A Multi-screening Evaluation of the Nutritional and Nutraceutical Potential of the Mediterranean Jellyfish Pelagia noctiluca

Abstract

The phylum Cnidaria is one of the most important contributors in providing abundance of bio- and chemodiversity. In this study, a comprehensive chemical investigation on the nutritional and nutraceutical properties of Mediterranean jellyfish Pelagia noctiluca was carried out. Also, compositional differences between male and female organisms, as well as between their main anatomical parts, namely bell and oral arms, were explored in an attempt to select the best potential sources of nutrients and/or nutraceuticals from jellyfish. With the exception of higher energy densities and total phenolic contents observed in females than males, no statistically significant differences related to the specimen’s sex were highlighted for the other compound classes. Rather, the distribution of the investigated chemical classes varied depending on the jellyfish’s body parts. In fact, crude proteins were more abundant in oral arms than bells; saturated fatty acids were more concentrated in bells than oral arms, whereas polyunsaturated fatty acids were distributed in the exact opposite way. On the other hand, major elements and trace elements demonstrated an opposite behavior, being the latter most accumulated in oral arms than bells. Additionally, important nutraceuticals, such as eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids, and antioxidant minerals, were determined. Overall, obtained data suggest the potential employment of the Mediterranean P. noctiluca for the development of natural aquafeed and food supplements.

Environmental Investigations and Tissue Bioaccumulation of Heavy Metals in Grey Mullet from the Black Sea (Bulgaria) and the Ionian Sea (Italy)

“…The sampling area of the Ionian Sea is influenced by the high hydrodynamics of Messina’s Strait. Tidal and stationary currents daily renew the coastal water of Messina’s Strait, allowing the dispersion of dissolved metals [ 26 , 50 , 51 , 52 , 53 ]. In addition, the lower concentration of metals in the grey mullet tissues from the Ionian Sea can be due to the low bioavailability of metals in Ionian seawater.…”

Chemical Characterization of Different Products from the Tunisian Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Mill.

“…Recognized as an intangible cultural heritage with peculiar lifestyle and eating habits, the Mediterranean diet could address both health and environmental concerns, as it is essentially based on the greater use of local and in-season plant-based foods and the lower consumption of animal products. In fact, on the one hand, it provides precious fiber and minerals, a high monounsaturated-saturated fat ratio, and a balanced n-6/n-3 ratio as well [ 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 ] which, according to the increasing scientific evidence, would be responsible for a lower risk of cardiovascular mortality and coronary diseases, diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and certain neurodegenerative disorders and cancers [ 13 ]. On the other hand, the Mediterranean diet is marked by a reduced environmental impact—in terms of production of waste and emissions—and preserves the biodiversity of the Mediterranean basin itself [ 14 , 15 ].…”

Jellyfish as Food: A Narrative Review

“…Khong et al [ 68 ] found that jellyfish oral arms present more protein and lipid contents than their umbrellas do. According to Costa et al [ 93 ], no significant differences appear in jellyfish P. noctiluca’s proximate composition the in accordance to animal sex, except for gross energy content.…”

“…Some edible jellyfish species are Acromitus hardenbergi (Stiasny, 1934), Rhopilema hispidum (Vanhöffen, 1888) and Rhopilema esculentum (Kishinouye, 1891). They are high in minerals and protein, but low in calories and fat; according to research by Khong et al [ 68 ] jellyfish are a recognized natural, very sustainable and low-calorie meal containing minimal calories, fat and cholesterol [ 21 , 93 , 94 ].…”

“…Anatomical jellyfish portions have different proximate compositions that are strongly impacted by the water bodies in the area [ 93 ]. Unlike gonads, which have the lowest moisture content, Doyle et al [ 90 ] found that the umbrella of both jellyfish Chrysaora hysoscella (Linnaeus, 1767) and Cyanea capillata (Linnaeus, 1758) had a considerably higher moisture content ( p < 0.001) than that of the oral arms.…”