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13 pages, 999 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Accumulation Characteristics of Heavy Metals in American Ginseng (Panax quinquefolium L.) and Changes in Their Contents after Soaking the Plants

by Wenlong Geng, Weihuan Li, Chunyan Yu, Lizi Zhao, Shuhao Zhang, Yuhui He, Lele Chen, Kuishen Li, Xiaozhi Zhao and Xiaotong Guo

Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(9), 5676; https://doi.org/10.3390/app13095676 - 05 May 2023

Viewed by 1323

Abstract

Understanding the accumulation characteristics of heavy metals in the growth process of American ginseng can provide theoretical support for its safe production. In this study, the content of Cu, Mn, As, Pb, Cd, Cr, and Ni in American ginseng (annual, biennial, and triennial) [...] Read more.

Understanding the accumulation characteristics of heavy metals in the growth process of American ginseng can provide theoretical support for its safe production. In this study, the content of Cu, Mn, As, Pb, Cd, Cr, and Ni in American ginseng (annual, biennial, and triennial) and planting soil were determined using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LCP-MS). In addition, the change in the content of these heavy metals in American ginseng was evaluated after soaking the plant for various time periods. The results indicated that the content of some heavy metals in American ginseng was correlated with soil heavy metal contents. For example, Ni, Cd, and Mn content in American ginseng was significantly negatively correlated with Ni content in soil. American ginseng exhibited distinct heavy metal accumulation characteristics in different parts at different growth stages. For example, in annual American ginseng, Mn and As are mainly enriched in lateral roots and taproots, while in biennial and triennial American ginseng, they are mainly enriched in reed heads. When American ginseng plant was soaked for various time intervals, its heavy metal content changed to varying degrees. In general, after soaking American ginseng for 30 min, the content of most heavy metals decreased. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Toxicants and Contaminants in Food)

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12 pages, 1273 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Metal Levels in Serranus atricauda and Sparisoma cretense from the North-Eastern Atlantic Ocean—Contribution to Risk Assessment

by Alberto Gutiérrez, Enrique Lozano-Bilbao, Ángel J. Gutiérrez-Fernández, Soraya Paz-Montelongo, Dailos González-Weller, Carmen Rubio-Armendáriz, Daniel Niebla-Canelo, Samuel Alejandro-Vega and Arturo Hardisson

Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(8), 5213; https://doi.org/10.3390/app13085213 - 21 Apr 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 886

Abstract

The objective of this study was to study whether the metal concentrations in Sparisoma cretense and Serranus atricauda differ between different coastal areas around the island of Tenerife, Canary Islands and to study whether these species are good bioindicators of pollution. Thirty samples [...] Read more.

The objective of this study was to study whether the metal concentrations in Sparisoma cretense and Serranus atricauda differ between different coastal areas around the island of Tenerife, Canary Islands and to study whether these species are good bioindicators of pollution. Thirty samples of each species were collected from three parts of the coastline around the island, and samples of muscle and liver tissue were taken from the collected specimens. The determination of the metal content (Al, Cd, Pb, Ca, K, Mg, Na, B, Ba, Cr, Cu, Fe, Li, Mn, Mo, Ni, Zn) was performed by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) before conducting a PERMANOVA analysis. The mean metal concentration was significantly higher in the liver tissue than in the muscle tissue of the two species studied. S. atricauda specimens had a larger number of metals with a higher concentration, and the samples from the northern and eastern zones were found to have a higher concentration of elements than those from the southern zone. The northern and eastern zones were found to have a higher concentration of metals and trace elements than the southern zone, which could be explained by the fact that these zones are more polluted due to their higher population density. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Toxicants and Contaminants in Food)

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12 pages, 2464 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Identification of Novel Molecular Targets of Four Microcystin Variants by High-Throughput Virtual Screening

by Claudia Tapia-Larios, Ernesto García Mendoza, María Carmen Rubio-Armendáriz and Jesus Olivero-Verbel

Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(5), 2612; https://doi.org/10.3390/app12052612 - 03 Mar 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1903

Abstract

Highly toxic microcystins (MCs) perform complex interactions with many proteins that induce cellular dysregulation, leading to the development of several diseases including cancer. There is significant diversity and chemical complexity among MC congeners, which makes it difficult to identify structure-dependent toxicity outcomes and [...] Read more.

Highly toxic microcystins (MCs) perform complex interactions with many proteins that induce cellular dysregulation, leading to the development of several diseases including cancer. There is significant diversity and chemical complexity among MC congeners, which makes it difficult to identify structure-dependent toxicity outcomes and their long-term effects. The aim of this study was to exploratory identify likely molecular targets of the main MC variants (MC-LA, MC-LR, MC-RR, and MC-LY) by conducting a computational binding affinity analysis using AutoDock Vina to evaluate the interaction of the toxins with 1000 proteins related to different biological functions. All four variants showed strong in silico interactions with proteins that regulate metabolism/immune system, CD38 (top scoring hit, −11.5 kcal/mol); inflammation, TLR4 (−11.4 kcal/mol) and TLR8 (−11.5 kcal/mol); neuronal conduction, BChE; renin–angiotensin signaling, (ACE); thyroid hormone homeostasis (TTR); and cancer-promoting processes, among other biochemical activities. The results show MCs have the potential to bind onto distinct molecular targets which could generate biochemical alterations through a number of signal transduction pathways. In short, this study broadens our knowledge about the mechanisms of action of different variants of microcystins and provides information for future direct experimentation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Toxicants and Contaminants in Food)

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27 pages, 6484 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Assessment of Pesticide Content in Apples and Selected Citrus Fruits Subjected to Simple Culinary Processing

by Grażyna Kowalska, Urszula Pankiewicz and Radosław Kowalski

Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(3), 1417; https://doi.org/10.3390/app12031417 - 28 Jan 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 5666

Abstract

Over the span of the last decade, certain pesticides have been banned in apple tree and citrus tree cultivations. Hence, it is important to conduct research focused on estimating the occurrence of residues of pesticides from the perspective of compliance with the relevant [...] Read more.

Over the span of the last decade, certain pesticides have been banned in apple tree and citrus tree cultivations. Hence, it is important to conduct research focused on estimating the occurrence of residues of pesticides from the perspective of compliance with the relevant legislative regulations. Equally important is to estimate the reduction in pesticide residues through simple procedures such as washing and peeling. This research was conducted in the years 2012 and 2020. An assessment was made of the effect of in-house processing, such as conventional washing with tap water and peeling, on the level of pesticide residues in apples and citrus fruits (oranges, grapefruits and lemons). The level of pesticide residue was determined with the use of the QuEChERS method of extraction in conjunction with LC-MS/MS analysis. One can clearly observe a smaller number of pesticides identified in the edible parts of fruits in 2020 (seven pesticides in apples and three in citrus fruits) compared to 2012 (26 pesticides in apples and 4 in citrus fruits). In apples from 2012, only in the case of disulfoton was the maximum residue limit (MRL) exceeded, while in samples of apples from 2020 no instance of exceeded MRL was noted. This study did not reveal exceeded MRL values in the edible parts of citrus fruits in the analysed years. The absence of detected instances of pesticides not approved for use in the analysed years indicates that the producers complied with the relevant legislative regulations. The results obtained indicate that conventional washing with water (about 1.5 L/one fruit) did not have any effect on the level of pesticide residues in the analysed fruits. Apple peeling allowed for a reduction in pesticide levels in the range of 24% (carbendazim) to 100% (triflumuron, thiodicarb, tebuconazole). Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Toxicants and Contaminants in Food)

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12 pages, 301 KiB

Open AccessArticle

In Vitro Genotoxicity Assessment from the Glycyrrhiza New Variety Extract

by Young-Jae Song, Dong-Gu Kim, Jeonghoon Lee, Wonnam Kim, Hyo-Jin An, Jong-Hyun Lee, Yong-Deok Jeon, Jaeki Chang, Sa-Haeng Kang, Ju-Ryoun Soh and Jong-Sik Jin

Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(21), 10257; https://doi.org/10.3390/app112110257 - 01 Nov 2021

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1550

Abstract

The various species that comprise the genus Glycyrrhiza (Licorice) have long been used as oriental herbal medicines in Asian countries. Wongam (WG), which is a new variety of Glycyrrhiza, was developed in Korea to overcome the limitations of low productivity, environmental restrictions, [...] Read more.

The various species that comprise the genus Glycyrrhiza (Licorice) have long been used as oriental herbal medicines in Asian countries. Wongam (WG), which is a new variety of Glycyrrhiza, was developed in Korea to overcome the limitations of low productivity, environmental restrictions, and an insufficient presence of glycyrrhizic acid and liquiritigenin. In this study, we evaluated WG extract’s genotoxicity through an in vitro bacterial reverse mutation (AMES) test, an in vitro chromosome aberration test, and an in vivo mouse bone marrow micronucleus test. In the AMES test, WG extract at concentrations of up to 5000 µg/plate showed no genotoxicity regardless of S9 mix. No chromosome aberrations appeared after 6 h in 1400 µg/mL WG extract regardless of S9 mix or in 1100 µg/mL WG extract after 24 h without S9 mix. Nor was there a significant increase in the number of micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes to total erythrocytes up to 5000 mg/kg/day for 2 days detected in the micronucleus test. These results confirm that WG extract is safe for use as an herbal medicine, as it precipitates no detectable genotoxic effects. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Toxicants and Contaminants in Food)

11 pages, 689 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Microbial Spoilage of Plant-Based Meat Analogues

by András J. Tóth, Anna Dunay, Márton Battay, Csaba Bálint Illés, András Bittsánszky and Miklós Süth

Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(18), 8309; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11188309 - 08 Sep 2021

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 6738

Abstract

Plant-based meat analogues (i.e., plant-based meat alternatives or substitutes, or vegan meats) are becoming more and more popular. The quality of the available products is constantly increasing therefore their consumption is also increasing. The primary role of meat analogues is to replace the [...] Read more.

Plant-based meat analogues (i.e., plant-based meat alternatives or substitutes, or vegan meats) are becoming more and more popular. The quality of the available products is constantly increasing therefore their consumption is also increasing. The primary role of meat analogues is to replace the meat component in meals while appropriate nutrient content and hedonic value will be provided as well. The food safety aspects of these newly emerging food products are less investigated. The aim of this study is to compare the microbial spoilage of identical meals prepared with meat and meat analogues to evaluate the food safety risk of meat analogues. In this work, raw protein materials were tested. Moreover, three pairs of meals prepared with or without meat were microbiologically examined during a storage experiment. Microbial contaminants were low in raw protein sources. In the case of hot meals, the microbial proliferation was faster in samples containing meat analogue, especially if the meals were not cooled. The food safety risk of meals prepared with meat analogues is slightly higher than their meat-containing counterparts, therefore more attention needs to be paid to the preparation, processing, and storage of these foods. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Toxicants and Contaminants in Food)

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12 pages, 1218 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Human Exposure to Toxic Metals (Cd, Pb, Hg) and Nitrates (NO₃⁻) from Seaweed Consumption

by Verónica Martín-León, Soraya Paz, Prospero A. D’Eufemia, Juan J. Plasencia, Gianni Sagratini, Gianmarco Marcantoni, Mercedes Navarro-Romero, Ángel J. Gutiérrez, Arturo Hardisson and Carmen Rubio-Armendáriz

Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(15), 6934; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11156934 - 28 Jul 2021

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2590

Abstract

Seaweed is now considered a functional food with a high nutritional value in Western countries, and the consumption of different species of edible algae has grown exponentially in recent decades. However, anthropogenic pressure on the seas has increased the presence of pollutants such [...] Read more.

Seaweed is now considered a functional food with a high nutritional value in Western countries, and the consumption of different species of edible algae has grown exponentially in recent decades. However, anthropogenic pressure on the seas has increased the presence of pollutants such as toxic metals and nitrates that can accumulate in algae. It is necessary to know the levels of these contaminants and the dietary exposure from the consumption of edible algae. The content of toxic metals (Cd, Pb, Hg) and nitrates (NO₃⁻) was determined in 72 samples of edible algae marketed in the Canary Islands (Spain). Cd stands out in the Asian algae hijiki (1.196 mg/kg) and nori (1.005 mg/kg). Pb stands out in the Asian wakame seaweed (0.119 mg/kg). The highest mean concentration of Hg was in European arame algae (0.055 mg/kg). Some samples of the nori seaweed had NO₃⁻ concentrations of >8000 mg/kg. Considering the consumption recommended by the manufacturer of 4 g/day, the maximum admissible intake values are not exceeded, and, consequently, this does not pose a risk to health. However, in the case of Cd, Pb, Hg, and NO₃⁻, legislation is necessary to regulate their content in edible algae. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Toxicants and Contaminants in Food)

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24 pages, 2039 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperReview

Myths and Realities about Genetically Modified Food: A Risk-Benefit Analysis

by Angelo Vega Rodríguez, Cristina Rodríguez-Oramas, Esther Sanjuán Velázquez, Arturo Hardisson de la Torre, Carmen Rubio Armendáriz and Conrado Carrascosa Iruzubieta

Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(6), 2861; https://doi.org/10.3390/app12062861 - 10 Mar 2022

Cited by 25 | Viewed by 30328

Abstract

The development and consumption of genetically modified (GM) crops are surrounded by controversy. According to proponents, only molecular biology approaches and genetic engineering tools are realistic food shortage solutions for the world’s ever-growing population. The main purpose of this study is to review [...] Read more.

The development and consumption of genetically modified (GM) crops are surrounded by controversy. According to proponents, only molecular biology approaches and genetic engineering tools are realistic food shortage solutions for the world’s ever-growing population. The main purpose of this study is to review the impact of GM products on human, animal, and environmental health. People still reject GM crops not only because of safety concerns, but also for moral reasons. Toxicity, allergies, and possible horizontal gene transfer (HGT) to the environment or to other species have been associated with the marketing of GM products. Moreover, the scarce data available about the long-term implications of using GM crops is another opponent concern. Nevertheless, science has evidenced no harm from GM crops use to date but has, instead, reported several benefits that result from their commercialization, such as economic, environmental, and health benefits for the general public. Legislation and policies about GM product labeling standards are being discussed. To overcome emerging food security challenges, considering quality scientific information is essential rather than leaving the issue and merely moving toward moral discussion. Hence, a risk–benefit analysis is necessary. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Toxicants and Contaminants in Food)

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