Highest Total Antioxidant Activity Research Articles

Spent Coffee Grounds’ Valorization towards the Recovery of Caffeine and Chlorogenic Acid: A Response Surface Methodology Approach

The amount of spent coffee grounds (SCGs) created, represents an environmental challenge worldwide. In this context, the aim of the present study was to exploit the potential of SCGs as a source of bioactive compounds that can be utilized in high value-added products. Thus, a cost-effective and environmentally friendly extraction technique was developed to ensure extracts with high total phenolic content and antioxidant activity, as well as significant amounts of caffeine and chlorogenic acid. Response surface methodology was implemented to evaluate the effects of the main extraction parameters (i.e., time, temperature, and ethanol-to-water ratio) and their interactions on the defined responses. The ethanol ratio was found to be the most significant variable. Then, a set of optimum values was determined (i.e., 7 min, 75 °C, and ethanol:water ratio 5:95), where the predicted values for responses were found to be 5.65% for the yield (Y1), 152.68 mg gallic acid equivalents per L for total phenolic content (Y2), 0.797 μmol Trolox equivalent per mL for the antioxidant activity (Y3), 30.5 ppm for caffeine concentration (Y4), and 17.4 ppm for chlorogenic acid concentration (Y5). Furthermore, the corresponding high experimental values from the validation experiment fitted well to these predictions, clearly clarifying the high potential of SCG extracts for use in high value-added applications.

Cytotoxicity of Sarcosphaera crassa and Tricholoma terreum extracts on colon cancer cell line (HT-29) in conjunction with their antioxidant properties

ABSTRACT The purpose of this study was to investigate and compare the antioxidant and cytotoxic activities of Sarcosphaera crassa and Tricholoma terreum extracts. Phenolic compounds analysis of both mushroom extracts has been carried out by HPLC. Antioxidant activities of the extracts were tested by using in vitro assays. The cytotoxicity of extracts on HT-29 cell line were determined by the WST assay. The total phenolic and total flavonoid contents of T. terreum extracts were higher than those S. crassa. Also, we detected that T. terreum extracts had higher total antioxidant activity and scavenging ability on DPPH radicals than S. crassa extracts. However, the T. terreum methanol extracts showed 27% cytotoxic effect in HT-29 cell line whereas the ethanolic extracts of S. crassa showed cytotoxicity 45%. These results indicate that both mushroom extracts have considerable cytotoxic and antioxidant properties and may be utilized as a promising source of therapeutics.

Fruit composition profile of pepper, tomato and eggplant varieties grown under uniform conditions

The study of the diversity within and between major Solanaceae crops (pepper, tomato, eggplant) is of interest for the selection and development of balanced diets. We have measured thirty-six major fruit composition traits, encompassing sugars, organic acids, antioxidants and minerals, in a set of 10 accessions per crop for pepper, tomato and eggplant, grown under the same cultivation conditions. The aim was to evaluate the diversity within species and to provide an accurate comparison of fruit composition among species by reducing to a minimum the environmental effect. Pepper, tomato and eggplant had a clearly distinct composition profile. Pepper showed the highest average content in total sugars and organic acids. Fructose and glucose were the major sugar compounds in the three species, although in pepper and tomato sucrose was present only in trace amounts. Citric acid was the major organic acid in pepper and tomato, while in eggplant it was malic acid. Pepper and eggplant had the highest total antioxidant activity. Vitamin C content was much higher in pepper than in tomato and eggplant, while eggplant accumulated high concentrations of chlorogenic acid. Furthermore, eggplant was the species with higher content in most minerals, particularly for K, Mg and Cu, while pepper was the richest in Fe. Due to their complementary nutritional profiles, a combined regular consumption of the three vegetables would supply more than 20% of the Dietary Reference Intake of several of the analysed phytochemicals. The large diversity within each species is of interest for selecting varieties with better nutritional and organoleptic profiles, as well as for breeding new cultivars.

Effect of treatment and drying method (Solar and convective) on physico-chemical quality of dried moringa leaves

Moringa is one of the promising crop high nutritional and therapeutic values. While drying of moringa leaves, there is significant loss in physical, chemical and nutritional composition of leaves. So, the present study was conducted to investigate the effect of different treatment and drying method (solar and convective) on physico-chemical quality of moringa leaves. Moringa leaves that were sorted, washed and surface dried were considered non-treated whereas leaves that were blanched at 7.5 min after sorting were considered treated. The following samples were dried in three dryers viz., PAU advanced domestic solar dryer, PAU domestic solar dryer and convective tray dryer. Samples that were treated had better physico-chemical quality than untreated sample. Similarly, samples dried in PAU advanced domestic solar dryer had better quality retention i.e. had low moisture content, low colour change, higher protein content, higher ascorbic acid and higher total antioxidant activity.

Comparative assessment of antioxidant activity and biochemical composition of four seaweeds, Rocky Bay of Abu Qir in Alexandria, Egypt

The current study estimated the antioxidant activity and biochemical composition of four seaweeds; Toania atomaria (Phaeophyta), Padina pavonia (Phaeophyta), Jania rubens (Rhodophyta) and Corallina elongate (Rhodophyta). The highest total antioxidant activity was observed with ethanol extract of T. atomaria (44.6 ± 1.6 mg ascorbic acid equivalents/g crude extract). Among the four seaweeds, ethanol extract of T. atomaria has recorded the highest value in ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay (32.3 ± 0.0 mg ascorbic acid equivalents/g crude extract). The uppermost level of carbohydrates was (20.4% ± 0.4 and 19.5% ± 0.7 dry wt.) in P. pavonia and T. atomaria. Proteins were maximum (10.5% ± 0.6 and 8.0% ± 0.0 dry wt.) in P. pavonia and T. atomaria. The results detected that T. atomaria had the largest amounts of lipids (5.92% ± 0.09 dry wt.). The polyunsaturated ω6 essential fatty acids were recorded in T.atomaria, P. pavonia, and J. rubens (11.39%, 8.09%, and 6.28%), and ω3 essential fatty acids were recorded in T. atomaria and P. pavonia (0.65% and 0.97%). The seaweeds are interesting candidates for medicinal, pharmaceutical, and nutritional applications owing to their antioxidant activities, biochemical composition; they are not widespread in the coastal waters of Egypt and has few studies, especially T. atomaria.

Extracts from red Araçá (Psidium cattleianum) fruits: Extraction process, modelling and assessment of the bioactivity potentialities

Extractions of red Araçá were carried out using supercritical CO2, hydrodistillation and petroleum ether. Second-order kinetic model was able to correlate the experimental data. The best extraction yield (2.86 wt%) was obtained at 60 °C and 25.0 MPa. The essential oil had the highest total antioxidant activity (TAA) (8.10 gα-tocopherol gextract−1), but the lowest reducing power as measured by the Folin–Ciocalteau test and lowest activity in the DPPH test. All scCO2 extracts and essential oil showed inhibitory effects on S. aureus and L. monocytogenes. The major compounds in scCO2 extracts were caryophyllene, selina-3,7(11)-diene and e-nerolidol, while for the essential oil were caryophyllene, eucalyptol and selina-3,7(11)-diene. Statistical correlations were found between monoterpenes in the essential oil and activity against Gram-negative strains and TAA. In contrast, the higher yield for scCO2 extraction increased the reducing capacity and antiradical activity which were strongly correlated with the amounts of the main sesquiterpenes.

Red grape skin extract and oat \u03b2-glucan in shortbread cookies: technological and nutritional evaluation

Consumers are increasingly interested in innovative products enriched with nutrients that counteract the development of civilisation-associated diseases. Thus, the development of new functional nutrient-enriched food products that meet consumer needs is therefore necessary. The aims of this study were to develop a novel shortbread cookie product by addition of red grape skin extract and oat β-glucan and to evaluate the influence of these modifications on physico‐chemical properties and consumer’s acceptance. The red grape skin extract used in this product is a source of polyphenols which are beneficial for human health and extend product shelf life. β-glucan is a soluble fraction of dietary fibre that helps to lower reduce blood cholesterol and glycemic levels. The influence of grape skin extract, β-glucan and a combination of both on the β-glucan content, colour and texture parameters, thermal properties, total antioxidant activity, total phenolic content, volatile compounds profile and sensory properties of shortbread cookies was analysed. Product with modified formulations had higher total antioxidant activity, total phenolic content and were was more thermally stable than control samples. The obtained innovative functional products were characterized by an increased content of oat β-glucan, which is desirable from a nutritional point of view. The DSC measurements showed higher oxidative stability of cookies enriched with β-glucan and red grape skin extract. The additives caused significant changes in the colour and profile of volatile compounds of the finished final product but did not affect the sensory acceptance among consumers. The use of these additives represents a development in food technology that may be valuable in the food industry to increase the nutritional value and extend the shelf shelf-life of bakery products.

Nutritional and Biological evaluation of using Spirulina algae as anew source of protein

Spirulina platensis (SP) alga has been a common dietary substance around the world from ancient times. This study was aimed to using Spirulina as a novel protein source, especially in growth phase. Thirty six male albino rats aged six weeks were divided into six groups according to the protein source as following: The casein groups (C1, C2, and C3) contain (100, 200, and 300 g casein /kg diet) as (10%, 20% &30% casein), respectively. On the corresponding side, the spirulina clusters (SP1, SP2, and SP3) contained (157, 315 and 472 gm algal protein/kg food) respectively. It lasted 28 days. SP has high total antioxidant activity (39.2 %). SP groups recorded significant increases in feed intake, body weight gain, feed efficiency ratio and protein efficiency ratio compared with casein groups. While casein recorded significant increases in apparent digestibility, Co-efficient compared to groups of SP algae. Eating Spirulina has significantly preserved liver and kidney function. As for complete blood picture, the groups of SP3 recorded highest percentage in Hb and RBCs compared with C3 group, other than WBCs, which was lower in SP3. Significant increase in the antioxidant enzymes in liver tissues were observed in SP groups, while Malondialdehyde recorded a significant reduction in the same groups. SP treatment increased GH levels in all groups. On the other side, the results of alpha tumor necrosis factors recorded a significant decrease in groups of SP compared with the groups of casein. In conclusion, Spirulina can be used as a new protein replacement

Effects of konjac glucomannan/pomegranate peel extract composite coating on the quality and nutritional properties of fresh-cut kiwifruit and green bell pepper.

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13197-021-05006-7.

Metabolite Differences of Polyphenols in Different Litchi Cultivars (Litchi chinensis Sonn.) Based on Extensive Targeted Metabonomics.

Litchi is an important fruit cultivated in tropical and subtropical areas with high nutritious and delicious flavor and the pulp is the main part of the fruit consumed. Previous studies found that litchi had high total phenol content and antioxidant activity, but most of them focused on the identification of single or a few phenolic components with a low throughput test, and the metabolic differences of cultivars are still unknown to a some extent. In this study we used widely targeted metabolome based on ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) to analyze the polyphenol metabolites of five different genotypes of mature litchi fruit. A total of 126 polyphenol metabolites in eight categories were identified to reveal the composition and differences of polyphenol; 15 common differential metabolites and 20 specific differential metabolites to each cultivar were found for the first time. The results infer that flavonoids, flavonols, hydroxycinnamoyls and catechins are the main polyphenol metabolites of litchi pulp. Cluster analysis showed that there were three groups of polyphenols from high to low; early maturing Feizhixiao is a kind of high polyphenol content cultivars, especially in catechins, anthocyanins, flavonols, quinic acids and hydroxycinnamoyls. The polyphenols in the flesh of mature litchi are rich, and there are significant differences among cultivars; there was a level of correlation between the contents of phenolics and the maturity of litchi cultivars; the content of phenolics in early maturing litchi cultivars appeared higher than those of mid- to late-maturing cultivars. This experiment will provide significant reference information for cultivation, breeding, processing and consumption.

Antioxidant Efficacy of Selected Underutilized Fruit Species Grown in Sri Lanka

The present study was carried out to determine the vitamin C content, total phenolic content (TPC), antioxidant efficacy and total monomeric anthocyanin content (TMAC) of twenty-one underutilized fruit species grown in Sri Lanka. Approximately 5g of fruit homogenates was used to determine the vitamin C content while lyophilized aqueous extracts were used to perform in-vitro antioxidant assays. Folin-Ciocalteu’s colorimetric assay was used to determine TPC. The 2,2-diphenyl-1-pycrylehydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging, 2,2’- azinobis- 3- ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid (ABTS) total antioxidant activity and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays were used to determine antioxidant efficacy of fruit extracts, while the pH differential method was used to determine TMAC. The highest TPC (104 mg of gallic acid equivalents/g on dry weight (DW) basis), reducing power (155μmol of ferrous sulphate equivalents/g DW), and the lowest IC50 (0.0004 g of DW/mL) were recorded in Phyllanthus emblica and obtained the first rank in overall antioxidative properties among the tested fruit species. Fruits with the highest total antioxidant activity were Flacourtia indica, Morus alba, Phyllanthus emblica and Syzygium caryophyllatum. The highest TMAC was found in S. caryophyllatum (79 mg of cyanidin-3-glucoside (C3G)/g DW) and the lowest in Elaeocarpus. serratus (0.29 mg C3G/g DW). Results obtained in this study can be used as baseline data to carry out further research and formulation of food compositional tables. The underutilized fruit species tested could be used assources of natural antioxidants in nutraceuticals and in novel food product development.

Formulation of Novel Liqueurs from Juice Industry Waste: Consumer Acceptance, Phenolic Profile and Preliminary Monitoring of Antioxidant Activity and Colour Changes During Storage.

SUMMARYResearch backgroundApple juice is one of the most popular and liked beverages worldwide. Due to the increased health consciousness among consumers, beetroot and chokeberry juices have also rising consumption trends. Despite representing a considerable percentage of the processed fruit and rich source of bioactive compounds, fruit pomace, remaining after juice production, has still been underutilised. Here, the possibility of using apple, beetroot and chokeberry pomace in liqueur formulations is investigated.Experimental approachApple and chokeberry liqueurs were produced from apple and chokeberry pomace extracts, respectively. Apple/chokeberry and apple/beetroot liqueurs were obtained by combining apple pomace with chokeberry and beetroot pomace extracts in ratios 50:50 and 70:30, respectively. The sensory quality and acceptability of freshly prepared liqueurs were evaluated by experts and consumers. Sugars and phenolics were identified and quantified by high-performance anion-exchange chromatography with pulsed-amperometric detection (HPAEC-PAD) and high-performance liquid chromatography–diode array detection–tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC–DAD–MS/MS), respectively. Storability was preliminarily evaluated based on monitoring of total phenolic concentration, antioxidant activity and colour each month during 6 months of storage at 4 and 22 °C.Results and conclusionsThe expert and the consumer testing indicated that apple and chokeberry pomace could be used as raw materials without any flavour corrections while apple/beetroot pomace liqueur would require modification. High total phenolic content and antioxidant activity were found in all freshly prepared liqueurs, with chokeberry liqueur being by far superior. Among identified phenolics, ellagic acid and phlorizin were quantified as the most prominent, except in chokeberry liqueur, where phlorizin was not quantified. Despite the decrease in total phenolic concentration and antioxidant activity after 6 months, liqueurs still represented a rich source of phytochemicals. The highest phenolic compound retention and antioxidant activity maintenance were observed in chokeberry liqueur. Also, the appealing colour was retained despite the changes detected in chromatic characteristics.Novelty and scientific contributionThe possibility of apple, beetroot and chokeberry pomace restoration into the food chain by the production of liqueurs has been demonstrated for the first time. Functional and sensorial properties of newly developed liqueurs indicated that the selected pomace represents the promising raw material for liqueur production. The applied approach represents a contribution to the circular economy in juice production.

Effects of Production Region, Production Systems and Grape Type/Variety on Nutritional Quality Parameters of Table Grapes; Results from a UK Retail Survey.

Grapes contain high concentrations of secondary metabolites and antioxidants that have been linked to a reduction of several chronic diseases. Here, we report results of a UK retail survey, which investigated the effect of the production region (Mediterranean vs. South Africa), grape type (white vs. red vs. black) and variety, and production system (organic vs. conventional) on antioxidant activity and concentrations of phenolic compounds in table grapes. Black grapes had ~180% total antioxidant activity (TAA), ~60% higher total phenolic content (TPC) and ~40 times higher anthocyanin concentrations (TAC) than white grapes, while red grapes had intermediate levels of TAA, TPC and TAC. The effects of season and production system and differences between varieties of the same grape type were substantially smaller. Grapes imported from Mediterranean countries in summer had a 14% higher TPC and ~20% higher TAA than grapes imported from South Africa in winter, and organic grapes had a 16% higher TPC and 22% higher TAA, but ~30% lower TAC than conventional grapes. Significant differences in TPC, TAA and/or TAC between organic and conventional grapes could only be detected for specific grape types, varieties and/or sampling years.

Phenylalanine Alleviates Postharvest Chilling Injury of Plum Fruit by Modulating Antioxidant System and Enhancing the Accumulation of Phenolic Compound

SUMMARYResearch backgroundLow temperature storage causes chilling injury in plum (Prunus domestica L.) fruits. Consequently, any treatments with beneficial effects against these symptoms would achieve attention. For this purpose, phenylalanine treatments were applied on ‘Stanley’ plum fruits. The main purpose of the present study is to investigate the influence of the exogenous application of phenylalanine on fruit quality, chilling tolerance, and antioxidant capacity of ‘Stanley’ plums during cold storage.Experimental approachPhenylalanine at different concentrations was applied on ‘Stanley’ plums. Following phenylalanine application, plums were cold stored. Chilling injury, antioxidant capacity, electrolyte leakage, malondialdehyde, proline and internal contents of anthocyanin, flavonoids, phenols, ascorbic acid and some antioxidant enzymes were assessed.Results and conclusionsPhenylalanine treatment significantly alleviated chilling injury in plum fruits by enhancing antioxidant capacity and increasing the activity of phenylalanine ammonia lyase enzyme (PAL). Phenylalanine-treated fruits had higher mass fractions of ascorbic acid, anthocyanins, flavonoids and phenols, as well as a higher total antioxidant activity than the control fruits during low temperature storage. Phenylalanine at 7.5 mM was the most effective treatment in enhancing the activity of PAL, the accumulation of phenolic compounds and in reducing the severity of chilling injury. Treatments delayed mass loss and maintained fruit firmness. In addition, the application of 7.5 mM phenylalanine improved the activities of antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, catalase and ascorbate peroxidase), decreased the accumulation of hydrogen peroxide, and increased the endogenous content of proline. Moreover, phenylalanine maintained membrane integrity, manifested by a reduced electrolyte leakage and malondialdehyde accumulation.Novelty and scientific contributionIn the current study, chilling injury had a positive correlation with the activities of PAL and antioxidant enzymes. However, negative correlations were observed between the chilling injury and ascorbic acid mass fraction, and antioxidant capacity. Considering the results, phenylalanine treatment could be an encouraging approach to alleviate the severity of chilling injury and thus preserve nutritional quality of plums during low temperature storage.

Pressurized extraction of high-quality blackberry (Rubus spp. Xavante cultivar) seed oils

This study reports the extraction of oil from organic blackberry (Rubus spp. Xavante cultivar) performed using supercritical CO2 (scCO2), compressed propane, n-hexane and petroleum ether. The extractions with compressed propane showed higher extraction yield and extraction rate, when compared to those performed with scCO2. All the oils obtained represent a rich source of unsaturated fatty acid (around 93 %) composed mainly by linoleic acid. Furthermore, the extraction using scCO2 resulted an oil with high total phenolic compounds (113.49 mg GAE 100 g−1) and antioxidant activity as given by the ABTS method (2701.74 μmol TE 100 g−1). On the other hand, compressed propane showed a higher efficiency in extracting β-carotene and the oil obtained with such solvent presented a higher thermal stability (224.70 °C), rather than the oil obtained with scCO2 (198.83 °C). These results indicate a high potential of this oil for applications in food, pharmaceutical, nutraceutical and cosmetic industries.

Molecular and phytochemical characterization of F1 Streptocarpus hybrids and antioxidant potential of their flower extracts

Streptocarpus x hybridus is a very popular houseplant with colourful flowers arousing thus the interest of plant breeders. Its potential value is even higher since different chemical compounds could be identified and used for food and pharmaceutical industries. Therefore, the objectives of this study were: to determine genetic relationships between twelve F1 Streptocarpus hybrids and their genitors; to determine the total phenolic and flavonoid content; to evaluate the antioxidant activity of the analysed individuals. Although 12 out of the 24 RAPD primers detected polymorphism among the individuals, the UPGMA dendrogram did not show a very clear grouping pattern for flower colour. In contrast, the phytochemical dendrogram shed more light on the dissimilarities among Streptocarpus flowers in terms of their polyphenolic content. The total phenolic and flavonoid content of the flower extracts determined by the Folin-Ciocalteau and aluminium chloride colorimetric methods ranged from 680.02 to 2360.57 mg of GAE/100 g FW and from 12.52 to 78.36 mg QE/100 g FW. The radical scavenging activity against ABTS ranged from 27.17 to 130.35 µM Trolox/g FW. Due to its ornamental value, H12 was screened by HPLC-PDA-ESI-MS to identify and quantify the chemical compounds involved in flower colour. Among the six compounds that were identified and quantified (i.e. cyanidin-3-O-galactoside, cyanidin-3-O-xyloside, cyanidin-3-O-glucoside, cyanidin-3-O-arabinoside, peonidin-3-O-glucoside and apigenin-6-C-glucoside), isovitexin reached the highest concentration 4183 µg rutin/100 g FW. These preliminary results, showing high total polyphenolic content and ABTS antioxidant activity, suggest that Streptocarpus flowers could be a valuable source of antioxidants.

Crocus sativus L. Cultivation in Alpine Environments: Stigmas and Tepals as Source of Bioactive Compounds

Saffron is a well-known spice, produced for a long time, mainly in the Mediterranean area. In the last few years, saffron has been seen as an alternative crop for the diversification of agricultural production and a new source of income, due to its high price, including in Alpine areas. Apart from the spice, constituted by the stigmas, saffron production provides a high amount of fresh tepals, which have so far been considered agricultural waste. Recently, studies on the composition of saffron tepals have been revealing their potential as a rich source of bioactive compounds. In this study, we evaluated the productive traits and the quality of the spice of saffron cultivated in open fields in the north western Italian Alps, for 2 years. In addition, in order to valorize the crop residues, we evaluated the bioactive compound content in tepals by using maceration and ultrasound assisted extraction with different rates of water and methanol as solvents. Higher yields in spice were obtained in the second year of cultivation. However, in both years, the spice had a high quality (ISO 3632), and a very high total phenolic content and antioxidant activity. Thirteen bioactive compounds were identified, including flavonols, cinnamic acids, benzoic acids, catechins, and vitamin C, with few differences between sites and year of cultivation. In tepals, the extraction method and the solvent used influenced the evaluated parameters, i.e., total phenolics and total anthocyanins content, antioxidant activity, and the amount of the four phenolic compounds found (hyperoside, rutin, ellagic acid, and epicatechin). Overall, this study revealed that both saffron spice and its by-product, the fresh tepals, produced in the north western Italian Alps can be considered a source of bioactive compounds with nutraceutical properties, having an antioxidant capacity that is often similar or higher than those of some vegetables and fruits.

Physicochemical and Functional Properties of Active Fish Gelatin-Based Edible Films Added with Aloe Vera Gel.

Edible films based on the addition of Aloe Vera gel (AV) into fish gelatin (FG) with antimicrobial and functional properties for food packaging applications were proposed in this work. AV showed an amphiphilic nature by infrared spectroscopy, high total phenolics content (TPC), antioxidant activity and thermal stability with an initial degradation temperature of 174 ± 2 °C. Mannose and glucose were quantified as main monosaccharides whereas the linkage composition study confirmed the presence of acemannan as main active polysaccharide. Three different formulations were obtained by the casting technique and the addition of AV contents of 0, 1 and 4 wt.% to FG, showing films with 4 wt.% of AV the best performance. The addition of AV did not significantly affect mechanical and barrier properties to oxygen and water vapour. However, some structural changes were observed by infrared spectroscopy and the obtained glass transition temperature values due to intermolecular interactions that increased the hydrophilicity and solubility of the resulting FG/AV films. A higher thermal stability was observed in films with AV content increasing the initial degradation and oxidation onset temperatures. An antimicrobial activity against S. aureus was also observed for FG/AV films. The addition of AV into FG could be proposed as a potential effective material to increase the postharvest quality of packed fruits and vegetables by retarding the microbial growth and extending the shelf-life of these food products.

Novel approach for lutein extraction: Food grade microemulsion containing soy lecithin & sunflower oil

The present study conducted to develop a natural microemulsion (ME) system for lutein extraction from marigold petals powder (MPP). Using pseudo-ternary phase diagram, a monophasic ME (lecithin:1-propanol: water: sunflower oil, 50:25:5:20 w/w%) was identified. It formed nano-droplets (89 nm), reduced surfactant consumption (90%), and using a five-cycle extraction approach, the extraction capacity vastly improved (91–120% depending on MPP ratio). These findings are unique and very encouraging for the industry to extract lutein using bio-based ME rather than solvent (acetone) extraction. DPPH and ABTS assays also revealed high antioxidant activity of lecithin and lutein. Moreover, lutein microemulsion (LME) showed high DPPH radical scavenging (0.80 mmol TE/g MPP) and total antioxidant activity (14.44 mmol TE/g MPP) likely due to the synergy of lutein with lecithin. Furthermore, the developed plain ME showed Newtonian flow behavior with low viscosity (0.12 Pa·s) which was not affected after being loaded with lutein (0.13 Pa·s).

The influence of pasteurization and starter culture on methanol content and bio-profile of fermented Morinda citrifolia Linn. (Noni) fruit juice

Abstract Morinda citrifolia L., generally known as noni, is commonly used in Thai medicines and cuisine. Several bioactive phytochemicals have been isolated and identified from the noni plant, and their compositions differ based on the cultivars and harvesting period. Different types of fermented noni fruit juices (FNJ) were used as health supplement in several southeastern countries. The formation of a large amount of alcohol, especially methanol, in FNJ is one of the major hindrances to FNJ production. The current study explains the impact of starter culture (Lactobacillus plantarum SK15), pasteurization and addition of EGCG on alcohol content, bioactivity, and the physiochemical property of FNJ. The pH and sugar content of the samples were reduced during fermentation, while the organic acid content increased. The samples with EGCG obviously exhibited high total phenolic content and antioxidant activity. The level of pectin was high, and pectin methylesterase (PME) activity was low in EGCG-added samples compared with other samples. The alcohol content of the samples was under the permissible level of Thai standard; specifically, the methanol level was low in EGCG-added samples. Pasteurization and addition of starter culture did not influence any of the studied parameters. About 70% of acceptability index was observed for FNJ samples in the sensory evaluation. The study concluded that the addition of EGCG effectively reduced the alcohol content and improved the quality of FNJ. Also, further studies are required to reveal the role of starter culture in noni fruit fermentation.