Mineral composition of marine macroalgae from the Bulgarian Black Sea Coast

The present study focuses on the trace metal and mineral composition analysis of various seaweeds such as Chlorophyceae (Ulva rigida and Chaetomorpha linum), Phaeophyceae (Cystoseira barbata and Cystoseira crinita) and Rhodophyceae (Gelidium crinale) collected from the Bulgarian Black Sea Coast. The concentration ranges found for each sample, were as follows: Na, 2.59-5.90; K, 0.28-10.9, Ca, 5.52-21.4; Mg, 2.31-4.22; Sr, 0.05-1.18 (in mg/g dw); Pb, 0.02-0.12; Cr, 0.02-0.33; Co, 0.02-0.15; Fe, 6.1-105; Zn, 1.30-3.80; Mn, 1.60-29.4; Cu, 0.24-0.91; As, 0.18-1.54; Ni, 0.04-0.11; Ba, 0.01-1.95; Se, 0.004-0.12 (in mg/100 g dw); Hg, 0.01-0.03 and Cd, 0.03-0.34 expressed in ìg/g dw. Among species analyzed, green algae Chaetomorpha linum and Ulva rigida showed the maximum contents of mineral elements such as Mg, Na, Cr, Co, Fe, Mn, As, Pb and Hg, red alga Gelidium crinale - Cu, Zn and Se, while brown algae Cystoseira barbata and Cystoseira crinita - Ni, Cd, Ca, K, Sr and Ba. Mineral composition of different Black Sea macroalgae species was found relatively higher as compared to the land vegetables as well as to other edible seaweeds. They could  herefore be used as food supplement or as a spice to improve the nutritive value in animal or human diet

Assessment of Proximate and Bioactive Lipid Composition of Black Sea Mussels (M. galloprovincialis) from Bulgaria

Farmed marine mussels from genera Mytilus are important for the human diet by providing high levels of proteins, omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), fat soluble vitamins and carbohydrates. Recently, black mussels are commercially important species from the Bulgarian Black Sea. The aim of this study was to assess the seasonal changes in proximate composition and to focus on the lipid bioactive components such as fatty acids, cholesterol, fat-soluble vitamins (A, E and D3), and carotenoids (astaxanthin, beta-carotene) in farmed mussels (M. galloprovincialis) from the northern part of the Bulgarian Black Sea coast. All analyzed samples presented high protein and low lipid content. The fatty acids (FA) profile was characterized by the highest amount of PUFA, as 22:6 omega-3 (n-3) dominated, regardless of the seasons. In all seasons, the content of n-3 was significantly higher than the omega-6 PUFA. The amounts of cholesterol were in the range 62.3 (summer) to 78 (autumn) mg 100−1 g ww. The highest amounts of vitamin D3 (3.1 μg 100−1 g ww), vitamin E (2525 μg 100−1 g ww), astaxanthin (0.470 mg 100−1 g ww), and beta-carotene (0.445 mg 100−1 g ww) were found in the summer season. The studied mussel aquaculture from Bulgaria presented a high beneficial potential in all seasons in terms of human health protection

Phenolic compounds in edible plants

През последните години значително нараства интересът към изследването на химичния състав на ядливи растения, особено на съдържанието им на биологично активни съединения с лечебно-протективен потенциал. Такива растения традиционно се използват както в европейската, така и в азиатската култура за подобряване на аромата и вкуса, както и за обогатяване на хранителната стойност на ястията. Ядливите растения се консумират както в сурово състояние като салати, добавки, подправки, гарнитури, така и след термична обработка. Важна характеристика на ядивните растения е голямото разнообразие на естествени биологично активни вещества - включително флавоноиди и фенолни киселини, антоцианини и др., които се съдържат в листата или други техни части. Полифенолите са голяма група вторични растителни метаболити. Най-често срещаните фенолни съединения в растителната храна са фенолните киселини и флавоноидите. Известно е, че приемът на фенолни съединения влияе позитивно върху човешкото здраве. Тази група вещества се характеризира с доказани противовъзпалителни, противоалергични и противовирусни свойства, както и с потенциал за превенция на някои сърдечно-съдови заболявания, хипертония, диабет и др. Тези свойства се дължат на двойната роля на фенолните съединения - като антиоксиданти и като субстрати. В България има сравнително малко и ограничена информация за състава на полифенолни киселини и флавоноиди в ядливи растения. Разширяване обхвата на подобна информация би предоставило възможност за информиран избор храна от страна на консуматора, както и употребата им във фармацията (фитотерапия, лечебна козметика), включване в лечебни хранителни режими - като хранителни добавки и компоненти на функционални храни и др.In recent years, the scientific interest about chemical composition of edible plants, especially their content of biologically active compounds with health protection potential, has grown considerably. Such plants are traditionally used in both European and Asian cultures - to improve flavor and taste and to enrich the nutritional value of the dishes. Edible plants are consumed in both states - raw (e.g. in salads), additives (e.g. spices, seasoning), and after thermal treatment. An important characteristic of the edible plants is the wide variety of natural biologically active ingredients - including flavonoids and phenolic acids, anthocyanin, etc. contained in the leaves or other parts. Polyphenols are a large group of secondary plant metabolites. The most common phenolic compounds in plant food are phenolic acids and flavonoids. It is known that the phenolic compounds uptake affects human health positively. This substance group is characterized by proven anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic and antiviral properties, as well as potential for the certain cardiovascular diseases prevention, hypertension, diabetes and others. These properties are due to the phenolic compounds` dual role - as antioxidants and as substrates. In Bulgaria there is limited information on the polyphenolic acids` and flavonoids` composition of the edible plants. Expanding the range of such information would provide consumers with an informed choice for healthy life. This would give the opportunity for plant uses in pharmacy (phytotherapy, medicinal cosmetics), inclusion in balanced and healthy diet, as nutritional supplements and functional foods, etc

DPPH antiradical activity and total phenolic content of methanol and ethanol extracts from macroalgae (Ulva rigida) and microalgae (Chlorella)

Introduction: Algae are widely popular as dietary supplement. Furthermore, they can be a great source of antioxidants (pigments, alkaloids, carotenoids, phenolic acids, sulfated polysaccharides and long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids etc.) and can be used instead of synthetic ones. The different nutrient compositions of algae depend on class, species, habitats, maturity, and environmental conditions.Aim: The present study aims to investigate the differences in the antioxidant activity (AOA) and total phenolic content (TPC) of macroalgae Ulva rigida from the Black Sea and microalgae Chlorella. In addition, the obtained results will show their potential as natural sources of antioxidants.Materials and Methods: The marine macroalgae Ulva rigida and the microalgae Chlorella were used to perform different solvent extracts, which were analyzed for antiradical activity and total phenol content.Results and Discussion: All analyzed extracts (methanol and ethanol) showed positive results of the DPPH test and TPC. Both methanol extracts of microalgae Chlorella and macroalgae Ulva rigida had higher scavenging effect on used radicals for antioxidant activity compared to both ethanol extracts of the same plant material. The results show high potential as natural source of antioxidants of both algae species due perhaps to the phenolic content and other compounds having antioxidant activity.Conclusion: Both Ulva rigida and Chlorella can be used as a source of antioxidants and phenolic acids, which can be added to new functional foods and supplements, as well as be the basis of pharmaceutical and cosmetic products

BLACK SEA RAPANA VENOSA – A PROMISING SOURCE OF ESSENTIAL LIPIDS

Background: A diet rich in seafood has been linked to a variety of health benefits. While worldwide overfishing results in declining fish stocks, the growing demand for alternative sources of marine lipids has been expected. Rapana venosa (veined Rapa whelk) has become valuable seafood with nutritional and economic importance in the Black Sea region. Purpose: The aim of the present study was to provide knowledge about biologically active lipids in Black Sea Rapana venosa, harvested in the region of Varna. Material/Methods: Lipid classes were separated and purified by column and thin-layer chromatography. The saponifiable lipid fraction was derivatized into fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs) and analysed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Non-saponifiable lipids were identified by high pressure liquid chromatography coupled with UV/Vis and fluorescence detectors (HPLC-UV-FL). Results: Rapana venosa was characterized by low lipid content (0.50 g.100g-1 ww) with beneficial PUFA/SFA and n-6/n-3 ratios and high content of vitamin D3 and astaxanthin. Lipids comprised mainly of polar lipids. Polyunsaturated fatty acids represented more than 50% of total fatty acids, most abundant being from the omega-3 series. Sum of EPA and DHA accounted at 40.8% of total fatty acids. Lipid quality indices indicated the good anti-atherogenic and atni-trombogenic properties (AI and TI < 1) of rapana meat. Conclusions: The study revealed that Rapana venosa from the Black Sea is a good source of high quality marine lipids and presents а high potential for developing functional foods and/or dietary supplements with beneficial health effects

Determination of biologically active substances in Black Sea algae//Определяне на биологично активни вещества в черноморски водорасли

[EN] Marine organisms, especially marine algae are one of the most complete and natural food sources rich in a number of vital biologically active compounds, including polyunsaturated fatty acids, sterols, proteins, polysaccharides, antioxidants, pigments among others. Various biologically active substances in algae and valuable applications of algae in practice are described in the literature review. Among the biologically active substances lipids, in particular basic and essential fatty acids, phospholipids, sterols, fat-soluble vitamins and macro- and trace elements contents in macroalgae are discussed. The aim of the thesis is to study different species of Black Sea macroalgae as sources of various biologically active substances and nutrients in relation to their use for the production of food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic products. Taxonomy of the seaweeds is described. Results were obtained for the fatty acid profile of total lipids, individual phospholipids and sterol esters. This thesis incestigates the content of fat-soluble vitamins and carotenoids (?-tocopherol, ?-carotene and astaxanthin) in the Black Sea algae selected. The final step is to perform an evaluation of the potential of the Black Sea algae as raw materials for food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries, showing that they are a very good source of the biologically active substances and essential nutrients investigated.[BG] Морските организми, в това число и водораслите са едни от най-пълноценните природни хранителни източници и са богати на редица жизнено важни биологично активни съединения, сред които полиненаситени мастни киселини, стероли, протеини, полизахариди, антиоксиданти, пигменти и др. В литературния обзор са разгледани биологично активните вещества, съдържащи се във водораслите, както и приложението на водораслите в практиката. От биологично активните вещества са разгледани липидите, в частност основните и незаменими мастни киселини, фосфолипидите, стеролите, мастноразтворимите витамини и основните макро- и микроелементи, съдържащи се в различните видове водорасли. Основната цел на дисертационния труд е изследване на различни видове черноморски водорасли за съдържание на биологично активни вещества и биогенни елементи във връзка с използването им за производството на хранителни, фармацевтични и козметични продукти. Представени са таксонометрични данни за изследваните видове водорасли. Получени са резултати за мастнокиселинния профил на общите липиди, индивидуалните фосфолипиди и стероловите естери. Изследвано е съдържанието на мастноразтворими витамини и каротеноиди (?-токоферол, ?-каротен и астаксантин). Направена е оценка на потенциала на черноморските водорасли като суровини за производството на хранителни, фармацевтични и козметични продукти, която показва, че те са един много добър източник на редица биологично активни вещества и биогенни елементи

Polyunsaturated fatty acids for the heart - powerful tools for prevention and therapy

През последните 20 години е установено съществуването на пряка връзка между консумирането на морски храни и намаляването на риска от развитие на сърдечно-съдови заболявания (ССЗ). Полиненаситените мастни киселини, като ейкозапентаеновата (EPA) и докозахексаеновата киселина (DHA), привличат все по-голям интерес поради своите добре установени биологично активни свойства. Според редица здравни организации (WHO, EFSA, AHA) оптималната доза за прием на EPA + DHA е около 500 до 1000 mg на ден. Основният източник на тези физиологично важни мастни киселини е мазната риба, но консумацията на риба в България е относително ниска в сравнение с други европейски страни. Дълговерижните омега-3 полиненаситени мастни киселини стават все по-важна част от правилната и здравословна диета. Настоящото проучване представя информация за съдържанието на омега-3 мастни киселини в най-често срещаните черноморски видове риби на българския пазар.Over the past 20 years, it became clearly evident that there is a direct correlation between seafood consumption and reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Polyunsaturated fatty acids, such as eicosapentaenoic (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) have been attracting huge interest because of their well-established biologically active properties. According to various health organizations (WHO, EFSA, AHA), the optimal dose of EPA + DHA dietary intake is about 500 to 1000 mg per day. Oily fish is the main source of these physiologically important fatty acids, but the rate of fish consumption in Bulgaria is relatively low. Very long chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids are an important part of a proper and healthy diet. The present paper provides information about omega-3 fatty acid content in the most abundant Black Sea fish species, available on the Bulgarian market

Marine dietary phospholipids - a valuable source of very long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids with protective effect on the cardiovascular system

През последните години морските организми са във фокуса на редица изследвания, свързани със изолиране и идентифициране на нови природни продукти. Те се характеризират с високо съдържание на дълговерижни полиненаситени мастни киселини (ПНМК), фосфолипиди, стероли, мастноразтворими витамини и др. Морските липиди са богати на омега-3 ПНМК, предимно ейкозапентаенова киселина (EPA, 20:5n-3) и докозахексаенова киселина (DHA, 22:6n-3), които имат клинично доказани благоприятни ефекти върху сърдечно-съдовото здраве.Напоследък все по-голямо внимание се обръща на морски организми, богати на омега-3 мастни киселини, свързани под формата на фосфолипиди, т.к. свързани с фосфолипидите те се усвояват по-лесно и по-пълноценно в стомашно-чревният тракт поради факта, че фосфолипидите са естествени емулгатори, подобряващи резорбцията на хранителните вещества при човека.In recent years, marine organisms have been in the focus of numerous studies related to identification and extraction of new natural products. They are characterized by high content of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), phospholipids, sterols, fat-soluble vitamins and others. Marine lipids are rich in omega-3 PUFA, predominantly eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, 20: 5n-3) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22: 6n-3) that has shown to have many beneficial effects on the cardiovascular system.More and more attention has recently been paid to marine organisms high in omega-3 fatty acids bonded to phospholipids because they are more digestible in the gastrointestinal tract due to the fact that phospholipids are natural emulsifiers that improve the absorption of nutrients in humans