Article
Plant Sciences
Mia Dujmovic, Sanja Radman, Nevena Opacic, Sanja Fabek Uher, Vida Mikulicin, Sandra Voca, Jana Sic Zlabur
Summary: While fruits, vegetables, and aromatic species are commonly consumed, the importance of edible flowers rich in phytochemicals is often overlooked. Edible flowers are abundant in specialized metabolites (SM) and possess strong antioxidant capacities, making them beneficial for human health.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Xochitl Cruz Sollano-Mendieta, Ofelia Gabriela Meza-Marquez, Guillermo Osorio-Revilla, Dario Iker Tellez-Medina
Summary: The study found that during in vitro digestion, the gastric stage released higher content of ascorbic acid and anthocyanins, while the intestinal stage released higher content of carotenoids, phenolic compounds, and flavonoids. Ascorbic acid showed a high correlation with ABTS and DPPH in the gastric stage, while phenolic compounds and flavonoids showed a high correlation with ABTS and DPPH in the intestinal stage.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Svetlana Trifunschi, Corina Aurelia Zugravu, Melania Florina Munteanu, Florin Borcan, Elena Narcisa Pogurschi
Summary: Vitamin C is essential for human health, reducing the risk of chronic diseases, controlling hypertension, and preventing heart diseases. The study found that vegetables purchased from farmers in Romania have higher levels of vitamin C and stronger antioxidant activity compared to those bought in supermarkets.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Nidia del Carmen Quintal-Bojorquez, Leydi Maribel Carrillo-Cocom, Alan Javier Hernandez-Alvarez, Maira Rubi Segura-Campos
Summary: The study found that protein fractions from Salvia hispanica have anticancer activity, with the <1 kDa protein fraction showing the most significant effect on cancer cell viability at 1 mg/ml. The peptide KLKKNL with potential anticancer activity was selected, indicating the potential of protein fractions as an adjuvant option for cancer treatment.
JOURNAL OF FOOD SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Lara Saftic Martinovic, Nada Birkic, Vedran Miletic, Roberto Antolovic, Danijela Stanfel, Karlo Wittine
Summary: The antioxidant activity and chemical stability of D1 and D2 were compared with AA using ABTS and DPPH assays. The optimal storing conditions and pH for maintaining stability were determined using mass spectrometry. D1 showed higher stability in an acidic medium and all compounds had a similar binding affinity to the human peroxiredoxin binding site, suggesting their potential as antioxidants.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Valentina Obradovic, Jurislav Babic, Verica Dragovic-Uzelac, Antun Jozinovic, Durdica Ackar, Drago Subaric
Summary: This research aimed to investigate the potential of using carrot powder in corn snacks and evaluate the impact of extrusion on various important ingredients. Different temperature regimes during extrusion showed varying effects on polyphenols, fiber, and fat, while ascorbic acid provided protection to carotenoids and color attributes. Snacks with enhanced nutritional and functional value were successfully produced, paving the way for a new type of extruded snacks.
Article
Plant Sciences
Stefania Toscano, Valeria Cavallaro, Antonio Ferrante, Daniela Romano, Cristina Patane
Summary: The study found that for both species of microgreens, blue LED lights significantly increased fresh weight and chlorophyll a content, while red LED lights had a detrimental effect on polyphenol content.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Maria Carolina Zuniga-Lopez, Gabriela Maturana, Guillem Campmajo, Javier Saurina, Oscar Nunez
Summary: Consumers are increasingly interested in nutritionally balanced and health beneficial foods, leading the food industry to focus on the use of chia seeds. Through extracting leaf compounds from black and white chia plants using different polarity solvents, it was found that black chia exhibited higher antioxidant capacity compared to white chia.
Review
Plant Sciences
Vanessa Dos Santos Chiappetta Nogueira Salgado, Lilia Zago, Adriane Elisabete Costa Antunes, Roberta Fontanive Miyahira
Summary: Chia seeds, native to Mexico and Guatemala, have gained popularity worldwide for their nutritional and functional properties. Germination of chia seeds has the potential to enhance these properties by increasing phenolic compounds and antioxidant capacity, while reducing antinutritional factors. The production of mucilage during germination requires specific conditions. Some countries recommend a plant-based diet to promote the consumption of bioactive compounds and nutrients, such as germinated seeds. Studies have shown that germination of chia seeds can increase protein, fiber, and phenolic compounds. In conclusion, germination of chia seeds is favorable for improving their health benefits and nutritional value, but proper adjustment of germination parameters and evaluation of microbiological risks are necessary.
PLANT FOODS FOR HUMAN NUTRITION
(2022)
Review
Food Science & Technology
Mack Moyo, Adeyemi O. Aremu
Summary: Cleome gynandra is becoming increasingly popular as a leafy vegetable due to its high nutritional content and beneficial health-promoting properties. It contains a rich pool of diverse antioxidant phytochemicals, including polyphenols, glucosinates, and terpenoids. Cleome gynandra's nutritional compounds have potential applications in food supplements, colorants, and extending the shelf-life of food products. Extracts of Cleome gynandra have shown promising effects in various biological assays. Including Cleome gynandra in diversified diets can contribute to food and nutrition security.
CRITICAL REVIEWS IN FOOD SCIENCE AND NUTRITION
(2022)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Sharmaine Atencio, Sarah H. E. Verkempinck, Kai Reineke, Marc Hendrickx, Ann Van Loey
Summary: This study evaluated the degradation kinetics of carotenoids in a pumpkin juice concentrate colored beverage during storage at different temperatures and light conditions. The results showed that both temperature and light intensity accelerated carotenoid losses, with degradation mainly caused by oxidative reactions. The degradation followed an Arrhenius temperature-dependency, and strategies such as minimizing oxygen exposure, using antioxidants, and selecting proper light sources can optimize pigment retention in carotenoid-colored beverages during storage.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Sara Motyka, Barbara Kusznierewicz, Halina Ekiert, Izabela Korona-Glowniak, Agnieszka Szopa
Summary: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the phytochemical profiles of different plant raw materials obtained from Salvia hispanica, and to demonstrate their significant contribution to antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. The study used HPLC-DAD and LC-Q-Orbitrap HRMS techniques to analyze the compounds present in the plant materials. The results showed that the extracts from the leaves exhibited the strongest antibacterial and antifungal activity. This study provides valuable knowledge on the biologically active metabolites present in different parts of Salvia hispanica and their potential applications.
Article
Plant Sciences
Ida Di Mola, Eugenio Cozzolino, Lucia Ottaiano, Riccardo Riccardi, Patrizia Spigno, Milena Petriccione, Nunzio Fiorentino, Massimo Fagnano, Mauro Mori
Summary: The study evaluated the effect of a biodegradable mulching film on yield and qualitative traits of San Marzano tomatoes. The results showed that the biodegradable mulching film significantly increased yield and improved quality traits, demonstrating agronomic efficiency and environmental sustainability.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Chen Xu, Ning Dong, Kaichao Chen, Xuemei Yang, Ping Zeng, Changshun Hou, Edward Wai Chi Chan, Xi Yao, Sheng Chen
Summary: Vitamin C (VC) has strong bactericidal, anti-biofilm, and virulence-suppressing effects on carbapenem-resistant hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae (CR-hvKP). It induces reactive oxygen species generation to kill the bacteria and inhibits biofilm formation by suppressing exopolysaccharide (EPS) production. In addition, VC acts as an efflux pump inhibitor to disrupt EPS and capsular polysaccharide transportation, further inhibiting biofilm and capsule formation. Virulence-associated genes in CR-hvKP are downregulated when exposed to sub-MIC of VC. VC could be an effective and safe therapeutic agent for urgent cases when other treatment options fail.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Nabab Khan, Amit Kumar Singh, Ankit Saneja
Summary: The study demonstrates that LAA-cyclodextrin inclusion complex-incorporated nanofibers (NFs) can improve the stability and antioxidant potential of L-Ascorbic acid (LAA). The encapsulation of LAA within HP-beta-CD cavities enhances its thermal stability and antioxidant activity. This research provides promising avenues for addressing the limitations of LAA in therapeutic and food applications.
Article
Plant Sciences
L. Begovic, V Galic, I Abicic, Z. Loncaric, A. Lalic, S. Mlinaric
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Selma Mlinaric, Vera Cesar, Hrvoje Lepedus
Summary: This study investigated the impact of short-term chilling stress on antioxidative response and PSII photochemistry in developing leaves of two common fig varieties. Results showed that both varieties did not exhibit membrane lipid damage due to efficient antioxidative activity. However, there were differences in the regulation of main photosynthetic parameters between the two varieties, suggesting differential responses to chilling stress.
ANNALS OF APPLIED BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Plant Sciences
S. Mlinaric, T. Pfeiffer, Lj Krstin, D. Maronic, M. Ozura, F. Stevic, M. Varga
Summary: The study revealed that invasive indigo bush has higher photosynthetic efficiency compared to native plants, showing faster electron transport, better connectivity within the PSII units, and higher structure-function indexes.
Article
Plant Sciences
Selma Mlinaric, Lidija Begovic, Neven Tripic, Antonija Piskor, Vera Cesar
Summary: The Japanese knotweed, known for its aggressive growth and allelopathic effects, poses a threat to native species in Europe. Research shows that light conditions impact its photosynthetic reactions, with plants grown under fluctuating light demonstrating better photosystem II stability and efficiency.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Agronomy
Zorana Katanic, Selma Mlinaric, Natasa Katanic, Josipa Cosic, Valentina Spanic
Summary: Research evaluated the photosynthetic efficiency of wheat during different stages of Fusarium head blight (FHB) infection, revealing that FHB infection leads to adjustments in photosynthetic efficiency. Variability in photosynthetic adjustments was observed in flag leaves and ears, showing some variety-specific responses, with location playing a more significant role in modulating wheat's response to FHB infection.
Article
Plant Sciences
Ida Linic, Selma Mlinaric, Lidija Brkljacic, Iva Pavlovic, Ana Smolko, Branka Salopek-Sondi
Summary: Salinity stress causes disturbances in physiological, biochemical, and metabolic processes in plants, but the exogenous application of natural metabolites like salicylic acid and ferulic acid can reduce the adverse effects on crops. During the study, it was found that ferulic acid had a better ameliorative effect on salt stress compared to salicylic acid, increasing antioxidant activities and improving photosynthetic performance.
Article
Agronomy
Valentina Spanic, Selma Mlinaric, Zvonimir Zdunic, Zorana Katanic
Summary: This study aimed to evaluate the agronomical performance of three winter wheat varieties and test photosynthetic efficiency at two different locations. The results showed significant differences in grain yield of different varieties at different locations, with environmental factors such as precipitation and disease intensity affecting early senescence and reduced grain fill duration.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Rosemary Vukovic, Ivna Stolfa Camagajevac, Ana Vukovic, Katarina Sunic, Lidija Begovic, Selma Mlinaric, Ramona Sekulic, Nikolina Sabo, Valentina Spanic
Summary: This study evaluated the physiological, biochemical, and molecular responses of six Croatian winter wheat varieties under drought stress at the germination/seedling growth stage. The results showed that different varieties exhibited different antioxidative and metabolic adaptation mechanisms in response to drought stress. Proline metabolism and antioxidative pathways played significant roles in wheat seedlings' response to drought stress.
Article
Plant Sciences
Vlatko Galic, Selma Mlinaric, Matea Marelja, Zvonimir Zdunic, Andrija Brkic, Maja Mazur, Lidija Begovic, Domagoj Simic
Summary: Linking biochemistry and genetics, this study investigated the variability in responses of elite maize inbred lines to water withholding for stress-related traits. The results showed that proline accumulation was influenced by H2O2 and TBARS signaling pathways. Gene ontology analysis revealed enrichment in regulation of integral membrane parts, peroxisomes, transcription, and polysaccharide catabolism. Further dynamic studies involving extreme phenotypes are needed to understand the role of this signaling mechanism in regulating response to water deficit.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Martina Srajer Gajdosik, Antonia Vicic, Vlatka Gvozdic, Vlatko Galic, Lidija Begovic, Selma Mlinaric
Summary: This study found that the type of light and photoperiod used for cultivating hemp had different effects on photosynthetic reactions. The 16/8 photoperiod was found to be the most beneficial, resulting in the most efficient photosynthetic response and the lowest level of lipid peroxidation.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jasenka Antunovic Dunic, Selma Mlinaric, Iva Pavlovic, Hrvoje Lepedus, Branka Salopek-Sondi
Summary: Plant drought tolerance is determined by how the photosynthetic apparatus adapts to water deficit. This study analyzed the OJIP kinetics of seedlings from three Brassica crops under drought conditions to find parameters for distinguishing drought-tolerant and drought-sensitive varieties. The increase in PItotal, SFI, positive L and K bands, Delta DF, and DRI indicate drought tolerance, while negative L and K bands, PItotal, SFI, and RC/CS0 density can distinguish susceptible varieties. Kale was the most tolerant, Chinese cabbage was moderately susceptible, and white cabbage was highly sensitive to drought stress. The genetic variation among these crops could be utilized in breeding programs and crop management.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Martina Varga, Tanja Zuna Pfeiffer, Lidija Begovic, Selma Mlinaric, Janja Horvatic, Tihana Miloloza, Ivna Stolfa Camagajevac
Summary: The present study investigated the response of Lemna gibba to a colloidal silver product as a potential environmental stressor. Results showed that under high nutrient levels, the plants exhibited better antioxidant stress tolerance. This highlights the importance of considering nutrient levels in assessing the potential environmental impact of contaminants.
Article
Agronomy
Lidija Begovic, Nikola Jurisic, Martina Srajer Gajdosik, Alma Mikuska, Selma Mlinaric
Summary: This study investigated the influence of commercial selective herbicides on the photosynthetic efficiency and antioxidative response of two soybean cultivars. The results showed a negative impact on the photosynthetic apparatus of both cultivars, but no oxidative damage was observed.
Article
Horticulture
Selma Mlinaric, Antonija Piskor, Anja Melnjak, Alma Mikuska, Martina Srajer Gajdosik, Lidija Begovic
Summary: Microgreens, particularly radish microgreens, exhibit higher concentrations of active compounds compared to mature vegetables and seeds. The production and shelf life of microgreens are affected by LED light sources and the cultivar of the vegetable. Storage at a low temperature and darkness slows down metabolic reactions and helps preserve antioxidant activity.
