Soluble Polyphenols Research Articles

Nutritional Composition of Ten Persimmon Cultivars in the “Ready-to-Eat Crisp” Stage. Effect of Deastringency Treatment

Traditionally persimmons have been consumed over-ripened to avoid astringency perception. However, the introduction of new technology that removes astringency while preserving fruit firmness has allowed the commercialization of “ready-to-eat crisp” fruits. Several studies have evaluated the nutritional composition of over-ripened persimmons and have claimed that they are a good source of primary and secondary metabolites that are favourable for human health. Yet very little is known about the nutritional composition of persimmons in the “ready-to-eat crisp” stage. In this context, we determined the main nutritional compounds in ten popular persimmon cultivars, including astringent cultivars (“Rojo Brillante”, “Tone Wase”, “Giboshi”, “Kaki Tipo”, “Aizumishirazu-A”, “Giombo”, “Hachiya”) and non-astringent cultivars (“O’gosho”, “Hana Fuyu” and “Jiro”). To this end, fruits were harvested when their texture was firm, and soluble polyphenols content, total antioxidant capacity and main sugars, organic acids and carotenoids were evaluated. In those astringent cultivars at harvest, the changes in nutritional compounds associated with applying deastringency treatment with high CO2 concentration were determined. Our results revealed the main sugars (glucose, fructose and sucrose), organic acids (citric acid, malic acid and succinic) and carotenoids (β-cryptoxanthin, lutein, violoxanthin, zeaxanthin, and β-carotene) present in the flesh of crisp persimmons. At harvest the content of these metabolites vastly varied among cultivars; astringent cultivars showed higher soluble polyphenols and greater antioxidant capacity, and presented higher contents of sugars and organic acids than non-astringent ones. The deastringency treatment applied to astringent cultivars resulted in a drastic loss of soluble polyphenols and total antioxidant capacity, and induced changes in carotenoids and sugars composition.

Functional Variation of Soluble Polyphenols in Oak Apple Gall and Pomegranate Peels and their Inhibition Activity in Leukaemia K562 Cells

The possibility of finding anti-cancer drugs has generated interest in natural products. Several studies have in vitro observed potent anti-cancer properties of pomegranate juice against various cancers including leukaemia. Although a few studies have described the bioactivities of hydrolysable tannins extracted from pomegranate juices, limited attention has been paid to other tannins extracted from different parts of a plant. Recently, polyphenols, which are found in plants, have become the most studied phytochemicals owing to their significant chemical properties and biological activities. Tannin is an astringent plant polyphenolic compound and has been observed to have anti-oxidant and anti-cancer properties. This study uses a novel approach to study variation in the structure of hydrolysable tannins from two different types of plants and their inhibition activity in leukaemia K562 cells. We examined data showing anti-proliferation activity of hydrolysable tannins extracted from pomegranate peels within two concentrations of 1 mg/mL and 100 μg/mL. Hydrolysable tannin extracted from oak apple gall induces different effects than that extracted from pomegranate tannin. At the highest concentration of 100 μg/mL, the tannin from oak apple gall did not have any noticeable effects on cells, whereas at the highest concentration of 1 mg/mL, cell cycle arrest seemed to have occurred after 72 h of treatment. This most likely led to senescence caused by overstimulation of the cells by specific polyphenols compounds in oak apple gall, which affected the cells either directly or indirectly by changing the culture’s environment.

Fluorescence studies by quenching and protein unfolding on the interaction of bioactive compounds in water extracts of kiwi fruit cultivars with human serum albumin

The main aim of this investigation was to characterize new kiwi fruit cultivars after cold storage treatment and to determine the similarities and differences between them, using spectroscopic methods. The chemometric comparison of kiwi fruit cultivars based on physicochemical indices during cold storage was carried out. All kiwi fruit cultivars showed a high level of correlation between the contents of phenolic compounds (polyphenols, tannins and flavonoids) and their antioxidant capacities. The interactions of soluble polyphenols of different kiwi fruit cultivars with human serum albumin (HSA) were investigated by fluorescence. The obtained statistical and fluorescence results allow to classify the investigated kiwi fruit cultivars according to their properties. The antioxidant properties of different cultivars monitored by β-carotene assay showed that the highest percentage of antioxidant activity (%AA) at the end of the cold storage was detected for ‘SKK-12’ (27.61±2.44) %AA with the lowest shelf life (8 weeks) and the lowest was found for ‘Hayward’ variety (8.33±0.74) %AA with the highest shelf life (24 weeks). The averaged amount of polyphenols in ‘Bidan’ and ‘SKK-12’ 13.97±1.95mgGAE/g was much higher than in other cultivars 3.93±3.26mgGAE/g, without respect on time of cold storage. The HSA-binding capacities of these cultivars were the highest and correlated with their antioxidant capacities. To our knowledge this is the first report showing differences and similarities in new kiwi fruit cultivars, using spectroscopic techniques. The fact that fluorescence spectral methods are applied as a powerful tool to show the photophysical properties of intrinsic fluorophores in protein molecules in the presence of fruit extracts is important in this study. In conclusion, the obtained knowledge would contribute to the pharmaceutical development and clinical application of kiwi fruit extracts.

Monitoring of chemical parameters of qualitative pasta samples containing millet flours during storage experiments

Millet has attracted a great deal of interest due to its valuable agricultural, nutritional, and functional properties. In this study the aim was the investigation of millet usability in dry pasta products. Chemical, enzymological, and sensory parameters were measured and monitored in Triticum aestivum, Triticum durum, and millet containing pasta products during a 12-month-long storage period. According to our results, during the storage, millet had a strong effect on different parameters: because of increased acid value, the shelf life was reduced, and millet significantly influenced the pH value and the water soluble polyphenol content. The highest scores were measured in T. durum and T. durum-millet pasta samples in the sensory test, while the T. aestivum-millet mixture pasta got the lowest scores. Also in our experiment we tested how the drying temperature modifies polyphenol oxidase enzyme (PPO) activity right after drying and during storage. The samples containing millet flour had higher PPO activit...

Comparison of membrane-bound and soluble polyphenol oxidase in Fuji apple (Malus domestica Borkh. cv. Red Fuji)

This study compared membrane-bound with soluble polyphenol oxidase (mPPO and sPPO, respectively) from Fuji apple. Purified mPPO and partially purified sPPO were used. mPPO was purified by temperature-induced phase partitioning and ion exchange chromatography. The specific activity of mPPO was 34.12× higher than that of sPPO. mPPO was more stable than sPPO at pH 5.0–8.5. Although mPPO was more easily inactivated at 25–55°C, it is still more active than sPPO in this temperature range. The optimum substrate of mPPO was 4-methyl catechol, followed by catechol. l-cysteine had the highest inhibitory effects on mPPO followed by ascorbic acid and glutathione. Surprisingly, EDTA increased mPPO activity. The results revealed that purified mPPO is a dimer with a molecular weight of approximately 67kDa.

Effects of the polyphenol content on the anti-diabetic activity of Cinnamomum zeylanicum extracts.

Cinnamomum zeylanicum is a popular kitchen spice widely investigated for insulin potentiating effects. Though a group of water soluble polyphenols belonging to the oligomeric procyanidins has been identified as the bioactive principle, the lack of systematic information on the effect of the polyphenol content on safety and anti-diabetic efficacy remains as a major limitation for the development of optimized and standardized cinnamon extracts for functional use. In the present paper, water soluble extracts of Cinnamomum zeylanicum containing 45 and 75% gallic acid equivalents (GAE) of polyphenol content were prepared by a novel process and characterized by tandem mass spectrometry. The polyphenol enhanced extracts were shown to be safe and offered better antioxidant potential, hypoglycemic effect, hypolipidimic effect, and significant decrease in other biochemical parameters as compared to the standard aqueous extract containing 15% GAE, when administered to streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats at 200 mg per kg b.w. for 30 days. The efficacy of polyphenol extracts in lowering blood glucose levels and ameliorating oxidative stress was further demonstrated in humans by administrating 'procynZ-45' containing 45% GAE polyphenols at a relatively low dosage of (125 mg × 2) per day for 30 days to 15 volunteers who had elevated fasting blood glucose levels; but not involved in any medication.

Association of morphological and biochemical features of mulberry lines with resistance to bacterial leaf spot

Xanthomonas campestris pv. mori causes bacterial leaf spot (BLS) of mulberry (Morus spp.) worldwide. Twenty mulberry lines with contrasting response to BLS showed significant (p < 0.01) variation between resistant and susceptible groups for stomata frequency (SF), trichome density (TD), total soluble sugar (TSS) and polyphenol (PP) content, while non-significant for chlorophyll content. Heritability (broad-sense) estimates obtained from the variance component analysis were high (≥0.72) for these traits. The disease severity index values of the lines were significantly negatively correlated with TD (r = −0.66; p < 0.01), TSS (r = −0.73; p < 0.01) and PP (r = −0.61; p < 0.01), while positively correlated with SF (r = 0.65; p < 0.01). The cluster analysis was based on highly significant four variables and DSI values, and classified the lines into two major clusters. The resistant lines that come under cluster-I had high TD, TSS and PP, while those in susceptible category had high SF in cluster-II. These findings suggest that direct selection for SF, TD, TSS and PP will be effective for development of host resistance against BLS in mulberry.

蒸熱および焙煎処理の温度および時間がアカメガシワ葉茶に及ぼす影響

The effects of steaming and roasting temperature and time on mallotus bark (Mallotus japonicus) tea leaves were investigated. The characteristics we analyzed were color tone, soluble polyphenol content, and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical capture activity. We observed that roasting had greater effects on tea leaves than did steaming. We concluded that the suitable roasting temperature was below 200°C for ensuring ideal soluble polyphenol content and DPPH radical capture activity. For optimal color fading, the suitable roasting temperature was below 150°C.

PRODUCTION OF PALM OIL WITH METHANE AVOIDANCE AT PALM OIL MILL: A CASE STUDY OF CRADLE-TO-GATE LIFE CYCLE ASSESSMENT

The study discusses a case study of cradle to gate life cycle assessment for the production of Crude P alm Oil (CPO) with methane avoidance at palm oil mill. The improved milling process enables total utilizat ion of the oil palm fruit to produce alow oil palm base d food source. The minimal modification in the mill includes cleaning of Fresh Fruit Bunches (FFB) and obtaining the low oil food source from the aqueous stream. The oil palm fruit processing plant enables the significant reduction of Greenhouse Gas (GHG) such as methane and carbon dioxide emissions by avoiding the formation of liquid biomass in the form of Pal m Oil Mill Effluent (POME). The attributional Life Cy cle Assessment (LCA) shows the improved milling process contributes to significant reduction of GHG emission from palm oil mills as compared to the process of capturing biogas from POME. The palm based food source contains phytonutrients, namely carotenoids, tocols (tocopherol and tocotrienols) a nd water soluble polyphenols.

Aspects of soil phenolic matter (SPM): An explorative investigation in agricultural, agroforestry, and wood ecosystems

This paper assesses the distribution of soil phenolic matter (SPM) in soil environments from a pedological perspective, with particular emphasis on soil horizonation and its involvement in pedogenic processes.The study was conducted on 15 soil profiles (Andosols, Calcisols, Cambisols, Lixisols, Phaeozems, Podzols, Umbrisols) covering five distinct ecosystems. Although the ecosystems were virtually homogeneous in and of themselves, they represented strongly contrasting climates, geolithology and morphology, land use and vegetation cover (intensive agriculture, chestnut grove, alpine pasture, woody reforestations, and natural woods). Three main SPM fractions were categorised: (i) “total” (SPMt), (ii) “soluble” and/or “labile” (SPMs), and (iii) the fraction with a “high” (SPMh) affinity for the soil body.The SPMh and SPMs contents varied significantly, averaging 2.84±0.52gkg−1 and 0.07±0.02gkg−1, respectively. Thus, these fractions appear to belong to different soil organic matter (SOM) pools. Indeed, the SPMs fraction was characterised by transitional, ephemeral low-weight molecules, which continuously reached the soil through both plant metabolism/decay and SOM degradation and were subsequently transformed into larger materials (humic matter, organo-mineral complexes) and/or lost by leaching and mineralisation. The SPMh fraction is likely involved in pedogenic processes that are primarily driven by the transport/translocation of colloidal phases under the following conditions: (i) in the early stages of horizon differentiation or, more specifically, in transport processes from the overlying A horizons and (ii) in cheluviation phenomena leading to the formation of spodic horizons. Moreover, SPMh also appears to be involved in early “in situ” alteration of cambic horizons. This involvement may result from the strong etching/complexing activity of soluble polyphenols from the overlying horizon, which promotes “in situ” weathering of the parent material.The total amount of SPM in a given environment greatly depended on the environmental conditions, which ranged from 0.02gkg−1 in an intensively cultivated Haplic Cambisol to 13.14gkg−1 in an Andic Cambisol under natural downy oak cover. Additionally, the SPMh/SPMs and SPMt/SOM% ratios decreased significantly from natural woods to intensive agriculture systems and may therefore indicate the extent of different anthropic impacts, such as soil cover/land use, in different ecosystems.

Influence of a Polyphenol-Enriched Protein Powder on Exercise-Induced Inflammation and Oxidative Stress in Athletes: A Randomized Trial Using a Metabolomics Approach

ObjectivesPolyphenol supplementation was tested as a countermeasure to inflammation and oxidative stress induced by 3-d intensified training.MethodsWater soluble polyphenols from blueberry and green tea extracts were captured onto a polyphenol soy protein complex (PSPC). Subjects were recruited, and included 38 long-distance runners ages 19–45 years who regularly competed in road races. Runners successfully completing orientation and baseline testing (N = 35) were randomized to 40 g/d PSPC (N = 17) (2,136 mg/d gallic acid equivalents) or placebo (N = 18) for 17 d using double-blinded methods and a parallel group design, with a 3-d running period inserted at day 14 (2.5 h/d, 70% VO2max). Blood samples were collected pre- and post-14 d supplementation, and immediately and 14 h after the third day of running in subjects completing all aspects of the study (N = 16 PSPC, N = 15 placebo), and analyzed using a metabolomics platform with GC-MS and LC-MS.ResultsMetabolites characteristic of gut bacteria metabolism of polyphenols were increased with PSPC and 3 d running (e.g., hippurate, 4-hydroxyhippurate, 4-methylcatechol sulfate, 1.8-, 1.9-, 2.5-fold, respectively, P<0.05), an effect which persisted for 14-h post-exercise. Fatty acid oxidation and ketogenesis were induced by exercise in both groups, with more ketones at 14-h post-exercise in PSPC (3-hydroxybutyrate, 1.8-fold, P<0.05). Established biomarkers for inflammation (CRP, cytokines) and oxidative stress (protein carbonyls) did not differ between groups.ConclusionsPSPC supplementation over a 17-d period did not alter established biomarkers for inflammation and oxidative stress but was linked to an enhanced gut-derived phenolic signature and ketogenesis in runners during recovery from 3-d heavy exertion.Trial RegistrationClinicalTrials.gov, U.S. National Institutes of Health, identifier: NCT01775384

Screening for anti-nutritional compounds in complementary foods and food aid products for infants and young children.

A range of compounds with negative nutritional impact - 'anti-nutrients' - are found in most plant foods. The contents of anti-nutrients in processed foods depend on the ingredients and processing. Anti-nutrients in complementary foods for children can have a negative impact on nutritional status. The aim of this study was to screen complementary foods from developing countries for the anti-nutritional compounds, phytate, polyphenols, inhibitors of trypsin and chymotrypsin, and lectins. Commercial products based on whole grain cereals were included as a 'worst-case' scenario for anti-nutrient exposure in Europe. Contents of minerals (iron, zinc and calcium), in which absorption or utilisation is affected by anti-nutrients, were analysed. Thirty-six products representing foods used in food aid programmes, local blended foods, fortified instant porridges and 'baby foods' were analysed. The content of minerals indicated that the fortification of a number of products did not meet the declared levels of iron, zinc and calcium. The phytate content ranged from 68 to 1536 mg/100 g, confirming a persistent problem of high levels of phytate in processed cereal- and legume-based products. The phytate : Fe molar ratio exceeded the recommended level of <1.0 in 32 of the 36 products. The total polyphenols varied from 1.3 to 9.3 mg gentisic acid equivalents g(-1) . Screening low-molecular weight soluble polyphenols may be more relevant in complementary foods than total polyphenolic compounds. Trypsin and chymotrypsin inhibitors and lectins were found in residual amounts in most products, indicating efficient degradation by heat processing. However, young infants and malnourished children may have reduced pancreatic function, and upper limits for residual trypsin inhibitors are needed.

Changes in the properties of starch, nutrients and antioxidants in cereal flakes

Ready to Eat (RTE) cereal flakes from maize, wheat, rice, oats, sorghum, pearl millet, and barley were prepared by an appropriate method of processing. Steps involved in the flaking process were: cleaning, dehulling (oats), conditioning, hydrothermal treatment, drying and tempering, pearling, flaking, drying, sizing and blistering. Studies on the properties and behavior of starch, nutritional and antioxidant properties of these cereal flakes were conducted. Moisture content ranged between 11 to 12%; 9 to 11% and 4 to 5% (w.b) for grains, flakes and blistered flakes respectively. Equilibrium moisture content on soaking at room temperature (RT) was between 30 and 46% for grains, 64 and 81% for flakes and 72 and 78% for blistered flakes. Hydration behavior at room temperature indicated that grains absorbed up to 30 – 35% moisture, flakes: 65 to 80% and blistered flakes: 50 to 80%. Soluble amylose in these grains varied between 13 and 18%; total amylose between 20 and 29% (d.b). For flakes, soluble and total amylose ranged from 12 to 16% and 19 to 27% (d.b) respectively, whereas for blistered flakes it was 11 to 14% and 19 to 26% respectively. Swelling power and Solubility studies between 30 and 100 °C varied from 2 to 16; 2 to 29% respectively for the grains. For flakes, the values were 6 to 14%; and 7 to 46%, whereas for blistered flakes they ranged from 10 to 14%; and 8 to 49%. Pasting profile indicated that the peak viscosity varied from ∼360 to 924 BU for grains, while this parameter decreased for flakes as well as for blistered flakes. Microstructure of grains, flakes and blistered flakes studied by scanning electron microscopy will be discussed. On flaking, loss (%) of polyphenols, free radical scavenging activity and total antioxidant activity were 26–54, 24–66 and 30–44, respectively in some of the above mentioned grains. Ultimately the soluble polyphenols in flakes varied from 30 to 61 mg Ferulic Acid Eq: (FAE) per 100 g; bound polyphenols from 21 to 59 mg FAE: total polyphenols ranged from 52 to 121 mg FAE / 100 g. Free radical scavenging activity (% reduction of DPPH+) varied from 16 to 54 and total antioxidant activity (mM alpha Tocopherol Eq:/g) from 8.5 to 11.1. Flaking process results changes in functional and antioxidant properties and these properties vary from grain to grain.

Induced resistance against Alternaria brassicae blight of mustard through plant extracts

An experiment was conducted to study the effect of plant extracts on soluble sugar, soluble phenol and defence-related enzymes response against Alternaria blight in mustard crop. The efficacy of six selected plant extracts (5 and 10%) used as foliar sprays at 60 and 70 days after sowing and mustard leaves was used for investigation. The results indicate that soluble phenol and sugar content in mustard leaves significantly increases in response to spraying of Azadirachta indica seed kernel, Calotropis procera and A. indica leaf extracts. The soluble protein, viz. peroxidase, polyphenol oxidase and phenylalanine ammonia lyase content, was higher in mustard leaves sprayed with C. procera leaves extract, A. indica seed kernel and Allium sativum bulb extract.

In vivo and in vitro antidiabetic effects of aqueous cinnamon extract and cinnamon polyphenol-enhanced food matrix

Cinnamon has a long history of medicinal use and continues to be valued for its therapeutic potential for improving metabolic disorders such as type 2 diabetes. In this study, a phytochemically-enhanced functional food ingredient that captures water soluble polyphenols from aqueous cinnamon extract (CE) onto a protein rich matrix was developed. CE and cinnamon polyphenol-enriched defatted soy flour (CDSF) were effective in acutely lowering fasting blood glucose levels in diet induced obese hyperglycemic mice at 300 and 600mg/kg, respectively. To determine mechanisms of action, rat hepatoma cells were treated with CE and eluates of CDSF at a range of 1–25μg/ml. CE and eluates of CDSF demonstrated dose-dependent inhibition of hepatic glucose production with significant levels of inhibition at 25μg/ml. Furthermore, CE decreased the gene expression of two major regulators of hepatic gluconeogenesis, phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase and glucose-6-phosphatase. The hypoglycemic and insulin-like effects of CE and CDSF may help to ameliorate type 2 diabetes conditions.

Verte and Romaine lettuce varieties (Lactuca sativa) show differential responses to high NaCl concentrations

AbstractIn this study, we report on the relationship between individual antioxidant carotenoids, phenolic fractions, and flavonoids and attenuating NaCl toxicity in two contrasting varieties of lettuce (Lactuca sativa L., var. Verte and Romaine), as a means of developing more precise targets for lettuce breeding. In seedling leaves, carotenoid levels increased under NaCl stress in Verte, but remained unchanged in Romaine. Chlorogenic acid (CGA), a soluble polyphenol abundantly present in leaves, was the only phenolic acid that accumulated significantly in both varieties and was predominant under salinity. Remarkably, CGA was more prominent in Verte than Romaine at moderate salinity levels (100 mM). Foliar flavonoid levels were also differentially increased in both seedling types grown under 100 mM NaCl, but dropped significantly in both varieties under 200 mM NaCl. Germination, which was overall more salt‐resistant in Romaine, was significantly increased under salt stress by application of low dosage (10–6 to10–5 M) of CGA to Verte, but not to Romaine. These results suggest that CGA is involved in modulating NaCl‐induced oxidative‐stress responses during seed germination in Verte.

Quality of soluble organic C, N, and P produced by different types and species of litter: Root litter versus leaf litter

In forested ecosystems, the quality of dissolved organic matter (DOM) produced by freshly senesced litter may differ by litter type and species, and these differences may influence the amount of DOM that is respired versus that which may either contribute to soil organic matter accumulation or be leached from the ecosystem. In this study, we investigated the effect of litter type (including freshly senesced fine root, leaf, fine woody, and reproductive litter) and species (5 species of leaf litter) on several measures of the quality of DOM produced at a site along a primary successional chronosequence at Mt. Shasta, California. We measured differences in solid litter chemistry (C, N, and P concentration) and differences in the concentration of dissolved organic C, N, and P (DOC, DON, and DOP, respectively), water-soluble monomeric carbohydrates, polyphenols, proteins, fractions of DOC, as well as UV absorbance. For several aspects of DOC quality, DOM from fine roots was less labile than DOM from leaf litter. In contrast to DOC quality, soluble material originating from fine roots was high in labile forms of dissolved N and P in comparison to leaf litter. We also found that leaf litter with greater total %N or %P in solid litter had higher DON or DOP concentration (and higher total soluble P concentration). A very high percentage, on average 72% (up to 89%) of the total P in leaf litter was water-soluble and mostly inorganic P. Concentrations of soluble polyphenols were strongly related to DOC, and concentrations of soluble proteins were significantly related to DON in leaf litter of different species. During primary succession at the Mt. Shasta site, an increasing ratio of root to leaf litter production and shifting species composition has been found to occur, and the results of this study suggest that some aspects of DOC quality reflect a decrease in labile forms of DOC originating from both above and belowground litter. In contrast, dissolved N and P reflect an increase in labile forms with increasing inputs of root litter. In particular, our study has demonstrated important differences in the quality of inputs of DOM from freshly senesced root and leaf litter, and these differences have implications for C and nutrient cycling.

HIGHLANDS OF SANTA CATARINA/BRAZIL: A REGION WITH HIGH POTENTIAL FOR WINE PRODUCTION

In recent years, the Brazilian vitiviniculture deserves recognition for the cultivation of grapevines (Vitis vinifera) in the highlands of the State of Santa Catarina (over 900 ms elevation). Due to its distinct climatic and soil characteristics, this region shows a unique terroir, resulting in typical high quality products. Currently, there is little scientific knowledge available for this wine-growing region. Given this situation, this work aimed to characterize the performance of the ‘Cabernet Sauvignon’ cultivar in two vineyards located in the highland region of Santa Catarina - Campo Belo do Sul (27°45’57”S latitude; 50°48’30”W longitude, altitude: 960 m) and Bom Retiro (27°51’47”S latitude; 49°35’54”S longitude, altitude: 940 m) - during the 2007-2008 cycle. At both vineyards, meteorological stations were installed. During the maturation period, grape berries were weekly collected for physic-chemical analysis. The results suggest that the climatic conditions of Bom Retiro (BR) and Campo Belo do Sul (CBS) are favorable for the activity, with photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) more than 800 µmolfotons m -2 s -1 , what is satisfactory for the metabolism of the vine. During the maturation period, the mean of maximum temperatures was 21.9°C (CBS) and 24.5°C (BR), mean temperature 15.6°C (CBS) and 18.4°C (BR), and the means of minimum temperatures were 14.2°C (CBS) and 11.1°C (BR). The precipitation seems to be the most limiting factor, with a total precipitation of 224.6 mm (CBS) and 259.8 mm (BR) during the maturation period. The physic-chemical analysis also demonstrated the high potential of both regions. The analysis detected high values of total soluble solids (BR=19.7 and CBS=21.5°Brix), total anthocyanins (BR=1207 and CBS=1175 mg/L) and total polyphenols (BR=815 and CBS=1257mg gallic acid/100 g of skin). The results strongly suggest that both regions have a high potential to produce fine wines with distinct characteristics.

Thermally-induced β-lactoglobulin–EGCG nanovehicles: Loading, stability, sensory and digestive-release study

(-)-Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), which has been attributed with numerous health benefits, is an oxidation sensitive, water soluble polyphenol. We have recently shown that heat-denatured β-Lactoglobulin (β-Lg) forms nanoparticles (<50 nm) with EGCG, which confer considerable protection to EGCG against oxidative degradation, useful for clear beverage enrichment. The current study aimed at advancing our understanding by further characterizing the structure, properties and performance of this new nanodelivery system to facilitate its application. We found that although particle size increased with rising EGCG concentration, zeta potential (based on the Smoluchowski model) stayed around −40 mV up to 8:1 M EGCG:β-Lg ratio, suggesting particles are very stable in solution. Good loading efficiency (60–70%) of EGCG within β-Lg nanocomplexes was obtained. The loading efficiency was mostly dependent on β-Lg concentration. Freeze-dried nanoparticles showed an IR absorbance spectrum different from the spectra summation of the pure components, confirming the molecular level complexation. Following freeze drying, the reconstituted complexes were very similar in size to the pre-frozen ones. The nanoentrapment dramatically suppressed the bitterness and astringency of EGCG. Simulated gastric digestion of β-Lg–EGCG nanoparticles showed limited release of EGCG, suggesting they could potentially be used as vehicles for protection of EGCG in the stomach, and for its sustained release in the intestine. Our results suggest that denatured β-Lg may serve as an effective natural vehicle for nanoencapsulation, protection and sustained release of EGCG and possibly other polyphenols for clear beverage enrichment.

Hypotensive, hypoglycaemic and antioxidant effects of consuming a cocoa product in moderately hypercholesterolemic humans

The health benefits of dietary fiber and polyphenols in reducing cardiovascular risk have been evidenced. Cocoa husks are a good source of both components and a considerable by-product. A cocoa product rich in cocoa fiber (CP) has been produced from cocoa husks and this study assessed whether its regular consumption may be a strategy to improve lipid profile, serum glucose and antioxidant activity as well as blood pressure in moderately hypercholesterolemic subjects. In this free-living, non-controlled, non-randomized, two-month-long, open intervention trial. 21 volunteers consumed daily two servings of CP, which provided 12 g of dietary fiber and 283 mg of soluble polyphenols. Subjects were moderately hypercholesterolemic (>200 mg dl(-1)), non-vegetarian, non-smoker, women and men between 18 and 45 years old, with a body mass index under 30 kg m(-2), not suffering from any other chronic pathology. Blood samples were drawn and anthropometric measurements, systolic (SBP) and diastolic (DBP) blood pressures were evaluated at the baseline, and at weeks 2, 4, and 8. Serum lipids, creatinine, uric acid, glucose, C-reactive protein, ferric reducing/antioxidant power and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were analyzed. Glucose (p = 0.019), SBP (p = 0.001), DBP (p = 0.001) and MDA (p = 0.036) decreased, HDL-cholesterol slightly increased, whereas the rest of the parameters remained similar. This preliminary study suggests that CP might be considered part of a dietary approach or a functional food or ingredient for the food industry to achieve hypotensive and hypoglycemic effects in moderately hypercholesterolemic subjects without inducing changes in body weight and waist circumference, although results should be confirmed in a longer, controlled human study.