Rosa rugosa Low Caloric Fiber Protein Preparations Rich in Antioxidant Flavanols and Ellagitannins.

Defatted seed residues after the extraction of rose oil have their potential not fully described in the existing literature. The aim of this study was to determine and characterize the components important for the human body that are found in Rosa rugosa defatted seeds, including dietary fibers, proteins, selected minerals, polyphenols and antioxidant activity. Rosa rugosa seeds defatted with CO2 in supercritical conditions are a rich source of dietary fibers (approx. 65%) and proteins (15%); their macronutrients include the following: Ca (175.9), Mg (83.9), K (199.2) and Na (3.5 mg/100 g). They also contain polyphenols, including flavanols (0.9%) and total ellagic acid (0.5%), and they exhibit antioxidant activity (143.8 µM TAEC/g). Tellimagrandin I and II and rugosin A were found in the extracts, and ellagitannins with a yet-indeterminate structure were also present. The seeds also contained ellagitannin derivatives-galloyl-HHDP-glucose and bis-HHDP-glucose-at the same time, and they are characterized by a low-fat content-0.4%. The energy value of defatted rose seeds is about half the energy value of popular seeds used in the food industry. The findings of the present study suggest that defatted rosehip seeds, the by-product of rosehip processing, could be an important source of bioactive components like dietary fibers, flavanols, ellagitannins and mineral compounds. Therefore, defatted rose seeds are very promising and require further research, because they can potentially be used as a natural source of chemopreventive agents.

Molecular Distillation of Lavender Supercritical Extracts: Physicochemical and Antimicrobial Characterization of Feedstocks and Assessment of Distillates Enriched with Oxygenated Fragrance Components.

Lavandula angustifolia is one of the most widely cultivated non-food crops used in the production of essential oil; it is used in perfumery, aromatherapy, pharmaceutical preparations, and food ingredients. In this study, supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) and molecular distillation (MD) were combined, primarily to enrich scCO2 extracts with lavender oxygenated monoterpenes, avoiding thermal degradation, hydrolysis, and solvent contamination, and maintaining the natural characteristics of the obtained oils. Molecular distillation was developed for the first time for the extraction of crucial lavender fragrance ingredients, i.e., from two scCO2 extracts obtained from dry flower stems of lavender cultivated in Poland and Bulgaria. The best results for high-quality distillates were obtained at 85 °C (EVT) and confirmed that linalyl acetate content increased from 51.54 mg/g (initial Bulgarian lavender extract, L-Bg-E) and 89.53 mg/g (initial Polish lavender extract, L-Pl-E) to 118.41 and 185.42 mg/g, respectively, corresponding to increases of 2.3 and 2.1 times in both distillate streams, respectively. The distillates, light oils, and extracts from lavender were also evaluated for their antimicrobial properties by determining the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) by the broth microdilution method. Generally, Gram-positive bacteria and Candida spp. were more sensitive to all distilled fractions and extracts than Escherichia coli (Gram-negative bacteria).

Bioactive Compounds Obtained from Polish "Marynka" Hop Variety Using Efficient Two-Step Supercritical Fluid Extraction and Comparison of Their Antibacterial, Cytotoxic, and Anti-Proliferative Activities In Vitro.

Given the health-beneficial properties of compounds from hop, there is still a growing trend towards developing successful extraction methods with the highest yield and also receiving the products with high added value. The aim of this study was to develop efficient extraction method for isolation of bioactive compounds from the Polish "Marynka" hop variety. The modified two-step supercritical fluid extraction allowed to obtain two hop samples, namely crude extract (E1), composed of α-acids, ß-acids, and terpene derivatives, as well as pure xanthohumol with higher yield than that of other available methods. The post-extraction residues (R1) were re-extracted in order to obtain extract E2 enriched in xanthohumol. Then, both samples were subjected to investigation of their antibacterial (anti-acne, anti-caries), cytotoxic, and anti-proliferative activities in vitro. It was demonstrated that extract (E1) possessed more beneficial biological properties than xanthohumol. It exhibited not only better antibacterial activity against Gram-positive bacteria strains (MIC, MBC) but also possessed a higher synergistic effect with commercial antibiotics when compared to xanthohumol. Moreover, cell culture experiments revealed that crude extract neither inhibited viability nor divisions of normal skin fibroblasts as strongly as xanthohumol. In turn, calculated selectivity indexes showed that the crude extract had from slightly to significantly better selective anti-proliferative activity towards cancer cells in comparison with xanthohumol.

Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitors among Zingiber officinale Terpenes-Extraction Conditions and Thin Layer Chromatography-Based Bioautography Studies.

Although numerous studies have been conducted on ginger extracts and fractions, the data on the pharmacological activity of single constituents of Zingiber officinale are still insufficient. To assess the antidementia properties of the plant, a thin layer chromatography (TLC)-based bioautography acetylcholinesterase inhibitory assay was performed on the Zingiber officinale diethyl ether extract. It led to the recognition of three active inhibitors among volatile constituents of the plant: ar-curcumene (A), α-sesquiphellandrene (B) and a-zingiberene (C). The identification of the components was possible thanks to the application of a TLC-HPLC-MS interface analysis of active zones and the GC-MS qualitative analysis of the tested samples. Based on the obtained results, the influence of several extraction techniques (hydrodistillation-HD, pressurized liquid extraction or accelerated solvent extraction-ASE, shaking maceration-SM, supercritical fluid extraction-SFE, and ultrasound-assisted extraction-UAE) on the recovery of the active metabolites from plant material was assessed to deliver enriched extracts. As a result, HD and SFE, were found to be the most efficient methods to recover the volatile components and the concentrations of A, B, and C reached 0.51 ± 0.025, 0.77 ± 0.045, and 1.67 ± 0.11 percent, respectively. Only HD and SFE were found to recover monoterpene hydrocarbons from the plant matrix. The remaining techniques provided extracts rich in more complex constituents, like sesquiterpenes.

Effects of berry seed residues on ruminal fermentation, methane concentration, milk production, and fatty acid proportions in the rumen and milk of dairy cows.

Strawberry (SB), black currant (BC), and raspberry seed (RB) residues were used in 3 experiments to study their effects on ruminal fermentation, methane concentration, and fatty acid (FA) proportions in the ruminal fluid and milk of dairy cows. Initially, a batch fermentation in vitro study (experiment 1) was performed to investigate the effects of the 3 berry residues on basic ruminal fermentation parameters. Total volatile fatty acid concentrations, including acetate, propionate, and butyrate, increased in the BC group compared with other treatments. Based on the preliminary in vitro results, 2 consecutive in vivo experiments were conducted using 4 Polish Holstein-Friesian cows fitted with rumen cannulas (experiment 2) and 30 lactating Polish Holstein-Friesian dairy cows (experiment 3) in a replicated 2 × 2 crossover design. Cows in both experiments received a partial mixed ration (PMR) in 2 variants: (1) a control diet of PMR + 2 kg of concentrate (control); (2) PMR + 2 kg of BC seed residues (BC). The BC diet did not mitigate ruminal methane production. Ruminal fermentation (experiment 2) was not affected by the BC diet; however, the concentrations of C18:1 trans-11 and C18:2 cis-9,trans-11 increased significantly by 91 and 131%, respectively. Likewise, concentrations of total trans C18:1 and total monounsaturated FA in ruminal fluid were increased significantly by BC seed residues. In experiment 3, BC significantly increased milk fat C18:1 trans-11, C18:2 cis-9,trans-11, n-3, n-6, and polyunsaturated FA concentrations without affecting milk production performance. In conclusion, the amount (2 kg/d) of BC used in this study did not adversely affect ruminal fermentation or milk production and composition. However, using BC increased proportions of unsaturated FA and conjugated linoleic acid in milk. Although dietary BC did not exert a strong methane inhibition effect, it could represent an inexpensive alternative concentrate to improve beneficial FA in milk without negative effects on rumen fermentation and production parameters in dairy cows. Incorporation of berry seed residues in diets would be profitable economically and nutritionally for dairy cattle production.

Supercritical Carbon Dioxide (scCO2) Extraction of Phenolic Compounds from Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) Flowers: A Box-Behnken Experimental Optimization.

Due to their numerous health benefits associated with various diseases and anti-oxidation properties, the phenolic compounds collectively referred to as phytochemicals have attracted a lot of interest, however, a single extraction method for polyphenols has not been developed yet. Supercritical fluid extraction, a green extraction method, provides the final product without organic solvent residues. In this work the extraction of lavender was performed using supercritical carbon dioxide. A statistical experimental design based on the Box-Behnken (B-B) method was planned, and the extraction yields and total phenolic contents were measured for three different variables: pressure, temperature and extraction time. The ranges were 200-300 bar, 40-60 °C and 15-45 min. The extracts yields from scCO2 extraction were in the range of 4.3-9.2 wt.%. The highest yield (9.2 wt.%) was achieved at a temperature of 60 °C under the pressure of 250 bar after 45 min. It also corresponded to the highest total phenolic content (10.17 mg GAE/g extract). Based on the study, the statistically generated optimal extraction conditions to obtain the highest total phenolic compounds concentration from flowers of Lavandula angustifolia were a temperature of 54.5 °C, pressure of 297.9 bar, and the time of 45 min. Based on the scavenging activity percentage (AA%) of scCO2 extracts, it is concluded that the increase of extraction pressure had a positive influence on the increase of AA% values.

Antifungal Properties of Fucus vesiculosus L. Supercritical Fluid Extract Against Fusarium culmorum and Fusarium oxysporum.

In this study, potential antifungal properties of a brown alga Fucus vesiculosus were evaluated. The algal extract was obtained with the use of supercritical fluid extraction (scCO2) at a temperature of 50 °C under a pressure of 300 bar. The aqueous solution of the extract at the concentration of 0.05%, 0.2%, 0.5% and 1.0% was studied against pathogenic fungi on a liquid RB medium. This study is the first report on antifungal properties of the brown algae F. vesiculosus scCO2 extract against Fusarium culmorum and Fusarium oxysporum phytopathogens. The concentrations of the studied extract (0.5% and 1.0%) were demonstrated to have an ability to inhibit 100% growth of macroconidia within 144 h, as well as an ability to cause their total degradation. As a result of the study, the antifungal effect of fucosterol against F. culmorum was also indicated. The total macroconidia growth was inhibited by 1.0% fucosterol. Moreover, at lower concentrations (0.05-0.2%) of fucosterol, macroconidia were characterized by shorter length and structural degradation was observed. The mycelial growth of Fusarium oxysporum (Fo38) by 1% scCO2 F. vesiculosus extract was analyzed at the level of 48% after 168 h of incubation, whereas 100% extract was found to be effective in F. culmorum (CBS122) and F. oxysporum (Fo38) growth inhibition by 72% and 75%, respectively after 168 h of incubation.

Determination of fat- and water-soluble vitamins by supercritical fluid chromatography: A review.

Vitamins are compounds that take part in all basic functions of an organism but also are subject of number of studies performed by different researchers. Two groups of vitamins are distinguished taking into consideration their solubility. Chromatography with supercritical CO2 has found application in the determination, separation, and quantitative analyses of both fat- and water-soluble vitamins. The methods of vitamins separation have developed and improved throughout the years. Both groups of compounds were separated using supercritical fluid chromatography with different detection on different stationary phases. The main aim of this review is to provide an overview of the studies of vitamins separation that have been determined so far.

The Application of Supercritical Fluid Extraction in Phenolic Compounds Isolation from Natural Plant Materials.

The separation of phenolic compounds by supercritical fluid extraction has been widely studied throughout the last two decades. This is evidenced by a number of publications and articles. Supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) has become thus the effective method of separating the mentioned group of compounds. On the other hand, SFE is a beneficial approach in plant waste materials utilization and reduction of environmental burdens caused by the wastes. The aim of the study is to gather and systematize available information on the phenolic compounds separation that have been reported so far as well as to evaluate whether there is one optimal supercritical fluid extraction method for the phenolic compounds.

Essential Oils from Humulus Lupulus scCO2 Extract by Hydrodistillation and Microwave-Assisted Hydrodistillation.

Two different extraction methods were used for a comparative study of essential oils obtained from the Humulus lupulus scCO2 (sc-supercritical) extract: microwave-assisted hydrodistillation (MAHD) and conventional hydrodistillation (HD). As a result, the best conditions for the maximum essential oil production were determined for the MAHD method at 335 W microwave power for 30 min at water to raw material ratio of 8:3. The obtained essential oils were enriched in ß-myrcene in the amount of 74.13%⁻89.32% (wt%). Moreover, the first application for determination of the above-mentioned volatile compounds by supercritical fluid chromatography (SFC) with photo-diode array detection (PDA) is presented, which in comparison with gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS) resulted in similar values for ß-myrcene and α-humulene in obtained samples within less than 1 min.

Supercritical Fluid Chromatography with Photodiode Array Detection in the Determination of Fat-Soluble Vitamins in Hemp Seed Oil and Waste Fish Oil.

In the presented study for the first time a new, optimized, fast SFC (supercritical fluid chromatography) method was applied to separate in one run fat-soluble vitamins from waste fish oil, including cis-and trans-retinyl palmitate, cis- and trans-retinyl acetate, retinol, α-tocopherol, ß-tocopherol, γ­tocopherol, δ-tocopherol, ergocalciferol (D2), cholecalciferol (D3), cis- and trans-phylloquinone (K1) and menaquinone-4 (K2-MK4). Vitamins were baseline separated on an Acquity UPC² (ultra performance convergence chromatography) HSS C18 SB (highly strength chemically modified silica) column within 13 min. The influence of the stationary phase, such as Torus 1-AA (1-aminoanthracene), Torus Diol (high density diol), Torus DEA (diethylamine), BEH (silica with no bonding), BEH-2EP (2-ethylpirydine), CSH Fluoro-Phenyl (silica with fluoro-phenyl groups), column temperature, flow rate and back pressure on the separation of the compounds was described. The application of the modified saponification procedure allowed us to increase concentration in the sample prepared for the analysis of γ­tocopherol from less than 1% (wt %) to 14% for the first time. In addition, α­tocopherol, γ­tocopherol, δ­tocopherol and retinol were identified in waste fish oil. Vitamin purification and analysis in waste fish oil are reported for the first time here. Due to the short time and effectiveness of the proposed method, it can be easily applied in industrial processes.

The molecular organization of prenylated flavonoid xanthohumol in DPPC multibilayers: X-ray diffraction and FTIR spectroscopic studies.

Xanthohumol (XN) is the major prenylated flavonoid found in hop resin. It has attracted considerable attention in recent years due to its wide spectrum of biological activities and the beneficial effect on human health. Since lipid membrane is first target for biologically active compounds, we decided to investigate the influence of XN on the dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC) multibilayers. Interactions of XN with DPPC were investigated as a function of temperature and its concentration by using X-ray diffraction and the ATR-FTIR spectroscopy techniques. The aim of understanding the mechanisms of molecular interactions between XN and DPPC was to indicate the localization of the XN with respect to the membrane and the type of interaction with phospholipids. The results revealed that XN changes the physical properties of the DPPC multibilayers in the form of dry film. A new complex formation between XN and DPPC is reported. The detailed analysis of refraction effect indicates the changes in electron density ratio between hydrophobic and hydrophilic zones of lipid at phase transition. This is in compliance with reported changes in FTIR spectra where at pretransition XN moves from interface region between polar heads to the neighborhood of phosphate groups.

Antioxidant and antiproliferative activity of glycosides obtained by biotransformation of xanthohumol.

The biotransformation of xanthohumol (1), a prenylated chalcone isolated from hops by selected fungi, was investigated. Microbial regioselective glycosylation at the C-4' position led to xanthohumol 4'-O-ß-d-glucopyranoside (2) and xanthohumol 4'-O-ß-d-(4'''-O-methyl)-glucopyranoside (3). The subsequent cyclization of 2 resulted in isoxanthohumol 7-O-ß-glucopyranoside (4). The structures of the products were identified based on spectroscopic methods. The biological activity of isolated metabolites has been evaluated. Compared to xanthohumol (1), metabolite 2 is a better 2,2'-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenger, while 2 and 3 have stronger antiproliferative activity against the human HT-29 colon cancer cell line.

Evaluation of Recovery Methods for Fragaria vesca L. Oil: Characteristics, Stability and Bioactive Potential.

Wild strawberry (Fragaria vesca L.) seed oil (WSO) recovered by two methods-cold pressing (CP) and extraction with supercritical carbon dioxide (SCO2E)-taking into account the different extraction times, was characterized for its composition and quality. The cytotoxicity assessment of WSOs was also carried out using the normal human dermal fibroblast (NHDF) cell line. Tocopherol and total polyphenol contents were significantly higher in WSO recovered by SCO2E, up to 1901.0 and 58.5 mg/kg, respectively, in comparison with CP oil. In CP oil, the highest content of carotenoids and squalene was determined (123.8 and 31.4 mg/kg, respectively). Phytosterol summed up to 5396 mg/kg in WSO collected in 30 min of SCO2E. Moreover, the highest oxidative stability was found for this oil. All studied WSOs were non-cytotoxic in lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) leaching and sulforhodamine B (SRB) assays; however, oils collected by SCO2E in 15 and 30 min were found to be cytotoxic in the tetrazolium salt (MTT) test, with the CC50 at a concentration of 3.4 and 5.5%, respectively. In conclusion, the composition of WSO indicates that, depending on the method of its recovery, seeds can have different bio-potencies and various applications.

Composites of Poly(vinyl chloride) with Residual Hops after Supercritical Extraction in CO2.

The common applications of poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) in many industries mean that the topic of recycling and disposal of post-consumer waste is still very important. One of the methods of reducing the negative impact of PVC waste on the natural environment is to use technological or post-consumer waste of this polymer to produce new composite materials with favorable utility properties, with the addition of natural fillers, among which agro-waste, including hop residue, is deserving of special attention. In this study, the effect of the addition of residual hops (H) on the mechanical and physicochemical properties of poly(vinyl chloride) was investigated. PVC blends containing 10, 20 and 30 wt % of hop residue were mixed in an extruder, while the specimens were obtained by the injection molding method. It was observed that the addition of H increased their thermostability, as shown by a Congo red test. Furthermore, thermogravimetric analysis showed that the degradation rate of PVC/H composites in the first and second stages of decomposition was lower in comparison with unmodified PVC. In turn, composite density, impact strength and tensile strength decreased significantly with an increasing concentration of filler in the PVC matrix. At the same time, their Young's modulus, flexural modulus and Rockwell hardness increased. Flame resistance tests showed that with an increasing residual hop content, the limiting oxygen index (LOI) decreased by 9.0; 11.8 and 13.6%, respectively, compared to unfilled PVC (LOI = 37.4%). In addition, the maximum heat release rate (pHRR) decreased with an increasing filler content by about 16, 24 and 31%, respectively. Overall, these composites were characterized by a good burning resistance and had a flammability rating of V0 according to the UL94 test.

Bioactive Compounds of Raspberry Oil Emulsions Induced Oxidative Stress via Stimulating the Accumulation of Reactive Oxygen Species and NO in Cancer Cells.

There are growing interests in the complex combinations of natural compounds that may advance the therapy of cancer. Such combinations already exist in foods, and a good representative is seed oils. Two raspberry oils: cold pressed (ROCOP) and one extracted by supercritical CO2 (ROSCO2) were evaluated for their chemical characteristics and oil emulsions for cell suppression potential against colon adenocarcinoma (LoVo), doxorubicin-resistant colon adenocarcinoma (LoVo/DX), breast cancer (MCF7), doxorubicin-resistant breast cancer (MCF7/DX), and lung cancer (A549) cell lines. The cytotoxicity was also assessed on normal human dermal fibroblasts (NHDFs). With increasing concentration of raspberry oil emulsions (0.5-10%), increasing inhibition of cancer cell viability and proliferation in all of the lines was observed, with different degrees of potency between cancer types and oil tested. ROSCO2 strongly induced free radical production and DNA strand damage in LoVo and MCF7 cells especially doxorubicin-resistant lines. This suggests that ROSCO2 engages and effectively targets the vulnerabilities of the cancer cell. Generally, both ROSCO2 and ROCOP could be a nontoxic support in therapy of selected human cancers.

Chemistry, oxidative stability and bioactivity of oil extracted from Rosa rugosa (Thunb.) seeds by supercritical carbon dioxide.

Rosa rugosa Thunb. seed oil (RR) extracted by supercritical CO2 was investigated. RR chemical composition, radical scavenging effect and oxidative stability were evaluated. RR aqueous emulsions were examined for cell cytotoxicity, proliferation, redox state and migration using mouse embryonic fibroblast Balb/3T3, human dermal fibroblast NHDF cell lines, and on neoplastic cell lines: acute monocytic leukemia THP-1 and lung adenocarcinoma A549. RR total contents of phytosterols, tocopherols, carotenoids and phenolics were 10115.23, 784.16, 40.32 and 10.30 mg/kg, respectively. Rich antioxidant composition of RR was reflected in its high antioxidant activity (2.1 mM/kg Trolox equivalent) as well as oxidative stability (activation energy 105.6 kJ/mol). The RR emulsions led to marked augmentation of the total cell protein content in BALB/3T3 and NHDF cultures, inhibited cancer cell migration and reduced ROS formation. The studied RR oil proved to have a remarkable combination of bioactive compounds and to exert an antioxidative and chemopreventive effects.

Old Plant, New Possibilities: Wild Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus L., Ericaceae) in Topical Skin Preparation.

Bilberry represents a valuable source of antioxidant substances responsible for its application for the treatment of different conditions (such as inflammation, cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, and different age-related diseases) associated with increased oxidative stress. As oxidative stress might cause skin impairments, we aim to evaluate a topical preparation containing bilberry leaves extract and bilberry seeds oil, obtained as a byproduct of the food industry. To obtain the extracts, the conventional maceration technique for leaves, and supercritical carbon dioxide extraction for seeds were employed. The chemical profile of both actives was achieved by HPLC and GC methods, revealing the presence of phenolic acids (chlorogenic being the most abundant), flavonoids (isoquercetin in the highest amount), and resveratrol in leaves extract, while in seeds oil the essential ω-3 and ω-6 fatty acids were determined in favorable ratio, almost being 1. Antioxidant potential of the wild bilberry extract and seed oil was evaluated using in vitro DPPH and FRAP assays. Finally, effects of the oil-in-water creams with mentioned wild bilberry isolates on the skin were investigated in an in vivo study conducted on healthy human volunteers, revealing the significant beneficial effects when topically applied.

Biofortification of Hens Eggs with Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids by New Dietary Formulation: Supercritical Microalgal Extract.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of Spirulina platensis, formulation containing microalgal extract, post-extraction residue, and formulation without algal extract (containing only emulsifier) on the content of FAs in the eggs of laying hens. The experiment was conducted on 90 laying hens (ISA Brown) as a completely randomized design. Hens were assigned to five experimental groups (six replicates). The FAs content in eggs was determined after 30, 60, 90, and 120 days of the experiment. There were no statistically significant differences in FA profiles after 30 days of the experiment. It was shown that after 60, 90, and 120 days of the experiment, the investigated additives had a significant impact on the content of such acids as: dodecanoic acid (C12:0), C15:0, nonadecanoic acid (C19:0), myristoleic acid (C14:1 n-5), α-linolenic acid (ALA, C18:3 n-3), DPA, C20:2 n-6, and decosahexaenoic acid (DHA C22:6 n-6). There were also significant differences in total PUFA n-3, PUFA n-6, and n-6/n-3 ratio in eggs. The obtained results suggest that the use of algae extract and emulsifier in laying hens nutrition has the greatest impact on the FA profile in the eggs.

[Black currant seeds after supercritical carbon dioxide extraction as a potential dietary supplement]. / Nasiona porzeczki czarnej po ekstrakcji nadkrytycznej ditlenkiem wegla jako potencjalny suplement diety.

The aim of this study was to estimate the physiological effects of black currant seeds after supercritical carbon dioxide extraction on the gastrointestinal tract and metabolism of rats used as an experimental model. The preparation contained 25% of total protein, 57.9% of dietary fiber and 4% of fat. Young Wistar rats divided into two experimental groups of 10 animals each, were fed for 28 days using semi-purified casein diets with a high fructose content (69%). The diets contained the same amount of protein and fiber. An inclusion of the tested seeds to the diet (10% as expense of cellulose, corn starch and part of casein) lowered the activity of glycolytic enzymes in the mucosa of the small intestine, whereas intestinal microflora elevated its glycolytic activity, and in consequence, increased production of short-chain fatty acids in the caecum. A distinct hypoglycemic actions of the tested preparation were also observed, while its antioxidant properties were found to be rather low and expressed by the decreased content of thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances in the kidney tissue.