Investigation of Changes in the Polyphenol Profile Verified by LC-MS/MS and the Pro-Health Activities of Fruit Smoothie.

SCOPE: Bilberry, bananas, and apples are used for smoothie production because the health-promoting activities and to prevent human diseases including neurodegenerative disorders. The smoothie is prepared to promote a promising practice for increasing the intake of fruit in the diet. METHODS AND RESULTS: The smoothie is packed into dark glass jars, pasteurized, and stored for up to 4 months at 4 or 22 °C. Then, it is analyzed for the polyphenols profile using liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectometry (LC-HRMS) Polyphenols content and the antiinflammatory, anticholinesterase, and antioxidant activities, and the impact on catalase activity are controlled using biochemical analyses. A significant decrease in the flavanol content (p < 0.05) is investigated, while there are lower decreases or no changes in the other polyphenols content in the smoothies stored at 4 °C. The changes in the anticholinesterase and antioxidant activities of the smoothie are correlated with the total polyphenols, anthocyanins, flavonols, and tannins content. CONCLUSION: The proposed preservation of the smoothie and its storage at refrigeration temperature is adequate to maintain the smoothie's nutritional and functional effect for a 4-month shelf life. Even significant changes in the content of individual subgroups of polyphenols are not drastically reflected in the decrease of the smoothie biological activities.

Searching for Optimal Substitute Habitats for Plants by Biological Experiments-A Case Study of the Endangered Species Aldrovanda vesiculosa L. (Droseraceae).

The selection of appropriate locations for the reintroduction of endangered plant species is an important process, because it usually influences the success of the conservation. The aim of this study was to select the optimal substitute habitats for Aldrovanda vesiculosa, taking into account the influence of physical-chemical factors (light intensity, temperature, pH, concentration of dissolved forms of nitrogen and cyanobacterial toxin microcystin-LR) on the efficiency of plant growth. Water analysis and field observations of the habitats of six lakes in Eastern Poland typified as potential substitute habitats for aldrovanda were carried out. The results of the experiments showed that both the concentration and the form in which nitrogen compounds are present in the environment were the factors limiting the growth rate and condition of plants. The second factor that caused the inhibition of aldrovanda growth was microcystin-LR. It was found that the habitat conditions in Lake Brzeziczno were within the ecological tolerance of the species. Particularly important was the low content of mineral compounds and the available forms of nitrogen and phosphorus in the water. Therefore, the probability of development of toxic cyanobacteria, the metabolites of which may affect the growth of A. vesiculosa, is also minimal.