Antioxidant potency of cumin varieties—cumin, black cumin and bitter cumin—on antioxidant systems

Cumin is one of the commonly used spices in food preparations. It is also used in traditional medicine as a stimulant, a carminative and an astringent. In this study, we characterized the antioxidant activity of three commercially available cumin varieties, viz., cumin (Cuminum cyminum), black cumin (Nigella sativa) and bitter cumin (C. nigrum). The antioxidant capacity of cumin varieties was tested on Fe²⁺ ascorbate induced rat liver microsomal lipid peroxidation, soybean lipoxygenase dependent lipid peroxidation and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging methods. The total phenolic content of methanolic extracts of cumin varieties ranged from 4.1 to 53.6 mg g^–1 dry weight. Methanolic extracts of all the three varieties of cumin showed higher antioxidant activity compared with that of the aqueous extract. Among the cumin varieties, bitter cumin showed the highest antioxidant activity followed by cumin and black cumin in different antioxidant systems. IC₅₀ values of the methanolic extract of bitter cumin were found to be 0.32, 0.1 and 0.07 mg dry weight of cumin seeds on the lipoxygenase dependent lipid peroxidation system, the DPPH radical scavenging system and the rat liver microsomal lipid peroxidation system, respectively. The data also show that cumin is a potent antioxidant capable of scavenging hydroxy, peroxy and DPPH free radicals and thus inhibits radical-mediated lipid peroxidation. The high antioxidant activity of bitter cumin can be correlated to the high phenolic content among the three cumin varieties. Thus, bitter cumin with a high phenolic content and good antioxidant activity can be supplemented for both nutritional purposes and preservation of foods.     

不同米色小米多酚提取物的体外抗氧化活性

以晋谷21、黑小米、绿小米、白小米、黄金米和沁州黄6种不同米色小米为原料,用乙醇法浸提得到小米多酚提取物。采用磷钼络合法以及对DPPH自由基、ABTS自由基、羟自由基、超氧阴离子的清除性探讨其多酚提取物的抗氧化性。结果表明:6种不同米色小米多酚提取物在5种抗氧化试验中均具有较好的效果,其中晋谷21与其他5种小米相比抗氧化性最强,黄金米和白小米的最弱。6种米色小米多酚提取物对ABTS的清除效果最好。不同米色小米多酚提取物的含量及5种抗氧化试验结果与小米颜色特征值(红值a*、黄值b*、总色差E和亮值L*)均无显著相关性,表明米色与小米中多酚的含量及其抗氧化活性关系不大。多酚总量与5种抗氧化方法测定的结果均具有显著相关性,所以,总酚含量越多其小米的抗氧化性越好。     

In vitro evaluation of the antioxidant activities in fruit extracts from citron and blood orange

Consumers are increasingly aware of diet related health problems and therefore demanding natural ingredients which are expected to be safe and health-promoting. Recently, number of studies on health benefits associated with citrus phytochemicals have been demonstrated. In the present study, an attempt has been made to isolate antioxidant fractions from two different citrus species such as Citron (Citrus medica) and blood orange (C. sinensis). Antioxidant fractions were extracted from mature, ripe fruits using five different solvents using a Soxhlet extractor. The total phenolic content of the extracts was determined by Folin–Ciocalteu method. MeOH:water (80:20) extract of citron and acetone extract of blood orange was found to contain maximum phenolics. The dried fractions were screened for their antioxidant activity potential using in vitro model systems such as 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH), phosphomolybdenum method and as well as by the nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT) reduction test at different concentrations. The MeOH:water (80:20) fraction of citron showed highest radical scavenging activity 42.5%, 77.8% and 92.1% at 250, 500 and 1000 ppm, respectively, while MeOH:water (80:20) fraction of blood orange showed lowest DPPH radical scavenging activity at all the tested concentrations. Furthermore, all the fractions showed remarkable antioxidant capacity by the formation of phosphomolybdenum complex. In addition, superoxide radical scavenging activity was assayed using non-enzymatic (NADH/phenaxine methosulfate) superoxide generating system. All the extracts showed variable radical scavenging activity. The data obtained in the in vitro models clearly establish the antioxidant potency of citrus fruit extracts. However, comprehensive studies need to be conducted to ascertain the in vivo safety of such extracts in experimental animal models. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on antioxidant activity of citron and blood orange varieties of citrus fruits.     

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.     

Antioxidant activity in different parts of roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) extracts and potential exploitation of the seeds

The calyx of the roselle plant has long been recognised as a source of antioxidants. The objective of this study was to evaluate antioxidant activity, free radical-scavenging and total phenolic content in other parts of the roselle plant. Roselle seed extracts were found to have the highest antioxidant activity and strongest radical-scavenging activity of all plants tested. Methanol extracts showed a positive correlation between phenolic content and antioxidant activity, as measured by β-carotene bleaching assay and DPPH radical-scavenging activity. The antioxidant efficacy of roselle seeds in a whole food system was investigated by testing the effect on lipid oxidation in cooked beef patties stored at 4 °C for 14 days. Results showed that patties treated with roselle seeds had reduced lipid oxidation compared to patties treated with BHT. This study suggests that roselle seeds have the potential to be used as food antioxidants.     

A study of antioxidant properties of some varieties of grapes (Vitis vinifera L.)

Grapes (Vitis vinifera L.) are a major fruit crop in the world. Grapes seem to confer health benefits due to their antioxidant activity. We have evaluated the antioxidant potential of 11 grapes varieties from India and nearby Asian countries. The assays employed involve different levels of antioxidant action like ferric reducing antioxidant power, radical scavenging by 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl, ferrylmyoglobin/2,2'-azobis-3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid, oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC), and inhibition of lipid peroxidation. The total phenolic and flavonoids contents were also estimated. Our study indicates that cv. Mango is the most potent followed by Sharad Seedless. Ethanolic extracts were found to be more effective than aqueous extracts. Cv. Sharad Seedless, Mango, and Manikchaman also had high ORAC values. Their HPLC analysis showed the presence of various antioxidant polyphenols. In conclusion our studies identified some varieties of grapes with high antioxidant activities and showed that their high antioxidant potential may be due to their phenolic and flavonoid contents.     

不同蕨菜制品醇提物体外抗氧化及降血糖活性研究

目的:比较研究不同蕨菜制品醇提取物的体外抗氧化和降血糖活性。方法:分别采用Folin-Ciocalteu法、NaNO₂ -Al（NO₃）₃法测定总酚和总黄酮含量;通过DPPH法、ABTS法、普鲁士蓝法、α-葡萄糖苷酶和α-淀粉酶的抑制活性评价体外抗氧化、降血糖活性;Pearson法分析成分含量与活性的相关性。结果:不同蕨菜醇提物的总酚和总黄酮含量、抗氧化活性、α-葡萄糖苷酶和α-淀粉酶抑制活性差异显著。其中鲜品醇提取物的总酚、总黄酮含量最高,分别可达（593±3.45）mg GA/g、（156.75±1.28）mg RT/g,且鲜品醇提取物铁离子还原能力、ABTS自由基清除能力、DPPH自由基清除能力最强;湿品醇提取物对α-葡萄糖苷酶、α-淀粉酶的抑制作用最强。不同蕨菜醇提取物总酚、总黄酮的含量与其抗氧化活性均呈极显著正相关关系（P<0.01）,与降血糖活性均呈显著正相关关系（P<0.05）。结论:蕨菜鲜品抗氧化活性较强,湿品降血糖活性较强,可能活性成分为多酚类和黄酮类成分。     

Bioactive compounds and antioxidant potential of mango peel extract

Bioactive compounds such as polyphenols, carotenoids and anthocyanins present in fruits and vegetables are receiving increased attention because of their potential antioxidant activity. Consumption of such antioxidants offers health benefits including protection against cardiovascular diseases and cancer. Mango peel is a major byproduct obtained during the processing of mango products such as mango pulp and amchur. In the present study, the antioxidant activity of mango peel extracts was examined. Polyphenol, anthocyanin and carotenoid contents in acetone extract of peels were determined. Ripe peels contained higher amount of anthocyanins and carotenoids compared to raw peels while raw mango peel had high polyphenol content. Antioxidant activity of ripe and raw mango peels extracted in acetone was determined using different antioxidant systems such as reducing power activity, DPPH free radical scavenging activity, iron induced lipid peroxidation of liver microsomes and soybean lipoxygenase inhibition. The IC₅₀ values were found to be in the range of 1.39–5.24 μg of gallic acid equivalents. Thus, the mango peel extract exhibited good antioxidant activity in different systems and thus may be used in nutraceutical and functional foods.     

红豆越橘不同溶剂萃取物组成及抗氧化相关性

以矮丛红豆越橘为研究对象,用体积分数95%乙醇提取后,分别用石油醚、乙酸乙酯、正丁醇进行萃取,评价乙醇粗提取物和不同溶剂萃取物中总酚、总黄酮、总花色苷、齐墩果酸含量及体外抗氧化能力(1,1-二苯基-2-三硝基苯肼(1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl,DPPH)自由基、2,2’-联氮双(3-乙基苯并噻唑啉-6-磺酸)二铵盐自由基(2,2’-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulphonate),ABTS~+·)清除能力)。红豆越橘粗提取物及不同溶剂萃取物均具有一定的抗氧化活性,其中乙酸乙酯、正丁醇萃取物的抗氧化活性较强,乙酸乙酯萃取物具有最好的DPPH自由基清除能力(半抑制浓度(50%inhibitory concentration,IC_(50))为0.27 mg/m L)与ABTS+·清除能力(IC_(50)为0.05 mg/m L)。不同溶剂萃取物的抗氧化活性与总黄酮和总酚的含量具有较强的相关性。     

五种常用香料的抗氧化活性研究

用四种不同极性溶剂提取五种常用植物香料,并用福林-酚法检测提取物总酚含量,用二苯代苦味酰基自由基(1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydazyl,DPPH·)法检测提取物自由基清除活性,铁离子还原法检测提取物总还原力,硫代巴比妥酸(TBA)法检测提取物抑制Fe2+-半胱氨酸引发的大鼠肝微粒体脂质过氧化作用。结果表明:丁香石油醚提取物、甲醇提取物、水提取物和肉桂甲醇提取物的总酚含量较高,其抗氧化活性与常用抗氧化剂--2,6-二叔丁基-4-甲基苯酚(BHT)作用相当。总体而言,高极性溶剂提取物的总酚含量比低极性溶剂提取物的总酚含量高,抗氧化活性也比低极性溶剂提取物的强。     

Phenolic profile and antioxidant activities of olive mill wastewater

Olive trees play an important role in the Moroccan agro-economy, providing both employment and export revenue. However, the olive oil industry generates large amounts of wastes and wastewaters. The disposal of these polluting by-products is a significant environmental problem that needs an adequate solution. On one hand, the phytotoxic and antimicrobial effects of olive mill wastewaters are mainly due to their phenolic content. The hydrophilic character of the polyphenols results in the major proportion of natural phenols being separated into the water phase during the olive processing. On other hand, the health benefits arising from a diet containing olive oil have been attributed to its richness in phenolic compounds that act as natural antioxidants and are thought to contribute to the prevention of heart diseases and cancers. Olive mill wastewater (OMW) samples have been analysed in terms of their phenolic constituents and antioxidant activities. The total phenolic content, flavonoids, flavanols, and proanthocyanidins were determined. The antioxidant and radical scavenging activity of phenolic extracts and microfiltred samples was evaluated using different tests (iron(II) chelating activity, total antioxidant capacity, DPPH assays and lipid peroxidation test). The obtained results reveal the considerable antioxidant capacity of the OMW, that can be considered as an inexpensive potential source of high added value powerful natural antioxidants comparable to some synthetic antioxidants commonly used in the food industry.     

Determination of in vitro antioxidant activity of fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) seed extracts

In this study, the antioxidant activity of water and ethanol extracts of fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) seed (FS) was evaluated by various antioxidant assay, including total antioxidant, free radical scavenging, superoxide anion radical scavenging, hydrogen peroxide scavenging, metal chelating activities and reducing power. Those various antioxidant activities were compared to standard antioxidants such as butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), and α-tocopherol. The water and ethanol extracts of FS seeds showed strong antioxidant activity. 100 μg of water and ethanol extracts exhibited 99.1% and 77.5% inhibition of peroxidation in linoleic acid system, respectively, and greater than the same dose of α-tocopherol (36.1%). The both extracts of FS have effective reducing power, free radical scavenging, superoxide anion radical scavenging, hydrogen peroxide scavenging, and metal chelating activities. This antioxidant property depends on concentration and increasing with increased amount of sample. In addition, total phenolic compounds in the water and ethanol extracts of fennel seeds were determined as gallic acid equivalents. The results obtained in the present study indicated that the fennel (F. vulgare) seed is a potential source of natural antioxidant. Although, the tests presented here show the usefulness of FS extracts as in vitro antioxidants it still needs to be that this extracts show their activity in emulsions, biological systems, health implications or dry foods.     

Total phenolic content and antioxidant capacity of extracts obtained from six important fruit residues

The extracts from kinnow peel, kinnow seeds, litchi pericarp, litchi seeds, grape seeds, and banana peel were screened for total phenolic content (TPC), trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC), 1,1 diphenyl-2-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity, as well as reducing power. Kinnow peel extract exhibited the highest reducing power, TEAC, and DPPH free radical scavenging activity, whereas, the phenolic content of 37.4 mg GAE/g-dw was highest for grape seed extract. Banana peel extract with a low TPC showed the lowest reducing power, TEAC as well as DPPH free radical scavenging activity among the fruit residue extracts examined in the present study. Correlation analysis between the reducing power and DPPH radical scavenging ability; reducing power and ABTS radical scavenging activity; and ABTS and DPPH radical scavenging abilities showed a high degree of correlation (r² = 0.85-0.91). However, r² of 0.36, 0.66, and 0.49 between TPC and DPPH radical scavenging activity; TPC and reducing power; and TPC and ABTS radical scavenging ability, respectively, indicated that some non-phenolic compounds also contributed to the total antioxidant activity in fruit residue extracts examined in this study. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first paper presenting comprehensive data on TPC, reducing power, and antioxidant activity for the six fruit residues. This study demonstrated that kinnow peel, litchi pericarp, litchi seeds, and grape seeds, can serve as potential sources of antioxidants for use in food and pharmaceutical industry.     

Enzyme-enhanced extraction of antioxidant ingredients from red algae Palmaria palmata

The effect of various protease and carbohydrase treatments on the extraction of polyphenols and other antioxidant ingredients from the red algae Palmaria palmata (dulse) was investigated. In addition, the relative contribution of different fractions to the overall antioxidant capacity of the hydrolysate was evaluated. Considerable differences were observed both in total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant activities of the hydrolysates evaluated using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity, oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) and ferrous ion-chelating ability assays. All the proteases tested had significant enhancing effect on the extraction of polyphenols and other active components compared to carbohydrases and cold water extraction (control). The Umamizyme extract had the highest TPC and consequently exhibited the strongest scavenging capacity against DPPH and peroxyl radicals. Further fractionation of the Umamizyme extract revealed that the crude polyphenol fraction possessed the highest peroxyl radical scavenging activity, whereas the crude polysaccharide fraction was more effective for chelating ferrous ions. The data from this study suggest the potential of protease treatment to improve value-added utilization of dulse extracts as antioxidants in functional foods and nutraceuticals.     

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.     

Effect of thermal processing on antioxidant properties of purple wheat bran

Antioxidant activity of purple wheat bran, heat-treated purple wheat bran, and purple wheat bran muffins was evaluated to determine the impact of thermal processing on potential health benefits. The purple wheat bran and muffin samples were analyzed for total phenolic content, anthocyanin content and free radical scavenging activity using peroxyl (oxygen radical absorbance capacity assay) and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH assay) radicals. Total phenolic content and oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) values of sample extracts were significantly affected by various extracting solvents. The conditions selected for heat treatment did not markedly change antioxidant activity of purple wheat bran. However, there was a significant reduction in total phenolic contents, ORAC values and total anthocyanins during processing of purple wheat bran- or heat-treated purple wheat bran-enriched muffins. On the contrary, muffin extracts still remained excellent in DPPH radical scavenging activity.     

Antioxidant activity of vinegar melanoidins

Melanoidins, the brown polymers formed through Maillard reaction during vinegar process, are one of major high-molecular-weight fractions of vinegar. In this study the antioxidant activity of high-molecular-weight fractions (MW > 3500 Da) separated from ethanol-supernatant extraction of concentrated Zhenjiang aromatic vinegar was evaluated by different in vitro tests: the DPPH radical scavenging activity, the reducing power, total phenolic content, and the inhibitory effect on hydroxyl radical. Each individual fraction was found to have antioxidant activity in all the model systems tested. The high-molecular-weight fractions of vinegar (MW > 3500 Da) were separated into different fractions by DEAE-Sepharose fast flow. The fractions eluted by 0.2 mol/L NaCl and 0.3 mol/L NaCl with higher phenolic content have stronger DPPH radical scavenging activity and reducing power. Antioxidant activity in hydroxyl radical system was not correlated with phenolic content. Two phases which have stronger effects on Maillard reaction products (MRPs) in production process were examined. Decoction, storing and aging may affect vinegar’s antioxidant activity. The present results support the concept that melanoidins formed during vinegar production process may have health promotion activity.     

Walnuts and almonds as model systems of foods constituted by oxidisable,pro-oxidant and antioxidant factors

Walnuts and almonds were selected as complex model systems in order to study possible interactions among oxidisable substances, pro-oxidant species and antioxidants. Lipoxygenase activities in a direct-micelle system were determined for these nuts according their globulin contents in their soluble protein fraction. Walnut lipoxygenase activity was 1.5 times higher than that of almonds. Among antioxidant compounds, hydrophilic contents were analysed in these nuts, hence, extractable, hydrolysable and condensed phenolic compound fractions were determined as well as lipophilic phenolic concentration corresponding to tocopherol fraction. Extracts of brown skins and whole walnuts have significantly higher phenolic contents than those of almonds. Radical scavenging activities of phenolic extracts were measured. Besides, the experiments demonstrated the ability of all nut extracts to inhibit the coupled oxidation of linoleic acid with β-carotene induced by lipoxygenase. The antioxidant substances were mainly found in nut brown skins. Walnut extracts showed higher antioxidant activity than those of almonds. Lipoxygenase pro-oxidant activity was also measured in AOT reverse micelles in conditions that model these nuts.     

滁菊的功能成分及其体外抗氧化活性

为明确滁菊中抗氧化活性物质的含量及其抗氧化能力,对其进行进一步的开发利用,对滁菊（Chrysanthemum morifolium Ramat）酚类、多糖、类胡萝卜素提取物抗氧化能力及含量进行研究。结果表明：滁菊总酚和黄酮含量较高,分别为53.67 mg/g和70.32 mg/g,高于大洋菊等菊花;多糖和类胡萝卜素含量较低。3 种提取物中,酚类抗氧化能力最强,对1,1-二苯基-2-三硝基苯肼（1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl,DPPH）和2,2’-联氮双(3-乙基苯并噻唑啉-6-磺酸)（2,2’-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid),ABTS）阳离子自由基的清除能力分别为208.79 mmol/g和160.23 mmol/g,对Fe3＋的还原能力达到238.35 mmol/g,高于杭白菊等菊花。采用高效液相色谱法测定了滁菊酚类及类胡萝卜素单体组成,初步鉴定出滁菊含有绿原酸、儿茶素、咖啡酸、阿魏酸、金丝桃苷、槲皮素6 种单体酚,以及叶黄素和β-类胡萝卜素2 种类胡萝卜素单体。酚类物质中绿原酸含量最高,达到813.21 mg/g;金丝桃苷次之,达到408.17 mg/g;类胡萝卜素中叶黄素含量最高,为78.6 mg/g。在不考虑协同作用情况下,酚类物质中绿原酸对Fe3＋还原能力、DPPH及ABTS阳离子自由基清除能力的贡献均最大,类胡萝卜素中叶黄素对DPPH自由基的清除能力贡献最大。     

Antioxidant activity of the roots of Decalepis hamiltonii (Wight & Arn.)

Tuberous roots of Decalepis hamiltonii (Dh) are consumed in southern India as pickles and beverage for their health benefits. The antioxidant potential of the roots was measured using various in vitro assays. Among the extracts, the methanolic and aqueous extracts showed high antioxidant activity measured as scavenging of DPPH, superoxide and hydroxyl radicals. Both the aqueous and methanolic extracts inhibited microsomal lipid peroxidation and exhibited strong reducing power and metal chelating activity. The antioxidant activity did not correlate with the phenolic content of the extracts. These results demonstrate the antioxidant potency of the root extracts which could be the basis for its alleged health promoting potential of Dh. The roots of Dh could serve as a new source of natural antioxidants or nutraceuticals with potential applications to reducing the level of oxidative stress and related health benefits.