Editorial

3 pages, 164 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Advanced Research on Glucosinolates in Food Products

by Franziska S. Hanschen and Sascha Rohn

Foods 2021, 10(12), 3148; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods10123148 - 20 Dec 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2636

Glucosinolate-containing foods, such as vegetables from the plant order Brassicales and its derivative products, are valued for their health-beneficial properties [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Research on Glucosinolates in Food Products)

Research

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24 pages, 3394 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Impact of Domestic Cooking Methods on Myrosinase Stability, Glucosinolates and Their Hydrolysis Products in Different Cabbage (Brassica oleracea) Accessions

by Omobolanle O. Oloyede, Carol Wagstaff and Lisa Methven

Foods 2021, 10(12), 2908; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods10122908 - 24 Nov 2021

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2507

Abstract

Glucosinolate hydrolysis products are responsible for the health-promoting properties of Brassica vegetables. The impact of domestic cooking on the myrosinase stability, glucosinolates and hydrolysis products in 18 cabbage accession was investigated. Cabbages were steamed, microwaved, and stir-fried before analysis. Cooking significantly affected myrosinase [...] Read more.

Glucosinolate hydrolysis products are responsible for the health-promoting properties of Brassica vegetables. The impact of domestic cooking on the myrosinase stability, glucosinolates and hydrolysis products in 18 cabbage accession was investigated. Cabbages were steamed, microwaved, and stir-fried before analysis. Cooking significantly affected myrosinase stability and glucosinolate concentrations within and between cabbage morphotypes. Myrosinase was most stable after stir-frying, with up to 65% residual activity. Steaming and microwaving resulted in over 90% loss of myrosinase activity in some accessions. Stir-frying resulted in the greatest decrease in glucosinolate concentration, resulting in up to 70% loss. Steamed cabbages retained the highest glucosinolates after cooking (up to 97%). The profile and abundance of glucosinolate hydrolysis products detected varied across all cooking methods studied. Cooking reduced the amounts of nitriles and epithionitriles formed compared to raw samples. Steaming led to a significant increase in the concentration of beneficial isothiocyanates present in the cabbage and a significantly lower level of nitriles compared to other samples. Microwaving led to a reduction in the concentrations of both nitriles and isothiocyanates when compared to other cooking methods and raw cabbage. The results obtained help provide information on the optimal cooking methods for cabbage, suggesting that steaming may be the best approach to maximising beneficial isothiocyanate production. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Research on Glucosinolates in Food Products)

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26 pages, 13809 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Influence of Cabbage (Brassica oleracea) Accession and Growing Conditions on Myrosinase Activity, Glucosinolates and Their Hydrolysis Products

by Omobolanle O. Oloyede, Carol Wagstaff and Lisa Methven

Foods 2021, 10(12), 2903; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods10122903 - 23 Nov 2021

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 3028

Abstract

Glucosinolates are secondary plant metabolites present in Brassica vegetables. The endogenous enzyme myrosinase is responsible for the hydrolysis of glucosinolates, yielding a variety of compounds, including health-promoting isothiocyanates. The influence of cabbage accession and growing conditions on myrosinase activity, glucosinolates (GSL) and their [...] Read more.

Glucosinolates are secondary plant metabolites present in Brassica vegetables. The endogenous enzyme myrosinase is responsible for the hydrolysis of glucosinolates, yielding a variety of compounds, including health-promoting isothiocyanates. The influence of cabbage accession and growing conditions on myrosinase activity, glucosinolates (GSL) and their hydrolysis products (GHPs) of 18 gene-bank cabbage accessions was studied. Growing conditions, cabbage morphotype and accession all significantly affected myrosinase activity and concentration of glucosinolates and their hydrolysis products. In general, cabbages grown in the field with lower growth temperatures had significantly higher myrosinase activity than glasshouse samples. Profile and concentration of glucosinolates and their hydrolysis products differed across the accessions studied. Aliphatic glucosinolates accounted for more than 60 % of total glucosinolates in most of the samples assessed. Nitriles and epithionitriles were the most abundant hydrolysis products formed. The results obtained showed that consumption of raw cabbages might reduce the amount of beneficial hydrolysis products available to the consumer, as more nitriles were produced from hydrolysis compared to beneficial isothiocyanates. However, red and white cabbages contained high concentrations of glucoraphanin and its isothiocyanate, sulforaphane. This implies that careful selection of accessions with ample concentrations of certain glucosinolates can improve the health benefits derived from raw cabbage consumption. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Research on Glucosinolates in Food Products)

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26 pages, 5837 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Physiological-Based Model for Simulating the Bioavailability and Kinetics of Sulforaphane from Broccoli Products

by Quchat Shekarri and Matthijs Dekker

Foods 2021, 10(11), 2761; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods10112761 - 10 Nov 2021

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1878

Abstract

There are no known physiological-based digestion models that depict glucoraphanin (GR) to sulforaphane (SR) conversion and subsequent absorption. The aim of this research was to make a physiological-based digestion model that includes SR formation, both by endogenous myrosinase and gut bacterial enzymes, and [...] Read more.

There are no known physiological-based digestion models that depict glucoraphanin (GR) to sulforaphane (SR) conversion and subsequent absorption. The aim of this research was to make a physiological-based digestion model that includes SR formation, both by endogenous myrosinase and gut bacterial enzymes, and to simulate the SR bioavailability. An 18-compartment model (mouth, two stomach, seven small intestine, seven large intestine, and blood compartments) describing transit, reactions and absorption was made. The model, consisting of differential equations, was fit to data from a human intervention study using Mathwork’s Simulink and Matlab software. SR urine metabolite data from participants who consumed different broccoli products were used to estimate several model parameters and validate the model. The products had high, medium, low, and zero myrosinase content. The model’s predicted values fit the experimental values very well. Parity plots showed that the predicted values closely matched experimental values for the high (r² = 0.95), and low (r² = 0.93) products, but less so for the medium (r² = 0.85) and zero (r² = 0.78) myrosinase products. This is the first physiological-based model to depict the unique bioconversion processes of bioactive SR from broccoli. This model represents a preliminary step in creating a predictive model for the biological effect of SR, which can be used in the growing field of personalized nutrition. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Research on Glucosinolates in Food Products)

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12 pages, 1051 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Immunomodulating Effect of the Consumption of Watercress (Nasturtium officinale) on Exercise-Induced Inflammation in Humans

by Hendrik Schulze, Johann Hornbacher, Paulina Wasserfurth, Thomas Reichel, Thorben Günther, Ulrich Krings, Karsten Krüger, Andreas Hahn, Jutta Papenbrock and Jan P. Schuchardt

Foods 2021, 10(8), 1774; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods10081774 - 30 Jul 2021

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3397

Abstract

The vegetable watercress (Nasturtium officinale R.Br.) is, besides being a generally nutritious food, a rich source of glucosinolates. Gluconasturtiin, the predominant glucosinolate in watercress, has been shown to have several health beneficial properties through its bioactive breakdown product phenethyl isothiocyanate. Little is [...] Read more.

The vegetable watercress (Nasturtium officinale R.Br.) is, besides being a generally nutritious food, a rich source of glucosinolates. Gluconasturtiin, the predominant glucosinolate in watercress, has been shown to have several health beneficial properties through its bioactive breakdown product phenethyl isothiocyanate. Little is known about the immunoregulatory effects of watercress. Moreover, anti-inflammatory effects have mostly been shown in in vitro or in animal models. Hence, we conducted a proof-of-concept study to investigate the effects of watercress on the human immune system. In a cross-over intervention study, 19 healthy subjects (26.5 ± 4.3 years; 14 males, 5 females) were given a single dose (85 g) of fresh self-grown watercress or a control meal. Two hours later, a 30 min high-intensity workout was conducted to promote exercise-induced inflammation. Blood samples were drawn before, 5 min after, and 3 h after the exercise unit. Inflammatory blood markers (IL-1β, IL-6, IL-10, TNF-α, MCP-1, MMP-9) were analyzed in whole blood cultures after ex vivo immune cell stimulation via lipopolysaccharides. A mild pro-inflammatory reaction was observed after watercress consumption indicated by an increase in IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α, whereas the immune response was more pronounced for both pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory markers (IL-1β, IL-6, IL-10, TNF-α) after the exercise unit compared to the control meal. During the recovery phase, watercress consumption led to a stronger anti-inflammatory downregulation of the pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and TNF-α. In conclusion, we propose that watercress causes a stronger pro-inflammatory response and anti-inflammatory counter-regulation during and after exercise. The clinical relevance of these changes should be verified in future studies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Research on Glucosinolates in Food Products)

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19 pages, 3378 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Temperature, Relative Humidity, and Carbon Dioxide Concentration on Growth and Glucosinolate Content of Kale Grown in a Plant Factory

by Milon Chowdhury, Shafik Kiraga, Md Nafiul Islam, Mohammod Ali, Md Nasim Reza, Wang-Hee Lee and Sun-Ok Chung

Foods 2021, 10(7), 1524; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods10071524 - 01 Jul 2021

Cited by 30 | Viewed by 6450

Abstract

The growth of plants and their glucosinolate content largely depend on the cultivation environment; however, there are limited reports on the optimization of ambient environmental factors for kale grown in plant factories. This study was conducted to investigate the effects of temperature, relative [...] Read more.

The growth of plants and their glucosinolate content largely depend on the cultivation environment; however, there are limited reports on the optimization of ambient environmental factors for kale grown in plant factories. This study was conducted to investigate the effects of temperature, relative humidity, and the carbon dioxide (CO₂) concentration on kale growth and glucosinolate content in different growth stages of cultivation in a plant factory. Kale was grown under different temperatures (14, 17, 20, 23, and 26 °C), relative humidities (45, 55, 65, 75, and 85%), and CO₂ concentrations (400, 700, 1000, 1300, and 1600 ppm) in a plant factory. Two and four weeks after transplantation, leaf samples were collected to evaluate the physical growth and glucosinolate contents. The statistical significance of the treatment effects was determined by two-way analysis of variance, and Duncan’s multiple range test was used to compare the means. A correlation matrix was constructed to show possible linear trends among the dependent variables. The observed optimal temperature, relative humidity, and CO₂ range for growth (20–23 °C, 85%, and 700–1000 ppm) and total glucosinolate content (14–17 °C, 55–75%, and 1300–1600 ppm) were different. Furthermore, the glucosinolate content in kale decreased with the increase of temperature and relative humidity levels, and increased with the increase of CO₂ concentration. Most of the physical growth variables showed strong positive correlations with each other but negative correlations with glucosinolate components. The findings of this study could be used by growers to maintain optimum environmental conditions for the better growth and production of glucosinolate-rich kale leaves in protected cultivation facilities. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Research on Glucosinolates in Food Products)

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16 pages, 2257 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Determination of Isothiocyanate-Protein Conjugates in a Vegetable-Enriched Bread

by Mareike Krell, Lina Cvancar, Michael Poloczek, Franziska S. Hanschen and Sascha Rohn

Foods 2021, 10(6), 1300; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods10061300 - 05 Jun 2021

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3146

Abstract

Vegetables of the plant order Brassicales are believed to have health-promoting properties, as they provide high contents of glucosinolates (GLS) and deriving from these, enzymatically and heat-induced breakdown products, such as isothiocyanates (ITC). Besides their positive physiological effects, ITC are electrophilic and can [...] Read more.

Vegetables of the plant order Brassicales are believed to have health-promoting properties, as they provide high contents of glucosinolates (GLS) and deriving from these, enzymatically and heat-induced breakdown products, such as isothiocyanates (ITC). Besides their positive physiological effects, ITC are electrophilic and can undergo reactions with food components such as proteins. Following the trend of improving traditional food products with GLS-rich ingredients, interactions of ITC with proteins can diminish the properties of both components—protein’s value and functionality as well as ITC’s bioactivity. In vegetable-enriched bread, where cresses (Lepidium sativum L. or Tropaeolum majus L.) are added to the initial dough, together with benzyl cyanide, benzyl isothiocyanate (BITC) is formed during the baking process. The aim of the present study was to investigate the possible migration behavior of the GLS breakdown products and the formation of ITC-wheat protein conjugates. After the baking process, the breads’ proteins were enzymatically hydrolyzed, and the ITC-amino acid conjugates analyzed using a LC-ESI-MS/MS methodology. In all samples, BITC-protein conjugates were detected as thiourea derivatives, while formation of dithiocarbamates could not be detected. The study showed that GLS and their breakdown products such as ITC migrate into the surrounding food matrix and undergo reactions with proteins, which could in turn lead to modified protein properties and reduce the bioavailability of ITC and lysine. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Research on Glucosinolates in Food Products)

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28 pages, 1231 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Important Odorants of Four Brassicaceae Species, and Discrepancies between Glucosinolate Profiles and Observed Hydrolysis Products

by Luke Bell, Eva Kitsopanou, Omobolanle O. Oloyede and Stella Lignou

Foods 2021, 10(5), 1055; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods10051055 - 11 May 2021

Cited by 20 | Viewed by 3217

Abstract

It is widely accepted that the distinctive aroma and flavour traits of Brassicaceae crops are produced by glucosinolate (GSL) hydrolysis products (GHPs) with other non-GSL derived compounds also reported to contribute significantly to their aromas. This study investigated the flavour profile and glucosinolate [...] Read more.

It is widely accepted that the distinctive aroma and flavour traits of Brassicaceae crops are produced by glucosinolate (GSL) hydrolysis products (GHPs) with other non-GSL derived compounds also reported to contribute significantly to their aromas. This study investigated the flavour profile and glucosinolate content of four Brassicaceae species (salad rocket, horseradish, wasabi, and watercress). Solid-phase microextraction followed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and gas chromatography-olfactometry were used to determine the volatile compounds and odorants present in the four species. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry was used to determine the glucosinolate composition, respectively. A total of 113 compounds and 107 odour-active components were identified in the headspace of the four species. Of the compounds identified, 19 are newly reported for ‘salad’ rocket, 26 for watercress, 30 for wasabi, and 38 for horseradish, marking a significant step forward in understanding and characterising aroma generation in these species. There were several non-glucosinolate derived compounds contributing to the ‘pungent’ aroma profile of the species, indicating that the glucosinolate-derived compounds are not the only source of these sensations in Brassicaceae species. Several discrepancies between observed glucosinolates and hydrolysis products were observed, and we discuss the implications of this for future studies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Research on Glucosinolates in Food Products)

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21 pages, 9955 KiB

Open AccessArticle

High Glucosinolate Content in Rocket Leaves (Diplotaxis tenuifolia and Eruca sativa) after Multiple Harvests Is Associated with Increased Bitterness, Pungency, and Reduced Consumer Liking

by Luke Bell, Stella Lignou and Carol Wagstaff

Foods 2020, 9(12), 1799; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods9121799 - 03 Dec 2020

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 3119

Abstract

Rocket (Diplotaxis tenuifolia and Eruca sativa) leaves delivered to the UK market are variable in appearance, taste, and flavour over the growing season. This study presents sensory and consumer analyses of rocket produce delivered to the UK over the course of [...] Read more.

Rocket (Diplotaxis tenuifolia and Eruca sativa) leaves delivered to the UK market are variable in appearance, taste, and flavour over the growing season. This study presents sensory and consumer analyses of rocket produce delivered to the UK over the course of one year, and evaluated the contribution of environmental and cultivation factors upon quality traits and phytochemicals called glucosinolates (GSLs). GSL abundance was positively correlated with higher average growth temperatures during the crop cycle, and perceptions of pepperiness, bitterness, and hotness. This in turn was associated with reduced liking, and corresponded to low consumer acceptance. Conversely, leaves with greater sugar content were perceived as more sweet, and had a higher correlation with consumer acceptance of the test panel. First cut leaves of rocket were favoured more by consumers, with multiple leaf cuts associated with low acceptance and higher glucosinolate concentrations. Our data suggest that the practice of harvesting rocket crops multiple times reduces consumer acceptability due to increases in GSLs, and the associated bitter, hot, and peppery perceptions some of their hydrolysis products produce. This may have significant implications for cultivation practices during seasonal transitions, where leaves typically receive multiple harvests and longer growth cycles. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Research on Glucosinolates in Food Products)

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14 pages, 1314 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Relationship between Glucosinolates and the Sensory Characteristics of Steamed-Pureed Turnip (Brassica Rapa subsp. Rapa L.)

by Nurfarhana Diana Mohd Nor, Stella Lignou, Luke Bell, Carmel Houston-Price, Kate Harvey and Lisa Methven

Foods 2020, 9(11), 1719; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods9111719 - 23 Nov 2020

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3330

Abstract

Glucosinolates (GSLs) are phytochemical compounds that can be found in Brassica vegetables. Seven separate batches of steamed-pureed turnip were assessed for GSL content using liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC-MS) and for sensory attributes by sensory profiling (carried out by a trained sensory panel). [...] Read more.

Glucosinolates (GSLs) are phytochemical compounds that can be found in Brassica vegetables. Seven separate batches of steamed-pureed turnip were assessed for GSL content using liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC-MS) and for sensory attributes by sensory profiling (carried out by a trained sensory panel). Twelve individual GSLs, which included 7 aliphatic, 4 indole and 1 arylaliphatic GSL, were identified across all batches. There were significant differences in individual GSL content between batches, with gluconasturtiin as the most abundant GSL. The total GSL content ranged from 16.07 to 44.74 μmol g⁻¹ dry weight (DW). Sensory profiling concluded there were positive correlations between GSLs and bitter taste and negative correlations between GSLs (except glucobrassicanapin) and sweet taste. The batches, which had been purchased across different seasons, all led to cooked turnip that contained substantial levels of GSLs which were subsequently all rated as bitter. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Research on Glucosinolates in Food Products)

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22 pages, 3298 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Seasonal Variation of Glucosinolate Hydrolysis Products in Commercial White and Red Cabbages (Brassica oleracea var. capitata)

by Nicole S. Wermter, Sascha Rohn and Franziska S. Hanschen

Foods 2020, 9(11), 1682; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods9111682 - 17 Nov 2020

Cited by 21 | Viewed by 4066

Abstract

Brassica vegetables contain glucosinolates, which are well-known for their potential to form health-promoting isothiocyanates. Among those crucifers, white and red cabbage are commonly consumed vegetables, exhibiting different glucosinolate and hydrolysis profiles thereof. Regarding the health beneficial effects from these vegetables, more information, especially [...] Read more.

Brassica vegetables contain glucosinolates, which are well-known for their potential to form health-promoting isothiocyanates. Among those crucifers, white and red cabbage are commonly consumed vegetables, exhibiting different glucosinolate and hydrolysis profiles thereof. Regarding the health beneficial effects from these vegetables, more information, especially concerning the seasonal variation of glucosinolate profiles and the formation of their bioactive hydrolysis products in commercial cabbages, is needed. In this study, glucosinolates and glucosinolate hydrolysis product profiles in red and white cabbages from three different food retailers were monitored over six different sampling dates across the selling season in autumn. For the first time, it was shown that, while glucosinolate profiles were similar in each cabbage variety, glucosinolate hydrolysis product profiles and hydrolysis behavior varied considerably over the season. The highest total isothiocyanate concentrations were observed in conventional red (1.66 μmol/g FW) and organic white (0.93 μmol/g FW) cabbages purchased at the first sampling date in September. Here, red cabbage was with up to 1.06 μmol/g FW of 4-(methylsulfinyl)butyl isothiocyanate (sulforaphane), an excellent source for this health-promoting isothiocyanate. Cabbages purchased 11 weeks later in autumn released lower levels of isothiocyanates, but mainly nitriles and epithionitriles. The results indicate that commercial cabbages purchased in early autumn could be healthier options than those purchased later in the year. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Research on Glucosinolates in Food Products)

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13 pages, 1716 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Low pH Enhances the Glucosinolate-Mediated Yellowing of Takuan-zuke under Low Salt Conditions

by Taito Kobayashi, Kei Kumakura, Asaka Takahashi and Hiroki Matsuoka

Foods 2020, 9(11), 1524; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods9111524 - 23 Oct 2020

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 1883

Abstract

This study was performed to clarify the enhancement of the 4-methylthio-3-butenyl isothiocyanate induced yellowing of salted radish root (takuan-zuke) by low pH during short-term salt-aging at low temperature and low salinity. We used two different methods to prepare the dehydrated daikon prior to [...] Read more.

This study was performed to clarify the enhancement of the 4-methylthio-3-butenyl isothiocyanate induced yellowing of salted radish root (takuan-zuke) by low pH during short-term salt-aging at low temperature and low salinity. We used two different methods to prepare the dehydrated daikon prior to salt-aging: air-drying outdoors (hoshi takuan-zuke) or salting with a stone press (shio-oshi takuan-zuke). Low salt-aging at low temperature was carried out under pH control with citrate-phosphate buffer. The yellowing of both types of takuan-zuke was accelerated below pH 5, and the color of air-dried takuan-zuke was deeper than that of salt-pressed takuan-zuke. To elucidate this phenomenon, several previously reported yellowing-related compounds were analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography. The result showed that the production of the primary pigment, 2-[3-(2-thioxopyrrolidin-3-ylidene)methyl]-tryptophan, was low compared with that in previous reports. Therefore, we suggest that an unknown pigment was generated through a previously unreported pathway. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Research on Glucosinolates in Food Products)

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