High Levels Of Bioactive Compounds Research Articles

Heat treatment effect on tocopherols, total phenolics and fatty acids in table olives (Olea europaea L.)

The olive fruits are rich source of oil, vitamins, minerals, organic acids and pigments. The fruits contain high level of bioactive compounds. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of heat treatment on tocopherols, total phenolics and antioxidant activity in green and black olives, as well as their fatty acid composition. The instrumental methods used in this experiment were high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), gas chromatography with flame ionization detection (GC/FID) and spectrophotometric methods. The results revealed that the β+γ-tocopherols content after the heat treatment had the biggest reduction, which was 68.4% for green and 80.2% for black olives. Also, a significant loss of total phenolic content was observed after heat treatment in green and black olives by 18.6% and 18.4%, respectively, as well as antioxidant activity (decrease up to 28.1%). The most abundant fatty acids in green and black olives were oleic (C18:1), palmitic (C16:0) and linoleic acid (C18:2). The changes in fatty acids composition during the heat treatment occurred mostly at the level of polyunsaturated fatty acids, especially linolenic acid (C18:3) in black olives had the significant reduction (by 57.4%) in relation to the initial quantity.

Bioactive Compounds of Underground Valerian Extracts and Their Effect on Inhibiting Metabolic Syndrome-Related Enzymes Activities.

Extractions of the underground parts of valerian were prepared with water and ethanol (25-95%) at 25-75 °C. Extraction yields, bioactive compounds, and the 1,1-Diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging ability of lyophilized extracts were determined. The inhibitory effects of the extracts, valerenic acid derivatives and phenolic acids, on metabolic syndrome (MS)-related enzymes activities were further examined. Both roots and rhizomes extracted with 95% ethanol at 75 °C had the highest levels of bioactive compounds. The antioxidant capacity and inhibition of MS-related enzymes of the roots extract were better than those of the rhizomes. The roots extract more strongly inhibited pancreatic lipase (inhibition of 50% of enzyme activity (IC50), 17.59 mg/mL), angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE, IC50, 3.75 mg/mL), α-amylase (IC50, 12.53 mg/mL), and α-glucosidase (IC50, 15.40 mg/mL). These four phenolic acids inhibited the activity of MS-related enzymes. Valerenic acid demonstrated more of an inhibitory ability for ACE (IC50, 0.225 mg/mL, except for caffeic acid) and α-glucosidase (IC50, 0.617 mg/mL) than phenolic acids. Valerian extract inhibited key enzyme activities that were associated with obesity (lipase), hypertension (ACE), and type 2 diabetes (α-amylase and α-glucosidase), suggesting that it is a potential candidate for the development of functional supplements.

Environmental factors influencing the growth and pathogenicity of microgreens bound for the market: a review

Abstract The world is experiencing a global push toward smart agriculture to help feed the burgeoning population by increasing food security while reducing the carbon footprint of food production. The guidelines for healthy eating have increased globally from five to seven servings of vegetables a day and this had led to the quest for a sustainable form of vegetable production that will reduce the carbon footprint and still provide consumers with the required nutrients. Microgreens contain more nutrients than some mature vegetables and can be cultivated on vertical farms, offering a different approach with the potential to resolve environmental and health challenges. Microgreens are young plantlets grown from the seeds of edible leafy vegetables and are usually eaten raw. They contain high levels of bioactive compounds and can be processed into oils to create valuable cosmetic products. Microgreens have become well-known to chefs and are gaining popularity in upmarket grocery outlets. Consequently, growing microgreens are presenting huge market opportunities worldwide. Their nutritional benefits, easy production methods and short production cycle are some of the reasons they are attractive to growers. The most important factors affecting the growth of microgreens are micro and macro-climates. One challenge to producing microgreens is that the growing environment is ideal for microbial organisms to thrive. As such, microgreens are prone to foodborne pathogens such as E. coli, Listeria and Salmonella. Consequently, the microgreens industry is facing various setbacks including product recalls from Salmonella and Listeria food poisoning outbreaks. In addition, the short shelf-life of microgreens is a serious challenge for getting microgreens to market, this is driving studies in several post-harvest treatments. This review examines the nutrient content and health benefits of microgreens and factors affecting microgreens' growth: temperature, humidity, photoperiod, fertilization, etc. and post-harvest treatments, all of which can potentially impact microbial growth, the phytochemical content and the physical appearance of microgreens bound for the market.

Green Methods for Extraction of Inulin and Antioxidants from Carlina acanthifolia L. Roots – A Comparative Study

Green extraction methods present a perspective approach for the isolation of bioactive molecules. Together with an ecofriendly approach to extraction, there are many undervalued plants - a rich of source of prebiotics and phenolic compounds. Carlina acanthifolia L. roots possessed antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-ulcer properties due to the diverse bioactive compounds in them. Detailed information about inulin-type fructan in its roots is still absent. The object of this work was to define inulin, sugars, and phenolic content, the antioxidant activity in the water, and 70 % ethanol extract resulting from ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) and pressure-liquid extraction (PLE). The results showed that the total fructans reached 12.6±0.2 g/100 g dw. Inulin was found in water extracts (6.82 g/100 g dw) in the prevalence of ultrasound-assisted extracts. Total phenolic content did to not exceed 15.25 mg GAE/g dw. Additionally, the antioxidant activities were in the range from 5.99 to 205.83 μM TE/g dw. In conclusion, water extracts from UAE demonstrated higher levels of bioactive compounds with antioxidantive properties, probably due to cavitation process. However, this study is the first detailed investigation for fructans and polyphenols content, as well as antioxidant activity of Carlina acanthifolia L. roots in extracts obtained by green methods. Therefore, this research enriched the information of bioactive compounds in Carlina acanthifolia L. roots.

Antioxidant activity and protective effect of the outer scales hydroalcoholic extract of Allium cepa L. var. Tropea on toxicity damage induced by Cadmium in Caco-2 cells.

The characterization of bioactive metabolites and the protective effects against Cadmium (Cd) of the hydroalcoholic extract from Allium cepa var. Tropea (Tropea red onion) in human Caco-2 colon adenocarcinoma cells and in vitro antioxidant effects were investigated. Tropea red onion extract showed high levels of bioactive compounds and a strong activity as radical scavenger and inhibitor of lipid peroxidation. The most abundant specialized metabolites were quercetin derivatives. In addition, the extract inhibited NO release in a dose-dependent manner. Exposure of Cd treated human Caco-2cells to the Tropea red onion extract resulted in a higher cytoprotection with a significant falloff of cells damage produced by Cd. The effect of Tropea red onion evaluated with the MTT assay and LDH test, was time-dependent and more evident after 24h of treatment. Caco-2cells treated with the Tropea red onion extract and CdCl2 at 24h showed a significant cytoprotection at concentrations equal to 50μg/mL + 25μM and 100μg/mL + 25μM while at 72h at a concentration of 25μg/mL + 25μM. We observed with MTT and LDH assays that treatment of cells with Tropea red onion extract at 24h was able to significantly prevent Cd-induced cytotoxicity alone.

Metabolic Profiling of Chestnut Shell (Castanea crenata) Cultivars Using UPLC-QTOF-MS and Their Antioxidant Capacity.

The inner shell of the chestnut (Castanea crenata) has long been used in Asia as a medicinal herb for improving digestion and blood circulation, and treating diarrhea. However, most chestnut shells are now treated as waste materials in industrial peeling processes. In this study, we examined the metabolite variation among major cultivars of C. crenata shells using mass spectrometry. Among five representative cultivars, Okkwang, Porotan, and Ishizuuchi had higher levels of bioactive compounds, such as ellagic acid derivatives, ellagitannins, flavonoids, and gallic acid derivatives. Their antioxidant capacity was positively correlated with their chemical composition. The byproducts (whole shells) from the industrial peeling process were re-evaluated in comparison with the inner shell, a rich source of phenolic compounds. The phenolic acids and flavonoid glucoside derivatives were significantly higher in the whole shells, whereas the levels of flavonoids were higher in the inner shells. In addition, the whole shell extracts significantly reduced cellular reactive oxygen species production compared to the inner shell extracts. This study demonstrated the different biochemical benefits of different C. crenata cultivars through metabolic profiling and suggests that the whole shell could be used as a functional ingredient, as it has the highest levels of bioactive products and antioxidant effects.

Effect of method of processing specialty coffee beans (natural, washed, honey, fermentation, maceration) on bioactive and volatile compounds

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of various methods of processing, such as natural, washed, honey, anaerobic fermentation, and carbonic maceration, on the antioxidant activity and bioactive and volatile compounds in green and roasted specialty coffees from various countries of origin (Nicaragua, Ethiopia, Peru, Burundi). Chlorogenic acids were different between green coffees (P = 0.04). Roasting increased the total polyphenol and total flavonoid (TF) contents. TF content in roasted Peruvian (PER) beans was significantly higher (4.20 μg quercetin (QE)/mg) for natural processing than carbonic maceration (CM; 2.22 μg QE/mg), and antioxidant capacity was significantly higher for CM (85.7 μg Trolox (TE)/mg) than natural processing (59.5 μg TE/mg). Burundian coffees had the highest antioxidant capacity, with the highest values for naturally processed beans (128.8 μg TE/mg) compared to beans processed by anaerobic fermentation (105.4 μg TE/mg). 2-Furanmethanol, a volatile compound, was a major compound in all roasted coffees, with a mean relative abundance of 21.52–32.53%. The type of processing affected the content of bioactive and volatile compounds in specialty coffees. However, anaerobic fermentation maintained a high level of bioactive compounds and contributed to the antioxidant activity of the roasted coffee, depending on the country of origin.

Identification and Quantification of Key Phytochemicals, Phytohormones, and Antioxidant Properties in Coccinia grandis during Fruit Ripening.

Coccinia grandis contains secondary metabolites, such as flavonoids, phenolic acids, terpenoids, alkaloids, sterols, and glycosides, which are known to have in vitro antioxidant, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, and antidyslipidemic activities. C. grandis fruits change dramatically during ripening, and the differences in the phytochemicals contribute to various uses. This study reports the phytochemical compounds and antioxidant activities during ripening of C. grandis for the first time. Characterizations were conducted on the physiologically active substances in C. grandis fruits at three ripening stages, and a total of 25 peaks were identified. Key phytochemicals in the ripening stages of C. grandis were identified, and the major substances that contributed to antioxidant properties were selected and quantitatively analyzed. Although the concentration of tiliroside increased during aging, hydroxycinnamic acid (chlorogenic and p-coumaric acids), flavonols (rutin), and triterpenes (cucurbitacins B and D) with antioxidant effects decreased. Therefore, phenolic compounds and cucurbitacins dominate immature C. grandis quantitatively. Regarding phytohormones, the gibberellin A4 content decreased as the fruits matured, but indoleacetic acid and salicylic acid increased with fruit maturity. The antioxidant capacities determined by DPPH and ABTS consistently decreased with increasing maturity. Accordingly, the extracts of immature C. grandis fruits have high levels of bioactive compounds and can be used to develop food additives and health supplements.

Comparative transcriptome analysis reveals key genes for polyphyllin difference in five Paris species.

Paris species accumulate a large amount of steroidal saponins, which have numerous pharmacological activities and have become an essential component in many patented drugs. However, only two among all Paris species. Paris are identified as official sources due to high level of bioactive compounds. To clarify the composition of steroidal saponins and the molecular basis behind the differences between species, we investigated transcriptome and metabolic profiles of leaves and rhizomes in Paris polyphylla var. chinensis (PPC), Paris polyphylla var. yunnanensis (PPY), Paris polyphylla var. stenophylla (PPS), Paris fargesii (PF), and Paris mairei (PM). Phytochemical results displayed that the accumulation of steroidal saponins was tissue- and species-specific. PF and PPS contained more steroidal saponins in leaves than rhizomes, while PPY accumulated more steroidal saponins in rhizomes than leaves. PPC and PM contained similar amounts of steroidal saponins in leaves and rhizomes. Transcriptome analysis illustrated that most differentially expressed genes related to the biosynthesis of steroidal saponins were abundantly expressed in rhizomes than leaves. Meanwhile, more biosynthetic genes had significant correlations with steroidal saponins in rhizomes than in leaves. The result of CCA indicated that ACAT, DXS, DWF1, and CYP90 constrained 97.35% of the variance in bioactive compounds in leaves, whereas CYP72, UGT73, ACAT, and GPPS constrained 98.61% of the variance in phytochemicals in rhizomes. This study provided critical information for enhancing the production of steroidal saponins by biotechnological approaches and methodologies.

Intake of nutrients (polyunsaturated fatty acids, tocols, and carotenes) and storage efficiency in different slow-growing chickens genotypes reared in extensive systems.

An extensive rearing system (ERS) for poultry requires an outdoor run, which enhances the foraging activity of chickens. Slow-growing (SG) strains are more adapted to ERS than fast-growing (FG); and generally, have higher levels of bioactive compounds in their meat. The aim of this paper was to assess the storage efficiency of n-3 and n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), tocols and carotenes in the meat of seven commercial SG genotypes (SG1-7). One hundred SG chicks/strain of both sexes were included and their walking activity (High- or Low-W) was classified: SG1-4, HW comprised more than 10% of the time budget, and SG5-7, less than 10% (LW). Chickens were reared in pens (4 pens/strain) with indoor (0.10 m2/bird) and outdoor (4 m2/bird) areas, and they were fed the same diet ad libitum (starter feed for 1-21 d, grower feed from 22 d to slaughter at 81 d). The chickens were weighed weekly; feed consumption and grass intake were also estimated. At 81 days of age, 32 chickens/genotype were selected on the basis of the average weight (1:1, M:F) and slaughtered. The breast, thigh and drumstick meat were excised from 30 carcasses/genotype, sampled and stored at -20°C until analysis. Nutrients (e.g., n-3, n-6, carotenes and tocols) of feed, grass and meat were analyzed. The storage efficiency of nutrients was estimated as the ratio between the amount deposited in the body muscles (OUT) and the dietary intake (feed and grass, IN). The genotype affected chickens foraging behavior and the intake of nutrients. For SG1, SG2 and SG3, more than 50% of the intake of n-3 came from grass, whereas in the other genotypes, less than 20%. Accordingly, chickens that foraged more showed better meat nutritional profiles (less fat, more n-3 and antioxidants), which, in ERS, was ascribed to grass ingestion. However, the storage efficiency of nutrients into meat was inversely correlated with the grass intake: strains with higher grass intake (SG1, SG2, and SG3) had lower storage rates. Several hypotheses were proposed to explain these trends.

Interactive effects of solar radiation and inorganic nutrients on biofiltration, biomass production, photosynthetic activity and the accumulation of bioactive compounds in Gracilaria cornea (Rhodophyta)

Interactive effects of solar radiation and inorganic nitrogen and phosphate on biofiltration capacity, biomass production, photosynthetic activity and the accumulation of bio-active compounds were studied in the red alga Gracilaria cornea grown in tanks with a seawater open-flow system during 35 days. Two light conditions were utilized: outdoor (O), full solar natural radiation, and indoor, inside of a greenhouse (G) where UV-B radiation was cut-off and part of the UV-A radiation was filtered. Two inorganic nitrogen and phosphate concentrations were used: High nutrients (HN; 100–200μM of NH4+ and 20μM of KHPO4) and Low nutrients (LN; 10–20μM of NH4+ and 1μM of KHPO4). Growth and biomass productivity were related to the daily integrated electron transport rate determined in situ, as an estimator of daily photosynthetic activity. Nitrogen uptake efficiency (NUE) was close to 100 % under LN, whereas under HN it ranged from 50 to 70 % in the first week of culture, decreasing to 10–15 % in the rest of the experimental period. Nitrogen uptake rate (NUR) ranged from 20 to 45 mmol N m−2 h−1 under HN, and 5 to 18 mmol N m−2 h−1 in LN treatments. Morphological and pigmentation changes were evident through the culture period. The thalli under HN were more reddish under the indoor treatments, than that in LN. The internal compounds increased throughout the experimental period. Mycosporine-like amino acids (MAAs) were accumulated under HN. N plays a photoprotective role due to both the increased photosynthesis and the MAA content. Maximal MAA productivity reached 113–253 mg MAAs m−2 d−1 under the O-HN treatment, the highest level reported until now in the bibliography. G. cornea could be used for bioremediation of high N content waters. In addition, under full solar radiation and high N availability produce high levels of bioactive compounds as MAAs, polyphenols and biliproteins for cosmeceutical applications.

Effects of Drying Conditions on the Content of Biologically Active Compounds in Winter Camelina Sativa Seeds

AbstractThe moisture content of Camelina sativa seeds has to be maintained at 7–12% during storage in order to preserve their quality. If seeds with higher moisture contents are to be stored, they first need to be dried. This study presents the effects of high‐temperature drying (at 40, 60, 80, 100, 120, and 140 °C) of C. sativa seeds on the technological usefulness (expressed as the acid value) and bioactive compound content (as polyenoic fatty acid, vitamin‐E active compounds, and phytosterols). It is shown that drying temperature significantly affects levels of bioactive compounds. Losses of phytosterols reached a maximum of 24% (for temperatures in the 80–140 °C range), while losses of tocopherols range from 2–11%, depending on cultivar. A change in the percentage composition of polyenoic acids is observed upon air drying at 100–140 °C. It is recommended not to exceed 60 °C when drying C. sativa seeds, in order to guarantee that high‐quality cold‐pressed oil with high levels of bioactive compounds is obtained.Practical application: The seeds of Camelina sativa, like other oilseeds, require appropriate storage after harvesting in order to maintain continuity of production. Maintaining the high seed quality during storage requires drying them after harvesting to a moisture content of 7–12%. Drying conditions have a significant effect on seed quality, expressed as acid number, and also affect the levels of bioactive compounds (such as polyene fatty acids, tocopherols, plastochromanol‐8, and phytosterols) in the oil. Information on optimum drying conditions will contribute to the availability of high‐quality camelina oils produced by small local manufacturers.

Bioactive Compounds and In Vitro Antioxidant Capacity of Cambuci and Uvaia: An Extensive Description of Little-Known Fruits from the Myrtaceae Family with High Consumption Potential.

Cambuci (Campomanesia phaea O. Berg Landrum) and uvaia (Eugenia pyriformis Cambess), both native Atlantic Rainforest fruits, are noteworthy for being rich in bioactive compounds and their significant antioxidant capacity. Despite the numerous known edible fruits in the world, consumption by humans is most often restricted to a few dozen of them. Such behavior occurs, among other reasons, due to the lack of knowledge about fruits not yet commercialized on a large scale. This study quantified the bioactive compound content (total phenolic compounds and ascorbic acid in cambucis and uvaias; proanthocyanidins in cambucis, and total carotenoid profile and individual carotenoids for grapes) and antioxidant capacity of the edible parts (peel and pulp) of cambuci and uvaia accessions, using three methods (ABTS•+, ROO• radical scavenging and HOCl elimination). Cambuci contained higher phenolic compound levels and displayed higher antioxidant capacity determined by the ABTS•+ and ROO• radical scavenging methods than uvaia (139 and 119 mg 100 g−1 of GAE, 10.5 and 7.73 μmol g−1 of TE; 9.17 and 5.92 μmol g−1 of TE, respectively). Vitamin C content and the antioxidant capacity determined by the HOCl elimination method were about 1.5- and 6-fold higher in uvaia compared to cambuci, with the latter being a first-time report for uvaia. Both fruits contained higher levels of bioactive compounds and antioxidant capacity than other commonly consumed fruits.

Pharmacological and In Silico Analysis of Oat Avenanthramides as EGFR Inhibitors: Effects on EGF-Induced Lung Cancer Cell Growth and Migration.

Avena sativa L. is a wholegrain cereal and an important edible crop. Oats possesses high nutritional and health promoting values and contains high levels of bioactive compounds, including a group of phenolic amides, named avenanthramides (Avns), exerting antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer activities. Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) represents one of the most known oncogenes and it is frequently up-regulated or mutated in human cancers. The oncogenic effects of EGFR include enhanced cell growth, angiogenesis, and metastasis, and down-regulation or inhibition of EGFR signaling has therapeutic benefit. Front-line EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor therapy is the standard therapy for patients with EGFR-mutated lung cancer. However, the clinical effects of EGFR inhibition may be lost after a few months of treatment due to the onset of resistance. Here, we showed the anticancer activity of Avns, focusing on EGFR activation and signaling pathway. Lung cancer cellular models have been used to evaluate the activity of Avns on tumor growth, migration, EMT, and anoikis induced by EGF. In addition, docking and molecular dynamics simulations showed that the Avns bind with high affinity to a region in the vicinity of αC-helix and the DGF motif of EGFR, jeopardizing the target biological function. Altogether, our results reveal a new pharmacological activity of Avns as EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors.

Effects of Different Edible Coatings on the Shelf Life of Fresh Black Mulberry Fruits (Morus nigra L.)

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of edible coatings based on gelatine, oils (sunflower and coconut) and beeswax on the physicochemical properties, bioactive compounds (total phenols and monomeric anthocyanin content), antioxidant capacity (DPPH and FRAP assays were used) and sensorial attributes of mulberry fruits during a period of storage (0, 2, 5 and 8 days) at 4 °C. The results showed that, in all samples treated with edible films, the degree of firmness was higher and the deterioration weaker compared to the control at day 8 of storage. Edible coatings significantly reduced the rate of deterioration, in terms of total phenolics and anthocyanins, in mulberry fruits over time, and the gelatine-coated mulberry samples (G_Mn) exhibited the best results. In terms of the antioxidant capacity of the coated mulberry, after 5 and 8 days of storage, only the G_Mn samples maintained significantly high DPPH radical scavenging and FRAP values compared to control. Coating improved the sensorial attributes of the mulberry during storage, and gelatine-coated fruits recorded the highest score, followed by layer-by-layer samples (O+W_G_Mn). All edible coatings used to cover black mulberry in this study extended the shelf life of the fruits, while maintaining high levels of bioactive compounds and, consequently, high antioxidant capacity, along with improved sensory qualities, during cold storage.

The hypolipidemic, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effect of Kavolì® aqueous extract, a mixture of Brassica oleracea leaves, in a rat model of NAFLD

Herein we characterized the bioactive metabolites of the aqueous extract of Kavolì®, a commercial product composed of a mixture of Brassica oleracea leaves, and assessed its potential ameliorating effects in a rat model of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Kavolì® extract showed high levels of bioactive compounds and strong in vitro antioxidant activities. Chlorogenic and neochlorogenic acids were identified as the most representative polyphenols. The administration of brassica extract to steatotic rats significantly ameliorated the levels of blood lipids and transaminases, and lipid content and inflammatory markers in liver. Oxidative stress parameters were significantly improved in both liver and brain of steatotic rats. Moreover, plasma and feces levels of short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) were bring back close to control values by Kavolì® treatment, in spite of high fat diet/streptozotocin (HFD/STZ)-induced alterations. The efficacy of Kavolì® in treating hypercholesterolemia, reducing the level of inflammation and cardiovascular disease biomarkers, steatosis and oxidative stress parameters, as well as the ability in modulating SCFAs levels is probably related to the bioactive compounds of the water extract administered to the rat model of NAFLD. In particular, the ameliorating effects are largely attributable to the high content in polyphenols observed in our study.

Nanoencapsulation Edible Bird Nest (collocalia sp.) Fragment by Modified Corn Starch and Maltodextrin

Edible Bird Nest Fragments (EBNF) have high levels of bioactive compounds as antioxidants. In the form of hydrolyzate nanocapsules, it will be able to increase the antioxidant activity of protecting the active compounds in the capsules and more stable. The purpose of this study were to determine the antioxidant activity of nanocapsules with the powder as core material compared to protein hydrolyzate and to determine the best encapsulant composition. This study were used two factors, including the material type and ratio coating material. The material were EBNF protein hydrolyzate and EBNF powder. The ratio of the coating materials were modified corn starch and maltodextrin (25%:75%, 50%:50%, 75%:25%). Several parameters were observed including yield, encapsulation efficiency, antioxidant activity, size and distribution of nanocapsules, and morphology of nanocapsules. The best formulation was obtained from the core material of EBNF hydrolyzate with 75% modified corn starch and 25% maltodextrin encapsulation. The best formulation has nano encapsulated characteristics with a yield of 14.07%, encapsulation efficiency of 78.17%, the antioxidant activity of 54.66%, the lowest polydispersity index value (0.69), and spherical morphology, smooth surface with slight depressions (near perfect). Further, these characteristics represent that nanocapsule EBNF hydrolysate is a promising food additive.

Highlight on drying fruit slices with better retention of bioactive compounds

AbstractIn the human diet, bioactive compounds are additional nutrients that are available through fruits. They positively influence human health with their antioxidant activity. To extend shelf life and produce value‐added products, fruits are dried. However, in the process of drying, bioactive compounds are degraded and reduced. In the modern fruit drying facilities, fruits are dried as slices which find their market as snacks and as garnishes for ice creams, yoghurts, and cookies. Hence, it is essential to adopt drying methods that aim at maximum retention of bioactive compounds. Conventional drying methods poorly retain the bioactive constituents and have higher processing time. Potential drying systems that better retain the bioactive compounds include vacuum dryer, hybrid dryer, and freeze dryer. The review focus on different pretreatments and drying methods employed for drying fruit slices with a highlight to the retention of bioactive compounds such as phenols, flavonoids, carotenoids, anthocyanins, and ascorbic acid. The review also gives an outline of the latest techniques to process dried fruit slices with high retention of bioactive compounds.Practical ApplicationsDried fruit slices are valued products from fruits that, after drying, retain a high level of bioactive compounds, fetch a reasonable price in the market. Various drying means for drying fruit slices have been discoursed in the study. Dry fruit makers can choose from various procedures and pretreatments, depending on the costs involved and the technology available. Consumers are watching for healthy snacking options which dry fruit slices can fulfill.

Effects of Soil Amendments on Metal Uptake, Antioxidant Activities and Production of Bioactive Compounds by Sunflower Sprouts

The effects of soil amendments on Cd and Zn uptake, bioactive compounds and antioxidant activities in two cultivars (Pacific 33 and Black Oil) of Helianthus annuus L. were evaluated. Dicalcium phosphate/cattle manure and leonardite/cattle manure mixed in a 1:1 w/w ratio with soil served as soil treatments. The Black Oil cultivar experienced greater metal uptake, biomass production and survival rate compared to the Pacific 33 cultivar. The increased Cd and Zn uptake (>0.2 and >99.4 mg/kg, respectively) in Black Oil cultivar exceeded the regulatory standard for vegetables. Significantly higher levels of bioactive compounds and antioxidant activities were detected in the control treatment for Pacific 33 leaves compared to Black Oil cultivar. Synergistic effects of heavy metals, amendment application and plant genotype are considered key factors in decreased levels of bioactive compounds and antioxidant activities.

New beverage based on grapes and purple-fleshed sweet potatoes: Use of non-standard tubers

Grapes and sweet potatoes are two different plant species that have distinct bioactive composition and the use of both in a non-alcoholic mixed beverage may be an interesting source of phytochemicals. Physicochemical and sensory characteristics, profile of phenolic compounds and biogenic amines of mixed juices of grapes (‘BRS Violeta’, ‘BRS Cora’ and ‘Bordô’) and purple-fleshed sweet potato (‘JNRX12’) (0, 10 and 30%) were determined. The beverage with sweet potato had high antioxidant activity attributed to the phytochemical compounds (e.g. anthocyanins, gallic acid, catechin, tryptophan, melatonin, serotonin and dopamine). Low levels of unwanted amines (histamine, tyramine, putrescine and cadaverine) were detected, showing that their consumption is safe. Purple-fleshed sweet potato had high levels of desirable amines, mainly melatonin, making the addition of sweet potato attractive for enriching beverages. The color, texture and sensory aspects were similar in whole grape juice and in mixed juices. Juices from ‘BRS Violeta’, with or without sweet potato showed high levels of bioactive compounds but were the least appreciated. The overall appearance and aroma of juices elaborated from ‘BRS Cora’ or ‘Bordô' grapes had similar acceptance, regardless of the addition of sweet potato. Beverages from ‘BRS Cora’ and 30% purple-fleshed sweet potato are the most interesting mixture due to tryptophan and melatonin contents. Mixed juices of grapes and sweet potatoes (10% and 30%) are viable options for the use of tubers outside the commercial standard, as they add interesting bioactive compounds to beverages and please the consumer.