Soluble Polyphenols Research Articles

Comparison of the Stability of a Camu Camu Extract Dried and Encapsulated by Means of High-Throughput Electrospraying Assisted by Pressurized Gas.

This study explores the impact on the stability of drying and the encapsulation of a camu camu extract (CCX) using the non-thermal, high-throughput electrospraying assisted by pressurized gas (EAPG) technique. The dried and encapsulated products by the EAPG processing techniques were compared in terms of total soluble phenolic compounds, antioxidant activity, and storage stability. Whey protein concentrate (WPC) and zein (ZN) were selected as the protective excipients for encapsulation. Dried and encapsulated products were obtained in the form of microparticles, which were smaller and more spherical in the case of the encapsulates. No significant differences were observed in the total polyphenolic content (TSP), and only relatively small differences in the antioxidant capacity were measured among samples. The generated products were subjected to various storage conditions to assess their stability and the preservation of the TSP and the antioxidant properties, i.e., 0% relative humidity (RH) and 4 °C; 0% RH and 21 °C; 23% RH and 21 °C; 56% RH and 21 °C; and UV light exposure. The results indicated that ZN encapsulation notably enhanced the retention of total soluble polyphenols and the antioxidant activity compared to WPC and dried CCX, especially in the ratio of 2:1 (encapsulating polymer: dried CCX). This study demonstrates the potential of protein-based encapsulation, particularly using ZN, for stabilizing bioactive compounds against degradation mechanisms induced by humidity, temperature, or ultraviolet radiation exposure.

Comparison of phenolics, flavonoids and anthocyanin in pigmented and non-pigmented maize in bangladesh

In the present study the compositions of phenolics, flavonoids and anthocyanins in a purple maize (SAU Bhutta 3) variety were determined and compared its phytonutrients with those of other maize varieties cultivated in Bangladesh. The SAU purple maize contained 106.0 ± 8.3 and 165.1 ± 8.0 mg /100 g of methanol soluble and acidic methanol soluble polyphenols, respectively. The SAU Bhutta 3 had the greatest amount of flavonoids (77.0 ± 10.0 mg /100 g) and anthocyanins (69.0 ± 5.0 C3G equv./100 g). Nevertheless, the SAU white maize variety had 31.0 ± 2.0, 47.0 ± 4.4 mg FAE/100 g and 9.0 ± 2.0 mg CE/100 g of free and bound phenolics and total flavonoids, respectively, which were lower than those of the SAU Bhutta 3. Again, the SAU red maize contained the lowest level of total anthocyanin (4.11 ± 1.2 mg C3G/100 g). The SAU Bhutta 3 exhibited higher proportions of insoluble phenolics compared to total phenolics and flavonoids compared to insoluble phenolics. Overall, the SAU Bhutta 3 contained relatively high amounts of phenolics, flavonoids and anthocyanins; thus, this particular maize variety shows significant potential for future utilization. Bangladesh J. Bot. 53(3): 495-502, 2024 (September)

Hass Avocado (Persea americana Mill) Peel Extract Reveals Antimicrobial and Antioxidant Properties against Verticillium theobromae, Colletotrichum musae, and Aspergillus niger Pathogens Affecting Musa acuminata Colla Species, in Ecuador.

The utilization of agroindustrial residues, such as avocado peel, as a source of bioactive compounds with antioxidant properties has garnered significant attention. In this study, we investigated the antioxidant potential using the DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) and ORAC (oxygen radical absorbance capacity) methods, along with the antimicrobial activity of phenolic compounds extracted from Hass avocado peel. These soluble polyphenols were quantified and identified using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The research focused on their effects against three fungal pathogens, Verticillium theobromae, Colletotrichum musae, and Aspergillus niger, which significantly impact banana crops, an essential agricultural commodity in Ecuador. The results have revealed that the application of 80% ethanol as an organic solvent led to increased soluble polyphenol content compared to 96% ethanol. Extraction time significantly influenced the phenolic content, with the highest values obtained at 90 min. Interestingly, despite substantial mycelial growth observed across all extract concentrations, the antifungal effect varied among the pathogens. Specifically, V. theobromae exhibited the highest sensitivity, while C. musae and A. niger were less affected. These results underscore the importance of considering both antioxidant and antimicrobial properties when evaluating natural extracts for potential applications in plant disease management.

Different organic composts application in dryland Mollisol:Residual effect and soil CO2 emission.

Organic compost application plays an important role in improving the fertility of Mollisol. However, the effects of different organic composts on carbon sequestration varies greatly and its internal mechanism are unclear. We conducted a field experiment to explore the residual proportion of different organic composts and their effects on carbon emissions in dryland Mollisol in Northeast China. There were a total of seven treatments, including chemical fertilizer control (SNF), organic composts from cattle excreta (CRH), sheep excreta (SHP), chicken excreta (CKN), residue after corn starch production (BCS), residue with crop straws (HRS) and mushroom residue (WMC). We monitored annual soil CO2 flux by static chamber method, as well as the changes of environmental factors and soil dissolved carbon and nitrogen. The regulatory mechanism of organic component characteristics on carbon residual porprotion of organic composts were examined by neural network analysis. The results showed that compared with the SNF treatment, soil dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and extractable organic nitrogen increased by 26.3%-103.5% and 21.4%-150.0%, respectively. The aromaticity of soil DOC was significantly reduced. Heterotrophic respiration flux was mainly affected by soil temperature and DOC content, while its temperature sensitivity was significantly reduced in the CKN treatment. Annual accumulation of heterotrophic respiration increased from 203 g·C·m-2 of the control to 234-334 g·C·m-2 under treatments with organic composts applications, with the CKN and HRS treatments showing the strongest impact. The annual carbon residual proportion of different organic composts in Mollisol was in an order of CRH (91.2%)> WMC (82.9%)> BCS (82.6%)> SHP (78.1%)> CKN (70.2%)> HRS (69.3%). Hemicellulose content and C/N of organic composts were the key factors, which explained 58.8% and 32.9% of the total variations of carbon residual proportion. Organic compost from cattle excreta had higher residual proportion due to lower C/N, hemicellulose content and soluble polyphenol content, and thus did not significantly affect Mollisol heterotrophic respiration. Therefore, the application of organic compost from cattle excreta was more efficient to improve organic carbon in dryland Mollisol.

Alkali‐induced aggregation behaviour of tea polyphenols and its gel strengthening mechanism to alkali‐induced egg white

SummaryThe effect of black and green tea extracts with different alkali induction degrees on gel properties of alkali‐induced egg white gels (EWGs) was evaluated. Results indicate that, with the increase in alkali induction time, the concentration of soluble polyphenols gradually decreases while their relative polymerisation degree increases, especially for black tea polyphenols. The addition of tea extracts, especially induced by alkaline treatment for 6, 12, and 24 h, can promote the coagulation and browning and inhibit the ‘alkali injury liquefaction’ of alkali‐induced EWGs. Additionally, under alkali‐induced conditions, polyphenols in tea, especially black tea, can enhance the textural properties and thermal stability of alkali‐induced EWGs, this enhancement reaches its peak at 12 h of alkali induction and is consistent with protein secondary structure and interaction forces results. This research provides theoretical support for selection and induction of tea in high‐gel‐strength preserved eggs and other alkali‐induced protein gel food processing.

Artichoke by-products: Promising ingredients for breadstick fortification

The globe artichoke industry produces significant losses, amounting to 60–80% of the biomass. These losses represent a natural source of high-value compounds. To mitigate the environmental impact of these wastes, this study evaluated the effect of adding different concentrations (3 and 5%) of powders obtained from two main artichoke by-products, stems and outer bracts, on the nutritional, bioactive, textural, aromatic and organoleptic properties of conventional breadsticks. Compared to the control, all fortified samples showed increased contents of dietary fiber, ash, flavonoids, and soluble polyphenols, especially at high addition levels. Stem powder supplementation resulted in the highest antioxidant capacity, with values of +527% and +114% in DPPH and ABTS assays, respectively. Fortification reduced the moisture and water activity of the breadsticks and improved their brittleness but did not significantly affect the color of the finished product. Sensory investigation found that consumers perceived fortified samples to be more bitter, astringent, and herbaceous, but also healthier and more sustainable. The volatile component of the fortified breadsticks was richer than the control, mostly in terms of some terpenes, acids and aldehydes. In conclusion, the fortification of breadsticks with artichoke by-products is promising for the obtaining of a functional and sustainable bakery product.

Physicochemical properties, the digestible and resistant starch content of chestnut flour with different particle sizes

Abstract In this study, chestnuts were processed into flour, and the obtained chestnut flour (CF) was passed through a sieve with an aperture size of 212 µm. Then the physicochemical properties, digestible and resistant starch contents of CF1 (<212 µm), CF2 (≥212 µm), and commercial chestnut flour (CCF) were determined. It was found that CCF had the highest values in terms of proximate composition, total soluble polyphenol content (891.25 mg GAE/100 g), and antioxidant activity (ABTS: 1552.11 mg TE/100 g, DPPH: 2003.01 mg TE/100 g). On the other hand, CF1 was superior in terms of resistant starch content (39.31 g/100 g, dw) (p < 0.05). The resistant starch content of CF1 was approximately 1.5-fold and 3-fold higher than CCF and CF2, respectively. Furthermore, the rapidly digestible starch content of CF1 (2.1 g/100 g, dw) and CF2 (0.93 g/100 g, dw) was quite lower than CCF (12.64 g/100 g, dw) (p < 0.05). Moreover, CF1 exhibited lower (p < 0.05) water, alkaline water, and sodium carbonate retention capacities, which make it a potential good flour for cookie and cracker production. In contrast, CF2 could be evaluated as a good ingredient for noodle-type foods due to its lower water solubility index. Considering the least gelation concentrations of samples, it was seen that CF1 (% 10) could also be valorized as a thickening or gelation agent in the food industry, as well as CCF (% 6).

Investigation of the effects of corn flour, Spirulina powder, and buffalo yogurt on the quality characteristics of gluten-free muffins.

This study aimed to investigate the properties of buckwheat flour-based gluten-free muffins formulated by using corn flour (CF), Spirulina powder (SP), and buffalo yogurt (BY) levels as the factors in the Box-Behnken experimental design. The color values, total soluble polyphenol content (TPC), radical scavenging activity (RSA), specific volume, moisture content, and baking loss results were evaluated as the response variables in the design. The buckwheat flour in the control sample was substituted with CF and SP. Cow yogurt was used in the control muffin instead of milk and was substituted with BY at different levels in other samples. Among the response variables, TPC and RSA values were selected for the optimization studies. Decreasing the CF and SP levels in the formulations resulted in observing higher TPC and RSA values. Three optimal formulations were obtained by response surface methodology. Both cow and buffalo yogurt did not change the properties of the muffins adversely compared to milk. Increasing the SP content made the muffins firmer and caused a decrease in the L*, a*, b*, and browning index values of the muffins. However, sensory scores of SP-containing muffins were also satisfactory.

Valorization of avocado (Persea americana) residual paste: Microwave-assisted extraction, optimization and addition to an artisanal pork ham

ABSTRACT Recovering biocompounds from industrial by-products is crucial to avoid food waste. Microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) has been employed to recover some biocompounds from vegetal matrices using ethanol and his solutions as solvent. Optimization of MAE conditions over total soluble polyphenols (TSP) and antioxidant capacity (DPPH and FRAP) from avocado residual paste (ARP) from oil industry was carried out. Optimal extract was used to elaborate an artisanal ham. Using response surface methodology (RSM), optimal conditions for MAE were 480 W of power, absolute ethanol as solvent, and extraction time of 180 s. The extract contained TSP of 31.24 mg GAE/g DW, DPPH inhibition of 24.51 mg TE/g DW and FRAP inhibition of 21.58 mg TE/g DW. The extract was added in the ham formulation at 0, 0.5, 1, and 1.5% w/w. Ham with 1% extract had the highest scores for acceptance. Extracts from ARP may be used in ham with adequate sensory attributes.

In-vitro colonic fermentation of Kakadu plum (Terminalia ferdinandiana) fruit powder: Microbial biotransformation of phenolic compounds and cytotoxicity

Kakadu plum (Terminalia ferdinandiana) (KP) is an indigenous fruit used as a functional ingredient in powdered form. Three KP doses (1, 2.5 and 5 g) were digested in a dynamic in vitro gut digestion model over 48 h. Faecal water digests from the colonic reactors were assessed for total soluble polyphenols (TSP), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), phenolic metabolites and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). Effects of digests on cell viability were tested against Caco-2 intestinal and HepG2 hepatic cells. All doses of KP fermentation produced castalagin, corilagin, chebulagic acid, chebulinic acid, and gallic acid. TSP and FRAP significantly increased in 5 g KP digests at 0 and 48 h of fermentation. SCFA concentrations significantly increased after 48 h. Cytotoxic effects of 2.5 and 5 g KP digests diminished significantly after 12 h. Overall, colonic fermentation increased antioxidant activity and polyphenolic metabolites of 5 g KP powder for 48 h.

Gall inducer Dasineura sp. alters the polyphenol profile and antioxidant activity of Peumus boldus stems.

Peumus boldus, a tree native to Chile, is extensively used for medicinal purposes due to its richness in alkaloids and antioxidant polyphenols. A species of galling insect, Dasineura sp. induces structural and chemical changes on P. boldus stems while its galls are established and developed. Taking into account the antioxidant properties of P. boldus polyphenols, it would be expected that Dasineura sp. induces changes in the accumulation sites, chemical profile, and antioxidant activity of the P. boldus stem polyphenols, related to different reactive oxygen species (ROS) production levels during gall development. Dasineura sp. induces changes in the accumulation sites of total polyphenols, flavonols, and lignin, redirecting their accumulation toward the sites of greatest production of H2O2 and O2.-. Although changes in total polyphenol content would be expected, this did not vary significantly between non-galled and galled stems. However, the galling insect induced changes in the profile and concentration of soluble polyphenols, leading to the gall extracts' antioxidant capacity decreasing significantly during the maturation and senescence stages. Additionally, during the maturation stage, lignin deposition increases in the more peripheral gall tissues, which also contributes to ROS dissipation. The differences in the different gall developmental stages' antioxidant activity could be related to the identity and concentration of phenolic compounds in each gall extract, rather than to the total phenol content. Regardless of the mechanisms involved, the dissipation of the ROS generated by Dasineura sp. activity occurs, restoring the redox balance in galls and guaranteeing the success of the inducer.

Application of Multivariate Principal Component Analysis for Characterization of Leaf Litters in Northern Nigeria

This study was to objectively describe the interrelationship between mass loss and leaf chemical parameters of litter species: Khaya senegalensis, Mangifera indica, Gmelina arborea, and Eucalyptus camaldulensis using principal component analysis. Leaf litters were analyzed for chemical compositions. Mass loss and ten litter chemical parameters such as organic carbon, total nitrogen, total phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, calcium, sodium, total soluble polyphenol, total sulphur and carbon to nitrogen ratio were investigated. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was used to identify the variation of litter chemical properties. The results showed significant relationships between mass loss and litter chemical parameters in PC1 and PC2 axes. Khaya senegalensis has the highest loadings 84% followed by Gmelina arborea 77%, Eucalyptus camaldulensis 75.3% and Mangifera indica 64.5%. In conclusion, Khaya senegalensis showed a propensity to have a faster response in driving biogeochemical cycling during decomposition.

Fatty acid profile, total phenolic content and antioxidant capacity of seaweeds in Salinas Bay, Ecuador

The coastal waters of Ecuador have emerged as a favorable environment for the growth and development of several species of edible macroalgae or seaweeds. In this study, fatty acid profiles, total soluble polyphenol content, and antioxidant capacity of seven species of macroalgae (four red algae, two brown algae and one green algae) collected from Salinas Bay, Santa Elena Province, Ecuador, were evaluated. Saturated fatty acids C14:0, C15:0, C16:0 and C18:0 were found in almost all organisms, from which palmitic acid showed the highest proportion (10.7-37.1%). Green and brown seaweeds exhibited a major content of unsaturated fatty acids. Monounsaturated fatty acid composition was represented by several isomers of C16:1 and C18:1, mainly palmitoleic (3.0-6.6%) and oleic (0.8-11.1%) acids. Polyunsaturated fatty acid composition ranged from 5.47 to 26.61%, with ratios of total n-6/n-3 acids lower than 3.3. Linoleic (C18:2, n-6, 1.16-7.73%) and eicosapentaenoic (C22:5, EPA, n-3, 1.44-5.92%) acids were found in the majority of the seaweeds. The total polyphenol content of the seaweeds was determined by the Folin-Ciocalteu method (765 nm), and ranged from 147.28 to 1,062.20 mg equivalents of gallic acid (GAE) per 100 g of dry seaweed. The antioxidant capacity was determined by the Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (517 nm). Only Acanthophora spicifera, Spatoglossum schroederi, and Ulva lactuca showed good radical-scavenging (14.18-3,379.47 mg Trolox equivalents (TE) per 100 g of dry seaweed). The results confirm the potential use of macroalgae in the study area as an important source of nutritional compounds, especially brown and green algae, which could be a recommended food supplement even in the treatment of some diseases.

Functionalized mesoporous silica for drug delivery of poorly soluble polyphenols: Synthesis, characterization, and antimicrobial action

The synthesis of mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSN) and their functionalization have gained significant attention in various biomedical fields. MSNs are nanoscale particles composed of silica with ordered pore structures and high surface areas, which make them excellent candidates for a wide range of applications, including drug delivery, imaging, biosensing, and tissue engineering. The focus of the present study is to explore the role of 12-tungstophosphoric acid (TPA) functionalized nMCM-48 for drug delivery of two weakly soluble polyphenols; curcumin, and quercetin, for effective antimicrobial action. Quercetin (Q) and curcumin (C) are simultaneously encapsulated in TPA-functionalized nMCM-48 to achieve C-TPA/nMCM-48 and Q-TPA/nMCM-48, nanocomposites respectively. The TPA functionalized nMCM-48 exhibited high pore volume, pore diameter and high surface area, the primary requirements for effective drug loading and release. The nanocomposite were characterized using several analytical methods, including FESEM, EDX, BET, XRD and FTIR. The FESEM analysis, demonstrating retainment of uniform spherical shape of the particles and homogeneous dispersion of drugs C or Q, in Q-TPA/nMCM-48 and C-TPA/nMCM-48. The EDX gives the confirmation of drug-loaded carriers, C-TPA/nMCM-48 and Q-TPA/nMCM-48 validates the presence of all elements indicating the successful loading of both C and Q. The high drug loading content 84% and 86% in the case of C and Q over C-TPA/nMCM-48 and Q-TPA/nMCM-48, respectively, was observed due to the high porosity of the material. In-vitro drug release studies for C-TPA/nMCM-48 and Q-TPA/nMCM-48 were carried out at physiological temperatures and different pH conditions. The percentage of drug release observed in case of C-TPA/nMCM-48 was 69% and for Q-TPA/nMCM-48 was 67%. The antimicrobial efficacy of nano systems was studied by bacterial growth curve analysis, zone of inhibition, MIC studies, and morphological analysis of cells. The nanocomposites exhibited enhanced antimicrobial efficiency due to the synergistic effect of a polyphenol drug molecule (C or Q) and TPA in nMCM-48 matrices. The bacterial growth curve was significantly affected and a prominent growth inhibition of microbes was observed in the presence of drug loaded samples C-TPA/nMCM-48, Q-TPA/nMCM-48. The antimicrobial efficiency of C-TPA/nMCM-48, Q-TPA/nMCM-48 was carried out against E.coli and the minimum inhibition concentration values were 25 μg/mL and 25 μg/mL, respectively. The zone of inhibition for C-TPA/nMCM-48 was detected as 1.5 ± 0.2 mm and for Q-TPA/nMCM-48 as 1.3 ± 0.3 mm against E.coli. The intricate interactions between drugs and TPA within nMCM-48 is a key facet that controls the properties of nanocomposite as a drug delivery system.

Whole Grape Pomace Flour as Nutritive Ingredient for Enriched Durum Wheat Pasta with Bioactive Potential.

In this study, grape pomace is used as an ingredient to fortify pasta. The grape pomace phenolic component is highly accessible and available for metabolization in the human gut. Hence, grape pomace can be exploited as a source of polyphenols and fiber for sustainable and dietary beneficial food production. Analyses of soluble and bound phenols and volatile compounds in raw and cooked pasta were performed. In the uncooked pasta fortified with pomace, the content of soluble and bound phenolic molecules increased significantly. During the cooking process, the bound phenols were lost, while the soluble phenols doubled. The whole grape pomace flour as a pasta ingredient increased the fiber component by at least double, increased the soluble polyphenol component by at least 10 times, and doubled the isoprenoids (toco-chromanols and carotenoids) while maintaining the unaltered fatty acid content after cooking. In accordance with the polyphenol content, antioxidant activity resulted higher than that of the control pasta. Analysis of volatile compounds in fortified pasta, both uncooked and cooked, indicated an improvement in aromatic profile when compared to the control pasta. Our results show that durum wheat pasta fortified with whole pomace flour has bioactive potential for the reuse of food industry byproducts.

Vacuum Impregnation of Polyphenols in Yam Bean: Effect on Sensory Acceptability, Antioxidant Capacity, and Potential Absorption Ability

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of vacuum impregnation (VI) of an ultrasound-assisted mango seed phenolic extract on antioxidant capacity (AOX), phenolic content, proximal composition, sensory acceptability, and in vitro polyphenols potentially available for absorption (PPAA) in the yam bean slice. The final parameters of VI optimizations by response surface were: slice thickness (1.5 mm), vacuum time (15 min), and restoration time (5 min). The optimal treatment (OT) showed a 412% increase in total soluble polyphenols (TSP), as well as a general increase in DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP (20.26, 129.99, and 64.52 μmol TE/g respectively), in relation to the control. However, VI increased the amount of nonextractable polyphenols in the indigestible fraction of yam bean slices and reduced the PPAA compared to the control. Therefore, it is concluded that the application of VI increases TSP and AOX, maintains sensory parameters, and decreases the PPAA in yam bean.

Tanshinone IIA and hepatocellular carcinoma: A potential therapeutic drug.

Because of its high prevalence and poor long-term clinical treatment effect, liver disease is regarded as a major public health problem around the world. Among them, viral hepatitis, fatty liver, cirrhosis, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and autoimmune liver disease are common causes and inducements of liver injury, and play an important role in the occurrence and development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Tanshinone IIA (TsIIA) is a fat soluble polyphenol of Salvia miltiorrhiza that is extracted from Salvia miltiorrhiza. Because of its strong biological activity (anti-inflammatory, antioxidant), it is widely used in Asia to treat cardiovascular and liver diseases. In addition, TsIIA has shown significant anti-HCC activity in previous studies. It not only has significant anti proliferation and pro apoptotic properties. It can also play an anti-cancer role by mediating a variety of signal pathways, including phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt)/rapamycin (mTOR), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), and nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB). This review not only reviews the existing evidence and molecular mechanism of TsIIA's anti-HCC effect but also reviews the liver-protective effect of TsIIA and its impact on liver fibrosis, NAFLD, and other risk factors for liver cancer. In addition, we also conducted network pharmacological analysis on TsIIA and HCC to further screen and explore the possible targets of TsIIA against hepatocellular carcinoma. It is expected to provide a theoretical basis for the development of anti-HCC-related drugs based on TsIIA.

Antioxidant Properties of Gluten-Free Pasta Enriched with Vegetable By-Products

The only therapy for coeliac disease patients is to completely avoid foods containing gluten, a protein complex common in several small-grain cereals. However, many alternative gluten-free foods available on the market present nutritional deficiencies. Therefore, the aim of this research was to evaluate the composition and the antioxidant properties of gluten-free pasta enriched with 10% or 15% of tomato waste or linseed meal, two food industry by-products. The traits analysed were protein, lipid, ash and fibre content, heat damage, tocols, carotenoids and phenolics composition (by HPLC), antioxidant capacity, and pasta fracturability. The enriched pastas contained more fibre and lipids than the control, while the protein and ash values were similar. The addition of tomato and linseed waste improved tocols concentration but had no effect on carotenoids content. The free soluble polyphenols increase was similar for both by-products and proportional to the enrichment percentage, while the bound insoluble polyphenols were higher in linseed-enriched pastas. The samples with linseed meal showed the greatest antioxidant capacity and, at 10% addition, the highest fracturability value. In conclusion, the addition of tomato and linseed by-products significantly increases the presence of bioactive compounds (particularly polyphenols), improving the nutritional value of gluten-free pasta.

Nephroprotective Activity of Green Microalgae, Chlorella sorokiniana Isolated from Jordanian Water

Nephropathy is a global health issue that affects more than 20% of the adult population. Nephropathy is expected to be the fifth leading cause of death worldwide over the coming two decades. The introduction of green microalgae in nutrition and therapeutics for their biological activities is increasing. The current study examined the effect of Chlorella sorokiniana on renal health after inducing nephrotoxicity in mice. Preliminary screening of the algal aqueous extract revealed the presence of soluble polyphenols and triterpenoids. Successive intraperitoneal doses of gentamicin were administered to mice to induce nephrotoxicity. Concurrent intraperitoneal doses of the algal extract were administered to the infected mice to evaluate their nephroprotective activity. Two different concentrations of the treatment agent were administered in successive doses to two groups of mice. The tested concentrations were 150 and 300 mg/kg of mouse weight, respectively. The other two groups were either left untreated (normal control) or treated only with antibiotics (negative control). Creatinine, urea, and uric acid levels were analyzed in both serum and urine samples to evaluate the renal health of each animal group. Histochemical examination of the renal tissues was performed to assess the damage and improvement status. In vivo studies revealed a promising and significant nephroprotective activity of C. sorokiniana.

Comparative study of the biochemical properties of membrane-bound and soluble polyphenol oxidase from Prunus mume

Browning occurs during fruit and vegetable processing mainly as a result of oxidation by polyphenol oxidases. We compared the biochemical properties of membrane-bound polyphenol oxidase (mPPO) and soluble polyphenol oxidase (sPPO) isolated and purified from Prunus mume. The sPPO showed a greater affinity for the substrate catechol. The highest activity of sPPO was catechol, while those of the mPPO were catechol and 4-methylcatechol. The optimum pH of sPPO was 5.0, while that of the mPPO were 4.5 and 5.5; the optimum temperatures of sPPO and mPPO were 40 °C and 60 °C, respectively; and the sPPO was more resistant to acidic environments, while the mPPO maintained better stability within temperature changes. The metal ions Mg2+ and Na+ were able to activate both sPPO and mPPO of P. mume, while Al3+ and K+ significantly inhibited their activities, and both Cu2+ and Ca2+ inhibited the activity of sPPO but activated that of mPPO. Different inhibitors were found to have different effects on sPPO and mPPO, however, sodium sulfite, sodium bisulfite, l-cysteine, glutathione and ascorbic acid had obvious inhibitory effects on both forms of polyphenol oxidase. Provide theoretical support for the research on the characteristics and browning mechanism of polyphenol oxidase in fruits and vegetables.