Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitory activity of hydrolysates generated from whey protein fortified with salal fruits (Galtheria shallon) by enzymatic treatment with Pronase from Streptomyces griseus

Whey proteins mixed with salal fruits extract (0–20% w/w) were hydrolysed with Pronase E from Streptomyces griseus for a period of 8 h. The angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory activity of the hydrolysates was highest (IC₅₀: 0.087 mg mL⁻¹) for samples fortified with the highest extract concentration (20%). Peptides (>7 amino acids) with documented ACE inhibitory activity (DAQSAPLRVY, ALPMHIR, DKVGINY, LHLPLPL, YPFPGPI, YPFPGPIPN, VYPFPGPIPN) were identified bv LC-MS/MS data analysis using a database search approach. Fluorescence spectra of the whey proteins mixed with salal fruits extract indicates fluorescence quenching for α-lactalbumin. SDS-PAGE analysis suggests that α-lactalbumin is less susceptible to proteolysis when the extract is included in the formula. Data indicate that α-lactalbumin may be interacting with phenolic compounds naturally present in salal fruits. These interactions and the formation of complexes between a-Lac and phenolic compounds may affect the hydrolysis pattern of whey protein and the release of peptides with ACE-inhibitory activity.     

Effects of particle size on physiochemical and in vitro digestion properties of durum wheat bran

In order to promote the potential health benefits of high fibre products, wheat bran is the main focus of the food industry. The physiochemical and in vitro digestion properties of wheat bran containing different particle size were investigated and compared against raw bran samples. Firstly, the bran sample containing superfine particles (11.63 μm) was hydrolyzed by the α-amylase, pepsin, and pancreatin enzymes separately using a single factor and orthogonal test. Secondly, optimized hydrolysis parameters of superfine particles were employed to measure in vitro digestibility of macronutrients in raw, coarse, medium, and superfine bran particles. The maximum degree of hydrolysis obtained via α-Amylase (concentration 10 mg mL⁻¹, pH 6.6, and time 12.5 min) was 55.71%; pepsin (concentration 50 mg mL⁻¹, pH 1.2, and time 9 h) was 82.10%; and pancreatin (concentration 100 mg mL⁻¹, pH 7.0 and time 12 h) was 84.71%, respectively. The highest in vitro digestibility rate of reducing sugar, protein, fat, and soluble fibre content was observed in superfine bran samples to 33.4%, 82.55%, 91.53%, and 21.66%, respectively.     

Optimisation of pressurised liquid extraction for antioxidative polyphenolic compound from Momordica charantia using response surface methodology

Pressurised liquid extraction (PLE) of antioxidant compounds from bitter gourd fruits (Momordica charantia) in aqueous ethanolic solvent was investigated using response surface methodology at laboratory scale to understand key impact of extraction variables. Extraction efficiency was optimised by measuring the yield of extraction, total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), ferric reducing/antioxidant power assay (FRAP) and radical scavenging activity (RSA). The optimal extraction conditions were reached at 80% ethanol concentration, 10‐min extraction time and at 160 °C. Under these extraction conditions, values of TPC (5.40 ± 0.30 g GAE per 100 g), TFC (1.50 ± 0.10 g QE per 100 g), FRAP (778.55 ± 10 μmol eq Fe (II) g^?1), yield (178.50 ± 5.50 mg g^?1 dc) and RSA (75.50 ± 4.50%) were achieved. Furthermore, statistical analysis revealed that antioxidative attributes of bitter gourd extract were strongly and positively correlated with extraction temperature and ethanol concentration rather than processing time. This study illustrated that PLE has the potential to extract antioxidant compounds from tropical fruit vegetables in an accelerated manner. Furthermore, influential parameters affecting the process could be optimised for further industrial intake.     

Ellagic acid content in strawberries of different cultivars and ripening stages

Ellagic acid is a phenolic compound which occurs naturally in strawberries. Interest in ellagic acid has increased during the past few years owing to its properties as a micronutrient. The objective of this study was to determine the ellagic acid content in strawberries compared with that in other common fruits and to evaluate its variability, the effects of ripening stage, and the tissue and seasonal variability in selected cultivars widely grown in Argentina. Strawberries showed significantly higher levels of ellagic acid than many other fruits of economic importance, ranging from 0.16 to 2.07 mg g^?1 dry weight. The ellagic acid content was highest in green fruit, intermediate in mid‐ripe fruit and lowest in full‐ripe fruit. Cultivars ‘Chandler’ and ‘Camarosa’ contained the highest amounts of ellagic acid in strawberries with edible value (0.78 and 0.70 mg g^?1 dry weight respectively), while ‘Oso Grande’ and ‘Milsei’ exhibited the lowest (0.35 and 0.31 mg g^?1 dry weight respectively). Moreover, the level of this phytochemical was found to be higher when considering pulp with achenes compared with pulp without achenes. Copyright © 2003 Society of Chemical Industry     

Effect of processing on proteolysis and biogenic amines formation in a Portuguese traditional dry-fermented ripened sausage “Chouriço Grosso de Estremoz e Borba PGI”

The influence of alternative drying environmental conditions on the proteolysis of a traditional Portuguese fermented sausage was evaluated, in relation to different ripening periods. Traditional sausages (batch T) had lower pH than counterparts (batch M), with differences (P < 0.05) focused at the fermentation stage. A remarkable accumulation of free amino acids (FAA) was detected in both batches along the ripening process, with batch T having higher mean levels than batch M (1795.2 mg 100 g⁻¹ DM vs. 1742 mg 100 g⁻¹ DM in S7, respectively), but with differences being significant for long ripened products. In both batches, glutamic acid became the most concentrated FAA in end products currently consumed (101.6 mg 100 g⁻¹ DM and 111.0 mg 100 g⁻¹ DM – S6; 233.8 mg 100 g⁻¹ DM and 220.9 mg 100 g⁻¹ DM – S7 from batches T and M, respectively) followed by leucine > alanine > taurine > serine > valine and taurine > alanine > leucine > serine > valine sequences in the former product from batches T and M, respectively, and, coincidently, the same sequence for both batches in the later (serine > leucine > alanine > proline > valine). Such effect on FAA concentrations led to a distinct (P < 0.05) expression of sweet, bitter, acidic and aged sensorial attributes between batches, in S8 and S9 products.BA typical quantitative sequences varied between batches according to the ripening stage, with differences in S6 and S7 end products also reflecting the distinct microbial development rates and profiles observed. Overall, the total BA mean concentration was higher (P < 0.05) in products from batch T.     

Antioxidant activity of the ethanolic extract from the bark of Chamaecyparis obtusa var. formosana

BACKGROUND: Chamaecyparis obtusa var. formosana (Taiwan hinoki) is an endemic conifer in Taiwan and the purpose of this study is to evaluate the antioxidant activity of various fractions obtained from the bark of this plant material. The ethanolic extract of the bark was sequentially separated into three fractions, including n‐hexane, ethyl acetate and ethanol soluble fractions, by liquid–liquid partition. Then the antioxidant activities of crude extract and three fractions along with 13 subfractions obtained from the ethyl acetate (EA) soluble fraction were tested for several antioxidant assays. RESULTS: The total phenolic content of the samples varied from 27.71 to 102.86 mg GAE g^?1 dry weight for fractions, and from 49.94 to 206.46 mg GAE g^?1 for subfractions (where GAE is milligrams of gallic acid per gram of extract). The Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) ranged from 0.15 to 0.26 mmol L^?1 Trolox equivalents. The EA soluble fraction was found to be the best antioxidant‐rich fraction in terms of DPPH and reducing power assays. With further data analysis it was found that there was a positive correlation between the total phenolic content of extracts and TEAC is R² = 0.61. CONCLUSION: Results from various antioxidant assays showed that the EA fraction possessed strong antioxidant activity. This would provide additional information about the antioxidant activity of bark extract of this plant species. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry     

Effect of pomegranate (Punica granatum) pomace extract as a washing agent on the inactivation of Listeria monocytogenes inoculated on fresh produce

Pomegranate pomace extract (PPE) was used as a substitute to chlorinated water for washing of fresh produce. PPE contained punicalagins and ellagic acids, and it had a good inhibitory effect against Listeria monocytogenes based on the results of disc diffusion test and time‐kill assay. Red chard, beet, chicon and red mustard leaves were treated with 7 mg mL^?1 PPE as a washing solution to inactivate L. monocytogenes inoculated on fresh produce and compared with 0.05 mg mL^?1 NaOCl treatment. After the treatment, L. monocytogenes population on the four leafy vegetables was reduced by 1.96–2.97 log CFU g^?1 compared to that on nontreated samples. The reductions in L. monocytogenes after PPE treatment were higher than those observed after NaOCl treatment. Further, the PPE treatment did not affect the surface colour of all fresh produce applied in this study. Thus, PPE can be used as an effective antimicrobial washing agent of fresh produce.     

Preliminary evaluation of nutraceutical and therapeutic potential of raw Spondias pinnata K., an exotic fruit of India

The underutilized, edible green raw (whole) fruits of amra, Spondias pinnata K. (Anacardiaceae family) from the eastern region of India were investigated for their nutraceutical and therapeutic potential. A thorough nutritional characterization of this fruit demonstrated it as a source of energy (348 kcal/100 g DM), phenolic compounds, natural antioxidants and minerals. It is also a moderate source of ascorbic acid, malic acid, calcium, phosphorus and other nutrients. The phytochemical screening revealed 5.12 ± 0.32 mg 100 g^− 1 DM of alkaloids followed by saponins and tannins. All assays were carried out in three different solvent extracts of the fruit. Total phenolic, flavonoid and flavonol contents were obtained as 210 ± 1.89 mg GAE, 28.0 ± 0.91 mg CE and 9.97 ± 0.72 mg RE respectively in 100 mg mix solvent extract (MSE). Antioxidant activity of different extracts (as DPPH scavenging) ranged from 0.73 to 0.59 mg ml^− 1 as IC₅₀ value, ABTS with a trolox equivalent antioxidant concentration (TEAC) value as 0.68 to 0.83 and FRAP 5.97 to 7.93 mg TE 100 mg^− 1 extract. LC- MS/MS analysis revealed the presence of gallic acid, salicylic acid, chlorogenic acid, ellagic acid, p-coumaric acid, 6-hydroxy-2,5,7,8-tetramethylchroman-2-carboxylic acid, quercetin, catechin, myrecetin and rutin. The MSE showed the highest antimicrobial activity (against Listeria monocytogenes (MIC 1.8 mg ml^− 1)) and ??-amylase inhibition capacity (as IC₅₀: 29.3 mg ml^− 1 extract). GC/MS screening showed the presence of vitamin E, furfural, phytosterol, campesterol and fatty acids. Analysis of volatile flavor showed isopropyl myristinate as a major compound followed by the other monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes. The current study explains the nutritional as well as medicinal utility of the fruit which is a rich source of minerals and antioxidants such as phenols and flavonoids.     

Extraction of antioxidant and antimicrobial compounds from Inga marginata Willd bark and pulp using different extraction techniques and phytochemical characterization

This study aimed to identify the least aggressive and highest yield extraction method to obtain bioactive compounds from Inga marginata Willd fruits, determine the chemical components, and evaluate the extracts’' antimicrobial and cytotoxic activity. The extraction efficiency was expressed by the total phenolic and total flavonoid content and antioxidant activity (DPPH, IC₅₀, and ORAC) using conventional, ultrasound, and microwave-assisted extraction. The highest bioactive compound content was achieved using 5 min at 60 °C for total phenolic content (214.98 mg GAE g⁻¹), total flavonoid content (22.90 mg EQ g⁻¹), DPPH (45.98 μmol TEAC g⁻¹), inhibitory capacity (0.80 mg mL⁻¹), and ORAC (167.25 μmol Trolox g⁻¹) using ultrasonic extraction, and the extract inhibited the growth of all microorganisms tested. Thirteen chemical compounds were determined by ESI-ToF-MS, confirming the high phytochemical capacity of the extract. Lastly, the Inga extract showed no cytotoxicity at the concentrations used.     

Purification and identification of rambutan (Nephelium lappaceum) peel phenolics with evaluation of antioxidant and antiglycation activities in vitro

The crude rambutan peel phenolic (RPP) extracts were purified by resin adsorption technology. NKA‐9 resin with the best adsorption capacity and desorption ratio was chosen to dynamically purify crude RPP. Adsorption capacity and desorption ratio of NKA‐9 resin were 91.85 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE) g^?1 and 90.45%, respectively. Purification processes enriched total phenolic content, and the contents in crude and purified RPP were 579.72 and 877.11 mg GAE g^?1 extract powder, respectively. Phytochemical compounds of RPP were qualitatively and quantitatively indentified by mass spectrometry. Purification of the resin as expected elevated the concentrations of major phenolic compounds, especially geraniin and ellagic acid. Antioxidant and antiglycation activities of crude and purified fractions were evaluated in vitro. Crude and purified RPP had high inhibitory effects on oxidation and glycation, and purified RPP showed stronger bioactivity than crude RPP (P < 0.05), which might be due to their differences in phenolic profiles.     

The antioxidant activities and the xanthine oxidase inhibition effects of walnut (Juglans regia L.) fruit,stem and leaf

The antioxidant activities and xanthine oxidase inhibition effects of walnut fruit, stem and leaf were studied in this work. The total phenolic contents were in a descending sequence: shell extract > leaf extract > stem extract > defatted walnut kernel (DWK) extract > green husk extract (GHE). The sequence of total phenolic contents was in agreement with the sequence of antioxidant capacities evaluated by ferric reducing antioxidant power and oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) assays except for DWK extract. The walnut shell extract showed the highest phenolic content (14.81 gallic acid equivalent g/100 g dry extract) and the best antioxidant activity (the ORAC value was 3423.44 ± 142.52 μmol Trolox equivalents g^?1). All tested samples possessed xanthine oxidase inhibitory (XOI) effects, the inhibition percentages of which were >50% at 2 mg mL^?1 except for stem and DWK extracts. The contents of the major compound (hydrojuglone) in all extracts were in a descending order: GHE > walnut stem extract > walnut shell extract > walnut leaf extract > DWK extract.     

Determination and Evaluation of the Mineral Composition of Chinese Cabbage (Beta vulgaris)

Inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry was used to determine the elements present in Chinese cabbage (Beta vulgaris). The accuracy of the method was confirmed by analysis of a certified reference material of spinach leaves. The study involved 57 samples that were collected in 13 Brazilian cities. Average concentrations of elements found per gram of Chinese cabbage were as follows: 3.44 mg g⁻¹ sodium, 5.09 mg g⁻¹ potassium, 1.25 mg g⁻¹ phosphorous, 0.85 mg g⁻¹ calcium, 0.49 mg g⁻¹ magnesium, 2.79 μg g⁻¹ manganese, 9.50 μg g⁻¹ iron, 0.74 μg g⁻¹ copper, 14.28 μg g⁻¹ zinc, and 6.44 μg g⁻¹ strontium. Principal component analysis and hierarchical cluster analysis demonstrated that there is no systematic difference in the mineral composition between the cabbage samples that were analyzed.     

Phenolic content and antioxidant capacity of tropical highland blackberry (Rubus adenotrichus Schltdl.) during three edible maturity stages

Tropical highland blackberry (Rubus adenotrichus Schltdl.) is a good source of antioxidants and contains appreciable levels of phenolic compounds, mainly ellagitannins and anthocyanins. This study examined the influence of three ripening stages on phenolic contents. Major anthocyanin pigments increased from 0.20 (red fruit) to 1.34 mg g⁻¹ fresh weight (FW) (fully ripe fruit), whereas ellagitannins and ellagic acid derivatives dropped from 3.8 to 2.2 mg ellagic acid equivalents g⁻¹ (FW). Flavonols also dropped from 5.1 to 2.0 mg quercetin equivalents 100 g⁻¹ (FW). Consequently, values for total phenolic compounds ranged from 5.8 to 5.2 mg gallic acid equivalents g⁻¹ (FW), showing no specific trend. Antioxidant activity (H-ORAC) increased from 38.29 to 64.00 μmol of Trolox equivalents g⁻¹ (FW) during ripening. When compared with other commercial cultivars, R. adenotrichus stands out for high H-ORAC value, although comparatively it possesses low anthocyanin content and average total phenolic content.     

Quantitative UPLC‐MS/MS analysis of chlorogenic acid derivatives in antioxidant fractionates from dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) root

While qualitative studies have identified chlorogenic acids in antioxidant extracts, particularly ethyl acetate‐derived extracts, of Taraxacum officinale, quantitative analysis of these phenolic compounds remains largely unreported for this species. In this study, bioactivity‐guided fractionation of an antioxidant crude ethyl acetate extract (DPPH = 295.481 ± 0.955 mg TE g^?1 extract) from T. officinale root resulted in a number of reverse‐phase fractions that demonstrated high antioxidant activity (DPPH = 1058.733–1312.136 mg TE g^?1 extract), stronger than that of the synthetic antioxidant Trolox^®. UPLC‐MS/MS screening of these fractions for the presence of selected mono‐ and di‐caffeoylquinic acids revealed large quantities of 1,5‐dicaffeoylquinic acid present in several fractions (853.052–907.324 μg mg^?1), respectively. Due to the antioxidant potency and high levels of 1,5‐dicaffeoylquinic acid observed in these fractions, it was concluded that specifically this chlorogenic acid derivative is a major contributor to the antioxidant efficacy of dandelion root.     

Effect of fermentation by Bacillus subtilis on antioxidant and cytotoxic activities of black rice bran

Black rice bran was fermented with Bacillus subtilis KU3 isolated from Korean traditional food, Kimchi. Antioxidant and cytotoxic activities of the fermented black rice bran were investigated. Total phenolic and anthocyanin contents decreased from 171.54 mg GAE g^?1 and 2.31 mg g^?1 to 139.13 mg GAE g^?1 and 2.12 mg g^?1, respectively, after fermentation. Antioxidant activities determined by 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging, β‐carotene bleaching and ferric thiocyanate assay were correlated with total phenolic and anthocyanin contents. Non‐fermented black rice bran extract (NFBE) showed greater antioxidant activities than fermented black rice bran extract (FBE). Cytotoxic activities measured by MTT assay showed that both NFBE and FBE had over 50% activities. The cytotoxic activities of FBE against MCF‐7 and HeLa cells were 71.65% and 68.07%, respectively, at 8.0 mg mL^?1, but those of NFBE were lower than 50%. These results suggested that the cytotoxic activity of black rice bran improved through fermentation, while antioxidant activity reduced.     

Tentative zinc biofortification of banana fruit via bunch spray and bunch stalk feeding

Due to the importance of banana consumption in developing countries and producing zinc-rich foods, the objective of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of banana bunch sprays and bunch stalk feeding with Zn aiming to biofortify this fruit. Zn sprays were carried out with a dose of 80 g ha⁻¹ using ZnCl₂ and ZnCl₂ combined with a chelating agent in two banana cultivars (‘Maravilha’ and ‘FHIA 18’). Bunch stalk feeding with Zn was carried out by fixing plastic bags on the stem end containing solutions of ZnSO₄ (0, 0.5, 1.0 and 2.0 g L⁻¹) in two banana cultivars (‘Williams’ and ‘Prata Anã’). Both strategies resulted in a maximum fruit Zn content of 0.14 mg 100 g⁻¹. Although it was possible to increase the Zn content in banana fruit from ‘FHIA 18’ and ‘Prata Anã’ cultivars, both strategies did not result in biofortified banana fruit with a Zn level which would fulfil the Zn dietary reference intake (DRI) of 2 mg dia⁻¹ for children. Banana bunch sprays with Zn did not affect the fruit quality, but bunch stalk feeding with Zn resulted in fruits with lower ratio, pH and ascorbic acid content.     

Influence of processing steps and fruit maturity on volatile concentrations in juices from clementine, mandarin, and their hybrids

During growth, ripening, and post-harvest, the quality of fruits can be modified by various stresses. Ample maturation allows prolonged storage and increases the quality of citrus fruits. The eight major volatile compounds in fresh juices from mandarin (Citrus reticulata Blanco var. Willow Leaf), clementine (Citrus reticulata × Citrus sinensis var. Commune), and their six cross-pollinated hybrids were quantified by gas chromatography. Mandarin juice contained the highest volatile concentration (2177.6 ± 110.6 mg L⁻¹), whereas the total aromatic compounds of the hybrid and clementine juices were lower (1060.6 ± 81.6–1724.2 ± 138.5 mg L⁻¹ and 864.8 ± 67.8 mg L⁻¹, respectively). Limonene was the major compound (667.3 ± 53.7–1259.9 ± 98.4 mg L⁻¹) in all juices. We observed significant differences according to the process of juice extraction used (with and without peel). The relative volatile concentration was higher when the juice was extracted with peel, and the juicing process induced differences in the relative volatile concentrations of between 20 and 40%. The levels of volatile compounds in the juice changed according to the degree of fruit maturity. The concentrations of the eight major juice components increased during ripening and until the commercial maturity stage when the juice was obtained from peeled fruits, whereas their concentrations increased until the post-maturation stage when the juices were produced from whole fruits. These two factors determined the contributions of these compounds to the characteristic aromas of Citrus juices.     

Evaluation of physicochemical characteristics,nutritional composition and antioxidant capacity of Chinese organic hawthorn berry (Crataegus pinnatifida)

Hawthorn berry (Crataegus pinnatifida), approved as ‘medicine food homology’ fruit by China’s National Health Commission, has been associated with positive effects on human health. In-depth study of nutritional composition and antioxidant capacity can provide basic information on food value of Chinese organic frozen (OFHB)/freeze-dried (OFDHB) hawthorn berries. Higher levels of dietary fibre, pectin, ascorbic acid, mineral and antioxidant capacity were found compared with some common fruits and other species hawthorn. Both OFHB and OFDHB samples have much higher content of potassium (1.02 × 10⁴ and 9.73 × 10³ mg kg⁻¹) than sodium (54.23 and 42.31 mg kg⁻¹). OFDHB had a more desirable ratio (2.68:1) of insoluble/soluble dietary fibre which is suitable for use as a food ingredient. Antioxidant capacity varied considerably depending on the part (peel > pulp) and reaching up to 577.5 µmol Trolox equivalent g⁻¹. OFHB and OFDHB are excellent natural nutrient-dense and antioxidant sources for dietary supplements and functional foods development.     

Non-volatile flavour components of Ganoderma tsugae

Ganoderma tsugae Murrill are currently popular and used in the formulation of nutraceuticals and as functional foods. The non-volatile components in the form of mature and baby fruit bodies (Ling chih), mycelia and fermentation filtrate from submerged culture were studied. Mycelia and filtrate contained significantly higher moisture contents (10.3% and 19.8%) and higher contents of carbohydrates, reducing sugars, crude ash and crude protein. Four forms of G. tsugae contained from 7.65% to 10.1% dry weight of total soluble sugars and polyols. Total free amino acid contents ranged from 2.50 to 149 mg g⁻¹ dry weight and in the descending order of filtrate, mycelia, baby Ling chih and Ling chih. Contents of monosodium glutamate-like components ranged from 0.16 to 26.0 mg g⁻¹ whereas, contents of sweet components ranged from 0.50 to 24.6 mg g⁻¹. The bitter components were predominant. Contents of total and flavour 5^′-nucleotides were high in filtrate (5.48 and 3.10 mg g⁻¹, respectively). The umami intensities were expected to be in the descending order of filtrate, mycelia, baby Ling chih and Ling chih.     

Antioxidant function of tea dregs protein hydrolysates in liposome–meat system and its possible action mechanism

Tea dregs possess abundant proteins, and the objective of this study was to investigate the antioxidant activity of tea dregs protein hydrolysate with limited hydrolysis by protamex and its possible action mechanism. Tea dregs protein was hydrolysed by alcalase, protamex or neutrase. The hydrolysis condition was optimised, and the hydrolysate was characterised for 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picryl hydrazyl (DPPH) radical‐scavenging activity, hydroxyl radical‐scavenging activity and antioxidant activity in linoleic acid (LA) system and in chicken products. Tea dregs protein hydrolysate (TDPH) was formulated (0.1%, 0.5%, 1.0%, w/w) into chicken products to determine in situ antioxidant efficacy. Thiobarbituric acid‐reactive substances (TBARS) and peroxide value (POV) formed in chicken products during storage (4 °C, 0–7 days) were analysed. Results showed that the optimum hydrolysis condition was at 50 °C, pH 7.0 for 20 min, and the concentration of tea dregs protein was 1.5%; ratio of protamex to substrate was 6000 U g^?1. The radical‐scavenging ratio of TDPH to 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picryl hydrazyl (DPPH) was 90.30% at the concentration of 0.1 mg mL^?1 and that to hydroxyl radical was 65.18% at the concentration of 1.0 mg mL^?1. Moreover, it also showed strong antioxidant activity both in linoleic acid (LA) system and in chicken products. The molecular weight distribution of tea dregs hydrolysates was determined by nanofiltration tubular membrane, and the protein hydrolysates with molecular weight above 8000 Da had more effective antioxidant activity. The radical‐scavenging activities to DPPH and hydroxyl radical were 85.72% at 0.1 mg mL^?1 and 71.52% at 1.0 mg mL^?1, respectively. These findings suggest that the enzymatic hydrolysate of tea dregs protein probably possesses the specific peptides/amino acids which could stabilise or terminate the radicals through donating hydrogen. In addition, the hydrolysate could form a physical barrier around the fat droplets.