Protocatechuic Acids Research Articles

Effect of Fermentation by Probiotic Bacteria on the Bioaccessibility of Bioactive Compounds from the Fruit of the Juçara Palm (Euterpe edulis Martius)

The underexplored fruit from the juçara palm tree (Euterpe edulis Martius) has bioactive compounds with antioxidant activities, such as phenolic acids and anthocyanins. This fruit’s pulp presents itself as an appropriate fermentation medium for probiotic bacteria growth. Therefore, this study was conducted to evaluate the effects of fermentation by Limosilactobacillus reuteri LR92 (JLR) and Bifidobacterium animalis ssp. lactis BB-12 (JBB) on the bioactive compound contents of the juçara pulp, before and after a gastrointestinal simulation. The pulp of the juçara fruit showed probiotic counts of 8.70 ± 0.07 log UFC/mL for JLR and 8.44 ± 0.09 log UFC/mL for JBB, after 24 h of fermentation. Fermentation with the strains used modified the proportions of fatty acids (fatty acids esters were quantified using a gas chromatography equipment) and fibers when compared to the non-fermented pulp. The antioxidant capacity determined by DPPH, FRAP and ABTS showed significant reduction after the gastrointestinal simulation for samples. Phenolic compound analysis by UPLC-MS/MS showed, after fermentation, a greater amount of ferulic, protocatechuic and catechin acids in the samples. These results show changes in the bioactive compounds due to the fermentation of the juçara pulp by probiotics. However, these compounds showed bioactive potential and were bioaccessible after the gastrointestinal simulation, with the pulp being a potential means for bacteria growth, which may bring health benefits.

Cholesteryl Phenolipids as Potential Biomembrane Antioxidants

The lipophilization of polyphenols (phenolipids) may increase their affinity for membranes, leading to better antioxidant protection. Cholesteryl esters of caffeic, dihydrocaffeic, homoprotocatechuic and protocatechuic acids were synthetized in a one-step procedure with good to excellent yields of ~50–95%. After evaluation of their radical scavenging capacity by the DPPH method and establishing the anodic peak potential by cyclic voltammetry, their antioxidant capacity against AAPH-induced oxidative stress in soybean PC liposomes was determined. Their interaction with the liposomal membrane was studied with the aid of three fluorescence probes located at different depths in the membrane. The cholesteryl esters showed a better or similar radical scavenging capacity to that of α-tocopherol and a lower anodic peak potential than the corresponding parental phenolic acids. Cholesteryl esters were able to protect liposomes to a similar or greater extent than α-tocopherol. However, despite their antiradical capacity and being able to penetrate and orientate in the membrane in a parallel position to phospholipids, the antioxidant efficiency of cholesteryl esters was deeply dependent on the phenolipid polyphenolic moiety structure. When incorporated during liposome preparation, cholesteryl protocatechuate and caffeate showed more than double the activity of α-tocopherol. Thus, cholesteryl phenolipids may protect biomembranes against oxidative stress to a greater extent than α-tocopherol.

Efficient Production of Some Bioactive Depsides and Simple Phenolic Acids by Microshoots of Aronia × Prunifolia (Purple Aronia) Agitated Cultures as the Result of Feeding Strategy with Four Different Biogenetic Precursors

A precursor feeding strategy was used for the first time in agitated microshoot cultures of Aronia × prunifolia. This strategy involved the addition of biogenetic precursors of simple phenolic acids (phenylalanine, cinnamic acid, and benzoic acid) and depsides (caffeic acid) into the culture media, with an assessment of its effect on the production of these bioactive compounds. The in vitro cultures were maintained in Murashige–Skoog medium (1 mg/L BAP and 1 mg/L NAA). Precursors at five concentrations (0.1, 0.5, 1.0, 5.0, and 10.0 mmol/L) were fed into the medium at the time of culture initiation (point “0”) and independently on the 10th day of growth cycles. The contents of 23 compounds were determined in methanolic extracts of biomass collected after 20 days of growth cycles using an HPLC method. All extracts contained the same four depsides (chlorogenic, neochlorogenic, rosmarinic, and cryptochlorogenic acids) and the same four simple phenolic acids (protocatechuic, vanillic, caffeic, and syringic acids). Chlorogenic and neochlorogenic acids were the predominant compounds in all extracts (max. 388.39 and 263.54 mg/100 g d.w.). The maximal total contents of all compounds were confirmed after feeding with cinnamic acid (5 mmol/L, point “0”) and caffeic acid (10 mmol/L, point “0”), which caused a 2.68-fold and 2.49-fold increase in the contents of the estimated compounds vs. control cultures (603.03 and 558.48 mg/100 g d.w., respectively). The obtained results documented the efficacy of the precursor feeding strategy in enhancing the production of bioactive compounds in agitated cultures of A. × prunifolia and suggest a potential practical application value.

UV-curable aromatic polyurethanes from different sustainable resources: Protocatechuic and cinnamic acids

An innovative aromatic monomer, 3,4-dihydroxybenzyl cinnamate (CDHB), was synthesized from protocatechuic and cinnamic acids. These latter can be obtained from different sustainable resources, such as plastic waste or biomass, by biotechnology and/or chemistry routes. From CDHB, used as chain extender, and aromatic or aliphatic diisocyanates, various aromatic thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPU) with cinnamic pendant chains were carefully synthesized and characterized. Different techniques such as NMR, FTIR, TGA and DSC have been used. The main results show that the TPUs exhibited good phase segregation and thermal stability, due to the aromaticity of the chain extender. The pendant cinnamic chains acted as internal plasticizer with a reduction of the glass transition temperature (Tg). The cinnamic groups were also able to undergo a [2 + 2] cycloaddition under UV irradiation, leading to the crosslinking of PU with a strong evolution of the properties. This reaction was followed by UV–Vis spectroscopy. 80 % of cycloaddition was reached in 20 h, significantly increasing PU gel fraction, Tg, and thermal stability. This study highlights the potential to create modulable sustainable and aromatic PU macromolecular architectures that can be UV curable and display enhanced properties.

Characterization of flax genetic resources in Türkiye through variance analysis of antioxidant, phenolic compound and fatty acid contents

This study was conducted in 2021 using seeds from 10 different flax cultivars (Sarı 85, Cill 1351, Cill 1370, Cill 1400, Cill 1412, Larnaka, Milas, Newtürk, and Dilman) in the Ankara ecology. The study investigated the oil content, protein content, fatty acid composition, antioxidant capacities, and specific phenolic compound contents of these seeds. Correlations among the bioactive compound contents of flax seeds were elucidated using Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Heatmap analysis. As a result of the research, statistically significant differences were found among the seed properties of the varieties. According to the PCA method, the correlation among fatty acids was determined as 71.2% (PC1+PC2), while the correlation between phenolic compounds and antioxidants was determined as 60.4% (PC1+PC2). In the study, the highest oil content was obtained in the Newtürk variety with 35.3%, while the lowest oil content was obtained in the Larnaka variety with 32.2%. The highest α-linolenic acid (C18:3) ratio of 53.9% was detected in the Newtürk variety, while the lowest α-linolenic acid (C18:3) ratio of 46.8% was obtained from the Cill1423 variety. Ferulic (Cill 1351: 18.51 µg/g) and protocatechuic (Cill 1423: 20.83 µg/g) acids were found to be the most abundant compounds in flax seeds. In the research, it was determined that the Cill 1351 (4.08 mg trolox/g) and Dilman (4.16 mg trolox/g) varieties had higher antioxidant capacities than the other varieties.

Study of authenticity, quality characteristics and bioactivity in honey samples from different botanical origins and countries

Honey is a widely consumed commodity featuring beneficial nutritional properties resulting in a high market price. Therefore, honey is a target of fraudulent practices and analytical strategies to assess honey quality and origin are highly needed. Within this context, we performed a comprehensive analytical testing for 39 honey samples originating from Greece and other countries. Analytical parameters related to honey quality control (Directive 2001/110/EC) were monitored. In detail, hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) and diastase activity were measured using spectrophotometric assays. Importantly, 6 samples imported by the American market exceeded the regulatory limit (40 mg/kg). The content of the main honey sugars was monitored using an accredited ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to evaporative light scattering detector (UHPLC-ELSD) and all samples were in line with the regulatory standards. In addition, chromatographic analysis was performed to determine 23 phenolic compounds as these are bioactive compounds contributing towards the health promoting effects of honey. Besides chemical characterisation, in vitro testing was also performed by monitoring the inhibitory effect of the honey samples towards acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and pancreatic lipase (PNLIP). Indeed, inhibition was noticed and in the case of PNLIP the monitored differences between Greek and samples from other countries were statistically significant. To assess honey sample authenticity, chemometric tools were employed, namely, principal component analysis (PCA), hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) and linear discriminant analysis (LDA). The multivariate analysis revealed that the taxifolin content may be used as a marker for thyme honey from Cyprus while the total content of gallic and protocatechuic acids could be used as a marker for oak honeys. All in all, implementing several different methods based on different principles (both physicochemical and bioanalytical) in a complex analytical matrix such as honey is a great analytical challenge that we successfully faced and comprehensively demonstrated in this study.

Effects of cholesterol-lowering probiotic fermentation on the active components and in vitro hypolipidemic activity of sea buckthorn juice.

Sea buckthorn has lipid-lowering properties and is widely used in the development of functional foods. In this study, a probiotic (Lactobacillus plantarum, Lp10211) with cholesterol-lowering potential and acid and bile salt resistant was screened for the fermentation of sea buckthorn juice. Changes in the active ingredients, such as sugars and phenolics, before and after fermentation, as well as their in vitro lipid-lowering activities, were compared. The contents of reducing and total sugars decreased substantially after fermentation. Lp10211 primarily utilized fructose for growth and reproduction, with a utilization rate of 76.9%. The phenolic compound content of sea buckthorn juice increased by 37.06% after fermentation and protected the phenolic components from degradation (protocatechuic and p-coumaric acids) and produced new polyphenol (shikimic acid). Enhanced inhibition of pancreatic lipase activity (95.42%) and cholesterol micellar solubility (59.15%) was evident. The antioxidant properties of the fermentation broth were improved. Notably, Lp10211 preserved the color and reversed browning in sea buckthorn juice. The collective findings indicate that fermentation of sea buckthorn juice by Lp10211 may enhance the functional components and lipid-lowering activity of sea buckthorn, which may provide a new approach for the development of lipid-lowering foods.

Harnessing Koelreuteria paniculata Seed Extracts and Oil for Sustainable Woolly Apple Aphid Control

The woolly apple aphid—WAA (Eriosoma lanigerum Hausmann, 1802) poses a significant threat to intensive apple production. Given the limitations of conventional synthetic pesticides, there is an urgent need for effective and sustainable pest management strategies. Botanical extracts derived from plants with insecticidal properties mitigating aphid populations without adverse environmental impacts are scarce where WAA is concerned. Thus, the pertinent study aimed to investigate the aphicidal potential of Koelreuteria paniculata seed ethanolic extract (derived from the seed coat) and mechanically extracted oil (derived from the seed itself). At concentrations of 2.5% and 5%, both solutions expressed undeniable insecticidal potential, providing absolute (100%; oil) or significant (86–100%; ethanolic extract) mortality rates both in vivo and in vitro. Predominant phenolic compounds determined in the ethanolic extract were gallic and protocatechuic acids and three derivates—p-coumaric, quercetin, and luteolin acid derivates—contributing to more than 90% of the total phenolic content, while phenolic compounds were not detected in the oil, indicating activity of different active compounds. Although deriving from different seed parts and distinct extraction methods, both ethanolic extract and oil exhibited significant aphicidal effects against WAA. The integration of botanical extracts from invasive species into pest management practices supports ecological balance and sustainable agricultural productivity, fostering a healthier environment and more resilient agricultural systems.

Persimmon Fiber-Rich Ingredients Promote Anti-Inflammatory Responses and the Growth of Beneficial Anti-Inflammatory Firmicutes Species from the Human Colon.

Persimmon fruit processing-derived waste and by-products, such as peels and pomace, are important sources of dietary fiber and phytochemicals. Revalorizing these by-products could help promote circular nutrition and agricultural sustainability while tackling dietary deficiencies and chronic diseases. In this study, fiber-rich fractions were prepared from the by-products of Sharoni and Brilliant Red persimmon varieties. These fractions were quantified for their phenolic composition and assessed for their ability to promote the growth of beneficial human colonic Firmicutes species and for their in vitro anti-inflammatory potential. Gallic and protocatechuic acids, delphinidin, and cyanidin were the main phenolics identified. Faecalibacterium prausnitzii strains showed significantly higher growth rates in the presence of the Brilliant Red fraction, generating more than double butyrate as a proportion of the total short-chain fatty acids (39.5% vs. 17.8%) when compared to glucose. The fiber-rich fractions significantly decreased the inflammatory effect of interleukin-1β in Caco-2 cells, and the fermented fractions (both from Sharoni and Brilliant Red) significantly decreased the inflammatory effect of interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α in the RAW 264.7 cells. Therefore, fiber-rich fractions from persimmon by-products could be part of nutritional therapies as they reduce systemic inflammation, promote the growth of beneficial human gut bacteria, and increase the production of beneficial microbial metabolites such as butyrate.

Evaluation of six phenolic compounds content and antifungal activity against wood-decay fungi of tobacco waste extracts obtained by ultrasound-assisted extraction

The tobacco industry produces substantial amounts of biomass waste that contains bioactive substances that may serve as renewable energy sources. This study reports an efficient and environmentally friendly method for the simultaneous extraction of gallic, protocatechuic, vanillic, chlorogenic, caffeic, and ferulic acids from tobacco waste. The ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) parameters were optimized using one-factor-at-a-time method and response surface methodology (RSM), in combination with Box-Behnken design (BBD). The optimal extraction conditions were an extraction temperature of 62 °C, a solvent-to-solid ratio of 19 mL/g, an ethanol-to-water ratio of 62%, and an extraction time of 38 min. The composition and content of phenolic compounds extracted using this optimized method were identified by ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS). The extraction yield and antifungal activity against wood-decay fungi using the extracts obtained with the UAE method were much higher than those obtained using maceration and heat reflux extraction. The results demonstrated that the UAE method extracted six phenolic compounds in tobacco waste, which could then be quantitatively analyzed. This study provides a green and efficient method for extracting active ingredients from waste tobacco and offers a new perspective for utilizing tobacco waste as an antifungal agent against wood-decay fungi.

Antibacterial and anti-virulence potential of plant phenolic compounds against Vibrio parahaemolyticus.

Background: Vibrio parahaemolyticus is a pathogenic bacterium that affects shrimp aquaculture; its infection can lead to severe production losses of up to 90%. On the other hand, plant phenolic compounds have emerged as a promising alternative to combat bacterial infections. The antibacterial and anti-virulence activity of the plant phenolic compounds quercetin, morin, vanillic acid, and protocatechuic acid against two strains of V. parahaemolyticus (Vp124 and Vp320) was evaluated. Methods: The broth microdilution test was carried out to determine phenolic compounds' antibacterial activity. Moreover, the biofilm-forming ability of V. parahaemolyticus strains in the presence of phenolic compounds was determined by total biomass staining assay using the cationic dye crystal violet. The semisolid agar displacement technique was used to observe the effect of phenolic compounds on the swimming-like motility of V. parahaemolyticus. Results: Results showed that phenolic compounds inhibited both strains effectively, with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) ranging from 0.8 to 35.03 mM. Furthermore, at 0.125 - 0.5 × MIC of phenolic compounds, V. parahaemolyticus biofilms biomass was reduced by 63.22 - 92.68%. Also, quercetin and morin inhibited the motility of both strains by 15.86 - 23.64% (Vp124) and 24.28 - 40.71% (Vp320). Conclusions: The results suggest that quercetin, morin, vanillic, and protocatechuic acids may be potential agents for controlling V. parahaemolyticus.

Differential Effects of In Vitro Simulated Digestion on Antioxidant Activity and Bioaccessibility of Phenolic Compounds in Purple Rice Bran Extracts.

Pigmented rice varieties are abundant in phenolic compounds. Antioxidant activity and bioaccessibility of phenolic compounds are modified in the gastrointestinal tract. After in vitro simulated digestion, changes in antioxidant activity and bioaccessibility of phenolic compounds (phenolic acids, flavonoids, and anthocyanins) in purple rice brans (Hom Nil and Riceberry) were compared with undigested crude extracts. The digestion method was conducted following the INFOGEST protocol. Antioxidant activity was determined using the ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity assays. The bioaccessibility index (BI) was calculated from the ratio of digested to undigested soluble phenolic content. Overall results showed that the in vitro simulated digested rice brans had lower antioxidant activity and lower total phenolic, flavonoid, and anthocyanin contents. However, the concentration of sinapic acid was stable, while other phenolic acids (gallic, protocatechuic, vanillic, ρ-coumaric, and ferulic acids) degraded after the oral, gastric, and intestinal phases. The BI of sinapic, gallic, vanillic, and ferulic acids remained stable, and the BI of quercetin was resistant to digestion. Conversely, anthocyanins degraded during the intestinal phase. In conclusion, selective phenolic compounds are lost along the gastrointestinal tract, suggesting that controlled food delivery is of further interest.

Phytochemicals, UPLC-QTOF-MS/MS analysis, potential acaricidal activity and molecular modeling of Datura metel grown in North-Eastern India

The present investigation emphasized exploitation of Datura metel L. for potential acaricidal activity. Extraction method suggested higher extraction efficiency with the use of 50 % methanol over aqueous medium. UPLC-QTOF-ESI-MS analysis of the extracts resulted tentative identification of eighteen tropane alkaloids such as tigloidin, hyoscyamine N-oxide, scopolamine N-oxide, hyocyamine, hydroxyapoatropine, tropinone, scopine, hyoscine, atropine, valtropine, ditigloyloxytropane, ditigloyloxytropanol, apohyoscine, tigloyloxytropane, norhyoscine, meteloidine, cuscohygrine and tropine in the aerial parts (EAP) and roots (ER). Further, nine phenolic acids such as gallic, protocatechuic, chlorogenic, vanillic, p-coumaric, ferulic, quinic, syringic, and sinapic acids along with fourteen flavonoids such as luteolin-7-glucoside, catechin-3-O-rhamnoside, kempferol-3,7-O-diglucoside, naringenin-6-β-D-glucopyranoside, quercetin 3-O-glucosyl-xyloside, apigenin-7-O-glucoside, flavonol-3-glucoside, luteolin, epicatechin, chrysoeriol, diadzein, genistein, hesperidin and hydroxycoumarin were also identified. Highest acaricidal activity was observed for ER showing LC50 and LC90 of 112.5 and 317.3 μg/mL after 48 h of exposure, respectively. Molecular modeling analysis revealed favourable interaction of tigloidine with UDP transferase of T. urticae through attractive charge, pi-alkyl, alkyl and conventional H bonds. Though, ER was found to be phytotoxic with the highest root growth inhibition in terms of IC50 value of 131.2 and 184.9 μg/mL against Chenopodium album and Triticum aestivum, respectively. Being eco-benign natural products, Datura phytochemicals can serve as potential bio-acaricide, thereby, a smart delivery system could be developed comprising synergistic concoction of the alkaloid rich phytochemical fractions for efficient management of the notorious acarids.

Comparison of the Antioxidant and Cytoprotective Properties of Extracts from Different Cultivars of Cornus mas L

Cornus mas L. is a rich source of vitamin C and polyphenols. Due to their health-benefit properties, C. mas L. extracts have been used in, e.g., dermatology and cosmetology, and as a food supplement. Peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) and its co-activator (PGC-1α) are now suspected to be the main target of active substances from C. mass extracts, especially polyphenols. Moreover, the PPARγ pathway is involved in the development of different diseases, such as type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2), cancers, skin irritation, and inflammation. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the PPARγ pathway activation by the most popular water and ethanol extracts from specific C. mas L. cultivars in an in vitro model of the human normal fibroblast (BJ) cell line. We analyzed the content of biologically active compounds in the extracts using the UPLC-DAD-MS technique and revealed the presence of many polyphenols, including gallic, quinic, protocatechuic, chlorogenic, and ellagic acids as well as iridoids, with loganic acid being the predominant component. In addition, the extracts contained cyanidin 3-O-galactoside, pelargonidin 3-O-glucoside, and quercetin 3-glucuronide. The water–ethanol dark red extract (DRE) showed the strongest antioxidant activity. Cytotoxicity was assessed in a normal skin cell line, and positive effects of all the extracts with concentrations ranging from 10 to 1000 µg/mL on the cells were shown. Our data show that the studied extracts activate the PPARγ/PGC-1α molecular pathway in BJ cells and, through this mechanism, initiate antioxidant response. Moreover, the activation of this molecular pathway may increase insulin sensitivity in DM2 and reduce skin irritation.

Analysis of the Efficiency of Antioxidants in Inhibiting Lipid Oxidation in Terms of Characteristic Kinetic Parameters.

In this work, we aim to find physical evidence demonstrating the crucial role that the effective concentration of antioxidants (AOs) present at the interfacial region of emulsions has in controlling the inhibition of the lipid oxidation reaction. We prepared a series of antioxidants of different hydrophobicities derived from chlorogenic and protocatechuic acids. We first monitored, in intact emulsions, the (sigmoidal) production of conjugated dienes and determined the corresponding induction times, tind. Independently, we determined the effective concentrations of the antioxidants in the same intact emulsions. Results show that both the length of the induction periods and the antioxidant interfacial concentrations parallel each other, with a maximum at the octyl-dodecyl derivatives. The ratio between the interfacial antioxidant concentrations and the induction periods remains constant for all AOs in the same series, so that the rates of initiation of lipid oxidation are the same regardless of the hydrophobicity of the antioxidant employed. The constancy in the rate of initiation provides strong experimental evidence for a direct relationship between interfacial concentrations and antioxidant efficiencies. Results suggest new possibilities to investigate lipid peroxidation under non-forced conditions and are of interest to formulators interested in preparing emulsions with antimicrobial properties.

Influence of enzyme treatment approach on the phenolics content and antioxidant potential of sorghum grain samples

Enzyme-assisted extraction of phenolics was performed from commercial broom, and GK Emese and Farmsugro 180 hybrid sorghum grain residues with cellulolytic and esterolytic cocktails of Rhizomucor miehei NRRL 5282, Gilbertella persicaria SZMC 11086 and Mucor corticolus SZMC 12031 fungi. Results showed an increasing tendency for total phenolic content (TPC) during incubation that was in a positive relation with total flavonoid content (TFC) for most treatments. Best TPC and TFC yields were obtained on broom sorghum with maximal values of 256.9 ± 11.7 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/100 g dry matter (DM) and 159.4 ± 6.8 mg catechin equivalent (CE)/100 g DM, respectively, achieved during R. miehei enzyme treatment. Reducing power and radical scavenging activity assays demonstrated improved antioxidant activity for most treated samples that was in positive correlation (0.942 ≥ r ≥ 0.522) with the TPC and TFC variables. Chromatography analysis revealed hydroxybenzoates, i.e., protocatechuic, 4-hydroxybenzoic and vanillic acids, as major phenolics with yields ranging from 5.40 ± 0.57 to 132.85 ± 14.21 μg/g DM, but the content of hydroxycinnamates increased to a greater extent during the treatments. The enzyme treatments can be reliable methods for enriching phenolic antioxidants in sorghum substances utilizable in gluten-free food products.

Optimizing niger seed (Guizotia abyssinica) oil quality: A comprehensive analysis of infrared-heat induced changes in bioactive profile, physiochemical attributes, and oxidative stability.

Infrared heating (IRH) at 140, 160, and 180°C for varying durations (5, 10, and 15min) was employed for improving the niger (Guizotia abyssinica) seed oil (NSO) quality for diverse food applications. The study explored changes in phenolic profile, oxidative stability index (OSI), tocopherols, phytosterols, fatty acid profiles, and physicochemical attributes of NSO. Upon IRH at 180°C for 10min, the oil yield, total phenolic, and flavonoid contents increased from 33.09% to 40.56%, 6.67 to 173.62mgGAE/kg, and 24.76 to 120.64mgQE/kg, respectively. The viscosity, chlorophylls, carotenoids, radical scavenging activity, OSI, caffeic, protocatechuic, vanillic, and syringic acids were highest upon IRH at 180°C for 15min. The tocopherols and phytosterols initially augmented while decremented upon raising IRH conditions. The infrared spectra indicated no adverse impact of IRH on NSO quality. The appropriate IRH conditions can be considered for improving NSO quality and making it valuable for various edible products.

Phenolic compounds in sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) and their health‐promoting activities: a review

SummarySea buckthorn (SB) is used in cuisines and herbal remedies due to its remarkable nutritional composition and health‐enhancing properties. The phenolic compounds present in SB plant include phenolic acids (gallic, p‐coumaric, protocatechuic and ferulic acids), flavonols (isorhamnetin, quercetin and kaempferol), flavan‐3‐ols and polymeric procyanidins. The highest content of these compounds was reported in branches and leaves than corresponding edible parts of the plant. The antioxidant properties of SB are related to content and composition of phenolic compounds in different plant parts. The studies reported SB flavonoids (isorhamnetin and quercetin) as main phenolic compounds with medicinal potential and health‐promoting effects. The present review summarises information available in recent studies on phenolic composition, phenolic content, flavonoid content, antioxidant activity and health‐promoting activities (anti‐oxidant, hepatoprotective, cardioprotective, anti‐inflammatory, anti‐diabetic and obesity management) of SB that can be used in curtailing various acute and chronic maladies. SB can be projected as a promising source of bioactive constituents with the potential to be used in healthy foods for beneficial effects on human health.

Studies on the Effects of Fermentation on the Phenolic Profile and Biological Activity of Three Cultivars of Kale.

Fermentation is used not only to preserve food but also to enhance its beneficial effects on human health and achieve functional foods. This study aimed to investigate how different treatments (spontaneous fermentation or fermentation with the use of starter culture) affect phenolic content, antioxidant potential, and cholinesterase inhibitory activity in different kale cultivars: 'Halbhoner Grüner Krauser', 'Scarlet', and 'Nero di Toscana'. Chosen samples were further tested for their protective potential against the Caco-2 cell line. HPLC-MS analysis revealed that the fermentation affected the composition of polyphenolic compounds, leading to an increase in the content of rutin, kaempferol, sinapinic, and protocatechuic acids. In general, kale cultivars demonstrated various antioxidant activities, and fermentation led to an increase in total phenolic content and antioxidant activity. Fermentation boosted anti-cholinesterase activity most profoundly in 'Nero di Toscana'. Extracts of spontaneously fermented 'Scarlet' (SS) and 'Nero di Toscana' (NTS) showed cytoprotective properties, as revealed by the malondialdehyde (MDA), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione (GSH) assays. Additionally, strong anti-inflammatory activity of NTS was shown by decreased release of cytokines IL-1β and TNF-α. Collectively, the conducted studies suggest fermented kale cultivars as a potential source for functional foods.

Dry-air pretreatments effects on physiochemical properties, stability, antioxidants, phytosterol and tocopherol profiles of hemp oil

The study investigated effects of dry air pretreatment (DAP) at varying temperatures (160˚C, 180˚C, and 200˚C) and times (5-, 10-, 15-, and 20-min) on hemp oil (HeO) quality attributes. The total flavonoid (TfC) and phenolic (TpC) content, tocopherols, phytosterols, flavonoids, phenolic acids, oxidative stability index (OSI), colour attributes, Maillard products, fatty acid profile (FAP), physiochemical properties and radical scavenging activity (RsA) of HeO were studied. DAP had increased Maillard products, browning index, p-anisidine value, viscosity and ΔE while decreased peroxide, a* , b* and L* values of HeO. The TpC, TfC, RsA, phenolic acids (protocatechuic, 4-hydroxybenzoic, ellagic, chlorogenic, rosmarinic and trans cinnamic acids), epicatechin, total hydroxycinnamic and hydroxybenzoic acids and total flavonoids were highest in HeO upon DAP at 200 oC for 15 min. The tocopherols and phytosterols were highest upon DAP at 180 oC for 5 and 10 min, respectively. The highest HeO yield (25.85%) and OSI (6.80 h) was attained upon DAP at 180 oC and 200 oC for 10 min, respectively. In conclusion, the DAP had triggered a Maillard reaction, augmented the release of antioxidants, pigments and increased the OSI of HeO. The optimal DAP can be employed for the improvement of HeO quality attributes.