Basella alba L. (Malabar Spinach) as an Abundant Source of Betacyanins: Identification, Stability, and Bioactivity Studies on Natural and Processed Fruit Pigments.

The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of acylated and decarboxylated gomphrenins, as well as Basella alba L. fruit extract, were investigated in relation to gomphrenin, known for its high biological potential. The most abundant natural acylated gomphrenins, namely, 6'-O-E-caffeoyl-gomphrenin (malabarin) and 6'-O-E-4-coumaroyl-gomphrenin (globosin), were isolated from B. alba extract for the studies. In addition, controlled thermal decarboxylation of gomphrenin in the purified B. alba extract at 65-75 °C resulted in the formation of the most prevalent decarboxylated products, including 17-decarboxy-gomphrenin and 2,17-bidecarboxy-gomphrenin, along with their isoforms. The structures of the decarboxylated pigments were confirmed by NMR analyses. Exploring the matrix effect on pigment reactivity revealed a tremendous increase in the stability of all betacyanins after the initial stage of extract purification using a cation exchanger under various conditions. This indicates the removal of a substantial portion of the unfavorable matrix from the extract, which presumably contains reactive species that could otherwise degrade the pigments. Furthermore, the high concentration of citrates played a significant role in favoring the formation of 2-decarboxy-gomphrenin to a considerable extent. In vitro screening experiments revealed that the tested compounds demonstrated strong anti-inflammatory properties in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated human macrophages. This effect encompassed the selective inhibition of cytokine and chemokine release from activated macrophages, modulation of the chemotactic activity of immune cells, and the regulation of tissue remodeling mediators' release.

Identification and reactivity of pigments in prominent vegetable leaves of Basella alba L. var. 'Rubra' (Malabar spinach).

The unique profiles of betacyanins as well as their stability and antioxidant activity in purple leaf extracts of the fast-growing, soft-stemmed vine Basella alba L. var. 'Rubra', known as Malabar spinach, are partly characterized for the first time. The distribution of gomphrenin and its acylated derivatives in the leaves is completely different from the profiles of the pigments in the fruits. The most abundant acylated pigment in leaves (24%) turned out 6'-O-E-sinapoyl-gomphrenin (gandolin), however, the most significant difference in the pigment profiles is a presence of two novel pigments tentatively identified as highly abundant 6'-O-(3,4-dimethoxy-E-cinnamoyl)-gomphrenin and 6'-O-(3,4,5-trimethoxy-E-cinnamoyl)-gomphrenin as well as their isoforms. Significant degradation of the pigments in the fruit extracts under the impact of selected metal cations and UV-Vis irradiation as well as high protective activity of the leaf extract matrix were observed. Partial chromatographic purification of the leaf extract resulted in an increase of the pigment concentration which was correlated positively with the increased antioxidant activity of obtained fractions.

Fates of attached E. coli o157:h7 on intact leaf surfaces revealed leafy green susceptibility.

Leafy greens, especially lettuce, are repeatedly linked to foodborne outbreaks. This paper studied the susceptibility of different leafy greens to human pathogens. Five commonly consumed leafy greens, including romaine lettuce, green-leaf lettuce, baby spinach, kale, and collard, were selected by their outbreak frequencies. The behavior of E. coli O157:H7 87-23 on intact leaf surfaces and in their lysates was investigated. Bacterial attachment was positively correlated with leaf surface roughness and affected by the epicuticular wax composition. At room temperature, E. coli O157:H7 had the best growth potentials on romaine and green-leaf lettuce surfaces. The bacterial growth was positively correlated with stomata size and affected by epicuticular wax compositions. At 37 °C, E. coli O157:H7 87-23 was largely inhibited by spinach and collard lysates, and it became undetectable in kale lysate after 24 h of incubation. Kale and collard lysates also delayed or partially inhibited the bacterial growth in TSB and lettuce lysate at 37 °C, and they sharply reduced the E. coli O157:H7 population on green leaf lettuce at 4 °C. In summary, the susceptibility of leafy greens to E. coli O157:H7 is determined by a produce-specific combination of physiochemical properties and temperature.

Nickel uptake in leafy greens from contaminated soil: an investigation into phytoavailability and health risk assessment using in vitro digestion model.

Nickel (Ni) is a toxic metal that not only pollutes the environment but also causes harmful impacts on plant growth and human health. Therefore, it is crucial to assess the relationship between the phytoavailability of Ni in soil and its accumulation in edible and non-edible parts of vegetables. A pot experiment was conducted to investigate Ni uptake in three different leafy vegetables, spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.), lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.), and fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.), grown in soil artificially contaminated with Ni at three different treatment levels (100 mg kg-1, 200 mg kg-1, and 300 mg kg-1). The potential dietary toxicity of these vegetables in humans was examined by using an in vitro digestion model. The lowest and highest chlorophyll contents were detected in lettuce at 300 mg kg-1 of Ni concentration and in control plants of spinach. Their values were 34.16 ± 3.01 (SPAD unit) and 53 ± 3.7673 (SPAD unit), respectively. Among the three vegetables, lettuce and spinach at 300 mg kg-1 exhibited the highest accumulation of Ni, with 43 mg kg-1 in edible parts and 182 mg kg-1 in non-edible parts. Furthermore, health risk index (HRI) values were found to be > 1 for lettuce and fenugreek at Ni concentrations of 200 and 300 mg kg-1 for both children and adults. The average bioaccessibility of Ni in lettuce, fenugreek, and spinach during the gastrointestinal phase was 32-23%, 24-10%, and 45-37%, respectively, at a Ni concentration of 300 mg kg-1. All three vegetables grown on Ni-contaminated soil may potentially contribute to food chain toxicity. The HRI values being > 1 suggest that these vegetables are unsafe for consumption. Monitoring of Ni concentration in leafy vegetables is essential to minimize human health risks associated with food chain contamination.

The effect of calorie-restriction along with thylakoid membranes of spinach on the gut-brain Axis Pathway and oxidative stress biomarkers in obese women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a Randomized, Double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) have higher intestinal mucosal permeability, leading to the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) leakage and endotoxemia. This, in turn, leads to oxidative stress (OS) and neuro-inflammation caused by the gut-brain axis, affecting the neurotrophic factors levels such as brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and S100 calcium-binding protein B (S100 B) levels. In this study, it was hypothesized that the thylakoid membranes of spinach supplementation along with a hypocaloric diet may have improved the LPS levels, neurotrophic factors, and OS in PCOS patients. METHODS: In this double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, and clinical trial, 48 women with obesity and diagnosed with PCOS based on Rotterdam criteria were randomly assigned to thylakoid (N = 21) and placebo groups (N = 23). A personalized hypocaloric diet with 500 calories less than the total energy expenditure was prescribed to all patients. The participants were daily supplemented with either a 5 g/day thylakoid-rich spinach extract or a placebo (5 g cornstarch) for 12 weeks along with a prescribed low-calorie diet. Anthropometric measurements and biochemical parameters were assessed at baseline and after the 12-week intervention. RESULTS: A statistically significant decrease in the LPS levels (P < 0.001) and an increase in the BDNF levels (P < 0.001) were recorded for the participants receiving the oral thylakoid supplements and a low-calorie diet. Furthermore, significant decreases were observed in fasting blood glucose, insulin, homeostatic model of assessment for insulin resistance, free testosterone index, and follicle-stimulating hormone / luteinizing hormone ratio in both groups (P < 0.05). No significant differences were detected between the two groups regarding the changes in malondialdehyde, catalase, total antioxidant capacity, and S100B levels (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In sum, the thylakoid membranes of spinach supplemented with a hypocaloric diet reduced the LPS levels, increased the BDNF levels, and improved the glycemic profile and sex-hormone levels; however, they had no effects on the OS markers levels after 12 weeks of intervention.

The Interplay of Sulfur and Selenium Enabling Variations in Micronutrient Accumulation in Red Spinach.

Aside from its importance in human and animal health, low levels of foliar-applied selenate (SeO4) can be advantageous in the presence of sulfur (S), contributing to improved growth, nutrient uptake, and crop quality. A hydroponic experiment in a growth chamber explored the interactive influence of Se and S on micronutrients and several quality indices, such as soluble sugars, organic acids, and total protein concentrations in spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.). Three levels of S (deprivation, adequate, and excessive) with varying quantities of Se (deficient, moderate, and higher) were examined in combination. Under S starvation and along with S nourishment in plant parts, Se treatments were found to cause noticeable variations in plant biomass and the concentrations of the examined elements and other quality parameters. Both Se levels promoted S accumulation in S-treated plants. Although the Se treatment had the opposite effect in shoots, it had a favorable impact on minerals (apart from Mn) in roots grown under S-limiting conditions. The S and Se relationship highlighted beneficial and/or synergistic effects for Mn and Fe in edible spinach portions. Reducing sugars were synergistically boosted by adequate S and moderate Se levels in roots, while in shoots, they were accumulated under moderate-or-higher Se and excessive S. Furthermore, the concentration of the quantified organic acids under S-deficient conditions was aided by various Se levels. In roots, moderate Se under high S application enhanced both malic acid and citric acid, while in the edible parts, higher Se under both adequate and elevated S levels were found to be advantageous in malic acid accumulation. Moreover, by elevating S levels in plant tissues, total protein concentration increased, whereas both moderate and high Se levels (Se1 and Se2) did not alter total protein accumulation in high S-applied roots and shoots. Our findings show that the high S and medium Se dose together benefit nutrient uptake; additionally, their combinations support soluble sugars and organic acids accumulation, contributing ultimately to the nutritional quality of spinach plants. Moreover, consuming 100 g of fresh red spinach shoot enriched with different Se and S levels can contribute to humans' daily micronutrients intake.

Supplementation with spinach-derived thylakoid augments the benefits of high intensity training on adipokines, insulin resistance and lipid profiles in males with obesity.

Introduction: This study investigated the effects of 12 weeks of high-intensity functional training (HIFT) combined with spinach-derived thylakoid supplementation on some selected Adipokines and insulin resistance in males with obesity. Method: Sixty-eight participants (mean age: 27.6 ± 8.4 yrs.; mean height: 168.4 ± 2.6 cm; mean weight: 95.7 ± 3.8 kg, mean BMI: 32.6 ± 2.6 kg/m2) were randomly divided into four groups of 17 per group: Control group (CG), Supplement group (SG), Training group (TG), and Training + supplement group (TSG). Following baseline measurements, the two training groups (TG and TSG) started the 12 weeks of exercise training program (3 sessions per week). A total of 36 sessions lasting up to 60 min were included in the HIFT program using the CrossFit program. The eligible participants received 5 g/day of thylakoid-rich spinach extract or matching placebo as 5 g/day of raw corn starch (one sachet, 30 min before lunch) for 12 weeks. Baseline assessments were obtained 48 hours before the start of the training protocols and 48 hours after the last training session in all groups. Results: There were significant interactions (p<0.001 for all) between exercise and time for adiponectin (ES:0.48), leptin (ES:0.46), resistin (ES:0.3), omentin (ES:0.65), vaspin (ES:0.46), visfatin (ES:0.62), apelin (ES:0.42), RBP4 (ES:0.63), chemrin (0.36) and semaphorin3c (ES: 0.5). Plasma levels of semaphorin3c were significantly correlated (p<0.05) with body weight (r= 0.57), BMI (r= 0.43), FFM (r= -0.612), FAT (r= 0.768), VO2peak (r=-0.53), insulin (r= 0.756), glucose (r= 0.623), and HOMA-IR (r= 0.727). There were also significant group differences in insulin (ES: 0.77), glucose (ES: 0.21), and HOM-IR (ES: 0.44) (p<0.05). Discussion: Our findings indicate that 12 weeks of HIFT supplemented with spinach-derived thylakoid reduced levels of leptin, resistin, vaspin, visfatin, apelin, RBP4, chemrin, semaphorin3c and insulin resistance while increasing adiponectin and omentin levels in men with obesity.

Effect of Brazilian spinach (Alternanthera sissoo) pellet supplementation and dietary ratios on rumen characteristics, microorganisms, methane production, milk yield, and milk composition in dairy cows.

The aim of the previous research was to evaluate the effects of Brazilian spinach pellet (BSP) supplementation and dietary ratios on rumen characteristics, methane estimation, and milk production in dairy cows. Four crossbred Thai dairy cattle, with Holstein Friesian (HF) cows with a body weight of 442 ± 50 kg were assessed in a 2 × 2 factorial in a 4 × 4 Latin square design to obtain diets; factor A was the roughage (R) to concentrate (C) ratio at 40:60 and 30:70, and factor B was level of BSP supplantation at 2% and 6% of dry matter (basis) intake (DMI). R:C ratio and supplementation of BSP had no interaction effect on DMI and nutrient digestibility. On DM, organic matter (OM), crude protein (CP), and acid detergent fiber (ADF) intake, the R:C ratio increased (p < 0.05). The digestibility of OM improved (p < 0.05) when cows were fed a R:C ratio of 30:70. On pH, ammonia-nitrogen, protozoal population, and blood urea-nitrogen, there were no interactions between the R:C ratio and BSP supplementation. Increasing the BSP supplementation to 6% (p < 0.01) decreased the protozoal population. The R:C ratio of 30:70 increased total volatile fatty acid (VFA) and propionate (C3) concentrations while decreasing the acetate (C2) to C3 ratio and methane (CH4 ) estimation (p < 0.01). The average concentration of total VFA has increased by 114.46 mmol/L for 6% of BSP supplementation. Increased BSP supplementation increased the C3 concentration while decreasing the C2:C3 ratio and CH4 emissions (p < 0.05). The R:C ratio and BSP supplementation had no interaction effect on milk yield, 3.5% fat-corrected milk (FCM), or milk composition. The R:C ratio of 30:70 increased milk yield (p < 0.05) to the highest level of 12.18 kg/day. In conclusion, the diet containing a R:C ratio of 30:70 increased feed intake, milk yield, BUN, total VFA, and C3 concentration, and decreased the C2:C3 ratio and CH4 emission. BSP supplementation at 6% could increase TVFA and C3 concentrations while decreasing the protozoal population and CH4 estimation.

Selective accumulation of pharmaceutical residues from 6 different soils by plants: a comparative study on onion, radish, and spinach.

The accumulation of six pharmaceuticals of different therapeutic uses has been thoroughly investigated and compared between onion, spinach, and radish plants grown in six soil types. While neutral molecules (e.g., carbamazepine (CAR) and some of its metabolites) were efficiently accumulated and easily translocated to the plant leaves (onion > radish > spinach), the same for ionic (both anionic and cationic) molecules seems to be minor to moderate. The maximum accumulation of CAR crosses 38,000 (onion), 42,000 (radish), and 7000 (spinach) ng g-1 (dry weight) respectively, in which the most majority of them happened within the plant leaves. Among the metabolites, the accumulation of carbamazepine 10,11-epoxide (EPC - a primary CAR metabolite) was approximately 19,000 (onion), 7000 (radish), and 6000 (spinach) ng g-1 (dry weight) respectively. This trend was considerably similar even when all these pharmaceuticals applied together. The accumulation of most other molecules (e.g., citalopram, clindamycin, clindamycin sulfoxide, fexofenadine, irbesartan, and sulfamethoxazole) was restricted to plant roots, except for certain cases (e.g., clindamycin and clindamycin sulfoxide in onion leaves). Our results clearly demonstrated the potential role of this accumulation process on the entrance of pharmaceuticals/metabolites into the food chain, which eventually becomes a threat to associated living biota.

Spinach-derived boron-doped g-C3N4/TiO2 composites for efficient photo-degradation of methylene blue dye.

Green synthesis of nanoparticles can be beneficial due to their low toxicity, cost-effectiveness, and environment-friendliness. Its synthesis involves the use of eco-friendly and biodegradable materials such as plant extracts, natural products, and microorganisms to reduce the negative environmental impacts of traditional nanoparticle synthesis methods. Herein, Spinacia oleracea leaves are used as a boron source, and a visible light active photo-catalyst is produced. The effect of Co-Catalyst Boron in Graphitic carbon nitride based nanocomposites for methylene blue dye photo-degradation in water is examined. Titanium dioxide (TiO2) was activated by changing the hydrogen potential value while utilizing a typical orange dye as a sensitizer. The graphitic carbon nitride/TiO2 nanocomposites were synthesized through a hydrothermal technique. To improve their performance, Boron used as a co-catalyst and B-doped g-C3N4/TiO2nanocomposites prepared through wet chemical co-percipitate mathod. UV-visible spectroscopy, SEM and FTIR spectroscopy were used to analyze the photocatalyst and boron-doped composites in detail. The photocatalytic performance of pristine photocatalyst CNTx (x = 2%,4%,6%,8%) and B-doped CNTx composites were examined for Methylene Blue degradation in the presence of a light source. The spectroscopy analysis showed that B-doped g-C3N4/TiO2 -8% nano-composites performed better than all other synthesized pristine catalysts and composites in this research. This research has demonstrated that B-doped g-C3N4/TiO2 composites can provide an ideal solution for treating polluted water using visible light as a source to activate these photocatalysts.

Phytoextraction of nickel, lead, and chromium from contaminated soil using sunflower, marigold, and spinach: comparison of efficiency and fractionation study.

Heavy metals in soil pose a serious threat through their toxic effect on the human food chain. Phytoremediation is a clean and green potentially cost-effective technology in remediating the heavy metal-contaminated soil. However, the efficiency of phytoextraction is very often limited by low phytoavailability of heavy metals in soil, slow growth, and small biomass production of hyper-accumulator plants. To solve these issues, accumulator plant(s) with high biomass production and amendment(s) which can solubilize metals in soil is required for better phytoextraction. A pot experiment was conducted to assess the efficiency of phytoextraction of sunflower, marigold, and spinach as affected by the incorporation of Sesbania (solubilizer) and addition of gypsum (solubilizer) in nickel (Ni)-, lead (Pb)-, and chromium (Cr)-contaminated soil. A fractionation study was conducted to study the bioavailability of the heavy metals in contaminated soil after growing the accumulator plants and as affected by using soil amendments (Sesbania and gypsum). Results showed that marigold was the most efficient among the three accumulator plants in phytoextraction of the heavy metals in the contaminated soil. Both sunflower and marigold were able to reduce the bioavailability of the heavy metals in the post-harvest soil, which was reflected in their (heavy metals) lower concentration in subsequently grown paddy crop (straw). The fractionation study revealed that carbonate and organically bound fractions of the heavy metals control the bioavailability of the heavy metals in the experimental soil. Both Sesbania and gypsum were not effective in solubilizing the heavy metals in the experimental soil. Therefore, the possibility of using Sesbania and gypsum for solubilizing heavy metals in contaminated soil is ruled out.

Scaling up continuous ultrasound-assisted extractor for plant extracts by using spinach leaves as a test material.

The ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) process of chlorophylls (a, b) and carotenoids in aqueous ethanol solutions from spinach leaves was upscaled from a batch laboratory reactor to a continuous modular flow-cell of pilot scale. The extraction in the laboratory scale was organized in a loop reactor, where pulp was circulated between a stirred vessel and the ultrasound reactor. The pilot scale extraction was made in a novel continuous tubular flow-cell reactor. The analysis of the experimental data proved that the ultrasound application provided a better extraction yield. In the laboratory scale, the application of ultrasound (24 kHz and 2500 W/L) showed the 2.6-fold higher maximum extraction yield compared to non-sonicated conventional solvent extraction. In the pilot scale, the effect was less significant (1.9-fold), due to smaller ultrasound power density (25 kHz and 1500 W/L). The scale-up of the UAE was based on equal extraction yield at both scales. The scale-up revealed that 2.5-fold higher volume-specific ultrasound power is required in the pilot scale to reach the yield obtained in the laboratory scale reactor.

Rhodotorula mucilaginosa CAM4 improved selenium uptake in Spinacia oleracea L. and soil enzymatic activities under abiotic stresses.

This study aimed to examine selenium (Se) acquisition by spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.) plants growing under salinity and drought stress through the inoculation of Rhodotorula mucilaginosa strain CAM4. Under abiotic stress conditions, strain CAM4 with Se inoculation increased the shoot length, root length, shoot dry weight and root dry weight by 75.8-93.7%, 47.7-80.9%, 101.9-109.8% and 130.5-270.2%, respectively compared to uninoculated Se-treated plants grown under the same conditions. Under abiotic stresses, the Se-treated CAM4 inoculated plants showed a significant increase in Se concentration in the edible leaves of spinach, which was 227.3-234.5% higher than uninoculated Se-treated control plants. Likewise, strain CAM4 treatment significantly enhanced the plant nutrition of both micro and macro-nutrients. Under normal and abiotic stresses, CAM4 inoculation enhanced soil activities of acid phosphatase, alkaline phosphatase, dehydrogenase, ß-glucosidase and urease in the post harvested soil up to 28-47.5%, 62.6-121.8%, 69-177.1%, 16.2-37.9% and 19.8-41.2%, respectively over corresponding uninoculated soil.

Silicon fertilization counteracts salinity-induced damages associated with changes in physio-biochemical modulations in spinach.

Plant growth and productivity are limited by the severe impact of salt stress on the fundamental physiological processes. Silicon (Si) supplementation is one of the promising techniques to improve the resilience of plants under salt stress. This study deals with the response of exogenous Si applications (0, 2, 4, and 6 mM) on growth, gaseous exchange, ion homeostasis and antioxidant enzyme activities in spinach grown under saline conditions (150 mM NaCl). Salinity stress markedly reduced the growth, physiological, biochemical, water availability, photosynthesis, enzymatic antioxidants, and ionic status in spinach leaves. Salt stress significantly enhanced leaf Na+ contents in spinach plants. Supplementary foliar application of Si (4 mM) alleviated salt toxicity, by modulating the physiological and photosynthetic attributes and decreasing electrolyte leakage, and activities of SOD, POD and CAT. Moreover, Si-induced mitigation of salt stress was due to the depreciation in Na+/K+ ratio, Na+ ion uptake at the surface of spinach roots, and translocation in plant tissues, thereby reducing the Na+ ion accumulation. Foliar applied Si (4 mM) ameliorates ionic toxicity by decreasing Na+ uptake. Overall, the results illustrate that foliar applied Si induced resistance against salinity stress in spinach by regulating the physiology, antioxidant metabolism, and ionic homeostasis. We advocate that exogenous Si supplementation is a practical approach that will allow spinach plants to recover from salt toxicity.

Modulation of acute stress and immune response in tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus, using longevity spinach, Gynura procumbens extract, as nutraceuticals.

We investigated the effects of different concentrations of longevity spinach, Gynura procumbens, on the hematological parameters of acutely stressed Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus, (average weight 461.81 ± 16.60 g and average length 28.71 ± 0.34 cm) and determined the best concentration. The fish were subjected to hormonal stress in this research. We fed the stress control group commercial feed with 0.01% hydrocortisone, a stress hormone (0.01% of fish body weight) without Gynura. All the treatment groups were supplemented with Gynura extracts (0.5 g/kg, 1.0 g/kg, and 1.5 g/kg of feed weight) in combination with hydrocortisone. We evaluated blood glucose, lysozyme activity, phagocytic capacity, hematocrit, spleen somatic index, and hepatosomatic index. During the acute stress period, G. procumbens has been shown to decrease the levels of blood glucose in 1.5 g/kg treatment group (49.60 mg/dl at Day 1; 53.75 mg/dl at Day 3) compared to stress control group (80.00 mg/dl at Day 1; 69.20 mg/dl at Day 3). Higher lysozyme activity observed in 1.5 g/kg Gynura treatment group (11.44 T/min at 540 nm) compared to control (7.85 T/min at 540 nm). The 1.5 g/kg treatment group maintained the homeostatic level of significant physiological parameters including phagocytic capacity, packed cell volume, and hepatosomatic index. These findings are promising for the development of new nutraceuticals for the aquaculture industry.

Influence of food composition on chlorophyll bioaccessibility.

Chlorophylls are ingested and effectively absorbed by our organism daily, but the effect of food composition on its bioaccessibility is unknown. Therefore, the present research analyses the chlorophyll bioaccessibility of ten commercial foods (guacamole, virgin olive oil, tortellini, basil hummus, creamed spinach, vegetable pasta, green tea chocolate, avocado and kiwi juices, and pesto sauce), selected based on their different nutritional (fat, fiber, protein, and carbohydrates) and chlorophyll composition and content. The most unexpected result was to correlate chlorophyll degradation during in vitro digestion with the salt content of the digested food. Surprisingly, independently of the foods' nutritional composition or the chlorophyll content, the chlorophyll profile after in vitro digestion was formed by 90% pheophytins and 10% chlorophylls and pheophorbides. Such a pattern can only be modified when the ingested food contains a high proportion of pheophorbides (˃20%) that prevailed up to the mixed micelles.

Exploring the destiny and distribution of thiocyanate in the water-soil-plant system and the potential impacts on human health.

Endocrine disruptors like thiocyanate are some of the principal causes of chronic disorders worldwide. Prenatal and postnatal exposure to thiocyanate can interfere with normal neurological development in both fetuses and newborns. Currently, little information regarding thiocyanate levels and potential sources of exposure is available. In this study, we evaluated thiocyanate uptake and accumulation in chard and spinach grown under greenhouse conditions. Both chard and spinach are commonly used to produce baby foods. Three thiocyanate concentrations were compared: Control, T1 (30 ng mL-1), and T2 (70 ng mL-1). Thiocyanate accumulation depended on the concentration and exposure time. Chard was found to accumulate more thiocyanate than spinach, with leaf accumulation > stem accumulation (p < 0.0194) and maximum concentrations of 76 ng g-1 (control), 112 ng g-1, (T1), and 134 ng g-1 (T2). The estimated daily intake (EDI) of thiocyanate for chard and spinach (fresh) exceeded the subchronic reference dose of 200 ng-1 kg-1 day-1 and the chronic reference dose of 600 ng-1 kg-1 day-1. In addition, the EDI of thiocyanate for spinach in baby food exceeded twice the chronic reference dose in the vulnerable newborn-1 year age group. However, all EDIs were lower than the lowest observed adverse effect level (LOAEL) of 1.9 × 105 ng kg-1 day-1. Further studies are needed that increase our knowledge of thiocyanate levels and potential environmental sources to reduce opportunities for exposure, especially in vulnerable groups.

Effect of potassium supplementation on osmoregulatory and stress response of Pangasianodon hypophthalmus (Sauvage, 1878) with Spinacia oleracea L. in aquaponics.

This study evaluated the effect of different potassium supplementation dosages on the physiological responses of Pangasianodon hypophthalmus reared in an aquaponic system with Spinacia oleracea L. for 60 days. The system comprised of a rectangular fish tank of 168 l capacity (water volume = 100 l) with nutrient film technique (NFT)-based hydroponic component with fish to plant ratio of 2.8 kg m-3 : 28 plants m-2 in all the treatments. The osmoregulatory and stress parameters of P. hypophthalmus at four different potassium dosages of T1 (90 mg l-1 ), T2 (120 mg l-1 ), T3 (150 mg l-1 ) and T4 (180 mg l-1 ) were compared with C (control, 0 mg l-1 ) to examine the potassium level to be applied to aquaponics. The water quality parameters and fish production were found to have no adverse impact due to potassium supplementation. The spinach yield during two harvests, i.e., before and after potassium supplementation, revealed that the yield was significantly higher (P < 0.05) after supplementation with the highest yield in T3 and T4. The osmoregulatory parameters such as plasma osmolality, Na+ , K+ ATPase activity in gill and plasma ionic profile (Cl- , Ca2+ and Na+ ) showed an insignificant variation (P > 0.05) between control and treatments except for higher plasma potassium concentration (1.98 ± 0.19 mmol l-1 ) in T4. The stress and antioxidant enzyme analysis exhibited significantly higher plasma glucose and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in gill and liver in T4, whereas cortisol and catalase showed an insignificant difference (P > 0.05). The experimental findings demonstrated that the potassium dosage up to 150 mg l-1 could be suggested as optimum for P. hypophthalmus and spinach aquaponics without impairing the health and oxidative status of P. hypophthalmus.

Antioxidant peptides derived from potato, seaweed, microbial and spinach proteins: Oxidative stability of 5% fish oil-in-water emulsions.

In this study, we used a combination of quantitative proteomics and bioinformatic prediction for identifying novel antioxidant peptides. Thirty-five peptides from potato, seaweed, microbial, and spinach proteins were investigated. Based on high DPPH radical scavenging activity (IC50 ≤ 16 mg/mL), metal chelation activity, isoelectric point, and high relative abundance in the parent protein sources, 11 peptides were selected. Lipid oxidation retardation was evaluated in 5% fish oil-in-water emulsions stabilized with Tween 20, where emulsion physical stability was unaffected by peptide addition. The secondary structure of selected peptides was similar in the aqueous solution and emulsions, as confirmed by synchrotron radiation circular dichroism spectroscopy. The emulsions containing the selected peptides had lower levels of hydroperoxides and volatile compounds during storage compared to the control (without peptide). This study contributes to elucidating the effect of antioxidant peptides in emulsions and demonstrates the ability of quantitative proteomics and bioinformatics prediction to identify peptides with strong antioxidant properties.

Accumulation and distribution of perchlorate in spinach and chard growing under greenhouse: Implications for food safety in baby foods commodities.

Very little information is available with regards to the bioavailability of perchlorate in spinach or chard used in the production of baby foods commodities. In the present study, the uptake and accumulation of perchlorate were compared under two different treatments (T1: 1 and T2: 10 mg L-1 ClO4-). Our results indicate that spinach has a higher capacity to accumulate perchlorate than chard (p < 0.0185). Concentrations of perchlorate in leaves, stems and roots (leaves > stem > roots) all gradually increased (p < 0.0001) as vegetable growing and treatment (T2 > T1). No significant differences were found between the control and T1. The daily intake for perchlorate (control) is below the proposed international standard, however, it was exceeded in T1 and T2. The results suggested that perchlorate is actively accumulate in high concentrations in vegetables used in the production of baby food commodities and the exposure of perchlorate via the food consumption (baby foods) was evaluated as not safe.