Microwave-assisted extraction of phenolics with maximal antioxidant activities in tomatoes

Microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) was investigated for extraction of phenolic compounds from tomato with maximised antioxidant activities using response surface methodology (RSM) coupled with a central composite design, and in vitro antioxidant assays (FRAP and ORAC). MAE was more efficient for greater antioxidant activities and higher total phenolic contents than solvent extraction. The optimal MAE processing parameters were 96.5 °C, 2.06 min, 66.2% ethanol for FRAP, and 96.5 °C, 1.66 min, 61.1% ethanol for ORAC. The models were successfully applied to 20 tomato cultivars, whose total phenolic contents (TPC) and indexes (TPI) were 489.30–997.45 mg gallic acid equivalent/100 g dry weight (DW) and 281.34–468.52 mg/100 g DW, respectively. Eight phenolic compounds were identified. Individual phenolics were 6.10–42.73 mg/100 g DW. The FRAP, but not the ORAC value showed good correlation with the TPC or TPI. The methodologies developed and the knowledge acquired in this study will provide useful information to tomato breeders and food processors.     

Chemical characterization and antioxidant evaluation of muscadine grape pomace extract

Concentrated muscadine pomace extract was chromatographically analyzed for its individual phenolic, flavonoid, and anthocyanidin compounds. This extract was also characterized regarding its total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), antioxidative activities in terms of scavenging DPPH free radicals, reducing ferric, and chelating Fe²⁺. The TPC of this product was 34.1 ± 1.8 mg of gallic acid equivalents(GAE)/g of extract, and TFC was 3.0 ± 0.3 mg of quercetin equivalents/g of extract. Some phenolic compounds including ellagic acid, gallic acid, (−)-epicatechin, (−)-epigallocatechin, catechin, myricetin, quercetin, and kaempferol were identified. Some anthocyanidins including delphinidin, cyanidin, petunidin, peonidin, and malvidin were also identified in the extract by using a combination of retention and spectral properties on a reverse-phase HPLC–PDA. In addition, 3,3′,4,4′5,5′-hexahydroxystilbene-a resveratrol analogue present in the extract was identified for the first time by LC–MS. The results from this study demonstrate that the muscadine pomace extract is rich of natural antioxidants such as phenolics, flavonoids and anthocyanins, and possesses strong antioxidant properties. Besides, the developed methods can be used for routine quality control of the muscadine products for manufacturing efficiency and consistency.     

Phenolic compounds in Chinese purple yam and changes during vacuum frying

Phenolic compounds and their changes during vacuum frying were investigated for a Chinese purple yam. Three cyanidin derivatives and one peonidin derivative were tentatively identified by HPLC–DAD–ESIMS analysis; sinapic acid and ferulic acid were identified by HPLC–DAD analysis with authentic chemicals. There were 31.0 mg/100 g (dry weight, DW) of total anthocyanin (ACN) and 478 mg/100 g DW of total phenolic content (TPC) in the fresh yam. Sinapic acid and ferulic acid were 135 and 31.3 mg/100 g DW respectively. The blanching process caused about 60% of ACN, and 30–50% of phenolic acids and TPC to be lost, which showed that anthocyanins were most vulnerable during blanching. The retention rate of the phenolic compounds during vacuum frying was 60–69%, indicating it was a practical technology for purple yam processing, on account of its impact on the phenolic compounds stability.     

Phenolic content and antioxidant activity of extracts from whole buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum Möench) with or without microwave irradiation

The purpose of this study was to extract phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity from buckwheat with water, 50% aqueous ethanol, or 100% ethanol using microwave irradiation or a water bath for 15 min at various temperatures (23–150 °C). Phenolic content of extracts increased with increasing temperature. In general, phenolic contents in microwave irradiated extracts were higher than those heated with a water bath. The highest phenolic content, 18.5 ± 0.2 mg/g buckwheat, was observed in the extract that was microwave irradiated in 50% aqueous ethanol at 150 °C. The highest antioxidant activities, 5.61 ± 0.04–5.73 ± 0.00 μmol Trolox equivalents/g buckwheat, were found in the 100% ethanol extracts obtained at 100 and 150 °C, independent of heat source. These results indicate that microwave irradiation can be used to obtain buckwheat extracts with higher phenolic content and similar antioxidant activity as extracts heated in a water bath.     

Role of carbohydrases on the release of reducing sugar, total phenolics and on antioxidant properties of oat bran

Aqueous solutions of medium oat bran flour were treated with four carbohydrases viscozyme, celluclast, alpha-amylase, and amyloglucosidase, and then extracted with equal volume of methanol. The resulting extracts were examined for their reducing sugar content, total phenolic content (TPC), oxygen radical scavenging absorbance capacity (ORAC), hydroxyl radical scavenging effect, superoxide scavenging activity, and ferrous ion chelating potential. The amount of reducing sugar increased form 2.0% in the control sample to 21.4% in the sample treated with four fungal beta-glucanase units/g of bran. The increase in reducing sugar was also associated with subsequent increase of other extractable compounds. The total phenolic content as measured by Folin-Ciocalteu’s method ranged from 0.50 to 4.80 mg of gallic acid equivalents/g of bran, whereas the ORAC values were 14.4-25.4 μM of Trolox equivalents/g of bran. All the samples treated with carbohydrases had higher TPC content and higher ORAC values than the control sample (no enzyme treatment). In the hydroxyl radical scavenging assay, except for the alpha-amylase treated sample, all other samples demonstrated a greater inhibition power than the control. These results indicated that pre-treatment of oat bran with cell wall degrading enzymes (i.e. carbohydrases) is a way to increase the amount of extracted phenols as well as the antioxidant properties of oat bran samples.     

Polyphenolic antioxidant profiles of yellow camellia

Yellow camellia (section Nitidissima Chang) is a subgroup of tea plant with golden yellow flowers. It is a very rare species with potential as antioxidant rich plant as it is closely related to tea. We found, for the first time, that the antioxidant capacity and polyphenolic constituents of six yellow camellia species varied widely. Among them, the dry leaf of Camellia impressinervis had the highest level of oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC, 2270.9 μmol TE/g), total phenolic content (TPC, 475.6 μmol GAE/g), and proanthocyanidin content (PAC, 66.1 μmol CE/g). The ORAC level correlated well with TPC (R² = 0.9402), and PAC (R² = 0.9954). The compounds responsible for antioxidant activities were further profiled by HPLC and LC–MS analysis. Compared to the commonly consumed tea leaves, yellow camellia leaves contain more diverse phenolic compounds, including ellagitannins, proanthocyanidins, taxifolin deoxyhexose, apigenin derivatives, kaempferol derivative, quercetin derivatives, glucosyl isorhamnetin, (epi)catechin-(epi)afezelechin polymers and platphyllosides. Unlike tea leaves, no caffeine is detected in the yellow camellia leaves. The antioxidant activity of the polyphenolic compounds were further verified by precolumn treatment of the extracts with a stable radical 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH).     

The effect of microwave assisted extraction on the isolation of anthocyanins and phenolic acids from sour cherry Marasca (Prunus cerasus var. Marasca)

The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of microwave assisted extraction on the isolation of anthocyanins and phenolic acids from sour cherry Marasca. A general factorial design was used to study the effect of temperature (from 50 to 70 °C), irradiation time (5–12 min) and microwave power (350–500 W) on individual, total anthocyanins and individual and total phenolic acids. Optimal microwave assisted extraction conditions differed for anthocyanins and phenolic acids, especially in terms of temperature and irradiation time, so lower temperature (60 °C) and shorter time (6–9 min) was more convenient for anthocyanins extraction, while phenolic acids gave higher extraction yield at higher temperatures (70 °C) and longer irradiation time (10 min). The optimal microwave power did not differ significantly for studied compounds, ranging about 400 W. Compared to conventional extraction, microwave assisted one showed higher efficiency for all studied compounds.     

Physical attributes and chemical composition of organic strawberry fruit (Fragaria x ananassa Duch, Cv. Albion) at six stages of ripening

Organic strawberry fruits (Cv. ‘Albion’) were harvested at six different ripening stages and evaluated for physical and chemical parameters. Biometrical characteristics and moisture content did not change significantly during ripening. Total soluble solids, pH and colour development increased while titratable acidity and fruit firmness decreased 14.7% and 91%, respectively. Fructose, glucose, and sucrose followed similar tendencies. Final contents of these sugars were 2323.4, 1988.5, and 1578.4 mg/100 g. Citric, malic, and ascorbic acids followed a descending, irregular, and increasing tendency during ripening, respectively. Final contents of these acids were 822.8, 245.8, and 78.1 mg/100 g. Total anthocyanins content (TAC) increased during ripening, while the opposite was observed for total phenolic content (TPC). TAC and TPC in ripe fruit were 56.4 mg/100 g and 196 mg gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/100 g. Twenty eight phenolic compounds, mainly glycosides, were identified and quantified by HPLC-DAD–MS analysis. The concentration of these compounds was ripening dependent.     

Maximising resveratrol and piceid contents in UV and ultrasound treated peanuts

The effects of varying doses of UV and ultrasound (US) treatments on the concentrations of resveratrol, piceid and total stilbenes, and sensory overall acceptance of peanuts were evaluated using response surface methodology. UV and US treatments resulted in increased (α < 0.05) resveratrol, piceid and total stilbenes but decreased overall acceptance compared to untreated controls. US produced higher concentrations of stilbenes compounds but lower overall acceptance compared to UV treatment. The optimum US process will produce 2.64–4.40 μg/g resveratrol and 4.50–6.50 μg/g total stilbenes which are more than that will be achieved by the optimum UV process with 2.00–2.06 and 2.10–2.27 μg/g, respectively. On a per serving basis, if a peanut bar contains 30 g peanuts, 3–5 bars of US- or 6 bars of UV-treated containing bars will have the same resveratrol content as a serving of 140 mL-glass of red wine.     

Effects of binary solvent extraction system,extraction time and extraction temperature on phenolic antioxidants and antioxidant capacity from mengkudu (Morinda citrifolia)

An investigation into the effects of ethanol concentration (0–100%, v/v), extraction time (20–120 min) and extraction temperature (25–65 °C) on the extraction of phenolic antioxidants from mengkudu (Morinda citrifolia) was performed using a single-factor experiment. Total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC) assays were used for determination of phenolic compounds. Antioxidant capacity was evaluated by measuring the scavenging effect on 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS) and 2,2′-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radicals. Experimental results showed that extraction conditions had significant effect on extraction of phenolic compounds and antioxidant capacities. The optimised conditions were 40% ethanol for 80 min at 65 °C, with values of 919.95 mg GAE/100 g DW for TPC, 472.73 mg CE/100 g DW for TFC, 791.71 μmol TEAC/100 g DW for ABTS and 1928.5 μmol TEAC/100 g DW for DPPH. TPC was significantly correlated with DPPH under the effects of ethanol concentration (r = 0.932) and extraction time (r = −0.938).     

Effect of refining processes on antioxidant capacity,total contents of phenolics and carotenoids in palm oils

Antioxidant capacity (AC), total phenolic content (TPC) and total carotenoid content (TCC) in palm oils at various stages of the refining process from two technological modes were determined. The obtained mean FRAP and DPPH values for the methanolic extracts of palm oils from mode 1 (19.5–102.8 μmol TE/100 g and 18.8–103.0 μmol TE/100 g) were lower than for oils from mode 2 (25.6–134.8 μmol TE/100 g and 25.4–135.4 μmol TE/100 g). The total phenolics (4.1–12.4 mg GA/100 g) and carotenoids (0.18–45.8 mg/100 g) in the studied oils were correlated with their antioxidant capacities determined by FRAP and DPPH methods (r = 0.6623–0.9878). During the refining process, for both technological modes resulted in a loss of AC by 80%, TPC by 26–55% and TCC by 99%. The bleaching step caused the highest losses of AC as determined by FRAP 41% and 46%, DPPH by 43% and 48%, while TPC loss was 45% and 23% and loss of carotenoids was 49% and 56%, in mode 1 and mode 2, respectively.     

Physicochemical and antioxidative properties of red and black rice varieties from Thailand,China and Sri Lanka

Nine red and three black rice varieties from Thailand, China and Sri Lanka were analysed to determine their proximate composition and their physicochemical and antioxidant properties. Four groups of rice varieties with different amylose contents were identified. Cyanidin 3-glucoside and peonoidin 3-glucoside were confirmed as the dominant anthocyanins in black rice varieties with contents ranging from 19.4 to 140.8 mg/100 g DM and 11.1–12.8 mg/100 g DM, respectively. Total phenolic content (TPC) differed significantly between the varieties, but not between the colours. Highest TPC was found in the red Thai rice Bahng Gawk (BG) with 691 FA equivalent mg/100 g DM, which showed as well the highest antioxidant properties. In red varieties, the major phenolic acids in the free form were ferulic, protocatechuic and vanillic acid, whereas in black varieties protocatechuic acid was dominant followed by vanillic and ferulic acid. In the bound form, ferulic acid was predominant in both colours, where contents differed significantly, followed by p-coumaric and vanillic acid. The antioxidative capacity did not differ significantly between both colours but amongst genotypes. Antioxidant capacity of rice varieties ranged within 0.9–8.1 mmol Fe(II)/100 g DM for FRAP and 2.1–12.3 mmol TEAC/100 g DM. DPPH scavenging ability ranged from 13.0% to 76.4% remaining DPPH.     

Roast effects on the hydrophilic and lipophilic antioxidant capacities of peanut flours,blanched peanut seed and peanut skins

Hydrophilic and lipophilic oxygen radical antioxidant capacity (H&L-ORAC) of peanut flours, blanched peanut seed, and peanut skins were characterised across a range of roast intensities. H-ORAC ranged from 5910 to 7990, 3040 to 3700 and 152,290 to 209,710 μmoles Trolox/100 g for the flours, seed, and skins, respectively. H-ORAC increased linearly with darker seed colour after roasting at 166 °C from 0 to 77 min, whereas skin H-ORAC peaked after roasting for 7 min. Linear correlations with H-ORAC and total phenolic content were observed. Additionally, completely defatted peanut seed were solubilised (5% w/w) in water and H-ORAC measured. For these samples, H-ORAC decreased with roast intensity which correlated with soluble protein. L-ORAC ranged from 620 to 1120, 150 to 730 and 2150 to 6320 μmoles Trolox/100 g for peanut flours, seed, and skins, respectively. L-ORAC increased linearly with both darker seed colour and skin colour across the 77 min range. L-ORACs of roasted peanuts and ingredients are discussed in terms of tocopherol contents and Maillard reaction products.     

Influence of winemaking techniques on the resveratrol content, total phenolic content and antioxidant potential of red wines

In this paper, the influence of winemaking techniques and cultivars on the resveratrol content, total phenolic content and antioxidant potential of red wines was studied. Wines were made from the cultivars Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir and Prokupac. Applied winemaking technologies included thermovinification and separation of must from pomace. The analysis of trans- and cis-resveratrol in wines was performed by HPLC, while the total phenolic content and antioxidant potential was determined by spectrophotometric methods. The total resveratrol content in analysed samples ranged from 0.35 to 4.85 mg/l; Merlot wines had the highest average resveratrol content, while the lowest was found for native cultivar Prokupac. Although the resveratrol content depended on grape variety, correlation between the winemaking technology applied and the resveratrol level in wines was not observed. The total phenolic content (TPC) varied from 544.4 to 1410.4 mg/l expressed as gallic acid equivalents, and the antioxidant potential, assayed by DPPH in terms of SC₅₀ (mean scavenging concentration), ranged from 0.58 to 2.91 μl/ml. Obtained results showed that thermovinificated wine samples had higher amount of phenolic compounds. Significant negative correlation was observed (p < 0.05) between the total phenolic content and SC₅₀, but there was no significant correlation (p > 0.05) between the resveratrol content and SC₅₀ or TPC. This study could contribute to the establishment of optimal conditions for producing red wines which contain more beneficial phenolic compounds.     

Effect of soaking,boiling, and steaming on total phenolic contentand antioxidant activities of cool season food legumes

The effects of soaking, boiling and steaming processes on the total phenolic components and antioxidant activity in commonly consumed cool season food legumes (CSFL’s), including green pea, yellow pea, chickpea and lentil were investigated. As compared to original unprocessed legumes, all processing steps caused significant (p < 0.05) decreases in total phenolic content (TPC), DPPH free radical scavenging activity (DPPH) in all tested CSFL’s. All soaking and atmospheric boiling treatments caused significant (p < 0.05) decreases in oxygen radical absorbing capacity (ORAC). However, pressure boiling and pressure steaming caused significant (p < 0.05) increases in ORAC values. Steaming treatments resulted in a greater retention of TPC, DPPH, and ORAC values in all tested CSFL’s as compared to boiling treatments. To obtain cooked legumes with similar palatability and firmness, pressure boiling shortened processing time as compared to atmospheric boiling, resulted in insignificant differences in TPC, DPPH for green and yellow pea. However, TPC and DPPH in cooked lentils differed significantly between atmospheric and pressure boiling. As compared to atmospheric processes, pressure processes significantly increased ORAC values in both boiled and steamed CSFL’s. Greater TPC, DPPH and ORAC values were detected in boiling water than that in soaking and steaming water. Boiling also caused more solid loss than steaming. Steam processing exhibited several advantages in retaining the integrity of the legume appearance and texture of the cooked product, shortening process time, and greater retention of antioxidant components and activities.     

Antioxidant and free radical-scavenging activities of seeds and agri-wastes of some varieties of soybean (Glycine max)

In order to find antioxidant potential, seeds of 30 varieties of Glycine max were studied for their total phenolic contents (TPC), flavonoids and antioxidant activity (AOA). The seed extracts showed wide variation of TPC from 6.4 to 81.7 mg GAE/g, flavonoids 3.5 to 44.6 mg QE/g and AOA 7.5% to 74.7%. Free radical-scavenging activity (FRSA), assayed by DPPH in terms of IC₅₀ (inhibitory concentration), ranged from 0.14 to 0.80 mg/ml, EC₅₀ (efficiency concentration) from 6.1 to 34.8 mg/mg DPPH, ARP (anti-radical power) 2.9 to 16.4 and reducing power from 1.9 to 4.7 ASE/ml. Variety Kalitur showed highest the FRSA followed by Alankar and Hara soya, as evident from their low IC₅₀, EC₅₀ and high ARP values. Alankar, Kalitur NRC-37, PK-472, VLS-47, Hara soya varieties were with comparatively higher TPC (52.7–81.7 mg GAE/g), AOA (50.5–74.7%) and showed better inhibition of peroxide formation assayed through ammonium thiocyanate and egg yolk, non-site-specific and site-specific inhibition of hydroxyl radical induced deoxyribose degradation and ferrous ion-chelating capacity than did the other varieties. Seed extracts of these varieties and leaves of Kalitur showed significant protection against DNA damage caused by free radicals. The agri-wastes of some promising varieties, e.g. Alankar, Kalitur, NRC-37 and PK-472, showed TPC ranging from 27.4 to 167 mg GAE/g, total flavanoids from 10.4 to 63.8 mg QE/g and AOA from 26.5% to 84.7% and their values were highest in the leaves, followed by pod pericarp and twigs. Out of all the varieties studied, leaves of Alankar and Kalitur varieties were more potent free radical-scavengers than were seeds, pod pericarp or twigs. The specific phenolic compositions and their quantifications were performed by HPLC and MS/MS, which showed that the seeds of Kalitur were higher in genistin (127 μg/g), seeds and leaves of Alankar in diadzin (113 μg/g) and gallic acid (87.2 μg/g), respectively. The present studies may be of importance in varietal improvement, nutraceuticals, bio-pharmaceuticals and utilization of agri-wastes as possible cost-effective natural antioxidants.     

Antioxidant activity of Camellia sinensis leaves and tea from a lowland plantation in Malaysia

Methanol extracts of fresh tea leaves from a lowland plantation in Malaysia were screened for total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant activity (AOA). AOA evaluation included 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical-scavenging ability, ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), and ferrous-ion chelating (FIC) ability. Ranking, based on TPC and AOA, was as follows: shoots > young leaves > mature leaves. TPC and AOA of lowland leaves were comparable to those of highland plants. A green tea produced by drying young leaves in a household microwave oven for 4 min showed significantly higher TPC and AOA than did four commercial brands of green and black tea.     

Microwave-assisted extraction of phenolic compounds from wine lees and spray-drying of the extract

Most research on extraction of phenol compounds from wine by-products and commercial exploitation of extracts use grape seeds and/or skins as raw materials. Looking for alternative antioxidants sources, obtaining antioxidant extracts from wine lees (also known as dregs), a sub-exploited by-product of winemaking process, is here presented. Microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) of phenolic compounds from wine lees has been optimized using the total phenols index, the ORAC values and yield of the extraction as response variables. Under the optimal working conditions, the proposed MAE method provides better extraction efficiency in a much shorter time (17 min) than the conventional extraction method for phenolic compounds (24 h). The liquid extract obtained by MAE was spray-dried. The type and amount of excipients used, as well as the spray-drying temperature, were optimized in order to minimize the oxidation of phenolic compounds and maximize the yield of the spray-drying process. The total phenols index in the dried extract thus obtained was 36.8% (expressed as gallic acid), showing an ORAC value of 3930 μmol TE/g. Additionally, Mv3G, Cm-Mv3G, myricetin, quercetin, quercetin-3-β-glucoside, caffeic acid and p-coumaric acid were quantified in the dry extract by HPLC–DAD. The results indicate that wine lees antioxidant extracts can be a suitable and cheap alternative to those obtained from grape seeds or skins.