White and green tea polyphenols inhibit pancreatic lipase in vitro

Green, white and black teas were assayed for inhibition of pancreatic lipase activity in vitro. White tea proved to be more effective than green tea with black tea showing little inhibition even at 200 μg GAE/ml. The EC₅₀ values for inhibition were 22 μg/ml for white tea and 35 μg/ml for green tea; both easily achievable from normal infusions of tea. Liquid chromatography-mass spectroscopy analysis showed that white and green teas had essentially equal amounts of flavan-3-ols but green tea had higher levels of flavonols. White tea had higher levels of 5-galloyl quinic acid, digalloyl glucose, trigalloyl glucose and the tannin, strictinin.After chromatography on Sephadex LH-20, the main inhibitory fraction was enriched in strictinin and fractions enriched in other components were ineffective. This suggests that strictinin content may be crucial for inhibition of pancreatic lipase. However, the possibility of synergies between the polyphenols cannot be disregarded.     

Angiotensin I-converting enzyme inhibitory activity of chickpea and pea protein hydrolysates

ACE inhibitory activity was studied for different hydrolysates obtained from protein concentrates of chickpea (kabuli and desi) and yellow pea (Golden) using in vitro gastrointestinal simulation, alcalase/flavourzyme, and papain. Protein/peptide profiles studied by SDS–PAGE and SE-HPLC, showed a rich composition of the hydrolysates in small peptides having MWs under 4 kDa. Papain hydrolysed yellow pea proteins showed the highest ACE inhibitory activity. In addition, chickpea desi proteins hydrolysed by in vitro gastrointestinal simulation showed higher ACE inhibition (IC₅₀ of 140 ± 1 μg/ml) compared to its digests obtained by alcalase/flavourzyme (IC₅₀ of 228 ± 3 μg/ml) or papain (IC₅₀ of 180 ± 1 μg/ml) and to chickpea kabuli hydrolysed by gastrointestinal simulation (IC₅₀ of 229 ± 1 μg/ml). The results demonstrate that enzymatic hydrolysates of chickpea and pea proteins contain bioactive ACE inhibitory peptides; furthermore, the type of enzyme used for hydrolysis affects the ACE inhibitory activity.     

Tea and herbal infusions: Their antioxidant activity and phenolic profile

Tea and herbal infusions have been studied for their polyphenolic content, antioxidant activity and phenolic profile. The total phenolics recovered by ethyl acetate from the water extract, were determined by the Folin–Ciocalteu procedure and ranged from 88.1 ± 0.42 (Greek mountain tea) to 1216 ± 32.0 mg (Chinese green tea) GAE (Gallic acid equivalents)/cup. The antioxidant activity was evaluated by two methods, DPPH and chemiluminescence assays, using Trolox and quercetin as standards. The EC₅₀ of herbal extracts ranged from 0.151 ± 0.002 mg extract/mg DPPH (0.38 quercetin equivalents and 0.57 Trolox equivalents), for Chinese green tea, to 0.77 ± 0.012 mg extract/mg DPPH (0.08 quercetin equivalents and 0.13 Trolox equivalents), for Greek mountain tea. Chemiluminescence assay results showed that the IC₅₀ ranged from 0.17 ± 3.4 × 10⁻³ μg extract/ml of the final solution in the measuring cell (1.89 quercetin and 5.89 Trolox equivalents) for Chinese green tea, to 1.10 ± 1.86 × 10⁻² g extract/ml of the final solution in the measuring cell (0.29 quercetin and 0.90 Trolox equivalents) for Greek mountain tea. The phenolic profile in the herbal infusions was investigated by LC-DAD-MS in the positive electrospray ionization (ESI⁺) mode. About 60 different flavonoids, phenolic acids and their derivatives have been identified.     

Isolation and identification of an antiproliferative substance from fructose–tyrosine Maillard reaction products

We isolated a substance from fructose–tyrosine Maillard reaction products (MRPs) and investigated its antiproliferative effect on six human cancer cell lines. The ethyl acetate fraction of fructose–tyrosine MRPs showed a strong antiproliferative effect; this fraction was isolated and purified using silica gel column chromatography, semipreparative RP-HPLC, and recycling HPLC. The structure of the purified compound was determined using spectroscopic methods. The isolated compound was identified as 2,4-bis(p-hydroxyphenyl)-2-butenal (C₁₆H₁₄O₃, HPB242). HPB242 inhibited cell growth in a dose-dependent manner (10–80 μg/ml) on the six human cancer cell lines. The IC₅₀ values of HPB242 on the six human cancer cell lines were 17.34 μg/ml (MCF-7), 29.21 μg/ml (HCT-116), 34.57 μg/ml (H-460), 34.87 μg/ml (HepG2), 48.77 μg/ml (PC-3), and 55.83 μg/ml (MKN-45).     

Air-dried capsicum annuum var. acuminatum medium and big: Determination of bioactive constituents,antioxidant activity and carbohydrate-hydrolyzing enzymes inhibition

In the present study the total phenols, flavonoids, carotenoids and capsaicinoids content, the in vitro antioxidant and hypoglycemic activities of extracts of air-dried fruits from two Capsicum annuum cultivars were investigated. A different composition between the two cultivars was evidenced. C. annuum var. acuminatum medium extract presented a major content of phenols, carotenoids, capsaicin and dihydrocapsaicin while C. annuum var. acuminatum big extract is characterized by the highest quercetin, luteolin and kaempferol content with 68.0, 87.6 and 29.7 μg/g dried weight, respectively, analyzed by HPLC. Medium pepper showed the highest radical scavenging activity in DPPH assay (IC₅₀ of 85.3 μg/ml) while big pepper have an interesting activity in ABTS assay (IC₅₀ of 16.4 μg/ml) and the highest inhibition of linoleic acid oxidation with an IC₅₀ value of 1.2 μg/ml after 30 min of incubation. A selective inhibitory activity against α-amylase was demonstrated for C. annuum var. acuminatum big lipophilic fraction (IC₅₀ values of 8.7 μg/ml). The obtained results suggest that C. annuum cultivars could be used as valuable flavor with functional properties for foods.     

Purification and characterization of angiotensin I-converting enzyme inhibitory peptides of small red bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) hydrolysates

Angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory activity was investigated for small red bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) protein hydrolysate produced by sequential digestion of Alcalase, papain followed by in vitro gastrointestinal simulation. The hydrolysate had ACE inhibitory activity with IC₅₀ of 67.2 ± 1.8 μg protein/mL. Peptides responsible for potent ACE inhibitory activity were isolated by a three-step purification process, including ultrafiltration, gel filtration and preparative reverse phase high performance chromatography (RP-HPLC). The fraction obtained after RP-HPLC fractionation with the highest activity yielded an IC₅₀ of 19.3 ± 1.4 μg protein/mL. Enzymatic kinetic studies using this fraction demonstrated competitive inhibition with K_i of 11.6 ± 1.7 μg protein/mL. Mass spectrometric characterization identified for the first time the octapeptide PVNNPQIH which demonstrated an IC₅₀ value of 206.7 ± 3.9 μM. The results expand the knowledge base of ACE inhibitory properties of small red bean protein hydrolysate and should be useful in further identification of specific ACE inhibitory peptides in beans.     

Mate tea-mediated reduction in catecholamine synthesis improves cutaneous wound healing of chronically stressed mice

Chronic stress stimulates oxidant production and oxidative damage which compromise cutaneous wound healing. Mate tea rich is in antioxidant compounds and may be a good alternative for treatment of oxidative diseases. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the effects of supplementation with mate tea on cutaneous healing in stressed mice. Mice were submitted to rotational stress (ST) and treated with mate tea (MT) daily until euthanasia. An excisional lesion was created on each mouse and 4 or 10 days later, the lesions were analyzed. In addition, murine skin fibroblasts were exposed to elevated epinephrine (E) levels plus mate tea, and fibroblast activity was evaluated. In in vivo assays, the supplementation with mate tea inhibited the stress-induced increase in: catecholamine synthesis (ST: 23.3 ± 2.5; ST + MT: 18.0 ± 0.9 ng/μl, p < 0.05), carbonyl protein content (ST: 962.0 ± 35.6; ST + MT: 35.7 ± 8.9 nmol/μg protein, p < 0.05), lipid peroxide levels (ST: 18.5 ± 2.3; ST + MT: 11.8 ± 1.2 nmol/mg protein, p < 0.05), wound contraction (ST: 44 ± 4; ST + MT: 17 ± 2%, p < 0.05), re-epithelialization (ST: 908 ± 35; ST + MT: 2081 ± 138 μm, p < 0.05), transforming growth factor-β (ST: 5.0 ± 0.02; ST + MT: 1.3 ± 0.06 u.a., p < 0.05), and myofibroblast density (ST: 19 ± 2; ST + MT: 9 ± 1%, p < 0.05). Stress-induced reduction in the amount of macrophages (ST: 133 ± 19; ST + MT: 392 ± 33 cells, p < 0.05) and neutrophils (ST: 1161 ± 62; ST + MT: 1313 ± 103 cells, p < 0.05) and hydroxyproline levels (ST: 1.3 ± 0.2; ST + MT: 4.6 ± 0.9 ng/mg tissue, p < 0.05), and this was reversed by mate tea. In in vitro assays, the treatment with mate tea reversed the reduction in collagen deposition (E: 1.7 ± 0.3; E + MT: 3.7 ± 0.01 pixels, p < 0.05) and the increase in cell proliferation (E: 331 ± 2; E + MT: 203 ± 3% of control, p < 0.05), accumulation of lipid peroxides (E: 0.66 ± 0.009; E + MT: 0.55 ± 0.01 nmol/mg protein, p < 0.05), and increase of tenascin-C protein expression (E: 3.8 ± 0.004; E + MT: 3.4 ± 0.004 a.u., p < 0.05) induced by epinephrine. In conclusion, the supplementation with mate tea improves the cutaneous wound healing of chronically stressed mice.     

Cyanidin-3-glucoside,nutritionally important constituents and in vitro antioxidant activities of Santalum album L. berries

Anthocyanins are ubiquitous plant pigments. They are hydrophilic, and have high tinctorial value hence, used as natural food colorant. The main aim of this study was characterization of Santalum album L. berries for its pigment content, nutritionally important phytoconstituents and functional attributes. Major pigment identified was cyanidin-3-glucoside (0.21% FW) as confirmed by spectral characteristics including LC–MS. Nutrients such as total carbohydrates (8.5), proteins (5.8), free amino acids (0.8 g), oil (1.5 g), ascorbic acid (1.5 μg), tocopherols (0.3 mg) and niacin (5.2 mg) per 100 g berries were determined along with total soluble solids (13.4°Brix) and phenols (3.1 mg GAE/g). Reducing power and DPPH· scavenging assays showed highest activity in methanol extract, which also efficiently protected bleaching of β-carotene (EC₅₀ 285 μg/mL) in β-carotene–linoleate model. Pigment rich crude extract was not toxic to HepG2 cells during 24 h exposure, whereas cyanidin-3-glucoside was cytotoxic (IC₅₀ 0.1 μg/mL).     

Evaluation of the antioxidant,antiproliferative and antimutagenic potential of araçá-boi fruit (Eugenia stipitata Mc Vaugh — Myrtaceae) of the Brazilian Amazon Forest

Eugenia stipitata is a fruit from Amazonia rich in terpene, volatile compounds, fiber, and vitamin C. The fruit is recognized for its high antioxidant activity and has attracted much attention due to their potential health benefits to humans. The total polyphenols, antioxidant, antiproliferative, antimutagenic and antigenotoxic activities of E. stipitata ethanolic extract were investigated. Total polyphenols were determined by the Folin–Ciocalteu method and showed 184.05 ± 8.25 mg GAE/100 g. The radical scavenging activity was DPPH _IC50 0.69 ± 0.23 μg/mL and TAC-ORAC_FL 371.98 μmol.TE/100 g. The extract was evaluated for its ability to inhibit the growth of tumor cell lines and had not complete cystostatic effect against any of the tested cell lines. Antimutagenic and antigenotoxic activities were investigated by micronucleus test and comet assay in mice, respectively. Ethanolic extract of E. stipitata showed higher antimutagenic and antigenotoxic properties at the highest concentration tested (300 mg/kg of body weight). In conclusion, these results suggest that this fruit could be used as a preventive agent against cancer.     

Cancer preventive effect of Thai rat-tailed radish (Raphanus sativus L. var. caudatus Alef)

The cancer preventive effect of Raphanus sativus L. var. caudatus Alef (Thai rat-tailed radish) extract was evaluated against the HCT116 colon cancer cell line. HPLC and GC–MS were used to identify the phytoconstituents in Thai rat-tailed radish extract. Thai rat-tailed radish extract showed high cytotoxicity against HCT116 with an IC₅₀ at 9.42 ± 0.46 μg/ml. Apoptosis induced by Thai rat-tailed radish extract was confirmed (a) by DAPI staining which demonstrated nuclei morphological changes, chromatin condensation and nuclear fragmentation and (b) by Annexin V/PI flow cytometry. GC–MS analysis of Thai rat-tailed radish extract revealed two isothiocyanates; sulforaphane and sulforaphene, whose cytotoxicity and apoptosis induction effect were evident, giving Thai rat-tailed radish extract its anticancer attributes. This is the first report on the cancer preventive effect of Thai rat-tailed radish extract against HCT116 colon cancer cell line, through apoptosis induction.     

Studies on the anthocyanin profile and biological properties from the fruits of Acanthopanax senticosus (Siberian Ginseng)

The anthocyanin profile and biological activities, including antioxidant, xanthine oxidase inhibitory, angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory, and anticancer of Acanthopanax senticosus fruits were evaluated for the first time. The acidified 80% methanol extract of this species exhibited high biological properties at a concentration of 60 μg/ml. Moreover, cyanidin-3-O-(2″-O-xylosyl)-glucoside was identified using C₁₈ column chromatography, NMR spectroscopy, and HPLC-DAD-ESI/MS analysis. This compound was present at 5.2 mg/g, representing approximately 91% of the total peak area and possessed strong antioxidant effects against DPPH, ABTS, and hydroxyl radicals (IC₅₀ of 85.2, 43.7, and 126.6 μg/ml, respectively). Cyanidin-3-O-(2″-O-xylosyl)-glucoside also exhibited significant inhibitory activities against xanthine oxidase and ACE (IC₅₀: 55.5 and 47.1 μg/ml, respectively). Especially, LNCap (prostate), MOLT-4F (leukaemia), and ACHN (renal) cell lines exhibited potent anticancer effects, with IC₅₀ of 5.2, 11.2, and 22.5 μg/ml, respectively, in comparison with other cancer cell lines. Therefore, A. senticosus fruit may be utilised as an effective source for food and nutraceutical uses due to its high anthocyanin content as well as various biological properties.     

The phenolic compounds and the antioxidant potential of infusion of herbs from the Brazilian Amazonian region

The consumption of tea increased significantly in the past few years as a result of its health benefits as potent antioxidants in the diet. However, studies on the antioxidant compounds from Brazilian tea are scarce. Thus, the aim of this work was to evaluate the total phenolic compounds (TPC) and total flavonoids (TF) contents and the antioxidant capacity (DPPH and β-carotene/linoleic acid system) of nine herb infusions from the Amazonian region, namely agirú (Chrysobalanus icaco), açoita-cavalo (Luehea speciosa), capim-santo (Cymbopogon citratus), erva-cidreira (Lippia alba), graviola (Annona muricata L.), jucá (Libidibia ferrea), pata-de-vaca (Bauhinia ungulata), parirí (Fridericia chica) and sacaca comum (Croton spp.). These herbs were chosen based on popular knowledge and consumption. C. ferrea (68.13 mg GAE/g), L. speciosa (47.54 mg GAE/g) and C. icaco (51.30 mg GAE/g) presented the highest TPC contents, while L. speciosa (12.85 mg CE/g) and L. alba (15.42 mg CE/g) showed the highest TF contents. The highest antioxidant capacity, using both assays, was shown by L. ferrea. The three herbs with the highest TPC contents were selected to be analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) coupled to a diode array detector (DAD). A commercial green tea (Camellia sinensis) was also analyzed as a reference. The main compounds tentatively identified were gallic acid (0.45 mg/g), myricetin (0.78 mg/g) and quercetin (0.14 mg/g) in C. icaco; (+)-catechin (1.20 mg/g) and quercetin (0.14 mg/g) in L. speciosa; gallic acid (0.59 mg/g) and quercetin (0.13 mg/g) in C. ferrea; and gallic acid (0.24 mg/g), (−)-epicatechin (2.44 mg/g), (+)-catechin (0.68 mg/g) and quercetin (0.66 mg/g) in green tea. Among the nine studied herbs, the importance of L. ferrea should be pointed out since it presented the highest TPC content and antioxidant capacity and its gallic acid content was much higher than that of green tea.     

Carotenoid content,its stability during drying and the antioxidant activity of commercial coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.) varieties

Although populations of several tropical countries are under severe vitamin-A deficiency, traditional sources of pro-vitamin-A carotenoids have not been exploited due to the lack of relevant research data. In this study, ten commercial varieties of coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.), grown at identical conditions, were evaluated for carotenoids, their bio-efficacy and stability during drying, with the main emphasis on β-carotene (vitamin-A precursor) analysis by HPLC-MS. In all varieties, β-carotene content was higher in foliage at mature stage, than in seedlings and seeds. Variety GS4 Multicut produced highest biomass (6.18 ± 0.73 g/plant), total carotenoids (217.50 ± 5.6 mg/100 g DW) and β-carotene (73.64 ± 0.3 mg/100 g DW) at pre-flowering stage. Carotenoids extract showed a high antioxidant activity with IC₅₀ value of 14.29 ± 1.68 μg/ml, scavenging hydroxyl radicals and rendering higher protection to DNA than by standard gallic acid (IC₅₀ = 357.21 ± 4.29). Microwave drying of foliage was rapid with better retention of pigments, high intactness of trans-β-carotene and higher extractability of pigments when compared with oven drying.     

Phenolic composition,antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of free and bound phenolic extracts of Moringa oleifera seed flour

Phenolic compounds, antioxidant and antibacterial activities of defatted Moringa oleifera seed flour (DMF) were investigated. The total phenolic and flavonoid contents were measured using colorimetric methods. Free phenolic acid and flavonoid profiles were analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography, while antioxidant capacities were evaluated using scavenging assays of 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH), ferric reducing antioxidant power and total antioxidant capacity. The results showed that extractability of phenolic compounds was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in bound phenolic extract (4173.00 ± 32.22 mg gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/100 g) than in free phenolic extract (780.00 ± 14.2 mg GAE/100 g) and it showed higher antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. The IC₅₀ value for DPPH radical scavenging activity was 0.9 ± 0.05 and 14.9 ± 0.07 mg/mL for bound phenolic and free phenolic extracts, respectively. Bound phenolic extract was more effective (minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), 0.06–0.157%) than free phenolic extract (MIC, 0.117–0.191%) against tested bacteria. Ten phenolic compounds (gallic acid, p-coumaric acid, ferulic acid, caffeic acid, protocatechuic acid, cinnamic acid, catechin, epicatechin, vanillin and quercetin) were identified and quantified in both extracts. These natural plant phenolics from Moringa seeds could be a good source of antioxidants and antibacterials for food and pharmaceutical industries.     

In vitro antibacterial,cytotoxicity and haemolytic activities and phytochemical analysis of seagrasses from the Gulf of Mannar,South India

It is essential to study the phytochemical constituents and toxicological properties of seagrasses when considering their food applications. Aqueous methanolic extracts of six seagrasses were evaluated for their antibacterial, cytotoxic (brine shrimp leathality assay) and haemolytic activity. Thin layer chromatography (TLC) and phytochemical analysis were used to compare the phytochemical profiles of six seagrasses. Among the six seagrasses examined, Halodule pinifolia and Cymodocea rotundata showed predominant growth inhibitory activity against all the tested human pathogens. Cytotoxicity of seagrass extracts against nauplii of Artemia salina revealed that Syringodium isoetifolium exhibited lesser toxicity with LC₅₀ value of 699.096 μg/ml. Of all the seagrasses tested, H. pinifolia recorded the minimum haemolytic activity of 2.07 ± 0.63% at 1000 μg/ml concentration. Phytochemical analysis showed the presence of common plant chemical constituents which varied with respect to species. The present findings suggest the possible pharmacological applications of selected seagrasses that can be used as food ingredients.     

High molecular weight persimmon tannin is a potent antioxidant both ex vivo and in vivo

The antioxidant activities of high molecular weight persimmon condensed tannin (HMWPT) were evaluated in an ex vivo tissue system and in vivo. Addition of HMWPT to mouse liver homogenate protected the samples against auto-peroxidation or H₂O₂- or Fe²⁺/ascorbic acid-induced lipid peroxidation. The IC₅₀ values for HMWPT were 4.32 ± 0.20 μg/mL (auto-oxidation), 1.36 ± 0.40 μg/mL (H₂O₂-induced peroxidation) or 0.20 ± 0.09 mg/mL (Fe²⁺/ascorbic acid-induced peroxidation). Mice were oxidatively stressed with bromobenzene to test the antioxidant activity of HMWPT in vivo. An oral dose of HMWPT at 200 or 400 mg/kg HMWPT significantly (P < 0.01) prevented the bromobenzene-induced decrease in serum and liver superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activities, and decreased liver malondialdehyde levels in bromobenzene-treated mice (P < 0.01). The results suggest that dietary HMWPT may provide protection from oxidative damage both ex vivo and in vivo.     

Relationship between photon emission and chemopreventive potential of tea

Photon emission from tea (610–670 nm) in the H₂O₂/KHCO₃/MeCHO system and the utility of the photon detection system in tea evaluation were investigated. Photon intensity of tea depended on manufacturing method as follows: green tea (1202 ± SD 173.51 cd/m²) > oolong tea (834 ± SD 237.44 cd/m²) > black tea (222 ± SD 87.65 cd/m²). Photon intensity corresponded with polyphenol content (r²=0.8810) rather than catechin content (r²=0.7759) and showed a high correlation with chemopreventive activities against H₂O₂ (r²=0.7516), O₂⁻ (r²=0.7998) and DPPH radical (r²=0.7516). Photon intensity from green tea leaves at each manufacturing process step gave the same decreasing curve as DPPH radical scavenging activity. Chemiluminescence of tea, which gives information on the polyphenol content and chemopreventive potential, is a useful technique for tea evaluation.     

Pomegranate husk extract,punicalagin and ellagic acid inhibit fatty acid synthase and adipogenesis of 3T3-L1 adipocyte

Fatty acid synthase (FAS) has been recognized as a potential therapeutic target for obesity. In this study, for the first time, the inhibitory effect of pomegranate husk extract, punicalagin and ellagic acid on FAS was investigated. We found them potently inhibiting the activity of FAS with half-inhibitory concentration values (IC₅₀) of 4.1 μg/ml (pomegranate husk extract), 4.2 μg/ml (4.50 μM, punicalagin) and 1.31 μg/ml (4.34 μM, ellagic acid), respectively. Moreover, they all exhibited time-dependent inactivation of FAS. Punicalagin and ellagic acid inhibited FAS with different mechanisms compared to previously reported inhibitors, through inactivating acetyl/malonyl transferase and β-ketoacyl synthase domains, respectively. Additionally, 100 μg/ml pomegranate husk extract, 5.24 μg/ml (5 μM) punicalagin and 4.5 μg/ml (15 μM) ellagic acid effectively reduced lipid accumulation inside FAS over-expressed 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Since FAS plays a key role in the biosynthesis pathway of fatty acid, these findings suggest that pomegranate husk extract, punicalagin and ellagic acid have potential in the prevention and treatment of obesity.     

Tea fluoride concentration and the pediatric patient

The purpose of this study was to measure the fluoride concentrations of various commercially available tea infusions, with a specific focus on risk of fluorosis. 100 ml infusions of 43 different tea brands were kept at a constant temperature of 85 °C and measured for fluoride concentration at 5, 15, 30, 60, and 120 min using a fluoride ion-specific electrode and millivolt meter. After 5 min at 85 °C mean fluoride concentration, in μg/ml with standard deviation, was 2.08 ± 1.24 for caffeinated tea infusions, 4.38 ± 0.97 for decaffeinated tea infusions, and 0.05 ± 0.02 for herbal teas. Caffeinated teas derived from the traditional source, Camellia sinensis, demonstrated significantly higher concentrations of fluoride than herbal teas (p < 0.01). Furthermore, decaffeinated teas demonstrated significantly higher concentrations of fluoride than caffeinated teas (p < 0.01). Some tea infusions may place a pediatric patient at higher risk for fluorosis if consumed as the primary source of hydration.     

Chemical composition of wild edible mushrooms and antioxidant properties of their water soluble polysaccharidic and ethanolic fractions

Mushrooms have become attractive as functional foods and as a source of physiologically beneficial bioactive compounds. Herein, we describe and compare the chemical constituents (phenolic compounds, macronutrients, sugars, fatty acids, tocopherols and ascorbic acid) of four wild edible mushrooms widely appreciated in gastronomy: Armillaria mellea (Vahl) P. Kumm., Calocybe gambosa (Fr.) Donk, Clitocybe odora (Fr.) P. Kumm., Coprinus comatus (O.F. Müll.) Pers. Furthermore, the antioxidant activity of their water soluble polysaccharidic and ethanolic fractions was studied by three different in vitro assays. C. comatus revealed the highest concentrations of sugars (43.23/100 g dry weight), PUFA (77.46%), phenolic compounds (45.02 mg/kg), tocopherols (301.03 μg/100 g) and, among all of the fractions tested, its ethanolic fraction showed the highest antioxidant activity (EC₅₀ < 2.6 mg/ml). C. odora revealed one of the highest ascorbic acid (172.65 mg/100 g) contents and its water soluble polysaccharidic fraction showed the best antioxidant properties (EC₅₀ < 3.6 mg/ml) among the polysaccharidic fractions. The studied mushrooms species could potentially be used in well-balanced diets and as a source of bioactive compounds.