Search Results (29)

Hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) seeds have been essential for human nutrition for millennia. The products and by-products of hemp seeds are gaining popularity nowadays as food, feed and medicine for their high nutritional and nutraceutical properties. In parallel, concerns about phytate, an antinutritional compound limiting nutrient bioavailability in hemp seeds and seed meal are rising. Hemp seeds contain an array of nutrients, but their bioavailability is mostly unknown. Here, we report nutrient and phytate concentrations and phytate contents in source seeds and multiplied seeds of seven industrial hemp varieties. We estimated the bioavailability of specific nutrients based on calculated molar ratios of phytate to minerals. Seed multiplication was carried out in a phytotron using a compost-based growth medium. Five macronutrients (P, K, Mg, S, Ca), four micronutrients (Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu) and Cr were measured in seeds using ICP-OES. Seed phytate was determined using a UV-visible spectrophotometer rapid colourimetric assay. The results revealed significant differences between seven industrial hemp varieties for most macro- and micronutrient concentrations (not Fe), phytate concentration and content and phytate-to-mineral molar ratios in both source and multiplied seeds. Multiplied hemp seeds had higher K, Mn and Zn and, lower Cr and phytate concentrations and lower phytate content than source seeds. Considering nutrient bioavailability, Ca and Fe are non-bioavailable, and Zn is bioavailable in hemp seeds. Ferimon has increased Zn bioavailability in source and multiplied seeds, indicating the variety’s potential for seed production in Western Australia. Full article

The aim was to investigate the suitability of Santhica 27 industrial hemp leaves as a protein source in dairy cow nutrition. Twelve Holstein dairy cows received a total mixed ration (TMR) containing 7.4% industrial hemp leaves (HEMP) and a TMR containing 3.5% soya extraction meal (CON) in a crossover design. Cows were kept in a free-stall barn for 2 weeks to measure feed intake, milk yield and sample plasma, ruminal fluid, and urine. In week 3, cows were housed in a respiration chamber to measure gas exchange, urine, and feces excretions. In the first two weeks, cows of the HEMP group rested longer but spent less time ruminating. Feeding the HEMP diet reduced dry matter intake (DMI), milk yield, and urinary N-metabolite concentrations and tended to lower total N-excretion, milk fat, and lactose concentrations. During the stay in the respiration chamber, DMI, milk yield, apparent digestibility, and crude protein degradability were similar between groups, but feeding the HEMP diet tended to reduce methane yield. In conclusion, Santhica 27 hemp leaves are a suitable protein source for dairy cows as they have no negative effects on animal health, apparent digestibility, and crude protein degradability. Nevertheless, inadequate adaptation to the diet reduces feed intake and milk yield. Full article

While integrated practices are used in organic vegetable production for soil fertility management, their impacts on short- and long-term soil health across diverse cropping systems and environments need to be better understood, especially in sandy soils. In this two-year study (2022–2023 and 2023–2024) conducted on certified organic land, a suite of soil physical, chemical, and biological properties at the end of each organic celery (Apium graveolens L. var. dulce) production season were analyzed, with one set of field experiments assessing the influence of preplant organic fertilizers and the other set examining the effects of composts and sunn hemp (Crotalaria juncea L.) as a rotational cover crop before celery planting. Compared to feather meal-based organic fertilizer, the poultry litter-based organic fertilizer enhanced soil K and Mg base saturation, promoted micronutrient availability, and increased the overall soil fertility score. Sunn hemp cover cropping impacted soil N dynamics, and both yard waste compost and vermicompost increased the overall soil health score by over 4.0% compared to the no compost control, with yard waste compost resulting in the highest level of soil active C (10.8% higher than the control). Seasonal variations were observed in many soil parameters measured, along with marked interactions among nutrient management practices and production seasons. This study highlights the complexity of soil health assessments and improvement for sandy soils with low water and nutrient retention, and the importance of long-term, systematic studies under organic crop production. Full article

Hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) is a versatile crop that can be processed to obtain different products with multiple applications. Its seeds are a well-documented ancient source of proteins, fibers and fats, all of which possess high nutritional value. Additionally, metabolites such as flavones and phenols are present in the seeds, contributing to their antioxidant properties. Due to hemp seeds’ distinctive nutritional profile, the interest in exploring the potential use in food and nutraceuticals is growing, and they can be considered an interesting and promising alternative resource for human and animal feeding. Omics studies on hemp seeds and their by-products are also being developed, and they contribute to improving our knowledge about the genome, transcriptome, proteome, metabolome/lipidome, and ionome of these sustainable food resources. This review illustrates the main nutrients and bioactive compounds of hemp seeds and explores the most relevant omics techniques and investigations related to them. It also addresses the various products derived from processing the whole seed, such as oil, dehulled seeds, hulls, flour, cakes, meals, and proteins. Moreover, this work discusses research aimed at elucidating the molecular mechanisms underlying their protein, lipid, fiber, and metabolic profile. The advantages of using omics and multi-omics approaches to highlight the nutritional values of hemp seed by-products are also discussed. In our opinion, this work represents an excellent starting point for researchers interested in studying hemp seeds as source of nutrients and bioactive compounds from a multi-level molecular perspective. Full article

Hemp is rich in bioactive compounds known to exert antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. We hypothesised that feeding industrial hemp leaves would increase the antioxidative capacity, reduce pro-inflammatory markers, and modulate the milk amino and fatty acid profiles of dairy cows. Twelve Holstein dairy cows were randomly assigned to a total mixed ration (TMR) containing 7.4% industrial hemp leaves (HEMP) of the Santhica 27 variety or a TMR-based diet containing 3.5% soybean meal (CON). Diets were fed in a cross-over design, each for 2 weeks divided by a 2-week washout period. HEMP cows revealed higher plasma and milk cannabinoid concentrations, plasma antioxidative capacity and anserine concentration, but lower plasma π-methylhistidine, α-aminoadipic acid and isoleucine concentrations. Lipid peroxidation and tumour necrosis factor-alpha concentrations were not different between groups. The leukocyte RELA mRNA expression was higher, whereas the TNFA mRNA abundance tended to be lower in the HEMP group. In milk, n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) concentrations were higher, and the n-6/n-3 PUFA ratio was lower in HEMP than in CON cows. The results provide evidence that the supplementation with Santhica 27 hemp leaves increases the antioxidative capacity of dairy cows and results in a transfer of cannabinoids into milk. Full article

This study was aimed at providing athletes a solution to replenish the muscle glycogen re-synthesis at an optimal rate with hemp seeds as a natural protein source and Bengal gram dal and its use for the preparation of gel. The gel contains the richest source of energy, and it is an effective way to provide energy and nutrients to athletes. The gel was prepared in three variations with different hemp seed concentrations. We then analyzed the gel for pH and macronutrient composition. The sensory characteristics were analyzed for seven parameters, including appearance, taste, color, texture, aroma, consistency, and acceptability, using a hedonic scale on 25 panelists. A sensory analysis showed that sample A received an overall acceptability score of 7.16 ± 0.99 from the sensory panel. The shelf life was observed at the recommended temperature of 4 degrees Celsius, which was 12 days. The best formulation was sample B with 38 g of hemp seeds, which showed better taste, color, aroma, and acceptability and a lower average pH value (6.68 ± 1.44, 6.56 ± 1.29, 7.6 ± 1.16, 7 ± 1.26, and 5.822 ± 0.0183, respectively). Sample B contained 30.8 g of protein, 16.09 g of carbohydrates, 8.4 g of fat, and 263.16 kcal of energy per 100 g. The resulting ratio of carbohydrates to protein is optimal for use as a high-protein post-workout meal. Hence, it can be considered a post-workout supplement. Full article

Hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) is a versatile and multipurpose crop with a wide range of industrial, commercial, environmental and medicinal applications. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of hemp hay on the oxidative and inflammatory status of grazing goats. The high content of polyunsaturated fatty acids with anti-inflammatory activity makes hemp hay a promising feed that can be used to improve animals’ health by means of its metabolic profile, as well as its oxidative and inflammatory status. Studies on hemp hay suggest that its usage could replace alfalfa hay to obtain beneficial effects in terms of the milk yield and health status of goats. Indeed, because of the various biological compounds in hemp hay, the effects of its administration should be accurately explored. A total of 20 multiparous goats were equally divided immediately after calving (February) into two groups (C: control vs. H: hemp) that were homogeneous in terms of live weight (49 ± 2 kg) and milk yield at the previous lactation (2250 ± 200 g/head/day). The animals remained in the pasture but received 500 g/head/day of a barley and corn meal mixture. In addition, group H received 250 g/head/day of hemp hay, and group C was fed the same amount of alfalfa hay. Blood samples were taken before the trial and four months later and analyzed for clinical biochemistry, oxidative status, and anti-inflammatory profile. Reactive oxygen metabolites, biological antioxidant potential, Interleukins 6 (IL-6) and 10 (IL-10), and TNF-α were determined. In group H, a significant decrease in TNF-α level (22.7 vs. 12.7 pg/mL, p = 0.01) and an opposite but not significant trend for IL-10 was detected. In addition, there was a significant decrease (184.6 vs. 111.4 UCARR, p = 0.001) in d-ROM content and an increase in the biological antioxidant potential (BAP) values (3238.1 vs. 3886 μmol/L). A significant anti-inflammatory effect was only registered for TNF-α, whereas IL6 and IL10 were not affected. Full article

Background/Objectives: UV radiation is a primary cause of skin damage and photoaging. β-carotene, a potent antioxidant, aids in mitigating UV-induced oxidative stress and enhancing skin photoprotection. This research aimed to evaluate the efficacy of a nutraceutical product designed to prevent photoaging. Methods: The product consists of a blend of hemp seed oil and banana (Musa AA), formulated as a chewable tablet. Healthy male participants aged 35–50 years were enrolled in a randomized, parallel, single-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Participants received either the chewable nutraceutical (five tablets after meals in the morning and evening, equivalent to 8 ± 2 mg/day of β-carotene and 400 mg/day of PUFA) or a chewable placebo for 16 weeks. A total of thirty-six participants successfully completed the entire 16-week study. Results: Administration of the nutraceutical resulted in a significant reduction (p < 0.05) in UV solar light stimulator-induced erythema on the dorsal skin at week 4, with a mean value of 3.76 ± 0.46 AU, compared to the initial value of 4.88 ± 0.62 AU at week 0. Additionally, serum β-carotene concentration significantly increased from 0.45 ± 0.02 µg/mL at week 0 to 0.61 ± 0.06 µg/mL at week 16 (p < 0.05). Moreover, skin intensity in the sun-exposed arm area also significantly improved at week 16, increasing from 71.33 ± 3.50 at week 0 to 81.80 ± 4.45 (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The results indicate that the developed nutraceutical may offer effective protection against erythema, making it a promising option for preventing photoaging. Full article

Hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) is a cosmopolitan annual herbaceous plant used in the past as a source of textile fiber. Currently, hemp is receiving great interest as animal feed due to its chemical and nutritional properties. The aim of this study was to explore the effects of supplementing goats’ diets with hemp hay on the milk yield, chemical composition, and fatty acid profile. Twenty multiparous goats, immediately after kidding, were divided into two homogenous groups (C: control vs. H: hemp); the goats had free access to the pasture, and both groups received a supplement of 500 g/head/day of a barley and corn meal mixture (50/50). In addition, group H was given 250 g/head/day of hemp hay while group C received the same amount of alfalfa hay. The milk yield was measured daily, and milk samples were collected monthly 4 times to evaluate the milk composition and fatty acid profile. The milk yield was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in the experimental group, while no differences were found in the milk chemical composition. Concerning the fatty acid profile, the milk from group H was characterized by significantly lower concentrations of C11:0, C12:0, C13:0, C14:0, C15:0, and C17:0 and higher C16:0 and C18:0. Among the polyunsaturated FA, C18:2 n6 and C20:4 were significantly (p < 0.001) lower, and C20:5 n3 was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in the milk from group H than that from group C. The n6/n3, LA/ALA and AA/EPA ratios were significantly (p < 0.001) lower in the milk from group H, while the CLAs were unaffected by the treatment. Full article

Organic producers have few certified organic options to meet crop nitrogen (N) demand. Poultry-based amendments, including manures and processed fertilizers from livestock waste (e.g., feather meal), are commonly used in these systems, but synchronizing nutrient release with plant demand is challenging. Cover crop residues are also used in organic systems and interact with amendments to affect soil health and nutrient cycling. We conducted a greenhouse study to quantify the effects of four cover crop residues (millet, sorghum sudangrass, cowpea, sunn hemp) and three amendments (heat-treated poultry manure, poultry manure biochar, organic fertilizer) on spinach. We measured spinach yield and nutrient uptake; soil inorganic N; total soil carbon (C) and N; and two soil health indicators: permanganate oxidizable C (POXC) and autoclaved citrate-extractable (ACE) protein. Legume residues released the greatest inorganic N, whereas all cover crop residues exhibited a higher soil ACE protein concentration compared to the control without residues. The organic fertilizer released more inorganic N but had a lower ACE protein concentration than manure-based amendments. Grass residues increased POXC relative to sunn hemp, but cover crop residues had no effect on total C. In contrast, manure-based amendments increased soil’s total C but did not affect its POXC. Spinach yield and nutrient uptake were highest with biochar, with no consistent effect of cover crop residues observed on nutrient uptake. Overall, cover crops had the greatest effect on soil health indicators (POXC and ACE protein), whereas manure-based amendments had a greater impact on crop productivity and nutrition (spinach nutrient uptake and yield). Full article

The present study was conducted to investigate the effects of introducing hemp seeds, as a source of PUFAs, into a standard diet with or without dried fruit pomace (dried blackcurrant (DB) or dried rosehip (DR)), as a source of natural antioxidants, on the laying performance of hens and the FA profile, cholesterol level, antioxidant content, and lipid oxidative status in the yolks of fresh eggs or eggs stored at 4 °C for 28 days. The experiment used 128 Tetra SL hens at 35 weeks of age, which were divided into four groups and randomly assigned to four dietary treatments: a standard corn–wheat–soybean meal diet (C), standard diet containing 8% ground hemp seed (H), hemp seed diet containing 3% dried blackcurrant pomace (HB), and hemp seed diet containing 3% dried rosehip pomace (HR). The laying rate, feed conversion ratio (FCR), egg weight, and yolk weight were improved by the use of hemp seeds. The yolks of the H, HB, and HR eggs had a lower cholesterol (p ˂ 0.01) and SFA content, while the concentration of total and individual PUFAs (n-6 and n-3 FAs) was significantly higher (p ˂ 0.01) compared to C. In addition, the introduction of hemp seeds into the diets alone or with dried fruit pomace (DB or DR) led to increased (p ˂ 0.001) content of α-linolenic acid (ALA, 18:3n-3), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, 20:5n-3), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6n-3) and hypo-/hypercholesterolemic FA ratio and decreased arachidonic acid (AA, 20:4n-6) content, n-6/n-3 ratio, and thrombogenicity index (TI) compared to the control eggs. The introduction of dried fruit pomace (DB or DR) into the diets had no effect on the laying performance of the hens or the cholesterol content and FA profile of the egg yolks, compared to the diet supplemented only with hemp seeds. The dried fruit pomace improved the color, accumulation of antioxidants, and oxidative stability of fats in the yolks of the fresh eggs and eggs stored at 4 °C for 28 days. The DR was found to have the most desirable effects, producing the most intense color of egg yolks, the highest content of natural antioxidants, and the best oxidative stability of yolk lipids. Full article

As a result of the increasing focus on alternative protein sources which are ideally still sustainable, the yellow mealworm, Tenebrio molitor, has come into focus. To verify its suitability as a food source in relation to human health, an analysis of the microbiome of larvae of T. molitor is pertinent. Subsequently, the focus of this study was, on the one hand, to analyze the influence of the substrate on the microbial load of the larvae microbiome, and, on the other hand, to determine which processing methods ensure the risk-free consumption of mealworms. For this purpose, mealworms were grown on 10 different substrates derived from by-products of food production (malt residual pellets, corn germ meal, chestnut breakage and meal, wheat bran, bread remains, draff, nettle, hemp seed oil cake, oyster mushrooms with coffee grounds, pumpkin seed oil cake) and microbial loads were analyzed using different selective media. Further starvation/defecation and heating (850 W for 10 min) methods were used to investigate how the reduction of microorganisms is enabled by these methods. The results showed that there was no significant relationship between the microbial load of the substrate and the mealworm. Starvation and defecation led to a lower stock of microorganisms. Heating led to a significant microbial reduction in non-defecated mealworms. The group of defecated and heated mealworms showed no detectable microbial load. In conclusion, firstly, the choice of substrate showed no effect on the microbial load of larvae of Tenebrio molitor and secondly, heating and starvation allow risk-free consumption. This study makes an important contribution for evaluating the safety of mealworms as a sustainable protein source in human nutrition. Full article

Fermented foods have gained immense popularity in recent years due to their distinct flavor profile. Given the increasing demand, there is a growing focus on optimizing their nutritional quality while also reducing their costs. In this study, using a novel approach, hemp seed meal was utilized as a solid fermentation substrate to produce nattokinase (NK). Using a combination of one-factor-at-a-time experiments, Plackett–Burman design, and Box–Behnken design, the optimal fermentation conditions of Bacillus subtilis 13932 (NK-producing strain) were determined. The initial ratio of HSM (hemp seed meal) to water was 1:2.0 (v:w), the thickness of the substrate was 2.9 cm, the bacterial inoculum volume was 10% (v:w), the relative humidity was 75.2%, the temperature was set at 35 °C, and the fermentation time was 20 h. The NK activity under these conditions was measured to be 7067.12 IU/g. During fermentation, 15.15% of soluble peptides were produced, which exhibited hydroxyl radical removal ability and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical removal ability of 14.85%, down from 32.96%. Furthermore, trypsin inhibitor and urease in HSM decreased by 42.6% and 73.6%, respectively, improving the nutritional quality of HSM. Sensory evaluations indicated that HSM is expected to be a popular food, highlighting the potential of using HSM as a solid fermentation substrate for NK production. Full article

Existing food trends and modern consumers’ nutritional preferences have led to a rising demand for plant-based sources of protein such as hemp seed meal and the possibility of consumption hemp-rich products, most often in wheat-based staple foods, such as pasta. Pasta, as a conventional food product, is widely consumed worldwide due to its nutritional value, long shelf life, easy preparation, versatility of uses and also relatively low cost, which has made this product popular over time. Five formulations of rigatoni-shaped pasta obtained by partial replacement of wheat grain flour with 5%, 10%, 15% and 20% hemp seed meal (HSM) were studied regarding the technological, physicochemical, textural, antioxidant and sensory properties of the pasta samples. The substitution of wheat flour with hemp seed meal (HSM) led to a slight increase in the cooking loss (CL) and optimal cooking time (OCT) compared to the control sample, while the water absorption (WA) and swelling index (SI) decreased during evaluation. The experimental results also showed a decrease in luminosity and fracturability, with an increased firmness of pasta dough. Moreover, the developed pasta showed a significant improvement in antioxidant capacity in terms of total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant activity (DPPH). The pasta samples with 15% and 20% HSM substitutes experienced a browning process due to the Maillard reactions during drying, as well as a color loss during cooking; however, the color changes did not affect the acceptability of the product. The partial replacement of wheat flour with hemp seed protein highlighted the possibility of developing a new innovative type of pasta that claims a functional benefit and presents an improved nutritional value, mainly due to the partial protein intake, as well as certain benefits for a human diet. Full article

The aim of this study was to evaluate self-produced nutraceutical treats, taking into account the nutritional preferences of dogs, and to analyze the proximate composition, macrominerals and trace elements content. Four variants of snacks were prepared—two extruded and two baked. The snacks consisted of wholegrain buckwheat flour, wholegrain spelt flour, banded cricket meal, dried hemp inflorescences, dry spirulina biomass, linseed (in the case of baked snacks) and guar gum (in the case of extruded snacks). The proximate composition was determined according to the Association of Official Analytical Chemists methods. Mineral and heavy metal content was analyzed by colorimetry and mass spectrometry. The extruded and baked snacks were analyzed with a scanning electron microscope. The two-bowl test was used as the palatability test. It should be mentioned that when comparing baked snacks to the extruded ones, spaces between starch granules and protein were less visible in the baked snacks but air bubbles were observed suggesting a higher expansion. The mean level of crude fat was twice as high in the baked snacks compared to the extruded snacks. In the case of total carbohydrates, the extruded snacks had a higher content compared to the baked. The analyses showed differences in terms of magnesium content. The average content of trace elements was significantly higher in baked snacks than in the extruded snacks. Dogs preferred the baked variant and the difference between the buckwheat flour content also influenced their preferences—variants richer in buckwheat were chosen less often. This could probably be related to the bitterness in the variant with a higher content of buckwheat flour, which translated into less frequent selection of this variant by dogs. Treats containing insect meal and spirulina can be used in dog nutrition due to their good nutritional value and potential health benefits. Full article