In recent decades, species within the genus Amaranthus L. (amaranth) have garnered growing global interest due to their exceptional nutritional value, functional properties, and agricultural versatility. Traditionally consumed as leafy vegetables or pseudo-cereals, several Amaranthus species are now receiving renewed attention in the context of the development of modern functional foods. This review evaluates the data on nutritional composition, health-promoting properties, and potential applications of Amaranthus spp. in sustainable food systems in peer-reviewed publications from the last 25 years. Amaranth is rich in high-quality proteins, essential amino acids, dietary fibre, vitamins, and minerals, positioning it as a significant factor in addressing malnutrition and enhancing food security. Furthermore, its bioactive compounds, such as flavonoids, phenolic acids, and peptides, exhibit antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and hypocholesterolemic activities, suggesting its potential as a part of healthy diets, alleviating the risk of non-communicable diseases. The presence of anti-nutritional factors, including saponins, phytates, and oxalates, has also been explored, with implications for nutrient bioavailability and overall health effects. In addition to its nutritional advantages, Amaranthus spp. demonstrate strong adaptability to diverse climatic conditions, thus performing as a crop resilient under climate stress. Their olfactory and sensory attributes are also considered important for consumers’ acceptance and market integration. By synthesising traditional knowledge and contemporary scientific research, this review underscores the potential of Amaranthus spp. as a multifunctional food source that could support health promotion, climate resilience, and agricultural sustainability.

Worldwide, the genus Echium L. (Boraginaceae) is represented by over 60 species of herbaceous plants and shrubs. The species are widely distributed all around the Mediterranean basin, Europe, and the Macaronesian Islands and are known for their analgesic, diuretic, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and antitumor properties. In traditional medicine, they are widely used as a wound-healing and anti-inflammatory agent, for respiratory problems and problems related to mental health, and for general abrasions and fissures of the hands. Four species are naturally distributed in Bulgaria—E. russicum J.F. Gmel., E. vulgare L., E. italicum L., E. plantagineum L., the first three being medicinal. The review aims to summarize the literature describing the content of biologically active substances and the therapeutic effects of Echium spp., with an emphasis on medicinal species distributed in Bulgaria. The content of biologically active substances was monitored, in particular, terpenes, phenolic compounds, flavonoids, naphthoquinones, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, and pyrrolizidine alkaloids. The relationship between bioactive compounds, biological activities, and medicinal uses was researched. After the analysis made in the present review, it can be summarized: Despite extensive research, knowledge of their pharmacological potential is still incomplete. An attempt has therefore been made to outline directions for future research.

This study evaluates the impact of recirculating aquaponic cultivation on the biochemical, mineral, and antioxidant profiles of Swiss chard (Beta vulgaris var. cicla) integrated with Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus), which serves as a source of nutrients through metabolic waste transformation within the system. Water quality parameters and microbiological testing confirmed efficient nitrification and system safety, with no Escherichia coli detected. Results showed that aquaponic cultivation yields a high nutritional value of Swiss chard, yielding high crude protein (31.4% DW) and mineral-rich biomass (ash 22.8% DW). Substantial concentrations of essential elements were recorded, including Ca, Mg, Fe (253.7 mg/kg DW), Zn, and Cu, suggesting high ionic bioavailability in the recirculating system. Physiological stability was reflected by a chlorophyll a content of 4.74 mg/g DW. Furthermore, the plants exhibited a robust phytochemical profile, with total phenolics (4.13 mg GAE/g DW) and flavonoids (5.18 mg QE/g DW) driving strong antioxidant activity (93.1% ABTS inhibition). These findings demonstrate that integrated aquaponic systems function as effective nutrient bioreactors, supporting high plant functional quality while supporting sustainable food production. The results validate aquaponics as a viable, climate-smart strategy for high-quality leafy vegetable cultivation within a circular bioeconomy framework.

In this study, one of the main problems related to the development of new foods and the improvement of existing staple foods is examined. The effect of stalk pigweed flour in relation to the main raw material, wheat flour, at levels of 0%, 5%, 10%, and 15% was evaluated with respect to key characteristics of flour mixtures, dough, and biscuits with this additive. A selection of informative features was made, revealing that out of the 39 studied parameters, covering sensory, physicochemical, geometric, colorimetric, and spectral characteristics, only 19 proved to be informative. Principal component analysis showed that the relationship between amaranth green powder (AGP) concentration and the first two principal components explained up to 99% of the variance. The optimal addition level of 7.17% AGP was identified based on the convergence of biscuit characteristics. pH decreased from 6.55 to 6.28, electrical conductivity increased from 1075 to 3759 µS/cm, and sensory scores for aroma and taste peaked near 7% before declining at higher concentrations. It was demonstrated that the relationship between the amount of amaranth in biscuits and the first two principal components can be described with up to 99% accuracy. It was determined that the optimal amount of amaranth flour in biscuits is +7.17%. The results obtained provide a basis for further research into the rapid automated analysis of biscuits with added pigweed flour, which will contribute to the development of new foods with improved characteristics. It is suggested to carry out more research to study the effect of flours from other amaranth types, enhancing different varieties and cultivated in diverse ecological regions. This work also explores the viability of pigweed as a nutritious and sustainable flour alternative while providing a multivariate approach in view of newly developed bakery formulations.

Agroforestry is increasingly recognized as a multifunctional approach to sustainable land management, climate adaptation, and biodiversity conservation. However, empirical evidence evaluating agroforestry systems in Southeast Europe and the Balkan mountain landscapes remains limited. This study presents a case study from the Strandzha Mountains (Bulgaria) investigating the capacity of agroforestry systems to enhance ecosystem services, biodiversity conservation, and landscape resilience within a Living Lab framework established under the REFOREST project. A multidisciplinary comparative analysis was conducted across three land-use systems: an agroforestry apiary system, silvopastoral permanent pasture, and conventional rapeseed monoculture. The assessment integrated physicochemical soil quality indicators, biological soil assessment using the QBS-ar index, floristic and phenological surveys (2023–2025), and forage productivity analysis. The agroforestry and silvopastoral systems demonstrated substantially higher ecological quality (65–67/100) than intensive agricultural management (43/100). The apiary system exhibited the highest soil organic matter content (5.3%) and elevated biological soil quality (QBS-ar = 45), characterized by specialist euedaphic taxa such as Protura, which indicates low anthropogenic disturbance. Floristic surveys documented 210 vascular plant species, including the tertiary relict Vaccinium arctostaphylos and protected orchids (Anacamptis papilionacea and Ophrys cornuta), identifying these systems as important micro-refugia for regional biodiversity conservation. Phenological analyses further revealed a stable flowering continuum that supports pollinator networks throughout the growing season. Agroforestry systems in the Strandzha Mountains effectively integrate productive land use with biodiversity conservation and ecosystem resilience, providing a climate-adaptive and empirically validated framework for sustainable land management in Southeast Europe.