Higher Α-tocopherol Content Research Articles

Effect of VP, MAP and combined packaging systems on the physicochemical properties and microbiological status of veal from unweaned calves

The packaging system is one of the factors influencing the preservation of the nutritional value, microbiological safety, and sensory attributes of meat. The study investigated changes in physicochemical and microbiological properties taking place during 15-day refrigerated storage of two calf muscles, the longissimus lumborum (LL) and semitendinosus (ST), packaged in three systems, respectively, vacuum packing (VP), modified atmosphere packaging (MAP, 80% O2 + 20% CO2), and a combined system (VP + MAP, 8 d in VP followed by 7 d in MAP). LL and ST stored in VP had significantly lower levels of lipid oxidation, higher α-tocopherol content, and higher instrumentally measured tenderness in comparison with the samples stored in MAP. On the other hand, the MAP samples had lower purge loss at 5 and 15 days, a higher proportion of oxymyoglobin up to 10 days of storage, and a better microbiological status. Calf muscle samples stored in the VP + MAP system had intermediate values for TBARS and α-tocopherol content and at the same time were the most tender and had the lowest counts of Pseudomonas and Enterobacteriaceae bacteria at 15 days. All packaging systems ensured relatively good quality of veal characteristics up to the last day of storage. However, for MAP at 15 days of storage, unfavourable changes in colour (a high level of metmyoglobin and a decrease in oxymyoglobin, redness and R630/580 ratio) and in the lipid fraction (a high TBARS value and a significant decrease in α-tocopherol content) were observed.

Performance and meat quality in pigs fed hydrolysable tannins from Tara spinosa

This study aimed to assess the effect of dietary tara (Tara spinosa (Feuillée ex Molina) Britton & Rose) hydrolysable tannins on performance and meat quality of finishing pigs. Twenty barrows (crossbred PIC × Piétrain; age: 125 ± 5 d; bodyweight: 60.8 ± 3.89 kg) were randomly assigned to two groups and fed ad libitum for 7 weeks a control diet (CON) or a diet supplemented with 10 g/kg of tara tannins (TAT), respectively. No differences (P > 0.10) on growth performance and carcass traits were observed between the two groups. Meat fatty acid profile was not affected (P > 0.10) by the diet, but the content of C22:5 n-3 tended to be lower (P = 0.079) in TAT pork. Dietary tannins tended to reduce (P = 0.095) meat cholesterol. The diet had no effect (P > 0.10) on fat-soluble antioxidant vitamins, hydrophilic antioxidant capacity, catalase activity, and glutathione peroxidase activity. Superoxide dismutase activity tended to be lower (P = 0.087) in TAT meat than in CON meat. Dietary tannins did not affect (P > 0.10) backfat and meat color development during 6 days of refrigerated storage, but TAT meat tended to be darker (P = 0.082). Meat from pigs fed tara tannins showed lower (P = 0.028) hydroperoxides content and a tendency toward lower conjugated dienes (P = 0.079) and malondialdehyde (P = 0.084) contents. Also, dietary tannins delayed lipid oxidation in meat subjected to oxidative challenges such as catalysis and cooking (P < 0.05). The positive effect of dietary tara hydrolysable tannins on lipid oxidation was likely due to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capacity, but it may have been mitigated by the high α-tocopherol content in meat.

Nutritional Value of Wild and Domesticated Sanguisorba minor Scop. Plant

Sanguisorba minor Scop. is a wild edible species distributed in the Mediterranean area and present in numerous traditional food recipes. In the present study, the assessment of nutritional value (ash, carbohydrates, fat, proteins, energy, free sugars, organic acids, tocopherols, fatty acid composition, and minerals) of wild and domesticated S. minor plants was performed. Results showed an increase in ash, protein, fat, organic acid, and α-tocopherol content after the plant’s domestication. Retention of free sugars, especially sucrose, was observed from wild plants to domesticated ones. However, the cultivated plants reported a higher content of polyunsaturated fatty acids than saturated molecules, and both wild collection and domestication maintained a low ω6/ω3 ratio, confirming the role of this species in the prevention of oxidative and inflammatory processes. This aspect is also suggested by the high α-tocopherol content, a vitamin known for its ability to scavenge free-radical species. Nevertheless, a high oxalic acid content was found in domesticated plants. However, the management of fertilization in open field cultivation can be robust in terms of organic acid and mineral (e.g., calcium) content. Indeed, the most representative macrominerals found in domesticated plants were Ca and Mg. The present study suggests a possible introduction of S. minor species in the human diet as a functional food or ingredient by virtue of its high nutritional properties and contents. Moreover, the management of fertilization and domestication might be a solution to maintain/enhance the nutritional profile of this wild species.

Genome-wide scan for oil quality reveals a coregulation mechanism of tocopherols and fatty acids in soybean seeds

Tocopherols (vitamin E) play essential roles in human health because of their antioxidant activity, and plant-derived oils are the richest sources of tocopherols in the human diet. Although soybean (Glycine max) is one of the main sources of plant-derived oil and tocopherol in the world, the relationship between tocopherol and oil in soybean seeds remains unclear. Here, we focus on dissecting tocopherol metabolism with the long-term goal of increasing α-tocopherol content and soybean oil quality. We first collected tocopherol and fatty acid profiles in a soybean population (>800 soybean accessions) and found that tocopherol content increased during soybean domestication. A strong positive correlation between tocopherol and oil content was also detected. Five tocopherol pathway–related loci were identified using a metabolite genome-wide association study strategy. Genetic variations in three tocopherol pathway genes were responsible for total tocopherol content and composition in the soybean population through effects on enzyme activity, mainly caused by non-conserved amino acid substitution or changes in gene transcription level. Moreover, the fatty acid regulatory transcription factor GmZF351 directly activated tocopherol pathway gene expression, increasing both fatty acid and tocopherol contents in soybean seeds. Our study reveals the functional differentiation of tocopherol pathway genes in soybean populations and provides a framework for development of new soybean varieties with high α-tocopherol content and oil quality in seeds.

Milk Thistle Oil Extracted by Enzyme-Mediated Assisted Solvent Extraction Compared with n-Hexane and Cold-Pressed Extraction.

Silymarin and milk thistle oil have unique biological benefits; however, applying silymarin to milk thistle oil remains a challenge. In this research, the content of silymarin in milk thistle oil conditions using enzyme-mediated solvent extraction was investigated and optimized by response surface methodology. The optimal extraction conditions using enzyme-mediated solvent extraction were as follows: the enzyme-added content was 3.06 mg/mL, the enzymatic hydrolysis temperature was 55.09 °C, and the enzymatic hydrolysis time was 66.28 min. Oil extracted by the enzyme-mediated assisted solvent was further compared with those extracted with n-hexane and cold pressing. Results indicated that the oil extraction using the enzyme-mediated assisted solvent had a lower acid value (2.20 ± 0.01 mg/g) and the highest α-tocopherol content (0.62 ± 0.00 mg/g), total phenols (7.67 ± 0.01 mg/g), and flavonoids (1.06 ± 0.13 mg/g). Furthermore, the antioxidant capacity of milk thistle oils was further investigated. The results showed that the enzyme-mediated assisted solvent-extracted oil had the strongest antioxidant capacity with lower lipid oxide content. Therefore, enzyme-mediated solvent extraction is an excellent method for extracting milk thistle oil.

Effects of additives containing a novel strain on the fermentation characteristics, structural carbohydrates, and α-tocopherol content of rice straw and corn stover silages

A novel α-tocopherol-producing bacteria strain was isolated and identified as Bacillus tequilensis QH1 (QH1). The effects of QH1 strain inoculation alone (QH), combined with cell wall degradation enzyme (QC), or Lactiplantibacillus plantarum subsp. plantarum YM3 and cell wall degradation enzyme (QLC) as the additives on the fermentation characteristics, structural carbohydrates, and α-tocopherol content of rice straw and corn stover silages were investigated, and without additives as the control (CON), in 4 replicates. After silages were kept in a laboratory cabinet (26–34 ℃) and the dark for 42 d, experimental silos (polyethylene plastic bags) were opened for analysis. The results exhibited that the control and additives-treated rice straw and corn stover were ensiled well, indicated by high lactic acid content and little butyric acid content. The QH and QC degraded structural carbohydrates, demonstrated by lower (P < 0.001) neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF) than the control, but did not enhance lactic acid fermentation, evidenced by lower (P < 0.001) lactic acid content in QH-treated silages compared with the control silages. The effect of QLC on degrading structural carbohydrates was influenced by material factors, evidenced by no role in decreasing the contents of NDF and ADF in rice straw silage and a good role in decreasing the contents of NDF and ADF in corn stover silage. However, the water-soluble carbohydrate (WSC) contents in both rice straw and corn stover silages were increased (P < 0.001) by QLC compared with the control. The control and additives-treated silages had much higher (P < 0.001) α-tocopherol content and lower (P < 0.001) chlorophyll content compared with the material before ensiling. Compared with the control, higher α-tocopherol content was found in QH-treated rice straw (P = 0.071) and corn stover silages (P < 0.05), and QLC-treated corn stover silage (P < 0.05). Therefore, the QH1 strain had the potential to be applied in rice straw silage production, and QLC was recommended to be applied in corn stover silage production.Graphical

Effect of the addition of chokeberry leaf extract on the physicochemical and sensory properties of burgers from dark cutting veal

The occurrence of the DFD defect shortens microbiological stability and reduces consumer acceptance of meat. The effect of a chokeberry leaf extract (ChLE) addition at concentrations of 0.01 %, 0.05 % and 0.1 % on the sensory and physicochemical properties of burgers prepared from DFD meat during refrigerated storage under vacuum for 10 days was assessed. The pH, water activity, texture, colour, degree of lipid oxidation, and content of α-tocopherol were measured. The extract at concentrations of 0.05 % and 0.1 % significantly influenced lower levels of lipid oxidation and higher content of α-tocopherol on each tested period. Moreover, these concentrations had a beneficial effect on the instrumental and sensory evaluation of texture parameters and on overall quality. It was concluded that the addition of 0.1 % extract was the most beneficial over the entire 10-day storage period. In summary, use of ChLE may reduce the loss of raw meat caused by DFD defect.

Functional Differentiation of BnVTE4 Gene Homologous Copies in α-Tocopherol Biosynthesis Revealed by CRISPR/Cas9 Editing.

Tocopherols are essential nutrients for human health known as vitamin E. Vitamin E deficiency can have a profound effect on human health, including the central nervous system and cardiovascular and immune protection. Multiple enzymatic steps are involved in the conversion between different forms of tocopherols. Among them, γ-tocopherol methyltransferase encoded by gene VTE4 catalyzes the conversion of γ- to α-tocopherol or δ- to β-tocopherol isoforms. However, the gene copies and their functional contribution of VTE4 homologs in Brassica napus were not elucidated. To this end, different mutation combinations of four putative BnVTE4 homologous copies were generated by using CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing technology. Editing of those BnVTE4 homologs led to a significant change of the α-tocopherol content and the ratio between α- and γ-tocopherol compared with wide-type control. Analysis of the different combinations of BnVTE4-edited homologs revealed that the contribution of the BnVTE4 individual gene displayed obvious functional differentiation in α-tocopherol biosynthesis. Their contribution could be in order of VTE4.C02-2 (BnaC02G0331100ZS) > VTE4.A02-1 (BnaA02G0247300ZS) > VTE4.A02-2 (BnaA02G0154300ZS). Moreover, the VTE4.A02-1 and VTE4.A02-2 copies might have severe functional redundancies in α-tocopherol biosynthesis. Overall, this study systemically studied the different effects of BnVTE4 homologs, which provided a theoretical basis for breeding high α-tocopherol content oilseed rape.

Improving the antioxidant status, fat-soluble vitamins, fatty acid composition, and lipid stability in the meat of Grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella Val) fed fresh ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam)

Ctenopharyngodon idella (Grass carp) is one of the most widely produced species in aquaculture. This species is capable of feeding on forage crops and algae. However, few studies have investigated forage feeding in the production of this species. The aim of this work was to evaluate the impact of fresh Lolium multiflorum feeding on the fatty acid and antioxidant fat-soluble vitamin composition, antioxidant status, and lipid stability of C. idella meat. For this purpose, a 120-day feeding trial was conducted. Approximately 300 juvenile C. idella (7.97 ± 0.6 g and 8.82 ± 0.73 cm) were used. Two experimental diets were used: L. multiflorum Lam (annual ryegrass) forage, or pasture diet (PD), and artificial grain diet (GD). Juveniles of C. idella fed PD accumulated a greater concentration of EPA, DPA, and DHA fatty acids after 60 and 120 days (P < 0.05). Conversely, fish fed a grain-based diet accumulated higher omega 6 fatty acid content in their meat. The PD group meat had a higher content of α-tocopherol, lutein, β-carotene, and retinol than the GD group (P < 0.05). The action of these fat-soluble vitamins and micronutrients increased the FRAP and decreased TBARS in the meat of the PD group. These results suggest that L. multiflorum (ryegrass) feeding improves the quality of C. idella meat by increasing the fatty acids beneficial to human health, such as EPA, DPA, and DHA contents. In addition, this diet increases the antioxidant fat-soluble vitamin contents, thus not only improving the nutritional value of the meat but also contributing to lipid stability.

Optimization of neutralization parameters in minimal refining process of sunflower seed oil

Crude sunflower oils are subjected to traditional refining process to eliminate undesirable components such as gums, free fatty acids, and oxidative products. However, some desirable minor compounds are also removed or reduced during refining operations such as tocopherols and phenolic components. Approach to retain desirable minor components can include alternative refining ways that can both decrease refining steps and provide milder processing conditions. The overall objective of the study was to produce neutralized sunflower oil using Ca(OH)2, MgO, and Na2SiO3 as an alternative to strong alkali (NaOH) which is used in conventional neutralization and to optimize these alternative neutralization compounds by evaluating their effectiveness by response surface methodology. The estimated optimal parameters for neutralization of sunflower seed oil were Ca(OH)2 at 0.30%, 53.0°C, and 19.7 min; MgO at 0.38%, 57.6°C, and 17.8 min; and Na2SiO3 at 0.81%, 55.7°C and 19.1 min. Novelty impact statement Minimal refining of vegetable oils is a new approach (from the idea that “Less-processed oils are healthier having higher nutritional value than refined oils”) that aims at the retention of desirable minor components. This work provides detailed research to produce minimally neutralized sunflower seed oil using weak alkalis such as Ca(OH)2, MgO, and Na2SiO3 as alternatives to sodium hydroxide used in conventional neutralization. The study revealed that refining of oils by Ca(OH)2 had the lowest FFA and highest α-tocopherol content than other weak alkalis.

Lipid oxidation in sorted herring (Clupea harengus) filleting co-products from two seasons and its relationship to composition

Lipid oxidation in ice-stored sorted herring fractions (head, backbone, viscera + belly flap, tail, fillet) from spring and fall, and its association with endogenous prooxidants, antioxidants and lipid substrates were investigated. Peroxide value (PV) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) had increased significantly in all fractions after 1 day, but for both seasons, the most rapid PV and TBARS development occurred in head, which also had highest hemoglobin (Hb) levels and lipoxygenases (LOX) activity. Viscera + belly flap was overall the most stable part, and also had the highest α-tocopherol content. Pearson correlation analyses across all five fractions confirmed a significant impact of Hb, LOX and α-tocopherol on the lipid oxidation susceptibility, while content of total iron, copper, lipids or polyunsaturated fatty acids provided no significant correlation. Overall, the study showed which pro-oxidants that should be inhibited or removed to succeed with value adding of herring filleting co-products and the fillet itself.

Characterization of Turkish Extra Virgin Olive Oils and Classification Based on Their Growth Regions Coupled with Multivariate Analysis

The aim of this study was to investigate the biochemical composition and antioxidant activity of extra virgin olive oils (EVOOs) produced from different olive cultivars in the two coastal areas of Turkey; Aegean and Mediterranean regions. Samples were divided into two groups according to the olive-growing region and were classified by soft independent modeling of class analogy (SIMCA) algorithm based on chemical composition of EVOOs. Oleic acid was determined as the major fatty acid in both regions and varied from 46.7 to 71.6%. β-Sitosterol was the main sterol compound, and trioleoylglycerol (OOO) was determined as the main triacylglycerol (TAG) in all samples with >32% ratio. Memecik cultivar (263.4 mg/kg oil) and Gemlik cultivar (279.5 mg/kg oil) had the highest α-tocopherol content in Aegean and Mediterranean regions, respectively. Olive oil produced from Gemlik cultivar had the highest total phenolic content and antioxidant capacity in all samples.

In Vitro Response of Polyscias filicifolia (Araliaceae) Shoots to Elicitation with Alarmone-Diadenosine Triphosphate, Methyl Jasmonate, and Salicylic Acid.

The effectiveness of different elicitation variants in combination with alarmone application was studied in shoot cultures of Polyscias filicifolia. The shoots were elicited with 200 µM methyl jasmonate (MeJA) or 50 µM salicylic acid (SA) alone or in combination, and their activity was compared with those treated with the alarmone diadenosine 5′,5‴-P1P3-triphosphate (Ap3A), either alone or in combination with SA and/or MeJA. All treatments resulted in significant stimulation of phenolic acid production (chlorogenic and ferulic acids), as well as oleanolic acid (OA) compared to control, with their highest concentration noted under simultaneous elicitation with SA and MeJA. While the maximum content of caffeic acid was detected after treatment with alarmone alone. In each of the culture variants enhanced antioxidant activity was observed, however the level varied according to the treatment. In addition, the SA, Ap3A and Ap3A+SA variants demonstrated additional peroxidase isoforms, as indicated by Native-PAGE, as well as the highest α-tocopherol content. The highest antioxidant capacity of shoot extracts was correlated with the highest abundance of phenolic compounds and OA. The results indicate that ROS induction appears to participate in the signal transduction following Ap3A treatment.

Physical properties, biochemical and antioxidant contents of new promising Tunisian almond genotypes: Traits stability, quality aspects and post-harvest attributes

The specific approach of any fruit tree genetic resources preservation program depends undoubtedly on the valorization of the autochthonous germplasm with noticeable traits related to quality and adaptation to harsh climatic conditions. In this context, pomological and biochemical properties of 15 chance seedling almond genotypes, 11 old local Tunisian cultivars and 5 foreign introductions from different origins were studied in order to evaluate possibilities for their commercial and industrial valorization features. Parameters with high discriminating values were more related to kernel weight and width, shelling percentage, oleic and linoleic acids, tocopherols, sugar and protein contents. On the other hand, oil and protein contents were highly variable between genotypes, ranging respectively from 42.6 to 61 % and from 14.5 to 28.3 % of the total kernel dry weight. Main fatty acids ranged between 5.9–7.5 % for palmitic acid, 60.3–76.5 % for oleic acid, and 13.4–28.9 % for linoleic acid. The range of variation of tocopherols, was large for α-tocopherol (208.3–629.2 mg kg−1oil) and for γ-tocopherol (2.8–21.9 mg kg−1oil). Although the physical performances of the kernels for some accessions were in general low, their interesting chemical composition offers the possibility of many alternative uses which could improve their marketable value. In addition, some genotypes were singled out as the most promising for varied commercial finalities. ‘Porto’ and ‘Blanco’ were characterized by high stable total sugar and sucrose contents. Moreover, ‘Blanco’ had the highest α-, γ- and δ-tocopherol contents. ‘Guernghzel’, ‘Ras Bouma’ and ‘Forme en Poire’ were a rich source of protein while ‘Mahsouna’ and ‘Achaak’ may be a potential source for almond oil extraction. All of the understudied ‘K.Friji1’, ‘Bouchouka’ and ‘Forme en Poire’ oils had powerful antioxidant effects due to their high α-tocopherol content. ‘Sahnoun’ and ‘Zahaaf’ presented valuable oil with high oleic acid content. Thus, newly identified genotypes with high performances compared to the introduced cultivars represent a very promising base for breeders to generate new local almond cultivars with high quality kernel and oil that might be used for edible and industrial purposes.

The Effects of Broiler Breeder Dietary Vitamin E and Egg Storage Time on the Quality of Eggs and Newly Hatched Chicks.

Simple SummaryBroiler breeder dietary vitamin E supplementation has been indicated to enhance the antioxidant status of egg yolks, embryos, and newly hatched chicks. However, knowledge of the relationships involving breeder dietary vitamin E, the egg storage time, and the quality of the eggs and newly hatched chicks in poultry, especially in broiler breeders, is still limited. Here, we aimed to provide important evidence regarding broiler breeder dietary vitamin E and egg storage time intervention in egg characteristics and hatchability and the antioxidant status of the egg yolks and newly hatched chicks. Our results showed that prolonged egg storage time (14 vs. 0 d) increased the embryonic mortality, decreased the hatchability, and impaired the antioxidant status of egg yolks and newly hatched chicks, while increasing the broiler breeder dietary vitamin E levels (100 vs. 6 mg/kg) improved the livability of embryos and the antioxidant status of newly hatched chicks in the case of long-term egg storage. These findings suggested that broiler breeder dietary vitamin E could be applied in extending the storage time of breeder eggs.This study was conducted to investigate the effects of broiler breeder dietary vitamin E and egg storage time on the egg characteristics, hatchability, and antioxidant status of the egg yolks and newly hatched chicks. A total of 512 71-week-old Ross 308 breeder hens were fed the same basic diets containing 6 or 100 mg/kg vitamin E for 12 weeks. During this time, a total of 1532, 1464, and 1316 eggs were independently collected at weeks 8, 10, and 12, respectively, and subsequently stored for 0 or 14 d before hatching. The outcomes from three trials showed that prolonged egg storage time (14 vs. 0 d) negatively affected (p < 0.05) the egg characteristics, hatchability traits, and the yolk total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) (p < 0.05). Chicks derived from the stored eggs exhibited higher malonaldehyde (MDA) and T-AOC in the serum and yolk sac (p < 0.05). Broiler breeder dietary vitamin E (100 vs. 6 mg/kg) increased (p < 0.05) the hatchability and the antioxidant status of the yolks as indicated by a higher α-tocopherol content and T-AOC and lower MDA level (p < 0.05). The supplementation of vitamin E also remarkably increased (p < 0.05) the total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD) activity (yolk sac, weeks 8 and 12) and T-AOC (serum, weeks 8, 10, and 12; yolk sac, weeks 8 and 12) and decreased (p < 0.05) the MDA content of chicks (yolk sac, week 10; serum, week 12). Interactions (p < 0.05) were found between the broiler breeder dietary vitamin E and egg storage time on the hatchability and antioxidant status of chick tissues. Broiler breeder dietary vitamin E (100 vs. 6 mg/kg) increased (p < 0.05) the hatchability and the T-AOC in the serum and liver of chicks, and decreased (p < 0.05) the early embryonic mortality and the MDA content in the yolk sacs of chicks derived from eggs stored for 14 d but not for 0 d. In conclusion, prolonged egg storage time (14 vs. 0 d) increased the embryonic mortality, decreased the hatchability, and impaired the antioxidant status of egg yolks and newly hatched chicks, while the addition of broiler breeder dietary vitamin E (100 vs. 6 mg/kg) could partly relieve these adverse impacts induced by long-term egg storage.

Studies of Rapid Determination of Vitamin E and Its Application on Natural Foodstuffs

The purpose of this study is to establish a rapid and exact method for the determination of tocopherols, and to estimate the tocopherol contents of common foods in Taiwan by the established method. I. Establishment of tocopherol analysis The analytical methods of tocopherols,including spectrophotometry,thin layer chromatography,gas chromatography and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC),were evaluated.The tocopherol standards included α-,β-,γ-, and δ- tocopherol. Among these methods, the normal phase HPLC performed by the conditions as follows: column, Develosil SI60-5 (4.6 x 250mm); eluent, n-hexane:dioxane: ethanol (958:40:2, v/v/v)flow rate, 1ml/min;detector, UV 298nm was the best one for the tocopherol determination because of its good calibration, reproducibility,resolution and short time analysis. II. Quantitative determination of tocopherols in foods The investigated food materials included 48 common food samples in Taiwan and 5 capsule samples containing natural vitamin E. The food material was saponified with potassium hydroxide, then extracted with n-hexane and concentrated under nitrogen gas. The residue, dissolved in n-hexane to adjust an appropriate concentration, was prepared for the HPLC analysis. The sample was examined for the contents ofα-,β-,γ-, and δ-tocopherol, and therefore the vitamin E potency could be calculated. Among these food samples ,oils, legumes seeds , nuts,wheat germ , Oolong tea and Chiann-Shyr(seeds of Euryale ferox Salisb. ) showed a high tocopherol content. The foods showing a high α-tocopherol content were Oolong tea 46.2, Chiann-Shyr 41.6 , sunflower oil 27.2 , wheat germ , peanut 11.2, soybeanoil 10.2 , palm oil 8.5 and peanut oil 5.8mg/100g. The foods with a high content ofγ-tocopherol were soybean oil 78.5, sesame oil 43.2, sesame seed 22.7 , soybean 12.5, black bean 12.2 and peanut 7.2mg/100g. The contents ofβ-tocopherol on Chiann-Shyr and wheat germ were 18.1 and 9.8mg/100g. The vitamin E potency in the capsules of vitamin E and lecithin was 14.3-15.9 , or 5.2-5.9mg/100g respectively.

Chemical and Sensory Profiling of Monovarietal Extra Virgin Olive Oils from the Italian Marche Region.

Chemical and sensory peculiarities of monovarietal extra virgin olive oils (MEVOOs) from the cultivars (cvs.) Ascolana tenera (ASC), Coroncina (COR), Mignola (MIG), Piantone di Mogliano (MOG), and Raggia (RAG) from Marche region (Italy) are investigated. Their polar phenolic substances and α-tocopherol are analysed through high performance liquid chromatography with different detectors. Volatile substances, fatty acid composition, and squalene are analysed by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (MS) and to the flame ionization detector, respectively. Total antioxidant activity and sensory analysis were also performed. MOG showed high squalene content (on average 0.88 ± 0.16 g/100 g), high relative amount of α-copaene among volatiles, and the highest oleic acid percentage. MIG had high α-tocopherol content (on average 350.0 ± 57.6 mg kg−1) and high α-farnesene in the volatile fraction. ASC showed the highest sensory quality and the lignan pinoresinol with higher concentration as compared to the other MEVOOs (p < 0.05), which resulted in a possible chemical marker for this cv. RAG was characterized by the sensory note of almond, which corresponds to its highest (E)-2-hexenal percentage. Sensory analysis and an antioxidant activity assay performed on a set of industrial extra virgin olive oils purchased in supermarkets, highlighted MEVOOs’ superiority from these points of view. Principal component analysis displays the main characteristics of the cvs. investigated.

Spice fixed oils as a new source of γ-oryzanol: nutraceutical characterization of fixed oils from selected spices.

γ-Oryzanol is an important group of nutraceuticals that play a key role in addressing metabolic disorders. This study, for the first time, examined volatile-free spice fixed oils (FOs) as an alternate plant source for γ-oryzanol and other nutraceuticals (phenolics, flavonoids, phytosterols, and tocopherols) using HPLC, HR-MS and NMR. The in vitro antioxidant activities of FOs were also analysed. The selected spices were Alpinia galanga, Cinnamomum zeylanicum, Trigonella foenum-graecum, Foeniculum vulgare and Myristica fragrans. The major polyphenols and flavonoids quantified were gallic, protocatechuic, vanillic, syringic, para-coumaric, ferulic, rutin, trans-cinnamic, and quercetin. T. foenum-graecum FOs recorded high levels of ergosterol (48.56 mg/100 g) and stigmasterol (247.36 mg/100 g). The fucosterol levels were high in A. galanga (268.31 mg/100 g) FOs, whereas C. zeylanicum FOs showed high content of β-sitosterols (7037.77 mg/100 g). C. zeylanicum and T. foenum-graecum FOs recorded high α-tocopherol content (47.55 and 15.96 mg/100 g respectively). C. zeylanicum FOs showed high levels of three ferulates, namely, cycloartenyl ferulate, 24-methylene cycloartenyl ferulate and β-sitosteryl ferulate, whose contents were 89.42, 170.23 and 50.23 mg/100 g respectively which was confirmed by HRMS with a molecular mass (m/z) of 601.45, 615.47, and 589.45 respectively. Further, γ-oryzanol ferulates in C. zeylanicum FOs were confirmed by 1H-NMR analysis. The acidified methanolic extractives of FOs showed high free radical scavenging activity and antioxidant potential. These spice FOs have excellent antioxidant activities, and are novel potential functional ingredients against lifestyle disorders.

Production and characterization of crude oils from seafood processing by-products

The potential use of fish by-products from different species (farmed bluefin tuna, farmed seabass and seabream, and wild sardines) for oil production was investigated. The yield, physicochemical quality, fatty acid profile and nutritive value of tuna by-product and liver oil, wild sardine and sardine by-product oil, and a combined farmed seabass and seabream by-product oil were determined and compared to commercial cod liver oil. In terms of oxidative stability, tuna, seabass and seabream by-product oils had the lowest free fatty acid content, peroxide, Totox, and anisidine value. The oxidative stability of the oils was good and the highest α-tocopherol content in the range of 70.9–79.4 μg/g was found in seabass and seabream by-products oils. The sum of eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic fatty acids ranged from 11.6 in seabass and seabream oil to 32.8% in sardine oil. The n-3/n-6 ratio of the oils showed value ranging from 0.66 in seabass and seabream by-product oil to 11.0 in sardine oil showing a potential use of fish by-products in high quality oil production, adding economic value to the by-products and changing by-product disposal strategies.

Vitamin E in Plants: Biosynthesis, Transport, and Function.

Vitamin E, which includes both tocopherols and tocotrienols, comprises lipid-soluble antioxidants that modulate lipid peroxidation. Recently, significant advances have been made in our understanding of vitamin E biosynthesis, transport, and function. The phytyl moiety from chlorophyll degradation is used for tocopherol biosynthesis. An α-tocopherol-binding protein (TBP) has been identified in tomato (SlTBP) serving in intraorganellar vitamin E transport in plants. Moreover, α-tocopherol not only scavenges free radicals through flip-flop movements in the lipid bilayer, but may also contribute to fine-tuning the transmission of specific signals outside chloroplasts. Vitamin E, and α-tocopherol in particular, appear to be essential for plant development and help to provide the most suitable response to a number of environmental stresses.