Search Results (128)

Welsh onion (Allium fistulosum L.) is a globally significant culinary vegetable with extensive cultivation and high application value. In China, Welsh onion is vulnerable to drought and strong-light stress in summer production, resulting in growth inhibition and quality decline. This study utilized LED-intelligent spectral-customized lamps to simulate high-light stress and a 10% PEG-6000 Hoagland solution to simulate drought stress. The effects of different stress treatments on the nutritional quality, volatile compounds, and mineral element composition of the edible portions were systematically analyzed. The results demonstrated that drought stress significantly promoted the accumulation of alcoholic compounds in leaf tissues while reducing the content of sulfur-containing compounds. High-light stress markedly increased the levels of hydrocarbon compounds in leaves. Sulfur-containing compounds in leaf tissues were predominantly disulfides, but under combined drought and high-light stress, their content decreased, while the proportion of trisulfides significantly increased. Volatile compounds in pseudostems were primarily composed of sulfur-containing and aldehyde compounds, yet their levels markedly declined under combined stress. Additionally, combined stress led to reductions in pyruvic acid, soluble sugars, and soluble protein content in the edible portions, while the crude fiber content increased, thereby significantly impairing nutritional quality. This study provides a scientific basis for understanding the abiotic stress response mechanisms of Welsh onion and offers valuable insights for cultivation management and quality regulation. Full article

The aim of the study was to use vacuum impregnation (VI) with onion and beetroot juices as a pre-treatment before drying to develop innovative dried kohlrabi products. Two modern drying techniques were used: freeze-drying (FD) and vacuum drying (VD). The physicochemical properties were determined, including color, water activity, dry matter, density, volumetric gel index, texture, antioxidant capacity, total phenolic content (TPC), and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). It was shown that vacuum impregnation reduced the color lightness and springiness of kohlrabi. In addition, vegetables after VI showed an increase in dry matter, water activity, bulk density, volume gel index, color attributes a* and b*, color difference, hardness, and chewiness. Furthermore, the pre-treatment allowed for the introduction of additional VOCs characteristic of onions (1-Heptene, 2-methyl-(19.81%), Pentyl formate (19.81%), and 4-(Methylthio)butyl isothiocyanate (18.22%) in kohlrabi with onion juice: dimethyl trisulfide, methyl prop(en)yl disulfide, and 3,5-diethyl-1,2,4-trithiolane) and beetroot (dimethyl trisulfide), myrcene. The vacuum impregnation process significantly increased antioxidant capacity and total polyphenol content compared to raw samples. The results of dry weight, water activity, density, TPC, antioxidant capacity and texture in the case of freeze-dried products confirm that FD is a more advantageous method. In addition, freeze-drying allowed for significant preservation of volatile compounds and the color of kohlrabi. The results indicate the potential of VI as a method for modifying the properties of kohlrabi and producing functional and innovative dried products. Full article

Background: Understanding how aroma compounds enhance monosodium glutamate (MSG) umami perception remains a critical challenge in flavor science. Methods: The umami-enhancing effects of meaty flavorings were investigated using nasal clip sensory evaluation (orthonasal blockage). Active aroma compounds were subsequently identified using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The three-dimensional structure of the umami receptor T1R1/T1R3 was constructed by homology modeling. The interaction mechanism was deciphered using molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. Results: Seafood essence S demonstrated the most potent umami enhancement. Five key compounds significantly intensified the MSG umami intensity: methional, dimethyl sulfide (DMS), D-limonene (DLE), 2,3-dimethylpyrazine, and dimethyl trisulfide. Notably, this enhancement persisted even under nasal clip conditions, revealing a novel mechanism independent of cross-modal interactions. Sulfur-containing compounds consistently demonstrated umami-enhancing effects across the evaluation conditions. MD simulations showed that aroma compounds induced allosteric remodeling of T1R1/T1R3, strengthening MSG-receptor hydrogen bonding (1.8–2.6-fold increase), reducing receptor flexibility, and stabilizing the ternary complex. Binding affinity was highest for DMS, followed by DLE and methional. Conclusion: This study provides the first receptor-level evidence that aroma compounds directly modulate MSG-taste receptor interactions through allosteric regulation, offering a novel theoretical framework for odor–taste interactions with significant implications for umami enhancer design and flavor research. Full article

Background/Objectives: Dimethyl trisulfide (DMTS) is a naturally occurring polysulfide with known antioxidant and neuroprotective properties. DMTS is a lipophilic transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 (TRPA1) ligand that reaches the central nervous system (CNS). Its role in the CNS, particularly regarding depression-like behaviour, has yet to be explored. This study investigates the influence of DMTS on stress responses and whether this effect is mediated through the TRPA1 ion channel, known for its role in stress adaptation. Using a mouse model involving three-week exposure, we examined the impact of DMTS on depression-like behaviour and anxiety and identified the involved brain regions. Methods: Our methods involved testing both Trpa1-wild-type and gene-knockout mice under CUMS conditions and DMTS treatment. DMTS was administered intraperitoneally at a dose of 30 mg/kg on days 16 and 20 of the 21-day CUMS protocol—in hourly injections seven times to ensure sustained exposure. Various behavioural assessments—including the open field, marble burying, tail suspension, forced swim, and sucrose preference tests—were performed to evaluate anxiety and depression-like behaviour. Additionally, we measured body weight changes and the relative weights of the thymus and adrenal glands, while serum levels of corticosterone and adrenocorticotropic hormone were quantified via ELISA. FOSB (FBJ murine osteosarcoma viral oncogene homolog B) immunohistochemistry was utilised to assess chronic neuronal activation in stress-relevant brain areas. Results: Results showed that CUMS induces depression-like behaviour, with the response being modulated by the TRPA1 status and that DMTS treatment significantly reduced these effects when TRPA1 channels were functional. DMTS also mitigated thymus involution due to hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis dysregulation. Conclusions: Overall, DMTS appears to relieve depressive and anxiety symptoms through TRPA1-mediated pathways, suggesting its potential as a dietary supplement or adjunct therapy for depression and anxiety. Full article

Thus far, various aquaculture modes have been developed to facilitate the rapid growth of the aquaculture industry and thus meet the heavy demand for aquatic products for human consumption. However, the effects of different culture modes on fish muscular nutritional content and volatile flavor are rarely reported. In the present study, we evaluated the differences in muscular nutrition content and dietary flavor between Chinese longsnout catfish (Leiocassis longirostris) groups cultured in two different modes, i.e., flow-through water tanks (CWWL) and traditional ponds (CWWC). Our statistical results showed that a significantly higher crude protein content and lower crude fat levels were observed in the CWWL group than in the CWWC group (p < 0.05). Similarly, the contents of total aromatic amino acids (Total ∑TAA) and total dicarboxylic amino acids (Total ∑DAA) were also significantly higher in the CWWL group. Among the fatty acids, long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFAs), including eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and arachidonic acid (ARA), were recorded at 1.44%, 2.5%, and 9.09%, respectively, in the CWWL group, which were dramatically higher than in the CWWC group. Conversely, the contents of volatile compounds, including 2-tridecanone, dimethyl trisulfide, and isophorone, in the CWWC group were also significant higher, which, however, may contribute to an unpleasant sensory experience. Conversely, other compounds like 2-methylbutanal and 2,3-butanedione were prevalent in the CWWL group, which can induce rich nutty and buttery flavors and thus enhance the freshness of flavor profiles. In conclusion, Chinese longsnout catfish cultured in flow-through tanks show higher nutritional value and better sensory flavor in comparison with those raised in ponds. These findings not only provide novel insights into the potential effects of aquaculture modes on muscular nutrition content and dietary flavor for Chinese longsnout catfish but also lay a solid foundation for optimizing practical culture modes to improve the global aquaculture industry. Full article

The objective of this study was to identify the key aroma compounds of Dongpo pork dish (DPD) and to explore the changes in key aroma compounds of DPD during the storage period. Quantitative descriptive analysis (QDA) combined with two-dimensional gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC×GC-MS) was employed to investigate the aroma characteristics and the volatile profiles of DPD. Further, a sensomic approach was used to decipher its key aroma compounds. The typical flavors identified in DPD were described as meat, grease, garlic, wine, soy sauce, and spice flavors by the QDA. The key aroma compounds contributing to the flavor of DPD include 2-heptanol, 1-octen-3-ol, hexanal, (E)-2-octenal, 3-methylthiopropanal, decanal, ethyl caproate, 2,5-dimethylpyrazine, and dimethyl trisulfide. In addition, the changes of key aroma compounds of DPD at different storage temperatures (25 °C, 4 °C) were explored, and the results demonstrated that the key aroma compounds showed an overall trend of attenuation with the increase in time. The content of ethyl caproate decayed by more than 60%. Compared with the storage temperature of 25 °C, DPD storage at 4 °C was more effective in slowing down the change of key aroma compounds. These results can provide theoretical evidence for the flavor modulation and the industrial production of DPD. Full article

Ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) is a common cause of acute kidney injury (AKI) in the aging population. Gender studies show that aging is associated with loss of protection from AKI in the female population. While ER stress contributes to IRI-induced AKI in the young, ER regulation during IR in the aged kidney is unclear. Because current evidence suggests hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) modulates ER stress, we investigated whether exogenous supplementation of diallyl trisulfide (DATS), an H₂S donor, mitigates AKI in aged female kidneys. Wild-type (WT, C57BL/6J) mice aged 75–78 weeks were treated with or without DATS before and after renal IRI. IRI increased ER stress proteins, inflammation, and fibrosis markers in the IRI kidney compared to the control. DATS mitigated ER stress, and reduced inflammation and fibrosis markers in the IRI kidney. Further, IRI kidneys demonstrated reduced blood flow, vascularity, angiogenesis, increased resistive index (RI), and reduced function. DATS treatment upregulated PI3K, AKT, p-mTOR, and pMAPK signaling to stimulate angiogenesis, which improved vascular density, blood flow, and renal function. Together, our results suggest that DATS rescues the aged female kidney IRI by modulating ER stress and upregulation of angiogenesis. Full article

Garlic, an asexually propagated crop, exhibits significant variation in its commercial traits and bioactive compounds. Despite its horticultural significance, the genetic pool available for breeding strategies is limited. This study aimed to assess the existing diversity within a popular garlic landrace from the region of “Nea Vissa”, Evros, Greece, focusing on phenotypic, biochemical, and molecular variation. In particular, bulb morphology, nutritional content, and organosulfur profiles were evaluated, along with genetic characterization using simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers to analyze intra-specific genetic variation. Our results revealed three distinct genetic clusters with moderate to low intra-varietal diversity. Morphological and biochemical characterization showed significant intra-specific diversity in both bulb morphology and nutritional content. Solid-phase microextraction (SPME) coupled with gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) analysis identified key volatile compounds, including allyl methyl disulfide and trisulfide, 1,2-dithiacyclopentene, cis-1-propenyl propyl disulfide, and cis-1-propenyl methyl disulfide in high abundances, suggesting that these were the predominant compounds characterizing the population. Our findings could be implemented to further enhance key phytonutrients in the local garlic population through breeding programs, targeting clones with high nutritional value and improved flavor and supporting germplasm conservation and utilization. Full article

Background: Hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) is an endogenous transmitter with the potential to regulate aqueous humor dynamics and protect retinal neurons from degeneration. The aim of the present study was two-fold: (a) to evaluate the release of H₂S from two polysulfides, diallyl disulfide (DADS), and diallyl trisulfide (DATS); and (b) to investigate their ocular hypotensive actions in normotensive male and female rabbits in the presence and absence of GSH. Materials and Methods: H₂S was quantified hourly for up to 6 h using a H₂S-Biosensor (World Precision Instruments, Sarasota, Fl). Intraocular pressure (IOP) was assessed in normotensive New Zealand Albino rabbits using a pneumotonometer (model 30 classic; Reichert Ophthalmic Instruments, Depew, NY, USA). Results: In the presence of GSH, there was an increase in the in vitro release of H₂S produced by DADS and DATS. Both DADS and DATS also caused a dose-dependent reduction in IOP in male and female rabbits, in both treated and untreated eyes. For instance, in male animals, the presence of GSH (3% and 5%) significantly (p < 0.05, n = 5) enhanced the ocular hypotensive action of DADS (2%) and DATS (2%) from 14.02 ± 2.89% to 18.67 ± 5.6% and from 16.22 ± 3.48 to 23.62 ± 5.79%, respectively. Conclusions: GSH enhanced both H₂S release and ocular hypotensive action of the polysulfides in a manner that was dependent on the number of sulfur atoms present in each polysulfide. Furthermore, female animals were less sensitive to the IOP-lowering action of the polysulfides, when compared to their male counterparts. Full article

Recently, there has been a growing interest in the biocontrol activity of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) produced by microorganisms. This study specifically focuses on the effects of VOCs produced by the co-culture of Burkholderia vietnamiensis B418 and Trichoderma harzianum T11-W for the control of two phytopathogenic fungi, Botrytis cinerea and Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cucumerium Owen. The antagonistic activity of VOCs released in mono- and co-culture modes was evaluated by inhibition assays on a Petri dish and in detached fruit experiments, with the co-culture demonstrating significantly higher inhibitory effects on the phytopathogens on both the plates and fruits compared with the mono-cultures. Metabolomic profiles of VOCs were conducted using the solid–liquid microextraction technique, revealing 341 compounds with significant changes in their production during the co-culture. Among these compounds, linalool, dimethyl trisulfide, dimethyl disulfide, geranylacetone, 2-phenylethanol, and acetophenone were identified as having strong antagonistic activity through a standard inhibition assay. These key compounds were found to be related to the improved inhibitory effect of the B418 and T11-W co-culture. Overall, the results suggest that VOCs produced by the co-culture of B. vietnamiensis B418 and T. harzianum T11-W possess great potential in biological control. Full article

Traditionally, garlic has a valuable role in preventing and reducing the incidence of many diseases and pathophysiological disorders. Consequently, some researchers have focused on the beneficial cardiovascular properties of diallyl trisulfide (DATS), the most potent polysulfide isolated from garlic. Therefore, in this review, we collected the available data on DATS, its biochemical synthesis, metabolism and pharmacokinetics, and gathered the current knowledge and the role of DATS in cardiovascular diseases. Overall, this review summarizes the cardioprotective effects of DATS and brings together all previous findings on its protective molecular mechanisms, which are mainly based on the potent anti-apoptotic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant potential of this polysulfide. Our review is an important cornerstone for further basic and clinical research on DATS as a new therapeutic agent for the treatment of numerous heart diseases. Full article

Garlic is a vegetable with numerous pro-health properties, showing high antioxidant capacity, and cytotoxicity for various malignant cells. The inhibition of cell proliferation by garlic is mainly attributed to the organosulfur compounds (OSCs), but it is far from obvious which constituents of garlic indeed participate in the antioxidant and cytotoxic action of garlic extracts. This study aimed to obtain insight into this question by examining the antioxidant activity and cytotoxicity of six OSCs and five phenolics present in garlic. Three common assays of antioxidant activity were employed (ABTS^● decolorization, DPPH^● decolorization, and FRAP). Cytotoxicity of both classes of compounds to PEO1 and SKOV-3 ovarian cancer cells, and MRC-5 fibroblasts was compared. Negligible antioxidant activities of the studied OSCs (alliin, allicin, S-allyl-D-cysteine, allyl sulfide, diallyl disulfide, and diallyl trisulfide) were observed, excluding the possibility of any significant contribution of these compounds to the total antioxidant capacity (TAC) of garlic extracts estimated by the commonly used reductive assays. Comparable cytotoxic activities of OSCs and phenolics (caffeic, p-coumaric, ferulic, gallic acids, and quercetin) indicate that both classes of compounds may contribute to the cytotoxic action of garlic. Full article

There is a demand from the scientific, beekeeping and consumer sectors to characterize honey based on its botanical origin, as it provides unique and distinctive properties. Nevertheless, existing studies on the physicochemical properties and the sensorial profile of honey in relation to botanical origin remain insufficient. This study aimed to understand the relationships between sensory profile and various chemical compounds (minerals, sugars, water content and volatiles) of three monofloral honeys (Atractylis serratuloides, Retama sphaerocarpa and Eruca sativa) produced in Algeria using principal component analysis. Crystallization was detected as a distinctive attribute of Eruca and Atractylis honey. A candy aroma and odor with floral nuances, light color, crystallized state and the volatile compounds Alpha-Bisabolol and Beta-eudesmol characterized the Atractylis honey. Eruca honeys were distinguished by an animal and degraded odor, bitter taste, light color and the presence of Dimethyl trisulfide and Dimethyl tetrasulfide. Finally, a vegetal aroma, some saltiness and sourness, dark amber color, lower sugar content, higher K content and Lilac aldehyde and Lilac aldehyde D characterized Retama honeys. Full article

Polysulfides are endogenously produced in mammals and generally associated with protective functions. Our aim was to investigate the effect of dimethyl trisulfide (DMTS) in a mouse model of acute stress. DMTS activates transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 (TRPA1) channels and leads to neuropeptide release, potentially that of substance P (SP). We hypothesize that DMTS might inhibit the degrading enzymes of endocannabinoids, so this system was also investigated as another possible pathway for mediating the effects of DMTS. Trpa1 gene wild-type (WT) and knockout (KO) mice were used to confirm the role of the TRPA1 ion channel in mediating the effects of DMTS. C57BL/6J, NK1 gene KO, and Tac1 gene KO mice were used to evaluate the effect of DMTS on the release and expression of SP. Some C57BL/6J animals were treated with AM251, an inhibitor of the cannabinoid CB1 receptor, to elucidate the role of the endocannabinoid system in these processes. Open field test (OFT) and forced swim test (FST) were performed in each mouse strain. A tail suspension test (TST) was performed in Trpa1 WT and KO animals. C-FOS immunohistochemistry was carried out on Trpa1 WT and KO animals. The DMTS treatment increased the number of highly active periods and decreased immobility time in the FST in WT animals, but had no effect on the Trpa1 KO mice. The DMTS administration induced neuronal activation in the Trpa1 WT mice in the stress-related brain areas, such as the locus coeruleus, dorsal raphe nucleus, lateral septum, paraventricular nucleus of the thalamus, and paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus. DMTS may have a potential role in the regulation of stress-related processes, and the TRPA1 ion channel may also be involved in mediating the effects of DMTS. DMTS can be an ideal candidate for further study as a potential remedy for stress-related disorders. Full article

Onions are known not only for their culinary importance but also for their nutritional and health-promoting properties. Both properties are closely linked to their content of organosulfur compounds, which account for up to 5% of the dry weight of an onion. Given the importance of these compounds, suitable analytical methods are required for their study. Two techniques should be highlighted in this context: gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (LC-MS). In this study, eight different onion varieties were analyzed using two distinct analytical techniques: direct thermal desorption–gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (DTD-GC-MS) and high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) on an LC-ESI-QqTOF instrument. Each method identified different organosulfur compounds, with LC-HRMS targeting 15 non-volatile compounds, such as cysteine sulfoxides, and GC-MS targeting 18 volatiles, such as disulfides and trisulfides. The results obtained were studied using Pearson correlations and principal component analysis. No precise correlation was found between the initial organosulfur compounds in onions and their hydrolysates. Consequently, although GC is one of the most employed techniques in the scientific literature, the use of LC-HRMS or a combination of both techniques may offer a more comprehensive and accurate description of the metabolomic profile of onions. Full article