Total Condensed Tannin Contents Research Articles

Unveiling the traditional preparation, biochemical, phytochemical components, antioxidant and microbial properties of “jenja”, a ready-to-serve ginger-based beverage vended and consumed in northern Cameroon

“Jenja” is a refreshing yellow to brownish coloured beverage rudimentary made from ginger rhizomes. Given a paucity of data on the quality features of this spiced beverage, the current study was done to unveil its characteristics and safety status. A field survey was conducted with 35 producers and 70 consumers, followed by the collection of 10 samples from various locations for analysis. The surveys showed that traditional preparation of “jenja” incorporates simple unit operations. The spicy beverage had an acidic pH of 4.4 ± 0.9, with average reducing sugar, soluble protein, free amino acid and ash contents of 10.3 ± 2.3 mg/mL, 18.2 ± 9.9 mg/mL, 10.4 ± 3.8 mg/mL, 4.7 ± 2.6 %, respectively. The total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and total condensed tannin content (TTC) were 44.0 ± 6.1 mgPGE/mL, 10.3 ± 2.5 mgQE/mL and 7.2 ± 5.7 mgCE/mL, respectively. The beverage demonstrated in-vitro DPPH and FRAP antioxidant activities with average values of 45.5 ± 5.3 and 68.3 ± 14.1 mgTE/mL, respectively. “Jenja” beverage had a poor microbiological quality and unsatisfactory safety status. Given all of the foregoing, “jenja” has the potential to be a powerful functional beverage if additional modifications are made to improve its preparation, microbiological profile and safety status.

Assessment of chemically modified vegetable tannins as coagulants for water treatment

This research assessed the efficiency of chemically modified tannins as coagulants for water treatment. Tannins from Anacardium occidentale (cashew tree) and Mimosa caesalpiniifolia (‘sabiá’) barks and seedless fruits of Anadenanthera colubrina (‘angico’) and Pityrocarpa moniliformis (‘angico de bezerro’) were evaluated after cationization to remove turbidity from water. After extraction, the total solids content (TSC), Stiasny index (SI), and total condensed tannins content (TCC) of the tannins extracts were determined. Extracted tannins were converted into powders and cationized. Then, the cationized tannins' effectiveness on water turbidity removal, sedimentation time, and effect on pH were assessed. Three concentrations of each type of tannin were used to evaluate flocculant efficiency: 50, 100, and 150 mg L-1. Although the P. moniliformis extract had a higher TSC value (56.06%), it presented the lowest SI (0.42%) and TTC (0.23%) values. M. caesalpiniifolia had the lowest TSC (9.18%) and the highest SI (91.27%), while Ac occidentale stood out with the highest TCC (19.83%). All species have shown potential for tannin production and efficiently removed turbidity at all concentrations. However, only A. occidentale, at a concentration of 100 mg L-1, presented a nephelometric turbidity unit of 2.4, reaching the potability standards required by international specifications and, therefore, being indicated for water treatment. Keywords: condensed tannins, forest species, natural flocculants, turbidity removal.

Extraction and Characterization of Bioactive Compounds from Diverse Marine Microalgae and Their Potential Antioxidant Activities.

This study compared free and bound phenolic compounds in various marine microalgae species. It assessed total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC) and total condensed tannin content (TCT) and their antioxidant capacities using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay, 2,2'-azinobis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS⋅+ ) radical cation-based assay and ferric ion reducing antioxidant power assay. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) was also employed to characterize the phenolic profiling. Results showed that free phenolic compounds ranged from 1.83-6.45 mg GAE/g d. w., while bound phenolic compounds ranged from 4.03-26.03 mg GAE/g d. w., indicating significant differences. These variations were consistent across assays, highlining unique profiles in different species. A total 10 phenolics were found in these seven microalgae, including 1 phenolic acid, 6 flavonoids, 1 other polyphenol and 2 lignans. 4'-O-methyl-(-)-epigallocatechin 7-O-glucuronide and chrysoeriol 7-O-glucoside in microalgae were firstly reported in microalgal samples. These findings have implications for future applications in industries.

DES-based microwave- and ultrasound-assisted extraction of natural products from Rumex hastatus as per response surface methodology

Rumex hastatus D. Don is a medicinal wild herb that abundantly grows in many parts of the world. The current work explores the extraction of its polyphenolic and antioxidant compounds using glycerol-choline chloride deep eutectic solvent and two modern techniques, ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) and microwave-assisted extraction (MAE). The optimization was done as per the response surface methodology. Six responses were studied including total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), total condensed tannin content (TCT), ferrous iron-chelating (FIC) activity, DPPH radical scavenging activity (RSA), and ferric reducing antioxidant potential (FRAP). The optimal factors for MAE were 10 s extraction time, 229.40 W power, 40 mL/g SSR (solvent-to-solid ratio) and 60 % DES concentration with the predicted TPC, TFC, TCT, FIC, RSA and FRAP as 64.46 mg GAE/g PM, 155.78 mg RE/g PM, 129.73 mg CE/g PM, 51.46 mg EDTAE/g PM, 235.84 mg AAE/g PM and 129.14 mg AAE/g PM, respectively. For UAE, the predicted optimal factors were 24.30 min sonication time, 47 °C extraction temperature, 40 mL/g SSR and 60 % DES concentration with the predicted TPC, TFC, TCT, FIA, RSA, and FRAP as 56.54 mg GAE/g PM, 148.24 mg RE/g PM, 155.60 mg CE/g PM, 57.83 mg EDTAE/g PM, 240.56 mg AAE/g PM and 111.71 mg AAE/g PM, respectively. Both the models were strongly supported by the validation study with minimal % errors; 2.53–6.38 % for MAE and 1.14–5.30 % for UAE. MAE was more efficient than UAE in terms of time input and recovery of total polyphenols. Therefore, the method based on DES-MAE can safely be recommended for use on an industrial level for obtaining bioactives from R. hastatus.

From Aloe vera Leaf Waste to the Extracts with Biological Potential: Optimization of the Extractions, Physicochemical Characterization, and Biological Activities.

In the study, the optimization of the extraction from Aloe vera leaf waste was performed via varying solid-to-solvent ratio, solvent type, extraction time, and technique (maceration, heat-, ultrasound-, and microwave-assisted extractions-HAE, UAE, and MAE, respectively). The optimal extraction conditions for achieving the highest polyphenol content are a 1:30 ratio, 70% ethanol, and 30 min of HAE. Total flavonoid and protein contents were significantly higher in the extract from MAE, while total condensed tannin content was the highest in HAE. LC-MS analysis quantified 13 anthraquinone and chromone compounds. The variations in the FT-IR spectra of the extracts obtained by different extraction procedures are minor. The influence of extraction conditions on the antioxidant ability of the extracts depended on applied antioxidant assays. The extracts possessed medium inhibition properties against Staphylococcus aureus and weak inhibitory activity against Enterococcus feacalis. The extracts had stimulative effect on HaCaT cell viability. Regarding the extraction yield, there was a significant difference between the used extraction techniques (MAE > HAE > maceration and UAE). The presented study is an initial step in the production of polyphenol-rich extracts from A. vera leaf waste aimed to be used for the potential preparation of pharmaceutical and cosmetic formulations for the skin.

LC-ESI-QTOF-MS/MS Characterization of Phenolic Compounds in Common Commercial Mushrooms and Their Potential Antioxidant Activities

Mushrooms have a long history of use as food and medicine. They are rich in various nutrients and bioactive compounds, particularly phenolic compounds. In this study, ten mushroom species were selected, and solvent extraction using 80% ethanol was used to extract phenolic compounds. Total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC) and total condensed tannin content (TCT) were measured to evaluate phenolic content in different mushroom varieties. In the mushroom varieties tested, brown portobello mushroom had the highest TPC (396.78 ± 3.12 µg GAE/g), white cup mushroom exhibited the highest TFC (275.17 ± 9.40 μg CE/g), and shiitake mushroom presented the highest TCT (13.80 ± 0.21 µg QE/g). Antioxidant capacity was evaluated using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), 2,2′-azino-bis-3ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) assays. The highest DPPH free radical scavenging ability was found in white cup mushroom (730.14 ± 55.06 µg AAE/g), while the greatest iron-reducing ability (FRAP) was recorded for shiitake mushroom (165.32 ± 10.21 μg AAE/g). Additionally, Swiss brown mushroom showed the highest ABTS antioxidant capacity (321.31 ± 5.7 μg AAE/g), and the maximum TAC value was found in shiitake mushroom (24.52 ± 1.2 μg AAE/g). These results highlight that most of the mushroom varieties studied showed high phenolic contents and demonstrated strong antioxidant activity, with shiitake mushrooms standing out due to their high TCT and FRAP values, and the highest TAC value among the varieties studied. In addition, LC-ESI-QTOF-MS/MS was used to characterize the mushroom samples, and tentatively identified a total of 22 phenolic compounds, including 11 flavonoids, 4 lignans, 3 phenolic acids, 2 stilbenes and 2 other phenolic compounds in all mushroom samples. The research results of this study showed that mushrooms are a good source of phenolic compounds with strong antioxidant potential. The results can provide a scientific basis for the development of mushroom extracts in functional food, health products, and other industries.

Physicochemical characterization, antioxidant activity and phenolic acids profile of Tunisian whole cereal grains

Six varieties of Tunisian durum wheat, barley and oat cultivars namely Maali, Karim, Rihane, Manel, Meliane and Ghzella were analyzed for their physicochemical properties, antioxidant activities and phenolic acids profile. Results showed that there are significant (p < 0.05) differences in moisture (11.8-12.8%), proteins (10.98-12.09%), neutral detergent fibre (NDF) (47.67-67.39%), ash (2.4-3.93%), fat (2.6- 6.75%), and carbohydrates (64.78-70.95%) contents between all studied varieties. Cereal grains were also a good source of potassium, sodium, calcium, zinc and iron. The results revealed that oat Meliane (5.9%) and barley Rihane (5.4%) varieties are good sources of dietary fiber β-glucan compared to the other varieties. Rihane, Meliane and Maali varieties had the highest total phenolic, total flavonoids and total condensed tannin contents. Antioxidant activity of whole grain extracts was performed using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) test and revealed that barley Rihane had the best radical scavenging activity compared to oat and durum wheat varieties. The RP-HPLC analysis revealed that Tunisian barley, oat and durum wheat varieties are a good source of phenolic components and natural antioxidants.

Antioxidant Capacity of Herzegovinian Wildflowers Evaluated by UV-VIS and Cyclic Voltammetry Analysis.

Considering the vast cultural and traditional heritage of the use of aromatic herbs and wildflowers for the treatment of light medical conditions in the Balkans, a comparison of the antioxidant capacity of wildflowers extracts from Herzegovina was studied using both cyclic voltammetry and spectrophotometry. The cyclic voltammograms taken in the potential range between 0 V and 800 mV and scan rate of 100 mV s−1 were used for the quantification of the electrochemical properties of polyphenols present in four aqueous plant extracts. Antioxidant capacity expressed as mmoL of gallic acid equivalents per gram of dried weight of the sample (mmoL GAE g−1 dw) was deduced from the area below the major anodic peaks (Q400 pH 6.0, Q500 pH 4.7, Q600 pH 3.6). The results of electrochemical measurements suggest that the major contributors of antioxidant properties of examined plants are polyphenolic compounds that contain ortho-dihydroxy-phenol or gallate groups. Using Ferric reducing-antioxidant power (FRAP) and 2,2′-azino-bis spectrophotometric methods (3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) radical cation-scavenging activity (ABTS) additionally determined antioxidant capacity. The FRAP results ranged from 2.9702–9.9418 mmoL Fe/g dw, while the results for ABTS assays expressed as Trolox equivalents (TE) ranged from 14.1842–42.6217 mmoL TE/g dw. The Folin–Ciocalteu procedure was applied to determine the total phenolics content (TP). The TP content expressed as Gallic acid equivalents (GAE) ranged from 6.0343–9.472 mmoL GAE/g dw. The measurements of total flavonoid (TF) and total condensed tannin (TT) contents were also performed to obtain a broader polyphenolic profile of tested plant materials. Origanum vulgare L. scored the highest on each test, with the exception of TT content, followed by the Mentha × piperita L., Artemisia annua L., and Artemisia absinthium L., respectively. The highest TT content, expressed as mg of (−)catechin equivalents per gram of dried weight of sample (mg CE/g dw), was achieved with A. absinthium extract (119.230 mg CE/g dw) followed by O. vulgare (90.384 mg CE/g dw), A. annua (86.538 mg CE/g dw) and M. piperita (69.231 mg CE/g dw), respectively. In addition, a very good correlation between electrochemical and spectroscopic methods was achieved.

Effect of processing on polyphenols in butternut pumpkin (Cucurbita moschata)

Pumpkin (Cucurbita moschata) is consumed worldwide with a diverse array of phytochemicals, including phenolics, that have therapeutic properties such as anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antioxidant, and neuroprotective effects. Nevertheless, detailed information on polyphenol content in pumpkin processing is still limited. Therefore, the present work aimed to investigate the changes in polyphenol content and their antioxidant potential during pumpkin processing, followed by their comprehensive characterization and quantification using liquid chromatography electrospray ionization quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-QTOF-MS/MS) and high-performance liquid chromatography–photodiode array (HPLC-PDA). The antioxidant results showed that pumpkins’ seeds and skins (PSS) contained the highest total phenolic content (TPC, 0.39 mg gallic acid equivalent mg/g) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC, 0.35 mg ascorbic acid equivalent mg/g), respectively. However, separated pumpkin puree (SPP) had a higher total condensed tannins content (TCT, 0.15 mg catechin equivalent mg/g). The LC-ESI-QTOF-MS/MS tentatively identified a total of 23 phenolic compounds present in the five pumpkin samples. Through HPLC-PDA quantification, the most abundant phenolic compounds were epicatechin (6.645 μg/g) and catechin (6.146 μg/g) detected in PSS. The comprehensive characterization and quantification of phenolics in processed pumpkins indicate the importance of pumpkins as a promising source of polyphenols with antioxidant properties. This study provides supportive information on the utilization of pumpkin phenolics in the food, pharmacological, and nutraceutical industries.

Metabolite profiling and potential antioxidant activity of sixteen fennel (Foeniculum vulgare Mill.) populations growing wild in Tunisia

Sixteen wild Foeniculum vulgare Mill. populations native to Tunisia were investigated based on their phenolic profile of methanol extracts of seeds. The antioxidant potential was evaluated using four model systems such us total antioxidant capacity (TAC), DPPH-radical scavenging activity, ABTS test and reducing power assay (RPA). Results showed significant variations on extracts yields, total polyphenol content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC) and CTC (condensed tannin content). LC-MS analysis revealed the identification of 26 phenolic compounds. The cirsiliol was reported for the first time as the predominant phenolic compound in all fennel samples with range from 76.16 to 1021.70 µg/g Dry Extract (DE). The different methanol extracts exhibited strong antioxidant capacities with significant differences among locations. The BeniAyech population showed the highest antiradical capacity with IC50= 23.66 and 7.6 µg/mL for DPPH and ABTS tests, respectively. However, the strongest iron reduction capacity of the methanol extract from El Alia location has reached an efficacy concentration of EC50= 34.16 μg/mL similar to the butylatedhydroxytoluene (BHT) standard. This investigation of Tunisian wild fennel showed the great potential of this species as natural source of bioactive antioxidants molecules for food industry.

Total phenolic content, flavonoid content and antioxidant potential of Ceiba Speciosa and Leucas cephalotes

Antioxidants are important to fight cellular stress-a primary cause of the majority of the chronic illness. Natural antioxidants are always preferable over synthetic due to the advantages such as safety. In the current investigation, two plants Ceiba speciosa and Leucas Cephalotes were selected, extracted using various solvents and also subjected to preliminary phytochemical analysis. The extracts were also screened for total phenolic content, total flavonoid content, total condensed tannin content by using standard models. These extracts were then investigated for the Invitro antioxidant activity evaluation using DPPH assay, nitric oxide free radical assay, reducing power assay and total antioxidant assay. The results suggest that the percentage yield is high for methanol extracts and also has better secondary metabolites. The Invitro antioxidant activity results for the extracts reveal that the methanol extract is considerably potent to neutralize the free radicals and produced better results when compared to the standard values. This declares the protective effect of the plants towards the diseases that are associated with cellular stress.

Phytochemical Analysis, Antioxidant and Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitory Activities of Fruit Pulps of Selected Banana Varieties

This study focused on qualitative and quantitative analysis of phytochemicals and the study of antioxidant and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitory activities of fruit pulps of three abundant banana varieties grown in Sri Lanka. Aqueous, ethanol, ethyl acetate and hexane extracts of nearly three-month-old fruit pulps of Musa accuminata AAA, Musa accuminata AAB and Musa balbisiana ABB were prepared by shaking fresh, chopped banana pulps in the above-mentioned solvents separately. The standard spectrophotometric methods were used to quantify the alkaloids, flavonoids, condensed tannins and phenolic compounds contents of four solvent extracts of each banana variety. Among them, the ethanol extract of M. accuminata AAB possessed the highest total alkaloid content, while the ethanol extract of M. balbisiana ABB exhibited the highest total flavonoid content, total condensed tannin content and total phenolic content. The antioxidant and AChE inhibitory activities of each banana variety were determined using standard 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and Ellman’s colorimetric assays, respectively. The ethanol extracts of M. accuminata AAB and M. balbisiana ABB demonstrated the highest antioxidant activity and AChE inhibitory activity, respectively. This reporting study revealed that M. balbisiana ABB and M. accuminata AAB could be recommended as promising sources of edible natural antioxidants and AChE inhibitors, respectively.

Evaluation of Deodorizing Effects of Saccharina japonica in 10-Month-Old ICR Mice Using a Novel Odor Marker Associated with Aging.

The potential deodorizing effects of Saccharina japonica have been evaluated by determining their deodorizing performance, but they are yet to be validated in experimental animals. The deodorizing effects of S. japonica were examined in an animal model using a novel odor marker associated with aging by comparing the concentration of odor component in urine obtained from two- and 10-month-old ICR mice using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and the changes in the trimethylamine (TMA) concentration, ammonia level, and structure of sweat gland were determined after exposing 10-month-old ICR mice to 70% ethanol extract of S. japonica (EESJ) for four weeks. In vitro analysis was performed to confirm the composition of EESJ with respect to the total flavonoid contents (TFC, 28.6 ± 2.5 mg/g), total polyphenol contents (TPC, 107.3 ± 8.9 mg/g), and total condensed tannin contents (TTC, 65.7 ± 5.2 mg/g) contents, as well as to the deodorizing performance to ammonia and acetic acid (91.2 ± 7.8% and 54.8 ± 6.3%, respectively). In vivo analysis revealed TMA to be the novel odor marker associated with aging among the 19 odor components evaluated, considering the higher concentration in the urine of 10-month-old ICR mice. The peak area of TMA on the gas chromatogram was significantly lower in the 10-month-old ICR mice treated with EESJ than in the two-month-old mice. A similar decrease was observed in the level of ammonia obtained from the dirty bedding of the EESJ-treated group. Moreover, tissues obtained from the mouse foot of the group exposed to EESJ showed a dose-dependent decrease in the gland tube number of sweat glands and the TMA dehydrogenase transcription level. Overall, these results provide novel evidence that the administration of EESJ helps reduce the body TMA and ammonia concentrations, resulting in reduced odor and a decrease in the number of sweat glands and the expression of TMA dehydrogenase in the ICR mouse feet.

Biological Properties and Phytonutrient Profile of Beans: Vigna angularis, Vigna radiata, and Glycine max

The consumption of specific plant foods in distinct diets reduces chronic illnesses, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and even cancer. This offers an interesting platform to study the various phytonutrients claimed by numerous studies for providing different physiological and pharmacological effects in the human body. This study has focused on the analysis of phytonutrients in three leguminous plants, namely Vigna angularis (VA), Vigna radiata (VR), and Glycine max (GM). Chemical constituents evaluated include polyphenols, flavonoids, condensed tannins, and polysaccharides, while DPPH free radical scavenging and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays were utilized for in vitro antioxidant activities. The findings showed that the beans contain a professed number of condensed tannins and polyphenols, while they also contain flavonoids and polysaccharides. The 95% ethanol extract of VA showed the highest level of extracted total polyphenols and total condensed tannin content than other extracts. VA 95% EtOH extract exhibited a phytochemical profile consistent with the obtained biological activities such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cell viability. Our study has successfully determined the phytonutrient profiles of the bean extracts and their associated biological activities.

HPLC/MS Phytochemical Profiling with Antioxidant Activities of Echium humile Desf. Extracts: ADMET Prediction and Computational Study Targeting Human Peroxiredoxin 5 Receptor

Plant-based antioxidants such as polyphenols have gained significance in primary health care needs, due to their potential and therapeutic use in modern medicine. Thus, the present study aimed to evaluate, for the first time, the effect of solvents on extraction yield, polyphenolics, phytoconstituents and antioxidant properties of various extracts (aqueous, methanol, ethyl acetate, dichloromethane, hexane) of Echium humile Desf. (E. humile Desf.) through in vitro and in silico studies. Statistically, among the various solvents, both methanol (443.05 ± 0.50 mg GAE/g extract) and aqueous (440.59 ± 0.50 mg GAE/g extract) extracts displayed equipotent and highest total phenolics content (TPC), while dichloromethane extract had the maximum total flavonoid content (TFC) (151.69 ± 0.60 mg QE/g extract), total flavonol content (TFlC) (97.39 ± 0.19 mg QE/g extract) and total carotenoids content (TCC) (537.85 ± 5.06 mg β-CE/g). Meanwhile, the highest total condensed tannin content (TCTC) was recorded together with hexane (131.50 ± 0.1 mg GAE/g extract) and dichloromethane (125.74 ± 5.72 GAE/g extract) extracts. The results of antioxidant studies revealed that ethyl acetate extract exhibited a potent scavenging effect through 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH•) (IC50 = 17.25 ± 1.76 µg/mL) and 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS•+) (1433.30 ± 1.78 µg/mL), while dichloromethane extract displayed significant (p < 0.05) ferric ion reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) activity (375.00 ± 0.02 µg/mL) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) (1999.00 ± 2.05 µg AAE/g). In addition, the quantification of the polyphenolics content of the most active E. humile Desf. extract, ethyl acetate has been assessed by HPLC/MS, leading to the identification of p-coumaric, trans-ferulic acids and cirsiliol as major constituents. Additionally, molecular docking analysis showed that among the selected phytocompounds, naringin (−7.0 kcal/mol) followed by 1,3-di-O-caffeoyquinic acid (−6.6 kcal/mol), rosmarinic acid (−6.6 kcal/mol), rutin (−6.5 kcal/mol) and apigenin-7-O-glucoside (−6.5 kcal/mol) showed the lowest binding potential. Furthermore, ADME and toxicity parameters justify that identified compounds from ethyl acetate extract are safer to replace the synthetic drugs with side effects. The obtained results can provide valuable information on the medical and therapeutic potential use of E. humile Desf. as a potent antioxidant agent to improve immunity.

Chemical Analysis and Anthelmintic Activity Against Teladorsagia Circumcincta of Nordic Bark Extracts In vitro.

Helminth parasitic infections are common in small ruminants in Norway; infection is usually treated with anthelmintic drugs, but anthelmintic resistance is an increasing problem. It is necessary to identify strategies to reduce the use of anthelmintic drugs and mitigate the impact of anthelmintic resistance. Condensed tannin (CT)-rich forages have been shown to reduce the helminth burden in small ruminants, but these forages have limited cultivation potential in Scandinavia. A good source for CT in cold climatic regions may be the bark of several commercially utilized tree species. In the present study, we determined the content and characterized the type of CT in bark extracts of pine (Pinus sylvestris L.), spruce (Picea abies L.), and birch (Betula pubescens). Extracts of selected bark samples were tested for their anthelmintic efficacy against the ovine infectious nematode Teladorsagia circumcincta. Total CT content was higher in the bark from younger (10–40 years old) pine and spruce trees; it decreased with tree age in pine, whereas it remained relatively stable in the bark of spruce and birch. Pine trees consisted of 100% procyanidins, whereas prodelphinins were present in most spruce (4–17%) and all birch samples (5–34%). Our studies clearly showed that there is variation in the anthelmintic activity of water and acetone extracts of bark samples collected from various sites around Norway, as this was measured with two independent in vitro assays, the egg hatch and larvae motility assays. The anthelmintic activity of some extracts was consistent between the two assays; for example, extracts from the three samples with the highest CT content showed very high activity in both assays, whereas the extract from the sample with the lowest CT content showed the lowest activity in both assays. For other extracts, activity was not consistent across the assays, which could be attributed to the susceptibility of the different stages of the parasitic life cycle. We demonstrated that bark extracts from commercially used trees in Scandinavia have the potential to be used as alternatives to anthelmintics. Further work should focus on refining the associations between bark extracts and anthelmintic activity to identify the best strategies to reduce the input of anthelmintic drugs in livestock production systems.

Identification of Methylxanthines and Phenolic Compounds by UPLC-DAD-ESI-MS OTOF and Antioxidant Capacities of Beans and Dark Chocolate Bars from Three Trinitario×Forastero Cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.) Hybrids

Interest on Trinitario cocoa has continuously increased due to the fact that some genotypes of this group had inherited some characters of vigorosity from Forastero and the flavor grade of Criollo. The pronounced incompatibility between Trinitario clones orientates research on the crossing of Trinitario clones with other varieties of cocoa in order to increase productivity and cocoa beans quality. Polyphenols and methylxanthines are bioactive compounds responsible for the health benefits of cocoa and cocoa based products. Cocoa is a crop with a high content of bioactive compounds in the plant kingdom. This study aims at correlating genotypes, methylxanthines and polyphenols as well as antioxidant activity of beans and dark chocolate derived from Trinitario×Forastero hybrids. Total polyphenol content and total condensed tannin contents were determined by spectrophotometric methods. Individual bioactive compounds were identified by UPLC-DAD-ESI(+)-MS both in beans and dark chocolate bar. Results showed differences within beans of dark chocolate and between beans and dark chocolate. Beans from the hybrid (♀)SNK10×(♂)IMC67 recorded the highest polyphenol content (49.18±1.55mg CatE/g) considering the two matrices. The highest concentration of condensed tannins (22.81±0.69 mgCatE/g) was recorded in beans obtained from the hybrid (♀)ICS40×(♂)UPA134. Dark chocolate bar from beans of the hybrid (♀)ICS40×(♂)UPA134 was the richest in condensed tannins (18.25±0.71 mg CatE/g). The total polyphenol and total condensed tannin contents, the chemical composition as well as the antioxidant activity could be genotype-dependent and were affected negatively during roasting. In fact, roasting decreased the polyphenol content and consequently the antioxidant activity. (-)-epicatechin, theobromine, ferulic and chlorogenic acids and their derivatives, procyanidin C1, caffeine and salicylic acid 3-O-glucose/galactose were identified in beans and/or dark chocolate.

Antioxidant activity and laxative effects of tannin-enriched extract of Ecklonia cava in loperamide-induced constipation of SD rats.

To investigate the role of tannin-enriched extracts of Ecklonia cava (TEE) on the regulation of oxidative balance and laxative activity in chronic constipation, we investigated alterations after exposure to TEE, on constipation phenotypes, muscarinic cholinergic regulation, and oxidative stress responses in the transverse colons of SD rats with loperamide (Lop)-induced constipation. This extract contains high levels of total condensed tannin content (326.5 mg/g), and exhibited high inhibitory activity against 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radicals. TEE treatment induced significant improvements in reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, superoxide dismutase (SOD) expression and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) phosphorylation in primary smooth muscles of rat intestine cells (pRISMCs) and transverse colon of constipation model. Also, Lop+TEE treated groups showed alleviated outcomes for the following: most stool parameters, gastrointestinal transit, and intestine length were remarkably recovered; a similar recovery pattern was observed in the histopathological structure, mucin secretion, water channel expression and gastrointestinal hormones secretion in the transverse colon; expressions of muscarinic acetylcholine receptors M2/M3 (mAChR M2/M3) and their mediators on muscarinic cholinergic regulation were significantly recovered. Taken together, these results provide the first evidence that TEE stimulates oxidative stress modulation and muscarinic cholinergic regulation when exerting its laxative effects in chronic constipation models.

Ultrasound Assisted Extraction of Phenolic Compounds from a Jujube By-Product with Valuable Bioactivities

Jujube plant is a potential source of polyphenols with biological propreties. The purpose of this study was to investigate the application of ultrasound technique for extracting phenolic compounds (TPC) from seeds of Zizyphus lotus under optimization conditions based on response surface methodology. A maximum TPC, total flavonoids content (TFC), and total condensed tannins content (TTC) of 2383.10 ± 0.87 mg GAE/100g, 486.50 ± 0.38 mg QE/100g and 15,787.10 ± 0.10 mg CE/100g, respectively obtained under ethanol concentration 50.16%, sonication temperature 29.01 °C, sonication time 15.94 min and solvent-to-solid ratio 34.10:1 mL/g. The optimized extract was then evaluated for its antioxidant, antiacethylcholinesterase, antihypercholesterolemia, and antiproliferative activities. The results showed that ultrasound method is a green and safe method that can be used to effectively extract TPC from jujube seeds. The biological activity of Zizyphus extract exhibited a very good antioxidant against DPPH (EC50 = 0.39 µg/mL) and FRAP (1670.42 ± 6.5 mg/100 g). Additionally, it possesses acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitory effect (IC50 = 0.93 ± 0.01 mg/mL) and HMGR inhibition (45.41%) using 100 µg/mL. The extract significantly inhibits cell proliferation on the MCF-7 and HepG2 tumor cell lines with an IC50 values of <0.05 and 3 ± 0.55 mg/mL, respectively. Therefore, the ultrasound method can be considered a method for obtaining a significant anticancer activity with respect to the lines and therefore makes it possible to recover a maximum of phenolic compounds in less time with an AChE and HMGR inhibitory activity. Thus, it can be suggested that Zls extract is a promising fruit for the development of supplementary dietary due to its potential behaviour as nutraceutical.

Optimization of Roasting Conditions on the Bioactive Compounds and their Antioxidant Power from Opuntia fiscus-Indica Seeds using Response Surface Methodology (RSM)

This work is aimed to optimize the effects of different roasting factors on the bioactive compound’s antioxidant capabilities of opuntia ficus indica seeds by using DPPH and ABTS assays. The Box-Behnken design (BBD) was applied to optimize the roasting temperature (X1:60-200 °C), roasting time (X2:10-50 min), and extraction time (X3: 3–6h). The optimal conditions of roasting applied in order to optimize the greatest content of the responses were: TPC (Total Phenolic Content): X1:200 °C, X2: 50 min, and X3: 5.49 h with 103.5±0.76 GAE/g extract experimental response, TFC (Total Flavonoids content): X1:200°C, X2:50min, and X3:3.16 h with 104.29±0.54 mg QE/g extract experimental response, TTC (Total Condensed Tannins Content ): X1: 200°C, X2: 50min, X3: 6h with 10,16±0.89 mg QAE/g extract experimental response, TSC ( Total Sugars Content ): X1: 60°C, X2:50 min, X3:5.12 h with 40.35±0.99 mg D-Glu E/g extract an experimental response. The maximal antioxidant power by DPPH and ABTS assays was recorded at a strong temperature of roasting. Moreover, the significant correlations were obtained by the principal component analysis (PCA), the first step, between the bioactive compounds, and on the second step, between their antioxidant capacities (DPPH, ABTS). Hierarchical Cluster Analysis (HCA) classified extracts into three clusters on the basis of measured antioxidant activity characteristics. Therefore, the result of this work indicates that roasted Opuntia ficus Indica seeds could be used as a significant human nutrient.