Total Soluble Phenolic Content Research Articles

Twenty Minutes of Ultraviolet-B Light Improved Quality of Cherry Fruits (Prunus avium L. cv 0900 Ziraat) During Storage

This study was carried out to determine the effects of ultraviolet-B (UV-B) and LED light on improving postharvest quality of 0900 Ziraat cherry fruits. In the present study, UV-B treated to cherry fruits 10, 20, and 40 min, and then stored dark conditions. On the other hand, the blue (M), red (KR) and ultraviolet-A (UVA) LED light had applied to fruit during storage, continuously. Fruits without application were used as a control. Cherry fruits were stored at 4±1°C temperature with 85-90% RH for 35 days. As a result of the study, the best treatment in terms of increasing the TSS/TA rate (19.3), fructose (5.27%), glucose (6.22%), total soluble phenol (170.16 mg/100 mL CAE) and anthocyanin content (12.11 mg/kg FW), red color, and taste quality (4.63) of fruits was UVB20. It has also been seen that the KR treatment could be used to reducing the titratable acidity content, and increase the amount of fructose, total soluble phenol. The UV-A LED treatment is particularly significant in reducing weight loss, and providing in the fruit stalk remains green. Also, the treatments of both UVB and LED improved the color quality of cherries by increasing brightness, darkening red color, and protection of anthocyanins, whereas increased the EL. As a result, it might be concluded that the UVB20 (5.95 kJ / m2s) treatment was the best and usable treatment to maintaining both biochemical and taste quality cherry fruits during cold storage.

Effect of Cross-Linked Alginate/Oil Nanoemulsion Coating on Cracking and Quality Parameters of Sweet Cherries.

The cracking of sweet cherries causes significant crop losses. Sweet cherries (cv. Bing) were coated by electro-spraying with an edible nanoemulsion (NE) of alginate and soybean oil with or without a CaCl2 cross-linker to reduce cracking. Coated sweet cherries were stored at 4 °C for 28 d. The barrier and fruit quality properties and nutritional values of the coated cherries were evaluated and compared with those of uncoated sweet cherries. Sweet cherries coated with NE + CaCl2 increased cracking tolerance by 53% and increased firmness. However, coated sweet cherries exhibited a 10% increase in water loss after 28 d due to decreased resistance to water vapor transfer. Coated sweet cherries showed a higher soluble solid content, titratable acidity, antioxidant capacity, and total soluble phenolic content compared with uncoated sweet cherries. Therefore, the use of the NE + CaCl2 coating on sweet cherries can help reduce cracking and maintain their postharvest quality.

Silicon nanoparticle-mediated seed priming and Pseudomonas spp. inoculation augment growth, physiology and antioxidant metabolic status in Melissa officinalis L. plants

Pre-sowing seed priming and seedling inoculation with bioelicitor improve growth and phytochemical constituents of medicinal plants. This study was aimed to investigate the role of seed priming with silicon nanoparticles (nSi, 0, 100 and 500 mg/L) and inoculation of seedling originated from primed seeds with rhizobacteria strains (Pseudomonas fluorescens and P. putida) on physiological and metabolic attributes of Melissa officinalis L. Foliar application of P. putida on plants raised from nSi-primed (at 500 mg/L) seeds showed the wider deposition of nSi on root surface compared with that of P. fluorescens, however, P. fluorescens application on plants grown from nSi-primed (at 100 mg/L) seeds showed more open stomata on leaf surface than non-inoculated controls. Individual treatments of seed priming and seedling inoculation significantly (P < 0.05) increased plant biomass indices, leaf relative water content, photosynthetic pigments values, total soluble protein and phenolic contents, essential oil yield and their all (except thymol) major constituents, neral, geranial, and geranyl acetate compared with the control. However, the maximum increase in measured traits was recorded in mixed treatment of seed priming and inoculation of plants raised from primed seeds with rhizobacteria. Furthermore, the employed treatment combinations enhanced the free radical scavenging activities of plant extracts compared with the individual treatment and untreated control samples. According to the multivariate analyses, the treatments applied in combinations (especially seed priming at 100 mg nSi/L and seedling inoculation with P. putida) scores were substantially farther from the other treatments mean. Overall, seed priming with nSi along with seedling inoculation with pseudomonas strains play vital role in the increase in both primary and secondary metabolites of lemon balm plants.

The Exploitation of Local Vitis vinifera L. Biodiversity as a Valuable Tool to Cope with Climate Change Maintaining Berry Quality.

(1) Background: The associated increase in global mean surface temperature together with raised atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) concentration is exerting a profound influence on grapevine development (phenology) and grape quality. The exploitation of the local genetic diversity based on the recovery of ancient varieties has been proposed as an interesting option to cope with climate change and maintaining grape quality. Therefore, this research aimed to characterize the potential fruit quality of genotypes from seven local old grapevine varieties grown under climate change conditions. (2) Methods: The study was carried out on fruit-bearing cuttings (one cluster per plant) that were grown in pots in temperature gradient greenhouses (TGG). Two treatments were applied from fruit set to maturity: (1) ambient CO2 (400 ppm) and temperature (T) (ACAT) and (2) elevated CO2 (700 ppm) and temperature (T + 4 °C) (ECET). (3) Results: Results showed that some of the old genotypes tested remained quite stable during the climate change conditions in terms of fruit quality (mainly, total soluble solids and phenolic content) and of must antioxidant properties. (4) Conclusion: This research underlines the usefulness of exploiting local grapevine diversity to cope with climate change successfully, although further studies under field conditions and with whole plants are needed before extrapolating the results to the vineyard.

Colonization of Solanum melongena and Vitis vinifera Plants by Botrytis cinerea Is Strongly Reduced by the Exogenous Application of Tomato Systemin.

Plant defense peptides are able to control immune barriers and represent a potential novel resource for crop protection. One of the best-characterized plant peptides is tomato Systemin (Sys) an octadecapeptide synthesized as part of a larger precursor protein. Upon pest attack, Sys interacts with a leucine-rich repeat receptor kinase, systemin receptor SYR, activating a complex intracellular signaling pathway that leads to the wound response. Here, we demonstrated, for the first time, that the direct delivery of the peptide to Solanum melongena and Vitis vinifera plants protects from the agent of Grey mould (Botrytis cinerea). The observed disease tolerance is associated with the increase of total soluble phenolic content, the activation of antioxidant enzymes, and the up-regulation of defense-related genes in plants treated with the peptide. Our results suggest that in treated plants, the biotic defense system is triggered by the Sys signaling pathway as a consequence of Sys interaction with a SYR-like receptor recently found in several plant species, including those under investigation. We propose that this biotechnological use of Sys, promoting defense responses against invaders, represents a useful tool to integrate into pest management programs for the development of novel strategies of crop protection.

Two galling insects (Hartigiola annulipes and Mikiola fagi), one host plant (Fagus sylvatica) – differences between leaf and gall chemical composition

Gall-inducing organisms change the chemical properties of galled organs and host plants due to the development of gall tissues that are supposed to shelter the galler and provide it with nutrients. Hartigiola annulipes and Mikiola fagi represent the gall midge family (Diptera; Cecidomyiidae). They share a host plant species, the common beech (Fagus sylvatica), whose leaves they use for galling. Their galls are single-chambered and occur on the upper side of the leaf blade. The morphologies of their galls are different, but there is a lack of studies comparing the impact of both species on the common host. Therefore, we analysed the total contents of carbon, nitrogen, soluble carbohydrates, starch, soluble phenolics and tannins in galls, galled leaves with removed galls and leaves without galls. Samples were collected in two different forest stands in western Poland (Scots pine forest with artificially planted beech trees and a natural beech forest). The influence of the studied gallers on the leaves is species- and forest-dependent. Perhaps seasonal changes and the level of infestation are also responsible for the chemical changes. The content of soluble carbohydrates in the galls of H. annulipes reaches an optimized level and is independent on the forest type. A high infestation level by H. annulipes is manifested itself in an elevated content of total soluble phenolics and tannins in leaves, while gall tissues do not accumulate soluble phenolics. The low levels of nitrogen in the gall tissues of both gallers leads to the rejection of the nutrition hypothesis; however, M. fagi galls act as sinks for soluble carbohydrates.&#x0D; Keywords: plant galls, chemistry, gall midge, common beech, biochemistry

Two galling insects (Hartigiola annulipes and Mikiola fagi), one host plant (Fagus sylvatica) – differences between leaf and gall chemical composition

Gall-inducing organisms change the chemical properties of galled organs and host plants due to the development of gall tissues that are supposed to shelter the galler and provide it with nutrients. Hartigiola annulipes and Mikiola fagi represent the gall midge family (Diptera; Cecidomyiidae). They share a host plant species, the common beech (Fagus sylvatica), whose leaves they use for galling. Their galls are single-chambered and occur on the upper side of the leaf blade. The morphologies of their galls are different, but there are a lack of studies comparing the impact of both species on the common host. Thus, this was the aim of this study. We analysed the total contents of carbon, nitrogen, soluble carbohydrates, starch, soluble phenolics and tannins in galls, galled leaves with removed galls and leaves without galls collected in two different forest stands in western Poland (a Scots pine forest with artificially-planted beech trees and a natural beech forest). The influence of the studied gallers on the leaves is species- and forest-dependent. Perhaps seasonal changes and the level of infestation are also responsible for the chemical changes. The content of soluble carbohydrates in the galls of H. annulipes reaches an optimized level and is independent of the forest type. A high infestation level by H. annulipes is manifested itself in an elevated content of total soluble phenolics and tannins in leaves, while gall tissues do not accumulate soluble phenolics. The low levels of nitrogen in the gall tissues of both gallers leads to the rejection of the nutrition hypothesis; however, M. fagi galls act as sinks for soluble carbohydrates.

Different Doses of UV-B Treatments Increase Total Soluble Phenols and Anthocyanin Content of Eregli Black Carrot (Daucus carotaL. spp. sativusvar. atrorubensAlef.) During Storage

In the study, the effect of different doses of ultraviolet-B (UV-B) irradiation on the biochemical quality of Eregli Black Carrot (Daucus carota L. spp. sativus var. atrorubens Alef.) investigated, during storage. For this purpose, the carrot roots treated with 0 kJ/m² (control), 1.575 kJ/m² (15d), 3.15 kJ/m² (30d) and 6.30 kJ/m² (60d) doses of UV-B were placed into the 1 kg sized PE bag and then stored in a cold room at 4 ± 1oC temperature and 85-90% relative humidity for 5 months. In the present study, it is found that even if UV-B applications increased the amount of total soluble phenol content of carrots 1.16-1.53 fold during the first month of the experiment, later the amount of TSP decreased. During the storage period, the amount of TSP content changed between 23.72 and 51.11 mg KAE/100 mL. While the lowest amount of anthocyanin has obtained from the control application with 557.76 mg/kg FW, the highest value measured in UV-B 30d with 1636.96 mg/kg FW. As a result of the study, it has determined that UV-B radiation of 3.15 kJ / m² dose could be used to increase the anthocyanin content of carrots.

Cosmeceutical potency of functional ripe buni cider

Buni fruit (Antidesma bunius) is a local seasonal sour fruit in Indonesia and commonly used as street foods such as rujak buni. In this study, we formulated cider drink from ripe buni fruits and determined its efficacy for cosmeceutical potency via antioxidant and collagenase inhibitory activities. Buni ciders were fermented with both single and combine cultures of Acetobacter xylinum and Saccharomyces cereviseae. Ciders were further identified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS) and tested for its antioxidant activity by the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical inhibitory assay, collagenase inhibitory assay, alcohol content by Conway method, total soluble phenolic content, and sensory analysis. Buni cider had a pH of about 3.0 and alcohol content up to 3.6%. Compound profiling showed that buni ciders contained flavonoids, alkaloids, and organic acids. The antioxidant activity of buni ciders was reached in the range of 73.11-78.12 %, and the total phenolic content in ciders was 7.34-22.55 mg gallic acid/mL. Buni cider fermented from single A. xylinum had a potential inhibitory effect against collagenase. Sensory profiling showed that most panelists preferred to drink buni cider fermented from single A. xylinum rather than that of other buni ciders and juice. These data indicate that ripe buni cider fermented from single A. xylinum had potential antioxidant and collagenase inhibitory effects. Besides, it could be applied for cosmeceutical application for the management of skin aging.

Influence of kernel thermal pre-treatments on 5-n-alkylresorcinols, polyphenols and antioxidant activity of durum and einkorn wheat

Nowadays by-products and waste originated from agro-food processes are considered a source of bioactive molecules. The recovery of the greatest amount of these compounds using advantageous processes is important from an economic perspective. In this work, three different thermal pre-treatments, i.e. hydrothermal, hot air-drying (at three different temperatures) and freeze drying, were applied on intact kernels of durum and einkorn wheat to investigate their effects on the recovery and on the homologue chains composition of alkylresorcinols (AR), on total soluble phenolic (TSP) compounds and on total antioxidant capacity (TAC). The results of this preliminary study showed that thermal processing generally improved AR extractability and caused changes in AR homologue composition, whereas a decrease in TSP content was observed in both wheat species. TAC was not affected by the treatments, suggesting that other antioxidant compounds besides TSP contribute to the total antioxidant capacity of wheat. These findings indicate that just modulating the physical parameters of the thermal pre-processes, it could be possible to promote the recovery of specific bioactive compounds most involved in the biological activities.

Evaluation of forty-five cultivars as affected by bulb initiation, bulb and scale characteristics, and bulb minerals and organic compounds of intermediate-day yellow onion (Allium cepa L.) in South Korea

We evaluated and classified forty five onion cultivars according to bulb initiation, bulb and scale characteristics, minerals and organic compounds contents, and storage quality in South Korea during 2016/2017 and 2017/2018 growing seasons. Field experiment was conducted in randomized block design with three replications. Bulb initiation ranged from 153 days after transplanting (DAT, April 2) to 177 DAT (April 26). Fresh bulb weight (FBW) and bulb index (BI) were 285.5 ± 18.5 g/individual, 0.93 ± 0.05, respectively. Number of scales (NS), number of center (NC), and scale thickness (ST) were 7.6 ± 0.2, 2.3 ± 0.2, and 5.5 ± 0.2 mm/scale, respectively. Chroma and Lightness of bulb skin were 27.1 ± 1.9, 61.2 ± 2.3, respectively. Storage loss (SL) on December 12 was 19.4 ± 5.9%. Nitrogen (N), Carbon (C) and sulfur (S) contents were 1.36 ± 0.14, 37.9 ± 3.2 and 0.40 ± 0.06 mg kg−1 on a fresh weight basis. Total soluble solids (TSS) and total phenolics content (TPC) were 8.6 ± 0.6 °Bx, 164.8 ± 15.6 mg GE kg−1 on a fresh weight basis. Days from transplanting to bulb initiation was significantly positively correlated with bulb height, NC, dry matter, N, C, S, TSS, TPC, total flavonoids content (TFC) etc., while it was negatively correlated with rot loss and SL. Dry matter content was significantly positively correlated with N, C, S, TSS, TPC, TFC etc., while it was negatively correlated with SL. Storage loss was negatively correlated with N, S, Potassium and TSS. Dendrogram of agglomerative hierarchical clustering for the forty five cultivars based on bulb initiation, bulb and scale characteristics, and bulb minerals and organic compounds contents classified five cultivar groups. Cluster 1 featured the earliest bulb initiation and the greatest SL. Cluster 2 featured the fewest NS and NR, and the thickest ST. Cluster 3 featured the greatest FBW, and the most NS and NC. Cluster 4 featured the greatest BI and the thinnest ST. Cluster 5 featured the lowest SL, and the highest minerals and antioxidant compounds contents. This information should be helpful for onion growers to decide onion cultivar and for onion breeders to promote new cultivars depending on their purpose.

Foliar Applied Acetylsalicylic Acid Induced Growth and Key-Biochemical Changes in Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) Under Drought Stress.

The exogenous application of acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) is stated to increase tolerance of plants against different environmental stresses. Therefore, the present study was planned to get insight into ASA-mediated regulation of growth, secondary metabolism, and oxidative defense in 2 chickpea varieties. Ten seeds of 2 chickpea varieties (DG-89 and Bittle-98) were sown in plastic pots containing sandy loam soil with 3 drought stress levels, i.e. wet conditions or flooded water (100% FC) as recommended control, 75% FC, 50% FC and 25% FC for chickpea. The moisture contents were maintained and regularly monitored through the addition of normal irrigation water. The design of experimental was completely randomized with 3 replicates per treatment. Penultimate leaves were harvested with knife after 20 days of foliar spray to observe the effect of exogenously applied ASA (100 mg/L) on growth, and key-biochemical attributes of chickpea plants (DG-89 and Bittle-98) under drought stress regimes. Drought stress regimes caused a substantial decline in shoot (37% and 35%) and root length (67% and 78%), shoot (80% and 76%) and root (62% and 68%) fresh masses, shoot (71% and 63%) and root (77% and 74%) dry masses, leaf area per plant (77% and 80%), chlorophyll a (7% and 45%), chlorophyll b (57% and 42%), total chlorophyll (30% and 39%), total carotenoids (76% and 54%), total anthocyanins (38%), reducing sugar (10% and 57%), total soluble proteins (77% and 44%), total flavonoids (61% and 59%) and total phenolics (58% and 31%) contents in both DG-89 and Bittle-98, respectively. A significant increase in MDA (25%), H2O2 contents (100% and 62%), proline (145% and 131%), and ascorbic acid (133% and 203%) contents was documented in stressed plants of both varieties, respectively. Additionally, drought stress significantly improved the activities of POD (154% and 76%), CAT (87% and 45%) and SOD (248% and 143%) in both varieties. Exogenous application of ASA reduced drought-mediated oxidative stress by reducing MDA (53% and 14%), and H2O2 (84% and 56%) contents, proline contents (50% and 17%) and enhanced the shoot (6% and 25%) and root (43% and 33%) dry masses, leaf area (9% and 10%), chlorophyll a (7% and 32%), b (82% and 81%), and carotenoids (53% and 33%) in both barley cultivars. When plants of chickpea was treated with ASA had greater total anthocyanins (26% and 35%), free amino acids (48% and 28%), ascorbic acid contents (135% and 179%), total soluble proteins (34% and 23%), total flavonoids (58% and 35%) and phenolic (50% and 69%)contents besides the POD (41% and 64%), CAT (23% and 56%) and SOD (73% and 72%) enzymes activities. Plants of DG-89 showed more tolerance to drought stress than that of Bittle-98 as a manifest from higher plant biomasses. Thus, our results showed that foliar-applied ASA is an effective strategy that can be used to improve the tolerance of chickpea plants to drought stress.

Attenuating the adverse aspects of water stress on wheat genotypes by foliar spray of melatonin and indole-3-acetic acid

Melatonin is important due to its involvement in regulation of diverse mechanisms in plants. Its presence in plants is universal and provides primary defense against environmental stresses. In this study the effect of foliarly applied indole-3-Acetic Acid (IAA) and melatonin (control, 100, 150µg/g each) on wheat seedling growth under water deficit condition was examined. The mitigation of stress was seenin melatonin treated wheat plants facing abiotic stress, with less accumulation of the H2O2, MDA and anthocyanin. A marked decrease in chlorophyll, total soluble proteins, total soluble sugars, ascorbic acid, phenolic contents and yield- related attributes was noticed in stressed condition. Treatment with melatonin and IAA alleviated stress induced decrease in biochemical attributes, and growth of wheat plants in a dose-dependent manner. A significant increase in yield was achieved by melatonin treatments in Ujala-2016 under limited water supply. It is worthy to mention that melatonin spray at 150µg/g followed by IAA proved to be the most pronounced treatment in the buildup of osmolytes and regulation of antioxidant defense system with increase in yield under water limited environment.

Physical, chemical and pasting features of maize Italian inbred lines

To help predicting the performance of maize flour during food processing, a set of 23 Italian inbred lines derived from recent breeding programs has been analyzed for chemical traits (protein, lipid, starch and amylose content) and pasting behavior and compared to US variety B73. Total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and soluble phenolic content (SPC) were also determined in maize flour. Two amylose extender lines (Lo1413ae and Lo1489ae, 31.60% and 48.41% amylose, respectively) were included in the set. A large variability was observed among the breeding lines for all the chemical parameters (protein: 9.66–14.79% dm; lipid: 2.21–5.68% dm; starch: 54.65–68.70% dm; amylose content: 18.70–48.41% dm). The range of variation of TAC (12.17–21.26 mmol TE/kg dm) and SPC (0.74–1,30 gGAE/kg dm) was also quite large. As regards the pasting properties, the peculiar values shown by the ae lines during heating led to an absence of viscosity. Among the other lines, Lo1481, Lo1530, Lo1457, Lo1451 and Lo1473 might represent the best genotypes for pasta making, due to their strong tendency to retrogradation. On the other side, Lo1430, Lo1550, Lo1270 and Lo1404, showing a lower tendency to retrograde, seem to be suitable for bread production. The relevant variability of pasting properties in the Italian germplasm, therefore, suggests the possibility to choose the most appropriate genotypes according to the hydrothermal conditions used in food processes and/or to the characteristics of the final product.

Development of soymeal fortified cookies to combat malnutrition

AbstractThe defatted soy flour contains a lot of essential amino acids and proteins of high biological value and, therefore, it is suitable for the development of protein rich food products. The aim of the study was to develop protein‐rich soymeal fortified cookies using different combination of wheat flour (WF) and soymeal flour (SMF) and characterize. The blends (WF/SMF) were selected in the ratio of 100:0 (S0), 85:15 (S15), 80:20 (S20), and 75:25 (S25) to improve the nutrient content of the cookies. The physicochemical, functional, sensory and nutritive properties, total phenolic contents, and antioxidant properties of those flour blends and developed cookies were assessed. The fortified cookies had higher total soluble phenolic contents and antioxidant capacities in terms of total gallic acid and oxygen scavenging potential. Furthermore, a strong correlation was observed between the total soluble phenolic contents and the antioxidant capacities based on the DPPH (r = 0.945 and 0.912) and ABTS (r = 0.921 and 0.941), respectively, for the fortified flour and the formulated cookies. The calcium and iron contents in the fortified cookies were higher than the control cookies. The formulation containing 20% of soy flour exhibited the best organoleptic characteristics with improved nutritional and antioxidant properties and shelf life.

The efficacy of edible film from Konjac glucomannan and saffron petal extract to improve shelf life of fresh-cut cucumber.

The efficacy of saffron petal extract (SPE; 1%–4%) incorporated into Konjac glucomannan (KGM) edible films on the quality and shelf life of fresh‐cut cucumbers was evaluated. Changes in chemical, physical, and microbial properties, antioxidant activity, and total soluble phenolic contents of sliced cucumbers during storage at 4°C for 5 days were investigated. Results showed that the addition of SPE markedly reduced the water vapor permeability features of produced films, whereas the moisture content and transparency of them increased (p < .05). All the formulated films containing 1%–4% of SPE exhibited significant antimicrobial properties against the examined pathogens (Escherichia coli, Shigella sonnei, Salmonella Typhi, Staphylococcus aureus, and Bacillus cereus) both in vitro and in vivo conditions. KGM films incorporated SPE were successful in reducing mesophilic bacteria and fungi populations so that the microbial load significantly decreased as the concentrations of SPE increased and KGM + 4% of SPE was considered as the most effective treatment in decreasing the microbial content of sliced cucumbers. Total soluble solids of the treated cucumbers were significantly increased at the end of the storage in refrigerator, compared to the control sample. Moreover, antioxidant activity (DPPH assay) and total soluble phenols in treated fruit increased with storage time, while these parameters decreased with increasing concentrations of SPE incorporated into KGM film. So according to the findings, the introduced film with KGM and SPE could be considered as an edible film and be applied to preserve the fruit and vegetables quality and extend the shelf life of sliced cucumbers.

Preparation, characterizations and antibacterial activity of different nanoemulsions incorporating monoterpenes: in vitro and in vivo studies

Bio-based oil in water nanoemulsions incorporating (R)-carvone, cinnamaldehyde, citral, geraniol and pulegone were prepared, characterized and evaluated against two plant pathogenic bacteria. Nanoemulsions were prepared at 5% monoterpene into an aqueous solution containing a surfactant (tween 80, 10%) with stirring and ultra-sonication. The antibacterial activities were significantly affected by the formulation and nanoemulsion of cinnamaldehyde was the most active against Pectobacterium carotovorum and Ralstonia solanacearum (MIC = 60 and 100 mg/L, respectively). To explore the potential mechanism underlying the induced systemic resistance mediated by emulsified cinnamaldehyde, peroxidase (POD), polyphenol oxidase (PPO) and total soluble phenolic content were monitored in spunta potato (Solanum tubersum, L.) in tubers and leaves. The results showed that the activity PPO, POD and total phenolic content of tubers and leaves by cinnamaldehyde nanoemulsion at 1000 and 3000 mg/L were higher than control. Incorporation of such inexpensive treatments might reduce management costs and reduce the environmental pollution.

Phytochemical Profiles and Antioxidant Activity of Grasses Used in South African Traditional Medicine.

Grasses are a valuable group of monocotyledonous plants, used as nourishing foods and as remedies against diseases for both humans and livestock. Phytochemical profiles of 13 medicinal grasses were quantified, using spectrophotometric methods and ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC–MS), while the antioxidant activity was done using DPPH and ferric-reducing-power assays. The phytochemical analysis included the total soluble phenolic content, flavonoids, proanthocyanidins, iridoids and phenolic acids. Among the 13 grasses, the root methanolic extracts of Cymbopogon spp., Cymbopogon nardus and Cenchrus ciliaris contained the highest concentrations of total soluble phenolics (27–31 mg GAE/g DW) and flavonoids (4–13 mg CE/g DW). Condensed tannins and total iridoid content were highest (2.3 mg CCE/g DW and 3.2 mg HE/g DW, respectively) in Cymbopogon nardus. The most common phenolic compounds in the grass species included ρ-coumaric, ferulic, salicylic and vanillic acids. In the DPPH radical scavenging assay, the EC50 values ranged from 0.02 to 0.11 mg/mL for the different grasses. The best EC50 activity (lowest) was exhibited by Cymbopogon nardus roots (0.02 mg/mL) and inflorescences (0.04 mg/mL), Cymbopogon spp. roots (0.04 mg/mL) and Vetiveria zizanioides leaves (0.06 mg/mL). The highest ferric-reducing power was detected in the whole plant extract of Cynodon dactylon (0.085 ± 0.45; r2 = 0.898). The observed antioxidant activity in the various parts of the grasses may be due to their rich pool of phytochemicals. Thus, some of these grasses provide a source of natural antioxidants and phytochemicals that can be explored for their therapeutic purposes.

Effect of Pasteurization on Chemical and Functional Properties of Xoconostle (Opuntia joconostle) Juice

Background: The xoconostle (Opuntia joconostle Web.) plant is produced mainly in the Central Highlands region of Mexico. The main aim of this research was to determine the effect of pasteurization on chemical and functional properties of xoconostle juice. Methods: Total Soluble Solids (TSS), pH, Titratable Acidity (TA), total phenolic and flavonoid content, betacyanins, betaxanthins, and reducing and non-reducing sugars contents were determined in both unpasteurized and pasteurized xoconostle juices. In vivo assay using Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT) was done in male rats to evaluate the anti-hyperglycemic effect of juice. Data were statistically analyzed using SigmaPlot. Results: There was a meaningful increasing (p&lt;0.05) in the pigment contents after the pasteurization process, as betacyanins and betaxanthins contents increased to 0.112 and 0.096 µg/g, respectively. In spite of pasteurized xoconostle, the unpasteurized group showed anti-hyperglycemic effects at 60 min of OGTT. Conclusion: Pasteurization temperature had no adverse effect on the antioxidant activities of xoconostle fruit. Although fresh xoconostle juice revealed considerable anti-hyperglycemic properties in rats, this effect was not found in the pasteurized xoconostle juice.

Processing of Herbal Tea from Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.): Effects of Drying Temperature and Brewing Conditions on Total Soluble Solid, Phenolic Content, Antioxidant Capacity and Sensory Quality

Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) is an annual shrub popularly grown in tropical and subtropical areas. Although Roselle fruit has been used for a long time as a herbal tea due to its high content of bioactive compounds like phenolic acids and anthocyanins, the studies on the effects of the drying process and brewing conditions on the content of beneficial components and bioactivities of Roselle tea is limited. In this study, the influence of drying temperature on the retention of total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant capacity (AC) of the dried Roselle and the effects of brewing conditions including water temperature, liquid-solid ratio and brewing time on total soluble solid (TSS) content, total phenolic content, and antioxidant capacity of Roselle tea were investigated. The drying at 80 °C produced the dried Roselle with the highest retention of TPC (25.196 mg GAE/g) and AC (IC50 of 2.2 mg/mL for 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) inhibition) and the highest sensory quality compared to the drying at other temperatures. The brewing process using hot water at 90 °C with the solid-liquid ratio of 1:10 (g/mL) for 30 min resulted in the highest TSS content (5.4 oBx), TPC (12.7 mg GAE/g dried Roselle) and AC (73.3% DPPH inhibition) of the Roselle tea. Thus, the drying at 80 °C combined with the brewing of dried Roselle for 30 min using 90 °C hot water with the solid-liquid ratio of 1:10 (g/mL) are recommended to produce Roselle tea with the highest content of beneficial ingredients.