High Levels Of Bioactive Compounds Research Articles

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.

Ultrasonic Extraction of Bioactive Compounds from Green Soybean Pods and Application in Green Soybean Milk Antioxidants Fortification.

Green soybean (Glycine max L.) pods (GSP) are agro-industrial waste from the production of frozen green soybean and milk. These pods contain natural antioxidants and various bioactive compounds that are still underutilized. Polyphenols and flavonoids in GSP were extracted by ultrasound technique and used in the antioxidant fortification of green soybean milk. The ultrasound extraction that yielded the highest total polyphenol content and antioxidant activities was 50% amplitude for 10 min. Response surface methodology was applied to analyze an optimum ultrasonic-assisted extraction (UAE) condition of these variables. The highest desirability was found to be 50% amplitude with an extraction time of 10.5 min. Under these conditions, the experimental total phenolic content, total flavonoid content, and antioxidant activity were well matched with the predicted values (R2 > 0.70). Fortification of the GSP extracts (1–3% v/v) in green soybean milk resulted in higher levels of bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity in a dose-dependent manner. Procyanidins were found to be the main polyphenols in dried GSP crude extracts, which were present at a concentration of 0.72 ± 0.01 mg/100 g. The addition of GSP extracts obtained by using an ultrasound technique to green soybean milk increased its bioactive compound content, especially procyanidins, as well as its antioxidant activity.

Effects of Salicornia-Based Skin Cream Application on Healthy Humans' Experimental Model of Pain and Itching.

Halophyte plants are salt-tolerant and are acclimated for growth in saline soils such as along coastal areas. Among the halophytes, the Salicornia species have been used as both folk medicine and functional food for many years due to their high levels of bioactive compounds with supposed anti-inflammatory and antioxidative effects. However, the properties of Salicornia bioactive extracts on pain and itching still remain unclear. In this study, 30 healthy volunteers were randomized to treatments with 10% Salicornia-based cream or placebo cream for 24 or 48 h. On day 0, and 24 or 48 h post cream application, cold/heat detection and pain thresholds, mechanical pain thresholds and sensitivity, trans-epidermal water loss, histamine- and cowhage-evoked itch, and micro-vascular reactivity (neurogenic inflammation) were assessed to evaluate the analgesic, anti-pruritogenic and vasomotor effects. Skin permeability was reduced in the Salicornia-treated area for 48 h compared with 24 h application (p-value < 0.05). After 48 h of application, a decrease in mechanical-evoked itching (hyperkinesis) compared with 24 h treatment (p-value < 0.05) and increased warm detection and heat pain thresholds (p-value < 0.05) was found. Histamine-induced neurogenic inflammation showed a significant reduction in the cream-treated areas after 48 h compared with 24 h (p-value < 0.05). The results of this study indicate the overall inhibitory effect of Salicornia on hyperkinesis (mechanically evoked itch), the analgesic effect on thermal sensation, and modulation of the skin barrier architecture. Further studies are needed for the assessment of the long-term effects.

Simultaneous extraction of carotenoids and phenolic compounds from pulps of orange and yellow peach palm fruits (Bactris gasipaes) by ultrasound-assisted extraction

Peach palm fruits (Bactris gasipaes) are native to the Amazonia and exhibit high levels of bioactive compounds, especially carotenoids and phenolic compounds. In our study, the ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) technique with different solvents [ethanol, ethyl acetate and ethanol/water (1:1, v/v)] was investigated to determine the best conditions for the simultaneous extraction of carotenoids and phenolic compounds from pulps of orange and yellow peach palm fruits to produce extracts with high bioactive compound contents. During the UAE experiments, the number of extraction and solid-liquid ratio were the variables that most affected bioactive compounds extraction (p < 0.05) and ethanol allowed the extraction of the highest carotenoid contents, while ethanol/water was the most efficient solvent to extract phenolic compounds. Through response surface methodology, ethanol/water resulted in optimal conditions at 10 extractions of 2 min each at a solid-liquid ratio of 1:12 (w/v) to extract phenolic compounds. Notwithstanding, the simultaneous extraction of carotenoids and phenolic compounds with ethanol and ethyl acetate was observed to be achieved at the same UAE conditions for both fruit varieties. Regardless the solvent, the UAE proved to be an efficient technique to carry out simultaneous extraction of high contents of carotenoids and phenolic compounds from pulps of peach palm fruits.

Antioxidative stress effects of Humulus japonicus extracts on neuronal PC12 cells

The objective of the current study was to assess the antioxidant activity of different solvents containing Humulus japonicus extract (HJE) and their antioxidant effects on neurons. H. japonicus ethanol extracts (HEEs) together with H. japonicus water extracts (HWEs) were generated via extraction of H. japonicus leaves with 30%, 50%, and 80% ethanol solutions under a hot water temperature of 121 °C. HEEs showed higher levels of bioactive compounds, such as total flavonoids and polyphenols, with stronger antioxidant activities in contrast to HWEs. HEE (80%) showed the highest content of bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity. Next, we used a H2O2-induced rat model of pheochromocytoma PC12 cells to investigate the antioxidant activity and cellular signal regulation of 80% HEEs. The results showed that HJEs resisted oxidative stress via MAPK and/or AKT-NRF2 and NF-kappa B signaling pathways and upregulated antioxidant enzymes such as SOD, catalase, HO-1, and OGG1, thereby reducing intracellular ROS levels. Further, HJE promoted neuronal survival by upregulating sirtuin 1 expression. This study provides evidence supporting the potential benefits of HJE in preventing oxidative stress in PC12 cells, suggesting its application as a promising functional food additive or therapeutic agent for the prevention and the treatment of oxidative stress-related neurodegenerative diseases.

Antioxidant dietary fiber-based bakery products: a new alternative for using plant-by-products

Agro-industrial processing activities generate by-products that are discarded at high economic and environmental costs; however, many of them still contain high levels of bioactive compounds (BCs) such as dietary fiber (DF) and phenolic compounds (PCs), which, when combined, are known as antioxidant dietary fiber (ADF). These BCs have properties that are beneficial to our health, among them anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and cardioprotective. Moreover, DF can regulate glucose and cholesterol levels. The mechanism of ADF action depends on its chemical structure and the interactions between the DF and PCs in it. Recent studies have reported the incorporation of several of these by-products on a diet through food products consumed worldwide, such as bread. This review describes the chemical characteristics of the ADF complex and the effect of its molecular interactions on sensory, nutritional and health-promoting properties of functional bakery goods.

Nutraceutical potential, quality and sensory evaluation of camu-camu pure and mixed jelly

The objective of this work was to formulate and to characterize chemically and physically different formulations of camu-camu jellies, with or without mixture of other fruits. Their sensory acceptance was evaluated by identifying the formulations with greater acceptability while maintaining their nutraceutical potential. The formulations were: camu-camu jelly, camu-camu jelly with jabuticaba, camu-camu jelly with guava, camu-camu jelly with acerola, camu-camu jelly with passion fruit and camu-camu jelly with papaya. Untrained tasters were used to assess consumer acceptability. In a second scale the purchase intention was evaluated. The following variables were also analyzed: pH, soluble solids, titratable acidity, ratio (SS/TA), ascorbic acid, total anthocyanins and flavonoids, phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity by the DPPH and FRAP methods. The results showed that camu-camu jelly without mixtures was not well accepted in the sensory test when compared to the others. The greatest preference was for mixed jams of camu-camu with guava and jabuticaba, in which they obtained greater acceptance and purchase intention. Jellies with higher levels of bioactive compounds and antioxitant activity obtained low acceptance and purchase intention, perhaps due to their high astringency.

Polyphenol contents, antioxidant activities, and anti-cancer cell proliferation properties at each stage of fruit development in intersectional hybrids between highbush blueberry and shashanbo (Vaccinium bracteatum Thunb.)

BACKGROUND: In blueberries, the total polyphenol contents, total anthocyanin contents, and antioxidant activities of fruits in blueberries and their relatives are becoming important targets for breeders. Recently, intersectional hybrids between Japanese wild species Shashanbo and highbush blueberry were produced using polyploid breeding for the first time. However, the polyphenol contents, antioxidant activities, and anti-cancer cell proliferation properties of the fruits of these intersectional hybrids have not been studied sufficiently. OBJECTIVE: The objectives of this study were to determine the anthocyanin contents, polyphenol contents, and antioxidant activities at each stage of fruit development in intersectional hybrids, and to examine the effects of the fruit extracts on anti-cancer cell proliferation properties using human promyelocytic leukemia (HL-60) cells. METHODS: Freeze-dried fruit samples of three intersectional hybrids and their parents at five developmental stages were used to evaluate their polyphenol contents, anthocyanin contents, and levels of two types of antioxidant activities (DPPH and ORAC). The anti-cancer cell proliferation properties of each extract were also evaluated according to the survival rate of HL-60 cells. RESULTS: The total polyphenol contents in fruits of the intersectional hybrids gradually decreased as the fruits grew, but the contents increased slightly at the mature stage. Meanwhile, the total anthocyanin contents increased strongly to the mature stage. In addition, the fruit extract of intersectional hybrid JM1 was found to be more effective for inhibiting the growth of HL-60 human leukemia cells in vitro. Total polyphenol content correlated highly with antioxidant activities and anti-cancer cell proliferation properties. CONCLUSIONS: We clarified that the intersectional hybrids had produced have abundant bioactive compounds, high levels of antioxidant activities, and anti-cancer cell proliferation properties. The results proved the effectiveness of the use of Japanese wild Vaccinium species for the strategic breeding of blueberries with high levels of bioactive compounds.

Effect of thermosonication on enzymatic oxidation and physicochemical properties of soursop (Annona muricata) pulp

Soursop is an exotic tropical fruit, highly perishable, presents losses around 30% in postharvest, has marked commercial importance especially for internal consumption and a maximum shelf life. The objective of the present work was to study the effect of thermosonication (TS) on some physicochemical properties and the enzymatic oxidation of soursop pulp. The thermosonication treatments used on the samples were at 40 kHz, in a temperature range between 20-60 ºC, for 25 minutes. The soluble solids, pH, vitamin C concentration, inactivation of peroxidase (POD) and polyphenoloxidase (PPO) in the soursop pulp were evaluated before and after the treatments. The results indicate a loss of vitamin C was observed in a 2.63; 13.16 and 28.95% for temperatures at 20, 40 and 60 ºC, respectively. On the other hand, a partial inactivation of the enzymes, POD, in 48.41; 69.83 and 74.24% and for PPO in 56.38; 74.47 and 81.91% was achieved at temperatures at 20, 40 and 60 ºC respectively. Finally, it was demonstrated that the US combined with heat (TS) inactivates in a large percentage the POD and PPO enzymes in the soursop pulp needing less heat, which could make it more efficient in comparison with the thermal treatments. Highlights Ultrasound combined with heat (TS) can inactivate POD and PPO enzymes in the soursop pulp, achieving considerable retention of vitamin C. Peroxidase (POD) and Polyphenoloxidase (PPO) trigger enzymatic processes affecting product natural color. Soursop is an exotic fruit with high levels of bioactive compounds, and great agro-industrial potential given its high recovery yields and excellent sensory characteristics. A vitamin C retention level of 71.05- to 86.84% was achieved in soursop pulps that have undergone thermosonification.

Intermittent microwave drying and heated air drying of fresh and isomaltulose (Palatinose) impregnated strawberry

Fresh and osmotically pretreated (using a 35% isomaltulose solution) strawberries are highly perishable. This work aimed to dry them by intermittent microwave drying (IMD) and heated air drying (HAD) and evaluate their qualitative parameters. The sample temperature was monitored during IMD, adopting a setpoint temperature of 60 °C and continuous airflow, at room temperature. The HAD was performed by exposing the samples to air at 60 °C. IMD stood out for being faster (up to 64.91%) and consuming less energy (up to 73.16%) than HAD. During IMD, the magnetron was off for most of the time (up to 74.13%). The isomaltulose impregnation reduced drying rates in both methods, increasing drying time. Dried samples showed water activity (aw) within the safe range (aw<0.6). The impregnation process was carried out to a reduced shrinkage product besides the enrichment with isomaltulose. Non-pretreated strawberries had lower aw, hardness, and total color difference, and higher levels of bioactive compounds and antioxidants, especially with the IMD method. Retentions of up to 47.46%, 70.26%, and 81.18% of anthocyanins, phenolic compounds, and antioxidant capacity were obtained by IMD, respectively, concerning fresh strawberries. Therefore, IMD was an interesting alternative for fresh and impregnated with isomaltulose strawberries drying.

Optimizing the Malaxation Conditions to Produce an Arbequina EVOO with High Content of Bioactive Compounds.

To meet the growing demand for high-quality extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO) with health-promoting properties and pleasant sensory properties, studies are needed to establish optimal production parameters. Bioactive components of EVOO, including phenolic compounds, carotenoids, chlorophylls, tocopherols, and squalene, contribute to its organoleptic properties and beneficial health effects. The aim of this study was to develop an Arbequina EVOO with high phenol content, particularly oleocanthal and oleacein, on a laboratory scale by analyzing the effects of different temperatures (20, 25, and 30 °C) and times (30 and 45 min) of malaxation. Higher temperatures decreased the levels of the phenolic compounds, secoiridoids, tocopherols, and squalene, but increased the pigments. EVOO with the highest quality was produced using malaxation parameters of 20 °C and 30 min, although oleocanthal and oleacein were higher at 30 and 25 °C, respectively. Overall, 20 °C and 30 min were the processing conditions that most favored the physiological and chemical processes that contribute to higher levels of bioactive compounds in the oil and diminished their degradation and oxidation processes.

Metabolic Profiles, Bioactive Compounds, and Antioxidant Capacity in Lentinula edodes Cultivated on Log versus Sawdust Substrates.

Lentinula edodes (shiitake) is a popular nutritious edible mushroom with a desirable aroma and flavor. Traditional cultivation of L. edodes on beds of logs has been replaced by cultivation on sawdust, but the effects of cultivation changes on L. edodes mushrooms have not been well characterized. We determined the metabolic profile, bioactive compounds, and antioxidant capacity in L. edodes grown on log or sawdust substrates. Metabolic profiles of L. edodes extracts were determined by 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and ultra-performance liquid chromatography to quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry. Principal component analysis score plots from 1H NMR analysis showed clear differences between samples. Concentrations of primary metabolites, especially amino acids, generally decreased in L. edodes grown on logs compared to sawdust. Phenolic compounds showed variations in concentration depending on the cultivation method. Bioactive compounds and their antioxidant capacity were analyzed spectrophotometrically. L. edodes cultivated on logs had high concentrations of bioactive compounds with strong antioxidant capacity compared to L. edodes cultivated on sawdust. Thus, the concentration of primary metabolites was high in L. edodes grown on sawdust, which produces a high growth rate. In contrast, log-cultivated L. edodes, which were similar to wild mushrooms, had high levels of bioactive compounds and high antioxidant capacity. This information is useful for determining optimal cultivation conditions for nutritional and medicinal uses of L. edodes mushrooms.