Determining the geographic origin of potatoes using mineral and trace element content.

To characterize potatoes according to their geographic origin and variety, 10 mineral and trace elements (Mg, Cr, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, Sr, Cd, and Ba) were determined in Italian potato samples. The data collected were successively elaborated using statistical techniques, namely, linear discriminant analysis (LDA). LDA was able to classify and discriminate the potatoes from Fucino both from those of other areas of Italy and from those of the four provinces of Abruzzo. A net separation between the Fucino potatoes and those of the other areas of Abruzzo was observed. LDA discriminated also the three potato varieties cultivated in the Fucino basin. The presence of these 10 mineral and trace elements was a good means for establishing the geographical place of origin of Fucino potatoes.

Crocetin from saffron: an active component of an ancient spice.

The known properties of saffron (Crocus sativus, L.) and its components have been examined. Recently, hormone like effects in green algae and the anti-cancerogenic and anti-toxic effects, have been observed. In particular, the effects of crocetin, a carotenoids (8,8'-diapo-8,8'-carotenoic acid) present in saffron and characterized by a diterpenic and symmetrical structure with seven double bonds and four methyl groups, have been taken into consideration. It has been found that this compound enhances the oxygen diffusivity through liquids, such as plasma. As a consequence of this property, it has been observed that crocetin increases alveolar oxygen transport and enhances pulmonary oxygenation. It improves cerebral oxygenation in hemorrhaged rats and positively acts in the atherosclerosis and arthritis treatment. It inhibits skin tumor promotion in mice (i.e., with benzo(a)pyrene); it has an inhibitory effect on intracellular nucleic acid and protein synthesis in malignant cells, as well as on protein-kinase-C and prorooncogene in INNIH/3T3 cells. This is most likely due to its anti-oxidant activity. Furthermore, crocetin protects against oxidative damage in rat primary hepatocytes. It also suppresses aflatoxin B1-induced hepatotoxic lesions and has a modulatory effect on aflatoxin, B1 cytotoxicity, and DNA adduct formation on C3H10/T1/2 fibroblast cells. It also has a protective effect on the bladder toxicity, induced by cyclophosphamide. The experiments reported in the scientific literature and the interesting results obtained have been carried out in vitro or on laboratory animals, but not yet on man.

Effects of resveratrol on lymphocyte proliferation and cytokine release.

Resveratrol, synthesized in dietary plants and contained in wine, has been reported to play a beneficial role in certain cardiovascular regulatory mechanisms and to inhibit carcinogenesis by activating immune and inflammatory responses and apoptosis. The object of this study was to elucidate the "in vitro" effects of different concentrations of resveratrol (10(-4), 10(-5), and 10(-7) M) on human peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) proliferation and cytokine release. Spontaneous PBMC proliferation was unaffected by resveratrol, while the compound at 10(-4) M inhibited (69%) the PHA-stimulated PBMC proliferation. The proliferation stimulation index (ie, the ratio of PHA-stimulated PBMC proliferation/spontaneous PBMC proliferation) of cultures containing 10(-4) M resveratrol was very low in relation to the control, while the proliferation stimulation index values at 10(-5) and 10(-7) M were similar and slightly higher (without statistical significance), respectively. At 10(-4) M, resveratrol strongly inhibited PHA-stimulated IFN-gamma and TNF-alpha release from PBMC, but it did not cause inhibition at 10(-5) or 10(-7) M. The concomitant immune effects of resveratrol on PBMC proliferation and release of IFN-gamma and TNF-alpha may be explained by an inhibitory effect on transcription factor NF-kappaB. This study suggests that resveratrol, which is typically present in red wine at about 10(-5) M, is unlikely to cause inhibitory immune effects. However, a stimulatory effect of low concentrations of resveratrol on the immune system cannot be excluded.