Search Results (87)

Phenolic compounds are increasingly valued for their contribution to the antioxidant capacity and nutritional characteristics of cereals. In this study, 38 barley and wheat varieties grown in Croatia were evaluated over three consecutive years to assess the effects of cereal type, growing season, and malting on total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant activity (AOA). Wheat and barley are essential small grains because of their importance in human and animal nutrition and their wide adaptability. Barley showed significantly higher TPC (1.37 mg Gallic Acid Equivalent (GAE)/g dw) and AOA (63.34%) compared to wheat varieties (TPC 0.85 mg GAE/g dw; AOA 20.09%), with hull-less barley having the highest values (TPC 1.48 mg GAE/g dw; AOA 66.76%). The growing year significantly affected the accumulation of phenolic compounds, with 2019 yielding the highest TPC (1.46 mg GAE/g dw) and AOA (59.85%). Malting enhanced TPC and AOA, particularly in spring barley, with the most pronounced increase recorded in 2017. Statistical analyses demonstrated clear grouping of samples based on growing year and malting status, with hull-less barley varieties forming stable clusters. Hull-less barley varieties such as GZ-192 have emerged as a valuable source of natural antioxidants with potential application in health-promoting food products. Full article

The objective of this study was to compare the effects of applying a 50% wheat grain diet with those of a diet with 3% additional dietary fibre from various sources on the development of broiler chickens’ gastrointestinal tract and its related organs and to model this phenomenon based on data obtained from 35-day-old chickens using multiple regression equations. The use of various structural components, including oat hull (OH), sunflower hull (SH), sugar beet pulp (SBP), and wheat bran (WB), in proportions of 3% of the diet not only affects digestive processes in broiler chickens’ gastrointestinal tract but also causes a change in the length of their intestinal sections or the weight of related organs. These effects can be taken into account when creating an experimental model, the results of which can at least be partially applicable to human studies. The use of OH and SH (3%) in the birds’ diets resulted in a significantly higher body weight (p < 0.05) compared with the use of SBP and WB. OH in the diet significantly increased (p < 0.01) the weight of the chicken’s gizzards compared with the other dietary fibre sources, apart from SH. On the other hand, the weight of the proventriculus in chickens fed the diet containing OH was significantly lower than that of the chickens fed the diet containing SBP (p < 0.05). The use of SH in the diet caused a significant decrease (p < 0.01) in the weight of the chickens’ heart. Compared with other additional sources of dietary fibre, OH in the diet also significantly increased (p < 0.05) the lengths of the small and large intestines, as well as the total length of the intestines. A correlation analysis showed a significant, average, positive relationship (p < 0.05) between the content of TDF in the diet and the weight of the gizzard and indicated a significant positive correlation between the lengths of the jejunum and the remaining sections of the intestines. Additionally, the regression equation models indicated a significant effect (p < 0.01) of all the independent variables on the jejunal, ileal, and caecal lengths and the liver weight. The application of the regression model confirmed significant changes in the small intestine and liver weight depending on the type of dietary fibre and other independent variables, which can also be taken into account when assessing diseases in people with thin intestines. However, further studies with separate models still need to be conducted using experiments including both soluble and insoluble fibre. Full article

Bread is a staple food and can be enriched with a variety of deficient nutrients in the human diet. This study evaluated the impact of buckwheat hull addition on the mineral content of toasted bread made with wheat bread flour and wholemeal bread made with the addition of wholemeal wheat flour. Bread samples were prepared with different levels of buckwheat hull addition (1.5%, 3.0%, and 4.5%) and compared with a nonenriched control sample. The impact of buckwheat hull addition on mineral content was determined using atomic absorption spectrometry. In the tested bread samples, the macroelements, in terms of determined quantities, can be ordered as follows: potassium (K) > phosphorus (P) > calcium (Ca) > sodium (Na) > magnesium (Mg); microelements can be ordered as follows: zinc (Zn) > iron (Fe) > manganese (Mn) > copper (Cu). Statistical analysis showed a significant increase (p < 0.05) in the manganese content in all enriched breads samples, but the most important changes were observed between 1.5 and 4.5% of husk addition. Significant increases were also observed in the Zn, Mg, Ca, Na and K contents depending on the bread type and the level of husk concentration. This study showed the role of food processing methods, such as food enrichment with a functional ingredient—buckwheat husk—in enhancing the nutritional quality of bread. Buckwheat hull addition to bread increased the coverage of daily requirements for several minerals crucial for the proper functioning of the human body. The consumption of a 100 g portion of husk-enriched (4.5%) wholemeal bread makes it possible to cover up to almost 70% of the daily requirement for manganese in the adult diet. Full article

Yunnan hulled wheat (YHW) is a wild ancestor of cultivated wheat and possesses rich genetic variation; however, there is limited research on teff at the molecular level. Therefore, in this study, two lines with large differences in kernel size were used as materials, and their kernels were sampled at 7, 21, 35, and 49 days after flowering; kernel surface area and thousand kernel weight were measured and analyzed; and transcriptome sequencing analysis was also performed, which showed that a total of 88,801 genes were annotated by Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG); the functional annotation showed that the key pathways they involved in yield traits were mainly enriched in gycolysis/gluconeogenesis, pentose and glucuronate interconversions, amino sugar and nucleotide sugar metabolism, starch, and sucrose metabolism pathways, of which TraesCS5B02G356300, TraesCS7B02G375300, TraesCS7A02G473900, and TraesCS2B02G390700 differed significantly in different subgroups; and a significant difference was observed between the two pathways in different subgroups using weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) associated with yield traits. Ten core genes were mined from the two modules with the highest correlation with the target traits. These results provide a theoretical reference basis for interpreting the expression patterns of yield trait-responsive genes in YHW, for further conservation and utilization of the germplasm resources of this rare wheat, and for the screening of high-yielding superior varieties. Full article

Soil salinization, which is second only to soil erosion in terms of soil degradation, significantly hinders crop growth and development, leading to reduced yields. This study investigated the enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant defense mechanisms of four ancient hulled wheat species under salt stress, with and without exogenous glycine betaine (0.5 mM). We aimed to assess the salt tolerance of these species and their potential for cultivation in saline/sodic soils. Our findings indicate that sodium and potassium chloride concentrations exceeding 100 mM induce significant stress in hulled wheat. However, combined salt stress (sodium and potassium chloride) reduced this stress by approximately 20–30%. Furthermore, exogenous glycine betaine supplementation almost completely alleviated the negative effects of salt stress, particularly in Triticum boeoticum. This species exhibited a remarkable ability to restore normal growth functions under these conditions. Our results suggest that ancient hulled wheat, especially T. boeoticum, may be a promising candidate for cultivation in sodium-saline soils. By supplementing with potassium fertilizers in addition to nitrogen, plants can effectively control salt influx into their cells and maintain intracellular K⁺/Na⁺ balance, thereby mitigating the adverse effects of salinity stress. This approach has the potential to increase crop yields and enhance food security in saline environments. Full article

This study investigates selenium (Se) biofortification in four strains of the medicinal mushroom Hericium erinaceus using Se-enriched substrates to assess Se uptake, distribution, and its impact on yield. Experimental substrates included lignocellulosic materials fortified with Se (0, 2, 6, and 18 µg/g) in the form of sodium selenite. Se accumulation varied by strain, with M9521 showing the highest bioaccumulation efficiency, particularly for an unknown Se compound, suggesting unique metabolic pathways. Other strains predominantly accumulated selenomethionine. The bioconcentration factor was highest at 6 µg/g Se, indicating optimal efficiency at this level. Moderate Se supplementation (2–6 µg/g) improved yield, though time to harvest was affected by Se levels in some strains. Substrate composition influenced Se uptake, with wheat bran yielding the highest Se content and soybean hulls maximizing biological efficiency. A strong correlation between C/N and Se content was observed. Se distribution was higher in outer basidiocarp layers, and light intensity during cultivation enhanced Se accumulation. Se uptake decreased with subsequent flushes at medium and high supplementation levels, while substrates maintained the same bioavailable Se. The results highlight the potential of Se-enriched Hericium erinaceus as a functional food source and the role of substrate and cultivation conditions in optimizing Se content. Full article

Agrocybe cylindracea is an important mushroom highly valued as a functional food for its nutritional and medicinal benefits. Many bioactive extracts from A. cylindracea have been found to exhibit antitumor and antioxidant activities. This research investigated the distinct substrates that affected the physicochemical and biocomponent properties and biological efficiency of A. cylindracea. The substrates used were 48% giant juncao grass mixed with 30% Dicranopteris dichotoma grasses, 48% wasted tea leaves mixed with 30% sawdust, and 78% cottonseed hulls, all supplemented with 20% wheat bran and 2% lime. The findings indicated that A. cylindracea grown in the cotton seed hulls had a significant biological efficiency, at 35.8%, followed by the GD + DD (31.5%) and WTL + SD (28.7%). The ash content peaked in the fruiting bodies grown on giant juncao grass and D. dichotoma, while the fat content was highest in those grown on giant juncao grass and D. dichotoma, followed by wasted tea leaves and sawdust. The protein content was significantly higher in the fruiting bodies cultivated on wasted tea leaves and sawdust, followed by cottonseed hulls. The carbon dioxide emissions varied across substrates, with the highest emissions observed during the maturity stage of the fruiting bodies grown on giant juncao grass with D. dichotoma and wasted tea leaves and sawdust. Emissions decreased sharply 110 days after cultivation. Essential metabolites, such as dopamine and caffeine, were enriched in the fruiting bodies grown on wasted tea leaves, sawdust, and cottonseed hulls. In contrast, tyramine and uracil were enriched in those grown on cottonseed hulls. Full article

Upcycling low-cost agricultural by-products into valuable and sustainable alternative feeding materials could secure human food-supply chains with a low carbon footprint. This study explored increasing the feeding value of camelina meal (CAM) mixed with wheat bran (WB), soybean hulls (SH), and rice hulls (RH) for monogastric animals via solid-state fermentation (SSF) using white rot fungus Trametes versicolor. Experiments evaluated fungal growth, amino acid profiles, structural carbohydrates, glucosinolates, phytate and in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD). Weight loss analysis indicated that fungal growth was more active in WB/CAM and SH/CAM substrates than RH/CAM. Significant phytic acid degradation and near-complete glucosinolate elimination improved CAM feed quality across all substrates. Fermentation increased total and essential amino acids in the SH/CAM mixture, while reductions occurred in WB/CAM and RH/CAM mixtures. SH/CAM fermentation caused substantial cellulose and hemicellulose degradation, resulting in a 44% IVDMD increase. Conversely, RH/CAM fermentation decreased IVDMD despite a reduction in cellulose, possibly due to protein degradation. This study demonstrates the potential of T. versicolor-mediated SSF to enhance CAM and other agricultural residues’ feeding value for monogastric animal applications. Full article

This study focused on developing a functional bazlama with a lower glycemic index (GI) that is high in β-glucan and rich in plant-based protein. Functional bazlama samples were produced by supplementing bread wheat flour with high β-glucan content hull-less barley flour and high protein content lentil flour (15%, 30%, and 45%). Additionally, mixed bazlama samples (Mix1, Mix2, Mix3, and Mix4) were produced by supplementing them with both barley and lentil flours. The results showed that 3 g of β-glucan could be provided from the bazlama sample and supplemented with 45% barley flour, which meets the threshold to carry health claims. Supplementing with 30% and 45% lentil flour increased the protein content of the bazlama samples to a level qualifying them as a “high protein”. The control bazlama had a high GI, while samples supplemented with 30% and 45% barley or lentil flour and all mixed bazlama samples had medium GI values, and Mix2 had the lowest GI value among all bazlama samples. Also, as the supplementation levels of barley and lentil flour increased, the phenolic contents and antioxidant capacities of the bazlama samples increased. The results of the present study indicate that barley and lentils can be used as an ingredient in traditional flatbreads to obtain products with better functional and nutritional properties. Full article

Wild emmer wheat (Triticum turgidum ssp. dicoccoides) is the ancestral species of cultivated tetraploid wheat with BBAA genomes. Because of its full interfertility with domesticated emmer wheat, this wild species can serve as one of the most important genetic resources to improve durum and bread wheat. To clarify the magnitude of genetic diversity between and within populations of Turkish wild emmer wheat, 169 genotypes of ssp. dicoccoides selected from the 38 populations collected from the three sub-regions (East-1, West-1, and West-2) of the Southeast Anatolia Region of Turkey were molecularly and morphologically characterized. The populations showed significant variation in plant height, heading date, flag leaf area, spike length and number, spikelet, peduncle, lemma, palea, glume and anther lengths, glume hull thickness, anther width, and days to maturity. According to the results of nuclear-SSR analysis, the populations collected from the sub-regions East-1 and West-2 were the most genetically distant (0.539), while the populations collected from the sub-regions West-1 and West-2 were the most genetically similar (0.788) populations. According to the results of AMOVA, there was 84% similarity within the populations studied, while the variation between the populations of the three sub-regions was 16%. In the dendrogram obtained by using nuclear-SSR data, the populations formed two main groups. The populations from the sub-region East-1 were in the first group, and the populations from the sub-regions West-1 and West-2 were in the second group. From the dendrogram, it appears that the populations from the sub-region East-1 were genetically distant from the populations from the sub-regions West-1 and West-2. The results highlight the potential diversity in Southeast Anatolia for wild emmer discovery and utilization. Full article

Incorporating extruded pea hulls (EPH) into wheat bread increases its nutritional value by increasing dietary fiber content, which in turn influences the physicochemical properties and sensory attributes of bread. This study aimed to assess the effect of varying EPH levels on the rheological properties of wheat dough, as well as on the physical and sensory attributes of wheat bread, providing insight into the optimal EPH inclusion level. Farinograph analysis indicated that the inclusion of extruded pea hulls progressively increased the water absorption capacity. At higher EPH replacement levels, bread exhibited decreased specific volume, increased hardness, reduced porosity, darker color, and pronounced sensory attributes of pea aroma and pea taste. Bread with 5–15% EPH retained physical qualities comparable to bread without EPH, with 5% EPH replacement particularly improving specific volume, porosity, and texture. However, 20–30% EPH significantly impaired bread quality, resulting in denser crumb, darker crumb color, and intensified pea aroma. These findings suggest that moderate EPH inclusion (up to 15%) is optimal for enhancing fiber content without compromising bread quality, while higher levels (20% and more) may negatively affect both physical and sensory attributes. Full article

This experiment aimed to evaluate the effects of using sugarcane bagasse (SB) as a substitute for soybean hulls and wheat bran in the diet of pregnant sows on their reproductive performance and gut microbiota. A total of seventy-two primiparous sows were randomly divided into four treatment groups, with eighteen replicates of one sow each. The sows were fed a basal diet supplemented with 0% (CON), 5%, 10%, and 15% SB to replace soybean hulls from day 57 of gestation until the day of the end of the gestation period. The results showed that SB contains higher levels of crude fiber (42.1%) and neutral detergent fiber (81.3%) than soybean hulls, and it also exhibited the highest volumetric expansion when soaked in water (50 g expanding to 389.8 mL) compared to the other six materials we tested (vegetable scraps, soybean hulls, wheat bran, rice bran meal, rice bran, and corn DDGS). Compared with the CON, 5% SB significantly increased the litter birth weight of piglets. Meanwhile, 10% and 15% SB significantly increased the rates of constipation and reduced the contents of isobutyric acid and isovaleric acid in feces. Furthermore, 10% and 15% SB significantly disturbed gut microbial diversity with increasing Streptococcus and decreasing Prevotellaceae_NK3B31-group and Christensenellaceae_R-7-group genera in feces. Interestingly, Streptococcus had a significant negative correlation with isobutyric acid, isovaleric acid, and fecal score, while Prevotellaceae_NK3B31-group and Christensenellaceae_R-7-group had a positive correlation with them. In conclusion, our study indicates that 5% SB can be used as an equivalent substitute for soybean hulls to improve the reproductive performance of sows without affecting their gut microbiota. 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

Alternariol (AOH), an emerging mycotoxin, inevitably exists widely in various food and feed commodities with cereals and fruits being particularly susceptible, raising global concerns over its harm to human and livestock health. The development of eco-friendly and efficient strategies to decontaminate AOH has been an urgent task. This study provided insight into the utilization of crude soybean hull peroxidase as a powerful biocatalyst for degrading AOH. The results confirmed that crude soybean hull peroxidase (SHP) could catalyze the oxidation of AOH by use of H₂O₂ as a co-substrate. The optimum reaction conditions for SHP-catalyzed AOH degradation were recorded at pH 4.0–8.0, at 42–57 °C, and at H₂O₂ concentration of 100–500 μM. Mass analysis elucidated the degradation of AOH through hydroxylation and methylation by crude SHP. Moreover, toxicological analysis indicated that crude SHP-catalyzed AOH degradation detoxified the hepatotoxicity of this mycotoxin. The performance of crude SHP to degrade AOH in food matrices was further evaluated, and it was found that the enzyme agent could achieve AOH degradation by 77% in wheat flour, 84% in corn flour, 34% in grape juice, and 26% in apple juice. Collectively, these findings establish crude SHP as a promising candidate for effective AOH degradation, with potential applications in the food and feed industry. Full article

Nutraceuticals obtained from sprouted wheat and oat grains and processing by-products (bran and hull, respectively) naturally containing antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds were evaluated. The objective of this study was the development of a cereal-based nutraceutical formula combining extracts from sprouts and by-products and the exploration for potential synergetic effects in their bioactive properties. The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capacities, glycemic index, phytic acid, and β-glucan of individual wheat bran hydrolysate (EH-WB), sprouted wheat (SW), oat hull hydrolysate (EH-OH), sprouted oat (SO), and combined ingredients (CI 1, CI 2, and CI3) were used to tailor an optimal nutraceutical formula. The three blend ingredients (CI 1, CI2, and CI3) were formulated at different ratios (EH-WB:SW:EH-OH:SO; 1:1:1:1, 2:1:2:1, and 1:2:1:2, w:w:w:w, respectively). The resulting mixtures showed total phenol (TPs) content ranging from 412.93 to 2556.66 µmol GAE 100 g⁻¹ and antioxidant capacity values from 808.14 to 22,152.54 µmol TE 100 g⁻¹ (ORAC) and 1914.05 to 7261.32 µmol TE 100 g⁻¹ (ABTS^•+), with Fe³⁺ reducing ability from 734. 02 to 8674.51 mmol reduced Fe 100 g⁻¹ (FRAP) for the individual ingredients produced from EH-WB and EH-OH, where high antioxidant activity was observed. However, the anti-inflammatory results exhibited an interesting behavior, with a potentially synergistic effect of the individual ingredients. This effect was observed in CI2 and CI3, resulting in a higher ability to inhibit IL-6 and TNF-α than expected based on the anti-inflammatory values of their individual ingredients. Similar to the antioxidant properties, oat-based ingredients significantly contributed more to the anti-inflammatory properties of the overall mixture. This contribution is likely associated with the β-glucans and avenanthramides present in oats. To ensure the bioaccessibility of these ingredients, further studies including simulated digestion protocols would be necessary. The ingredient formulated with a 2:1 hydrolysate-to-sprout ratio was the most effective combination, reaching higher biological characteristics. Full article