Concord Grape Juice Research Articles

Evaluation of pulsed electric field and high-pressure processing on the overall quality of refrigerated Concord grape juice

Consumers' demands for minimally processed juices are prompting the expansion of refrigerated, cold-pressed juice market. To develop a nutritious, cold-pressed Concord grape juice, high pressure processing (HPP, 600 MPa, 3 min, 5 °C) and pulsed electric field (PEF, 0.85 kV/cm, 300 pulses) were utilized and the resultant juice was compared with the heat treated (HT, 63 °C, 3 min) juice. HPP was able to preserve the physicochemical properties, reduce microbial load and extend the shelf-life of juice under refrigeration. PEF treatment significantly increased the juice yield (p < 0.01), antioxidants contents and antioxidant activity (p < 0.05). Macroscopic observation indicated that the skin cell structure was altered after PEF. PEF + HPP treated juice had significantly higher purchase intent, appearance and aroma likings (p < 0.05). Combination of PEF and HPP can produce a superior cold-pressed Concord grape juice that meets consumers’ demands for fresh and nutritious fruit juices.

Removal of the “Foxy” Odorant Methyl Anthranilate from Concord Grape Juice by Membrane Filtration Coupled to Resin Adsorption

Removal of the “Foxy” Odorant Methyl Anthranilate from Concord Grape Juice by Membrane Filtration Coupled to Resin Adsorption

Comparing the Effects of Concord Grape (Vitis labrusca L.) Puree, Juice, and Pomace on Intestinal Morphology, Functionality, and Bacterial Populations In Vivo (Gallus gallus).

This is a preliminary study evaluating the effect of different fractions of Concord grapes (Vitis labrusca L.) on the brush border membrane (BBM) morphology, duodenal gene expression, and specific gut bacterial populations. For this study, we utilized a unique intraamniotic approach, wherein, the test substances are administered into the amnion of the Gallus gallus egg (on day 17). The embryo orally consumes the amniotic fluid along with the injected test substance before the hatch. We randomly divided ~50 fertilized eggs into 5 groups including 6% grape (juice, puree, and pomace) along with controls (no injection and diluent—H2O). The grape juice was prepared by crushing the grapes; the grape residues were used as pomace. The grape puree included the grape skin, endocarp, mesocarp, and juice but not the seeds. On day 21, the hatch day, the blood, pectoral muscle, liver, duodenum, and large intestine were harvested. Our results showed no significant differences in blood glucose, pectoral glycogen level, or body weight. However, significant (p < 0.05) differences in duodenal and liver gene expression were observed between the treatment groups. The grape puree treatment resulted in higher Clostridium numbers and lower Bifidobacterium numbers when compared to all other groups. In summary, the dietary consumption of grape polyphenols has the potential to beneficially modulate aspects of intestinal health provided their concentration is limited.

Bioaccessibility, gut microbial metabolism and intestinal transport of phenolics from 100% Concord grape juice and whole grapes are similar in a simulated digestion and fecal fermentation model.

Phenolic rich 100% grape juice has been associated with many health benefits, but its place in dietary guidance is controversial relative to whole fruit. Direct comparisons of phenolic profiles and bioavailability between these food forms are needed. Phenolic bioaccessibility and metabolism from Concord (CG) and Niagara (NG) grapes and corresponding 100% juices were investigated using an in vitro digestion coupled with anaerobic gut fermentation model. Intestinal transport of resulting bioaccessible phenolics and microbial metabolites was estimated using a Caco-2 cell model. Total bioaccessible phenolics from both upper and lower digestion were similar (P > 0.05) between NG (400.9 ± 26.3 μmol per 100 g) and NGJ (349.5 ± 8.3 μmol per 100 g) and significantly different (P < 0.05) between CG (417.2 ± 24.4 μmol per 100 g) and CGJ (294.3 ± 45.4 μmol per 100 g) total cellular transport of phenolics was similar (P > 0.05) between whole grapes (89.4 ± 5.3 μmol per 100 g for CG, and 71.8 ± 2.4 μmol per 100 g for NG) and 100% juices (88.0 ± 5.6 μmol per 100 g for CGJ, and 85.3 ± 9.4 μmol per 100 g for NGJ). Differences were observed between the location of phenolic metabolism, bioaccessibility and subsequent cellular transport of individual phenolics between grapes and juice matrices. Specifically, greater amounts of phenolics were transported from grape juices than whole grapes from the upper tract. However, cumulative bioaccessibility and transport from upper and lower GI digestion/fermentation together indicates that the absorbable phenolics from 100% grape juice is similar to that of whole grapes, suggesting that phenolic-mediated health benefits from consumption of whole fruit and juice may be similar.

Chemical, Manufacturing, and Standardization Controls of Grape Polyphenol Dietary Supplements in Support of a Clinical Study: Mass Uniformity, Polyphenol Dosage, and Profiles.

Bioactive dietary polyphenols in grape (Vitis vinifera) have been used in Dietary Supplements (DSs) with the aim to prevent numerous diseases, including cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases, and to reduce depression and anxiety. Given prior recognition that DSs can be quality challenged from the purity, authentication, adulteration, and actual concentration of targeted bioactives, to ensure consumer health protection as well as the quality and safety of grape polyphenol-based DSs, the present investigation was aimed at establishing a comprehensive quality control (QC) approach for grape polyphenol-based DSs in support of a human clinical study. In this study, the manufactured grape seed polyphenol extract (GSPE) and trans-resveratrol (RSV) capsules and Concord Grape Juice (CGJ) along with the corresponding original drug materials were analyzed using the developed different liquid chromatography/UV-visible spectroscopy/mass spectrometry (LC/UV-Vis/MS) methods. The weight variation of GSPE and RSV capsules was also evaluated according to the US Pharmacopeia (USP) tests. The results indicate that the total identified polyphenol content in each grape seed extract (GSE) capsule/CGJ is very similar and all GSE/RSV capsules pass the content/weight uniformity test. Given the complexity of these and many botanical products from the issues of purity, quality, adulteration, consistency, and their coupling to the complex chemistry in each grape-derived botanical, quality assurance and the steps needed to ensure grape-derived DSs being well homogeneous and stable and containing the known and expected bioactives at specific concentration ranges are fundamental to any research study and in particular to a clinical trial. Each of these issues is essential to provide a solid foundation upon which clinical trials with botanicals can be conducted with the goal of realizing measurable mental health outcomes such as reducing depression and anxiety as well as understanding of their underlying biological mechanisms.

Effects of diluted Concord grape juice laced with sodium chloride and selected boron-containing compounds on attraction, consumption, crop muscle contractions, and mortality of adult Drosophila suzukii Matsumura (Diptera: Drosophilidae).

In recent years, there has been interest in low-cost, reduced-risk materials that could be used for attract-and-kill of the invasive pest, spotted-wing Drosophila, Drosophila suzukii. This pest causes heavy economic damage to soft-skinned fruits in many countries. In this study, we evaluated physiological and behavioral effects of adding either borax, boric acid, or sodium chloride to diluted Concord grape juice (DGJ), a material that is attractive to adult D. suzukii. Results showed that the addition of borax, sodium chloride and boric acid did not significantly affect the response of adult D. suzukii, relative to DGJ alone. Increases in concentrations (to 5% and 10%) of borax, sodium chloride and boric acid were correlated with decreased ingestion of materials. Mortality of males and females was almost 100% with lower concentrations (1% and 5%) of borax and boric acid within 72 h. The higher concentrations of sodium chloride (5% and 10%) resulted in 100% mortality of both sexes within 72 h. There was no significant effect of chemicals on the number of crop contractions of flies when fed for 4h. This study suggests that some substances such as boric acid and borax may act as toxicants without influencing the behavioral response of D. suzukii. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.

Changes in polyphenol serum levels and cognitive performance after dietary supplementation with Concord grape juice in veterans with Gulf War Illness

AimsWe investigated whether the consumption of Concord grape juice (CGJ) was associated with increased bioavailability of serum metabolites and their potential impact on cognitive performance in Veterans with Gulf War Illness (GWI). Main methodsTwenty-six veterans were selected from a cohort of 36 enrolled in a 24-week randomized, double-blind, Phase I/IIA clinical trial exploring whether the consumption of Concord grape juice (CGJ) was tolerable and safe in Veterans with GWI and improved cognitive function and fatigue. These 26 veterans were selected based on their completion of the entire 24-week protocol and documented adherence to the study beverage ≥80%. Differences in serum metabolite levels between CGJ and placebo at midpoint and endpoint were evaluated using two-way repeated measures ANOVA with post hoc Sidak's multiple comparison test. Bivariate correlations to assess for possible relationships between change in serum metabolite levels and change in cognitive function as measured by the Halstead Category Test-Russell Revised Version (RCAT) were also conducted. Key findingsSeventy-six metabolites were identified and quantified in this study, with three (cyanidin-glucuronide, me-cyanidin-glucuronide, and me-malvidin-glucuronide) found to be significantly higher (p < 0.05) in the CGJ group compared to placebo at 24 weeks. Significant associations between changes in cognitive function and changes in serum levels of epicatechin-sulphate (r = 0.48, p = 0.01) and petunidin-glucuronide (r = 0.53, p < 0.01) from baseline to 24 weeks were also observed. SignificanceOur data suggest that dietary supplementation with CGJ is associated with increased bioavailability of specific phenolic metabolites, some of which may be correlated with cognitive performance.

Ex vivo to in vivo extrapolation of syringic acid and ferulic acid as grape juice proxies for endothelium-dependent vasodilation: Redefining vasoprotective resveratrol of the French paradox

Resveratrol, in wines, has been implicated to be primarily responsible for the French paradox, remaining controversial. Herein, we elucidated the representative vasodilation-increasing polyphenols from concord grape juice (CGJ) using ex vivo-to-in vivo extrapolation (EVIVE). We verified the interference-free antioxidant response of CGJ post-dose supernatant of deproteinated serum (CPSDS, as ex vivo proxy) in isolated aortic rings, and in healthy, and H2O2-treated endothelial cells (H-ECs). Syringic acid and ferulic acid (SF) were detected in CGJ and post-dose rat serum (PRS). In isolated aortic rings and H-ECs, polyphenols alone, or in combination, at doses equivalent to those detected in PRS, quantitatively reflected endothelium-dependent vasodilation of CPSDS, as evidenced by nitric oxide (NO) formation-mediated antioxidation-sensitive activation of Src kinase with subsequent PI3/Akt-dependent phosphorylation of endothelial NO synthase. Using EVIVE, SF closely reflected CGJ in coronary flow-mediated vasodilation. Hence, SF application in precision ethnomedicine may redefine antioxidant-sensitive vasoprotective resveratrol of the French paradox.

Effects of Concord grape juice flavor intensity and phenolic compound content on glycemia, appetite and cognitive function in adults with excess body weight: a randomized double-blind crossover trial.

Background & aims: Concord grape (Vitis lambrusca) juice (CGJ) contains a unique combination of polyphenolic compounds with diverse effects on human health. It also has an intense sensory profile that may modify food choice. Daily consumption of CGJ over 8 weeks reduced fasting blood glucose. However, the impact on 24h-postprandial glucose response from CGJ is still not clear. The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of CGJ flavor intensity and phenolic content on 24 h postprandial glucose concentrations, appetitive sensations, and cognitive function in adults with excess body weight when consumed alone or with a meal. Methods: In a randomized, double-blind, crossover design study, participants consumed three types of beverages: 100% CGJ, a polyphenol-free grape flavored drink with the same flavor essence (LP) or a polyphenol-free grape flavored drink with reduced flavor essence (LPF) either without (trial I) or with (trial II) a meal. 24 h glucose was measured through continuous glucose monitoring. Phenolic metabolite excretion was assessed in 24 h urine samples. Appetite (hunger, thirst, fullness, desire to eat, and prospective consumption) and cognitive function (alertness, energetic, strength, calmness, and relaxation) were assessed hourly through visual analog scales. Results: Thirty-four adults completed trial I and 34 adults completed trial II. When consumed with a meal, beverages with customary flavor essence (CGJ and LP) reduced hunger, desire to eat, and prospective consumption and consumption of the polyphenol-free reduced flavor essence beverage was associated with higher 24 h glucose tAUC. No consistent effects were observed for cognitive outcomes. When consumed alone, CGJ was related to lower glycemic responses by those excreting a higher concentration of the phenolic metabolite iso/ferulic-3'-O-glucuronide, but in beverages without CG phenolics and reduced flavor essence, glycemia was higher among those excreting higher concentrations of caffeic acid-O-sulfate. Conclusions: Both natural phenolics and flavor essence of CGJ may help to moderate appetite and glycemia. Clinical Trials registered at http://www.clinicaltrials.gov: NCT03409484 (trial I) and NCT03409497 (trial II).

Food Intake During Cancer Therapy

Conduct a systematic review of available evidence on food and beverage intake during cancer treatment. Determine what food or beverages consumed during cancer treatment might prevent recurrence, subsequent malignancies, treatment-related toxicity, or death. Food and beverage intake, as well as weight status, can integrate with cancer treatment to mitigate treatment-related toxicities, support treatment success, and prevent recurrence. Yet, evidence-based recommendations are lacking. We searched PubMed, Embase, and Cochran for research studies conducted within the last 10 years on food and beverage consumption during cancer treatment, with no restrictions on age or cancer type. Two reviewers independently extracted information on intervention type, diet, and outcomes; these data were confirmed by a third reviewer. Nineteen studies were selected from 1551 potential studies. Nine were randomized controlled trials, analyzing high protein diets, short-term fasting, low-fat diets, FODMAP diet, or comparing consumption of 1 specific food or nutrient, including Concord grape juice, onions, and fiber. The remaining 10 studies were observational or retrospective and tracked treatment symptoms, general dietary intake, or weight status as well as consumption of specific foods including nuts, coffee, sugar-sweetened beverages. Available evidence suggests food can be effective at ameliorating cancer treatment-related toxicities and improving prognosis, but more research is needed.

Comparative Assessment of Phenolic Bioaccessibility from 100% Grape Juice and Whole Grapes

Abstract Objectives Grapes and their 100% juices are rich sources of health promoting phenolics. Juicing of grapes includes contact with phenolic rich seeds and skins that otherwise relies on mastication for phenolic release from fruit. To understand if 100% grape juice can provide a matrix with highly bioaccessible phenolics relative to whole fruit, differences in phenolic content and bioaccessibility from commonly consumed table, Concord (CG) and Niagara (NG) grapes and their 100% juices were compared. Methods Phenolic content in CG, NG, table grapes, 100% Concord grape juice (CGJ), and 100% Niagara grape juice (NGJ) were assayed by LC-MS prior to subjecting grapes and juices to in vitro digestion to determine phenolic bioaccessibility. Results are expressed as relative and absolute bioaccessible content of individual phenolic species and total phenolics as a sum of anthocyanins (AC), flavan-3-ols (FL3), flavonols (FV), stilbenoids, procyanidins, and phenolic acids (PA). Results Phenolic compounds were concentrated in CG and NG seeds as FL3 (304.1–390.7 mg/100 g dw). CG skins were rich in AC (1050.5 mg/100 g dw) and FV (80.8 mg/100 g dw). Grape product form had a significant impact on content (P &amp;lt; 0.01), relative bioaccessibility, and absolute bioaccessibility (P &amp;lt; 0.01). CG had a higher total phenolic content (21.9–50.7 mg/100 g fw) compared to CGJ (5.8 mg/100 g fw), though NG (4.9–10.8 mg/100 g fw) was similar in phenolic content as NGJ (9.4–10.8 mg/100 g fw). Absolute bioaccessibility of CGJ total phenolics (5.2 mg/100 g fw) was similar to CG (2.6–9.6 mg/100 g fw), while NGJ (5.1–5.7 mg/100 g fw) had higher bioaccessible phenolic content than NG (0.8–1.1 mg/100 g fw). Differences in initial content and bioaccessible fractions were driven by higher relative bioaccessibility of AC in CGJ (86–135%) compared to CG (14–39%) and FL3/PA in CGJ/NGJ (48–101; 39–85%) compared to CG/NG (0–3; 9–67%). Comparisons between juices and table grapes followed similar trends. Conclusions A greater fraction of grape skin and seed derived PA, AC, and FL3 are extracted through juicing and made bioaccessible relative to whole fruit. 100% juice may provide an improved matrix for delivery of grape phenolics and despite some processing losses, whole fruit and juice are similar in overall phenolic delivery to consumers. Funding Sources Welch Foods Inc.

Caftaric acid: an overview on its structure, daily consumption, bioavailability and pharmacological effects

Caftaric acid is simply known as phenolic derivative and it is present in high concentrations in grape seeds and juice. The chemical structure of caftaric acid is C13H12O9, with molar mass of the acid equal to 312.230 g/mol. Caftaric acid is formed united of caffeic acid and tartaric acid. This paper reviews caftaric acid structure, daily consumption, bioavailability and pharmacological effects. The caftaric acid quickly passes to the stomach and duodenum and increases the absorption of the acid in the intestinal Caco-2 cells. The antioxidant effect of grape stem was related to its caftaric acid constituent. The grape juice has anti-inflammatory effect and this anti-inflammatory effect is correlated with the main constituent of this juice which is caftaric acid. Caftaric acid has antimutagenic effect in an animal model suggesting that caftaric acid participates in chemopreventive effect of the Yamabudo juice. The "liver detoxifying" effect is observed and correlated with oral supplementation with aqueous decoctions of Cichorium spinosum and Cichorium intybus in Greece where caftaric acid is the major constituent of these two aqueous decoctions. The caftaric acid possesses a double effect through decreasing high blood glucose and high blood pressure so this acid can be used in the treatment of diabetes and hypertension. The caftaric acid increases granulocyte/macrophage-colony forming cells from femurs of female animals' models by 70%. In conclusion, caftaric acid is presented about 5 mg/100 cm3 grape juice. The acid is quickly passes into the stomach and duodenum. The trans-caftaric acid represents 85% of the total phenolic content in the Concord grape juice with a total concentration of 444 μmol/L. The caftaric acid has many pharmacological effects such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimutagenic and anticarcinogenic, hepatoprotective, anti-diabetic and anti-hypertensive, anti-obesity and anti-metabolic syndrome and neuroprotective effects.

Synergistic and additive interactions among components of food‐based baits underlie female fruit fly attraction

AbstractAttraction of tephritid fruit flies to some food sources can be enhanced by the presence of ammonia derivatives, compounds that are perceived as volatile cues for protein‐rich food sources. Using a comparative approach, we (1) evaluated the behavioral responses of females of three invasive fruit fly species, Bactrocera (Zeugodacus) cucurbitae (Coquillett), Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel), and Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann) (all Diptera: Tephritidae) to trub (a protein‐rich waste brewer’s yeast product generated during the production of beer), Concord grape juice (a protein‐deficient material), and ammonium acetate, and (2) identified synergistic and additive interactions between low‐ and high‐attractiveness materials and ammonium acetate. We established the attractiveness of fresh trub, grape juice, and ammonium acetate when tested singly to females of all three fly species. Although ammonium acetate did not enhance significantly the response of females of any species to fresh trub, the most attractive material, ammonium acetate, did significantly enhance females’ level of response to aged trub (a comparatively less attractive material) and to grape juice. Our research found a synergistic interaction between diluted grape juice and ammonium acetate for B. cucurbitae, as well as between aged trub and ammonium acetate for B. dorsalis. For C. capitata, additive effects among food attractants and ammonium acetate were identified. Our findings increase our understanding of fruit fly female olfactory‐driven behavior in response to food‐based materials and the extent to which ammonium acetate modulates female response to protein‐rich and protein‐deficient materials.

Searching for high pressure processing parameters for Escherichia coli O157:H7, Salmonella enterica and Listeria monocytogenes reduction in Concord grape juice

PurposeHigh pressure processing (HPP) has been widely used for high-acid (pH<4.6) juices. The purpose of this study was to investigate optimal parameters aimed at achieving 5-log reduction of the pathogens of reference in Concord grape juice (pH 3.39).Design/methodology/approachGrape juice was inoculated with five strain cocktails of Escherichia coli O157:H7, Salmonella enterica and Listeria monocytogenes. In total, 11 trials were carried out based on a Central Composite Rotational Design (CCRD). The pressure (P), ranging from 319 to 531 MPa, and dwell time (t), from 35 to 205 s, were tested. The performance of the combinations (P × t) was evaluated by pathogen challenge microbiological assays.FindingsE. coli O157:H7 was more resistant to HPP than S. enterica. L. monocytogenes did not grow in unprocessed juice (before HPP). Findings demonstrated that moderate pressures (~400 MPa) and short dwell times (~2 min) were effective in achieving a greater than 5-log reduction in the pathogens of reference.Practical implicationsBecause the maintenance costs of equipment exponentially increase with pressure beyond 600 MPa, significant reductions in process pressure are highly desirable.Originality/valueThe results of this study can supplement the dearth of information on the applicability of high pressure as a Concord grape juice processing technology in terms of the pathogens inactivation. Furthermore, the use of a cocktail of five strains of pathogens inoculated in Concord grape juice to challenge different HPP parameters has not been reported.

Influence of diabetes on plasma pharmacokinetics and brain bioavailability of grape polyphenols and their phase II metabolites in the Zucker diabetic fatty rat.

The effect of diabetes on the pharmacokinetics, bioavailability and brain distribution of grape polyphenols and select metabolites was studied in the Zucker diabetic fatty (ZDF) rat model. (ZDF) rats and their lean controls (LN) were dosed with a Standardized Grape Polyphenol (SGP) Mixture consisting of grape seed extract, Concord grape juice and resveratrol (RES) by oral gavage for 10 days. An 8-h pharmacokinetic study was performed. After 24h, a second dose of SGP was administered and 1h later animals were sacrificed and brain tissue was harvested. Plasma, urine, and brain tissue were analyzed for grape polyphenols. ZDF rats exhibited significantly diminished Cmax for all catechin, epicatechin, quercetin and resveratrol conjugated metabolites. Bioavailability was significantly lower in ZDF rats for methylated flavan-3-ol, RES, and quercetin metabolites. Significantly lower levels of metabolites of RES, quercetin, and flavan-3-ols were found in brains of ZDF rats. There was no significant difference between ZDF and LN in anthocyanins in plasma and no anthocyanins were detectable in brain extracts. ZDF rats showed significantly higher urinary excretion for all polyphenols. Diabetes may alter the overall bioavailability of some polyphenols in plasma and brain in part due to higher urinary clearance.

Cognitive and mood improvements following acute supplementation with purple grape juice in healthy young adults

PurposeBerry-derived phenolic compounds found in grapes have been associated with a number of health benefits, including the augmentation of human brain function and cognition. Previous intervention studies of Concord grape juice have demonstrated improvement to memory and driving ability following 3- to 4-month supplementation in middle-aged and older adults. However, no studies to date have demonstrated acute cognitive benefits of grape juice, and investigation of these effects in young adults is lacking.MethodsThis randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blind, counterbalanced-crossover study, assessed the effects of 230 ml purple grape juice or sugar-matched control in 20 healthy young adults. Computerised measures of episodic memory, working memory, attention and mood were completed at baseline and following a 20-min absorption period.ResultsPurple grape juice significantly improved reaction time on a composite attention measure (p = 0.047) and increased calm ratings (p = 0.046) when compared to placebo. Order effects also indicated an enduring positive effect on pre-dose memory reaction time (p = 0.018) and post-dose calm ratings (p = 0.019) when purple grape was consumed first.ConclusionsThese findings in a small sample of healthy young adults suggest that purple grape juice can acutely enhance aspects of cognition and mood. No significant effects of juice were observed on memory measures, suggesting that these may be less susceptible to manipulation following acute supplementation in healthy young adults. Potential mechanisms underlying these effects include modulation of cerebral blood flow, glucoregulation and inhibition of monoamine oxidase activity, all of which require further exploration.

The impact of dietary flavonoid supplementation on smoking-induced inflammatory process and fibrinolytic impairment

Background and aimsSmoking is associated with increased inflammatory process and impairment of fibrinolytic status. Concord grape juice (CGJ), a rich source of flavonoids, can modify cardiovascular risk factors. We aimed to evaluate the impact of CGJ on smoking-induced impairment of inflammatory and fibrinolytic status in healthy smokers. MethodsWe studied the effect of a 2-week oral treatment with CGJ in 26 healthy smokers on three occasions (day 0: baseline, day 7 and day 14) in a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, cross-over design. Measurements were carried out before (pSm) and 20 min after (Sm20) cigarette smoking. Serum levels of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1) and plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (PAI-1) were measured as markers of inflammatory and fibrinolytic status, respectively. ResultsTreatment with CGJ reduced pSm sICAM-1 levels (p < 0.001), while placebo had no impact on ICAM-1 levels (p = 0.31). Moreover, treatment with CGJ decreased pSm values of PAI-1 (p < 0.001) while placebo had no impact on PAI-1 levels (p = 0.89). Smoking induced an elevation in PAI-1 levels after smoking compared to pro-smoking levels in all study days and in both arms (CGJ and placebo) of the study (p < 0.001 for all). Interestingly, CGJ compared to placebo, attenuated the acute smoking increase in sICAM-1 and PAI-1 levels (p < 0.001 and p = 0.005 respectively). ConclusionsCGJ consumption improved inflammatory and fibrinolytic status in healthy smokers and attenuated acute smoking induced increase in ICAM-1 and PAI-1 levels. These findings shed further light on the favorable effects of flavonoids in cardiovascular health.

Synergistic effects of Pectinex Ultra Clear and Lallzyme Beta on yield and bioactive compounds extraction of Concord grape juice

In this work, the synergistic effects of the combination of Pectinex Ultra Clear (PUC), presenting high pectinase activity, and Lallzyme Beta (LB), presenting cellulase activity were tested for grape juice extraction from Vitis labrusca L. variety Concord. The variables time, temperature, enzyme concentration and PUC/LB ratio were analyzed with the responses juice yield and reducing capacity. PUC improved the juice yield while LB increased the reducing capacity. However, the mix PUC/LB provided an increase in juice yield and reducing capacity, reaching to 75.8% and 1090 mg L−1, respectively. The best conditions for grape juice extraction were: 51 °C, 52 min, 0.75 U g−1 and PUC/LB ratio 0.52. Twenty-three phenolic compounds were identified and quantified by HPLC-DAD-MS, where the content of quercetin 3-O-glucoside and total anthocyanins were improved up to 112% and 41%, respectively, using enzymes. The mix of two enzymatic preparations improved the juice yield and bioactive compounds extraction when compared with each preparation individually. The adequate choice of enzymatic preparation and the extraction conditions are very important in the juice yield and quality for food industries.

Inclusion of 100% Concord grape juice reduces glucose release following in vitro digestion of a model carbohydrate rich meal

Growing evidence suggest that phenolics from fruits and juices including 100% grape juice (GJ) may impact glucose homeostasis by independently inhibiting carbohydrate digestion and modulating intestinal glucose transport. However, the extent to which these effects are extendable to 100% GJ in the context of interaction within a meal remains unclear. To determine the influence of 100% GJ from purple American grapes (V. labrusca; Concord) on starch digestion and intestinal glucose release from a meal, GJ was combined (5 and 10% w/w) with a milk and cornstarch‐based pudding (MSP) providing protein and complex carbohydrates simulating a meal. This combination was introduced to an in vitro digestion model mimicking oral, gastric and small intestinal digestion. Phenolic bioaccessibility and extent of glucose release from starch were assessed following digestion. Concord GJ is rich in phenolic acids and flavonoids (806 to 845 μM total phenolics) including catechin, quercetin and isorhameritin, as well as anthocyanins (80 to 103 μM total anthocyanins) with cyanidin and delphinidin most abundant. Co‐digestion of GJ with MSP did not significantly impact bioaccessibility of total phenolics suggesting the food matrix did not impact digestive stability and ultimate bioaccessibility in the GI tract. Total glucose content in final digesta was decreased by 12% following co‐digestion of MSP with 10% Concord GJ (~55 μM phenolics) compared to sugar match control. No significant effect was observed from 5% Concord GJ. GJ phenolic extracts also demonstrated modest inhibition of a‐amylase at 500 μM phenolics (3.4–8.8%) and of glucoamylase activity at 300 and 500 μM phenolics (4.9 and 9.3%, respectively). Combined these data suggest that consumption of 100% GJ, compared to a sugar sweetened beverage, with a carbohydrate‐rich meal may delay digestive release of glucose in the upper GI through inhibition of glucoamylase leading to a modest reduction in glycemic response from a meal.Support or Funding InformationFunding support by Welch Foods

Methodical evaluation and improvement of matrix compatible PDMS-overcoated coating for direct immersion solid phase microextraction gas chromatography (DI-SPME-GC)-based applications

The main quest for the implementation of direct SPME to complex matrices has been the development of matrix compatible coatings that provide sufficient sensitivity towards the target analytes. In this context, we present here a thorough evaluation of PDMS-overcoated fibers suitable for simultaneous extraction of different polarities analytes, while maintaining adequate matrix compatibility. For this, eleven analytes were selected, from various application classes (pesticides, industrial chemicals and pharmaceuticals) and with a wide range of log P values (ranging from 1.43 to 6). The model matrix chosen was commercial Concord grape juice, which is rich in pigments such as anthocyanins, and contains approximately 20% of sugar (w/w). Two types of PDMS, as well as other intrinsic factors associated with the PDMS-overcoated fiber fabrication are studied. The evaluation showed that the PDMS-overcoated fibers considerably slowed down the coating fouling process during direct immersion in complex matrices of high sugar content. Longevity differences could be seen between the two types of PDMS tested, with a proprietary Sylgard® giving superior performance because of lesser amount of reactive groups and enhanced hydrophobicity. Conversely, the thickness of the outer layer did not seem to have a significant effect on the fiber lifetime. We also demonstrate that the uniformity of the overcoated PDMS layer is paramount to the achievement of reliable data and extended fiber lifetime. Employing the optimum overcoated fiber, limits of detection (LOD) in the range of 0.2–1.3 ng/g could be achieved. Additional improvement is attainable by introducing washing of the coatings after desorption, so that any carbon build-up (fouling) left on the coating surface after thermal desorption can be removed.