Phytochemical Composition and Antimicrobial Properties of New Lavandula angustifolia Ecotypes.

The purpose of this study was to characterize ethanol extracts from leaves and flowers of two ecotypes (PL-intended for industrial plantations and KC-intended for cut flowers) of Lavandula angustifolia Mill. The plant was cultivated in 2019 in southern Poland as part of a long-term research plan to develop new varieties resistant to difficult environmental conditions. The collected leaves and flowers were used to prepare ethanol extracts, which were then analyzed in terms of phytochemical composition and antioxidant, bactericidal, and fungicidal properties. Using UPLC techniques, 22 compounds belonging to phenolic acids and flavonoids were identified. UPLC test results indicated that ethanol extracts from leaves and flowers differ in phytochemical composition. Lower amounts of phenolic acids and flavonoids were identified in leaf extracts than in flower extracts. The predominant substances in the flower extracts were rosmarinic acid (829.68-1229.33 µg/g), ferulic acid glucoside III (810.97-980.55 µg/g), and ferulic acid glucoside II (789.30-885.06 µg/g). Ferulic acid glucoside II (3981.95-6561.19 µg/g), ferulic acid glucoside I (2349.46-5503.81 µg/g), and ferulic acid glucoside III (1303.84-2774.17 µg/g) contained the highest amounts in the ethanol extracts of the leaves. The following substances were present in the extracts in trace amounts or at low levels: apigenin, kaempferol, and caftaric acid. Leaf extracts of the PL ecotype quantitatively (µg/g) contained more phytochemicals than leaf extracts of the KC ecotype. The results obtained in this study indicate that antioxidant activity depends on the ecotype. Extracts from the PL ecotype have a better ability to eliminate free radicals than extracts from the KC ecotype. At the same time, it was found that the antioxidant activity (total phenolic content, ABTS•+, DPPH•, and FRAP) of PL ecotype leaf extracts was higher (24.49, 177.75, 164.88, and 89.10 µmol (TE)/g) than that determined in flower extracts (15.84, 125.05, 82.35, and 54.64 µmol (TE)/g). The test results confirmed that leaf and flower extracts, even at low concentrations (0.313-0.63%), significantly inhibit the growth of selected Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria and Candida yeasts. Inhibition of mold growth was observed at a dose extract of at least 1 mL/100 mL.

Assessment of Phenolic Acid Content and Antioxidant Properties of the Pulp of Five Pumpkin Species Cultivated in Southeastern Poland.

Antioxidant properties and phenolic acid content in the pulp of five pumpkin species were evaluated. The following species cultivated in Poland were included: Cucurbita maxima 'Bambino', Cucurbita pepo 'Kamo Kamo', Cucurbita moschata 'Butternut', Cucurbita ficifolia 'Chilacayote Squash', and Cucurbita argyrosperma 'Chinese Alphabet'. The content of polyphenolic compounds was determined by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled with HPLC, while the total content of phenols and flavonoids and antioxidant properties were determined by spectrophotometric methods. Ten phenolic compounds (protocatechuic acid, p-hydroxybenzoic acid, catechin, chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, p-coumaric acid, syringic acid, ferulic acid, salicylic acid, kaempferol) were identified. Phenolic acids were the most abundant compounds; the amount of syringic acid was found to be the highest, ranging from 0.44 (C. ficifolia) to 6.61 mg∙100 g-1 FW (C. moschata). Moreover, two flavonoids were detected: catechin and kaempferol. They were found at their highest level of content in C. moschata pulp (catechins: 0.31 mg∙100 g-1 FW; kaempferol: 0.06 mg∙100 g-1 FW), with the lowest amount detected in C. ficifolia (catechins: 0.15 mg∙100 g-1 FW; kaempferol below the limit of detection). Analysis of antioxidant potential showed significant differences depending on the species and the test used. The DPPH radical scavenging activity of C. maxima was 1.03 times higher than C. ficiofilia pulp and 11.60 times higher than C. pepo. In the case of the FRAP assay, the multiplicity of FRAP radical activity in C. maxima pulp was 4.65 times higher than C. Pepo pulp and only 1.08 times higher compared to C. ficifolia pulp. The study findings show the high health-promoting value of pumpkin pulp; however, the content of phenolic acids and antioxidant properties are species dependent.

Antimicrobial Properties and Assessment of the Content of Bioactive Compounds Lavandula angustifolia Mill. Cultivated in Southern Poland.

Lavender is a valued plant due to its cosmetic, perfumery, culinary, and health benefits. A wide range of applications is related to the composition of bioactive compounds, the quantity and quality of which is determined by various internal and external factors, i.e., variety, morphological part of the plant, and climatic and soil conditions during vegetation. In the presented work, the characterization of antimicrobial properties as well as the qualitative and quantitative assessment of bioactive compounds in the form of polyphenols in ethanol extracts from leaves and flowers of Lavandula angustifolia Mill. intended for border hedges, cultivated in the region of southern Poland, were determined. The composition of the fraction of volatile substances and antioxidant properties were also assessed. The conducted research shows that extracts from leaves and flowers significantly affected the viability of bacterial cells and the development of mold fungi. A clear decrease in the viability of bacteria and C. albicans cells was shown in the concentration of 0.32% of extracts. Leaf extracts were characterized by a much higher content of polyphenols and antioxidant properties than flower extracts. The composition of volatiles measured by GC-MS was significantly different between the extracts. Linalyl acetate and ocimene isomers mix dominated in flower extracts, whereas coumarin, γ-cadinene, and 7-methoxycoumarin were identified as dominant in leaf extracts.

Phytotherapy and food applications from Brassica genus.

Plants of the genus Brassica occupy the top place among vegetables in the world. This genus, which contains a group of six related species of a global economic significance, three of which are diploid: Brassica nigra (L.) K. Koch, Brassica oleracea L., and Brassica rapa L. and three are amphidiploid species: Brassica carinata A. Braun, Brassica juncea (L.) Czern., and Brassica napus L. These varieties are divided into oily, fodder, spice, and vegetable based on their morphological structure, chemical composition, and usefulness of plant organs. The present review provides information about habitat, phytochemical composition, and the bioactive potential of Brassica plants, mainly antioxidant, antimicrobial, anticancer activities, and clinical studies in human. Brassica vegetables are of great economic importance around the world. At present, Brassica plants are grown together with cereals and form the basis of global food supplies. They are distinguished by high nutritional properties from other vegetable plants, such as low fat and protein content and high value of vitamins, fibers along with minerals. In addition, they possess several phenolic compounds and have a unique type of compounds namely glucosinolates that differentiate these crops from other vegetables. These compounds are also responsible for numerous biological activities to the genus Brassica as described in this review.

Jerusalem artichoke (Helianthus tuberosus L.) as a medicinal plant and its natural products.

Identifying the nutritional and health properties of Helianthus tuberosus, and learning more about this valuable species. It is believed that increased consumption of Jerusalem artichoke (JA) products is related to low blood pressure. One of many questions to answer is whether supplementation of inulin and inulin derivatives obtained from Helianthus tuberosus tubers and aerial parts can be used as antidiabetic, anti-carcinogenic, anti-fungistatic, anti-constipation, body mass-reducing, metabolism-improving agents. We ran a search in Medline, Web of Science, Scopus, Agricola, EBSCO - Food Science Source, Europe PMC, PBL, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials until March 2020. We also browsed reference lists of articles and previous reviews. No language limitations were applied. Jerusalem artichoke (JA) has multiple applications thanks to its rich chemical composition, resistance to biotic and abiotic factors, as: functional food, bioactive ingredient, raw material for the production of ethanol and butanol, succinic, citric and lactic acid. It can be used in medicine and the pharmaceutical industry, because it contains anti-fungistatic, anti-carcinogenic and antioxidant components, and the production of the raw material is easy and inexpensive. It also lowers high cholesterol, triglycerides and high glucose levels; facilitates weight loss; detoxes the organism (e.g. alcohol, heavy metals, radionuclides); lowers uric acid levels; has immunostimulating properties; protects the gastric mucosa, prevents constipation; prevents acne; improves metabolism in lipid disorders; reduces body mass; has cytotoxic properties in breast cancer. It also helps in cardiovascular diseases, chronic infectious diseases; chronic fatigue syndrome; gut flora disorders; immune system disorders. A number of Jerusalem artichoke-derived products were discussed.

Convolvulus plant-A comprehensive review from phytochemical composition to pharmacy.

Convolvulus genus is a representative of the family of Convolvulaceae. Convolvulus plants are broadly distributed all over the world and has been used for many centuries as herbal medicine. Convolvulus genus contains various phytochemicals such as flavonoids, alkaloids, carbohydrates, phenolic compounds, mucilage, unsaturated sterols or terpenes, resin, tannins, lactones, and proteins. This review highlights the phytochemical composition, antimicrobial and antioxidant activities, application as food preservative, traditional medicine use, anticancer activities, and clinical effectiveness in human of Convolvulus plants. All the parts of Convolvulus plants possess therapeutic benefits; preliminary pharmacological data validated their use in traditional medicine. However, further preclinical and clinical experiments are warranted before any application in human health.

The Content of Phenolic Acids and Flavonols in the Leaves of Nine Varieties of Sweet Potatoes (Ipomoea batatas L.) Depending on Their Development, Grown in Central Europe.

The aim of the study was the qualitative and quantitative analysis of the bioactive components present in the leaves of 9 sweet potato cultivars grown in the moderate climate in Poland, which were harvested at different growth stages according to the BBCH (Biologische Bundesanstalt, Bundessortenamt und Chemische Industrie) scale (14, 51, 89). It was found that sweet potato leaves contained 7 polyphenolic compounds, including 5 chlorogenic acids-neochlorogenic acid (5-CQA), chlorogenic acid (3-CQA), 4-cryptochlorogenic acid (4-CQA), 34-di-O-caffeoylqunic acid (3,4-CQA), 3,5-di-O-caffeoylqunic acid (3,5-CQA)-and 2 flavonoids, quercetin-3-O-galactoside (Q-3-GA) and quercetin-3-O-glucoside (Q-3-GL). Their content depended on the genotype of the examined cultivars and on the stage of leaf development. The mean content of the identified polyphenolic compounds in the examined cultivars ranged from 148.2 to 14.038.6 mg/100 g-1 DM for the leaves harvested at growth stage 14 according to the BBCH scale. In the case of leaves harvested at BBCH stage 51, the concentration of polyphenolic compounds ranged from 144.76 to 5026.8 mg/100 g-1 DM and at BBCH stage 89 from 4078.1 to 11.183.5 mg/100 g-1 DM. The leaves of the Carmen Rubin cultivar collected at stage 14 contained the highest amount of polyphenolic compounds, while Okinava leaves had the highest amount of these compounds at stage 51. The highest content of polyphenolic compounds in leaves at BBCH growth stage 89 was found in the Radiosa variety. The highest concentration levels were found for 3-CQA at all stages of leaf development. Significant correlations between polyphenol content and antioxidant activity measured by 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS), 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), and ferric reducing/antioxidant power (FRAP) were found. The results of this experiment revealed that the growth stages and genetic properties of cultivars have a very significant influence on the content of phenolic acids and flavonols in sweet potato leaves. The results are innovative and can have a practical application, as the knowledge of the content of the substances under study makes it possible to determine the optimal management practice of sweet potato leaf harvest in order to obtain more top-quality raw material.

The effects of variable nitrogen fertilization on amino acid content in sweet potato tubers (Ipomoea batatas L. [Lam.]) cultivated in central and eastern Europe.

BACKGROUND: The weakest link in the whole cycle of chemical quality testing of sweet potato tubers for both food and feed purposes, where the main determinant of their nutritional value is the level of protein and its nutritional value, is the effect of nitrogen fertilization. Therefore, the aim of the study was to determine the effect of differentiated nitrogen fertilization on protein content and its amino acid composition, biological value, and the possibility of modification of these features. RESULTS: Changes in total nitrogen content in sweet potato tubers were accompanied by changes in amino acid composition of protein. The consequence of intensified nitrogen fertilization was a decrease in the sum of exogenous amino acids and sum of endogenous amino acids. The amino acid limiting the biological value of sweet potato protein was mainly lysine, followed by arginine and methionine. The ratio of essential to total amino acids indicated high usefulness of sweet potato tubers in human nutrition and their high nutritional value. CONCLUSION: The consequence of nitrogen fertilization was a decrease in the sum of exogenous amino acids and the sum of endogenous amino acids. Fertilization of sweet potato with a nitrogen dose of 100 kg ha-1 , due to the content of crude and true protein, turned out to be beneficial and sufficient under the conditions in central-eastern Europe. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry.

Phenolic Acid Content and Antioxidant Properties of Edible Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) with Various Tuber Flesh Colours.

The aim of the paper was to evaluate the phenolic acid content and antioxidant properties in potato cultivars with coloured flesh and bright flesh. The study material included eight cultivars of edible potato grown in a temperate climate in Poland. Five cultivars were potato tubers with coloured flesh: "Rote Emma", "Blue Salad", "Vitelotte", "Red Emmalie", and "Blue Congo"; and three were potato tubers with bright flesh: "Bella Rosa", "Lord", and "Tajfun". In all potato samples under study, four phenolic acids were identified: chlorogenic acid, gallic acid, p-coumaric acid, and caffeic acid. The predominant acid was chlorogenic acid, the levels of which ranged from 62.95 mg·100 g-1 FM to 126.77 mg·100 g-1 FM. The total concentration of the identified phenolic acids was diverse and depended on the genotype of the cultivar and the tuber flesh colour, with coloured-fleshed potatoes having higher phenolic acid contents in comparison to bright-fleshed potato cultivars. The average concentration of phenolic acids in the samples was 89.19 mg∙100 g-1 FM, and the average concentrations of the individual phenolic acids identified were as follows: chlorogenic acid (86.19 mg∙100 g-1 FM), gallic acid (1.18 mg∙100 g-1 FM), p-coumaric acid (0.64 mg∙100 g-1 FM), and caffeic acid (1.18 mg∙100 g-1 FM). In addition, three groups of anthocyanins were identified: pelargonidin-3,5-di-O-glucoside, peonidin-3,5-di-O-glucoside, and petunidin-3,5-di-O-glucoside. Anthocyanins were not found in the "Lord" or "Tajfun" varieties characterised by white tuber flesh. The predominant pigment was petunidin-3,5-di-O-glucoside, with an average content of 23.15 mg∙100 g-1 FM, and the highest value was observed in the "Vitelotte" variety (51.27 mg∙100 g-1 FM). The antioxidant activity of the flesh of the potatoes under study was diverse depending on flesh colour. The FRAP (Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power) assay indicated higher antioxidant activity of coloured-fleshed potato cultivars. The highest concentration was identified in the "Vitelotte" cultivar flesh and was 114% higher than in the "Lord" cultivar. Similar dependencies were found in the case of the DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) assay; however, in this case, the "Vitelotte" cultivar flesh demonstrated nearly 6.4 times higher antioxidant activity than the "Lord" cultivar. Summarizing our own research, we can conclude that potato varieties with coloured flesh are characterised by a higher content of biologically active substances, including phenolic acids, and antioxidant properties compared to potato tubers with bright flesh.

Green Technology as a Way of Cleaning the Environment from Petroleum Substances in South-Eastern Poland.

BACKGROUND: In phytoextraction methods, the problem is the obtained contaminated plant biomass, the selection of the appropriate species, resistant to the type and degree of contamination, as well as the long time needed to completely clean the soil. GOAL: when selecting the appropriate method of remediation of soils contaminated with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, not only the effectiveness of the method should be considered, but also the degree of contamination, the location of the site and its current and planned use. METHODS: Descriptive, laboratory and comparative methods were used. RESULTS: Soil contamination with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which can cause mutations and cancer, is of particular concern as it affects not only human health but also vegetation growth and the biological environment. A fast, nature-friendly and cost-effective method is required to remove and minimize the hazardous effects of crude oil. CONCLUSIONS: Green technology is particularly beneficial, especially the phytoextraction technique, in which plants clean the soil of excess petroleum products, prevent its further movement from the site of contamination and prevent erosion of reclaimed soil. Species such as: Trifolium repens, Trifolium pratense, Lotus corniculatus, Agrostis stolonifera, Festuca rubra subsp. trichophylla, Arrhenatherum elatius performed their tasks very well, therefore they can be recommended for use as a factor counteracting environmental degradation.

Quality Parameters of PE-Pomace Based Membranes.

This paper presents the results of research on selected mechanical and physical properties of polyethylene membranes containing 50% of the plant fraction obtained as waste from an edible oil press. The produced biomembranes were characterized by low tensile strength (2.02-4.28 MPa). The addition of plant material will not adversely affect the barrier properties such as water vapor permeability or the contact angle. Additionally, there was a discoloration of the characteristics affecting the shrinkage of the membrane. The presence of the plant component clearly lowered the shrinkage of the material. This research is important and provides valuable knowledge on the possibilities of using plant waste and the direction of the potential application of the materials produced with their use.

The Impact of Cultivation Management and Weed Control Systems of Very Early Potato on Weed Infestation, Biodiversity, and Health Safety of Tubers.

The aim of the research was to determine the impact of potato cultivation management and weeding systems on weed infestation and to evaluate the possibility of using biomarkers to assess consumer exposure to herbicide residues in potato tubers. The experiment was carried out in 2016-2018 in Central-Eastern Poland. The subject of research was the very early variety Lord. The experiment was established using the randomized block method in a split-plot design. The first order factor was cultivation management: (A) traditional and (B) under polyethylene sheeting (PE-sheeting) put "on flat". The second-order factors were weed control systems: (a) mechanical (b) to (d)-chemical. The study determined the degree of damage to crops and weeds, fresh and dry weight of weeds, their number and floristic composition, and herbicide residues in tubers and in the soil. The fresh and dry mass of weeds was most effectively limited by mechanical and chemical treatment with the use of a preparation containing linuron. Managing potato cultivation with PE-sheeting and soil herbicides has proven to be safe for very early potato production. Used for pre-emergence care, the preparation containing linuron did not leave even trace amounts of this active substance in the tubers. The determined amount of the active substance fluorochloridon and clomazone was lower than the Maximum Residue Level (MRL) norm in the EU (European Union). As a result, the adopted, innovative management and weeding control systems in the cultivation of early potato varieties can be considered safe for the consumer.

Chemical and Nutritional Compounds of Different Parts of Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus (DC) Stapf.) Cultivated in Temperate Climate of Poland.

Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus (DC) Stapf.) is a perennial plant indigenous to semi-tropical regions of Asia and cultivated in other semi-tropical countries. The present study aimed to examine the key chemical constituents of various parts of lemongrass cultivated in the temperate climate of Poland. The content of essential oil and its composition were determined in 4 plant parts: leaves (part C), overground shoots (part B), underground shoots (part A), and roots (part R). Moreover, the content of dry weight, chlorophyll, polyphenols and macro- and microelements was determined in the edible parts (excluding roots). The essential oil from the aerial part predominantly contained neral (> 30%) and geranial (> 40%), which is consistent with the data reported in literature; the main component of essential oil (EO) from the underground part was elemol (65%); interestingly, such a high concentration of it was found for the first time. The concentration of chlorophyll was found to be higher in leaves, as compared to parts B and A. The highest level of potassium, magnesium, zinc and sodium was found in part A while of calcium and copper in leaves. The quality of lemongrass raw materials grown in temperate climates did not differ significantly from those obtained in warmer regions. The study findings confirmed the usefulness of leaves as a raw material for the preparation of infusions (higher concentration of pigments, polyphenols and EO) and of near-ground parts of a plant as a culinary material (a higher content of macroelements at lower concentrations of green pigments and dry weight).

Fatty Acids Composition of Mustard Oil from Two Cultivars and Physico-chemical Characteristics of the Seeds.

Analyses of fatty acids were carried out in oil samples derived from white mustard. Two cultivars of white mustard (Sinapis alba L.) were evaluated: 'Borowska', and 'Bamberka'. The oil content in the seeds of the tested cultivars was 276 and 290 g/kg, respectively. The oils obtained differed significantly in the composition of fatty acids. The oil from 'Borowska' contained less saturated fatty acids (4.86%) in comparison to 'Bamberka' (10.36%). The content of erucic acid was 22.2% in the 'Borowska' oil, while the oil from 'Bamberka' contained only 3.8% of this component. The research shows that the oil pressed from 'Borowska' can be used for technical purposes, and the oil derived from the cultivar 'Bamberka' can be used for food purposes due to the low content of erucic acid in the fatty acid composition and the beneficial fatty acid composition. As a component of diet, the low-erucic acid oil from the cultivar 'Bamberka' can be a source of unsaturated fatty acids (total 67.25%). The lower levels of linoleic (9.46 %) and linolenic (8.35%) acid, compared with 'Borowska' (respectively: 12.5 and 10.5%), may contribute to increased oil oxidative stability during storage.