scholarly journals Effects of Darkness and Light Spectra on Nutrients and Pigments in Radish, Soybean, Mung Bean and Pumpkin Sprouts

Antioxidants ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (6) ◽  
pp. 558 ◽  
Author(s):  
Linda Mastropasqua ◽  
Nunzio Dipierro ◽  
Costantino Paciolla

Fresh sprouts are an important source of antioxidant compounds and contain useful phytonutrients in the human diet. Many factors, such as the time of germination and types of light, influence the physiological processes and biosynthetic pathways in sprouts. The effect of red, blue and white light vs. dark conditions on the quality parameters in different sprout species after 5 d of germination was evaluated. Total ascorbate, soluble proteins, sugars, phenolic compounds, and pigments, such as carotenoids, chlorophylls, and anthocyanins, were investigated in radishes, soybeans, mung beans, and pumpkin sprouts. The light treatments increased the contents of vitamin C and the various pigments in all sprouts, conversely, they increased the soluble proteins and sugars, including d-glucose, d-fructose and sucrose, in soybeans and pumpkins, respectively. The dark treatment prevented the decrease in dry matter due to the lighting, while the red light induced an increase in polyphenols in soybean. These results suggest that the nutritional content of different sprouts grown under different light conditions depend on the dark or specific spectral wavelength used for their growth. The manuscript may increase the knowledge on light use for the industrialized food production aiming at preserving the phytonutrient content of vegetables, increasing the consumer health, or developing tailored diets for specific nutritional needs.

Foods ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 729
Author(s):  
Rosanna Ginocchio ◽  
Eduardo Muñoz-Carvajal ◽  
Patricia Velásquez ◽  
Ady Giordano ◽  
Gloria Montenegro ◽  
...  

The Mayten tree (Maytenus boaria Mol.), a native plant of Chile that grows under environmentally limiting conditions, was historically harvested to extract an edible oil, and may represent an opportunity to expand current vegetable oil production. Seeds were collected from Mayten trees in north-central Chile, and seed oil was extracted by solvent extraction. The seed oil showed a reddish coloration, with quality parameters similar to those of other vegetable oils. The fatty acid composition revealed high levels of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids. Oleic and linoleic acids, which are relevant to the human diet, were well represented in the extracted Mayten tree seed oil. The oil displayed an antioxidant capacity due to the high contents of antioxidant compounds (polyphenols and carotenoids) and may have potential health benefits for diseases associated with oxidative stress.


Nutrients ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (8) ◽  
pp. 1739 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elvira Verduci ◽  
Sofia D’Elios ◽  
Lucia Cerrato ◽  
Pasquale Comberiati ◽  
Mauro Calvani ◽  
...  

Cow’s milk and dairy are commonly consumed foods in the human diet and contribute to maintaining a healthy nutritional state, providing unique sources of energy, calcium, protein, and vitamins, especially during early childhood. Milk formula is usually made from cow’s milk and represents the first food introduced into an infant’s diet when breastfeeding is either not possible or insufficient to cover nutritional needs. Very recently, increased awareness of cow’s milk protein allergy and intolerance, and higher preference to vegan dietary habits have influenced parents towards frequently choosing cows’ milk substitutes for children, comprising other mammalian milk types and plant-based milk beverages. However, many of these milk alternatives do not necessarily address the nutritional requirements of infants and children. There is a strong need to promote awareness about qualitative and quantitative nutritional compositions of different milk formulas, in order to guide parents and medical providers selecting the best option for children. In this article, we sought to review the different compositions in terms of macronutrients and micronutrients of milk from different mammalian species, including special milk formulas indicated for cow’s milk allergy, and of plant-based milk alternatives.


Author(s):  
Rúben Marques ◽  
Sónia Cruz ◽  
Ricardo Calado ◽  
Ana Lillebø ◽  
Helena Abreu ◽  
...  

Abstract Codium tomentosum is a marine green macroalga with multiple value-added applications that is being successfully used as an extractive species in sustainable integrated multi-trophic aquaculture systems. Nonetheless, growth conditions of this species at an early development phase still require optimization. The present study addresses, under controlled laboratory conditions, the effects of photoperiod (long vs. short-day) and light spectra (white, blue, and red light) on growth and pigment composition of C. tomentosum. Relative growth rate was approximately 2× higher under long-day photoperiod (average of 39.2 and 20.1% week−1 for long and short-day, respectively). Concentrations per dry weight of major pigments such as chlorophyll a (Chla) and siphonoxanthin (Siph) were significantly higher under long-day photoperiod. Relative growth rates were higher under red light, intermediate under white light, and lower under blue light. These last results were rather surprising, as Siph-Chla/Chlb light harvesting complexes of Codium have increased absorption in the blue-green region of the light spectra. Changes in carbon allocation patterns caused by the spectral composition of light and overgrowth of green microalgae in blue light cultures could explain the differences recorded for relative growth rate. Long-day photoperiod and light sources with preferential emission at the red region of the light spectra were identified as optimal for growth of C. tomentosum at early development stages. These lighting conditions can reduce the time required to reach the necessary biomass before transfer to grow-out systems. Overall, these findings can shorten production time, increase macroalgal productivity, and enhance aquaculture revenues.


Molecules ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 25 (5) ◽  
pp. 1176 ◽  
Author(s):  
Celina Habryka ◽  
Robert Socha ◽  
Lesław Juszczak

Bee products, including propolis, are a valuable source of biologically active substances. The most natural way to introduce propolis in the diet seems to be its addition to honey. The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of honey enrichment with propolis on the content of selected bioactive compounds, antioxidant potential, as well as sensory and qualitative characteristics of honey. On the basis of the obtained results, it was stated that the addition of propolis extract to honey contributed to a significant increase in the content of polyphenolic compounds, including flavonoids and phenolic acids, among which chrysin, pinocembrin, p-coumaric, and ferulic acid reached the highest level. The increase of antioxidant, antiradical, and reduction in activity of enriched honey was observed as a result of increasing addition of propolis extract. However, the enrichment of honey with propolis contributed to deterioration of the sensory properties. The changes in color, smell, texture, and taste were observed. The addition of propolis to honey had no significant effect on 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) and sugar content, and specific conductivity. On the other hand, a significant increase in free acidity and content of substances insoluble in water was observed. The obtained results indicate that honey supplemented with propolis extract can be an excellent source of antioxidant compounds, nevertheless, the amount of additive used is strongly dependent on changes in sensory characteristics and consumer acceptability.


Agronomy ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (7) ◽  
pp. 394 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laura Barsanti ◽  
Primo Coltelli ◽  
Paolo Gualtieri

Tomatoes, the most cultivated vegetables worldwide, require large amounts of water and are adversely affected by water stress. Solanum lycopersicum L., cv. Micro-Tom was used to assess the effects of β-(1,3)-glucan (paramylon) purified from the microalga Euglena gracilis on drought resistance and fruit quality profile. Plants were grown in an aeroponic system under three cultivation conditions: optimal water regimen, water scarcity regimen, and water scarcity regimen coupled with a root treatment with paramylon. Eco–physiological, physicochemical and quality parameters were monitored and compared throughout the lifecycle of the plants. Drought stress caused only a transient effect on the eco–physiological parameters of paramylon-treated plants, whereas physicochemical and biochemical parameters underwent significant variations. In particular, the fruits of paramylon-treated plants reached the first ripening stage two weeks before untreated plants grown under the optimal water regime, while the fruits of stressed untreated plants did not ripe beyond category II. Moreover, antioxidant compounds (carotenoids, phenolic acid, and vitamins) of fruits from treated plants underwent a two-fold increase with respect to untreated plants, as well as soluble carbohydrates (glucose, fructose, and sucrose). These results show that paramylon increases plant resistance to drought and highly improves the quality profile of the fruits with respect to untreated plants grown under drought stress.


2013 ◽  
Vol 61 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-12 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. Balla ◽  
I. Karsai ◽  
S. Bencze ◽  
T. Kiss ◽  
O. Veisz

Stress tolerance is associated with the activation of antioxidant compounds and enzyme systems that are capable of neutralising the reactive oxygen species (ROS) continually produced in response to stress. The present experiment was designed to compare the heat tolerance of four winter wheat varieties in the shooting and grain-filling stages by investigating changes detected in antioxidant enzyme activity and yield components in response to heat stress.Heat treatment was found to cause a significant rise in the activity of the glutathione-S-transferase and catalase enzymes, while there was usually a less intense decline in the activity of guaiacol peroxidase.An analysis of yield data revealed that heat stress had a more pronounced effect during grain filling in this experiment than at the beginning of shooting, as shown by the greater reduction in thousand-kernel weight and yield.


2015 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nav Raj Adhikari ◽  
Surya Kant Ghimire ◽  
Shrawan Kumar Sah ◽  
Keshab Babu Koirala

National maize productivity is very low in Nepal. To increase its productivity, hybrid maize breeding and their cultivation are indispensible. For it, fifteen newly bred single cross hybrids of yellow maize were examined to select superior high GYHs (grain yielding hybrids) from the standpoint grain yielding potentiality. In addition, dynamics of chl, N conc and red light absorbance-transmittance (RAT) have also examined from the standpoint of chl, N conc and RAT measure and their effects on grain yield (GY). For it, a trial of RCBD experiment was conducted in open field in winter in subtropical region in Nepal. Seeds were sown on October 3, 2012 plot in two row plot area of 1.4 x 3.0 m2. After anthesis, observations of chl and N conc implying RAT (red light absorbance-transmittance) SPAD (Soil Plant Analysis and Development) measures were taken from the topmost ear (e0 or E0) and third (e3 or E3) leaf above the e0 leaf in ten days interval during entire grain filling (GF). SPAD measures were transformed to total chl and N conc. E0 leaf has been found more grain yield determining than e3 leaf and terminal GF has been found more determining than early GF from the standpoint of correlation coefficients (r ) of GYs with chl, N conc and SPAD measure. From pooled variance analysis; SPAD and chl conc were not significant different in the two leaves and among the hybrids (Hybrids x Leaves x Ages). But, the SPAD and chl conc were significant different among the two leaves and ages (Leaves x Ages) irrespective of the hybrids. Different to the SPAD and chl conc, N conc was significant different in the leaves among the hybrids with respect to ages of the plants among the fifteen hybrids (Hybrids x Leaves x Ages). Thirteen top high GYHs 8, 12, 11, 13, 5, 6, 10, 1, 7, 14, 2, 9 and 15 were non-significant different from the standpoint of GY. The SPAD measures were in the non-significant range of 51-55 in e0 leaf in the duration from 95 to 125 d among the fifteen hybrids (FHs). Among the top four high GYHs 8, 12, 11 and 13; hybrid 11 lost chl and N from e0 leaf significantly on 135th d relative to the most of the hybrids. It means that the hybrid 11 could efficiently degrade N containing soluble protein and chl even on e0 leaf relatively. Top listed five high GYHs 8, 12, 11, 5 and 6 (except 13) constantly maintained chl and N conc implying SPAD on the e0 leaf up to the 135th d. In addition, it implies that these five hybrids sent newly up-taken N to kernels without degradation of the proteins and chl from the e0 leaf till the age of 135 d. High GYH 8 had degraded soluble proteins and enzymes and chl conc on e3 leaf and mobilized the degraded N to the kernels more efficiently from the e3 leaf. It is not necessary that maize hybrids must constantly maintain soluble proteins and chl conc during most of early to mid GF for high GY. Instead, diagnostic decline of the soluble protein and chl conc during early to mid GF also accelerate GF phenomena.


2015 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nav Raj Adhikari ◽  
Surya Kant Ghimire ◽  
Shrawan Kumar Sah ◽  
Keshab Babu Koirala

National maize productivity is very low in Nepal. To increase its productivity, hybrid maize breeding and their cultivation are indispensible. For it, fifteen newly bred single cross hybrids of yellow maize were examined to select superior high GYHs (grain yielding hybrids) from the standpoint grain yielding potentiality. In addition, dynamics of chl, N conc and red light absorbance-transmittance (RAT) have also examined from the standpoint of chl, N conc and RAT measure and their effects on grain yield (GY). For it, a trial of RCBD experiment was conducted in open field in winter in subtropical region in Nepal. Seeds were sown on October 3, 2012 plot in two row plot area of 1.4 x 3.0 m2. After anthesis, observations of chl and N conc implying RAT (red light absorbance-transmittance) SPAD (Soil Plant Analysis and Development) measures were taken from the topmost ear (e0 or E0) and third (e3 or E3) leaf above the e0 leaf in ten days interval during entire grain filling (GF). SPAD measures were transformed to total chl and N conc. E0 leaf has been found more grain yield determining than e3 leaf and terminal GF has been found more determining than early GF from the standpoint of correlation coefficients (r ) of GYs with chl, N conc and SPAD measure. From pooled variance analysis; SPAD and chl conc were not significant different in the two leaves and among the hybrids (Hybrids x Leaves x Ages). But, the SPAD and chl conc were significant different among the two leaves and ages (Leaves x Ages) irrespective of the hybrids. Different to the SPAD and chl conc, N conc was significant different in the leaves among the hybrids with respect to ages of the plants among the fifteen hybrids (Hybrids x Leaves x Ages). Thirteen top high GYHs 8, 12, 11, 13, 5, 6, 10, 1, 7, 14, 2, 9 and 15 were non-significant different from the standpoint of GY. The SPAD measures were in the non-significant range of 51-55 in e0 leaf in the duration from 95 to 125 d among the fifteen hybrids (FHs). Among the top four high GYHs 8, 12, 11 and 13; hybrid 11 lost chl and N from e0 leaf significantly on 135th d relative to the most of the hybrids. It means that the hybrid 11 could efficiently degrade N containing soluble protein and chl even on e0 leaf relatively. Top listed five high GYHs 8, 12, 11, 5 and 6 (except 13) constantly maintained chl and N conc implying SPAD on the e0 leaf up to the 135th d. In addition, it implies that these five hybrids sent newly up-taken N to kernels without degradation of the proteins and chl from the e0 leaf till the age of 135 d. High GYH 8 had degraded soluble proteins and enzymes and chl conc on e3 leaf and mobilized the degraded N to the kernels more efficiently from the e3 leaf. It is not necessary that maize hybrids must constantly maintain soluble proteins and chl conc during most of early to mid GF for high GY. Instead, diagnostic decline of the soluble protein and chl conc during early to mid GF also accelerate GF phenomena.


2015 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nav Raj Adhikari ◽  
Surya Kant Ghimire ◽  
Shrawan Kumar Sah ◽  
Keshab Babu Koirala

National maize productivity is very low in Nepal. Increase of the productivity is only possible through growing high grain yielding single cross hybrid maize cultivar. So, development and evaluation of maize hybrids are principal steps to select high grain yielding and superior hybrid for cultivar. For it, fifteen newly bred single cross hybrids of yellow maize were examined from the standpoint of chlorophyll (chl) dynamics and their effects on grain yield. For it, a trial of RCBD experiment was conducted in open field in winter in subtropical region in Nepal. Seeds were sown on October 3, 2012 plot in two row plot area of 1.4 x 3.0 m2. After anthesis, chl and N concentration (conc) implying RAT (red light absorbance-transmittance) SPAD measure were taken from the topmost ear (e0) and third (e3) leaf above the e0 in ten days interval during grain filling. SPAD measures were transformed to total chl and N conc. E0 leaf has been found more grain yield determining than e3 leaf and terminal grain filling duration has been found more determining than early grain filling from the standpoint of correlation of grain yield with chl, N conc and SPAD measure. From pooled variance analysis; SPAD and chl conc were not significant different in different leaves and among the hybrids (Hybrids x Leaves x Ages). But, the SPAD and chl conc were significant different among the two leaves and ages (Leaves x Ages) irrespective of the hybrids. Different to the SPAD and chl conc, N conc was significant different in the leaves among the hybrids with respect to ages of the plants among the hybrids (Hybrids x Leaves x Ages). Thirteen top high grain yielding hybrids (HGYHs) 8, 12, 11, 13, 5, 6, 10, 1, 7, 14, 2, 9 and 15 were non-significant different from the standpoint of grain yield. The SPADs were in the non-significant range of 51-55 in e0 leaf in the duration from 95 to 125 d among the fifteen hybrids. Among the top four HGYHs 8, 12, 11 and 13; hybrid 11 lost chl and N from e0 leaf significantly on 135th d relative to the most of the hybrids. It means that the hybrid 11 could efficiently degrade N containing soluble protein and chl even from e0 leaf relatively. Top five HGYHS 8, 12, 11, 5 and 6 except 13 among the top listed ten hybrids constantly maintained chl and N conc implying SPAD in the e0 leaf up to the 135th d. In addition, it implies that these five hybrids sent newly up-taken N to kernels without degradation of the proteins and chl from the e0 leaf till the age of 135 d. HGYH 8 had degraded soluble proteins and enzymes and chl in e3 leaf and mobilized the degraded N to the kernels more efficiently from the e3 leaf. It is not necessary that maize hybrids must constantly maintain soluble proteins and chl conc during most of early to mid-grain filling duration for high grain yield. Instead, efficient reasonable decline of the soluble protein and chl conc during early to mid-grain filling also accelerate grain filling phenomena.


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