Phytochemicals content,antioxidant and hypoglycaemic activities of commercial nutmeg mace (Myristica fragrans L.) and pimento (Pimenta dioica (L.) Merr.)

Commercially dried powder of nutmeg mace (Myristica fragrans) and pimento (Pimenta dioica) spices was investigated for their high performance liquid chromatography phenolic profile and their antioxidant and hypoglycaemic properties by α‐amylase and α‐glucosidase inhibition tests. Generally, mace showed the most promising activity. An interesting protection of lipid peroxidation with an IC₅₀ value of 7.7 μg mL^?1 was found. A significant result was also obtained in ferric reducing ability power assay if compared to the positive control butylated hydroxytoluene (IC₅₀ value of 68.7 μg mL^?1 vs. 63.2 μg mL^?1, respectively). Mace also exhibited the highest carbohydrate‐hydrolysing enzyme inhibitory activity with IC₅₀ values of 62.1 and 75.7 μg mL^?1 against α‐amylase and α‐glucosidase, respectively. Overall, these results support the use of these spices not only as flavouring agent but also as food preservative and functional ingredients.     

Proximate and mineral composition of dried salted roes of hake (Merluccius merluccius,L.) and ling (Molva molva,L.)

Proximate analyses and mineral composition of dried salted roes of hake (Merluccius merluccius) and ling (Molva molva) were determined. Both roes contained a significant amount of protein (39.1 and 43.6%, respectively) and lipid (14.13 and 14.80, respectively) because of their physiological role as reserves. Because this product is a typical food of one particular area, no specific data have been found in the literature about proximate and mineral compositions. Only trace elements (Fe, Cu and Zn) and macronutrients (crude protein and carbohydrates) varied with the type of roe. The most important minerals were Fe, Zn, K and Na. However, Na content was very high, and for this reason dried salted roe cannot be recommended for people who require dietetic control of blood pressure.     

Genetics of bruchid (Callosobruchus maculatus Fab.) resistance in cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.)

Bruchid resistance has been measured using a variety of techniques. Mean development period (MDP) and percentage adult emergence (PAE) are two of the more important traits measuring bruchid (Callosobruchus maculatus Fab.) resistance in cowpea. The objective of the study was to evaluate the genetic relationship between MDP and PAE in C. maculatus resistant cowpea. Seventy-two F₂ population plants were developed from the cross between C. maculatus resistant TVu-11953 (with delayed MDP and low PAE) and C. maculatus susceptible Ife Brown (with early MDP and high PAE) which were evaluated for resistance to cowpea C. maculatus. MDP at 45 days after infestation (DAI) and PAE at 60 DAI were taken as analysed measures for resistance to C. maculatus infestation. Data generated were subjected to chi-square analysis. Varied resistant response to C. maculatus infestation was observed among the F₂ generation plants but their responses showed inclination to the susceptible parent. A 15:1 ratio for susceptible to resistant genotypes was observed with MDP among the F₂ genotypes evaluated which is an indication of the presence of two recessive genes that control of MDP. The segregation of PAE also showed a 15:1 ratio goodness of fit (P > 0.05) for susceptible to resistant genotypes. Test of independence between MDP and PAE was not significant (χ² = 2.19, P = 0.19). This study revealed that the recessive genes controlling these two traits (MDP and PAE) were independently assorted and showed no linkage. This was also evident in the observed F₂ genotypes with C. maculatus resistance expressing either delayed MDP or low PAE and not both in the study.     

Antioxidant,Antibrowning, and Cytoprotective Activities of Ligustrum robustum (Rxob.) Blume Extract

The antioxidant, antibrowning, and cytoprotective activities of Ligustrum robustum (Rxob.) Blume extract (LRE) were investigated and the main antioxidant component was isolated and identified. With its high content of phenols and flavonoids, the LRE showed remarkable antioxidant capacity to scavenge free radicals in vitro and to inhibit oil oxidation in a peanut oil system. Moreover, LRE was observed to inhibit tyrosinase action and browning of fresh‐cut apple slices effectively. Furthermore, the cytoprotective activity of LRE was evaluated in a human intestine model using Caco‐2 cell lines. According to the activity‐guided isolation and identification, by using column chromatography, high‐performance liquid chromatography, time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry, and nuclear magnetic resonance analyses, ursolic acid was characterized as the main antioxidant component of LRE; it showed the strongest free radical‐scavenging activity. The results suggested that L. robustum (Rxob.) Blume could be a new resource for preparing functional food and nutraceutical products for use in food and pharmacology industries.     

Antioxidative activity of summer savory (Satureja hortensis L.) and rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) in minced,cooked pork meat

The sensory intensity measured as theabsolute threshold value of spice andrecognition of spice was evaluated for summer savory and rosemary in meat balls. The values forabsolute threshold value of spice were found to be significantly lower for rosemary than for summer savory. The antioxidative activity of the spices was analysed in two accelerated model systems and in a storage experiment. In one of the model systems, oxidation was accelerated by heat and by an elevated pressure of oxygen. Both spices significantly improved the oxidative stability of the meat balls in this model system. In the second model system metal catalyst oxidation in a meat slurry was used and a reduction in the oxidative processes in samples containing the spices was again shown. In both model systems a slightly higher antioxidative activity was seen for rosemary compared to summer savory. In the storage experiment, the spices were added at a sensorially acceptable level and the heat-treated meat balls were stored at 5°C. A significant reduction in the development of warmed-over flavour (WOF) caused by the addition of spices was measured by a reduction in 2-thiobarbituricacid-reactivesubstances (TBARS) and in hexanal. A reduction in TBARS of approximately 30% in meat balls containing added spices was seen independently of packaging in 1% oxygen or in atmospheric air and the reduction (30%) was constant throughout the storage period.     

Antioxidant,Antimicrobial, Antifungal,and Antiradical Activities of Cyclotrichium Niveum (BOISS.) Manden and Scheng

In Turkish kitchen, Cyclotrichium niveum, which is consumed as a dietary supplement, have been extensively used in soup and food for their odor and flavor. The present study examines the possible antioxidant, antimicrobial and radical scavenging capacity of Cyclotrichium niveum (Boiss.) Manden and Scheng. In order to evaluate antioxidant and radical scavenging activity different in vitro methodologies such as 2,2´-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) radical scavenging activity, 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH·) free radical scavenging, total antioxidant activity by ferric thiocyanate, total reducing power by potassium ferricyanide reduction method, superoxide anion radical scavenging, hydrogen peroxide scavenging, and ferrous ions chelating activities were used. In addition, antimicrobial and antifungal activity of the both extracts tested against twenty five microorganisms. Total phenolic compounds and total flavonoids contents in water extract of Cyclotrichium niveum (Boiss.) Manden. & Scheng (WECN) and ethanol extract of Cyclotrichium niveum (Boiss.) Manden. & Scheng (EECN) were determined.     

Physicochemical,technological and sensory characteristics of a rice (Oryza sativa L.) and bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) soup prepared by extrusion

The aim of this work was to prepare and evaluate an instant soup formulated with broken rice and beans processed by thermoplastic extrusion using a pilot‐scale, single‐screw extruder. The final product was characterised regarding its physicochemical composition, amino acid profile, functional–technological properties and sensory performance. The extrusion parameters were set using three extrusion zone temperatures (30, 40 and 70 °C), a screw speed of 177 rpm, feed rate of 260 g min^?1. and circular matrix of 3.85 mm. The final product contained considerable levels of protein (12.91 g per 100 g) and dietary fibre (8.07 g per 100 g). Amino acid profile analysis showed that only sulphur‐containing amino acids and tryptophan were limiting with the remaining present in adequate concentrations to meet children's requirements. Regarding functional and technological properties, the instant soup powder showed appropriate water solubility and water absorption indexes as expected. The soup sensory analysis indicated good acceptability, with a purchase intent index of 71%.     

Saffron (Crocus Sativus Linn.) — Cultivation,processing, chemistry and standardization

Saffron is an interesting minor spice with a colorful history. In this review article, the following aspects of saffron have been covered: cultivation, producing countries and world trade, uses, harvesting, processing and yields, chemistry of the constituents including pigments and volatiles, range of variation of the chemical constituents, saffron adulterants and methods for their detection, and official standards and purity requirements.     

Evaluation of thermally-treated wood of beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) and ash (Fraxinus excelsior L.) against Mediterranean termites (Reticulitermes spp.)

Termite resistance of thermally-treated ash (Fraxinus excelsior L) and European beech (Fagus sylvatica L) against subterranean termites (Reticulitermes banyulensis) was evaluated. A laboratory no-choice feeding test following the standard EN 177 was performed to assess the efficacy of this thermo-modification against subterranean termites in the Mediterranean area. After 8 weeks period of exposure, results showed that durability against termites was slightly improved for thermally-treated beech wood, which was classified as moderately durable. However, in case of thermally-treated ash wood, samples were highly biodegraded by termites, revealing no increase in their durability and being classified as non durable.     

Isolation,Purification, and Characterization of Polysaccharides from Wide Morchella esculenta (L.) Pers

A new polysaccharide (MEP-1) was isolated from fruit body of wide Morchella esculenta (L.) Pers with a stepwise procedure of hot water extraction, removal of the protein, dialysis against water, DEAE-Cellulose A52 and Sephadex G-100 columns. Physicochemical properties of the polysaccharide was determined by chemical methods, high-performance gel permeation chromatography, high performance liquid chromatography, paper chromatography, ultraviolet spectrum, and infrared spectrometry. The polysaccharides were primarily polymers of glucose, mannose, galactose, and arabinose. The average molecular mass was 43625 Da.     

Rheological Properties,Molecular Distribution,and Microstructure of Fortunella margarita (Lour.) Swingle Polysaccharides

Fortunella margarita polysaccharides (FMPS) are one of the main bioactive components of F. margarita. The activity is related to their rheological properties and structure. The objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between rheological properties, molecular distribution, and microstructure of crude FMPS (C‐FMPS) and purified FMPS (P‐FMPS). The results showed that both of solutions were shear‐thinning pseudoplastic fluids with flow properties in line with the Power Law model. The pseudoplasticity of P‐FMPS was stronger compared to C‐FMPS. Additionally, the molecular weight and polydispersity of P‐FMPS were greater, whereas the molecular radius was less compared to C‐FMPS. The surface of C‐FMPS was rough and dense whereas P‐FMPS displayed a smooth network structure by environment scanning electron microscopy. According to confocal laser scanning microscopy, C‐FMPS dispersed in the medium without connected network, whereas the network of P‐FMPS was unevenly distributed in the medium and the shape was compact and smooth. The molecular distribution and microstructure of P‐FMPS were attributed to the purification process while rearrangement and aggregation of polysaccharide molecules took place, which resulted in the significant difference of rheological properties between C‐FMPS and P‐FMPS.