Search Results (1,376)

Calendula officinalis L. has numerous health-promoting properties due to the presence of a large number of lipophilic compounds. Their effective delivery to the body requires the use of an appropriate technique such as emulsification. So, the main purpose of this study was to understand how the profile of lipophilic compounds from pot marigold and the pro-health potential are shaped by different types of protein, oil, and drying techniques in o/w nanoemulsion. To obtain this, the profiles of carotenoid compounds and tocols were measured. Additionally, antioxidant potential and the ability to inhibit α-amylase and α-glucosidase were measured. Pea protein emulsion exhibited a higher final content of carotenoid compounds (23.72–39.74 mg/100 g), whereas those with whey protein had stronger α-amylase inhibition (487.70 mg/mL). The predominant compounds in the studied nanoemulsions were β-carotene (between 19% and 40%), followed by α-tocopherol/γ-tocopherol. The type of proteins shaped the health-promoting properties and determined the content of health-promoting compounds. Full article

Microgreens are vegetable greens that are harvested early while they are still immature and have just developed cotyledons. One of the disadvantages and a challenge in production is that they exhibit a short shelf life and may be damaged easily. In seeking to prolong the shelf life, some pre- and postharvest interventions have been investigated. Here, kale and mustard microgreens were grown in a controlled-environment walk-in chamber at +21/17 °C, with ~65% relative air humidity, while maintaining the spectral composition of deep red 61%, blue 20%, white 15%, and far red 4% (150, 200, and 250 µmol m⁻² s⁻¹ photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD)). Both microgreens seemed to exhibit specific and species-dependent responses. Higher PPFD during growth and storage in light conditions resulted in increased contents of TPC in both microgreens on D₅. Additionally, 150 and 250 PPFD irradiation affected the α-tocopherol content by increasing it during postharvest storage in kale. On D₀ 150 for kale and 200 PPFD for mustard microgreens, β-carotene content increased. D₅ for kale showed insignificant differences, while mustard responded with the highest β-carotene content, under 150 PPFD. Our findings suggest that both microgreens show beneficial outcomes when stored in light compared to dark and that mild photostress is a promising tool for nutritional value improvement and shelf-life prolongation. Full article

This study aimed to investigate the variation in the chemical composition of Origanum compactum essential oils (EOs) from four geographically distinct locations. Additionally, we evaluated their antioxidant properties and potential inhibitory effects on acetylcholinesterase (AChE), tyrosinase, and α-glucosidase enzymes and their insecticidal proprieties. Notably, this research also marks the first examination of the mineral composition of O. compactum. The chemical composition was determined using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS), which identified thymol (28.72–80.39%), carvacrol (6.54–61.84%), p-cymene (0.27–8.64%), linalool (1.44–1.96%), and caryophyllene oxide (1.34–1.56%) as the major constituents. Concurrently, inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES) revealed significant levels of macro and microelements, including calcium (295.50–512.20 mg/kg), potassium (195.99–398.45 mg/kg), magnesium (59.70–98.45 mg/kg), and iron (43.55–112.60 mg/kg). The EOs demonstrated notable antiradical activities through DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl), FRAP (ferric reducing antioxidant power), and β-carotene bleaching assays. Regarding the insecticidal effect, all studied essential oils showed a significant toxicity against C. capitata adults, and the toxicity was dose and time dependent. The highest insecticidal effect was observed for O. compactum essential oils collected from Gouman (LC₅₀ = 2.515 µL/mL, LC₉₀ = 5.502 µL/mL) after 48 h of treatment. Furthermore, at a concentration of 1 mg/mL, the EOs exhibited strong inhibitory effects against AChE (84.75–94.01%), tyrosinase (84.75–94.01%), and α-glucosidase (79.90–87.80%), highlighting their potential as natural inhibitors of these enzymes. The essential oils of O. compactum contain components that could be used as a basis for synthetizing derivatives or analogs with potential medicinal applications and pest control properties. Full article

Capsaicin, carotenoids, and phenolic compounds from cumari-do-Pará peppers (Capsicum chinense Jacq.) harvested from two different locations in Pará, Brazil, and at different ripening stages were extracted by employing green methodologies as an alternative to organic solvents. Edible vegetable oils from soybeans (Glycine max), Brazilian nuts (Bertholettia excelsa H.B.), and palm olein were used in combination with ultrasonic-assisted extraction (UAE). The proximate composition of the pepper extracts and vitamin C were determined through AOAC methods, total phenolics and carotenoids were assessed by UV/Vis spectrophotometry, and capsaicin by high-performance liquid chromatography. Antioxidant cumari-do-Pará extract activities were evaluated by the ABTS radical scavenging and β-carotene/linoleic acid assays. The vegetable oils were suitable for extracting and preserving bioactive pepper compounds, especially mature ones harvested from Igarapé-Açu. Bioactive compound content and antioxidant activity varied with harvesting location and ripening stage. Soybean oil was the most effective in extracting bioactive pepper compounds, particularly carotenoids, with 69% recovery. Soybean oil extracts enriched in capsaicin, carotenoids, and phenolics obtained from cumari-do-Pará can be used as spices in foodstuffs and/or as additives in pharmaceutical and nutraceutical formulations. Edible vegetable oils combined with UAE are promising for bioactive compound extraction, representing an environmentally friendly, safe, low-cost, versatile, and fast alternative. Full article

Sustainable waste management strategies are urgently needed due to an increasing global population and increased waste production. In this context, biorefineries have recently emerged as a promising approach to valorize waste streams and supply a broad range of products. This study presents the process model and life cycle assessment (LCA) of a biorefinery concept using a novel biochemical method, a so-called “dark photosynthesis” conversion. This process is coupled to a photo-fermentation using microalgae. Overall, the biorefinery concept can produce hydrogen, lutein, β-carotene, and proteins for animal feed. Apple pomace from apple juice production is used as feedstock for the primary conversion step. A process model was created with the process simulation software Aspen Plus^® using experimental and literature data. Results from this model were then used in an LCA. The environmental impacts of the proposed biorefinery concept are relatively high, showing the need for process optimization in several areas. Energy system integration, stream recycling, and higher hydrogen yields are recognized as especially important for improving the environmental performance of this concept. Despite these findings, the model shows the feasibility of implementing the biochemical conversion technologies in a biorefinery concept for effectively utilizing residue streams. Full article

Natural carotenoids (CARs) such as β-carotene, astaxanthin, lutein, norbixin, bixin, capsanthin, lycopene, β-Apo-8-carotenal, canthaxanthin, β-apo-8-carotenal-ester, and zeaxanthin are being explored for possible applications in feed, food, cosmeceuticals, and nutraceuticals. Three primary areas of carotenoid research are emerging: (1) encapsulations for improved chemical and physical properties; (2) natural source carotenoid manufacturing; and (3) preclinical, epidemiological, and clinical studies of carotenoids’ potential health benefits. The recent advancements in research on the chemistry and antioxidant activity, marketing strategies, dietary sources, bioavailability, and bioaccessibility, extraction, dietary consumption, encapsulating techniques, and health advantages of carotenoids are all extensively discussed in this review. Carotenoids are pigments found naturally in most fruits and vegetables, algae, plants, and photosynthetic bacteria. Carotenoids cannot be synthesized by humans and must be consumed in the form of food or supplements. There are several roles for carotenoids in human health. Although individual carotenoids may function in different ways, their main action is to act as antioxidants. There are validated techniques for separating and purifying carotenoids, yet, industrial production requires the development of economically viable techniques for larger-scale implementation. Carotenoids have been shown to boost cognitive performance and cardiovascular health, as well as help prevent some types of cancer. Despite evidence for carotenoids’ health benefits, major population-based supplementation trials have yielded conflicting outcomes for several carotenoids. This review includes recent developments in carotenoid metabolism and nutritional and health advantages. It also offers an outlook on future directions in these areas. Full article

This study developed functional white chocolate enriched with free (WC-F) and encapsulated β-carotene using whey protein isolate (WPI) and pullulan (PUL) blends through spray drying (WC-SP), freeze drying (WC-LP), and coaxial electrospinning (WC-EL). The thermal properties, rheological properties, hardness, and color of the chocolates were evaluated, and the stability of β-carotene was monitored over 4 months at 25 °C. No significant differences were found in melting profile temperatures among samples; however, WC-LP and WC-EL exhibited higher melting energies (30.88 J/g and 16.00 J/g) compared to the control (12.42 J/g). WC-F and WC-SP showed rheological behaviors similar to those of the control, while WC-LP and WC-EL displayed altered flow characteristics. Hardness was unaffected in WC-F and WC-SP (7.77 N/mm² and 9.36 N/mm²), increased slightly in WC-LP (10.28 N/mm²), and decreased significantly in WC-EL (5.89 N/mm²). Over storage, melting point, rheological parameters, and hardness increased slightly, while color parameters decreased. β-carotene degradation followed a first-order reaction model, with degradation rate constants (k) of 0.0066 day⁻¹ for WC-SP, 0.0094 day⁻¹ for WC-LP, and 0.0080 day⁻¹ for WC-EL, compared to 0.0164 day⁻¹ for WC-F. WC-SP provided the best β-carotene retention, extending the half-life period by 2 times compared to WC-F (126.04 days vs. 61.95 days). Practical implications: The findings suggest that WC-SP, with its superior β-carotene stability, is particularly suitable for the development of functional confectionery products with extended shelf life, offering potential benefits in industrial applications where product stability is crucial. Future research directions: Further studies could explore the incorporation of additional bioactive compounds in white chocolate using similar encapsulation methods, as well as consumer acceptance and sensory evaluation of these enriched products. Full article

Baby spinach is becoming increasingly popular as a salad ingredient and needs high fertiliser rates to grow well and attain higher-quality leaves (dark green leaves). Chemical fertilisers, especially nitrogen (N), boost yields. There are many risks associated with nitrogen fertilisation. Additionally, spinach contains phenolic compounds and carotenoids. Nitrogen fertilisation affects growth, development, yield and metabolites. This study examined the impact of lower concentrations of N (0, 30, 60, 90, 120, 150 mg/L) on yield and colour properties [light intensity (L*) colour coordinates, unique for green colour (a*) and yellow colour (b*)], as well as the impact of varying N concentrations on the total phenolic content and p-coumaric acid, quercetin, ferulic acid, kaempferol, lutein, zeaxanthin, β-carotene and antioxidant activities in the baby spinach varieties ‘Acadia’, ‘Crosstrek’ and ‘Traverse’, and it was established that N fertilisation improves phytochemical bioaccessibility and antioxidant activity. In a split strip plot design, three baby spinach varieties were treated with different N concentrations, including 0, 30, 60, 90, 120 and 150 mg/L. For 40 days, three baby spinach varieties were grown on soilless Mikskaar Professional substrate 300. During both seasons, ’Crosstrek’ had the highest fresh mass (921.4 g/m², 856.3 g/m²) at 120 mg/L N, while ‘Traverse’ had the highest fresh mass at 554.8 g/m² and at 564.3 g/m² at 90 mg/L N and did not differ significantly from 90 to 150 mg/L N during either season. During both seasons, ‘Acadia’ at 90 mg/L N increased fresh mass to 599 g/m² and 557.9 g/m². The variety × N supply interaction significantly affected the leaf colour; chlorophyll content across seasons; the levels of bioactive compounds, p-coumaric acid, quercetin, ferulic acid, kaempferol, lutein, zeaxanthin and β-carotene in spinach varieties; the in vitro bioaccessibility; and the antioxidant activity. Varietal differences influenced the bioaccessibility of phenolic compounds and carotenoid components. The appropriate N levels can be used during plant cultivation to optimise the bioaccessibility of this spinach variety. Thus, fertilising ‘Traverse’ with 90 mg/N mL increased the in vitro bioaccessibility of β-carotene (35.2%), p-coumaric acid (7.13%), quercetin (8.29%) and ferulic acid (1.92%) without compromising the yield. Full article

The article describes the mechanism of oxidation of polyunsaturated fatty acid esters and presents the effect of temperature as one of the factors accelerating this process. The consequences of aging for ester-based biofuels are discussed extensively. The article presents the results of aging of FAMEs obtained from frying oil and of FAMEs derived from unrefined rapeseed oil to examine the influence of temperature as a factor accelerating aging. Acid, peroxide and anisidine values were determined for each sample; additionally, IR spectra were measured. Based on the results, it was confirmed that temperature has a significant effect on the degradation of FAMEs. These changes are best represented by the anisidine value and the change in IR spectra. The paper presents the relationship between acid, peroxide and anisidine values. This paper also highlights the beneficial effect of natural antioxidants in the form of β–carotene, which is found in FAMEs derived from unrefined rapeseed oil. Full article

Green leafy vegetables are rich in lipophilic metabolites such as carotenoids, phytosterols, tocopherols, and fatty acids, known for their significant health benefits. Goat’s beard (Aruncus dioicus var. kamtschaticus), a wild leafy vegetable native to Ulleungdo Island, South Korea, is reported to possess various biological activities and bioactive compounds. However, the content and profiles of lipophilic metabolites, especially carotenoids, have not been reported. This study investigated the composition of lipophilic metabolites in the foliage of goat’s beard using liquid chromatography–diode-array detection–mass spectrometry, gas chromatography–mass spectrometry, and gas chromatography–flame ionization detection. Five carotenoids (violaxanthin, neoxanthin, lactucaxanthin, lutein, β-carotene) and α-tocopherol were identified and quantified using liquid chromatography–diode-array detection–mass spectrometry. Lactucaxanthin, previously discovered in lettuce, was identified for the first time in goat’s beard foliage, with a higher concentration (45.42 ± 0.80 µg/g FW) compared to red lettuce (19.05 ± 0.67 µg/g FW). Furthermore, total carotenoids and α-tocopherol contents were higher in goat’s beard than in red lettuce. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis showed the presence of three phytosterols, namely, campesterol (3.53 ± 0.20 µg/g FW), stigmasterol (65.30 ± 4.87 µg/g FW), and β-sitosterol (89.54 ± 2.46 µg/g FW). Gas chromatography–flame ionization detection analysis revealed the presence of five essential fatty acids, with α-linolenic acid (57.03 ± 0.47%) being the most abundant, contributing to a favorable polyunsaturated FA/saturated FA ratio. These findings underscore the nutritional potential of a goat’s beard, suggesting its promising use in dietary supplements and the commercial extraction of valuable lipophilic antioxidants, particularly lactucaxanthin, for nutraceuticals and functional foods. Full article

Isopentenyl diphosphate isomerase (IPI) is a key enzyme in the synthesis of isoprenoids. In this paper, the in vivo biological activity of the IPI gene from Fritillaria unibracteata (FuIPI) was investigated. Combining a color complementation experiment with High-Performance Liquid Chromatography analysis showed that the FuIPI gene could accumulate β-carotene in Escherichia coli, and Glu190 was identified as a key residue for its catalytic activity. Bioinformatics analysis together with subcellular localization indicated that the FuIPI protein was localized in chloroplasts. Compared with wild-type Arabidopsis thaliana, FuIPI transgenic plants had higher abscisic acid content and strengthening tolerance to drought and salt stress. Overall, these results indicated that the FuIPI gene had substantial biological activity in vivo, hopefully laying a foundation for its further research and application in liliaceous ornamental and medicinal plants. Full article

This study aimed to determine the optimal pressure and temperature for the maximum extraction yield and recovery of lipophilic bioactive compounds (BACs) during the supercritical carbon dioxide extraction (SCO₂) of fennel seeds. For this purpose, the SCO₂ pressure (78.6–361.4 bar) and temperature (35.9–64.1 °C) were varied and optimized, and all of the extracts obtained were analyzed for the volatiles, fatty acids, sterols, tocochromanols and carotenoids. The results showed that the maximum extract yield and content of all of the compounds analyzed favored a higher pressure (320 bar) and lower temperature (40 °C), except for the volatiles, which were the highest at 120 bar and 42 °C. However, the optimal SCO₂ conditions for obtaining the highest overall total lipophilic fraction were 320 bar and 40 °C, respectively. The fennel SCO₂ extract obtained under these conditions contained 18 volatiles (trans-anethole as the major component), 12 fatty acids (oleic and petroselinic as the major compounds), 12 sterols (β-sitosterol and stigmasterol as the major compounds), two pentacyclic triterpenoids (α-, β-amyrin), one tocopherol (α-tocopherol), two tocotrienols (γ-, δ-tocotrienol) as well as two carotenoids (lutein and β-carotene). The SCO₂ proved to be very efficient for the isolation of various lipophilic BACs from fennel, and the results of this study may be of interest to academia and industry. Full article

Liposomes coated with chitosan by ionic gelation with tripolyphosphate (TPP-chitosomes) are interesting particles for stabilizing active compounds. However, the encapsulation condition must be optimized. The aim of this study was to optimize the encapsulation of phenolics and carotenoids of carrot pomace in TPP-chitosomes by using a Central Composite Design 2³ and response surface methodology. The independent variables were the phospholipid (0.8–4.2 mg/mL), chitosan (2.6–9.4 mg/mL), and carrot pomace (4–14 g/100 mL of ethanol) concentrations; the responses were the encapsulation efficiency in TPP-chitosomes (EE) of phenolics, a-carotene, and b-carotene and the particle size and zeta potential of the particles. The zeta potential ranged from +17 to +37 mV, indicating that the liposomes were coated with chitosan and that the particle sizes were in the nanometric to submicrometric scale. The optimized condition for encapsulating carotenoids was 2.5 mg/mL phospholipids, 6.0 mg/mL chitosan, and 12 g of carrot pomace/100 mL of ethanol. In this condition, the EE of phenolics and α- and β-carotene was 95%, 98%, and 99%, respectively. Therefore, TPP-chitosomes containing encapsulated phenolics and carotenoids, which can be obtained from agro-industrial by-products, have potential application as natural pigments in food or cosmetics. TPP-chitosomes can also be used to encapsulate other types of natural pigments. Full article

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is characterized by, among other things, dementia and a decline in cognitive performance. In AD, dementia has neurodegenerative features and starts with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Research indicates that apoptosis and neuronal loss occur in AD, in which oxidative stress plays an important role. Therefore, reducing oxidative stress with antioxidants is a natural strategy to prevent and slow down the progression of AD. Carotenoids are natural pigments commonly found in fruits and vegetables. They include lipophilic carotenes, such as lycopene, α- and β-carotenes, and more polar xanthophylls, for example, lutein, zeaxanthin, canthaxanthin, and β-cryptoxanthin. Carotenoids can cross the blood–brain barrier (BBB) and scavenge free radicals, especially singlet oxygen, which helps prevent the peroxidation of lipids abundant in the brain. As a result, carotenoids have neuroprotective potential. Numerous in vivo and in vitro studies, as well as randomized controlled trials, have mostly confirmed that carotenoids can help prevent neurodegeneration and alleviate cognitive impairment in AD. While carotenoids have not been officially approved as an AD therapy, they are indicated in the diet recommended for AD, including the consumption of products rich in carotenoids. This review summarizes the latest research findings supporting the potential use of carotenoids in preventing and alleviating AD symptoms. A literature review suggests that a diet rich in carotenoids should be promoted to avoid cognitive decline in AD. One of the goals of the food industry should be to encourage the enrichment of food products with functional substances, such as carotenoids, which may reduce the risk of neurodegenerative diseases. Full article

Carotenoid-rich foods such as citrus fruits have a wide range of functions in human health. They primarily exert antioxidant effects, but individual carotenoids may also act through other health-promoting mechanisms such as β-carotene as pro-vitamin A. Here, we show that red-fleshed sweet oranges grown in tropical climates are 4–9 times richer in carotenoids than their orange-fleshed counterparts, regardless of their maturation stage. The most significant difference observed between both varieties was the presence of lycopene at moderate concentrations (around 8 µg/g FW) in the mature pulp of the red varieties, which was absent in the blond ones. This is because the red-fleshed sweet oranges grown in tropical climates with high temperatures increase lycopene and β-carotene concentrations in their pulp during fruit maturation. Due to lycopene accumulation, red orange juice offers a promising addition to popular blond-orange, with the new varieties Carrancas and Pinhal being perfectly suitable for blending to enhance juice colour. Sao Paulo, one of the world’s leading citrus orange juice producers, as well as other tropical citrus regions could benefit from cultivating using such lycopene-rich cultivars and industrially. Full article