Cyanidin 3-glucoside Equivalents Research Articles

Green extraction and partial purification of roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) extracts with high amounts of phytochemicals and in vitro antioxidant and antibacterial effects.

The aim of this study is to develop roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) extracts with high amounts of phytochemicals and in vitro antioxidant and antibacterial effects using green extraction technique. Roselle extract prepared by ultrasonic extraction with 80% ethanol and 1% hydrochloric acid (RSUEH) promoted the highest yield and high total phenolic (5.21±0.05g% gallic acid equivalent of dried extract), total flavonoid (1.29±0.06g% quercetin equivalent of dried extract), and total anthocyanin contents (0.21±0.00 and 0.44±0.00g% cyanidin 3-glucoside equivalent of dried extract determined by pH-differential method with standard calculation and pH-differential method with standard curve of cyanidin 3-glucoside, respectively). From the validated high-performance liquid chromatography analysis, delphinidin-3-sambubioside, delphinidin-3-glucoside, and cyanidin-3-glucoside were found to be the major anthocyanins in roselle extract. This extract exhibited moderate 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging effect (EC50 289.61±0.16µg/mL) and strong inhibitory effects against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus intermedius, Proteus mirabilis, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa with the inhibitory concentration (IC50) values in the range of 0.15±0.05 to 4.64±0.07mg/mL and the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values ranged from 1.66±0.06 to 7.11±1.05mg/mL. From partial purification, fraction 28 (F28) contained higher amounts of all analyzed phytochemicals than roselle extracts and promoted stronger DPPH scavenging effects (EC50 54.88±2.23µg/mL). F28 showed antibacterial activity with IC50 values against all tested bacteria in the range of 0.19±0.07 to 4.69±0.09mg/mL, and the MIC values ranged from 2.46±0.08 to 6.24±0.09mg/mL.

Essential oil composition, morphological characterization, phenolic content and antioxidant activity of Iranian populations of Hymenocrater longiflorus Benth. (Lamiaceae)

The study focused on the morphological and chemical characteristics of 200 Hymenocrater longiflorus Benth. genotypes found in natural habitats of eight regions in west of Iran. The primary objective of the study was to assess the morphological and phytochemical variability within populations grown in their natural habitats, with the aim of identifying their potential for domestication and utilization in pre-breeding programs. The plant height (PH) ranged from 50.32 to 69.65 cm, with the highest observed in population P8. The internode distances ranged from 4.7 to 6.47 cm, with the maximum distance found in P4. Flower lengths varied from 1.95 to 2.45 cm, with the minimum and maximum values observed in P4 and P3, respectively. The highest leaf length (5.20 cm) and width (3.87 cm) were recorded in P2. The aerial parts of the plant were utilized to extraction and determine the essential oil (EO) content and composition, which ranged from 0.40 to 0.78% (v/w). The analysis of EO by gas chromatography (GC) and gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC/MS) identified 26 compounds, constituting 99–99.5% of the EOs. The main compounds in the EO and their percentage range (v/w DW) were tau-cadinol (0.62–55.56), mono (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (8.10–94.70), elemol (0.21–19.11), β-spathulenol (0.08–14.39), 4-terpineol (0.23–10.19), and β-eudesmol (0.21–9.94). The main chemical groups found in EOs included oxygenated sesquiterpenes (1.12–68.43), and phthalates (9.73–94.72). Cluster analysis revealed three distinct chemotypes: chemotype I (populations 1 and 2) with major components of mono (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate, tau-cadinol, and α-elemol; chemotype II (population 5) rich in mono (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate; and chemotype III (populations 3, 4, 6–8) containing tau-cadinol, β-eudesmol, and 4-terpineol. The study also evaluated total phenolic, total flavonoid, and DPPH free radical scavenging activity in the fifty percent inhibitory concentration (IC50) in leaf and flower samples of the genotypes, along with estimating total anthocyanin content in the flower samples. The total phenolic content (TPC) in leaf and flower samples ranged from 7.89 to 107.18 mg GAE/g DW and 39.98 to 86.62 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/g DW, respectively. Total flavonoid content (TFC) ranged from 81.04 to 143.46 mg QUE/g DW in leaf samples and from 94.82 to 133.26 mg quercetin equivalent (QUE)/g DW in flower samples. DPPHsc IC50 (µg/mL) ranged from 0.65 to 78.74 in leaf samples and from 4.38 to 7.71 in flower samples. Anthocyanin content ranged from 1.89 to 3.75 mg cyanidin-3-glucoside equivalent (C3GE)/g DW among populations. Canonical correspondence analysis and simple correlation demonstrated a strong association and correlations among the studied attributes. The negative correlations between leaf DPPH (DPPH L) IC50 and TFC (− 0.73), TPC (− 0.63), Elemol (− 0.90), and EO (− 0.85) indicate that these compounds have a significant impact on the antioxidant activity of the leaves. Furthermore, Fruit DPPH (DPPH F) IC50 showed a negative correlation with TPC (− 0.79) and TFC (− 0.78), but a positive correlation with flower anthocyanins (0.51), (Z)-β-Farnesene (0.66), and 4-Terpineol (0.57). Circular cluster analysis categorized the genotypes of all individuals in the eight studied populations into three main categories based on all the studied traits, indicating significant variation in phytochemical and morphological traits among populations, surpassing the within-populations variation.

Comparative analysis of physicochemical characteristics, bioactive components, and volatile profile of sour cherry (Prunus cerasus)

This study provides a detailed report on the physicochemical, bioactive components, and volatile profiles of diverse sour cherry ( Prunus cerasus) cultivars to identify the cultivar(s) containing high health-promoting components. Physiological characteristics (fruit weight, size dimensions, moisture, color attributes, total soluble solids, pH, titratable acidity, maturity index, nutritional bioactive components (total phenolic, total anthocyanin content, and total flavonoids), antioxidant activity, and volatile profile of 10 sour-cherry cultivars, consisting of dark red Morello type and clear fruit flesh Amarelle type, were studied. The total phenolic content was in the range of 123.24–289.91 mg gallic acid equivalent/100 g FW (fresh weight), total flavonoids (1340.23–2831.91 mg quercetin equivalent/100 g FW), and total anthocyanins (225.43–485.66 mg cyanidin-3-glucoside equivalent (CGE)/100 g FW) in different sour-cherry cultivars, showing significant diversity in such health-promoting compounds. In vitro antioxidant activity assessed by ferric reducing antioxidant potential was observed in the range of 658.18–1483.37 mg Trolox equivalent (TE)/100 g FW and by 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) at 384.36 and 931.85 mg TE/100 g FW. A total of 10 phenolic components, including five hydroxycinnamic acids, three flavonoids (flavanols), and one anthocyanin, have been identified and quantified by high-performance liquid chromatography. Hydroxycinnamic acids represented 40%–60% of total phenolic components, while flavonoids and anthocyanins amounted to 20% each in total phenolic composition. The volatile profile of sour-cherry cultivars revealed that aldehydes, alcohols, ketones, esters, monoterpenes, acids, sugars, and hydrocarbons were the predominant volatiles present in sour cherry.

Black mulberry (Morus nigra L.) fruits: As a medicinal plant rich in human health-promoting compounds

Abstract Morus nigra, black mulberry, is the most attractive among mulberry species. The study aimed to determine human health-promoting content and antifungal activity in fruits of seven black mulberry genotypes grown in the Tortum district of Turkey. The genotypes exhibited significant differences in most of the human health-promoting content. Among individual sugars and organic acids, glucose (6.98–8.03 g/100 g fresh weight base) and malic acid (6.33–10.45 g/100 g fresh weight base) were predominant. The ascorbic acid content of genotypes was found between 18.13 and 26.77 mg/100 g fresh weight base, indicating that black mulberry fruits had moderate ascorbic acid content. Total phenolic content, total antioxidant capacity, and total anthocyanin contents in fruit extracts of seven black mulberry genotypes were also investigated. The results showed that the levels of the aforementioned parameters changed depending on genotypes. The total phenolic and total anthocyanin contents were in the range of 1,656–2,348 μg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/g and 623–804 μg C3GE (cyanidin-3-glucoside equivalent)/g, respectively. The genotypes had antioxidant capacity between 17.41 and 3.86 μg/mL and between 10.08 and 14.11 μmol TE/g measured by the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl and ferric reducing antioxidant power assay, respectively. Some of the genotypes (TOR-1 and TOR-2) had high antifungal activity particularly against C. albicans. It was determined that the people living in the region traditionally use mulberries as blood enhancer, immune system booster, and mouth lesion treatments to protect themselves against different types of cancers and against inflammation. The present results confirm that attractive fruits of black mulberry are a rich natural source of phenolic antioxidants and can contribute to the dietary intake of antioxidants, depending on genotypes.

Microencapsulates of Blue Maize Polyphenolics as a Promising Ingredient in the Food and Pharmaceutical Industry: Characterization, Antioxidant Properties, and In Vitro-Simulated Digestion.

An anthocyanin-rich blue maize waste product was used for anthocyanin extraction. To preserve bioactive phenolic compounds, a spray-drying technique was employed using conventional wall material maltodextrin (MD), with novel one, hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HPBCD). The obtained spray-dried maize extract (SME) and microencapsulates were analyzed based on physicochemical powder properties, chemical analysis, antioxidant activity, and digestibility. The examined microencapsulates demonstrated good powder properties, exhibited a high powder yield (up to 83%), and had a low moisture content (less than 5%). HPBCD and MD + HPBCD combinations demonstrated superior powder properties in the terms of decreasing the time necessary for rehydration (133.25 and 153.8 s, respectively). The mean average particle diameter ranged from 4.72 to 21.33 µm. DSC analyses signified high powder thermal stability, around 200 °C, related to the increasing preservation with biopolymer addition. The total phenolic and anthocyanin compounds ranged from 30,622 to 32,211 mg CE/kg (CE-catechin equivalents) and from 9642 to 12,182 mg CGE/kg (CGE-cyanidin 3-glucoside equivalents), respectively, associated with good bioactive compound protection. Microencapsulates with both carriers (15% MD and 15% HPBCD) had the highest digestibility (73.63%). Our results indicated that the microencapsulates created with the active ingredient and the wall materials (MD and HPBCD) could protect phenolic compounds/anthocyanins against ABTS radicals (63.53 and 62.47 mmol Trolox Eq/kg, respectively).

Variability in resistant starch, vitamins, carotenoids, phytochemicals and in-vitro antioxidant properties among diverse pigmented grains

Maize, sorghum, quinoa and rice are important grains which serve as the major source of carbohydrates and micronutrients in the diet. Apart from their normal color, these crops are also cultivated in different colors among diverse regions of the world. In the present study, various pigmented grains including maize, sorghum, rice and quinoa of different color were evaluated for their nutrients, anti-nutrients, phytochemicals and antioxidant activity. Resistant starch, amylose, total starch, and damaged starch contents varied significantly (p < 0.05) among the evaluated samples. Water soluble vitamins, tocols and carotenoids showed wide variability among the grains. The findings showed riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid and total folic acid content were found significantly (p < 0.05) higher in red sorghum (177.01 μg/100 g), orange maize (2233.98 μg/100 g), red quinoa (1361.16 μg/100 g) and black quinoa (147.33 μg/100 g), respectively. Total tocopherols and tocotrienols ranged from 35.33 to 192.72 and 17.03 to 231.39 μg/100 g, respectively. Total phenolic, flavonoid and anthocyanin content varied significantly (p < 0.05) and were recorded between 282.12 to 900.54 mg gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/100 g, 120.29 to 174.11 mg catechin equivalents (CE)/100 g and 13.44 to 197.04 mg cyanidin-3-glucoside equivalents (CGE)/100 g, respectively. The total proanthocyanidin content varied significantly among pigmented grains and ranged from 2.11 to 32.18 mg catechin equivalent (CE)/100 g. The free radical scavenging activity evaluated using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2′-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) varied significantly among samples and was observed between 13.52 to 56.89% and 32.01 to 65.10%, respectively. Reducing power and metal chelating activity varied significantly among pigmented grains and were observed between 3.04 to 5.98 mol ascorbic acids equivalents (Mol AAE)/100 g and 56 to 67.1%, respectively. Maroon maize had the highest phytic acid content of 609.21 mg/100 g. The bioaccessibility of iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) was found to be higher for both black and red quinoa. Overall, red and black quinoa had low content of phytic acid and high content of nutrient than other pigmented grains evaluated.

Antioxidant properties of Philippine Bignay (Antidesma bunius (Linn.) Spreng cv. ‘Common’) flesh and seeds as affected by fruit maturity and heat treatment

The effects of maturity (green-unripe, red-ripe, and purple-fully ripe) and heat treatment (blanching at 90±5°C for 2 mins and steaming at 105±5°C for 5 mins) on the antioxidant content and activity of Philippine bignay (Antidesma bunius (Linn.) Spreng cv. ‘common’) flesh and seeds were investigated. The total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC) and total anthocyanin content (TAC) were determined using the Folin-Ciocalteau assay, aluminum chloride assay, and pH differential technique, respectively, and the antioxidant activity was determined using DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP assays. Results showed that the antioxidant content and activity of bignay increased with maturity. Fully ripe flesh and seeds were found to have the highest antioxidant content and activity regardless of the heat treatment applied. The TPC (8.06±0.15 mg gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/g), TFC (8.10±0.06 mg quercetin equivalents (QE)/g), TAC (4.07±0.03 mg cyanidin-3-glucoside equivalents (CGE)/L extract), and antioxidant activity (ABTS 10.37±0.04 , DPPH 9.60±0.10, FRAP 24.37±0.53 Trolox equivalents (TE)/g) of fully ripe seeds were superior when blanched. On the other hand, the TPC (40.73±0.04 mg GAE/g), TFC (31.54±0.15 mg QE/g), TAC (20.93±0.12 mg CGE/L extract), of fully ripe flesh were superior when not heat-treated while its antioxidant activity (ABTS 34.19±0.19, DPPH 14.01±0.02, FRAP 87.78±1.22 (TE)/g) was highest when blanched but did not vary significantly compared to unheated samples. This study suggested that bignay ‘common’ variety was a good source of antioxidants particularly the flesh at fully ripe stage. Blanching had shown to enhance its antioxidant activities.

Profiling Anthocyanins in Thai Purple Yams (Dioscorea alata L.).

Two accessions of Thai purple yam (Dioscorea alata) were investigated for their chemical constituents during tuber development when the vines were 3 to 8 months old. Yam tubers contained total phenolic compounds ranging between 100 and 385 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE), flavonoids 60–160 mg catechin equivalent (CE), monomeric anthocyanin of 10–90 mg cyanidin-3-glucoside equivalent (CGE), 70 g starch, and 25–30 g amylose in 100 g yam tuber on a dried weight basis, depending on the accession and age of yam vine. LCMS-IT-TOF mass spectrometry revealed that anthocyanins in both accessions from 8-month-old vines had cyanidin or peonidin nucleus. Their glycosides were nonacylated, monoacylated, or diacylated with sinapic or ferulic acid. The major yam anthocyanins found in both accessions were alatanin C (cyanidin 3-(6-sinapoyl gentiobioside). This study revealed the insights on chemical components during tuber development and characteristics of alatanins for future selection and cultivation of purple yam tubers.

Total anthocyanin, flavonoid, polyphenol and tannin contents of seven pomegranate cultivars grown in Iran.

Pomegranates are healthy fruits rich in bioactive phytochemicals and widely consumed in&nbsp; the human diet. This study was designed to assess their physico-chemical properties and total polyphenolic compounds, along with antioxidant and ascorbic acid concentrations of the skin and juice of seven unstudied pomegranate cultivars grown in Iran. Ten fruits of each of seven selected cultivars were picked. Methanolic extracts from the fruit skins as well as juices were subjected to an evaluation of their physico-chemical properties and phenolic content. From the pomegranate cultivars studied, the highest juice concentration was measured in &lsquo;Zagh- -e-Zabol&rsquo; (72.9 &plusmn;2.55%). The highest total soluble solids (18.79 &plusmn;1.06 oBrix) of juice, as well as the highest ascorbic acid (16.54 &plusmn;2.09 mg/100 g) and total anthocyanin content of skin [11.20 &plusmn;2.4 mg CyE (cyanidin- -3-glucoside equivalent)/L] were measured in &lsquo;Bajestan&rsquo;. Total flavonoids were more concentrated in the skin of &lsquo;Siah-e-Zabol&rsquo; [930 &plusmn;16 mg QuE (quercetin equivalent)/L]. In the juice of &lsquo;Rabab-e-Pust Ghermez&rsquo; and &lsquo;Malas-e-Saveh&rsquo; the highest concentrations of phenolic compounds were recorded [1082 &plusmn;12.8 mg GaE (gal- lic acid equivalent)/L] and tannins [6.55 &plusmn;0.5 mg TaE (tannic acid equivalent)/L], respectively. Significant differences were assessed between the skin and juice of the cultivars in terms of their physico-chemical properties and polyphenolic contents. The results showed higher levels of total tannins, phenolics and antioxidant activity in juice of pomegranate, whereas the skins possessed higher total flavo- noid, anthocyanin and ascorbic acid content. Further phytochemical analysis are therefore needed to identify the most representative phenylpropanoids by LC-MS (liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry) and to develop novel and promising dietary supplements.

Spray-Drying of Antioxidant-Rich Blueberry Waste Extracts; Interplay Between Waste Pretreatments and Spray-Drying Process

This study aimed to establish an efficient route for converting blueberry waste material (BWM) into antioxidant-rich powders. Extracts were produced from BWM by an aqueous method using water acidified with citric acid, in the absence or presence of Pectinex Ultra SP-L and Cellubrix. All BWM extracts contained antioxidants including phenolic acids, anthocyanins, and flavonoids (total phenolic content (TPC) 3655–4369 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE) and total anthocyanin content (TAC) 219–296 mg cyanidin-3-glucoside equivalents (CyGE) per 100 g dry extract). Extractions at 50 °C yielded higher TPC and TAC but lower vitamin C and pectin contents than extractions at 20 °C. Spray-drying BWM extracts produced at 50 °C (no enzymatic treatments) and an encapsulant (alginate or inulin) at an inlet temperature 150 °C and feed temperature 50 °C yielded powders with desired dark purplish blue color, water activity (0.25–0.33), flowability, reconstitution time (23–46 s in water or milk), TPC (25–30 mg GAE/g), TAC (17–20 mg CyGE/g), storage stability, and Bifidobacterium-boosting properties. Enzymatic pretreatments of BWM did not confer any advantages in preserving antioxidants in powder products, suggesting that some intrinsic BWM components (e.g., pectins) may play an important role in the encapsulating process. The use of alginate as the encapsulant/drying aid afforded higher powder yields, superior protection of antioxidants, better stability over a prolonged storage or elevated temperature storage, greater retention of TPC/TAC under simulated gastrointestinal conditions, and greater Bifidobacterium-boosting effects, compared to powders prepared using inulin. Thus, simple aqueous extraction methods and spray-drying technology hold enormous promise for producing antioxidant-rich powders from blueberry processing by-products or waste.

Optimization of Ultrasound Assisted Extraction of Phenolic Compounds and Anthocyanins from Perilla Leaves Using Response Surface Methodology

Ultrasound assisted extraction (UAE) was used to extract phenolic compounds and anthocyanins from perilla leaves. Response surface methodology (RSM) was used to optimize the extraction conditions. The optimal conditions were as follows: ethanol concentration of 76.58%, liquid-to-solid ratio of 22.15:1, extraction temperature of 52.75°C and extraction time of 53.84 min. Under these optimal conditions, total phenolic content (TPC) and the total anthocyanins content (TAC) were 63.11 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/g dry weight (DW) and 6.44 mg cyanidin-3-glucoside equivalent (CGE)/g DW, respectively. The experimental data are consistent with the predicted values, confirming that the model was valid for optimization of the extraction conditions. In addition, perilla extract was purified using XAD-7 resin. The antioxidant activity of purified extract was determined using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 3-ethyl-benzo-thiazoline-6-sulphonate (ABTS) methods (50% inhibition values of 19.88 µg/mL by DPPH and 81.75 µg/mL by ABTS). The results indicated that purified extract exhibited potent antioxidant capacity.

Development and evaluation of floating alginate microspheres for oral delivery of anthocyanins - A preliminary investigation.

The goal of this study was to develop floating microspheres that could be used as gastroretentive systems for the delivery of anthocyanins (ACNs). These compounds are absorbed in the stomach and small intestine, and insufficient residence time in these organs could result in limited absorption and contribute to degradation. The microparticles containing freeze‐dried haskap berry extract (321.96 ± 8.35 mg cyanidin 3‐glucoside equivalents per g) were prepared by ionotropic gelation of alginate (9%, w/w) with calcium ions (CaCl2 at 2%, w/v) in the gelation bath, with calcium carbonate as the gas‐generating compound (added at different ratios in the alginate/extract mixture). The effect of acetic acid concentration (2 and 10%, v/v) in the gelation medium was investigated. Increasing the carbonate : alginate weigh ratio from 0 to 3:4 resulted in different degrees of floatability, larger particles, higher encapsulation efficiency, and lower amount of ACN released. The power law equation fitted the experimental data well, indicating that release occurred mainly by diffusion. This is the first time floating microspheres are proposed as gastroretentive platforms for the delivery of ACNs.

Physicochemical characterization and antioxidant activity of Calabura fruit (Muntingia calabura L.)

The objective of this work was to determine the physical and physicochemical characteristics, proximate composition, antioxidant activity, total phenolic compounds, vitamin C content and total anthocyanins of different fractions of the calabura fruits (peel, pulp and whole fruit). The fruits showed average diameter and weight of 14.50 mm and 1.57 g, respectively, and high yield in pulp (75.38%). The whole fruit showed: pH (5.64), titratable acidity (0.11 g citric acid 100 g-1), soluble solids (10.24 °Brix), ratio (93.76), moisture (77.36%), ash (5.65%), lipids (7.79%), proteins (8.29%), crude fiber (5.93%), carbohydrates (72.15%), vitamin C (3.30 mg 100 g-1), phenolic compounds (526.55 mg tannic acid equivalents (TAE) 100 g-1), anthocyanins (4.08 mg cyanidin-3-glucoside equivalents (CGE) 100 g-1) and DPPH IC50 (82.25 μg mL-1).The peel showed high antioxidant activity (82.00 μg mL-1) due to the highest contents of phenolic compounds (868.90 mg TAE 100 g-1), anthocyanins (3.87 mg CGE 100 g-1) and vitamin C (4.20 mg 100 g-1). In conclusion, the calabura fruit showed high content of bioactive compounds with antioxidant properties in vitro.

Evaluation of pH differential and HPLC methods expressed as cyanidin-3-glucoside equivalent for measuring the total anthocyanin contents of berries

The present study evaluated the accuracy of pH differential (PD) method and HPLC method expressed as cyanidin-3-glucoside equivalent (CGE) for measuring total anthocyanin (TA) contents of five berries. Major anthocyanins of blueberry, blackberry, black currant, raspberry, and cranberry were analyzed with quantitative HPLC (q-HPLC) method using individual anthocyanin standards and used as a standard reference of comparison. PD method and HPLC method showed similar trend, although absolute amounts of TA differed in blueberry and cranberry. However, data showed that the TA of black currant and raspberry expressed as CGE considerably deviated from those obtained by q-HPLC. This discrepancy was due to underestimating TA of these two berries which contain disaccharides as major glycones, when expressed as CGE. On the other hand, when expressed as their major anthocyanin equivalents, TA of these two berries showed better approximate values with those by q-HPLC method. In addition, this finding was confirmed by Bland–Altman analysis. Our findings demonstrated that the type of glycone in berries is a critical factor to cause discrepancy between TA as CGE and actual TA and should be considered for measuring TA contents.

Fruit Composition of Elderberry (Sambucus spp.) Genotypes Grown in Oregon and Missouri, USA.

Twelve Sambucus nigra subsp. canadensis genotypes were grown at two Missouri and one Oregon (USA) locations to characterize fruit composition in 2004, 2005, and 2006. Fruit was also sampled from an additional 10 genotypes of subsp. canadensis and nigra grown in Oregon. Soluble solids content ranged from 8.9 to 12.5 °Brix, and titratable acid (as citric acid) was 0.4 to 1.7 g/100ml. Ferric ion reducing activity potential (FRAP) values were 15.6 to 30.7 μmol/g trolox equivalents. Total anthocyanin content ranged from 85 to 385 mg/100 g cyanidin-3-glucoside equivalents (C3GE) and total phenolic content was 421 to 719 mg/100 g gallic acid equivalents (GAE). Of the genotypes sampled in three locations, six genotypes were high (250-350), and four were very low in total anthocyanin (<150 mg/100 g C3GE), respectively. 'Barn' and 'Scotia' were highest, and 'Nova' lowest in total anthocyanin content among genotypes grown in Oregon. Of the total antioxidant tests used, total phenolics was the best quick test, as it is the easiest of the assays, showed the least change among years, and correlated highly with FRAP.

Effect of different drying techniques on the phytochemical content and antioxidant activity of Kappaphycus alvarezii

The effect of different drying techniques on the phytochemical content and antioxidant activity of Kappaphycus alvarezii (‘crocodile’ morphotype) were investigated. Phytochemical (total phenolic, flavonoid, anthocyanin and carotenoid content) and antioxidant activity of the seaweed were determined. The seaweed was dried using seven types of drying techniques; oven drying (temperature of 40 °C), oven drying (temperature of 80 °C), sun drying, hang drying, sauna drying, shade drying and freeze drying. There were significant differences in the phytochemical content and antioxidant activity between the dried seaweed samples. The total phenolic content of the dried samples were in the range of 26.11 to 53.33 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE) per 100 g, total flavonoid content from 9.83 to 25.67 mg catechin equivalent (CE) per 100 g, total anthocyanin content from 0.05 to 0.11 mg cyanidin-3-glucoside equivalent (C-3-GE) per gramme and total carotenoid content from 0.03 to 0.24 mg β-carotene equivalent (BCE) per gram, respectively. The oven-dried (40 and 80 °C) and shade-dried samples contained the highest values of phytochemical content as compared to other dried samples tested. Antioxidant activity were determined using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2-azino-bis-(3-ethyl-benzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS) and ferric reducing/antioxidant power (FRAP) assays. The oven-dried (40 and 80 °C) and shade-dried samples also displayed stronger scavenging activity and reducing ability as compared to other dried samples tested. The lower values of phytochemical content and weak antioxidant activity were detected in sun-dried and sauna-dried samples. This finding suggested that different drying techniques greatly influence the occurrence of phytochemical content and antioxidant activity in seaweeds.

Blueberry effects on dark vision and recovery after photobleaching: placebo-controlled crossover studies.

Clinical evidence for anthocyanin benefits in night vision is controversial. This paper presents two human trials investigating blueberry anthocyanin effects on dark adaptation, functional night vision, and vision recovery after retinal photobleaching. One trial, S2 (n = 72), employed a 3 week intervention and a 3 week washout, two anthocyanin doses (271 and 7.11 mg cyanidin 3-glucoside equivalents (C3g eq)), and placebo. The other trial, L1 (n = 59), employed a 12 week intervention and an 8 week washout and tested one dose (346 mg C3g eq) and placebo. In both S2 and L1 neither dark adaptation nor night vision was improved by anthocyanin intake. However, in both trials anthocyanin consumption hastened the recovery of visual acuity after photobleaching. In S2 both anthocyanin doses were effective (P = 0.014), and in L1 recovery was improved at 8 weeks (P = 0.027) and 12 weeks (P = 0.030). Although photobleaching recovery was hastened by anthocyanins, it is not known whether this improvement would have an impact on everyday vision.

Chemical composition and in vitro evaluation of the antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of Eucalyptus gillii essential oil and extracts.

In this study, essential oil and various extracts (hexane, petroleum ether, acetone, ethanol, methanol and water) of Eucalyptus gilii were screened for their chemical composition, antimicrobial and antioxidant activities. The essential oil chemical composition was analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and gas chromatography-flame ionization detection (GC-FID), respectively. Thirty four compounds were identified, corresponding to 99.5% of the total essential oil. Tannins [104.9–251.3 g catechin equivalent (CE)/Kg dry mass], flavonoids [3.3–34.3 g quercetin equivalent (QE)/Kg dry mass], phenolics [4.7–216.6 g gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/Kg dry mass] and anthocyannins [1.2–45.3 mg cyanidin-3-glucoside equivalent (C3GE)/Kg dry mass] of various extracts were investigated. Free radical scavenging capacity of all samples was determinedt. In the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay, the IC50 of essential oil was 163.5 ± 10.7 mg/L and in the 2,2'-azinobis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonate (ABTS) assay, it was 94.7 ± 7.1 mg/L. Among the various extracts, the water extract showed the best result (IC50 = 11.4 ± 0.6 mg/L) in the DPPH assay which was comparable to vitamin C (IC50 = 4.4 ± 0.2 mg/L). The antimicrobial activities were evaluated against different bacterial and fungal strains. Gram positive bacteria were found to be more sensitive to the essential oil and extracts than Gram negative ones. Anthocyanins seem to have a major effect on the growth of Bacillus subtilis (R2 = 0.79). A significant antifungal activity was observed against the yeast and fungi. Correlations between chemical composition and antioxidant activities were studied and R2 values were about 0.96 for the effect of phenolics on the DPPH assay.

Prophylactic neuroprotection by blueberry-enriched diet in a rat model of light-induced retinopathy

The role of anthocyanins is controversial in vision health. This study investigates the impact of a blueberry-enriched diet as neuroprotectant in a rat model of light-induced retinopathy. Thirty-eight albino Wistar rats and 25 pigmented Brown–Norway rats were fed by gavage with long (7 weeks) and short (2 weeks) intervention with fortified blueberry juice (1 ml; 2.8 mg cyanidin 3-glucoside equivalents) or with a placebo solution (7 weeks) that contained the abundant nonanthocyanin blueberry phenolic, namely, chlorogenic acid, before being submitted to 2 hours of intense light regimen (1.8×104 lux). Retinal health was measured by fitting electroretinogram responses with the Naka–Rushton equation. The light-induced retinal damage was severe in the placebo groups, with the maximum amplitude of the electroretinogram being significantly reduced in both Wistar and Brown–Norway rats. The maximum amplitude of the electroretinogram was significantly protected from the light insult in the Wistar rats supplemented with blueberry juice for 7 or 2 weeks, and there was no significant difference between these two groups. The same dietary intervention in the Brown–Norway groups failed to protect the retina. Histological examination of retinal section confirmed the electroretinography results, showing protection of the outer nuclear layer of the retina in the Wistar rats fed with blueberries, while all placebo-fed rats and blueberry-fed Brown–Norway rats showed evidence of retinal damage concentrated in the superior hemiretina. The neuroprotective potential of anthocyanins in this particular model is discussed in terms of interaction with rhodopsin/phototransduction and in terms of antioxidative capacity.

Phenolics in Slovenian Bilberries (Vaccinium myrtillus L.) and Blueberries (Vaccinium corymbosum L.)

Phenolics from bilberries ( Vaccinium myrtillus L.) sampled from seven different locations and highbush blueberries ( Vaccinium corymbosum L.) from one location in Slovenia were analyzed. In samples of both species 15 anthocyanins were identified by LC-MS/MS. Their contents were expressed as cyanidin 3-glucoside equivalents (C3GE); bilberries contained 1210.3 ± 111.5 mg C3GE/100 g fw and blueberries 212.4 ± 14.1 mg C3GE/100 g fw. Glycosides of delphinidin and cyanidin were predominant (488.5 vs 363.6 mg C3GE/100 g fw) in the bilberries and glycosides of malvidin (108.0 vs 100.8 mg C3GE/100 g fw) in the blueberries, whereas the contents of peonidin were lowest (74.5 vs 4.8 mg C3GE/100 g fw) in both berries. The contents of flavanols, flavonols, phenolic acids, and stilbenes were determined by LC-MS. For the first time, rutin was identified (bilberries, 0.2 ± 0.0 mg/100 g fw; blueberries, 3.1 ± 0.1 mg/100 g fw). Chlorogenic acid (as 3-caffeoylquinic acid) was the most abundant among the phenolic acids (23.1 ± 1.0 mg/100 g fw in bilberries and 70.0 ± 3.4 mg/100 g fw in blueberries). Statistical analysis shows that the content of 27 individual flavonoids, phenolic acids, and stilbenes can be used to identify the picking region of these Slovenian bilberries.