Phenolic Compounds and Organic Acid Composition of Syringa vulgaris L. Flowers and Infusions.

The study aimed to determine the content of phenolic compounds (phenolic acids and flavonoids) and organic acids in dried flowers and water infusions of non-oxidised and oxidised flowers from four lilac cultivars. The diversity in the total phenolic and flavonoid content was in the flowers (18.35-67.14 and 2.03-2.65 mg g-1 DW, respectively) and infusions (14.72-47.78 and 0.20-1.84 mg per 100 mL infusion, respectively) depending the flower colour and form (oxidised and non-oxidised). Phenolic compounds and organic acids were susceptible to oxidation. Compared to infusions, flowers had more phenolic compounds and organic acids. The highest content of most phenolic compounds was confirmed for non-oxidised purple flowers (up to 7825.9 µg g-1 DW for chlorogenic acid) while in infusions for non-oxidised white flowers (up to 667.1 µg per 100 mL infusions for vanillic acid). The phenolic profile of the infusions was less diverse than that of flowers. The scavenging ability ranged from 52 to 87%. The highest organic acid content in flowers was for oxidised blue and purple flowers (2528.1 and 2479.0 µg g-1 DW, respectively) while in infusions the highest organic acid content was for oxidised purple flowers (550.1 µg per 100 mL infusions).

Biofortification of Three Cultivated Mushroom Species with Three Iron Salts-Potential for a New Iron-Rich Superfood.

Mushrooms fortified with iron (Fe) can offer a promising alternative to counter the worldwide deficiency problem. However, the factors that may influence the efficiency of fortification have not yet been fully investigated. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of three Fe forms (FeCl3 6H2O, FeSO4 7H2O, or FeHBED) in three concentrations (5, 10, or 50 mM) for three mushroom species (Pleurotus eryngii, P. ostreatus, or Pholiota nameko) on their chemical composition, phenolic compounds, and organic acid production. The most effective metal accumulation of all the investigated species was for the 50 mM addition. FeCl3 6H2O was the most favorable additive for P. eryngii and P. nameko (up to 145 and 185% Fe more than in the control, respectively) and FeHBED for P. ostreatus (up to 108% Fe more than in control). Additionally, P. nameko showed the highest Fe accumulation among studied species (89.2 ± 7.51 mg kg-1 DW). The creation of phenolic acids was generally inhibited by Fe salt supplementation. However, an increasing effect on phenolic acid concentration was observed for P. ostreatus cultivated at 5 mM FeCl3 6H2O and for P. eryngii cultivated at 5 mM FeCl3 6H2O and 5 mM FeSO4 7H2O. In the case of organic acids, a similar situation was observed. For P. ostreatus, FeSO4 7H2O and FeHBED salts increased the formation of the determined organic acids in fruiting bodies. P. eryngii and P. nameko were characterized by a much lower content of organic acids in the systems supplemented with Fe. Based on the obtained results, we recommend starting fortification by preliminarily indicating which form of the element is preferred for the species of interest for supplementation. It also seems that using an additive concentration of 50 mM or higher is most effective.

The Content of Phenolic Compounds and Organic Acids in Two Tagetes patula Cultivars Flowers and Its Dependence on Light Colour and Substrate.

The main focus of the study was to determine the content of phenolic acids, flavonoids, and organic acids in the flowers of Tagetes patula 'Petite Gold' and 'Petite Orange'. The growth of the plants was assessed depending on the cultivation conditions. The above plants were illuminated with white light, whereas the 'Petite Gold' ones with white light enhanced with blue or red light. Both cultivars grew in a two-level-mineral compounds organic substrate. The research showed that the French marigold flowers were rich in phenolic compounds and organic acids. The 'Petite Gold' flowers had more bioactive compounds compared with the 'Petite Orange' flowers. Three flavonoids, 10 phenolic acids and seven organic acids were found in the 'Petite Gold' flowers. The artificial lighting used during the cultivation of the plants showed diversified influence on the content of organic compounds in their flowers. The measurements of the plants' morphological traits and the number of inflorescences showed that illumination with red light resulted in a better effect. Large plants with numerous inflorescences grew in the substrate with a lower content of nutrients.

A Possibility to Use Selected Crop Post-Extraction Wastes to Improve the Composition of Cultivated Mushroom Pleurotus citrinopileatus.

A cultivated mushroom species, Pleurotus citrinopileatus, is becoming increasingly popular thanks to its attractive colour and medicinal properties. In this study, P. citrinopileatus was grown in a cultivation medium enriched with wheat bran (WB), thymus post-extraction waste (TPEW) and pumpkin post-extraction waste (PPEW) products. The study showed that the post-extraction wastes are a crucial factor determining the accumulation of minerals, the content/profile of low-molecular-weight organic acids (LMWOAs) and phenolic compounds in fruit bodies, thereby increasing their nutritional value. The use of the waste materials significantly increased LMWOAs contents. The sum of LMWOAs under all cultivation mediums increased, especially quinic, malic and citric acids under the 20% PPEW, 25 and 50% TPEW addition. Total phenolic content, phenolic content, as well as the composition and scavenging effect on DPPH radicals, were strongly dependent on the used substrate. The control variant was poor in phenolic compounds, while the supplementation increased the contents and diversity of these metabolites. In the control, only four phenolic compounds were quantified (chlorogenic, gallic, syringic and vanillic acids), while in the supplemented substrates up to 14 different phenolic compounds (caffeic, chlorogenic, p-coumaric, 2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid, ferulic, gallic, protocatechuic, salicylic, sinapic, syringic, trans-cinnamic and vanillic acids, catechin and rutin).

Influence of Iron Addition (Alone or with Calcium) to Elements Biofortification and Antioxidants in Pholiota nameko.

Mushrooms supplementation with iron (Fe) is usually limited, and therefore it would be beneficial to search for other vital elements able to improve the process. The aim of this study was to verify a possible interaction between Fe and calcium (Ca) to estimate the role of the addition of the latter metal to stimulate Fe accumulation in Pholiota nameko. Additionally, an analysis of phenolic compounds and low molecular weight organic acids (LMWOAs) was performed. The increase of Fe concentration in the substrate caused a significantly higher accumulation of this metal in P. nameko. The addition of Ca (5 or 10 mM) stimulated Fe accumulation, just as Fe concentration in the substrate stimulated Ca accumulation, which pointed to a synergism between these metals. The obtained results show that the presence of Fe in the substrate may also promote K, Mg, Mn, Na, P, and S accumulation. In contrast, the addition of Ca stimulates and/or inhibits their content in fruit bodies. The phenolic and organic acids profile was poor. Only gallic, 4-hydroxybenzoic, sinapic and syringic acids (phenolics), as well as citric and succinic acids (LMWOAs), were quantified in some combinations in P. nameko fruiting bodies.

Content of Phenolic Compounds and Organic Acids in the Flowers of Selected Tulipa gesneriana Cultivars.

The study focused on the determination of phenolic acids, flavonoids and organic acids in five tulip cultivars 'Barcelona', 'Columbus', 'Strong Gold', 'Super Parrot' and 'Tropicana'. The cultivars grown in field and in a greenhouse were exposed after cutting to different times of storage (0, 3 and 6 days). The phenolic profile contained 4-hydroxybenzoic, 2,5-dihydroxybenzoic, gallic, vanillic, syringic, salicylic, protocatechuic, trans-cinnamic, p-coumaric, caffeic, ferulic, chlorogenic and sinapic acids, as well as quercetin, rutin, luteonin, catechin and vitexin. The mean phenolic acid content was in the following order: 'Columbus' and 'Tropicana' > 'Barcelona' > 'Strong Gold' > 'Super Parrot', while the levels of flavonoids were as follows: 'Strong Gold' > 'Barcelona' > 'Tropicana' > 'Columbus' > 'Super Parrot'. The highest content of phenolic acids was confirmed for Columbus and Tropicana, while the lowest was for Super Parrot. However total phenolic content was very similar, observed between the place of cultivation, time of storage and cultivars. Malonic, succinic, acetic and citric acids were the major organic acid components in tulip petals. More organic acids (except malonic) were accumulated in tulip petals from fields than those from the greenhouse, while changes during storage were strictly correlated with cultivars.

The Effect of Mushroom Extracts on Human Platelet and Blood Coagulation: In vitro Screening of Eight Edible Species.

Cardiovascular diseases remain the leading global cause of mortality indicating the need to identify all possible factors reducing primary and secondary risk. This study screened the in vitro antiplatelet and anticoagulant activities of hot water extracts of eight edible mushroom species (Agaricus bisporus, Auricularia auricularia-judae, Coprinus comatus, Ganoderma lucidum, Hericium erinaceus, Lentinula edodes, Pleurotus eryngii, and Pleurotus ostreatus) increasingly cultivated for human consumption, and compared them to those evoked by acetylsalicylic acid (ASA). The antioxidant capacity and concentration of polysaccharides, phenolic compounds, organic acids, ergosterol, macro elements, and trace elements were also characterized. The most promising antiplatelet effect was exhibited by A. auricularia-judae and P. eryngii extracts as demonstrated by the highest rate of inhibition of adenosine-5'-diphosphate (ADP)-induced and arachidonic acid (AA)-induced aggregation. The response to both extracts exceeded the one evoked by 140 µmol/L of ASA in the ADP test and was comparable to it in the case of the AA test. Such a dual effect was also observed for G. lucidum extract, even though it was proven to be cytotoxic in platelets and leukocytes. The extract of P. ostreatus revealed an additive effect on AA-induced platelet aggregation. None of the mushroom extracts altered the monitored coagulation parameters (prothrombin time, prothrombin ratio, and International Normalized Ratio). The effect of mushroom extracts on platelet function was positively related to their antioxidative properties and concentration of polysaccharides and ergosterol, and inversely related to zinc concentration. The study suggests that selected mushrooms may exert favorable antiplatelet effects, highlighting the need for further experimental and clinical research in this regard.

Relation between polyphenols, malondialdehyde, antioxidant capacity, lactate dehydrogenase and toxic elements in human colostrum milk.

The present study investigated the interrelationships between the concentration of total polyphenols (TP), malondialdehyde (MDA), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), lactate dehydrogenase activity (LDH) and content of toxic elements (Al, As, Cd, Ni, Pb) in human colostrum milk (n = 75), and further assessed their potential association with maternal lifestyle characteristics. As and Cd were always below detection limits while Al, Ni and Pb were found at the level of 89.7, 6.2 and 1.3 µg L-1, respectively. Concentrations of TP and MDA, in the studied group were 46.91 ± 21.25 mg GAE L-1 and 0.66 ± 0.27 nmol mL-1, respectively, and were inversely correlated (Rs = -0.32; p < 0.01). TP and TAC increased significantly with maternal consumption of vegetables (Rs = 0.25 and Rs = 0.37, respectively; p < 0.05). Concentration of Al was positively correlated with MDA (Rs = 0.21; p < 0.01) and negatively with TP (Rs = -0.28; p < 0.01). Positive correlation was also found between Pb and MDA (Rs = 0.32; p < 0.01). No association with place of living (urban/rural), women's age and former smoking were found for any studied milk parameter. The results add to the general understanding of factors influencing redox balance in milk and potentially affecting its quality.

Lithium biofortification of medicinal mushrooms Agrocybe cylindracea and Hericium erinaceus.

Although an increase in dietary lithium (Li) has been suggested as a possible method for mood stabilization and for decreasing violence and suicidal rates, no Li-enriched food has entered the market. Here we continue to explore the feasibility of mushrooms in this respect and have investigated the growth, accumulation and mineral content (Ca, K, Mg and Na) of Agrocybe cylidracea and Hericium erinaceus cultivated on substrates supplemented with 0.25-1.0 mM of Li as acetate or chloride. As demonstrated, supplementation with LiCl yielded more satisfactory results, did not alter mushroom biomass, appearance, shape or size regardless of Li concentration. It also had no significant effect on mineral composition and resulted in a concentration-dependent uptake of Li and its accumulation in fruiting bodies. More promising results were found for H. erinaceus. As calculated, consumption of 100 g dw of its fruiting bodies obtained from cultivation with 1.0 mM of Li (as acetate or chloride) would constitute 69% of the provisional recommended dietary daily intake of Li set at 1.0 mg. The study highlights that H. erinaceus could be selected for further studies on Li-enriched food that concern the bioavailability of Li from mushrooms, their safety and activity in animal experimental models and eventually, human studies.

Copper and nickel co-treatment alters metal uptake and stress parameters of Salix purpurea×viminalis.

Simultaneous treatment of Salix purpurea×viminalis with copper (Cu2+) and nickel (Ni2+) altered metal phytoextraction rates in favor of leaves. Still, metal translocation patters remained unaffected (roots≈rods>>leaves≥shoots), reaching ∼20 and 14.5mgkg-1 dry weight in roots for Cu and Ni, respectively. Biometric parameters revealed overall growth inhibition correlated with Cu content in leaves, thus proving its negative effect on photosynthesis. Metal toxicity was strongly affirmed in the case of roots (∼90% loss of root biomass at 3mM), rather than in the above-ground organs. Plant treatment accelerated the accumulation of soluble carbohydrates, phenolics including salicylic acid and glutathione in Salix leaves. However, significant differences in plant reactions to the applied metals were noted. Metal accumulation in leaves was correlated with soluble sugars and elevated glutathione, and also with total phenolics content, in the case of Cu and Ni, respectively. Glutathione synthesis was induced by both metals, and correlated with salicylic acid in leaves of Ni-treated plants.

Cultivation of Agaricus bisporus enriched with selenium, zinc and copper.

BACKGROUND: Agaricus bisporus (white button mushroom) is an important culinary and medicinal species of worldwide importance. The present study investigated for the first time whether it may be grown on substrates supplemented with Se alone or in combination with Cu and/or Zn (0.1-0.8 mmol L-1 ) to produce fruiting bodies of increased nutritional value. RESULTS: As found, substrate supplementation did not affect yielded biomass up to 0.6 mmol L-1 element concentrations regardless of the cultivation model. At 0.8 mmol L-1 Se + Cu and Se + Zn supplementation biomass comparable with controls still developed. The accumulation of trace elements in the fruiting bodies generally increased over the concentration gradient reaching its maximum at 0.6 mmol L-1 (for Se + Zn and Se + Cu + Zn) and 0.8 mmol L-1 (for Se and Se + Cu). The organic Se constituted the greatest share in total Se quota. As calculated, each 10 g of dried fruiting bodies of A. bisporus obtained from 0.6 or 0.8 mmol L-1 supplementation would represent 342-469% of the Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) for Se, 43.4-48.5% for Cu and 5.2-5.8% for Zn. CONCLUSION: Considering inexpensive methods of A. bisporus cultivation, global popularity and use of this mushroom, its biofortification with Se, Cu and Zn could have a practical application in deficiency prevention and assisted treatment. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry.

Potential of Cultivated Ganoderma lucidum Mushrooms for the Production of Supplements Enriched with Essential Elements.

Ganoderma lucidum is an important medicinal mushroom species and there is continuous interest in its bioactive properties. This study evaluated whether it may additionally serve as a nutritional supplement for the trace elements: selenium (Se), copper (Cu), and zinc (Zn). Mushrooms were cultivated on substrates enriched with 0.1 to 0.8 mM of inorganic Se alone or in combination with Zn and/or Cu. Supplementation increased accumulation of the elements in fruiting bodies regardless of the applied cultivation model. G. lucidum demonstrated the ability to accumulate significant amounts of organic Se, maximally amounting to (i) over 44 mg/kg when the substrate was supplemented only with Se, (ii) over 20 mg/kg in the Se+Cu model, (iii) over 25 mg/kg in the Se+Zn model, and (iv) 15 mg/kg in the Se+Cu+Zn model. The accumulation of Cu and Zn steadily increased with their initial substrate concentrations. Maximum concentrations found after supplementation with 0.8 mM amounted to over 55 mg/kg (Se+Zn) and 52 mg/kg (Se+Cu+Zn) of Zn, and 29 mg/kg (Se+Cu) and over 31 mg/kg (Se+Cu+Zn) of Cu. The greater the supplemented concentration and number of supplemented elements, the lower the biomass of G. lucidum fruiting bodies. Nevertheless, it still remained high when the substrate was supplemented up to 0.4 mM with each element. These results highlight that G. lucidum can easily incorporate elements from the substrate and that, when biofortified, its dried fruiting bodies may serve as a nutritional source of these essential elements.

Efficacy of supplementation of selected medicinal mushrooms with inorganic selenium salts.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the possibility of supplementation with inorganic forms of selenium (Na2SeO4 and Na2SeO3) in concentrations of 0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8, 1.0 and 1.5 mM of three medicinal mushroom species: Agrocybe aegerita, Hericium erinaceus and Ganoderma lucidum. Tested mushroom species grew in Se additions of 0-0.6 mM (A. aegerita and H. erinaceus), while growth of G. lucidum bodies was observed for 0-0.8 mM. For the latter mushroom species, the total Se content was the highest. Content of Seorg was diverse; for control bodies it was the highest for G. lucidum (only organic forms were present), lower for A. aegerita (84% organic forms) and the lowest for H. erinaceus (56% organic forms). Accumulation of Se(IV) was generally significantly higher than Se(VI) for all tested mushroom species. There was no significant decrease of A. aegerita or G. lucidum biomass with the exception of G. lucidum bodies growing under 0.8 mM of Se species addition (15.51 ± 6.53 g). Biomass of H. erinaceus bodies was the highest under 0.2 (197.04 ± 8.73 g), control (191.80 ± 6.06 g) and 0.1 mM (185.04 ± 8.73 g) of both inorganic salts. The addition to the medium of Se salts brought about macroscopic changes in the fruiting bodies of the examined mushrooms. Concentrations exceeding 0.4 mM caused diminution of carpophores or even their total absence. In addition, colour changes of fruiting bodies were also recorded. At Se concentrations of 0.4 and 0.6 mM, A. aegerita fruiting bodies were distinctly lighter and those of H. erinaceus changed colour from purely white to white-pink.