Assessment of heavy metal levels in roll-your-own cigarette and water pipe tobacco blends

The increased consumption of roll-your-own (RYO) cigarettes and water pipe (hookah), both globally and in Bulgaria, necessitated the current investigation aimed at the assessment of heavy metal levels in the tobacco blends used in those products. The concentrations of Mn, Zn, Cu, Cd, Pb, and Ni were determined by AAS in five brands of RYO tobacco (R1-R5) and seven brands of water pipe tobacco (W1- W7), all distributed on Bulgarian market. The average heavy metal contents (mg/kg) in the two types of tobacco blends, RYO and water pipe, respectively, were as follows: Mn - 214.20 and 37.89; Zn - 31.90 and 134.87; Cu - 12.06 and 10.07; Cd - 0.80 and 1.33; Pb - 1.60 and 3.57; Ni - 1.36 and 0.80. RYO cigarette tobaccos contained higher concentration of Mn, Cu and Ni, while water pipe tobaccos - Zn, Cd and Pb. Strong correlations were found between Cu and Zn (r=0.81), Cu and Cd (r=0.90) in RYO tobacco blends, and between Cu and Zn (r=0.86) - in water pipe blends, respectively. The results from the study give reason to recommend that this information be provided to the consumers, who consider the regarded tobacco products as a safer alternative to conventional cigarettes

Resinoid from cape gooseberry fruit (Physalis peruviana L.) - volatile composition and application as an active ingredient in a cosmetic formulation

Cape gooseberry (Physalis peruviana L.), an exotic fruit gaining popularity in Bulgaria, has been recognized as a highly functional food, but has also the potential to be a resource for the fragrance and cosmetic industries. The main objective of this study was to assess the potential of the resinoid (a type of traditional aromatic products) obtained from locally-produced fruit (variety “Plovdiv”) for use in cosmetics, by revealing its volatile composition and characterizing the properties of an author-developed resinoid- enriched cosmetic cream. The resinoid (yield 58.78% DW) was a dark-orange viscous mass, with fruity, caramel notes and smoke accords odor. The GC-MS analysis identified 44 volatiles (98.69%), representing carbohydrates, alcohols, acids, along with minor miscellaneous compounds. A cosmetic cream (O/W emulsion) was developed, incorporating fruit resinoid (1.00%) as an active ingredient, compared to a control sample. Resinoid inclusion affected positively the sensory and physico-chemical properties of the cosmetic cream (color, odor, pH, stability). The studied emulsions had the rheological behavior of pseudoplastic non-Newtonian fluids, and resinoid presence reduced cream viscosity. It could be concluded that Cape gooseberry fruit resinoid had the potential to be a reasonable ingredient in cosmetic preparations; of course, further research is needed to assess its complex effects

Phytochemical analysis of leaves and stems of Physalis alkekengi L. (Solanaceae)

Physalis alkekengi L. (Solanaceae) is encountered in different regions of Bulgaria as a wild growing or ornamental plant. The objective of this work was to characterize the phytochemical composition (macro and micro components) of the leaves and stems of two local phenotypes (PA-SB and PA-NB), with the view of revealing their use potential. The dry leaves contained (DW) protein (16.25 and 19.27%), cellulose (25.16 and 25.31%), and ash (18.28 and 16.16%) and the stems contained protein (6.83 and 7.35%), cellulose (39.34 and 38.25%), and ash (15.01 and 7.48%) for PA-SB and PA-NB, respectively. The dominant amino acids (by HPLC) in the leaves of both phenotypes were arginine (21.3-22.3 mg/g) and aspartic acid (8.8-18.4 mg/g), and those in the stems were proline and aspartic acid for PA-SB (8.8, 7.7 mg/g); isoleucine and tyrosine for PA-NB (12.8, 6.6 mg/g). Mineral elements, determined by AAS (K, Ca, Mg, Na, Cu, Fe, Zn, Mn, Pb, Cr), also varied between phenotypes and plant parts. The leaves alone were further processed by extraction with n-hexane, for the identification of leaf volatiles (by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry). The analysis identified 28 components (97.99%) in the leaf extract of PA-SB and 32 components (97.50%) in that of PA-NB. The volatile profile of PA-SB leaves was dominated by diterpenes (49.96%) and oxygenated sesquiterpenes (35.61%), while that of PA-NB was dominated by oxygenated aliphatics (40.01%) and diterpenes (35.19%). To the best of our knowledge, the study provides the first data about the phytochemical composition of the leaves and stems of P. alkekengi from Bulgaria, in a direct comparison of phenotypes from two distinct wild populations, which could be of further scientific interest.AlMaarefa University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; [2021-29]The authors deeply acknowledge the Researchers Supporting Program (TUMA Project-2021-29), AlMaarefa University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, for supporting steps of this work

Carotenoid-related volatile compounds of tobacco (N. tabacum L.) essential oils

Tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.) aroma is an important quality attribute of tobacco and consists of a variety of minor components, among which carotenoid degradation products. The transformation of tobacco carotenoids (mainly lutein and β-carotene) occurs both in fresh green leaves and during curing, thus producing nearly 100 different short-chained metabolites. The three major tobacco types traditionally produced in Bulgaria and used as blends in the manufacture of cigarettes, include oriental (OR), flue-cured Virginia (FCV), and Burley (BU). High-quality Bulgarian oriental tobacco is also processed to obtain concrete and absolute, which are used in fine perfumery. Therefore, the objective of this work was to determine the content of the most important fragrance-shaping carotenoid degradation products in the essential oils (EOs) of the three types of Bulgarian tobacco, and to compare them with other aroma products from tobacco.                The content of total carotenoids and β-carotene was highest in the air-cured BU tobacco (22.23 and 20.34 mg/100 g, respectively), followed by the sun-cured OR (13.60 and 12.09 mg/100 g in variety “Plovdiv 7” (Pd7); 6.27 and 5.45 mg/100 g in “Krumovgrad” (Kr), and FCV (5.93 and 3.73 mg/100 g). Tobacco EOs were obtained by hydrodistillation in an acidified medium, and the yields were: FCV - 0.23%; BU - 0.26%, OR - 0.44% (Kr) and 0.30% (Pd 7). All EOs were light yellow and had a sharp odor: FCV – very intense, balsamic, woody with earthy undertones; BU – mild woody with balsamic and floral-like undertones, and OR – very green with slightly smoky and mossy-like and honey-like undertones. The main aroma-impact compounds from carotenoid degradation identified in the EOs (by GC-MS) were as follows: FCV - a-ionone (1.4%), dihydro-β-ionone (2.2%); β-damascenone (2.9%); BU - a-ionone (1.9%), dihydro-β-ionone (3.1%); β-damascenone (3.5%); OR(Kr) - a-ionone (0.9%), β-ionone (2.8%), dihydro-β-ionone (5.9%); β-damascenone (1.6%); OR (Pd7) - a-ionone (4.3%), dihydro-β-ionone (5.2%); β-damascenone (3.7%). Compared to published data for other tobacco EOs, these results reveal some differences in damascone derivatives, explainable by plant material origin and processing conditions. Ionone and its derivatives were not identified in the aroma extraction products concrete and resinoid from the same tobaccos, neither in the absolute from the Bulgarian tobaccos. The results agree with previous findings about the effect of thermal degradation, pH of the medium and other factors on carotenoid transformations in plant materials. The study provides an insight into the composition of EOs from the tobaccos produced in Bulgaria, and may be of interest to the fragrance industry

Chemical composition assessment of structural parts (seeds, peel, pulp) of physalis alkekengi l. fruits

In recent years there has been an extensive search for nature-based products with functional potential. All structural parts of Physalis alkekengi (bladder cherry), including fruits, pulp, and less-explored parts, such as seeds and peel, can be considered sources of functional macro- and micronutrients, bioactive compounds, such as vitamins, minerals, polyphenols, and polyunsaturated fatty acids, and dietetic fiber. The chemical composition of all fruit structural parts (seeds, peel, and pulp) of two phenotypes of P. alkekengi were studied. The seeds were found to be a rich source of oil, yielding 14-17%, with abundant amounts of unsaturated fatty acids (over 88%) and tocopherols, or vitamin E (up to 5378 mg/kg dw; dry weight). The predominant fatty acid in the seed oils was linoleic acid, followed by oleic acid. The seeds contained most of the fruit's protein (16-19% dw) and fiber (6-8% dw). The peel oil differed significantly from the seed oil in fatty acid and tocopherol composition. Seed cakes, the waste after oil extraction, contained arginine and aspartic acid as the main amino acids; valine, phenylalanine, threonine, and isoleucine were present in slightly higher amounts than the other essential amino acids. They were also rich in key minerals, such as K, Mg, Fe, and Zn. From the peel and pulp fractions were extracted fruit concretes, aromatic products with specific fragrance profiles, of which volatile compositions (GC-MS) were identified. The major volatiles in peel and pulp concretes were beta-linalool, alpha-pinene, and gamma-terpinene. The results from the investigation substantiated the potential of all the studied fruit structures as new sources of bioactive compounds that could be used as prospective sources in human and animal nutrition, while the aroma-active compounds in the concretes supported the plant's potential in perfumery and cosmetics.IGA FT 2022/004Tomas Bata University in Zlin, Faculty of Technology [IGA FT 2022/004

Carotenoid-Related Volatile Compounds of Tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.) Essential Oils

Tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.) aroma is an important attribute of tobacco quality and is influenced by a variety of minor chemical components, including carotenoid degradation products. The objectives of this work were to determine the content of the most important fragrance-shaping carotenoid degradation products in the essential oils (EOs) of the three types of Bulgarian tobacco—Oriental (OR), flue-cured Virginia (FCV), and Burley (BU)—and to compare them with other aromatic products from tobacco. The content of total carotenoids and β-carotene was highest in BU tobacco (22.23 and 20.34 mg/100 g DW, respectively), followed by OR (13.60 and 12.09 mg/100 g DW in variety “Plovdiv 7” (Pd7); 6.27 and 5.45 mg/100 g DW in “Krumovgrad” (Kr), and FCV (5.93 and 3.73 mg/100 g DW). EOs were obtained by hydrodistillation in an acidified medium, and the main aroma-impact compounds from carotenoid degradation (identified by GC-MS) were as follows: FCV-α-ionone (0.61 mg/100 g DW), dihydro-β-ionone (0.96 mg/100 g DW), β-damascenone (1.26 mg/100 g DW); BU-α-ionone (0.73 mg/100 g DW), dihydro-β-ionone (1.19 mg/100 g DW), β-damascenone (1.35 mg/100 g DW); OR(Kr)-α-ionone (0.20 mg/100 g DW), β-ionone (1.08 mg/100 g DW), dihydro-β-ionone (1.34 mg/100 g DW), β-damascenone (0.36 mg/100 g DW); OR(Pd7)-α-ionone (1.43 mg/100 g DW), dihydro-β-ionone (1.73 mg/100 g DW), β-damascenone (1.23 mg/100 g DW). Ionone and its derivatives were not identified in the aroma extraction products concrete, resinoid, or absolute. The results suggest that temperature, pH of the medium, process duration, and possibly other unknown factors affect carotenoid transformation. The study provides insight into the composition of tobacco EOs and may be of interest to the fragrance industry

EFFECT OF ORGANIC AMENDMENTS ON QUALITY OF ORIENTAL TOBACCO KRUMOVGRAD 90 GROWN IN INDUSTRIALLY POLLUTED REGION (FIELD EXPERIMENT)

A comparative research on the impact of organic amendments on the uptake of heavy metals, micro and macroelements and quality of Oriental tobacco Krumovgrad 90 has been carried out. The experiment was performed on an agricultural field contaminated by the Non-Ferrous-Metal Works near Plovdiv, Bulgaria. The field experimental was a randomised complete block design containing five treatments (addition of 20 t/daa and 40 t/daa of vermicompost to the soil, addition of 20 t/daa and 40 t/da of compost to the soil and control variant). Upon reaching commercial ripeness, the tobacco plants were gathered. Heavy metal, micro and macroelement contents in leaves of Oriental tobacco were analysed by the method of the microwave mineralization. To determine the heavy metals, micro and macroelements in the samples, inductively coupled emission spectrometry was used. Tested organic amendments significantly influenced the uptake of heavy metals, micro and macroelements by the leaves of Oriental tobacco. The addition of compost and vermicompost resulting in increased uptake of macro elements potassium, calcium and magnesium, and leads to improvement of the life status of the Oriental tobacco plant, and has a beneficial effect on burning properties of tobacco.Organic amendments influence tobacco quality indicators (ash, protein and reducing sugars). Adding 40 t/daa compost and 40 t/daa vermicompost to soils leads to improved tobacco quality compared to the control. However, the introduction of 20 t/daa of compost and 20 t/daa of vermicompost into the soil results in lower quality tobacco (Schmuck number below 0.5)

Complex evaluation of the quality of introduced and local varieties of Virginia flue-cured tobacco in Bulgaria

The integrated influence of trade, technological and production fundamentals that shape the market of flue-cured Virginia (FCV) tobacco in Bulgaria objectifies the need of systematic surveys on the quality of the tobacco varieties represented in the country. Therefore, current investigation regarded the quality level of PVH19 and Niki tobacco varieties in the regions of South and North Bulgaria (labeled conditionally as “local”), as well as that of two introduced varieties, H9 (Hungary) and V (Greece). The basic indicators of FCV tobacco quality were analyzed (leaf and smoke chemical composition, external leaf quality elements, smoking quality), and the final evaluation was completed by determining the complex “quality index score”. The results from the study revealed differences in tobacco quality formation, both on a region and variety basis, in terms of leaf and smoke chemical composition, expert and smoking assessment. The final rating of the studied varieties by the complex evaluation procedure was as follows: the best quality level was found for the H9 variety introduced for the region of Plovdiv, followed by PVH19 variety from the same region, the next were PVH19 (Parvomay) and V (Central North Bulgaria) varieties, and the lowest rated was the local Niki variety (Central North Bulgaria)

Thermodynamics of moisture sorption in tobacco (

In this study, the thermodynamic characteristics of tobacco seeds were investigated, based on experimental data from equilibrium moisture isotherms at desorption. An empirical exponential relationship was found for the decrease of the net isosteric heat and the differential entropy, based on the Clausius-Clapeyron equation, in response to the increase in moisture content; the values of the two parameters varied from 31.09 to 1.46 kJ.mol-1 and from 91.53 to 4.29 J.mol-1.K-1, respectively. The linear relationship between the enthalpy and the entropy in the moisture desoption of tobacco seeds supported the validity of the enthalpy-entropy theory. The value of Gibbs free energy was positive and the harmonic temperature (297.5 K) was lower than the isosteric temperature (339.6 K). The outcomes from the study provide for the deeper insight into the process of moisture desorption of tobacco seeds

Assessment of heavy metal levels in roll-your-own cigarette and water pipe tobacco blends

The increased consumption of roll-your-own (RYO) cigarettes and water pipe (hookah), both globally and in Bulgaria, necessitated the current investigation aimed at the assessment of heavy metal levels in the tobacco blends used in those products. The concentrations of Mn, Zn, Cu, Cd, Pb, and Ni were determined by AAS in five brands of RYO tobacco (R1-R5) and seven brands of water pipe tobacco (W1- W7), all distributed on Bulgarian market. The average heavy metal contents (mg/kg) in the two types of tobacco blends, RYO and water pipe, respectively, were as follows: Mn - 214.20 and 37.89; Zn - 31.90 and 134.87; Cu - 12.06 and 10.07; Cd - 0.80 and 1.33; Pb - 1.60 and 3.57; Ni - 1.36 and 0.80. RYO cigarette tobaccos contained higher concentration of Mn, Cu and Ni, while water pipe tobaccos - Zn, Cd and Pb. Strong correlations were found between Cu and Zn (r=0.81), Cu and Cd (r=0.90) in RYO tobacco blends, and between Cu and Zn (r=0.86) - in water pipe blends, respectively. The results from the study give reason to recommend that this information be provided to the consumers, who consider the regarded tobacco products as a safer alternative to conventional cigarettes