A significant increase in interest in new, naturally occurring sources of antioxidants is evident not only in the food industry but also in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. Plant sources such as fruits, both traditional and less common, are often investigated. Goji berries (Lycium barbarum, Lycium chinense, and Lycium ruthenicum) represent fruits rich in polyphenols, especially phenolic acids (38.91 to 455.57 mg/kg FW) and flavonoids, with black goji berries (L. ruthenicum) containing a predominance of anthocyanins (119.60 to 1112.25 mg/kg FW). In this review, a comparison of polyphenol occurrence and content in the orange-red and black berries of L. barbarum, L. chinense, and L. ruthenicum is described. Goji berries represent a valuable source of nutrients and bioactive compounds that manifest a wide range of health-promoting effects. These benefits represent antioxidant, neuroprotective, and cytoprotective impacts, with effects on the metabolic control of glucose and lipids. This review is focused on an overview of the polyphenolic compounds occurring in these fruits, as well as their antioxidant activity and health benefits.

Risk elements in blood matrices can affect human health status through associations with biomarkers at multiple levels. The aim of this study was to analyze 15 macro- and microelements in the blood serum of women with overweight (BMI of ≥25 kg/m²) and obesity (BMI of ≥30 kg/m²) and to examine possible associations with biochemical, liver enzymatic parameters, and markers of oxidative stress. Based on the power calculation, the study involved women (in the postmenopausal stage) with overweight (n = 26) and obesity (n = 22), aged between 50–65 years. Multifrequency bioelectrical impedance analysis was used to measure body composition parameters. Concentrations of elements were determined by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry, and Hg was measured using cold-vapor atomic absorption spectroscopy. Individuals with obesity, as indicated by a higher BMI, percentage of body fat, and visceral fat area, had elevated serum levels of Ca, Mg, Fe, Al, Sr, Pb, and Hg. Concentrations of Al, Cu, K, Sb, Zn, and Pb significantly affected biochemical and liver function markers in women with overweight or obesity. Elements such as Cu and Al were associated with increased total cholesterol. The correlation analysis between total antioxidant status and Cu, Al, and Ni confirmed associations in both groups. Our findings underscore the importance of addressing excess body weight and obesity in relation to risk elements. The results of the research could be beneficial in identifying potential targets for the treatment or prevention of comorbidities in people with obesity.

This study assessed the potential of dried Cayenne pepper (CP; Capsicum annuum L.) as a natural additive to rice bran oil (RBO), grape seed oil (GSO), and virgin olive oil (OO). Key analyses included peroxide and acid values, oxidative stability (Rancimat method), the composition of fatty acids (FAs) (GC-FID method), antioxidant activity (AA; DPPH method), and antimicrobial properties (disc diffusion method). Capsaicin and the dihydrocapsaicin contents in CP were quantified (HPLC-DAD method) as 1499.37 ± 3.64 and 1449.04 ± 5.14 mg/kg DW, respectively. Oleic acid (C18:1cis n9) dominated in OO (69.70%), OO-CP (69.73%), and RBO-CP (38.97%), while linoleic acid (C18:2cis n6) prevailed in RBO (41.34%), GSO (57.93%), and GSO-CP (58.03%). The addition of CP influenced the FA profile, particularly linoleic acid in OO and RBO, and all FAs in GSO. Peroxide and acid values increased significantly in RBO and GSO upon CP addition, but induction times remained unaffected. The strongest AA (77.00 ± 0.13%) was observed in OO-CP. Cayenne pepper significantly enhanced the antioxidant profiles of all oils compared to the counterparts. However, the antimicrobial activity was weak (≤5.0 mm inhibition zones) against tested microorganisms. These findings support CP as a functional additive for enhancing the nutritional and functional properties of gourmet oils, while highlighting the need for further optimization to improve stability and bioactivity.

This study explores milk composition and blood markers in cows across lactation stages. Holstein cows were divided into four groups: beginning of lactation (BL; n = 21), peak of lactation (PL; n = 21), middle of lactation (ML; n = 21), and end of lactation (EL; n = 20). Blood (1 × 15 mL) and milk samples (1 × 100 mL) were collected for biomarker analysis. Blood chemistry profiles were determined using a clinical chemistry analyser, and milk lactose, fat, and protein levels (%) were determined using an infrared absorbance analyser. Minerals (Ca, P, and Mg) in milk were determined by atomic absorption spectrometry after mineralizing the samples. Glucose was higher in the EL group than in the BL group (p < 0.01), whereas D-beta-hydroxybutyrate (D-BHB) was higher in the BL group than in the PL and ML groups (p < 0.001). Cholesterol was higher in the PL, ML, and EL groups than in the BL group (p < 0.001). Gamma-glutamyl transferase was increased in the PL group compared to the BL group. Phosphorus levels were lower in the PL than in the BL group, whereas protein levels were higher in the EL than in the PL group. Spearman and partial correlation analysis showed several significant associations between the observed variables. Using canonical correlation analysis were identified three significant correlations (r_c1 = 0.853; r_c2 = 0.823; r_c3 = 0.739). The main canonical correlation identified blood TG and milk urea as the strongest variables. According to the canonical loading, the biomarkers TG, Mg, urea, cholesterol, and alkaline phosphatase (U1) are the primary variables associated with milk parameters (V1), specifically with milk urea, milk Mg and P, protein, and lactose.

Tiger nuts (Cyperus esculentus L.), also known as chufa or earth almonds, are increasingly recognized not only as a health-promoting functional food but also for their sustainable agricultural benefits. Although their cultivation has a rich history, today they are considered a forgotten agricultural crop. The review particularly focuses on their nutritional profile, bioactive compounds, associated health-promoting activities, and diverse potential applications. Tiger nuts are a valuable source of fibers, vitamins, minerals, and bioactive compounds that offer a wide range of health benefits. These include cardiovascular and metabolic improvements, diabetes prevention, antimicrobial and antioxidant properties, as well as potential anti-carcinogenic and hepatoprotective effects. Additionally, this review highlights their underutilized status, which could support the diversification of food sources and enhance food security. Currently, tiger nuts are regarded as a valuable component of a health-promoting and balanced diet, deserving of greater scientific attention, interest from consumers, and engagement by the food industry. The sustainable cultivation of tiger nuts should be encouraged, along with clinical investigations into their experimentally proven biological activities, to establish safe and effective dosage levels for their potential use in the prevention and treatment of civilization diseases. This paper underscores the importance of further research and promotion of tiger nuts as a valuable resource for the global population.