Levels Of Total Phenolic Content Research Articles

Evaluation of the nutritional and anti-nutritional factors composition of the seed coats of two species of Cucurbitaceae (cucumis melo L. and Cucumeropsis mannii Naudin) for their possible use in animal feed formulation

Seed coats wastes produced during processing of Cucurbitaceae seed for human diet could be used in animal feed, and their value relies on their nutritional content. High dry mater (86.60 ± 0.54-87.26 ± 0.30%), carbohydrate (23.32 ± 0.36-25.19 ± 0.78%), protein (10.06 ± 0.01-18.81 ± 0.01%), lipid (14.51 ± 0.28-18.86 ± 0.86%), fibers (51.48 ± 0.24-60.87 ± 1.51%) and glutamic acid (5.65 ± 0.00-6.44 ± 0.00) were found in the seed coat of cucumis melo and Cucumeropsis mannii. Moreover, the high level of total phenolic content (150.30–207.36 mg GAE/100 g) may reveal important antioxidant properties of the seed coat. Levels of macro-elements such as Phosphorus (326.66 ± 15.27-400.00 ± 10.00 mg/100g), potassium (1931.44 ± 2.64-2206.00 ± 2.64 mg/100g), calcium (2941.00 ± 1.00-3596.00 ± 0.57mg/100g) and magnesium (54.50 ± 1.00-329.33 ± 0.57 mg/100g), and also micro-elements such as Iron (8.35 ± 0.00-9.50 ± 0.00 mg/100g), copper (4.54 ± 0.00-5.14 ± 0.00 mg/100g), manganese (5.71 ± 0.00-5.87 ± 0.00 mg/100g), sodium (14.21 ± 0.00-17.93 ± 0.00 mg/100g) and zinc (19.11 ± 0.00-24.57 ± 0.00 mg/100g) displayed the potential of the seed coats as mineral source. The presence of anti-nutrient like tannins (43.63 ± 0.48-57.73 ± 0.97%) and phytate (15.51 ± 0.51%) may be reduced to safe level through fermentation, autoclaving and soaking before feeds formulation. This study displayed the variability in the nutritional and anti-nutritional factors contents of the seed coats obtained from the cucumis melo and Cucumeropsis mannii. Vegetable waste, when properly managed, could provide a source of feed for animal thus reducing feeding cost and in this regards seed coat of Cucurbitaceae seed might be an alternative.

Preliminary Study on Major Phenolic Groups, Antioxidant and Cytotoxic Capacity of Tuckeroo (Cupaniopsis Anacardioides) Fruit Extracts

Background: Tuckeroo (Cupaniopsis anacardioides) is one of eleven species that belongs to the Sapindaceae family, which is native to Australia. Objective: This study screened major phenolic groups from fresh or dried whole fruits, or just their skin. Methods: Using optimal ultrasound assisted extraction conditions with either acetone (50%) or methanol (50%) as extraction solvents. This study further tested their antioxidant capacity and cytotoxic activity against a panel of ten cancer cell lines for their potential health benefits. Results: The results showed that levels of major phenolic groups were significantly different with solvents used or types of materials (whole fruit or skin). The extract from dried skin fruit using acetone 50 % (SD-A50) had the highest level of total phenolic content(112.47 mg GAE/g) and total flavonoid content (101.89 mg CAE/g); however, the extract from fresh skin (SF-A50) had the greatest proanthocyanidin content (124.22 mg CAE/g). This SF-A50 extract also showed the strongest antioxidant activity and had the highest growth inhibition and the lower dose response (GI50 values of 20-145 μg/mL) against the HT29 (colon); U87, SJ-G2 (glioblastoma); MCF-7 (Breast); A2780 (ovarian); H460 (lung); A431 (skin); Du145 (prostate); BE2-C (neuroblastoma); and MIA PaCa-2 (pancreas) cancer cell line, revealing its therapeutic potential. Conclusions: Fourteen major compounds, including catechin were detected from the Tuckeroo fruit extract; future studies are recommended to further isolate, identify and test the health potentials from group and individual compounds of the Tuckeroo fruit extract.

Effects of ultrasound and gamma irradiation on quality maintenance of fresh Lentinula edodes during cold storage

Microbial infection, senescence and water losses result in serious quality deterioration of postharvest mushrooms. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of ultrasound treatment (US), gamma irradiation treatment (GI) and their combination on quality maintenance of fresh Lentinula edodes during storage. The results showed that US + GI was the most effective approach to maintaining the quality of mushrooms. US + GI reduced natural microflora present on L. edodes, such as total number of colonies, molds, yeasts, Pseudomonas and Enterobacteriaceae. Furthermore, US + GI stimulated phenylalanine ammonia lyase, maintained the highest level of total phenolic content (733.63 mg GAE/kg on Day 4), and postponed the occurrence of reduced ascorbic acid (33.7% retention relative to the control), which contributed to strengthening the antioxidant capacity. Additionally, US + GI retarded water mobility and loss. In brief, the US + GI in this study is an effective hurdle technology for preserving the quality of fresh L. edodes during storage.

The Impact of Air or Nitrogen Non-Thermal Plasma on Variations of Natural Bioactive Compounds in Djulis (Chenopodium formosanum Koidz.) Seed and the Potential Effects for Human Health

Non-thermal plasma (NTP) has been widely applied in the food and agricultural industries. It is still unknown whether natural bioactive compounds in seeds are affected by NTP treatment. Our goal was to examine whether the bioactive compounds in djulis (Chenopodium formosanum Koidz.) seed are changed after NTP treatment. The betacyanin, anthocyanin, total phenolic content (TPCs), total flavonoids (TFs), 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging effects (DPPH), gallic acid, and rutin were compared in NTP-treated seed and an untreated control. Levels of betacyanin, anthocyanin, and TPCs in the seed were found to be significantly increased after the nitrogen (N2)-NTP treatment compared with the control (p < 0.001). Inversely, the air-NTP treatment significantly weakened the performance of these bioactive compounds in the seed as compared to the control. Levels of TFs in both the air- and N2-NTP treated seed were significantly lower than those in the control (p < 0.001). After the NTP treatment, DPPH was still at high levels, similar to those in the control. The djulis seed extract had antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects on THP-1 (human-monocyte-cell line) cells. N2-NTP generated nitrogen reactive species that activated the bioactive compounds in the seed. In contrast, air-NTP produced oxygen and nitrogen reactive species inhibited the expression of these bioactive compounds.

Seasonal Variation of Phytochemicals in Four Selected Medicinal Plants

Pharmacognosy Research,2021,13,4,218-226.DOI:10.5530/pres.13.4.14Published:October 2021Type:Original ArticleAuthors:Bonface Mwamatope, David Tembo, Elizabeth Kampira, Cecilia Maliwichi-Nyirenda, and Victoria Ndolo Author(s) affiliations:Bonface Mwamatope1, David Tembo2,*, Elizabeth Kampira3, Cecilia Maliwichi-Nyirenda4, Victoria Ndolo5 1Biomedical Sciences Department, College of Medicine, University of Malawi, Blantyre, MALAWI. 2Physics and Biochemical Sciences Department, The Polytechnic, University of Malawi, Blantyre, MALAWI. 3Medical Laboratory Department, College of Medicine, University of Malawi. 4Research Support Centre, College of Medicine, University of Malawi, Blantyre, MALAWI. 5Department of Human Ecology, Faculty of Science, Chancellor College, University of Malawi, Blantyre, MALAWI. Abstract:Background: The study aimed at assessing total alkaloids content (TAC), total flavonoids content (TFC), total phenolic content (TPC), antioxidant activity (AA) and predominant individual phenolic compounds in methanol extracts of M. oleifera, S.singueana, M.azedarach leaves and stem barks of L. discolor collected during different seasons of the year. Materials and Methods: TPC, TFC and TAC were analyzed using the Folin Ciocalteau assay, aluminum chloride assay and bromocresol green assay, respectively. 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) techniques were used to analyse AA. Phenolic compounds; Vanillic acid, (+)-catechin, quercetin, rutin, sinapic acid, 2,4-hydroxybenzoic acid and ferulic acid were analyzed using high performance liquid chromatography diode array detector (HPLC - DAD). Results: Barks of L. discolour exhibited high levels of TPC, TFC, TAC and AA during hot-dry season (summer) as compared to S. singueana, M. oleifera and M. azedarach leaves which showed significantly (p< 0.05) higher levels in hot-wet season (rainy). Levels of TPC, TFC and TAC were significantly (p< 0.05) influenced by seasonal variations and correlated with levels of AA. Profiles of all phenolic compounds analyzed were not similar in terms of chemical composition and concentration during different seasons. Sinapic acid and 2,4-hydroxybenzoic acid were predominant in S. singueana while sinapic acid and ferulic acid were predominant in M. oleifera. Vanillic acid and 2,4-hydroxybenzoic acid were predominant in L. discolor and M. azedarach respectively. Conclusion: The phytochemical constituents in medicinal plants are subject to seasonal variations which in turn influence the optimum season of harvesting. Keywords:Alkaloids, Antioxidant activity, Flavonoids, Medicinal plants, Phenolic compounds, Seasonal variationsView:PDF (984.49 KB)

Influence of fermentation conditions on the polyphenols, total flavonoids, and antioxidant properties of wine produced from Burans petals

Burans flowers often get wasted each year and can be utilized as a novel substrate for the preparation of fermented products such as red wine. In this work, the effect of fermentation time, temperature, pH, and total soluble solid (TSS) on the antioxidant activity (AA), total phenolic content (TPC), and total flavonoid content (TFC) of red wine produced from Burans petals was investigated. Experiments were carried out as per the Box–Behnken design (BBD). Results showed that the maximum level of AA (68.19%), TPC (89.95 mg GAE/L), and TFC (1,091.19 mg QE/L) can be obtained when subjected to fermentation time of 11 days, at temperature of 32.4°C, pH of 3.85, and 23°Bx TSS. The effect of fermentation time and temperature on AA, TFC, and TPC was pre-dominant. This study could be a reference for future industrial production of wine from Burans flowers. Novelty impact statement The flowers of Burans can be used as a substitute of grape for wine making. Burans flowers packed with phenolic compounds can be used as a novel substrate for the production of a new antioxidant-rich fermented with increased shelf life. The production of wine from Burans flowers will also help in introducing a new flavor in the wine industry while giving a purpose to these flowers that are otherwise wasted every year.

UPLC-DAD-QTOF-MS/MS analysis of targeted poly-phenolic compounds from Moringa oleifera leaves as function of seasonal responses

Moringa Oleifera commonly known as miracle tree, is widely distributed in tropical and subtropical regions. It is used in traditional medicine to treat several diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, cancer, and other infections. In order to optimize the time of harvesting Moringa plant leaves, it is important to understand how various environmental factors like season affects its chemical composition especially secondary metabolites. Ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography with diode array coupled to electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (UPLC-ESI-QTOFMS) was used for the comprehensive characterization of methanol extract from Moringa Oleifera leaves from different South Africa calendar-based seasons. Some compounds such as Gallic acid, Catechin, Chlorogenic acid, Quercetin, Kaempferol, Quercetin 3,4-diglycoside, Quercetin 3-O-glucoside were quantified. Total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC) and DPPH scavenging assay were measured as response to the seasonal variations. A total number of 29 Polyphenolic compounds were identified. In overall, trend of Polyphenolic content as a function of the season was as: autumn > winter > summer> spring. The highest level of Gallic acid, Catechin, chlorogenic acid, quercetin, kaempferol, quercetin 3,4-diglycoside, quercetin, TPC and TFC were found in autumn. The lowest EC50 were found in the leaves collected in autumn and winter as an indication of high antioxidant activity as compared to spring and summer. The results from the current study showed a strong evidence that seasonal variation have an impact on the secondary metabolites production. Thus, the best recommended harvesting season is autumn and summer because in winter though gave also high secondary metabolites, there is less biomass during this period.

Ethnobotanical and Biochemical Study of Berberis lycium Royle Collected from Different Areas of Azad Jammu and Kashmir.

Berberis lycium Royle has a long history of medicinal uses to treat different diseases. It naturally grows on the mountains of Indian subcontinent. Its ethnobotanical and biochemical study from the state of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJ&K) was not previously explored. So, the objective of the current study was to explore the ethnobotanical and biochemical properties of the B. lycium Royle population of AJ&K. For this purpose, samples of B. lycium Royle were randomly collected from five districts of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, including thirty-five locations. Demographic features of informants such as plant part used, methods of preparation, modes of administration, conservation status, and ethnomedicinal uses were documented. It was used for treating different diseases such as diabetes, arthritis, joint pain, and stomach ulcer. This plant is very famous for providing medicinal roots, leaves, and fruits which are extensively used in many parts of the world. The biochemical analysis was conducted for total phenolic contents (TPC), chlorophyll contents, and antioxidant activity. The highest level of TPC found was 88.66 ± 1.07 µg/g of gallic acid equivalent phenolic (GAE) from leaves collected from Patikka (Chanjhal), Muzaffarabad District, AJ&K. The highest total chlorophyll contents (3.75 ± 0.53 µg/ml) were found in samples collected from Sathrian, Neelum District. The highest antioxidant activity with lowest IC50 value (33.26 µg/ml) was obtained from the root of sample collected from Bakreyali, Muzaffarabad District, as compared with other districts. The concentration of berberine was found to be 4.76 percent in the root bark of B. lycium Royle, estimated by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). In syrup composition, 0.95 mg/5 ml of berberine was used. Hence, it is concluded that amongst the five districts, the plant parts (stem, fruits, and root) collected from Muzaffarabad District, AJ&K, showed the highest medicinal potential due to its unique climatic conditions.

The antioxidant and antidiabetic potentials of polyphenolic-rich extracts of Cyperus rotundus (Linn.)

In this study, the rhizome of Cyperus rotundus L was investigated for its antioxidant and antidiabetic effects using in vitro and in silico experimental models. Its crude extracts (ethyl acetate, ethanol and aqueous) were screened in vitro for their antioxidant activity using ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), as well as their inhibitory effect on α-glucosidase enzyme. Subsequently, the extracts were subjected to Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis to elucidate their possible bioactive compounds. Furthermore, computational molecular docking of selected phenolic compounds was conducted to determine their mode of α-glucosidase inhibitory activity. The aqueous extract displayed the highest level of total phenolic content and significantly higher scavenging activity in both FRAP and DPPH assays compared to ethyl acetate and ethanol extracts. In FRAP and DPPH assays, IC50 values of aqueous extract were 448.626 µg/mL and 418.74 µg/mL, respectively. Aqueous extract further presented higher α-glucosidase inhibitory activity with an IC50 value of 383.75 µg/mL. GC-MS analysis revealed the presence of the following phenolic compounds: 4-methyl-2-(2,4,4-trimethylpentan-2-yl) phenol, Phenol,2-methyl-4-(1,1,3,3-tetramethylbutyl)- and 1-ethoxy-2-isopropylbenzene. Molecular docking study revealed 1-ethoxy-2-isopropylbenzene formed two hydrogen bonds with the interacting residues in the active site of α-glucosidase enzyme. Furthermore, 4-methyl-2-(2,4,4-trimethylpentan-2-yl) phenol had the lowest binding energy inferring the best affinity for α-glucosidase active site. These results suggest the possible antioxidant and antidiabetic potential of Cyperus rotundus. Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma

Lactobacillus plantarum SK15 as a Starter Culture for Prevention of Biogenic Amine Accumulation in Fermented Beverage Containing Hericium erinaceus Mushroom

The effectiveness of Lactobacillus plantarum SK15 starter culture in preventing biogenic amine production, such as putrescine (PUT) and spermidine (SPD), during the fermented mushroom beverage (FMB) process using Hericium erinaceus was examined. Spontaneously fermented and starter-mediated FMB was manufactured in parallel. Besides changes in pH, total acidity content, alcohol content, amino acid content, reducing sugar content, total phenolic content, antioxidant activity, and the microbial load were examined at several sampling points during the 720-h fermentation process. As a result, the L. plantarum SK15 starter prevented biogenic amine accumulation during FMB fermentation. Moreover, starter-mediated FMB can control pH and alcohol content at an acceptable level. In addition, FMB with L. plantarum SK15 had a higher level of total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant activity.

Evaluation of total phenolic content, antioxidant activity, germination power, and yield of pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan) sprouts elicited using various Naalginate levels with different elicitation duration

This study was aimed to investigate the total phenolic content and antioxidant activity of elicited pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan) sprouts prepared using various Na-alginate concentrations at different elicitation durations. The germination power and yield of the sprouts were also examined. Elicitation proved capable to improve the antioxidant capacity of legumes sprouts but the yield and germination rates were decreased due to the elicitation stress. In this study, elicitation conducted by immersing pigeon pea seeds in Na -alginate solutions (250, 300, and 350 ppm) for various duration (16, 20, and 24 hrs). The seeds were then germinated for 48 hrs to produce Na-alginate elicited pigeon pea sprouts. The results showed that the total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant activity (Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity, TEAC, and Ferric reducing antioxidant power, FRAP) of elicited pigeon pea sprouts were significantly increased along with the increasing elicitation duration in all Na-alginate levels. The higher Na-alginate levels produce a higher level of TPC, TEAC, and FRAP values. On the other hand, germination power and the yield of the sprouts were significantly decreased along with increasing Na-alginate levels and elicitation duration. Elicitation using 350 ppm Na-alginate with an elicitation duration of 24 hrs produces elicited pigeon pea sprouts with the highest TPC and antioxidant activity, but lowest germination power and yield. These results have an important consequence in developing an elicitation technique to improve the antioxidant capacity of leguminous.

Polyploidy‐promoted phenolic metabolism confers the increased competitive ability of Solidago canadensis

Allelopathy plays an important role in the successful invasion of alien invasive plants. Phenolic compounds are one of the primary classes of secondary metabolites with strong allelopathic activities. Polyploidy can cause significant effects on the production and yield of plant secondary metabolites. However, the effect of allelopathic potential of phenolic compounds on the competitiveness of different geographical cytotypes of Solidago canadensis remains unknown. We conducted a common garden field experiment in the invasive habitat of China to compare the competitive ability of native and introduced diploid, tetraploid and hexaploid S. canadensis against intentionally planted local weeds. Results showed that introduced tetraploids and hexaploids outcompeted local plants and formed a monodominant community due to superior competitive ability. Phenolic metabolism analysis showed these populations had a high accumulation of total phenolic compounds in aerial parts and rhizosphere soil throughout three developmental stages, which contributed to significant allelopathic effects on tested weeds. However, diploids and native polyploids showed less allelopathic activities due to the low level of total phenolic content. Together, these results suggest polyploidization is one of the reasons that driving the differentiation of phenolic metabolism in different geo‐cytotypes of S. canadensis, and the allelopathic abilities of introduced polyploids are further enhanced through a post‐introduction adaptive evolution. Polyploidy‐promoted allelopathic potential makes introduced polyploids more competitive against local plants than diploids and native polyploids, which contribute to its successful invasion.

Molecular and phenotypic characterization of a collection of white grain sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] for temperate climates

Sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] is a subsistence crop and the main food for populations in arid or semiarid regions and it is appreciated for the production of gluten-free products, forages, raw materials for industrial transformation and packaging. The end-use of different sorghum purposes having various plant or kernel characteristics require specific breeding programs to develop the desired ideotype. Sorghum grains can be classified according to kernel color, tannins and polyphenols content: white, yellow, red, brown, and black. White sorghum is characterized by a low level of total phenolic content and tannins. The advantage of using white sorghum is: increased protein digestibility, nutritional composition and consumer acceptance similar to other cereals. A collection of 117 white grain sorghums was characterized using 10 SSRs and preliminary agronomic observations were made for main traits. SSR analysis revealed from 10 to 33 alleles per locus.Observed heterozygosity was lower than expected according to the reproduction system of sorghum. Phylogenetic analysis revealed 6 main groups of genotypes. Only one group is constituted by genotypes with the same geographical origin (Egypt) while other groups are admixtures of different countries. The principal coordinate analysis revealed good correspondence between genetic profiles and groups evidenced by similar agronomic performances.

Effects of temperature, steeping time and particle size used in infusion brewing on total phenolic content and antioxidant activity of tea produced from young upland rice leaves

Tea was brewed from young leaves of 4 weeks old Thai upland black waxy rice plants of the cultivar ‘Damgatondam’, which has a noticeable fragrant smell from both seeds and leaves. The plants were harvested about 1 cm above soil level, washed, and cut into pieces, about 1 cm long. These pieces were then steamed for 1 min in a steamer rack, withering for 5min by spreading them out in a thin layer, pan-roasted at 70°C for 30 min, and finally dried at 70°C for 90 min. They were either kept as pieces of leaves or ground into a powder, and both were used for brewing tea by infusion in water at 4oC, room temperature (about 25oC), for 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, or 15 h and brewing at 70oC or 98oC for 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11 or 15 min. Directly after brewing, the tea was stored at -25oC awaiting analysis. Each sample was analyzed for total phenolic content (TPC) and for antioxidant activity, by ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), 2,2 diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2'-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazo line-6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS) assays. Results showed that tea brewed from ground leaves had higher antioxidant activity than tea brewed from ungrounded leaves. The highest level of extraction was at 98oC for 15 min, where the TPC was 62.79 mg GAE/100g, antioxidant activity was 278.04 for DPPH, 195.38 for ABTS and 1150.13 mg TE/100g for FRAP. Samples extracted at 4oC or room temperature also had high levels of TPC and antioxidant activity with the maximum extraction at room temperature for 15 h; where TPC was 46.76 mg GAE/100g, and antioxidant activities were 152.72 for DPPH, 140.42 for ABTS and 950.32 mg TE/100 g for FRAP. Therefore, the level of extraction for tea brewed in all four conditions depended on both temperature and brewing time. Also, extraction of high levels of bioactive compounds depended on large surface areas of the leaves being in contact with water.

Evaluation of biochemical and antioxidant properties of Indian and Yemeni honey

Honey exhibits a potent antioxidant activity; it varies according to floral sources and the geographical origin of the honey. The study was aimed to evaluate the biochemical and antioxidant properties of 84 monofloral and multiforal honey samples collected throughout India and Yemen. All the Indian and Yemeni honey samples exhibited considerable variations with reference to their level of total phenolic content (TFC), total flavonoid content (TFC), radical-scavenging activity, ascorbic acid as well as total carotenoid content (TCC). A strong significant correlation between biochemical parameters and radical scavenging activity was found. Our results indicated that Indian and Yemeni honey can be considered a good source of antioxidant and biochemical compounds.

Ginger ( Zingiber officinale roscoe) extract could upregulate the renal expression of NRF2 and TNFα and prevents ethanol-induced toxicity in rat kidney

Ginger has protective effects on the kidney, however the molecular mechanism of this effect has not yet been fully elucidated. Therefore, this work studied molecular mechanisms of ginger effects on ethanol-induced kidney injury. Twenty-four male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups: control, ginger (1 g/kg/day ginger extract by oral gavage), ethanol (4 g/kg/day ethanol by oral gavage) and ginger-ethanol group and treated daily for 28 days. Kidney function, expression of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) and tumor necrosis factor(TNF)-α genes and oxidative stress parameters in kidney tissue, were evaluated. Total phenolic content (TPC) and 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging activity of ginger extract were also evaluated. Hydroethanolic extract of ginger showed a good level of DPPH scavenging activity and TPC. In the ethanol group, serum level of urea, creatinine and uric acid and the expression of NRF2 and TNF-α significantly increased compared to control group, while co-treatment with ginger in ginger+ethanol group significantly ameliorated them compared to the ethanol group. Ethanol exposure significantly reduced the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and catalase (CAT) compared to the control values ,while the level of malondialdehyde (MDA) significantly increased. Ginger significantly ameliorated the level of MDA and activity of SOD, GPx and CAT in the ginger-ethanol group compared to the ethanol group. The results showed that ginger's protective effects against ethanol renotoxicity were mediated via enhancing the NRF2 and TNF-α expression.

Influence of potato Variety on Phenolic Content, &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;In-vitro&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; Starch Digestibility and Predicted Glycaemic Index of Crisps and Chips from Nyandarua County, Kenya

With the changing of lifestyles globally, the demand for ready-to-eat (RTE) foods has increased. However, most of these RTE foods have been associated with intermediate (55-70) to high glycaemic index (GI) (>70) linked to high incidences of type 2 diabetes. Nyandarua County in Kenya is a major producer and consumer of potato and has the second highest type 2 diabetes prevalence (10.8%). Therefore, there is need to investigate whether there is a relationship between the potato and potato products consumed and the high type 2 diabetes prevalence. Total phenolic content (TPC), dry matter, and the levels of rapidly digestible starch (RDS), slowly digestible starch (SDS) and resistant starch (RS) may vary depending on potato variety and the form of the product, and may affect the rate and extent of starch digestibility, which affects the GI. This study investigated the effects of variety and processing method (product form) on the levels of TPC, dry matter, RDS, SDS, RS and GI in chips and crisps prepared from 3 potato varieties (Shangi, Dera mwana and Dutch Robijn). Potato variety significantly affected TPC, RDS, SDS and GI but did not significantly affect RS (p>0.05). Processing method results in different product forms which significantly affected dry matter content and GI (p<0.05). Higher levels of TPC and lower scores of GI were found in chips and crisps prepared from Dera mwana variety. Significant positive correlation relationships were observed between GI, and RDS and SDS (p < 0.05), and RDS and SDS (p<0.05). This study recommends reduced consumption of chips prepared from Shangi in favour of Dera mwana variety which has better potential for glycemic control.

Possible role of nonenzymatic antioxidants in hydroprimed sunflower seeds under heat stress

AbstractThis work demonstrates how priming durations affect high‐ and low‐vigor sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) seeds and relate to the dynamics of enzymatic and nonenzymatic antioxidant systems against heat stress. Heat tolerance of high‐vigor seeds were enhanced when primed 3–6 h, and low‐vigor seeds were enhanced when primed 3–12 h. Priming at optimum duration led to increases in ascorbate peroxidase (APX) activity and higher levels of total phenolic content (TPC), vitamin C and total chlorophyll combined with decreased H2O2 content. After exposure to heat stress, the primed seeds maintained reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and alleviated seeds damage. This may be due to protective mechanisms of priming that prevented severe loss in catalase (CAT) and APX activities, maintained superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, and increased TPC, proline, vitamin C, and carotenoid accumulation. However, extending priming to 18 h with subsequent heat stress decreased germination percentage. Control seeds lost viability, as oxidative balance was not maintained due to heat stress. These results support the participation of nonenzymatic antioxidants in the improved tolerance to heat stress of primed seeds.

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

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

Impact of processing technologies on isoflavones, phenolic acids, and antioxidant capacities of soymilk prepared from 15 soybean varieties

In the present study, soymilk samples were prepared from 15 soybean varieties by employing dry method-raw slurry filtration (D-BAF), dry method-cooked slurry filtration (D-BBF), wet method-raw slurry filtration (W-BAF), and wet method-cooked slurry filtration (W-BBF). Different varieties of soybean and processing techniques were found to impose a significant impact on total phenolics, total flavonoids, phenolic acids, isoflavones and antioxidant capacity of soymilk samples. Overall, the soymilk prepared by W-BAF exhibited a higher level of total phenolic content and antioxidant activity. The soymilk samples prepared by W-BBF presented higher values for total flavonoid content and ferric-reducing antioxidant power assay. The soymilk prepared by W-BBF presented higher subtotal values of phenolic acids. In comparison, the soymilk prepared by D-BAF exhibited high amount of total isoflavones followed by the soymilk processed by W-BAF. Overall, the wet method was found to be responsible for improved phenolic contents and antioxidant activity of soymilk sample.