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Yerba mate is a source of biologically active substances. The aim was to determine whether the place of origin of Yerba and the brewing method have any influence on the levels of Ca, Mg and Fe and antioxidant activity of infusions. Samples were steeped in cold water (25°C) and hot water (three consecutive infusions with 85°C water). Infusions had a high antioxidant activity and high Mg level. The levels of elements and the antioxidant activity were influenced by the brewing method. There were no significant differences in the examined parameters depending on the country of origin. The results on the levels of elements and the antioxidant activity indicate that the most efficient brewing method was infusion in hot water. The highest levels of elements were found in first infusions, with the highest antioxidant activity in the third infusions.

In this work the studies on the antioxidative properties of extracts from various morphotic parts of the ground elder (leaves, rhizomes, seeds and flowers) were presented. Moreover, the effect of different extraction methods (ultrasonic assisted extractions, extraction in a Soxhlet apparatus, extraction at the boiling point of the solvent used), solvent and its amount, and extraction time on the antioxidative properties of the obtained extracts were tested. The studies showed that all parts of ground elder can show radical scavenging activity, and it depends mainly on the method of extraction and extraction time. But the most beneficial is ultrasonic assisted extraction which used lower amount of solvent (ethanol). In case of all parts of the ground elder (leaves, rhizomes, seeds and flowers) it allows to obtain very high values of the antioxidant capacity (above 90%) for very short extraction time amounted to 20–40 minutes.

Foodstuffs containing large amounts of sucrose, which is rapidly absorbed by the human body, cause a marked increase in blood glucose levels; for some people, especially those with diabetes, this is undesirable. Therefore, efforts were undertaken to produce food with a reduced calorie content, but maintaining a sweet taste. Additionally, food producers were interested in cutting costs by replacing sugar with a cheaper alternative. Saccharin, one of the first synthetic sweeteners, was discovered in the USA in the 2nd half of the 19th century. Subsequently, other sugar substitutes were developed: synthetic (e.g. aspartame or acesulfame K), semi-synthetic (xylitol, mannitol), or polyols. The latter were used during the First and Second World War to increase the calorific content of the available food. Nowadays, the advancing obesity epidemic has resulted in the increasing popularity of synthetic and semi-synthetic sweeteners. However, from the beginning of their existence there have been controversies regarding their safety and impact on health. There have been many studies on individual sweeteners, specifying any adverse or side effects. Therefore, the aim of this paper is to summarizes the characteristics of the most popular sweeteners and their effects on human health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) is a spice herb found in most cuisines and in many spice blends on the Polish market. It deserves special attention, not only because of its unique taste and smell, but also due to a composition that provides health benefits. Its antimicrobial activity has been proven in relation to bacteria, fungi (including yeast) and viruses. Positive effects on the metabolism of carbohydrates and lipids, and the function of the nervous system, as well as hepatoprotective properties have been demonstrated. The plant itself and the extracts and essential oils obtained from it are used in home cooking, and the cosmetic and food industries. It also finds applications in agriculture as an animal feed additive. The aim of the work was to review current scientific publications and present the properties and areas of use of rosemary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Honey is the most popular bee product consumed by humans. It is known for its nutritional properties and health benefits, which include neuroprotective effects, the support of the circulatory system, and the beneficial influence it has on skin and respiratory system disorders. The aim of this study was to determine the influence of water temperature used for the preparation of honey solutions on their antioxidant potential. Material/Methods: Material and methods. The study material included buckwheat honey, black locust honey, and rape honey. Honey solutions (1%) were prepared using distilled water with the temperatures: 25°C, 70°C, 80°C, and 90°C. The antioxidant activity of samples was measured with spectrophotometric method using synthetic radical DPPH. Results: The antioxidant activity of honey was between 0.29 to 78.50% of DPPH inhibition, depending on the type of honey and the temperature of water used for the preparation of solutions. Buckwheat honey was characterised by the highest antioxidant potential. A significant, directly proportional correlation was observed between the antioxidant potential and the temperature of buckwheat and rape II honey solutions. Conclusions: In the case of buckwheat honey, rape honey I and black locust honey, the highest antioxidant potential was achieved in solutions prepared using distilled water at 90°C, whereas in the case of rape honey II, the highest values were observed at 80°C and 90°C. The lowest inhibition of the DPPH radical was observed in solutions at 70°C in all of the honey types. In the case of the studied honeys, it is even advisable to prepare water solutions at 80°C or 90°C in order to increase its antioxidant potential, e.g. by adding honey to tea or milk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Goutweed (Aegopodium podagraria L.) is a common plant in the Apiaceae family. It occurs in Europe, North America and Asia. In folk medicine, mainly the leaves of goutweed were used to treat gout, inflammatory states in kidneys and bladder and to facilitate wound healing. Chemical composition of goutweed has not been entirely determined, however, it is known that the main group of compounds are polyacetylenes (falcarinol and falcarindiol). Moreover, other compounds were isolated from this plant, such as essential oils from the group of mono- and sesquiterpenes, as well as coumarins and polyphenol compounds, e.g. phenolic acids and flavonoids. Preparations from goutweed have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. Research performed in recent years have shown the possibilities to use tinctures and extracts from goutweed in the treatment of gout and metabolic diseases including type 2 diabetes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Pomeranian Journal of Life Sciences is the property of Sciendo 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.)

Copyright of Pomeranian Journal of Life Sciences is the property of Sciendo 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.)

Copyright of Pomeranian Journal of Life Sciences is the property of Sciendo 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.)