Groundnut and tree nuts: a comprehensive review on their lipid components, phytochemicals, and nutraceutical properties.

The health benefits of nut consumption have been extensively demonstrated in observational studies and intervention trials. Besides the high nutritional value, countless evidences show that incorporating nuts into the diet may contribute to health promotion and prevention of certain diseases. Such benefits have been mostly and certainly attributed not only to their richness in healthy lipids (plentiful in unsaturated fatty acids), but also to the presence of a vast array of phytochemicals, such as polar lipids, squalene, phytosterols, tocochromanols, and polyphenolic compounds. Thus, many nut chemical compounds apply well to the designation "nutraceuticals," a broad umbrella term used to describe any food component that, in addition to the basic nutritional value, can contribute extra health benefits. This contribution analyses the general chemical profile of groundnut and common tree nuts (almond, walnut, cashew, hazelnut, pistachio, macadamia, pecan), focusing on lipid components and phytochemicals, with a view on their bioactive properties. Relevant scientific literature linking consumption of nuts, and/or some of their components, with ameliorative and/or preventive effects on selected diseases - such as cancer, cardiovascular, metabolic, and neurodegenerative pathologies - was also reviewed. In addition, the bioactive properties were analyzed in the light of known mechanistic frameworks.

Chiral Chemopolymorphism in the Monoterpenes of Pistacia palaestina Leaves and Galls.

Pistacia palaestina Boiss. is a common tree in the Mediterranean maquis. The leaves of this plant accumulate defensive monoterpenes, whose levels greatly increase in galls induced by the aphid Baizongia pistaciae. We previously found a significant chemopolymorphism in monoterpene content among individual trees, but the chirality of these monoterpenes was unknown. Although most plant species specifically accumulate one enantiomeric form of a given compound, P. palaestina individuals display chemopolymorphism in the chirality of the key monoterpenes accumulated. We report here a marked enantiomeric variation for the limonene, α- and ß-pinene, camphene, sabinene, δ-3-carene, and terpene-4-ol content in leaves and galls of nine different naturally growing P. palaestina trees. Interestingly, insect-induced gall monoterpene composition is an augmentation of the specific enantiopolymorphism originally displayed by each individual tree.

Antihypertensive Potential of Pistacia lentiscus var. Chia: Molecular Insights and Therapeutic Implications.

Background: Hypertension poses a significant global health burden and is associated with cardiovascular morbidity. Chios mastic gum (CMG), derived from Pistacia lentiscus var. Chia, shows potential as a phytotherapeutic agent, due to its multifaceted beneficial effects. However, its anti-hypertensive effects and vascular, circulatory, and renal-related dysfunction, have not been thoroughly investigated. Herein, we aimed to explore the antihypertensive potential of CMG, focusing on vascular and renal endothelium, in vivo. Methods: Two models of hypertension in male rats, induced by Angiotensin II and Deoxycorticosterone acetate (DOCA)-high-salt administration, were utilized. CMG was administered at 220 mg/kg daily for four weeks after hypertension onset and blood pressure was measured non-invasively. Whole blood RNA sequencing, metabolomics, real-time PCR, and Western blot analyses of kidney and aorta tissues were additionally performed. Results: CMG significantly lowered systolic, diastolic, and mean blood pressure in both models. RNA sequencing revealed that CMG modulated immunity in the Angiotensin II model and metabolism in the DOCA-HS model. CMG downregulated genes related to oxidative stress and endothelial dysfunction and upregulated endothelial markers such as Vegfa. Metabolomic analysis indicated improved endothelial homeostasis via lysophosphatidylinositol upregulation. Conclusions: CMG emerges as a potent natural antihypertensive therapy, demonstrating beneficial effects on blood pressure and renal endothelial function.

Accuracy of Declared Salt Content on Traffic Light Labelling of Nuts and Seeds in Isfahan, Iran.

BACKGROUND: Regarding the importance of the prevention of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and higher consumption of salt among the Iranian population than the level recommended by the World Health Organization, the aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of the salt mentioned in the traffic light labelling of nuts and seeds. Study Design: A cross-sectional study. METHODS: A total of 53 packaged nuts and seeds, including 7, 8, 9, 9, 10, and 10 samples of pumpkin, pistachios, almond, sunflower, peanut, and watermelon nuts and seeds, respectively, with traffic light labelling, were randomly purchased from several local markets in Isfahan, Iran. The amount of sodium was measured by the inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectroscopy technique and then multiplied by 2.5 to achieve the amount of salt. RESULTS: Varying levels of traffic light labeling value accuracy were observed in most of the samples. In the almond, pistachio, peanut, and watermelon groups, the average amount of laboratory value had a statistically significant difference with the label value (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: The results demonstrated that the salt content of 82% of the studied samples had discrepancies with the values stated on the traffic light labelling. The presentation of an accurate amount of salt content is essential for promoting healthy eating habits and enabling individuals to make informed choices about their diet. It is recommended that regulatory authorities should review labelling guidelines and enforce stricter compliance to ensure accurate representation of salt content on packaged foods.

Pistacia lentiscus: Phytochemistry and Antidiabetic Properties.

Pistacia lentiscus L. (P. lentiscus) is an evergreen shrub (Anacardiaceae family) primarily found in the Mediterranean region. The plant has been thoroughly characterized, resulting in a high concentration of bioactive compounds as flavonoids and phenolics. Moreover, P. lentiscus was revealed to possess a great nutritional and industrial importance because of its variety of biological activities, including antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-atherogenic and antioxidant properties. Many of its beneficial health properties and applications date back to antiquity, and the European Medicines Agency officially acknowledged it as an herbal medicinal product. Indeed, it is widely employed in conventional medicine to treat several diseases, including type 2 diabetes (T2D). On this basis, this review aims to summarize and describe the chemical composition of different parts of the plant and highlight the potential of P. lentiscus, focusing on its antidiabetic activities. The plant kingdom is drawing increasing attention because of its complexity of natural molecules in the research of novel bioactive compounds for drug development. In this context, P. lentiscus demonstrated several in vitro and in vivo antidiabetic effects, acting upon many therapeutic T2D targets. Therefore, the information available in this review highlighted the multitarget effects of P. lentiscus and its great potential in T2D treatment.

A Novel Bis-Trifluoromethylated Compound Demonstrates High Efficacy as a Nematicide Against Root-Knot Nematodes on Pistachio, Supported by Docking Studies.

Three novel trifluoromethylated compounds were designed and synthesized by reacting trifluoroacetimidoyl chloride derivatives with acetamidine hydrochloride or thiourea in the presence of potassium carbonate or sodium hydrogen carbonate as a base. In vitro and in vivo assays demonstrated the efficacy of the tested compounds in controlling root-knot nematode disease on pistachio rootstocks caused by Meloidogyne incognita. Bis-trifluoromethylated derivatives, namely N,N''-thiocarbonylbis(N'-(3,4-dimethylphenyl)-2,2,2-trifluoroacetimidamide) (compound A1), showed high efficacy as novel and promising nematicides, achieving up to 78.28% control at a concentration of 0.042 mg/liter. This effect is attributed to four methyl and two trifluoromethyl groups. In the pre-inoculation application of compound A1, all three concentrations (0.033, 0.037, and 0.042 mg/liter, and Velum) exhibited a higher level of control, with 83.79, 87.46, and 80.73% control, respectively. In the microplot trials, compound A1 effectively reduced population levels of M. incognita and enhanced plant growth at a concentration of 0.037 mg/liter. This suggests that compound A1 has the potential to inhibit hedgehog protein and could be utilized to prevent the progression of root-knot disease. Furthermore, the molecular docking results revealed that compounds A1 and A3 interact with specific amino acid residues (Gln60, Asp530, Glu70, Arg520, and Thr510) located in the active site of hedgehog protein. Based on the experimental findings of this study, compound A1 shows promise as a lead compound for future investigations.

Development of bioactive and environmentally friendly chitosan-based film using waste of pistachio dehulling process as a novel promising food packaging material.

Chitosan films containing different amounts of pistachio hull methanol extract (PHE) (2 %, 4 %, 8 % w/v) were produced. LC-MS/MS analysis demonstrated that tannic acid (207.74 mg/g PHE), gallic acid (46.63 mg/g PHE), protocatechuic acid (27.79 mg/g PHE), quinic acid (16.41 mg/g PHE), isoquercitrin (15.2 mg/g PHE) were the most abundant phenolic compounds in PHE. The biological activity test results indicated that PHE enhanced the antioxidant and antibacterial activities of chitosan films. Chitosan-based films with 8 % PHE showed significant antimicrobial activity on all microorganisms tested. Chitosan films containing even the lowest concentration of PHE effectively inhibited DPPH free radicals, indicating a significant antioxidant activity. The increase in the amount of PHE caused a decrease in the L* value and an increase in the a* and b* values. It was found that the tensile strength and elongation at break of the films containing PHE were higher than those of the control film. Chitosan film with 4 % PHE exhibited the highest values of tensile strength (10.72 ± 1.06 MPa) and elongation at break (198.57 ± 10.34 %). FTIR analysis showed that PHE modified the intermolecular interactions in the film matrix, leading to the expansion of the CC bond and an increase in the intensity of the CO bands. Thermal analysis displayed that chitosan films incorporating PHE exhibited higher thermal stability compared to control films. PHE can be used as a bioactive supportive material in food packaging.

Pistachio (Pistacia vera L.) consumption improves cognitive performance and mood in overweight young adults: A pilot study.

This pilot study evaluated the impact of pistachio consumption on cognitive performance and mood in overweight young adults. Pistachios were characterized (chemical and nutraceutical), and a baseline-final, uncontrolled nutritional intervention was performed (28 g of pistachio/28 days). Psychometric tests were applied to estimate cognitive performance and mood; anthropometric evaluation, biochemical analysis, and plasma antioxidant activity were included. The main component of nuts was lipids (48.1%). Pistachios consumption significantly (p ≤ 0.05) reduced waist circumference (-1.47 cm), total cholesterol (-10.21 mg/dL), LDL (-6.57 mg/dL), and triglycerides (-21.07 mg/dL), and increased plasma antioxidant activity. Pistachio supplementation improved risk tolerance (p ≤ 0.006) and decision-making strategy (p ≤ 0.002; BART-task), executive functions (BCST-task; p ≤ 0.006), and selective and sustained attention (Go/No-Go-test; p ≤ 0.016). The mood state was positively modulated (p ≤ 0.05) for anxiety, anger-hostility, and sadness-depression. These results show for the first time the benefits of pistachio consumption on cognitive performance and mood in overweight young adults.

Effects of enzymatic hydrolysis combined with pressured heating on tree nut allergenicity.

Hazelnut, pistachio and cashew are tree nuts with health benefits but also with allergenic properties being prevalent food allergens in Europe. The allergic characteristics of these tree nuts after processing combining heat, pressure and enzymatic digestion were analyzed through in vitro (Western blot and ELISA) and in vivo test (Prick-Prick). In the analyzed population, the patients sensitized to Cor a 8 (nsLTP) were predominant over those sensitized against hazelnut seed storage proteins (Sprot, Cor a 9 and 14), which displayed higher IgE reactivity. The protease E5 effectively hydrolyzed proteins from hazelnut and pistachio, while E7 was efficient for cashew protein hydrolysis. When combined with pressured heating (autoclave and Controlled Instantaneous Depressurization (DIC)), these proteases notably reduced the allergenic reactivity. The combination of DIC treatment before enzymatic digestion resulted in the most effective methodology to drastically reduce or indeed eliminate the allergenic capacity of tree nuts.

Effects of Pistacia genus on gastrointestinal tract disorders: A systematic and comprehensive review.

Gastrointestinal (GI) disorders characterized by persistent and recurrence gastrointestinal symptoms are prevalent. The genus Pistacia is widely emphasized as the relief of gastrointestinal diseases in traditional medicine. This review aimed to investigate the latest evidence on the effect of the Pistacia genus on GI tract disorders. The systematic search was performed following to PRISMA guidelines. The databases PubMed and Scopus were searched from 1980 to 2022 with restrictions to the original studies. Electronic databases were searched in title/abstract, using the keywords relevant to GI tract disorders. Forty-eight studies were included in this review following the inclusion criteria. Fifteen and 22 studies were clinical and animal studies, respectively, of which 6 clinical and 13 animal studies were on Inflammatory Bowel diseases. Seven clinical studies were on functional GI disorders. The most pieces of evidence from animal and clinical studies were on the intestinal inflammation and peptic ulcer affecting the inflammation as well as oxidative stress through different mechanistic pathways. The most referred active phytochemicals seem to be terpenoid compounds. Various in vitro studies have also shown the inhibitory activity of the different plant parts of Pistacia herbs on several GI tract cancer cells. Available scientific evidence supports the effects of various components of Pistacia genus plants in the field of GI tract diseases, especially digestive inflammations. Further studies are required to systematically evaluate the natural products of the genus Pistacia, particularly in the context of digestive disorders.

Evaluation of the cytotoxic activities of the essential oil from Pistacia atlantica Desf. oleoresin on human gastric cancer cell lines.

Numerous herbal products have been the subject of research regarding their potential role in cancer prevention or adjuvant therapy. Pistacia atlantica and its main phytochemicals have garnered significant attention for their potential anti-cancer effects. The study aimed to assess the growth inhibitory effects of P. atlantica essential oil (PAEO) on MKN-45 and AGS cells. This study quantified the volatile compounds in PAEO using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). Subsequently, MKN-45 and AGS cells were treated with varying concentrations of PAEO (5%, 2.5%, 1.25%, 0.625%, 0.3125%, 0.156%, 0.0781%, 0.0391%, 0.0195%) for 24 h. Cell viability was evaluated through the MTT assay. The impact of PAEO on gene expression was investigated by quantifying the mRNA levels of Bax and Bcl2 in the various experimental groups using quantitative Real-Time PCR (qRT-PCR) analysis. Additionally, flow cytometry was utilized to evaluate apoptosis in the treated cells. The analysis of PAEO revealed that α-pinene was the predominant monoterpene, constituting 87.9% of the oil composition. The cytotoxic effects of PAEO were evaluated, and it was found that the oil significantly reduced the viability of MKN-45 and AGS cells. The IC50 for MKN-45 cells was determined to be 1.94 × 10-3% after 24 h of treatment, while for AGS cells the IC50 was 2.8 × 10-3% after 24 h. Additionally, the research revealed that PAEO triggered a notable rise in apoptotic cells in both AGS and MKN-45 cell lines. Moreover, at the molecular level, the findings indicated an increase in Bax expression and a decrease in Bcl2 mRNA expression, providing further evidence of the induction of apoptosis in both MKN-45 and AGS cell lines following PAEO treatment. The findings of this study offer evidence supporting the cytotoxic effects of PAEO on gastric cancer cell lines by promoting apoptosis. The findings suggest that PAEO may offer potential as a therapeutic candidate in managing and treating gastric cancer.

Effects of different levels of pistachio (Pistachia vera) green hull aqueous extract on performance, intestinal morphology and antioxidant capacity in Eimeria challenged broilers.

A total of 576-day-old Ross 308 broilers chicks (male) were used to evaluate the effect of various levels of pistachio green hull aqueous extract (PHE) and Eimeria challenge on the growth performance, intestinal health and antioxidant capacity. During infection period (25-42 d), treatments included: 1) control + unchallenged (negative control, NC), 2) 200 ppm PHE + unchallenged, 3) 300 ppm PHE + unchallenged, 4) 400 ppm PHE + unchallenged, 5) control + challenged (positive control, PC), 6) 200 ppm PHE + challenged, 7) 300 ppm PHE + challenged and 8) 400 ppm PHE + challenged (with 6 replications for each treatment). The outcomes revealed that in the challenged birds, average body weight gain (ABW), daily weight gain (DWG), and feed conversion ratio (FCR) linearly improved with increasing the PHE levels (P < 0.05). Infected broilers had lower daily feed intake (DFI) compared to unchallenged birds (P < 0.05). Villus height (VH), villus height to crypt depth (VH: CD) ratio and villus surface area (VSA) reduced linearly (P < 0.05), while muscle layer thickness (MT) increased linearly in challenged birds (P < 0.05). The consumption of the PHE significantly reduced the excreta oocytes and duodenum and jejunum lesion scores in Eimeria-challenged broilers (P < 0.05). By increasing the PHE levels, total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels increased (P < 0.05), while the Eimeria challenge reduced TAC, SOD, and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) levels (P <0.05). In general, the use of PHE in the broilers diet improved the antioxidant capacity, birds performance, but diminished the excreta oocytes and lesion scores with no negative effect on the intestinal morphology.

A novel and sustainable composite of L@PSAC for superior removal of pharmaceuticals from different water matrices: Production, characterization, and application.

This study endeavors to develop cost-effective environmentally friendly technology for removing harmful residual pharmaceuticals from water and wastewater by utilizing the effective adsorption of pistachio shell (PS) biochar and the degradation potency of laccase immobilized on the biochar (L@PSAC). The carbonatization and activation of the shells were optimized regarding temperature, time, and NH4NO3/PS ratio. This step yielded an optimum PS biochar (PSAC) with the highest porosity and surface area treated at 700 °C for 3 h using an NH4NO3/PS ratio of 3% wt. The immobilization of laccase onto PSAC (L@PSAC) was at its best level at pH 5, 60 U/g, and 30 °C. The optimum L@PSAC maintained a high level of enzyme activity over two months. Almost a complete removal (>99%) of diclofenac, carbamazepine, and ciprofloxacin in Milli-Q (MQ) water and wastewater was achieved. Adsorption was responsible for >80% of the removal and the rest was facilitated by laccase degradation. L@PSAC maintained effective removal of pharmaceuticals of ≥60% for up to six treatment cycles underscoring the promising application of this material for wastewater treatment. These results indicate that activated carbon derived from the pistachio shell could potentially be utilized as a carrier and adsorbent to efficiently remove pharmaceutical compounds. This enzymatic physical elimination approach has the potential to be used on a large-scale.

In vitro and in silico antiproliferative potential of isolated flavonoids constitutes from Pistacia integerrima.

Cancer is one of the most demanding domains for innovative, effective, safe, and affordable therapeutically active chemicals. The main aim of this study is to research new phytochemicals with anticancer activity. The current experiment identified and analyzed six compounds for anti-cancer potential supported by molecular simulation studies. The defatted methanolic extract underwent column chromatography, resulting in the isolation of six flavonoids. These include 3,5,7,4'-tetrahydroxy-flavanone (1), naringenin (2), 3,5,4'-trihydroxy-7-methoxy-flavanone (3), sakuranetin (4), spinacetin (5), and patuletin (6). The isolated compounds (1-6) were assessed for in vitro anti-cancer activity against various cell lines such as HepG2 (hepatoma G2), A498 (kidney), NCI-H226 (lungs), and MDR2780AD (human ovarian). The maximum antiproliferative effect was against HepG2 and MDR2780AD. When compounds 6, 5, and 1 were compared to a standard anti-cancer medicine (paclitaxel) with an IC50 of 7.32, it was shown that compounds 6, 5, and 1 exhibited significant activity against HepG2 with IC50 values of 14.65, 20.87, and 27.09 µM, respectively. All tested compounds showed an IC50 of less than 1 µM and had notable effects against MDR2780 AD cell lines. Compound 6 exhibited notable potency against the HepG2, A498, and MDR2780AD cell lines, among the six compounds that were evaluated. In contrast, compound 3 demonstrated the most pronounced impact on the NCI-H226 cell line. Docking investigations were performed using tubulin as the specific target concerning PDB ID 4O2B. The six compounds under investigation interact hydrophobically and hydrophilically with tubulin-binding site amino acid residues.

Systematic qualitative analysis of terpenes in mastic (Pistacia lentiscus L.) extract and their fragmentations by UHPLC-Q-Orbitrap-HRMS.

INTRODUCTION: Mastic is a natural resin produced by Pistacia lentiscus L. (Anacardiaceae). The beneficial properties of this resin are attributed to its triterpenes and volatile compounds. OBJECTIVE: This study was conducted to screen and characterize the terpenes in mastic ethyl acetate extract (M-Ex). METHODS: An ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography coupled to quadrupole Orbitrap high-resolution mass spectrometry (UHPLC-Q-Orbitrap-HRMS) method was developed for the qualitative analysis of terpenes in M-Ex. We utilized in-house-isolated compounds as reference substance (Rs), including monoterpenes (A) with α-pinane structures, tetracyclic triterpene (B) containing tirucallane skeletons, and pentacyclic triterpene (C) belonging to olean, moronic, amyrone, and lupane types. Based on the mass spectrometric characteristics of the above compounds, and the difference in characteristic diagnostic fragment ions (DFIs) in isomeric compounds, the terpene compounds were further identified in M-Ex. RESULTS: Out of a total of 70 compounds, including monoterpenes and tetra-, and pentacyclic triterpenes, 20 were accurately determined by Rs, retention time (RT), and DFIs. Based on the cleavage patterns summarized from the above 20 compounds and with reference to the reported literature, another 50 compounds were putatively identified. Based on our discovery, six terpenic acids with A-seco-tirucallane types and one monoterpene dimer were identified for the first time in mastic. CONCLUSION: Our research serves not only as a foundation for the rapid identification and screening of terpene compounds in mastic but also as a supplementary basis for the identification of such compounds in other types of resins.

Chemical Profiling and Enzyme Inhibitory Activities of Essential Oil Isolated from Pistacia khinjuk Leaves: Insights On GC-MS Analysis and Skin Aging-Relevant Enzymes.

Pistacia khinjuk is a species of flowering plants belonging to family Anacardiaceae, with promising pharmacological activities like antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and antimicrobial. This study aimed to investigate the GC-MS chemical composition of essential oil isolated from Pistacia khinjuk leaves and its inhibitory properties against aging-relevant enzymes such a collagenase and elastase. The isolated oil showed predominance of ß-cadinene (15.34 %), γ-amorphene (8.50 %), α-cadinol (8.14 %), τ-cadinol (7.57 %), (E)-ß-caryophyllene (5.77 %), α-pinene (4.70 %), phytol (4.57 %), α-muurolene (3.30 %), (+)-epi-bicyclosesquiphellandrene (3.21 %), and cubenene (3.16 %). Further, it showed remarkable inhibitory activities against collagenase and elastase with IC50 values of 15.61±0.69 and 41.12±2.09 µg/mL, respectively compared to epigallocatechin gallate (IC50=29.52±1.3 µg/mL and 26.86±1.37 µg/mL). as a conclusion, the leaf oil is recommended for topical cosmetic preparations to retard skin aging symptoms such as wrinkles. However, the bioavailability assessment and toxicological profile should be considered in the future studies.

Synergistic antibacterial effect of the pistachio green hull extract-loaded porphysome decorated with 4-nitroimidazole against bacteria.

'Active targeting' refers to modifying a nanocarrier's surface with targeting ligands. This study introduced an efficient approach for immobilizing imidazole-based drugs onto the metallated-porphyrin complex within the porphysome nanocarrier. To enhance cellular and bacterial uptake, a Ni-porphyrin with a fatty acid tail was synthesized and placed in the bilayer center of DPPC, facilitating receptor-mediated endocytosis. The Ni-porphyrin in the head group of the Ni-porphyrin-tail was placed superficially in the polar region of the membrane. Spherical unilamellar vesicle formation (DPPC: Ni-porphyrin-tail 4:1 mole ratio), as metallo-porphysome, was achieved through supramolecular self-assembly in an aqueous buffer. These vesicles exhibited a diameter of 279 ± 7 nm and a zeta potential of -15.3 ± 2.5 mV, showcasing their unique cytocompatibility. Nitroimidazole was decorated on the surface of metallo-porphysomes and pistachio green hull extract (PGHE) was loaded into the carrier for synergistic activity against (E. coli) and (S. aureus) bacteria strains. The physicochemical properties of Nitroimidazole-porphysome-PGHE, including size, zeta potential, morphology, loading efficiency, and release profile under various pH and temperature conditions in simulated gastrointestinal fluids were characterized. This combination therapy prevented bacterial cell attachment and biofilm formation in Caco-2 cells, as colon epithelial cells. The remarkable benefit of this system is that it does not affect cell viability even at 0.5 mg/ml. This study demonstrates the potential of a new co-delivery system using biocompatible metallo-porphysomes to decrease bacterial infections.

Chemical characteristics and biological activity screening of Pistacia lentiscus mastic gum and leaves from Türkiye.

BACKGROUND: Mastic gum is a resin that is produced by Pistacia lentiscus. It has many traditional uses, dating from ancient times, such as the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders and as a food additive. In this study, the leaves and mastic gum of trees of different ages from Karaburun and the Cesme peninsula in Türkiye were examined chemically and biologically. Flavonoids, and phenolic and fatty acid components were evaluated by a liquid chromatography system coupled with high resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS) and gas chromatography with flame ionization detection (GC-FID). Cytotoxicity was screened against several cancer and healthy cell lines using a 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) inhibition was determined on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced murine macrophage cell line (RAW 264.7) cells. Antiviral activity was measured against avian coronavirus using an in ovo virucidal antiviral activity assay. RESULTS: The main phenolic constituents of the gum were found to be salicylic, rosmarinic, and caffeic acids whereas the most abundant compounds detected were flavonoids in the leaf extracts. The most abundant fatty acids in hexane extracts were palmitic and oleic acids. All gum extracts except 3-year-old gum had significant cytotoxic activity on HeLa (IC50 1.74 ± 0.03-4.76 ± 0.95) and PC-3 (0.64 ± 0.25-6.22 ± 1.40) cells. Moreover, reducing virus activity by fivefold or sixfold logarithmically between the range of 5-10 µg g-1 of 30-year-old gum extracts underscored the biological activity. CONCLUSION: In ovo antiviral activity studies on the P. lentiscus were conducted for the first time. The mastic gum and leaves obtained from P. lentiscus may have strong potential in terms of their chemical content and antiviral and cytotoxic activity. As a consequence of these properties, it is a sustainable, renewable natural resource that can be used as an additive and flavoring in the food and pharmaceutical industries. © 2023 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

Ochratoxin A Contamination of California Pistachios and Identification of Causal Agents.

Ochratoxin A (OTA) is a potent mycotoxin produced by Aspergillus and Penicillium spp., which contaminates many crops, including pistachios. Pistachios contaminated with OTA may be subjected to border rejections resulting in significant economic losses to the United States agricultural revenues. The current study examined prevalence of OTA in California-grown pistachios and identified its causal agents. OTA was detected in 20% of samples from 2018 to 2021 (n = 809), with 18% of samples exceeding the European Union regulatory limit of 5 µg/kg. Fungi potentially responsible for OTA contamination were isolated from leaves, nuts, and soil collected from 14 pistachio orchards across California. A total of 1,882 isolates of Aspergillus section Nigri and 85 isolates of section Circumdati were recovered. Within section Nigri, 216 (11.5%) isolates were identified as potential OTA producers using a boscalid-resistance assay. Phylogenetic analyses of partial gene sequences for ß-tubulin and calmodulin genes resolved section Circumdati into four species: A. ochraceus (33%), A. melleus (28%), A. bridgeri (21%), and A. westerdijkiae (19%). A. westerdijkiae produced the highest levels of OTA in inoculated pistachios (47 µg/g), followed by A. ochraceus (9.6 µg/g) and A. melleus (3.3 µg/g). A. bridgeri did not produce OTA. OTA production by section Circumdati was optimal from 20 to 30°C. All 216 boscalid-resistant isolates from section Nigri were identified as A. tubingensis, and representative isolates (n = 130) produced 3.8 µg/kg OTA in inoculated pistachios. This is the first detailed report on OTA contamination and causal fungi in California pistachios and will be helpful in devising effective management strategies.

GC-MS profiling of Pistachio vera L., and effect of antioxidant and antimicrobial compounds of it's essential oil compared to chemical counterparts.

All elements of the pistachio tree are considered raw pistachio by-products. The soft hull makes up the majority of these by-products. It contains proteins, fats, minerals, vitamins, phenolics contents (TPC), and antioxidants. Early smiling pistachios are one of the most important sources of pistachio contamination with aflatoxin in the garden and processing stages. The present study aimed to evaluate pistachio hull essential oil (EO) composition, and antioxidant and antimicrobial properties under in vitro conditions. TPC, antioxidant, and antimicrobial activity were measured using the Folin-Ciocalteu reagent, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging method, and serial dilution titration method, respectively. A gas chromatography system with a mass spectrometer (GC-MS) was utilized to determine the chemical components of the EO. The findings revealed that the quantity of TPC and anti-radical activity in IC50 were 245.43 mg gallic acid/mL and 206.32 µL/L, respectively. The free radical absorption activity of DPPH (%) increased with EO content. The inhibitory activity of EO on Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis was much lower than that of streptomycin and penicillin. Aspergillus flavus was effectively inhibited by pistachio hull EO, comparable to fluconazole. The results obtained from GC-MS showed that the major compounds in pistachio hull essential oil include α-pinene (47.36%), terpinolene (10.57%), limonene (9.13%), and L-bornyl acetate (8.57%). The findings indicated that pistachio hull EO has potent antibacterial and antioxidant components and can be employed as a natural antimicrobial and antioxidant in food systems.