phenylalanine, threonine, and valine are generally present in millets. Mineral content in millets includes calcium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, and magnesium. Additionally, millets are an excellent source of bioactive molecules such as polyphenol, phenolic acid, flavonoids, active peptides, and soluble fiber, which have a wide range of therapeutic applications, including the prevention of free radical damage, diabetes, anti-microbial, anti- biofilm, and anti-cancer effects. This review will focus on the nutritional profile and health benefits of millet considering the present-day food security problems.

Nontargeted Lipidomics of Sorghum Grain Reveals Novel Fatty Acid Esters of Hydroxy Fatty Acids and Cultivar Differences in Lipid Profiles

Sorghum, a globally grown gluten-free cereal, is used mainly as an animal feed in developed countries regardless of its potential for human consumption. In this study, we utilized nontargeted lipidomics to thoroughly analyze, compare, and characterize whole-grain lipids in six sorghum cultivars (cv) grown in a single field trial in Australia: Buster, Bazley, Cracker, Liberty, MR43, and Tiger. In total, 194 lipid molecular species representing five major lipid classes were identified. Multivariate analysis unveiled distinct lipid profiles among the cultivars. The most distinct lipid profile belonged to cv. MR43. The lower ω-6 to ω-3 ratio and optimal P/S ratio in cv. Bazley reflect this as a valuable source of balanced essential fatty acids in the diet. The novel bioactive lipids known as FAHFAs (fatty acid esters of hydroxy fatty acids) were identified and characterized in sorghum grains. These findings further emphasize the potential of whole-grain sorghum as a basis for new health-promoting food products.

Algerian Prickly Pear Seed By-Products: Fatty Acids Composition, Antioxidant, Enzyme Inhibitory Activities towards Tyrosinase, Urease, α-Amylase, and Cholinesterase, along with the Ability to Protect from Thermal Protein Denaturation

Prickly pear seed is a source of the most expensive oil in the world, which is rich in vitamins and polyunsaturated fatty acids. Its extraction generates a large quantity of press cake. These two by-products need to be valued. The current study aimed to assess the fatty acid composition of oil and the phytochemical composition of press cake. In addition, the antioxidant and the inhibition of thermal protein denaturation effects of both Algerian seed by-products were evaluated with their inhibitory action against the activities of urease, tyrosinase, α-amylase, and cholinesterase enzymes. The GC MS analysis result revealed the richness of our oil in linoleic (74%) and palmitic (13%) acids methyl esters, respectively. The chemical composition of press cake was characterized by a high value of dry matter (94.94 ± 0.05%), especially the carbohydrates (85.13 ± 0.94%). The results of antioxidant activity presented by IC50 and A0.5 ranged from 7.51 ± 0.03 to 88.10 ± 0.92 µg/mL. Furthermore, the IC50 values were 40.19 ± 1.21 and 61.18 ± 0.03 µg/mL in thermal protein denaturation assay, and ranging from 22.97 ± 0.72 to 385.99 ± 0.27 µg/mL for the inhibition of enzymatic activities. These results indicate that the studied oil can be one of the strongest oils for its impressive effects and also encourage us to reuse its press cake in feed livestock.

Solvent-tuned perovskite heterostructures enable visual linoleic acid assay and edible oil species discrimination via wavelength shift

Linoleic acid (LA) detection and edible oils discrimination are essential for food safety. Recently, CsPbBr3@SiO2 heterostructures have been widely applied in edible oil assays, while deep insights into solvent effects on their structure and performance are often overlooked. Based on the suitable polarity and viscosity of cyclohexane, we prepared CsPbBr3@SiO2 Janus nanoparticles (JNPs) with high stability in edible oil and fast halogen-exchange (FHE) efficiency with oleylammonium iodide (OLAI). LA is selectively oxidized by lipoxidase to yield hydroxylated derivative (oxLA) capable of reacting with OLAI, thereby bridging LA content to naked-eye fluorescence color changes through the anti-FHE reaction. The established method for LA in edible oils exhibited consistent results with GC-MS analysis (p > 0.05). Since the LA content difference between edible oils, we further utilized chemometrics to accurately distinguish (100%) the species of edible oils. Overall, such elaborated CsPbBr3@SiO2 JNPs enable a refreshing strategy for edible oil discrimination.

From 'Farm to Fork': Exploring the Potential of Nutrient-Rich and Stress-Resilient Emergent Crops for Sustainable and Healthy Food in the Mediterranean Region in the Face of Climate Change Challenges

In the dynamic landscape of agriculture and food science, incorporating emergent crops appears as a pioneering solution for diversifying agriculture, unlocking possibilities for sustainable cultivation and nutritional bolstering food security, and creating economic prospects amid evolving environmental and market conditions with positive impacts on human health. This review explores the potential of utilizing emergent crops in Mediterranean environments under current climate scenarios, emphasizing the manifold benefits of agricultural and food system diversification and assessing the impact of environmental factors on their quality and consumer health. Through a deep exploration of the resilience, nutritional value, and health impacts of neglected and underutilized species (NUS) such as quinoa, amaranth, chia, moringa, buckwheat, millet, teff, hemp, or desert truffles, their capacity to thrive in the changing Mediterranean climate is highlighted, offering novel opportunities for agriculture and functional food development. By analysing how promoting agricultural diversification can enhance food system adaptability to evolving environmental conditions, fostering sustainability and resilience, we discuss recent findings that underscore the main benefits and limitations of these crops from agricultural, food science, and health perspectives, all crucial for responsible and sustainable adoption. Thus, by using a sustainable and holistic approach, this revision analyses how the integration of NUS crops into Mediterranean agrifood systems can enhance agriculture resilience and food quality addressing environmental, nutritional, biomedical, economic, and cultural dimensions, thereby mitigating the risks associated with monoculture practices and bolstering local economies and livelihoods under new climate scenarios.

Discrimination of the geographical origin of gluten-free teff grains from northwestern parts of Ethiopia by fatty acid analysis

Teff (Eragrostis tef) is a gluten-free cereal, and the consumer also prefers teff due to its nutritional composition. Determining the geographical origin of teff is important to select the right product for consumers. The quality and consumer preference of teff varies based on their production origin; consequently, their prices differ significantly. This work studied the profile of fatty acids in seventy-two teff samples by using gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and identifying the markers to discriminate the geographical origin of teff depending on their production region. Principal component analysis (PCA) and linear discriminat Analysis (LDA) were used to visualize data trends, and construct classification models for teff samples according to their geographical origins. Thirty different fatty acids were detected in all of the collected teff samples. The total mean concentration of fatty acids ranged from 739.85 to 938.06 mg/100g across the six districts in the three zones (East Gojjam,Awi, and West Gojjam). Stearic acid,trans-vaccenic acid, linoleic acid, azelaic acid, and capric acid were the most discriminating fatty acids of teff grains between East Gojjam and West Gojjam zones, while palmitic, palmitoleic, and oleic acid discriminated Awi zone teff samples from the other zones. The recognition and prediction abilities of the LDA model for the classification of the production zones were 98.6 % and 94.4 %, respectively. Hence, the fatty acid profiles combined with multivariate data analysis too can be used in the determination of the geographical origin of teff grains.

Comprehensive evaluation of nutritional components, bioactive metabolites, and antioxidant activities in diverse sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) landraces

Sorghum, one of the prospective crops for addressing future food and nutrition security, has received attention in recent years due to its health-promoting compounds. It is known that several environmental and genetic factors affect the metabolite contents of dietary crops. This study investigated the diversity of different nutrients, functional metabolites, and antioxidant activity using three different assays in 53 sorghum landraces from Korea, China, Japan, Ethiopia, and South Africa. The effects of origin and seed color variations were also investigated. Total phenolic (TPC), total tannin (TTC), total fat, total protein, total dietary fiber, and total crude fiber contents all varied significantly among the sorghum landraces (p < 0.05). Using a gas chromatography-flame ionization detector, palmitic, stearic, oleic, linoleic, and linolenic acids were detected in all the sorghum landraces, and their content significantly varied (p < 0.05). Furthermore, four 3-deoxyanthocyanidins (luteolinidin, apigeninidin, 5-methoxyluteolinidin, and 7-methoxyapigeninidin) and two flavonoids (luteolin and apigenin) were detected in most of the landraces using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, and their concentrations also significantly varied. Statistical analyses supported by multivariate tools demonstrated that seed color variation had a significant effect on TPC, TTC, DPPH• and ABTS•+ scavenging activities, and ferric-reducing antioxidant power, with yellow landraces having the highest and white landraces having the lowest values. Seed color variation also had a significant effect on dietary fiber, linoleic acid, linolenic acid, and luteolin contents. In contrast, all nutritional components and fatty acids except total protein and oleic acid were significantly affected by origin, while most 3-deoxyanthocyanidins and flavonoids were unaffected by both origin and seed color differences. This is the first study to report the effect of origin on sorghum seed metabolites and antioxidant activities, laying the groundwork for future studies. Moreover, this study identified superior landraces that could be good sources of health-promoting metabolites.

Exploring the potentials of sorghum genotypes: a comprehensive study on nutritional qualities, functional metabolites, and antioxidant capacities

Introduction

Sorghum, long regarded as one of the most underutilized crops, has received attention in recent years. As a result, conducting multidisciplinary studies on the potential and health benefits of sorghum resources is vital if they are to be fully exploited. In this study, the nutritional contents, functional metabolites, and antioxidant capacities of 23 sorghum breeding lines and three popular cultivars were assessed.

Materials and method

All of the sorghum genotypes were grown under the same conditions, and mature seeds were hand-harvested. The metabolite contents and antioxidant capacities of sorghum seeds were assessed using standard protocols. Fatty acids were quantified using a gas chromatography-flame ionization detector, whereas flavonoids and 3-deoxyanthocyanidins were analyzed using a liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method. The data were analyzed using both univariate and multivariate statistical approaches.

Results and discussion

Total protein (9.05-14.61%), total fat (2.99-6.91%), crude fiber (0.71-2.62%), dietary fiber (6.72-16.27%), total phenolic (0.92-10.38 mg GAE/g), and total tannin (0.68-434.22 mg CE/g) contents varied significantly across the sorghum genotypes (p < 0.05). Antioxidant capacity, measured using three assays, also differed significantly. Five fatty acids, including palmitic, stearic, oleic, linoleic, and linolenic acids, were found in all the sorghum genotypes with statistically different contents (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the majority of the sorghum genotypes contained four 3-deoxyanthocyanidins, including luteolinidin, apigeninidin, 5-methoxyluteolinidin, and 7-methoxyapigeninidin, as well as two dominant flavonoids, luteolin and apigenin. Compared to the cultivars, some breeding lines had significantly high levels of metabolites and antioxidant activities. On the other hand, statistical analysis showed that total tannin, total phenolic, and antioxidant capacities varied significantly across white, yellow, and orange genotypes. Principal component analysis was used to differentiate the sorghum genotypes based on seed color and antioxidant index levels. Pearson's correlation analysis revealed strong links between biosynthetically related metabolites and those with synergistic antioxidant properties.

Conclusion

This research demonstrated the diversity of the sorghum resources investigated. Those genotypes with high levels of nutritional components, functional metabolites, and antioxidant activities could be used for consumption and breeding programs.

Silencing of SbPPCK1-3 Negatively Affects Development, Stress Responses and Productivity in Sorghum

Phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase (PEPC) plays central roles in photosynthesis, respiration, amino acid synthesis, and seed development. PEPC is regulated by different post-translational modifications. Between them, the phosphorylation by PEPC-kinase (PEPCk) is widely documented. In this work, we simultaneously silenced the three sorghum genes encoding PEPCk (SbPPCK1-3) by RNAi interference, obtaining 12 independent transgenic lines (Ppck1-12 lines), showing different degrees of SbPPCK1-3 silencing. Among them, two T2 homozygous lines (Ppck-2 and Ppck-4) were selected for further evaluation. Expression of SbPPCK1 was reduced by 65% and 83% in Ppck-2 and Ppck-4 illuminated leaves, respectively. Expression of SbPPCK2 was higher in roots and decreased by 50% in Ppck-2 and Ppck-4 in this tissue. Expression of SbPPCK3 was low and highly variable. Despite the incomplete gene silencing, it decreased the degree of phosphorylation of PEPC in illuminated leaves, P-deficient plants, and NaCl-treated plants. Both leaves and seeds of Ppck lines had altered metabolic profiles and a general decrease in amino acid content. In addition, Ppck lines showed delayed flowering, and 20% of Ppck-4 plants did not produce flowers at all. The total amount of seeds was lowered by 50% and 36% in Ppck-2 and Ppck-4 lines, respectively. The quality of seeds was lower in Ppck lines: lower amino acid content, including Lys, and higher phytate content. These data confirm the relevance of the phosphorylation of PEPC in sorghum development, stress responses, yield, and quality of seeds.

A comparative study on comprehensive nutritional profiling of indigenous non-bio-fortified and bio-fortified varieties and bio-fortified hybrids of pearl millets

Seven indigenous pearl millet varieties, including non-bio-fortified (HC-10 & HC-20) and bio-fortified (Dhanashakti) and bio-fortified hybrids, viz., AHB-1200, HHB-299, HHB-311, and RHB-233, were studied in the present work. There was not any significant difference observed in the crucial anti-nutrients content, i.e., phytate (24.88-32.56 mg/g), tannin (3.07-4.35 mg/g), and oxalate (0.33-0.43 mg/g). Phytochemical content and antioxidant activity showed significantly high (p < 0.05) TPC and FRAP, TFC, and DPPH radical scavenging activity in the HHB 299 and Dhanashakti, respectively. Quantitative analysis of polyphenols by HPLC (first report on these varieties) revealed that HHB-299 has the highest amount of gallic acid. Fatty acid profiling by GC-FID showed that Dhanashakti, AHB-1200, and HHB-299 have rich monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA). Mineral analysis by ICP-OES showed high iron (87.79 and 84.26 mg/kg) and zinc (55.05 and 52.43 mg/kg) content in the HHB-311 and Dhanashakti, respectively. Results of the present study would help facilitate the formulation of various processed functional food products (RTC/RTE) that are currently not reported/unavailable.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13197-022-05452-x.

Biotechnological Application of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Lactobacillus delbrueckii sp. bulgaricus for Protein Enrichment of Fermented Unmalted and Malted Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench)

This study evaluated changes in protein contents of malted and unmalted sorghum, and their formulated blends, after fermentation for 10 days at 25°C with mono and cocultures of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Lactobacillus delbrueckii sp. bulgaricus. Fermentation of unmalted and malted sorghum and their formulated blends of 1 : 1 (w/w), 3 : 1 (w/w), and 1 : 3 (w/w) by S. cerevisiae and L. bulgaricus could increase their protein contents. Thus, there was an increase in protein content of fermented, malted sorghum by 68.40% for S. cerevisiae, 34.98% for L. bulgaricus, and 76.59% for cocultures of S. cerevisiae and L. bulgaricus; protein contents of fermented, unmalted sorghum also increased by 58.20, 39.36, and 55.00% for monoculture of S. cerevisiae, monoculture of L. bulgaricus, and coculture of S. cerevisiae and L. bulgaricus, respectively. S. cerevisiae was more effective in enriching protein content of the 1 : 3 (w/w) formulated blend of unmalted-malted sorghum by 77.59%; L. bulgaricus was more effective in enriching protein content of the 3 : 1 (w/w) unmalted-malted sorghum blend by 60.00%; coculture of S. cerevisiae and L. bulgaricus enriched the protein content of 3 : 1 (w/w) unmalted-malted sorghum substrate by 44.54%. Significant (p ≤ 0.05) increases in fat with corresponding decreases in carbohydrate and fibre contents were consistently recorded in malted and unmalted sorghum. In the formulated blends of sorghum, fat, carbohydrate, and fibre contents either increased or decreased erratically after fermentation. There were significantly (p ≤ 0.05) higher protein contents in malted sorghum, compared to unmalted sorghum. These findings show that solid-state microbial fermentation technology, using S. cerevisiae and L. bulgaricus, either as mono- or coculture, could effectively enrich the protein contents of unmalted and malted sorghum and their formulated blends. The implications of the findings for infant and adult nutrition are discussed, and future work to augment findings is suggested.

Role of ectopic olfactory receptors in glucose and lipid metabolism

The metabolic syndrome has become one of the major public health challenges in the world, and adjusting glucose and lipid levels to their normal values is crucial for treating the metabolic syndrome. Olfactory receptors (ORs) expressed in extra-nasal tissues participate in diverse biological processes, including the regulation of glucose and lipid metabolism. Ectopic ORs can regulate a variety of metabolic events including insulin secretion, glucagon secretion, fatty acid oxidation, lipogenesis and thermogenesis. Understanding the physiological function and deciphering the olfactory recognition code by suitable ligands make ectopic ORs potential targets for the treatment of the metabolic syndrome. In this review, we delineate the roles and mechanisms of ectopic ORs in the regulation of glucose and lipid metabolism, summarize the corresponding natural ligands, and discuss existing problems and the therapeutic potential of targeting ORs in the metabolic syndrome.

Biochemical composition of selected lines from sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.) landraces

Present findings revealed a great variation in protein, oil, starch, tannin and phytic acid-like biochemical attributes of sorghum genotypes. GT bi-plot analysis was used for assessment of biochemical analysis results. Sorghum is quite resistant to negative environmental conditions. Thus, it has become the basic source of nutrient in majority of developing countries. It is also used as a supporting product against several diseases. In this study, biochemical composition of new 154 sorghum lines, selected from Turkish sorghum landraces through morphological, biochemical and molecular studies, was determined. Present findings revealed based on average of two years that crude protein content of 80 lines (> 9.65%), digestible protein content of 94 lines (> 56.25%), crude oil content of 75 lines (> 3.87%), resistant starch ratio of 32 lines (> 3.93%), starch content of two lines (> 77.07%) and amylose content of 10 lines (> %25.26) were greater than standard cultivar with the greatest values and amylopectin contents of 74 lines (< 47.75%) were lower than the standard cultivar with the lowest values. As the average of years, phytic acid contents and condense tannins contents of the lines, respectively, varied between 0.02 (IS 12850/1)-6.49% (PI 177161 03/2) and 0.09 (IS 12819/1)-5.38% (PI 255738 02/3). With this study, several sorghum lines superior than the standard cultivars were identified. Those lines can be used for direct cultivar registration in short run and can be used as parent materials in further breeding studies to be conducted for various purposes in long run.

Identification and quantification of dicarboxylic fatty acids in head tissue of farmed Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)

Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) was grown in Bangladesh with four different feeding treatments as part of a project that aims to produce fish in a cost-effective way for low-income consumers in developing countries. Fillet and head tissue was analysed because both tissues were destined for human consumption. Gas chromatography with mass spectrometry (GC/MS) analyses of transesterified fatty acid methyl ester extracts indicated the presence of ~ 50 fatty acids. Major fatty acids in fillet and head tissue were palmitic acid and oleic acid. Both linoleic acid and polyunsaturated fatty acids with three or more double bonds were presented in quantities > 10% of total fatty acids in fillet, but lower in head tissue. Erucic acid levels were below the newly proposed tolerable daily intake in the European Union, based on the consumption of 200 g fillet per day. Moreover, further analysis produced evidence for the presence of the dicarboxylic fatty acid azelaic acid (nonanedioic acid, Di9:0) in head tissue. To verify this uncommon finding, countercurrent chromatography was used to isolate Di9:0 and other dicarboxylic acids from a technical standard followed by its quantification. Di9:0 contributed to 0.4–1.3% of the fatty acid profile in head tissue, but was not detected in fillet. Fish fed with increasing quantities of flaxseed indicated that linoleic acid was the likely precursor of Di9:0 in the head tissue samples.

Importance of New Edible Oil Extracted from Seeds of Seven Cereals Species

Cereals constitute a major source of human and animal nutrition. In spite of the extensive production of numerous cereal species, some information is unavailable in terms of lipid composition. Due to the oil increasing demand by the overgrowth of the world population, oleaginous species have encountered problems in recent years. In order to find new sources of edible oil, the aim of this study was to describe the importance of seventeen varieties oil of seven cereal species. Oils were extracted by the Soxhlet method, and fatty acids were measured by gas chromatography. The present study demonstrated that the lipid content of cereal seeds ranged from 1.42% to 5.97%. In average, oat, millet, and maize had significantly higher lipid content, respectively, 5.97%, 5.06%, and 4.71%. The main fatty acid recorded in the studied cereal species, except oat, was linoleic acid C18 : 2 (ω6). Regarding the essential fatty acids linoleic acid C18 : 2 and linolenic acid C18 : 3 (ω3), the oil of all studied species, except oat, was rich in ω6 fatty acids (47.50 to 60.13%) and poor in ω3 (0.45% to 5.33%). The content of unsaturated fatty acids in all studied species ranged from 77.22 to 81.89%. Cereal oil was considered as highly unsaturated oil with the presence of the essential fatty acids necessary for human health. Therefore, cereal oils could be commercialized in small quantities in pharmacies or parapharmacies.

Importance of New Edible Oil Extracted from Seeds of Seven Cereals Species

Cereals constitute a major source of human and animal nutrition. In spite of the extensive production of numerous cereal species, some information is unavailable in terms of lipid composition. Due to the oil increasing demand by the overgrowth of the world population, oleaginous species have encountered problems in recent years. In order to find new sources of edible oil, the aim of this study was to describe the importance of seventeen varieties oil of seven cereal species. Oils were extracted by the Soxhlet method, and fatty acids were measured by gas chromatography. The present study demonstrated that the lipid content of cereal seeds ranged from 1.42% to 5.97%. In average, oat, millet, and maize had significantly higher lipid content, respectively, 5.97%, 5.06%, and 4.71%. The main fatty acid recorded in the studied cereal species, except oat, was linoleic acid C18 : 2 (ω6). Regarding the essential fatty acids linoleic acid C18 : 2 and linolenic acid C18 : 3 (ω3), the oil of all studied species, except oat, was rich in ω6 fatty acids (47.50 to 60.13%) and poor in ω3 (0.45% to 5.33%). The content of unsaturated fatty acids in all studied species ranged from 77.22 to 81.89%. Cereal oil was considered as highly unsaturated oil with the presence of the essential fatty acids necessary for human health. Therefore, cereal oils could be commercialized in small quantities in pharmacies or parapharmacies.

Transcriptome analysis reveals the mechanism associated with dynamic changes in fatty acid and phytosterol content in foxtail millet (Setaria italica) during seed development

Foxtail millet (Setaria italica) is an excellent source of beneficial natural fatty acids and phytosterols. However, the mechanisms underlying the dynamic changes of fatty acids and phytosterols during seed development are unknown. In this study, a comprehensive dynamic change analysis of the bioactive compounds during seed development was conducted in two cultivars with different crude fat content (high-fat, JG 35 [5.40%]; and low-fat, JG 39 [2.90%]). GC-FID/MS analysis showed that the proportion of unsaturated fatty acids (UFAs) were higher than the saturated fatty acids (SFAs). UFA content first increased, then decreased during seed development, while SFA content showed the opposite trend. Oil contents continuously increased with seed development, especially at the S2 stage. Phytosterol contents initially increased, then decreased with seed development. Transcriptome analysis revealed that 152 genes were associated with fatty acid metabolism and phytosterol biosynthesis, of which 46 and 62 were related to UFA and phytosterol biosynthesis, respectively. Furthermore, the key genes involved in fatty acid synthesis (ACCase and FATA/B), triacylglycerol biosynthesis (LACS, GPAT, and DGAT), and phytosterols synthesis (CAS1, STM1, EGR6, and DWF1) were overexpressed. This led to maximum UFA, oil, and phytosterol accumulation in JG 35 at the S2 stage. This study reveals the mechanism behind the dynamic changes of fatty acid and phytosterol contents in foxtail millet during seed development.

Latent Anti-nutrients and Unintentional Breeding Consequences in Australian Sorghum bicolor Varieties

Modern feed quality sorghum grain has been bred to reduce anti-nutrients, most conspicuously condensed tannins, but its inclusion in the diets of monogastric animals can still result in variable performance that is only partially understood. Sorghum grain contains several negative intrinsic factors, including non-tannin phenolics and polyphenols, phytate, and kafirin protein, which may be responsible for these muted feed performances. To better understand the non-tannin phenolic and polyphenolic metabolites that may have negative effects on nutritional parameters, the chemical composition of sorghum grain polyphenol extracts from three commercial varieties (MR-Buster, Cracka, and Liberty) was determined through the use of an under-studied, alternative analytical approach involving Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy and direct ionization mass spectrometry. Supervised analyses and interrogation of the data contributing to variation resulted in the identification of a variety of metabolites, including established polyphenols, lignin-like anti-nutrients, and complex sugars, as well as high levels of fatty acids which could contribute to nutritional variation and underperformance in monogastrics. FT-IR and mass spectrometry could both discriminate among the different sorghum varieties indicating that FT-IR, rather than more sophisticated chromatographic and mass spectrometric methods, could be incorporated into quality control applications.

Tecticornia sp. (Samphire)-A Promising Underutilized Australian Indigenous Edible Halophyte

Salinization is gradually increasing over cropping soils and is challenging Governments in many countries, including Australia. There has been a high demand for utilizing arid and semi-arid land for sustainable food production. Currently, the main crops and forage plants are salt sensitive, while halophytes can tolerate a wide range of salinities. Samphire is an Australian indigenous edible halophyte and belongs to the genus Tecticornia. It is an underutilized, succulent plant growing on arid or semi-arid land. Most samphire species have a long history of use as food, but also as non-food (fodder and medicine), among indigenous communities in Australia, while scientific information is limited on their nutritional composition and potential bioactivity. The present study reports, for the first time, the nutritional composition, bioactive compounds (phytochemicals) and antioxidant capacity of six Australian grown samphire from different locations. The results showed that celosianin II and isocelosianin II could be identified as the predominant betalains (phytochemicals) in pigmented samphire species. Proximates and fiber varied significantly (p < 0.05) between the samphire species with a highest value of fiber of 46.8 g/100 g dry weight (DW). Furthermore, samphire could be identified as a valuable source of essential minerals and trace elements, such as iron (41.5 mg/100 g DW), magnesium (1.2 g/100 g DW) and sodium (16.7 g/100 g DW). The fatty acid profile, mainly palmitic, stearic, oleic, linoleic and α-linolenic acid, was similar among the studied species. Total phenolic content and DPPH-radical scavenging capacity were different (p < 0.05) between the six samphire samples. These initial results are very promising and indicate that Australian grown samphire may have the potential to be utilized as a functional food ingredient.

Sorghum Flour: A Valuable Ingredient for Bakery Industry?

The information from this study may provide opportunities for industrial application of sorghum seed flour as a useful bakery ingredient and a suitable alternative source of functional compounds to whole wheat flour. The chemical composition of sorghum was evaluated compared to that of wheat whole flour, showing high contents of mineral and fibers. Next were evaluated the dough rheological properties of flour mixtures using Mixolab equipment, “Chopin+” protocol. Finally, six bread samples were obtained from wheat flour with addition of sorghum seed flour in various percentages, in which three samples were fortified with Lactobacillus plantarum compared to the other three bread samples without the addition of any lactic acid bacteria. All six bread sample were compared to a control bread sample with wheat flour type 550. The results show the fat and raw fiber were higher in sorghum compared to whole wheat flour. Also, the content of magnesium, potassium, and iron were much higher than in whole wheat flour. A significant improvement of the sensorial characteristics was observed in bread samples in which lactic acid bacteria was used.

Triacylglycerols compositions, soluble and bound phenolics of red sorghums, and their radical scavenging and anti-inflammatory activities

Six commercial red sorghum varieties (Tong Za 117, 141, 142 and 143, Chi Za 109 and 101) were investigated for their triacylglycerol (TAG) profiles, soluble and bound phenolics, and radical scavenging and anti-inflammatory activities. A total of 21 TAGs were identified in red sorghum oils for the first time. Total phenolic (TPC) and flavonoid contents (TFC) in the soluble or bound phenolic fractions differed among red sorghums. Significant correlation among TPC, TFC and DPPH radical scavenging activities was observed in both fractions. Except for caffeic acid, most of phenolic acids in red sorghums are in the bound form. Soluble 3-deoxyanthocyanidins contents (2.12-57.14 μg/g) were significantly higher than those of bound forms (0.01-0.18 μg/g) regardless of sorghum varieties and types of 3-deoxyanthocyanidins. Moreover, the stronger anti-inflammatory capacity of soluble phenolic fraction in Tong Za 117 correlated with its higher TPC, TFC and radical scavenging activity than those of its bound counterpart.

Effect of Varieties on Bioactive Properties and Mineral Contents of Some Sorghum, Millet and Lupin Seeds

In this study, some physico-chemical properties, amino acids, fatty acids, sugars and mineral contents of sorghum, millet and lupin seeds. Sorghum (red, white and yellow) and millet seeds were purchased from market in Saudi Arabia (Riyadh). Lupin seeds were provided from in Turkey (Konya). Protein contents of seed samples ranged from 8.6% (yellow sorghum) to 37.7% (lutop) (p < 0.05). The extractable phenolics contents for gallic acid equivalent (GAE) of grains ranged between 1.43 mgGAE/g (white sorghum) to 8.23 mgGAE/g (red sorghum), and hydrolysable phenolics contents for GAE of grains varied between 1.48 mgGAE/g (white sorghum) to 26.10 mgGAE/g (red sorghum (p < 0.05). Total phenol contents of seeds were found between 2769 mg GAE/g (bablon) to 6087 mgGAE/g (yellow sorghum) (p < 0.05). Amino acid contents of millet changed between 0.02% (ornithine) and 2.07% (glutamic acid), while amino acid contents of yellow sorghum range from 0.02% (hydroxyproline) to 1.71% (glutamic acid), amino acid values of white sorghum changed between 0.02% (hydroxyproline) and 2.21% (glutamic acid), amino acid values of lutop seed changed between 0.02% (ornithine) and 6.77% (glutamic acid) (p < 0.05).While the oleic acid contents change between 25.27% (white sorghum) and 53.50% (Bablone), linoleic acid contents ranged from 14.60% (Bablone) to 42.67% (Millet) (p < 0.05). However, the amount of potassium in the seeds varied between 1831.34 mg/kg (while sorghum) and 11895.8 mg/kg (Lutop). Generally, protein, oleic acid, amino acid and mineral contents of lupin varieties were higher as compared to those of millet phenol, anthocyanin and sorghum seeds.

Discovery and Validation of Banana Intake Biomarkers Using Untargeted Metabolomics in Human Intervention and Cross-sectional Studies

BACKGROUND

Banana is one of the most widely consumed fruits in the world. However, information regarding its health effects is scarce. Biomarkers of banana intake would allow a more accurate assessment of its consumption in nutrition studies.

OBJECTIVES

Using an untargeted metabolomics approach, we aimed to identify the banana-derived metabolites present in urine after consumption, including new candidate biomarkers of banana intake.

METHODS

A randomized controlled study with a crossover design was performed on 12 healthy subjects (6 men, 6 women, mean ± SD age: 30.0 ± 4.9 y; mean ± SD BMI: 22.5 ± 2.3 kg/m2). Subjects underwent 2 dietary interventions: 1) 250 mL control drink (Fresubin 2 kcal fiber, neutral flavor; Fresenius Kabi), and 2) 240 g banana + 150 mL control drink. Twenty-four-hour urine samples were collected and analyzed with ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled to a quadrupole time-of-flight MS and 2-dimensional GC-MS. The discovered biomarkers were confirmed in a cross-sectional study [KarMeN (Karlsruhe Metabolomics and Nutrition study)] in which 78 subjects (mean BMI: 22.8; mean age: 47 y) were selected reflecting high intake (126-378 g/d), low intake (47.3-94.5 g/d), and nonconsumption of banana. The confirmed biomarkers were examined singly or in combinations, for established criteria of validation for biomarkers of food intake.

RESULTS

We identified 33 potentially bioactive banana metabolites, of which 5 metabolites, methoxyeugenol glucuronide (MEUG-GLUC), dopamine sulfate (DOP-S), salsolinol sulfate, xanthurenic acid, and 6-hydroxy-1-methyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-β-carboline sulfate, were confirmed as candidate intake biomarkers. We demonstrated that the combination of MEUG-GLUC and DOP-S performed best in predicting banana intake in high (AUCtest = 0.92) and low (AUCtest = 0.87) consumers. The new biomarkers met key criteria establishing their current applicability in nutrition and health research for assessing the occurrence of banana intake.

CONCLUSIONS

Our metabolomics study in healthy men and women revealed new putative bioactive metabolites of banana and a combined biomarker of intake. These findings will help to better decipher the health effects of banana in future focused studies. This study was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT03581955 and with the Ethical Committee for the Protection of Human Subjects Sud-Est 6 as CPP AU 1251, IDRCB 2016-A0013-48; the KarMeN study was registered with the German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS00004890). Details about the study can be obtained from https://www.drks.de.

Spatio-Temporal Metabolite and Elemental Profiling of Salt Stressed Barley Seeds During Initial Stages of Germination by MALDI-MSI and µ-XRF Spectrometry

Seed germination is the essential first step in crop establishment, and can be severely affected by salinity stress which can inhibit essential metabolic processes during the germination process. Salt stress during seed germination can trigger lipid-dependent signalling cascades that activate plant adaptation processes, lead to changes in membrane fluidity to help resist the stress, and cause secondary metabolite responses due to increased oxidative stress. In germinating barley (Hordeum vulgare), knowledge of the changes in spatial distribution of lipids and other small molecules at a cellular level in response to salt stress is limited. In this study, mass spectrometry imaging (MSI), liquid chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC-QToF-MS), inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), and X-ray fluorescence (XRF) were used to determine the spatial distribution of metabolites, lipids and a range of elements, such as K+ and Na+, in seeds of two barley genotypes with contrasting germination phenology (Australian barley varieties Mundah and Keel). We detected and tentatively identified more than 200 lipid species belonging to seven major lipid classes (fatty acyls, glycerolipids, glycerophospholipids, sphingolipids, prenol lipids, sterol lipids, and polyketides) that differed in their spatial distribution based on genotype (Mundah or Keel), time post-imbibition (0 to 72 h), or treatment (control or salt). We found a tentative flavonoid was discriminant in post-imbibed Mundah embryos under saline conditions, and a delayed flavonoid response in Keel relative to Mundah. We further employed MSI-MS/MS and LC-QToF-MS/MS to explore the identity of the discriminant flavonoid and study the temporal pattern in five additional barley genotypes. ICP-MS was used to quantify the elemental composition of both Mundah and Keel seeds, showing a significant increase in Na+ in salt treated samples. Spatial mapping of elements using µ-XRF localized the elements within the seeds. This study integrates data obtained from three mass spectrometry platforms together with µ-XRF to yield information on the localization of lipids, metabolites and elements improving our understanding of the germination process under salt stress at a molecular level.

Differential metabolic signatures in naturally and lactic acid bacteria (LAB) fermented ting (a Southern African food) with different tannin content, as revealed by gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS)-based metabolomics

Fermented whole grain (WG) sorghum food products including WG-ting can be obtained from different sample sources and fermentation conditions, leading subsequently to variations in the molecular composition of the products. There is however, a lack of detailed understanding and description of differential molecular profiles of these food products. Thus, the current study is a nontargeted gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS)-based metabolomics approach to descriptively elucidate metabolic profiles of two WG-sorghum types [high tannin (HT) and low tannin (LT)] and their derived WG-ting products obtained via fermentation. Metabolites were extracted with 80% aqueous methanol and analyzed on a gas chromatography high resolution time of flight mass spectrometry (GC-HRTOF-MS) system. Chemometric methods such as principal component analysis (PCA) and orthogonal partial least square-discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) were applied to mine the generated data. Our results showed that tannin contents influenced the composition of the raw sorghum and derived WG-ting samples. Metabolite signatures that differentiated raw HT- and LT-sorghum included cyclic compounds, pesticides, 2,4-di-tert-butylphenol, fatty acid esters, and sugar derivatives. Furthermore, fermentation of the HT- and LT-sorghum into WG-ting led to an increase in the levels of fatty acids, fatty acid esters and some other compounds which are vital from a dietary and health context. Equally observed were reduction of some phenols, cyclic compounds, a pesticide and ketone. Thus, the results demonstrated that the inherent metabolic composition of raw sorghum would lead to differential metabolic changes in the fermented products such as WG-ting, with subsequent dietary and health implications. Fermenting ting with Lactobacillus fermentum FUA 3321 was most desirable as relevant metabolites were observed in both HT- and LT-ting samples. Furthermore, the study highlights the applicability of GC-MS metabolomics in understanding WG-ting fermentation.

Triacylglycerol, fatty acid, and phytochemical profiles in a new red sorghum variety (Ji Liang No. 1) and its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties

In this study, a new red sorghum variety (Ji Liang No. 1) was investigated for its triacylglycerol (TAG) and fatty acid profiles, carotenoid and tocopherol compositions, total phenolic, total flavonoid and phenolic acid contents, and antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. A total of 17 TAGs were identified in the red sorghum oil. Linoleic and oleic acids were the primary fatty acids, contributing more than 80% of the total fatty acids. β-Carotene was the primary carotenoid at a level of 26.14 μg/g. α-, γ-, and δ-tocopherols were at levels of 0.19, 4.08, and 0.10 μg/g, respectively. Moreover, acetone-water (60:40, v/v) extract of the red sorghum exhibited the greatest total phenolic content of 2.77 mg GAE/g and total flavonoid content of 5.44 mg RE/g. The extract had scavenging capacities against DPPH, ABTS +, and peroxyl radicals and suppressed LPS stimulated IL-1β, IL-6, and COX-2 mRNA expressions in a dose-dependent manner. Ferulic, p-coumaric, isoferulic, and p-hydroxybenzoic acids were found in the red sorghum, with ferulic acid as the predominant phenolic acid and mostly in an insoluble bound form. These data indicated a potential utilization of the red sorghum in health-promoting functional food or supplemental products.

Identifying Antibacterial Compounds in Black Walnuts (Juglans nigra) Using a Metabolomics Approach

Black walnut (Juglans nigra L.) is one of the most economically valuable hardwood species and a high value tree for edible nut production in the United States. Although consumption of black walnut has been linked to multiple health-promoting effects (e.g., antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory), the bioactive compounds have not been systematically characterized. In addition, the associations between different black walnut cultivars and their health-promoting compounds have not been well established. In this study, the kernels of twenty-two black walnut cultivars selected for nut production by the University of Missouri Center for Agroforestry (Columbia, MO, USA) were evaluated for their antibacterial activities using agar-well diffusion assay. Among the selected cultivars, four black walnut cultivars (i.e., Mystry, Surprise, D.34, and A.36) exhibited antibacterial activity against a Gram-positive bacterium (Staphylococcus aureus), whereas other cultivars showed no effect on the inhibition of this bacterium. The antibacterial compounds showing the strongest activity were isolated with bioassay-guided purification and identified using a metabolomics approach. Six antibacterial bioactive compounds responsible for antimicrobial activity were successfully identified. Glansreginin A, azelaic acid, quercetin, and eriodictyol-7-O-glucoside are novel antibacterial compounds identified in the kernels of black walnuts. The metabolomics approach provides a simple and cost-effective tool for bioactive compound identification.

Chemical and Nutritional Composition of Terminalia ferdinandiana (Kakadu Plum) Kernels: A Novel Nutrition Source

Terminalia ferdinandiana (Kakadu plum) is a native Australian fruit. Industrial processing of T. ferdinandiana fruits into puree generates seeds as a by-product, which are generally discarded. The aim of our present study was to process the seed to separate the kernel and determine its nutritional composition. The proximate, mineral and fatty acid compositions were analysed in this study. Kernels are composed of 35% fat, while proteins account for 32% dry weight (DW). The energy content and fiber were 2065 kJ/100 g and 21.2% DW, respectively. Furthermore, the study showed that kernels were a very rich source of minerals and trace elements, such as potassium (6693 mg/kg), calcium (5385 mg/kg), iron (61 mg/kg) and zinc (60 mg/kg) DW, and had low levels of heavy metals. The fatty acid composition of the kernels consisted of omega-6 fatty acid, linoleic acid (50.2%), monounsaturated oleic acid (29.3%) and two saturated fatty acids namely palmitic acid (12.0%) and stearic acid (7.2%). The results indicate that T. ferdinandiana kernels have the potential to be utilized as a novel protein source for dietary purposes and non-conventional supply of linoleic, palmitic and oleic acids.

Lipids characterization of ultrasound and microwave processed germinated sorghum

Background

Cereal crops and oilseeds provide diverse pool of fatty acids with characteristic properties. Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) provides the staple food with serving as main source of energy and protein. Germination of sorghum generally increases the nutritive value of seeds and the effects of germination on lipids composition of seeds vary greatly with processing conditions. Therefore, the current study was conducted to compare the effect of emerging processing techniques such as ultrasound (US) and microwave (MW) on fatty acids composition and oil yield of sorghum seeds before and after germination.

Methods

Initially sorghum grains were soaked with 5% NaOCl (sodium hypochlorite) for surface sterilization. Afterwards, grains were soaked in excess water for 22 h at room temperature and were divided into four portions. The first portion (100 g grains) was subjected to germination without applying any microwave and ultrasonic treatment (T₀). Second portion was further divided into four groups (T₁, T₂, T₃, T₄) (100 g of each group) and grains were subjected to ultrasonic treatments using two different ultrasonic intensities (US₁: 40%; US₂: 60%) within range of 0–100% and with two different time durations (t_US1: 5 min; t_US2: 10 min) at constant temperature. Third portion was also divided into four groups (T₁, T₂, T₃, T₄) (100 g of each group) and exposed to microwave treatments at two different power levels (MW₁: 450 watt; MW₂: 700 watt) within the range of 100-900 W for two different time durations (t_MW1: 15 s; t_MW2: 30s). Similarly, fourth portion was divided into four groups (T₁, T₂, T₃, T₄) (100 g of each group). Each group was exposed to both MW (MW₁, MW₂) (100–900 watt power) & US (US₁, US₂) (0–100% intensity) treatments at two different time levels (t_US, t_MW). Then, germination was carried out and pre-treated raw and pre-treated germinated sorghum grains were analyzed for total oil yield, fatty acid composition and unsaturated fatty acids (Un-SFA)/saturated fatty acids (SFA) ratio by gas chromatography.

Results

The results revealed that oil yield in sorghum before and after germination ranged from 6.55 to 7.84% and 6.28 to 7.57%, respectively. All the microwave and ultrasound processed samples showed significant difference in oil yield than the raw sorghum grains. The highest tested yield was 7.84 ± 0.31% when combination of microwave power (700 W) and ultrasound intensity (60%) was applied for 30s and 10 min, respectively. The results further demonstrate that the raw sorghum contained palmitic (13.73 ± 0.10%), palmitoleic (0.43 ± 0.02%), stearic (1.07 ± 0.04%), oleic (37.15 ± 0.10%), linoleic (43.33 ± 0.21%), linolenic (1.55 ± 0.04%), arachidic acid (0.13 ± 0.01%) and eicosenoic acid (0.37 ± 0.02%), respectively. The highest fatty acid percentage for palmitic, stearic and arachidic acid was 13.75 ± 0.07%, 1.11 ± 0.09% and 0.15 ± 0.03% at 60% US intensity for 10 min (T₄), respectively. Maximum amount observed was 1.60 ± 0.09% of linolenic acid while amount of eicosenoic acid decreased from 0.37 ± 0.02% to 0.31 ± 0.01% after processing. In case of applying combination of microwave and sonication treatments, the change in eicosenoic acid increased from 0.35 ± 0.02% to 0.40 ± 0.04% while there was no significant change in other fatty acids. The ungerminated sorghum oil possessed 14.93–15.05% and 82.83–83.12% of SFA and Un-SFA, respectively. After germination, percentage of saturated fatty acids increased (16.4–16.55%) while decreased for unsaturated fatty acids (80.13–80.56%) were noted.

Conclusions

The results of the present study conclude that the yield of oil from sorghum grains increased by emerging processing. Fatty acid analysis of sorghum oil suggested that pre-treatment strategies will not affect the quality of the oil with respect to essential fatty acids content. Overall, the composition of saturated fatty acid in germinated grain is improved than ungerminated grains after processing.

Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.): Nutrients, bioactive compounds, and potential impact on human health

Sorghum is the fifth most produced cereal in the world and is a source of nutrients and bioactive compounds for the human diet. We summarize the recent findings concerning the nutrients and bioactive compounds of sorghum and its potential impact on human health, analyzing the limitations and positive points of the studies and proposing directions for future research. Sorghum is basically composed of starch, which is more slowly digested than that of other cereals, has low digestibility proteins and unsaturated lipids, and is a source of some minerals and vitamins. Furthermore, most sorghum varieties are rich in phenolic compounds, especially 3-deoxyanthocyanidins and tannins. The results obtained in vitro and in animals have shown that phenolics compounds and fat soluble compounds (polycosanols) isolated from sorghum benefit the gut microbiota and parameters related to obesity, oxidative stress, inflammation, diabetes, dyslipidemia, cancer, and hypertension. The effects of whole sorghum and its fractions on human health need to be evaluated. In conclusion, sorghum is a source of nutrients and bioactive compounds, especially 3-deoxyanthocyanidins, tannins, and polycosanols, which beneficially modulate, in vitro and in animals, parameters related to noncommunicable diseases. Studies should be conducted to evaluate the effects of different processing on protein and starch digestibility of sorghum as well as on the profile and bioavailability of its bioactive compounds, especially 3-deoxyanthocyanidins and tannins. Furthermore, the benefits resulting from the interaction of bioactive compounds in sorghum and human microbiota should be studied.

Gene expression profile of high-fat diet-fed C57BL/6J mice: in search of potential role of azelaic acid

High-fat diet (HFD) elevates circulatory fatty acids and influences glucose and fat metabolism. Azelaic acid (AzA), a naturally occurring α,ω-dicarboxylic acid in wheat, rye, barley, oat seeds and sorghum, has been reported to exert antidiabetic effects in HFD-induced type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) C57BL/6J mice. The present study was undertaken to identify the genes that are differentially modulated by treatment with AzA in HFD-fed mice. Mice were fed HFD for 10 weeks and subjected to intragastric administration of 80 mg/kg body weight (BW) of AzA daily along with HFD from 11 to 15 weeks. Lipid profile, adipokines and cytokines were examined in the plasma/liver of mice. Whole genome profiling was performed in the liver of mice using microarray and validated by qRT-PCR, Western blot and immunohistochemical analyses. HFD intake resulted in significantly elevated lipids (except high-density lipoproteins), resistin, tumour necrosis factor alpha and interleukin-6 with marked reduction in adiponectin. Administration of AzA to HFD-fed mice significantly restored the lipids, adipokines and cytokines to near normal. Transcript profiling revealed that HFD intake activated the genes involved in stress response, cell cycle regulation and apoptosis. Treatment with AzA caused increased expression of genes involved in reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging, receptor-mediated signalling, transcription, protein modification and insulin signal transduction. AzA activates insulin signal molecules leading to insulin sensitivity. The ability of AzA to modulate the expression of these genes supports the notion that AzA is a promising drug candidate for the treatment of insulin resistance associated with T2DM.