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.     

Comparative analyses of seeds of wild fruits of Rubus and Sambucus species from Southern Italy: Fatty acid composition of the oil,total phenolic content,antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of the methanolic extracts

Fruit seeds are byproducts from fruit processing. Characterisation of the bioactive compounds present in seeds and evaluation of their potential biological properties is therefore of particular importance in view of a possible valorisation of seeds as a source of health beneficial components. In this work, we have analysed the seeds of Sambucus and Rubus species in order to identify their bioactive components and to determine the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of the extracts. We first analysed their oil content, in order to assess the fatty acid profile and tocopherol content. Moreover, the methanolic extracts of the seeds were analysed for their total phenolic contents and antioxidant capacities. Polyphenols were identified by HPLC–ESI–MS/MS analysis. Furthermore, extracts were evaluated for their inhibitory effects on the production of LPS-induced inflammatory mediators (NO, CCL-20) in RAW 264.7 cells.     

Free radical scavenging capacity and antioxidant enzyme activity in deerberry (Vaccinium stamineum L.)

Fruit from three genotypes (‘B-76’, ‘B-59’ and ‘SHF-3A’) of deerberry [Vaccinium stamineum L.] were evaluated for fruit quality, total anthocyanin and phenolic contents, antioxidants, antioxidant capacity, and antioxidant enzyme activity. The fruit soluble solids, titratable acids, total anthocyanins, and total phenolic contents varied with genotypes. Cyanidin 3-galactoside and cyanidin 3-arabinoside were the two predominant anthocyanins. Resveratrol was also found in deerberries. Among the three genotypes, ‘B-76’ had higher amount of anthocyanins, phenolic compounds and resveratrol than ‘B-59’ and ‘SHF-3A’. Deerberries contained potent free radical scavenging activities for 2,2-Di (4-tert-octylphenyl)-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2′-azinobis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) diammonium salt (ABTS⁺), peroxyl radical (ROO), superoxide radicals (), hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), hydroxyl radicals (OH), and singlet oxygen (¹O₂) radicals and also had high activities of antioxidant enzymes including glutathione-peroxidase (GSH-POD), glutathione reductase (GR), superoxide dismutase (SOD), ascorbate peroxidase (AsA-POD), guaiacol peroxidase (G-POD), monodehydroascorbate radical reductase (MDAR), dehydroascorbate reductase (DHAR), glutathione reductase (GR)] and non-enzyme antioxidants [ascorbic acid (ASA) and reduced glutathione (GSH)]. Antioxidant capacities were highly correlated to antioxidant enzymes activities. Among the three genotypes, ‘B-76’ had the highest level of antioxidants and antioxidant enzyme activity.     

Identification of bioactive compounds in Phyllenthus emblica L. fruit and their free radical scavenging activities

Emblica has been used as an important traditional herbal medicine in southeast Asia since ancient times. In this study, the air-dried hulls of emblica fruit were extracted with 95% ethanol, and then the extract was partitioned by diethyl ether and ethyl acetate (EA). The EA fraction was purified by silica gel column and thin layer chromatography (TLC) to obtain six compounds. They were identified as cinnamic acid (C1), quercetin (C2), 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (C3), gallic acid (C4), β-daucosterol (C5) and ellagic acid (C6) using mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. Cinnamic acid and 5-hydroxymethylfurfural were identified as components of emblica fruit for the first time. The DPPH and ABTS⁺ radical scavenging activities of components were evaluated. All the compounds showed significant DPPH and ABTS⁺ radical scavenging activity except for cinnamic acid. Gallic acid showed the highest DPPH radical scavenging activity while ellagic acid showed the highest ABTS⁺ scavenging activity amongst all the compounds tested.     

Antioxidant and radical scavenging activities of the pyroligneous acid from a mangrove plant, Rhizophora apiculata

Total phenolics content, free radical scavenging activity, reducing power, and antioxidant activity of the pyroligenous acid from a mangrove plant, Rhizophora apiculata were evaluated. Dichloromethane extraction of the raw pyroligneous acid successfully yield 2 extracts, i.e. concentrated pyroligneous acid (CPA) and concentrated pyroligneous acid extract (CPAE). Phenolic contents in CPAE and CPA, expressed as (±)-catechin equivalents/g of the sample were 5465 ± 367 mg and 2502 ± 152 mg, and expressed as gallic acid equivalents/g of the sample were 2919 ± 209 mg and 1348 ± 90 mg, respectively. CPAE exhibited superior free radical scavenging activity with EC₅₀ value = 0.1235 mg/ml, or 80.96% of free radical scavenging capability. The ferric reducing power of CPAE was approximately 3.7, 5.1, 6.1, and 21.3 times higher than that of ascorbic acid, BHA, BHT and alpha-tocopherol. In phosphomolybdenum assay, CPAE showed the greatest antioxidant efficacy (A₆₉₅ = 1.278) compared to those of CPA and different standards. In addition, the free radical scavenging activity, ferric reducing power and total antioxidative activity of CPAE and CPA showed positive correlation with their total phenolic content with R² values ranging from 0.9624 to 0.9979.     

Chemical composition,anthocyanins, non-anthocyanin phenolics and antioxidant activity of wild bilberry (Vaccinium meridionale Swartz) from Colombia

Berries of Vaccinium meridionale Swartz native to Colombia were analysed for chemical composition, total phenolic content, anthocyanin content, and antioxidant activity. In addition, high-performance liquid chromatography with photodiode array detection (HPLC–DAD) and HPLC-electrospray ionisation tandem mass spectrometry (ESI–MS/MS) were used to determine anthocyanin and phenolic composition. Anthocyanin content was 329.0 ± 28.0 mg cyanidin 3-glucoside equivalents/100 g (fresh weight) FW and total phenolic content was 758.6 ± 62.3 mg gallic acid equivalent/100 g FW. Cyanidin 3-galactoside was the major anthocyanin while the most abundant non-anthocyanin phenolic was chlorogenic acid.     

Nutritional components and anti-oxidant capacity of ten cultivars and lines of cactus pear fruit (Opuntia spp.)

Cactus pear fruit (Opuntia) are harvested from various species of the genus Opuntia of the cactus family (Cactaceae), and are produced and consumed in several countries. We have characterized the nutritional content and antioxidant capacity (AC) of the fruit of ten cultivars/lines of distinct pulp colors. ‘Camuesa’ had the highest betalains, total carotenoids, ß-carotene, ascorbic acid, and was one of the highest in total phenolic compounds, but its AC did not demonstrate outstanding differences with some other cultivars/lines that were not as rich in these compounds. ‘Roja Pelota’ had high AC when measured with the DPPH assay, but had low total carotenoids, ß-carotene and total phenolic content. ‘Reyna’ had slightly low AC as measured by the FRAP assay, practically no betalains, and low vitamin C, tocopherols, ß-carotene, and total phenolic content.     

Total phenolics,ascorbic acid,and antioxidant capacity of noni (Morinda citrifolia L.) juice and powder as affected by illumination during storage

Total phenolics, ascorbic acid, and antioxidant capacity of noni (Morinda citrifolia L.) juice and powder were determined during storage at 24 °C. After 2 weeks of storage, illuminated noni juice lost 32% of total phenolics, 89% of ascorbic acid, and 46–65% of antioxidant capacity—about 8%, 22%, and 9–15% more than unilluminated juice. Both illuminated and unilluminated juice lost 97% of ascorbic acid by 4 weeks. The difference in antioxidant characteristics between illuminated and unilluminated juice became insignificant at 12 weeks. After 12 weeks, illuminated noni powder lost 21% of total phenolics, 17% of ascorbic acid, and 23–36% of antioxidant capacity—about 13%, 4%, and 7–19% more than the unilluminated powder. Noni powder in brown bottles retained antioxidant characteristics significantly greater than that in clear bottles. Protection from light effectively reduced degradation of antioxidant characteristics of noni juice for only 2 weeks but those of noni powder for at least 3 months.     

Total phenolic content and DPPH radical scavenging activity of lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) grown in Colorado

Total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant capacity of lettuce were evaluated using the Folin-Ciocalteu method and DPPH assay, respectively, on 25 cultivars of lettuce, including leaf, romaine, crisphead, and butterhead types, cultivated over two harvest periods. Leaf lettuce possessed the highest TPC and highest DPPH scavenging ability, followed by romaine, butterhead and Batavia (crisphead subtype). Within a lettuce type, red pigmented lettuce cultivars had higher TPC and antioxidant capacity than did green cultivars grown under the same conditions. In addition, lettuce harvested in July possessed higher TPC and antioxidant capacity than did lettuce harvested in September, suggesting that environmental conditions could influence the phenolic content and antioxidant activity of lettuce. These results suggest that Colorado grown lettuce may serve as potential dietary sources of natural phenolic antioxidants.     

Free radical scavenging activities and bioactive substances of Jerusalem artichoke (Helianthus tuberosus L.) leaves

The total phenolic content and radical scavenging activities of Jerusalem artichoke (Helianthus tuberosus L.) leaves were investigated. Results indicated that the ethyl acetate fraction contained the highest total phenolic content (266.69 ± 2.51 mg GAE/g dry extract) accompanied with strongest free radical scavenging abilities. Following an in vitro radical scavenging activity-guide fractionation procedure, six phenolic compounds which strongly quenched free radicals were separated from ethyl acetate fraction. Among them, 3-O-caffeoylquinic acid and 1,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid played a dominant role due to their strong free radical scavenging abilities and their high contents. The content of 3-O-caffeoylquinic acid in n-butanol fraction was 74.58 ± 1.05 mg/g, while 1,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid in ethyl acetate fraction was 104.51 ± 2.86 mg/g. The results imply that the leaves of Jerusalem artichoke might be a potential source of natural antioxidants.     

Colour stability of anthocyanins from Isabel grapes (Vitis labrusca L.) in model systems

The influence of temperature, pH, the presence or absence of light, the presence or absence of oxygen and the presence or absence of tannic acid on the colour stability of anthocyanins from crude extract of Isabel grapes (Vitis labrusca L.) in food and model systems was studied. The spectrophotometric results (Δλ, ΔA) revealed interaction between the anthocyanins of the crude extract and tannic acid, suggesting copigmentation. In a model system, temperature, pH, the presence or absence of light, the presence or absence of oxygen and the presence or absence of tannic acid, significantly affected the half-life time of anthocyanins. The long half-time of the anthocyanins from Isabel grapes in a yoghurt model system indicates that these pigments are relatively stable in this food. In a rehydrated beverage model system at 4±1 °C, the presence of tannic acid (1:1, w/v) increased the half-life time by 187 h compared to the control samples.     

Antioxidant and free radical scavenging activities of wild bitter melon (Momordica charantia Linn. var. abbreviata Ser.) in Taiwan

Momordica charantia Linn. var. abbreviata Ser. (Cucurbitaceae), also known as “Shan Ku Gua”, is a wild variety of bitter melon (BM) in Taiwan. The size of its fruits is only about one-fifth of the commonly seen BM. It is commonly consumed as vegetable and also used as a popular folk medicine. In this study, the antioxidant and free radical scavenging activities of BM aqueous (BM-H₂O) and ethanol (BM-EtOH) extracts were evaluated using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), metal chelation, cytochrome c and xanthine oxidase inhibition (XOI) assays, as well as FeCl₂-ascorbic acid induced lipid peroxidation (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, TBARS) assay in rat liver homogenates in vitro. Total flavonoid and phenol contents of BM extracts were also analyzed. Results showed that both BM-H₂O (IC₅₀=129.94 μg/ml) and BM-EtOH (IC₅₀=156.78 μg/ml) possess potent DPPH radical scavenging activity, which was better than vitamin E (IC₅₀=172.21 μg/ml). These extracts also showed better iron chelating activity than vitamin E. However, they were weaker than vitamin E in free radical scavenging, xanthine oxidase inhibitory and anti-lipid peroxidation activities. With the exception of XOI activity [IC₅₀=7.90 μg/ml (BM-H₂O) vs. 7.69 μg/ml (BM-EtOH)], BM-H₂O showed a lower IC₅₀ value in free radical scavenging [IC₅₀=6.15 μg/ml (BM-H₂O) vs. 7.08 μg/ml (BM-EtOH)] and anti-lipid peroxidation [IC₅₀=53.72 μg/ml (BM-H₂O) vs. 88.51 μg/ml (BM-EtOH) for liver; 82.53 μg/ml (BM-H₂O) vs. 91.83 μg/ml (BM-EtOH) for brain] activities than BM-EtOH. Both BM extracts showed a weak anti-lipid peroxidation activity in plasma. BM-H₂O (62.0 mg/g) possessed a significant higher concentration of total flavonoids than BM-EtOH (44.0 mg/g), but was lower in the total phenol content (BM-H₂O: 51.6 mg/g vs. BM-EtOH: 68.8 mg/g). In conclusion, BM extracts possess potent antioxidant and free radical scavenging activities. These antioxidant activities could have contributed, at least partly, to the therapeutic benefits of the certain traditional claims of wild BM.     

Chemical characterisation of anthocyanins in tamarillo (Solanum betaceum Cav.) and Andes berry (Rubus glaucus Benth.) fruits

The anthocyanin composition of tamarillo (Solanum betaceum Cav., red variety) and Andes berry (Rubus glaucus Benth.) was determined by HPLC–PDA and HPLC–ESIMS. From the anthocyanin-rich extracts (AREs), pure compounds (1–7) were obtained by MLCCC (multilayer countercurrent chromatography) and further preparative HPLC, and their unequivocal structures were obtained by 1D and 2D NMR analyses. The new anthocyanin delphinidin 3-O-α-l-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 → 6)-β-d-glucopyranoside-3′-O-β-d-glucopyranoside, as well as the known cyanidin-3-O-rutinoside, pelargonidin-3-O-rutinoside, and delphinidin-3-O-rutinoside were identified as constituents of tamarillo fruit. Although the anthocyanin composition of Andes berry had been reported before in the literature, the unequivocal structure elucidation of the major compound, cyanidin-3-O-α-l-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 → 6)-O-β-d-xylopyranosyl-(1 → 2)-β-d-glucopyranoside, was achieved for the first time.     

Macroporous resin purification behavior of phenolics and rosmarinic acid from Rabdosia serra (MAXIM.) HARA leaf

In the present study, the performance and separation characteristics of two macroporous resins for the purification of phenolics from Rabdosia serra were evaluated. Both HP-20 and XAD-7HP resins were effective for phenolics enrichment, with insignificant difference of adsorption/desorption behaviors, according to their chemical and physical properties. The pseudo-second-order kinetics model was the most favorable for illustrating the whole exothermic adsorption process, which was affected by the mutual effects of boundary layer diffusion and intraparticle diffusion kinetics. After treatment with gradient elution on resin columns, phenolics (from 16.66% to 67.87% by HP-20 and to 58.81% by XAD-7HP), antioxidants (3–4 times more than original) and rosmarinic acid (from 10.14% to 67.26% by HP-20 and to 63.16% by XAD-7HP) were enriched in 30% ethanol fractions. The production of highly concentrated phenolics and rosmarinic acid might expand the application of Rabdosia serra as a bioactive agent for both the food industry and pharmacy.     

Antioxidant and free radical scavenging activities of polyphenol-enriched curry leaf (Murraya koenigii L.) extracts

The in vitro antioxidant properties of different extracts (water, alcohol, alcohol:water, hexane or chloroform extract) of curry leaves (Murraya koenigii L.) were evaluated using various assays. The alcohol:water (1:1) extract of curry leaves (AWEC) showed the highest antioxidant and free radical scavenging activity. It inhibited membrane lipid peroxidation by 76%, at 50 μg/ml, scavenged 93% of superoxides at 200 μg/3 ml and scavenged approximately 90% of hydroxyl and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazayl radicals at 4–5-fold lower concentrations compared to the other tested extracts. In addition, the alcohol:water extract reduced cytochrome c and ferric ion levels, chelated ferrous ions and inhibited ferrous sulfate:ascorbate-induced fragmentation and sugar oxidation of DNA. These results establish the antioxidant potential of AWEC, which could be used as natural antioxidant source.     

European elderberry (Sambucus nigra L.) rich in sugars,organic acids,anthocyanins and selected polyphenols

Sugars and organic acids in the fruit of two cultivars and three selections of black elderberry (Sambucus nigra L.): ‘Haschberg’, ‘Rubini’, ‘Selection 13’, ‘Selection 14’ and ‘Selection 25’ were quantified. The anthocyanin as well as quercetin profiles of this plant material were also established by the use of HPLC/MS. Significant differences in the concentration of sugars and organic acids were detected between the widely spread cultivar ‘Haschberg’ and all other cultivars/selections; ‘Haschberg’ was the richest in organic acids (6.38 g kg⁻¹ FW), and it contained the least sugar (68.5 g kg⁻¹ FW). The following major cyanidin based anthocyanins were identified in the fruit of black elderberry: cyanidin 3-sambubioside-5-glucoside, cyanidin 3,5-diglucoside, cyanidin 3-sambubioside, cyanidin 3-glucoside and cyanidin 3-rutinoside. The most abundant anthocyanin in elderberry fruit was cyanidin 3-sambubioside, which accounted for more than half of all anthocyanins identified in the berries. The ‘Rubini’ cultivar had the highest amount of the anthocyanins identified (1265 mg/100 g FW) and the lowest amount was measured in berries of the ‘Selection 14’ (603 mg/100 g FW). The ‘Haschberg’ cultivar contained a relatively low amount of anthocyanins in ripe berries (737 mg/100 g FW). From the quercetin group, quercetin, quercetin 3-rutinoside and quercetin 3-glucoside were identified; the latter prevailing in black elderberry fruit. The cultivar with the highest amount of total quercetins was ‘Selection 25’ (73.4 mg/100 g FW), while the ‘Haschberg’ cultivar contained average amounts of quercetins (61.3 mg/100 g FW). The chemical composition of the ‘Haschberg’ cultivar, the most commonly planted, conforms to the standards for sugars, anthocyanins and quercetins and exceeds them in the content levels of organic acids, the most important parameter in fruit processing.     

Superoxide and hydroxyl radical scavenging actions of botanical extracts of Wagatea spicata

Wagatea spicata, candy corn plant, a woody legume shrub, widespread medicinal plant found in Western Ghat of India has significant abilities to scavenge highly reactive free radicals. Shade dried leaf, bark and flower powder of this plant has been extracted with water and fractionated with different solvents. Extracts and their solvent fractions were found to be good scavengers of superoxide and hydroxyl radicals. Free radical scavenging action of W. spicata is due to its rich phenolic and flavonoid contents. Bark and leaf extracts showed significant scavenging action against superoxide radicals, where as flower extracts efficiently inhibited hydroxyl radicals.