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- Chemical composition and nutritional value of flowers and fruits of Cytisus striatus (Hill) RothmPublication . Caramelo, Débora; Pitacas, F.I.; Vitória, Cláudia; Gonçalves, Joana; Gominho, Jorge; Gallardo, Eugenia; Anjos, O.In ancient times, the shoots of certain species within the Cytisus genus were used as animal feed. Cytisus striatus is a plentiful and widespread shrub that has long been utilized as a soil fertilizer in the Iberian Peninsula. The flowers of this shrub have traditionally been employed for medicinal purposes. However, the nutritional value of yellow broom flowers and fruits remains largely unexplored. In this study, flowers and fruit of C. striatus (Cytisus striatus) were collected from natural shrubs at three different locations in Portugal during the same year. An analytical assessment of their macro and micronutrient content was conducted. Regarding nutritional composition, flowers and fruits exhibited a fibre content of 18% and 42%, protein content of 21% and 12%, lipid content of 2% and 1%, carbohydrate content of 43% and 14%, and ash content of 4% and 3%, respectively. Potassium was the most abundant mineral, with concentrations of approximately 20,094 mg/kg in the flowers and 11,746 mg/kg in the fruits, followed by calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium. Compared to some edible flowers and fruits, these plant parts of C. striatus showed macro and micronutrient values similar to species such as lavender, lupins, and cowpea pod husks.
- Insights into the bioactivities and chemical analysis of Ailanthus altissima (Mill.) SwinglePublication . Caramelo, Débora; Pedro, Soraia; Marques, Hernâni; Simão, Ana Y.; Rosado, Tiago; Barroca, Celina; Gominho, Jorge; Anjos, O.; Gallardo, EugeniaMany species of the so-called exotic plants coexist with native species in a balanced way, but others thrive very quickly and escape human control, becoming harmful—these are called invasive alien species. In addition to overcoming geographic barriers, these species can defeat biotic and abiotic barriers, maintaining stable populations. Ailanthus altissima is no exception; it is disseminated worldwide and is considered high risk due to its easy propagation and resistance to external environmental factors. Currently, it has no particular use other than ornamental, even though it is used to treat epilepsy, diarrhea, asthma, ophthalmic diseases, and seborrhoea in Chinese medicine. Considering its rich composition in alkaloids, terpenoids, sterols, and flavonoids, doubtlessly, its use in medicine or other fields can be maximised. This review will focus on the knowledge of the chemical composition and the discovery of the biological properties of A. altissima to understand this plant better and maximise its possible use for purposes such as medicine, pharmacy, or the food industry. Methods for the extraction and detection to know the chemical composition will also be discussed in detail.
- Insights into the bioactivities and chemical analysis of Ailanthus altissima (Mill.) swinglePublication . Caramelo, Débora; Pedro, Soraia; Marques, Hernâni; Simão, Ana Y.; Rosado, Tiago; Barroca, Celina; Gominho, Jorge; Anjos, O.; Gallardo, EugeniaIn recent years, several analytical methods for characterising the Ailanthus altissima (Mill.) Swingle have aroused interest in the scientific community, since this species is not only considered an invasive alien species, but also possesses a wide and complex number of chemical compounds. These compounds are studied with the aim of ascertaining their biological activities, which could help to understand their mechanisms of action, develop new products with potential application in different fields of research.
- Potential applications of the Cytisus shrub species : Cytisus multiflorus, Cytisus scoparius, and Cytisus striatusPublication . Caramelo, Débora; Barroca, Celina; Guiné, Raquel P.F.; Gallardo, Eugenia; Anjos, O.; Gominho, Jorge