Carotenoid Values Research Articles

Effect of background color on the growth pattern and coloration of guppy (Poecilia reticulata)

A study was carried out to investigate the effects of background color on the growth, skin pigmentation and breeding performances of guppy, Poecilia reticulata. Guppy fish was reared in tanks with four different colors as treatments such as T0 (transparent), T1 (red), T3 (blue) and T4 (green) for 5 months. There were significant differences in growth and coloration among the treatments. The growth performance was found significantly higher in transparent background compared to the other treatments. The results showed that the highest mean weight (0.259 ±0.018 g), mean length (3.067±0.208 cm) and SGR (0.165±0.012) of the fish were significantly higher in T0. Least mean weight (0.167± 0.025 g), mean length (2.53±.0.058 cm) and SGR (0.104±0.017) were observed in T1 indicating association of red color with slower growth performance of guppy, compared to other treatments. Study showed significant influence of background color in skin pigmentation. Fishes reared in transparent tanks showed the highest value of carotenoid (0.00175±0.00004mg/g) and fishes reared in the red tank showed the lowest value of carotenoid (0.00092±0.000035 mg/g). Green background enhanced red orange color on fish skin and provided high amount of carotenoid value (0.00143±0.000046 mg/g) than that with blue (0.00095±0.000025 mg/g). These results suggest significant influence of background color on growth and skin pigmentation patterns of Guppy.

Effects of ultrasound-assisted extraction on physicochemical properties, bioactive compounds, and antioxidant capacity for the valorization of hybrid Mandarin peels

Samples of tree hybrid mandarins (‘Clemenvilla’, ‘Ortanique’ and ‘Nadorcott’) were employed to determine the physicochemical properties (increase of conductivity, brix° and pH), bioactive compounds (total phenolic, flavonoid, ascorbic acid and carotenoids content) and antioxidant capacity (DPPH and TEAC) of peels. Mandarin peel extracts were prepared employing ultrasound assisted extraction (400 W, 80% v/v duty cycle, 40 °C). The results were compared to the values of control extraction method. Aqueous ethanol solution (50%, v/v) was used as solvent in solid-liquid ratio of 1:10 (w/v). A 5, 15 and 30 min were applied in both methods to stablish the most effective extraction time. The increase of conductivity enhances with the extraction during 30 min. No significant differences were observed in °Brix values; in case of pH, these differences were observed according to the varieties analyzed. The total phenolics, flavonoids, carotenoids and ascorbic acid content enhance as the extraction time increased until 30 min with significant differences according to the mandarin variety. ‘Clemenvilla’ peels treated by 30 min had the highest amounts of total flavonoids (76.7 mg CE/100g) and ascorbic acid content (136 mg AA/100g). ‘Ortanique’ and ‘Nadorcott’ peels had the highest values of total phenolic content (1230 GAE/100g) and total carotenoids (8173 μg β-carotene/100g), respectively. Antioxidant capacity values were stronger influenced by flavonoids and ascorbic acid content in both assays applied (DPPH and TEAC). Results indicated that ‘Clemenvilla’ and ‘Ortanique’ peel extracts by USN were the samples with highest values by DPPH and TEAC assays respectively (average of 12.2 and 25.7 mmol TE/100g, respectively).

Probing the combined impact of pulsed electric field and ultra‐sonication on the quality of spinach juice

This study aimed to investigate the combined effects of ultrasound (US) and pulsed electric field (PEF) treatment on spinach juice. The spinach juice was sonicated at a frequency of 40 kHz, radiating power 200 W, and temperature 30°C for 21 min in an ultrasonic bath, followed by PEF treatment (pulse frequency: 1 kHz, flow rate: 60 ml/min, temperature: 30°C, time: 335 µs, and electric field strength 9 kV/cm). The combined treatment (US-PEF) has achieved the highest value of flavonoids, phenolic, flavonols, anthocyanin, carotenoids, total chlorophyll, vitamin C, DPPH, and total antioxidant capacity than single treatments of US and PEF as well as untreated sample. The inactivation of peroxidase and polyphenol oxidase was increased during US-PEF treatment from 0.85 and 0.025 Abs/min (untreated) to 0.18 and 0.011 Abs/min, respectively. There was a slightly visible variation in color values among all the treatments. Practical applications Nowadays, novel processing techniques, are employed to improve the nutritional quality and stability of juices. The consequences of the present research showed that combined treatment (US-PEF) could improve the TPC, TFC, total flavonols, antioxidant activities, chlorophyll, carotenoids, vitamin C, and anthocyanins content while reducing the activity of the enzyme. The verdicts described that US-PEF can enhance the quality of spinach juice at an industrial scale.

Effects of layer arrangement on heating uniformity and product quality after hot air assisted radio frequency drying of carrot

The conventional drying technology prolongs the shelf life of carrots but may cause the serious loss of nutrients. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of intermittently rearranging layers on the heating uniformity, drying characteristics and quality of carrot slices under the hot air assisted radio frequency (RF) heating. The carrot slices were dried for 270 min using hot air (60 °C) assisted RF heating at the electrode gap of 100 mm firstly, and then followed hot air drying to achieve the final moisture level (0.11 kg/kg (d.b.)). The results showed that the selected hot air assisted RF drying protocol for the carrot slices reduced 30% of the duration compared to the single hot air drying. The carrot slices dried by the combined drying method had the highest total carotenoid value (P ≤ 0.05) except for possessing accepted color and rehydration. Therefore, the combined drying method could improve the drying rate and maintain heat sensitive substances in carrot slices.

The influence of hail net on the water balance and leaf pigment content of apple orchards

Apple production accounts for 60–65 % of all fruit production in Hungary, as one of the most important areas of the fruit production sector. Extreme weather conditions in the continental climate can cause significant problems in apple production. The most important solutions to decrease their effects are irrigation and hail net. In addition to protection against hail damage, the hail net has effect on microclimatic factors, its shading effect has a positive effect on the growth of fruit trees and it reduces the risk of sunburn and transpiration. The aim of our research was to evaluate the effect of hail net on the water balance of Early Gold and Golden Reinders microclimatic factors on the basis of thermal imaging, water potential measurement, canopy dry matter content and to analyze the effect on pigment content. The research was carried out on a weekly basis in July and August 2019 at the Horticultural Unit of Pallag, University of Debrecen, Hungary. Based on our results, the air temperature was 2.91 % lower (p = 0.150) and the relative humidity was 3.16 % higher (p = 0.0001) under the hail net. Results also revealed that the foliage temperature was 7.28 % lower (p = 0.006), the water potential value of the foliage was 20.80 % higher (p = 0.399) under the hail net, while the dry matter content of the leaf was 4.76 % lower than in orchards outside the hail net. Canopy chlorophyll concentration was 10.24 % (p = 0.066) higher and carotenoid values were also higher (16.24 %, p = 0.004) in hail net protected circumstances. Based on the results, the hail net has a favorable effect on the water balance of apple orchards and pigment content of apple leaves through microclimatic conditions, partially offsetting the negative effects caused by summer heat and drought stress.

In Vitro Gastrointestinal Digestion Impact on the Bioaccessibility and Antioxidant Capacity of Bioactive Compounds from Tomato Flours Obtained after Conventional and Ohmic Heating Extraction.

In times of pandemic and when sustainability is in vogue, the use of byproducts, such as fiber-rich tomato byproducts, can be an asset. There are still no studies on the impact of extraction methodologies and the gastrointestinal tract action on bioactive properties. Thus, this study used a solid fraction obtained after the conventional method (SFCONV) and a solid fraction after the ohmic method (SFOH) to analyze the effect of the gastrointestinal tract on bioactive compounds (BC) and bioactivities. Results showed that the SFOH presents higher total fiber than SFCONV samples, 62.47 ± 1.24–59.06 ± 0.67 g/100 g DW, respectively. Both flours present high amounts of resistant protein, representing between 11 and 16% of insoluble dietary fiber. Furthermore, concerning the total and bound phenolic compounds, the related antioxidant activity measured by 2,2′-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulphonic acid (ABTS) radical cation decolorization assay presented significantly higher values for SFCONV than SFOH samples (p < 0.05). The main phenolic compounds identified in the two flours were gallic acid, rutin, and p-coumaric acid, and carotenoids were lycopene, phytofluene, and lutein, all known as health promoters. Despite the higher initial values of SFCONV polyphenols and carotenoids, these BCs’ OH flours were more bioaccessible and presented more antioxidant capacity than SFCONV flours, throughout the simulated gastrointestinal tract. These results confirm the potential of ohmic heating to modify the bioaccessibility of tomato BC, enhancing their concentrations and improving their antioxidant capacity.

Carotenoids: Considerations for Their Use in Functional Foods, Nutraceuticals, Nutricosmetics, Supplements, Botanicals, and Novel Foods in the Context of Sustainability, Circular Economy, and Climate Change

Carotenoids are versatile isoprenoids that are important in food quality and health promotion. There is a need to establish recommended dietary intakes/nutritional reference values for carotenoids. Research on carotenoids in agro-food and health is being propelled by the two multidisciplinary international networks, the Ibero-American Network for the Study of Carotenoids as Functional Foods Ingredients (IBERCAROT; http://www.cyted.org) and the European Network to Advance Carotenoid Research and Applications in Agro-Food and Health (EUROCAROTEN; http://www.eurocaroten.eu). In this review, considerations for their safe and sustainable use in products mostly intended for health promotion are provided. Specifically, information about sources, intakes, and factors affecting bioavailability is summarized. Furthermore, their health-promoting actions and importance in public health in relation to the contribution of reducing the risk of diverse ailments are synthesized. Definitions and regulatory and safety information for carotenoid-containing products are provided. Lastly, recent trends in research in the context of sustainable healthy diets are summarized.

Mutagenesis of Rhodosporidium toruloides using ethyl methanesulfonate for enhancing astaxanthin production and evaluation scavenging activity against 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl of astaxanthin

Astaxanthin is a valuable carotenoid which has been approved as a food coloring by the US Food and Drug Administration. This work aimed to attain Rhodosporidium toruloides mutants for enhanced astaxanthin accumulation using ethyl methanesulfonate mutagenesis (EMS). EMS treatment was shown efficient at different investigated concentration included 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, 3.0, 3.5, 4.0, 4.5, 5.0 and 6.0% in affecting the yeast for enhanced astaxanthin production. Among the screened mutants, E4 (1719.9 µg/L), an EMS-induced mutant at 3.5% concentration, exhibited the highest astaxanthin production which was significantly higher than that of the wild strain (increased 4.7 times). A mutant yeast strain E4 showed a short lag phase of about 2 hours, then 32 hours of log phase, 35 hours of stationary phase and then entered to death phase after 70 hours of inoculation. The best time to collect astaxanthin was after 96 hours of inoculation in Hansen broth, the accumulated astaxanthin content was 1719 µg/L. Crude extract of astaxanthin from mutant strain E4 had the scavenging capacity of DPPH free radicals (IC50 = 9.106 µg/mL) 10.6 times higher than that of vitamin E and their’s application direction in the pharmaceutical industry, nutritional supplements, as well as bioproduct used in the aquaculture industry.

Phytochemical Compounds and Antioxidant Activity of the Pulp of Two Brazilian Passion Fruit Species: Passiflora Cincinnata Mast. And Passiflora Edulis Sims

ABSTRACT About 600 species of Passiflora are described around the world, of which 120 are native to Brazil. In the present work, the phytochemical compounds were analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography, and the antioxidant activities (AOX) were measured in the pulp of P. edulis and P. cincinnata species. The P. edulis presented a higher bioactive content and AOX when compared to P. cincinnata. Citric and malic acids were the main organic acids found. The principal component analysis-PCA associated the highest values of quercetin-3-glucoside, hesperidin, trans-caftaric acid, chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, p-coumaric acid, trans-resveratrol, rutin, procyanidin-B2, epigallocatechin-gallate and epicatechin-gallate, to P. cincinnata. The P. edulis was associated with higher values of total phenolic, vitamin C, total carotenoids, AOX (DPPH•, ABTS+• and FRAP), cis-resveratrol, naringenin, kaempferol-3-glucoside, myricetin and procyanidin-B1. P. cincinnata, although not a commercial species such as P. edulis, presented phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity in acceptable values, including the high values of quercetin 3-glucoside. The present study contributes to the knowledge of the physical-chemical composition of the Passiflora species.

Biosynthesis and extraction of high-value carotenoid from algae.

Algae possess a considerable potential as bio-refinery for the scale-up production of high-value natural compounds like-carotenoids. Carotenoids are accessory pigments in the light-harvesting apparatus and also act as antioxidants and photo-protectors in green cells. They play important roles for humans, like-precursors of vitamin A, reduce the risk of some cancers, helps in the prevention of age-related diseases, cardiovascular diseases, improve skin health, and stimulates immunity. To date, about 850 types of natural carotenoid compounds have been reported and they have approximated 1.8 billion US$ of global market value. In comparison to land plants, there are few reports on biosynthetic pathways and molecular level regulation of algal carotenogenesis. Recent advances of algal genome sequencing, data created by high-throughput technologies and transcriptome studies, enables a better understanding of the origin and evolution of de novo carotenoid biosynthesis pathways in algae. Here in this review, we focused on, the biochemical and molecular mechanism of carotenoid biosynthesis in algae. Additionally, structural features of different carotenoids are elaborated from a chemistry point of view. Furthermore, current understandings of the techniques designed for pigment extraction from algae are reviewed. In the last section, applications of different carotenoids are elucidated and the growth potential of the global market value of carotenoids are also discussed.

Food Insecurity, Carotenoid Values and Coping Strategies of Students on a Mid-Sized College Campus

Food insecurity is a serious public health problem among college students, negatively affecting academic performance and health outcomes. The primary objective of the study involved the exploration of the potential association between food insecurity and carotenoid scan levels. Additionally, the association between food insecurity and coping strategies utilized was investigated. A Qualtrics survey and BioPhotonic Scanner™ were utilized to conduct an exploratory cross-sectional study with students from a mid-size four-year university (n=410). The USDA food security definitions and assessment tools were used for categorization. More than 31% percent of participants were classified as food insecure, with 5.1% considered very low and 26.6% low food security. A statistically significant factor associated with food insecurity was ethnicity (OR= .19). Other factors included: skipped buying textbooks to buy food (OR=.09), avoided buying expensive foods like fruits and vegetables (OR=.24), stretched food by limiting (OR= .09), removed spoiled parts from fruits and vegetables (OR= .73). Carotenoid scan scores were not associated with food insecurity. Coping strategies are often used by food insecure students and should be further examined to pinpoint promising strategies.

Potentials of potassium humate, ammonium humate, and vermicompost tea in controlling root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne arenaria and improving biochemical components in eggplant

The impact of potassium humate, ammonium humate and vermicompost tea on the root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne arenaria, and their effect on plant growth and some biochemical parameters in eggplant were determined in vitro and in vivo. The in vitro results showed that egg hatching and juvenile mortality of M. arenaria were significantly (P ≤ 0.05) affected by treatments. Ammonium humate 3 and 2% were more effective in inhibiting egg hatching after 4 days by 61.6 and 82.6% respectively. Also, in ammonium humate 3%, the increase of exposure period from 24 to 48 hrs. raised mortality from 73.3 to 82%. In vivo experiment treatments were applied under greenhouse conditions with two different application methods (soil drenching, and foliar spray) and two concentrations (2 and 3%) on the root-knot nematode, M. arenaria population, and their impact on eggplant. All tested treatments significantly decreased nematode number to different levels compared to control. The highest suppression in total nematode population was recorded with drenching by 3% ammonium humate. A similar trend was noticed with reproduction factor and number of galls or egg- masses per root system. Plants grown in soil drenched by 3 % ammonium humate recorded the highest value in fresh and dry weight, as well as shoot and root length. Also, these plants gave the highest values of carotenoids, phenolic compounds and total amino acids. While, the highest value of proline content appeared with control. Also, the results showed that the total chlorophyll, total protein and reducing sugar content increased in all treatments compared to control.

Split-root investigation of the physiological response to heterogeneous elevated Zn exposure in poplar and willow

Essential and toxic ions are often heterogeneously distributed within a soil landscape. This fact may complicate phytoextraction efforts to remove toxic ions such as heavy metals from the soil as the roots of some plants instead may colonize more favorable microenvironments and avoid heavy metal accumulation. In this study a split-root hydroponic experiment was used to test whether root-level exposure to zinc (Zn) stress to none, half or all of the root systems of Populus deltoides Bart. ex Marshall x Populus nigra L. (poplar) and Salix matsudana L. (willow) plants alters root and shoot physiology. Cuttings of both species were split to create two root system halves that were exposed to either control (-Zn) or stress (+1 mM Zn) solutions for 42 days. Weekly measurements of gas exchange, photosystem fluorescence parameters and pigments showed that poplar was more sensitive to the half stress (-Zn/+Zn) treatment than willow, with lower gas exchange rates and total chlorophyll and carotenoid values relative to their respective controls (-Zn/-Zn). Half stress willow plants had increased root growth in the half without Zn, demonstrating a reallocation of carbon to compensate with no negative impact to shoot physiology as compared to poplar. Water consumption was also reduced in half stress willow but not in poplar, suggesting an increase in water-use efficiency in response to heterogeneous Zn exposure that was not derived from dramatic reductions in transpiration rate. These significant differences between these two species in response to patchy distribution of toxic Zn concentration may impact the efficiency of phytoremediation efforts and suggests additional criteria to consider in the pre-selection process.

Microalgae bioremediation: A perspective towards wastewater treatment along with industrial carotenoids production

Carotenoids are natural pigments known for their various health benefits for humans together with various other applications in diverse industries. Considering the high market value of carotenoids in the food and health sector, sustainable production of these metabolites for commercial applications is the need of time. Among various microbial alternatives, microalgae are considered as a rich source of carotenoids along with other metabolites and received special attention. However, commercial microalgae production is not fully developed and diversity of data is available regarding the cost-effectiveness of algal biomass production. Recent studies employing novel technologies and methods, coupled with the utilization of wastewater for algal cultivation are providing an innovative way forward. Implementation of wastewater for the cultivation of microalgae offers an economical, sustainable, and environmentally friendly method of resource utilization and urban wastewater management. This review intends to highlight the potential of microalgae species using wastewater for the production of different categories of carotenoids. The review will discuss the integrated approach that can be implemented for the biosynthesis of these value-added products along with wastewater treatment. Different techniques and factors which can be utilized for the upstreaming and downstreaming of the algal carotenoids will also be addressed in detail along with their challenges. Possible recommendations for the coupling of microalgae with wastewater as an effective method of waste remediation and as a source of potential products are also proposed.

Variability in Prolificacy, Total Carotenoids, Lutein, and Zeaxanthin of Yellow Small-Ear Waxy Corn Germplasm

Waxy corn is a popular, alternative staple food in most Asian countries including Thailand. The availability of small-ear waxy corn genotypes with prolific ears and a high level of carotenoids is expected to benefit growers and consumers. Integrated evaluation among source germplasm is essential before performing further breeding efforts for enhancing prolific ears and high-carotenoid content. Thus, the present study explored the variability of ear prolificacy, total carotenoids, lutein, zeaxanthin, and beta-carotene among yellow small-ear waxy corn accessions. About 44 corn accessions and 4 check varieties were evaluated for agronomic traits and yield components under multienvironment trials in a randomized complete block design (RCBD). The immature seed sample of these genotypes was analyzed to quantify the content of total carotenoids and some carotenoid fractions. All traits showed that low GXE interaction and significant genotypic diversity existed among all tested accessions with the predominant contribution of genotype to total phenotypic variation and beta-carotene. Accessions were clustered into four major groups based on the similarity of multiple carotenoids profiles. Three selected accessions (UT121001, KKU-WX112087, and KKU-WX212001) had higher values of total carotenoids, lutein, zeaxanthin, and beta-carotene than those of all check varieties. High and positive correlations among second-emerged ears, marketable second-emerged ears, and total ear number indicate that a higher chance of secondary ears becomes marketable ears with an increase of total ears per plant per hectare. Lutein and zeaxanthin had positive, strong correlations with total carotenoids. The implications and breeding strategies are discussed prior to promoting yellow small-ear waxy corn as a biofortified crop.

Prospective Evaluation of Mango Fruit Intake on Facial Wrinkles and Erythema in Postmenopausal Women: A Randomized Clinical Pilot Study.

Mangos are rich in β-carotene and other carotenoids, along with several phenolic acids that may provide oxidant defense and photoprotection to the skin. The objectives of this study are to investigate the effects of Ataulfo mango intake on the development of facial wrinkles and erythema. A randomized two-group parallel-arm study was conducted to assess 16 weeks of either 85 g or 250 g of mango intake in healthy postmenopausal women with Fitzpatrick skin type II or III. Facial photographs were captured at weeks 0, 8, and 16, and wrinkles at the lateral canthi and erythema at the cheeks were quantified. Skin carotenoid values were measured with reflection spectroscopy. Deep wrinkle severity decreased significantly in the 85 g group after 8 (p = 0.007) and 16 (p = 0.03) weeks compared to baseline measures. In contrast, those in the 250 g group showed an increase after 16 weeks in average wrinkle severity (p = 0.049), average wrinkle length (p = 0.007), fine wrinkle severity (p = 0.02), and emerging wrinkle severity (p = 0.02). Erythema in the cheeks increased with 85 g of mango intake (p = 0.04). The intake of 85 g of mangos reduced wrinkles in fair-skinned postmenopausal women, while an intake of 250 g showed the opposite effect. Further studies feeding 85 g of mangos are warranted.

Osmotic dehydration and convective drying of kiwifruit (Actinidia deliciosa) – The influence of ultrasound on process kinetics and product quality

The aim of this study was to assess the impact of ultrasound on two subsequent processes – initial osmotic dehydration and convective drying of kiwifruit (Actinidia deliciosa). The effect of ultrasound (at a frequency of 25 kHz) was assessed both in terms of process kinetics and product quality. During the study, three different osmotic agents were used – erythritol, sorbitol, and sucrose – in an aqueous solution at a concentration of 50% (w/w). The essential kinetic parameters were analyzed – water loss and increase of dry matter during osmotic dehydration, and evolution of moisture content and temperature of samples during convective drying (drying curves). Product quality was assessed on the basis of color, water activity, and content of relevant bioactive components – polyphenols and carotenoids. It was found that the application of ultrasound during osmotic dehydration resulted in higher water loss and solid gain. This surely results from the phenomena occurring during the propagation of the elastic waves in the liquid medium (mainly related to cavitation) and enhancement of the mass transfer. The use of ultrasound during convective drying also had a positive effect on the kinetics of this process. In most cases, during the ultrasonically assisted drying operations, a significant increase in drying rate was observed, leading to a reduction in drying time. This may be due to the intensification of both heat and mass transfer as a result of the mechanical and thermal effects of ultrasound. The assessment of product quality showed that the use of sugar alcohols was a good alternative to sucrose, and ultrasound-assisted convective drying increased the retention of valuable carotenoids and polyphenols. Moreover, in all dried kiwifruit slices, water activity was below 0.6, which can guarantee the microbiological stability of the tested samples.

Improvement of carotenoids production from Rhodotorula glutinis CCT-2186

Abstract Rhodotorula strains can produce industrial valuable bioproducts. In this work, the production of carotenoids, and lipids by Rhodotorula glutinis using different nitrogen sources was evaluated. Two statistical experimental designs were applied to improve carotenoid production: a first 25−1 fractional factorial design evaluating the influence of independent variables pH, nitrogen source, glucose, KH2PO4 and MgSO4 concentration; a second 22 central factorial design to optimize the effect of pH and nitrogen sources. After the optimization using two statistical designs, a culture mediium composed of (in g/L) glucose (10), asparagine (10), NH4NO3 (4), KH2PO4 (0.52), MgSO4 (0.52) was found as the best for the production of carotenoids at a pH 5 and 30 °C. The best bioprocess was scaled-up to a 5 L stirred-tank bioreactor. The change to a bioreactor allowed to improve aeration and agitation conditions, and consequently, increasing the production yields (m/v) in, approximately, 25.83 %, 11.88 %, 24.50 % and 10.32 % for β-carotene, torularhodin, torulene and lipids, respectively. The combined supplementation of the culture media with both organic (asparagine) and inorganic nitrogen (ammonium nitrate) sources was primordial for enhancing the carotenogenesis. R. glutinis are very efficient in the production of valuable carotenoids and lipids, presenting high potential of yeast for the industrial production of more sustainable cosmetic, pharmaceutical, and food products.

Determination of water-soluble vitamins and carotenoids in Brazilian tropical fruits by High Performance Liquid Chromatography

Vitamins are organic compounds essential for normal physiological functioning and they need to be provided in adequate amounts by the diet. They are nutrients mainly associated to fruit consumption, playing an important role in the cellular function, growth and development of individuals. The present study aimed to analyze levels of vitamins B, C and carotenoids of fruits from the agrobiodiversity of Northeastern Brazil, among them cajuí (Anacardium spp), murici (Byrsonima crassifolia (L.) Kunth), pequi (Caryocar coriaceum Wittm.), jenipapo (Genipa americana L.), mangaba (Hancornia speciosa Gomes), bacuri (Platonia insignis Mart.), cajá (Spondias mombin L.), umbu-cajá (Spondias bahiensis P. Carvalho, Van den Berg & M. Machado), umbu (Spondias tuberosa Arruda), pitanga (Eugenia uniflora L.), araçá (Psidium sobralianum Landrum & Proença). The vitamins were quantified using the analytical method High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). Vitamin B complex levels varied from 0.003 ± 0.01 mg/100 g to 6.107 ± 0.06 mg/100 g. Vitamin C ranged from 0.36 ± 0.06 mg/100 g to 253.92 ± 9.02 mg/100 g. Carotenoid values ranged from 0.12 ± 0.02 μg/100 g to 395.63 ± 113.69 μg/100 g. Thus, the profile of water-soluble vitamins and carotenoids of the fruits analyzed was quantified. Therefore, these fruits can provide varied amounts of vitamins important to human health. However, it is interesting for the individual to consume fruits in a diversified manner, avoiding monotony and thus guaranteeing the daily intake of more nutrients.

Effect of natural pigment sources on colouration of red zebra cichlid ( Maylandia estherae Konings, 1995)

This study was done to assess the effect of the colouration of the red zebra cichlid (Maylandia estherae), using beet root red (Beta vulgaris ruba) and henna (Lawsonia inermis). The fish with an average weight of 1.21 ± 0.69 g was placed in 12 aquariums. Fifteen fish were placed in each aquarium. The fish were fed with diets which were without carotenoid supplement (AK), containing astaxanthin (AA), beet root red (AP) and henna (AI). Except the AK, each group contained 50 mg/kg carotenoid additives. As a result of the experiment, total carotenoid values between groups were not significant (p > .05). The redness (a*) value of groups was significant (p < .05), and the values of brightness (L*) and yellowness (b*) were not significant (p > .05). Samples were kept in the freezer at −20°C for 120 days to see whether the fish kept their colour. All groups decreased compared with the 50th day. This difference in groups except the AP was significant (p < .05). The FCR, SGR and weight gain% was not significant (p > .05). The survival was 97.28%, and it was the same in all groups. The study concluded that natural carotene sources with lower costs had similar effects with astaxanthin.