Optimization of alkylresorcinols extraction from triticale bran using response surface methodology

Optimization conditions for alkylresorcinols (ARs) extraction from triticale bran were determined using response surface methodology. A central composite design was used to determine the effects of extraction temperature (degrees Celsius) and solid-to-solvent ratio (weight per volume) on yield of saturated, unsaturated and total ARs. Extraction of ARs was affected significantly (p value ≤ 0.05) by temperature and solid-to-solvent ratio on the yield of saturated, unsaturated and total ARs. The highest quantity of total ARs from triticale bran was extracted at 24 °C between 16 and 24 h at a solid-to-solvent ratio (weight per volume) of 1:40 and ranged from 278 to 308 mg/100 g, while saturated and unsaturated ARs were 163 to 225 mg/100 g and 22 to 29 mg/100 g, respectively. The ARs identified by high-performance liquid chromatography included: C15:0, C17:0, C19:0, C21:0, C23:0 and C25:0. Also some unsaturated analogues (12. 4% to 14. 0%) were found including C17:1, C19:1, C21:1 and C23:1. Analysis of variance (p value = 0. 05) indicated that the response surface methodology (RSM) developed for saturated, unsaturated and total ARs were adequate and explained most of the variability (85% to 89%) with high coefficient of multiple determination (R 2 = 0.89). The main effect of the response variable was quadratic rather than a linear function. Our results showed that RSM is a tool that is useful to optimise experimental conditions for the extraction of ARs

Linseed essential oil - source of lipids as active ingredients for pharmaceuticals and nutraceuticals

Linseed - also known as flaxseed - is known for its beneficial effects on animal health attributed to its composition. Linseed comprises linoleic and ?-linolenic fatty acids, various dietary fibers and lignans, which are beneficial to health because they reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases, as well as cancer, decreasing the levels of cholesterol and relaxing the smooth muscle cells in arteries increasing the blood flow. Essential fatty acids from flax participate in several metabolic processes of the cell, not only as structuring components of the cell membrane but also as storage lipids. Flax, being considered a functional food, can be consumed in a variety of ways, including seeds, oil or flour, contributing to basic nutrition. Several formulations containing flax are available on the market in the form of e.g. capsules and microencapsulated powders having potential as nutraceuticals. This paper revises the different lipid classes found in flaxseeds and their genomics. It also discusses the beneficial effects of flax and flaxseed oil and their biological advantages as ingredients in pharmaceuticals and in nutraceuticals products.The authors wish to acknowledge the financial support from the Portuguese Science and Technology Foundation, Ministry of Science and Education (FCT/MEC) through national funds, and co-financed by FEDER, under the Partnership Agreement PT2020 for the project M-ERA-NET/0004/2015-PAIRED.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio