Agrobiodiversity for Improving Nutrition, Health and Life Quality

Enhancing Gluten-free Biscuits: a Quality Assessment with Medicinal Plant Additions

Sheba Sunny Marottickal — 2025-05-31

We recommend writing about the purpose of the research at the beginning. This study investigates nutritional composition (dry matter, ash, fat, reducing sugars), antioxidant activity (using the DPPH method), total polyphenol content, and sensory parameters of gluten-free biscuits with a 5% addition of medicinal plants (Origanum vulgare L., Tilia platyphyllos Scop., Agrimonia eupatoria L., and Thymus serpyllum L.) compared to control variant without herbs. The dry matter content ranged from 95.42 to 96.81%. The highest ash content was detected in the sample with the addition of oregano (2.01%), while the lowest was in the control sample (1.53%). The fat content in the monitored samples ranged from 27.48% (sample with oregano) to 29.06 % (control sample). The reducing sugar content ranged from 18.93 mg GE.g^-1 (control sample) to 25.96 mg GE.g^-1 (sample with oregano). The total polyphenol content ranged from 1.09 mg GAE.100 g^-1 (control sample) to 3.35 mg GAE.100 g^-1 (sample with oregano). The antioxidant activity was highest in the variant with wild thyme (1.62 mg TEAC.100 g^-1) and lowest in the control sample (1.44 mg TEAC.100 g^-1). The sensory evaluation confirmed that gluten-free biscuits with adding herbs, especially lime-tree and oregano, had very good taste, aroma, and overall acceptability compared to the control sample.

Development of Gluten-free Biscuits with Alternative Sweeteners Enriched with Medicinal Herbs: Mint, Rose, Thyme, and Oregano

Jawa Hassan — 2025-05-31

This study aimed to develop gluten-free biscuits enriched with 10 % of mint, rose, thyme, or oregano and sweetened with alternative sweeteners. Oat flour was combined with each herb, and the biscuits were manufactured under lab conditions. Proximate composition, mineral enrichment, and antioxidant activity were analyzed. The nutritional benefits and functional value that herbal addition brought to the biscuits were also studied to determine its actual impact on human health. The results showed that by adding herbs, the nutritional quality of the biscuits was raised obviously. Mint and oregano-incorporated biscuits were found to have markedly increased protein content, while thyme-infused ones were particularly high in iron, as shown by their mineral content. Hence, the incorporation of herbs brought clear benefits to the mineral composition of an herb at each level. Overall, the addition of herbs also improved biscuits' total phenolic and flavonoid content, with rose-injected biscuits showing the highest levels of antioxidant action. However, traces of heavy metal species were detected in thyme-incorporated biscuits, indicating the necessity for purity and careful procurement of medicinal herbs. This study showed that adding medicinal herbs into gluten-free biscuit formulations was an effective way of meeting consumer demands for healthier and more functional snacks. The nutrient density, antioxidant power, and sensory attractiveness of the enhanced biscuits were all enhanced. By combining traditional ingredients with herbs rich in phenolic compounds and essential mineral compounds, biscuit makers can create an array of gluten-free products catering to health-conscious consumers looking for healthy and antioxidant-rich snacks.

Impact of Raspberry Bushy Dwarf Virus on Yield and Fruit Quality of Three Red Raspberry Cultivars

Iryna Riaba — 2025-05-31

This study aimed to evaluate the yield and assess changes in the chemical composition of fresh red raspberry fruits caused by the presence of Raspberry bushy dwarf virus (RBDV). The study was conducted on fruits collected from RBDV-free and RBDV-infected plants of three raspberry cultivars: Brusviana, Sugana, and Joan J, grown in Kyiv Oblast. Fruits were harvested at the appropriate ripening stages, and their physical parameters (number of fruits, weight, drupelet number) were measured. The biochemical characteristics were analyzed using appropriate methods: soluble solids content (SSC, %) via refractometry; titratable acidity (%) and ascorbic acid (AsA, mg 100 g^-1) through acid-base titration; sugar content (%) using colorimetric analysis; and total phenols and anthocyanins (mg 100 g-1 fresh weight) by spectrophotometry, applying the Folin–Denis method and the pH differential method, respectively. The results revealed a statistically significant negative impact of viral infection on yield across all three cultivars, with reductions reaching up to 62%. Infected plants produced smaller, deformed, crumbly, and lower-weight berries with fewer drupelets compared to healthy ones. The AsA content in infected fruits was significantly lower in all three cultivars (7.7–9.6%). In contrast, the TA content was 40–50% higher in infected plants of Brusviana and Sugana. The levels of phenolics were notably higher in virus-infected plants of Joan J (up to 28.7%) and Sugana (up to 16%) than in the control, while anthocyanin content significantly increased in Sugana (60.4%) and Brusviana (53.7%). Statistical analysis confirmed the undeniable impact of RBDV infection on the studied traits. Considering all experimental and statistical data, it can be concluded that RBDV affects marketability, fruit quality, and chemical composition in all three examined red raspberry cultivars.

Nanotechnology for Improving Agrotechnical Practice – Actual Significance and Prospects

Adam Kováčik — 2025-05-31

Agriculture faces growing challenges, including soil degradation, climate change, and the need for increased food production while minimizing environmental harm. Nanotechnology, specifically the use of nanoparticles and metal nanoparticles, presents a promising way for sustainable agricultural practices. It holds the promise of making agriculture more resilient, efficient, and sustainable. Its precision-based approach enables optimized use of inputs and improved crop outcomes, making it a key technology for addressing global food security challenges. Nanoparticles have emerged as a revolutionary tool in agriculture, providing innovative solutions for improving crop yield, reducing environmental damage, and enhancing sustainable farming practices. Nanotechnology offers innovative solutions that transcend traditional limitations related to soil type and climatic variability. Its applications range from enhanced nutrient delivery systems to advanced pest control and environmental monitoring, making it an asset for global agricultural development. This review summarizes in short the benefits and risks associated with the application of nanoparticles in agriculture, focusing on nano-fertilizers, nano-pesticides, and nano-remediation technologies. Nano-fertilizers hold significant promise for advancing sustainable agriculture by enhancing nutrient efficiency and reducing environmental impacts. Nanopesticides represent a significant advancement in agricultural pest management, offering the potential for more effective and environmentally conscious solutions. Nano-remediation has substantial promise for enhancing environmental sustainability in agriculture by effectively addressing soil and water contamination. The discussion also highlights regulatory concerns and future directions in nano-enabled agriculture.

Traditional Uses, Phytochemistry, and Pharmacological Potential of Myroxylon peruiferum L.F and Myroxylon balsamum (L.) Harms in Bolivia

Roberto Quevedo-Sopepi — 2025-05-31

Considering the systemic toxicity and limited efficacy associated with conventional antidiabetic medications, there is an increasing demand for plant-based therapeutic alternatives. Herbal medicines have gained significant global attention due to their natural origin and reduced side effects. South American countries, including Bolivia, have a rich ethnobotanical heritage that plays a fundamental role in traditional medicine. This review focuses on Myroxylon peruiferum L.f and Myroxylon balsamum (L.) Harms, two medicinal species from the Fabaceae family widely used in Bolivia for the treatment of malaria, respiratory infections (including bronchitis and laryngitis), rheumatism, and other inflammatory conditions. The study aims to provide a comprehensive overview of their geographical distribution, ethnobotanical relevance, phytochemical composition, and pharmacological properties, with an emphasis on their potential for future scientific investigation, sustainable collection, and commercialization. Both species are rich in bioactive secondary metabolites, including flavonoids, phenolics, fatty acids, aldehydes, and terpenoids, which contribute to their diverse biological activities. Previous in vitro and in vivo studies have reported their antiseptic, antibacterial, antimicrobial, antifungal, antimalarial, antileishmanial (Leishmania amazonensis), and antiviral properties. These pharmacological effects are attributed primarily to compounds present in their leaves, bark, wood, and fruits. Despite promising therapeutic potential, a substantial gap remains between traditional ethnomedicinal knowledge and pharmacological research. Further interdisciplinary studies integrating ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry, and clinical research are essential to validate the efficacy and safety of these species. This review underscores the need for scientific exploration of Bolivian medicinal plants, not only to support traditional healthcare practices but also to promote the development of bioactive natural products with economic and industrial significance.

Biochemical Features of Ocimum canum Sims Grown in Ukrainian Southern Steppe Conditions

Liudmyla Svydenko — 2025-05-31

Ocimum canum Sims is an aromatic, essential oil, and medicinal plant. Although this species is not as well studied as other members of the genus, such as Ocimum basilicum, there is evidence of high biological activity of extracts and use for certain diseases. The essential oil composition, according to previous data, is valuable but depends on numerous factors. This study aimed to evaluate economically valuable features of O. canum f. 17-35 in the flowering stage grown in the South of Ukraine (Kherson Oblast). Plants were investigated for morphometric features such as plant height (cm), plant diameter (cm), length and width of leaves (in cm), inflorescence length (cm), the number of shoots (first and second order), inflorescences (per plant), and described the colour of shoots, lamina, and flowers. The essential oil was obtained by the hydrodistillation method (Ginsberg’s method) on the Clevenger apparatus. The study of the component composition of the essential oil was carried out by the high-performance gas-liquid chromatography method. It was found the average values of plant height (55.17 cm), plant diameter (44.6 cm), leaf length (6.98 cm), leaf width (4.1 cm), inflorescence length (26.55 cm), inflorescence number (82.43), shoot number of first order (9.88), and shoot number of second order (5.73). The 43 compounds were determined in the essential oil, and 41 were identified. The main components of the O. canum f. 17-35 essential oil of this sample are linalool (58.99%), methyl chavicol (10.66%), epi-α-cadinol (5.14%), eugenol (4.71%), and geraniol (4.35%) Thus, the obtained data concerning the O. canum showed differences in essential oil content and selected morphometrical parameters of plants. Also, the essential oil of O. canum f. 17-35 contains the principal chemicals that can be used in further pharmacological investigations, cosmetic, and food industries

History of Use, Importance and Perspectives of Cuphea Species

Victoria Mihăilă — 2025-05-31

Cuphea P. Browne (Lythraceae J.St.-Hil.) comprises approximately 240–260 species that grow wild in the warm-temperate and tropical regions of South and Central America, as well as in the southern part of North America. The economic value of these plants is broad and multifaceted, with particular interest in their ability to synthesize and store oil (ranging from 16 to 42%) in seeds rich in capric, caprylic, lauric, and myristic acids. These oils are used in the production of laundry detergents, plasticizers, perfumes, pharmaceuticals, and other industrial products. Significant efforts have been made to adapt this genus to cultivation in temperate climates for the sustainable production of specialty oils. However, Cuphea species retain several wild-type traits such as indeterminate growth and flowering, seed shattering, deep seed dormancy, and the presence of viscous and glandular trichomes, which limit their agricultural potential. Various breeding strategies and modern biotechnological tools have been employed to mitigate these undesirable traits. One of the earliest milestones in the domestication of Cuphea species was the development of the PSR23 line, characterized by partial seed retention. The chemical composition, agronomic performance, disease resistance, and productivity of this line have since been extensively evaluated. This review provides an overview of the biology, distribution, and economic importance of Cuphea species. It also highlights the research history of the genus, including its taxonomic classification, morphological diversity, chromosome numbers, phytochemical profile, therapeutic potential, and progress in domestication.

Effect of Drying Temperature Regime on Antioxidant Activity of Lespedeza bicolor Turcz. Extracts

Olena Vergun — 2025-05-31

Lespedeza bicolor Turcz. (bush clover) is a well-known medicinal, forage, and honey plant, the plant extracts of which exhibit numerous biological activities such as antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, etc. This study aimed to determine the antioxidant capacity of L. bicolor ethanol extracts from plant raw material dried at 45 and 65 °C. Plants were collected from the experimental sets of the M.M. Gryshko National Botanical Garden of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine. It was determined the total polyphenol content (TPC) was determined by the Folin-Ciocalteu method, antioxidant activity by the DPPH method (with 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl), FRAP method (with 2,4,6-tris(2-pyridyl)-S-triazine), and ABTS ( with 2,2ʹ-azinobis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) assay of ethanol extracts. The TPC, antioxidant activity by DPPH, FRAP, and ABTS methods of L. bicolor extracts obtained from plant raw dried at 45 °C were 15.16–53.18 mg GAE.g^-1, 46.84–49.19 μmol TE.g^-1, 133.16–335.62 μmol TE.g^-1, and 2.11–2.39 μmol TE.g^-1, respectively, depending on plant part. The TPC, antioxidant activity by DPPH, FRAP, and ABTS methods of extracts obtained from plant raw dried at 65 °C were 22.9–106.68 mg GAE.g^-1, 48.86–51.68 μmol TE.g^-1, 130.17–345.64 μmol TE.g^-1, and 2.19–2.39 μmol TE.g^-1, respectively, depending on plant part. The Pearson’s coefficients were higher between the investigated parameters of plants dried at 65 °C and found a strong correlation: r = 0.858 (TPC vs. DPPH), r = 0.952 (TPC vs. FRAP), and r = 0.858 (TPC vs. ABTS). Thus, L. bicolor plant extracts are a valuable source of bioactive compounds with antioxidant activity. The study of TPC and antioxidant activity by different methods showed that the temperature regime of plant raw material drying affected the polyphenols' content 1.5–2.0 times. The drying temperature did not significantly affect the antioxidant activity results: a slight increase was observed in flower and leaf extracts by the DPPH and FRAP methods, stem and leaf extracts by the ABTS assay. The obtained data can be used in further biochemical and pharmacological investigations.

Antibacterial Properties of Extracts Derived from the Leaves of Black Locust (Robinia pseudoacacia L.)

Halina Tkachenko — 2025-05-31

The growing resistance of bacterial pathogens to conventional antibiotics has intensified the search for alternative antimicrobial agents, particularly those derived from plants. Robinia pseudoacacia L. (black locust) is a plant known for its diverse phytochemical profile, including compounds with potential antibacterial activity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antimicrobial effects of R. pseudoacacia extract against selected Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial strains of clinical relevance. The antibacterial activity was evaluated using the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method on six bacterial strains: Gram-positive strains such as Enterococcus faecalis (Andrewes and Horder) Schleifer and Kilpper-Balz (ATCC^®51299™) (resistant to vancomycin; sensitive to teicoplanin), Enterococcus faecalis (Andrewes and Horder) Schleifer and Kilpper-Balz (ATCC^®29212™), Staphylococcus aureus subsp. aureus Rosenbach ATCC^®29213™, Staphylococcus aureus NCTC12493™, and Gram-negative strains such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa (Schroeter) Migula ATCC^®27853™, Escherichia coli (Migula) Castellani and Chalmers ATCC^®25922™, and Escherichia coli (Migula) Castellani and Chalmers ATCC^®35218™ strains. The extract showed significant inhibitory effects on Enterococcus faecalis ATCC^®51299™ and ATCC^®29212™, with statistically significant increases in inhibition zones of 40.3% and 63.6%, respectively (p < 0.05). In contrast, Staphylococcus aureus strains (ATCC^®29213™ and NCTC12493™) and Gram-negative bacteria including Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa showed minimal or non-significant responses to the extract. These results suggest that R. pseudoacacia extract contains bioactive compounds with selective antibacterial activity against E. faecalis, highlighting its potential as a natural source of antimicrobial agents. Further studies are required to identify the active compounds and elucidate their mechanisms of action.

Natural Compounds of the Birch Polypore Piptoporus betulinus (Bull.) P. Karst: an Overview of Biological Activities

Tetiana Tiupova — 2025-05-31

Piptoporus betulinus (Bull.) P. Karst, commonly known as the birch polypore, is a medicinal fungus traditionally used in Europe and Asia for the treatment of various ailments, including infections, inflammations, and gastrointestinal disorders. Recent scientific interest has highlighted the rich phytochemical composition and pharmacological potential of this polypore. The mushroom contains a wide range of bioactive compounds such as polysaccharides, triterpenoids, phenolics, and lectins, which contribute to its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anticancer activities. These effects are mediated by diverse mechanisms, including immunomodulation, suppression of inflammatory signalling, inhibition of microbial proliferation, and induction of apoptosis in tumour cells. This review synthesises current knowledge on the biological properties of P. betulinus, drawing on both ethnopharmacological data and modern biomedical research. Preliminary results from investigations into the antioxidant properties of the fungus are also presented. The therapeutic versatility of P. betulinus suggests its potential role in the prevention and treatment of chronic and degenerative diseases, especially those related to oxidative stress and inflammation. Furthermore, the integration of P. betulinus-derived natural products into functional foods, dietary supplements or topical formulations may offer novel approaches to support health and well-being. With the growing interest in evidence-based natural remedies, this species is a promising candidate for the development of alternative or complementary therapies. However, well-designed in vivo studies and clinical trials remain essential to establish standardised use, safety parameters, and bioavailability of their active compounds.

Oxidative Stability of Edible Oils Improved by Gaultheria procumbens L. Essential Oil during Long-term Storage

Maryna Opryshko — 2025-05-31

The oxidative stability of edible oils is a key determinant of their shelf life and nutritional quality. Growing consumer demand for natural antioxidants has prompted research into plant-based additives capable of preventing lipid oxidation. Gaultheria procumbens L. essential oil (GEO), known for its phenolic-rich composition, may provide protective benefits when added to oil matrices. This study investigates the effect of GEO on the antioxidant capacity of selected edible oils during prolonged storage. This study investigated the effects of GEO supplementation on the total antioxidant capacity (TAC) of rapeseed, olive and grapeseed oils during 120 days of storage. The results showed that all three oils experienced a gradual decrease in TAC due to oxidative degradation over time. However, the addition of GEO consistently mitigated this decline, with the most significant antioxidant protection observed at 30 and 120 days of storage. In rapeseed oil, GEO significantly increased the TAC by 19.30% at 120 days. Olive oil enriched with GEO retained a significantly higher TAC at 120 days (loss reduced from 19.93% to 7.97%), while grapeseed oil showed the most stable antioxidant profile, including a significant increase in TAC of 13.78% at 120 days. The protective effects of GEO are attributed to its high content of phenolic compounds with radical scavenging properties. Differences in the oils' fatty acid profiles and intrinsic antioxidant levels influenced the extent of GEO's efficacy. The observed benefits of GEO supplementation highlight its promising potential as a natural preservative in food technology. Its ability to enhance oxidative stability without the use of synthetic additives is in line with current trends favouring clean label and plant-based solutions. Furthermore, the efficacy of GEO in different oil matrices suggests broad industrial applicability and opens avenues for future research into its use in emulsions, functional foods and nutraceutical formulations.

Allelopathic Effects of Selected Culinary Spices and their Preparation Methods on Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Seed Germination and Early Seedling Development

Oliwia Firlong-Lauda — 2025-05-31

Spices are widely recognised not only for their culinary and medicinal properties, but also for their bioactive compounds that can influence plant growth and development. Recent studies have highlighted the potential of certain spices to exhibit allelopathic or antifungal properties that may affect seed germination and seedling establishment. However, the specific effects of different spices and the influence of their preparation methods on cereal crops such as wheat remain underexplored. This study investigates the effects of selected culinary spices and their forms of preparation on wheat seed germination to assess their potential use in sustainable agriculture as natural seed treatments. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of selected culinary spices on germination and early seedling development of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). Five commonly used spices – garlic (Allium sativum L.), ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe), cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum J.Presl), black pepper (Piper nigrum L.), and cayenne pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) – were tested in different preparation forms, including macerates, infusions, and decoctions. The results showed that black pepper had the most pronounced inhibitory effect on seed germination, with the infusion reducing germination by almost 68% compared to the control. Cinnamon also significantly suppressed germination, especially when applied as a macerate, reducing germination by approximately 39%. Granulated garlic macerate showed a dual effect, strongly inhibiting seedling development, while garlic decoction unexpectedly enhanced seed germination and seedling vigour. Ginger macerate had only a slight inhibitory effect, while chilli macerate slightly stimulated germination, but these effects were not statistically significant. Overall, none of the spice treatments significantly improved germination energy. Statistical analysis confirmed that the type of spice had a significant effect on germination rates (p = 0.030), while the method of preparation showed borderline significance (p = 0.055). Comparison of treatments showed that the effects of chilli and ginger were not statistically significant (p >0.05), while those of black pepper, garlic, and cinnamon were highly significant (p <0.05). These results confirm the allelopathic and antifungal potential of certain culinary spices, but also show that the biological activity of these spices is highly dependent on the extraction method used. The dual nature of garlic treatments and the pronounced inhibitory effects of black pepper and cinnamon suggest that their application in agriculture should be carefully optimised. The results highlight the potential for the development of environmentally friendly spice-based seed treatments, but also point to the need for further studies to determine appropriate concentrations and safe application methods that ensure both pathogen control and minimal phytotoxicity.

Evaluation of Essential and Toxic Elements, Polyphenol Content, and Antioxidant Activity in Cabbage (Brassica oleracea L.)

Judita Lidková — 2025-05-31

Brassica oleracea (cabbage) is a widely consumed cruciferous vegetable known for its nutritional richness and health-promoting properties. This study aimed to evaluate the mineral composition, total polyphenol content (TPC), antioxidant activity (AA), and the presence of potentially toxic elements in selected cabbage varieties. Total polyphenol content ranged from 3588 to 4002 mg GAE.kg^-1 DM, with corresponding antioxidant activity values between 8.01 and 13.0 mmol TE.kg^-1 DM. Among the macronutrients, potassium (18,291–21,064 mg.kg^-1 DM) was the most abundant, followed by calcium and phosphorus. Iron was the dominant microelement (24.5–28.7 mg.kg^-1 DM), with considerable levels of manganese, zinc, and copper. Potentially toxic elements such as lead and cadmium were also detected in some samples, occasionally exceeding the EU maximum permissible limits on a FW basis. However, estimated dietary intake suggests that average cabbage consumption does not pose a significant health risk, remaining within acceptable provisional tolerable weekly intake (PTWI) levels. The study confirms that mineral and phytochemical composition in cabbage is significantly influenced by varietal differences and may also reflect environmental and post-harvest factors. These findings reinforce the nutritional and functional value of Brassica oleracea as a source of essential elements and bioactive compounds with potential health benefits.

Nutritional Composition, Polyphenol Content, and Antioxidant Activity of Swiss Chard (Beta vulgaris L. subsp. cicla)

Natália Čeryová — 2025-05-31

Swiss chard (Beta vulgaris L. subsp. cicla) is a nutritionally rich leafy vegetable valued for its high bioactive compounds and essential mineral content. This study aimed to evaluate the total polyphenol content (TPC), antioxidant activity (AA), macro- and microelement concentrations, and the presence of selected risk elements (lead and cadmium) in different plant parts (leaves and stems) of two Swiss chard samples. The results revealed that leaves consistently exhibited higher levels of TPC and AA than stems, with values reaching up to 9634 mg GAE.kg^-1 DM and 15.9 mmol TE.kg^-1 DM, respectively. Mineral analysis confirmed Swiss chard as a good calcium, magnesium, potassium, and iron source, with significant variation between leaves and stems. While leaves were richer in calcium, magnesium, iron, manganese, and zinc, stems contained higher levels of sodium and potassium. Trace element analysis indicated the presence of lead and cadmium in all samples, with lead exceeding the permissible limit in the leaves of one sample. The findings emphasize both the nutritional potential of Swiss chard and the need for environmental monitoring to ensure food safety. The observed variability in chemical composition highlights the influence of plant part, genotype, and environmental conditions. Overall, Swiss chard represents a promising functional food, particularly when cultivated under controlled agroecological practices that minimize contaminant exposure.

Reduction of Lipid Oxidation without Compromising Color: the Role of Pomegranate Peel Extract in Pork Sausages

Marek Bobko — 2025-05-31

The modern meat industry is under pressure from customers who demand clean-label products. Also, suspicion about the potentially harmful effect of synthetic antioxidants pushes the industry to come up with natural antioxidant options for their product. Plants rich in polyphenols, like pomegranate, have been at the center of those attempts for several years. Our study incorporated pomegranate peel extract into experimental sausage to determine its potential to delay negative oxidative changes of lipids in meat products. To determine the antioxidant effect of extracts TBARS method was used. Addition of plant-based additions into the meat products could, however, alter sensory properties of final product, such as color. Color of meat products is a highly important trait, as it is the first trait that is perceived by customers. To evaluate these potential changes of extract-enhanced sausages color was measured using spectrophotometer Konica Minolta CM-2600d and results expressed as coordinates in CieLab color space. The negative control showed an increase in malondialdehyde levels of about 134% during the storage. On the other hand, treatments with peel extracts addition saw significantly lower increase in the same period. Regarding color of final products, differences were observed only at the start of the storage period in lightness and yellowness parameters. At the end of storage period, no significant differences were observed, therefore, we could argue that pomegranate peel extract has no negative effect of pork sausage color.

Variability of Chlorogenic Acids in Roasted Coffee: Influence of Botanical and Geographical Origin

Terézia Švecová — 2025-05-31

Chlorogenic acids (CQAs) are among the most important phenolic compounds found in plant-based foods, and coffee is recognized as one of their richest natural sources. This study aimed to evaluate the profile of CQAs in medium-roasted Coffea arabica L. and Coffea canephora Pierre ex A.Froehner beans originating from diverse geographical regions. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was used to quantify three main CQA isomers: 5-CQA, 4-CQA, and 3-CQA. Among them, 5-CQA was found to be the predominant compound across all samples analyzed. The results demonstrated that C. canephora samples contained significantly higher and more variable levels of CQAs (20.43 ±5.49 mg·g⁻¹) compared to C. arabica samples (12.02 ±0.98 mg·g⁻¹). Statistical analysis using ANOVA, combined with Duncan, Tukey, and Dunn post hoc tests, confirmed species-related differences in CQAs content. Additionally, violin plots provided a clear visualization of these distinctions. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) further indicated that the geographical origin of the samples may influence the accumulation of chlorogenic acids. These findings highlight the influence of both botanical species and environmental factors on the chemical composition of coffee. Understanding such variability is essential for ensuring product quality, maintaining authenticity, and guiding the development of value-added coffee-based products tailored to consumer preferences and health-related expectations.

Potential Application of Melanins for Restoring War-affected Soils in Ukraine

Nataliia Zaimenko — 2025-05-31

The extensive environmental degradation of terrestrial ecosystems, particularly agricultural soils, in Ukraine following the Russian full-scale invasion necessitates the rapid development of innovative and scalable remediation strategies. Conventional soil restoration methodologies are frequently constrained by factors such as cost, labor intensity, and limited applicability across the vast and complex areas afflicted by military activities. This manuscript presents a comprehensive synthesis of current knowledge regarding melanin, a ubiquitous biopolymer, positing its substantial potential as a sustainable and efficacious soil amendment for the rehabilitation of war-affected landscapes. Melanin‘s diverse biogenic origins in soil, predominantly from microbial biosynthesis pathways, alongside its accumulation from decomposed organic matter, underscore its widespread natural availability. We elucidate its critical properties and ecological functions, including its exceptional capacity for heavy metal and radionuclide sequestration through complexation with its abundant phenolic and carboxylic groups. Furthermore, melanin‘s contribution to long-term soil organic matter stabilization, its potent antioxidant and UV-shielding capabilities, and its role in modulating beneficial microorganism-plant interactions are critically discussed, highlighting its multifaceted contribution to soil health and resilience. The inherent attributes of melanin inform its potential applications in soil remediation, ranging from the direct application of melanogenic microorganisms for contaminant immobilization and enhanced revegetation to the development of engineered melanin-based materials for targeted pollutant removal. While acknowledging the significant promise, challenges such as optimizing its in-situ mobility, ensuring scalable and cost-effective production, and comprehensively assessing long-term ecological impacts remain pertinent research avenues. Future research should focus on the synergistic integration of melanin with complementary soil amendments, particularly silicon-based compounds, which can provide additional benefits in terms of structural stability and plant stress tolerance, thereby fostering a holistic approach to post-conflict ecological restoration.