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The Effect of Mineral Fertilization on the Content of Bioactive Compounds in Hemp Seeds and Oil
The popularity of hemp cultivation for industrial purposes has been steadily growing for many years. With the addition of products derived from these plants to the Novel Food Catalogue, maintained by the European Commission, a significant increase in interest in hemp food is also expected. The aim of the study was to determine the characteristics of hempseed, oil, and oil cake samples produced from experimental plots grown in different conditions. The research was conducted on the Henola variety, one of the newest and most popular varieties of hemp, recently bred for grain and oil. The content of bioactive compounds in grain and oil has been subjected to detailed chemical analyses in order to determine the effect of fertilization, the method of plant cultivation, and processing conditions on their quantity. The test results and the statistical analysis carried out showed a significant impact of the tested factors on the content of some of the tested bioactive compounds. The obtained results will help in the development of an effective method of cultivation for this hemp variety in order to maximize the content of the desired bioactive compounds per unit of cultivation area.
Investigating Sexual Characteristics in Two Frog Species Under Exposure to River Water Polluted with Endocrine Disruptors
Endocrine-disrupting compounds (EDCs) are emerging environmental pollutants that are known to the disrsupt hormonal system of many vertebrates. Amphibians, with their aquatic larval stages and high sensitivity to waterborne contaminants, are especially vulnerable to EDC exposure. Despite increasing concerns over EDC pollution, systematic monitoring of these compounds in surface waters remains limited in many regions, including the European Union. This study investigates the effects of water from the Warta River, one of the largest rivers in Central Europe, an urban waterway subjected to significant anthropogenic pressure and known to contain EDCs on body condition, digit ratio, and gonadal development in two brown frog species: the common frog Rana temporaria and the moor frog Rana arvalis. We propose DR as a potential biomarker of endocrine disruption, as it is linked to hormonal impact in the early development of vertebrates. In this study, tadpoles were reared in the semi-open experimental setup with tanks containing river or potable tap water as a control. Contrary to expectations, no significant differences were observed in body condition, digit ratio, or gonadal structure, suggesting that EDC concentrations in the river water may not have been high enough to induce detectable effects. However, a consistent relation between DR and sex was observed in both species, underscoring its potential as a biologically meaningful trait. Notably, the potable tap water used as a control exhibited contamination levels comparable to the river water, raising concerns about the efficacy of current water treatment methods and highlighting the challenges of establishing true reference conditions in environmental studies.
Biochemical Properties of Bioactive Compounds in the Oil from Polish Varieties of Camelina sativa Cultivated in 2019–2022
AbstractCold‐pressed Camelina oil is a traditional oil registered as a traditional food in Poland. Camelina oil has health‐promoting properties and high oxidative stability. This may be due to the presence of various bioactive antioxidant compounds such as carotenoids, sterols and polyphenols. Bioactive compounds content in Camelina oil depends mainly on the varieties and on the conditions under which the crop was grown therefore the aim of the research was to analyse antioxidant bioactive compounds in oil from different cultivars of Camelina sativa seeds and to determine their relationship with oil parameters.
Roasting Temperature as a Factor Modifying the Caffeine and Phenolic Content of Ethiopian Coffee
The functional properties of coffee are mainly attributed to bioactive compounds, primarily caffeine and polyphenols. Their quantitative and qualitative profile depends on many factors, including the roasting process. The study aimed to assess the effect of different roasting conditions on the caffeine content and polyphenol composition of the Ethiopian variety Coffea arabica L. (from two regions: Sidama and Jimma). In total, 21 bioactive compounds were identified, including caffeine, 14 phenolic acids, 3 flavonoid glycosides, and 3 flavonoids. It was found that chlorogenic acid had the highest concentration of all phenolic compounds in the Jimma and Sidama varieties, regardless of the degree of roasting. Studies have shown that the initial stage of coffee roasting (light roast) affects chlorogenic acid content—its level increases compared to green coffee, but then decreases in subsequent roasting stages (medium and dark roast). In contrast, the concentration of caffeic acid decreases during the light roast stage, while it increases during the medium and dark roast stages. The Sidama variety contains more caffeine than the Jimma variety.
Antimicrobial Activities Evaluation and Phytochemical Screening of Some Selected Plant Materials Used in Traditional Medicine
Plant extracts are a source of valuable ingredients that can be used in many industries. This paper presents research on the content of selected bioactive compounds in extracts obtained from various plant materials. Raw materials have a documented use in traditional medicine not only in Poland. The tested plants were: bitter melon (fruit), elderberry (flowers, fruit, leaves), wild rose (fruit, flesh, seeds), mountain ash (fruit), guelder rose (fruit), and sea buckthorn (fruit, leaves, pomace). The main goal of these tests is to indicate the potential raw materials that may constitute an alternative source of bioactive compounds with antimicrobial activity. The plant material was tested for the content of bioactive antioxidant compounds and possible antimicrobial activity. The content of polyphenols (phenolic acids and flavonoids) was analyzed using UPLC/PDA, sterols, organic acids, and other bioactive compounds. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was determined. The total free phenolic acids (TPC) and total free flavonoids (TFC) of all plant raw materials was varied and ranged from 0.21 (mg RUTE/1 g of extract) to 38.30 mg RUTE/1 g of extract) for TFC. The concentration of sterols was, on average, about 10 mg/1 g of extract. The value of approx. 20 mg/1 g of the extract was recorded for bitter melon and beach rose. The content of organic acids was about 1.5 mg/1 g of the extract to even 13 mg/1 g of the extract for sea buckthorn berries. The most sensitive to the extracts’ activity were the following bacteria: M. luteus, P. mirabilis, P. fragii, S. enteritidis, and E. coli. The tested plant materials can be used in various industries as a source of bioactive compounds of an antibacterial nature.
Bioactive Compounds in Cornus mas L. and Juniperus communis L.
The growing interest in plant-derived bioactive compounds has intensified research on traditional but underexplored species as potential sources of health-promoting metabolites. This study aimed to compare the phytochemical profiles and antioxidant potential of fruits of Cornus mas L. (Cornelian cherry) and Juniperus communis L. (common juniper) collected from two natural locations in Poland. Lyophilized fruits were subjected to combined alkaline and acid hydrolysis followed by extraction, and the released phenolic compounds were identified and quantified using UPLC–PDA. Total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), total anthocyanin carotenoid content, chlorophylls, organic acids, and antioxidant activity (ABTS•+ assay) were determined spectrophotometrically. The fruits of C. mas exhibited significantly higher TPC (3584–3641 mg GAE/100 g d.m.), TFC (875–895 mg RUTE/100 g d.m.), TAC (247–266 mg CAE/100 g d.m.), and antioxidant activity (1544–1698 µmol Trolox/kg d.m.) compared with J. communis. Chlorogenic acid and quercetin were the dominant phenolic constituents in C. mas, whereas J. communis was characterized by higher proportions of protocatechuic acid, catechin, and kaempferol. J. communis fruits contained higher total organic acids, mainly citric acid, while C. mas fruits showed elevated levels of shikimic acid. Strong positive correlations were found between TPC, TFC, and ABTS activity (r > 0.90), indicating that flavonoids are key contributors to antioxidant capacity. Principal component analysis clearly discriminated samples according to species, with minor effects of sampling location. Overall, C. mas fruits demonstrated a superior antioxidant potential associated with a rich and diverse phenolic profile. In contrast, J. communis fruits were distinguished by a higher content of organic acids and a species-specific phenolic pattern. These findings highlight the nutritional and functional value of both species, supporting their potential application in functional foods and nutraceuticals.
The Content of Antioxidant Compounds and VOCs in Sorghum Grain Grown in Central and Eastern Europe
Sorghum is a plant belonging to the Poaceae family. It is drought-resistant and has low soil requirements. In the face of climate change, it is increasingly cultivated in Europe. Poland is a country with great agricultural potential; it is thus important to develop effective and economic methods of agricultural production, which is confirmed by the introduction of sorghum into cultivation. The aim of this study was to characterize the composition of bioactive compounds (i.e., phenolic acids, flavonoids, carotenoids, and phytosterols) and VOCs in sorghum grain of two varieties, i.e., white ‘Sweet Caroline’ and red ‘Sweet Susana’ grown in the temperate climate (Pętkowo, Poland (52°12′40″ N 17°15′31″ E)). The following tests were carried out: analysis of phenolic acids, flavonoids, carotenoids, phytosterols, antioxidant activity (ABTS), free phenolic acids (FPAs); elemental analysis; and water, fat and starch content analysis. Based on the conducted research, it was concluded that Poland has appropriate conditions for growing sorghum, as the content of bioactive (antioxidant) compounds was at a similar level to those grown in tropical and subtropical climates. Of the nine phenolic acids and seven flavonoids determined, the highest concentrations in both sorghum grain varieties were found for ferulic, p-coumaric and protocatechuic acids. The content of ferulic acid was three times higher in Sweet Caroline grains than in Sweet Susana grains. Differences in the content of these compounds may be the result of genetic differences between the Sweet Susana and Sweet Caroline varieties.
Influence of the genotype of the hen (Gallus gallus domesticus) on main parameters of egg quality, chemical composition of the eggs under uniform environmental conditions
Evaluation of antidiabetic potential of macrofungi extracts from Hericium erinaceus, Ganoderma lucidum, Coprinus Comatus by in vitro assay
Behavior at Air/Water Interface and Oxidative Stability of Vegetable Oils Analyzed Through Langmuir Monolayer Technique
This study aimed to evaluate the oxidative stability and surface properties of cold-pressed vegetable oils using the Langmuir monolayer technique. Six oils—milk thistle, evening primrose, flaxseed, camelina sativa, black cumin, and pumpkin seed—were analyzed to investigate their molecular organization and behavior at the air/water interface, particularly after undergoing oxidation. The results showed that oils rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), such as flaxseed and evening primrose oils, formed monolayers with larger molecular areas and lower stability, which led to faster oxidative degradation, especially under thermal conditions. In contrast, pumpkin seed oil, with a higher content of saturated fatty acids (SFAs), formed more condensed and stable monolayers, enhancing its resistance to oxidation. Black cumin oil, with a balanced profile of SFAs and monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs), demonstrated similar stability. The Langmuir technique facilitated a detailed analysis of monolayer phase transitions: PUFA-rich oils transitioned more readily to less stable phases, while SFA-rich oils maintained durable, condensed structures. These findings underscore the utility of this method for assessing the oxidative stability of vegetable oils and highlight key parameters—such as surface pressure, molecular area, and elasticity modulus—that can support the optimization of oil storage and quality in the food industry and related sectors.
Fungal Biotransformation of Hazardous Organic Compounds in Wood Waste
A diverse spectrum of organisms, such as fungi, bacteria, and actinomycetes, can degrade and transform organic matter, including wood, into valuable nutrients. A sustainable economy has the goal of efficiently using waste as raw materials, and in this optic, it uses biological preparations more and more often, supporting the decomposition of lignocellulosic waste. With reference to wood wastes, which are produced in a substantial amount by the forest and wood industry, one of the possibilities to biodegrade such lignocellulosic material is the composting process. In particular, microbiological inoculum containing dedicated fungi can contribute to the biodegradation of wood waste, as well as the biotransformation of substances from the protection of wood, such as pentachlorophenol (PCP), lindane (hexachlorobenzene) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). The purpose of this research was to produce a literature review in terms of the selection of decay fungi that could potentially be used in toxic biotransformation unions. The findings of the literature review highlighted how fungi such as Bjerkandera adusta, Phanerochaete chrysosporium, and Trametes versicolor might be ingredients of biological consortia that can be effectively applied in composting wood waste containing substances such as pentachlorophenol, lindane, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs).
Profile of Polyphenols, Fatty Acids, and Terpenes in Henola Hemp Seeds Depending on the Method of Fertilization
Botanical varieties of hemp differ in chemical composition, plant morphology, agronomy, and industrial suitability. Hemp is popular for cultivation for the production of cannabinoid oil, fiber production, biomass, etc. The fertilization process is one of the most important factors affecting the plant, both its condition and chemical composition. So far, research has been carried out proving that hemp is a valuable source of, among others: fatty acids, amino acids, acids, vitamins, numerous micro- and macroelements, and antioxidant compounds. In this experiment, it was decided to check the possibility of harvesting hemp panicles twice in one year. The purpose of this treatment is to use one plant to produce cannabidiol oil and grain. The main aim of the research was to determine bioactive compounds in hemp seeds and to determine whether the cultivation method affects their content and quantity. Based on the research conducted, it was observed that hemp can be grown in two directions at the same time and harvested twice because its health-promoting properties do not lose their value. It was found that regardless of whether hemp is grown solely for seeds or to obtain essential oils and then seeds, the type of fertilization does not affect the content of phenolic acids (e.g., syringic acid: 69.69–75.14 μg/100 g, vanillic acid: 1.47–1.63 μg/100 g). Based on the conducted research, it was found that essential oils can be obtained from one plant in the summer and seeds from Henola hemp cultivation in the autumn, because such a treatment does not affect the content of the discussed compounds.
An Analysis of Variability in the Content of Phenolic Acids and Flavonoids in Camelina Seeds Depending on Weather Conditions, Functional Form, and Genotypes
Camelina oil obtained from the seeds of Camelina sativa exhibits strong antioxidative properties. This study was based on four years of field experiments conducted on 63 genotypes of spring and 11 genotypes of winter camelina. The aim of the study was to determine the variability in the content of the selected bioactive compounds, depending on the weather conditions during the cultivation, the functional form, and genotype. The cultivation form of the genotypes analysed in our study did not exhibit significant differences in the quantitative profiles of the tested phenolic acids and flavonoids. Sinapic acid was the most abundant of all phenolic acids under analysis (617–668 mg/kg), while quercetin was the main flavonoid (91–161 mg/kg). Camelina has great potential not only for the food industry but also for researchers attempting to breed an oil plant with the stable biosynthesis of bioactive compounds to ensure oxidative protection of obtained fat.
The Effect of Organic and Conventional Cultivation Systems on the Profile of Volatile Organic Compounds in Winter Wheat Grain, Including Susceptibility to Fusarium Head Blight
The grain of 30 winter wheat cultivars differing in terms of their resistance to FHB (Fusarium head blight) was tested. The cultivars were grown in four variants of field trials established in a split-plot design: control without fungicides, chemical control of FHB with fungicides after Fusarium inoculation, Fusarium head inoculation, and organic cultivation. The profile of volatile compounds in grain samples was determined by mean headspace–solid phase microextraction and analyzed by gas chromatography time-of-flight mass spectroscopy. The identified volatile profile comprised 146 compounds belonging to 14 chemical groups. The lowest abundance of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) was found for the organic cultivation variant. The performed discriminant analysis facilitated the complete separation of grain for individual experimental variants based on the number of VOCs decreasing from 116 through 62, 37 down to 14. The grain from organic farming was characterized by a significantly different VOCs profile than the grain from the other variants of the experiment. The compounds 1-methylcycloheptanol, 2-heptanone, 2(3H)-furanone, and 5-hexyldihydro-2(3H)-furanone showed statistically significant differences between all four experimental variants.
Ground lemon and stevia leaves as renewable functional fillers with antioxidant activity for high-density polyethylene composites
AbstractThe development of new sustainable material solutions in the processing of thermoplastic polymers concerns both the application of biopolymers and the use of valorized plant derivatives as fillers and modifiers of petrochemical polymers. Herein, the possibility of using unprocessed raw parts of two commonly used in the food industry leaves, i.e., lemon (LL) and stevia (ST), as active and functional fillers for high-density polyethylene (HDPE) has been verified. The series of composites containing 1, 2, and 5 wt% of ground leaves produced in the melt-mixing process were analyzed for thermal properties (DSC and TGA), and the antioxidant potential of the fillers was evaluated. Verifying the active effect of the ground leaves on the resistance to oxidation in the molten state was carried out by oxygen induction time (OIT by DSC) analysis and oscillatory rheology under steady-state shear conditions combined with spectroscopic (FTIR) carbonyl index (CI) analysis. Studies have shown that the introduction of 5 wt% of both types of leaves allows for a significant increase in the melt oxidation resistance (above 2 times longer OIT concerning HDPE, ~ 35 min) of composites without substantial changes in their crystalline structure and thermal stability. Determined after the long-term rheological measurements in an oxidative atmosphere CI showed 70 and 82% lower values for 5 wt% LL and ST composites compared to unmodified polyethylene. Graphical abstract
Determination of chemical markers affecting the occurrence of Panolis flammea Den. & Shiff.
AbstractThe research conducted so far on the chemical mechanisms of trees' defence against foliophages has not uncovered the chemical compounds biosynthesized by plants that are essential for these mechanisms. The objective of this study was to identify a chemical indicator for the presence of the pine beauty moth in Pinus sylvestris stands. Fresh needled shoots were collected from the crowns of pine trees in stands where the pine beauty moth tends to occur in large numbers, as well as from control stands. Total phenolic contents, total flavonoids contents, total chlorophyll content, terpene compounds, phenolic compound concentration, LMWOAs, sugar content, and colour analysis were conducted. Chlorophyll content, the presence of Panolis flammea in forest stands, and the colour of pine needles were discovered to be related. Variable L* correlated positively with the concentrations of chlorophyll a and b. In pine needles that were not attacked by the pine beauty moth, significantly higher concentrations of 4‐hydroxybenzoic acid, salicylic acid, chlorogenic acid, syringic acid, quercitin, and rutin were found, with the first compound having the most significant effect (4‐hydroxybenzoic acid). Based on the study results, the connected compounds in pine needles make them susceptible to insect attack. In addition, insect repellent programmes were mentioned.
Comprehensive analysis of the chemical composition of conifer cones collected from Polish forests
Variation in the concentrations of phenolic compounds and carotenoids in the grain of a large collection of Triticum durum Desf. accessions
New Insights into Bioactive Compounds of Wild-Growing Medicinal Plants
Plants contain bioactive substances and secondary metabolites that have a variety of functions, including antibacterial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer activities. In this study, the content of bioactive compounds in five medicinal plants was determined, i.e., Plantago major L., Armoracia rusticana, Hypericum perforatum L., Rumex acetosa L., and Urtica dioica L., from 38 locations. Additionally, the antimicrobial effect of extracts of bioactive compounds from the above-mentioned plants was checked. The experiment used an original method of extracting bioactive compounds. Purpose of the research: the assessment of antimicrobial activity and chemical characterization of extracts obtained using our own method of isolating bioactive compounds from green parts of medical plants in Poland. Based on the research, the presence of bioactive compounds, i.e., phenolic acids and flavonoids, was found in the tested plant extracts. The results of this study suggest that the geographic parameters of the locations where these plants grow have different effects on their biochemical composition and biological activity. The results showed that all tested plants had significant antibacterial activities. Rumex acetose L. showed the highest antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli and Salmonella enteritidis. These studies supplement the existing literature on the subject with information about the antimicrobial properties of the tested plant extracts that can be used in herbal medicine. The results have significant implications for the pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, and cosmetic sectors, establishing a foundation for future research in this area.
