Nutritional and bioactive properties and antioxidant potential of Amaranthus tricolor, A. lividus, A viridis, and A. spinosus leafy vegetables

Climate change results in continuous warming of the planet, threatening sustainable crop production around the world. Amaranth is an abiotic stress-tolerant, climate-resilient, C4 leafy orphan vegetable that has grown rapidly with great divergence and potential usage. The C4 photosynthesis allows amaranth to be grown as a sustainable future food crop across the world. Most amaranth species grow as weeds in many parts of the world, however, a few amaranth species can be also found in cultivated form. Weed species can be used as a folk medicine to relieve pain or reduce fever thanks to their antipyretic and analgesic properties. In this study, nutritional value, bioactive pigments, bioactive compounds content, and radical scavenging potential (RSP) of four weedy and cultivated (WC) amaranth species were evaluated. The highest dry matter, carbohydrate content, ash, content of iron, copper, sodium, boron, molybdenum, zinc, β-carotene and carotenoids, vitamin C, total polyphenols (TP), RSP (DPPH), and RSP (ABTS+) was determined in Amaranthus viridis (AV). On the other hand, A. spinosus (AS) was found to have the highest content of protein, fat, dietary fiber, manganese, molybdenum, and total flavonoids (TF). In A. tricolor (AT) species the highest total chlorophyll, chlorophyll a and b, betaxanthin, betacyanin, and betalain content was determined. A. lividus (AL) was evaluated as the highest source of energy. AV and AT accessions are underutilized but promising vegetables due to their bioactive phytochemicals and antioxidants.

New Insights into the Comprehensive System of Thermodynamic Sensors and Electronic Nose and Its Practical Applications in Dough Fermentation Monitoring

This study focuses on an applicability of the device designed for monitoring dough fermentation. The device combines a complex system of thermodynamic sensors (TDSs) with an electronic nose (E-nose). The device's behavior was tested in experiments with dough samples. The configuration of the sensors in the thermodynamic system was explored and their response to various positions of the heat source was investigated. When the distance of the heat source and its intensity from two thermodynamic sensors changes, the output signal of the thermodynamic system changes as well. Thus, as the distance of the heat source decreases or the intensity increases, there is a higher change in the output signal of the system. The linear trend of this change reaches an R2 value of 0.936. Characteristics of the doughs prepared from traditional and non-traditional flours were successfully detected using the electronic nose. To validate findings, the results of the measurements were compared with signals from the rheofermentometer Rheo F4, and the correlation between the output signals was closely monitored. The data after statistical evaluation show that the measurements using thermodynamic sensors and electronic nose directly correlate the most with the measured values of the fermenting dough volume. Pearson's correlation coefficient for TDSs and rheofermentometer reaches up to 0.932. The E-nose signals also correlate well with dough volume development, up to 0.973. The data and their analysis provided by this study declare that the used system configuration and methods are fully usable for this type of food analysis and also could be usable in other types of food based on the controlled fermentation. The system configuration, based on the result, will be also used in future studies.

Valorization of grape (Vitis vinifera) leaves for bioactive compounds: novel green extraction technologies and food-pharma applications

Grape leaves, scientifically known as Vitis vinifera, the primary by-product obtained after the processing of grapes, are gathered in enormous amounts and disposed of as agricultural waste. For more sustainable agriculture and better food systems, it is crucial to investigate these byproducts' nutritional values. The primary bioactive compounds present in grape leaves are quercetin, resveratrol, caffeic acid, kaempferol, and gallic acid, which favour pharmacological effects on human health such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-obesity, anti-diabetic, and hepatoprotective. Furthermore, grape leaves extract has been used as a functional ingredient for creating both food and non-food products. The aim of the current review is to review the nutritional and phytochemical composition of various varieties of grape leaves, their health-promoting characteristics and their applications. The study also highlights the various extraction techniques including conventional and non-conventional methods for extracting the various bioactive compounds present in grape leaves. Grape leaves bioactives can be extracted using environmentally safe and sustainable processes, which are in line with the rising demand for eco-friendly and healthful products worldwide. These methods are perfectly suited to the changing needs of both customers and industries since they lessen environmental effect, enhance product quality, and offer financial advantages.

3D Printed Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) Capillaries for Chemiresistive Gas Sensors

This paper discusses the possible use of 3D fused deposition modeling (FDM) to fabricate capillaries for low-cost chemiresistive gas sensors that are often used in various applications. The disadvantage of these sensors is low selectivity, but 3D printed FDM capillaries have the potential to increase their selectivity. Capillaries with 1, 2 and 3 tiers with a length of 1.5 m, 3.1 m and 4.7 m were designed and manufactured. Food and goods available in the general trade network were used as samples (alcohol, seafood, chicken thigh meat, acetone-free nail polish remover and gas from a gas lighter) were also tested. The "Vodka" sample was used as a standard for determining the effect of capillary parameters on the output signal of the MiCS6814 sensor. The results show the shift of individual parts of the signal in time depending on the parameters of the capillary and the carrier air flow. A three-tier capillary was chosen for the comparison of gas samples with each other. The graphs show the differences between individual samples, not only in the height of the output signal but also in its time characteristic. The tested 3D printed FDM capillaries thus made it possible to characterize the output response by also using an inexpensive chemiresistive gas sensor in the time domain.

Fruit Quality Characteristics of Service Tree (Sorbus domestica L.) Genotypes

In this study, agro-morphological properties, phenolic compounds, and organic acid contents in the fruits of service tree (Sorbus domestica L.) genotypes naturally grown in Türkiye (Bolu) were determined. The fruit weights of genotypes were found to be quite variable, ranging from 5.42 g (14MR05) to 12.54 g (14MR07). The highest L*, a*, and b* fruit external color values were found to be 34.65 (14MR04), 10.48 (14MR09), and 9.10 (14MR08), respectively. The highest chroma and hue values were recorded as 12.87 (14MR09) and 49.07 (14MR04), respectively. 14MR03 and 14MR08 genotypes exhibited the highest amount of soluble solid content and titratable acidity (TA) as 20.58 and 1.55%, respectively. The pH value was found to be in the range of 3.98 (14MR010)-4.32 (14MR04). Chlorogenic acid (14MR10, 48.49 mg/100 g), ferulic acid (14MR10, 36.93 mg/100 g), and rutin (14MR05, 36.95 mg/100 g) were predominant phenolic acids observed in the fruits of service tree genotypes. The predominant organic acid in all fruit samples was malic acid (14MR07, 34.14 g/kg fresh weight basis), and the highest quantity of vitamin C was detected at 95.83 mg/100 g in genotype 14MR02. Principal component analyses (%) were performed to determine the correlation between the morphological-physicochemical (60.6%) and biochemical characteristics of genotypes (phenolic compounds: 54.3%; organic acids and vitamin C: 79.9%). It was determined that measured genotypes were important genetic resources in terms of nutritional value.

Influence of drought stress and mycorrhizal (Funneliformis mosseae) symbiosis on growth parameters, chlorophyll fluorescence, antioxidant activity, and essential oil composition of summer savory (Satureja hortensis L.) plants

Introduction

Drought stress unfavorably influences the growth and physiological traits of plants in the arid and semi-arid regions of the world. This study aimed to determine the effects of arbuscular mycorrhiza fungi (AMF; Funneliformis mosseae) inoculation on the physiological and biochemical responses of summer savory (Satureja hortensis L.) under different irrigation regimes.

Methods

The first factor was different irrigation regimes, including no drought stress (100% field capacity; FC), moderate drought stress (60% FC), and severe drought stress (30% FC); the second factor included the plants without AMF (AMF₀) and with AMF inoculation (AMF₁).

Results

The results showed that better values, higher plant height, shoot mass (fresh and dry weight), relative water content (RWC), membrane stability index (MSI), photosynthesis pigments, Fv, Fm, Fv/Fm, and total soluble proteins were obtained in the plants inoculated with AMF. The highest values were obtained for plants with no drought stress, then the plants subjected to AMF₁ under 60% FC, and the lowest ones for plants under 30% FC without AMF inoculation. Thus, these properties are reduced under moderate and severe drought stress. At the same time, the utmost activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), guaiacol peroxidase (GPX), and the highest malondialdehyde (MDA), H₂O₂, proline, and antioxidant activity (TAA) were achieved for 30% FC + AMF₀. It was also found that AMF inoculation improved essential oil (EO) composition, also as EO obtained from plants under drought stress. Carvacrol (50.84-60.03%) was the dominant component in EO; γ-terpinene (19.03-27.33%), p-cymene, α-terpinene, and myrcene, were recognized as other important components in EO. The higher carvacrol and γ-terpinene contents were obtained from summer savory plants with AMF inoculation and the lowest for plants without AMF and under 30% FC.

Conclusion

According to the present findings, using AMF inoculation could be a sustainable and eco-friendly approach to improve physiological and biochemical characteristics and the essential oil quality of summer savory plants under water shortage conditions.

New insights of the application of water or ethanol-water plant extract rich in active compounds in food

Plants are recognized as natural sources of antioxidants (e.g., polyphenols, flavonoids, vitamins, and other active compounds) that can be extracted by green solvents like water, ethanol, or their binary mixtures. Plant extracts are becoming more used as food additives in various food systems due to their antioxidant abilities. Their application in food increases the shelf life of products by preventing undesirable changes in nutritional and sensory properties, such as the formation off-flavors in lipid-rich food. This review summarizes the most recent literature about water or ethanol-water plant extracts used as flavors, colorings, and preservatives to fortify food and beverages. This study is performed with particular attention to describing the benefits of plant extract-fortified products such as meat, vegetable oils, biscuits, pastries, some beverages, yogurt, cheese, and other dairy products. Antioxidant-rich plant extracts can positively affect food safety by partially or fully replacing synthetic antioxidants, which have lately been linked to safety and health issues such as toxicological and carcinogenic consequences. On the other hand, the limitations and challenges of using the extract in food should be considered, like stability, level of purity, compatibility with matrix, price, sensory aspects like distinct taste, and others. In the future, continuous development and a tendency to use these natural extracts as food ingredients are expected, as indicated by the number of published works in this area, particularly in the past decade.

Polyethylene Glycol and Sorbitol-Mediated In Vitro Screening for Drought Stress as an Efficient and Rapid Tool to Reach the Tolerant Cucumis melo L. Genotypes

An efficient method to instantly assess drought-tolerant plants after germination is using osmoregulation in tissue culture media. In this study, the responses of three Iranian melon genotypes to sorbitol (0.1, 0.2, and 0.4 M) or polyethylene glycol (PEG) (0.009, 0.012, and 0.015 M) were evaluated as drought stress simulators in MS medium. 'Girke' (GIR), 'Ghobadloo' (GHO), and 'Toghermezi' (TOG) were the genotypes. GIR is reputed as a drought-tolerant genotype in Iran. The PEG or sorbitol decreased the coleoptile length, fresh weight, and photosynthetic pigments content while enhancing proline and malondialdehyde (MDA) contents. Protein content and antioxidant enzyme activity were utterly dependent on genotype, osmotic regulators, and their concentration. Coleoptile length, root and shoot fresh weight, root dry weight, proline and MDA content, and guaiacol peroxidase (GPX) activity can be used as indicators for in vitro screening of Cucumis melo L. genotypes. The results showed that sorbitol mimics drought stress better than PEG. Overall, our findings suggest that in vitro screening could be an accurate, rapid, and reliable methodology for evaluating and identifying drought-tolerant genotypes.

Use of a Thermodynamic Sensor in Monitoring Fermentation Processes in Gluten-Free Dough Proofing

Dough fermentation in gluten-free bakery products is problematic due to the absence of gluten, which provides advantageous rheological properties. A thermodynamic sensor (TDS) system combined with an electronic nose was tested as an alternative to conventional methods monitoring dough development based on mechanical properties. In the first part, the configuration of the sensors in the thermodynamic system and their response to different heat-source positions, which significantly affect the output signal from the measurement system, were investigated. The practical contribution lies in the application of the measurements to the example of gluten-free doughs with and without edible insect enrichment. An optimized configuration of the thermodynamic system (one sensor on the inner wall of the container at the bottom and another in the middle of the container closer to the top of the dough) in combination with an experimental electronic nose was used for the aforementioned measurement. In some cases, up to 87% correlation between the signal from the TDS and the signals from a professional rheofermentometer Rheo F-4 (Chopin) was demonstrated. The differences between the results can be explained by the use of different techniques. Using a combination of sensor systems in one place, one time and one sample can lead to more comprehensive and robust results. Furthermore, it was shown that the fermentation activity increased in corn dough with the addition of insects compared to dough without the addition. In rice flour dough with the addition of edible insects, fermentation activity was similar to that of the flour without the addition.

Chemical Composition Assessment of Structural Parts (Seeds, Peel, Pulp) of Physalis alkekengi L. Fruits

In recent years there has been an extensive search for nature-based products with functional potential. All structural parts of Physalis alkekengi (bladder cherry), including fruits, pulp, and less-explored parts, such as seeds and peel, can be considered sources of functional macro- and micronutrients, bioactive compounds, such as vitamins, minerals, polyphenols, and polyunsaturated fatty acids, and dietetic fiber. The chemical composition of all fruit structural parts (seeds, peel, and pulp) of two phenotypes of P. alkekengi were studied. The seeds were found to be a rich source of oil, yielding 14–17%, with abundant amounts of unsaturated fatty acids (over 88%) and tocopherols, or vitamin E (up to 5378 mg/kg dw; dry weight). The predominant fatty acid in the seed oils was linoleic acid, followed by oleic acid. The seeds contained most of the fruit’s protein (16–19% dw) and fiber (6–8% dw). The peel oil differed significantly from the seed oil in fatty acid and tocopherol composition. Seed cakes, the waste after oil extraction, contained arginine and aspartic acid as the main amino acids; valine, phenylalanine, threonine, and isoleucine were present in slightly higher amounts than the other essential amino acids. They were also rich in key minerals, such as K, Mg, Fe, and Zn. From the peel and pulp fractions were extracted fruit concretes, aromatic products with specific fragrance profiles, of which volatile compositions (GC-MS) were identified. The major volatiles in peel and pulp concretes were β-linalool, α-pinene, and γ-terpinene. The results from the investigation substantiated the potential of all the studied fruit structures as new sources of bioactive compounds that could be used as prospective sources in human and animal nutrition, while the aroma-active compounds in the concretes supported the plant’s potential in perfumery and cosmetics.

A Study on the Applicability of Thermodynamic Sensors in Fermentation Processes in Selected Foods

This study focuses on the use of thermodynamic sensors (TDS) in baking, brewing, and yogurt production at home. Using thermodynamic sensors, a change in the temperature flow between the two sensor elements during fermentation was observed for the final mixture (complete recipe for pizza dough production), showing the possibility of distinguishing some phases of the fermentation process. Even during the fermentation process in the preparation of wort and yogurt with non-traditional additives, the sensors were able to indicate significant parts of the process, including the end of the process. The research article also mentions as a new idea the use of trivial regulation at home in food production to determine the course of the fermentation process. The results presented in this article show the possibility of using TDS for more accurate characterization and adjustment of the production process of selected foods in the basic phase, which will be further applicable in the food industry, with the potential to reduce the cost of food production processes that involve a fermentation process.

Chemical, Nutritional and Sensory Characteristics of Six Ornamental Edible Flowers Species

Ornamental edible flowers can be used as novel nutraceutical sources with valuable biological properties. The purpose of this study was to establish nutritional, chemical, and sensory characteristics, antioxidant capacity (AC), and the relationship between their bioactive components and AC. The selected flowers Begonia × tuberhybrida, Tropaeolum majus, Calendula officinalis, Rosa, Hemerocallis, and Tagetes patula, can be easily collected due to their larger size. Their methanolic extracts were spectrophotometrically determined for polyphenols, flavonoids, and AC. Mineral elements were analyzed by atomic-absorption spectroscopy; crude protein was quantified by the Kjeldahl method. Eventually, 30 panelists evaluated sensory properties in 11 attributes. In addition, this study may serve to popularize selected blossoms. In flowers the contents of minerals were in this order: K > Ca > P > Mg > Na > Zn > Mn > Fe > Cu > Mo. AC ranged between 4.11 and 7.94 g of ascorbic acid equivalents/kg of fresh mass. The correlation coefficients between AC-total phenolics and AC-total flavonoids were r = 0.73* and r = 0.58*, respectively. It is also possible to observe a strong correlation between mineral elements and bioactive compounds. Hemerocallis was rated as the best and most tasteful; additionally, it exhibited the highest AC, total phenolic and flavonoid contents.

Influence of Pre-Harvest Gibberellic Acid and Post-Harvest 1-methyl Cyclopropane Treatments on Phenolic Compounds, Vitamin C and Organic Acid Contents during the Shelf Life of Strawberry Fruits

In recent years, significant portions of the fresh fruits and vegetables produced worldwide have been decaying before reaching the consumer because of insufficient preservation after harvest. In this direction, we carried the study out to investigate the effect of gibberellic acid (GA3) and 1-methyl cyclopropane (1-MCP) applications on phenolic compounds and organic acid contents of the strawberry fruits (cv. Albion) during shelf-life. Gibberellic acid treatments, which prepared in two different concentrations (50 and 100 ppm), were performed by spraying the leaves before harvest. 1-methyl cyclopropane applied after harvest. The results of the study showed a greater decrease in organic acids (except oxalic and succinic acid) in Gibberellic acid-applied fruits during shelf-life. Citric acid was recorded as the most abundant organic acid in the control group. In phenolic compounds, gallic acid (15.22 mg 100 g-1) and ellagic acid (9.38 mg 100 g-1) were recorded as the highest phenolic compounds on the third day. 1-MCP and GA3 (50 ppm) + 1-MCP treatment reduced the breakdown of vitamin C during the shelf-life of strawberry fruits compared to the control group. As a result, phenolic compounds, vitamin C, and organic acids decreased during the shelf-life, and 1-MCP applications slowed down the breakdown of these compounds.

Determination of selected terpenic substances in grapes and wine of the cultivar Pálava

The presented study is focused on the determination of the content of terpenic substances in grapes and subsequently produced a wine of Czech variety Pálava (the Czech Republic, wine region Morava), which is a protected landscape with long-term tradition and culture. The aim of this study was the analysis of the aromatic profile of the cultivar Pálava, which was fermented by the original yeast strains from the Moravian wine region. Larger amounts of flavoring substances occur in grapes as bound flavoring substances, most often in the form of glycosides. One of the basic groups of aromatic substances is monoterpenes. The content of twelve free and bound terpenic substances was measured by the GC-MS method, namely linalool, ho-trineol, α-terpeniol, β-citronellol, nerol, geraniol, furan linalool oxide 1, furan linalool oxide 2, nerol oxide, epoxylinalol 1, epoxylinalol 2 and 2,6-dimethyl-3,7-octadiene-2,6-diol. The results were statistically compared by using a simple descriptive statistical method and ANOVA method. We noted a difference between the content of free and bound terpenes was very significant (p ≤0.05). We found that using uncommercial yeasts could have an effect on the content of the volatile and terpenic compounds in wines. An important finding was that in fresh berry extracts there was a higher proportion of bound terpenes than free terpenes. The results have shown that the production technology of wine and the fermentation process has a clear impact on the content of the substances.

The study of selected components of grape and fruit wines

This study aimed to compare chemical properties, in terms of the content of volatile substances, antioxidant compounds, and antioxidant activity (AOA), in samples of fruit and grape wines. For this purpose, the following types of wine were selected, namely fruit wines (apple, strawberry, and elderberry) and grape wines (Müller-Thurgau, St. Lawrence Rosé, and Blue Portugal). Basic analyses of fruit and grape wines were conducted by using the ALPHA method and volatile substances in wines were determined by the GS/MC method. The antioxidant content and AOA were estimated by spectrophotometry, using two types of DPPH method. The results of the experiment showed that the highest values of antioxidant compounds (anthocyanins and flavanols) were found in the samples of Blue Portugal wine and elderberry wine. Significant differences were determined among the wines in antioxidant content, which may have been influenced by the production technology. The results showed that the alcohol content of the wines ranged from 10.99% to 19.49% vol. The highest alcohol content was measured in the elderberry wine samples and the lowest in those of the apple wine. The strawberry wine had the highest titratable acid content, which corresponded to a pH of 3.38. The lowest content was measured in the apple wine samples. Due to the higher acid content of the strawberry wine, a higher residual sugar level of 46.9 g.L-1 was obtained. We noted that the red fruit wines contained a higher proportion of valuable bioactive substances than white grape wines. Wines with superior sensory properties did not contain higher levels of antioxidants or higher AOA. The research results can provide a helpful reference for the widespread use of grape and fruit wines in medical, nutritional, and other fields.

The Study of Antioxidant Components in Grape Seeds

The paper deals with the study of antioxidant properties of extracts from vine seeds (Vitis vinifera L.) using spectrometric and chromatographic techniques. Ten vine varieties (Cerason, Laurot, Kofranka, Gewürztraminer, Hibernal, Blaufrankisch, Zweigeltrebe, Erilon, Palava, and Welschriesling) obtained from the years 2015, 2016, and 2017 were selected for the study. The antioxidant activity was determined spectrophotometrically using four fundamentally different methods; the content of total polyphenolic compounds was determined using the Folin–Ciocalteu method. In 2015, the content of 14 antioxidants (gallic acid, caffeic acid, coumaric acid, coutaric acid, ferulic acid, fertaric acid, trans-piceid, trans-piceatannol, rutin, quercetin-3-β-d-glucoside, quercitrin, myricetin, catechin, and epicatechin) were studied. The results of the study show the high content of antioxidant components in grape seeds and the differences in content in individual varieties and in individual years.

Effect of Accumulation of Heavy Metals in the Red Fox Intestine on the Prevalence of Its Intestinal Parasites

Simple Summary

Heavy metal pollution of environmental ecosystems has become rather a significant factor in assessing them, as heavy metals can significantly influence animal health. The objective of this study was to examine a possible association between contents of selected heavy metals such as cadmium, copper, lead, chrome, zinc, and manganese in intestines of foxes and between prevalence of fox intestinal parasites. The association was not fully proven. On the contrary, sensitivity of parasites to cadmium was demonstrated; with increasing cadmium content in the intestine of the host, prevalence of parasites decreased to zero. No parasites were found in the intestine, when concentration of accumulated cadmium exceeded the level of 0.05 milligrams per kilogram, which represents the limit for meat (excluding offal) of bovine animals, sheep, pig, and poultry according to the Regulation (EU) No. 488/2014 amending the Regulation (EC) No. 1881/2006). Thus, even cadmium content below the above limit showed an impact on parasite biodiversity.

Abstract

The aim of this study was (i) to compare levels of accumulated heavy metals in the fox intestines with and without parasites. Moreover, our research also dealt with (ii) examination of the relationship between heavy metal content in fox intestines and between the presence of fox intestinal parasites. The intestines of 34 hunter-killed foxes were dissected to detect the occurrence of parasites. In 15 intestinal samples, parasitic intestinal helminths were found. Heavy metal content in small intestine tissue and in parasites was determined using atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS). The prevalence of parasites was significantly dependent on Cd content in the host’s small intestine (p < 0.01). To conclude, the authors suggest that parasites are sensitive to Cd levels; their prevalence in the intestines of the fox host decreases to zero with increasing Cd content.

Utilization of FT-NIR Spectroscopy to Check Acidity of Various Types of Cheeses

Background: Monitoring the acidity of cheese is an important control mechanism in various stages of manufacture, including aging. Acid development in cheesemaking is essential to cheese flavor, texture, and safety. Objective: The aim of the work was to develop and validate calibration models by using NIR spectroscopy, which allows for the monitoring of changes in cheese acidity (pH and titration acidity) during cheese ripening. Methods: Cheeses were analyzed by an FT-NIR spectrometer. Each of the samples was analyzed three times, and for calibration, an average spectrum was used. A partial least-squares regression was used to develop calibration models. The constructed calibration models were validating by full cross-validation. Results: Calibration models were created with a high correlation coefficient for the following cheese pH levels: blue cheese (0.966), Olomouc curd read smear cheese (0.984), and fresh goat cheese (0.980). Results of the calibration of titratable acidity are functional for fresh goat cheese (0.953) and mozzarella (0.999). Conclusions: The results of these new calibration methods showed the possibility of NIR technology for the fast determination of pH and titratable acidity. Highlights: Detection of cheese acidity using FT-NIR spectrometry enables rapid evaluation of the process of lactic acidification in particular cheese technological operations, including the maturing of cheeses.

Bioactive Compounds, Antioxidant Activity, and Biological Effects of European Cranberry (Vaccinium oxycoccos)

Lesser known fruits or underutilized fruit species are recently of great research interest due to the presence of phytochemicals that manifest many biological effects. European cranberry, Vaccinium oxycoccos fruit, as an important representative of this group, is a valuable source of antioxidants and other biologically active substances, similar to American cranberry (V. macrocarpon) which is well known and studied. European cranberry fruit is rich especially in polyphenolic compounds anthocyanins (12.4⁻207.3 mg/100 g fw), proanthocyanins (1.5⁻5.3 mg/100 g fw), and flavonols, especially quercetin (0.52⁻15.4 mg/100 g fw), which mostly contribute to the antioxidant activity of the fruit. Small cranberry is also important due to its various biological effects such as urinary tract protection (proanthocyanidins), antibacterial and antifungal properties (quercetin, proanthocyanidins, anthocyanins), cardioprotective (proanthocyanidins) and anticancer activities (proanthocyanidins), and utilization in food (juice drinks, jams, jellies, sauces, additive to meat products) and pharmacological industries, and in folk medicine.

Fruits of Black Chokeberry Aronia melanocarpa in the Prevention of Chronic Diseases

In recent years, growing attention has been focused on the utilization of natural sources of antioxidants in the prevention of chronic diseases. Black chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa) represents a lesser known fruit species utilized mainly as juices, purees, jams, jellies and wine, as important food colorants or nutritional supplements. The fruit is valued as a great source of antioxidants, especially polyphenols, such as phenolic acids (neochlorogenic and chlorogenic acids) and flavonoids (anthocyanins, proanthocyanidins, flavanols and flavonols), particularly cyanidin-3-galactoside and cyanidin-3-arabinoside, as well as (-)-epicatechin units. The berries of A. melanocarpa, due to the presence and the high content of these bioactive components, exhibit a wide range of positive effects, such as strong antioxidant activity and potential medicinal and therapeutic benefits (gastroprotective, hepatoprotective, antiproliferative or anti-inflammatory activities). They could be also contributory toward the prevention of chronic diseases including metabolic disorders, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases, because of supportive impacts on lipid profiles, fasting plasma glucose and blood pressure levels.

Accuracy of the FT-NIR Method in Evaluating the Fat Content of Milk Using Calibration Models Developed for the Reference Methods According to Röse-Gottlieb and Gerber

The study examined the effect of the choice of reference method on the functionality and reliability of calibrations in near-IR (NIR) spectroscopy intended for measuring the fat content in raw cow's milk. The fat content in the milk samples was evaluated using methods according to either Röse-Gottlieb or Gerber. The same samples were then subjected to analysis on an Antaris FT-NIR spectrometer. Using a partial least-squares algorithm, calibration models were created for both methods from the values measured. The calibration models show very good values of standard error of calibration: 0.133 for the Gerber method and 0.095 for the Röse-Gottlieb method. These calibrations were subsequently used to analyze 30 new samples of cow's milk of undefined fat content, and the differences in the values were evaluated using statistical paired t-test to a median value at a probability level of α = 0.05. No statistically significant differences were found. It was revealed that the reference method used for calibrating the device evaluating the fat content in raw cow's milk has no effect on the functionality and reliability of the calibration model.

Quercetin and Its Anti-Allergic Immune Response

Quercetin is the great representative of polyphenols, flavonoids subgroup, flavonols. Its main natural sources in foods are vegetables such as onions, the most studied quercetin containing foods, and broccoli; fruits (apples, berry crops, and grapes); some herbs; tea; and wine. Quercetin is known for its antioxidant activity in radical scavenging and anti-allergic properties characterized by stimulation of immune system, antiviral activity, inhibition of histamine release, decrease in pro-inflammatory cytokines, leukotrienes creation, and suppresses interleukin IL-4 production. It can improve the Th1/Th2 balance, and restrain antigen-specific IgE antibody formation. It is also effective in the inhibition of enzymes such as lipoxygenase, eosinophil and peroxidase and the suppression of inflammatory mediators. All mentioned mechanisms of action contribute to the anti-inflammatory and immunomodulating properties of quercetin that can be effectively utilized in treatment of late-phase, and late-late-phase bronchial asthma responses, allergic rhinitis and restricted peanut-induced anaphylactic reactions. Plant extract of quercetin is the main ingredient of many potential anti-allergic drugs, supplements and enriched products, which is more competent in inhibiting of IL-8 than cromolyn (anti-allergic drug disodium cromoglycate) and suppresses IL-6 and cytosolic calcium level increase.

Comparison of FT-NIR Spectroscopy and ELISA for Detection of Adulteration of Goat Cheeses with Cow's Milk

This study investigated the ability of two methods to detect adulteration of goat cheeses via the addition of cow's milk, with a negligible effect on the raw materials. Cheeses were produced from a mixture of goat's and cow's milk and were then analyzed by Fourier transform near-IR (FT-NIR) spectroscopy and competitive ELISA. The cheese spectra were scanned in the spectroscope in reflectance mode on an integrating sphere at 80 scans and a resolution of 4 cm(-1). The spectra were evaluated via discriminant analysis, and a calibration was created via a partial least-squares algorithm to quantify the cow's milk admixture. A correlation coefficient of R = 0.999 was reached with a standard error of calibration of 0.0407. The results were statistically processed to a median value via a t-test. Adulteration detection by the ELISA method was performed using a commercial Milk Fraud/Bovine ELISA kit. It was found that the FT-NIR spectroscopy method is capable of detecting an admixture of cow's milk in goat cheese as small as 1%. The ELISA method did not return satisfactory results for the detection of adulteration with cow's milk.

Biogenic amines and hygienic quality of lucerne silage

This experiment examined the influence of two different silage additives of biological (Lactococcus lactis, Lactobacillus plantarum, Enterococcus faecium, enzyme xylanase) and chemical (43% formic acid, 30% ammonium formate, 10% propionic acid, 2% benzoic acid) types on biogenic amines concentration, nutrient content, fermentation process, and microbiologic indicators in lucerne (Medicago sativa) silage after 90 days of fermentation. The biological additive significantly (P < 0.05) increased putrescine (+51%), lactic acid (+11%) and protein content (+11%) in comparison with control silage. It significantly decreased cadaverine (−29%), histamine (−57%), spermidine (−15%), spermine (−55%), acetic acid (−40%), ethanol (−55%), ammonium (−25%) and ash (−9%). After the chemical-additive treatment, greater amounts of histamine and tyramine were recorded. Significant decrease was observed in the concentrations of putrescine (−18%), cadaverine (−55%), spermidine (−47%), spermine (−45%), lactic acid (−16%), acetic acid (−46%), ammonium (−59%), ash (−13%) and fat (−24%). Populations of bacteria associated with lactic acid fermentation, moulds, yeasts, enterobacteria and total microorganisms count were also influenced. Both biological and chemical additives can be highly recommended for producing high-quality silages meeting hygienic requirements. In lucerne silage, the chemical preservative showed a stronger effect in achieving the health safety of silage compared to the biological inoculant.

Bioactive Compounds and Antioxidant Activity in Different Types of Berries

Berries, especially members of several families, such as Rosaceae (strawberry, raspberry, blackberry), and Ericaceae (blueberry, cranberry), belong to the best dietary sources of bioactive compounds (BAC). They have delicious taste and flavor, have economic importance, and because of the antioxidant properties of BAC, they are of great interest also for nutritionists and food technologists due to the opportunity to use BAC as functional foods ingredients. The bioactive compounds in berries contain mainly phenolic compounds (phenolic acids, flavonoids, such as anthocyanins and flavonols, and tannins) and ascorbic acid. These compounds, either individually or combined, are responsible for various health benefits of berries, such as prevention of inflammation disorders, cardiovascular diseases, or protective effects to lower the risk of various cancers. In this review bioactive compounds of commonly consumed berries are described, as well as the factors influencing their antioxidant capacity and their health benefits.

Fatty Acids Composition of Vegetable Oils and Its Contribution to Dietary Energy Intake and Dependence of Cardiovascular Mortality on Dietary Intake of Fatty Acids

Characterizations of fatty acids composition in % of total methylester of fatty acids (FAMEs) of fourteen vegetable oils--safflower, grape, silybum marianum, hemp, sunflower, wheat germ, pumpkin seed, sesame, rice bran, almond, rapeseed, peanut, olive, and coconut oil--were obtained by using gas chromatography (GC). Saturated (SFA), monounsaturated (MUFA) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), palmitic acid (C16:0; 4.6%-20.0%), oleic acid (C18:1; 6.2%-71.1%) and linoleic acid (C18:2; 1.6%-79%), respectively, were found predominant. The nutritional aspect of analyzed oils was evaluated by determination of the energy contribution of SFAs (19.4%-695.7% E(RDI)), PUFAs (10.6%-786.8% E(RDI)), n-3 FAs (4.4%-117.1% E(RDI)) and n-6 FAs (1.8%-959.2% E(RDI)), expressed in % E(RDI) of 1 g oil to energy recommended dietary intakes (E(RDI)) for total fat (E(RDI)--37.7 kJ/g). The significant relationship between the reported data of total fat, SFAs, MUFAs and PUFAs intakes (% E(RDI)) for adults and mortality caused by coronary heart diseases (CHD) and cardiovascular diseases (CVD) in twelve countries has not been confirmed by Spearman's correlations.

Phenolic content and antioxidant capacity in algal food products

The study objective was to investigate total phenolic content using Folin-Ciocalteu's method, to assess nine phenols by HPLC, to determine antioxidant capacity of the water soluble compounds (ACW) by a photochemiluminescence method, and to calculate the correlation coefficients in commercial algal food products from brown (Laminaria japonica, Eisenia bicyclis, Hizikia fusiformis, Undaria pinnatifida) and red (Porphyra tenera, Palmaria palmata) seaweed, green freshwater algae (Chlorella pyrenoidosa), and cyanobacteria (Spirulina platensis). HPLC analysis showed that the most abundant phenolic compound was epicatechin. From spectrophotometry and ACW determination it was evident that brown seaweed Eisenia bicyclis was the sample with the highest phenolic and ACW values (193 mg·g-1 GAE; 7.53 µmol AA·g-1, respectively). A linear relationship existed between ACW and phenolic contents (r = 0.99). Some algal products seem to be promising functional foods rich in polyphenols.

Total phenolics, flavonoids, antioxidant activity, crude fibre and digestibility in non-traditional wheat flakes and muesli

The five different types of muesli composed of non-traditional wheat flakes were prepared and analysed. Dickkopf wheat, red wheat, kamut and spelt were compared with commercial wheat flakes. Wheat flakes and muesli were assessed for basic analyses (dry matter, ash, protein, starch and fat content), total phenolic and flavonoid content, antioxidant activity (ABTS and DPPH assays), crude fibre content and in vitro digestibility. Furthermore, sensory evaluation of muesli involving scale and ranking preference tests was provided. Flakes and muesli made from Dickkopf wheat and red wheat showed the highest total phenolic and flavonoid content and, consequently, the highest antioxidant activity. Moreover, these cereals were high in crude fibre and thus were less digestible. On the other hand, the lowest total phenolic and flavonoid contents and antioxidant activity were determined in commercial flakes and muesli produced from these flakes. The flakes made from non-traditional wheat were sensorially comparable to commercial products.

Evaluation of antioxidant activity, polyphenolic compounds, amino acids and mineral elements of representative genotypes of Lonicera edulis

The aim of this study was to evaluate the bioactive substances in 19 berry cultivars of edible honeysuckle (Loniceraedulis). A statistical evaluation was used to determine the relationship between the content of selected bioactive substances and individual cultivars. Regarding mineral elements, the content of sodium was measured using potentiometry and spectrophotometry. The content of selected polyphenolic compounds with high antioxidant activity was determined by a HPLC–UV/ED method. The total amount of polyphenols was determined by the Folin-Ciocalteu method. The antioxidant activity was determined using five methods (DPPH, FRAP, ABTS, FR and DMPD) that differ in their principles. The content of 13 amino acids was determined by ion-exchange chromatography. The experimental results obtained for the different cultivars were evaluated and compared by statistical and bioinformatic methods. A unique feature of this study lies in the exhaustive analysis of the chosen parameters (amino acids, mineral elements, polyphenolic compounds and antioxidant activity) during one growing season.

The influence of feeding GMO-peas on growth of animal models

Introduction of genetically modified (GM) food or feed into the commercial sale represents a very complicated process. One of the most important steps in approval process is the evaluation of all risks on the health status of people and animal models. Within our project the genetically modified peas was breeded that showed significant resistance against Pea seed-borne mosaic virus and Pea enation mosaic virus. Preclinical studies have been conducted to found out the effect of GMO peas on animals - rats of outbreeding line Wistar. In a total, 24 male, specific pathogen free Wistar rats were used in the experiment. At the beginning of the experiment, the animals were 28 days old. The three experimental groups with 8 individuals were created. The first group of rats was fed with GMO peas, the second group of rats consumed mix of pea cultivar Raman and the third group was control without pea addition (wheat and soya were used instead of pea). In the present study we focused our attention on health, growth and utility features of rats fed with GM pea. All characteristic were observed during the experiment lasting 35 days. Consumed feed was weighted daily and the weight of the animals was measured every seven days. The average values were compared within the groups. The aim of the experiment was to verify if resistant lines of pea influence the weight growth of animal models. The results of our experiment showed that even a high concentration (30% of GM pea) did not influence growth rate of rats to compare with both rats fed with pea of Raman cultivar and control group. We did not observe any health problems of animal models during the experiment.

Influence of extractive solvents on lipid and fatty acids content of edible freshwater algal and seaweed products, the green Microalga Chlorella kessleri and the Cyanobacterium Spirulina platensis

Total lipid contents of green (Chlorella pyrenoidosa, C), red (Porphyra tenera, N; Palmaria palmata, D), and brown (Laminaria japonica, K; Eisenia bicyclis, A; Undaria pinnatifida, W, WI; Hizikia fusiformis, H) commercial edible algal and cyanobacterial (Spirulina platensis, S) products, and autotrophically cultivated samples of the green microalga Chlorella kessleri (CK) and the cyanobacterium Spirulina platensis (SP) were determined using a solvent mixture of methanol/chloroform/water (1:2:1, v/v/v, solvent I) and n-hexane (solvent II). Total lipid contents ranged from 0.64% (II) to 18.02% (I) by dry weight and the highest total lipid content was observed in the autotrophically cultivated cyanobacterium Spirulina platensis. Solvent mixture I was found to be more effective than solvent II. Fatty acids were determined by gas chromatography of their methyl esters (% of total FAMEs). Generally, the predominant fatty acids (all results for extractions with solvent mixture I) were saturated palmitic acid (C16:0; 24.64%-65.49%), monounsaturated oleic acid (C18:1(n-9); 2.79%-26.45%), polyunsaturated linoleic acid (C18:2(n-6); 0.71%-36.38%), α-linolenic acid (C18:3(n-3); 0.00%-21.29%), γ-linolenic acid (C18:3(n-6); 1.94%-17.36%), and arachidonic acid (C20:4(n-6); 0.00%-15.37%). The highest content of ω-3 fatty acids (21.29%) was determined in Chlorella pyrenoidosa using solvent I, while conversely, the highest content of ω-6 fatty acids (41.42%) was observed in Chlorella kessleri using the same solvent.

Flavonoid profile of Saskatoon berries (Amelanchier alnifolia Nutt.) and their health promoting effects

Flavonoids are a significant group of secondary metabolites in plants. Many of these compounds are potent antioxidants, being an important part in food products derived from the plants. The current status of research on flavonoid compounds in the fruit of Saskatoon berries (Amelanchier alnifolia Nutt.) and their health promoting effects, including recommended utilization, are reviewed. The major classes of flavonoids in the fruit are flavonols (quercetin and rutin), flavanes (proanthocyanidin compounds ranging from dimers through to heptamers and even higher polymers) and finally anthocyanins. The flavonoids represented the group of polyphenols that mostly contributed to the antioxidant activity of Saskatoon berries. High content of the flavoinoids antioxidants in the fruit is responsible for the observed anti-inflammatory, antidiadiabetic and chemo-protective effects.

Phenolic compounds from Allium schoenoprasum, Tragopogon pratensis and Rumex acetosa and their antiproliferative effects

Experimental studies have shown that phenolic compounds have antiproliferative and tumour arresting effects. The aim of this original study was to investigate the content of phenolic compounds (PhC) in flowers of Allium schoenoprasum (chive), Tragopogon pratensis (meadow salsify) and Rumex acetosa (common sorrel) and their effect on proliferation of HaCaT cells. Antiproliferative effects were evaluated in vitro using the following concentrations of phenolic compounds in cultivation medium: 100, 75, 50 and 25 µg/mL. Phenolic composition was also determined by HPLC. The results indicate that even low concentrations of these flowers' phenolic compounds inhibited cell proliferation significantly and the possible use of the studied herb's flowers as sources of active phenolic compounds for human nutrition.

Effect of five different stages of ripening on chemical compounds in medlar (Mespilus germanica L.)

The study of changes of nutritional value of fruit during the ripening process can help estimate the optimal date for fruit harvesting to achieve the best quality for direct consumption and further utilization. The aim of this study was to monitor the changes of chemical composition of medlar fruit (Mespilus germanica L.) measured at five various ripening stages including 134, 144, 154, 164 and 174 days after full bloom (DAFB). Fruits were analyzed and ascorbic acid (AA) and total phenolic compound content with respect to the total antioxidant activity were determined. In addition, selected micronutrients and macronutrients were monitored. The results of our experiments demonstrate that ascorbic acid, total phenolic compound content and total antioxidant activity decreased significantly with increasing time of ripeness. The decreasing tendency in potassium, calcium and magnesium contents during the ripening stages was also determined. During the ripening period, the content of all micronutrients as well as phosphorus and sodium was balanced, with no statistically significant differences between the monitored ripening stages, which can be considered as a positive fact with respect to ideal consumption quality of fruit.