scholarly journals Is “Wild” a Food Quality Attribute? Heavy Metal Content in Wild and Cultivated Sea Buckthorn and Consumers’ Risk Perception

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (18) ◽  
pp. 9463
Author(s):  
Ruxandra Malina Petrescu-Mag ◽  
Iris Vermeir ◽  
Carmen Roba ◽  
Dacinia Crina Petrescu ◽  
Nicoleta Bican-Brisan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Food Quality ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Subjective Evaluation ◽  
Absorption Spectrometry ◽  
Food Supplement ◽  
Sea Buckthorn ◽  
Human Consumption ◽  
Quality Attribute ◽  
Herbal Supplements ◽  
Therapeutic Uses

Globally, the consumption of herbal supplements is on an upward trend. As the food supplement industry thrives, so does the need for consumers’ awareness of health risks. This contribution is grounded on two assumptions. Firstly, not always “wild” is a food quality attribute, and secondly, the food chain is judged as a noteworthy route for human exposure to soil contamination. Sea buckthorn (SBT) was selected for investigation due to its versatility. In addition to its wide therapeutic uses, it is present in ecological rehabilitation which may raise concerns regarding its safety for human consumption as a consequence of the accumulation of contaminants in the plant. The study aims to discover if the objective contamination of SBT with toxic residues is congruent with people’s subjective evaluation of SBT consumption risk. A quantitative determination of heavy metals was performed by atomic absorption spectrometry. The metals abundance followed the sequence Fe > Cu > Zn > Mn > Cr > Ni > Pb > Cd. Quantitative data on consumers’ subjective risk evaluations were collected through an online survey on 408 Romanians. Binary logistic shows that the consumption of SBT is predicted by the perceived effect of SBT consumption on respondents’ health. The study confirms that the objective contamination of wild and cultivated SBT is in line with the perceived contamination risk. It is inferred that a joint effort of marketers, media, physicians, and pharmacists is needed to inform consumers about the risks and benefits of SBT consumption.

A Review on Opuntia Species and its Chemistry, Pharmacognosy, Pharmacology and Bioapplications

2020 ◽  
Vol 16 (8) ◽  
pp. 1227-1244
Author(s):  
Dharmendra Kumar ◽  
Pramod K. Sharma
Keyword(s):  
Human Consumption ◽  
In Vivo Models ◽  
Sugar Amino Acids ◽  
Opuntia Species ◽  
Therapeutic Uses ◽  
Anti Inflammatory ◽  
Online Library ◽  
Different Parts

Background:: Opuntia species, locally known as prickly pear was used for various purposes as food, medicine, beverage, source of dye and animal food. Many studies have revealed its pharmacology activity from time to time. This review is a collection of chemistry, pharmacognosy, pharmacology and bioapplications of the cactus family. Methods: Many sources were used to collect information about Opuntia species such as Pub med, Google scholar, Agris, science direct, Embase, Merk index, Wiley online library, books and other reliable sources. This review contains studies from 1812 to 2019. Results: The plants from the cactus family offer various pharmacological active compounds including phenolic compounds, carotenoids, betalains, vitamins, steroids, sugar, amino acids, minerals and fibers. These bioactive compounds serve various pharmacological activities such as anticancer, antiviral, anti-diabetic, Neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, Hepatoprotective, antibacterial, antiulcer and alcohol hangover. According to various studies, Opuntia species offer many bioapplications such as fodder for animal, soil erosion, prevention, human consumption and waste water decontamination. Finally, different parts of plants are used in various formulations that offer many biotechnology applications. Conclusion: Different parts of Opuntia plant (fruits, seeds, flowers and cladodes) are used in various health problems which include wound healing, anti-inflammatory and urinary tract infection from ancient times. Nowadays, researches have extended several pharmacological and therapeutic uses of Opuntia species as discussed in this review. Many in-vitro and in-vivo models are also discussed in this review as the proofs of research findings. Various research gaps have been observed in current studies that require attention in the future.

scholarly journals Determination of Mercury, Methylmercury and Selenium Concentrations in Elasmobranch Meat: Fish Consumption Safety

2022 ◽  
Vol 19 (2) ◽  
pp. 788
Author(s):  
Arianna Storelli ◽  
Grazia Barone ◽  
Rita Garofalo ◽  
Antonio Busco ◽  
Maria Maddalena Storelli
Keyword(s):  
Total Mercury ◽  
Health Benefit ◽  
Absorption Spectrometry ◽  
Human Consumption ◽  
Apex Predators ◽  
Safety Level ◽  
Italian Market ◽  
Elasmobranch Fish ◽  
Rate Limit

This study measures total mercury (THg), methylmercury (MeHg) and selenium (Se) concentrations in elasmobranch fish from an Italian market with the aim of evaluating the risk-benefit associated with their consumption, using estimated weekly intake (EWI), permissible safety level (MeHgPSL), selenium health benefit value (HBVSe) and monthly consumption rate limit (CRmm) for each species. THg and Se were analysed by atomic absorption spectrometry, while MeHg was determined by HrGc/Ms. THg and MeHg concentrations ranged from 0.61 to 1.25 μg g−1 w.w. and from 0.57 to 0.97 μg g−1 w.w., respectively, whereas Se levels were 0.49–0.65 μg g−1 w.w. In most samples European Community limits for THg were surpassed, while for MeHg none of the fish had levels above the limit adopted by FAO/WHO. EWIs for THg and MeHg in many cases were above the provisional tolerable weekly intakes (PTWIs). MeHgPSL estimate showed that fish should contain approximately 50% of the concentration measured to avoid exceeding the PTWI. Nevertheless, the HBVSe index indicated that solely skates were safe for human consumption (HBVSe = 3.57–6.22). Our results highlight the importance of a constant monitoring of THg and MeHg level in fish, especially in apex predators, to avoid the risk of overexposure for consumers.

scholarly journals Human health risk assessment of heavy metals in soils and commonly consumed food crops from quarry sites located at Isiagwu, Ebonyi State

2018 ◽  
Vol 29 (1) ◽  
pp. 8-24 ◽  
Author(s):  
Uchechi Bliss Onyedikachi ◽  
Donatus Chuka Belonwu ◽  
Mattew Owhonda Wegwu
Keyword(s):  
Heavy Metals ◽  
Health Risk ◽  
Human Health ◽  
Human Health Risk ◽  
Daily Intake ◽  
Absorption Spectrometry ◽  
Carcinogenic Risk ◽  
Human Consumption ◽  
Us Epa ◽  
Bioaccumulation Index

Abstract In view of ensuring healthy agricultural foods for human consumption, this study assessed the human health risk implicated in selected heavy metals in some commonly consumed vegetables, tubers, nuts and fruits grown around the quarry sites at Ishiagu, Ebonyi State, Nigeria. Samples from agriculture area of Umudike, Abia State, Nigeria, constituted the control. The concentration of Mn, Zn, Fe, Cu, Cd, and Pb, were determined using atomic absorption spectrometry. The potential non-carcinogenic health risk for consumers which included Estimated Daily Intake (EDI) and Target Hazard Quotients (THQ) for Pb, Fe, Mn, Zn, Cd and Cu while carcinogenic health risk using Cancer Slope Factors (CSF) was established for Cd and Pb. Relative abundance of heavy metals across the locations and all samples was in the order Fe > Mn > Zn > Pb > Cu > Cd. There was statistical significant effect of quarrying activities on the concentration of the heavy metals (Fe, Mn, Zn, Pb, Cu, Cd) at p < 0.05 level. Based on the observed bioconcentration factors, cassava showed more hyperaccumulation potential compared to other samples. Pumpkin and bitter leaf also could be used in remediation owing to their high bioaccumulation index for Pb and Zn. THQ obtained for Mn and Pb were >1 indicating that the residents at the quarry site may be exposed to potential non-carcinogenic health risk due to Mn and Pb intoxication. With respect to US EPA prescriptions, average carcinogenic risk values obtained for Pb and Cd in this study indicated a lifetime (70 years) probability of contracting cancer suggesting that they be placed for further consideration as chemicals of concern with respect to the assessed locals.

scholarly journals Determination of Hg in Farmed and Wild Atlantic Bluefin Tuna (Thunnus thynnus L.) Muscle

Molecules ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 24 (7) ◽  
pp. 1273 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna Annibaldi ◽  
Cristina Truzzi ◽  
Oliana Carnevali ◽  
Paolo Pignalosa ◽  
Martina Api ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Microwave Digestion ◽  
Health Benefit ◽  
Absorption Spectrometry ◽  
Bluefin Tuna ◽  
Mediterranean Area ◽  
Human Consumption ◽  
Thunnus Thynnus ◽  
Atlantic Bluefin Tuna ◽  
Wet Weight ◽  
The Mediterranean

Mercury (Hg) is a well-known toxic element, diffused in the environment, especially in the Mediterranean Sea which is rich in cinnabar deposits. Mercury bioaccumulation in fish is of great concern, especially for top-level aquatic predators (e.g., shark, tuna, swordfish) and above all for species of large human consumption and high nutritional value. This work aimed to determine Hg concentrations in farmed and wild Atlantic Bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus) caught in the Mediterranean area in order to evaluate the level of Hg bioaccumulation. selenium (Se) content was also determined, since this element is an antagonist of mercury toxicity. Mercury and Se were analysed by atomic absorption spectrometry after microwave digestion of the samples. Hg content in farmed tuna was below the legal limit (1 mg/kg, wet weight, w.w.) for all specimens (0.6 ± 0.2 mg/kg), whereas the wild ones had a content over the limit (1.7 ± 0.6 mg/kg); Se concentration was higher in farmed specimens (1.1 ± 0.9 mg/kg) compared to wild ones (0.6 ± 0.3 mg/kg). A safe seafood could show a Se/Hg ratio >1 and a health benefit value (HBVSe) > 0: farmed tuna had higher values than the wild specimens (Se/Hg 5.48 vs. 1.32; HBVSe 11.16 vs. 0.29). These results demonstrate that for Hg, there is a better risk/benefit ratio in farmed T. thynnus. making it safer than wild tuna.

scholarly journals In Vitro Immunomodulatory Effect of Food Supplement from Aloe vera

2019 ◽  
Vol 2019 ◽  
pp. 1-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zaira López ◽  
Antoni Femenia ◽  
Gabriela Núñez-Jinez ◽  
Michelle N. Salazar Zúñiga ◽  
M. Eduardo Cano ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Activated Carbon ◽  
Aloe Vera ◽  
Food Supplement ◽  
Temperature Treatment ◽  
Fibre Content ◽  
Intestinal Cell ◽  
High Temperature Treatment ◽  
Human Consumption ◽  
Intestinal Cell Line

Food industries typically use Aloe vera as concentrated (100× to 200×) and dried powders in their final products. These powders are obtained by extrusion of Aloe inner leaf gel (ILG) or Aloe whole leaf (WLP); the juice is filtered through diatomaceous earth and activated carbon before spray drying at temperatures below 70 °C. In another process, Aloe inner leaf gel was dried at ~80 °C and mashed to a powder rich in high molecular weight fibres and soluble polysaccharides (ILF). In contrast to ILG and WLP, the ILF sample was cytotoxic for the human intestinal cell line Caco-2 (CC50 = 1 g/l), even at concentrations below the recommended dose for human consumption. At lower concentrations (250 mg/l) with LPS challenged macrophage-like THP-1 cells decreased by 40% the release of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10, whereas the release of the proinflammatory cytokine IL-1β increased by 35% (compared to untreated but challenged macrophage-like THP-1 cells). Unexpectedly, under the same conditions, the less cytotoxic ILG and WLP, both samples with a lower fibre content, significantly increased (up to 2.4 times) the release of IL-10, while the concentration of IL-1β remained unaltered and of TNFα decreased by 35%. Even more interesting is that a treatment of the ILF sample with activated carbon reduced its cytotoxicity and increased the IL-10 release (3.1 times). Based on these results, we suggest applying an activated carbon treatment on Aloe-starting products, which have high fibre content and have received high temperature treatment, in order to reduce their cytotoxicity and improve their immunomodulatory properties.

scholarly journals Sea Buckthorn Leaves and the Novel Food Evaluation

2017 ◽  
Vol 71 (3) ◽  
pp. 111-114
Author(s):  
Sanna Kauppinen
Keyword(s):  
European Union ◽  
Significant Degree ◽  
Sea Buckthorn ◽  
Human Consumption ◽  
The Novel ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Traditional Use ◽  
Food Ingredients ◽  
Novel Food ◽  
History Of

AbstractNovel food means any food that was not used for human consumption to a significant degree within the European Union before 1997. The novel food regulation (EC) 258/97 concerns also foods and food ingredients consisting of or isolated from plants, except the food having a history of safe food use within the European Union before 1997. According to the knowledge thus far, sea buckthorn (Hippophaë rhamnoides L.) leaves have not been used to a significant degree as food, food supplement, or spice in European Union before 1997. The new regulation on novel foods (EU) No. 2015/2283 (Anonymous, 2015) comes into force in the beginning of 2018. After that also history of safe use in a third country is accepted as information of its traditional use. This means continued use for at least 25 years in the customary diet of a significant number of people. Novel food application has to include the description of the product, production process, characteristics and composition, proposed uses and use levels, anticipated intake, history of its use, absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, nutritional and toxicological information and allergenicity. Sea buckthorn leaves have been under active research lately and a lot of information is already available, but safety assessment required for novel food evaluation may still be needed.

scholarly journals The concentrations of Fe, Cu and Zn in selected wines from South-East Serbia

2010 ◽  
Vol 75 (12) ◽  
pp. 1701-1709 ◽  
Author(s):  
Danijela Kostic ◽  
Snezana Mitic ◽  
Gordana Miletic ◽  
Sasa Despotovic ◽  
Aleksandra Zarubica
Keyword(s):  
Developing Countries ◽  
Trace Elements ◽  
Fruits And Vegetables ◽  
Absorption Spectrometry ◽  
Human Consumption ◽  
Flame Atomic Absorption ◽  
East Region ◽  
Essential Trace Elements ◽  
The World ◽  
Cu And Zn

Fruits and vegetables constitute the cheapest source of essential trace elements for the majority of people living in developing countries. The Cu, Fe and Zn contents in twenty selected wine samples produced in the South-East region of Serbia were determined by flame atomic absorption spectrometry. The Cu concentrations varied from 0.07 to 0.57 ppm in wines, and the Fe concentrations fluctuated from 2.93 to 36.2 ppm, while the Zn levels were in the range from 0.21 to 0.67 ppm. The established contents of Cu and Zn showed that wines from this part of the world could serve as good dietary sources of the essential trace metals, and the determined values were within the allowed metals levels in wines for human consumption.

scholarly journals Discrimination and risk assessment due to the volatile compounds and the inorganic elements present in the Greek marc distillates Tsipouro and Tsikoudia

OENO One ◽  
2005 ◽  
Vol 39 (1) ◽  
pp. 31 ◽  
Author(s):  
Evangelos H. Soufleros ◽  
Pantelis Natskoulis ◽  
Angeliki S. Mygdalia
Keyword(s):  
Volatile Compounds ◽  
Total Concentration ◽  
Absorption Spectrometry ◽  
Grape Pomace ◽  
Human Consumption ◽  
Inorganic Elements ◽  
Low Concentrations ◽  
Geographic Indications ◽  
High Concentrations

<p style="text-align: justify;">Tsipouro and Tsikoudia are two denominations with geographic indications of the traditional Greek marc distillate, which is produced in continental Greece and in the island of Crete respectively. It is produced by the Greek winegrowers as well as by the professional distillers. To provide data on the safety of domestic Tsipouro and Tsikoudia distillates for human consumption and to draw conclusions from any essential results, which might have an impact on the quality of this product, 23 samples were analysed for: (a) Volatile compounds by the use of gas chromatography, (b) Inorganic elements, using atomic absorption spectrometry and (c) the pH values through-out using standard methods. Data revealed differences between these two denominations, which have been confirmed by the application of a statistic analysis and a PCA. Thus, Tsikoudia was found to contain statistically higher amounts of acetalde-hyde. However, the levels that have been observed did not exceed the official limits. Most of the Tsipouro and Tsikoudia samples also contained low concentrations of estragol, an anise compound, lead and copper, which do not represent a risk to consumer health due to their toxicity. On the other hand, the total concentration of higher alcohols was higher than the official minimum limit (140 g.hl<sup>-1</sup> Absolute Alcohol-AA), while the amylic alcohols rarely exceeded 300 g.hl<sup>-1</sup> AA. The high concentrations of ethyl acetate (&gt;300 g.hl<sup>-1</sup> AA) and ethyl lactate in a few samples showed the necessity of limiting unwanted fermentations in the grape pomace. The analytical study showed that the quality of the marc distillate is, generally, satisfactory. However, it revealed great differences between Tsipouro and Tsikoudia even among the samples of each denomination and, con-sequently, these domestic distillates need standardization and a more systematic production.</p>

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