Changes in the contents of antioxidant compounds in pepper fruits at different ripening stages,as affected by salinity

The interest in the consumption of pepper fruits (Capsicum annuum L.) is, to a large extent, due to its content of bioactive nutrients and their importance as dietary antioxidants. A greenhouse experiment was carried out to determine the effects of salinity and different ripening states of pepper fruits on several compounds with antioxidant properties. Fruits from plants grown under three saline treatments (0, 15, and 30 mM NaCl) were collected at three maturity states (green, turning, and red). Antioxidant activity in the hydrophilic (HAA) and lipophilic (LAA) fractions, lycopene, β-carotene, ascorbic acid, total phenolic compounds and reducing sugars were determined. From the nutritional point of view, the red state was the most appropriate state of maturation, since red peppers had the highest levels of lycopene, β-carotene, and sugars and the highest antioxidant activity for both hydrophilic and lipophilic fractions. The effect of salinity depended on the maturity state of the peppers: it had no effect on HAA, β-carotene or sugars, but decreased ascorbic acid and total phenolic compounds, and increased LAA and lycopene. The use of a moderately-saline water was beneficial when peppers were harvested in the red state, by increasing HAA and LAA in fruits, with no significant effects on other parameters.     

Antioxidant activity of tomato lipophilic extracts and interactions between carotenoids and α-tocopherol in synthetic mixtures

In the present study we assayed the antioxidant activity of lipophilic extracts obtained from different tomato varieties. The results showed that cherry tomatoes, characterized by a high carotenoid content, had the highest antioxidant activity. A quantitative analysis of lycopene, β-carotene, lutein and α-tocopherol was also performed and the correlation between the antioxidant content and the antioxidant activity was estimated. The highest correlation coefficient was found for lycopene (R² = 0.9236, P ≤ 0.001). The analysis of two-component mixtures containing α-tocopherol and carotenoids showed that significant synergism occurred for all the combinations which contained α-tocopherol and β-carotene mixed together. The highest synergistic effects were detected for α-tocopherol-lycopene mixtures, which were the most efficient combinations tested in the present study. The analysis of the carotenoid combinations indicated that synergism occurred for lycopene-β-carotene, lycopene-lutein and lutein-β-carotene mixtures. The analysis of four-component mixtures did not show statistically significant synergistic effects.     

Analysis of antioxidant activity and antioxidant constituents of Chinese toon

Antioxidant activity of the methanol and water extracts of Chinese toon (Toona sinensis) leaf was evaluated using DPPH radical scavenging and lipid peroxidation assays. Contents of four major types of antioxidants including β-carotene, ascorbate, α-tocopherol and phenolics were also quantified. Open column chromatography followed by semi-preparative HPLC were applied to separate phenolic antioxidants whose contents were subsequently determined by HPLC. The methanol extract demonstrated much higher antioxidant activity than the water extract. Contents of β-carotene, ascorbate, α-tocopherol and phenolics were 1.23 μmol g^?1, 34.2 μmol g^?1, 2.40 μmol g^?1 and 872 μmol gallic acid equivalents g^?1, respectively. Six phenols were isolated. Their structures were characterized as 5-O-galloylquinic acid, gallic acid, methyl gallate, β-1,2,6-tri-O-galloyl-d-glucose, quercetin 3-O-β-d-glucopyranoside and quercetin 3-O-(2′′-O-galloyl)-β-d-glucopyranoside, respectively. The results indicate that phenolic compounds are the dominant antioxidants in Chinese toon. The compounds β-1,2,6-tri-O-galloyl-d-glucose and quercetin 3-O-(2′′-O-galloyl)-β-d-glucopyranoside were reported for the first time in Chinese toon.     

Bioactive Compounds and Antioxidant Capacity in Dark Green,Old Gold Crimson,Ripening Inhibitor,and Normal Tomatoes

Bioactive compounds and antioxidant capacity were determined in one high lycopene normal genotype (Berika), two color mutants [dark green (BCT-115) and old gold crimson (BCT-119)], one ripening mutant [ripening inhibitor (BCT-111)], and six ordinary tomato genotypes (Punjab, Chhuhara, FEB-2, BCT-53, Patharkutchi, CLN-B, and CLN-R). Significant variation (mg/100 g fresh weight) in ascorbic acid (~25–38), lycopene (~3–5), β-carotene (~0.6–1.6), total flavonoids (~0.15–48.0), and total phenols (~23–41) was recorded in the pulp. The peel fraction of the tomatoes was identified as an important reservoir of antioxidant bioactive compounds viz. lycopene (~0.26–28), β-carotene (~1.7–4.7), total flavonoids (~0.6–109), and total phenols (~43–104). The radical scavenging activity was ranged from ~53–82 and ~25–51% in peel and pulp, whereas the metal chelating activity was found to range from ~21–53 and ~12–25% in peel and pulp, respectively, among all genotypes. The tomato genotypes with the highest content of bioactive molecules and antioxidant potential in the edible portion were BCT-115, Berika, and BCT-119. The results show great potential of color mutants (dark green and old gold crimson) for all the parameters. Thus, these genotypes could be used in the future breeding programs to enhance the synthesis of beneficial bioactive molecules in the new cultivars.     

Oxidative Stability of Soybean Triacylglycerol Using Carotenoids and Y-Tocopherol

The effect of lycopene, β-carotene, and γ-tocopherol on the oxidative stability of soybean triacylglycerol was evaluated under Schaal oven conditions at 60°C. Peroxide value, conjugated diene, hydroperoxides, and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances were used as indicators for primary and secondary lipid oxidation products, whereas Rancimat method was used to study the oil stability. Results indicated that lycopene and β-carotene acted as pro-oxidants, whereas γ-tocopherol acted as antioxidant in triacylglycerol. Pro-oxidative activity of lycopene was higher than β-carotene at 100 and 200 ppm levels under Schaal oven thermal conditions. The combination of lycopene and γ-tocopherol (1:2) acted as antioxidant with better efficiency than γ-tocopherol alone in inhibiting the hydroperoxide formation in triacylglycerols.     

北极海洋红球菌B7740（Rhodococcus sp.）产类胡萝卜素和类异戊二烯醌的抗氧化、抗增殖活性

本实验旨在研究来自北极海洋红球菌B7740类胡萝卜素和类异戊二烯醌提取物（B7CIQE）的体外抗氧 化活性（通过β-胡萝卜素漂白测定、脂质和蛋白质氧化抑制实验、DNA氧化断裂抑制实验）、抗增殖活性（通过 抗人肝癌细胞HepG2和人口腔癌细胞KB增殖实验）和细胞内抗氧化效果。实验中使用日常饮食常见高等植物来 源类胡萝卜素（β-胡萝卜素、叶黄素、番茄红素）作为对照组,评价B7CIQE的生物活性：β-胡萝卜素氧化抑制 率为B7CIQE（70.20%）＞2,6-二叔丁基-4-甲基苯酚（66.70%）＞表没食子儿茶素没食子酸酯（17.80%）＞番茄 红素（1.90%）;油脂开始氧化的温度顺序为B7CIQE（175 ℃）＞β-胡萝卜素（165 ℃）＞叶黄素（162 ℃）＞ 番茄红素（160 ℃）;蛋白质氧化抑制率为B7CIQE（25.75%）＞β-胡萝卜素（24.97%）＞叶黄素（17.94%）＞ 番茄红素（10.40%）;HepG2细胞抗增殖实验半最大效应浓度为叶黄素（20.86 μg/mL）＜β-胡萝卜素 （124.88 μg/mL）＜B7CIQE（126.34 μg/mL）＜番茄红素（139.24 μg/mL）;KB细胞抗增殖实验半最大效应浓度为 B7CIQE（25.14 μg/mL）＜叶黄素（64.29 μg/mL）＜番茄红素（69.87 μg/mL）＜β-胡萝卜素（149.16 μg/mL）。结 果表明,与植物源类胡萝卜素相比,B7CIQE具有相对更优异的抗氧化和抗增殖活性。     

Ultrasound-assisted production of emulsion-filled pectin hydrogels to encapsulate vitamin complex: Impact of the addition of xylooligosaccharides,ascorbic acid and supercritical CO2 drying

Emulsion-filled hydrogels are a promising approach to encapsulate lipophilic bioactive compounds and protect them throughout storage. This study aimed to investigate the chemical stability of a vitamin complex (β-carotene, cholecalciferol, α-tocopherol, and ascorbic acid) in lentil protein emulsion-filled pectin hydrogel produced using high-intensity ultrasound (HIUS) as homogenization technique. The impacts of HIUS nominal power, the addition of xylooligosaccharides (XOS) and ascorbic acid on the viscoelastic properties, chemical stability, microstructure, color, lipid oxidation and antioxidant activity of the formed emulsion-filled hydrogels were evaluated. Overall, the hydrogels showed shear-thinning behavior. The addition of ascorbic acid had no significant effect on the rheological properties. The samples processed at 900 W for β-carotene and ascorbic acid contents and 600 W for cholecalciferol and α-tocopherol contents after 21 days of storage had maximum retention capacity. The presence of ascorbic acid contributed to the improved antioxidant activity, thus reducing the lipid oxidation in the samples. The FT-IR spectra showed no conformational difference before and after HIUS processing, indicating no degradation of the vitamin structures and XOS used. The emulsion-filled hydrogels were then dried to form aerogels using supercritical carbon dioxide (SC-CO₂) technology. The concentration of pectin used influenced the drying of aerogels. Emulsion-filled hydrogels and aerogels with improved stability of the complex vitamins were produced.     

Antioxidant Bioactive Compounds in Selected Industrial Processing and Fresh Consumption Tomato Cultivars

Four selected fresh consumption tomato varieties, harvested at different ripening stages (green, breaker, pink, red) and five industrial processing tomato varieties, harvested at red ripe stage, were analysed for lycopene and its isomers, β-carotene, total and individual phenolics, vitamin C and hydrophilic antioxidant activity. Tomato variety and ripening stage significantly affected carotenoids, total phenolic compounds and hydrophilic antioxidant activity when fresh consumption tomatoes were compared. The average of total lycopene content at the different ripening stages was 0.63, 12.20, 26.76 and 116.66 mg/kg of fresh weight (FW). Vitamin C ranged from 2.79 (breaker Cherry Pera) to 297.62 (red Cherry Pera) mg/kg FW. In green and breaker tomatoes, a positive correlation of hydrophilic antioxidant activity with vitamin C and chlorogenic acid was observed. However, in industrial tomato varieties (red ripe stage) and fresh consumption varieties harvested at pink and red stages, hydrophilic antioxidant activity was correlated with total phenolics and rutin. Tomato varieties for industrial processing did not show significant differences in total phenolic compounds and lycopene content. Lycopene ranged from 83.17 to 97.60 mg/kg FW, while total phenolic compounds varied between 257.91 and 284.13 mg/kg FW. Chlorogenic acid and rutin were the most abundant individual phenolics found in all the samples studied. Moreover, the content of total phenolics was always significantly correlated with the content of rutin. The amounts of all individual phenolics were affected by variety, with the exception of ferulic acid. Generally, these individual phenolics were more abundant in green and intermediate ripening stages, decreasing in full red tomatoes.     

The anti-inflammatory effect of lycopene complements the antioxidant action of ascorbic acid and α-tocopherol

Tomato foods contain bioactive compounds, such as lycopene, ascorbic acid and α-tocopherol, which are assumed to show synergistic effects. The aim of the study was to investigate this presumed synergy. The effect on lipid peroxidation and inflammation was assessed. Lipid peroxidation was effectively inhibited by combinations of the compounds compared to the single compounds. Synergy between the combination of ascorbic acid and α-tocopherol was confirmed. Lycopene on its own effectively reduced inflammation by inhibiting the release of TNF-α and stimulating IL-10 production. The combination of lycopene, ascorbic acid and α-tocopherol tended to display a synergistic interaction on IL-10 production. Our observations highlight that lycopene mitigates inflammation, whereas ascorbic acid and α-tocopherol efficiently protect against lipid peroxidation. Both activities are complementary since they diminish the process of inflammation differently on different levels. In relation to health, this is an added value of fruit and vegetables such as tomato products that contain complementary bio-active compounds.     

The antioxidant and phylloquinone content of wildly grown greens in Crete

The traditional Mediterranean diet of Crete is renowned for its very high consumption of olive oil, vegetables, legumes, fruit, fish, whole-wheat cereals and a moderate consumption of dairy products and meat. Wild greens play an important role in the traditional diet and are eaten either fresh in salads, boiled or cooked in pies, thus increasing the daily vitamin and antioxidant intake of the population that adheres to the traditional diet. Six cultivated and 48 wildly grown greens were collected and analyzed for their carotenoid, l-ascorbic acid, phylloquinone, γ-tocopherol, α-tocopherol and total polyphenol content. In most cases, the wild greens had higher micronutrient contents than those cultivated. Certain wild greens, such as Rumex obtusifolius, Prasium majus and Lathyrus ochrus had higher concentrations of vitamin K₁, vitamin C, lutein, β-carotene, γ-tocopherol and total polyphenol content than those cultivated; proving the significance of these wildly grown greens for the well being of the Cretan population.     

Total phenols,ascorbic acid, β-carotene and lycopene in Portuguese wild edible mushrooms and their antioxidant activities

The antioxidant activities of three Portuguese wild edible mushroom species, Leucopaxillus giganteus, Sarcodon imbricatus, andAgaricus arvensis, were evaluated. Methanolic extracts were screened for their reducing power, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical-scavenging capacity, inhibition of erythrocytes hemolysis and antioxidant activity using the β-carotene linoleate model system. The amounts of ascorbic acid, β-carotene and lycopene found in the mushroom extracts were very low. Otherwise, the high contents of phenolic compounds might account for the good antioxidant properties found in all species. L. giganteus had the highest content of phenols and proved to be the most active, presenting lower EC₅₀ values in all the antioxidant activity assays.     

Bioactive Compounds and Antioxidant Activity of Tomato Cultivars

The bioactive compounds of 16 tomato cultivars, grown in the same field for 2 years (2003 and 2004) were investigated. Lycopene (5.7–26.3 mg kg^?1) was the predominant carotenoid, while β-carotene (2.1–11.2 mg kg^?1) and a small amount of lutein (0.02–0.49 mg kg^?1) were found in all tomato cultivars. Kagome 77, the richest source of total carotenoids and L-ascorbic acid, also showed the highest antioxidant activity. β-Carotene and lutein contents of tomatoes differed between 2 years statistically. Antioxidant activities of tomatoes were found between 48 and 118 μmol TEAC 100 g^?1. A significant correlation was only observed between L-ascorbic acid (2.2–13.8 mg 100 g^?1) and antioxidant activity using TEAC assay.     

The content of polyphenols and carotenoids in three apricot cultivars depending on stage of maturity and geographical region

During the ripening of three apricot cultivars (“Keckemetska ruza”, “Madjarska najbolja” and “Velika rana”) grown in two different geographical region of Croatia the changes of polyphenols and carotenoids were determined by using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with UV–Vis photo diode array detection. The content of individual polyphenols during ripening was quite similar, whereas their amount differed significantly. Immature fruits showed the highest level of polyphenols, which decreased at semi-mature fruits and did not change remarkably in commercial mature fruits. Among polyphenols, flavan-3-ols, chlorogenic acid and quercetin-3-rutinoside were dominant in all ripening stages of all apricot cultivars. The quantity of polyphenols during apricot fruits ripening depended on cultivars, while the region of cultivation did not have remarkable influence on polyphenols amount. During ripening carotenoids increased significantly especially β-carotene which represented 70–85% of the total carotenoid content. Besides β-carotene, in all apricot cultivars γ-carotene was found. α-Carotene, zeaxantin and lutein were found in cv. “Madjarska najbolja” and in cv. “Velika rana” α-carotene and lutein were determined. The region of cultivation and the cultivar were important factors, which influenced the carotenoid amount of apricot fruits, and this content was higher in cultivars grown in Mediterranean region.     

Phytochemicals and antioxidant activity of fruits and leaves of paprika (Capsicum Annuum L., var. special) cultivated in Korea

The phytochemical composition of carotenoids, tocopherols, free sugars, organic acids, L-ascorbic acid, capsaicinoids, and flavonoids in green and red paprika (GP and RP), and paprika leaves (PL) cultivated in Korea were analyzed. The ethanolic extracts of GP, RP, and PL were obtained with 80% ethanol, and their antioxidative activities were determined by measuring their ABTS and DPPH radical scavenging activities. RP showed the highest contents of capsanthin (58.33 ± 3.91 mg/100 g dry weight) and L-ascorbic acid (1987.25 ± 19.64 mg/100 g dry weight), and main compounds of PL were lutein, chlorophyll, and γ-tocopherol (96.91 ± 14.58, 2136.71 ± 21.11, and 723.49 ± 54.10 mg/100 g dry weight, respectively). RP showed the strongest antioxidant activity (IC(50) = 55.23 ± 6.77 μg/mL in a 2, 2'-azino-di-[3-ethylbenzthiazoline sulphonate] assay and 150.40 ± 8.07 μg/mL in a 2, 2-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl assay), and the antioxidant activity of PL was higher than β-carotene but lower than RP. The results indicate that the amounts of capsanthin and L-ascorbic acid in RP correlate well with antioxidant activity. PL, which has various phytochemicals such as lutein, chlorophyll, and γ-tocopherol, might be used in nutraceuticals and pharmaceuticals for improving human health.     

电子顺磁共振波谱法测定三种类胡萝卜素抗氧化活性

运用电子顺磁共振波谱(EPR),通过三种类胡萝卜素(番茄红素、叶黄素、β-胡萝卜素)对1,1-二苯基-2-三硝基苯肼自由基(DPPH·)和羟基自由基(·OH)清除能力大小的比较,测定了三种类胡萝卜素抗氧化活性能力。结果表明,DPPH和Fe2+(固定Fe2+:H₂O₂=1:10)浓度均与EPR信号呈良好的线性关系,相关系数R2均大于0.99。三种类胡萝卜素对DPPH·和·OH均有一定清除作用,且随浓度的增大和时间的延长清除作用逐渐增强。其中,番茄红素的抗氧化活性能力最强,叶黄素次之,β-胡萝卜素最弱,浓度为0.6 mmol/L的番茄红素、叶黄素和β-胡萝卜素对DPPH·的清除率分别为95.4%、76.7%和47.7%,对·OH的清除率分别为56.6%、29.1%和14.0%。相较于紫外-可见分光光度(UV-Vis)法,该方法可以有效避免类胡萝卜素自身颜色对测试结果的干扰,研究结果可为完善类胡萝卜素等天然食品添加剂的抗氧化能力评价方法提供依据。     

ORAC and TEAC assays comparison to measure the antioxidant capacity of food products

Oxygen radical antioxidant capacity (ORAC) and trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) assays were compared to estimate the total antioxidant capacity (TAC) of orange juice, milk, and an orange juice-milk beverage. When the TEAC method was used with this beverage, an increase in the concentration of orange juice corresponded to an increase in TAC, but increasing the percentage of milk did not increase the TAC value. When the ORAC method was applied, it was seen that increased concentrations of juice or milk corresponded to greater antioxidant capacity. An evaluation was also made of the influence of certain compounds (ascorbic acid, gallic acid, β-carotene, lutein, zeaxanthin and albumin) with antioxidant capacity that were present in the samples studied.     

Antioxidant properties and involved compounds of daylily flowers in relation to maturity

The antioxidant properties of methanol extracts from daylily flowers during maturation were determined with antioxidant assays, including antioxidant activity, DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) radical scavenging, superoxide anion radical scavenging and reducing power. Antioxidant compounds, such as phenolic compounds, ascorbic acid and β-carotene were also analysed. Significant variation in antioxidant properties and involved compounds was observed between different maturity stages of daylily flowers. The highest antioxidant activity was observed at stage III (flower opening) accompanying the highest content of ascorbic acid and phenolic compounds, while no significant difference of β-carotene contents was observed among the four maturity stages. Four individual phenolics, such as (+)-catechin, chlorogenic acid, rutin and quercetin were identified and quantified by HPLC. (+)-Catechin was the main phenolic compound identified in daylily flowers, accounting for about 74.11% of total phenolics. Overall, daylily flowers at opening stage possess the highest functional benefit and thus would be the appropriate harvesting stage in view of the nutritional consideration.     

Postharvest Ripening Characterization of Greenhouse Tomatoes

The determination of °Brix, pH, titratable acidity and antioxidant composition such as β-carotene, lycopene, and vitamin C was done in greenhouse “Savoura” tomatoes during maturation. The chromatic values L*, a*, b* were determined at the top surface of the tomato, and its strength-deformation curve was tested with a texturometer. Results pointed out that °Brix and titratable acidity did not change during postharvest, while β-carotene, lycopene, and vitamin C contents increased continuously toward the red stage of tomato. The colour values L*, a*, b*, and ratio a*/b* had a good correlation with the maturity stages. Also, a high correlation between lycopene content and (a*/b*) ratio was found, which was well represented with a second order polynomial function (r² = 0.95). This equation permits to appropriately estimate lycopene content of tomato as a function of its color, without any chemical analysis. During ripening, tomato texture changed from firm turgid to soft and the puncture deformation degree increased. Tomato firmness and chromatic values had a good correlation, and the lycopene content was a logarithm function of firmness (r² = 0.81). The strength in puncture test increased linearly with deformation until the bioyield point. The measured force was analyzed as the sum of the compression and the shear forces. The two force coefficients can be considered as tomato properties, independent of the puncture probe. These coefficients were found to decrease during tomato maturation.