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Waste soybean hulls (WSH) were investigated as a Fe-support in two forms: raw and carbonized (i.e. biocarbon, BC), as possible value-added materials. Fe-impregnation was implemented in order to produce heterogeneous Fenton catalysts for Reactive Blue 4 dye degradation. Materials characterization demonstrated a rise in the specific surface area due to decomposition of WSH constituents during carbonization (to obtain BC) and thermal activation (to obtain Fe-WSH and Fe-BC), thus producing catalysts with high mesoporosity and hematite as the active site for Fenton reaction. Among the investigated materials, Fe-WSH showed the greatest ability for •OH production in acidic medium. Next, the hetero-geneous Fenton process was optimized by using response surface methodology, which resulted in selection of the following reaction conditions: 3 mM H2O2, 100 mg Fe-WSH, reaction time of 180 min, at a constant pH 3, RB4 concentration of 50 mg dm-3 and at room temperature. The achieved dye removal and mineralization were 85.7 and 66.8 %, respecti-vely, while the catalyst showed high stability and the reaction intermediates formed during the oxidation process had a low inhibitory effect on Vibrio fischeri bacteria.

Introduction. Heat treatment of food provides appropriate shelf life and safety, as well as adequate sensory properties and better digestibility, but excessive thermal processing leads to the loss of nutritive value. In practice, sterilised meat products are usually overheated, which leads to a loss of nutritive value. Therefore, it is necessary to find the optimum between the preservative effect of heat treatment and maintenance of the nutritive value of food. Control of the sterilisation efficiency is based on the Fo value, an indicator of the lethal effect of heat treatment, while the cooking (Co) value indicates a reduction of the nutritive value of heat treated products. Materials and Methods. During pâté sterilisation processes, two working heat treatment regimes were used: the regime used in regular, commercial production and an optimised regime. Heat treatment measurements were carried out using six thermocouple probes placed in the geothermal centres of six chosen cans. For each heat treatment, schematic diagrams were produced. Fo values were determined using Ellab software, and Co values by the graphic method in a semi-logarithmic Thermal Death Time diagram. Results and Conclusions. During pâté sterilisation, where the effective time was 55 minutes (regular regime) at 114°C and 3.2 bar pressure, an average Fo value of 7.90±0.43 was achieved. By reducing the effective sterilisation time to 45 minutes (optimised regime), an average Fo value of 3.81±0.5 was achieved. Both regimes were sufficient to ensure product safety (Fo >3). The average Co value for the regular sterilisation regime was 109.83±1.33 minutes, while for the optimised regime, it was 88.67±4.27 minutes, i.e., an average reduction of 19.26%. This corresponds to a proportionally higher nutritional value of the product treated using the optimised regime. Data on the Fo and Co values achieved during the sterilisation process can make a significant contribution to obtaining products with a better nutritional value through an optimised sterilisation process, without jeopardising product safety. [Project of the Serbian Ministry of Education, Science and Technological Development, Grant no. III46009]

Ganoderma lucidum, used in a traditional Chinese medicine, represents one of the most important medicinal mushrooms in the world, whose fruiting bodies and spores have been traditionally used because of a wide spectrum of biological activities such as antidiabetic, antioxidative, antiproliferative, cardioprotective, etc. Its ethnomedicinal importance in some parts of the Balkan region (Serbia and Croatia) is almost totally unknown and there should be more scientific investigations carried out. The aim of this work was to make a comparative study of antioxidative activities and total phenolic content of ethanol and hot water extracts of G. lucidum, collected from forests in Serbia (Morovićke šume, Fruška Gora) and Croatia (Donji Lapac, Plješevica). The present study was carried out to evaluate antioxidant potential of examined extracts via scavenging potential on ABTS, DPPH, OH∙ and NO∙ radicals, as well as of chelating effects via FRAP assay, together with determination of their total phenolic content. Results showed that both GLS extracts possessed better antiradical activities (IC50=0.23±0.01 for H2O and 2.75±0.01 μg/mL for EtOH for OH∙ and DPPH assay, respectively) than in the ABTS assay (151.40±1.07 mg TE/g d.w. for EtOH), while the phenolic content was generally equal in extracts of Serbian and Croatian samples (60.74±0.57 mg GAE/g d.w. for EtOH and 77.10±0.27 mg GAE/g d.w. for H2O, respectively). Therefore, these extracts could be considered as a good source of natural antioxidants. These results showed that examined G. lucidum extracts (especially Н2О) contain high amount of phenolic content which could significantly enhance the antiradical potential and reduce potential on iron ions. This is the first study reporting the comparison of antioxidant activities and phenolic contents of two different extracts between two G. lucidum strains from two different geographical origins from the Balkan region. [Project of the Serbian Ministry of Education, Science and Technological Development, Grant no. 43002]

The aim of this work was to study chemical profile and antioxidant and cytotoxic activities of ethanol and water extracts of Lactarius controversus (Pers.) 1800 mushroom species growing in eastern Serbia. The chemical characterization of phenolic compounds performed by HPLC-MS/MS demonstrated the presence of quinic acid among others. Determination of antioxidant activity, including radical scavenging effects on DPPH•, NO•, OH• and SOA radicals and ferric reducing ability was investigated. The highest DPPH radical scavenging effect was obtained for water extract (LcAq) while ethanol extract (LcEtOH) demonstrated the highest FRAP activity. Hexane extract applied in antibacterial assay against three pathogenic strains demonstrated antibacterial effect only against S. aureus ATCC25922. Anti-proliferative properties against estrogen dependent MCF 7 breast cancer cell lines using MTT showed higher activity for ethanolic extract. [Projekat Ministarstva nauke Republike Srbije, br. III 46001 i br. 172058]

Tokom 2012. godine sprovedena su istraživanja higijene procesa proizvodnje trupova brojlera, na tri klanice u Republici Srbiji. Ispitano je 150 uzoraka kožica vrata brojlera i utvrđeno je 17 izolata salmonela. Izolati su, korišćenjem odgovarajućih monovalentnih i polivalentnih seruma, tipizovani kao Salmonella enterica subspecies enterica serovar infantis (S. Infantis 6, 7, r, 1, 5). U slučajevima oboljenja ljudi, izolovano je 5 uzoraka salmonele identičnog serovarijeteta. Nakon toga, na 22 uzorka, rađeno je ispitivanje antibiotske rezistencije izolata disk difuzionim testom. Izolati su pokazali rezistentnost prema: ampicilinu i nalidiksičnoj kiselini (95,5%), tetraciklinu (91%), cefotaksim/klavulanskoj kiselini (68,2%), ali ne i prema ciprofloksacinu, gentamicinu i trimetoprim/sulfametoksazolu (0%). Stepen genetske sličnosti izolata poreklom od obolelih ljudi i sa trupova brojlera je određen molekularnim metodama. Analiza klastera je pokazala prisustvo 7 profila, dok svi izolati imaju 92% ge netske sličnosti. Iako postoje razlike u antimikrobnoj rezistenciji izolata poreklom od obolelih ljudi i sa kožica vrata brojlera, ne može se isključiti epidemiološka povezanost, jer kod dominantnog genotipa SINFXB0001, utvrđenog kod 8 izolata poreklom od obolelih ljudi (3 izolata) i sa kožica vrata brojlera (5 izolata), postoji genetska sličnost od 100%. Na osnovu dobijenih rezultata, istraživanje je pokazalo da prisustvo S. Infantis na trupovima brojlera predstavlja hazard po zdravlje ljudi.

In parallel with the industrialization and standardization of contemporary production, cheese production based on traditional principles represents an important attribute of a nation, state or region. Awareness of the specificities of these production characteristics is supported by the growing demand for organic and high quality food with geographic labels of origin, whose competitiveness and price daily increase in comparison with conventional products. In the mountainous territory of the Republic of Serbia, in the region of Nova Varos, on the foothills and slopes of Mount Zlatar, rural households produce cheeses in brine in keeping with autochthonous traditional technology. These cheeses are recognized for their constant quality, remarkable flavour, and unique manner of production. This paper introduces a part of the planned research within Project III 46 009 (subproject 7), which aim to provide answers about the biodiversity of indigenous microflora originating from Zlatar cheese, to determine their most important technological and protective properties, and to provide answers about the possibilities of implementing some of the isolated Lstrains in a new production cycle. Most of the above research is ongoing. This paper summarizes the traditional production of Zlatar cheese based on the monitoring of the production process and interviewes with individual producers in the area around Nova Varos, in the villages Akmačići, Božetići, Jasenovo, Bukovik, Komarani. Also, there is a review of the most important chemical parameters of quality. [Projekat Ministarstva nauke Republike Srbije, br. 46009]

Investigations conducted within project "Techonological and protective characteristics of autochthonous strains of lactic acid bacteria isolated from traditional fermented sausages and possibilities for their implementation in the meat industry" (Project Number: 20127), financed on behalf of the Ministry for Science and Technology of the Republic of Serbia, have provided an answer on the characteristics of the quality of the used raw materials for the production of Sremska sausage - one of the most well-known Serbian traditionally fermented sausages (choice of meat, fatty tissue, additives and spices), and data have been registered in connection with the procedures of their processing, microclimatic conditions have been established (temperature, relative humidity, and air circulation) during the entire process of production and fermentation, as well as the presence and types of microorganisms, primarily lactic acid bacteria (BMK), the carrier of lactic fermentation. The most important characteristics of the filling have been established, the smoking regimen, the regimens of fermentation, maturing, drying, as well as the parameters for quality and safety of the finished product. At the same time, the standard working procedure has been determined for the preparation of the meat, fatty tissue, the forming and inserting of the filling into the wrappers, as well as the characteristics of the finished products. The given standard working procedure should serve as a guideline for the meat industry in the production process of this traditional fermented sausage.

Due to their promotory action on the transport of some drugs through various membranes (lipophilic barriers), oxo derivatives of bile acids have recently been increasingly used in biopharmacy. These compounds exhibit also a lower membranolytic (toxic) activity than their hydroxy analogues. Because of that it is of special importance to find out the descriptors that would adequately describe the structure of bile acids and their biological activity and be used to model the quantitative structure-activity relationship. In view of this, the present work is concerned with the application of the chromatographic parameter RM0 obtained by normal-phase thin-layer chromatography in the solvent system toluene-butanol and silica gel as stationary phase to describe the lipophilicity of bile acids. Also, the work introduces a new molecular descriptor (ND) that reflects both 2D and 3D topological characteristics of the molecule. Between the retention constant, RM0 and the descriptor ND there is a good correlation, and both RM0, and ND describe sufficiently well the structural (conformational) changes that arise in the process of oxidation of the OH group of the steroid skeleton to an oxo group. On the other hand, the in silico descriptors of lipophilicity, logP (atomic-based prediction) and ClogP (fragment-based prediction) predict the hydrophobicity of bile acid oxo derivatives with a certain error.

Mould growth within slaughterhouses is not acceptable and is considered as both economic and aesthetic problem. Aim of this paper was to determine filamentous moulds in two slaughterhouses by investigating air, water, environment area and equipment. There were a total of 100 samples collected. According to S a m s o n (2004), 6 genera were determined among which Penicillium and Aspergillus were the most frequent. Three Penicillium species were identified; the most frequent were P. brevicompactum and P. solitum. The presence of P. verrucosum was not established. The presence of mycotoxigenic moulds, such as P. brevicompactum, indicates possible contamination of environmental area with mycophenolic acid (MPA). Results of investigation indicated that more comprehensive survey should be made in order to get a better insight of mycobiota in slaughterhouses in Serbia.

Fungal extracts were analyzed spectrophotometrically for the free radicals scavenging activity on 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), superoxide anion (SOA) and nitric oxide radical (NO), as well as for the reducing power activity (FRAP). For determination of bioactive properties of specific compounds present in fungal extracts, the content of total phenols (TP) and flavonoids (TF) were investigated.G. resinaceum H2O extract was found to possesses the highest ability to scavenge DPPH∙ and O2 ∙- (IC50=14.03±0.59 and IC50=29.96±1.19 μg/mL, respectively), while EtOH extract of the same species showed better NO∙ activity (IC50=215.18±1.77 μg/mL). The highest level of TF was found in EtOH extract of G. pfeifferi (26.29±0.74 mg QE/g. d.w.), while the highest TP content was determined in EtOH extract of G. resinaceum (44.01±0.24 mg GA/g. d.w.). Antidiabetic action of analyzed extracts in treated rats was evaluated by the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and histological examination of pancreas and liver in control normoglycemic animals as opposed to animals with alloxan-induced diabetes. Histological examination of pancreatic tissue demonstrated that G. pfeifferi extracts have protective effects. On contrary, treatment with G. resinaceum H2O extract showed better action by observing changes in body weight and results of OGTT. Taken all together, analyzed extracts could be considered as a promising candidate for further research with an aim to promote their usage as potential antidiabetic agents, which is for the first time reported for G. pfeifferi. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was designed to explain the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity of ethanol, water and chloroform extracts from G. pfeifferi and G. resinaceum, and compare it with closely-related G. applanatum and G. lucidum. The total phenolics (TPC), total sugar (TSC) contents and LC-MS/MS analysis of phenolic compounds present in analyzed extracts were also determined. Antioxidant activities were determined via ABTS, DPPH and NO assays. Anti-inflammatory potential was studied measuring cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1) and 12-lipoxygenase (12-LOX) inhibitory activity. The highest content via LC-MS/MS analysis was noticed for p-hydroxybenzoic acid in EtOH extracts of G. pfeifferi (33.00 μg/g d.w.). Generally, the highest antioxidant potential (107.90±0.44 mg TEQ/g d.w. for ABTS and IC50=4.49±0.45 μg/mL for DPPH assay of EtOH, and H2O extracts of G. applanatum, respectively; IC25=9±0.45 μg/mL for CHCl3 extract of G. resinaceum for NO assay) was in good correlation with TPC and TSC. The highest TPC was in EtOH extracts of G. applanatum, while the highest TSC was generally in CHCl3 extracts with the exception of EtOH extract of G. applanatum. The most powerfull activity towards COX-1/12-LOX inhibition showed CHCl3 extracts of G. lucidum and G. resinaceum species. The results suggest that the Ganoderma species are a promising new source of bioactive natural compounds and they may be considered as both the candidates for preparing new food supplements and models for the development of new drug formulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ganoderma pfeifferi (Bres 1889) is saprotrophic basidiomycetous fungi, which is autochtonous for Europe. In contrast to G. applanatum and G. lucidum, from which a number of biologically and pharmacologically active compounds such as triterpenes and polysaccharides have been isolated, G. pfeifferi is one of the mycochemically less well-examined species of the genus Ganoderma which sterols, triterpenes and farnesyl hydroquinones have been prooved to possess antiviral activity. The aim of this study was to investigate the antiviral properties of autochtonous G. pfeifferi originated from Begečka jama (Vojvodina, Serbia). The extraction of fungal material was prepared in three solvents: ethanol (EtOH), water (H2O) and DMSO after ethanolic extraction while the antiviral activity was tested on model virus vB_BbrS_LK3 (fam. Siphoviridae). Virions were incubated with various concentrations of extracts (0.20-300 mg/mL) during 30 min at 37 oC and their infectivity after the treatment was determined by plaque assay. The results are expressed as percentages of inactivated virions by extracts in regard to their initial number. The highest antiviral activities on this bacteriophage were exhibited by DMSO extracts at 10-200 mg/mL (21.4-83.3%), while H2O and EtOH extracts showed less antiviral potential at 0.2-100 mg/mL (1.8-22.2% and 10.9-28.8%, respectively). Considering the fact that analyzed extracts showed different level of antiviral activities, we assumed that less polar compounds such as triterpenes (lucialdehyde B, D, ganoderone C, ganoderal A) showed potential for inactivation of model virus. This should be further confirmed using selected extract components. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ganoderma is a basidiomycetous genus of white-rot fungi which have been used for medicinal purposes for centuries, particularly in Asian countries: China, Japan and Korea. Nowadays, a large number of bioactive components of Ganoderma origin (triterpenes, polysaccharides, phenolics), are widely used in pharmaceutical and food industry. Nevertheless, distribution of the species G. pfeifferi which is limited to the Europe contains sesquiterpenoids, triterpenoids, sterols and phenolics with antiproliferative activity. With an aim to determine an antiproliferative activity of ethanolic and water extracts of autochtonous G. pfeifferi (Begečka jama) in relation to the content of total phenols (TPH), MTT assay and Folin-Ciolcateu method were used. The obtained results for ethanolic extracts showed higher content of TPH (43.69±2.60 and 23.13±1.91 mg eq GA/g d.w., respectively) than water extracts as well as better antiproliferative activity against MCF-7 breast cancer cells after subacute incubation (24h) (154.05±12.92 and 653.35±10.19 μg/mL, respectively) with high correlations determined between them (R2=0.96 and R2=0.72, respectively). Water extracts caused better inhibition of cell proliferation than ethanolic extracts after 72h incubation (49.25±1.72 and 76.69±12.10 μg/mL, respectively) with high correlations noticed with total phenolic content (R2=0.92 and R2=0.91, respectively). A high correlation obtained for TPH and antiproliferative activities in examined extracts indicates high effects of phenols on examined activities. These results can be of great importance for the assessment of quality of products and extracts derived from Ganoderma pfeifferi. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Central Asia, located at the heart of Eurasia, is renowned for its varied climate and vertical vegetative distribution, which support diverse biomes and position it as a global biodiversity hotspot. Despite this ecological richness, Central Asia's fungal diversity, particularly wood-inhabiting macrofungi, remains largely unexplored. This study investigates the diversity, ecological roles, and potential distribution of poroid Hymenochaetoid fungi in the region. By conducting field surveys, collecting basidiomes, and reviewing the literature and herbarium records from five Central Asian countries, we compiled a comprehensive checklist of these fungi. In total, 43 Hymenochaetoid species belonging to 18 genera were identified, with Inonotus , Phellinus , and Phylloporia being the most species-rich. Notably, Inonotus hispidus and Phellinus igniarius were found to be the most widespread species. These macrofungi play essential ecological roles as saprotrophs and pathogens of various identified host plant families, aiding in lignin degradation and exhibiting diverse enzymatic activities. For the first time, we modelled the potential distribution patterns of Hymenochaetoid fungi in Central Asia, revealing that their distribution is strongly influenced by host plant availability and temperature-related factors. The three most critical variables were host plant density, annual temperature range (Bio7), and mean temperature of the warmest quarter (Bio10). The distribution of suitable habitats is uneven, with highly suitable areas (4.52%) concentrated in the mountainous border regions between Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. These results underscore the significance of specific environmental conditions for the growth and survival of Hymenochaetoid fungi in this region. Our findings highlight the urgent need for continued mycological and host plant research and expanded conservation initiatives to document and preserve macrofungal and botanical biodiversity in this under-explored area. In light of climate change, the collected mycological and botanical data provide a valuable reference for promoting forest health management globally.

This study explores the bioactivity potential of four indigenous Ganoderma species from northern Serbia ( G. applanatum , G. lucidum , G. pfeifferi , and G. resinaceum ), comparing antioxidant and anti-acetylcholinesterase (anti-AChE) properties. The mycochemical profile, including ethanol (EtOH), water (H 2 O), and chloroform (CHCl 3 ) extracts, was analysed, revealing significant phenolic compounds, such as 2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid. Highest total phenolic content (TP) was in EtOH extracts (205 - 380 mg GAE/g d.w.), and total carbohydrate content peaked in G. pfeifferi CHCl 3 extracts (1895 ± 0.29 mg GluE/g d.w., 439 ± 0.42 mg FruE/g d.w.). DPPH and FRAP activities were prominent in G. applanatum H 2 O extracts, while CHCl 3 extracts excelled in the NO assay, and EtOH extracts were superior in the ABTS assay. The most effective AChE inhibitors were polar extracts from G. pfeifferi . These findings emphasise the potential therapeutic use of Ganoderma species, particularly G. pfeifferi, in combating oxidative stress and acetylcholine deficiencies.

Medicinal mushrooms, especially Ganoderma species, hold immense promise for the production of a wide range of bioactive compounds with various effects. The biochemical potential of indigenous fungal strains, specific to a region, could play a critical role in the continuous search for novel strains with superior activities on a global scale. This research focused on the ethanolic (EtOH) and hot-water (H 2 O) extracts of fruiting bodies of two wild-growing Ganoderma species: G. pfeifferi and G. resinaceum, with the aim of assessing their nutritional (total carbohydrate content-TCC) and mineral composition in relation to bioactive properties: antioxidant, antiproliferative and lipid-lowering. Atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS) revealed that G. pfeifferi is a promising source of minerals that are essential for numerous physiological functions in the human body like bone health and muscle and nerve function, with Ca (4.55 ± 0.41 mg/g d.w.) and Mg (1.33 ± 0.09 mg/g d.w.) being the most abundant macroelement present. Zn, Mn, and Cr were particularly notable, with concentrations ranging from 21.49 to 41.70 mg/kg d.w. The EtOH extract of G. pfeifferi demonstrated significantly elevated levels of TCC, essential macromolecules for energy and structural functions in the body, with higher quantities of all three standard carbohydrates detected in this type of extract. Similar to the revealed composition, the same species, G. pfeifferi, stood out as the most prominent antioxidant agent, with the H 2 O extract being stronger than EtOH in the ABTS assay (86.85 ± 0.67 mg TE/g d.w.), while the EtOH extract displayed the highest anti-OH • scavenging ability (IC 50 = 0.18 ± 0.05 μg/mL) as well as the most notable reducing potential among all. The highest antiproliferative effect against the breast cancer cell line (MCF-7), were demonstrated by the H 2 O extracts from G. resinaceum with the most pronounced activity after 24 h (IC 50 = 4.88 ± 0.50 μg/mL), which surpasses that of the standard compound, ellagic acid (IC 50 = 33.94 ± 3.69 μg/mL). Administration of both Ganoderma extracts mitigated diabetic lipid disturbances and exhibited potential renal and hepatic protection in vivo on white Wistar rats by the preservation of kidney function parameters in G. resinaceum H 2 O pre-treatment (urea: 6.27 ± 0.64 mmol/L, creatinine: 50.00 ± 6.45 mmol/L) and the reduction in ALT levels (17.83 ± 3.25 U/L) compared to diabetic control groups treated with saline (urea: 46.98 ± 6.01 mmol/L, creatinine: 289.25 ± 73.87 mmol/L, and ALT: 60.17 ± 9.64 U/L). These results suggest that pre-treatment with G. resinaceum H 2 O extracts may have potential antidiabetic properties. In summary, detected microelements are vital for maintaining overall health, supporting metabolic processes, and protecting against various chronic diseases. Further research and dietary assessments could help determine the full potential and applications of the two underexplored Ganoderma species native to Serbia in nutrition and health supplements.

Amidst worsening climate change, drought stress imperils global agriculture, jeopardizing crop yields and food security, thereby necessitating the urgent exploration of sustainable methods like biopriming for the harnessing of beneficial microorganisms to bolster plant resilience. Recent research has revealed diverse biological compounds with versatile applications produced by Schizophyllum commune , rendering this fungus as a promising contender for biopriming applications. For the first time, this study aimed to investigate the potential of S. commune exo- (EPSH) and intra-polysaccharides (IPSH) isolated from two strains-Italian (ITA) and Serbian (SRB)-under submerged cultivation to enhance the resilience of Pisum sativum L. seeds through the biopriming technique. Testing of the seed quality for the bioprimed, hydroprimed, and unprimed seeds was conducted using a germination test, under optimal and drought conditions, while characterization of the PSHs included FTIR analysis, microanalysis, and determination of total protein content (TPC). The FTIR spectra of EPSH and IPSH were very similar but revealed the impurities, while microanalysis and TPC confirmed a different presence of proteins in the isolated PSHs. In optimal conditions, the IPSH SRB increased germination energy by 5.50% compared to the control; however, the highest percentage of germination (94.70%) was shown after biopriming with the PSH isolated from the ITA strain. Additionally, all assessed treatments resulted in a boost in seedling growth and biomass accumulation, where the ITA strain demonstrated greater effectiveness in optimal conditions, while the SRB strain showed superiority in drought conditions. The drought tolerance indices increased significantly in response to all examined treatments during the drought, with EPSH ITA (23.00%) and EPSH SRB (24.00%) demonstrating the greatest effects. Results of this preliminary study demonstrate the positive effect of isolated PSH, indicating their potential as biopriming agents and offering insights into novel strategies for agricultural resilience.

This study investigates the bioactivity profile of wood-rotting fungal species Daedaleopsis confragosa (Bolton) J. Schröt. 1888, focusing on its antioxidant, cytotoxic, and genotoxic activities and enzyme modulation properties with respect to its possible application in terms of enhancing women's reproductive health. Two types of extracts, including those based on EtOH extraction (DC) and hydrodistillation (DCHD), were investigated. The results indicate that the radical scavenging capacity against the DPPH radical and reduction potential were stronger in the DC extracts owing to the higher total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC) (25.30 ± 1.05 mg GAE/g d.w. and 2.84 ± 0.85 mg QE/g d.w., respectively). The same trend was observed in the protein phosphatase-1 (PP1) activity and in the genotoxic activity against the δ virus since only the DC extract exhibited DNA disintegration regarding a dilution of 1:100. Conversely, the DCHD extract exhibited increased hemolytic and cytotoxic effects (339.39% and IC 50 = 27.76 ± 0.89 μg/mL-72 h incubation, respectively), along with greater inhibition of the AChE enzyme (IC 50 = 3.11 ± 0.45 mg/mL) and hemolytic activity. These results suggest that terpenoids and steroids may be responsible for the observed activity in DCHD as these compounds could potentially be extracted following the HD procedure. This comprehensive bioactivity profiling offers valuable insights into the potential therapeutic applications of D. confragosa from Serbia and underscores the importance of further investigations for harnessing its pharmacological potential., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

This study aimed to evaluate the antioxidant potential of autochthonous Hydnum repandum through LC-MS/MS profiling, total phenolic content (TP), total protein content (TPR), and antioxidant capabilities (DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP assays) across various extracts (CHCl 3 , acetone, 70% EtOH, 80% MeOH, and hot water). LC-MS/MS analysis revealed a predominant presence of quinic acid in polar solvents (ranging from 531.37 to 676.07 ng/mL), while EtOH and MeOH extracts exhibited elevated total phenolic levels (27.44 ± 0.32 and 28.29 ± 3.62 mg GAE/g d.w., respectively). Impressively, H. repandum showcased remarkable antioxidant properties, as evidenced by its FRAP values (57.29 to 199.96 mg AAE/g d.w.), ABTS values (5.69 to 29.95 mg TE/g d.w.), and IC 50 values in the DPPH assay (91.40 to 372.55 μg/mL), which exhibited a strong correlation with TP. Notably, the acetone extract exhibited the most robust antioxidant activity where the highest TPR was observed, suggesting synergism of primary and secondary metabolites.

International provenance trials are a hot topic in forestry, and in light of climate change, the search for more resilient beech provenances and their assisted migration is one of the challenges of climate-smart forestry. The main aim of the study was to determine intraspecific variability in European beech ( Fagus sylvatica L.) among 11 beech provenances according to total antioxidant capacities estimated by various assays, such as DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl), ABTS (2,2'-azino-bis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic) acid), FRAP (ferric reducing antioxidant power) assay, and radical scavenging capacity against nitric oxide (RSC-NO assays), as well as osmolyte content, primarily individual polyamines (putrescine, spermidine, and spermine), and free proline content. Polyamine amounts were quantified by using HPLC coupled with fluorescent detection after dansylation pretreatment. The highest values for radical scavenger capacity assays (ABTS, DPPH, and FRAP) were measured in the German provenances DE47 and DE49. Also, the highest NO inhibition capacity was found in the provenance DE49, while the highest content of proline (PRO), total phenolic content (TPC), and total flavonoid content (TFC) was recorded in DE47. The Austrian AT56 and German provenance DE49 were most abundant in total polyamines. This research underlines the importance of the application of common antioxidant assays as well as osmolyte quantification as a criterion for the selection of climate-ready beech provenances for sustainable forest management.

This study applied various chromatographic methods to assess the chemical composition of five selected perennial and annual wheat seed varieties cultivated in Kazakhstan. Gas Chromatography (GC) analysis revealed distinct fatty acid profiles, with perennial, soft, and durum annual wheat seeds displaying varying levels of saturated fatty acids (SFA), monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA), and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) (SFA: 10.538 - 19.676%, MUFA: 17.124 - 23.131%, PUFA: 58.649 - 66.938%). HPLC analysis uncovered significant differences in the content of total non-essential amino acids (TNEA) and essential amino acids (TEA). Among the analysed varieties, "Sova" had the highest TNEA content (4464.70 mg/g) with aspartic acid as the predominant amino acid (4146.35 mg/g), while "704" displayed the highest TEA content (579.95 mg/g) with tyrosine as the dominant amino acid (219.98 mg/g). These findings highlight the potential of Kazakh wheat varieties as rich sources of essential nutrients and hold promise for improving public health.

Despite its millennial existence and empirical documentation, the ethnological knowledge of herbs is a more recent phenomenon. The knowledge of their historical uses as food, medicine, source of income and small-scale businesses, and the sociological impacts are threatened due to the slow ethnobotanical research drive. Species of the genus Solanum have long been extensively used in folk medicine to treat various illnesses of humans since the dawn of civilization. All data were systematically obtained from papers, monographs, and books written in Uzbek, Russian, and English through various scientific online databases, including Google, Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus, Semantic Scholar, Science Direct, and Web of Science using specific keywords focused on eight Solanum species. Eight native and non-native Solanum species as S. dulcamara L., S. lycopersicum L., S. melongena L., S. nigrum L., S. rostratum Dunal., S. sisymbriifolium Lam., S. tuberosum L., and S. villosum Mill. have been recorded in Uzbekistan of Central Asia. In this article we presented recently obtained data on the diversity, morphological characteristics, global distribution, habitat, population status, phenology, reproduction, pharmacology and phytochemistry of these Solanum species in Uzbekistan. Furthermore, relying on a combination of literature reviews and analyses from various scientific papers, we focus on food consumption coupled with global ethnobotanical and ethnopharmacological uses in human diseases of the Solanum species growing in Uzbekistan. Since the dawn of civilization, these eight cultivated and non-cultivated species of Solanum have provided sustainable resources of medicinal plants in Uzbekistan to prevent and treat various human diseases. Based on the collected data, it was shown that Solanum species have not been studied ethnobotanically and ethnomedicinally in Uzbekistan and it is necessary to conduct phytochemical and biotechnological research on them in the future. Traditional uses and scientific evaluation of Solanum indicate that S. nigrum , S. sisymbriifolium and S. tuberosum are one of the most widely used species in some parts of the world. Although considerable progress has been made to comprehend the chemical and biological properties of S. nigrum and S. tuberosum species, more research on the pharmacology and toxicology of these species is needed to ensure the safety, efficacy, and quality of their biologically active extracts and isolated bioactive compounds. Additionally, conducting additional research on the structure-activity relationship of certain isolated phytochemicals has the potential to enhance their biological efficacy and advance the scientific utilization of traditional applications of Solanum taxa., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2024 Gafforov, Rašeta, Zafar, Makhkamov, Yarasheva, Chen, Zhumagul, Wang, Ghosh, Abbasi, Yuldashev, Mamarakhimov, Alosaimi, Berdieva and Rapior.)

The therapeutic effectiveness of current neurodegenerative disease treatments is still under debate because of problems with bioavailability and a range of side effects. Fungi, which are increasingly recognized as sources of natural antioxidants and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) enzyme inhibitors, may thus serve as potent neuroprotective agents. Previous studies have associated the anti-AChE and antioxidant activities of fungi mostly with polysaccharides and phenolic compounds, while other secondary metabolites such as polyamines (PAs) have been neglected. This study aimed to investigate eight edible and medicinal fungi from Serbia, marking the initial investigation into the neuroprotective capabilities of Postia caesia , Clitocybe odora , Clitopilus prunulus , and Morchella elata . Neuroprotective activity was examined using the Ellman assay, while the antioxidant capacity was tested by conducting DPPH, NO, ABTS, and FRAP tests. PA levels were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) coupled with fluorescent detection. Ganoderma applanatum and Lepista nuda exhibited the most robust anti-AChE (98.05 ± 0.83% and 99.94 ± 3.10%, respectively) and antioxidant activities, attributed to the synergistic effects of the total protein, total phenolic, and PA levels. Furthermore, P. caesia displayed significant AChE inhibition (88.21 ± 4.76%), primarily linked to the elevated spermidine (SPD) (62.98 ± 3.19 mg/kg d.w.) and putrescine (PUT) levels (55.87 ± 3.16 mg/kg d.w.). Our results highlight the need for thorough research to comprehend the intricate relationships between distinct fungus species and AChE inhibition. However, it is important to recognize that more research is required to identify the precise substances causing the reported inhibitory effects.

Interest in edible and medicinal macrofungi is millennial in terms of their uses in health and food products in Central Asia, while interest in inedible and medicinal macrofungi has grown in popularity in recent years. Edible and inedible medicinal basidiomycetes were collected during field surveys from different regions of Uzbekistan. The morphological characters and similarity assessment of rDNA-Internal Transcribed Spacer sequence data were used to measure diversity and habitat associations. A number of 17 species of medicinal macrofungi of ethnomycological and medicinal interest was found associated with 23 species of trees and shrubs belonging to 11 families and 14 genera. Polyporaceae and Hymenochaetaceae were represented by the highest number of species followed by Ganodermataceae , Fomitopsidaceae , Auriculariaceae , Cerrenaceae , Grifolaceae , Phanerochaetaceae , Laetiporaceae , Schizophyllaceae , and Stereaceae . The highest number of medicinal basidiomycete species was reported in the following host genera: Acer , Betula , Celtis , Crataegus , Juglans , Juniperus , Lonicera , Malus , Morus , Platanus , Populus , Prunus , Quercus , and Salix . An updated list of edible and inedible medicinal mushrooms identified in Uzbekistan, their morphological characteristics, and phylogenetic placement are given for the first time. Information is provided on their uses in traditional and modern medicine. Their bioactive compounds and extracts can be applied as medicines, as well as food and cosmetic ingredients.

Ganoderma species have been recognized as potential antimicrobial (AM) agents and have been used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for a long time. The aim of this study is to examine the AM potential of autochthonous Ganoderma species ( G. applanatum , G. lucidum , G. pfeifferi and G. resinaceum ) from Serbia. The extraction of fungal material was prepared in different solvents (ethanol-EtOH, water-H 2 O, chloroform-CHCl 3 ). Antibacterial activity (ABA) was determined using disk-diffusion, agar-well diffusion, and micro-dilution method, while for antifungal properties disk-diffusion and pour plate method were applied. Antiviral activity was tested on model DNA virus LK3 and determined by plaque assay. Statistical PCA analysis was applied for detection of correlation effects of phenolics and AM activities, while LC-MS/MS was performed for phenolics quantification. G. resinaceum CHCl 3 extract expressed the most potent ABA against P. aeruginosa (MIC = 6.25 mg/mL), probably due to presence of flavonoids and 2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid. Among H 2 O extracts, the highest ABA was determined for G. pfeifferi against both E. coli and S. aureus (21 and 19 mm, respectively). EtOH extracts of G. pfeifferi and G. resinaceum were the most effective against A. niger (23.8 and 20.15 mm, respectively), with special impact of phenolic acids and flavonoid isorhamnetin, while C. albicans showed the lowest susceptibility. The most potent antiviral inhibitor was G. lucidum (70.73% growth inhibition) due to the high amount of phenolic acids. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of a methodical AM profile of G. pfeifferi and G. resinaceum from the Balkan region including PCA analysis.

Trametes versicolor and Flammulina velutipes , after submerged cultivation, with intermittent exposure to ultraviolet light (UV), were studied for Total Phenolic content (TP) and Total Proteins (TPR) contents and antioxidant properties against free radicals. The TP and TPR were determined by a spectrophotometric method and Lowry's assay, respectively. Liquid chromatography with mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) was used to quantify polyphenols. Different in vitro assays determined the antioxidant activities of the extracts. Mycelia extract from F. velutipes after 14 days and filtrate from T. versicolor after 21 days of incubation gave the highest TP 59.60 ± 0.14 and 50.03 ± 0.66 mg GAE/g d.w., respectively. Mycelia extract from T. versicolor after 28 days of incubation had the highest TPR (183.53 ± 2.84 mg BSAE/g d.w.). The LC-MS/MS analysis indicated that p -hydroxybenzoic and protocatechuic acids are the most abundant. Trametes versicolor filtrate after 14 days and F. velutipes filtrate after 21 days (71.29 ± 0.54% and 73.5 ± 1.81, respectively) had the highest scavenging activity in SOA. Correlation analysis indicated that all extracts' antioxidant (AO) potential strongly correlated with TP (R 2 = 0.83-1.0). The data confirmed that stress factors such as UV exposure could stimulate the production of secondary metabolites and natural AOs, especially phenolic acids in test fungi.

The main objective of this paper was to investigate the effect of fat reduction on different quality traits of tea sausage. This study also aimed to deploy the following digital methods of analysis: three-dimensional (3D) laser imaging, computer vision system and oral processing. Three batches of tea sausage with different amounts of pork back fat were manufactured: control (25%), medium fat (17.5%) and low fat (10%). Samples for the analyses were taken on the production day and after 7, 14, 21, 28 and 35 days of ripening. The fat level significantly influenced shrinkage, texture, pH, a w , moisture and ash contents, peroxide value, acid number, number of chewing strokes, consumption time, eating rate and fat intake rate. Oxidative stability, colour and microbiological parameters were not affected by fat reduction. The results of the sensory analysis showed that the fat level can be reduced to 17.5% without negatively affecting the quality and sensory properties of the product. The ripening time of the fat-reduced tea sausage should be reduced to 28 days. A strong correlation between shrinkage and weight loss suggests the possibility of using 3D laser imaging in predicting weight loss and moisture content of dry sausages.

Many lignicolous mushroom species are used as a food supplement and may represent an alternative treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD). This study aimed to evaluate acetylcholinesterase inhibition (AChEI) of Stereum hirsutum together with antioxidant activity (AO) and cytotoxic activity against HepG2 cells. Different extracts (water, ethanol, methanol, polysaccharide) were analyzed, with respect to their mineral composition and chemical content. Ethanol extract was the most potent in AChEI (98.44 %) and demonstrated cytotoxic activity (91.96 % at 900.00 μg/mL), while the highest AO was demonstrated for polar extracts (methanol and water) as well. These activities may be attributed to determined phenolics (hydroxybenzoic and quinic acid) and fatty acids (FA), while biflavonoid amentoflavone may be responsible for cytotoxic activity. The most prevalent FA was linoleic (40.00 %) and the domination of unsaturated FA (UFA) (71.91 %) over saturated (26.96 %) was observed. This is the first report of AChEI of S. hirsutum extracts and first detection of amentoflavone. Due to high amount of UFA and well-expressed AChEI, this species can be considered as a potent food supplement in the palliative therapy of AD., (© 2021 Wiley-VHCA AG, Zurich, Switzerland.)

The purpose of this paper was to investigate effect of ripening time on physicochemical, textural and microbiological properties of Njeguška (dry fermented sausage) during ripening and to conduct sensory and free fatty acid characterization of final product. Ripening time significantly ( p  < 0.05) affected all physicochemical parameters. Moisture content dropped below national regulation limit (35%) after 12 days, which indicates that production process could be shortened for 4 days. Total weight loss was 36.34%. Due to its final pH (5.54), Njeguška can be classified as low-acid sausage which microbial safety mostly relies on its low water activity (< 0.80). Final TBARS value was 0.27 mg MDA/kg. Levels of tyramine (36.9 mg/kg) and putrescine (16.7 mg/kg) were the highest among all biogenic amines while levels of remaining amines were under 5 mg/kg. Hardness, gumminess and chewiness significantly ( p  < 0.05) increased during processing to reach final values of 65.59 N, 33.60 N and 19.12 N, respectively. Ripening time had significant effect on color (L * , a * and b * ) of surface, meat and fat parts which were all measured separately. Total viable count, lactic acid bacteria and Micrococcaceae counts increased from 5.11 log cfu/g, 3.90 log cfu/g and 2.41 log cfu/g to 7.96 log cfu/g, 7.04 log cfu/g and 4.86 log cfu/g, respectively. Results of sensory characterization showed high scores for smoky flavor, consistency, fattiness, fat/meat cohesiveness and saltiness while lactic acid odor and overall acidity were rated low., (© Association of Food Scientists & Technologists (India) 2020.)

The aim of this research work was to study the chemical characterisation, antioxidant and cytotoxic activity of ethanolic extracts of four commercial algae species Arame, Kombu, Hijiki and Wakame. The highest scavenging activity has been observed in Arame extract. Antioxidant potential of all extracts was in correlation with total phenol content (Arame extract: 319.15 ± 0.56 mg GAE/g d.w) and it was not in correlation with total carotenoids content (Wakame: 75.15 ± 0.20 mg/g). Polyphenols were quantified using LC-MS/MS technique. Baicalein and amentoflavone were identified in higher amount in relation to other phenols. Intracellular antioxidant activity and cytotoxicity of algae extracts were evaluated on the human prostate cancer cell line PC3. Although presented biomolecules in the extracts have demonstrated in vitro antioxidant activity, they did not show a significant effect on PC3 cells. However, this study opens up broad perspective for the further comprehensive investigation of these, commercial, seaweed's biopotential.

The aim of this research work was to study the bioactivity potentials (antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and enzyme inhibitory) of ethanol (EtOH), water (H 2 O) and chloroform (CHCl 3 ) extracts of G. applanatum, G. lucidum, G. pfeifferi and G. resinaceum as well as their mycochemical profile: the total content of phenolics (TP) and sugars (TS) and LC/MS/MS detection of phenolics. LC/MS/MS profile showed that p-hydroxybenzoic and protocatechuic acids were mostly found. The highest ABTS and DPPH activities were detected in polar G. applanatum extracts (159.84±0.59 mg TE/g d.w., IC 50 =0.85±0.30 μg/mL, respectively), while G. resinaceum CHCl 3 extract was the most potent in NO assay (IC 50 =41.21±0.18-81.89±0.81 μg/mL). The highest TP and TS were generally determined in G. applanatum EtOH extracts. Enzyme inhibitory effects were determined in H 2 O extracts. Generally, CHCl 3 extracts showed the most powerful anti-inflammatory potential. These results suggest that analyzed species are a promising source of bioactive compounds and may be considered as candidates for new food supplements or drug formulations., (© 2020 Wiley-VHCA AG, Zurich, Switzerland.)

Medicinal mushrooms have tremendous potential in production of bioactive compounds with diverse bioactivities while the biochemical potential of some specific mushroom strains (autochthonous for the region) in production of specific bioactive agents may be of the main importance in a continuous search for novel strains with supreme activities all over the world. In this study, the ethanolic (EtOH) and water (H 2 O) extracts of wild-growing polypore mushroom species were investigated: Trametes versicolor (L.) Lloyd and Stereum subtomentosum Pouzar. This study was designed to determine total phenol (TP), flavonoid (TF) and protein content (TPR) as well as LC/MS/MS phenolic profile related to in vitro antioxidant, antiproliferative (MTT assay) (AP) and DNA fragmentation properties. The H 2 O extracts expressed better antioxidant scavenging potential than EtOH showing the highest activity for the T. versicolor (IC 50 =5.6 μg/mL, IC 50 =0.6 μg/mL for DPPH . and OH . , respectively) while O 2 .- activity achieved the best activity for S. subtomentosum (IC 50 =4.1 μg/mL). In contrary, the highest AP activity was obtained for the EtOH extracts of S. subtomentosum (IC 50 =141.1 μg/mL). The EtOH extracts of both species showed the highest TP, TF and TPR content. Obtained results of DNA degradation indicate genotoxicity potential of the extracts at high concentration. The LC/MS/MS detection showed that the majority of analyzed extracts contained phenolic acids, p-hydroxybenzoic and protocatechuic acid. The obtained results suggest that analyzed medicinal mushroom species, T. versicolor and S. subtomentosum, could be of potential interest as new sources of strong natural antioxidants as well as antiproliferative agents in the future., (© 2020 Wiley-VHCA AG, Zurich, Switzerland.)

This study was designed to define total protein, phenol and flavonoid content as well as LC-MS/MS phenolic profile related to antioxidant and antidiabetic activity of ethanolic (EtOH) and water extracts of G. pfeifferi and G. resinaceum . G. resinaceum water extract possessed the highest ability to scavenge DPPH˙ and O 2 ˙ - , while the EtOH extract of the same species showed better activity on NO˙ related to other extracts. The highest level of bioactive compounds was determined generally in EtOH extracts. Antidiabetic action was evaluated by the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and histological examination of pancreas and liver in normoglycemic and alloxan-induced diabetic animals. Histological examination of pancreatic tissue demonstrated that G. pfeifferi extracts have protective effects. To conclude, analysed extracts could be considered as a promising candidate for further research with the aim to promote antidiabetic activity, which is for the first time reported for G. pfeifferi ., Competing Interests: Authors declared that there are is no conflict of interest., (This journal is © The Royal Society of Chemistry.)

The polysaccharide (PSH) extracts from the edible mushroom species Coprinus comatus and Coprinellus truncorum were screened in liquid for their acetylcholinesterase inhibitory (AChE) activity. Both extracts were found to display inhibition of the aforementioned enzyme reaching similar IC 50 values of 0.62 ± 0.07 and 0.61 ± 0.03 mg/mL, respectively. According to the means of FTIR spectroscopy, these PSH extracts mostly contained β-glucans. However, the presence of some proteins and polyphenolics as minor ingredients were also detected. Compared with existing literature data for anti-AChE activity of the sugar samples, the findings within this study may be treated as a profound bioactivity. Consequently, this study puts some light on the possible use of the screened macrofungi in the palliative treatment of Alzheimer's disease.

Bioactive properties of fungi considerably differ between the fruiting body (FB) and the submerged culture as regards mycelia (M) and the fermentation broth (F). Antioxidant properties of hot-water extracts obtained from three different fungal origins: FB, M and F of two autochthonous fungal species (Northern Serbia), Coprinus comatus and Coprinellus truncorum were investigated. Free radical scavenging capacity (RSC) was evaluated in vitro by the DPPH assay and reducing power ability (FRAP assay). Considering possible bioactive properties of different compounds present in fungal extracts, the content of total proteins (TP), phenols (TC) and flavonoids (TF) were investigated colorimetrically. The chemical characterisation of the examined extracts was evaluated using the HPLC-MS/MS method. C. comatus showed the strongest RSC activity; more precisely, fermentation broth extract (FCc) on DPPH radicals (IC50 = 5.06 μg mL -1 ) and fruiting body extract (FBCc) for the FRAP assay (42.86 mg ascorbic acid equivalents (AAE)/g). Submerged M extract of both species showed the highest TC (MCc 81.95 mg gallic acid eq (GAE)/g d.w.; MCt 81.64 mg GAE/g d.w.), while FB extracts contained the highest content of TP. Comparing LC-MS phenolic profiles between species-interspecifically and among different fungal origins-intraspecifically (fruiting bodies and submerged cultures), high variations were noticed. In submerged M or F extracts of C. comatus , vanillic, gallic, gentisic and cinnamic acids were detected, as opposed to FB. Considering that diverse phenolic profiles of detected antioxidant compounds were obtained by submerged cultivation, this type of cultivation is promising for the production of antioxidant substances.