Carotenoids In Pulp Research Articles

Carotenoids from Different Pumpkin Varieties Exert a Cytotoxic Effect on Human Neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y Cells.

Plants, including pumpkins (Cucurbita spp.), are an interesting source of nutrients and bioactives with various health benefits. In this research, carotenoid extracts obtained from the pulp of eight pumpkin varieties, belonging to the C. moschata and C. maxima species, were tested for cytotoxicity on SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells. The results showed that pumpkin bioactives exert a cytotoxic action against the tested cells, in particular Butternut extract at a 100 μM (53.69 μg/mL) concentration after 24 h of treatment and Mantovana extract at 50 μM (26.84 μg/mL) after 48 h. Moreover, the carotenoid extracts also showed interesting in vitro antioxidant activity, evaluated by ABTS and ORAC assays. To fully characterize the qualitative and quantitative profile of carotenoids in the tested extracts, a high-performance chromatographic technique was performed, revealing that pumpkin pulp carotenoids were mainly represented by β-carotene, mono- and di-esterified hydroxy- and epoxy-carotenoids. Moreover, the carotenoid dataset was also useful for discriminating samples from two different species. In conclusion, the results of the present study highlight the potential anti-cancer activity of pumpkin carotenoid extracts and the possibility of using them as chemotherapeutic adjuvants.

Bioactive compounds and physico-chemical characteristics of guavas bagged with different materials

There are several alternatives to bags used for field fruit bagging but little is known about their management in the orchards and the influence of the materials on the phytochemicals and on the physicochemical properties of the fruits after harvest. This study aimed at evaluating fruit bagging with different materials regarding its management and interference in bioactive compounds and physico-chemical features of guava cultivars ‘Paluma’, ‘Século XXI’ and ‘Pedro Sato’, which were cultivated in an organic farming system. The experiment was carried in Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation in 2014/2015 and 2015/2016 harvests. Guavas underwent the following treatments: no bagging (witness); non-woven fabric (TNT); kraft paper; white paper and transparent perforated polyethylene. The following fruit quality variables were analyzed: total phenols; antioxidant activity; carotenoids; peel color; soluble solids; pH; and titratable acidity. This study found that bagging materials interfered both in the phenol content and in the antioxidant activity of the three guava cultivars even though they did not affect pulp carotenoids. Fruit bagging with TNT and transparent perforated polyethylene provided more resistance against weather adversities. Bagging of guava cultivars ‘Paluma’, ‘Século XXI’ and ‘Pedro Sato’ changed the phytochemical and physicochemical features of the fruits.

Integrative analyses of transcriptome and carotenoids profiling revealed molecular insight into variations in fruits color of Citrus Reticulata Blanco induced by transplantation.

Citrus fruits exhibit vivid color and are favored extensively. However, the biochemical and molecular mechanism of Citrus Reticulata Blanco fruits coloring, especially the effect of transplantation on fruits coloring, is unclear. Herein, RNA-Seq and carotenoids profiling were applied to investigate the effect of transplantation on Orah mandarin fruits coloring. Transplantation induces fruit color shallowing, Ca2+ and ACC level declining and IAA level increasing. Transplantation induced variation in fruit skin and pulp carotenoids, mainly β-citraurin as one of the important pigments of citrus peel. 2253 up-regulated genes, 1103 down-regulated genes in skin and 815 up-regulated genes, 534 down-regulated genes in pulp of transplanted tree fruits were identified by RNA-Seq. The DEGs involved hormone signal, carotenoids biosynthesis and TFs such as MYB and bHLH family TFs. The carotenoid cleavage dioxygenase gene (Ciclev10028113m.g) is positively correlated with β-citraurin and regulated directly and/or indirectly by MYB1R1, PIF4, ACC and IAA. Integrative analyses revealed potential molecular insights into Orah mandarin peel color variation during transplantation.

Investigation of the potential of industrial carrot processing waste for the release of bioactive substances

Bioflavonoids have anti-inflammatory, antitumor, neuroprotective, antidiabetic, antimicrobial, antithrombogenic activity. A large amount of these valuable bioactive substances gets wasted waste after processing of fruits and vegetables, carrots in particular. The article studies the possibility of using carrots pulp of the Losinoostrovskaya, Nantes (Nantskaya) and Queen of Autumn (Koroleva Oseni) varieties as a source of flavonoids and carotenoids. It was determined that the highest content of the target substances is extracted using ethanol with a concentration of 96%. We carried out the pectrophotomoteric evaluation of the composition and quantitative determination of flavonoids and carotenoids in pulp. It was found that carotenoids were the predominant component of extracts in the studied pulp samples. Their content was 1.8-1.9 times higher than flavonoids. One of the directions in the development of methods for increasing the efficiency of isolation of bioactive compounds can be methods for increasing the yield of bound phenolic compounds with high biological activity.

Brazilian germplasm of winter squash (Cucurbita moschata D.) displays vast genetic variability, allowing identification of promising genotypes for agro-morphological traits.

Winter squash fruits (Cucurbita moschata D.) are among the best sources of vitamin A precursors and constitute sources of bioactive components such as phenolic compounds and flavonoids. Approximately 70% of C. moschata seed oil is made up of unsaturated fatty acids, with high levels of monounsaturated fatty acids and components such as vitamin E and carotenoids, which represent a promising nutritional aspect in the production of this vegetable. C. moschata germplasm expresses high genetic variability, especially in Brazil. We assessed 91 C. moschata accessions, from different regions of Brazil, and maintained at the Federal University of Viçosa (UFV) Vegetable Germplasm Bank, to identify early-flowering accessions with high levels of carotenoids in the fruit pulp and high yields of seed and seed oil. Results showed that the accessions have high variability in the number and mass of seeds per fruit, number of accumulated degree-days for flowering, total carotenoid content, and fruit productivity, which allowed selection for considerable gains in these characteristics. Analysis of the correlation between these characteristics provided information that will assist in selection to improve this crop. Cluster analysis resulted in the formation of 16 groups, confirming the variability of the accessions. Per se analysis identified accessions BGH-6749, BGH-5639, and BGH-219 as those with the earliest flowering. Accessions BGH-5455A and BGH-5598A had the highest carotenoid content, with averages greater than 170.00 μg g-1 of fresh mass. With a productivity of 0.13 t ha-1, accessions BGH-5485A, BGH-4610A, and BGH-5472A were the most promising for seed oil production. These last two accessions corresponded to those with higher seed productivity, averaging 0.58 and 0.54 t ha-1, respectively. This study confirms the high potential of this germplasm for use in breeding for promotion of earlier flowering and increase in total content of fruit pulp carotenoids and in seed and seed oil productivity.

Combined application of ethylene and 1-methylcyclopropene on ripening and volatile compound production of 'Golden' papaya

Papaya (Carica papaya L.) fruit are consumed worldwide, but they are highly perishable. The effects of the application of 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) with and without ethylene on 'Golden' papaya ripening and production of volatile compounds responsible for aroma. Fruit were treated with 2.5 μl L−1 ethylene and/or 100 nL L−1 of 1-MCP for 12 h as follows: I) control, II) ethylene, III) 1-MCP, IV) ethylene + 1-MCP (simultaneous), V) ethylene followed by application of 1-MCP at a 12 h interval and VI) ethylene + 1-MCP without any interval. Pulp firmness, skin color, skin chlorophyll content, skin and pulp carotenoids, ethylene production, respiratory activity, internal ethylene concentration (IEC), pectin methyl esterase (PME) activity, 1-carboxylic acid-1-aminocyclopropane oxidase (ACC oxidase) activity and volatile compounds were measured. Fruit were stored at 22 °C, with analysis of volatile compounds performed until day 8 and all others until day 6. Fruit treated with only 1-MCP developed rubberized pulp. Fruit treated simultaneously with ethylene and 1-MCP reached desirable firmness for consumption by day 6. Co-application of 1-MCP + ethylene promoted chlorophyll degradation. A consistent increase in ethylene production in 1-MCP-treated fruit above those observed in control fruit and in fruit treated with ethylene only was observed. In relation to volatile compounds, linalool and its oxides were affected less by 1-MCP treatment, with or without ethylene, on days 2 and 6, and did not affect fruit flavor.

Post-harvest quality of bananas Prata-anã and Nanica after application of exogenous ethylene in maturation

Abstract The objective of this study was to evaluate the post-harvest quality of bananas (Musa x paradisiaca L.) Prata-anã and Nanica after application of exogenous ethylene (C2H4) during maturation. Bananas of Prata-anã cultivar were harvested 18 weeks after the anthesis (WAA) and those of Nanica cultivar with 13 WAA. After harvest, the fruits were submitted to 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 applications of 15 mL of ethyl-5/m3 in refrigeration chambers at 15ºC and later stored at room temperature (24 to 28ºC) and refrigerated at 15°C for 10 days. Peel color, fresh weight loss, firmness, total soluble solids, total bark chlorophyll, total bark and pulp carotenoids were evaluated at 0, 3, 4, 7 and 10 days after harvest (DAH). The Assistat program was used in statistical analysis. Among the storage conditions, fruits kept under refrigeration had a longer shelf life. The Prata-anã cultivar was superior to Nanica, presenting maturation indexes ideal for transport and commercialization, evaluated for the interactions of storage temperature, ethylene (C2H4) applications and storage time. It was concluded that the banana Prata-anã requires 3 and Nanica 4 applications of ethyl, for the harvest with 18 and 13 weeks, respectively, in order to promote a fast and uniform maturation.

Harvest maturity stage affects the concentrations of health-promoting compounds: Lupeol, mangiferin and phenolic acids in the pulp and peel of ripe ‘Kensington Pride’ mango fruit

Mango (Mangifera indica L.) fruit is known as a good source of lupeol, mangiferin and phenolic acids. However, the effect of harvest maturity on the concentrations of these compounds in the pulp and peel of ripe ‘Kensington Pride’ mango fruit has not been reported. Thus, quantitative analysis of lupeol, mangiferin, phenolic acids and other important health-promoting compounds in the pulp and peel of ripe mango fruit harvested at four different maturity stages namely, green mature (commercial standard), sprung stage, half ripe and tree ripe was carried out. The highest concentrations of lupeol, mangiferin, vanillic acid, ferulic acid and caffeic acid in both pulp and peel and gallic acid, chlorogenic acid and total phenols in the peel were recorded in ripe fruit harvested at the sprung stage. The highest concentrations of ascorbic acid and total carotenoids in pulp and total antioxidant capacity in peel were recorded in the fruit harvested at tree ripe stage, whilst the highest antioxidant capacity in ripe pulp was recorded in those fruit harvested at half ripe stage. The sprung stage could, therefore, be considered as the best stage to harvest to obtain mango fruit with enhanced health benefits.

Citharexylum solanaceum fruit extracts: Profiles of phenolic compounds and carotenoids and their relation with ROS and RNS scavenging capacities

Citharexylum solanaceum is a native fruit from Brazil, which both bioactive compounds and antioxidant potential were not yet investigated. Thus, the freeze-dried extracts of seed and pulp+skin of C. solanaceum fruits were obtained after solid-liquid extraction with ethanol and their bioactive compounds composition, namely phenolic compounds and carotenoids, were determined. The antioxidant capacity of both extracts against physiologically relevant reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS) was further investigated. Both C. solanaceum extracts showed high contents of phenolic compounds; however, pulp+skin extract presented 2.4-times more phenolic compounds (33.54mg/g) than the seed extract (14.09mg/g). Verbascoside (phenylpropanoid) was the major compound identified in both extracts (11–25mg/g). Regarding the carotenoid composition, all-trans-lutein (14–42μg/g) and all-trans-β-carotene (13–44μg/g) were the major compounds in both extracts. The high content of phenolic compounds and carotenoids in pulp+skin extract might explain its higher scavenging capacity against all the ROS/RNS as compared to seed extract. In general, both extracts showed better scavenging capacity for the RNS than for the ROS. Our results indicate that C. solanaceum fruits can be explored as an important natural source of antioxidant compounds.

Effect of style of home cooking on retention and bioaccessibility of pro-vitamin A carotenoids in biofortified pumpkin (Cucurbita moschata Duch.)

Pumpkin (Cucurbita moschata) is a food crop targeted for enrichment with pro-vitamin A carotenoids. We investigated retention of pro-vitamin A carotenoids in pulp from orange fleshed pumpkin that was briefly steamed or boiled in either water or water containing 60% sucrose in five genotypes grown in Brazil. Bioaccessibility of pro-vitamin A carotenoids in cooked pulp was also determined by their transfer to mixed micelles during in vitro digestion and confirmed by their accumulation in Caco-2 human intestinal cells. Pulp from the biofortified genotypes contained 209–658μg/g fresh weight pro-vitamin A and retention of the carotenes during cooking exceeded 78%. Bioaccessibility of β-carotene and α-carotene was poor (<4%), highly variable and affected by food matrix and style of cooking. The estimated quantity of β-carotene equivalents transferred to mixed micelles during simulated digestion of cooked pulp from one genotype has the potential to provide more than 40% of the Estimated Average Requirement of vitamin A for children 4–8years of age per 100g serving. Possible causes for the low bioaccessiblity of pro-vitamin A in pumpkin are discussed.

Endogenous ethylene regulates accumulation of α- and β-carotene in the pulp of harvested durian fruit

Durian (Durio zibethinus Murr.) cv. Chanee fruits were harvested at commercial maturity and stored at 25°C for 9 days. Respiration rates and ethylene production increased during storage, while pulp firmness decreased. The concentrations of the two main pulp carotenoids (α- carotene and β-carotene) increased by more than 30% during storage. The minor carotenoids zeaxanthin also increased, while an increase in lutein was not statistically different from controls. Treatment at 25°C with 500μLL−1 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) for 12h delayed the increase in respiration rate and in ethylene production. It also resulted in a later decrease in pulp firmness. 1-MCP largely prevented the increase in pulp carotenoid concentrations. Ethephon treatment (brushing the stem cut surface) increased the measured ethylene and slightly hastened the decrease in pulp firmness, but did not measurably affect the respiration and carotenoid concentrations. It is concluded that the postharvest increase in pulp α-carotene and β-carotene concentrations is an integral part of pulp ripening in this cultivar.

Changes in bioactive compounds and response to postharvest storage conditions in purple eggplants as affected by fruit developmental stage

Fruit maturity stage at harvest influences the response to postharvest storage conditions and bioactive compounds content. In this work fruit from two purple eggplant cultivars (Monarca and Perla Negra) were harvested at 12, 15, 18, 20 and 23d after fruit set (designated as stages I through V) and changes in size, dry weight, calyx area, cell wall material (AIR, alcohol insoluble residue), firmness, respiration, and antioxidants (peel anthocyanins and pulp carotenoids, ascorbic acid, phenolics and chlorogenic acid) were determined. In a second set of experiments the postharvest performance of fruit harvested at stages I (“baby” eggplants), III and IV (traditional harvest stages) during storage at 0 or 10°C was assessed. Fruit growth continued until late ripening in contrast to calyx expansion and peel anthocyanin accumulation, which were relatively earlier events. Fruit dry weight decreased between stages I and III, remaining constant afterwards. “Baby” eggplants had higher antioxidant capacity, chlorogenic acid (ChA), carotenoids and ascorbic acid contents than late-harvested fruit. ChA predominated in pulp placental tissues at stage I, spreading throughout the fruit core at as ripening progressed. No marked differences in dry mass, antioxidant capacity or responses to postharvest storage regimes were found between fruit harvested at stages III and IV. Late pickings increased yields and led to less dense fruit, which had lower respiration rates. Within this harvest window, storage at 10°C maximized quality maintenance. In contrast “baby” eggplants stored better at 0°C. Understanding the developmental changes in bioactive compounds and postharvest performance may help in the maximization of fruit antioxidant properties as well as in the selection of the optimal handling conditions for each ontogenic stage.

Postharvest nitric oxide fumigation alleviates chilling injury, delays fruit ripening and maintains quality in cold-stored ‘Kensington Pride’ mango

We investigated the effects of postharvest nitric oxide (NO) fumigation (0, 5, 10, 20 and 40 μL L −1) on chilling injury (CI), ripening and quality of mango ( Mangifera indica L. cv. Kensington Pride) during fruit ripening at 21 ± 1 °C. The fruit had been cold-stored at 5 ± 1 °C for either 2 or 4 weeks. NO treatments (10, 20 and 40 μL L −1) significantly alleviated the CI index in cold-stored fruit during ripening. All NO fumigation treatments significantly suppressed ethylene production and respiration rates irrespective of the cold storage period. NO fumigation of higher than 5 μL L −1 significantly delayed fruit softening up to 2 d and retarded colour development, and fumigation after 2 and 4 weeks of cold storage significantly delayed the increase in total sugar and fructose concentrations at the full ripe stage. All NO fumigation treatments significantly increased tartaric and shikimic acids during ripening in 2- and 4-week cold-stored fruit, except for the 5 μL L −1 treatment in 2-week stored fruit. NO fumigation treatments did not significantly influence the concentrations of sucrose, glucose, total acid, citric, malic, fumaric, ascorbic acid, carotenoids in pulp and total antioxidant (in pulp and skin), as compared to non-fumigated fruit in both storage periods. Averaged over NO concentrations, 2 weeks of cold storage resulted in significantly higher mean concentrations of total sugar, sucrose, fructose, tartaric acid, malic acid, total carotenoids and total antioxidants (skin) than in 4-week stored fruit and the trend was the reverse for total acids, citric, shikimic, and fumaric acid. In conclusion, postharvest application of NO (10, 20 and 40 μL L −1) alleviated CI, delayed fruit colour development, softening and ripening as well as maintained quality through reduction of ethylene production and respiration during ripening in 2- and 4-week cold-stored fruit.

Improved fruit retention, yield and fruit quality in mango with exogenous application of polyamines

Aqueous solutions (0, 0.01, 0.1, 1 mM) of PAs (putrescine, spermine, spermidine) containing a surfactant ‘Tween 20’ were sprayed onto panicles of mango (Mangifera indica L. cv. Kensington Pride) at final fruit set (FFS) stage (when all flowers abscised but remain attached to the panicle) during 1999–2001 to investigate their effects on fruit retention, yield, size, and fruit quality. The optimum time of PA application for improving final fruit retention and fruit yield was determined by spraying different concentrations (0, 0.01, 0.1, 1 mM) of spermine (SPM) containing a surfactant ‘Tween 20’ at four phenological stages including flower bud differentiation (FBD), 5–8 cm long grown panicles (GP), full bloom (FB) and at initial fruit set (IFS) stage (when 2/3rd of the flowers were abscised but attached to the panicle) during 2000. Exogenous application of PAs at FFS stage did not significantly increase fruit retention. However, compared to control (0.79 and 2.3% fruit retention), PAs treatments resulted in comparatively higher mean fruit retention (1.53 and 2.92%) during 1999–2000 and 2000–2001, respectively. Among three PAs tested, SPM was more effective in increasing mean final fruit retention. Fruit size was not significantly affected by any PA treatment. Among the four application times, SPM (0.01 mM) spray at FB stage resulted in significantly (P � 0.05) greater fruit retention (4.99%) compared with control (2.1%). However, fruit yield was comparatively higher with SPM (0.01 mM) application at IFS stage or 5–8 cm GP stage compared to the control. Overall FB application was found as the optimum time of application. Application of PAs at FFS stage retarded fruit skin colour development compared to the control. Sugars and total soluble solids (TSS) were generally reduced in PA-treated fruit. Fruit acidity was increased (16.7%) with SPM, whereas it was 11% with PUT treatment as compared to the control. Total carotenoids in pulp were generally improved (49%) with PA treatments, compared to the control. Ascorbic acid concentrations were significantly reduced with spermidine (SPD) (24%) and PUT (20%) treatments, whereas higher concentrations of SPM (1 mM) tended to increase it (12.7%) compared to the control. In conclusion, application of SPM (0.01 mM) at FB stage resulted in the highest fruit retention, whereas SPM (0.01) spray at GP or IFS stage resulted in higher fruit yield. PUT application at FFS stage significantly improved fruit quality by increasing total carotenoid, while reducing acid content of ripe fruit. # 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Ripening temperatures in¯uence biosynthesis of aroma volatile compounds in `Kensington Pride' mango fruit

SummaryUniformly green mature `Kensington Pride' mangoes (Mangifera indica L.) were ripened at ®ve temperatures (158C, 208C, 25, 30 or 358C) with 60% r.h. to investigate the effects of ripening temperature on the ripening process and biosynthesis of aroma volatile compounds. The aroma volatile compounds were extracted by headspace solid phase micro-extraction and analysed using a gas chromatograph (GC) ®tted with a ¯ame ionization detector (FID) and recon®rmed by GC-MS (mass spectrometry). An increase in the temperature signi®cantly increased the rate of respiration and total carotenoids in pulp. Increased ripening temperature up to 308C also increased ethylene production in fruit and total fatty acids in pulp. All the fatty acids in pulp increased as the ripening temperature increased during ripening except palmitic, palmitoleic and linolenic acids. However, pulp of the fruit ripened at 258C exhibited signi®cantly higher concentrations of individual fatty acids, except stearic and linoleic acids. Fruit ripened at 208C exhibited signi®cantly higher total monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes as well as most of their individual compounds as compared with all other ripening temperatures. Increased ripening temperature resulted in signi®cantly higher concentrations of tetradecane, b-ionone, esters and alcohols. On the other hand increased ripening temperature tended to decrease aromatics and aldehydes except carvacrol, p-cymen-8-ol and hexanal. There were signi®cant positive correlations between fatty acids and sesquiterpenes, alcohols and esters especially on day seven of ripening. A signi®cant positive correlation between carotenoids and norisoprenoids was also recorded. A ripening temperature of 208C seems to be the best for ripening and biosynthesis of aroma volatile compounds in the `Kensington Pride' mango.

Effects of temperature on the ripening of mango fruit (mangifera indica L. var. tommy atkins)

AbstractThe effects of temperature on the ripening of Tommy Atkins mango were studied. Ripening temperature can affect fruit colour, flavour and texture development differently. Fruits at 12°C did not ripen to full eating quality during the 16 days of the experiment. Sugar levels were comparable with those at other temperatures, but acid levels were higher; they retained some green coloration, had lower pulp carotenoids and showed incomplete softening. After 15 days at 17°C, fruits had softened and degreened to an acceptable level but had a poor pulp colour. They were comparatively high in sugars but were also high in acids, resulting in a low sugar:acid ratio. Fruits kept at 22, 27 and 32°C all showed the development of good quality characteristics of high chlorophyll breakdown, high pulp carotenoids, a good texture and a balanced sugar: acid ratio. Similar characteristics were shown at 37°C, although the peel generally appeared mottled and the pulp had slightly lower sugar:acid ratios.

Carotenoids in pulp, peel and leaves of Persea americana

A complex pattern of chloroplast pigments was found to be common to pulp, peel and leaves of avocado. This is explained by the presence of chlorophyll in the ripe fruit and its peel. Two chromoplast-specific pigments were found in ripe pulp and are tentatively identified as α-citraurin and mimulaxanthin. The identity of the latter and of neochrome, was established inter alia by the MS. The xanthophylls occur esterified to a major extent in pulp but entirely free in peel. The coexistence of chloroplast and chromoplast pigments in avocado fruit make this a suitable object for the ultrastructural studies of the origin of the chromoplasts.

Carotenoids of Eriobotrya japonica

The carotenoids of the loquat fruit Eriobotrya japonica Golden Nugget variety, were investigated. They were identified according to their chromatographic, spectrophotometric and chemical properties and compared with standard pigments. For some of the carotenoids, MS were determined. Pulp and peels were investigated separately. The main pattern of the pulp carotenoids was β-carotene (33%), γ-carotene (6%), cryptoxanthin (22%), lutein, violaxanthin and neoxanthin, each about 3–4%. The peel, with a carotenoid content 5 times as high, had a similar pattern, but the ratio between the main pigments differed: β-carotene (50%); γ-carotene (5%); cryptoxanthin (5%); lutein (13%); violaxanthin, neoxanthin, 3–4%. The carotenoids of the loquat (subfamily Maloideae) were very similar to those of the apricot ( Prunus armeniaca-subfamily Prunoideae) both of the family of Rosaceae. The intergeneric differences are more pronounced, which is of possible taxonomic significance. The lower concentration of cryptoxanthin and the high concentration of lutein in the peels is noteworthy and of biosynthetic interest.