RESUMO
Andean crops such as quinoa, amaranth, cañihua, beans, maize, and tarwi have gained interest in recent years for being gluten-free and their high nutritional values; they have high protein content with a well-balanced essential amino acids profile, minerals, vitamins, dietary fiber, and antioxidant compounds. During the germination bioprocess, the seed metabolism is reactivated resulting in the catabolism and degradation of macronutrients and some anti-nutritional compounds. Therefore, germination is frequently used to improve nutritional quality, protein digestibility, and availability of certain minerals and vitamins; furthermore, in specific cases, biosynthesis of new bioactive compounds could occur through the activation of secondary metabolic pathways. These changes could alter the technological and sensory properties, such as the hardness, consistency and viscosity of the formulations prepared with them. In addition, the flavor profile may undergo improvement or alteration, a critical factor to consider when integrating sprouted grains into food formulations. This review summarizes recent research on the nutritional, technological, functional, and sensory changes occur during the germination of Andean grains and analyze their potential applications in various food products.
Assuntos
Produtos Agrícolas , Germinação , Valor Nutritivo , Produtos Agrícolas/química , Produtos Agrícolas/crescimento & desenvolvimento , Sementes/química , Sementes/crescimento & desenvolvimento , Zea mays/química , Zea mays/crescimento & desenvolvimento , Humanos , Chenopodium quinoa/química , Paladar , Fibras na Dieta/análise , Amaranthus/química , Amaranthus/crescimento & desenvolvimento , Minerais/análise , Proteínas Alimentares/análise , Fabaceae/químicaRESUMO
The objective was to evaluate the efficacy of pre-emergence herbicides mixture applied to the soil with and without dead cover crops (Sorghum bicolor) for the control of Amaranthus hybridus L. (smooth pigweed) and its selectivity in soybeans. This study was structured in split plot (2 × 6 + 2), where factor A plots (with and without dead cover) and factor B six herbicides mixture: flumioxazin + S-metolachlor (50.4 + 1,008 g a.i. ha-1), flumioxazin + imazethapyr (60 + 127.2 g a.i. ha-1), pyroxasulfone + sulfentrazone (137.6 + 160 g a.i. ha-1), diuron + sulfentrazone (400 + 200 g a.i. ha-1), metribuzin + S-metolachlor (326.4 + 1,344 g a.i. ha-1) and sulfentrazone + imazethapyr (200 + 100 g a.i. ha-1) and two untreated control plots. As for the results, the herbicides flumioxazin + S-metolachlor, flumioxazin + imazethapyr and pyroxasulfone + sulfentrazone showed excellent control (97-99%) and were not influenced by the plot with and without dead cover. They also showed higher yield soybeans (<2,244 kg ha-1). All herbicides were selective to the soybeans. Overall, pre-emergence herbicides and cover crops were efficient methods for the control of A. hybridus, which farmers should use to avoid losses in yield soybeans due to weed competition.
Assuntos
Amaranthus , Glycine max , Herbicidas , Solo , Herbicidas/farmacologia , Amaranthus/efeitos dos fármacos , Amaranthus/crescimento & desenvolvimento , Glycine max/efeitos dos fármacos , Glycine max/crescimento & desenvolvimento , Solo/química , Controle de Plantas Daninhas/métodos , Produtos Agrícolas/crescimento & desenvolvimento , Produtos Agrícolas/efeitos dos fármacosRESUMO
Amaranth is a pseudocereal that contains between 50 and 60% starch, gluten-free protein, and essential amino acids. This study investigates the physicochemical changes in Amaranthus spp. grains, flour, isolated starch and nanocrystals during germination and malting. The moisture content increased from 8.9% to 41% over 2 h of soaking. The percentage of germination increased rapidly, reaching 96% after 60 h, a remarkable advantage over other cereals. The nutrient composition varied, including protein synthesis and lipid degradation. Lipid concentration decreased during malting, except for soaking, which increased by 62%. Scanning electron microscopy shows that germination does not cause morphological changes on the outer surface of the grains, while transmission electron microscopy indicates the presence of isolated nanocrystals with orthorhombic crystal structure confirmed by X-ray diffraction. The viscosity profile shows a decrease in peak viscosity. Therefore, amaranth is a potential pseudocereal that can be used as an additive in the production of fermented beverages.
Assuntos
Amaranthus , Farinha , Germinação , Nanopartículas , Amido , Amaranthus/química , Amaranthus/crescimento & desenvolvimento , Amaranthus/metabolismo , Farinha/análise , Amido/química , Amido/metabolismo , Nanopartículas/química , Viscosidade , Sementes/química , Sementes/crescimento & desenvolvimento , Sementes/metabolismo , Manipulação de AlimentosRESUMO
The aim of this study was to investigate the potential of Amaranthus cruentus flavonoids (quercetin, kaempferol, catechin, hesperetin, naringenin, hesperidin, and naringin), cinnamic acid derivatives (p-coumaric acid, ferulic acid, and caffeic acid), and benzoic acids (vanillic acid and 4-hydroxybenzoic acid) as antioxidants, antidiabetic, and antihypertensive agents. An analytical method for simultaneous quantification of flavonoids, cinnamic acid derivatives, and benzoic acids for metabolomic analysis of leaves and inflorescences from A. cruentus was developed with HPLC-UV-DAD. Evaluation of linearity, limit of detection, limit of quantitation, precision, and recovery was used to validate the analytical method developed. Maximum total flavonoids contents (5.2 mg/g of lyophilized material) and cinnamic acid derivatives contents (0.6 mg/g of lyophilized material) were found in leaves. Using UV-Vis spectrophotometry, the maximum total betacyanin contents (74.4 mg/g of lyophilized material) and betaxanthin contents (31 mg/g of lyophilized material) were found in inflorescences. The leaf extract showed the highest activity in removing DPPH radicals. In vitro antidiabetic activity of extracts was performed with pancreatic α-glucosidase and intestinal α-amylase, and compared to acarbose. Both extracts exhibited a reduction in enzyme activity from 57 to 74%. Furthermore, the in vivo tests on normoglycemic murine models showed improved glucose homeostasis after sucrose load, which was significantly different from the control. In vitro antihypertensive activity of extracts was performed with angiotensin-converting enzyme and contrasted to captopril; both extracts exhibited a reduction of enzyme activity from 53 to 58%. The leaf extract induced a 45% relaxation in an ex vivo aorta model. In the molecular docking analysis, isoamaranthin and isogomphrenin-I showed predictive binding affinity for α-glucosidases (human maltase-glucoamylase and human sucrase-isomaltase), while catechin displayed binding affinity for human angiotensin-converting enzyme. The data from this study highlights the potential of A. cruentus as a functional food.
Assuntos
Amaranthus , Anti-Hipertensivos , Hipoglicemiantes , Metabolômica , Extratos Vegetais , Folhas de Planta , Amaranthus/química , Extratos Vegetais/química , Extratos Vegetais/farmacologia , Folhas de Planta/química , Cromatografia Líquida de Alta Pressão , Hipoglicemiantes/farmacologia , Hipoglicemiantes/química , Anti-Hipertensivos/farmacologia , Anti-Hipertensivos/química , Metabolômica/métodos , Animais , Antioxidantes/farmacologia , Antioxidantes/química , Masculino , Ratos , Flavonoides/química , Flavonoides/farmacologia , Flavonoides/análiseRESUMO
Amaranth is a pseudocereal rich in macronutrients and micronutrients, with about 60 species cultivated worldwide. It is a high nutritional value food because of its many essential amino acids. Recent investigations demonstrate that the phytochemicals and extracts of amaranth have beneficial effects on health, including antidiabetic potential, a decrease in plasmatic cholesterol and blood pressure, and protection from oxidative stress and inflammation. Nowadays, type 2 diabetes has increased worldwide, becoming a problem of public health that makes it necessary to look for alternative strategies for its prevention and treatment. This review aims to summarize the antidiabetic potential of diverse species of the Amaranth genus. A bibliographical review was updated on the plant's therapeutic potential, including stem, leaves, and seeds, to know the benefits and potential as an adjuvant in treating and managing diabetes and associated pathologies (hypertension, dyslipidemia, and heart disease). This analysis contributes to the generation of knowledge about the therapeutic effects of amaranth, promoting the creation of new products, and the opportunity to conduct clinical trials to assess their safety and efficacy.
Assuntos
Amaranthus , Diabetes Mellitus Tipo 2 , Humanos , Hipoglicemiantes/metabolismo , Diabetes Mellitus Tipo 2/tratamento farmacológico , Sementes/química , Amaranthus/química , MicronutrientesRESUMO
Due to allergenic concerns, only pea, potato, and wheat proteins have been approved as alternatives for replacing animal-based fining agents in wines. In pursuit of other substitutes, this work aimed to determine the fining ability of amaranth (Amaranthus caudatus L.) proteins (AP) in red wine, compared to quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) (QP) and a commercial pea protein. Phenolic and volatile composition, as well as color characteristics, were analyzed. AP was as effective as QP at decreasing condensed tannins, with AP at 50 g/hL being the most effective treatment (25.6% reduction). QP and AP produced a minor or no statistical change in the total anthocyanins and wine color intensity. They reduced the total ester concentration, but the total alcohols remained unchanged. The outcomes of AP and QP were similar, and sometimes better than the pea proteins, thus suggesting that they could be promising options for the development of novel fining agents.
Assuntos
Amaranthus , Chenopodium quinoa , Proteínas de Plantas , Vinho , Amaranthus/química , Chenopodium quinoa/química , Proteínas de Plantas/química , Proteínas de Plantas/análise , Vinho/análise , Fenóis/química , Fenóis/análise , Extratos Vegetais/química , CorRESUMO
The development of novel phytotoxic compounds has been an important aim of weed control research. In this study, we synthesized fluorinated chalcone derivatives featuring both electron-donating and electron-withdrawing groups. These compounds were evaluated both as inhibitors of the photosystem II (PSII) electron chain as well as inhibitors of the germination and seedling growth of Amaranthus plants. Chlorophyll a (Chl a) fluorescence assay was employed to evaluate their effects on PSII, while germination experiments were conducted to assess their impact on germination and seedling development. The results revealed promising herbicidal activity for (E)-3-(4-bromophenyl)-1-(4-fluorophenyl)prop-2-en-1-one (7 a) and (E)-1-(4-fluorophenyl)-3-phenylprop-2-en-1-one (7 e). Compounds 7 a and 7 e exhibited a reduction in Chl a parameters associated with performance indexes and electron transport per reaction center. This reduction suggests a decrease in PSII activity, attributed to the blockage of electron flow at the quinone pool. Molecular docking analyses of chalcone derivatives with the D1 protein of PSII revealed a stable binding conformation, wherein the carbonyl and fluorine groups interacted with Phe265 and His215 residues, respectively. Additionally, at a concentration of 100â µM, compound 7 e demonstrated pre- and post-emergent herbicidal activity, resulting in a reduction of the seed germination index, radicle and hypocotyl lengths of Amaranthus weeds.
Assuntos
Amaranthus , Chalconas , Herbicidas , Plântula , Complexo de Proteína do Fotossistema II , Chalconas/farmacologia , Simulação de Acoplamento Molecular , Inibidores do Crescimento/farmacologia , Clorofila A , Herbicidas/química , Plantas Daninhas , ClorofilaRESUMO
Amaranthus spp. is a nephrotoxic plant with unknown toxic principle, affecting production animals worldwide, mainly in South America. The aim of this paper is to describe 5 spontaneous outbreaks of A. hybridus intoxication in beef cattle, where 7 autopsies were performed. Main gross findings were pale diffuse and enlarged kidneys. Microscopically, kidneys were characterized by severe tubular acute to subacute nephrosis, with dilatated tubules showing different degrees of epithelial degeneration and necrosis, and containing intraluminal eosinophilic hyaline casts. Intratubular birefringent crystals, compatible with oxalate, were observed under polarized light in kidneys from 3 autopsies. Positive von Kossa and red alizarin S staining confirmed the intratubular crystals as calcium deposits. This intoxication occurs mainly in stubble paddocks during summer and early autumn. The data from the present study suggests that oxalates were related to nephrotoxicity due to Amaranthus consumption.
Assuntos
Amaranthus , Nefropatias , Animais , Bovinos , Argentina , Rim , Nefropatias/veterinária , OxalatosRESUMO
Exploring alternative fertilizers is crucial in agriculture due to the cost and environmental impact of inorganic options. This study investigated the potential of sewage-derived biofertilizers on the growth and physiology of Amaranthus cruentus plants. Various treatments were compared, including control treatments with inorganic fertilizer and treatments with biofertilizers composed of microalgae, biosolids and reclaimed water. The following traits were investigated: photosynthetic pigments, gas exchange, growth, and leaf nutrient concentrations. The results showed that the concentrations of N, P, Cu, Fe Zn and Na nutrients, in the dry microalgae and biosolids, were quite high for the needs of the plants. The wet microalgae presented high concentration of Cu, Fe and Zn nutrients while reclaimed water contained high concentration of N, K, Ca and S. Na and Zn nutrients increased in the leaf of plants treated with dry microalgae and biosolid, respectively. At the beginning of the flowering phase, total chlorophyll and carotenoids contents were lower for plants grown with wet microalgae while for plants grown with higher doses of biosolid or reclaimed water total chlorophyll was increased, and carotenoids were not affected. Lower photosynthetic pigments under wet microalgae resulted in lower photosynthetic rates. On the other hand, amendments with dry microalgae and biosolid increased photosynthetic rates with the biosolid being the most effective. Higher applications of biosolid, wet and dry microalgae produced a considerable increase in shoot biomass of amaranth, with the dry microalgae being the most effective. Additionally, reclaimed water obtained after tertiary treatment of sewage with microalgae and biosolids applied alone showed promising effects on plant growth. Overall, these findings suggest that organic fertilizers derived from sewage treatment have the potential to enhance plant growth and contribute to sustainable agricultural practices.
Assuntos
Amaranthus , Purificação da Água , Esgotos , Biossólidos , Fertilizantes , Plantas , Minerais , Nutrientes , Água , Carotenoides , ClorofilaRESUMO
The potential of peptides generated by simulated gastrointestinal digestion (SGID) of two products derived from Amaranthus manteggazianus seeds, flour (F) and beverage (B), to exert peroxyl scavenging activity (ORAC) and antioxidant action on intestinal cells was studied. B was prepared by solubilisation of seed proteins, with the addition of gums and the application of a pasteurization treatment. The gastrointestinal digests FD and BD showed some differences in the peptide/polypeptide composition. The SGID produced increased ORAC activity for both samples, with some differences in the ORAC of the whole digests BD and FD and of some gel filtration fractions. Bioaccessible fractions (FDdbs and BDdbs) were obtained after treatment with cholestyramine resin to remove bile salts due to their cytotoxicity and oxidative effect. BDdbs presented a greater ORAC potency (IC50: 0.05 ± 0.01 and 0.008 ± 0.004 mg protein/ml for FDdbs and BDdbs, respectively). These fractions showed low cytotoxicity values (measured by LDH release) and produced high intracellular ROS inhibition (around 80 %), increased the SOD activity and the GSH content, with no effect on GPx activity in Caco2-TC7 cells exposed to H2O2. Several fractions with MM < 2.2 kDa presented also these cellular actions; fractions from FD induced higher increases in GSH concentration. Amaranth flour and a processed matrix like the beverage are shown as sources of bioactive peptides with potential cell antioxidant activity.