Andrzej Jaśkiewicz

Sustainable production also involves analyzing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions throughout the entire cultivation and processing cycle. The emissions balance for different sugar beet varieties is a key element of environmental assessment in sustainable production systems. It is consistent with the objectives of the European Green Deal and aims to decarbonize agri-food technology. This study aims to assess and compare GHG emissions associated with the cultivation of three sugar beet variants (Viola, Jaromir, and Pulitzer) taking into account their technological and quality characteristics. The varieties were selected based on their registration in the National Register and their importance in agricultural practice in Poland, as well as their contrasting technological profiles, which allow for the assessment of the relationship between raw material quality and GHG balance. The study combines life cycle assessment (LCA) with physiological parameters such as CO₂ assimilation, sugar content, yield, fuel consumption, and fertilizer use. The aim is to identify the correlation between the technological value of a variety and its environmental impact. It has been shown that genotypic characteristics have a significant impact on both yield and emissions. The Viola and Jaromir varieties showed a favorable balance between photosynthetic efficiency and greenhouse gas emissions, while the Pulitzer variety, despite low emissions per kilogram of product, showed poorer yield performance. The importance of using integrated assessment methods combining production efficiency, environmental efficiency, and crop quality was emphasized. Such an approach is essential for the development of sustainable agricultural practices in line with the EU’s climate neutrality goals. Further research is needed to optimize agrotechnical strategies tailored to the requirements of individual varieties, contributing to climate-resilient and environmentally friendly crop production.

Cichorium intybus L. (common chicory) is a medicinal plant valued for health-promoting effects. Although analgesic properties are known for chicory sesquiterpenes, the effects of extracts need yet to be explored. This study aimed to evaluate for the first time the analgesic effect (against nociceptive pain) of the root extract from C. intybus var. foliosum. The target evaluation was preceded by toxicity tests in vivo and phytochemical standardization of root extracts prepared with different extraction methods—pectinase-assisted, pressure-assisted, and a combination of both—to choose the most effective one. The phytochemical profiling involved UHPLC-PDA-ESI-MS/MS and UHPLC-PDA analyses. The toxicity and the analgesic effects were tested in mice following the OECD 423 guideline and the hot-plate test, respectively. The highest recovery of bioactive compounds was achieved for the pressure-assisted extract: 642.5 mg sesquiterpene lactones, 187.1 mg phenolic acids, and 47.3 g inulin/100 g of dry matter. The extract showed no toxic effects at the oral dose of 2000 mg/kg body weight, including no histopathologic changes, in mice within two weeks (GHS Category 5/Uncategorized). The maximum analgesic effect (MAE) of the extract at 600 mg/kg was 6.75% for rearing and 13.7% for jumping, with the impact on the nocifensive reactions not differing significantly from those of paracetamol at 60 mg/kg. Despite the relatively low effects at 600 mg/kg, the verified safety and abundance of active compounds encourage further studies on the extract and its active fractions as potential approaches to complementary pain therapy, with special concern for their mechanisms of action.

Background: Cichorium intybus L., a member of the Asteraceae family, has numerous health-promoting properties that categorize its preparations as functional foods and herbal medicines. Most previous research focused on the root of C. intybus var. sativum (industrial chicory) as a rich source of inulin, while the witloof variety (C. intybus var. foliosum) is less explored. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the cytotoxicity of C. intybus var. foliosum root extracts obtained with different extraction protocols and to analyze their polysaccharide and polyphenol content. Methods: Freeze-dried root extracts were prepared using water and three extraction methods: pectinase-assisted, pressure-assisted, and a combination of both. The contents of inulin, total polyphenols, and total caffeic acid derivatives in the extracts were measured by the Layne–Eynon, Folin–Ciocalteu, and UHPLC-PDA methods, respectively. Cytotoxicity of the extracts and inulin was tested in vitro using the L929 cell line, MTT method, and paracetamol as the reference standard. Results: Inulin levels in the extracts ranged from 43.88 to 50.95 g/100 g dry matter (dm), total polyphenols were between 816.7 and 906.4 mg/100 g dm, and total phenolic acids ranged from 11.50 to 187.1 mg/100 dm, with pressure-assisted extraction yielding the highest phytochemical recovery. The cytotoxicity tests showed IC₅₀ values from 4.72 to 7.31 mg/mL for the extracts, compared to 3.02 for paracetamol and 19.77 for inulin. Conclusions: Given the high content of active compounds and low cytotoxicity, the root extracts of C. intybus var. foliosum merit further research into their functional and medicinal properties. Pressure-assisted extraction is recommended for effective extraction of chicory.

The study investigates the efficacy of an enzymatic preparation primarily with α-galactosidase activity for improving the quality of white sugar from poor-quality sugar beets. Focused on overcoming raffinose accumulation challenges in sugar beets, especially those harvested prematurely or stored for extended periods, an innovative exploration of enzymatic application in an industrial setting for the first time was conducted. By integrating theoretical calculations and experimental data, the findings reveal that α-galactosidase preparation notably diminishes raffinose content in beet juice, thus enhancing the sucrose yield and overall sugar quality. A reliable method to process lower-quality beets, promising enhanced efficiency in sugar production, was presented. The study also highlights the economic benefits of incorporating enzyme preparation into the production process, demonstrating a notable return on investment and underscoring the potential of enzymatic treatments to address industry challenges.

The aim of this review is to discuss the numerous health-promoting properties of Cichorium intybus L. and bring together a range of publications to broaden knowledge and encourage further research and consideration of the plant use as treatment for a range of conditions. A comprehensive search of articles in Polish and English from 1986–2022 years was carried out in PubMed, Google Scholar and ScienceDirect using the keywords chicory, Cichorium intybus L., sesquiterpene lactones and their synonyms. Articles were checked for titles, abstracts, and full-text reviews. The first part of the review article discusses chicory, the countries in which it is found, its life cycle or modern cultivation methods, as well as its many uses, which will be discussed in more detail later in the article. The increased interest in plants as medicines or supplements is also briefly mentioned, as well as some limits that are associated with the medical use of plants. In the Results and Discussion section, there is a discussion of the numerous health-promoting properties of Cichorium intybus L. as a whole plant, with its collection of all the components, and we then examine the structure and the individual constituents of Cichorium intybus L. Among these, this article discusses those that can be utilized for causal applications in medicine, including sesquiterpene lactones and polyphenols, mainly known for their anti-cancer properties, although, in this article, their other health-promoting properties are also discussed. The article also examines inulin, a major component of Cichorium intybus L. The Discussion and the Conclusions sections propose directions for more detailed research and the range of factors that may affect specific results, which may have safety implications when used as supplements or medications.

Food safety has received considerable attention in recent years. Methods for rapid identification of a variety contaminants in both the final product and the manufacturing process are constantly developing. This study used Fourier Transform Mid-Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-MIR) spectroscopy to identify various contaminants endangering white sugar production. It was demonstrated that inorganic compounds (calcium carbonate—CaCO₃), plastic contaminants (polypropylene), and oily contaminants (compressor sealing and lubrication lubricant) can be identified with a high degree of precision. FT-MIR spectroscopy was proved to be a useful technique for detecting sugar contaminants rapidly and precisely even without the application of a sophisticated spectra analysis. Commercial databases of reference spectra usage significantly simplify and facilitate the application of this method.

The aim of the study was to explain the effects of sesquiterpene lactones (SLs) from chicory (Cichorium intybus L.) root extracts as inhibitors of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) at the molecular level and to determine the inhibition of AChE activity by specific SLs (lactucin and lactucopicrin) and different chicory extracts. The obtained SLs-rich extracts were purified by the countercurrent partition chromatography (CPC) technique. AChE inhibitors were analyzed using two models: isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) and docking simulation. The results of ITC analysis of the enzyme and the ligands’ complexation showed strong interactions of SLs as well as extracts from chicory with AChE. In a test of enzyme activity inhibition after introducing acetylcholine into the model system with SL, a stronger ability to inhibit the hydrolysis of the neurotransmitter was observed for lactucopicrin, which is one of the dominant SLs in chicory. The inhibition of enzyme activity was more efficient in the case of extracts, containing different enzyme ligands, exhibiting complementary patterns of binding the AChE active site. The study showed the high potential of using chicory to decrease the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease.

Lactoferrin (LF), a glycoprotein found in mucosal secretions, is characterized by a wide range of functions, including immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory activities. Moreover, several investigations confirmed that LF displays high effectiveness against multiple bacteria and viruses and may be regarded as a potential inhibitor of enveloped viruses, such as presently prevailing SARS-CoV-2. In our review, we discuss available studies about LF functions and bioavailability of different LF forms in in vitro and in vivo models. Moreover, we characterize the potential benefits and side effects of LF use; we also briefly summarize the latest clinical trials examining LF application. Finally, we point potential role of LF in inflammatory bowel disease and indicate its use as a marker for disease severity.

The aim of the study was to obtain and evaluate the properties of biodegradable starch film with the addition of phytic acid (0.05%) as a cross-linking agent and chicory root extract (1–5%) as an antimicrobial agent. To prepare biodegradable film, extracts from chicory root obtained with water or methanol were used. The content of bioactive compounds (sesquiterpene lactones and total polyphenols) was evaluated in chicory extracts. The antibacterial activity of the extracts was tested against Gram-negative bacteria (Pseudomonas fluorescens, Escherichia coli) and Gram-positive bacteria (Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus) using the microculture method. The extracts acted as bacteriostatic agents, decreasing the growth rate (µ_max), and extending the lag phase (t_lag). The most sensitive bacterium in terms of film bacteriostatic activity was P. fluorescens; all extracts, irrespective of the solvent used, decreased its µ_max value. S. aureus was the least sensitive. The obtained films were tested for their properties as food packaging (color, thickness, permeability, mechanical strength). Phytic acid improved the tensile strength and barrier properties of the films. The antimicrobial activity of the films was studied by the disk diffusion method against Gram-negative (P. fluorescens, E. coli) and Gram-positive (B. subtilis, S. aureus) bacteria, as well as fungi (Candida albicans, Aspergillus niger). The growth-inhibiting activity of each obtained film was observed for all tested microorganisms, and the most beneficial effect was observed for films with the 5% level of added extracts obtained with water. The growth-inhibiting activity for fungi, in particular for the yeast C. albicans, was low.

Wydawnictwo SIGMA-NOT wydaje czasopisma fachowe informuj?ce swoich czytelnik?w o najnowszych osi?gni?ciach naukowych i nowoczesnych rozwi?zaniach technicznych w Polsce i na ?wiecie, popularyzuje problemy techniczne oraz poszerza wiedz? i kultur? techniczn?.