Antioxidant capacity of different fractions of vegetables and correlation with the contents of ascorbic acid, phenolics, and flavonoids

The antioxidant capacity of different fractions of 17 vegetables were analyzed using ferric reducing antioxidant power assay (FRAP assay) after water and acetone extractions. The contents of ascorbic acid, phenolics, and flavonoids were determined and their correlations with FRAP value were investigated. The results showed that the peel or leaf fractions of vegetables were stronger than the pulp or stem fractions in antioxidant capacity based on total FRAP value. Lotus root peel was the highest and cucumber pulp the lowest in total FRAP value among the vegetable fractions analyzed. All water extracts were higher in FRAP value than the acetone extracts. The FRAP value was significantly correlated with the contents of ascorbic acid, phenolics, or flavonoids in water extracts, in which the phenolics contributed most based on multivariate regression analysis. We conclude that different vegetable fractions were remarkably different in antioxidant capacity. The phenolics are responsible mostly for the antioxidant capacity of vegetables in vitro.     

Antioxidant activity and phenolic content of phenolic rich fractions obtained from black cumin (Nigella sativa) seedcake

The antioxidant activities of crude methanolic extract (CME) and its fractions using ethyl acetate (EAF), hexane (HF) and water (WF) of black cumin seedcake were investigated. DPPH radical scavenging activity, β-carotene–linoleate bleaching, and inhibition of corn oil oxidation were used to evaluate the antioxidant capacity. The total phenolics were found to be 78.8, 27.8, 32.1 and 12.1 mg gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/g in EAF, CME, WF and HF, respectively. The CME and EAF exhibited the highest DPPH followed by WF and HF. The extract/fractions showed high effect on reducing the oxidation of β-carotene. The effect of extract/fractions on the oxidative stability of corn oil at 70 °C was tested in the dark and compared with butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA). The oil peroxide and anisidine values were generally lower with addition of PRFs in comparison to a control. The predominant phenolic compounds identified by HPLC–DAD in CME and WF of black cumin seedcake were hydroxybenzoic, syringic and p-cumaric acids.     

Influence of alcoholic fermentation process on antioxidant activity and phenolic levels from mulberries (Morus nigra L.)

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the profile of the phenolic constituents of Morus nigra fruits and their antioxidant activity (DPPH) and to compare their contents before and after fermentation. Antioxidant phenolics of black mulberry (M. nigra L.) samples grown in Galicia (NW Spain) were extracted with methanol/formic acid/water (MFW) and determined by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Two major anthocyanins (cyanidin 3-glucoside and cyanidin 3-rutinoside) and two flavonols (quercetin 3-glucoside and rutin) were isolated, together with caffeic acid and other hydroxycinnamic and ellagic acid derivatives. Their chemical structures were identified by spectral analyses with diode array detection (DAD), but also with alkaline saponification and acid hydrolysis of the mulberry phenolics. Good correlations (r² = 0.6229) were observed among total flavonols contents and the IC₅₀ radical scavenging capacities of mulberry fruits. Anthocyanins are the major flavonoids present in mulberry. It would be expected that anthocyanins contribute significantly to their antioxidant activity; nevertheless, alcohol generated during fermentation may also contribute to antioxidant activity. Our results provide useful antioxidant nutritional information of fresh and fermented mulberry fruits.     

LC–DAD–MS (ESI+) analysis of the phenolic content of Sorbus domestica fruits in relation to their maturity stage

The aim of this study was the detailed qualitative and quantitative analysis of the phenolic content of several extracts and fractions of Sorbus domestica fruits. The analysis was realized by LC–DAD–MS (ESI+). Twenty-four different extracts and fractions of five different maturity stages of the fruit were analyzed for comparison reasons in order to determine the most beneficial for health type of consuming. Sixty-two different phenolics were identified. There were significant qualitative and quantitative differentiations in the phenolic content among the different types of the fruits. All categories were rich in benzoic, phenylpropanoic and cinnamoylquinic acids and derivatives. Unripe fruit categories were also rich in flavonoids, while well matured fruit categories had a low content of flavonoids. Fruit pulp, which was proved to be a strong antioxidant according to previous research work, contained very low amounts of both acids and flavonoids, but its phenolic content was highly qualitatively differentiated from the other categories.     

Variation of antioxidant activity and the levels of bioactive compounds in lipophilic and hydrophilic extracts from hot pepper (Capsicum spp.) cultivars

Peppers (Capsicum spp.) are a rich source of diverse bioactive compounds with potential health-promoting properties. This study investigated the extraction efficiency of five solvents on antioxidant activities from cayenne (CA408 and Mesilla), jalapeño (Ixtapa) and serrano (Tuxtlas) pepper cultivars. Freeze-dried peppers were extracted using a Soxhlet extractor with five solvents: hexane, ethyl acetate, acetone, methanol, and methanol:water (80:20). The levels of specific bioactive compounds (phenolics, capsaicinoids, carotenoids and flavonoids) were determined by HPLC and antioxidant activities were assayed by three methods. For all pepper cultivars tested, hexane extracts had the highest levels of capsaicinoids and carotenoids, but methanol extracts had the maximum levels of flavonoids. Hexane extracts showed higher 2,2-diphenyl-1-pricrylhydrozyl (DPPH) radical-scavenging activity and higher reducing power, and acetone extracts (from Mesilla pepper) had a high reducing power. All pepper extracts, except hexane, were effective in preventing deoxyribose degradation, and the inhibition was increased by high concentrations of extracts. The results of the present study indicated that, among the different measures of antioxidant activity, DPPH radical-scavenging activity was strongly correlated with total bioactive compounds (capsaicinoids, carotenoids, flavonoids and total phenolics) in pepper cultivars.     

Influence of Different Extraction Media on Phenolic Contents and Antioxidant Capacity of Defatted Dabai (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Canarium odontophyllum</Emphasis>) Fruit

Dabai (Canarium odontophyllum) is a potential “functional fruit”. Future commercialization of dabai fat as healthy oil may result in the accumulation of defatted dabai as a by-product. This study was carried out to determine the total phenolics and antioxidant capacity of defatted dabai parts as a new source of functional food and nutraceutical ingredient. In this study, defatted dabai parts were extracted using different extraction media (methanol, ethanol, ethyl acetate, acetone, and water) and analyzed for total phenolics, total flavonoids, total anthocyanins, and antioxidant capacity (ABTS⁺ radical scavenging and ferric-reducing antioxidant power assays) using spectrophotometric and high-performance liquid chromatography methods. Major phenolics in defatted dabai peel extracted using methanol were catechin and epigallocatechin while in water extract, major phenolic acid was ellagic acid. Defatted dabai peel also had higher anthocyanidin content than its pulp. The peel of a defatted dabai fruit extracted using methanol contained a high total phenolics and Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC). Ethyl acetate extract of defatted dabai parts had the least phenolics compared in ethanol and acetone extracts. Higher total phenolics and TEAC values were observed in water extract of a defatted dabai peel than ethanol, acetone, and ethyl acetate extracts. Hence, methanol extract of a defatted dabai peel could probably be used as a natural antioxidant.     

Determination of antioxidant activities of various extracts and essential oil compositions of Thymus praecox subsp. skorpilii var. skorpilii

The aim of this work is to examine the chemical composition and antioxidant activity of separated essential oils and different solvent extracts of Thymus praecox subsp. skorpilii var. skorpilii (TPS). The ethanol, acetone, methanol, hexane, aqueous extracts and separated essential oils of TPS were assessed for their antioxidant activities. Antioxidant activities were evaluated by reduction of Mo(VI) to Mo(V), reducing power, superoxide scavenging activity, free radical-scavenging activity, metal chelating activity, linoleic acid peroxidation, hydrogen peroxide scavenging activity and peroxide scavenging activity. Essential oils were characterized in total to be 41 components, whereas 9 components were isolated by column chromatography for antioxidant activity. TPS essential oil was found to contain thymol (40.31%) and o-cymene (13.66%) as the major components. The ethanol, methanol and water extracts exerted significant free radical-scavenging activity. The methanol and water extracts displayed highest superoxide scavenging activity. The water extract has the highest total phenolics (6.211 mg gallic acid (GAE)/g DW) and flavonoids (0.809 mg quercetin/g DW).     

Organic acids,antioxidant capacity,phenolic content and lipid characterisation of Georgia-grown underutilized fruit crops

Four underutilized Georgia-grown fruit crops, namely loquat (Eriobotrya japonica), mayhaw (Crataegus sp.), fig (Ficus carica), and pawpaw (Asimina triloba), and their leaves were analysed for total polyphenols by Folin–Ciocalteau method, and antioxidant capacity by ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and Trolox-equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) assays. Organic acids and phenolic compounds were identified by RP-HPLC. For lipid profile, fruits were separated into two fractions – seed and fruit (i.e., without seed); lipid was extracted using the Folch method and analysed for fatty acids, phytosterols, tocopherols, and phospholipids. The major organic acid identified in all samples was malic acid (177–1918 mg/100 g FW). The predominant phenolic acids in all the fruits were gallic (1.5–6.4 mg/100 g FW) and ellagic (0.2–33.8 mg/100 g FW), and the most abundant flavonoid was catechin (12.2–37.8 mg/100 g FW). Total lipid content varied from 0.1% in mayhaw fruit to 21.5% in pawpaw seed. Linoleic acid was the predominant fatty acid in all of the samples (28.2–55.7%).     

The thermostability, bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity of some vegetables subjected to different durations of boiling: Investigation in vitro

This research was performed in order to compare the water and acetone extracts of raw and boiled for 10, 20, 40 and 60 min Korean lotus roots (KLR) and Polish white onion (PWO) in the contents of their bioactive compounds, antioxidant activity and thermostability.It was found that polyphenols (mg GAE/g), flavanols (μg GAE/g), flavonoids (mg CE/g), anthocyanins (mg CGE/kg) and tannins (mg CE/g) in water extract of raw lotus roots were 14.18 ± 0.7, 8.41 ± 0.5, 1.09 ± 0.06, 21.3 ± 1.2 and 7.29 ± 0.4, and of white onion - 11.11 ± 0.6, 6.78 ± 0.3, 0.71 ± 0.03, 17.00 ± 0.9 and 1.64 ± 0.08, respectively, and significantly higher in KLR (P < 0.05). The antioxidant activity of raw KLR water extract (139.4 ± 6.1, 53.1 ± 3.6 and 89.3 ± 4.6 μmol TE/g for DPPH, CUPRAC and ABTS, respectively) was significantly higher than in white onion (23.84 ± 1.8, 31.9 ± 2.1 and 38.14 ± 2.6 for DPPH, CUPRAC and ABTS, respectively, P < 0.05).The thermostability of the water KLR extract’s of polyphenols, flavanols, flavonoids, anthocyanins and tannins was high and even after 60 min of boiling remains as 40.0, 42.3, 50.5, 41.4 and 41.0%, respectively. After 60 min of boiling the most thermostable compounds were flavonoids - remaining at 50.5% in water extract of KLR. Also after 60 min of boiling the thermostability of the antioxidant activity of water extracts of KLR remained significantly high: 40.6, 42.3, 46.3 and 43.6%, according to DPPH, FRAP, ABTS and CUPRAC assays, respectively.Similar relationship was obtained with acetone extracts, but the value was lower than with the water ones. In conclusion, the contents of some bioactive compounds, the antioxidant activity and the thermostability in water and acetone extracts of KLR are significantly higher than the same indices in PWO. FTIR and fluorimetry can be used as additional markers for the characterization of bioactive compounds in vegetables.     

Protein precipitating capacity of phenolics of wild blueberry leaves and fruits

Phenolics (PP) were extracted from blueberry leaves and fruits with 70% (v/v) acetone and 95% (v/v) ethanol. The lyophilized crude PP extract was then fractionated on a Sephadex LH-20 column using first 95% (vv) ethanol as a mobile phase for elution of fraction of phenolics low in tannins then 50% (v/v) acetone to elute fraction rich in condensed tannins. Bovine serum albumin (BSA) was effectively precipitated by crude PP extracts at pH values between 4 and 5. A statistically significant (P < 0.05) linear relationship exists between the amount of PP–protein complex precipitated and the amount of PP added to the reaction mixture. The slope values of these lines indicated the tannin-rich fractions of crude PP extracts to be more effective protein precipitants than the other examined fractions. Based on the amount of gelatin, fetuin and BSA required to inhibit the formation of the dye-labeled BSA-PP complex by 50%, gelatin was 4–15 times more effective as a precipitation inhibitor than unlabeled BSA and fetuin.     

Antioxidant properties of durian fruit as influenced by ripening

The antioxidant properties of durian (Durio zibethinus Murr., cv. Mon Thong) at different stages of ripening were investigated using fluorometry, UV spectroscopy, and HPLC/DAD analyses. Total polyphenols, flavonoids, anthocyanins and flavanols in ripe durian were significantly higher (p < 0.05) than in mature and overripe fruits. Free polyphenols and flavonoids were at lower levels than hydrolyzed ones. Caffeic acid and quercetin were the dominant antioxidant substances in ripe durian. In these fruits, methanol extracts contained a relatively high capacity of 74.9 ± 7.1% inhibition using β-carotene-linoleic acid assay. Ferric-reducing/antioxidant power (FRAP) and cupric-reducing antioxidant capacity (CUPRAC) assays supported this finding. The correlation coefficients between polyphenols and antioxidant capacities of durian samples with all applied assays were about 0.98. In conclusion, the bioactivity of ripe durian was high and the total polyphenols were the main contributors to the overall antioxidant capacity.     

Estimation of neuroprotective effects of Laurocerasus officinalis Roem. (cherry laurel) by in vitro methods

Dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, acetone, methanol, and water extracts prepared from the fruits and leaves of Laurocerasus officinalis Roem. (LO) (Rosaceae) were screened for their cholinesterase inhibitory activity against acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), the key enzymes in pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD), using ELISA microplate reader at 50, 100, and 200 ??g mL⁻¹. As AD is associated with oxidative stress, the antioxidant activity of the extracts was also tested by radical-forming methods against 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), N,N-dimethyl-p-phenylendiamine (DMPD), and superoxide radicals as well as iron-related methods; iron-chelating capacity and ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays. Total phenol and flavonoid quantification was achieved using Folin-Ciocalteau and AlCl₃ reagents, respectively. The highest AChE (44.01 ± 1.75%) and BChE (19.91 ± 0.37%) inhibition was caused by the LO-leaf-methanol extract 200 ??g mL⁻¹, while it showed the best radical-scavenging activity against DPPH at 2000 ??g mL⁻¹. Only, the dichloromethane and water extracts of the fruits and the leaf water extract had an iron-chelating capacity, while the leaf methanol extract displayed the highest FRAP. The leaf methanol extract (113.45 ± 0.71 mg g⁻¹ extract) was found to be the richest in total phenols, while the leaf acetone extract (139.90 ± 4.64 mg g⁻¹ extract) had the most abundant amount of total flavonoids.     

In vitro evaluation of the antioxidant activities in fruit extracts from citron and blood orange

Consumers are increasingly aware of diet related health problems and therefore demanding natural ingredients which are expected to be safe and health-promoting. Recently, number of studies on health benefits associated with citrus phytochemicals have been demonstrated. In the present study, an attempt has been made to isolate antioxidant fractions from two different citrus species such as Citron (Citrus medica) and blood orange (C. sinensis). Antioxidant fractions were extracted from mature, ripe fruits using five different solvents using a Soxhlet extractor. The total phenolic content of the extracts was determined by Folin–Ciocalteu method. MeOH:water (80:20) extract of citron and acetone extract of blood orange was found to contain maximum phenolics. The dried fractions were screened for their antioxidant activity potential using in vitro model systems such as 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH), phosphomolybdenum method and as well as by the nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT) reduction test at different concentrations. The MeOH:water (80:20) fraction of citron showed highest radical scavenging activity 42.5%, 77.8% and 92.1% at 250, 500 and 1000 ppm, respectively, while MeOH:water (80:20) fraction of blood orange showed lowest DPPH radical scavenging activity at all the tested concentrations. Furthermore, all the fractions showed remarkable antioxidant capacity by the formation of phosphomolybdenum complex. In addition, superoxide radical scavenging activity was assayed using non-enzymatic (NADH/phenaxine methosulfate) superoxide generating system. All the extracts showed variable radical scavenging activity. The data obtained in the in vitro models clearly establish the antioxidant potency of citrus fruit extracts. However, comprehensive studies need to be conducted to ascertain the in vivo safety of such extracts in experimental animal models. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on antioxidant activity of citron and blood orange varieties of citrus fruits.     

降香黄檀籽提取物体外抗氧化活性研究

采用总酚、总黄酮、1,1-二苯基-2-苦基一肼(DPPH)自由基清除能力、还原能力及亚油酸过氧化抑制能力5种方法评价了降香黄檀籽70%乙醇粗提物的石油醚(PF)、乙酸乙酯(EF)、正丁醇(BF)及水(WF)4个部位的体外抗氧化活性,并对5种方法进行了相关性分析。结果表明:4个部位都具有一定的抗氧化活性,其中乙酸乙酯部位(EF)总酚、总黄酮含量及抗氧化能力最高(P<0.05)。通过相关性分析得知,DPPH自由基清除能力、还原能力、亚油酸过氧化抑制能力与总酚、总黄酮具有良好的线性相关性;此外,还原能力与DPPH自由基清除能力、亚油酸过氧化抑制能力也存在良好的线性相关性。以上结果表明,降香黄檀籽可作为潜在天然抗氧化剂应用于食品或医药工业中。     

Phenolics, betacyanins and antioxidant activity in Opuntia joconostle fruits

Sour prickly pears (xoconostles) are fruits from Opuntia joconostle cactus, which are cultivated in the central Mexico area. Phenolic and pigment content in various parts of O. joconostle fruits were analyzed. The antioxidant activity of a methanolic extraction and different semi-purified fractions were also evaluated by the DPPH⁺ method. Xoconostle fruits were obtained from a commercial orchard in Mexico State. Fruits were analyzed as whole fruit and each fruit part including pericarp, mesocarp and endocarp. Samples were homogenized and kept at 4 °C until sample preparation. Total phenolic content and total flavonoid content varied among the different parts of the fruit. The highest amount of phenolic compounds and total flavonoids content were found in pericarp 2.07 mg gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/g fresh weight (FW) and 0.46 mg(+)-catechin equivalents (CE)/g FW respectively. Seven phenolics were identified as protocatechuic, 4-hydroxybenzoic, caffeic, vanillic and syringic acids, rutin, and quercetin. The color of the fruit parts was mainly due to the presence of betacyanins. The betacyanin concentration was higher in the endocarp (23.03 mg betanin equivalents/100 g fresh weight) than in the pericarp and mesocarp. Betacyanins were identified by HPLC-PDA-MS as betanin, isobetanin, betanidin, isobetanidin, and phyllocactin. Methanolic extracts and semi-purified fractions A (phenolics and flavonols) and B (betacyanins) of xoconostle showed high antioxidant activity mainly in the pericarp. These results suggest that xoconostle is a rich source of antioxidant compounds such as phenolic compounds and betacyanins.     

Quantification of phenolic contents and antioxidant capacity of Atlantic sea cucumber, Cucumaria frondosa

The antioxidant activity (oxygen radical absorbance capacity, ORAC) and total phenols and flavonoids were determined in extracts from digestive tract, gonads, muscles and respiratory apparatus of sea cucumber, Cucumaria frondosa. Total phenols content varied from 22.5 to 236.0 mg of gallic acid equivalents/100 g dw, and flavonoids from 2.9 to 59.8 mg of rutin equivalents/100 g. ORAC values ranged from 140 to 800 μmol of Trolox equivalents/g dw. Among all extracts, best antioxidant potencies were observed in ethyl acetate extracts from digestive tract, and in acetonitrile-rich fractions obtained from mixed extracts using acetonitrile/TFA (trifluoroacetic acid) acidified water on muscles, gonads and respiratory apparatus. The weakest potencies were observed with water extracts from digestive tract and respiratory apparatus, and with water-rich fractions obtained from mixed extraction of gonads and muscles. A significant correlation was observed between ORAC values and total phenol content in extracts and fractions of gonads and muscles, but ORAC and phenols were not correlated in digestive tract and respiratory apparatus extracts. ORAC values were significantly correlated (p < 0.05) with total flavonoids in all extracts. Successive eluates obtained from solid-phase extraction of water-rich fractions using C₁₈ cartridge showed ORAC values (105–500 μmol of TE/g) reaching up to 2.3 times the potency of their parent fractions. Flavonoids are suggested to be mainly responsible for observed activities. Our results provide a first quantitative evaluation of C. frondosa tissues as useful sources of antioxidants for human consumption.     

Bioactive compounds and quantification of total ellagic acid in strawberries (Fragaria x ananassa Duch.)

Strawberries are one of the most popular edible fruits in Brazil and their consumption has increased with the development of new varieties available at almost all seasons. Fruit of seven full-ripened strawberry cultivars (Dover, Camp Dover, Camarosa, Sweet Charlie, Toyonoka, Oso Grande and Piedade) were characterized in relation to the total phenolics, vitamin C, flavonoids, free and total ellagic acid contents and antioxidant capacity. Camp Dover had the lowest values for anthocyanins and total phenolics but the highest total flavonoid content. Dover presented the highest anthocyanin, total phenolics and ellagic acid contents and also elevated antioxidant capacity. The best conditions for the determination of the total ellagic acid content in strawberries were also optimized and the results showed that the extraction with 80% acetone, and hydrolysis using 2 N TFA at 120 °C for 60 min allowed a 99% recovery.     

Antioxidant activity in different fractions of tomatoes

The objective of this study was to determine the major antioxidants and antioxidant activity in different fractions (skin, seeds and pulp) of three tomato cultivars (Excell, Tradiro and Flavourine) grown under hydroponic conditions in a commercial greenhouse in New Zealand. It was found that the skin fraction of all cultivars had significantly (p < 0.05) higher levels of total phenolics, total flavonoids, lycopene, ascorbic acid and antioxidant activity (both in hydrophilic and lipophilic extracts as measured by the ABTS assay) compared to their pulp and seed fractions. The amount of antioxidants in each fraction was calculated on the basis of their actual fresh weights in whole tomato and it was found that the skin and seeds of the three cultivars on average contributed 53% to the total phenolics, 52% to the total flavonoids, 48% to the total lycopene, 43% to the total ascorbic acid and 52% to the total antioxidant activity present in tomatoes. These results show that removal of skin and seeds of tomato during home cooking and processing results in a significant loss of all the major antioxidants. Therefore, it is important to consume tomatoes along with their skin and seeds, in order to attain maximum health benefits.     

Phenolic profiles and antioxidant activity of litchi pulp of different cultivars cultivated in Southern China

The phenolic profiles and antioxidant activity of litchi pulp of 13 varieties were investigated. The free, bound and total phenolic contents were 66.17–226.03, 11.18–40.54, and 101.51–259.18 mg of gallic acid equivalents/100 g, respectively. The free, bound and total flavonoid contents were 16.68–110.33, 10.48–22.75, and 39.43–129.86 mg of catechin equivalents/100 g, respectively. Free phenolics and flavonoids contributed averagely 80.1% and 75% to their total contents, respectively. Six individual phenolics (gallic acid, chlorogenic acid, (+)-catechin, caffeic acid, (?)-epicatechin, and rutin) were detected in litchi pulp by HPLC. The contents of each compound in free and bound fractions were determined. Significant varietal discrepancy in antioxidant activity was also found by FRAP and DPPH scavenging capacity methods. Antioxidant activity was significantly correlated with phenolic and flavonoid contents. Thus, phenolics and flavonoids exist mainly in the free form in litchi pulp. There were significant varietal differences in phytochemical contents and antioxidant activity of litchi pulp.