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The Application of Mulberry Elements into a Novel Form of Easy-to-Prepare Dried Smoothie
The European market offers a variety of functional foods targeted at prediabetic and diabetic patients, with different approaches to reducing postprandial glucose levels. The utilization of white and black mulberry in new products could be an area of interest to many conscious consumers. The study aimed to design a novel form (dried) of easy-to-prepare product by applying nutritious mulberry in various proportions and creating an aesthetically appealing smoothie product with a distinctive taste profile. Such an easy-to-prepare form of smoothie was obtained by utilizing the freeze-drying process, while typical market smoothies are liquid. Sensory evaluations of the fresh, dried, and reconstructed smoothies and their basic characteristics were conducted. Moreover, antiradical tests (with ABTS+• and DPPH•), the phenolic compound profile (HPLC/PDA), and the L*a*b profile were analyzed. The results of the sensory evaluation tests were divided into two groups: Polish and foreign panelists. It was observed that mulberry-licorice drop-based smoothies were preferred fresh. Yet dried and reconstituted capsule-based smoothies were favored overall. Generally, both Polish and foreign panelists preferred lower concentrations of mulberry and licorice extracts (DB) in fresh smoothies, while in dried or reconstructed smoothie form, panelists scored higher (DC) and lower (DB) concentrations quite similarly (favored both concentrations). From the group of identified phenolic compounds, cinnamic acid derivates dominated all analyzed smoothies. Many analyzed types of flavonoids (quercetin, rutin, kaempferol) and naringenin were found in the smoothies. Some differences were noted in the antiradical tests but were only statistically significant for DPPH• scavenging activity, which was higher for the DB1, DB2, and DC1 samples. Generally, even higher addition of licorice and mulberry did not negatively affect panelists’ ratings and the analyzed activities.
Seaweed Nutritional Value and Bioactive Properties: Insights from Ascophyllum nodosum, Palmaria palmata, and Chondrus crispus
This study investigates the nutritional composition and bioactive properties of Palmaria palmata (dulse), Ascophyllum nodosum (knotted wrack), and Chondrus crispus (Irish moss). Understanding the nutritional values of these seaweeds is very important due to their potential health benefits, especially their antioxidant properties and cytotoxic activities, which point to their ability to inhibit cancer cell proliferation. Comprehensive analyses were conducted to assess protein content, amino acid composition, mineral profile, fatty acids, polyphenols, total carotenoids, antioxidant activity, and cytotoxicity against cervical (HeLa), and colon (HCT-116) cell lines. P. palmata exhibited the highest protein content, while C. crispus was richest in calcium, iron, manganese, and zinc. Amino acid analysis revealed C. crispus as being particularly high in essential and non-essential amino acids, including alanine, glutamic acid, and glycine. A. nodosum and C. crispus were rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), notably eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). A. nodosum showed the highest total carotenoid content. Polyphenol analysis highlighted the presence of compounds such as p-coumaric acid, gallic acid, and p-hydroxybenzoic acid across the species. Both the ethanolic and hexane A. nodosum extracts demonstrated the strongest antioxidant potential in DPPH• and ABTS+ assays. The cytotoxicity evaluation revealed high anticancer activity of A. nodosum and C. crispus hexane extract against HeLa and HCT-116, though it employed cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. A. nodosum hexane extract exhibited moderate selective anticancer activity against HCT-116. These findings underscore the nutritional diversity and potential health benefits of these macroalgae (seaweed) species, suggesting their suitability as functional foods or supplements, offering diverse nutritional and therapeutic benefits.
Comparative analysis of nutritional composition and bioactive properties of Chlorella vulgaris and Arthrospira platensis: Implications for functional foods and dietary supplements
Abstract The rising incidence of chronic diseases has spurred interest in functional foods rich in antioxidants and essential nutrients, as well as in exploring their potential cytotoxic activity against cancer cells. This study aims to address this gap by providing a comprehensive comparison of their biochemical composition and bioactive properties, offering insights into their targeted applications in functional foods and supplements. This study investigated the nutritional composition and bioactive properties of two algae species, chlorella (Chlorella vulgaris) and spirulina (Arthrospira platensis). Analysis included total protein content, amino acid profiles, mineral compositions, fatty acid profiles, B vitamin contents, polyphenol profiles, carotenoid contents, antioxidant activities (DPPH˙ and ABTS+ assays), and cytotoxic activities. Chlorella exhibited higher protein content (64.63%) compared to spirulina (58.24%). Spirulina showed higher concentrations of non-essential and essential amino acids, except for methionine. Mineral analysis revealed spirulina’s superiority in calcium, potassium, sodium, iron, manganese, and zinc, whereas chlorella contained higher copper and lead levels. Fatty acid analysis indicated chlorella’s dominance in saturated fatty acids, while spirulina showed higher proportions of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids. Polyphenol analysis highlighted chlorella’s higher levels of p-hydroxybenzoic acid, whereas spirulina contained more rutin and catechin. Chlorella also exhibited higher levels of niacin and riboflavin compared to spirulina. Additionally, spirulina extracts, whether ethanolic or hexane-based, demonstrate substantial antioxidant effects, as evidenced by their lower IC50 values in both DPPH˙ and ABTS+ assays relative to chlorella. Overall, spirulina showed superior antioxidant effect. Chlorella hexane extract showed slightly higher cytotoxic potential compared to spirulina. These findings enhance our understanding of the nutritional and health-promoting properties of chlorella and spirulina, suggesting their potential applications in functional foods and dietary supplements. While in vitro assays indicate promising bioactivity, future studies should include in vivo experiments to confirm the health benefits and functional applications of these microalgae.
Hermetia illucens frass improves the physiological state of basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) and its nutritional value under drought
To counterbalance the growing human population and its increasing demands from the ecosystem, and the impacts on it, new strategies are needed. Use of organic fertilizers boosted the agricultural production, but further increased the ecological burden posed by this indispensable activity. One possible solution to this conundrum is the development and application of more environmentally neutral biofertilizers. The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of two doses of Hermetia illucens frass (HI frass) with the commercial cattle manure in the cultivation of basil under drought. Soil without the addition of any organic fertilizer was used as a baseline control substrate for basil cultivation. Plants were grown with cattle manure (10 g/L of the pot volume) or HI frass at two doses (10 and 12.5 g/L). The health and physiological condition of plants were assessed based on the photosynthetic activity and the efficiency of photosystem II (chlorophyll fluorescence). Gas exchange between soil and the atmosphere were also assessed to verify the effect of fertilizer on soil condition. In addition, the mineral profile of basil and its antioxidant activity were assessed, along with the determination of the main polyphenolic compounds content. Biofertilizers improved the fresh mass yield and physiological condition of plants, both under optimal watering and drought, in comparison with the non-fertilized controls. Use of cattle manure in both water regimes resulted in a comparably lower yield and a stronger physiological response to drought. As a result, using HI frass is a superior strategy to boost output and reduce the effects of drought on basil production.