Γ-tocopherol Content Research Articles

Maximizing Antioxidant Potential in Picual Virgin Olive Oil: Tailoring Agronomic and Technological Factors with Response Surface Methodology.

Over the past years, a prolonged drought has affected Spain, raising significant concerns across various sectors, especially agriculture. This extended period of dry weather is profoundly affecting the growth and development of olive trees, potentially impacting the quality and quantity of olive oil produced. This study aims to assess the impact of agronomic factors, i.e., olive maturation and irrigation management, as well as the technological factors involved in the production process, on the antioxidant content of Picual virgin olive oil. Mathematical models were developed to maximize the concentration of polyphenols, orthodiphenols, chlorophylls, carotenes, and tocopherols in olive oils. Findings indicate that increasing the malaxation temperature from 20 to 60 °C and reducing the mixing time from 60 to 20 min positively influenced the polyphenol and orthodiphenol content. Although irrigation did not significantly affect the polyphenols, pigments, and α-tocopherol contents, it may enhance the β- and γ-tocopherol content. Optimal conditions for producing antioxidant-enriched virgin olive oils involved olives from rainfed crops, with a moisture index of 3-4, and a 60-min malaxation process at 60 °C. Under these conditions, the total phenol content doubled, pigment content increased fourfold, and α-tocopherol content rose by 15%. These findings provide relevant knowledge to interpret the year-to-year variation in both organoleptic and analytical profiles of virgin olive oils.

The impact of geographical location on the nutritional quality, chemical composition, and antioxidant activity of Cucurbita maxima (rouge vif d'Etampes) seed oil

This study investigates the impact of geographical location on the nutritional quality, chemical composition, and antioxidant activity of Cucurbita maxima (rouge vif d'Etampes) seed oil. In terms of lipidic fraction, variations in fatty acid composition were observed across regions, with Guercif exhibiting the highest polyunsaturated fatty acid levels (57.78%) and El Jadida the lowest (44.21%). Guercif also had the highest β-sitosterol content (107.98 mg/100g oil), while total sterols were highest in Khemisset (314.92 mg/100g oil). Additionally, Guercif displayed the highest γ-tocopherol content (568.51 mg/kg oil). Physicochemical analysis revealed higher acid and peroxide values in El Jadida, along with lower iodine values. El Jadida also exhibited higher levels of carotenoids and chlorophyll. In terms of alcoholic fraction, guercif showed higher polyphenol content and strong free radical scavenging activity, while Khemisset demonstrated significant antioxidant activity (EC50 of 0.17 mg/mL). These findings underscore the importance of considering regional variations in future studies on pumpkin seed products.

The light and hypoxia induced gene ZmPORB1 determines tocopherol content in the maize kernel.

Tocopherol is an important lipid-soluble antioxidant beneficial for both human health and plant growth. Here, we fine mapped a major QTL-qVE1 affecting γ-tocopherol content in maize kernel, positionally cloned and confirmed the underlying gene ZmPORB1 (por1), as a protochlorophyllide oxidoreductase. A 13.7 kb insertion reduced the tocopherol and chlorophyll content, and the photosynthetic activity by repressing ZmPORB1 expression in embryos of NIL-K22, but did not affect the levels of the tocopherol precursors HGA (homogentisic acid) and PMP (phytyl monophosphate). Furthermore, ZmPORB1 is inducible by low oxygen and light, thereby involved in the hypoxia response in developing embryos. Concurrent with natural hypoxia in embryos, the redox state has been changed with NO increasing and H2O2 decreasing, which lowered γ-tocopherol content via scavenging reactive nitrogen species. In conclusion, we proposed that the lower light-harvesting chlorophyll content weakened embryo photosynthesis, leading to fewer oxygen supplies and consequently diverse hypoxic responses including an elevated γ-tocopherol consumption. Our findings shed light on the mechanism for fine-tuning endogenous oxygen concentration in the maize embryo through a novel feedback pathway involving the light and low oxygen regulation of ZmPORB1 expression and chlorophyll content.

Characteristics and antioxidant activities of seed oil from okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.).

To investigate the potential functional properties and added value of okra seed oil and provide a scientific basis for further industrial development and production of okra seed oil, its fatty acid profile, total phenolic, fat-soluble vitamin composition, mineral element composition, and antioxidant activities were examined in this study. Also, correlations between bioactive components and the antioxidant activities of okra seed oil were explored. The study results show that okra seed oil contains 12 types of fatty acids, 65.22% of which are unsaturated acids, and among these unsaturated acids, linoleic acid (43%) and oleic acid (20.16%) are two dominant acid types. Compared with walnut oil and peanut oil, okra seed oil contains relatively high total phenols, fat-soluble vitamins, and a variety of essential mineral nutrients, with a total phenolic content (TPC) of 959.65 μg/mL, a total tocopherol content of 742.71 μg/mL, a vitamin A content of 0.0017 μg/100 mL, a vitamin D content of 1.44 μg/100 mL, and a vitamin K1 content of 52.54 ng/100 mg. Also, okra seed oil exhibits better scavenging activities on hydroxyl (IC50 = 0.50 mg/mL) and ammonium salt (ABTS) free radicals (IC50 = 6.46 mg/mL) and certain reducing power (IC50 = 17.22 mg/mL) at the same concentration. The scavenging activities of okra seed oil on hydroxyl radicals and ABTS radicals, as well as its reducing power, are significantly correlated with its contents of total phenol, total tocopherol, α-tocopherol, and γ-tocopherol (p < .01). These results show that okra seed oil is rich in bioactive substances, thus presenting great nutritional potential.

A comparison of the quality of plain yogurt and its analog made from coconut flesh extract

The aim of this study was to compare the quality of plain yogurt made from cow milk (n = 10) and its plant-based analog made from coconut flesh extract (n = 14). Coconut yogurt alternatives were divided into 2 experimental groups based on differences in their color, which were noted after the packages had been opened. The first group included products with a typical white color (n = 8), and the second group comprised products with a grayish pink color (n = 6) that developed as a result of oxidative processes. In comparison with its plant-based analog, plain yogurt was characterized by higher values of lightness (L*), yellowness (b*) and chroma (C*), higher titratable acidity, a higher content of retinol and α-tocopherol, higher nutritional value of fat, and lower values of water-holding capacity (WHC) and redness (a*). Plain yogurt had lower volatile acidity than its plant-based analog with a grayish pink color. A comparison of yogurt analogs with different colors revealed that the product with a grayish pink color was characterized by a lower value of L*, and higher values of a*, b*, C*, and pH. An analysis of its fatty acid profile demonstrated that it also had a higher proportion of C14:0 and C18:1 cis-9; higher total monounsaturated fatty acids content; a lower proportion of C10:0, C12:0, and C18:2; a lower total content of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) and essential fatty acids; and a lower ratio of PUFA to saturated fatty acids. The yogurt analog with a grayish pink color had a lower total content of tocopherol isoforms than the remaining products. The yogurt analog with a white color had the highest WHC and γ-tocopherol content. Consumers should be aware of the fact that coconut yogurt alternatives may have nonstandard quality attributes. The differences between such products and yogurt made from cow milk should be explicitly communicated to consumers so that they could make informed purchasing decisions.

Impact of Chitosan-Based Foliar Application on the Phytochemical Content and the Antioxidant Activity in Hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) Inflorescences.

In the present study, the phytochemical content and the antioxidant activity in the inflorescences of the monoecious hemp cultivar Codimono grown in southern Italy were assessed, and their elicitation was induced by foliar spray application of 50 mg/L and 250 mg/L of chitosan (CHT) at three different molecular weights (low, CHT L; medium, CHT M; high CHT H). The analysis of the phytochemical profile confirmed that cannabinoids were the most abundant class (54.2%), followed by flavonoids (40.3%), tocopherols (2.2%), phenolic acids (1.9%), and carotenoids (1.4%). Cannabinoids were represented almost exclusively by cannabidiol, whereas cannabigerol and Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol were detected at very low levels (the latter was below the legal limit of 0.3%). The most abundant flavonoids were orientin and vitexin, whereas tocopherols were mainly represented by α-tocopherol. The antioxidant activity was found to be positively correlated with flavonoids and tocopherols. Statistical analysis revealed that the CHT treatments significantly affected the phytochemical content and the antioxidant activity of hemp inflorescences. Notably, a significant increase in the total phenolic content (from +36% to +69%), the α-tocopherol (from +45% to +75%) and β+γ-tocopherol (from +35% to +82%) contents, and the ABTS radical scavenging activity (from +12% to +28%) was induced by all the CHT treatments. In addition, treatments with CHT 50 solutions induced an increase in the total flavonoid content (from +12% to +27%), as well as in the vitexin (from +17% to +20%) and orientin (from +20% to +30%) contents. Treatment with CHT 50 L almost always resulted in the greatest increases. Overall, our findings indicated that CHT could be used as a low-cost and environmentally safe elicitor to improve the health benefits and the economic value of hemp inflorescences, thus promoting their employment in the food, pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, and cosmetic supply chains.

Effect of processing method on chemical composition, physicochemical property, antioxidant activity and volatile compound of Cinnamomum camphora seed kernel oil

The study aimed to investigate the effects of processing methods on oil yield, chemical composition, physicochemical properties, antioxidant activity and volatile compounds of Cinnamomum camphora seed kernel oil (CCSKO). The processing methods used were hot pressing (HP), cold pressing (CP), solvent extraction (SE), aqueous extraction (AE), sub-critical fluid extraction (SCFE) and supercritical fluid extraction (SFE). The results showed that the extraction efficiencies from different processing methods ranged from 44.48% to 97.93%, with the highest efficiency from SCFE. All CCSKO samples were found to be rich in medium-chain saturated fatty acids (> 96%), and capric acid-capric acid-lauric acid accounting for the largest proportion of triacylglycerols (77.54%−78.74%). However, the total polyphenol content, δ-tocopherol content and antioxidant activity of AE, α-tocopherol and γ-tocopherol content of CP, and squalene content of SCFE were all significantly higher than those of the other samples. Additionally, the thermal behaviors and spectral profiles of all samples were similar. Furthermore, there were significant differences in the volatile compounds of CCSKO with different processing methods (p < 0.05). Linalool, 2-nonanol, and ethyl caprate were determined to be the key aroma compounds of CCSKO. Overall, the results provide a theoretical reference for further processing of CCSKO.

Agronomic Performance and Nutraceutical Quality of a Tomato Germplasm Line Selected under Organic Production System

Organic tomato production is increasing worldwide, thus making necessary the development of varieties adapted to this farming system. It is now well known that the implementation of local tomato plant breeding programs for organic farming is required to increase the performance of varieties in this typology of cultivation regime. In this research, the agronomic performance, nutraceutical contents, and radical scavenging activity of a tomato germplasm line (OSTGL), selected under organically grown conditions, were evaluated for two consecutive years (2018 and 2019) in comparison with the variety ‘Rio Grande’, frequently grown organically in Tunisia. Carotenoids, phenolics, vitamin C, and radical scavenging capacity were assayed spectrophotometrically, while tocopherols were analyzed by HPLC. All data were not affected by year-to-year variability. The OSTGL line showed significantly higher marketable yield, total phenol, flavonoid, vitamin C, α-tocopherol and γ-tocopherol contents, along with radical scavenging activity. The OSTGL red-ripe berries also showed comparable values for average weight, soluble solids, pH, titratable acidity, firmness and coloration, as well as lycopene and β-carotene contents. This open pollinated tomato germplasm line demonstrated to be an effective sustainable variety for improving fruit yield, agronomic, and nutraceutical characteristics under an organic management system.

Antioxidant properties, oxidative stability, and fatty acid profile of pitaya fruit (Hylocereus polyrhizus and Hylocereus undatus) seeds cultivated in Turkey

Pitaya is a tropical fruit from a newly cultivated plant in Turkey that has increasing economic value. In this study, its seed properties were investigated. Pitaya fruit samples used in the research were obtained from local producers in the Gazipaşa/Antalya region. The dry matter, protein, oil, and ash content of H. polyrhizus and H. undatus pitaya seeds were 89.7% to 89.1%, 19.8% to 17.5%, 22.8% to 24.0%, and 2.8% to 4.09%, respectively. The oil and protein contents of the seeds were very high. The total phenolic content, α-tocopherol content, γ-tocopherol content, free radical scavenging activity, and induction time of H. polyrhizus and H. undatus pitaya seeds were 12.8 to 11.9 mg GAE/g dry sample, 3.67 to 2.75 g/kg oil, 1.29, 1.64 g/kg oil, 46.9% to 51.5%, and 5.37 to 5.07 h, respectively. Seeds contained significant amounts of phenolic compounds and tocopherols, which play an important role in increasing oxidative stability. The percent inhibition of DPPH indicated that pitaya seeds may be evaluated as an antioxidant source. Unsaturated fatty acids were high in seed oils of both pitaya species. Linoleic acid, a polyunsaturated fatty acid, was dominant in both pitaya species. The chemical properties of the seeds were similar to those of species grown in tropical countries. Future studies should investigate other pitaya species grown in Turkey.

Supercritical Fluid Extraction of Oils from Cactus Opuntia ficus-indica L. and Opuntia dillenii Seeds.

This study aimed to assess the capability of supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) as an alternative and green technique compared to Soxhlet extraction for the production of oils from Opuntia ficus-indica (OFI) seeds originating from Yemen and Italy and Opuntia dillenii (OD) seeds from Yemen. The following parameters were used for SFE extraction: a pressure of 300 bar, a CO2 flow rate of 1 L/h, and temperatures of 40 and 60 °C. The chemical composition, including the fatty acids and tocopherols (vitamin E) of the oils, was determined using chromatographic methods. The highest yield was achieved with Soxhlet extraction. The oils obtained with the different extraction procedures were all characterized by a high level of unsaturated fatty acids. Linoleic acid (≤62% in all samples) was the most abundant one, followed by oleic and vaccenic acid. Thirty triacylglycerols (TAGs) were identified in both OFI and OD seed oils, with trilinolein being the most abundant (29-35%). Vanillin, 4-hydroxybenzaldehyde, vanillic acid, and hydroxytyrosol were phenols detected in both OFI and OD oils. The highest γ-tocopherol content (177 ± 0.23 mg/100 g) was obtained through the SFE of OFI seeds from Yemen. Overall, the results highlighted the potential of SFE as green technology to obtain oils suitable for functional food and nutraceutical products.

Investigation of Bioactive Components in New Resistant Hungarian Tomato Hybrids

The aim of the present work was to evaluate the influence of genetic impact on the content of some characteristic secondary metabolites in tomato fruits. The study was conducted to screen 14 different tomato genotypes for antioxidant capacity and quality attributes (polyphenols, tocopherols, carotenoids, vitamin C) to select the genetic lines with high biological value, multiple disease resistance, and high yield capacity for further usage in crop improvement programs. Significant differences were found among the different hybrids and cultivation seasons for the phytochemical content of the fruits. The varieties developed by breeding to increase their resistance were found to differ significantly. During a 3-year cultivation experiment, the level of lycopene in freshly harvested fruits ranged between 10.38 and 63.23 mg.kg-1 fwt for outdoor-cultivated Naik114 and Naik352, respectively. As for β-carotene, its content varied between 0.49 mg.kg-1 for Unorosso and 11.66 mg.kg-1 for Cherrola F1. The highest level of vitamin C (702.59 mg.kg-1) was recorded for Cherrola F1, while the lowest level (1.36.86 mg.kg-1) was determined in fruits of Unorosso. Neither polyphenol nor vitamin C showed positive correlation with antioxidant activity. In the three cultivation seasons, the highest concentration of polyphenols (579.19-804.12 mg.kg-1 fwt) was determined in fruits of outdoor-cultivated Cherolla F1 variety. The α- and γ-tocopherol content varied between 2.56 and 18.99 mg.kg-1, and 0.28 and 9.35 mg.kg-1, respectively, in fresh tomato fruit. Among the newly bred resistant varieties, the ZKI114 variety was proved to have outstanding features concerning the amounts of the bioactive components.

Fatty Acid and Tocopherol Composition of Pomace and Seed Oil from Five Grape Varieties Southern Spain.

Grape pomace and seeds are important winemaking by-products. Their oils are rich in bioactive compounds such as fatty acids and tocopherols. We have characterized oils from both by-products from five Spanish grape varieties (Palomino Fino, Pedro Ximénez, Muscat of Alexandria, Tempranillo and Tintilla de Rota). A high content of UFAs was found in all the analyzed samples. Grape pomace oils generally had the same oleic acid (PUFAω-6) content as seed oils, and lower PUFA contents; they also had a markedly higher linolenic acid (PUFAω-3) content, improving the PUFAω-6/PUFAω-3 ratio. All the oil studied show good indicators of nutritional quality: low values of the atherogenicity (0.112–0.157 for pomace, 0.097–0.112 for seed) and thrombogenicity indices (0.30–0.35 for pomace, 0.28–0.31 for seed) and high values of the relationship between hypo- and hypercholesterolemic fatty acids (6.93–9.45 for pomace, 9.11–10.54 for seed). Three tocopherols were determined: α-, γ- and δ-tocopherol. Pomace oils have higher relative contents of α- and δ-tocopherol, whereas seed oils have higher relative contents of γ-tocopherol. A significantly higher content of total tocopherols has been found in pomace oil; it is higher in the oils from red varieties of pomace (628.2 and 706.6 mg/kg by-product), and in the oils from pomace containing stems (1686.4 mg/kg by-product). All the oils obtained can be considered as a source of vitamin E, and their consumption is beneficial for health.

Effect of Prolonged Cold Storage on the Dynamics of the Enzymatic and Non-Enzymatic Antioxidant System in the Mesocarp of Avocado (Persea americana) cv. Hass: Relationship with Oxidative Processes

This work evaluated the enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant defense systems of avocados cv. Hass stored at 7 ± 0.5 °C for 10, 20, and 30 d, and at the stage of edible ripeness. The enzymatic antioxidant enzyme system included superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), and catalase (CAT), and the non-enzymatic antioxidant system was composed of total phenolic compounds (TPC), total carotenoids (TC), α-, β-, and γ-tocopherols, as well as hydrophilic (H-AOX) and lipophilic (L-AOX) antioxidant activities. In addition, polyphenol oxidase (PPO) and lipoxygenase (LOX) activities, TBARS values and pulp browning area were determined. At edible ripeness, low SOD and POD but higher CAT activities were evidenced in response to their joint participation in the oxidative stress developed. In addition, low content of γ-tocopherol and higher contents of TPC and TC were evidenced and suggest their individual or joint participation in defense against oxidation. The other compounds and activities evaluated tended to remain constant. Oxidative damage was evidenced by the increase in PPO activity and TBARS values, while LOX did not play a significant role. Pulp browning area did not surpass 6% in affected fruit. The results indicate that under these conditions oxidative stress was largely restrained by the endogenous fruit antioxidant defense system.

Fatty Acid Profiles and Nutritional Evaluation of Fresh Sweet-Waxy Corn from Three Regions of China.

Fresh corn is a kind of herbaceous plant with rich nutritive value and a reasonable composition of fatty acids; however, there is little research on methods for the systemic nutritional evaluation of fatty acids in fresh corn. The aim of the present study was to conduct a comparative analysis of the fatty acid profiles of Chinese Huangnuo 9 sweet-waxy corn from the provinces of Inner Mongolia, Jilin, and Heilongjiang by gas chromatography; to establish a nutritional evaluation system according to the impacts of nutrients from fatty acids on human health; and finally, to evaluate, compare and rank fresh sweet-waxy corn grown in different regions. Tocopherols were detected by liquid chromatography in order to demonstrate the anti-oxidation activity of fresh corn’s fatty acids. The fatty acid contents and compositions of the 12 samples from the three regions are significantly different from each other. The nutrient value of the fatty acids in fresh corn was analyzed by factor analysis and a linear structural relation model, followed by the fitting and appraising of the model. The studied fresh sweet-waxy corn 1-4 from Inner Mongolia had the highest γ-tocopherol content and the closest saturated fatty acid:monounsaturated fatty acid:polyunsaturated fatty acid rate to the recommended value. The fatty acid profiles of sweet-waxy corns 2-1, 2-2, and 2-3 were the most diverse, and the comprehensive evaluation result of fresh corn 2-4 was the best; its total fatty acid content was the highest. Fresh corn 3-1 in Heilongjiang had the highest unsaturated fatty acids and lower values in its atherosclerosis index and thrombosis index, which suggested the strongest anti-atherosclerosis and anti-thrombotic ability. This work will give a reference to guide dietary choices and provide data support for dietary recommendations for residents.

Effect of irrigation and fertilisation on the biologically active components of tomato

Abstract A three-year (2016–2018) open field experiment was conducted to study the effect of irrigation, fertilisation, and seasonal variation on the main bioactive components, such as carotenoids (lycopene and β-carotene), total polyphenols, antioxidant capacity, and tocopherols of processed Uno Rosso F1 tomato. The statistical evaluation of measurements proved that the multi-year data set cannot be evaluated as combined data set; the values obtained in different years must be evaluated separately. The impact of irrigation on the content of bioactive components varied from year to year. The correlation was negative between irrigation and α-tocopherol content in 2016 and 2018 (r = –0.567 and –0.605, respectively), polyphenol content in 2016 (r = –0.668), γ-tocopherol content in 2017 (r = –0.662), while positive correlation was observed between concentration of vitamin C (r = 0.533) in 2017, lycopene content (r = 0.473) in 2018 and irrigation intensity. A weak correlation was proved between K levels and concentrations of lycopene and polyphenols in 2016 (r = 0.301 and r = 0.392, respectively).

Sequential process to obtain fatty acid esters from crambe oil using a mixture of acyl acceptors under pressurized conditions

In this study, the use of a mixture of acyl acceptors (dimethyl carbonate, methanol and ethanol) under pressurized conditions to obtain fatty acid esters (FAEs) was investigated. The influence of varying the proportions of acyl acceptors and the temperature applied in the reaction was evaluated using commercial oil. For the proportions that resulted in the maximum FAE yield (YFAE), the crambe oil was extracted using pressurized liquid extraction (PLE) and characterized. The extraction product (oil + acyl acceptors) was then subjected to the reaction step. The addition of alcohols to dimethyl carbonate favored the YFAE, a higher proportion of ethanol made the reaction product less susceptible to thermal decomposition and it was possible to obtain ~86 % of YFAE at 275 ºC. The oil obtained in the PLE had higher contents of phytosterols and γ-tocopherol. Thus, the extraction product had greater stability and YFAE of ~94 % was obtained without thermal decomposition.

Vitamin E and carotenoid profiles in leaves, stems, petioles and flowers of stinging nettle (Urtica leptophylla Kunth) from Costa Rica.

Local leafy vegetables are gaining attention as affordable sources of micronutrients, including vitamins, pro-vitamin carotenoids and other bioactive compounds. Stinging nettles (Urtica spp.) are used as source of fibers, herbal medicine and food. However, despite the relatively wide geographical spread of Urtica leptophylla on the American continent, little is known about its content of vitamin E congeners and carotenoids. We therefore investigated the particular nutritional potential of different plant structures of wild Costa Rican U. leptophylla by focusing on their vitamin E and carotenoid profiles. Young, mature and herbivore-damaged leaves, flowers, stems and petioles were collected and freeze-dried. Vitamin E and carotenoids were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography after liquid/liquid extraction with hexane. α-Tocopherol was the major vitamin E congener in all structures. Flowers had a high content of γ-tocopherol. Herbivore-damaged leaves had higher contents of vitamin E than undamaged leaves. Lutein was the major and β-carotene the second most abundant carotenoid in U. leptophylla. No differences in carotenoid profiles were observed between damaged and undamaged leaves. The leaves of U. leptophylla had the highest nutritional value of all analyzed structures; therefore, they might represent a potential source of α-tocopherol, lutein and β-carotene. © 2022 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

Comparison of Phytochemicals in Sesame and Perilla (Seeds and Oils) Grown at Mae Hong Son Thailand

Abstract Sesame and perilla seeds were analyzed for fat, protein, moisture and ash. Their mineral contents, lignan, γ-tocopherol and fatty acid profiles were also determined. The results showed that sesame seeds had higher protein, lipid and mineral contents but lower fiber contents than perilla seeds, accounting for 17.38-20.76%, 42.70-46.18%, 3.07-6.47%, 18.00-21.88%, respectively. Major minerals in the seed were 0.26-0.95% calcium and 0.11-0.23% magnesium. Perilla oil showed lower pH than sesame oil giving it higher acid value. Most lignans were more concentrated in sesame than perilla. Sesamin was the predominant lignin, followed by sesamolin. The sesamin and sesamolin contents in sesame were ranged for 148.30-183.68 mg/100g and 33.96-43.54 mg/100g, respectively. Although black sesame oil had low content of sesamin and sesamolin, it performed high physiological functions due to its high contents of γ-tocopherol and unsaturated fatty acid. Gamma tocopherol of the oils was ranged from 35.81 to 51.64 mg/100g, and perilla oil showed the highest γ-tocopherol content. Fatty acid profiles revealed that the major fatty acids in sesame oils were 44.43-47.21% linoleic followed by 36.40-38.39% oleic, 7.07-9.64% palmitic and 5.09-7.72% stearic acids, giving them high polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), followed by monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) and saturated fatty acids (SFA). White sesame oil had higher linoleic acid but lower oleic acid than other sesame oils. Perilla oil contained high amounts of 55.27% α-linolenic followed by 19.75% linoleic, 12.70% oleic and 7.38% plamitic acids, giving it high PUFA, but low SFA and MUFA. Keywords: Chemical composition, Minerals, Fatty acid profiles, Lignans, Gamma-tocopherol

Effect of Aging and Retail Display Conditions on the Color and Oxidant/Antioxidant Status of Beef from Steers Finished with DG-Supplemented Diets.

The aim of this work was to study the effect of finishing diets including distiller grains (DG) on color and oxidative stability of beef after being exposed to aerobic retail display conditions, with or without previous aging. For this purpose, beef samples from animals fed with finishing diets including 0%, 15%, 30%, and 45% DG (on a dry matter basis), which had been exposed to aerobic retail display conditions, with or without previous aging under vacuum packaging, were evaluated. The content of γ-tocopherol, β-carotene, and lutein in diet samples increased with the level of DG. Beef evaluated at 72 h post-mortem showed greater content of γ-tocopherol and retinol as the DG level increased. Meat color was not affected by DG inclusion, but color parameters decreased with retail conditions. Meat from animals fed with DG showed the lowest values of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), independently of the retail display conditions. However, all samples were below the threshold associated with rancid aromas and above the a* value related to meat color acceptance. Thus, feeding diets including up to 45% of DG improved the antioxidant status of meat, preserving the color, and delaying lipid oxidation in meat samples under the display conditions evaluated.

Compositional and Morphological Characterization of 'Sorrento' and 'Chandler' Walnuts.

In Italy, most of the cultivated walnuts belong to the Sorrento ecotype, and they are considered commercially valuable due to their specific organoleptic characteristics. The aim of this study is to evaluate and compare the morphological and compositional characteristics of walnuts sampled from ‘Sorrento’ trees cultivated in different locations in Campania and trees of both the ‘Chandler’ and ‘Sorrento’ varieties derived from the same location. The results demonstrated that ‘Sorrento’ and ‘Chandler’ walnuts have different biometric characteristics and a different fat content, with the highest fat content being found in the ‘Sorrento’ variety. Regarding the fatty acid (FA) composition, the content of monounsaturated and saturated fatty acids (MUFAs and SFAs) was highest in the ‘Sorrento’ variety (from 13 to 15% for MUFAs and from 11 to 13% for SFAs), while the polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) content was highest in the ‘Chandler’ variety (77%). The total phenolics content (TPC) was highest in the ‘Sorrento’ variety (from 910 to 1230 mg GAE/100 g), while no difference in γ-tocopherol content was found. Furthermore, the influence of walnut area cultivation was shown for fat content, FA composition and TPC. Therefore, both walnut varieties demonstrated good nutritional properties considering the PUFAs and γ-tocopherol content.