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Louçano B, Maletti S, Timóteo H, Figueiredo JP, Osório N, Barroca MJ, da Silva AM, Pereira T, Caseiro A. Assessing Sarcocornia as a Salt Substitute: Effects on Lipid Profile and Gelatinase Activity. Nutrients 2024; 16:929. [PMID: 38612961 PMCID: PMC11013238 DOI: 10.3390/nu16070929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2024] [Revised: 03/17/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Sodium, although essential for life, is a key factor in changes in vascular function and cardiovascular disease when consumed in excess. Sarcocornia spp., a halophyte plant with many nutritional benefits, presents itself as a promising substitute for the consumption of purified salt. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) 2 and 9 are widely studied due to their action in physiological processes and as biomarkers at the diagnostic level due to their increased expression in inflammatory processes. This study aimed to evaluate whether replacing salt with Sarcocornia perennis (S. perennis) powder in healthy young people leads to an improvement in biochemical profiles and the attenuation of MMP-2 and MMP-9 activity. In the present study, 30 participants were randomized into a control group that consumed salt and an intervention group that replaced salt with powdered S. perennis. The evaluation of the biochemical parameters was carried out by the spectrophotometry method, and the evaluation of MMP activity was carried out by zymography. A significant decrease was observed in the intervention group in total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c), and creatinine (p-value ≤ 0.05), along with lower but not significantly different mean values of triglycerides. Regarding MMP activity after the intervention, a lower mean value was observed for MMP-9 activity, with there being higher mean values for MMP-2 activity, both with p-values ≥ 0.05. The results confirmed that the consumption of S. perennis is a beneficial choice for health regarding the lipid profile. The evaluation of MMP activity indicated the potential of S. perennis in the regulation of MMP-9 activity in healthy individuals, along with the need for the further study of these proteases in individuals with pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatriz Louçano
- Polytechnic Institute of Coimbra, Coimbra Health School, Biomedical Laboratory Sciences, Rua 5 de Outubro, S. Martinho do Bispo, 3046-854 Coimbra, Portugal; (B.L.); (H.T.); (N.O.); (A.C.)
| | - Sara Maletti
- Surgical, Medical and Dental Department of Morphological Sciences Related to Transplant, Oncology and Regenerative Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Policlinico, via del Pozzo, 7141124 Modena, Italy;
| | - Helena Timóteo
- Polytechnic Institute of Coimbra, Coimbra Health School, Biomedical Laboratory Sciences, Rua 5 de Outubro, S. Martinho do Bispo, 3046-854 Coimbra, Portugal; (B.L.); (H.T.); (N.O.); (A.C.)
| | - João Paulo Figueiredo
- Polytechnic Institute of Coimbra, Coimbra Health School, Medical Sciences, Socials and Humans, Rua 5 de Outubro, 3046-854 Coimbra, Portugal;
| | - Nádia Osório
- Polytechnic Institute of Coimbra, Coimbra Health School, Biomedical Laboratory Sciences, Rua 5 de Outubro, S. Martinho do Bispo, 3046-854 Coimbra, Portugal; (B.L.); (H.T.); (N.O.); (A.C.)
- LABINSAÚDE-Research Laboratory for Applied Health Sciences, Polytechnic Institute of Coimbra, Coimbra Health School, Rua 5 de Outubro, S. Martinho do Bispo, 3046-854 Coimbra, Portugal;
- Molecular Physical-Chemistry R&D Unit, Department of Chemistry, University of Coimbra, 3004-535 Coimbra, Portugal;
| | - Maria João Barroca
- Molecular Physical-Chemistry R&D Unit, Department of Chemistry, University of Coimbra, 3004-535 Coimbra, Portugal;
- Polytechnic Institute of Coimbra, Agriculture School of Coimbra, Bencanta, 3040-360 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Aida Moreira da Silva
- Molecular Physical-Chemistry R&D Unit, Department of Chemistry, University of Coimbra, 3004-535 Coimbra, Portugal;
- Polytechnic Institute of Coimbra, Agriculture School of Coimbra, Bencanta, 3040-360 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Telmo Pereira
- LABINSAÚDE-Research Laboratory for Applied Health Sciences, Polytechnic Institute of Coimbra, Coimbra Health School, Rua 5 de Outubro, S. Martinho do Bispo, 3046-854 Coimbra, Portugal;
- Polytechnic Institute of Coimbra, Coimbra Health School, Clinical Physiology, Rua 5 de Outubro, S. Martinho do Bispo, 3046-854 Coimbra, Portugal
- Faculty of Sport Science and Physical Education, University of Coimbra, CIDAF—Research Unit for Sport and Physical Activity, 3000-456 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Armando Caseiro
- Polytechnic Institute of Coimbra, Coimbra Health School, Biomedical Laboratory Sciences, Rua 5 de Outubro, S. Martinho do Bispo, 3046-854 Coimbra, Portugal; (B.L.); (H.T.); (N.O.); (A.C.)
- LABINSAÚDE-Research Laboratory for Applied Health Sciences, Polytechnic Institute of Coimbra, Coimbra Health School, Rua 5 de Outubro, S. Martinho do Bispo, 3046-854 Coimbra, Portugal;
- Molecular Physical-Chemistry R&D Unit, Department of Chemistry, University of Coimbra, 3004-535 Coimbra, Portugal;
- Faculty of Sport Science and Physical Education, University of Coimbra, CIDAF—Research Unit for Sport and Physical Activity, 3000-456 Coimbra, Portugal
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Ramírez E, Rodríguez N, de la Fuente V. Arthrocnemum Moq.: Unlocking Opportunities for Biosaline Agriculture and Improved Human Nutrition. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 13:496. [PMID: 38498449 PMCID: PMC10892625 DOI: 10.3390/plants13040496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024]
Abstract
(1) Background: This study provides novel insights into the elemental content and biomineralization processes of two halophytic species of the genus Arthrocnemum Moq. (A. macrostachyum and A. meridionale). (2) Methods: Elemental content was analyzed using ICP-MS, while biominerals were detected through electron microscopy (SEM and TEM) and X-ray diffraction. (3) Results: The elemental content showed significant concentrations of macronutrients (sodium, potassium, magnesium, and calcium) and micronutrients, especially iron. Iron was consistently found as ferritin in A. macrostachyum chloroplasts. Notably, A. macrostachyum populations from the Center of the Iberian Peninsula exhibited exceptionally high magnesium content, with values that exceeded 40,000 mg/kg d.w. Succulent stems showed elemental content consistent with the minerals identified through X-ray diffraction analysis (halite, sylvite, natroxalate, and glushinskite). Seed analysis revealed elevated levels of macro- and micronutrients and the absence of heavy metals. Additionally, the presence of reduced sodium chloride crystals in the seed edges suggested a mechanism to mitigate potential sodium toxicity. (4) Conclusions: These findings highlight the potential of Arthrocnemum species as emerging edible halophytes with nutritional properties, particularly in Western European Mediterranean territories and North Africa. They offer promising prospects for biosaline agriculture and biotechnology applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esteban Ramírez
- Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Cantoblanco, 28049 Madrid, Spain
| | - Nuria Rodríguez
- Centro de Astrobiología (CAB), CSIC-INTA, Torrejón de Ardoz, 28850 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Vicenta de la Fuente
- Centro de Astrobiología (CAB), CSIC-INTA, Torrejón de Ardoz, 28850 Madrid, Spain;
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Sánchez Gavilán I, Velázquez Ybarzabal D, de la Fuente V, Cámara RM, Sánchez-Mata MC, Cámara M. Valorization of Salicornia patula Duval-Jouve Young Shoots in Healthy and Sustainable Diets. Nutrients 2024; 16:358. [PMID: 38337643 PMCID: PMC10857085 DOI: 10.3390/nu16030358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Revised: 01/20/2024] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The revalorization of natural resources in food production is increasing, and the effect of climate change is negatively affecting the production of conventional crops. In recent years, edible halophytes have received more attention due to their ability to tolerate a wide range of salinities. Thus, the use of halophytes that require less water and are strongly adapted to high-salinity soil and coastal areas can provide sustainable agriculture in certain areas. In addition, there is growing interest in the study of the possibilities that these species offer as foods due to their excellent nutritional profile and antioxidant properties. For that reason, the exploitation of plants adapted to these areas is nowadays even more important than in the past to guarantee food security in arid or semiarid salinized territories. The available data about the nutrients and bioactive compounds composition of many non-cultivated edible vegetables traditionally used in the Mediterranean area, such as Salicornia edible young shoots, are still scarce. With the aim of improving the knowledge on their nutritional value, the present study provides new data about the content of some compounds with biological activity, such as fiber and organic acids, in eight samples of young shoots of S. patula Duval-Jouve gathered in great mainland and coastal salt marshes in Southwest and Central Spain. Results showed that this vegetable can be considered a healthy food and a very good source of dietary fiber (4.81-6.30 g/100 g fw total fiber). Its organic acid profile showed oxalic, malic, citric and succinic acids. Oxalic acid was the major one, with mean values of 0.151-1.691 g/100 g fw. From the results obtained in this study, S. patula shoots could be recommended as an alternative source of fiber for healthy and sustainable diets in the general adult population with no risk of renal disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Sánchez Gavilán
- Departamento Biología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Campus Cantoblanco, 28049 Madrid, Spain; (I.S.G.); (V.d.l.F.)
| | - Daniela Velázquez Ybarzabal
- Departamento Nutrición y Ciencia de los Alimentos, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Plaza Ramón y Cajal, s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (D.V.Y.); (R.M.C.); (M.C.S.-M.)
| | - Vicenta de la Fuente
- Departamento Biología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Campus Cantoblanco, 28049 Madrid, Spain; (I.S.G.); (V.d.l.F.)
| | - Rosa M. Cámara
- Departamento Nutrición y Ciencia de los Alimentos, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Plaza Ramón y Cajal, s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (D.V.Y.); (R.M.C.); (M.C.S.-M.)
| | - María Cortes Sánchez-Mata
- Departamento Nutrición y Ciencia de los Alimentos, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Plaza Ramón y Cajal, s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (D.V.Y.); (R.M.C.); (M.C.S.-M.)
| | - Montaña Cámara
- Departamento Nutrición y Ciencia de los Alimentos, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Plaza Ramón y Cajal, s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (D.V.Y.); (R.M.C.); (M.C.S.-M.)
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Oliveira-Alves SC, Andrade F, Sousa J, Bento-Silva A, Duarte B, Caçador I, Salazar M, Mecha E, Serra AT, Bronze MR. Soilless Cultivated Halophyte Plants: Volatile, Nutritional, Phytochemical, and Biological Differences. Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 12:1161. [PMID: 37371891 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12061161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2023] [Revised: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The use of halophyte plants appears as a potential solution for degraded soil, food safety, freshwater scarcity, and coastal area utilization. These plants have been considered an alternative crop soilless agriculture for sustainable use of natural resources. There are few studies carried out with cultivated halophytes using a soilless cultivation system (SCS) that report their nutraceutical value, as well as their benefits on human health. The objective of this study was to evaluate and correlate the nutritional composition, volatile profile, phytochemical content, and biological activities of seven halophyte species cultivated using a SCS (Disphyma crassifolium L., Crithmum maritimum L., Inula crithmoides L., Mesembryanthemum crystallinum L., Mesembryanthemum nodiflorum L., Salicornia ramosissima J. Woods, and Sarcocornia fruticosa (Mill.) A. J. Scott.). Among these species, results showed that S. fruticosa had a higher content in protein (4.44 g/100 g FW), ash (5.70 g/100 g FW), salt (2.80 g/100 g FW), chloride (4.84 g/100 g FW), minerals (Na, K, Fe, Mg, Mn, Zn, Cu), total phenolics (0.33 mg GAE/g FW), and antioxidant activity (8.17 µmol TEAC/g FW). Regarding the phenolic classes, S. fruticosa and M. nodiflorum were predominant in the flavonoids, while M. crystallinum, C. maritimum, and S. ramosissima were in the phenolic acids. Moreover, S. fruticosa, S. ramosissima, M. nodiflorum, M. crystallinum, and I. crithmoides showed ACE-inhibitory activity, an important target control for hypertension. Concerning the volatile profile, C. maritimum, I. crithmoides, and D. crassifolium were abundant in terpenes and esters, while M. nodiflorum, S. fruticosa, and M. crystallinum were richer in alcohols and aldehydes, and S. ramosissima was richer in aldehydes. Considering the environmental and sustainable roles of cultivated halophytes using a SCS, these results indicate that these species could be considered an alternative to conventional table salt, due to their added nutritional and phytochemical composition, with potential contribution for the antioxidant and anti-hypertensive effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheila C Oliveira-Alves
- iBET, Instituto de Biologia Experimental e Tecnológica, Apartado 12, 2781-901 Oeiras, Portugal
- ITQB-NOVA, Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Av. da República, 2780-157 Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Fábio Andrade
- iBET, Instituto de Biologia Experimental e Tecnológica, Apartado 12, 2781-901 Oeiras, Portugal
| | - João Sousa
- iBET, Instituto de Biologia Experimental e Tecnológica, Apartado 12, 2781-901 Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Andreia Bento-Silva
- Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Bernardo Duarte
- MARE-Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre & ARNET-Aquatic Research Network Associated Laboratory, Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade de Lisboa, Campo Grande, 1749-016 Lisbon, Portugal
- Departamento de Biologia Vegetal, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Campo Grande, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Isabel Caçador
- MARE-Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre & ARNET-Aquatic Research Network Associated Laboratory, Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade de Lisboa, Campo Grande, 1749-016 Lisbon, Portugal
- Departamento de Biologia Vegetal, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Campo Grande, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Miguel Salazar
- Riafresh, Sítio do Besouro, CX 547-B, 8005-421 Faro, Portugal
- MED-Mediterranean Institute for Agriculture, Environment and Development, Universidade do Algarve, Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
| | - Elsa Mecha
- iBET, Instituto de Biologia Experimental e Tecnológica, Apartado 12, 2781-901 Oeiras, Portugal
- ITQB-NOVA, Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Av. da República, 2780-157 Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Ana Teresa Serra
- iBET, Instituto de Biologia Experimental e Tecnológica, Apartado 12, 2781-901 Oeiras, Portugal
- ITQB-NOVA, Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Av. da República, 2780-157 Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Maria Rosário Bronze
- iBET, Instituto de Biologia Experimental e Tecnológica, Apartado 12, 2781-901 Oeiras, Portugal
- ITQB-NOVA, Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Av. da República, 2780-157 Oeiras, Portugal
- Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal
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