New Insights into the Antioxidant Compounds of Achenes and Sprouted Buckwheat Cultivated in the Republic of Moldova

Balancing the Oral Redox State: Endogenous and Exogenous Sources of Reactive Oxygen Species and the Antioxidant Role of Lamiaceae and Asteraceae

Background/Objectives: Oral health is a complex concept involving physical, psychological, emotional, and social components. A key factor in maintaining oral tissue integrity is redox balance, which is disrupted by oxidative stress (OS) through an imbalance between reactive oxygen species (ROS) and antioxidant defenses. This study examines the contribution of endogenous and exogenous sources to OS and explores the therapeutic potential of medicinal plants from the Asteraceae and Lamiaceae families in restoring redox homeostasis and improving oral health. Methods: A literature review was conducted, analyzing the role of OS in oral diseases and the antioxidant mechanisms of selected Asteraceae species. Special attention was given to their phytochemical contents-polyphenols, flavonoids, and essential oils-and their biological relevance to oral health. Results: OS plays a critical role in the onset and progression of oral conditions such as caries, periodontitis, gingivitis, aphthous ulcers, abscesses, precancerous lesions, and oral cancers. ROS and reactive nitrogen species (RNS) cause inflammation, tissue breakdown, and salivary gland dysfunction. Asteraceae plants like Matricaria chamomilla, Calendula officinalis, Cichorium intybus, Taraxacum officinale, Arctium lappa, Achillea millefolium, and Solidago virgaurea demonstrate notable antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties that help counteract OS and support oral homeostasis. Conclusions: Asteraceae and Lamiaceae species show high therapeutic potential in addressing OS-related oral disorders. Their bioactive compounds aid in restoring redox balance and protecting oral tissues. These findings support the integration of phytotherapeutic agents into oral healthcare and call for further clinical validation of plant-based strategies for disease prevention and management.

A decade of advances in the study of buckwheat for organic farming and agroecology (2013-2023)

During the last decade, research has shown the environment and human health benefits of growing buckwheat (Fagopyrum spp.). This comprehensive review aims to summarize the major advancements made in the study of buckwheat from 2013 to 2023, focusing on its agronomic characteristics, nutritional value, and potential applications in sustainable agriculture. The review examines the diverse applications of buckwheat in organic and agroecological farming systems, and discusses the ability of buckwheat to control weeds through allelopathy, competition, and other sustainable farming methods, such as crop rotation, intercropping and green manure, while improving soil health and biodiversity. The review also explores the nutritional value of buckwheat. It delves into the composition of buckwheat grains, emphasizing their high protein content, and the presence of essential amino acids and valuable micronutrients, which is linked to health benefits such as lowering cholesterol levels, controlling diabetes and acting against different types of cancer, among others. Finally, the review concludes by highlighting the gaps in current knowledge, and proposing future research directions to further optimize buckwheat production in organic or agroecological farming systems. It emphasizes the need for interdisciplinary collaboration, and the integration of traditional knowledge with modern scientific approaches to unlock the full potential of buckwheat as a sustainable crop.

Unlocking the Potential of Sprouted Cereals, Pseudocereals, and Pulses in Combating Malnutrition

Due to the global rise in food insecurity, micronutrient deficiency, and diet-related health issues, the United Nations (UN) has called for action to eradicate hunger and malnutrition. Grains are the staple food worldwide; hence, improving their nutritional quality can certainly be an appropriate approach to mitigate malnutrition. This review article aims to collect recent information on developing nutrient-dense grains using a sustainable and natural process known as "sprouting or germination" and to discuss novel applications of sprouted grains to tackle malnutrition (specifically undernutrition). This article discusses applicable interventions and strategies to encourage biochemical changes in sprouting grains further to boost their nutritional value and health benefits. It also explains opportunities to use spouted grains at home and in industrial food applications, especially focusing on domestic grains in regions with prevalent malnutrition. The common challenges for producing sprouted grains, their future trends, and research opportunities have been covered. This review article will benefit scientists and researchers in food, nutrition, and agriculture, as well as agrifood businesses and policymakers who aim to develop nutrient-enriched foods to enhance public health.

Performance of Thermoplastic Extrusion, Germination, Fermentation, and Hydrolysis Techniques on Phenolic Compounds in Cereals and Pseudocereals

Bioactive compounds, such as phenolic compounds, are phytochemicals found in significant amounts in cereals and pseudocereals and are usually evaluated by spectrophotometric (UV-VIS), HPLC, and LC-MS techniques. However, their bioavailability in grains is quite limited. This restriction on bioavailability and bioaccessibility occurs because they are in conjugated polymeric forms. Additionally, they can be linked through chemical esterification and etherification to macro components. Techniques such as thermoplastic extrusion, germination, fermentation, and hydrolysis have been widely studied to release phenolic compounds in favor of their bioavailability and bioaccessibility, minimizing the loss of these thermosensitive components during processing. The increased availability of phenolic compounds increases the antioxidant capacity and favor their documented health promoting.