High Polyphenol Content Research Articles

Phytochemical profiles and evaluation of the biological potential of ethyl acetate and n-butanol fractions of the aerial parts of Cistus albidus L.

The phytochemical profiles of the ethyl acetate (EAFCA) and n-butanol (BFCA) fractions of the aerial parts of Cistus albidus L., were characterised by a developed LC-ESI-MS/MS method, using 53 fingerprint phytochemicals, revealing the presence of 26 and 22 compounds, respectively with quinic acid, gallic acid, protocatechuic acid, catechin, gentisic acid, tannic acid, ellagic acid, quercitrin, astragalin as the major compounds of the EAFCA, in very higher amounts than in the BFCA. The antioxidant activity was evaluated using six methods (DPPH•, ABTS•+, GOR•, CUPRAC, FRAP and Phenanthroline). In agreement with its highest polyphenolic content (430.12 ± 1.02 µg GAE/mg of extract) and largest amounts of identified polyphenolics, the EAFCA exhibited a higher antioxidant activity than the BFCA. Additionally, the EAFCA showed the highest acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibition (IC50 of 25.1 ± 2.58 µg/mL). Moreover, both EAFCA and BFCA demonstrated high photoprotective activity, with sun protection factor (SPF) values of 36.49 and 36.52, respectively.

Evidence that ericoid mycorrhizal shrubs can outcompete ectomycorrhizal trees for nitrogen in tannin‐rich litter

AbstractMycorrhizal associations of trees play a key role in ecosystem biogeochemistry, yet we know relatively little about the nutrient acquisition strategies of ericoid mycorrhizal (ErM) shrubs, despite their prevalence in forest understories. ErM shrubs tend to produce litter with high concentrations of polyphenols, which form decay‐resistant complexes with organic nitrogen (N). Some ErM fungi appear capable of producing a diverse suite of extracellular enzymes, but it is unclear whether this enables ErM shrubs to acquire the N from their own litter, and whether this ability is greater than that of ectomycorrhizal (EcM) trees, with which they commonly co‐occur. Here, we conducted two growth chamber experiments with 15N‐enriched root and leaf litters to determine whether EcM pine and ErM vaccinium differ in litter N acquisition from these sources. Grown individually, pine and vaccinium plants acquired 1 mg or 4% of the litter N after one year. Differences between pine and vaccinium in litter N acquisition were correlated with litter chemistry, where vaccinium acquired more N from litter with a high concentration of tannins and a high C:N, while pine acquired more N from litter with a high acid‐insoluble fraction. When plants were grown in pairs, the presence of a vaccinium neighbor reduced the biomass of both species by an average of 24%, but it only reduced litter N acquisition by pine (55%), demonstrating vaccinium's ability to compete with pine for litter N. Regardless of the competitive context, vaccinium allocated a greater percentage (76%) of its acquired litter N to aboveground biomass compared with pine (47%), suggesting vaccinium is more efficient at allocating this N to photosynthesis and growth. Our finding that EcM pine and ErM vaccinium have varying abilities to acquire N from these common litters suggests a degree of niche complementarity, which may facilitate the coexistence of these plants in forest ecosystems. However, our results also suggest that, at high densities, ErM vaccinium has the potential to suppress the growth and N acquisition of EcM pine. Distinct strategies of EcM trees and ErM shrubs for acquiring and using N have the potential to shape biogeochemical cycles of many forested ecosystems.

The evaluation of antioxidant activity of cinnamon bark (Cinnamomum burmannii) nanopowder in comparison with extracts

Cinnamon bark is known for its high polyphenol content, making it a potent source of antioxidants. This potential can be further enhanced through the application of nanotechnology. This study evaluates the total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant activity derived from nanopowder and extracts of cinnamon bark from Jambi. Nanopowder is synthesized using planetary ball mill, while extraction was performed utilizing the maceration method with a 70 % ethanol solvent. The finding in this study indicates that cinnammon bark nanopowder (NP), exhibit a higher TPC value (60.14 ± 3.66 mg GAE/g dry weight) and more robust antioxidant activity (IC50 value = 34.56 ± 0.72 μg/ml) compared to extracts from nanopowder (NPE) dan micropowder (MPE). Particle size positively influences the antioxidant activity in cinnamon bark.

Sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum) leaf and seed extracts alleviate neuronal dysfunction in aluminum chloride-induced neurotoxicity in Drosophila melanogaster Meigen model

Ocimum basilicum is an important medicinal plant and culinary herb generally known as sweet basil (SB). These plants are effective radical scavengers, that have been employed in treatment of nervous system disorders, and thus, could be beneficial for the management of neurodegenerative diseases (NDs). Current clinical treatments for NDs present several side effects, therefore, there is need to develop new treatments that can mitigate these deadly diseases. Hence, this study investigated the neuroprotective activities of SB leaf and seed in aluminum chloride (AlCl3)-induced toxicity in Drosophila melanogaster. HPLC characterization of the leaves and seeds were carried out. AlCl3-diet was used to induce neurodegeneration and treated flies received SB leaf and seed extracts-supplemented diet. Survival and locomotor performance activities/levels of oxidative biomarkers [reactive oxygen species (ROS), thiobarbituric acid reactive species (TBARS), total thiol, catalase, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione-S-transferase (GST)], enzymes linked with neurodegeneration (acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and monoamine oxidase (MAO)) were investigated. SB leaf had significantly (p < 0.05) higher polyphenol contents; gallic acid and P-coumaric acid were the most abundant polyphenol in the leaf and seed respectively. Percentage survival and locomotor rates, level/activities of total thiol, catalase, SOD and GST were significantly (p < 0.05) reduced while ROS, TBARS, AChE and MAO activities were significantly (p < 0.05) increased in AlCl3-diet-fed flies. Treatment with SB leaf and seed diet lessened these observed impairments. However, SB leaf had better neuroprotective activities that could be related to the observed higher phenolic constituents. Hence, SB leaf diet may offer improved therapeutic effect in NDs.

Polifenóis e minerais na própolis de diferentes regiões agrícolas do Uruguai

El amplio espectro de origen vegetal de los propóleos los hace muy heterogéneos en cuanto a su composición química; esto condiciona su potencial uso en medicina. Dentro de los principales componentes bioactivos encontramos los polifenoles y los minerales, que se relacionan con diferentes propiedades medicinales que se les atribuyen a los propóleos. Este trabajo pretende identificar y cuantificar la presencia de 15 polifenoles y 8 minerales en una colección de propóleos georreferenciados de 14 localidades de Uruguay. Por HPLC se identificaron y cuantificaron los polifenoles en extractos etanólicos de los propóleos, mientras que los minerales fueron estudiados por espectroscopía de absorción atómica en los propóleos crudos. El ambiente vegetal se caracterizó utilizando información sobre el uso productivo del suelo. Los 3 principales polifenoles encontrados en todas las localidades fueron crisina, galangina y pinocembrina. Todos los polifenoles analizados fueron encontrados, excepto rutina, que no se detectó en ninguna muestra. En cuanto a la concentración de polifenoles, podemos dividir a Uruguay en dos regiones: suroeste con concentraciones altas de 125 g/kg, y noreste con concentraciones de 16 g/kg. Todos los minerales fueron identificados. Las variaciones entre localidades y estaciones descartan el uso de minerales para una determinación de origen geográfico. La descripción de ambiente vegetal se ajustó parcialmente con los tipos de propóleos. Las concentraciones halladas tanto de polifenoles como de minerales están dentro de los valores reportados en el mundo. Los propóleos de la región suroeste, por su alto contenido polifenólico, se deberían seguir estudiando por su potencial uso medicinal.

Phytochemical Study, FTIR and GC-MS Characterization and Evaluation of the Antioxidant Activity of Letestua durissima Extracts

The current study focused on extract content, phytochemical screening, GC-MS analysis, infrared analysis and antioxidant activity evaluation of bark, sapwood and heartwood of Letestua durissima, commonly called Kong Afane in Gabon, using DPPH and ABTS methods. The highest extract contents, reaching 37.3%, were observed in the bark. Phytochemical tests revealed the presence of alkaloids, polyphenols, sterols, terpenes, flavonoids and saponins in the extracts. The quantitative results highlighted high concentrations of polyphenols (95.56 mg GAE g−1 of dry extract in the acetone extract), condensed tannins (113.45 mg CE g−1 of dry extract in the extract toluene–ethanol) and flavonoids (20.26 mg CE g−1 of dry extract in the toluene–ethanol extract) in the bark. Regarding the evaluation of antioxidant activity, the results showed a significant capacity of the extracts to scavenge free radicals. This activity was more pronounced in the toluene–ethanol extracts, with an IC50 of 0.66 for the ABTS method and 2.39 for that of DPPH. The GC-MS identification of phenolic compounds such as hydroxybenzoic acid, protocatechuic acid, gallic acid, catechin and triterpenes could explain the high reactivity of our extracts as antioxidants.

Physicochemical and functional properties of microcapsules of papaya seed extract (Carica papaya L.) obtained by spray drying

Papaya seeds (Carica papaya L.) are usually discarded, yet they contain significant amounts of bio-components such as polyphenols, which are beneficial in the food and pharmaceutical industries. In this research, microcapsules from papaya seed extract were obtained through spray drying; the influence of the inlet temperature to the sprayer (130 °C, 140 °C, and 150 °C) and the concentration of the encapsulating agent, chitosan (0.5% and 1%), on their functional properties (polyphenols, antioxidant capacity) and physicochemical properties (moisture content, bulk density, hygroscopicity, solubility, and yield) was evaluated. The extraction of polyphenols was performed by ultrasound-assisted extraction using 50% ethanol; this extract was then concentrated under vacuum and microencapsulated. The most effective treatment was at an inlet temperature of 150 °C and a chitosan concentration of 0.5%, resulting in microcapsules with a high content of polyphenols and antioxidant capacity (97.6 Gallic Acid Equivalent – GAE/100 g dry sample and 413 mg Trolox Equivalent – TE/100 g dry sample, respectively). Under these conditions, 92.1% of the maximum antioxidant capacity was preserved in the microcapsules obtained from the papaya seed extract. The physicochemical properties were influenced by the studied factors: inlet temperature to the dryer and chitosan encapsulant concentration. These micro-encapsulated products could be a suitable alternative for applications as natural food additives with potential antioxidant activity, warranting further research.

Quantitative phytochemical, antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of the seeds of Lawsonia inermis L.

Lawsonia inermis, commonly known as Henna, is a plant that has been extensively utilized throughout the ages for its medicinal and cosmetic properties. This plant contains a variety of bioactive compounds and has attracted significant interest due to its potential antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. The aim of our study is to evaluate the antioxidant capacity and antibacterial activity of Lawsonia inermis seeds. L. inermis seed powder was extracted using hexane, dichloromethane, ethanol and water. The 4 fractions were quantified for polyphenols, flavonoids and tannins contents. The antioxidant capacity was assessed using 4 methods: 2,2?-Diphenyl- picrylhydrazyl hydrate (DPPH) , 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic) (ABTS), Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP), and Phosphomolybdate assay (PMA). Antimicrobial activity was determined by agar diffusion against Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, Enterococcus faecalis, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Candida albicans. The liquid dilution method was used to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration, minimum bactericidal concentration and minimum fungicidal concentration. The highest content of polyphenols and tannins was obtained in the ethanolic fraction, with values of 594.01±6.07 mg GAE/g dw and 242.4±1.6 mg CE/g dw respectively. The ethanolic fraction exhibited significant scavenging of free radicals (DPPH) with an IC50 of 3.06±0.01 µg/mL, lower than the IC50 of the standard quercetin (5.30±0.02 µg/mL). Moreover, the ethanolic fraction showed antimicrobial activity against S. aureus, B. cereus and E. faecalis strains, with zone of inhibition values of 15.5±0.7, 14.0±0.0 and 14.5±0.7 mm respectively. The minimum inhibitory concentration of the ethanolic fraction was found to be 1.563 mg/mL against both S. aureus and B. cereus strains, while the minimum bactericidal concentration was 3.125 mg/mL against B. cereus and 6.25 mg/mL against E. faecalis strains. L. inermis seeds exhibit significant antioxidant capacity and demonstrate antimicrobial activity. These findings indicate the potential of L. inermis seeds as a valuable source of bioactive compounds with antioxidant and antimicrobial properties.

Unraveling the Molecular Basis of Color Variation in Dioscorea alata Tubers: Integrated Transcriptome and Metabolomics Analysis.

Dioscorea alata L. (Dioscoreaceae) is a widely cultivated tuber crop with variations in tuber color, offering potential value as health-promoting foods. This study focused on the comparison of D. alata tubers possessing two distinct colors, white and purple, to explore the underlying mechanisms of color variation. Flavonoids, a group of polyphenols known to influence plant color and exhibit antioxidant properties, were of particular interest. The total phenol and total flavonoid analyses revealed that purple tubers (PTs) have a significantly higher content of these metabolites than white tubers (WTs) and a higher antioxidant activity than WTs, suggesting potential health benefits of PT D. alata. The transcriptome analysis identified 108 differentially expressed genes associated with the flavonoid synthesis pathway, with 57 genes up-regulated in PTs, including CHS, CHI, DFR, FLS, F3H, F3'5'H, LAR, ANS, and ANR. The metabolomics analysis demonstrated that 424 metabolites, including 104 flavonoids and 8 tannins, accumulated differentially in PTs and WTs. Notably, five of the top ten up-regulated metabolites were flavonoids, including 6-hydroxykaempferol-7-O-glucoside, pinocembrin-7-O-(6″-O-malonyl)glucoside, 6-hydroxykaempferol-3,7,6-O-triglycoside, 6-hydroxykaempferol-7-O-triglycoside, and cyanidin-3-O-(6″-O-feruloyl)sophoroside-5-O-glucoside, with the latter being a precursor to anthocyanin synthesis. Integrating transcriptome and metabolomics data revealed that the 57 genes regulated 20 metabolites within the flavonoid synthesis pathway, potentially influencing the tubers' color variation. The high polyphenol content and antioxidant activity of PTs indicate their suitability as nutritious and health-promoting food sources. Taken together, the findings of this study provide insights into the molecular basis of tuber color variation in D. alata and underscore the potential applications of purple tubers in the food industry and human health promotion. The findings contribute to the understanding of flavonoid biosynthesis and pigment accumulation in D. alata tubers, opening avenues for future research on enhancing the nutritional quality of D. alata cultivars.

Phœnix dactylifera, L. seed oil alleviates Bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis and oxidative stress in Wistar rats

Objective Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is the most serious form of interstitial lung disease. We aimed to investigate the effect of Phœnix dactylifera, L. seed oil (DSO) on a murine model of IPF induced by bleomycin (BLM). Methods Male Wistar rats were treated with a single intra-tracheal injection of BLM (4 mg/kg) and a daily intraperitoneal injection of DSO (75, 150 and 300 mg/kg) for 4 weeks. Results Our phytochemical results showed that DSO has an important antioxidant activity with a high content of polyphenols and flavonoids. High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) and Gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis revealed a high amount of oleic and lauric acids and a large quantity of vitamins. Histological examination showed a significant reduction in fibrosis score and collagen bands in the group of rats treated with 75 mg/kg of DSO compared to the BLM group. DSO (75 mg/kg) reversed also the increase in catalase and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels while higher doses (150 and 300 mg/kg) are ineffective against the deleterious effects of BLM. We revealed also that DSO has no renal or hepatic cytotoxic effects. Conclusion DSO can play antioxidant and antifibrotic effects on rat models of pulmonary fibrosis at the lowest dose administered.

Exploring a Sustainable Process for Polyphenol Extraction from Olive Leaves.

Olive leaves are residues from pruning and harvesting and are considered an environmental management problems. Interestingly, these residues contain high polyphenol concentrations, which can be used to treat chronic diseases. However, these compounds are a technological challenge due to their thermolability and reactivity during extraction. Thus, this study assessed the use of pressurized liquid extraction (PLE) with green solvents like water-ethanol and water-glycerol mixtures (0-15%) at 50 °C and 70 °C to yield polyphenol-rich antioxidant extracts with reduced glucose and fructose content. The use of 30% ethanol at 70°C presented the highest polyphenol content (15.29 mg gallic acid equivalent/g dry weight) and antioxidant capacity, which was expressed as IC50 (half maximal inhibitory concentration): 5.49 mg/mL and oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC): 1259 μmol Trolox equivalent/g dry weight, as well as lower sugar content (glucose: 3.75 mg/g dry weight, fructose: 5.68 mg/g dry weight) compared to water-glycerol mixtures. Interestingly, ethanol exhibits a higher degree of effectiveness in recovering flavanols, stilbenes and secoiridoids, while glycerol improves the extraction of phenolic acids and flavonols. Therefore, to enhance the efficiency of polyphenol recovery during the PLE process, it is necessary to consider its solvent composition and chemical structure.

The Identification of Polyphenolic Compounds and the Determination of Antioxidant Activity in Extracts and Infusions of Peppermint, Lemon Balm and Lavender

Bioactive compounds are molecules that may have therapeutic potential with influence on oxidative stress, pro-inflammatory state and metabolic disorders. Herbs are recognized as a significant source of natural antioxidants. The aim of this study was to determine the antioxidant properties of peppermint (Mentha piperita L.), lemon balm (Melissa officinalis L.) and lavender (Lavandula angustifolia Mill.). Fresh plant materials were harvested and obtained from the Experimental Station of Agriculture University in Kraków, Poland. Proximate analysis (protein, fat, ash and dry matter) was performed on herbs. Total polyphenol content and polyphenol profile antioxidant activity (ABTS and FRAP methods) were measured in an extract prepared with deionized distilled hot water (infusion), 70% methanol or 70% methanol acidified with formic acid. It was found that the water extract of peppermint had the highest polyphenol content and antioxidant activity measured by the FRAP method. The highest antioxidant activity measured with the ABTS method was in methanolic lemon balm extract. The highest amount of total phenolic compound was determined in the water extract of peppermint. The water and acidified methanol extract of peppermint contained a higher amount of naringin, rutin, hesperidin and rosmarinic acid. Evaluated plants can be used as natural antioxidants instead of synthetic antioxidants in the food and pharmaceutical industries.

Kiwifruit Peel Extract Improves the Alterations in Lipid Metabolism in High-fat Diet-fed Model Rats.

Previous studies have demonstrated that the kiwifruit peel, which is usually discarded by consumers and factories, has the highest polyphenol content among all parts of the kiwifruit. To maximize the utilization of these waste resources, the aim of this study was to examine the regulatory effects of polyphenols extracted from kiwifruit peel (KPE) on lipid metabolism and investigate their underlying mechanisms. Thirty-two male Sprague‒Dawley rats were divided into four groups: those fed a normal diet, those fed a high-fat (HF) diet, and those fed a HF diet with a low dose of KPE solution (50 mg/kg) or a high dose of KPE (100 mg/kg) by gavage. The findings of the study revealed that KPE effectively reduced body weight gain and the increases in triglycerides and total cholesterol in serum induced by the HF diet (HFD). Additionally, KPE supplementation led to a significant decrease in hepatic fat accumulation, potentially by increasing hepatic oxidation abilities. Hepatic lipidomics demonstrated that KPE influenced various metabolic pathways, including linoleic acid metabolism, steroid biosynthesis, and the biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acids in HFD-induced rats, which were associated with the downregulation of FATP2, ACC, FAS, GPAT, DGTA1, DGTA2, and PPARγ expression as well as the upregulation of AMPK, PGC-1α, CPT-1, and PPARα expression. These findings suggest that KPE has considerable regulatory effects in rats with dyslipidaemia, which may provide supporting information for the reuse of kiwifruit peel.

Nutritional properties of raw and cooked Azolla caroliniana Willd., an aquatic wild edible plant.

Azolla caroliniana Willd. is an understudied wild edible plant native to the Eastern United States. Other species of Azolla have been used across the world for several thousand years as a livestock feed and as "green manure." The use of Azolla for human consumption is thought to be limited by its high total polyphenolic content (TPC). However, the TPC and nutritional content of A. caroliniana has not been thoroughly studied. We measured TPC and other nutrients before and after cooking methods designed to lower TPC. We found that TPC was 4.26 g gallic acid equivalent (GAE) kg-1 DW in raw A. caroliniana. All cooking methods significantly lowered TPC. Protein content was 19% DW, and the apparent protein digestibility was 78.45%. Our yield was 173 g FW m-2 day-1 and 5.53 g DW m-2 day-1. Azolla caroliniana is a high-yielding plant with great potential for cultivation and domestication.

Whole Flour of Purple Maize as a Functional Ingredient of Gluten-Free Bread: Effect of In Vitro Digestion on Starch and Bioaccessibility of Bioactive Compounds.

The growing demand for gluten-free products requires the study of alternatives to produce nutritionally and technologically favorable foods. The aim was to evaluate the content and antioxidant capacity of gluten-free bread enriched with whole flour of purple maize (PM) and how starch and bioaccessibility of antioxidant compounds were modified during in vitro digestion. Gluten-free bread was prepared with the addition of 34%, 50%, and 70% PM, and white maize bread served as control. The content of total polyphenols, anthocyanins, and antioxidant capacity through FRAP and TEAC was measured. Specific volume, crumb texture, and starch digestibility were determined in the breads. Simultaneously, in vitro digestion and dialysis by membrane were performed to evaluate the bioaccessible and potentially bioavailable fraction. Bread with 34% PM had a similar specific volume and crumb texture to the control, but higher content of polyphenols (52.91 mg AG/100 g), anthocyanins (23.13 mg c3-GE/100 g), and antioxidant capacity (3.55 and 5.12 µmol tr/g for FRAP and TEAC, respectively). The PM breads had a higher antioxidant content and capacity and higher slowly digestible and resistant starch than the control. These parameters increased as the PM proportion rose. After digestion, anthocyanins were degraded, polyphenols and antioxidant capacity decreased, but they remained potentially bioavailable, although to a lesser extent. Bread with 34% shows acceptable technological parameters, lower starch digestibility, and contribution of bioactive compounds with antioxidant capacity. This indicates that purple maize flour represents a potential ingredient to produce gluten-free bread with an improved nutritional profile.

In vivo oral toxicity and antioxidant capacity of Nothofagus antarctica (G.Forst.) oerst (ñire) leaves

ABSTRACT Nothofagus antarctica (NA) is a native tree of Patagonia. Since ancient times, NA leaves were used in infusions for medical and food purposes, but there are no deep insights on its toxicity. The aim of this work was to assess the safety and antioxidant activity of NA leaves infusion. Mice were used to determine acute and subacute oral toxicity. Total polyphenols, flavonoids and the antioxidant activity of the infusion were assessed, as well as the antioxidant activity in biological samples. Toxicity tests revealed no death or signs of toxicity. No significant differences in biochemical parameters/histological structure were registered. NA infusion exhibited a high content of polyphenols and flavonoids, contributing to its remarkably antioxidant activity. The periodic administration of NA infusion could increase the antioxidant capacity in mice at intestinal level. The results support the safe of consuming NA leaves infusion and suggest their contribution for modulating the intestinal oxidative stress.

The effects of dark chocolate on cognitive performance during cognitively demanding tasks: A randomized, single-blinded, crossover, dose-comparison study

Dark chocolate, rich in polyphenols, increases cerebral blood flow and improves cognitive function. This study aimed to determine whether the consumption of chocolate with a high concentration of polyphenols helps to maintain cognitive performance during cognitively demanding tasks. In this randomized, single-blinded, crossover, dose-comparison study, 18 middle-aged adults consumed two types of chocolate (25 g each), one with a high concentration (635.0 mg) and the other with a low concentration (211.7 mg) of cacao polyphenols, and performed a cognitive task requiring response inhibition and selective attention over two time periods (15–30 min and 40–55 min after consumption, respectively). Autonomic nerve function and subjective feelings, such as fatigue and concentration, were measured before food intake and after the second task to assess the participant's state. The results showed that the average reaction time between the first and second sessions was not significantly different for either high- or low-concentration chocolate consumption. However, the percentage of correct responses was similar in the first (96.7 %) and second (96.8 %) sessions for high-concentration chocolate consumption and significantly lower for low-concentration chocolate consumption in the second (96.4 %) session than in the first session (97.3 %). Autonomic nerve function showed a significant increase in sympathetic nerve activity after the second task with high-concentration chocolate consumption, while subjective feelings showed an increase in mental fatigue for both chocolate types but a significant decrease in concentration only after the second task with low-concentration chocolate consumption. These findings suggest that dark chocolate consumption contributes to the maintenance of performance and concentration in continuous and demanding cognitive tasks.

Physiological and biochemical in vivo study of polyphenols and 20-hydroxyecdisone from quinoa grains effect on resistance to physical exercise in Wistar rats

Increasing the ability of the human body to adapt to physical stress is relevant from the standpoint of using foods for special uses containing functional food ingredients (FFI) with effectiveness proven in vivo. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of FFI from Chenopodium quinoa grains with a high content of polyphenols and phytoecdysteroids on the physical endurance of male Wistar rats. Material and methods. The experiment was carried out during 36 days using 50 weaned male Wistar rats. The animals were randomly divided into 3 groups (n=12): Control, Run and Run-FFI. Rats of the Control and Run groups received a standard semisynthetic diet during the experiment. Rats of the Run-FFI group received a semi-synthetic diet with the addition of FFI in an amount of 0.055±0.003%, containing phytoecdysteroids (50.4±0.6 mg/g) and polyphenols (212.0±2.0 mg/g). During the experiment, the rats were assessed for their neuromotor function (grip strength of front paws), memory, and behavioral reactions in the "Elevated Plus Maze" (EPM), "Conditioned Passive Avoidance Reflex" (CPAR) and "Open Field" (OF) tests. Once a week, animals from the Run and Run-FFI groups were subjected to moderate physical load on a "Treadmill". On the 36th day of the experiment, the animals of these groups were subjected to exhausting physical load. Immediately after running, the animals were placed in metabolic cages to collect daily urine. At the end of the experiment, the content of corticosterone, the activity of catalase, indicators of protein, lipid and mineral metabolism, indexes of the liver functional state and antioxidant defense system parameters were analyzed in the blood serum; the level of prostaglandin E2 and dopamine were determined in daily urine. Results. Physiological tests (CRAR, OF) showed that weekly exercise increased anxiety in laboratory animals. The FFI introduction into the diet led to normalization of the assessed parameters (EPM). As a result of 36-day consumption of FFI against the background of physical loads, a significant decrease by 22% in the main stress marker, corticosterone, was revealed in the blood of rats, as well as significant increase by 23% in the stress inhibitor - prostaglandin E2 urinary excretion, compared with animals of the Run group to the level not differed from the indicators of the control animals. There were no differences in endurance performance between the Run and Run-FFI groups on the results of the exhaustive exercise. Consumption of FFI prevented the formation of excess ammonia, significantly reducing the level of urea in the blood and normalizing its excretion to control levels in the urine, which was increased in the Run group by 19%. Conclusion. The results obtained demonstrated the adaptogenic properties of the developed FFI in response to stress caused by weekly moderate and acute exhaustive physical activity. The obtained data on the biological effect of the developed FPI on the adaptive potential of laboratory animals will serve as an experimental basis for its inclusion in the composition of specialized foods.

Influence of the genotype on the polyphenolic composition and antioxidant activity of some berry fruits

The objective of this study was to analyze the content of vitamin C, total phenols, total anthocyanins, flavan-3-ols and antioxidant activity in fruits of five berry fruit species: blackcurrant variety ?Rosenthal?, white mulberry local ecotype, black chokeberry variety ?Viking?, blackberry variety ?Thornfree? and pomegranate autochthonous variety ?Karamustafa?. Determination of vitamin C was performed by classical analytical method. Total phenols, total anthocyanins, flavan-3-ols and antioxidant activity were analysed by spectrophotometric methods. The obtained results from the analysis for berry fruits showed high antioxidant activity, over 70% and high content of polyphenols. According to the genotype, black chokeberry had the highest content of total phenols (23.9 mg g-1 FW (fresh weight), anthocyanins (6.1 mg g-1 FW) and flavan-3-ols (2.8 mg g-1 FW). Blackcurrant had highest content of vitamin C (216.0 mg 100 g-1 FW) and antioxidant activity (86.2% inhibition). A positive correlation was found among all the studied fruit species. A strong positive correlation of vitamin C with antioxidant activity was determined, as well as between total phenols and total anthocyanins, i.e. flavan-3-ols. A weak negative correlation was only observed for catechin in relation to vitamin C, inhibitory antioxidant activity and vitamin C antioxidant activity.

New and Advanced Methods in Detection of Fruit Juice Adulteration: Focusing on Nano‐Biosensor

One of the most popular products made from fruit is juice, which is consumed as a snack by people of all ages due to its high content of polyphenols and vitamins. Therefore, the prevalence of adulteration in juices is very high, and ensuring the authenticity and quality of juices is a major concern for those responsible for monitoring food safety for the public. The most common frauds in fruit juices include adding water, sugar, organic acids, and other juices clouding agents and exceeding the permitted amount of sulfites. Having knowledge of the types of fraud in fruit juices and their detection methods is essential for developing more efficient detection methods. Chromatographic techniques, such as high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and gas chromatography (GC), are commonly used to determine the purity of fruit juices. Among the new methods for detecting counterfeit fruit juice, the development of bio‐nanosensors is particularly notable. These sensors reduce sample volume, analytical time, costs, and solvent consumption and will be discussed further in this study. Therefore, this review will explain the basic analytical approaches and chemometric tools used to assess the authenticity of fruit juice and identify any adulteration in the juice.