Search

Zn treatment effects on the stability of polyphenols, MDA (malondialdehyde) content, antioxidant and lipoxygenase inhibition activities of two varieties of fennel bulbs were studied by using an in vitro gastrointestinal digestion model. Likewise, the effect of Zn on viability cells of E. coli was also performed. The results revealed that high amounts of total phenolic and flavonoid compounds were released during the digestion process, especially after the intestinal phase. Additionally, the antioxidant and lipoxygenase inhibitory activity were affected by the gastrointestinal digestion process and seems to be correlated with total phenol contents. On the other hand, the viability of E. coli was not affected by the activity of our tested bulbs during passage through the artificial digestion model, but the treated bulbs activity contribute relatively to the inhibition growth of bacteria. The survival of E. coli in fennel bulbs was challenged with simulated gastrointestinal fluids and the results showed that the E. coli strains, despite having experienced a viability reduction at the intestinal phase, were able to overcome the exposure to the gastrointestinal synthetic fluids. This E. coli ability reinforces the need for good hygienic measures to assure safe fresh produce, even for those that are rich in antibacterial compounds. info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion

The effects of coating 'Rocha' pear with alginate-based nanoemulsions enriched with lemongrass essential oil (LG) was evaluated and compared to the usual 1-MCP treatment. Fruit were treated with 1-MCP (312 nL L-1) or coated with nanoemulsions: sodium alginate 2 % (w/w) + lemongrass essential oil 1.25 % (w/w) (LG 1.25 %) or lemongrass essential oil 2.5 % (w/w) (LG 2.5 %). Then, fruit were stored at 0 degrees C and 90-95 % relative humidity (RH), for eight months. Fruit samples were collected at harvest and after two, four, six and eight months of cold storage, and then transferred to shelf-life at 22 degrees C. Upon removal and after 7 d shelf-life, fruit symptoms of superficial scald and internal browning, ethylene production, color CIE (L*, hue), firmness, soluble solids content (SSC), titratable acidity (TA), weight loss, electrolytic leakage (EL), antioxidant activity and fatty acids of pear peel, microbial growth and sensory analyses were evaluated. Coatings and 1-MCP reduced fruit color evolution and preserved better firmness than control. Coatings and 1-MCP did not affect SSC and TA. Treatments did not influence the sensory quality. Microbial growth was within the safety limits in all treatments. Treatments with 1-MCP and LG-nanoemulsions were similarly efficient to reduce superficial scald, nevertheless the LG-nanoemulsions showed higher internal disorders after 8 months of storage and LG 2.5 % had higher decay at the same period, similar to control. 1-MCP treated fruit had the lowest softening rate after shelf-life up to 4 months and LG 2.5 % showed higher weight loss. Also, ethylene production was higher in control and LG 1.25 % up to 6 months plus shelf-life, while after 8 months there was no difference among treatments. This study suggests that 1-MCP is the most efficient for preserving quality of 'Rocha' pear for 8 months, while up to 6 months the best effect is obtained with LG 1.25 % nanocoatings. info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion

To evaluate the antioxidant activity of fourteen essential oils (EOs) isolated from myrtle (Myrtus communis L.) collected at different regions of Algeria, seven different assays were carrie...

Interest in the use of essential oils (EOs) in the biomedical and food industries have seen growing over the last decades due to their richness in bioactive compounds. The challenges in developing an EO extraction process that assure an efficient levels of monoterpenes with impact on biological activities have driven the present study, in which the EO extraction process of rosemary, lavender and citrus was performed by simultaneous hydrodistillation–steam distillation, and the influence of EO composition on biological activities, namely antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, anti-acetylcholinesterase, anti-tyrosinase, antibacterial, and antibiofilm activity, were evaluated. The EO yields of combinations were generally higher than the individual plants (R. officinalis (Ro), L. angustifolia (La), and C. aurantium (Ca)) extracted by the conventional hydrodistillation. The EOs obtained by this process generally had a better capacity for scavenging the free radicals, inhibiting α-glucosidase, and acetylcholinesterase activities than the individual EOs. The combination of EOs did not improve the ability for scavenging peroxide hydrogen or the capacity for inhibiting lipoxygenase activity. The antioxidant activity or the enzyme inhibition activity could not only be attributed to their major compounds because they presented lower activities than the EOs. The chemical composition of the combination Ro:La:Ca, at the ratio 1/6:1/6:2/3, was enriched in 1,8-cineole, linalool, and linalyl acetate and resulted in lower MIC values for all tested strains in comparison with the ratio 1/6:2/3:1/6 that was deprived on those components. The biofilm formation of Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria was impaired by the combination Ro:La:Ca at a sub-inhibitory concentration.

The aim of this work was to study the potential of two halophytes for fresh salads. Sarcocornia perennis (SAR) and Salicornia ramosissima (SAL) plant tips were harvested in May and July, and stored at 4 &deg, C for 14 days. At harvest, mineral analyses (Na, K, Mg, Ca, P, N, Fe, Zn, Cu, Pb and Cd), chlorophyll content, protein, &beta, carotene and ascorbic acid were performed. Color (CIELab), phenolics, antioxidant activity and microbial contamination were measured at harvest and after 14 days storage at 4 &deg, C, and a taste panel evaluated the products. SAL had generally slightly higher values of vitamin C, phenols and carotenoids than SAR. In SAR after 14 days of storage, the levels of phenols and the antioxidant activity were higher than at harvest, both in May and July. The opposite was observed for SAL. In this case, only the antioxidant activity was higher after 14 days of storage. Microbial contamination was very low, not reaching even half of critical limits. Both halophytes had good nutritional value, being suitable for use as fresh salads which can be stored for up to 14 days at 4 &deg, C. SAR seems to be a better source of antioxidants, Ca and Fe than SAL and has less general quality and nutritional value changes from harvest time through cold storage. Fresh tips of both halophytes showed better appearance and nutritional quality when harvested in the early season (May) than at the end of the season (July).

The aim of this study was to investigate the encapsulation process of R. officinalis (rosemary) essential oil (REO) in beta cyclodextrin (beta-CD), by co-precipitation, using response surface methodology (RSM), specifically the face-centered central composite design (FCCCD). Solid-to-solid (beta-CD/REO) and liquid-to-liquid (ethanol/water) ratios were selected as independent variables and their influence on the dependent variables was assessed. The recovered powder was characterized by different techniques, such as scanning electron microscope (SEM), Fourier Transform-Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-Ray Diffractometry (XRD). Moreover, the release of REO from the beta-CD complexes was investigated at different temperatures and pH values. The responses were affected by the concentration of ethanol in the reaction mixture and the amount of REO used. The optimal responses set by the RSM model (p-value < 0.05) were obtained for the optimal parameters ranging from 1.25:1 to 1.7:1 and 16.25:83.75 to 17.5:82.5 for ethanol/water and beta-CD/REO ratios, respectively. The size of the inclusion complexes from the experimental condition 1:1 ethanol/water and 10:90 beta-CD/REO ratios was the highest, with a value of 2.735 +/- 0.192 mu m. Furthermore, the FTIR spectra of inclusion complexes revealed a band downshift relative to the spectrum of beta-CD, attributable to hydrogen bonding between REO components and beta-CD, as well as a new band at 1,747 cm(-1), revealing the presence of oil components, while the XRD patterns of beta-CD recorded before and after the inclusion process indicate a change from a cage-type packing to a channel-type packing of cyclodextrin, which, in turn, indicates a successful inclusion process. Practical applications The encapsulation of EOs into cyclodextrins can enhance their biological properties, which include antioxidant, antimicrobial, anticarcinogenic, anti-inflammatory, and antidepressant activities. Nevertheless, a careful evaluation of the encapsulation conditions should be carried out in order to ensure the highest encapsulation yield without quality loss. In this way, pH and temperature, among other conditions, must be considered for evaluation since food or other matrices may present diverse pH values and be subjected to different temperatures. The present work may contribute to the use of rosemary EOs, with antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, in food and cosmetic industries, avoiding the sometimes-unpleasant flavor and aroma characteristics. info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion

3 Figuras.-- 2 Tablas, Zantaz honey is a monofloral variety produced from the melliferous plant Bupleurum spinosum (Apiaceae), a shrub that grows mainly in the Atlas Moroccan Mountains. Determination of the polyphenol composition revealed that methyl syringate accounts for more than 50% of total polyphenols, which represents a very useful parameter for the characterization of this monofloral honey. Epicatechin, syringic acid and catechin are also abundant. Caco-2 and THP-1 cells were used for determination of antioxidant and antiproliferative activities in Zantaz honey, respectively. All six commercial samples that were used for these studies exhibited antioxidant activity and inhibited cell proliferation. Interestingly, these activities had a positive correlation mainly with the content in methyl syringate and gallic acid. The recognition of health promoting activities in Zantaz honey should increase its commercial value, which would have a positive economic impact on the poor rural communities of Morocco where it is produced., This research was funded by the C.S.I.C. Programme for Scientific Cooperation for Development (Programme I-COOP + 2018). Thanks are due to Fernando Reyes (Fundación MEDINA, Granada, Spain) for the identification of polyphenols in Zantaz honey. Centro de Estudos Florestais is a research unit funded by FCT -Foundation for Science and Technology, under the Project (UIDB/00239/2020)

Rapid industrial development is responsible for severe problems related to environmental pollution. Many human and industrial activities require different metals and, as a result, great amounts of metals/heavy metals are discharged into the water and soil making them dangerous for both human and ecosystems and this is being aggravated by intensive demand and utilization. In addition, compounds with metal binding capacities are needed to be used for several purposes including in activities related to the removal and/or recovery of metals from effluents and soils, as metals' corrosion inhibitors, in the synthesis of metallic nanoparticles and as metal related pharmaceuticals, preferably a with minimum risks associated to the environment. Plants are able to synthesize an uncountable number of compounds with numerous functions, including compounds with metal binding capabilities. In fact, some of the plants' secondary metabolites can bind to various metals through different mechanisms, as such they are excellent sources of such compounds due to their high availability and vast diversity. In addition, the use of plant-based compounds is desirable from an environmental and economical point of view, thus being potential candidates for utilization in different industrial activities, replacing conventional physiochemical methods. This review focuses on the ability of some classes of compounds that can be found in relatively high concentrations in plants, having good metal binding capacities and thus with potential utilization in metal based industrial activities and that can be involved in the progressive development of new environmentally friendly strategies.

The traditional extraction of essential oils exposes plant material to high temperatures for hours, which may lead to the production of artifacts, even originating unpleasant odors and loss of quality. In addition, this procedure is energy-consuming, which makes it an expensive method. The present work has been focused on a method that combines hydrodistillation and subsequent extraction with water vapor and volatiles of essential oil in the same apparatus, that we called non-conventional hydrodistillation (NCH). Three aromatic plants were used: Rosmarinus officinalis leaves (X-1), Lavandula angustifolia flowers (X-2), and Citrus aurantium leaves (X-3). In the processes, the operating parameters as vegetal mass moisture, total sum vegetal mass used, and water flux rate have been fixed at 17 %, 100 g, and 0.97 L/h, respectively. The extraction process was made using mixture experimental design, taking into account the plants used (one plant, binary and ternary combinations); the position of the plants in the apparatus to study essential oils' yields. The results showed that NCH of binary and ternary mixtures allows obtaining higher yields than expected with values superior to 2 % for the following combinations: X-1:X-2 (50:50), X-1:X-3 (50:50); X-1:X-2:X-3 (33:33:33) and X-1:X-2:X-3 (0.67: 0.16:0.16). The new NCH had a high kinetic coefficient k (2.98) and lower extraction time (70 min) than conventional hydrodistillation (CH), which means less energy consumption. info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion

Natural products may be applied in a wide range of domains, from agriculture to food and pharmaceutical industries. In this study, the antioxidant properties and the capacity to inhibit some enzymatic activities of Euphorbia resinifera and Euphorbia officinarum aqueous extracts and honeys were assessed. The physicochemical characteristics were also evaluated. Higher amounts of iron, copper and aluminium were detected in E. officinarum honey, which may indicate environmental pollution around the beehives or inadequate storage of honey samples. This honey sample showed higher amounts of total phenols and better capacity for scavenging superoxide anion free radicals and DPPH free radicals as compared with E. resinifera honey, but poorer capacity for inhibiting lipoxygenase, acetylcholinesterase, tyrosinase and xanthine oxidase. The ratio plant mass:solvent volume (1:100) and extraction time (1 - 2 h) were associated with higher total phenols and better antioxidant activities and lipoxygenase, acetylcholinesterase and tyrosinase inhibitory activities, regardless of the plant species. The aqueous extracts had systematically higher in vitro activities than the respective honey samples. The authors would like to acknowledge the support granted from FCT under the projects UID/MAR/00350/2020; UIDB/05183/2020; UIDB/04326/2020 and UID/AGR/00690/2019 info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion

Spontaneous lavender growing in uncultivated fields in Portugal have been used in traditional medicine for internal and external uses. The essential oils (EOs) of Lavandula stoechas subsp. luisieri are characterized by the presence of trans-α-necrodyl acetate and trans-necrodol. These EOs are able to prevent the generation and deposition of neurotoxic β-amyloid peptide in Alzheimer’s disease. The EOs also present antibacterial, anti-fungal, anti-Leishmania, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antifeedant effects. In the case of hydrodistillation, the predominant compound of Lavandula viridis EO was 1,8-cineole, nevertheless in the case of supercritical fluid extraction, the main constituent was camphor. In in vitro shoots EOs, 1,8-cineole and α-pinene were the most important compounds. The EOs presented anti-fungal activity particularly against Cryptococcus neoformans and dermatophytes. The antioxidant and anti-protozoal activities of L. viridis EOs were lower than L. stoechas subsp. luisieri EOs, with hydrodistillation being the best method for obtaining samples with higher antioxidant and anti-acetylcholinesterase activities. The presence of fenchone, 1,8-cineole and camphor was a common trace of the Lavandula pedunculata subsp. pedunculata EOs and in in vitro axillary shoots EOs. Lavandula pedunculata subsp. lusitanica EOs were predominantly constituted of fenchone and camphor. The antioxidant activity of L. pedunculata subsp. lusitanica EOs was poorer than other Lavandula EOs from Portugal.

The effect of coating &lsquo, Rocha&rsquo, pears with alginate-based nanoemulsions enriched with lemongrass essential oil (LG) or citral (Cit) was investigated. Fruit were treated with the nanoemulsions: sodium alginate 2% (w/w) + citral 1% (w/w) (Cit1%), sodium alginate 2% (w/w) + citral 2% (w/w) (Cit2%), sodium alginate 2% (w/w) + lemongrass 1.25% (w/w) (LG1.25%), sodium alginate 2% (w/w) + lemongrass 2.5% (w/w) (LG2.5%). Then, fruit were stored at 0 &deg, C and at 95% relative humidity, for six months. Fruit samples were taken after two, four and six months, and then placed at 22 &deg, C. Upon removal and after 7 d shelf-life, fruit were evaluated for colour CIE (L*, h◦), firmness, soluble solids content (SSC), titratable acidity (TA), weight loss, electrolytic leakage, microbial growth, symptoms of superficial scald and internal browning. All nanoemulsions had droplets in the nano range &lt, 500 nm, showed uniformity of particle size and stable dispersion. Cit-nanoemulsions had lower droplet size and higher stability than LG. No nanoemulsion showed cytotoxicity. Coatings reduced fruit colour evolution and preserved better firmness than control. After shelf-life, better firmness was found in LG-coated fruit. Coatings did not affect SSC and TA. Microbial growth was below the safety limits in all treatments. Fruit treated with LG-nanoemulsions did not show scald symptoms and panelists preferred LG1.25% coated fruit. Cit2% treated fruit showed the highest scald and internal browning symptoms, while LG1.25% did not show any disorders. This study suggests that LG-nanocoatings have the potential for preserving the quality of &lsquo, pear.

This study compared the capacity of propolis extract (PE) and thyme waste extract (TWE) to prevent the oxidation of oil in water (O/W) emulsion, as well as their impact on emulsion apparent viscosity (AV) in the presence of wheat germ and almond oils as lipid phase. For this, central composite design (CCD) and principal component analysis (PCA) were performed. Oxidation process was monitored by evaluating the formation of primary and secondary lipid oxidation products, at the same time the AV behavior was determined evaluating consistency index and flow behavior index. The results revealed that the increase of PE% and TWE% decreases TBARS (Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive Substances) and hydroperoxides formation. Viscosity increases with the rise of TWE% over (0.04%), whereas lower concentrations of PE% decreases it. Those results have been confirmed in the PCA analysis. TWE showed higher resistance to oxidation, although PE was more effective as antioxidant than TWE.

Royal jelly (RJ) is a secretion of the hypopharyngeal and mandibular glands of young Apis mellifera worker bees. It is privileged for the queen bee as exclusive nourishment for her entire life. This bee hive product was used in traditional and folk medicine for human health care. Recently, there have been several research studies on RJ highlighting their therapeutic properties. It was found that it exhibits a large spectrum of biological and pharmacological potential including antibacterial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory and antitumor activities among others, which might be of high importance in modern medicine for the development of new drugs. Even if RJ is known since ancient times; research papers concerning its investigation are not this much developed as compared to the other bee hive, products such as honey or propolis. In this review, we summarize our understanding of data found in literature about the chemical composition and biological properties of RJ, in particular, that which originates from Mediterranean countries to stimulate future studies. More attention should be given to this natural product for better comprehension of its mechanism of action in vitro and in vivo, for possible standardization and achievement of new formulations. UIDB/05183/2020 info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion

Honeys have specific organoleptic characteristics, with nutritional and health benefits, being highly appreciated by consumers, not only in food but also in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. Honey composition varies between regions according to the surrounding flora, enabling its characterization by source or type. Monofloral honeys may reach higher market values than multifloral ones. Honey's aroma is very specific, resulting from the combination of volatile compounds present in low concentrations. The authentication of honey's complex matrix, according to its botanical and/or geographical origin, represents a challenge nowadays, due to the different sorts of adulteration that may occur, leading to the search for reliable marker compounds for the different monofloral honeys. The existing information on the volatiles of monofloral honeys is scarce and disperse. In this review, twenty monofloral honeys and honeydews, from acacia, buckwheat, chestnut, clover, cotton, dandelion, eucalyptus, fir tree, heather, lavender, lime tree, orange, pine, rape, raspberry, rhododendron, rosemary, strawberry tree, sunflower and thyme, were selected for volatile comparison purposes. Taking into consideration the country of origin, the technique of isolation and analysis, the five main volatiles from each of the honeys are compared. Whereas some compounds were found in several types of monofloral honey, and thus not considered good volatile markers, some monofloral honeys revealed characteristic volatile compounds independently of their provenance. Funding: SFRH/BD/117013/2016, UID/AGR/00690/2019, UID/AMB/50017/2019, MED (UIDB/05183/2020), FEDER, PT2020 PACompete 2020 info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion

The traditional agricultural production systems are evolving more towardorganic, sustainable or environmental friendly systems and products; how-ever, it is important to keep the yield and the quality of crops. The aim ofthis work was to evaluate the recovery of iron deficient strawberry plantsby foliar spray, using a gramineous plants extract (GE). Bare-root trans-plants of strawberry (Fragaria ananassaDuch. cv“Diamond”) were grownin a Hoagland’s nutrient solution with iron (Fe10) or without (Fe0). Forty-two days after Fe deprivation, plants grown without iron became chloroticand GE was applied. Three foliar applications were done, once per weekand the regreening was monitored using a SPAD apparatus. After twoapplications, a rapid but transient regreening was detected in youngleaves. Nevertheless, biomass and root/shoot ratio of recovered plants (GEtreatment) were similar to chlorotic plants (Fe0 treatment). Phosphorous,Mn and Fe contents were higher in crowns of GE plants at the end of theexperiment (67 days). The concentration of organic acids and ferric chela-te–reductase (FC-R) activity was also significantly higher in GE treatment. Itis possible that the high chelating capacity of the extract was responsible or the Fe internal transport and use. ID/Multi/04326/2019, FRH/BD/144764/2019, REEQ/717/QUI/2005, info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion

Royal jelly (RJ) is a bee product that has high nutritional value and is beneficial for the human health, earning importance as a functional food. Thus, the characterization of its main biological properties is with high importance. In this work, 6 RJ samples obtained in Morocco, Portugal, and Spain were evaluated in terms of total phenol and flavone/flavonol contents; total protein; 10-hydroxy-2-decenoic acid (10-HDA); volatiles composition; antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties; and inhibition of tyrosinase, xanthine oxidase (XO), and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activities. Total phenolic content ranged from 3 to 9 mg gallic acid equivalent/g RJ, and flavone/flavonol content from 0.1 to 0.5 mg quercetin equivalent/g RJ. 10-Hydroxy-2-decenoic acid content varied from 0.9% to 1.2% and total protein from 5.5% to 29.7%. Gas chromatography-flame ionization detector and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis showed RJ volatiles dominated by linolenic acid, 2-decenoic acid, and octanoic acid in variable amounts. The antioxidant activity was monitored through nitric oxide (NO) scavenging activity and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) scavenging capacity, where the IC50 ranged from 2.3 to 3.4 and 0.2 to 1.5 mg/mL, respectively. Anti-AChE activity IC50 ranged from 0.7 to 4.6 mg/mL, while XO inhibition IC50 ranged from 3.3 to 11.9 mg/mL. The results showed that phenols and flavonoids highly contributed to the RJ biological properties in contrast to 10-HDA and proteins.

The effect of an extreme heat processing on Zantaz honey samples was studied using a panel of physicochemical parameters, antioxidant activities and FTIR-ATR spectroscopy. Honey samples were heated at 121 C for 30 min and the heat processing effect was confirmed indirectly through the assessment of hydroxymethylfurfural content, for which the values increased significantly (p\0.01), and diastase activity, which was totally absent after the thermal processing. Besides, the effects of the heat on the antioxidant activities were diverse. Indeed, while the ability to scavenge 2,20-azinobis( 3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid cation radicals (ABTS ?) and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radicals was enhanced (p\0.05 only for ABTS ?), after the heat processing, nitric oxide radicals scavenging activity was reduced drastically (p\0.01). Regarding the chelating power, it was totally abolished following heating. Other activities showed no significant alteration. The initial values of antioxidant activities seem to be determinant in the changes occurring after the heat processing. Amongst the analysed parameters, following the heat processing, the honey colour was the variable where the influence of baseline values was the greatest. The spectral analyses confirmed that FTIR-ATR is a useful technique to discriminate the chemical differences occurring in honey after heat processing. Thanks are due to Foundation for Science and Technology FCT, Portugal (FCT/MCTES) for the financial support to MeditBio (UIDB/05183/2020), CEF (Centro de Estudos Florestais (UIDB/00239/2020) and CIMO (Centro de Investigaçã de Montanha), Instituto Politécnico de Bragança (UID/AGR/00690/2019). info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion

The effect of zinc (Zn) on phenols, antioxidant activities (free radicals' scavenging activities, inhibition of lipid peroxidation, chelating activity and reducing power), and enzyme inhibition activities of acetylcholinesterase, lipoxygenase and tyrosinase of anise, dill and two cultivars of fennel [Latina" (F-L) and "Doux de Florence" (F-DF)] aqueous extracts was evaluated for the first time. At the same time, growth and photosynthetic pigment contents were also estimated. A significant decrease in all growth parameters, such as plant height, fresh and dry weights of aerial parts and roots was statistically proved in the presence of 2 mM Zn. An enhancement of Zn accumulation was observed, particularly in aerial part. Exposure to 2 mM Zn induced quantitative changes in the phenols of all tested extracts. In fennel extracts, a decrease of phenol content was observed when treated with Zn, whereas an increase was found in dill and anise extracts submitted to Zn treatment. All samples, either in the presence or absence of Zn, showed antioxidant activity, independent on the tested assay, with the exception of the cultivar F-DF (treated and non-treated), which was unable to scavenge NO radicals. Zn-treated dill and anise presented usually higher antioxidant activity. Concerning inhibitory activities against acetylcholinesterase, lipoxygenase and tyrosinase enzymes, both treated and non-treated F-DF did not inhibit acetylcholinesterase activity. Zinc-treated F-DF was also unable to inhibit lipoxygenase activity. The remaining species presented capacity for inhibiting those enzymes and tyrosinase as well, but their abilities varied in response to Zn excess. Portuguese National Funding Agency for Science, Research and Technology (Fundacao para a Ciencia e a Tecnologia - FCT Portugal) [UID/BIA/04325/2013-MEDTBIO, UID/Multi/04326/2013] info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion

Thymus vulgaris (thyme) is an aromatic plant and its essential oil has been applied as antimicrobial and antioxidant due to the presence of phenolic compounds. However, after steam distillation, the deodorized plant material is rejected, despite the possible presence of bioactive compounds. Ethanolic thyme waste extract revealed the presence of benzoic acid, 4-hydroxybenzoic acid, ferulic acid, caffeic acid, and sinapic acid. This waste thyme extract had the capacity for preventing the formation of primary and secondary lipid oxidation products in emulsions O/W (oil in water), constituted by diverse proportions of wheat and almond oils, without interfering with the viscosity parameters, for 10 weeks, at 37 &deg, C. The increasing proportion of almond oil (&ge, 50%) in the emulsion increases its resistance to oxidation, which is improved with the presence of an optimal concentration of tested thyme waste extract (0.02% and 0.04%). The waste thyme extract can, therefore, be used as an antioxidant either in food or pharmaceutical emulsions O/W, replacing the synthetic antioxidants.

Magnetite nanoparticles (MNPs) have been evaluated for inhibiting microbial growth and biofilm for- mation. In this study the effect of the nanocomposite Moroccan propolis extract / MNPs acting against methicillin resistant strains of Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) was evaluated. Chemical composition of propolis was established by pyrolysis coupled to gas chromatography and mass spectrometry method (pyrolysis GC/MS). MNPs were obtained through the co-precipitation method. The fabricated nanostruc- ture was characterized by X-ray Diffraction (DRX), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), and Fourier Transform-Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). TEM of MNPs provided a particle average size of 15 nm, FTIR spectral analysis enabled a fast way of identification of MNPs, attesting the occurrence of the different combinations. The use of MNPs loaded with propolis and the antibiotic chloramphenicol at Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) value inhib- ited the bacterial growth of MSSA (methicillin susceptible strain of S. aureus ) and MRSA strains. After the treatment with MNPs-OA-P-CLo nanocomposite (MNPs with oleic acid, propolis and chloramphenicol), the disruption of the bacterial cell was observed by TEM. The combination of propolis and chlorampheni- col in free form at MIC value largely impaired both MSSA and MRSA strains as, after 2 h of treatment, no viable cells of MRSA 2 and MRSA 16 were recovered. Hence, the results elucidated a new antibac- terial nanocomposite synthesis, for possible applications as prospective nanoantibacterial agents or drug carriers. Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia with the project UID/Multi/04 4 49/2013 (POCI-01-0145-FEDER-007649); UID/BIA/04325/2013–MEDTBIO, UID/BIM/04773/2013 CBMR, UID/QUI/04023/2016, UID/QUI/0 010 0/ 2013, CQE. info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion

This review updates the information upon the chemical composition of propolis from all Mediterranean countries as well as their biological properties and applications. The non-volatile fraction of propolis was characterized by the presence of phenolic acids and their esters and flavonoids. Nevertheless, in some countries, diterpenes were also present: Sicily (Italy), Croatia, Malta, Creta (Greece), Turkey, Cyprus, Egypt, Libya, Algeria and Morocco. The volatile fraction of propolis was characterized by the presence of benzoic acid and its esters, mono- and sesquiterpenes, being the oxygenated sesquiterpene β-eudesmol characteristic of poplar propolis, whereas the hydrocarbon monoterpene α-pinene has been related with the presence of conifers. Regardless the chemical composition, there are common biological properties attributed to propolis. Owing to these attributes, propolis has been target of study for applications in diverse areas, such as food, medicine and livestock.

Myrtle (Myrtus communis L.) is a wild aromatic plant that laboratorial works have demonstrated the insecticidal, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activities of myrtle essential oils (EOs). The chemical composition may change according to several factors; nevertheless, it was constant in practically all EOs the presence of 1,8-cineole and α-pinene, as main components (>5%). The biological activities, generally low or moderate depended on the organism (insecticidal) and microorganism and on the chemical composition. Generally, the contribution of the components on the biological activities was not determined; nevertheless, they were generally attributed to the presence of the main components (1,8-cineole, α-pinene, eugenol, methyleugenol, myrtenyl acetate, among other components depending on the property). The antioxidant activity of myrtle oil was predominantly determined in cell-free methods, though very few works also used cell model methods. In all cases, the activities were also low to moderate due to the absence of phenol compounds. info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion

The comparison of Zantaz honey samples harvested in Morocco in two different years was performed through chemometric analysis of routinely assessed parameters. The objective was to study how the pollen profile of this newly reported honey shapes its physicochemical characteristics as well as to determine its monoflorality threshold, which has not yet been defined. The predominance of B. spinosum pollen was confirmed in the majority of samples reaching 45%, generally requested for monoflorality declaration. The principal component analysis (PCA) was used for clustering and variables correlations. Pollen qualitative and quantitative differences could discriminate the samples belonging to both seasons when combined with the sugar analysis (59.44%) better than the combination with physicochemical parameters (pH, acidity, ash content, electrical conductivity and color) (60.62%). Positive correlation between the presence of B. spinosum pollen and melanoidins, color, fructose, moisture, trehalose, melezitose, iron, manganese and calcium could be seen. Integrating all the parameters except the pollen data allowed distinguishing two groups with significant differences (P < 0.05) in B. spinosum representability (58 ± 11.24% against 40 ± 15.98%). This may suggest that 40% is the monoflorality threshold of the Moroccan Zantaz honey, although a confirmation with sensorial analysis is required. The authors wish to acknowledge the financial support provided by the Portuguese National Funding Agency for Science, Research and Technology (Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia − FCT; Portugal), under the projects UID/BIA/04050/2013, UID/BIA/04325/2013. MEDTBIO, and UID/Multi/04326/2013. Centro de Estudos Florestais is a Research Unit funded by Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia within UID/AGR/00239/2019. The authors thank to Conceição Vitorino for their support with sugar analytical procedures. info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion