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Cereals are a good source of phenolics and carotenoids with beneficial effects on human health. In this study, a 2-year evaluation was undertaken on grain, wholemeal and refined-flour of two cultivars, one old and one modern, belonging to three cereal species. Wholemeal of selected cultivars for each species was used for biscuit making. In the grain, some yield-related traits and proteins (PC) were evaluated. In the flours and biscuits, total polyphenols (TPC), flavonoids (TFC), proanthocyanidins (TPAC), carotenoids (TYPC) and antioxidant activities (DPPH and TEAC) were spectrophotometrically determined, whereas HPLC was used for the composition of soluble free and conjugated, and insoluble bound phenolic acids. Species (S), genotype (G) and ‘SxG’ were highly significant for yield-related and all antioxidant traits, whereas cropping year (Y) significantly affected yield-related traits, PC, TPC, TPAC, TEAC and ‘SxGxY’ interaction was significant for yield-related traits, TPAC, TYPC, TEAC, DPPH and all phenolic acid fractions. Apart from the TYPC that prevailed in durum wheat together with yield-related traits, barley was found to have significantly higher values for all the other parameters. Generally, the modern cultivars are richest in antioxidant compounds. The free and conjugated fractions were more representative in emmer, while the bound fraction was prevalent in barley and durum wheat. Insoluble bound phenolic acids represented 86.0% of the total, and ferulic acid was the most abundant in all species. A consistent loss of antioxidants was observed in all refined flours. The experimental biscuits were highest in phytochemicals than commercial control. Although barley biscuits were nutritionally superior, their lower consumer acceptance could limit their diffusion. New insights are required to find optimal formulations for better nutritional, sensorial and health biscuits.

The phytochemical content and the antioxidant activity in the inflorescences of six industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) genotypes, four monoecious (Codimono, Carmaleonte, Futura 75, and Santhica 27), and two dioecious (Fibrante and Carmagnola Selezionata), were assessed for three consecutive years from 2018 to 2020. The total phenolic content, total flavonoid content, and antioxidant activity were determined by spectrophotometric measurements, whereas HPLC and GC/MS were used to identify and quantify the phenolic compounds, terpenes, cannabinoids, tocopherols, and phytosterols. All the measured traits were significantly affected by genotype (G), cropping year (Y), and their interaction (G × Y), although the Y effect prevailed as a source of variation, ranging from 50.1% to 88.5% for all the metabolites except cannabinoids, which were equally affected by G, Y, and G × Y interaction (33.9%, 36.5%, and 21.4%, respectively). The dioecious genotypes presented a more constant performance over the three years compared to the monoecious genotypes, with the highest and most stable phytochemical content observed in the inflorescences of Fibrante, which was characterized by the highest levels of cannabidiol, α-humulene and β-caryophyllene, which may confer on the inflorescences of this genotype a great economic value due to the important pharmacological properties of these metabolites. Conversely, the inflorescences of Santhica 27 were characterized by the lowest accumulation of phytochemicals over the cropping years, with the notable exception of cannabigerol, a cannabinoid that exhibits a wide range of biological activities, which was found at its highest level in this genotype. Overall, these findings can be used by breeders in future programs aimed at the selection of new hemp genotypes with improved levels of phytochemicals in their inflorescences, which can provide better health and industrial benefits.

The increased interest in chickpea cultivation is related to consumers’ demand for organic food. Therefore, the proximate composition, seed weight (SW), total phenolic content (TPC), phenolic acids, flavonoids, total carotenoid content (TCC), and antioxidant activity (AA) of ten colored chickpea cultivars (one black desi cultivar and nine cream kabuli cultivars) were studied. Data were analyzed by ANOVA and means separated by Tuckey’s test. The cultivars were grown in organic farming in comparison to conventional farming of the Italian Council for Agricultural Research and Economics, Research Centre for Cereal and Industrial Crops of Foggia (southern Italy), in a complete randomized block design with three replicates during 2013–2014 crop season. The study demonstrated that the composition of chickpeas may be modulated by the farming system. The organic farming positively affected SW, protein content (PC), TCC, and AA indicating a good commercial quality of the crop. The AA was significantly higher in organic farming of about 6.5%. But the TPC, phenolic acids, and flavonoids were lesser than conventional farming. In organic farming, genistein and daidzein levels were significantly lower, while α-Tocopherol (α-T) and TCC were higher in conventional farming. These findings suggest their involvement in plant defense mechanism from abiotic and biotic stress. The PCA (principal component analysis) showed that the chickpea cultivars were well separated based on the prevalence of α-tocopherol in the kabuli cultivars while rutin, kaempferol 3-O-rutinoside, and kaempferol 3-O-rhamnoside were prevalent in the desi cultivar. In organic farming, the increase of content of α-T was observed solely in kabuli cultivars, while in desi cultivar, the increase was found for ferulic acid and AA.

Durum wheat varieties are important sources of nutrients and provide remarkable amounts of phytochemicals. Especially, phenolics, which are mostly located in external layers of grains, have recently gained increased interest due to their high antioxidant power. This study aimed to evaluate the differences in the quality traits and phenolic compounds’ concentration (e.g., phenolic acids) of different durum wheat genotypes, namely four Italian durum wheat cultivars and a USA elite variety, in relation to their yield potential and year of release. Phenolic acids were extracted both from wholemeal flour and semolina and analysed through HPLC-DAD analysis. Ferulic acid was the most represented phenolic acid, both in the wholemeal flour (438.3 µg g−1 dry matter) and in semolina (57.6 µg g−1 dry matter) across all cultivars, followed by p-coumaric acid, sinapic acid, vanillin, vanillic acid, syringic acid, and p-hydroxybenzoic acid. Among the cultivars, Cappelli showed the highest phenolic acid content, whilst Kronos had the lowest one. Negative correlations occurred between some phenolic acids and morphological and yield-related traits, especially for Nadif and Sfinge varieties. On the contrary, durum wheat genotypes with low yield potential such as Cappelli accumulated higher concentrations of phenolic acids under the same growing conditions, thereby significantly contributing to the health-promoting purposes.

The study investigated the nutritional profile and nutraceutical composition of the seeds (whole and defatted) of two monoecious hemp cultivars (Carmaleonte, Codimono) and one dioecious cultivar (CS) grown during the 2018 and 2019 crop seasons. The phenolic acid profiles, both free and bound, antioxidant activity (AA), protein content (PC), total phenolic content (TPC), β-carotene, lutein content, and condensed tannins (CT) were studied, and the effects of genotype (G), year (Y), and GxY interaction were also measured. The results indicated the stronger involvement of the year in the nutritional and antioxidant properties of the whole seeds than in those of the defatted seeds, as indicated by the analysis of the variance. The PC, TPC, AA, sum of phenolics free (SPF), and sum of phenolics bound (SPB) were significantly affected by year, while the lutein and some phenolic acids, free and bound (ferulic and p-coumaric acids and N-trans-caffeoyltyramine), showed significant effects of the genotype. In this respect, the Carmaleonte revealed the highest content of ferulic and p-coumaric acids, as well as CS of N-trans-caffeoyltyramine. A prevalence of Y effect over G was measured in the free and bound fraction of the phenolics of the whole seeds, in contrast to the defatted seeds, in which significant effects of GxY were also measured. Moreover, the Pearson’s correlation coefficients indicated a strict involvement of precipitations in the variation of the phenolics accumulation, above all with bound p-hydroxybenzoic acid (r = 0.71 **), bound syringic acid (r = 0.69 *), bound N-trans-caffeoyltyramine (r = 0.64 *), and SPB (r = 0.60 *). As phenolics bound fractions have strong biological activities, (including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities) the high concentrations of N-trans-Caffeoyltyramine B in the CS defatted seeds suggest that it is valuable ingredient for functional foods.

Chickpea is a key crop in sustainable cropping systems and for its nutritional value. Studies on agronomic and genetic influences on chickpea protein composition are missing. In order to obtain a deep insight into the genetic response of chickpeas to management in relation to agronomic and quality traits, a two-year field trial was carried out with eight chickpea genotypes under an organic and conventional cropping system. Protein composition was assessed by SDS-PAGE in relation to the main fractions (vicilin, convicilin, legumin, lectin, 2s-albumin). Crop response was highly influenced by year and presumably also by management, with a &minus, 50% decrease in grain yield under organic farming, mainly due to a reduction in seed number per m2. No effect of crop management was observed on protein content, despite significant differences in terms of protein composition. The ratio between the major globulins, 7s vicilin and 11s legumin, showed a negative relationship with grain yield and was found to be higher under organic farming. Among genotypes, black-seed Nero Senise was characterized by the highest productivity and water-holding capacity, associated with low lectin content. These findings highlight the importance of the choice of chickpea genotypes for cultivation under organic farming in relation to both agronomic performance and technological and health quality.

A gluten-free pasta was prepared adding chia at rice flour for testing the thickening and nutritional properties of this specie. Chemical analysis showed chia is a source of protein (19.52% and 15.81%, seeds and mucilage respectively), insoluble/soluble dietary fiber ratio (4.3 and 1.79 seeds and mucilage respectively), fat and ash content. The total phenolic acids content ranged from 734.5μg/g to 923.9μg/g for seeds and mucilage respectively. Chia was a good thickening agent and, improved the nutritional profile of enriched samples compared to CGF. After cooking TPAs increased in all samples, ranging from 5.3% in DW to 52.8% in CM5. The addition of chia seeds also increased the slowly digestible starch fraction of rice flour, commonly known to have a high glycemic index. Results suggest that chia should be added as thickening agent in the formulation of GF pasta for conferring healthier characteristics.

Carotenoids and tocols of 20 genotypes of colored barley divided into three groups (A, B, C) were investigated. These included 16 F8 recombinant inbred lines obtained from crosses of four parental lines: 2005 FG, K4-31, L94 and Priora. The aim of the present study was to identify, quantify and profile characterize of tocols and carotenoids. Tocols profile is characterized by the prevalence of tocotrienols on tocopherols. The α-tocotrienol was the most represented tocol isomer, contributing about 53.03% of the total content. The highest α-tocotrienol content (33.67 μg g-1) was found in the blue naked parental genotype 3007 (C-Group). The most abundant carotenoid was lutein on average 86% of total followed by zeaxanthin 10% and by α-carotene 3.40%. The Priora cultivar (C-Group) was the genotype with the highest lutein content (4.10 μg g-1). The study found great variability in the content of carotenoids and tocols along the lines of each group.

The present study focused on the quality traits of durum wheat grains (protein and content, gluten content, yellow pigment content), semolina (gluten index and yellow index) and pasta (firmness, yellow index, cooking time) obtained from 12 durum wheat genotypes grown under elevated atmospheric CO 2 concentration in an open field Free Air CO 2 Enrichment (FACE) experiment. The aims were to evaluate the impact of elevated CO 2 on durum wheat pasta making related traits as well as investigate genetic differences existing in a panel of old and modern cultivars. The protein content showed a not significant decrease (7%), the GC decreased significantly (13.3%), while the GI showed an increasing significant tendency (14%). The overall pasta quality (firmness and weight) worsened in ELE. Correlation between all traits and pasta firmness demonstrated that the decrease in pasta firmness under ELE was correlated with GPC and GC while it was not with the GI. All varieties, although to different extent, showed lower pasta firmness values compared to the ambient condition. Among the varieties tested, some were more sensitive than others to the increased atmospheric CO 2 concentration, a finding that can be exploited by breeding for designing novel genotypes with lower sensitivity to increased atmospheric CO 2 .

In plants, lipoxygenases (LOXs) are involved in various processes, such as growth, development, and response to stress cues. In the present study, the expression pattern of six durum wheat LOX-encoding genes (TdLpx-B1.1, TdLpx-B1.2, TdLpx-A2, TdLpx-B2, TdLpx-A3 and TdLpx-B3) under hyperosmotic stress was investigated. With osmotic (0.42 M mannitol) and salt (0.21 M NaCl) stress imposed at the early stages of seedling growth, a strong induction of the TdLpx-A2 gene expression in the shoots paralleled an equally strong increase in the LOX activity. Enhanced levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and increased rates of superoxide anion generation were also observed as a result of the stress imposition. Sequence analysis of the TdLOX2 encoded by the TdLpx-A2 gene revealed that it belonged to the type-1 9-LOX group. When overexpressed in E. coli, TdLOX2 exhibited normal enzyme activity, high sensitivity to specific LOX inhibitors, with 76% and 99% inhibition by salicylhydroxamic and propyl gallate, respectively, and a preference for linoleic acid as substrate, which was converted exclusively to its corresponding 13-hydroperoxide. This unexpected positional specificity could be related to the unusual TV/K motif that in TdLOX2 replaces the canonical TV/R motif of 9-LOXs. Treatment of seedlings with propyl gallate strongly suppressed the increase in LOX activity induced by the hyperosmotic stress, the MDA accumulation was also reduced but less markedly, whereas the rate of superoxide anion generation was even more increased. Overall, our findings suggest that the up-regulation of the TdLpx-A2 gene is a component of the durum wheat response to hyperosmotic stress and that TdLOX2 may act by counteracting the excessive generation of harmful reactive oxygen species responsible for the oxidative damages that occur in plants under stress.

Background We investigated three old wheats (Triticum dicoccum, Triticum durum, Triticum spelta) for effects of organic and conventional cultivation under equivalent nitrogen fertilisation (100 kg ha-1 ) on antioxidant content and composition, and on quality traits. Results Compared to conventional cultivation, organic cultivation had positive effects on test weight, while grain quality traits of protein content, gluten content and sodium dodecyl sulphate microsedimentation volume were 19.2%, 9.3% and 22.7% lower, respectively. Despite lower protein content with organic cultivation, this was still high (147 g kg-1 ); thus with adequate organic nitrogen fertilisation, the quality traits related to the technological properties of flour were maintained. Total phenolic content (TPC) was significantly higher for organic versus conventional cultivation, although free and bound phenolic acids were not significantly different. With discriminant analysis, only durum wheat differentiated the qualitative and compositional traits according to cultivation system. Separation of organic versus conventional cultivation in durum wheat and emmer was strongly affected by antioxidants (antioxidant capacity, TPC, yellow pigment content), dietary fibre, protein content and test weight. Conclusions With adequate organic nitrogen fertilisation, protein and gluten contents remain high enough for good quality pasta. However, except for TPC, organic cultivation did not affect phenolic acids profile and antioxidant activity. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry.

The concentrations of 10 minerals were investigated in the grain of 12 durum wheat genotypes grown under free air CO 2 enrichment conditions, and in four of their derived pasta samples, using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Compared to ambient CO 2 (400 ppm; AMB), under elevated CO 2 (570 ppm; ELE), the micro-element and macro-element contents showed strong and significant decreases in the grain: Mn, −28.3%; Fe, −26.7%; Zn, −21.9%; Mg, −22.7%; Mo, −40.4%; K, −22.4%; and Ca, −19.5%. These variations defined the 12 genotypes as sensitive or non-sensitive to ELE. The pasta samples under AMB and ELE showed decreased mineral contents compared to the grain. Nevertheless, the contributions of the pasta to the recommended daily allowances remained relevant, also for the micro-elements under ELE conditions (range, from 18% of the recommended daily allowance for Zn, to 70% for Mn and Mo).

BACKGROUND Several studies have demonstrated that metabolomics has a definite place in food quality, nutritional value, and safety issues. The aim of the present study was to determine and compare the metabolites in different pasta samples with fibre, and to investigate the modifications induced in these different kinds of pasta during cooking, using a gas chromatography–mass spectrometry-based metabolomics approach. RESULTS Differences were seen for some of the amino acids, which were absent in control pasta, while were present both in the commercially available high-fibre pasta (samples A–C) and the enriched pasta (samples D–F). The highest content in reducing sugars was observed in enriched samples in comparison with high-fibre pasta. The presence of stigmasterol in samples enriched with wheat bran was relevant. Cooking decreased all of the metabolites: the high-fibre pasta (A–C) and Control showed losses of amino acids and tocopherols, while for sugars and organic acids, the decrease depended on the pasta sample. The enriched pasta samples (D–F) showed the same decreases with the exception of phytosterols, and in pasta with barley the decrease of saturated fatty acids was not significant as for tocopherols in pasta with oat. Principal component analysis of the metabolites and the pasta discrimination was effective in differentiating the enriched pasta from the commercial pasta, both uncooked and cooked. CONCLUSIONS The study has established that such metabolomic analyses provide useful tools in the evaluation of the changes in nutritional compounds in high-fibre and enriched pasta, both before and after cooking. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry

A new functional pasta using a durum wheat flour rich in polyphenols, with added barley β-glucan and Bacillus coagulans GBI-30, 6086 was developed. Chemical, nutritional and microbiological analyses were carried out to perform a comprehensive evaluation of the final product quality. The settled debranning process of durum wheat produced a flour rich in proteins and phenolic acids (18.18% dm and 392.1 μg/g respectively). These raw material characteristics had a positive influence on pasta cooking performances as well as on its nutritional profile due to the high content of bound ferulic acid content (94% of total phenolic acids). The probiotic strain remained viable during the pasta-making and cooking processes, and its amount in cooked pasta (about 9.0 log CFU/100 g) would be considered sufficient to exert beneficial effects on consumer. The glycemic index of pasta measured in healthy volunteers was 59.7 and the functional ingredients addition did not affect the postprandial glycemic response of pasta in healthy volunteers. The information provided here suggests that the new developed functional pasta could represent a high-quality product for its suitable nutritional appeal and potential beneficial properties.

The concentrations of 10 minerals were investigated in the grain of 12 durum wheat genotypes grown under free air CO

The effects of the toasting process on the carbohydrate profile and antioxidant properties of chickpea flour were studied, along with the cooking behaviour, and antioxidant and nutritional properties of pasta enriched with the chickpea flour. The toasting process increased the resistant starch, insoluble dietary fibre and antioxidant properties of the flour. Addition of chickpea flour (raw and toasted) to durum wheat semolina changed the carbohydrate profile in the uncooked and cooked enriched pasta, especially with the toasted chickpea, and worsened the overall quality of the pasta. The increase in total phenolic content and total free phenolic acid content in the uncooked pasta was due to positive effects of addition of the chickpea flours, while the increase in the bound phenolics fraction in the cooked pasta was from the durum wheat, which was crucial for its high concentrations of ferulic acid. The increase in the free fraction of the Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity in cooked pasta was consistent with the addition of chickpea.

Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) were obtained from durum wheat flour samples and screened for roseoflavin-resistant variants to isolate natural riboflavin-overproducing strains. Two riboflavin-overproducing strains of Lactobacillus plantarum isolated as described above were used for the preparation of bread (by means of sourdough fermentation) and pasta (using a prefermentation step) to enhance their vitamin B2 content. Pasta was produced from a monovarietal semolina obtained from the durum wheat cultivar PR22D89 and, for experimental purposes, from a commercial remilled semolina. Several samples were collected during the pasta-making process (dough, extruded, dried, and cooked pasta) and tested for their riboflavin content by a high-performance liquid chromatography method. The applied approaches resulted in a considerable increase of vitamin B2 content (about 2- and 3-fold increases in pasta and bread, respectively), thus representing a convenient and efficient food-grade biotechnological application for the production of vitamin B2-enriched bread and pasta. This methodology may be extended to a wide range of cereal-based foods, feed, and beverages. Additionally, this work exemplifies the production of a functional food by a novel biotechnological exploitation of LAB in pasta-making.

The effect of processing and cooking on phenolic acids profile and antioxidant properties of durum wheat ( Triticum turgidum L. var. durum ) pasta samples enriched with debranning fractions of an Italian wheat ( Triticum aestivum L.) cultivar were studied. Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) by free radical scavenging activity against ABTS + cation radical, phenolic acid profile, total phenolic content (TPC) and fibre were determined. In the first debranning fractions of wheat, the highest concentration of phenolic acids, namely ferulic acid, and antioxidant capacity was found, but a diminishing trend was observed as the debranning levels proceeded. When semolina was processed into spaghetti, the main effect of processing was a reduction of the free phenolic acids content, chiefly caused by p -hydroxybenzoic acid decrease. In contrast an increase in bound phenolics fraction was observed. The boiling water could have enhanced the extraction of bound phenolics from the food matrix, primarily ferulic acid ester linked to cell walls. Cooking affected also the antioxidant capacity of pasta samples by enhancing its antioxidant properties in vitro .

In order to assess the effect of genotype, location and their interaction on total phenolic content (TPC) of chemical extracts, the whole grains of durum and soft wheat, oat, barley and triticale were evaluated. Data showed differences in phenolic content of chemical extracts among cereal species and the analysis of variance confirmed the key role of location. Besides TPC and trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) values assessed by chemical extraction were compared with those obtained with an in vitro digestive enzymatic extraction. Differences were found between methanolic and enzymatic extracts, and data confirmed that enzymatic technique enhanced extraction of antioxidants but pointed out lesser differences among cereal types. The breads obtained by flours enriched with different levels of bran were also evaluated. Chemical extracts highlighted the increasing levels of antioxidants according to bran enrichments, without pointing out changes caused by baking. The enzymatic extraction instead did not show differences regarding to bran enrichments, but documented a loss in antioxidant properties of breads in respect to corresponding flours. On the other hand the scarce differences between flours and corresponding breads did not allow asserting that baking modified the TPC and TEAC, independently of the extraction methods used. Indeed, during baking process, also the observed phenolic acids profile variations did not vary the antioxidant properties of breads.

Several studies have demonstrated that metabolomics has a definite place in food quality, nutritional value, and safety issues. The aim of the present study was to determine and compare the metabolites in different pasta samples with fibre, and to investigate the modifications induced in these different kinds of pasta during cooking, using a gas chromatography-mass spectrometry-based metabolomics approach.Differences were seen for some of the amino acids, which were absent in control pasta, while were present both in the commercially available high-fibre pasta (samples A-C) and the enriched pasta (samples D-F). The highest content in reducing sugars was observed in enriched samples in comparison with high-fibre pasta. The presence of stigmasterol in samples enriched with wheat bran was relevant. Cooking decreased all of the metabolites: the high-fibre pasta (A-C) and Control showed losses of amino acids and tocopherols, while for sugars and organic acids, the decrease depended on the pasta sample. The enriched pasta samples (D-F) showed the same decreases with the exception of phytosterols, and in pasta with barley the decrease of saturated fatty acids was not significant as for tocopherols in pasta with oat. Principal component analysis of the metabolites and the pasta discrimination was effective in differentiating the enriched pasta from the commercial pasta, both uncooked and cooked.The study has established that such metabolomic analyses provide useful tools in the evaluation of the changes in nutritional compounds in high-fibre and enriched pasta, both before and after cooking. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry.

This chapter describes the nutritional profile of chickpea flour in relation to its composition of macronutrients and micronutrients, with particular focus on its fiber and antioxidant content, and also on its domestic and industrial processing. These aspects are described in terms of their potential effects on health. It is shown that chickpea contains a high portion of non-digestible carbohydrate, which includes resistant starch and fiber, and a rich variety of phytochemicals, including natural antioxidants and bioactive carbohydrates, which are enhanced after hydrothermal treatments. Due to this composition, several studies have indicated that chickpea consumption is inversely associated with risk of coronary heart disease, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and obesity. For these reasons, chickpea is considered an ideal complement to cereals in a healthy diet. Studies have also reviewed the possibility of fortifying cereal-based products by the addition of raw or processed chickpea flour, to increase the nutritional value, dietary fiber, mineral content, and antioxidant properties

A set of 54 snap bean lines grown under organic farming was characterized for differenttraits: pod color, pod cross-section shape, pod section width (PSW), protein content (PC), and sugarcontent (S). After cooking, the lines were analyzed for firmness and color parameters (CIE-L*, a*, b*).The snap bean lines were grouped based on pod cross-section shape and pod color into eight groups,and significant differences were observed among lines and groups for all the traits investigated.In particular, the yellow pods were harder than the other snap beans and less sweet due to thenegative correlation between firmness and sugar content. Fourteen selected lines with contrasting firmness and belonging to different color groups were investigated for their phenolic composition andantioxidant activity (TEAC) before and afterdomestic cooking. A general decrease was observed onlyfor vanillic acid, quercetin, and apigenin-8-C-glucoside. Quercetin-3-O-rutinoside andkaempferol-3-O-rutinoside were detected in all samples with the highest values in the SBP042 line in both rawand cooked samples. Antioxidant activity decreased with cooking (average of 39%), but purple lineSBP053 showed the lowest and no significant loss (3.1%). The results reported in this study could beuseful to design specific varieties for different markets and purposes.