Vegetable Pigments Research Articles

Recent microencapsulation trends for enhancing the stability and functionality of anthocyanins: a review.

Anthocyanins (ACNs) are water-soluble pigments in various fruits and vegetables known for their high antioxidant activity. They are used as natural food colorants and preservatives and have several medicinal benefits. However, their application in functional foods and nutraceuticals is often compromised by their low stability to heat, oxygen, enzymes, light, pH changes, and solubility issues. Spray drying has emerged as an effective microencapsulation technique to enhance the shelf life, quality, and stability of ACNs. This manuscript reviews the latest scientific developments in spray drying microencapsulation of ACNs-rich fruit extracts. Process optimization and the stability and physicochemical properties of the spray-dried, microencapsulated ACNs-rich powders are discussed. This review also covers functional food and nutraceutical applications and introduces novel encapsulation methods, such as freeze-drying, supercritical carbon dioxide (SC-CO2), coacervation, drum drying, and electrospraying, highlighting their potential in improving the utility of ACNs-rich fruit extracts.

Daily Monitoring of Ripening Processes of a Tomato Using an Original Handheld Visible–Near-Infrared Spectrometer

A handheld visible- and shortwave near-infrared spectrometer has been developed for monitoring daily changes in fruits and vegetables. The ripening processes of a mini tomato sample have been monitored daily for about 100 days by this instrument and color values L*a*b* and Brix were measured. Obtained reflection spectra in the 400–1050 nm range were converted to absorption spectra and daily changes of band areas of chlorophyll a (Ch1 a; 640–710 nm), carotenoids (460–520 nm), lycopene (545–600 nm), and water + sugar (920–1050 nm) were determined. The band area of lycopene increased rapidly from 36 to 44 days associated with the increase in a* value, indicating that the increase in the reddish color originated from the increase of lycopene. On the other hand, the band area of Chl a decreased exponentially over 100 days. This Chl a decrease could be well fitted by the first-order reaction giving the rate constant k = 4.07 × 10–7 s–1. These quantitative daily changes of pigments in fruits and vegetables are expected to provide comprehensive bases for their cultivation and harvest.

Capsanthin induces death in human prostate cancer cell lines by inducing DNA damage

Abstract There is a relationship between a person’s diet and the development and prevention of some cancers. Carotenoids are found as various natural pigments in many fruits and vegetables. Studies on carotenoids and their potential roles in carcinogenesis are increasing in importance day by day. In this study, we aimed to determine the cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of capsanthin, a carotenoid compound, in human prostate cancer cell lines. After different concentrations of capsanthin were applied to human prostate cancer cell lines (LNCaP and PC-3), the effects of the compound on cell viability were determined by the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) test. The single-cell gel electrophoresis (Comet) assay was then used to reveal the genotoxic effects of probable cytotoxic dosages on cell DNA. After the treatments, apoptotic cell death levels were determined by Tunel staining. At high concentrations, capsanthin dramatically reduced PC-3 and LNCaP cell viability (p<0.05). In addition, capsanthin caused DNA damage and apoptotic cell death in the prostate cancer cells. The results show that capsanthin reduces cell viability by causing genotoxicity in prostate cancer cells.

Should We 'Eat a Rainbow'? An Umbrella Review of the Health Effects of Colorful Bioactive Pigments in Fruits and Vegetables.

Health promotion campaigns have advocated for individuals to ‘eat a rainbow’ of fruits and vegetables (FV). However, the literature has only focused on individual color pigments or individual health outcomes. This umbrella review synthesized the evidence on the health effects of a variety of color-associated bioactive pigments found in FV (carotenoids, flavonoids, betalains and chlorophylls), compared to placebo or low intakes. A systematic search of PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL and CENTRAL was conducted on 20 October 2021, without date limits. Meta-analyzed outcomes were evaluated for certainty via the GRADE system. Risk of bias was assessed using the Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine critical appraisal tools. A total of 86 studies were included, 449 meta-analyzed health outcomes, and data from over 37 million participants were identified. A total of 42% of health outcomes were improved by color-associated pigments (91% GRADE rating very low to low). Unique health effects were identified: n = 6 red, n = 10 orange, n = 3 yellow, n = 6 pale yellow, n = 3 white, n = 8 purple/blue and n = 1 green. Health outcomes associated with multiple color pigments were body weight, lipid profile, inflammation, cardiovascular disease, mortality, type 2 diabetes and cancer. Findings show that color-associated FV variety may confer additional benefits to population health beyond total FV intake.

A Technical Note of Improvement of the Elnady Technique for Tissue Preservation in Veterinary Anatomy.

Simple SummaryThe Elnday technique is a method to preserve anatomical specimens. The aim of this study was to monitor different biological specimens after modifications to the Elnady technique. For the study, an equine heart, a canine heart, two Chilean frogs, and one canine specimen with thoracic and abdominal viscera were used. Results showed and good preservation of the organs and reactivation of the natural color of the specimens.Teaching veterinary anatomy has been subjected to changes and restrictions that have promoted the development of new techniques for preserving organs and cadavers. The Elnady technique is a recent method for the conservation of tissues. Specimens produced with this technique are realistic, durable, soft, and flexible, but an undesirable feature is the discoloration of tissues. In the present study, we describe modifications of the Elnady technique for organ and tissue preservation. Specimens were prepared on the theoretical basis of the Elnady technique, but at low temperatures and with longer durations for the fixation, dehydration, glycerin impregnation and curing processes. Furthermore, the tissues were pigmented with a red vegetable pigment before dehydration or in the glycerin impregnation process. The results show high-quality specimens with minimal shrinkage and natural color aspects. The modified Elnady technique is adequate for producing specimens of better contrast for education purposes.

Biosynthesis and regulation of anthocyanin pathway genes.

Anthocyanins are the phenolic compounds responsible for coloring pigments in fruits and vegetables. Anthocyanins offer a wide range of health benefits to human health. Their scope has expanded dramatically in the past decade, making anthocyanin control, influx, and outflow regulation fascinating for many researchers. The main culprit is anthocyanin stability and concentration form, which demands novel ways because these are critical in the food industry. This review aims to examine anthocyanin synthesis via triggering transcription genes that code for anthocyanin-producing enzymes. The balance between production and breakdown determines anthocyanin accumulation. Thus, increasing the anthocyanin content in food requires the stability of molecules in the vacuolar lumen, the pigment fading process, and a better understanding of the mechanism. The promising option is biosynthesis by metabolically engineered microorganisms with a lot of success. This study aims to look into and evaluate the existing literature on anthocyanin production, namely the biosynthesis of anthocyanin pathway genes, production by microbial cell factories, and the regulatory factors that can modulate the production of anthocyanins. Understanding these mechanisms will provide new biotechnological approaches.Key points• Factors affecting the regulation of anthocyanins• Focus on degradation, biosynthesis pathway genes, and alternative systems for the production of anthocyanins• Microbial cell factories can be used to produce large amounts of anthocyanins.

Anthocyanins: From Mechanisms of Regulation in Plants to Health Benefits in Foods.

Anthocyanins represent the major red, purple, and blue pigments in many flowers, fruits, vegetables, and cereals. They are also recognized as important health-promoting components in the human diet with protective effects against many chronic diseases, including cardiovascular diseases, obesity, and cancer. Anthocyanin biosynthesis has been studied extensively, and both biosynthetic and key regulatory genes have been isolated in many plant species. Here, we will provide an overview of recent progress in understanding the anthocyanin biosynthetic pathway in plants, focusing on the transcription factors controlling activation or repression of anthocyanin accumulation in cereals and fruits of different plant species, with special emphasis on the differences in molecular mechanisms between monocot and dicot plants. Recently, new insight into the transcriptional regulation of the anthocyanin biosynthesis, including positive and negative feedback control as well as epigenetic and post-translational regulation of MYB-bHLH-WD40 complexes, has been gained. We will consider how knowledge of regulatory mechanisms has helped to produce anthocyanin-enriched foods through conventional breeding and metabolic engineering. Additionally, we will briefly discuss the biological activities of anthocyanins as components of the human diet and recent findings demonstrating the important health benefits of anthocyanin-rich foods against chronic diseases.

Prey Capture in Anthocyanin-free Sarracenia leucophylla (Sarraceniaceae) Is Associated with Leaf Size, But Not Red Pigmentation

Anthocyanin pigmentation is a significant horticultural feature in plants and can be a crucial mediator of plant–insect interactions. In carnivorous plants, the modified leaves that capture prey can be visually striking and are traditionally considered prey attractants. Nevertheless, the question of whether bold color and venation patterns function as lures for insect prey remains ambiguous, and appears to vary across taxa. Furthermore, vegetative pigments can have alternate functions as protectants against thermal and oxidative damage. Our dual-year study compares the wild-type pitcher phenotype with a true-breeding anthocyanin-free mutant of the white-topped pitcher plant (Sarracenia leucophylla Raf.). We bred full-sibling crosses of S. leucophylla carrying either the wild-type anthocyanin gene or the anthocyanin-free variant. In both experimental years, growth points were established in outdoor plots and pitchers were allowed to capture prey before harvest at the end of each growing season. Dry weight of prey biomass was measured from pitchers of both pigment morphs, along with nectary counts, pitcher size, and internal temperature. The presence of anthocyanins in trapping leaves did not affect the biomass of insects captured. Nor did wild-type or anthocyanin-free pitcher morphs differ in size, temperature, or nectary counts. Instead, pitcher height, and, nominally, mouth diameter were better predictors of prey biomass. Despite striking visual differences in pitcher color, wild-type and anthocyanin-free plants did not catch significantly different quantities of prey. Our study provides empirical data that anthocyanin pigmentation in S. leucophylla does not affect the capture of prey biomass, and supports a growing body of literature showing that pigmentation traits serve in multiple contexts.

Comparison of the Impact of Different Types of nZVI on Lolium westerwoldicum

Increasing environmental pollution causes the search for new methods of purification. Currently, the remediation potential of nanoparticles is increasingly being studied. Unfortunately, there is still a lack of data on the impact of these compounds on living organisms, including plants. This study was designed to test the effects of nanoFER 25 and nanoFER 25S iron on Lolium westerwoldicum Breakw. After cultivation of plants in a soil contaminated with nanoparticles, the biometric parameters, content of polyphenols, flavonoids, chlorophyll changes, carotenoids, anthocyanins, superoxide dismutase, catalase and pyrogallol peroxidase were studied. The conducted experiment showed that nano zero-valent iron (nZVI) is slightly taken from the soil to the plants. The iron passes to the root but there is no further transport up the plant. The content of polyphenols and flavonoids in aboveground parts of plants decreases with a simultaneous increase in roots compared to the control sample. The chlorophyll content in the leaves is strongly related to the concentration of the contaminant. Similarly, the enzyme activity of the antioxidant system in the whole plant is strongly related to the concentration of the pollutant. The amount of vegetable pigments in the leaves increases for low concentrations of contamination and then decreases at higher levels of contamination. The study has shown that both types of nanoFER are not indifferent to the plants’ growth.

The Popular Science Experiment of Making Recycled Paper Dyed with Vegetable Pigment

The Popular Science Experiment of Making Recycled Paper Dyed with Vegetable Pigment

Plasma carotenoids and medial temporal lobe atrophy in older adults

AbstractBackgroundCarotenoids are vegetable pigments uniquely provided by diet which have antioxidant, immunomodulatory and specific neuroprotective properties. Carotenes (found in orange‐yellow fruits and vegetables) are precursors of retinoids, key signaling molecules for synaptic plasticity. The xanthophylls, lutein and zeaxanthin (found in green vegetables, orange‐yellow fruits and corn) cross the blood‐brain barrier, may decrease lipid peroxidation and stabilize lipid‐protein structures in neuronal membranes. Limited epidemiological studies on dietary carotenoids (assessed by questionnaires) reported inconsistent associations with brain aging using cognitive change as an outcome (and not neuroimaging or clinical dementia or Alzheimer’s disease diagnosis). However, blood carotenoids levels were associated with lower risk of dementia over 10 years, in a large cohort of older adults, the Three‐City (3C) study. Here, we further investigated whether blood carotenoids were also associated with the 10‐year atrophy of the medial temporal lobe (MTL), a central biomarker of neurodegeneration in aging.MethodWe included 461 dementia‐free participants from the 3C study (age ≥65), who had plasma carotenoid (α and β‐carotene, lycopene, lutein, zeaxanthin, β‐cryptoxanthin) measures at baseline and who underwent at least one of the three repeated brain imaging exams performed in the subsequent 10 years. Linear mixed models were used to assess the association between plasma carotenoids and MTL volume change assessed using FreeSurfer 5.1 segmentation software.ResultOver a median follow‐up of 5.1 years (maximum 11.8 years), higher plasma levels of total carotenoids and of β‐carotene were associated with lower decline in MTL volume (P = .04 and P = .008, respectively). The mean differences in MTL volume change for each increase of 1 SD were 0.02 (95% CI, 0.001; 0.04) cm3/year and 0.02 (0.01; 0.04) cm3/year for total carotenoids and β‐carotene, respectively. Other carotenoids were not significantly associated with MTL atrophy.ConclusionThe associations found between plasma total carotenoids and β‐carotene and 10‐year atrophy of the MTL in this large cohort of older adults suggest a beneficial role of carotenoids for the prevention of age‐related neurodegeneration.

Vegetable pigments in sorghum-based diets for laying hens

The main objective of this research is to evaluate the inclusion of different natural pigment solutions in diets formulated with maize and sorghum solutions on the growth performance and egg quality of commercial laying hens created in hot climates. Throughout the conduction of this experiment, were used 252 laying hens of the Hisex Brow, in a completely randomized design, with six treatments, seven repetitions, and six birds per plot. The experimental diets were assigned with different energy sources and adding pigmentation solutions, diet 1 (corn), diet 2 (corn + annatto), diet 3 (corn + carrot), diet 4 (sorghum), diet 5 (sorghum + annatto), diet 6 (sorghum + Carrot). Afterward, being evaluated the performance and quality of eggs. It was observed significant difference with reference t egg production, egg weight (g), gem weight (g), the weight of shell (g), albumin in weight (g), and gem coloration (tons) among the treatments. There was no difference in the parameters of performance and quality of eggs evaluated, only the variable yolk color had a significant effect between treatments. Replacing the energy source of the corn diet with sorghum in the diet of laying hens at peak production provides similar performance and egg quality, which can be a substitute for quality and efficiency. The use of annatto and carrots as a natural pigmentation promotes greater pigmentation of the egg yolks of laying Hisex Brown eggs and does not impair the performance of the birds.

A Mechanistic Review of β-Carotene, Lutein, and Zeaxanthin in Eye Health and Disease.

Carotenoids are natural lipid-soluble antioxidants abundantly found as colorful pigments in fruits and vegetables. At least 600 carotenoids occur naturally, although about 20 of them, including β-carotene, α-carotene, lycopene, lutein, zeaxanthin, meso-zeaxanthin, and cryptoxanthin, are detectable in the human blood. They have distinct physiological and pathophysiological functions ranging from fetal development to adult homeostasis. β-carotene is a precursor of vitamin A that essentially functions in many biological processes including vision. The human macula lutea and eye lens are rich in lutein, zeaxanthin, and meso-zeaxanthin, collectively known as macular xanthophylls, which help maintain eye health and prevent ophthalmic diseases. Ocular carotenoids absorb light from the visible region (400–500 nm wavelength), enabling them to protect the retina and lens from potential photochemical damage induced by light exposure. These natural antioxidants also aid in quenching free radicals produced by complex physiological reactions and, consequently, protect the eye from oxidative stress, apoptosis, mitochondrial dysfunction, and inflammation. This review discusses the protective mechanisms of macular xanthophylls in preventing eye diseases such as cataract, age-related macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy. Moreover, some preclinical animal studies and some clinical trials are discussed briefly to understand carotenoid safety and efficacy.

Plasma carotenoids and medial temporal lobe atrophy in older adults

Carotenoids are vegetable pigments with neuroprotective properties. Clinical studies found efficacy of specific carotenoids on improving brain perfusion and functioning with aging. However, evidence of an effect on neurodegeneration, which may require longer follow-up period to observe, is more limited. Leveraging biomarkers from a large population-based cohort study of older adults, we investigated whether blood carotenoids were associated with atrophy of the medial temporal lobe (a biomarker of neurodegeneration in aging) over 10 years. This study included 461 dementia-free participants from the Three-City Bordeaux study (aged ≥65) who had plasma carotenoids measured at baseline and up to three repeated brain imaging exams in the subsequent 10 years. In adjusted linear mixed models, each increase of 1 SD in plasma level of total carotenoids and of β-carotene was associated with 0.02cm3 (95% CI, 0.001-0.04; P=0.04) and 0.02cm3 (95% CI, 0.01-0.04; P=0.008) smaller medial temporal lobe volume loss per year, respectively. Our results based on a unique long-term prospective evaluation of a neuroimaging biomarker suggest a beneficial role of carotenoids for the prevention of age-related neurodegeneration.

The Dredging Impact on the Lake Manzherok (Republic of Altay) Hydro/biological and Sanitary/micro/biological Characteristics

The article assesses ecological status of the Lake Manzherok (Republic of Altay Mayminsk Rayon) by its hydro/biological and sanitary/micro/biological characteristics after completion of dredging works. To estimate the bio/ceonosis dynamics we used the archive data of 2007–2015 and references. The aquatic communities demonstrated low indicators of development, phytoplankton – 26 taxons, abundance did not exceed 1.3·103 thousand cells/m3, biomass did not exceed 64.0·10-3 mg/m3. In water we found the sapropel vegetative pigments with the chlorophyll a of 237 mg/m3. We identified 16 species of zooplankton with 3. 5 –18.2 t housa nd pieces/m3 abu nda nce w it h 23.4 –97. 3 mg/m3 biomass. In comparison with 2015 the filtering zooplankton organisms’ abundance and biomass were 10–15 times lower. In contrast with 14–15 species in previous years we identified 5 species of macrophytes. The benthos abundance was not more than 1.48 thousand pieces/m2, the biomass did not exceed 1.56 g/m2, that is lower than in 2007. Such low indicators of the aquatic communities’ development with high concentration of organic matter argue the temporal state of anthropogenic metabolic regress. The Lake Manzherok water quality by its sanitary/micro/biological characteristics did not agree with the requirements to recreational water bodies. The whole content of coliform bacteria in the off-shore zone 25 times exceeded the norm, while the content of thermo/tolerant coliform bacteria in the center of the lake and in the macrophytes tangle 2.3 times exceeded the norm.

Influence of salinity on vegetative growth and photosynthetic pigments of bitter almond rootstock

Bitter almond rootstock is considered one of the most vital rootstocks for stone fruit species but it is classified as a plant sensitive to salinity. This experiment was carried out to study the effect of salt stress on vegetative growth and photosynthetic pigments of bitter almond rootstock as an attempt to sustain growth and increase its tolerance to high salt concentrations. However, the seeds were soaked in salt solution of NaCl as 1, 3, and 5 dsm-1 for 48 hours before stratification. After that, nuts were sown in perlite and treated with different saline solutions subsequently stratified at 6 ℃ for eight weeks. Sprouted seeds were cultivated in pots with a mixture of peat and perlite and treated only with the highest salt concentration 5 dsm-1. The treatments were arranged in a complete randomized block design with three replications. Vegetative traits and photosynthetic pigments content were estimated. The results revealed that soaking and pre-treating seed of bitter almond rootstock by means of high salt concentration 5dsm-1 during the germination period and subsequently after planting produced stronger transplants that had hardening, adaptation and could avoid the hyperosmotic shock of salt stress after planting. It is obvious throughout; increment of stem diameter, plant height, total number of leaves\plant, fresh and dry weight of leaves, photosynthetic pigments and total carbohydrate content of such transplants. While other coming seedlings from low salt concentrations were exposed to hyperosmotic shock and salt injury therefore inhibit growth rate of such plants, increased falling of leaves and finally reduced photosynthetic pigments content in the resulting seedlings.

Scientific experiment focused at pigment degradation by polyvinyl chloride combustion in Science education

The Environmental education navigates students towards environmentally friendly life style and securing a quality of life. The implementation of cross-section topics, including the Environmental education, into science classes, is possible through a variety of techniques. One of the least used methods is a real school experiment. The following paper presents the experiment, by which we simulate the combustion of PVC and observe the impact of combustion products on plants via UV-Vis spectrophotometry optical method. This method is suitable for qualification and analysis of vegetable pigments, i.e. chlorophylls, carotenoids, and anthocyanins. The experiment is integrated into the Techniques and Didactics of School Chemistry Experiments as a part of master degree course, which prepares students for the Chemistry teaching profession. The introduced experiment enables pedagogues to integrate the environmental education into teaching process and develop mathematical and science literacy of students in the Chemistry education.

The Anti-inflammatory Effects of Dietary Anthocyanins against Ulcerative Colitis.

Ulcerative colitis (UC), which is a major form of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), is a chronic relapsing disorder of the gastrointestinal tract affecting millions of people worldwide. Alternative natural therapies, including dietary changes, are being investigated to manage or treat UC since current treatment options have serious negative side effects. There is growing evidence from animal studies and human clinical trials that diets rich in anthocyanins, which are pigments in fruits and vegetables, protect against inflammation and increased gut permeability as well as improve colon health through their ability to alter bacterial metabolism and the microbial milieu within the intestines. In this review, the structure and bioactivity of anthocyanins, the role of inflammation and gut bacterial dysbiosis in UC pathogenesis, and their regulation by the dietary anthocyanins are discussed, which suggests the feasibility of dietary strategies for UC mitigation.

Curcumina: Vegetable pigment with pharmacological activities and possible therapeutic applicabilities

This study reported the application of curcumin, a vegetable pigment from Curcuma longa that has several proven therapeutic actions such as: antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimutagenic, antimicrobial, among others. In addition, the increasing development of curcumin-based formulations such as nanoparticles, liposomes, micelles or phospholipid complexes and even associated with photodynamic therapy has provided more preclinical and clinical testing. Thus, the purpose of this paper is to provide a brief overview of the use and latest pharmacological research on the benefits of curcumin for health. Curcumine; Pharmacological activities; Nanoformulations; Curcuma longa

Highly Efficient Red Cabbage Anthocyanin Inserted TiO₂ Aerogel Nanocomposites for Photocatalytic Reduction of Cr(VI) under Visible Light.

In sharp contrast to conventional photosensitization methods in which the organic pigments were often adsorbed, herein we present a study on natural vegetable pigment inserted TiO2 aerogel nanocomposites and we directly use red cabbage anthocyanin (RCP) as a structure-directing agent. It was found that pure TiO2 aerogel nanocomposite did not exhibit any meaningful activity for photocatalytic reduction of Cr(VI). However, the photocatalytic reduction activity was greatly improved by the RCP inserted TiO2 aerogel nanocomposites under visible-light irradiation, which was approximately 2- and 12.3-fold higher than that of TiO2 aerogel conventionally photosensitized by RCP and pure TiO2 aerogel nanocomposites, respectively. It also exhibited good stability and could be reused at least three times without losing a significant amount of its activity.