Metal Content in Caps and Stalks of Edible Mushrooms: Health Benefits and Risk Evaluation

Mushrooms are a good source of protein and phenolic compounds which provides health benefits for humans. The purpose of this study was to compare the content of eight metals, protein, and total phenolics (TPC) of 5 different species (Agaricus bisporus-white and brown mushrooms, Agaricus cupreobrunneus, Auricularia cornea, Hypsizgus tesselatus, and Pleurotus eryngii species-complex) of edible mushrooms available on the Romanian market. Agaricus bisporus and Agaricus cupreobrunneus were purchased and cultivated in Romania and the other species were cultivated in other countries (Turkey and China). The metal content determined by graphite atomic absorption spectrometry (GTAAS) varied in the order Cu > Pb > Ni > Fe > Cr > Mn > Co > Cd. Almost all the samples contained a greater quantity of metals in the stalk than in the cap. In addition, the levels of toxic metals were low. The protein content of analyzed samples ranged from 0.0926 to 0.2743%, the highest value being observed in Pleurotus eryngii species-complex mushroom. TPC of extracts increased over time but there was a variability in the concentration for each mushroom species (0.25-12.25 mg GAE/g). The investigated mushroom species possess no health risk and may be potential nutritional supplements for human diets due to their phenolic compounds, protein, and mineral content.

Health risk assessment of fluoride exposure due to groundwater consumption in Romania

Fluoride has both beneficial and detrimental effects on human health. Concentrations of fluoride less than 1.0 mg/L in ingested water are beneficial for the rate of tooth decay, especially in children. The aims of the paper are as follows: (i) to monitor fluoride concentrations in drinking water samples (well water and tap water from the rural district of Valea Râmnicului, Romania); (ii) to study and select the optimal buffer solution and the optimal volume used in the analyses and (iii) to validate the potentiometric method for determining fluoride ions with a selective ion electrode. The values of fluoride ion concentrations in the groundwater samples and in tap water varied from 0.01 to 0.138 mg^/L. The values for the hazard quotient for the studied samples varied from 0.01 to 0.13.

Relationship between Total Phenolic Content, Antioxidant Capacity, Fe and Cu Content from Tea Plant Samples at Different Brewing Times

The purpose of this study was to investigate the antioxidant capacity of different tea plant: mint, linden, chamomile, St. John’s wort, green and black tea in relation to total phenolic content. The antioxidant capacity of the tea infusions at different brewing times was determined using DPPH assay while the total phenolic content (TPC) was assessed using the modified Folin-Ciocalteu method. The results showed that there were significant statistical differences in antioxidant capacity depending on infusion time, according to one-way ANOVA analysis. Leaves used as components of tea infusions were analyzed by FAAS for their content of iron and copper in the dry product and in the infusion. The correlation between TPC and DPPH capacity of tea plant infusions was evaluated by Pearson correlation matrix. Total phenolics compounds content was positively and significantly correlated with DPPH capacity for all infusions time. Significant correlation was observed between TPC and the copper concentration (p < 0.05). Consequently, the correlations between the physicochemical parameters, TPC, DPPH capacity, Fe and Cu content suggested that the TPC may be a good indicator of the DPPH capacity in the tea infusions and also, suggested the influence of antioxidant compounds on mineral bioavailability.