Browsing by Author "Chrysargyris, Antonios"
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- Biostimulants application alleviates water stress effects on yield and chemical composition of greenhouse green bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.)Publication . Petropoulos, Spyridon Α.; Fernandes, Ângela; Plexida, Sofia; Chrysargyris, Antonios; Tzortzakis, Nikos; Barreira, João C.M.; Barros, Lillian; Ferreira, Isabel C.F.R.The increasing scarcity of water demands proper water management practices to ensure crop sustainability. In this study, the effect of drought stress and biostimulants application on the yield and chemical composition of green pods and seeds of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) was evaluated. For this purpose, four commercially available biostimulant products, namely Nomoren (G), EKOprop (EK), Veramin Ca (V), and Twin-Antistress (TW), were tested under two irrigation regimes: normal irrigation (W+) and water-holding (W-) conditions. The highest increase (20.8%) of pods total yield was observed in EKW+ treatment due to the formation of more pods of bigger size compared to control treatment (CW+). In addition, the highest yield under drought stress conditions was recorded for the GW- treatment (5691 139 kg/ha). Regarding the effects of biostimulants on the protein and ash content of pods, the application of VW+ treatment (first harvest of pods; 201 +- 1 and 79 +- 1 g/kg dw for proteins and ash content, respectively) and GW+ (second harvest of pods; 207.1 +- 0.1 and 68.4 +- 0.5 g/kg dw for proteins and ash content, respectively) showed the best results. For seeds, the application of GW+ treatment resulted in the highest content for fat, protein, and ash content (52.7 +- 0.1, 337 +- 1, 56 +- 1 g/kg dw) and energetic value (5474 +- 3 kcal/kg dw). γ-tocopherol was the main detected tocopherol in pods and seeds, and it was significantly increased by the application of TWW- (first harvest of pods; 6410 +- 40 μg/kg dw), VW- (second harvest of pods; 3500 +- 20 μg/kg dw), and VW+ (seeds; 39.8 +- 0.1 g/kg dw) treatments. EKW- treatment resulted in the lowest oxalic acid content for both pod harvests (26.3 +- 0.1 g/kg dw and 22.7 +- 0.2 g/kg dw for the first and second harvest of pods, respectively) when compared with the rest of the treatments where biostimulants were applied, although in all the cases, the oxalic acid content was considerably low. Fructose and sucrose were the main sugars detected in pods and seeds, respectively, while the highest content was recorded for theTWW- (first harvest of pods) andGW- (second harvest of pods and seeds) treatments. The main detected fatty acids in pods and seeds were α-linolenic, linoleic, and palmitic acid, with a variable effect of the tested treatments being observed. In conclusion, the application of biostimulants could be considered as an eco-friendly and sustainable means to increase the pod yield and the quality of common bean green pods and seeds under normal irrigation conditions. Promising results were also recorded regarding the alleviation of negative e effects of drought stress, especially for the application of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF; G treatment), which increased the total yield of green pods. Moreover, the nutritional value and chemical composition of pods and seeds was positively a effected by biostimulants application, although a product specific e effect was recorded depending on the irrigation regime and harvesting time (pods and seeds).
- Chemical and bioactive characterization of Melissa officinalis L. subjected to sustainable cultivation: comparison between different extraction methodsPublication . Oliveira, Izamara; Heleno, Sandrina A.; Carocho, Márcio; Dias, Maria Inês; Santos-Buelga, Celestino; Petropoulos, Spyridon Α.; Tzortzakis, Nikolaos; Chrysargyris, Antonios; Mandim, Filipa; Ferreira, Isabel C.F.R.; Barros, LillianMelissa officinalis L. (lemon balm) is a species of the Lamiaceae family which has been consumed for several decades in the form of decoctions, infusions or directly in food preparations. In addition to its recognized effects in helping digestion problems, rheumatism or headaches, several studies have demonstrated its antioxidant, hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic, antimicrobial, anticancer, antidepressant, anxiolytic, anti-inflammatory, and spasmolytic capacities. In this study it was aimed to compare three different extraction methods: infusion (100% water), maceration (80:20 ethanol: water) and ultrasound assisted extraction (UAE) under previous optimized extraction conditions (33.0 ± 3.2 min, 371.7 ± 19.3 W and 39.9 ± 1.4% ethanol) in plants grown under sustainable cultivation on complete irrigation [1]. The studied parameters included the bioactive evaluation through antimicrobial (microdilution method), antioxidant (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances - TBARS), cytotoxicity (sulforhodamine B) and antiinflammatory (RAW cells) assays. It was also studied the phenolic compounds and organic acids composition. According to the obtained results, eight phenolic compounds were identified and quantified, being rosmarinic acid the major one (107.1 ± 0.9 mg/g of extract). Except for lithospermic acid A isomer II (2.38 ± 0.03 mg/g of extract) and hydoxysalvioanolic acid E (20.7 ± 0.1 mg/g of extract), the infusion revealed the lowest extraction of individual polyphenols, while the maceration recorded the highest extractability. On the other hand, the content of six out of the eight detected polyphenols for the ultrasound-assisted extraction was between the infusion and maceration methods. In terms of antioxidant activity determined through the TBARS assay, the infusions showed the highest activity (1.47 ± 0.05 μg/mL), followed by UAE (2.14 ± 0.03 μg/mL) and maceration (5.79 ± 0.06 μg/mL). The antiinflammatory activity showed the opposite trend, with the maceration showing the strongest potential (114 ± 6 μg/mL), followed by infusion (292 ± 6 μg/mL) and UAE (316 ± 8 μg/mL). The antitumor properties were assessed in 5 cell lines, with the best results being recorded for maceration, except in CaCo2 cells, where infusion showed the best results (48 ± 1 μg/mL). All in all, these natural extracts are interesting ingredients, capable of replacing counterparts of synthetic origin, and may find wide applications in the industrial sector (e.g., food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic companies). Besides, a great potential of using the leaves of M. officinalis to obtain extracts enriched in rosmarinic acid was presented, which may be included in developmental strategies for increased plant production.
- Chemical composition and plant growth of Centaurea raphanina subsp. mixta plants cultivated under saline conditionsPublication . Petropoulos, Spyridon Α.; Fernandes, Ângela; Dias, Maria Inês; Pereira, Carla; Calhelha, Ricardo C.; Chrysargyris, Antonios; Tzortzakis, Nikolaos; Ivanov, Marija; Soković, Marina; Barros, Lillian; Ferreira, Isabel C.F.R.The aim of this report was to study the e ect of salinity (control: 2dS/m, S1: 4 dS/m and S2: 6 dS/m) and harvest time (first harvest on 9 May 2018 and second harvest on 19 April 2018) on the growth and the chemical composition of Centaurea raphanina subsp. mixta plants. The plants of the first harvest were used for the plant growth measurements (fresh weight and moisture content of leaves, rosette diameter, number and thickness of leaves), whereas those of the second harvest were not used for these measurements due to the flowering initiation, which made the leaves unmarketable due to their hard texture. The results of our study showed that C. raphanina subsp. mixta plants can be cultivated under mild salinity (S1 treatment) conditions without severe e ects on plant growth and yield, since a more severe loss (27.5%) was observed for the S2 treatment. In addition, harvest time proved to be a cost-e ective cultivation practice that allows to regulate the quality of the final product, either in edible form (first harvest) or for nutraceutical and pharmaceutical purposes as well as antimicrobial agents in food products. Therefore, the combination of these two agronomic factors showed interesting results in terms of the quality of the final product. In particular, high salinity (S2 treatment) improved the nutritional value by increasing the fat, proteins and carbohydrates contents in the first harvest, as well as the tocopherols and sugars contents (S1 and S2 treatments, respectively) in the second harvest. In addition, salinity and harvest time a ected the oxalic acid content which was the lowest for the S2 treatment at the second harvest. Similarly, the richest fatty acid ( -linolenic acid) increased with increasing salinity at the first harvest. Salinity and harvest time also a ected the antimicrobial properties, especially against Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus and Trichoderma viride, where the extracts from the S1 and S2 treatments showed high e ectiveness. In contrast, the highest amounts of flavanones (pinocembrin derivatives) were detected in the control treatment (second harvest), which was also reflected to the highest antioxidant activity (TBARS) for the same treatment. In conclusion, C. raphanina subsp. mixta plants seem to be tolerant to medium salinity stress (S1 treatment) since plant growth was not severely impaired, while salinity and harvesting time a ected the nutritional value (fat, proteins, and carbohydrates) and the chemical composition (tocopherols, sugars, oxalic acid, fatty acids), as well as the bioactive properties (cytotoxicity and antimicrobial properties) of the final product.
- Comparison between different extraction methods in the recovery of bioactive molecules from Melissa officinalis L. under sustainable cultivation: chemical and bioactive characterizationPublication . Oliveira, Izamara; Heleno, Sandrina A.; Carocho, Márcio; Alves, Maria José; Vaz, Josiana A.; Dias, Maria Inês; Buelga, Celestino S.; Petropoulos, Spyridon Α.; Tzortzakis, Nikolaos; Chrysargyris, Antonios; Ferreira, Isabel C.F.R.; Barros, LillianMelissa officinalis L., from the Lamiaceae family, is one of the most important medicinal and aromatic plants with potential in the market. With the passing of time, the use of medicinal plants in the treatment of some illness has gone from the simplest forms of local treatment to the industrial manufacture of phytotherapics. In addition to their medicinal effect, they can also be used in the form of infusions and decoctions and in various food preparations. In this sense, the objective of this work was to compare three different extraction methods: infusion (100% water), maceration (80:20 ethanol: water v:v) and ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) under previous optimized extraction conditions (33.0 +- 3.2 min, 371.7 +- 19.3Wand 39.9 +- 1.4% ethanol), in plants grown under sustainable cultivation under full irrigation in June. The parameters studied included bioactive evaluation by antioxidant (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances—TBARS), cytotoxicity (sulforhodamine B) and anti-inflammatory (RAWcells) assays. The composition of phenolic compounds and organic acids was also studied by GC-MS and HPLC-DAD, respectively. According to the obtained results, eight phenolic compounds were identified and quantified, being rosmarinic acid the main one for the three extraction methods (infusion: 107.1 +- 0.9 mg/g extract; maceration: 155.7 +- 0.3 mg/g extract; UAE: 118.7 0.6 mg/g extract). For Lithospermic acid A isomer (25.25 +- 0.01 mg/g) and Hydroxylsalvianolic E (111.70 +- 2.20 mg/g), the UAE revealed the lowest content of individual polyphenols, whereas maceration recorded the highest extractability. On the other hand, the content of six of the eight polyphenols detected for the ultrasound-assisted extraction was similar to the infusion and maceration methods. In terms of antioxidant activity, the infusions showed the highest capacity (3.00 +- 0.14 +-g/mL), followed by maceration (5.33 +- 0.30 +-g/mL) and UAE (12 +- 0.15 +-g/mL). The highest anti-inflammatory activity was verified for the infusion (244 +- 11 +-g/mL), followed by UAE (305 +- 9 +-g/mL), with no activity recorded for the maceration extract (>400 +-g/mL). The antitumor properties were evaluated in five cell lines, with the best results being recorded for infusion, except AGS (24 +- 1 +-g/mL) where
- Effect of phosphorus application rate on Mentha spicata L. grown in deep flow technique (DFT)Publication . Chrysargyris, Antonios; Petropoulos, Spyridon Α.; Fernandes, Ângela; Barros, Lillian; Tzortzakis, Nikolaos; Ferreira, Isabel C.F.R.The present study evaluated the impact of phosphorus application rate on plant growth and physiological parameters, antioxidant activity, chemical composition, and essential oil yield and composition of hydroponically grown spearmint plants. Increased P levels resulted in high dry matter content of the aerial part. Antioxidant activity of spearmint leaves was significantly higher at the highest P levels. Although essential oil yield was not affected, essential oil composition varied among the studied P levels, especially carvone content. Total and individual organic acids content was higher when 50 mg/L P were added in the nutrient solution. Rosmarinic acid was the main detected phenolic compound, while the highest total phenolic compounds and rosmarinic acid content was observed at 50 and 70 mg/L of P, respectively. In conclusion, phosphorus application rate may affect spearmint growth and development, as well as chemical composition and essential oil composition.
- The effects of biostimulants, biofertilizers and water-stress on nutritional value and chemical composition of two spinach genotypes (Spinacia oleracea L.)Publication . Pereira, Carla; Dias, Maria Inês; Petropoulos, Spyridon Α.; Plexida, Sofia; Chrysargyris, Antonios; Tzortzakis, Nikos; Calhelha, Ricardo C.; Ivanov, Marija; Stojković, Dejan; Soković, Marina; Barros, Lillian; Ferreira, Isabel C.F.R.In the present study, the e ect of biostimulants application on the nutritional quality and bioactive properties of spinach cultivated in protected environment under water stress conditions was evaluated. For this purpose, four commercially available biostimulant products (Megafol (MEG), Aminovert (AM), Veramin Ca (V), Twin Antistress (TA), and two spinach genotypes (Fuji F1 and Viroflay) were tested under two irrigation regimes (normal irrigation (W+), and water-holding (W–). Fat and carbohydrates content was favored by water stress when Megafol (MEGW+) and Veramin (VW+) were applied on Fuji plants, while calorific value was also increased by MEGW+ treatment. In contrast, protein and ash content increased when AMW– and TAW+ were applied on Viroflay plants. Ra nose and glucose were the most abundant sugars, followed by sucrose and fructose, with the highest contents recorded for Fuji plants when AMW+ (fructose, glucose and total carbohydrates), CW– (sucrose), and TAW– (ra nose) treatments were applied. Regarding organic acids, oxalic and malic acid which had the highest contents for the TAW– (Viroflay plants) and AMW– (Fuji plants) treatments, respectively. - and -tocopherol were the only isoforms detected with MEGW– and VW– inducing the biosynthesis of -tocopherol, while AMW+ increased -tocopherol content in Fuji plants. The main fatty acids were -linolenic and linoleic acids which were detected in the highest amounts in AMW–, AMW+, and TAW+ the former and in AMW–, VW–, and CW+ the latter. Regarding phenolic compounds content, peak 12 (5,30,40-Trihydroxy-3-methoxy-6:7-methylenedioxyflavone-40-glucuronide) was the most abundant compound, especially in Viroflay plants under normal irrigation and no biostimulants added (CW–). The antioxidant and cytotoxic activity of the tested samples did not show promising results when compared with the positive controls, while a variable antibacterial activity was recorded depending on the tested biostimulant, irrigation regime and genotype. In conclusion, a variable e ect of the tested biostimulants and irrigation regimes was observed on bioactive properties and chemical composition of both spinach genotypes which highlights the need for further research in order to make profound conclusions regarding the positive effects of biostimulants under water stress conditions.
- Effects of the extraction techniques on the chemical composition and bioactive properties of lemon balm (Melissa officinalis L.) plants grown under different cropping and irrigation regimesPublication . Oliveira, Izamara; Chrysargyris, Antonios; Heleno, Sandrina A.; Carocho, Márcio; Calhelha, Ricardo C.; Dias, Maria Inês; Petrović, Jovana; Soković, Marina; Petropoulos, Spyridon Α.; Santos-Buelga, Celestino; Tzortzakis, Nikolaos; Barros, LillianThe present study aims to determine the combined effect of cropping system and irrigation regime on the chemical composition and bioactive properties of lemon balm aerial parts. For this purpose, lemon balm plants were grown under two farming systems (conventional farming vs organic farming) and two irrigation levels (full irrigation vs deficit irrigation) and harvested twice throughout the growing period. The collected aerial parts were subjected to three different methods of extractions, namely infusion, maceration and ultrasound-assisted extraction and the obtained extracts were evaluated in terms of chemical profile and bioactivities. Five organic acids with varied composition among the tested treatments were identified in all the tested samples for both harvests, namely, citric, malic, oxalic, shikimic and quinic acid. Regarding phenolic compounds composition, the most abundant ones were rosmarinic acid, lithospermic acid A isomer I and hydroxylsalvianolic E, especially for the maceration and infusion extraction methods. Full irrigation resulted in lower EC50 values than deficit irrigation only in the treatments of the second harvest, while variable cytotoxic and anti-inflammatory effects were recorded in both harvests. Finally, in most cases the lemon balm extracts has similar or better activity than the positive controls, while the antifungal activity of lemon balm extracts was stronger than the antibacterial effects. In conclusion, the results of the present study showed that the implemented agronomic practices, as well as the extraction protocol may significantly affect the chemical profile and bioactivities of lemon balm extracts, suggesting that both the farming system and the irrigation schedule may improve the quality of the extracts depending on the implemented extraction protocol.
- Magnesium and manganese induced changes on chemical, nutritional, antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of the pansy and Viola edible flowersPublication . Oliveira, Izamara; Chrysargyris, Antonios; Finimundy, Tiane C.; Carocho, Márcio; Santos-Buelga, Celestino; Calhelha, Ricardo C.; Tzortzakis, Nikolaos; Barros, Lillian; Heleno, Sandrina A.composition was determined using standard methods. Free sugars, fatty acids, organic acids, tocopherols, and phenolic compounds were analyzed using various HPLC and GC devises. The extract’s antimicrobial, antioxidant, cytotoxicity, and anti-inflammatory activity were assessed. The results indicated that Mg enrichment negatively affected plant growth and mineral accumulation but improved photosynthetic performance. The edible flowers contained significant amounts of protein, low levels of fat, and varying sugar contents, such as glucose and fructose. Various fatty acids and phenolic compounds were identified, with different concentrations depending on the treatment. The flowers exhibited antioxidant potential, antimicrobial activity, cytotoxic effects, and antiinflammatory properties. The correlations between the investigated parameters not only expand knowledge on Mg and Mn interaction but also catalyze significant advancements in sustainable agriculture and food health, fostering a healthier and more conscious future.
- Nutritional profile, phytonutrient composition and biocidal properties of Portulaca oleracea L. regarding the ammonium to total nitrogen ratios in hydroponicsPublication . Paschoalinotto, Beatriz H.; Chrysargyris, Antonios; Añibarro-Ortega, Mikel; Pires, Tânia C.S.P.; Mandim, Filipa; Dias, Maria Inês; Tzortzakis, Nikolaos; Barros, LillianThe contribution of the ammonium: total nitrogen ratio (Nr0.01-0.15) in the nutrient solution on chemical profile and bioactive characteristics of Portulaca oleracea, investigated. Increased Nr levels resulted in increased proteins, total fats, carbohydrates and oxalic acid in leaves and stems, but decreased yield. The only detected tocopherol isoforms were alpha- and beta-tocopherol, with the former to reveal increased values at Nr0.10. The most abundant sugars found were fructose, glucose, sucrose, and trehalose, while total sugars were positively affected by the increased Nr in stems. The higher Nr ratio had a favourable effect on the fatty acid profile, while Oleracein A was the main phenolic component detected in higher levels at Nr0.05 (leaves) and Nr0.10 (stems). The increased Nr levels increased antimicrobial activity, while antioxidant activity was varied in different Nr levels. The Nr ratio for P. oleracea may stimulate health-promoting components, while reducing antinutrients content, hence improving overall product quality.
- The sustainable use of cotton, hazelnut and ground peanut waste in vegetable crop productionPublication . Petropoulos, Spyridon Α.; Fernandes, Ângela; Plexida, Sofia; Pereira, Carla; Dias, Maria Inês; Calhelha, Ricardo C.; Chrysargyris, Antonios; Tzortzakis, Nikolaos; Petrović, Jovana; Soković, Marina; Ferreira, Isabel C.F.R.; Barros, LillianThe environmental burden from crop production byproducts is gradually increasing and necessitates the sustainable management of waste towards a circular economy approach. In the present study, three byproducts (cotton ginning waste (CGW), ground hazelnut husks (GHH) and ground peanut husks (GPH)) were evaluated in lettuce cultivation. For this purpose, the tested materials were incorporated in soil at two different rates (25% and 50% of total substrate volume) while a control treatment (no addition of byproducts) was also considered. Fresh weight per plant and total yield was the highest for the GHH50% treatment. The highest fat, protein, carbohydrates and energy content were observed for the CGW25% treatment. Chemical composition also differed among the tested byproducts where CGW25% treatment had the highest total tocopherols, sugars (sucrose, fructose, trehalose and total sugars) and organic acids content. The most abundant fatty acids were α-linolenic, linoleic and palmitic acid in all the tested treatments, while the highest antioxidant activity was observed for the GHH50% treatment. Regarding polyphenols, phenolic acids content was the highest in the GHH treatments, whereas flavonoids were the highest for the CGW25% treatment. No cytotoxicity against the PLP2 non-tumor cell line was observed, whereas only the GPH50% treatment showed moderate efficacy against HeLa, HepG2 and MCF-7 cell lines. The tested extracts also showed moderate antibacterial activities and only the extracts from the CGW50% treatment were more effective than the positive control against Trichoderma viride. In conclusion, the present results showed the great potential of using the tested byproducts as soil amendments for vegetable crops production, since they may improve the nutritional parameters, the chemical profile and the bioactivities of the final product. The suggested alternative use of the tested byproducts not only will increase the added value of crops but will also alleviate the environmental burden from bulky agroindustry byproducts.