Search Results (306)

Forest ginseng (FG) is a rare medicinal and culinary plant in China, and its drying quality is heavily dependent on the drying method. This study investigated the effects of traditional hot air drying (HAD) and the self-developed negative-pressure circulating airflow-assisted desiccator drying (PCAD) method on the quality of FG using metabolomics and enzyme activity. The results revealed that the enzyme activities of dried FG were reduced considerably. PCAD preserved higher enzyme activity than HAD. Metabolomics data demonstrate that HAD promotes the formation of primary metabolites (amino acids, lipids, nucleotides, etc.), whereas PCAD promotes the formation of secondary metabolites (terpenoids, phenolic acids, etc.). A change-transformation network was built by combining the metabolites listed above and their biosynthetic pathways, and it was discovered that these biosynthetic pathways were primarily associated with the mevalonate (MVA) pathway, lipid metabolism, phenylpropane biosynthesis, and nucleotide metabolism. It is also believed that these findings are related to the chemical stimulation induced by thermal degradation and the ongoing catalysis of enzyme responses to drought stress. The facts presented above will give a scientific basis for the selection of FG drying processes, as well as helpful references for increasing the nutritional quality of processed FG. Full article

The genus Sonchus (Asteraceae) comprises 98 species, including 17 predominantly herbaceous taxa native to the Mediterranean region. These plants have long been utilized as traditional wild food sources due to their high nutritional value, as they are rich in vitamins A, C, and K, essential minerals, and bioactive compounds with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This review aims to provide a comprehensive synthesis of the taxonomy, geographic distribution, phytochemical composition, traditional uses, historical significance, and pharmacological properties of Sonchus species. A systematic literature search was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar, focusing on studies from 1980 to 2024. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied, and methodological quality was assessed using standardized tools. A bibliometric analysis of 440 publications (from 1856 to 2025) reveals evolving research trends, with S. oleraceus, S. arvensis, and S. asper being the most extensively studied species. The review provides detailed taxonomic insights into 17 species and 14 subspecies, emphasizing their ecological adaptations and biogeographical patterns. Additionally, it highlights the cultural and medicinal relevance of Sonchus since antiquity while underscoring the threats posed by environmental degradation and changing dietary habits. Sonchus oleraceus and S. tenerrimus dominate the culinary applications of the genus, likely due to favorable taste, wide accessibility, and longstanding cultural importance. The comprehensive nutritional profile of Sonchus species positions these plants as valuable contributors to dietary diversity and food security. Finally, the study identifies current knowledge gaps and proposes future research directions to support the conservation and sustainable utilization of Sonchus species. Full article

Radish (Raphanus sativus), a commonly grown root vegetable prized for its nutrition and culinary use, is particularly vulnerable to lead (Pb) stress, which mainly results in Pb accumulation in the roots. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying Pb accumulation in radish remain largely unknown. In this study, we investigated the role of BASIC PENTACYSTEINE (BPC) genes in radish’s response to Pb stress. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that radish contains 10 BPC genes, which are distinctly clustered in Cluster III. Expression analysis revealed that, except for RsBPC2, RsBPC4, and RsBPC7, the expression of most RsBPC genes was significantly altered under Pb stress. Notably, the expression of RsBPC5 gradually decreased with prolonged Pb exposure. Subcellular localization analysis confirmed that RsBPC5 is localized in the nucleus and acts as a transcriptional repressor. Functional assays demonstrated that transient overexpression of RsBPC5 enhanced the tolerance of radish plants to Pb stress via reducing Pb accumulation and activating the antioxidant defense system. Collectively, our findings suggest that RsBPC5 plays a key role in radish’s response to Pb stress, potentially improving Pb tolerance by modulating Pb uptake and strengthening antioxidant defense mechanisms. Full article

Satureja montana (SM) is acknowledged as a highly pharmacologically important species within the vast Lamiaceae family, indigenous to the Balkan area. Traditionally, this plant has been employed as a culinary spice, especially in Bulgarian gastronomy. Additionally, it is widely recognized that mental health is affected by the nature and quality of dietary consumption. Results: Ethnopharmacological research underscores the potential of SM in influencing various chronic ailments, including depression and anxiety. This plant is distinguished by a rich variety of secondary metabolites that display a broad spectrum of biological activities, such as antioxidant, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal effects. Particularly, two of its active phenolic compounds, rosmarinic acid and carvacrol, reveal notable anxiolytic and antidepressive properties. This review aims to explore the capacity of SM to improve mental health through its plentiful phenolic components. Recent studies indicate their efficacy in addressing Alzheimer’s-type dementia. A notable correlation exists among depression, anxiety, and cognitive decline, which includes dementia. Considering that Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a multifaceted condition, it requires multi-targeted therapeutic strategies for both prevention and management. Conclusions: Satureja montana is recognized as potential candidate for both the prevention and management of various mental health disorders, including dementia. Full article

Increased market demand for plant herbs has prompted growers to ensure a continuous and assured supply of superior nutritional quality over the years. Apart from the nutritional value, culinary herbs contain phytochemical benefits that can improve human health. However, a significant amount of research has focused on enhancing yield, frequently overlooking the impact of production practices on the antioxidant and phytonutritional content of the produce. Thus, the study aimed to evaluate the yield, phytonutrients, and essential mineral profiling in selected aromatic herbs and their intricate role in nutritional quality when grown under different production systems. Five selected aromatic herbs (coriander, rocket, fennel, basil, and moss-curled parsley) were evaluated at harvest when grown under three production systems: in a gravel-film technique (GFT) hydroponic system and in soil, both under the 40% white shade-net structure, as well as in a soilless medium using sawdust under a non-temperature-controlled plastic tunnel (NTC). The phytonutritional quality properties (total phenolic, flavonoids, β-carotene-linoleic acid, and condensed tannins contents) as well as 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) were assessed using spectrophotometry, while vitamin C and β-carotene were analyzed using HPLC-PDA, and leaf mineral content was evaluated using ICP-OES (Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry). The results show that the health benefits vary greatly owing to the particular culinary herb. The fresh leaf mass (yield) of coriander, parsley, and rocket was not significantly affected by the production system, whereas basil was high in soil cultivation, followed by GFT. Fennel had a high yield in the GFT system compared to in-soil and in-soilless cultivation. The highest levels of vitamin C were found in basil leaves grown in GFT and in soil compared to the soilless medium. The amount of total phenolic and flavonoid compounds, β-carotene, β-carotene-linoleic acid, and DPPH, were considerably high in soil cultivation, except on condensed tannins compared to the GFT and soilless medium, which could be a result of Photosynthetic Active Radiation (PAR) values (683 μmol/m²/s) and not favoring the accumulation of tannins. Overall, the mineral content was greatly influenced by the production system. Leaf calcium and magnesium contents were highly accumulated in rockets grown in the soilless medium and the GFT hydroponic system. The results have highlighted that growing environmental conditions significantly impact the accumulation of health-promoting phytonutrients in aromatic herbs. Some have positive ramifications, while others have negative ramifications. As a result, growers should prioritize in-soil production systems over GFT (under the shade-net) and soilless cultivation (under NTC) to produce aromatic herbs to improve the functional benefits and customer health. Full article

Bulgarian botanical gardens harbor more than 3600 plant species from across the world. Some of them are well-known plants widely used by humans, others are underutilized crops or little-known exotic species. The latter group constitutes a rich reservoir of plant resources whose potential to bring benefits to society is still untapped. The aim of this review is to describe the diversity of species and their potentially valuable secondary metabolites in three of the largest Bulgarian botanical gardens, with a focus on underutilized crops and medicinal plants that are typical of Bulgaria. With this, we aim to pave the way for future research on the most promising of these plants. The report includes currently available ethnobotanical data on the properties and composition of their bioactive components, known culinary or therapeutic uses, and nutritional profiles. We also outline the vast potential of these plants in providing healthy diets, as well as for performing future groundbreaking biomedical research. Finally, we present the approach that will be used to screen extracts from these plants for biological activity. Full article

Paeonia ludlowii, a critically endangered species endemic to Tibet, China, possesses significant ornamental, culinary, and medicinal value. However, its mitochondrial genome remains understudied, limiting insights into its evolutionary mechanisms and constraining conservation genetics applications and molecular breeding programs. We present the first complete assembly and comprehensive analysis of the P. ludlowii mitochondrial genome. Most remarkably, we discovered that the P. ludlowii mitogenome exhibits an atypical dual-circular structure, representing the first documented occurrence of this architectural feature within the genus Paeonia. The assembled genome spans 314,371 bp and encodes 42 tRNA genes, 3 rRNA genes, and 31 protein-coding genes, with a pronounced adenine–thymine bias. This multipartite genome structure is characterized by abundant repetitive elements (112 functionally annotated SSRs, 33 tandem repeats, and 945 dispersed repeats), which potentially drive genome rearrangements and facilitate adaptive evolution. Analyses of codon usage bias and nucleotide diversity revealed highly conserved gene expression regulation with limited variability. Phylogenetic reconstruction confirms that P. ludlowii, P. suffruticosa, and P. lactiflora form a monophyletic clade, reflecting close evolutionary relationships, while extensive syntenic collinearity with other Paeonia species underscores mitochondrial genome conservation at the genus level. Extensive inter-organellar gene transfer events, particularly from chloroplast to mitochondrion, suggest that such DNA exchanges enhance genetic diversity and promote environmental adaptation. The discovery of the dual-circular architecture provides novel insights into plant mitochondrial genome evolution and structural plasticity. This study elucidates the unique structural characteristics of the P. ludlowii mitochondrial genome and establishes a crucial genetic foundation for developing targeted conservation strategies and facilitating molecular-assisted breeding programs for this endangered species. Full article

Rice (Oryza sativa L.), a staple food for over half of the global population, plays a pivotal role in food security. Among its two primary groups, japonica and indica, temperate japonica varieties are particularly valued for their high-quality grain and culinary uses. Although some of these varieties are adapted to cooler climates, they often suffer from reduced productivity or increased disease susceptibility when cultivated in warmer productive environments. These limitations underscore the need for breeding programs to incorporate biotechnological tools that can enhance the adaptability and resilience of the plants. However, New Genomic Techniques (NGTs), including CRISPR-Cas9, require robust in vitro systems, which are still underdeveloped for temperate japonica genotypes. In this study, we developed a reproducible and adaptable protocol for protoplast isolation and regeneration from the temperate japonica cultivars ‘Ónix’ and ‘Platino’ using somatic embryos as the starting tissue. Protoplasts were isolated via enzymatic digestion (1.5% Cellulase Onozuka R-10 and 0.75% Macerozyme R-10) in 0.6 M AA medium over 18–20 h at 28 °C. Regeneration was achieved through encapsulation in alginate beads and coculture with feeder extracts in 2N6 medium, leading to embryogenic callus formation within 35 days. Seedlings were regenerated in N6R and N6F media and acclimatized under greenhouse conditions within three months. The isolated protoplast quality displayed viability rates of 70–99% within 48 h and supported transient PEG-mediated transfection with GFP. Additionally, the transient expression of a gene editing CRISPR-Cas9 construct targeting the DROUGHT AND SALT TOLERANCE (OsDST) gene confirmed genome editing capability. This protocol offers a scalable and genotype-adaptable system for protoplast-based regeneration and gene editing in temperate japonica rice, supporting the application of NGTs in the breeding of cold-adapted cultivars. Full article

This study explores the application of three fermented plant materials—wheat, acorns, and sorghum—in couscous preparation, as well as their impact on its properties. A survey was conducted in some localities in Algeria. The aim is to reproduce the diagrams for the manufacture of different types of couscous incorporated with fermented materials and to evaluate the pasting properties, culinary qualities, and microstructure of each type of couscous produced. The survey identified four couscous formulations made with durum wheat semolina: couscous 1 (4% sorghum, 4% wheat, 8% acorns), couscous 2 (8% acorns), couscous 3 (0.8% sorghum, 6% acorns), and couscous 4 (4% wheat, 4% acorns). A comparative study of the four types of couscous showed significant differences in their physicochemical and microstructural properties. Formulations C3 and C4 showed the best functional performance among all the couscous samples studied. In terms of the swelling index, measured at 25 °C and 95 °C, C3 reached 131.11% and 165.55%, respectively, while C4 recorded 124.9% and 157.0%. Furthermore, these two formulations had the highest viscosity values: initial viscosity of 25 mPas (C3) and 27 mPas (C4), maximum viscosity of 31 mPas (C3) and 30 mPas (C4), and final viscosity of 49 mPas (C3) and 46 mPas (C4). Analysis of the cooking loss revealed higher values for couscous 1 and 2. The microstructure of couscous 2 revealed the presence of native starch particles, open porosity, and a state of partial gelatinization. The study revealed that formulations C3 and C4 significantly (p < 0.05) impact couscous structure by enhancing functionality while preserving quality. It also maintained ancestral knowledge and offered valuable insights for future industrial applications. Full article

Mediterranean countries represent a dynamic hub of cultural exchange, where wild plants play a significant role in culinary traditions. A substantial number of these plants belong to the Asteraceae family. The climate similarities across the region contribute to the common distribution ranges of the plants. While many species are widely distributed, others are confined to specific subregions, such as the western Mediterranean, eastern Mediterranean, or North Africa. Only six taxa of the traditionally consumed wild Asteraceae plants are endemic to just one country. This review focuses on wild plants from the Asteraceae family traditionally used as food across 13 study sites, comprising 11 countries in the Mediterranean and adjacent territories, including both mainland areas and three islands. The objective is to identify and analyze patterns of native distribution in relation to actual consumption. As a result, 167 edible wild plants from the Asteraceae family were identified. Their patterns of distribution and consumption are described and analyzed. The highest number of these edible wild plants from the Asteraceae family is consumed in Spain (n = 65), followed by southern Italy (n = 44) and Morocco (n = 32). A similar pattern of consumption is seen in Turkey (n = 24), Sicily (n = 23), Jordan and Palestine (n = 21), and Bulgaria (n = 21). It is notable that 106 plants are used as food in one particular country only, although most of them are distributed in several other countries. Many of the species consumed in certain countries are not used by neighboring populations, highlighting a limited cross-border transmission of ethnobotanical knowledge. The findings from a Jaccard index statistical analysis are discussed. Full article

Steak tartare is a ready-to-eat (RTE) meat product, prepared with finely chopped or ground raw beef, with a rich culinary history and increasing consumption trend in the last years. Yet, its microbiological safety and technological challenges remain largely under-investigated. This review analyses the regulations, the safety, and technological advances in steak tartare manufacturing, focusing on microbiological risks due to potential contamination by pathogens like Salmonella spp., Listeria monocytogenes, and Escherichia coli O157:H7. From this perspective, the outbreaks associated with the consumption of raw meat products have confirmed the importance of good hygiene practice and process control, currently based on the presence of nitrite in the formulation and accurate cold chain management. Recently, the EU regulations have set stricter limits for the use of nitrites and nitrates in meat products, and this evolution has increased the interest in natural alternatives. The scientific literature indicates that plant-based antimicrobials, high-pressure processing (HPP), and novel starter cultures can be promising tools to improve raw meat safety and shelf life. This review analyses the possible options for nitrite replacement, which might involve combined interventions with natural antimicrobials, starter cultures, and packaging solutions. Future studies need to address the microbial behaviour and dynamics in nitrite-free formulations, including safety validation by challenge testing with foodborne pathogens. In this respect, steak tartare could be a model for innovation in the meat industry. However, considering the challenges that must be faced, collaboration across disciplines will be essential to meet regulatory constraints and consumer expectations while ensuring product quality and safety. Full article

Houttuynia cordata is a culinary herb from Asia. Its edible rhizomes and leaves have a fishy aroma, the molecular background of which was unknown. A comparative aroma extract dilution analysis applied to fresh rhizomes and leaves resulted in 44 and 41 odorants, respectively, 38 of which were present with FD factors ≥1 in both samples. The odorant with the highest FD factors, whether in the rhizomes or leaves, was identified as metallic, soapy, fishy smelling 3-oxododecanal. Toward clarifying its tautomeric composition, quantum calculations suggested a predominance of the enol forms in the plant. However, the form perceived at the sniffing port during GC–O remained unclear. Full article

This article addresses the issue of historical heritage revitalization using the example of a tavern. The concept presented in this study constitutes an attempt to establish a connection between the community’s tangible historical legacy and the green space that both highlights and reinforces its significance. The Tatary district in Lublin includes areas along Mełgiewska Street, Zadębie III, and the village of Hajdów. It is a residential and industrial district with landmarks such as the Graff Manor and the Krauze Brothers’ Mill. Since the Middle Ages, a crossing existed here at the narrowing of the Bystrzyca River valley, where major communication routes from Lithuania to Łęczna and from Ruthenia to Mełgiew intersected. Located in this area, the Red Inn has one of the oldest culinary traditions in Lublin, dating back to the 16th century. The building is listed in the register of monuments under number A/268. The revitalization of this currently non-operational inn should focus on restoring the building to preserve its original character and historical value while adapting it to modern standards. The inn and its surroundings have been subjected to field analyses on multiple research levels, culminating in a land development project. A key element of the plantings here are native species that support biodiversity. Full article

The Mediterranean diet, rich in plant-based foods, healthy fats, and herbs, has long been associated with a range of health benefits, including cardiovascular, neuroprotective, and anti-inflammatory effects. Recent studies suggest that certain components of this diet, particularly spices such as bay laurel, thyme, oregano, sage, and rosemary, may play a critical role in protecting the retina from oxidative damage, a key factor in blue-light-induced retinal degeneration. Blue light, emitted by digital screens and artificial lighting, has been implicated in the development of retinal conditions like age-related macular degeneration by inducing oxidative stress and inflammation. This review explores the potential of the herbs and spices commonly present in the Mediterranean diet to mitigate blue-light-induced retinal damage. These herbs are rich in polyphenols, flavonoids, essential oils, and terpenes, which offer antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties, contributing to retinal health and reducing oxidative damage. By focusing on bioactive compounds such as eucalyptol (1,8-cineole), rosmarinic acid, carnosic acid, eugenol, and thymol, this article investigates how these herbs and spices might act as natural protectants against blue-light-induced stress and retinal degeneration. The findings highlight the promising role of these culinary staples in preventing retinal damage and offer insights into future dietary recommendations for eye health in an increasingly digital world. Full article

Plant factories offer a promising opportunity for fresh food production due to their minimal land requirements. Among the adjustable factors in the production system of plant factories, light serves as a critical element, significantly influencing both crop yield and quality. Cilantro, a prevalent culinary herb and a traditional flavoring agent, plays a crucial role in Taiwanese gastronomy. This research investigated cilantro plants grown under nine different light treatments with varying red to far-red ratios and green light percentages over a 49-day period. Results demonstrate that maximum fresh and dry biomass accumulation in both shoot and root tissues occurred under treatments with red to far-red ratios of approximately of 1.8 combined with medium green light intensity. Conversely, medium far-red ratios negatively affected lutein and carotenoid concentrations in foliar tissues. Carotenoid biosynthesis exhibited an inverse relationship with green light intensity, with lower green light percentages corresponding to significantly higher carotenoid concentrations. In terms of energy efficiency, a red to far-red ratio of approximately 1.8 yielded the highest energy yield (g kWh⁻¹) and photon yield (g mol⁻¹), indicating optimal energy conversion efficiency under this spectral composition. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that cilantro cultivation under R53G05B13FR29 spectral composition (53% red, 5% green, 13% blue, 29% far-red) with a 49-day production cycle maximizes biomass while optimizing energy utilization efficiency. Full article