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To fulfill consumer trends in sustainable and healthy food choices, this study explored the application of edible insects and carob powder as sustainable and nutritious ingredients in developing a high‐protein snack, known as a protein ball. Four formulations were developed and characterized in terms of moisture content, water activity, color, texture, microbial count, and nutritional profile. Finally, the sensory profile was determined using the flash profile method, and the developed product was compared to a commercial product. The effect of replacing the conventional protein source with cricket flour and cocoa with its sustainable alternative, carob, on the measured characteristics was determined. The results showed that cricket flour significantly decreased the lightness color values (from 40 to 30) on the internal surface of the protein ball. Texture remained largely unaffected initially; however, after 2 weeks of storage, cricket flour significantly decreased the hardness (from 15 to 12 N) and chewiness values (from 1.6 to 1.0 N mm). Moreover, cricket flour significantly increased the aerobic count (from 3–4 log to 5 log cfu g−1). The sensory space of the cricket samples was separated from the milk protein samples, mainly related to flavor attributes, while the commercial sample was distinguished by dryness and sweetness. In general, carob powder did not affect the measured parameters compared to cocoa. This study demonstrated the suitability of utilizing cricket flour and carob powder in a high‐protein snack without substantially compromising the product's organoleptic properties. Future research could investigate the consumer acceptability of the product. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) have been used in many studies due to their inhibitory properties on microorganisms such as bacteria and viruses. In recent years, due to global problems such as environmental pollution, the green synthesis (biosynthesis) method is frequently preferred because it is simple and low cost and does not require the use of toxic substances. The aim of this study is to synthesize silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) from Ceratonia siliqua L. leaves and investigate their antioxidant and immunotoxic properties using Galleria mellonella last instar larvae. The UV spectrophotometer, TEM, XRD and FTIR measurements were used to characterize the Ag NPs. In this study, it was determined that the effects on antioxidant enzyme activities (SOD, CAT, GPx, GST), acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and total hemocyte count (THC) as well as phenoloxidase activity determine their effect on antioxidant defence and the immune system in model organism G. mellonella larvae. We observed that green synthesized Ag NPs accumulate in the midgut of the larvae and led to the increasing of CAT and SOD activities. GST and AChE activities were increased in the fat body of the larvae; otherwise, it was decreased in the midgut. Moreover, increases were found in THC and phenoloxidase activity. Consequently, green synthesized silver nanoparticles led to oxidative stress and immunotoxic effects on G. mellonella larvae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: When asthma and pregnancy coexist, the mother may be severely affected. One of the main reasons for this situation is that it is positively correlated with especially increased oxidative stress due to the co-occurrence of asthma and pregnancy. Even pregnancy alone increases oxidative stress in the body, and with the addition of asthma, an increased chain of events is added. In this sense, diet and nutrition styles can be considered as factors that regulate both events in a controlled way. Increasing anti-oxidant intake in the diet can play a leading role in eliminating the increased Reactive oxygen species; thus, this negative effect in asthma and pregnancy can be alleviated. Studies on the protective role of antioxidants in asthma are limited, but not few. The aim of this study was to reveal the strength of the effects of thymoquinone (TQ) and carob powder administration, which are known to have two different strong antioxidant effects during pregnancy, on the oxidative event in the mother with the diet management strategies. Methods: In this study, it was tried to improve the asthmatic pregnant rat and to determine the direction of oxidant-antioxidant balance with a holistic antioxidant complex Female rats were divided into 3 groups: asthmatic pregnant group (1) sensitized via an intraperitoneal injection of ovalbumin (OVA) with alum on days 0 and 14 and exposed to aerosolized OVA 3 days over the subsequent 1 week then coupled with male rats to get pregnant; asthmatic pregnant with TQ and carob (CS) group (2) sensitized as above then administered each of TQ and CS on the last 5 days of pregnancy; and asthmatic pregnant with dexamethasone group (3) sensitized as above then received dexamethasone by intraperitoneal injection on last 5 days of pregnancy. Results: The co-administration of TQ and CS decreased malondialdehyde levels, increased nitric oxide, ascorbic acid, and glutathione levels in lung tissue. In addition, the levels of some proinflammatory cytokines were decreased in the serum. The cumulative protective effects of TQ and CS were successful in reducing inflammation in the lungs. Conclusion: The administration of TQ and CS may be considered as a candidate for a new herbal blend or adjuvant for asthmatic pregnant, given the side effects of cortisol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Mediterranean evergreen carob tree (Ceratonia siliqua L.) produces pods, that may be edible and even therapeutic. The purpose of this study was to determine how ethanolic extracts of carob pods from Morocco, prepared with ultrasonic assistance were affected by microwave (525 °C for 2.5 min), hot air (65 °C for 16 h), and spray drying (input and output air temperatures 180 and 90 °C, respectively, feed flow rate 2.5 mL/min and 5 bars, respectively), in terms of their physicochemical composition and biological activity. Colorimetric techniques were utilized to ascertain the phytochemical contents of pod extracts, whereas standardized in vitro methodologies were employed to quantify the antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. Physicochemical analysis showed that microwaved powders of carob pods presented significantly high (p < 0.05) values of L* (62.15±0.06) and b* (21.32±0.06), and lower values of a* (4.16±0.03), as compared to spray dried and hot air-dried powders. Significantly high (p < 0.05) amounts of ash (3.92±0.05 %), fat (1.48±0.02 %), fiber (7.45±0.12 %) and protein (2.65±0.06 %) were found in microwave dried powders, followed by spray dried and hot air dried. Significant difference in macro and micro minerals among three powders was also observed, as microwave dried powders were found to be significantly high (p < 0.05) in Mg, K, Ca, Fe, Zn and Mn, followed by spray dried powders, whereas hot air-dried powders presented lowest values. Similarly, spectrophotometric analysis of phytochemicals revealed that ultrasonic assisted ethanolic extracts of microwave dried powders were found to be highest in total phenolics, flavonoids and carotenoids, with values 69.18±0.15 mg GAE/g, 34.88±0.08 mg QE/g and 24.05±0.15 mg g-1, respectively. In vitro antioxidant and antimicrobial analysis also showed a similar trend as, extracts of microwave dried powders exhibited significantly high (p < 0.05) antioxidant and antimicrobial activities, followed by spray dried and hot air-dried. As compared to hot air and spray drying, the microwave drying and ultrasonic assisted extraction using 70 % ethanol as solvent could be employed on carob pods, to obtain powders and extracts, respectively, with minimum degradation of physicochemical characteristics, and maximum retention of nutritional, bioactive and antioxidant contents. In recent years, Morocco has become more and more dependent on the use of carob fruit and its powders. Nonetheless, very rare is known about the composition and carob pod quality of those grown in Mediterranean nations. The current study presents a comparison of the effects of three distinct commercial drying methods on the composition and physical characteristics of flour made from carob pods. The study's findings can also be used to evaluate how well information is composed, processed, and preserved for use in future research and commercial applications. [Display omitted] • Comparative analysis of hot air, spray, and microwave drying of carob pods powder. • Microwave drying, provides optimum physicochemical retention of carob powder. • Phytochemical of carob powder are highly affected under different drying conditions. • Sonicated extract of microwave dried powder provided highest amount of bioactives. • These showed significantly high in vitro antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main goal of this work was to develop bio-based and ecofriendly intelligent films as freshness indicators to monitor European hake (Merluccius merluccius) quality during storage by using a visual, non-destructive, and real-time technique. Locust bean gum (LBG)/κ-carrageenan (Car) films incorporating blueberry extract (BLE) or beetroot extract (BEE) were developed and their effectiveness to detect hake deterioration during 7 days of storage at 4 °C was evaluated. A visible color response from pink to blue was observed on the BLE films at the end of hake storage, which correlated with the hake deterioration profile, namely an increase in pH values (from 6.60 ± 0.04 to 8.02 ± 0.03), total viable count (TVC, from 4.61 ± 0.36 to 8.61 ± 0.21 log CFU/g), and total volatile basic nitrogen content (TVB-N, from 10.21 ± 1.97 to 66.78 ± 4.81 mg/100 g) beyond the spoilage threshold. The results of this study are very promising, since it was possible to develop a new effective intelligent bio-based responsive indicator film incorporating natural dye BLE, which has the potential to contribute to food waste reduction and improve food safety by detecting the hake freshness status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carob (Ceratonia siliqua) seeds are rich in diverse bioactive compounds, including galactomannan, β-sitosterol, unsaturated fatty acids and proteins with bioactive peptides in their sequence. This study delineates the compositional characterization of six carob seed flour types derived from different production processes, providing valuable insights for designing tailored nutraceutical products based on desired bioactive compound profiles. Our analysis indicated that a higher purity of galactomannan resulted in a greater mannose/galactose ratio, which increased the linearity of the galactomannan polymer and could enhance interchain interaction, thereby increasing aggregation capacity. A higher viscosity could potentially increase the capacity of galactomannan to create satiety and lower cholesterol levels. Among the different tested flours, those whose main compound was the endosperm were optimal for containing high galactomannan content, whereas those derived from the germ were ideal for having high concentrations of fatty acids (i.e., oleic and linoleic acids) and β-sitosterol. The presence of these lipids in carob flours could offer cardiovascular and metabolic health benefits, contributing synergistically. Additionally, flours that contain the germ have beneficial peptides included in proteins like glycinin and conglutin with potential anticholesterolemic and antidiabetic properties. This work provides different methods for obtaining carob flours rich in bioactive compounds, offering the nutraceutical industry a framework to select the best option for industrial-scale production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our study aimed to optimize carob antioxidant extraction for use in the food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries. Maceration investigated ethanol concentration, extraction temperature, and time, while ultrasound-assisted extraction examined ethanol concentration, ultrasound power, and time. A central composite design with 19 experimental points assessed the influence of variables on total yield, total phenolic content, and antioxidant activity. The results were analyzed to optimize the extraction parameters and enhance the antioxidant extraction from carob. The results of the study show that the best maceration condition for extracting antioxidants from the plant material was found to have a time of 24.38 minutes, an ethanol content of 59.02%, and a temperature of 54.52°C. Similarly, the optimal conditions for ultrasound-assisted extraction were found to be 51.49 minutes, 79.78% sonication power, and 76.12% alcohol. The optimal conditions identified can be used as a starting point for further optimization and scaling up of the extraction process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carob (Ceratonia siliqua L.) is a characteristic fruit from the Mediterranean area, composed of a hard pulp and numerous seeds that have been unfairly undervalued and underutilized over time. To enhance the Mediterranean's biodiversity and support food production from sustainable resources, the carob has recently received attention for its nutritional value, and it has advantageously served as a healthy ingredient of many food products. Hence, in this study, the composition of the Mediterranean carob was further deepened by investigating its lipid fraction on a dry weight basis in relation to the fruit part (i.e., pulp and seeds) and the geographical origin (i.e., different Moroccan and Italian provinces). On average, lipids of pulp and seeds amounted to 1.71% and 2.46%, respectively. Predominant fatty acids were palmitic, oleic, and linoleic acids. Palmitic and oleic acids were higher in pulp (20.21%–26.50% and 37.63%–44.49%) than seeds (13.93%–17.26% and 31.92%–36.66%), whereas linoleic acid showed an opposite accumulation trend (pulp: 8.32%–15.46%, seeds: 38.19%–43.45%). Among sterols, β‐sitosterol (57.49%–72.47%), Δ‐5‐avenasterol (10.26%–21.27%), and stigmasterol (3.97%–8.11%) accounted for more than 70% of total sterols of pulp, whereas β‐sitosterol alone represented more than 70% of sterols in seeds. Considering tocopherols, γ‐tocopherol was the most abundant isomer both in pulp (10.37–22.78 mg/100 g) and seeds (4.95–22.86 mg/100 g). Carob also resulted in a good source of squalene, which on average was 2.17 mg kg−1 in pulp and 19.07 mg kg−1 in seeds. A principal component analysis pointed out that the study of the lipid fraction of carob can help in discriminating samples based on their Moroccan or Italian origin. Practical Applications: The study provides further insights into the still‐little‐explored lipid fraction of Mediterranean carob and fills a relevant gap in the literature by contributing to a more exhaustive framework of the nutritional and functional value of this fruit. In a wider perspective, it can be of practical help in the formulation of carob‐based products and in the establishment of a more informed market of carob and carob‐based products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Empty carob pods, a by‐product of carob seed production, are abundant in D‐pinitol, dietary fibre and phenolics, offering diverse potential health benefits. However, they also contain high levels of sugars. This study evaluated the capacity of Saccharomyces cerevisiae in submerged fermentation of empty carob pods to enhance D‐pinitol to total carbohydrate ratio, and contents of dietary fibre, and phenolics. Empty carob pods were fermented at pH 5.0, 5.5, 6.0, 6.5, and 7.0 at 30 °C for 10, 20, 30 and 50 h. After 20 h of fermentation, the total carbohydrates decreased by 70% (P < 0.001); the ratio of D‐pinitol to total carbohydrates increased by nearly fivefold (P < 0.05); total phenolic and total flavonoid contents and antioxidant activity significantly increased (P < 0.05), whereas condensed tannin content and α‐glucosidase inhibitory activity remained stable. Fermented carob pods may be potentially used as a functional food ingredient to help control blood glucose levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As part of the Fabaceae project of northeastern Mexico and based on field work, collection of botanical samples over the past 37 years, and reviewing botanical materials in national and international herbaria, the diversity of legumes of the subfamilies Caesalpinioideae (excluding tribe Mimoseae), Cercidoideae, and Detarioideae in northeastern Mexico has been recorded. New nomenclatural changes in tribes and genera of the subfamily Caesalpinioideae found in the new scientific bibliography are included. The subfamily Caesalpinioideae (excluding the tribe Mimoseae) includes five tribes: tribe Caesalpinieae, with eight genera (Caesalpinia, Coulteria, Denisophytum, Erythrostemon, Guilandina, Hoffmannseggia, Haematoxylum, and Pomaria) and 21 species; tribe Cassieae with three genera (Cassia, Chamaecrita, and Senna) and 28 species; tribe Ceratonieae with one genus (Ceratonia) and 1 species; tribe Gleditsieae with one genus (Gleditsia) and 1 species. The subfamily Cercidoideae includes two genera (Bauhinia and Cercis) and eight species, and the subfamily Detarioideae includes only one genus and one species (Tamarindus indicus). The total flora of these three subfamilies comprises 18 genera and 63 species, including 56 native species and 7 exotic ones: Bauhinia variegata, Cassia fistula, Ceratonia siliqua, Delonix regia, Erythrostemon gilliesii, Senna alata, and Tamarindus indicus. Endemism includes a total of 22 species and nine infraspecific categories. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carob pulp flour has antidiabetic and antioxidant activities, is naturally sweet, and is rich in fibers. It is obtained from carob pod pulp from the evergreen tree Ceratonia siliqua L., which is grown in Mediterranean areas and is known for locust bean gum production. Despite its valuable effects on health, such as the modulation of the glycemic index, this ingredient has a tremendous impact on technological and hedonic features, mainly on color, flavor, and texture. In this paper, the qualitative features and consumers' acceptance of a carob-based gluten-free bakery product where rice flour was substituted at 40% with carob pulp flour were studied. A panel group of experts described the bread as dark, quite dense, sweet, aromatic, and with a limited bubble dispersion. On the other hand, the sensory assessment and the willingness to pay of consumers were assessed in two groups (a fully informed one about heathy attributes of the food and a blind one). The results indicated a moderate appreciation of the overall quality of the product (average score between 4 and 5 points on a 9-point Likert scale). The information about the food's healthy properties and the ability to maintain a low glycemic index did not enhance the consumers' perception of the product, while previous knowledge and involvement in the product consumption were perceived to have primary importance regarding the final consumers' choice. Finally, an accelerated shelf-life test was run on the packaged snack to evaluate the general quality and stability. The protective packaging helped in limiting bread decay and maintaining the textural characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the role of different roasting temperatures on oil amount, total phenolic contents, total flavonoid quantities, antioxidant capacity, polyphenol, fatty acid and mineral profiles of roasted-carob fruit powders was revealed. The oil and protein amounts of the carob powders were specified to be between 0.40 (90 °C) and 0.85% (control) to 8.40 (120 °C) and 10.27% (control), respectively. Total phenolic and flavonoid quantities of the raw (control—unroasted) and roasted carob powders were defined to be between 781.16 (control) and 903.07 mg GAE/100 g (150 °C) to 663.81 (control) and 1141.90 mg/100 g (150 °C), respectively. In addition, antioxidant activities of the carob powders were measured to be between 9.27 (150 °C) and 10.30 mmoL/kg (control). Gallic acid and 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid amounts of the carob powders were specified to be between 45.16 (control) and 120.66 (150 °C) to 7.06 (control) and 20.46 mg/100 g (150 °C), respectively. Palmitic, oleic and linoleic acids were the key fatty acids of carob oils. It is thought that the fatty acid compositions of carob powder oil, which is generally subjected to heat treatment, are negatively affected by high temperatures. Especially, the linoleic and linolenic acid amounts of the oil samples decreased significantly after 90 °C. The highest element was potassium, followed by Ca, P, Mg, S, Fe, Na, Pb, Cu, Zn B and Mn, in descending order. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This account presents information on all aspects of the biology of Ceratonia siliqua L. (Carob) that are relevant to understanding its ecological characteristics and behaviour. The main topics are presented within the standard framework of the International Biological Flora: distribution, habitat, communities, responses to biotic factors, responses to environment, structure and physiology, phenology, floral and seed characters, herbivores and disease, history and conservation.Ceratonia siliqua is a lowland evergreen shrub or tree, native around the Mediterranean basin and widely cultivated in areas with a warm temperate and subtropical climate, with more than 100 named cultivars. Carob grows on a wide range of soils including nutrient‐poor and strongly calcareous, dry soils.Carob is dioecious or rarely hermaphrodite although females dominate in cultivation due to their fruit. Pollination is primarily by insects and the relatively large seeds are spread mainly by ingestion of fruits by mammals. Seed dormancy is imposed by a hard seed coat and seeds germinate readily after natural or artificial scarification.Drought tolerance is very high, acting as a drought avoiding water spender. Carob is also very tolerant of saline conditions and tolerant of fire and can act to restrict wildfire spread by generating fuel discontinuity. It shows high post‐fire regrowth. Old individuals house a diversity of associated fauna and are comparatively unaffected by serious pests and diseases.Carob has a long cultural history around the Mediterranean as a food source for humans and domesticated animals, in herbal and modern medicine and, more recently, for the carob bean gum used in a variety of domestic products and foods. Commercial production of fruits has declined over past decades but the low cultural care needed in growing orchards, potential new markets for fruit and seeds, and growing use of the tree to prevent soil erosion and sequester carbon gives carob a brighter future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tort cheese is a traditional cheese that is a gastronomically valuable product, especially in the Mediterranean Region of Turkey, obtained by prolonged boiling of whey, which is one of the most important dairy byproducts. Due to the difficulty of production and its short shelf life, this cheese, which is produced in limited quantities and has low nutritional value, is among the forgotten products. In this study, a spreadable new cheese formulation was developed to increase the edibility and nutritional value of traditional Tort cheese. In this context, pulp (carob molasses pulp (CMP)) from carob molasses production was added to the cheese in different proportions (5%, 10%, and 15%), and some physicochemical, textural, and sensory properties of the cheeses were examined. As a result of the research, it was determined that the addition of CMP caused a decrease in the pH, fat, and protein content of the cheeses, while significantly increasing the dry matter, acidity, ash, carbohydrate, antioxidant activity, and total phenolic content. With CMP addition, the hardness and water‐holding capacity of the cheeses increased, while spreadability, adhesiveness, and syneresis decreased. As the concentration of CMP increased, the L* and b* values decreased, while the a* value increased. In terms of sensory properties, the least preferred sample was the control, while the sample with 5% CMP addition, which is the most spreadable cheese, was the most preferred. As a result, a new product with lower fat content that was more durable and stable, rich in bioactive properties, and with improved sensory attributes was developed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the economic and ecological importance of the carob tree, few studies are available on the morphological characterization and chemical composition of carob in Algeria. This has resulted in the lack of selection of commercial cultivars of high seed and sugar content. The present study aims to assess the diversity of 11 wild and 1 cultivated carob populations in various regions of Algeria, characterized by diverse geographical and climatic conditions. The final objective is to assess the diversity of neglected carob plants that exhibit superior fruit quality traits and/or are well adapted to different pedoclimatic conditions. The current study focuses on analyzing pod and seed diversity by investigating 12 morphological and 5 physiochemical traits. The analysis of variance revealed significant differences between populations (p < 0.001) for all traits studied, indicating high morphological and chemical variability among these carob populations. Principal component analysis (PCA) was employed to study the relationship between these traits and the geographical origin. High seed yields characterized wild populations, whereas cultivated populations were rich in sugar. Based on morphological traits of pods, seeds and chemical compositions, a hierarchical clustering grouped the carob populations into four groups. The findings of this study represent a significant advancement towards establishing effective cultivar breeding programs in Algeria. They demonstrate that the germplasm examined in this research exhibits an optimal level of morphological and chemical diversity, which is instrumental in the identification of specific traits of both commercial and environmental significance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Summary: This study investigated the influence of hydrocolloid–flour mixtures on textural, structural, oil absorption and optical characteristics of batter‐coated fried meat. The batter coatings were formulated with corn, wheat and rice flours along with different hydrocolloids (methylcellulose, carboxyl methylcellulose, xanthan gum, locust bean gum, gum arabic). Textural and structural properties were assessed by acoustic‐mechanical and scanning electron microscopy, respectively. Results showed that the addition of hydrocolloids improved crispiness and reduced oil content in fried products. Comparative performances of the hydrocolloids in improving crispiness were in decreasing order as gum arabic > locust bean > xanthan gum > carboxyl methylcellulose > methylcellulose. Textural properties of the hydrocolloids were interwoven with the flour type, where corn flour demonstrating better crispiness than wheat and rice flours. The crispiness of hydrocolloids added batter increased up to seven times than the control samples. The hydrocolloids were found to significantly influence (P ≤ 0.05) the appearance of battered meat formulated with corn and wheat flours. Hydrocolloids showed prominent effect on wheat flour‐based batter in terms of average pore area, whereas highest impact on corn flour regarding the number of pores formed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carob syrup is a brown, thick syrup produced from carob pulp that can be directly consumed or used as a sweetener, which also finds applications in folk medicinal practices. In this work, the quali–quantitative phenolic profile of five different carob syrups was elucidated before and after in vitro gastro–intestinal digestion. Moreover, the anti-oxidant properties of undigested and digested carob syrups were investigated. A total of 75 phenolic compounds were identified in undigested carob syrups. The most important phenolic compound in all the samples was gallic acid, the concentration of which ranged between 54.28 and 117.73 mg/100 g. Additional compounds belonging to the classes of hydroxybenzoic acids (in particular glycosylated gallic acid derivatives), hydroxycinnamic acids, and flavonoids (especially flavonols) were also identified. During in vitro gastric digestion, gallic acid mono- and di-hexosides were diglycosylated, releasing gallic acid, which was further degraded in ellagic acid through oxidative polymerization in the intestinal phase of the digestion. Ellagic acid was the major compound detected after in vitro gastro–intestinal digestion of carob syrups. With few exceptions, the anti-oxidant properties of carob syrup were preserved even after digestion. Carob syrup can be considered an important source of phenolic compounds with demonstrated positive effects on human health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Snack foods have experienced substantial growth in consumption globally, appealing to various age groups and becoming a significant segment of the food industry. The current investigation aimed to assess the nutritional, antioxidant, and sensory characteristics of an unconventional pie prepared from brown wheat flour(BWF), carob bean flour (CBF), onion, scallions, and roasted seaweeds. Chemical composition, minerals content, functional properties, total phenolics, total flavonoids, and antioxidants activity (DPPH), and phenolic profile of CBF, BWF, and binary combinations were evaluated. Five pies using different formulas (CGR0, CGR1, CGR2, CGR3, CGR4, and CGR5) were developed, where CGR0 serving as the control sample with 100% BWF. The other formulations (CGR1–CGR5) are binary combinations of BWF and CBF at various ratios (90:10, 80:20, 70:30, 60:40, and 50:50%). The onion pie samples were assayed for proximate composition, minerals, and sensory properties. CBF is rich in dietary fibers, with a content of 12.73%, substantial ash (4.79%), and carbohydrates (74.36%). Blending BWF with CBF significantly enhances the functional properties of the mixture, as indicated by improved WAC, AOC, EA, and FC compared to BWF. The addition of CBF into BWF in produced pie recipes led to significant increases in Fat, fiber, and ash. Additionally, substituting BWF with CBF in pie samples led to substantial decreases in carbohydrate content. The highest content of micro- and macro-elements was found in CGR5 samples, whereas the lowest was found in control samples CGR0. The results found that incorporating CBF into onion pie samples at levels between 10% to 40% can positively impact the sensory acceptability of the produced pie samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: To ensure long-term sustainability, the meat industry seeks to apply more sustainable practices like replacing imported traditional feedstuff (i.e., cereals) with low-cost local resources. In this sense, carob pulp (Cp), a Mediterranean by-product rich in polyphenols, represents a potential alternative to feed pigs. Polyphenols exhibit antioxidant properties comparable to vitamin E (Vit E) but may impair animal growth in high doses. This study evaluated the influence of supplementing fattening pig diets with 20% Cp and high doses of Vit E (300 IU/kg) on growth performance, economic results, physiological parameters, nutrient digestibility, and animal behaviour. While no synergistic effect between Cp and Vit E was observed, incorporating 20% Cp in pig diets during the last 40 days of the fattening period is feasible without compromising growth performance, physiology, or behaviour. However, crude protein digestibility and the feeding cost were negatively affected by Cp inclusion. Supplementation with Vit E, although not improving pig performance, increased α-tocopherol deposition in blood, potentially enhancing the antioxidant tissue profile and meat quality. This study aimed to assess the impact on growth, economic results, apparent nutrient digestibility (CTTAD), physiological variables, and animal behaviour when 214 fattening pigs (78 ± 8.5 kg of initial body weight and 130 ± 4.5 days of age) of both sexes (gilts and boars) were fed two levels of carob pulp (Cp, 0 vs. 20%) and two doses of vitamin E (Vit E, 30 vs. 300 IU/kg) for 40 days. No interaction effects between factors studied (Cp, Vit E, and sex) were observed on the variables. Most productive traits were unaffected by Cp or Vit E inclusion. However, the Cp increased the feed conversion ratio during the first 20 days. The Cp group showed a higher CTTAD of ether extract and hemicellulose but lower CTTAD of crude protein. Pigs fed Cp had a lower plasmatic urea content than the control group. The high Vit E doses increased the CTTAD of every nutrient and the plasmatic α-tocopherol content. The pigs fed Cp tended to spend more time eating in the early morning, likely to mitigate tannins' astringent effects. Dietary inclusion of 20% Cp in finishing high-conformation pigs is possible without affecting overall performance though it reduces nutrient CTTAD and increases feeding cost. Supra-nutritional doses of Vit E do not affect pig performance but increase the α-tocopherol deposition with potential antioxidant effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ceratonia siliqua L. belonging to the Leguminosae (Fabaceae) family, has been cultivated for millennia and is recognized as a valuable botanical resource. However, global production of this tree is rapidly declining. This paper aims to examine the primary uses of carob trees and highlight their value in the landscape by developing a systematic review of Scopus documents from 1980 to 2023. The resulting 2130 documents revealed that the main studied uses of carob trees are in human medicine and food. Additionally, 3.85% of these documents studied the landscape value of carob trees, emphasizing their role in improving landscape resilience, preserving rural identities, and fostering the development of geo-specific strategies for slow tourism. This systematic review underscores the multifaceted importance of Ceratonia siliqua L. in both cultural and environmental contexts, advocating for its preservation and sustainable use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The concept of Multifunctional Territorialized Agrifood Systems (MTASs) arose as an alternative to global hegemonic models in the 21st century. This study intends to identify the main ecosystem values and services generated by the MTAS of the carob tree in the territory of Valencia, which is one of the most characteristic dryland fruit tree species farmed in the Mediterranean. To do so, a multi-criteria quantitative evaluation system has been used that enables values to be assigned to the kinds of significance placed on MTASs. For this purpose, a questionnaire was carried out with 268 local inhabitants. The global score obtained is 7.6 points, indicating a high heritage value. Some of the criteria with the best scores are related to the authenticity of the carob tree and its social and historical values since this crop is a testament to ancestral techniques and traditions. Furthermore, this Mediterranean crop provides numerous ecosystem services and has multiple properties and applications, mainly in the food and pharmaceutical industries. The local population has scored the vulnerability value with only 4.1 points as a consequence of the progressive abandonment of the cultivated area in recent decades. Therefore, greater involvement from social stakeholders is essential in order to preserve this crop. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Copyright of Journal of Agriculture & Nature / Kahramanmaraş Sütçü İmam Üniversitesi Tarım & Doğa Dergisi is the property of Kahramanmaras Sutcu Imam Universitesi 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.)

Properly processed locust bean (Parkia biglobosa) is very important, especially in countries where the need for protein supplementation is high for both adults and infants. However, in the past there have been some inexcusable failures in the processing of the locust bean seed condiment, such as poor processing practices. Therefore, this study seeks to investigate how socioeconomic factors lead to constraints on the food safety practices of locust bean processors (LBP) in Southwest Nigeria. A multistage sampling procedure was used to select 277 respondents from a list of LBPs obtained from states with a high prevalence of locust bean processing activities. The primary data for the study were collected using a well-structured questionnaire and were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The results show that 99.3% of the respondents were female with an average age of 42 years and an average processing experience of 17 years. 50.4% of the respondents’ processing activities were unsafe, while 49.6% had adopted adequate food safety practices. Marital status, social association, household size, year of processing and various constraints were significant factors that influenced food safety practices. The results further show that the respondents were faced with major constraints like the difficulty of processing locust bean seed and inadequate credit facilities which prevented them from adopting appropriate food safety practices. The study concludes that processors are faced with challenges related to equipment and finance. Therefore, intervention to help them overcome some of the challenges which interfere with their ability to engage in food safety practices, such as the lack of sufficient financial resources to purchase modern equipment, could enhance safe food processing practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This is the first report of Euzophera vinnulella Neunzig (Pyralidae: Phycitinae) feeding on the bark of fig trees, Ficus carica (Moraceae), in northern California. We describe the immature stages, and provide images of the larva, pupal exoskeleton, and male genitalia from the reared adults. The immatures of E. vinnulella (and the genus Euzophera Zeller) are compared to those of Ectomyelois ceratoniae Zeller, or the carob moth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spread products have an important market share as they have high nutritional value and they are increasingly consumed, especially by children as a source of energy. The purpose of this work was to evaluate the potential use of powdered chickpea, black rice, carob, doum, date seeds, and beetroot to produce novel functional spreadable products as cocoa‐free alternatives. Additionally, to avoid the side effects of cocoa‐based products and to assess the cocoa replacement effects on the sensory properties, chemical composition, texture analysis, viscosity, antioxidant, peroxide stability, and microbial quality during storage periods were compared to the ones of cocoa spread. Sensory evaluation revealed that most formulated spreads were accepted as chocolate spread alternatives since there was no significant difference in overall acceptability among cocoa, chickpea, black rice, carob, and doum, while date seeds and beetroot spreads were significantly less acceptable. A variation was observed in the proximate chemical analysis of the produced functional spreads, as the alternative spreads had different characteristics to each other in their physicochemical, texture, and rheological properties. Results indicated a wide variation in the total phenolic content (TPC) of the different spread extracts. The highest amount of TPC was obtained for beetroot spread (455.84 mg GAE/100 g) followed by black rice spread (436.08 mg GAE/100 g). The obtained results indicated that the antioxidant activity of different spreads was significantly different (p <.05) while based on their microbiological analysis, they could have a shelf life of up to 9 months. According to the results, chickpea, carob, doum, black rice, date seeds, and beetroot powders could be used for the production of cocoa‐free alternatives as they were highly acceptable and they showed antioxidant and antimicrobial activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To investigate the potential antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antiulcer effects of methanol extract of Ceratonia siliqua (Fabaceae). Methods: The methanol extract of Ceratonia siliqua pulp was obtained using Soxhlet apparatus. Xylene (20 µL) induced ear inflammation administered intraperitoneally and HCl/ethanol solution (1 mL) induced gastric ulceration administered intra-gastrically were used to induce inflammation and gastric ulcer, respectively. Twenty-four mice were randomly divided into 4 groups (n = 6). Furthermore, eighteen rats (Sprague Dawley) were divided into 4 groups. Control group received (10 mL/kg of saline), Ceratonia siliqua group received (250 and 500 mg/kg), and other groups received diclofenac sodium (10 mg/kg; p,o), and omeprazole (30 mg/kg; p,o). Phytochemical screening was carried out by following standard procedures. The percentage of inhibition, pH, and ulceration index were measured using pH metric titration and degree of ulceration. The antioxidant capacity was determined in vitro using radical DPPH scavenging and FRAP assays. Results: Phytochemical screening reveals the presence of flavonoids, tannins, quinones and sterols. Acute toxicity assessment showed that methanolic extract of Ceratonia siliqua has a DL50 higher than 5 g/kg. Oral administration of methanolic extract of Ceratonia siliqua (500 mg/kg) reduced significantly (p < 0.001) the percentage inflammation and ulceration index in both assays in comparison to control groups, these effects were comparable to those observed in reference drugs. The extract possessed a strong antioxidant capacity with low IC50. Conclusion: Ceratonia siliqua extract has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-ulcer properties. Standardization of Ceratonia siliqua extract will be required for the development of lead molecules against ulcers and inflammation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, we synthesized a novel hydrogel based on poly(acrylamide) grafted Guar/locust bean gums, i.e. (GG/LBG-g-poly(AAm)) through free radical polymerization, aiming for the removal of malachite green (MG) dye from aqueous solutions. Response surface methodology and a full factorial rotatable central composite design were used to optimize various reaction parameters, enhancing the percentage swelling of the synthesized hydrogel. This optimization resulted in a notable increase in swelling capacity, reaching 1050%. The incorporation of acrylamide chains onto the guar/locust bean gum-based hybrid backbone, as well as crosslinking between different polymeric chains, was confirmed through various characterization techniques, including FTIR, TGA, XRD, FE-SEM, wettability studies, and zeta potential analysis. We evaluated the synthesized hydrogel adsorption performance for MG under specific conditions: pH (7.0), contact time (300 min), adsorbent dose (0.08 g), and dye concentration (50 mg/L). Under ambient conditions, GG/LBG-g-poly(AAm) demonstrated a maximum adsorption capacity of 52.96 mg g−1, achieving a removal efficiency of 98%. The Freundlich model best described the adsorption data and followed pseudo-second-order kinetics, indicating a consistent agreement. Furthermore, the Dubinin-Radeshkovich isotherm and Elovich model perfectly depicted the chemisorption nature of the adsorption process. The synthesized GG/LBG-g-poly(AAm) demonstrates significant potential for effectively removing toxic dyes from wastewater. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For centuries, the carob tree (Ceratonia siliqua L.) has contributed to the economy of the Mediterranean basin, mainly as food for livestock. Nowadays, the value of the carob tree extends far beyond its traditional uses, encompassing a wide range of industries and applications that take advantage of its unique properties and nutritional benefits. Despite its high industrial demand and European indications, there has been a 65% reduction in the area cultivated throughout the Mediterranean area in the 21st century. Given the threats posed by climate change, including reduced water availability and nutrient-depleted soils, there is a growing need to focus on this crop, which is well placed to cope with unpredictable weather. In this review, we use a bibliographic search approach to emphasise the prioritisation of research needs for effective carob tree exploitation. We found enormous gaps in the scientific knowledge of this under-utilised crop species with fruit pulp and seeds of high industrial value. Insufficient understanding of the biology of the species, as well as inadequate agronomic practices, compromise the quantity and the quality of fruits available to the industry. In addition to industrial applications, carob can also be used in reforestation or restoration programmes, providing a valuable crop while promoting biodiversity conservation and soil restoration. The carbon sequestration potential of the trees should be taken into account as a promising alternative in fighting climate change. This bibliographic search has highlighted clusters with different knowledge gaps that require further research and investment. The carob tree has untapped potential for innovation, economic development, and environmental sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To improve the nutritional value of bread, as well as to satisfy consumers whose awareness of the importance of nutrition to preserve health is growing significantly, it is desirable to enrich bread and bakery products with functional components. Carob (Ceratonia siliqua L.) is an evergreen tree that is widely distributed in the Mediterranean region and belongs to the legumes group. As carob pulp contains a unique combination of polyphenolic compounds and dietary fibre, it can be a useful raw material for the production of enriched bakery products. In this work, the possibility of applying carob extract as a potential natural preservative and functional additive in the production of bread was investigated. With this aim, 0.5, 1.5, 2.5 and 3.5% of powdered carob extract (CP) were added to bread dough and the quality characteristics of the bread were examined. The microbiological quality of bread was significantly better in samples with the addition of CP, which was confirmed by the lower values of the total number of bacteria and the absence of the Bacillus cereus. The addition of up to 3.5% carob extract had no negative effect on the sensory quality of the bread. The brightness of the bread samples decreased (L*), while the proportion of the red tone (a*) increased, and the intensity of the yellow tone (b*) decreased with an increase in the proportion of CP. The amount of total phenols (0.27 mg GAE/g) for the sample with 3.5% CP in bread was significantly higher compared to the control sample (0.12 mg GAE/g). The total antioxidant activity also increased significantly with the increase in the proportion of CP. Therefore, the present study proves that powdered carob extract can be successfully included in the production of a healthy functional food. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article studies the amino acid composition of the developed biscuit semi-finished products. When developing the recipe for gluten-free products, special attention was paid to the protein composition of the raw materials and the calculation of the amino acid score, since the lack of a certain amino acid affects the ability of gluten formation during the kneading process. In addition, an unbalanced amino acid composition can cause an imbalance in the human body and negatively affect the functioning of muscles, heart, brain and other organs, leading to diseases. The objectives of the research included the following: determination of the amino acid composition of gluten-free biscuit semi-finished products; analysis of amino acid composition and calculation of the amino acid score of gluten-free biscuit products. The amino acid composition was calculated according to well-known methods, taking into account the chemical composition of food products. During the calculation, the biological value of proteins was assessed, the utility coefficient, the amino acid composition balance coefficient, and the amino acid score difference coefficient were determined. It was established that the developed gluten-free biscuit contained a significant amount of threonine, namely 11.38 g per 100 g of protein. As a result of calculations, it was determined that the first limiting amino acid was tryptophan, the second was the compound «phenylalanine + tyrosine», the shares of which in the amino acid score were 0.12 and 0.90, respectively. An assessment of the complex balance of a gluten-free biscuit semi-finished product showed an insufficient level of balance in human nutrition, but the indicators of individual amino acids compared to the control made from wheat flour were higher, for example, valine by 1.8 times, isoleucine, leucine and lysine by 1.1 times, metheonine + cysteine 2.7 times and threonine 2.8 times.

This is the research to document the antimicrobial activity of selenium nanoparticles (nanoSe) prepared by an aqueous extract of Ceratonia siliqua, which is significant given the potency of nanoSe in medicinal applications. The nanoSe that was produced was characterized employing a variety of conventional methods including powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDAX), DLS and z-potential. The PXRD analysis has demonstrated the compatibility of nanoSe with the reference number 00-001-0853. The FTIR spectrum also confirmed the existence of residual organic components in the extract. The FESEM images have revealed the particles were enveloped in the organic materials from C. Siliqua. Particles have shown a spherical morphology. The mean hydrodynamic particle size of the biosynthesized nanoSe was approximately 199 nm (size dispersion by intensity). The particles have shown a mean surface charge of -21.88 mV. NanoSe is crucially successful in the suppression of the growth pathogenic bacteria. The project's outcomes highlight the effective antimicrobial properties of the biosynthesized nanoSe, emphasizing the useful applications of metallic nanoparticles such as selenium in future antibacterial applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of locust bean (carob) flour (LBF) as a substitute for cocoa in the production, quality attributes, and storage stability of chocolate spreads were investigated. CON (4.5% cocoa), CF15 (3.0% cocoa + 1.5% LBF), CF30 (1.5% cocoa + 3.0% LBF), and CF45 (4.5% LBF) formulations were produced, and stored at 22 and 35 °C for 12 weeks. Appearance, odor, sweetness, color, and overall acceptability scores decreased with increasing LBF, but up to 3.0% LBF did not affect the scores compared to the CON. Replacing cocoa with LBF at a low level resulted in higher hardness and spreadability. Hardness, free fatty acid, and peroxide values (PV) increased, aw values generally decreased during storage, but PV was still lower than 10 meq O2/kg. As the LBF ratio increased, darkening occurred in the chocolates. Thus, up to 3% of LBF can be used as a cocoa substitute with minimal quality and sensory changes in the production of chocolate spread. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Activated carbon monoliths (ACMs) are single-piece, three-dimensional (3D) hierarchical porous structures with good permeability, high stability, and swift mass transfer features. Production of activated carbon monoliths from biomass has been identified as promising and sustainable for process development. In this study, ACM was synthesised from African locust bean pods and polystyrene resin. The pods were chemically activated using potassium hydroxide and then carbonised in a locally fabricated auto-thermal biomass-powered reactor for 100 minutes. The activated carbon was then hand-mixed with an organic binder, expanded polystyrene resin, and the product was thermally cured to form the ACM. The ACM was then characterised to determine its properties. Elemental determination revealed the ACM was mostly composed of carbon (63%), potassium (18%), oxygen (4%), and a host of other metals. SEM micrographs showed that the ACM's surface is composed of irregular or heterogeneous-sized carbon materials firmly held by the resin with well-developed visible micropores. Some of the functional groups inherent in the ACM include hydroxyl, alkene, carbonyl, and alkyne. The ACM has a BET surface area of 237 m2/g, a pore diameter of 2.86 nm, and a Young modulus of 1.064 MPa. The synthesised ACM can be utilised as an adsorbent for pollution control, as a catalyst, and for electrochemical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carob belongs to the Fabaceae family, which has been studied for its medicinal properties, showcasing antioxidative properties and the ability to enhance sexual and immune system functions. This study aimed at examining the effect of adding hydro-alcoholic extracts of carob seeds to the diet on steroid hormones, sperm parameters and blood parameters of Lori-Bakhtiari rams. In this study, carob seeds were extracted using the percolation method. Thirty Lori-Bakhtiari rams were selected with a mean weight of 50 ± 5 kg and mean age of 2.5 years old. They were equally divided into three groups: (1) control (without carob extract), treatment (1) 150 mg/kg body weight (BW), and treatment (2) 300 mg/kg of carob seed extract in the diet for 4 weeks (2021-2022) for adaption process. Then semen and blood were analyzed for four months. Sperm motility, viability and the hypo-osmotic swelling (HOS) tests were evaluated at pre-freezing and post-thawing by the Computer Assisted Semen Analysis (CASA) software, Eosin-Nigrosin staining and a phase-contrast microscope, respectively. Furthermore, blood samples were collected for evaluation of fasting blood sugar (FBS), cholesterol (CH) and triglyceride (TG), serum creatinine (sCr), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and testosterone hormone (T). The results of this study showed that the sperm parameters like motility and viability in the treatment groups increased significantly (P<0.05) in pre-freezing and post-thawing evaluations. Additionally, the results of blood parameters showed that FBS, CH, TG, LDL and sCr were significantly decreased by using the carob extract in a diet (P<0.05), while the testosterone level significantly increased during the experiment (P<0.05). In conclusion, the use of 300 mg/kg carob extract in the diet showed a more positive effect on sperm and blood parameters at Lori-Bakhtiari rams. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Given its very important economic and environmental interests, the cultivation of carob tree in Algeria has experienced remarkable development, which is reflected in the methods of plant multiplication, the increase in the surface area of its cultivation, and in particular, the growing number of carob fruit processing industries (first and second transformation). In this context, the present study focused on the evaluation of the food quality of whole pod powders and carob pulps from three different regions of Algeria (Boumerdes, Relizane, and Tissemsilt). The experimental part presents a morphobiometric characterisation of carob pods carried out during the 2020–2021 production campaign — length, width, mass, volume, thickness, size index (length/width), the number and mass of seeds, analysis of the food quality of carob powders from whole pods and their pulps and determining their physicochemical properties (particle size, pH and dry matter), nutritional properties (ash, crude proteins, total sugars, crude fibres, fats) and sensory (colour, taste, texture, and smell). The results showed that the morphobiometric characteristics of the carob pods studied (physicochemical, nutritional, and sensory properties of the powders) strongly depend on the biogeographical site of the carob tree and the conditions of its production. Compared to the other carob fruit powders analysed, Relizane carob pulps powder showed a better sensory appreciation; this powder was characterised by a colour (100% light brown), taste (50% sweet, 50% very sweet), texture (100% fine), and odour (100% carob with strong intensity). Indeed, the study of the food quality of the two types of powders obtained separately from whole pods (seeds and pulps) and from the pulps is very valuable and opens possible ways of food valorisation of carob tree fruit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carob (Ceratonia siliqua L.), a plant native to the Mediterranean, is a member of the legume family and its fruit is called a pod. The flesh of the pod (pulp) is very rich in sugar, while the seeds are high in protein. The pod is also a good source of minerals such as potassium, calcium and phosphorus. It is rich in polyphenols and antioxidants. Due to its nutritional composition, it is suitable for improving human well-being. This article reviews the chemical composition of locust bean fruit and its biological effects on human health. Understanding the traditional uses of locust bean fruit in relation to its potential as an anti-diabetic agent is important in view of the numerous recent scientific studies on its pharmacological properties. The study focuses on in vivo and in vitro antihyperglycemic research, as well as the nutritional profile and potential food applications of this natural product for food formulation and fortification. Based on its chemical and pharmacological properties, this species is believed to have beneficial preventive and therapeutic effects, particularly in hyperglycemia. Researchers can further extract and isolate bioactive compounds from different carob fractions to develop pharmaceutical products and functional foods for the food and pharmaceutical industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: In the context of climate change, monitoring the spatial and temporal variability of plant physiological parameters has become increasingly important. Remote spectral imaging and GIS software have shown effectiveness in mapping field variability. Additionally, the application of machine learning techniques, essential for processing large data volumes, has seen a significant rise in agricultural applications. This research was focused on carob tree, a drought-resistant tree crop spread through the Mediterranean basin. The study aimed to develop robust models to predict the net assimilation and stomatal conductance of carob trees and to use these models to analyze seasonal variability and the impact of different irrigation systems. Methods: Planet satellite images were acquired on the day of field data measurement. The reflectance values of Planet spectral bands were used as predictors to develop the models. The study employed the Random Forest modeling approach, and its performances were compared with that of traditional multiple linear regression. Results and discussion: The findings reveal that Random Forest, utilizing Planet spectral bands as predictors, achieved high accuracy in predicting net assimilation (R² = 0.81) and stomatal conductance (R² = 0.70), with the yellow and red spectral regions being particularly influential. Furthermore, the research indicates no significant difference in intrinsic water use efficiency between the various irrigation systems and rainfed conditions. This work highlighted the potential of combining satellite remote sensing and machine learning in precision agriculture, with the goal of the efficient monitoring of physiological parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carob (Ceratonia siliqua L.) is a widely spread Mediterranean evergreen tree whose plant parts are rich in bioactive compounds with potential for application in functional food production. Carob leaves are the least explored part of the plant, and the main compounds of interest are polyphenols. Advanced extraction techniques, such as pressurized liquid (PLE), microwave-assisted (MAE) and ultrasound-assisted (UAE) extraction have not been sufficiently explored for their potential in extracting these compounds. Therefore, the aim of this paper was to optimize the parameters (temperature and time) of PLE, MAE and UAE of carob leaf polyphenols, characterize the individual compounds by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS2) and determine the antioxidant activity of the extracts. The optimal temperature and time were 160 °C/5 min for PLE, resulting in a total phenolic content of 68.21 mg of gallic acid equivalents (GAE) g−1. For MAE and UAE, the optimal conditions were 70 °C/10 min, under which total phenolic contents of 78.80 and 55.98 mg GAE g−1 were achieved, respectively. A total of 26 compounds, represented mainly by myricetin, quercetin-3-rhamnoside and gallic acid, were identified in extracts obtained by all three extraction techniques. All extracts showed high antioxidant activity (0.46–1.05 and 0.50–0.58 mmol TE g−1 for FRAP and DPPH, respectively), which correlated with the polyphenolic content and was affected by the concentration of ascorbic acid (0.03–0.52 mg mL−1), confirming that carob leaf extracts obtained by advanced extraction possess high potential for application in functional food products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the Mediterranean region, reforestation programs record failures following successive drought periods. The use of different plant-growth-promoting amendments and the understanding of drought-induced physiological and biochemical responses of carob will contribute to the reforestation program's success. In this study, the effects of arbuscular-mycorrhizal-fungi (AMF), vermicompost (VC), and rock phosphate (RP) on carob seedlings under drought stress (DS) and recovery (REC) conditions were evaluated. A greenhouse experiment was conducted with carob seedlings grown in the presence of AMF, VC, and RP, applied alone or in combination under well-watered (WW), DS (by stopping irrigation for 12 days), and recovery (REC) conditions. The obtained results indicated that the triple combination (AMF + VC + RP) presented the highest improvement in water potential, photosynthetic pigment content, stomatal conductance, and chlorophyll fluorescence compared to the controls under DS and after REC. In addition, this combination resulted in improved tolerance of carob seedlings to DS and a high potential for rapid recovery after rehydration due to a high accumulation of sugars, proteins, and antioxidant enzymes. In summary, the results underline the importance of inoculating carob with AMF in combination with (in)-organic amendments in improving its tolerance to DS and its recovery performances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study concentrates on assessing the insecticidal attributes of the γ-Al2O3 nanoparticles derived from the remnants of Mentha pulegium, which include essential oil, ethanolic extract, and plant waste. The synthesis of the γ-Al2O3 nanoparticles was executed using a direct sol-gel procedure, affirming the crystal structure according to extensive physicochemical analyses such as UV-Vis, XRD, FTIR, and SEM. Evaluation of the insecticidal activity in vitro was conducted against Xylosandrus crassiusculus, a pest that infests carob wood, utilizing strains from diverse forests in the Khenifra region, situated in the Moroccan Middle Atlas. The lethal doses 50 ranged from 40 mg/g to 68 mg/g, indicating moderate effectiveness compared to the commercial insecticide Permethrin. Optimization of the conditions for the efficiency of the γ-Al2O3 nanoparticles was determined using experimental plans, revealing that time, humidity, and temperature were influential factors in the lethal dose 50 of these nanomaterials. Moreover, this study encompasses the establishment of correlations using Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Ascending Hierarchical Classification (AHC) among various geographic, biological, and physical data, amalgamating geographic altitude and γ-Al2O3 nanoparticle insecticide parameters, as well as the attributes of the mechanical tests conducted on the carob wood affected by insects. The correlations highlight the close connections between the effectiveness of the insecticide, mountain altitude, and the mechanical parameters that were examined. Ultimately, these nanoparticles demonstrate promising potential as alternative insecticides, thus opening up encouraging prospects for safeguarding against carob wood pests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Melissopalynological knowledge, regarding the uniflorality of honeys, in terms of pollen content, depends on the plant source, but, in many cases, it is difficult to establish the threshold of pollen percentage for a honey to be considered unifloral. This research aims to increase knowledge for the classification of unifloral honeys through pollen analysis. The use of fresh experimental beehives placed under controlled conditions in 11 different specific areas of Euphorbia resinifera (resin spurge) enabled the production of the purest possible honey samples, which could then serve as a reference for testing uniflorality of this type of honey. The experimentally obtained results of the pollen analysis of these pure honey samples revealed a low absolute number of pollen grains and a low percentage of pollen of E. resinifera, which confirms the under-representation of the pollen of E. resinifera in honey labelled as this type. The pollen analysis enabled a combination of pollen grains to be established which greatly facilitates the differentiation of this honey type. Furthermore, we propose that the threshold that delineates the percentage of pollen necessary for this honey type to be considered unifloral can be lower than 10% if combined with a high percentage of the sum of Ceratonia siliqua/Eryngium f./Capsella f./Lactuca f. pollen. Using this approach, the uniflorality was tested of ten honey samples sold commercially as resin spurge using the aforementioned criteria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to determine the effect of carob molasses pulp flour (CMP) at 5.0, 7.5, and 10.0% on the chemical composition and properties of eggless semolina pasta in terms of colour, nutritional value, cooking quality, and sensory properties. As presumed, carbohydrate and energy values of CMP-added pasta (carbohydrates 73.31-77.40%) were lower than the control (82.17%), whereas dietary fibre values were up to 4 times higher (8.18-12.60% vs. 3.71%). There was not a significant difference in the amount of fat (0.48-0.70%), optimum cooking time (6.56-7.06 min), or cooking loss (10.43-12.57%) of CMP-added pasta compared to the non-enriched counterpart (P > 0.05). All formulations were sufficient in terms of sensory properties; colour shift occurred in the direction from standard yellow to the dark brown area. The results showed that even the maximal tested dosage of the CMP equal to 10.0% could produce pasta with satisfying overall quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study fresh carob tree fruits (CF), a very widespread botanical species in the Mediterranean basin, were hydrothermally carbonized (HTC) at 200, 230, 250, and 280 °C for a residence time of 0.5 h and a biomass-to-water mass ratio (B/W) of 0.1. CF hydrochars were characterized in terms of elemental and proximate analysis for their possible valorization as solid biofuels. Increased reaction severity showed a decrease in solid mass yield recovery but an increase in hydrochar fixed carbon content and energy density. Hydrochars showed a high heating value (HHV) up to about 27.7 MJ/kg with a corresponding energy densification ratio (EDR) higher than 150%. CF hydrochars were also investigated as potential carbon-dense material as fillers in bio-plastic. Therefore, the CF hydrochar particles, at different concentrations, have been introduced in biopolymer matrices, such as PolyButylene Adipate Terephthalate (PBAT), by melt mixing and the rheological and mechanical behaviour of the bio-composites have been evaluated considering their potential application in the packaging sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Honeys from different regions of Algeria were analyzed to determine their pollen characteristics and physicochemical properties (humidity, pH, electrical conductivity, diastase content, color, phenols, flavonoids and antioxidant activity). The antioxidant activity was investigated using the free radical scavenging and Ferric reducing/antioxidant power assays. The melissopalynological analysis revealed 129 pollen types from 53 botanical families. The pollen types found as dominant were Coriandrum, Bupleurum, Brassica napus type, Hedysarum coronarium, Ceratonia siliqua, Eucalyptus, Peganum harmala, Ziziphus lotus and Tamarix. Principal component analysis and cluster analysis were used to analyze significant relationships between the physicochemical variables and the botanical origin of the honeys and establish groupings based on the similarities of their physicochemical and antioxidant properties. The results showed that Ceratonia siliqua, Eucalyptus, Arbutus and honeydew honeys had a higher antioxidant contribution and higher phenolic and flavonoid contents than the rest of the honeys. In addition, the contributions of Mediterranean vegetation such as Myrtus and Phyllirea angustifolia were significant in this honey group. This paper demonstrates the diverse botanical variability for honey production in Algeria. However, there is a gap in its characterization based on its botanical origin. Therefore, these studies contribute positively to the needs of the beekeeping sector and the commercial valorization of the country's honey. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Although the Shephelah region (Israel) is of a great archaeological significance and has been intensively excavated, very little is known about its landscape history. This study presents two large‐scale charred wood assemblages (>2300 items) that were recovered from Tel Azekah and Tel Lachish in order to reconstruct the ancient vegetation of the Shephelah. The two assemblages cover a temporal range from the Middle Bronze Age through the Hellenistic period (c.2000–100 BC). This new diachronic environmental investigation demonstrates that the natural arboreal vegetation in the Shephelah was dominated by oak and pistachio. From the perspective of the regional fruit tree horticulture, olive was the dominant component, indicating that the region included extensive olive orchards. Other documented fruit trees are grapevine, fig, sycamore fig, carob, date palm and almond. The high frequencies of olive remains throughout all investigated periods point to climatic conditions in the region being close to what we are facing today, with at least 400–450 mm of annual precipitation, which is required for a profitable grove. During the Iron Age II, the proportion of olive remains reached its zenith, most probably as a result of Assyrian agroeconomic management that assigned the Shephelah to olive oil production. At the same time, a reduction in natural Mediterranean trees was identified, representing intense human pressure on the natural environment. The discovery of charred cedar of Lebanon remains only at Lachish points to the high status of the site within the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carob moth [Ectomyelois ceratoniae Zeller (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae)] is a significant pest infesting pomegranate orchards. The management of the pest is mainly reliant on pesticides; however, their adverse impacts necessitate alternative management strategies. Therefore, this study determined the efficacy of kaolin (Ka), diatomaceous earth (DE—'Turco 00'), and calcium polysulfide (CP) in suppressing carob moth infestation in pomegranate. Three doses of DE (i.e., 2, 4, and 6 kg), Ka (3, 5, and 7 kg), and CP (0.5, 1, and 1.5 L) per 100-L water, positive control (emamectin benzoate), and untreated negative control were included in the study. The doses of the tested materials were regarded as low, medium, and high. Data relating to fruit infestation rate, efficacy of the treatments in suppressing carob moth infestation and economic returns were collected. The low, medium, and high doses of DE resulted in 7.8%, 6.8%, and 4.3% fruit infestation rate, respectively. Similarly, low, medium, and high doses of Ka resulted in 10.5%, 9.5%, and 8.8% infestation rate, respectively. In the same way, 21.5%, 13.3%, and 9.5% infestation rate was noted for low, medium, and high doses of CP, respectively. The positive and negative control resulted in 9.5% and 32.5% infestation rate, respectively. The efficacy of low, medium, and high doses was 75.80%, 78.72%, and 87.23, respectively for DE, 67.28%, 70.42%, and 72.65% for Ka, 33.64%, 58.11%, and 70.20% for CP, and 70.42% for positive control. The DE, Ka, and CP applied at all doses resulted in low infestation rates of carob moth compared to negative control. Similarly, the application of all doses of DE, Ka, and CP significantly improved net economic returns. Overall, all doses of DE and high dose of Ka proved more effective than positive control in lowering carob moth infestation. Economic analysis revealed that all doses of DE resulted in higher net economic returns compared to all other treatments included in the study. Hence, it is recommended to use high doses of DE to reduce infestation rate of carob moth and improve net economic returns of pomegranate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is an increasing trend to develop beers supplemented with local plant ingredients in order to increase their bioactivity. Carob (Ceratonia siliqua L.) is a xerophytic endemic tree typically found in Mediterranean ecosystems. The aim of this study was to develop a strong dark ale hybrid beer enriched with carob syrup prepared by using carob fruits from the University Campus (Athens, Greece). Three batches of beer were fermented, a dark ale (6% alcohol by volume or ABV) without carob and two strong dark ale beers (8% and 10% ABV) with carob syrup. After the second fermentation (bottle conditioning, 60 days), both carob beers had significantly increased bioactivity. The total phenolic content (176.4 mg GAE/100 mL), the antiradical activity (206.6 mg Trolox Equivalent (TE)/100 mL), and the antioxidant activity (838.2 mg Fe2+/100 mL) of the carob strong dark ale 10% ABV beer was increased by more than three times, six times, and eight times, respectively, compared to the standard dark ale (6% ABV) without carob. Moreover, LC-QToF-MS analysis ascertained the enhancement of the phenolic profile of carob beers by ten phenolic compounds compared to the control dark ale beer without carob, indicating their significant antioxidant activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]