Identification and analysis of isothiocyanates and new acylated anthocyanins in the juice of Raphanus sativus cv. Sango sprouts

The freeze-dried sprouts’ juice of Raphanus sativus (L.) cv. Sango was prepared and analysed for the first time. HPLC analysis of total isothiocyanates, after protein displacement, resulted in 77.8 ± 3.0 μmol/g of dry juice while GC–MS analysis of hexane and acetone extracts showed E- and Z-raphasatin (8.9 and 0.11 μmol/g, respectively) and sulforaphene (11.7 μmol/g), summing up to 20.7 ± 1.7 μmol/g of free isothiocyanates. Sprouts’ juice contained an unprecedented wealth of anthocyanins and a new fractionation methodology allowed us to isolate 34 mg/g of acylated anthocyanins (28.3 ± 1.9 μmol/g), belonging selectively to the cyanidin family. Analysis was performed by HPLC–PDA–ESI–MSⁿ and extended to deacylated anthocyanins and aglycones, obtained, respectively, by alkaline and acid hydrolysis. This study identified 70 anthocyanins, 19 of which have never been described before and 32 of which are reported here in R. sativus for the first time. Sango radish sprouts are exceptional dietary sources of heath-promoting micronutrients.     

Cooking method significantly effects glucosinolate content and sulforaphane production in broccoli florets

It is known that glucosinolate levels in Brassica vegetables can be affected during cooking but little is documented about the effect of cooking on isothiocyanate production. In this study, three cooking methods were evaluated for their effects on the contents in broccoli florets of the glucosinolates, glucoraphanin (GR), glucobrassicin (GB), neoglucobrassicin and progoitrin, as well as on sulforaphane (SF) and sulforaphane nitrile (SFN) production in broccoli florets. Two broccoli cultivars, ‘Marathon’ and ‘Booster™’, were analysed raw and after they were steamed, microwaved (with water) or boiled for 2 or 5 min. Residual cooking water from all treatments was collected and analysed for GR and GB to determine the extent of leaching of intact glucosinolates. Irrespective of time, steaming resulted in significantly greater retention of GR, GB and SF, while boiling and microwave cooking resulted in significant losses of GR, GB and SF in both varieties. Glucosinolate content in the residual cooking water was highest after boiling and microwaving. Loss of SF production was primarily due to both leaching of GR into cooking water and thermal inhibition of ESP and myrosinase once internal floret temperatures exceeded 70 °C. Cooking method can significantly alter content of potentially beneficial compounds in broccoli florets and optimal SF ingestion may be obtained by eating raw or lightly steamed broccoli florets.     

Content of selected bioactive components and antioxidant properties of broccoli (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Brassica oleracea</Emphasis> L.)

To evaluate individual variations in broccoli VOLTA F1 plants, the bioactive components of 15 florets that were cultivated in identical agricultural and climatic conditions were analyzed. Glucosinolates were analyzed by HPLC; total phenolic compounds, ascorbic and dehydroascorbic acids (vitamin C) and the DPPH^• and OH^• radical-scavenging activities of samples were also determined. Florets were characterized by particularly high glucoraphanin content, 17.95 μmol/g dry weight on average, which comprised about 50% of total glucosinolates. High individual variation was observed for several bioactive compounds, as well as for DPPH^• and OH^• radical-scavenging activity. Coefficients of variability (CVs) were high, and except for one case, exceeded 10%. Among glucosinolates, the highest CVs were noted for progoitrin (34.22%), 4-hydroxyglucobrassicin (27.32%) and neoglucobrassicin (24.44%). High CVs were also observed for vitamin C (29.11%), including dehydroascorbic acid (26.72%), and for OH^• (25.76%) and DPPH^• (21.77%) radical-scavenging activities. Smaller variations were found for glucoraphanin (CV = 14.84%) and polyphenols (CV = 14.95%).     

Response surface optimization and identification of isothiocyanates produced from broccoli sprouts

Isothiocyanates (ITCs) are proved as one of natural anticarcinogenic compounds, which are produced from the decomposition of glucosinolates by myrosinase. The present study optimized the enzymolysis conditions (pH, addition of EDTA and ascorbic acid) for ITCs production from glucosinolates in broccoli sprouts using response surface methodology. ITCs production was clearly enhanced by a suitable pH, addition content of EDTA and ascorbic acid. The optimal enzymolysis conditions were determined to be adding EDTA 0.02 mmol and 0.16 mg ascorbic acid to 4 ml of the homogenized phosphate–citrate buffer solution (pH 4.00). ITCs profiles were identified and seven kinds of individual ITCs were detected, among which sulforaphane accounted the most. Four kinds of individual ITCs including isobutyl isothiocyanate, 4-isothiocyanato-1-butene, 1-isothiocyanato-3-methyl-butane and 1-isothiocyanato-butane are firstly reported in broccoli sprouts.     

Changes in post-harvest phytochemical qualities of broccoli florets during ambient and refrigerated storage

The effect of ambient and refrigerated storage temperature on post-harvest phytochemical qualities of broccoli florets was investigated during storage. Fresh broccoli florets were packed in polypropylene (PP) micro-perforated film bags and stored, under open ambient storage conditions (15 ± 1 °C, 55 ± 2% RH), and laboratory refrigerated storage (4 ± 0.5 °C, 50 ± 2% RH) for a total period of 144 h. Quality of broccoli florets was evaluated in terms of physiological weight loss (PLW), ascorbic acid content, chlorophyll content, β-carotene and total antioxidant activity. Samples packed in PP micro-perforated film showed significantly (P < 0.05) lower losses of PLW, ascorbic acid, chlorophyll, β-carotene and total antioxidant activity (5.51%, 4.53%, 18.9%, 4.04% and 16.4%, respectively), during storage for up to 144 h under refrigerated conditions. For better phytochemical retention, the broccoli florets should be packed in PP micro-perforated film bags and stored under refrigerated conditions.     

Se improves indole glucosinolate hydrolysis products content, Se-methylselenocysteine content, antioxidant capacity and potential anti-inflammatory properties of sauerkraut

Selenium (Se) has a well-known role in prevention of chronic diseases associated with oxidative stress and inflammation. The objective was to produce Se-enriched sauerkraut and to study the effect of selenite addition on indole glucosinolate hydrolysis products, vitamin C, Se biotransformation and microbial quality. The antioxidant activity of sauerkraut and its ability to inhibit NO production in LPS-induced macrophages were also examined. White cabbage was naturally fermented with 0.3 mg of Na₂SeO₃/kg fresh cabbage (NFSe) or without Se addition (NF). Total Se content reached up to 1.29 μg/g d.m. (0.11 μg/g f.m.). Selenomethylselenocysteine was the major Se form found in NFSe cabbage. Se addition caused a slight reduction of ascorbigen (6%) and vitamin C (5%) contents in sauerkraut (P ? 0.05); however, lactic acid bacteria increased (3%), and the formations of indole-3-carbinol and indole-3-acetonitrile were markedly enhanced (74% and 13%, respectively). NFSe cabbage extracts showed higher (P ? 0.05) antioxidant activity (163 μmol trolox/g d.m.) and inhibition of NO production in LPS-induced macrophages (IC₅₀ = 44.0 μg/ml) than did NF cabbage extracts. Consequently, Se-enriched sauerkraut can be considered as a health-promoting food.     

Anti-obesity and antioxidant activities of selected medicinal plants and phytochemical profiling of bioactive compounds

The present study describes the screening of eight herbs namely Cosmos caudatus, Pluchea indica, Lawsonia inermis, Carica papaya, Piper betle, Andrographis paniculata, Pereskia bleo, and Melicope lunu based on their anti-obesity and antioxidant activities. Out of all tested herbs, Cosmos caudatus demonstrated excellent anti-obesity and antioxidant potential with pancreatic lipase inhibitory effect (21.7 ± 1.3%) and DPPH radical scavenging activity (IC₅₀ value of 31.98 ± 1.22 µg/mL). Cosmos caudatus was selected for further studies and extracting solvent composition with best anti-obesity and antioxidant potential was identified. Hundred percent Cosmos caudatus ethanolic extract was found to be the most effective and showed highest anti-obesity and antioxidant activities. Moreover, metabolite profiling of Cosmos caudatus extract was also carried out using UHPLC-MS/MS. The analysis depicted the presence of quercetin-3-rhamnoside, catechin, kaempherol, kaempherol glucoside, quercetin, quercetin-3-glucoside, quercetin-O-pentoside, quercetin-rhamnosyl galactoside, quinic acid, 1-caffeyolquinic acid, monogalloyl glucose, and procyanidin B1. Results revealed Cosmos caudatus as promising medicinal plant for the development of new functional food with prodigious applications in obesity.     

Effect of salt stress on phenolic compounds,glucosinolates, myrosinase and antioxidant activity in radish sprouts

The germination, growth, total phenolics, glucosinolate, myrosinase and antioxidant activity of radish sprouts germinated under 0 (control), 10, 50 and 100 mM of NaCl were investigated. The glucoraphasatin (4-methylthio-3-butenyl-glucosinolate), total glucosinolate and total phenolic contents of 5- and 7-day-old sprouts treated with 10 and 50 mM of NaCl were significantly decreased. However, the antioxidant activity of sprouts treated with 10 and 50 mM of NaCl was not affected. The glucoraphasatin and total glucosinolate contents of 5- and 7-day-old sprouts, total phenolic contents of 3- and 5-day-old sprouts were significantly increased and myrosinase activities of 3- and 5-day-old sprouts were inhibited, although the germination was dramatically inhibited by 100 mM of NaCl treatment. These results indicated that salt stress (100 mM of NaCl treatment) could improve the nutritional value of radish sprouts, and germination of sprouts under adequate salt stress could be one useful way to enhance health-promoting compounds of plant food.     

Comparison of phytochemical profiles,cellular antioxidant and anti-proliferative activities in five varieties of wampee (Clausena lansium) fruits

Wampee (Clausena lansium) fruit is a seasonal food containing high levels of bioactive phytochemicals which may be useful for health benefits. This study compared the phytochemical composition, total and cellular antioxidant activities (CAA) as well as anti-proliferative activities of five different varieties of wampee fruits. The results showed that six phytochemical compounds (vanillic acid, ferulic acid, rutin, syringin, catechin and hesperetin) were found in wampee fruits. Total antioxidant activities varied dramatically in these five varieties when measured with oxygen radical absorbance capacity assay and peroxyl radical scavenging capacity assay. The results also showed that wampee fruit extracts varied enormously in their CAA and exhibited significant anti-proliferative activities against HepG2 human liver cancer cells. These results suggest the potential of wampee fruits as functional foods and industrial application of wampee fruit in the future.     

Genotypic effects on the phytochemical quality of seeds and sprouts from commercial broccoli cultivars

Determining ontogenic diversity in vegetables, in general or Brassicas in particular, regarding the bioactive content, is an interesting task since the most promising Brassicaceae foods could have the highest nutritional and health-promoting properties. Therefore, vitamin C, phenolic compounds, glucosinolate content, and total antioxidant capacity were evaluated in commercial cultivars of broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica; cv. Nubia, cv. Marathon and cv. Viola) seeds and during the sprouting period. Vitamin C was not detected in dormant seeds and its content increased with the germination, reaching values ranging from 53 (cv. Nubia) to 64 (cv. Marathon) mg/100 g FW, at the end of the monitored period (14days). The total glucosinolate content in seeds and 3-day-old sprouts was higher in cv. Marathon (1005 and 556 mg/100 g FW, respectively), however cv. Viola sprouts registered the highest glucosinolate content 7 and 14 days after sowing (235 and 208 mg/100 g FW, respectively). Aliphatic glucosinolates were more affected by genetic factors than the indolic glucosinolates, being glucoraphanin the predominant glucosinolate in cv. Nubia and cv. Marathon, whereas glucoiberin was the major glucosinolate in cv. Viola. The flavonoid and total phenolic content was significantly higher in cv. Viola. Also, seeds of this cultivar showed the highest antioxidant capacity (2.7 mg Trolox/g FW).     

Exploring the phytochemical content and the antioxidant potential of Citrus fruits grown in Cyprus

The physicochemical and phytochemical profile as well as the antioxidant properties of the most important Citrus fruits grown in Cyprus [orange (Citrus sinensis, cv. ‘Valencia’), grapefruit (Citrus paradisi, cvs. ‘White Marsh’, ‘Star Ruby’, ‘Rio Red’) and an interspecific hybrid (Citrus reticulata x Citrus sinensis, cv. ‘Mandora’)] were determined. ‘Valencia’ fruit exhibited the highest phenolic, flavonoid and ascorbic acid content, as well as a higher antioxidant potency, followed by ‘Mandora’ fruit and the three grapefruit cultivars. HPLC indicated significant diversity on flavanones among the examined fruits, while LC-MS analysis revealed the presence of hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives, polymethoxyflavones and a furocoumarin. Overall, this study provides supporting evidence for the superiority of ‘Valencia’ orange fruit as an excellent source of bioactive compounds. In addition, to the best of our knowledge, this is the first study thoroughly describing the phytochemical profile of ‘Mandora’ fruit, an interspecific hybrid cultivated in Cyprus.     

Physico chemical and bioactive properties of honeys from Northwestern Argentina

Honey is used for its nutritional and functional properties. The Argentinean Northwest is a region with a growing potential for honey production, but up to now, few physicochemical and biological studies have been carried out. The aim of this study is to characterize monofloral (Prosopis sp and Citrus lemon) and multifloral honey samples from the Argentinean Northwest from a physicochemical and functional standpoint. The results showed that the honeys had good properties of stability and freshness. The highest content of flavonoid and phenolic compounds correspond to multifloral honeys. A positive correlation was observed between colour intensity and flavonoid or phenolic compounds content (R² = 0.98 and R² = 0.92, respectively). The flavonoids, chrysin and pinocembrin were present in all samples analyzed, while hesperidin and hesperetin were numerically more important in lemon honey (>1 mg/kg), providing a valuable marker of botanical origin.The highest antioxidant activity against ABTS radical cation was detected in the darkest honey samples. All tested honeys showed antibacterial activity with MIC values between 0.10 and 0.25 g/mL on Gram-positive and Gram-negative antibiotic resistant bacteria. Neither pH nor osmolarity affected bacterial growth. The phenolic compounds and hydrogen peroxide were responsible for antimicrobial activity by bioautographic assays.The antioxidant and antimicrobial properties found in honeys from the Argentinean Northwest make them products of high added value and excellent quality.     

Time dependence of bioactive compounds and antioxidant capacity during germination of different cultivars of broccoli and radish seeds

Optimisation of the germination process of different cultivars of broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica cv. Lucky, cv. Tiburon and cv. Belstar) and radish (Raphanus sativus cv. Rebel and cv. Bolide) seeds in relation to the content of glucosinolates (GLS), vitamin C and total antioxidant capacity was carried out in order to maximise the health-promoting properties of Brassica sprouts. The content of total and individual GLS varied between species, among cultivars, and germination time. Glucoraphanin in broccoli and glucoraphenin in radish were the predominant GLS in raw seeds (61–77 and 63–129 μmol/g DM, respectively) and, although their content decreased during germination, they were maintained in rather large proportions in sprouts. Vitamin C was not detected in raw seeds and its content increased sharply in broccoli and radish sprouts (162–350 and 84–113 mg/100 g DM, respectively). Raw brassica seeds are an excellent source of antioxidant capacity (64–90 and 103–162 μmol Trolox/g DM in broccoli and radish, respectively) and germination led to a sharp increase. Germination of broccoli cv. Belstar and radish cv. Rebel for 4 days provided the largest glucoraphanin and glucoraphenin content, respectively, and also brought about large amounts of vitamin C and antioxidant capacity.     

Chitosan treatments affect growth and selected quality of sunflower sprouts

ABSTRACT:  The effects of chitosan molecular weights, solvent types, and concentrations of chitosan solution, and seed soaking times on growth and selected quality of sunflower sprouts were investigated. Among 5 chitosans tested (746, 444, 223, 67, and 28 kDa), 28 kDa chitosan exhibited the highest DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) radical scavenging activity both at 0.1% and 1.0% concentrations. Optimal conditions selected for cultivation of sunflower sprouts involved soaking seeds in 0.5% chitosan with 28 kDa (dissolved in 0.5% lactic acid) for 18 h. After cultivation for 6 d at 20 °C, sunflower seeds soaked in chitosan solution for 18 h under the optimal conditions yielded sprouts with 12.9% higher total weight and 16.0% higher germination rate, compared with those of seeds soaked in water for 18 h (control). Furthermore, the total amino acid content of the former sprouts (12098 mg/100 g) was slightly higher than that of the latter (12057 mg/100 g). Sprouting of sunflower seeds improved DPPH radical scavenging activity, probably due to the increased total phenolic, melatonin, and total isoflavone contents. Similarly, chitosan-treated sprouts exhibited slightly improved DPPH radical scavenging activity, probably due to slightly increased total phenolic and melatonin contents, and moderately increased total isoflavone content compared with those of the control. Chitosan treatment increased the total isoflavone content of sprouts by 11.8%, due mainly to the increased daidzein content, compared with that of the control.     

Dynamic changes in phytochemical composition and antioxidant capacity in green and black mung bean (Vigna radiata) sprouts

The mung bean (Vigna radiata) sprout is a popular fresh vegetable in many parts of the world. In this study, the dynamic change of ascorbic acid, phenolic composition and antioxidant capacity were evaluated in green and black mung bean sprouts. Germination increased ascorbic acid, total phenolic content and antioxidant capacity in both mung beans. The green mung bean sprout generally had higher ascorbic acid, total phenolic content and antioxidant capacity than the black mung bean sprout. Most phenolic compounds, such as caffeic acid, catechin, ferulic acid, gallic acid and rutin, were found to gradually increase after germination. Therefore, mung bean sprouts, especially green mung bean sprout possessing high level of antioxidant phytochemicals, can be valuable functional vegetables and good sources of natural antioxidants.     

Physiological role of glucosinolates in brassica napus. Concentration and distribution pattern of glucosinolates among plant organs during a complete life cycle

Concentrations and distribution of glucosinolates in various organs of rape (Brassica napus L) were examined during major stages of development. Fluctuations in the total content as well as in the individual levels of glucosinolates were investigated in double low Drakkar and high glucosinolate Chine 32 cultivars. The distribution pattern of aliphatic and aromatic glucosinolates between the various organs, as well as the variation in the concentrations of individual glucosinolates during plant development were quite similar between the two cultivars. Peculiar stages of accumulation during the vegetative growth period and the seed maturation period were identified. These stages were followed by periods of intense degradation during flowering, germination and early growth stages of seedlings. Fluctuations in the amount and structure of the glucosinolates in each of these periods suggest a storage function for these compounds which are required at specific stages of development. The involvement of some of these compounds in hormonal control of flowering is also discussed.     

Identification of bioactive response in traditional cherries from Portugal

In recent years many studies on cherries have revealed that they are rich sources of bioactive compounds with potential human health benefits. In this work, we evaluated the antioxidant activity and antiproliferative effect in human cancer cells of nine sweet cherries, including two traditional cultivars from Portugal (Saco and Morangão). Results obtained in biological assays, together with the phenolic composition of cherries, were submitted to principal component analysis (PCA) which allowed samples to be grouped in terms of their bioactivity. Saco cherry and two exotic cultivars (Ulster and Lapin) proved to have higher contents of phenolic compounds, highest antioxidant activity and were the most effective in inhibiting human cancer cells derived from colon (HT29) and stomach (MKN45). Correlation of the data obtained showed that anthocyanins were the major contributors to the antioxidant capacity and antiproliferative effect of cherries. Additionally, hydroxycinnamic acids (neochlorogenic acid, chlorogenic acid and p-coumaroylquinic acid), flavan-3-ols (catechin and epicatechin) and flavonols (rutin and quercetin-3-glucoside) also play important roles in protection against oxidative stress.     

Nutrients and bioactive compounds of Thai indigenous fruits

This study determined the nutritional potential of Thai indigenous fruits in terms of nutrients, bioactive compounds, and antioxidant activities. Three indigenous fruits were collected at two conservation areas in Kanchanaburi province, Thailand. The results showed that Phyllanthus emblica L. exhibited the highest levels of vitamin C (575 ± 452 mg/100 g), total phenolics (TP) (3703 ± 1244 mGAE/100 g), and antioxidant activities, as measured by DPPH, FRAP and ORAC assays. Compared to the other two fruits, Antidesma velutinosum Blume contained higher levels of most nutrients and dietary fibre (15.6 ± 5.9 g/100 g), as well as carotenoids (335 ± 98 μg/100 g) and phytosterols (22.1 ± 3.9 mg/100 g). Spondias pinnata (L.f.) Kurz was high in total phenolics (3178 ± 887 mGAE/100 g) and antioxidant activity. Moreover, high correlations were found between TP and antioxidant activities (r > 0.9). These Thai indigenous fruits are potentially good sources of nutrients, bioactive compounds, and antioxidant activities. Conservation and utilisation should be promoted for food security and consumption as part of a healthy diet.