Production and analysis of metabolites from solid-state fermentation of Chenopodium formosanum (Djulis) sprouts in a bioreactor.

The study utilized fresh fourth-day Chenopodium formosanum sprouts as the substrate for Rhizopus oligosporus fermentation. The resultant products showed higher antioxidant capacity than those from C. formosanum grains. Compared to traditional plate fermentation (PF), fermentation in a bioreactor (BF) (35 °C, 0.4 vvm aeration at 5 rpm) led to higher free peptide content (99.56 ± 7.77 mg casein tryptone/g) and enzyme activity (amylase, glucosidase, and proteinase are 2.21 ± 0.01, 54.57 ± 10.88, and 40.81 ± 6.52 U/g, respectively) than traditional plate fermentation (PF). Using mass spectrometry analysis, two peptides TDEYGGSIENRFMN and DNSMLTFEGAPVQGAAAITEK were predicted to possess high bioactive properties as DPP IV and ACE inhibitors. Additionally, over twenty new metabolites (aromatics, amines, fatty acids, and carboxylic acids) were discovered in the BF system compared to its PF counterpart. Results suggest that using a BF system to ferment C. formosanum sprouts is an appropriate method to scale-up fermentation and enhance nutritional values as well as bioactivities.

Mosquitocidal activities of Chenopodium botrys whole plant n-hexane extract against Culex quinquefasciatus / Atividades mosquitocidas do extrato de n-hexano de planta inteira de Chenopodium botrys contra Culex quinquefasciatus

This research aimed to investigate various mosquitocidal activities of Chenopodium botrys whole- plant n-hexane extract against Culex quinquefasciatus. The extract showed remarkable larvicidal, pupicidal, adulticidal, oviposition deterrent and adult emergence inhibitory activities against Cx. quinquefasciatus. During the larvicidal and pupicidal activities, the 24-hour lethal concentration (LC50) of extract against 2nd instar larvae, 4th instar larvae and pupae were 324.6, 495.6 and 950.8 ppm, respectively. During the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) bottle bioassay for adulticidal activity, the median knockdown times (KDT50) at 1.25% concentration was 123.4 minutes. During the filter paper impregnation bioassay for adulticidal activity, the KDT50 value at 0.138 mg/cm2 concentration was 48.6 minutes. The extract was fractionated into 14 fractions through silica gel column chromatography which were then combined into six fractions on the basis of similar retention factor (Rf) value. These fractions were screened for adulticidal activity by applying CDC bottle bioassay. The fraction obtained through 60:40 to 50:50% n-hexanes-chloroform mobile phase with 0.5 Rf value showed 100% adulticidal activity at 0.2% concentration. During oviposition deterrent activity, the highest concentration (1000 ppm) showed 71.3 ± 4.4% effective repellence and 0.6 ± 0.1 oviposition activity index. During adult emergence inhibition activity, the median emergence inhibition (EI50) value was 312.3 ppm. From the outcome of the present investigation, it is concluded that the n-hexane extract of C. botrys whole- plant possesses strong larvicidal, pupicidal, adulticidal, oviposition deterrent and adult emergence inhibitory activities against Cx. quinquefasciatus.

Esta pesquisa teve como objetivo investigar várias atividades mosquitocidas do extrato n-hexano de planta inteira de Chenopodium botrys contra Culex quinquefasciatus. O extrato mostrou atividades larvicida, pupicida, adulticida, dissuasora de oviposição e inibidora da emergência de adultos contra a Cx. quinquefasciatus. Durante as atividades larvicida e pupicida, a concentração letal de 24 horas (CL50) do extrato contra larvas de 2º estádio, larvas de 4º estádio e pupa foi de 324,6, 495,6 e 950,8 ppm, respectivamente. Durante o bioensaio com frasco do CDC (Centros para Controle e Prevenção de Doenças) para adulticida, o tempo médio de desativação (KDT50) na concentração de 1,25% foi de 123,4 minutos. Durante o bioensaio de impregnação com papel de filtro para a atividade adulticida do extrato, o valor KDT50 na concentração de 0,138 mg / cm2 foi de 48,6 minutos. O extrato foi fracionado em 14 frações através de cromatografia em coluna de gel de sílica que foram então combinadas em seis frações com base em um valor de fator de retenção (Rf) semelhante. Essas frações foram selecionadas quanto à atividade adulticida por meio da aplicação do bioensaio com garrafa do CDC. A fração obtida através da fase móvel de n-hexanos-clorofórmio 60:40% a 50:50% com valor de 0,5 Rf apresentou atividade adulticida de 100% na concentração de 0,2%. Durante a atividade de dissuasão da oviposição, a maior concentração de extrato (1000 ppm) apresentou repelência efetiva de 71,3 ± 4,4% e índice de atividade de oviposição de 0,6 ± 0,1. Durante a atividade de inibição da emergência de adultos, o valor médio de inibição da emergência (EI50) foi de 312,3 ppm. A partir do resultado da presente investigação, conclui-se que o extrato de n-hexano da planta inteira de C. botrys possui fortes atividades larvicida, pupicida, adulticida, dissuasora da oviposição e inibidora da emergência de adultos contra a Cx. quinquefasciatus.

Nutrient composition of Chenopodium formosanum Koidz. bran: Fractionation and bioactivity of its soluble active polysaccharides.

Background: Chenopodium formosanum Koidz. Amaranthaceae-also known as Djulis or red quinoa (RQ)-is a cereal plant indigenous to Taiwan, known for its high nutrient value. However, its bran is considered a waste product and the nutrient value has never been analyzed. Methods: In this study, we examined the proximate composition of RQ bran, specifically its soluble polysaccharide fractions. Results: RQ bran exhibited high contents of protein (16.56%), ash (7.10%), carbohydrate (60.45%), total polyphenolics (1.85%), betaxanthin (9.91 mg/100 g of RQ bran), and indicaxanthin (7.27 mg/100 g of RQ bran). Specifically, it was rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs; 39.24%)-with an n-6/n-3 and PUFA/saturated fatty acid (SFA) ratio of 18.137 and 0.743, respectively. Four soluble polysaccharide fractions were also obtained: CF-1, CF-2, CF-3, and CF-4, with yields of 3.90%, 6.74%, 22.28%, and 0.06%, respectively, and molecular weights of 32.54, 24.93, 72.39, and 55.45 kDa, respectively. CF-1, CF-2, CF-3, and CF-4 had respectively 15.67%, 42.41%, 5.44%, and 14.52% peptide moiety content and 38.92%, 50.70%, 93.76%, and 19.80% carbohydrate moiety. In CF-2, the glucose content was 95.86 mol% and that of leucine was 16.23%, implicating the presence of a typical leucinoglucan. All four polysaccharide fractions lacked glutamic acid and hydroxyproline. The IC50 of CF-1, CF-2, and CF-3 was respectively 12.05, 3.98, and 14.5 mg/mL for DPPH free radical-scavenging ability; 5.77, 4.10, and 7.03 mg/mL for hydrogen peroxide-scavenging capability; 0.26, 0.05, and 0.19 mg/mL for O2 - free radical-scavenging capability; and 100.41, 28.12, and 29.73 mg/mL for Fe2+ chelation. Conclusion: Our results indicated that RQ bran has a large amount of nutrient compounds, and a cost-efficient process for their extraction is needed. Their biomedical application as nutraceuticals also warrants further investigation.

Effect of stress on germination of djulis (Chenopodium formosanum Koidz.) sprouts: a natural alternative to enhance the betacyanin and phenolic compounds.

BACKGROUND: Germination is regarded as a natural method for improving the bioavailability of seed nutrients against stress, which enhances the accumulation of bioactive compounds. The present study aimed to determine the effect of stress (H2 O2 , catechin, gallic acid, tyrosine, and NaCl) during germination of djulis (Chenopodium formosanum Koidz.) sprouts on betacyanin, phytochemicals, and antioxidant capacities. RESULTS: The betacyanin and antioxidant activities of the djulis sprouts increased significantly compared to seeds. The lowest betacyanin was found in NaCl-stressed sprouts. The djulis sprouts reported the presence of celosianins I and II (50.72%), which was absent in seeds. Hydroxycinnamic acids accounted for > 60% of the total phenolic compounds in sprouts, whereas rutin predominated in the seeds. CONCLUSION: Germination under stress may represent an effective natural method for improving the bioactive potential of sprouts, an alternative to use seeds, in the development of bioactive compounds-enriched healthy foods that are good for public health. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.

Antimicrobial, antioxidant and cytotoxic properties of Chenopodium glaucum L.

We evaluated phytochemical composition, antibacterial, antifungal, anti-oxidant and cytotoxic properties of aqueous (water) and organic extracts (methanol, ethyl acetate and n-hexane) of Chenopodium glaucum. Highest phenolic content 45 mg gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/g d.w was found in aqueous extract followed by ethyl acetate (41mg GAE/g d.w) and methanol extract (34.46 mg GAE/g d.w). Antibacterial potential of aqueous and organic extracts of C. glaucum was examined against Acinetobacter baumannii, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus epidermidis. The aqueous, methanolic, ethyl acetate, and n-hexane extract showed antibacterial activity against A. baumannii, K. pneumoniae, E. coli and S. epidermidis. However, against A. baumannii significantly higher inhibition zone (19 mm and 18.96 mm respectively) was shown by ethyl acetate and methanol extracts. Aqueous extract possessed highest growth inhibition (11 mm) against E. coli. Aqueous, ethyl acetate and methanol extracts showed 9 mm, 10 mm, and 10.33 mm zone of inhibition against the K. pneumoniae. For antifungal activity, the extracts were less effective against Aspergillus niger but showed strong antifungal activity against Aspergillus flavus (A. flavus). The antioxidant activity was measured as DPPH (2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl), H2O2 and ABTS (2, 2'-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) scavenging activity of free radicals. All the organic extracts of C. glaucum possessed ABTS, DPPH and H2O2 scavenging properties. The highest cytotoxic activity measured as half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) against human lungs carcinoma cells was recorded for methanolic (IC50 = 16 µg/mL) and n-hexane (IC50 = 25 µg/mL) extracts, respectively. The Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis showed 4 major and 26 minor compounds in n-hexane extract and 4 major and 7 minor compounds in methanol extract of the C. glaucum. It is concluded that aqueous and organic extracts of C. glaucum would be potential therapeutic agents and could be exploited on a pilot scale to treat human pathogenic diseases.

Enhanced antioxidant activity of Chenopodium formosanum Koidz. by lactic acid bacteria: Optimization of fermentation conditions.

In this study, different probiotics commonly used to produce fermented dairy products were inoculated independently for Chenopodium formosanum Koidz. fermentation. The strain with the highest level of antioxidant activity was selected and the fermentation process was further optimized via response surface methodology (RSM). Lactobacillus plantarum BCRC 11697 was chosen because, compared to other lactic acid bacteria, it exhibits increased free radical scavenging ability and can produce more phenolic compounds, DPPH (from 72.6% to 93.2%), and ABTS (from 64.2% to 76.9%). Using RSM, we further optimize the fermentation protocol of BCRC 11697 by adjusting the initial fermentation pH, agitation speed, and temperature to reach the highest level of antioxidant activity (73.5% of DPPH and 93.8% of ABTS). The optimal protocol (pH 5.55, 104 rpm, and 24.4°C) resulted in a significant increase in the amount of phenolic compounds as well as the DPPH and ABTS free radical scavenging ability of BCRC 11697 products. The IC50 of the DPPH and ABTS free radical scavenging ability were 0.33 and 2.35 mg/mL, respectively, and both protease and tannase activity increased after RSM. An increase in lower molecular weight (<24 kDa) protein hydrolysates was also observed. Results indicated that djulis fermented by L. plantarum can be a powerful source of natural antioxidants for preventing free radical-initiated diseases.

Antimicrobial peptides purified from hydrolysates of kanihua (Chenopodium pallidicaule Aellen) seed protein fractions.

The kanihua (Chenopodium pallidicaule Aellen) Andean grain from the Peruvian Altiplano presents proteins of 15% to 19%. The objective was to obtain purified bioactive antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), hydrolyzed with Alcalase and Pepsin-pancreatin sequential system of protein fractions of kanihua varieties Ramis (KR) and Cupi-Sayhua (KS), and hydrolysates with different degrees of hydrolysis (DH) and percentage inhibition (IP) of the growth of E. coli, S. aureus, and C. albicans. To obtain AMPs, nutraceuticals, bio-preservatives, and novel ingredients in food design. The results showed 216 hydrolysates (1%, w/v), only 28 presented significant difference compared to controls (IP ≥ 45%, p ≤ 0.05), 4 AMPs were purified by chromatography, glutelins KS 4 h (1:10) stood out with DH 40% and IP 52% and 70% of S. aureus and C. albicans, respectively (p ≤ 0.05), showed minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 95% for E. coli (p ≤ 0.05), and presented an anionic charge. In conclusion, the simulated digestion in vitro showed higher DH (7%-67%) than Alcalase (13%-54%); the majority were extensive; of 28 hydrolysates with IP ≥ 45% 4 AMPs with important IPs were obtained, and one was anionic.

Glycemia-reducing effects of Bolivian nutraceutical plants / Efectos reductores de la glucemia de las plantas nutracéuticas bolivianas

INTRODUCTION: The prevalence of diabetes type 2 is increasing worldwide, thus the search of novel alternative ther¬apies is needed. According to their traditional use, we selected five Bolivian plants Chenopodium quinoa (CQ) Ama¬ranthus caudatus (AC), Chenopodium pallidicaule (CP), Lupinus mutabilis (LM) and Smallanthus sonchifolius (SS) that are traditionally used to control glycemia. METHODS: The effect of a single oral administration of Ethanolic (EtOH), hydro-ethanolic (EtOH70) and aqueous (Aq) extracts from all plant species were tested for their effect on blood glucose in non-fasted mice and during the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). The effect on insulin secretion was evaluated in mice pancreatic islets. RESULTS: EtOH70 extracts of all the plants showed glucose-reducing effect at the highest dose evaluated (2000 mg/ kg b.w.). EtOH70 extracts improved the glucose tolerance evaluated by the OGTT in mice fasted for 12 hours. The extracts have different effects on glucose homeostasis since just extracts of AC, LM and CQ but not CP and SS in¬creased insulin secretion as shown on mice pancreatic islets. The phytochemical qualitative characterization of EtOH70 extracts detected phenolic acids and flavonoids in AC, CP and CQ; alkaloids in LM and anthocyanidins in SS. None of EtOH70 extracts tested showed in vitro or in vivo acute toxicity at concentrations where they exhibit glucose lowering effects. CONCLUSIONS: We report here that extracts from AC, CQ, CP, LM and SS exhibit glucose lowering effect while just AC, CQ and LM stimulate directly the insulin secretion

INTRODUCCIÓN: La prevalencia de diabetes tipo 2 está aumentando en todo el mundo, por lo que se necesita la búsqueda de nuevas terapias alternativas. Según su uso tradicional, seleccionamos cinco plantas bolivianas Chenopodium quinoa (CQ) Amaranthus caudatus (AC), Chenopodium pallidicaule (CP), Lupinus mutabilis (LM) y Smallanthus sonchifolius (SS) que se usan tradicionalmente para controlar la glucemia. MÉTODOS: Se evaluó el efecto de la administración oral única de extractos etanólicos (EtOH), hidroetanólicos (EtOH70) y acuosos (Aq) de las plantas mencionadas para determinar su efecto sobre la glucosa en sangre en ratones en o sin ayunas y durante la prueba de tolerancia a la glucosa oral (PTGO). El efecto sobre la secreción de insulina se evaluó en islotes pancreáticos de ratones. RESULTADOS: Los extractos de EtOH70 de todas las plantas disminuyeron la glucemia a la dosis más alta evaluada (2000 mg / kg b.w.). Los extractos de EtOH70 mejoraron la tolerancia a la glucosa evaluada mediante la PTGO en ratones con ayuno de 12 horas. Los extractos tienen diferentes efectos sobre la homeostasis de la glucosa, ya que solo los extractos de AC, LM y CQ pero no CP y SS aumentaron la secreción de insulina como se muestra en los islotes pancreáticos de los ratones. La caracterización cualitativa fitoquímica de extractos de EtOH70 detectó ácidos fenólicos y flavonoides en AC, CP y CQ, alcaloides en LM y antocianidinas en SS. Ninguno de los extractos de EtOH70 probados mostró toxicidad aguda in vitro o in vivo a concentraciones en las que exhiben efectos reductores de glucosa. CONCLUSIÓN: Los extractos de AC, CQ, CP, LM y SS exhiben un efecto reductor de la glucosa, mientras que solo AC, CQ y LM estimulan directamente la secreción de insulina

Djulis (Chenopodium formosanum) and Its Bioactive Compounds Protect Human Lung Epithelial A549 Cells from Oxidative Injury Induced by Particulate Matter via Nrf2 Signaling Pathway.

The protective effects of water extracts of djulis (Chenopodium formosanum) (WECF) and their bioactive compounds on particulate matter (PM)-induced oxidative injury in A549 cells via the nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) signaling were investigated. WECF at 50-300 µg/mL protected A549 cells from PM-induced cytotoxicity. The cytoprotection of WECF was associated with decreases in reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) formation, and increases in superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and glutathione (GSH) contents. WECF increased Nrf2 and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) expression in A549 cells exposed to PM. SP600125 (a JNK inhibitor) and U0126 (an ERK inhibitor) attenuated the WECF-induced Nrf2 and HO-1 expression. According to the HPLC-MS/MS analysis, rutin (2219.7 µg/g) and quercetin derivatives (2648.2 µg/g) were the most abundant bioactive compounds present in WECF. Rutin and quercetin ameliorated PM-induced oxidative stress in the cells. Collectively, the bioactive compounds present in WECF can protect A549 cells from PM-induced oxidative injury by upregulating Nrf2 and HO-1 via activation of the ERK and JUN signaling pathways.

UHPLC-HRMS based flavonoid profiling of the aerial parts of Chenopodium foliosum Asch. (Amaranthaceae).

Chenopodium foliosum Asch. has been recognised by Bulgarian legislation as a medicinal plant. The decoction of its aerial parts has been used for treatment of cancer, as an immunostimulant and antioxidant drug. An UHPLC-HRMS profiling method was used for a comprehensive study of flavonoid composition of C. foliosum. Fourty flavonoid glycosides with nine aglycones (patuletin, gomphrenol, spinacetin, 6-methoxykaempferol, kaempferol, quercetin, isorhamnetin, 3,5,3',4'-tetrahydroxy-6,7-methylenedioxyflavone and 3,5,4'-trihydroxy-3'-methoxy-6,7-methylenedioxyflavone) were detected. Kaempferol, quercetin and isorhamnetin glycosides were identified as minor components. A pseudo MS3 experiment aided at discriminating 6-methoxykaempferol and isorhamnetin glycosides. Flavonoid composition dominated by di-, triglycosides and acylated flavonoids. Acid hydrolysis and GS-MS analysis confirmed the presence of D-glucose, D-apiose and L-rhamnose. Ten flavonoids were reported here for the first time.

Ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography - high-resolution mass spectrometry profiling and hepatoprotective activity of purified saponin and flavonoid fractions from the aerial parts of wild spinach (Chenopodium bonus-henricus L.).

An ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography - high-resolution mass spectrometry profiling method was used for a comprehensive study of flavonoid and saponin-rich fractions from the aerial parts of wild spinach (Chenopodium bonus-henricus L.). Thirty-six compounds, respectively, 22 saponins of eight sapogenins (phytolaccagenin, bayogenin, medicagenic acid, 2ß-hydroxygypsogenin, 2ß-hydroxyoleanoic acid, 2-hydroxy-30-nor-gypsogenin, 2-hydroxyakebonic acid, and akebonic acid) together with 12 flavonoid glycosides of 6-methoxykaempferol, isorhamnetin, patuletin, spinacetin as well as two ecdysteroids (20-hydroxyecdysone and polypodine B) were detected. The occurrence of sapogenins 2-hydroxy-30-nor-gypsogenin, 2-hydroxyakebonic acid, and akebonic acid in the Chenopodium genus is reported here for the first time. The flavonoid and saponin-rich fractions showed in vitro hepatoprotective and antioxidant activity comparable to those of flavonoid complex silymarin (60 µg/mL) in a model of metabolic bioactivation, induced by CCl4. All tested fractions, compared to silymarin, significantly reduced the cellular damage caused by CCl4 in rat hepatocytes, preserved cell viability and GSH level, decreased LDH leakage, and reduced lipid damage. The results showed that saponin-rich fractions F3A and F3B possessed better hepatoprotective activity than flavonoid-rich fractions (F2A and F2B). The most active was fraction F3B and this is probably due to the synergism between the saponins and some acylated flavonol glycosides found there.

Investigating the thermodynamic and kinetics properties of acid phosphatase extracted and purified from seedlings of Chenopodium murale.

Herein acid phosphatase isoenzyme was extracted from the C. murale seedlings. The purification was accomplished by chromatographic techniques and passing through DEAE-cellulose and Sephadex G-100 column. The specific activity of acid phosphatase 5.75 U/mg of protein was obtained with 66 purification fold 15.8% yield and molecular mass was 29 kDa with very faint bands corresponding to 18 kDa and 14 kDa. The maximal activity at pH 5.0 and 50 °C best illustrated by first order kinetics. When temperature was raised (55 °C to 75 °C), the deactivation rate constant was increased from 0.001 to 0.014 min-1, while half-life was decreased from 693 to 49 min-1. The results of activity collected at different temperature were then used to estimate, activation energy of hydrolysis reaction (Ea = 47.59 kJmol-1). A high Z-value (18.86 °C min-1) was obtained indicating a less sensitivity towards temperatures. The residual activity examinations were carried out from 55 °C to 75 °C and assessing the Deactivation Energy (Ed 116.39 kJmol-1), Enthalpy change (ΔH° 113.55kJmol-1), Entropy change (ΔS° 110.33kJmol-1) and change in Gibbs free energy (ΔG° 10.02 kJmol-1). Taken together, thermodynamic parameters confirm the high stability of enzyme and show potential commercial applicability.

Elaboración de un pan libre de gluten a base de harina de cañihua (Chenopodium pallidicaule Aellen) y evaluación de la aceptabilidad sensorial / Elaboration of a gluten-free bread based on cañihua (Chenopodium pallidicaule Aellen) flour and sensory acceptability evaluation

Cañihua (Chenopodium pallidicaule Aellen) es un grano andino que está ganando interés como alternativas nutritivas sin gluten frente a los cereales convencionales de cara a las personas con trastornos relacionados al gluten. El objetivo de la presente investigación fue elaborar un pan libre de gluten a base harina de cañihua y evaluar su aceptabilidad sensorial. Se propusieron y elaboraron tres formulaciones en las que se variaron los porcentajes de harina de cañihua (7,6% 9,5% y 8,3%), almidón de yuca, (19%, 21% y 15,4%), suero de leche (3,8%) y goma xantán (0,6 y 1,2%). La formulación que contenía harina de cañihua (8,3%), almidón de yuca (15,4%), y goma xantán (1,2%) fue el que presentó mayor aceptabilidad (HC83). La composición proximal del pan de Cañihua mostró un contenido de proteínas (11,2%), grasa (11,2%) y fibra dietaría (4,74%). La evaluación sensorial por los consumidores celiacos mostró una aceptabilidad general de 4,6/5 puntos sobre la escala hedónica con una puntuación "me gusta mucho". En conclusión la harina de cañihua es un recurso adecuado y aceptable para los consumidores celiacos y puede utilizarse para la producción de panes.

Cañihua (Chenopodium pallidicaule Aellen) is a naturally gluten-free Andean grain that is gaining interest as a nutritious alternative to conventional cereals for people with gluten-related disorders. The objective of the present investigation was to elaborate a gluten-free bread formulation containing cañihua flour and evaluate its sensory acceptability. Three formulations were proposed that contained: cañihua flour (7.6% 9.5% and 8.3%), cassava starch (19%, 21% and 15.4%), whey (3.8%) and xanthan gum (0.6 and 1.2%). The results showed that the formulation containing cañihua flour (8.3%), cassava starch (15.4%) and xanthan gum (1.2%) obtained a satisfactory acceptability (HC83). The proximal analysis showed a protein content (11.2%), fat (11.2%), and dietary fiber (4.74%). The sensory evaluation by celiac consumers showed a general acceptability of 4.6/5 points on the hedonic scale with a score "I like it a lot". In conclusion, cañihua flour is a suitable source and acceptable for celiac consumers and can be used for the production of breads.

Importancia nutricional y actividad biológica de los compuestos bioactivos de quelites consumidos en México / Nutritional importance and biological activity of bioactive compounds from quelites consumed in Mexico

Sólo un 30% de los hogares en México, presentan seguridad alimentaria, es decir, un gran porcentaje de los hogares y por ende de la población no satisfacen las necesidades básicas diarias de macro y micronutrimentos. Los quelites, que se definen como plantas silvestres comestibles (hojas, tallos y flores) son una fuente accesible, continua, económica y adecuada de nutrimentos. Sin embargo, su consumo ha disminuido por modificaciones en las preferencias alimentarias, derivadas de los cambios en estilos de vida. El objetivo del presente trabajo fue valorizar a los quelites como fuente de alimento. Los quelites, aportan proteínas, aminoácidos, minerales (Ca, Mg, Zn), vitaminas (E, C) y fibra. Además, son una excelente fuente de compuestos bioactivos, como ácidos fenólicos (ácido cafeico, ferúlico) y flavonoides (quercetina, kaempferol, espinacetina), carotenoides, ácido α-linolénico y betalainas, que presentan elevada actividad antioxidante. Su consumo habitual se ha relacionado con beneficios a la salud, tales como efectos antitumorales, antihiperlipidémicos y antidiabéticos. Los quelites, además de estar disponibles en forma silvestre, forman parte de las tradiciones culinarias de México, incorporados de forma cruda y cocida en los platillos regionales. Por lo tanto, la revalorización y reincorporación de los quelites en la dieta, puede coadyuvar a cubrir las necesidades nutrimentales, en poblaciones con poco acceso o inseguridad alimentaria, además de contribuir a proporcionar efectos adicionales a través de sus compuestos bioactivos.

Only 30% of households in Mexico present food security, which means a large percentage of households and the population does not meet their needs in terms of macro and micronutrients. Thus, quelites, which are defined as wild edible plants, are an accessible, continuous, economical and adequate source of nutrients. However, quelite consumption in Mexico has been decreasing in response to changes in food preferences and lifestyles, including increased exposure to hypercaloric foods. Therefore, the aim of this work was to discuss the value of quelites as a food source rich in nutrients, proteins, amino acids, minerals (Ca, Mg, Zn), vitamins (E, C) and fiber. We also discuss how quelites are good source of bioactive compounds, such as phenolic acids (caffeic acid, ferulic acid) and flavonoids (quercetin, kaempferol, spinacetin), carotenoids, α-linolenic acid and betalaines. There use have been mainly related to the anti-tumor, antihyperlipidemic and antidiabetic benefits. We further discuss topics related to the culinary traditions of Mexico and the incorporation of quelites in the raw and cooked form in regional markets. The revaluation and the reincorporation of quelites in the diet can help meet nutritional needs, in addition to possibly providing additional health benefits.

Analysis and determination of phytosterols and triterpenes in different inbred lines of Djulis (Chenopodium formosanum Koidz.) hull: A potential source of novel bioactive ingredients.

Djulis (Chenopodiun formosaneum Koidz.,), pseudo-cereal crop emerged as a potential source of functional ingredients, was used to identify phytosterols and triterpenes from seven inbred lines of Djulis hull using GC-MS. Key bioactive compounds were identified including 6 phytosterols (34.73-59.48 mg/100 g), 6 triterpenes (30.56-57.47 mg/100 g), and 5 other unsaponifiable compounds (15.89-22.50 mg/100 g). Moreover, principal component analysis (PCA) was conducted and explored the variation among Djulis hull samples with two clusters based on the surface color that reflected the content of phytosterols and triterpenes. These results confirmed that the color might be used as an indicator for estimation of phytosterol and triterpene contents in Djulis hull. Overall, this is the first study that identified novel unsaponifiable compounds in Djulis hull, which might contribute to the development of phytosterols and/or triterpenes enriched functional foods.

Hypoglycemic Activity of Tilia americana, Borago officinalis, Chenopodium nuttalliae, and Piper sanctum on Wistar Rats.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is considered the epidemic of the 21st century. Traditional medicine uses plants to treat DM; many of these have hypoglycemic effects in both animal models and diabetic patients. Our objective was to evaluate the hypoglycemic activity of Tilia americana, Borago officinalis, Chenopodium nuttalliae, and Piper sanctum on diabetic rats. The methanolic extracts of the plants under study were obtained by Soxhlet extraction. Toxicity was evaluated on Artemia salina; the antioxidant potential was evaluated using the DPPH technique. Hypoglycemic capacity at doses of 250 and 500 mg/kg was tested on Wistar rats with diabetes induced by alloxan (120 mg/kg). The toxicity on A. salina was null for the extracts of B. officinalis and P. sanctum, moderate for T. americana, and highly toxic for C. nuttalliae. The relevant extract of T. americana var. mexicana showed antioxidant activity. Three plants of the studied plants showed hypoglycemic activity: Tilia Americana (p = 0.0142), Borago officinalis (p = 0.0112), and Piper sanctum (p = 0.0078); P. sanctum was the one that showed the greatest reduction in glucose levels at a lower dose.

Hepatoprotective activity of a purified methanol extract and saponins from the roots of Chenopodium bonus-henricus L.

An ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-high-resolution mass spectrometry based profiling of a purified MeOH extract (PME) from the roots of Chenopodium bonus-henricus L. (Amaranthaceae) tentatively identified 15 saponins of six sapogenins. The PME exerts hepatoprotective and antioxidant activities comparable to those of flavonoid complex silymarin in in vitro (1 and 10 µg/mL) and in vivo (200 mg/kg/daily for 7 days) models of hepatotoxicity, induced by CCl4. The main constituents of PME, respectively saponins bonushenricoside A (1), 3-O-ß-D-glucuronopyranosyl-bayogenin-28-O-ß-D-glucopyranosyl ester (2), 3-O-ß-D-glucuronopyranosyl-medicagenic acid-28-O-ß-D-xylopyranosyl (1→4)-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl(1→2)-α-L-arabinopyranosyl ester (3), 3-O-ß-D-glucuronopyranosyl-2ß-hydroxygypsogenin-28-O-ß-D-glucopyranosyl ester (4), 3-O-α-L-rabinopyranosyl-bayogenin-28-O-ß-D-glucopyranosyl ester (6) and bonushenricoside B (8) (3 µg/mL each), compared to silymarin (5 and 50 µg/mL), significantly reduced the cellular damage caused by CCl4 in rat hepatocytes, preserved cell viability and glutathione level, decreased lactate dehydrogenase leakage and reduced lipid damage. The experimental data suggest that the glycosides of phytolaccagenin, bayogenin, medicagenic acid, 2ß-hydroxygypsogenin, 2ß-hydroxyoleanoic acid and oleanoic acid are a promising and safe class of hepatoprotective agents.

Fermentation of pseudocereals quinoa, canihua, and amaranth to improve mineral accessibility through degradation of phytate.

BACKGROUND: Pseudocereals are nutrient-rich grains with high mineral content but also phytate content. Phytate is a mineral absorption inhibitor. The study's aim was to evaluate phytate degradation during spontaneous fermentation and during Lactobacillus plantarum 299v® fermentation of quinoa, canihua, and amaranth grains and flours. It also aimed to evaluate the accessibility of iron, zinc, and calcium and to estimate their bioavailability before and after the fermentation of flours with starter culture. Lactic acid, pH, phytate, and mineral content were analyzed during fermentation. RESULTS: Higher phytate degradation was found during the fermentation of flours (64-93%) than during that of grains (12-51%). Results suggest that phytate degradation was mainly due to endogenous phytase activity in different pseudocereals rather than the phytase produced by added microorganisms. The addition of Lactobacillus plantarum 299v® resulted in a higher level of lactic acid (76.8-82.4 g kg-1 DM) during fermentation, and a relatively quicker reduction in pH to 4 than in spontaneous fermentation. Mineral accessibility was increased (1.7-4.6-fold) and phytate : mineral molar ratios were reduced (1.5-4.2-fold) in agreement with phytate degradation (1.8-4.2-fold) in fermented flours. The reduced molar ratios were still above the threshold value for the improved estimated mineral bioavailability of mainly iron. CONCLUSION: Fermentation proved to be effective for degrading phytate in pseudocereal flours, but less so in grains. Fermentation with Lactobacillus plantarum 299v® improved mineral accessibility and estimated bioavailability in flours. © 2019 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

Green biosynthesis of gold nanoparticles using Chenopodium formosanum shell extract and analysis of the particles' antibacterial properties.

BACKGROUND: Various physical and chemical methods for synthesis of metal nanoparticles have had some drawbacks. Therefore, green synthesis of gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) has became one of the most crucial emerging areas of nanobiotechnology. In the present study, plant-mediated synthesis of Au NPs was performed using Djulis (Chenopodium formosanum) shell extract as a reducing and stabilizing agent. RESULTS: Reaction parameters were manipulated to optimize the Au NPs using a UV-visible spectrophotometer. Optimized Au NPs with a surface plasmon resonance band at 533 nm were prepared using a 744 µg mL-1 extract and a solution of pH 2.62 chloroauric acid (HAuCl4 ·3H2 O) at 40 °C. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM) results indicated that most of the resultant Au NPs were spherical in shape and exhibited a mean size of 8 ± 6 nm. Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), and selected area electron diffraction (SAED), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) confirmed the elemental gold and crystalline nature of the resultant NPs. FTIR spectrum analysis indicated the critical role of phenolic groups in the reduction of Au3+ ions and stabilization of the formed Au NPs. Moreover, the synthesized Au NPs possessed antibacterial activity for Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. CONCLUSION: In this study, Au NPs were synthesized with high efficiency and stability using Djulis shell extract, and related antibacterial applications were demonstrated. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry.

Saponins from the roots of Chenopodium bonus-henricus L.

Two new glycosides of phytolaccagenin and 2ß-hydroxyoleanoic acid, namely bonushenricoside A (3) and bonushenricoside B (5) together with four known saponins, respectively compounds 3-O-L-α-arabinopyranosyl-bayogenin-28-O-ß-glucopyranosyl ester (1), 3-O-ß-glucuronopyranosyl-2ß-hydroxygypsogenin-28-O-ß-glucopyranosyl ester (2), 3-O-ß-glucuronopyranosyl-bayogenin-28-O-ß-glucopyranosyl ester (4) and 3-O-ß-glucuronopyranosyl-medicagenic acid-28-ß-xylopyranosyl(1→4)-α-rhamnopyranosyl(1→2)-α-arabinopyranosyl ester (6) were isolated from the roots of Chenopodium bonus-henricus L. The structures of the compounds were determined by means of spectroscopic methods (1D and 2D NMR, IR and HRMS). The MeOH extract and compounds were tested for cytotoxic activity on five leukemic cell lines (HL-60, SKW-3, Jurkat E6-1, BV-173 and K-562). In addition, the ability of metanolic extract and saponins to modulate the interleukin-2 production in PHA/PMA stimulated Jurkat E6-1 cells was investigated as well.