Health Beneficial Phytochemicals Research Articles

Alternative Splicing in the Anthocyanin Fruit Gene Encoding an R2R3 MYB Transcription Factor Affects Anthocyanin Biosynthesis in Tomato Fruits

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) fruits are typically red at ripening, with high levels of carotenoids and a low content in flavonoids. Considerable work has been done to enrich the spectrum of their health-beneficial phytochemicals, and interspecific crosses with wild species have successfully led to purple anthocyanin-colored fruits. The Aft (Anthocyanin fruit) tomato accession inherited from Solanum chilense the ability to accumulate anthocyanins in fruit peel through the introgression of loci controlling anthocyanin pigmentation, including four R2R3 MYB transcription factor-encoding genes. Here, we carried out a comparative functional analysis of these transcription factors in wild-type and Aft plants, and tested their ability to take part in the transcriptional complexes that regulate the biosynthetic pathway and their efficiency in inducing anthocyanin pigmentation. Significant differences emerged for SlAN2like, both in the expression level and protein functionality, with splicing mutations determining a complete loss of function of the wild-type protein. This transcription factor thus appears to play a key role in the anthocyanin fruit pigmentation. Our data provide new clues to the long-awaited genetic basis of the Aft phenotype and contribute to understand why domesticated tomato fruits display a homogeneous red coloration without the typical purple streaks observed in wild tomato species.

Evaluation of Polyphenolics Content and Antioxidant Activity in Edible Wild Fruits.

Plant diversity is a basic source of food and medicines for the local communities of the Himalayas. Current study was intended to assess polyphenolics content and antioxidant potential in edible wild fruits used as food and to treat various diseases by the inhabitants of Himalayan region of Pakistan. The fruits of 20 plant species were evaluated using standard protocols, whereas information on medicinal uses was gathered through semistructured interviews. Comparatively, Prunus domestica and Rubus ellipticus fruits exhibited highest levels of phenolics and flavonols contents (113.55 ± 0.61 mg GAE/100 g and 200.06 ± 1.57 mg RtE/100 g FW, respectively) in acetone extract. Nevertheless, flavonoids were maximum in the water extract of Rosa moschata (194.82 ± 3.46 mg RtE/100 g FW). Contrary, Duchesnea indica fruit depicted significant potential to scavenge DPPH and H2O2 radicals at 94.66 ± 8.89% in acetone extract and 83.54± 9.37% in water extract, while acetone extract of Rubus ellipticus had maximum potential to reduce ferric ions (133.66 ± 15.00 µM GAE/100 g FW). Additionally, total antioxidant capacity was highest in the acetone extract of Berberis lycium fruit (332.08 ± 21.90 µM AAE/100 g FW). The relationships between polyphenolics and antioxidant activity revealed synergistic role of secondary metabolites in the prevention of diseases. Our study revealed that wild fruits consumed by the local communities of Himalayas are rich in health beneficial phytochemicals and hold significant potential to treat chronic diseases, particularly associated with free radicals.

Changes in quality and phytochemical contents of avocado oil under different temperatures.

Avocado oil, which has a high content of monounsaturated fatty acid and health-beneficial phytochemicals, is consumed in salads and also can be used for cooking. Therefore, is essential to study its oxidative and photochemical stability under different temperatures. So this work aimed to evaluate the oil oxidation and the phytochemical degradation of avocado oil under three different temperatures: room, 100°C and 180°C. The oil oxidation was evaluated by peroxide value and specific extinction in ultraviolet. The phytochemical degradation was evaluated for phytosterol, chlorophylls, and carotenoids contents. The temperature was found to significantly influence the oil oxidation and phytochemical stability, with the oxidation/degradation rate constants increasing with temperature. At room temperature, all oxidative parameters increased linearly with time, indicating a zero-order kinetic. At 100 and 180°C, peroxide value, K232 and K270 increased linearly at a higher rate, becoming constant or decreasing after a short reaction time. The activation energy from specific extinction at 270nm curves was 17.74kcalmol-1 for oil degradation. For phytochemical compounds, the mechanism of reactions depended on the temperature, in which the reaction orders increased with heating. The activation energies for carotenoids, chlorophylls and sterols degradations at high temperatures were 5.00, 6.93, and 4.48kcalmol-1, respectively. In this way, we found that avocado oil has its stability and quality affected by temperature, and, therefore, is not indicated for use in long and/or successive heating processes.

Effect of Carrot and Pumpkin Pulps Adding on Chemical, Rheological, Nutritional and Organoleptic Properties of Ice Cream

Ice cream manufactured using a substantial amount of pumpkin pulp (PP) and carrot pulp (CP) has a high organoleptic acceptability. PP and CP were added to typical control ice cream (TC) up to 20%. Through adding PP and CP, natural flavor, unique color, and health-promoting constituents were presented. The resultant ice cream was subjected to chemical, rheological, nutritional, and organoleptic properties investigation. Results revealed that dry matter especially SNF in both PPand CP-ice creams were increased significantly. Accordingly, ash, fiber, and available carbohydrates contents were significantly increased whereas opposite result was recorded for crude protein as a result of PP and CP substitution. The ice cream containing high PP and CP contents had higher melting resistance and lower overrun %. Health beneficial phytochemicals such as carotenoids, flavonoids (TF), flavonols (TFL), and vit. C were commonly detected in PP and CP-ice creams, reflecting the attributes of PP and CP ingredients. PP and CP-ice cream had the valuable content of TPC, vit. C and antioxidant capacity. However, only ice cream made with 15% of PP and CP was highly accepted than others. Therefore, it is possible to use a substantial amount from PP and CP to produce ice cream up to 15% with retained much of natural color, unique vit. C, TPC, carotenoids, TF, TFL contents as well as valuable antioxidant capacity. Health beneficial compounds and organoleptic attributes of prepared ice cream formulas were encouragingly the commercial possibility of using PP and CP for scaling up further.

Targeted use of LEDs in improvement of production efficiency through phytochemical enrichment.

Based on available literature, ecology and economy of light emitting diode (LED) lights in plant foods production were assessed and compared to high pressure sodium (HPS) and compact fluorescent light (CFL) lamps. The assessment summarises that LEDs are superior compared to other lamp types. LEDs are ideal in luminous efficiency, life span and electricity usage. Mercury, carbon dioxide and heat emissions are also lowest in comparison to HPS and CFL lamps. This indicates that LEDs are indeed economic and eco-friendly lighting devices. The present review indicates also that LEDs have many practical benefits compared to other lamp types. In addition, they are applicable in many purposes in plant foods production. The main focus of the review is the targeted use of LEDs in order to enrich phytochemicals in plants. This is an expedient to massive improvement in production efficiency, since it diminishes the number of plants per phytochemical unit. Consequently, any other production costs (e.g. growing space, water, nutrient and transport) may be reduced markedly. Finally, 24 research articles published between 2013 and 2017 were reviewed for targeted use of LEDs in the specific, i.e. blue range (400-500 nm) of spectrum. The articles indicate that blue light is efficient in enhancing the accumulation of health beneficial phytochemicals in various species. The finding is important for global food production. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry.

Aphanothece sacrum (Sur.) Okada Prevents Cataractogenesis in Type 1 Diabetic Mice.

Aphanothece sacrum (Sur.) Okada is a species of cyanobacteria found in Japan. Although it has been used in local cuisine in Kyushu, Japan, for 250 y, little is known about its beneficial effect as food. The daily intake of health beneficial phytochemicals is believed to be useful for preventing lifestyle-related diseases, such as diabetic cataracts. In this study, the inhibitory effect of freeze-dried A. sacrum (Asa) on the formation of diabetic cataracts (DCs) was evaluated. Type 1 diabetes was induced in mice using streptozotocin (STZ). The mice were divided into two groups: one was fed a normal diet (DM-control group) and the other was fed a diet containing 1% Asa (DM-Asa group). During the study, changes in blood glucose levels and the amount of food and water consumed were measured. After 3 mo, the amount of Nε-(carboxymethyl)lysine (CML), an oxidative stress marker, in the lens was measured using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Although the blood glucose levels (p=0.91) and food consumption did not significantly change in any group, the oral administration of Asa tended to suppress CML accumulation (p=0.15) and significantly inhibited the progression of cataractogenesis in the diabetic lens compared with that reported for the normal diet (p=0.009). These results suggested that the daily intake of A. sacrum prevents the pathogenesis of cataracts, and indicated that may reduce the number of DC patients.

Innovations in Health Value and Functional Food Development of Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.).

Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd., Amaranthaceae) is a grain-like, stress-tolerant food crop that has provided subsistence, nutrition, and medicine for Andean indigenous cultures for thousands of years. Quinoa contains a high content of health-beneficial phytochemicals, including amino acids, fiber, polyunsaturated fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, saponins, phytosterols, phytoecdysteroids, phenolics, betalains, and glycine betaine. Over the past 2 decades, numerous food and nutraceutical products and processes have been developed from quinoa. Furthermore, 4 clinical studies have demonstrated that quinoa supplementation exerts significant, positive effects on metabolic, cardiovascular, and gastrointestinal health in humans. However, vast challenges and opportunities remain within the scientific, agricultural, and development sectors to optimize quinoa's role in the promotion of global human health and nutrition.

Antioxidant activity and verbascoside content in extracts from two uninvestigated endemic Plantago spp

This work describes for the first time the antioxidant activity of extracts from wild plants and in vitro cultures of two previously uninvestigated Plantago spp. endemic to Portugal, Plantago algarbiensis Samp. and Plantago almogravensis Franco. The well-known and widely distributed species Plantago lagopus L. was also studied for comparison. Although the extracts from the three species exhibited radical scavenging and iron-reducing properties, the extracts from the two endemic species showed greater activity irrespectively of plant material source. Both P. algarbiensis extracts showed similar antioxidant activity whereas, in the case of P. almogravensis higher activity was observed for extracts from wild plants compared to extracts from in vitro cultures. Liquid chromatography–diode array detection analyses indicate verbascoside as a major constituent of all extracts and the highest content was obtained from in vitro cultures of P. algarbiensis. In addition, a high correlation between the antioxidant activity measured with three methods and the total phenolic content was found, but no correlation was observed between antioxidant activity and verbascoside content. The results suggest that P. algarbiensis and P. almogravensis are sources of health-beneficial phytochemicals and indicate that in vitro cultures represent a promising alternative for the biosynthesis of verbascoside.

The promise of dried fruits in cancer chemoprevention.

Chemoprevention is an attempt to use nontoxic natural and synthetic substances or their mixtures to intervene the relatively early stages of carcinogenesis, before invasive characteristics are manifested. The consumption of fruits is well known to reduce the risk of human cancers. Although most fruits are available only on a seasonal basis, recent advances in food processing technologies have made it possible to extend the shelf life of fruits and fruit-products. Fruits can be preserved by applying different drying processes to reduce the moisture content. Different varieties of dried fruits are now sold in supermarkets, thereby making them readily accessible to consumers. Since oxidative stress and chronic inflammation play important roles in cancer development, dried fruits with antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties hold promise for cancer chemoprevention. The antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and chemopreventive activities of dried fruits are largely attributed to their polyphenols and vitamins. Dried fruits contain adequate amounts of bioactive principles, such as anthocyanins, acetogenins, catechins, coumarins, phenolic acids, terpenes, xanthones, and others. Since numerous health beneficial phytochemicals in fruits are conserved even after processing, regular intake of dried fruits can help prevent cancer. This review addresses the chemopreventive potential of representative dried fruits and their active constituents.

Exploration of the in vitro cytotoxic and antiviral activities of different medicinal plants against infectious bursal disease (IBD) virus

Abstract Infectious bursal disease (IBD) caused by non-enveloped double stranded RNA virus is an acute and contagious poultry disease. Outbreak of IBD could result in 10–75% mortality of the birds; hence it has gained socio-economic importance worldwide. Medicinal plants have shown broad spectrum anti-viral activities against RNA and DNA viruses. Moringa oleifera Lam (MOL), Phyllanthus emblicus Linn (PEL), Glycyrrhiza glabra Linn (GGL), and Eugenia jambolana Lam (EJL) are commonly available medicinal plants of the sub-continent and exhibited anti-viral potential against different viruses. Ethanolic extracts of the leaves of MOL and EJL, roots of GGL and dried fruit of PEL were investigated for their cytotoxic and anti-viral potential against IBD virus using MTT colorimetric assay and anti-viral assay. Significant anti-viral potential (P<0.001) was demonstrated at concentrations 12.5, 25, 50 and 100 µg ml−1 of GGL, PEL, MOL and EJL, respectively, with no cytotoxicity. Data also spotlighted that all tested plant extracts possess significant anti-viral potential and this trend was higher in GGL followed by PEL, MOL, and EJL. The data undoubtedly conclude that these medicinal plants contain several health beneficial phyto-chemicals which got significant anti-viral potential and effectively be utilized against IBD virus. Moreover, the outcomes of this study provide a platform on the way to discover novel anti-viral agents against IBD virus and other viruses from plant origin.

Phytochemical composition of extracts from wheat grain fractions obtained by tangential abrasive dehulling

This study examined the phytochemical content and composition of extracts from wheat bran fractions obtained by abrasive dehulling.Wheat grain was fractionated using a Tangential Abrasive Dehulling Device (TADD). The aqueous ethanol extracts of whole wheat, bran, TADD and commercial aleurone samples were analyzed for their total phenolic content (TPC), oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging capacity (DPPH). The fractions with the highest antioxidant capacity were further analyzed for their tocopherol, phenolic acid, carotenoid and organic acid contents. The correlations between chemical composition and antioxidant properties of wheat extracts were developed.All TADD samples had higher tocopherol contents than the bran from a quadrumat senior mill. Lutein was the primary carotenoid in all the samples. Ferulic and caffeic acids were the strongest contributor to DPPH and TPC of the extracts, respectively. Correlation between ORAC and tocols content of the samples was positive and strong (r = 0.75793, p < 0.0001). This study demonstrated that TADD was more effective than quadrumat senior mill to obtain wheat bran fractions enriched in health beneficial phytochemicals. The correlations between chemical composition and antioxidant properties of TADD bran extracts developed in this study are helpful to formulate products with desired efficacy.

Phenolic profile, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and cytotoxic activities of small yellow onion (Allium flavum L. subsp. flavum, Alliaceae)

The objectives of this study were to define the phenolic profile, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and cytotoxic properties of edible Allium flavum subsp. flavum (small yellow onion), which has never been comprehensively examined before. The presence and content of 44 phenolic compounds in methanol extracts of A. flavum were investigated by LC-MS/MS, where 25 compounds were found, the most dominant being: ferulic, p-coumaric, caffeic, p-hydroxybenzoic, vanillic, protocatechuic and syringic acid, rutin, quercetin-3-O-glucoside and kaempferol-3-O-glucoside. Antioxidant activity, determined through several assays, was low in comparison to the synthetic antioxidant butylated hydroxytoluene, but comparable to onion (Allium cepa L.) extract. Anti-inflammatory potential was studied by measuring the inhibitory effect on cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1) and 12-lipoxygenase (12-LOX) activity, where A. flavum expressed high inhibitory potential, especially on 12-LOX activity (IC50 = 0.078 mg mL−1). Treatment of four human cell lines resulted in a considerable inhibition of cell growth, where the extract of A. flavum expressed selective inhibitory action towards cervix epithelioid carcinoma and colon adenocarcinoma cells (IC50 = 71 μg mL−1 and IC50 = 81 μg mL−1, respectively). To conclude, these results support use of A. flavum as a functional food and indicate that it could be a potent source of health-beneficial phytochemicals.

Evidence for protective effects of coffees on oxidative stressinduced apoptosis through antioxidant capacity of phenolics

This study evaluated total phenolics, total flavonoids, and antioxidant capacity of randomly selected regular and decaffeinated coffees commercially available in Korea and their protective effects in human hepatic epithelial HepG2 cell line against oxidative stress. All coffees tested exhibited potent antioxidant capacity in chemical systems and, consequently, significant protection of cells from oxidative stress in vitro in a dose-dependent manner. In particular, H2O2-induced apoptosis as evaluated by annexin V staining and flow cytometry was prevented by coffee extracts, resulting in the enhanced cell viability. Of interest, the content of total phenolics and flavonoids in coffees demonstrated a positive correlation with antioxidant capacity, indicating that the antioxidant capacity of coffees may be attributed to those phytochemicals. In accordance with previous studies, caffeoylquinic acid (CQA) and its derivatives including 3-CQA, 4-CQA, 5-CQA, 3,4-diCQA, 3,5-diCQA, and 4,5-diCQA were identified as phenolic phytochemicals by a reversed-phase HPLC, with 5-CQA being a major component. Taken together, the present study demonstrated protective effects of regular and decaffeinated coffees on cells in vitro against overwhelming oxidative stress due to richness in phenolics, especially CQA and its derivatives. Coffees, regular or decaffeinated, may serve as a good source of health-beneficial phytochemicals in diet.

Grapefruit (Citrus paradisi Macfad) Phytochemicals Composition Is Modulated by Household Processing Techniques

Grapefruits (Citrus paradisi Macfad) contain several phytochemicals known to have health maintaining properties. Due to the consumer's interest in obtaining high levels of these phytochemicals, it is important to understand the changes in their levels by common household processing techniques. Therefore, mature Texas "Rio Red" grapefruits were processed by some of the common household processing practices such as blending, juicing, and hand squeezing techniques and analyzed for their phytochemical content by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Results suggest that grapefruit juice processed by blending had significantly (P < 0.05) higher levels of flavonoids (narirutin, naringin, hesperidin, neohesperidin, didymin, and poncirin) and limonin compared to juicing and hand squeezing. No significant variation in their content was noticed in the juice processed by juicing and hand squeezing. Ascorbic acid and citric acid were significantly (P < 0.05) higher in juice processed by juicing and blending, respectively. Furthermore, hand squeezed fruit juice had significantly higher contents of dihydroxybergamottin (DHB) than juice processed by juicing and blending. Bergamottin and 5-methoxy-7 gernoxycoumarin (5-M-7-GC) were significantly higher in blended juice compared to juicing and hand squeezing. Therefore, consuming grapefruit juice processed by blending may provide higher levels of health beneficial phytochemicals such as naringin, narirutin, and poncirin. In contrast, juice processed by hand squeezing and juicing provides lower levels of limonin, bergamottin, and 5-M-7-GC. These results suggest that, processing techniques significantly influence the levels of phytochemicals and blending is a better technique for obtaining higher levels of health beneficial phytochemicals from grapefruits. Practical Application: Blending, squeezing, and juicing are common household processing techniques used for obtaining fresh grapefruit juice. Understanding the levels of health beneficial phytochemicals present in the juice processed by these techniques would enable the consumers to make a better choice to obtain high level of these compounds.

Phenolic profile, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and cytotoxic activities of endemic Plantago reniformis G. Beck

The present study was designed to define the phenolic profile, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and cytotoxic activity of edible Plantago reniformis G. Beck, an endemic species which has never been comprehensively investigated before. The presence and content of 44 phenolics in methanol extract were studied using LC-MS/MS, where 31 compounds were found, the most dominant being: vanillic, chlorogenic, p-hydroxybenzoic, caffeic and p-coumaric acid, apigenin, luteolin and hyperoside. The antioxidant activity of the extract was determined through several assays. The extract showed moderate antioxidant activity in comparison to butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), a well-known synthetic antioxidant. Anti-inflammatory potential was studied by means of cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1) and 12-lipoxygenase (12-LOX) inhibitory activity, where P. reniformis showed sufficient ability to inhibit both enzymes (IC50=5.5 and 3.2mg/mL, respectively). Treatment of three cancer cell lines resulted in a considerable dose-dependent inhibition of cell growth, where P. reniformis exerted a strong effect against cervix epitheloid carcinoma (HeLa) and breast adenocarcinoma (MCF7) cells, by reaching IC50 values at concentrations of 0.44 and 0.18mg/mL, respectively. To conclude, these results support use of this species as a functional food and point to the desirability of examining endemic species, which could be potent sources of health-beneficial phytochemicals.

Optimization of frozen sour cherries vacuum drying process

The objective of this research was to optimize the vacuum-drying of frozen sour cherries in order to preserve health-beneficial phytochemicals, as well as textural characteristics. Investigated range of temperature was 46–74°C and, of pressure, 17–583mbar, in a new design of vacuum-dryer equipment. The total solids, aw value, total phenolics, vitamin C, antioxidant activity, anthocyanin content, total colour change and firmness were used as quality indicators of dried sour cherry. Within the experimental range of studied variables, the optimum conditions of 54.03°C and 148.16mbar were established for vacuum drying of sour cherry. Separate validation experiments were conducted, under optimum conditions, to verify predictions and adequacy of the second-order polynomial models. Under these optimal conditions, the predicted amount of total phenolics was 744mg CAE/100 dw, vitamin C 1.44mg/100g per dry weight (g dw), anthocyanin content 125mg/100g dw, IC50 3.23mg/ml, total solids 70.72%, aw value 0.646, total colour change 52.61 and firmness 3395.4g. The investigated parameters had a significant effect on the quality of the dried sour cherries.

Antioxidant potential of broccoli stalk: a preliminary investigation

Broccoli is a popular Brassica vegetable widely consumed worldwide for its superior nutritive value and delicious taste. It is also a rich source of several health beneficial phytochemicals. However, sudden fluctuation in temperature, especially in tropical countries spoils the broccoli crop by distorting the heads and puts immense pressure on the farmers by virtue of monetary losses. Usually the broccoli curd is consumed, and the stalk is thrown away which is also of considerable nutritive value. In the present study, the antioxidant potential of the stalk was investigated and it was found to be a rich source of ascorbic acid, carotene and phenols. It is therefore, concluded that the broccoli stalk would provide a suitable means to add nutritive value to the diet in form of salad dressings, in combination with soups, pastas, fries etc. The optimal utilization of the stalk would provide immense nutritive and health benefits, curb malnutrition, supplement diet with phytochemicals and would also provide monetary benefits to the farmers from the sale of even the spoiled broccoli crops.

Trifolium L. – A review on its phytochemical and pharmacological profile

Plants from the genus Trifolium have been used in traditional medicine by many cultures. In Turkish folk medicine, for example, some Trifolium species are used for their expectorant, analgesic, antiseptic properties and also to treat rheumatic aches. Some species are also grown as pasture crops for animals in the Mediterranean. The high quercetin concentration and soyasaponin occurrence make the seeds of some Trifolium species a potential source of health beneficial phytochemicals for use in human nutrition. However, Trifolium pratense has also gained popularity due to research into its use for the treatment for menopausal symptoms. This paper provides an overview of the phytochemical and pharmacological profile of Trifolium species.

Antioxidant properties and phenolic, isoflavone, tocopherol and carotenoid composition of Maryland-grown soybean lines with altered fatty acid profiles

One cultivar and five experimental lines of Maryland-grown soybeans with improved fatty acid profiles were investigated for their phytochemical and antioxidant properties. Soybean oils were extracted and analyzed for their fatty acid profiles, tocopherols, and carotenoids. Two of the experimental lines were low in α-linolenic acid and another one was low in both α-linolenic and total saturated fatty acids. The defatted flours were extracted in 50% acetone and 70% ethanol, and estimated for isoflavone compositions, total phenolic contents (TPC), and scavenging capacities against peroxyl (ORAC), hydroxyl (HOSC), and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryhydrazyl (DPPH) radicals. No difference was observed in tocopherols, carotenoids, TPC, and antioxidant properties between soybeans with reduced α-linolenic and/or saturated fats and the ones with ‘normal’ fatty acid profiles. This study indicates the possibility to produce soybeans with reduced linolenic and/or saturated fat and with desirable levels of health beneficial phytochemicals and antioxidant properties.

Phytochemical Quantification and Total Antioxidant Capacities of Emmer (Triticum dicoccon Schrank) and Einkorn (Triticum monococcum L.) Wheat Landraces

In this study, samples of 18 ancient wheat (12 emmer, 6 einkorn) and 2 bread wheat varieties grown in different regions of Turkey were examined for their total phenolics and flavonoids, phenolic acids, lutein, total yellow pigment, and total radical scavenging capacities against ABTS cation. Results showed that health beneficial phytochemicals and total antioxidant capacities were generally significantly different in emmer and einkorn wheat groups. Remarkably higher total antioxidant activity (18.31 +/- 1.31 micromol Trolox equiv/g), total phenolics (6.33 +/- 0.98 micromol gallic acid equiv/g), ferulic acid (662.95 +/- 61.07 microg/g), and flavonoids (1.61 +/- 0.34 micromol catechin equiv/g) content were detected in emmer wheat samples (n = 12), suggesting that they may have high potential for utilization as a novel grain, rich in natural antioxidants. In addition, quite high levels of lutein (7.33 +/- 2.43 microg/g) of einkorn samples (n = 6) hold the potential of developing high-lutein bakery products to considerably raise the dietary intake of carotenoids. These findings for ancient wheat varieties are considered to be very useful in breeding programs for selecting and breeding wheat varieties for higher concentration and better composition of health-beneficial phytochemicals.