Characteristics of the leaf parts of some traditional Korean salad plants used for food

BACKGROUND: Total phenolics content, antioxidant activity and cytotoxicity of the methanol extracts from leaf parts of 13 Korean traditional salad plants were investigated in order to determine their properties. RESULTS: The highest phenolics content (mg ferulic acid equivalents kg^?1 dry weight (d.w.), omit one) was found in methanol extracts from Polygonum aviculare, at 293.7 ± 6.0, followed by Euonymus alatus, at 250.7 ± 3.3, Saxifraga stolonifera, at 125.0 ± 8.1 and Ligularia fischeri, at 122.5 ± 5.9. The methanol plant extracts dose‐dependently increased free radical scavenging activity. Methanol extracts of Polygonum aviculare, Euonymus alatus and Saxifraga stolonifera, at 31 mg kg^?1, exhibited the highest 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity (%) by 90.8 ± 4.2, 85.7 ± 3.9 and 64.1 ± 3.2, respectively. According to 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, the methanol extracts from Portulaca oleracea (IC₅₀ < 25.0 µg mL^?1) showed the highest cytotoxicity against Calu‐6, followed by Plantago asiatica (49.2 µg mL^?1) and Osmunda japonica (89.6 µg mL^?1). CONCLUSION: Total phenolics content of the tested plant extracts was correlated with the DPPH radical scavenging activity, suggesting the phenolics compounds are contributing to the antioxidant properties of Korean salad plants. The leaf parts of the 13 Korean traditional salad plants described here that are currently used as foods may also provide some benefit to human health, and research into their potential benefits as preventative and/or therapeutic agents is warranted. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry     

Screening of medium composition for the free radical‐scavenging properties by Antrodia cinnamomea

The effects of nutritional conditions on the scavenging capacity on superoxide anion radical and 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical of ethanolic extracts from filtrates of Antrodia cinnamomea were investigated in shake‐flask cultures. Culture medium significantly affected inhibition of superoxide anion generation and DPPH free radical scavenging activity. In contrast, both scavenging capabilities on superoxide anion radical and DPPH free radical were found to be greatly affected by varying the carbon source, the nitrogen source, the growth factors or the trace elements. The maximal inhibition of superoxide anion generation could be obtained when the culture medium compositions were: xylose, ammonium oxalate, nicotinic acid, NaH₂PO₄ and CuSO₄; while a maximal DPPH free radical scavenging activity could be achieved when the medium composition setting as: fructose, peptone, nicotinic acid, KH₂PO₄ and CaCl₂ (the scavenging effects on superoxide anion radical and DPPH free radical were increased to 96.3 ± 0.3% and 29.0 ± 1.0%, respectively). We proved that controlling the culturing conditions and modifying the composition of the medium can dramatically enhance the scavenging ability on superoxide anion radical and DPPH free radical of A. cinnamomea.     

Effects of Various Heat Treatments on Phenolic Profiles and Antioxidant Activities of Pleurotus eryngii Extracts

Free (FP) and bound phenolics (BP) were extracted from freeze dried (FD), oven dried (OD), as well as boiling treated (BT) Pleurotus eryngii samples. Free, bound, total phenolics were quantified using Folin–Ciocalteau assay. Qualitative and quantitative analysis of phenolic compounds were carried out using high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) coupled with diode array detector (DAD), and a total of 8 phenolic compounds were detected. Free phenolic contents followed the order: Freeze‐dried free phenolics (FDFP) > Oven‐dried free phenolics (ODFP) > Boiling‐treated free phenolics (BTFP), and ranged from 95.42 (BTFP) to 442.50 (ODPF) μg gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/g dry weight (DW). Bound and total phenolic contents followed the order: FD > OD > BT, and ranged from 218.33 (BTBP) to 774.17 (FDBP) and 313.75 (BT total phenolics) to 1090.42 (FD total phenolics) μg GAE/g DW. Bound phenolics contributed 49.76% (OD), 69.59% (BT), and 71% (FD) of the total phenolic contents. All free and bound phenolic extracts were investigated for their antioxidant activities by 3 different assays, 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity, reducing power, and superoxide anion radical scavenging activity. FDFP showed strongest DPPH radical scavenging activity (IC₅₀ at 32.61 μg/mL), ODFP showed strongest reducing power (IC₅₀ at 26.31 μg/mL), and BTBP showed strongest superoxide anion radical scavenging activity (IC₅₀ at 14.07 μg/mL).     

Chemical composition, angiotensin-converting enzyme-inhibitory activity and antioxidant activities of few-flower wild rice (Zizania latifolia Turcz.)

BACKGROUND: The chemical compositions of the stem and leaf sheath of few‐flower wild rice were analysed. In addition, their extracts were evaluated for diphenylpicrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical‐scavenging activity, ferric‐reducing antioxidant power and angiotensin‐converting enzyme (ACE)‐inhibitory activity, since these are important properties of sources of nutraceuticals or functional foods. RESULTS: The stems contained more ascorbic acid (0.06 g kg^?1 fresh weight), protein (28.18 g kg^?1 dry weight (DW)), reducing sugars (308.54 g kg^?1 DW), water‐soluble pectin (20.63 g kg^?1 DW), Na₂CO₃‐soluble pectin (44.14 g kg^?1 DW), K (8 g kg^?1 dry matter (DM), S (6 g kg^?1 DM) and P (5 g kg^?1 DM) but less starch, total dietary fibre, Si, Na and Ca than the leaf sheaths. The DPPH free radical‐scavenging IC₅₀ values of the stem and leaf sheath extracts were 19.28 and 21.22 mg mL^?1 respectively. In addition, the ACE‐inhibitory IC₅₀ value of the stem extracts was 38.54 mg mL^?1. CONCLUSION: Both the stem and leaf sheath extracts exhibited good antioxidant properties, while good ACE‐inhibitory activity was detected only in the phosphate buffer solution extracts of the stem. Few‐flower wild rice could be processed into formula feeds for fish, poultry, etc. or functional foods for persons with high blood pressure. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry     

Characterisation of the phenolic and flavonoid fractions and antioxidant power of Italian honeys of different botanical origin

BACKGROUND: Twenty‐seven Italian honey samples of different floral origin were analysed for total phenolic and flavonoid contents by a spectrophotometric method and for antioxidant power and radical‐scavenging activity by the ferric‐reducing/antioxidant power (FRAP) and 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assays respectively. In addition, the phenolic and flavonoid profiles were analysed using high‐performance liquid chromatography with UV detection (HPLC‐UV). RESULTS: The results of this study showed that honey contains copious amounts of phenolics and flavonoids. HPLC‐UV analysis showed a similar qualitative polyphenolic profile for all honey samples analysed. The main difference among samples was in the contribution of individual analytes, which was affected by floral origin. Total phenolic and flavonoid contents varied from 60.50 to 276.04 mg gallic acid equivalent kg^?1 and from 41.88 to 211.68 mg quercetin equivalent kg^?1 respectively. The antioxidant capacity was high and differed widely among samples. The FRAP value varied from 1.265 to 4.396 mmol Fe²⁺ kg^?1, while the radical‐scavenging activity expressed as DPPH‐IC₅₀ varied from 7.08 to 64.09 mg mL^?1. Correlations between the parameters analysed were found to be statistically significant (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The present study shows that honey contains high levels of phenolics and flavonoids and that the distribution of these compounds is influenced by the honey's floral origin. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry     

Chemical composition and antioxidant and radical‐scavenging activities of Periploca laevigata root bark extracts

BACKGROUND: The root powder of Periploca laevigata is used for preparing soft drinks and as an aromatic in Tunisia. The infusion or decoction of its root bark has widespread use in folk medicine. The plant is used to treat digestive disorders and hypertensive effects as well as other health problems. RESULTS: The antioxidant activities of extracts of P. laevigata root bark obtained with solvents of different polarity were investigated using assays of 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl radical‐scavenging activity, ferric‐reducing capacity, β‐carotene‐bleaching ability, hydroxyl radical‐scavenging activity and lipid peroxidation inhibition. The methanol extract, with the highest amount of total phenolics and flavonoids, showed the highest antioxidant activities in all assays, followed by the water extract. Gas chromatography/mass spectrometry was used to determine the composition of the water and methanol extracts. Thirty‐four compounds were identified in the methanol extract, with proflavine (516.2 g kg^?1 dry matter (DM)) and 4‐methoxysalicylaldehyde (198.3 g kg^?1 DM) being the most abundant. Sixteen compounds were identified in the water extract, of which 4‐hydroxy‐3‐methoxyphenethylene glycol (351.2 g kg^?1 DM) was the main component. CONCLUSION: As far as is known, this is the first report on the chemical composition and biological activities of phenolic extracts from P. laevigata. The results of the study indicate that the root bark of this plant might be a good candidate for further investigation in developing new antioxidants. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry     

Composition and radical‐scavenging activity of Thymus glabrescens Willd. (Lamiaceae) essential oil

BACKGROUND: Knowledge about the chemical and therapeutic properties of Thymus glabrescens Willd. (Lamiaceae) is scarce and inconsistent. Therefore the main objectives of this study were to determine the yield and chemical composition of essential oils from wild‐growing T. glabrescens populations, to assess their radical scavenging activity and to correlate the results with published data in order to deduce which components are responsible for the activity. RESULTS: The plant material yielded between 4.0 and 8.0 mL kg^?1 of essential oil. All samples contained considerable but variable concentrations of thymol (22.3–55.1%), depending on the source. Radical‐scavenging activities of the oils were estimated by 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl free radical (DPPH) assay against butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) and thymol as positive controls. The observed activities (IC₅₀ values ranged from 94 to 230 µg mL^?1) were strongly influenced by thymol concentration, as verified by rapid screening for DPPH radical‐scavenging activity on thin layer chromatography (TLC) plates and regression analysis. CONCLUSION: These results represent the first report on the free radical‐scavenging activity of T. glabrescens essential oil and one of the first comprehensive reports on its composition. Thymus glabrescens could be used in the food industry for seasoning purposes or for preserving processed foods from oxidative degradation. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry     

Antioxidant Properties of Free,Soluble Ester and Insoluble‐Bound Phenolic Compounds in Different Barley Varieties and Corresponding Malts

Ten different barley cultivars and their corresponding malts were used to obtain different fractions. Phenolics extracted belonged to free, soluble esters and insoluble‐bound fractions. Total phenolic content (TPC) of the free fraction, as measured according to the Folin‐Ciocalteu method, ranged from 37.7 to 167.2 mg gallic acid equiv/kg of dried material (GAE/kg_dw) for barley and between 34.1 and 72.3 mg GAE/kg_dw for malt. The bound phenolic content ranged from 210.3 to 320.5 and between 81.1 and 234.9 mg GAE/kg_dw for barley and malt, respectively. The contribution of bound phenolics to the TPC was significantly higher than that of free and esterified fractions. Catechin and ferulic acid, quantified by high performance liquid chromatography with diode array detector (HPLC‐DAD), were the most abundant phenolics in the free and bound fractions, respectively. The p‐coumaric acid content was lower in hulless genotypes, as compared to hulled genotypes, showing that it is mainly concentrated in the hull. The antioxidant activities of the phenolic fractions were investigated using the radical scavenging assay (DPPH) and ferricyanide reducing power. The bound phenolics demonstrated a significantly higher antioxidant capacity compared to the free and esterified phenolics. During the malting process, a significant decrease of the bound phenolics was observed with a corresponding increase of the esterified fraction.     

橄榄果实单宁的抗氧化能力研究

对橄榄果实中的总酚含量与可溶缩合单宁含量进行了测定,并利用二苯基苦基苯肼自由基(DPPH)和铁离子还原/抗氧化能力测定(FRAP)法,研究了橄榄果实中单宁的自由基清除能力及抗氧化活性。结果表明:橄榄果实中总酚含量较高[(572.35±39.72)mg/g(干重)],用正丁醇-HCl法测得缩合单宁的含量为(1.47±0.02)mg/g(干重),用DPPH法和FRAP法研究其自由基清除能力及抗氧化活性表明,橄榄果实单宁具有较高的自由基清除能力(IC_(50)为48.45μg/mL),及较强的抗氧化能力(2.955 mmol AAE/g)。     

The in vitro antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of the essential oil and various extracts of Origanum syriacum L var bevanii

The present work examines the in vitro antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of the essential oil and various extracts from the herbal parts of Origanum syriacum L var bevanii. Polar subfractions of methanol extracts from both deodorised and non‐deodorised materials showed the highest DPPH (2,2‐diphenyl‐l‐picrylhydrazyl) radical‐scavenging activity, with IC₅₀ values of 21.40 and 26.98 µg ml^?1 respectively, whereas the IC₅₀ of the essential oil was 134.00 µg ml^?1. The antioxidant potential of the extracts appeared to be closely related to the presence of polar phenolics. However, the inhibitive effect on linoleic acid oxidation might be promoted by the presence of non‐polar phenolics, as both hexane and dichloromethane extracts showed high antioxidant activities. The antimicrobial activity of the essential oil was superior to those of the other extracts. Nineteen compounds representing 962 g kg^?1 of the essential oil were identified; carvacrol (669 g kg^?1) was the main component. Overall, the results suggest that the essential oil and extracts from the herbal parts of O syriacum could be used as natural preservative ingredients in the food industry. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry     

The phenolic constituents and free radical scavenging activities of Gynura formosana Kiamnra

Gynura formosana Kiamnra (Compositae) is a herbal folk medicine that is a popular vegetable in Taiwan. The free‐radical scavenging activities of a 70% aqueous acetone extract from the herb G formosana were evaluated. Bioassay‐guided fractionation, column separation on Diaion, Toyopearl HW 40(C), Sephadex LH‐20 and MCI CHP20P, and high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) were used to isolate for the first time in G formosana four potent phenolics [caffeic acid ( I ), quercetin 3‐O‐rutinoside ( II ), kaempferol 3‐O‐rutinoside ( III ) and kaempferol 3‐O‐robinobioside ( IV )]. The IC₅₀ values of 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity for compounds I – IV were 6.7, 7.7, 300.3 and 286.7 µM , respectively, and, for superoxide radical scavenging activity, they were 187.3, 25.8, 55.3 and 87.4 µM , respectively. Using a spin trapping electron spin resonance (ESR) method, caffeic acid ( I ) and quercetin 3‐O‐rutinoside ( II ) exhibited good hydroxyl radical activity. The free radical scavenging activity of G formosana phenolics may improve the economic value of this herb and assist in its development as a health food. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry     

Antioxidant activity and dietary fibre of Prensal Blanc white grape (Vitis vinifera) by‐products

Stem and pomace of a white grape (Vitis vinifera) variety, Prensal Blanc, were studied for the first time: general composition and dietary fibre components together with the total soluble polyphenol content and antioxidant activity. Both by‐products present high contents of total dietary fibre (TDF), 790 g kg^?1 d.m. (stem) and 716 g kg^?1 d.m. (pomace). Values of the soluble dietary fibres in relation to TDF differed: 5% (stem) and 14.4% (pomace). Similar values of Klason lignin were found: 229 g kg^?1 (stem) and 278 g kg^?1 (pomace), however, the pomace exhibited more than twice the content of the condensed tannins (168 g kg^?1) with regard to the stem (79 g kg^?1). Notable were the high resistant protein contents of both by‐products. Stem and pomace showed appreciable amounts of total soluble polyphenols (87 g kg^?1 against 35 g kg^?1 respectively). The free radical scavenging capacity of the former by‐products was determined using the 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH) method, obtaining EC₅₀ values of 0.79 g d.m. g^?1 DPPH (stem) and 1.32 g d.m. g^?1 DPPH (pomace). These data shows that both vinification by‐products from the Prensal Blanc variety are a good source of dietary fibre and have antioxidant properties.     

Phenolic profile,antioxidant and antiproliferative activity of black and red currants (Ribes spp.) from organic and conventional cultivation

The effect of cultivation system on phenolic profile, antioxidant capacity and antiproliferation activity in black and red currants was evaluated. Results from this study showed that Ribes fruit grown in organic system posses significantly higher total phenolics, especially anthocyanins, and antioxidant activity (DPPH and FRAP) than fruit grown in conventional system. Phenolic compounds were systematically identified and characterised by UPLC/MS Q‐TOF. The mean value of total polyphenol content in organically grown currants was similar but statistically higher compared with the conventional cultivation (11831.0 and 1543.0 mg/kg of d.m., respectively). The total values of the anthocyanins in ‘Ben Hope’, ‘Ben Alder’, ‘Titania’ and ‘Rondom’ from organic and conventional farms were 1044.5 vs. 1012.4; 1568.3 vs. 1260.4; 1417.2 vs. 1382.2; and 51.8 vs. 57.9 mg kg^?1 of d.m., respectively. Conventionally grown red currant had higher anthocyanin content than organically grown red currant (11.8%) but, however, organic fruits of red currant had 2.7 times higher content of oligomeric procyanidins than fruits coming from conventional cultivation. DPPH radical scavenging activity of currant varied from 28.29 to 37.08 mmol Trolox kg^?1 (mean 31.20) for organic fruits and from 12.67 to 31.18 mmol Trolox kg^?1 (mean 25.76) for conventional fruits. Moreover, all currants from organic cultivation possess higher ferric reducing capacity than conventionally grown fruits. It appeared that extracts of red Ribes cv. ‘Rondom’ coming from organic cultivation revealed stronger antiproliferative effect in comparison with conventional cultivation. However, a similar profile of activity was observed for ‘Ben Hope’, ‘Ben Alder’ and ‘Titania’ independently of the type of cultivation. These results indicate that the cultivation technique had important effect on the ranking of the cultivar systems.     

Essential oils of Origanum vulgare L. subsp. glandulosum (Desf.) Ietswaart from Tunisia: chemical composition and antioxidant activity

BACKGROUND: Characterisation of the essential oils from O. glandulosum collected in three locations of Tunisia, chemical composition and the evaluation of their antioxidant activities were carried out. RESULTS: The essential oils from Origanum vulgare L. subsp. glandulosum (Desf.) Ietswaart collected from three localities of north Tunisia—Krib, Bargou and Nefza—were obtained in yields of 2.5, 3.0 and 4.6% (v/w), respectively. The essential oils were analysed by GC and GC/MS and assayed for their total phenolics content, by the Folin–Ciocalteu method, and antioxidant effectiveness, using the 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazil (DPPH) radical scavenging assay. The main components of these essential oils, from Nefza, Bargou and Krib, were p‐cymene (36%, 40% and 46%), thymol (32%, 39% and 18%), γ‐terpinene (24%, 12% and 16%) and carvacrol (2%, 2% and 15%), respectively). The ability to scavenge the DPPH radicals, expressed by IC₅₀, ranged from 59 to 80 mg L^?1. The total phenolic content, expressed in gallic acid equivalent (GAE) g kg^?1 dry weight, varied from 9.37 to 17.70 g kg^?1 dw. CONCLUSIONS: A correlation was identified between the total phenolic content of the essential oils and DPPH radical scavenger capacity. The occurrence of a p‐cymene chemotype of O. glandulosum in the northern region of Tunisia is demonstrated. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry     

Antioxidant activities of red pepper (Capsicum annuum) pericarp and seed extracts

In this study, we examined the antioxidant activities of red pepper (Capsicum annuum, L.) pericarp and red pepper seed extracts. The extracts were evaluated by various antioxidant assays, including 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging, superoxide anion radical scavenging, hydroxyl radical scavenging, [2,2′‐azino‐bis(3‐ethylbenzthiazoline‐6‐sulphonic acid)] (ABTS) radical scavenging, ferrous chelating activity, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and reducing power, along with the determination of total phenolic and flavonoid contents. All the extracts showed strong antioxidant activity by the testing methods. The red pepper pericarp extract exhibited strong ferrous chelating activity and high scavenging activity against free radicals, including both the hydroxyl and DPPH radicals, but it exhibited weaker scavenging activity for the superoxide anion radical and for SOD. In contrast, the red pepper seed extract exhibited strong SOD activity and high scavenging activity against the superoxide anion radical, but showed weaker ferrous chelating activity, hydroxyl radical scavenging, and DPPH radical scavenging. We observed that the reducing power level and ABTS radical scavenging activity of the red pepper seed were higher than those of the red pepper pericarp at the highest tested concentration. Most of the test results for the red pepper seed and red pepper pericarp extracts increased markedly with increasing concentration; however, the metal chelating, SOD and ABTS radical scavenging activities did not increase with the concentration. Highest total phenolic and flavonoid contents were obtained from the red pepper pericarp extracts. Overall, the red pepper seed and red pepper pericarp extracts were highly effective for the antioxidant properties assayed, with the exceptions of ferrous chelating activity, hydroxyl radical scavenging and SOD activity.     

Natural volatile treatments increase free‐radical scavenging capacity of strawberries and blackberries

Free‐radical scavenging capacities of strawberries and blackberries treated with methyl jasmonate (MJ), allyl isothiocyanate (AITC), essential oil of Melaleuca alternifolia (tea‐tree oil or TTO), and ethanol (EtOH) were investigated. All of these natural volatiles tested reduced the severity of decay in both strawberries and blackberries during storage at 10 °C as compared to the control. Most of these compounds enhanced antioxidant capacity and free‐radical scavenging capacity, except the AITC treatment. The MJ treatment for strawberries and blackberries had the highest antioxidant capacity, expressed as oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) values, after 7 days of storage. Moreover, the MJ treatment promoted the antioxidant capacity in strawberries and blackberries as measured by the radical 2,2‐di (4‐tert‐octylphenyl) ‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and the radical cation 2,2′‐azinobis(3‐ethylbenzothiazoline‐6‐sulfonic acid) diammonium salt (ABTS^?+) scavenging activity in both 7 and 14 days after storage. The MJ treatment also increased scavenging capacities on the superoxide radical (O₂^??), hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), hydroxyl radical (^?OH), and singlet oxygen (¹O₂) in strawberries and blackberries. Treatment with TTO or EtOH enhanced most of these free‐radical scavenging capacities, except for H₂O₂ in strawberries, and for O₂^?? and ¹O₂ in blackberries. These results indicated that all of the natural volatile compounds tested in this study, except AITC, promoted the antioxidant capacity and scavenging capacity of most major free radicals and, thus, helped to improve the physiology of berry fruits and enhanced their resistance to decay. While AITC was also very effective in reducing decay, its effect on free‐radical scavenging capacity was inconsistent, suggesting that additional mechanisms may be involved in its inhibition of fungal growth. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry     

Antioxidant,Antibacterial, and Antiproliferative Activities of Free and Bound Phenolics from Peel and Flesh of Fuji Apple

This study was conducted to investigate the antioxidant, antibacterial, and antiproliferative activities of flesh free (FF), flesh bound (FB), peel free (PF), and peel bound (PB) phenolics from Fuji apple. The PB, which had highest total phenolic contents (126.15 ± 2.41 mg/100 g wet weight) and lowest total carbohydrate contents (34.68 ± 2.78 mg/100 g wet weight), showed the strongest 2,2’‐azinobis‐(3‐ethylbenthiazoline‐6‐sulphonate) (ABTS) radical scavenging activity (EC₅₀ = 0.36 ± 0.02 mg/mL), 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picryhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity (EC₅₀ = 0.26 ± 0.01 mg/mL), and ferric reducing antioxidant power (Ferric reducing antioxidant power; EC₅₀ = 0.19 ± 0.02 mg/mL) compared with those of FF, FB, and PF. The PB also showed the strongest antibacterial activities on Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Listeria monocytogenes and it also showed the highest antiproliferative effects on Caco‐2 human colonic cancer cell (EC₅₀ = 1.44 ± 0.01 mg/mL) and Hela human cervical cell (EC₅₀ = 2.81 ± 0.01 mg/mL). Both free and bound phenolics from Fuji apple showed good antioxidant, antibacterial, and antiproliferative activities in our study, and bound phenolics had significantly higher activities compared with those of free phenolics.     

Nutritional composition and antioxidant activity in hazelnut shells from US‐grown cultivars

The hard shell of a hazelnut is a major waste of the hazelnut industry. The chemical composition, phenolic compounds (total phenolics, tannins and condensed tannins), antioxidant activity (DPPH and ABTS free‐radical scavenging assays), and the relationships between phenolic compounds and antioxidant activities of the hazelnut shells from twelve US grown cultivars were investigated to for potential commercial development. Crude fibre accounted for over 85% of total carbohydrate. The shells contained high concentrations of phenolic compounds. Concentrations of phenolic constituents and ABTS^?+ ‐scavenging capacities were significantly higher (P > 0.05) in the Oregon cultivars than their Nebraska counterparts. There were significant positive correlations between ABTS^?+ scavenging capacities and the phenolic compounds, whereas DPPH^? ‐scavenging capacity demonstrated a weak negative correlation with ABTS^?+ scavenging capacity and the phenolics. The results suggest that hazelnut hard shell may serve as a potential source of natural antioxidants for food applications.     

Effect of long‐term dietary administration of oregano and rosemary on the antioxidant status of rat serum,liver, kidney and heart after carbon tetrachloride‐induced oxidative stress

BACKGROUND: This study was performed on female Wistar rats allocated to eight groups of six animals each. Groups 1 and 2 were fed the basal diet, groups 3 and 4 were fed the basal diet supplemented with ground oregano at 20 g kg^?1 level, groups 5 and 6 were fed the basal diet supplemented with ground rosemary at 20 g kg^?1 level, while groups 7 and 8 were fed the basal diet supplemented with both oregano and rosemary, each at 20 g kg^?1 level. Following 6 weeks feeding, groups 2, 4, 6 and 8 were injected with CCl₄ at 1 mL kg^?1 body weight, and 6 h thereafter all animals were sacrificed. RESULTS: Administration of CCl₄ to the control rats enhanced (P < 0.05) aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activities, decreased cholesterol and triglycerides content in serum, increased (P < 0.05) lipid peroxidation and decreased (P < 0.05) the ABTS radical cation, the hydroxyl anion radical, the superoxide anion radical, and the hydrogen peroxide scavenging activities in all tested tissues, as compared to the control. Feeding oregano, rosemary or both before CCl₄ treatment resulted in decline (P < 0.05) of the increase in AST, ALT and ALP activities, increase (P < 0.05) of cholesterol and triglycerides in serum, decrease (P < 0.05) of lipid peroxidation, and increase (P < 0.05) of the ABTS radical cation, hydroxyl anion radical, superoxide anion radical and hydrogen peroxide scavenging activity. CONCLUSION: The results of this study suggest that long‐term dietary administration of oregano and rosemary has the potential to quench free radicals and alleviate CCl₄‐induced oxidative stress in rats. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry     

Phenolic Compounds and Antioxidant Capacities of 10 Common Edible Flowers from China

The free and bound phenolic compounds in 10 common Chinese edible flowers were investigated using reversed phase high‐performance liquid chromatography. Their antioxidant capacities were evaluated using 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical‐scavenging activity, 2,2'‐azino‐bis(3‐ethylbenzothiazoline‐6‐sulphonic acid) (ABTS) radical‐scavenging activity, oxygen radical absorption capacity (ORAC), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), and cellular antioxidant activity (CAA). Free factions were more prominent in phenolic content and antioxidant capacity than bound fractions. Paeonia suffruticosa and Flos lonicerae showed the highest total phenolic content (TPC) 235.5 mg chlorogenic acid equivalents/g of dry weight and total flavonoid content 89.38 mg rutin equivalents/g of dry weight. The major phenolic compounds identified were gallic acid, chlorogenic acid, and rutin. P. suffruticosa had the highest antioxidant capacity in the DPPH, ABTS, and ORAC assays, which were 1028, 2065, 990 μmol Trolox equivalents/g of dry weight, respectively, whereas Rosa chinensis had the highest FRAP value (2645 μmol Fe²⁺ equivalents /g of dry weight). The P. suffruticosa soluble phenolics had the highest CAA, with the median effective dose (EC₅₀) 26.7 and 153 μmol quercetin equivalents/100 g of dry weight in the phosphate buffered saline (PBS) and no PBS wash protocol, respectively. TPC was strongly correlated with antioxidant capacity (R = 0.8443 to 0.9978, P < 0.01), which indicated that phenolics were the major contributors to the antioxidant activity of the selected edible flowers.