Marc (maiden name Vlaic) Romina Alina has completed her Ph.D. (Agronomy) in 2015 at the University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine (UASVM) of Cluj-Napoca (Romania). She is PhD Eng., Lecturer and she is responsible for the research activity in the Vegetable food quality control, Rheology in the food industry, Quality management systems and Food safety of the Faculty of Food Science and Technology, UASVM Cluj-Napoca. She has published 36 research articles on the development of innovative food products and bioactive compound traceability during processing in reputed journals. She was responsible for 7 research projects and won 2 national awards and 42 international awards. Member in professional associations: Slow Food International; Association of Food Industry Specialists in Romania (ASIAR), from education, research and production; Association of Specialists in Milling and Baking in Romania (30.03.2020) Phone: 0040740379436 Address: Cluj-Napoca, Cluj, Romania
The purpose of this Special Issue entitled “Spicy and Aromatic Plants” is to expand our knowledge... more The purpose of this Special Issue entitled “Spicy and Aromatic Plants” is to expand our knowledge about edible plants, which have been used for thousands of years, by all the peoples of the world, in every household [...]
The efficiency of modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) in combination with postharvest treatment o... more The efficiency of modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) in combination with postharvest treatment on the shelf-life, physiochemical attributes, color, and nutrition of pointed gourd was studied after storing in refrigerated (low temperature, LT) and ambient (room temperature, RT) conditions. Fresh pointed gourd fruits were dipped in NaOCl solution (0.01% w/v) and potassium metabisulphite (KMS) (0.05% w/v), blanched (100°C for 4 min), and then packed in perforated and non-perforated polythene and polypropylene packets of each type and brown paper bags as MAP before storing at LT and RT. Physiochemical attributes, color, and nutrition were measured until the marketable level of acceptance (up to shelf-life) after storage and compared with the untreated and unpacked samples (control). The results showed profound differences among the treatment variables in all the studied dependent parameters regarding the LT and RT storage conditions. Among the treatments, perforated and non-perforated ...
A field experiment was carried out with 20 genotypes of Transplant Aman (T. Aman) rice at the Dep... more A field experiment was carried out with 20 genotypes of Transplant Aman (T. Aman) rice at the Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Agricultural University, Salna, Gazipur-1706, Bangladesh. The study was performed to evaluate the genetic deviation, trait association, and path coefficient (PC) based on grain yield (GY) and different yield-contributing agronomic characters. Variance analysis displayed extensive traits-wise variations across accessions, indicating variability and the opportunity for genetic selection for desirable traits. The high mean, range, and genotypic variances observed for most of the characters indicated a wide range of variation for these traits. All the characters indicated the minimum influence of environment on the expression of the trait and genetic factors had a significant role in the expressivity of these characters. High heritability in broad sense (h2b) and high to moderate genetic advance in percent of the mean ...
The morphological and essential oil diversity of Stachys lavandulifolia populations from the west... more The morphological and essential oil diversity of Stachys lavandulifolia populations from the west and northwest of Iran were evaluated. The results showed a significant difference between the populations for nearly all the evaluated traits. The broadest variation ranges were recorded for the auxiliary shoot length, leaf length in the main branch, and the number of flowers in the inflorescences. Furthermore, cluster analysis divided 13 populations into four separate groups. GC/MS analysis verified the presence of 28 components comprising up to 94/4% of the oils. The dominant constituents were α-pinene (1.07–34.87%), (E)-caryophyllene (0.45–25.99%), germacrene D (3.36–20.61%), Δ-cadinene (2.82–19.90%), bicyclogermacrene (1.72–12.08%) α-terpineol (0–11.86%), α-muurolol (0.31–11.50%), p-cymene (0.67–9.67%), β-elemene (0.63–9.31%), and sabinene (0.32–6.29%). The results revealed that natural habitats and the related geo-climatological cues influenced morphological traits and oil composit...
The aim of the present work was to determine the optimal level for partial substitution of butter... more The aim of the present work was to determine the optimal level for partial substitution of butter and milk with pistachio paste and rose water. The quantity of pistachio paste added to the muffins was 6, 9, and 12%, while the quantity of rose water was 5% for all the samples, except for control sample. A significant increase in protein (6.52 - 8.01%), total phenols (13.19 - 18.54 mg GAE/100 g), and antioxidant capacity (10.83 - 16.69% RSA) was observed, as well as a decrease in fat (13.06 - 11.98%). The concentrations of individual sugars namely sucrose, glucose, and fructose were not significantly influenced by the added pistachio paste. The volatile compounds which were predominant in the analysed samples were benzaldehyde, D-limonene, 1,3-dioxolane, 4-methyl-2-phenyl-, β-myrcene, α-pinene, β-linalool, phenylethyl alcohol, and β-citronellol. Regarding the textural profile, the muffin samples added with pistachio paste and rose water were not significantly influenced (p > 0.05).
BACKGROUND Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are a significant cause of morbidity and death in the c... more BACKGROUND Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are a significant cause of morbidity and death in the current world, posing a challenge to both developing and industrialized nation's health systems. Citrullus lanatus (Thunb.) Matsum. & Nakai. seeds have long been utilized to supplement and enhance health and treat cardiovascular illnesses. However, its treatments for CVDs are still unknown. More research is required to fully comprehend the impact of C. lanatus seeds on vasorelaxation and myocardial infractions. PURPOSE Therefore, an integrated metabolomics profiling technique was used to investigate possible pathways of C. lanatus in isoproterenol (ISO)-induced myocardial infarction (MI). Isoproterenol causes long-term cardiac hypertrophy by causing cardiomyocyte compensatory loss, eventually leading to heart failure. METHODS In vitro models of vasoconstriction, atrium, and in vivo models of invasive blood pressure measurement and isoproterenol (ISO) induced cardiac hypertrophy in rats were used to understand underlying mechanistic by LC-MS/MS based dynamic metabolomics analysis of the serum and heart samples to be investigated the effect of ethanolic extract of C. lanatus (Cl.EtOH). RESULTS Cl.EtOH exhibited vasorelaxant, negative chronotropic, and inotropic effects in in-vitro models whereas, a potent hypotensive effect was observed in normotensive rats. The Cl.EtOH protected the animals from ISO-induced myocardial infarction (MI) with therapeutic interventions in left ventricular thickness, cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, mRNA gene expression, biochemical assays, and metabolomic profiling of serum and heart tissues. CONCLUSIONS For the first time, our study confirmed that C. lanatus seeds (Cl.EtOH) possess significant antihypertensive and prevent ISO-induced myocardial infarction. These findings comprehensively demonstrated mechanistic insights of Cl.EtOH in vasorelaxation and myocardial infarction. The current study provides evidence for further mechanistic studies and the development of C. lanatus seeds as a potential therapeutic intervention for patients with cardiovascular disorders.
This study is focused on the comparison and classification of parsley, lovage, basil, and thyme e... more This study is focused on the comparison and classification of parsley, lovage, basil, and thyme essential oils (EOs) based on their chemical composition, total phenolic content, antioxidant and antibacterial activities by using appropriate chemometric methods: Principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA). The results showed that parsley, lovage, and thyme EOs are rich in monoterpene hydrocarbons, but basil EO is rich in oxygenated monoterpenes and phenylpropanoids, and that both PCA and HCA separated essential oils into two main groups of which one contains two sub-groups. β-Phellandrene was the major component identified in parsley and lovage EOs, estragole was the major component in basil EO, and -cymene was the major component in thyme EO. Thyme EO showed the highest level of total phenolics, the highest antioxidant capacity, and exhibited the stronger antibacterial activity, results that were emphasized by both chemometric methods used. Among tested...
The avocado seed is an underused waste resulting from the processing of pulp. Polyphenols, fibers... more The avocado seed is an underused waste resulting from the processing of pulp. Polyphenols, fibers, and carotenoids are present in the seed, which also exhibits prophylactic, fungicidal, and larvicidal effects. Developing food products with avocado seed as an ingredient or spice is highly desired for nutritional, environmental, and economic reasons. The present study proposed its valorization in a hot drink, similar to already existing coffee alternatives, obtained by infusing the roasted and grinded avocado seed. The proximate composition of the raw or conditioned avocado seed and that of the novel drink were determined. The total phenolic content was assessed using the Folin-Ciocâlteu method. The total carotenoids were extracted and assessed spectrophotometrically. Starch determination was performed by the Ewers Polarimetric method. The highest content of polyphenols, 772.90 mg GAE/100 g, was determined in the crude seed, while in the drink was as low as 17.55 mg GAE/100 g. However...
Cucumis sativus L., widely cultivated as an edible vegetable. Its seeds are well reputed for card... more Cucumis sativus L., widely cultivated as an edible vegetable. Its seeds are well reputed for cardiovascular preventive properties. However, the mechanisms underlying for cardiovascular protection of C. sativus are still unidentified. Therefore, this study utilized a metabolomics approach to investigate putative mechanisms of C. sativus seeds in myocardial infarction (MI) and in vitro models of vasoconstriction, atrium, and invasive blood pressure measurement. Results showed that Cu.EtOH extract showed a vasorelaxant response with potent hypotensive effect in normotensive rats and L-NAME induced hypertension. Cu.EtOH caused a negative inotropic and positive chronotropic effect on the atrium. Cu.EtOH protected the animals from ISO-induced myocardial infarction (MI) interventions in left ventricular thickness, cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, mRNA gene expression, and biochemical assays. The metabolomics data suggested that Cu.EtOH mainly affected amino acid metabolism, BCAA degradation, ketone bodies degradation, and oxidative stress. Our study showed that Cu.EtOH suppressed inflammation with a strong anti-myocardial infarction impact. Additionally, our findings indicated Cu.EtOH reverted the amino acid metabolism, BCAA, and ketone bodies degradation. The findings show the antihypertensive mechanism of Cu.EtOH may include the modulation of endothelium-derived relaxing factor (EDRF) produced from nitric oxide (NO) and is connected with vascular endothelial function. C. sativus seeds, in particular, played a pivotal role in the treatment of myocardial and vascular disorders by enhancing the EDRF mechanism, energy generation, and antioxidant capacity. In summary, our findings showed the mechanistic insights on the therapeutic potential of C. sativus seeds for cardiovascular disorders.
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
Rapid and unchecked industrialization and the combustion of fossil fuels have engendered a state ... more Rapid and unchecked industrialization and the combustion of fossil fuels have engendered a state of fear in urban settlements. Smog is a visible form of air pollution that arises due to the over-emissions of some primary pollutants like volatile organic compounds (VOCs), hydrocarbons, SO2, NO, and NO2 which further react in the atmosphere and give rise to toxic and carcinogenic secondary smog components. Smog reduces the visibility on roads and results in road accidents and cancellation of flights. Uptake of primary and secondary pollutants of smog is responsible for several deleterious diseases of which respiratory disorders, cardiovascular dysfunction, neurological disorders, and cancer are discussed here. Children and pregnant women are more prone to the hazards of smog. The worsening menace of smog on one hand and occurrence of pandemic i.e., COVID-19 on the other may increase the mortality rate. But the implementation of lockdown during pandemics has favored the atmosphere in s...
Apples produce volatile chemicals that are responsible for the characteristic flavour of the frui... more Apples produce volatile chemicals that are responsible for the characteristic flavour of the fruit, as well as for the attribute of the final flavour. The aroma induced by the volatile compounds is important in determining the quality of the fruit, and especially for determining consumer acceptability. Fruits from three apple varieties were analysed (Ionathan, Golden Delicious and Starkrimson) at technological maturity and consumption maturity. The analysis method was developed on a Shimadzu QP-2010 GC-MS gas chromatograph, equipped with an AOC- 5000 (CombiPAL) autosampler. The results showed that there are differences between varieties in terms of number, type and concentration of volatile compounds. Fruits at technological maturity have a high content of aldehydes while fruits at consumption maturity have a higher content of esters.
Himalaiella heteromalla (D.Don) Raab-Straube is a commonly used remedy against various diseases. ... more Himalaiella heteromalla (D.Don) Raab-Straube is a commonly used remedy against various diseases. Crude extract and fractions of H. heteromalla were investigated for a gastrointestinal, bronchodilator, cardiovascular, and anti-inflammatory activities. H. heteromalla crude extract (Hh.Cr) relaxed spontaneous contractions and K+ (80 mM)-induced contraction in jejunum tissue dose-dependently. The relaxation of K+ (80 mM) indicates the presence of Ca++ channel blocking (CCB) effect, which was further confirmed by constructing calcium response curves (CRCs) as they caused rightward parallel shift of CRCs in a manner comparable to verapamil, so the spasmolytic effect of Hh.Cr was due to its CCB activity. Application of Hh.Cr on CCh (1 µM) and K+ (80 mM)-induced contraction in tracheal preparation resulted in complete relaxation, showing its bronchodilator effect mediated through Ca++ channels and cholinergic antagonist activity. Application of Hh.Cr on aortic preparations exhibited vasorel...
Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology, 2017
The therapeutic value of plums is provided by the contained bioactive compounds, but in consumers... more The therapeutic value of plums is provided by the contained bioactive compounds, but in consumers choice an essential role is played by the product flavour in which volatile compounds are important contributors. The content in bioactive compounds, the antioxidant activity as well as the volatile profile of three plum cultivars were determined during fruit development. In the analyzed samples, depending on cultivar, harvesting time and the position of fruit in the tree crown, the determined total phenolic content varied between 60.31–699.92 mg GAE 100 g, while the flavonoids and anthocyanins content ranged between 11.24–254.46 mg QE 100 g, and 0.09–1.65 mg CE 100 g, respectively. Using ITEX/GC-MS technique, there were 99 volatile compounds detected in the samples of which 93 were tentatively identified. The volatiles present in the plums cultivars included alcohols, aldehydes, ketones, esters, terpenoids, lactones and others. The most abundant class (in all plum cultivars and develop...
Many studies have shown the importance of goji fruit and almonds to human health. Due to the high... more Many studies have shown the importance of goji fruit and almonds to human health. Due to the high content in carotenoids, phenolic compounds, vitamins, minerals and polysaccharides these fruits play an important role in strengthening the immune system, prevention of cardiovascular diseases, such as cancer and slowing the aging process. Through studies and researches carried out in the context of this work, we aimed at obtaining a liquor assortment of goji fruit with the addition of almond milk. Goji fruit liqueur and almond milk are natural products produced without heat treatment and low in sugar. After obtaining, we conducted laboratory tests physicochemical, aiming at determining antioxidant capacity, alcoholic strength, total dry extract, content of flavonoids, sugar, total acidity, pH, polyphenols. Following the evaluation of the results it was found that goji fruit liqueur fall within the limits of STAS on obtaining and marketing of liqueurs, liqueurs being classified as desert.
Variations of total polyphenol content, antioxidant capacity, chlorophyll pigments and carotenoid... more Variations of total polyphenol content, antioxidant capacity, chlorophyll pigments and carotenoid pigments during fruit development of Golden Delicious, Starkrimson, and Ionathan apple varieties were investigated at 7, 15, 35, 65, 107 and 144 days after full bloom (DAFB). For all varieties, the highest total polyphenol content was recorded for the apples harvested at 7 DAFB, decreasing while the fruit was growing. Antioxidant capacity reaches the maximum level at 15 DAFB and then declines until the apples reached technological maturity. Total chlorophyll, chlorophyll a and b recorded high values at 65 DAFB, when both the temperature and the light intensity are high (July). After this harvesting time, chlorophyll content decreased. The concentration of carotenoids accumulated in apple peel varied, however following a downward trend during fruit growth, regardless of the variety or the crown position. These results provide a preliminary foundation for the further use of apples from ph...
In the context of the momentary market of natural products, a growth in the consumer request of n... more In the context of the momentary market of natural products, a growth in the consumer request of natural products can be observed, especially regarding the therapeutic products. Previous research has emphasized the utility of bio-active compounds present in the essential Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis L.) oil, and the positive effects it has over health. The following mini-review attempts to present the benefits of using essential therapeutic Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis L.) oil over human body health.
Lavandula Stoechas L. is widely known for its pharmacological properties. This study was performe... more Lavandula Stoechas L. is widely known for its pharmacological properties. This study was performed to identify its biomolecules, which are responsible for enhancement of memory. L. stoechas aqueous extract was first purified by liquid column chromatography. The purified fractions were analyzed for in vitro anti-cholinesterase activity. The fraction that produced the best anti-cholinesterase activity was named an active fraction of L. stoechas (AfL.s). This was then subjected to GC–MS for identifications of biomolecules present in it. GC–MS indicated the presence of phenethylamine and α-tocopherol in AfL.s. Different doses of AfL.s were orally administered (for seven days) to scopolamine-induced hyper-amnesic albino mice and then behavioral studies were performed on mice for two days. After that, animals were sacrificed and their brains were isolated to perform the biochemical assay. Results of behavioral studies indicated that AfL.s improved the inflexion ratio in mice, which indica...
The purpose of this Special Issue entitled “Spicy and Aromatic Plants” is to expand our knowledge... more The purpose of this Special Issue entitled “Spicy and Aromatic Plants” is to expand our knowledge about edible plants, which have been used for thousands of years, by all the peoples of the world, in every household [...]
The efficiency of modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) in combination with postharvest treatment o... more The efficiency of modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) in combination with postharvest treatment on the shelf-life, physiochemical attributes, color, and nutrition of pointed gourd was studied after storing in refrigerated (low temperature, LT) and ambient (room temperature, RT) conditions. Fresh pointed gourd fruits were dipped in NaOCl solution (0.01% w/v) and potassium metabisulphite (KMS) (0.05% w/v), blanched (100°C for 4 min), and then packed in perforated and non-perforated polythene and polypropylene packets of each type and brown paper bags as MAP before storing at LT and RT. Physiochemical attributes, color, and nutrition were measured until the marketable level of acceptance (up to shelf-life) after storage and compared with the untreated and unpacked samples (control). The results showed profound differences among the treatment variables in all the studied dependent parameters regarding the LT and RT storage conditions. Among the treatments, perforated and non-perforated ...
A field experiment was carried out with 20 genotypes of Transplant Aman (T. Aman) rice at the Dep... more A field experiment was carried out with 20 genotypes of Transplant Aman (T. Aman) rice at the Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Agricultural University, Salna, Gazipur-1706, Bangladesh. The study was performed to evaluate the genetic deviation, trait association, and path coefficient (PC) based on grain yield (GY) and different yield-contributing agronomic characters. Variance analysis displayed extensive traits-wise variations across accessions, indicating variability and the opportunity for genetic selection for desirable traits. The high mean, range, and genotypic variances observed for most of the characters indicated a wide range of variation for these traits. All the characters indicated the minimum influence of environment on the expression of the trait and genetic factors had a significant role in the expressivity of these characters. High heritability in broad sense (h2b) and high to moderate genetic advance in percent of the mean ...
The morphological and essential oil diversity of Stachys lavandulifolia populations from the west... more The morphological and essential oil diversity of Stachys lavandulifolia populations from the west and northwest of Iran were evaluated. The results showed a significant difference between the populations for nearly all the evaluated traits. The broadest variation ranges were recorded for the auxiliary shoot length, leaf length in the main branch, and the number of flowers in the inflorescences. Furthermore, cluster analysis divided 13 populations into four separate groups. GC/MS analysis verified the presence of 28 components comprising up to 94/4% of the oils. The dominant constituents were α-pinene (1.07–34.87%), (E)-caryophyllene (0.45–25.99%), germacrene D (3.36–20.61%), Δ-cadinene (2.82–19.90%), bicyclogermacrene (1.72–12.08%) α-terpineol (0–11.86%), α-muurolol (0.31–11.50%), p-cymene (0.67–9.67%), β-elemene (0.63–9.31%), and sabinene (0.32–6.29%). The results revealed that natural habitats and the related geo-climatological cues influenced morphological traits and oil composit...
The aim of the present work was to determine the optimal level for partial substitution of butter... more The aim of the present work was to determine the optimal level for partial substitution of butter and milk with pistachio paste and rose water. The quantity of pistachio paste added to the muffins was 6, 9, and 12%, while the quantity of rose water was 5% for all the samples, except for control sample. A significant increase in protein (6.52 - 8.01%), total phenols (13.19 - 18.54 mg GAE/100 g), and antioxidant capacity (10.83 - 16.69% RSA) was observed, as well as a decrease in fat (13.06 - 11.98%). The concentrations of individual sugars namely sucrose, glucose, and fructose were not significantly influenced by the added pistachio paste. The volatile compounds which were predominant in the analysed samples were benzaldehyde, D-limonene, 1,3-dioxolane, 4-methyl-2-phenyl-, β-myrcene, α-pinene, β-linalool, phenylethyl alcohol, and β-citronellol. Regarding the textural profile, the muffin samples added with pistachio paste and rose water were not significantly influenced (p > 0.05).
BACKGROUND Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are a significant cause of morbidity and death in the c... more BACKGROUND Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are a significant cause of morbidity and death in the current world, posing a challenge to both developing and industrialized nation's health systems. Citrullus lanatus (Thunb.) Matsum. & Nakai. seeds have long been utilized to supplement and enhance health and treat cardiovascular illnesses. However, its treatments for CVDs are still unknown. More research is required to fully comprehend the impact of C. lanatus seeds on vasorelaxation and myocardial infractions. PURPOSE Therefore, an integrated metabolomics profiling technique was used to investigate possible pathways of C. lanatus in isoproterenol (ISO)-induced myocardial infarction (MI). Isoproterenol causes long-term cardiac hypertrophy by causing cardiomyocyte compensatory loss, eventually leading to heart failure. METHODS In vitro models of vasoconstriction, atrium, and in vivo models of invasive blood pressure measurement and isoproterenol (ISO) induced cardiac hypertrophy in rats were used to understand underlying mechanistic by LC-MS/MS based dynamic metabolomics analysis of the serum and heart samples to be investigated the effect of ethanolic extract of C. lanatus (Cl.EtOH). RESULTS Cl.EtOH exhibited vasorelaxant, negative chronotropic, and inotropic effects in in-vitro models whereas, a potent hypotensive effect was observed in normotensive rats. The Cl.EtOH protected the animals from ISO-induced myocardial infarction (MI) with therapeutic interventions in left ventricular thickness, cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, mRNA gene expression, biochemical assays, and metabolomic profiling of serum and heart tissues. CONCLUSIONS For the first time, our study confirmed that C. lanatus seeds (Cl.EtOH) possess significant antihypertensive and prevent ISO-induced myocardial infarction. These findings comprehensively demonstrated mechanistic insights of Cl.EtOH in vasorelaxation and myocardial infarction. The current study provides evidence for further mechanistic studies and the development of C. lanatus seeds as a potential therapeutic intervention for patients with cardiovascular disorders.
This study is focused on the comparison and classification of parsley, lovage, basil, and thyme e... more This study is focused on the comparison and classification of parsley, lovage, basil, and thyme essential oils (EOs) based on their chemical composition, total phenolic content, antioxidant and antibacterial activities by using appropriate chemometric methods: Principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA). The results showed that parsley, lovage, and thyme EOs are rich in monoterpene hydrocarbons, but basil EO is rich in oxygenated monoterpenes and phenylpropanoids, and that both PCA and HCA separated essential oils into two main groups of which one contains two sub-groups. β-Phellandrene was the major component identified in parsley and lovage EOs, estragole was the major component in basil EO, and -cymene was the major component in thyme EO. Thyme EO showed the highest level of total phenolics, the highest antioxidant capacity, and exhibited the stronger antibacterial activity, results that were emphasized by both chemometric methods used. Among tested...
The avocado seed is an underused waste resulting from the processing of pulp. Polyphenols, fibers... more The avocado seed is an underused waste resulting from the processing of pulp. Polyphenols, fibers, and carotenoids are present in the seed, which also exhibits prophylactic, fungicidal, and larvicidal effects. Developing food products with avocado seed as an ingredient or spice is highly desired for nutritional, environmental, and economic reasons. The present study proposed its valorization in a hot drink, similar to already existing coffee alternatives, obtained by infusing the roasted and grinded avocado seed. The proximate composition of the raw or conditioned avocado seed and that of the novel drink were determined. The total phenolic content was assessed using the Folin-Ciocâlteu method. The total carotenoids were extracted and assessed spectrophotometrically. Starch determination was performed by the Ewers Polarimetric method. The highest content of polyphenols, 772.90 mg GAE/100 g, was determined in the crude seed, while in the drink was as low as 17.55 mg GAE/100 g. However...
Cucumis sativus L., widely cultivated as an edible vegetable. Its seeds are well reputed for card... more Cucumis sativus L., widely cultivated as an edible vegetable. Its seeds are well reputed for cardiovascular preventive properties. However, the mechanisms underlying for cardiovascular protection of C. sativus are still unidentified. Therefore, this study utilized a metabolomics approach to investigate putative mechanisms of C. sativus seeds in myocardial infarction (MI) and in vitro models of vasoconstriction, atrium, and invasive blood pressure measurement. Results showed that Cu.EtOH extract showed a vasorelaxant response with potent hypotensive effect in normotensive rats and L-NAME induced hypertension. Cu.EtOH caused a negative inotropic and positive chronotropic effect on the atrium. Cu.EtOH protected the animals from ISO-induced myocardial infarction (MI) interventions in left ventricular thickness, cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, mRNA gene expression, and biochemical assays. The metabolomics data suggested that Cu.EtOH mainly affected amino acid metabolism, BCAA degradation, ketone bodies degradation, and oxidative stress. Our study showed that Cu.EtOH suppressed inflammation with a strong anti-myocardial infarction impact. Additionally, our findings indicated Cu.EtOH reverted the amino acid metabolism, BCAA, and ketone bodies degradation. The findings show the antihypertensive mechanism of Cu.EtOH may include the modulation of endothelium-derived relaxing factor (EDRF) produced from nitric oxide (NO) and is connected with vascular endothelial function. C. sativus seeds, in particular, played a pivotal role in the treatment of myocardial and vascular disorders by enhancing the EDRF mechanism, energy generation, and antioxidant capacity. In summary, our findings showed the mechanistic insights on the therapeutic potential of C. sativus seeds for cardiovascular disorders.
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
Rapid and unchecked industrialization and the combustion of fossil fuels have engendered a state ... more Rapid and unchecked industrialization and the combustion of fossil fuels have engendered a state of fear in urban settlements. Smog is a visible form of air pollution that arises due to the over-emissions of some primary pollutants like volatile organic compounds (VOCs), hydrocarbons, SO2, NO, and NO2 which further react in the atmosphere and give rise to toxic and carcinogenic secondary smog components. Smog reduces the visibility on roads and results in road accidents and cancellation of flights. Uptake of primary and secondary pollutants of smog is responsible for several deleterious diseases of which respiratory disorders, cardiovascular dysfunction, neurological disorders, and cancer are discussed here. Children and pregnant women are more prone to the hazards of smog. The worsening menace of smog on one hand and occurrence of pandemic i.e., COVID-19 on the other may increase the mortality rate. But the implementation of lockdown during pandemics has favored the atmosphere in s...
Apples produce volatile chemicals that are responsible for the characteristic flavour of the frui... more Apples produce volatile chemicals that are responsible for the characteristic flavour of the fruit, as well as for the attribute of the final flavour. The aroma induced by the volatile compounds is important in determining the quality of the fruit, and especially for determining consumer acceptability. Fruits from three apple varieties were analysed (Ionathan, Golden Delicious and Starkrimson) at technological maturity and consumption maturity. The analysis method was developed on a Shimadzu QP-2010 GC-MS gas chromatograph, equipped with an AOC- 5000 (CombiPAL) autosampler. The results showed that there are differences between varieties in terms of number, type and concentration of volatile compounds. Fruits at technological maturity have a high content of aldehydes while fruits at consumption maturity have a higher content of esters.
Himalaiella heteromalla (D.Don) Raab-Straube is a commonly used remedy against various diseases. ... more Himalaiella heteromalla (D.Don) Raab-Straube is a commonly used remedy against various diseases. Crude extract and fractions of H. heteromalla were investigated for a gastrointestinal, bronchodilator, cardiovascular, and anti-inflammatory activities. H. heteromalla crude extract (Hh.Cr) relaxed spontaneous contractions and K+ (80 mM)-induced contraction in jejunum tissue dose-dependently. The relaxation of K+ (80 mM) indicates the presence of Ca++ channel blocking (CCB) effect, which was further confirmed by constructing calcium response curves (CRCs) as they caused rightward parallel shift of CRCs in a manner comparable to verapamil, so the spasmolytic effect of Hh.Cr was due to its CCB activity. Application of Hh.Cr on CCh (1 µM) and K+ (80 mM)-induced contraction in tracheal preparation resulted in complete relaxation, showing its bronchodilator effect mediated through Ca++ channels and cholinergic antagonist activity. Application of Hh.Cr on aortic preparations exhibited vasorel...
Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology, 2017
The therapeutic value of plums is provided by the contained bioactive compounds, but in consumers... more The therapeutic value of plums is provided by the contained bioactive compounds, but in consumers choice an essential role is played by the product flavour in which volatile compounds are important contributors. The content in bioactive compounds, the antioxidant activity as well as the volatile profile of three plum cultivars were determined during fruit development. In the analyzed samples, depending on cultivar, harvesting time and the position of fruit in the tree crown, the determined total phenolic content varied between 60.31–699.92 mg GAE 100 g, while the flavonoids and anthocyanins content ranged between 11.24–254.46 mg QE 100 g, and 0.09–1.65 mg CE 100 g, respectively. Using ITEX/GC-MS technique, there were 99 volatile compounds detected in the samples of which 93 were tentatively identified. The volatiles present in the plums cultivars included alcohols, aldehydes, ketones, esters, terpenoids, lactones and others. The most abundant class (in all plum cultivars and develop...
Many studies have shown the importance of goji fruit and almonds to human health. Due to the high... more Many studies have shown the importance of goji fruit and almonds to human health. Due to the high content in carotenoids, phenolic compounds, vitamins, minerals and polysaccharides these fruits play an important role in strengthening the immune system, prevention of cardiovascular diseases, such as cancer and slowing the aging process. Through studies and researches carried out in the context of this work, we aimed at obtaining a liquor assortment of goji fruit with the addition of almond milk. Goji fruit liqueur and almond milk are natural products produced without heat treatment and low in sugar. After obtaining, we conducted laboratory tests physicochemical, aiming at determining antioxidant capacity, alcoholic strength, total dry extract, content of flavonoids, sugar, total acidity, pH, polyphenols. Following the evaluation of the results it was found that goji fruit liqueur fall within the limits of STAS on obtaining and marketing of liqueurs, liqueurs being classified as desert.
Variations of total polyphenol content, antioxidant capacity, chlorophyll pigments and carotenoid... more Variations of total polyphenol content, antioxidant capacity, chlorophyll pigments and carotenoid pigments during fruit development of Golden Delicious, Starkrimson, and Ionathan apple varieties were investigated at 7, 15, 35, 65, 107 and 144 days after full bloom (DAFB). For all varieties, the highest total polyphenol content was recorded for the apples harvested at 7 DAFB, decreasing while the fruit was growing. Antioxidant capacity reaches the maximum level at 15 DAFB and then declines until the apples reached technological maturity. Total chlorophyll, chlorophyll a and b recorded high values at 65 DAFB, when both the temperature and the light intensity are high (July). After this harvesting time, chlorophyll content decreased. The concentration of carotenoids accumulated in apple peel varied, however following a downward trend during fruit growth, regardless of the variety or the crown position. These results provide a preliminary foundation for the further use of apples from ph...
In the context of the momentary market of natural products, a growth in the consumer request of n... more In the context of the momentary market of natural products, a growth in the consumer request of natural products can be observed, especially regarding the therapeutic products. Previous research has emphasized the utility of bio-active compounds present in the essential Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis L.) oil, and the positive effects it has over health. The following mini-review attempts to present the benefits of using essential therapeutic Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis L.) oil over human body health.
Lavandula Stoechas L. is widely known for its pharmacological properties. This study was performe... more Lavandula Stoechas L. is widely known for its pharmacological properties. This study was performed to identify its biomolecules, which are responsible for enhancement of memory. L. stoechas aqueous extract was first purified by liquid column chromatography. The purified fractions were analyzed for in vitro anti-cholinesterase activity. The fraction that produced the best anti-cholinesterase activity was named an active fraction of L. stoechas (AfL.s). This was then subjected to GC–MS for identifications of biomolecules present in it. GC–MS indicated the presence of phenethylamine and α-tocopherol in AfL.s. Different doses of AfL.s were orally administered (for seven days) to scopolamine-induced hyper-amnesic albino mice and then behavioral studies were performed on mice for two days. After that, animals were sacrificed and their brains were isolated to perform the biochemical assay. Results of behavioral studies indicated that AfL.s improved the inflexion ratio in mice, which indica...
Uploads