Consumption Of Antioxidants Research Articles

Effects of sucrose and 1-MCP on enzymatic and nonenzymatic antioxidants in postharvest Gynura bicolor DC

After harvesting, Gynura bicolor DC (G. bicolor) undergoes rapid quality deterioration, including decay, nutrient loss, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) burst, greatly limiting its shelf life. This study was performed to evaluate the effects of treatment with sucrose and 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) on indices of quality deterioration, ROS metabolism, and phenylpropanoid metabolism, with the goals of resisting oxidative stress and improving the postharvest quality of G. bicolor. Sucrose treatment activated phenylpropanoid metabolism, increased phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL), cinnamate-4-hydroxylase (C4H), and 4-coumarate:CoA ligase (4CL) activities, and promoted the accumulation of phenolics. The increases in nonenzymatic antioxidants decreased O2·−, ·OH, and H2O2 contents. Conversely, 1-MCP treatment increased NADPH oxidase (NOX) activity and induced transient oxidative stress, which significantly activated enzymatic antioxidants, including superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and ascorbate peroxidase (APX), thus maintaining a lower ROS level. Treatment with both sucrose and 1-MCP exhibited a synergistic effect on alleviating oxidative stress, downregulating GbSAG101 and GbATG expression. Compared with sucrose treatment, 1-MCP treatment showed a greater inhibitory effect on ROS burst. Phenolic substance contents were similar in plants treated with sucrose and 1-MCP at the end of the storage period. Therefore, we speculated that higher levels of antioxidant enzyme activity may decrease the consumption of nonenzymatic antioxidants. Our experimental results indicated the involvement of different pathways in the effects of sucrose treatment, 1-MCP treatment, and combined treatment on delaying ROS burst, and suggested potential alternative methods for the preservation of vegetables with stems during the postharvest storage.

An Updated Review on the Role of Phytoconstituents in Modulating Signalling Pathways to Combat Skin Ageing: Nature’s Own Weapons and Approaches

Abstract: Various geographical areas exhibit varying degrees of prevalence and severity of dermatological issues. The most commonly observed skin issues among adolescents during their growth period on a global scale encompass dry skin, dyspigmentation, wrinkles, fungal infections, as well as benign and malignant tumors. These conditions arise as a consequence of diminished functional capacity and heightened skin susceptibility. The primary manifestation of the whole process of skin ageing is its visual presentation, which encompasses changes in both the structure and function of the skin. The look and function of human skin exhibit particular variations as individuals age, representing a time-dependent phenomenon. This review article primarily examines the discussion surrounding the diverse phytoconstituents and their impact on signalling pathways in cellular metabolism, as well as their interaction with environmental factors and xenobiotic agents that contribute to skin aging. Ultraviolet (UV) light induces the rapid formation and subsequent accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) within skin cells, hence accelerating oxidative stress and the ageing process of the skin. One effective approach to addressing age-related skin disorders entails the utilization of exogenous supplementation through the consumption of dietary antioxidants, as well as the application of antioxidant-based lotions to the skin prior to sun exposure. Several plant species include phenolic components, including ascorbic acid, ellagitannins, and carotenoids, which have the ability to protect the skin from harmful UV radiation, reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, and influence several survival signalling pathways. This comprehensive study elucidated multiple processes by which phytoconstituents exert their effects for intervention purposes. Additionally, it highlighted the ability of these phytoconstituents to modulate the NF-κB signalling pathway, MAPK signalling, Nrf2 signalling, and other pathways, hence demonstrating their potential anti-aging properties.

Composite dietary antioxidant index and abdominal aortic calcification: a national cross-sectional study

PurposeThe Composite Dietary Antioxidant Index (CDAI) is a novel, inclusive measure for evaluating the antioxidant potential of diets. We aim to explore the link between the CDAI and abdominal aortic calcification (AAC) in U.S. adults aged ≥ 40 years.MethodsThis cross-sectional study collected dietary and AAC data for individuals aged ≥ 40 years from the 2013–2014 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) database. The CDAI was calculated using six dietary antioxidants. AAC was evaluated using a semi-quantitative scoring system known as AAC-24, with an AAC score greater than 6 as severe AAC (SAAC). To examine the association between CDAI and AAC, including SAAC, liner/logistic regression analyses and smooth curve fitting were applied.ResultsA total of 2,640 participants were included in this study, and significant decreases in AAC score and SAAC prevalence were observed with ascending CDAI levels (P < 0.01). After adjusting for confounding factors, a clear link was established between the CDAI and both AAC score (β = -0.083, 95% CI -0.144–0.022, P = 0.008) and SAAC (OR = 0.883, 95% CI 0.806–0.968, P = 0.008), respectively. Further smooth curve fitting indicated a negative correlation between CDAI and both AAC score and SAAC.ConclusionsDietary antioxidant consumption, as quantified by the CDAI, shows an inverse relationship with AAC risk. Additional longitudinal and intervention studies are essential.

Residential food environment and dietary antioxidant consumption among pregnant women: Modifying effects of socioeconomic factors and ethnic identity

BackgroundResidential food environment influences dietary patterns, however the impact of individuals' perceived social identity on their antioxidant intake, an indicator of healthy dietary patterns, remains underexplored. ObjectiveWe conducted a cross-sectional analysis using data collected in a longitudinal cohort. In the study, we aimed to investigate the interactions between the food environment and two indicators of social identity, specifically a subjective ladder measure of socioeconomic status (SES) and the Multigroup Ethnic Identity Measure (MEIM) score, in relation to dietary antioxidant intake (DAI) among n = 512 Boston and NYC-resident pregnant women. MethodsThe modified Retail Food Environment Index (mRFEI) was calculated using the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's equation, with higher scores indicating a healthier food environment. DAI was estimated by summing standardized data from six micronutrients (magnesium, selenium, zinc, and vitamins A, C, and E) obtained through the Block98 Food Frequency Questionnaires administered during pregnancy, with higher scores indicating increased intake. The mRFEI and DAI were dichotomized based on a median split. Multivariable-adjusted logistic regressions were used to analyze associations, both with and without considering women's subjective SES or MEIM levels as effect modifiers. ResultsWomen were racially/ethnically mixed (19.2 % White, 42.7 % Black, and 33.1 % Hispanic) with 32.2 % reporting more than high school education. In the main effect models, no significant association was observed between mRFEI and DAI. Women with higher MEIM scores exhibited higher DAI [Odds ratio (OR) =1.85, 95 % Confidence interval (CI) = 1.26–2.73]. Exploratory interaction models showed that subjective SES significantly modified the association (p-value for interaction = 0.03), specifically, women perceiving themselves to have a lower SES compared to their community (n = 45) exhibited a significantly positive association between mRFEI and DAI. ConclusionThese findings suggest that women perceiving their SES to be lower than their neighborhoods may benefit from better access to healthy food.

Association of the Composite Dietary Antioxidant Index and Consumption Time with NAFLD: The U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2017-2020.

The timing of food intake can affect the physiological and metabolic functions of the body. However, whether and how the timing of dietary antioxidant intake could influence non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is largely unknown. The Composite Dietary Antioxidant Index (CDAI) serves as a comprehensive measure that encompasses various dietary antioxidants. This study aims to investigate the association between the meal timing of CDAI and NAFLD in American adults. We used data from the 2017-2020 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Dietary intake was assessed through the implementation of two non-concurrent 24-h dietary recalls. Vibration-controlled transient elastography was employed to assess the controlled attenuation as an indicator of NAFLD. CDAI across the day (total, breakfast, lunch, dinner) and Δ CDAI (Δ = dinner-breakfast) were categorized into quartiles. Weighted logistic regression models and restricted cubic splines were used to evaluate the association between the meal timing of CDAI and NAFLD. Of the 6570 participants in this study, 1153 had NAFLD. Participants in the highest quartile of total CDAI levels had a lower risk of NAFLD compared with the lowest quartile (OR = 0.52; 95% CI, 0.38-0.71). More importantly, participants in the highest quartile of dinner CDAI, but not those in that of breakfast or lunch, had a lower risk of NAFLD (OR = 0.54; 95% CI, 0.40-0.73) compared with the lowest quartile. The restricted cubic splines indicated a linear relationship between total CDAI and NAFLD (Pfor nonlinearity = 0.70), as well as between dinner CDAI and NAFLD (Pfor nonlinearity = 0.19). Stratification analyses revealed that the effect of dinner CDAI on NAFLD varied between non-Hispanic Whites and individuals of other races (Pfor interaction = 0.032). these findings suggest the potential beneficial effects of an antioxidant-rich diet and strategic meal timing on NAFLD.

Oxidation mechanism of sulfur-containing compounds and antioxidant depletion dynamics: Insights into interactions

Sulfur-containing compounds (SCCs) are the most abundant heteroatomic organic species (HOS) in petroleum fuels. This study investigates the dynamics of SCCs in surrogate fuel systems, focusing on their oxidation stability, reactivity, and interactions. An analysis of eleven selected SCCs, spanning both reactive (thiols, sulfides, and disulfides) and nonreactive (thiophenes and benzothiazole) species, was conducted at 140 °C. The investigation delves into reaction and degradation mechanisms, exploring resulting products, binary mixtures of reactive SCCs for potential interactions, and multicomponent SCC systems to understand nuanced interaction. Findings reveal unique reaction pathways in single-component SCCs, synergetic and antagonistic effects in binary mixtures, and substantial decreases in reaction rates in all multicomponent systems. Moreover, SCCs expedited antioxidant consumption, highlighting their pivotal role in fuel stability and degradation. The study contributes valuable insights into SCC dynamics, advocating further exploration of HOS’s interactions for enhanced fuel formulation and stability testing strategies.

Associations of Antioxidant Consumption from Food and Supplement Sources on Cognitive Function in Older Adults

Associations of Antioxidant Consumption from Food and Supplement Sources on Cognitive Function in Older Adults

Impact of dietary antioxidants on female infertility risk: evidence from NHANES

The composite dietary antioxidant index (CDAI) serves as a valuable instrument for evaluating the intake of dietary antioxidants. This research aims to clarify the connection between CDAI and the risk of female infertility by analyzing data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 2013 to 2018. Participants underwent two 24-h dietary recall interviews to calculate CDAI. Female infertility was determined through two questionnaires. Logistic regression model, restricted cubic spline and subgroup analysis were employed to examine the association between CDAI and female infertility. The study encompassed 2162 participants. Participants with female infertility had lower CDAI levels compared to those without. Following adjustment for confounding variables, a negative association between CDAI levels and female infertility was observed (Q4 vs. Q1, OR [95% CI] 0.392 [0.193, 0.795], P = 0.016). RCS demonstrated a statistically significant linear negative relationship between CDAI and female infertility. Subgroup analysis showed no significant interaction. This study illustrates a negative link between the CDAI and female infertility, indicating that higher consumption of dietary antioxidants may be associated with a reduced risk of female infertility. Additional rigorously designed prospective studies are necessary to validate these results.

High dietary antioxidant index associated with reduced insulin resistance in female Mexican children and adolescents

Antioxidant intake is inversely associated with different health outcomes; however, its association with insulin resistance (IR) has not been well documented. We hypothesized that the Dietary Antioxidant Index (DAI) is inversely associated with IR in Mexican children and adolescents. A cross-sectional analysis was performed using data from the Health Workers Cohort Study. A total of 830 children and adolescents aged 7 to 18 years were enrolled. The DAI was evaluated in three categories defined by tertiles using a semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire. IR was defined using previously reported cutoff points in the homeostasis model assessment. This association was evaluated using a multiple logistic regression model. Stratified analysis was performed using body mass index and sex. The prevalence of IR based on the DAI categories (low, medium, high) was 23.8%, 24.2%, and 15.3%, respectively. The IR odds ratio (OR) for participants in the highest DAI category was 0.49 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.30-0.80). Notably, female Children and Adolescents in the highest DAI category had significantly lower odds of developing IR than those in the lowest DAI category (OR 0.54, 95% CI 0.29-0.98). Participants with overweight/obesity showed a similar association (OR 0.37, 95% CI 0.18-0.76). These results suggest that the DAI is inversely associated with IR, particularly in females, highlighting the potential role of antioxidants in preventing IR. This underscores the need to establish recommendations for antioxidant consumption in female children and adolescents.

Food-derived antioxidants intake association with serum oxidative stress markers and lung infection symptoms in COVID-19 infectious angina patients

PurposeResearch indicated that dietary antioxidants could improve immune system performance. This study aims to investigate the association of COVID-19 symptoms, total antioxidant capacity and serum inflammatory markers, with dietary antioxidants intake among angina patients.Design/methodology/approachA food frequency questionnaire was used in a cross-sectional study among 135 angina patients with COVID-19, to assess dietary antioxidants consumption. Serum levels of tumor necrosis factor, interleukin 1ß, malondialdehyde, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein and total antioxidant capacity were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay methods.FindingsAmong study angina patients, 76.67% followed unhealthy food patterns and 23.33% followed anti-inflammatory dietary patterns before hospitalization. The angina patients with anti-inflammatory food pattern had less fever (p = 0.021), cough (p = 0.018), dyspnea (p = 0.024), diarrhea (p = 0.014) and pneumonia severity index (p = 0.014) compared to patients with unhealthy food pattern. The serum levels of tumor necrosis factor, interleukin 1ß, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein and malondialdehyde, had a significantly negative association with dietary antioxidants intake (p < 0.05).Originality/valueThere are significant association between antioxidant intake with serum inflammation markers in COVID-19 patients. There is a need for more clinical trial studies for approval of these results.

The potential of Sonneratia caseolaris mangrove leaves extract as a bioactive food ingredient using various water extract

Background Sonneratia caseolaris, known as the red pidada, has been widely utilized by the Indonesian. S. caseolaris leaves contain various active compounds, contributing to their popularity in the treatment of various diseases. Mangrove leaves are also known to exhibit very high antioxidant activity. This study aims to assess the antioxidant activity of S . caseolaris leaves extracted using different solvents. The resulting extract was evaluated for antioxidant activity by the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging activity (DPPH) techniques. Methods Analysis of total flavonoids, total phenols, identification of active compounds with Liquid Chromatography High Resolution Mass Spectrometry (LC-HRMS), and bioinformatics were also carried out to obtain temporary conclusions about the antioxidant activity of S. caseolaris leaf extract. Results The results indicated that S. caseolaris leaves extracted with methanol and distilled water exhibited the highest antioxidant activity compared to other extracts. The analysis of total flavonoids and total phenols yielded results consistent with the antioxidant activity tests. LC-HRMS results identified three compounds in all S. caseolaris leaf extracts with antioxidant activity, namely Tempo, Choline, and Betaine. Tempo demonstrated a higher antioxidant activity than Choline and Betaine, as indicated by the binding affinity values in the bioinformatics analysis. Conclusions It is evident that S. caseolaris leaf extract has the potential to serve as an effective an antioxidant agent. Further research is needed to elucidate confirm the potential compounds in Sonneratia caseolaris leaves water extract interact with the target protein Keap1. S. caseolaris, in order to utilize them as active components in food and enhance antioxidant consumption among consumers.

The Double-Edged Sword of Total Antioxidant Capacity: Clinical Significance and Personal Experience.

Oxidative stress (OS) could be a condition underlying several human diseases, despite the physiological role of reactive oxygen species (oxidative eustress). Therefore, antioxidant compounds could represent a modulatory mechanism for maintaining a proper redox balance and redox signaling. When antioxidants are insufficient or overwhelmed, OS ensues, causing multiple damages at molecular, tissue, and cellular levels. This study focuses on the role of total antioxidant capacity (TAC) as a biomarker to be interpreted according to several clinical scenarios. After a brief description of various assay methods to elucidate terminology and physiopathological roles, we focus on the hormonal influence on TAC in blood plasma and other biological fluids, as different endocrine systems can modulate the antioxidant response. Furthermore, OS characterizes several endocrinopathies through different mechanisms: an inadequate antioxidant response to an increase in reducing equivalents (reductive distress) or a marked consumption of antioxidants (oxidative distress), which leads to low TAC values. An increased TAC could instead represent an adaptive mechanism, suggesting a situation of OS. Hence, the clinical context is fundamental for a correct interpretation of TAC. This review aims to provide the reader with a general overview of oxidative stress in several clinical examples of endocrine relevance, such as metabolic syndrome, non-thyroid illness syndrome, hypopituitarism, and infertility. Finally, the impact of dietary and surgical interventions on TAC in the model of metabolic syndrome is highlighted, along with personal experience.

The Use of High-Dose Intravenous L-Ascorbate in Pain Therapy: Current Evidence from the Literature.

Pain is the most common reason for seeking medical treatment. Despite extensive research efforts and effective analgesics modulating pain, there is still a major therapeutic gap in addressing the root causes of pain. Pain is associated with tissue damage induced by oxidative stress and induction of inflammatory mediators following high consumption of antioxidants. The role of antioxidants in general, and the administration of L-ascorbate in particular, is still controversially discussed and underestimated in the daily clinical practice. The current literature on the therapeutic effect of L-ascorbate, ascorbic acid, and vitamin C on various pain conditions was evaluated against the background of evidence-based medicine. Those articles, obtained from systematic search in PubMed, were critically assessed and rated in terms of evidence level and methodological quality by two independent experts. The primary purpose of this work was to establish specific pain therapy guidance for intravenous L-ascorbate. A PubMed search revealed 14 suitable articles comprising controlled clinical trials and meta-analyses. An additional ten publications could be identified via secondary literature. There is supporting evidence for the efficacy of ascorbate treatment in inflammatory pain conditions, in the complex regional pain syndrome, in post zoster neuralgia, in neuropathic pain, in post-operative pain conditions, and in tumor-related pain. However, the considered studies differ in the type of administration, in dosage, in duration of treatment, as well as in quality of research. Despite all study heterogeneity, it became evident that research of high scientific quality is in support of the efficacy of L-ascorbate in pain treatment. Oxidative stress is present in almost all pain conditions. Because oral administration of most magistral formulas of vitamin C does not provide biological availability, parenteral administration should be preferred and can be supported by an oral dose with high bioavailability on days without intravenous treatment. L-ascorbate should be preferred for parenteral high dosage, rather than ascorbic acid, as it does not release acid valences under physiological conditions. L-ascorbate is an effective, safe, and economically favorable integrative treatment option for various pain conditions, addressing the root cause of tissue damage and inflammatory mediator burst.

The potential of Sonneratia caseolaris mangrove leaves extract as a bioactive food ingredient using various water extract

Background Sonneratia caseolaris, known as the red pidada, has been widely utilized by the Indonesian. S. caseolaris leaves contain various active compounds, contributing to their popularity in the treatment of various diseases. Mangrove leaves are also known to exhibit very high antioxidant activity. This study aims to assess the antioxidant activity of S . caseolaris leaves extracted using different solvents. The resulting extract was evaluated for antioxidant activity by the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging activity (DPPH) techniques. Methods Analysis of total flavonoids, total phenols, identification of active compounds with Liquid Chromatography High Resolution Mass Spectrometry (LC-HRMS), and bioinformatics were also carried out to obtain temporary conclusions about the antioxidant activity of S. caseolaris leaf extract. Results The results indicated that S. caseolaris leaves extracted with methanol and distilled water exhibited the highest antioxidant activity compared to other extracts. The analysis of total flavonoids and total phenols yielded results consistent with the antioxidant activity tests. LC-HRMS results identified three compounds in all S. caseolaris leaf extracts with antioxidant activity, namely Tempo, Choline, and Betaine. Tempo demonstrated a higher antioxidant activity than Choline and Betaine, as indicated by the binding affinity values in the bioinformatics analysis. Conclusions It is evident that S. caseolaris leaf extract has the potential to serve as an effective an antioxidant agent. Further research is needed to elucidate confirm the potential compounds in Sonneratia caseolaris leaves water extract interact with the target protein Keap1. S. caseolaris, in order to utilize them as active components in food and enhance antioxidant consumption among consumers.

Dietary Intake and Oral Glucose Tolerance Test Results in Women with Gestational Diabetes

Background/Objective: Diet is a risk factor for gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). There are few studies on women’s diet and glucose tolerance test (GTT) results during pregnancy. The objective of this study was to evaluate the relationship between one’s previous diet and the number of abnormal values on the diagnostic GTT in women with GDM. We hypothesized that there would be an inverse relation between antioxidant micronutrient consumption and the number of abnormal GTT values. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 60 women diagnosed with GDM (2-h, 75 g-GTT), divided in two groups as follows: 1 abnormal glucose value and 2–3 abnormal values. Shortly after the diagnosis, participants answered a validated food frequency questionnaire to assess their food consumption in the last 6 months. The Mann–Whitney test was used to compare the dietary intake of the participants in the two groups. Results: The participant characteristics were similar. The median intake of total calories, carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins did not differ significantly between groups. Participants with 1 abnormal GTT value had significantly higher intakes of fiber (11.9 vs. 11.0 g/day p = 0.049), vitamin D (40.6 vs. 40.4 mcg/day p = 0.049), and vitamin C (180.0 vs. 151.0 mg/day p = 0.008) than those with 2–3 abnormal values. Conclusions: Our results suggest a possible association between the consumption of fiber and antioxidant micronutrients and the number of abnormal GTT values.

The potential of Sonneratia caseolaris mangrove leaves extract as a bioactive food ingredient using various water extract

Background Sonneratia caseolaris, known as the red pidada, has been widely utilized by the Indonesian. S. caseolaris leaves contain various active compounds, contributing to their popularity in the treatment of various diseases. Mangrove leaves are also known to exhibit very high antioxidant activity. This study aims to assess the antioxidant activity of S . caseolaris leaves extracted using different solvents. The resulting extract was evaluated for antioxidant activity by the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging activity (DPPH) techniques. Methods Analysis of total flavonoids, total phenols, identification of active compounds with Liquid Chromatography High Resolution Mass Spectrometry (LC-HRMS), and bioinformatics were also carried out to obtain temporary conclusions about the antioxidant activity of S. caseolaris leaf extract. Results The results indicated that S. caseolaris leaves extracted with methanol and distilled water exhibited the highest antioxidant activity compared to other extracts. The analysis of total flavonoids and total phenols yielded results consistent with the antioxidant activity tests. LC-HRMS results identified three compounds in all S. caseolaris leaf extracts with antioxidant activity, namely Tempo, Choline, and Betaine. Tempo demonstrated a higher antioxidant activity than Choline and Betaine, as indicated by the binding affinity values in the bioinformatics analysis. Conclusions It is evident that S. caseolaris leaf extract has the potential to serve as an effective an antioxidant agent. Further research is needed to elucidate confirm the effectiveness of S. caseolaris leaves as an antioxidant substance, in order to utilize them as active components in food and enhance antioxidant consumption among consumers.

The effect of alginate extract on the properties of brown rice (Oryza nivara) ice cream

The production of ice cream with the basic ingredients of brown rice milk is carried out to increase the consumption of antioxidants derived from brown rice (Oryza nivara). This is because the plant is less consumed due to its rough texture. The recent development of brown rice ice cream (BRICE) is intended to expand the use of the plant into a common commodity. Previous investigations have established that stabilizers are required in ice cream production, although only a few used natural stabilizers such as alginate. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the effect of adding the different concentrations of alginate from brown seaweed Laminaria sp. on the physical characteristic, namely melting power, viscosity, overrun, total dissolved solids, chemical properties, which include protein, fat, as well as antioxidant activity and hedonic level of BRICE. The concentration of alginate used was at 0.025%, 0.05%, 0.075%, and 0.1%, while the data collected were analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Duncan’s test. The result showed that the addition of different alginate concentrations had a significant effect on the value of the parameters observed.

Wild edible mushrooms as an alternative for the consumption of antioxidants and phenolic compounds: An overview

Fungi are a diverse group, and they are essential for health, the economy, and food. Interest in these organisms has increased because of the importance and effect of their chemical components viz., phenolic compounds, which are considered an alternative source of antioxidants. Antioxidants are compounds that prevent cell damage and can help prevent or counteract certain diseases (cardiovascular, neurodegen-erative, cancer, etc.) because they can improve cell function (changes in enzyme activity, enzyme patterns, membrane fluidity, and responses to stimuli), among others. To date, no adverse side effects have been reported. The difference in production is due to several factors, such as the growth environment, nutrition, cell age, the part from where the phenolic compounds are obtained (pileus, stipe, or mycelium), the extraction method, etc. This article aims to provide an overview of wild edible mushrooms, to promote the study of their antioxidant capacity, and to better understand the nutraceutical potential of edible mushrooms consumed in different parts of the world.

Study of heat and UV radiation exposures on HDPE geomembranes

This study analyzed the behavior of three HDPE smooth geomembrane samples of 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 mm thicknesses under heat exposure for 8760 h and the combined effect of UV radiation for 8760 h followed by heat aging for 4380 h. The results show high antioxidant consumption, an increase in viscosity, and stress cracking susceptibility, demonstrating the occurrence of cross-linking and accelerating oxidative degradation. Samples under the combined effect of UV radiation followed by heat exposure showed advanced oxidative degradation in comparison to those under heat exposure. DMA results corroborate the morphological changes in the polymer, exhibiting different thermal behavior for some types of exposure and different samples’ thicknesses.

KNOWLEDGE OF ANTIOXIDANT RICH FOODS AND THEIR CONSUMPTION PATTERNS BY MIDDLE-AGED ADULTS IN IGBO ETITI LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF ENUGU STATE

Middle-age is in-between adulthood and old age and lifestyle adopted is one of the major factors that contribute to how slow or fast the progression occurs. The study elicited information on knowledge of antioxidant rich foods and the way middle aged adults in Igbo Etiti Local Government Area of Enugu State consume them. The cross-sectional study involved 399 adults whose information on personal and socio-economic status, knowledge of antioxidant-rich foods and their consumption patterns were obtained. Descriptive statistics was used to analyze data on personal and socio-economic status, knowledge and consumption patterns of antioxidant rich foods while association between knowledge of antioxidant rich foods and consumption was tested with chi-square. Knowledge of antioxidant rich foods, 86% were not aware that vitamins, minerals and other compounds exist as antioxidants. Similarly, 96% could not identify dietary sources of antioxidants, 78.7% and 81.7% were not aware that vitamin C helps reduce effect of oxidative damage and vitamin E helps delay ageing, respectively. Overall, knowledge grade revealed that 59.9% and 40.1% had poor and good knowledge, respectively. Fruit and vegetable intakes showed that 28.1% and 11.3% took them twice daily while 23.3% ate grains, legumes and nuts twice daily. For the three food groups, 7.3% and 2.3% never consumed them. There were positive associations between knowledge of antioxidant rich foods and consumption from various sources by the adults. This shows that good knowledge of dietary sources of antioxidant improves intakes while reverse could be true when knowledge is poor.