Highest Total Antioxidant Activity Research Articles

Composite coating of xanthan gum with sodium nitroprusside alleviates the quality deterioration in strawberry fruit

Strawberry is an important and highly nutritious fruit crop that undergoes various postharvest qualitative losses. Therefore, the present study aimed to assess the synergistic effect of xanthan gum (XG) coatings with sodium nitroprusside (SNP) on the antioxidant defense system of strawberries during 16 days of storage by dipping method. The results on the 16th day of storage revealed that in comparison to control, the composite coating of XG 0.50 % + SNP reduced fruit weight loss (31.35 %) and spoilage incidence (87.22 %), along with effectively delayed respiration rates (16.44 %). Furthermore, the coatings maintained the biochemical properties of fruit including soluble solids content (7.05 %), titratable acidity (30.05 %), total flavonoid content (31.05 %), total anthocyanins content (17.59 %) and total phenols content(38.20 %) as compared to untreated fruit. The XG 0.50 % + SNP coated fruits also registered significantly (p < 0.05) higher total antioxidant activity (TAA) and antioxidant enzyme activities including catalase), peroxidase, and phenylalanine ammonia-lyase throughout the storage. Additionally, functionalized coating of XG with SNP suppressed the activity of polyphenol oxidase (PPO). This study proved that the application of coating of XG 0.50 % + SNP 2.0 mM is a potential treatment to preserve the postharvest quality of strawberries.

Antioxidant and toxicity activities of kayu manis hutan (Cinnamomum iners Reinw. Ex Blume Laureceae) leaf extracts

Cinnamomum iners Reinw. ex Blume Laureceae which is known in Malaysia as “kayu manis” has a wide range of traditional applications for certain plant parts, including the leaves, bark, and stem and it has pharmacological features, including anti-inflammatory and antibacterial activity. Unfortunately, there is a lack of reports regarding the antioxidant and toxicity activities of ethanolic C. iners crude leaf extracts. The objective of the study was to determine the total phenolic content and its antioxidant activities of ethanolic C. iners crude leaf extracts from two different age maturity, as well as its toxicity activity. The extracts were tested for total phenolic content and its antioxidant activities in terms of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryllhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging- and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6- sulfonic acid) (ABTS) assay. The toxicity assay was tested using brine shrimp (Artemia salina) lethality assay. The total phenolic content of the extracts for young and old leaves C. iners resulted in 248.06±12.77 and 351.11±8.62 mg GAE/g dw, respectively. The DPPH radical scavenging showed results for young and old leaf extracts were IC50 of 31.92 µg/mL and 27.62 µg/mL, respectively. Meanwhile, the value of FRAP for young and old leaf extracts were 8.574±0.21 and 9.155±0.36 TEAC mg/g dw, respectively. The ABTS antioxidant activity for the young and old leaf extracts were 305.23±7.02 and 316.86±8.22 Trolox equivalence mg/g dw, respectively. Based on the toxicity assay, both young and old leaf extracts exhibited LC50 at 19.627 and 13.201 mg/mL, respectively. The findings indicate that C. iners leaves crude extracts have exhibited high total phenolic content and antioxidant activity and the extracts were not toxic against brine shrimp. Thus, C. iners leaf extracts could be developed as potential natural antioxidant agents.

ULTRASOUND-ASSISTED DEEP EUTECTIC SOLVENT EXTRACTION OF PHENOLIC COMPOUNDS FROM ROSE MYRTLE

Rose myrtle fruits contain high levels of phenolics and other bioactive compounds. To increase the extraction efficiency of phenolic compounds, ultrasound-assisted- deep eutectic solvents (DESs) was proposed. First of all, six different DESs were used in this research and compared with traditional solvents (ethanol, methanol, and water), and the most suitable solvents for extracting phenolic compounds from rose myrtle fruits was choline chloride: urea (molar ratio of 1:2). Then, the Box–Behnken design was used to find the optimal extraction conditions (ultrasonic power (X1), solid to liquid ratio (X2), and extraction time (X3)) for the achievement of high total phenolic contents (TPC) and antioxidant activity (IC50). The results showed that the optimum ultrasound assisted-DES extraction parameters to achieve the highest TPC and antioxidant activity (IC50) (85.19 mgGAE/g fresh fruit and 2.31 mg/g, respectively) were X1 of 233 W, X2 of 440 mg/ml, and X3 of 55 min. Compared with traditional maceration extraction, ultrasound-assisted-DES has a higher TPC and antioxidant activity (IC50) and shorter extraction time. Scanning electron microscopy images (SEM) revealed that the dissolution of bioactive components was enhanced from the disrupted cells after ultrasound-assisted-DES extraction. Consequently, the combination of ultrasound-assisted-DESs extraction provide an excellent extraction method for efficient extraction of bioactive components of rose myrtle fruit.

Exploring for HPLC-MS/MS Profiles and Biological Activities of Different Extracts from Allium lycaonicum Siehe ex Hayek from Turkey Flora.

The present study was designed to determine the phenolic constituents, antioxidant, and enzyme inhibition activities of aerial parts and bulbs of Allium lycaonicum (family Amaryllidaceae). Extracts were prepared by maceration and Soxhlet/infusion using hexane, methanol, and water as extraction solvents. Generally, extracts from the aerial parts showed higher total phenolic and individual components and antioxidant activity than their respective bulb extracts. Maceration with water was the best to extract total phenolic content from the aerial parts (29.00 mg gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/g), while the Soxhlet extraction with hexane (22.29 mg GAE/g) was the best for the bulb. Maceration with methanol recovered the highest total flavonoid content from both the aerial parts (41.95 mg (rutin equivalents (RE)/g) and bulb (1.83 mg RE/g). Polar extracts of aerial parts were characterized by higher abundance of kaempferol-3-glucoside (≤20,624.27 µg/mg), hyperoside (≤19,722.76 µg/g), isoquercitrin (≤17,270.70 µg/g), delphindin-3,5-diglucoside (≤14,625.21 µg/g), and rutin (≤10,901.61 µg/g) than the bulb. Aerial parts' aqueous extract, prepared by maceration, exerted the highest anti-ABTS (2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) radical activity (64.09 mg trolox equivalents (TE)/g), Cu++ (83.03 mg TE/g) and Fe+++ (63.03 mg TE/g) reducing capacity while that prepared by infusion recorded the highest anti-DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) radical (31.70 mg TE/g) and metal chelating (27.66 mg EDTAE/g) activities. The highest total antioxidant activity (1.46 mmol TE/g) was obtained by maceration of the bulb with water. Extracts obtained by organic solvents showed remarkable enzyme inhibition properties against the tested enzymes. Soxhlet extraction of the bulb with hexane and methanol recorded the highest acetylcholinesterase inhibition (4.75 mg galanthamine equivalents (GALAE)/g) and tyrosinase inhibition (139.95 mg kojic acid equivalents/g) activities, respectively. Extracts obtained by maceration of the bulb with methanol and the aerial parts with hexane exerted the highest glucosidase inhibition (3.25 mmol acarbose equivalents/g) and butyrylcholinesterase inhibition (20.99 mg GALAE/g) activities, respectively. These data indicated that A. lycaonicum is a source of bioactive molecules with potential antioxidant and enzyme inhibition properties. Nonetheless, the extracts obtained through various solvents and extraction techniques showed variations in their phytoconstituent composition and biological properties.

Sulfated iota-carrageenan from marine alga Agardhiella ramosissima prevents gastric injury in rodents via its antioxidant properties

In the present study, the gastroprotective effect of a sulfated polysaccharide isolated from marine alga Agardhiella ramosissima (SP-Ar) was investigated against alcoholic gastropathy. Gastric physiological functions and in vitro antioxidant activity also were studied. It was found that SP-Ar significantly reduced macroscopic injury and histologically maintained the architecture of gastric epithelium altered by ethanol, with maximum effect at 90 mg/kg. Importantly, animals treated with SP-Ar also had preservation of oxidative status, with reduction of nonprotein sulfhydryl groups (NP-SH) consumption and malondialdehyde (MDA) production, reduced vascular permeability, besides preventing gastric hemorrhage. In addition, SP-Ar administration did not modify gastric secretion or emptying. In vitro antioxidant data showed that SP-Ar presented high total antioxidant activity, DPPH radical scavenging, and ferrous iron chelating capacity. It was observed that SP-Ar protected gastric mucosa against alcoholic gastropathy by preventing the formation or neutralizing free radicals, associated with its intrinsic antioxidant activity. In this regard, this macromolecule should have possible application as a new therapeutic alternative or food additive to increase gastric mucosa defense.

Exploring antioxidant potential in two basidiomycetous mushrooms using high-performance thin-layer chromatography–DPPH–videodensitometry

The antioxidant activity of the methanol extracts of fruiting bodies of two basidiomycetous mushroom species (Cyclocybe cylindracea and Leccinum duriusculum) was evaluated by high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) combined with 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay and videodensitometry. The HPTLC separation was achieved on a silica gel layer with acetonitrile–water–acetic acid (75:25:3, V/V). The results were compared with those obtained by the conventional microplate-based DPPH assay. The two methods provided similar results showing that the extract of the C. cylindracea had higher total antioxidant activity than the extract of the L. duriusculum, and the antioxidant activities of both extracts were much weaker than the antioxidant activities of ascorbic acid or gallic acid. Mushroom components in one zone of L. duriusculum extract and three zones of C. cylindracea extract assigned using HPTLC–DPPH–videodensitometry were mainly responsible for the antioxidant activity. Based on a previous study the β-carboline alkaloid C1-S diastereomer of brunnein B in C. cylindracea at hRF 49 contributed to the antioxidant effect the most, which corresponded to 52.0 ± 3.1 ng of ascorbic acid equivalent and 51.7 ± 3.7 ng of gallic acid equivalent.

Isolation, phylogenetic analysis and bioprospection of myxobacteria from Vietnam

Abstract. Yen NTN, Chung DD, Hong NTK, Cham NP, Nhan VT, Linh DTL, Ngoc NLB, Thai NM, Nga ND, Anh NT. 2023. Isolation, phylogenetic analysis and bioprospection of myxobacteria from Vietnam. Biodiversitas 24: 5653-5663. Myxobacteria have been considered microbial factories for producing secondary metabolites that have a variety of potential biological actions for discovering and isolating new biological molecules. Myxobacteria were isolated from soil samples collected in some provinces/cities in Vietnam. The purified isolates were identified based on morphology, biochemical test and phylogenetic analysis inferred from 16S rRNA gene. High-throughput screening assays including 2,2-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid (ABTS) and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DDPH) for antioxidant properties and microdilution for antimicrobial activity were performed with myxobacterial extracts. Compounds from potential strain were predicted using liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. Forty-three myxobacterial strains were isolated and classified into seven genera of Angiococcus, Archangium, Chondromyces, Corallococcus, Cystobacter, Melittangium, and Myxococcus. The extract from CT21 strain had the highest total antioxidant activity (IC50 = 52.34 ± 1.47 and 30.28 ± 0.74 ?g/mL for the DPPH and ABTS, respectively). It is worth noting that all strains isolated myxobacterial strains show inhibitory activity against at least one of the tested microorganisms. The most potent antimicrobial strain was Myxococcus stipitatus GL41, which inhibited all tested microorganisms, and the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) values were 1 ?g/mL against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA), Streptococcus faecalis, Candida albicans, and Aspergillus niger. Mass spectrometry analysis revealed the presence of althiomycin - the polyketide antibiotic from ethyl acetate fraction. In the present study, myxobacteria were isolated from soil sample collected from Vietnam, analyzed phylogenetically, and screened for biological activities.

Gelatin Candies Architected with Active Starch Nanoparticles Containing Phenolic Compounds from Propolis Extract

AbstractNew trends in the food industry are focused on the development of fortification foods. Gelatin candies are foods widely consumed by the population and they are selected for incorporation with starch nanoparticles (SNPs) obtained by nanoprecipitation and loaded with phenolic compounds from propolis extract (PE). Water activity and total soluble solids result in stable gelatin candies at room temperature and 30% RH (relative humidity) from the microbiological point of view. According to the results, the addition of starch nanoparticles (SNPs) in gelatin candies does not prove to be a factor that influences texture parameters, especially hardness, gumminess, and chewiness. Candies containing SNPs loaded with the phenolic compounds from PE have high total phenolic compounds (324–362 mg of GAE 100 g−1) and antioxidant activity (133–136 µmol TROLOX 100 g−1). The stability of the starch nanoparticles loaded with the phenolic compounds from propolis extract in the gummy candy is confirmed, exhibiting this food product a yellow color, representing a promising application for these natural additives in the food industry. These results indicate that SNPs loaded with the phenolic compounds from PE can be used for gelatin candies fortification aiming to develop functional foods.

Comparison of the effects of extraction method and solvents on biological activities of phytochemicals from selected violet and blue pigmented flowers

The flowers of many plant species are characterized by intense color and richness of bioactive compounds. They can be their valuable and curious sources that are worth extracting with the highest possible efficiency. The study compares the effects of different extraction methods and ultrasound (US) treatment on the physicochemical properties of dried petals of Malva sylvestris (MS), Clitoria ternatea (CT), Centaurea cyanus (CC), and Trifolium pratense (TP). The petals were ground and then extracted by three methods: (1) with H2O, (2) with 70% methanol, (3) with 70% methanol + acetic acid solvents, additionally used US. Measured: color parameters in CIEL*a*b* system; total antioxidant activity (TAA) referred to the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2’-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) radicals activity; total phenolic content (TPC) by the Folin-Ciocâlteu method; total anthocyanin content (TAC) by the pH differential method. No specific differences in color parameters founded. The highest TAA (in % of DPPH reductive- MS: 87.86; CT: 62.56; CC: 72.04; TP: 82.99), TPC (in mg gallic acid equivalent/100 g of sample- MS: 1072.86; CT: 849.85; CC: 912.07; TP: 873.77), and TAC (in mg of cyanidin-3-glucoside/100 g of sample- MS: 747.79; CT: 226.46; CC: 267.53; TP: 234.77) was reached by method (3). US treatment increased the effect.

UHPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS/MS Profiling of Phytochemicals from Araticum Fruit (Annona crassiflora Mart.) and Its Antioxidant Activity.

Araticum is a native species of the Brazilian Cerrado with a high potential for exploitation. Several studies have stated that araticum is a rich source of phytochemicals with multifaceted biological actions. However, little information is available regarding the characterization of phytochemicals found in the pulp of this fruit. In this context, this study aimed to carry out a comprehensive characterization of phytochemicals present in the araticum pulp using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to a quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometer (UHPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS/MS). The antioxidant potential of araticum pulp was also evaluated. UHPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS/MS profiling of the phytochemicals allowed for the identification and annotation of 139 phytochemicals, including organic acids, jasmonates, iridoids, phenolic compounds, alkaloids, annonaceous acetogenins, fatty acid derivatives, and other compounds. Among them, 116 compounds have been found for the first time in araticum pulp. Phenolic compounds and their derivatives represented about 59% of the phytochemicals identified in the extract. Moreover, araticum pulp showed high total phenolic compound content and antioxidant activity. The majority of identified phytochemicals have been associated with key roles in the plant's defense mechanisms against biotic and abiotic stress factors in the Cerrado environment. Furthermore, many of these phytochemicals found in the araticum pulp are already widely recognized for their beneficial effects on human health. Our findings showed that the araticum fruit contains different classes of phytochemicals that exert various biological activities, both in the plant itself and in humans.

Characterization of artisanal saffron ricotta cheese produced in Sicily: Physicochemical, microbiological, sensory, and antioxidant characteristics

The present study aims to characterize the artisanal saffron ricotta cheese produced from the whey of Piacentinu Ennese protected designation of origin (PDO) cheesemaking, including via technological parameters detected during the production process and by assessment of the main physicochemical, microbial, sensory, and antioxidant characteristics. A survey on the manufacture process of saffron and control ricotta cheese was conducted on 3 farms, located in the production area of the Piacentinu Ennese PDO cheese. pH and temperature followed a specific behavior, characterized by an inverse trend where pH decreased and temperature increased, playing an important role in the production process. All the analytical parameters were affected by the presence of saffron, also showing high between-farm variability, with significantly higher total solids and fat contents in saffron ricotta cheese compared with the control cheese (28.68% vs. 23.86%, and 19.83% vs. 14.22%, respectively). Microbial analysis showed significantly lower values in saffron compared with control ricotta cheese, for coliforms (1.51 vs. 1.91 log10 cfu/g, respectively), yeasts (1.55 vs. 2.06 log10 cfu/g, respectively), and molds (1.03 vs. 1.30 log10 cfu/g, respectively), denoting potential reduction of microbial growth asserted by saffron. Escherichia coli concentration (1.26 log10 cfu/g) in saffron ricotta cheese was in accordance with EU Regulation 2073/2005 and then safe for consumption. The presence of saffron influenced all sensory attributes, particularly color and aroma. Interestingly, high total antioxidant activity was found in saffron ricotta cheese (372 µC) compared with the control cheese. Thus, this artisanal dairy production could be considered a suitable option for functional foods with antimicrobial properties, due to the presence of saffron, which may contribute to extend the shelf life of the product. Further studies need to focus on the bioactive compounds that affect the antioxidant proprieties, characterization of the microbiota of saffron ricotta cheese, and evaluation of consumers' acceptance and perception as well as market demand.

The Content of Total Carotenoids, Vitamin C and Antioxidant Properties of 65 Potato Cultivars Characterised under the European Project ECOBREED.

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of cultivars on the concentration of antioxidant compounds: total carotenoid content (TC) and vitamin C (VC), and their correlation with the total antioxidant activity (TAA) in 65 potato cultivars (Solanum tuberosum) from 10 countries. The TC content revealed a highly significant effect of the year (Y), cultivar (C) and flesh colour (FC). The TC ranged from 101.5 µg 100 g-1 DM (in cv. Kelly) to 715 µg 100 g-1 DM (in cv. Mayan Gold). The TC values were weakly correlated with years and higher in yellow-fleshed potatoes than in white-fleshed potatoes (319.9 vs. 175.6 µg 100 g-1 DM, respectively). The VC content ranged from 1.0 mg 100 g-1 FM (in cv. Bzura) to 14.8 mg 100 g-1 FM (in cv. Twinner). The content of VC were higher in yellow-fleshed (6.5 mg 100 g-1 FM) than in white-fleshed potatoes (5.8 mg 100 g-1 FM). The highest TAA were observed in cvs. Colleen, Basa, Triplo, Gatsby, Ditta, Twinner, Riviera, Michalina, Damaris, Belmonda, Ambo, Savinja, 12-LHI-6. For these cultivars, the FRAP values were 0.53 µmol TE 100 mg-1 DM and DPPH 0.55 µmol TE 100 mg-1 DM. The lowest TAA were observed in cvs.: Owacja, Mayan Gold, Kokra, Magnolia and Kelly. For them, the FRAP and DPPH values were slightly above 0.2 µmol TE 100 mg-1 DM. It was shown that the concentration of TC in potato tubers has an impact on TAA.

Evaluation of antioxidant and antibacterial activities of some selected seaweeds from Saint Martin's Island of Bangladesh

The effects of extracting solvents on the antioxidant and antibacterial activity of crude extracts of six seaweeds were investigated. The antioxidant activity of seaweed crude extracts was evaluated by total antioxidant activity (TAA), 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid)diammonium salt (ABTS), and cupric reducing antioxidant capacity (CUPRAC) assays. Acetone extract of B. wrightii showed significantly (P < 0.05) the highest total phenolic content (TPC) (71.09 mg GAE/g), while methanolic extract of Porphyra sp. had the highest total flavonoid content (75.61 mg QE/g). Methanolic extract of S. muticum showed significantly (P < 0.05) the highest TAA. Methanolic extract of P. tetrastromatica and S. muticum showed significantly (P < 0.05) the highest DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging effects, while acetone extract of B. wrightii showed significantly the highest ECA0.50 value (0.78 mg/ml) of CUPRAC activity. Pearson's correlation test and principal component analysis (PCA) confirmed the relationship between TPC and various antioxidant activity assays of seaweed extracts. Methanolic extracts of P. tetrastromatica, S. muticum and H. clathratus showed higher inhibitory zones against all the bacterial strains than other seaweed extracts. The results of this study indicated that brown seaweeds showed comparatively better antioxidant and antibacterial activity, which could be utilized in the food processing industries.

Serum Vitamins A and E at Mid-Pregnancy and Their Relationships with Both Maternal and Cord Blood Antioxidant Status and Perinatal Conditions: The NELA Cohort

Introduction: Most of the pregnant women do not achieve the recommended dietary intake of vitamins A and E. These vitamins may counteract oxidative stress involved in some adverse perinatal outcomes. We aimed to assess the associations between maternal vitamin A and E at mid-pregnancy with both maternal and fetal outcomes and to identify possible early biomarkers during pregnancy to predict and prevent oxidative stress in the offspring. Methods: Data on dietary and serum levels of vitamins A and E were collected from 544 pregnant women from the Nutrition in Early Life and Asthma (NELA) study, a prospective mother-child cohort set up in Spain. Results: There were large discrepancies between low dietary vitamin E intake (78% of the mothers) and low serum vitamin E levels (3%) at 24 weeks of gestation. Maternal serum vitamins A and E at mid-pregnancy were associated with higher antioxidant status not only in the mother at this time point (lower hydroperoxides and higher total antioxidant activity [TAA]) but also with the newborn at birth (higher TAA). Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) was negatively associated with maternal serum vitamin A (OR: 0.95 CI: 0.91–0.99, p = 0.009) at mid-pregnancy. Nevertheless, we could not detect any association between GDM and oxidative stress parameters. Conclusions: In conclusion, maternal vitamin A and E serum levels may be used as an early potential biomarker of antioxidant status of the neonate at birth. Control of these vitamins during pregnancy could help avoid morbid conditions in the newborn caused by oxidative stress in GDM pregnancies.

Comparative study on the effect of different drying techniques on phenolic compounds in Australian beach-cast brown seaweeds

Marine seaweeds have increased their interest among researchers worldwide due to their beneficial health-promoting compounds such as phenolic compounds. Drying is one of the ancient methodologies to preserve food for a long shelf-life. It will help remove the moisture content from the seaweed and thus increase the bioactive compounds' shelf-life. This study was conducted to compare the fresh and dried seaweed's phenolic compounds of five different brown seaweeds, the seaweed were dried by using three different drying methods (freeze, oven, vacuum), and to evaluate their potential antioxidant activities. Subsequently, individual compounds were characterized and identified using LC-ESI-QTOF-MS/MS. Vacuum-dried Cytosphora sp., had high TPC (39.53 GAE mg/g), TFC (3.40 QE mg/g), DMBA (2.86 PGE mg/g), PBA (27.90 PGE mg/g), and FDA (0.85 PGE mg/g) whereas freeze-dried Cytosphora sp., had high radical scavenging activity in DPPH (47.66 TE mg/g). However, vacuum-dried Cytosphora sp., exhibited high antioxidant potential in FRAP (91.28 TE mg/g), ABTS (80.86 AAE mg/g), RPA (96.90 AAE mg/g), and ·OH-RSA (252.22 TE mg/g). Freeze-dried Ecklonia radiata had high antioxidant potential in FICA (14.70 EDTA mg/g) and freeze-dried Sargassum sp., exhibited high total antioxidant activity (29.29 AAE mg/g). The total phenolic and total flavonoid content were highly correlated with antioxidant potential. Construction of the Venn diagram demonstrated high phenolic profiling of unique compounds in Cystophora sp., and in the vacuum-dried seaweeds followed by the freeze-dried seaweeds. The LC-ESI-QTOF-MS/MS identified and characterized 22 compounds in vacuum-dried and 20 compounds in oven-dried seaweed species. While 18 and 5 compounds were identified in freeze-dried and fresh seaweed samples, respectively. Our results will provide vital information to industries including food, pharmaceutical, and nutraceutical for upscale drying and extraction of phenolic compounds.

Effect of a Combination of Ultrasonic Germination and Fermentation Processes on the Antioxidant Activity and γ-Aminobutyric Acid Content of Food Ingredients

Whole-grain food ingredients enable the most balanced food products to be obtained, thus forming an important part of a healthy and sustainable diet. Wheat and barley grains are a traditional source of food ingredients for breads, breakfasts, drinks, and snacks in Russia. Such foods are suitable for all ages with many health benefits. However, the modern metropolitan citizen consumes large quantities of refined cereal products, thus impoverishing their diet. An alternative in dietary fortification could be sprouted and fermented food ingredients with an increased nutritional value. The present work was carried out to study the effect of a combination of germination with ultrasound treatment and fermentation with a complex starter of cereal crops on antioxidant activity and γ-aminobutyric acid content of food ingredients with the possibility of using them in the matrix of food products. In order to obtain germinated food ingredients, we used crops with the highest yield in the Ural region (Russia): two samples of soft spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and a sample of spring barley grain (Hordeum vulgare L.). Obtaining food ingredients was divided into successive stages: ultrasonic treatment (22 ± 1.25 kHz) was performed by means of changing power and length of time (245 W/L, intensity for 5 min); germination and fermentation used complex starter “Vivo Probio”. The proposed technology of germination with haunting fermentation of cereal crops resulted in food ingredients with a more uniform distribution of granulometric composition, a low proportion of fine particles (4.62–104.60 µm) (p &lt; 0.05) and large particles (418.60–592.00 µm) (p &lt; 0.05). The particle size range (31.11–248.90 μm) (p &lt; 0.05) was predominant. The germination and fermentation process resulted in 26 to 57% (p &lt; 0.05) lower phytic acid content, 35 to 68% (p &lt; 0.05) higher flavonoid content, 31 to 51% (p &lt; 0.05) higher total antioxidant activity, 42.4 to 93.9% (p &lt; 0.05) higher assimilability, and 3.1 to 4.7 times (p &lt; 0.05) higher γ-aminobutyric acid content, which will allow production of food products with pronounced preventive action. The data was analyzed via one-way ANOVA analysis of variance using the free web-based software. The combination of the germination process with ultrasound treatment and subsequent fermentation with a complex starter can be used to support the development of healthful food products with increased GABA and antioxidant activity.

Investigation of the Effects of Monomeric and Dimeric Stilbenoids on Bacteria-Induced Cytokines and LPS-Induced ROS Formation in Bone Marrow-Derived Dendritic Cells.

Stilbenoids are anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds, with resveratrol being the most investigated molecule in this class. However, the actions of most other stilbenoids are much less studied. This study compares five monomeric (resveratrol, piceatannol, pterostilbene, pinostilbene, and trimethoxy-resveratrol) and two dimeric (dehydro-δ-viniferin and trans-δ-viniferin) stilbenoids for their capability to modulate the production of bacteria-induced cytokines (IL-12, IL-10, and TNF-α), as well as lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS), in murine bone marrow-derived dendritic cells. All monomeric species showed dose-dependent inhibition of E. coli-induced IL-12 and TNF-α, whereas only resveratrol and piceatannol inhibited IL-10 production. All monomers, except trimethoxy-resveratrol, inhibited L. acidophilus-induced IL-12, IL-10, and TNF-α production. The dimer dehydro-δ-viniferin remarkably enhanced L. acidophilus-induced IL-12 production. The contrasting effect of resveratrol and dehydro-δ-viniferin on IL-12 production was due, at least in part, to a divergent inactivation of the mitogen-activated protein kinases by the two stilbenoids. Despite having moderate to high total antioxidant activity, dehydro-δ-viniferin was a weak inhibitor of LPS-induced ROS formation. Conversely, resveratrol and piceatannol potently inhibited LPS-induced ROS formation. Methylated monomers showed a decreased antioxidant capacity compared to resveratrol, also depending on the methylation site. In summary, the immune-modulating effect of the stilbenoids depends on both specific structural features of tested compounds and the stimulating bacteria.

Fruit quality of strawberry cultivars submitted to nutrient spraying in semi-hydroponic system

Society's demand for foods with high organoleptic and nutraceutical quality requires studies that identify superior cultivars and nutritional management that provides gains in quality attributes. The attributes pH, soluble solids (SS), titratable acidity (TA), SS/TA ratio, total contend of flavonoids (FVT), anthocyanins (ATC), phenols compounds (TPC), vitamin C (Vit C) and total antioxidant activity (TAA) of pseudofruits of two cultivars of short days (Pircinque and Jônica) and two of neutral days (Albion and San Andreas) submitted to spraying with water or nutrients (PAN) (B, Zn and B + Zn) under semi-hydroponic system in Alto Vale do Itajaí/SC, Brazil. Pseudofruits from short-day cultivars have higher SS content and SS/AT ratio. PAN does not influence pH, SS, AT and SS/AT ratio. Strawberries from Jônica and Albion stand out for their high Vit C content. The application of Zn increases Vit C of the cultivars. The variation found in the levels of FVT, ATC and TAA, is mainly due to the genetics of each cultivar. The TAA correlated positively with the FvT and ATC content and negatively with SS. Higher TAA were observed in decreasing order for San Andreas, Jônica, Albion and Pircinque. Pircinque strawberries are sweeter, with higher SS and SS/AT ratio, but with lower TAA.

Evaluating the Quality of Raw Chocolate as an Alternative to Commercial Products

The aim of this presented study was the sensory evaluation, the analysis of the nutritional composition, and the analysis of the content of health-promoting ingredients, i.e., the total phenolic compounds and the total flavonoids, in raw chocolate (made exclusively from unroasted cocoa beans, cane sugar, and cocoa butter) in comparison to classic commercial chocolates available in the consumer market. The research showed that raw chocolate, compared to commercial chocolates, contained less carbohydrates (39.6% in raw chocolate and 42.7% and 53.7% in commercial chocolate, respectively), was characterized by a higher content of total phenolic compounds (22.08 mg GAE/g in raw chocolate and 9.25 and 7.87 mg GAE/g in commercial chocolates, respectively), had a a higher content of total flavonoids (8.75 mg ECE/g in raw chocolate and 4.43 mg/g and 3.83 mg ECE/g in commercial chocolates, respectively), and also had a higher total antioxidant activity (172.16 μM TE/g in raw chocolate and 132.60 and 63.76 μM TE/g in commercial chocolates, respectively). In the sensory assessment, raw chocolate received lower ranks than commercial chocolates, especially in the case of the most important discriminant in the entire evaluation, i.e., taste, which was unquestionably related to the lower content of carbohydrates. However, currently, it is necessary to reduce the consumption of sugar, which, when excessively present in the diet, is the cause of many diseases. However, in the sensory evaluation for the criteria “external appearance—shape” and “external appearance—surface condition,” the raw chocolate received the highest marks.

Physico-chemical characterization of betel leaf and its effect on oxidative stability and shelf-life of coconut oil

Plant-based bioactive components have shown immense potential and have recently gained considerable attention. Nevertheless, studies pertaining to betel leaves are scarce. The current study investigated the physio-chemical, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties of two cultivars of Piper betel named Nadan and Koottakkodinadan. The study also evaluated the effects of ethanolic extract of Koottakkodinadan on the storage stability of the coconut oil at room temperature. Both cultivars contained high amounts of sodium, potassium, calcium, and iron. The bioactive components of betel leaf were extracted using solvents of different polarities. The acetone extract of Koottakkodinadan had the highest phenolic content, (154.3 ± 0.21 mg GAE/g), while the DMSO and dichloromethane extract of Nadan had the highest tannin content (100 ± 0 mg TAE/g) and flavonoid content (37.5 ± 0.2 mg RE/g). Nevertheless, the methanol extract of the Nadan cultivar showed high total antioxidant activity by DPPH and ABTS assay. It also showed significant antimicrobial properties against Staphylococcus aureus. The acetone extract of Koottakkodinadan showed potent antimicrobial effects against E. coli, which could be attributed to phenolic content. The coconut oil storage stability showed promising results when treated with ethanolic extract, emphasizing the significance of betel leaf extracts in the food and pharmaceutical industry.