Spectrophotometric determination of L-ascorbic acid in vegetables and fruits

Molasses-based waste water irrigation: a friend or foe for carrot (Daucus carota L.) growth, yield and nutritional quality

Management of molasses-based wastewater generated in yeast and sugar industries is a major environmental concern due to its high chemical oxygen demand and other recalcitrant substances. Several strategies have been used to reduce the inland discharge of wastewater but the results are not satisfactory due to high operating cost. However, reuse of molasses-based wastewater irrigation in agriculture has been a major interest nowadays to reduce the freshwater consumption. Thus, it is crucial to monitor the impacts of molasses-based waste water irrigation on growth, metabolism, yield and nutritional quality of crops for safer consumer's health. In present study, carrot seeds of a local cultivar (T-29) were germinated on filter paper in Petri dishes under controlled conditions. The germinated seeds were then transplanted into pots and irrigated with three different treatments normal water (T0), diluted molasses-based wastewater (T1), and untreated molasses-based wastewater (T2), in six replicates. Results revealed that carrot irrigated with untreated molasses-based waste water had exhibited significant reductions in growth, yield, physiology, metabolism, and nutritional contents. Additionally, accumulation of Cd and Pb contents in carrot roots irrigated with untreated molasses-based waste water exceed the permissible limits suggested by WHO and their consumption may cause health risks. While, diluted molasses-based waste water irrigation positively enhanced the growth, yield of carrot plants without affecting the nutritional quality. This strategy is cost effective, appeared as most appropriate alternative mean to reduce the freshwater consumption in water deficit regions of the world.

Kombucha Fermentation of Olympus Mountain Tea (Sideritis scardica) Sweetened with Thyme Honey: Physicochemical Analysis and Evaluation of Functional Properties

This study implemented kombucha fermentation of Olympus Mountain tea (Sideritis scardica) sweetened with honey (OMTWH) in order to investigate the potential for producing a novel beverage with functional properties. The increase in the total count of bacteria and yeast suggests that the OMTWH acts as a viable substrate for supporting the proliferation of the microorganisms of the Kombucha symbiotic culture. The fermentation resulted in a reduction in pH and increased total titratable acidity. After fermentation, a statistically significant increase in the vitamins C, B1, B2, B6, B7, and B12 content was observed (p < 0.05). Total phenolics and antioxidant activity of the fermented beverage was significantly enhanced, as assessed by the method of Folin-Ciocalteu and ABTS assay, respectively. Results revealed that OMTWH had a potent inhibitory activity of α-amylase, α-glucosidase, acetylcholinesterase, and butyrylcholinesterase; OMTWH fermented with a kombucha consortium exhibited even higher inhibition. Hence, the process of kombucha fermentation can convert OMTWH into a novel beverage with enhanced functional properties.

Exopolysaccharides from Pseudomonas tolaasii inhibit the growth of Pleurotus ostreatus mycelia

In the present study, the effect of exopolysaccharides (EPSs) extracted from Pseudomonas tolaasii on the growth of Pleurotus ostreatus mycelia was determined. P. ostreatus mycelia was cultivated with different concentrations of P. tolaasii EPSs, and their mycelial growth rate, protein content, and enzyme activity were measured and compared. The results showed that EPSs inhibited the growth of P. ostreatus. The proline and vitamin C contents of P. ostreatus increased at an EPS concentration of 40%. The cellulase, α-amylase, protein, and glucose utilisation rates of P. ostreatus gradually decreased with the increase in EPS concentration. Altogether, P. tolaasii EPSs had a significant inhibitory effect on mycelial growth. Therefore, we concluded that in addition to tolaasin, EPSs may also be the virulence factors responsible for the pathogenesis of P. tolaasii.

Quality characteristics of strawberry fruit following a combined treatment of laser sterilization and guava leaf-based chitosan nanoparticle coating

Background

Strawberry fruit is a rich source of antioxidants that are beneficial for human health. However, the rapid decline of strawberries dramatically reduces the shelf life and raises postharvest losses. To develop an efficient and ecological approach for maintaining the quality, strawberries (Fragaria x ananassa, cv. Festival) were treated with 0.5% chitosan coating (0.5% Ch), guava leaf-based chitosan nanoparticles coating (Gl-ChNps), and a combination treatment of 1.3 mW/cm2 laser light followed by Gl-ChNps coating (combined treatment), then stored for 12 days at 10 °C and 85–90% RH. The untreated fruit served as a control.

Results

Semi-spherical particles with an average size of 21.92 nm, a monodisperse nature, and high solution stability were formed. The findings revealed that the combined treatment completely suppressed fungal decay compared to 50% decay in control, and significantly reduced weight loss percentage to 4.68% compared to 27.35% in control. In accordance, the combined treatment had the maximum anthocyanin content and vitamin C, at 42 and 81.1 mg/100 g, respectively. The results showed that treated strawberries had less change in color, total soluble solids, titratable acidity, and pH during storage than untreated strawberries, which exhibited higher chemical changes.

Conclusions

The edible film of chitosan nanoparticles acted as a semi-permeable barrier that modified and restricted gas exchange, reduced water loss, and delayed fruit senescence. In addition, the combination of laser light with chitosan nanoparticles has been shown to control the pathogens and retain the freshness of strawberries.

Graphical Abstract

Hordeum vulgare L. microgreen mitigates reproductive dysfunction and oxidative stress in streptozotocin-induced diabetes and aflatoxicosis in male rats

Diabetes mellitus type 2 (DM) is a common chronic disease worldwide, which may be due to increased environmental pollution. Aflatoxin B1 is a likely inevitable contaminant in food and dairy products. Both DM and aflatoxicosis exert a deleterious effect on reproduction urging the exploration of various functional food for protection. This study investigated the effect of barley microgreen (BM) on reproductive disorders caused by DM with or without aflatoxicosis in male rats. Rats were divided into eight groups; G1 control, G2 barley, G3 aflatoxin, G4 aflatoxin-barley, G5 streptozotocin (STZ), G6 STZ-barley, G7 STZ-aflatoxin, and G8 STZ-aflatoxin-barley. BM chemical composition revealed elevated calcium, iron, phosphorus, and vitamin A compared with barely seeds. Complete blood picture, lipid profile, serum oxidative stress parameters, relative testicular weight, sperm analysis, chromosomal aberration, and testis histopathology were performed. The lipid profile was altered significantly in G7. Oxidative stress was increased in G3, G5, and G7, whereas it was decreased in BM-treated groups. Sperm counts were reduced significantly in aflatoxin and/or STZ groups but increased significantly in BM-treated groups. Sperm morphological abnormalities and chromosomal aberrations were decreased significantly in BM-treated groups compared with untreated groups. Testicular histopathology revealed moderate diffuse degeneration of seminiferous tubules in aflatoxin and/or STZ groups, which were alleviated in BM-treated groups. In conclusion, aflatoxin and STZ together caused severe reproductive disorder and oxidative stress more than aflatoxin or STZ alone. BM diet reduced significantly oxidative stress and reproductive disorder associated with DM and aflatoxicosis in rats.

Phenotyping methods to assess heat stress resilience in grapevine

Global warming has become an issue in recent years in viticulture, as increasing temperatures have a negative impact on grapevine (Vitis vinifera) production and on wine quality. Phenotyping for grapevine response to heat stress is, therefore, important to understand thermotolerance mechanisms, with the aim of improving field management strategies or developing more resilient varieties. Nonetheless, the choice of the phenotypic traits to be investigated is not trivial and depends mainly on the objectives of the study, but also on the number of samples and on the availability of instrumentation. Moreover, the grapevine literature reports few studies related to thermotolerance, generally assessing physiological responses, which highlights the need for more holistic approaches. In this context, the present review offers an overview of target traits that are commonly investigated in plant thermotolerance studies, with a special focus on grapevine, and of methods that can be employed to evaluate those traits. With the final goal of providing useful tools and references for future studies on grapevine heat stress resilience, advantages and limitations of each method are highlighted, and the available or possible implementations are described. In this way, the reader is guided in the choice of the best approaches in terms of speed, complexity, range of application, sensitivity, and specificity.

Production of a Yogurt Drink Enriched with Golden Berry (Physalispubescens L.) Juice and Its Therapeutic Effect on Hepatitis in Rats

Fermented dairy products have been associated with multiple health benefits. The present study aimed to produce a functional yogurt drink fortified with golden berry juice and assess its therapeutic effect on hepatitis rats. Thirty male albino rats were randomly divided into two major groups. The first group included the control (-) animals (six rats) and was fed a standard diet, whereas the second group included 24 rats that were fed a standard diet and injected with carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) for 2 weeks to trigger chronic damage of the liver (hepatitis); they were then divided into four groups (six rats/group): Group 2: hepatitis, fed on a standard diet as a positive control group; Group 3: received a basal diet with 5 mL of the yogurt drink; Group 4: received a basal diet with 5 mL of the yogurt drink fortified with 10% golden berry juice. Group 5: received a basal diet with 5 mL of the yogurt drink fortified with 20% golden berry juice. Various biological parameters were determined. Yogurt drink treatments were evaluated for their chemical, phytochemical, and sensory properties, as well as for their effects on hepatoprotective activity by determining various biochemical parameters. We found that the yogurt drinks containing golden berry juice exhibited no significant differences in fat, protein, and ash content compared with the control samples. Moreover, the yogurt drinks containing golden berry juice exhibited the highest content of total phenolic compounds, antioxidant activity, and organoleptic scores among all treatments. In addition, rats fed on a diet fortified with yogurt drinks containing golden berry juice for 8 weeks exhibited higher potential hepatoprotective effects compared with the liver injury control group. This improvement was partly observed in the group that received the yogurt drink containing golden berry juice. Therefore, we concluded that golden berry juice can be recommended as a natural additive in the manufacture of functional yogurt drinks, as it showed a potential hepatoprotective effect in rats with hepatitis.

Evaluation of air pollution tolerance index and anticipated performance index of six plant species, in an urban tropical valley: Medellin, Colombia

High atmospheric pollution levels in urban areas have become a global problem that threatens both human health and urban ecosystems. Trees that grow near areas with vehicular and industrial emissions can be highly affected, since they constitute the main barrier for emitted pollutants, with trees being either tolerant or sensitive to them. Different methodologies worldwide have been implemented to evaluate the tolerance and sensitivity of tree species to atmospheric pollutants. In this research, the air pollution tolerance index (APTI) and the anticipated performance index (API) are evaluated in order to determine both the degree of tolerance or sensitivity of trees to pollutants in the air and their performance in urban areas. To this end, six tree species found in four biomonitoring zones in the city of Medellín, Colombia, were selected: Mangifera indica, Tabebuia chrysantha-rosea, Erythrina fusca, Jacaranda mimosifolia, Fraxinus uhdei, and Spathodea campanulata. A total of 54 individual trees were evaluated by means of the APTI and API, and it was determined that the species with the highest tolerance (APTI≥16) and the best performance (81<API<90) was Mangifera indica, which highlights the importance of this species in urban areas with air quality problems. On the other hand, it was determined that the most sensitive species (APTI≤11) are Tabebuia chrysantha-rosea, Erythrina fusca, and Spathodea campanulata, while the species with poor performance (41<API<50) are Tabebuia chrysantha-rosea, Erythrina fusca, and Jacaranda mimosifolia. These values, therefore, can be used to classify which species can be planted as pollutant sinks and which as air quality bioindicators and thus highlight the importance of urban forests and trees for environmental management and planning in big cities with air quality problems.

Impact of vehicular emissions on anatomical and morphological characteristics of vascular plants: A comparative study

Abbottabad is a famous tourist destination due to its greenery and location. However, rapid increase in population and unplanned urbanization cause various environmental problems. Among different environmental stress, vehicular emission is the major issue for the survival and sustainability of plant species. This study aimed to investigate the effects of atmospheric pollution (caused by vehicular emission) on the anatomical, biochemical and morphological aspects of plant species present alongside the roads of Abbottabad, Pakistan. The plants were also collected from control sites (away from road-sites) for comparison. The results showed that various morphological characteristics of plant species including petiole length, vein-to-vein difference between leaves and length to breadth ratio of leaves were adversely affected by air pollution. The stomatal index varies in plant species because of variations in the numbers of epidermal cells. The air pollution tolerance index (APTI) of plant leaves from contaminated areas was reported to be higher as compared to control (non-contaminated) areas. Consequently, the findings from this study confirmed that plant species growing alongside of Abbottabad roads has greater tolerance than plant species growing in solitude areas away from road sites (control sites). Among different studied plants, Juglans regia, Morus nigra, Xanthium strumarium, Prunus armenica, Diospterus lotus and Populus ciliata have highest APTI and found to be more suitable for plantation in Abbottabad.

Comparative Study for the Assay of Plant Derived Chemicals in Pharmaceutical Formulation Using Methods Dependent on Factorized Spectra

BACKGROUND

Modern built-in spectrophotometer software supporting mathematical processes provided a solution for increasing selectivity for multicomponent mixtures.

OBJECTIVE

Simultaneous spectrophotometric determination of the three naturally occurring antioxidants-rutin(RUT), hesperidin(HES), and ascorbic acid(ASC)-in bulk forms and combined pharmaceutical formulation.

METHOD

This was achieved by factorized zero order method (FZM), factorized derivative method (FD1M), and factorized derivative ratio method (FDRM), coupled with spectrum subtraction(SS).

RESULTS

Mathematical filtration techniques allowed each component to be obtained separately in either its zero, first, or derivative ratio form, allowing the resolution of spectra typical to the pure components present in Vitamin C Forte® tablets. The proposed methods were applied over a concentration range of 2-50, 2-30, and 10-100 µg/mL for RUT, HES, and ASC, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Recent methods for the analysis of binary mixtures, FZM and FD1M, were successfully applied for the analysis of ternary mixtures and compared to the novel FDRM. All were revealed to be specific and sensitive with successful application on pharmaceutical formulations. Validation parameters were evaluated in accordance with the International Conference on Harmonization guidelines. Statistical results were satisfactory, revealing no significant difference regarding accuracy and precision.

HIGHLIGHTS

Factorized methods enabled the resolution of spectra identical to those of pure drugs present in mixtures. Overlapped spectra of ternary mixtures could be resolved by spectrum subtraction coupled FDRM (SS-FDRM) or by successive application of FZM and FD1M.

Quinoa sprouts as potential vegetable source: Nutrient composition and functional contents of different quinoa sprout varieties

Quinoa has a long history of cultivation and unique nutritional value. Quinoa sprouts can be eaten as leafy vegetables, but their nutritional quality is unknown. Ten quinoa sprout varieties (lines) were evaluated and compared for nutrient and functional composition. All quinoa sprout varieties had high contents of moisture content, reducing sugar, potassium, magnesium, and vitamin C. All varieties contained all essential amino acids, with leucine present in abundance. They had high contents of phenolics, flavonoids, carotenoids (β-carotene and lycopene) as well as chlorophylls a and b. Overall, var. LL-01 had better nutrient and phytochemical composition than other varieties. The potential nutritionalhealth benefits of quinoa sprouts as a vegetable are important for both traditional and contemporary diets.

The Application of a Plant Biostimulant Based on Seaweed and Yeast Extract Improved Tomato Fruit Development and Quality

Plant biostimulants are under investigation as innovative products to improve plant production and fruit quality, without resulting in environmental and food contaminations. Here, the effects of the application of Expando, a biostimulant based on seaweed and yeast extracts, on plant productivity, fruit ripening times, and fruit quality of Solanum lycopersicum var. Micro-Tom were evaluated. After biostimulant treatment, a two-week reduction of ripening times and a concomitant enhancement of the production percentage during the earliest ripening times, in terms of both fruit yield (+110%) and size (+85%), were observed. Concerning fruit quality, proximate analysis showed that tomatoes treated with the biostimulant had better nutritional composition compared to untreated samples, since both the quality of unsatured fatty acids (C16:3ω3: +328%; C18:2ω6: -23%) and micronutrients essential for human health (Fe: +14%; Cu: +21%; Zn: +24%) were increased. From a nutraceutical point of view, despite strong changes in bioactive compound profile not being observed, an increase of the antioxidant properties was recorded in fruits harvested by plants treated with the biostimulant (2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid (ABTS): +38%; 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH): +11%). In conclusion, the biostimulant application was able to reduce the ripening times and fruit size, while slightly increasing nutritional and nutraceutical values, leading to more marketable tomato fruits.

Effect of Quarrying and Stone Crushing Activities on Nutritional Composition, Heavy Metals and Oxidative Stress Indices of <i>Aspilia africana</i>

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Physiological and biochemical changes in plants are indicators used for monitoring cellular activity of plant prior and post exposure to harsh environment. This study investigated the impact of quarrying and stone crushing activities on heavy metals, plant nutritional composition, phytochemicals and oxidative stress indices of Aspilia africana.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Different parts of A. africana were collected from the quarry site and compared to those growing from non-quarry mining environment.

RESULTS

The result shows that A. africana from quarry mining site had significant (p<0.05) increase in phenol, tannin, alkaloid, saponin, flavonoid, Mg2+, Na+, Fe2+, Cu2+ and Zn2+ levels when compared to that of control site. Ascorbic acid, chlorophyll and Air Pollution Tolerance Index (APTI) level significantly (p<0.05) decreased in the quarry site. The photomicrograph of the A. africana leaves from the quarry site demonstrated a squeezed venial arrangement, necrotized surface, closed stomata and compressed vein.

CONCLUSION

The result suggests that quarrying and stone crushing activities may induce oxidative stress on A. africana. Based on its APTI rating, A. african can be used in the monitoring of air pollution. The results revealed that quarrying and stone crushing activities increased health promoting phytochemicals and some minerals of A. africana growing around the quarry environment.

Evaluation of Anticipated Performance Index, biochemical, and physiological parameters of Cupressus arizonica Greene and Juniperus excelsa Bieb for greenbelt development and biomonitoring of air pollution

Plants can be used naturally to mitigate environmental pollution, such as air pollution; however, it is important to evaluate plant susceptibility to air pollution when considering green space creation in urban areas. In this study, we investigated the biochemical and physiological parameters, including pH, and ascorbic acid, relative water, total chlorophyl, proline, soluble sugar, protein, and free amino acid contents of two gymnosperm tree species, Cupressus arizonica Greene and Juniperus excelsa Bieb. Using these data, we computed the Air Pollution Tolerance Index (APTI) and Anticipated Performance Index (API) of the trees at five sites in Isfahan, Iran, to determine their applicability for greenbelt establishment. Our results indicated that these evergreen species are good indicators of air pollution and can be used as an early warning tool for air pollution level that is harmful to human health.

Delayed post-harvest ripening-associated changes in Manilkara zapota L. var. Kalipatti with composite edible coating

BACKGROUND

There has been limited research on extending the shelf-life of sapota (Manilkara zapota L. var. Kalipatti) fruit. An edible coating made up of methyl cellulose (MC) and palm oil (PO) was applied to study the extension in shelf-life. Changes in physical and chemical properties of fruit were studied along with peroxidase (POD), polyphenol oxidase (PPO) and pectin methylesterase (PME) activities during post-harvest ripening of sapota.

RESULTS

The fruits coated with 15 g L^-1 MC and 11.25 g L^-1 PO showed significant (P < 0.05) delay in physiological weight loss, decrease in fruit firmness losses as well as slower fruit darkening. The coating on the fruits resulted in better retention of ascorbic acid, delayed the loss of total phenolic content, and delayed the increase in total soluble solids and total reducing sugars as compared to control fruits. The coating either delayed or reduced the enzyme activities of POD, PPO and PME of the fruit.

CONCLUSION

The results suggest that edible coating made up of MC-PO has potential to maintain the quality of sapota fruit. The edible coating extended the shelf-life of sapota fruit by 3 days preserving fruit quality up to 7 days at 24 ± 1 °C and 65 ± 5 %RH. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry.

Postharvest shelf-life extension of pink guavas (Psidium guajava L.) using HPMC-based edible surface coatings

Psidium guajava L. var. 'Lalit' is a perishable fruit with delicate skin which is prone to damage. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of edible coating made up of hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose and palm oil on ripening of guava. Coating solution was applied over fruits and coated fruits were stored at 24 ± 1 °C and 65 ± 5%RH. Changes in fruit colour, texture softening, respiration rate, weight loss, ascorbic acid content, soluble solids, titrable acidity, chlorophyll content, total reducing sugars, total phenolic content were studied during post-harvest ripening. Fruits coated with 1 % of hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose and 0.3 % of palm oil showed significant delay in weight loss, fruit firmness as well as colour change (p < 0.05). Coating delayed the enzyme activities of peroxidase and polyphenol oxidase of the fruit. Results suggest that overall quality of coated fruit was maintained by edible coating formulation extending the shelf life of fruit up to 12 days with appreciable retention of all quality parameters tested.

Identification and evaluation of air-pollution-tolerant plants around lignite-based thermal power station for greenbelt development

INTRODUCTION

Thermal power plants emit various gaseous and particulate pollutants into the atmosphere. It is well known that trees help to reduce air pollution. Development of a greenbelt with suitable plant species around the source of emission will mitigate the air pollution. Selection of suitable plant species for a greenbelt is very important.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Present study evaluates different plant species around Neyveli thermal power plant by calculating the Air Pollution Tolerance Index (APTI) which is based on their significant biochemical parameters. Also Anticipated Performance Index (API) was calculated for these plant species by combining APTI values with other socio-economic and biological parameters.

DISCUSSION

Based on these indices, the most appropriate plant species were identified for the development of a greenbelt around the thermal power plant to mitigate air pollution. Among the 30 different plant species evaluated, Mangifere indica L. was identified as keystone species which is coming under the excellent category.

CONCLUSION

Ambient air quality parameters were correlated with the biochemical characteristics of plant leaves and significant changes were observed in the plants biochemical characteristics due to the air pollution stress.