Metabolomic Profile of Arthrospira platensis from a Bulgarian Bioreactor-A Potential Opportunity for Inclusion in Dietary Supplements.

The present study aims to elucidate the metabolomic profile of Arthrospira platensis grown in a bioreactor in Bulgaria. The results show that Arthrospira platensis has a high content of mannose, 137.02 mg g-1, and vitamin A (retinol)-10.3 µg/100 g. High concentrations of calcium, sulfur, and zinc distinguish its elemental composition. The freeze-dried powder contained 15.81 ± 0.45% dietary fiber, 50.16 ± 0.25% total protein content, and 1.22 ± 0.11% total fat content. Among the unsaturated fatty acids with the highest content is α-linolenic acid (25.28%), while among the saturated fatty acids, palmitic acid prevails (22.55%). Of the sterols in the sample, ß-sitosterol predominated. There is no presence of microcystins LR, RR, YR, and nodularin. Therefore, Arthrospira platensis grown in a Bulgarian bioreactor is safe for use in the pharmaceutical and food industries. Many of the organic compounds found have applications in medicine and pharmacology and play an important role in biochemical processes in the body. Therefore, Arthrospira platensis grown in Bulgaria has a high potential for use as an independent food supplement or in combination with other natural products.

Chemical Compositions, Pharmacological Properties and Medicinal Effects of Genus Passiflora L.: A Review.

Practically all aboveground plants parts of Passiflora vines can be included in the compositions of dietary supplements, medicines, and cosmetics. It has a diverse chemical composition and a wide range of biologically active components that determine its diverse pharmacological properties. Studies related to the chemical composition of the plant are summarized here, and attention has been paid to various medical applications-(1) anti-inflammatory, nephroprotective; (2) anti-depressant; (3) antidiabetic; (4) hepatoprotective; (5) antibacterial and antifungal; and (6) antipyretic and other. This review includes studies on the safety, synergistic effects, and toxicity that may occur with the use of various dietary supplements based on it. Attention has been drawn to its application in cosmetics and to patented products containing passionflower.

Application of Arthrospira platensis for Medicinal Purposes and the Food Industry: A Review of the Literature.

Arthrospira platensis is a filamentous cyanobacterium of the class Cyanophyceae and is the most cultivated photosynthetic prokaryote. It is used in the pharmaceutical sector, medicine and the food industry. It has a rich micro- and macro-element composition, containing proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, essential amino acids, polyunsaturated fatty acids, minerals and raw fibers. It is a commonly used ingredient in food products and nutritional supplements. The wide range of biologically active components determines its diverse pharmacological properties (antioxidant, antidiabetic, antimicrobial, antineoplastic, antitumor, anti-inflammatory, photoprotective, antiviral, etc.). This review summarizes research related to the taxonomy, distribution and chemical composition of Arthrospira platensis as well as its potential application in the food and pharmaceutical industries. Attention is drawn to its various medical applications as an antidiabetic and antiobesity agent, with hepatoprotective, antitumor, antimicrobial and antiviral effects as well as regulatory effects on neurodegenerative diseases.

Risk Assessment of Essential and Toxic Elements in Freshwater Fish Species from Lakes near Black Sea, Bulgaria.

The aims of this study were to measure the concentrations of selected toxic and essential elements in the muscle tissue of five common freshwater fish species ((roach (Rutilus rutilus), freshwater bream (Abramis brama), prussian carp (Carassius gibelio), crucian carp (Carassius carassius) and common carp (Cyprinus carpio)) from Lake Burgas and Lake Mandra (Bulgaria). In all samples the levels of Cd, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, Fe and Zn were under the maximum allowed concentrations for safe human consumption in Bulgaria and ranged as follows: Cd 0.02-0.05; Cr 0.03-0.06; Cu 0.11-0.20; Mn 0.05-0.71; Ni 0.06-0.11; Pb 0.15-0.27, Fe 1.68-5.86 and Zn 1.94-9.06 mg/kg wet weight. The concentration of As was under detection limit. An assessment of the human risk by calculation of the target hazard quotients (THQ), hazard index (HI) and target risk (TR) was performed. The target hazard quotient (THQ) for individual elements and HI for combined metals were lower than 1, indicating no health risk for consumers due to the intake of either individual or combined metals. The target risk for iAs, Pb and Ni was below 10-6, indicating no carcinogenic risk. According to these results, the consumption of these freshwater fish species is safe for human health.

Effect of steaming on chemical composition of Mediterranean mussel (Mytilus galloprovincialis): Evaluation of potential risk associated with human consumption.

Steaming process is the most popular method for cooking mussels worldwide. The effect of this cooking process on some toxic (Cd, Ni, Pb), essential (Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Zn) elements, minerals (Na, K, Ca, Mg), total lipids, and fatty acid profiles in the Mediterranean mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis) harvested from the Black Sea was studied. Different approaches to assess the benefits and risks (n-6/n-3, PUFA/SFA, AI, TI, h/H, EDI, THQ, HI, TR, and HQEFA) were employed. In general, steaming process significantly modified some essential elements and minerals concentrations as well as the fatty acid profiles. Compared to the raw samples, this culinary practice resulted in an increased concentration of Na, Mg, Zn, and saturated fatty acids and a decrease of polyunsaturated fatty acids. Significant changes in the lipid quality indices (PUFA/SFA, AI, TI, and h/H) from the raw samples were observed. No effect on the DHA content was found. However, the significant increase in the absolute content of EPA + DHA indicates that steaming does not compromise the nutritional quality of mussels. Target hazard quotients (THQs) and hazard index (HI) from elemental intake were below 1, indicating that the steamed M. galloprovincialis pose no hazard for the consumers. The target risk (TR) values for Pb, Cr, and Ni were calculated, evaluated, and showed acceptable or negligible levels. In addition, the benefit-risk ratio indicated that the steamed M. galloprovincialis are safe for human consumption.

Trace elements and omega-3 fatty acids of black sea (Bulgaria) bivalve species Mytilus galloprovincialis, Chamelea gallina and Donax trunculus. Human health risk.

The study aimed to evaluate trace elements (Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Ni, Pb and Zn) concentrations and fatty acids of three Black Sea bivalve species - Donax trunculus, Mytilus galloprovincialis and Chamelea gallina as well as human health risk and benefit-risk ratio based on n-3 LC-PUFA vs. toxic/essential elements. The results showed variations in the element concentrations among the analysed species. D. trunculus generally contained higher levels of the essential elements Cu and Zn, while C. gallina - higher Cr and Fe. Toxic elements content did not exceed the international standards for mollusks. D. trunculus and C. gallina were better dietary sources of n-3 LC-PUFA, with approximately two-fold higher EPA + DHA content than M. galloprovincialis. Health risks for most toxic and essential elements exposed from bivalve consumption were safe based on THQ, HI and TR indices. The benefit-risk ratio indicated that studied species are safe for human consumption, except one case.

Trace Elements and Omega-3 Fatty Acids of Wild and Farmed Mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis) Consumed in Bulgaria: Human Health Risks.

The unique, closed ecosystem of the Black Sea is of significant global importance. The levels and health risk of some trace elements (As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Ni, Pb and Zn) in wild and farmed mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis) collected from the Bulgarian part of the Black Sea were determined and using different approaches such as Estimated Daily Intake (EDI), Target Hazard Quotient (THQ), Hazard Index (HI), Target risk (TR), human health risk levels were assessed. The mean maximum concentrations of the elements Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Ni, Pb and Zn in all mussel samples were below the maximum permissible limits (MPLs) except that which exceeded the limit of 2.00 mg/kg ww. Eicosapentaenoic (EPA, 20:5n-3) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6n-3) were the major polyunsaturated fatty acids. The fatty acids profile studied mussels showed that the farmed mussels had higher PUFA/SFA ratios, DHA and EPA + DHA content and lower SFA, AI and TI values. The target risk (TR) values for Pb, Cr, Ni and As were calculated, evaluated and showed acceptable or negligible levels. Target hazard quotients (THQs) and hazard index (HI) from elemental intake were below 1 indicated no hazard from consumption. The benefit-risk ratio indicated that wild and cultured M. galloprovincialis are safe for human consumption.

Environmental Investigations and Tissue Bioaccumulation of Heavy Metals in Grey Mullet from the Black Sea (Bulgaria) and the Ionian Sea (Italy).

The environmental monitoring of chemical toxicants has been a widely studied topic in the last few decades. The main aim of the present study was to determine the total concentration of nine elements (Cd, Cr, Pb, Ni, Al, Cu, Fe, Mn, and Zn) in the fish species grey mullet (M. cephalus) and in the coastal marine waters collected from various sampling points along the Black Sea (Bulgaria) and the Ionian Sea (Italy). Further, those results were applied to predict the pollution degree in those coastal marine environments. The fish samples were subject to acid digestion followed by appropriate analytical determination. The metal concentrations in marine water samples collected from the Black Sea (Bulgaria) and the Ionian Sea (Italy) were also analyzed. Unpaired Student's t-test and the one-way ANOVA were applied for the statistical analysis of the data. The statistical results revealed a significant variation (p < 0.0001) in the concentration of various fish tissues. The accumulation of toxic and essential elements differs significantly in grey mullet species caught from the Black Sea (Bulgaria) and the Ionian Sea (Italy). The results from this study may serve as a convenient approach during marine pollution programs set by both countries (Italy and Bulgaria).