Seaweeds exhibit high nutritional value due to a balanced concentration of proteins, vitamins and minerals, a high concentration of low digestibility polysaccharides, and reduced levels of lipids, many of which are n-3 and n-6 fatty acids. The species Agarophyton vermiculophyllum is no exception and, as such, a comprehensive study of the chemical and nutritional profile of this red seaweed was carried out for 1 year. Seasonal variations in moisture, ash, protein and amino acids content, crude fibers, ascorbic acid, agar, lipids, and the corresponding fatty acid profile, were analyzed. We found low levels of fatty acids and a high protein content, but also noticed interesting seasonal change patterns in these compounds. The present study gives insights on the environmental conditions that can lead to changes in the nutritional composition of this species, aiming, therefore, to bring new conclusions about the manipulation of environmental conditions that allow for maximizing the nutritional value of this seaweed.

Helichrysum italicum (H. italicum) is a halophyte shrub with bright yellow flowers with a strong curry-like aroma. The essential oils of H. italicum have been used in the production of cosmetics and pharmaceuticals, due to their antiallergic and anti-inflammatory properties. In the agri-food sector, H. italicum flowers can be used for seasoning and flavoring food, and as natural food preservatives. Here, we report on the composition, bioactive compounds, and nutritive value of H. italicum flowers. Flowers were mainly composed of carbohydrates (>80 % dry weight), followed by minerals (6.31 ± 0.95 % dw), protein (5.44 ± 0.35 % dw), and lipids (3.59 % ± 0.53 % dw). High percentages of Fe, Zn, Ca, and K were found in the flower material, along with a high content in antioxidants, polyphenols, and carotenoids, as corroborated by the nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) data. Flowers were mainly composed of saturated fatty acids (SFAs) (54.50 ± 0.95 % of total FA), followed by polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) (37.73 ± 1.25 % of total FA) and monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) (7.77 ± 0.34 %), as detected by gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The omega-6 PUFA linoleic acid (22.55 ± 0.76 % of total FA) was the most abundant fatty acid found. Flower extracts showed antimicrobial activity against Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Komagataella phaffii, as well as against Gram-negative (Klebsiella pneumoniae) and Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus) bacteria. H. italicum flower material was nontoxic to human intestinal Caco-2 model cells at concentrations up to 1.0 % w/v.

Crithmum maritimum L. (sea fennel), an edible xerophyte of coastal habitats, is considered an emerging cash crop for biosaline agriculture due to its salt-tolerance ability and potential applications in the agri-food sector. Here, the nutritional value and bioactive properties of sea fennel are described. Sea fennel leaves, flowers, and schizocarps are composed of carbohydrates (>65%) followed by ash, proteins, and lipids. Sea fennel’s salty, succulent leaves are a source of omega-6 and omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, especially linoleic acid. Extracts obtained from flowers and fruits/schizocarps are rich in antioxidants and polyphenols and show antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermis, Candida albicans, and Candida parapsilosis. Plant material is particularly rich in sodium (Na) but also in other nutritionally relevant minerals, such as calcium (Ca), chlorine (Cl), potassium (K), phosphorus (P), and sulfur (S), beyond presenting a potential prebiotic effect on Lactobacillus bulgaricus and being nontoxic to human intestinal epithelial Caco-2 model cells, up to 1.0% (w/v). Hence, the rational use of sea fennel can bring nutrients, aroma, and flavor to culinary dishes while balancing microbiomes and contributing to expanding the shelf life of food products.

Crithmum maritimum L., or sea fennel, is an edible halophyte plant, rich in phenolic compounds with antioxidant and antimicrobial activities, that naturally grows in Mediterranean coasts. This study aims to incorporate bioactive compounds extracted from lyophilized Crithmum maritimum to sunflower oil assisted by ultrasounds (UAE), to improve its biological value and oxidative stability. UAE conditions were optimized as a function of time (5–20 min) and lyophilized plant concentration (5–20% m/v). The experiments were dictated by a central composite rotatable matrix. Oxidation products were not influenced by UAE conditions. Acidity, chlorophyll, and carotenoid contents were affected by both factors, while total phenols, flavonoids, and antioxidant activity (FRAP method) only increased with plant concentration. Response surfaces were fitted to these experimental results. Flavonoids were highly related with oil antioxidant activity. No sensory defects were detected in supplemented oil (12.5% m/v plant/5 min UAE). The oxidative stability of this oil was evaluated at 60 °C/12 days. Chlorophylls, phenols, radical scavenging (DPPH), and antioxidant activities decreased over time but were always higher than the values in non-supplemented oil (8.6 and 7-fold with FRAP and DPPH, respectively). C. maritimum presented high amounts of bioactive compounds with antioxidant activity, adequate for sunflower oil supplementation by UAE.