Chemical Composition and Therapeutic Effects of Several Astragalus Species (Fabaceae).

The review integrates information on the component composition and biological activity of some Astragalus L. (Fabaceae) species from studies reported over the past 5-7 years. The aerial and underground parts of 34 Astragalus species contain triterpene saponins, flavonoids, polysacharides, tannins, free organic acids, higher fatty acids, vitamins, trace elements, and other constituents. Among the Astragalus species, A. membranaceus (Fisch.) Bunge is the best studied in terms of component composition and biological activity. Anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, antioxidant, anticancer, cardioprotective, and hepathoprotective activities have been experimentally detected in total bioactive substances, fractions, and individual compounds extracted from various parts of A. membranaceus and A. membranaceus var. mongholicus in vitro and in vivo. The composition and biological effects of other Astragalus species are still poorly understood. The review summarizes the recent advances in studying new compounds extracted from Astragalus species and their biological activities.

An Estimation of the Antiviral Activity and Toxicity of Biologically Active Substances Obtained from the Raw Materials of Artemisia cina Berg. In Vitro and In Vivo.

Species of the genus Artemisia are well known for their use as ingredients in ancient medicine. The advantage of using plant extracts compared to individual pharmaceutical ingredients is the rate of adaptation of the pathogenic microorganisms to the drug. Due to the rapid development of multidrug-resistance in microorganisms in the field, it is essential to search for novel, effective drugs with low toxicity. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to isolate and study the biologically active substances obtained from various substances in the raw materials of Artemisia cina Berg. The identification of the main biologically active components was performed using the method of chromato-mass spectrometry. Moreover, the antiviral activity of several extracts was studied using the method of measuring limiting dilutions (the Reed-Mench method), with some modifications. For the first time, the biological activity of extracts from the raw material of Artemisia cina Berg. upon the SARS-CoV-2 virus was confirmed. All the obtained extracts exhibited nontoxic effects in animals, with an LD50 greater than 2 g/kg. Comprehensive toxicological analyses are also presented in the study, such as those of the biochemical parameters of urine after one day and one week of the extracts' administration in mice at a dose of 2 g/kg body weight. In all groups of animals that received extracts of Artemisia cina Berg., a slight increase in the presence of red blood cells in their urine was observed one day following the administration of the extracts. This increase decreased somewhat after a week; however, it remained higher than the levels observed in the control animals. In the three groups, there was also a slight increase in the amount of ketones in the urine. Two weeks following the administration of the extracts to these groups, the internal organs of the animals were examined. The examination showed that the internal organs of the animals that received the extracts were not visibly different from those of the control animals in terms of their size or appearance. The weight of the internal organs of the animals that received the extracts was also similar to the weight of the internal organs of the control animals, illustrating the absence of toxicity.

Isolation of the Main Biologically Active Substances and Phytochemical Analysis of Ginkgo biloba Callus Culture Extracts.

The work reveals the results of studying the content of biologically active substances in samples of extracts of Ginkgo biloba callus cultures. Callus cultures grown in vitro on liquid nutrient media were the objects of the study. Considering various factors affecting the yield of the target components during extraction, the volume fraction of the organic modifier in the extracting mixture, the temperature factor, and the exposure time were identified as the main ones. The maximum yield of extractive substances (target biologically active substances with a degree of extraction of at least 50%) from the samples of callus culture extracts was detected at a ratio of extragent of 70% ethanol, a temperature of 50 °C, and exposure time of 6 h. Flavonoids, such as luteolin, quercetin, isoramentin, kaempferol, and amentoflavone, were isolated in the extract samples. As a result of column chromatography, fractions of individual biologically active substances (bilobalide, ginkgolide A, B, and C) were determined. The proposed schemes are focused on preserving the nativity while ensuring maximum purification from associated (ballast) components. Sorbents (Sephadex LH-20, poly-amide, silica gel) were used in successive stages of chromatography with rechromatography. The degree of purity of individually isolated substances was at least 95%.

Colour and content of some biologically active substances in honey.

This paper highlights the correlations between instrumental measurements of colour and the content of some biologically active organic compounds (especially phenolics and flavonoids) in honey. Sufficiently close correlations may lead to the development of procedures for rapid determination of the content of these substances in honey by colour measurement without the need for more demanding sample preparation.

[Technological features of fermented beverages production using kombucha].

Kombucha is a beverage made by fermenting sweetened brewed tea (substrate) by symbiotic culture of yeast and bacteria. Numerous researches on optimization of fermentation process, determination of the influence of technological factors on physical and chemical properties, formation of taste and flavor profile of the beverages, prevention of industrial product risks are due to the growing popularity of kombucha in Europe and the USA. Technological features of kombucha production are to optimize conditions for the growth of symbiotic culture and substrate fermentation. The duration of the process depends on the composition of the substrate, the ratio of tea mushroom and substrate, temperature, size and shape of fermentation vessel. The aim of the work was to generalize the results of studying the technological features of the production of fermented kombucha type beverages and to identify the factors that affect the chemical composition and safety of the finished beverages. Material and methods. Analytical research was carried out on the main databases for the keyword "kombucha". The criteria for inclusion of articles in the analysis were research articles with open access and presenting detailed technology of kombucha. Results. The technology of kombucha production is based on fermentation of the substrate and obtaining the base of the beverage with high content of organic acids, mainly acetic acid. In order to ensure microbiological safety the acetic acid concentration in the beverage base must be at least 1.2%. The high organic acid content necessitates the use of only glass or stainless steel fermentation equipment approved for food contact. The fermentation temperature ranges from 18 to 32 °C. The fermentation process is monitored according to basic criteria: temperature, pH value, acidity, acetic acid content, ethyl alcohol content, and residual sugar content. Kombucha production process is connected with microbiological, chemical and physical risks which could appear in case of using low quality raw materials, equipment and consumer packaging made of materials which do not correspond to sanitary norms, violating technological regimes, storage conditions of raw materials and ready production. To prevent hazards affecting the quality and safety of the finished product, it is necessary to control the technological process at all stages of production. Conclusion. Following sanitary-hygienic norms and technological regimes allows producing kombucha with a balanced taste and aroma, which meets the safety requirements for fermented beverages.

[Russian market of fermented kombucha beverages].

Fermented beverages based on kombucha contain a wide range of minor biologically active substances (flavonoids, caffeic acid derivatives, B vitamins, and others). The inclusion of these beverages in the diet helps to increase its nutritional value due to the content of biologically active substances, including essential ones. To develop beverages (kombucha) with a certain content of biologically active substances, it is necessary to study the composition of these products sold on the Russian market. The aim of the work was to analyze the Russian market of fermented beverages based on kombucha. Material and methods. More than 100 different marketed products were selected, positioned as non-alcoholic fermented beverages based on kombucha. Results. It was revealed that black tea (~28%), green tea (~24%) and Blooming Sally (~13%) are most often used as the basis for kombucha. In other cases, various types of tea, coffee, as well as special varieties of tea are used. Sugar (~55%), stevia extract (~24%), as well as honey, fructose, glucose-fructose syrup are used as sweeteners. The formation of the flavor profile of kombucha is achieved by using additional ingredients. A variety of fruits (lemon, orange, mango, apple, etc.), vegetables (cucumber, beetroot, etc.), berries (cranberries, lingonberries, chokeberry, raspberries, etc.) are used in the form of juices or purees; herbs and spices (mint, nutmeg, star anise, cloves, lavender, vanilla, etc.), as well as functional ingredients (vitamins, prebiotics, probiotics, chlorophyll) are applied as such additives. Conclusion. The analysis of the range of fermented drinks (kombucha) marketed in trading network was carried out. A list of main and auxiliary ingredients has been formed to assess the possibility of using these drinks to modify eating patterns.

[Instant drinks based on extracts of Japan sea brown algae and fruit and berry juices as functional products].

Nowadays, there is a need to create functional drinks that not only normalize the water-electrolyte balance, but also correct and optimize the chemical structure of the diet. The basis for the production of dry drinks can be fruit and berry juices, extracts of herbal raw materials, including algae, etc. The aim of the study was to develop dry drinks based on dry extracts of brown algae (Costaria costata and Undaria pinnatifida) and concentrated fruit and berry juices and to evaluate the content of biologically active substances in them, as well as the antioxidant properties of the resulting drinks. Material and methods. Brown algae of the Far Eastern region Costaria costata and Undaria pinnatifida were used as objects, from which dry hydrothermal extracts were obtained, as well as dry drinks based on these extracts (21-26%) and concentrated fruit and berry juices of black currant and blueberry (31-37%). The content of iodine was determined by titrimetric method, fucoidan, the sum of phenolic compounds, flavonoids, catechins - by spectrophotometric method, vitamin C - titrimetrically, anthocyanins - by pH-differential spectrophotometry. Identification of phenolic compounds was carried out by HPLC. The antiradical properties of beverages were evaluated by the ability to interact with the stable 2.2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl free radical in vitro spectrophotometrically. Results. Dry hydrothermal extracts of C. costata and U. pinnatifida brown algae are characterized by a high content of bioactive substances, the main of which are fucoidan and iodine. The fucoidan content in C. costata extract was 1.7 g/100 g, in U. pinnatifida extract - 0.5 g/100 g; the iodine content was 0.0036 and 0.0028 g/100 g, respectively. The content of phenolic compounds was at least 205 mg of tannic acid per 1 g, the main compounds were syringic acid and epicatechin, salicylic and coumaric acids, as well as chlorogenic, caffeic, 2.5-dihydroxybenzoic, ferulic acid and gallates of epigallocatechin and epicatechin. The developed drinks based on dry extracts of C. costata and U. pinnatifida brown algae (21-26%) and concentrated blueberry and blackcurrant juices (31-37%) (the rest is powdered sugar) are a food system enriched with bioactive substances. The content per 1 serving of drinks (10 g per 200 ml) of iodine was high and amounted to 70-75 mcg, phenolic compounds - about 250 mg, vitamin C level was maximum in a drink with black currant (41-44 mg), fucoidan content ranged from 79 to 84 mg. The resulting dry drinks satisfy the daily physiological requirement in iodine by at least 40%, in vitamin C - by at least 30% when consuming 1 serving. The radical binding activity of all the studied beverages was quite high and amounted to 91.1-96.5%. The drink with blueberry juice and C. costata extract showed maximum antiradical properties. Conclusion. The developed dry soft drinks based on dry extracts of C. costata and U. pinnatifida brown algae and concentrated juices of black currant or blueberry contain a wide range of bioactive compounds. They can be attributed to functional products due to the high degree of satisfaction of the daily physiological requirement of the human body in vitamin C and iodine and are characterized by high antiradical properties.

The influence of castration on intramural neurons of the urinary bladder trigone in male pigs.

The present study investigated the influence of castration performed at neonatal age on neuronal elements in the intramural ganglia of the urinary bladder trigone (UBT) in male pigs using double-labeling immunohistochemistry. The ganglia were examined in intact (IP) 7-day-old (castration day) pigs, and at 3 and 6 months after surgery. In IP and control (3- and 6-month-old noncastrated pigs) groups, virtually, all neurons were adrenergic (68%) or cholinergic (32%) in nature. Many of them (32%, 51%, and 81%, respectively; 56%, 75%, and 85% adrenergic; and 32%, 52%, and 65% cholinergic, respectively) stained for the androgen receptor (AR), and only a small number of nerve cells were caspase-3 (CASP-3)-positive. In 3- and 6-month-old castrated pigs, an excessive loss (87.6% and 87.5%, respectively) of neurons and intraganglionic nerve fibers was observed. The majority of the surviving adrenergic (61% and 72%, respectively) and many cholinergic (41% and 31%, respectively) neurons expressed CASP-3 and were also AR-positive (61% and 66%, and 40% and 36%, respectively). This study revealed for the first time the excessive loss of intramural UBT neurons following castration, which could have resulted from apoptosis induced by androgen deprivation.

Histochemical and Phytochemical Analysis of Lamium album subsp. album L. Corolla: Essential Oil, Triterpenes, and Iridoids.

The aim of this study was to conduct a histochemical analysis to localize lipids, terpenes, essential oil, and iridoids in the trichomes of the L. album subsp. album corolla. Morphometric examinations of individual trichome types were performed. Light and scanning electron microscopy techniques were used to show the micromorphology and localization of lipophilic compounds and iridoids in secretory trichomes with the use of histochemical tests. Additionally, the content of essential oil and its components were determined using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Qualitative analyses of triterpenes carried out using high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) coupled with densitometric detection, and the iridoid content expressed as aucubin was examined with spectrophotometric techniques. We showed the presence of iridoids and different lipophilic compounds in papillae and glandular and non-glandular trichomes. On average, the flowers of L. album subsp. album yielded 0.04 mL/kg of essential oil, which was dominated by aldehydes, sesquiterpenes, and alkanes. The extract of the L. album subsp. album corolla contained 1.5 × 10-3 ± 4.3 × 10-4 mg/mL of iridoid aucubin and three triterpenes: oleanolic acid, ß-amyrin, and ß-amyrin acetate. Aucubin and ß-amyrin acetate were detected for the first time. We suggest the use of L. album subsp. album flowers as supplements in human nutrition.

Colour and content of some biologically active substances in natural products and products of natural origin.

The paper draws attention to the correlations between the results of instrumental colour measurements and the content of some biologically active organic substances (carotenoids, chlorophyll, anthocyanins, curcuminoids, etc.) in natural products and products of natural origin. After supplementation by regression analysis and calibration, sufficiently close correlations can lead to the development of procedures for rapid determination of the content of these substances and their groups by colour measurement without more demanding sample treatment.

[Effect of resveratrol, carnitin, quercetin and aromatic amino acids on the xenobiotic metabolising and antioxidant enzymes in the liver during obesity in rats with different genotypes].

The use of minor biologically active substances (BAS) in specialized products is one of the promising areas in the diet therapy for obesity and other alimentary-dependent diseases (metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes mellitus, etc.). The effects of the BAS in patients are often ambiguous, depending on a number of factors, one of which is the state of the organism enzyme systems (enzymes of xenobiotic metabolism and antioxidant defense), the patient's genotype, and many others. The aim was to study the effect of BAS [quercetin (Q), L-carnitine (L-Car), resveratrol (Res), aromatic amino acids tyrosine (Tyr) and tryptophan (Trp)] on the activities of phase I and II of xenobiotic-metabolising enzymes and antioxidant enzymes in rats using various in vivo models of obesity and with impaired dopamine transport. Material and methods. The activities of cytochrome P450 enzymes (CYP1A1 and CYP3A), glutathione transferase (GT), UDPglucuronosyltransferase (UDP-GT), hemoxygenase-1 (HO-1), and quinone reductase (QR) were determined by fluorimetric, spectrophotometric methods and HPLC in microsomes and cytosolic fraction of rat's liver. We used rats of outbred Wistar line, Zucker ZF line with hereditarily determined obesity and DAT-KO line with a knockout of the DAT dopamine transporter gene, which for 62 days were fed a standard balanced control or high-carbohydrate high-fat diet (30% fat by weight and 20% fructose solution instead of water) supplemented with BAS, such as Q, Res, L-Car, Tyr and Trp in doses 50, 25, 300, 1250 and 250 mg/kg of body weight respectively. Results and discussion. The presence of a DAT knockout led to a small but statistically significant decrease in the activity of GT in the liver in both homozygous and heterozygous animals. The CYP1A1 activity was significantly decreased in all carriers of the DAT knockout gene, while HO-1 activity, on the contrary, was increased, independently of the composition of the diet used. In Zucker ZF rats of all groups, in comparison with Wistar rats fed the corresponding diets, the activities of GT, UDP-GT, CYP1A1, CYP3A and QR were significantly reduced in terms of the total protein content. HO-1 activity was reduced in Zucker ZF rats in comparison with Wistar rats to a lesser extent, however, the addition of Q significantly influenced the difference between the two lines. Trp consumption led to a significant increase in GT activity in Wistar rats. In DAT-KO homozygotes this effect was insignificant, while in heterozygotes it was absent. Similarly, consumption of Trp resulted in a significant increase in CYP1A1 activity only in Wistar rats, but not in DAT-KO rats. The activity of UDP-GT under Trp intake increased only in DAT heterozygotes. The genotype significantly influenced the response of QR activity to Trp consumption, but in an ambiguous way - there was an increase in activity in heterozygotes and a decrease in homozygotes for DAT knockout. CYP1A1 activity was significantly increased in rats treated with Tyr. Conclusion. The data obtained indicate that the effect of various dietary supplements used in the treatment of obesity and metabolic syndrome on the xenobiotic-metabolising enzymes and antioxidant enzymes can have a different nature and direction depending on the genotype and the level of spontaneous physical activity and energy expenditure determined by it, which should be taken into account when approaches to personalized diet therapy of alimentary-dependent diseases are developing.

[On the new (2021) Norms of physiological requirements in energy and nutrients of various groups of the population of the Russian Federation].

The article presents the main provisions of the new "Norms of physiological requirements in energy and nutrients for various groups of the population of the Russian Federation" developed and approved in accordance with the established procedure, accumulating the latest fundamental knowledge and world and domestic experience, that determine the values of physiological requirements in nutrients and energy sources, adequate levels of consumption of micronutrients and biologically active substances with an established physiological effect. In the Norms the conceptual apparatus has been expanded and updated, several terms and definitions to them (nutriome, intestinal microbiome, trans-isomers of fatty acids, critical nutrients, edible salt, glycemic index of food products, etc.) have been introduced. Changes have been made to the age periodization of the child and adult population of the Russian Federation, as well as adjustments in the differentiation of the population by the level of physical activity (4 groups for men and women). Taking into account these data, the recommendations on the proportion of macronutrients in the calorie content of the daily diet have been adjusted. The levels of physiological requirements in energy and nutrients have been clarified, depending on the physical activity of the population, including vitamins and mineral substances for both men and women, including period of pregnancy and lactation, as well as for children of different ages. For the first time, recommendations are included to reduce the intake of critical nutrients for health (dietary salt, added sugars, trans-isomeric fatty acids), based on data from modern meta-analyzes on the negative health effects of their excessive intake. Recommendations on the consumption of ω-3 and ω-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids by children and adults, including pregnant and lactating women, have been significantly expanded; adequate dietary intake of plant sterols have been introduced for the first time; while adequate dietary intake of certain phenolic compounds (phenolic acids, flavonoids, polymeric phenolic compounds and stilbenes) were specified. For the first time, the Norms include recommended levels of water (drinks) consumption to maintain the body's water balance under optimal environmental conditions for adult men and women at different levels of physical activity, for children, as well as pregnant and lactating women. For the first time in world practice, a complex of qualitative and quantitative indicators of the reference intestinal microbiome is presented, including modern taxonomic and functional characteristics that give an conception of microbiota phenotype in adults with a normal body mass index.

Effect of castration on pelvic neurons in the male pig.

The present study investigated the influence of castration performed at neonatal age on neuronal elements in the anterior pelvic ganglion of the male pig with immunohistochemistry and quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR). The ganglia were examined 3 and 6 months after surgery. In 3-month-old castrated pigs (3MCP) 74% of adrenergic and 31% of cholinergic neurons stained for caspase-3 (CASP-3), and much greater numbers of perikarya than in the control animals expressed CGRP, galanin (GAL) and VIP (peptides known to have neuroprotective properties). In 6-months-old castrated pigs (6MCP), an excessive loss (90%) of neurons and intraganglionic nerve fibres was found. The survived adrenergic and cholinergic neurons also expressed CASP-3, CGRP, GAL or VIP. The qPCR results corresponded with immunofluorescence findings. In 3MCP, genes for CASP-3 and CGRP were up-regulated, while the expression of those for DßH, VAChT, GAL, VIP and SP displayed statistically insignificant variations. In 6MCP, distinctly up-regulated were genes for CGRP, GAL, VIP, SP, DßH and VAChT, while the expression of casp3 gene was down-regulated. The study revealed for the first time the excessive loss of pelvic neurons following castration, and a realistic assumption is proposed, that the neurons died due to apoptosis triggered by androgen deprivation.

Effects of colostrum instead of formula feeding for the first 2 days postnatum on whole-body energy metabolism and its endocrine control in neonatal calves.

Colostrum provides high amounts of nutritive and non-nutritive substrates, which are essential for calf nutrition and passive immunization. Colostral growth factors and hormones have beneficial effects on postnatal maturation and may affect substrate utilization and energy expenditure in neonatal calves. We tested the hypothesis that energy metabolism and its endocrine regulation differ during the first 10 d of life in calves fed either colostrum or a milk-based formula with a similar nutrient composition to colostrum, but largely depleted of bioactive substances, for the first 2 d postnatum. Male Holstein calves (n = 18) were fed either pooled colostrum (COL; n = 9) or a milk-based formula (FOR; n = 9) for the first 2 d of life. From d 3 on, all calves received same milk replacer. On d 2 and 7 of life, calves were placed in a respiration chamber for indirect calorimetric measurements to calculate heat production, fat (FOX) and carbohydrate oxidation (COX), as well as respiratory quotient. Blood was sampled on d 1 before first colostrum intake and on d 2, 3, 7, 8, 9, and 10 before morning feeding, to measure plasma concentrations of immunoglobulins, metabolites, and hormones. Additional postprandial blood samples were taken on d 1 and 9 at 30, 60, 120, 240, and 420 min after milk feeding. Liver samples were collected on d 10 of life to determine gene expression related to energy metabolism. Formula-fed calves showed lower plasma concentrations of total protein, immunoglobulins, haptoglobin, leptin, adiponectin, and insulin-like growth factor (IGF) binding protein (IGFBP)-4 during the whole study but temporarily higher plasma concentrations of urea, insulin, glucagon, triglyceride, and cholesterol on the first day after feeding, compared with concentrations in COL. The temporary increase in glucagon, triglyceride, and cholesterol on d 1 reversed on d 2 or 3, showing higher concentrations in COL than in FOR calves. In FOR, IGF-I, IGFBP-2, and IGFBP-3 were lower on d 3 than in COL. Interestingly, FOR calves had higher heat production during respiratory measurements on d 2 and higher body temperature on d 2, 3, and 5 than those of COL. The hepatic mRNA abundance of cytosolic phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase was higher in FOR than in COL. Our results indicate that first milk feeding after birth influenced whole-body energy expenditure but not FOX and COX in neonatal calves, and the absorption of colostral leptin and adiponectin might affect insulin sensitivity on d 1 of life.

Modern Trends in the In Vitro Production and Use of Callus, Suspension Cells and Root Cultures of Medicinal Plants.

This paper studies modern methods of producing and using callus, suspension cells and root cultures of medicinal plants in vitro. A new solution for natural product production is the use of an alternative source of renewable, environmentally friendly raw materials: callus, suspension and root cultures of higher plants in vitro. The possibility of using hairy root cultures as producers of various biologically active substances is studied. It is proven that the application of the genetic engineering achievements that combine in vitro tissue culture and molecular biology methods was groundbreaking in terms of the intensification of the extraction process of compounds significant for the medical industry. It is established that of all the callus processing methods, suspension and root cultures in vitro, the Agrobacterium method is the most widely used in practice. The use of agrobacteria has advantages over the biolistic method since it increases the proportion of stable transformation events, can deliver large DNA segments and does not require special ballistic devices. As a result of the research, the most effective strains of agrobacteria are identified.

Effect of biologically active substances on oxidative stability of flaxseed oil.

The enrichment of flaxseed oil, which is a valuable plant source of PUFA omega-3, fat-soluble vitamins and other biologically active substances (BAS), makes it possible to strengthen the therapeutic and prophylactic effect of flaxseed oil. The study of the effect of BAS additives on the oxidative stability of flaxseed oil is an important step in the process of creating products based on enriched flaxseed oil. Experiments were conducted to investigate the influence of added BAS (coenzyme Q10, ß-carotene, lutein, zeaxanthin, α-tocopherol, α-tocopherol acetate, cholecalciferol, selenomethionine) on flaxseed oil oxidation stability. Kinetic data on accumulation of primary and secondary oxidation products, free fatty acids in flaxseed oil, as well as the consumption of BAS added to the oil during its storage, were obtained. Experimental results showed that the BAS could have both antioxidant and pro-oxidant properties depending on their chemical structure and concentration. Coenzyme Q10, carotenoids and selenomethionine at concentrations higher than 100, 10 and 0.5 mg/100 g respectively, accelerate significantly (p < 0.05) the oxidation of flaxseed oil. An addition of 5 mg/100 g ß-carotene inhibits formation of flaxseed oil oxidation products. The co-influence of synthetic and natural oxidation inhibitors with BAS on oxidative stability of flaxseed oil was studied. The fat-soluble esters of ascorbic acid and their compositions with natural antioxidants based on beans and soybeans appeared to be effective and safe stabilizers of flaxseed oil enriched with BAS. Resulting from the studies, new oxidation-resistant functional food products based on flaxseed oil are launched into manufacturing.

[Physiological and biochemical studies as a necessary component of the algorithm for assessing the effectiveness of food minor biologically active substances].

Preclinical physiological and biochemical studies of the effectiveness of the tested biologically active substances in the conditions of simulated pathology in laboratory animals are an important stage preceding the assessment of the clinical effectiveness of the created specialized foods for therapeutic or preventive nutrition. The aim of this work is a brief review of the developed algorithm for preclinical assessment of the effectiveness of specialized foods, which includes a set of sequential stages of testing the safety, stability, bioavailability and effectiveness of biologically active substances in experiments on laboratory animals. Results. The paper presents a brief review of methodological approaches for in vivo preclinical assessment of the effectiveness of minor plant biologically active substances - polyphenols from bilberry fruits and leaves and phytoecdysteroids extracted from spinach. A beneficial effect of bilberry leaves' polyphenols on carbohydrate and lipid metabolism of male Zucker and Wistar rats was shown, which determined the necessity to increase the effectiveness of the developed polyphenolic ingredient by sorption on a food carrier. When evaluating the in vivo effects of polyphenols from blueberries and leaves sorbed on buckwheat flour, a pronounced hypoglycemic effect was found. The experiments aimed to the assessment of the adaptogenic effects of phytoecdysteroids from spinach leaves showed a significant decrease in the content of the main biomarkers of the stress system, which indicates a «smoothing¼ of the response of the animal organism to a strong stress impact. Conclusion. The inclusion of minor biologically active substances into the composition of foods for preventive and therapeutic nutrition is the necessary condition to improve their effectiveness. The scientific and practical significance of the preclinical evaluation to a decisive extent depends on the presence of a correctly selected biomodel. Thus, the adequacy of the assessment of the effects of minor biologically active substances as functional food ingredients in the composition of the specialized food products depends on the reproducibility of pathological processes (clinical, biochemical and morphological disorders) characteristic for the studied disease on the selected in vivo model.

[Spinach and quinoa - prospective food sources of biologically active substances].

Formally, phytoadaptogens extracted mainly from medicinal plants are not food substances, and their use in preventive nutrition is significantly limited. However, screening studies can detect phytoadaptogens in food plants, however in much smaller quantities. For example, phytoecdysteroids are biologically active substances (BAS), used to relieve chronic fatigue syndrome, reduce nervous and muscle fatigue, improve memory and attention processes. Phytoecdysteroids can be isolated not only from various medicinal plants, but also from food plants like spinach (Spinacia oleracea) and quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa). Researchers show interest in possible synergies in the manifestation of a wide range of pharmacological effects, determined by a combination of phytoecdysteroids and other biologically active substances of these food plants. The aim of this research is a brief analytical review of publications characterizing the spectrum of minor biologically active substances of spinach and quinoa, as well as those devoted to the experimental assessment of their pharmacological activity in experiments on laboratory animals. Results. An analysis of the publications presented in the review indicates that spinach and its extracts are promising food sources of phytoadaptogens, carotenoids, phenolic compounds, in particular quercetin, kempferol, phenolic acids (p-coumaric, ferulic), as well as lignans metabolized into biologically active phytoestrogens (enterolactone and enterodiol). The possible prophylactic effect of spinach is being actively studied in vivo in laboratory animals when modeling diseases such as diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular and cancer diseases. Numerous adaptogenic effects and the neuroprotective effect of spinach and its extracts are shown, expressed in improving the memory and learning of animals. Publications of the last decade indicate an increased interest in such a promising food source of high-grade protein and a wide spectrum of biologically active substances, including phytoecdysteroids, as quinoa grains. More than 20 phenolic compounds in free or conjugated forms were found in quinoa grains; tannins, saponins, sterols, phytic acid, and ecdysteroids are present in small quantities. The consumptionof quinoa can have a beneficial effect on the organism, normalizing carbohydrate and lipid metabolism, reducing body weight and preventing excessive lipid peroxidation. The anti-inflammatory effects and antioxidant effects of quinoa are widely discussed. Conclusion. Spinach, quinoa and their extracts are promising food sources of biologically active substances, their pharmacological action is confirmed from the standpoint of evidence-based medicine by in vivo experimental studies. Accordingly, it is advisable to expand the use of these food plants for inclusion in biologically active dietary supplements, functional food ingredients and specialized food products for various purposes.

[Carrot juice nutritional profile].

Carrot juice is one of the main products of carrot processing and the second most popular vegetable juice after tomato. Due to the presence of a complex of various nutritive and biologically active substances (BAS) carrot juice can make a significant contribution to maintaining human healthy diet. The aim of the study was to establish the nutrient profile of carrot juice. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A study of parameters of carrot juice of industrial production, characterizing its nutritional and biological value was carried out. The results of these experiments were compared with the data of BAS profiles of carrot juice from reference books and scientific publications. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: The established nutrient profile includes data about content of more than 30 nutritients and BAS. The sucrose is the predominant carbohydrate in carrot juice; glucose and fructose concentrations are substantially lower. Among organic acids predominates L-malic acid whereas content of citric acid is usually 5-10 fold lower than that of L-malic acid. The total acidity of carrot juice is low, on average 0.25 mg of organic acids is present in 100 cm3 of juice. Carrot juice is a relatively rich source of a number of vitamins and minerals. A serving (200-250 cm3) of industrial carrot juice on average contains around 18% of the recommended daily intake (RDI) for potassium, 9% for magnesium, 8% for iron, 12% for copper and 14% for manganese. Vitamins are represented to a large extent by ß-carotene and other carotenoids (more than 400% of the RDI in a serving), as well as niacin, biotin and pantothenic acid - about 7% of the RDI in a serving for each of these vitamins. The content of vitamins E and K in serving averages 17 and 10% of the RDI respectively. Not clarified carrot juice contains about 1.1 g of dietary fiber in 100 cm3, including pectins - about 0.2 g/100 cm3. CONCLUSION: Based on the results of this investigation the carrot juice might be considered as a substantial source of minor BAS mostly carotenoids, vitamins E and K, group B vitamins: niacin, biotin, pantothenic acid, mineral substances: potassium, magnesium, iron, copper, manganese, as well as dietary fiber.

[Trends in the development of analytical methods for determination of the quality and authenticity of foodstuffs].

The review presents several results of investigations carried out at the Federal Research Centre for Nutrition, Biotechnology and Food Safety on the development and application of modern chemical-analytical methods for determining the quality indicators, nutritional and biological value of foodstuffs. Particular attention is paid to methodological approaches to the determination of biologically active substances of dietary supplements of plant origin, to the definition of criteria for authenticity and methods to disclose falsification of food and dietary supplements. The practical application of modern analytical techniques (capillary GLC, capillary electrophoresis, HPLC with a mass spectrometric detection, UV/VIS diode-array detection, etc.), combining high efficiency and selective separation and detection for identification and qualitative and quantitative determination of components in complex matrix of foodstuffs and dietary supplements is shown.