Search Results (393)

The present exploratory study evaluated egg quality and yolk functional properties in one commercial hybrid (Lohmann Brown^®), two Italian (Livorno and Milanino) and a French (Marans) local laying hen breeds reared under agroecological conditions and fed a diet enriched with 20% whole hemp seed (HS). A total of 120 laying hens (30 per breed) were raised with pasture access and received the experimental diet for nine months. Egg physical traits, yolk composition, cholesterol content, fatty acid profile, nutritional indices, total phenolic content (TPC), and total antioxidant capacity (TAOC) were assessed at 0, 3, 6, and 9 months. Breed significantly influenced egg characteristics, including yolk and albumen proportions, yolk to albumen ratio, yolk pigmentation, and selected fatty acids (p < 0.05). The adopted agroecological management system increased polyunsaturated fatty acids, particularly omega-6, omega-3, reduced the n-6/n-3 ratio, improved atherogenic and thrombogenic indices, and enhanced the health promoting index, desirable to undesirable fatty acid ratio, and essential fatty acid content (p < 0.05). TPC and TAOC also increased significantly over time (p < 0.01), indicating enhanced antioxidant properties of the yolk. Overall, the adopted agroecological management characterized by HS enriched diet improved the nutritional and functional quality of eggs. These findings support alternative farming strategies that enhance egg value and promote the conservation of local poultry genetic resources. Full article

The utilization of protein-rich agricultural by-products offers a sustainable strategy for developing plant-based meat analogs. This study investigated the effects of cold-pressed hemp seed cake (HSC) incorporation at levels of 0–20% on the pasting, thermal–rheological, textural, and structural properties of high-moisture meat analogs produced by extrusion. Increasing HSC incorporation significantly reduced peak viscosity, indicating altered starch–protein–fiber interactions within the blends. During temperature-sweep measurements, all formulations exhibited elastic-dominant behavior, with the storage modulus remaining higher than the loss modulus throughout heating and cooling. Although the initial viscoelastic moduli decreased with increasing HSC content, the final moduli after cooling were comparable to those of the control. Incorporation of 15% and 20% HSC significantly decreased hardness from 44.02 to 38.88 N and chewiness from 1730.20 to 1517.31 g, whereas springiness, cohesiveness, and the hardness degradation ratio remained largely unchanged. Fibrous structures were maintained in all formulations, while cutting strength tended to increase and the texturization degree numerically increased from 1.04 to 1.15 at 20% HSC. These findings demonstrate that HSC can replace up to 20% of the conventional protein–starch blend while maintaining thermal viscoelasticity and anisotropic fibrous structure, although producing a moderately softer high-moisture meat analog. Full article

The use of non-traditional oilseeds for food purposes has increased significantly in recent years. Due to the high content of unsaturated fatty acids, the production of cold-pressed oils from pumpkin and hemp seeds is growing at a steady pace. This results in the accumulation of a by-product (oilseed press cake), from which high-quality proteins can be derived. Protein hydrolysates based on these raw materials offer further potential for valorization. This review summarizes classical and modern methods for obtaining protein isolates from pumpkin and industrial hemp oilseed cakes, as well as possible approaches for their modification to enhance their nutritional and functional properties. Furthermore, it provides an overview of the methods for producing protein hydrolysates rich in bioactive peptides. The presence of peptides with antioxidant, antihypertensive, or hypoglycemic properties makes hydrolysates a valuable source of nutraceutical components with potential applications in the development of functional foods or dietary supplements. However, most studies to date have been conducted using in vitro systems. Further research involving animal models or clinical observations is required to determine dosage regimens and applications of these hydrolysates. Regarding protein isolates, the challenges for their broader use in the food industry are related to increasing solubility, removing anti-nutritional factors, and improving techno-functional properties. Full article

Industrial hemp is a chemically rich plant increasingly explored within sustainable production systems aimed at the full utilization of all plant fractions. While hemp inflorescences have been extensively investigated, the biological potential of seed-depleted infructescences remains largely underexplored. This study compared essential oils (EOs) distilled from inflorescences and seed-depleted infructescences of hemp (Cannabis sativa L. cv. Futura 75). Their chemical composition was determined by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS), and their cytotoxicity, hemocompatibility, effects on blood coagulation, and antibacterial activity against a panel of 11 Gram-positive, Gram-negative, and microaerophilic bacterial strains were evaluated. The major EO constituents included α-Pinene, (E)-Caryophyllene, Myrcene, α-Humulene, Caryophyllene oxide, and Cannabidiol. EOs obtained from seed-depleted infructescences exhibited distinct chemical profiles, low cytotoxicity toward BJ human skin fibroblasts, minimal haemolytic activity, no significant effects on blood coagulation, and, in most cases, stronger antibacterial activity than inflorescence-derived EOs. Particularly high activity was observed against skin- and oral-associated bacteria, including Cutibacterium acnes and Streptococcus species. These findings demonstrate that seed-depleted infructescences represent underutilized post-harvest biomass and a valuable and sustainable source of biologically active EOs, supporting their further investigation for potential pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and oral healthcare applications. Full article

Cannabis sativa is a multi-use crop with applications in food, fiber, construction, and medicinal industries. Cannabis plants with low Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) concentrations (industrial hemp) have recently been legalized for industrial cultivation by multiple nations across the globe. This crop has been traditionally ignored and lags behind established crops like wheat, corn, and cotton in breeding and the development of novel traits. We employed chemical mutagenesis to develop novel traits in industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa L.). We used ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS) as the chemical mutagen and determined the lethal dose (LD50) to be 2% (v/v) for 5 h for the heat-tolerant (HT) (diploid, 2n) accession and 2% (v/v) for 8 h for the 4x (tetraploid, 2n = 4x = 40) accession. The variations in seed germination percentages among mutagen treatments were found to be highly significant (p < 0.05). The parental generation (M0) seeds were treated with the LD50 dosage of the mutagen to produce mutant M1 populations. The first mutant generation (M1) and second mutant generation (M2) plants displayed a wide array of phenotypes such as dwarf plants, twin seedlings, leaf variegation, fasciation, purple anthocyanins, hard/leathery leaf texture, trifoliate leaves, bushy stature, and unusual leaf shape, which is a testament to the effectiveness and accuracy of the LD50 dosage calibration results. Full article

The growing demand for natural, skin-compatible cosmetic cleansers has driven interest in oil-based systems that can effectively remove waterproof cosmetics while remaining physicochemically stable. This study characterized hemp seed oil and evaluated it as a component of a water-in-oil (W/O) microemulsion makeup remover. Hemp seed oil showed good oxidative stability (peroxide value = 1.87 ± 0.23 mEq/kg). It contained 0.134 ± 0.01 mg gallic acid equivalents/g of oil weight of phenolic compounds. The oil was rich in linoleic and α-linolenic acids and contained α-tocopherol. Microemulsions were prepared by combining hemp seed oil with castor oil (C:H) or sunflower oil (S:H) at three oil ratios and four surfactant HLB values (4.3–12). From 72 candidate formulations, only sunflower oil:hemp seed oil systems in the ratio of 3:7 and HLB of 9.5 showed the best overall balance of stability, maintaining droplet size, low PDI, and consistent viscosity/turbidity over 2 months of storage and heating–cooling cycle testing. This formulation also exhibited cleansing efficiency (ΔE = 9.64), which was slightly lower than a commercial cleansing oil (ΔE = 9.74). These results illustrate the potential of hemp seed oil to be developed into a stable, effective W/O microemulsion cleansing system for cosmetic application. Full article

Floral hemp production requires agronomic practices that maximize biomass and cannabidiol (CBD) yield while maintaining legal tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) limits. A two-year field study was conducted at the Tennessee State University Agricultural Research and Education Center to evaluate floral hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) production under a Non-Chemical System (NCS) and Chemical System (CS) at a uniform nitrogen (N) rate of 100 kg ha⁻¹. Four cultivars (‘Fukuoka’, ‘Rushmore’, ‘Cherry’, and ‘Virginia’), two mulch types (plastic and straw), and two propagation methods (seed and clone) were evaluated for effects on biomass yield, plant height, CBD and THC concentrations, and the Compliance Regulatory Index (CRI). The production system did not significantly affect biomass; however, plant height and CBD and THC concentrations were significantly influenced. Across cultivars, mulched plants under CS were taller than those under NCS. Seed-propagated ‘Fukuoka’ under NCS and ‘Virginia’ under CS produced the highest THC concentration. ‘Rushmore’ exhibited greater consistency across production systems and propagation methods. In 2023, plastic mulch increased biomass by 38% compared with no mulch, while in 2024, straw mulch increased biomass by 154%. CRI varied significantly among cultivars and was influenced by year and propagation method. ‘Cherry’ clones and seed-propagated ‘Fukuoka’ showed greater CBD potential at the 0.3% THC threshold in 2023. Although CS with seed propagation showed a slight agronomic advantage, NCS demonstrated comparable performance. Significant performance declines in the second year suggest that continuous monocropping of floral hemp may compromise long-term productivity. A supplementary 2022 harvest-timing study demonstrated cultivar-dependent differences in cannabinoid accumulation and THC compliance during floral maturation. Full article

Background: The present study aimed to develop and characterize three honey- and essential oil-based structured systems intended for topical skin application. Materials and Methods: The semisolid systems were prepared as oil-in-water structured emulsions containing four types of honey (Manuka, Tualang, chestnut, and manna), three essential oils (palmarosa, cistus, and lavender), and five vegetable oils (pomegranate seed, aloe, centella, hemp seed, and calendula). Each formulation consisted of two honey types, one essential oil, and two vegetable oils, with final concentrations of 5% honey and 0.1–0.2% essential oil. The formulations were investigated through physicochemical, rheological, and in vivo skin evaluations. Results: Rheological analysis demonstrated non-Newtonian pseudoplastic behavior with shear-thinning and thixotropic characteristics, indicating that the systems are structured, semisolid, and suitable for topical application. Differences in spreadability and consistency suggested variations in the internal organization of the emulsion matrices. In vivo skin assessments were performed over four weeks using non-invasive instrumental methods. The obtained results demonstrated improvements in skin hydration, elasticity, firmness, and skin barrier function, together with reductions in transepidermal water loss and erythema. The evaluation of skin textural parameters revealed improvements in skin uniformity and a reduction in the appearance of wrinkles. Among the tested structured systems, F3 formulation exhibited the most pronounced moisturizing effect, while F1 formulation showed notable improvements in parameters associated with skin texture and wrinkle-related features. Conclusions: Overall, the results indicate that honey-based topical systems enriched with essential and vegetable oils represent promising multifunctional semisolid formulations for topical skin-conditioning and barrier-supportive applications. Their favorable rheological behavior, combined with beneficial effects on skin hydration, barrier function, and skin surface properties, supports their potential use in skin-conditioning and anti-aging-related formulations. Full article

Plant lecithins are complex mixtures of phosphatidylcholine (PC), phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), phosphatidylinositol (PI), phosphatidic acid (PA) and lysophospholipids. They are increasingly demanded as natural, non-allergenic emulsifiers and as nutraceutical carriers. Quantitative data on the phospholipid (PL) fraction of less-commodity oilseeds, however, remain dispersed. This review compares the PL composition, processing-dependent extractability, and functional behavior of six oils: hemp (Cannabis sativa L.), sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.), corn/maize (Zea mays L., germ), pumpkin (Cucurbita spp.), flax/linseed (Linum usitatissimum L.), and camelina (Camelina sativa L.). Across the six oils, total PL content varies by more than an order of magnitude (c.a. 0.25% in camelina oil bodies; >1% in solvent-extracted hemp and c.a. 0.5–1.0% in Styrian pumpkin oil), and PC fraction ranges from 30% (hemp seed tissue) to 56% (rapeseed-comparable sunflower). Flax stands out for both an exceptionally high PE share (22.7%) and a polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) content in the PL fraction (53.3%) that exceeds rapeseed, sunflower and soy by an order of magnitude. We integrate recent extraction (cold pressing, supercritical CO₂, microwave-assisted, aqueous enzymatic) and degumming data (water, acid, enzymatic with phospholipases A1/A2/C) with functional evidence in emulsions, oil bodies, and bioactive delivery. Full article

Industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) is increasingly being recognized for the production of functional food ingredients and nutraceutical products with broad applications in human nutrition. Its nutrient-rich seeds are of particular interest for their nutritional profile. Moreover, its inflorescences and trichomes provide sources of nutrient-rich proteins, bioactive compounds, and functional substances for food formulations. Agronomic practices, environmental factors, and genotype considerably influence the hemp nutritional profile; thus, continued interdisciplinary research is needed to standardize quality across supply chains. X-ray micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) combined with 3D image analysis is an emerging non-destructive technique in high-resolution plant phenotyping. The aim of this work was to show the contribution of X-ray micro-CT to the quantitative characterization of the internal hemp seed structure and of the trichomes. The 3D image analysis approach used allowed us to determine many morphometric traits of the different seed parts and of the trichomes. Among them, volume ratios of the different seed parts and the density and morphological characteristics of the trichomes of two cultivars were accurately quantified. Overall, this work showed the contribution of X-ray micro-CT in 3D morphometric characterization of the hemp achene structure and trichomes. The obtained seed morphometric traits could be correlated in future applications with nutritional and/or physiological properties of different hemp varieties in order to support different aspects of the whole hemp supply chain such as the dehulling process, oil and protein recovery, seed quality evaluation, and genotype screening, to which trichome characterization could also contribute. Full article

Hemp and linseed are nutritionally valuable commodities that exhibit considerable varietal differences in composition. Nutrient composition was evaluated in 12 hemp and 11 linseed varieties, including commercially cultivated varieties from the EU Common Catalogue and newly bred lines, to assess varietal variability. Field experiments were conducted under uniform agronomic conditions in the Czech Republic during a single growing season using field-block samples. Analyses included proximate composition (dry matter, crude protein, fat, fiber, ash), fatty acid and amino acid profiles, carotenoids, vitamins, and cannabinoid content. Statistical evaluation was performed using a General Linear Model with Duncan’s multiple range test (p < 0.05). Significant differences were observed across most parameters, indicating substantial inter-varietal variability under the experimental conditions. Fat content ranged from approximately 200 to 377 g/kg in both oilseeds, with lipids dominated by polyunsaturated fatty acids, particularly linoleic (n-6) and α-linolenic (n-3) acids. Hemp and linseed show potential as alternative plant protein sources in animal nutrition, but further digestibility and feeding studies are needed to confirm their suitability as partial soybean meal substitutes. Varietal selection may contribute to improved nutritional quality while influencing levels of undesirable constituents such as Δ⁹-THC in hemp. Full article

This study presents an integrated metabolite-centered framework for the comparative evaluation of plant-based substrates through the simultaneous profiling of fermentation-associated short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and neuroactive compounds within a single in vitro experimental platform. Unlike conventional studies focusing on individual metabolite classes, the present approach combines in vitro gastrointestinal digestion with simplified bacterial fermentation to characterize substrate-dependent metabolic responses under controlled experimental conditions. Concurrent evaluation of SCFA production and neuroactive compound formation enabled multidimensional assessment of fermentation-associated metabolite profiles and their potential biochemical interrelationships. Significant differences (p < 0.05) were observed among substrates in both SCFA production and neuroactive compound formation. Hemp seed flour exhibited the highest acetate concentration (4.67 mg/100 g) and γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) level (114.00 µg/g), whereas lentil and corn flour showed elevated propionate levels. Chickpea and bulgur produced the highest butyrate concentrations. Among neuroactive compounds, bulgur exhibited the highest dopamine and serotonin levels, while lentil demonstrated a more balanced metabolite profile. Correlation analysis suggested exploratory associations between SCFA production and neuroactive compound formation. A strong positive correlation between acetate and GABA (r = 0.89) indicated potential co-variation between carbohydrate fermentation and neuroactive metabolite formation, whereas divergent dopamine and serotonin patterns suggested substrate-dependent metabolic differences. Functional mapping further classified substrates into SCFA-oriented, neuroactive compound–dominant, and mixed metabolic profile groups. Collectively, these findings support a metabolite-centered framework for comparative assessment of plant-based substrates based on fermentation-associated metabolite profiles obtained under controlled in vitro conditions. Although the simplified two-strain fermentation model does not reproduce the complexity of the human colonic microbiota, the observed substrate-dependent metabolic differences may provide preliminary insights into biochemical outputs potentially relevant to gut–brain axis-associated pathways. Further studies employing complex microbial communities and in vivo validation are required to confirm the physiological relevance of these findings. Full article

Industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) has emerged as a sustainable source of bioactive compounds, with increasing interest in cosmeceutical applications for acne management. This systematic review synthesises evidence on cannabinoid-containing hemp extracts, particularly cannabidiol (CBD), with emphasis on anti-inflammatory and sebostatic mechanisms, alongside formulation considerations and supply-chain sustainability. Reporting followed PRISMA 2020 guidelines and encompassed preclinical and clinical evidence relevant to acne-associated outcomes. The review protocol was registered prospectively with PROSPERO (CRD420251272093). Across cell-based, ex vivo and early clinical studies, CBD modulated key inflammatory mediators, including TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6 and IL-8; normalised sebocyte activity and attenuated Cutibacterium acnes (Propionibacterium acnes)-induced inflammatory signalling. Preliminary clinical observations indicate reductions in lesion counts and erythema, with generally favourable short-term tolerability; however, interpretation is limited by small sample sizes, predominantly non-randomised designs, heterogeneous formulations and frequent co-formulation with additional active ingredients. Evidence supporting direct antimicrobial efficacy and durable clinical benefit remains limited. Lipid-rich hemp seed-derived products were considered only in a contextual capacity for barrier-supportive and nutritional properties and were excluded from efficacy synthesis unless cannabinoid content was verified. Sustainability analyses highlight hemp’s low water requirements, carbon sequestration potential and relevance to Sustainable Development Goal 3 (SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being) and Sustainable Development Goal 12 (SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production), supporting its role in environmentally responsible cosmeceutical development. Overall, CBD-containing hemp extracts show biologically plausible and clinically promising adjunctive potential for mild-to-moderate inflammatory acne, but current evidence remains preliminary. This review highlights the need for methodologically rigorous and transparent clinical studies, standardised formulations, validated outcome measures and the integration of sustainability metrics to strengthen evidence synthesis, clarify clinical relevance and guide responsible cosmeceutical development. Full article

Obesity and its metabolic complications represent a major global health challenge, and food-derived bioactive peptides are emerging as promising dietary interventions. In this study, two hemp seed protein-derived tetrapeptides with pancreatic lipase (PL) and cholesterol esterase (CE) inhibitory activity, APAM and RLPA, were co-administered with a high-fat diet (HFD) to male C57BL/6J mice at 25 and 100 mg/kg body weight for 10 weeks. Both peptides dose-dependently alleviated HFD-induced body weight gain, visceral fat accumulation, hepatic steatosis, dyslipidemia, hyperglycemia, and systemic inflammation. Mechanistically, both peptides inhibited intestinal PL and CE activities and enhanced fecal lipid excretion, supporting direct suppression of intestinal fat digestion. 16S rRNA gene sequencing revealed partial restoration of HFD-disrupted gut microbiota, with APAM preferentially enriching Bifidobacterium and Roseburia, while RLPA promoted Akkermansia and Lactobacillus, accompanied by differential improvements in fecal short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) profiles. Hepatic transcriptomics identified the PPAR signaling pathway as a shared regulatory hub, and multi-omics integration revealed significant correlations linking gut microbiota, SCFA production, hepatic gene expression, and metabolic phenotypes. These findings suggest a dual-pathway anti-obesity mechanism integrating intestinal lipid digestion inhibition with gut–liver axis modulation, and highlight hemp seed protein-derived peptides as potential functional food ingredients for obesity prevention. Full article

Hemp seed protein hydrolysate (HSPH), despite its high digestibility and solubility, exhibits severely impaired gelation properties due to extensive hydrolysis, thereby limiting its food applications. This study analyzed the effect of homogeneously incorporating commercial hemp seed protein concentrate (HSPC) into HSPH on physicochemical and structural properties of the resultant composite gels. As the HSPC concentration increased from 100 to 150 mg/mL, the composite gels exhibited a significant enhancement in hardness (p < 0.05), increasing from 1.63 to 5.74 N, along with an improvement in water-holding capacity (WHC) from 45.52 to 55.46 g/g. Concurrently, the storage modulus (G′) and gelation temperature increased, with the latter rising from 65 to 78 °C. SDS-PAGE analysis suggested that the enhanced composite gel properties were attributed to its high-molecular-weight protein fractions (10–15 kDa and 40–50 kDa) of HSPC, which functioned as the primary structural components of the gel network. In addition, the formation of denser yet irregular microstructures was observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis when HSPC incorporation increased from 0 to 200 mg/mL. Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) further suggested that these improvements were due to increases in β-turn and random coil contents by approximately 9.60 and 7.73%, respectively. These findings provided insights into the utilization of HSPH and HSPC in plant-based foods and contributed to food security and sustainable agriculture. Full article