Antioxidant,free radical scavenging and type II diabetes‐related enzyme inhibition properties of traditionally processed Jequirity bean (Abrus precatorius L.)

The methanolic extract of raw Abrus precatorius (Jequirity bean, red‐ and black‐coloured seed coat) seeds contains a total phenolic content of 14.2 ± 0.39 g catechin equivalent/100 g extract. An analysis of phenolic profile revealed the presence of syringic acid, caffeic acid and (?)‐epicatechin in the methanolic extract of A. precatorius seeds. Encouraging levels of ferric reducing/antioxidant power (FRAP, 1247 mmol Fe[II]/mg extract), inhibition of β‐carotene bleaching (53.37%), 2,2‐Diphenyl‐1‐picryl‐hydrazyl (DPPH, 62.13%) and superoxide (64.47%) radical scavenging activities were exhibited by the extract of raw samples. Inhibition characteristics of 68.69%α‐amylase and 51.74%α‐glucosidase enzyme were also recorded under in vitro starch digestion bioassay. Sprouting + oil‐frying caused a significant increase in the total phenolic content and also substantially improved the antioxidant and free radical scavenging capacities, while soaking + cooking as well as open‐pan roasting treatments showed diminishing effects.     

Total phenolic content,antioxidant activity,and type II diabetes related functionality of traditionally processed ox-eye bean [Mucuna gigantea (Willd) DC.] seeds: An Indian underutilized food legume

The methanolic extract of ox-eye bean [Mucuna gigantea (Willd) DC.] contained total free phenolic content of 14.80±1.28 g catechin equivalent/100 g extract dry matter. Encouraging levels of ferric reducing/antioxidant power (FRAP, 1,023 mmol Fe[II]/mg extract), inhibition of β-carotene degradation (59.35%) and radical scavenging activity against DPPH (72.12%) and superoxide (43.11%) were exhibited by the raw samples. Further, it also recorded 82.17% of α-amylase and 91.26% of α-glucosidase enzyme inhibition characteristics. Sprouting+oil-frying caused a apparent increase on the total free phenolic content and also significant improvement on the antioxidant and free radical scavenging capacity of methanolic extract, while soaking+cooking as well as open-pan roasting treatments showed diminishing effects. Moreover, inhibition of α-amylase and α-glucosidase enzyme activities was declined to 22.82 and 45.47%, respectively during sprouting+oilfrying treatment, which are more desirable for the dietary management of type II diabetic patients.     

Effect of different treatments on the microstructure and functional and pasting properties of pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan L.), dolichos bean (Dolichos lablab L.) and jack bean (Canavalia ensiformis) flours from the north‐east Argentina

The effect of germination (G; 5 days), soaking‐cooking (SC; 6 h–20 min, 6 h–40 min, 6 h–60 min) and microwave (M; 50%, 70%, 100%) treatments on pigeon pea (PP), dolichos bean (DB) and jack bean (JB) seeds was studied. Microstructure of seeds and functional (protein solubility, water‐holding capacity, oil‐holding capacity, emulsion stability) and pasting properties of flours were determined. Germination and microwave treatments modified the protein matrix of cotyledon cells preserving the shape of the starch granule, whereas the SC treatment (6 h–60 min) affected both. The soaking‐cooking is the most influential treatment on the functional properties of PP, DB and JB flours, as increased water absorption capacity (73–96%), decreased protein solubility (>80%) and the tendency to retrogradation of amylose (69–85%) also improved emulsion stability.     

Antioxidant activity and DNA protection against oxidative damage of bambara groundnut seeds (Vigna subterranea (L.) Verdc.) as affected by processing methods

This research investigated the effects of processing by dry heating, boiling, and steaming on the antioxidant activity and DNA protection against oxidative damage of bambara groundnut seeds (Vigna subterranea (L.) Verdc.). Comparing raw and processed samples of bambara groundnut seeds, dry heating caused a significant (P < 0.05) reduction of ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), metal chelating activity, DPPH^? and ABTS^?+ radical scavenging activity. The boiling process did not cause a significant difference in FRAP and metal chelating activity and caused smaller losses in DPPH^? and ABTS^?+ radical scavenging activity than the dry heating and steaming processes. The steaming process caused a significant (P < 0.05) reduction of FRAP, DPPH^? and ABTS^?+ radical scavenging activity. For DNA protection against oxidative damage, boiled and steamed bambara groundnut seed samples were more effective with a lower minimum concentration (50 µg/mL) than raw and dry heated samples. These results indicated that the boiling process caused smaller losses antioxidant activity than dry heating and steaming. Therefore, boiling was recommended as processing method for bambara groundnut seeds to preserve antioxidant components and antioxidant activity.     

Total phenolic content and antioxidant properties of eclipse black beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) as affected by processing methods

ABSTRACT:  The effects of soaking, boiling, and steaming processes on the phenolic components and antioxidant activity of black beans were investigated. All processed beans exhibited significantly ( P < 0.05) lower antioxidant activities than raw beans in total phenolic content (TPC), DPPH free radical scavenging activity (DPPH), and oxygen radical absorbing capacity (ORAC). Steaming processes resulted in a greater retention of TPC and ORAC values than the boiling processes. Pressure boiling shortened processing time compared to regular boiling, resulted in insignificant differences in TPC, but significantly increased in ORAC as compared to the regular boiling method. Pressure steaming resulted in significant decreases in TPC, DPPH, while significantly increased in ORAC compared to regular steaming. Greater TPC, DPPH, and ORAC values were detected in boiling water than in the soaking and steaming water. Mass balance analysis showed that boiling caused more dry solid loss than steaming. All of these results indicated that processing methods significantly changed contents and activities of antioxidant components of black beans. Steam processing exhibited several advantages in appearance and texture of the cooked product, shortening processing time, and in greater retention of TPC and antioxidant activities. Steam processing may be used to develop high-quality health-promoting black bean products.     

Effects of concentration methods on bioactivity and color properties of poppy (Papaver rhoeas L.) sorbet,a traditional Turkish beverage

This study investigated the effects of concentration methods such as vacuum, microwave and conventional heating methods on total phenolic and anthocyanin contents, antiradical activity, antioxidant capacity and color of Papaver rhoeas L. (poppy) sorbet, a traditional beverage of Turkey. The effects of concentration method on bioactivity and color of sorbet were also determined during the 90 day-storage at 4, 20 and 37 °C. The sample obtained with vacuum method (1022.84 mg GAE/kg) had the highest phenolic content compared to microwave (925.77 mg GAE/kg) and conventional methods (936.42 mg GAE/kg). While the lowest initial anthocyanin content was found to be 571.31 mg cyn-3-glu/kg in the conventional method, the highest anthocyanin content were determined to be 774.49 mg cyn-3-glu/kg in the vacuum treated sorbet at the beginning of the storage. The results revealed that the poppy sorbet was an excellent source of phenolic and anthocyanin. Storage degradation of poppy anthocyanins followed first order reaction kinetics. Concentration method and storage temperature had significant effect on the bioactivity and color of sorbets. In general, vacuum method was the best treatment for preserving the bioactivity and color of poppy sorbet followed by microwave during the 90-day storage.     

Bioactive compounds,antioxidant activity and sensory properties of Tarhana,a traditional fermented food,enriched with pickling herb (Echinophora tenuifolia L.)

The addition of pickling herb (Echinophora tenuifolia L.; PHET) resulted in increase in the total phenolic and flavonoid contents in Tarhana in both free and bound fractions' extracts. The antioxidant activity of Tarhana containing 2%, 6% and 18% PHET was 81.45–81.72% in bound fraction whereas in free fraction it was up to 88.27% (6% PHET). The gallic acid contents of Tarhana with PHET in free fraction were between 0.49 mg L⁻¹ (10%) and 2.75% (14%) and that in bound fraction varied between 0.36 mg L⁻¹ (10%) and 3.61 mg L⁻¹ (18%). Statistically significant differences (with control) were observed among the contents of individual phenolic compounds in free and bound fractions of Tarhana depending on PHET concentrations. The addition of higher PHET contents in Tarhana showed negative effects hence, a low concentration (2%) of PHET is recommendable for Tarhana with enhanced nutritional properties.     

Ethanolic Noni (Morinda citrifolia L.) leaf extract dechlorophyllised using sedimentation process: Antioxidant,antibacterial properties and efficacy in extending the shelf-life of striped catfish slices

Antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of ethanolic noni leaf extract (ENLE) without and with chlorophyll removal by sedimentation method were comparatively investigated. Total chlorophyll content was reduced by 82% in the top fraction (CR-ENLE) collected after 24 h at 4 °C as compared to that of ENLE. Antioxidant and antimicrobial activities were lower in the bottom fraction rich in chlorophyll (Chlo-ENLE) than others (P < 0.05). Based on the microbiological limit, the shelf-life of striped catfish slices pre-treated with 400 mg kg⁻¹ C-R-ENLE was extended to 9 days as compared to the 3 days recorded for the control (without pre-treatment). Slices treated with CR-ENLE had lower lipid oxidation than those treated with ENLE during refrigerated storage (P < 0.05). The sedimentation process was therefore a potential green method for producing ENLE having improved antioxidant and antimicrobial activities without green colour. It can be used as a natural additive for shelf-life extension of fish slices.     

Innovative processing techniques for altering the physicochemical properties of wholegrain brown rice (Oryza sativa L.) – opportunities for enhancing food quality and health attributes

Abstract

Rice is a globally important staple consumed by billions of people, and recently there has been considerable interest in promoting the consumption of wholegrain brown rice (WBR) due to its obvious advantages over polished rice in metabolically protective activities. This work highlights the effects of innovative processing technologies on the quality and functional properties of WBR in comparison with traditional approaches; and it is aimed at establishing a quantitative and/or qualitative link between physicochemical changes and high-efficient processing methods. Compared with thermal treatments, applications of innovative nonthermal techniques, such as high hydrostatic pressure (HHP), pulsed electric fields (PEF), ultrasound and cold plasma, are not limited to modifying physicochemical properties of WBR grains, since improvements in nutritional and functional components as well as a reduction in anti-nutritional factors can also be achieved through inducing related biochemical transformation. Much information about processing methods and parameters which influence WBR quality changes has been obtained, but simultaneously achieving the product stabilization and functionality of processed WBR grains requires a comprehensive evaluation of all the quality changes induced by different processing procedures as well as quantitative insights into the relationship between the changes and processing variables.     

Effect of processing method on vitamin profile,antioxidant properties and total phenolic content of coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) sugar syrup

Coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) sugar is a more nutritious alternative sugar source as compared to sugar palm (Borassus flabellifer) and sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.). This work was aimed to investigate the browning index (BI), vitamin profile and antioxidant properties of coconut sap sugar syrups, which were produced by different processing methods: rotary evaporation (RE), microwave evaporation (ME) and open-heat evaporation (OHE). The results obtained showed that coconut sugar syrup produced by RE-60 contained high antioxidant activities [DPPH (36.71%) and ABTS (34.84%), TPC (299.87 mg per 100 g sample) and FRAP (3.74 mm )]. These values were slightly lower than those of ME and OHE. Coconut sugar syrup (RE-60) also contained higher amounts of vitamin C (1587.27 mg L⁻¹), vitamin B1 (97.44 mg L⁻¹) and vitamin B3 (19.84 mg L⁻¹) compared with those of ME and OHE coconut sugar syrups. RE-60 was the best method to produce coconut sugar syrup in a shorter time with lower browning index and higher vitamin contents.     

Composition and enzyme inhibitory properties of finger millet (Eleusine coracana L.) seed coat phenolics: Mode of inhibition of α-glucosidase and pancreatic amylase

Inhibitors of alpha glucosidase and pancreatic amylase play a vital role in the clinical management of postprandial hyperglycemia. Although, powerful synthetic inhibitors are available, natural inhibitors are potentially safer. Phenolic compounds from the millet seed coat were extracted with acidified methanol and characterised by HPLC and ESI-MS. These phenolics showed strong inhibition towards α-glucosidase and pancreatic amylase and the IC₅₀ values were 16.9 and 23.5 μg of phenolics, respectively. The enzyme kinetic studies, using Michaelis–Menton and Lineweaver–Burk equations, indicated that, in the presence of millet phenolics, the Michaelis–Menton constant (K_m) remained constant but the maximal velocity (V_max) decreased, revealing a non-competitive type of inhibition. The study indicated the therapeutic potentiality of millet phenolics in the management of postprandial hyperglycemia.     

In vitro inhibitory effect of oriental melon (Cucumis melo L. var. makuwa Makino) seed on key enzyme linked to type 2 diabetes: Assessment of anti-diabetic potential of functional food

As the world’s population continues to increase, the agricultural discards of plant origin have attracted considerable attention for various purposes in the pharmaceutical and food industry. The objective of present study was to evaluate the potential of oriental melon (Cucumis melo L. var. makuwa Makino) seed for management of hyperglycaemia-linked to type 2 diabetes. Ethanol and hexane extracts from oriental melon seed were used to evaluate their inhibitory activities against α-glucosidase and α-amylase. Low phenolic-containing hexane extract exhibited much higher inhibitory activities against α-glucosidase and α-amylase than ethanol extract. The GC–MS result revealed that hexane extract constituted linoleic acid (29.6%), oleic acid (17.3%), and palmitic acid (6.5%). At high concentration, hexane extract exhibited strong inhibitory activities against α-glucosidase (35.3%) and α-amylase (61.8%). These in vitro studies indicated that hexane extract of oriental melon seed could be used as a potent alternative for controlling type 2 diabetes.     

Antioxidant properties of Prangos ferulacea (L.) Lindl., Chaerophyllum macropodum Boiss. and Heracleum persicum Desf. from Apiaceae family used as food in Eastern Anatolia and their inhibitory effects on glutathione-S-transferase

Therapeutic effects of several medicinal plants and vegetables, which are commonly used as food and in folk medicine against many disease, are well known. Antioxidant capacities of Heracleum persicum Desf., Prangos ferulacea (L.) Lindl., Chaerophyllum macropodum Boiss. species from Apiaceae family were evaluated by determining their effects on DPPH radical scavenging, and lipid peroxidation inhibition, as well as their total phenolic contents. Potential natural glutathione-S-transferase inhibitors have gained great importance in the last decade especially because of the role of glutathione-S-transferases in developing resistance to chemotherapy. Selected plants were therefore further investigated for their influence on the activity of glutathione-S-transferase enzyme.