In this study, leaf extracts from the Green Globe cultivar of artichoke (Cynara scolymus L.), a herbaceous plant of the Asteraceae family, were analyzed to determine the levels of basic nutrients, selected macroelements (K, P, Ca, Mg, and Na) and microelements (Zn, Fe, Mn, Cr, Pb, Cd, and Ni), and their ratios. The antioxidant activity (aa) of the extract was evaluated using ABTS˙⁺ and DPPH˙⁺ radicals and the ferric reducing antioxidant power assay (III) (FRAP). Total polyphenolic content was also determined. Macroelement concentrations in the artichoke leaf extract can be presented in descending order as follows: K > P > Ca > Mg > Na. Microelement content in the extract was as follows: Zn > Fe > Cr > Mn. We determined the ratios of elements in artichoke leaf extracts and compared them against the recommended dietary allowance, adequate intake, or tolerable upper intake level. Mean total phenolic content in artichoke leaf extracts was high – 2795 mg CAE/100 g dry matter (DM). The ABTS˙⁺ assay showed a very high ability of artichoke extract to scavenge free radicals (79.74%), and the antioxidant capacity measured at 1060.8 Trolox/1 g DM. The results show that artichoke extract is a valuable source of minerals and antioxidants that could have applications in the prevention of chronic non-communicable diseases caused by oxidative damage.

In addition to properly balancing nutritional value in accordance with the needs of a dog, estimating the microbiological quality of dog food is crucial in providing healthy and safe foods. The aim of this study was to examine the quality of dry food for adult dogs, with particular reference to: (1) evaluating the nutritional value and compliance with nutritional guidelines for dogs, (2) comparing the nutritional value of dog foods, with particular emphasis on the division into cereal and cereal-free foods, and (3) evaluating their microbiological safety. All thirty-six evaluated dry dog foods met the minimum European Pet Food Industry FEDIAF requirement for total protein and fat content. The total aerobic microbial count in the analyzed dry dog foods ranged from 2.7 × 10² to above 3.0 × 10⁷ cfu/g. In five (14%) dog foods the presence of staphylococci was detected; however, coagulase positive Staphylococcus (CPS) was not found. Mold presence was reported in one cereal-free dog food and in six cereal foods. In none of the analyzed foods Enterobacteriaceae were found, including coliforms, Escherichia coli and Salmonella spp. Bacteria of the genus Listeria and Clostridium as well as yeasts were also not detected. In conclusion, the evaluated dry dog foods had varied microbiological quality. The detected number of microorganisms may have some implications for long-term consumption of contaminated food. The lack of European Commission standards regarding the permissible amounts of microorganisms in pet food may result in insufficient quality control of these products.

The objective of this study was to determine the chemical composition in the dried leaves and the content of bioactive compounds, antioxidant activity as well as the identification of polyphenolic compounds not only in extracts but also in infusions prepared from leaves of selected strains of buckwheat. To the best of our knowledge, it is the first comprehensive and in-depth study, which focuses on identification and quantitative determination of individual polyphenolic compounds of buckwheat leaves. Furthermore, the aim of presented research is to analyse the new, unknown strains of buckwheat. A statistically significant effect of strain on the content of individual components was observed. The extracts contained more polyphenols and were characterized by higher antioxidant activity than infusions. Strains DW15 and DWO Karzel were characterized by one of the highest contents of polyphenols, dietary fibre, protein, ash and antioxidant activity. Phenolic acids (3,5-diCQA, ferulic acid, sinapinic acid, p-coumaric acid), flavanones (hesperidin), flavonoids (isorhamnetin) as well as flavanols (catechin) and flavonols (rutin, quercetin) in the extracts and infusions, were found. Both extracts and infusions were the richest in ferulic acid. These studies indicate that the buckwheat leaves can be used for preparation of various types of tea and can also be introduced for consumers as the source of bioactive compounds.

The aim of our research was to assess the effectiveness of phytoextraction of heavy metals from sewage sludge by ‘Rubik’ and ‘Albik’ varieties of Jerusalem artichoke. The 6-year field experiment involved four levels of fertilization with sewage sludge at doses of 0, 10, 20, 40, and 60 Mg DM sludge ∙ ha^-1. The research evaluated the amount of Jerusalem artichoke yield as well as the uptake and use of heavy metals by the Jerusalem artichoke varieties. It was established that increasing doses of sewage sludge had significantly increased the yield of the Jerusalem artichoke varieties. Increasing doses of sewage sludge also had a significant effect on the increase in the content of heavy metals in aboveground parts of plants. The highest heavy metal uptake with the yield of the Jerusalem artichoke varieties was observed at a dose of 60 Mg DM ∙ ha^-1. Among the tested varieties of Jerusalem artichoke, Albik had higher yield, higher content and uptake of heavy metals, and greater recovery of these elements as compared to Rubik. Therefore, based on the obtained research results, Albik can be recommended for phytosequestration of heavy metals from sewage sludge amended soil.

Plants of the Asteraceae family have been used in traditional medicine for thousands of years. Now, forgotten for some time, they are gaining popularity again. The aim of this study was to determine and compare the proximate composition and antioxidant activity of inflorescences and leaves of Taraxacum officinale F.H. Wigg. (common dandelion), Tanacetum vulgare L. (tansy) and Solidago virgaurea L. (European goldenrod). The content of dry matter, crude protein, crude ash and crude fat was determined according to the Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC). The content of total polyphenols was determined using methanol extracts. Antioxidant activity was determined by three methods. The protein content was the highest in Taraxacum officinale. The fat and ash content increased in the sequence of Solidago virgaurea < Tanacetum vulgare < Taraxacum officinale. The total content of polyphenols in the material and its antioxidant activity (AA) were different between species. Changes were also observed in the morphological parts of the plants. The results of the research encourage the use of not only those parts of plants known but also inflorescences or leaves, which can be excellent ingredients for drugs and other preparations used in medicine or cosmetology and also in the food industry.