Review
Nutrition & Dietetics
Mihail Lucian Birsa, Laura G. Sarbu
Summary: The genus Cichorium consists of six species that originate from the Mediterranean area. Cichorium intybus L., commonly known as chicory, is used as a medicinal plant and coffee substitute. It has a variety of key constituents that act as antioxidants and is also used as a forage plant for animals.
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Suvi T. T. Hakkinen, Katarina Cankar, Liisa Nohynek, Jeroen van Arkel, Markus Laurel, Kirsi-Marja Oksman-Caldentey, Bart Van Droogenbroeck
Summary: Industrial chicory is valued for its high dietary fiber content and its taproots contain bioactive compounds. In this study, hairy roots of industrial chicory cultivars were established and evaluated for their potential as a source of antimicrobial ingredients. Hot water extracts of hairy roots showed antimicrobial activity against human microbes, particularly methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. These findings suggest that hairy roots have a high potential as a host for producing antimicrobial agents.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Maoru Li, Guoyong Xie, Yadong Ding, Ji Ma, Qiuyan Liu, Yuqin Wang, Zan Peng, Jianbo Sun, Jing Shang
Summary: Based on plant metabolomics and chemical composition analysis, differences in chemical ingredients and efficacy were found between Cichorium glandulosum Boiss. et Huet (CG) and Cichorium intybus L. (CI). CI extract exhibited stronger antioxidant activity, while CG extract showed stronger hypoglycemic activity. Furthermore, the study revealed chemical and biological differences between CG and CI, providing a basis for better quality control and development of more effective functional foods.
Review
Plant Sciences
Isabel De Jaegere, Yannah Cornelis, Tim De Clercq, Alain Goossens, Bram van de Poel
Summary: This article provides a comprehensive overview of different discoloration types in witloof chicory and discusses their potential physiological causes, including laticifer rupture, calcium deficiency, and disturbed water distribution. The role of environmental cues and biochemical pathways, particularly polyphenol oxidase, in governing color disorders are also described.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Lubov V. Krepkova, Alexandra N. Babenko, Svetlana V. Lemyaseva, Olga L. Saybel, Catherine M. Sherwin, Elena Y. Enioutina
Summary: This study investigated the effects of a novel chicory extract on liver enzymes and metabolism in rats with acute liver injury or hyperlipidemia. The results showed that the chicory extract effectively improved acute liver injury and hyperlipidemia. This study suggests that chicory extract may have potential applications in the treatment of liver injuries and related diseases.
Review
Chemistry, Applied
Jelena Perovic, Vesna Tumbas Saponjac, Jovana Kojic, Jelena Krulj, Diego A. Moreno, Cristina Garcia-Viguera, Marija Bodroza-Solarov, Nebojsa Ilic
Summary: Chicory is a globally cultivated perennial herb used in animal feed and food production, such as salads, teas, coffee supplements, and inulin production. Compounds in chicory, like polyphenols and inulin, are considered potential carriers of food functionality and have wide applications in the food industry.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Bisma Malik, Fayaz Ahmad Dar, Tanveer Bilal Pirzadah, Ali Zari, Talal A. Zari, Hesham F. Alharby, Khalid Rehman Hakeem, Reiaz Ul Rehman
Summary: This study evaluated the soil chemistry, phytochemical, and molecular diversity of 50 chickory accessions from different agro-climatic zones, revealing significant influence of altitude on their phytochemical composition and molecular diversity patterns.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2022)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Zhiqiang Hou, Shipeng Yang, Qiwen Zhong, Zhu Sun, Haiwang Zhang, Gui Wang, Lihui Wang, Xuemei Sun
Summary: This study investigated the molecular mechanism responsible for regulating the process of taproot thickening in root chicory. The results showed that root diameter and fresh weight increased rapidly in the early stage of taproot thickening, while dry weight content increased rapidly in the late stage. Carbohydrates and fatty acids were abundant in the early stage, while amino acids accumulated in the late stage. Differentially expressed genes were enriched in pathways related to taproot thickening. Sucrose, D-fructose 6-P, phenylalanine, and certain transcription factors and structural genes were identified as critical molecules in regulating taproot thickening.
INDUSTRIAL CROPS AND PRODUCTS
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Umberto Salvagnin, Katharina Unkel, Thorben Sprink, Paul Bundock, Robert Sevenier, Milica Bogdanovic, Sladana Todorovic, Katarina Cankar, Johanna Christina Hakkert, Elio Schijlen, Ronald Nieuwenhuis, Maria Hingsamer, Veronika Kulmer, Michael Kernitzkyi, Dirk Bosch, Stefan Martens, Mickael Malnoy
Summary: In this study, different delivery methods of CRISPR/Cas9 reagents were compared for their efficiency in genome editing of chicory, as well as the frequency of off-target mutations and their environmental and economic impacts. The study found that using RNPs as the delivery method resulted in high editing efficiency, no off-target mutations, and avoided the integration of unwanted plasmid DNA and the need for gene segregation.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Agronomy
Angelika Astaykina, Sergey Elansky, Evgeniy Kubarev, Daniil Semeniushkin, Irina Smirnova, Elena Chudinova, Vladimir Demin, Alexander Nikolaev, Sergey Shoba
Summary: Chicory is a commercially cultivated root crop, but weeds can hinder its growth. This study aimed to find potential herbicides for controlling a wide range of weeds in the Russian Federation. Two herbicides, Zeta, SC (100 g/L imazethapyr) and Paradox, SC (120 g/L imazamox), were found to effectively control dicotyledonous weeds without reducing chicory biomass.
Article
Plant Sciences
Pavol Prokop, Dominika Molnarova, Jana Fancovicova, William Medina-Jerez
Summary: The flower lifespan is influenced by seasonal changes and pollinator abundance, with unpollinated flowers remaining open for a longer period. The impact of seasonal changes on flower lifespan is stronger than the onset of pollination.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Maria Grazia Melilli, Cristina Costa, Annalisa Lucera, Lucia Padalino, Matteo Alessandro Del Nobile, Amalia Conte
Summary: The study evaluated the influence of two different types of inulin on the quality of fiordilatte cheese during refrigerated storage. Results showed that inulin from different sources can maintain the texture and color of the cheese, and promote sensory quality preservation. Microbiological analysis revealed differences in bacterial growth with inulin addition, but overall viable cell concentrations were comparable. Consequently, inulin addition represents a valid strategy for fiber fortification of fiordilatte cheese.
Article
Plant Sciences
Alessandra Pepe, Daniela Di Baccio, Ermenegildo Magnani, Manuela Giovannetti, Cristiana Sbrana
Summary: This study investigates the potential role of the arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiont Funneliformis mosseae in improving the nutritional value of chicory plants. It shows that the mycorrhizal symbiont enhances the uptake of zinc and iron, leading to higher levels of health-promoting compounds in the host plant. The study suggests that arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal inoculation can be used to enhance the nutritional value of plant-derived food.
JOURNAL OF SOIL SCIENCE AND PLANT NUTRITION
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Maria Angeles Avila-Galvez, Carlos Rafael-Pita, Naiara Fernandez, Joao Baixinho, Jose D. Anastacio, Katarina Cankar, Dirk Bosch, Claudia Nunes dos Santos
Summary: This study for the first time identified the potential inhibitory activity of chicory extract against SARS-CoV-2 main protease and papain-like protease. Four sesquiterpene lactones found in chicory were shown to effectively bind to the active sites of these proteases. This provides new insights for further drug development or food-based strategies to prevent SARS-CoV-2 by targeting viral proteases.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Sadiyah Samreen, Elhan Khan, Iffat Zareen Ahmad
Summary: This article collected bioactive compounds from Cichorium intybus L. seeds for potential remedy for hepatocellular carcinoma, a type of liver cancer. The study identified two compounds (Esculetin and Isochlorogenic acid) that showed stable interaction with the target protein p53, suggesting their potential use in treating hepatocellular carcinoma.
JOURNAL OF BIOMOLECULAR STRUCTURE & DYNAMICS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Shuang Liang, Fang Wang, Daniel Granato, Xiaoyu Zhong, An-Feng Xiao, Qun Ye, Lijun Li, Chun Zou, Jun-Feng Yin, Yong-Quan Xu
Summary: The addition of fi-glucosidase can enhance the floral aroma of black tea juice and improve the overall aroma quality, but it can also strengthen the undesirable green grassy odor. The green grassy odor can be counteracted by adding green tea extract. Heat treatment does not significantly affect the stability of aroma components benzyl alcohol and phenylethyl alcohol in the presence of fi-glucosidase.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Cristiane de Moura, Tufy Kabbas Junior, Thiago Mendanha Cruz, Mariza Boscacci Marques, Mariana Araujo Vieira do Carmo, Carolina Turnes Pasini Deolindo, Heitor Daguer, Luciana Azevedo, Yong-Quan Xu, Daniel Granato
Summary: This study examined the influence of solvent polarity in the solid-liquid extraction of Camellia sinensis var. assamica cv. Zijuan. The results showed that a hydroalcoholic extract with a proportion of 75% ethanol and 25% water had the highest contents of phenolic compounds and chlorophylls, as well as the highest color intensity and antioxidant activity.
FOOD RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Kubra Kizil Ongay, Daniel Granato, George E. Barreto
Summary: Neuroinflammation plays a crucial role in both acute and chronic phases of traumatic brain injury (TBI). This study investigated the antioxidant capacity of apple pomace phenolics, phlorizin and phloretin, and their potential use in TBI treatment. The results showed that phloretin exhibited superior antioxidant properties compared to phlorizin, and both compounds regulated common proteins involved in TBI. It was found that estrogen receptor alpha (ESR1) might be a critical cellular hub regulated by both compounds and could be a potential therapeutic target for TBI.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Yin-feng Ren, Zhi-hao Ye, Xiao-qian Liu, Wei-jing Xia, Yan Yuan, Hai-yan Zhu, Xiao-tong Chen, Ru-yan Hou, Hui-mei Cai, Da-xiang Li, Daniel Granato, Chuan-yi Peng
Summary: In this study, a Surface-enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS) and chemometric-based metabolomics approach was developed to determine the geographic origins of Keemun black tea. SERS peaks enhanced by Ag nanoparticles were selected and intensities were calculated for chemometric analysis. Linear discriminant analysis (LDA) achieved an average discrimination accuracy of 86.3% and cross-validation of 84.3%, while three machine learning algorithms, feedforward neural network (FNN), random forest (RF), and K-Nearest Neighbor (KNN), achieved recognition rates of 93.5%, 93.5%, and 87.1% respectively. This study demonstrates the potential of using SERS technique coupled with AgNPs and chemometrics as a reliable, fast, and convenient method for determining the geographic origins of teas.
LWT-FOOD SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Ana Carolina B. Rezende, Oluwadara Alegbeleye, Syllas Borburema Silva Oliveira, Janio S. Santos, Daniel Granato, Pedro H. C. Felix, Anderson S. St'Ana
Summary: The aim of this study was to determine the growth potential (fi) of Salmonella enterica in different parts (peel, stalk, pulp, and tip) of avocado and sugar apple at various maturation stages (green, mature, and ripe) over time. The physicochemical parameters of the fruits were also monitored. Significant differences were observed in the growth potential of S. enterica in the different parts of the fruits at different maturation stages and over time. The pulp of the fruits exhibited the highest growth potential, with variations depending on the maturation stage and fruit type.
LWT-FOOD SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Nima Mohammadi, Nikoo Ostovar, Daniel Granato
Summary: The study found that P. glabra seed oil is rich in fatty acids, with oleic acid accounting for 52.1% of the total oil, followed by linoleic acid (33.75%) and palmitic acid (6.69%). The oil also has good refractive index and characteristics such as acid value, iodine value, and saponification value. FTIR and DSC analysis revealed the presence of various functional groups and thermal properties. This research provides potential for the development and utilization of P. glabra seed oil.
LWT-FOOD SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Qiuyan Ban, Wenjing Chi, Xiaoxiao Wang, Shiqiong Wang, Dan Hai, Guangshan Zhao, Qiuyan Zhao, Daniel Granato, Xianqing Huang
Summary: Increasing evidence suggests that the combination of selenium and polyphenols is a valuable strategy for tumor chemoprevention. A recent study investigated the anti-PC effect of selenium nanoparticles and green tea polyphenol EGCG in mice bearing H22 cells. The results showed that the combination of EGCG and SeNPs could protect against SeNP-triggered diarrhea without compromising the antitumor efficacy of SeNPs.
Review
Food Science & Technology
Mingchun Wen, Mengting Zhu, Zisheng Han, Chi-Tang Ho, Daniel Granato, Liang Zhang
Summary: This review summarizes the recent advances in tea metabolomics research. By using different analytical tools, the metabolite variation of tea leaves and the changes of chemical composition under different processing technologies were studied. The importance of metabolite identification process was also discussed.
COMPREHENSIVE REVIEWS IN FOOD SCIENCE AND FOOD SAFETY
(2023)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Amanda dos Santos Lima, Romulo Dias Novaes, Lucas Cezar Pinheiro, Leonardo Augusto de Almeida, Hercia Stampini Duarte Martino, Alexandre Giusti-Paiva, Nora Pap, Daniel Granato, Luciana Azevedo
Summary: This study evaluated the bioactivity and gut microbiota modulation of blackcurrant diets in rats with DMH-induced colon carcinogenesis. The results showed that high doses of blackcurrant increased pro-inflammatory parameters and the expression of anti-apoptotic cytokines, accentuating colon cancer initiation. Additionally, blackcurrant altered the composition and function of the gut microbiome. These findings suggest that high doses of blackcurrant act as a pro-oxidant, exacerbating the inflammatory environment and CRC progression.
FOOD RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Abedalghani Halahlah, Felix Abik, Maarit H. Lahtinen, Asmo Kemppinen, Kalle Kaipanen, Petri O. Kilpelainen, Daniel Granato, Thao M. Ho, Kirsi S. Mikkonen
Summary: Softwood galactoglucomannan (GGM) can be recovered through pressurized hot water extraction, membrane filtration, and spray drying, yielding biopolymers suitable for renewable products. The pH and temperature of GGM liquor affect the properties of recovered GGM, and ultrafiltration at pH 10 and 60 degrees C resulted in GGM with unique gel formation capacity suitable for thickening agents or 3D printing.
INDUSTRIAL CROPS AND PRODUCTS
(2023)
Review
Food Science & Technology
Luciana Azevedo, Daniel Granato, Vinicius Maltarollo, Jose E. Goncalves
Summary: Agrifood system technologies have facilitated the creation of innovative foods with improved nutritional profiles. This article provides an overview of the development of food models/prototypes using natural compounds as a source of inspiration, through the integration of various disciplines and food technologies. To create healthy foods, the combination of interrelated technologies from nutrition, chemical synthesis, pharmacology, and food technology with biological system analyses is proposed. Developing food molecules is a slow process that involves mandatory steps based on desired bioactive properties, which is hindered by the diversity of food matrices and the complexity of reconstituting their biosynthetic pathways. Overcoming these challenges should be a primary focus in food science, leading to more sustainable processes and health benefits.
CURRENT OPINION IN FOOD SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Tufy Kabbas Kabbas Junior, Cristiane de Moura, Thiago Mendanha Cruz, Mariza Boscacci Marques, Mariana Araujo Vieira do Carmo, Carolina Turnes Pasini Deolindo, Heitor Daguer, Luciana Azevedo, Daniel Granato
Summary: The aim of this study was to determine the phenolic composition, antioxidant activity, cytotoxicity, and peroxidative inhibition of defatted grape and blackberry seeds. A statistical optimization study was conducted to maximize the extraction of bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity. The extracts showed low/no cytotoxicity, protected against ROS production, and exhibited antioxidant activity and protection on erythrocytes.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Joy Chinenye Mba, Laise Trindade Paes, Leonara Martins Viana, Ana Julia Carmanini Ferreira, Valeria Aparecida Vieira Queiroz, Hercia Stampini Duarte Martino, Luciana Azevedo, Carlos Wanderlei Piler de Carvalho, Maria Herminia Ferrari Felisberto, Frederico Augusto Ribeiro de Barros
Summary: The demand for gluten-free and functional products has been increasing in recent years due to consumer preferences for healthier and more diverse food choices. This study evaluated the properties of extrudates and cookies made from composite tannin sorghum and white cowpea flours. The results showed that the addition of cowpea flour changed the particle size distribution and color of the products, while also affecting their nutritional composition and sensory attributes. Overall, the study demonstrated that nutritious and functional gluten-free extrudates and cookies can be produced from the combination of tannin sorghum and cowpea flours.
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Anica Bebek Markovinovic, Dora Brdar, Predrag Putnik, Tomislav Bosiljkov, Ksenija Durgo, Ana Hudek Turkovic, Irena Brcickaraconji, Karlo Jurica, Branimir Pavlic, Daniel Granato, Danijela Bursac Kovacevic
Summary: This study investigates the use of Arbutus unedo L. fruits for the production of functional foods through three-dimensional printing (3DP). The fruits are found to be a good source of bioactive compounds and antioxidants, with antimicrobial properties. Different printing parameters significantly affect the properties of the 3DP products.
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Marcelo Franchin, Ana Sofia Martelli Chaib Saliba, Alan Giovanini de Oliveira Sartori, Sebastiao Orestes Pereira Neto, Bruna Benso, Masaharu Ikegaki, Kai Wang, Severino Matias de Alencar, Daniel Granato
Summary: Brazilian propolis from Apis mellifera is widely studied for its unique chemical composition and biological properties. This review explores the potential uses of propolis as a functional ingredient in food and pharmaceutical applications, providing a theoretical and practical basis for optimizing its bioactive properties.