Stability of Pycnogenol® as an ingredient in fruit juices subjected to in vitro gastrointestinal digestion

BACKGROUND: The enrichment of fruit juices with concentrated polyphenolic extracts is an expedient strategy to compensate possible phenolic loss through gastrointestinal processing. Pycnogenol®, a standardised procyanidin‐rich extract from pine bark, has been proposed as a potential candidate for polyphenol enrichment of foods. In this study the effects of in vitro digestion on the phenolic profile of fruit juices enriched with Pycnogenol® were investigated. RESULTS: After in vitro digestion the level of detectable total phenolic compounds (expressed as gallic acid equivalent) was higher in both pineapple and red fruit juices enriched with Pycnogenol® than in non‐enriched commercial juices. Five phenolic monomeric compounds were identified by high‐performance liquid chromatography, namely chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, ferulic acid, gallic acid and taxifolin, the last two being predominant. In vitro digestion of both Pycnogenol®‐enriched pineapple and red fruit juices led to a significant (P < 0.05) increase in detectable chlorogenic and ferulic acids, indicating that hydrolysis of more complex molecules occurs. On the other hand, in vitro digestion of non‐enriched juices was associated with a decrease in gallic and caffeic acids in pineapple juice and with a decrease in ferulic acid in red fruit juice. In no case did in vitro digestion increase the amount of detectable phenolic compounds in non‐enriched juices. CONCLUSION: The stability of Pycnogenol® after in vitro gastrointestinal digestion makes it a good choice for phenolic enrichment of fruit juices. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry     

Effects of thermosonication and orange by‐products extracts on quality attributes of carrot (Daucus carota) juice during storage

Effect of thermosonication on carrot juice containing peel (CJPL) and pulp (CJPP) extracts from orange at different concentration (0.5, 2.0 and 4.0 mg GAE per g extracts) of total phenolic contents (TPC) was evaluated for quality attributes. Thermosonication of juice was done at 52 °C, 6 min for CJPL and 60 °C, 5 min for CJPP (values based on our preliminary optimisation results of ultrasound process conditions of the juice) at 40 kHz and 110W. Effect of thermosonication and addition of peel and pulp extracts at highest concentration increased the TPC and antioxidant activity of the juice (P < 0.05). Highest inactivation of microorganisms and better sensory attributes was achieved in thermosonicated CJPP for 21 days. Titratable acidity, pH, browning index and viscosity were improved by thermosonication and at highest extract concentration. °Brix and total carotenoid were not significantly affected by treatments. Therefore, thermosonication at 60 °C and 4.0 mg GAE per g extract concentration of peel and pulp may be used in formulation of functional carrot juice with improved health properties.     

Effect of antioxidant principles isolated from mango (Mangifera indica L) seed kernels on oxidative stability of buffalo ghee (butter‐fat)

A method was developed to extract and isolate the antioxidant principles, ie mainly phenolic and phospholipid classes, from mango (Mangifera indica L) seed kernels using organic solvents. The presence of at least six phenolic compounds and eight phospholipids in the isolates was confirmed by chromatographic techniques. A phenolic preparation and a phospholipid preparation were prepared separately by dissolving the isolated compounds from mango seed kernels in buffalo ghee. The phenolic preparation contained 9.6 mg% water‐extractable phenolics, 69.5 mg% total phenolics and 6.39 mg% phospholipids. The phospholipid preparation contained 155.8 mg% phospholipids, 0.11 mg% water‐extractable phenolics and 0.19 mg% total phenolics. The addition of these preparations to buffalo ghee at 5, 10 and 20% levels individually and in combination significantly increased the levels of phenolics and phospholipids respectively. Samples of buffalo ghee with added BHA contained levels of these compounds similar to that of a control sample without any other additives. The antioxidant indices calculated from the induction period of ghee samples stored at 80 ± 2 °C. in comparison with the control were, in order, 10.11 (20% phospholipid and phenolic preparation) > 8.88 (10% phospholipid and phenolic preparation) > 8.66 (20% phenolic preparation) > 6.44 (5% phospholipid and phenolic preparation) > 5.44 (10% phenolic preparation) > 4.88 (20% phospholipid preparation) > 3.00 (5% phenolic preparation) > 2.77 (10% phospholipid preparation) > 2.22 (5% phospholipid preparation) > 1.44 (0.02% BHA). This demonstrated that the phenolics and phospholipids isolated from mango seed kernel, when added jointly to buffalo ghee, helped in extending the shelf‐life of ghee. © 2000 Society of Chemical Industry     

Total phenolics, flavonoids and antioxidant activity of tropical fruit pineapple

Pineapple has several beneficial properties including antioxidant activity. The fruit of pineapple was extracted with ethyl acetate, methanol and water. The phenolic content of the extracts was determined by Folin-Ciocalteu method and antioxidant activity was assayed through some in vitro models such as antioxidant capacity by phosphomolybdenum, ??-carotene-linoleate, and radical scavenging activity using ??,??-diphenyl-??-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) method. The phenolic contents of the extracts as caffeic acid equivalents were found to be highest in methanol (51.1%) followed by ethyl acetate (13.8%) and water extract (2.6%). Antioxidant capacity of the extracts as equivalent to ascorbic acid (??mol/g of the extract) was in the order of methanol extract > ethyl acetate extract > water extract. In comparison with butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), at 100 ppm of concentration, the antioxidant and free radical scavenging activities of the extracts assayed through ??-carotene-linoleate and DPPH method were also found to be highest with methanol extract followed by ethyl acetate and water extracts. The results indicated that the extent of antioxidant activity of the extract is in accordance with the amount of phenolics present in that extract and the pineapple fruit being rich in phenolics may provide a good source of antioxidant.     

Phenolics from walnut (Juglans regia L.) kernels: Antioxidant activity and interactions with proteins

Walnut (Juglans regia L.) kernels have important amounts of phenolic compounds. The objectives of the work were twofold: (a) to extract the phenolic fraction from hulls and walnut flour, and to examine its antioxidant capacity and (b) to evaluate the effect of hull removal on solubility of protein fractions from walnut flour. In accordance with their higher total phenolic content, hull extracts had stronger antioxidant activity than had flour extracts. The presence of phenolic compounds decreased protein solubility in walnut flour obtained from whole kernels. Dehulling of kernels significantly improved protein recovery but this result was strongly affected by the solvent system employed. Proteins from whole kernels, especially those extracted with water and NaCl solution, had a reduced solubility, indicating that phenolics bind to proteins when they are dispersed in aqueous media at neutral pH. The results are discussed in the light of the different complex-forming mechanisms that bind phenolics to proteins.     

Preparation of a resveratrol-enriched grape juice based on ultraviolet C-treated berries

Grapes are rich in bioactive phenolics. However, most of them remain in the by-product after juice processing, and only a minor part pass to the juice. Our aim was to obtain a resveratrol-enriched white grape juice based on UVC-treated berries in combination with different conditions during juice production. Postharvest UVC treatment of berries enabled the further selective stilbenes enrichment of the juice, especially resveratrol. Macerating enzymes did not modify the phenolic profile but increased juice yield up to 30%, keeping its phenolic concentration, and thus reducing the phenolics remaining in the by-product. Maceration with Na₂S₂O₅ was critical to increase the phenolic content in the juice whereas β-cyclodextrin only tended to increase the stilbenes content. Optimum conditions for juice production (maceration for 2 h at 45 °C with 0.2% Na₂S₂O₅) using UVC-treated grape berries significantly increased stilbenes concentration (up to 35-fold over the control), without affecting the sensory properties of the juice. The phenolic (resveratrol)-enriched grape juice obtained here could be an ideal alternative to wine in the search of grape-derived health benefits.Industrial relevanceThe aim of this study is to obtain a resveratrol-enriched grape juice by combining postharvest UV-C treatment of grape berries with several technological approaches in the juice processing. Results obtained indicate that maceration for 2 h at 45 °C with 0.2% Na₂S₂O₅ using UVC-treated grape berries significantly increased phenolic concentration, especially stilbenes (up to 35-fold over the control), without affecting the sensory properties of the juice. The resveratrol-enriched juice has an added-value compared to the conventional ones and could exert more health benefits due to its improved phenolic profile.     

Effects of various solvents on the extraction of antioxidant phenolics from the leaves, seeds, veins and skins of Tamarindus indica L.

The effects of solvents, of varying polarities, on the extraction of antioxidant phenolics from the leaves, seeds, veins and skins of Tamarindus indica (T. indica) were studied. The efficiencies of the solvents for extraction of the antioxidant phenolics were in the order: methanol > ethyl acetate > hexane. Phenolic content ranged from 3.17 to 309 mg of gallic acid equivalents/g. Methanol leaf extract (MEL) had the highest phenolic content and was the most potent scavenger of DPPH and superoxide radicals. Methanol vein extract had the highest ferric reducing activity whereas methanol seed extract was the most potent ABTS radical-scavenger. A positive correlation existed between phenolic content and antioxidant activities of the plant parts. HPLC analyses of MEL revealed the presence of catechin, epicatechin, quercetin and isorhamnetin. Overall, methanol was the most effective solvent for extraction of antioxidant phenolics from T. indica. T. indica, particularly the leaf, can be a useful source of natural antioxidants.     

Temperature and storage effects on antioxidant activity of juice from red and white grapes

The effect of temperature and storage time on the phenolic composition and on the antioxidant activity of grape (Vitis vinifera L.) juices made using a red (Sangiovese, SG) and a white (Muscat of Alexandria, MA) variety was studied. Total phenolics, flavonoids, flavan‐3‐ols and hydroxycinnamoyl‐tartrates (HCT) were determined on grape extracts (GE) and juices. Total anthocyanins and anthocyanins composition were measured on GE. The antioxidant activity was assessed by means of two different in vitro tests: scavenging of the stable 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl radical and the inhibition of tyrosine nitration mediated by authentic peroxynitrite (ONOO^?). All the juices were analysed after 24 h and 2 weeks of storage by means of two‐way anova (factors being cultivar and temperature). Anthocyanins were not detected in MA extract, whereas in SG their content was 534 mg malvidin‐equivalent per 100 g of dry matter (d.m.) and malvidin derivatives (glycosylated and coumaroylated) were the most represented (respectively 169 and 41 malvidin‐equivalent per 100 g of d.m.). HCT content of the extracts was higher in SG (overall +33%). Also in grape juices, HCT were lower in MA and in this variety, the trans‐fertaric and cis‐coutaric acids were also undetectable. Cultivar effect proved to be highly significant, while no significant differences in the phenolic composition were observed for storage temperatures (4 and ?20 °C) and cultivar × temperature interaction. However, when statistical analysis was focused on each cultivar, MA was found to be more sensible to storage conditions and a significant reduction in total phenolics (?20%) and flavonoids (?53%) content and in the ONOO^? scavenging potential (?32%) was evident after 2 weeks at 4 °C (when compared with the same storage temperature after 24 h). On the contrary, SG juices did not show significant differences among the four storage treatments investigated. These results could be explained suggesting that anthocyanins presence in red grape plays a key role in juice stability.     

Comparative study of phenolic content and antioxidant activity of strawberry puree,clear, and cloudy juices

The aim of this study was to determine the concentrations of phenolic compounds and their antioxidant activity in different kinds of juice: clear, cloudy, and puree which were made from three different strawberry cultivars (Elkat, Kent, and Senga Sengana). The anthocyanins, p-coumaric acid, ellagic acid, quercetin, keampferol derivatives, (+)-catechin, proanthocyanidins content and degree of proanthocyanidin polymerization, were determined both in the fresh and after 6 months of storage at 4 and 30 °C. Freshly produced juices contained higher amounts of phenolics, especially of anthocyanins and proanthocyanidins, than those stored for 6 months at 4 and 30 °C. The processing of the clear juice showed the higher loss of all phenolic compounds. The antioxidant capacity was the smallest for clear, and the highest for the puree juices. This was assessed by measurements made with different antioxidant activity assays: ABTS and FRAP. The puree of strawberry juice had significantly higher levels of the phenolic compounds and showed more antioxidant activity than the clear and cloudy juices, before and after storage in all strawberry cultivars.     

The effect of lemon juice on bonito (Sarda sarda,Bloch, 1793) preserved by sous vide packaging

This study examined the effect of lemon juice on sensory, biochemical and microbiological quality of sous vide (SV)‐packaged bonito. Bonitos were salted (0.2%) and divided into two groups. The first group (SV) was vacuum‐packaged in a gas barrier plastic pouch, pasteurised (70 °C, 10 min) and stored at 4 ± 1 °C. The second group [(lemon juice‐treated sous vide (LSV)] was treated with lemon juice, vacuum‐packaged, pasteurised and stored similarly. LSV samples had lower pH, mesophilic and psychrophilic aerobic counts than SV samples (P < 0.05), and they had better sensory quality. SV samples spoiled on the 35th day, while the LSV samples were acceptable until 49th day of storage. This result shows that treatment with lemon juice increased the acceptability and shelf life of SV packaged bonito for 2 weeks (40%). When compared to several other mild preservation procedures, addition of lemon juice to SV fish is inexpensive and uncomplicated method.     

Antioxidant activity and α-glucosidase inhibitory potential of onion (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Allium cepa</Emphasis> L.) extracts

In the current study, we evaluated total phenolics, phenolic profile, and oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) of onion (Allium cepa L.). The inhibitory activity of onion extracts against porcine pancreatic α-amylase and rat intestinal α-glucosidase was also investigated. Ethyl alcohol extract of onion skin had the highest α-glucosidase inhibitory activity, ORAC value and total phenolic content, followed by water extract of skin, ethyl alcohol extract of pulp, and water extract of pulp. The α-glucosidase inhibitory activity of the extracts was compared to selected specific phenolics detected in the extracts using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Quercetin, a major phenolic compound in onion extract had high α-glucosidase inhibitiory activity. The α-glucosidase inhibitory activity of the onion extracts correlated to the phenolic content and antioxidant activity of the extracts. These results suggest that onion which has high quercetin content has the potential to contribute as a dietary supplement for controlling hyperglycemia and oxidative stress-linked diabetes complications.     

Antioxidant Fraction from Bark of Dillenia Indica

Barks of various plants have been reported to possess both in vitro and in vivo antioxidant activity. In this study, antioxidant activity of the extract from the barks of Dillenia indica was evaluated by various in vitro methods. The bark of D. indica was extracted with 70% aqueous acetone. The total phenolic content was determined by Folin-Ciocalteu method and the antioxidant activity was assayed through various in vitro methods such as antioxidant capacity by phosphomolybdenum method, radical scavenging activity using α, α-diphenyl-β-picrylhydrazyl method, hydroxyl radical (^?OH) scavenging activity by deoxyribose method, and superoxide anion (O₂ ^??) scavenging activity by phenazine methosulphate/NADH-nitroblue tetrazolium system. The total phenolic content of the extract as tannic acid equivalents was 54%. The total antioxidant capacity of the extract was found to be 3.12 mmoles/g as equivalent to ascorbic acid at 50 ppm concentration. At 25 ppm concentration, the radical scavenging activity of butylated hydroxyanisole and extract showed 90.9% and 91.0%, respectively. The ^?OH scavenging activity of the extract was shown to be 53.9% at 100 ppm concentration. At a concentration of 50 μg, the O₂ ^?? scavenging activity of the extract was 31.7% as compared to 47.7% by gallic acid. These results indicated that Dillenia indica barks contained large amount of phenolics and possessed potent antioxidant property.     

Antioxidant properties of various solvent extracts of mulberry (Morus indica L.) leaves

The antioxidant properties and total phenolic contents of methanol, acetone and water extracts of mulberry (Morus indica L.) leaves were examined. Various experimental models including iron (III) reducing capacity, total antioxidant capacity, DPPH radical scavenging activity and in vitro inhibition of ferrous sulphate-induced oxidation of lipid system were used for characterization of antioxidant activity of extracts. The three extracts showed varying degrees of efficacy in each assay in a dose-dependent manner. Methanolic extract with the highest amount of total phenolics, was the most potent antioxidant in all the assays used. In addition, the effect of temperature (50 °C and 100 °C), pH (3, 5, 7, 9 and 11) and storage (5 °C) on the antioxidant activity of methanolic extract was investigated. The antioxidant activity of the extract remained unchanged at 50 °C and was maximum at neutral pH. The extract stored at 5 °C in the dark was stable for 30 days after which the antioxidant activity decreased (p ? 0.05) gradually. On the basis of the results obtained, mulberry leaves were found to serve as a potential source of natural antioxidants due to their marked antioxidant activity.     

Major chemical constituents and antioxidant activities of different extracts from the peduncles of Hovenia acerba Lindl

Hovenia acerba Lindl. is a perennial tree of Rhamnaceae family. In the present study, four solvents (80% methanol, ethyl acetate, n-hexane, and water) were used to extract the compounds of Hovenia acerba Lindl. peduncles (HAP). The total contents of phenolics and tannins (TPC and TTC), as well as their antioxidant activities (DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP) of these four different extracts including 80% methanol extract (ME), ethyl acetate extract (EE), n-hexane extract (HE) and water extract (WE) were compared. The antioxidant activities of HAP showed positive correlations with TPC and TTC, indicating that phenolics maybe a major contributor to the antioxidant activities of HAP. The significant difference between antioxidant activities and TPC/TTC implied the respective contribution extent of phenolics for the antioxidant activities of four solvent extracts. Besides, a total of 117 compounds, including 7 oligosaccharides, 11 organic acids, 41 phenolics, 1 steroids, 25 terpenes, 11 fatty acids, 9 amino acids, and 12 other compounds were identified or tentatively characterized in HAP for the first time. Among them, 23 bioactive constituents, including 4 organic acids, 5 phenolic acids, and 14 flavonoids, were quantified. The comparison of characterization and quantitation of 4 extracts demonstrated that 80% methanol showed the widest range of selectivity for both HAP flavonoid aglycones and glycosides, while ethyl acetate preferred to extract the flavonoids aglycone from HAP. Secondly, water and 80% methanol were excellent solvents for the extraction of phenolic acids. And both ethyl acetate and 80% methanol perform well at the extraction of terpenes and steroids.     

Antiulcerative properties of crude polyphenols and juice of apple,and Chinese quince extracts

Effects of Chinese quince extract, apple juice, semi-purified phenolics and soluble pectin from these fruits on ethanol-induced gastric ulcers in rats were investigated. In rats given Chinese quince extract or apple juice, ulcer induction was strongly suppressed, and the effect was stronger for Chinese quince extract than for apple juice. Myeloperoxidase activity in gastric mucosa showed a similar tendency. The DPPH radical scavenging activity and total phenolic content were 4 times higher in Chinese quince extract than in apple juice. Semi-purified phenolics from both fruits strongly suppressed ulcer induction at doses of 5–10 mg; however, a 20 mg dose of apple phenolics showed a pro-ulcerative effect. The soluble pectin fraction also showed moderate activity. These results suggest that phenolic compounds are responsible for antiulcerative activity of Chinese quince extract and apple juice, and that concentration may be an important factor in the case of apple phenolics.     

Microbial,physico‐chemical and sensory characteristics of mango juice‐enriched probiotic dairy drinks

This study aimed to determine whether mango juice can improve the viability of probiotics in a fermented dairy‐based beverage whilst maintaining its quality characteristics. Formulations containing Lactobacillus acidophilus La‐5 culture, whole cow's milk and varying concentrations of mango juice (0%, 10%, 20%, 30% and 40% (w/w)) were produced and stored for five weeks at 4 °C. Results showed that probiotic viability was enhanced with the addition of 10% mango juice. Additionally, this formulation improved probiotics tolerance when exposed to in vitro gastrointestinal digestion. According to the sensory analysis, beverage sensory scores improved as levels of mango juice increased from 20% to 40%.     

Standardised Mangifera indica extract is an ideal antioxidant

The standardised ethanolic and aqueous extracts of Mangifera indica leaf were prepared and analysed for their free radicals scavenging activity. The IC₅₀ values using the DPPH assay were 0.17 ± 0.02 and 0.49 ± 0.4 mg/ml, respectively. Standardised ethanolic extracts of the M. indica leaf had a solid content of 9.1 ± 0.7%, mangiferin concentration of 73 ± 0.17 mg/g of dry weight of the extract, free radical scavenging activity (IC₅₀) of 0.17 ± 0.02 mg/ml and total phenolic content of 590 ± 48 mg/g of extract. The protection exhibited by these extracts against lipid peroxidation was superior to butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) and commercial grape seed extract. These extracts at higher concentration did not exhibit pro-oxidant activities when compared to vitamin C. Our findings also show that the aqueous and ethanolic extracts of M. indica leaf protect NIH/3T3 cells from oxidant-induced cell death.     

Impact of processing and storage on the phenolic profiles and contents of pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) juices

Juices were obtained on pilot-plant scale from untreated, steamed and peeled pomegranate fruits (Punica granatum L.), respectively, by applying increasing pressures and various juice treatments, i.e., enzymatic treatment, filtration, clarification and pasteurization, to determine the influence of process technology on the phenolic profiles and contents of the juices. Polyphenols were characterized and quantified by HPLC-DAD-ESI/MSⁿ, and total phenolics and antioxidant capacity of the juices were determined by Folin–Ciocalteu, FRAP and TEAC assays, respectively. The total amounts of anthocyanins and colorless phenolics in the juices significantly differed depending on the applied technology. Highest phenolic recoveries were obtained from steamed fruits without further treatment. In contrast, lowest phenolic contents were determined in the juices produced from peeled fruits, i.e., the isolated seeds with adherent arils. With increasing pressures, polyphenol recoveries were enhanced, whereas juice treatments such as microfiltration and fining lowered phenolic contents of the juices. Furthermore, the amounts of individual phenolics were determined by HPLC-DAD with ellagitannins dominating the phenolic profiles. Juices solely produced from the edible parts of pomegranate exhibited lower amounts of ellagitannins compared with the juices from entire fruits. In contrast, the former juices were characterized by the highest amounts of gallotannins, hydroxybenzoic acids, hydroxycinnamic acids and dihydroflavonols. These results were consistent with the astringency of the juices. Additionally, storage experiments were performed at 4 °C and 20 °C in the dark and 20 °C under light exposure, revealing significant pigment degradation and concomitant color loss, especially at elevated temperatures and upon illumination, whereas the contents of non-anthocyanin phenolics and antioxidant capacity remained virtually unchanged throughout storage.     

Antioxidant activity of lettuce tree (Pisonia morindifolia R.Br.) and tamarind tree (Tamarindus indica L.) and their efficacy in peanut oil stability

Different solvent extracts of lettuce tree (Pisonia morindifolia R. Br.) and tamarind tree (Tamarindus indica L.) were tested for antioxidant activities. The extracts exhibited effective reducing power and higher radical scavenging efficacy against DPPH and hydroxyl radicals. They also showed metal chelating ability and inhibited peroxidation in the β-carotene/linoleic acid emulsion system. The extracts contained considerable levels of vitamin C, vitamin E, total phenolics, tannins, and total flavonoids estimated through standard spectrophotometric methods. As the acetone and methanol extracts of lettuce and tamarind tree recorded pronounced activities, their protective effects in stabilizing peanut oil were tested in terms of their peroxide value, free fatty acid contents, and p-anisidine values in comparison with the synthetic antioxidants butylated hydroxyanisole and butylated hydroxytoluene. Additionally, the antioxidant activity of the extract-treated oil samples and their phenolic contents were monitored to obtain a complete perspective of the influence of the phenolic compounds in oil stability. Results indicated that the selected leafy vegetables, besides acting as good sources of antioxidants, may serve as substitute for synthetic antioxidants in the stabilization of peanut oil.