Pepper Fruit Extract Research Articles

Drying of Red Chili Pepper (Capsicum annuum L.): Process Kinetics, Color Changes, Carotenoid Content and Phenolic Profile.

Studies were conducted focusing on the drying of chili pepper fruits (Capsicum annuum L.), cultivar Cyklon, using convective (AD), convective-microwave (AMD), vacuum (VD), and freeze-drying (FD) methods. The influence of the drying method and temperature on the kinetics of the process and selected quality attributes of the dried product were evaluated. It was demonstrated that the Midilli model best described the drying kinetics for all methods across the entire measurement range. FD and VD produced dried products with the highest brightness and the greatest value of the a* color parameter. The lowest b* color parameter was observed for the product dried using FD at 40 °C, while the highest b* value was noted for samples dried using AMD (100 W) at 60 °C. The highest carotenoid retention was achieved with the FD method at 40 °C, while the lowest carotenoid content was found in the product obtained using the AMD method (100 W) at 60 °C. The smallest losses of capsaicinoids were observed after FD drying at 40 °C, while the largest were found for AMD (100 W) at 60 °C. The analysis of chili pepper fruit extracts revealed the quantitative composition of 12 main phenolic compounds using the UHPLC-UV method. The highest polyphenol content was obtained with FD, while the lowest total polyphenol content was recorded after AD. Regardless of temperature, the total flavonoid content was highest in extracts from FD products, and the lowest flavonoid content was found after AMD at 100 W. For all drying methods analyzed, the total flavonoid content in the pepper extracts decreased with increasing temperature.

Unravelling Potential Mechanisms of Piper retrofractum Vahl. Bioactive Compounds as Cervical Cancer Chemopreventive Agent by Bioinformatic Approach

Cervical cancer is the leading cause of cancer death after breast cancer. HPV infection is the main cause of cervical cancer which will cause overexpression of E6 oncoprotein. E6 oncogene can cause cancer cells to continue to proliferate. Long pepper fruit (Piper retrofractum Vahl.) has antioxidant activity and contains piperine compounds that have anticancer activity. This study aims to assess the potential of long pepper fruit extract as a chemopreventive agent for cervical cancer. The research method was conducted by in silico assay with network pharmacology and molecular docking analysis. We found five hub genes including HSP90AA1, SRC, AKT1, STAT3, and PIK3CA. KEGG analysis showed that the most dominant signaling pathways involved are neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction, PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, MAPK signaling pathway, Calcium signaling pathway, and cAMP signaling pathway. Through molecular docking, it was found that long pepper fruit has the potential to inhibit the E6 oncogene of HPV. Based on the research results, long pepper fruit extract may has the potential as a chemoprevention agent for cervical cancer.Keywords: Cervical cancer, oncoprotein HPV16-E6, Piper retrofractum Vahl., molecular docking, network pharmacology.

Biosynthesis of silver nanocatalyst and its application for the efficient hydrogenation of nitroarenes

The utilization of plant extracts for the synthesis of silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) has attracted attention from all over the world due to its unique physicochemical characteristics and significance in the field of environment. Here, Nepal pepper fruit extract was successfully employed to synthesize Ag-NPs. As obtained, Nepal pepper-mediated Ag-NPs were employed for the catalytic conversion of nitroarenes including 2-nitrophenol (2-NP), 4-nitrophenol (4-NP), 2-nitroaniline (2-NA), and 2,4,6-trinitrophenol (2,4,6-TNP), into their corresponding amino derivatives using sodium borohydride (NaBH4). The Ag-NPs were analyzed using UV–visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Energy Dispersive X-rays (EDX), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), X-rays Diffraction (XRD), and Zeta potential. TEM micrographs revealed the prepared Ag-NPs were predominantly spherical, with an average diameter of 13.9 nm. DLS and zeta potential studies showed stable small-size Ag-NPs of an average size of 6.8 nm. Ag-NPs elucidate outstanding reduction efficiency against 4-NP, 2-NP, 2-NA, and 2,4,6-TNP with rate constants of 1.71 × 10−3 s−1, 2.32 × 10−3 s−1, 2.88 × 10−3 s−1, and 1.54 × 10−3 s−1, respectively. Additionally, stability and reusability of Ag-NPs revealed stability for up to 15 days and excellent recyclability with small activity loss. This study constittutes an environmentally friendly approach for the synthesis of Ag-NP nanoparticles and their applications in improved organic chemical reduction rates and transformations.

Pepper Fruit Extracts Show Anti-Proliferative Activity against Tumor Cells Altering Their NADPH-Generating Dehydrogenase and Catalase Profiles.

Cancer is considered one of the main causes of human death worldwide, being characterized by an alteration of the oxidative metabolism. Many natural compounds from plant origin with anti-tumor attributes have been described. Among them, capsaicin, which is the molecule responsible for the pungency in hot pepper fruits, has been reported to show antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic activities, as well as anti-proliferative properties against cancer. Thus, in this work, the potential anti-proliferative activity of pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) fruits from diverse varieties with different capsaicin contents (California < Piquillo < Padrón < Alegría riojana) against several tumor cell lines (lung, melanoma, hepatoma, colon, breast, pancreas, and prostate) has been investigated. The results showed that the capsaicin content in pepper fruits did not correspond with their anti-proliferative activity against tumor cell lines. By contrast, the greatest activity was promoted by the pepper tissues which contained the lowest capsaicin amount. This indicates that other compounds different from capsaicin have this anti-tumor potentiality in pepper fruits. Based on this, green fruits from the Alegría riojana variety, which has negligible capsaicin levels, was used to study the effect on the oxidative and redox metabolism of tumor cell lines from liver (Hep-G2) and pancreas (MIA PaCa-2). Different parameters from both lines treated with crude pepper fruit extracts were determined including protein nitration and protein S-nitrosation (two post-translational modifications (PTMs) promoted by nitric oxide), the antioxidant capacity, as well as the activity of the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, and glutathione peroxidase (GPX), among others. In addition, the activity of the NADPH-generating enzymes glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PDH), 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase (6PGDH), and NADP-isocitrate dehydrogenase (NADP-ICDH) was followed. Our data revealed that the treatment of both cell lines with pepper fruit extracts altered their antioxidant capacity, enhanced their catalase activity, and considerably reduced the activity of the NADPH-generating enzymes. As a consequence, less H2O2 and NADPH seem to be available to cells, thus avoiding cell proliferation and possibly triggering cell death in both cell lines.

Bioactivity a mixture of spiked pepper fruit extract and fish-poison bean leaf extract against Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

The active compounds on spiked pepper (Piper aduncum) fruit extract and fish-poison bean (Tephrosia vogelii) leaf extract have a potency used as botanical insecticides as alternative pest control. This study was conducted to determine the activity of mixed extracts of Spiked pepper fruit and Fish-poison bean leaf extract against the new invasive pest Spodoptera frugiperda larvae. This study was held from February 2021 to November 2021 at the Insect Bioecology Laboratory, Faculty of Agriculture, Andalas University, Padang. The experiment consists of a preliminary test and an advanced test. The advanced test was conducted using six concentrations and five replications of a mixture extract of Spiked pepper and Fish-poison bean. The parameters observed were larvae mortality, feeding inhibition activity (antifeedant), and larval development time. The result showed that the combination indexes of the mixed extract of Spiked pepper fruit and Fish-poison bean leaves (1:1) were additive with the value of LC50 and LC95 is 0,29% and 0,59%, respectively. Mixed extract of Spiked pepper fruit and Fish-poison bean leaves (1:1) caused larvae mortality, inhibited feeding activity, and inhibited S. frugiperda larvae growth. The formulation is needed to increase the mixed extract of Spiked pepper fruit and Fish-poison bean leaves (1:1) activity against S. frugiperda.

Evaluation of Triticum aestivum L. germplasm against Puccinia striiformis and its management through botanicals

Wheat is the staple food of Pakistan and country facing wheat shortage during recent years leading to food security issue. Rust diseases of wheat are significantly important causing major dent in wheat production during last season’s due to drastic climate change. Therefore, wheat germplasm was screened against wheat stripe rust during two consecutive years. Out of one hundred and five genotypes not even one showed immune response during 2018-19, 22 genotypes showed highly resistant response, 19 showed resistance response, 42 showed moderately resistance response and remaining genotypes showed susceptible response except five lines (CB-10, CB-65, CB-95, CB-84 and CB-31) that showed heterogeneous characters. Likewise, during 2019-20, 18 genotypes showed highly resistant response, 23 showed resistant response, 39 were moderately resistance and remaining genotypes showed susceptible response except four lines (CB-10, CB-65, CB-95 and CB-84) that showed heterogeneous response. For each year value of area under disease progress curve (AUDPC) of all genotypes was also calculated which falls between 100-850. Efficacy of four plant extracts (neem, garlic, ginger and bell pepper) using seed soaking method in controlling the stripe rust disease of wheat was investigated in pots experiment. During both years, minimum disease was observed in case of garlic bulb extract followed by neem leaves extract. Ginger bulb and Bell pepper fruit extract also had significant effect against wheat stripe rust. From the current study it could be suggested that using highly resistant germplasm advance lines may be developed that exhibit the resistant genes against stripe rust pathogen and it is observed that instead if using fungicides, use of botanicals not only reduced the human health hazard but also control the disease effectively.

Evaluation of Antibacterial Potentials of Aqueous Extracts of Two Capsicum Fruits in the Management of Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. phaseoli

Common bacterial blight of cowpea is caused by Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. phaseoli (Xap) which can devastate both the seedlings and adult plants, thereby yield reduction. The experiment was carried out by evaluating the antibacterial potential of two aqueous pepper fruit extracts; Capsicum chinense cv. Bonnet and Capsicum annuum cv. Red bell. The extracts were prepared at 25, 50 and 75% w/v concentrations. Sterile distilled water (SDW) was used a negative control while streptomycin sulfate (0.2% w/v) served as positive control. Bactericidal evaluation of the extracts was carried out using agar well diffusion method, laid out in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with three replications. Pathogenicity, morphological and biochemical tests of the isolates confirmed the characteristics of the bacterium. The results revealed that the two extracts had inhibitory effects on the two isolates of the bacterium tested. At 75% concentration for both extracts and 72 hrs after incubation, Bonnet pepper extract recorded inhibition zones of 23.50 mm and 15.27 mm while Red bell pepper extract had 23.23 mm and 12.60 mm on Xap1 and Xap2 isolates, respectively. These values were significantly higher than inhibition zones (11.20 mm and 8.17 mm) recorded for Bonnet pepper extract and inhibition zones (11.20 mm and 9.53 mm) recorded for Red bell pepper extract at 50% concentration. It could be concluded that, the two Capsicum fruit extracts have promising potential in the management of Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. phaseoli (Xap) at 75% concentration which could serve as alternative to synthetic chemicals for poor resource farmers.

Evaluation of Phenolic Compounds and Pigments Content in Yellow Bell Pepper Wastes.

Bell peppers are one of the most important species consumed and cultivated in Spain. Peppers are a source of carotenoids and phenolic compounds widely associated with biological activities such as antimicrobial, antiseptic, anticancer, counterirritant, cardioprotective, appetite stimulator, antioxidant, and immunomodulator. However, undersized and damaged fruits are usually wasted. Thus, in order to evaluate the phenolic content, a Box–Behnken design has been carried out to optimize the extraction from Capsicum annuum yellow pepper by ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE). The independent factors were time (min), ethanol/water (% v/v) and solvent/sample ratio (v/w). The model was validated by ANOVA and confirmed. Furthermore, the whole pepper and the pepper without peduncles and seeds were extracted using optimal conditions and characterized by HPLC-ESI-TOF-MS. Moreover, their antioxidant activities, measured by three different methods (DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP), carotenoid composition, assessed by HPLC-MS, and chlorophyll content, assessed by a spectrophotometric method, were compared. A total of 38 polar compounds were found of which seven have been identified in pepper fruit extracts for the first time. According to the results, whole pepper (WP) samples presented higher content in phenolic acids; meanwhile, the edible portion (EP) was higher in flavonoids. No differences were found in the antioxidant activity except for the FRAP assay where the WP sample showed higher radical scavenging activity. EP samples showed the highest content of carotenoids and WP ones in chlorophylls.

Do AMF and Irrigation Regimes Affect Sweet Pepper Fruit Quality under Open Field Conditions?

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of a mycorrhizal inoculation (AMF) and irrigation regime on certain yield morphological parameters and the biological value of fruits of open field-grown sweet pepper under temperate climate conditions. A study on the Polish hybrid cultivar ‘Roberta F1’ was conducted over the period 2016–2018 in a private certified organic farm. Sweet pepper was harvested at physiological maturity from the second 10 days of August to the first 10 days of October. AMF and irrigation were shown to significantly modify the selected morphological parameters of the peppers. Fruits with the highest weight, length, and width were harvested from AMF-inoculated plants, both irrigated and non-irrigated ones. The chemical composition and antioxidant activity (AA) of pepper fruit extracts were significantly affected by AMF and irrigation. AMF application contributed to a decrease in the percentage of dry matter, vitamin C, reducing sugars, extract, carotenoids, and AA. Irrigation, on the other hand, had a beneficial effect on enhancing the biological value of pepper fruits (except for vitamin C), also increasing their AA. The highest levels of carotenoids (4.64 mg 100 g−1 of fresh matter (FM) were found in the fruits of irrigated plants without AMF, whereas the highest levels of vitamin C (134.10 mg 100 g−1 FM) were accumulated by the fruits of plants grown without AMF and without irrigation.

Alpha-Glucosidase Inhibitory Activity in Different Pepper Cultivars (Capsicum annuum L.)

The number of cases of type II diabetes has increased dramatically worldwide. Plant-based foods offer some options for treating this disease. Effective diabetes prevention is achieved by controlling postprandial hyperglycemia by α-glucosidase inhibition. This study investigated the α-glucosidase inhibitory activity of extracts of 14 cultivars of pepper fruits (Capsicum annuum L.), which are widely consumed in Korea. Pepper fruit extracts were prepared with 70% ethanol and water, and diluted to 50% and 25% strengths before performing an α-glucosidase inhibition assay. No significant differences in α-glucosidase inhibitory activity were found between the two different aqueous extracts. Mee-In and Dda-Go-Ddo-Dda-Go cultivars had the highest and most sustained inhibitory activity (almost 100%) against α-glucosidase. In contrast, while extracts from Soon- Han-Gil-Sang, Gil-Sang, Sweety, Hyul-Jo K, Shin-Hong, and Ai-Mat inhibited α-glucosidase activity, the level of inhibition sharply decreased with decreasing extract concentrations between 100% and 50%. The results of this study suggest the possible existence of unknown inhibitors that are present at different concentrations in different pepper cultivars. Further studies are required to identify the unknown enzymes that are key to α-glucosidase inhibition in pepper fruits.

The Effects Of A Multi-ingredient Ergogenic Supplement On Body Composition Following High-volume Resistance Training

In addition to resistance training (RT) methodology, nutrient intake remains a critical factor for the support of skeletal muscle metabolism, performance, and adaptation. Despite the traditional debate regarding the ideal type, timing, and quality of nutrients for recovery and/or performance, the consumption of exogenous substances like branched-chain amino acids (BCAA), beta-alanine, creatine, glutamine and various plant-based compounds, like piperine have previously shown to support performance, recovery, or metabolic adaptations in skeletal muscle. This has largely enabled the use of multi-ingredient ergogenic supplements (MIES) that incorporate a single blend of these substances with the intent of obtaining a synergistic ergogenic effect. What remains unclear is the efficacy by which a MIES blend of such ingredients facilitates the adaptive changes in body composition during a high-volume RT regimen. PURPOSE: To investigate the effects of a proprietary MIES comprised of BCAA, beta-alanine, creatine hydrochloride, glutamine, and black pepper fruit extract on body composition during 6 weeks of high-volume RT. METHODS: Male and female subjects completed a 6 week RT program 3 days a week with 48 hours of rest between each session. EXP (n=16) and Placebo (PLA) (n=23) groups consumed one serving of the experimental MIES or placebo, respectively immediately post-workout and before sleep on training days, and two servings during rest days. Body composition was measured pre- and post-training via Dual Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry. RESULTS: EXP (+1.7 ± 0.3 kg, p<0.001) and PLA (+1.5 ± 0.2 kg, p<0.001) demonstrated an increase in total body mass. EXP demonstrated a greater increase in lean mass than PLA (EXP= 2.1 ± 0.3 kg vs. PLA= 1.1 ± 0.3 kg) (p=0.03). Fat mass was significantly greater in EXP (-0.4 ± 0.2 kg vs. PLA= +0.4 ± 0.2 kg) (p=0.02). EXP exhibited a decrease in body fat percentage (1.2 ± 0.3 % units) (p=0.01) while PLA showed no change. Post-training body fat percentage was lower in EXP than PLA. There were no between-group differences for average daily training volume each week. CONCLUSION: Supplementation of MIES comprised of BCAA, beta-alanine, creatine hydrochloride, glutamine, and black pepper fruit extract may enhance body composition changes during high-volume RT.

Metabolomics meets functional assays: coupling LC-MS and microfluidic cell-based receptor-ligand analyses.

IntroductionMetabolomics has become a valuable tool in many research areas. However, generating metabolomics-based biochemical profiles without any related bioactivity is only of indirect value in understanding a biological process. Therefore, metabolomics research could greatly benefit from tools that directly determine the bioactivity of the detected compounds.ObjectiveWe aimed to combine LC–MS metabolomics with a cell based receptor assay. This combination could increase the understanding of biological processes and may provide novel opportunities for functional metabolomics.MethodsWe developed a flow through biosensor with human cells expressing both the TRPV1, a calcium ion channel which responds to capsaicin, and the fluorescent intracellular calcium ion reporter, YC3.6. We have analysed three contrasting Capsicum varieties. Two were selected with contrasting degrees of spiciness for characterization by HPLC coupled to high mass resolution MS. Subsequently, the biosensor was then used to link individual pepper compounds with TRPV1 activity.ResultsAmong the compounds in the crude pepper fruit extracts, we confirmed capsaicin and also identified both nordihydrocapsaicin and dihydrocapsaicin as true agonists of the TRPV1 receptor. Furthermore, the biosensor was able to detect receptor activity in extracts of both Capsicum fruits as well as a commercial product. Sensitivity of the biosensor to this commercial product was similar to the sensory threshold of a human sensory panel.ConclusionOur results demonstrate that the TRPV1 biosensor is suitable for detecting bioactive metabolites. Novel opportunities may lie in the development of a continuous functional assay, where the biosensor is directly coupled to the LC–MS.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s11306-016-1057-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Lemon Pepper Fruit Extract (&lt;i&gt;Zanthoxylum acanthopodium&lt;/i&gt; DC.) Suppresses the Expression of Inflammatory Mediators in Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Macrophages &lt;i&gt;In Vitro&lt;/i&gt;

Problem statement: Lemon pepper fruits (Zanthoxylum acanthopodium DC.; Rutaceae) have been used as a traditional source against stomach ache by Batak people in North Sumatera province, Indonesia. However, its scientific evidence for treatment of inflammatory disorders particularly gastritis has not been reported. Approach: Here, we investigated the inhibitory effects of Lemon Pepper Fruit Extract (LPFE) against inflammatory biomarkers by conducting cell culture experiments in vitro. The fruits of lemon pepper were dried and extracted twice in 70% ethanol, followed by evaporation and freeze-drying. The concentrated extract was further tested for its potential inhibition on the protein and gene expression of several inflammatory biomarkers, i.e., Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF)-α, Interleukin (IL)-6, inducible Nitric Oxyde Synthase (iNOS), Cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 and Matrix Metalloproteinase (MMP)-9, in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced macrophages by performing Western blot, gelatin zymography and Reverse Transcription-Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR). Results: LPFE (1-10 μg mL-1) and LPS (2 μg mL-1) had no cytotoxicity effects on macrophages. LPFE dose dependently decreased the expression of TNF-α and COX-2 proteins and MMP-9 activity in macrophages treated with LPS. At the gene level, LPFE were effectively found to block the mRNA expression of TNF-α, IL-6, iNOS, COX-2 and MMP-9. Conclusion: Our results suggest that LPFE significantly inhibits selected inflammatory biomarkers at the protein and gene levels in LPS-induced macrophages. Further in vivo study using animal models is needed to determine the exact anti-inflammatory potential of LPFE.

Inhibitory Effects of Indonesian Lemon Pepper Fruit Extract (Zanthoxylum acanthopodium DC.) on The Expression of Inflammatory Biomarkers in Lipopolysaccharide-induced Macrophages In Vitro

Inhibitory Effects of Indonesian Lemon Pepper Fruit Extract (Zanthoxylum acanthopodium DC.) on The Expression of Inflammatory Biomarkers in Lipopolysaccharide-induced Macrophages In Vitro

Growing hot pepper for cabbage looper, Trichopulsia ni (Hübner) and spider mite, Tetranychus urticae (Koch) control

With the public perception that synthetic pesticides leave harmful residues in crop produce for human consumption, there has been increased interest in using natural products for pest control. The potential of using fruit extracts of hot pepper for controlling the cabbage looper, Trichopulsia ni (Hübner) and spider mite, Tetranychus urticae Koch is explored in this investigation. Crude extracts from fruits of Capsicum chinense, C. frutescens, C. baccatum, and C. annuum, were prepared and tested under laboratory conditions for their insecticidal and acaricidal performance. Mortality was greatest (94%) when fruit extract of accession PI-593566 (C. annuum) was sprayed on larvae of the cabbage looper, while crude extracts of accessions PI-241675 (C. frutescens) and PI-310488 (C. annuum) were repellent to the spider mite. We investigated differences in chemical composition of the crude fruit extracts that may explain the observed differences in mortality and repellency between accessions. Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry spectrometric analysis revealed that capsaicin and dihydrocapsaicin, the pungent components of pepper fruit, were not correlated with toxicity or repellency, indicating that the two capsaicinoids are not likely related to the efficacy of pepper fruit extracts. Major compounds in hot pepper fruit extracts were detected and identified as pentadecanoic acid methyl ester, hexadecanoic acid methyl ester, and octadecanoic acid methyl ester. Spectrometric analysis and toxicity to cabbage looper larvae revealed that pentadecanoic acid methyl ester is likely related to cabbage looper mortality. However, the concentration of pentadecanoic acid methyl ester in some accessions was insufficient to explain the observed mortality of cabbage looper and repellency of spider mite. Fruit extracts of accessions PI-593566 (C. annuum) and PI-241675 (C. frutescens) could be useful for managing populations of cabbage loopers and spider mites, which could reduce reliance on synthetic pesticides. Further study is needed to investigate performance of hot pepper extracts under ultra-violet light and field conditions.

Toxicity and Repellency of Hot Pepper Extracts to Spider Mite, Tetranychus urticae Koch

Increasing concern about persistence and environmental impact of synthetic pesticide residues require development of biodegradable and environmentally safe alternatives. The potential of using fruit extracts of hot pepper as alternatives to synthetic acaricides for controlling the two-spotted spider mite, Tetranychus urticae Koch, is explored in this study. Twenty-four Capsicum accessions (Solanaceae) were screened for their toxicity and repellency to the spider mites. Crude extracts from fruits of C. chinense, C. frutescens, C. baccatum, C. annuum, and C. pubescens were prepared in methanol and tested for their acaricidal properties. Spider mite mortality was greatest (45%) when fruit extract of accession Grif-9169 (C. annuum) was used. Results from diving board bioassays indicated that mites avoided filter paper strips treated with hot pepper extracts from accessions PI-596057 (C. baccatum), PI-195299 (C. annuum), and Grif- 9270 (C. annuum). This investigation suggests that methanolic extracts of these three accessions may have a great potential for repelling spider mites and should be field-tested on a large-scale to assess their value in managing populations of spider mites, which could reduce reliance on synthetic acaricides. An attempt was made to correlate repellency with chemical constituents of fruit extracts of the most repellent accessions to identify chemical sources of repellency. Capsaicin and dihydrocapsaicin, the pungent components of pepper fruit, were not correlated with toxicity or repellency, indicating that these are not likely related to the toxicity or repellency of the pepper fruit extracts. Other, unidentified chemicals are likely responsible for toxicity and repellency to the two-spotted spider mite

Screening Capsicum Accessions for Capsaicinoids Content

Ninety Capsicum accessions selected from the USDA Capsicum germplasm collection were screened for their capsaicinoids content using gas hromatography with nitrogen phosphorus detection (GC/NPD). Fresh fruits of Capsicum chinense, C. frutescens, C. baccatum, C. annuum, and C. pubescens were extracted with methanol and analyzed for capsaicin, dihydrocapsaicin, and nordihydrocapsaicin. Mass spectrometry of the fruit crude extracts indicated that the molecular ions at m/z 305, 307, and 293, which correspond to capsaicin, dihydrocapsaicin, and nordihydrocapsaicin, respectively, have a common benzyl cation fragment at m/z 137 that can be used for monitoring capsaicinoids in pepper fruit extracts. Capsaicin and dihydrocapsaicin were the dominant capsaicinoids detected. Capsaicin concentrations were typically greater than dihydrocapsaicin. Concentrations of total capsaicinoids varied from not detectable to 11.2 mg fruit−1. Statistical analysis revealed that accession PI-441624 (C. chinense) had the highest capsaicin content (2.9 mg g−1 fresh fruit) and accession PI-497984 (C. frutescens) had the highest dihydrocapsaicin content (2.3 mg g−1 fresh fruit). Genebank accessions PI-439522 (C. frutescens) and PI-497984 contained the highest concentrations of total capsaicinoids.

Activity of essential oil and phenolic acid extracts of pepperfruit (Dennetia tripetala G. Barker; Anonaceae) against some food-borne microorganisms

A previous report showed that the essential oil and phenolic acid extracts of pepperfruit (Dennetia tripetala) inhibited the growth of tomato-rot fungi. The study was subsequently extended to other food-borne microorganisms (Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella sp. Pseudomonas aeruginosa., Proteus sp., Escherichia coli., Enterococcus faecalis., Serratia sp., Bacillus sp., Clostridium sp., Penicillium sp., Aspergillus flavus) isolated from food products. All the isolates were susceptible to the extracts with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) range of 1.0-4.0 mg/ml. The essential oil inhibited the food-borne organisms better (MIC: 1.0-2.5) than the phenolic acid (MIC: 1.5-4.0). The challenge organisms in fresh, boiled or roasted beef, treated with the extracts were either not detected, declined significantly in number (p 0.05) after 7 days. A role for pepperfruit extracts in natural food protection is further indicated. African Journal of Biotechnology Vol. 4 (3), pp. 258-261, 2005

Growth inhibition of tomato-rot fungi by phenolic acids and essential oil extracts of pepperfruit ( Dennetia tripetala)

Phenolic and essential oil extracts of pepperfruit ( Dennetia tripetala) showed antifungal activity against Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Saccharomyces sp., Candida tropicalis, Candida sp., Cryptococcus sp., Geotrichum sp., Rhizopus stolonifer, Aspergillus niger and Fusarium sp. isolated from spoilt tomato fruits and cultured on agar plates. Antifungal activity of phenolic and essential oil extracts was observed at inhibitory concentrations (IC) in the range of 2.5–6.5 and 1.5–3.0 mg/ml tomato/glucose medium respectively. Combination of phenolic and essential oil extracts at concentrations below IC values significantly retarded growth of fungi resident in blended freshly harvested and open market tomato fruits. These fungi were not detected in the tomato after 1 month storage when mild heat (80°C for 1 min) and NaCl (10 mg/g) were combined with the phenolic and essential oil extracts as preservative hurdles. The population of challenge fungi in blended tomato treated with the same low concentration of the extracts and salt but without heat hurdle, steadily declined till none was detected after 3 months. Being an edible fruit, pepperfruit extracts may prove a useful natural preservative in food processing.

CAROTENE OXIDIZING FACTORS IN RED PEPPER FRUITS (Capsicum annuum L.): PEROXIDASE ACTIVITY

ABSTRACTThe activity of aqueous extracts from red pepper fruits (Capsicum annuum L.) toward the oxidation of carotene presence of linoleate was measured by a colorimetric method. Highest activities were achieved by using as extractant distilled water or Tris buffer at pH 7.0, whereas solubilization of carotene‐bleaching factors by Triton X‐100 or preparation of acetone powder from pepper fruit extracts resulted in losses in carotene‐oxidizing activity. After dialysis, ammonium sulfate precipitation and chromatographic purification on Ecteola and Sepharose 6‐B, a proteinous carotene‐oxidizing fraction was obtained which exhibited properties similar to those of a peroxidase, i.e., high specific activity toward guaiacol oxidation in the presence of hydrogen peroxide, precipitation with ammonium sulfate between 60 and 95% saturation, change in spectral absorbance upon addition of cyanide, inhibition of carotene bleaching activity by KCN, and typical changes in carotene‐bleaching activity with pH and protein concentration.