Since the late 18th century, molecular hydrogen (H₂) has been shown to be well tolerated, firstly in animals, and then in humans. However, although research into the beneficial effects of molecular hydrogen in both plant and mammalian physiology is gaining momentum, the idea of utilising this electrochemically neutral and non-polar diatomic compound for the benefit of health has yet to be widely accepted by regulatory bodies worldwide. Due to the precise mechanisms of H₂ activity being as yet undefined, the lack of primary target identification, coupled with difficulties regarding administration methods (e.g., dosage and dosage frequencies, long-term effects of treatment, and the patient’s innate antioxidant profile), there is a requirement for H₂ research to evidence how it can reasonably and most effectively be incorporated into medical practice. This review collates and assesses the current information regarding the many routes of molecular hydrogen administration in animals and humans, whilst evaluating how targeted delivery methods could be integrated into a modern healthcare system.

Drink spiking is a significant public safety issue, often linked to crimes such as theft and sexual assault. The detection of drugs used in these incidents is challenging due to the low concentrations (<ng) and complex matrices involved. This review explores the application of gas chromatography (GC) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) to identify drugs in spiked beverages. GC-MS offers high sensitivity and specificity, and is capable of detecting drugs at ng/mL levels and distinguishing between compounds with similar structures. This review highlights the advantages of GC-MS, including its ability to simultaneously analyze multiple substances and provide detailed molecular information. Various methods for detecting gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB), benzodiazepines, and other drugs in beverages are discussed, emphasizing the importance of derivatization to enhance their volatility and the method’s chromatographic performance. The paper also addresses the challenges of analyzing complex beverage matrices and the need for continuous improvement in detection techniques to keep pace with the evolving drug market. Overall, GC and GC-MS are powerful tools for forensic analysis in drink spiking cases, offering reliable and accurate results, which are essential for legal and investigative processes.

Italian Riesling is a grapevine (Vitis vinifera) cultivar widely grown in Transylvania vineyards. During the winemaking process, grape pomace (GP) is generated. This study aimed to exploit the potential of the Italian Riesling GP through its composition in polyphenols and fatty acids, as well as its antioxidant activity. Thus, two Italian Riesling GPs from two distinct Transylvanian microclimates (Crăciunelu de Jos and Ciumbrud) were analysed in terms of their phenolic and fatty acid composition and antioxidant activity while considering the influence of their respective microclimates. Every vineyard has unique geographical and meteorological characteristics that significantly influence grape production and consequently the structure of the resultant pomace. For example, Ciumbrud has a warmer, drier microclimate, whereas Crăciunelu de Jos has a colder, more humid environment. Biochemically, GP from Ciumbrud Italian Riesling grapes (RICI) contained greater amounts of gallic acid, total phenolic acids, and procyanidins and presented improved antioxidant activities, as reflected by DPPH˙, ABTS˙⁺, CUPRAC, and FRAP assays. RICI pomace also possessed a better fatty acid profile with higher oleic and linolenic acid levels, leading to a lower thrombogenicity index (TI) and a better PUFAω-6/PUFA ω-3 ratio. However, GP produced from Crăciunelu de Jos Italian Riesling grapes (RICR) possessed more catechin, epicatechin, epicatechin gallate, total flavanols, and higher COX values. The findings demonstrate that the two GPs have significant and distinct nutritional content, highlighting them as valuable resources for food consumption, providing benefits to consumers’ health.

Grape pomace (GP), a significant by-product of winemaking, is gaining increasing recognition for its potential as a source of bioactive compounds with antioxidant and cardioprotective properties. This study aimed to characterize the polyphenolic profile, fatty acid composition, and antioxidant activity of 17 GP samples from Transylvanian cultivars. Polyphenolic content was determined using the Folin–Ciocalteu method and high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with diode array detection and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (HPLC–DAD–ESI MS) analysis. Fatty acid composition was analyzed using gas chromatography with flame ionization detection (GC–FID). Antioxidant capacity was assessed using five methods, which included the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging, 2,2′-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothialzoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) radical scavenging, ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), cupric ion reducing antioxidant capacity (CUPRAC), and reducing power (RP) assays. Additionally, all extracts were analyzed by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy to identify the presence of functional groups and chemical bonds associated with bioactive compounds. The results showed that Neuburger (NE), Radames (RA), and Regent (RE) cultivars had the highest phenolic concentrations, particularly of catechin, epicatechin, and procyanidin dimers. NE and Feteascǎ Regalǎ (FR) exhibited the greatest radical scavenging and electron transfer activities across multiple antioxidant assays. Rose Blaj (RB) and Astra (AS) displayed the most favorable fatty acid profiles, with high unsaturated-to-saturated fatty acid (UFA/SFA) and hypocholesterolemic-to-hypercholesterolemic fatty acid (H/H) ratios, as well as low atherogenicity (AI) and thrombogenicity (TI) indices, suggesting cardioprotective potential. Additionally, RB and NE cultivars also demonstrated a strong chelation of Cu²⁺ and Fe²⁺ ions, enhancing their antioxidant efficacy by mitigating metal-catalyzed oxidative stress. These findings underscore the potential of GP, particularly from NE, RB, RA, and AS cultivars, the last three of which were homologated in Transylvania at SCDVV Blaj, as valuable sources of health-promoting compounds for use in food, nutraceuticals, and other health-related applications.

Drink spiking is a significant public safety issue, often linked to crimes such as theft and sexual assault. The detection of drugs used in these incidents is challenging due to the low concentrations (<ng) and complex matrices involved. This review explores the application of gas chromatography (GC) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) for identifying drugs in spiked beverages. GC-MS offers high sensitivity and specificity, capable of detecting drugs at ng/mL levels and distinguishing between compounds with similar structures. The review highlights the advantages of GC-MS, including its ability to analyze multiple substances simultaneously and provide detailed molecular information. Various methods for detecting gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB), benzodiazepines, and other drugs in beverages are discussed, emphasizing the importance of derivatization to enhance volatility and chromatographic performance. The paper also addresses the challenges of analyzing complex beverage matrices and the need for continuous improvement in detection techniques to keep pace with the evolving drug market. Overall, GC and GC-MS are powerful tools for forensic analysis in drink spiking cases, offering reliable and accurate results essential for legal and investigative processes.