An Innovative Olive Pâté with Nutraceutical Properties

Formulation development and characterization of plant-based alternatives to pâté using forest ingredients

Due to the expanding global population and environmental concerns about meat production from livestock, there is a great demand for alternative ingredients. Beech achene (BA) and sessile oak acorn (SOA) were recently proposed as protein- and carbohydrate-rich novel food ingredients. This study used their roasted kernels to develop and characterize four formulations of spreadable vegetable paste (with 10% BAK, 10% SOAK, 5% SOAK + 5% BAK, and control-just with roasted sunflower kernel). The substitution of sunflower kernel with 10% BAK caused a decrease in the energy value of vegetable paste, while 10% SOAK and 5% SOAK + 5% BAK, an increase. Syneresis was higher in formulations with forest ingredients, most notably in those containing BAK. The SOAK also caused a decrease in the pH of vegetable pastes that included it. All forest formulations had a large total colour difference compared to the control sample, driven by its intensity decrease (less in that with BAK than in the other two). The acceptance rate was reasonable for all formulations, although the overall score was significantly lower (slightly liked) in the vegetable paste formulated only with BAK than in the others (moderately liked); thus, the consumer's purchase intention too (only 4.9% for that with 10% SOAK). Formulation with 10% BAK had a higher hardness, adhesiveness, gumminess, and chewiness than the others, while that with the 5% SOAK and 5% BAK mixture showed the most robust network structure. In conclusion, BA and SOA kernels are suitable for manufacturing plant-based alternatives to pâté if used in proper concentrations.

Graphical abstract

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13197-023-05852-7.

From antiquity to contemporary times: how olive oil by-products and waste water can contribute to health

Since antiquity, numerous advantages of olive oil and its by-products have been recognized in various domains, including cooking, skincare, and healthcare. Extra virgin olive oil is a crucial component of the Mediterranean diet; several of its compounds exert antioxidant, anti-proliferative, anti-angiogenic and pro-apoptotic effects against a variety of cancers, and also affect cellular metabolism, targeting cancer cells through their metabolic derangements. Numerous olive tree parts, including leaves, can contribute metabolites useful to human health. Olive mill waste water (OMWW), a dark and pungent liquid residue produced in vast amounts during olive oil extraction, contains high organic matter concentrations that may seriously contaminate the soil and surrounding waters if not managed properly. However, OMWW is a rich source of phytochemicals with various health benefits. In ancient Rome, the farmers would employ what was known as amurca, a mulch-like by-product of olive oil production, for many purposes and applications. Several studies have investigated anti-angiogenic and chemopreventive activities of OMWW extracts. The most prevalent polyphenol in OMWW extracts is hydroxytyrosol (HT). Verbascoside and oleuperin are also abundant. We assessed the impact of one such extract, A009, on endothelial cells (HUVEC) and cancer cells. A009 was anti-angiogenic in several in vitro assays (growth, migration, adhesion) and inhibited angiogenesis in vivo, outperforming HT alone. A009 inhibited cells from several tumors in vitro and in vivo and showed potential cardioprotective effects mitigating cardiotoxicity induced by chemotherapy drugs, commonly used in cancer treatment, and reducing up-regulation of pro-inflammatory markers in cardiomyocytes. Extracts from OMWW and other olive by-products have been evaluated for biological activities by various international research teams. The results obtained make them promising candidates for further development as nutraceutical and cosmeceutical agents or dietary supplement, especially in cancer prevention or even in co-treatments with anti-cancer drugs. Furthermore, their potential to offer cardioprotective benefits opens up avenues for application in the field of cardio-oncology.

Use of Trichoderma culture filtrates as a sustainable approach to mitigate early blight disease of tomato and their influence on plant biomarkers and antioxidants production

Introduction

Alternaria solani is a challenging pathogen in the tomato crop globally. Chemical control is a rapid approach, but emerging fungicide resistance has become a severe threat. The present study investigates the use of culture filtrates (CFs) of three species of Trichoderma spp. to control this disease.

Methods

Highly virulent A. solani strain and three Trichoderma fungal strains viz., T. harzianum (Accession No: MW590687), T. atroviride (Accession No: MW590689) and T. longibrachiatum (Accession No: MW590688) previously isolated by authors were used in this study. The efficacy of culture filtrates (CFs) to mitigate early blight disease were tested under greenhouse and field conditions, experiments were conducted in different seasons of 2020 using a tomato variety "doucen".

Results and discussion

The CFs of T. harzianum, T. longibrachiatum, and T. atroviride significantly inhibited the in vitro mycelial growth of A. solani (62.5%, 48.73%, and 57.82%, respectively, followed by control 100%). In the GC-MS analysis of Trichoderma CF volatile compounds viz., harzianic acid (61.86%) in T. harzianum, linoleic acid (70.02%) in T. atroviride, and hydroxymethylfurfural (68.08%) in the CFs of T. longibrachiatum, were abundantly present. Foliar application of CFs in the greenhouse considerably reduced the disease severity (%) in all treatments, viz., T. harzianum (18.03%), T. longibrachiatum (31.91%), and T. atroviride (23.33%), followed by infected control (86.91%), and positively affected the plant biomarkers. In the greenhouse, the plants treated with CFs demonstrated higher flavonoids after 6 days of inoculation, whereas phenolic compounds increased after 2 days. The CF-treated plants demonstrated higher antioxidant enzymes, i.e., phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) and peroxidase (POD), after 4 days, whereas polyphenol oxidase (PPO) was higher after 6 days of inoculation, followed by healthy and infected controls. In open field conditions, disease severity in CF-treated plants was reduced in both seasons as compared to naturally infected plants, whereas CF-treated plants exhibited a higher fruit yield than controls. The present results conclude that CFs can be a potential biocontrol candidate and a promising alternative to the early blight pathogen for sustainable production.

Dermocosmetic evaluation of a nutricosmetic formulation based on Curcuma

Endogenous and exogenous factors can alter the skin layer and appearance, determining skin aging. The extracts and isolated molecules from food matrixes can be used to formulate "healthy" antiaging cosmetics. Two different cosmetic approaches can be used to achieve the antiaging effect. It is possible to use topical products based on food extract (cosmeceutical approach) or take a food supplement and apply a topical cosmetic product based on food extract on the surface to be treated (nutricosmetic approach). This work evaluated in vivo the antiaging potential of a nutricosmetic formulation (cream + food supplement) and a cosmeceutical cream based on Curcuma. The choice of the commercial Curcuma extract to be used for experimental purposes was based on the curcuminoid content determined by an HPLC test. Curcuminoids are the bioactive compounds responsible for Curcuma's antioxidant and antiinflammatory properties. Their levels in Curcuma extracts vary according to the storage condition, variety, and pedoclimatic cultivation conditions. The Tewameter® TM300 was used to evaluate the Trans Epidermal Water Loss (TEWL), the Corneometer® CM 825 to determine the moisturizing effect, the Cutometer® to estimate the skin firmness and elasticity, the Dermascan to assess the collagen index, and the Visioface® 1000D to evaluate the wrinkles. The nutricosmetic product showed potential as moisturizing, anti-age, and anti-wrinkle action better than the cosmeceutical product alone.

Recent Advances in Natural Polyphenol Research

Polyphenols are secondary metabolites produced by plants, which contribute to the plant's defense against abiotic stress conditions (e.g., UV radiation and precipitation), the aggression of herbivores, and plant pathogens. Epidemiological studies suggest that long-term consumption of plant polyphenols protects against cardiovascular disease, cancer, osteoporosis, diabetes, and neurodegenerative diseases. Their structural diversity has fascinated and confronted analytical chemists on how to carry out unambiguous identification, exhaustive recovery from plants and organic waste, and define their nutritional and biological potential. The food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries employ polyphenols from fruits and vegetables to produce additives, additional foods, and supplements. In some cases, nanocarriers have been used to protect polyphenols during food processing, to solve the issues related to low water solubility, to transport them to the site of action, and improve their bioavailability. This review summarizes the structure-bioactivity relationships, processing parameters that impact polyphenol stability and bioavailability, the research progress in nanocarrier delivery, and the most innovative methodologies for the exhaustive recovery of polyphenols from plant and agri-waste materials.

Urolithin A Attenuates Helicobacter pylori-Induced Damage In Vivo

Urolithin A (UA) is a metabolite produced in the gut following the consumption of ellagic acid (EA) rich foods. EA has shown anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticancer properties. Because EA is poorly absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract, urolithins are considered to play a major role in bioactivity. Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection is the most common chronic bacterial infection all over the world. It is potentially hazardous to humans because of its relationship to various gastrointestinal diseases. In this study, we investigated the effect of UA on inflammation by H. pylori. The results indicated that UA attenuated H. pylori-induced inflammation in vitro and in vivo. UA also reduced the secretion of H. pylori virulence factors and tissue injuries in mice. Furthermore, UA decreased the relative abundance of Helicobacteraceae in feces of H. pylori-infected mice. In summary, taking UA effectively inhibited the injury caused by H. pylori.

Bioaccessibility and Antioxidant Capacity of Bioactive Compounds From Various Typologies of Canned Tomatoes

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) is one of the most consumed vegetables in the world; it contains high amounts of antioxidant phytochemicals and essential nutrients. Although it is commonly consumed fresh, more than 80% of its consumption derives from processed products. Since limited information on changes in the bioaccessibility of bioactive compounds during gastrointestinal digestion was reported, this current study aimed to monitor the antioxidant activity, total polyphenolic and carotenoid content, and bioaccessibility during in vitro gastrointestinal digestion of different typologies (n = 7) of canned tomatoes. A comprehensive evaluation of the polyphenolic profile of digested and not digested samples was ascertained by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography combined with high-resolution Orbitrap mass spectrometry. The results highlighted a considerable content of rutin (1.191-9.516 mg/100 g), naringenin (0.359-1.452 mg/100 g), chlorogenic acid (1.857-11.236 mg/100 g), and lycopene (50.894-222.061 mg/kg) in the analyzed matrices. After in vitro gastrointestinal digestion, large variability, losses and low recovery were recorded. An appreciable percentage of rutin (30.7%), naringenin (29.6%), chlorogenic acid (25.8%), and lycopene (varied between 9.3 and 20%) remained bioaccessible after the in vitro gastrointestinal digestion. Our study could be a valid support to evaluate which content of bioactive compounds could be really bioaccessible to exercise beneficial effects on human health.

Contribution of Nanoscience Research in Antioxidants Delivery Used in Nutricosmetic Sector

Nanoscience applications in the food and cosmetic industry offer many potential benefits for consumers and society. Nanotechnologies permit the manipulation of matter at the nanoscale level, resulting in new properties and characteristics useful in food and cosmetic production, processing, packaging, and storage. Nanotechnology protects sensitive bioactive compounds, improves their bioavailability and water solubility, guarantees their release at a site of action, avoids contact with other constituents, and masks unpleasant taste. Biopolymeric nanoparticles, nanofibers, nanoemulsions, nanocapsules, and colloids are delivery systems used to produce food supplements and cosmetics. There are no barriers to nanoscience applications in food supplements and cosmetic industries, although the toxicity of nano-sized delivery systems is not clear. The physicochemical and toxicological characterization of nanoscale delivery systems used by the nutricosmeceutic industry is reviewed in this work.

Olive Cake Powder as Functional Ingredient to Improve the Quality of Gluten-Free Breadsticks

The growing demand for high-quality gluten-free baked snacks has led researchers to test innovative ingredients. The aim of this work was to assess the feasibility of olive cake powder (OCP) to be used as a functional ingredient in gluten-free (GF) breadsticks. OCP was used by replacing 1, 2, and 3% of maize flour into GF breadstick production (BS1, BS2, BS3, respectively), and their influence on nutritional, bioactive, textural, and sensorial properties was assessed and compared with a control sample (BSC). BS1, BS2, and BS3 showed a higher lipid, moisture, and ash content. BS2 and BS3 had a total dietary fibre higher than 3 g 100 g⁻¹, achieving the nutritional requirement for it to be labelled as a “source of fibre”. The increasing replacement of olive cake in the formulation resulted in progressively higher total phenol content and antioxidant activity for fortified GF breadsticks. The L* and b* values decreased in all enriched GF breadsticks when compared with the control, while hardness was the lowest in BS3. The volatile profile highlighted a significant reduction in aldehydes, markers of lipid oxidation, and Maillard products (Strecker aldehydes, pyrazines, furans, ketones) in BS1, BS2, and BS3 when compared with BSC. The sensory profile showed a strong influence of OCP addition on GF breadsticks for almost all the parameters considered, with a higher overall pleasantness score for BS2 and BS3.

Quality, Key Production Factors, and Consumption Volume of Niche Edible Oils Marketed in the European Union

Consumer’s awareness of the health-promoting aspects of food and their search for products with high nutritional value is driving increased interest in niche oils. Such oils are produced on a small scale due to limited access to raw material and its low oil content. The aim of this multi-criteria analysis was to position niche oils. Data for the study were collected based on a literature review regarding twenty-three niche oils available on the European Union market. Analysis of quality parameters, key production factors, waste reusability, and average annual consumption volume in 2015–2020 was performed. Based on the research, it was concluded that linseed (flaxseed) oil, hemp oil, mustard oil, raspberry seed oil, and sesame oil should be of the most interest to consumers. They are characterized by the highest content of tocopherols, sterols, polyphenols, and carotenoids, a favorable ratio of mono- and polyunsaturated fatty acids, and pro-ecological and sustainable production technology. Based on the results of the study, the need for empirical research was identified, the key to filling the knowledge gaps in the area of edible niche oils.

The Potential of Dietary Antioxidants

Oxidative stress happens when the levels of reactive species made from oxygen and nitrogen exceed the body's antioxidant capacity [...].

Bio Discarded from Waste to Resource

The modern linear agricultural production system allows the production of large quantities of food for an ever-growing population. However, it leads to large quantities of agricultural waste either being disposed of or treated for the purpose of reintroduction into the production chain with a new use. Various approaches in food waste management were explored to achieve social benefits and applications. The extraction of natural bioactive molecules (such as fibers and antioxidants) through innovative technologies represents a means of obtaining value-added products and an excellent measure to reduce the environmental impact. Cosmetic, pharmaceutical, and nutraceutical industries can use natural bioactive molecules as supplements and the food industry as feed and food additives. The bioactivities of phytochemicals contained in biowaste, their potential economic impact, and analytical procedures that allow their recovery are summarized in this study. Our results showed that although the recovery of bioactive molecules represents a sustainable means of achieving both waste reduction and resource utilization, further research is needed to optimize the valuable process for industrial-scale recovery.

Effect of Selected Trichoderma Strains and Metabolites on Olive Drupes

Beneficial fungal strains of the genus Trichoderma are used as biofungicides and plant growth promoters. Trichoderma strains promote the activation of plant defense mechanisms of action, including the production of phenolic metabolites. In this work, we analyzed the effects of selected Trichoderma strains (T. asperellum KV906, T. virens GV41, and T. harzianum strains TH1, M10, and T22) and their metabolites (harzianic acid and 6-pentyl-α-pyrone) on drupes of young olive trees (4-year-old) cv. Carolea. This study used the untargeted analysis of drupe metabolome, carried out by LC–MS Q-TOF, to evaluate the phenolics profiles and target metabolomics approach to detect oleuropein and luteolin. The untargeted approach showed significant differences in the number and type of phenolic compounds in olive drupes after Trichoderma applications (by root dipping and drench soil irrigation method) compared to control. The levels of oleuropein (secoiridoid) and luteolin (flavonoid) varied according to the strain or metabolite applied, and in some cases, were less abundant in treated plants than in the control. In general, flavonoids’ levels were influenced more than secoiridoid production. The dissimilar aptitudes of the biological treatments could depend on the selective competence to cooperate with the enzymes involved in producing the secondary metabolites to defend plants by environmental stresses. Our results suggest that using selected fungi of the genus Trichoderma and their metabolites could contribute to selecting the nutraceutical properties of the olive drupe. The use of the metabolites would bring further advantages linked to the dosage in culture and storage.

Phytochemical Screening, Antioxidant and Sperm Viability of Nelumbo nucifera Petal Extracts

Sacred lotus (Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn.; N. nucifera) is a common ingredient in traditional medicine and Thai recipes. Its petal is an agricultural waste from stamen production. There are limitations in the used and pharmacological data of the petals resulting in more petals waste. The aims of this study were to investigate the phytochemical contents, antioxidant activity, and potential effects on sperm viability of aqueous (NAE) and ethanolic extracts (NEE) of both red and white N. nucifera petals. The white NAE had the highest total phenolics content, total tannins content and maximal antioxidant activity. The white NEE had the highest concentration of total flavonoids. Quercetin was a major flavonoid and was found in the aqueous extracts. Both red and white of NAE in the range of 0.22 to 1.76 mg/mL increased sperm viability. The white NAE was prominent in phytochemical content, antioxidant activity, and both red and white NAE effectively increased rat sperm viability in the in vitro model. The white NAE enhanced sperm viability by decreasing oxidative stress. It might be suggested that the N. nucifera petals have benefits for sperm viability health promotion and may increase the economic value of agricultural waste.

The New Challenge of Green Cosmetics: Natural Food Ingredients for Cosmetic Formulations

Nowadays, much attention is paid to issues such as ecology and sustainability. Many consumers choose “green cosmetics”, which are environmentally friendly creams, makeup, and beauty products, hoping that they are not harmful to health and reduce pollution. Moreover, the repeated mini-lock downs during the COVID-19 pandemic have fueled the awareness that body beauty is linked to well-being, both external and internal. As a result, consumer preferences for makeup have declined, while those for skincare products have increased. Nutricosmetics, which combines the benefits derived from food supplementation with the advantages of cosmetic treatments to improve the beauty of our body, respond to the new market demands. Food chemistry and cosmetic chemistry come together to promote both inside and outside well-being. A nutricosmetic optimizes the intake of nutritional microelements to meet the needs of the skin and skin appendages, improving their conditions and delaying aging, thus helping to protect the skin from the aging action of environmental factors. Numerous studies in the literature show a significant correlation between the adequate intake of these supplements, improved skin quality (both aesthetic and histological), and the acceleration of wound-healing. This review revised the main foods and bioactive molecules used in nutricosmetic formulations, their cosmetic effects, and the analytical techniques that allow the dosage of the active ingredients in the food.

The Nutraceutical Properties of "Pizza Napoletana Marinara TSG" a Traditional Food Rich in Bioaccessible Antioxidants

Italian gastronomy experiences have ever-enhancing fame around the world. It is due to the linkage between taste and salubriousness commonly related to Mediterranean foods. The market proposes many types of pizza to suit all palates. The antioxidant potential of the “Pizza Napoletana marinara” included in the register of traditional specialties guaranteed (TSG) was determined in this work. ABTS (2,2’-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) method evaluated the antioxidant activity of the pizza homogenized. In vitro digestion models estimated the intestinal and gastric bioaccessibility of the main antioxidant compounds (lycopene and phenolics). To our knowledge, this is the first study to provide the content, antioxidant potential, and bioaccessibility of the antioxidants (polyphenols and lycopene) contained in the traditional pizza “marinara TSG”. Our results showed that the “Pizza Napoletana marinara” had polyphenols concentration, lycopene level, antioxidant activity, and bioaccessibility of phenolic compounds and lycopene better than other similar pizzas. They confirmed the nutritional importance of traditional preparations and established the nutraceutical potential of “pizza marinara TSG” as a food rich in bio-accessible antioxidants.

The Application of Trichoderma Strains or Metabolites Alters the Olive Leaf Metabolome and the Expression of Defense-Related Genes

Biocontrol fungal strains of the genus Trichoderma can antagonize numerous plant pathogens and promote plant growth using different mechanisms of action, including the production of secondary metabolites (SMs). In this work we analyzed the effects of repeated applications of selected Trichoderma strains or SMs on young olive trees on the stimulation of plant growth and on the development of olive leaf spot disease caused by Fusicladium oleagineum. In addition, metabolomic analyses and gene expression profiles of olive leaves were carried out by LC-MS Q-TOF and real-time RT-PCR, respectively. A total of 104 phenolic compounds were detected from olive leave extracts and 20 were putatively identified. Targeted and untargeted approaches revealed significant differences in both the number and type of phenolic compounds accumulated in olive leaves after Trichoderma applications, as compared to water-treated plants. Different secoiridoids were less abundant in treated plants than in controls, while the accumulation of flavonoids (including luteolin and apigenin derivatives) increased following the application of specific Trichoderma strain. The induction of defense-related genes, and of genes involved in the synthesis of the secoiridoid oleuropein, was also analyzed and revealed a significant variation of gene expression according to the strain or metabolite applied.