Article
Plant Sciences
Andreas W. Ebert
Summary: With the increasing interest in healthy eating, the global interest in fresh, ready-to-eat, functional food such as microscale vegetables (sprouted seeds and microgreens) has been on the rise. These crops range widely, with Brassica vegetables being highlighted for their health-promoting secondary metabolites. Furthermore, by adjusting factors like growing environment and growth substrate, the nutritional value and content of phytochemicals in microscale vegetables can be enhanced.
Review
Food Science & Technology
Sadia Hassan, Xin-An Zeng, Muhammad Kamran Khan, Muhammad Adil Farooq, Amjad Ali, Ankita Kumari, Mahwish, Abdul Rahaman, Tabussam Tufail, Atif Liaqat
Summary: The availability of nutrients from food sources is crucial for nutritional security. The germination process can improve the nutrient profile of edible seeds and enhance their bioavailability.
FRONTIERS IN SUSTAINABLE FOOD SYSTEMS
(2022)
Review
Chemistry, Medicinal
Abdur Rauf, Payal B. Joshi, Zubair Ahmad, Hassan A. Hemeg, Ahmed Olatunde, Saima Naz, Nabia Hafeez, Jesus Simal-Gandara
Summary: Edible mushrooms are popular functional foods due to their rich nutritional bioactive constituents that influence cardiovascular function. They are commonly included in dietary interventions for hypertension and other cardiovascular malfunctions as they contain amino acids, dietary fiber, proteins, sterols, vitamins, and minerals. This review focuses on the antihypertensive potential of mushroom bioactive constituents, their mode of action, absorption kinetics, and bioavailability. Essential bioactives such as ergosterol, lovastatin, cordycepin, tocopherols, chitosan, ergothioneine, gamma-aminobutyric acid, quercetin, and eritadenine are described as having hypotensive effects. Safety concerns regarding allergens and limitations of consuming edible mushrooms, including chemical toxins and their metabolites, are highlighted.
PHYTOTHERAPY RESEARCH
(2023)
Review
Horticulture
Nadhila B. Prabawati, Viki Oktavirina, Miguel Palma, Widiastuti Setyaningsih
Summary: Edible flowers have been widely consumed for their attractive colors, exotic aroma, delightful taste, and health benefits. Studying the bioactive compounds and functional properties of edible flowers is crucial for product development and expanding consumer reach.
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Andrea Castellaneta, Ilario Losito, Beniamino Leoni, Pietro Santamaria, Cosima Damiana Calvano, Tommaso R. Cataldi
Summary: Microgreens are a special type of vegetal product with potentially high content of various nutrients, including glycerophospholipids. The study found that glycerophospholipids in different microgreens are rich in essential fatty acids, which can serve as additional sources in vegetarian/vegan diets.
JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Jelena Bokic, Dubravka Skrobot, Jelena Tomic, Vanja Seregelj, Angel Abellan-Victorio, Diego A. Moreno, Nebojsa Ilic
Summary: The study investigated the use of broccoli sprouts powder (BsP) as a novel food ingredient to improve the nutritional and bioactive profile of conventional pasta. Results showed that incorporating BsP increased the levels of protein, lipids, and minerals in the pasta, while reducing carbohydrates. BsP also increased the content of glucosinolates, synapic acid derivatives, total phenolics, and antioxidant activity in uncooked pasta. Although cooking slightly decreased the content of sinapic acid derivatives and total phenolics, their levels were still significantly higher in enriched pasta samples. However, there was a significant loss of glucosinolates during pasta cooking. The textural analysis showed that uncooked enriched pasta had lower flexibility and breaking strength, while cooked enriched pasta was less firm compared to the control. Incorporating BsP also increased the bitterness of the pasta, but overall pasta quality and liking were not significantly affected.
LWT-FOOD SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Nutrition & Dietetics
Simon Okomo Aloo, Fred Kwame Ofosu, Sheila M. Kilonzi, Umair Shabbir, Deog Hwan Oh
Summary: Consumption of plant sprouts is increasing in human day-to-day diets, with a focus on their health benefits. This review critically evaluates phytochemicals in selected sprouts and discusses recent advances in production and safety. Special attention is needed for exploring the potential applications of sprouts in processed products and their impact on gut health.
Review
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Elisa Appolloni, Giuseppina Pennisi, Ilaria Zauli, Laura Carotti, Ivan Paucek, Stefania Quaini, Francesco Orsini, Giorgio Gianquinto
Summary: Specialized metabolites from plants play a critical role in human health, and the advancement of LED technology has improved the application of artificial light in horticulture. Different spectral compositions, intensities, and photoperiods of LED lighting can affect the content of specialized metabolites in plants. Studies have shown that a combination of red and blue light is often most effective in enhancing metabolite content, although performance varies depending on the species and compounds analyzed.
JOURNAL OF THE SCIENCE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE
(2022)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Ilaria Marchioni, Marco Martinelli, Roberta Ascrizzi, Costanza Gabbrielli, Guido Flamini, Luisa Pistelli, Laura Pistelli
Summary: This study analyzed the nutritional compounds and antioxidant activities of five Brassicaceae species, with broccoli having the highest polyphenols, carotenoids, and chlorophylls, while mustard was rich in ascorbic acid and total sugars. Rocket salad showed the lowest antioxidant content and activity. Broccoli microgreens displayed the best overall nutritional profile and are considered the most promising functional food among those examined.
Review
Food Science & Technology
Jiani Yang, Ting Gu, Yongtong Lu, Yuejia Xu, Ren-You Gan, Siew Bee Ng, Quancai Sun, Ye Peng
Summary: Osmanthus fragrans, a traditional fragrant plant cultivated in China for over 2,500 years, has gained increasing attention due to its unique aroma and potential health benefits. This review summarizes the aroma and functional components of O. fragrans, discusses their biosynthetic mechanism, and highlights the beneficial functions and related molecular mechanism of O. fragrans extract. Potential applications and future perspectives are also summarized and discussed. Based on current research, O. fragrans extracts and components have great potential to be developed into value-added functional ingredients with preventive effects on certain chronic diseases. However, efficient, large-scale, and commercially viable extraction methods are crucial, along with more clinical studies to explore its beneficial functions and guide its development into functional food products.
CRITICAL REVIEWS IN FOOD SCIENCE AND NUTRITION
(2023)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Happy Kurnia Permatasari, Queen Intan Permatasari, Nurpudji Astuti Taslim, Dionysius Subali, Rudy Kurniawan, Reggie Surya, Faqrizal Ria Qhabibi, Melvin Junior Tanner, Siti Chairiyah Batubara, Nelly Mayulu, William Ben Gunawan, Andi Yasmin Syauki, Netty Salindeho, Moon Nyeo Park, Juan Alessandro Jeremis Maruli Nura Lele, Raymond R. Tjandrawinata, Bonglee Kim, Fahrul Nurkolis
Summary: This study aimed to reveal the potential of edible bird nest (EBN) as a functional food candidate in fighting metabolic syndrome. The study found that EBN contains terpenoids that have strong inhibitory effects on key receptors involved in metabolic dysfunction. In vitro and in vivo tests showed that EBN has antioxidant, antidiabetic, and anti-obesity activities, and high-dose dietary supplementation of EBN led to significant improvements in lipid profile, blood glucose, and inflammatory biomarkers.
Review
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Wenjing Zeng, Jing Yang, Yong He, Zhujun Zhu
Summary: This paper summarizes the nutritional value of cruciferous sprouts and microgreens and the effects of sulfur on bioactive phytochemical compounds, particularly glucosinolates, providing information about the dietary effects of these vegetables.
JOURNAL OF THE SCIENCE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE
(2023)
Review
Food Science & Technology
Lorenzo Rivas-Garcia, Maria D. Navarro-Hortal, Jose M. Romero-Marquez, Tamara Y. Forbes-Hernandez, Alfonso Varela-Lopez, Juan Llopis, Cristina Sanchez-Gonzalez, Jose L. Quiles
Summary: Edible flowers are rich in phenolic compounds and antioxidants, offering positive effects on oxidative stress-related diseases. They also exhibit hepatoprotective, neuroprotective, and cardioprotective actions, as well as anticancer, metabolic disorder-improving, and microbiocidal effects. Further in vivo studies are needed to validate these effects and elucidate the mechanisms behind them, highlighting the potential of edible flowers in developing nutraceutical products or functional foods.
TRENDS IN FOOD SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Marina Rocha Komeroski, Keyla Araujo Portal, Jorgiana Comiotto, Tammila Venzke Klug, Simone Hickmann Flores, Alessandro de Oliveira Rios
Summary: Sprouts and microgreens are gaining popularity as an alternative to traditionally matured vegetables due to their high content of bioactive compounds. This study compared the nutritional profile and bioactive compounds of organically grown arugula sprouts and microgreens in a hydroponic system. The vegetables showed high protein content, with sprouts being significantly higher than microgreens (24.8% vs 18.2%). They also had excellent levels of total fiber (34.3% sprouts; 28.7% microgreens) and soluble fiber (11.5% sprouts; 6.7% microgreens). Sprouts contained higher levels of carotenoids zeaxanthin and β-carotene, while microgreens had more O-glucosides derived from flavonoids.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FOOD SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Arun K. Das, Pramod K. Nanda, Premanshu Dandapat, Samiran Bandyopadhyay, Patricia Gullon, Gopalan Krishnan Sivaraman, David Julian McClements, Beatriz Gullon, Jose M. Lorenzo
Summary: Consumers are increasingly interested in nutritious, safe and healthy muscle food products with reduced salt and fat, leading food processors to search for natural bioactive ingredients that offer health benefits beyond their nutritive values. Mushrooms are considered as next-generation healthy food components due to their low fat content, high-quality proteins, dietary fibre and nutraceuticals.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ida Di Mola, Spyridon A. Petropoulos, Lucia Ottaiano, Eugenio Cozzolino, Christophe El-Nakhel, Youssef Rouphael, Mauro Mori
Summary: The results of this study provide valuable insights into the response of Diplotaxis tenuifolia L. plants to salinity stress and biostimulant application. The findings highlight the importance of considering growing conditions and cropping periods when applying biostimulants under salinity stress. The effect of biostimulants on antioxidant activity, bioactive compounds, mineral profile, and nitrate content depends on the combination of factors.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2023)
Article
Agronomy
Mariateresa Cardarelli, Antonio El Chami, Paola Iovieno, Youssef Rouphael, Paolo Bonini, Giuseppe Colla
Summary: The effects of three organic fertilizers on greenhouse lettuce were assessed in terms of morpho-physiological and agronomic traits as well as soil enzyme activity. Results showed that organic fertilizers increased lettuce yield and resistance to soil salinity, with vinasse-based fertilizer being the most suitable. It was also found that organic fertilizers reduced the concentration of toxic heavy metals in lettuce and enhanced soil enzyme activity.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Francesco Cristofano, Christophe El-Nakhel, Giuseppe Colla, Mariateresa Cardarelli, Youry Pii, Luigi Lucini, Youssef Rouphael
Summary: Protein hydrolysate biostimulants are environmentally friendly options for reducing nitrogen input, but their plant growth-promoting mechanisms are still not fully understood.
Article
Plant Sciences
Giovanna Marta Fusco, Petronia Carillo, Rosalinda Nicastro, Giuseppe Carlo Modarelli, Carmen Arena, Stefania De Pascale, Roberta Paradiso
Summary: The impact of cold treatments on plant growth and flowering in Ranunculus asiaticus L. was investigated. The two hybrids, MBO and MDR, showed different responses to cold treatments, with MBO being less efficient in promoting flowering.
Article
Plant Sciences
Francesco Cristofano, Christophe El-Nakhel, Giuseppe Colla, Mariateresa Cardarelli, Youry Pii, Luigi Lucini, Youssef Rouphael
Summary: Salinity is a critical issue for water and soil, and using biostimulants is an effective strategy to protect crops from yield losses caused by salinity. The research shows that protein hydrolysate biostimulants have positive effects on yield and photosynthetic performance, and their effectiveness is dependent on the source material.
Article
Plant Sciences
Michele Ciriello, Valerio Cirillo, Luigi Formisano, Christophe El-Nakhel, Antonio Pannico, Stefania De Pascale, Youssef Rouphael
Summary: This study evaluated the adaptability and post-harvest performance of six types of basil in a closed-loop hydroponic system. Russian basil showed the highest productivity, while Thai and Mexican basil exhibited the best water retention after harvest.
Article
Computer Science, Information Systems
Michele Ciriello, Luigi Formisano, Youssef Rouphael, Giandomenico Corrado
Summary: This article analyzes the aroma profile of three different cultivars of Genovese basil grown in the open field or floating raft system during two successive harvests using solid-phase microextraction and gas chromatography coupled with a mass spectrometer. The research shows that agronomic factors such as cultivation method, genotype, and harvesting method have a significant impact on the aroma and flavor of basil plants.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Sara Rajabi Hamedani, Mariateresa Cardarelli, Youssef Rouphael, Paolo Bonini, Andrea Colantoni, Giuseppe Colla
Summary: In response to the environmental consequences of fertiliser production, organic biofertilisers are being promoted to maximize resource use and align with circular economy principles. This study focuses on the environmental performance of two iron-based fertilisers (Fe-biochelate and Fe-EDDHA) through life cycle assessment. The results show that Fe-biochelate has lower impacts on global warming, terrestrial ecotoxicity, and fossil resource scarcity compared to Fe-EDDHA, making it a more eco-friendly alternative.
Article
Agronomy
Lorena Vultaggio, Leo Sabatino, Youssef Rouphael, Claudio De Pasquale, Salvatore La Bella, Beppe Benedetto Consentino
Summary: The study found that the use of LPE (Lysophosphatidylethanolamine) as a growth regulator can improve the yield and quality of strawberry plants. The plants treated with LPE in two consecutive cultivation cycles showed the highest yield and best quality. LPE treatment also enhanced the antioxidant activity, firmness, soluble solids content, ascorbic acid, and anthocyanins of strawberries.
Review
Horticulture
Beppe Benedetto Consentino, Michele Ciriello, Leo Sabatino, Lorena Vultaggio, Sara Baldassano, Sonya Vasto, Youssef Rouphael, Salvatore La Bella, Stefania De Pascale
Summary: Fresh vegetables and fruits have always been important sources of nutrients, such as fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Biofortification is a promising strategy to increase the concentration of these compounds in the produce. This review discusses the latest findings on agronomic biofortification, focusing on increasing the concentration of crucial minerals in edible portions of vegetables. The effects on human health and the influence of other compounds were also analyzed to evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of this practice.
Article
Plant Sciences
Maria Giordano, Michele Ciriello, Luigi Formisano, Christophe El-Nakhel, Antonio Pannico, Giulia Graziani, Alberto Ritieni, Marios C. Kyriacou, Youssef Rouphael, Stefania De Pascale
Summary: The success of space missions and colonization of extraterrestrial environments require ensuring adequate nutrition for astronauts and independence from terrestrial resources. Microgreens, such as tatsoi, coriander, green basil, and purple basil, can provide a balanced diet and improve the overall nutraceutical profile of astronaut meals. The addition of potassium iodide (KI) at different concentrations increased the level of iodine (I) in the microgreens, resulting in improved antioxidant activity and increased concentration of phenolic acids and flavonoids.
Article
Plant Sciences
Giovanna Marta Fusco, Petronia Carillo, Rosalinda Nicastro, Letizia Pagliaro, Stefania De Pascale, Roberta Paradiso
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the mechanisms underlying the response of Ranunculus asiaticus L. to low temperatures. The preparation procedure of rehydrating tuberous roots before propagation had a significant impact on plant growth, leaf photosynthesis, flowering, and metabolism. The two hybrids showed different responses to the root preparation procedure, with MBO synthesizing GABA and alanine and MDR exhibiting increased polyphenol synthesis in response to vernalization.
Article
Horticulture
Beatriz H. Paschoalinotto, Nikolaos Polyzos, Maria Compocholi, Youssef Rouphael, Alexios Alexopoulos, Maria Ines Dias, Lillian Barros, Spyridon A. Petropoulos
Summary: This study evaluated the response of S. hispanicus plants to different fertilization regimes and found that high phosphorus and potassium fertilization increased plant yield, while low phosphorus and potassium fertilization improved the chemical composition of the plants.
Article
Horticulture
Alexios A. Alexopoulos, Anna Assimakopoulou, Panagiotis Panagopoulos, Maria Bakea, Nikolina Vidalis, Ioannis C. Karapanos, Youssef Rouphael, Spyridon A. Petropoulos
Summary: This study tested the effect of salinity on plant growth, nutritional composition, and quality features of Hedypnois cretica and Urospermum picroides. The results showed that high salinity severely decreased the fresh yield and mineral profile of leaves and roots of both species. However, leaf pigments and total phenolic compounds content were not significantly affected by salinity. Total soluble solids and titratable acidity increased with increasing salinity in most cases, while free proline content increased and nitrates' content decreased. It was concluded that tailor-made nutrient solutions could allow the cultivation of tolerant species with low-quality irrigation water.
