Content Of Protocatechuic Acid Research Articles

Multi-index evaluation of different parts of Amomum villosum

To investigate the quality differences between the seeds and husks of Amomum villosum and explore the rationality of using the seeds without husks, this study determined the content of protocatechuic acid, vanillic acid, epicatechin, quercitrin, volatile oil, water extract, and ethanol extract. The 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl(DPPH), 2,2-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid)(ABTS), and hydroxyl radical scavenging activities were determined to evaluate the antioxidant activities of seeds and husks. The quality differences between the seeds and husks were assessed through orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis(OPLS-DA) and analytic hierarchy process(AHP) combined with the entropy weight method(EWM). Significant differences(P<0.05) were observed in all 10 indicators between the seeds and husks. The levels of epicatechin, quercetin, and volatile oil were higher in the seeds, whereas those of protocatechuic acid, vanillic acid, water extract, and ethanol extract were higher in the husks. The seeds showed stronger scavenging ability against DPPH and ABTS radicals, while the husks showed a stronger scavenging effect on hydroxyl radicals. OPLS-DA significantly discriminated between the seeds and husks. Furthermore, volatile oil, water extract, DPPH radical scavenging rate, quercitrin, ABTS radical scavenging rate, hydroxyl radical scavenging rate, and vanillic acid were selected as the main differential indicators by variable importance in projection(VIP). Comprehensive scores calculated by AHP combined with EWM indicated that the seeds were superior to husks in terms of overall quality. However, there are still some dominant components and a certain antioxidant effect in the husks. Therefore, it is suggested to using Amomi Fructus with a certain amount of husks or utilizing the husks for other purposes.

Determination of Four Chemical Components in Qishen Yiqi Dripping Pills by UPLC-MS/MS Method

Background In this study, the ultrahigh performance liquid chromatography mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) method was established to test the contents of protocatechuic acid (C7H6O4), salvianolic acid B (C36H30O16), rosmarinic acid (C19H14O3), and cryptotanshinone (C19H20O3) in Qishen Yiqi dripping pills. Materials and Methods Methanol was chosen as the solvent according to a certain material–liquid ratio as a solution, and the ultrasonic extraction method was used to prepare the sample solution. UPLC-MS/MS was used to complete a quantitative analysis of the contents of Qishen Yiqi dripping pills. Then, the chromatographic conditions were shown as follows. The stationary phase was Agilent ZORBAX SB-C18 (2.1 mm × 100 mm, 1.8 µm), and the mobile phase was acetonitrile–0.1% formic acid water. The column temperature was 40℃, the injection volume was 3 µL, and the flow rate was 0.2 mL⋅min–1. Finally, the determination method was built to test four chemical constituents under the multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) analysis mode. Results The retention times of protocatechuic acid, salvianolic acid B, rosmarinic acid, and cryptotanshinone were 1.26, 1.32, 1.35, and 6.76 min, respectively. In addition, the concentration ranges of four compounds were 0.25–2.0 µg⋅mL–1, 10.0–50.0 µg⋅mL–1, 5.0–50.0 µg⋅mL–1, and 1.0–10.0 µg⋅mL–1, respectively. And the standard curve showed a good linear relationship in a reasonable range ( r2 ≥ 0.9950). The average recovery rate was from 96% to 124%. The contents of protocatechuic acid, salvianolic acid B, rosmarinic acid, and cryptotanshinone were 0.12%–0.022%, 17%–8.4%, and 6.5%–8.6% in seven batches of Qishen Yiqi dripping pills, which were in the range of 23%–31%. The instrument ran stably, and the method had good accuracy and repeatability (relative standard deviation [RSD] ≤ 3%). Additionally, the test result was stable within 10 h. Conclusion The contents of the four constituents were different among different batches. The quantitative method was established to determine the four chemical components in Qishen Yiqi dripping pills, which could provide a reference for quality evaluation in vivo.

Effects of Extraction Process Factors on the Composition and Antioxidant Activity of Blackthorn (Prunus spinosa L.) Fruit Extracts.

This study aimed at establishing the optimal conditions for the classic extraction of phenolic compounds from Prunus spinosa L. fruits. The effects of different parameters, i.e., ethanol concentration in the extraction solvent (mixture of ethanol and water), operation temperature, and extraction time, on process responses were evaluated. Total phenolic content (TPC), total anthocyanin content (TAC), antioxidant capacity (AC), and contents of protocatechuic acid (PA), caffeic acid (CA), vanillic acid (VA), rutin hydrate (RH), and quercetin (Q) of fruit extracts were selected as process responses. A synergistic effect of obtaining high values of TPC, TAC, AC, PA, and VA was achieved for the extraction in 50% ethanol at 60 °C for 30 min. At a higher level of process temperature, the extraction of protocatechuic acid and vanillic acid was enhanced, but the flavonoids, i.e., rutin hydrate and quercetin, were degraded. A lower temperature should be used to obtain a higher amount of flavonoids. TPC, TAC, AC, and phenolic acid contents (PA, CA, and VA) in the extract samples obtained at an ethanol concentration of 50-100%, a temperature of 30-60 °C, and an extraction time of 30 min were strongly directly correlated.

Study on network pharmacology of Ginkgo biloba extract against ischaemic stroke mechanism and establishment of UPLC-MS/MS methods for simultaneous determination of 19 main active components.

Ginkgo biloba extract (GBE) is an effective substance from traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) G. biloba for treating ischaemic stroke (IS). However, its active ingredients and mechanism of action remain unclear. This study aimed to reveal the potential active component group and possible anti-IS mechanism of GBE. The network pharmacology method was used to reveal the possible anti-IS mechanism of these active ingredients in GBE. An ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography triple quadrupole electrospray tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) method was established for the simultaneous detection of the active ingredients of GBE. The active components of GBE anti-IS were screened by literature integration. Network pharmacology results showed that the anti-IS effect of GBE is achieved through key active components such as protocatechuic acid, bilobalide, ginkgolide A, and so on. Gene Ontology (GO) function and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis showed that the possible anti-IS mechanism of GBE is regulating the PI3K-Akt signalling pathway and other signal pathways closely related to inflammatory response and apoptosis regulation combined with AKT1, MAPK, TNF, ALB, CASP3, and other protein targets. Nineteen main constituents in seven batches of GBE were successfully analysed using the established UPLC-MS/MS method, and the results showed that the content of protocatechuic acid, gallic acid, ginkgolide A, and so forth was relatively high, which was consistent with network pharmacology results, indicating that these ingredients may be the key active anti-IS ingredients of GBE. This study revealed the key active components and the anti-IS mechanism of GBE. It also provided a simple and sensitive method for the quality control of related preparations.

Phenolic profiles, antioxidant capacities and flavour volatiles in fig (Ficus carica L.) juices from five cultivars fermented by Lactobacillus plantarum and Lactobacillus acidophilus

SummaryThe purpose of this study was to investigate the fermentation characteristics of five varieties of fig juices (Ficus carica cv. Siluhongyu, Siluhuangjin, Silufeicui, Jinaofen and Fengchanhuang) by two select strains (Lactobacillus plantarum and Lactobacillus acidophilus), based on the changes of physicochemical parameters, bioactive components, antioxidant activities and flavour volatiles. Viable counts were above 9.5 log CFU mL−1 throughout the fermentation process, indicating that fig juices were suitable substrates for strain proliferation. Total phenolic and flavonoid contents were significantly enhanced during fermentation, particularly with Siluhuangjin by L. plantarum and Silufeicui by L. acidophilus, exhibiting the highest total phenolic (465 mg GAE L−1) and total flavonoid contents (152 mg RE L−1), respectively. Accordingly, antioxidant activities based on SOD, DPPH, ABTS and FRAP methods were significantly improved after fermentation (P < 0.05). SOD and ABTS were positively correlated with contents of protocatechuic acid and caffeic acid, respectively (P < 0.05). Furthermore, alcohols, ketones and terpenoids contents were increased, while aldehydes content was decreased significantly after fermentation (P < 0.05), suggesting the improved flavour characteristics of fermented fig juices.

The chemical profile and seasonal variation of the composition of the phenolic acids in different plant parts of Centaurea sp.

This study investigated the seasonal variation (over seven months) of phenolic acid (PHA) components in different parts of Centaurea sp. The primary objective was to determine the pattern of variation, while the secondary objective was to identify which month or growth stage provides a greater total PHA content or percentage of bioactive components. Different patterns of seasonal variations were highlighted for the different PHA components and their classes (hydroxybenzoic and -cinnamic acids) in different parts of the plant. The leaves exclusively provided the highest PHA contents, with maximum values reached in April (1368.06 μg/g). The major hydroxybenzoic acid derivatives (HBAs) identified in the leaves were vanillic acid (VaA) “154.18–374.06 μg/g” and protocatechuic acid (PA) “9.37–595.61 μg/g”, while the major hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives (HCAs) were p-coumaric acid (p-CoA) “109.35–261.77 μg/g”, m-coumaric acid (m-CoA) “10.22–70.57 μg/g”, and ferulic acid (FeA) “35.54–109.13 μg/g”. The maximum percentage of PA was obtained in April “595.61 μg/g”, while the maximum p-CoA content was obtained in January “261.77 μg/g”. Therefore, the leaves can be recommended as the optimal source of PHAs. If there is a specific interest in certain PHA components, we recommend collection in either January or April. Multivariate statistical analysis (PCA & AHC) showed the existence of two main clusters. The first cluster comprised the leaves, distinguished by the highest VaA, PA, and p-CoA contents. The second cluster comprised roots and the root bark samples. This study provides information on the development of PHAs in different parts of Centaurea sp. and explores potential applications. It will be of considerable interest for determining the optimal harvesting time of shrub species used for their medicinal properties and bio-active phenolic contents.

High-Value Utilization of Polyphenol Aromatic Antimicrobial Agents Extracted from Pineapple Peel Waste

Plant polyphenols’ antibacterial capabilities are just beginning to be applied in the environment. In this study, solvent recovery and concentration techniques were used to achieve zero-waste extraction of pineapple peel polyphenol (PPP) powder on an industrial scale. For environmental sterilization, PPP antibacterial agents (PAAs) were created. Their physicochemical and antibacterial qualities were examined, and technical and financial analysis was done. The results showed that (1) among the major PPP components, protocatechuic acid content was the highest (48.90 mg/L), followed by quercetin dihydrate (17.56 mg/L); (2) PAA sprays passed the tests for physicochemical properties like pH and heat resistance; (3) at the 8 mg/mL concentration, PAA achieved 100% bacterial inhibition below 40 °C; and (4) the production cost of 8 mg/mL PAA spray was only $273.41/t at 100,000 t industrial scale. These findings might offer an application prospect in the development of renewable bacteriocins from fruit and vegetable waste materials.

Distribution of six phenolic acids and soil nutrient relationships during litter decomposition in Rhododendron forests

Litter decomposition is an essential process in nutrient cycling in terrestrial ecosystems. Phenolic acids have an allelopathic effect on the natural regeneration of rhododendron forests, which was recently observed in rhododendron forests in Southwest China. We investigated the distribution of phenolic acids and their relationship with soil nutrients during litter decomposition to provide a reference for the subsequent artificial management of rhododendron forests. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was used to analyze the contents of six phenolic acids in the litter layer, humus layer, and soil layer during litter decomposition. During the first 3 three months, the rapid decomposition of the litter from two early flowering rhododendron species released large amounts of phenolic acids, and the lower litter layer decomposed rapidly. In addition, the total phenolic acid content in the litter decreased by 257.60 μg/g (Rhododendron siderophyllum) and 53.12 μg/g (Rhododendron annae) in the first three 3 months. During subsequent litter decomposition, the protocatechuic acid content in the litters of Rhododendron siderophyllum ranged from 20.15 μg/g to 39.12 μg/g, and the ferulic acid content was 10.70 μg/g to –33.79 μg/g. The protocatechuic acid and ferulic acid contents in the litter of Rhododendron annae were in the ranges of 10.88—19.68 μg/g and 10.75—18.00 μg/g, respectively. The contents of these two phenolic acids and the trend of decomposition were different from those of gallic acid, chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid and syringic acid. The distribution of phenolic acids was influenced by soil organic matter (SOM), soil ammonium nitrogen (NH4+), soil nitrate nitrogen (NO3–) and soil available phosphorus (AP). The results indicate seasonal variations in phenolic acid release during litter decomposition. The amount of phenolic acid in the litter decreased after 18 months of decomposition, but it returned to the previous level in the soil and the humus after different trends. More research into the metabolism of phenolic acids is needed.

Protocatechuic acid, ferulic acid and relevant defense enzymes correlate closely with walnut resistance to Xanthomonas arboricola pv. juglandis

BackgroundJuglans regia L. is an important nut tree that has a wide range of distribution in temperate regions of the world. In some walnut orchards, walnut blight can become a problematic disease that affects the growth of walnut trees. To explore the correlation between biochemical response and walnut resistance, we inoculated four walnut cultivars with Xanthomonas arboricola pv. juglandis (Xaj). The walnut cultivars were, namely, ‘Xiangling’, ‘Xiluo 2’, ‘Yuanfeng’ and ‘Xifu 2’. Total phenol content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC) were measured, whereby nine major phenolic compounds and several relevant enzymes were identified.ResultsThe results showed that the most resistant and susceptible walnut varieties were ‘Xiluo 2’ and ‘Xifu 2’ respectively. The reaction of walnut to Xaj was characterized by the early accumulation of phenolic compounds in the infected site. After inoculation with Xaj, we found that the resistant variety ‘Xiluo 2’ show the significant differences with other varieties at different time points through the determination of related antioxidant enzymes such as catalase (CAT) and peroxidase (POD). Meanwhile, the phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL) of ‘Xiluo 2’ increased significantly at 8 day post infection (dpi) and made differences from the control samples, while other varieties changed little. And the polyphenol oxidase (PPO) was significantly higher than in the control at 16 dpi, maintaining the highest and the lowest activity in ‘Xiluo 2’ and ‘Xifu 2’ respectively. It was also found that the content of protocatechuic acid in all cultivars increased significantly at 4 dpi, and ‘Xiluo 2’ was significantly higher than that of the control. In the early stage of the disease, ferulic acid content increased significantly in ‘Xiluo 2’.ConclusionOur findings confirmed that the metabolism of phenolic compounds and related defense enzymes are of great significance in the response of walnut to Xaj.

Optimization of Extraction and Quality Evaluation of Abri Herba by Response Surface Methodology Combined with Quantitative Analysis of Multi-Components by a Single Marker.

Abri Herba (AH) is a famous medicinal and edible traditional Chinese medicine, which is usually used for liver disease. To date, few studies have been conducted on the ultrasonic extraction (UAE) process for AH and the application of quality analysis of multi-components by the single-marker (QAMS) method to evaluate the quality. To optimize the UAE process for AH, and develop and validate the quality evaluation of AH by the QAMS method. The UAE conditions of AH were optimized by response surface methodology with the total contents of protocatechuic acid, hydantoin, gardeniaine, vicenin-2, salvoside and isosalvoside as indicators, the ultrasonic time, methanol concentration and liquid to material ratio as parameters. The content of protocatechuic acid, hypaphorine, abrine, vicenin-2, schaftoside, and isoschaftoside in 12 batches of AH was first determined by the external standard method (ESM) using HPLC. After that, based on abrine as the internal standard, the relative correction factors (RCF) for protocatechuic acid, hypaphorine, vicenin-2, schaftoside and isoschaftoside were established, and the ESM method was used to verify the QAMS method. The results show that the optimal extraction process parameters for AH are an ultrasonic time of 22 min, a methanol concentration of 45%, and liquid to material ratio of 26 (mL/g). The QAMS results show that the relative correction factor has good reproducibility, and there is no significant difference between the results of the ESM method and the QAMS method for each chemical constituent, indicating that the research is feasible. The optimized extraction process of AH and the established QAMS-based quality control method are stable and can be used for the quality control of AH. A response surface methodology was used to optimize the ultrasonic extraction process for AH, and a QAMS method was established for evaluating the quality of AH.

The Content of Certain Groups of Phenolic Compounds and the Biological Activity of Extracts of Various Halophyte Parts of Spergularia marina (L.) Griseb. and Glaux maritima L. at Different Levels of Soil Salinization.

Halophyte plants are known for their resistance to harsh environmental conditions associated with excess salts in their habitats. Their resistance to salinization is due, among other things, to their high ability to detoxify free radicals, owing to the relatively high content of antioxidants. On the coast of the Baltic Sea and in the lagoons, there are several rare halophyte species included in the Red Book of the Kaliningrad Region (Russia) and the Baltic region, such as Spergularia marina (L.) Griseb. and Glaux maritima L. The aim of the research was to study the accumulation of certain groups of phenolic compounds in different parts of S. marina and G. maritima plants under conditions of weak and strong soil salinity, as well as to analyze the antioxidant, antibacterial, and fungicidal activity of extracts of the studied plant species. The present study showed an increase in total phenolic content in the roots and shoots of S. marina, and the shoots of G. maritima, in response to increased soil salinity. At the same time, the total content of flavonoids in all the studied parts of the two plant species remained unchanged. However, the content of individual flavonoids (hesperetin, epicatechin, apigenin derivative, luteolin derivative) in S. marina increased, for G. maritima there was a tendency to reduce the content of flavonoids in roots and shoots with an increase in soil salinity. There was an increase in the total content of hydroxycinnamic acids in the roots of Glaux maritima, as well as an increase in the content of protocatechuic acid in the roots and shoots of Spergularia marina. A positive relationship was established between the antioxidant activity of S. marina root extracts and the total content of phenolic compounds, as well as G. maritima shoots extracts and the total content of phenolic compounds. Extracts of S. marina showed no antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis, and weak fungicidal activity of stem extracts and inflorescences grown on soils, with high levels of salinities, was detected against Candida albicans. The extracts of roots and shoots from G. maritima showed weak antimicrobial and fungicidal activity.

Steam explosion enhances phenolic profiles and antioxidant activity in mung beans.

Steam explosion (SE), as a physicochemical pretreatment process, has the dual effect of high temperature and high pressure. In this study, SE was applied to pretreat mung beans to increase phenolic extraction and their antioxidant activity. It can make the material loose and porous, which is beneficial to the release of phenolic compounds from mung beans. Insoluble‐bound phenolics (IBPs) were the dominating fraction, followed by glycosidic phenolics (GPs) and esterified phenolics (EPs), and free phenolics (FPs) were the lowest in mung beans. After SE, the maximum contents of FPs, EPs, GPs, IBPs, and total phenolics were detected at 0.75 MPa for 30 s, which were 1.47‐, 1.87‐, 1.73‐, 1.48‐, and 1.58‐fold compared with the untreated samples, respectively. On the whole, the effect of SE on phenolics in mung beans first increased and then decreased. SE increased the contents of protocatechuic acid, p‐coumaric acid, ferulic acid, catechin, and epicatechin; but there was a decrease in caffeic acid. Compared with the untreated samples, the antioxidant activity of FPs, GPAs, EPs, and IBPs was also improved by SE. The relationship between the phenolic content and antioxidant activity was very high with coefficients of 2,2′‐azinobis (3‐ethylbenzothiazoline‐6‐ sulfonic acid) > 2,2′‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl > ferric reducing antioxidant power. In conclusion, an appropriate SE can lead to a more efficient extraction of phenolics and improvement of antioxidant activity in mung beans.

HPLC quantitative analysis of protocatechuic acid contents in 11 Phellinus mushroom species collected in Thailand

Phellinus mushrooms have been traditionally used for various medicinal purposes. Protocatechuic acid, which was previously reported to be a component in some Phellinus mushrooms, has some pharmacological effects. This study aimed to validate a HPLC method for the quantitative analysis of the protocatechuic acid contents in the extracts from different Phellinus mushroom species collected in Thailand. HPLC was carried out using a C18 column and the gradient mobile phases of 0.1% formic acid in water and 0.1% formic acid in acetonitrile. Method validation was performed to assure the linearity, accuracy, precision, limit of detection and limit of quantitation of the analytical method. The linearity range of protocatechuic acid was 1 - 10 µg/ml. The average recovery was 104.16%. The method was shown to be precise with the RSD of repeatability and intermediate precision at less than 3%. The protocatechuic contents in 11 Phellinus mushrooms were in the range of less than 0.0099 - 0.4121 %w/w of the extract. The developed HPLC method was reliable and suitable for the quantitative analysis of protocatechuic acid content in Phellinus mushrooms.

Simultaneous Determination of Four Ingredients in Plantago Depressa by Single Marker

Objective. To establish a quantitative analysis of multicomponents by single marker (QAMS) method for the simultaneous determination of 4 active components such as protocatechuic acid, catechin, quercetin, and luteolin in Plantago depressa. Method. 4 active components in Plantago depressa were studied. Quercetin was used as an internal reference to establish the relative correction factors among protocatechuic acid, catechin, and luteolin and calculate the contents of each component; the results were compared with those measured by the external standard method. Results. 4 components showed a good linear relationship in their respective concentration ranges (r > 0.9995). The relative correction factors (fs/k) of protocatechuic acid, catechin, and luteolin were 1.1992, 0.8613, and 1.6069, respectively. The method had good durability. The contents of protocatechuic acid, catechin, and luteolin calculated by QAMS were not significantly different from those measured by the external standard method. Conclusion. QAMS can be used to determine the content of 4 components in Plantago depressa at the same time, and the method is simple, accurate, and can be used for quality control.

The importance of Cu\u2009\xd7 \u2009Pb interactions to Lentinula edodes yield, major/trace elements accumulation and antioxidants

Due to the use of various substrates in the production of edible mushrooms which may contain metals, including Cu and Pb, it is important to understand the influence of mutual interactions between them in the process of their accumulation in fruit bodies. For this reason, the effects of Cu, Pb, and Cu × Pb on yield, accumulation of five major elements (Ca, K, Mg, Na and P), trace elements (Cu, Pb and Fe) and some bioactive compounds in Lentinula edodes fruit bodies were studied. Both the metals were added in doses of 0.1 and 0.5 mM (Cu0.1, Cu0.5, Pb0.1, Pb0.5 and their combinations). The addition of the metals resulted in a reduction in size, amount and finally yield of fruit bodies. Depending on the presence of Cu and or Pb and their concentration in the substrate, both antagonism and synergism may occur. The influence on the accumulation of other determining elements was also recorded. Among phenolic compounds, phenolic acids and flavonoids were detected. 2,5-Dihydroxybenzoic acid dominated in fruit bodies in the control variant, Pb0.1, Pb0.5 and all experimental variants enriched with Cu + Pb, while gallic acid was the major phenolic after Cu0.1 and Cu0.5 addition. Only protocatechuic acid content increased in all combinations. A significant decrease of all aliphatic acid contents in comparison to the control variant was observed in the Cu0.1 and Pb0.1 variants. Significant stimulation of aliphatic acid synthesis was recorded in Cu0.5 and Pb0.5 variants and in the mixture of both the metals. The additions pointed to the possible role of the determined molecules in detoxification mechanisms.

Enhanced Activity and Sustained Release of Protocatechuic Acid, a Natural Antibacterial Agent, from Hybrid Nanoformulations with Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles.

Hybrid nanostructures can be developed with inorganic nanoparticles (NPs) such as zinc oxide (ZnO) and natural antibacterials. ZnO NPs can also exert antibacterial effects, and we used them here to examine their dual action in combination with a natural antibacterial agent, protocatechuic acid (PCA). To produce hybrid nanoformulations, we functionalized ZnO NPs with four types of silane organic molecules and successfully linked them to PCA. Physicochemical assessment confirmed PCA content up to ~18% in hybrid nanoformulations, with a PCA entrapment efficiency of ~72%, indicating successful connection. We then investigated the in vitro release kinetics and antibacterial effects of the hybrid against Staphylococcus aureus. PCA release from hybrid nanoformulations varied with silane surface modification. Within 98 h, only 8% of the total encapsulated PCA was released, suggesting sustained long-term release. We used nanoformulation solutions collected at days 3, 5, and 7 by disc diffusion or log reduction to evaluate their antibacterial effect against S. aureus. The hybrid nanoformulation showed efficient antibacterial and bactericidal effects that also depended on the surface modification and at a lower minimum inhibition concentration compared with the separate components. A hybrid nanoformulation of the PCA prodrug and ZnO NPs offers effective sustained-release inhibition of S. aureus growth.

Phytochemical Characterization of By-Products of Habanero Pepper Grown in Two Different Types of Soils from Yucatán, Mexico.

By-products of edible plants may contain potentially useful phytochemicals. Herein, we valorized the by-products of Capsicum chinense by phytochemical characterization of its leaves, peduncles and stems. Plants of habanero pepper were grown in a greenhouse, in polyethylene bags with two soils that were named according to the Maya classification as: K’ankab lu’um (red soil) and Box lu’um (black soil). Habanero pepper by-products were dried using an oven, the extracts were obtained by Ultrasound Assisted Extraction, and phytochemical quantification in all the extracts was conducted by Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography coupled to Diode Array Detector (UPLC-DAD). Differences in the phytochemical content were observed according to the by-product and soil used. Catechin and rutin showed the highest concentrations in the peduncles of plants grown in both soils. The leaves of plants grown in black soil were rich in myricetin, β-carotene, and vitamin E, and the stems showed the highest protocatechuic acid content. While the leaves of plants grown in red soil were rich in myricetin and vitamin C, the stems showed the highest chlorogenic acid content. This novel information regarding the phytochemical composition of the by-products of C. chinense may be relevant in supporting their potential application in food and pharmaceutical industries.

Differentiation of Honeydew Honeys from Blossom Honeys and According to Their Botanical Origin by Electrical Conductivity and Phenolic and Sugar Spectra.

Honeydew honey, due to its higher antibacterial and antioxidant activity in comparison to blossom honeys, is in high demand and of interest to consumers. Although a differentiation of blossom honeys from honeydew honeys by way of electrical conductivity is given in many cases, criteria for a differentiation of individual honeydew honeys, such as spruce, fir, and pine, however did not exist. For this reason, 93 authentic honeydew honeys and 63 non-honeydew honeys [35 blossom and 28 nectar-honeydew (mixed)] from 13 different botanical origins were collected within the framework of the current study, and their electrical conductivity and phenolic and sugar profiles were investigated. Results showed that the higher electrical conductivity (≥0.80 mS/cm), the higher protocatechuic acid content (≥3.5 mg/kg), and the higher percentage of the oligosaccharide content (≥120 mg/g) were suitable parameters for the differentiation of authentic coniferous honeydew honeys from non-honeydew honeys; a differentiation. A differentiation of the spruce, fir, and pine honeydew honeys however could not be reached. Through the analysis of 32 carbohydrates (2 mono-, 7 di-, 10 tri-, and 13 higher oligosaccharides) in only one run by high-performance liquid chromatography equipped with an evaporative light scattering detector, marker substances can now be utilized for the classification of individual honeydew honeys. Sugar marker compounds such as α,α-trehalose, melezitose, theanderose, nystose, or maltotetraose in honeydew honeys in combination with chemometrics highlighted the good capability of sugar profiles to discriminate the honeydew honeys both from the non-honeydew honeys and from each other. All in all, a 96.75% correct classification of all studied 156 honey samples was achieved by sugar marker compounds.

Drum drying-and extrusion-black rice anthocyanins exert anti-inflammatory effects via suppression of the NF-κB /MAPKs signaling pathways in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 cells

Different processing methods significantly affect the content of bioactivities and the anti-oxidant activities in food sources, including black rice, one of the world's major food sources of black rice anthocyanin extract (BRAE). In this study, the effect of drum-drying and extrusion processes on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammatory responses by bioactive compounds and antioxidants from black rice extract was determined. This study identified the total phenolic, flavonoid, and anthocyanin contents and antioxidant activities in vitro. The phytochemical constituent analysis of three anthocyanin-enriched extracts from raw (BRAE), drum-dried (D-BRAE), and extruded black rice (E-BRAE) using UPLC-LTQ-Orbitrap-MS/MS tentatively identified nine compounds. Cyanidin-3-glucoside was the major anthocyanin in black rice extracts. In contrast, significant reduced levels of cyanidin-3-glucoside and peonidin-3-glucoside were found in D-BRAE and E-BRAE, and the content of protocatechuic acid was increased obviously in E-BRAE. The anti-inflammatory effects of differently processed rice extracts in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells demonstrated that BRAE, D-BRAE, and E-BRAE (400 μg/mL) significantly inhibited NO and PGE2 secretion (p < 0.001) by down-regulating iNOS and COX-2 mRNA and protein expression levels. mRNA expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β) were also decreased by BRAE, D-BRAE, and E-BRAE. Therefore, the anti-inflammatory activities of BRAE were not affected by drum-dried or extrusion process. Activation of MAPK and NF-κB pathways were inhibited by BRAE that influenced the regulation of the phosphorylation of JNK, ERK, p65, and IκBα. These pathways were not affected by the drum-dried process but were significantly enhanced by the extrusion process. This study will provide scientific and meaningful basics for the application of BRAE using different processing methods in anti-oxidant and anti-inflammation.

Nutritional and cooking quality improvement of brown rice noodles prepared with extruded rice bran

AbstractBackground and objectivesWholegrain foods have gained great attention due to their benefits on health. However, the texture, taste, and cooking quality of wholegrain foods are not good because of the bran in wholegrain. The objectives of this study were to improve the quality of brown rice noodles with rice bran that was treated by extrusion cooking. In this study, brown rice noodles with extruded rice bran (BRN‐ERB) were prepared to improve their quality compared to white rice noodles (WRN) and brown rice noodles with un‐extruded rice bran (BRN).FindingsThe total phenolic, flavonoid, anthocyanin, and dietary fiber contents in BRN‐ERB were 44.87 mg GAE, 36.15 mg RE, 0.11 mg Cy‐3‐O‐G, and 4.48 g per 100 g, respectively, significantly higher than those in BRN and WRN. The BRN‐ERB had the highest antioxidant activities of DPPH, ABTS, and T‐AOC, the highest resistant starch content, and the lowest starch hydrolysis rate among the three types of rice noodles. Seven phenolics, six flavonoids, and three anthocyanins were individually detected in these rice noodles, and BRN‐ERB exhibited higher contents of protocatechuic acid, p‐coumaric acid, ferulic acid, and daidzein than BRN and WRN did. The cooking and textural qualities of BRN‐ERB were improved with lower optimum cooking time and cooking loss, and higher hardness, tensile strength, and elasticity compared to BRN.ConclusionsThe brown rice noodles with extruded rice bran had higher contents of nutritional components than brown rice noodles with un‐extruded rice bran and white rice noodles, and better cooking and textural properties than brown rice noodles with un‐extruded rice bran.Significance and noveltyThe results provided the evidences that brown rice noodles prepared with extruded rice bran might become functional foods from the sources of staple rice products.