Their Total Antioxidant Capacity Research Articles

Characterization and Comparison of Extra Virgin Olive Oils of Turkish Olive Cultivars.

Extra virgin olive oils (EVOOs) obtained from five Turkish olive cultivars widely produced in the Aegean and Marmara regions were investigated based on their total antioxidant capacity (TAC), total phenolic content (TPC), pigment contents, fatty acid (FA) profiles, phenolic compounds (PC), volatile compounds (VC), and sensory properties. The results showed that all properties of EVOO samples were significantly affected by the olive cultivar used. The pigment contents in Ayvalık (9.90 mg·kg-1) and Uslu (9.00 mg·kg-1) oils were higher than the others (p < 0.05). The greatest values for oleic acid (74.13%) and TPC (350.6 mg·kg-1) were observed in Gemlik and Domat oils, respectively (p < 0.05). Edincik oil showed the maximum hydroxytyrosol content (48.022 mg·kg-1) and TAC value (515.36 mg TE·kg-1) (p < 0.05). The Edincik, Domat, and Uslu oils were significantly not different for the total content of C6 compounds derived by lipoxygenase, which are the main volatiles responsible for the typical aroma of EVOOs (p > 0.05). Domat oil also exhibited the highest scores for bitterness and pungency perceptions (p < 0.05). The fruitiness scores of the oil samples (except for Ayvalık oil) were close to each other, even if they were statistically different (p < 0.05). Principal component analysis (PCA) indicated that the Ayvalık oil was separated from the others due to its poor-quality characteristics. As a result, it can be stated that Domat olive oil has better quality than the others.

Comparative Spectrophotometric and Chromatographic Assessment of Antioxidant Capacity in Different Marine Algae

ABSTRACT The objective of the current study was to analyze the vital phenolic compounds available in the marine macroalgae (mostly edible) collected from the southwest coast of Turkey, to compute their total antioxidant capacity (TAC) with the cupric ion reducing antioxidant capacity (CUPRAC) and 2,2-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonate) (ABTS) assays and to correspond their antioxidant power with high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) findings. The predominant constitutive phloroglucinol unit of the phlorotannins was the main phenolic component in brown algae species. Among the tested species, those with the greatest phloroglucinol content found by HPLC were Cladostephus spongiosum f.verticillatum (31.62 ± 0.66 μmolg−1), Cystoseira barbata (13.34 ± 0.60 μmolg−1), and Dictyota dichotoma (11.23 ± 0.19 μmolg−1), respectively.

N-acetyl-cysteine effect on total antioxidant capacity in Iraqi men with oligoasthenoteratozoospermia

The aim of this prospective study is to evaluate the effect of using N-acetyl cysteine (600mg/day) for 3 consecutive months on the serum level of total antioxidant capacity of Iraqi males with idiopathic infertility. This study was performed at infertile center of ALKUT hospital during the period from October 2021 to March 2022 .A total 45 patients with idiopathic oligoasthenoteratozoospermia were received N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) for 12 weeks, their total antioxidant capacity (TAC) was measured at the baseline and after 12 weeks. The results showed that TAC levels were significantly higher (0.61±0.02 vs. 0.86±0.02 ; LSD= 0.10 ) which confirmed that NAC has positive effect in increasing the level of antioxidant capacity in infertile men and thus decreasing the reactive oxygen species ROS and restore the oxidant balance level resulting in better spermatogenesis and sperm function.

Voltammetric Behavior, Flavanol and Anthocyanin Contents, and Antioxidant Capacity of Grape Skins and Seeds during Ripening (Vitis vinifera var. Merlot, Tannat, and Syrah).

Skin and seed grape extracts of three red varieties (Merlot, Tannat, and Syrah) at different stages of ripening were studied for their total phenolic content (TPC) by using the Folin-Ciocalteu assay and for their total antioxidant capacity (TAC) by using spectrophotometric and electrochemical assays. Flavanol and anthocyanin compositions were also investigated using Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography coupled with Mass Spectrometry (UPLC-MS). Results showed that seeds had the highest phenolic content and the highest antioxidant potential compared to skins at all stages of ripening. The highest TPC and TAC values were measured in seeds at close to veraison and veraison ripening stages. In skins, the highest values were found at the green stage, it was in accordance with the flavanols content. The voltammetric measurements were carried out using disposable single walled carbon nanotubes modified screen-printed carbon electrodes (SWCNT-SPCE). Three peaks on voltammograms were obtained at different oxidation potentials. The first anodic peak that oxidized at a low potential describes the oxidation of ortho-dihydroxy phenols and gallate groups, the second peak corresponds to the malvidin anthocyanins oxidation and the second oxidation of flavonoids. The third voltammetric peak could be due to phenolic acids such as p-coumaric acid and ferulic acid or the second oxidation of malvidin anthocyanins. The high linear correlation was observed between antioxidant tests and flavanols in skins (0.86 ≤ r ≤ 0.94), while in seeds, ‘r’ was higher between electrochemical parameters and flavanols (0.64 ≤ r ≤ 0.8).

Priming of intestinal cytoprotective genes and antioxidant capacity by dietary phytogenic inclusion in broilers.

The potential of a phytogenic premix (PP) based on ginger, lemon balm, oregano and thyme to stimulate the expression of cytoprotective genes at the broiler gut level was evaluated in this study. In particular, the effects of PP inclusion levels on a selection of genes related to host protection against oxidation (catalase [CAT], superoxide dismutase 1 [SOD1], glutathione peroxidase 2 [GPX2], heme oxygenase 1 [HMOX1], NAD(P)H quinone dehydrogenase 1 [NQO1], nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 [Nrf2] and kelch like ECH associated protein 1 [Keap1]), stress (heat shock 70 kDa protein 2 [HSP70] and heat shock protein 90 alpha family class A member 1 [HSP90]) and inflammation (nuclear factor kappa B subunit 1 [NF-κB1], Toll-like receptor 2 family member B (TLR2B) and Toll-like receptor 4 [TLR4]) were profiled along the broiler intestine. In addition, broiler intestinal segments were assayed for their total antioxidant capacity (TAC). Depending on PP inclusion level (i.e. 0, 750, 1,000 and 2,000 mg/kg diet) in the basal diets, 1-d-old Cobb broiler chickens (n = 500) were assigned into the following 4 treatments: CON, PP-750, PP-1000 and PP-2000. Each treatment had 5 replicates of 25 chickens with ad libitum access to feed and water. Data were analyzed by ANOVA and means compared using Tukey's honest significant difference (HSD) test. Polynomial contrasts tested the linear and quadratic effect of PP inclusion levels. Inclusion of PP increased (P ≤ 0.05) the expression of cytoprotective genes against oxidation, except CAT. In particular, the cytoprotective against oxidation genes were up-regulated primarily in the duodenum and the ceca and secondarily in the jejunum. Most of the genes were up-regulated in a quadratic manner with increasing PP inclusion level with the highest expression levels noted in treatments PP-750 and PP-1000 compared to CON. Similarly, intestinal TAC was higher in PP-1000 in the duodenum (P = 0.011) and the ceca (P = 0.050) compared to CON. Finally, increasing PP inclusion level resulted in linearly reduced (P ≤ 0.05) expression of NF-κB1, TLR4 and HSP70, the former in the duodenum and the latter 2 in the ceca. Overall, PP inclusion consistently up-regulated cytoprotective genes and down-regulated stress and inflammation related ones. The effect is dependent on PP inclusion level and the intestinal site. The potential of PP to beneficially prime bird cytoprotective responses merit further investigation under stress-challenge conditions.

A sequential method to estimate equilibrium Point and diffusion coefficients of bioactive compounds during solid–liquid extraction

The aim of this study was to develop and validate a simple method to estimate both the equilibrium points and diffusion coefficients of bioactive compounds during solid–liquid extraction. The method is based on the sequential application of two straight-line fits, where the equilibrium point is first estimated with a semi-empirical equation and the diffusion coefficients are later evaluated with an analytical solution of Fick’s second law for short times. Estimated equilibrium points and diffusion coefficients were also compared with those simultaneously obtained using a nonlinear regression procedure. The hereby described method was applied to the analysis of total phenolic compounds (TPC), total flavonoids (TFL) and their total antioxidant capacity (TAC) during the aqueous extraction of green tea at three different temperatures (50, 65 and 80°C). The amount of extracted bioactive compounds at equilibrium were in the ranges of 114–122g GAE/kg dry matter (d.m.) for TPC, 68–89g catechin/kg d.m. for TFC and 178–192g Trolox/kg d.m. for their TAC. On the other hand, diffusion coefficients for TPC, TFC and their related TAC were in the range of 5.8–14.3×10−11, 2.8–4.5×10−11 and 1.7–12.6×10−11m2/s, respectively. The use of higher temperatures increased the equilibrium point as well as the diffusion coefficient values (p<0.05). Results demonstrated that the proposed methodology can be applied for the accurate description of experimental solid–liquid extraction curves allowing a precise yet uncomplicated estimation of mass transfer properties.

In vitro- exploration of Fungal Endophytes of Egyptian Cynara scolymus L. (artichoke) and Investigation of some their bioactive potentials

&lt;p&gt;Plant-associated microorganisms, especially endophytic fungi, represent an untapped resource for the discovery of biologically active natural products. The objectives of this study were to isolate, identify endophytic fungi, and produce their bioactive metabolites from the leaves of two varieties of Egyptian artichoke namely: French Hyrious and Egyptian Baladi. In addition, assess of their total antioxidant capacity (TAC), total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC). The results of this novel study show a total of 35 endophytic fungal species belonging to 14 genera were isolated from both artichoke leaves with gross total counts of colonizing endophytic fungi ranged from 71 to 123 cfu which is matching 78.89% to 136.67% of colonization frequency. All taxa recovered were assigned to Ascomycetes. In addition, there is high species richness and diversity indices of endophytic filamentous fungi in the leaves Baladi Artichoke as compared to its French rival. &amp;nbsp;&lt;em&gt;Alternaria alternata&lt;/em&gt; were found to be the most frequently isolated dominant species. The TAC, TPC and TFC of the fungal cultures ranged from 163 to 681 mgAAE/gDW, 10.38 to 40.30 mgGAE/ gDW, and 13.92 to 173.55 mgQE/gDW, respectively. Furthermore, LC-ESI-MS/MS confirmed the presence of 1,3-dicaffeoylquinic acid and 1,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid in the methanolic extract of &lt;em&gt;A. alternata.&lt;/em&gt; Hence, this novel study suggested that the metabolites produced by endophytic fungi associated with Egyptian artichoke could be explored as an economic and potential natural resources with diverse pharmaceutical and biological activities.&lt;/p&gt;&#x0D;

Total antioxidant capacity, total phenolic content and iron and zinc dialyzability in selected Greek varieties of table olives, tomatoes and legumes from conventional and organic farming

The objective was to compare 10 types of table olives, 11 types of tomatoes and tomato products and 18 types of legumes from conventional or organic farming for selected nutritional properties. All products were tested for their total antioxidant capacity (TAC) (Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP) assay) and total phenolic content (Folin-Ciocalteau method). Tomatoes and legumes were further tested for iron and zinc dialyzability after in vitro digestion. Ascorbic acid content of tomatoes was also measured. The study resulted that the nutritional properties of olives, tomatoes and legumes tested were different among the various cultivars but, in most cases, not between products from organic or conventional farming. Natural black olives, cherry and santorini tomatoes and lentils exhibited superior nutritional properties.

The effect of aerobic exercise and saffron supplementation on antioxidant capacity in diabetic rats

The purpose of the present research was to study the effect of aerobic exercise and saffron supplementation on antioxidants capacity in diabetic rats. 50 male rats (age: 10 weeks; weight: 325±32.7 grams) were randomly divided into healthy-control (HC), diabetic-control (DC), diabetic-exercise (DE), diabetic-saffron (DS), and diabetic-saffron-exercise (DSE) groups (n = 10 per group). Except for the HC group, all the other groups induced with diabetes by injecting streptozotocin. For a period of 4 weeks, the DS and DSE groups received 30 mg/kg of daily saffron supplementation through oral gavage. The DE and DSE groups ran on the treadmill at a specific speed for 4 weeks, 4 session per week, and 30 minutes per session. After 24 hours of last session of exercise and saffron gavage, rats’ hepatic was extracted and their Total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and Glutathione (GSH) were measured. Results showed that there is a significant difference between the five groups in the levels of GSH and TAC ( ) and GSH level had the largest and lowest increase in DSE and DC respectively (

The effects of plant growth regulators on growth, yield, and phenolic profile of lentil plants

The effects of plant growth regulators (PGRs) such as gibberellic acid (GA3), indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), kinetin, Prohexadione-Calcium (Prohex-Ca), and Topflor on lentil plants were investigated employing physiological and biochemical methods. GA3 increased lentil plants growth by 43%, while growth retardants (Prohex-Ca and Topflor) inhibited it by 34% as expected. Lentil 1000-seeds weight was decreased by 26% in plots supplemented with GA3. In contrast to Prohex-Ca and Topflor increased lentil 1000-seeds weight by 16% and 30%, respectively. In seeds, the total phenolic content (TPC) was significantly correlated (r2=0.99) to their total antioxidant capacity (TAC). HPLC–MS detection showed that specific phenolic compounds (catechin, epicatechin, rutin, p-coumaric acid, quercetin, kaempferol, gallic acid and resveratrol) appear to be the compounds with the greatest influence on the TAC values. Catechin is the most abundant phenolic compound in lentil seeds (up to 74μgg−1 of fresh weight). Kinetin significantly increased rutin, epicatechin and gallic acid content in lentil seeds compared to control (93%, 79% and 49%, respectively). The variability in phenolic content among different PGRs treatments can be used as a benchmark for the selection of specific PGR to obtain lentil seeds with high phenolic content and high antioxidant properties as food ingredients.

Comparison of antioxidant capacity and phenolic composition of peel and flesh of some apple varieties

Apples contain a large concentration of phenolic compounds, dependent on factors such as cultivar, harvest, storage conditions, and processing. This study aims to identify the essential phenolic compounds present in various apple varieties, to measure their total antioxidant capacity (TAC) with the CUPRAC (cupric ion reducing antioxidant capacity) and ABTS (2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonate)) methods, and to correlate their TAC values with HPLC findings. The order of TAC (mmol Trolox g(-1) fresh weight) of apple peels determined with the CUPRAC method was: Granny Smith > Amasya > Sky Spur > Ervin Spur > King Luscious ≥ Arap Kizi ≥ Lutz Golden. The theoretically calculated TAC values of HPLC-quantified compounds, with the aid of the combined HPLC-CUPRAC method, accounted for 18.4-33.5% of the experimentally observed CUPRAC capacity of peel extracts and 19.5-56.3% of flesh extracts, depending on apple variety. In synthetic samples of apple antioxidants, the CUPRAC-TAC values of constituents, identified and analyzed by HPLC, proved to be additive, enabling measurement of the cooperative action of antioxidants using the proposed methodology. Apple peel showed higher contents of phenolics and therefore higher TAC than apple flesh, confirming the health benefit of the consumption of apples together with peel.

Does overhead irrigation with salt affect growth, yield, and phenolic content of lentil plants?

Overhead irrigation of lentil plants with salt (100 mM NaCl) did not have any significant impact on plant growth, while chlorophyll content and chlorophyll fluorescence parameter Fv/Fm were affected. Under such poor irrigation water quality, the malondialdehyde content in leaves was increased due to the lipid peroxidation of membranes. In seeds, the total phenolic content (TPC) was correlated to their total antioxidant capacity (TAC). High performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS) detection showed that flavonoids (catechin, epicatechin, rutin, p-coumaric acid, quercetin, kaempferol, gallic acid and resveratrol) appear to be the compounds with the greatest influence on the TAC values. Catechin is the most abundant phenolic compound in lentil seeds. Overhead irrigation with salt reduced the concentration of almost all phenolic compounds analyzed from lentil seed extracts.

Radioprotective Effect of American Ginseng on Human Lymphocytes at 90 Minutes Postirradiation: A Study of 40 Cases

Ionizing radiation (IR) initiates intracellular oxidative stress through enhanced formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) that attack DNA leading to cell death. Because of the diversity of IR applied in medicine, agriculture, industry, and the growing threats of global terrorism, the acquisition of radioprotectors is an urgent need for the nation. However, the applicability of radioprotectors currently under investigation is limited due to their inherent toxicity. This study investigated the effect of a standardized North American ginseng extract (NAGE, total ginsenoside content: 11.7%) on DNA damage in human lymphocytes at 90 minutes postirradiation. With the application of NAGE (250-1000 microg mL(-1)) at 90 minutes postirradiation (1 and 2 Gy), DNA damage in lymphocytes obtained from 40 healthy individuals was evaluated by cytokinesis-block micronucleus assay. Similar experiments were also performed in lymphocytes treated with WR-1065 (1 mmol/L or 3 mmol/L). In addition, before and after irradiation, lymphocytes obtained from 10 individuals were measured for their total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and the reactive oxygen species (ROS). The significant effect of NAGE against (137)Cs-induced micronuclei (MN) in lymphocytes is concentration dependent. NAGE (750 microg mL(-1)) reduced MN yield by 50.7% after 1 Gy and 35.9% after 2 Gy exposures, respectively; these results were comparable to that of WR-1065. Furthermore, we also found that NAGE reduces MN yield and ROS but increases TAC in lymphocytes. Our results suggest that NAGE is a relatively nontoxic natural compound that holds radioprotective potential in human lymphocytes even when applied at 90 minutes postirradiation. One of the radioprotective mechanisms may be mediated through the scavenging of free radicals and enhancement of the intracellular TAC.

Antioxidant potential and radical scavenging effects of various extracts from Abutilon indicum and Abutilon muticum

Abutilon indicum L. (Malvaceae) and Abutilon muticum DC. (Malvaceae) are traditional medicinal herbs used for analgesic, anthelmintic, hepatoprotective, and hypoglycemic properties. These effects may be correlated with the presence of antioxidant compounds. Extracts in organic solvents from the aerial parts and roots of both species were prepared and evaluated for their total antioxidant capacity (TAC), total phenolic content, and total flavonoid content. The Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) of all the extracts of both plants was found, employing ABTS and FRAP assays. TEAC values ranged from 3.019 to 10.5 μM for n-hexane and butanol fractions of Abutilon indicum and from 2.247 to 14.208 μM for n-hexane and butanol fractions of Abutilon muticum, respectively, using the ABTS assay. The FRAP assay showed reducing powers of the fractions in the order of butanol > ethyl acetate > chloroform > n-hexane and butanol > chloroform > hexane > ethyl acetate for Abutilon indicum and Abutilon muticum, respectively. EC50 and TEC50 values for the extracts of both plants were determined using the DPPH free radical assay. The reaction kinetics with this free radical indicated the presence of both slow reacting and fast reacting antioxidant components in the extracts of both plants. The antioxidant/radical scavenging capacity of the extracts was found to be a dose-dependent activity. The results obtained in the present study indicate that both Abutilon species are potential sources of natural antioxidants.

Redox ingredients for oxidative stress prevention: the unexplored potentiality of coffee

Plant-based foods (such as fruit and vegetables, wine, nuts, natural vegetable oils, and whole grains) are an important component of traditional diets in Mediterranean regions. A large, consistent body of scientific evidence demonstrates that diets rich in plant foods provide protection against degenerative diseases; however, despite the consensus of the evidence about the health effect of plant foods, it is unclear which components of plant-based foods are protective and what their mechanism of action is. One of the hypotheses postulated to explain the protective effect of plant food, the antioxidant hypothesis, is based on their high content of bioactive molecules. Recent evidence suggests that it is the variegate composition of the plant food, an optimal mixture of different antioxidants endowed with complementary mechanism of action and different redox potential, which is at the basis of their effect on health. The global antioxidant efficiency of complex matrixes can be assessed by measuring their total antioxidant capacity (TAC) representing the result of variables such as redox potentials of the compounds present in the matrix and their cumulative and synergistic interaction. In the last years different databases for TAC of plant foods have been developed. Results suggest that coffee might represent a potential contributor to dietary antioxidant intake. In this contribution after describing the main contributors to dietary TAC for different plant food group, we will discuss the potentiality of coffee as a source of “ready to drink” reducing equivalents.

Phytochemical flavonols, carotenoids and the antioxidant properties of a wide selection of Fijian fruit, vegetables and other readily available foods

Frequent consumption of fruits and vegetables is associated with a lowered risk of cancer, heart disease, hypertension and stroke. This has been attributed to the presence of various forms of phytochemicals and antioxidants present in the foods, e.g. carotenoids and polyphenol compounds including flavonoids and anthocyanins. Seventy Fiji grown fruits and vegetables, and some other commonly consumed products, were analysed for their total antioxidant capacity (TAC), total polyphenol content (TPP), total anthocyanin content (TAT) as well as the major flavonol and carotenoid profiles. These data will be used to estimate the phytochemical and antioxidant intake of the Fijian population and will be a useful tool in future clinical trials. Green leafy vegetables had the highest antioxidant capacity, followed by the fruits and root crops. A number of herbs also exhibited high antioxidant capacity. Ipomoea batatas (sweet potato) leaves have the highest TAC (650 mg/100 g) and are rich in TPP (270 mg/100 g), quercetin (90 mg/100 g) and β-carotene (13 mg/100 g). Moringa oleifera (drumstick) leaves also have a high TAC (260 mg/100 g) and are rich in TPP (260 mg/100 g), quercetin (100 mg/100 g), kaempferol (34 mg/100 g) and β-carotene (34 mg/100 g). Curcuma longa (turmeric ginger) has a high TAC (360 mg/100 g), TPP (320 mg/100 g) and is rich in fisetin (64 mg/100 g), quercetin (41 mg/100 g) and myricetin (17 mg/100 g). Zingiber officinate (white ginger) also has a high TAC (320 mg/100 g) and TPP (200 mg/100 g). Zingiber zerumbet (wild ginger), a widely used herb taken before meals is the richest source of kaempferol (240 mg/100 g).

Antioxidant profile of dihydroxy- and trihydroxyphenolic acids-A structure–activity relationship study

Eight structurally similar dihydroxy and trihydroxyphenolic acids (protocatechuic acid, 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid, hydrocaffeic acid, caffeic acid, gallic acid, 3,4,5-trihydroxyphenylacetic acid, 3-(3,4,5-trihydroxyphenyl)propanoic acid and 3-(3,4,5-trihydroxyphenyl)propenoic acid) were examined for their total antioxidant capacity (TAC). Furthermore, their ability to scavenge peroxyl radicals, generated by AAPH in liposomes, was determined. The antioxidant/pro-oxidant activity of the compounds was screened using the 2′-deoxyguanosine assay. All compounds behave as radical scavengers, with 3,4,5-trihydroxyphenylacetic acid being the most potent. Nevertheless, in the lipid peroxidation assay an inverse ranking order was observed, 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid being the most effective compound. All the dihydroxylated compounds showed a pro-oxidant behaviour leading to an increase of 50% in 8-OH-dG induction. From the structure–antioxidant activity relationship studies performed it may be concluded that the number of phenolic groups and the type of the alkyl spacer between the carboxylic acid and the aromatic ring strongly influence the antioxidant activity.

Solid state and solution studies of a vanadium(III)- l-cysteine compound and demonstration of its antimetastatic, antioxidant and inhibition of neutral endopeptidase activities

Reaction of one equivalent of vanadium(III) chloride with three equivalents of l-cysteine(H 2Cys) in methyl alcohol affords a V III-Cys compound that is formulated as [V III(Hcys) 3] · 2HCl · 2.5H 2O 1. The solid state characterization of 1 was performed by microanalysis, circular dichroism (CD) and infrared studies as well as room temperature magnetic susceptibility. These studies have shown coordination of each HCys − ligand to the V III atom through an amine nitrogen and a carboxylate oxygen atoms. Solution studies of 1 were carried out in water and methanol by UV–visible, CD and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopies. According to these studies, it was evident that despite the progressive oxidation of 1 to oxovanadium(IV) species, some V(III) species were also present in solution after several hours. Compound 1, V IVOSO 4 · 5H 2O and l-cysteine were examined for their total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and lag time. Compound 1 exhibited significantly greater total antioxidant capacity and lag time values than l-cysteine. V IVOSO 4 · 5H 2O did not show any total antioxidant capacity or lag time. The inhibition of neutral endopeptidase (NEP) activity caused by 1, V IVOSO 4 · 5H 2O and thiorphan was also measured. Compound 1, at a concentration of 10 −3 M, showed inhibition of NEP activity as potent as thiorphan at 10 −6 M, while V IVOSO 4 · 5H 2O in the same concentration exhibited less than 50% inhibitory activity than that of thiorphan at 10 −6 M. Moreover, the antimetastatic effects of compound 1, l-cysteine and V IVOSO 4 · 5H 2O were examined on Wistar rats, treated with 3,4-benzopyrene. The results revealed that 1 prevents significantly lung metastases (only 9.5% of animals treated with 1 showed metastases), whereas 47–52% of the rats of the control group and those treated with l-cysteine and V IVOSO 4 · 5H 2O exhibited metastases.

Total antioxidant capacity in different pea ( Pisum sativum) varieties after blanching and freezing

Thirty-five varieties of the green pea ( Pisum sativum L.) were analysed for their total antioxidant capacity (TAC). After blanching and freezing, the water-soluble fraction had, on average, a TAC of 0.61(0.22) μmol/g (mean(SD)) and the water-insoluble fraction a value of 0.23(0.08) μmol/g. There was a significant correlation between the TAC in the water-soluble and water-insoluble fractions ( r=0.41; p<0.001 ). The peas had been grown during two consecutive years and were harvested at two different periods during the second year, 1999. Regarding the antioxidant capacity in both the water-soluble and the water-insoluble extract, there was a significant difference between the varieties but not between the harvest periods. A significant correlation ( r=0.72) between TAC in the water-soluble fraction and ascorbic acid content was found. Ascorbic acid accounted for a large part of the water-soluble antioxidant capacity. Further studies are necessary to reveal other compounds explaining the variation in pea antioxidant capacity and the mechanisms involved. Measurement of TAC may be a convenient route for the selection of pea varieties with optimal functional and health effects.

Total Antioxidant Capacity of Plant Foods, Beverages and Oils Consumed in Italy Assessed by Three Different In Vitro Assays

Epidemiologic studies have demonstrated an inverse association between consumption of fruits and vegetables and morbidity and mortality from degenerative diseases. The antioxidant content of fruits and vegetables may contribute to the protection they offer from disease. Because plant foods contain many different classes and types of antioxidants, knowledge of their total antioxidant capacity (TAC), which is the cumulative capacity of food components to scavenge free radicals, would be useful for epidemiologic purposes. To accomplish this, a variety of foods commonly consumed in Italy, including 34 vegetables, 30 fruits, 34 beverages and 6 vegetable oils, were analyzed using three different assays, i.e., Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC), total radical-trapping antioxidant parameter (TRAP) and ferric reducing-antioxidant power (FRAP). These assays, based on different chemical mechanisms, were selected to take into account the wide variety and range of action of antioxidant compounds present in actual foods. Among vegetables, spinach had the highest antioxidant capacity in the TEAC and FRAP assays followed by peppers, whereas asparagus had the greatest antioxidant capacity in the TRAP assay. Among fruits, the highest antioxidant activities were found in berries (i.e., blackberry, redcurrant and raspberry) regardless of the assay used. Among beverages, coffee had the greatest TAC, regardless of the method of preparation or analysis, followed by citrus juices, which exhibited the highest value among soft beverages. Finally, of the oils, soybean oil had the highest antioxidant capacity, followed by extra virgin olive oil, whereas peanut oil was less effective. Such data, coupled with an appropriate questionnaire to estimate antioxidant intake, will allow the investigation of the relation between dietary antioxidants and oxidative stress-induced diseases.