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Total chlorophyll (a), carotenoid (b), and anthocyanin (c) contents in microgreens of P. oleracea grown indoors under controlled conditions with different concentrations of Se in the substrate. Bars indicated by the same letter are not statistically different for p = 0.05 after Duncan's test. Significance level: ** p ≤ 0.01; * p ≤ 0.05.3.2.5. Total Phenols, Flavonoids, and Antioxidant Capacity.
Source publication
Microgreens of wild herbs are a source of healthy compounds. Selenium (Se) biofortification of microgreens could help increase the Se content and thus contribute to Se requirements in humans. We evaluated whether three wild herbs, Rumex acetosa L., Plantago coronopus L., and Portulaca oleracea L., were suitable for biofortification in order to obta...
Contexts in source publication
Context 1
... with 10 mg Se L −1 significantly increased the total chlorophyll (+22.3% compared to the control) (Figure 3a) and the carotenoid (+66.7% compared to the control) contents (Figure 3b). In fact, selenium enhances the biosynthesis of photosynthetic pigments in plants, inducing the repair of chloroplast damage due to abiotic stress and ROS [58][59][60]. ...
Context 2
... with 10 mg Se L −1 significantly increased the total chlorophyll (+22.3% compared to the control) (Figure 3a) and the carotenoid (+66.7% compared to the control) contents (Figure 3b). In fact, selenium enhances the biosynthesis of photosynthetic pigments in plants, inducing the repair of chloroplast damage due to abiotic stress and ROS [58][59][60]. ...
Context 3
... with 1.5 and 5 mg Se L −1 increased the anthocyanin content of microgreens by 22.7% and 31.3%, respectively, compared to the control, but no significant differences were observed when 10 mg Se L −1 were applied (Figure 3c). In line with our findings, an increase in anthocyanin content was reported for wheat seedlings [61] and purplegrained wheat plants [62] treated with Se. ...
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A study was conducted to determine the level of iron in four selected vegetables such as Spinach (Spinacia Oleraceae), Country Sar (Rumex Vesicarius L), Horse Gram Leaf (Cicer) and Garden Purslave (Portulaca Oleraceae L) from Latur, Nanded, Beed & Osmanabad districts of Marathwada region. The results showed, the iron concentration ranged from 4.400...
Citations
... This experiment yielded similar results, with waxy maize grains reaching their peak at Se3. C1965 exhibited significantly higher carotenoid levels than J20. The application of Se enhances the biosynthesis of photosynthetic pigments in plants by repairing chloroplasts damaged by environmental stress and ROS [66][67][68]. Studies have indicated that the potential rise in respiration rate attributed to Se application might contribute to the increase in the biosynthesis of photosynthetic pigment [69]. ...
Selenium (Se) is a micronutrient known for its essential role in human health and plant metabolism. Waxy maize (Zea mays L. sinensis kulesh)—known for its high nutritional quality and distinctive flavor—holds significant consumer appeal. Therefore, this study aims to assess the effects of foliar Se spraying on the nutritional quality of waxy maize grains, with a focus on identifying varietal differences and determining optimal Se dosage levels for maximizing nutritional benefits. We employed a two-factor split-plot design to assess the nutritional quality, trace elements, and pigment content of jinnuo20 (J20) and caitiannuo1965 (C1965) at the milk stage after being subjected to varying Se doses sprayed on five leaves. Our findings indicate superior nutrient content in J20 compared to C1965, with both varieties exhibiting optimal quality under Se3 treatment, falling within the safe range of Se-enriched agricultural products. JS3 (0.793) demonstrated the highest overall quality, followed by JS2 (0.606), JS4 (0.411), and JS1 (0.265), while CS0 had the lowest (−0.894). These results underscore the potential of foliar biofortification to enhance the functional component contents of waxy maize grains.
... This suggests that microgreens have a higher nutritional value and greater health benefits compared to mature leafy vegetables. The increased antioxidant capacity detected in the Se-enriched microgreens is in agreement with the results obtained in P. oleracea (Puccinelli et al. 2021a) and Ocimum basilicum L. Coriandrum sativum L., and Allium fistulosum L. (Newman et al. 2021). The application of selenate and selenite at 100 μM dm −3 was tested on three varieties of broccoli. ...
Zinc (Zn) is an essential micronutrient for plant health, yet its availability in soils grapples with limitations imposed by diverse factors. Nanotechnology offers a promising approach to enhance Zn delivery and uptake by plants, as well as to improve their tolerance to abiotic stress. However, the current literature lacks a comprehensive overview of the research trends and progress on Zn nanoparticles (ZnNPs) for mitigating abiotic stress in plants. In this study, we conducted a bibliometric analysis based on 6932 records from the Web of Science Core Collection published in the past 20 years (2000–2020). Our objective was to unravel key insights into the most influential countries, institutions, journals, authors, and pivotal keywords steering the trajectory of ZnNPs research in the context of mitigating abiotic stresses in plants. Beyond this bibliometric exploration, we reviewed the synthesis methods, applications, and mechanisms of ZnNPs for enhancing plant growth and photosynthesis under various abiotic stress conditions. Our findings underscored that China, India, and Iran were the leading countries in ZnNPs research, with green synthesis emerging as the predominant method for ZnNPs production. We also found that ZnNPs improved plant tolerance to abiotic stress by modulating various physiological, biochemical, and molecular processes. We discussed the challenges and opportunities for future research on ZnNPs for sustainable agriculture.
... The Se biofortification of microgreens has only been studied in a few crop species 3,4,6 and in some wild species. 13 These studies have shown the positive effect of Se on different phytonutrients, such as phenolic compounds, mineral elements, pigments, vitamins, and the antioxidant status of the plant. Nevertheless, there is still limited information regarding all of these compounds. ...
... Considering that the accumulation of polyphenols in plants is usually associated with stress conditions during the growth cycle (Gupta and Gupta, 2017) , such as the presence of Se in excessive doses, our results suggest that the Se concentration of 20 μmol L − 1 used for biofortification does not induce abiotic stress in microgreens species. Other studies have reported comparable results when similar concentrations of Se were used in different microgreens species (Newman et al., 2021;Puccinelli et al., 2021). Due to its antioxidant effect, Se counteracts oxidative stress at low concentrations by inhibiting lipid peroxidation and increasing the activity of glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) with a positive effect on plant growth at low concentrations. ...
... Z. Islam, B. J. Park, H. M. Kang, and Y. T. Lee, 2020) mizuna and arugula microgreens (Mezeyova et al., 2022) and a variety of wild species grown as microgreens (M. Puccinelli et al., 2021) have also been reported. ...
Selenium (Se) is essential for human health as it is involved in various fundamental biological functions. This study aimed to assess the effects of Se enrichment in kale microgreens through biofortification in a soilless cultivation system. Two Se (as sodium selenate) application methods were assessed, including supplementation into the nutrient solution or as a foliar spray at four concentrations: 0, 10, 20 and 40 µM Se in a completely randomized design considering triplicates. For this purpose, minerals, nitrate and ammonium content, as well as fresh yield and dry matter of kale microgreens, were recorded after a 14-day growing period in an environmentally controlled vertical farm. Results showed that kale microgreens successfully accumulated up to 893.3 and 24 µg Se/ kg dry matter under the nutrient solution and foliar treatments, respectively, while yield remained unaffected. Selenium (Se) enrichment of the nutrient solution at 20 µM Se concentration resulted in the optimum treatment for fresh consumption purposes and supplying this element in human diets in the future, providing adequate dietary Se in less than five grams of the fresh kale microgreens.
... The amount of Se provided from a portion of 10 g of P. ovata seedlings was used to calculate the estimated dietary intake (EDI, µg day − 1 ). EDI was additionally expressed as a percentage (EDI %) of the adequate adult intake (70 µg day − 1 ) in order to determine the contribution from the Se-fortified seedlings (Puccinelli et al., 2021). The health risk index (HRI) was also determined as the ratio between the EDI and tolerable maximum intake level (300 µg day − 1 ), to evaluate the potential health risk associated with consumption of the seedlings (Puccinelli et al., 2021). ...
... EDI was additionally expressed as a percentage (EDI %) of the adequate adult intake (70 µg day − 1 ) in order to determine the contribution from the Se-fortified seedlings (Puccinelli et al., 2021). The health risk index (HRI) was also determined as the ratio between the EDI and tolerable maximum intake level (300 µg day − 1 ), to evaluate the potential health risk associated with consumption of the seedlings (Puccinelli et al., 2021). ...
... In the current study, the treatment groups accumulated a significant amount of Se when compared to the control group. The results are in agreement with studies conducted on various microgreens such as Ocimum basilicum, Coriandrum sativum, Brassica rapa, Rumex acetosa L., Plantago coronopus L., and Portulaca oleracea demonstrating the efficacy of achieving Se-fortification in young seedlings [3,51,52]. Our findings show that, P. ovata can be a promising candidate for Se biofortification, due to its capability to grow in a Se-enriched medium with better plant biomass, rich in phenolic compounds which may be utilized as a source of dietary supplement. ...
Background:
Selenium (Se) is an essential micronutrient for humans, but its deficiency as well as toxicity affects large number of people worldwide. Plantago ovata, a commercially important medicinal plant, is mainly cultivated in western regions of India, where elevated levels of Se have been found in soil. Thus, we evaluated the potential of Se biofortification in P. ovata via phytoremediation and its effect on the bioactive composition.
Results:
The results showed a significant alteration in various morphological and physiological parameters in a dose-dependent manner. The 10 µM Se dose improved seedling height, biomass and total chlorophyll content. There was a gradual increase in total Se content, with highest accumulation of 457.65 µg/g FW at 500 µM Se treatment. Se positively affected the antioxidative metabolism which was measured from the change in total antioxidant capacity, radical scavenging activity and Metallothionein 2 expression. Increasing levels of Se also affected the PAL activity, total polyphenol and flavonoid content. Caffeic acid, Coumaric acid and Rutin were found to be the most abundant phenolic compounds.
Conclusions:
Low levels of selenium (below 50 µM) can successfully improve Se accumulation and elicit production of various polyphenols without hampering plant growth. Thus, Se fortification of P. ovata seedlings via phytoremediation appears to be a feasible and efficient way to enhance its nutraceutical value in dietary products.
... Rutin was the most variable phytochemical, with a standard deviation of 1.13 mg/g, while caffeic (0.63 mg/g) and syringic acid (0.58 mg/g) both also recorded slightly elevated variance compared to other polyphenols. TPC was recorded as 13.16 mg/g, which is consistent with [25], which reported a range of 5.92 mg/g to 23.23 mg/g in Urtica dioica plants harvested in the Tuzla area (Bosnia and Herzegovina) in June 2020. TFC was also found to be 7.42 mg/g, in contrast to [25], which reported 0.81 mg/100 g-3.05 mg/100 g, and [25], which reported 43.3 ± 0.37 mg/g. ...
... TPC was recorded as 13.16 mg/g, which is consistent with [25], which reported a range of 5.92 mg/g to 23.23 mg/g in Urtica dioica plants harvested in the Tuzla area (Bosnia and Herzegovina) in June 2020. TFC was also found to be 7.42 mg/g, in contrast to [25], which reported 0.81 mg/100 g-3.05 mg/100 g, and [25], which reported 43.3 ± 0.37 mg/g. Statistically, the p-values are all lower than 0.05, signifying a 95% confidence level, and so the variability observed in these phytochemicals among the plants and within the various varieties is statistically significant. ...
... TPC was recorded as 13.16 mg/g, which is consistent with [25], which reported a range of 5.92 mg/g to 23.23 mg/g in Urtica dioica plants harvested in the Tuzla area (Bosnia and Herzegovina) in June 2020. TFC was also found to be 7.42 mg/g, in contrast to [25], which reported 0.81 mg/100 g-3.05 mg/100 g, and [25], which reported 43.3 ± 0.37 mg/g. Statistically, the p-values are all lower than 0.05, signifying a 95% confidence level, and so the variability observed in these phytochemicals among the plants and within the various varieties is statistically significant. ...
Plants contain bioactive substances and secondary metabolites that have a variety of functions, including antibacterial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer activities. In this study, the content of bioactive compounds in five medicinal plants was determined, i.e., Plantago major L., Armoracia rusticana, Hypericum perforatum L., Rumex acetosa L., and Urtica dioica L., from 38 locations. Additionally, the antimicrobial effect of extracts of bioactive compounds from the above-mentioned plants was checked. The experiment used an original method of extracting bioactive compounds. Purpose of the research: the assessment of antimicrobial activity and chemical characterization of extracts obtained using our own method of isolating bioactive compounds from green parts of medical plants in Poland. Based on the research, the presence of bioactive compounds, i.e., phenolic acids and flavonoids, was found in the tested plant extracts. The results of this study suggest that the geographic parameters of the locations where these plants grow have different effects on their biochemical composition and biological activity. The results showed that all tested plants had significant antibacterial activities. Rumex acetose L. showed the highest antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli and Salmonella enteritidis. These studies supplement the existing literature on the subject with information about the antimicrobial properties of the tested plant extracts that can be used in herbal medicine. The results have significant implications for the pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, and cosmetic sectors, establishing a foundation for future research in this area.
... Some edible herbs as basil (Ocimum basilicum L.), sour dock (Rumex acetosa L.), purslane (Portulaca oleracea L.), arugula (E. sativa), and rocket plant (D. tenuifolia) have also been selenium enriched [22,[61][62][63]. The methods more common to enrich edible herbs are the fertilization in hydroponic growth and fertilization after sowing and the selenium as Na 2 SeO 4 [22,[61][62][63]. ...
... sativa), and rocket plant (D. tenuifolia) have also been selenium enriched [22,[61][62][63]. The methods more common to enrich edible herbs are the fertilization in hydroponic growth and fertilization after sowing and the selenium as Na 2 SeO 4 [22,[61][62][63]. Although the authors reported that the selenium treatments in basil reduced chlorophyll, carotenoid, and lower Na, P [63], Cu, Mn, Zn, and Fe [22], higher flavonoid [22,63], and Mg content (12.9%) [22], and antioxidant capacity [22,63] was observed. ...
... Although the authors reported that the selenium treatments in basil reduced chlorophyll, carotenoid, and lower Na, P [63], Cu, Mn, Zn, and Fe [22], higher flavonoid [22,63], and Mg content (12.9%) [22], and antioxidant capacity [22,63] was observed. An increase in biomass was found in sour dock and purslane was found [62]. Increase of pigment such as chlorophyll (+ 5.4%), carotenoids (+ 7%) as well as the phenolic content (+ 13%) in selenium enriched purslane microgreens [62]. ...
Selenium is an essential element that determines the proper life functions of human and animal organisms. The content of selenium in food varies depending on the region and soil conditions. Therefore, the main source is a properly selected diet. However, in many countries, there are shortages of this element in the soil and local food. Too low an amount of this element in food can lead to many adverse changes in the body. The consequence of this may also be the occurrence of numerous potentially life-threatening diseases. Therefore, it is very important to properly introduce methods that condition the supplementation of the appropriate chemical form of this element, especially in areas with deficient selenium content. This review aims to summarize the published literature on the characterization of different types of selenium-enriched foods. At the same time, legal regulations and prospects for the future related to the production of food enriched with this element are presented. It should be noted that there are limitations and concerns with the production of such food due to the narrow safety range between the necessary and the toxic dose of this element. Therefore, selenium has been treated with special care for a very long time. For this reason, the presented mechanisms of production processes related to increasing the scale of selenium supplementation should be constantly monitored. Appropriate monitoring and development of the technological process for the production of selenium-enriched food is very important. Such food should ensure consumer safety and repeatability of the obtained product. Understanding the mechanisms and possibilities of selenium accumulation by plants and animals is one of the most important directions in the development of modern bromatology and the science of supplementation. This is particularly important in the case of rational nutrition and supplementing the human diet with an essential element such as selenium. Food technology is facing these challenges today.
... As nutrient-dense young seedlings, produced in a relatively short time, in limited space, and using minimum inputs, microgreens could be used easily to diversify diets and address malnutrition issues affecting large sections of the world population, especially in areas affected by shortages of fresh vegetables due to climate change, emergencies, and/or human conflicts. They can also be considered an ideal target crop for agronomic biofortification to produce functional greens fortified with essential micronutrients (Di Gioia et al., 2019a;Germ et al., 2019;Puccinelli et al., 2021;Kathi et al., 2023). ...
Introduction
Originally regarded as garnish greens, microgreens are increasingly valued for their nutritional profile, including their mineral content.
Methods
A study was conducted under controlled environmental conditions utilizing a selection of seventeen microgreen species belonging to seven different botanical families to investigate the genetic variation of macro- and micro-minerals and nitrate (NO3 ⁻) content. Plants were grown in a soilless system using a natural fiber mat as the substrate. After germination, microgreens were fertigated with a modified half-strength Hoagland solution prepared using deionized water and without adding microelements. At harvest (10 to 19 days after sowing, based on the species), yield components were measured and dry tissue samples were analyzed for the concentration of total nitrogen (N), NO3 ⁻, P, K, Ca, Mg, S, Na, Fe, Zn, Mn, Cu, and B.
Results and discussion
Genotypic variations were observed for all of the examined parameters. Nitrogen and K were the principal macronutrients accounting for 38.4% and 33.8% of the total macro-minerals concentration, respectively, followed in order by Ca, P, S, and Mg. Except for sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.), all the tested species accumulated high (1,000-2,500 mg kg⁻¹ FW) or very high (>2,500 mg kg⁻¹ FW) NO3 ⁻ levels. Eight of the studied species had a K concentration above 300 mg 100 g⁻¹ FW and could be considered as a good dietary source of K. On the other hand, scallion (Allium fistulosum L.), red cabbage (Brassica oleracea L. var. capitata), amaranth (Amaranthus tricolor L.), and Genovese basil (Ocinum basilicum L.) microgreens were a good source of Ca. Among micro-minerals, the most abundant was Fe followed by Zn, Mn, B, and Cu. Sunflower, scallion, and shiso (Perilla frutescens (L.) Britton) were a good source of Cu. Moreover, sunflower was a good source of Zn, whereas none of the other species examined could be considered a good source of Fe and Zn, suggesting that supplementary fertilization may be required to biofortify microgreens with essential microminerals. In conclusion, the tested microgreens can be a good source of minerals showing a high potential to address different dietary needs; however, their yield potential and mineral profile are largely determined by the genotype.
... Moreover, micronutrient biofortification of microgreens may further increase their nutraceutical potential (Newman et al., 2021;Pannico et al., 2020). Nowadays, the biofortification of young vegetables with micronutrients, such as selenium (Se), is becoming more popular (Mezeyová et al., 2022;Puccinelli et al., 2021;Newman et al., 2021). Because Se plays a significant role in antioxidant defense, biofortification with Se represents a good strategy for obtaining microgreens with a high nutritional value. ...
... Regarding the cultivation systems, microgreens are very suitable for indoor cultivation, and this makes them attractive for small and large scales production. Researchers have conducted many studies on microgreens in controlled systems, while comparing these systems in the production of microgreens has received less attention (Brazaitytė et al., 2021;Bulgari et al., 2021;Gao et al., 2021;Puccinelli et al., 2021). Specifically, biofortification of dill (Anethum graveolens L.) with Se through priming under these advanced cultivation systems has not been studied. ...
