High Contents Of Phytosterols Research Articles

Quality and chemical profiles of virgin olive oils of three European cultivars suitable for super-high-density planting conditions in eastern Morocco

This study aims to evaluate the quality and chemical composition of virgin olive oils of Greek (Koroneiki) and Spanish (Arbequina and Arbosana) varieties grown in north-eastern Morocco under irrigated super-high-density planting system, via the study of their minor compounds, fatty acid and triacylglycerol compositions, and oxidative stability. The majority of the evaluated parameters are influenced by varietal and environmental factors. The studied varieties produced good quality oils with a chemical composition that meets the requirements of the International Olive Council. Koroneiki oil has the highest levels of total phenols (530 mg kg-1) and C18:1 (76.70%) as well as the better stability to oxidation (98.64h). Arbosana oil is distinguished by the abundance of tocopherols (449.27 mg kg-1) and an intermediate oxidative stability (74.49 h). The highest phytosterol content was recorded in Arbequina oil (1971 mg kg-1). Eleven phenolic compounds were identified and quantified. Decarboxymethylated forms of oleuropein aglycone and ligstroside aglycone were the main components in all the analyzed oils (95-165 mg kg-1 and 115-181 mg kg-1, respectively).The results of principal component analysis show a clear discrimination between the studied varieties according to antioxidant parameters, triacylglycerol and phytosterol data.

Bioactive Compounds, Nutritional Quality and Oxidative Stability of Cold-Pressed Camelina (Camelina sativa L.) Oils

In this study, 29 cold-pressed camelina (Camelina sativa L.) oils, pressed from seeds grown in Poland and purchased directly from local producers, were analyzed. The degree of change in the tested oils’ characteristic hydrolytic and oxidative lipid values was determined. Oxidative stability was determined using the Rancimat and PDSC methods. Fatty acid and phytosterol contents were determined by GC-FID, and tocopherols by HPLC. The analyzed oils were characterized by good, but variable, quality, and met the requirements specified for cold-pressed edible oils. Highly desirable fatty acid composition, low SFA content (about 6%), high α-linolenic acid content (34.7–37.1%), and optimal PUFA n-3 to PUFA n-6 ratio (1.79–2.17) were shown. The high nutritional value of camelina oils was confirmed on the basis of high contents of tocopherols (55.8–76.1 mg/100 g), phytosterols (331–442 mg/100 g), and carotenoids (103–198 mg of β-carotene/kg). The optimal nutritional quality indices were as follows: 0.05–0.07 for the atherogenicity index (AI), and 0.1–0.2 for the thrombogenicity index (TI). The significant impact of primary (PV) and total oxidation (TOTOX) of camelina oil on oxidative stability was evaluated using Rancimat and PDSC methods. Both methods were also confirmed to be appropriate for the assessment of the oxidative stability of camelina oils.

Effect of Replacing Cocoa Powder by Carob Powder in the Muffins on Sensory and Physicochemical Properties

The increasing demand for cocoa and search for ingredients rich in bioactive compounds encouraged us to investigate the possibility of replacing it by carob powder in the muffins containing soy beans, sesame oil and flaxseeds. There was 5% addition of carob or cocoa powder to the individual doughs. The muffins with the addition of carob were characterized by improved antiradical activity (by 36% - 2,2′-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) method, by 83% - 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) method), higher content of genistein (18%) and total phytosterols (17%) in the dry mass. The color differences in the carob muffins crusts were not perceptible by consumers (ΔE = 0.70 for crust, ΔE = 5.6 for crumb) and their taste was found to be less bitter and sweeter than the taste of cocoa muffins. Moreover, the addition of carob powder as well as cocoa powder resulted in good sensory quality. The high content of phytosterols, genistein and improved antiradical properties proved carob to be a source of bioactive compounds. The results show that carob powder may be used as valuable alternative muffin ingredient to cocoa.

Fatty Acid Composition and Sterol Contents of Some Origanum Seed Oils

The aim of this present study is to determine oil content, fatty acid composition, and sterol profile of several Origanum species from Turkey to show the usefulness of this unusual raw material for oil processing. The oil content of Origanum seeds are found between 7.8% (O. brevides) and 27.2% (O. majorana). Linoleic [10.7% (O. brevidens) to 20.8% (O. vulgare subsp. viride)] and α‐linolenic acid [34.4% (O. brevidens) and 67.4% (O. minutiflorum)] are the predominant fatty acids of Origanum seed oils. The seed oils of Origanum samples only contain low levels of saturated fatty acids with palmitic and stearic acid as the main saturated fatty acids. Among all oil samples, the highest phytosterol content is found for ß‐sitosterol ranging between 2462 mg kg−1 (O. vulgare subsp hirtum) and 5280 mg kg−1 (O. minutiflorum). Most of the Origanum species are very similar to O. vulgare regarding fatty acid and phytosterol composition, only O. brevidens shows a fatty acid composition with oleic and linoleic acid as predominant.Practical application: Today the search for new raw materials for oil processing is an ongoing task to solve the world‐wide increasing demand for edible oil. From several investigations it is known that seed oil from Origanum vulgare is a good source of edible oil and essential fatty acids. The present work also gives some new information about the oil content as well as the composition of fatty acids and phytosterols of other members of the genus Origanum to evaluate their usefulness for the production of edible oil.In this study, oil content, fatty acid composition and sterol profile of several Origanum species collected from several provinces (Antalya, Bilecik, Bolu, Burdur, Hatay, Isparta, Karaman, Mersin and Osmaniye) of Turkey are determined. Most of the Origanum species are very similar to O. vulgare regarding fatty acid and phytosterol composition. Only O. brevidens shows a fatty acid composition with oleic and linoleic acid as predominant.

Characterization of Peanut Oil Bodies Integral Proteins, Lipids, and Their Associated Phytochemicals.

Peanut oil is widely used in food industries in the form of emulsified oil. OBs can be presented as a better alternative solution, which is stable emulsified oil, with high content of antioxidant and phytosterols. Our results showed that peanut OBs are rich in nutritional components such as essential amino acids, unsaturated fatty acids, vitamin E, and phytosterols. Moreover, peanut OBs are surrounded with 2 oleosin isoforms and caleosin, which offer more stability to the emulsion system. Thus, peanut OBs can be perfect for food like mayonnaise and vinaigrettes products in the form of encapsulated oil with high content of vitamin E.

Validation of a Simple Extraction Method for Oil Bodies Isolated from Peanuts

Peanut preserves lipids in the form of oil bodies (OBs) which have great potential to be used in the food industries. In this study, a simple aqueous extraction method is used to extract peanut OBs and its effect on the properties and the stability of the resulted emulsions is evaluated. The above‐mentioned method involves, successive mechanical steps in order to release OBs from their cell networks, followed by purification using different recovery pHs and washing. Results shows that crude OBs had a high amount of extrinsic proteins and low physical stability. Washing OBs twice with the increase in recovery pH decreased the extrinsic proteins, the lipid oxidation, and improved the storage stability. The physical and the oxidative stability of all OBs emulsions was significantly enhanced by heating. These results suggest that peanut OBs extracted using this aqueous extraction method, can be used to prepare natural emulsions with improved long‐term stability.Practical Applications: Peanut oil is widely used in food industries in the form of emulsified oil. OBs can be represented as a better alternative solution of stable emulsified oil with a high content of antioxidant and phytosterols. Our results shows that peanut OBs can be isolated and purified by a simple aqueous extraction method. Therefore, the OBs emulsion resultant from this extraction under specific conditions (pH recovery 8.0 and washing twice with the same pH) is physically and chemically stable. Heat treatment such as pasteurization and sterilization which are essential processing steps in food industries can enhance the OBs emulsion properties by giving the emulsion better physical stability, lipid oxidation, and shelf life.Crude OBs: i) Have high content of extrinsic proteins; and ii) are not physically stable non matter the pH recovery used for the isolation. Washed OBs: i) The pI increased with washing and the increase of pH recovery; ii) pH recovery 8.0 gave the most physically stable OBs; and iii) pH recovery 11.0 gave the most stable OBs to lipid deterioration. Heated OBs: i) Heat did not enhance the stability of OBs recovered by pH 6.8; ii) heat increased reversibly the OBs particle size; and iii) heat can improve the OBs shelf life.

Mixed oil formulations enriched in essential fatty acids and reduced ratio of n‐6/n‐3

In this work, a mixed oil formulation was developed to obtain a product rich in essential fatty acids and with reduced ratio of linoleic and linolenic fatty acids. The formulations were optimized using techniques of multivariate mixture designs. Three formulations of different compositions were chosen and they were assessed regarding oxidative stability, sensory acceptance, fatty acid composition, phytosterols, and tocopherols. The formulation with improved sensory acceptance was composed of 85% of extra‐virgin olive oil, 3% of linseed oil, and 12% of safflower oil. The new formulation showed the lowest ratio of linoleic and linolenic acids when compared to the extra‐virgin olive oil, higher oxidative stability, and higher levels of phytosterols and tocopherols.Practical applications: The mixed oil formulation developed here possess practical application as a product nutritionally enriched for use as ingredient in several food products. It can also be largely used in industrial scale to enrich food products with high contents of essential fatty acids, phytosterols and tocopherols, helping to obtain final products with a more adequate n‐6/n‐3 fatty acids ratio and promoting health benefits through its consumption.In this study, a mixed oil formulation which contains high levels of essential fatty acids and reduced ratio of n‐6/n‐3 to be used as ingredient in foods is developed. The main parameters related to oxidative stability, chemical composition, and sensory acceptance of the final product are evaluated.

Hemijski sastav heljde sa nutritivnog aspekta

Buckwheat, centuries-old wheat cereals from the Polygonaceae family, has seen global production growth in recent years. Grain is mostly cultivated, which is further processed into flour, and then into numerous products (noodles, pancakes, biscuits, porridge, soup, etc.), which is consumed in countries around the world. Buckwheat is an alternative grain of high nutritional value, due to the high content of high-protein proteins, vitamins, flavonoids, phytosterols, dietary fiber, and abundance of antioxidants, especially routine-due to its numerous positive and protective effects on human health. Particularly important role is in regulation of diabetes, reduction in serum cholesterol levels, reduction of hypertension, and also exhibits anticancer, antiinflammatory and neuroprotective effect. Since it does not contain gluten, unlike other types of grains, buckwheat is suitable for eating people allergic to this type of protein. The aim of this study is to review chemical composition of buckwheat and shows their importance for everyday consumption.

Bitter gourd (Momordica charantia L.) seed oil as a naturally rich source of bioactive compounds for nutraceutical purposes

Abstract Background Characterization of food lipids has triggered the development of applications for the food and health industries. Thus, the lipid profiles of an increasing number of fruits and their seeds have been characterized and numerous bioactive components have been isolated. The bitter gourd seed oil has aroused great interest because it contains relevant amounts of conjugated fatty acid α-eleostearic acid (C18:3 9c11t13t), a positional and geometric isomer of α-linolenic acid. The aim of this paper was to evaluate the phytochemical composition and quality parameters of the seed oil of bitter gourd grown in Brazil. Methods Bitter gourd was purchased from CEAGESP (Brazilian company of fresh food storages and warehouses). Seeds were lyophilized, and their oil was extracted using the Soxhlet and Folch extraction methods. The profiles of fatty acids and phytosterols were analyzed by gas chromatography, and the acidity and peroxide values were evaluated by methods of the American Oil Chemists’ Society (AOCS). Results The Soxhlet extraction (40 % w/w) resulted in a higher yield of bitter gourd seed oil than the Folch extraction (16 % w/w). For both methods, α-eleostearic acid (56 and 58 %) was the major lipid in bitter gourd seed oil, followed by stearic acid (C18:0; 32 and 27 %). The oil displayed high content of phytosterols (886 mg/100 g), mainly β-sitosterol, and low acidity and peroxide values. Conclusions Bitter gourd seed oil from Brazil is an oil of good quality and its high contents of α-eleostearic acid and phytosterols with potential health-beneficial properties make it an attractive plant byproduct.

Extraction of edible avocado oil using supercritical CO2 and a CO2/ethanol mixture as solvents

Avocado oil is similar to olive oil, it can be used as an ingredient in functional foods since it contain high contents of vitamins and phytosterols and its triacylglycerols contain high contents of unsaturated fatty acid. The present study sought to evaluate the technical viability of extraction of avocado oil by supercritical technology using GRAS solvents (Generally Recognized as Safe). Freeze-dried avocado (Persea Americana) pulp with 65% lipids was subjected to supercritical extraction in a fixed bed at temperatures of 40, 60, and 80 °C and pressures of 200, 300 and 400 bar, using supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO2) as a solvent in a first step, and a scCO2/ethanol mixture (93/7 w/w) in a second step. Extraction curves (mass of oil extracted versus extraction time) were obtained from the overall extraction yields, and from this curve the solubility of oil in scCO2 was calculated. The extraction appeared to be technically viable to obtain up to 98% oil recovery. The solubility values correlated well with the Chrastil equation, and presented similar order of magnitude to the solubility of oils reported in literature.

A New Octadecenoic Acid Derivative from Caesalpinia gilliesii Flowers with Potent Hepatoprotective Activity.

Background:Caesalpinia gilliesii Hook is an ornamental shrub with showy yellow flowers. It was used in folk medicine due to its contents of different classes of secondary metabolites. In our previous study, dichloromethane extract of C. gilliesii flowers showed a good antioxidant activity.Aim of the Study:Isolation and identification of bioactive hepatoprotective compounds from C. gilliesii flowers dichloromethane fraction.Materials and Methods:The hepatoprotective activity of dichloromethane fraction and isolated compounds were studied in CCl4-intoxicated rat liver slices by measuring liver injury markers (alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase and glutathione [GSH]). All compounds were structurally elucidated on the basis of electron ionization-mass spectrometry, one- and two-dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance.Results:A new 12,13,16-trihydroxy-14(Z)-octadecenoic acid was identified in addition to the known β-sitosterol-3-O-butyl, daucosterol, isorhamnetin, isorhamnetin-3-O-rhamnoside, luteolin-7,4’-dimethyl ether, genistein-5-methyl ether, luteolin-7-O-rhamnoside, isovanillic acid, and p-methoxybenzoic acid. Dichloromethane fraction and isorhamnetin were able to significantly protect the liver against intoxication. Moreover, the dichloromethane fraction and the isolated phytosterols induced GSH above the normal level.Conclusion:The hepatoprotective activity of C. gilliesii may be attributed to its high content of phytosterols and phenolic compounds.SUMMARY Bioactive Hepatoprotective phytosterols and phenolics from chloroform extract of Caesalpinia gilliesii Abbreviations used: ALT: Alanine Aminotransferase; AST: Aspartate aminotransferase; GSH: Glutathione; SC50: Scavenging Capacity 50 (SC 50); COSY: Correlation spectroscopy; NMR: Nuclear Magnetic Resonance; CC: Column chromatography; EI-MS: Electron-impact mass spectrometry; HSQC: Heteronuclear single-quantum correlation.

Variability of seed quality traits in wild and semi-wild accessions of castor collected in Spain

The Mediterranean Basin is an important center of diversity for castor (Ricinus communis L.). We conducted seed collections from 121 wild and semi-wild (feral) populations growing in southern and eastern provinces of Spain. The objective of this research was to evaluate seed weight, oil content, fatty acid profile, and tocopherol and phytosterol contents and profiles in this germplasm collection at different environments. The seeds collected in the source locations as well as those produced in seed increases conducted in Córdoba (southern Spain) and Murcia (southeastern Spain) were analyzed. Analysis of variance considering three locations (source location, Córdoba, Murcia) and the genotypes was conducted. The contribution of genotype to total variation was particularly high for hundred-seed weight (89.8% of total sums of squares) and concentrations of Δ5-avenasterol (85.4%) and β-sitosterol (79.2%). Large variability was identified for most of the traits. The ranges of variation, averaged from data of at least two environments, were 11.6–59.1g for hundred-seed weight, 44.6–54.8% for oil content, 99.6–282.0mgkg−1 seed kernel for tocopherol content, 27.4–50.5% for the concentration of δ-tocopherol, 1090–2865mgkg−1 seed for phytosterol content, and 15.1–54.1% for the concentration of Δ5-avenasterol. Little variation was found for fatty acid profile. One accession (ALM-2011-37) showed exceptionally high phytosterol content and three accessions from the same locality (CAD-2010-26 through 28) had high levels of Δ5-avenasterol. The results emphasized the potential of wild and semi-wild germplasm for improving seed and oil quality in castor.

New sunflower seeds with high contents of phytosterols

Dietary phytosterols have a positive nutritional impact because they contribute to reduce cholesterol levels in blood. Accordingly, foods rich in phytosterols are required in a healthy diet. Vegetable oils are the richest source of phytosterols in the diet, though sunflower oil has lower phytosterol content than other seed oils such as rapeseed and corn. Increasing phytosterol content in sunflower oil requires optimizing first selection procedures. In this way, the development of accurate methods for analyzing phytosterol content in seeds instead of oils has opened up recently the way for large-scale screening for this trait. Large variability for seed phytosterol content has been identified in sunflower germplasm, from which we have developed a line, IASP-18, with about twofold seed phytosterol content than conventional sunflower. The trait is expressed across environments. Genetic studies are underway to characterize its inheritance and assess the feasibility of introgressing genes for high phytosterol content into elite sunflower germplasm.

Analysis of Lipophilic Compounds from Corylus avellana Leaves

Hazelnut (Corylus avellana L.) is a bush of the family Betulaceae. Its nuts are widely used in the food industry [1]. Folk medicine recommends internal use of the nuts as a lactogenic, antiparasitic, and anti-atherosclerotic agent; external use, for treating burns [2]. According to the literature, hazelnuts contain paclitaxel, which exhibits antitumor activity [3]. Leaves and bark of C. avellana are also used in folk medicine. The leaf decoction is used to treat thrombophlebitis, varicose veins, and trophic lower-leg ulcers [2, 4]. Portuguese researchers proved that preparations from hazelnut leaves were effective as antimicrobial agents and antioxidants [5]. The goal of our research was to determine the most significant lipophilic compounds in C. avellana leaves collected in various regions of Ukraine. Lipophilic compounds were analyzed by GC-MS [6] using the previously developed procedure [7]. Dried and powdered leaves were extracted with CH2Cl2 (raw material:extractant ratio 1:20). Tridecane was added as an internal standard to give 50 g calculated for a certain amount of plant sample. We used an Agilent Technologies Series 6890 chromatograph with an Agilent DB-5 MS (5% phenyl) capillary chromatography column (30 m 0.25 mm) and a Series 5973 mass spectrometer. The temperature was thermostatted from 50°C (1 min) to 320°C at 4°C/min and then was held at the final temperature for 9 min. The carrier gas was He at flow rate 1.2 mL/min. Compounds were identified using NIST 05 and Wiley 138 massspectra libraries. The investigation detected 44 lipophilic compounds in C. avellana leaves. Of these, 41 were identified and quantified. They included organic acids, hydrocarbons, terpenes, alcohols, aldehydes, and phytosterols. Table 1 presents the results for the contents of the principal lipophilic compounds (>0.1% of the total peak area). The fatty-acids in C. avellana leaves were dominated by palmitic acid. The presence of hexenoic acid in the studied raw material was interesting from a scientific point of view because its structure is similar to that of GABA and its amides are included in anticonvulsive drugs. Furthermore, rather high contents of phytosterols ( -sitosterol), aldehydes (phenylacetaldehyde, trans-2-hexenal), and hydrocarbons (neophytadiene) were noted in the studied raw materials. Thus, C. avellana leaves were a promising raw material for the further study and discovery of several biologically active compounds and also for the development of original phytotherapeutic drugs based on them.

Variability for Seed Phytosterols in Sunflower Germplasm

ABSTRACTSunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) seeds and oils are rich sources of phytosterols, which are important compounds for human nutrition. There is limited information on variability for seed phytosterols in sunflower germplasm. The objective of this research was to evaluate kernel phytosterol content and profile in sunflower germplasm and to confirm phytosterol traits under several environments. Kernel phytosterol content in a collection of 985 accessions ranged from 1319 to 5119 mg kg‐1. Large variation was also observed for the concentrations of campesterol (32 to 197 g kg‐1 phytosterols), stigmasterol (41 to 128 g kg‐1), β‐sitosterol (448 to 755 g kg‐1), and Δ7–stigmastenol (8 to 274 g kg‐1). Seventy‐two accessions selected for high phytosterol content and/or different profiles were evaluated for 2 yr under sib‐pollination. From these, 20 accessions were selected based on phytosterol traits and further evaluated in two replicated field trials. Lines HA 89 and IASP‐18, with conventional and high phytosterol content, respectively, were used as controls. Phytosterol traits such as high phytosterol content (up to 3682 mg kg‐1 compared to 2686 mg kg‐1 in HA 89 and 4957 mg kg‐1 in IASP‐18) as well as high concentrations of campesterol (180 g kg‐1 compared to a maximum of 66 g kg‐1 in control line IASP‐18), stigmasterol (161 g kg‐1 compared to 64 g kg‐1 in HA 89), and Δ7–stigmastenol (300 g kg‐1 compared to 163 g kg‐1 in HA 89) were confirmed. Selected accessions will be of great value for future basic and applied research on phytosterols in sunflower.

Free sterols and steryl glycosides in sunflower seeds with high phytosterol contents

AbstractIn this paper, the distribution of sterol compounds has been analyzed in 10 samples of new sunflower seeds with high contents of phytosterols. The sunflower seeds were first extracted with hexane and the residual oil was then extracted with a mixture of chloroform:methanol (2:1). In addition, the lipids from the defatted seeds and from the total seeds were analyzed after acid hydrolysis and subsequent extraction. The evaluation of the sterol compounds was performed by high temperature GC directly in the sylanized unsaponifiable matter using α‐cholestanol as internal standard. This procedure allows for the quantification of free sterols and steryl glycosides in the oils extracted by hexane and chloroform:methanol (2:1) while in defatted meal and total seeds, they are determined as free sterols. The main characteristics of the fractions extracted by hexane were a variable oil content (19.8–38.7%) with medium unsaponifiable matter (1.4–4.8%), The major sterol compounds in the oil extracted by hexane were free sterols (4034–8507 mg/kg) while steryl glycosides were in low concentrations (80–280 mg/kg). On the contrary, the fraction extracted by chloroform:methanol had low lipid content (2.2–6.7%) with a high unsaponifiable matter (12.6–28.2%). The major sterol compounds in this fraction were steryl glycosides (9711–22 514 mg/kg). Finally, a third of the total sterols remained in the meal after the extraction of edible oil by hexane.

A Possible Case of Saw Palmetto–Induced Pancreatitis

A 65-year-old male with a history of diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, gout, Barrett esophagitis, and chronic gastritis developed acute pancreatitis after taking one week of the herbal medicine, saw palmetto, for symptoms related to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Ultrasound and computed tomography ruled out cholelithiasis and obstruction, triglycerides were normal, and he had no recent infection or trauma. He had a history of occasional alcohol consumption, though there was no recent increased intake. The most likely cause of pancreatitis in this case was saw palmetto. Saw palmetto (Serenoa repens) is an herbal medication used primarily in the treatment of symptoms related to BPH. It has a high content of fatty acids and phytosterols which are thought to exert their effects by inhibiting the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase, thereby preventing the conversion of testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT). It has been postulated that saw palmetto directly stimulates estrogenic receptors and inhibits progesterone receptors in the prostate tissue. A previous report implicated the estrogen/antiandrogen properties of saw palmetto as inducing hepatotoxicity in a patient. Additionally, it has also been postulated that stimulation of the estrogenic receptors may lead to increased triglyceride levels or induction of a hypercoagulable state that leads to pancreatic necrosis. Finally, inhibition of cyclooxygenase, a property of saw palmetto, may be linked to acute pancreatitis. Acute pancreatitis, a serious and sometimes fatal disorder may occur secondary to medications. Although the mechanism is not fully known, this is the second case of acute pancreatitis that has been documented secondary to the herbal medication saw palmetto. It is important for clinicians to obtain detailed medication histories, including over-the-counter and herbal medications, in order to prevent further complications from occurring.

Comparison of Functional Constituents and Biological Activity of the Seed Extracts from Two Mulberry Fruits

The seeds from two mulberry fruits [Morus alba (MA) and Cudrania tricuspidata (CT)] were examined for their oil content, and fatty acid, phytosterol and tocopherol compositions and contents. Moreover, polyphenolic compounds and biological activity of the two defatted seed residue extracts were also evaluated. Oil contents of MA and CT seeds were 29.36% and 16.69%, respectively, while MeOH extracts of the defatted MA and CT seed residues were 5.10% and 6.22%, respectively. The two seed oils were composed of 81.4 and 74.37% linoleic, 5.75 and 11.39% oleic, 8.40 and 10.18% palmitic acid, and 3.52 and 3.0% stearic acids, and two other minor fatty acids, such as linolenic and arachidic acids. MA seed had higher contents of phytosterols (507.59 ㎎/100 g of oil), tocopherols (99.64 ㎎/100 g of oil), and total flavonoid (106.50 ㎎/100 g of seed) than CT seed, whereas CT seed had higher levels of total polyphenol than MA seed. The MeOH extract of MA seed residue showed higher antioxidant, anti-diabetic, and anti-melanogenic activity than that of CT seed residue. trans-Resveratrol (9.62 ㎎/100 g), quercetin (54.83 ㎎/100 g), and 4-prenylmoracin (48.70 ㎎/100 g), were found to be the main polyphenolic components in the MeOH extract of MA seed residue. These results indicate that MA seeds are good sources of essential dietary phytochemicals with antioxidant, anti-diabetic and anti-melanogenic activity.

Clerodendron glandulosum Coleb., Verbenaceae, ameliorates high fat diet-induced alteration in lipid and cholesterol metabolism in rats

The present study was undertaken to evaluate the efficacy of freeze dried extract of Clerodendron glandulosum Coleb., Verbenaceae, leaves (FECG) on alteration in lipid and cholesterol metabolism in high fat diet fed hyperlipidemic rats. Plasma and hepatic lipid profiles, lipid and cholesterol metabolizing enzymes in target tissues and fecal total lipids and bile acid contents were evaluated in FECG treated normolipidemic and hyperlipidemic rats. These results were compared with synthetic hypolipidemic drug Lovastatin (LVS). Results indicate that FECG was able to positively regulate induced experimental hyperlipidemia by significant alteration in plasma and tissue lipid profiles. These results can be attributed to reduced absorption, effective elimination and augmented catabolism of lipids and cholesterol possibly due to high content of saponin and phytosterols in C. glandulosum. Use of C. glandulosum extract as a potential therapeutic agent against hypercholesterolemia and hypertriglyceridemia is indicated.

Effect of pretreatment with microwaves on oxidative stability and nutraceuticals content of oil from rapeseed

Demand for oil extracted by cold press, such as rapeseed oil, is increasing, but oil extraction yield, and nutraceuticals content are lower for cold pressed oil, compared with oil extracted by solvent. In this study, rapeseed was treated with microwaves, to investigate the possibility of enhancing oil extraction yield, oxidative stability and nutraceuticals content. Rapeseed was pretreated with microwaves for two different times (2 min and 4 min) and oil was then extracted with a press. To compare the results, oil was also extracted from untreated rapeseed by solvent and press. Results showed that solvent-extracted oil had the highest phytosterol content. Microwave pretreatment of rapeseed can increase the oil extraction yield (by 10%), phytosterols (by 15%) and tocopherols (by 55%) of the oil extracted by press. Oil extracted from untreated rapeseed by press had the lowest oxidative stability (1 h); this was increased to 8 h by pretreatment of rapeseed with microwaves. Therefore, from the obtained results, it is advisable to treat rapeseed with microwaves before extraction by oil press, because it gives a relatively good recovery of oil, with a high amount of nutraceuticals, and can produce oil with a longer shelf life and enhanced value.