Search Results (33)

The growth of the global population has led to increased demand for agricultural products, resulting in greater agricultural waste production. One sustainable response to this challenge is using agricultural waste as raw material in building materials. This study examines the potential for partial replacement of natural aggregates in concrete with agricultural waste from typical Mediterranean fruits: sour cherry pits, grape seeds, ground olive pits, and carob seeds. To evaluate the effect of treatment on the behavior of agro-waste aggregates, ground olive pits were used untreated, treated with ash water, or treated with seawater. Carob seed concrete deteriorated during water curing due to seed swelling and tannin-related degradation, revealing its unsuitability without prior stabilization. Partial replacement of natural aggregates with agricultural waste resulted in decreased density, ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV), dynamic elastic modulus, compressive strength, and thermal conductivity, while increasing saturated water absorption. Treatment with ash water on ground olive pits improved the interfacial transition zone (ITZ), resulting in 29% increase in compressive strength relative to untreated ground olive pits. Concrete with ash water treated ground olive pits demonstrated the highest practical potential among all tested agro-waste concretes. Full article

The growing demand for clean-label foods has stimulated interest in minimally processed ingredients capable of improving the nutritional and technological quality of gluten-free bakery products. Carob (Ceratonia siliqua L.) is an underutilized Mediterranean crop whose seeds are mainly used for locust bean gum production, while other fractions of the fruit remain insufficiently valorized. This study investigated the potential of carob seed flour (CSF) and the whole carob fruit flour (pods and seeds; CSPF) as natural structuring ingredients in gluten-free flatbread (GFFB), combined with sourdough fermentation. The initial technological properties (pasting profile, baking loss, specific volume, color, and texture profile) and nutritional composition were evaluated, alongside storage stability, through textural and sensory changes during 72 h. The incorporation of carob ingredients improved the nutritional profile of GFFB, nearly doubling total dietary fiber and iron content without compromising sensory acceptance. CSF use resulted in an improved pasting profile and a 50% softer crumb structure. Sourdough fermentation successfully mitigated the increased hardness and lower sensory freshness perception in CSPF formulations. Carob seed flour, as well as whole carob fruit flour combined with sourdough, represent effective natural strategies for improving the technological properties, nutritional quality, texture profile, and freshness perception of gluten-free flatbread without compromising sensory acceptability. Full article

The carob tree (Ceratonia siliqua L.) is indigenous to the Mediterranean basin, noted for its adaptability to biotic and abiotic stresses and its long history of use in traditional agroforestry systems. This review critically analyzes the phytochemical composition of carob, its traditional medicinal uses, and its contemporary applications in the cosmetic, pharmaceutical, and agri-food sectors. Particular attention is placed on the valorization of carob pods, seeds, and leaves, which are transformed into high-value products, including locust bean gum and polyphenol-rich extracts. Recent studies indicate that carob is a rich source of bioactive compounds, particularly phenolic acids and flavonoids such as gallic acid, chlorogenic acid, ellagic acid, catechins, quercetin, and luteolin. These compounds have primarily been investigated in vitro and in vivo, where they exhibited antioxidant, antimicrobial, and potential cardioprotective and gastrointestinal-related effects. This chemical diversity underscores their potential as a prime substitute for future nutraceutical and pharmaceutical applications. The review further addresses the ecological and socio-economic relevance of carob cultivation, particularly in countries such as Algeria, where reforestation and agro-industrial valorization remain underexploited despite their significant economic potential. Overall, this work highlights the need for a comprehensive and critical evaluation of carob-derived bioactive compounds and encourages further well-designed studies, especially clinical investigations, to better substantiate their health-related benefits while supporting sustainable use of this multipurpose species. Full article

Agri-food industries generate substantial quantities of side streams such as peels, pods, seeds, and leaves. Traditionally regarded as waste, these by-products are now recognized as rich sources of bioactive compounds—often at higher concentrations than those found in edible plant parts. Their recovery reduces environmental impact and enables the development of sustainable ingredients for food and health-related applications, in line with circular economy principles. This study presents the design and metabolomic characterization of a novel lyophilized powder derived from Mediterranean and locally cultivated plant-based by-products (named BIOMEDER), including orange, lemon, olive leaves, carob pods, shiitake mushroom, and salicornia. A multiplatform metabolomics approach was applied, combining high-resolution UPLC-QTOF-MS, UHPLC-QTRAP-MS, SPME-GC-MS, and ¹H-NMR spectroscopy to comprehensively profile phytochemicals, nutrients, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The powder was found to be rich in flavonoids (e.g., luteolin-7-O-glucoside, hesperidin, eriocitrin), phenolic acids, amino acids (e.g., proline, GABA), organic acids (e.g., malic and citric acid), and over 40 VOCs associated with antioxidant and sensory functions. Notably, high concentrations of these compounds suggest potential health-promoting properties. These findings might support the formulation of a potential functional plant-based supplement and reinforce the value of integrating diverse agro-industrial by-products into sustainable, health-oriented food solutions. Full article

The revalorization of agro-industrial by-products is a key strategy for promoting sustainability and the circular economy. This study assessed the photoprotective potential of underutilized carob (Ceratonia siliqua L.) fractions, including unripe and mature pods, leaves, and seed tissues, through chemical characterization, in vitro assays, and in vivo validation. Extracts showed high polyphenol contents (up to 4.8 g GAE/100 g) and strong antioxidant activity (up to 45 g TE/100 g). Photoprotective properties were confirmed by a solar protection factor of up to 17 and erythema transmission values of 3–6, indicating efficient UV absorption and anti-inflammatory potential, which together support overall skin protection. To validate these effects under physiological conditions, Caenorhabditis elegans was used as an in vivo model under three exposure modalities: complete exposure (contact and ingestion), the barrier effect (UV shielding by the medium), and the physiological effect (systemic protection after ingestion). Seed episperm and unripe pods showed the highest efficacy. Notably, complete exposure reduced UV-induced lethality from 98% to below 50%, mainly due to the barrier effect. This is the first report demonstrating the photoprotective activity of carob by-products in C. elegans, supporting their potential as natural ingredients for cosmetic and nutraceutical applications, and contributing to the sustainable revalorization of local agricultural residues. Full article

The carob tree (Ceratonia siliqua L.) is receiving growing attention for its agro-industrial potential, particularly due to its seeds, which are the source of locust bean gum (LBG), a galactomannan-rich polysaccharide with wide applications in food and pharmaceutical industries. Efficient dehusking of carob seeds is critical to maximize LBG purity and yield, yet current industrial methods pose environmental concerns and lack robust quality control tools. In this study, we demonstrate the use of Diffuse Reflectance Spectroscopy (DRS) and Kubelka–Munk (KM) modeling as a rapid, non-destructive technique to assess dehusking efficiency. By combining spectral data from four complementary spectrometers (450–1800 nm), we identified key reflectance and absorbance features capable of distinguishing raw, industrially treated, and laboratory-dehusked seeds. Notably, our laboratory-treated seeds exhibited a considerably lower reflectance in the NIR plateau (800–1400 nm) compared to raw and industry-treated seeds, and their KM-reconstructed skin showed enhanced absorption bands at 960, 1200, and 1400 nm, consistent with more complete husk removal and improved light penetration. Principal Component Analysis revealed tighter clustering and lower variability in lab-processed seeds, indicating superior process reproducibility. These results establish DRS as a scalable, green analytical tool to support quality control and optimization in carob processing. Full article

Carob fruit utilization remains limited, with most of their commercial value derived from locust bean gum, which is obtained from seed endosperm. Efficient extraction requires dehusking, which is traditionally performed under harsh conditions. This study aims to develop and optimize a milder, more sustainable dehusking method while preserving seed quality for industrial applications. Various aqueous-based solvents were tested, leading to the selection of metanesulfonic acid (CH₄O₃S). A Box–Behnken design with response surface methodology optimized the process, using husk removal efficiency as the response variable. The optimized conditions were 24.5 g of seeds treated in 50 mL of a solvent mixture (41% CH₄O₃S and 59% H₂SO₄) at 90 °C for 10 min, followed by washing by 5 min with water (87 mL). The treated seeds were analyzed using colorimetry assays and diffusive reflectance spectroscopy and benchmarked against both pristine and dehusked seeds from a local company. The resulting seeds remained morphologically intact and exhibited appealing color characteristics comparable to commercial samples. The optimized method ensured intact seed morphology and color characteristics comparable to commercial standards, offering a viable alternative to conventional H₂SO₄-based dehusking. Furthermore, this study also highlights for the first time the effectiveness of diffusive reflectance spectroscopy as a rapid and straightforward tool for assessing the dehusking process. Full article

The carob tree (Ceratonia siliqua L.) is a defining species of the Mediterranean region, and its fruit, the carob pod, has seen a notable increase in economic interest in recent years, primarily due to the production of locust bean gum (E410), a widely used food additive derived from the seeds. The remainder of the fruit, the carob pulp, comprises 80–90% of the fruit’s weight and is typically considered a by-product, with its primary application being in animal feed. This study focused on obtaining cellulose-rich extracts from selected carob varieties cultivated in the Mediterranean region. A comprehensive physicochemical characterization of these cellulose-rich fractions was conducted, including the assessment of their antioxidant properties, specifically total phenolics and antioxidant capacity measured by the FRAP, ABTS, and CUPRAC methods. The findings reveal that carob pulp is an excellent source of carbohydrates, including soluble sugars, which constitute 33–45% of the pulp’s fresh weight, depending on the variety, and cell wall polysaccharides. The cell wall polymers, with cellulose as the predominant component, account for approximately 45% of the fresh pulp weight. Notable amounts of other polysaccharides, such as pectins and hemicelluloses, were also identified. Among the studied varieties, Bugadera and Rotjal stood out as exceptional sources of cellulose-rich extracts. Carob pulp was also found to be rich in antioxidant compounds, reflected in its high antioxidant capacity. In particular, the Bugadera variety, grown under irrigated conditions, exhibited a significant concentration of phenolic compounds (24.4 mg gallic acid equivalents per gram of pulp) and high antioxidant activity across all methods used, with ABTS measurements reaching up to 391.5 mg Trolox equivalents per gram of pulp. In conclusion, these results underscore the significant potential of carob pulp as a source of valuable cellulose-rich extracts, offering applications beyond its traditional use as animal feed. By exploring these new possibilities, the economic and environmental sustainability of carob cultivation could be greatly enhanced, contributing to the broader valorization of this iconic Mediterranean fruit. Full article

The present study aimed to find solutions based on the use of plant-based ingredients that would improve the nutritional quality of meat products as well as ensure sensory and microbiological quality. Two fat replacers, lemon albedo (Citrus lemon) and carob seed gum (Ceratonia siliqua), were investigated by chemical analysis and panel testing to evaluate their effect on the nutritional and sensory quality of beef burgers. The antimicrobial activity of two plant extracts, from nettle (Urtica dioica) leaves and medlar (Eriobotrya japonica) seeds, was studied, evaluating the intensity of inhibitory action and the minimum inhibitory concentration against Pseudomonas spp. and Listeria innocua strains by plate test. In addition, the antioxidant activity of both extracts was evaluated. Based on the results, lemon albedo and medlar seed extracts were validated in a food model (beef burger) by a storage test and a challenge test. The storage test results highlight that medlar seed extract prevents the formation of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARSs) and ensures microbiological quality, inhibiting Enterobacteriaceae and Pseudomonas spp. Anti-Listeria efficacy was confirmed in situ by challenge test results. In conclusion, although fat replacers ensure nutritional and sensory quality, they do not satisfy microbiological quality. This study clearly demonstrates that the safety of low-fat burgers can only be achieved through the combination of appropriate fat replacers with well-selected natural antimicrobial extracts. Full article

Carob (Ceratonia siliqua) seeds are rich in diverse bioactive compounds, including galactomannan, β-sitosterol, unsaturated fatty acids and proteins with bioactive peptides in their sequence. This study delineates the compositional characterization of six carob seed flour types derived from different production processes, providing valuable insights for designing tailored nutraceutical products based on desired bioactive compound profiles. Our analysis indicated that a higher purity of galactomannan resulted in a greater mannose/galactose ratio, which increased the linearity of the galactomannan polymer and could enhance interchain interaction, thereby increasing aggregation capacity. A higher viscosity could potentially increase the capacity of galactomannan to create satiety and lower cholesterol levels. Among the different tested flours, those whose main compound was the endosperm were optimal for containing high galactomannan content, whereas those derived from the germ were ideal for having high concentrations of fatty acids (i.e., oleic and linoleic acids) and β-sitosterol. The presence of these lipids in carob flours could offer cardiovascular and metabolic health benefits, contributing synergistically. Additionally, flours that contain the germ have beneficial peptides included in proteins like glycinin and conglutin with potential anticholesterolemic and antidiabetic properties. This work provides different methods for obtaining carob flours rich in bioactive compounds, offering the nutraceutical industry a framework to select the best option for industrial-scale production. Full article

Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) is an annual, dicotyledonous medicinal plant which belongs to the Leguminosae family, and its leaves and seeds are widely used and cultivated throughout the world. Their widespread utilization is attributed to the great variety of primary and secondary metabolites they contain, such as flavonoids, alkaloids, steroidal saponins, tannins, as well as carbohydrates, in particular galactomannan, which is the focus of the current study. The presence of an equal number of galactose and mannose residues (Gal/Man ratio of 1:1) prevents the formation of hydrogen bonds between the mannose ones. This determines the good solubility of fenugreek galactomannan in cold water, even at low concentrations. The water solubility would be significantly better than that of carob and even slightly higher than that of guar gum, precisely due to their structural characteristics, which contribute to their possible advantages. Moreover, it is a good alternative as an excipient for the development of pharmaceutical dosage forms, as well as in the preparation of food products, affecting not only their structure but also their shelf life. Furthermore, it has promising applications not only in the fields of medicine and pharmaceutics but also offers environmental benefits. All of the above-mentioned factors are of high interest and qualify fenugreek galactomannan as a versatile polysaccharide, which is the reason for summarizing its benefits in this review. Full article

Despite the economic and ecological importance of the carob tree, few studies are available on the morphological characterization and chemical composition of carob in Algeria. This has resulted in the lack of selection of commercial cultivars of high seed and sugar content. The present study aims to assess the diversity of 11 wild and 1 cultivated carob populations in various regions of Algeria, characterized by diverse geographical and climatic conditions. The final objective is to assess the diversity of neglected carob plants that exhibit superior fruit quality traits and/or are well adapted to different pedoclimatic conditions. The current study focuses on analyzing pod and seed diversity by investigating 12 morphological and 5 physiochemical traits. The analysis of variance revealed significant differences between populations (p < 0.001) for all traits studied, indicating high morphological and chemical variability among these carob populations. Principal component analysis (PCA) was employed to study the relationship between these traits and the geographical origin. High seed yields characterized wild populations, whereas cultivated populations were rich in sugar. Based on morphological traits of pods, seeds and chemical compositions, a hierarchical clustering grouped the carob populations into four groups. The findings of this study represent a significant advancement towards establishing effective cultivar breeding programs in Algeria. They demonstrate that the germplasm examined in this research exhibits an optimal level of morphological and chemical diversity, which is instrumental in the identification of specific traits of both commercial and environmental significance. Full article

For centuries, the carob tree (Ceratonia siliqua L.) has contributed to the economy of the Mediterranean basin, mainly as food for livestock. Nowadays, the value of the carob tree extends far beyond its traditional uses, encompassing a wide range of industries and applications that take advantage of its unique properties and nutritional benefits. Despite its high industrial demand and European indications, there has been a 65% reduction in the area cultivated throughout the Mediterranean area in the 21st century. Given the threats posed by climate change, including reduced water availability and nutrient-depleted soils, there is a growing need to focus on this crop, which is well placed to cope with unpredictable weather. In this review, we use a bibliographic search approach to emphasise the prioritisation of research needs for effective carob tree exploitation. We found enormous gaps in the scientific knowledge of this under-utilised crop species with fruit pulp and seeds of high industrial value. Insufficient understanding of the biology of the species, as well as inadequate agronomic practices, compromise the quantity and the quality of fruits available to the industry. In addition to industrial applications, carob can also be used in reforestation or restoration programmes, providing a valuable crop while promoting biodiversity conservation and soil restoration. The carbon sequestration potential of the trees should be taken into account as a promising alternative in fighting climate change. This bibliographic search has highlighted clusters with different knowledge gaps that require further research and investment. The carob tree has untapped potential for innovation, economic development, and environmental sustainability. Full article

The carob tree (Ceratonia siliqua L.) is a significant fruit tree in the Mediterranean region with cultural, biological, and ecological importance. Despite its importance, intraspecific trait variability (ITV) in carob trees has been largely overlooked in previous studies. Understanding ITV and its relationship with environmental conditions is crucial for conservation and breeding programs. In this study, we investigated the variability of carob pod and seed-related traits across different ecological scales in 25 studied populations in Morocco. Significant differences in morphological traits were observed between carob populations at various ecological levels, and pod-related traits exhibited greater variability than seed traits. Correlation analysis revealed strong associations between carob morphological traits and environmental conditions, with altitude and aridity index playing an influential role. The aridity gradient was strongly related to changes in pod size, seed number, and size, as well as seed yield. Our findings highlight an important ITV reaching 45% at the intra-population level, 36.5% at the inter-geographic level, and 30% at the inter-population level. Overall, this study contributes valuable insights into the ecology and adaptation of carob trees, emphasizing the importance of considering intraspecific variability when studying this remarkable species. This knowledge is critical for addressing the challenges posed by climate change and human activities on the long-term survival and ecological functioning of carob populations. Full article

The carob tree (Ceratonia siliqua L.) is currently considered one of the most valuable fruit and forest trees in various fields and sectors of activity. It is a versatile plant, belonging to the Fabaceae family. It is widely used in traditional medicine to treat many diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, and gastrointestinal disorders, given that all its parts (leaves, flowers, pods, seeds, wood, bark, and roots) are useful and hold value in many areas. Its importance has increased significantly in recent years. Originating from the Middle East, it is recognized for its ecological and industrial significance. Previous studies conducted on Ceratonia siliqua L. have revealed the presence of several compounds, including polyphenols, flavonoids, carbohydrates, minerals, and proteins. The carob tree demonstrates antihypertensive, antidepressant, anti-obesity, and antihyperglycemic activities. This plant is known for its medicinal and therapeutic virtues. Moreover, it is particularly interesting to consider the pharmacological activities of the major phytochemical compounds present in the different extracts of this plant, such as phenolic acids, for example, coumaric and gallic acids, as well as flavonoids such as kaempferol and quercetin. Therefore, this review aims to analyze some aspects of this plant, especially the taxonomy, cytogeography, traditional uses, phytochemical constituents, and pharmacological activities of Ceratonia siliqua L., in addition to its biological properties. Full article