Total Carotene Content Research Articles

Genotype × Environment Interaction of Mosaic Disease, Root Yields and Total Carotene Concentration of Yellow-Fleshed Cassava in Nigeria

Twenty-one yellow-fleshed cassava genotypes were evaluated over two years in five major cassava growing agroecological zones in Nigeria. The trials were established in a randomized complete block design with four replications to assess genotype performance and Genotype × Environment interaction for cassava mosaic disease (CMD), fresh and dry root yield (FYLD; DYLD), root dry matter content (DMC), and total carotene concentration (TCC). Combined analysis of variance showed significant differences (P<0.001) among genotypes (G), environment (E), and Genotype × Environment interaction (GE) for all the traits tested. For reaction to CMD, the best genotypes showing stable resistance were TMS 07/0539 and TMS 07/0628. For root yield, the best genotypes were TMS 01/1368 and TMS 07/0553. Genotype TMS 07/0593 was the best for DMC and TCC across the 10 environments. Variation among genotypes accounted for most of the Total Sum of Squares for CMD (72.1%) and TCC (34.4%). Environmental variation accounted for most of the Total Sum of Squares for FYLD (42.8%), DYLD (39.6%), and DMC (29.2%). This study revealed that TMS 07/0593 has the highest and most stable TCC, DMC with the lowest CMD severity score and appeared to be the best genotype.

The Influence of Some Technological Aspects on the Carotene Content in Carrots

Among the carotenoids present in food products, beta-carotene is the most effective for body (Olson et al., 1999), carrots being one of the best sources of carotene, approximately 80% -90% (Jeszka, 1997; Booth and Dark, 2009). Carotene content in carrots varies from 60 to 120 mg/100 g, but some varieties may contain up to 300 mg/100 g (Velisek, 1999). Betacarotene is a precursor to A vitamin (Nilsson, 2009). The use of some technological links and different cultivars may affect the quantity of carotene in carrot roots. It is recommended that the sowing date to be before the end of May, in order that the carotene content to reach high values in autumn (Booth and Dark, 2009). The paper analyzes the total carotene content of two varieties of carrots, Flakker and Nantes. Applied technology was different through the sowing time of early and late crop and through the use of organic and mineral fertilizers. The total carotenoids were extracted from 10 g carrots with a mixture of methanol/ethyl acetate/petroleum ether (1:1:1, v/v/v) for four hours. Identification of carotenoids was achieved by comparing the retention times of separated compounds with those of available standards and on the base of the characteristic UV-VIS absorption spectra recorded with series diode detector for the compounds for which no ready standards were available (cis isomers of α and β-carotene). The obtained values varied between 5.96-15.37 mg/100 g. The best results (15.37 g/100 g fresh matter) were registered at Flakker sowed in March and fertilized with organic fertilizers.

Comparative study of fatty acid composition, vitamin E and carotenoid contents of palm oils from four varieties of oil palm from Côte d'Ivoire

AbstractBACKGROUND: Fatty acid, tocopherol, tocotrienol and carotene contents were assessed in four oil palm species from the National Centre of Agronomical Research of Côte d'Ivoire, two of which were the basal Lamé (HP1) and Deli (HP2) collections and two of which resulted from crossings between HP1 and HP2 varieties of Eleais guineensis, HP3 and HP4 being identified as the first and second cycle selection, respectively.RESULTS: Palm oil species were characterized by the richness in polyunsaturated fatty acids composition (48–60%) compared to saturated fatty acids (40–52%), especially the first variety, which was from the base collection, and the two hybrids ensuing from crossing. Total carotene content of those varieties was higher and accounted for 832–3575 µg g−1, and the β‐carotene level (580–2390 µg g−1) was predominant. Total vitamin E content was 864–1124 µg g−1, with a notable higher content of tocotrienols, especially γ‐and α‐tocotrienol, ranging from 400 to 515 µg g−1 and from 238 to 350 µg g−1, respectively.CONCLUSION: Crossing seemed to be useful in improving the performance and analytical characteristics of the base collection materials. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry

Carotenoid Content of Underutilized Tropical Fruits

This study was conducted to evaluate the total carotene content (TCC) and beta carotene (BC) in the selected underutilized tropical fruits. TCC of underutilized fruits estimated by spectrophotometric method was in the range of 1.4-19.8 mg/100 g edible portion. The TCC of these fruits decreased in the order: Jentik-jentik > Durian Nyekak 2 > Durian Nyekak 1 > Cerapu 2 > Cerapu 1 > Tampoi Kuning > Bacang 1 > Kuini > Jambu Mawar > Bacang 2 > Durian Daun > Bacang 3 > Tampoi Putih > Jambu Susu. BC contents estimated by HPLC method were highest in Jentik-jentik, followed by Cerapu 2, Durian Nyekak 2, Tampoi Kuning, Durian Nyekak 1, and Cerapu 1, which had a range of 68-92% of BC in TCC. These underutilized fruits have an acceptable amount of carotenoids that are potential antioxidant fruits.

How Does Tomato Quality (Sugar, Acid, and Nutritional Quality) Vary with Ripening Stage, Temperature, and Irradiance?

The objective of this study was to understand the respective impact of ripening stage, temperature, and irradiance on seasonal variations of tomato fruit quality. During ripening, concentrations in reducing sugars, carotenes, ascorbate, rutin, and caffeic acid derivates increased, whereas those in titratable acidity, chlorophylls, and chlorogenic acid content decreased. Fruit temperature and irradiance affected final fruit composition. Sugars and acids (linked to fruit gustative quality) were not considerably modified, but secondary metabolites with antioxidant properties were very sensitive to fruit environment. Increased fruit irradiance enhanced ascorbate, lycopene, beta-carotene, rutin, and caffeic acid derivate concentrations and the disappearance of oxidized ascorbate and chlorophylls. Increasing the temperature from 21 to 26 degrees C reduced total carotene content without affecting lycopene content. A further temperature increase from 27 to 32 degrees C reduced ascorbate, lycopene, and its precursor's content, but enhanced rutin, caffeic acid derivates, and glucoside contents. The regulation by light and temperature of the biosynthesis pathways of secondary metabolites is discussed.

Correlations of carotene with sensory attributes in carrots under different storage conditions

The all- trans-α-, all- trans-β-, and cis-carotene content, measured by HPLC–DAD and the main sensory attributes in two carrot varieties, of the years 2002 and 2003, during storage at 4 °C, 20 °C, −18 °C and −25 °C were determined. At 4 °C, increase of the total carotene content of 8% and 23% were found in the 1st and in the 2nd harvest year, respectively within 14 days of storage. Deep-frozen carrots were characterized as more “juicy”, less “tender”, “aromatic” and “sweet” compared to fresh carrots in both harvest years. Sensory attributes and chemical data were correlated, and it was shown that the carotene content was positively correlated with the attribute fibrous texture and negatively correlated with the attribute tender texture.

SUPPLEMENTATION OF COW DIET WITH RAPESEED AND CARROTS: INFLUENCE ON FATTY ACID COMPOSITION AND CAROTENE CONTENT OF THE BUTTER FAT

ABSTRACT A total of 32 Montpellier dairy cows were randomly assigned to four dietary treatments including a control, supplementation with ground rapeseed, carrots and both carrot and rapeseed. This was aimed in order to improve the butter quality with regard to spreadability and color. Milk samples were drawn after 2 and 4 weeks, respectively, churned and rendered to reconstitute the pure milk fat. Fat samples were analyzed for their fatty acid profiles and total carotene content. It was shown that the enrichment of carotene by feeding carrots counteracts the incorporation of unsaturated fatty acids. However, a time‐dependent adaptation to high levels of both carotene and unsaturated fatty acids was observed.

Natural variation of carotenoids in the eggs and gonads of the echinoid genus, Strongylocentrotus: implications for their role in ultraviolet radiation photoprotection

We examined variability in carotenoid concentration in the gonads and eggs of four sea urchin species ( Strongylocentrotus purpuratus, Strongylocentrotus franciscanus, Strongylocentrotus pallidus and Strongylocentrotus droebachiensis) to explore the possible role of carotenes as photoprotectants. Carotene concentrations were measured in gonads and gametes of each species, while in eggs the ultraviolet radiation (UV-R) sensitivity and self-shading capacity by carotenes were calculated. Mean concentrations of carotenes in gonads ranged from 0.13±0.017 mg g −1 dw ( S. purpuratus), 0.14±0.019 mg g −1 dw ( S. franciscanus), 0.29±0.079 mg g −1 dw ( S. pallidus) to 0.36±0.06 mg g −1 dw ( S. droebachiensis). In eggs, concentrations ranged from 0.026±0.003 to 0.09±0.034 mg g −1 dw. UV-R sensitivity in eggs was quantified by measuring UV-R induced first-cleavage delay. Intra-specifically, cleavage delay varied significantly between individuals, and could be correlated with carotene concentration. Interspecific differences in cleavage delay and carotene concentrations were not correlated. Using the observed concentration of β, β-echinenone (which makes up between 82.4% and 94.9% of the total carotene concentration in the eggs) and a molar extinction coefficient of ε=13.7×10 3 mol −1 cm −1 at 334 nm, we calculated self-shading efficiency in the eggs. Self-shading capacity ( J 334) indicated that the eggs could only screen from 4.6% ( J 334=0.046) down to 1.5% ( J 334=0.015) of UV-R at 334 nm. While not sunscreens, we suggest that carotenes can photoprotective in echinoid eggs, probably by mitigating the effects of reactive oxygen species.

Analysis of nutrient and antinutrient content of underutilized green leafy vegetables

Analysis of chemical composition of 13 locally available underutilized green leafy vegetables (GLV) was the objective of this study. Moisture, ash and ether extract of the greens were in the range of 73–95g/100g, 0.77–3.54g/100g and 0.2–0.9g/100g, respectively. Four GLV had high iron content (13.15–17.72mg/100g) while the rest had lower levels (2.62–9.86mg/100g). Calcium content varied largely between the greens ranging from 41mg/100g in Polygala erioptera to 506mg/100g in Digera arvensis, whereas phosphorous ranged from 16 to 63mg/100g. Ascorbic acid was higher in Delonix elata (295mg/100g) and Polygala erioptera (85mg/100g) and lower in others (3–46mg/100g). Thiamine was found to be less than 0.1mg/100g in six greens and 0.1–0.33mg/100g in others. Total carotene content ranged between 10 and 35mg/100g in all with exceptionally high amount in Cocculus hirsutus (67mg/100g) and Delonix elata (60mg/100g). β-carotene was 13–25% of total carotene in all greens. Oxalate content was below 100mg/100g in five greens and less than 1400mg/100g in the remaining GLV. Tannin content ranged between 61 and 205mg/100g in all GLV with the exception of Coleus aromaticus (15mg/100g) and Delonix elata (1330mg/100g).

Process for the recovery of a carotene-rich functional food ingredient from carrot pomace by enzymatic liquefaction

A novel process for the recovery of a carrot pomace hydrolyzate rich in carotene was developed on pilot plant-scale. The process includes techniques of fine grinding, enzymatic hydrolysis, finishing, homogenization, and concentration. An extensive optimization of the enzymatic hydrolysis on a laboratory scale was performed before scaling up. An enzyme mixture composed of pectolytic and cellulolytic activities at a 1:1 ratio achieved the best degradation, and with a dosage of 1500 ppm at 50 °C and pH 4, the hydrolysis time was reduced to 1 h on pilot plant-scale. Total carotene content (α- and β-carotene) of the concentrated hydrolyzate (3.8 °Bx) was 64 mg per kg.

GENETICALLY MODIFIED TOMATO LINES WITH ELEVATED AND ALTERED CAROTENOID COMPOSITION

Transgenic tomato lines have been produced with increased and altered carotenoid compositions. The biosynthetic steps in carotenoid formation that have been subjected to genetic engineering include phytoene synthesis and desaturation as well as lycopene cyclisation. Homozygous (T 3 ) lines containing an additional phytoene synthase from the bacterium Erwinia uredovora, expressed in a fruit-specific manner show increases in phytoene, lycopene and β-carotene levels of 2.4, 1.8 and 2.2-fold respectively (Fraser et al., 2002). Homozygous (up to T 6 ) lines containing a constitutively-expressed phytoene desaturase from E. uredovora show an elevated (up to 4-fold) level of β-carotene and other xanthophylls (Romer et al. 2000). However, the total carotenoid content is reduced 2-fold. In contrast transgenic lines (up to T 3 ) expressing lycopene β-cyclase show increased β-carotene levels with no reduction in total carotene content. These genetically modified varieties have been subjected to detailed molecular and biochemical analysis at the gene, protein and enzyme-activity level as well as metabolic control analysis. Evidence for regulatory mechanisms such as feedback inhibition and metabolite channelling has been revealed.

Serum vitamin A and total carotene concentrations in well-nourished children with Helicobacter pylori infection.

Serum vitamin A and total carotene concentrations in well-nourished children with Helicobacter pylori infection.

Total carotenoid and beta carotene contents of other vegetables, roots and tubers, fruits and stored products collected from forest areas of Andhra Pradesh, South India

Three vegetables, 5 roots and tubers, 23 fruits and 3 stored products collected and consumed by tribals of Andhra Pradesh, India were analyzed for total carotenoids (TC) and Beta carotene (BC) contents using High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). The vitamin A activity expressed as retinol equivalents (RE) was calculated based on the in vivo conversion factor given by WHO. The results of the study indicated that the vegetables, roots and tubers analyzed showed negligible vitamin A activity with TC and BC content ranging from 0.01 to 0.61 and 0.14 to 0.23 mg%, respectively. Among the fruits, Canthium parviflorum contained very high TC (9.51 mg%) and BC (6.10 mg%) contents, and the edible orange color fresh rind portion analyzed had the highest (6.8 mg%) BC content. Other fruits contained negligible content of TC (0.0015 to 1.32 mg%) and BC (0.004 to 0.49 mg%). The edible pulp portion of the fruit (Diosphros melanoxylon contained no BC but the rind portion analyzed fresh and dried had BC) 0.79 and 2.17 mg%, respectively. Tribals were found to have distinct attitudes and beliefs towards food they use or avoid in certain physiological conditions.

A Method of Preserving and Testing the Acceptability of Gac Fruit Oil, A Good Source of β-Carotene and Essential Fatty Acids

Gac fruit (Momordica cochinchinensis Spreng) is indigenous to Vietnam and other countries in Southeast Asia. Its seed pulp contains high concentrations of carotenoids, especially the provitamin A, β-carotene. In northern Vietnam, gac fruits are seasonal and are mainly used in making a rice dish called xoi gac. The purpose of this study was to develop a method to collect and preserve gac fruit oil, to evaluate the nutritional composition of the oil, and to assess the acceptability of the gac oil by typical Vietnamese homemakers. One hundred women participated in training to learn how to prepare the fruits and operate the oil press. The women also participated in a survey of gac fruit use and their habitual use of animal fat and vegetable oil. Among all the participants in the training and surveys, 35 women actually produced oil from gac fruits grown in the village, using manual oil presses and locally available materials. The total carotene concentration in gac fruit oil was 5,700 μg/ml. The concentration of β-carotene was 2,710 μg/ml. Sixty-nine percent of total fat was unsaturated, and 35% of that was polyunsaturated. The average daily consumption of gac fruit oil was estimated at 2 ml per person. The daily β-carotene intake (from gac fruit oil) averaged approximately 5 mg per person. It was found that gac oil can be produced locally by village women using manual presses and locally available materials. The oil is a rich source of β-carotene, vitamin E, and essential fatty acids. Although the β-carotene concentration declines with time without a preservative or proper storage, it was still high after three months. The oil was readily accepted by the women and their children, and consumption of the oil increased the intake of β-carotene and reduced the intake of lard.

A method of preserving and testing the acceptability of gac fruit oil, a good source of beta-carotene and essential fatty acids.

Gac fruit (Momordica cochinchinensis Spreng) is indigenous to Vietnam and other countries in Southeast Asia. Its seed pulp contains high concentrations of carotenoids, especially the provitamin A, beta-carotene. In northern Vietnam, gac fruits are seasonal and are mainly used in making a rice dish called xoi gac. The purpose of this study was to develop a method to collect and preserve gac fruit oil, to evaluate the nutritional composition of the oil, and to assess the acceptability of the gac oil by typical Vietnamese homemakers. One hundred women participated in training to learn how to prepare the fruits and operate the oil press. The women also participated in a survey of gac fruit use and their habitual use of animal fat and vegetable oil. Among all the participants in the training and surveys, 35 women actually produced oil from gac fruits grown in the village, using manual oil presses and locally available materials. The total carotene concentration in gac fruit oil was 5,700 micrograms/ml. The concentration of beta-carotene was 2,710 micrograms/ml. Sixty-nine percent of total fat was unsaturated, and 35% of that was polyunsaturated. The average daily consumption of gac fruit oil was estimated at 2 ml per person. The daily beta-carotene intake (from gac fruit oil) averaged approximately 5 mg per person. It was found that gac oil can be produced locally by village women using manual presses and locally available materials. The oil is a rich source of beta-carotene, vitamin E, and essential fatty acids. Although the beta-carotene concentration declines with time without a preservative or proper storage, it was still high after three months. The oil was readily accepted by the women and their children, and consumption of the oil increased the intake of beta-carotene and reduced the intake of lard.

Lipid and protein oxidation and antioxidant function in women with mild and severe preeclampsia.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the lipid and protein oxidation and antioxidant function in preeclampsia patients and in normotensive pregnant women, as well as, to assess an association with the severity of the disease. The study was carried out in 30 patients with mild preeclampsia, 30 with severe preeclampsia, and in 50 normotensive pregnant women during the third trimester of pregnancy. Lipid peroxides in serum, placental and decidual tissues and serum protein carbonyls and some of the antioxidants were measured by spectrophotometric methods. One-way analysis of variance, chi-square test and Pearson correlation test were used for the statistical analyses. Logistic regression procedures were used to calculate odds ratios (OR). Lipid peroxides in serum, placenta and decidua basalis and protein carbonyls in serum were significantly increased, and vitamin E and total carotene levels in serum were significantly decreased especially in women with severe preeclampsia compared with mild preeclampsia and controls. A significant correlation was detected between diastolic blood pressure and lipid peroxides in serum, placental and decidual tissues and serum protein carbonyls. Furthermore, there was significant correlation between antioxidant vitamins and lipid and protein oxidation products in severe preeclamptic patients. Also, logistic regression analysis showed that changes in serum, placental and decidual lipid peroxides and serum protein carbonyls, vitamin E and total carotene concentrations were significantly associated with preeclampsia. Our findings suggest that lipid and protein oxidation may be an important factor in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia. Since antioxidant vitamins are significantly decreased in both severe and mild preeclamptic pregnants, early supplementation with antioxidants may be beneficial in preeclamptic patients.

EFFECT OF DEGUMMING PROCESS ON CHROMATOGRAPHIC SEPARATION OF CAROTENES FROM CRUDE AND DEGUMMED PALM OIL

ABSTRACTCarotene from crude palm oil (CPO) and degummed palm oil (DPO) was separated using synthetic polymer adsorption chromatography. Diaion HP‐20 adsorbent was used for reverse‐phase chromatography and column temperature was kept at 50C. Both 2‐propanol and n‐hexane were used as the first and the second eluting solvents, respectively. Phosphoric acid was used to remove the minor components in CPO in the degumming process. The turbidity of DPO was lower than that of CPO and the retention time in the column for DPO was shorter (21.3 min) compared to CPO (29 min) due to the removal of the minor components by phosphoric acid. Degumming process caused a reduction of 1.67 mg of total carotene content and 55.67 ppm of carotene concentration in CPO. This is probably due to the removal of carotenoids during the degumming process. After column chromatography, carotene recovery for CPO was 30.23% and 54.82% for the first and second fractions, respectively. On the other hand, carotene recovery for DPO was 33.91% for the first fraction and 46.25% for the second fraction. This indicated that the separation of carotene in CPO was more efficient than DPO in the column chromatography due to the longer retention time in the column.

Total carotenoid and beta-carotene contents of forest green leafy vegetables consumed by tribals of south India.

Seventy edible wild forest green leafy vegetables (GLV) collected and consumed by tribals of Andhra Pradesh, India were analyzed for total carotenoids (TC) and beta carotene (BC) contents using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The vitamin A activity expressed as retinol equivalents (RE) was calculated based on in vivo conversion factor given by WHO. The results of the study indicated that thirty-six GLV were found to have high vitamin A activity (0.87 to 2.34 RE) with TC and BC contents ranging from 12.22 to 36.13 and 5.21 to 14.05 mg %, respectively; thirty GLV had moderate vitamin A activity (0.36-0.8 RE) with TC and BC contents ranging from 10.60 to 31.33 and 2.19 to 4.78 mg %. Four GLV contained low vitamin A activity (0.07-0.32 RE); TC and BC contents ranging from 5.12 to 13.13 and 0.40 to 1.94, respectively. The percent beta carotene in total carotenoids among the three groups of the GLV varied from 19.41 to 73.02, 11.11 to 46.21 and 5.98 to 37.11, respectively.

Genetic Variation in Total Carotene, Iron, and Zinc Contents of Maize and Cassava Genotypes

Deficiencies of vitamin A, iron, and zinc are widespread in sub-Saharan Africa, where the diets are mainly plant-based and the intakes of animal products are low. The overall objective of this investigation was to determine the extent of genetic variation of these micronutrients in 16 yellow-seeded improved maize varieties, 109 maize inbred lines (60 from mid-altitude and 49 from lowland/savannah agroecologies), and 162 cassava clones resistant to the cassava mosaic disease. The yellow-seeded improved maize varieties were analysed for physical and chemical characteristics and total carotene content; the maize inbred lines and cassava clones were analysed for iron and zinc content. The results showed statistically significant and large genotypic differences in total carotene content among the 16 yellow-seeded improved, open-pollinated maize varieties. The total carotene content ranged from 143 to 278 μg/g. Significant genotypic variation was also observed for iron and zinc concentrations in maize inbred lines and cassava storage roots. Iron concentration ranged from 15 to 159 ppm for mid-altitude and from 14 to 134 ppm for lowland maize inbred lines; zinc concentration ranged from 12 to 96 ppm for mid-altitude inbreds and from 24 to 96 ppm for lowland inbred lines. For cassava storage roots, the range was 4 to 95 ppm for iron and 4 to 18 ppm for zinc. A strong and positive relationship was observed between iron and zinc concentrations for both mid-altitude and lowland maize inbred lines, but this relationship was weak for the cassava clones. The potential exists for improving carotene, iron, and zinc contents in maize and cassava genotypes through plant-breeding.

Gamma Irradiation-induced Variation in Carrots (Daucus carota L.)

Carrot tissue cultures, germinating seed, and dry seed were exposed to gamma radiation. Irradiation accelerated germination of carrot seed in the M1 generation at low doses (0.5 and 1 krad), whereas higher doses delayed germination. A high negative correlation was observed between dose and survival of plants after seed irradiation. Plant size and root weight were 20 % to 35% greater than control plants after seeds, but not tissue cultures, were exposed to low doses of gamma irradiation. Higher doses reduced M1 plant size by >50% in germinating seed and tissue culture treatments but less for the dry seed treatment. Seed production decreased while phenotypic variation of M1 plants increased with increasing gamma ray dosage. Root weight and total dissolved solids were highly variable in M2 families. Less variation was observed in total carotene content and none was seen in sugar type (reducing vs. nonreducing sugars). Induced variation in root color and root shape was also observed. Irradiation of germinating seed and tissue cultures yielded more M2 variation than irradiation of dry seed. Putative point mutations were not observed. Unirradiated carrot tissue cultures did not yield significant M2 somaclonal variation. Average root weight of M2 plants increased with increasing gamma ray dosage, especially for the dry seed treatment.