Volatile flavours in raw egg yolk of hens fed on different diets

BACKGROUND: Recent studies have suggested that the composition of lipophilic components of egg yolk is influenced by the feed. The aim of the present study was to isolate volatile flavours from egg yolk after different feeding trials using solvent extraction and thin layer high‐vacuum distillation. The resulting aroma extract was analysed by various gas chromatographic techniques. Chickens were either fed with laying meal, laying meal plus cabbage and onion or laying meal plus rapeseed oil or held in free‐range. RESULTS: The predominating odour impressions were described as onion‐like. Comparing all analytical and sensory data of the flavour extracts, there were minimal differences among the respective samples. Free‐range eggs contained fewer volatile compounds than the other samples, whereas rapeseed oil supplementation caused an enrichment of sulfur compounds. CONCLUSION: While data from gas chromatography/flame ionisation detection, gas chromatography/mass spectrometry and gas chromatography/olfactometry were less conclusive, the results from sulfur‐specific analysis using gas chromatography/flame photometric detection showed a considerable effect. However, because of the low abundance of sulfur compounds in the yolk, these differences are not expected to be perceivable by the consumer. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry     

Role of precursors on greening in crushed garlic (Allium sativum) bulbs, and its control with freeze-dried onion powder

BACKGROUND: Lachrymatory factor (LF) synthase in onion bulbs reacts with S‐1‐propenyl‐L ‐cysteine sulfoxide (1‐PeCSO), a key compound in garlic greening. In this study, freeze‐dried onion powder containing LF synthase was used in treatments to control garlic greening. Prior to the use of freeze‐dried onion powder to treat greening garlic bulbs, model reactions were conducted to confirm the reactivity of 1‐PeCSO in onion bulbs to garlic greening. RESULTS: While pink pigments were generated from 1‐PeCSO, green pigments were produced from the combination of 1‐PeCSO and S‐2‐propenyl‐L ‐cysteine sulfoxide (2‐PeCSO). However, pigments were formed in the systems containing 1‐PeCSO, amino acid and alliinase. Even non‐greening garlic bulbs stored at 20 °C turned green with the reaction of 200 g L^?1 1‐PeCSO; therefore 1‐PeCSO isolated from onion bulbs had the same role as 1‐PeCSO in garlic bulbs in terms of greening. Onion bulbs turned green after the addition of 600 g L^?1 2‐PeCSO. The addition of freeze‐dried onion powder inhibited garlic greening, and treatment with 15 g kg^?1 onion powder gave the best storage stability of crushed garlic bulbs. CONCLUSION: The addition of freeze‐dried onion powder inhibited the greening in crushed garlic bulbs, and treatment with 15 g kg^?1 onion powder gave the best storage stability of crushed garlic bulbs. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry     

Relative volatilities of some onion flavour components

The volatilities of propanethiol, 2,5-dimethylthiophene, methyl propyl sulphide, dimethyl disulphide, dipropyl disulphide, allyl methyl sulphide, diallyl sulphide, diallyl disulphide, acetaldehyde, propionaldehyde, methanol, ethanol, 1-propanol and 2-propanol in dilute water solutions were studied experimentally by gas chromatography. The volatilities of these compounds varied appreciably. They were higher for thiols, thiophenes, and monosulphides, than disulphides, aldehydes or alcohols. The results for aldehydes and alcohols confirm earlier theoretical predictions by other authors that at 25°C the volatility, in very dilute solution, increases as the carbon chain gets longer.     

不同因素对同时蒸馏-萃取法(SDE)提取洋葱精油的影响

本实验就加水量、溶剂用量和NaCl溶液浓度三个因素对SDE洋葱精油的影响进行探讨,通过实验确定当洋葱浆液与NaCl溶液(90g/1000ml)的比例为1:2、溶剂用量为15ml时,提取得到的含硫化合物浓度较高。     

Analysis of flavour compounds in beer with extruded sorghum as an adjunct using headspace solid‐phase micro‐extraction and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry

Sorghum is a widely used adjunct that is used in the production of beer and increasingly affects beer flavour as the amount added increases. The aim of this work was to establish a simple, solvent‐free technique, without derivatization, to analyse flavours and typical volatile compounds present in extruded and unextruded sorghum beer, and to compare the flavour differences of the two types of beer. Headspace solid‐phase micro‐extraction gas chromatography–mass spectrometry was used to determine the flavours in the two beers and eight typical volatile compounds were quantified using GC. Forty‐five flavour compounds were identified and quantified in extruded white sorghum beer, while 31 flavour compounds were identified in unextruded white sorghum beer. Extruded or unextruded white sorghum can be used to produce ale beer, but the primary flavour content in the extruded white sorghum beer was higher than in the unextruded white sorghum beer. Copyright © 2016 The Institute of Brewing & Distilling     

Consumption of raw brown onions variably modulate plasma lipid profile and lipoprotein oxidation in pigs fed a high‐fat diet

This study was undertaken to determine the effects of two commercially available brown onion varieties, ‘Cavalier’ and ‘Destiny’, supplemented at two different levels, on blood lipid and oxidative status using the pig as a model. Twenty‐five female cross‐bred pigs were allocated to one of five dietary treatments that consisted of a high‐fat control diet with no onion added, a low onion dose of 10 g onion MJ^?1 DE and a high dose of 25 g onion MJ^?1 DE for each variety of onion. Supplementation with ‘Destiny’ onion resulted in a 21% (p < 0.05) reduction in the averaged fasted and postprandial plasma triacylglyceride (TG) measurements taken over the six‐week period in comparison with the control pigs. The average fasting and postprandial plasma cholesterol concentrations were significantly reduced by 5.5 and 12.4% in pigs that consumed the low and high dose of ‘Destiny’ onion, respectively (p < 0.010), while ‘Cavalier’ was only effective at lowering cholesterol levels by 10% at the lower dose of supplementation. Inhibition in the rate of serum lipoprotein oxidation, measured as lag time, was increased by 23% (p < 0.05) in plasma obtained from pigs that consumed ‘Cavalier’ compared with the control and ‘Destiny’ onion diets. These data indicate that onion consumption level may provide a dietary means of manipulating some of the risk indices associated with coronary heart disease, but the responses varied with type and dose of onion. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry     

Effects of Onion (Allium cepa L.) and Garlic (Allium sativum L.) Essential Oils on the Aspergillus versicolor Growth and Sterigmatocystin Production

Abstract: In the present study the effects of individual and combined essential oils (EOs) extracted from onion (Allium
cepa L.) bulb and garlic (Allium sativum L.) clove on the growth of Aspergillus versicolor and sterigmatocystin (STC) production were investigated. The EOs obtained by hydrodistillation were analyzed by GC/MS. Twenty one compounds were identified in onion EO. The major components were: dimethyl‐trisulfide (16.64%), methyl‐propyl‐trisulfide (14.21%), dietil‐1,2,4‐tritiolan (3R,5S‐, 3S,5S‐ and 3R,5R‐ isomers) (13.71%), methyl‐(1‐propenyl)‐disulfide (13.14%), and methyl‐(1‐propenyl)‐trisulfide (13.02%). The major components of garlic EO were diallyl‐trisulfide (33.55%), and diallyl‐disulfide (28.05%). The mycelial growth and the STC production were recorded after 7, 14, and 21 d of the A. versicolor growth in Yeast extract sucrose (YES) broth containing different EOs concentrations. Compared to the garlic EO, the onion EO showed a stronger inhibitory effect on the A. versicolor mycelial growth and STC production. After a 21‐d incubation of fungi 0.05 and 0.11 μg/mL of onion EO and 0.11 μg/mL of garlic EO completely inhibited the A. versicolor mycelial growth and mycotoxins biosynthesis. The combination of EOs of onion (75%) and garlic (25%) had a synergistic effect on growth inhibition of A. versicolor and STC production. Practical Application: A substitution of synthetic preservatives with natural antimicrobial compounds in food safety to control fungal contamination and mycotoxin production.     

Variation in 1‐fructo‐exohydrolase (1‐FEH) and 1‐kestose‐hydrolysing (1‐KH) activities and fructo‐oligosaccharide (FOS) status in onion bulbs. Influence of temperature and storage time

Effects of storage temperature and duration on 1‐fructo‐exohydrolase (1‐FEH) and 1‐kestose‐hydrolysing (1‐KH) activities and trisaccharide (Tri) and fructo‐oligosaccharide (FOS) status in onion bulbs var Tenshin kept for 24 weeks at 10 and 20 °C were investigated. 1‐FEH activity peaked sharply after 10 weeks and seemed to be triggered by a decrease in sucrose content. 1‐KH activity increased during the first 8 weeks and remained stable during the last 8 weeks. Contents of Tri, FOS and total FOS decreased abruptly during the first 8 weeks; however, at 10 °C, contents of Tri, FOS (DP 3–12) and total FOS were lower than those at 20 °C. The consumption rate of fructo‐oligosaccharides also appeared to be higher at 20 °C than at 10 °C, despite the slight degradation in activities observed at this low temperature. 1‐FEH seems to be under the control of a triggering signal which induces its activity, and sucrose seems to be this biochemical signal which initiates dormancy release and the onset of sprouting, as found previously. Thus changes in carbohydrates seem to be a strong indicator of the end of the dormant state of the bulb and the beginning of the sprouting period. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry     

Antimicrobial and antibiofilm activities of procyanidins extracted from laurel wood against a selection of foodborne microorganisms

This study aimed to evaluate the antimicrobial and antibiofilm activities of two procyanidins isolated from an ethyl acetate extract of laurel wood against a selection of foodborne pathogens. The analysis of the extract by HPLC–DAD/ESI–MS allowed us to detect the presence of two procyanidins, which were selectively isolated and identified by chromatographic and spectroscopic means as cinnamtannin B‐1 ( 1 ) and procyanidin B‐2 ( 2 ). Procyanidins 1 and 2 exhibited two biological activities: inhibition of bacterial growth at high concentrations and prevention of biofilm formation at lower concentrations. Synergistic effect was also detected when both compounds were tested in combination against Listeria monocytogenes. Significant effects were also detected on disruption of preformed biofilm. The ability of procyanidins to inhibit microbial growth and biofilm formation and to synergistically work with each other may stimulate a market as natural food preservatives, and/or natural sanitisers for processing equipment where foodborne pathogens reside.     

脂肪醛对Mailllard模型体系含硫挥发性产物的影响

本实验研究了脂类氧化产物脂肪醛包括己醛、庚醛、辛醛和壬醛对L- 半胱氨酸与D- 葡萄糖组成的Maillard反应体系含硫挥发性成分的影响。D- 葡萄糖与L- 半胱氨酸组成的模型体系在140℃反应1h,通过GC-MS 分析,共检测到29 种含硫的挥发性产物,其中包括13 种噻吩类化合物、7 种噻唑类化合物和9 种硫醇及硫醚类化合物,噻吩类化合物种类最多而且含量最高;在反应体系加入脂肪醛以后,增加了2- 烷基噻唑类和长链脂肪族硫醇两类化合物,原来体系中的大多数含硫挥发性化合物的含量都有一定程度的减少,但具有烤香及焦香味的4- 羟基-2,5- 二甲基-3(2H)- 噻吩酮的量有一定增加,噻吩类化合物的总量略微下降,噻唑类增加,硫醇及硫醚类产物基本保持不变,总的含硫挥发性产物的量在加入脂肪醛后基本保持不变。     

SDE and SPME Analysis of Flavor Compounds in Jin Xuan Oolong Tea

Simultaneous distillation‐extraction (SDE) and solid phase micro extraction (SPME) are procedures used for the isolation of flavor compounds in foods. The purpose of this study was to optimize SDE conditions (solvent and time) and to compare SDE with SPME for the isolation of flavor compounds in Jin Xuan oolong tea using GC‐MS and GC‐O. The concentration of volatile compounds isolated with diethyl ether was higher (P < 0.05) than for dichloromethane and concentration was higher at 40 min (P < 0.05) than 20 or 60 min extractions. For SDE, 128 volatiles were identified using GC‐MS and 45 aroma active compounds using GC‐O. Trans‐nerolidol was the most abundant compound in oolong tea. The number of volatiles identified using GC‐MS was lower in SPME than SDE. For SPME, 59 volatiles and 41 aroma active compounds were identified. The composition of the volatiles isolated by the 2 methods differed considerably but provided complementary information.     

Effects of Different β‐D‐Glycosidases on Bound Aroma Compounds in Muscat Grape Determined by HS‐SPME and GC‐MS

Important “floral” aromas naturally occur in grapes predominantly as flavourless glycoconjugate precursors. Since these aroma compounds can be released by hydrolysis, different glycosidase enzymes can potentially contribute different aromas to wines. In this paper, we first established a procedure for profiling the free and bound volatile compounds in grape using GC‐MS combined with headspace solid‐phase microextraction (HS‐SPME). Comparison of the free and bound aroma compounds revealed that non‐volatile glycosides, known as aroma precursors, occur in high concentrations in musts. Among all compounds identified, 11 were fully quantified according to established standard calibration curves, while others were semi‐quantified. Using three different glycosidase enzymes, a total of 38 bound volatile compounds were identified in Muscat grape, including terpenes, higher alcohols, C‐6 compounds, and phenols, among others. The different enzymes had significant effects on the varietal aroma. Principal component analysis indicated that the characteristic aroma hydrolyzed by the commercial enzyme AR2000 was clearly different from that produced by other enzymes.     

Characterization of Aroma Compounds in Chinese Bayberry (Myrica rubra Sieb. et Zucc.) by Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (GC‐MS) and Olfactometry (GC‐O)

Abstract: The aroma‐active compounds in Chinese bayberry were identified using gas chromatography‐olfactometry (GC‐O) and GC‐mass spectrometry techniques. The volatile compounds were extracted using Liquid–liquid extraction, solvent‐assisted flavor evaporation and headspace solid‐phase microextraction (HS‐SPME), respectively. On the basis of odor intensity, the most important aroma compounds in Chinese bayberry samples were caryophyllene, menthol, 4‐terpineol, linalool oxide, linalool, benzyl alcohol, α‐methylbenzyl alcohol, β‐phenylethanol, 3‐methylbutanoic acid and acetic acid, and so on. Moreover, HS‐SPME technique was employed to investigate the aroma compounds among immature and mature waxberry fruits. The results showed that terpenes (for example, β‐caryophyllene) was predominant and its concentration represented over 89.9% of the overall compounds, and alcohols, aldehydes, ketones, esters, acids, and others were typically present in lesser amounts. Finally, principal component analysis revealed that there was also significant difference between immature and mature waxberry fruits     

Discrimination of Swiss Cheese from 5 Different Factories by High Impact Volatile Organic Compound Profiles Determined by Odor Activity Value Using Selected Ion Flow Tube Mass Spectrometry and Odor Threshold

Swiss cheese contains more than 200 volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry has been utilized for the analysis of volatile compounds in food products; however, it is not sensitive enough to measure VOCs directly in the headspace of a food at low concentrations. Selected ion flow tube mass spectrometry (SIFT‐MS) provides a basis for determining the concentrations of VOCs in the head space of the sample in real time at low concentration levels of parts per billion/trillion by volume. Of the Swiss cheese VOCs, relatively few have a major impact on flavor quality. VOCs with odor activity values (OAVs) (concentration/odor threshold) greater than one are considered high‐impact flavor compounds. The objective of this study was to utilize SIFT‐MS concentrations in conjunction with odor threshold values to determine OAVs thereby identifying high‐impact VOCs to use for differentiating Swiss cheese from five factories and identify the factory variability. Seventeen high‐impact VOCs were identified for Swiss cheese based on an OAV greater than one in at least 1 of the 5 Swiss cheese factories. Of these, 2,3‐butanedione was the only compound with significantly different OAVs in all factories; however, cheese from any pair of factories had multiple statistically different compounds based on OAV. Principal component analysis using soft independent modeling of class analogy statistical differentiation plots, with all of the OAVs, showed differentiation between the 5 factories. Overall, Swiss cheese from different factories was determined to have different OAV profiles utilizing SIFT‐MS to determine OAVs of high impact compounds.     

Effect of Processed Onions on the Plasma Concentration of Quercetin in Rats and Humans

Onion is a major dietary source of the bioactive flavonoid, quercetin. Quercetin aglycone (QA) is exclusively distributed in the onion peel, although quercetin‐4′‐β‐O‐glucoside (Q4′G) is present in both the peel and the bulb, and quercetin‐3,4′‐β‐O‐diglucoside (Q3,4′diG) is present only the bulb. The bioavailability of flavonoids from fruits and vegetables is frequently affected by the manufacturing process and related conditions. The present study aimed to estimate the effect of food processing on the bioavailability of onion QA and its glucosides, Q4′G and Q3,4′diG, provided through the consumption of onion products. Rats were fed onion peel and onion bulb products‐mixed meal or pure QA/Q4′G+Q3,4′diG‐mixed meal at 5 mg QA equivalent/kg body weight. A comparison of the blood plasma concentrations strongly suggested that quercetin glucosides (Q4′G and Q3,4′diG) are superior or at least equal to QA in their bioavailability, when each purified compound is mixed with the meal. The intake of a peel powder‐containing meal provided a significantly higher increase of plasma quercetin concentration than the peel extract, bulb powder, bulb extract, and bulb sauté containing meals at each period tested. A human ingestion study confirmed the superiority of onion peel powder to onion peel extract. The difference of log P for QA between peel powder and peel extract indicated that a food matrix improves the bioavailability of QA in onion peel products. These results demonstrated that the bioavailability of quercetin provided by not the onion bulb but the onion peel is significantly affected by food processing.     

Ammonium nitrate fertility levels influence flavour development in hydroponically grown ‘Granex 33’ onion

High levels of nitrogen (N) fertility have been shown to influence bulb flavour characteristics in onion (Allium cepa L). To test the effects of lower levels of N fertility on onion bulb flavour, ‘Granex 33’ onions were grown hydroponically in a greenhouse with varying solution N levels. Eleven levels were tested by increasing the concentration of NH₄NO₃ in solutions from 20 to 140 mg l^?1 N. Mature plants were harvested and evaluated for plant leaf and bulb fresh weights (FWs), bulb soluble solids content (SSC), bulb total pyruvic acid, bulb total sulphur (S), and bulb sulphate (SO₄^2?). To determine the effect of N on the flavour biosynthetic pathway of onion, total and individual S‐alk(en)yl cysteine sulphoxides and related peptide intermediates were also tested. Leaf and bulb FWs responded quadratically to N concentration, as did total bulb S. Bulb SO₄^2? and SSC, though significantly influenced by N concentration, did not respond with a meaningful trend. Bulb pyruvic acid increased linearly with N level increases, as did (+)‐S‐propyl‐L ‐cysteine sulphoxide. Total precursors, (+)‐S‐methyl‐L ‐cysteine sulphoxide, and trans‐(+)‐S‐1‐propenyl‐L ‐cysteine sulphoxide responded quadratically to N levels. At lower N levels, trans‐(+)‐S‐1‐propenyl‐L ‐cysteine sulphoxide content was highest relative to the other precursors. However, at elevated N levels, (+)‐S‐methyl‐L ‐cysteine sulphoxide accumulated in the highest concentrations. Peptide intermediates 2‐carboxypropyl glutathione and γ‐glutamyl propenyl cysteine sulphoxide responded linearly and quadratically respectively to increasing N fertility levels. Nitrogen fertility levels can influence flavour intensity and quality and should be considered when growing onions for flavour attributes. Copyright © 2003 Society of Chemical Industry     

Bioactive dietary polyphenols inhibit heme iron absorption in a dose-dependent manner in human intestinal Caco-2 cells

Abstract: Although heme iron is an important form of dietary iron, its intestinal absorption mechanism remains elusive. Our previous study revealed that (‐)‐epigallocatechin‐3‐gallate (EGCG) and grape seed extract (GSE) markedly inhibited intestinal heme iron absorption by reducing the basolateral iron export in Caco‐2 cells. The aim of this study was to examine whether small amounts of EGCG, GSE, and green tea extract (GT) could inhibit heme iron absorption, and to test whether the inhibitory action of polyphenols could be offset by ascorbic acid. A heme‐⁵⁵Fe absorption study was conducted by adding various concentrations of EGCG, GSE, and GT to Caco‐2 cells in the absence and presence of ascorbic acid. Polyphenolic compounds significantly inhibited heme‐⁵⁵Fe absorption in a dose‐dependent manner. The addition of ascorbic acid did not modulate the inhibitory effect of dietary polyphenols on heme iron absorption when the cells were treated with polyphenols at a concentration of 46 mg/L. However, ascorbic acid was able to offset or reverse the inhibitory effects of polyphenolic compounds when lower concentrations of polyphenols were added (≤ 4.6 mg/L). Ascorbic acid modulated the heme iron absorption without changing the apical heme uptake, the expression of the proteins involved in heme metabolism and basolateral iron transport, and heme oxygenase activity, indicating that ascorbic acid may enhance heme iron absorption by modulating the intracellular distribution of ⁵⁵Fe. These results imply that the regular consumption of dietary ascorbic acid can easily counteract the inhibitory effects of low concentrations of dietary polyphenols on heme iron absorption but cannot counteract the inhibitory actions of high concentrations of polyphenols. Practical Application: Bioactive dietary polyphenols inhibit heme iron absorption in a dose‐dependent manner. The small amounts of polyphenolic compounds present in foods are capable of reducing heme iron transport across the intestinal enterocyte. However, the inhibitory effects of dietary polyphenolic compounds on heme iron absorption can be offset by ascorbic acid and can possibly be avoided by decreasing the consumption of polyphenols while simultaneously taking ascorbic acid.     

Contribution of cysteine and glutathione conjugates to the formation of the volatile thiols 3‐mercaptohexan‐1‐ol (3MH) and 3‐mercaptohexyl acetate (3MHA) during fermentation by Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Background and Aims: 3‐Mercaptohexan‐1‐ol (3MH) and its ester 3‐mercaptohexyl acetate (3MHA) are potent aromatic thiols that substantially contribute to varietal wine aroma. During fermentation, non‐volatile 3MH conjugates are converted by yeast to volatile 3MH and 3MHA. Two types of 3MH conjugates have been identified, S‐3‐(hexan‐1‐ol)‐L‐cysteine (Cys‐3MH) and S‐3‐(hexan‐1‐ol)‐glutathione (GSH‐3MH). Yeast‐driven formation of 3MH from these precursors has been previously demonstrated, while the relationship between 3MHA and GSH‐3MH remains to be established. This paper aims to investigate yeast conversion of GSH‐3MH to 3MH and 3MHA, and to assess the relative contribution of each individual conjugate to the 3MH/3MHA pool of finished wines. Methods and Results: Fermentation experiments were carried out in model grape juice containing Cys‐3MH and GSH‐3MH. We found 3MH formation from GSH‐3MH to be significantly less efficient than that of Cys‐3MH. Conversely, esterification of 3MH to 3MHA was higher when 3MH was formed from GSH‐3MH. Additional in vitro assays for measuring enzyme cleavage activity suggest the involvement of a different mechanism in 3MH conversion for the two precursors. Conclusions: These results indicate that although both 3MH conjugates can be converted by yeast, the type of precursor affects the rate of formation of 3MH and 3MHA during fermentation. Significance of the Study: Management of the pool of aromatic thiols during fermentation can depend on relative proportions of different 3MH conjugates.     

Potent Antidiabetic Activity and Metabolite Profiling of Melicope Lunu‐ankenda Leaves

Diabetes mellitus is normally characterized by chronic hyperglycemia associated with disturbances in the fat, carbohydrate, and protein metabolism. There is an increasing trend of using natural products instead of synthetic agents as alternative therapy for disorders due to their fewer side effects. In this study, antidiabetic and antioxidant activities of different Melicope lunu‐ankenda (ML) ethanolic extracts were evaluated using inhibition of α‐glucosidase and 2,2‐diphenyl‐l‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radicals scavenging activity, respectively; whereas, proton nuclear magnetic resonance (¹H NMR) and ultra‐high performance liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometric (UHPLC‐MS/MS) techniques were used for metabolite profiling of ML leaf extracts at different concentrations of ethanol and water. Sixty percent of ethanolic ML extract showed highest inhibitory effect against α‐glucosidase enzyme (IC₅₀ of 37 μg/mL) and DPPH scavenging activity (IC₅₀ of 48 μg/mL). Antidiabetic effect of ML extracts was also evaluated in vivo and it was found that the high doses (400 mg/Kg BW) of ML extract exhibited high suppression in fasting blood glucose level by 62.75%. The metabolites responsible for variation among ML samples with variable ethanolic levels have been evaluated successfully using ¹H‐NMR–based metabolomics. The principal component analysis (PCA) and partial least squares(PLS) analysis scores depicted clear and distinct separations into 4 clusters representing the 4 ethanolic concentrations by PC1 and PC2, with an eigenvalue of 69.9%. Various ¹H‐NMR chemical shifts related to the metabolites responsible for sample difference were also ascribed. The main bioactive compounds identified attributing toward the separation included: isorhamnetin, skimmianine, scopoletin, and melicarpinone. Hence, ML may be used as promising medicinal plant for the development of new functional foods, new generation antidiabetic drugs, as a single entity phytomedicine or in combinational therapy.     

Thiol precursors in Catarratto Bianco Comune and Grillo grapes and effect of clarification conditions on the release of varietal thiols in wine

Background and Aims

Varietal thiols characterise the typical aroma of several white wines, such as Sauvignon Blanc. Their presence and sensory perception were suggested in two Sicilian grape cultivars, Catarratto Bianco Comune (CBC) and Grillo, though it has not been analytically proven.

Methods and Results

Varietal thiol precursors and free varietal thiols were assessed in CBC and Grillo grapes, musts and wines by ultra‐performance liquid chromatography/electrospray ionisation high‐resolution MS. The isobaric compounds including S‐3‐(hexanal)‐glutathione and S‐3‐(4‐mercapto‐4‐methylpentan‐2‐one)‐glutathione (GSH‐4MMP) were distinguished by comparing their accurate masses and high‐resolution‐MS/MS spectra with those of their synthetic standards. S‐3‐(Hexanal)‐glutathione, S‐3‐(hexan‐1‐ol)‐glutathione and S‐3‐(hexan‐1‐ol)‐cysteine were found in grape, must and wine, whereas GSH‐4MMP and its hydrolysed forms were not found. Their concentration decreased during winemaking, mostly after grape pressing. We compared the effect of clarification conditions based on the exposure of must to either air or CO₂ on the concentration of thiol precursors and free thiols in wine; however, negligible differences were observed. The concentration of free thiols in the wines was found to be in the range 400–1100 ng/L and they were unaffected by the two clarification conditions tested.

Conclusions

The isobaric S‐3‐(hexanal)‐glutathione and GSH‐4MMP were clearly distinguished for the first time by ultra‐performance liquid chromatography/high‐resolution MS through their retention times and MS spectra. These varietal thiols were revealed in CBC and Grillo wines for the first time. The air‐free and air‐exposed clarification treatments had little effect on the concentration of the varietal thiols.

Significance of the Study

This study highlights the major impact of the varietal thiols (mainly 3‐mercapto‐hexan‐1‐ol and its acetate form) on the sensory properties of CBC and Grillo wines.