Highest Total Polyphenol Content Research Articles

Quality Characteristics of Sweet Potato Jelly Prepared Using the Enzymatic Saccharification Method.

In this study, jelly was prepared using saccharified sweet potatoes without sugar, and its quality characteristics were compared according to the sweet potato cultivar. Three sweet potato varieties, namely Juwhangmi (orange color), Sinjami (purple color), and Daeyumi (yellow flesh color), were used. The total free sugar and glucose contents of the hydrolysate were found to increase during the enzyme treatment. However, no differences in the moisture, total soluble solids, or textural properties were found among the sweet potato cultivars. Sinjami had high total polyphenol and flavonoid contents of 446.14 mg GAE/100 g and 243.59 mg CE/100 g, respectively, and it had the highest antioxidant activity among the cultivars. Based on the sensory evaluation, an overall preference appeared in the order of Daeyumi, Sinjami, and Juwhangmi cultivars. This result shows that jelly can be manufactured by saccharifying sweet potatoes, and it was confirmed that the characteristics of raw sweet potatoes had a great influence on the quality characteristics of the jelly. Further, the characteristics of raw sweet potatoes had a remarkable influence on the quality characteristics of the jelly.

Optimization of Phenolic Compounds Extraction and Antioxidant Activity from Inonotus hispidus Using Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction Technology.

The use of ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) of bioactive compounds has been increasing because it is a good alternative to the conventional extraction methods. UAE was used to maximize total polyphenol content (TPC), 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging capacity, and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) of the mushroom Inonotus hispidus using response surface methodology (RSM). Firstly, the effect of 40% (v/v) ethanol and 80% (v/v) methanol on the TPC, DPPH scavenging capacity, and FRAP was evaluated. The ethanolic extracts showed a significantly higher (p < 0.0001) TPC, DPPH scavenging capacity, and FRAP than the methanolic extracts. The best condition to produce an extract with the higher TPC and antioxidant activity was achieved when using 40% (v/v) ethanol, a ratio of 75 mL/g, and an extraction time of 20 min. The chromatographic profile of the extract obtained in the optimized condition revealed that hispidin is the main polyphenol present in the extracts of I. hispidus, representing, together with hispidin-like compounds, the majority of the phenolic compounds (159.56 µg/g DW out of 219.01 µg/g DW). The model allowed us to optimize the conditions to maximize the extraction of phenolic compounds with antioxidant activity from I. hispidus, demonstrating its potential as a source of antioxidant compounds, with possible industrial, pharmaceutical, and food applications.

Corn Extrudates Enriched with Health-Promoting Ingredients: Physicochemical, Nutritional, and Functional Characteristics

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of different types of powder additions on the properties of corn extrudates. The following ingredients, which are good sources of bioactive compounds, were used to substitute corn flour: legume protein sources (2% pea, 5% broccoli, and 5% lucerne), plants (15% beetroot and 15% rosehip), and condiments (2% chili, 2% turmeric, 2% paprika, and 2% basil). The total polyphenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant activity (AA) increased when the corn flour was replaced with the different types of ingredients. The highest TPC was found for rosehip followed by the beet, basil, and broccoli additions. Compared to the raw formulations, all the extrudates, except the rosehip extrudate, showed a decrease in the TPC ranging from 11 to 41%, with the smallest loss (11%) occurring for basil and the highest loss (41%) occurring for the control extrudate, respectively. The same observation was recorded for the AA. For the extrudate enriched with rosehip, the TPC and AA increased by 20% and 16%, respectively. The highest level of protein digestibility was in the corn extrudate with the pea addition followed by broccoli and lucerne. The extruded corn samples with condiment additions had a lower glycemic index than the control extrudate. This study demonstrated the potential for the production of gluten-free corn extrudates enriched with ingredients from different sources with improved nutritional properties, conferring also a natural color in the final extrudates.

Characterization of the phytochemical content, antioxidant activity and inhibition capacity against α-glucosidase of different flower parts of seven lotuses (Nelumbo)

In an era that highly emphasizes health and eating art, consumption of edible flowers, such as lotus, with pretty appearance and high nutritive quality is becoming increasingly attractive. Therefore, this study assessed the three flower parts, receptacle, stamen and petal of 7 different lotuses for their nutritional qualities, in terms of total polyphenol content (TPC), flavonol content and constituent, antioxidant activity and inhibition capacity against α-glucosidase. The results showed that the antioxidant activity of each plant part was significantly correlated with TPC. The receptacle of ‘Yijian Lian’ (Nelumbo) had the highest TPC, the highest antioxidant activity and a very high inhibition capacity against α-glucosidase. The receptacle of ‘Bianlian’ (Nelumbo) had the highest inhibition capacity against α-glucosidase. 14 flavonols were identified in all 7 lotus flowers. The American lotus contained the highest flavonol levels in any of the three flower parts compared to the others. Our characterization of these different lotuses provides valuable insights and resources which may accelerate the development of food or medicine from lotus flowers.

Antioxidant activity, analgesic activity, and phytochemical analysis of Ammi majus (L.) extracts

Ammi majus (L.) is commonly used to cure many diseases in Moroccan folk medicine, especially vitiligo. This research tries to evaluate the phytochemical constituents of two aqueous extracts (E1; Maceration; 48 h) and (E2: Infusion; 1h) and three organic fractions (F1: Cyclohexane), (F2: Ethyl acetate (EtOAc)) and (F3: Ethanolic (EtOH)) of A. majus (L.) seeds, as well as to study the antioxidant and analgesic activity of the species. Phytochemical analysis, antioxidant activity (DPPH, FRAP, ABTS, and TAC tests), and analgesic activity (writhing and tail immersion were induced by Acetic acid tests) were analyzed according to the literature. A quantitative phytochemical study indicate that the E1 had the highest content of total polyphenols (26.95 ± 0.53 mg GAE/g extract) and flavonoids (37.92 ± 0.46 mg QE/g extract), while F3 showed a promising flavonol content (24.26±0.08 mg QE/g extract). Tannins were found to be high in F1 (59.27 ± 0.16 mg CE/g extract) and F2 (57.65 ± 1.18 mg CE/g extract). Antioxidant results reveals that DPPH (IC50 = 179.68 ± 0.47 μg/mL) and FRAP (EC50 = 367.03 ± 0.12 μg/mL) show to E1 a high antioxidant activity. Regarding the analgesic activity of the different studied extracts, it was found that E1 has a high peripheral analgesic effect with 62.32 % and a high central analgesic potential throughout the experimentation at 500 mg/kg. Our studies demonstrated for the first time that A. majus seeds extracts have high antioxidant and analgesic activities through different analysis techniques.

Assessment of Bioactive Profile of Sorghum Brans under the Effect of Growing Conditions and Nitrogen Fertilization

Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench is an increasingly important crop grown in many countries as a food source due to its excellent nutritional value, drought and pest resistance, and gluten-free properties. In this study, the bioactive profiles and antioxidant potentials of brans of six sorghum varieties were evaluated using spectrophotometric methods. The effects of weather and environmental conditions and different nitrogen nutrition were also evaluated. The bran of red varieties contained a higher amount of polyphenols and tannins and exhibited higher antioxidant capacities than the bran of white varieties, with the exception of one red genotype. The highest total polyphenol contents were measured in samples from two red varieties (Zádor, Alföldi1) with 1084.52 ± 57.92 mg 100 g−1 GAE and 1802.51 ± 121.13 mg 100 g−1 GAE values, respectively, while condensed tannin content varied between 0.50 mg g−1 and 47.79 mg g−1 in sorghum brans. Red varieties showed higher antioxidant activities/capacities with 70–281 µmol TE g−1 and 71–145 µmol TE g−1 for DPPH and TEAC. Correlation analysis showed a strong interaction between DPPH, TEAC, and the amounts of polyphenols and tannins, but not with FRAP values. In conclusion, red-colored varieties are a good source of polyphenols, but seed color alone is not enough to determine the nutritional value of a genotype, and the environmental conditions greatly affect the bioactive profile of sorghum.

Evaluation of the Chemical Composition of Selected Varieties of L. caerulea var. kamtschatica and L. caerulea var. emphyllocalyx.

Lonicera caerulea fruits are a rich source of vitamins, organic acids, and phenolic compounds, which are characterised by their health-promoting properties. The content of bioactive compounds in this fruit may vary depending on the cultivar and the harvest date. The fruits of the L. caerulea var. kamtschatica cultivars 'Duet' and 'Aurora' and the L. caerulea var. emphyllocalyx cultivars 'Lori', 'Colin' and 'Willa' were used in this study. L. emphyllocalyx fruit, especially the cultivar 'Willa', was characterised as having a higher acidity by an average of 29.96% compared to L. kamtschatica. The average ascorbic acid content of the L. kamtschatica fruit was 53.5 mg·100 g-1 f.w., while L. emphyllocalyx fruit had an average content that was 14.14% lower. The antioxidant activity (determined by DPPH, FRAP, and ABTS) varied according to the cultivar and the species of fruit analysed. The total polyphenol content differed significantly depending on the cultivar analysed; fruits of the L. emphyllocalyx cultivar 'Willa' were characterised by the lowest content of total polyphenols-416.94 mg GAE·100 g-1 f.w.-while the highest content of total polyphenols-747.85 GAE·100 g-1 f.w.-was found in the fruits of the L. emphyllocalyx cultivar 'Lori'. Lonicera caerulea fruits contained 26 different phenolic compounds in their compositions, of which the highest content was characterised by cyanidin 3-O-glucoside (average: 347.37 mg·100 g-1). On the basis of this study, it appears that both L. kamtschatica fruits and L. emphyllocalyx fruits, especially of the cultivars 'Lori' and 'Willa', can be used in food processing.

Polyphenol and Flavonoid Stability of Wild Blueberry (Sideroxylon mascatense) during Air- and Freeze-Drying and Storage Stability as a Function of Temperature

Būt (Sideroxylon mascatense) is an indigenous wild blueberry found in Oman. It has a very short season and is commonly preserved by drying. The aims of this study were to determine the physico-chemical characteristics and stability of phytochemicals (i.e., polyphenols and flavonoids) in the berries during drying (i.e., freeze-drying at -40 °C and air-drying at 60 and 90 °C) and the polyphenol stability of the dried berries as a function of storage temperature (i.e., 90, 70, 60, 40, 20, and -20 °C). The moisture content of fresh berry flesh was 64.5 g/100 g sample (wet basis). The crude protein and fat contents were higher in the seeds than in the flesh. Glucose and fructose were the main sugars and their concentrations were highest in the sample air-dried at 60 °C. The initial total polyphenol content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC) of the flesh were 2.009 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/g dry-solids and 0.199 mg catechin equivalent (CE)/g dry-solids, respectively. The samples air-dried at 90 °C and freeze-dried at -40 °C had higher TPC (i.e., 2.638 mg GAE/g dry-solids) and TFC (i.e., 0.395 mg CE/g dry-solids), respectively. There was a significant difference between the TPC and TFC of fresh and dried wild berries (p < 0.05). The freeze-dried wild berries retained a high TPC compared to the air-dried samples. The polyphenol storage stability of freeze-dried wild berries at different storage temperatures showed two phases: an initial release phase followed by a decay phase. The polyphenol storage stability was modeled using the Peleg model and the kinetic parameters were correlated with the storage temperature.

Strawberry Fragaria x ananassa cv. Festival: A Polyphenol-Based Phytochemical Characterization in Fruit and Leaf Extracts.

Berry fruits are an important dietary source of health-promoting antioxidant polyphenols. Interestingly, berry leaves of diverse species, including strawberries, have shown higher bioactive phytochemical content in the leaves than in the fruit. Moreover, the vegetative part of the plants is usually discarded, representing a presumably large source of underutilized bioactive biomass. In this investigation, the polyphenol profiles of tropical highland strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa cv. Festival) leaves and fruits were compared by high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with a diode array detector (UHPLC-DAD) and mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS). The total polyphenol strawberry leaf extracts exhibited a 122-fold-higher total polyphenol content and 13-fold higher antioxidant activity (ORAC) than strawberry fruits, and they showed evidence of possible photoprotective effects against UV damage in human melanoma cells (SK-MEL-28) and in murine embryo fibroblasts (NIH/3T3), together with promising anti-proliferative activities against the same melanoma cells. Seven polyphenols were confirmed by HPLC-DAD in the leaf extracts, with differences depending on fraction solubility. Moreover, three substituted quercetin derivatives, three substituted kaempferol derivatives, two anthocyanins, and catechin were confirmed in the soluble fraction by HPLC-MS. Given their higher total polyphenol content and bioactive activities, underutilized strawberry Festival leaves are a potential source of apparently abundant biomass with prospective bioactive applications.

HPLC Analysis of Polyphenolic Compounds in Lysimachia nummularia L. and Comparative Determination of Antioxidant Capacity

Lysimachia nummularia L. is a perennial herbaceous plant rich in bioactive compounds, which can be utilized for medicinal purposes. The present work aims to analyze the phenolic compounds from different parts of the Lysimachia nummularia L. plant using the HPLC technique: Lysimachiae radix (the root part), Lysimachiae herba (the aerial part), Lysimachiae flores (flowers). In order to determine the phenolic compounds, extraction from the three categories of vegetable products was performed with ethanol 70% (v/v) using three extraction methods: (i) Soxhlet extraction, (ii) maceration and (iii) ultrasonic-assisted extraction. The content of polyphenols was determined by the Folin–Ciocalteu method, and the antioxidant activity was evaluated by the DPPH, ABTS, FRAP and CUPRAC methods. The antioxidant activity was correlated with the content of phenolic compounds in the analyzed extracts. The following phenolic compounds were separated, identified and quantified: 3-O-methylgallic, gallic, ferulic, caffeic, chlorogenic, p-coumaric acids and trans-resveratrol. According to the experimental data, the highest content of total polyphenols was observed in the hydroethanolic extract from Lysimachiae flores (22.10 ± 1.48 mg gallic acid/g), which also presented remarkable antioxidant activity.

Impact of Isonicotinic Acid Blending in Chitosan/Polyvinyl Alcohol on Ripening-Dependent Changes of Green Stage Tomato.

The effect of isonicotinic acid (INA) in a chitosan (CS)/polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) blend on ripening-dependent changes of preserved green tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum L.) was examined at room temperature. The results showed that CS/PVA/INA 0.5 mM and CS/PVA/INA 1.0 mM formulations retarded firmness loss and delayed the pigmentation parameters i.e., lycopene (LYP), total carotenes (TCs), and titratable acidity (TA). The CS/PVA/INA 0.5 mM and CS/PVA/INA 1.0 mM formulations were able to delay the increase in malondialdehyde (MDA) and total polyphenol (TP) contents. Furthermore, the peroxidase (POD), polyphenoloxidase (PPO), and phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) activities of tomatoes coated with CS/PVA/INA 0.5 mM and CS/PVA/INA 1.0 mM formulations were lower than those in other treatments. Meanwhile, the CS/PVA blend had the highest TP content, as well as the highest PPO and PAL activities, at the late stage of maturation. The UV analysis showed that the CS/PVA/INA blend film is a promising UV-protective food packaging material. The pure CS, PVA, and INA formulations, as well as the CS/PVA, CS/PVA/INA 0.5 mM, and CS/PVA/INA 1.0 mM formulations, were characterized by infrared (FTIR). The three polymer formulations showed strong antifungal activity against Alternaria alternata and Botrytis cinerea.

The Effect of Extraction Methods on Phytochemicals and Biological Activities of Green Coffee Beans Extracts.

The objectives of the present study consisted of identifying the impact of extraction methods and parameters held over the phytochemistry and biological activities of green coffee beans. Extraction processes belonging to two categories were performed: classical methods-maceration, Soxhlet extraction, and such innovative methods as turboextraction, ultrasound-assisted extraction, and a combination of the latter two. Total polyphenolic and flavonoid content, as well as in vitro antioxidant activity of the resulted extracts were spectrophotometrically determined. Extracts displaying the highest yields of bioactive compounds were subjected to High Performance Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry analysis. The extracts with the best phytochemical profiles were selected for biological activity assessment. In vivo, a model of plantar inflammation in Wistar rats was used to determine antioxidant activity, by evaluating the oxidative stress reduction potential, and anti-inflammatory activity. In vitro antimicrobial activity was also determined. The Soxhlet extraction and ultrasound-assisted extraction gave the highest bioactive compound yields. The highest total polyphenolic content was 2.691 mg/mL gallic acid equivalents and total flavonoid content was 0.487 mM quercetin equivalents for the Soxhlet extract subjected to 60 min extraction time. Regarding the antioxidant activity, ultrasound-assisted extraction reached the highest levels, i.e., 9.160 mg/mL Trolox equivalents in the DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl-hydrate) assay and 26.676 mM Trolox equivalents in the FRAP (Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power) assay, at a 30 min extraction time and 50 °C extraction temperature. The 60 min Soxhlet extract reached the highest level for the ABTS+ (2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid)) assay, 16.136 mM Trolox equivalents, respectively. Chlorogenic acid was present in the highest concentration in the same Soxhlet extract, 1657.179 µg/mL extract, respectively. Sterolic compounds were found in high concentrations throughout all the analyzed extracts. A proportional increase between yields and extraction parameter values was observed. Increased inhibition of Gram-negative bacteria was observed. The finally selected Soxhlet extract, that of 60 min extraction time, presented a significant in vivo antioxidant activity, with a slight anti-inflammatory activity. Antioxidant levels were elevated after 2 h of extract administration. Pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion was not influenced by the administration of the extract.

Design and optimization of “greener” and sustainable ultrasound-assisted extraction of valuable bioactive compounds from common centaury (Centaurium erythraea Rafn) aerial parts: A comparative study using aqueous propylene glycol and ethanol

The design of two environmentally friendly protocols regarding ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) of valuable bioactive compounds from common centaury (Centaurium erythraea Rafn, Gentianaceae) aerial parts with aqueous mixtures of „green“ organic solvents (ethanol and propylene glycol) was conducted. In order to ensure the maximum total polyphenolic content (TPC), Box-Behnken experimental design (BBD) was used for both UAE/aqueous ethanol (UAE/aEtOH) and UAE/aqueous propylene glycol (UAE/aPPG) systems to optimize time, solvent concentration, liquid-to-solid ratio and temperature. The liquid-to-solid ratio had the highest effect on the TPC for tested extraction systems. For UAE/aEtOH system under the optimal conditions the predicted and experimentally obtained TPC were close (4.11 and 4.13 ± 0.04 g GAE/100 g d.w., respectively). The predicted and experimentally obtained TPC for UAE/aPPG system under the optimum conditions were 4.12 and 4.16 ± 0.04 g GAE/100 g d.w., respectively. According to UHPLC-DAD-MS/MS analysis, key bioactive components in both extracts were organic acids and derivates, flavanols, xanthones and secoiridoid glycosides. UAE/aPPG and UAE/aEtOH extracts contained 45 and 42 compounds, respectively. Since these extracts can be incorporated into different products as natural active ingredients, the extraction protocols are likely to ensure easy transfer to a large-scale production and further utilization in different industries, specifically ensuring cleaner production with reduced impact on the environment. Moreover, the usage of ethanol and its presence in the final industrial products has downsides: evaporation, flammability, irritation of different organs, discouraged use for some consumers due to preexisting medical conditions, interactions with various prescribed medicines, ethical reasons, etc. Thus, a much safer UAE/aPPG system, providing extract with more biologically functional phytochemicals and higher TPC at a lower temperature, is more recommended for eco-friendly future industrial use.

Antibacterial Activity of Pulicaria odora Leaf Phenolics Collected in Algeria

Background: Pulicaria is a genus of the Asteraceae family, tribe Inuleae, containing 100 species with a distribution from Europe to North Africa to Asia. Objective: In this work, the study is focused on the difference in phytochemical and antibacterial activity of Pulicaria odora harvested in two regions of northern Algeria. Methods: Two maceration extraction methods were used; a stir plate at room temperature and bath shaker at 37 °C. Total phenolics and flavonoids were carried out using Folin-Ciocalteu and aluminium chloride methods, respectively. Antibacterial activity was evaluated by agar diffusion method on four bacterial strains Listeria innocua, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Results: The results found showed that the highest total polyphenol content was 271,8 ± 22, 52 mg gallic acid equivalent/g dry matter (mg GAE/g of DM); the best flavonoid content is 51,53 ± 4,42 mg quercetin equivalent / g of dry matter (mg QE/g of DM) harvested in Bejaia. The best levels of total polyphenols and flavonoids from the plant harvested in the region of Tizi-Ouzou are 218,23 ± 12.33 mg GAE / g of DM, 54,15 ± 5,98 mg QE/ g DM respectively. The two phenolic extracts obtained by the two solvents at a concentration of 70% are more active against S. aureus (17.66 mm for the sample of Bejaia at the concentration of 1mg /20µL), while a moderate sensitivity is recorded against other strains for the two samples. Conclusion: Pulicaria odora leaf extract is strong against bacterial infection and can be used as medicinal remedy and in food industry

Proximate Composition and Antioxidant Activity of Selected Morphological Parts of Herbs

The aim of the study was to provide an analytical evaluation of the proximate composition, the total content of polyphenolic compounds and the antioxidant activity, of 27 selected plant materials collected in Poland (West Pomeranian). The basic chemical composition was determined in the ground samples according to the Association of Official Analytical Chemists methods. Antioxidant activity was tested using free radical methods ABTS•+, DPPH•+ and the FRAP method. The lowest concentration of dry matter (DM) was measured in black chokeberry (88.82 g/100 g) and the highest was found in milk thistle (94.65 g/100 g) as well as black cumin (95.09 g/100 g). The content of total polyphenols, assessed using the Folin–Ciocalteu method, ranged from 291.832–7565.426 mg of chlorogenic acid equivalent (CGA)/100 g of DM. Antioxidant activity measured sequentially against the radical ABTS•+, DPPH•+ and using the FRAP method was 26.334–1912.016 µM Trolox/g DM, 9.475–1061.068 µM Trolox/g DM and 26.252–1769.766 µM Trolox/g DM, respectively. The methanolic extract from milk thistle fruit in most assays was characterized by the lowest antioxidant activity and the lowest total content of polyphenolic compounds. Methanol extracts prepared from garlic, stinging nettle and cleavers showed the highest content of total polyphenols and antioxidant activity among the tested plant materials. The parts of plants with the highest antioxidant potential can be a source of new bioactive compounds, but further research is required to describe the profile of compounds harmful to human health.

Comparative Study on Bioactivities of Four Rose Species for Anti-aging Cosmetic Applications

When the skin is exposed to UVA/UVB rays, it stimulates the activity of the enzyme elastase. Wrinkles and sagging skin are the result of a breakdown in the skin’s elastic fibre network. The aim of this research is to identify the most promising material for suppressing the enzyme elastase from common four rose (Damask, Bishop, Autumn and Lafont) species in Vietnam, as well as to compare the bioactivities of fresh and dried petals. The obtained results showed that Damask and Bishop petal extracts had the highest antioxidant activity in the DPPH assay with IC50 = 10.08 and 10.07 μg/mL, respectively. Damask rose displayed not only an outstanding elastase inhibition with IC50 = 261.42 ± 0.8 μg/mL but also a high total polyphenol content (TPC) value of 149.49 mg GAE/g extract. These results indicate that the Rosa damascena petals could be used as valuable material for anti-aging product development based on the high TPC and elastase inhibitory activities.

Optimal conditions for extracting bioactive compounds from leaves of Cleistocalyx operculatus roxb using an enzyme cocktail

In recent years, both scientists and food producers have shown great interest in natural compounds with high biological activity. Leaves of Cleisto (Cleistocalyx operculatus Roxb) contain polyphenolic compounds with high biological activity, including flavonoids such as quercetin, kaempferol, myricetin, tannins, and other phenolic compounds. These compounds are highly beneficial for human health due to their potent antioxidant activity and various other biological activities. These polyphenols play a crucial role in protecting the body against various diseases caused by free radicals. They have the ability to prevent cellular and DNA damage. Polyphenols derived from mulberry leaves have significant potential for the production of high-value functional foods. In this study, the total polyphenol content, and antioxidant activity of leaves of Cleisto were studied. These bioactive compounds were shown to be more abundant in the dried extract of Cleisto than in the control sample (enzymes inactivated) following 21 hour of incubation with laccase and celluclast® 1.5L (each enzyme at least 30 U/gram dry biomass) at 45oC, pH 5.0. The highest total polyphenol content and antioxidant activity achieved was 23.95 mg GAE/gds and 80.32%, respectively. Therefore, enzyme-assisted extraction technique has various benefits and is a potential method to obtain bioactive chemicals from leaves of Cleisto.

Bioactive potential of tropical highland apple (Malus domestica cv. Anna) crude extract: opportunities for food waste revalorization

BackgroundThe third most produced fruit crop in the world, apples (Malus domestica Borkh) are one of the most accessible and widely consumed fruits, with known benefits for human health. Although they are a temperate crop, apple cultivation has been successfully implemented in lower latitudes. Tropical highland Costa Rican apples (cv. Anna) have shown high total polyphenol content, and cytotoxic effects against human cancer cell lines. However, most reports originate from purified fractions, obtained using methods which are not easily translatable for commercial applications. In this study, we prepared a polyphenol-rich bioactive extract from Costa Rican Anna apples, using food-grade solvents and simple techniques, aiming towards easy translation of the extraction protocols to small local producers.ResultsThe whole apple crude extract (AE) was investigated for its total polyphenol content, general phytochemical profile, cytotoxicity against human breast and lung cancer cells, and regenerative potential in murine skin fibroblast monolayers. The AE showed total polyphenol amounts comparable to that obtained using more refined extractions in previous studies, and exhibited cytotoxic activity against human breast (MCF7) and lung (NCI-H460) cancer cells, and inhibition of cell proliferation in the scratch-wound-healing assay.ConclusionsFood-grade simple protocols were successful for obtaining a polyphenol-rich bioactive extract from Costa Rican Anna apples. The easy-to-implement extraction protocols and biochemical tests could provide a source of bioactive phytochemicals to be used in circular production systems.

Bioactive Metabolites from the Fruiting Body and Mycelia of Newly-Isolated Oyster Mushroom and Their Effect on Smooth Muscle Contractile Activity.

Higher basidiomycetes are recognized as functional foods due to their bioactive compound content, which exerts various beneficial effects on human health, and which have been used as sources for the development of natural medicines and nutraceuticals for centuries. The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the biological potential of basidiocarp and mycelial biomass produced by submerged cultivation of a new regionally isolated oyster mushroom. The strain was identified with a high percentage of confidence (99.30%) as Pleurotus ostreatus and was deposited in the GenBank under accession number MW 996755. The β-glucan content in the basidiocarp and the obtained mycelial biomass was 31.66% and 12.04%, respectively. Three mycelial biomass and basidiocarp extracts were prepared, and the highest total polyphenol content (5.68 ± 0.15 mg GAE/g DW and 3.20 ± 0.04 mg GAE/g DW) was found in the water extract for both the fruiting body and the mycelium biomass. The in vitro antioxidant activity of the extracts was investigated, and it was determined that the water extracts exhibited the most potent radical scavenging activity. The potential ability of this new fungal isolate to affect the contractile activity (CA) of dissected smooth muscle preparations (SMP) was examined for the first time. It was found that oyster mushrooms likely exhibit indirect contractile effects on the gastric smooth muscle (SM) cells.

Use of concentrated fruit juice extracts to improve the antioxidant properties in a soft drink formulation

Three juices obtained respectively from pomegranate, prickly pear and orange fruit were separately concentrated using an innovative technique, that allow to obtain a final product with high content of bioactive compounds and elevate antioxidant activity. The concentrated juices were employed in the formulation of a soft drink to improve its bioactive properties. Despite a low amount of each concentrated juice was used, the experimental soft drink obtained evidenced a high content of total polyphenols. The antioxidant activity detected was similar to that of tea commonly considered a healthy beverage with strong radical scavenging activity. The sensory analysis of the soft drink showed a consumers' liking score potentially promising for market acceptance. In addition, the experimental drink produced was evaluated for its stability by simulating domestic storage and from the results obtained is possible to assess that a good antioxidant activity was maintained even after 5 days of conservation. Therefore, the present work, stimulates the use of high-quality concentrated juices as food ingredient in order to improve the functional properties of soft drinks.