Research Topic: quality control

Evaluation of the Elemental Composition of Dietary Supplements Containing Iron Available on the Polish Market Using ICP-OES, FAAS and CVAAS Techniques

Researchers tested 24 iron-containing dietary supplements sold in Poland to check if they contained the amounts of iron and other minerals stated on their labels. They found that most supplements had more iron than claimed, and five exceeded safe levels. The study highlights concerns about inconsistent quality and the need for better oversight of supplement manufacturing to protect consumers, especially pregnant women.

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Scrutinizing the Nutritional Aspects of Asian Mushrooms, Its Commercialization and Scope for Value-Added Products

Mushrooms are nutrient-dense foods that can help address malnutrition and provide health benefits comparable to meat and eggs. They contain proteins, vitamins, minerals, and special compounds that help fight inflammation, boost immunity, and prevent diseases like cancer and heart disease. Mushroom-based products like powders, capsules, and fortified foods are becoming increasingly available in markets, offering practical ways to incorporate these nutritional benefits into daily diets.

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Evaluation of Lipid Changes During the Drying Process of Cordyceps sinensis by Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography–Tandem Mass Spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS)-Based Lipidomics Technique

This study examines how different drying methods affect the lipid content of Cordyceps sinensis, a valuable medicinal mushroom. Researchers compared three drying techniques—freeze-drying, oven-drying, and air-drying—and found that freeze-drying best preserves the mushroom’s beneficial lipids, while oven-drying causes significant degradation. The findings provide practical guidance for mushroom producers on selecting optimal drying methods to maintain the medicinal quality and nutritional value of this prized fungus.

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Thin-Layer Chromatography (TLC) in the Screening of Botanicals–Its Versatile Potential and Selected Applications

This review shows how thin-layer chromatography (TLC), a simple laboratory technique, is invaluable for analyzing plant materials. TLC helps scientists identify which plants are related to each other, find beneficial compounds in herbs, ensure herbal medicines are pure and safe, and track illegal psychoactive plants. Despite being less glamorous than modern equipment, TLC remains practical, affordable, and effective for everyday botanical analysis.

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Multiple Technology Approach Based on Stable Isotope Ratio Analysis, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometry and Thermogravimetric Analysis to Ensure the Fungal Origin of the Chitosan

This study develops reliable methods to identify whether chitosan used in winemaking comes from mushrooms or shellfish. Using isotope analysis, heat testing, and infrared spectroscopy, researchers established clear markers to distinguish fungal chitosan from crustacean-derived versions. This is important because only mushroom-derived chitosan is legally permitted in wine production due to allergy risks associated with shellfish proteins.

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Comparative Metabolite Profiling Between Cordyceps sinensis and Other Cordyceps by Untargeted UHPLC-MS/MS

This research compares the chemical compounds found in authentic Cordyceps sinensis with four similar but different Cordyceps species to identify which ones are real. Using advanced laboratory techniques, scientists detected thousands of chemical differences between the species. They found that genuine C. sinensis contains higher levels of specific beneficial compounds like nucleosides and certain fatty acids. These findings help consumers and merchants distinguish authentic Cordyceps from counterfeit products and lower-quality substitutes.

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Mushroom-Based Supplements in Italy: Let’s Open Pandora’s Box

Researchers tested 19 mushroom supplement products sold in Italy and found serious quality problems. Many supplements didn’t actually contain the mushroom species listed on their labels. Some products also contained toxic substances or inconsistent amounts of beneficial compounds. The study highlights the need for better regulation and manufacturing standards to ensure these popular health products are safe and effective.

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Fusarium Species Infecting Greenhouse-Grown Cannabis (Cannabis sativa) Plants Show Potential for Mycotoxin Production in Inoculated Inflorescences and from Natural Inoculum Sources

Researchers found that certain fungi called Fusarium species can infect cannabis flowers growing in greenhouses and produce harmful toxins called mycotoxins. These toxins, which can accumulate in dried cannabis buds, come from both direct infection and from nearby tall fescue grass plants growing outside the greenhouse. The study shows that high humidity conditions in greenhouses can promote fungal growth and toxin production, potentially affecting cannabis safety. Different cannabis varieties showed varying levels of toxin accumulation despite similar fungal infection rates.

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Characterization of the changes of aroma profiles in large-leaf yellow tea during processing using GC–MS and electronic nose analysis

This study examined how large-leaf yellow tea develops its distinctive fried rice-like aroma during processing. Researchers identified 178 different volatile compounds throughout eight processing stages using advanced analytical techniques. The full fire roasting step was found to be most important for creating the final roasted and nutty flavors, generating 30 new nitrogen-containing compounds. An electronic nose device successfully tracked these aroma changes in real-time, suggesting it could be used for quality control in tea production.

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A Comprehensive Review on Studying and Developing Guidelines to Standardize the Inspection of Properties and Production Methods for Mycelium-Bound Composites in Bio-Based Building Material Applications

This review examines mycelium-based composites, which are innovative building materials made from fungal networks grown on agricultural waste. These eco-friendly materials are biodegradable and use less energy to produce than traditional construction materials. The authors analyze current testing methods and propose standardized production guidelines to ensure consistent quality, helping make these sustainable materials more reliable for widespread use in buildings and construction.

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