Search Results (7)

Hemp seeds and derived products were recently re-evaluated in the food sector, thanks to their high nutritional value and absence of gluten. This increasing diffusion required to investigate the occurrence of mycotoxins, in particular of Alternaria toxins (ALTs), has been uncovered at high levels in previous work. An integrated approach was involved in this study. First, Alternaria spp. incidence and ALTs were determined in hemp seeds harvested in different fields during 2024 and 2025 and the influence of meteorological conditions and of varieties was evaluated. Then, their distribution in hemp oil and defatted flour was studied after a cold pressing process of naturally contaminated hemp seeds, finding a high percentage, over 85%, in hemp cake. Finally, a small survey was conducted on different hemp products intended for direct human consumption, confirming the risk of contamination in seeds, flour and derived bakery products. Full article

This research investigates the incorporation of hemp seed cake (HSC), a nutrient-rich by-product of hemp oil extraction, into traditional pretzel formulations as a sustainable approach to functional dry pretzels development. Wheat flour was substituted with 5–40% HSC, and the resulting products were examined for proximate composition, bioactive profile, and sensory perception. Substitution with hemp seed cake significantly enhanced nutritional quality, raising protein from 7.49 to 12.62% and fiber from 0.90 to 11.78%, while lowering carbohydrates; notably, formulations containing ≥30% HSC meet EU Regulation 1924/2006 criteria to be labeled as a “source of protein.” Functional enrichment was further demonstrated by a four-fold increase in polyphenols (115.28–467.45 mg GAE/kg) and a corresponding rise in total flavonoids (63.40–262.28 mg GAE/kg), as well as by enhanced antioxidant capacity evaluated through DPPH (194.42–658.89 mg Trolox/kg) and ABTS assays (486.05–1647.23 mg Trolox/kg). Sensory analysis (CATA, PCoA) indicated that low substitution levels (≤10%) preserved traditional acceptability, whereas higher levels (≥30%) introduced nutty aroma and denser texture, perceived by consumers as novel. These findings highlight hemp seed cake as a multifunctional ingredient that improves nutritional density, enhances bioactive potential, and supports circular economy principles in the bakery sector. Full article

In the present study, the primary by-products of the hemp-seed oil process—hemp seed cake flour and hemp seed protein concentrate—underwent enzymatic hydrolysis using proteases and carbohydrases, either individually or in combination. The effectiveness of these enzymatic treatments in releasing bioactive compounds was evaluated by assessing the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of the aqueous extracts of both hydrolysed and untreated hemp by-products. The aim was to explore their potential senotherapeutic properties and promote their application as dietary supplements. Secondary metabolites such as flavonoids, phenolic acids, and catechins were analysed using high-performance liquid chromatography. Total phenolic, flavonoid, and protein contents were determined using spectrophotometric methods. Scavenging activity (2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl scavenging assay (DPPH assay)), antioxidant power (Ferric reducing antioxidant power assay (FRAP assay)), and lipid peroxidation-reducing activity (thiobarbituric acid-reactive substance analysis) were assessed through in vitro assays. Possible anti-inflammatory effects were evaluated by assessing haemolysis inhibition. The impact of extracts on albumin glycation induced by exposure to fructose was also determined. To assess the toxicity of extracts, a zebrafish larvae model was employed. All extracts contained significant amounts of phenolic compounds, flavonoids, and proteins, and they exhibited notable activities in reducing lipid peroxidation and stabilising erythrocyte cell membranes. However, they did not significantly influence protein glycation (the glycation inhibition was only in the range of 15–40%). Our research demonstrates the substantial health-promoting potential, including senescence delay, of aqueous extracts from by-products of the hemp-seed oil process, which are available in large quantities and can serve as valuable supplements to support the health of animals, including humans, rather than being discarded as waste from oil 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

The present study aims to develop gluten-free product formulations by using different seed flours to determine their effectiveness in gluten-free products. For this purpose, a baton cake model was selected; the cake production process was conducted by adding hemp, okra, mustard, or coriander seed flours with rice flour at a ratio of 25% seed flour to 75% rice flour to prepare the cake batters. The physicochemical, textural, and sensory properties, as well as the baking behaviors of the resulting products, were determined. The TOPSIS method was used in the sensory analyses. With the addition of seed flours, a color change occurred in the inner and crust values of the baton cake samples. It was observed that the hardness value of the baton cake samples increased with the addition of seed flour. In the TOPSIS evaluation, which is a multi-criteria decision-making method, the most preferred product in the free baton cake samples was the cake with hemp seed flour added, while the least preferred product was the control group baton cake. According to the findings, it was concluded that the use of seed flours can be used as an alternative ingredient in the production of gluten-free baton cakes that celiac patients can consume in their diets. Full article

Hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) seeds contain a high concentration of proteins and biologically active compounds. The protein content is even higher in case of lipid part removal in oil production. The remaining part is considered a leftover, usually being used in animal feed. The aim of this study was to investigate the physicochemical composition of hemp seed cake flour, its nutritional quality and its impact on bread quality parameters. The properties of hemp seed cake flour were assessed in terms of protein quality, mineral composition, polyphenols and antioxidant activity. Hemp seed cake proved to be an important source of high-quality protein (31.62% d.m.) with the presence of eight essential amino acids. The biologically active potential of hemp seed cake has been demonstrated by the high content of polyphenols, especially those from the Cannabisin group. Hemp seed cake flour was incorporated in wheat flour at levels from 5 to 40% (w/w) to investigate its influence on bread quality parameters. The addition of hemp seed cake flour increased the total phenol content of bread, thus greatly enhancing the antioxidant activity. The protein content of bread was found to be enhanced from 11.11% d.m (control sample) to 18.18% d.m (for sample with 40% hemp seed cake flour). On the other hand, the addition of hemp seed cake flour led to decreased bread porosity, increased hardness and decreased resilience in the seed cake. Although, all bread samples recorded sensorial attributes ranging between “slightly like” and “like it very much”. Full article

There is an increasing tendency toward the application of plant origin ingredients in meat products. This study evaluates the physicochemical properties and oxidative stability of pork burger patties produced with the addition of dried raw and defatted by supercritical CO₂ extraction hemp seed press-cake as protein-rich ingredients (1.5–2.0%) and sweet grass ethanolic extract (0.5%) as a strong natural antioxidant. The main aim of using such a combination was to assess the possibility of mitigating the negative effects of hemp seed press-cake, containing approx. 10% of highly unsaturated oil, on the oxidation of meat products. The patties were compared with the control sample (without additives) during storage on days 0, 4, 8, 15, and 21 at 4 °C in modified atmosphere conditions. Plant ingredients reduced the lightness of pork patties, while their effects on other physicochemical characteristics were insignificant. The patties with fully defatted hemp seed flour showed the lowest grilling losses. Based on the measurement of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, raw hemp seed press-cake increased the oxidative rate of pork patties; however, remarkably, the addition of sweet grass extract completely inhibited oxidation during the whole period of storage. The sensory characteristics of the products were acceptable; however, the patties with sweet grass extract received lower evaluation scores. Full article