scholarly journals Bioactive Compounds, Sugars, and Sensory Attributes of Organic and Conventionally Produced Courgette (Cucurbita pepo)

Foods ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (10) ◽  
pp. 2475
Author(s):  
Klaudia Kopczyńska ◽  
Dominika Średnicka-Tober ◽  
Ewelina Hallmann ◽  
Jacek Wilczak ◽  
Grażyna Wasiak-Zys ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Bioactive Compounds ◽  
Sensory Attributes ◽  
Sustainable Food ◽  
Organic Systems ◽  
Peel Color ◽  
Production And Consumption ◽  
Health Promoting ◽  
Organically Grown ◽  
Quality Features

Organic agriculture is considered one of the elements of sustainable food production and consumption, mainly due to its limited impact on the natural environment. At the same time, the quality features of organically produced foods, especially sensory attributes and health promoting values, are important factors determining consumers’ interest, and therefore play a key role in the organic sector’s development. The aim of this study was to investigate the sensory characteristics and concentrations of sugars and selected health-promoting bioactive compounds of organic courgette compared to conventionally grown courgette. In addition, untargeted metabolomic analysis of the courgette fruits was performed. The results of this study did not show a significant effect of the horticultural system (organic vs. conventional) on the concentrations of vitamin C, carotenoids, and chlorophylls in the courgette fruits. However, the fruits from the organic systems were significantly richer in sugars when compared to the conventionally cultivated ones (p = 0.038). Moreover, the organic fruits fertilized with manure contained significantly higher amounts of polyphenols, including gallic acid (p = 0.016), chlorogenic acid (p = 0.012), ferulic acid (p = 0.019), and quercetin-3-O-rutinoside (p = 0.020) compared to the conventional fruits. The untargeted analysis detected features significantly differentiating courgette fruits depending on the cultivar and horticultural system. Some significant differences in sensory values were also identified between fruits representing the two cultivars and coming from the horticultural systems compared in the study. Conventional courgettes were characterized by the most intensive peel color and aquosity, but at the same time were the least hard and firm compared to the fruits from the two organic systems. There was also a trend towards higher overall quality of the organically grown fruits. The presented study shows that the organic and conventional courgette fruits differ in a number of quality features which can influence consumers’ health and purchasing choices.

Pharmaceutical quality of yarrow (Achillea millefolium L. s.l.) – Investigation of 40 commercial drug samples by means of the bioactive compounds

Planta Medica ◽  
2007 ◽  
Vol 73 (09) ◽  
Author(s):  
B Benedek ◽  
K Rothwangl-Wiltschnigg ◽  
E Rozema ◽  
N Gjoncaj ◽  
G Reznicek ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Bioactive Compounds ◽  
Achillea Millefolium ◽  
Pharmaceutical Quality

Variations in Mineral/heavy metals profiling and preventive role of trichomes in Peach Fruits treated with CaC2

2020 ◽  
Vol 23 ◽  
Author(s):  
Muhammad Irfan ◽  
Safdar Abbas ◽  
Beenish Jehan Azhar ◽  
Shakeel Ahmad ◽  
Hafsa Muhammad ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Heavy Metals ◽  
Nutritional Value ◽  
Fine Powder ◽  
Calcium Carbide ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Tandem Accelerator ◽  
Health Promoting ◽  
Elemental Profiling

Background: Phytonutrients in peach fruits have health promoting antioxidants against various chronic diseases. However, there is no extensive data to show the nutritional values of Local peach cultivars after post-harvest treatments. Objective: Mainly this study was objective to determine the effect of calcium carbide on nutritional value and quality of fruits of Pakistani peach cultivars. Methods: The peach fruits were collected from three different peach orchids of KPK and the fruits were divided into 4 groups while 5th group was collected from local fruit shop. Each experimental group was treated with different concentration of calcium carbide whereas control group was not treated. The peel and pulp samples were oven dried and ground to fine powder separately. The elemental compositions were determined using Particle Induced X-ray emission and Pelletron Tandem Accelerator. Result: Sixteen elements were identified in peach fruits and the elements were Al, P, S, Cl, K, Ca, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, and Se. In peel, concentration of some elements increased or decreased after treatment with CaC2 while in pulp the conc. of nearly all detected elements was increased in treated samples. We found significantly high amount of heavy metals traces including As, Se, Co, Si, and P in peach fruits treated with CaC2. Interestingly, the presence of trichomes in peach skin prevents the transfer of these heavy metals deep into the pulp which was also verified by the elemental profiling of nectarines. Conclusion: Conclusively, the artificial ripening with CaC2 changed the nutritional value of peach fruits that has higher health risks if consume with the peel. According to our best knowledge, this is the first report that highlights the effects of CaC2 which deteriorate the nutritional value of peach fruits in Pakistan.

scholarly journals In Vitro Bioaccessibility of Bioactive Compounds from Citrus Pomaces and Orange Pomace Biscuits

Molecules ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (12) ◽  
pp. 3480
Author(s):  
Adriana Maite Fernández-Fernández ◽  
Eduardo Dellacassa ◽  
Tiziana Nardin ◽  
Roberto Larcher ◽  
Adriana Gámbaro ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Bioactive Compounds ◽  
Total Phenol Content ◽  
No Production ◽  
Food Ingredient ◽  
Potential Health ◽  
Raw264.7 Macrophages ◽  
In Vitro Bioaccessibility ◽  
Health Promoting ◽  
Orange Pomace

The present investigation aimed to provide novel information on the chemical composition and in vitro bioaccessibility of bioactive compounds from raw citrus pomaces (mandarin varieties Clemenule and Ortanique and orange varieties Navel and Valencia). The effects of the baking process on their bioaccessibility was also assessed. Samples of pomaces and biscuits containing them as an ingredient were digested, mimicking the human enzymatic oral gastrointestinal digestion process, and the composition of the digests were analyzed. UHPLC-MS/MS results of the citrus pomaces flavonoid composition showed nobiletin, hesperidin/neohesperidin, tangeretin, heptamethoxyflavone, tetramethylscutellarein, and naringin/narirutin. The analysis of the digests indicated the bioaccessibility of compounds possessing antioxidant [6.6–11.0 mg GAE/g digest, 65.5–97.1 µmol Trolox Equivalents (TE)/g digest, and 135.5–214.8 µmol TE/g digest for total phenol content (TPC), ABTS, and ORAC-FL methods, respectively; significant reduction (p < 0.05) in Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) formation under tert-butyl hydroperoxide (1 mM)-induced conditions in IEC-6 and CCD-18Co cells when pre-treated with concentrations 5–25 µg/mL of the digests], anti-inflammatory [significant reduction (p < 0.05) in nitric oxide (NO) production in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced RAW264.7 macrophages], and antidiabetic (IC50 3.97–11.42 mg/mL and 58.04–105.68 mg/mL for α-glucosidase and α-amylase inhibition capacities) properties in the citrus pomaces under study. In addition, orange pomace biscuits with the nutrition claims “no-added sugars” and “source of fiber”, as well as those with good sensory quality (6.9–6.7, scale 1–9) and potential health promoting properties, were obtained. In conclusion, the results supported the feasibility of citrus pomace as a natural sustainable source of health-promoting compounds such as flavonoids. Unfractionated orange pomace may be employed as a functional food ingredient for reducing the risk of pathophysiological processes linked to oxidative stress, inflammation, and carbohydrate metabolism, such as diabetes, among others.

Comparative assessment of bioactive compounds, antioxidant capacity and nutritional quality of red seaweeds and water spinach

2021 ◽  
pp. 101878
Author(s):  
Md. Solaiman Hossain ◽  
Saad Al-din Sifat ◽  
M. Afzal Hossain ◽  
Sazlina Salleh ◽  
Mofazzal Hossain ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Antioxidant Capacity ◽  
Bioactive Compounds ◽  
Nutritional Quality ◽  
Comparative Assessment ◽  
Water Spinach ◽  
Red Seaweeds

scholarly journals Application of the Ottawa Charter Five Priority Areas of Action for Public Health to an Institution-Wide Diabetes Care Promotion

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (4) ◽  
pp. 1543
Author(s):  
Min-Hua Lin ◽  
She-Yu Chiu ◽  
Wen-Chao Ho ◽  
Hui-Ying Huang
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Health Promotion ◽  
Diabetes Care ◽  
Hospital Staff ◽  
Health Promotion Program ◽  
Diabetic Patients ◽  
Health Promoting ◽  
Diabetes Patients

This study was the first institution-wide health promotion program in Taiwan to apply the five priority areas for taking action in public health highlighted in the Ottawa Charter for diabetes patients. We aimed to improve the quality of home care received by diabetic patients by training health care professionals in health promotion. This program consisted of developing personal skills, reorienting health services, strengthening community actions, creating supportive environments, and building healthy public policy. It was applied in the Yunlin Christian Hospital located in central Taiwan from August 2011 to November 2011. A health-promoting education course consisting of weight control, diabetes care, and quality management for diabetes was developed and applied to all 323 hospital staff. Then, hospital staff volunteers and diabetes patients were recruited to participate in the program. A total of 61 staff volunteers and 90 diabetes patients were involved in this study. Staff volunteers were trained to participate in communities to provide care and guidance to patients with diabetes. The World Health Organization Quality of Life(WHOQOL)-BREF-Taiwan Version questionnaires were investigated before and after implementation of this program for the patients. A health-promoting lifestyle profile questionnaire was filled by the staff. The investigation data were then analyzed by statistical methods. The diabetes patients experienced a significant increase in their satisfaction with health and health-related quality of life as well as significant improvements in health-promotion and self-management behaviors (p < 0.05). In addition, staff volunteers significantly consumes food from the five major groups than the other staff (p < 0.05). Various improvements in health-promoting behaviors were observed amongst the hospital staff and the diabetic patients. Our project could be a reference for other medical organizations to implement an institution-wide health-promotion program for diabetic patients.

scholarly journals Gut microbiota profiles and characterization of cultivable fungal isolates in IBS patients

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Piero Sciavilla ◽  
Francesco Strati ◽  
Monica Di Paola ◽  
Monica Modesto ◽  
Francesco Vitali ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Candida Albicans ◽  
Gut Microbiota ◽  
Healthy Subjects ◽  
Fungal Isolates ◽  
Key Points ◽  
Health Promoting ◽  
Irritable Bowel

Abstract Studies so far conducted on irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) have been focused mainly on the role of gut bacterial dysbiosis in modulating the intestinal permeability, inflammation, and motility, with consequences on the quality of life. Limited evidences showed a potential involvement of gut fungal communities. Here, the gut bacterial and fungal microbiota of a cohort of IBS patients have been characterized and compared with that of healthy subjects (HS). The IBS microbial community structure differed significantly compared to HS. In particular, we observed an enrichment of bacterial taxa involved in gut inflammation, such as Enterobacteriaceae, Streptococcus, Fusobacteria, Gemella, and Rothia, as well as depletion of health-promoting bacterial genera, such as Roseburia and Faecalibacterium. Gut microbial profiles in IBS patients differed also in accordance with constipation. Sequence analysis of the gut mycobiota showed enrichment of Saccharomycetes in IBS. Culturomics analysis of fungal isolates from feces showed enrichment of Candida spp. displaying from IBS a clonal expansion and a distinct genotypic profiles and different phenotypical features when compared to HS of Candida albicans isolates. Alongside the well-characterized gut bacterial dysbiosis in IBS, this study shed light on a yet poorly explored fungal component of the intestinal ecosystem, the gut mycobiota. Our results showed a differential fungal community in IBS compared to HS, suggesting potential for new insights on the involvement of the gut mycobiota in IBS. Key points • Comparison of gut microbiota and mycobiota between IBS and healthy subjects • Investigation of cultivable fungi in IBS and healthy subjects • Candida albicans isolates result more virulent in IBS subjects compared to healthy subjects

scholarly journals Kabuli and Apulian black Chickpea Milling By-Products as Innovative Ingredients to Provide High Levels of Dietary Fibre and Bioactive Compounds in Gluten-Free Fresh Pasta

Molecules ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (15) ◽  
pp. 4442
Author(s):  
Michela Costantini ◽  
Carmine Summo ◽  
Michele Faccia ◽  
Francesco Caponio ◽  
Antonella Pasqualone
Keyword(s):  
Bioactive Compounds ◽  
Dietary Fibre ◽  
Absorption Capacity ◽  
Nutritional Deficiencies ◽  
Structural Quality ◽  
Gluten Free ◽  
Food Industries ◽  
Chickpea Flour ◽  
Fresh Pasta

Gluten-free (GF) products, including pasta, are often characterised by nutritional deficiencies, such as scarce dietary fibre and excess of calories. Chickpea flour is increasingly being used by the food industries. Hulls, rich in dietary fibre and bioactive compounds, are discarded after milling. The aim of this work was to evaluate the quality features of short-cut GF fresh pasta added of hull (8% w/w) derived from kabuli (KH) or Apulian black (ABH) chickpeas, in comparison with control GF pasta prepared without hull. The enriched pasta, which could be labelled as “high fibre”, was characterised by a higher level of bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity than the control. ABH-enriched pasta showed the highest anthocyanins (33.37 ± 1.20 and 20.59 ± 0.11 mg/kg of cyanidin-3-O-glucoside on dry matter in raw and cooked pasta, respectively). Hull addition increased colour intensity and structural quality of GF pasta: ABH-enriched pasta had the lowest cooking loss and the highest water absorption capacity; KH-enriched pasta showed the highest firmness. No significant differences in sensory liking were found among the samples, except for “aftertaste”. Chickpea hull can be used as an innovative ingredient to produce potentially functional GF pasta, meeting the dietary needs of consumers without affecting quality.

scholarly journals Comprehensive Analysis of Transcriptome and Metabolome Reveals the Flavonoid Metabolic Pathway Is Associated with Fruit Peel Coloration of Melon

Molecules ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (9) ◽  
pp. 2830
Author(s):  
Aiai Zhang ◽  
Jing Zheng ◽  
Xuemiao Chen ◽  
Xueyin Shi ◽  
Huaisong Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Comprehensive Analysis ◽  
Differentially Expressed ◽  
Integrated Analysis ◽  
Fruit Peel ◽  
External Quality ◽  
Color Formation ◽  
Peel Color ◽  
Dark Green

The peel color is an important external quality of melon fruit. To explore the mechanisms of melon peel color formation, we performed an integrated analysis of transcriptome and metabolome with three different fruit peel samples (grey-green ‘W’, dark-green ‘B’, and yellow ‘H’). A total of 40 differentially expressed flavonoids were identified. Integrated transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses revealed that flavonoid biosynthesis was associated with the fruit peel coloration of melon. Twelve differentially expressed genes regulated flavonoids synthesis. Among them, nine (two 4CL, F3H, three F3′H, IFS, FNS, and FLS) up-regulated genes were involved in the accumulation of flavones, flavanones, flavonols, and isoflavones, and three (2 ANS and UFGT) down-regulated genes were involved in the accumulation of anthocyanins. This study laid a foundation to understand the molecular mechanisms of melon peel coloration by exploring valuable genes and metabolites.

scholarly journals The Quality and Health-Promoting Value of Meat from Pigs of the Native Breed as the Effect of Extensive Feeding with Acorns

Animals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 789
Author(s):  
Magdalena Szyndler-Nędza ◽  
Małgorzata Świątkiewicz ◽  
Łukasz Migdał ◽  
Władysław Migdał
Keyword(s):  
Fatty Acid ◽  
Beneficial Effect ◽  
Meat Quality ◽  
Farm Animals ◽  
Feeding Method ◽  
Native Breed ◽  
The World ◽  
Health Promoting ◽  
Conventional Farm

The popularity of meat from animals of native breeds is growing all over the world, due to consumer belief regarding its higher quality compared to meat from industrial farm animals. In addition, the living conditions (welfare) are of great importance for consumers. We observed the effect of different ways of keeping and feeding pigs of the same conservative breed on the quality of meat and its health benefits. The aim of the study was to compare the meat quality from pigs of the native Złotnicka Spotted breed, fattened intensively or extensively (with conventional farm-produced compound feed and acorns). The meat from free-range pigs extensively fed on silage and small amounts of acorns was characterized by a higher content of fat, which acts as a carrier for flavor and juiciness, as well as higher monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA) content (p ≤ 0.05) and lower atherogenic, thrombogenic, and peroxidability indices (p ≤ 0.05). It may be stated that the meat quality of the native pig breed is significantly dependent on the housing and feeding method. A more beneficial effect on the quality of meat and its dietetic value, as well as its susceptibility to rancidity, can be obtained throughextensive pig feeding with roughage and the addition of acorns.

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