Biochemical intervention of ergothioneine-rich edible mushroom (Flammulina velutipes) extract inhibits melanosis in crab (Chionoecetes japonicus)

We investigated the effects of decreasing phenoloxidase (PO) activity and prophenoloxidase (proPO) gene expression on the inhibition of postharvest melanosis formation in the red queen crab, Chionoecetes japonicus. The cDNA of proPO from hemocytes of C. japonicus was partially cloned and sequenced. Immersion of live crabs in a 1.0% ergothioneine (ESH)-rich mushroom extract (Flammulina velutipes; ME) solution resulted in significant inhibition of haemolymph PO activity and a reduction of the proPO gene expression in hemocytes that consequently controlled melanosis in the crabs during ice storage. Treatments with a 0.05% w/v sodium sulphite solution or a 0.05% w/v 4-hexyl-1,3-benzenediol solution had similar positive effects as the treatment with a 1.0% ME solution in vivo. In vitro experiments showed that authentic l-(+)-ESH inhibited PO activity and decreased proPO gene expression in crab hemocytes. Thus, the application of ESH-rich ME can be a novel alternative to synthetic melanosis-inhibiting agents to control postharvest melanosis in crabs.     

Edible mushroom (Flammulina velutipes) extract inhibits melanosis in Kuruma shrimp (Marsupenaeus japonicus)

This study compared the potential of an aqueous extract of an edible mushroom (Flammulina velutipes) to prevent melanosis in cultured Kuruma shrimp (Marsupenaeus japonicus) with other antimelanosic compounds in vivo. The mushroom extract contained 9.1 mg/mL ergothioneine (ESH). Immersion of live full-grown shrimp in a 0.5% w/v solution of mushroom extract significantly reduced PPO activity in shrimp hemolymph. In addition, expression of the prophenoloxidase (proPO) gene decreased in hemocytes, suggesting that the extract blocked the activation of the proPO cascade. Consequently, the development of melanosis in the treated shrimp was significantly suppressed during ice storage. Treatment with a 0.05% w/v solution of sodium ascorbate and 4-hexyl-1,3-benzenediol had the same effect. In vitro experiments showed that ESH effectively inhibited PPO activity and activation of the proPO cascade in hemocyte lysate supernatant. This study suggests that in vivo application of F. velutipes mushroom extract is an effective natural alternative to synthetic antimelanosic agents to inhibit postmortem melanosis in shrimp. Practical Application: The extract of an edible mushroom (F. velutipes) containing ergothioneine can be a promising natural alternative to synthetic antimelanosic agents used to prevent postharvest melanosis in shrimp and other crustaceans. Furthermore, utilization of the mushroom trimmings could also help address the growing concerns on the disposal of such agricultural wastes and instead use it into a novel purpose as a source of antimelanosic and antioxidants for food and industrial application.     

Effect of nanocomposite-based packaging on storage stability of mushrooms (Flammulina velutipes)

In this study, a polyethylene (PE) packaging material that contained nano-Ag, nano-TiO₂, nano-SiO₂, and attapulgite was prepared and its effect on storage stability of mushrooms (Flammulina velutipes) was investigated. The results showed that the nanocomposite-based packaging material (Nano-PM) regulated oxygen and carbon dioxide level, eliminated ethylene and inhibited the growth of microbes, which is a benefit on preservation quality of mushrooms, compared to the normal PE material (Normal-PM). After 14 days of storage, mushroom weight loss, mushroom cap opening, stipe elongation and respiration of Nano-PM stored mushroom were significantly (P < 0.05) inhibited. Furthermore, treatment with the Nano-PM improved the retention of vitamin C, soluble protein, and total soluble solids contents of F. velutipes. The results therefore are promising for the preservation of F. velutipes in order to expand its shelf life and improve its preservation quality by use of this Nano-PM.Industrial relevanceFlammulina velutipes, also named as golden needle mushroom, is one of the most popular edible mushrooms worldwide. Its production and consumption ranked the fourth place among all edible mushrooms in the world. However, fresh golden needle mushrooms are highly perishable. Therefore, preserving freshness of the mushrooms is the main objective of postharvest technology. In the present study, we developed a new type of effective and economic nanoparticle packaging materials and applied it to mushroom preservation. A local company (Jiangsu Tianfeng Biological Technology Co., Ltd) producing mushrooms has started to use this nano-preservation technology during the postharvest transportation and sales. In conjunction with the results of present research, we suggests that nano-composite based packaging materials is a good way for preserving fresh mushrooms and has the potential to be commercialized.     

The effect of high-pressure treatment on functional components of shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) cephalothorax

High-pressure (HP) technology has been applied to extend the shelf life of shrimps by inhibiting enzymes with PPO activity or microorganisms. However, there is very little information on its effect on relevant compounds from a nutritional or functional point of view, such as fatty acids, α-tocopherol, astaxanthin, and hemocyanin, which constitutes the main objective of the present work. Shrimp cephalothoraxes were HP processed at 200, 400, or 600 MPa/18 °C/15 min or three consecutive 5 min cycles. It was found that hemocyanin was partially denatured at pressures up to 400 MPa, resulting in lower PPO activity, and it was totally denatured at 600 MPa, although 20% residual PPO activity remained. Astaxanthin, α-tocopherol, and total antioxidant activity were stable whichever HP treatment was applied, whereas 600 MPa caused a slight reduction of eicosapentaenoic acid (C20:5n3, EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (C22:6n3, DHA). Despite this reduction, the ω-6/ω-3 fatty acids ratio was very low (1).Industrial relevanceShrimps are high-value fishery products with a very short shelf life under refrigeration, mainly because of microbial growth and development of melanosis. Thermal treatment is effective for extending shelf life, but it affects the nutritional quality of shrimps through degradation of bioactives such as polyunsaturated fatty acids, tocopherols, or astaxanthin, which are mainly located in the cephalothorax. High pressure is a non-thermal processing technology that has been proved to extend shrimp shelf life, but very little information can be found on its effect on the above-mentioned compounds as well as on the melanosis-inducing hemocyanin. Such basic knowledge is very important for industrial application of high-pressure technology to extend the shelf life of shrimps.     

Value‐added use of mushroom ergothioneine as a colour stabilizer in processed fish meats

BACKGROUND: Ergothioneine (ESH), a potent antioxidant, has been found in certain edible mushrooms. Our previous research showed that ESH extracted from the edible mushroom Flammulina velutipes has a positive effect on the colour stability of beef and tuna meat. The purpose of the present study was to compare the efficacy and applicability of ESH extracts prepared from different mushroom species as a colour stabilizer in fish meats. RESULTS: Levels of ESH higher than 2.8 mg mL^?1 were found in extracts prepared from the fruiting bodies of F. velutipes, Lentinula edodes, Pleurotus cornucopiae and Pleurotus eryngii and the processing waste of F. velutipes. When 1 mL of each of the extracts was added to 100 g of minced bigeye tuna and yellowtail meats, the bright‐red colour remained after 5 and 2 days, respectively, of ice storage. The anti‐discoloration efficacy of 1 mL of the extracts prepared from 10 g of the fresh waste portion of F. velutipes was similar to that of its fruiting body or 0.5 g kg^?1 of sodium ascorbate when added to 100 g of minced bigeye tuna meat under ice storage. CONCLUSION: The results of this study clearly showed that ESH prepared from different mushroom species stabilized the colour of fish meats, and the extract from the F. velutipes was the most effective. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry     

Colour and texture of apples high pressure processed in pineapple juice

Cubes of Granny Smith and Pink Lady apples were vacuum packed in barrier bags with 0% to 50% (v/v) pineapple juice (PJ) at 20°Bx and subjected to high pressure processing (HPP) at 600 MPa for 1–5 min (22 °C). The in-pack total colour change (ΔE) was observed over 4 weeks at 4 °C. Within <1 week of storage at 4 °C, texture, polyphenoloxidase, pectinmethylesterase activities, changes in ΔE and visual browning after opening the bags during air exposure (22 °C; 21% O2 ) for 5 h were also monitored. During the 4 weeks storage in bag visible colour changes were not observed. Texture and ΔE after 5 h air exposure were significantly affected by the apple variety, HPP time and % PJ used. The combined treatment significantly reduced residual PPO activity while PME activity was not affected in both varieties. Pineapple juice in combination with HPP could be used as a natural preservation system for minimally processed apples.Industrial relevanceBrowning upon opening the packs and during air exposure can adversely affect the quality of fresh-cut fruits. Combined treatment of high pressure processing (HPP) and use of pineapple juice has the potential to prevent browning for several hours giving sufficient time for presentation and use in domestic and foodservice environment where high quality fresh-like fruit is required.     

Use of hyperspectral imaging for evaluation of the shelf-life of fresh white button mushrooms (Agaricus bisporus) stored in different packaging films

The shelf life of mushrooms packaged using different polymer top-films (PVC, PET with different levels of perforations) was investigated using hyperspectral imaging (HSI). Packaged mushrooms were stored at 4 ± 0.2 °C for 14 days and weight loss, Hunter L, a, b values, maturity index and in-pack gas composition (% CO₂ and O₂) were also measured. The results obtained showed that the PET film perforated with small holes (1 mm in diameter) was generally superior in terms of maintaining overall mushroom quality. Regression models were built to correlate HSI data with measured quality parameters. Prediction maps were generated from hyperspectral data to show the model performance at pixel level. Results presented in this work show hyperspectral imaging can be used to evaluate the effect of different packaging systems on mushroom quality and that perforated PET packaging film is a viable alternative to the conventional PVC packaging, facilitating an increase in shelf life from 10 to 14 days.Industrial relevanceThe present study demonstrates HSI can be used for rapid evaluation of mushroom quality facilitating non-destructive evaluation of the effect of packaging systems on mushroom shelf-life. In addition, this work suggests an effective packaging solution to extend shelf life of mushrooms during storage. The proposed solution potentially improves the packaging recyclability as the same polymer material (PET) is used for the tray and top film, compared to conventional mushroom packaging where PVC is used for the top film and polypropylene (PP) for the tray.     

Ultrasound-assisted enzyme catalyzed hydrolysis of olive waste and recovery of antioxidant phenolic compounds

The ultrasound-assisted enzyme hydrolysis (UAEH) procedure for extraction of phenolics from olive waste (OW) was established. The optimized conditions obtained with response surface methodology (RSM) were pH 5.75, treatment 40 min and temperature 55 °C, the yield obtained reached to 4.0%. The extraction kinetics model was fitted well to the ln (C_t/C₀) = kt, and the rate constants (k) increased with the increased in the extraction temperature. Moreover, the values of k were higher and the activation energy was lower than ultrasound treatment alone. The thermodynamic parameters indicated the extraction process was easier under the UAEH. Compared with the petroleum ether and n-butyl alcohol, ethyl acetate extract fraction had high phenolic content (64.4 mg/g), especially hydroxytyrosol and tyrosol (17.2 mg/g and 14.1 mg/g), and exhibited excellent antioxidant activities in DPPH·, ABTS⁺·and FRAP assay. These finding revealed that OW could be used for a enrich source of natural phenolic compounds for development of food industry.Industrial relevanceOlive waste (OW) has been widely paid attention as sources of high-added value compounds, such as phenolic which can be obtained by the several methods. And phenolic extract as a food additive can not only improve the sensory quality of food, but also can enhance antioxidant capacity in fatty food matrices. Moreover, the use of this extract has better economic benefits than synthetic additives usually used in food industry. In this study, a novel green, simple and efficient technology was employed to extract the phenolic compounds, which was suitable for large-scale industrial use. The results indicated that ultrasound-assisted enzyme hydrolysis (UAEH) has significant potential in the extraction process of phenolics from OW exhibiting higher phenolic yield in shorter extraction times.     

Evaluation of biodegradable film packaging to improve the shelf-life of Boletus edulis wild edible mushrooms

The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of poly(lactic acid) (PLA) based biodegradable film packaging combining 0.5% nisin antimicrobial polypeptide on the physicochemical and microbial quality of Boletus edulis wild edible mushrooms stored at 4 ± 1 °C. The experiment was set up by packaging mushrooms with extruded PLA films containing 0, 7.5, and 15 wt.% triethyl citrate plasticizer. The low-density polyethylene (LDPE) film was used as the control. Mushrooms stored in PLA films containing 7.5 and 15 wt.% plasticizer provided better retention of quality characteristics and received higher sensory ratings compared to mushrooms stored in pure PLA film and LDPE film. Samples with these two treatments underwent minimal changes in texture, PPO activity, total bacteria count, and sensory attributes. Results suggest that nisin in combination with plasticized PLA film has the potential to maintain B. edulis wild edible mushroom quality and extend its postharvest life to 18 days.Industrial relevanceB. edulis is one of the most commercialized mushrooms worldwide. However, as with all fresh mushrooms, there are severe preservation problems. Extruded PLA films containing triethyl citrate plasticizer plus antimicrobial agent nisin proved to be a suitable technology for mushroom conservation. This material exhibits an environmental-friendliness potential and a high versatility in food packaging.     

High pressure processing of cocoyam,Peruvian carrot and sweet potato: Effect on oxidative enzymes and impact in the tuber color

High pressure processing (HPP) is a non-thermal technology used to activate or inactivate enzymes. This study investigated the effects of HPP (600 MPa for 5 or 30 min at 25 °C) on cocoyam, Peruvian carrot and sweet potato color, and the polyphenoloxidase (PPO) and peroxidase (POD) activities in tuber cubes, puree, and enzyme extract subjected to HPP. The results showed enzyme inactivation by HPP in cocoyam (up to 55% PPO inactivation in puree and 81% POD inactivation in extract) and Peruvian carrot (up to 100% PPO and 57% POD inactivation the extract). In contrast, enzyme activation was observed in sweet potato (up to 368% PPO and 27% POD activation in puree). The color results were compatible to enzyme activity: the color parameters remained unchanged in cocoyam and Peruvian carrot, which showed high PPO and POD inactivation after HPP. Furthermore, the impact of HPP on the enzymes was influenced by the matrix in which HPP was carried out, evidencing that the enzyme structure can be protected in the presence of other food constituents.Industrial relevanceThe enzymes PPO and POD are an important concern for vegetable processing, due its ability to induce browning after vegetables are cut. The HPP at 600 MPa for 5 or 30 min can be used to inactivate these enzymes in cocoyam and Peruvian carrot, guaranteeing the color and freshness of the tubers similar to the fresh cut vegetable.     

Concentration of soybean isoflavones by nanofiltration and the effects of thermal treatments on the concentrate

An investigation was performed on the profile and the content of isoflavones in the concentrate of aqueous Defatted Soy Flour (DSF) extract obtained by nanofiltration. The effect of thermal treatments on these isoflavones was also evaluated according to a Central Composite Design (CCD 2^k) with varying temperatures (70 to 90 °C) and times (15 to 45 min). Through nanofiltration it was possible to concentrate β-glucosides and malonyl glucosides (p < 0.05) in aqueous DSF extract but it was not possible to concentrate aglycones (p > 0.05). The thermal treatments applied on the concentrate showed that the malonyl glucosides were influenced by temperature (p < 0.05), while the β-glucosides were influenced not only by temperature but also by the time of interaction of the factors investigated (p < 0.05). Moreover, there was no alteration in the contents (p > 0.05) of aglycone or total isoflavones.     

Inhibition of melanosis formation in Pacific white shrimp by the extract of lead (Leucaena leucocephala) seed

Lead (Leucaena leucocephala) seed extract was prepared using distilled water as a medium. An extraction yield of 26.16 g/100 g of seed was obtained after extraction at room temperature for 12 h. Total phenolic and mimosine contents in the lead seed extract powder (LSEP) were 17.4 g GAE/100 g and 8.8 g/100 g, respectively. LSEP at different concentrations (0.05%, 0.1%, 0.25%, 0.5%, and 1%, w/v) showed inhibitory activity towards polyphenoloxidase (PPO) of Pacific white shrimp in a dose dependent manner. When the whole Pacific white shrimp were treated with 0.25% and 0.5% (w/v) LSEP, the shrimp treated with 0.5% LSEP had the lower melanosis score throughout the storage of 12 days and showed a higher score for colour and odour, as well as overall likeness, compared with the control (without treatment) and 1.25% sodium metabisulphite treated samples at day 12 (P < 0.05). Meat of shrimps treated with LSEP at both levels had the increase in mimosine content up to 8 days, suggesting the migration of mimosine into shrimp muscle during extended storage. Therefore, 0.5% LSEP can be used as a novel melanosis inhibitor for Pacific white shrimp.     

Evaluation of seaweed extracts functionality as post-harvest treatment for minimally processed Fuji apples

The potential application of Fucus spiralis, Bifurcaria bifurcata, Codium tomentosum and Codium vermilara extracts as post-harvest treatments in minimally processed (MP) Fuji apple was investigated. 0.5% solutions of each extract were applied to MP Fuji apple and its effect on product quality was assessed over 20 days of storage at 4 ± 2 °C in terms of moisture content, soluble solids concentration (SSC), firmness, browning index (BI) and POD and PPO activities. Application of Codium tomentosum extract resulted in a significant reduction in BI in comparison to all other tested treatments. POD and PPO activities were also significantly lower in MP apple treated with Codium tomentosum extract. These results identify Codium tomentosum extract functionality of reducing enzymatic browning, suggesting the potential application of this extract as a natural additive in MP fruit.Industrial relevanceThis study shows the advantages of using a novel post-harvest treatment based in edible seaweed extracts to preserve fresh-cut fruits, in particular Fuji apple. The results show clearly that this type of dipping treatment decreases browning index and inhibits enzymatic activities when compared with citric acid and control treatment (water). Codium tomentosum extract solution showed the highest efficacy, suggesting the potential application of this extract as a natural additive to be a substitute of chemicals used in food industry and its use has been restricted. This process is efficient, versatile and of simple implementation at the industrial level once the only change in the industrial process consists in the type of post-harvest solution treatment. Associated to the easy adaptation in the industrial process, the exponential development in aquaculture sector allows the obtention of this raw material in a sustained way. Extract functionality was attributed to its demarked inhibitory action on enzymatic activities of polyphenol oxidase and peroxidase, two major enzymes involved in enzymatic browning processes.     

Thermal and light stabilities and antioxidant activity of carotenoids from tomatoes extracted using an ultrasound-assisted completely solvent-free method

The use of petroleum-derived solvents, particularly volatile organic compounds (VOCs), in the chemical industry has increased the contamination and residual effects of these solvents. Ionic liquids (ILs) can potentially replace VOCs, thereby reducing the risks of environmental contamination and toxicity. In this context, the objectives of this study were as follows: 1 — to obtain an ionic liquid for use in extracting carotenoids from tomatoes with ultrasound assistance; and 2 — to determine the stability and antioxidant activity of tomato carotenoid extracts. Ultrasound can also efficiently extract carotenoid compounds with ionic liquids in comparison with conventional VOC solvents (obtained from an all-trans-lycopene 7.5–8.0 μg·g^− 1 tomato sample by IL and 6.2–7.7 μg·g^− 1 by acetone). Similarly, the activation energies (E_a) in aqueous medium were obtained for the IL carotenoid extract (10.8 kJ·mol^− 1) and acetone carotenoid extract (9.4 kJ·mol^− 1). The antioxidant activities of the tomato carotenoid extract were 7.4 and 12.4 relative to α-tocopherol for the ionic liquid extract and acetone extract, respectively. The combination of chromatographic analysis and degradation kinetics provided data for positive assessment similarity of thermal and light stabilities of tomato carotenoids extracted by IL and extracted by acetone.     

Effect of Quillaja saponaria dietary administration on colour,oxidative stability and volatile profile of muscle longissimus dorsi of Barbarine lamb

Eighteen Barbarine lambs were assigned during 77 days to three dietary treatments (n = 6): control, oat hay ad libitum and 400 g of concentrate; QS60 and the QS90 control diet supplemented with 60 mg and 90 mg Quillaja saponaria (QS) bark extract/kg dry matter, respectively. The analysis of pre-frozen longissimus dorsi muscle showed that the QS90 treatment reduced meat redness (a*) and saturation (C*) measured after 2 h of blooming. It also reduced the rate of decrease in a* values (P = 0.02) during 14 days of refrigerated storage. Supplementation with QS extended meat colour stability by reducing (P < 0.05) the rate of increase in hue angle (H*) values. Neither the rate of metmyoglobin accumulation at the meat surface nor lipid peroxidation over storage duration differed between treatments. The overall meat volatile compound profile was similar between the groups. We conclude that supplementing QS affects meat colour development at the meat surface and extends its stability without producing detrimental effects on meat volatile compounds.     

Effects of freeze-thaw cycles of Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) subjected to radio frequency tempering on melanosis and quality

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of different tempering methods and freeze-thaw cycles on melanosis and quality parameters of pacific white shrimp. Frozen pacific white shrimps tempered with radio frequency tempering (RFT) were compared to that in water tempering (WT) and refrigerator tempering (RT) in terms of temper loss, total volatile base nitrogen (TVBN), polyphenol oxidase (PPO) activity, melanosis, total sulfhydryl contents, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and texture properties after 0, 1, 3, 5 freeze-thaw cycles. Results showed that crushed ice was effective as an effective surrounding medium for six layers of frozen shrimp reaching −2 °C within 6 min in RFT. For quality attributes, the temper loss of samples tempered with radio frequency is lower than that of RT and WT after all freeze-thaw cycles, and RFT resulted in the lowest TVBN value (9.17 mgN/100 g) of shrimps after the 5th freeze-thaw cycle. The PPO activity and melanosis of samples increased as the number of freeze-thaw cycles increased, and RFT effectively inhibited the development of melanosis. After the 3rd freeze-thaw cycle, the enthalpy change (△H) and the sulfhydryl content (0.16 mmol/gprot) of radio frequency tempered samples was significantly higher (p < 0.05) than that of WT and RT. RFT retained the hardness and chewiness of shrimp samples in all freeze-thaw cycles. Therefore, RFT effectively inhibited melanosis and reduce protein oxidation in Pacific white shrimp during freeze-thaw cycles with its fast and uniform heating characteristics.     

In-vitro antioxidant activities of an ethanolic extract of the oyster mushroom,Pleurotus ostreatus

The antioxidant potential of an ethanolic extract of the oyster mushroom, Pleurotus ostreatus, was investigated. The extract exhibited the most potent radical-scavenging activity at a maximum concentration of 10 mg/ml, and the scavenging effects were 56.20% and 60.02% on hydroxyl and superoxide radicals, respectively. The IC₅₀ values of the extract were found to be 8 mg/ml for hydroxyl and superoxide radicals. Ascorbic acid used as a standard was highly effective in inhibiting hydroxyl and superoxide radicals, showing IC₅₀ values of 6 mg/ml and 4 mg/ml respectively. At a maximum concentration of 10 mg/ml, the extract effected 56.12% inhibition of lipid peroxidation and 60.68% chelation of ferrous ions; also, at a maximum concentration 10 mg/ml, the extract manifested significant (p < 0.05) reducing power (1.367) which exceeded even that of butylated hydroxyl toluene (1.192). Increasing concentrations of the extract were found to cause progressively decreasing intensity of fluorescence 2, 3-diazabicyclo [2, 2, 2] oct-2-ene (DBO). In addition, the known antioxidants were identified as components of the extract. The data generated by this study strongly suggest that an ethanolic extract of the oyster mushroom, P. ostreatus, has potent antioxidant activity.Industrial relevanceThe present study suggests that an ethanolic extract of the mushroom, Pleurotus ostreatus, could serve as an easily accessible item of food rich in natural antioxidants, as a possible food supplement or even as a pharmaceutical agent. Hence this study is considerable relevant to the food and pharmaceutical industries.     

The in vivo antioxidant and antifibrotic properties of green tea (Camellia sinensis,Theaceae)

The in vivo antioxidant and antifibrotic properties of green tea (Camellia sinensis, Theaceae) were investigated with a study of carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄)-induced oxidative stress and hepatic fibrosis in male ICR mice. Oral administration of green tea extract at doses of 125, 625 and 1250 mg/kg for 8 weeks significantly reduced (p < 0.05) the levels of thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) and protein carbonyls in the liver by at least 28% compared with that was induced by CCl₄ (1 mL/kg) in mice. Moreover, green tea extract administration significantly increased (p < 0.05) the activities of catalase, glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and glutathione reductase (GSH-Rd) in the liver. Our study found that oral administration of green tea extract prevented CCl₄-induced hepatic fibrosis, as evidenced by a decreased hydroxyproline level in the liver and a reduced incidence of hepatic fibrosis by histological observations. These results indicate that green tea exhibits potent protective effects against CCl₄-induced oxidative stress and hepatic fibrosis in mice by inhibiting oxidative damage and increasing antioxidant enzyme activities.     

Macro- and microelement contents in fruiting bodies of wild mushrooms from the Notecka forest in west-central Poland

Fruiting bodies of wild mushrooms and forest soil samples were collected and analyzed for macro- (N, P, K, S, Ca, Mg) and microelement (Al, Zn, Fe, Mn, Cd, Pb) contents in pine stands of the Notecka Forest in west-central Poland. Elements were determined by atomic absorption spectrometry in 160 samples of 8 fungal species and 15 underlying soil samples. Macro- and microelement contents in soil were low and characteristic of the poor and acidic sandy soils of the Polish lowlands not influenced by industrial pollution. In fruiting bodies, the highest mean concentration of macroelements (dry mass basis) was found for N (40.0 g kg⁻¹), followed by K (33.0 g kg⁻¹), P (5.4 g kg⁻¹), S (2.2 g kg⁻¹), Ca (1.0 g kg⁻¹) and Mg (0.7 g kg⁻¹). All macroelements (except for Ca) were concentrated in considerably higher levels in the fruiting bodies than in the forest soil. Nitrogen, P, K, S and Mg were preferably translocated into the cap rather than the stipes. Calcium, however, was often found in higher concentration in stipes than in caps. The mean microelement concentrations, across all tested fungi, were in the following order: Al > Zn > Fe > Mn > Pb > Cd. Microelements showed different distributions, depending on the part of the fruiting body. Some were more concentrated in the caps and some in stipes and distributions varied among species. Xerocomus badius is the most often harvested edible mushroom in the Notecka Forest. Pb and Cd distributions in fruiting bodies of this mushroom were evaluated in order to assess health risks to consumers. The estimated dietary exposures to Pb and Cd for consumers of this mushroom were in excess of guidelines on safe exposures.     

Comparative Studies of Ginger (Zingiber officinale) and West African Black Pepper (Piper guineense) Extracts at Different Concentrations on the Microbial Quality of Soymilk and Kunun-zaki

Extracts of two spices, namely ginger (Zingiber officinale) and black pepper (Piper guineense) were prepared in 0.4%, 1.2%, 2.4% and 3.6% concentrations. Soymilk and kunun-zaki were treated respectively with the different concentrations and stored at ambient temperature for 5 days. The microbial load and identification were determined every day of storage until samples were adjudged spoilt.On the first day, 0.4% ginger extract in soymilk and kunun-zaki had a microbial load of 7.77 × 10^6b and 5.17 × 10^6b respectively. 3.6% ginger extract in soymilk and kunun-zaki recorded 3.73 × 10^6b and 3.30 × 106 each. 0.4% black pepper extract in soymilk had 6.273 × 10^6b and recorded 4.63 × 10^6b in kunun-zaki. 3.6% black pepper extract in soymilk and kunun-zaki had a microbial load of 3.20 × 10^6d and 2.90 × 10^6c respectively. On the third day the microbial load increased for both ginger and black pepper extract. Ginger extract recorded 9.13 × 10^6b in soymilk and 5.60 × 10^6b in kunun-zaki at 0.4% concentration. Black pepper extracts recorded 7.43 × 10^6b in soymilk and 3.27 × 10^6b in kunun-zaki also at 0.4% extract. 3.6% black pepper extract recorded 4.10 × 10^6a in soymilk and 2.20 × 106c in kunun-zaki.There was linear reduction of microbial load as spice concentration increased. Black pepper recorded lower microbial load, thus having more antimicrobial activity and may be preferred to be used as natural antimicrobial preservatives to extend the shelf-life of food.