Search Results (462)

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

Walnut oil is growing in consumer demand due to its rich nutritional profile; however, its fatty acid composition exhibits an imbalanced SFA:MUFA:PUFA ratio (0.13:0.18:1). To improve the fatty acid balance using locally available vegetable oils in Xinjiang, we investigated the effects of blending walnut oil with linseed oil, safflower seed oil, sunflower seed oil, rapeseed oil, peanut oil, and soybean oil on physicochemical indexes, fatty acid composition, and bioactive components. Aroma characteristics were assessed by E-nose and HS-GC-IMS. The results showed that the acid value and peroxide value of the blended oil decreased, while the content of vitamin E and squalene increased inversely. The ratio of ω-6/ω-3 maintain steadily at 4–6:1, and the ratios of SFA, MUFA, and PUFA were close to 0.27:1:1. Significant differences were observed between the aroma characteristics of walnut oil and the blended oil. HS-GC-IMS identified 85 volatile organic compounds (VOCs), among which walnut oil had a higher content of alcohols, aldehydes, and ketones, with 4-hydroxy-5-ethyl-2-methyl-3(2H)-furanone as its characteristic aroma compound. The acetophenone serves as the key aroma component after blending, and the unique flavor components of each base oil (e.g., 4-nonanone in linseed oil, 3-methyl-2-pentanone in rapeseed oil, etc.) exert a synergistic effect after rationing to present a composite aroma characteristic of blended oils, which mainly consists of 3-methylbutyl butyrate and 4-ethylphenol. Full article

This study evaluated the effects of dietary PUFA supplementation on growth performance, serum biochemical indices, rumen morphology, ruminal fermentation, and rumen microbial communities in Hu sheep. Thirty healthy male Hu sheep (80 days old; 18.70 ± 0.72 kg) were randomly assigned to three groups (n = 10/group) and fed a basal diet supplemented with 4% rumen-bypass palmitic acid fat powder (POS), 4% linseed oil (LO; rich in ω-3 PUFA), or 4% sunflower oil (SO; rich in ω-6 PUFA). PUFA supplementation did not affect average daily gain or rumen tissue morphology (p > 0.05), but it significantly reduced serum creatinine, uric acid, and high-density lipoprotein concentrations (p < 0.05). Orthogonal comparative analysis showed that supplementing with PUFA significantly reduced acetate and propionate, while increasing isobutyrate, butyrate, isovalerate, and TVFAs (p < 0.05). The levels of propionate, butyrate and TVFAs in the SO group were higher than those in the LO group (p < 0.05), and the ratio of acetate to propionate was lower (p < 0.05). Supplementing with PUFA reshaped the rumen microbiota, increasing the relative abundances of Bacteroidota, Firmicutes, Euryarchaeota, Cyanobacteria, and Actinobacteriota, while decreasing Proteobacteria and Desulfobacterota (p < 0.05). At the genus level, Prevotella and Rikenellaceae_RC9_gut_group were enriched in both groups with added PUFA, while Prevotellace-UCG-001 was specifically enriched in the LO group; in contrast, Prevotella_7, Succinivibriaceae_UCG-001, Prevotella_9, and Dialist all showed a decrease (p < 0.05). The alpha diversity increased, while the beta diversity showed significant differences between the group with added PUFA and the control group. Functionally, LO enriches carbohydrate and energy metabolism, while SO enriches nucleotide metabolism. In summary, linseed oil and sunflower oil improved serum indices and ruminal fermentation without impairing growth, but through distinct microbial and functional pathways. Full article

Oil paintings, sketches, and printed works on paper frequently exhibit characteristic forms of deterioration caused by the absorption of linseed oil binders into the paper substrate. This study investigates for the first time the factors influencing the resulting volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions from oil-impregnated papers upon ageing and explores VOC quantifiable metrics suitable for condition assessment. Headspace Solid-Phase Microextraction coupled with Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (HS-SPME–GC-MS) was employed to sample and analyse VOCs from mock-ups made of three types of paper (a pure cellulosic, lignin-free and lignin-containing lignocellulosic papers with alkaline buffer), three pure linseed oil formulations (cold-pressed and alkaline-refined linseed oil, and stand oil), and oil-impregnated paper mock-ups, all subjected to controlled artificial ageing. The results showed a clear difference in VOC profile emissions between pure papers and linseed oil formulations, while oil-impregnated mock-ups emitted compounds matching those of the linseed oil formulations; however, the emissions followed a different trend. Statistical analysis (PCA) demonstrated that both paper pulp content and oil formulation significantly influence VOC emission patterns, highlighting the compounds that produce higher and most characteristic emissions. Ratios of specific compounds—such as formic to acetic acid—showed consistent trends across materials, indicating their potential as markers for distinguishing stages of deterioration. Full article

The management of invasive alien species (IAS) generates large amounts of plant waste biomass that is commonly disposed of by burning or destruction, leading to environmental and economic drawbacks. At the same time, the production of synthetic dyes and pigments used in printing and graphic applications remains a significant source of pollution. In this context, the valorization of IAS biomass as a source of natural colorants represents a sustainable alternative aligned with circular economy principles. Here, biocompounds and natural dyes were extracted from four invasive or non-native plant species—Arundo donax, Phytolacca americana, Tradescantia fluminensis, and Eucalyptus globulus—using five solid–liquid extraction methods: infusion, infusion with heat, thermal agitation, Soxhlet extraction, and ultrasonic-assisted extraction. Extraction efficiency and color preservation were comparatively evaluated. Although Soxhlet extraction provided the highest extraction yield (up to 30.5%), infusion with heat proved to be the most suitable method for preserving color integrity and minimizing oxidation. Liquid dyes obtained by the selected extraction method were converted into solid pigments through a lake pigment precipitation process using aluminum potassium sulfate and sodium bicarbonate. The resulting pigments were characterized in terms of chemical composition, particle size, and chromatic properties, and subsequently formulated into oil-based inks using linseed oil as binder. Scanning electron microscopy revealed pigment particle sizes ranging from approximately 2.1 to 8.3 µm, depending on the plant source, and confirmed adequate ink penetration and distribution on commercial printmaking paper. The obtained pigments exhibited color tones ranging from yellow to brown and grey, mainly associated with the phenolic and tannin content of the original biomass. Printing tests demonstrated the suitability of the developed inks for manual printmaking techniques, highlighting the potential of IAS-derived pigments as sustainable alternatives for artistic and printing applications. Full article

Hyperlipidemia is a major global risk factor for cardiovascular disease, underscoring the need for safe, multi-target preventive strategies. In this study, two novel dietary supplements were developed by blending freeze-dried aqueous extracts of chamomile (CDS) or thyme (TDS) with linseed oil (1:1, w/w) and evaluated for their phytochemical composition, antioxidant capacity, and hypolipidemic efficacy. Total phenolics, total flavonoids, fatty acid composition, volatile constituents, and individual phenolic profiles were characterized, while antioxidant activity was assessed using DPPH· radical-scavenging and FRAP assays. Hypolipidemic activity was investigated in a Triton X-100-induced hyperlipidemia rat model through an assessment of plasma lipid parameters, oxidative stress and inflammatory markers, and liver and kidney function indices, supported by hepatic histopathology. Molecular docking was performed to explore the interactions of major bioactive compounds with AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and HMG-CoA reductase. Both CDS and TDS exhibited strong antioxidant activity and high polyphenol content, with kaempferol and chlorogenic acid identified as the predominant phenolics in CDS and TDS, respectively. β-Farnesene and carvacrol were the main volatile constituents. In vivo, both formulations significantly reduced total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL-C, lipid peroxidation markers, and TNF-α, while increasing HDL-C and improving cardiac risk indices, with more pronounced effects observed for TDS. Histopathological analyses confirmed marked hepatoprotection, particularly in the TDS-treated group. Docking analyses identified ellagic acid as the strongest dual binder to both AMPK and HMG-CoA reductase. Overall, these findings demonstrate that chamomile-linseed and thyme-linseed formulations exert synergistic, multi-target antioxidant and hypolipidemic effects, supporting their potential as nutraceutical strategies for the early prevention and management of hyperlipidemia and cardiometabolic risk. Full article

Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs) are recognized for their beneficial effects on male fertility. This study evaluated the protective effects of dietary n-3 PUFAs from extruded linseed, alone or combined with the alga Padina pavonica, against in vitro lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced sperm dysfunction in rabbits. Twelve bucks were fed for 60 days a control diet (CNT), a diet containing 5% extruded linseed (L), or 5% extruded linseed plus 0.2% P. pavonica extract (LPP). Ejaculates were exposed in vitro to increasing LPS concentrations (0, 400, and 600 µg/mL), and sperm motility was evaluated at 0, 1, 2, and 4 h using computer-assisted sperm analysis. LPS markedly impaired sperm motility in the CNT group, increasing the percentage of static spermatozoa (p < 0.001) and reducing sperm progressive motility (p < 0.001), with complete immobility observed at 600 µg/mL after 4 h. Conversely, sperm from L and LPP groups maintained significantly higher progressive motility, lower static sperm, and improved kinematic parameters throughout the LPS challenge (p < 0.05). Dietary n-3 PUFA supplementation also attenuated LPS-induced TLR4 activation and reduced lipid peroxidation, as indicated by lower seminal TBARS levels. No histological alterations were detected in the male reproductive tract. These findings indicate that n-3 PUFA supplementation, particularly linseed combined with algae, mitigates LPS-induced sperm dysfunction in vitro. Full article

Camelina and linseed cakes were included in the diet of Tenebrio molitor (TM) larvae at two levels (5% and 10%) to evaluate their effects on antioxidant and amino acid contents, oxidative stability, water activity (a_w), and sensory attributes. Six experimental diets were tested: a standard diet used by the insect farm (STD), a commercial control diet (CON), and CON with two inclusion levels of camelina (CAM 5, CAM 10) or linseed (LIN 5, LIN 10) cakes. Each treatment consisted of 12 replicates of five-week-old larvae reared until commercial size (9 weeks). Camelina and linseed cake inclusion affected the a_w of dried larvae, with the highest values in CAM 5 and the lowest in LIN 10 (0.69 vs. 0.45, respectively; p = 0.016). The highest linseed inclusion level increased susceptibility to lipid oxidation during storage (11.3 vs. an average 2.93 meq O₂/kg fat, respectively; p < 0.0001), despite elevated antioxidant concentrations (α, δ, γ -tocopherols and β-carotene). Larvae fed with CAM 5 and LIN 5 diets had a higher content of most essential amino acids compared to the other treatments (p < 0.0001). Conversely, increasing the inclusion level to 10% determined a reduction in total amino acid content and in key essential amino acids, particularly lysine (p < 0.0001). Non-essential amino acids displayed a similar trend, except glycine, whose highest value was observed in the LIN 10 group (933 vs. 652 mg/100 g, on average). Sensory evaluation showed that LIN 10 larvae achieved the highest scores for visual and overall acceptability, although some results need further investigation. Overall, camelina and linseed cakes appear to be promising, sustainable agro-industrial by-products to be exploited in TM farming, especially at moderate inclusion levels, as the nutritional quality and market appeal of TM biomass were ensured. Full article

This study focused on fabricating linseed oil-in-water nanoemulsions (LON) at different pressures of 50 and 150 bar (named as LON50 and LON150, respectively) using a high-pressure homogenizer. Subsequently, these nanoemulsions were encapsulated in alginate hydrogel beads. It was observed that higher homogenizing pressure led to smaller droplet size (108.57 nm), harder beads (222.54 N), less LON release from the beads, and higher oxidation rate, as well as more reduction in α-linolenic acid content during the storage time. To increase the oxidative stability of LON₁₅₀, natural antioxidants including clove essential oil (CEO), rosemary extract (RE), and a mixture of both (CEO+RE) were separately incorporated into the oil phase of LON (LON_150-CEO), alginate aqueous dispersion (LON_150-RE), and both lipid and aqueous phases (named as LON_150-CEO+RE), respectively. It was shown that LON_150-CEO+RE had weaker mechanical properties than LON_150-RE and LON_150-CEO. In addition, this sample (LON_150-CEO+RE) showed the lowest oxidation rate and the minimum α-linolenic acid loss (9.82%) during storage. The highest LON release rate from the beads was related to LON_150-RE. The results of this study might help in designing bioactive lipids-filled hydrogel beads with appropriate chemical stability and mechanical properties. Full article

Antonio Basoli’s one hundred Picturesque views of the city of Bologna (1824–1836) include 95 preparatory drawings, 16 of which were executed on oil-impregnated lightweight paper now showing advanced degradation. This study aims to investigate the materials and techniques used by Basoli’s workshop and to develop an evidence-based conservation approach for these fragile works. An integrated analytical methodology combining non-invasive hyperspectral imaging (HSI), Fiber Optics Reflectance Spectroscopy (FORS) and Ion Beam Analysis (IBA) with micro-invasive SEM-EDX and FTIR-ATR spectroscopy was applied on five drawings on lightweight impregnated paper to characterize both the paper supports and drawing media. Linseed oil containing lead-based drying agents was suggested to be the impregnating substance, while iron oxide (sanguine) over metalpoint (Cu, Sb, Pb) defined the graphic media. The detection of copper–lead residues suggests that Basoli employed a direct pressure transfer technique similar to James Watt’s copying machine. Conservation treatments resulted in significant pH stabilization (from 5.35 ± 0.20 to 6.45 ± 0.33) and reduced yellowing (ΔE* = 4.9 ± 1.8) while maintaining the paper’s translucency. The results elucidate the innovative practices of Basoli’s workshop and establish a reproducible analytical and conservation methodology applicable to the preservation of nineteenth-century graphic heritage. Full article

This study evaluated the effects of dietary linseed cake on the fatty acid profile of meat and abdominal fat, and on growth performance in broiler chickens. A total of 198 birds were randomly allocated to three groups (66 birds/group). The control group (C) received a standard soybean meal-based feed, while the LIN6 and LIN12 groups were fed diets that were supplemented with 6% and 12% linseed cake, respectively. Linseed cake supplementation reduced saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids, increased n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) in meat and abdominal fat, and lowered the n-6/n-3 PUFA ratio (FDR-adjusted p < 0.05). The 12% inclusion resulted in a more pronounced accumulation of n-3 PUFAs—4.3–5.0 times higher than the control—while 6% inclusion increased n-3 PUFAs by 2.8–3.3 times (FDR-adjusted p < 0.05). However, 12% inclusion negatively affected growth performance, reducing body weight by 9.9% and feed intake by 10.4% at 42 days (p < 0.05), whereas the 6% inclusion had no adverse impact (p < 0.05). These results indicate that 6% linseed cake represents the optimal practical inclusion level, effectively enhancing the n-3 PUFA profile of broiler meat and abdominal fat without compromising growth, while higher inclusion levels may impair production performance. Full article

This study addresses the growing consumer demand for effective and sustainable hair care solutions by evaluating a novel bioactive crosslink repair complex designed to restore chemically damaged hair. The complex comprises itaconic acid, arginine, D-panthenol, and polysaccharides from linseed and chia, which work synergistically to promote fiber crosslinking, protein restructuring, and cuticle barrier restoration. The complex was incorporated into two formulations: a bleaching mixture as a protective agent and a leave-in conditioner as a repair treatment for chemically damaged hair. The protective efficacy was assessed through tensile strength measurements, differential scanning calorimetry, combability tests, shine evaluation, and scanning electron microscopy. The repair potential was evaluated using differential scanning calorimetry and tensile strength analysis. Results demonstrated that incorporating the complex into the bleaching mixture significantly enhanced break stress, denaturation enthalpy, shine, and combability, while maintaining improved cuticle alignment. The hair repair evaluation showed that post-treatment application of the complex successfully restored hair tensile strength and denaturation. These findings confirm the dual functionality of Bioactive Crosslink Repair Complex as both a protective and reparative agent, highlighting synergistic mechanisms in preventing and reversing chemical damage to hair fibers. This bioactive approach offers a promising alternative for hair care formulations targeting chemically treated hair. Full article

Echium species, abundant in the Canary Islands, contain unique fatty acids (FA) such as stearidonic acid (SDA; 18:4n-3) and γ-linolenic acid (GLA; 18:3n-6), which may improve egg quality while valorizing local genetic resources. This study evaluated the effects of Echium plantaegineum oil (EO) compared with linseed oil (LO) and soybean oil (SO) on productive performance, egg quality, sensory traits, and yolk fatty acid profile. Forty-eight hens from the Canary Islands were fed for 31 days with diets supplemented with 1.25% SO (SO-d), 1.1% LO + 0.15% beef tallow (LO-d), and 1% EO + 0.25% LO (EO-d). LO supplementation reduced laying rate and egg mass with respect to SO, increasing feed conversion ratio (FCR), whereas EO produced slightly lighter eggs compared to the SO group but with normal yolk proportion and shell traits. EO markedly increased egg yolk deposition of SDA, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA; 20:5n-3), docosapentaenoic acid (n-3 DPA; 22:5n-3), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA; 22:6n-3), while lowering the n-6/n-3 ratio and thrombogenic index (TI). No differences were observed in the evaluated sensory attributes among treatments. In conclusion, dietary inclusion of EO effectively enriches eggs with n-3 LC-PUFA without negatively affecting sensory quality, supporting its potential use as a functional ingredient in laying hen diets. Full article

The analysis of the physical and chemical properties of blackcurrant (Ribes nigrum L.), strawberry (Fragaria ananassa Duchesne ex Weston) and raspberry (Rubus idaeus L.) seeds recovered from pomace—food processing waste—was carried out. The weight of the one thousand seeds, their dry weight, swelling properties, and color in the CIE L*a*b* space, as well as the percentage of basic chemical components, i.e., protein, carbohydrate (including total dietary fiber, insoluble fiber, and soluble dietary fiber), fat, and ash were determined. Polyphenols content and antioxidant activity was determined. In addition, the amounts of individual phenolic compounds, fatty acids, and amino acids, as well as macro and micro-nutrients, were identified and analyzed. The potential usefulness of raspberry seeds as a rheology modifier of cosmetics and food products was estimated due to the high content of mucilage and swelling index similar to linseed and a favorable color with a high value of the b* parameter (22.1) corresponding to yellow color simultaneously with high luminescence (L* = 59.4). Oils obtained from all tested seeds are potentially useful in cosmetic preparations due to the high content of n-6 acids (50.4–71.5%), and oils from strawberry and raspberry seeds as a result of containing n-3 acids, respectively; 30.5–32.3% may be beneficial for dietary supplementation. In addition, the dietary values of the tested seeds are emphasized by the high content of dietary fiber (53.1–63.1%), antioxidant properties (the highest for blackcurrant) and the presence of phenolic compounds such as procyanidin derivatives, catechins (raspberry), quercetins and kaempferols (blackcurrant), and pelargonidin (strawberry). Full article

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is marked by cognitive decline, and also by retinal degeneration. Having in mind that docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6n − 3) is a safe, low-cost, and pivotal fatty acid for brain health and sustained cognitive function, this study exploits environmentally friendly non-fish sources as potential dietary supplements enriched with DHA to prevent or reverse AD. Forty 5xFAD transgenic male mice, aged five weeks old, were randomly distributed by five body weight-matched dietary groups (with eight animals each) and fed isocaloric diets based on the AIN-93M standard formulation for rodents for 6 months. Except for the control feed (without supplementation), each diet contained a modified lipidic fraction supplemented with 2% of the following: (1) linseed oil (LSO, rich in alpha-linolenic acid (ALA, 18:3n − 3)); (2) cod liver oil (fish oil, FO, rich in both DHA and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, 20:5n − 3)); (3) Schizochytrium sp. microalga oil (Schizo, with 40% of DHA); and (4) commercial DHASCO (DHASCO, with 70% of DHA). The aim of this study was to measure retinal neural layer thickness, calculate ganglion cell layer (GCL) density, and assess retinal injury by means of immunohistochemical staining for β-amyloid plaques deposition, TAU protein levels, and IBA1, as hallmark features of AD progression, in order to elucidate the effects of different dietary DHA treatments in Alzheimer’s retinas. Although no statistical differences were observed across retinal layer thicknesses depending on the diet (p > 0.05), there was a consistent pattern for slightly increased retinal thickness in 5xFAD mice fed fish oil relative to the others for the measurement of total layers, in general and for the inner segment/outer segment layer, the outer nuclear layer, the outer plexiform layer, the inner nuclear layer, and the inner plexiform layer, in particular. The ganglion cell layer (GCL) density was increased in 5xFAD mice fed the DHASCO oil diet relative to the control (p < 0.05), suggesting a benefit of DHA supplementation on the number of viable ganglion cells. No positive staining was observed for β-amyloid plaques deposition or the neuroinflammatory marker, IBA1, corroborating previous findings in human AD retinas. Conversely, the internal retinal layers showed intense TAU immunostaining. Immnunostained TAU area was significantly reduced in 5xFAD mice fed a fish oil diet compared to control (p < 0.05), although the number of TAU-positive cells did not differ across diets (p > 0.05). The retinal protected integrity derived from the benefits of DHA supplementation found, either from fish oil or DHASCO oil, underscores the potential of retinal biomarkers as non-invasive indicators of cognitive decline and overall brain health, opening new avenues for investigating AD pathophysiology in the retina. Full article