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Nutritional and Chemical Quality of Maize Hybrids from Different FAO Maturity Groups Developed and Grown in Serbia
Get PDFMaize is a globally significant cereal crop, contributing to the production of essential food products and serving as a pivotal resource for diverse industrial applications. This study investigated the proximate analysis of maize hybrids from different FAO maturity groups in Serbia, exploring variations in polyphenols, flavonoids, carotenoids, tocopherols, and fatty acids with the aim of understanding how agroecological conditions influence the nutritional potential of maize hybrids. The results indicate substantial variations in nutritional composition and antioxidant properties among different maturity groups. The levels of total polyphenols varied among FAO groups, indicating that specific hybrids may offer greater health benefits. Flavonoids and carotenoids also showed considerable variation, with implications for nutritional quality. Tocopherol content varied significantly, emphasizing the diversity in antioxidant capacity. Fatty acid analysis revealed high levels of unsaturated fatty acids, particularly linoleic acid, indicating favorable nutritional and industrial properties. The study highlights the importance of considering maturity groups in assessing the nutritional potential of maize hybrids
Medicinal plants application in nutrition and nutritional benefits - from tradition to science
No full textMedicinal plants bridge between science and tradition, offering significant benefits in nutrition and folk medicine. Research confirms their effectiveness in preventing and treating various diseases, while the traditional use of medicinal plants has a long history in folk medicine worldwide. In nutrition, medicinal plants can enhance the nutritional value of food, enriching it with bioactive compounds and contributing to health preservation. Traditional medicine employs medicinal plants to address various health issues, drawing on knowledge passed down through generations and supported by scientific studies. The synergy of modern scientific research and traditional knowledge can enhance the application of medicinal plants, providing sustainable and effective options to improve health and nutrition, thereby fully harnessing the potential of medicinal plants for the benefit of humanity
Superfoods - myth or reality?
No full textResearch has demonstrated that the consumption of "superfoods," encompassing items such as chia seeds, spirulina, acai berries, quinoa, and amaranth, can offer significant health benefits. This study aims to analyze the nutritional composition, antioxidant properties, and potential health benefits of these foods, with a focus on their impact on the immune system and overall health. By reviewing significant scientific literature, key nutrients and bioactive components present in superfoods that contribute to health improvement are highlighted. Furthermore, the role of superfoods in promoting balanced nutrition and preventing chronic diseases is explored. A critical examination of the terminology and marketing strategies surrounding superfoods contributes to a deeper understanding of this concept and its impact on public health. The endeavor is to scientifically investigate the potential risks and benefits of consuming superfoods to ensure accurate consumer information and promote awareness of the importance of diverse diets for optimal health
Fatty acids and elemental profiling of new Serbian varieties of oil rape, safflower, and mustard seed
No full textThe growing interest in oil plants for human and animal nutrition and various industries has driven the diversification and development of new oil crop varieties. This diversification not only improves
resilience to pests and climatic variations but also enhances nutritional quality. To ensure the
commercial viability of these newly developed oilseeds, it is crucial to characterize their nutritional and
chemical profiles comprehensively. This study evaluates two varieties of safflower and both white and black mustard as alternative oilseed crops, focusing on their fatty acid and mineral compositions, compared to two genotypes of rapeseeds, a traditional oil crop. The analysis revealed that the oilseed samples had a high content of unsaturated fatty acids, ranging from 86.42% to 95.08%, and a low content of saturated fatty acids, ranging from 4.69% to 13.56%. Among the unsaturated fatty acids, monounsaturated oleic acid (C18:1c) was the most abundant, with contents of 62.63% and 67.55% in certain varieties, followed by essential polyunsaturated linoleic acid (18:2n6) and α-linolenic acid (18:3n3). Linoleic acid constituted about 20%, while α-linolenic acid was present in smaller amounts, ranging from 5% to 7% of total fatty acids. All analysed samples contained significant levels of essential minerals for human nutrition. The predominant elements were phosphorus, potassium, calcium, and magnesium, in descending order. Additionally, these oilseed crops were rich in microelements such as iron, copper, manganese, and zinc. The new varieties of oil rape, safflower, and mustard seeds demonstrate promising nutritional profiles with high unsaturated fatty acid content
and valuable mineral compositions. These findings suggest that safflower and mustard crops can be
viable alternatives to traditional oil crops, offering substantial nutritional benefits and the potential for
increased oil crop diversity
Nutritional and chemical characterization of safflower seeds (Carthamus tinctorius L.): implications for food, feed, and oil industries
No full textSafflower seeds (Carthamus tinctorius L.) are increasingly recognized for their nutritional value and
diverse applications in food, feed, and oil industries. A comprehensive analysis of the chemical
composition, mineral content, and fatty acid profile of safflower seeds is crucial for understanding their
health benefits, optimizing agricultural practices, and supporting various applications in the food and
feed industries. Additionally, such analysis provides valuable insights for improving crop quality and
enhancing the economic value of safflower in the global market. In this study, the safflower seed
variety developed through the breeding program of the Institute of Field and Vegetable Crops was
thoroughly analysed. The chemical composition was assessed using AOAC methods, mineral content
was measured via atomic absorption spectrometry (SRPS EN ISO 6869:2008), and fatty acid methyl
esters (FAME) were prepared and analyzed through gas chromatography according to SRPS EN ISO
12966-2:2017. The analysis revealed a moisture content of 7.03%, crude protein of 12.85%, crude fat
of 18.41%, crude ash of 2.10%, and crude fiber of 8.37%. Mineral analysis indicated substantial levels
of potassium (3523.54 mg/kg) and calcium (1463.31 mg/kg), alongside trace elements such as
phosphorus (0.46 mg/kg), magnesium (1328.81 mg/kg), iron (26.82 mg/kg), manganese (9.18 mg/kg),
zinc (23.53 mg/kg), and copper (6.31 mg/kg). The lipid profile highlighted a predominance of
polyunsaturated fatty acids (75.6%), mainly linoleic acid (75.4%), with saturated fatty acids at 8.1%
and monounsaturated fatty acids at 16.3%. The obtained results will enhance understanding of
safflower seeds' nutritional profile, guiding their effective use in food and feed applications. This
knowledge will inform health professionals and agricultural stakeholders, promoting healthier diets
and sustainable farming practice
Dynamic alterations in fatty acid profiles and tocopherol composition in oilseed rape seeds under controlled environmental condition
No full textOilseed rape, renowned for its high oil content predominantly composed of beneficial
monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids, plays a pivotal role in human and animal nutrition.
It is rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, enhancing its nutritional value for both dietary and
agricultural applications. The versatility of oilseed rape seed lies in its balanced fatty acid profile,
crucial for the production of high-quality edible oil, animal fodder, and biofuels. However, the
susceptibility of its unsaturated fatty acids, such as oleic and linoleic acids, to oxidation affects its
shelf life and industrial utility. This study focused on analyzing the lipid composition of five rapeseed
varieties after 6 and 12 months of controlled storage conditions. Gas chromatography (Konik HRGC
4000) facilitated the determination of fatty acid profiles, revealing a notable exponential decline in
most acids over time. Specifically, oleic, linoleic and arachidonic acids exhibited a decrease at 6
months followed by a subsequent increase at 12 months, albeit not reaching initial levels. In the case
of palmitic and linoleic acids, the content increased over time and then decreased. Furthermore,
tocopherol levels were quantified using high-performance liquid chromatography (Nucleosil 100-5
NH2 column with fluorescence detection (λex=280 nm, λem=340 nm), and glucosinolate content
estimated based on sulfur levels. These analyses underscored the dynamic nature of rapeseed oil
composition during storage, highlighting potential fluctuations in fatty acid content contingent upon
storage conditions. While degradation is common in suboptimal storage environments, improvements
can mitigate these changes, suggesting that careful management could stabilize or even reverse the
decline in fatty acid content over time. In conclusion, understanding the temporal changes in
rapeseed oil composition under different storage conditions is crucial for optimizing its nutritional and
industrial applications, ensuring its sustained value in various sectors
Biometric characteristics of seeds of endangered herbaceous peony species:Insight into morphological variation and conservation implications
No full textHerbaceous peonies are endangered plant species valued for their ornamental beauty, medicinal properties, and edibility. Understanding the seed biology of wild plant species is essential for overcoming ecological and conservation challenges. Paeonia species, in particular, are known for their slow and low germination rate due to dormancy, which is partly influenced by the morphology of their seeds. The aim of this study was to evaluate the biometric traits of seeds of different herbaceous Paeonia species to increase a deeper understanding of their variations. The seeds of three herbaceous Paeonia species (Paeonia daurica Andrews, Paeonia peregrina Mill., and Paeonia tenuifolia L.) were collected during the summer of 2024. For morphological analysis, 60 fully developed seeds of each species were randomly selected. Seed size (width, length, thickness, hilum width) was measured using calipers, and seed/seed coat weight was determined on an analytical scale. The obtained results indicated significant morphological differences among the analyzed species. P. daurica had the lowest proportion of seed coats and a higher nutrient content in the endosperm, which could indicate a greater potential for survival under unfavourable conditions. In addition, the round shape of the seeds improves dispersal potential. On the other hand, P. tenuifolia had the smallest seeds, the highest percentage of seed coat and the widest hilum, which can may indicate a greater adaptation of this species to drought conditions. The heaviest seeds belong to the species P. 46eregrine, followed by P. daurica, while P. tenuifolia produced the lightest seeds. These results align with the findings from previous studies, providing further consistency. Remarkably, the seeds were approximately 15% lighter than in multi-year average, due to the unusually dry and warm conditions of 2024. These findings are important for understanding the ecological adaptations of herbaceous Paeonia species and for supporting conservation strategies
Phytopharmacological profile, nutritional value and amaranthine content of Amaranthus and their significant in medicine
No full textThe aim of this study was to determine the phytopharmacological properties and nutritional values in the protein and amino acid content of leaves and flowers in different species of the genus Amaranthus L., namely A. molleros, A. caudatus, A. mantegazzianus, and A. cruentus. The content of amarantin, total content of low molecular weight soluble antioxidants (CCA), phenolic compounds, and ascorbic acid content in the mentioned species of amaranth were also determined. The studied six genotypes of amaranth belong to the collection of the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Belgrade. Amaranth is known to be an excellent food crop due to the high nutritional value of its seeds and leaves and it is excellent phyto-medicinal crop, as its inflorescences and leaves can be used as sources of antioxidants, and its seeds for producing gluten free health safe products. In leaves, the lysine content ranged from 3.9% (A. caudatus) to 7.0% (A. cruentus; A. molleros), and in flowers from 4.2% (A. caudatus) to 7.4% (A. cruentus -G8) while the amaranth content varied (1.2-2.2%), antioxidants (CCA 1.6-3.5%), and ascorbic acid content (150-200%). Amaranth has the ability to improve the functionality of the immune system, enabling an outstanding balance of amino acid composition, as well as the ratio of lysine to arginine. Antioxidants, amaranth and ascorbic acid content significantly contributes to the ability to improve the functionality of the human immune system. Duodenal peptic ulcer and chronic gastritis caused by Helicobacter pylori can be treated with amaranth oil
Harnessing the fullerenol nanoparticles to enhance plant drought tolerance
No full textThe era of nanotechnology has unraveled, with carbon-based nanomaterials standing out due to their versatility and biocompatibility. Hydroxylated derivatives of fullerenes (C60), known as fullerenols (C60(OH)x), have shown significant benefits in plant treatments over the past decade. These include promoting growth, protecting cellular components, improving photosynthesis, aiding nutrient uptake, enhancing stress tolerance, and increasing yield. The number of hydroxyl groups on C60 is crucial for the solubility of fullerenol nanoparticles (C60(OH)x) in water. Our decade-long research has focused on the physiological impacts of custom-made C60(OH)24 fullerenol (FNP), with 24 OH groups showing the best reproducibility in biological models. The substance underwent thorough chemical characterization using SEM, DLS, and XRD fingerprinting. To elucidate the mechanisms of FNP, we used genetically encoded calcium biosensor in Arabidopsis, to uncover the stress signaling responses in primed and non-primed plants. We learned that FNP is able to suppress the osmotic imbalance, and allow plants to acclimate more efficiently. Also, surveying ABA signaling-pathway related genes confirmed drought stress mitigation and revealed significant changes in gene expression related to plant acclimatization, independent of the ABA signaling pathway. Extending from model plants to crops, we found that FNP treatments significantly improved drought tolerance in sugar beet, corn, and grapevine by enhancing cellular redox balance, photosynthesis, and stabilizing yield. These findings contribute to a better understanding of drought tolerance mechanisms in plants and highlight the potential biotechnological applications of nanomaterials in agriculture
Mitigating drought stress in sugar beet through UV-C low dose radiation seed priming
No full textTo address the challenge of increased drought stress in plant production, this research investigated the effects of low-dose UV-C radiation (1 kJm-2) in sugar beet seed priming. Germination, growth, photosynthetic performance, water regime parameters, and redox metabolism responses were monitored to determine if drought stress tolerance could be enhanced by this treatment. The results clearly indicate that reduced growth and impaired photosynthetic performance under drought conditions were significantly mitigated in plants primed with UV-C radiation. Enhanced antioxidant activity led to reduced oxidative stress, evidenced by decreased lipid peroxidation, and lower levels of glutathione and proline. In the roots of treated plants, increased ROS removal was observed through DHE (dihydroethidium) and DCFDA (2’-7’-Dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate) staining which showed small upshift in ROS removal. Aggregated data in a PCA analysis demonstrated the overall beneficial effects of UV-C treatment. These findings underscore the practical and economic potential of UV-C seed priming in agriculture, advocating for further research and application in this fiel