High Content Of Phytochemicals Research Articles

Effect of lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus Stapf) tea in a\xa0type 2 diabetes rat model

BackgroundLemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus Stapf) tea is a widely consumed beverage for nourishment and the remedy of diabetes mellitus (DM) in Africa locally. The aim of the present study was to investigate the antidiabetic action of lemongrass tea (LGT) in a type 2 diabetes (T2D) model of rats.MethodsThe fructose-streptozotocin (STZ) animal model for T2D was used and the LGT was prepared by boiling for 10 min in water, allowed to cool and administered at 0.25 or 0.5% (ad libitum), for 4 weeks to the T2D rats.ResultsThe LGT showed higher phytochemical contents compared to the cold-water extract. The diabetic untreated animals exhibited significantly (p < 0.05) higher serum glucose and lipids, insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) index with a significantly lower (p < 0.05) levels of serum insulin, β-cell function (HOMA-β) and liver glycogen compared to the normal animals. Oral supplemented of LGT for 4 weeks improved these changes comparable to the metformin treated group.ConclusionThe data suggests that LGT intake had excellent antidiabetic effect in a T2D model of rats attributed to the higher content of the ingredients.

Antimicrobial and Light-Enhanced Antimicrobial Activities, Cytotoxicity and Chemical Variability of All Tunisian Eryngium Species.

This study was performed on all Eryngium species growing in Tunisia in order to evaluate their intra and interspecies variabilities and to investigate their biological activities. These species are used in traditional medicine, and literature about the phytochemical investigations of most of them is scarce. Antimicrobial and light-enhanced activities were tested against multiresistant microorganisms and extended spectrum beta-lactamase producing bacteria (ESBL). All studied species showed antimicrobial effect with several MIC values lower than 70 μg/ml. Tested Eryngium species have proven to be a promising source of photoactive compounds, while light-enhanced activity offers an alternative for the inactivation of pathogenic microorganisms which is currently subjected to a great interest. This is the first report of this activity in genus Eryngium. A significant improvement of antimicrobial activity with UV irradiation was observed, mainly for E. dichotomum, E. ilicifolium and E. triquetrum. Cytotoxicity, studied for the first time for the most species, was evaluated against cancer (J774) and non-cancer (WI38) human cell lines. Chemical composition of volatile compounds presented in the most active crude extracts (petroleum ether extracts) of the aerial parts was investigated using GC/MS analysis and was submitted to statistical analyses. It revealed their high content of bioactive phytochemicals, particularly oxygenated sesquiterpenes like spathulenol, ledol and α-bisabolol but also hydrocarbon sesquiterpenes such as β-bisabolene and copaene, as well as polyacetylene derivatives such as falcarinol. Statistical analyses permitted to evaluate the interrelations between all Tunisian Eryngium species.

Nutrient analysis and acceptability of different ratio pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum) based biscuits

Biscuits being important food snacks for children and adults are rich in fat and sugar content than whole bread. Lower contents of proteins (lysine), vitamins and dietary fibers are the nutritional problems with most bakery products clamoured interest in increasing the nutrients and fiber content in the biscuits. Pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum) has received considerable attention for their high content of dietary fibres, phytochemicals and nutritional value. On farm trial was conducted in the South West district of Delhi during rabi 2014–15, 2015–16 and 2016–17 among 30 farm women with three treatments with an objective to prepare biscuits with partial replacement of wheat flour with different proportions of pearl millet flour and to study its acceptability and nutritive value among farm women. The developed biscuits were sensory evaluated using nine point hedonic scale and evaluated for nutritive value in terms of carbohydrate, protein, fat, fiber, calcium and iron. Results showed that biscuit prepared with chick pea floor was highly acceptable whereas already established practice was least acceptable. The nutrient analysis showed highest protein; fat; carbohydrate; dietary fiber; calcium and iron in chick pea biscuit sample i.e. 16.25%; 45.36%; 75.25%; 13.53%; 41.33% and 6.53%, respectively. Replacement of wheat flour with pearl millet flour and chick pea flour increased the protein, fibers and iron contents proportionately to the level of substitution. Chick pea flour made biscuit was found most acceptable and was much appreciated when compared with other two types of biscuits among farm women.

Biofortification of linseed as functional food for profitability and nutritional security

Fish oil is the traditional source of dietary omega-3 fatty acids, while flaxseed oil can be used as a vegetariansource of dietary omega-3 fatty acids. The flaxseed hull is a concentrated source of lignan, which might possessimpressive cancer preventive properties, especially against breast and colon cancer. In functional foods arena, flaxseed has resurged as a potential ingredient with a vast array of medical benefits. Flaxseed supplemented food products are gaining popularity because of its high content of polyunsaturated fatty acids, protein, soluble fiber and phytochemicals. This paper describes about the development of biofortified linseed genotypes with enhanced alpha - linolenic acid (ALA), and lignan, predominantly the secoisolariciresinol diglucoside (SDG).

Nauclea latifolia Sm. Leaf Extracts Extenuates Free Radicals, Inflammation, and Diabetes-Linked Enzymes.

This study was carried out to assess the in vitro antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antidiabetic effects of Nauclea latifolia (Sm.) leaf extracts. Ethanolic (NLE) and aqueous (NLA) extract of N. latifolia leaves were prepared and assessed for their anti-inflammatory activity, antioxidant potential, α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities, and the mechanism of enzyme inhibition in vitro using standard established methods. From the results, phytochemicals such as flavonoids, phenolics, glycosides, and tannins were detected in both extracts of N. latifolia with NLE having a significantly (p < 0.05) higher phytochemical content. NLE displayed significantly (p < 0.05) better total antioxidant capacity, reducing power, 2,2-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl, and hydrogen peroxide radical scavenging activities. For anti-inflammatory activities, 70.54 ± 2.45% albumin denaturation inhibition was observed for NLE while 68.05 ± 1.03% was recorded for NLA. Likewise, 16.07 ± 1.60 and 14.08 ± 1.76% were obtained against hypotonic solution and heat-induced erythrocyte haemolysis, respectively, for NLE while 20.59 ± 4.60 and 24.07 ± 1.60% were respective NLA values. NLE (IC50: 4.20 ± 0.18 and 1.19 ± 0.11 mg/mL) and NLA (IC50: 11.21 ± 0.35 and 2.64 ± 0.48 mg/mL) α-glucosidase and α-amylase inhibitory activities were dose-dependent with uncompetitive and competitive inhibition elicited, respectively, by the extracts. A significant positive association (p < 0.01 and 0.05) was identified between antioxidant activity and carbohydrate-metabolising enzyme inhibitory activity. The obtained result suggests N. latifolia leaf could serve as an alternative candidate for managing diabetes mellitus due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory association with diabetes-linked enzymes.

Regular Black Bean Consumption Is Necessary to Sustain Improvements in Small-Artery Vascular Compliance in the Spontaneously Hypertensive Rat.

Edible legume seeds, such as lentils, have been shown to modulate the structural and functional properties of hypertensive blood vessels, however, the effects of dried beans have not been similarly evaluated. To determine whether beans could attenuate hypertension-induced vascular changes (remodeling and stiffness) in relation to their phytochemical content, spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) were fed diets containing black beans (BB; high phytochemical content as indicated by their dark seed coat colour) or navy (white) beans (NB; low phytochemical content) for eight weeks. An additional follow-up phase was included to determine how long the alterations in vascular properties are maintained after bean consumption is halted. Assessments included blood pressure (BP), pulse wave velocity (PWV), vessel compliance (small-artery) and morphology (large-artery), and body composition. Neither BBs nor NBs altered BP or PWV in SHR. SHR-BB demonstrated greater medial strain (which is indicative of greater elasticity) at higher intraluminal pressures (80 and 140 mmHg) compared to SHR-NB. BB consumption for 8 weeks enhanced vascular compliance compared to SHR-NB, as demonstrated by a rightward shift in the stress–strain curve, but this improvement was lost within 2 weeks after halting bean consumption. BB and NB increased lean mass after 8 weeks, but halting BB consumption increased fat mass. In conclusion, regular consumption of BBs may be appropriate as a dietary anti-hypertensive strategy via their positive actions on vascular remodeling and compliance.

Ascorbic acid, sucrose and olive oil lipids mitigate the inhibitory effects of pectin on the bioaccessibility and Caco-2 cellular uptake of ferulic acid and naringenin.

Whole fruit and vegetable consumption is universally promoted as healthy, to a large extent due to their high contents of phytochemicals, including phenolics and dietary fibre. The major fibre in fruits and vegetables, pectin, however also decreases the bioavailability of phenolics and carotenoids. While ascorbic acid, sucrose and olive oil lipids may increase the bioavailability of various phenolics, their effects in the presence of pectin have not been investigated. This study aimed to evaluate the modulating effects of sucrose (5.0%), ascorbic acid (0.1%) and olive oil (2.5%) on the inhibition by pectin (2.0%) of ferulic acid and naringenin bioaccessibility and Caco-2 cellular uptake. Pectin reduced the bioaccessbility of ferulic acid and naringenin, by 45 and 65%, respectively. Sucrose mitigated the inhibitory effect of pectin and increased naringenin bioaccessbility from 7.9 to 15.0%. When added to digestions with ferulic acid and pectin, sucrose and olive oil totally negated pectin's bioaccessibility inhibition. The Caco-2 cellular uptake of bioaccessible ferulic acid was high (58.3%) and pectin and ascorbic acid together increased it to 85.6%. The Caco-2 cellular uptake of bioaccessible naringenin was also high (47.0%) and pectin increased it to 95.0%. Sucrose and olive oil for ferulic acid and only sucrose for naringenin totally negated the inhibitory effect of pectin on the overall in vitro availability (cellular uptake as percentage of amount of phenolic initially digested). The ameliorating effects of sucrose and olive oil are due to substantially increased bioaccessibility of the phenolics, probably due reduced encapsulation of the phenolics in pectin.

Effect of Different Solvents on the Extraction of Phytochemicals in Colored Potatoes

Colored potatoes are an interesting alternative to the traditional, white-creamed potatoes, due to their high phytochemical content, which have been proved to have antioxidative properties. The extraction of polyphenols is highly dependent on using the appropriate solvent systems. Therefore, polyphenol extraction in colored potatoes [Vermillion Fingerling (VF); Jester Potato (JP); Magic Molly (MM); Blue Belle (BB); All Blue (AB)] using different solvents [Solvent A (24% water, 67% ethanol 9% acetic acid); Solvent B (5% acetic acid); and Solvent C (95% water, 5% acetic acid, 0.5 g sodium bisulfate)] may have significant effects on extraction efficiency and phytochemical content. Total phenolic content (TPC), Total flavonoid content (TFC), Total anthocyanin content (TAC) and antioxidant activities [Trolox Equivalent Antioxidant Capacity (TEAC) and Ferric reducing-antioxidant power (FRAP)] were determined. Solvent A extracted significantly (p mg GAE/100g) compared to the other solvents. VF and JP displayed higher TFC (14.53 and 19.46 mg CE/100g, respectively) when Solvent C was utilized. VF and JP extracts with Solvent C displayed the highest FRAP value compared to Solvent B. MM displayed the highest TAC using Solvent A and C. Potato variety resulted in high variability in polyphenols content and antioxidant activity. The utilization of colored potatoes or extracts in the food industry could provide innovative products and a functional alternative to the traditional.

Effects of Moringa oleifera on oxidative stress, apoptotic and inflammatory biomarkers in streptozotocin-induced diabetic animal model

Aim of the studyMoringa oleifera is a highly nutrious medicinal plant with various potential applications in the treatment of diabetes, oxidative stress, bacterial infections and inflammation. This study assessed the effects of the leaf extract of Moringa oleifera on the expression of specific apoptotic and anti-inflammatory biomarkers in the liver and kidney of streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes in male Wistar rats. Materials and methodsRats weighing between 200 and 250 g were randomly divided into four groups: non-diabetic control (NC), non-diabetic Moringa treated (NC + MO), diabetic control (DM) and diabetic Moringa treated (DM + MO). Diabetes was induced in rats by a single intraperitoneal injection of STZ (55 mg/kg) and treated with 250 mg/kg of MO extracts. Interleukin (IL-1α), interleukin (IL-12) and interleukin (IL-18) were assayed in the kidney and liver homogenates. Kidney and liver sections of rats were assessed for apoptotic cell death markers. Antioxidant capacity and phytochemical contents of methanol extract of MO were estimated. ResultsMO extract shows the presence of polyphenols, flavonols and alkaloids. Diabetic rats treated with MO was compared with untreated diabetic rats. A significant decrease in serum NFkβ levels was observed. There was upregulation of BCL-2 in both the kidney and liver in diabetic treated rats. A reduction in interleukin levels in the kidney (IL-18) and liver (IL-1α, IL-18) interleukin levels were observed in diabetic treated rats. ConclusionThis study demonstrates that MO exerted anti-apoptotic and anti-inflammatory properties in diabetic rats due to its capacity to reduce nephrotoxic and hepatotoxic damage induced by STZ and to regulate the expression and suppression of specific apoptotic cell death markers. The high phytochemical and antioxidant content of MO leaves may be responsible for its anti-apoptotic and anti-inflammatory effects.

Shelf-life extension of grape (Pinot noir) by xanthan gum enriched with ascorbic and citric acid during cold temperature storage.

The detrimental health implications of chemical preservatives in fruits have necessitated exploitation of safe and natural alternatives such as edible gums. This work studied shelf-life extension in grape (Pinot noir) under cold storage by xanthan gum (XAN) coatings enriched with ascorbic acid (XANAS) and citric acid (XANCI). Standard scientific methods were used to examine some sensory (color, texture-resilience and hardness), enzyme, anthocyanine and antioxidant activities. Also, the reaction rate mechanism was examined through modeling of selected shelf-life indicators; color change, weight loss, and antioxidants. The results revealed that, Xanthan gum and its acid modified coatings significantly (p < 0.05) suppressed polyphenol oxidase, ascorbic acid oxidase, polymethyl etherase acitivies and maintained the structural integrity of the grape during the 21days storage period. Weight loss (%) in the grape samples was 13.66 < 13.98 < 14.16 < 15.64 in the order XANAS < XANCI < XAN < CONTROL whilst ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) activity was 150.23 > 143.18 > 136.49 > 104.5mg/100g AEAC corresponding to XAN > XANAS > XANCI > CONTROL. Significantly (p < 0.05) higher phytochemical contents were observed in the gum coatings compared to the control. Through statistical parameters such as the coefficient of determination (R 2), root mean square error (RMSE) and reduced Chi square (χ2), the second-order polynomial model predicted precisely the decomposition of color, weight loss and FRAP of grape. Color deterioration was attributed to changes in b* parameter as a result of phenolics and phytochemical decompositions resulting from enzymatic activities. Conclusively, acid modified xanthan gum coatings could preserve phytochemicals, color, antioxidant and textural properties of grape in cold temperature storage.

Hepatoprotective Impact of Cinnamon Aqueous Extract تأثیر المستخلص المائى للقرفة على حمایة الکبد

Cinnamon is used in the medical field for the treatment of many diseases, especially those related to liver disease. This study aimed to assess the effective compounds of cinnamon water extract and its role in protecting against liver disease in experimental rats. The liver cirrhosis was induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4). In rats with liver cirrhosis caused by CCl4 were observed to have elevated liver enzymatic activity in serum. The elevated aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) were significantly enhanced to nearly normal after administering oral cinnamon aqueous extract at a dose of 0.6 ml / 100 g body weight/day for 12 consecutive weeks. There was a significant rise in the serum Malondialdehyde (MDA), while the activities of reduced glutathione (GSH), albumin and total proteins decreased significantly in rats treated with CCl4. Cinnamon aqueous extract has a protective effect on the liver by lowering the level of MDA and elevating the activities of GSH, total proteins and serum albumin. The histological examination of the liver confirmed the enhancement effect in the studied liver biomarkers. In conclusion, the high content of phytochemicals in cinnamon aqueous extract may be considered as the main cause of the protective properties against liver disease.

Dietary supplementation of barley and/or dates attenuate hypercholesterolemic‐induced endometrial dysfunction in Wistar albino rats via alleviation of apoptotic pathways and enhancing oxidative capacity

Our study was conducted to characterize the efficacy of barley and/or date palm fruits (10%) in alleviation of hypercholesterolemic endometrial insults in obese rat model. Sixty-four Wistar albino rats were randomized into eight groups (n=8); control, hypercholesterolemic- and hypercholesterolemic-treated groups. Animals were subjected to treatment for 4months. After sacrifice, serum and uterine tissues were collected and processed for biochemical, histological, immunohistochemical, and electron microscopic investigations. In hypercholesterolemic rats, the endometrium displayed hyperplasia with necrotic patches in the surface epithelium and its glandular lining cells. Also, there was a remarkable increase in the endometrial thickness and significant decrease in corresponding glandular numbers. Prompted by these findings, immunohistochemical localization revealed that expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen was downregulated, while cleaved caspase-3 was upregulated in the endometrial cells in hypercholesterolemic group. Accordingly, there was remarkable depletion of antioxidant enzymatic activities associated with increased lipid peroxidation and apoptotic markers. Contradictory, supplementation of barley and/or dates to hypercholesterolemic groups showed intriguing amelioration for the histological architecture of the endometrium and balancing its oxidative redox. In conclusion, the administration of barley and/or dates confers enhanced synergistic effects in attenuation of hypercholesterolemic induced-endometrial dysfunction. This is clear evidence that endometrial amelioration was directly linked to the implication of highly potential antioxidant capacity of barley and/or dates phytochemicals, β-glucan, polyphenols, and other trace elements, which can be utilized to establish a phyto-therapeutic strategy for activating endometrial cell regeneration. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Barley and dates confer both hypoglycemic and hypocholesterolemic potentials. Therefore, their ingredients would be implicated in the amelioration of uterine functions in obese women. These favorable potentials were directly linked to the restraining of endometrial inflammation and retrieving the oxidative capacity. Furthermore, our findings demonstrated that barley and dates substantially diminished the expression of TNF-α, mitigated DNA damage and prevented leukocytic infiltration in the endometrial tissue; based on their high content of dietary phytochemicals, β-glucan, polyphenols, and other trace elements.

The impact of Tartary buckwheat extract on the nutritional property of starch in a whole grain context

Bioactive phytochemicals play an important role in the health benefits of whole grain foods, but the exact mechanism is still poorly understood. In the current investigation, the slow digestion property of whole grain starch was investigated using an ethanol extract from Tartary buckwheat that is a unique pseudocereal with a high content of phytochemicals. Liquid chromatography analysis of Tartary buckwheat extract (TBE) showed that rutin, kaempferol-3-O-rutinoside, and quercetin as well as trace amount of phenolic acids are the main phytochemicals. An in vitro digestion of Tartary buckwheat whole grain flour showed a typical digestion pattern of slowly digestible starch (SDS), and a significantly reduced postprandial glycemic response was also observed in a mouse study when compared to the cooked pure starch (a typical rapidly digestible starch (RDS)). Furthermore, the addition of TBE (2%) to a high fat diet attenuated the oxidative stress with a significant increase of antioxidant enzymes of SOD and GSH-Px in both the liver and small intestine of the high fat diet-induced obese mice. Considering the impacts of TBE on starch digestion and induced physiological responses, the modification of the nutritional property of whole grain starch is likely an important mechanism of phytochemicals’ contribution to the health benefits of whole grain foods.

Comparative Analysis of Phytochemical Composition of Four Selected Tropical Medicinal Plants Namely: Ocimum gratissimum, Piper guineense, Gongronema latifolium and Vernonia amygdalina

Aim: The aim of the study was to carry out a comparative analysis of the phytochemical composition of the leaves of four selected tropical medicinal plants namely: Ocimum gratissimum, Piper guineense, Gongronema latifolium and Vernonia amygdalina.&#x0D; Methodology: The phytochemicals in the plant leaves were extracted by cold maceration in ethanol and subjected to both qualitative and quantitative analysis of the phytochemicals.&#x0D; Results: The qualitative and quantitative analysis revealed the presence of the bioactive compounds alkaloids, Saponins, flavonoids, steroids, glycosides, terpenoids, polyphenols, specific cardiac glycosides, tannins, phytates and reducing compound in the leaves of each plant at varying quantities. Resins were only detected in O. gratissimum. From the quantitative analysis, Gongronema latifolium had the highest percentage content of alkaloids, glycosides, saponins, tannins and reducing sugars. Ocimum gratissimum had the highest flavonoid content.&#x0D; Conclusion: Taken together, G. latifolium on balance had a higher phytochemical content than the other three plants and thus should be more versatile in the treatment of a whole range of diseases. This was followed by V. amygdalina, O. gratissimum and P. guineense in that order. The fact that most of these phytochemicals have antioxidant activity may be responsible for their antidiabetic activities and use in treatment of other free radical prone diseases.

Acid Inhibition on Polyphenol Oxidase and Peroxidase in Processing of Anthocyanin-Rich Juice and Co-product Recovery from Purple-Fleshed Sweetpotatoes.

With high phytochemical and starch contents, purple-fleshed sweetpotatoes (PFSP) have been processed into various functional ingredients and food products including juices and natural colorants. For juice processing, PFSP are usually subjected to heat treatment for inactivation of pigment-degrading enzymes. However, heating of sweetpotatoes gelatinizes starch and produces thick slurry with cooked flavor, which are the drawbacks. Development of alternative processes to overcome the stated problems will be beneficial to sweetpotato processors. This study demonstrated that acidified water (≥3% w/v citric acid) was effective in inhibiting polyphenol oxidase and peroxidase in raw PFSP resulting in an attractive reddish juice. About 93% total phenolics (TP) and 83% total monomeric anthocyanins (TMA) in PFSP were extracted by two repeated extractions. The combined PFSP juice (3.2 L/kg PFSP) had high levels of TP (1,850 mg/L) and TMA (475 mg/L). With the developed process, 167 g dried starch, and 140 g dried high-fiber pomace were obtained for each kg raw PFSP, besides the highly pigmented juice. Pasteurization of the PFSP juice samples (pH 3.2) at 80 °C for 12 s resulted in 15% loss in TMA and had no effect on TP. The results indicated an efficient process to produce sweetpotato juice with high bioactive compounds and recovery of starch and high dietary fiber pomace as co-products. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Purple-fleshed sweetpotatoes (PFSP) are rich in polyphenolics and antioxidant activities. In PFSP juice extraction, heat treatment to inactivate the pigment-degrading enzymes results in starch gelatinization and cooked flavor. A nonthermal process using acidified water was developed for producing anthocyanin-rich juice from PFSP and concurrently recovering native starch and dried pomace, which would increase the economic feasibility of the developed process. The results demonstrate an efficient process for the sweetpotato industry in producing PFSP pigmented juice and co-products for various food applications.

High-pressure Fractionation of Tropical Fruits with Potential Antibacterial Activity: Mangifera Indica L. and Bactris Guineensis

The great interest in the potential health benefits of tropical fruits is due to their high content of antioxidants and phytochemicals. Colombia ranks as the second country with the major biodiversity worldwide. B. guineensis (Arecaceae) is a palm that grows in Colombia and Central America. The purple-black fruits of this plant are rich in thermal-stable anthocyanins. M. indica L. (Anacardiaceae) is a great source of phenolic compounds. It has multiple functional properties including antioxidant, antimicrobial, antidiabetic and anticarcinogenic activities. In this work, high-pressure extraction techniques: supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) and enhanced solvent extraction (ESE), and two different fractionation techniques: i) cascade fractionation and ii) sequential fractionation were applied. Fractions were analyzed by means of their phenolic content, antioxidant activity, and antibacterial activity against different bacterial strains: E. coli, P. mirabilis, S. Aurerus, S. enteritidis, E. aerogenes and P. aeruginosa. The sequential fractionation of B. guineensis pulp consisted in three steps: 1) supercritical CO2, 2) CO2 + 50% ethanol, and 3) CO2/EtOH/H2O (50:25:25). A red fraction rich in phenolic compounds, high antioxidant and antibacterial capacity (inhibition zone ~ 10 mm) was obtained in the last step. A cascade fractionation of M. indica leaves using CO2 + 50% H2O and three separators (S1, S2 and S3) was evaluated. Fractions obtained in S1 and S2 presented antioxidant capacity and antibacterial activity against P. mirabilis, and S2 also against S. Aureus and Salmonella.

Different harvest times affect market quality of Lyciumbarbarum L. berries

Goji berry is a lesser-known fruit species and its berries have been used in traditional medicine for centuries as remedies to treat eye, liver, and kidney ailments, as well as for the prevention of cancer symptoms due to its high phytochemical content. This study aimed to investigate changes in the pomological, biochemical, and phytochemical properties of the berries of 4 goji berry genotypes harvested during 4 months (June, July, August, and September) of the same year. The results indicated that the highest berry dimensions (height and width) and soluble solid content were obtained from Genotype 2, harvested in June. The vitamin C, total phenolic, and total anthocyanin contents and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl-hydrate values were between 69.06 and 169.96 mg/100 mL, 219.07 and 558.74 mg GAE/L, 2.73 and 107.94 mg/L, and 75.03 and 500.87 μL/mL, respectively, according to the genotypes and harvest months based on a 3-year (2015-2017) average, indicating great variations in both the genotypes and, in particular, the sampling months. Therefore, consumers must take into consideration the harvest times and berries of the genotypes in order to obtain better contents in the berries for human health.

Enzyme-Assisted Extraction of Bioactive Compounds from Raspberry (Rubus idaeus L.) Pomace.

Industrial processing of raspberries into juice and jam results in the production of with high content of lipophilic and hydrophilic phytochemicals. Usually considered as waste, raspberry pomace is occasionally cold-pressed to recover specialty oil. However, the resulting pomace press-cake (PPC) still contains 30% to 35% of lipophilic compounds, such as essential fatty acids, tocols, phytosterols, and ellagitannins initially present in pomace. In a perspective of sustainable development, we investigate an eco-friendly process using an aqueous enzyme-assisted extraction (AEAE) to simultaneously and effectively recover lipophilic compounds and polyphenols from the PPC. The performance of different combinations of carbohydrases and proteases was compared. After selecting the best enzymatic system, a definitive screening design involving six factors was then implemented to optimize the process. Under optimized conditions, 1.2 units of thermostable alkaline protease/100 g PPC, pH 9, 60 °C, and 2 hr hydrolysis, more than 38% of total PPC lipophilic content were recovered in the aqueous medium. The recovery of polyphenols and antioxidant activity was, respectively, 48% and 25% higher than obtained by extraction with methanol/acetone/water mixture. Such an AEAE extract might prove useful in food and nutraceutical applications. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Raspberry pomace, a food industrial by-product, is often considered as waste. However, it is a rich source of phytochemicals, such as tocols, polyphenols, and polyunsaturated fatty acids. To overcome the drawbacks of organic solvent use, an enzyme-assisted extraction process was developed as an eco-friendly alternative to recover these bioactive compounds. Definitive screening design experimental design was used to enhance polyphenols and lipophilics extraction yields while reducing process costs. This extract is an oil-in-water emulsion, with high content in antioxidant phytochemicals, which might have potential for use in nutraceutical applications. Therefore, this green process developed for the valorization of raspberry pomace is considered as a perspective of sustainable development.

Comparison of Phytochemical, Iron Chelating, and Free Radical Scavenging Activity of Fresh Ribes Nigrum (Black Currant) and Nutraceutical C24/7

Background: Black currant (Ribes nigrum L. Grossulariceae) promotes good health. A lot of researches have been carried out on common fruits but little attention is given to indigenous fruits such as Ribes nigrum which promotes good health with its high content of phytochemicals that influences its antioxidant activity in neutralizing free radicals as well as its iron chelating property.&#x0D; Aim of this Study: To compare the phytochemical composition, iron-chelating and the free radical scavenging activity of fresh Ribes nigrum and Nutraceutical C24/7.&#x0D; Place and Duration of Study: Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Nasarawa State University, Keffi, Nasarawa State, Nigeria between June 2017 and January 2019.&#x0D; Methodology: Fleshy parts of fresh Ribes nigrum fruit was homogenized using an electrical blender and was macerated with70% ethanol (Sigma Aldrich, 99.8%) for 72 hours and then filtered. The filtrate was condensed using a rotary evaporator and the extract was stored at 4°C. Preliminary phytochemical screening was carried out on the extract and the nutraceutical C24/7 caplets using standard procedures and the identified phytochemicals: saponins, tannins, alkaloids and steroids were quantitatively estimated. Iron chelating and total antioxidant activity assay was conducted using the DPPH radical scavenging and spectrophotometric methods respectively on the extract and the nutraceutical C24/7. Values were analyzed using One way analysis of Variance (ANOVA).Values of P&lt;0.05 were considered significant.&#x0D; Results and Conclusion: The findings of this study show that the hydro-ethanol extract of Ribes nigrum contains a large amount of flavonoids, saponins tannins, alkaloids and steroids compounds and exhibits iron chelating and high antioxidant (free radical scavenging) activity compared to nutraceutical-C24/7 caplets.

Effect of Impregnation of Biodegradable Polyesters with Polyphenols from Cistus Linnaeus and Juglans regia Linnaeus Walnut Green Husk.

The publication describes a process combining the extraction of plant material and impregnation of biodegradable polymers (polylactide (PLA) and polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA)). As raw plant materials for making extracts, Cistus and green walnut husk were selected due to their high content of active phytochemicals, including antioxidants. The extracts used to impregnate polymers contained valuable polyphenolic compounds, as confirmed by FTIR and UV–Vis spectroscopy. After impregnation, the polymer samples showed greater thermal stability, determined by the differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) method. In addition, despite the presence of natural antibacterial and antifungal substances in the extracts, the polyester samples remained biodegradable. The manuscript also describes the effect of UV aging on the change of surface free energy and the color of polymers. UV aging has been selected for testing due to the high susceptibility of plant compounds to this degrading factor. The combination of the extraction of plant material and polymer impregnation in one process proved to be an effective and functional method, as both the obtained plant extracts and impregnated polymers showed the expected properties.