Antioxidant activity of the essential oil and methanolic extract of cumin seed (Cuminum cyminum)

The antioxidant activities of the essential oil and crude methanolic extract (CEx) of cumin seed (Cuminum cyminum) were evaluated. Total phenolics and tocopherols contents, reducing power, DPPH radical‐scavenging capacity (EC₅₀), and the oxidative/oil stability index were assessed. The contents of total phenolics and total tocopherols in the essential oil (18.47 and 0.11 mg/g, respectively) were significantly lower than those of the CEx (29.12 and 0.42 mg/g, respectively). The CEx had an EC₅₀ value (0.74 mg/mL) significantly lower than those of the essential oil and α‐tocopherol (1.20 and 32.50 mg/mL, respectively). The reducing power of the CEx (459.46 mmol Fe²⁺ per mass) was significantly higher than those of the essential oil (18.47 mmol/L) and α‐tocopherol (99.96 mmol/L). The addition of CEx to the purified sunflower oil significantly improved its oxidative stability at the levels of 800 ppm and higher whereas the essential oil indicated no antioxidant activity at the levels experimented (200–2000 ppm). The CEx was considered to be a useful antioxidative compound in bulk oil and emulsion systems but the essential oil showed no antioxidant activities. The CEx in the bulk oil system had higher antioxidant activities than in the emulsion system. The CEx concentration of 2000 ppm showed the highest antioxidant activity and reduced the formation of hydroperoxides and secondary products more than the other antioxidative compounds applied in this study.     

Lipophilic and hydrophilic antioxidants,lipid peroxidation inhibition and radical scavenging activity of two Lamiaceae food plants

Medicinal and aromatic plants are highly prized all over the world. According to local cuisine and pharmacopoeias, they used to be important as dietary supplements, providing bioactive compounds. Herein, we describe lipophilic (fatty acids, tocopherols and carotenoids) and hydrophilic (ascorbic acid, sugars and phenolic compounds) antioxidants, lipid peroxidation inhibition and free radical scavenging activity in aerial parts of two Lamiaceae species (Mentha pulegium and Thymus pulegioides). M. pulegium gave the highest antioxidant properties (EC₅₀<0.56 mg/mL), which is in agreement with its highest content in tocopherols, mainly α‐tocopherol (69.54 mg/100 g), ascorbic acid (7.90 mg/100 g), reducing sugars (7.99 g/100 g) and phenolics. The presence of these lipophilic and hydrophilic antioxidants could explain its use as antiseptic, anti‐inflammatory and as food preservative and special sauce. M. pulegium revealed the highest content of fat, α‐linolenic (ω‐3) and linoleic (ω‐6) fatty acids, while T. pulegioides revealed the highest content of carbohydrates (89.35 g/100 g). This could explain its use to improve the nutrition value of rye flour broth or potato based soups.     

Composition and antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of white apricot almond (Amygdalus communis L.) oil

In order to improve the level of comprehensive utilization and to promote the development of functional products, the chemical composition of white apricot almond oil was analyzed by capillary GC‐MS and interpreted based on the standard mass spectral data, and biological activities were evaluated. Seven components of white apricot almond oil were identified. The scavenging capacity of white apricot almond oil in the superoxide anion radical system and hydroxyl radical system had a good performance. The IC₅₀ of white apricot almond oil to superoxide anion radical system and hydroxyl radical were 5.8 µg/mL and 0.17 mg/mL, respectively, and were stronger than that of ascorbic acid. In DPPH system, the IC₅₀ value of white apricot almond oil was 0.2 mg/mL and the IC₅₀ value of ascorbic acid was 0.07 mg/mL, but within the selected dosage, the highest scavenging capacity of white apricot almond oil was higher than that of ascorbic acid. White apricot almond oil was found to be a more effective antimicrobial agent than grape seed oil, fuji apple seed oil and mulberry seed oil. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of white apricot almond oil ranged from 0.2 to 0.4 mg/mL. The observed biological activities showed that the oil has a good potential for use in the food industry and pharmacy.     

On‐line LC‐NMR‐MS characterization of sesame oil extracts and assessment of their antioxidant activity

Sesame lignans were isolated by solvent extraction and subsequently purified by solvent crystallization from crude, unroasted sesame oil, and a sesame oil deodorizer distillate. In addition, an aliquot of the purified sesame oil extract was treated with camphorsulfonic acid to obtain a sesaminol‐enriched extract. The sesame lignan composition of the extracts was characterized by on‐line liquid chromatography nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy mass spectrometry coupling (LC‐NMR‐MS). The effect of the sesame oil extracts as well as pure sesame lignans and γ‐tocopherol on the oxidative stability of sunflower oil (lignan‐free) was studied by the Rancimat assay. The Rancimat assay revealed the following oxidative stability order: sesame oil extract < sesame oil deodorizer distillate < sunflower oil (no added sesame oil extracts) < sesamol < sesaminol‐enriched sesame oil extract. In addition, the radical‐scavenging capacity of these extracts was assessed by the Trolox® equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) assay. The TEAC assay revealed a slightly different AOX activity order: sesamin < sesame oil extract < sesaminol‐enriched sesame oil extract < sesamol. In conclusion, the sesaminol‐enriched extract revealed strong antioxidant activity and is therefore suitable to increase the oxidative stability of edible oils high in polyunsaturated fatty acids.     

Oil chemical variation in walnut (Juglans regia L.) genotypes grown in Argentina

Walnut (Juglans regia L.) oil (WO) from the varieties Chandler, Franquette, Hartley, Lara, Mayette, Serr, Sorrento and Tulare were studied in order to evaluate genotypical variations in fatty acid (FA) and volatile compositions, tocopherol content and oxidative parameters. Oil content was found to range between 71.4 and 73.9%. Oils obtained by pressing presented low acid (0.05–0.22% oleic acid), peroxide (0.05–0.47 meq O₂/kg oil), K₂₃₂, and K₂₇₀ values, and moderate (247–365 µg/g oil) total tocopherol contents. Variations in unsaturated fatty acid contents were between 16.1 and 25.4% (oleic acid), 52.5 and 58.9% (linoleic acid), and 11.4 and 16.5% (linolenic acid). Oxidative stability (OS), as measured by the Rancimat method, was poor (2.64–3.44 h) and it correlated positively with oleic and negatively with linolenic acid contents. In contrast to their low OS, the antioxidant capacity evaluated through the 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl radical assay showed that the WO analyzed here have good radical‐scavenging activity. Tocopherols appear to be the most important contributors to this biochemical property. The findings connected with volatile composition showed a similar qualitative pattern where aldehydes were present at higher concentration. Most of them seem to come from unsaturated FA mainly through a chemical pathway.     

Novel Very Long-Chain α-Methoxylated Δ5,9 Fatty Acids from the Sponge Asteropus niger Are Effective Inhibitors of Topoisomerases IB

The novel fatty acids (2R,5Z,9Z)‐2‐methoxy‐25‐methyl‐5,9‐hexacosadienoic acid ( 1a ) and (2R,5Z,9Z)‐2‐methoxy‐24‐methyl‐5,9‐hexacosadienoic acid ( 1b ) were isolated in 80 % purity from the Caribbean sponge Asteropus niger by chloroform/methanol extraction followed by solvent partitioning and silica gel column chromatography. The compounds were characterized by utilizing a combination of gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry, nuclear magnetic resonance, and circular dichroism. Acids 1a and 1b were not detected in the phospholipids (PtdCho and PtdIns) of the sponge, but rather as free FA and possibly in glycosylceramides. The mixtures of 1a and 1b displayed cytotoxicity towards THP‐1 and HepG2 cells with EC_50's between 41 and 35 μg/mL. Apoptosis was not the preferred mode of cell death induced by 1a – 1b in the THP‐1 cells. This implies other types of cytotoxicity mechanisms, such as membrane disruption and/or the inhibition (EC₅₀ = 1.8 μg/mL) of the human topoisomerase IB enzyme (hTopIB), with a mechanism of inhibition different from the one displayed by camptothecin (CPT). In a separate experiment, the mixture of 1a and 1b also displayed cytotoxicity towards ex vivo mouse splenocytes infected with Leishmania infantum amastigotes (IC₅₀ = 0.17 mg/mL) and free living promastigotes (IC₅₀ = 0.34 mg/mL). It was also found that the FA were inhibitory of the Leishmania topoisomerase IB (LTopIB) with an EC₅₀ = 5.1 μg/mL. Taken together, 1a and 1b represent a new class of FA with potential as TopIB inhibitors that preferentially inhibit hTopIB over LTopIB.     

New Insights into the Anti‐Inflammatory and Antioxidant Properties of Nitrated Phospholipids

Nitro‐fatty acids (NO₂‐FA) have been widely studied with regard to their identification, structural characterization, and biological actions. NO₂‐FA could also be present endogenously esterified to phospholipids (PL), and NO₂‐PL were already detected in cardiac mitochondria from diabetic rats and cardiomyoblasts subjected to starvation. However, the biological actions of NO₂‐PL have been overlooked. In this study, we evaluate the antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory potential of the nitrated 1‐palmitoyl‐2‐oleoyl‐sn‐glycero‐3‐phosphocholine (POPC) formed in vitro by incubation with NO₂BF₄, in a well‐recognized mimetic model of nitroxidative stress. Nitrated POPC showed anti‐radical ability to reduce both 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH^?) (IC₂₀ = 225 ± 4 μg/mL; Trolox equivalent (TE) = 86 ± 6 μmol Trolox/g lipid) and 2,2′‐azino‐bis‐3‐ethylbenzothiazoline‐6‐sulfonic acid radical cation (ABTS^?+) (IC₅₀ = 124 ± 2 μg/mL; TE = 152 ± 9 μmol Trolox/g lipid). Also, higher lag times were achieved in oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) assay for nitrated POPC, indicating a faster reaction with oxygen‐derived radicals (TE = 1.03 ± 0.22 and TE = 1.30 ± 0.16 mmol Trolox/g lipid for nonmodified and nitrated POPC, respectively). Nitrated POPC showed the ability to inhibit lipid oxidation induced by the hydroxyl radical generated under Fenton reaction conditions, monitored by electrospray ionization (ESI) mass spectrometry (MS) using phosphatidylcholine (PtdCho) liposomes as a model of cell membrane. Nitrated POPC showed anti‐inflammatory potential, as assessed by the inhibition of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression in RAW 264.7 macrophages activated by the Toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR4) agonist lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in a well‐described in vitro model of inflammation. Altogether, this study provides new clues regarding the antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory potential of nitrated POPC, which should be explored in depth.     

Inhibition of cholesterol synthesis by cyclopropylamine derivatives of squalene in human hepatoblastoma cells in culture

Two squalene derivatives, trisnorsqualene cyclopropylamine and trisnorsqualeneN-methylcyclopropylamine, were synthesized and tested for inhibition of lanosterol and squalene epoxide formation from squalene in rat hepatic microsomes, and for the inhibition of cholesterol syntheses in human cultured hepatoblastoma (HepG2) cells. Trisnorsqualene cyclopropylamine inhibited [³H]-squalene conversion to [³H]squalene epoxide in microsomes (IC₅₀=5.0 μM), indicating that this derivative inhibited squalene mono-oxygenase. Trisnorsqualenen-methylcyclopropylamine inhibited [³H]squalene conversion to [³H]lanosterol (IC₅₀=12.0 μM) and caused [³H]-squalene epoxide to accumulate in microsomes, indicating that this derivative inhibited 2,3-oxidosqualene cyclase. Cholesterol biosynthesis from [¹⁴C]acetate in HepG2 cells was inhibited by both derivatives (IC₅₀=1.0 μM for trisnorsqualene cyclopropylamine; IC₅₀=0.5 μM for trisnorsqualeneN-methylcyclopropylamine). Cells incubated with trisnorsqualene cyclopropylamine accumulated [¹⁴C]squalene, while cells incubated with trisnorsqualeneN-methylcyclopropylamine accumulated [¹⁴C]squalene epoxide and [¹⁴C]squalene diepoxide. The concentration range of inhibitor which caused these intermediates to accumulate coincided with that which inhibited cholesterol synthesis. The results indicate that cyclopropylamine derivatives of squalene are effective inhibitors of cholesterol synthesis, and that substitutions at the nitrogen affect enzyme selectivity and thus the mechanism of action of the compounds.     

Activity of Fluorine‐Containing Analogues of WC‐9 and Structurally Related Analogues against Two Intracellular Parasites: Trypanosoma cruzi and Toxoplasma gondii

Two obligate intracellular parasites, Trypanosoma cruzi, the agent of Chagas disease, and Toxoplasma gondii, an agent of toxoplasmosis, upregulate the mevalonate pathway of their host cells upon infection, which suggests that this host pathway could be a potential drug target. In this work, a number of compounds structurally related to WC‐9 (4‐phenoxyphenoxyethyl thiocyanate), a known squalene synthase inhibitor, were designed, synthesized, and evaluated for their effect on T. cruzi and T. gondii growth in tissue culture cells. Two fluorine‐containing derivatives, the 3‐(3‐fluorophenoxy)‐ and 3‐(4‐fluorophenoxy)phenoxyethyl thiocyanates, exhibited half‐maximal effective concentration (EC₅₀) values of 1.6 and 4.9 μm , respectively, against tachyzoites of T. gondii, whereas they showed similar potency to WC‐9 against intracellular T. cruzi (EC₅₀ values of 5.4 and 5.7 μm , respectively). In addition, 2‐[3‐ (phenoxy)phenoxyethylthio]ethyl‐1,1‐bisphosphonate, which is a hybrid inhibitor containing 3‐phenoxyphenoxy and bisphosphonate groups, has activity against T. gondii proliferation at sub‐micromolar levels (EC₅₀=0.7 μm ), which suggests a combined inhibitory effect of the two functional groups.     

Influence of Zataria multiflora Boiss. essential oil on oxidative stability of sunflower oil

In this study, the influence of the application of 0.025%, 0.05% and 0.075% of Zataria multiflora Boiss. essential oil (EO) on oxidative stability of sunflower oil was examined and the EO was compared to butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) during storage at 37°C and 47°C. The main components of EO were identified as carvacrol (45.6%), p‐cymene (18.1%) and thymol (16.3%). Peroxide value (PV), anisidine value (AnV) and thiobarbituric acid (TBA) value measurement in sunflower oil showed that all concentrations of EO had a lower antioxidant effect in comparison to BHA and BHT. Samples supplemented with EO concentration of 0.075% were the most stable during storage at both temperatures (p<0.05). Furthermore, Totox value, antioxidant activity (AA), stabilization factor (F) and antioxidant power (AOP) determination confirmed efficacy of this EO as antioxidant in sunflower oil. EO also was able to reduce the stable 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl free radical (DPPH ^. ) with a 50% inhibition concentration (IC₅₀) of 34.3 ± 0.8 µg/mL. The results indicate that EO could be used as a natural antioxidant in oils for food uses.     

Supercritical Carbon Dioxide Extraction,Fatty Acid Composition,Oxidative Stability,and Antioxidant Effect of Torreya grandis Seed Oil

Torreya grandis seed oil (TGSO) extraction with supercritical carbon dioxide was explored from the extraction conditions, fatty acid composition, its oxidative stability and antioxidant activity in a bench‐scale apparatus. An L₉(3⁴) orthogonal design was applied to optimize extraction parameters. The results demonstrated that the maximum yield of 94.57 % was obtained at 45 MPa, 4 h and 50 °C. There were 18 kinds of compounds found within TGSO; the predominant ingredient was linoleic acid (42.02 %), followed by oleic acid (32.14 %) and dihomo‐γ‐linolenic acid (9.80 %). The IC₅₀ values for 1,6‐bis(diphenylphosphino) hexane radical (DPPH), hydroxyl radical (HO?) and superoxide radical (O₂^·?) were 5.61, 3.16 and 4.20 mg/mL, respectively.     

Evaluation of a 7‐Methoxycoumarin‐3‐carboxylic Acid Ester Derivative as a Fluorescent,Cell‐Cleavable,Phosphonate Protecting Group

Cell‐cleavable protecting groups often enhance cellular delivery of species that are charged at physiological pH. Although several phosphonate protecting groups have achieved clinical success, it remains difficult to use these prodrugs in live cells to clarify biological mechanisms. Here, we present a strategy that uses a 7‐methoxycoumarin‐3‐carboxylic acid ester as a fluorescent protecting group. This strategy was applied to synthesis of an (E)‐4‐hydroxy‐3‐methyl‐but‐2‐enyl diphosphate (HMBPP) analogue to assess cellular uptake and human Vγ9Vδ2 T cell activation. The fluorescent ester displayed low cellular toxicity (IC₅₀>100 μm ) and strong T cell activation (EC₅₀=0.018 μm ) relative to the unprotected anion (EC₅₀=23 μm ). The coumarin‐derived analogue allowed no‐wash analysis of biological deprotection, which revealed rapid internalization of the prodrug. These results demonstrate that fluorescent groups can be applied both as functional drug delivery tools and useful biological probes of drug uptake.     

The Tertiary Amine Nitrogen Atom of Piperazine Sulfonamides as a Novel Determinant of Potent and Selective β3‐Adrenoceptor Agonists

Novel compounds were prepared in fair to good yields as human β₃‐adrenoceptor (β₃‐AR) agonists. In particular, aryloxypropanolamines 7 a – d (EC₅₀=0.57–2.1 nM ) and arylethanolamines 12 a , b , e (EC₅₀=6.38–19.4 nM ) were designed to explore the effects of modifications at the right‐hand side of these molecules on their activity as β₃‐AR agonists. Piperidine sulfonamides 15 a – c , e – g (EC₅₀=6.1–36.2 nM ) and piperazine sulfonamide derivatives 20 – 29 (EC₅₀=1.79–49.3 nM ) were examined as compounds bearing a non‐aromatic linker on the right‐ and left‐hand sides of the molecules. Some piperazine sulfonamides were found to be potent and selective β₃‐AR agonists, even if the amine nitrogen atom is tertiary and not secondary, as is the case for all β₃‐AR agonists reported so far. (S)‐3‐{4‐{N‐{4‐{2‐[2‐Hydroxy‐3‐(4‐hydroxyphenoxy)propylamino]ethyl}phenyl}sulfamoyl}phenoxy}propanoic acid ( 7 d ; EC₅₀=0.57 nM ), (R)‐N‐{4‐[2‐(2‐hydroxy‐2‐phenylethylamino)ethyl]phenyl}‐4‐(3‐octylureido)benzenesulfonamide ( 12 e ; EC₅₀=6.38 nM ), (R)‐2‐[1‐(4‐methoxyphenylsulfonyl)piperidin‐4‐ylamino]‐1‐phenylethanol ( 15 f ; EC₅₀=6.1 nM ), and (S)‐4‐{2‐hydroxy‐3‐[4‐(4‐methoxyphenylsulfonyl)piperazin‐1‐yl]propoxy}phenol ( 25 ; EC₅₀=1.79 nM ) were found to be the most potent β₃‐AR agonists of the aryloxypropanolamine, arylethanolamine, piperidine sulfonamide, and piperazine sulfonamide classes, respectively. The two most potent compounds were identified as possible candidates for further development of β₃‐AR agonists useful in the treatment of β₃‐AR‐mediated pathological conditions.     

Antioxidative cosmetic additives for the protection of human skin surface lipids against environmental stress

Studies were carried out in vitro to investigate the effect of a simulated polluted atmosphere containing ozone, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen dioxide on human skin surface lipids and to evaluate the potency of antioxidative cosmetic additives for the protection against detrimental oxidation processes caused by air polluting substances. The experiments showed that the air pollutants caused significantly increased oxidation effects on human skin surface lipids compared to non polluted atmosphere as indicated by the increase of the peroxide values. The addition of selected derivatives of ascorbic acid, tocopherol, or retinol as specific cosmetic additives with particular antioxidative activity both as pure substances and as ingredients of cosmetic skin care formulations resulted in a considerable protection against oxidative effects of the air pollutants on human skin surface lipids, in which the antioxidative complex tocopherol/hydrogenated tallow glyceride citrate is most effective. Even by additional irradiation with artificial erythemogenic sunlight during the exposure to the air polluting substances of a skin care formulation composed of tocopherol/hydrogenated tallow glycerides as antioxidative component and zinc oxide as UV-filter substance, the significant lipid-protective efficacy of the antioxidative cosmetic additive was only slightly diminished.     

Structure‐Based Design of New KSP‐Eg5 Inhibitors Assisted by a Targeted Multicomponent Reaction

An integrated multidisciplinary approach that combined structure‐based drug design, multicomponent reaction synthetic approaches and functional characterization in enzymatic and cell assays led to the discovery of new kinesin spindle protein (KSP) inhibitors with antiproliferative activity. A focused library of new benzimidazoles obtained by a Ugi+Boc removal/cyclization reaction sequence generated low‐micromolar‐range KSP inhibitors as promising anticancer prototypes. The design and functional studies of the new chemotypes were assessed by computational modeling and molecular biology techniques. The most active compounds— 20 (IC₅₀=1.49 μM , EC₅₀=3.63 μM ) and 22 (IC₅₀=1.37 μM , EC₅₀=6.90 μM )—were synthesized with high efficiency by taking advantage of the multicomponent reactions.     

Designing Dual Transglutaminase 2/Histone Deacetylase Inhibitors Effective at Halting Neuronal Death

In recent years there has been a clear consensus that neurodegenerative conditions can be better treated through concurrent modulation of different targets. Herein we report that combined inhibition of transglutaminase 2 (TG2) and histone deacetylases (HDACs) synergistically protects against toxic stimuli mediated by glutamate. Based on these findings, we designed and synthesized a series of novel dual TG2–HDAC binding agents. Compound 3 [(E)‐N‐hydroxy‐5‐(3‐(4‐(3‐oxo‐3‐(pyridin‐3‐yl)prop‐1‐en‐1‐yl)phenyl)thioureido)pentanamide] emerged as the most interesting of the series, being able to inhibit TG2 and HDACs both in vitro (TG2 IC₅₀=13.3±1.5 μm , HDAC1 IC₅₀=3.38±0.14 μm , HDAC6 IC₅₀=4.10±0.13 μm ) and in cell‐based assays. Furthermore, compound 3 does not exert any toxic effects in cortical neurons up to 50 μm and protects neurons against toxic insults induced by glutamate (5 mm ) with an EC₅₀ value of 3.7±0.5 μm .     

Engineered s-Triazine-Based Dendrimer-Honokiol Conjugates as Targeted MMP-2/9 Inhibitors for Halting Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Despite the advances in developing MMP-2/9 inhibitors, off-target side effects and pharmacokinetics problems remain major challenges hindering their clinical success in cancer therapy. However, recent targeting strategies have clearly revitalized MMP research. Herein, we introduce new s-triazine-based dendrimers endowed with intrinsic MMP-2/9 inhibitory potential and tetherable to hepatocellular carcinoma-specific targeting ligands and anticancer agents via biodegradable linkages for targeted therapy. The designed dendrimeric platform was built with potential zinc-binding branching linkers (hydrazides) and termini (carboxylic acids and hydrazides) to confer potency against MMP-2/9. Preliminary cytotoxicity screening and MMP-2/9 inhibition assay of the free dendrimers revealed promising potency (MMP-9; IC₅₀=0.35–0.57 μM, MMP-2; IC₅₀=0.39–0.77 μM) within their safe doses (EC₁₀₀=94.15–42.75 μM). The hydrazide dendrimer was comparable to NNGH and superior to the carboxylic acid analogue. MTT assay showed that the free dendrimers were superior to the reference anticancer agent honokiol. Their anticancer potency was enhanced by HK conjugation, targeting ligands installation and PEGylation as exemplified by the hydrazide dendrimer conjugate (TPG₃−NH₂)-SuHK-FA-SuPEG (Huh-7; IC₅₀=5.54 μM, HepG-2; IC₅₀=10.07 μM) being 4 folds more active than HK, followed by the carboxylic acid conjugate (TPG₃−OH)-HK-LA-PEG (Huh-7; IC₅₀=14.97, HepG-2; IC₅₀=21.29 μM). This was consistent with apoptosis studies.     

Chitosan conjugated with deoxycholic acid and gallic acid: A novel biopolymer-based additive antioxidant for polyethylene

Chitosan, as a novel bioadditive antioxidant for commodity polymer, is proposed. Chitosan is successfully conjugated with deoxycholic acid and gallic acid (chitosan-DC-GA) via a simple reaction using the 1-ethyl-3-(3′-dimethylaminopropyl) carbodiimide/N-hydroxysuccinimide conjugating agent at room temperature in a heterogeneous system. Chitosan-DC-GA shows a deoxycholic acid (DC) and gallic acid (GA) content of about 40% each. Chitosan-DC-GA exhibits DPPH radical scavenging ability with EC₅₀ 1 mg mL⁻¹ based on the EPR technique evaluation. A model case study of chitosan-DC-GA with low-density polyethylene (LDPE) confirms improvement in compatibility, as seen from the sheet clarity, as well as the good dispersion of chitosan-DC-GA in LDPE matrices, as observed by scanning electron microscope. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008     

Effect of Different Deacidification Methods on Phytonutrients Retention in Deacidified Fractionated Palm Oil

Crude red palm oil of 11.4 % free fatty acid content was dry fractionated to obtain liquid crude red palm olein which was deacidified using enzyme (lipase from Rhizomucor miehei), solvent (ethanol), and chemical (aqueous sodium hydroxide), and its effect on physicochemical characteristics and phytonutrients retention was evaluated. Enzymatic deacidification showed 100 % product yield and no neutral lipid loss, whereas yields of 78 and 62 % and neutral lipid loss of 12 and 30 % were observed for solvent and chemical deacidification, respectively. Variation in viscosity (25.3–37.2 cSt at 40 °C), slip melting point (15–36 °C), monoacylglycerols (1.7–3.3 %), and diacylglycerols (5.8–27.9 %) were also observed. Carotenoid content was slightly reduced by enzymatic (535 mg/kg), solvent (556 mg/kg), and chemical (526 mg/kg) deacidification. Retention of phytonutrients such as phytosterols (1,235 mg/kg), total tocopherols (965 mg/kg), squalene (301 mg/kg), coenzyme Q₁₀ (25.9 mg/kg), and total phenolics (3 mg/kg) was highest following enzymatic deacidification. The IC₅₀ value of the enzymatic deacidified sample (21.8 mg/ml) indicates more radical scavenging activity than in samples obtained using solvent (42.0 mg/ml) and chemical (28.8 mg/ml) methods.     

Biochemical Characterization of Arbequina Extra Virgin Olive Oil Produced in Turkey

Varieties of the olive cultivar Arbequina have recently been cultivated in Turkey. The objective of the study is to characterize and evaluate extra‐virgin olive oils (EVOO) produced from Arbequina grown in the Aegean and Mediterranean regions of Turkey. Major and minor components such as carotenoids, squalene, phenolics and tocopherols were studied to assess their effects on product quality and health benefits. The samples, identified as ArbqI and ArbqA, were from the Izmir and Adana provinces, respectively. Samples were analyzed by GC‐FID to determine fatty acid composition, sterol composition, TAG profile and squalene content. Individual phenolic fractions were analyzed by LC–MS/MS and tocopherol isomers were determined by HPLC. According to the results obtained from this study; Total phenolic content (TPC) of the samples were 454.68 and 50.86 mg Gallic acid/kg oil for ArbqI and ArbqA, respectively. Hydroxytyrosol and tyrosol were determined to be the main phenols. The major tocopherol isomer found in ArbqI and ArbqA was α‐tocopherol with levels of 179.55 and 202.5 mg/kg oil, respectively. β‐Carotene levels in both samples were similar at 0.2 mg/kg. Findings of this study were compared with the literature on Arbequina olive oil produced in different countries. It was determined that Arbequina olive oil of high quality can be produced in Turkey, especially in the Aegean region.