Higher Levels Of Total Phenolics Research Articles

Six Algerian plants: Phenolic profile, antioxidant, antimicrobial activities associated with different simulated gastrointestinal digestion phases and antiproliferative properties

IntroductionMediterranean countries, including Algeria, have medicinal plants used in folk medicine, such as Artemisia campestris L., Artemisia herba-alba Asso, Juniperus phoenicea L., Juniperus oxycedrus L., Mentha pulegium L., and Lavandula angustifolia Mill. It is noteworthy that the bioaccessibility of their polyphenolic ingredients have not been critically evaluated before. MethodsThe bioactive properties of the aqueous extracts of Artemisia campestris L., Artemisia herba-alba Asso, Juniperus phoenicea L., Juniperus oxycedrus L., Mentha pulegium L., and Lavandula angustifolia Mill. were investigated. They were subjected to a simulated gastrointestinal digestion to evaluate the antioxidant, antimicrobial activities and total polyphenol contents. Their antiproliferative activities against three human cancer cell lines (MCF-7, T47D, and Caco-2) were also performed using the aqueous extracts. The phenolic profile was also studied by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to ultraviolet spectrometry detector (RP-HPLC-UV). ResultsThe results indicated that bioaccessibility of total phenolic compounds after the post-gastric, intestinal, and colon phases was in the ranges of 4.34–11.57 %, 0–0.55 %, and 3.92–9.24 %, respectively when compared with their aqueous extracts. Intestinal and colon phase samples collected from intestinal digestion of six plant extracts did not have any antioxidant activity. Juniperus spp. extracts had the highest antiproliferative activity compared to the results obtained from other tested species. ConclusionsThe high antioxidant and cytotoxic activities of Juniperus samples may be attributed to the higher levels of total phenols, as well as the catechins, rutin and caffeic acid, whilst M. pulegium extract with the lowest phenolic content and lower amounts of these metabolites, having p-coumaric acid as a predominant phenolic compound, was shown to be less effective as an antioxidant and anticancer agent.

Non-Polar Fraction Constituents, Phenolic Acids, Flavonoids and Antioxidant Activity in Fruits from Florina Apple Variety Grown under Different Agriculture Management

Abstract The effect of agricultural management on non-polar compounds, phenolic acids, flavonoids and antioxidant properties in apple fruit of Florina variety was studied. Antioxidant activity was evaluated using four assays (DPPH, ABTS, FRAP and CUPRAC), based on different mechanisms. The current research demonstrated that organically grown apple fruits yielded significantly higher levels of total phenolics, unsaturated fatty acids and antioxidant activity than apples from the conventional conditions. Seven representatives of phenolic acids (gallic, p-coumaric, chlorogenic, vanillic, caffeic, syringic and salicylic) and four flavonoids (quercetin, rutin, catechin and epicatechin) were found in fruits. Chlorogenic, vanillic, salicylic, caffeic acids and catechin were dominated in apples grown in organic orchards. Epicatechin, gallic and syringic acids were in the highest content in conventionally grown sward apples. The highest correlation (r2>0.99) was found between total polyphenols and antioxidant activity by three methods (DPPH, ABTS and FRAP methods). As a result of the organically grown conditions, the quality of the fruits of the Florina apple variety is improved based on the accumulation of bioactive compounds with antioxidant activity. Moreover, thirty-nine volatile components (saturated and unsaturated fatty acids, fatty alcohols, phytosterols and triterpenes) were detected in non-polar apple fraction. Palmitoleic, palmitelaidic, oleic, elaidic, (13E)-octadecenoic, (13Z)-octadecenoic, (11Z)-eicosenoic and (13Z)-eicosenoic, linoleic acid and linolenic acid and ursolic and oleanolic acid acetates dominated in organic apple orchards. Therefore, organic apple provided more phenolic acids, unsaturated fatty acids, ursolic and oleanolic acid acetates and catechin for healthy human nutrition. Keywords: Apples, Antioxidants, Anthocyanins, Organical And Conventional Growing Conditions, Polyphenolic and non-polar compounds

The Effect of Sodium Nitroprusside Treatment on Storage Ability of Fresh-Cut Potato.

Quality deterioration is a major problem restricting the fresh-cut potato industry. The present study investigated the effect of sodium nitroprusside (SNP) treatment on the quality of fresh-cut potatoes during short-term storage. The treatment was carried out immediately either before or after cutting, using an SNP concentration of 200 μmol/L. The results showed that SNP treatment inhibited the accumulation of malondialdehyde (MDA) and total soluble solids (TSSs). SNP treatment also decreased the firmness, chewing properties, and ascorbic acid (AsA) content in potatoes, maintaining high levels of total phenols (TPs), total flavonoids (TFs), nitric oxide (NO), and superoxide dismutase (SOD). Furthermore, SNP treatment restrained the rise of phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL), peroxidase (POD), and polyphenol oxidase (PPO), as well as the electrolyte leakage (EL) rate. After SNP treatment, the nitrite content in the potatoes was within security scope. Comparing potatoes treated before and after cutting, the best result was noted in the potatoes soaked in SNP before cutting, which displayed the smallest losses in firmness (11.24%), chewing properties (34.30%), and AsA (40.35%), and maximum increases in TPs (32.84%), TFs (2.83-time), NO (76.11%), and SOD activity (93.15%). Moreover, this group presented the minimum MDA content, EL rate, and TSS values and the lowest PAL, POD, and PPO activities. These results indicated that 200 μmol/L SNP applied for 20 min, particularly before cutting, is an efficient alternative technology that can be used in the fresh-cut potato industry.

Hortaliças e seus subprodutos: teor de compostos fenólicos totais, flavonoides totais e capacidade antioxidante

ABSTRACT There is an underutilization of bioactive compounds, given the losses and daily waste of vegetables throughout the entire production chain. Accordingly, the objective of this study was to quantify the content of phenolic compounds and antioxidant capacity in different parts of vegetables. Analyzes were performed on five vegetables (zucchini, eggplant, broccoli, green cabbage and green beans) from conventional cultivation. The levels of total phenolics, total flavonoids, and antioxidant capacity were obtained by spectrophotometric methods. Except broccoli, the analyzed by-products had levels of bioactive compounds and antioxidant capacity equal to or greater than the traditional parts of vegetable. Broccoli florets stood out with the highest levels of total phenolics (141.22 mg GAE/100 g), total flavonoids (137.38 mg CE/100 g) and antioxidant capacity (588.3 µmol TEAC/100 g). In contrast, the lowest levels were observed in zucchini pulp (25.44 mg GAE/100 g; 13.03 mg CE/100 g; 69.78 µmol TEAC/100 g). Therefore, the importance of full consumption of vegetables is reiterated. By-products can also be used to enrich preparations.

Hidroméis com méis brasileiros de diferentes origens botânicas

Abstract The objective of this work was to evaluate the quality of meads prepared with multifloral honey, unifloral orange blossom honey, and a mixture of both. To prepare the meads, multifloral honey and orange blossom honey from Southern and Southeastern Brazil, respectively, were used. The physicochemical properties, total phenolic content, and antioxidant capacity of the meads were determined. The phenolic compounds were identified by mass spectrometry, and sensory tests were carried out. Multifloral honey showed higher levels of ash content, reducing sugars, and total phenolic compounds than orange blossom honey. The multifloral and mixed meads presented the highest levels of total phenolics, total polyphenol index, and antioxidant capacity. The orange blossom mead showed the highest scores in the sensory analysis for color, aroma, flavor, and global acceptance. The phenolic compounds identified in the meads were the chlorogenic, protocatechuic, syringic, and p-coumaric acids, as well as naringenin and quercetin. The physicochemical, functional, and sensory characteristics of the meads are affected by the honey used in their preparation.

Phytochemical Profile, Antioxidant Activity, Anti-Hyperglycemic Effect and Toxicity Assessment of Ridolfia segetum (L.) Moris Extract.

The present work was designed to study the chemical composition, antioxidant, antihyperglycemic effect, and toxicity assessment of Ridolfia segetum (L.) Moris extract. The chemical composition was studied by use of high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Antioxidant power was tested by use of DPPH and FRAP assays. The antihyperglycemic effect was tested by use of a glucose tolerance test, while toxicity assessment was done in vivo by use of Wistar rats for 14 days. Analysis of the extract by HPLC-UV revealed the presence of gallic acid, catechol, vanillic acid, catechin, tannic acid, rosmarinic acid, naringenin, and coumarin acid. The crude hydroethanolic extract possessed high levels of total phenols (15.6 ± 1.76 mg EAG/g), condensed tannins (383.49 mg ECat/g DM), and flavonoid (11.63 mg EQ/g). The findings showed that the studied extract possessed good antioxidant power with IC50 values equal to 550, 650, 700 µg/mL respectively for the decoction, the ethyl acetate fraction (F2M), and the ethyl acetate fraction (F2E). For the antioxidant activity by FRAP, the aqueous fraction (F3E) and the aqueous extract (F4) showed CE50 values of 0.33 mg/mL and 0.4 mg/mL, respectively. Glucose tolerance test analysis showed that R. segetum (L.) Moris decoction had a significant postprandial antihyperglycemic effect in normal Wistar rats. The results of the acute toxicity test showed that the decoction was not toxic even at 2 g/Kg. Pancreatic α-amylase activity was significantly inhibited in the presence of R. segetum (L.) Moris extract (IC50 = 0.133 ± 0.09 mg/mL). The outcome of the present work showed that R. segetum (L.) Moris is very rich in phenolic compounds with potent antioxidant and antihyperglycemic effects.

Antiproliferative, antioxidant and antiplasmodial activities of the root bark of Adenodolichos paniculatus (Hua) Hutch (Fabaceae)

Adenodolichos paniculatus Hua & Hutch (Fabaceae) is a plant whose roots are traditionally employed for the treatment of non-communicable diseases such as diabetes and cancer. The powdered root bark of Adenodolichos paniculatus were extracted with dichloromethane followed by 70% methanol to afford dichloromethane (DCM) and hydromethanolic (HME) extracts respectively. Thereafter, fresh powdered root was extracted with water via decoction method and lyophilized to afford aqueous extract (AQE). The extracts were then subjected to standard phytochemical studies, antiproliferative (A2780 ovarian cancer cell assay), antiplasmodial (Dd2 strain of Plasmodium falciparum), antioxidant (DPPH, FRAP and ABTS methods) and brine shrimp lethality assay studies. The DCM extract was found to possess high levels of total phenolics and flavonoids with notable potential antiproliferative (IC50 = 0.14 μg/ml), antiplasmodial (IC50 = 7.50 μg/ml) and cytotoxic (brine shrimp, IC50 = 0.547 μg/ml) activities. However, HME had significant antioxidant (DPPH, IC50 = 17.54 ± 0.03 μg/ml; ABTS, IC50 = 8.08 ± 0.05 μg/ml). Both HME and AQE were found to be inactive against the drug-resistant Dd2 strain of Plasmodium falciparum with an IC50 value ˃100μg/mL. The study revealed the potential of Adenodolichos paniculatus as a promising antiproliferative agent and also corroborated the ethnomedical uses of the plant.

Synergistic Effect of Supercritical and Ultrasound-Assisted Ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) Extracts.

Proper processing of natural material is crucial to obtain an extract with high content of biologically active components. Dried, grinded ginger roots were extracted by ultrasonic method and supercritical extraction with CO2. The aim of the study was to determine if a mixture of the two types of extracts attained by different methods and solvents exhibits better bioavailability than each extract itself. Therefore, both extracts were analytically evaluated and then mixed in a ratio of 1:1. The supercritical extract (SCG extract) and the mixed extract (mixG extract) had high antioxidant activity (78% and 73%) and total phenols (827 mg/g ext. and 1455 mg/g ext.), which is also consistent with the levels of gingerol (303 mg/g ext. and 271 g/g ext.) and shogaol (111 mg/g ext. and 100 g/g ext.) in the extracts. In comparison to both pure extracts higher levels of total phenols were found in the extract mixG. This could be the reason for the significant inhibition of melanoma cells and antimicrobial potential (against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Candida albicans). The combination of the extracts resulted in a significant increase in the inhibition of selected microbial and melanoma cells WM-266-4 compared to the control. Cell viability decreased below 60% when mixG extract was applied. Antimicrobial activity has been confirmed.

Phytochemical Screening and Antioxidant potential of Plagiochasma appendiculatum Lehm. & Lindenb. and Sphagnum fimbriatum Wilson

In recent time bryophytes are gaining attention in terms of their unique phytochemistry. They can generate a wide range of bioactive phytochemicals. Though many of the bryophytes have been evaluated for this aspect yet majority of them are unexplored regarding their phytochemistry and bioactive potential. Hence, in present attempt 2 commonly growing species of bryophytes, viz., Plagiochasma appendiculatum (thalloid liverwort) and Sphagnum fimbriatum (moss) were evaluated for their phytochemical profiling using Folin-Ciocalteau and aluminium colorimetric methods. While antioxidant activity of selected species was evaluated by DPPH and NOSA. It was found that these species have higher levels of total phenols and flavonoids and have good antioxidant potential. Further, to check their possible role as antimicrobial agents, the plant extracts were tested against selected fungal and bacterial strains. The results suggested that these 2 bryophyte species have substantial antifungal and antibacterial activities. Based on this study, these plants appear as a good contender to evaluate further for future herbal formulations.

Evaluation of the Chemical Composition, Bioactive Substance, Gas Production, and Rumen Fermentation Parameters of Four Types of Distiller's Grains.

Distiller’s grain is rich in natural active ingredients and can be used as an excellent antioxidant feed for goats. The current study aimed to assess the feeding value of four different types of distiller’s grains with an in vitro gas production trial. The chemical composition, total phenols, total anthocyanins, dry matter degradability, methane, hydrogen, and rumen fermentation parameters were evaluated. The results indicated that red distiller’s grain and glutinous rice distiller’s grain had higher (p < 0.05) levels of crude protein than the other two types. There were significantly (p < 0.05) higher concentrations of dry matter, ether extract, hemicellulose, and total carbohydrate in corn distiller’s grain than in the other three types of distiller’s grain. In addition, red distiller’s grain showed a higher (p < 0.05) gas production rate constant (c) and ruminal outflow rate, as well as higher (p < 0.05) concentrations of total phenol, total anthocyanins and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging activity, than the other three types of distiller’s grains. In contrast, red distiller’s grain displayed the lowest (p < 0.05) immediately soluble fraction (a) and half the time of maximum gas production relative to the other samples. In particular, the levels of methane (%) in white distiller’s grain and glutinous rice distiller’s grain were greater (p < 0.05) than that in red distiller’s grain. Moreover, the ammonia nitrogen content in red distiller’s grain was greater (p < 0.05) than that in white distiller’s grain and corn distiller’s grain. In contrast, red distiller’s grain exhibited a lower (p < 0.05) level of ruminal fluid acetic acid relative to that found in white distiller’s grain and corn distiller’s grain. Taken together, the results showed that red distiller’s grain and glutinous rice distiller’s grain could be used as protein feed, red distiller’s grain had higher levels of total phenols and total anthocyanins and a high DPPH scavenging activity; corn distiller’s grain might be considered as an alternative energy source feed, and white distiller’s grain exhibited higher total gas production.

Variability of phenolic compounds and antioxidant activities of ten Ceratonia siliqua L. provenances

In the present study, Tunisian carob (Ceratonia siliqua L.) pulp samples harvested from ten different geographic regions (Bizerte, Beja, Ariana, Ben Arous, Jendouba, Siliana, Zeghouan, Nabeul, Sousse, Kairouan) were analyzed for their bioactive phytochemical content and antioxidant activities. Total phenolics (TPC), flavonoids (TFC), condensed tannins (CT) were determined using Folin-Ciocalteau, aluminium trichloride (AlCl3) and vanillin assays, respectively. Significant variations (p < 0.05) in total polyphenols (TPC), flavonoids (TFC) and condensed tannins (CT) contents were observed between the analyzed provenances. The highest levels of TPC (23.11 mg GAE/g DR) and TFC (10.58 mg CE/g DR) were detected in Kairouan site, whereas Beja sample exhibited the higher amount of CT (3.75 mg CE/g DR). Reversed phase RP-HPLC analysis revealed that gallic acid (501.26–1628.46 mg/kg), ellagic acid (398.85–940.53 mg/kg) and isoquercetin (264.79–817.61 mg/kg) were the major phenolics in all studied extracts, with concentrations varying significantly according to the geographical origin. Using total antioxidant capacity, DPPH, ABTS and FRAP assays, carob pulp extracts were found to have substantial antioxidant activities, which were correlated to their phenolic contents. Multivariate statistical analysis (PCA) performed on phenolic profiles and antioxidant activities revealed three distinctive groups of samples. It was concluded that Ceratonia siliqua L.. pulp from lower semi-arid and upper arid regions of Tunisia presented appreciable amount of phenolic compounds and high antioxidant capacities. This resource deserves further attention mainly for its high potential in culinar, pharmaceutical and cosmetic utilisations.

When Is the Right Moment to Pick Blueberries? Variation in Agronomic and Chemical Properties of Blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum) Cultivars at Different Harvest Times.

Blueberries, which are recognized by their colored fruits and exquisite flavor and taste, are a great source of bioactive substances with potential functional properties. For the purpose of this study, the blueberry cultivars ‘Duke’, ‘Chandler’ and ‘Bluecrop’ were picked at four different times. The aim of the study was to compare the cultivars and determine the best time for picking fruits for table consumption and to produce berries that can be used as functional foods with elevated levels of bioactive compounds. According to principal component analysis (PCA), the most influential traits for distinguishing different times of harvest in the ‘Duke’ cultivar were sorbitol, glucose, sucrose, and turanose; for the cultivar ‘Chandler’, they were caffeic acid, aesculetin, and quercetin; for the ‘Bluecrop’, they were fructose, maltose, radical scavenging activity, and quercetin. Blueberry fruits aimed for table consumption were those harvested in the first two pickings of the cultivar ‘Duke’, in the first and third of the ‘Bluecrop’, and in the third picking time of the cultivar ‘Chandler’, due to the highest fruit size and very high level of sugar (mostly glucose and fructose). ‘Duke’ berries from the second and third harvest (high level of total phenolic content, radical scavenging activity, total anthocyanins, aesculin, quercetin, and isorhamnetin), ‘Chandler’ from the first and third (the highest p-hydroxybenzoic acid, aesculetin, caffeic acid, phloridzin, kaempferol, kaempferol 3-O-glucoside, quercetin 3-O-rhamnoside, rutin, and quercetin) and ‘Bluecrop’ from the third harvest (highest level of total phenolics, radical scavenging activity, quercetin, rutin, quercetin 3-O-glucoside, kaempferol, quercetin 3-O-rhamnoside, kaempferol 3-O-glucoside, and isorhamnetin) had the highest levels of health-promoting compounds.

Ultrasonic treatment decreases Lyophyllum decastes fruiting body browning and affects energy metabolism

Lyophyllum decastes is a common mushroom that is prone to browning during prolonged storage. In this study, the effects of ultrasonic treatment on metabolic gene expression, enzyme activity, and metabolic compounds related to L. decastes browning were investigated. Treatment of the fruiting body at 35 kHz and 300 W for 10 min reduced the browning index of L. decastes by 21.0 % and increased the L* value by 11.1 %. Ultrasonic treatment of the fruiting body resulted in higher levels of total phenols, flavonoids, and 9 kinds of amino acid with catalase (CAT) and peroxidase (POD) activities maintained at high levels. Higher cytochrome c oxidase (CCO), succinate dehydrogenase (SDH), phosphofructokinase (PFK), and pyruvate kinase (PK) activities may be ascribed to increased antioxidant capacity. Moreover, ultrasonication retained higher adenosine triphosphate (ATP) concentrations with an increased energy charge, while there were lower levels of adenosine diphosphate (ADP) and reduced and oxidized nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH and NAD+), respectively. Meanwhile, lower lignin contents were observed, along with retarded polyphenol oxidase (PPO) and lipoxygenase (LOX) activities. Lower PPO activity reduced the fruiting body enzymatic browning rate through decreased expression of LdPpo1, LdPpo2, and LdPpo3 during storage at 4 °C for 16 days. This activity may be used to determine the effectiveness of ultrasonication.

In vitro gastrointestinal digestion studies on total phenols, flavonoids, anti-oxidant activity and vitamin C in freeze-dried vegetable powders.

In the present research study, the impact of digestion process on the levels of total phenols, flavonoids, vitamin C as well as anti-oxidant activity in freeze dried powders of mustard greens (MG) and roselle leaves (RL) was investigated. In addition, physicochemical and functional properties of MG and RL samples also evaluated. The digestion of freeze-dried vegetable powders was achieved through in vitro digestive procedure using various enzymes. From the study, it was observed that the digestion process increased the availability of phenols in both powders, where the digested vegetable powders possessed higher levels of total phenols and flavonoids. In contrast, the levels of vitamin C and anti-oxidant activity of vegetable powders (MG & RL) was found to be decreased minimally. Our research study suggests that in vitro digestion could enhance the TPC and TFC in mustard greens and roselle leaves. Therefore, MG and RL can be considered as a functional ingredient in the development of new products with better nutritional and functional characteristics. Further, the data on the physicochemical, functional and bioactive compounds in MG and RL may be used as reference for the enhancement of quality of products developed from MG and RL.

Grumixama (Eugenia brasiliensis Lamarck) functional phytochemicals: Effect of environmental conditions and ripening process

Grumixama (Eugenia brasiliensis Lamarck) is a native fruit of the Atlantic rain forest that belongs to Myrtaceae family. It presents economic potential due to the attractive sensory attributes and bioactive compounds. This study determined physicochemical characteristics, minerals (K, Na, Ca, Mg, Mn), sugars (fructose, glucose, sucrose), total content of phenolics, proanthocyanidins, and anthocyanins, individual phenolic compounds, and antioxidant capacity at three ripening stages of grumixama from two growing locations (Florianópolis and São Ludgero, Santa Catarina state, Brazil). Of the 23 phenolic compounds quantified, gallic acid, ellagic acid, quercetin, and isoquercetrin were the major (with values up to 69.08 mg/100 g fresh weight). Fructose (up to 5.28 g/100 g fresh weight) was the main sugar, and K (up to 589.30 mg/100 g fresh weight) was the major mineral, followed by Ca, Na, and Mg (up to 149.02, 117.52, and 80.18 mg/100 g fresh weight, respectively). More mature fruits had the highest levels of total phenolics (up to 469.18 mg gallic acid equivalent/100 g fresh weight), anthocyanins (up to 518.64 mg cyanidin 3-glucoside equivalent/100 g fresh weight), and proanthocyanidins (up to 420.70 mg catechin equivalent/100 g fresh weight). The influence of growing location and ripening on nutritional and physicochemical characteristics was confirmed. There was a statistically significant interaction (p < 0.05) between both factors for almost all parameters evaluated. The results showed that grumixama fruits could contribute to the daily intake of nutritional and bioactive compounds for consumers' health.

Effects of postharvest application of 1‐methylcyclopropene on physiological disorders, crispness characteristic, and antioxidant capacity of “Concorde,” “Comice,” “Bosc,” and “Gem” pears

A complete understanding of European pears in response to 1-MCP would deliver high-quality pears with a crispy-juicy texture to consumers. 1-MCP reduced the incidences of decay, internal browning, and scald, suppressed ethylene production rate and respiration rate, and retained high flesh firmness and peel chlorophyll content in “Concorde,” “Comice,” “Bosc,” and “Gem” pears after 7 months of regular-air storage plus a 5- or 7-day ripening period. Additionally, high levels of total phenolics and flavonoids, DPPH, and ferric reducing antioxidant power were found in the 1-MCP-treated “Comice” and “Gem” pears, but not in “Concorde” or “Bosc”. 1-MCP effectively extended the storage life of “Concorde,” “Bosc,” and “Gem” pears to 5, 7, and 7 months, respectively, with high scores of crispness and juiciness. Conversely, a hard mouthfeel with fair juicy and flavor was found in the 1-MCP-treated “Comice” pears after 7 months of RA storage plus a 5-day ripening at 20°C. Novelty impact statement 1-MCP retained the sensory attributes of flavor, juiciness, and crispness with low rates of disorders in “Concorde,” “Bosc,” and “Gem” pears over the 5, 7, and 7 months of regular-air storage period, respectively. However, the hard mouthfeel with fair sensory attributes of juicy and flavor was obtained in 1-MCP-treated “Comice” pears. For consumers that prefer a ripened pear, pear industries could deliver the regular-air-stored “Concorde,” “Comice,” “Bosc,” and “Gem” pears during 1–3, 1–5, 0.5–3, and 1–5 months of storage, respectively.

EFFECTS OF SECONDARY METABOLITE PRODUCTION AND ANTIOXIDANT ENZYME RESPONSE OF SELECTED MEDICINAL PLANTS LEAF CELL CULTURES

Leaf explants of three medicinally important plants viz., Convolvulus microphyllus Seib., Peltophorum pterocarpum (DC.) Baker ex. K. Heyne and Pergularia daemia (Forsk.) Chiov. were cultured in Murashige and Skoog’s medium with different concentrations of auxins and cytokinins. Callus of each of the plant species was dried, extracted in alcohol and estimated for total levels of phenolics and flavonoids. Antioxidative enzymes such as catalase (CAT) and ascorbate peroxidase (APX), which play important role in plant defense systems, also calculated. The data reveled that with age of the callus, total levels of phenolics and flavonoids increased. Among the test extracts, 8 weeks-old callus of C. microphyllus demonstrated higher levels of total phenolics (20.36 ± 6.67 mg GAE g-1 dw), while flavonoids were higher in 8 weeks-old callus of P. daemia (23.80 ± 0.05 mg QE g-1 dw). However, ascorbate peroxidase and catalase activities decreased with the age of the callus levels of phenolics and flavonoids were found to be higher. The results indicate that, with the age of cultures generated stress leading to the production of secondary metabolites. It is known that, production of phenolics and flavonoids suppresses CAT and APX activities, critical factor for the damage of oxidative stress.

Towards medicinal tea from untapped Namibian Ganoderma: Phenolics and in vitro antioxidant activity of wild and cultivated mushrooms

Ganoderma is a genus of mushrooms that is prized in developed nations, especially those in Asia, due to its health-promoting properties, which are attributed to bioactive compounds such as phenolics. However, in developing countries, particularly in Africa, Ganoderma mushrooms are untapped and are barely identified. In this study, we identified Ganoderma species collected from different host trees in the wild in Namibia, cultivated them on one substrate and determined their water absorption and solubility indices. Total phenolics (TP), total flavonoids (TF), condensed tannins (CT) and in vitro antioxidant activity (AA) were determined in hot water infusions made from wild and cultivated Ganoderma mushrooms. Folin–Ciocalteu, aluminium chloride, vanillin-HCl, and DPPH assay methods were used to determine TP, TF, CT and AA, respectively. Wild species had 6.12–11.70% moisture, 1.91–5.32% ash, 11.55–24.40 (g of absorbed water/g of dry sample) water absorption index, 3.60–24.10% water solubility index, 18.37–44.78 (mg GAE/g of sample) TP, 0.09–1.67 (mg QE/g of sample) TF, 2.97–6.37 (mg CAE/g of sample) CT and 40.8–49.3% AA. Cultivated species had 9.64 13.45% moisture, 2.34–6.20% ash, 13.55–28.30 water absorption index, 6.40–25.35% water solubility index, 36.70–52.73 (mg GAE/g of sample) TP, 0.41–0.86 (mg QE/g of sample) TF, 11.38–15.29 (mg CAE/g of sample) CT and 53.6–63.7% AA. Infusions prepared from cultivated Ganoderma species had higher levels of TP, CT and AA, but lower levels of TF than those prepared from wild Ganoderma species, suggesting that they have potential as nutraceuticals. Significance: The identification and confirmation of highly prized Lingzhi ‘mushrooms of immortality’ in Namibia highlights the presence of this untapped resource in Africa that is potentially worth billions of dollars. The cultivation and phenolic content of this high-value medicinal mushroom have been demonstrated. Cultivation could lead to sustainable utilisation and employment creation in developing countries which suffer from unemployment rates of at least 30%.

Total Phenolic Levels, In Vitro Antioxidant Properties, and Fatty Acid Profile of Two Microalgae, Tetraselmis marina Strain IMA043 and Naviculoid Diatom Strain IMA053, Isolated from the North Adriatic Sea.

This work studied the potential biotechnological applications of a naviculoid diatom (IMA053) and a green microalga (Tetraselmis marina IMA043) isolated from the North Adriatic Sea. Water, methanol, and dichloromethane (DCM) extracts were prepared from microalgae biomass and evaluated for total phenolic content (TPC) and in vitro antioxidant properties. Biomass was profiled for fatty acid methyl esters (FAME) composition. The DCM extracts had the highest levels of total phenolics, with values of 40.58 and 86.14 mg GAE/g dry weight (DW in IMA053 and IMA043, respectively). The DCM extracts had a higher radical scavenging activity (RSA) than the water and methanol ones, especially those from IMA043, with RSAs of 99.65% toward 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid)diammonium salt (ABTS) at 10 mg/mL, and of 103.43% against 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) at 5 mg/mL. The DCM extract of IMA053 displayed relevant copper chelating properties (67.48% at 10 mg/mL), while the highest iron chelating activity was observed in the water extract of the same species (92.05% at 10 mg/mL). Both strains presented a high proportion of saturated (SFA) and monounsaturated (MUFA) fatty acids. The results suggested that these microalgae could be further explored as sources of natural antioxidants for the pharmaceutical and food industry and as feedstock for biofuel production.

Characterization of Berry Pomace Powders as Dietary Fiber-Rich Food Ingredients with Functional Properties.

This study aimed to evaluate and compare the dried pomace powder of cranberries, lingonberries, sea buckthorns, and black currants as potential food ingredients with functional properties. The composition and several physicochemical and adsorption properties associated with their functionality were investigated. Tested berry pomace powders were rich in dietary soluble fiber (4.92–12.74 g/100 g DM) and insoluble fiber (40.95–65.36 g/100 g DM). The highest level of total phenolics was observed in the black currant pomace (11.09 GAE/g DM), whereas the sea buckthorn pomace revealed the highest protein concentration (21.09 g/100 g DM). All the berry pomace powders that were tested exhibited good water-holding capacity (2.78–4.24 g/g) and swelling capacity (4.99–9.98 mL/g), and poor oil-binding capacity (1.09–1.57 g/g). The strongest hypoglycemic properties were observed for the lingonberry and black currant pomace powders. The berry pomace powders presented effective in vitro hypolipidemic properties. The cholesterol-binding capacities ranged from 21.11 to 23.13 mg/g. The black currant and cranberry pomace powders demonstrated higher sodium-cholate-binding capacity than those of the lingonberry and sea buckthorn pomace powders. This study shows promising results that the powders of tested berry pomace could be used for further application in foods.