Antioxidant activity of commercial buckwheat flours and their free and bound phenolic compositions

Commercial buckwheat flours were investigated for their antioxidant activities, free, and bound phenolic compositions using spectrophotometer, LC–ESI-IT-MS, and LC–ESI-Q-TOF-MS. Farinetta flour contained the highest free and bound phenolic contents, followed by Supreme, whole buckwheat, and Fancy flour, respectively. The 50% ethanol extraction achieved significantly higher free phenolic content compared with water and absolute alcohol. The absolute ethanol extraction contained considerable more bound phenolic and flavonoid compounds. A high extraction temperature increased the phenolic contents. The optimal solvent to solids ratio was 50:1, and the optimal extraction time was 5 h for flavonoids. The spectral method was reproducible for analysing the total flavonoid contents. The LC–ESI-Q-TOF-MS studies on whole buckwheat flour showed that p-coumaric and gallic acids were found in the bound phenolics along with isoquercitrin but were not present in the free phenolic compounds. The free flavonol-glycosides were found in whole buckwheat flour but not in any other buckwheat flours.     

Studies on distribution of protein and allergen in graded flours prepared from whole buckwheat grains

Buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum Moench) is one of the traditional crops and has become a renewed target of interest or a popular crop as a healthy foodstuff, because it is a good source of cereal protein which is rich with essential amino acids. However, what is critical to our health is that buckwheat contains proteins which cause a hypersensitive reaction (allergy). In this study, to decrease the allergenic activity of buckwheat products, some graded flours were prepared from various portions of buckwheat grain, and its protein distribution and characteristics of each graded flour fractions were determined. The protein and ash contents of all buckwheat fractions increased in the order from the inner fraction to the outer fraction. From SDS–PAGE patterns, the concentrations of 15, 22, 35, 39 and 50 kDa proteins of the inner fractions were lower, and there were clear differences in the protein compositions between the inner and outer buckwheat flour fractions. Detection of allergenic proteins by IgE-immunoblotting showed that sera pooled from 9 patients reacted with proteins of 15 and 22 kDa bands, named Fag e 2 and Fag e 1, respectively. IgE binding activities of proteins, Fag e 1 or Fag e 2 of the inner fractions were weaker than those of the outer fractions. Therefore, the inner fractions without major allergic proteins could be separated from whole buckwheat grains, and also expected to be applied to manufacturing processed foods with low allergen. Furthermore, the graded-milling procedure could be used to provide less-allergenic buckwheat flours.     

Rutin content in buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum Moench) food materials and products

The rutin content of buckwheat products was compared to the rutin content in their raw materials, in order to evaluate their value for producing functional foods. There is much less rutin in noodles (78 mg/kg, d.w.b. – dry weight basis), than in the dark buckwheat flour (218 mg/kg, d.w.b.) from which they are produced. One of the possible explanations is the presence of the rutin degrading enzyme. In raw (uncooked) groats there is 230 mg/kg (d.w.b.) of rutin and in precooked groats, 88 mg/kg (d.w.b.). In buckwheat beer and vinegar there is a negligible content of rutin. Buckwheat leaf flour contains about 2700 mg/kg (d.w.b.) rutin, and is thus a suitable material for enriching functional foods, giving it the potential for preventive nutrition.     

Total phenolic compounds and antioxidant capacities of major fruits from Ecuador

Seventeen fruits from Ecuador were analysed for total soluble phenolic compounds content and for antioxidant capacity, using three different methods (DPPH, FRAP and ABTS⁺). For the total phenolic content measured by the Folin–Ciocalteu method, three groups, having <100, 200–500 and >1000 mg GAE/100 g FW, were clearly distinguishable. Andean blackberry, capulí cherry peel and banana passion fruit were classified in the third group, with concentrations of 2167, 1494 and 1010 mg of GAE/100 g FW, respectively. Antioxidant capacity analyses revealed the same classes. FRAP and ABTS⁺ gave comparable results and were highly correlated (y = 0.691x + 6.78; r² = 0.908). Spectrophotometric measurements showed that the Andean blackberry and capulí peel but not banana passion fruit contained high levels of anthocyanins (λ_max = 520 nm).     

Quality and antioxidant property of buckwheat enhanced wheat bread

Common buckwheat (Fagopyrium esculentum Moench) was used to substitute 15% of wheat flour to make buckwheat enhanced wheat breads. Proximate composition, physical quality, functional components and antioxidant properties of buckwheat enhanced wheat breads were analysed and compared with those of white bread. Specific volumes of three breads were 6.10–6.75 cm³/g. Buckwheat enhanced wheat bread showed lower lightness and whiteness index values and higher redness and yellowness values. On a seven-point hedonic scale, all sensory results were 5.33–5.91, indicating that three breads were moderately acceptable. No differences were found in appearance, colour and overall sensory attributes for three breads, whereas both buckwheat enhanced wheat breads were rated higher in flavour and mouth feel. Buckwheat enhanced wheat bread contained more rutin and quercetin as expected. Buckwheat enhanced wheat bread was good in antioxidant activity, reducing power and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging ability with unhusked buckwheat enhanced wheat bread being the most effective. Overall, buckwheat enhanced wheat bread could be developed as a food with more effective antioxidant properties.     

Total phenolic compounds and antioxidant capacity of wheat graded flours by polishing method

The graded flour fractions, which were milled from whole wheat grain from outer to inner parts without removal of germ and bran, are rich in dietary fibers and minerals, the sources of nutrition for human beings. In this study, the whole waxy wheat was milled into five fractions using the gradual milling method and the phenolic contents and antioxidant capacity of these flours were investigated. The total phenolic and flavonoid contents of free and bound phenolic extracts gradually increased in the order from the inner to the outer fractions. The flours milled from the outer parts of grain contained significantly higher amount of phenolics and exhibited significantly higher antioxidant capacity than did the whole grain. Likewise, the inner flour fractions milled from mostly endosperm part had significantly higher amount of phenolics and exhibited significantly higher antioxidant capacity than did the white flour, which was milled by a conventional milling method. Thus, the graded flours from whole waxy wheat should be encouraged to be used for processing whole-grain foods to improve both qualities of end-use products and health benefits.     

苹果多酚抗氧化活性的研究

本文研究了红富士苹果和国光苹果中多酚类物质的抗氧化活性。结果表明两种苹果果实总酚含量具有显著性差异。抗氧化实验结果表明两种苹果果实酚类提取液均具有很强的抗氧化活性，对^.OH、O2^.-、R^.有较明显的清除效果。     

Reduction of rutin loss in buckwheat noodles and their physicochemical characterisation

Tartary buckwheat was subjected to hydrothermal treatments for minimising rutin loss in buckwheat-based foods by water addition. When native buckwheat flour was mixed with water for 60 min, the rutin content was distinctly reduced from 3.74 g/100 g to 0.31 g/100 g, increasing the amount of quercetin. However, the rutin content remained constant and quercetin was hardly detected in hydrothermally-treated buckwheat flour. Also, when noodles were prepared with wheat and buckwheat flours (7:3, w/w), the noodle samples containing hydrothermally-treated buckwheat flour, showed higher amounts of rutin (more than 0.83 g/100 g) than the control noodle with native buckwheat flour (0.27 g/100 g). In addition, the use of hydrothermally-treated buckwheat flour gave less pasting parameters and lower viscoelastic properties. The noodle dough with hydrothermally-treated buckwheat flour also had greater water absorption and development time during mixing while the elongation stress of the noodle dough was reduced.     

Characteristics of fractionated flours from whole buckwheat grain using a gradual milling system and their application for noodle making

BACKGROUND: Recently, the quality of buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum, Moench) flour was improved by using a gradual milling method in which whole buckwheat grains were milled into various fractions. In this study, 16 fractions milled from whole buckwheat grains from the outer to inner parts are characterised and used for noodle making. RESULTS: Protein and ash contents of flours increased in the order from the inner to the outer fractions. Each fraction contained nine main fatty acids in which the concentration of palmitic, stearic, linoleic and linolenic acids tended to decrease from the inner to outer parts of the grain, whereas the concentration of oleic acid in the middle parts of grain was higher than in the other parts. The peak viscosity was different among the fractions and the middle fractions had significantly higher peak viscosity than the other fractions. The optimum cooking time and whiteness of uncooked and cooked noodles substituted with 40% of the fractions decreased from the inner to outer fractions, whereas noodles made from the inner fractions were harder and less elastic than those from the outer fractions. CONCLUSION: The different buckwheat fractions contributed to different quality of soba noodles. However, the appropriate fractions could be used for noodle making to improve the quality of noodles depending on nutritional demands. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry     

Effects of UV-B irradiation on the levels of anthocyanin,rutin and radical scavenging activity of buckwheat sprouts

The effects of various light compositions on the levels of anthocyanin, rutin and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity in buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum Moench) sprouts were evaluated. Dark-grown 6-day-old buckwheat sprouts were irradiated with different sources of visible and ultraviolet (UV) light. Particularly, we examined the effect of UV-B at wavelengths of 260–320 nm, 280–320 nm, and 300–320 nm on the production of flavonoid compounds, using multiple fluorescent lights and cylinders that filter out certain portions of the UV-B. The results showed that irradiation with UV-B > 300 nm increased the levels of anthocyanin and rutin, as well as the DPPH radical scavenging activity. When sprouts were irradiated with UV-B light at wavelengths of 260–300 nm, yellowing or withering occurred within 24 h of irradiation, indicating that wavelengths in this range are detrimental to the growth of buckwheat sprouts.     

Improving the antioxidant activity of buckwheat (Fagopyrum tataricm Gaertn) sprout with trace element water

Trace element water (TEW) (100, 200, 300, 400 and 500 ppm) was used to grow buckwheat (Fagopyrum tataricm Gaertn) to evaluate whether the beneficial effects of trace elements on the antioxidant activity could be accomplished with the supplement of TEW. At 300 ppm, TEW significantly increased the Cu, Zn and Fe contents in buckwheat sprout, but not the Se and Mn contents. The levels of rutin, quercitrin and quercetin did not differ between buckwheat sprouts grown in TEW and de-ionized water (DIW). The ethanolic extract from buckwheat sprout grown in 300 ppm TEW showed higher DPPH radical scavenging activity, ferrous ion chelating activity, superoxide anion scavenging activity and inhibitory activity toward lipid peroxidation than that grown in DIW. The extract of the TEW group also enhanced intracellular superoxide dismutase activity and resulted in lower level of reactive oxygen species in human Hep G2 cells.     

Free and bound total phenolic concentrations,antioxidant capacities,and profiles of proanthocyanidins and anthocyanins in whole grain rice (Oryza sativa L.) of different bran colours

To study the polyphenols in whole grain rice varying in bran colour, the total phenolics, flavonoids and antioxidant capacities of the solvent-extractable (Free) and cell-wall bound (Bound) fractions and the profiles of proanthocyanidins and anthocyanins were determined. Red and purple bran rices had significantly higher total (sum of Free- and Bound-) phenolic (PC) and flavonoid (FC) concentrations and antioxidant capacities than light-coloured bran rice or other cereals (P < 0.05), due to their higher concentrations of proanthocyanidins and anthocyanins, respectively. The concentrations of the Bound-PC and FC accounted for approximately half of the total PC and FC in the light-coloured bran rice, but were lower than those in purple and red bran rice (P < 0.05). High correlations were found between the concentrations of total phenolics and the three antioxidant capacity assays except for those in the bound fraction when related to iron chelating capacity. The concentrations of proanthocyanidins in red bran rice was 1.27 mg/g and its composition was 6.5%, 33.5%, 30.6% and 29.4% of 1–3, 4–6, 7–10 mers, and polymer (>10 mers), respectively. Cyanidin-3-glucoside was the predominant anthocyanin and peonidin-3-glucoside was the second highest; the profiles varied between purple bran cultivars. Whole grain rice differing in bran colour contained unique polyphenol subgroups, which have been proposed to positively impact human health.     

On the extraction and antioxidant activity of phenolic compounds from winery wastes

Winery waste (from red winemaking, variety Agiorgitiko) was extracted under various conditions using different solvents. The minimum time required for ensuring maximum extraction of phenols was 180 min at a solvent to sample ratio 9:1 v/w and at pH 1.5. The antioxidant activity of solvent extracts was investigated by DPPH radical scavenging method, by determination of peroxide value on virgin olive oil and by the Rancimat method on sunflower oil. Ethanol extract exhibited the highest antioxidant activity compared to the other solvent extracts, to synthetic food antioxidants BHT, ascorbyl palmitate and to the natural food antioxidant, vitamin E. No correlation was found between antioxidant activity and total phenol content. HPLC analysis of the extracts showed that gallic acid, catechin and epicatechin were the major phenolic compounds in winery waste. Hydroxytyrosol, tyrosol, cyanidin glycosides and various phenolic acids such as caffeic, syringic, vanillic, p-coumaric and o-coumaric acids were also identified.     

On-line high-performance liquid chromatography analysis of the antioxidant activity of phenolic compounds in green and black tea

Teas represent a rich source of dietary antioxidants. This paper describes analysis of the antioxidant potential of individual tea phenolics using an on-line high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method. Tea phenolics from Kenyan green and black teas were identified using liquid chromatography--mass spectrometry (LC-MS(n)) in conjunction with the analysis of their 2,2'-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS+) radical scavenging ability. Antioxidant potential of flavan-3-ols, caffeoylquinic acids, flavonols, and theaflavins was assessed in comparison to the synthetic vitamin E analogue Trolox. (-)-Epigallocatechin gallate was identified as the most potent antioxidant with a Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) value of 3.0, contributing approximately 30% of the total antioxidant capacity of green tea. Theaflavins retained antioxidant capacity similar to that of (-)-epicatechin monomers whilst conjugated flavonols did not contribute significantly to the antioxidant capacity of either green or black tea. After HPLC analysis of the antioxidant capacity of phenolics in black tea some 80% of antioxidant activity remained unaccounted for indicating the potential importance of thearubigens as antioxidants in black teas.     

Distribution of selenium and phenolics in buckwheat plants grown from seeds soaked in Se solution and under different levels of UV-B radiation

Seeds of common buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum) were soaked in water, sodium selenate (5, 10 or 20 mg Se^VI/L), or sodium selenite (10 or 20 mg Se^IV/L) solutions. Plants grown from soaked seeds were exposed to reduced UV-B radiation, ambient, or enhanced UV-B. The mass fraction of selenium in leaves was much higher in plants obtained from seeds soaked with selenate (up to 185 ng/g) in comparison to selenite (up to 103 ng/g). In plants obtained from seeds soaked in water, regardless of UV-B levels, the highest concentration of selenium was found in leaves, where the values were between 45 and 66 ng Se/g. In buckwheat leaves 44.5–63.6 mg/100 g d.m. of fagopyrin was found, and in stems 14.3–26.4 mg/100 g d.m.; here no influence of seed soaking solution or UV-B exposure was found. The content of total flavonoids in leaves was 7.8–15.9% and in stems 1.4–4.1%.     

Nitric oxide fumigation stimulates flavonoid and phenolic accumulation and enhances antioxidant activity of mushroom

The effects of nitric oxide (NO) on antioxidant activity and contents of phenolics and flavonoids in mushroom Russula griseocarnosa were investigated. Freshly harvested mushrooms were fumigated with 0, 10, 20 and 30μLL(-1) NO at 20°C for 2h and then taken to examine the antioxidant activities using assays of reducing power, chelating effect on ferrous ions, scavenging effect on hydroxyl free radicals, and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging activity. The results showed that the antioxidant activities of the mushrooms fumigated with NO were significantly increased when compared to the controls. Moreover, NO fumigation significantly enhanced phenolic and flavonoid contents and stimulated the activities of phenylalanine ammonia-lyase and chalcone synthase. The results indicated that NO fumigation might have potential application for enhancing the bioactive compounds and improving antioxidant activities in the mushrooms. Furthermore, the data suggested that the NO-induced phenolic and flavonoid accumulation was due to the activation of the biosynthetic pathways in the mushrooms.     

Effect of salinity stress on phenolic compounds and carotenoids in buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum M.) sprout

The effect of salinity stress on the nutritional quality of buckwheat sprouts cultivated for 1, 3, 5, and 7d was investigated by analysis of the antioxidant activity and levels of phenolic compounds and carotenoids. Treatment with various concentrations of NaCl (10, 50, 100, and 200mM) resulted in an increase in the amount of phenolic compounds and carotenoids in the sprouts compared with the control (0mM). The phenolic contents of sprouts treated with 10, 50, and 100mM after 7d of cultivation were 57%, 121%, and 153%, respectively, higher than that of the control (0mM NaCl). Moreover, the accumulation of phenolic compounds was primarily caused by an increase in the levels of 4 compounds: isoorientin, orientin, rutin, and vitexin. The carotenoid content of sprouts treated with 50 and 100mM NaCl was twice higher than that of the control. In addition, the antioxidant activity of ethanol extracts of the sprouts was increased by NaCl treatment. Although the growth rate of sprouts decreased with >50mM NaCl, these results suggest that treatment of an appropriate concentration of NaCl improves the nutritional quality of sprouts, including the level of phenolic compounds, carotenoids, and antioxidant activity.     

Bioactive compounds and antioxidant capacities of 18 non-traditional tropical fruits from Brazil

The bioactive compounds and antioxidant capacities of polyphenolic extracts of 18 fresh and dry native non-traditional fruits from Brazil were determined using ABTS, DDPH, FRAP and β-carotene bleaching methods. The study provides an adaptation of these methods, along with an evaluation of the compounds related to antioxidant potential. The results show promising perspectives for the exploitation of non-traditional tropical fruit species with considerable levels of nutrients and antioxidant capacity. Although evaluation methods and results reported have not yet been sufficiently standardised, making comparisons difficult, our data add valuable information to current knowledge of the nutritional properties of tropical fruits, such as the considerable antioxidant capacity found for acerola – Malpighia emarginata and camu-camu – Myrciaria dubia (ABTS, DPPH and FRAP) and for puçá-preto – Mouriri pusa (all methods).     

Chemical profile and antioxidant capacities of tart cherry products

The levels of anthocyanins and other flavonoids, as well as melatonin, in various tart cherry products (frozen and dried cherries, powders from individually quick frozen (IQF) cherry and juice concentrate) from two tart cherry cultivars, ‘Montmorency’ and ‘Balaton’ were analysed comparatively by HPLC and electrospray mass spectrometry (EMS). Our results show that the major anthocyanin compound in these two tart cherry cultivars is cyanidin 3-glucosylrutinoside, followed by cyanidin 3-rutinoside, cyanydin sophoroside, and peonidin 3-glucoside. Studies on antioxidant activities (total antioxidant status assay) of crude extracts of ten tart cherry products show that these products preserve their antioxidant capacities after processing and storage. We have also compared the antioxidant activities of several single constituents that are present in tart cherry. When TEAC (trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity) values were evaluated conceptually against the cherry phytochemical profile, cyanidin and its derivatives were found to be the significant contributors to the antioxidant systems of tart cherries. It was shown that standard compounds with common aglycon moieties show similar antioxidant activities.     

Bioactive phenolic compounds and functional properties of dehydrated bean flours

The impact of soaking, cooking, and industrial dehydration on the phenolic profile, antioxidant activity, and functional properties of two bean varieties (Cannellini and Pinta) was investigated. HPLC-PAC and HPLC-MS (ESI) analysis identified phenolic acids (44% and 41% of the total of identified phenolics, respectively) as the main phenolic compounds in raw Cannellini flour and catechins and procyanidins (63%) in raw Pinta flour. As a result of the industrial dehydration, a general reduction of these bioactive compounds and antioxidant activities (ORAC) was observed; however, their levels were still relevant in dehydrated bean flours. The raw and processed flours exhibited low oil holding capacity (1.00-1.15 mL/g), whereas water-holding capacities rose to 3.0-3.8 mL/g. Emulsifying activities and foaming capacities were inhibited during thermal processing. Thus, the significant occurrence of bioactive phenolic compounds, the relevant antioxidant capacities along with the interesting functional properties of dehydrated bean flours make them to be considered functional ingredients for food formulation.