Flesh Extract Research Articles

If you cannot beat them, join them: Exploring the fruits of the invasive species Carpobrotus edulis (L.) N.E. Br as a source of bioactive products

The halophyte species Carpobrotus edulis (L.) N.E. Br, also known as Hottentot-fig, is one of the 20 most aggressive invasive species of coastal areas worldwide. It is native to South Africa, where it is used in traditional medicine for the treatment of several diseases, including tuberculosis and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Aiming at a sustainable use of its biomass as a value-added product, this work reports for the first time the in vitro antioxidant, anti-microbial, enzymatic inhibitory properties and toxicity of peel and flesh extracts of Hottentot-fig mature fruits. The extracts’ chemical composition was also determined by spectrophotometric methods (total contents of phenolics: TPC; flavonoids: TFC and tannins: TTC), and by high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (HPLC-ESI-MS/MS). The peels’ extracts had generally the highest TPC, TFC and TTC, especially the ethanol ones (TPC: 272.82 mg gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/g dry weight (DW), TFC: 1.58 mg quercetin equivalents (QE)/g DW and TTC: 20.3 mg catechin equivalents (CE)/g DW). The peels’ extracts also had the highest diversity of compounds, mostly phenolic acids, flavonoids, and coumarins, as identified by HPLC-ESI-MS/MS. Some molecules were specific to a particular fruit part, for example, coumaric acid and uvaol in the peel, and vanillin and kaempferol-O-(rhamnosyl)hexosylhexoside in the flesh. Some compounds are here described for the first time in Hottentot-fig, s uch as azelaic acid and emodin. The peel´s extracts had the highest anti radical activity, especially the ethanol and acetone towards 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) (half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values of 0.59 and 0.88 mg/mL, respectively), and the acetone extract against 2,2′-Azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) diammonium salt (ABTS) (IC50 = 0.56 mg/mL). Samples had nil capacity to chelate iron, a low copper chelation potential, but a significant capacity to reduce iron, especially the ethanol (IC50 = 0.09 mg/mL) and the acetone extracts of peels (IC50 = 0.10 mg/mL) and flesh (IC50 = 0.11 mg/mL) and also the water peel’s extracts (IC50 = 0.18 mg/mL). Samples had nil to low activity towards the enzymes acetylcholinesterase (AChE), butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE), α-amylase and α-glucosidase, but displayed a strong inhibition of tyrosinase, especially the ethanol peel’s extracts (29.55 mg kojic acid equivalents (KAE)/g). Samples had nil to low in vitro toxicity towards human keratinocytes. All together our results suggests possible novel biotechnological applications of Hottentot-fig fruits as sources of innovative bioactive ingredients for the food, cosmetic, agriculture and/or pharmaceutical industries.

Pharmaceutical hit of anti type 2 Diabetes mellitus on the phenolic extract of Malaka (Phyllanthus emblica L.) flesh

BackgroundEthnobotany knowledge in a community has shaped local wisdom in utilizing plants to treat diseases, such as the use of Malaka (Phyllanthus emblica) flesh to treat type 2 diabetes. This study presented evidence that the phenolic extract of the Malaka flesh could reduce blood sugar levels in the diabetic induced rats.MethodsThe phenolic extract of the P. emblica was administrated to the glucose-induced rats of the Wistar strain Rattus norvegicus for 14 days of treatment where the Metformin was used as a positive control. The data generated were analyzed by the two-way ANOVA Software related to the blood glucose level and by SAS Software related to the histopathological studies at a significant 95% confidence.ResultsThe phenolic extract with concentrations of 100 and 200 mg/kg body weight could reduce blood glucose levels in diabetic rats. The post hoc Dunnet test showed that the administration of the extract to the rats with a concentration of 100 mg/kg body weight demonstrated a very significant decrease in blood glucose levels and repaired damaged cells better than administering the extract at a concentration of 200 mg/kg weight body.ConclusionThe evidence indicated that the phenolic extract of the Malaka flesh can be utilized as anti type 2 Diabetes mellitus without damaging other organs.

Effect of different preparation techniques of red dragon fruit (Hylocereus polyrhizus) extracts on normal human fibroblast viability

Red dragon fruit is one of the popular fruits that have been widely used both for consumption and food coloring. The red dragon fruit peel and flesh contain various antioxidant compounds that can be used as pharmaceutics and nutraceuticals. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of various extract preparations of the peel and the flesh of red dragon fruit on the viability of normal human fibroblasts. Seven conditions of peel and flesh extracts were prepared as follows, i.e. dried peel ethanolic extract, fresh blended peel ethanolic extract, dried flesh, fresh blended flesh ethanolic extract, blended fresh flesh, filtrate of pressed flesh, and pomace of pressed flesh. Each sample preparation was tested for its effect on the viability of normal human fibroblasts using MTT assay. Results showed that dried peel ethanolic extract reduce cell viability. Red dragon fruit flesh extracts caused no significant effect on the fibroblast viability. In conclusion, the fruit flesh extracts are relatively safer to normal cells than the peel extracts. IC 50 value of the ethanolic extract of dried peel was 55.38±3.85 µg/mL, while the IC 50 value of various types of flesh extract were more than 500 µg/mL.

Comparison of the structural, physical and functional properties of κ-carrageenan films incorporated with pomegranate flesh and peel extracts

In this study, active and intelligent packaging films were developed by incorporating polypheol-rich pomegranate flesh extract (PFE) or pomegranate peel extract (PPE) into κ-carrageenan matrix. The structural, physical, pH-sensitive, antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of κ-carrageenan-PFE and κ-carrageenan-PPE films were compared for the first time. Results showed PFE was composed of cyanidin-3-O-glucoside (49.76%), peonidin-3-O-(6-malon)-glucoside (9.61%), malvidin-3-O-(6-acetyl)-glucoside (14.89%), pelargonidin-3-O- (6″-ethylmalonyl)-glucoside (7.05%), pelargonidin-3-O-(6-acetyl)-glucoside (9.51%) and isorhamnetin (9.18%). PPE was mainly composed of gallic acid (15.73%), malvidin-3-O-(6-acetyl)-glucoside (4.07%), epicatechin gallate (3.66%), luteolin (5.69%), vanillic acid (7.82%), caffeic acid (4.37%), punicalagin (39.96%) and ellagic acid (18.70%). The tensile strength, water vapor and UV light barrier ability of κ-carrageenan film were significantly promoted by the incorporation of PFE or PPE. Due to different polyphenolic compositions, κ-carrageenan-PPE films possessed higher UV light barrier, antioxidant and antimicrobial properties than κ-carrageenan-PFE films at the same extract incorporation levels. Nonetheless, κ-carrageenan-PFE films exhibited pH-sensitive property because of abundant anthocyanins in PFE. Notably, the physical and functional properties of κ-carrageenan-PFE and κ-carrageenan-PPE films were closely related to the content of extract. Our results suggested κ-carrageenan-PFE films could be further used as active and intelligent packaging, whereas κ-carrageenan-PPE films could be explored as active packaging in food industry.

Transparent Soap from Virgin Coconut Oil with Addition of Papaya Fruit Flesh Extract

This research was aimed to get the best transparent soap from virgin coconut oil with addition of papaya fruit flesh extract. Research method used completely randomized design (CRD) which consisted of five treatments and repeated three times. Addition of papaya fruit extract were 10 g, 20 g, 30 g, and 40 g into 200 g soap stock. Data were analyzed by using analysis of variance and continued with duncan’s new multiple range test at 5%. Parameters of the transparent soap observed were chemical properties and organoleptic test. Result of ANOVA showed that free fatty acid, free alkali, and insoluble material in ethanol had met the standard of solid soap SNI 3532-2016 except for water content and total fatty acid. Based on this research, the best formula of transparent soap was with addition of papaya fruit flesh extract 40 g which had 29.87% moisture content, 30.46% total fatty acid, 1.06%, insoluble material in ethanol, 0.15% free fatty acid, 0% free alkali, 9.03 pH, 89.43% foam stability, and 349.55µg/ml antioxidant activity. Sensory assessment of soap by panelist showed that the soap had an orange color, papaya scented, soft texture, and overall hedonic was a little bit liked by panelist.

Identification and extraction method of quercetin from flesh and skin of shallot (Allium ascalonicum) cultivated in Soc Trang province, Vietnam

Quercetin is a bioactive compound that has many beneficial effects on human health. Due to a lack of information about quercetin and quercetin derivatives in the Vietnam shallot, this work aimed to identify the quercetin family in shallot skin and flesh by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Effect of extraction method (conventional solvent extraction and ultrasound-assisted extraction), including ethanol concentration (40–80%) and extraction time (15 to 60 mins) on the yield of quercetin were also investigated in this study. Quercetin, quercetin-glucoside and methylated-quercetin-hexose were commonly found in the extract of shallot flesh and skin. A very small amount of quercetin aglycone (0.7%) was found in flesh extract, while it was the most abundant in the skin sample (46.3%). The high content of quercetin-mono-glycoside was obtained in shallot extract (43.8% and 35.3% in the shallot flesh and skin, respectively). The flesh extract also contained high level of quercetin-di-glucoside (38.9%). About 14-16% of methylatedquercetin (-glucoside) were found in shallot bulb (both skin and flesh). It was found that ethanol concentration and extraction time directly affected on the quercetin extraction yield. The highest quercetin content was obtained in the sample which was extracted in 60% ethanol in combination with ultrasound-assisted extraction for 15 to 45 mins. The ultrasound-assisted extraction method improved quercetin yield by 13.38-15.64% and 49.46-56.88% for shallot skin and flesh compared to conventional solvent extraction. This study proved that ultrasound-assisted extraction could successfully be used for extraction of quercetin from shallot (both skin and flesh).

Biological activities and GABA content of Ma-Lod (Elaeagnus latifolia Linn.)

Elaeagnus latifolia Linn. is a type of wild edible fruit plant belonging to the family Elaeagnaceae locally known as Ma-Lod in the Upper North of Thailand. In this study, the fruit of twelve Ma-Lod trees, namely ML-1, ML-2, ML-3, ML-4, ML-5, ML-6, ML-7, ML-12, ML-16, ML-17, ML-18, and ML-19, collected from Sangkhom District, Nong Khai Province were investigated for tyrosinase inhibitory activity, antioxidant activity, free radical scavenging activity, total phenolic content and GABA content. The results show that the reducing power of Ma-Lod flesh extracts highly correlated with their phenolic contents indicating phenolic compounds could be one of the main contributors to oxidant reducing power. Among twelve tested Ma-Lod trees, fruit flesh extracts of ML-1, ML-4, ML-5, and ML-17 were considered to be a promising source of biologically active compounds due to their high total phenolic contents, antioxidant activity and outstanding of tyrosinase inhibitory activity. GABA was also found in Ma-Lod flesh extract and the high recovery of GABA after passing through the Dowex 50W-X8 column was obtained. This wild and underutilized fruit exhibits many valuable characteristics which deserve conservation and utilization. It could be a potential source of natural biologically active compounds in the development of value-added products such as antioxidant-rich products and cosmetics. In addition, new investigation of the presence of GABA in Ma-Lod fruit might lead to the development of GABA food supplement in the future.

Effects of Allium species plant extracts and their active ingredients on inhibition of plant growth

The purpose of this study was to investigate what additional uses can be made of Allium species’ various extracts, particularly their inhibitory effects on plant growth. In addition to their extracts, we also studied the inhibitory effects of Allium active ingredients. The inhibition of cucumber and barley shoot and root lengths was greatest when water, boiled water and ethanol extracts of garlic flesh were used. In studies using cucumber, shoot and root lengths were 49–63% inhibited when treated with boiled water extracts of garlic flesh at a 5% concentration. In studies using barley and the same application, shoot and root lengths were 70–77% inhibited. Regardless of extraction method, garlic stem, peel and root extracts were less effective at growth inhibition. In order to investigate the inhibition rates of other Allium plants, we used boiled water extracts of onion flesh, welsh onion root, and garlic root of various cultivars. The garlic flesh extracts produced higher inhibition rates than onion flesh and welsh onion root extracts. Cucumber and barley growth were 81–100% inhibited in studies using garlic extracts of four cultivars (Deaseo, Haenam, Seosan and Namdo) at 3 and 5% concentrations. Additionally, weeds Quamoclit coccinea, Digitaria ciliaris, Echinochloa oryzoides and Digitaria ciliaris were, with few exceptions, 61–100% inhibited in studies using garlic extracts of Heanam and Seosan cultivars at 5% concentrations. Both total phenol and total flavonoid contents were higher in onion cultivars than in garlic cultivars. However, plant growth inhibition was higher in garlic extracts than onion extracts. Thus, the growth inhibition rates may not be related to only phenolic or flavonoid contents. An active ingredient compound ally disulfide was more effective in inhibiting plant growth than the quercetin and ascorbic acid. Although extracts from Allium species were shown to effectively inhibit growth, further studies are needed to determine whether a single active ingredient or mix of active ingredients cause growth inhibition.

Comparison of Antioxidant and Anti-Tyrosinase Activities of Pineapple (Ananas comosus) Core Extract and Luteolin Compound

Free radicals and UV exposure can cause aging. Aging prevention needs substances that can prevent molecular oxidation reactions in cells and inhibit the activity of enzymes that trigger aging. Research on pineapple skin and flesh extract (Ananas comosus (L.) Merr.) reported the presence of luteolin compound which functions as antioxidants and antityrosinase. However, in this study, the object used was pineapple core extract (PCE), which has not been widely known for its antioxidant and antityrosinase activity. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine the content of phytochemical compounds, antioxidant activity, and inhibitory activity of tyrosinase enzymes by PCE and then compared with the luteolin (LT) compound test results using Fansworth method, DPPH scavenging activity assay and tyrosinase enzyme inhibition assay. Based on the study results, the phytochemical compounds contained in PCE were tannins and triterpenoids. PCE and LT produced the highest DPPH scavenging activity, which was 64.86% and 59.32% (final concentration 200μg/ml and 6.25μg/ml) and the highest tyrosinase inhibition activity, which was 60.52% and 85.02% (final concentration 100 μg/ml). Antioxidant activity was determined based on IC50 of 87.46µg/mL and 4.17 µg/ml respectively. IC50 tyrosinase enzyme inhibition EBN and LT respectively at 62.27µg/ml and 5.25 µg/ml. Antioxidant activity through DPPH free radical scavenging test and tyrosinase enzyme inhibition activity by PCE was lower than LT.

Effect of Orchard Management Factors on Flesh Color of Two Red-Fleshed Apple Clones

Little is known about factors affecting anthocyanin biosynthesis in red-fleshed apples (Malus × domestica Borkh.). The objective was to establish the effects of orchard management factors on flesh anthocyanin content of dark-colored (DC) and light-colored (LC) apple clones. Flesh color was assessed by measuring color in the L, a, b mode using a spectrophotometer and predicting the anthocyanin content based on relationships between the absorption of a flesh extract at 530 nm and the L-value determined using a spectrophotometer (r2 = 0.99 ***). Fruit from the DC clone were red by 86 days after full bloom (DAFB), whereas the LC clone began to color at 136 DAFB. Color intensity in both clones decreased from the top of the tree to the base. Further, the intensity of the flesh color of the DC clone decreased with shading (94% absorption of incident photosynthetic active radiation). Covering a fruit with a UV absorbing film (100% UV absorption) had no effect on flesh color in the DC clone but decreased color in the LC clone. Fruit thinning increased color in DC and LC fruit. There was little change in flesh color during storage. However, the DC clone developed severe flesh browning as storage progressed beyond 30 days. The results demonstrated that light (visible and UV wavelength) stimulated, whereas shade inhibited, anthocyanin biosynthesis in the flesh under orchard conditions.

Anticariogenic properties of Solanum ferox L. ethanol extract

Solanum ferox L. is a plant species which belongs to the Solanaceae family and the genus Solanum. The Solanum genus was found to exhibit anticariogenic activity and was traditionally used to treat oral diseases. However there are no scientific studies done specifically for Solanum ferox L. Hence the aim of the study is to determine the anticariogenic properties of flesh and leaf of ethanolic extract of Solanum ferox L. Alkaloids, flavonoids and tannins were detected in the leaf ethanolic extract via preliminary phytochemical screening.  The presence of these phytochemicals may contribute to the anticariogenic activity. Treatment with different concentrations of flesh and leaf of ethanolic extract were used against Streptococcus pyogenes and Staphylococcus aureus via the method of agar well diffusion to indicate zones of inhibition. The antibiofilm activity of the flesh and leaf ethanolic extracts was tested. The flesh and leaf ethanolic extracts possess significant (p<0.05) dose-dependent on antimicrobial activity and positive antibiofilm activity against respective pathogens. Flesh ethanolic extract has stronger anticariogenic activity compared to leaf ethanolic extract against Staphylococcus aureus. Streptococcus pyogenes exhibited higher susceptibility as compared to Staphylococcus aureus.  In conclusion, it has been shown that the ethanolic extract of Solanum ferox L. exhibit anticariogenic properties against Streptococus pyogenes and Staphylococcus aureus.

Taze ve Kurutulmuş Kiraz Meyvesinin Fizikokimyasal ve Biyoaktif Özelliklerinin Değerlendirilmesi

In this study, the changes in the pH, water soluble dry matter (TSSM), color, total phenolic substance and antioxidant activity of cherry (Prunus avium) grown in Giresun by drying in laboratory type oven at three different temperatures (40, 50, 60 ° C) were investigated. The total phenolic content was determined by Folin-Ciocalteu spectrophotometric method and the results were expressed as Gallic Acid Equivalent (GAE). The antioxidant activity was determined by ABTS + radical scavenging activity and the results were expressed as Trolox Equivalent Antioxidant Capacity (TEAC). It was determined that the total drying time decreased as the drying temperature increased, and the cherry flesh samples dried in a shorter time than the whole cherry samples. It was found that the pH of the whole cherry and cherry flesh samples dried at different drying temperatures varied in the range of 4.08-4.45. When the color changes of the cherry samples during drying were examined, it was determined that L * values were not significantly affected by the increase of drying temperature but a * value increased and b * values decreased. After drying, the total phenolic substances in the extracts of flesh and whole cherry were found to be 362.58-347.26 mg GAE / 100g and 372.49-355.17 mg GAE / 100g, respectively. Antioxidant activity values were determined as 14.70-20.59 µM trolox/g dry sample and 15.51-27.46 µM trolox/g dry sample respectively in flesh and whole cherry extracts. Because of the exposure of the cherry samples to the high temperature and oxygen during drying, the total phenolic content and consequently the antioxidant activity of the cherry samples decreased in both whole cherry and cherry flesh samples

QTL mapping and genome-wide association study reveal two novel loci associated with green flesh color in cucumber

BackgroundGreen flesh color, resulting from the accumulation of chlorophyll, is one of the most important commercial traits for the fruits. The genetic network regulating green flesh formation has been studied in tomato, melon and watermelon. However, little is known about the inheritance and molecular basis of green flesh in cucumber. This study sought to determine the main genomic regions associated with green flesh. Three F2 and two BC1 populations derived from the 9110Gt (cultivated cucumber, green flesh color) and PI183967 (wild cucumber, white flesh color) were used for the green flesh genetic analysis. Two F2 populations of them were further employed to do the map construction and quantitative trait loci (QTL) study. Also, a core cucumber germplasms population was used to do the GWAS analysis.ResultsWe identified three indexes, flesh color (FC), flesh extract color (FEC) and flesh chlorophyll content (FCC) in three environments. Genetic analysis indicated that green flesh color in 9110Gt is controlled by a major-effect QTL. We developed two genetic maps with 192 and 174 microsatellite markers respectively. Two novel inversions in Chr1 were identified between cultivated and wild cucumbers. The major-effect QTL, qgf5.1, was identified using FC, FEC and FCC index in all different environments used. In addition, the same qgf5.1, together with qgf3.1, was identified via GWAS. Further investigation of two candidate regions using pairwise LD correlations, combined with genetic diversity of qgf5.1 in natural populations, it was found that Csa5G021320 is the candidate gene of qgf5.1. Geographical distribution revealed that green flesh color formation could be due to the high latitude, which has longer day time to produce the photosynthesis and chlorophyll synthesis during cucumber domestication and evolution.ConclusionsWe first reported the cucumber green flesh color is a quantitative trait. We detected two novel loci qgf5.1 and qgf3.1, which regulate the green flesh formation in cucumber. The QTL mapping and GWAS approaches identified several candidate genes for further validation using functional genomics or forward genetics approaches. Findings from the present study provide a new insight into the genetic control of green flesh in cucumber.

Anticariogenic properties of Solanum ferox L. ethanol extract

Solanum ferox L. is a plant species which belongs to the Solanaceae family and the genus Solanum. The Solanum genus was found to exhibit anticariogenic activity and was traditionally used to treat oral diseases. However there are no scientific studies done specifically for Solanum ferox L. Hence the aim of the study is to determine the anticariogenic properties of flesh and leaf of ethanolic extract of Solanum ferox L. Alkaloids, flavonoids and tannins were detected in the leaf ethanolic extract via preliminary phytochemical screening.  The presence of these phytochemicals may contribute to the anticariogenic activity. Treatment with different concentrations of flesh and leaf of ethanolic extract were used against Streptococcus pyogenes and Staphylococcus aureus via the method of agar well diffusion to indicate zones of inhibition. The antibiofilm activity of the flesh and leaf ethanolic extracts was tested. The flesh and leaf ethanolic extracts possess significant (p<0.05) dose-dependent on antimicrobial activity and positive antibiofilm activity against respective pathogens. Flesh ethanolic extract has stronger anticariogenic activity compared to leaf ethanolic extract against Staphylococcus aureus. Streptococcus pyogenes exhibited higher susceptibility as compared to Staphylococcus aureus.  In conclusion, it has been shown that the ethanolic extract of Solanum ferox L. exhibit anticariogenic properties against Streptococus pyogenes and Staphylococcus aureus.

Liquid Biphasic Electric Partitioning System as a Novel Integration Process for Betacyanins Extraction From Red-Purple Pitaya and Antioxidant Properties Assessment.

Nowadays, downstream bioprocessing industries inclines towards the development of a green and high efficient bioseparation technology. Betacyanins are presently gaining higher interest in the food science as driven by their high tinctorial strength and health promoting functional properties. In this study, a novel green integration process of liquid biphasic electric partitioning system (LBEPS) was proposed for betacyanins extraction from peel and flesh of red-purple pitaya. Initially, the betacyanins extraction using LBEPS with initial settings was compared with that of liquid biphasic partitioning system (LBPS), and the results revealed that both systems demonstrated a comparable betacyanins extraction. This was followed by further optimizing the LBEPS for better betacyanins extraction. Several operating parameters including operation time, voltage applied, and position of graphitic electrodes in the system were investigated. Moreover, comparison between optimized LBEPS and LBPS with optimized conditions of electric system (as post-treatment) as well as color characterization and antioxidant properties assessment were conducted. Overall, the betacyanins extraction employing the optimized LBEPS showed the significant highest values of betacyanins concentration in alcohol-rich top phase (Ct) and partition coefficient (K) of betacyanins from peel (99.256 ± 0.014% and 133.433 ± 2.566) and flesh (97.189 ± 0.172% and 34.665 ± 2.253) of red-purple pitaya. These results inferred that an optimal betacyanins extraction was successfully achieved by this approach. Also, the LBEPS with the peel and flesh showed phase volume ratio (Vr) values of 1.667 and 2.167, respectively, and this indicated that they have a clear biphasic separation. In addition, the peel and flesh extract obtained from the optimized LBEPS demonstrated different variations of red color as well as their antioxidant properties were well-retained. This article introduces a new, reliable, and effective bioseparation approach for the extraction of biomolecules, which is definitely worth to explore further as a bioseparation tool in the downstream bioprocessing.

Perbedaan Indeks Plak setelah Pengolesan Ekstrak Daging Buah Naga Merah (Hylocereus costaricensis) dan Larutan Pengungkap

Red dragon fruit flesh extract contains of anthocyanin as red pigmen that potentially to be a natural dye. Athocyanin contains of polysaccharide that can binding with polysaccharide of dental plaque called hydrogen bonds, so dental plaque has been colored and potentially as alternative of disclosing solution. The purpose of this study was to find out the difference of plaque index after smeared by red dragon fruit flesh extract 75% and disclosing solution. The method of this study is a clinical experimental study with a static-group comparison design. 20 subjects were examined the plaque index after smeared with red dragon fruit flesh extract 75%) and disclosing solution). There was no significant difference between groups. Conclusions: Red dragon fruit flesh extract 75% had similar capability with disclosing solution to examine dental plaque.

Assessment of GC–MS response of selected pesticides in apple matrices related to matrix concentration

A uniform analyte response is required for GC–MS analysis in order to obtain acceptable quantitative results. The response of pesticides in complex matrices is susceptible to variation due to the interactions of co-extractives, both with pesticides or with GC–MS system. This study was conducted to determine the magnitude of the interactions, called matrix effect, and their behavior with the matrix dilution. The response of pyrimethanil (4,6-dimethyl-N-phenylpyrimidin-2-amine), cyprodinil (4-cyclopropyl-6-methyl-N-phenylpyrimidin-2-amine), trifloxystrobin (methyl-(2Z)-2-methoxyimino-2-[2-[[(E)-1-[3(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]ethylidene amino]oxymethyl]phenyl]acetate) and bifenthrin(2-methyl-3-phenylphenyl)methyl-3-[(Z)-2-chloro-3,3,3-trifluoroprop-1-enyl]-2,2-dimethylcyclopropane-1-carboxylate), used in apple crops protection, was evaluated in different concentrations of peel and flesh extracts of Granny Smith, Golden Delicious and Demi Rouge, selected as representatives of different matrix types. The matrix effect ranged from −0.05 to 146.14%, depending on matrix type and pesticide. The highest response variation was observed in extracts of Granny Smith—an enhancement in flesh and suppression in peel extract. With the dilution, the matrix effect decreased with different magnitudes, but for Granny Smith peel extract an inverted effect was observed. The presence of the matrix effect in GC–MS pesticides analysis was obvious, requiring the application of matrix-matched calibration in quantification procedures for each variety, with calibration standards matched by the matrix concentration.

Antidiabetic antioxidant and phytochemical profile of yellow-fleshed seeded watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) extracts

Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) consumption as shown by different studies is attributed to many health benefits, like in prevention of hypertension, cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and even type 2 diabetes due to its phytochemical constituents. The anti-diabetic effects of the seed, flesh, rind and leaf of yellow flesh watermelon extracts were evaluated through the inhibition of alpha-amylase and alpha-glucosidase enzymes activities by standard methods. The total phenolics content (TPC) and the total antioxidant capacities of the extracts were also evaluated using 2,2-azinobis (3-ethyl-benzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and 2,2’-diphenyl-1,1-pycrylhydrazine (DPPH) assay methods. Metabolites of the 70% aqueous extract were profiled by liquid chromatographic mass spectrometry. Result of the study showed that the 70% aqueous ethanol flesh extract showed the highest α-amylase inhibition, followed by ethanol leaf extract. The 70% aqueous ethanol leaf extract had the highest α-glucosidase inhibition potential than the other studied extracts. The highest and lowest TPC were observed in 80% and 50% aqueous ethanol leaf and flesh extracts respectively. Ethanolic leaf extract showed the highest antioxidant activity in terms of FRAP, been higher than that of standard ascorbic acid. Based on ABTS radical scavenging and FRAP, 70% aqueous ethanol leaf extract had the highest antioxidant activity. The 90% aqueous ethanol gave the highest extraction yield for seed, 60% for flesh and rind, and 100% ethanol for leaf extract. Among the metabolites identified in watermelon extracts are curcumenol, curcubitacin E, citrulline, 6-gingerol, citric acid, ascorbic acid, leucine, arginine, palmitic acid, arjunolic acid, glucose, fructose, sucrose, naringenin 5,7-dimethyl ether 4'-O-xylosyl-(1->4)-arabinoside, 4'-apo-beta,psi-caroten-4'-al, caffeic acid 3-glucoside, luteolin 7-rhamnosyl (1->6) galactoside, apigenin 7-(4'',6''-diacetylalloside)-4'-alloside among others. Therefore, this result indicates that C. lanatus has antidiabetic and antioxidant potentials. The leaf having the best α-glucosidase inhibition ability and the best antioxidant potentials, could be regarded a good raw material to explore lead molecule(s) against diabetes mellitus and antioxidant.

Investigation of the Phytoconstituents and Antioxidant Activity of <i>Diospyros malabarica</i> Fruit Extracts

Diospyros malabarica (Deshi Gab) belonging to the family “Ebenaceae” grows well in the humid tropical climate of Bangladesh. In order to investigate the phytoconstituents both qualitatively and quantitatively, the seed and flesh extracts of D. malabarica were prepared using two polar solvents (i.e., water and 70% ethanol) and a nonpolar solvent (i.e., hexane). The maximum yield was obtained for aqueous and ethanolic seed extracts indicating that most of the phytoconstituents present in D. malabarica fruit are polar. The qualitative phytochemical analysis of the extracts revealed the presence of diverse amount of phytoconstituents in the extracts. On the other hand, the quantitative phytochemical analysis for phenols, tannins, flavonoids, alkaloids, saponin, proteins, reducing sugar and vitamin C revealed that the maximum amount of phenols, tannins, flavonoids and reducing sugar were present in aqueous seed extract. However, the maximum amount of total protein and vitamin C was found in ethanolic seed extract. D. malabarica seed powder contained more amount of alkaloids (i.e., 13.6%) than that of flesh (i.e., 3.4%). However, the content of saponin was more in flesh extract (0.74%) when compared to that of seed extract (0.42%). In vitro antioxidant properties of the extracts were also investigated by DPPH free radical scavenging assay, FRAP assay and reducing power assay. The highest antioxidant activity was observed for aqueous seed extract followed by the ethanolic seed, ethanolic flesh, and aqueous flesh extracts. The lowest antioxidant activity was obtained for hexane flesh extract. Furthermore, the lowest (i.e., 44.70 μg/ml) as well as the highest (2359.66 μg/ml) IC50 values were obtained for aqueous seed and hexane flesh extracts, respectively.

Antioxidant Activity, and α-Glucosidase, α-Amylase and Lipase Inhibitory Activity of Polyphenols in Flesh, Peel, Core and Seed from Mini Apple

Dietary inhibitors of fats and carbohydrates degrading digestive enzymes can reduce obesity and type 2 diabetes. In this study, we investigated and compared polyphenol content, DPPH radical scavenging activity, and inhibitory activity on digestive enzymes, including α-glucosidase, α-amylase and lipase in flesh, peel, core and seed from mini apple (Malu domestica cv. ‘Alps Otome’). Polyphenol content was significantly higher in peel and seed extracts than in flesh and core extracts. As comparing with flesh, peel polyphenols exhibited stronger DPPH radical scavenging activity, and α-amylase and lipase inhibitory activity. Oligomeric polyphenols (Fra.II) were the main polyphenols in seed extracts, which exhibited significantly strong DPPH radical scavenging activity and inhibitory activity on digestive enzymes. However, monomeric polyphenols (Fra.I) were the main polyphenols in core extracts, which exhibited weak inhibitory activity on digestive enzymes than the other parts. Moreover, Fra.III of seed and peel extracts had the highest inhibitory activity on α-glucosidase, followed by Fra.II and Fra.I, respectively. It indicated that more highly polymerized polyphenols from peel and seed of mini apple showed more potent inhibitory activities on α-glucosidase. All of the observations suggested that mini apples possess useful properties. Particularly, it has potential applications for the treatment of diabetes and obesity.