Preliminary characterization of food tablets from date (Phoenix dactylifera L.) and spirulina (Spirulina sp.) powders.

Abstract: In this work; some physical properties (hardness; friability; disintegration time and erosion) of food tablets containing various food powders obtained from dates (Phoenix dactylifera L.); spirulina (Spirulina sp.) and oranges (juice and zest) were investigated. Also; experimental data related to the release kinetic of phycocyanin (antioxidant substance of spirulina) into different liquid mediums; correctly […]

Molecular characterization and toxigenic profile of Aspergillus section Nigri populations isolated from the main grape-growing regions in Argentina.

AIMS: The objective of this study was to evaluate the biodiversity of Aspergillus section Nigri populations from Argentinean vineyards by morphological; toxigenic and AFLP analysis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Five hundred and thirty-eight strains were isolated from grapes during 2006/07 and 2007/08 vintages. The morphological identification and toxigenic profile for all strains isolated were performed. Eighty-eight […]

Current guidelines for nut consumption are achievable and sustainable: a hazelnut intervention.

Abstract: Nuts are known for their hypocholesterolaemic properties; however; to achieve optimal health benefits; nuts must be consumed regularly and in sufficient quantity. It is therefore important to assess the acceptability of regular consumption of nuts. The present study examined the long-term effects of hazelnut consumption in three different forms on 'desire to consume' and […]

Single-tree nut immunotherapy attenuates allergic reactions in mice with hypersensitivity to multiple tree nuts

BACKGROUND: Allergic reactions to tree nuts are often severe and are outgrown in less than 10% of diagnosed patients. OBJECTIVES: To determine whether treatment of underlying tree nut sensitization will prevent allergic reactions to cross-reacting tree nuts and to determine the effects of single-tree nut immunotherapy on true multi-tree nut sensitization. METHODS: Cross-reactivity model: Cashew-sensitized […]

Effects of different forms of hazelnuts on blood lipids and a-tocopherol concentrations in mildly hypercholesterolemic individuals

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Diets high in nuts reduce cholesterol; probably due to their favorable lipid profile and other bioactive substances. However; the physical form of the nut may be important as the cell wall of intact nuts may limit the hypocholesterolemic effect of nuts by reducing lipid bioavailability. Therefore; we investigated the effects on blood lipids of […]

Evaluation of antimicrobial and physical properties of edible film based on carboxymethyl cellulose containing potassium sorbate on some mycotoxigenic Aspergillus species in fresh pistachios.

Active packaging is a relatively novel concept of packaging that changes the conditions of the packaged food to extend its shelf-life and improve its safety. In this study; antimicrobial effects of carboxymethyl cellulose based-edible film containing potassium sorbate as an antimicrobial agent were studied against Aspergillus flavus (PTCC-5004); Aspergillus parasiticus (PTCC-5286) and Aspergillus parasiticus (PTCC-5018) […]

Micronutrient mineral and folate content of Australian and imported dried fruit products

A selection of Australian and imported fresh and dried fruit products; including sultanas; Sunmuscats; Carina currants; Zante currants; apricots; and prunes; were analyzed for selected minerals (Ca; Mg; Na; S; B; Al; Fe; Mn; Cu; Zn; Mo; and Se); folate and vitamin C; and the capacity of dried fruits for dietary provision of these micronutrients […]

Native Australian fruit polyphenols inhibit COX-2 and iNOS expression in LPS-activated murine macrophages

Purified polyphenolic-rich extracts from four native Australian fruits; Illawarra Plum (Podocarpus elatus Endl.; Podocarpaceae); Kakadu Plum (Terminalia ferdinandiana Exell; Combretaceae); Muntries (Kunzea pomifera F. Muell.; Myrtaceae) and Native Currant (Acrotriche depressa R.Br.; Epacridaceae); were screened for their ability to modulate anti-inflammatory activity in LPS-activated murine macrophages (RAW 264.7). The Kakadu Plum extract inhibited the expression […]