Search Results (55)

This study investigated the phytochemical profiles of 41 Korean wheat cultivars harvested over two consecutive years (2019 and 2020), with a focus on alkylresorcinols (ARs), phytosterols, vitamin E, and carotenoids. Validated chromatographic analyses revealed considerable variation among cultivars. AR levels, particularly heneicosylresorcinol, showed relatively consistent patterns across years, whereas the concentrations of phytosterols, vitamin E, and carotenoids varied more noticeably between years, suggesting possible associations with environmental conditions. Hierarchical clustering analysis classified the cultivars into five distinct groups according to their overall phytochemical profiles. ‘Dajoong’ and ‘Shinmichal’ exhibited the highest AR levels; ‘Hanbaek’, ‘Goso’, and ‘Joah’ were richest in β-sitosterol; ‘Eunpa’ and ‘Namhae’ showed elevated β-tocotrienol content, while ‘Uri’ and ‘Chungkye’ were notable for high lutein concentrations. ‘Saekeumkang’ displayed a balanced profile across all phytochemical classes. These findings provide baseline data on phytochemical variation among Korean wheat cultivars and offer insight into differences in phytochemical diversity. Full article

Forty heritage common wheat varieties were cultivated in four experimental fields over two consecutive years, to evaluate their susceptibility to Fusarium and Alternaria fungi and the associated mycotoxins. Marked differences in meteorological conditions between the two years (2023 and 2024) significantly influenced mycotoxin occurrence and impact. Overall, heritage varieties exhibited mycotoxin contamination comparable to those reported for modern wheat cultivars grown in nearby areas; interestingly, an opposite trend was observed among trichothecenes and Alternaria toxins. Comparing the varieties with each other, very different contamination levels for both mycotoxin groups were observed; some varieties were consistently susceptible across both years, others only in 2024, likely due to frequent precipitations. However, four varieties consistently displayed low levels of both deoxynivalenol and Alternaria toxins. Weak correlations among DON and alkylresorcinol ratios were found, showing that, considering only these heritage wheat varieties, alkylresorcinol content could not always predict the susceptibility to mycotoxin contamination. Full article

This review is a collection of information on bioactive compounds found in the grain of different Triticum species, both old and modern. The whole wheat grain, as well as its parts, e.g., bran, contains compounds, such as phenolic acids, flavonoids, alkylresorcinols, benzoxazinoids, tocopherols, carotenoids, and others. These compounds differ in both their chemical structure and biological properties. There are significant differences in the content and composition of these compounds between Triticum species. Apart from the wheat species, there are many other factors influencing these differences, e.g., cultivars, environmental factors, growth conditions, and farming systems. The Triticum species the best researched and described in terms of the content of bioactive compounds are Triticum aestivum L., T. durum Desf., T. spelta L., T. turgidum L., T. monococcum L., T. dicoccum Schrank, T. timopheevii, and T. polonicum L. Full article

Background: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) represents a global health challenge, contributing to elevated rates of morbidity and mortality. This growing problem is attributed to the widespread and indiscriminate use of antimicrobial agents. In response, current research is focused on identifying novel strategies to combat AMR, with particular attention to alternative therapeutic agents. Natural antimicrobials have emerged as promising candidates. Among these, wheat, one of the most cultivated food crops in the world, is identified as a valuable source of such bioactive compounds. Beyond its nutritional importance and prevalent use in food production, wheat is rich in polyphenols, small peptides, benzoxazinoids, 1,4-benzoquinones, and 5-n-alkylresorcinols. In vitro investigations have demonstrated that these phytochemicals possess broad-spectrum antimicrobial activities, exhibiting efficacy against Gram–positive and Gram–negative bacteria, as well as various fungi. Methods: Two databases, i.e., Google Scholar and Scopus, were screened using different keywords. Results: A series of key compounds responsible for these effects were identified, evaluating wheat’s potential role as a sustainable source of novel and potent antimicrobial agents. Conclusions: This review aims to collect the latest findings regarding the antimicrobial potential of different wheat varieties and their by-products. Full article

Propolis is a resinous substance collected by honeybees, and its long-known bioactivity urged research on its exact composition on active ingredients. It was suggested that chemical composition reflects the botanical sources and environmental conditions of its origin; however, information on differences related to geographical origin is still incomplete. Therefore, this study aimed to characterise the volatile and semi-volatile chemical constituents of Ugandan propolis from nine agro-ecological zones using headspace gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (HS-GC-MS) and derivatisation-based GC-MS, coupled with multivariate statistical analysis. In total, 213 volatile and 169 non-volatile compounds were tentatively identified, including monoterpenes (α-pinene), sesquiterpenes (α-copaene), triterpenoids (β-amyrin acetate), diterpene resin acids (abietic acid), phenolic acids (caffeic acid), alkylresorcinols (bilobol) and many others. Multivariate chemometric modelling using partial least-squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA), orthogonal PLS-DA (oPLS-DA) showed strong geographic discrimination of samples (Q² > 0.90) for several district comparisons. Heatmap clustering and variable importance in projection (VIP) analysis identified chemical markers. Notably, oPLS-DA revealed excellent discrimination between Nakasongola and Bushenyi, and between Adjumani and Bushenyi, in both volatile and non-volatile datasets. The findings provide the first comprehensive chemical profiling of Ugandan propolis, demonstrating the utility of combined GC-MS approaches and multivariate analysis for regional differentiation. This work lays the groundwork for standardising propolis preparations and establishing appropriate quality control in pharmacological applications. Full article

Rye (Secale cereale L.) is one of the most important cereals cultivated in Central and Eastern Europe, valued for its high resistance to environmental stress and high levels of bioactive compounds, such as dietary fiber (DF) and alkylresorcinols (ARR). The aim of the study was to evaluate the content and variability of DF fractions and ARR in rye grain of hybrid and population cultivars. The research was conducted on grain from four rye cultivars cultivated in five locations over three consecutive growing seasons. The content of DF, its fractions, and ARR, was determined using enzymatic–gravimetric and colorimetric methods. The results showed significant variability in all analyzed traits, with environmental conditions and G×E interaction having the greatest impact on their content. Hybrid cultivars were characterized by a higher and more stable content of bioactive compounds. Notable average values for hybrids vs. populations included DF: 153.9 vs. 151.7 g kg⁻¹, NSP: 129.4 vs. 127.7 g kg⁻¹, lignin: 24.5 vs. 24.0 g kg⁻¹, β-glucan: 21.7 vs. 20.6 g kg⁻¹, and ARR: 1015 vs. 987 g kg⁻¹. The KWS Serafino cultivar characterized by the highest and most stable content of bioactive compounds. Selecting genotypes with stable chemical profiles regardless of environmental conditions is crucial for developing nutritionally valuable rye-based products. Full article

Two new very-long-chain 5-n-alkylresorcinol (AR) homologues, that is, 5-n-nonacosylbenzene-1,3-diol and 5-n-hentriacontylbenzene-1,3-diol, were isolated from acetone extracts of Ailanthus altissima samaras. These phenolic compounds were detected in nearly equal proportions, although their total content varied considerably between samples from urban-grown trees. No correlation was observed between AR levels and the physiological state of the tree, suggesting that environmental conditions may strongly influence AR biosynthesis in A. altissima. Furthermore, the isolated AR mixture exhibited antifungal activity against soil-borne phytopathogens of the genera Fusarium and Rhizoctonia. Full article

To address the need for improved nutritional value of organically grown wheat, this study investigated the impact of silicon treatments (AdeSil, ZumSil) on yield, health status, and bioactive compound content in spring wheat cultivars. The 2019–2020 research evaluated different application variants: seed dressing, foliar sprays, and their combinations. Comprehensive seed dressing combined with two foliar treatments, (variant B) and two foliar treatments (variant C), significantly increased yield (by an average of 8.9% and 7.6% vs. control, respectively). These variants beneficially affected fungal disease resistance mainly in the stressful 2019; in optimal 2020, they showed no clear advantage over the control, which performed similarly or better. Seed dressing (variant D) increased total phenolic acids (PAs) content and antioxidant activity, with the spelt cv. Wirtas exhibiting the highest levels. Silicon treatments modified alkylresorcinols (ARs) content, but effects depended on the year, cultivar, and application variant, not always exceeding the control. Silicon treatments, especially when applied in combination (seed dressing and foliar application), can improve spring wheat yield and favorably modify PAs content, enhancing grain nutritional value. However, the plant response regarding health status and ARs content is strongly conditioned by cultivar specificity and the prevailing environmental conditions of the growing year. Full article

Alkylresorcinols (ARs) are bioactive phenolic lipids with potential health-promoting properties; they are particularly abundant in wheat bran. This study aimed to compare the efficiency of eight extraction methods—including Soxhlet, ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE), and overnight solvent-assisted maceration (OSAM) protocols—used in the removal of ARs from wheat bran, and to evaluate the association between AR composition and antiproliferative activity. A metabolite profiling approach using HPLC-DAD-MS identified 12 AR homologs differing in side-chain length and functional groups. Among the extraction strategies, the UA extraction, OSAM and Soxhlet-assisted with only acetone yielded the highest concentrations of bioactive ARs, particularly the C₁₇–C₂₅ homologs characteristic of cereals. Sparse partial least squares discriminant analysis (sPLS-DA) determined the discrimination of the different extraction methods, while variable importance scores revealed that AR homologs such as C₂₅, C_19:1, and C_23:Oxo were key to the distinguishment of the extraction methods. Antiproliferative assays against PC-3 prostate cancer cells (IC₅₀ = 13.3–55.6 µg/mL) demonstrated that extracts rich in oxygenated ARs exhibited significantly higher antiproliferative effects than those dominated by saturated compounds. This finding suggests that both side-chain length and functionalization (e.g., keto groups) influence AR bioactivity. These findings suggest that extraction conditions can be optimized not only to enhance AR yield but also to enrich homologs with higher antiproliferative potential, providing foundations for exploring AR-enriched products derived from wheat bran. Full article

The primary ingredients in poultry feed, cereals, are among the most widely used crops in worldwide agriculture, with principal staples being wheat, rice, corn (maize), sorghum, barley, oat and millet. The scope of this review is to provide a detailed comparative analysis of the nutritive values of cereal crops, and the antinutrients they contain, with reference specifically to their use for feeding poultry. These cereal crops range in biological value from 55 to 77.7%, in protein digestibility from 77 to 99.7%, and in net protein utilization from 50 to 73.8%. Most essential amino acids, including lysine, are found in cereal grains, whereas the nutritional value of cereals is impacted by antinutritional elements. These include non-starch polysaccharides (NSPs), such as pentosans (arabinoxylans) and β-glucan, as well as alkylresorcinols. Around 100 g/kg of pentosans are found in rye, 50–80 g/kg in wheat and 68–92 g/kg in triticale. There are strategies to reduce NSPs and other antinutrients and maximize the effectiveness of utilizing grains in compound feed for poultry. These include the application of enzyme preparations, along with dry and wet extrusion methods, for processing grains. By restricting our narrative to a direct comparison of all major staples for poultry feed, we conclude that further research is required specifically in the area of determining how economically viable it is to feed adult and young chickens with compound feeds containing various cereal crops. Furthermore, we speculate on the utility of employing enzyme preparations and extrudates to maximize feed efficiency. Full article

Triticum aestivum L. subsp. spelta (cv. Rokosz) and common winter wheat Triticum aestivum L. subsp. aestivum (cv. Arktis, Belissa, Estivus, Fidelius, Hondia, Jantarka, KWS Ozon, Linus, Markiza, Ostka Strzelecka, Pokusa) grown in an organic farming system were analyzed and compared. Furthermore, the productivity of four common wheat cultivars (cv. Fidelius, Hondia, Jantarka, KWS Ozon) grown under four different (organic, conventional integrated, and monoculture) farming systems was compared. Using UPLC-DAD-MS, UPLC-PDA-MS/MS, and TLC-DPPH^•, nine phenolic acids, nine alkylresorcinols, and their antiradical activity were identified and quantified. In the organic farming system, the highest yield was observed for T. aestivum L. subsp. aestivum cv. Fidelius (4.17 t/ha). Infections of wheat cultivars were low or at a medium level. The highest resistance to Fusarium fungi was shown by cv. Fidelius, which also exhibited the highest alkylresorcinol content and antioxidant capacity. The total phenolic acid content was highest in cv. Rokosz (1302.3 µg/g), followed by common winter wheat cultivars cv. Linus (1135.1 µg/g) and cv. Markiza (1089.6 µg/g). The potential of winter wheat cultivars for human health and their suitability for cultivation in different production systems was determined, showing significant differences in bioactive compounds depending on cultivars, systems, and years. Full article

Background: Disorders of glucose and lipid metabolism, such as obesity, diabetes mellitus, or hypercholesterolemia, can cause serious complications, reduce quality of life, and lead to increased premature mortality. Olivetol, a natural compound, could be proposed as a promising therapeutic agent for preventing, treating, or alleviating metabolic complications of such pathological conditions. Methods: In this study, the researchers conducted a broad parallel investigation of olivetol’s effects on metabolic state and gut microbiota functionality in mouse models of alimentary obesity, diabetes mellitus type 1 and 2, and hypercholesterolemia. Results: According to the results of the study, olivetol caused a lowering of body weight in C57Bl6 mice fed a high-fat diet and in ldlr(−/−) mice, decreased serum glucose levels in db/db mice, improved lipid metabolism in ldlr(−/−) mice, and prevented inflammatory infiltration of the pancreas and loss of insulin secretion in NOD mice. In addition, olivetol affected the composition and functional activity of gut microbiota communities, inducing an expansion of probiotic species such as Akkermansia muciniphila and Bacteroides acidifaciens and depleting the representation of pathobionts such as Prevotella, although olivetol supplementation did not influence the diversity or richness of the communities. Conclusions: These results suggest that olivetol is a promising therapeutic agent for preventing, treating, or alleviating the metabolic complications of obesity, diabetes mellitus type 1 and 2, and hypercholesterolemia; however, more investigations are required in order to attain a full understanding of its physiological effects. Full article

Solid-state fermentation (SSF) has emerged as an effective method for wheat bran valorization, providing advantages like cost reduction, decreased water usage, and enhanced product quality. In this study, wheat bran was fermented using Rhizopus oryzae to evaluate the extraction yield of soluble dietary fiber, the activities of protease and amylase, and the physicochemical characteristics of wheat bran during SSF. The findings demonstrated that the maximum yield of soluble dietary fiber was achieved after 120 h of fermentation at a moisture content of 55%. Simultaneously, protease activity peaked at 45% moisture content after 120 h, while amylase activity was maximized at 55% moisture content after 96 h. The microstructure result indicated that most of the starch granules degraded after 144 h of fermentation at a moisture content of 55%, exhibiting a smooth outer layer of wheat bran. Furthermore, fermented bran showed a significant rise in total phenols, peaking at 96 h at a moisture content of 55%. Flavonoid content also reached its maximum after 72 h of fermentation at 55% moisture content. The content of alkylresorcinols in fermented wheat bran changed slightly under different moisture content and fermentation time conditions, which was consistent with the change in pH value. The DPPH radical scavenging rate was optimal when the moisture content was 55% after 96 h. The ABTS radical scavenging rate, hydroxyl radical scavenging rate, and reducing ability were optimal at 55% moisture content after 120 h. These findings demonstrate that the optimal conditions for the SSF of wheat bran using Rhizopus oryzae involve maintaining the moisture at 55%, suggesting that this method is effective for enhancing the value of wheat bran. Full article

Spelt Triticum aestivum L. subsp. spelta (cv. Wirtas), einkorn Triticum monococcum L. (cv. Samopsza) and emmer Triticum dicoccum Schrank (Schuebl) (cv. Płaskurka biała and Płaskurka ciemna) spring wheat cultivars were analyzed and compared to common wheat Triticum aestivum L. subsp. aestivum (cv. Harenda, Kandela, Mandaryna, Serenada, Goplana, Kamelia, Nimfa, Rusałka, Struna, Zadra) cultivated in an organic production system. Moreover, the performance of four common wheat cultivars (cv. Harenda, Kandela, Mandaryna, Serenada) grown in organic, conventional and integrated production systems were compared. The UHPLC-DAD-MS and TLC-DPPH^• analyses of specific substances (phenolic acids and alkylresorcinols) were evaluated to ascertain the potential of spring wheat cultivars for promoting human health and suitability for cultivation in an organic production system. The highest yield was observed for the T. aestivum L. subsp. aestivum (modern hull-less) cv. Nimfa (4.45 t/ha), which also demonstrated the lowest resistance to Fusarium spp. infection. Among the contemporary hull-less cultivars, cv. Mandaryna and cv. Harenda exhibited the highest resistance to this pathogen (2.4% and 3.7% of grains infected by Fusarium, respectively), while simultaneously displaying the highest organic phenolic acid content (900.92 and 984.55 µg/g of the grain) and the highest antioxidant potential. It is noteworthy that the cereal hulls of T. monococcum L. (old hulled) (cv. Samopsza) exhibited a markedly elevated content of phenolic acids (approximately 4000 µg/g of the grain). This may have contributed to the reduced incidence of Fusarium infection (9.3% of grains infected) observed in the grains of this cultivar. Furthermore, the hulls proved to be a rich source of phenolics with high antioxidant activity, which is beneficial for human and animal health. Full article