Ultrasound-assisted extraction of bioactive compounds from <Emphasis Type="Italic">Malva sylvestris</Emphasis> leaves and its comparison with agitated bed extraction technique

The effects of ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) variables—namely extraction temperature (40–60 °C), ultrasonic power (50–150 W), and sonication time (40–60 min)—on the extractive value (EV) of bioactive phenolics from Malva sylvestris leaves were investigated and optimized using Response surface methodology. The effects of extraction solvents (ethanol, ethyl acetate, and n-hexane) on EV, free radical scavenging activity (FRSA), total phenolic content (TPC), and major bioactive phenolics were studied using agitated bed extraction (ABE), and the results were compared with the UAE findings. Under the optimal UAE conditions (48 °C, 110.00 W, and 48.77 min) the experimental EV was 279.89 ± 0.21 mg/g with 71.12 ± 0.15% DPPH_sc, 73.35 ± 0.11% ABTS_sc, and a TPC of 152.25 ± 0.14 mg GAE/g. Ethanolic ABE results in higher EV (320.16 ± 0.25 mg g^?1) compared to UAE, while the FRSA and TPC values were reduced. HPLC analysis revealed that the concentration of bioactive phenolics increased significantly (p < 0.05) under the optimal UAE conditions.     

Optimization of Extraction Parameters of Total Phenolics from <Emphasis Type="Italic">Annona crassiflora</Emphasis> Mart. (Araticum) Fruits Using Response Surface Methodology

In this study, response surface methodology was used to optimize the extraction temperature (25–75 °C) and ethanol concentration (0–70 %, ethanol/water, v/v) to maximize the extraction of total phenolic compounds (TPC) from araticum pulp. The efficiency of the extraction process was monitored over time, and equilibrium conditions were reached between 60–90 min. A second-order polynomial model was adequately fit to the experimental data with an adjusted R ² of 0.9793 (p < 0.0001) showing that the model could efficiently predict the TPC content. Optimum extraction conditions were ethanol concentration of 46 % (v/v), extraction temperature of 75 °C and extraction time of 90 min. Under the optimum conditions, the araticum pulp showed high TPC content (4.67 g GAE/100 g dw) and also high antioxidant activity in the different assays used (46.56 μg/mL, 683.65 μmol TE/g and 1593.72 μmol TE/g for DPPH IC₅₀, TEAC and T-ORAC_FL, respectively). From our extraction procedure, we successfully recovered a significantly higher amount of TPC compared to other studies in the literature to date (1.5–22-fold higher). Furthermore, TPC and antioxidant activity were present in the fruit in levels that are difficult to find in other common fruits. These results expose a potential approach for improving human health through consumption of araticum fruit.     

CO<Subscript>2</Subscript> supercritical fluid extraction and characterization of polysaccharide from bamboo (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Phyllostachys heterocycla</Emphasis>) leaves

CO₂ supercritical fluid technique with an ethanol modifier was used to extract bamboo (Phyllostachys heterocycla) leave’s polysaccharide (BLPs) regarding various operating conditions. Pressure (30, 40 and 50 MPa), extraction temperature (40, 45 and 50 °C), extraction time (2, 3 and 4 h) and modifier dosage (20, 25 and 30 mL) were important operating factors affecting the yield and total antioxidant activity of each BLPs extraction. The optimal parameters for harvesting the BLPs were an extracting time of 2 h plus 40 MPa pressure with 30 mL of ethanol modifier at 50 °C. In this case, 2.47% BLPs (in wt) was extracted. The BLPs, after purified by D101 macroporous resin and DEAE-cellulose column, with the average molecular weight of 5.05?×?104 Da are composed of rhamnose, fucose, arabinose, xylose, mannose, glucose, and galactose in the molar ratio of 1.318:2.100:1.189:1.016:1:4.776:1.318, respectively. It showed the best antioxidant activity, and its total antioxidant activity of the BLPs extracted was equivalent to 20.70 mg ascorbic acid [(VcE)/g]. In a word, our technique should be potential for producing the best yield and activity of bamboo (Phyllostachys heterocycla) leave’s polysaccharide.     

Optimizing the Tyrosinase Inhibitory and Antioxidant Activity of Mango Seed Kernels with a Response Surface Methodology

This study describes the optimization of polyphenol extraction from mango seed kernels by using response surface methodology (RSM). In the solid-to-liquid selection, the extraction yield, total phenolic content (TPC), antioxidant activity, and tyrosinase inhibitory activity are all significantly increased with a decrease in the solid-to-liquid ratio (P?<?0.05). Between the Nam-Dok-Mai kernel (NDK) and the Tong-Dam kernel (TDK), the TDK was chosen for RSM with a fixed ratio of 1:30 solid-to-liquid. The variables in the independent processing were the concentrations of ethanol, the temperature, and the time applied to RSM. Ethanol concentration, temperature, and duration had significant individual and interactive effects on phenolic yield and antioxidant activities (P?<?0.05). The optimized condition that maximized the extraction yields, TPC, and antioxidant activities from TDK was an ethanol concentration of 62 %, a temperature of 63 °C, and a duration of 150 min. The obtained and validated optimized model could be used to describe the effect of these variables on the extraction of phenolic compounds from mango seed kernels.     

Spray-Drying of Antioxidant-Rich Blueberry Waste Extracts; Interplay Between Waste Pretreatments and Spray-Drying Process

This study aimed to establish an efficient route for converting blueberry waste material (BWM) into antioxidant-rich powders. Extracts were produced from BWM by an aqueous method using water acidified with citric acid, in the absence or presence of Pectinex Ultra SP-L and Cellubrix. All BWM extracts contained antioxidants including phenolic acids, anthocyanins, and flavonoids (total phenolic content (TPC) 3655–4369 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE) and total anthocyanin content (TAC) 219–296 mg cyanidin-3-glucoside equivalents (CyGE) per 100 g dry extract). Extractions at 50 °C yielded higher TPC and TAC but lower vitamin C and pectin contents than extractions at 20 °C. Spray-drying BWM extracts produced at 50 °C (no enzymatic treatments) and an encapsulant (alginate or inulin) at an inlet temperature 150 °C and feed temperature 50 °C yielded powders with desired dark purplish blue color, water activity (0.25–0.33), flowability, reconstitution time (23–46 s in water or milk), TPC (25–30 mg GAE/g), TAC (17–20 mg CyGE/g), storage stability, and Bifidobacterium-boosting properties. Enzymatic pretreatments of BWM did not confer any advantages in preserving antioxidants in powder products, suggesting that some intrinsic BWM components (e.g., pectins) may play an important role in the encapsulating process. The use of alginate as the encapsulant/drying aid afforded higher powder yields, superior protection of antioxidants, better stability over a prolonged storage or elevated temperature storage, greater retention of TPC/TAC under simulated gastrointestinal conditions, and greater Bifidobacterium-boosting effects, compared to powders prepared using inulin. Thus, simple aqueous extraction methods and spray-drying technology hold enormous promise for producing antioxidant-rich powders from blueberry processing by-products or waste.     

Optimisation of the extraction of phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity from aerial parts of Bidens pilosa L. using response surface methodology

Response surface methodology was used to find the optimum ethanol concentration and temperature which maximises the antioxidant activity (AA) of hydroalcoholic extracts from aerial parts of Bidens pilosa L. A rotatable central composite design was used, and the extracts were characterised by the determination of solid concentration (SC), total flavonoid (TFC) and total polyphenol content (TPC). AA was determined through 2,2′‐azinobis (3‐ethylbenzothiazoline‐6‐sulphonic acid) diammonium salt (ABTS) and 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐pycrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity. Mathematical models showed the significant effects of each variable and allowed to select the optimum conditions of ethanol concentration (62.7%) and extraction temperature (66.2 °C). The optimised extract presented an AA of 804.9 ± 12.2 Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) dry base (d.b.) for DPPH and 515.8 ± 31.8 TEAC d.b. for ABTS. It was observed that both TFC and TPC showed a good correlation with AA of the extracts.     

Impact of different solvents on the recovery of bioactive compounds and antioxidant properties from lemon (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Citrus limon</Emphasis> L.) pomace waste

The effects of different solvents on the recovery of (i) extractable solids (ES), (ii) total phenolic compounds (TPC), (iii) total flavonoid content (TFC), (iv) vitamin C, and (v) antioxidant activity from lemon pomace waste were investigated. The results revealed that solvents significantly affected the recovery of ES, TPC, TFC, and antioxidant properties. Absolute methanol and 50% acetone resulted in the highest extraction yields of TPC, whereas absolute methanol resulted in the highest extraction of TFC, and water had the highest recovery of vitamin C. 50% ethanol, and 50% acetone had higher extraction yields for TPC, and TFC, as well as higher antioxidant activity compared with their absolute solvents and water. TPC and TFC were shown to be the major components contributing to the antioxidant activity of lemon pomace.     

Effect of thermal treatment and pH on antioxidant activity of saffron honey using response surface methodology

According to Box–Behnken design, 17 runs with five replicates were used to study the combined effect of temperature (60 to 80 °C), time (10–15 min) and pH (3–6) on the antioxidant properties (DPPH-radical scavenging activity (DPPH-RSA), TPC-total phenolic content and TFC-total flavonoid content) of saffron honey by employing response surface methodology. The statistical analysis showed that all three process variables significantly affect all the three responses. There was a statistical significant (p < 0.05) increase in all responses (DPPH-RSA, TPC and TFC) with the increase in time and temperature which resulted in increase in antioxidant activity. The antioxidant properties of saffron honey were significantly (p < 0.05) decreased with the increase in pH from 3 to 6. The results established that antioxidant activity was increased with the formation of browning pigments.     

Design of Sonotrode Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction of Phenolic Compounds from <Emphasis Type="Italic">Psidium guajava</Emphasis> L. Leaves

Psidium guajava L. has gained a special attention as health plant due to the presence of phenolic compounds. Box-Behnken design (BBD) has been applied for the extraction of target compounds from guava leaves via sonotrode ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE). Different extraction times (5, 30, and 55 min), ratios of ethanol/water (50, 75, and 100% (v/v)), and ultrasound (US) power (80, 240, and 400 W) were tested to find their effect on the sum of phenolic compound (SPC), flavonols and flavan-3-ols via HPLC-ESI-QqQ-MS, and antioxidant activity (DPPH and TEAC assays). The best process conditions were as follows: 40 min, 60% ethanol/water (v/v), and 200 W. Established method has been used to extract phenolic compounds in two guava leaves varieties (pyrifera and pomifera). Pyrifera var. showed greater values of the SPC via HPLC-ESI-QqQ-MS (49.7 mg/g leaf dry weight (d.w.)), flavonols (12.51 mg/g d.w.), flavan-3-ols (7.20 mg/g d.w.), individual phenolic compounds, and antioxidant activity (8970 ± 5 and 465 ± 6 μmol Trolox/g leaf d.w, respectively) than pomifera var. Conventional extraction showed lower amounts of phenolic compounds (7.81 ± 0.03 and 4.64 ± 0.01 mg/g leaf d.w. for flavonols and flavan-3ols, respectively) in comparison to the ultrasound-assisted ones.     

Extraction of antioxidants and flavonoids from yuzu (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Citrus junos</Emphasis> Sieb ex Tanaka) peels: a response surface methodology study

In the present investigation, extraction of antioxidants and flavonoids from the peels of yuzu fruit using a single factor experiment and a response surface methodology (RSM) based on central composite design was studied. Four independent variables were evaluated at five levels with total 29 experimental runs, including ethanol concentration (EtOH), ratio of liquid to material (L/S), extraction temperature (T), and extraction time (t). The total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoids content (TFC), two indicators of antioxidant capacity (FRAP and DPPH), and three individual major flavonoids in yuzu (hesperidin, naringin, and phloretin) served as the response functions. Quadratic polynomial equations were obtained by multiple regression analysis to predict the optimal extraction conditions. The regression analysis showed that >95?% of variations were explained by the models of different responses considered. The responses were significantly influenced by all studied factors. The Multiresponse optimized conditions targeted at maximizing all the responses were found to be EtOH?=?65.550?%; T?=?43.864?°C; t?=?119.673 min; and L/S?=?37.168 ml/g, with a desirability of 0.950. At the optimized conditions, the experimental values of FRAP (964.9?±?23.1 mgTE/g DW), DPPH (453.0?±?5.2 mgTE/g DW), TPC (1161.2?±?25.2 mgGAE/g DW), (TFC393.4?±?mgQE/g DW), hesperidin (337.2?±?4.0 mg/g DW), naringin (244.9?±?1.1 mg/g DW), and phloretin (43.9 mg/g DW) were in a reasonable agreement with the predicted values. The extraction method was applied successfully to extract antioxidants and flavonoids from yuzu peels. It also allows a fast and cost-saving process for extraction of the studied phytochemicals, in addition to improvement of the quantity of the targeted extract.     

Comparison between ultra-homogenisation and ultrasound for extraction of phenolic compounds from teff (Eragrostis tef (Zucc.))

This study investigated the effect of the solvent composition on the extraction of phenolic compounds from teff grains and compared the efficiency between the techniques homogeniser-assisted extraction (HAE) and ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE). The solvents used were water, ethanol and methanol, and the response analysed was the total phenolic content (TPC). The quantitative profile of polyphenols extracted was also determined by ultra-performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-TQD). According to the optimisation, the maximum response was estimated at solvent ratios of 51:40:9 and 49:26:25 (water/ethanol/methanol, v/v/v) for HAE and UAE, respectively. Under optimal conditions, the extraction technique did not significantly influence the TPC extracted, but the TFC (total flavonoid content) and the antioxidant capacity were significantly higher when UAE was used. The phenolic acids p-coumaric and protocatechuic and the flavonoids quercetin, rutin and myricetin were the main polyphenols extracted. Both techniques studied were efficient in extracting polyphenols from whole teff grains.     

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.     

Characterization of phenolics in different parts of selected <Emphasis Type="Italic">Capparis</Emphasis> species harvested in low and high rainfall season

The stem bark, shoot, fruit, flower and root from Capparis spinosa and Capparis decidua, harvested in April and September (corresponding to low and high rainfall season, respectively), were investigated for variations in the contents of total phenols, flavonoids and individual phenolics. Aqueous methanol (80%) soluble extracts from different parts of the selected species, were evaluated colorimetrically for total phenolic contents (TPC), total flavonoid contents (TFC) and inhibition of linoleic acid peroxidation. Relatively, a higher extract yield (5.57–42.43%), TPC (157.3–348.6 GAE mg/100 g), TFC (229.2–584.9 CE mg/100 g) for both the species were recorded for September samples. Among the parts tested of both the species, fruits offered higher content of total phenolics (235.1–455.3 GAE mg/100 g) whereas flowers contained greater amount of flavonoids (96.7–269.9 CE mg/100 g). A notably variable content of phenolic compounds (0.24–94.22 mg/100 g) such as gallic acid, p-coumaric acid, caffeic acid, p-hydroxybenzoic acid and sinapic acid were detected by RP-HPLC in different parts of the selected species; however, sinapic acid was not detected in the flowers of both the species. It can be concluded from the findings of the present study that season has significant effect on the phenolics profiling of Capparis plants and thus collection of different parts of the selected species in an appropriate season can be beneficial towards maximizing their functional food and nutraceutical benefits.     

Quality of Banana Puree During Storage: a Comparison of High Pressure Processing and Thermal Pasteurization Methods

The quality features of banana puree after high pressure processing (HPP) at 500 MPa for 10 min and thermal pasteurization (TP) at 90 °C for 2 min during 30 days of refrigerated storage were compared in this study. Initial counts in banana puree of greater than 3.80 log colony-forming units (CFU)/g of total aerobic bacteria (TAB) and 3.10 log CFU/g of molds and yeasts (M&Y) were reduced by HPP and TP. TAB were approximately 1.0 CFU/g, and M&Y were less than 0.3 log CFU/g in HPP- and TP-processed puree during storage. HPP and TP did not change pH, titratable acidity (TA), total soluble solids (TSS), lightness (L), and yellowness (b), total phenolic content (TPC), and antioxidant capacity (AC), but HPP raised redness (a) and TP reduced a and ascorbic acid (AA). During storage, L, a, and b in HPP- and TP-processed purees did not change but HPP-processed puree increased pH and decreased TA. After storage, the percentage of TPC and AA was 75.85 and 55.09 % in the HPP group and 96.30 and 68.09 % in the TP group, indicating a significant loss of TPC and a greater loss of AA in HPP-processed puree. The loss of AC agreed with the loss of AA and TPC. HPP preserved particle size distribution and viscosity of purees, whereas TP increased the number of smaller particles and viscosity after processing and in storage. Twenty-six volatiles (18 esters) and 22 volatiles (15 esters) were detected in HPP- and TP-processed purees, and the ester fraction was 69.79 and 52.36 %, respectively. HPP was found to be an effective alternative pasteurization method for preserving the quality of fresh banana puree.     

Drying kinetics,colour, total phenolic content and antioxidant capacity properties of kiwi dried by different methods

This study analysed the convective (60, 70 and 80° C), microwave (120 and 350 W) and freeze drying methods in terms of their effects on the drying characteristics, colour, total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant capacity of kiwi slices. Nine different mathematical models were applied to experimental data to achieve the most accurate calculation for drying curves. The Midilli et al. and Wang and Singh models proved to be the most suitable at explaining the drying kinetics of kiwi samples as compared to other models according to the statistical tests. Each drying method was significantly affected by colour parameters (L*, a*, b*, C, α and ΔE). The dried samples exhibited respectively 5–49 % and 10–47 % less TPC and antioxidant capacity compared to the fresh sample. According to the correlation analysis conducted between TPC and antioxidant capacity for kiwi slices, there is a positive correlation (R ²  = 0.7796). Microwave dried samples at 120 W particularly had the lowest TPC and antioxidant capacity. Freeze drying method yielded the closest values with respect to colour values, total phenol content and antioxidant capacity to those of fresh samples when compared to the other methods.     

Changes of heat-treated soymilks in bioactive compounds and their antioxidant activities under in vitro gastrointestinal digestion

To investigate the influence of in vitro gastrointestinal digestion on contents of bioactive compounds and antioxidant activities of heat-treated soymilks, changes of total phenolics content (TPC), total flavonoids content (TFC), content and profile of isoflavones, oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC), 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity and ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) were assayed after different heat treatments (at 95 °C for 20, 40, 60 min; 121 °C for 3, 6, 9 min and 143 °C for 20, 40, 60 s respectively) and gastrointestinal digestion. Results showed that digestion significantly influenced the contents of bioactive compounds and antioxidant activities of soymilks. Increases of DPPH radical scavenging activity, FRAP and ORAC of the heat-treated soymilks after gastric digestion were consistent with the increases of TPC (110.68–152.60 %) and TFC (4.48–31.10 %). In the dialysate fractions as the absorbable and utilized part, it was found that TPC, TFC, isoflavones and antioxidant activities (DPPH radical scavenging activity, FRAP and ORAC) were significantly decreased as compared with the gastric digestion fractions and duodenal fractions. Analysis showed that the bioaccessibility of TPC reached 107.17–125.14 %, TFC reached 34.63–67.19 % and total isoflavones reached 34.40–41.22 %, respectively, indicating the rich bioaccessible compounds in soymilk. Daidzein and its derivates were proven as the most bioaccessible isoflavones (about 36.99–44.14 %). Glucoside isoflavones showed the highest bioaccessibilities followed by malonylglucosides, acetylglucosides and aglycones. Overall, the soymilks treated at 95 °C and 60 min and 121 °C and 9 min had higher bioactive compounds contents, antioxidant activities and bioaccessibilities in the dialysate fractions.     

Is air-drying of plant-based food at low temperature really favorable? A meta-analytical approach to ascorbic acid,total phenolic,and total flavonoid contents

The aim of this work was to review the studies that evaluated the effect of drying temperature on the content of ascorbic acid (AA), total phenolic (TPC), and total flavonoid contents (TFC) in fruits and vegetables, and quantify whether drying at 40 °C is more favorable than at higher temperatures. For the purpose of this study, AA, TPC, and TFC values for 40 °C were compared with those obtained at 50 °C, 60 °C, and 70–80 °C. A meta-analysis was performed using the weighted response ratio calculated for each experiment. Despite the fact that other variables significantly influenced the nutrient content in individual experiments, the meta-analysis provided a general view on the effect of air-drying temperature on the quality of plant-based food products from outcomes of various studies.     

Optimization of Extraction of Bioactive Compounds from Black Carrot Using Response Surface Methodology (RSM)

In this study, optimum conditions for the extraction of black carrot anthocyanins were determined by response surface methodology. Central composite design of extraction factors (pH 2.5–6.5, temperature 4–72 °C, solvent/solid ratio 5:1–25:1 v/w, ethanol/water ratio 0:100–100:0?v/v) was generated as two replicates. Total phenolic content, total monomeric anthocyanin content, polymeric color, total antioxidant activity, and anthocyanin composition determined by high-performance liquid chromatography were used as responses. Except for color analysis, higher temperature, solid/solvent ratio, and ethanol concentration were observed to increase the extraction yield. However, polymeric color results were found to have minimum values at lower pH and solid/solvent ratio, lower or moderate temperature, and higher ethanol concentration. Optimum extraction conditions were found as follows: 50 °C, pH 3.5, solvent solid ratio 10:1 (v/w), and ethanol/water ratio 75:25 (v/v) when all responses were considered. The validation of the optimum conditions for black carrot extraction was performed at specified values.     

The phenolic content and antioxidant activity of the aqueous and hydroalcoholic extracts of hops and their pellets

The goal of this study was to investigate how three commonly used systems (water, 50% methanol and 50% ethanol) affected the yields of phenolic substances and the antioxidant capacity of extracts prepared from hops (cv Magnum and Marynka) and their pellets (T90 and T45). The total phenolic (TPC) and total flavonoid contents (TFC), as well as antioxidant activity (ABTS^+? scavenging, reducing power and metal chelating activity) of the hydroalcoholic extracts were found to be significantly higher than those of aqueous extracts. Extraction using 50% ethanol produced the highest yield of flavonoids. In turn, aqueous–methanol extracts were a better source of chlorogenic acid. No significant differences in terms of TPC and TFC were found between extracts prepared from hops and their pellets when water was used for extraction. Aqueous–ethanol extracts of T45 pellets, regardless of the hop variety, exhibited higher TFC compared with those of T90 pellets. For aqueous and aqueous–methanol extracts, such a tendency was not observed. Extraction with water revealed that cv Marynka hops and pellets had higher TPC than those of cv Magnum, which resulted in their better antioxidant potential. Hydroalcoholic extracts, regardless of the type of alcohol and hop product, did not differ significantly in terms of antioxidant activities. Copyright © 2013 The Institute of Brewing & Distilling     

Effect of heat-treated <Emphasis Type="Italic">Nuruk</Emphasis> on the quality characteristics of aged <Emphasis Type="Italic">Yakju</Emphasis>

Long-term aging of Yakju, a traditional Korean liquor made of rice and Nuruk (a fermentation agent), causes browning and odor and flavor development. This study investigated the effects of heat-treated Nuruk (50–80 °C, 30 min) on Yakju quality. The saccharogenic powers and glucoamylase, α-amylase, and carboxypeptidase activities were similar in non-heat-treated Nuruk and that treated at 50 °C. However, acidic protease and alcohol dehydrogenase decreased above 50 °C. The content of nitrogen-containing compounds was inversely proportional to the heat-treatment temperature. Compounds that cause off-flavors decreased at 50–60 °C, but increased at 70–80 °C, whereas compounds that provide fragrance increased at 50–60 °C. Sensory evaluation indicated that bad taste attributes were higher in Yakju produced using non-heat-treated Nuruk. Therefore, heat treatment of Nuruk at 50 °C can be adopted as a method for improving Yakju quality, as enzymatic activities that affect color, aroma, and taste are regulated.