Turmeric and Curcumin-Health-Promoting Properties in Humans versus Dogs.

The growing popularity of the use of nutraceuticals in the prevention and alleviation of symptoms of many diseases in humans and dogs means that they are increasingly the subject of research. A representative of the nutraceutical that deserves special attention is turmeric. Turmeric belongs to the family Zingiberaceae and is grown extensively in Asia. It is a plant used as a spice and food coloring, and it is also used in traditional medicine. The biologically active factors that give turmeric its unusual properties and color are curcuminoids. It is a group of substances that includes curcumin, de-methoxycurcumin, and bis-demethoxycurcumin. Curcumin is used as a yellow-orange food coloring. The most important pro-health effects observed after taking curcuminoids include anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and antioxidant effects. The aim of this study was to characterize turmeric and its main substance, curcumin, in terms of their properties, advantages, and disadvantages, based on literature data.

Mineral Composition of Cereal and Cereal-Free Dry Dog Foods versus Nutritional Guidelines.

The aims of the present work are to estimate the nutritional value and to evaluate and compare the levels of macroelements (Ca, P, K, Na, Mg), microelements (Fe, Zn, Mn, Cu), heavy metals (Co, Cd, Pb, Mo, Cr, Ni), and their ratios in extruded complete foods for adult dogs, their compatibility with nutritional guidelines, as well as food profile similarity. Basic composition was determined according to Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC). Analyses for elements were performed using an atomic absorption spectrometer. All the evaluated dry dog foods met the minimum recommended levels for protein and fat. Eighteen tested dog foods (60%) did not meet at least one recommendation of nutritional guidelines. Four dog foods exceeded the legal limit of Fe and five foods exceeded the legal limit of Zn; in one of them, Zn level was almost twice higher. Dog foods with insect protein exceeded the legal limit for Mn content. Eight dog foods had an inappropriate Ca:P ratio. Heavy metals were below detection limit in all analyzed dog foods. The results seem to show the need for regular feed analyses of the elemental composition in raw materials before introducing supplementation and for the monitoring of the mineral composition of finished pet food.

Proximate Composition, Minerals and Antioxidant Activity of Artichoke Leaf Extracts.

In this study, leaf extracts from the Green Globe cultivar of artichoke (Cynara scolymus L.), a herbaceous plant of the Asteraceae family, were analyzed to determine the levels of basic nutrients, selected macroelements (K, P, Ca, Mg, and Na) and microelements (Zn, Fe, Mn, Cr, Pb, Cd, and Ni), and their ratios. The antioxidant activity (aa) of the extract was evaluated using ABTS˙+ and DPPH˙+ radicals and the ferric reducing antioxidant power assay (III) (FRAP). Total polyphenolic content was also determined. Macroelement concentrations in the artichoke leaf extract can be presented in descending order as follows: K > P > Ca > Mg > Na. Microelement content in the extract was as follows: Zn > Fe > Cr > Mn. We determined the ratios of elements in artichoke leaf extracts and compared them against the recommended dietary allowance, adequate intake, or tolerable upper intake level. Mean total phenolic content in artichoke leaf extracts was high - 2795 mg CAE/100 g dry matter (DM). The ABTS˙+ assay showed a very high ability of artichoke extract to scavenge free radicals (79.74%), and the antioxidant capacity measured at 1060.8 Trolox/1 g DM. The results show that artichoke extract is a valuable source of minerals and antioxidants that could have applications in the prevention of chronic non-communicable diseases caused by oxidative damage.