Innovative microwave-assisted hydrolysis of ellagitannins and quantification as ellagic acid equivalents

The health-promoting effects of ellagic acid and its intestinal degradation products are well-known. In plants, ellagic acid mainly appears in the form of its precursors, the so-called ellagitannins. Therefore, determination of total ellagic acid content has been accomplished by cleaving ellagitannins with high temperatures and strong acids. Microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) has been shown to be a very effective and quick extraction technique. The aim of the present study was to establish an MAE-based method for a rapid hydrolysis of ellagitannins and to compare this method with a conventional acid hydrolysis. For this purpose, strawberries (Fragaria x ananassa), which have been identified as a major source of ellagitannins in human diet, were used as a model. The newly developed MAE method was quicker, less chemical-consuming and more effective in hydrolysing ellagitannins

Kalderimi X2, Tzoumerka, Epiro: Pavimentando el futuro para una nueva generación de artesanos

In Greek, Boulouki means “gaggle”, a travelling group; a word evoking the tradition of itinerant companies of stone masons and craftsmen. The aim of our team is therefore to trace and document the living carriers of such traditional knowledge; to study and further disseminate it through workshops and real building projects which are organized in collaboration with local communities and their stakeholders. This text provides an outline of a participatory project and an educational program which took place from September 9 to October 31 in 2019 in the settlement of Plaka, within the broader area of Tzoumerka (Epirus, Greece).En griego, Boulouki significa “cuadrilla”, un grupo de viajeros; una palabra que evoca la tradición de las compañías itinerantes de canteros y artesanos. El objetivo de nuestro equipo es localizar y documentar a los portadores aún existentes de esos conocimientos tradicionales; y estudiarlos y difundirlos a través de talleres y proyectos de construcción que son organizados en colaboración con las comunidades locales y sus agentes. Este texto ofrece una descripción de un proyecto participativo y un programa educativo que tuvo lugar del 9 de septiembre al 31 de octubre de 2019 en el poblado de Plaka, dentro del área más extensa de Tzoumerka (Epiro, Grecia)