Physicochemical Characteristics, Phenol Content and Fatty Acids of Bitter Almond Oil

In this study, physicochemical properties, thermal analyze, viscosity, phenol content and fatty acid composition were investigated. The plant material used comes from a wild plant growing in the wilaya of Béjaïa (Algeria). Almonds oil is considered functional foods for the presence of polyphenols compounds. The physicochemical parameters of the bitter almond oil were: the acidity values vary from 1.389 to 3.559%, peroxide index 19.538meq of active oxygen/ kg of oil, rancimat test PI=15h, total polyphenols= 0.137mg Gallic acid/mg bitter almond oil. The profile of the viscosity of the oils confirming that oil analyzed was Newtonian in nature. The TG/DTG curves showed bitter almond oil thermally stable consistent with the result of oxidative induction time. The fatty acid composition of bitter almond oil reveals the presence of the following fatty acids: gallic acid; hydrobenzoic acid. Catechic acid, isovanilic acid, vanilic acid, salicylic acid, myricetin, quercetin, anthrone and oxacil acid. Of which gallic acid is the majority. The physicochemical properties of the bitter almond oil indicated that it is promotes use in cosmetics and suggested its suitability for industrial purposes.

Investigation of the effect of Prunus Amygdalus Amara on the expression of some genes of apoptosis and immortality in breast cancer cells (MCF-7)

Background: Anti-cancer effects of almond nuts or oil have been approved, but there are a few pieces of research that have evaluated, in detail, almond and other seeds' effects on cancer. Therefore, in the present project, the aim was to explore the regulatory effect of the bitter almond extract (Prunus amygdalus Batsch) on the apoptotic and anti-cancer potency of MCF-7 cells. Objectives: In the current experimental research, the Almond effect on MCF7 cells was evaluated by investigating the expression and the balance between Bcl-2, Bax genes to unmark the potential molecular mechanism. Methods: For 24 and 48h, the MCF7 cells were treated with the bitter almond extract (187.5-3000 µg/mL). MTT assay was used to assess the viability, and Real-time-PCR was applied to determine the expression of Bax and Bcl-2, facing β-actin. Results: Our results revealed a significant difference between different extract concentrations on the viability of MCF7 cell lines in 24 and 48 h; cell viability decreased time-dependently (P < 0.05). After 24 and 48h of extract facing MCF7 cells, the evaluated IC50 value was 3000 and 1500 µg/mL, respectively. Based on Real Time-PCR analysis, after 24 and 48 h, the mRNA levels of BCL-2 decreased by the extract, whereas BAX was in the MCF-7 cell line. Conclusion: From the results, it can be concluded that bitter almond extract has anti-cancer properties that may influence the apoptotic pathways by regulating relative gene expression.

Characterization of Volatile Component Changes in Peas under Different Treatments by GC-IMS and GC-MS

Volatile profiles of peas under 9 kinds of different treatments including native, washing, blanching, precooling, freezing, steaming, boiling, frying, and freeze-drying were characterized by GC-IMS and GC-MS. The differences of volatile compounds in different peas were observed from the characteristic fingerprints by GC-IMS. The Venn diagram found that the common flavor substances codetected by GC-IMS and GC-MS were n-hexanal, nonanal, 1-octene-3-ol, benzaldehyde, 6-methyl-5-hepten-2-one, trans-2-octenal, and 2-ethyl-3,5-dimethylpyrazine, which were speculated to be the key flavor substances of peas. The cluster analysis of the heat map conducted towards the differences of volatile components in peas under different treatments; the results indicated that peas could be mainly divided into four groups, which was consistent with the above conclusion of GC-IMS. Eight sensory descriptors were used to evaluate the aroma notes: sweet flowers, fat fragrance, waxy aldehydes, mushroom hay, roasted potato with nuts, vegetable-like bean, spicy dry tar, and bitter almond from the sensory analysis, and the sensory analysis also showed good agreement with the results of GC-IMS and GC-MS. The results indicated that the volatile compounds of peas under different treatments could be visualized and identified quickly via GC-IMS, and the samples could be clearly classified based on the difference of volatile compounds. Practical Application. In the study, fingerprints coupled with cluster analysis were a visualized method for the identification of volatile compounds. Meanwhile, a new method, the Venn diagram with OAV, was used to identify the key-aroma of products. Finally, a rapid method is established to classify products by GC-IMS. In future practical applications, GC-IMS can be used to classify products from different origins and different manufacturers. Similarly, it can identify fake and inferior products and whether the products have deteriorated. In addition, this research will provide a new strategy to find the relationship between flavor compounds and various processed technology towards different cereals.

Comparative Vegetative, Nutritional and Anatomical Study of Two Almond Varieties Grafted on Bitter Almond and Nemaguard Peach Rootstocks

A comparative study was conducted during the 2017/2018 and 2018/2019 growing seasons for Nonpareil and Ne Plus Ultra almond cvs grafted on Bitter almond and Nemaguard peach rootstocks at the Experimental Research Station of National Research Centre at Nubaria, El Behera governorate, Egypt. The comparison was evaluated through the grafting success percentage, vegetative growth, determination of some leaf mineral composition, as well as, the anatomical examination of scion/rootstock union zone and cross-section of leaves. The obtained results clarified that the grafting success percentage was significantly affected by the different used rootstocks. Using Bitter almond rootstock recorded the highest percentage of grafting success, leaf chlorophyll content, root length, and a number of lateral root /plant in both cultivars. Using Nemaguard peach rootstock recorded significantly the highest values of scion length, stem girth above and below union zone, number of branches and leaves/plant, leaf area as well as seedlings fresh and dry weight. Leaves of both cultivars grafted on Nemaguard peach rootstock recorded the highest concentrations of leaf mineral contents as compared to those grafted on Bitter almond rootstock. Cross-sections of the graft union zone were taken after 28 days and 6 months from grafting for anatomical analysis. The callus cells developed 28 days after grafting, but cambial cells between the rootstock and scion tissues did not occur in all scion/rootstock combinations. After 6 months of grafting, cambial cells were established, vascular differentiation was observed, regular parenchymatic tissue properties and sclerenchyma bundles were seen in the graft union. There was no problem in terms of compatibility of Nonpareil and Ne Plus Ultra on Bitter almond and Nemaguard peach rootstocks. Comparing leaf cross-sections of almond grafted on both rootstocks demonstrated that the density of mesophyll cells was affected as a consequence of the rootstock–scion interaction. Nemaguard peach rootstock can be recommended for grafting Nonpareil and Ne Plus Ultra almond cultivars under Nubaria conditions to produce vigorous trees.

Effect of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium deficiencies on some morphological and physiological properties and nutrient uptake by two almond rootstocks

A soilless culture and completely randomised two-factorial experiment was carried out to investigate the effect of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) deficiencies on macronutrient uptake and to determine some characteristics of Prunus dulcis L. (bitter almond: BA) and Prunus scoparia L. (Alook: AL) seedlings. Seedlings in pots containing perlite were irrigated with half-strength, N-, P- and K-free Hoagland solutions for 12 wk. Results showed that N deficiency decreased the N and Ca levels and increased the K concentration in the shoots of both rootstocks. Phosphorus deficiency decreased N and P concentrations of both seedlings, as well as the Ca and Mg concentrations of BA seedlings. Potassium deficiency decreased the K concentration of the BA seedlings and decreased N, K and Ca concentrations of the AL seedlings. In the BA seedlings, only the fresh weight of the shoot decreased under the P deficiency condition; the other morphological traits of shoots in this genotype and none of the traits in the AL seedlings were affected by P deficiency. Furthermore, both the rootstocks can maintain their optimal growth even at very low concentration of K; this shows that both rootstocks consume K in a luxurious way. Under nutrient-deficient conditions, the AL seedling has greater ability to maintain the N concentration or uptake it more than the BA seedling. The N P and K deficiency conditions disturbed the electron transfer cycle of photosystem II in the AL leaves and caused a response. Most root traits of the AL seedling were not changed under nutrient deficiency, and this indicates a high tolerance of the AL roots compared to the BA roots or lower demand in this genotype for these elements. The characteristics of P. scoparia seedlings were less affected by the deficiency of these three elements, and therefore, P. scoparia rootstock is preferred to BA for weak and non-fertile soils.

PROCESSING OF BITTER ALMOND KERNELS AND OBTAINING EXTRACTS BASED ON THEM

Mountain almond kernels (seed) processing products are of practical interest as fungicidal, antimicrobial and antiviral substances, and also find application in medicine and cosmetics for various purposes. The composition and some technological properties of seeds of mountain almond seed (Amygdalus communis L. varietas amara DC.). Cultivated in the mountain zones (Bostanlyq) of Uzbekistan were studied. To obtain seeds from cold pressing, fatty oil was separated. The cake was degreased with organic solvents, the residues were dried and ground. Using gas-liquid chromatography, the presence of 3.24% amygdalin in the composition of crushed powder of bitter almonds was established. Spectral analysis of bitter almond powder showed the presence of Mg, P, Ca, K, Si, Sr, Fe, Mn, B, Cu and other elements. The nitrogen content of the powder determined by the Dume method was 5.72 (±0.2)%. Aqueous and ethanol extracts were obtained from bitter almond powder with a yield of 10.5 and 13.2%. Chromatographic analysis of the composition of the extracts showed the presence of 0.0029% amygdalin in aqueous and 27.2% in ethanol extracts. Protein with a yield of 35.25±0.2% was isolated from the studied powder of bitter almonds. The protein is purified by dialysis, centrifugation and identified by IR spectroscopy. The amino acid analysis of the composition of the hydrolyzate protein of bitter almonds showed the presence of glycine, aspartic acid, arginine, glutamine, alanine and other amino acids. Bitter almond seed powder, extracts and protein isolated from it are of practical interest for cosmetology practice.

Efficacy of some conventional fungicides and essential oils against tomato early blight disease

Fungicidal activity of nine selected conventional fungicides, identified five plant oils and their combined effect against A. solani, the causal pathogen of early blight on tomato. GC-MS analysis of the tested oils indicated that terpene hydrocarbons (97%) with cinnamaldehyde as the major compound; sulfur compounds; fatty acids and organo-sulfur-containing compounds were the main components in cinnamon, garlic, mustard and onion oils, respectively. In vitro, Speedcide® (difenoconazole) and Cabrioduo® (Dimethomorph + Pyraclostrobin) were the most effective against the A. solani fungus with EC50 values of 94.6 and 88.6 ppm respectively. Toledo® (Tebuconzole) achieved EC50 value of 631.2 ppm. Roxyl-M® was significantly more effective than Roxyl–plus® or Remik®. Speedcide® alone or mixed with mandipropamid or azoxystrobin in Revus-Top® or Cruze® were the lowest effective in vitro. Garlic and mustard oils were more effective in liquid media than solid one. Cinnamon, onion, garlic and bitter almond oils caused moderate fungi-toxicity against early blight pathogen and could be implemented in the IPM program. Lower EC50 values were obtained in case of combinations of fungicides with oils than separate treatments. Effect of the active conventional fungicides and plant oils on disease indices, relative disease control, chlorophyll content, sugar contents and poly phenol oxidase in tomato plants was also studied.