Variability of Hordeum vulgare L. Cultivars in Yield, Antioxidant Potential, and Cholinesterase Inhibitory Activity

Comprehensive Overview: The Effect of Using Different Solvents for Barley Extraction with Its Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Activity

Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) is one of the world's oldest cereal crops. There is considerable interest in barley's potential usage in human diets. Barley is rich in bioactive metabolites such as high content of β-glucan, fiber, and vitamin E. It is also well-known as a rich source of phytochemical derivatives, namely, phenolic acids, flavonols, chalcones, flavones, proanthocyanidins, and flavanones. Phenolic compounds are recognized as excellent dietary materials with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. This review was written to give an overview of the main components that are separated from barley using different solvents. Even though there were numerous biological activities for barely, the antioxidant, as well as the anti-inflammatory, are the main focus of this review.

Chemical Composition and in Vitro Antioxidant, Anti-Alzheimer, Anti-Diabetic, Anti-Tyrosinase, and Antimicrobial Properties of Essential Oils and Extracts Derived from Various Parts of the Algerian Calendula Suffruticosa Vahlsubsp. boissieri Lanza

Calendula suffruticosa Vahl subsp. boissieri Lanza is well-known for its medicinal properties in northeastern Algeria. As far as literature has been able to prove, no study has attempted to make a phytochemical or biological activity evaluation (antioxidants, enzyme inhibitors and antimicrobial potential). This work intends to evaluate, for the first time, the chemical constituents and study the previously mentioned biological activities of C. suffruticosa boissieri essential oil and different sections (flowers, leaves, roots) as well as the effect of changing the solvent (ethanol 70 %) and (methanol 70 %) on these activities. The essential oil of aerial parts of this plant was investigated using GC/MS, and 45 compounds were discovered, accounting for 98.01 % of the essential oil, including 23 monoterpenes, 6 sesquiterpenes, 12 diterpenes, 1 coumarin, 3 alkanes, methyl-cyclohexane (23.73 %), limonene (25.02 %), and o-cymene (13.20 %). Five methods were used to study the antioxidant activity (ABTS, DPPH, CUPRAC, reducing power, and β-carotene bleaching assay), where the results were impressive, especially for the essential oil. In addition, the hydroethanolic solvent (70 %) was found to be the most effective solvent for extraction in general compared to the hydromethanolic solvent (70 %). The extracts and essential oils of C. suffruticosa boissieri also showed a strong inhibiting ability against cholinesterase, tyrosinase, anti-α-amylase, α-glucosidase, and antimicrobials, a very valuable antioxidant, which is a real discovery. Based on these results, it can be said that this plant has important biological activities, so it can be used in the phytotherapy, food, or pharmaceutical sectors.

Effect of aqueous extract of barley and wheat grass in stress induced depression in Swiss mice

Background

The consumption of green juice of Barley and wheat grass is widely increases because of its therapeutic benefits.

Objective

The study aimed to investigate phytochemicals and evaluate the antioxidant and antidepressant activity of aqueous extract of barley and wheat grass.

Material and methods

This study included phytochemical screening, evaluation of antioxidant and antidepressant activities. Four groups consisting of six mice in each group. Negative control with stressed induced mice; imipramine group (100 mg/kg), barley and wheat extract group (400 mg/kg) respectively. Forced swim, tail suspension and elevated plus maize test were carried out to evaluate the antianxiety and antidepressant activity.

Results

Phytochemical screening of barley and wheat grass extract showed secondary metabolites such as alkaloids, Saponin, Tannins, Phenolic, Carbohydrate, Glycosides, Flavonoids, and Proteins. The mean total phenolic content of aqueous extract of barley and wheat grass was 160.996 ± 0.656, 135.63 ± 1.184 mg equivalent of GAE/g respectively. The total flavonoid content of aqueous extract of barley and wheat grass was 153.42 ± 0.40, 133.14 ± 0.43 mg equivalent of quercetin/g respectively. The extracts were proved to be an effective radical scavenger in all antioxidant assays. Forced swim and tail suspension test showed a significant (∗p < 0.05 and ∗∗p < 0.01) decrease in an immobility time. In elevated plus maize, there was a significant (∗∗p < 0.01) increase in average time spent on the open arm of the extract-treated group as compared to the negative control.

Conclusion

It shows that barley and wheat grass extract has antidepressant effect.

Wheat and Barley Grass Juice Addition to a Plant-Based Feed Improved Growth and Flesh Quality of Common Carp (Cyprinus carpio)

Simple Summary

Several plant extract additives are being increasingly used in aquaculture for their positive effects on fish growth and immunity. Plant extract additives are called phytogenics. The chemical composition of the additives influences their biological activity. The plant extracts used in this study were wheat grass juice and barley grass juice. Their inclusion in a plant-based diet for common carp improved growth performance and flesh quality. The positive effects of the plant extracts could be attributed to their contents of unsaturated fatty acids, essential amino acids, sugars and organic acids.

Abstract

Phytogenics are plant extract additives used for their bioactive properties. The objective of this study was to assess the effect of plant extracts, wheat grass juice (WGJ) and barley grass juices (BGJ) addition to fish diet on growth and meat quality of common carp. Fish (51 ± 33 g initial weight) were fed for four weeks with three plant-based diets: (1) control feed (Con), (2) control feed supplemented with 2% WGJ (Con+WGJ), and (3) control feed supplemented with 2% BGJ (Con+BGJ). The results showed that the inclusion of the two juices in the plant-based feed stimulated the growth and improved meat quality by lowering the fat and ash content. Feed conversion ratio and condition factor were not affected. There were no significant differences in Fe and Zn contents of meat; however, Cu decreased, while Mn was lower in the Con+WGJ group and higher in the Con+BGJ group compared to Con. A high content of unsaturated fatty acids (FA, oleic acid and linoleic acid) and desirable ratios of saturated/unsaturated FA (0.27–0.29) and Ω6/Ω3 (2.5–2.78) were found in all groups. The juices were characterized in terms of lipid profile and polar compounds by GC-MS technique. The observed positive effects can be attributed to the rich composition of juices that included unsaturated FA, amino acids, sugars and organic compounds.

Prunus padus L. bark as a functional promoting component in functional herbal infusions – cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial effects

The study assessed the health-promoting properties and the content of minerals in the bark of bird cherry (Prunus padus L.), which was then used as an ingredient in functional teas. The infusions were made with the use of Matricaria chamomilla L., Tilia cordata Mill., and Calendula officinalis L., and then combined with the bark in various proportions. The prepared infusions were tested for antioxidant activity, ability to reduce copper ions and iron ions, as well as the ability to scavenge hydroxyl radicals. In the next stage, the antimicrobial activity and the ability to inhibit the enzyme cycloxygenase-2 were assessed. Bird cherry bark contains a high potassium content of 19.457 ± 762 mg/kg d.m. In all the tests evaluating the antioxidant activity, infusions from the bark of bird cherry alone and with its 30% addition had the strongest properties. The analyzed infusions also have the ability to reduce Cu(ii) ions; they are active to reduce Fe(iii) ions and scavenge hydroxyl radical. The highest antimicrobial activity was found for teas with 20 and 30% bark, especially against Listeria monocytogenes (25.0–27.0 mm) (±3.0). The bark infusion was also found to have the highest inhibitory activity against cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) – 77.0%.

Evaluation of Diverse Barley Cultivars and Landraces for Contents of Four Multifunctional Biomolecules with Nutraceutical Potential

Barley is long-identified as a functional food due to its content of micronutrients, β-glucans and vitamins. However, there is scant literature on a number of other nutritionally important biomolecules in the barley grain. This study determined the contents of four biomolecules, each with multiple known human and/or other animal health benefits, in the grains of 27 commercial barley cultivars and 7 landraces of barley from diverse countries of origin. These included the antioxidants, comprised of various vitamin E isomers and polyphenols, the osmoprotectant glycine betaine (GB) that protects cellular cytoplasm from osmotic shock, and the ‘plant stress hormone’ abscisic acid (ABA) which is endogenously expressed in humans and has multiple roles in physiology. All grains exhibited the presence of all biomolecules, suggesting they could potentially make some contribution to the health benefits of barley. The total vitamin E content varied between 19.20 - 54.56 μg/g DW, with α-tocotrienol being the major component (33.9 - 60.7%). The phenolics made up 3.21 - 9.73 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/g DW, exceeding the amounts in the two major cereals, rice and wheat. GB ranged between 0.41-1.40 mg/g DW. The total vitamin E contents and GB typically exceeded those in corn. ABA ranged as 8.50 - 235.46 ng/g dry weight (DW), with the highest inter-variety variability. The data confirm barley to be an excellent source of these nutraceuticals, generally better than other major cereals. Our results thus offer more detailed insights into the potential of barley as a functional food and suggests the need to investigate in depth the health effects of this grain as well as the contribution of genetic and environmental factors.

Polyphenol content and antioxidant activities of Prunus padus L. and Prunus serotina L. leaves: Electrochemical and spectrophotometric approach and their antimicrobial properties

The aim of the study was to compare the content of selected phytochemicals as well as the antioxidant and antimicrobial potential of the leaves of Prunus padus L. and Prunus serotina L., as there is very little research on this subject in the literature. Therefore, it is used to deepen knowledge on this subject. In addition, an electrochemical test was also carried out, which was not yet available for the above plants. Antibacterial studies have also been deepened to include the analysis of new strains of bacteria and fungi, which has not been studied earlier. The water extracts of P. padus using the utra-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) system showed a higher content of both phenolic acids and flavonols (651.77b ± 18.12 mg/100 g dw for acids and 3.85b ± 0.08 mg/100 g dw for flavonols, respectively). Ferulic and p-coumaric acids were the dominant polyphenols in leaves. Extracts from P. padus showed higher activity against DPPH radical, which was 6.62b ± 0.06 mg TE/1 g dw, as well as higher antioxidant capacity, measured using 2,2′-Azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) diammonium salt (ABTS) cation radical (37.39b ± 3.81 mg TE/g dw). The higher antioxidant potential of P. padus was confirmed based on the oxidizing potentials of electroactive compounds present in them. Stronger inhibition against Enterococcus faecium and Klebsiella pneumoniae was found for P. padus, whereas P. serotina extract was more potent against Enterococcus faecium bacterium. It has been shown that P. padus can be an attractive raw material with antioxidant and antimicrobial properties that can be used on a much wider scale in food technology than its current application.

The Role of Agrotechnical Factors in Shaping the Protein Yield of Maize (Zea mays L.)

The subject of the work was the evaluation of maize protein yield conditioned by various agrotechnical factors. The test results are derived from two different field experiments covering a total of seven years of observation. Protein yield was significantly dependent on changing weather conditions in the growing seasons. Protein yield was significantly lower in the dry and hot years. The sum of precipitation for the month of May was positively correlated with maize protein yield. However, there was no correlation between the average air temperature and the amount of protein yield. The sum of atmospheric precipitation for the entire growing season (IV–X) shaped maize protein yield in over 96%. A non-linear relationship of the 2nd degree was determined between these traits. Sowing maize into the soil cultivated traditionally (autumn tillage), “stay-green” type cultivars and row fertilization positively influenced maize protein yield. Initial fertilization (regardless of depth) with two-component NP fertilizer, in relation to broadcast fertilization, significantly increased maize protein yield from 11.4% to 18%, respectively. The type of nitrogen fertilizer did not differentiate the value of this trait. Pre-sowing nitrogen application was more effective compared to the top dressing, and significantly increased protein yield. Row fertilization with two-component NP fertilizer clearly affected the content protein in grain. The interdependence of genetic and agronomic progress is an important factor shaping the potential of maize protein yield and cannot be attributed to either breeding (cultivar) or agronomy.

The Effects of Morus alba L. Fortification on the Quality, Functional Properties and Sensory Attributes of Bread Stored under Refrigerated Conditions

Mulberry is one of the most beneficial plant of our planet for sustainable development. White mulberry (Morus alba L.) is widely recognized for its health-promoting properties. It is characterized by a high content of bioactive compounds, mainly flavonoids, and has a strong antioxidant effect, and thus can have a beneficial effect on health. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of freezing storage of bread with the addition of extract from mulberry leaves and fruits on the content of polyphenols, antioxidant activity and sensory properties. The stored bread with mulberry addition was characterized by high content of phenolic compounds, reducing and chelating activity and antiradical activity. The addition of mulberry had greater effect on the increase in the content of protocatechuic and chlorogenic acids, and isoquercetin among the flavonols. Bread enriched with mulberry was microbiologically clean and sensory accepted both after baking and after 30 days of storage under refrigerated conditions. White mulberry is a raw material which can be used as an addition to enrich refrigerated bread. The use of the extract and mulberry fruit to fortify bread is consistent with the principle of sustainable development due to the use of raw materials which are a good source of compounds contributing to the improvement of the well-being of the population.

Identification of Polyphenols from Coniferous Shoots as Natural Antioxidants and Antimicrobial Compounds

Currently, coniferous shoots are almost absent as a food ingredient despite their wide availability in many parts of the world. The aim of the study was to assess and compare the composition of selected plant metabolites, evaluate the antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of selected shoots collected in 2019 from the arboretum in Zielonka (Poland), including individual samples from Picea abies L. (PA), Larix decidua Mill (LD), Pinus sylvestris L. (PS), Pseudotsuga menziesii (PM) and Juniperus communis L. (JC). The present work has shown that aqueous extracts obtained from tested shoots are a rich source of phenols such as caffeic acid, ferulic acid, chlorogenic acid, 4-hydroxybenzoic acid and many others. Obtained extracts exhibit antioxidant and antimicrobial properties in vitro. The highest sum of the studied phenolic compounds was found in the PA sample (13,947.80 µg/g dw), while the lowest in PS (6123.57 µg/g dw). The samples were particularly rich in ferulic acid, chlorogenic acid and 4-hydroxybenzoic acid. The highest values regarding the Folin-Ciocâlteu reagent (FCR) and ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP) reducing ability tests, as well as the total flavonoid content assay, were obtained for the LD sample, although the LD (14.83 mg GAE/g dw) and PM (14.53 mg GAE/g dw) samples did not differ statistically in the FCR assay. With respect to free radical quenching measurements (DPPH), the PA (404.18-μM Trolox/g dw) and JC (384.30-μM Trolox/g dw) samples had the highest radical quenching ability and did not differ statistically. Generally, extracts obtained from PA and PS showed the highest antimicrobial activity against tested Gram-negative bacteria, Gram-positive bacteria and fungi.