Ciocalteau Method Research Articles

Study of total phenol, flavonoid contents and phytochemical screening of methanolic crude extracts of two weed plants

Weeds have been neglected and their use for medicinal purpose has not been considered on a large scale. Our current research was based on the phytochemical Screening of Ipomoea carnea and Alternanthera sessilis and to quantitatively evaluate their total phenolic and flavonoid content. Quantitative analysis of Phenols and Flavonoids was done by the Folin Ciocalteau and Aluminium chloride method respectively. Both weeds showed positive response for presence of secondary metabolites like flavonoids, phenols, tannins, terpenoids, proteins, carbohydrates, etc. which indicates that they can be used as herbal components. The total Phenol value of Ipomoea carnea and Alternanthera sessilis was 0.0526 and 0.0657 mg Gallic acid equivalent/g respectively. The flavonoid content value of Ipomoea carnea and Alternanthera sessilis was 0.09 and 0.2 mg quercetin equivalent (QE) /g respectively. Both the weeds showed presence of several phytochemicals and high Phenol and Flavonoid values. However, Alternanthera showed a higher concentration of Phenols and Flavonoids as compared to Ipomoea. Since both the selected weeds grow in many areas throughout the world, their medicinal properties can be exploited and used for several applications. With the continuous use of antibiotics, microorganisms have become resistant. There is a need to develop alternative antimicrobial drugs using weeds, which otherwise have not been exploited till now by humans.

<i>In vitro</i> evaluation of the antibacterial activity of some medicinal plant extracts against <i>Xanthomonas campestris pv. musacearum</i>

Enset bacterial wilt caused by Xanthomonas campestris pv. musacearum (Xcm) is a destructive disease of Ensete ventricosum (Welw.) Cheesman) in Ethiopia. The antibacterial activities of methanol leaf extracts of Achyranthes aspera, Agarista salicifolia, Datura stramonium, Melia azedarach, Pycnostachys abyssinica and Vernonia amygdalina were evaluated in vitro against Xcm. Fresh leaves were collected, dried under shade and ground to fine powder. Extraction was carried out using maceration method. The antibacterial activity of extracts was evaluated by disc diffusion method. Total phenolics content was estimated using Folin Ciocalteau method. The result revealed that higher percent extract yield was obtained from A. salicifolia followed by P. abyssinica . Extracts of all species showed antibacterial activity except M. azedarach . Significant differences in inhibition zone diameter were recorded between species and among test concentrations. The widest inhibition zone was recorded by A. salicifolia followed by P. abyssinica . Unlike others, extract of A. salicifolia had abundant amount of alkaloids, flavonoids, phenols, terpenoids, saponnins, tannins and cardiac glycosides. The remaining species lacked one or more of these metabolites and the existing ones occurred either in small or moderate amount. Moreover, the extract of A. salicifolia was found to have the highest total phenolics content and this was positively correlated with inhibition zone diameter at all test concentrations suggesting its potential antibacterial activity. This shows that the extract of A. salicifolia has the potential for further bioformulation and commercialization as biocide with broad spectrum activity. However, further research should be conducted to identify the active compounds responsible for such antibacterial activity. Keywords: Ensete ventricosum; Agarista salicifolia, Pycnostachys abyssinica, Inhibition zone;Total phenolics

Gastrothylax crumenifer: Ultrastructure and histopathology study of in vitro trematodicidal action of Marattia fraxinea (Sm.)

BackgroundTrematodicidal action of Marattia fraxinea (Sm.) rhizome, extracts against adult Gastrothylax crumenifer and its morphological changes under light and scanning electron microscope was studied in this work. This plant according to folk medicine has been reported to be used as antioxidant, antimicrobial and anthelmintic against ankylostomiasis.MethodsPreliminary screening involved the qualitative methods to detect the presence tannins, saponins, quinones, terpenoids, steroids, flavonoids, phenol, alkaloids, glycosides, cardiac glycosides, coumarins, anthocyanin and betacyanin. Total phenol, total terpenoids, total tannin and total flavonoids were quantitatively estimated. Total phenolic content was estimated by Folin- Ciocalteau method. Total flavonoid content was determined by the aluminium chloride colorimetric method. In-vitro incubation study of Marattia fraxinea Sm. extracts against Gastrothylax crumenifer were performed using 25 ml of Hedon-Fleig (H-F) salt solution containing various concentrations (1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 mg/ml) respectively as test extracts, positive control Oxyclozanide @ 1% (250 mg/25 ml) and negative control H-F salt solution, distributed to 7-Petri plates in an incubator with 5% CO2 at 37 °C. Twenty five amphistomes were incubated and the motility of control and test group was observed under dissection microscope at a regular time interval of (0, 10, 15, 30 and 60) min respectively. The motility response of the parasites was categorized with specific score 3, 2, 1, 0 respectively. Relative Motility (RM) value and Lethal Concentration 50 (LC50) were determined by probit regression analysis. Ultrastructure and histopathological changes on morphology of G.crumenifer were interpreted. The bioactive compounds were analysed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) instrument.ResultsPhytochemical analysis of M.fraxinea (Sm.) revealed the presence of secondary metabolites tannins, saponins, quinones, terpenoids, steroids, flavonoids, phenol, alkaloids, cardiac glycosides, coumarins, and betacyanin. Total terpenoid, total phenol, total tannin and total flavonoid content were found to be 16.00 ± 0.85 mg/g. 5.40 ± 0.71) mg GAE/g, 7.90 ± 0.24 mg TAE/g and 1.25 ± 0.41 mg QE/g respectively. GC-MS analysis showed presence of PHYTOL, a diterpenoids, fern-8-ene, a triterpenoids shown to have potent anthelmintic property. In vitro incubation study revealed death of all trematodes, lethal at 60 min incubation time at 5 mg/ml concentration, indicated Relative Motility (RM) value is 0, least effective compared to positive control Oxyclozanide, where RM value is 0 at 10 min. Lethal concentration 50 (LC50) was found to be 4.873 mg/ml. Confirmative study on gross morphology, histopathology, and ultra-structural changes showed considerable effect on suckers, teguments and internal organs and were dose dependent.ConclusionIt is indicative that presence of terpenoids, flavonoids, tannins and phenolics which are contributing factors for anthelmintic activity, producing various degree of damage to suckers, teguments and internal organs. Hence M. fraxinea (Sm.) can be a lead for synthesis of a new trematodicidal drug as alternative for other drugs and overcome anthelmintic resistance and cost effective.

An Electrochemical Perspective Assay For Anticancer Activity Of Calotropis Procera Against Glioblastoma Cell Line (LN-18) Using Carbon Nanotubes- Graphene Nano- Conglomerate As A Podium

In this article, we report the pre-screening of anti-cancer effect of Calotropis procera against glioblastoma cell lines (LN-18) by means of electrochemical methods. Soxhlet assisted extraction (SAE) has been employed to extract the polyphenol contents present in the leaf of Calotropis procera. The phytochemical analysis of the extract has been studied and the polyphenol contents were determined using Folin Ciocalteau method. To study the anticancer effects of the aqueous plant extract, a cytosensor (Gr/NT-G/LN-18) was fabricated and its possible mechanism for DNA binding was studied using graphite/ poly(allylamine hydrochloride)/nanotube-graphene composite /polypyrrole /de-oxy ribonucleic acid (Gr/PAH/NT-G/PPy/DNA) modified electrode. The electrochemical characteristics of the proposed Gr/NT-G/LN-18 cytosensor towards the plant extract were evaluated using electrochemical techniques like cyclic voltammetry and differential pulse voltammetry. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive analysis of x-ray (EDAX) have been employed to study the physical characterization of the Gr/PAH/NT-G/PPy/DNA modified electrode. These results indicate that the plant extract has an ability to act as an antiglioblastoma against LN-18 cancer cells.

Phytochemical Screening, Total Phenolic Content, Antioxidant Activities and Cytotoxicity ofDendrobium signatumLeaves

In the present work, the leaves of Dendrobium signatum were extracted with ethanol by maceration; called M; and by sonication-maceration for 30 and 45 mins; called MS30 and MS45. Some biological activities of extracts were investigated. The results showed that the sonication for 30 mins and then maceration 72 hr gave the highest yield at 7.32%. The phytochemical investigation revealed that the bioactive compound from M, MS30 and MS45 were similar which composed of carbohydrates, coumarins, alkaloids, flavonoids, phenolics, sterols and glycosides, respectively. The total phenolic contents were assessed by Folin – Ciocalteau method using gallic acid as the chemical standards. The results showed that MS30 displayed the highest total phenolic contents at the value of 8.83 gGAE/100 g extract. The antioxidant activity was measured using DPPH assay. The results showed that MS30 had the stronger free radical scavenging activity than M and MS45 and had moderate radical scavenging ability compared to ascorbic acid. The cytotoxicity was performed against human cancer cell lines using MTT assay. The results showed that all ethanol extracts displayed weak anticancer activity against MCF-7 and NCI-H187 cell lines, compared to the standard drug doxorubicin. In addition, they showed no activity against KB cell lines.

Sensory Characteristics, Total Polyphenol Content and In vitro Antioxidant Activity of Value Added Processed Barnyard Millet Flour Chapattis

Introduction: Value addition of millet is an important strategy to improve its utilization and the method of processing determines the quality characteristics of the value added products. Utilization of millets in food formulations is increasing worldwide, since they are rich sources of phytochemicals and dietary fiber which offer several health benefits. Objective: Thus in the present study, an attempt was made to develop roasted and pressure cooked barnyard millet flour incorporated chapatti at different levels and its consumer acceptability to evaluate the total polyphenol content and in vitro antioxidant activity. Materials and methods: Roasted and pressure cooked barnyard millet flour incorporated chapattis were developed at four different levels i.e., 10%, 30%, 50% and 100% millet flour to wheat flour. Sensory evaluation was done for all the developed products using 9 point hedonic scale. For the best variation, the total polyphenol content was estimated using folic ciocalteau method and the in vitro antioxidant activity were evaluated on the basis of measuring Ferric reducing ability power (FRAP) and scavenging activity for DPPH radicals by methanolic extracts. Results: Roasted and pressure cooked barnyard millet flour incorporation in the preparation of chapatti at 10 per cent level was acceptable. The total polyphenol content of best variation (10%) of roasted and pressure cooked barnyard millet flour incorporated chapatti was 6.12 mg/g and 5.38 mg/g respectively. The DPPH radical scavenging activity and Ferric reducing ability power (FRAP) of the same was found to be 59% and 13.42 mg/g and 53% and 11.57 mg/g respectively. The standard chapatti prepared with wheat flour was found to have 4.02 mg/g of polyphenol content, 47% of DPPH radical scavenging activity and 9.84 mg/g of Ferric reducing ability power. Conclusion: Thus the present study concludes that roasting and pressure cooking enhances the polyphenol content of barnyard millet grains which might also contribute significantly to the management and/or prevention of degenerative diseases associated with free radical damage due to its high polyphenol content and antioxidant activity.

The influence of virus infections on antioxidant levels in the genetically modified plum variety "Honeysweet" (Prunus domestica L.)

It is well-known that polyphenolic compounds are found abundantly in fruit, but various kinds of diseases lower these levels. This work measures total polyphenolic content, antioxidant activity and the levels of specific important antioxidants in fruits of the genetically modified (GM) plum variety HoneySweet, trees which were previously inoculated with a range of different virus infections. These were the Plum Pox virus (PPV), Prune Dwarf virus (PDV) and Apple Chlorotic Leaf-Spot virus (ACLSV). Uninoculated trees were used as controls. Antioxidant activity was measured using four different photometric methods – DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl), DMPD (N-dimethyl-p-phenylenediamine), ABTS (2,2-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) and FRAP (Ferric reducing antioxidant power). Total polyphenol content was measured using the Folin–Ciocalteau method. The profiles of 10 specific antioxidant constituents in the fruits of the GM plum variety HoneySweet were detected and analyzed, since these are of interest for their role in human diets and could play a role in the resistance of plants to viruses. Detection was made using HPLC with UV-VIS detection. They were: gallic acid, p-coumaric acid, 4-aminobenzoic acid, chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, ferulic acid, vanillin, rutin and quercetin. The compound with the highest concentration was chlorogenic acid (587 mg/100 g), and that with the lowest was p-coumaric acid (0.95 mg/100 g). Of the four methods of antioxidant activity used, in three the lowest levels of antioxidant activity were seen where the PPV virus was combined with ACLSV, and in three the highest levels were seen in the un-inoculated control without any infection. The highest values of total polyphenols were seen in the control (65.3 mg/100 g), followed by infection of PPV, then treatment PPV, PDV and ACLSV, then treatment PPV and PDV and finally the lowest levels were seen in treatment PPV and ACLSV (44.2 mg/100 g), which was also that with the lowest antioxidant activity.

Single step natural poly(tannic acid) particle preparation as multitalented biomaterial

In this study, we report the preparation of poly(tannic acid) (p(TA)) particles by crosslinking with glycerol diglycidyl ether (GDE) and trimethylolpropane triglycidyl ether (TMPGDE). The p(TA) particles are negatively charged as obtained by the zeta potential measurements, -27mV. P(TA) particles are found to be an effective antioxidant material as 170mgL(-1) of p(TA) particle demonstrated the antioxidant equivalency of 82.5±7.2mgL(-1) of gallic acid (GA), used as standard in Folin-Ciocalteau (FC) method. Additionally, TA and p(TA) particles have a strong antimicrobial effect against Escherichia coli ATCC 8739, Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538, and Bacillus subtilis ATCC 6633. Furthermore, p(TA) particles were used as drug delivery materials by using model drugs such as TA itself, and GA in the release studies in PBS at pH7.4 at 37.5°C, and found that p(TA) particles can release 80.8 and 87.4% of the loaded TA and GA, respectively. Interestingly, p(TA) maintained its fluorescent property upon crosslinking of TA units. It is further demonstrated that p(TA) particles are as effective as cisplatin (a cancer drug) against A549 cancerous cells that both showed about 36 and 34% cell viability, respectively whereas linear TA showed 66% cell viability at 37.5μgmL(-1) concentration. Above this concentration p(TA) and cisplatin showed almost the same toxicity against A549 cancerous cells. Additionally, p(TA) particles are found to be much more biocompatible against L929 Fibroblast cells, about 84% cell viability in comparison to linear TA with about 53% at 75μgmL(-1) concentration.

EXTRACTION AND SCREENING OF PHENOLICS OF SOME SPODOPTERA LITTORALIS (BOISD.) HOST PLANTS

Total phenols of some cotton leafworm, Spodoptera littoralis (Boisd.) host plant leaves were extracted by using homogenizing method and aqueous (80%, v/v) methanol and acetone. Quantification of phenolics was carried out by Folin- Ciocalteau method. The results revealed that the amount of phenols significantly differed among the tested host plants in the following order: Castor bean < garden rocket < cabbage < grapevine. The total phenols of cabbage and castor bean leaves extracted by methanol were significantly higher than those extracted by acetone. They were 5.83 and 4.63 mg GA/dw for cabbage and castor bean leaves extracted by methanol, respectively, while they equaled to 5.2 and 4.03 mg GA/dw for those extracted by acetone, respectively. On the other hand, the results revealed that the amount of phenolics was not proportional to the amount of crude extract produced. It could be concluded that aqueous methanol is more efficient than aqueous acetone in extracting phenolics from the tested host plants of the cotton leafworm, and by using homogenizing methods, the yield of phenols was satisfactory and rapidly extracted. The situation that fulfils the requirement of more screening of these compounds in different S. littoralis host plants, since current strategies to control insects using natural pesticides and transgenic plants might rely on phenolic compounds that confer resistance to field crops.

Evidence of anti-obesity and mixed hypolipidemic effects of extracts from pink shrimp (Penaeus brasiliensis and Penaeus paulensis) processing residue

This work aimed to estimate indications of anti-obesity and hypolipidemic effects of the extracts obtained from pink shrimp residue. The extracts were obtained by Soxhlet extraction with ethanol and by supercritical fluid extraction with carbon dioxide. The fatty acid composition and the total phenolic content of the shrimp residue extracts were determined by gas chromatography and Folin–Ciocalteau methods, respectively. The anti-obesity and hypolipidemic effects were evaluated in vivo submitting the Swiss Mus musculus normal and knockout mice to a 30-day high-fat diet combined with shrimp extracts, monitoring the animals’ weight, and the final cholesterol, triglycerides and glucose levels. The extracts showed high content of polyunsaturated fatty acids and significant total phenolic content. Related to the anti-obesity and hypolipidemic effects, the extracts showed good activity potential, especially the supercritical extract when applied at 50–100mg/kgday. The considerable weight reduction observed by the extracts administration was probably not related to the absorption of the lipid components since none significant tendency of glucose reduction was detected.

Analysis of nuclear DNA content, genetic stability, Bacoside A quantity and antioxidant potential of long term in vitro grown germplasm lines of Bacopa monnieri (L.)

The true-to-type nature of shoot cultures of Bacopa monnieri maintained in vitro for 5 years has been confirmed by means of flow cytometry (FCM), inter simple sequence repeat (ISSR), directed amplification of mini satellite region DNA (DAMD) analysis and chemical profiling. The nuclear DNA content of B. monnieri has been estimated as 1.86 pg/2C based on the FCM analysis of nuclei from young leaves. It has also detected no significant variation in the nuclear DNA contents between long term maintained germplasm lines and field grown plants. ISSR and DAMD analysis produced about 93 amplification products and all of them were found to be monomorphic among the field grown and seven germplasm lines. Even though morphological growth parameters varied slightly between the lines, the bioactive compound production capacity has been retained. The mean amount of Bacoside A accumulated by the germplasm lines has been quantified as 25.02 mg g−1 dry weight (DW) using high performance liquid chromatography analysis which is comparable with the quantity of Bacoside A accumulated by the field grown plants (26 mg g−1 DW). The total phenolics (folin–ciocalteau method; expressed in milligram Gallic acid equivalents per gram dry weight of the sample) and the flavonoids content (aluminium chloride method; expressed in milligram Quercetin equivalents per gram dry weight of the sample) of the germplasm lines (53.50–56.62 mg GAE/g DW; 273.51–277.16 mg QRE/g DW) were found to be slightly higher than the field grown plants (46.66 mg/g GAE; 256.65 mg/g QRE) respectively. Further, the antioxidant potential of the methanolic whole plant extracts determined by means of (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) DPPH assay revealed that the germplasm lines showed little higher antioxidant potential with IC50 values ranging from 39.51 to 43.71 µg g−1 DW when compared to the IC50 value of field grown (45.68 µg g−1 DW). Hence the protocol devised using axillary bud culturing can be utilized effectively for the long term maintenance of aseptic clones with high genetic and chemical fidelity. The approach tackles the increasing market demand through the continuous availability of high quality plant materials all round the year besides preserving the lines under monitored in vitro conditions.

Physiological and biochemical responses induced by spruce bark aqueous extract and deuterium depleted water with synergistic action in sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) plants

The use of natural regulators, such as polyphenols compounds in combination with deuterium depleted water can act in growth stimulation and also influence biosynthesis, the photosynthesizing pigments, and secondary metabolites in plants. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of spruce bark (Picea abies L.) polyphenolic extract (SBPE) and deuterium depleted water (DDW) as bioregulators in sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) plant cultivation. SBPE was characterized in terms of total polyphenolic content using Folin Ciocalteau method. For identification of the polyphenols biosynthesized in plants, a HPLC analysis was performed. The field experiment was performed over a period of 120 days, for two consecutive years, measuring main physiological indices from treated plants. Sunflower plants, treated with SBPE have gained the highest amount of biomass. The physiological processes (assimilation rate, transpiration rate, sub-stomatal cavity CO2 concentration) were significantly intensified in the presence of SBPE (130mg EAG/dm3) and DDW. The highest stimulatory effects of the studied products on biosynthesis of chlorophyll a, b and carotene pigments were registered in the presence of combination of DDW with spruce bark extract – SB1. Moreover, the presence of these two synergic regulators cause an increase in the catechine amount in sunflower leaves, increasing the defense capability and therefore improving plant resistance, growth, and development. DDW and SBPE accessible as byproducts could be properly used as natural bioregulators in order to improve the yield of sunflower crop. At the same time, the results of this research have the potential to contribute greatly to ecological agricultural production and stability of crops.

Total phenolic and flavonoid contents, antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of Alnus glutinosa (L.) Gaertn., Alnus incana (L.) Moench and Alnus viridis (Chaix) DC. extracts

The objective of this study was to determine total phenolic and flavonoid contents, antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of methanolic extracts from the leaves and barks of three Alnus species. The phenolic and flavonoid contents of extracts were determined spectrophotometrically using Folin–Ciocalteau and aluminium chloride methods, respectively. In addition, antioxidant activity of the extracts was determined using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging method. The antimicrobial activity was performed by disc diffusion assay against six reference bacterial strains including Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria and two fungal strains. Extract of Alnus viridis bark contained the highest amounts of total phenolics (780 mg CAT/g), while extract of A. viridis leaves had the highest amount of flavonoids (30.01 mg RUT/g). All extracts showed antioxidant activity higher than thymol, which was used as a positive probe. The largest diameters of inhibition zone (25 mm) were recorded with Bacillus subtilis 168 M and Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538.

Marker Based In-vitro Antioxidant Potential, Microscopy and Validated High Performance Thin Layer Chromatographic Method for Saffron

In vitro antioxidant potential of methanolic extract of saffron and crocetin was assessed along with development of a high performance thin layer chromatography method for the quantitative estimation of crocetin. The anatomical characters of saffron stigma were also assessed and compared for the identification, prior to antioxidant and analytical studies. A simple solvent system hexane: ethyl acetate: formic acid (5:4:1, v/v/v) was developed and a compact, well resolved peak of crocetin with Rf value 0.67 ± 0.02 was observed. Standard calibration curve revealed a good linear relationship with r2 value of 0.995 between the peak area and concentration in the range of 34–850 ng spot−1. The proposed method was validated as per the International Conference on Harmonization guidelines. The considerable results of total phenolic contents by Folin–Ciocalteau method, scavenging efficacy against 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl and nitric oxide free radical were observed. The statistical analysis proved that high performance thin layer chromatography method was precise, reproducible, selective and accurate for the analysis of crocetin.

Comparison of total phenols and antiradical activity of flower, leaf, fruit and latex extracts of milkweed (Calotropis procera) from Jiroft and Bam cities

Plants are rich sources of phenolic compounds (flavonoids, tannins and anthocyanins) and dietary antioxidants. This study was conducted in Jiroft and Bam regions of Kerman, Iran, to compare the phenolic compounds and antiradical activity of flowers, leaves, fruits and latex extracts of Milkweed (Calotropis procera) in these cities. The phenolic content was measured by the Folin–Ciocalteau method and the antioxidant activity by DPPH (2, 2diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl). Total phenols content were high in leaves extracts (9.72 and 9.02 mg Gallic acid/g dry weight in Bam and Jiroft plants, respectively) and lowest in latex of plants (3.1 and 3.59 mg Gallic acid/g dry weight in Bam and Jiroft plants, respectively). The highest antioxidant capacity was exhibited by extracts of leaves (DPPH= 74.31%, IC50 = 0.18 mg.ml -1 ) and the lowest DPPH=26.23%, IC50 = 0.42mg.ml -1 ) was in dried latex extracts of plants. The phenols and scavenging potential of leaf and fruit extracts of plants growing in Bam city were higher compared to Jiroft plants. In contrast, phenolic compounds and scavenging activity of flower and latex extracts of plants growing in Jiroft city were higher than Bam plants. The obtained results showed that flower, leaf, fruit and latex extracts of plant of Calotropis procera possess antiradical activity and could be used as natural antioxidant ingredients in food and drug industries.

Antioxidant Properties of Experimental Wholegrain Pastas Made With Different Cereals

&lt;p&gt;Pasta represents an identifying ingredient of traditional healthy dishes, in particular in Mediterranean areas. Traditional pasta is made with durum wheat semolina only. However, pasta manufactured with different cereals has become available on the market and its consumption is rapidly increasing.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Five experimental dry pastas, manufactured with the same process by adding 60% wholegrain flours of different cereals (wheat, oat, rye, barley and rice) to the same durum wheat semolina, were supplied by Pavan s.p.a. (Galliera Veneta, PD, Italy).&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;For each product, aqueous-organic extracts and their residues were studied. Their antioxidant properties were evaluated by FRAP (Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power) assay and Total Polyphenols Content (TPC) was determined by the Folin Ciocalteau method.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;For cooked experimental wholegrain pastas made with different cereals, FRAP values ranged from 3.26 ± 0.08 µmol/g d.w. to 19.52 ± 1.28 µmol/g d.w. in aqueous-organic extracts and from 17.91 ± 2.83 µmol/g d.w. to 87.83 ± 5.06 µmol/g d.w. in residues. In both raw and cooked products the lowest FRAP values were found for semolina/60% whole rice pasta.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;The barley pasta has interesting antioxidant properties and this result was matched by the TPC one.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Practical Application&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;The interest in more nutritious and potentially functional foods has prompted the cereal industry towards new formulations of wholegrain products. The functional properties of minor cereals have been poorly investigated. Our results show that wholegrain pastas made with different cereals are rich in antioxidants, in particular whole barley based pasta, providing a scientific basis for the development of grain&lt;span style="text-decoration: line-through;"&gt;s&lt;/span&gt; based functional foods.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Then the study of free and bond bioactive compounds could be crucial to describe the potential of grains, with the aim of better understanding potential health benefits of wholegrain based food consumption.&lt;/p&gt;

Antioxidant potential of green leafy porridges

To evaluate the antioxidant potential of porridges (kola kenda) made incorporating herbs. Experimental study. Main outcome measures Total phenolic content was estimated by Folin Ciocalteau method (GAEmg/g(FW) and the antioxidant potential by ABTS free radical scavenging activity (TEAC(μg)/100g (FW). Total phenolics and antioxidant potentials of porridges ranged from 5-73 TEAC(μg) /100g and 0.9- 34.2 GAEg/100g respectively. Significantly high (p ≤ 0.05) total phenolic contents were observed in C. auriculata ("Ranawara") [342 GAE mg/g (FW)] and in M. koenigii ("Karapincha") [199 GAEmg/g(FW)]. The highest antioxidant effect was in C. auriculata ("Ranawara") [73 TEAC(μg)/100g(FW)] followed by M. koenigi ("Karapincha") [26 TEAC(μg)/100g (FW)] and C. ternatea ("Ela Katarolu") [24 TEAC(μg)/100g (FW)]. Lowest antioxidant effect was in porridges made with rice and coconut milk both of which had comparable values. A positive correlation (correlation coefficient > 0.8) between total phenolics and the antioxidant potential was observed for all porridges except for Asparagus racemosus (Haathawariya) porridge which had a high antioxidant potential with a low phenolic content. This study provides evidence that green leafy porridges are a good source of antioxidants in addition to their reported low glycaemic indices.

Phenolic compounds and antiradical properties of methanolic extracts of Citrullus colocynthis and Plantago major in Iran

Citrullus colocynthis and plantago major are popular in folk medicine in Iran. In this research Methanolic extracts of Citrullus colocynthis and plantago major from plants grown in Jiroft city were evaluated for their phenolic compounds and antioxidant antiradical. After drying the plant materials in shade, extracts were obtained by methanol 80% solvent, phenolic content was measured by Folin–Ciocalteau method and antiradicalt activity was measured by DPPH method. results of this study showed the extract of plantago major contained highest amount phenolic compounds (4.104 mg Gallic acid/1 g sample dry weight) and Citrullus colocynthis contained lowest amount phenolic compounds (3.696 mg galic acid/1 g sample dry weight). Extracts of plantago major and Citrullus colocynthis respectively contained lowest and highest amount of IC50 (plantago major IC50:1369.31 ppm, and Citrullus colocynthis IC50:5538.25 ppm, Gallic acid IC50:22.64).The obtained results showed that extracts of two plants of Citrullus colocynthis and plantago major possess antiradical activity and could be used as a natural antioxidant ingredient in food and drug industries.

Effects of gibberellic acid (GA3) on phenolic compounds and antiradical activity of marigold (Calendula officinalis)

Calendula sp. is an important medicinal and industrial plant with various bioactivities. The field study was conducted in Jiroft region of Kerman, Iran, to observe the effects of gibberellic acid (GA3) on phenolic compounds and antiradical activity of Marigold (Calendula officinalis) extract. The levels of GA3 were 0, 50, 150 and 250 mg L-1 in three spraying stages (first, second and third). The phenolic content was measured by the Folin–Ciocalteau method and the antioxidant activity by DPPH (2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) method. Results of this study showed that application of GA3 at first stage and second stage (first and second) significantly increased the content of phenolic compounds in C. officinalis (61.96 and 62,74 mg gallic acid/100 g dry weight respectively) while at third stage decreased the phenolic compounds. In all spraying stages, by increasing of GA3 concentration, phenolic compounds of C. officinalis extracts were increased. Antiradical activity of C. officinalis extracts showed effects similar to the phenolic compounds. C. officinalis had phenolic compounds and scavenged free radicals in-vitro and using of different GA3 levels could increase its phenolic compounds and antiradical activity.

Nutritional characterisation and bioactive components of commercial carobs flours

Food industry is interested in the utilisation of legume flours for the improvement the nutritional quality of cereal based foods. In this context, this research aimed at investigating the beneficial properties of different commercial carob seed flours -Ceratonia siliqua L.-.In particular, we determined chemical parameters (protein, fat, ash, soluble and insoluble fibre) by standard AOAC methods, lignans (secoisolariciresinol, lariciresinol, isolariciresinol, pinoresinol) by HPLC methods, the Total Polyphenol Content (TPC) by the Folin Ciocalteau method and the antioxidant properties by the FRAP assay.The carob germ flour and the raw carob seed flour reached the highest insoluble fibre, lignan and total polyphenols content and these results were matched by their antioxidant properties. Different carob flours showed a different distribution of the various lignans.