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Background. Plant polyphenols are known for their limiting of adverse effects on reactive oxygen species (ROS) in biological systems. The photochemiluminescence (PCL) assay allows to evaluate the antiradical activity of a compound in the presence of a superoxide anion-radical (O2 ·-), which is one of the ROS directly associated with the human body. In this work, determination of the superoxide anion radical scavenging activity of different tea extracts using the PCL assay was performed. Material and methods. Investigations were conducted on different tea leaves extracts. The study included fi ve kinds of tea leaves subjected to aqueous and ethanol extraction procedure. Catechins content was evaluated using HPLC. Antiradical activity of the samples was conducted with use of Photochem assay. Results. Analysis of total catechins content in tea aqueous extracts enabled them to be arranged as follows: yellow > green > white > red > black, while for ethanol extracts it was: yellow = green > white > red > black. The examined tea extracts were ranked from highest to lowest water-soluble antioxidative capacity (ACW) values as follows: yellow > green > white > red > black. The results of lipid-soluble antioxidative capacity (ACL) values for aqueous extracts were similar; however, were approximately 50% lower than those presented as ACW. The second examined group were ethanol extracts, which ranked for ACW values: yellow > green = red = white > black, while ACL values ranked as follows: yellow > white = black = red > green. PCL assay results were correlated with total catechin content in aqueous extracts. Conclusions. Antiradical activity of different tea leaves extracts in PCL assay, showed that the highest activity was found in extracts of yellow tea; the lowest, however, was identified in black tea extracts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the high intake of sugars, especially sucrose, global trends in food processing have encouraged producers to use sweeteners, particularly synthetic ones, to a wide extent. For several years, increasing attention has been paid in the literature to the stevia (Stevia rebauidana), containing glycosidic diterpenes, for which sweetening properties have been identified. Chemical composition, nutritional value and application of stevia leaves are briefly summarized and presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to evaluate the quality of frozen fried potato products of three leading companies available on the Polish market for catering and households. 21 products were analysed, among which were the largest group of potato chips (14), and then potato wedges (3), potato slices (2), and potato balls (2). The evaluation was performed for two package of each product as two individual samples. The fat content of samples, the peroxide and acid value and the fatty acid profile was determined. The most commonly used frying oil in the preparation of products were palm oil, and a mixture of traditional and high oleic sunflower oil. The fat content of the tested products was varied and ranged from 1.9 to 10.65%. Also, individual samples' peroxide and anisidine value varied. In particular, the analysis of secondary oxidation products showed large differences both within the same product type and between different packaging of one product. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Recent epidemiological evidence on the growing role of food antioxidants in oxidative stress related diseases has led to a wide number of antioxidant potential evaluation assays. Main antioxidants in food are e.g. polyphenols of plant origin. Antioxidants consumption would be very promising future trend for human health and important factor in body defense system activity against reactive oxygen species (ROS), therefore in diseases prophylaxis. The aim of the present research was to evaluate the antiradical activity as ORACFL value of selected food and drinks. Material and methods. In the present study, twenty four products were analysed for oxygen radical absorbance capacity evaluated according to the ORACFL peroxyl radical scavenging method. Results. Highest ORACFL values were evaluated in strawberry, dried plum and cranberry fruits, carrot and red cabbage as vegetables, orange and pomegranate juices and red tea among drinks group. Results showed significant differences between samples in selected product groups. Conclusions. Research indicates that selected food products can be important peroxyl radical scavengers, and that is why information on food label, concerning the issue, would be useful for modern consumers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. The use of plant origin polyphenols as food ingredients, supplements or antioxidants is very promising as a future trend for human health and food stability. Free radical activity, responsible for human ageing and food deterioration could be delayed by the use of antioxidants present in fruit and vegetables. The aim of the present research was to evaluate and compare the antiradical activity of selected fruits and vegetable snacks as a new promising kind of functional foods. Material and methods. In the present study, seven commercial plant food snacks were analysed for the total polyphenol content and antioxidant activity evaluated according to the DPPH· and ABTS·+ radical scavenging methods. Results. The highest total polyphenol content was evaluated in chokeberry and blackcurrant chips extracts, apple chips contained significantly lower amount among all snacks. Chokeberry extract exhibited the highest antiradical activity when determined by the DPPH· and ABTS·+ radical scavenging methods, while the apple and carrot chips extracts showed the lowest antiradical activity. DPPH· and ABTS·+ gave comparable results and were highly correlated (r = 0.83, p < 0.05). Conclusions. Results obtained indicate that selection of plant matrices for snack production would be very important for consumer's health, as they are potential sources of dietary antioxidants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Carotenoids are components playing an important role in biological systems, starting with light protection, immunoenhancement, protection against carcinogens and finishing with antioxidant activity. Food additives market is based mainly on synthetic additives; however, higher consumer awareness has resulted in an increased use of natural substances. One of the potentially antioxidant compounds could be a lipid soluble carotenoid – astaxanthin (xanthophyll), found in the microbial world. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antioxidant potential of carotenoid extract from Phaffia rhodozyma extract. Material and methods. Carotenoids extracted from Phaffia rhodozyma and the astaxanthin standard was selected for the investigations. Antioxidant potential was evaluated by radical scavenging activity (DPPH• and ABTS•+ radicals) and in lipid oxidative stability measurements (Rancimat, Oxidograph and Schaal oven tests). Results. It was found that the examined extracts presented a significantly higher ability to scavenge the DPPH• radical in comparison to the ABTS•+ radical. Evaluations of linoleic acid emulsion oxidative stability showed a higher antioxidant effect of the Phaffia rhodozyma extract than that of astaxanthin during 19 h of incubation. That potential however, was not detected in linoleic acid emulsion incubated for 96 h, where both additives accelerated oxidation process. In bulk sunflower oil a protective effect of Phaffia rhodozyma extract was observed. In both Rancimat and Oxidograph tests antioxidant activity measured using the induction period was evaluated. However, results of the Schaal oven test indicated that a 144 h incubation of sunflower oil offered a significantly better protection of the lipid against oxidation when the Phaffia rhodozyma extract was added. Conclusions. On the basis of recorded results it was found that the Phaffia rhodozyma carotenoid extract showed moderate antioxidant properties, depending on the environmental conditions of methods used. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to assess the chemical composition of corn crackers with a 10% and 20% addition of dried shiitake and to estimate the sorption of Fe and Zn by these products under conditions of pH values similar to those found in the human alimentary tract. Contents of proton. fat and ash were determined using standard analytical methods. Soluble and insoluble fractions of dietary fiber were assayed using the Asp's enzymatic method. Contents of minerals were analysed by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Sorption of be and Zn was estimated under in vitro conditions (simulated to imitate those occurring in the alimentary tract), using buffer solutions with pH = 1.8, pH=6.6, and pH =8.7 as dispersion media. The products were found to be characterised by high contents of fiber, Fe, Cu. Mg and K, and low contents of Na and Ca. A low ability to bind Fe and Zn of not more than 22% was observed in the analysed material. Experimental results obtained indicate that the products with the addition of dried shiitake could be used as a food additive: however, in order to promote them as a good source of microelements it is necessary, to determine the sorption capacity of dried mushrooms in in vivo tests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mercury poisoning is responsible for inducing serious adverse effects in living organisms. One of protection factors could be substances proven to possess high antioxidant and metal chelating activity - plant polyphenols. There are many sources of polyphenols in plant kingdom but the most interesting for food industry could be widely consumed herbs. Aim of the research was to evaluate antioxidative potential of selected plant extracts and its influence on HepG2 cells in different conditions. Ethanolic herbs extracts were characterised by total polyphenol content. Antioxidant activity was estimated with use of DPPH. and ABTS+. radicals scavenging methods and FRAP. Research included cells viability estimation by the MTT assay and cells exposition to HgCl2, chemical agent inducing cell death. Analysis of herbs extracts antioxidative activity showed best potential represented thyme and marjoram, highest FRAP was evaluated in samples with mint and marjoram extracts. On the basis of received results it was found that examined plant extracts showed weak protection against Hg presence in examined cells environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The intention of HACCP system is focusing to control at points in the operation, critical to the food safety. It is mandatory, preventative, and easy for monitoring food quality control system. Preventing the problems is the major direction of the HACCP system currently considered as one of the most efficient tools provided. Present research aimed at HACCP system adaptation and verification in production of vegetable food. The correctness of introduction and implementation of HACCP was also verified in practice. Research involved the description of selected vegetable grocery product groups and their production schemes, designation of critical control points (CCP) in the processes, the danger and identification analysis sheet. Also monitoring system, prevention and correction efforts were planned. On the basis of the obtained results chapters of HACCP book for gastronomy vegetable products were created. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tea leaves (Camelia sinensis L.) extracts are source of polyphenols, i.e. antioxidant components. Research showed possible tea extracts use in food technology, influencing contained lipids stability improvement. The aim of the research was comparison of different teas extracts activity in emulsified lipid system. The present research examined different teas: white, green, yellow, oolong and black aqueous and ethanol extracts. To evaluate the most potent addition level different tea extracts concentrations were chosen. Linoleic acid oxidative stability was measured by linoleic acid conjugated dienes production monitoring. Emulsions with additives were incubated 19 hours at 37°C in darkness. Results showed different tea extracts antioxidant activity, dependent on its concentration in examined system. Highest antioxidant activity, comparable to BHT and rosemary extract was found in lipid sample with addition of yellow tea ethanol extract. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Obesogenic endocrine-disrupting chemicals, such as bisphenol A (BPA) and its analogue bisphenol S (BPS), seem to play an important role in the development of obesity, although contradictory results have been reported. The aim of the present study was to conduct a gender analysis of the factors associated with exposure to dietary bisphenols in 585 Spanish adolescents. Dietary BPA and BPS exposure was assessed using a food frequency questionnaire. Foods and macronutrients accounting for more than 95% of energy intake were selected for analysis. Stepwise regression was used to estimate the foods that most contributed to dietary bisphenol exposure in the sample. Gender-related factors associated with greater dietary bisphenol exposure were evaluated using multivariate logistic regression models. Canned tuna was the main dietary source of BPA and BPS in both adolescent boys and girls. Overweight/obese girls showed a higher risk of high dietary exposure to BPA (odds ratio (OR): 3.38, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.25–9.07) and total bisphenols (OR: 2.81, 95% CI: 1.03–7.67) in comparison with girls with a BMI lower than 25 kg/m2. Present results indicate a positive association of dietary exposure to both total bisphenols and BPA with being overweight/obese in adolescent girls. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Depressive disorders represent a major public health concern and display a continuously rising prevalence. Importantly, a large proportion of patients develops aversive side effects and/or does not respond properly to conventional antidepressants. These issues highlight the need to identify further therapeutic strategies, including nutritional approaches using natural plant extracts with known beneficial impacts on health. In that context, growing evidence suggests that saffron could be a particularly promising candidate. This preclinical study aimed therefore to test its antidepressant-like properties in mice and to decipher the underlying mechanisms by focusing on monoaminergic neurotransmission, due to its strong implication in mood disorders. For this purpose, the behavioral and neurobiochemical impact of a saffron extract, Safr'Inside™ (6.5 mg/kg per os) was measured in naïve mice. Saffron extract reduced depressive-like behavior in the forced swim test. This behavioral improvement was associated with neurobiological modifications, particularly changes in serotonergic and dopaminergic neurotransmission, suggesting that Safr'Inside™ may share common targets with conventional pharmacological antidepressants. This study provides useful information on the therapeutic relevance of nutritional interventions with saffron extracts to improve management of mood disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a clinical manifestation characterized by a plethora of comorbidities, including hyperglycemia, abdominal obesity, arterial hypertension, and dyslipidemia. All MetS comorbidities participate to induce a low-grade inflammation state and oxidative stress, typical of this syndrome. MetS is related to an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases and early death, with an important impact on health-care costs. For its clinic management a poly-pharmaceutical therapy is often required, but this can cause side effects and reduce the patient's compliance. For this reason, finding a valid and alternative therapeutic strategy, natural and free of side effects, could represent a useful tool in the fight the MetS. In this context, the use of functional foods, and the assumption of natural bioactive compounds (NBCs), could exert beneficial effects on body weight, blood pressure and glucose metabolism control, on endothelial damage, on the improvement of lipid profile, on the inflammatory state, and on oxidative stress. This review focuses on the possible beneficial role of NBCs in the prevention and in the clinical management of MetS and its comorbidities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Marine and freshwater algae and their products are in growing demand worldwide because of their nutritional and functional properties. Microalgae (unicellular algae) will constitute one of the major foods of the future for nutritional and environmental reasons. They are sources of high-quality protein and bioactive molecules with potential application in the modern epidemics of obesity and diabetes. They may also contribute decisively to sustainability through carbon dioxide fixation and minimization of agricultural land use. This paper reviews current knowledge of the effects of consuming edible microalgae on the metabolic alterations known as metabolic syndrome (MS). These microalgae include Chlorella, Spirulina (Arthrospira) and Tetraselmis as well as Isochrysis and Nannochloropsis as candidates for human consumption. Chlorella biomass has shown antioxidant, antidiabetic, immunomodulatory, antihypertensive, and antihyperlipidemic effects in humans and other mammals. The components of microalgae reviewed suggest that they may be effective against MS at two levels: in the early stages, to work against the development of insulin resistance (IR), and later, when pancreatic -cell function is already compromised. The active components at both stages are antioxidant scavengers and anti-inflammatory lipid mediators such as carotenoids and -3 PUFAs (eicosapentaenoic acid/docosahexaenoic acid; EPA/DHA), prebiotic polysaccharides, phenolics, antihypertensive peptides, several pigments such as phycobilins and phycocyanin, and some vitamins, such as folate. As a source of high-quality protein, including an array of bioactive molecules with potential activity against the modern epidemics of obesity and diabetes, microalgae are proposed as excellent foods for the future. Moreover, their incorporation into the human diet would decisively contribute to a more sustainable world because of their roles in carbon dioxide fixation and reducing the use of land for agricultural purposes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phytosterols are naturally occurring substances in foods of plant origin that have positive effects on the human body. Their consumption can reduce the level of low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. The presence of unsaturated bonds in their structure leads to their oxidation during production, storage, and thermal processes. The aim of the study was to determine how the degree of unsaturation of rapeseed oil affects the oxidation of phytosterols in oil during 48 h of heating. In all not-heated oils, the dominant groups of oxyphytosterols were 7α- and 7β-hydroxy sterols. During 48 h of heating, the rapid decrease of phytosterols' levels and the increase of the content of oxyphytosterols were observed. The main dominant group in heated samples was hydroxy and epoxy sterols. Despite differences in fatty acid composition and content and composition of single phytosterols in unheated oils samples, the total content of oxyphytosterols after finishing of heating was on a similar level for each of the tested oils. This showed that the fatty acid composition of oil is not the only factor that affects the oxidation of phytosterols in foods during heating. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chokeberry fruit exhibits a high level of pro-health potential, associated with a significant amount of polyphenol content and antioxidant activity. The fruit is easily perishable and therefore needs to be processed in short order to ensure its availability throughout the year. For this purpose, the fruit is dried, which has an impact on the preservation of bioactive components such as polyphenols. In the study, chokeberry fruit was influenced by a suspension of spices, including clove and cinnamon, and subsequently dried using the freeze-drying, convection, and microwave radiation methods. Freeze-drying was concluded to be the most desirable method of drying, which preserves the largest amount of polyphenols while soaking fruit in a suspension of cinnamon or cloves accelerated the loss of anthocyanins during the storage period. The obtained test results may constitute a valuable source of information for manufacturers in designing new products with increased pro-health potential, whose properties result from the high content of polyphenols and other plant additives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antioxidants are a wide group of chemical compounds characterized by high bioactivity. They affect human health by inhibiting the activity of reactive oxygen species. Thus, they limit their harmful effect and reduce the risk of many diseases, including cardiovascular diseases, cancers, and neurodegenerative diseases. Antioxidants are also widely used in the food industry. They prevent the occurrence of unfavourable changes in food products during storage. They inhibit fat oxidation and limit the loss of colour. For this reason, they are often added to meat products. Many diet components exhibit an antioxidative activity. A high antioxidative capacity is attributed to fruit, vegetables, spices, herbs, tea, and red wine. So far, the antioxidative properties of various plant materials have been tested. However, the antioxidative activity of some products has not been thoroughly investigated yet. To date, there have been only a few studies on the antioxidative activity of the pumpkin, including pumpkin seeds, flowers, and leaves, but not the pulp. The main focus of our experiment was to optimize the extraction so as to increase the antioxidative activity of the pumpkin pulp. Variable extraction conditions were used for this purpose, i.e., the type and concentration of the solvent, as well as the time and temperature of the process. In addition, the experiment involved a comparative analysis of the antioxidative potential of 14 pumpkin cultivars of the Cucurbita maxima species. The study showed considerable diversification of the antioxidative activity of different pumpkin cultivars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Black chokeberry (Aronia melnocarpa) is a source of many bioactive compounds with a wide spectrum of health-promoting properties. Fresh, unprocessed chokeberry fruits are rarely consumed due to their astringent taste, but they are used in the food industry for the production of juices, nectars, syrups, jams, preserves, wines, tinctures, fruit desserts, jellies, fruit teas and dietary supplements. Polyphenols are biofactors that determine the high bioactivity of chokeberries, some of the richest sources of polyphenols, which include anthocyanins, proanthocyanidins, flavonols, flavanols, proanthocyanidins, and phenolic acids. Chokeberry fruit and products have great antioxidant and health-promoting potential as they reduce the occurrence of free radicals. This publication reviewed the scientific research regarding the phenolic compounds and the antioxidant potential of chokeberry fruits, products and isolated compounds. These findings may be crucial in future research concerning chokeberry based functional food products. Chokeberry fruits can be considered as promising component of designed food with enhanced antioxidant potential. However, like other plants and medicinal products of natural origin, black chokeberry requires extensive studies to determine its antioxidant potential, safety and mechanisms of action. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Plants are an important source of phenolic compounds. The antioxidant capacities of green tea, thyme and rosemary extracts that contain these compounds have been reported earlier. However, there is a lack of accessible information about their activity against lipid oxidation in emulsions and inhibit the interaction of lipid oxidation products with amino acids. Therefore, the influence of green tea, thyme and rosemary extracts and BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene) on quantitative changes in lysine and methionine in linoleic acid emulsions at a pH of isoelectric point and a pH lower than the isoelectric point of amino acids was investigated. Material and methods. Total phenolic contents in plant extracts were determined spectrophotometrically by using Folin-Ciocalteu's reagent, and individual phenols by using HPLC. The level of oxidation of emulsion was determined using the measurement of peroxides and TBARS (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances). Methionine and lysine in the system were reacted with sodium nitroprusside and trinitrobenzenesulphonic acid respectively, and the absorbance of the complexes was measured. Results. Extract of green tea had the highest total polyphenol content. The system containing antioxidants and amino acid protected linoleic acid more efficiently than by the addition of antioxidants only. Lysine and methionine losses in samples without the addition of antioxidants were lower in their isoelectric points than below these points. Antioxidants decrease the loss of amino acids. The protective properties of antioxidants towards methionine were higher in a pH of isoelectric point whereas towards lysine in pH below this point. Conclusion. Green tea, thyme and rosemary extracts exhibit antioxidant activity in linoleic acid emulsions. Moreover, they can be utilized to inhibit quantitative changes in amino acids in lipid emulsions. However, the antioxidant efficiency of these extracts seems to depend on pH conditions. Further investigations should be carried out to clarify this issue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and objectives. Ovariectomy leads to an alteration of estrogen status associated with impaired calcium metabolism, reduced bone mineral density, and disorder in lipid metabolism. Calcium deficiency may enhance the effect of estrogen-deficiency condition. Therefore, this study aimed to define whether a calcium deficit in a diet affected the body composition, glucose, and lipid blood parameters in ovariectomized rats. Materials and methods. This study included thirty female Wistar rats (three months old). The rats were randomly assigned into three groups: Group 1 (n = 10) consisted of rats in the control group (C) fed the standard diet, group 2 (n = 10) consisted of ovariectomized rats (OVX) fed the standard diet, and group 3 (n = 10) consisted of ovariectomized rats fed the calcium-deficit diet (OVXD). The body composition, blood glucose, and blood lipid profile were determined. Results. Obtained results demonstrated that a calcium-deficient diet and a standard diet had a similar effect on feeding efficiency and body composition in ovariectomized rats. Moreover, the liver's relative weight, heart, kidneys, pancreas, brain, and femurs significantly decreased in both ovariectomized groups. The blood levels of cholesterol (CHOL), triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and high- -density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) increased similarly in the ovariectomized groups OVX and OVXD in comparison to the control group. Glucose concentration was comparable between groups. Conclusions. Calcium deficiency did not enhance the ovariectomy effect on body composition, glucose, and lipid status in rats during the 12-week study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Chia seeds are gaining increasing interest among food producers and consumers because of their prohealth properties. Results: The aimof this workwas to evaluate the potential of chia seeds to act as acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) inhibitors. The highest inhibitory activity against AChE and BChE was observed for colored seed ethanol extracts. A positive correlation was found between the presence of quercetin and isoquercetin as well as protocatechuic, hydroxybenzoic, and coumaric acids and the activity of extracts as AChE and BChE inhibitors. It has also been shown that grain fragmentation affects the increase in the activity of seeds against cholinesterases (ChE). Furthermore, seeds have been shown to be a source of substances that inhibit microbial growth. Conclusions: It was found that the chia seed extracts are rich in polyphenols and inhibit the activity of ChEs; therefore, their use can be considered in further research in the field of treatment and prevention of neurodegenerative diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The health-promoting value of fresh white cheese made from buttermilk can be increased by adding to it a whey protein concentrate (WPC). At the same time, the antioxidant potential of whey protein can be used to stabilize the lipid fraction. WPC-enriched cheese had higher ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) values than the control buttermilk cheese. The 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical-scavenging activity (DPPH) was also higher in WPC-enriched cheese, but not as noticeable as in the case of the FRAP assay results. A strong correlation was established between FRAP and DPPH antioxidant activity values, and the amount of cholesterol oxidation products in WPC-enriched cheese. The longer the WPC-enriched buttermilk cheese was stored, the lower the number of cholesterol oxidation products (mostly 7β-hydroxycholesterol and 5,6-β-epoxycholesterol) was determined. After 30 days, the content of total cholesterol oxidation products in WPC-enriched cheese was 4.7-fold lower than in the control cheese. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Asparagus officinalis has a high nutritional value. Asparagus is rich in a number of bioactive compounds, mainly flavonoids (quercetin), glutathione, vitamin C, vitamin E, fructans (inulin and fructooligosaccharides) and phytosterols (b-sitosterol). These compounds may play an important role in human health. The purpose of this study was to examine the antioxidant potential and polyphenol composition of white, pale-colored and green asparagus spears of different cultivars. Material and methods. Investigations were conducted on different asparagus spear extracts. The study included three colors of asparagus (white, pale-colored and green) from five different cultivars subjected to the ethanol extraction procedure. Total phenolic content was also determined by the Folin-Ciocalteu method. Polyphenol (phenolic acids and flavonols) composition was estimated using the HPLC method. The antioxidant properties of extracts were examined using DPPH, ABTS and metal ion chelating assays. Results. The highest contents of phenolic and flavonoids were observed in green asparagus from Grolim and the lowest in pale-colored asparagus from Gyjmlin. It was found that both the color of asparagus and the cultivar had a significant effect on the composition of phenolic acid and flavonols. Radical scavenging activity toward DPPH? and ABTS was highest for green asparagus cv. Grolim and Eposs. The greatest number of Fe ions was chelated by samples of green asparagus cv. Grolim and Huchel's Alpha and pale-colored asparagus cv. Huchel's Alpha. Conclusion. It was shown that the antioxidant activity of asparagus spears measured by antiradical and chelating activity test depends on variety and color. The highest activity was found in green asparagus and the lowest was identified in white asparagus extracts. It has also been clarified that changes in flavonol and phenolic acid composition and increases in their diversity depends on growing with sunlight and variety. Asparagus can provide a valuable source of phenolic compounds in the human diet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Osmotic dehydration could be successfully used to enrich plant tissues with calcium. • Process time and calcium concentration had the most impact on calcium absorption. • The pumpkin dehydrated in inulin and xylitol contained the highest amounts of Ca. • The method can be used to design food with targeted health-promoting properties. Osmotic dehydration is used as a pre-treatment before drying. This process can also be used as a method of modulation of the sensory values of plant components and fortifying them with selected components. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of osmotic dehydration as a method of pumpkin flesh 'Melon Yellow' (Cucurbita maxima) fortification with calcium. The studies showed for the first time that by selecting the appropriate process conditions it is possible to significantly increase the level of calcium in plant matrice. The highest calcium content was found in the pumpkin pulp dehydrated in 50% xylitol and inulin solutions with a calcium carbonate (5%), where the process was conducted for 120 min at 30 °C (1,380.4 and 1,328.4 mg Ca/100 g). Therefore, study has shown an innovative application of the osmotic dehydration process for the design of food with health-promoting properties, including for those at risk of osteoporosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study emphasizes the significance of optimizing salt content during the fermentation of red beetroot to produce healthier and high-quality fermented products. It investigates the impact of different salt levels on fermentation, analyzing various parameters such as pH levels, dry matter content, total acidity, salt content, color changes, pigment content, and lactic acid bacteria count. This study identifies the most favorable salt concentration for bacterial growth during fermentation and storage as 2-3%. It was evaluated that salt levels fluctuated significantly during fermentation, with nearly 50% of the added salt absorbed by the beetroot tissues, mainly when lower salt concentrations were used. The fermentation process had a negative effect on the content of betalain pigments, as well as yellow pigments, including vulgaxanthin-I. It was also found that fermentation and storage affected the proportions of red pigments, with betacyanins proving to be more stable than betaxanthins, and that salt addition affected negatively pH and total acidity while causing an increase in yellow color. The pH was negatively correlated with the duration of the process, the amount of red pigment, and bacterial count. The results indicate that lower salt levels can lead to favorable physicochemical and microbiological parameters, allowing for the production of fermented red beetroot with reduced salt content without compromising quality.

Pumpkin is a highly nutritious plant, rich in valuable nutrients that benefit human health. Due to the high perishability of this fruit, the production of pumpkin juice is a practical way to use it effectively. Recently, fermented vegetable juices have been used as a dairy alternative due to their nutritional and potential probiotic properties. This study investigated the fermentation of pumpkin juice using different strains of lactic acid bacteria (LAB), with and without heat treatment. The effects of fermentation on microbial growth, pH, acidity, extract, sugars, carotenoids, polyphenols, and antioxidant properties were analyzed. The heat-treatment process did not greatly impact the dry matter content, pH, acidity, extract, or sugar content. However, it led to a reduction in carotenoid and polyphenol levels. During fermentation, there was a consistent decrease in pH and an increase in total acidity, with no noticeable differences between bacterial strains regarding their influence on these parameters. The study revealed that there were no distinctions between LAB strains in their effects on pH, acidity, and carotenoid content in fermented pumpkin juice. Nonetheless, both L . sakei and L . plantarum proved to be effective in the fermentation process, with L. sakei demonstrating greater adaptability. The expected pH, acidity, and sugar content changes were consistently observed throughout the fermentation process. Overall, results confirm the efficacy of the used Lactobacillus strains in fermenting pumpkin juice and highlight the potential impact of heat treatment on the nutritional composition of the juice. The purpose of thermal processing of pumpkin juice, which is conducted with lactic acid fermentation, is crucial for the food industry. It extends the product's shelf life, improves its nutritional and taste profiles, and guarantees its microbiological safety.

This study aimed to fortify cookies to be functional food by adding Clitoria ternatea flower (CT) at concentrations ranging from 0 to 8%. Sensory profiling identified 6% CT as optimal for organoleptic attributes. The addition of CT did not significantly impact protein, lipid, and ash content but decreased energy value and increased insoluble and soluble fibre levels. The inclusion of 6% CT had a significant effect on the overall total phenolic content (TPC), which increased compared to the control sample. Antioxidative activity analyses showed enhanced antioxidative activity in ABTS, DPPH, ORACFL, and PCL assays. The addition of 6% CT inhibited hydroperoxide production in cookies. However, over a period of 6 weeks, a significant rise in peroxide value was observed during the 4th and 6th weeks of storing fortified cookies. All assessed products met the high microbiological quality standards. The sensory evaluation scores showed that CT can create cookies with health benefits and a good overall acceptance score. The texture of the cookies gradually became softer, but no significant changes in visual appearance were observed. CT can be extensively used in baked cookies as a rich source of polyphenols with strong antioxidant properties and high fibre content, as well as a fortification source for the development of functional foods.

Osteoporosis constitutes a serious challenge for public health. Dietary patterns belong to important, modifiable risk factors of this disease. Therefore, what and in what quantities we consume on a daily basis are extremely relevant. It is commonly known that bone health is positively affected by vitamins (e.g., vitamin D and vitamin K) as well as mineral components (e.g., calcium and magnesium). However, the human diet consists of many other groups of compounds that exhibit a potential antiosteoporotic and supporting bone-building effect. These dietary components include carotenoids. This paper presents a broad review of studies on the influence of particular carotenoids (β-carotene, lutein, zeaxanthin, β-cryptoxanthin, and lycopene) on bones. The paper discusses up-to-date in vitro experiments and research on animal models and presents how the results translate into clinical effect in humans., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2023 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Fusarium culmorum is a major wheat pathogen, and its secondary metabolites (mycotoxins) cause damage to plants, animals, and human health. In the era of sustainable agriculture, eco-friendly methods of prevention and control are constantly needed. The use of plant extracts as biocontrol agents has gained popularity as they are a source of active substances that play a crucial role in fighting against phytopathogens. This study evaluated the impact of Lamium album on wheat seed germination and seedling growth. In a pot experiment, the effect of L. album on wheat seedlings artificially inoculated with F. culmorum was evaluated by measuring seedling growth parameters, and by using chromatographic methods, ergosterol and mycotoxins levels were analyzed. The results showed that the phytotoxic effect of L. album flower extracts on wheat seed germination and seedling growth was concentration dependent. The radicle length was also reduced compared to the control; however, L. album did not significantly affect the dry weight of the radicle. A slight phytotoxic effect on seed germination was observed, but antifungal effects on artificially infected wheat seedlings were also confirmed with the reduction of ergosterol level and mycotoxins accumulation in the roots and leaves after 21 days of inoculation. F. culmorum DNA was identified in the control samples only. Overall, this study is a successful in planta study showing L. album flower extract protection of wheat against the pathogen responsible for Fusarium crown and root rot. Further research is essential to study the effects of L. album extracts on key regulatory genes for mycotoxin biosynthetic pathways., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest. The author(s) declared that they were an editorial board member of Frontiers, at the time of submission. This had no impact on the peer review process and the final decision., (Copyright © 2024 Uwineza, Urbaniak, Stępień, Gramza-Michałowska and Waśkiewicz.)

This study explores the impact of rotational frying of three different food products on degradation of sterols, as well as their migration between frying oils and food. The research addresses a gap in the existing literature, which primarily focuses on changes in fat during the frying of single food items, providing limited information on the interaction of sterols from the frying medium with those from the food product. The frying was conducted at 185 ± 5 °C for up to 10 days where French fries, battered chicken, and fish sticks were fried in succession. The sterol content was determined by Gas Chromatography. This research is the first to highlight the influence of the type of oil on sterol degradation in both oils and food. Notably, sterols were found to be most stable when food products were fried in high-oleic low-linolenic rapeseed oil (HOLLRO). High-oleic soybean oil (HOSO) exhibited higher sterol degradation than high-oleic rapeseed oil (HORO). It was proven that cholesterol from fried chicken and fish sticks did not transfer to the fried oils or French fries. Despite initially having the highest sterol content in fish, the lowest sterol amount was recorded in fried fish, suggesting rapid degradation, possibly due to prefrying in oil with a high sterol content, regardless of the medium used.

Lamium album is a medicinal flowering plant that is rich in bioactive compounds with various biological properties. Fusarium species, known for causing significant crop losses and mycotoxin contamination, pose threats to food safety and human health. While synthetic fungicides are commonly employed for fungal management, their environmental impact prompts the ongoing development of alternative methods. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of L. album flower extracts in inhibiting the in vitro growth and biosynthesis of mycotoxins by Fusarium culmorum and F. proliferatum strains. The extracts were obtained by supercritical fluid extraction using CO 2 (SC-CO 2 ). The effects of various concentrations (2.5, 5, 7.5, and 10%) were assessed on a potato dextrose agar (PDA) medium using the "poisoning" technique. L. album flower extracts reduced mycelium growth by 0 to 30.59% for F. culmorum and 27.71 to 42.97% for F. proliferatum . Ergosterol content was reduced by up to 88.87% for F. culmorum and 93.17% for F. proliferatum . Similarly, the amounts of synthesized mycotoxins produced by both strains were also lower compared to control cultures. These findings are a preliminary phase for further in vivo tests planned to determine the fungistatic effect of L. album flower extracts on cereal substrates as seedlings incubated in controlled environments and under field conditions. Their phytotoxicity and biological stability, as well as the possibility of formulating a bio-preparation to protect cereals against Fusarium infections, will be evaluated.

In women, menopause is associated with disorders related to calcium and iron content, which may increase the risk of osteoporosis. This study aimed to determine the effect of calcium deficiency on the iron content in ovariectomized rats. This study included 30 3-month-old female rats, which were divided into three groups: group C (n = 10)-control group fed the standard diet; group O-ovariectomized rats fed the standard diet; and group D-ovariectomized rats fed the calcium-deficit diet. After 3 months of experimental intervention, the weight of the rats was measured, and blood and tissue samples were collected. Morphological parameters were analyzed in whole blood, and serum levels of leptin, estrogen and C-reactive protein, and total antioxidant status were determined. The iron content was measured in tissues, and histological analysis was performed in the femur. The results obtained demonstrated that ovariectomy significantly decreased the iron content in bones, hair, spleen, liver, and kidneys. The calcium-deficit diet increased the iron content in tissues and the hemoglobin level in ovariectomized rats and also enhanced the number of osteoblasts in bones compared with the O group. In conclusion, calcium deficiency improved the iron content in ovariectomized rats in this 12-week study., (© 2023. The Author(s).)

Calcium carbonate (CaCO 3 )-enriched pumpkin may serve as a good source of calcium for patients diagnosed with osteoporosis. In this study, we aimed to determine the effect of CaCO 3 -enriched pumpkin on Ca status in ovariectomized rats. The study included 40 female Wistar rats divided into five groups (n = 8). One group was fed with a standard diet (control group), while the other four groups were ovariectomized and received a standard diet (control ovariectomized group), or a diet containing CaCO 3 -enriched pumpkin, alendronate, or both. The nutritional intervention lasted 12 weeks, and then the rats were euthanized. Tissue and blood samples were collected and assessed for the levels of total Ca, estradiol, parathyroid hormone, and procollagen type I N propeptide. In addition, a histological analysis was performed on femurs. The results of the study suggest that CaCO 3 -enriched pumpkin can increase Ca content in femurs and improve bone recovery in ovariectomized rats. Furthermore, enriched pumpkin contributes to Ca accumulation in the kidneys, and this effect is more pronounced in combination with alendronate., Competing Interests: Conflict of interestThe authors have declared that they have no conflict of interest., (© The Author(s) 2023.)

Puerarin is a compound from the group of isoflavones, naturally occurring in plants of the genus Pueraria, whose representatives include, among others, Pueraria lobata and Pueraria mirifica. Relatively many scientific studies on the biological activity of puerarin have been conducted so far. It seems that most attention was paid to the effect of puerarin on bone health. However, until now, no published studies have been collected and discussed in that regard. Based on the available data obtained from in vitro studies and on the animal model, it can be clearly shown that puerarin is an effective compound in inhibiting bone resorption and improving bone structure. Consumption of puerarin may be associated with the prevention of bone mass loss and thus can reduce the risk of developing osteoporosis. However, it is necessary to conduct human intervention studies to confirm the effectiveness of such action., (© 2021 The Author(s). Published by BRI.)

The aim of the study was to analyze the influence of natural antioxidants on polymerization of partially hydrogenated rapeseed oil heated in 170°C for 40h. In the research ethanolic extracts of green tea leaves (China Lung Ching), yellow tea leaves (China Kakecha), cranberry, blackberry, and lime were used. The yellow and green tea extracts were characterized by the highest content of total polyphenol and antioxidant activity. Polymers of triacylglycerols were found only in the polar fraction of heated oil. During heating, the increase of dimers, trimers, and oligomers was observed. However, it was dependent on the used additives and not directly related to the content of phenolic compounds and their antioxidant activity. The final content of polymers in oil samples increased in the fallowing order: green tea