Alginate Films Enriched in Raspberry and/or Black Currant Seed Oils as Active Food Packaging.

Alginate films plasticized with glycerol and enriched in raspberry and/or black currant seed oils were prepared via casting solution techniques. The intention was to create active films for food packaging where antioxidants in a film would deactivate oxidants in a packed product or its surroundings, improving conditions inside packaging and extending the shelf life of such a product. The prepared materials were characterized by physicochemical, spectroscopic, mechanical, water vapor transmission (WVTR), and antioxidant activity analysis. Infrared spectra of the alginate films with oils were similar to those without the additive; the band with a maximum at about 1740 cm-1 stood out. The prepared materials with oils were thicker, contained less water, were more yellow, and were less permeable to water vapor. Moreover, the presence of the oil in the films resulted in a slightly lower Young's modulus and lower stress at break values but higher strain at break. The antioxidant capacity of raspberry seed oil itself was about five times higher than that of black currant seed oil, and a similar trend was noticed for films modified with these oils. The results indicated that both oils could be used as active substances with antioxidant properties in food packaging.

Cold-pressed raspberry seeds oil ameliorates high-fat diet triggered non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is considered one of the most serious public health problems affecting liver. The reported beneficial impact of raspberries on obesity and associated metabolic disorder makes it a suitable candidate against NAFLD. In the current study, the chemical profile of raspberry seed oil (RO) was characterized by analysis of fatty acid and tocopherol contents using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) in addition to the determination of total phenolic and flavonoids. High levels of unsaturated fatty acids, linoleic acid (49.9%), α-linolenic acid (25.98%), and oleic acid (17.6%), along with high total tocopherol content (184 mg/100 gm) were detected in oil. The total phenolic and flavonoid contents in RO were estimated to be 22.40 ± 0.25 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/100 mg oil and 1.34 ± 0.15 mg quercetin (QU)/100 mg, respectively. Anti-NAFLD efficacy of RO at different doses (0.4 and 0.8 mL) in a model of a high-fat diet (HFD) fed rats was assessed by estimating lipid profile, liver enzyme activity, glucose and insulin levels as well as adipokines and inflammatory marker. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ), which is a molecular target for NAFLD was also tested. Liver histopathology was carried out and its homogenate was used to estimate oxidative stress markers. Consumption of RO significantly improved lipid parameters and hepatic enzyme activities, reduced insulin resistance and glucose levels, significantly ameliorated inflammatory and oxidative stress markers. Furthermore, RO treatment significantly modulated adipokines activities and elevated PPARγ levels. Raspberry seed oil administration significantly improved these HFD induced histopathological alterations. Moreover, a molecular docking study was performed on the identified fatty acids and tocopherols. Among the identified compounds, oleic acid, α-linolenic acid and γ-tocopherol exhibited the highest docking score as PPARγ activator posing them as a potential anti-NAFLD drug leads. Study findings suggest RO as an effective therapeutic candidate for ameliorating NAFLD.

Quality assessment of cold-pressed strawberry, raspberry and blackberry seed oils intended for cosmetic purposes.

BACKGROUND: Cold-pressed berry seed oils are used for consumption and other applications including skin and hair care. They are natural products which gain the attention of customers. In this study, strawberry, raspberry and blackberry seed oils used for cosmetic purposes, purchased from three different European producers, were analyzed. The aim of the study was to assess the quality and oxidative stability of the berry fruit oils, thus they were analyzed after purchase and after 4 and 8 weeks of storage at room temperature. METHODS: Acid and peroxide values were determined in the tested oils, as was oxidative stability, which was measured using pressure differential scanning calorimetry (PDSC). Additionally, fatty acid profiles and thei. RESULTS: nd. Cold-pressed berry seed oils are used for consumption and other applications including skin and hair care. They are natural products which gain the attention of customers. In this study, strawberry, raspberry and blackberry seed oils used for cosmetic purposes, purchased from three different European producers, were analyzed. The aim of the study was to assess the quality and oxidative stability of the berry fruit oils, thus they were analyzed after purchase and after 4 and 8 weeks of storage at room temperature. Materials and methods. Acid and peroxide values were determined in the tested oils, as was oxidative stability, which was measured using pressure differential scanning calorimetry (PDSC). Additionally, fatty acid profiles and their distribution at sn-1,3 and sn-2 positions of triacylglycerols were characterized. Results, principal. Most of the fatty acids of the tested berry seed oils are polyunsaturated fatty acids (67.04-74.95%). The results show the low quality of the tested oils in terms of oxidative stability (high peroxide values: 21.9-249.6 mEq O2/kg oil). CONCLUSIONS: Based on this study, it is necessary to evaluate the effects of these products on the body. Moreover, standards clarifying the oxidation of cosmetic oils should be set internationally.