Characterisation and comparison of phenols,flavonoids and isoflavones of soymilk and their correlations with antioxidant activity

To investigate the relationship between bioactive compounds and antioxidant property, total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), individual and total isoflavone content of soymilk and their correlations with oxygen‐radical‐absorbing capacity (ORAC), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging capacity values were evaluated and compared. Results showed that TPC, TFC, isoflavones (including concentration and profiles) and antioxidation activity significantly varied among ten tested soybean cultivars. Significant correlations were established between DPPH and TFC (r = 0.553, P < 0.01), DPPH and TPC (r = 0.753, P < 0.01), FRAP and TFC (r = 0.599, P < 0.01) and FRAP and TPC (r = 0.616, P < 0.01). Positive linear correlations were found between subtotal, total isoflavones and ORAC. Unlike other isoflavone monomers, aglycone isoflavones correlated positively with DPPH and FRAP significantly. DPPH well correlated with FRAP, whereas neither DPPH nor FRAP correlated with ORAC. TPC, TFC, individual and total isoflavone values are potentially useful for soymilk antioxidant activity assessment.     

Processing (blanching, boiling, steaming) effects on the content of glucosinolates and antioxidant-related parameters in cauliflower (Brassica oleracea L. ssp. botrytis)

Five different varieties of cauliflower (Brassica oleracea L. ssp. botrytis); two white (cv. ‘Aviso’, ‘Dania’), one purple (cv. ‘Grafitti’), one green (cv. ‘Emeraude’) and one romanesco/green pyramidal (cv. ‘Celio’) cultivar have been studied. All samples were thermally processed and the effects on the levels of glucosinolates (GLS), total phenols (TP), total monomeric anthocyanins (TMA), l-ascorbic acid (l-AA) and antioxidant capacities (FRAP and ORAC) were investigated. Processing methods applied were: blanching (3 min), boiling (10 min) and steaming (10 min). Total GLS were significantly (p < 0.05) affected by processing with the highest losses, 55 and 42% on average, occurring for boiled and blanched samples, respectively. Significant effects were also noted for steaming, but to a lesser extent, i.e. 19% average reduction. Antioxidant-related parameters were similarly affected with average losses of 27, 33, 36 and 46% in boiled cauliflower and 16, 21, 22 and 28% in blanched for TP, FRAP, l-AA and ORAC, respectively. Blanching and boiling reduced TMA in purple cauliflower by 38 and 53%, respectively. Steaming affected the antioxidant-related parameters the least for all cultivars. l-AA was significantly reduced by 14% in all cultivars by steaming. Some differences in behaviour between cultivars were noted, especially between white and coloured cultivars for TP, FRAP and l-AA, but also for some GLS. The main losses were caused by leaching into the processing water.     

Effect of drying method on the antioxidant capacity of six Lamiaceae herbs

The present study investigated the changes in total phenols (TP), rosmarinic acid content and antioxidant capacity of six Lamiaceae herbs (rosemary, oregano, marjoram, sage, basil and thyme) after three drying treatments (air-, freeze- and vacuum oven-drying) stored for 60 days at −20 °C and compared to fresh samples. Ferric reducing antioxidant property (FRAP) and oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) were used as markers for antioxidant capacity. Air-dried samples had significantly (p < 0.05) higher TP, rosmarinic acid content and antioxidant capacity than had freeze-dried and vacuum oven-dried samples throughout the storage period. Fresh samples had the lowest values for the parameters tested. Vacuum oven-drying resulted in higher TP and FRAP values in rosemary and thyme during 60 days of storage than did freeze-drying. In ORAC assay, the difference was significantly higher only in thyme. Storage did not show any effect on the dried samples for the parameters tested.     

Bioactive components,ABTS radical scavenging capacity and physical stability of orange,yellow and purple sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) powder processed by convection‐ or vacuum‐drying methods

This study aims to investigate the antioxidant properties and physical stability of convection‐ or vacuum‐dried orange, yellow and purple sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) powder upon room temperature storage at different relative humidity (RH) of 33%, 43%, 54% and 75% for 25 days. Both convection and vacuum‐dried samples had lower total phenolic content (TPC), anthocyanin content and antioxidant activity compared to the fresh samples. Vacuum‐dried powder retained higher antioxidant activity than convection‐dried powder. Storage of the powder at high RH of 75% resulted in apparent clump formation, which was likely attributed to the decrease of glass transition temperature (T_g). In general, purple sweet potato powder contained the highest TPC (255.0 mg GAE 100 g DW^?1) and antioxidant activity (1924.0 μmol TEAC 100 g DW^?1), while orange powder had the highest beta‐carotene content (127.2 mg 100 g DW^?1). Vacuum‐dried sweet potato powder, which has relatively higher antioxidant activity, could be a potential functional ingredient or natural colourant for the food industry.     

Comparative study of improved vs. traditional apple cultivars and their aptitude to be minimally processed as ‘ready to eat’ apple wedges

The development of fresh-cut apple products requires the reconsideration of cultivar selection because different characteristics are required compared with those characteristics for the fresh market. The aim of this work was to evaluate four improved cultivars (‘Modì’, ‘Ariane’, ‘Fuji Kiku 8’ and ‘Pink Lady’) and to compare these cultivars with traditional cultivars (‘Golden Smoothee’ and ‘Granny Smith’). Cultivars were evaluated according to physicochemical parameters and nutritional, enzymatic, and sensory aspects. Next, the cultivars were peeled, cut, treated with different antioxidant treatments, packaged in polypropylene trays and stored at 4 °C. After seven days of storage, physicochemical parameters and visual assessment were determined. As whole apples, the improved cultivars were notable for their sensory characteristics. Moreover, two of them (‘Modì’ and ‘Ariane’) presented the highest amount of total phenols and vitamin C, respectively. After processing and storage, certain of the improved cultivars presented better aptitude for minimal processing. For instance, ‘Modì’ showed high suitability, and ‘Fuji Kiku 8’ was notable for its sensory quality after seven days of refrigerated storage. Among antioxidant treatments that were assayed, 40 g/L NatureSeal^® demonstrated the best results in terms of physicochemical parameters, visual assessment and sensory quality.     

Comparative analyses of phenolic composition, antioxidant capacity, and color of cool season legumes and other selected food legumes

ABSTRACT:  The objective of this study was to characterize the phenolic compounds and antioxidant activities of U.S.-produced cool season legumes. A total of 33 cool season legume samples were selected. Some common beans and soybeans were included for comparisons. Total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and condensed tannin content (CTC) were analyzed. Ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assay, and oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) were used for analyzing antioxidant properties. Color of the legume flour and the seed coat was also analyzed. TPC, TFC, CTC, FRAP, DPPH, and ORAC values of legumes were significantly different not only between classes but also among samples within each class. Among cool season legume classes, lentils possessed the highest concentrations of the phenolic compounds and antioxidant activities. Colored common beans and black soybeans exhibited higher TPC, TFC, CTC, FRAP, DPPH, and ORAC values than those of yellow peas, green peas, and chickpeas. Antioxidant activities (FRAP, DPPH, and ORAC) were strongly correlated ( r = 0.96, 0.94, and 0.89, respectively, P < 0.01) with TPC. TPC and ORAC were moderately correlated ( P < 0.01) with either the seed hull surface color or the flour color.     

Effect of differently processed açai (Euterpe oleracea Mart.) on the retention of phenolics and anthocyanins in chewy candies

This study investigated the effects of processing and storage on the physicochemical properties and retention of antioxidant compounds of no‐added sucrose chewy candies (NASC) incorporated with differently processed açai (frozen pulp, spray‐dried and freeze‐dried powders). NASC containing freeze‐dried açai had the highest softness and recoveries of total phenolic (TP) and total anthocyanin (TA) immediately after production. Colour parameters and antioxidant capacity by ABTS and ORAC assays had no significant differences after 6 months of NASC storage, except for ORAC in NASC containing spray‐dried açai, whereas DPPH^? in all samples significantly increased. Water activity and hardness also increased after storage, whereas TP and TA contents decreased, despite presenting good retentions (approx. 72–78% TP and 84–99% TA). This study suggests that açai has a great potential to be used as a natural pigment and antioxidant source in candy manufacturing, meeting consumption trends towards healthier products.     

Satiety in rats following blueberry extract consumption induced by appetite-suppressing mechanisms unrelated to in vitro or in vivo antioxidant capacity

Water extracts of two blueberry cultivars (‘Centurion’ and ‘Maru’) were tested for their ability to modify appetite in a rat model. The fruits of ‘Centurion’ had higher in vitro antioxidant capacity (as measured using the ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay) and higher total phenolic content (TPC, as measured by the Folin–Ciocalteu method) than fruits of ‘Maru’. When rats were gavaged with water-soluble blueberry extract (BBE; 1 ml/day) of both cultivars for 6 days, serum FRAP increased significantly when compared to water-gavaged controls, indicating that BBE may have the ability to elevate circulating antioxidant potentials in vivo. Both cultivars had a satiating influence on experimental rats, as evidenced by their ability to decrease food intake by 8.6% (‘Maru’) and 6.2% (‘Centurion’), although a statistically significant decrease over the control rats was achieved only for the ‘Maru’ treatments. In addition, body weight gain of rats gavaged with extracts from ‘Maru’ and ‘Centurion’ cultivars decreased by 9.2% and 5.3% relative to the rats in the control group, respectively. The reduction in food intake over a 4 h period compared to a control treatment preloaded with the same volume of water suggests that the decrease in food intake was mainly a consequence of a satiating effect, rather than a stomach distension effect. The observed results suggest that the reduction in food intake and decrease in body weight in experimental animals is not merely a consequence of antioxidant mechanisms. BBE may provide a good satiety inducer and weight management modulator.     

Effect of thermal treatment on glucosinolates and antioxidant-related parameters in red cabbage (Brassica oleracea L. ssp. capitata f. rubra)

The effects of various thermal processing treatments (blanching, boiling and steaming) of red cabbage, Brassica oleracea L. ssp. capitata f. rubra cv. ‘Autoro’, were assessed for the levels of glucosinolates (GLS), total phenols (TP), total monomeric anthocyanins (TMA), l-ascorbic acid (L-AA) and soluble sugars, as well as for the antioxidant potential by the ferric reducing ability power (FRAP) and oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) assays. Individual native GLS were determined by ion-pair HPLC-MS/DAD. There were significant (p < 0.05) losses in blanched red cabbage: TP, 43%, TMA 59%, FRAP 42%, ORAC 51%, L-AA 48% and soluble sugars 45%. Boiling gave less extensive reductions: TP 16%, TMA 41%, FRAP 17%, ORAC 19%, L-AA 24% and soluble sugars 19%. Steaming caused no losses for TP, ORAC, FRAP or soluble sugars. However, significant reductions were found for TMA and L-AA, with 29% and 11%, respectively. In general losses were accounted for in the processing waters; however, TMA was not fully recovered, indicating degradation. Total GLS were severely affected by processing, with reductions of 64%, 38% and 19% in blanched, boiled and steamed red cabbage, respectively. Total aliphatic and indole GLS were similarly affected. Lost GLS were partially recovered in the processing water.     

Biochemical Characterization of Dovyalis hebecarpa Fruits: A Source of Anthocyanins with High Antioxidant Capacity

Dovyalis hebecarpa, which is also known as the Ceylon gooseberry, is an attractive exotic purple berry that is produced in the southwest of Brazil with high yields. Current literature lacks information about the nutritional composition and antioxidant capacity of this fruit. As such, this work aimed to evaluate and compare the proximate composition, phytochemical content, and antioxidant capacity of D. hebecarpa over two seasons through the application of a range of different methods, including FRAP, ABTS, and ORAC assays. The proximate composition and biometric parameters were monitored for quality purposes. The results significantly changed between seasons in accordance with variations in rain incidence and average temperatures. The Ceylon gooseberry contained a similar or higher content of anthocyanins (ACY) than other berries commonly consumed in human diet. These ACY were identified at higher levels in the fruit's skin (284 to 351 mg of cyanidin‐3‐glucoside equivalents/100 g of fresh weight [FW]) than in its pulp (49 to 69 mg/100 g of FW). The use of an ORAC assay identified higher antioxidant activity (145 μmol of Trolox equivalents [TE]/g in the skins and 179 μmol of TE/g in the pulp on a FW basis) than all other methods used to determine antioxidant activity. Thus, D. hebecarpa is a rich source of ACY that demonstrates high antioxidant activity against the peroxyl radicals formed in ORAC assay conditions.     

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.     

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.     

Anthocyanin and antioxidant capacity in Roselle (Hibiscus Sabdariffa L.) extract

The relation between antioxidant activity and anthocyanin was determined in Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) petals. Petals from Roselle, cultivar F141, were collected and dried in Taitung, Taiwan. Roselle extract was prepared by extracting dried Roselle petals in boiling water. The relation between the anthocyanin color and antioxidant capacity was elucidated by comparing absorbance at 520 nm, with ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP), oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) and total antioxidant status (TAS) antioxidant assays. The results showed that the antioxidant capacity of Roselle extract increased when extraction time or weight of petals increased. The FRAP assay showed a linear relationship with anthocyanin as determined at 520 nm. Comparisons between FRAP and ORAC or FRAP and TAS assays gave a linear relation. These results suggest that anthocyanin is the major source of antioxidant capacity in Roselle extract. Further purification using Amberlite XAD-2 and HPLC indicated that anthocyanin and a brown pigment in the extract account for about 51 and 24% of the antioxidant capacity, respectively. Under different processing temperatures and storage periods, anthocyanin content declines. However, other phenolic compounds increase and overall there is only a relatively small decrease in total phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity.     

Stevia‐fortified yoghurt: Stability,antioxidant activity and in vitro digestion behaviour

In this study, yoghurt samples were fortified with 0.25% and 0.5% freeze‐dried stevia extract (FSE). The control and stevia‐fortified yoghurts were evaluated and compared for the viability of the starter cultures, physicochemical properties, total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant activity throughout 30 days of storage. In addition, TPC and antioxidant activity were evaluated during in vitro gastrointestinal digestion. The results showed that the yoghurt matrix preserved the TPC, antioxidant capacity and total solids during storage, while the acidity, synaeresis and counts of the starter cultures of the final product were not significantly affected. However, addition of 0.5% FSE exerted a buffering effect on the system. After simulated digestion, the values of TPC and antioxidant activity of the fortified yoghurts increased in relation to the undigested fractions. These findings showed the feasibility of employing FSE as a functional ingredient in the manufacture of yoghurts with potential antioxidant properties.     

Optimisation of pressurised liquid extraction for antioxidative polyphenolic compound from Momordica charantia using response surface methodology

Pressurised liquid extraction (PLE) of antioxidant compounds from bitter gourd fruits (Momordica charantia) in aqueous ethanolic solvent was investigated using response surface methodology at laboratory scale to understand key impact of extraction variables. Extraction efficiency was optimised by measuring the yield of extraction, total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), ferric reducing/antioxidant power assay (FRAP) and radical scavenging activity (RSA). The optimal extraction conditions were reached at 80% ethanol concentration, 10‐min extraction time and at 160 °C. Under these extraction conditions, values of TPC (5.40 ± 0.30 g GAE per 100 g), TFC (1.50 ± 0.10 g QE per 100 g), FRAP (778.55 ± 10 μmol eq Fe (II) g^?1), yield (178.50 ± 5.50 mg g^?1 dc) and RSA (75.50 ± 4.50%) were achieved. Furthermore, statistical analysis revealed that antioxidative attributes of bitter gourd extract were strongly and positively correlated with extraction temperature and ethanol concentration rather than processing time. This study illustrated that PLE has the potential to extract antioxidant compounds from tropical fruit vegetables in an accelerated manner. Furthermore, influential parameters affecting the process could be optimised for further industrial intake.     

Effect of maturity stage on the content of fatty acids and antioxidant activity of ‘Hass’ avocado

Avocado (Persea americana) is an important tropical fruit and a good source of lipophilic phytochemicals such as monounsaturated fatty acids, carotenoids, vitamin E and sterols that have been inversely related to cardiovascular diseases. However, their antioxidant capacities have received far less attention compared with hydrophilic phytochemicals in this fruit. In this context, this study evaluated the effect of the stage of ripeness of ‘Hass’ avocado on the content of lipophilic and hydrophilic phytochemicals and their correlation with the antioxidant capacity. In every ripeness stage the fatty acids, total phenolic and flavonoid content as well as the antioxidant capacity were evaluated. Physiological and physico-chemical analysis were also performed including respiration rate, ethylene production, firmness, color (L*, °Hue, and Chroma), dry matter and oil content. In general, total phenols increased during ripening, while flavonoids slightly decreased. The main fatty acid identified was oleic acid (about 67-70% of total content). In general, a significant increase in monounsaturated and saturated fatty acids was observed during avocado ripening while polyunsaturated fatty acid content decreased (p < 0.05). Lipophilic extracts showed higher values of antioxidant capacity than hydrophilic, however, both extracts had similar trends for DPPH, TEAC and ORAC assays. DPPH and TEAC assays had a positive correlation with some unsaturated fatty acids. Avocado at different ripeness stages showed a better antioxidant capacity in the lipophilic fraction, which correlated with the fatty acid content evaluated.     

Phenolic Compounds and Antioxidant Capacities of 10 Common Edible Flowers from China

The free and bound phenolic compounds in 10 common Chinese edible flowers were investigated using reversed phase high‐performance liquid chromatography. Their antioxidant capacities were evaluated using 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical‐scavenging activity, 2,2'‐azino‐bis(3‐ethylbenzothiazoline‐6‐sulphonic acid) (ABTS) radical‐scavenging activity, oxygen radical absorption capacity (ORAC), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), and cellular antioxidant activity (CAA). Free factions were more prominent in phenolic content and antioxidant capacity than bound fractions. Paeonia suffruticosa and Flos lonicerae showed the highest total phenolic content (TPC) 235.5 mg chlorogenic acid equivalents/g of dry weight and total flavonoid content 89.38 mg rutin equivalents/g of dry weight. The major phenolic compounds identified were gallic acid, chlorogenic acid, and rutin. P. suffruticosa had the highest antioxidant capacity in the DPPH, ABTS, and ORAC assays, which were 1028, 2065, 990 μmol Trolox equivalents/g of dry weight, respectively, whereas Rosa chinensis had the highest FRAP value (2645 μmol Fe²⁺ equivalents /g of dry weight). The P. suffruticosa soluble phenolics had the highest CAA, with the median effective dose (EC₅₀) 26.7 and 153 μmol quercetin equivalents/100 g of dry weight in the phosphate buffered saline (PBS) and no PBS wash protocol, respectively. TPC was strongly correlated with antioxidant capacity (R = 0.8443 to 0.9978, P < 0.01), which indicated that phenolics were the major contributors to the antioxidant activity of the selected edible flowers.     

The effect of postharvest 1-MCP treatment and storage atmosphere on ‘Cripps Pink’ apple phenolics and antioxidant activity

This study investigated the effect of a postharvest 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) treatment, controlled atmosphere and storage time on the total antioxidant activity (TAA) and phenolic compounds in the peel and flesh of ‘Cripps Pink’ apples (Malus domestica Borkh.). Preclimacteric apples were harvested and treated with 1-MCP then stored in normal atmosphere (NA) or controlled atmosphere (CA) at 0 °C for up to 160 days. In general, the level of phenolics decreased by 9% in the peel and significantly increased twofold in the flesh during cold storage, regardless of storage atmosphere or 1-MCP treatment. However, treatment with 1-MCP resulted in significantly lower concentrations of chlorogenic acid and procyanidin B2 in apple flesh, and catechin and epicatechin in the peel compared to the control fruits. There was no significant effect of CA on the phenolic compounds during long-term storage, except for quercetin 3-galactoside and quercetin 3-glucoside, which both significantly increased under CA storage. Total antioxidant activity (TAA) is an important nutritional attribute of apples in the human diet. The results showed that TAA in the peel tissue was about eight times higher than that of the flesh, with mean values of 4.75 g TE/kg FW and 0.56 TE/kg FW, respectively. The TAA in both the peel and flesh tissue increased significantly during storage by 40% and 70%, respectively. The storage atmosphere did not significantly affect TAA in either the peel or flesh, whilst the 1-MCP treatment significantly reduced the TAA in the peel tissue only. These results show the beneficial combined effects of pre-storage 1-MCP treatment and CA on ‘Cripps Pink’ apple phenolic composition and antioxidant capacity during long term storage.