Α-tocopherol Content Research Articles

Quality parameters of olive oils at different ripening periods as affected by olive fruit fly infestation and olive anthracnose

Olive pests and diseases influence olive oil quality. Ayvalik olive cultivar is important between local cultivars grown in Turkey. This study aimed to monitor the effects of olive pests and diseases (olive fruit fly attack and olive anthracnose) on Ayvalik olive oil quality parameters such as free fatty acids (FFA), peroxide value (PV), specific extinction coefficients (K232, K270, and ΔK). Besides, Ayvalik olive fruits were collected at six harvest times, and the level of ripening with olive pests was also evaluated. Results showed that the FFA level influenced negatively by olive pests, mainly olive anthracnose. At the end of harvesting, FFA of oils from damaged olive anthracnose reached up to 5.42 (% oleic acid). Except for the first harvest period, the other quality parameters remained between limit values, and slight differences were observed between healthy and damaged olives. At the first harvest period, PV and K232 (7.02 mEq O2/kg, 2.22) of olive oil from fly-infected olive had higher values than the other samples. The stage of ripening, healthy, and damaged olives affected slightly certain fatty acids of the oils. Total phenolics, o-diphenol, and α-tocopherol content of oils from healthy fruits had higher values than oils from damaged olives. Besides, the antioxidant activity of oils obtained from healthy olives showed higher values compared to the oils from infected olive fruits.

Milk Thistle Oil Extracted by Enzyme-Mediated Assisted Solvent Extraction Compared with n-Hexane and Cold-Pressed Extraction.

Silymarin and milk thistle oil have unique biological benefits; however, applying silymarin to milk thistle oil remains a challenge. In this research, the content of silymarin in milk thistle oil conditions using enzyme-mediated solvent extraction was investigated and optimized by response surface methodology. The optimal extraction conditions using enzyme-mediated solvent extraction were as follows: the enzyme-added content was 3.06 mg/mL, the enzymatic hydrolysis temperature was 55.09 °C, and the enzymatic hydrolysis time was 66.28 min. Oil extracted by the enzyme-mediated assisted solvent was further compared with those extracted with n-hexane and cold pressing. Results indicated that the oil extraction using the enzyme-mediated assisted solvent had a lower acid value (2.20 ± 0.01 mg/g) and the highest α-tocopherol content (0.62 ± 0.00 mg/g), total phenols (7.67 ± 0.01 mg/g), and flavonoids (1.06 ± 0.13 mg/g). Furthermore, the antioxidant capacity of milk thistle oils was further investigated. The results showed that the enzyme-mediated assisted solvent-extracted oil had the strongest antioxidant capacity with lower lipid oxide content. Therefore, enzyme-mediated solvent extraction is an excellent method for extracting milk thistle oil.

Antioxidant Status and Biotechnological Potential of New Vischeria vischeri (Eustigmatophyceae) Soil Strains in Enrichment Cultures.

The functional state of enrichment cultures of the Eustigmatophycean strains Vischeria vischeri MZ-E3 and MZ-E4 after 25-day cultivation in the BBM medium was studied. The concentrations of chlorophyll a, total carotenoids, protein, vitamins A and E, fatty acid peroxidation product content, an antioxidant enzyme, and succinate dehydrogenase activity were measured. MZ-E3 succinate dehydrogenase activity was significantly higher by 2.21 times; the MZ-E4 strain had 2.94 times higher glutathione peroxidase activity. The MZ-E3 antioxidant activity index and the MZ-E3 unsaturation of fatty acids were 1.3 and 1.25 times higher than the MZ-E4. The retinol and α-tocopherol content of the MZ-E3 was 28.6% and 38.76% higher than MZ-E4. The main fatty acid profile differences were the 3.46-fold and 3.92-fold higher stearic and eicosapentaenoic acid content in the MZ-E4 biomass. MZ-E3 had higher antioxidant, energy, and metabolic and photosynthetic status than MZ-E4. The antioxidant status of the studied strains showed the dependence of the adaptive mechanisms of each, associated with differences in the ecological conditions of the biotopes from which they were isolated. These strains are promising for producing α-tocopherol and biomass enriched with omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.

Screening of Lesser-Known Salted–Dried Fish Species for Fatty Acids, Tocols, and Squalene

The fillets and roes of 29 species of dry-salted fishes consumed in Eurasian countries were analyzed for fatty acids (FAs), tocols, and squalene, looking for derived health benefits. FAs were analyzed by GC-FID, and tocols and squalene were analyzed by HPLC-DAD. With some exceptions, docosahexaenoic (DHA, 22:6n-3), eicosapentaenoic (EPA, 20:5n-3), and arachidonic (ARA, 20:4n-6) acids were the prominent polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). The fillets of Scardinius erythrophthalmus reached the highest amounts of total FAs, ARA, and DHA (23.1, 1.82, and 2.49 mg/100 g). The fillets of Seriola quinqueradiata showed the highest percentages of DHA (34.4% of total FAs). Nutritional quality indices for fish lipids were favorable in all samples, especially the n-6/n-3 PUFA ratio, which was below 1 in most cases. α-Tocopherol was found in all fillets and roes, especially in Cyprinidae and Pleuronectidae species, and the highest value was found in the roes of Abramis brama (5.43 mg/100 g). Most samples contained tocotrienols at trace levels. The fillets of Clupeonella cultriventris contained the highest amounts of squalene (1.83 mg/100 g). Overall, dry-salted fish stand out due to their high concentrations of ARA, EPA, and DHA, as well as for α-tocopherol concentrations in roes.

Effects of additives containing a novel strain on the fermentation characteristics, structural carbohydrates, and α-tocopherol content of rice straw and corn stover silages

A novel α-tocopherol-producing bacteria strain was isolated and identified as Bacillus tequilensis QH1 (QH1). The effects of QH1 strain inoculation alone (QH), combined with cell wall degradation enzyme (QC), or Lactiplantibacillus plantarum subsp. plantarum YM3 and cell wall degradation enzyme (QLC) as the additives on the fermentation characteristics, structural carbohydrates, and α-tocopherol content of rice straw and corn stover silages were investigated, and without additives as the control (CON), in 4 replicates. After silages were kept in a laboratory cabinet (26–34 ℃) and the dark for 42 d, experimental silos (polyethylene plastic bags) were opened for analysis. The results exhibited that the control and additives-treated rice straw and corn stover were ensiled well, indicated by high lactic acid content and little butyric acid content. The QH and QC degraded structural carbohydrates, demonstrated by lower (P < 0.001) neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF) than the control, but did not enhance lactic acid fermentation, evidenced by lower (P < 0.001) lactic acid content in QH-treated silages compared with the control silages. The effect of QLC on degrading structural carbohydrates was influenced by material factors, evidenced by no role in decreasing the contents of NDF and ADF in rice straw silage and a good role in decreasing the contents of NDF and ADF in corn stover silage. However, the water-soluble carbohydrate (WSC) contents in both rice straw and corn stover silages were increased (P < 0.001) by QLC compared with the control. The control and additives-treated silages had much higher (P < 0.001) α-tocopherol content and lower (P < 0.001) chlorophyll content compared with the material before ensiling. Compared with the control, higher α-tocopherol content was found in QH-treated rice straw (P = 0.071) and corn stover silages (P < 0.05), and QLC-treated corn stover silage (P < 0.05). Therefore, the QH1 strain had the potential to be applied in rice straw silage production, and QLC was recommended to be applied in corn stover silage production.Graphical

Fish Oils Lower Rat Plasma and Hepatic, but Not Immune Cell α-Tocopherol Concentration

These studies were designed to measure the impact of different fish oil sources of dietary (n-3) polyunsaturated fatty acid on the α-tocopherol content of rat immune cells. In the first experiment, rats were fed diets containing either lard, corn oil, menhaden fish oil or cod liver oil. In the second study, sardine fish oil replaced corn oil. Dietary fat source did not significantly influence body weights or the yield of immune cells in either study. In both studies, plasma and liver α-tocopherol concentrations were significantly lower in (n-3) polyunsaturated fatty acid-fed rats than in rats fed lard. In the first study, immune cell α-tocopherol concentrations followed those observed in the plasma and liver. These concentrations closely paralleled the amount of RRR-α-tocopheryl acetate added to diets and not the total vitamin E present, which was the same for all treatment groups. However, in the second study, α-tocopherol concentration of immune cells was not significantly different among rats fed lard, menhaden fish oil, and sardine fish oil. In that study both the amount and form of vitamin E were carefully balanced across dietary treatment groups. In conclusion, despite having similar amounts of (n-3) polyunsaturated fatty acids, two out of three fish oils tested did not lower immune cell α-tocopherol concentration even in the face of significantly reduced plasma and liver α-tocopherol concentrations.

Highly Sensitive and Ultrafast Liquid Chromatography-tandem Mass Spectrometry Internal Standard Method for Determination of Alpha-Tocopherol in Serum and Application of Validated Method on Patient Serum Samples in Pakistan.

To optimize and validate a specific, sensitive and fast liquid Chromatography coupled to triple quadrupole Mass Spectrometric (LC-MS / MS) technique for accurate detection of serum α-tocopherol (Vitamin E) levels. An experimental based study. The Clinical and Forensic Toxicology section of Chughtai Lab, Jail Road Lahore, from April to September 2022. Methanol was used to deproteinize serum samples. The chromatographic separation was achieved using an Agilent Infinity-Lab Poroshell 120EC-C18 column, Agilent 6470 LC-MS/MS (equipped with an Electron Spray Ionization source) in gradient elution mode using 0.1% LCMS grade formic acid in water and LCMS-grade methanol as mobile phases. Hexa-deuterated α-tocopherol was employed as internal standard to minimise matrix interferences. The retention time of α-tocopherol was 3.0 ± 0.1 minutes. The linear concentrations obtained were ranged from 0.05-2 mg/dL with ≥0.985% coefficient of linearity. Detection and lower quantification limits determined were 0.025mg/dL and 0.05mg/dL, respectively. Recovery ranged from 96.5 to 99.8% and ionization suppression was -15.2% and -15.9% at high and low concentrations of α-tocopherol in serum. Intra-day and inter-day coefficient variation values were 4.2-4.9% and 5.0-5.9%, respectively. An efficient and reliable tandem mass spectrometric technique for vitamin E analysis in serum was optimized, validated, and applied to 80 patient samples. This method has usefulness in clinical application for the accurate determination of vitamin E without potential matrix interferences. Vitamin E, LC-MS/MS, Tocopherol, Internal standard, Validation.

Comparative Nutrient and Antioxidant Profile of High Lycopene Variety with hp Genes and Ordinary Variety of Tomato under Organic Conditions

Organic tomato cultivation is growing all over the world due to its healthy functional properties and environmental concerns. Recently, some new varieties with increased functional properties, particularly high lycopene, have been developed. However, few were assessed under organic farming systems. The objective of this study was to evaluate physico-chemical properties and the main bioactive compound contents, as well as lipophilic, hydrophilic and total radical scavenging activities of a recently developed high lycopene tomato variety homozygous for hp-2dg genes (HLT-F71) grown under organic conditions for two non-consecutive years (2019 and 2021) compared to the ordinary control ‘Nemador’ variety. The lycopene, β-carotene, total phenol, flavonoid, vitamin C, radical scavenging activity and tocopherols were analyzed by using spectrophotometric and HPLC methods, respectively. The high lycopene content variety presented suitable marketable yield, average fruit weight, pH, titratable acidity, firmness and higher °Brix, pulp color than the control. Additionally, it has significantly higher lycopene, β-carotene, total phenol, flavonoid, vitamin C and particularly considerable α-tocopherol contents, as well as radical scavenging activity. The high lycopene tomato variety with hp genes proved to be an effective sustainable variety for enhancing tomato fruit yield and functional properties even under organic grown conditions.

The Effect of the Species and Harvesting Location on Dried Salted Cod Fatty Acid Signatures and Nutritional Quality.

The Atlantic cod was listed as 'vulnerable' by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, a condition that persists today. Fishing pressure on the Atlantic cod could be partially transferred to the Pacific cod, since the two cod species share genetic and phenotypic similarities. The aim of this study is to expand knowledge of the composition of dried salted cod obtained from Atlantic and Pacific cod species, with the Atlantic cod being from two different harvesting locations. The comparison of these cod species revealed the existence of nine significant differences among individual FAs (accountable for 63.2% of total FAs), which was at a similar level to that observed between different harvesting locations for the Atlantic cod (ten significant differences among individual FAs, accountable for 61.6% of total FAs). Canonical discriminant analysis and cross-validation achieved full discrimination of the cod's origin and 100% accuracy in the cod's origin classification. The amount of EPA plus DHA in dried salted cod reached its higher value among the Pacific cod (302.3 mg/100 g), while the Atlantic cod averaged 284.1 g/100 g of edible portion. The Pacific cod presented a higher α-tocopherol content than its Atlantic counterpart (8.04 vs. 4.94 µg/g).

The BCO2 Genotype and the Expression of BCO1, BCO2, LRAT, and TTPA Genes in the Adipose Tissue and Brain of Rabbits Fed a Diet with Marigold Flower Extract.

This study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of the BCO2 genotype and dietary supplementation with marigold flower extract on the expression of BCO1, BCO2, LRAT, and TTPA genes in the adipose tissue and brain of rabbits. The concentrations of lutein, zeaxanthin, β-carotene, retinol, and α-tocopherol were determined in samples collected from rabbits. Sixty young male Termond White rabbits were allocated to three groups based on their genotype at codon 248 of the BCO2 gene (ins/ins, ins/del, and del/del). Each group comprised two subgroups; one subgroup was administered a standard diet, whereas the diet offered to the other subgroup was supplemented with 6 g/kg of marigold flower extract. The study demonstrated that the BCO2 genotype may influence the expression levels of the BCO2, LRAT, and TTPA genes in adipose tissue, and TTPA and BCO1 genes in the brain. Moreover, an increase in the amount of lutein in the diet of BCO2 del/del rabbits may increase the expression of BCO1, LRAT, and TTPA genes in adipose tissue, and the expression of the BCO2 gene in the brain. Another finding of the study is that the content of carotenoids and α-tocopherol increases in both the adipose tissue and brain of BCO2 del/del rabbits.

The Influence of Winter Swimming on Oxidative Stress Indicators in the Blood of Healthy Males.

Baths in cold water are a popular physical activity performed to improve health. This study aimed to determine whether repeated cold-water exposure leads to the up-regulation of antioxidant defenses and whether or not this leads to a reduction in basal and/or acute pulses of oxidative distress in humans. The study group consisted of 28 healthy male members of the WS club (average age 39.3 ± 6.1 years). The study sessions occurred at the beginning and the end of the WS season. During the WS season, the participants took 3-min cold-water baths in a cold lake once a week. Blood samples were collected three times during each session: before the bath, 30 min after the bath, and 24 h after the bath. The activity of selected antioxidant enzymes, including superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, and glutathione peroxidase (GPx), as well as the concentration of lipid peroxidation (LPO) products, including thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) and conjugated dienes (CD), were determined in erythrocytes. The concentration of TBARS, CD, retinol, and α-tocopherol were determined in the blood plasma, whereas the level of other LPO products, including 4-hydroxynonenal and 8-iso-prostaglandin F2α, were determined in the blood serum. The repeated cold exposure up-regulated most antioxidant defenses, and this led to an attenuation of most indicators of oxidative stress at the baseline and acute pulses in response to cold exposure. In conclusion, due to regular cold exposure, the antioxidant barrier of winter swimmers was stimulated. Thus, short cold-bath sessions seem to be an effective intervention, inducing promoting positive adaptive changes such as the increased antioxidant capacity of the organism.

Effect of myrtle leaves integration in sheep diet and its addition as powder on leg meat' oxidative stability, physicochemical, microbiological and sensory properties during storage.

The synthetic antioxidant improved the shelf life of meat products; however, consumers start to reject them for health reason. For this, the natural antioxidants like Myrtle distillate leaves (MDL) could be an interesting alternative and potential natural antioxidant given their richness in bioactive compounds. This study aimed to test the effect of myrtle distillate leaves (MDL) as natural antioxidant in premortem phase as diet of cull ewes and in postmortem phase in form of powder added to deboned legs on meat' quality. All ewes received individually 500 g of hay and 750 g of concentrate for Control (C) group; for Myrt group, the concentrate was partially replaced (400 g) by pellets containing 30% MDL and 350 g concentrate. For each ewe, both legs were used for the experiment; one leg was treated with MDL powder and the other with Control. Meat from ewes' fed MDL presented better scores for red color, aftertaste and juiciness, than control group. Meat treated with MDL powder showed the highest values of total phenolic, α-tocopherol content and redness score with lower lipid oxidation (p < .05). The microbiological quality of meat was not affected by MDL. Myrtle distillate leaves could be used in different forms, in order to obtain higher meat product quality.

Effects of injectable vitamin E before or after transit on receiving phase growth performance, health, and blood parameters of beef steers.

The objective was to determine the effects of injectable vitamin E (VE) before or after transit on feedlot cattle receiving performance, health, and blood parameters. Angus × Simmental steers (n = 196; body weight [BW] = 163 ± 29 kg) were utilized in a randomized complete block design. Steers were blocked by BW and randomly assigned to 1 of 3 treatments: intramuscular injections of saline pre- and post-transit (CON), intramuscular injections of VE (2,000 mg d-α-tocopherol) pre-transit and saline post-transit (PRE), or intramuscular injections of saline pre-transit and VE (2,000 mg d-α-tocopherol) post-transit (POST). Pre-transit injections were administered on day 0, and steers were transported on day 7 for approximately 4 h (348 km). After arrival, steers were fed a common corn silage-based diet in GrowSafe bunks. Final BW tended to be greater (P = 0.08) for CON steers compared with POST steers while PRE steers were intermediate. From days 7 to 63, treatment affected average daily gain (ADG) with PRE and CON steers exhibiting (P = 0.04) greater ADG compared with POST steers. Dry matter intake (DMI), water intake, and gain to feed from days 7 to 63 were not affected (P ≥ 0.17) by treatment. Day 0 serum α-tocopherol concentrations were considered marginal (2.3 ± 0.2 mg/l). A treatment × day interaction (P < 0.01) was observed for serum α-tocopherol concentrations. Serum α-tocopherol concentrations were greatest for PRE steers on day 7 (prior to and post-transit), but greater for POST steers on dys 10 and 14. Plasma ferric-reducing antioxidant potential concentrations increased (P = 0.04) for POST steers compared with CON steers and PRE steers being intermediate. Plasma non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) concentrations exhibited a treatment × day interaction (P = 0.04) with CON and POST steers being 16% and 14% greater than PRE steers on day 14, respectively. On day 21, NEFA concentrations were greatest for POST steers compared with PRE steers and CON steers being intermediate. There was no main effect (P ≥ 0.14) of treatment on the number of bovine respiratory disease morbidity treatments. Hair cortisol concentrations were decreased (P < 0.01) 14 days after transit for PRE and POST steers compared with CON steers. Overall, injectable VE administered before or after transit increased serum tocopherol concentrations while reducing stress, but did not improve the growth performance of beef steers during the receiving phase.

Effects of multiple vitamin E levels and two fat sources in diets for swine fed to heavy slaughter weight of 150 kg: II. Tissue fatty acid profile, vitamin E concentrations, immune capacity, and antioxidant capacity of plasma and tissue.

The study objective was to evaluate the effect of two fat sources and graded levels of vitamin E (VE) supplementation on tissue fatty acid profile, VE concentrations, immune capacity, and antioxidant capacity of plasma and tissues of pigs at heavy slaughter weight (150 kg). A total of 48 individually-fed pigs (24 barrows, 24 gilts; 28.44 ± 2.69 kg) were randomly assigned to eight dietary treatments in a 2 × 4 factorial arrangement. The two fat treatments were either 5% tallow (TW) or 5% distiller's corn-oil (DCO). The VE treatments included four levels of α-tocopheryl-acetate (11, 40, 100, and 200 ppm). Compared to pigs fed the DCO diet, pigs fed the TW diet had greater SFA (C14, C16, and C18; P < 0.05) and MUFAs (C14:1, C16:1, C18:1, and C20:1; P < 0.05), lower PUFA (C18:2n-6, C18:3n-3, C20:2, C20:3, and C20:4; P < 0.05) and iodine value in the backfat and belly fat. Increasing dietary VE supplementation level increased α- and total tocopherol concentrations in plasma (linear and quadratic, P < 0.05), liver, and loin muscle (linear, P < 0.06), superoxide dismutase activity (quadratic, P < 0.05), but decreased γ-tocopherol concentrations in liver (linear, P = 0.06), plasma, and loin muscle (quadratic, P < 0.07), and decreased liver glutathione disulfide (GSSG; linear, P = 0.07) and malondialdehyde (MDA) content (quadratic, P < 0.05). There was an interaction between fat sources and dietary VE supplementation level on the concentration of α-tocopherol in the loin muscle (P < 0.05) wherein a greater increase was observed in the TW treatment than the DCO treatment with the increasing dietary VE supplementation level. In conclusion, dietary FA composition in TW and DCO affected the composition of most FA in backfat, belly fat, and liver while increasing VE supplementation level did not significantly alter the FA profile in these tissues. Increasing dietary VE supplementation level increased tocopherol concentrations in plasma, liver and loin muscle, and improved antioxidant capacity while tocopherol concentrations in plasma, liver and loin muscle in the TW treatment increased more than they did in the DCO treatment.

Effects of α-Tocopherol, β-Carotene and Epigallocatechin Gallate on the Oxidative Stability of Sunflower Oil.

Using sunflower oil as the oil matrix, the antioxidant effects and types of interactions of three natural components, α-tocopherol, β-carotene and epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), were investigated and the kinetic model of oxidation reaction was established. The results showed that the ability of the three antioxidants to scavenge DPPH radicals was ranked as EGCG > β-carotene > α-tocopherol in the concentration range of 0~100 mg/kg. 15 samples were obtained by combining two of three natural components. When the concentration ratios of β-carotene and EGCG were 1:20 and 1:7.5, α-tocopherol and EGCG were 1:13.3, 1:6, and 1:2, and α-tocopherol and β-carotene were 1:0.2 and 1:0.05, the type of interaction was synergistic, while the rest of the samples showed antagonistic effects. The sample with a 1:13.3 concentration of α-tocopherol and EGCG showed the longest induction period, the lowest oxidation rate constant, the highest activation energy, the best oxidative stability, and the longest shelf life at different temperatures. This compounded natural antioxidant was the most favorable for the stability of sunflower oil. This provides some theoretical basis for the development and application of compounded natural antioxidants in vegetable oils.

Improvement in Frying Stability of Safflower Oil by Blending with Refined Olive Pomace Oil during Deep Fat Frying.

The objective of the present study was to increase the frying stability of refined safflower oil (RSO) by blending it with refined olive pomace oil (ROPO) during deep fat frying. For this purpose; RSO, ROPO and their blends were utilized for frying of potato sticks at 180°C for 3 consecutive days. The frying stability of the oils was monitored by analyzing them for their free fatty acids, peroxide values, total polar contents, ultraviolet spectrophotometric indices at 232 and 270 nm, fatty acid profiles, p-anisidine values, α-tocopherol contents and photometric color indices. 3-monochloropropane-1,2-diol (3-MCPD) and glycidyl ester (GE) levels of oils before and after frying were measured as well. The results have shown that thermooxidative degradation products increased as the frying progressed for all oils, however the decomposition rate was found to slow down in blend oils by stabilizing with ROPO. Blending RSO with ROPO decreased linoleic and linolenic; but increased the oleic and palmitic acid percentages of the blends. C18:2/C16:0 ratio was found to decrease by frying for RSO and the blend oils, however ROPO was not affected significantly. 3-MCPD-E levels of the blends increased as the ratio of ROPO increased. Principal component analysis enabled a clear discrimination between oils with different composition throughout the frying process.

Effect of vitamin E and zinc supplementation in pre and post partum period incrossbred cows on anti-oxidant, immunity status and performance of new borncalves

The present study was undertaken to investigate the effect of zinc (Zn) supplementation alone and its combination with vitamin E on growth, anti oxidant status and immunity status of new born calves of crossbred cows. The cows were supplemented with Zn @ 0 ppm (T0), Zn @ 80 ppm (T1) and Zn @80 ppm + 1000 IU α-tocopheryl acetate/d (T2) from 60 days prepartum up to 90 days postpartum. The fat, SNF, total solid, protein, Zn and Cu contents content of colostrum showed no effect of dietary treatments but α-tocopherol content was higher(P&lt;0.01) in group T2 as compared to other groups. Total immunoglobulin in colostrum of T2 group was 25.87% higher than control. There was no effect of dietary treatments on plasma Zn and Cu levels of calves, however α-tocopherol concentration at day 5 was higher (P&lt;0.05) in group T2 as compared to other groups. Status of antioxidant enzymes, lymphocyte proliferation index,total and differential leukocyte count was not affected by the treatments. Higher birth weight (P&lt;0.05) was obtained in groupT2 group as compared to other group. Calves from treatment groups showed lower incidence of morbidity and mortality due to calf scour and other infectious diseases compared to control

Water stress protection by the arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus Rhizoglomus irregulare involves physiological and hormonal responses in an organ‐specific manner

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi may alleviate water stress in plants. Although several protection mechanisms have already been described, little information is available on how these fungi influence the hormonal response to water stress at an organ-specific level. In this study, we evaluated the physiological and hormonal responses to water stress in above and below-ground tissues of the legume grass Trifolium repens colonized by the arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus Rhizoglomus irregulare. Plants were subjected to progressive water stress and recovery. Different leaf and root physiological parameters, as well as phytohormone levels, were quantified. Water-stressed mycorrhizal plants showed an improved water status and no photoinhibition compared to uncolonized individuals, while some stress markers like α-tocopherol and malondialdehyde content, an indicator of the extent of lipid peroxidation, transiently increased in roots, but not in leaves. Water stress protection exerted by mycorrhiza appeared to be related to a differential root-to-shoot redox signaling, probably mediated by jasmonates, and mycorrhization enhanced the production of the cytokinin trans-zeatin in both roots and leaves. Overall, our results suggest that mycorrhization affects physiological, redox and hormonal responses to water stress at an organ-specific level, which may eventually modulate the final protection of the host from water stress.

Physicochemical study of Camellia oleifera Abel. seed oils produced using different pretreatment and processing methods

In this study, the effects of different pretreatment (microwave or roasting) and processing (cold pressing, hexane extraction, or aqueous enzymatic extraction) methods on the physicochemical properties, minor components, and antioxidant capacity of Camellia oleifera Abel. seed oil (COSO) were investigated. The results revealed that the fatty acid profiles of COSO were not affected by the different processing methods, while hexane extraction resulted in the highest lipid yield (41.30–44.42 g/100g), saponification value (195.23–197.33 mg/g), and polyphenol content (7.25–8.23 mg/kg). Hierarchical cluster analysis proved that the processing method had a more significant effect than the pretreatment method on the chemical composition of COSO. Principal component analysis of the antioxidant capacity revealed that the microwave–hexane extraction method resulted in the highest content of α-tocopherol (144.7 mg/kg) and polyphenols (8.17 mg/kg) in COSO, indicating a high antioxidant activity (OSI: 6.23 h; DPPH-oil: 237, DPPH-nonpolar: 150, DPPH-polar: 670, FRAP: 77.4, ABTS: 45.9 μmol TE/kg). Consequently, hexane extraction is a promising method for future COSO processing.

Quality Characteristics and Αlpha-Tocopherol Content of Shea Butter Samples from Selected Markets Within Three Southwestern States of Nigeria

Shea (Vitellaria paradoxa) butter samples from selected markets in Nigeria were analyzed for AOAC quality characteristics and α-tocopherol content. The α-tocopherol was determined by RP-HPLC and mg per serving and % daily values (% DV) were estimated. The ranges of acid value (AV) [mgKOH/kg], free fatty acid (FFA) [%], peroxide value (PV) [meqO2/Kg], iodine value (IV) [gI2/100g] and saponification value (SV) [mgKOH/g] were 2.20- 2.59, 1.15-1.30, 0.75-0.95, 44.43-47.85 and 170.08-259.30, respectively. The -tocopherol had a retention time of 3.561 minutes and its content ranged from 1.15-2.60 mg/100 g in the samples, but 5.25 mg/100 g for the laboratory sample. Milligram (mg) per serving and percentage dietary value were 0.16-0.74 and 1.07-4.93, respectively. Quality characteristics varied significantly (p &lt; 0.05) both within and across different markets. Based on the PV and IV results, the marketed shea butter samples may be both food and industry-grade but failed the FFA test. Similarly, 40% of samples did not qualify for domestic consumption and food industry applications. Hence, the samples with &lt;5% DV values cannot serve as dietary sources of α-tocopherol. Dhaka Univ. J. Pharm. Sci. 21(2): 105-115, 2022 (December)