Effect of soaking,boiling, and steaming on total phenolic contentand antioxidant activities of cool season food legumes

The effects of soaking, boiling and steaming processes on the total phenolic components and antioxidant activity in commonly consumed cool season food legumes (CSFL’s), including green pea, yellow pea, chickpea and lentil were investigated. As compared to original unprocessed legumes, all processing steps caused significant (p < 0.05) decreases in total phenolic content (TPC), DPPH free radical scavenging activity (DPPH) in all tested CSFL’s. All soaking and atmospheric boiling treatments caused significant (p < 0.05) decreases in oxygen radical absorbing capacity (ORAC). However, pressure boiling and pressure steaming caused significant (p < 0.05) increases in ORAC values. Steaming treatments resulted in a greater retention of TPC, DPPH, and ORAC values in all tested CSFL’s as compared to boiling treatments. To obtain cooked legumes with similar palatability and firmness, pressure boiling shortened processing time as compared to atmospheric boiling, resulted in insignificant differences in TPC, DPPH for green and yellow pea. However, TPC and DPPH in cooked lentils differed significantly between atmospheric and pressure boiling. As compared to atmospheric processes, pressure processes significantly increased ORAC values in both boiled and steamed CSFL’s. Greater TPC, DPPH and ORAC values were detected in boiling water than that in soaking and steaming water. Boiling also caused more solid loss than steaming. Steam processing exhibited several advantages in retaining the integrity of the legume appearance and texture of the cooked product, shortening process time, and greater retention of antioxidant components and activities.     

The impact of cooking method on the phenolic composition,total antioxidant activity and starch digestibility of rice (Oryza sativa L.)

This study investigated changes in the phenolic composition, total antioxidant activity (TAA) and starch digestibility in white and brown rice due to three different cooking procedures, and subsequent reheating of cooked rice after storage. Among the analyzed samples, brown rice showed the highest TAA and phenolic content (622.5 mg/kg DW). All cooking methods resulted in significant decrease of phenolic content and TAA of rice (p < 0.05). The greatest loss was observed after processing in rice cooker, which reduced phenolic content of both brown and polished rice by ～30% and ABTS radical‐scavenging activity by 20 and 28%, respectively. In general, the levels of polyphenols and TAA of cooked rice tended to further decline after storage and reheating, but to a much lesser extent when rice was prepared using microwaves. The application of in vitro digestion system disclosed that the microwave cooking resulted in the highest starch digestibility among cooking methods used.

Practical applications

Rice is one of the most commonly consumed staple foods worldwide. Scientific and epidemiological studies have showed that their phytochemicals exhibit antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, antihypertensive and chemopreventive effects. Therefore, their high consumption, easy availability throughout the year and use as an additive to meat and high‐fat foods may make rice, especially in the form of whole grains, potentially important chemopreventive component of the diet. The appropriate cooking procedure of rice is crucial for preservation of bioactive compounds as well as digestion of starch and thus duration of the glycemic response. Preferably, this study is focused on the evaluation of the effect of cooking methods on the health‐related quality of rice. The results provide practical advice that the consumption of freshly cooked rice ensures its highest nutritional quality, while rice microwaving is recommended both when cooked rice will be reheated after storage (e.g., in restaurants) and accelerated starch digestion is in favor.     

Influence of pressurised liquid extraction and solid–liquid extraction methods on the phenolic content and antioxidant activities of Irish macroalgae

The efficiencies of pressurised liquid extraction (PLE) and a traditional solid–liquid extraction (SLE) at extracting antioxidant polyphenols from Irish macroalgae Ascophyllum nodosum, Pelvetia canaliculata, Fucus spiralis and Ulva intestinalis were compared. PLE was more effective for extracting polyphenols with acetone/water (80:20); however, when food‐friendly solvents of ethanol/water (80:20) and water were employed, SLE resulted in higher phenolic content in brown macroalgal extracts. For example, the Fucus spiralis SLE water and ethanol/water extracts displayed total phenolic contents (TPCs) of 130.58 ± 2.78 and 142.81 ± 1.77 μg phloroglucinol equivalents (PGE) mg^?1 sample, respectively, compared with TPCs of 90.79 ± 1.16 and 124 ± 6.54 μg PGE mg^?1 sample for the corresponding PLE extracts. All SLE aqueous ethanolic macroalgal extracts possessed higher DPPH radical scavenging abilities (RSA) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) than their PLE equivalents . This study indicates that the application of high extraction temperatures (50–200 °C) and pressures (500–3000 psi) used in PLE does not enhance the antioxidant activities of macroalgal extracts relative to SLE extraction. The ability to produce antioxidant food‐friendly macroalgal extracts using SLE could represent significant cost reductions on an industrial scale further enhancing the potential of macroalgal polyphenols to be used in functional food preparations.     

A novel antioxidant source: evaluation of in vitro bioaccessibility,antioxidant activity and polyphenol profile of phenolic extract from black radish peel wastes (Raphanus sativus L. var. niger) during simulated gastrointestinal digestion

The aim of this study was to evaluate the potency of polyphenolic extract from black radish (Raphanus sativus L. var. niger) root peel waste (PEBRRP) as an antioxidant food additive. PEBRRP was found a powerful antioxidant extract, in which had 172.9 ± 11.5, 462.72 ± 3.05, and 796.51 ± 10.4 mg TE per g dw of total antioxidant capacity (TAC) by CUPRAC, DPPH, and FRAP assays, respectively. The total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC) of PEBRRP were found as 305.51 ± 5.2 mg GAE per g dw and 171.58 ± 6.2 mg CAE per g dw, respectively. The ferulic acid (28.02 ± 4.5 mg per g dw) and epicatechin (19.82 ± 3.6 mg per g dw) were identified as the main polyphenols in undigested PEBRRP. The bioaccessibility of total phenolic and total flavonoid compounds of PEBRRP was found approximately 5%, and the antioxidant capacity of bioaccessible PEBRPP fraction was determined 6% in CUPRAC, 36% in DPPH and 47% in FRAP methods.     

Antioxidant Extraction from Mustard (Brassica juncea) Seed Meal Using High‐Intensity Ultrasound

Brassicaceae oilseeds provide feedstocks for the biofuels industry, but value‐added coproducts are necessary to supply financial incentives for increased production. Our objective was to use high‐intensity ultrasound to optimize extraction of antioxidants from mustard (Brassica juncea) seed meal. The ultrasound‐assisted extraction (UAE) variables included temperature, solvent‐to‐material ratio, sonication duration, and EtOH concentration. Extracts were analyzed for total phenolics content (TPC), antioxidant activity, and sinapine content. Conventional extraction using water and 70% EtOH (v/v) at 80 °C for 3×30 min yielded 7.83 ± 0.07 and 8.81 ± 0.17 mg sinapic acid equivalents (SAE)/g meal, respectively. UAE extraction at 40 °C for 30 min yielded similar phenolics content (8.85 ± 0.33 mg SAE/g meal) as conventional hot ethanolic extraction, but required less time and lower temperature. The highest TPC (13.79 ± 0.38 mg SAE/g meal) was in the 7‐d aqueous extracts. Sonicated solutions of pure sinapine and sinapic acid showed 1st‐order reaction kinetics with greater degradation of isolated compounds than those present in extracts. Sinapine contained in extracts showed insignificant (P < 0.05) degradation after 30 min of sonication. Our research indicates that ultrasound treatment can assist the extraction of antioxidants from B. juncea meal by reducing both the temperature and time requirement without significant degradation of the primary antioxidants present.     

Effect of domestic cooking methods on total phenolic content,antioxidant activity and sensory characteristics of Hericium erinaceus

This study evaluated the effect of different cooking methods (microwaving, boiling, steaming and stir-frying) on the phenolic acids and antioxidant activity in Hericium erinaceus (HE). The total phenolic content (TPC) of HE decreased after cooking and was in the order of dried (control) > stir-fried > microwaved > steamed > boiled. An increase in antioxidant activity was found in all cooked HE, albeit statistically insignificant (P > 0.05). Gallic acid was reported to be the dominant phenolic acid found in HE extracts in the range of 3.03–49.41 μg g⁻¹ dry weight. Low negative correlations were observed between 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and TPC as well as DPPH and gallic acid profile. Sensory data revealed that stir-fried HE received the most favourable response in colour, texture, aroma and flavour attributes. Overall, this study suggested that the method of stir-frying could be used to prepare HE for better retention of gallic acid and antioxidant activity with acceptable sensory characteristics.     

A Comparative Study on Antioxidant and DNA Protective Activity of Different Skin Coloured Brinjal (Solanum Melongena)

The aim of this study was to investigate the in vitro antioxidant activity and DNA damage inhibition potential of aqueous extract of S. melongena with different skin colours. Water extracts of brinjal with four different skin colours: moderately purple (S1), light purple (S2), dark purple (S3) and purple with green lines (S4) were tested for their antioxidant and radical scavenging activities. The total phenolic content (TPC) was quantified using Folin-Ciocalteau's method. The effectiveness of brinjal extracts in preventing radical induced DNA damage was also determined. There was a significant difference (p<0.0001) between the skin colour andantioxidant activity. Brinjal with S3skin colour showed the highest TPC and antioxidant activity measured by FRAP while, S2 showed the least. S1 displayed the highest percentage of DPPH radical scavenging activity with an IC₅₀ value of 3.51±0.62 mg/ml while, S3 demonstrated the strongest total antioxidant capacity with an inhibition percentage of 40.45±1.17. In the FTC (Ferric Thiocyanate) and egg yolk model, S1 and S3 showed better antioxidantactivity than S2 and S4. The in vitro freeradical quenchingand antioxidant results well correlated with the in vitro lipid peroxidation assays. All extracts were able to effectively retain DNA against AAPH induced radical damage at the concentration levels (25 and 75 mg/ml) tested. All the extracts showed moderate to potent antioxidant activity, among which S3 and S1, intensely coloured skins, demonstrated better antioxidant activity which may be attributed to the higher phenolic content since a linear relation was observed between the TPC and the antioxidant parameters.     

Antioxidant activity and phenolic content of pressurised liquid and solid–liquid extracts from four Irish origin macroalgae

The efficiency of solid–liquid extraction (SLE) and pressurised liquid extraction (PLE) for the recovery of antioxidant and polyphenols from the Irish macroalgae, Fucus serratus, Laminaria digitata, Gracilaria gracilis and Codium fragile, was assessed using the 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays and the Folin–Ciocalteu total phenol content (TPC) assay. Fucus serratus had TPC and antioxidant activities thirty times higher than the other species. Solid–liquid extraction cold water (CW_SLE) had the highest TPC (81.17 μg GAE mg^?1 sample) derived from F. serratus, compared with the TPC of 61.12 μg GAE mg^?1 sample for the corresponding PLE extract. For both SLE and PLE extracts, low TPC levels were observed in L. digitata, G. gracilis and C. fragile. The majority of SLE extracts possessed higher FRAP and DPPH activities compared with their PLE counterparts. This study indicates that the high temperatures and pressures in PLE did not enhance the antioxidant activities relative to conventional SLE extraction.     

Effect of wine barrel ageing or sapa addition on total polyphenol content and antioxidant activities of some Italian craft beers

Beer is a complex mixture of bioactive polyphenols with positive health effects, and its composition is influenced by some technological variables. In this study, the total polyphenol content (TPC) and the antioxidant activity of some Italian craft beers produced by ageing in wood barrel that previously contained red or white wines, and by addition of sapa, a cooked must from wine grapes, were investigated. TPC greatly vary among different beer types. Craft beers stored in wood barrels that contained red wines, such as those added of sapa from red wine grapes, showed a TPC up to 2.5 times higher (1000 GAE mg L^?1) compared with other craft beers, and 3.6 times higher than the industrial beer. The antioxidant activity is remarkably different depending on beer type and strictly correlated with TPC. Results indicate that antioxidant properties of the craft beers could be efficiently improved by the explored technological processes.     

Color,Phenolics, and Antioxidant Activity of Blackberry (Rubus glaucus Benth.), Blueberry (Vaccinium floribundum Kunth.), and Apple Wines from Ecuador

Seventy wines were produced in Ecuador under different processing conditions with local fruits: Andean blackberries (Rubus glaucus Benth.) and blueberries (Vaccinium floribundum Kunth.) and Golden Reinette apples. Wines were evaluated for antioxidant activity (AA) using the radical scavenging capacity (DPPH) method, total phenolic content (TPC) using the Folin–Ciocalteu method, total monomeric anthocyanins (TMAs) using the pH differential test, and color parameters using VIS‐spectrophotometry. For blackberry wines, ellagitannins and anthocyanins were also analyzed using high‐performance liquid chromatography with diode‐array detection (HPLC‐DAD). Apples wines (n = 40) had the lowest TPC (608 ± 86 mg/L) and AA (2.1 ± 0.3 mM Trolox). Blueberry wines (n = 12) had high TPC (1086 ± 194 mg/L) and moderate AA (5.4 ± 0.8 mM) but very low TMA (8 ± 3 mg/L), with a color evolved toward yellow and blue shades. Blackberry wines (n = 10) had the highest TPC (1265 ± 91 mg/L) and AA (12 ± 1 mM). Ellagitannins were the major phenolics (1172 ± 115 mg/L) and correlated well with AA (r = 0.88). Within anthocyanins (TMA 73 ± 16 mg/L), cyanidin‐3‐rutinoside (62%) and cyanidin‐3‐glucoside (15%) were predominant. Wines obtained by cofermentation of apples and blackberries (n = 8) showed intermediate characteristics (TPC 999 ± 83 mg/L, AA 6.2 ± 0.7 mM, TMA 35 ± 22 mg/L) between the blackberry and blueberry wines. The results suggest that the Andean berries, particularly R. glaucus, are suitable raw materials to produce wines with an in vitro antioxidant capacity that is comparable to red grape wines.     

A comparative study on phenolic profiles and antioxidant activities of legumes as affected by extraction solvents

ABSTRACT:  The objective of this study was to investigate how 6 commonly used solvent systems affected the yields of phenolic substances and the antioxidant capacity of extracts from 8 major classes of food legumes. Several antioxidant-related phytochemical compositions, namely, total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoids content (TFC), and condensed tannins content (CTC), were investigated. In addition, antioxidant activities were tested using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging, ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), and the oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC). The results showed that the 50% acetone extracts exhibited the highest TPC for yellow pea, green pea, chickpea, and yellow soybean. Acidic 70% acetone (+0.5% acetic acid) extracts exhibited the highest TPC, TFC, and FRAP values for black bean, lentil, black soybean, and red kidney bean. The 80% acetone extracts exhibited the highest TFC, CTC, and DPPH-free radical scavenging activity for yellow pea, green pea, chickpea, and yellow soybean. The 70% ethanol extracts exhibited the greatest ORAC value for all selected legumes. These results indicated that solvents with different polarity had significant effects on total phenolic contents, extracted components, and antioxidant activities. High correlations between phenolic compositions and antioxidant activities of legume extracts were observed. The information is of interest to the nutraceutical food/ingredient industries since legumes are a rich source of antioxidants.     

Total phenolic compounds,radical scavenging and metal chelation of extracts from Icelandic seaweeds

Screening of potential antioxidant activities of water and 70% acetone extracts from ten species of Icelandic seaweeds was performed using three antioxidant assays. Significant differences were observed both in total phenolic contents (TPC) and antioxidant activities of extracts from the various species evaluated using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity, oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) and ferrous ion-chelating ability assays. Acetone extracts from three Fucoid species had the highest TPC and consequently exhibited the strongest radical scavenging activities. High correlation was found between TPC of seaweed extracts and their scavenging capacity against DPPH and peroxyl radicals, indicating an important role of algal polyphenols as chain-breaking antioxidants. However, water extracts generally had higher ferrous ion-chelating activity than 70% acetone extracts and no correlation was found with their TPC, suggesting that other components such as polysaccharides, proteins or peptides in the extracts were more effective chelators of ferrous ions than phenolic compounds.     

Effect of processing on the antioxidant activity of millet grains

Millets are generally dehulled and subjected to a hydrothermal treatment before consumption, thus the hulls can be used as a potential source of antioxidants. Several millet grains, namely kodo, finger (Ravi), finger (local), proso, foxtail, little and pearl millet were studied. Antioxidant activities of phenolic extracts obtained from whole grains, as well as their corresponding dehulled and cooked grains and hulls were studied for their total phenolic content (TPC), radical scavenging capacity, and antioxidant activity in a β-carotene/linoleate emulsion. The phenolics present in whole grains were identified and quantified using HPLC and HPLC/MS and results were expressed as total for each of the phenolic groups. The TPC ranged from 2 to 112 μmol ferulic acid equivalents/g defatted meal. All varieties exhibited effective inhibition of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), hydroxyl, peroxyl and superoxide radicals. Dehulling and cooking affected the TPC and radical scavenging and antioxidant activities of the grains, depending on the variety. In general, the antioxidant activity of phenolic extracts was in the order of hull > whole grain > dehulled grain > cooked dehulled grain With the exception of the two finger millet varieties, hulls of other millet grains had high TPC, thus demonstrating their superior antioxidant activity. Hydroxybenzoic acids, hydroxycinnamic acids and flavonoids in whole grains were identified as contributors to the observed effects. Therefore, dehulling of grain and hydrothermal treatments affect the phenolic content and antioxidant potential of millet grains.     

In vitro fermentability and antioxidant capacity of the indigestible fraction of cooked black beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), lentils (Lens culinaris L.) and chickpeas (Cicer arietinum L.)

BACKGROUND: Pulses represent an important source of protein, as well as digestible and indigestible carbohydrates. Little information is available on the indigestible carbohydrates and antioxidant capacity of legume seeds. The cooked seeds of three pulses (black bean, chickpea and lentil) were evaluated for their indigestible fraction (IF), polyphenols content, antioxidant capacity and in vitro fermentability, including short‐chain fatty acid production. RESULTS: The insoluble indigestible fraction (IIF) was higher than the soluble counterpart (soluble indigestible fraction, SIF). The SIF value was highest in black beans, while no difference was observed between chickpeas and lentils. Black beans and lentils had higher polyphenols content than chickpeas. The IF of black beans exhibited the lowest and chickpeas the highest associated polyphenols content. Condensed tannins were retained to some extent in the IF that exhibited significant antioxidant capacity. The total IF of the three pulses produced short chain fatty acids (SCFA) after 24 h of in vitro fermentation by human colonic microflora. IF from black bean and lentil were best substrates for the fermentative production of butyric acid. CONCLUSIONS: It is concluded that the IF of pulses might be an important source of bioactive compounds. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry     

Effects of thermosonication and orange by‐products extracts on quality attributes of carrot (Daucus carota) juice during storage

Effect of thermosonication on carrot juice containing peel (CJPL) and pulp (CJPP) extracts from orange at different concentration (0.5, 2.0 and 4.0 mg GAE per g extracts) of total phenolic contents (TPC) was evaluated for quality attributes. Thermosonication of juice was done at 52 °C, 6 min for CJPL and 60 °C, 5 min for CJPP (values based on our preliminary optimisation results of ultrasound process conditions of the juice) at 40 kHz and 110W. Effect of thermosonication and addition of peel and pulp extracts at highest concentration increased the TPC and antioxidant activity of the juice (P < 0.05). Highest inactivation of microorganisms and better sensory attributes was achieved in thermosonicated CJPP for 21 days. Titratable acidity, pH, browning index and viscosity were improved by thermosonication and at highest extract concentration. °Brix and total carotenoid were not significantly affected by treatments. Therefore, thermosonication at 60 °C and 4.0 mg GAE per g extract concentration of peel and pulp may be used in formulation of functional carrot juice with improved health properties.     

Development and characterisation of functional cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.)-based edible films

The aim of this study was to develop functional edible films containing cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.) powder extract using alginate, pectin and chitosan in combination with proteins (whey protein isolate, soya and hemp protein). The films were examined for their physico-chemical (dry matter content, colour, thickness), mechanical (elongation at break (EAB)), bioactive (the content of total polyphenols (TPC), flavan-3-ols (F3olC), antioxidant capacity (AC)) and sensory properties. The plain alginate film exhibited the highest EAB (29.1%). The highest TPC and F3olC were determined in plain alginate (29 mg GAE/g and 2.75 mg (+)-catechin/g) and pectin (29 mg GAE/g and 2.25 mg (+)-catechin/g) films. The addition of proteins resulted in prolonged release of polyphenols and enhanced functional properties; however, the formation of protein–polyphenol complexes caused slight alterations in the bioactive composition of the films. The obtained results indicate a high potential of the developed films as functional, biodegradable form of active food packaging.     

Application of ultrafiltration in the study of phenolic isolates and melanoidins from pale and black brewers' spent grain

Two types of brewers' spent grain (BSG), pale and black, were studied employing ultrafiltration (UF cut‐off, 10 kDa) to obtain high‐molecular‐weight (HMW) and low‐molecular‐weight (LMW) phenolic fractions from one pale (P2) and one black (B2) BSG extracts. Of the four UF fractions obtained, the HMW B2 fraction had highest level of polyphenols (5.73 ± 0.25 mg GAE g^?1 BSG dw) and protein (18.82 ± 0.41 mg protein g^?1 BSG dw). Metal‐chelating ability and antioxidative properties were also identified. Antioxidant activity evaluated using the DPPH and FRAP assays, indicated that activity in B2 extracts was associated mainly with the HMW fraction (3.10 ± 0.10 and 2.49 ± 0.09 TE g^?1 BSG dw, respectively), whereas in P2 samples, antioxidant activity was highest in LMW fractions (0.58 ± 0.01 and 0.92 ± 0.03 TE g^?1 BSG dw, respectively). The high antioxidant activity and metal‐chelating ability observed for black BSG extracts may be attributed to the presence of coloured melanoidinic structures.     

Evaluation of antioxidant activity of olive leaf extract obtained by ultrasound-assisted extraction and their antimicrobial activity against bacterial pathogens from food

The aim of the present study was to evaluate and compare the phenolic content and antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of olive leaf extracts obtained by ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) and conventional extraction (CSE). UAE of olive leaf extracts yielded a higher total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC) of 14.31% and 19.50%, respectively. Higher antioxidant activities were found from the extracts prepared with UAE (for 18.5%, 12.5%, 10.9% and 17.6% higher determined by DPPH, ABTS, FRAP and CUPRAC methods, respectively). Good antibacterial inhibitory activity (as MIC and MBC) was observed against both Y. enterocolitica and S. aureus (1.40 ± 0.40 mg mL⁻¹ and 4.00 ± 1.60 mg mL⁻¹, respectively) with the extract prepared with UAE. In conclusion, olive leaf extracts prepared with UAE exhibited higher antioxidant and antimicrobial activities against common food-borne pathogens than CSE extracts and thus could be beneficial in ensuring food quality and food safety.     

Analysis of Phenolic Composition of Noble Muscadine (Vitis rotundifolia) by HPLC‐MS and the Relationship to Its Antioxidant Capacity

Abstract: Phenolic compounds and anthocyanins in muscadines have attracted much attention due to their diverse biological activities. With bioassays of antioxidant activities in terms of total phenolic content (TPC), total anthocyanin content (TAC), total procyanidin content (TPA), oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC), and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) of different parts of the Noble muscadine, the butanol (BuOH) extract of the muscadine skin showed the highest TPC (317.91 ± 1.83 mg GAE/100 g FW), which might be ascribed to its high TAC of 227.06 ± 1.29 mg/100 g fresh weight (FW). The ethyl acetate (EtOAc) extract of the muscadine seed contained the highest TPA (55.30 ± 0.63 mg CE/100 g FW). Correlation analyses demonstrated a significant linear relationship of TPC and TAC compared to their ORAC and FRAP values within the range of R² from 0.9283 to 0.9936, which suggested that phenolics and anthocyanins in the extracts contributed significantly to their antioxidant potential. Nineteen individual phenolics and 5 anthocyanins were identified by HPLC‐MS, which indicated different chemical profiles of anthocyanins and other phenolics in the muscadine extracts. Practical Application: The paper has provided rich information of bioactive phytochemical profiles in different solvent extracts and their correlation with the antioxidant activity in the muscadine that is a very special regional fruit in U.S. Its high content of phenolic compounds demonstrates that muscadine could be beneficial to human health.     

Comparative assessment of two extraction procedures for determination of bioactive compounds in some berries used for daily food consumption

Two extractions with methanol and water were used to determine the antioxidant and binding properties of some berries as a supplement to food. Fluorometry, FTIR spectra and radical scavenging assays were used for characterisation of bioactive compounds (polyphenols, flavonoids, flavanols and tannins) and the levels of their antioxidant activities (AAs). The contents of bioactive compounds and AAs in water and methanol polyphenol extracts in gooseberries, blueberries and cranberries differed, but not always significantly. Water extracts of gooseberries showed the lowest amounts of polyphenols (mg GAE g^?1), 6.24 ± 0.6, and flavonoids (mg CE g^?1), 0.29 ± 0.01, and AAs (μMTE g^?1) determined by DPPH, FRAP, ABTS and CUPRAC assays such as 6.05 ± 0.6, 8.07 ± 0.9, 18.70 ± 1.8 and 13.44 ± 1.2, respectively, in comparison with blueberries and cranberries. Polyphenol content highly correlated with antioxidant activity (R² from 0.94 to 0.81). The quenching properties of berries were studied by the interaction of water and methanol polyphenol extracts with HSA by 3D fluorescence. In conclusion, the bioactivity of gooseberries was lower than in blueberries and cranberries. Gooseberries can be used as a new source for food consumption and supplementation based on their antioxidant and binding properties. 3D fluorescence spectroscopy and FTIR spectroscopy can be applied as additional analytical tools for rapid estimation of the quality of different food products.