Total Soluble Phenolic Content Research Articles

Quality Traits and Nutritional Components of Cherry Tomato in Relation to the Harvesting Period, Storage Duration and Fruit Position in the Truss.

It is well known that the harvesting period and the storage duration have a significant effect on the quality characteristics of cherry tomato fruits. On the other hand, the effect of the fruit position in the truss has not been studied, as well as the relative contribution of each one of these factors on fruit quality. For this purpose, cherry tomato (Genio F1) whole trusses were harvested at the fruit red ripe stage during three periods. At each harvesting period, the first four (at the base of the truss) and the last four (at the top) fruits from each truss that was previously trimmed to 10 fruits, were stored at 12 °C for 0, 4 and 10 days. At the end of each storage duration, the external color, firmness, antioxidant capacity, pH and titratable acidity, as well as dry matter, soluble solid, total soluble phenol, lycopene, total carotenoid and β-carotene content, were determined. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) indicated that the harvesting period had the most significant effect on skin color parameters L * and C * and β-carotene, as well as on antioxidant capacity, total soluble phenols, dry matter and total soluble solids, while it also had an appreciable effect on titratable acidity. The storage duration had a dominant effect on firmness, total carotenoids and lycopene, while it had an appreciable effect on skin color parameter L * as well. On the other hand, the fruit position in the truss exerted an exclusive effect on ho and a */b * ratio skin color parameters and pH and an appreciable effect on titratable acidity.

The Effects of Fixation Methods on the Composition and Activity of Sea Buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) Leaf Tea

Fixation is the key step to improve the quality of sea buckthorn leaf tea. Composition and activity are important indexes to evaluate the quality of sea buckthorn leaf tea. Comparing the effects of fixation methods on components and activities provides a theoretical basis for the contemporary, controllable, and continuous production of sea buckthorn leaf tea. The effects of six different fixed methods, pan-firing fixed (PF), steaming fixed (SF), boiling water fixed (BF), hot air fixed (HF), microwave fixed (MWF), and infrared fixed (IRF) for sea buckthorn leaf tea in terms of α-glucosidase inhibitory activity, lipase inhibitory ability, and the antioxidant capacity were studied. The total flavonoids (TF) content, total soluble phenolics (TP) content, water-soluble carbohydrate (WSC) content, the inhibitory activity of α-glucosidase, lipase inhibitory ability, and the antioxidant capacity of fixed sea buckthorn leaf tea were significantly higher ( p ≤ 0.05 ) compared with sea buckthorn leaf. IRF and MWF samples had higher ( p ≤ 0.05 ) contents of TF (92.48 mg RE/g and 79.20 mg RE/g), TP (115.37 mg GA/g and 135.18 mg GA/g) and WSC (4.24% and 4.39%). The DPPH radical scavenging activity of the SF sample was the strongest one, followed by the MWF sample and IRF sample ( p ≤ 0.05 ). The hydroxyl radical scavenging ability and reducing power of IRF were the strongest one, followed by the MWF sample ( p ≤ 0.05 ). The IRF sample had the strongest α-glucosidase inhibitory activity ( p ≤ 0.05 ), and the MWF sample had the strongest lipase inhibitory ability while samples contained the same amount of total polyphenols ( p ≤ 0.05 ). Principal component analysis results showed that the IRF sample, MWF sample, and SF sample had higher comprehensive principal component values. MWF takes less time than IRF, which operated at 2,450 MHz (full power of 700 W) for 2 min. Therefore, MWF was the most suitable fixation method for sea buckthorn leaf tea. Practical Applications. Leaf tea is the main product of sea buckthorn leaf. However, at present, the quality of sea buckthorn leaf tea in the market is uneven, the processing methods are diverse, and there is no certain quality standard. This paper provides some data support and theoretical support for the production, processing, and purchase of sea buckthorn leaf tea.

Drying Characteristics and Quality Analysis of Medicinal Herbs Dried by an Indirect Solar Dryer.

Considering the solar radiation status in Oman, a low-cost, indirect, stand-alone, forced-convective solar dryer was developed to dry medicinal herbs, which are sensitive to direct sun. The hot air flow was obtained using a solar-panel-powered blower and air passing through a black-body solar collector. This drying process could extend the shelf life of herbs while preserving their medicinal and nutritional (physicochemical) properties and adhering to food safety and hygiene practices. This study investigated the benefits of an indirect solar drying technique on the retention of quality attributes of mint and basil used in medicinal applications. Herbs used during drying could be subjected to changes in their physicochemical properties such as color, water activity (Aw), total soluble solids (TSS), phenol content, antioxidant capacity, and moisture content (MC), and, thus, results were compared with fresh herb samples. The dryer chamber-maintained temperature and relative humidity regimes of 30-50 °C and 21-95% and the expected final moisture content (wet basis) was 10%. The dryer showed improved physicochemical quality parameters and the retention of green color with parameter ranges of Aw 0.44-0.63, phenol content (increase) 1705-8994 mg/100 g DM, and antioxidant capacity (increase) 0.61-0.67 µmol/g DM, respectively. This study showed the ability of developed solar dryers to preserve the physicochemical properties of medicinal herbs during drying and can extend to other food products.

Assessment of nitrogen-fixing endophytic and mineral solubilizing rhizospheric bacteria as multifunctional microbial consortium for growth promotion of wheat and wild wheat relative Aegilops kotschyi

Microbes play crucial functions in maintaining the health and growth of the plants directly or indirectly by supplying nutrients. These microbes could be used as biofertilizers for the enhancement of soil health and growth of crops. In preset investigation, potential microbes from endophytic and rhizospheric region of Aegilops kotschyi growing in green slopes of Shivaliks, Himachal Pradesh were sorted out and screened for plant growth promoting attributes including phosphorus and potassium solubilization. The potential bacterial strains were identified through 16S rRNA gene sequencing and developed as microbial consortium for the plant growth of wheat and wild wheat relative Aegilops kotschyi. A total 125 isolates of bacteria were sorted out and among them 36 were found as P-solubilizers and 19 showed K-solubilization attribute and two highly potential bacterial strain were identified as Bacillus tropicus EU-ARP-44 (P-solubilizer; 270.5 ± 0.00 mg L−1) and B. megaterium EU-ARK-23 (K-Solubilizer; 51.3 ± 1.7 mg mL−1). The microbial consortium of Rahnella sp. strain EU-A3SNfb (N-fixer; MN294545), B. tropicus EU-ARP-44 (P-solubilizer) and B. megaterium EU-ARK-23 (K-solubilizer) evaluation in Aegilops kotschyi and wheat crop resulted in the enhancement of growth as well as physiological parameter including shoot/root length, fresh/dry weight and chlorophyll, carotenoid, total soluble sugar content, phenolic and flavonoid content as compared to un-inoculated control. Microbial consortium consisting of potential plant growth promoting (PGP) bacterial strains could be used as biofertilizer and bioinoculants in cereals crop growing in hilly region.

Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) influenced seed development, grain quality, and remobilization by affecting the transcription of microRNA 171 (miR171), miR156, NAM, and SUT genes in wheat (Triticum aestivum): a biological advantage and risk assessment study.

Limited studies have been conducted on the role of microRNAs (miRs) and transcription factors in regulating plant cell responses to nanoparticles. This study attempted to address whether the foliar application of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs; 0, 10, 25, and 50 mgL-1) can affect miRs, gene expression, and wheat grain quality. The seedlings were sprayed with ZnONPs (0, 10, 25, and 50 mgL-1) or bulk counterpart (BZnO) five times at 72h intervals. The application of ZnONPs at 10 mgL-1 increased the number of spikelets and seed weight, while the nano-supplement at 50 mgL-1 was accompanied by severe restriction on developing spikes and grains. ZnONPs, in a dose-dependent manner, transcriptionally influenced miR156 and miR171. The expression of miR171 showed a similar trend to that of miR156. The ZnONPs at optimum concentration upregulated the NAM transcription factor and sucrose transporter (SUT) at transcriptional levels. However, the transcription of bothNAMandSUTgenes displayed a downward trend in response to the toxic dose of ZnONPs (50 mgL-1). Utilization of ZnONPs increased proline and total soluble phenolic content. Monitoring the accumulation of carbohydrates, including fructan, glucose, fructose, and sucrose, revealed that ZnONPs at 10 mgL-1 modified the source/sink communication and nutrient remobilization. The molecular and physiological data revealed that the expression of miR156 and miR171 is tightly linked to seed grain development, remobilization of carbohydrates, and genes involved in nutrient transportation. This study establishes a novel strategy for obtaining higher yields in crops. This biological risk assessment investigation also displays the potential hazard of applying ZnONPs at the flowering developmental phase.

BIOCHEMICAL CHANGES IN LEAVES OF RESISTANT AND SUSCEPTIBLE URDBEAN GENOTYPES INFECTED WITH URDBEAN LEAF CRINKLE VIRUS (ULCV)

Urdbean leaf crinkle virus (ULCV) is a widespread and most destructive virus that causes leaf crinkle disease in black gram. Virus infection causes alteration in physiological and biochemical processes within the plant. In present study, effect of viral infection was investigated on chlorophyll content, total soluble sugar, total protein, phenolic contents, sodium dismutase (SOD) and nitrate reductase activities in the leaves of susceptible and resistant genotypes of urdbean at 30 days after virus inoculation. Disease symptoms were mild (6.7% to 10%) in resistant genotypes and severe (36% to 43%) in susceptible genotypes. ULCV infection resulted in a significant decrease in chlorophyll content in infected plants of all genotypes over control plants; however, magnitude of reduction was more in susceptible genotypes (41%) as compared to the resistant genotypes (14.35%). The total sugar and protein contents were significantly higher in the inoculated susceptible (210.26 % and 68.67%, respectively) as compared to the resistant genotypes (183.87% and 25.89%, respectively). Also, the total phenolic content was significantly higher in inoculated resistant genotypes (83.91%) over the susceptible genotypes (25.89%). There was significant decrease in the activity of superoxide dismutase enzyme in resistant genotypes as compared to susceptible inoculated genotypes. Similarly, a reduction in nitrate reductase activity was more in inoculated plants of resistant genotypes. Our results indicate that post-infection significant increases in total sugars and proteins in susceptible genotypes and phenols in resistant genotypes may have a role in disease resistance and development. Changes in enzymatic activities in resistant and susceptible genotypes might also have some role in resistance against ULCV.

Defense Response to Fusarium Infection in Winter Wheat Varieties, Varying in FHB Susceptibility, Grown under Different Nitrogen Levels

Fusarium head blight and inadequate nitrogen fertilization can cause numerous biochemical changes in wheat. The main aim of this study was to determine the effects of Fusarium inoculation and a broader range of different nitrogen fertilization on the defense response in the spikes of four wheat varieties, varying in FHB susceptibility. Total soluble phenolics content, activities of enzymes involved in phenol metabolism (PAL and PPO), and total antioxidant capacity were determined as indicators of defense response. In both growing seasons, Fusarium inoculation altered PHE content in wheat spikes, indicating involvement of PHE in the defense response to Fusarium attack. Increased PHE content in the partially resistant varieties (Apache and Graindor) indicates involvement of PHE in the defense response and better disease tolerance in the more resistant varieties. Breeding wheat varieties with enhanced PHE synthesis could be a promising strategy to control FHB. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study that emphasizes the effects of Fusarium infection and a broader range of different nitrogen fertilization on PHE and enzymes involved in PHE metabolism. In addition, this is the first study using the FRAP method to determine the antioxidant capacity of wheat tissues under the influence of Fusarium infection and different nitrogen fertilization.

Chitosan augments bioactive properties and drought resilience in drought-induced red kidney beans

Application of 0.25% chitosan during seed priming or its foliage spray on Phaseolus vulgaris L. grown under restricted irrigations was assessed for its role in the enhancement of bioactive properties like antioxidant potential of dry seed. Seven hydroxycinnamic acid and eleven hydroxybenzoic acid derivatives were identified and quantified in seeds collected from treated plants using LC-MS/MS. The major phenolics in all the treatments were in the order; ferulic acid > p-coumaric acid > o-coumaric acid > gallic acid and salicylic acid. However, the concentrations of each differed significantly at p < 0.01, with ferulic acid (324.304 µg/g) in red kidney bean seed grown under 30% irrigation with primed seed as the most predominant phenolic. Phenolics reported are representative of the phenylpropanoid pathway having a defined role in combating abiotic stress. The DPPH free radical scavenging activity, metal chelation, and reducing power antioxidant activities of the crude extract of seeds were investigated and found to elevate with increase in imposing more drought stress. Total soluble phenol content was found to have a strong correlation with the antioxidant activities with DPPH radical scavenging activity (-0.88), reducing power activity (0.87) and chelating power activity (-0.85). Principal components PC1 and PC2 accounted for almost 64.40% as the principal contributors in augmenting the bioactive properties and drought resilience. Overall, our findings indicate that 0.25% chitosan as seed and foliar spray augments bioactive properties and drought resilience in drought induced red kidney beans.

Production and Shelf-Life Study of Probiotic Caja (Spondias mombin L.) Pulp Using Bifidobacterium animalis ssp. Lactis B94.

The highly nutritional caja fruit (Spondias mombin L.) is an accessible source of vitamins and antioxidants that are indispensable for the human diet. The objective of the present work was to study the production of a probiotic caja pulp using Bifidobacterium animalis ssp. lactis B94. Firstly, a kinetic study was performed on the fermentation of the caja pulp with Bifidobacterium animalis ssp. lactis B94 to determine the optimum conditions of the process. Growth kinetics revealed that the ideal time for ending the fermentation would be at 22 h because it corresponds to the end of the exponential phase. Both the whole pulp and the probiotic pulp were characterized for pH, acidity, total soluble solids, water content, phenolic content, reducing carbohydrates, ascorbic acid, and total carotenoids. Physicochemical characterization revealed similar results between the whole and the probiotic pulp. The stability test demonstrated that the probiotic pulp is stable and preserved the probiotic attributes of the final product. In conclusion, our results reveal that caja pulp can be considered a favorable medium for the Bifidobacterium animalis ssp. lactis B94 growth and consequently can be explored biotechnologically for new food products.

Effect of mango kernel seed starch-based active edible coating functionalized with lemongrass essential oil on the shelf-life of guava fruit

In the present investigation, the mango kernel seed starch-based edible coating was developed combined with different concentrations of lemongrass essential oil (EO). The effects of different edible coating formulations, such as T1 (2% mango kernel seed starch); T2 (2% mango kernel seed starch + 0.25% lemongrass essential oil); T3 (2% mango kernel seed starch + 0.5% lemongrass essential oil); and T4 (2% mango kernel seed starch + 1% lemongrass essential oil), were investigated for physiological, physiochemical, and microbiological properties of fresh guava fruit stored at 23 ± 2°C and a relative humidity of 85 ± 5% for up to 9 days. Results of the present study revealed that the mango kernel seed starch edible coating combined with lemongrass essential oil was effective in enhancing the storage life of guava fruit by maintaining their quality attributes. Treatment of mango kernel seed starch with 0.5% lemongrass essential oil (T3) was the most significant (P &lt; 0.05) treatment to reduce physiological loss in weight and oxidation rate while maintaining the physiochemical characteristics, such as acidity, total soluble solids, textural property, phenolic contents, and sensory profiles of stored guava fruit samples, followed by T4 treatment. The microbial load of yeast and mold was also reduced by T3 and T4 treatments. All coating treatments were potent to enhance the storage life of guava fruit with improving post-harvest quality attributes for up to 9 days of storage. However, retention of higher quality of fruit was observed with T3 treatment.

Effect of mango kernel seed starch-based active edible coating functionalized with lemongrass essential oil on the shelf-life of guava fruit

In the present investigation, the mango kernel seed starch-based edible coating was developed combined with different concentrations of lemongrass essential oil (EO). The effects of different edible coating formulations, such as T1 (2% mango kernel seed starch); T2 (2% mango kernel seed starch + 0.25% lemongrass essential oil); T3 (2% mango kernel seed starch + 0.5% lemongrass essential oil); and T4 (2% mango kernel seed starch + 1% lemongrass essential oil), were investigated for physiological, physiochemical, and microbiological properties of fresh guava fruit stored at 23 ± 2°C and a relative humidity of 85 ± 5% for up to 9 days. Results of the present study revealed that the mango kernel seed starch edible coating combined with lemongrass essential oil was effective in enhancing the storage life of guava fruit by maintaining their quality attributes. Treatment of mango kernel seed starch with 0.5% lemongrass essential oil (T3) was the most significant (P &lt; 0.05) treatment to reduce physiological loss in weight and oxidation rate while maintaining the physiochemical characteristics, such as acidity, total soluble solids, textural property, phenolic contents, and sensory profiles of stored guava fruit samples, followed by T4 treatment. The microbial load of yeast and mold was also reduced by T3 and T4 treatments. All coating treatments were potent to enhance the storage life of guava fruit with improving post-harvest quality attributes for up to 9 days of storage. However, retention of higher quality of fruit was observed with T3 treatment.

Evolution of Volatile Aroma Compounds and Amino Acids in Cabernet Gernischt Grape Berries (Vitis vinifera L.): Comparison of Different Training Systems for Mechanical Soil Burial.

Soil burial is a survival strategy for grapevines that can safely overwinter in north-western regions of China. A suitable training system was beneficial for soil burial to provide winter protection. Moreover, the training system can also significantly affect fruit quality during the development of grape berries, such as primary and secondary metabolites. In this study, four-year-old Cabernet Gernischt grapevines were used as experimental material and exposed to four training systems, including the Ningxia traditional vertical trunk (control, CK); the gobelet (T1); single guyot (T2); slant trunk with vertical shoot positioning (STVSP) (T3). The results showed that total soluble solid total phenol content was 12.69%, 57% higher under T3 training systems than in the control, and T3 alleviated the canopy density, leading to improving the leaf photosynthetic efficiency gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) assay used to detect the aroma compounds. The results indicated that the T3 training system enhanced the accumulation of alcohols, carbonyl compounds, C6/C9 and esters, which account for the largest proportion of volatile compounds, and the qRT-PCR reveals that VvEcar, Vvter, VvCCD1, and VvLis were raised under T3 at the transcriptional level. Moreover, T3 contributes to most free amino acid synthesis. Additionally, the PCA reveals the correlation of free amino acids under four training systems, which reflected the mostly amino acid related to T3, and thus, we could speculate that T3 enhances the overall aroma. These results may lead to new strategies to select a new, short trunk training system to achieve mechanized buried soil, to prevent cold and produce high-quality wine in this area.

Scouting for Multiple Disease Resistance in Urdbean

Background: Dry root rot (DRR), yellow mosaic disease (YMD) and stem necrosis diseases are inflicting the economic losses in urdbean. Information on the interrelation of morphological and biochemical parameters of the urdbean cultivars with the disease resistance is scarce. Methods: Thirty nine cultivars of urdbean were screened in the field for their resistance to DRR, YMD and stem necrosis diseases during Rabi, 2019-2020. The incidence of the diseases is compared with the morphological characters viz., trichome density, leaf thickness, root thickness and biochemical composition viz., total free amino acids, total soluble sugars and phenol content of cultivars. Result: Cultivar GBG 103 was found resistant to DRR and YMD with the maximum amount of trichome density. No cultivar was found resistant to stem necrosis under field conditions. Correlation analysis revealed the positive correlation of phenol content with the DRR incidence; trichome density and total soluble sugars with YMD incidence. Albeit the leaf thickness and total free amino acid content of the cultivars were negatively correlated with the incidence of the DRR, YMD and stem necrosis diseases.

Evaluation of Eucalyptus Clones for Susceptibility to The Gall Wasp Letocybe invasa Fisher and La Salle

This study investigates the variation among Eucalyptus clones for incidence of gall wasp (Letocybe invasa) and relative changes in biochemical parameters. The three years, and replicated clonal trial involved 14 clones with monthly observations made on the gall wasp incidence. Significant variation was found among the clones, with maximum incidence being in F-316 and relatively the least incidence in C-413, PE-11, PE-14 and C-72. Gall wasp incidence gradually increased from January to April and declined thereafter. The total soluble sugars and phenol content in the infested leaves were found to increase by 49.2 and 22.8% respectively, whereas the protein content decreases (8.8% decrease).

Lactic acid bacteria based fermentation strategy to improve phenolic bioactive-linked functional qualities of select chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) varieties

Chickpea is a rich source of dietary protein and human health promoting phenolic bioactives and globally used as food and food ingredients in contemporary and ethnic cuisines. This makes chickpea an excellent target as source of functional food ingredients for high-value and health-focused food and nutraceutical applications. Important specific interest is targeting counter measures to health risks associated with non-communicable chronic diseases (NCDs). Therefore, beneficial lactic acid bacteria (LAB) based fermentation strategy was recruited to improve phenolic-bioactive linked antioxidant and anti-hyperglycemic properties of select chickpea varieties (Myles, CDC-Anna, Dwelley, and B-90) which were initially screened for high baseline phenolic content. Aqueous extracts of chickpea flour were fermented with Lactiplantibacillus plantarum for 72 h. Total soluble phenolic (TSP) content, specific phenolic compounds, antioxidant activity, anti-hyperglycemic property relevant α-amylase and α-glucosidase, and anti-hypertensive property relevant angiotensin-I-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory activities of unfermented (control), and fermented (with natural acidic pH and adjusted neutral pH) samples were analyzed using rapid in vitro assay models at 0, 24, 48, and 72 h fermentation time points. Overall, TSP content slightly decreased over time, while total antioxidant activity improved with fermentation and specifically at 24 h time point. Higher, α-amylase and α-glucosidase enzyme inhibitory activities were also observed in fermented samples with natural acidic pH. However, anti-hypertensive relevant ACE inhibitory activity was only found in unfermented samples. Therefore, results indicated that LAB-based fermentation can be targeted strategically to improve antioxidant and anti-hyperglycemic relevant functional qualities in select chickpea varieties supporting NCD-linked health-focused food ingredient applications.

Improving phenolic bioactive-linked functional qualities of traditional cereal-based fermented food (Ogi) of Nigeria using compatible food synergies with underutilized edible plants

Traditional fermented foods with unique nutritional profiles are affordable and accessible dietary sources that support basic nutritional needs of many communities around the world. Ogi is a fermented combined cereal (Maize/Sorghum/other Millets) -based food of Nigeria and Sub-Saharan Africa, widely used as breakfast food for adults and weaning food for infants. However, during Ogi processing from cereal grains into slurries, significant losses of essential nutrients occurs, which affect overall nutritional quality. Therefore, improving specific health-targeted functional qualities of Ogi using novel food synergies with local plant based edible sources that are rich in essential nutrients and other health protective bioactives have significant dietary and health relevance. In this study, locally grown underutilized edible plants, like tigernut (Cyperus esculentus) and sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) seeds in different proportions (20 and 30 g) were separately synergized into maize and sorghum (80 and 70 g) and these food synergies were allowed to ferment spontaneously for 48 h. Physiochemical properties, proximate composition, and microbial population count of fermented food synergies were investigated at 0, 24, and 48 h time points. Additionally, total soluble phenolic content, phenolic profile, antioxidant activity, and anti-hyperglycemic property relevant α-glucosidase enzyme inhibitory activity of dried fermented food synergies were determined using rapid in vitro assay models. Food synergy with sesame seeds and natural fermentation resulted in improvement of crude protein, fat, and vitamin C content in both maize and sorghum based Ogi. Furthermore, higher soluble phenolic content and high antioxidant activity were observed in food synergies with sesame seeds and specifically after 24 h of fermentation. High anti-hyperglycemic property relevant α-glucosidase enzyme inhibitory activity was also observed in fermented sorghum synergized with sesame seeds and tigernut. Therefore, integration of food synergy into traditional fermentation process is an effective bioprocessing strategy to improve overall nutritional profile and human health protective functional qualities in cereal-based fermented foods like Ogi targeting dietary and health benefits of wider communities.

Optimization of Phenolic Compound Extraction from Brewers’ Spent Grain Using Ultrasound Technologies Coupled with Response Surface Methodology

Brewers’ spent grain (BSG) is the main solid by-product from the brewery industry, rich in valuable nutrients and bioactive compounds. The aim of this study was to valorize this by-product, recovering phenolic compounds from BSG using ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) and chemometric techniques, such as the response surface methodology (RSM). Therefore, UAE process parameters (temperature and time) and solvent composition (ethanol aqueous mixtures) were optimized using a three-level Box–Behnken design, in order to carry out the maximum yield in phenols. Then, the extract obtained under optimal conditions was characterized for the total phenolic content and antioxidant capacity (2,20-azino-bis(3-ethylbenothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid, ABTS, and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl, DPPH), and individual phenolic compounds were identified using HPLC-DAD. The results show the highest level of total soluble phenolic content (4.1 ± 0.1 mg GAE/g d.w.) at 80 °C, 50 min and 65:35% ethanol:water, with a high goodness of fit between experimental and predicted values (R2 = 0.987), and a high antioxidant potential (DPPH: 0.42 ± 0.01 mg TE eq/g d.w.; ABTS: 5.82 ± 0.04 mg TE eq/g d.w.). A comparison between the classic extraction techniques and the UAE with the same solvent showed an increase of 156% in the phenol yield. The characterization of phenolic profile revealed that ferulic acid (1.5 ± 0.2 mg/L), vanillic acid (0.78 ± 0.18 mg/L) and p-coumaric acid (0.12 ± 0.03 mg/L) were the prevalent ones. UAE coupled with RSM was a useful tool to inexpensively and quickly recover bioactive phenolic compounds from BSG, which can be used in the food, pharmaceutical or cosmetic industries.

Phenolics-Linked Antioxidant and Anti-hyperglycemic Properties of Edible Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa Linn.) Calyces Targeting Type 2 Diabetes Nutraceutical Benefits in vitro

Phenolics- enriched plant food sources are excellent dietary and therapeutic targets to combat the increasing prevalence of diet and lifestyle-influenced non-communicable chronic diseases (NCDs), such as type 2 diabetes (T2D). Among plant sources, edible flowers rich in health protective phenolic compounds provide novel opportunities as ingredient and nutraceutical sources. Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa Linn.) is a popular edible flower and consumed as part of traditional cuisines and processed foods in several countries of Asia and Africa. Red calyces of Roselle are rich in phenolic compounds, which potentially have high antioxidant and anti-hyperglycemic properties. Therefore, there is merit in screening of dried Roselle calyces as sources for functional food ingredients or nutraceuticals to counter chronic oxidative stress and chronic hyperglycemia using in vitro assays. This has led to this study to investigate and compare phenolic compounds associated antioxidant and anti-hyperglycemic functions of different organic solvent-extracted fractions of dried Roselle calyces using rapid in vitro assays-based screening strategy. Total soluble phenolic content, profile of phenolic compounds, free radical scavenging assay-based total antioxidant activity, and anti-hyperglycemic function linked α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities of four different organic solvents (chloroform, hexane, ethyl acetate, and initial crude extraction in 100% methanol) extracted fractions of calyces of Roselle were determined using in vitro assays. Studies indicated high phenolic-linked antioxidant and anti-hyperglycemic relevant properties in red Roselle calyces, specifically in ethyl acetate and methanol solvent-based extracted fractions. Major phenolic compounds in extracted fractions of Roselle calyces were chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, gallic acid, catechin, rutin, benzoic acid, and cinnamic acid. Additionally, moderate α-amylase (30–92%) and very high α-glucosidase (81–98%) inhibitory activities were confirmed in undiluted samples of organic solvent-extracted fractions of Roselle calyces in the in vitro assays. Taken together these in vitro screening results indicated that calyces of Roselle are excellent sources of health protective phenolic compounds with high antioxidant and anti-hyperglycemic functions and organic solvent (ethyl acetate and methanol) extracted fractions of this edible flower can be strategically utilized to design functional food ingredients and nutraceuticals.

Transient computer simulation of the temperature profile in different packaging materials: An optimization of thermal treatment of tender coconut water

AbstractUnderstanding the temperature profile of different packaging materials would be useful for selecting appropriate packaging material for in‐bottle pasteurization. The temperature profile of polypropylene, polyethylene (PE), and polyethylene terephthalate bottles was investigated using COMSOL Multiphysics software to understand the temperature–time correlation with thermal treatments. PE bottles exhibited the least temperature difference between cold and hot spots. Optimization of thermal treatment processing parameters such as temperature (80–95°C) and treatment time (5–15 min) for inactivation of enzymes, namely polyphenol oxidase (PPO) and peroxidase (POD), in tender coconut water (TCW) was performed to the extent its shelf life. The quality parameters of heat‐treated TCW such as pH, total soluble solids (TSS), titratable acidity (TA), turbidity, phenolic content, PPO, POD, and sensory evaluation were analyzed. The multiple linear regression models were developed for each quality parameter using a central composite design (CCD). The optimized treatment conditions were 84°C temperature and 5 min treatment time with the desirability of 0.926. The responses recorded were pH = 5.4, TSS = 5.52, turbidity = 7.1 NTU, TA = 0.06% of malic acid, relative PPO = 0.099, relative POD = 0.093, phenolic content = 44.712 mg gallic acid equivalent/L, and overall acceptability score = 8.Practical ApplicationsUnderstanding the temperature profile of different packaging materials during pasteurization or sterilization is imperative to select the suitable packaging material, and also it would be helpful for designing the heating system. Tender coconut water (TCW) is the most popular natural drink in Asian countries. However, the pasteurization conditions are yet to be optimized to preserve TCW without affecting its bioactive and functional components. The current practice followed for in‐bottle sterilization of TCW is polyethylene terephthalate (PET). This is due to PET being cheaper and readily available than other packaging materials. However, the quality of the TCW could affect PET due to improper heat distribution which can lead to damage of bioactive components. The present study has optimized the suitable pasteurization conditions and packaging material for bottling and marketing TCW. The findings of the present study will boost the market potential of the tender coconut processing industries.

Combinational effect of chemical treatments on quality of litchi (Litchi chinensis) during storage

Attractive red-coloured pericarp is one of the most important factors in the consumer decision to purchase litchi(Litchi chinensis Sonn.). Red colour of the pericarp turns brown within 2-3 days after harvest which reduces themarketability and commercial value of the fruit drastically and finally incurring huge financial losses to growers.This study was carried out to evaluate the possibility of using combinational application of sodium hypochlorite withsodium chlorite and carnauba wax on the quality of harvested litchi during storage (2016–17). Postharvest treatmentsincluded sequential dipping in sodium hypochlorite (0.2%) (T1), sodium hypochlorite (0.2%) + sodium chlorite (0.05%) (T2), sodium hypochlorite (0.2%) + carnauba wax (10%) (T3) and untreated (control) (T4). Treated fruit werethen packed inplastic punnets and stored at 2°C and 90-95% relative humidity (RH). All the treatments significantlyreduced pericarp browning over control. The most remarkable effect was obtained in fruits treated with sodiumhypochlorite (0.2%) in combination with sodium chlorite (0.05%) as evidenced by delayed anthocyanin degradation,lower polyphenol oxidase activity, fruit decay and weight loss. This treatment also maintained better fruit quality asindicated by higher total soluble solids and phenolic content in fruits, thus can be used as a cost-effective method toreduce pericarp browning and prolong marketable life of litchi up to 25 days.