Enrichment of gluten-free cakes with lupin (Lupinus albus L.) or buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum M.) flours

In the present study, the effect of debittered lupin flour (LF) and whole buckwheat flour (BF) on the nutritional and sensory quality of gluten-free cake was studied. LF (10, 20, 30 and 40%) and BF (5, 10, 15 and 20%) were partially replaced with corn starch and rice flour mixture (1:1 w/w) in the gluten-free cake recipe. LF increased the protein, calcium, iron, manganese, phosphorus and zinc contents of the cakes, while BF caused a significant increase (P < 0.05) especially in potassium and magnesium contents of the gluten-free cakes. According to the overall acceptability rating, it was concluded that gluten-free cake could be produced with satisfactory results by the addition of LF and BF up to 30% and 10%, respectively.     

Cytotoxic effect of buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum Moench) hull against cancer cells

Buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum Moench) hull was extracted with 70% ethanol and then further fractionated with n-hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate, and water stepwise. In the in vitro test (SRB assay), hexane and ethyl acetate fractions showed higher inhibition effects against MCF-7 cells than other samples at the 1 mg/mL level: 89% and 93.2%, respectively. They also displayed higher inhibition rates against Hep3B cells of 83.6% and 75.3%, respectively, at 1 mg/mL. The ethyl acetate fraction yielded the highest inhibition rate against A549 cells with the level of 0.25 mg/mL, but it showed a lower inhibition rate than the hexane and chloroform fractions at higher levels of sample, i.e., 0.75 and 1.0 mg/mL. All samples showed higher inhibition effects against AGS human gastric carcinoma than any other cancer cells. The inhibition rates against HeLa cells were 81.2% and 82.0% for the chloroform and butanol fraction with 0.5 mg/mL, respectively. However, all samples yielded an inhibition rate of less than 35% against normal cells, at all treatment levels, except the ethanol extract. All extracts at doses of 25 and 50 mg/kg showed decreases of more than 20% and 42%, respectively, in tumor formation in sarcoma-180 implanted mice except for the aqueous fraction. From these results, it is suggested that buckwheat hull possesses anticancer properties against a variety of different cancer cell lines.     

Fagopyrins in different parts of common buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum) and Tartary buckwheat (F. tataricum) during growth

Fagopyrins, anthraquinone derivatives present in buckwheat, are structurally similar to hypericin. The objective of this study was to determine changes of fagopyrins in flowers, leaves, and stems of common buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum; CB) and Tartary buckwheat (F. tataricum; TB) during growth. Flowers, leaves, and stems of buckwheats were collected until the 50th day after sowing (DAS) at intervals of 5 days. Fagopyrins were analyzed by HPLC-FLD and HPLC-ESI-MS/MS. Buckwheat flowers contained significantly higher fagopyrins than the other parts. Fagopyrins in TB flowers were significantly higher than in CB flowers. Concentration of fagopyrins in the flowers gradually decreased until the 50th DAS. Fagopyrin F was the major form of fagopyrins in buckwheats, accounting for 68–79 % in CB and 81–94 % in TB with TB flowers the highest (93–94 %). This study was the first in analyzing contents of fagopyrin F and fagopyrins in different parts of buckwheats during growth.     

Digestion of polysaccharides, protein and lipids by adult cockerels fed on diets containing a pectic cell-wall material from white lupin (Lupinus albus L.) cotyledon

1. The cell-wall material of white lupin (Lupinus albus L.) cotyledon is characterized by low contents of cellulose (47 g/kg) and lignin (17 g/kg) and a high content of pectic substances (710 g/kg). The digestion of lupin cell-wall material by adult cockerels was estimated using gas-liquid chromatographic analyses of alditol acetates derived from polysaccharide sugars. The analyses were performed in the destarched water-insoluble fractions of feed and excreta. Digestibility measurements were carried out using a 3 d balance period including a 2 d feeding period and a 24 h final starvation period. 2. In the first experiment, six animals were given a diet containing 510 g white lupin cotyledon flour/kg which was the only source of protein and cell walls in the diet. The apparent digestibility of cell-wall components was near zero. 3. In the second experiment, three diets were prepared by diluting a fibre-free basal diet (diet A) by a semi-purified cell-wall preparation introduced at two different levels: 100 g/kg (diet B) and 200 g/kg (diet C). The semi-purified cell walls were prepared from the white lupin cotyledon flour used in the first experiment. The true digestibilities of polysaccharides measured in birds given diets B and C were near zero. It is suggested that the measurement of the neutral-detergent fibre (NDF) content according to Van Soest & Wine (1967) is not a suitable procedure for estimating the undigestible fibre content in poultry nutrition as the cell-wall pectic substances are not included in the NDF measurement. 4. Addition of the semi-purified cell-wall preparation (Expt 2) resulted in a slight decrease in the apparent protein digestibility. This decrease might be explained by the addition of undigestible cell-wall protein. 5. Addition of the semi-purified cell-wall preparation (Expt 2) had no effect on the apparent lipid digestibility. 6. The metabolizable energy values of the basal diet fraction of diets B and C were calculated assuming that the added plant cell-wall fraction was of no energy value. These calculated values were similar to the measured metabolizable energy value of diet A (basal). Thus, the tested pectic plant cell walls seemed to act as a diluent. It is suggested that, on the point of the digestion yields, all types of plant cell walls would act as diluents, in poultry.     

The effect of cooking methods on the mineral content of quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa), amaranth (Amaranthus sp.) and buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum)

In this study, we assessed the impact of two cooking methods, steaming and boiling, through the true retention (%TR) of minerals in pseudocereals and rice (varieties Indica and Japonica). Mineral content was determined by ICP-OES. Cooking methods have an impact on mineral composition of pseudocereals with losses up to 20%. Quinoa’s %TR varied from 100% (manganese, phosphorus and iron) in steaming, to 83% (copper) in boiled. In amaranth, it ranged from 98% (copper) in boiling method, to 80% (magnesium) in steaming. Buckwheat presents a %TR of 100% in iron and 87% in zinc. For boiled rice, the losses were higher in the variety Indica, with a decrease of 34% for manganese. Steamed amaranth is a higher density food in particular for manganese, magnesium and phosphorus, which present a recommended nutrient intake (RNI) contribution of 70%, 65% and 44%, respectively. Rice represents the lowest contribution to mineral RNI. This study demonstrates that estimation of mineral intake should be based on data obtained from cooked food.     

The nutritional properties of flours derived from Orkney grown bere barley (Hordeum vulgare L.)

Summary  Bere barley ( Hordeum vulgare L.) is a six-row barley landrace, the ancestry of which may go back to the 8th century or earlier. The cultivation of bere on any scale is currently restricted to Orkney, although it was at one time grown more widely in Scotland. Within the UK, bere is unique in being the only barley grown commercially for milling and, in Orkney, flours derived from bere are traditionally used for making bannocks, bread and biscuits. There is potential for the use of bere flours in a much wider range of foods, and for this reason the nutritional properties of such flours were investigated. The energy, macronutrient and micronutrient content of both wholemeal and white flours derived from bere were measured. Flours derived from bere grown in Orkney contain a wide variety of nutrients including significant quantities of folate, thiamin, pantothenic acid, iron, iodine and magnesium. Although the nutrient content of bere bannocks has previously been published, to our knowledge, this is the first study to investigate the nutritional properties of wholemeal and white flours derived from bere.     

Physico-chemical and sensory characteristics of gluten-free breads made with pine nuts (Araucaria angustifolia) associated to other flours

Pine nuts are the seeds of Araucaria angustifolia, which have a good nutritional value and relevance to be investigated in food technology, especially in bakery products for celiac people. This study aimed to evaluate physico-chemical and sensory properties of gluten-free breads made with pine nuts. Four different formulations (T1, T2,T3, and T4) of bread were prepared, varying the percentages flours, and were submitted to physical, chemical, and sensory analysis. The formulation made with pine nut and potato starch and the one made with pine nuts associated with potato starch and rice flour are promising alternatives for celiac patients.     

Matrix effects of lupine (Lupinus luteus L.) and rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) products on in vitro non-haem iron availability from pork meat

Limited iron bioavailability is regarded as one of the most confounding factors responsible for low iron absorption and utilisation. In the gastrointestinal lumen of humans and monogastric animals, iron absorption is highly affected by dietary components that decrease or enhance iron availability. This study aims at investigating the matrix effects of lupine and rapeseed products on in vitro non-haem iron availability when included in meat-based diets. In vitro iron availability is measured as Fe(II) dialysability obtained by a method combining in vitro protein digestion and dialysis (IVPD dialysis). Aliquots were collected following digestion with pepsin or pepsin/pancreatin and investigated for their effects on Fe(II) dialysability. Thus, the IVPD imitates the conditions in the duodenum and the proximal jejunum. The method confirms that the major effects on in vitro non-haem iron availability are achieved during duodenal conditions. The results showed a significant enhancing effect of pepsin-digested pork meat on Fe(II) dialysability and a pronounced effect of the plant components on Fe(II) dialysability from meat proteins. Lupine enhances Fe(II) dialysability after pepsin/pancreatin digestion in contrast to rapeseed. Moreover, lupine may constitute a valuable vegetable food component in enhancing iron availability and solubility more distally in the intestine than observed for other enhancers of iron absorption.     

The bioavailability and postprandial utilisation of sweet lupin (Lupinus albus)-flour protein is similar to that of purified soyabean protein in human subjects: a study using intrinsically 15N-labelled proteins

Sweet lupin (Lupinus albus), a protein-rich legume devoid of anti-nutritional factors, is considered to have a high potential for protein nutrition in man. Results concerning the nutritional value of lupin protein are, however, conflicting in animals and very scarce in human subjects. Furthermore, where fibre-rich protein sources are concerned, the long-term nutritional results are often obscured, particularly since fibre-promoted colonic fermentation may bias the energy supply and redistribute N flux. We therefore studied, during the postprandial phase, the bioavailability and utilisation of lupin-flour protein in nine healthy men who had ingested a mixed meal containing intrinsically 15N-labelled lupin flour as the protein source (Expt 1). The real ileal digestibility (RID) and ileal endogenous N losses (IENL) were assessed using a perfusion technique at the terminal ileum, and the N content and 15N enrichment of ileal samples. Lupin flour exhibited a high RID of 91 (SD 3)% and low IENL (5-4 (SD 1.3) mmol N/h). Postprandial dietary deamination was also assessed from body dietary urea and urinary dietary N excretion, and compared with results in nine healthy men following an iso-energetic meal containing a 15N-soyabean-protein isolate with a similar RID, as a control (Expt 2). Postprandial dietary deamination was similar after lupin and soyabean meals (17 (SD 2) and 18 (SD 4)% ingested N respectively). We therefore conclude that lupin protein is highly bioavailable, even if included in fibre-rich flour, and that it can be used with the same efficiency as soyabean protein to achieve postprandial protein gain in healthy human subjects.     

Nutritional evaluation of protein, phosphorus, calcium and magnesium bioavailability from lupin (Lupinus albus var. multolupa)-based diets in growing rats: effect of alpha-galactoside oligosaccharide extraction and phytase supplementation

The nutritional composition of the legume Lupinus albus var. multolupa, raw or after alpha-galactoside extraction, and its effect on the bioavailability of protein, P, Ca, and Mg by growing rats was evaluated using a balance technique. The protein and dietary fibre content of the lupin flours studied was high, and 89-94% of the dietary fibre was present as insoluble dietary fibre. The alpha-galactoside extraction process did not disrupt the nutritional quality of protein, and the digestive and metabolic utilisation of this nutrient was high and comparable with that obtained from a casein-cystine control diet (pair-fed to the average daily food intake of the experimental groups fed the different lupin diets). Bioavailability of P, Ca, and Mg from the lupin diets tested was high, and supplementation of an exogenous microbial phytase (750 phytase units/kg) did not cause any further improvement. Mineral content in the bone tissue (femur and sternum) did not correlate to mineral balance, which, on the other hand, was related to the mineral content of other tissues such as blood, plasma, liver and kidney. Due to its ability to grow under adverse edaphic and climatic conditions and to its good nutritional quality, alpha-galactoside-free lupin flour supplemented with the required amounts of minerals and vitamins to meet nutrient requirements can be used as an excellent dietary source for the preparation of dietetic products.     

加工处理或添补氨基酸对四季豆蛋白质营养价值的影响

四季豆即菜豆,学名Phaseolus Vulgaris L.,成熟子实可煮食或作钱点豆沙馅[‘1。Ev。rson及Heekert(19遵4)L么]曾以生四季豆喂大鼠,结果大鼠体重下降,在3~4周内死亡。Russell等[a]将四季豆水浸过夜,煮熟,进行实验,动物生长仍差,向四季豆饲料添补蛋氮酸后,大鼠生长有改善。四季豆是我国各地普谊食用的一种豆子,为求得其合理食用,本文研究了加工处理或添补氮基酸后对四季豆蛋白质营养价值的影响。 方法 按修改Miller一Bonder法观察了生四季豆,四季豆经蒸(15磅,30分钟)、煮(水浸过夜,煮沸8小时)、煮后发酵(煮四季豆在30℃保温6天)等加工处理…     

Biofortification of green bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) and lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) with iodine in a plant-calcareous sandy soil system irrigated with water containing KI

Uptake and translocation of iodine by green bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) and lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) were investigated in a calcareous sandy soil-plant system. These plants were cultivated in calcareous sandy soil in presence of irrigation water with the iodine concentrations of 0.10, 0.25 and 0.50 mg/L. The growth of these plants was stimulated at the two lower iodine concentrations of 0.10 and 0.25 mg/L, but hampered at 0.50 mg/L. In lettuce the highest iodine dosage resulted in smaller leaf surface and higher number of leaves, nearly with the same biomass production. In the edible parts of green bean and lettuce plants irrigated with 0.25 mg/L iodine containing water, the iodine concentration levels amounted to 0.6 and 5.2 mg/kg dry weight (DW), respectively. In lettuce, the uptake and translocation of selected essential elements (P, Mg, Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, B) were also stimulated (20-260%) by iodine treatment; however, in fresh bean pods this phenomenon was negligible. Considering the iodine level and moisture content of the fresh lettuce leaves and fresh bean pods, the consumption of 100 g fresh vegetable covers about 66%, 3% of the recommended dietary allowance (150 μg).     

Repellent activity against Aedes aegypti (L.) of formulas based on natural vegetable extracts or synthetic active agents

A comparison of 5 commercial mosquito repellents was made on adult male and female volunteers in laboratory trials. The products tested in forms of cream or lotion included 4 natural oil formulations (containing citronella, clover, eucalyptus, geranium, lavender, peppermint, sandalwood, thyme, etc.) and 1 synthetic chemical repellent containing 10% KBR 3023). Natural oil products showed essentially poor or no repellency against Ae, aegypti: the protection times were less than or equal to 1 hour. Only the synthetic repellent based on KBR 3023 provided satisfactory defence to human volunteers.     

Mineral excretion of rats fed on diets containing faba beans (Vicia faba L.) or faba bean fractions.

The effects on faecal mineral excretion of two commercial varieties (local cultivar and Troy cultivar) of raw faba beans (Vicia faba L., minor) meal (VFM) and its fractions have been studied in growing rats. Diets contained local-VFM (dark seed coat) and Troy-VFM (light seed coat) at 474-500 g/kg diet, hull (VFH) from both varieties at 65 g/kg diet, and the insoluble cotyledon residue (VFCR) obtained from the Troy variety at 237 g/kg diet. Rats were pair-fed on diets which had been supplemented with amino acids to target requirements and contained similar amounts of zinc, manganese, iron and copper. With VFM diets the apparent absorption of Zn and Mn was significantly reduced. On the other hand, with hulls the apparent absorption of Fe was reduced while that of Cu slightly increased. As the amounts of calcium, phosphorus and magnesium in VFM and VFH diets were higher than in the controls, the increased intake resulted in a significant increase in both the apparent absorption and the faecal excretion of these minerals. The inclusion of VFCR in the diet had no significant effect on the mineral content of faeces. The relatively low concentrations of phytate in the bean seeds of 7.8 and 6.7 g/kg for the local and Troy cultivars respectively, could not adequately account for the increased mineral excretion. The results suggest that other seed constituents, possibly the soluble non-starch polysaccharides, may be involved in the elevated loss of Zn and Mn in rats fed on diets containing faba bean for extended periods, while some insoluble structural hull components may interfere with the absorption of Fe from the gut.     

Field trials of calciferol combined with warfarin against wild house-mice (Mus musculus L.)

A combination of calciferol (vitamin D₂) and warfarin, each at 0·025% in medium oatmeal bait, failed to control six of seven house-mouse (Mus musculus L.) populations infesting urban and farm buildings. In three further treatments with both calciferol and warfarin at 0·05% in dehusked canary seed bait plus 5% corn oil, mortality, estimated from the consumption of pre- and post-treatment census bait, ranged between 94·2 and 97·4%. Finally, among sixteen treatments done with calciferol at 0·1% and warfarin at 0·025% in various cereal baits, the best results (97·0-100%) were obtained in six treatments where the bait-base was whole canary seed; this was so whether the poison bait was applied directly or after a 3-day pre-baiting period. It is concluded that calciferol at 0·1% plus warfarin at 0·025% is an effective combination against house-mice, especially when used with whole canary seed. The role played by warfarin in the poison mixture needs to be investigated further.     

Maltese Mushroom (Cynomorium coccineum L.) as Source of Oil with Potential Anticancer Activity

The present study aimed to examine the potential anticancer properties of fixed oil obtained from Maltese mushroom (Cynomorium coccineum L.), an edible, non-photosynthetic plant, used in traditional medicine of Mediterranean countries to treat various ailments and as an emergency food during the famine. We investigated the effect of the oil, obtained from dried stems by supercritical fractioned extraction with CO₂, on B16F10 melanoma and colon cancer Caco-2 cell viability and lipid profile. The oil, rich in essential fatty acids (18:3n-3 and 18:2n-6), showed a significant growth inhibitory effect on melanoma and colon cancer cells. The incubation (24 h) with non-toxic oil concentrations (25 and 50 μg/mL) induced in both cancer cell lines a significant accumulation of the fatty acids 18:3n-3 and 18:2n-6 and an increase of the cellular levels of eicosapentaenoic acid (20:5n-3) with anticancer activity. Moreover, the oil exhibited the ability to potentiate the growth inhibitory effect of the antitumor drug 5-fluorouracil in Caco-2 cells and to influence the melanin content in B16F10 cells. The results qualify C. coccineum as a resource of oil, with potential benefits in cancer prevention, for nutraceutical and pharmaceutical applications.