Influence of different cooking methods on color,bioactive compounds,and antioxidant activity of kale

In this study, the effects of different cooking methods on health-promoting phytochemicals and antioxidant activity of fresh kale were investigated. Results showed that water soluble phytochemicals were significantly decreased by boiling. While stir-frying gave the highest degradation ratio for all phytochemicals, and steaming gave the lowest degradation ratio. The thermal degradation ratios of ascorbic acid, total carotenoids, total chlorophylls, total flavonols, and total phenolics content after stir-frying were 54.9, 28.2, 71.0, 81.3, and 39.3%, respectively. The results showed that steaming can be considered as the best method of cooking as it preserve the bioactive compounds and the antioxidant activity.     

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.     

The profile,content and antioxidant activity of anthocyanin in germinated naked barley grains with infrared and hot air drying

Anthocyanin-rich naked barley has attracted considerable attention recently. In this study, the naked barley was allowed to germinate and took samples every 12 h, and dried by infrared or hot air. A total of 11 anthocyanins were detected, and germination and drying did not cause their profile to change. The total content of anthocyanins increased after germination, and hot air drying (53.45–68.53 mg/100 g) was more reserved than infrared drying (46.44–55.46 mg/100 g). Moreover, the sprouting improved the ferric reducing antioxidant power and the free radical scavenging ability of ABTS, DPPH, hydroxyl and superoxide anion capacity, and the germinated for 24 h by hot air drying sample had the strongest antioxidant capacity. Meanwhile, the metabolic position of seven anthocyanins was accurately found in the anthocyanin metabolic pathway. This study provides a theoretical basis for germination and hot air drying to improve the bioactive components and antioxidant properties of naked barley.     

Modulation of antioxidant,chelating and antimicrobial activity of poplar chemo-type propolis by extraction procures

This investigation was aimed to prepare solid propolis extracts by lyophilisation and to evaluate the efficiency of different extraction procedures (maceration/ultrasound extraction) and different types of extraction media used on extraction of phenolic compounds (TP), flavonoids (TF) and phenolic acids (TPA) from the raw poplar type propolis. Obtained lyophilised extracts were evaluated in terms of extraction yield, antioxidant potential and antimicrobial activity against selected bacterial/fungal stains. Those parameters varied significantly as a function of extraction parameters applied. In this regard, 80% ethanol was found to be the preferred extraction medium, allowing efficient extraction of TP and TF with high extraction yields. The resulting extracts were notable radical scavengers showing high antibacterial efficiency against Streptococcus mutans but were less efficient against Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Also, moderate antifungal activity against Candida albicans was observed. On the contrary, extracts prepared by aqueous extraction showed poor antimicrobial activity against tested stains but were active Fe²⁺ chelators. Ultrasound extraction showed comparable efficiency as maceration in extraction of bioactive compounds from the raw propolis, but offered additional advantages by ensuring the efficient extraction of phenolic compounds from propolis at rather low temperature (4 °C vs. 25/50 °C for maceration) in a short time (30 min vs. 24 h for maceration).     

Stevia‐fortified yoghurt: Stability,antioxidant activity and in vitro digestion behaviour

In this study, yoghurt samples were fortified with 0.25% and 0.5% freeze‐dried stevia extract (FSE). The control and stevia‐fortified yoghurts were evaluated and compared for the viability of the starter cultures, physicochemical properties, total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant activity throughout 30 days of storage. In addition, TPC and antioxidant activity were evaluated during in vitro gastrointestinal digestion. The results showed that the yoghurt matrix preserved the TPC, antioxidant capacity and total solids during storage, while the acidity, synaeresis and counts of the starter cultures of the final product were not significantly affected. However, addition of 0.5% FSE exerted a buffering effect on the system. After simulated digestion, the values of TPC and antioxidant activity of the fortified yoghurts increased in relation to the undigested fractions. These findings showed the feasibility of employing FSE as a functional ingredient in the manufacture of yoghurts with potential antioxidant properties.     

Antimicrobial activity of plant essential oils using food model media: Efficacy,synergistic potential and interactions with food components

The aim of this study was to optimise the antimicrobial efficacy of plant essential oils (EOs) for control of Listeria spp. and spoilage bacteria using food model media based on lettuce, meat and milk. The EOs evaluated were lemon balm, marjoram, oregano and thyme and their minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) were determined against Enterobacter spp., Listeria spp., Lactobacillus spp., and Pseudomonas spp. using the agar dilution method and/or the absorbance based microplate assay. MICs were significantly lower in lettuce and beef media than in TSB. Listeria strains were more sensitive than spoilage bacteria, and oregano and thyme were the most active EOs. EO combinations were investigated using the checkerboard method and Oregano combined with thyme had additive effects against spoilage organisms. Combining lemon balm with thyme yielded additive activity against Listeria strains. The effect of simple sugars and pH on antimicrobial efficacy of oregano and thyme was assessed in a beef extract and tomato serum model media. EOs retained greater efficacy at pH 5 and 2.32% sugar, but sugar concentrations above 5% did not negatively impact EO efficacy. In addition to proven antimicrobial efficacy, careful selection and investigation of EOs appropriate to the sensory profile of foods and composition of the food system is required. This work shows that EOs might be more effective against food-borne pathogens and spoilage bacteria when applied to foods containing a high protein level at acidic pH, as well as moderate levels of simple sugars.     

Characterisation of onion (Allium cepa L.) by-products as food ingredients with antioxidant and antibrowning properties

Processing and stabilising onion wastes (residues and surpluses of onion) could solve the environmental problem derived from a great onion wastes disposal. Moreover, obtaining stabilised onion by-products as natural antioxidant food ingredients could be advantageous to food industry, not only to improve the use of onion wastes but also to obtain new natural and functional ingredients. The aim of this study was to characterise onion by-products – juice, paste and bagasse – from two Spanish onion cultivars – ‘Figueres’ and ‘Recas’ – that have been stabilised by thermal treatments – freezing, pasteurisation and sterilisation – in order to evaluate the effect of the processing and stabilisation treatment on the bioactive composition, antioxidant activity and polyphenol oxidase (PPO) enzyme inhibition capacity. The results obtained triggered to choose one onion by-product offering better characteristics for its potential development as a food ingredient: source of antioxidant and antibrowning bioactive compounds. In this study it was shown that processing of ‘Recas’ onion wastes to obtain a paste (mixture content) and applying a mild pasteurisation were the best alternatives to obtain an interesting stabilised onion by-product with good antioxidant properties that made useful its use as functional food ingredient.     

Quality, bioactive compounds, and antioxidant activity of new flat-type peach and nectarine cultivars: a comparative study

In this work, some organoleptic and nutritive parameters related to fruit quality (color, firmness, total soluble solids, and total acidity), the content of bioactive compounds (total phenolics and total carotenoids) as well as the total antioxidant activity (TAA) due to hydrophilic (H-TAA) and lipophilic (L-TAA) compounds have been determined in both skin and flesh of 10 flat peach and nectarine genotypes (7 peaches and 3 nectarines). Results showed that genotype plays an important role in determining the organoleptic and nutritive quality, as well as the concentration of bioactive compounds and the related TAA, since these parameters differed largely among cultivars. Overall data suggest that for commercial purposes and consumer's acceptability (based on color, firmness, acidity, and bioactive compounds), the flat nectarine "ASF-06-83" and the flat peaches "Sweet Cap" and "ASF-06-91" could be considered as the best cultivars. Additionally, it is suggested that the content of bioactive compounds should be included as an important factor in future breeding program to obtain new genotypes with enhanced bioactive compounds. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Genotype of flat peaches and nectarines plays an important role in determining the organoleptic and nutritive quality, as well as the content of bioactive compounds. Given the differences on bioactive compounds concentration and antioxidant activity among peaches and nectarines flat cultivars, these parameters should be included as an important factor in future breeding program to obtain new genotypes with enhanced bioactive compounds.     

Bioactive compounds,antioxidant activity and sensory properties of Tarhana,a traditional fermented food,enriched with pickling herb (Echinophora tenuifolia L.)

The addition of pickling herb (Echinophora tenuifolia L.; PHET) resulted in increase in the total phenolic and flavonoid contents in Tarhana in both free and bound fractions' extracts. The antioxidant activity of Tarhana containing 2%, 6% and 18% PHET was 81.45–81.72% in bound fraction whereas in free fraction it was up to 88.27% (6% PHET). The gallic acid contents of Tarhana with PHET in free fraction were between 0.49 mg L⁻¹ (10%) and 2.75% (14%) and that in bound fraction varied between 0.36 mg L⁻¹ (10%) and 3.61 mg L⁻¹ (18%). Statistically significant differences (with control) were observed among the contents of individual phenolic compounds in free and bound fractions of Tarhana depending on PHET concentrations. The addition of higher PHET contents in Tarhana showed negative effects hence, a low concentration (2%) of PHET is recommendable for Tarhana with enhanced nutritional properties.     

Substituted imino and amino derivatives of 4-hydroxycoumarins as novel antioxidant,antibacterial and antifungal agents: Synthesis and in vitro assessments

A series of imino and amino derivatives of 4-hydroxycoumarins were synthesised and evaluated for antioxidant potential, through different in vitro models such as (DPPH) free radical-scavenging activity, linoleic acid emulsion model system, reducing power assay and phosphomolybdenum method. Also, antimicrobial activity of obtained coumarins was evaluated against 13 bacteria and eight fungi. All prepared compounds possessed good antioxidant activity and among them a p-nitrophenol derivative with IC₅₀ at 25.9 μM possessed radical-scavenging activity which was comparable to BHT. Observed data for antibacterial activity indicated strong activity of all tested amino derivatives, while imines showed better antifungal properties.     

Total phenolic content and antioxidant activity of Ulam raja (Cosmos caudatus) and quantification of its selected marker compounds: Effect of extraction

The effect of heating time (30, 45, and 60 min) and temperature (45, 65, and 85°C) on the extraction yield (total soluble solids) of Ulam raja (Cosmos caudatus) was studied using face-centered composite design-response surface methodology. Total phenolic content and antioxidant activity (TEAC_DPPH) of samples obtained by aqueous extraction under different temperature and time were determined using Folin–Ciocalteau and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl scavenging activity assays, respectively. The yield, total phenolic content, and TEAC_DPPH of Ulam raja extracts ranged as 3.0–4.2 °Brix, 36.09–37.76 mg gallic acid equivalent/g, and 121.17–146.84 µmol Trolox equivalent/g of plant material on dry basis, respectively. Yield and TEAC_DPPH of samples were significantly influenced (p < 0.05) by the extraction conditions. Meanwhile, no significant effect (p > 0.05) on total phenolic content was observed. Extraction of Ulam raja at 85°C for 30 min resulted in higher yield and TEAC_DPPH of the extract. The chromatographic and spectral data confirmed the presence of several flavonoids in the lyophilized Ulam raja extract, i.e., quercitrin, catechin, and rutin, and their quantities were also reported as 36.9, 25.0, and 8.2 mg/g of Ulam raja extract, respectively.     

Total phenolic content,antioxidant activity,shelf-life and reconstitutability of okra seeds powder: influence of milling and sieving processes

This study aimed at relating phytochemical properties (total phenolic content and antioxidant activity), reconstitutability (water absorption capacity and water solubility index) and preservation ability (water activity) of okra seed powders to physicochemical properties (particle size distribution and moisture content). Okra seed powders were produced at three different milling frequencies, and then, each obtained sample was sieved with 180, 315 and 500 μm sieves. An increased milling frequency resulted in lower median particle size, water activity and moisture content. The maximal water activity and moisture content were 0.583 ± 0.010 and 12.07 ± 0.05% (w/w), respectively, showing the good preservation ability of okra seed powders. Total phenolic content and antioxidant activity were raised at higher milling frequency. Reconstitutability was significantly enhanced at higher milling frequency and/or for smaller median particle size. Thus, the successive milling and sieving process was successful in improving physicochemical and functional properties of okra seed powders, especially for smaller particles.     

Lupin seed coat as a promising food ingredient: physicochemical,nutritional, antioxidant properties,and effect of genotype and environment

The high proportion of seed coat of legume lupins results in big milling lose during kernel flour production, though the seed coat could be value-added as human food. The physicochemical and nutritional properties and antioxidant capacities of seed coats of six Australian sweet lupin cultivars grown at two locations were evaluated. Results showed that genotype, environment and their interaction were significant for seed coat percentage, proximate composition, dietary fibre content, polyphenols and antioxidant capacities. Strong correlations between seed coat lightness and polyphenol content were found. A comparison using multivariate analysis of the seed coat properties showed clear separation based on growing sites. This study indicates the enormous potential of Australian sweet lupin seed coat as an ‘antioxidant dietary fibre’ food source. The results could also benefit to breed varieties with desirable levels of nutrients and phytochemicals.     

Non-toxic Salvia sclareoides Brot. extracts as a source of functional food ingredients: Phenolic profile,antioxidant activity and prion binding properties

Salvia sclareoides is an aromatic herb native to Portugal, of which phenolic content (Folin–Ciocalteau method), chemical profile (HPLC/DAD), antioxidant activity (DPPH, β-carotene/linoleic acid assays), acute toxicity (MTT method, adapted for non-adherent cells), genotoxicity (short-term chromosomal aberration assay) and prion binding properties were evaluated in the acetone, water, ethanol, methanol and n-butanol extracts. The latter presented the highest phenolic content and antioxidant activity (DPPH assay), and was the single one with the flavonoids (+)-catechin, kaempferol O-glucoside and quercetin. Vanillic acid was the major component of all extracts but gallic, gentisic, caffeic, syringic, coumaric and ferulic acids were also found in some extracts. Only the n-butanol extract had components binding to the cellular form of human prion protein detected by NMR which showed specificity for two regions of the folded domain and for the unstructured N-terminal region. Extracts were not cytotoxic nor genotoxic, reinforcing the potential of S. sclareoides for nutraceutical purposes.     

Polyphenols content and antioxidant activity of Ghure (unripe grape) marc extract: influence of extraction time,temperature and solvent type

The objective of this study was to optimise the temperature (25–50 °C), time (1–24 h) and the solvent ratio (ethanol/water, 0–100%) for the phenolic compounds extraction of Ghure marc (unripe grape) using response surface methodology. The central composite design (CCD) generated satisfactory models for the optimisation of process variables. The results revealed that the ratio (X₃) was the most significant parameter on total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant activity [% 2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH)], and there was a significant correlation between TPC and antioxidant activity. The optimal conditions for temperature and time were 44.93 °C and 19.34 h, respectively, and the ratio of ethanol to water was 70.08, which verified with carrying out confirmatory experiments. Under this condition, TPC and %DPPH were 388.79 mg GAE per 100 g and 91.01, respectively. The results of this study revealed that the Ghure marc can be used as a low‐cost source of natural antioxidant in food.     

Identification of phenolic profiles,fatty acid compositions,antioxidant activities,and enzyme inhibition effects of seven wheat cultivars grown in Turkey: A phytochemical approach for their nutritional value

In the present article, seven wheat cultivars (Ahmetaga, Bezostaya, Dagdas-94, Ekiz, Karahan-99, Konya-2002, and Tosunbey) grown in Turkey were compared for their phytochemical composition, antioxidant, and enzyme inhibitory activities. Antioxidant capacities and enzyme inhibitory effects were investigated with colorimetric methods. Total phenolic content ranged from 40.71 to 86.34 mg of gallic acid equivalent/100 g wheat grain. Tosunbey (92 mg Trolox equivalent/100 g wheat grain) and Ahmetaga (114.56 mg Trolox equivalent/100 g wheat grain) cultivars exhibited strong 2,2 azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazloine-6-sulfonic acid) and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl free radical scavenging activities. As compared to other wheat cultivars, Tosunbey cultivar had remarkable both antioxidant and enzyme inhibitory effects with the highest level of phenolics. Ferulic acid, chlorogenic acid, and apigenin were the major phenolics in extracts tested. This study suggested that an increased intake of wheat derived products could represent an effective strategy for the management of oxidative stress related chronic and degenerative diseases such as Alzheimers and diabetes mellitus.     

The potential antioxidant capacity and angiotensin I-converting enzyme inhibitory activity of Monascus-fermented soybean extracts: evaluation of Monascus-fermented soybean extracts as multifunctional food additives

ABSTRACT:  The potential antioxidant capacity and angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory activity of Monascus -fermented soybean extracts (MFSE) were investigated. The average antioxidant capacities of 70% ethanol extracts from soybean after fermenting for 15 d at 30 °C were increased by a 5.2 to 7.4-fold (0.26 mM trolox equivalent/g dry weight, 91.7% 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl [DPPH] radical scavenging effect at 3 mg/mL) when compared with those of the unfermented soybean extracts ( P < 0.01). The potentially significant antioxidant properties of MFSE are associated with its content of bioactive mevinolins ( r = 0.85) and isoflavone aglycones ( r = 0.98), which were derived from the soybean during Monascus -fermentation. It was also found that the water extract having a molecular mass 1 to 3 kDa showed the highest ACE inhibitory activity (65.3%), which was remarkably greater (6.5 times) than the control.     

Assessment of the antioxidant capacity of a fermented grain food product,Antioxidant Biofactor (AOB), by using pyranine and pyrogallol red as a combined probe

The role of antioxidants contained in foods, beverages, and supplements against oxidative stress has received much attention. The capacity of antioxidants has been assessed by various methods. In this study, the antioxidant capacity of a complex mixture of fermented grains has been assessed by using two probes, pyranine and pyrogallol red (PGR). A supplement commercialised as Antioxidant Biofactor, AOB, was used as a substrate. The extracts from AOB obtained with water and dimethylsulphoxide (DMSO) inhibited the free radical-induced consumption of pyranine and PGR in a concentration-dependent manner. They also suppressed the free radical-induced oxidation of human plasma. It was estimated that 1 g of AOB contained, as Trolox equivalent, roughly 0.13 and 0.24 mmol (2.5 and 4.7 wt%) antioxidants, which could be extracted by water and DMSO, respectively. This study shows that the combination of the above two probes is useful for assessing the total content and activity of antioxidants contained in complex mixtures.