Sicari Vincenzo

University of Reggio Calabria | UNIRC · Department of Agricultural Science

This work aimed to propose the reuse of processing waste from the Sicilian almond (Prunus amygdalus Batsch.) cultivar Tuono for the formulation of a new functional baked product (muffin) that is gluten- and lactose-free. Muffins were prepared using orange juice, rice flour, extra virgin olive oil, and enriched almond skin (3% and 6% w/w). The chemi...

The present work compares the physical–chemical, organoleptic and antioxidant characteristics of breadsticks (Bs) prepared in the traditional way (BCs) with extra virgin olive oil (EVOO), and with mace (BMs), ginger (BGs) and turmeric (BTs) flavoured olive oil (FOO). Breadsticks’ water activity (aw), pH, moisture content (U.R.), total phenol (TPC)...

This work aimed to evaluate the impact of enrichment processing on the quality parameters, bioactivity and sensorial aspects of Myristica fragrans (mace)-flavored olive oil storage for one year. The mace powder was added to extra virgin olive oil through two different processes: immediately after crushing the olives by mixing mace (1% weight/weight...

The present study aimed to investigate the impact on nutritional and functional properties of dried kiwifruit (Actinidia chinensis cv. Sungold) slices during conservation for 120 days in sealed containers in the dark at 25 °C. For this purpose, kiwifruits slices were dried at two different temperatures, 40 and 55 °C, for 30 and 25 h, respectively....

The influence of the addition of Curcuma longa (turmeric) powder to Ottobratica variety extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) by using malaxation or infusion processes to obtain flavoured virgin olive oil (FVOO) was determined. FVOO was monitored during one year of storage at room temperature in the dark. FVOO obtained malaxation process (CM) showed the lo...

This study aims to examine the bioactivity of Calabrian extra virgin olive oil enriched with bergamot fruits (Citrus bergamia Risso & Poiteau) harvested in Reggio Calabria province (Italy). To extra virgin olive oil (EVOO), cv Ottobratica 10 and 20% of fresh fruit was added during crushing of the olives and 2% by infusion of freeze-dried bergamot (...

During the last decades, the consumption of bamboo sprouts (Phyllostacys edulis) has increased because they are considered a “superfood”. However, this product is characterized by a short shelf life due to the deterioration in quality parameters. The aim of this study was to investigate the application of two modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) sys...

Lavandula angustifolia Mill. (lavender) is one of the most used medicinal plants. Herein, we chemically characterised and investigated the antioxidant properties and the capability to inhibit key enzymes for the treatment of type 2 diabetes (TD2) and obesity such as pancreatic lipase, α-glucosidase, and α-amylase of the ethanolic extract of two lav...

Citation: Custureri, I.M.G.; Sicari, V.; Loizzo, M.R.; Tundis, R.; Soria, A.C.; Giuffrè, A.M. Evaluation of Quality Parameters and Functional Activity of Ottobratica Extra Virgin Olive Oil Enriched with Zingiber officinale (Ginger) by Two Different Enrichment Processes during One-Year Storage. Foods 2023, 12, 3822. https://doi. Abstract: The aim of...

Bamboo (Phyllostacys edulis J. Houz) has become an emerging forest resource of economic and ecological significance with health benefits. Since the beneficial effects of the non-edible parts of bamboo have not been thoroughly explored, we characterized in this study bamboo leaf (BL) and sheath (BS) extracts. The total phenol and flavonoid content (...

Olive mill wastewater (OMW) is one of the most environmentally concerning food processing effluents due to its phytotoxicity. Recently, several bioactive compounds with potential applications in food, pharmaceutical, and agricultural industries have been identified in OMW. This study aimed to compare, for the first time, the physico-chemical charac...

This work investigated the phytochemical content and bioactivity of Lycium barbarum collected in Calabria and evaluated, for the first time, the possibility to enrich traditional “ciabatta” bread with fresh flesh goji puree. For this purpose, goji flesh puree, bread, and enriched bread with goji flesh at 20 and 40% (G20 and G40 samples, respectivel...

The morphological characteristics, phytochemical composition of Pimpinella anisoides fruits was investigated. The morphological analysis of the monocarps contributed to distinguish P. anisoides from other related Pimpinella species used for commercial purposes, in particular P. anisetum and P. anisum. Our study showed that these fruits are differen...

Cancer is one of the largest causes of mortality in the world, and due to its incidence, the discovery of novel anticancer drugs is of great importance. Many successful anticancer drugs used in clinical practices are derived from natural products. The genus Santolina is a group of species distributed in the Mediterranean area and used in traditiona...

BACKGROUND Biocompatible Pickering emulsions (PE) stabilized by tailor‐made antioxidant‐loaded particles have been known for some time now, but antioxidant‐rich natural plant particle‐based emulsions are much less well known. This study aimed to investigate the physico‐chemical properties of commercial Zingiber officinale powders obtained from biol...

Cornus species are widely distributed in central and southern Europe, east Africa, southwest Asia, and America. Several species are known for edible fruits, especially Cornus mas and Cornus officinalis. These delicious fruits, characterized by their remarkable nutritional and biological values, are widely used in traditional medicine. In contrast t...

This study aimed to investigate the quality parameters and oxidative stability (180 days storage) of a water-oil emulsion formulated with Calabrian (Italy) monovarietal Agristigna extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) and apple vinegar. The best EVOO/apple vinegar ratio was found to be 85/15 (v/v), while lec-ithin (2% w/v) was the best additive to reach pr...

In this work, we conducted a comparative phytochemical, chemotaxonomic, and biological study of essential oils (EOs) and extracts (ethyl acetate and methanol) obtained from the leaves of Juniperus macrocarpa and J. oxycedrus. The dominant compounds of J. macrocarpa EO, analysed by gas chromatography (GC) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC...

This study aimed to compare the effects of hot water and vacuum blanching methods on physico-chemical parameter, total phenols (TPC) and flavonoids content (TFC), and antioxidant activity of zucchini slices during 28 days storage. A significant decrease in Chroma parameter was observed over time, on the other hand, no significant differences were o...

The establishment of the corresponding standards of quality to promote the commercialization of Rubus ulmifolius Schott (Rosaceae) blackberries from Calabria (Italy) has been aimed in this study. Data on the volatile composition gathered by Solid-Phase Microextraction (SPME) followed by GC–MS have been complemented with the study for the first time...

With a great variety of foods on the market, the consumer’s responsibility is to choose food that can allow him to maintain his state of health and prevent chronic diseases. For this reason, several functional foods classified as fortified or enriched are currently being developed. In fact, the functional food market size is estimated to reach USD...

The aim of the present study was to assess the effect of treatment and storage period on the nutritional quality of enriched orange jam during storage for 90 days at 15 and 30 ◦C. The jam was produced by traditional technique using traditional pectin (TP) and with addition of orange peel (OP). All samples were evaluated for pH, total soluble solids...

Edible flowers consumption has increased in recent years due to their rich content of healthy phytochemicals. The aim of this study was to analyse the chemical profile of Cucurbita pepo L. flowers, and to explore their antioxidant and hypoglycaemic properties. Moreover, in order to assess in vivo effects, biochemical analysis, Reactive Oxygen Metab...

Since ancient times, vegetables have been preserved in oil, to be consumed throughout the year, and not just during the period in which they were harvested. Dried tomato slices in Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO) are one of the most famous Italian preserves. This is the first study which aimed to investigate the shelf-life parameters of this preserve...

This work aimed to evaluate the impact on quality parameters and of flavoured virgin olive oils (FVOOs) obtained by the infusion of C. annuum and C. chinense fine dry powder to Carolea extra virgin olive oil (EVOO). The total phenol, flavonoid, and carotenoid content were monitored in EVOO, and FVOOs phenolic fractions. Rancimat method was applied...

The aim of the present study was to assess the effect of treatment and storage period on the nutritional quality of enriched orange jam during storage for 90 days at 15 °C and 30 °C. The jam was produced by traditional technique (TP) and with addition of orange peel (OP). All samples were evaluated for pH, total solid soluble, acidity, total phenol...

Vicia faba L. (fava bean) (Fabaceae) is cultivated worldwide as a crop for human consumption. In this study, beans and pods were investigated for their phytochemical content and their potential nutraceutical properties as strategy to counteract metabolic syndrome (MetS). Pods represent a fava bean industrial processing by-products. Pod ethanol extr...

Zingiber officinale Roscoe (Zingiberaceae), common known as ginger, is extensively used as spice worldwide in cooking and to prepare beverage. Moreover, it was used to treat a wide range of diseases including metabolic syndrome (MetS). Mets is a group of risk factors, including insulin resistance and consequently impaired glucose tolerance, dyslipi...

Citrus is the most produced tree fruit crop in the world and occupies a place of considerable importance in the country's economy. Almost 33% of the Citrus fruits are processed for juice production, however, a great amount of wastes including peels, segment membrane and seeds are produced. Indeed, Citrus fruits consist of 45% juice, 26% pulp, 27% p...

The impact of blanching on the phytochemical content and bioactivity of Hypochaeris laevigata (HL), Hypochaeris radicata (HR), Hyoseris radiata (HRA), and Hyoseris lucida subsp. taurina (HT) leaves was studied and compared to fresh plant materials and residual blanching water. For this purpose, total phenols, flavonoids, carotenoids, and chlorophyl...

Olive mill wastewater (OMW), generated as a by-product of olive oil production, is considered one of the most polluting effluents produced by the agro-food industry, due to its high concentration of organic matter and nutrients. However, OMW is rich in several polyphenols, representing compounds with remarkable biological properties. This study aim...

This study aimed to evaluate the influence of Capsicum baccatum L. Aji Angelo and Bishop crown cultivars to the quality parameters of flavoured olive oils (FOOs) obtained by the addition of both fresh and dried pepper powders (1%) to Dolce di Rossano and Roggianella monovarietal extra virgin olive oils (EVOOs). First, pepper extracts were investiga...

Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) is the main fat used in the Mediterranean diet. In this work, four monovarietal EVOOs from Calabria (South of Italy) namely Coratina, Ottobratica, Leccino, and Nocellara del Belice and Ottobratica from Calabria (Southern Italy) were investigated for their quality and CIELab parameters as well as antioxidant activity. S...

Processing citrus fruits into juice generates large amounts of by-products, mainly pomaces. This study aimed to perform a comprehensive analysis of the composition in phenolic compounds, carotenoids, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) of juices and pomaces of four citrus fruits from Southern Italy, i.e., mandarin, lemon, orange, and bergamot. Ju...

The valorisation of food wastes is a challenging opportunity for the green, sustainable, and competitive development of industry. The recovery of phenols contributes to the sustainability of olive waste sector, reducing its environmental impact and promoting the development of innovative formulations of interest for pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, a...

This work investigated a model for the reuse of Citrus × clementina Hort. by-products for the development of a functional drink able to exert antioxidant, hypoglycaemic, and hypolipidemic effects. Juice obtained from fruits collected in three different areas of Calabria (Italy) was analysed. C. × clementina juice from Corigliano Calabro (JF), chara...

This study aimed at evaluating and comparing the chemical profile obtained by HPLC-ESI-MSⁿ analysis, the inhibitory activity of enzymes linked to obesity (α-amylase, α-glucosidase, and lipase) and the antioxidant properties (DPPH, ABTS, FRAP, and β-carotene bleaching tests) of ethanol extracts of bulbs (BE) and aerial parts (APE) from Allium commut...

In this work a supercritical fluid extraction (SC-CO2) was use to extract high quality oil from tomato skins by-product. The effects of pressure and extraction time on oil yield was investigated. The content lycopene and -carotene as well as p-coumaric acid, ferulic acid, caffeic acid, chlorogenic acid, vanillic acid, epicatechin, naringenin, cate...

Plants are a rich source of natural bioactive compounds with a wide range of applications in the food and pharmaceutical industries. Citrus × clementina leaves extracts and essential oils may be a potential candidate for formulation of products characterized by hypoglycaemic, antioxidant and anti-browning properties. C. × clementina leaves collecte...

Effect of two different packaging materials on the shelf-life of Actinidia fruits cv. Hayward (kiwifruits), was investigated during 5 months (140 days) of storage at 0.5 °C. Kiwifruits were packaged in a Biaxially Oriented Polypropylene Films (BOPP) and Polypropylen/Polyethylene Films (PP). Physico-chemical fruit characteristics (headspace gas comp...

This study aimed at evaluating and comparing the chemical profile as well as the antityrosinase and antioxidant activities of ethanol (EtOH) and methanol (MeOH) extracts of Sambucus nigra L. (Adoxaceae) flowers and leaves in order to discover new candidates for food additives and cosmetic and pharmaceutical products. For this purpose, a novel lower...

Strawberries (Fragaria × ananassa cv. Cadonga) are highly perishable fruits with a storage life, which may be less than a week. In this study, Aloe arborescens gel was used as post‐harvest treatment in order to maintain strawberry quality. Strawberries coated with edible A. arborescens gel were packaged in a polypropylene box and stored. Fruit titr...

Edible flowers consumption has increased in recent years due to their rich content of healthy phytochemicals. The aim of this study was to analyse the chemical profile of Cucurbita pepo L. flowers, and to explore their antioxidant and hypoglycaemic properties. Moreover, in order to assess in vivo effects, biochemical analysis, Reactive Oxygen Metab...

In this paper, the effect of the packaging material and storage method on red raspberries produced at Reggio Calabria (Italy) was studied. For this purpose, the fruits were stored immediately after harvest in different conditions: in the fridge at 1 °C and in the freezer at −20 °C, using different packaging materials, two new patented films (nanoac...

The present study aimed to determine the chemical composition, antioxidant effects and antitumor properties of the methanol extract of Anchusa azurea Mill. (Boraginaceae) aerial parts against four tumour cell lines (MCF-7, MDA-MB-231, RKO, R2C). The antioxidant effects have been assessed by using β-carotene bleaching, 2,2'-azinobis(3-ethylbenzothia...

Vitis vinifera leaves are wine industry wastes. In this study, the chemical composition, antioxidant and anti-proliferative activity of six Italian grapevine leaves extracts (Arvino, Gaglioppo, Greco Nero, Magliocco Canino, Magliocco Dolce, and Nocera) were evaluated. HPLC analyses revealed quercetin as dominant constituent (127.52-187.33 mg/kg) fo...

Packaging material and the storage temperature on red raspberries (Rubus idaeus L.) were studied in this paper. Raspberries were stored following their harvesting in different conditions: in the fridge at 1 °C and in the freezer at −20 °C, using different packaging materials: two Nanoactive films, Nanoactive A (NA) and Nanoactive B (NB), a biaxiall...

The aim of this work is to investigate the in vitro acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrycholinesterase (BChE) inhibitory activities of essential oils obtained by hydrodistillation from the leaves of Prunus armeniaca and P. domestica in relation to their composition, analysed by Gas Chromatography–Flame Ionization Detector (GC-FID) and Gas Chromat...

Membrane separation has brought about a significant change in the food processing industry because it could operate separation at low temperature without a reduction of nutrients and bioactive compounds. Citrus limon L. Burm. cv Femminello comune juice, an Italian IGP (Protected Geographical Indication) product, was subjected to the ultrafiltation...

Tyrosinase is a multifunctional copper-containing oxidase which catalyses the oxidation of tyrosine to produce melanin. The alteration in melanin biosynthesis occurs in many diseases. The pigment has a protecting role against skin photo-carcinogenesis, but anomalous melanin pigmentation is an aesthetic problem in human beings. Moreover, the formati...

This study investigated the seed oils obtained from two different varieties of Opuntia ficus‐indica (Sanguigna and Surfarina) growing in Sicily, Italy. Soxhlet and ultrasound‐assisted extraction procedures were used to obtain the seed oils. The fatty acid profile, γ‐tocopherols, carotenoid content, and the bioactivity in terms of the antioxidant ef...

This study was undertaken to determine the physical and chemical properties and the antioxidant compounds of grapefruits (Marsh and Star Ruby varieties) grown in South Italy. Flavanones (narirutin, naringin, hesperidin, neohesperidin, and poncirin), flavones (rutin) and aglycones (quercetin, naringenin and hesperetin) have been identified in the gr...

For the first time the chemical profile, physico-chemical parameters, inhibition of carbohydrate hydrolysing enzymes associated with type 2 diabetes, and radical scavenging properties of Sambucus nigra L. (elderberry) juice treated by nanofiltration (NF) were investigated. Three commercial NF membranes with different molecular weight cut-off (MWCO)...

Aims: The bioactivities of Santolina corsica Jord. & Fourr. n-hexane (EHS) and methanol (EMS) extracts were evaluated in relation to their chemical profile. Main methods: EHS and EMS were analysed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry () and high performance liquid chromatography-diode array detection (HPLC-DAD), respectively. Antioxidant acti...

Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) plays a crucial role in the Mediterranean diet. Recently, attention has been focused on presence in EVOO of phenolic compounds, phytochemicals characterized by a series of healthy properties. This paper analyzed the phenolic profile, the inhibitory activity against carbohydrate hydrolising enzyme as well as the radical...

The ability of films with an active layer of nanoporous–crystalline syndiotactic polystyrene (s-PS) to prolong shelf-life, not only of climacteric but also of non-climacteric fruits, is discussed. Studies on oxygen and carbon dioxide concentrations in the environment of packaged fruits as well as in s-PS active layers have been combined. Reported r...

Ruta chalepensis L. (Rutaceae) leaf extract was investigated for its chemical profile and antioxidant and hypoglycaemic properties. The antioxidant effects were investigated by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), β-carotene bleaching, and metal chelating activity assays. The carbohydrate-hydrolysing enzymes inhibition assay was used to test the h...

Citrus × clementina juice obtained from fruits collected in three different areas (flood plain, hill and coastal plain) was investigated for the chemical composition, radical scavenging properties (DPPH and ABTS tests), and α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitory activity. Neohesperidin (72.96–116.50 mg/100 mL), hesperidin (55.24–69.52 mg/100 mL) an...