Variation in the Composition and Quality of Nigella sativa L. Seed Oils-The Underestimated Impact on Possible Health-Promoting Properties.

Nigella sativa L. (black cumin) is one of the most investigated medicinal plants in recent years. Volatile compounds like thymoquinone and unsaponifiable lipid compounds are crucial functional components of this oil. Unfortunately, the composition of oils and their quality indicators are ambiguous both in terms of identified compounds and value ranges. Thirteen oils were extracted with hexane from black cumin seeds grown in India, Syria, Egypt, and Poland and analyzed for their fatty acid composition, unsaponifiable compound content and volatile compounds. Oils were also subjected to quality tests according to standard methods. The fatty acid composition and sterol content/composition were relatively stable among the tested oils. Tocol content varied in the range of 140-631 mg/kg, and among them, ß-tocotrienol and γ-tocopherol prevailed. Oils' volatile compounds were dominated by seven terpenes (p-cymene, α-thujene, α-pinene, ß-pinene, thymoquinone, γ-terpinene, and sabinene). The highest contents of these volatiles were determined in samples from Poland and in two of six samples from India. High acid and peroxide values were typical features of N. sativa L. oils. To sum up, future research on the medicinal properties of black cumin oil should always be combined with the analysis of its chemical composition.

The impact of selected xanthophylls on oil hydrolysis by pancreatic lipase: in silico and in vitro studies.

Lipase inhibition is one of the directions to control obesity. In vitro assays have confirmed the inhibitory effect of selected xanthophylls, including astaxanthin, fucoxanthinol, fucoxanthin, and neoxanthin. Similarly, an in-silico study also demonstrated the successful inhibition of pancreatic lipase by astaxanthin. Unfortunately, the efficacy of these protocols in the emulsion state typical of lipid digestion remains untested. To address this issue, the current study employed the pH-stat test, which mimics lipid digestion in the gastrointestinal tract, to evaluate native and prepared sea buckthorn and rapeseed oils with varying xanthophyll contents from 0 to 1400 mg/kg oil. Furthermore, a molecular docking of zeaxanthin and violaxanthin (commonly found in plant-based foods), astaxanthin (widely distributed in foods of marine origin) and orlistat (approved as a drug) was performed. The in-silico studies revealed comparable inhibitory potential of all tested xanthophylls (variation from - 8.0 to - 9.3 kcal/mol), surpassing that of orlistat (- 6.5 kcal/mol). Nonetheless, when tested in an emulsified state, the results of pH-stat digestion failed to establish the inhibitory effect of xanthophylls in the digested oils. In fact, lipolysis of native xanthophyll-rich sea buckthorn oil was approximately 22% higher than that of the xanthophyll-low preparation. The key insight derived from this study is that the amphiphilic properties of xanthophylls during the digestion of xanthophyll-rich lipids/meals facilitate emulsion formation, which leads to enhanced fat lipolysis.

Lysophosphatidylcholines Enriched with cis and trans Palmitoleic Acid Regulate Insulin Secretion via GPR119 Receptor.

Among lipids, lysophosphatidylcholines (LPCs) with various fatty acyl chains have been identified as potential agonists of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). Recently, targeting GPCRs has been switched to diabetes and obesity. Concomitantly, our last findings indicate the insulin secretagogue properties of cis and trans palmitoleic acid (16:1, n-7) resulting from GPCR activation, however, associated with different signaling pathways. We here report the synthesis of LPCs bearing two geometrical isomers of palmitoleic acids and investigation of their impact on human pancreatic ß cells viability, insulin secretion, and activation of four GPCRs previously demonstrated to be targeted by free fatty acids and LPCs. Moreover, molecular modeling was exploited to investigate the probable binding sites of tested ligands and calculate their affinity toward GPR40, GPR55, GPR119, and GPR120 receptors.

Trans-palmitoleic acid, a dairy fat biomarker, stimulates insulin secretion and activates G protein-coupled receptors with a different mechanism from the cis isomer.

Dietary trans-palmitoleic acid (trans 16:1n-7, tPOA), a biomarker for high-fat dairy product intake, has been associated with a lower risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in some cross-sectional and prospective epidemiological studies. Here, we investigated the insulin secretion-promoting activity of tPOA and compared them with the effects evoked by the cis-POA isomer (cPOA), an endogenous lipokine biosynthesized in the liver and adipose tissue, and found in some natural food sources. The debate about the positive and negative relationships of those two POA isomers with metabolic risk factors and the underlying mechanisms is still going on. Therefore, we examined the potency of both POA isomers to potentiate insulin secretion in murine and human pancreatic ß cell lines. We also investigated whether POA isomers activate G protein-coupled receptors proposed as potential targets for T2DM treatment. We show that tPOA and cPOA augment glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS) to a similar extent; however, their insulin secretagogue activity is associated with different signaling pathways. We also performed ligand docking and molecular dynamics simulations to predict the preferred orientation of POA isomers and the strength of association between those two fatty acids and GPR40, GPR55, GPR119, and GPR120 receptors. Overall, this study provides insight into the bioactivity of tPOA and cPOA toward selected GPCR functions, indicating them as targets responsible for the insulin secretagogue action of POA isomers. It reveals that both tPOA and cPOA may promote insulin secretion and subsequently regulate glucose homeostasis.

Composition of flesh lipids and oleosome yield optimization of selected sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) cultivars grown in Poland.

Sea buckthorn berries contain lipids rich in palmitoleic acid, carotenoids, tocols and sterols, but their composition varies greatly depending on the cultivar and region of cultivation. Therefore, the current study presents the chemical composition of fruit flesh oils of cultivars grown in Poland and compares them with plants grown worldwide. Among tested cultivars, the highest shares of palmitoleic acid were determined in Golden Rain and Luczystaja cvs. Ten grams of sea buckthorn flesh oil provides at least 28% of vitamin A, 50% of vitamin E and 5% of sterols of the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) values for adults. The final part of this study is dedicated to a preliminary study of the optimization of the oleosome yield by the centrifugation method. The maximum oleosome yield can be obtained at a relatively low centrifugal force (below 8000×g), while optimal temperature and time should be laboratory determined for each cultivar.

Small-scale wastewater treatment plants as a source of the dissemination of antibiotic resistance genes in the aquatic environment.

Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) are significant source of antibiotic resistant bacteria (ARB) and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), which can spread further in the environment by reaching rivers together with effluents discharged from WWTPs. In this study untreated and treated wastewater (UWW, TWW), upstream and downstream river water (URW, DRW) were collected from 4 WWTPs, in the winter and autumn seasons. The occurrence of ARB resistant to beta-lactams and tetracyclines as well as the presence of antibiotics from these classes were analysed in water and wastewater samples. Additionally, the amounts of 12 ARGs, 2 genes of mobile genetic elements (MGEs), gene uidA identifying E. coli and 16S rRNA were also determined. Resistance to beta-lactams prevailed among ARB in water and wastewater samples (constituting 82-88% of total counts of bacteria). The dominant genes in water and wastewater samples were blaTEM, tetA, sul1. The gene blaOXA demonstrated high variability of its concentration in samples collected in both seasons. Despite the high per cent reduction of ARB and ARGs concentration observed during the wastewater treatment processes, their large quantities are still transmitted into the environment. The research focuses on WWTPs' role in the dissemination of ARGs and MGEs in the aquatic environment.

Impact of the addition of 4-vinyl-derivatives of ferulic and sinapic acids on retention of fatty acids and terpenoids in cold-pressed rapeseed and flaxseed oils during the induction period of oxidation.

In the western diet there is an oversupply of n-6 fatty acids. This adverse trend can be balanced by the consumption of rapeseed and flaxseed oils rich in α-linolenic acid (n-3). However, the high share of this fatty acid contributes to low oxidative stability of oil. Oxidation decreases n-3 fatty acid and other bioactive compounds contents, which adversely affects oil nutritional value. In this study, the impact of ferulic and sinapic acids vinyl derivatives on the fatty acids and oil terpenoids (sterols, tocols, carotenoids, squalene) retention at the end of induction period during accelerated oxidation of rapeseed and flaxseed cold-pressed oils was investigated. It was found that the use of 4-vinylsyringol (4-VS) or 4-vinylquaiacol (4-VQ) increased the retention of intact sterols and carotenoids (at least 2-fold) and squalene (at least 4-fold). The 4-VQ addition also inhibited the α-linolenic acid loss. Unfortunately, both phenolic derivatives favoured α-tocopherol decay in rapeseed oil.

Supercritical CO2 extraction in chia oils production: impact of process duration and co-solvent addition.

This study was conducted to show impact of supercritical fluid extraction using pure SC-CO2 or SC-CO2 enriched by 2, 6, and 10% of acetone, simultaneously varied by the extraction time (1 vs. 5 h), on the quality of chia seed oils. Obtained oils were relatively similar in the fatty acid composition, but they differed in total content of phytochemicals (from 4956 to 6391 mg/kg of oil). Among them, three oils were the most different: oil extracted 1 h with pure SC-CO2 (the most abundant in squalene, sterols, and tocopherols), oil extracted 5 h with pure SC-CO2 (the poorest in squalene, polyphenols, and carotenoids, with medium level of sterols and tocopherols) and oil extracted 1 h with SC-CO2 enriched by 10% acetone (the most abundant in polyphenols and carotenoids). Such unique chia oils can be valuable for special market needs, such as cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, functional food or diet supplement production.

Comparison of the effect of sinapic and ferulic acids derivatives (4-vinylsyringol vs. 4-vinylguaiacol) as antioxidants of rapeseed, flaxseed, and extra virgin olive oils.

The aim of the work is to compare the antioxidant activity of 4-vinylguaiacol (4-VQ) and 4-vinylsyringol (4-VS) added to stabilize three (flaxseed, olive and rapeseed) commercial oils. The phenolics were added at concentration of 20, 40 and 80mg per 100g of oil. The oils were oxidized in a Rancimat test at 110°C. The linear dependences between the concentrations of each of these compounds and the induction period (IP) were found. Generally, 4-VQ was more effective, since the determined IP increase after its addition was from 5 to 25-fold higher than for the same addition of 4-VS. The highest increase was noted for flaxseed oil, for which 80mg 4-VQ addition per 100g of oil resulted in 50% IP increase. The highest absolute values of IP were reached by extra virgin olive oil, naturally abundant in phenolic compounds and with the lowest fatty acids oxidation index.

Sensory, Physico-Chemical and Water Sorption Properties of Corn Extrudates Enriched with Spirulina.

This study compares the quality of extrudates made from corn grits with the addition of up to 8% of spirulina powder. The sensory properties (shape, color, aroma, taste and crispness), chemicals (content of water, protein, fat, ash, fiber, carbohydrates, carotenoids, chlorophyll and phycocyanin) and physical properties (color, water absorption index, expansion indices, texture and water sorption properties) were determined. It has been found that spirulina-enriched extrudates had slightly lower sensory scores, but the addition of spirulina improved their nutritional value. The contents of protein, ash, fiber and ß-carotene increased in extrudates with 8% of spirulina by 34, 36, 140 and 1,260%, respectively. The increasing addition of spirulina caused a decrease in extrudates lightness, an increase in their greenness and yellowness accompanied by a decrease of expansion indices and an increase of softness. Only small differences were found in water sorption properties, suggesting a similar behavior of spirulina-enriched extrudates during storage.

Effect of Sea-Buckthorn (Hippophaë rhamnoides L.) Pulp Oil Consumption on Fatty Acids and Vitamin A and E Accumulation in Adipose Tissue and Liver of Rats.

An in vivo experiment was conducted to determine the effect of sea-buckthorn pulp oil feeding on the fatty acid composition of liver and adipose tissue of Wistar rats and the liver accumulation of retinol, its esters and α-tocopherol. For a period of 28 days, rats were given a modified casein diet (AIN-93) in which sea-buckthorn pulp oil, soybean oil and pork lard were used as sources of fat. Compared to the other fat sources, sea-buckthorn pulp oil was the most abundant in C16 fatty acids, carotenoids (mainly ß-carotene) and tocopherols (mainly α-tocopherol). Its consumption was reflected in an increased share of palmitoleic acid in adipose tissue and the liver and an increased level of retinol in liver tissues (this was not observed for its esters). Although the type of fat did not have a significant effect on the average content of α-tocopherol in the liver, the variation of saturation of this tissue with α-tocopherol was the lowest when rats were fed a diet containing sea-buckthorn oil. This experiment indicates the possibility of affecting adipose tissue and liver by a diet.

Variations in grain lipophilic phytochemicals, proteins and resistance to Fusarium spp. growth during grain storage as affected by biological plant protection with Aureobasidium pullulans (de Bary).

Modern agriculture relies on an integrated approach, where chemical treatment is reduced to a minimum and replaced by biological control that involves the use of active microorganisms. The effect of the antagonistic yeast-like fungus Aureobasidium pullulans on proteins and bioactive compounds (alkylresorcinols, sterols, tocols and carotenoids) in winter wheat grain and on the colonization of wheat kernels by fungal microbiota, mainly Fusarium spp. pathogens, was investigated. Biological treatment contributed to a slight increase contents of tocols, alkylresorcinols and sterols in grain. At the same time, the variation of wheat grain proteins was low and not significant. Application of A. pullulans enhanced the natural yeast colonization after six months of grain storage and inhibited growth of F. culmorum pathogens penetrating wheat kernel. This study demonstrated that an integrated approach of wheat grain protection with the use of the yeast-like fungus A. pullulans reduced kernel colonization by Fusarium spp. pathogens and increased the content of nutritionally beneficial phytochemicals in wheat grain without a loss of gluten proteins responsible for baking value.

Optimization of Pumpkin Oil Recovery by Using Aqueous Enzymatic Extraction and Comparison of the Quality of the Obtained Oil with the Quality of Cold-Pressed Oil.

The study was carried out to optimize pumpkin oil recovery in the process of aqueous extraction preceded by enzymatic maceration of seeds, as well as to compare the quality of the obtained oil to the quality of cold-pressed pumpkin seed oil. Hydrated pulp of hulless pumpkin seeds was macerated using a 2% (by mass) cocktail of commercial pectinolytic, cellulolytic and proteolytic preparations (Rohapect® UF, Rohament® CL and Colorase® 7089). The optimization procedure utilized response surface methodology based on Box- -Behnken plan of experiment. The optimized variables of enzymatic pretreatment were pH, temperature and maceration time. The results showed that the pH value, temperature and maceration time of 4.7, 54 °C and 15.4 h, respectively, were conducive to maximize the oil yield up to 72.64%. Among these variables, the impact of pH was crucial (above 73% of determined variation) for oil recovery results. The oil obtained by aqueous enzymatic extraction was richer in sterols, squalene and tocopherols, and only slightly less abundant in carotenoids than the cold-pressed one. However, it had a lower oxidative stability, with induction period shortened by approx. 30% in relation to the cold-pressed oil.

Comparison of the phenolic compounds, carotenoids and tocochromanols content in wheat grain under organic and mineral fertilization regimes.

A field study was performed to evaluate the effect of mineral (NPK) and organic-based fertilizers such as compost (C), manure (FYM) and meat and bone meal (MBM) on the appearance (dimensions and color) of spring wheat kernels and on the total content in grain of main its phytochemicals (polyphenols, carotenoids and tocochromanols) and phenolic acids composition. Total phenolic compounds were determined using the Folin-Ciocalteu assay after alkaline hydrolysis of grain and carotenoids were analyzed spectrophotometrically. Composition of tocochromanols and phenolic acids was determined using RP-HPLC techniques. Only insignificant differences in the appearance of kernels and small changes in the content and composition of grain phytochemicals were noted between the studied fertilization systems. Among the analyzed phytochemicals the greatest variation was observed in the group of polyphenol compounds, with a stated increase of their total content of 6.7 and 11.2% in grain fertilized with MBM and compost, respectively. Simultaneously the grain from organic fertilization contained significantly less phenolic acids, and the decrease in their content ranged from 10.0% for FYM to 24.8% for MBM+EM-1. Organically and conventionally fertilized grain had similar amounts of tocochromanols and carotenoids. Comparison of MBM and MBM+EM-1 variants showed that application of effective microorganisms decreased carotenoids and tocochromanols content by 8.5 and 9.7%, respectively.

Changes of chemical composition and dough rheology in two fractions of sieve-classified Polish spring wheat flour.

The study of chemical composition and dough rheology changes in sieve-classified two fractions (up to 60 and 60-240 microm particles) of wheat flour was the subject of this study. The straight grade flours were obtained by the milling of three Polish varieties of spring wheat, differing in particle size index (PSI) values. The flours were separated with the use of an SZ-1 laboratory sifter. The yield of fine fraction was in the range 50.0-55.7%. The obtained fractions were assayed for the content and composition of free lipids, gluten proteins, damaged starch, ash, water absorption and amylograph viscosity. Dough rheology (extrusion in OTMS cell, alveograph and farinograph tests) and baking trials were also performed. The content of free lipids, including the non-polar and phospholipids was lower and the content of glycolipids was higher in fine flours. Those fractions were more rich in linoleic acid but the lower content of oleic and linolenic acids resulted in a higher oxidizability index of free lipids. Fine flours contained less ash and significantly more damaged starch. At the same time, they were characterized by a higher content of wet gluten, water absorption, amylograph viscosity and better dough parameters. This was reflected in the bread volume, which was higher by 6.3-10.7%. The influence of the changes in composition and the content of free lipids upon the rheology of the dough after the 90 days flour storage has not been defined unambiguously and requires further research.