Higher Total Carotenoid Content Research Articles

Carotenoids and colour diversity of traditional and emerging Tunisian orange cultivars ( Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck)

Abstract Citrus are among the most cultivated fruit crops worldwide and occupy a paramount importance in the Tunisian agricultural sector being one of the strategic products. Despite of that, little is known about the quality parameters of Tunisian sweet oranges and some cultivars have not been characterized yet. This work aims to study the coloration diversity of twenty-five Tunisian grown oranges by analyzing their total and individual carotenoids content and the relationship with CIELab color coordinates. Experimental results proved large diversity in the carotenoid composition of the studied juices. Maltaise demi-sanguine cultivar was distinguished from the rest due to its high content of ζ-carotene, lutein and total carotenoids. An unusual lycopene accumulation was detected in the juice of Meski Ahmer. The Tunisian grown Washington Navel cultivar ranked within the rich-carotenoids juices. In addition, significant negative correlations were found between lightness parameters (L*) and Hue angle (H) while they were positively related with redness attributes (a*). Furthermore, (all-E)-violaxanthin and ζ-carotene were both significantly correlated to yellow color intensity index (b*) while zeaxanthin and lutein were positively related to Chroma (C*) and (b*) indices. These findings are of interest since the carotenoids content and composition are directly related to color and citrus juice quality. The results obtained could be part in a selection program-guide of Tunisian cultivars and help to understand the physiological and biochemical bases of sweet orange coloration.

Composition, content of bioactive compounds, and antioxidant activity of fruit pulps from the Brazilian Amazon biome

Abstract: The objective of this work was to evaluate the physicochemical composition, the bioactive compounds, and the total antioxidant activity of the fruit pulps of abiu (Pouteria caimito), achachairu (Garcinia humilis), araza (Eugenia stipitata), bilimbi (Averrhoa bilimbi), and yellow mangosteen (Garcinia xanthochymus) from the Brazilian Amazon biome. Total soluble solid content, total and reducing sugar contents, titratable acidity contents, pH, ascorbic acid content, moisture, protein, lipid, ash, and caloric value were determined. The contents of total anthocyanins, yellow flavonoids, and total carotenoids, besides total phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity, were also evaluated. The abiu pulp showed the highest contents of ash, total sugars, reducing sugars, total soluble solids, calorie value, and pH, among the analyzed fruits. The achachairu pulp showed the highest content of total phenolic compounds, with significant antioxidant activity, while the araza pulp had the highest total carotenoid content, and the yellow mangosteen, the highest yellow flavonoid content. The positive correlation between antioxidant activity and total phenolic compounds suggests that these compounds are the most important for determining antioxidant activity in the evaluated fruit pulps.

Carotenoid Content and Composition in 20 Medicinal Plant Species of Traditional Malay Midwifery Postnatal Bath

Today in Malay community, midwifery traditional knowledge of herbal medicine has disappeared and extinct. The facts are Malay midwives are becoming rare and the more crucial is medicinal plants are over-harvested. The aim of this research is to identify and investigate the active pharmaceutical ingredients content in 20 selected species used in the Malay traditional bath. There is a solid need to analyse the potential of these natural bioactive compounds, particularly carotenoids to be fully utilised and commercialised especially in halal market and health advantages. Through High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis, all 20 species were found to have at least four individual carotenoid pigments with a relatively high concentration of lutein and β-carotene and lower concentrations of zeaxanthin. Strobilanthes crispus (Pecah Kaca) leaf was detected to have the highest total carotenoid content (1546.80±283.45 μg/g DW)while Psidium guajava (Jambu Batu) shoot has the lowest total carotenoid content (112.9±82.2 μg/g DW). The significant outcome of the research was a new findings of new natural bioactive compound sources as health promoting agents which covers not only the Shariah requirement, but also safety aspects. Moreover, it will preserve the traditional knowledge of Malay traditional bath practices.

Molecular analysis of the expression of a crtB transgene and the endogenous psy2-y 1 and psy2-y 2 genes of cassava and their effect on root carotenoid content.

A conventional breeding program was established to transfer the bacterial phytoene synthase transgene-crtB-from a transgenic, white-rooted cassava to yellow-rooted cassava plants carrying the endogenous phytoene synthase alleles named psy2-y 1 and/or psy2-y 2. Combining endogenous phytoene synthase enzymes (PSYs) with CRTB in a single cassava plant would allow the molecular dissection of individual allele contributions to carotenoid synthesis and/or accumulation in cassava roots. The simultaneous expression of the crtB transgene and psy2-y 2 in individuals planted in the field coincided with higher total, HPLC-quantified carotenoid content in roots, although the variability among replications (plants) precluded the detection of statistically significant differences. Nevertheless, the highest total carotenoid content in roots within a family coincided with one individual of the F1 progeny carrying both psy2-y 2 and crtB genes. The results also indicated the presence of at least one more key gene-different from psy or crtB-which too is necessary for the synthesis and/or accumulation of Pro-Vitamin A carotenoids in cassava roots.

Nutrient and antinutrient composition of improved sweet potato [Ipomea batatas (L) Lam] varieties grown in eastern Ethiopia

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to compare the nutrient and antinutrient content of two improved sweet potato varieties released for drought prone areas of eastern Ethiopia.Design/methodology/approachMatured roots of two sweet potato varieties, namely, Berkume and Adu, were collected from Haramaya University, Toni Research Farm, Ethiopia. The sweet potatoes were ground into flour following standard procedure. Thereafter, proximate, dietary minerals and β-carotene were determined by official methods of analysis. The tannin and phytate contents were determined by colorimetric methods.FindingsThe moisture, protein, fat, fiber, ash, utilizable carbohydrate and gross energy varied from 6.23-6.61 per cent, 2.07-2.76 per cent, 1.25-1.52 per cent, 1.04-1.16 per cent, 3.38- 5.32 per cent, 90.03-91.45 per cent and 382.18-388.07 Kcal/100 g in both the sweet potato varieties. Potassium content (176.17 mg/100 g) was reported to be the highest and registered in Berkume variety, while the lowest mineral content (2.18 mg/100 g) determined was zinc in Adu sweet potato variety. The highest total carotenoid content (3.39mg/100 g) was recorded in Berkume sweet potato variety. The tannin and phytic acid contents ranged from 9.98 to 12.94 mg/100 g and from 0.24 to 0.31 mg/100 g in Berkume and Adu sweet potato varieties, respectively.Originality/valueThis study showed that the Berkume sweet potato variety has high nutritional potential and less antinutrient contents as compared with the nutritional value of many other roots and tuber crops documented in the FAO database and hence can contribute to reducing malnutrition in resource-poor settings of Ethiopia. Further work needs to be carried out on developing value-added products from Berkume sweet potato variety for its extensive utilization.

Evaluation of the Composition of Bioactive Compounds and Antioxidant Activity in Fourteen Apricot Varieties of North India

Variation in the content of bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity was evaluated in fourteen apricot varieties grown in north India. In the present study, the bioactive composition of apricot varieties of north Indian Kashmir was assessed by HPLC-MS/MS and their contribution towards free radical scavenging was assessed using DPPH, FRAP and ABTS assays. Studies revealed that content of bioactive compounds in apricot varieties was found to vary significantly (p ≤ 0.05) among cultivars. Content of total phenols was significantly (p ≤ 0.05) higher in Rakausilk variety (72.5±3.12 mg/100 g GAE) followed by Viva-gold (71.2±2.11 mg/100 g GAE) and Rakhchekarpo (69.6±1.65 mg/100 g GAE). Halman apricots exhibited the highest content of total carotenoids (12.2±2.13 mg/100 g) followed by Nugget (10.5±1.11 mg/100 g). HPLC analysis of apricot samples revealed the presence of fifteen phenolic acids in Halman, Venatchaa, Rakausilk and New Castle varieties; nine phenolic acid in Rakchekarpo and Sterling apricots; twelve phenolic acids in Shakanda, Nugget, Shakarpara and CITH-1 varieties; fourteen phenolic acid in Viva gold and Turkey varieties; seven phenolic acid in Khante and nineteen phenolic acids in CITH-2 apricots. Strong correlation existed between total phenolics and antioxidant activity for DPPH assay (r = 0.91) and ABTS radical inhibition (r = 0.86) while as moderate correlation existed for FRAP (r = 0.76). For DPPH and FRAP assays; EC50 values among apricot varieties were significantly (p ≤ 0.05) lower in Rakausilk (69.2, 123.6 mg/ml) followed by Viva Gold (74.3, 129.5 mg/ml) and Rakhchekarpo (77.4, 132.4 mg/ml). For ABTS.+ inhibition the EC50 values among apricot varieties were in the order of EC50(Rakausilk) < EC50(Khante) < EC50(Viva Gold). The present study reported the first time presence of p-coumaric acid-O-hexoside, isorhamnetin-O-glucouronide, Kaempferol-3-O-acetylhexoside, quercetin-3-O-rhamnoside, sinapic acid-O- hexoside, apigenin-7-O-glucoside, vitexin and luteolin-7-O-rutinoside compounds in apricot varieties of north India.

Correlation of Total Phenolic, Flavonoid and Carotenoid Content of Sesbania sesban (L. Merr) Leaves Extract with DPPH Scavenging Activties

Antioxidants are found in many plants and can neutralize free radicals. Sesbania sesban (L.)Merr is a plant that has been used empirically by Indonesian people and its proven have many pharmacologycal activity. The objectives of this research were to study antioxidant activity Sesbania sesban leaves extract using DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) method and correlation with its total phenolic, flavonoid and carotenoid content. Extraction was performed by reflux using different polarity solvent. The extracts were vaporated using rotary evaporator. Antioxidant activity was tested using DPPH assay. Determination of total phenolic, flavonoid and carotenoid content were performed by UV-visible spectrophotometry and its correlation with inhibitory concentration 50 (IC50) DPPH scavenging activity were analyzed by Pearson’s method. Nhexane, ethyl acetate and ethanol extracts of Sesbania sesban leaves had IC50 DPPH  50 g/ml and it can be classified as very strong antioxidant. Ethanol extract of Sesbania sesban had the highest of total phenolic content (5.18 g GAE/100 g) and highest total flavonoid content (4.56 g QE/100 g), while the highest total carotenoid content (4.56 g BE/100 g) was given by n-hexane extract. Total phenolic content in Sesbania sesban leaves extracts had significant and negative correlation with their IC50 DPPH scavenging activities. Phenolic compounds in Sesbania sesban leaves extracts were contributor major in its antioxidant activities by DPPH method.

CHEMICAL AND MICROBIOLOGICAL STUDIES ON AQUEOUSEXTRACT OF MORINGA LEAVES AND ITS EFFECT ON FRUIT JUICE

The aim of this investigation is to study the effect of Moringa aqueous (MA) leaves extract addition to fresh fruit juices (pomegranate, strawberry, cantaloupe and white guava) on chemical, microbiological, physical and sensory properties. Moringa aqueous extract has high functional value for its high content of total carotenoids, vitamins; phenolic compounds and mineral show ever fruits have high sensory properties compared to moringa. Fresh fruit juices (guava - pomegranate - cantaloupe - strawberry) and MA extract were mixed in equal proportions of 1:1. Chemical and microbial properties of drinks were evaluated. Results revealed that high moisture content was for cantaloupe (89.84%),followed by pomegranate juice (87.91(%, while Moringa aqueous extract recorded the lowest value (85.01%) after the addition of aqueous extract of moringa to juice ratio of 1: 1 increased moisture of pomegranate juice + MA extract (93.34%), followed by cantaloupe + Moringa aqueous extract(92.05%), while MA extract less content of moisture (85.01%).Total Sugar in pomegranate juice (9.57%), guava (9.42%), while dry MA extract (4.95%), whereas when adding of MA extract have a ratio of 1: 1 record MA extract+ pomegranate juice (8.02%),guava juice + MA extract(7.91%), and the lowest value (4.95%) to MA extract. Minerals in juices increased after the addition of MA extract have a ratio of 1: 1 for example, calcium to pomegranate juice (20 mg / 100g), guava (17 mg / 100 g), while after the addition of MA extract, ratio of 1: 1 record pomegranate juice + MA extract (25.51 mg / 100g), guava juice + MA extract (29.05 mg / 100g), and ratio increased for potassium, magnesium, iron and Zinc. high proportion of antioxidants juice increased after adding moringa ratio of 1: 1 ratio of carotenoids of guava juice (21.74mg / 100 g), cantaloupe juice (20.20mg / 100g), strawberry juice (20.08 mg / 100 g), while adding MA extract ratio of 1: 1 ratio of carotenoids: guava juice + MA extract(25.43 mg / 100 gm ), strawberry juice + MA extract(24.12 mg / 100g). Sensory evaluation increased susceptibility to MA extract after adding juice ratio of 1: 1 MA extract(84.68%), strawberry juice + MA extract (90.5%), cantaloupe juice +MA extract (89.82%), and pomegranate juice + MA (89.43%) guava juice + MA extract (87.34%). Microbial evaluation indicated a decline in microbial count of bacteria, mould and yeast in the moringa fruit aqueous extract during storage period of 15 days in refrigerator. Conclusively, from obtained results, it can strengthen the Moringa aqueous extract with fruit juices to raise the nutritional value and as an antioxidant and antimicrobial (as a natural preservative).

Evaluation of Beetroot Juice Blends with Carrot and Apple Juice as Healthy Beverage

The consumption of beetroot juice may lower blood pressure (BP) and therefore reduce the risk of cardiovascular events. The aim of this study was to produce of beetroot juice blends with carrot and apple juice as healthy beverage and new product as a reduction in BP. Juices from beetroot (Beta vulgaris), carrot (Drocus carota), and apple (Mallus Pumilla Fam.) were optimized to a blended beverage which was pasteurized (90°C for 25 sec) and stored for 21 days in glass bottles at refrigerated temperature. Physic-chemical and sensory analysis was evaluated. Marginal changes in pH, total soluble solids, acidity, vitamin C and total carotenoids were observed. The highest content of total carotenoids in the beetroot, carrot, and apple juice blends of 50:20:30 (V/V/V) (T4) was found (55.03mgL-1) to be increased with increasing the proportion of carrot juice. Estimation of vitamin C content of the same sample at 21 day (30.40mg/100ml) showed high improvement in nutritional value of beetroot juice incorporated with carrot and apple juice. The mean nitrate and nitrite levels in the juices ranged from 0.005 to 0.002mg/L and 0.092 to 0.005 mg/L. during storage period; respectively. The mean overall acceptability scores of more than 8 for juice samples up to 30% apple juice incorporation indicated the commercial scope for manufacturing good and nutritious beetroot juice blended with carrot and apple juice, which will also be helpful in providing dietary requirement of beta carotene to the consumer. Heat pasteurization was effective for inactivating the microbial flora. However, the shelf life of juice was established within 21 days. The product is recommended for children, youth and elderly persons to be used within 21 days.

High carotenoids content can enhance resistance of selected Pinctada fucata families to high temperature stress

Carotenoids are a class of natural antioxidants widely found in aquatic, and they have significant effects on the growth, survival, and immunity of these organisms. To investigate the mechanisms of carotenoids in high temperature resistance, we observed the immune response of selected pearl oyster Pinctada fucata (Akoya pearl oyster) families with different carotenoids contents to high temperature stress. The results indicated that the survival rate (SR) of P. fucata decreased significantly with increase in temperature from 26 °C to 34 °C and with the decrease of total carotenoids content (TCC); when the TCC was higher, the SR tended to be higher. TCC and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) decreased significantly at 30 °C with increasing stress time. Correlation analysis indicated that TAC was positively and linearly correlated with TCC, and SR was S-type correlated with TCC and TAC. Immune analysis indicated that levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and malondialdehyde (MDA) in selected families (with higher TCC) under temperature stress (at 30 °C) were generally significantly lower than in the control group (with lowest TCC) and from 0 to 96 h, the levels of each of these substances varied significantly. Levels of SOD, CAT, and MDA within each family first rose from 0 to 3 h, then decreased to their lowest point after 24 h, and then rose again to their highest levels at 96 h. When TCC was higher, the levels of SOD, CAT, and MDA tended to be lower. These findings indicated that carotenoids play an important role in improving survival rates of P. fucata under high temperature stress by enhancing animals' antioxidant system, and could serve as an index for breeding stress-resistant lines in selective breeding practices.

Hydroethanolic extracts from different genotypes of açaí (Euterpe oleracea) presented antioxidant potential and protected human neuron-like cells (SH-SY5Y)

Fruit breeding programs have resulted in bioactive compounds increase and health effects. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the antioxidant activity and neuroprotective effects of the hydroethanolic extracts from six açaí (Euterpe oleracea) genotypes using ABTS, deoxyribose, and glutathione oxidation assays, as well as, SH-SY5Y cells insulted with H2O2. L22P13 genotype showed the highest total content of anthocyanins, while L06P13 showed a high content of total carotenoids. However, the genotypes showed no difference in the antioxidant activity by ABTS and deoxyribose assays. The hydroethanolic extracts from different genotypes of açaí showed a protective effect (13-62%) on SH-SY5Y cells insulted by H2O2 at a concentration of 50μg/mL by DCFH-DA assay. Except L04P16, no genotypes showed cytotoxicity in the SRB assay. These results indicate that açaí genotypes have antioxidant effect against reactive species generated in SH-SY5Y cells, suggesting a neuroprotective effect of the hydroethanolic extracts from these fruits.

Genotypic variation in carotenoid, ascorbic acid, total phenolic, and flavonoid contents, and antioxidant activity in selected tomato breeding lines

Genotypic diversity of antioxidants is important for the development of tomato cultivars with high antioxidant contents. The contents and antioxidant activities of major antioxidant phytochemicals (carotenoids, ascorbic acid, total phenolics, and flavonoids) of 119 cherry and non-cherry tomato genotypes (16 commercial cultivars and 103 germplasm lines) were analyzed. Antioxidant activity was evaluated using FRAP, ABTS, and DPPH assays. Significant genotypic differences were observed in the content and antioxidant activity of all of the studied antioxidant phytochemicals. Relatively higher genotypic variation was found in carotenoid, ascorbic acid, and flavonoid content than in total phenolic content and antioxidant activities. Most variation in total carotenoid content of tomato fruits was caused by lycopene, followed by s-carotene and lutein. One cherry tomato line, TG-110, and 3 non-cherry tomato germplasm lines, IT237605, IT237703, and IT237706, had much higher lycopene contents (> 1930 mg·kg -1), and thus higher total carotenoid contents, than did the other lines. The highest ascorbic acid and total flavonoid contents were found in TG-106 (388 mg·kg -1) and TC-053 (2353.0 mg·kg -1), respectively. Two cherry tomato lines, TC-019 and TC-053, and 3 non-cherry tomato lines, TG-107, TG-112, and TG-113, had significantly higher total phenolic contents and antioxidant activities than did the commercial cultivars. The genotypes selected on the basis of their phytochemical content could be used to develop new tomato cultivars with high antioxidant contents and activities.

Isolation and Characterization of Two Cyanobacterial Strains Calothrix Sp. and Microchaete Sp. from Rice Fields of Karimganj District, Assam, North East India

Studies on various nitrogen fixing microalgal strains found in the rice paddy field soils are carried out in different parts of the world. In the present study two cyanobacterial strains belonging to the order nostocales, Calothrix sp. and Microchaete sp. were isolated from the rice fields of Karimganj district, South Assam, India and characterized based on their morphological, biochemical and molecular analysis. For the phenotypic characterization - growth, pigments (chlorophyll a, total carotenoid content, phycobiliproteins) and biochemical properties (total carbohydrate and soluble proteins) were studied. The study showed that both strains contain lower phycoerythrin content as compared to the other pigments. The Microchaete strain contain a higher total carotenoid content while chlorophyll a accumulation was higher in the Calothrix strain. Phylogenetic compairision was made using 16S rRNA gene sequences including other sequences of Calothrix, Microchaete and Tolypothrix species from GenBank. The results showed that polyphasic approach provides necessary information for the identification of cyanobacterial species using morphological analysis in combination with molecular techniques.

Sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L.) growing in conditions of southern Slovak republic

The sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L.) belongs to very important crops from aspect of its world production. It is grown in large areas in Asia, on the contrary, sweet potato production in Europe presents minimal part of its total world rate. The sweet potato is less-known crop, grown only on small area in home gardens in Slovak Republic. Tubers of sweet potato are characterized by anti-diabetic, anti-oxidant and anti-proliferative properties due to the presence of valuable health-promoting components, such as carotenoids or vitamin C. The main objective of study was testing of sweet potato growing in conditions of southern Slovak Republic with focus on quantity and quality of its yield. The field trial was realised on land of the Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra in 2015. Within trial, effect of cultivar and mulching on the selected quantitative (average tuber weight; yield per plant; yield in t.ha-1) and qualitative (total carotenoids; vitamin C) parameters were tested. One certified cultivar of sweet potato 'Beauregard' was used as a comparative cultivar. Other two cultivars were marked according to the market place at which were purchased and sequentially used for seedling preparation. Tubers of first un-known cultivar were purchased in the Serbian market (marked as 'Serbian'). Tubers of next sweet potato cultivar were purchased on the market in Zagreb (marked as 'Zagrebian'). Outplating of sweet potato seedlings were realised on the 19th May 2015. The sweet potato was grown by hillock system. Each cultivar was planted in two variants (rows): non-mulching (bare soil) and mulching by black non-woven textile. All variants were divided to three replications with 6 plants. Difference between rows was 1.20 m and seedlings were planted in distance of 0.30 m in row. The harvested tubers were classified in two size classes: >150 g (marketable yield) and <150 g (non-marketable yield). Total carotenoid content was determined spectrophotometrically. The vitamin C content was measured chromatographically (HPLC). The highest values of average tuber weight, yield per plant and total yield (t.ha-1) were found in cultivar 'Serbian'. Statistical analysis showed statistically significant difference in all yield quantitative parameters of cultivar 'Serbian' against cultivars 'Beauregard' and 'Zagrebian'. The highest content of total carotenoids was determined in cultivar 'Serbian' (99.52 mg.kg-1 fresh weight) with orange-creme flesh color, followed by cultivar 'Beauregard' (94.78 mg.kg-1) with orange flesh color and cultivar 'Zagrebian' (28.79 mg.kg-1) with yellow-creme flesh color. Differences among all cultivars were showed as statistically significant. The highest vitamin C content was detected in tubers of cultivar 'Serbian' (155.70 mg.kg-1), followed by cultivar 'Beauregard' (154.37 mg.kg-1) and cultivar 'Zagrebian' (146.33 mg.kg-1). Statistical analysis confirmed differences among cultivars as statistically non-significant. The mulching of sweet potato plants had statistically significant impact to all quantitative and qualitative characteristics of sweet potato. The application of black non-woven textile resulted in increase of average tuber weight, tuber yield and vitamin C content in sweet potato tubers. On the contrary, higher total carotenoid content was found in non-mulching variant compared to the variant with mulching.

Pressurized liquid extraction of Neochloris oleoabundans for the recovery of bioactive carotenoids with anti-proliferative activity against human colon cancer cells

In recent years, the green microalgae Neochloris oleoabundans have demonstrated to be an interesting natural source of carotenoids that could be used as potential food additive. In this work, different N. oleoabundans extracts obtained by pressurized liquid extraction (PLE) have been analyzed in depth to evaluate the influence of different culture conditions (effect of nitrogen, light intensity or carbon supplied) not only on the total carotenoid content but also on the carotenoid composition produced by these microalgae. Regardless of the cultivation conditions, lutein and carotenoid monoesters were the most abundant carotenoids representing more than 60% of the total content in all extracts. Afterwards, the effect of the different N. oleoabundans extracts and the dose-effect of the most potent algae extracts (namely, N9, PS and CO2 (−)) on the proliferation of human colon cancer cells lines (HT-29 and SW480) and a cell line established from a primary colon cancer cell culture (HGUE-C-1) were evaluated by an MTT assay whereas a stepwise multiple regression analysis was performed to get additional evidences on the relationship between carotenoid content and the antiproliferative activity. Results revealed that, as a general trend, those extracts with high total carotenoid content showed comparably antiproliferative activity being possible to establish a high correlation between the cell proliferation values and the carotenoid constituents. Monoesters showed the highest contribution to cell proliferation inhibition whereas lutein and violaxanthin showed negative correlation and diesters and zeaxanthin showed a positive significant contribution to cell proliferation.

Identification and Quantification of Carotenoids in Various Phenotypic Sorghum Accessions

Sorghum is a staple crop consumed in some regions of Africa and Asia, where vitamin A deficiency is prevalent. The objective of this study was to identify and quantify the carotenoids by LC‐MS in the diversity of phenotypic sorghum accessions. Totally, five carotenoids (α‐carotene, β‐carotene, lutein, zeaxanthin, and β‐crypoxanthin) were identified. Top three carotenoids (lutein, zeaxanthin and β‐carotene) accounted for more than half of the total carotenoids were quantitated. A high content of total carotenoids was detected in the sorghum accessions with yellow endosperm (PI533943, PI655996, PI656096, PI656010), but high β‐carotene content was found in the accessions with brown or yellow pericarp (PI656010, PI655996, PI656096). PI656010 possessed the highest content of both carotenoids and β‐carotene up to 43.7 and 18.6 ng/g dry weight, respectively. No carotenoids were detectable in the accessions with white/red pericarp or white endosperm (PI656112, PI297104). Developing an association of phenotypic diversity of sorghum varieties with carotenoid profile may contribute to a healthy benefit in vitamin A deficiency prevention.Support or Funding InformationSupported by USDA Cooperative KS511‐1001903

Influence of Extraction Solvents on Cosmos caudatus Leaf Antioxidant Properties

Cosmos caudatus is commonly used as a medicinal plant in tropical countries. C. caudatus leaf extracts were obtained using five different extraction solvents, namely 100 % methanol, 100 % ethanol, 95 % ethanol, 50 % ethanol, and 100 % water. Mechanically liberated C. caudatus leaf juice was also used for comparison. The total carotenoid content, total phenolic content, total flavonoid content, DPPH, ABTS, FRAP and β-carotene bleaching assays of the extracts were determined spectrophotometrically, while ascorbic acid content was quantified using HPLC. Among all the CC leaf extracts, water extracts exhibited the highest total phenolic content (10,513 mg GAE/100 g fresh sample), total flavonoid content (1654.7 mg/100 g fresh sample), and ascorbic acid content (153.7 mg/100 g fresh sample). While the 100 % methanol and 50 % ethanol extracts of C. caudatus leaves demonstrated the highest antioxidant activities as assessed using DPPH, ABTS and FRAP. The highest total carotenoid content was observed in the methanol extract of C. caudatus leaves. C. caudatus leaf juice contained the lowest ascorbic acid, TPC, TFC and antioxidant activities. Overall, using different types of extraction solvents had significant effects on the antioxidant properties of the extracts. 50 % ethanol was subsequently recommended as the most efficient solvent to extract antioxidant compounds from C. caudatus leaf.

Determination of antioxidant, total phenolic, total carotenoid, lycopene, ascorbic acid, and sugar contents of Citrus species and mandarin hybrids

This study aimed to determine the antioxidant capacity; the total phenolic, total carotenoid, sugar, and ascorbic acid contents; and some pomological characteristics of Citrus species (Citrus reticulata, Citrus sinensis, and Citrus paradisi) and mandarin (Citrus reticulata) and their new hybrids developed for yield at the Alata Horticultural Research Institute in Mersin, Turkey. With respect to antioxidant capacities, the highest value (45.28 µmol TE/100 g) was determined in Cocktail (Citrus paradisi) cultivar fruits among all examined cultivars and hybrids. We found that 7-19 (Clementine x Kara) mandarin hybrids had the highest total phenolic content (386.81 mg gallic acid equivalent/g) and the highest total carotenoid content (39.03 mg/kg). Considering the sugar contents of mandarin fruits, sucrose was identified to be the predominant sugar and the highest value (8.80 g/100 g) was identified in the Clementine cultivar. It was determined that the Citrus species and mandarin hybrids had lycopene contents ranging from 6.52 to 1.68 mg/kg. Overall, this study provides supporting evidence for the superiority of Cocktail fruit as an excellent source of antioxidant capacities.

Pulsed electric field improves the bioprotective capacity of purées for different coloured carrot cultivars against H2O2-induced oxidative damage

This research aimed to study the effect of pulsed electric field (PEF) processing on the bioprotective capacity of carrot purée for White Belgian, Yellow Solar, Nantes, Nutri Red and Purple Haze cultivars against H2O2-induced oxidative damage. The bioprotective capacity was determined using cell viability, membrane integrity and nitric oxide (NO) production in a human Caco-2 cell culture assay. Total carotenoids, total anthocyanins, total vitamin C and total phenolics were also evaluated. Compared to the untreated purée, Purple Haze and Nutri Red processed at 303kJ/kg completely increased Caco-2 cells resistance towards oxidative damage by recovering the cell viability and inhibiting NO production. For cultivar with low carotenoid levels, i.e. Yellow Solar, the application of 0.8kV/cm resulted in a higher total carotenoid content in the purée than its untreated counterpart, leading to an improved bioprotective effect. This study clearly shows that PEF could add value to carrots by maximising bioprotective effects.

Bioactive compounds and antioxidant capacity of buriti (Mauritia flexuosa L.f.) from the Cerrado and Amazon biomes

Pulp of buriti palms (Mauritia flexuosa L.f.) from two Brazilian regions had their phenolic and carotenoid contents and antioxidant capacity evaluated through different methods (ABTS, DPPH, FRAP and ORAC). Buriti pulp from the Cerrado presented higher phenolic levels (435.08mg AGE100g−1) and elevated antioxidant capacity in all tests. The fruits from the Amazon region had a higher total carotenoid content (52.86mg100g−1). Carotenoid profile has confirmed β-carotene predominance in both regions studied. The buritis’ region of origin influenced bioactive compound contents and antioxidant capacity of the fruits analyzed. A significant positive correlation (r⩽0.95; p<0.05) was observed between total phenolics and antioxidant capacity through the different methods applied. Results showed promising prospects for the future exploitation of buriti fruits as a potential source of carotenoids and natural antioxidants.