Phenolic acid content and radical scavenging activity of extracts from medlar (Mespilus germanica L.) fruit at different stages of ripening

The medlar fruit (Mespilus germanica L.) has been gaining commercial importance in recent years, attracting research on its chemical composition. In this study, we have investigated how the degree of ripeness affects the concentrations and proportions of phenolic acids. The DPPH scavenging activity and the total phenolic content (TPC) were determined. Five stages of fruit maturity were studied and eight phenolic acids (protocatechuic, 4-hydroxybenzoic, syringic, 3-hydroxybenzoic, caffeic, salicylic, 4-coumaric and sinapic) were determined by HPLC–MS. The concentrations of phenolic acids mostly decreased as the fruit ripening progressed, except for insoluble ester-bound phenolics, which increased at the early stages of maturity and decreased only during the ripe to over-ripe stage of maturity. The DPPH scavenging activity also decreased during fruit maturation, suggesting a decrease of natural antioxidants in fruit. A strong correlation between TPC and antioxidant capacity measured by the DPPH method was found. The data presented demonstrates the influence of ripening on the phenolic acid content and antioxidant properties of medlar fruit.     

Enhancement of the antioxidant and starch hydrolase inhibitory activities of king coconut water (Cocos nucifera var. aurantiaca) by fermentation with kombucha ‘tea fungus’

Enhancement of antioxidant and starch hydrolase inhibitory properties of king coconut water when subjected to fermentation with the ‘tea fungus’ was evaluated. pH, colour, viscosity, ethanol content, antioxidant activity, total phenolic content, ferulic and p‐coumaric acid contents and starch hydrolase inhibitory activities were analysed for 7 days in fermented and unfermented king coconut water samples. The fermented sample had a statistically significant decrease (P < 0.05) in pH. Colour values indicated the fermented beverage to increase in ‘yellowness’ over time. A statistically significant increase in the total phenolic content and the antioxidant activity (P < 0.05) was observed from day 1 onwards in the fermented sample. The starch hydrolase inhibitory activities in the fermented beverage had statistically significantly increased (P < 0.05) by day 7. Overall, the study highlights an enhancement of the antioxidant and starch hydrolase inhibitory properties of king coconut water as a result of the kombucha‐based fermentation.     

Phenolic acids in the meal of developing and stored barley seeds

The following free phenolic acids were identified in the meal of developing barley seeds: salicylic, p-hydroxybenzoic, vanillic, protocatechuic, o-, m- and p-coumaric, syringic, ferulic and sinapic acids. The highest concentration of these compounds was observed at 19–31 days after anthesis. At this time the highest amount of total ethanol-soluble, bound phenolic acids was also found. In the ripe seeds or seeds stored for 2–6 weeks after harvesting, the content of free and soluble bound phenolic acids was distinctly lower. No free caffeic or chlorogenic acids were detected in the seeds by the procedure applied.     

Stability and antioxidant activity of phenolic compounds during in vitro digestion

The impact of phenolic compounds on the human body depended on the type, content, bioavailability, and antioxidant activity. After digestion, different phenolic compounds had different changes of bioavailability and antioxidant activity, which needed to be considered in the application. In this experiment, the structural stability and antioxidant activity of 27 phenolic compounds (phenolic acids, flavonols, flavonoids, and flavanones) were investigated during the in vitro simulated digestion. This experiment eliminated the influence of food matrix, provide a basis for regularity for the changes of phenolic substances in different materials. Results showed that the bioaccessibility of phenolic compounds with different structures varied, and there was a conformational relationship between the structure and stability. After oral digestion, most of the phenolic compounds underwent degradation and the cellular antioxidant activity (CAA) values decreased to a large extent (p < 0.05). After gastric digestion, the content (p > 0.05) and CAA values (p < 0.05) of most phenolic compounds increased. However, after intestinal digestion, the phenolic compounds were degraded to a greater extent, and different structures of phenolic compounds had different changes in CAA values (p < 0.05). In general, the CAA values of most phenolic compounds after in vitro digestion were lower than the initial value. The 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2′-azino-bis (3-ehylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS), and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) values of phenolic acids and flavonols decreased after in vitro simulated digestion (p < 0.05), while the values of DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP of most flavonoids (p < 0.05) increased. The increased oxygen radical absorption capacity (ORAC) values were found in most phenolic acids, flavonols, and flavonoids (p < 0.05), and most flavanones showed unremarkable changes in ORAC values (p > 0.05). In general, the changing trend of chemical-based antioxidant activity was consistent with the content of phenolic compounds.     

Minerals, phenolic compounds, and antioxidant capacity of citrus peel extract by hot water

ABSTRACT:  Some dried citrus peels, more familiar as chenpi in China, have been widely used in traditional Chinese medicines from ancient times. This paper reports the efficiency of infusion cooking on extracting minerals and phenolic compounds (flavanone glycosides [FGs], polymethoxylated flavones [PMFs], and phenolic acids), and also antioxidant activity of hot water extract of citrus peels. Peels of 2 citrus varieties, namely, Satsuma mandarin ( C. unshiu Marc.) and Ponkan ( C. poonensis Hort. ex Tanaka), which belong to C. reticulata , were selected. As a result, hot water extraction was efficient in extracting phenolic acids and some minerals. As for citrus flavonoids, narirutin, nobiletin, and tangeretin were easier to extract than hesperidin. The result of antioxidant capacity assays indicated that for citrus peels, hot water extract had almost the same capacity as the methanol extract. We suggested that Ponkan was more suitable as the source of chenpi , since its hot water extract had much higher content of phenolic acids, FGs and PMFs, and higher antioxidant capacity than those of Satsuma mandarin. Generally, to raise the extraction temperature or to prolong the time could not yield higher content of phenolic compounds and stronger antioxidant capacity, though the content of minerals increased to some extent. Furthermore, a 2nd-time extraction seemed necessary since considerable minerals and phenolic compounds could be obtained by doing so. Finally, we suggested that 2 times extraction at 100 °C for 30 min was proper to extract the minerals and phenolic compounds in chenpi .     

低醇度椰子水成分和抗氧化活性研究

该研究以酿酒酵母（Saccharomyces cerevisiae）DV10为菌种,发酵低醇度椰子水,分析了发酵对椰子水中还原糖、总酚、有机酸含量以及抗氧化活性的影响。结果显示,发酵对成熟椰子水的成分和抗氧化活性有重要的影响。低醇度椰子水发酵10 d后,葡萄糖、果糖和酒精度分别为9.21 g/L、5.06 g/L和5.2%vol;乳酸从0.18 mg/mL增加至4.00 mg/mL、琥珀酸从0.17 mg/mL增加至0.87 mg/mL,酒石酸和苹果酸从32.09 mg/L和1.23 mg/mL下降至0;总酚含量从39.95 mg GAE/mL逐渐升高至67.89 mg GAE/mL。另外,低醇度椰子水的抗氧化活性也有较大的改善,FRAP值从290.07 μmol/L FeSO4上升至432.36 μmol/L FeSO4,ABTS+·清除率从15.77%上升至69.84%,且相关性分析表明抗氧化活性升高归因于总酚含量的升高。     

Improving the nutritional and phytochemical compounds of a plant-based milk of sapucaia nut cake using block freeze concentration

The nutrient profile and the phytochemical composition of the sapucaia nut cake milk (SNCM) were evaluated after applying five consecutive stages of block freeze concentration (C1, C2, C3, C4 and C5). The profile of phenolic compounds by LC-ESI-MS/MS and the antioxidant activity (ABTS and FRAP) of SNCM were also determined. The freeze concentration increased proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, ash, soluble solids (°Brix) and total phenolic compounds (TPC) in all stages and in the ice fractions obtained from C1, C2 and C3 stages. The antioxidant activity (ABTS) in C3, C4 and C5 fractions was highly significant (P < 0.05). The antioxidant activity (FRAP) and the phenolic compounds (gallic, vanillic, ferulic, sinapic and salicylic acids, catechin, taxifolin and sinapaldehyde) increased significantly (P < 0.05) for all five fractions. The freeze concentration was successfully used for enriching the SNCM, generating a promising ingredient for the food industry.     

The occurrence and characterisation of phenolic compounds in Camelina sativa seed, cake and oil

In this study, the antioxidant activities of Camelina sativa methanolic extracts were evaluated by different chemical assays: reducing power, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH·) assay, the β-carotene bleaching method and the metal chelating activity assay. An LC-MS profiling method was used for a comprehensive study of the phenolic compounds and their representation in camelina seeds, cake and oil. For this purpose, 4-vinyl derivatives of hydroxycinnamic acids were synthesized by thermal decarboxylation of the corresponding phenolic acids and sinapine was isolated from kale (Brassica oleracea) applying a new method and confirmed by NMR. The results revealed that besides the total phenolic content and antioxidant activity, seeds and cake also possess a similar phenolic profile. In addition to sinapine and 4-vinyl derivatives, other antioxidants were successfully identified: ellagic acid, protocatechuic acid, p-hydroxybenzoic acid, sinapic acid, salicylic acid, catechin, rutin, quercetin and quercetin glucoside. Since after oil pressing most of the phenolic compounds remain in the seed residues, only a few compounds were identified in the oil. Camelina cake was found to have the best reducing power and radical scavenging activity, whereas camelina oil, with a relatively low phenolic content, exhibited the highest iron-chelating capacity and the best inhibitory action against β-carotene discolouration in an emulsified system.     

温州蜜柑、椪柑采后酚类物质及抗氧化活性比较研究

通过研究温州蜜蜂柑、椪柑两个常见柑橘品种贮藏期间类黄酮、酚酸类物质及抗氧化活性的变化规律,评价其采后的营养品质。结果表明：贮藏60d后温州蜜柑较好地保持了抗坏血酸含量,而椪柑损失较大。类黄酮类物质较稳定,温州蜜柑中黄烷酮含量贮藏后有所增加,椪柑中则呈缓慢下降趋势,2种柑橘中酚酸类物质贮藏后都有所增加。总酚含量在贮藏前期呈下降趋势,贮藏后期温州蜜柑中总酚含量增加而在椪柑中进一步下降。抗氧化能力与抗坏血酸的变化趋势类似。与椪柑相比,贮藏期间温州蜜柑能更好地保持果实的营养品质及酚类物质,从而保持较高的抗氧化活性。     

Phenolic Profiles,Antioxidant Activities,and Neuroprotective Properties of Mulberry (Morus atropurpurea Roxb.) Fruit Extracts from Different Ripening Stages

The present work investigated the phenolic profiles (including nonanthocyanin and anthocyanin phenolics), antioxidant activities, and neuroprotective potential of mulberry fruit (MF) (Morus atropurpurea Roxb.) grown in China at different ripening stages. High‐performance liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry method (HPLC‐MS/MS) was used to identify and quantify the phenolic compounds. The antioxidant capacity, total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and total monomeric anthocyanin content (TAC) were determined using spectrophotometric methods. The neuroprotective effects of MFs at different ripening stages were investigated using Aβ_25‐35‐treated PC12 cells as the cellular model of Alzheimer's disease. Of the 19 phenolic compounds characterized from the MF extracts, the contents of rutin and anthocyanins increased and that of chlorogenic acid decreased significantly with maturity. At the fully ripened stage, MF extracts showed the highest amounts of TPC (11.23 mg gallic acid equivalents/g fresh weight), TFC (15.1 mg rutin equivalents/g fresh weight), and TAC (1177 mg cyanidin 3‐O‐glucoside equivalents/100 g fresh weight). Meanwhile, antioxidant activity of MF extracts at this stage was highest according to ABTS (an IC50 value of 4.11 μg/mL) and DPPH (an IC50 value of 10.08 μg/mL) assays. Cellular assays revealed increased cell viability in cells treated with the ripe MF extracts; compared with the control groups, the ripening fruits also increased the antioxidant enzyme levels in PC12 cells. Together, these results suggest that the antioxidant activities and neuroprotective properties of ripening MFs are related to the contents and types of phenolic compounds that are present in the fruits.     

INHIBITION OF HELICOBACTER PYLORI BY PHENOLIC EXTRACTS OF SPROUTED PEAS (PISUM SATIVUM L.)

Infection by Helicobacter pylori is associated with gastric and duodenal ulcers. Conventional treatments to eradicate it have side‐effects such as diarrhea and dizziness. The excessive use of antibiotics could also lead to antibiotic‐resistant bacteria. The use of plant phenolic phytochemicals can be an alternative because of their health benefits due to both antioxidant activity and antimicrobial activity. The pea (Pisum sativum), the world's second most important pulse crop, produces phenolic phytochemicals with antimicrobial potential. Because the synthesis of phenolic compounds increases with stress, we investigated the anti‐H. pylori effectiveness of extracts from pea sprouts, germinated in the dark condition following treatment with either distilled water or acetyl salicylic acid. The peas were germinated for 8 days and the sprouted samples were measured for total soluble phenolic content, antioxidant and guaiacol peroxidase activity. Subsequently, the sprout extracts were tested for anti‐H. pylori activity using the agar diffusion method and the effective dose was determined based on phenolic content. The results showed that both acetyl salicylic acid‐treated and untreated pea sprouts at days 5 and 8 had anti‐H. pylori activity. The minimum volume for inhibition was 50 μL of extracts. The inhibitory effects were dose dependent. From this study, the potential to use natural phenolic phytochemicals from pea sprouts to control H. pylori was found to be promising. This provides a strategy and foundation to design legume phenolics as functional ingredients against H. pylori.     

Chemical characterization and evaluation of antioxidant properties of Açaí fruits (Euterpe oleraceae Mart.) during ripening

Consumption of açaí fruits has been linked to positive health effects due to its phenolic content and nutritive value. The objective of this study was to characterize açaí fruits chemically and to determine the antioxidant capacity at three different maturity stages. With the exception of fat, amounts of macronutrients, minerals and titratable acids decreased during the ripening process. The same trend was observed for most of the phenolic constituents identified by HPLC–ESI-MS/MS. A consistent decline was shown for flavones and hydroxycinnamic acids. The concentration of the anthocyanins increased in the course of ripening. In accordance with the total amount of the identified phenolic compounds, the antioxidant capacity, measured by TEAC and TOSC, also decreased. However, the contribution of the main phenolic compounds to the overall antioxidant capacity evaluated by TOSC was estimated to be low.     

Effect of defatting and decortication on distribution of fatty acids,phenolic and antioxidant compounds in sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) bran fractions

Sorghum bran components could be a potential source of nutrients and phytochemicals for industrial applications. The effect of defatting with hexane and different degrees of decortication on distribution of fatty acids, phenolic compounds, colour (L, a and b) and antioxidant activity (DPPH) of red (RS) and white (WS) sorghums was studied. The decortication process was carried out at time intervals of 1–6 min. Defatted and nondefatted fractions were analysed. The content of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) was higher than monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA); the content of MUFA was higher than saturated fatty acids (SFA). Linoleic, oleic and palmitic acids predominated in all fractions. Significant differences in the content of palmitic and linolenic acids between sorghums were found. RS had higher content of palmitic, and WS was higher in linoleic acid. Defatted samples contained lower amounts of phenolic compounds and higher antioxidant activities, than nondefatted samples. RS was a better source of total phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity compared with WS, but WS presented a more suitable profile of fatty acids. In conclusion, fractions of both types of sorghums can be used in cereal‐based products to enhance their phytochemical profile.     

Phenolic content,antioxidant and physico‐chemical properties of Sardinian monofloral honeys

In this study, fifty‐one monofloral Sardinian honeys from ten various floral origins were screened for their phenolic content, antioxidant activity, colour and electrical conductivity. The total phenolic amounts have been evaluated by Folin–Ciocalteu method, whereas quantification of several phenolic compounds (phenolic acids and flavonoids) has been carried out by HPLC‐DAD technique. The richest sample in phenolic compounds resulted strawberry tree honey with about 40 mg GAE/100 g, as well FRAP test and DPPH˙ test confirm that antioxidant activity of strawberry tree honey extract exceed both honey extracts and synthetic antioxidants like BHA and BHT. Among the studied phenolic compounds a total of five phenolic acids (ferulic, syringic, trans‐cinnamic, chlorogenic and p‐hydroxycinnamic) and nine flavonoids (catechin, kaempferol, rutin, quercetin, luteolin, apigenin, galangin, pinocembrin and pinobanksin) were identified. Our results show good correlations between total polyphenol amount and antioxidant activity and between colour and electrical conductivity.     

Antioxidant Properties of Aqueous Extract of Roasted Hulled Barley in Bulk Oil or Oil‐in‐Water Emulsion Matrix

Antioxidant properties of the aqueous extracts of hulled barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) that had been roasted at 210 °C for 20 min were determined in bulk oil and oil‐in‐water (O/W) emulsions. Bulk oils were heated at 60, 100, and 180 °C, and O/W emulsions were oxidized under riboflavin photosensitization. The content of phenolic compounds was analyzed by high‐performance liquid chromatography, and in vitro antioxidant assays were also conducted. The major phenolics contained in the aqueous extract of roasted hulled barley (AERB) were p‐coumaric, ferulic, protocatechuic, chlorogenic, 4‐hydroxybenzoic, and vanillic acids. Depending on the concentration and oxidation temperature, AERB had antioxidant or prooxidant properties in bulk oil. At 60 °C, AERB at a concentration of 0.5% acted as a prooxidant, whereas at 1.0% it acted as an antioxidant. At 100 °C, AERB acted as an antioxidant irrespective of concentration. In 180 °C conditions, 0.5% AERB acted as a prooxidant, whereas other concentrations of AERB acted as antioxidants. In the case of riboflavin photosensitized O/W emulsions, AERB showed antioxidant properties irrespective of concentration. Antioxidant abilities of AERB are affected by the food matrix, including bulk oil and O/W emulsions, and concentrations of AERB, even though diverse phenolic compounds may display high antioxidant properties in in vitro assays.     

基于GC-MS法的椰子水及其饮料的风味成分分析

为了对不同成熟度椰子(椰青、嫩椰子、成熟椰子)的椰汁及椰子水饮料中挥发性风味物质组分和含量进行分析,采用蒸馏萃取装置提取样品中的挥发性成分,并用气相色谱-质谱(GC-MS)联用分析技术进行分离鉴定。结果表明,共检测出67种香气成分,分为7大类化合物,包括酯类32种,有机酸11种,醇类7种,醛类3种,酮类3种,酚类4种,其他类7种。在检出的香气物质中,确定主体风味组分主要是醇类、酯类和酸类3类物质,相同的挥发性成分是2,3-丁二醇。不同样品中,这些微量香气成分的种类含量有较大差别,成熟椰子原汁中风味物质的种类和含量较多。因此,椰子水原汁的挥发性成分直接影响椰子水饮料的感官质量。本试验研究为椰子水及其饮料感官品质的深入研究提供了一定的理论依据。     

Accumulation of phenolics,antioxidant and antiproliferative activity of sweet corn (Zea mays L.) during kernel maturation

Phenolic profiles and gene expression pattern in their synthetic pathway, total antioxidant activities and antiproliferative activities in two genotypes of sweet corn (YT16 and YT28) during kernel maturation were analysed. Results showed that increasing trends of phenolics and flavonoids in the two genotypes of kernels from 10 to 30 days after pollination (DAP). Gallic acid, chlorogenic acid, p-coumaric acid and ferulic acid were identified and quantified as the main phenolic compounds in both genotypes of kernels. High expressing levels of C4O and PAL resulted in the increasing phenolic contents. Higher expressing levels of CHS in YT28 led to higher flavonoid contents than that in YT16. The phenolic contents, antioxidant capacities and antiproliferative abilities of the two genotypes of sweet corn were competitive comparing to many fruits and vegetables. In addition, the maturation process of sweet corn could raise the kernel’s bioactive ability as well as nutritional values.     

Effect of cooking on the total antioxidant capacity and phenolic profile of some whole‐meal African cereals

BACKGROUND: At present, sorghum, fonio and millet are not placed as important commodities in the North American and European food basket, but their importance as ingredients in multigrain and gluten‐free cereal products is highlighted. Therefore in this study the phenolic profile (evaluated by liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry), total phenolic content (assessed by Folin–Ciocalteu assay) and total antioxidant capacity were measured in three African whole grains, i.e. sorghum (Sorghum bicolor ssp. bicolor), fonio (Digitaria exilis) and pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum L.), before and after a cooking procedure. RESULTS: After the cooking process, soluble phenolic acids increased significantly in sorghum, whereas bound ones and anthocyanins decreased significantly. In millet the cooking process significantly enhanced soluble phenolic acids without affecting those bound, whereas in fonio a slight but significant decrease in almost all soluble phenolic acids was observed along with a significant increase in bound ones. Finally, the cooking process negatively affected both total phenolic content and total antioxidant capacity. CONCLUSION: This is one of the few reports dealing with the antioxidant compounds of these three African whole grains in which the effect of cooking was also evaluated. The data suggested that, to improve their antioxidant properties, specific cultivars should be selected and the cooking procedures carefully considered. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry     

Effects of drying methods on colour,amino acids,phenolic profile,microstructure and volatile aroma components of Boletus aereus slices

This study is to investigate the effects of hot air drying (HD) at 60–80 °C (HD-60, HD-70 and HD-80), microwave pretreatment combined with HD (MHD), ultrasound pretreatment combined with HD (UHD) and vacuum freeze drying (FD) on the quality of Boletus aereus slices. Key characteristics, including colour, free amino acids, microstructure, volatile aroma components, phenolic profile and antioxidant activity, were studied. Amongst these drying methods, FD was the best way to preserve colour and volatiles of Boletus aereus slices. Fifteen amino acids were detected in Boletus aereus slices, and HD-60 showed a higher content of total amino acids than other drying regimes. Two phenolic acids were identified in Boletus aereus slices, namely, protocatechuic acid and p-hydroxybenzoic acid. MHD presented the highest content of phenolic compounds, followed by FD. Antioxidant capacity was positively correlated with phenolic compounds of Boletus aereus slices. Moreover, the cell structure of Boletus aereus slices was damaged after drying, and FD had a more porous structure than other drying methods. These results will be beneficial to the further industrial production of Boletus aereus slices.     

体外结肠发酵对青稞膳食纤维中酚类化合物的含量及抗氧化活性的影响

以青稞中的可溶性膳食纤维(soluble dietary fiber,SDF)和不可溶性膳食纤维(insoluble dietary fiber,IDF)为原料,通过体外结肠发酵,测定不同时间点酚类化合物的含量和抗氧化活性,并利用高效液相色谱法对发酵液中的酚类化合物进行定性和定量。结果表明:在体外结肠发酵48 h过程中,随着发酵时间的延长,IDF中酚类化合物含量呈逐渐升高趋势,SDF中酚类化合物含量呈先升高后下降趋势,在结肠发酵第30小时,酚类化合物含量达到最高,为(50.62±2.45)μmol/g;IDF和SDF中酚类化合物的抗氧化活性变化趋势与酚类化合物含量变化相似;青稞膳食纤维经体外结肠发酵后,发酵液中酚类化合物分为羟基苯甲酸、羟基肉桂酸和类黄酮,包括18种酚类化合物。在结肠发酵过程中,IDF和SDF中阿魏酸含量均呈先升高后下降趋势,IDF在发酵第24小时含量最高;SDF在发酵第5小时含量最高。结果表明,青稞膳食纤维可作为多酚的传递物质,在结肠发酵过程中缓慢释放多酚化合物,能够提高多酚含量和抗氧化活性,促进人体健康。