Condensed Tannin Content Research Articles

Antioxidant Potential and Characterization of Polyphenol Compounds in Moringa oleifera Pods

ABSTRACTThe aim of this investigation was to comparatively assess the antioxidant and polyphenol compounds in fresh moringa pods sourced from two different regions in Australia, namely Queensland (QLD) and Western Australia (WAU). Total polyphenol content varied between 1.64 and 5.97 mg GAE/g in moringa pod samples from QLD, while it ranged from 2.84 to 4.31 mg GAE/g in WAU samples. Total flavonoid content in QLD and WAU samples averaged 4.62 and 4.24 mg QE/g, respectively. Total condensed tannin content in QLD and WAU samples averaged 2.07 and 1.60 mg CE/g, respectively. The QLD samples had higher DPPH (2.87 vs. 2.74 mg AAE/g), ABTS (15.0 vs. 12.9 mg AAE/g), and total antioxidant capacity (2.34 vs. 1.46 mg AAE/g) than WAU samples. LC‐ESI‐QTOF‐MS/MS analysis identified 111 polyphenol compounds in moringa pod samples, including phenolic acids, flavonoids, and tannins. Some compounds were prevalent across most samples, such as 3‐sinapoylquinic acid and theaflavin. The study revealed that moringa pods contain a high concentration of polyphenols with strong antioxidant capacity. These findings highlight the substantial influence of regional effects on the polyphenol content and bioactive properties of moringa pods.

Seasonal and altitudinal dynamics in secondary metabolite composition of Commelina forage species in Konso zone, southern Ethiopia.

Exploring the type and amounts of the secondary metabolites (SMs) in a given fodder species was considered as a meaningful act for safe and profitable utilization of that particular feedstuff in the livestock industry. This study was conducted in the Konso zone, southern Ethiopia, to explore the secondary metabolite composition of Commelina species in two seasons and at two different altitudes. Samples were collected from the two altitudes and seasons. A completely randomized design was used in a factorial arrangement (five species (C. benghalensis, C. imberbis, C. diffusa, C. albescens, and C. africana), two altitudes, and two seasons) with three repetitions per treatment. The SM contents of the Commelina species were reasonably influenced by both seasonal and altitudinal changes. The mean alkaloid (3.67%), total phenols (9.76 mg GAE/g), flavonoid (3.81 mg CE/g) and condensed tannin (1.10 mg CE/g) values for the herb species in wet season inclined (p < 0.001) to 7.02%, 14.07 mg GAE/g, 7.68 mg CE/g and 2.38 mg CE/g, respectively, in dry season. The wet season saponin concentration of the species (2.65 g/Kg) significantly decreased (p < 0.001) to 1.28 g/Kg in the dry season. Similarly, the lowland saponin (2.26 g/Kg), alkaloid (3.70%), total phenols (10.89 mg GAE/g), flavonoid (4.71 mg CE/g), and condensed tannin (0.98 mg CE/g) contents were increased (p < 0.01) to 3.03 g/Kg, 5.47%, 13.61 mg GAE/g, 6.37 mg CE/g, and 1.81 mg CE/g, respectively, in the midlands. Alkaloids, total phenols, flavonoids and condensed tannin concentrations showed positive correlations with each other (P<0.05) and with seasonal (P<0.001) and altitudinal changes (P<0.001) as well. The findings of this study suggested that the SM concentrations of Commelina species were within the limits tolerable for ruminants. In conclusion, Commelina species could serve as a safe and beneficial forage herb to boost nutrient intake, improve nutrient use efficiency and hinder methane emissions, for animals consuming them, in areas where they are available in abundance.

Relationship Between Age and Condensed Tannin Content in the Bark of Two Forest Species Grown in Northeast Brazil

Objective: This research aimed to evaluate the influence of tree age on the condensed tannins content in the bark of two forest species. Theoretical Framework: Tannins are phenolic compounds present in various parts of plants and have consolidated applications in the market. This way, silvicultural studies of different species with the potential to produce are relevant. Method: Barks of Azadirachta indica at 5, 6, and 7 years and Mimosa caesalpiniaefolia at 6, 7, and 9 years were collected from an experimental plantation located in a forest area in Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil. The barks were then air-dried and ground to obtain a material subjected to extraction. Total solids content, Stiasny index, and condensed tannin content were determined from the hot-water extracts. Results and Discussion: The condensed tannins content in A. indica bark did not vary as tree age increased, while for M. caesalpiniaefolia, the most productive age was determined to be six years old. Research Implications: The experimental approach showed that A. indica presented stable tannin content in the bark regardless of age, allowing continuous and flexible management to produce these extractives. In contrast, M. caesalpiniifolia presented condensed tannins, with their reactivity decreasing with age, indicating that younger trees are more suitable for high-quality extractions and commercial production. Originality/Value: Tannins content in Azadirachta indica bark remains stable over time, facilitating continuous management and Mimosa caesalpiniifolia bark, the concentration of tannins is higher in younger trees.

Investigation of Chemical Composition and Biological Activity of Salix aegyptiaca L. Roots

The root of Salix aegyptiaca L. was extracted using their yield percentage, total condensed tannin concentration, antimicrobial, antioxidant activity and to determine chemical composition by LC-MS/MS. The root extraction was carried out together with water, ethanol and methanol. Accelerated solvent extraction (ASE), conventional extraction (CE), and microwave extraction (ME) were the extraction methods applied during the investigation. The LC-MS/MS methanol extract was used to detect phenolics. The antioxidant activities and total condensed tannin concentrations of root extracts have been done by UV-visible spectroscopy from 517 to 580 nm, severally. The disk diffusion method was used for antimicrobial activity. The maximum extraction yield (17.2%) was obtained in methanol by the ASE technique whereas, the conventional extraction technique obtained the minimum extraction efficiency (9.1%). By triplicate measurement, the total condensed tannin analysis result was found 35.14 mg/L. Using the ASE technique, the methanol extract was the maximum inhibitory zone (26 mm) against Candida albicans ATCC 10231. However, in water extract by conventional extraction, a minimum inhibitory zone (11 mm) was obtained against Staphylococcus aureus Cowan 1. The highest and lowest DPPH scavenging activity was determined in methanol (ASE) (98.8%) and ethanol (97.5%) extract respectively. The maximum amounts of quinic acid (63895 µg/g) were discovered using LC-MS/MS.

Synergising tradition and innovation: Fortification of milk kefir with date syrup, a novel functional beverage

AbstractMilk kefir is gaining popularity due to its high probiotic content. This study focuses on fortifying milk kefir with date syrup to enhance its sensory attributes, with the goal of encouraging consumption among the younger generation. Date syrup was added to milk kefir in specific proportions (2, 4, 6, 8, and 10% per 100 mL of milk). The selection of the most suitable percentage (10%, 74 °Bx) was determined based on sensory preferences indicated by the panellists. The newly developed fermented beverage underwent physicochemical and biochemical analyses over a 14-day fermentation period. Results revealed that the addition of date syrup led to a significant (P ≤ 0.001) decrease in pH and total soluble solids (TSS) content, accompanied by a noteworthy increase in total phenolic, flavonoids, condensed tannins contents and antioxidant activity (almost 2-fold). Liquid chromatography - heated electrospray ionisation - mass spectrometry (LC-HESI-MS/MS) results identified the presence of a newly formed and important antifungal compound, p-hydroxyphenyllactic acid (HPLA), showing a progressive increase in quantity during the fermentation process (13.8-fold on the 14th day of fermentation). Hence, the outcomes of this study offer compelling evidence that a novel category of functional beverage can be developed by employing milk kefir as an appropriate starter with the incorporation of date syrup.

Germination process impact on proximate, minerals, and phytochemicals of malt barley, Abyssinian purple-colored barley and wheat

In this study we aimed to determine germination time impact on the proximate, minerals and phytochemicals content of malt barley, Abyssinian purple-colored barley and wheat grow in Southern highland of Tigray. Germination evenly affected protein, carbohydrate, iron, calcium, zinc, and phenolic. It also inversely affected the fiber, fat, ash, tannin, and anthocyanin content of the colored cereals. The crude protein content of raw cereals, which ranged from 6.30 to 8.40% increased after germination to 6.60–8.90%. Mineral element of mature cereals varied across cultivars and their level increased (171.4–223.3 to 227.3–249.8 mg/100 g) after germination. After 72 h germination time, condensed tannin concentration decreased from 2.27 to 5.24 into 0.20–3.6 mg GAE per 100 g. The phenolic content tripled from 63.5 to 189.6 mg GAE per 100 g in germinated samples. Anthocyanin of raw whole purple colored-barley had highest value (303.0 mg GAE/100 g) and followed by raw purple colored wheat (266.0 mg GAE/ 100 g). Both purple colored-barley and -wheat showed decreased TAC after germination, along with changes in protein, mineral and tannin. When after germination, it drastically decreased into 207.2 and 137.4 mg GAE/100 g. Germinated cereal which had higher protein and mineral content showed very strong positive correlation. A germination process should be accounted for improved utilization of these purple-colored cereals might be best alternative sources of malt. While germination inversely influenced to anthocyanins. Thus, it is vulnerable molecules that require special stabilization treatments during food preparation and processing.

Covalent and hydrophobic interactions play important roles in the formaldehyde scavenging ability of banana condensed tannins in aqueous solution

To characterize the interaction between banana condensed tannins (BCT) and formaldehyde as well as elucidate the involving mechanism, different techniques were utilized in the present study. Our results showed that BCT were a mixture of procyanidins and prodelphinidins with the degree of the polymerization of 2–9. With the increasing condensed tannin concentration (0.125–0.625 mg CE/mL), the formaldehyde scavenging ability of BCT (32.16–78.64 %) continuously enhanced. It was shown that formaldehyde could quench the fluorescence of BCT through a dynamic mechanism, while the binding of BCT and formaldehyde was a spontaneous process. According to the data of scavenging ability and spectroscopic analyse, the hydrophobic and covalent interactions between BCT and formaldehyde mainly contributed to the formaldehyde scavenging ability of BCT Moreover, the morphologies of BCT-formaldehyde complexes confirmed the interactions between BCT and formaldehyde as well. Therefore, BCT could be developed as promising formaldehyde scavengers during food production and processing in the future.

Proteomic Profiling in Pediococcus pentosaceus SF11 Exposed to Condensed Tannins from Sainfoin.

The antibacterial mechanism of condensed tannins (CTs) obtained from tea has been elucidated, but the mechanism of legume-derived CTs remains unclear. The mechanisms of legume- and tea-derived CTs probably differ due to the diverse compositions of CTs. Previous research found that sainfoin CTs directly inhibited the growth of Pediococcus. The present study investigated the inhibition mechanism of CTs against Pediococcus pentosaceus SF11 (SF11) through proteomic analysis. The results showed that the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of CTs against SF11 was 1500 mg/L and that CTs increased cell membrane permeability in a dose-dependent manner. In total, 418 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) were identified between the CT treatment and the control, among which 341 were down-regulated and 77 were up-regulated in the CT treatment. The protein interaction network showed that the expression of only two DEPs was highly different between CT treated and control (|log2FC|> 2); the atpD protein was up-regulated in the CT-treated group, which was involved in ATP synthesis; down-regulated DEPs were most involved in lipoteichoic acid synthesis, peptidoglycan synthesis, and glycine metabolism. Twenty-seven proteins were not detected after CT treatment, which were involved in functions including fatty acid synthesis, RNA synthesis and translation, drug resistance, and cell membrane permeability in SF11. Therefore, the findings suggest that the inhibition mechanism of CTs may be related to cell membrane damage and inhibition of cell reproduction.

Polyphenolic Screening and the Antioxidant Activity of Grape Pomace Extracts of Romanian White and Red Grape Varieties.

Due to its valuable organic compounds, grape pomace represents a valuable resource in the creation of value-added food products. In this study, we investigated grape pomace hydroalcoholic extracts obtained by ultrasonication from two white and two red Romanian grape varieties. The phytochemical parameters, i.e., polyphenolics, flavonoids, anthocyanins, condensed tannins content, and antioxidant activity, were determined by UV-Vis spectrometry. The statistical analysis revealed that Tămâioasă Românească and Negru de Drăgășani, respectively, and Fetească Albă and Fetească Neagră are similar to each other. Significant differences among the pomaces obtained from different grape varieties were noticed in terms of their phenolic contents. The red varieties (Fetească Neagră and Negru de Drăgășani) were richest in terms of total phenolics and total anthocyanins, respectively. The antioxidant activity of extracts obtained from grape pomace showed that Negru de Drăgășani had the higher value due to its high amounts of polyphenols, followed by Fetească Neagră, Fetească Albă, and Tămâioasă Românească. Higher levels of bioactive polyphenolic substances, i.e., catechin, myricetin, resveratrol, and vanillic acid, were found in the pomace of Negru de Drăgășani extracts using high-performance liquid chromatography. These results emphasize the potential of the Negru de Drăgășani variety to be further exploited for nutritional and functional applications.

Phenolic profile, cytotoxicity and in vitro antioxidant and enzyme inhibitory properties of the edible halophyte Sarcocornia fruticosa from southeastern Tunisia

This work aims to boost the sustainable valorization of the edible halophyte Sarcocornia fruticosa (L.) A.J. Scott (Amaranthaceae) from Southern Tunisia by assessing its potential as a source of bioactive components. To achieve this, hydroethanolic extracts of S. fruticosa, collected from two distinct Tunisian biomes (Zarzis: SFZ and Djerba: SFDJ), were profiled for total phenolic, flavonoid, and condensed tannin contents, as well as for individual phenolic composition by HPLC-ESI-MS. Then, the extracts were evaluated for in vitro antioxidant properties via complementary methods and for in vitro inhibition of enzymes related to Alzheimer's disease (acetylcholinesterase: AChE, and butyrylcholinesterase: BuChE), type 2 diabetes (α-glucosidase and α-amylase), and hyperpigmentation and food oxidation (tyrosinase). Finally, they were assessed for acute in vitro toxicity. Our findings identified thirteen phenolic compounds, with rutin being the predominant compound and its content being nearly twice as high in SFZ than in SFDJ (1224.51 and 643.61 mg/kg DW, respectively). Salvianolic acid B was also reported for the first time in Sarcocornia genus. The extracts exhibited notable ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), with SFZ displaying an effective median concentration (EC50) value of 0.97 mg/mL. They also showed promising inhibitory effects on acetylcholinesterase (>40%) and tyrosinase (>50%), without any cytotoxicity. The Zarzis ecotype in particular displayed superior bioactive properties, making it an excellent candidate for future cultivation trials under saline conditions, with potentially valuable economic outcomes for the region. These findings highlight the potential of S. fruticosa as a source of functional ingredients with nutraceutical and therapeutic applications.

Interactions between invasive pests and pathogens in a native chestnut forest

The introduction in the same area of different invasive species can result in novel interactions, with unpredictable consequences. We carried out a study in Galicia (northwestern Iberian Peninsula) with the aim of clarifying the interactions between two invasive species Cryphonectria parasitica and Dryocosmus kuriphilus. In 2018, we selected five chestnut plots affected by both species. We compared trees affected only by the insect and trees affected by both the insect and the fungus with respect to attack level, gall characteristics, female size and fecundity, and concentrations of nitrogen, water and secondary metabolites. We also evaluated female preferences in a greenhouse assay. There were higher levels of attack in trees affected by both invaders. However, the greenhouse assay showed that ovipositing females do not preferentially choose trees attacked by the fungus. The presence of the fungus had no effect on the size, wall thickness, or hardness of D. kuriphilus galls, but larvae were smaller in trees also affected by the fungus. The fecundity of females was strongly related to the presence of chestnut blight; the number of eggs per female was almost double in trees affected by the fungus. There were no relations between blight and the nitrogen or water content in the galls, where the insects feed. There were also no effects of chestnut blight on the concentration of terpenes or phenols, but condensed tannins were higher in trees with chestnut blight. The higher tannins induced by chestnut blight may directly or indirectly benefit gall wasps. Positive relationships between condensed tannin concentration and reproductive performance of other gall makers were previously reported. Tannins can also improve the negative effects of environmental conditions inside the gall. Our results indicate that the presence of chestnut blight can increase the suitability of chestnut trees for the invasive insect, D. kuriphilus, through the increase in tannins due to the presence of the fungus.

Extraction Optimization of Quercus cerris L. Wood Chips: A Comparative Study between Full Factorial Design (FFD) and Artificial Neural Network (ANN).

From a circular bio-economy perspective, biomass valorization requires the implementation of increasingly efficient extraction techniques to ensure the environmental and economic sustainability of biorefining processes. This research focuses on optimizing the specialized metabolite extraction of Turkey oak chips from Quercus cerris L. by applying a 3 levels Full Factorial Design (FFD). The goal is to obtain an extract with the highest antioxidant activity [evaluated by 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging activity and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays] and specialized metabolites content [measured as total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), condensed tannin content (CTC), and hydrolysable tannins content (THC)]. With this objective, three different variables were investigated and compared: temperature (20 °C, 50 °C, 80 °C), solvents EtOH/H2O (0%, 20%, 40%), and time (3 h, 6 h, 24 h), resulting in 27 different extracts. Following the FFD analysis, the optimal extractive conditions were determined to be 80 °C, 40% EtOH/H2O, and 19.8 h. Finally, the prediction ability of FFD was compared with that of artificial neural network (ANN) for DPPH scavenging activity, FRAP, and TPC data based on the coefficient of determination (R2), mean absolute error (MAE), and root mean square error (RMSE). The results indicated that ANN predictions were more precise than FFD ones; however, both methods were useful in optimizing the extraction process as they returned comparable optimized extraction parameters.

Cationic tannins as aggregation agents in the flocculation on hematite–silica system

ABSTRACT This study aims to evaluate the use of commercial tannin derivatives, namely, tannin 1 (CT1), tannin 2 (CT2), tannin 3 (CT3), and extract of tannin produced from angico bark, as aggregation agent in hematite–silica systems. Hematite and quartz were used in aggregation tests at dosages of 1, 10, and 100 mg/L at pH values of 6–9. The zeta potential and Jar tests were conducted in the best conditions of aggregation tests. The condensed tannin content of the commercial reagents is approximately similar, and it exceeds the content found in the extract obtained from angico bark. CT3 demonstrated superior percentages of sedimented material for both minerals at a dosage of 10 mg/L and pH 7 (97.12% and 95.68% for hematite and quartz, respectively). The aggregation agent produced from the angico bark displayed good sedimentation results for hematite (>90%); however, the results for quartz were unsatisfactory. The isoelectric point shifts to pH 8 when each mineral was conditioned with CT3. The jar test revealed higher sedimentation of the compositions for the lowest velocity gradient (60 rpm) with low turbidity values in the supernatant; however, the lowest turbidity (24.71 NTU) is observed in the sample with a higher percentage of hematite.

Unveiling the traditional preparation, biochemical, phytochemical components, antioxidant and microbial properties of “jenja”, a ready-to-serve ginger-based beverage vended and consumed in northern Cameroon

“Jenja” is a refreshing yellow to brownish coloured beverage rudimentary made from ginger rhizomes. Given a paucity of data on the quality features of this spiced beverage, the current study was done to unveil its characteristics and safety status. A field survey was conducted with 35 producers and 70 consumers, followed by the collection of 10 samples from various locations for analysis. The surveys showed that traditional preparation of “jenja” incorporates simple unit operations. The spicy beverage had an acidic pH of 4.4 ± 0.9, with average reducing sugar, soluble protein, free amino acid and ash contents of 10.3 ± 2.3 mg/mL, 18.2 ± 9.9 mg/mL, 10.4 ± 3.8 mg/mL, 4.7 ± 2.6 %, respectively. The total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and total condensed tannin content (TTC) were 44.0 ± 6.1 mgPGE/mL, 10.3 ± 2.5 mgQE/mL and 7.2 ± 5.7 mgCE/mL, respectively. The beverage demonstrated in-vitro DPPH and FRAP antioxidant activities with average values of 45.5 ± 5.3 and 68.3 ± 14.1 mgTE/mL, respectively. “Jenja” beverage had a poor microbiological quality and unsatisfactory safety status. Given all of the foregoing, “jenja” has the potential to be a powerful functional beverage if additional modifications are made to improve its preparation, microbiological profile and safety status.

Nutritive value and condensed tannins of tree legumes in silvopasture systems

Introducing legumes into C4-dominated tropical pastures, may enhance their sustainability but has some pasture management constraints. One potential alternative is using arboreal legumes, but several of these species have relatively high condensed tannin (CT) concentrations, which negatively impact forage quality. There is limited knowledge, however, on how arboreal legume leaf CT content varies over the year and how this might impact forage quality. The objective of this 2 year study was to assess the seasonal variation of CT and nutritive value for ruminants of the tropical tree legumes gliricidia [Gliricidia sepium (Jacq.) Kunth ex. Walp.] and mimosa (Mimosa caesalpiniifolia Benth). The research was carried out in the sub-humid tropical region of Brazil on well-established pastures in which either legume was present with signalgrass (Urochloa decumbens Stapf.). We determined CT and nitrogen concentrations, in vitro digestible organic matter (IVDOM), and leaf δ13C and δ15N from January to October of 2017 and 2018. All parameters were affected (P < 0.05) by the interaction between legume species and sampling time, with generally higher leaf CT content for mimosa than gliricidia, and both were reduced at the start of the dry season, although much more drastically for mimosa. The IVDOM was strongly affected by CT content and increased at the start of the dry season, coincidentally when C4 grass forage quality typically decreased. There is a marked species effect, with CT from gliricidia impacting IVDOM more than the same CT content from mimosa. While N concentration from mimosa also increased at the start of the dry season, that for gliricidia did not vary over the year. We conclude that although these arboreal legumes have relatively high CT contents, these reduce during the dry season when CT concentrations coinciding with a reduced forage quality as the protein content for C4 grasses is usually inadequate in this season.

Inclusion of the Cistus ladanifer L. plant and its condensed tannin extract in lamb diets - Effects on animal antioxidant status and oxidative stability of meat

This study evaluated whether the incorporation of condensed tannin (CT) extract from Cistus ladanifer in lamb diets induces the same antioxidant protection as the C. ladanifer plant. How dietary CT can enhance the antioxidant status of animals and the oxidative stability of their products was also explored. Thirty-six lambs were used to evaluate the effect of three levels of C. ladanifer CT (without CT enrichment, medium, and high level of CT) and two ways of CT supply (C. ladanifer plant or C. ladanifer CT extract) on meat lipid and colour stability, and antioxidant status of muscle, rumen, abomasum, and faeces. The presence of CT monomers in muscle and CT content in digestive contents and faeces was evaluated. Cistus ladanifer plant and CT extract did not improve the lipid stability and antioxidant status of meat, but both CT sources enhanced the meat colour stability over storage time. Condensed tannin monomers were not identified in muscle. Intake of α-tocopherol decreased with inclusion of CT sources in diets. However, muscle α-tocopherol content was not affected by diets, suggesting that CT increase the α-tocopherol availability in muscle. Both CT sources increased antioxidant activity in the digestive contents, although, in the abomasum, C. ladanifer plant resulted in higher antioxidant activity than CT extract for the same CT level in the diet. No CT were detected in the faeces and both CT sources had a minor effect on the antioxidant activity, which could indicate the CT transformation in the gastrointestinal tract.

Submerged fermentation of empty carob pods to enhance D‐pinitol, total phenolic and dietary fibre contents and associated bioactivity

SummaryEmpty carob pods, a by‐product of carob seed production, are abundant in D‐pinitol, dietary fibre and phenolics, offering diverse potential health benefits. However, they also contain high levels of sugars. This study evaluated the capacity of Saccharomyces cerevisiae in submerged fermentation of empty carob pods to enhance D‐pinitol to total carbohydrate ratio, and contents of dietary fibre, and phenolics. Empty carob pods were fermented at pH 5.0, 5.5, 6.0, 6.5, and 7.0 at 30 °C for 10, 20, 30 and 50 h. After 20 h of fermentation, the total carbohydrates decreased by 70% (P &lt; 0.001); the ratio of D‐pinitol to total carbohydrates increased by nearly fivefold (P &lt; 0.05); total phenolic and total flavonoid contents and antioxidant activity significantly increased (P &lt; 0.05), whereas condensed tannin content and α‐glucosidase inhibitory activity remained stable. Fermented carob pods may be potentially used as a functional food ingredient to help control blood glucose levels.

Investigating the effect of solvent on anti-antioxidant properties of Sesamum indicum seeds

Dietary phytochemicals are important bioactive compounds that can scavenge reactive oxygen species. These essential compounds may have antioxidant properties which are known to play a significant role in the treatment and prevention of many chronic diseases. Sesame, an oil-bearing seed, is a well-known promising source of food with both nutritional and therapeutic benefits. As a result, the study aimed to evaluate the antioxidant properties of different solvent extracts of Sesame seeds and to analyse the bioactive compounds present. The seeds were obtained from the local farmers and prepared for analysis. The bioactive compounds present in the seeds were extracted using hexane, ethyl acetate, ethanol, and water. The total phenolic content (TPC), the condensed tannin content (CTC), the total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and the 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assay were also determined using standard methods. Two chemometric methods, hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) and Pearson correlation, were employed to evaluate the interdependence of the various parameters and the antioxidant activity. Anti-nutrients such as saponins, alkaloids, phytates, and oxalates were also analysed from the powdered seeds. The study results revealed the presence of anti-nutrients such as phytate (7.691 ± 0.8576 mg/g), oxalate (1.501 ± 0.1375 mg/g), saponins (21.33 ± 4.619 mg/g) and alkaloids (317.33 ± 30.29 mg/g). The study also revealed that the aqueous extract exhibited the highest TPC (17.12 ± 0.041 mg GAE/g of dried extract, p < 0.05) and CTC (64.27 ± 4.711 mg CE/g of dried extract, p < 0.05). Ethanol and hexane had a similar total phenolic content (14.83 ± 0.123 and 14.66 ± 1.474 mg GAE/g of dried extract, respectively, p < 0.05Ethyl acetate had the lowest TPC content. Ethanol extracts had the highest antioxidant activity with a TAC value of 232.6 ± 6.267 mg/g AAE and a DPPH scavenging activity of IC50 of 52.81 ± 2.30 μg/mL. A good correlation (p < 0.05) was established between the extracts' TPC, CTC, TAC, and DPPH radical scavenging activity. Chemometric analysis from the study showed no significant connection between the radical scavenging activity of TPC and DPPH. From the results obtained, it can be concluded that the bioactive compounds present in the sesame seed and their subsequent antioxidant properties are dependent on the nature of the solvent used for extraction.

The role of deadwood substrates in promoting moss growth: Decay class and particle size effects

AbstractPlagiomnium acutum has a high value of landscape application and medicinal value, but there is a lack of related research on propagation and cultivation techniques. The deadwood substrate has rich nutrients and superior water retention properties, which will be conducive to promoting the growth of moss. Nevertheless, the underlying mechanisms by which deadwood influences moss growth are not yet fully unclear. In this study, we pulverized deadwood from five decay classes of Pinus massoniana into three distinct particle sizes. Through a pot experiment, we investigated the effects of decay class and physicochemical properties on the growth and physiology of Plagiomnium acutum, aiming to identify the most suitable growth substrate. The results indicated that both the decay class and particle diameter of deadwood significantly affect the substrate's physicochemical characteristics and the growth indexes of P. acutum, with the decay class exerting a more pronounced effect. The water‐holding porosity, water‐holding capacity, total nitrogen, total phosphorus, total potassium and lignin content of the substrate positively affected the growth of P. acutum, while the bulk density, void ratio, total carbon, carbon‐to‐nitrogen ratio, condensed tannin content and cellulose content had negative impacts. A comprehensive evaluation using a fuzzy membership function indicated that deadwood with higher decay classes (IV and V) was more conducive to the growth of P. acutum. Specifically, substrates from decay class IV with particle sizes of 10–20 mm provided the most favorable conditions for P. acutum and were recommended as the optimal cultivation substrate. The results of this study provide theoretical basis and technical support for the propagation and cultivation of P. acutum, and provide a foundation for further development of the industrial, pharmaceutical and environmental biotechnology potential of P. acutum.

Assessment of chemically modified vegetable tannins as coagulants for water treatment

This research assessed the efficiency of chemically modified tannins as coagulants for water treatment. Tannins from Anacardium occidentale (cashew tree) and Mimosa caesalpiniifolia (‘sabiá’) barks and seedless fruits of Anadenanthera colubrina (‘angico’) and Pityrocarpa moniliformis (‘angico de bezerro’) were evaluated after cationization to remove turbidity from water. After extraction, the total solids content (TSC), Stiasny index (SI), and total condensed tannins content (TCC) of the tannins extracts were determined. Extracted tannins were converted into powders and cationized. Then, the cationized tannins' effectiveness on water turbidity removal, sedimentation time, and effect on pH were assessed. Three concentrations of each type of tannin were used to evaluate flocculant efficiency: 50, 100, and 150 mg L-1. Although the P. moniliformis extract had a higher TSC value (56.06%), it presented the lowest SI (0.42%) and TTC (0.23%) values. M. caesalpiniifolia had the lowest TSC (9.18%) and the highest SI (91.27%), while Ac occidentale stood out with the highest TCC (19.83%). All species have shown potential for tannin production and efficiently removed turbidity at all concentrations. However, only A. occidentale, at a concentration of 100 mg L-1, presented a nephelometric turbidity unit of 2.4, reaching the potability standards required by international specifications and, therefore, being indicated for water treatment. Keywords: condensed tannins, forest species, natural flocculants, turbidity removal.