Effect of macronutrient fertilization on olive oil composition and quality under irrigated, intensive cultivation management.

BACKGROUND: Intensive olive (Olea europaea L.) orchards are fertilized, mostly with the macronutrients nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K). The effects of different application levels of these nutrients on olive oil composition and quality were studied over 6 years in a commercial intensively cultivated 'Barnea' olive orchard in Israel. RESULTS: Oil quality and composition were affected by N, but not P or K availability. Elevated N levels increased free fatty acid content and reduced polyphenol level in the oil. Peroxide value was not affected by N, P or K levels. The relative concentrations of palmitoleic, linoleic and linolenic fatty acids increased with increasing levels of N application, whereas that of oleic acid, monounsaturated-to-polyunsaturated fatty acid ratio and oleic-to-linoleic ratio decreased. CONCLUSION: These results indicate that intensive olive orchard fertilization should be carried out carefully, especially where N application is concerned, to avoid a decrease in oil quality due to over-fertilization. Informed application of macronutrients requires leaf and fruit analyses to establish good agricultural practices, especially in view of the expansion of olive cultivation to new agricultural regions and soils. © 2022 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

Grape pomace reduces the severity of non-alcoholic hepatic steatosis and the development of steatohepatitis by improving insulin sensitivity and reducing ectopic fat deposition in mice.

While non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) represents the common cause of chronic liver disease, specific therapies are currently unavailable. The wine industry produces millions of tons of residue (pomace), which contains high levels of bioactive phytochemicals. The aim of this study was to clarify the potential benefits of grape pomace for the treatment of NAFLD at different levels of severity, and to clarify the mechanism of action. C57Bl/6 mice were given high fat diet (HFD) or western diet (WD) as models of obesity and hepatic steatosis or steatohepatitis, respectively, with or without pomace supplementation (50-250 mg/day). Pomace inhibited food intake, and reduced serum leptin and body weight gain. Ectopic fat deposition was reduced, while white adipose tissue mass was preserved. In addition, pomace improved glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity, prevented the development of adipose tissue inflammation, and reduced hepatic steatosis. Higher expression of genes involved in fatty acids transport and oxidation was observed in adipose tissue, while lipogenic genes were attenuated in the liver of pomace-treated mice. In WD-fed mice, pomace reduced the severity of hepatic steatosis and inflammation and improved blood lipid profile, but was ineffective in reversing hepatic damage of advanced NASH. In conclusion, pomace improved insulin sensitivity and reduced ectopic fat deposition, leading to a healthier metabolic profile. Pomace may hold the potential as a supplement with beneficial health outcomes for the prevention and treatment of hepatic steatosis and other obesity-related pathologies.

Root-Associated Microbiomes, Growth and Health of Ornamental Geophytes Treated with Commercial Plant Growth-Promoting Products.

The microbial community inhabiting a plant's root zone plays a crucial role in plant health and protection. To assess the ability of commercial plant growth-promoting products to enhance the positive effects of this environment, two products containing beneficial soil bacteria and a product containing plant extracts were tested on Zantedeschia aethiopica and Ornithogalum dubium. The products were tested in two different growing media: a soil and a soilless medium. The effects of these products on Pectobacterium brasiliense, the causal agent of soft rot disease, were also evaluated in vitro, and on naturally occurring infections in the greenhouse. The growing medium was found to have the strongest effect on the microbial diversity of the root-associated microbiome, with the next-strongest effect due to plant type. These results demonstrate that either a single bacterial strain or a product will scarcely reach the level that is required to influence soil microbial communities. In addition, the microbes cultured from these products, could not directly inhibit Pectobacterium growth in vitro. We suggest density-based and functional analyses in the future, to study the specific interactions between plants, soil type, soil microbiota and relevant pathogens. This should increase the effectiveness of bio-supplements and soil disinfestation with natural products, leading to more sustainable, environmentally friendly solutions for the control of bacterial plant diseases.

New grapefruit cultivars exhibit low cytochrome P4503A4-Inhibition activity.

Furanocoumarins are the main compounds responsible for the food-drug interactions known as the grapefruit effect, which is caused by the inhibition of CYP3A4-mediated drug metabolism. We evaluated the effects of two new, low-furanocoumarin grapefruit cultivars on CYP3A4 activity and the roles of different furanocoumarins, individually and together with other juice compounds, in the inhibition of CYP3A4 by grapefruit. Whereas a standard grapefruit cultivar inhibited CYP3A4 activity in a dose-dependent manner, neither of the two examined low-furanocoumarin cultivars had an inhibitory effect. Despite the fact that bergamottin and 6',7'-dihydroxybergamottin are weak inhibitors of CYP3A4, their relatively high levels in grapefruit make them the leading cause of the grapefruit effect. We found that furanocoumarins together with other juice compounds inhibit CYP3A4 in an additive manner. In silico docking simulation was employed, and differentiated between high- and low-potency inhibitors, suggesting that modeling may be useful for identifying potentially harmful food-drug interactions.

Anti-diabetic activity of aerial parts of Sarcopoterium spinosum.

BACKGROUND: Sarcopoterium spinosum (S. spinosum) is used by Bedouin medicinal practitioners for the treatment of diabetes. While the anti-diabetic activity of S. spinosum root extract was validated in previous studies, the activity of aerial parts of the same plants has not been elucidated yet. The aim of this study was to clarify the glucose lowering properties of the aerial parts of the shrub. METHODS: Anti-diabetic properties were evaluated by measuring the activity of carbohydrate digesting enzymes, glucose uptake into 3 T3-L1 adipocytes, and insulin secretion. Insulin signaling cascade was followed in L6 myotubes using Western blot and PathScan analysis. RESULTS: Activity of α-amylase and α-glucosidase was inhibited by extracts of all S. spinosum organs. Basal and glucose-induced insulin secretion was measured in Min6 cells and found to be enhanced as well. Glucose uptake was induced by all S. spinosum extracts, with roots found to be the most effective and fruits the least. The effect of S. spinosum on Akt phosphorylation was minor compared to insulin effect. However, GSK3ß and PRAS40, which are downstream elements of the insulin cascade, were found to be highly phosphorylated by S. spinosum extracts. Inhibition of PI3K and Akt, but not AMPK and ERK, abrogated the induction of glucose uptake by the aerial parts of the shrub. CONCLUSION: The aerial organs of S. spinosum have anti-diabetic properties and may be used as a basis for the development of dietary supplements or to identify new agents for the treatment of type 2 diabetes.

Olive (Olea europaea L.) tree nitrogen status is a key factor for olive oil quality.

The influence of macronutrient status on olive oil properties was studied for three years. Data were analyzed by a multivariate model considering N, P, K, and fruiting year as explanatory factors. Oil quality parameters were primarily associated with N concentration in leaves and fruits which increased with N in irrigation solution. The effect of P on oil quality was mainly indirect since increased P availability increased N accumulation. The potassium level had negligible effects. The oil phenolic content decreased linearly as a function of increased leaf N, indicating protein-phenol competition in leaves. The overall saturation level of the fatty acids decreased with fruit N, resulting in increased polyunsaturated fatty acids. Free fatty acids increased with increased levels of fruit N. High fruit load tended to reduce fruit N and subsequently improve oil quality. The effect of N on oil properties depended solely on its concentration in leaves or fruits, regardless of the cause.

Partial identification of antifungal compounds from Punica granatum peel extracts.

Aqueous extracts of pomegranate peels were assayed in vitro for their antifungal activity against six rot fungi that cause fruit and vegetable decay during storage. The growth rates of Alternaria alternata , Stemphylium botryosum , and Fusarium spp. were significantly inhibited by the extracts. The growth rates were negatively correlated with the levels of total polyphenolic compounds in the extract and particularly with punicalagins, the major ellagitannins in pomegranate peels. Ellagitannins were also found to be the main compounds in the bioactive fractions using bioautograms, and punicalagins were identified as the main bioactive compounds using chromatographic separation. These results suggest that ellagitannins, and more specifically punicalagins, which are the dominant compounds in pomegranate peels, may be used as a control agent of storage diseases and to reduce the use of synthetic fungicides.

Olive leaf extract as a hypoglycemic agent in both human diabetic subjects and in rats.

Olive tree (Olea europaea L.) leaves have been widely used in traditional remedies in European and Mediterranean countries as extracts, herbal teas, and powder. They contain several potentially bioactive compounds that may have hypoglycemic properties. To examine the efficacy of 500 mg oral olive leaf extract taken once daily in tablet form versus matching placebo in improving glucose homeostasis in adults with type 2 diabetes (T2DM). In this controlled clinical trial, 79 adults with T2DM were randomized to treatment with 500 mg olive leaf extract tablet taken orally once daily or matching placebo. The study duration was 14 weeks. Measures of glucose homeostasis including Hba1c and plasma insulin were measured and compared by treatment assignment. In a series of animal models, normal, streptozotocin (STZ) diabetic, and sand rats were used in the inverted sac model to determine the mechanism through which olive leaf extract affected starch digestion and absorption. In the randomized clinical trial, the subjects treated with olive leaf extract exhibited significantly lower HbA1c and fasting plasma insulin levels; however, postprandial plasma insulin levels did not differ significantly by treatment group. In the animal models, normal and STZ diabetic rats exhibited significantly reduced starch digestion and absorption after treatment with olive leaf extract compared with intestine without olive leaf treatment. Reduced digestion and absorption was observed in both the mucosal and serosal sides of the intestine. Though reduced, the decline in starch digestion and absorption did not reach statistical significance in the sand rats. Olive leaf extract is associated with improved glucose homeostasis in humans. Animal models indicate that this may be facilitated through the reduction of starch digestion and absorption. Olive leaf extract may represent an effective adjunct therapy that normalizes glucose homeostasis in individuals with diabetes.

The influence of bearing cycles on olive oil quality response to irrigation.

Five rates of water application were applied in a 4 year study on olive (Olea europaea) varieties 'Barnea' and 'Souri'. Increased irrigation lead to increased tree-scale oil yields, lower polyphenol content, and, frequently, higher oil acidity. These effects were predominant in "off" years. The fatty acid profile was influenced primarily by bearing level and variety and secondarily by irrigation rate. The saturated to unsaturated fatty acid ratio was higher in "off" than in "on" years, and the monounsaturated fatty acid to polyunsaturated fatty acid ratio was higher in "on" years as a result of the fact that oleic and stearic acids were higher in "on" years, while palmitic, palmitoleic, and linoleic acids were greater in "off" years. Squalene was higher in 'Souri' than in 'Barnea' oils, was not affected by bearing cycle, and was consistently lower in oil from trees receiving the lowest irrigation level.

EPR studies of O(2)(*-), OH, and (1)O(2) scavenging and prevention of glutathione depletion in fibroblast cells by cyanidin-3-rhamnoglucoside isolated from fig (Ficus carica L.) fruits.

Cyanidin-3-rhamnoglucoside (C3R) is the major anthocyanin in fresh fig fruits. In this study, the free radical scavenging potential of C3R was evaluated in vitro using several free radical generators. This naturally occurring anthocyanin was superior to other tested natural antioxidants in scavenging ABTS(*+). Electron paramagnetic resonance served to determine the scavenging properties of C3R toward superoxide radical anion (O(2)(*-)), hydroxyl radical ((*)OH), and singlet radical ((1)O(2)). The protection of NIH-3T3 fibroblast cells was then tested as the inhibition of reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation in a dose-dependent manner. It was further demonstrated that treatment with C3R elevates the reduced glutathione (GSH) concentration and the redox ratio (GSH/GSSG) in fibroblast cells in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, C3R reduced the induction of ROS by butathionine sulfoximine (BSO) and elevated the redox ratio. Thus, it is suggested that C3R in fresh fig fruits is a potent scavenger and may influence endogenous antioxidant systems of consumers.

Protection of fibroblasts (NIH-3T3) against oxidative damage by cyanidin-3-rhamnoglucoside isolated from fig fruits (Ficus carica L.).

Anthocyanins, plant secondary metabolites, have been recognized for their health-promoting properties when consumed by humans. In this study, the antioxidant properties of a major anthocyanin in fresh fig fruits, cyanidin-3-rhamnoglucoside (C3R), were evaluated by various assays in vitro and correlated with the protection afforded by C3R to cultured NIH-3T3 fibroblast cells. C3R inhibited lipid peroxidation from producing peroxy radicals (ROO(*)) and MDA in a dose-dependent manner, and a high calculated stoichiometric coefficient [n] for peroxy radicals was demonstrated. In addition to its scavenging of reactive oxygen species (ROS), C3R showed a strong chelating activity toward the Fe(2+) ion. Finally, pretreatment with C3R inhibited proapoptotic processes that were initiated by the oxidation of lysosome membranes in fibroblast cells. The high antioxidant potential, with several modes of action of purified C3R, may contribute to health benefits gained by the consumption of fresh fig fruits.

Sarcopoterium spinosum extract as an antidiabetic agent: in vitro and in vivo study.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Sarcopoterium spinosum (L.) sp., a common plant in the Mediterranean region, is widely used as an antidiabetic drug by Bedouin healers. However, the antidiabetic properties of Sarcopoterium spinosum had not been fully validated using scientific tools. AIM OF THE STUDY: To determine the effectiveness of Sarcopoterium spinosum extract as an antidiabetic agent in vitro and in vivo. MATERIALS AND METHODS: RINm pancreatic beta-cells, L6 myotubes, 3T3-L1 adipocytes and AML-12 hepatocytes were treated with an aqueous Sarcopoterium spinosum extract (0.001-10mg/ml). The effect of the extract on specific physiological functions, including insulin secretion, pancreatic beta-cell viability, GSK3 beta phosphorylation, lipolysis and glucose uptake was measured. In vivo studies were performed using KK-A(y) mice, given the extract for several weeks. IPGTT was performed, and plasma insulin, FFA, food consumption and body weight were measured. In addition, diabetic KK-A(y) mice were given a single dose of the extract, and IPGTT was performed. RESULTS: Sarcopoterium spinosum extract increased basal and glucose/forskolin-induced insulin secretion in RINm cells, and increased cell viability. The extract inhibited lipolysis in 3T3-L1 adipocytes, and induced glucose uptake in these cells as well as in AML-12 hepatocytes and L6 myotubes. GSK3 beta phosphorylation was also induced in L6 myotubes, suggesting increased glycogen synthesis. Sarcopoterium spinosum extract had a preventive effect on the progression of diabetes in KK-A(y) mice. Catechin and epicatechin were detected in Sarcopoterium spinosum extract using hyphenated LC-MS/MS. CONCLUSIONS: Sarcopoterium spinosum extract has effects that mimic those of insulin and provide the basis for antidiabetic activity of the extract.

Nutritive and antioxidative potential of fresh and stored pomegranate industrial byproduct as a novel beef cattle feed.

Pomegranate peel is a nutritive-rich byproduct whose amounts are extensively growing due to the exponential increase in the production of pomegranate juice and "ready to eat" arils. Pomegranate peel is a rich source for antioxidants and thus may serve in the prevention of cattle diseases and in the improvement of beef products, making it an attractive component in beef cattle diets. The present study aims to evaluate the effect of commonly used storage practices on the nutritive and antioxidative properties of pomegranate peel. In general, storage conditions preserved most antioxidant capacity. Ensiling ambivalently affected the nutritive values of the peel and promoted increased levels of antioxidative components. In addition to polyphenols, nonphenolic components, such as alpha- and gamma-tocopherols, contributed to the total antioxidative capacity, and several minerals found in the peel added to its nutritional value. Dietary supplementation with fresh peels promoted significant increases in feed intake and alpha-tocopherol concentration in the plasma, with positive tendency toward increased weight gain of bull calves. All in all, the nutritive value and the antioxidant capacity of pomegranate peel turn it into a favorable health-promoting constituent of feedlot beef cattle diet.

Breast development in the first 2 years of life: an association with soy-based infant formulas.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the estrogenic effect of soy-based formulas in female infants. These formulas contain significant amounts of phytoestrogens, compounds with structural similarity to estradiol. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study consisting of 694 female infants ages 3 to 24 months that consecutively attended 10 general pediatric clinics, none of them having been referred for breast development. The presence of breast buds served as a marker for the endocrine effect of soy-derived phytoestrogens. RESULTS: Of the participants, 92 had consumed soy formulas for more than 3 months. Breast tissue was more prevalent in the second year of life in infants fed soy-based formula vs those that were breast-fed and those fed dairy-based formula (22.0% vs 10.3%; P = 0.02) with an odds ratio of 2.45 (95% confidence interval 1.11-5.39). No differences in breast bud prevalence were observed during the first year of life. Unlike infants on dairy-based formulas and breast-feeding, infants fed a soy-based formula did not demonstrate a decline in the prevalence of breast during the second year of life. CONCLUSIONS: We suggest that phytoestrogens impose a preserving effect on breast tissue that is evolved in early infancy, leading eventually to a slower waning of infantile breast tissue.

Weight gain reduction in mice fed Panax ginseng saponin, a pancreatic lipase inhibitor.

Roots of the herb Panax ginseng are known to contain high levels of bioactive saponins. Here, we isolated saponins from ginseng root powder and studied their inhibitory effect on the absorption of dietary fat in male Balb/c mice. Consumption of ginseng saponins suppressed the expected increase in body weight and plasma triacylglycerols, following a high-fat diet and observed higher intake. Consumption of ginseng saponins had no effect on the concentration of the total plasma cholesterol in both chow and high-fat diets in mice. The mode by which saponins from ginseng inhibit lipid metabolism was assessed as the in vitro inhibition of pancreatic lipase. Ginseng saponin inhibited pancreatic lipase with an apparent IC50 value of 500 mug/mL. Our results suggest that the anti-obesity and hypolipidemic effects of Ginseng in high-fat diet-treated mice were attributed to the isolated saponin fraction. These metabolic effects of the ginseng saponins may be mediated by inhibition of pancreatic lipase activity.

Exposure of tilapia pituitary cells to saponins: insight into their mechanism of action.

Cell permeation and durable effects of triterpenoidal saponin preparations from soybean (SbS), Quillaja saponaria Molina (QsS) and Gypsophila paniculata (GypS), were studied. A concentration-dependent change in hemolysis rates was observed when cells were incubated with QsS or GypS, but not with SbS. Dose dependence was also observed for the leakage of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH; MW 142,000) and of Luteinizing Hormone (LH; MW 35,000) from tilapia pituitary dispersed cells. Exposure of pituitary fragments to a combination of GnRH and GypS or QsS, resulted in a significantly high release of LH. GypS were shown to be more potent in inducing hemolysis of human RBC's and LH release from tilapia pituitary fragments. Interestingly, tilapia pituitary fragments treated with QsS were able to secrete LH in a characteristic manner, in response to a second Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone (GnRH) pulse, while fragments exposed to GypS did not respond to the second hormone pulse. The rapid recovery of pituitary fragments after the removal of QsS, may suggest a rearrangement of membranes rather than pore formation as the mechanism of action of QsS. Understanding the structural features underlying the reversible rearrangement of membranes and the lack of hemolysing activity by specific saponins may lead to the development of novel bioactive drugs.

Concomitant induction of systemic resistance to Pseudomonas syringae pv. lachrymans in cucumber by Trichoderma asperellum (T-203) and accumulation of phytoalexins.

Most studies on the reduction of disease incidence in soil treated with Trichoderma asperellum have focused on microbial interactions rather than on plant responses. This study presents conclusive evidence for the induction of a systemic response against angular leaf spot of cucumber (Pseudomonas syringae pv. lachrymans) following application of T. asperellum to the root system. To ascertain that T. asperellum was the only microorganism present in the root milieu, plants were grown in an aseptic hydroponic growth system. Disease symptoms were reduced by as much as 80%, corresponding to a reduction of 2 orders of magnitude in bacterial cell densities in leaves of plants pretreated with T. asperellum. As revealed by electron microscopy, bacterial cell proliferation in these plants was halted. The protection afforded by the biocontrol agent was associated with the accumulation of mRNA of two defense genes: the phenylpropanoid pathway gene encoding phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL) and the lipoxygenase pathway gene encoding hydroxyperoxide lyase (HPL). This was further supported by the accumulation of secondary metabolites of a phenolic nature that showed an increase of up to sixfold in inhibition capacity of bacterial growth in vitro. The bulk of the antimicrobial activity was found in the acid-hydrolyzed extract containing the phenolics in their aglycone form. High-performance liquid chromatography analysis of phenolic compounds showed a marked change in their profile in the challenged, preelicited plants relative to that in challenged controls. The results suggest that similar to beneficial rhizobacteria, T. asperellum may activate separate metabolic pathways in cucumber that are involved in plant signaling and biosynthesis, eventually leading to the systemic accumulation of phytoalexins.

Resveratrol and two monomethylated stilbenes from Israeli Rumex bucephalophorus and their antioxidant potential.

The roots of Rumex bucephalophorus were analyzed for resveratrol and analogues. Two stilbene-O-methyl derivatives were identified, in addition to resveratrol (3,5,4'-trihydroxystilbene). The stilbene-O-methyl derivatives were shown to be 5,4'-dihydroxy-3-methoxystilbene and 3,5-dihydroxy-4'-methoxystilbene. The antioxidant capacities of all these stilbenes were determined.