High Levels Of Antioxidant Compounds Research Articles

Elaboration and characterization of Pitaya (hylocereus polyrhizus) witbier craft beer

ABSTRACT Beer is the most consumed alcoholic beverage in the world, containing numerous bioactive compounds. The market has innovated to provide better experiences for consumers, such as the development of craft beers with high levels of antioxidant compounds obtained by incorporating fruits. This study aimed to produce a craft beer of the Witbier type added with pitaya (Hylocereus polyrhizus) pulp in different concentrations, evaluating the effects of this addition on the physical-chemical characteristics, the content of phenolic compounds and the antioxidant activity of the drinks. The beers were analyzed for soluble solids, pH, total acidity, dry matter, mineral matter, foam, color, total phenolic compounds, flavonoid content and antioxidant activity using the FRAP, ABTS and DPPH methods. The soluble solids content decreased from 12°Bx to approximately 7.2°Bx, with higher pitaya concentrations (T2 and T3) showing slightly lower final values compared to control beers. The apparent attenuation and alcohol content were significantly higher in beers with 10% and 20% (v/v) pitaya pulp, reflecting more complete fermentation. Beers with higher pitaya concentrations also exhibited notable changes in color parameters, showing increased redness. Total phenolic content did not show statistical variation between treatments and the control, with values between 410 (T2) and 547 (T3) mg AGE L−1. Antioxidant activity, assessed via FRAP (79.7 mg AGE L−1 (T3)), DPPH (475 mg AGE L−1 (T3)), and ABTS (455 mg α-tocopherol L−1 (T3)) methods, and total flavonoids content (12.6 mg QE L−1 (T3)) increased with higher pitaya levels. Overall, pitaya pulp impacted several beer attributes, particularly affecting fermentation, color, and antioxidant properties.

The Effect Of Adding Red Dragon Fruit Skin On The Quality Of Dadiah Gelato

Indonesia is geographically located on the equator, which is a country with a tropical climate. Ice cream is a snack that is suitable to eat when the weather is hot. One type of ice cream is gelato. Gelato is a type of frozen dairy food dessert which is a processed product made from cow's milk and is included in the low-fat ice cream category. The main ingredients for gelato include cow's milk, whipped cream, egg yolks and sugar. Gelato has lower fat content (4-8%) and total solids (32-42%) than regular ice cream, but usually has higher sugar content (16-21%) to provide a smooth, scoopable texture. Ways are needed to develop gelato, such as adding curd and natural coloring from fruit. Dadiah has weaknesses in terms of its sour taste and fishy aroma which people don't like, therefore there needs to be innovation or efforts that can be made to attract people's interest in consuming dadiah, such as by adding dragon fruit skin. 30-35% of dragon fruit is the skin of the fruit, but it is often just thrown away as trash and considered waste without being used for anything more useful. Dragon fruit skin contains quite high levels of antioxidant compounds which are able to fight oxidation in the body. Red dragon fruit skin contains vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B3 and vitamin C, protein, fat, carbohydrates, crude fiber, thiamine, niacin, pyridoxine, cobalamin, glucose, phenol, betacyanin, polyphenols, carotene, phosphorus, iron and flavonoids. This research aims to analyze the effect of adding 15%, 25% and 35% of red dragon fruit skin on the quality of the color, aroma, texture, taste and preferences of the dadiah gelato produced. This type of research is a pure experiment using a Completely Randomized Design method. The data used is primary data obtained directly from 3 expert panelists by filling in the organoleptic test format for the quality of gelato with the effect of adding red dragon fruit skin. The data obtained is then tabulated in table form and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) is carried out, if Fh>Ft then followed by the Duncan Test. The results of the research showed that there was a significant effect of adding red dragon fruit skin of 15%, 25% and 35% on color quality (pink fanta). The best result from the gelato quality test with the addition of red dragon fruit skin was 35%.

BIOACTIVE COMPOUNDS AND PHARMACOGNOSTIC POTENTIAL OF Tetragonia tetragonioides

In the recent years, due to the increasing resistance of pathogens to synthetic antimicrobial drugs, the use of highly active compounds from plants, which have proven their effectiveness in traditional medicine practices, is increased. Extracts of medicinal plants often contain a unique species ‒ specific combination of active ingredients that have a synergistic therapeutic effect. Therefore, the analysis of the biochemical composition of cultivated plants and the range of their potential biotechnological application is an urgent task. Aim. To summarize the information on the potential of the xerophytic plant Tetragonia tetragonioides as a source of functional food ingredients and biologically active substances that increase nonspecific organism resistance and contribute to the prevention and treatment of various diseases. Results. T. tetragonioides is a salt-tolerant and heat-resistant plant containing valuable nutrients and biologically active substances, a significant amount of vitamins, minerals, and dietary fibers. The high level of antioxidant compounds, especially flavonoids and carotenoids, helps to reduce the risk of degenerative pathologies developing associated with excessive oxidative stress. The unique complex of biologically active substances in T. tetragonioides, which includes 6-methoxyflavonols, predominantly derivatives of 6-methoxykaempferol, as well as megastigmanes and their glucosides, lignanamide, provides significant antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antitumor, and antimicrobial activity and may be beneficial for the prevention of chronic diseases and age-related health problems. The effectiveness of T. tetragonioides has been demonstrated in animal models in the treatment of metabolic disorders such as obesity, hyperlipidemia, and hyperuricemia. Conclusions. T. tetragonioides, containing a specific complex of biologically active compounds, primarily 6-methoxyflavonols, may be a promising raw material for obtaining effective medications for the treatment and prevention of various chronic diseases and metabolic disorders.

Effect of Varied Salinity on Marigold Flowers: Reduced Size and Quantity Despite Enhanced Antioxidant Activity

Salinity is an increasing problem worldwide that limits crop production. The cultivation of salt-tolerant flowers is a potential sustainable strategy for the exploitation of saline soils while avoiding the use of freshwater resources. However, our understanding of how flowers can adapt to salinity is still limited. In this study, we investigated the effects of salinity on a widely-used ornamental plant (Tagetes patula) by submitting three cultivars (cv. Aurora Orange, Fireball, Safari Scarlet) to different salinity levels (0, 50, 100, 300 mM). The plants were grown under controlled conditions and followed over two weeks. We tested the effect of salinity on plant growth and flower production, as well as on the levels of total carotenoids, polyphenols, and flavonoids, and the activities of antioxidant enzymes (catalase, peroxidase activity, ascorbate peroxidase). The findings indicate a substantial decline in both plant growth and flower production under saline conditions. Overall, plant height was ¼ lower, and there were 1/3 less flowers under salinity. Additionally, there was a consistent rise in antioxidant compounds, highlighting the swift response of defense mechanisms, both enzymatic and non-enzymatic, to combat stress. The high levels of antioxidant compounds sustain the use of marigold flowers as a new source of nutritional compounds, with enriched nutritional contents. Yet, cultivation of these plants in saline conditions should carefully consider the pronounced adverse effects observed at high salinity levels (e.g., 100 and 300 mM) on both plant and flower production.

Açaí juice (Euterpe oleraceae) prevents ethanol-induced motor impairments in adolescent female rats

Açaí (Euterpe oleracea), a natural species frequent in the Amazon biome is widely consumed by the inhabitants of the Amazon. Açaí juice presents high levels of antioxidant compounds, especially anthocyanins, which confer several pharmacological properties. According to the World Health Organization, the consumption of alcohol by adolescents occurs in early adolescence in an intense, intermittent, and episodic manner, also called binge drinking. The binge-like standard induces several hazardous effects on the central nervous system. The present work investigated the effects of clarified açaí juice on a model of binge alcohol-induced motor impairment in adolescents. Female rats received açaí juice (10 µL/g) or distilled water by gavage from the 30th to 58th postnatal day (PND). On the 35th to 58th PND, animals were exposed to four cycles of a binge-like paradigm (ethanol 3 g/kg/day by gavage, 3 days on–4 days off) or distilled water. On the 59th PND, all tested groups were submitted to motor behavioral assays on the open field, pole test, beam walking, and rotarod tests. Our results demonstrated that alcohol-exposed animals reduced the spontaneous locomotor activity, elicited bradykinesia-like behavior, as well as motor incoordination and imbalance on the behavioral tasks. The chronic açaí juice administration prevented the spontaneous locomotor activity alteration, bradykinesia, and incoordination induced by alcohol exposure in all behavioral tests, suggesting a protective effect on motor function. We concluded that açaí juice exerts a protective effect against alcohol-induced motor impairments in a binge ethanol-exposed adolescent model.

Exploiting the Anti-Inflammatory Potential of White Capsicum Extract by the Nanoformulation in Phospholipid Vesicles.

The peppers of the Capsicum species are exploited in many fields, as flavoring agents in food industry, or as decorative and therapeutic plants. Peppers show a diversified phytochemical content responsible for different biological activities. Synergic activity exerted by high levels of antioxidant compounds is responsible for their important anti-inflammatory property. A methanolic extract was obtained from a new pepper genotype and tested for anti-inflammatory activity. The extract was incorporated into phospholipid vesicles to increase the bioavailability of its bioactive components. Two types of phospholipid vesicles were produced, conventional liposomes and Penetration Enhancer containing Vesicles (PEVs). They were tested in human monoblastic leukemia U937 cell line, showing no cytotoxic effect. The intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and nitric oxide (NO) levels were measured to value the in vitro efficacy of the vesicles in regulating inflammatory responses. Liposomal incorporation significantly reduced ROS levels in extract-treated LPS-activated cells. Furthermore, LC-MS/MS analyses demonstrated that liposomes facilitated the transport of the extract components across the cell membrane and their accumulation into the cytoplasm.

The Discovery of Tyrosinase Enzyme Inhibitors Activity from Polyphenolic Compounds in Red Grape Seeds through In Silico Study

Tyrosinases are essential metal-containing enzymes in the biosynthesis of melanin, therefore responsible for pigmentation of the skin. The upregulation of tyrosinase enzyme activities leads to hyperpigmentation that will become a health problems and interfere psychosocially. Inhibition of tyrosinase enzyme activity, both competitive and non-competitive become widely developed for most anti hyperpigmentation agent. Natural antioxidants are one of the potential compounds for this purpose. Red grape seeds contain high levels of antioxidant compounds, such as procyanidin, prodelphinidin, and propelargonidin. In this research in silico studies, including molecular docking, molecular dynamics simulations, and toxicity predictions, were used to assess the activity of the three molecules of polyphenolic compounds on macromolecules of the tyrosinase enzyme. Molecular docking studies show that the compound propelargonidin has the highest affinity against the macromolecule of the tyrosinase enzyme, with a binding free energy value of −32.87 kJ/mol. These results were confirmed in molecular dynamics simulations that show strong interactions at the macromolecular active site of the tyrosinase enzyme. Toxicity prediction results show that the three polyphenolic compound molecules were classified in the High-Class Category, which shows that safety is not guaranteed, but is likely, not carcinogenic and nongenotoxic. Therefore, the compound propelargonidin is predicted to be able to interact strongly with the tyrosinase enzyme. The results in this research are useful for further study in the development of tyrosinase enzyme inhibitors.

Seed anatomy and histochemistry of Myrciaria dubia (Kunth) McVaugh, an Amazonian Myrtaceace

Myrciaria dubia, or camu-camu, is a perennial species that produces fruits of great nutritional interest because they have high levels of antioxidant compounds. The species occurs spontaneously on Amazonian river margins and requires a low amount of nutritional resources. Further, Myrciaria dubia fruits are collected via extractivism and managing this process is still at an incipient stage. The present study investigated the anatomical and histochemical aspects of the seeds of five clones of Myrciaria dubia. The external seed coat has an epidermis comprising a single layer of tabular cells that are rich in phenolic content, pectins, alkaloids, and terpenes. The cotyledons have a uniseriate epidermis, polyhedral parenchyma cells with a high concentration of starch grains, dispersed vascular bundles, alkaloids, and idioblasts with phenolic content, lipids, and proteins. The embryonic axis has a protoderm with cuboid, juxtaposed cells with thin walls and a conspicuous nucleus. Secondary metabolites in the seeds are mainly in the seed coat. This work provides new information about the anatomical and histochemical aspects of Myrciaria dubia seeds. No differences in the structural characteristics of the seeds and ovules were recorded among the clones since these are the most conserved reproductive organs in seed plants.

Development of a Rapid UHPLC-PDA Method for the Simultaneous Quantification of Flavonol Contents in Onions (Allium cepa L.).

Onion, one of the most consumed vegetables in the world, is also known to contain high levels of antioxidant compounds, with protective effects against different degenerative pathologies. Specifically, onion is rich in flavonols, mainly quercetin derivatives, which are compounds with high antioxidant and free radical scavenging power. For this reason, it is of the utmost importance to count on optimal analytical methods that allow for the determination and quantification of these compounds of interest. A rapid ultra-high performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC)-photo-diode array (PDA) method for the separation of the major flavonols in onions was developed using a Box–Behnken design in conjunction with multiresponse optimization on the basis of the desirability function. The conditions that provided a successful separation were 9.9% and 53.2% of phase B at the beginning and at the end of the gradient, respectively; 55 °C column working temperature; and 0.6 mL min−1 flow rate. The complete separation was achieved in less than 2.7 min with excellent chromatographic characteristics. The method was validated, and its high precision, low detection and quantification limits, good linearity, and robustness were confirmed. The correct applicability of the method improves the analysis of the raw material, increasing the quality of onions and its subproducts in terms of bioactive compounds and functional characteristics for consumers.

Infusion of Chenopodium ambrosioides consumed by rabbits: effects on carcass, meat and burger quality

Plants with high levels of antioxidant compounds have been used to feed animals and increase stability of their meat and meat products. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of Chenopodium ambrosioides infusion on carcass, meat and burger quality. Rabbits were assigned to each treatment (0, 5 or 10 g.L-1 of Chenopodium ambrosioides). Animals were slaughtered after 28 days of fattening, after which carcass and meat quality was measured, and the meat obtained was processed into burgers. Results indicate that all variables measured were not significant, except for dissectible fat, pH, adhesiveness, L* value, and initial total plate counts in burgers. It is concluded that Chenopodium ambrosioides infusion could be used to feed rabbits, acquire meat, and use the meat for processing burgers, which have low bacterial growth and low oxidation development.

Acerola by-product as a renewable source of bioactive compounds: arabic gum and maltodextrin nanocapsules

Acerola industrial by-products present high levels of antioxidant compounds. Encapsulation technology has shown to be of great importance in the food industry. In this context, better nanoparticles are indicated in aiming to enrich food products with bioactive compounds. Five formulations were analyzed for yield, size distribution and zeta potential, infrared spectroscopy, encapsulation efficiency and doping. The yield data presented values from 38.01% to 44.34%. The nanoparticles had sizes varying from 27.12 nm to 308.80 nm and negatively charged surfaces. The encapsulation efficiency was quantified based on the vitamin C content, total extractable polyphenols and antioxidant activity according to specific methodology taking into account the different compounds ranging from 25.44% to 69.37%; 66.45% to 99.56% and 2.24% to 6.54%, respectively. The above data indicate that nanoparticles made with acerola by-products and arabic gum/maltodextrin are promising as natural food additives, with high levels of bioactive compounds.

Quality evaluation of chestnut flour addition on fresh pasta

The present study investigated the effect of different levels of chestnut flour in formulations of soft wheat fresh pasta. A physicochemical characterization of flours, uncooked and cooked pasta was carried out. Chestnut flour showed higher water absorption properties than soft wheat flour or mix of them. Frozen water of pasta decreased for higher level of chestnut substitution, being instead water activity constant. During cooking chestnut enriched pasta showed higher solid loss for increasing levels of substitution, in relation with the reduction of hardness and deformability. Increasing percentages of chestnut flour were also reflected in a progressive darkening of the final products. Moreover, the increased antioxidant activity observed on enriched pasta, even after cooking, may be related to the high level of antioxidant compounds of chestnut flour. Proton molecular dynamics was also influenced by the formulation, as resulted by the increased protons mobility observed for higher levels of chestnut flour replacement.

Effects of Dietary β-Carotene on the Melanization Response and Growth Rate of Trichoplusia ni (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae).

Animals rely on carotenoids as fundamental precursors for hormones and antioxidants, and animals must acquire carotenoids from their diet. Previous research has shown that insects often absorb carotenoids in amounts proportional to those in their diet, and that carotenoids play key roles in multitrophic interactions. The consumption of diets that provide high levels of antioxidant compounds is associated with high levels of immune responses; however, it is unknown whether individual carotenoids directly influence immune response. Here, the objective of this study was to examine the effect of the carotenoid β-carotene on melanization, a measure of immune response, and growth rate of Trichoplusia ni Hübner (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). To fulfill the objective, a low, medium, and high concentration of β-carotene, representing the range found in typical host plants, were mixed in an artificial diet, and immune response and growth rate were assessed in fifth instar larvae. Immune response was induced by injection of chromatography beads in to the abdomen of the larvae, and percent melanization was measured after injection. Melanization was greatest when larvae were reared on high β-carotene diets. Mass was measured at 5 and 10 d to assess growth rate. Larvae reared on high β-carotene diets initially gained little mass, but after 10 d larvae reared on no and high β-carotene diets were larger than those reared on other diets. This research has shown that β-carotene has the potential to influence the immune response and growth rate of T. ni.

Chemical analysis and antioxidant content of various propolis samples collected from different regions and their impact on antimicrobial activities

Objective: To assess the antioxidant content, antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of various propolis samples. Methods: Seven propolis samples were collected from different locations in Morocco, which are characterized by different plant predominant vegetations. The resin, wax and balsam of hydroalcoholic extract of propolis content were identified, and the antioxidant content was analyzed with the use of HPLC and colorimetric methods. The antioxidant activity was assessed by DPPH, ABTS.+ and ferric reducing power assays. The antimicrobial activity was assessed against bacterial species, including methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans, and expressed as the minimal inhibitory concentration. Results: The propolis samples showed significant variations in the chemical composition and in the antioxidant or antimicrobial activities even when the samples were collected from the same location. Propolis with high resin and low wax content had high level of antioxidant compounds, and strong antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. Gram-positive bacteria, especially, methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus were more sensitive to all propolis samples than Gram-negative bacteria and Candida albicans. Conclusions: The chemical composition and the antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of various propolis samples are different and rely on the geographic and plant origin of propolis collection. Propolis samples with low wax and high resin content might be more suitable to be used in future preclinical or clinical investigations.

The influence of postharvest UV-C treatment on anthocyanin biosynthesis in fresh-cut red cabbage

Red cabbage (Brassica oleracea L. var. capitata f. rubra DC.) is a fresh edible vegetable consumed globally that contains high levels of antioxidant compounds including anthocyanins. In this study, fresh-cut red cabbage was treated with different Ultraviolet-C (UV-C) dosages. Fifteen cyanidin derivatives were observed in UV-C treated fresh-cut red cabbage; four of these were anthocyanins absent in control samples. The optimum dose of UV-C for enhancing total anthocyanin content in fresh-cut red cabbage was 3.0 kJ/m2. Different UV-C irradiation doses resulted in miscellaneous responses for each of the anthocyanin compounds, and these alterations appeared to be dose-dependent. The expression of genes relating to anthocyanin metabolism was altered by UV-C irradiation. For example, genes for biosynthetic enzymes including glycosyltransferase and acyltransferase, as well as R2R3 MYB transcription factors (production of anthocyanin pigment 1 and MYB114), had strongly increased expression following UV-C treatment. These results are in accord with the roles of these gene products in anthocyanin metabolism. This is, to the authors’ knowledge, the first report demonstrating that UV-C treatment can increase the antioxidant activity in fresh-cut red cabbage in storage. Moreover, our detailed phytochemical and gene expression analysis establish specific roles for both anthocyanins and metabolism genes in this process.

Benchmarking study of quality parameters of Rivoli Bay selection of Kunzea pomifera (muntries): A new Indigenous crop from Australia

New crops have played a significant role in the economic growth of countries around the world. Developing reliable information and knowledge of new crops is essential. Here we focus on one of 13 potential native food crops Indigenous to Australia, Kunzea pomifera L. (muntries, muntrie berries, family Myrtaceae). K. pomifera fruit is naturally sweet, palatable to “western” palates, has high levels of antioxidant compounds and has obtained high consumers’ acceptance in a range of products. However, as this is a new crop, there is limited information about the horticultural production of K. pomifera. This study was conducted to develop methods and determine benchmark values for several fundamental fruit characteristics (size, total soluble solids, moisture content and total phenolic content), using a clonally propagated selection, “Rivoli Bay”. Additionally, nutrient levels were determined and compared with three other Myrtaceae species K. ericoides, Chamelaucium spp. and Leptospermum lanigerum. Potassium and phosphorus levels in leaves sampled in 2015 were lower than in leaves sampled in November 2004 and January 2005 and the Myrtaceae species. Inadequate nutrition for these two key macronutrients may contribute to high variabilities of fruit size/100-berry weight and total phenolic content. The present study provides a critical reference point for the muntries industry regarding fruit characteristics (fruit size, total soluble solids, moisture content and total phenolic content) and macronutrients (potassium and phosphorus). The study highlights that optimal nutrition should be monitored as an integral part of new crop development to maximise potential at every step in the value chain.

Molecular genetic evaluation of <em>Cichorium endivia</em> L. as an anticancer agent against colorectal cancer

<p>Medicinal plants confer protective effects against a wide range of cancers including colon cancer. <em>Cichorium endivia</em> L. has many biological activities and functions, such as anti-inflammation and hepatoprotective effects. This activity is mainly due to its high levels of antioxidant compounds. The effect of cichorium extract and fluorouracil (5-FU) against colorectal cancer (CRC) induced by 1, 2- Dimethyl hydrazine (DMH) was examined in male albino mice. Where, different doses of cichorium extract (200, 400 and 600 mg/kg body weight) were investigated to determine the significant effective dose against colorectal cancer using differential display-PCR (DD-PCR), DNA sequencing, histopathological and cytological techniques. The results showed that the cichorium extract dose 200 mg/kg body weight was the best one compared to the others (400 and 600 mg/kg body weight). This finding could be a powerful therapeutic against colorectal cancer.</p><p> </p>

In Vitro and In Vivo Antioxidant Activity of Aged Ginseng (Panax ginseng).

Fresh ginseng roots were aged in an oven at 80°C for 14 d. The in vitro and in vivo antioxidant activities of this aged ginseng, in comparison with those of the white and red ginsengs, were evaluated. In in vitro antioxidant assays, the ethanolic extracts from aged ginseng showed significantly higher free radical scavenging activity and reducing power than those of the white and red ginsengs. In in vivo antioxidant assays, mice were fed a high fat diet supplemented with white, red, or aged ginseng powders. High fat feeding resulted in a significant increase in lipid peroxidation and a substantial decrease in antioxidant enzymes activities in the animals. However, diet supplementation of ginseng powders, particularly aged ginseng, markedly reduced lipid peroxidation and enhanced the antioxidant enzymes activities. The results illustrate that the aged ginseng has greater in vitro and in vivo antioxidant capacity than the white and red ginsengs. The aged ginseng also showed considerably higher total saponin, phenolic, and flavonoid contents, indicating that its antioxidant capacity may have been partly due to its high levels of antioxidant compounds. This new ginseng product may be useful as a functional food with strong antioxidant potential.

Antioxidant properties of leaves from different accessions of grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.) cv. Tempranillo after applying biotic and/or environmental modulator factors

Within climate change scenario, the maintenance of grape quality and wine characteristics will be the main concern for viticulture in the future years. However, changes in the composition of grapevine pruning wastes (i.e., leaves and stems) could be another interesting aspect as important antioxidant source for pharmaceutical industry due its richness in phenolic compounds beneficial for human health. To date, the effect of biotic and environmental factors in the accumulation of these compounds in leaves had received little attention. Therefore, the aims of study were (1) to evaluate the effect of biotic (mycorrhizal inoculation) and environmental (temperature) factors, alone or combined, on phenolic composition and antioxidant activity of leaf extracts of grapevine and (2) to determine whether such effects differed among accessions of the same cultivar of grapevine. The study was carried out using container-grown grapevines grown in greenhouses. Dormant Vitis vinifera (L.) cuttings of different accessions of Tempranillo were selected to get fruit-bearing cuttings. At transplanting, half of the plants of each accession were inoculated with the mycorrhizal inoculum and after fruit set, plants were exposed to two temperature regimes (24°C/14°C and 28°C/18°C (day/night)) to commercially berry ripe. Results showed that total phenolic content, antioxidant compounds like flavonols and anthocyanins, and antioxidant activity of leaves were improved with mycorrhizal inoculation under high temperature conditions. It was concluded that mycorrhizal inoculation of grapevines could contribute to preserve high level of antioxidant compounds of leaves in a future climate change scenario. However, the effects were strongly dependent of accession assayed, which indicated a significant intra-varietal diversity in the response of Tempranillo to biotic and environmental factors.

Blackberry (Rubus spp.): influence of ripening and processing on levels of phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity of the 'Brazos' and 'Tupy' varieties grown in Brazil

Fruits from temperate and tropical climates which have high levels of antioxidant compounds are the source of numerous studies concerning the correlation with benefits to human health. The objectives of this study were to quantify the anthocyanins and phenolic compounds and also to measure the antioxidant activity (ferric reducing antioxidant power - FRAP) of blackberries from two varieties grown in southern Brazil ('Brazos' and 'Tupy') at three stages of ripening; unripe, semi-ripe, ripe and their products (pulp and fermented products). During fruit ripening it was observed that weight, size, diameter and sugars increase significantly and acidity decreased significantly. The anthocyanin content ranged from 4.19 (semi-ripe 'Tupy' variety) to 205.75mg 100g-1 (ripe 'Brazos' variety). The highest levels of phenolic compounds were observed for the unripe fruit of both varieties, while antioxidant activity showed no significant difference during the ripening stages. The studied pulp showed a high content of phenolic compounds (ten times higher than that found in the ripe fruits). The anthocyanin content and antioxidant activity did not show the same increase due to the degradation of anthocyanins caused by the heat treatment that was used. The alcoholic fermented beverage made from blackberries remained stable (total phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity) during two years of storage, but the in third year a significant reduction in antioxidant activity was observed. These results can be important for establishing the shelf life of this kind of product made with blackberry