Source Of Β-carotene Research Articles

Compressed n-propane extraction of umari pulp oil: A rich Amazon source of β-carotene and omega-9

Compressed n-propane extraction (CPE) was applied to umari fruit (Poraqueiba sericea Tul.) pulp to obtain an oil rich in high added-value components. CPE was performed at different temperatures and flow rate, which was compared to conventional extraction (Soxhlet). The oils were analyzed for global yields, fatty acid composition, β-carotene content, antioxidant activity, total phenolics content (TPC) total flavonoids (TF), and thermal behavior. The highest extraction yield (29.2 wt%) was obtained with CPE at 80 °C and 3 mL.min−1, being higher than that obtained by Soxhlet. The flow rate variation had a significant effect (p < 0.05) on the oil extraction yield, while the temperature had a negative effect. The umari oil obtained by CPE emerges as a rich source of oleic acid (omega-9) and β-carotene (vitamin A precursor), with potential to be applied in various industrial segments and inserted into the Amazon bioeconomy scenario.

Nutritional, functional, and safety characterization of the edible larva of the South American palm weevil (chontacuro) Rhynchophorus palmarum L. from Amazonian Ecuador

Edible insects represent a viable option to address the current need for nutritious, safe, and eco-friendly foods. People native to the Amazon region have a long-standing tradition of consuming edible insects that are relatively unknown elsewhere. This research aimed to characterize the chemical, nutritional, and microbiological composition of the edible larva of the palm weevil Rhynchophorus palmarum L. (chontacuro) from the Amazonian lowlands of Ecuador. The larvae proved to be rich in lipids (∼50 %), proteins (∼20 %), fiber (∼6 %), and oleic acid, one of their predominant fatty acids along with palmitic acid. The larvae are also rich in vitamins (B6, B9, A, and E) and are a source of β-carotene, calcium, potassium, magnesium, and phosphorus. No evidence of toxic elements (metals) or pathogenic microorganisms was observed. In general, chontacuro larvae proved to be a safe and nutritious food, managing to fully or partially cover several of the Dietary Reference Intakes for several nutrients.

Recovery and encapsulation of Dunaliella salina β-carotene through a novel sustainable approach: Sequential application of an ionic liquid as naturally-derived solvent and emulsifier

Dunaliella salina is a promising source of β-carotene, widely employed in the food industry. This study aimed to evaluate the sequential application of the Ionic Liquid (IL) cholinium oleate as an extraction solvent for D. salina β-carotene recovery and, sequentially, as emulsifier for emulsion-based products obtained therefrom. The IL was evaluated regarding its ability to permeabilize the cells and recover β-carotene at different temperatures (25–65 °C) and IL concentrations (0–46%). The use of the IL as solvent greatly improved β-carotene recovery (>84%). The IL already present in the obtained extracts loaded with recovered β-carotene was sequentially used as emulsifier in the production of nanoemulsions (NE). NE presented a β-carotene entrapment efficiency of 100% and were kinetically stable for 30 days and presented droplet size, size distribution, and ζ-potential of 220 nm, 0.21, and -67 mV, respectively. These results indicate that using IL sequential as solvent and emulsifier has potential applications in the food industry.

Evolution of pigments and their relationship with skin color and sensory profile in date fruits (Phoenix dactylifera L.).

Fresh dates of seventeen varieties and khalts from Southern Morocco were analysed for their colour, pigments content, and sensory profile. The results showed significant differences between the sensory profiles of the samples due to the variability of the genotype and their different origin. Fresh date varieties and khalts were a good source of β-carotene (0.49 - 10.86 µg of β-carotene /100 g FW). The results revealed that the date varieties and khalts were found to have an excellent functional composition and good sensory characteristics. Therefore, these varieties of Moroccan dates could be used for fresh consumption and in the processing industry, which will constitute a significant source of antioxidants.

Valorization of Pumpkin Byproducts: Antioxidant Activity and Carotenoid Characterization of Extracts from Peel and Filaments

Pumpkin (Cucurbita sp.) represents an unquestionable source of valuable nutrients and bioactive compounds having a broad spectrum of health-promoting effects. The goal of this work was to characterize the byproducts (peels and filaments) of different pumpkin varieties belonging to C. moschata (Butternut, Lunga di Napoli, Moscata di Provenza, and Violina rugosa) and C. maxima (Delica, Delica vanity, Hokkaido, and Mantovana) species in terms of total carotenoid content, antioxidant activity, and carotenoid profiling. The research revealed that peels and filaments were a good source of β-carotene and other non-esterified carotenoids, as well as esterified carotenoids. Considering the growing market demand for safe and healthy food products, pumpkin byproducts, having also an interesting antioxidant bioactivity, could be useful in the development of novel functional products.

Alfalfa as a vegetable source of β-carotene: The change mechanism of β-carotene during fermentation

The objectives of this study were to explore the β-carotene-producing bacteria and ascertain the main factors affecting β-carotene content via investigating the effects of various additives on β-carotene content, bacterial community succession, and quality of fermented alfalfa, using single-molecule real-time (SMRT) sequencing technology. Fresh alfalfa was fermented without (CON) or with squalene (SQ), the combination of Lactobacillus plantarum and cellulase (LPEN), and the combination of SQ and LPEN (SQLPEN) for 3, 45, and 90 d. The results showed that relative to the fresh alfalfa, extensive β-carotene loss in all groups occurred in the early fermentation phase (3 d) since epiphytic Pantoea agglomerans with the ability to produce β-carotene disappeared and β-carotene was oxidized by lipoxygenase and peroxidase. With the prolonged fermentation days, β-carotene content in all groups increased due to bacterial community succession in the middle and late phases of fermentation (45 and 90 d). The species L. parabuchneri, L. kunkeei, and L. kullabergensis (r = 0.591, 0.366, 0.341, orderly) had positive correlations with β-carotene content (P < 0.05). Bacterial functional potential prediction showed that species L. kunkeei, L. helsingborgensis, and L. kullabergensis had positive (r = 0.478, 0.765, 0.601) correlations with C10-C20 isoprenoid biosynthesis (P < 0.01), and L. helsingborgensis and L. kullabergensis had positive (r = 0.805, 0.522) correlations with β-carotene biosynthesis (P < 0.01). Additionally, the pH and propionic acid (r = −0.567, −0.504) had negative correlations with β-carotene content (P < 0.01). The CON group was preserved well after 90 d, LPEN and SQLPEN further improved fermentation quality. In conclusion, certain Lactobacillus had the potential for β-carotene biosynthesis, and high pH and propionic acid content were the unbenefited factors for β-carotene retention in fermented alfalfa.

β-Carotene Analysis and Histological Investigation on Different Egg Stages of Anomuran Crab, Emerita Asiatica (H. Milne Edwards, 1837)

Histological investigation and β-carotene analysis of different egg stages of anomuran crab, Emerita asiatica was studied. This investigation characterized the morphological and histological features of the ovaries; eggs and also resulted in the identification of the following structures such as Previtellogenic Oocyte, Vitellogenic Oocytes, Atretic Oocyte, matured Oocyte and its associated structures which are quiet common structures that are found in almost every Sand Crab. This study can be further used in studying the reproductive biology of this Sand Crab (Emerita asiatica). It can also be used in determining the structural and morphological changes that can happen in gonads due to the action of various microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses and fungi by artificial infections. The observation described in this study will serve as a reference for future research aimed at studies based on environmental factors, temperature, climatic conditions, and feeding that might have an effect on this species. The conversion of β-carotene into vitamin A (retinol), for clear eyesight and healthy eyes, a robust immune system, and healthy skin and mucous membranes, we require vitamin A. Large amounts of vitamin A can be hazardous, but our bodies only make as much of the vitamin from β-carotene as is required. The sand crab serves as a different source of β-carotene than vitamin A, even though E. asiatica is not widely used. Though E. asiatica is not a commercially viable crab, it plays a vital role in the environment to maintain a stable marine ecosystem. Several steps and preventive measures should be taken to conserve these members of the marine food chain to have a stable ecosystem and also to protect this species from extinction. Further, this study can potentially benefit as baseline information for the future research on the species.

Food-to-Food Fortification of a Traditional Pearl Millet Gruel with a Natural Source of β-Carotene (Sweet Potato) Improves the Bioaccessibility of Iron and Zinc

Iron and zinc deficiencies are still a major public health concern in the Far North Region of Cameroon where staple foods are mainly mineral rich cereals which equally contain inhibitors of their bioaccessibility. The effect of food-to-food fortification of a traditional pearl millet gruel with a natural source of β-carotene on the bioaccessibility of iron and zinc was assessed. A sensory evaluation of gruels fortified at 20, 30, and 40% with mashed sweet potato was carried out. The samples were analysed for carotenoids, phytates, polyphenols, iron, and zinc contents. Bioaccessible iron and zinc were evaluated using in vitro digestion method. The gruel fortified at 20% with mashed sweet potato had better scores ( P &lt; 0.05) of taste (3.93), colour (3.36), and overall acceptability (3.80) compared to the control. Carotenoid, polyphenol, and phytate contents were higher in fortified gruels ( P &lt; 0.05) compared to the control, while iron and zinc contents were lower. A significant increase ( P &lt; 0.05) in bioaccessibility of 8.08% and 26.96% for iron and 53.79% and 62.92% for zinc was observed at 20 and 30% incorporation level, respectively. However, at 40% incorporation level, the increase in bioaccessible iron was less important and bioaccessible zinc decreased. Mashed sweet potato can be used as a fortificant to improve the bioaccessibility of iron and zinc contents of local pearl millet gruel, if added moderately.

Optimization of spray-drying parameter for production of better quality orange fleshed sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L.) powder: Selected physiochemical, morphological, and structural properties

Orange Fleshed Sweet Potato (OFSP) tuber is a rich source of β-carotene with potential antioxidants and phenolic compounds, nevertheless it is highly perishable root crop. Hence, we considered the optimization of parameters for the preparation of OFSP powder in spray drying technique. This study was designed by the Response Surface Methodology (RSM) with three factors in three levels considered in Central Composite Design (CCD). In case of spray drying process specification, inlet air temperature (IAT) (150 °C–190 °C), flow rate (FR) (10–20 ml/min), and carrier (Maltodextrin) concentration (MDC) (5–15%) were considered and optimized for better quality OFSP powder. As concentration of maltodextrin increased the powder yield, solubility, β-carotene content of OFSP powder increased, while hygroscopicity is decreased. The optimized conditions comprised of an inlet temperature of 172.71 °C, feed flow rate of 20 ml/min, and maltodextrin of 1% concentration. Under this optimized conditions, OFSP powder yield of 48.460%, with the solubility of 26.839%, β-carotene of 25.823 mg/100 g and minimum hygroscopicity of 13.862% was attained. The SEM images of spray-dried OFSP powder produced from the optimized conditions showed hexagonal in shapes, irregular in arrangement and compact. The OFSP powder had lower relative crystallinity (34.7%). In conclusion, the optimized OFSP powder with highest β-carotene and desirable physiochemical properties was produced and it can effectively utilize in the food formulation products.

β-carotene genetically-enriched lyophilized orange juice increases antioxidant capacity and reduces β-amyloid proteotoxicity and fat accumulation in Caenorhabditis elegans

Citrus sinensis orange juice is an excellent dietary source of β-carotene, a well-known antioxidant. However, β-carotene concentrations are relatively low in most cultivars. We developed a new orange through metabolic engineering strategy (GS) with 33.72-fold increase in β-carotene content compared to its conventional counterpart (CV). Using Caenorhabditis elegans, we found that animals treated with GS showed a greater reduction in intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) which is associated with a greater resistance to oxidative stress and induction of the expression of antioxidant genes. Moreover, animals treated with GS orange showed a more effective protection against β-amyloid proteotoxicity and greater hypolipidemic effect under high glucose diet compared to animals treated with CV. These data demonstrate that the increased amount of β-carotene in orange actually provides a greater beneficial effect in C. elegans and a valuable proof of principle to support further studies in mammals and humans.

Evaluation of Bioactive Compounds and Mineral Composition in Thai-Variety Amaranths

Amaranth is one of the high nutrient vegetables with high proteins, vitamins, and mineral contents. However, the accumulated pigments and nutrients may change by plant growth stages. Therefore, this study explored the phytonutrients and mineral composition in three amaranth varieties with five harvesting stages. The results revealed that plant pigments were highest accumulated at the reproductive stage with anthocyanin and β-carotene contents of 0.82 and 141.21 mg/g fresh weight (FW), respectively. Contrastingly, vitamin C contents were highest at the marketing stage (1,904 mg/g FW). Accumulations of Ca and K increased over cultivation time, whereas Zn contents were higher at the younger stages. However, Fe contents were not different by growth stages or varieties. From all measurements, only β-carotene and vitamin C accumulations were different among plant varieties. Compared to the WHO food recommendations, amaranths are excellent sources of β-carotene, antioxidants, calcium, potassium, and iron. Additionally, the associations among traits were evaluated and found that most traits were positively correlated with the growth stage, whereas zinc contents were strongly negatively correlated. These results provide a clear picture of amaranth’s nutrition for consumers and suggest the appropriate harvesting time for specific nutritional benefits as well as promoting the consumption of these vegetables.

Nutritional Properties of Nine Microgreens Consumed in Thailand

Microgreens are considered to be novel functional foods based on their nutritional properties. Compositional data of bioactive compounds and mineral nutrients with different conditions are crucial for customers. This study aimed to determine the nutritional values of some microgreens that were commonly consumed in Thailand. Nine microgreens from five families were analyzed for total anthocyanins, β-carotene and antioxidant activity by microplate reader, while vitamin C was assayed by a reflectometer. Mineral compositions of calcium, potassium, iron, and zinc were analyzed using flame atomic absorption spectroscopy with air acetylene. Microgreens were found to be a good source of antioxidant, vitamin C, K and Ca. Chinese radish accumulated the highest amount of vitamin C and Fe, at 404 μg/g fresh weight (FW) and 3.79 mg/g dry weight (DW), respectively, while red cabbage was the good source of β-carotene, accounting for 2.01 mg/g FW and Ca, at 283 mg/g DW. Water spinach and red sorrel were rich in potassium, at approximately 376 and 301 mg/g DW, respectively. However, people with impaired kidney conditions could choose sunflower and Chinese radish microgreens to avoid the adverse effects on heart function, while still receiving other nutrients from them. In conclusion, this study provided crucial information for microgreens selection that are consumed in Thailand.

β-Carotene extracted from Blakeslea trispora attenuates oxidative stress, inflammatory, hepatic injury and immune damage induced by copper sulfate in zebrafish (Danio rerio)

β-Carotene, as a kind of potent antioxidant compounds, has gained extensive attention. Blakeslea trispora, a filiform aerobic fungus, has been proposed as a natural source of β-carotene for commercial exploitation. However, it has not yet been investigated whether β-carotene extracted from Blakeslea trispora can attenuate oxidative stress, inflammatory, liver injury and immune damage of zebrafish (Danio rerio) exposed to copper sulfate (CuSO4). In this study, we evaluated the effects of β-carotene on migration of GFP-labeled neutrophils, histological changes of liver, markers of oxidative, inflammatory cytokines and transaminase analysis, as well as the expression and activities of apoptosis, immune-related certain genes in zebrafish treated with different concentrations of β-carotene (0, 10, 20, 40 μg/mL) after exposure to CuSO4. The results indicated that β-carotene reduced migration of neutrophils and released liver damage. What's more, β-carotene was found to reduce the index levels of oxidative stress response (HMOX-1, reactive oxygen species (ROS), NADPH, MDA), inflammatory factors (interleukine-1β (IL-1β), interleukine-6 (IL-6), interleukine-8 (IL-8), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)), liver function protein (AST, ALT) which increased by CuSO4. β-Carotene also promoted the activities of SOD, GSH-Px, ACP, AKP and LZM and increased the protein of immune-related factors, IgM and IFN-γ after exposure to CuSO4. Thus, our results demonstrate that β-carotene has an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective activity and participation in immunoregulation.

Effect of Bismuth, Gadolinium, and Cadmium Nanoparticles on Biomass, Carotenoid, and Lipid Content of Dunaliella salina (Dunal) Teodoresco.

Dunaliella salina is an extremophytic microalga and known as an excellent source of β-carotene and eicosapentanoeic acid. Moreover, D. salina has also been used in aquaculture feeds to increase the growth rate of fish and shrimp. Hence, many studies have been involved in searching for new approaches to increase the biomass of D. salina in the aquatic farming industry. This is the first report investigating the effect of bismuth oxide (Bi2O3), gadolinium oxide (Gd2O3), and cadmium telluride (CdTe) nanoparticles (NPs) on the growth of D. salina in controlled laboratory conditions. Extensive growth curve analysis was performed along with biochemical assays to determine chlorophyll-a, carotenoid, and total lipid content of D. salina under the influence of NPs. It is revealed that the lower concentration (100µg/ml) of Bi2O3 is favorable for D. salina growth, while higher concentrations (200 and 300µg/ml) inhibited the cell proliferation significantly. Similarly, Bi2O3 treatment led to the increase in chlorophyll-a, carotenoid, and lipid content of microalga compared to untreated culture. Gd2O3 exerted a growth inhibitory effect on microalga for initial 15days which is later overcome by microalga showing a drastic increase in biomass after 60days of cultivation. However, CdTe NPs displayed minor elevation in growth rate. Interestingly, the presence of Gd2O3 NPs in culture media demonstrated the highest carotenoid and total lipid content of algal cells among all three-tested NPs. Hence, Gd2O3 NPs can be considered as a vital additive during the industrial culturing of D. salina.

Carotenoid Assessments and Antioxidant Activities from Flower Petals

The objectives of this study were to evaluate carotenoid pigment profile and the antioxidant activity from 14 commonly grown flowers in Thailand. The result found that orange marigold showed the highest total carotenoid content at as 2,209±75.58 µg/g, followed by deep yellow chrysanthemum at 551.27±47.72 µg/g (P&lt;0.01). The next lower total carotenoid content group was found in yellow silk cotton, yellow trumpetbush, yellow marigold and yellow golden shower with total carotenoid content of 447.42±27.56, 429.46±28.34, 409.85±34.58 and 363.88±12.74 µg/g, respectively. The highest antioxidant activities against DPPH and ABTS radicles were found from orange marigold, which were 32.34±2.16 and 50.08±0.87%, respectively. Deep yellow chrysanthemum, yellow silk cotton, yellow trumpetbush, yellow marigold and yellow golden shower also showed significantly higher antioxidant activities than other flowers (P&lt;0.01). Total carotenoid contents well correlated with antioxidant activities against DPPH and ABTS radicals (r = 0.6924 and r = 0.8270, respectively) at P&lt;0.01. TLC result elucidated that orange marigold, yellow silk cotton and yellow golden shower were a good source of β-carotene, while deep yellow chrysanthemum and yellow marigold were a good source of lutein and/or zeaxanthin. The result indicated that flower petals would be useful as natural carotenoid source and provide antioxidants for food industry.

Potential of β-carotene as anti-aging serum: A narrative review

β-Carotene is known to have antioxidant activity, the ability to scavenge free radicals and reduce oxidative stress that occurs in the body. However, researchers have paid a little attention to the potential of β-Carotene as an anti-aging agent. The aim of this study was to describe the potential of β-Carotene from natural sources as anti-aging agent via antioxidant mechanism. Literature study was conducted on 28 publications associated with natural sources of β-Carotene, mechanism of anti-aging and antioxidant in the body. The results showed that the best antioxidant activity of β-carotene in scavenging free radicals was at low concentrations while taking into account antioxidant activity, dose, and half-life. UV exposure and air pollution can be a source of free radicals that cause aging of the skin. High antioxidant activity of β-carotene has the potential as anti-aging agent in the form of a beauty serum to treat premature aging of the skin.

Comparative Evaluation of Drying Kinetics of Carrot Slices in Hot air and Microwave Drying

Carrot is most the important vegetable grown throughout the World. It is also a very good source of βcarotene, α-carotene and zeaxanthin. The post-harvest losses because of having high moisture content limit the utilization of carrot. In the present investigation, the comparative analysis was done between hot air drying and microwave drying for different thickness of carrot slices. The quality analysis for both the dried products was performed and compared. The drying time was varied between 3.5 h to 10 h for try drying whereas for microwave drying it was 240 sec to 681.6 sec. The drying time reduces drastically in case of microwave drying in comparison to hot air drying. The moisture ratio for both dried techniques was found to decreasing with an increase in drying time. The microwave dried samples showed a better rehydration ratio than the hot air dried sample. Also, the dehydration ratio of dried carrot sample using microwave drying was found to be lowest compared to the hot air dried sample. The microwave dried carrot slices showed a better sensory score in terms of colour and shape than hot air dried sample. Therefore, microwave drying may be recommended to dry carrot slices to have better energy efficiencies.

Isolation, Purification and Identification of β-carotene from Azolla Pinnata R. Br. as a New Carotenoid Wealthy Source

Azolla is a wealthy source of β-carotene. The purpose of this study was to isolate, purify and identify the β-carotene in Azolla Pinnata R. Br. plant. In this order, dry and fresh of A. Pinnata R. Br. were used and their β-carotene was extracted using the Acetone/Hexane solvent system. For the purification of β-carotene extracted, the column chromatography was used. In the following, an HPLC technique optimized for β-carotene designation and compared with a spectrophotometric standard method. The most appropriate sample conditions were: extraction with Hexane/Acetone 60:40 (v/v) and MeOH/THF/Water 67:27:6 (v/v) as mobile phase. The results indicated that the fresh sample has almost two times higher β-carotene comparing to the dried sample. So due to the importance of β-carotene as an antioxidant in one hand and the free of cost of mass production of A. Pinnata on another hand, the application of the water fern can be feasible for commercially β-carotene purification.

Mutation Associated with Orange Fruit Color Increases Concentrations of β-Carotene in a Sweet Pepper Variety (Capsicumannuum L.).

Pepper is the second most important vegetable crop in Bulgarian agriculture and has become the subject of extensive breeding programs that frequently employ induced mutagenesis. The success of breeding programs can be enhanced by the efficient and integral application of different biochemical and molecular methods to characterize specific mutant alleles. On the other hand, identifying new cost-effective methods is important under a limited-resources environment. In this paper we compare the levels of five health-related carotenoid compounds of fruits (α-carotene, β-carotene, lutein, β-cryptoxanthin, zeaxanthin) between a mutant variety Oranzheva kapia (possessing high ß-carotene concentration) and a corresponding initial pepper variety Pazardzhishka kapia 794. Both varieties are intended for fresh consumption. Pepper is a major natural source of β-carotene. It was observed that fruit at both commercial and botanical maturity from mutant variety had greater α-carotene and β-carotene concentrations to the initial variety (7.49 and 1.94 times higher, respectively) meaning that the mutant was superior in fruit quality to the initial genotype. Two hydroxylase enzymes, converting α- and β-carotene to lutein and zeaxanthin, respectively, are known to exist in pepper and are encoded by two genes on chromosomes 3 and 6-CrtZchr03 and CrtZchr06. The molecular characterization of the mutant variety through locus-specific Polymerase chain reaction amplification, gene cloning and sequencing as well as expression was performed. Our results suggest that the increased ß-carotene accumulation in the mutant variety Oranzheva kapia results from a biosynthetic pathway breakdown due to deletion of CrtZchr03 gene.

A New Shifting Strategy in Flashing Light Based on the Cell Growth Curve to Enhance β-carotene Biosynthesis in Dunaliella salina.

Microalgae Dunaliella salina has been recognized as an effective source of β-carotene. To elevate the productivity of this species, light has been served as an important induction factor, in this regard, a new idea was inspired as designing a red-to-blue wavelength shifting system based on the growth rate and cell behavior. A photobioreactor was exposed to two panels of flashing red and blue LEDs. At the commencement of the stationary phase, the wavelength shifting was applied and red LEDs were replaced with blue ones. Maximum β-carotene content of 10mg.g-1 was obtained; at least 300% higher than the content in the controlled system (flashing red and blue light to the end of growth).