Effects of onion or caraway on the formation of biogenic amines during sauerkraut fermentation and refrigerated storage

Biogenic amines as an indicator of rye leaven quality during production and storage

Rye leaven, the basic constituent of sour rye soup ('żurek' or white borsch), was obtained through three methods of initiating lacto-fermentation of rye flour. Optimal concentrations of NaCl (1.5%) and garlic (0.5%) were selected by utilizing the response surface methodology. During the production and storage of leaven at 10 °C and 20 °C, the secalin proteins of rye flour degraded significantly and the concentration of free amino acids increased, making the rye leaven an environment potentially conducive to the formation of biogenic amines. Putrescine (max. conc: 116.7 mg kg-1) and tyramine (max. conc: 63.4 mg kg-1) were the amines that occurred in the largest amounts in the leavens. The final concentration of histamine (after 150 days of storage) did not exceed 22 mg kg-1. Regardless of the method of initiation of fermentation, the products that contained fewer biogenic amines better retained their sensory characteristics (r ≤ -0.89, p < 0.05) and had a higher number of lactic acid bacteria (r ≤ -0.66, p < 0.05).

Effects of pickle brine and glycine addition on biogenic amine production in pickle fermentation

This study investigated the effects of different pickle brines and glycine additions on biogenic amine formation in pickle fermentation. The results showed that the brines with higher biogenic amine content led to the production of more biogenic amines in the simulated pickle fermentation system. This was related to the abundance of biogenic amine-producing microorganisms in the microbial communities of the brines. Metagenome analysis of the brines and metatranscriptome analysis of the fermentation systems showed that putrescine was primarily from Lactobacillus, Oenococcus, and Pichia, while histamine and tyramine were primarily from Lactobacillus and Tetragenococcus. Addition of glycine significantly reduced the accumulation of biogenic amines in the simulated pickle fermentation system by as much as 70 %. The addition of glycine had no inhibitory effect on the amine-producing microorganisms, but it down-regulated the transcription levels of the genes for enzymes related to putrescine synthesis in Pichia, Lactobacillus, and Oenococcus, as well as the histidine decarboxylase genes in Lactobacillus and Tetragenococcus. Catalytic reaction assay using crude solutions of amino acid decarboxylase extracted from Lactobacillus brevis showed that the addition of glycine inhibited 45 %-55 % of ornithine decarboxylase and tyrosine decarboxylase activities. This study may provide a reference for the study and control of the mechanism of biogenic amine formation in pickle fermentation.

A review of biogenic amines in fermented foods: Occurrence and health effects

Biogenic amines (BAs) are low-molecular decarboxylation products of amino acids formed during microbial fermentation. Several fermented foods may contain BAs such as histamine, tyramine, and/or phenylethylamine, at levels above documented toxic doses. Dietary exposure to foods containing high levels of BAs is associated with many adverse health effects, such as migraines, elevated blood pressure, and tachycardia. BA-mediated toxicity may occur at levels a hundred times below regulatory and suggested toxic doses, depending on an individual's sensitivity and factors such as alcohol consumption and certain medications. Although BAs occur in a wide variety of fermented foods, food safety and public health professionals are not well informed about the potential health risks and control strategies in these foods. In this review, we highlight the health risks and symptoms linked to BA exposures, the BA levels found in different fermented foods, regulatory and suggested toxic doses, and risk mitigation strategies to inform food industry and public health professionals' practice.

Fermented Vegetables: Health Benefits, Defects, and Current Technological Solutions

This review summarizes current studies on fermented vegetables, analyzing the changes in nutritional components during pickling, the health benefits of fermented vegetables, and their safety concerns. Additionally, the review provides an overview of the applications of emergent non-thermal technologies for addressing these safety concerns during the production and processing of fermented vegetables. It was found that vitamin C would commonly be lost, the soluble protein would degrade into free amino acids, new nutrient compositions would be produced, and the flavor correlated with the chemical changes. These changes would be influenced by the variety/location of raw materials, the original bacterial population, starter cultures, fermentation conditions, seasoning additions, and post-fermentation processing. Consuming fermented vegetables benefits human health, including antibacterial effects, regulating intestinal bacterial populations, and promoting health (anti-cancer effects, anti-diabetes effects, and immune regulation). However, fermented vegetables have chemical and biological safety concerns, such as biogenic amines and the formation of nitrites, as well as the existence of pathogenic microorganisms. To reduce hazardous components and control the quality of fermented vegetables, unique starter cultures, high pressure, ultrasound, cold plasma, photodynamic, and other technologies can be used to solve these problems.

The inhibitory effects of plant additives on biogenic amine formation in fermented foods - a review

Fermented food has unique properties and high nutritional value, and thus, should constitute a basic element of a balanced and health-promoting diet. However, it can accumulate considerable amount of biogenic amines (BAs), which ingested in excess can lead to adverse health effects. The application of plant-derived additives represents a promising strategy to ensure safety or enhance the functional and organoleptic properties of fermented food. This review summarizes currently available data on the application of plant-origin additives with the aim to reduce BA content in fermented products. The importance of ensuring fermented food safety has been highlighted considering the growing evidence of beneficial effects resulting from the consumption of this type of food, as well as the increasing number of individuals sensitive to BAs. The examined plant-origin additives reduced the BA concentration to varying degrees, and their efficacy depended on the type of additive, matrix, autochthonous, and inoculated microorganisms, as well as the manufacturing conditions. The main mechanisms of action include antimicrobial effects and the inhibition of microbial decarboxylases. Further research on the optimization of bioactive substances extraction, standardization of their chemical composition, and development of detailed procedures for its use in fermented products manufacturing are needed.

Monitoring and risk assessment of biogenic amines in Korean commercial fermented seasonings

Fermented seasonings are widely used in Korean cuisine; however, some contain high levels of biogenic amines (BAs). In this study, in order to estimate the potential BA risk from fermented seasoning, the BA contents in 50 commercial brands (n = 292) of five seasonings (soy sauce, Gochujang, Doenjang, Ssamjang, and Cheonggukjang) and their changes due to different cooking methods were evaluated by high-performance liquid chromatography. The risk assessment for consumer exposure was evaluated by computing the estimated daily intake (EDI), histamine (HIS) intake, and tyramine (TYR) intake. Maximum contents of HIS detected in Cheonggukjang, soy sauce, Doenjang, and Ssamjang were 318.46, 148.15, 123.65, and 114.07 mg/kg, respectively. However, even in the worst-case scenario, the EDI value and HIS intake results demonstrated that the seasonings had a limited impact on the risk of HIS poisoning due to their low consumption. Cheonggukjang exhibited the highest TYR content (312.89 mg/kg), and the TYR exposure results implied that those taking classical antidepressant monoamine oxidase inhibitors should pay attention to Cheonggukjang. After stir-frying, the total BA retentions in soy sauce and Gochujang were only 51.45% and 57.08%, respectively, which may be caused by high temperature. Based on the results of this study, the five seasonings contained various BAs, which can be influenced by the cooking process, and all five seasonings are safe for the general population in terms of the risk of BAs.

Determination of biogenic amines in chicken, beef, and mutton by dansyl chloride microwave derivatization in Malaysia

In this study, an improved dansyl-chloride derivatization technique using a microwave synthesizer was used for the qualitative and quantitative analyses of biogenic amine in the fresh meat samples. The derivatization technique was optimized in terms of temperature, reaction time, and spinning speed. The derivatization method together with a validated reversed-phase HPLC-DAD method was used for the determination of biogenic amines in chicken, beef, and mutton sold in the wet market. The results of the analyses showed that tryptamine, putrescine, and histamine were generally detected in all the three types of meat. Higher levels of histamine were found in chicken and beef. However, low levels of histamine were observed in mutton. Tyramine was either detected low or moderate in all the three types of meat. The biogenic amines of the fresh meat sold in the wet market is generally higher than the reported values. The mechanisms of biogenic amines-dansyl-chloride formation were investigated and proposed. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: The biogenic amine derivatization method was improved. The improved derivatization method can be potentially used for various food products beside meats for routine biogenic amine analyses due to its fast analysis time and simplicity. High levels of biogenic amines were generally found in the meat sold in the wet markets. However, proper handling of the raw meat can reduce the risk of infection.

Natural Sympathomimetic Drugs: From Pharmacology to Toxicology

Sympathomimetic agents are a group of chemical compounds that are able to activate the sympathetic nervous system either directly via adrenergic receptors or indirectly by increasing endogenous catecholamine levels or mimicking their intracellular signaling pathways. Compounds from this group, both used therapeutically or abused, comprise endogenous catecholamines (such as adrenaline and noradrenaline), synthetic amines (e.g., isoproterenol and dobutamine), trace amines (e.g., tyramine, tryptamine, histamine and octopamine), illicit drugs (e.g., ephedrine, cathinone, and cocaine), or even caffeine and synephrine. In addition to the effects triggered by stimulation of the sympathetic system, the discovery of trace amine associated receptors (TAARs) in humans brought new insights about their sympathomimetic pharmacology and toxicology. Although synthetic sympathomimetic agents are mostly seen as toxic, natural sympathomimetic agents are considered more complacently in the terms of safety in the vision of the lay public. Here, we aim to discuss the pharmacological and mainly toxicological aspects related to sympathomimetic natural agents, in particular of trace amines, compounds derived from plants like ephedra and khat, and finally cocaine. The main purpose of this review is to give a scientific and updated view of those agents and serve as a reminder on the safety issues of natural sympathomimetic agents most used in the community.

Effects of bioactive molecules on the concentration of biogenic amines in foods and biological systems

Biogenic amines (BAs) are a group of molecules naturally present in foods that contain amino acids, peptides, and proteins as well as in biological systems. In foods, their concentrations typically increase during processing and storage because of exposure to microorganisms that catalyze their formation by releasing amino acid decarboxylases. The concentrations of BAs above certain values are indicative of unsafe foods due to associate neuronal toxicity, allergenic reactions, and increase risks of cardiovascular diseases. There are therefore various strategies that focus on the control of BAs in foods mostly through elimination, inactivation, or inhibition of the growth of microorganisms. Increasingly, there are works on bioactive compounds that can decrease the concentration of BAs through their antimicrobial activity as well as the inhibition of decarboxylating enzymes that control their formation in foods or amine oxidases and N-acetyltransferase that control the degradation in vivo. This review focusses on the role of food-derived bioactive compounds and the mechanism by which they regulate the concentration of BAs. The findings are that most active molecules belong to polyphenols, one of the largest groups of plant secondary metabolites, additionally other useful +compounds are present in extracts of different herbs and spices. Different mechanisms have been proposed for the effects of polyphenols depending on the model system. Studies on the effects in vivo are limited and there is a lack of bioavailability and transport data which are important to assess the importance of the bioactive molecules.

Metagenomics Reveals the Microbial Community Responsible for Producing Biogenic Amines During Mustard [Brassica juncea (L.)] Fermentation

Biogenic amines (BAs) are considered potential hazards produced during fermented food processing, and the production of BAs is closely related to microbial metabolism. In this work, the changes of BA content were analyzed during mustard fermentation, and microbes and gene abundance responsible for producing BAs were revealed by metagenomic analyses. The results showed that cadaverine, putrescine, tyramine, and histamine were generated during mustard fermentation, which mainly accumulate in the first 6 days of fermentation. According to the metagenome sequencing, the predominant genus was Bacillus (64.78%), followed by Lactobacillus (11.67%), Weissella (8.88%), and Leuconostoc (1.71%) in the initial fermentation stage (second day), while Lactobacillus (76.03%) became the most dominant genus in the late stage. In addition, the gene abundance of BA production enzymes was the highest in the second day and decreased continuously as fermentation progressed. By tracking the source of the enzyme in the KEGG database, both Bacillus and Delftia closely correlated to the generation of putrescine. Besides, Bacillus also correlated to the generation of tyramine and spermidine, and Delftia also correlated to the generation of cadaverine and spermine. In the processes of fermentation, the pH of fermented mustard showed slower decrease compared with other similar fermented vegetables, which may allow Bacillus to grow at high levels before the pH &lt;4. This study reveals the change of BA content and microbes involved in BA formation during mustard fermentation.

A comprehensive review of spermidine: Safety, health effects, absorption and metabolism, food materials evaluation, physical and chemical processing, and bioprocessing

Spermidine, a natural autophagy inducer, has a variety of health effects, such as antitumor, antiaging, anti-inflammation, cardiovascular protection, and neuromodulation. It has been a hot topic in the field of food processing, and current research findings suggest that spermidine-rich foods may be used in intervention and prevention of age-related diseases. In this article, recent findings on the safety, health effects, absorption and metabolism of spermidine were reviewed, and advances in food processing, including the raw materials evaluation, physical and chemical processing, and biological processing of spermidine, were highlighted. In particular, the core metabolic pathways, key gene targets, and efficient metabolic engineering strategies involved in the biosynthesis of spermidine and its precursors were discussed. Moreover, limitations and future perspectives of spermidine research were proposed. The purpose of this review is to provide new insights on spermidine from its safety to its food processing, which will advance the commercial production and applications of spermidine-rich foods and nutraceuticals.

Fate of Bioactive Compounds during Lactic Acid Fermentation of Fruits and Vegetables

Consumption of lactic acid fermented fruits and vegetables has been correlated with a series of health benefits. Some of them have been attributed to the probiotic potential of lactic acid microbiota, while others to its metabolic potential and the production of bioactive compounds. The factors that affect the latter have been in the epicenter of intensive research over the last decade. The production of bioactive peptides, vitamins (especially of the B-complex), gamma-aminobutyric acid, as well as phenolic and organosulfur compounds during lactic acid fermentation of fruits and vegetables has attracted specific attention. On the other hand, the production of biogenic amines has also been intensively studied due to the adverse health effects caused by their consumption. The data that are currently available indicate that the production of these compounds is a strain-dependent characteristic that may also be affected by the raw materials used as well as the fermentation conditions. The aim of the present review paper is to collect all data referring to the production of the aforementioned compounds and to present and discuss them in a concise and comprehensive way.

Effect of ultrasonication and vacuum impregnation pretreatments on the quality of beef marinated in onion juice a natural meat tenderizer

This study aimed to determine the effect of ultrasonication (US) and vacuum impregnation (VI) pretreatment techniques applied for the improvement of tenderness on the quality of beef (Longissimus dorsi) traditionally marinated (TM) in onion juice by immersion. TM conditions were 1:5 meat to marinade ratio, final NaCl concentration of 9% (w/v), 4.3 °C and 24 h. US and VI pretreatments significantly (P < 0.05) improved the marinade uptake, but did not alter the lightness (L*) values of beef samples compared to TM. US for 60 min and VI for 40 min pretreatments reduced the hardness of beef by 28.25 and 21.62%, respectively, compared to TM. US and VI pretreatments significantly (P < 0.05) reduced tyramine levels of uncooked and marinated beef samples. Marination in onion juice was found to reduce the lipid oxidation level of beef and increase the general liking score in the sensorial evaluation. Onion juice can be used as a natural marinade for the traditional marination of beef with the help of ultrasonication and vacuum impregnation pretreatments.

Biogenic amines levels in food processing: Efforts for their control in foodstuffs

Fermented and/or protein-rich foods, the most widely consumed worldwide, are the most susceptible to the presence of high levels of biogenic amines (BAs). Many reviews have focused on BAs toxicity and presence in foods; however, technological strategies such as evaluation of physical parameters, the addition of natural or synthetic compounds or the use of specific starter cultures of BAs reduction, and quick detection methods have been scarcely approached. In current research, there has been a focus on fast detection of BAs through colorimetric methods that allow these compounds to be quickly and easily identified by consumers. To reduce BAs presence in food, several alternatives have been developed and investigated with the aim of preventing negative effects caused by their intake, which can be applied before, during, or after processing. Food safety is one of the most important concerns of consumer and sanitary authorities. Therefore, detecting toxins such as BAs in food has become a priority for research. Recent reports that focus on the development of rapid detection methods of BAs are reviewed in this analysis. These methods have been successfully applied to food matrices with little to no sample pretreatment. Several alternatives for BAs reduction in food was also summarized. These findings will help the food industry to improve its processes for developing safe food.

The Microbial Diversity of Non-Korean Kimchi as Revealed by Viable Counting and Metataxonomic Sequencing

Kimchi is recognized worldwide as the flagship food of Korea. To date, most of the currently available microbiological studies on kimchi deal with Korean manufactures. Moreover, there is a lack of knowledge on the occurrence of eumycetes in kimchi. Given these premises, the present study was aimed at investigating the bacterial and fungal dynamics occurring during the natural fermentation of an artisan non-Korean kimchi manufacture. Lactic acid bacteria were dominant, while Enterobacteriaceae, Pseudomonadaceae, and yeasts progressively decreased during fermentation. Erwinia spp., Pseudomonasveronii, Pseudomonasviridiflava, Rahnellaaquatilis, and Sphingomonas spp. were detected during the first 15 days of fermentation, whereas the last fermentation phase was dominated by Leuconostoc kimchi, together with Weissellasoli. For the mycobiota at the beginning of the fermentation process, Rhizoplaca and Pichia orientalis were the dominant Operational Taxonomic Units (OTUs) in batch 1, whereas in batch 2 Protomyces inundatus prevailed. In the last stage of fermentation, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Candida sake,Penicillium, and Malassezia were the most abundant taxa in both analyzed batches. The knowledge gained in the present study represents a step forward in the description of the microbial dynamics of kimchi produced outside the region of origin using local ingredients. It will also serve as a starting point for further isolation of kimchi-adapted microorganisms to be assayed as potential starters for the manufacturing of novel vegetable preserves with high quality and functional traits.

Applications of plant-based fermented foods and their microbes

Plant-based fermentations and their microbes provide an underexplored source for novel biotechnological applications. Recent advances in DNA sequencing technologies and analyses of sequencing data highlight that a diverse array of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) frequently dominate these plant fermentations. Because of the long history of safe LAB use in fermented foods, we argue here that various novel probiotic, synbiotic and a range of other industrial applications can be produced based on new insights in the functional and genetic potential of these LAB. To aid in this quest, comparative genomics tools are increasingly available enabling a more rational design of wet-lab experiments to screen for the most relevant properties. This is also true for the exploration of useful enzymatic and (secondary) metabolic production capacities of the LAB that can be isolated from these plant-based fermentations, such as the recent discovery of a cellulase enzyme in specific Lactobacillus plantarum group members.