Search

Background/Objectives:Persicaria hydropiper (L.) Delarbre, commonly known as water pepper, possesses multifunctional potential. Our research focuses on its complex phenolic composition, bioactivity, safety evaluation and utilization in a sustainable manner. Moreover, a survey was conducted among the Serbian population to gain insight into the attitude towards traditional wild-growing herbs (i.e., P. hydropiper), the level of familiarity with their zero-waste culture, and to assess eating behaviors. Methods: A survey was conducted with 168 participants to assess attitudes towards traditional herbs, zero-waste culture, and eating behaviors, while cytotoxicity, in vivo toxicity, chemical analysis of secondary metabolites, and probiotic viability assays were performed to evaluate the effects of the PH extract. Results: Notably, P. hydropiper extract (PH) exhibits a diverse phenolic profile, including quinic acid (3.68 ± 0.37 mg/g DW), gallic acid (1.16 ± 0.10 mg/g DW), quercetin (2.34 ± 0.70 mg/g DW) and kaempferol-3-O-glucoside (4.18 ± 0.17 mg/g DW). These bioactive compounds have been linked to anticancer effects. The tested extract demonstrated a cytotoxic effect on the human neuroblastoma cell line, opening questions for the further exploration of its mechanisms for potential therapeutic applications. Based on the toxicity assessment in the Artemia salina model, the PH could be characterized with good safety, especially for the lower concentrations (LC50 = 0.83 mg/mL, 24 h). The utilization of the spent PH material supports the viability of psychobiotic strains (up to 9.26 ± 0.54 log CFU/mL). Based on the conducted survey, 63.7% (n = 107) of respondents mainly prefer traditional instead of imported herbs. The respondents were skeptical about zero-waste edibles; 51.2% (n = 86) would not try them, and a bit more than half were not familiar with zero-waste culture (57.7%; n = 97). Only 8.3% (n = 14) followed a flexitarian diet as a dietary pattern. Conclusions: The use of underutilized traditional plants and their spent material could potentially contribute to the acceptance of a zero-waste culture in Serbia. Reinventing the use of neglected traditional plants and addressing ways for spent material valorization could contribute to the acceptance of a zero-waste strategy and encourage healthier eating behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to improve the conventional procedure of alginate isolation from the brown seaweed (Laminaria digitata L.) biomass and investigate the possibility of further valorization of the ethanolic fraction representing the byproduct after the degreasing and depigmentation of biomass. The acid treatment of biomass supported by ultrasound was modeled and optimized regarding the alginate yield using a response surface methodology based on the Box–Behnken design. A treatment time of 30 min, a liquid-to-solid ratio of 30 mL/g, and a treatment temperature of 47 °C were proposed as optimal conditions under which the alginate yield related to the mass of dry biomass was 30.9%. The use of ultrasonic radiation significantly reduced the time required for the acid treatment of biomass by about 4 to 24 times compared to other available conventional procedures. The isolated alginate had an M/G ratio of 1.08, which indicates a greater presence of M-blocks in its structure and the possibility of forming a soft and elastic hydrogel with its use. The chemical composition of the ethanolic fraction including total antioxidant content (293 mg gallic acid equivalent/g dry weight), total flavonoid content (14.9 mg rutin equivalent/g dry weight), contents of macroelements (the highest content of sodium, 106.59 mg/g dry weight), and microelement content (the highest content of boron, 198.84 mg/g dry weight) was determined, and the identification of bioactive compounds was carried out. The results of ultra high-performance liquid chromatography–electrospray ionization–tandem mass spectrometry analysis confirmed the presence of 48 compounds, of which 41 compounds were identified as sugar alcohol, phenolic compounds, and lipids. According to the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl assay, the radical scavenging activity of the ethanolic fraction (the half-maximal inhibitory concentration of 42.84 ± 0.81 μg/mL) indicated its strong activity, which was almost the same as in the case of the positive control, synthetic antioxidant butylhydroxytoluene (the half-maximal inhibitory concentration of 36.61 ± 0.79 μg/mL). Gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis, and Bacillus cereus) were more sensitive to the ethanolic fraction compared to Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Shigella sonnei). The obtained results indicated the possibility of the further use of the ethanolic fraction as a fertilizer for plant growth in different species and antifouling agents, applicable in aquaculture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mushroom industry should implement green extraction technologies; however, there is not enough information on the differences between these techniques expressed as the chemical composition of the resulting extract. In this study, selected types of green extraction techniques (GETs) were used on Chaga (Inonotus obliquus) (Fr.) Pilát from Serbia (IS) and Mongolia (IM) to examine the differences that would enable the composition-based technology choices in the mushroom supplement industry. Subcritical water extraction (SWE), microwave-assisted (MW) extraction, and ultrasonic-assisted extraction (VAE) were used to prepare the extracts. SWE was performed at two different temperatures (120 and 200 °C), while 96% ethanol, 50% ethanol, and water were used for MW and VAE. The yield, the content of total phenols, total proteins, and carbohydrates, qualitative and quantitative analysis of phenolic compounds, carbohydrates, including α- and β- and total glucans, and fatty acids, were determined in the obtained extracts. SWE resulted in a significantly higher yield, total polysaccharide, and glucan content than any other technique. Glucose was the most dominant monosaccharide in the SWE samples, especially those extracted at 200 °C. The MW 50% EtOH extracts showed the highest yield of total phenols. Among the tested phenolic compounds, chlorogenic acid was the most dominant. SWE can be recommended as the most efficient method for extracting commercially important compounds, especially glucans and phenols. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Growing mushrooms means meeting challenges while aiming for sustainability and circularity. Wherever the producer is located, commercial strains are the same originating from several producers. Customized strains adapted to local conditions are urgently needed. Before introducing new species to the strain development pipeline, the chemical characterization and biological activity of wild ones need to be assessed. Accordingly, the mycoceutical potential of five polypore mushroom species from Serbia was evaluated including: secondary metabolite composition, oxidative damage prevention, anti-tyrosinase, and anti-angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE). The phenolic pattern was comparable in all samples, but the amounts of specific chemicals varied. Hydroxybenzoic acids were the primary components. All samples had varying quantities of ascorbic acid, carotene, and lycopene, and showed a pronounced inhibition of lipid peroxidation (LPx) and ability to scavenge HO•. Extracts were more potent tyrosinase inhibitors but unsuccessful when faced with ACE. Fomitopsis pinicola had the strongest anti-tumor efficacy while Ganoderma lucidum demonstrated strong selectivity in anti-tumor effect in comparison to normal cells. The evaluated species provided a solid foundation for commercial development while keeping local ecology in mind. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The problem of microbial biofilms has come to the fore alongside food, pharmaceutical, and healthcare industrialization. The development of new antibiofilm products has become urgent, but it includes bioprospecting and is time and money-consuming. Contemporary efforts are directed at the pursuit of effective compounds of natural origin, also known as "green" agents. Mushrooms appear to be a possible new source of antibiofilm compounds, as has been demonstrated recently. The existing modeling methods are directed toward predicting bacterial biofilm formation, not in the presence of antibiofilm materials. Moreover, the modeling is almost exclusively targeted at biofilms in healthcare, while modeling related to the food industry remains under-researched. The present study applied an Artificial Neural Network (ANN) model to analyze the anti-adhesion and anti-biofilm-forming effects of 40 extracts from 20 mushroom species against two very important food-borne bacterial species for food and food-related industries—Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella enteritidis. The models developed in this study exhibited high prediction quality, as indicated by high r2 values during the training cycle. The best fit between the modeled and measured values was observed for the inhibition of adhesion. This study provides a valuable contribution to the field, supporting industrial settings during the initial stage of biofilm formation, when these communities are the most vulnerable, and promoting innovative and improved safety management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The green mold disease caused by the pathogenic fungi Trichoderma spp. is the most harmful disease for edible mushroom production. This disease's harmful effect is due to the belated detection of the green mold disease, which occurs when the damage to the yield is irreversible. Severe epidemics of green mold started during the 1980s and 1990s in Europe and America and triggered the development of molecular approaches for the monitoring and detection of Trichoderma. The most promising molecular tools are nucleic acid (NA)-based methods. In this review, we discuss the currently most-used molecular methods for green mold detection and introduce an NA-based isothermal amplification methodology suitable for the development of point-of-need (PON) devices for field applications in detecting this disease. Due to the evident aggressive nature of green mold and the consequently huge economic damage it causes for producers of edible mushrooms, there is an urgent need for prevention and infection control measures, which should be based on the early detection of various Trichoderma spp. as green mold causative agents. The most promising current diagnostic tools are based on molecular methods, although additional optimization for real-time, in-field detection is still required. In the first part of this review, we briefly discuss cultivation-based methods and continue with the secondary metabolite-based methods. Furthermore, we present an overview of the commonly used molecular methods for Trichoderma species/strain detection. Additionally, we also comment on the potential of genomic approaches for green mold detection. In the last part, we discuss fast screening molecular methods for the early detection of Trichoderma infestation with the potential for in-field, point-of-need (PON) application, focusing on isothermal amplification methods. Finally, current challenges and future perspectives in Trichoderma diagnostics are summarized in the conclusions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation can result in DNA damage, mainly through direct formation of pyrimidine dimers and generation of reactive oxygen species, which can lead to the skin disorders including cancer. In accordance with this, the use of natural antigenotoxins and/or antioxidants could contribute to human health protection. Considering that plants are rich in both, the aim of this study was to investigate UV-protective and antioxidative properties of yellow gentian (Gentiana lutea), being well established in pharmacopeias and traditional medicine. Tested extracts were derived from root and shoot of the in vitro cultivated plants. Prescreening of the genotoxic properties of UVC, UVA, and the extracts, as well as the extracts' antigenotoxicity were estimated by applying alkaline comet assay on normal fetal lung fibroblast (MRC-5) and human melanoma cells (Hs 294T). Antioxidant potential was tested in ferrous ions chelating ferric reducing antioxidant power and cupric reducing antioxidant capacity assays. Genotoxicity testing, which revealed moderate DNA-damaging potential of root extract on MRC-5 cells and high genotoxicity of shoot extract on both cell lines, pointed out nongenotoxic concentrations that could be used in antigenotoxicity assay. Doses of 63 and 3 J/cm2 for UVC and UVA, respectively, were established for antigenotoxicity study, since they induced sufficient DNA damage without notable cytotoxicity. Results of antigenotoxicity revealed strong protective effect of both extracts against UVC (the highest inhibitions 58% and 47%) and UVA (the highest inhibitions 69% and 60%), in Hs 294T and MRC-5 cells, respectively. Study of the antioxidative properties demonstrated stronger activity of shoot extract. Results obtained proved to be encouraging but further research of the UV-protective role of Gentiana lutea extracts and underlying molecular mechanisms is recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sensory and physical properties of organic oyster mushrooms (Pleurotus ostreatus) prepared by the sous‐vide culinary method (50–90°C, 10′) were investigated and compared with the cooking method (80°C, 30–60′) to analyze the effects of different temperature and time regimes. To promote organic oyster mushroom's nutritional benefits and improve its taste, oregano and thyme were added in different percentages, and mushrooms were exposed to sous‐vide treatments at 60°C for 20′ and 30′. Sensory evaluation was focused on testing spices intensity, likeability, and recognizability with principal component analysis employed. While the likeability scores and color changes were higher for those with higher thyme content in the mixture, the antibacterial results showed the highest effect of oregano, proving certain positive effects and emphasizing the research's importance. As an added value of the research, the mixture concentrations of sous‐vide vacuumed pouches containing spices and mushrooms, that is, sous‐vide pure juice extracts were analyzed for the first time for antibacterial activity. The research highlights the sensory improvement of mushrooms using the convenient treatment and adding selected spices, altogether multiplying their health benefits by preserving beneficial compounds. Novelty impact statement: Sous‐vide culinary method, as an innovative choice in the world of gastronomy, gives the possibility to adjust treatment conditions and enables control of changes associated with the physical properties of mushrooms. Concerning the importance of living a healthy lifestyle, the fact that this method provides the ability to preserve bioactive compounds in well‐known healthy foods, such as mushrooms, widens the additional importance of its application. The research highlights the sensory improvement of mushrooms using convenient heat treatment and adding selected spices generally used in traditional and world‐known cuisine and altogether multiply their health benefits by preserving beneficial compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 2015, approximately 195 countries agreed with the United Nations that by 2030, they would work to make the world a better place. There would be synergies in accomplishing the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Synergy using a single sustainable resource is critical to assist developing nations in achieving the SDGs as cost-effectively and efficiently possible. To use fungal dye resources, we proposed a combination of the zero hunger and affordable energy goals. Dyes are widely used in high-tech sectors, including food and energy. Natural dyes are more environment-friendly than synthetic dyes and may have medicinal benefits. Fungi are a natural source of dye that can be substituted for plants. For example, medicinal mushrooms offer a wide range of safe organic dyes that may be produced instantly, inexpensively, and in large quantities. Meanwhile, medicinal mushroom dyes may provide a less expensive choice for photovoltaic (PV) technology due to their non-toxic and environmentally friendly qualities. This agenda thoroughly explains the significance of pigments from medicinal mushrooms in culinary and solar PV applications. If executed effectively, such a large, unwieldy and ambitious agenda may lead the world towards inclusive and sustainable development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The food industry faces numerous challenges to assure provision of tasty and convenient food that possesses extended shelf life and shows long‐term high‐quality preservation. Research and development of antimicrobial materials for food applications have provided active antibacterial packaging technologies that are able to meet these challenges. Furthermore, consumers expect and demand sustainable packaging materials that would reduce environmental problems associated with plastic waste. In this review, we discuss antimicrobial composite materials for active food packaging applications that combine highly efficient antibacterial nanoparticles (i.e., metal, metal oxide, mesoporous silica and graphene‐based nanomaterials) with biodegradable and environmentally friendly green polymers (i.e., gelatin, alginate, cellulose, and chitosan) obtained from plants, bacteria, and animals. In addition, innovative syntheses and processing techniques used to obtain active and safe packaging are showcased. Implementation of such green active packaging can significantly reduce the risk of foodborne pathogen outbreaks, improve food safety and quality, and minimize product losses, while reducing waste and maintaining sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mushrooms are proven as a functional food due to their numerous beneficial effects on human health. Contemporary consumers purchase cultivated mushrooms that spend some time on the shelf, which makes it questionable whether this food can still be called "functional". An examination was performed on selected characteristics of white and brown (Portobello) Agaricus bisporus stored in commercial (air) and three modified atmosphere packagings (MAP): high nitrogen, low carbon dioxide and low oxygen packaging. The amount of ascorbic acid decreased throughout 22 days for both varieties, especially in the white variety stored in commercial packaging. Similarly, total flavonoids decreased, although not to a significant degree. Metal chelating ability was pronounced throughout the storage period, with minor changes in the case of the brown variety. Diabetes-connected enzymes were inhibited by A. bisporus, while inhibition was significantly higher toward α-amylase. Nitrogen-rich packaging suppressed α-amylase and stimulated α-glucosidase in the white strain. Both the commercial packaging and the MAP samples exhibited changes in their functional characteristics over three weeks of cold storage. MAP, especially the low oxygen packaging, provided the best option for the preservation of the majority of functional characteristics examined in this research. Enzymes activities appeared to be more specifically tuned, and dependent on parameters not covered here. Brown variety was more resistant to environmental changes with respect to its functional characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Total quality index approach was used to reflect the quality of Pleurotus ostreatus mushroom, cultivated on grape pomace (P) as food waste substrate and wheat straw (S), in four different combined ratios: 100P; 80P20S; 50P50S; and 20P80S, with 100S, serving as control substrate. This approach involved two directions of mushroom analysis. The whole mushroom fruiting bodies analysis introduced a single total quality index (TQIM) based on 11 quality parameters. The mushroom water extracts analysis was presented by another single total quality index (TQIE), with seven quality parameters. This mathematical model revealed that the mushroom extracts have a better overall quality score with higher pomace content in substrate mixture, compared to the whole mushroom quality changes throughout the observed shelf life period. Future research may pay attention to the phytotoxicity of grape pomace as a food waste, as well as the influence of grape pomace on glucan content, as a health‐beneficial compounds. Practical applications: From the sustainable part of view, advantage of this type of production is its belonging to the sustainable food waste management strategy. The main importance of food waste use is their exploitation through bioconversion process into the new value‐added products, generating near zero waste. Also, the type and chemical composition of plant waste used as mushroom substrate affects the nutritional profile and quantity of the produced mushroom. Therefore, the application of this principle of production benefits winemakers on the one hand, eliminating the generation of toxic waste and protecting the environment. From a quality point of view, approach outlined in this research shows practical application of using quality index as a tool for overall quality evaluation. Finally, combining food waste for producing mushrooms evaluated through a quality index perspective paves the way for increasing mushroom in the mushroom values chain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Four types of mycelial extracts were derived from the airlift liquid fermentation (ALF) of Pleurotus flabellatus, namely exopolysaccharide (EX), endopolysaccharide (EN), hot water (WE), and hot alkali (AE) extracts. Such extracts were screened for their active components and biological potential. EN proved to be most effective in inhibition of lipid peroxidation (EC50 = 1.71 ± 0.02 mg/mL) and in Cupric ion reducing antioxidant capacity (CUPRAC) assay (EC50 = 2.91 ± 0.01 mg TE/g). AE exhibited most pronounced ability to chelate ferrous ions (EC50 = 4.96 ± 0.08 mg/mL) and to scavenge ABTS radicals (EC50 = 3.36 ± 0.03 mg TE/g). β-glucans and total phenols contributed most to the chelating ability and quenching of ABTS radicals. Inhibition of lipid peroxidation correlated best with total glucans, total proteins, and β-glucans. Total proteins contributed most to CUPRAC antioxidant capacity. Antifungal effect was determined against Candida albicans ATCC 10231 (MIC: 0.019–0.625 mg/mL; MFC: 0.039–2.5 mg/mL), and towards C. albicans clinical isolate (MIC and MFC: 10.0–20.0 mg/mL). Comparison of cytotoxicity against colorectal carcinoma HCT 116 cells (IC50: 1.8 ± 0.3–24.6 ± 4.2 mg/mL) and normal lung MRC-5 fibroblasts (IC50: 17.0 ± 4.2–42.1 ± 6.1 mg/mL) showed that EN, and especially AE possess selective anticancer activity (SI values 3.41 and 9.44, respectively). Slight genotoxicity was observed only for AE and EX, indicating the low risk concerning this feature. Notable antioxidative and anticandidal activities, selective cytotoxicity against colorectal carcinoma cells, and absence/low genotoxicity pointed out that ALF—cultivated P. flabellatus mycelium could be considered as a valuable source of bioactive substances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of Boletus edulis decoction and the effect of mushroom addition on the physicochemical and microbiological properties of frankfurters during refrigerated storage were studied. The addition of mushroom delayed the increase in the total number of aerobic mesophilic microorganisms during the storage. The incorporation of B. edulis in cooked sausages resulted in the significantly higher hardness of frankfurters in comparison with control, during chilled storage. Mushroom addition significantly affected the color of sausages throughout storage, but no deficiencies in sensory acceptance test were obtained. Generally, this mushroom can be used as a natural antioxidant to interfere with microorganism growth and extend the shelf life of cooked pork sausages during refrigerated storage. Practical applications: In this study, the addition of B. edulis has proven to be a potent antioxidant and antimicrobial ingredient that extends the shelf life of frankfurters. That could be an interesting finding in potentially reducing or replacing commercial antioxidants with a natural, healthier variant of food additives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Meat Technology is the property of Institute of Meat Hygiene & Technology and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Oxidative stress is among the main culprits for the progression of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and neurodegenerative disorders. It is well known that dark chocolate possesses polyphenols as major constituents which dietary consumption has been associated to health beneficial effects. Consequently, this study aimed to analyze dark chocolate (DC) and dark chocolate enriched with medicinal mushroom Coriolus versicolor (DCC) and hazelnuts (DCH) regarding antioxidant potential and total polyphenol (TPC), flavonoid (TFC), flavan-3-ol (FLA) and proanthocyanidin (PCA) content. DPPH*, CUPRAC and ABTS*+ assays were applied for measuring antioxidant capacity. The average of all antioxidant tests for each product was used for calculating the antioxidant potency composite index (ACI). The mean values of all antioxidant assays indicated that all chocolate products contained potent antioxidants. The addition of hazelnuts to dark chocolate significantly affected its total flavonoid content. Regression analysis among results obtained with antioxidant assays revealed that dark chocolate and dark chocolate products may act in mixed mode, by direct reduction via electron transfer or by radical quenching via H atom transfer. Flavan-3-ols had the most significant impact on the ability of the analyzed samples to reduce metals, while proanthocyanidins primarily acted as radical scavengers. The obtained results provided additional information regarding the value-added dark chocolates enriched with bioactive compounds of medicinal mushroom and plant origin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine compositional differences between brown and white varieties of Agaricus bisporus during shelf life and to determine if the growing demand for the brown variety is scientifically justified.Design/methodology/approach Field research enabled analyzing consumers’ perceptions on intrinsic, extrinsic and quality characteristics of mushrooms. A total of 275 consumers participated in the survey. Obtained results were used for comparing white and brown varieties of A. bisporus over a period of 22 days. Mushrooms were packed in air and in modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) at 4°C. Samples were analyzed for their nutritional, antioxidative and microbiological characteristics.Findings Two weeks from harvest, white variety showed higher amount of essential nutrients, while during the third week, brown mushrooms were more nutritionally valuable. Brown variety had better antioxidative ability for all 22 days of storage. Aerobic plate count (APC) was as expected for the mushrooms. MAPs significantly lowered APC in both varieties. The number of Enterobacteriaceae was equal for both varieties at the beginning, but later on they developed much faster in the case of brown variety. Field research combined with specific analyses clarified that there are no nutritive or microbiological reasons for the precedence of brown variety over white.Research limitations/implications Sensory aspect of the quality of mushrooms was not analyzed.Originality/value Market trend toward brown variety was scientifically challenged. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to develop a total quality index and examine the effects of modified atmosphere packaging ( MAP) on the quality of Agaricus bisporus mushrooms stored for 22 days at 4 °C. Mushrooms were packaged under three MAPs: high nitrogen packaging ( HNP), low carbon dioxide packaging ( LCP) and low oxygen packaging ( LOP). Passive MAP with air inside initially was used as the atmosphere treatment ( AIR). RESULTS This research revealed two phases in quality deterioration of A. bisporus mushrooms. During the first week, most of the quality parameters were not statistically different. Thereafter, odor intensities were stronger for all four types of packaging. Color difference and browning index values showed significantly lower color changes for AIR and LOP compared with HNP and LCP mushrooms. CONCLUSION The best total quality index was calculated for LOP, followed by LCP and AIR. The findings of this study are useful with respect to examining two-component MAPs, separating the limiting factors ( O2 and CO2) and evaluating quality deterioration effects and the total quality index of A. bisporus mushrooms. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oxidative stress caused by an imbalanced metabolism and an excess of reactive oxygen species (ROS) lead to a range of health disorders in humans. Our endogenous antioxidant defense mechanisms and our dietary intake of antioxidants potentially regulate our oxidative homeostasis. Numerous synthetic antioxidants can effectively improve defense mechanisms, but because of their adverse toxic effects under certain conditions, preference is given to natural compounds. Consequently, the requirements for natural, alternative sources of antioxidant foods identified in edible mushrooms, as well as the mechanistic action involved in their antioxidant properties, have increased rapidly. Chemical composition and antioxidant potential of mushrooms have been intensively studied. Edible mushrooms might be used directly in enhancement of antioxidant defenses through dietary supplementation to reduce the level of oxidative stress. Wild or cultivated, they have been related to significant antioxidant properties due to their bioactive compounds, such as polyphenols, polysaccharides, vitamins, carotenoids and minerals. Antioxidant and health benefits, observed in edible mushrooms, seem an additional reason for their traditional use as a popular delicacy food. This review discusses the consumption of edible mushrooms as a powerful instrument in maintaining health, longevity and life quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objectives of this study were to assess the differences in fermentative behaviour of two different strains of Saccharomyces cerevisiae (EC1118 and RC212) and to determine the differences in composition and sensory properties of raspberry wines fermented with immobilized and suspended yeast cells of both strains at 15 °C. Analyses of aroma compounds, glycerol, acetic acid and ethanol, as well as the kinetics of fermentation and a sensory evaluation of the wines, were performed. All fermentations with immobilized yeast cells had a shorter lag phase and faster utilization of sugars and ethanol production than those fermented with suspended cells. Slower fermentation kinetics were observed in all the samples that were fermented with strain RC212 (suspended and immobilized) than in samples fermented with strain EC1118. Significantly higher amounts of acetic acid were detected in all samples fermented with strain RC212 than in those fermented with strain EC1118 (0.282 and 0.602 g/l, respectively). Slightly higher amounts of glycerol were observed in samples fermented with strain EC1118 than in those fermented with strain RC212. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Nosema ceranae affects honey bee (Apis mellifera L.) causing nosemosis disease that often induces serious problems in apiculture. Antibiotic fumagillin is the only licenced treatment against nosemosis, but its effectiveness is questioned and its usage associated with risk of bee mortality and appearance of residues in bee products. In search for alternative treatment for the control of nosemosis, water crude extract of Agaricus bisporus was tested on bees in laboratory (cage) experiments. Bee survival and food consumption were monitored together with Nosema infection level and expression of five genes (abaecin, hymenoptaecin, defensin, apidaecin, and vitellogenin) were evaluated in bees sampled on days 7 and 15. Apart from the gene for defensin, the expression of all tested genes was up-regulated in bees supplemented with A. bisporus extract. Both anti-Nosema and immune protective effects of A. bisporus extract were observed when supplementation started at the moment of N. ceranae infection or preventively (before or simultaneously with the Nosema infection). Agaricus bisporus water crude extract was tested on honey bees for the first time. The first part of the cage experiment was set for selecting one concentration of the A. bisporus extract. Concentration of 200 µg/g was further tested in the second part of the experiment where bee survival and food consumption were monitored together with Nosema infection level and expression of five genes (abaecin, hymenoptaecin, defensin, apidaecin, and vitellogenin) that were evaluated in bees sampled on days 7 and 15. Survival rate of Nosema-infected bees was significantly greater in groups fed with A. bisporus-enriched syrup compared to those fed with a pure sucrose syrup. Besides, the anti-Nosema effect of A. bisporus extract was greatest when applied from the third day which coincides with the time of infection with N. ceranae. Daily food consumption did not differ between the groups indicating good acceptability and palatability of the extract. A. bisporus extract showed a stimulative effect on four out of five monitored genes. Both anti-Nosema and nutrigenomic effects of A. bisporus extract were observed when supplementation started at the moment of N. ceranae infection or preventively (before or simultaneously with the infection). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Unfortunately, author has missed to include the following text in the Acknowledgement section "We also thank Dr Shaiful Azuar Mohamad and the team from Nuclear Malaysia for providing the mushroom polysaccharide (endo and exo) samples in 2018. Any future publications regarding the samples provided should not be made without his consent." The updated complete Acknowledgement is provided below: [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of Cantharellus cibarius decoction and the effect of mushroom addition on the physicochemical and microbiological properties of frankfurters during refrigerated storage were studied. Mushroom addition significantly reduced (p < 0.05) the formation of total aerobic mesophilic bacteria during storage. Regarding the texture, there was no negative effect in frankfurters with the mushroom added, compared to the control group of sausages. Generally, C. cibarius can be used as a natural ingredient in order to prevent the growth of microorganisms in cooked pork sausages, causing an extension in shelf life during chilled storage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]