Protection of Fibre Flax Crop Against Flea Beetles and Seedling Blight Using Compound Seed-Dressers

Abstract

The trial was carried out at Upyte Research Station of the Lithuanian Institute of Agriculture during the period 1999–2001, where flax (Linum usitatissimum L.) cv. ‘Baltuciai’ had been grown. The effect of compound seed-dressers RAPCOL FDL 323 CS (active ingredients: insecticide phurathiocarb 300 g l^?1 + fungicide metalaxil 20 g l^?1 + fungicide fludioxonil 3 g l^?1) (3000 ml 100 kg flaxseed^?1) and CRUISER OSR 321.3 FS (active ingredients: insecticide tiametoxam 280 g l^?1 + fungicide metalaxil-M 33.3 g l^?1 + fungicide fludioxonil 8 g l^?1) (dose rates 100, 250, 500, 750 and 1000 ml 100 kg flaxseed^?1) on the occurrence of flea beetles and seedling blight in flax crop when compared to the effect of seed-dresser Vitavax FF 200 (active ingredients: carboxine 200 g l^?1 + thiram 200 g l^?1) and insecticide Fastac 10 EC (active ingredient: alphacypermethrin 100 g l^?1) has been investigated.

The experimental findings suggest that 49.0 to 90.5% of flax plants were affected by flea beetles (Aphthona euphorbiaeSchr., Longitarsus parvulusPayk.) annually in the plots sown with untreated seed. Significantly fewer affected plants were identified in the plots sown with the seed treated with phurathiocarb 900 g + metalaxil 60 g + fludioxonil 6 g 100 kg^?1 seed (Rapcol, 3 l100 kg flaxseed^?1) and tiametoxam 28 g + metalaxil-M 3.33 g + fludioxonil 0.8 g 100 kg^?1 seed or tiametoxam 70 g + metalaxil-M 8.325 g + fludioxonil 2 g 100 kg^?1 seed (Cruiser,100 ml or 250 ml 100 kg^?1). Tiametoxam + metalaxil-M + fludioxonil, applied at higher dose rates (Cruiser, 500–1000 ml 100 kg^?1) gave a higher efficacy. The incidence of seedling blight (Colletotrichum lini (Westerdijk) Tochinai) was lower in the plots sown with the seed treated with compound seed-dressers. The impact of compound seed-dressers was noticed even at the flax 4–6 pairs of leaves stage.     

Antibacterial activity of Ginseng (Panax ginseng C. A. Meyer) stems–leaves extract produced by subcritical water extraction

Antibacterial activities of ginseng extracts produced from ginseng by‐products, stems and leaves, using subcritical water extraction (SWE) at 110, 165 and 190 °C, were evaluated and compared with those of ginseng extracts prepared by hot water and ethanol extraction. The ginseng stems–leaves extract produced by SWE at 190 °C contained the greatest concentration of phenolics (98.4 mg GAE g^?1 of extract). All ginseng extracts inhibited the growth of Bacillus cereus, Salmonella enteritidis, Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Listeria monocytogenes. Among four strains, B. cereus was more sensitive to the ginseng extract by SWE at 190 °C than other bacteria. Cell membranes of bacteria were disrupted by the addition of SWE ginseng extract, observed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), with the release of cellular contents. These findings provided evidence about the potential utilisation of ginseng stems and leaves by using an environmental friendly extraction process, SWE, to produce ginseng extract for the inhibition of bacteria growth.     

1,3‐Dimethoxybenzene,a newly identified component of port wine

1,3‐Dimethoxybenzene was identified by GC–O, GC–MS and Kovats indices (polar Supelcowax, 1709; non‐polar Rtx‐5MS, 1158) as a new volatile component of port wine. Sensory evaluation described this compound as having a sweet medicinal odour with hazelnut, resinous and woody notes. Respective threshold limits in model wine and port wine were 21 and 47 µg l^?1. Quantitative analysis by GC–MS, using a selected characteristic ion (m/z 138), indicated that young port wines from the 1998 vintage contained up to 3 µg l^?1 whereas ports from the 1999 vintage contained up to 20 µg l^?1. © 2002 Society of Chemical Industry     

Influence of post-harvest application rates of cyprodinil,treatment time and temperature on residue levels and efficacy in controlling green mould on ‘Valencia’ oranges

The effectiveness of heat treatments with water and cyprodinil in controlling post-harvest green mould caused by Penicillium digitatum was investigated on artificially inoculated ‘Valencia’ oranges. Residue levels of cyprodinil were determined in the oranges as a function of active ingredient concentration, temperature and treatment time. Cyprodinil residues were significantly dependent on treatment time when applied at 600 mg l^?1 and 20°C, but not when fruit were treated at 150–300 mg l^?1. The application of cyprodinil at 50 or 100 mg l^?1 at 55°C for 30 s produced similar residue levels, while residues increased when the application rate was 150 mg l^?1. Cyprodinil at 100 mg l^?1 and 60°C produced a significant increase in residues compared to treatment at 50 mg l^?1; no significant increase in residues was found when the application rate was raised from 100 to 150 mg l^?1. In comparison to treatments performed at 20°C, the application of a heated cyprodinil mixture resulted in significantly higher residues in fruit. All treatments with cyprodinil at 20°C similarly reduced green mould after 7 days of storage at 20°C. After 18 days, treatment with cyprodinil at 600 mg l^?1 for 30 s was more effective than at 150–300 mg l^?1. When dip time was extended to 90 or 180 s, treatment efficacy was positively related to fungicide concentration. Treatments with water at 55°C for 30 s were as effective as cyprodinil at 50–100 mg l^?1, but less effective than cyprodinil at 150 mg l^?1. After 7 days, treatment with water or cyprodinil at 50–150 mg l^?1 and 60°C were equally effective in controlling green mould; while, after 18 days, treatment with cyprodinil at 150 mg l^?1 was consistently more effective than at 50–100 mg l^?1 or hot water alone.     

Ochratoxin A in wines,musts and grape juices from Spain

A survey on the occurrence of ochratoxin A (OTA) in 240 grape‐based beverages was carried out. Red and white wines from four different Spanish Designations of Origin (n = 160), musts (n = 20), grape juices (n = 10), ordinary wines (n = 20), special wines (Malaga, muscatel, sherry, vermouth, etc) (n = 20) and sparkling wines (n = 10) were assayed for OTA content using immunoaffinity column clean‐up and high‐performance liquid chromatography with fluorimetric detection (detection limit 0.05 µg l^?1). Forty‐three (17.9%) of the samples tested contained detectable levels of OTA. The overall mean OTA concentration in red and white wines of Designations of Origin was 0.30 and 0.18 µg l^?1 respectively (ranges 0.05–3.19 and 0.05–1.13 µg l^?1 respectively). The percentage of wine samples with detectable amounts of OTA was higher for red (18.3%) than for white (10%) wines. OTA was also found in two of 10 red ordinary wines (0.68 and 4.24 µg l^?1), whereas none of 10 white ordinary wines contained OTA. The mean OTA amount detected in sparkling wines was 0.44 µg l^?1 (range 0.14–0.71 µg l^?1). Two of 20 must samples contained OTA at low levels (0.08 and 0.18 µg l^?1), while none of 10 grape juice samples contained OTA. Highest amounts of OTA were found in special wines (45%), with a maximum of 15.25 µg l^?1 in a muscatel sample. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry     

Safety tests and antinutrient analyses of noni (Morinda citrifolia L.) leaf

BACKGROUND: Noni (Morinda citrifolia L.) leaves have a documented history of food use. However, previous safety and antinutrient studies are absent. The current investigation was conducted to assess the utility of noni leaves as food. RESULTS: No evidence of toxicity or differences in weight gain were observed in acute, subacute, and subchronic oral toxicity tests of ethanol–water (1:1 v/v) and hot‐water extracts of noni leaves in mice at doses of 2000, 200, and 20 mg kg^?1 body weight, respectively. Acute systemic anaphylaxis tests of the ethanol–water (4:1 v/v) and hot‐water extracts were negative. Further, leaf proteins were readily digested in simulated gastric fluid. Tannic acid concentrations in frozen and dried leaf were 1.6 and 25.8 g kg^?1, respectively. Phytic acid was not detected in the raw leaf (<1 g kg^?1). The average oxalic acid content was 1 g kg^?1 and was fairly uniform among 22 leaf samples from 11 islands throughout French Polynesia. Similarly, campesterol, stigmasterol, and β‐sitosterol content did not vary widely, suggesting low inter‐island content variability. CONCLUSIONS: The apparent lack of toxicity of the leaves and the hardiness of the plant make it ideal for further agricultural development, especially where sustained growth of other food crops is difficult. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry     

Impact of non-selective fungicides on the growth and production of ochratoxin A by Aspergillus ochraceus and A. carbonarius in barley-based medium

The aim of this study was to assess the influence of the non-selective fungicides mancozeb, copper oxychloride, and sulfur on the growth and capability for producing ochratoxin A (OTA) of ochratoxigenic isolates of Aspergillus carbonarius and A. ochraceus in barley-based medium. Lag phases and growth rates were determined for each fungicide at different doses, at 15°C and 25°C and at 0.97?a_w . Mancozeb at 40?mg?l^?1 inhibited fungal growth and provided lag phases >24 days at 10–20?mg?l^?1 and 15°C. OTA was observed only at 25°C and doses <10?mg?l^?1. At 15°C, copper oxychloride proved inhibitory at 800?mg?l^?1, while at 25°C growth was not delayed and only high doses decreased OTA levels. Sulfur was inhibitory or provided large lag phases at 5–8?g?l^?1 (at 15°C) while at 25°C growth took place even at 8?g?l^?1, although OTA levels were low or undetectable. The antifungal activity decreased in the order mancozeb?>?copper oxychloride?>?sulfur, and was lower at 25°C than at 15°C. OTA accumulation was affected by the type of fungicide, dose, temperature and time. The efficacy of these fungicides on the growth of A. carbonarius and A. ochraceus and OTA production in barley-based medium is assessed for the first time.     

Selected plant essential oils and their main active components,a promising approach to inhibit aflatoxigenic fungi and aflatoxin production in food

Recent research has showed that Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus are aflatoxigenic species that can become very competitive in the framework of climate change. Aflatoxins show carcinogenic, mutagenic, immunotoxic and teratogenic effects on human and animals. Effective and sustainable measures to inhibit these species and aflatoxins in food are required. Origanum vulgare and Cinnamomum zeylanicum essential oils (EOs) and their major active constituents, carvacrol and cinnamaldehyde, respectively, were assayed for inhibiting these species and aflatoxin production in maize extract medium under different environmental conditions. Doses of 10–1000 mg l^?1 were assayed and the effective doses for 50 (ED₅₀) and 90% (ED₉₀) growth inhibition were determined. The ED₅₀ of cinnamaldehyde, carvacrol, oregano EO, and cinnamon EO against A. flavus were in the ranges 49–52.6, 98–145, 152–505, 295–560 mg l^?1 and against A. parasiticus in the ranges 46–55.5, 101–175, 260–425 and 490–675 mg l^?1, respectively, depending on environmental conditions. In A. flavus treatments ED₉₀ were in the ranges 89.7–90.5, 770–860 and 820–>1000 mg l^?1 for cinnamaldehyde, carvacrol and cinnamon EO, and in A. parasiticus treatments in the ranges 89–91, 855–>1000 and 900–>1000 mg l^?1, respectively. ED₉₀ values for oregano EO against both species were >1000 mg l^?1. Growth rates of both species were higher at 37 than at 25°C and at 0.99 than at 0.96 a_w. Aflatoxin production was higher at 25 than at 37°C. Stimulation of aflatoxin production was observed at low doses except for cinnamaldehyde treatments. The effectiveness of EOs and their main constituents to inhibit fungal growth and aflatoxin production in contact assays was lower than in vapour phase assays using bioactive EVOH-EO films previously reported.     

The effect of dietary Laminaria‐derived laminarin and fucoidan on nutrient digestibility,nitrogen utilisation,intestinal microflora and volatile fatty acid concentration in pigs

BACKGROUND: In experiment 1, 30 boars were assigned to one of five treatments (n = 6): T1, 0 g kg^?1 seaweed extract (SWE); T2, 0.7 g kg^?1 SWE; T3, 1.4 g kg^?1 SWE; T4, 2.8 g kg^?1 SWE and T5, 5.6 g kg^?1 SWE. The extract contained laminarin and fucoidan only and was extracted from Laminaria spp. In experiment 2, 28 boars were assigned, in a 2 × 2 factorial to one of four treatments (n = 7): T1, control; T2, control plus 300 mg laminarin; T3, control plus 240 mg fucoidan; T4, control plus 300 mg laminarin and 240 mg fucoidan kg^?1 diet. RESULTS: In experiment 1 there was a response to SWE on colonic Bifidobacterium spp. (P < 0.01 quadratic), Enterobacterium spp. (quadratic P < 0.05) and on caecal Enterobacterium spp. (quadratic P < 0.05). In experiment 2 there was an interaction (P < 0.05) between laminarin and fucoidan supplementation on Enterobacterium spp. in the proximal and distal colon. Pigs offered laminarin had reduced Enterobacterium spp. compared with pigs offered the control diet. However, the combination of laminarin and fucoidan had increased Enterobacterium spp. compared with alone. Pigs offered diets containing fucoidan had increased Lactobacilli spp. in the proximal colon (P < 0.05) and distal colon (P < 0.001) compared with non‐fucoidan diets. CONCLUSION: Overall, the reductions in intestinal Enterobacterium spp. and increases in Lactobacilli spp. obtained suggest that laminarin and fucoidan may provide a dietary means to improve gut health in pigs. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry     

Determination of the caffeine contents of various food items within the Austrian market and validation of a caffeine assessment tool (CAT)

The caffeine content of 124 products, including coffee, coffee-based beverages, energy drinks, tea, colas, yoghurt and chocolate, were determined using RP-HPLC with UV detection after solid-phase extraction. Highest concentrations of caffeine were found for coffee prepared from pads (755?mg?l^?1) and regular filtered coffee (659?mg?l^?1). The total caffeine content of coffee and chocolate-based beverages was between 15?mg?l^?1 in chocolate milk and 448?mg?l^?1 in canned ice coffee. For energy drinks the caffeine content varied in a range from 266 to 340?mg?l^?1. Caffeine concentrations in tea and ice teas were between 13 and 183?mg?l^?1. Coffee-flavoured yoghurts ranged from 33 to 48?mg?kg^?1. The caffeine concentration in chocolate and chocolate bars was between 17?mg?kg^?1 in whole milk chocolate and 551?mg?kg^?1 in a chocolate with coffee filling. A caffeine assessment tool was developed and validated by a 3-day dietary record (r ^2?=?0.817, p?<?0.01) using these analytical data and caffeine saliva concentrations (r ^2?=?0.427, p?<?0.01).     

Antimicrobial effects of onion (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Allium cepa</Emphasis> L.) peel extracts produced via subcritical water extraction against <Emphasis Type="Italic">Bacillus cereus</Emphasis> strains as compared with ethanolic and hot water extraction

In this study, the antimicrobial effects of an onion peel extract prepared using subcritical water extraction (SWE) were assessed for possible development into new bio-functional materials. The extraction temperatures were controlled to 110 and 160°C. At 0.15, 0.3, 0.6, and 1.2 mg extract/mL of broth, the growth inhibition and bactericidal activity of SWE extracts against Bacillus cereus KCCM 40935 and KCCM 11341 were compared with those of ethanol and hot-water extracts. In the case of B. cereus KCCM 40935, it appeared that over 0.6 mg/mL of SWE (110°C) extract exerted a bactericidal effect, and 1.2 mg/mL of SWE (160°C) extract exerted a bacteriostatic effect during culturing, and also that B. cereus KCCM 11341 was more resistant than B. cereus KCCM 40935. Furthermore, our results demonstrated that the death time of 10⁷ CFU/mL of B. cereus KCCM 40935 treated with SWE (110°C) extract at 1.2 mg/mL was 60 min at maximum in 0.8% NaCl. Additionally, the cells damaged by SWE extract were observed with a SEM. It was suggested that an extract of onion peels prepared via SWE (110°C) could be used as a functional biomaterial for the food or pharmaceutical industries.     

Effect of gamma irradiation and sodium hydroxide treatment on the debittering of olive (Olea europaea) fruits

The effect of gamma irradiation and sodium hydroxide (NaOH) treatment on the debittering of olive (Olea europaea, var Surrany) fruits was investigated. Fruits were treated with 1, 2 or 3 kGy of gamma irradiation at a dose rate of 669 Gy h^?1. Irradiated and unirradiated fruits were processed with NaOH solution (11 g l^?1) for 3 or 6 h and washed once per day for 3 days. The fruits were then immersed in brine (56 g l^?1 sodium chloride) and stored for 12 months at room temperature. Dissolved organic and inorganic solids, Na⁺, K⁺ and Ca²⁺ contents, pH and electrical conductivity values were determined in the debittering solutions (lye, rinse and washing waters) and brines. Gamma irradiation significantly (p < 0.05) increased the dissolved organic and inorganic solids and the Na⁺ and K⁺ concentrations in the debittering solutions when the fruits were treated with NaOH for 3 h. On the other hand, gamma irradiation had no significant effect on these parameters, except for an increase in K⁺ concentration, when using NaOH solution for 6 h. Gamma irradiation with NaOH treatment for 3 h decreased the concentration of Ca²⁺ in the debittering solutions, whereas irradiation and treatment with NaOH solution for 6 h increased its concentration. © 2003 Society of Chemical Industry     

Postharvest response of ‘Brown Turkey’ figs (Ficus carica L.) to the inhibition of ethylene perception

The potential use of 1‐methylcyclopropene (1‐MCP) alone or as a supplement to cold storage to delay the softening of ‘Brown Turkey’ figs (Ficus carica L.) was studied. Figs were treated with 0, 0.25, 0.5 or 5 µl l^?1 1‐MCP at 25 °C for 8 h and stored at 20 °C until evaluated. Figs treated with 0.5 or 5 µl l^?1 1‐MCP had higher ethylene production and respiration rates but slower softening than untreated fruit and those treated with 0.25 µl l^?1 1‐MCP. Early‐harvested firm figs and late‐harvested soft figs were untreated or treated with 0.5 or 5 µl l^?1 1‐MCP at 25 °C and stored at 0 °C for 19 days. Firm figs treated with 1‐MCP showed an early peak in ethylene synthesis, higher respiration rate and were firmer than control fruit. In contrast, soft figs did not respond to 1‐MCP except for a late increase in respiration rates of fruit treated with 5 µl l^?1 1‐MCP. 1‐MCP appeared to have a relatively limited effect on slowing ripening of ‘Brown Turkey’ figs and its effect was influenced by ripening stage. Copyright © 2005 Society of Chemical Industry     

Effects of different inorganic salts and organic nutrient components on the growth of Lentinula edodes (Shiitake) mycelium on solid medium

The influence of 11 inorganic salts and various organic nutrients on the mycelial growth of Lentinula edodes (Berk) Pegler (Shiitake) on solid medium was studied. All of these inorganic salts exerted concentration‐dependent inhibitory effects. Nitrite caused the strongest inhibition: 8 mM nitrite inhibited the growth completely. The inhibitory effect of nitrite could be reduced by the addition of ascorbic acid or a black tea extract. The effects of the addition of the different organic nutrients were investigated in order to optimize the composition of the culture medium. The medium containing malt extract (15 g l^?1), starch (3 g l^?1) and oak wood chips (20 g l^?1) proved best for mycelial growth. Growth was not promoted by components with a high organic nitrogen content. Copyright © 2003 Society of Chemical Industry     

Modelling of the hydrolysis of sorghum straw at atmospheric pressure

Sorghum straw is a renewable, cheap and widespread resource. The acid hydrolysis of sorghum straw to obtain xylose solutions could be a good alternative for this abundant resource. The H₂SO₄ hydrolysis of sorghum straw at two different temperatures (80 and 100 °C) and three H₂SO₄ concentrations (2, 4 and 6%) using a solid/liquid ratio of 1:10 (w/w) was studied. Kinetic parameters of mathematical models for predicting the concentrations of xylose, glucose, acetic acid and furfural were determined. The activation energy of the release reaction was 183.3 kJ mol^?1 for xylose and 185.8 kJ mol^?1 for glucose. The optimal conditions found were 6% H₂SO₄ at 100 °C for 60 min, which allow one to obtain a solution with 18.27 g xylose l^?1, 6.78 g glucose l^?1, 0.7 g furfural l^?1 and 1.35 g acetic acid l^?1. It is concluded that this process has potential for utilisation of this renewable lignocellulosic resource. © 2002 Society of Chemical Industry     

Monoclonal-based enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for the detection of zearalenone in cereals

A monoclonal antibody against zearalenone (ZEA) was produced and used successfully to develop a direct competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (DC-ELISA) for the analysis of ZEA in cereals. This DC-ELISA had a limit of detection of 0.15?±?0.02 µg l^?1 and an IC₅₀ value of 1.13?±?0.16 µg l^?1. Matrix interference was minimized by dilution of the sample extract before ELISA assays. Aqueous methanol (80%) gave good extraction efficiencies, and the recovery from spiked rice, barley, and corn samples averaged between 87 and 112%. Although ZEA was detected in seven (9%) of 80 rice samples and in eight (16%) of 50 barley samples, the concentration of ZEA in samples was around or below the limit of detection of DC-ELISA. Among 38 corn samples, ZEA was detected in nine (24%) samples in the range 41.0–909.8 µg kg^?1. Re-analysis of the ELISA-positive corn samples by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) confirmed that seven (18%) corn samples were positive. The ZEA results for corn showed very good agreement between DC-ELISA and a commercial AgraQant® zearalenone kit (r ²?=?0.98). Thus, the monoclonal antibody-based DC-ELISA could be applied to the preliminary screening of ZEA contamination when analysis of a large sample number is needed.     

Production of detoxified sorghum straw hydrolysates for fermentative purposes

Sorghum straw can be hydrolysed to obtain monosaccharide solutions, mainly containing xylose. The usual biotechnological application of xylose is its bioconversion to xylitol. The global process from straw to xylitol can give an added value to the sorghum straw. The process has the following sequential steps: reduction of size, acid hydrolysis, neutralization, detoxification, fermentation, recovery and purification. This work deals with the optimization of the detoxification process of sorghum straw hydrolysates with activated charcoal. The variables evaluated were pH (1–5), contact time (20–60 min) and activated charcoal charge (20–33 g kg^?1). Mathematical models were obtained through a factorial experimental design. The models suggest that optimal conditions for detoxification are pH 1, contact time of 29 min and a charcoal charge of 33 g kg^?1. These conditions allowed hydrolysates with 54.2 g xylose L^?1, 13.5 g glucose L^?1, 12 g arabinose L^?1, 0.2 g furfural L^?1 and 0.0 g acetic acid L^?1 to be obtained. The results suggest that performing the detoxification step before the neutralization step gave the best outcome. Fermentations by Candida parapsilosis NRRL Y‐2315 were performed and it was confirmed that the treated hydrolysate is suitable for xylitol production, yielding up to 17 g L^?1 of this polyol. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry     

NovaSil clay does not affect the concentrations of vitamins A and E and nutrient minerals in serum samples from Ghanaians at high risk for aflatoxicosis

To assess the potential interference of NovaSil (NS) clay with micronutrients in humans, vitamins A and E and minerals (15 nutrient and 15 non-nutrient minerals) were measured in serum samples from a 3-month intervention trial with NS. Participants (n?=?177) were randomly divided into three groups that received 3.0 g NS day^?1 (high dose, HD), 1.5 g NS day^?1 (low dose, LD), or placebo (PL). Levels of vitamins A and E in serum were comparable among the three study groups at baseline, 1 month and 3 months of NS intervention. Gender-stratified non-parametric mixed-effect model analysis showed no significant effects of dose and dose–time interaction for levels of vitamins A and E. A significant time effect was detected; however, it was limited to an increase in vitamin E in the male participants over the course of the study. No significant differences were found in levels of the nutrient and non-nutrient minerals between the HD and PL groups at baseline and 3 months of NS intervention, except for strontium levels. Strontium was significantly increased (p?<?0.001) in the HD group (male?=?113.65?±?28.00 µg l^?1; female?=?116.40?±?24.26 µg l^?1) compared with the PL group (male?=?83.55?±?39.90 µg l^?1; female?=?90.47?±?25.68 µg l^?1) following the 3-month intervention with NS. These results, combined with safety and efficacy data, confirm that NS clay is highly effective in reducing aflatoxin exposure and acts as a selective enterosorbent that does not affect the serum concentrations of important vitamins and nutrient minerals in humans.     

A new strategy for improved glutathione production from Saccharomyces cerevisiae: use of cysteine‐ and glycine‐rich chicken feather protein hydrolysate as a new cheap substrate

BACKGROUND: Glutathione (GSH) is composed of the amino acids glutamic acid, cysteine and glycine. This study investigated the usability of chicken feather protein hydrolysate (chicken feather peptone, CFP) as a substrate for GSH production from Saccharomyces cerevisiae. RESULTS: CFP was found to be rich in ash (36.7 g per 100 g), protein (61.1 g per 100 g) and minerals (S, P, K, Ca, Fe, Na and Mg). It also had high contents of cysteine and glycine. CFP augmented biomass and GSH production by 53 and 115% respectively compared with the control medium. The highest biomass (17.4 g l^?1) and GSH (271 mg L^?1) concentrations were attained in CFP medium. The second highest biomass (16.8 g l^?1) and GSH (255 mg L^?1) concentrations were obtained in fish peptone medium. It was assumed that the high mineral, cysteine and glycine contents of CFP were related to cell growth and GSH synthesis in S. cerevisiae. CONCLUSION: This is the first report on the effect of cysteine‐ and glycine‐rich protein hydrolysates on GSH production from S. cerevisiae. In this regard, CFP was tested for the first time as a GSH production substrate. As an additional contribution, a new hydrolysis process was developed for the preparation of protein hydrolysates. © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry     

Facilitative effects of Eucommia ulmoides on fatty acid oxidation in hypertriglyceridaemic rats

BACKGROUND: Tea made from Eucommia ulmoides leaves is widely consumed as a health food, since recent studies have revealed various pharmacological effects of the tea, e.g. a hypotriglyceridaemic effect. This study was conducted to elucidate the mechanisms underlying the plasma triglyceride‐lowering effect of E. ulmoides leaves. RESULTS: Rats were divided into four groups: a normal group, a group fed a high‐fat/high‐fructose diet (untreated group) and two groups fed a high‐fat/high‐fructose diet and E. ulmoides tea (4 or 20 g L^?1 extract, treated groups). Plasma triglyceride concentrations were reduced in treated groups in a dose‐dependent manner compared with the untreated group. DNA microarray analysis revealed that genes involved in hepatic α‐, β‐ and ω‐oxidation, mainly related to the peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor α and δ signalling pathway, were up‐regulated in the treated group. High‐performance liquid chromatography analysis showed that E. ulmoides leaves contain three phytochemicals that make up 60 mg g^?1 of the material and are likely to be the active components. CONCLUSION: This study indicates that the promotion of fatty acid oxidation, probably by the action of phytochemicals, participates in the ameliorative effect of E. ulmoides leaves on hypertriglyceridaemia. These findings provide the scientific evidence for the functionality of E. ulmoides. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry