The effect of simulated digestion on the composition of phenolic compounds and antioxidant activities in lychee pulp of different cultivars

Simulated gastric fluid (SGF) and intestinal fluid (SIF) digestion were used to evaluate the effects of digestion on the composition of phenolic compounds and antioxidant capacities of the pulp of six lychee cultivars. Caffeic acid, ferulic acid, procyanidin B2, epicatechin, A-type procyanidin trimer, procyanidin A2, quercetin-3-rutinose-7-rhamnoside, rutin and isoquercitrin were quantified using HPLC-DAD. Lychee pulp had high concentrations of procyanidin B2 (0.30~15.53 mg g⁻¹), procyanidin A2 (0.29~0.52 mg g⁻¹) and quercetin-3-rutinose-7-rhamnoside (0.16~0.45 mg g⁻¹). SGF and SIF Digestion, which significantly decreased the concentration of procyanidin B2, epicatechin and quercetin-3-rutinose-7-rhamnoside. But observably increased the concentration of procyanidin A2. Compared with deionized water treatment (DW), the total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC) of different lychee pulps significantly increased after SGF and SIF digestion. After SGF digestion, the ferric ion reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) of lychee pulps increased while the ABTS+ free radical scavenging ability (ABTS) had a slight decline. This shows that simulated digestion improves the bioactive component and antioxidant activity of different varieties of lychee pulp.     

UHPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS phenolic profiling and antioxidant capacity of bee pollen from different botanical origin

In this work, bee pollen samples from different botanical origin were investigated for antioxidant capacity. Thereafter, a phenolic profiling was produced through a mass spectrometric untargeted metabolomic approach. Marked differences were identified in TPC, ranging from 4.2 (Magnolia) to 29.6 mg g⁻¹ GAE (Lamium). Wide differences were also recorded in antioxidant capacity (ORAC, ABTS and DPPH assays). Untargeted profiling allowed annotating 467 compounds with flavonoids being the most frequent class of phenolics followed by phenolic acids, tyrosols, lignans and other. OPLS-DA clearly discriminated the most represented floral families (Umbelliferae, Rosaceae and Fabaceae), suggesting, thus, that botanical origin leaves a characteristic phenolic signature in pollen. Overall, 35 phenolics accounted for most of the discrimination, with flavonoids being the most represented class. Despite the fact that further research is needed, the phenolic profile of bee pollen is a promising tool to investigate the botanical origin.     

Evaluation of antioxidant activity of olive leaf extract obtained by ultrasound-assisted extraction and their antimicrobial activity against bacterial pathogens from food

The aim of the present study was to evaluate and compare the phenolic content and antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of olive leaf extracts obtained by ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) and conventional extraction (CSE). UAE of olive leaf extracts yielded a higher total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC) of 14.31% and 19.50%, respectively. Higher antioxidant activities were found from the extracts prepared with UAE (for 18.5%, 12.5%, 10.9% and 17.6% higher determined by DPPH, ABTS, FRAP and CUPRAC methods, respectively). Good antibacterial inhibitory activity (as MIC and MBC) was observed against both Y. enterocolitica and S. aureus (1.40 ± 0.40 mg mL⁻¹ and 4.00 ± 1.60 mg mL⁻¹, respectively) with the extract prepared with UAE. In conclusion, olive leaf extracts prepared with UAE exhibited higher antioxidant and antimicrobial activities against common food-borne pathogens than CSE extracts and thus could be beneficial in ensuring food quality and food safety.     

Phenolic composition and antioxidant activity of white mulberry (Morus alba L.) fruits

Eight major mulberry cultivars [Nakhonratchasima 60 (NS 60), Buriram 60 (BR 60), Chumphon (CP), Wavee (WV), Chaingmai (CM), Pikultong (PT), Kamphaengsaen (KS) and Kamnanchul (KJ)] cultivated in Thailand were assessed for their flavonoid and phenolic acid composition using HPLC and tested for antioxidant potential using 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl hydrate (DPPH) assay. The total phenolic content (TPC) ranged from 104.78 to 213.53 mg GAE/100 g DW, and total flavonoid content (TFC) ranged from 69.58 to 211.01 mg CE/100 g DW. The major flavonoid compounds in mulberry fruit cultivars were (+)‐catechin (309.26–750.01 mg/100 g DW), procyanidin B1 (62.59–224.41 mg/100 g DW), quercetin (5.36–58.42 mg/100 g DW), rutin (18.73–26.90 mg/100 g DW) and (?)‐epicatechin (8.47–29.21 mg/100 g DW). Gallic acid, cinnamic acid and p‐hydroxybenzoic acid were found to be the major phenolic acids in mulberry fruit cultivars. The gallic acid and cinnamic acid contents ranged from 7.33 to 23.90 mg/100 g DW and from 11.64 to 15.05 mg/100 g DW, respectively. p‐Hydroxybenzoic acid content ranged from 1.77 mg/100 g DW (PT) to 7.13 mg/100 g DW (KJ). DPPH‐scavenging ability was excellent for ethanolic extract of NS 60, and EC₅₀ value of NS 60 (241.83 μg mL^?1) was significantly lower than those of the others (P < 0.05). TPC and TFC of the mulberry fruit were positively correlated with the DPPH‐scavenging ability.     

Antioxidant profiling of native and modified cereal brans

Bran is detached from cereals during roller-milling operations and considered as a byproduct of milling. Bran carries phenolics and antioxidants in appreciable quantities which can be heightened by modification. In the present project, four cereals were under study that is, wheat, barley, millet and sorghum. Bran was separated from cereal grains and was subjected to size reduction that is, fine (1 mm) and coarse (2 mm) and enzymatic modification by using xylanase and cellulase. Total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoids content (TFC) and phytic acid were determined spectrophotometrically and phenolic acids through HPLC. TPC and TFC were recorded highest in xylanase-treated millet bran (0.304 mg GAE g⁻¹ and 211.42 μg g⁻¹ QE respectively). In vitro antioxidant activity assessed by DPPH and FRAP was found to be highest in coarse millet bran (89.51% inhibition) and native sorghum bran (722.52 μMFeSO4 g⁻¹) respectively. Phytic acid was observed highest in xylanase-treated barley bran (5.80 g per 100 g).     

Bioactive compounds and antioxidant activities of Brazilian hop (Humulus lupulus L.) extracts

Bioactive compounds from Brazilian hop (Humulus lupulus L.) cultivars were extracted by ultrasound and their phenolic profile compared with commercial hop from the USA. The most effective extraction conditions (solution of ethanol 49%, at 52 °C and a solid/liquid ratio of 1 g per 34 mL) for the total phenolic compounds (TPC) were determined using a Central Composite Rotatable Design. The Brazilian hop showed higher content of TPC (33.93 ± 0.67 mg GAE g⁻¹), total flavonoids (54.47 ± 0.10 mg QE g⁻¹) and higher antioxidant activity (ABTS: EC₅₀ 21.29 ± 1.36 μL mL⁻¹; DPPH: EC₅₀ 3.91 ± 0.17 μL mL⁻¹) when compared with the USA hop. The main phenolic compounds present in the extracts were the flavonoids isoquercitrin and quercetin. The antioxidant properties of the Brazilian hop extract had not been reported yet in the literature for this raw material, thus showing potential to be incorporated in polymeric films used as active packaging.     

The determination of flavonoid contents in mulberry and their scavenging effects on superoxide radicals

Flavonoid content of mulberry leaves of 19 varieties of species, determined spectrophotometrically in terms of rutin equivalent, varied from 11.7 to 26.6 mg g⁻¹ in spring leaves and 9.84 to 29.6 mg g⁻¹ in autumn leaves. Fresh leaves gave more extract than air-dried or oven-dried ones. HPLC showed that mulberry leaves contain at least four flavonoids, two of which are rutin and quercetin. The percentage superoxide ion scavenged by extracts of mulberry leaves, mulberry tender leaves, mulberry branches and mulberry bark were 46.5, 55.5, 67.5 and 85·5%, respectively, at a concentration of 5 μg ml⁻¹. The scavenging effects of most mulberry extracts were greater than those of rutin (52.0%).     

Antioxidant and antiproliferative effects of methanol extracts from raw and fermented parts of mulberry plant (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Morus alba</Emphasis> L.)

Total phenolic content, phenolic acids, radical scavenging activity and antiproliferative properties of different parts of mulberry (Morus alba L.) were determined. The highest phenolic content was found in methanol extracts of mulberry root (117.7 ± 2.0), followed by leaves (71.4 ± 2.4), branches (49.0 ± 1.5) and fruit (11.2 ± 0.3) [mg ferulic acid equivalents (FAE) kg⁻¹ dry weight (DW)] (P < 0.05). The highest level of total phenolics in the fractions was in roots (166.2 ± 7.5 and 160.8 ± 7.2 mg kg⁻¹ DW for BuOH and EtOAC, respectively). Methanol extracts and their fractions dose dependently increased radical scavenging activity of mulberry branches, roots and leafs (more than 70%). Total phenolic content of the tested plant extracts was highly correlated with the radical scavenging activity. The antiproliferative effect of mulberry parts on human cell lines was different and connected to the concentrations of the investigated extracts. The fermentation of the mulberry leaves did increase their methanol extract antiproliferative effect only on human gastric carcinoma (SNU-601) cell line in concentration of 1,000 mg mL⁻¹. In conclusion, some plant parts of the Korean mulberry could be recommended as preventative and therapeutic agents, based on their antioxidant and antiproliferative 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 solvents on polyphenol recovery and antioxidant activity of isolates of Asparagus Officinalis roots from Chinese and New Zealand cultivars

Nine solvents of varying polarity (water, methanol, ethanol, isopropyl alcohol, acetone, n‐butyl alcohol, ethyl acetate, chloroform and petroleum ether) were used to determine the optimal extraction solvent that gives the highest yield of bioactive compounds from six Asparagus Officinalis L root (AR) cultivars from China and New Zealand. The contents of total phenolics (TPC), total flavonoids (TFC), total saponins (TSC) and caffeic acid (CA) were determined. Antioxidant assessments included ferric reducing/antioxidant power (FRAP), 2, 2′‐azinobis‐(3‐ diphenyl‐ethylbenzothiazoline‐6‐sulphonic acid) radical cation (ABTS) and β‐carotene bleaching activity assays. The results indicated that yellow AR from China had the highest content of TPC, TFC, TSC and CA compared to other AR cultivars. The most effective solvents for bioactive compound recoveries and antioxidant activities from A. officinalis L root extraction were ethanol and methanol. The content of CA in ethanol extracts of yellow AR achieved 92.0 mg g^?1 DE.     

Dynamic changes in flavonol glycosides during production of green,yellow, white,oolong and black teas from Camellia sinensis L. (cv. Fudingdabaicha)

Flavonol glycosides with low thresholds are important flavour substances in tea leaves. This study monitored the dynamic changes in flavonol glycosides during the production of different teas. The fresh leaves of cv. Fudingdabaicha with 15.77 mg g⁻¹ of total flavonol glycosides (TFG) were respectively processed into green, yellow, white, oolong and black teas. A reduction of TFG was observed for different teas, amongst which black tea contained the lowest level of TFG (9.83 mg g⁻¹), followed by oolong tea (11.96 mg g⁻¹), while green, yellow and white teas contained similar levels of TFG (~13.70 mg g⁻¹). Fixation was crucial to maintain the stability of flavonol glycosides due to its inactivation effect on enzymes at high temperature. Principal component analysis results indicated that flavonol glycosides were vulnerable to fermentation, and the stabilities of flavonol glycosides were related with aglycone and glycoside moiety.     

Antioxidant potential of extracts from peels and stems of yellow-fleshed and white cassava varieties

This study focused on the exploration of the potentials of extracting antioxidants from peels and stems of yellow-fleshed and white cassava varieties. The effect of particle size (0.2 and 0.5 mm) and variety on the phenolic content and antioxidant activity was assessed. The peels of the yellow-fleshed cassava variety with a particle size of 0.2 mm showed the highest phenolic content with 681.5 GAE mg 100 g⁻¹ and antioxidant activity of 19% and 425 μM TE g⁻¹ dry matter using DPPH and FRAP assays respectively. The stems of the white cassava with a particle size of 0.2 mm exhibited high phenolic content (442.4 GAE mg 100 g⁻¹) and antioxidant activity of 12.8% and 234 μM TE g⁻¹, better than the stem of the yellow-fleshed cassava. These results indicate that phenolic and antioxidant extractions were influenced by variety, the plant parts and particle size for the antioxidant assays.     

Extraction of antioxidant and antimicrobial compounds from Inga marginata Willd bark and pulp using different extraction techniques and phytochemical characterization

This study aimed to identify the least aggressive and highest yield extraction method to obtain bioactive compounds from Inga marginata Willd fruits, determine the chemical components, and evaluate the extracts’' antimicrobial and cytotoxic activity. The extraction efficiency was expressed by the total phenolic and total flavonoid content and antioxidant activity (DPPH, IC₅₀, and ORAC) using conventional, ultrasound, and microwave-assisted extraction. The highest bioactive compound content was achieved using 5 min at 60 °C for total phenolic content (214.98 mg GAE g⁻¹), total flavonoid content (22.90 mg EQ g⁻¹), DPPH (45.98 μmol TEAC g⁻¹), inhibitory capacity (0.80 mg mL⁻¹), and ORAC (167.25 μmol Trolox g⁻¹) using ultrasonic extraction, and the extract inhibited the growth of all microorganisms tested. Thirteen chemical compounds were determined by ESI-ToF-MS, confirming the high phytochemical capacity of the extract. Lastly, the Inga extract showed no cytotoxicity at the concentrations used.     

Evaluation of physicochemical characteristics,nutritional composition and antioxidant capacity of Chinese organic hawthorn berry (Crataegus pinnatifida)

Hawthorn berry (Crataegus pinnatifida), approved as ‘medicine food homology’ fruit by China’s National Health Commission, has been associated with positive effects on human health. In-depth study of nutritional composition and antioxidant capacity can provide basic information on food value of Chinese organic frozen (OFHB)/freeze-dried (OFDHB) hawthorn berries. Higher levels of dietary fibre, pectin, ascorbic acid, mineral and antioxidant capacity were found compared with some common fruits and other species hawthorn. Both OFHB and OFDHB samples have much higher content of potassium (1.02 × 10⁴ and 9.73 × 10³ mg kg⁻¹) than sodium (54.23 and 42.31 mg kg⁻¹). OFDHB had a more desirable ratio (2.68:1) of insoluble/soluble dietary fibre which is suitable for use as a food ingredient. Antioxidant capacity varied considerably depending on the part (peel > pulp) and reaching up to 577.5 µmol Trolox equivalent g⁻¹. OFHB and OFDHB are excellent natural nutrient-dense and antioxidant sources for dietary supplements and functional foods development.     

Mango (Mangifera indica L.) leaf extracts as ingredient for the formulation of functional beverages with biological activity

The biological activity of mango leaf extracts from different mango varieties was evaluated in terms of total phenolic content, flavonoids, antioxidant activity and inhibition of α-amylase and α-glucosidase enzymes. Leaf extract-based beverages were formulated and evaluated for some physicochemical, microbiological and sensory properties. Results indicated that the extract from 'Tommy Atkins' mango leaves had the highest total phenols content (137.08 mg of GAE g⁻¹) and antioxidant activity (DDPH = 38.26 mg TEAC 100 g⁻¹; ABTS = 59.13 mg TEAC 100 g⁻¹). The beverage formulated with 20% leaf extract presented the highest percentage of antioxidant activity (38.63%) and inhibition of enzymes α-amylase (41.9%) and α-glucosidase (37.53%). All beverages presented a yellow hue and consumers rated it with a degree of liking between 4.8 and 7.3 according to a hedonic scale. Results showed that the biological properties of beverages could be an alternative for the control of free radicals and glucose levels.     

An investigation into green coffee press cake as a renewable source of bioactive compounds

The residual biomass of coffee, obtained after the oil extraction from coffee beans, called coffee beans residual press cake, has been attracted interest as a source of compounds with antioxidant capacity. This study investigated the effects of ethanolic and methanol-acetone extracts of green coffee beans (GCB) and its residual press cake (GCC) on the phenolic composition and antioxidant capacity. Antioxidant capacity was assayed through five different methods (total phenolic compounds, •DPPH, ABTS, FRAP and β-carotene bleaching assay), and the phenolic profile of the samples through High Performance Liquid Cromatography. GCB and GCC enclosed chlorogenic (55.16 and 64.96 mg g⁻¹, respectively) and caffeic (25.07 and 44.37 mg g⁻¹, respectively) acids as the major components, and the cake presented higher antioxidant capacity than the actual green bean. Antioxidant capacity was higher for GCC extracted with methanol and acetone. This study on the evaluation of the effects of the type of solvent on the bioactive compounds from GCB and GCC showed that this by-product can be a source of new value-added products, such as phenolic antioxidant adjuncts for food or pharmaceutic processing.     

Analysis of solvent effects on polyphenols profile,antiproliferative and antioxidant activities of mulberry (Morus alba L.) extracts

A systematic study about the solvent effect on the mulberry polyphenol (MP) profile, antioxidant and antiproliferation capacities against human hepatoma HepG2 cells was conducted. Results indicated that MP profiles showed significant differences as a function of solvents including AA/W (acetic acid/water), MeOH/AA/W (methanol/ acetic acid/water), EtOH/AA/W (ethanol/ acetic acid/water) and ME2CO/AA/W (acetone/ acetic acid/water). Among the solvents, EtOH/AA/W took advantage in obtaining MP with the highest yield (49.81 mg GAE g^?1 dw), and cellular antioxidant capacity in the PBS no‐wash protocol (63.2 μmolQE/100 g), as well as low cell cytotoxicity (≥50.0 mg mL^?1). ME2CO/AA/W was the best choice for extracting MP with the most various compositions (two phenolic acids, four anthocyanins and four flavonols), greatest potential in inhibiting proliferation of HepG2 cells (EC₅₀ = 28.2 mg mL^?1) and highest intracellular antioxidant activity (38.0 μmolQE/100 g). Results provide baseline information for efficient solvent extraction to obtain MP that is promising as natural antioxidants and antitumor agents.     

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.     

Combination of freeze drying and molecular inclusion techniques improves the bioaccessibility of microencapsulated anthocyanins from black rice (Oryza sativa L.) and lavender (Lavandula angustifolia L.) essential oils in a model food system

Black rice and lavender are promising sources of bioactives, in terms of anthocyanins and essential oils. Their bioaccessibility were improved by microencapsulation, followed by mixing in order to benefit both from colour and flavour, along with radical scavenging and biological properties. The mixed powder showed a satisfactory anthocyanins of 2.55 mg g⁻¹ DW, leading to a radical scavenging activity of 65.14 mmol g⁻¹ DW. The powder displayed an inhibitory effect against α-glucosidase (~49%) and α-amylase (39%), respectively, with a controlled release in intestinal environment. To further examine the functional properties, the powder was added to a food model system. During storage, a release in anthocyanins and flavonoids were found, leading to an increase in radical scavenging activity. The sensorial analysis showed that supplemented biscuits were appreciated for colour and lavender aroma. The obtained results were promising in tailoring the health benefits of secondary metabolites, underutilised in human’s nutrition due to their low stability and bioavailability.     

Effect of air-drying temperature on antioxidant capacity and stability of polyphenolic compounds in mulberry (Morus alba L.) leaves

The mulberry (Morus alba L.) leaf is a promising dietary source of antioxidants such as quercetin due to its relatively high content of that compound. We investigated effects of an air-drying process on the antioxidant capacity and stability of antioxidant polyphenolic compounds in mulberry leaves. Main compounds playing a central role in antioxidant activities in mulberry leaves are quercetin glycosides and chlorogenic acid. Raw mulberry leaves were air-dried at various temperatures, and antioxidant activity using DPPH radical scavenging assay and levels of antioxidant compounds were measured. DPPH radical scavenging activity and levels of polyphenolic compounds in mulberry leaves air-dried at 60 °C or below were not significantly different from those of freeze-dried mulberry leaves, whereas both values in mulberry leaves air-dried at 70 °C and over decreased significantly. These results indicate that strict temperature control is important in the production of mulberry leaf products to maintain antioxidant activity and levels of polyphenolic compounds.