Phenolic Compounds and Antioxidant Activity of Kernels and Shells of Mexican Pecan (Carya illinoinensis).

The phenolic composition and antioxidant activity of pecan kernels and shells cultivated in three regions of the state of Chihuahua; Mexico; were analyzed. High concentrations of total extractable phenolics; flavonoids; and proanthocyanidins were found in kernels; and 5-20-fold higher concentrations were found in shells. Their concentrations were significantly affected by the growing region. Antioxidant activity […]

Pinolenic acid inhibits human breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cell metastasis in vitro

Pinolenic acid (PNA); a naturally-occurring polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA); is found mainly in pine seeds. Although many studies have demonstrated beneficial effects of pine seed oil; there are no reports of the biological effects of PNA on cancer metastasis. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of PNA on human breast cancer […]

Cultural and historical aspects of Mediterranean nuts with emphasis on their attributed healthy and nutritional properties

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Nuts have been part of the human diet since prehistoric times. The aim of the present article is to describe the most important historical and cultural aspects of nut consumption throughout history. DATA SYNTHESIS: We discuss the following historical aspects of nuts originating in the Mediterranean: prehistory; the Egyptian civilization; their spread […]

Most-probable-number determination of salmonella levels in naturally contaminated raw almonds using two sample preparation methods

Pathogens occurring in particulate foods may be unevenly distributed; which may impact interpretation of most-probable-number (MPN) values. The MPN analysis of Salmonella in naturally contaminated raw almonds was conducted using two sample preparation methods. Raw almond kernels (3;698 samples) and inshell almonds (455 samples) were collected from almond processors throughout California during the 2006 and […]

The effectiveness of dried cranberries (Vaccinium macrocarpon) in men with lower urinary tract symptoms

Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) are a common condition in older men. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon) powder in men at risk of prostate disease with LUTS; elevated prostate-specific antigen (PSA); negative prostate biopsy and clinically confirmed chronic non-bacterial prostatitis. Forty-two participants received […]

Differential effects of walnuts vs almonds on improving metabolic and endocrine parameters in PCOS

Background/Objectives: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is commonly associated with insulin resistance; dyslipidemia and increased inflammation; which all benefit from dietary intake of monounsaturated and n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (MUFA and n-3 PUFA). Our goal was to compare the effects of MUFA-rich almonds vs n-3/n-6 PUFA-rich walnuts on metabolic and endocrine parameters in PCOS.Subjects/Methods: Thirty-one PCOS […]

Almond tree and organic fertilization for soil quality improvement in southern Italy

The semi-arid Mediterranean region; characterized by long dry periods followed by heavy bursts of rainfall; is particularly prone to soil erosion. The main goal of this study is to evaluate the soil quality under different practices of bio-physical amelioration which involve the soil-plant system (almond trees) and microorganism-manure. This study; carried out in the South […]

Cytotoxicity of cashew flavonoids towards malignant cell lines.

The leaves of the Cashew plant (Anacardium occidentale L.) are used by the folk medicine in South America and West Africa. This plant is rich in flavonoids; which are polyphenolic compounds widespread in plants; and that have diverse physiological effects. In a sub-acute toxicity assay it was found that an ethanolic extract of Cashew leaves […]