Nutritional and Functional Evaluation of Inula crithmoides and Mesembryanthemum nodiflorum Grown in Different Salinities for Human Consumption

Molecules

Viana Castañeda-Loaiza¹  Lisa M. Schüler¹  Camila Costa¹  João Varela¹  Luísa Barreira¹  Tamára Santos¹  Alexandre R. Lima²  Florinda Gama²  Rui M. S. Cruz²  Miguel Salazar³  Carla Nunes³ 

[1] CCMAR-Centre of Marine Sciences, Campus de Gambelas, Universidade do Algarve, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal;MED-Mediterranean Institute for Agriculture, Environment and Development, Universidade do Algarve, Campus da Penha, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal;RiaFresh, Sítio do Besouro, CX 547-B, 8005-241 Faro, Portugal;

关键词: halophytes;    soilless cultivation;    salinity stress;    nutritional composition;    bioactive compounds;    sensory profile;   

DOI  :  10.3390/molecules26154543

来源: DOAJ

【 摘 要 】

The nutritional composition and productivity of halophytes is strongly related to the biotic/abiotic stress to which these extremophile salt tolerant plants are subjected during their cultivation cycle. In this study, two commercial halophyte species (Inula crithmoides and Mesembryanthemum nodiflorum) were cultivated at six levels of salinity using a soilless cultivation system. In this way, it was possible to understand the response mechanisms of these halophytes to salt stress. The relative productivity decreased from the salinities of 110 and 200 mmol L⁻¹ upwards for I. crithmoides and M. nodiflorum, respectively. Nonetheless, the nutritional profile for human consumption remained balanced. In general, I. crithmoides vitamin (B1 and B6) contents were significantly higher than those of M. nodiflorum. For both species, β-carotene and lutein were induced by salinity, possibly as a response to oxidative stress. Phenolic compounds were more abundant in plants cultivated at lower salinities, while the antioxidant activity increased as a response to salt stress. Sensory characteristics were evaluated by a panel of culinary chefs showing a preference for plants grown at the salt concentration of 350 mmol L⁻¹. In summary, salinity stress was effective in boosting important nutritional components in these species, and the soilless system promotes the sustainable and safe production of halophyte plants for human consumption.

【 授权许可】

Unknown