Estimation of neuroprotective effects of Laurocerasus officinalis Roem. (cherry laurel) by in vitro methods

Dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, acetone, methanol, and water extracts prepared from the fruits and leaves of Laurocerasus officinalis Roem. (LO) (Rosaceae) were screened for their cholinesterase inhibitory activity against acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), the key enzymes in pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD), using ELISA microplate reader at 50, 100, and 200 ??g mL⁻¹. As AD is associated with oxidative stress, the antioxidant activity of the extracts was also tested by radical-forming methods against 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), N,N-dimethyl-p-phenylendiamine (DMPD), and superoxide radicals as well as iron-related methods; iron-chelating capacity and ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays. Total phenol and flavonoid quantification was achieved using Folin-Ciocalteau and AlCl₃ reagents, respectively. The highest AChE (44.01 ± 1.75%) and BChE (19.91 ± 0.37%) inhibition was caused by the LO-leaf-methanol extract 200 ??g mL⁻¹, while it showed the best radical-scavenging activity against DPPH at 2000 ??g mL⁻¹. Only, the dichloromethane and water extracts of the fruits and the leaf water extract had an iron-chelating capacity, while the leaf methanol extract displayed the highest FRAP. The leaf methanol extract (113.45 ± 0.71 mg g⁻¹ extract) was found to be the richest in total phenols, while the leaf acetone extract (139.90 ± 4.64 mg g⁻¹ extract) had the most abundant amount of total flavonoids.     

Nutrient contents of kale (Brassica oleraceae L. var. acephala DC.)

Fructose, glucose and sucrose, as the major soluble sugars and citric and malic acids, as the major organic acids, were identified and determined in kale (Brassica oleraceae L. var. acephala DC., black cabbage) leaves. Fructose was the predominant sugar (2011 mg 100 g⁻¹ dry wt) identified, followed by glucose (1056 mg 100 g⁻¹ dry wt) and sucrose (894 mg 100 g⁻¹ dry wt). The contents of citric and malic acids were at 2213 and 151 mg 100 g⁻¹ dry wt in the leaves. The 16:0, 18:2n − 6 and 18:3n − 3 fatty acids were the most abundant fatty acids in the leaves. Considering the level of these fatty acids, 18:3n − 3 was found to be the highest (85.3 μg g⁻¹ dry wt), contributing 54.0% of the total fatty acid content. Linoleic acid (18:2n − 6), being the second most abundant fatty acid was present at 18.6 μg g⁻¹ dry wt, contributing 11.8% of the total fatty acid content. In the seed oil of kale, 22:1n − 9 was the most abundant fatty acid (4198 μg g⁻¹ dry wt, 45.7%), with 18:2n − 6 (1199 μg g⁻¹ dry wt, 12.3%) and 18:1n − 9 (1408 μg g⁻¹ dry wt, 14.8%) being the second next most abundant fatty acids. The most abundant amino acid was glutamic acid (Glu) which was present at 33.2 mg g⁻¹ dry wt. Aspartic acid, which was the second most abundant amino acid, was present at 27.6 mg g⁻¹ dry wt and accounted for 10.2% of the total amino acid content of kale leaf. The amino acid content was assessed by comparing the percentages of the essential amino acids in kale leaf versus those of a World Health Organization (WHO) standard protein. The protein of kale leaf compares well with that of the WHO standard. Only one amino acid, lysine, had a score that fell below 100%; the lysine score of kale leaf was 95%. This study attempts to contribute to knowledge of the nutritional properties of the plant. These results may be useful for the evaluation of dietary information.     

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.     

Profiling of in vitro neurobiological effects and phenolic acids of selected endemic Salvia species

The ethyl acetate and methanol extracts from 16 Salvia L. species were screened for their inhibitory activity against acetylcholinesterase, butyrylcholinesterase, lipoxygenase, and tyrosinase; the enzymes linked to neurodegeneration. Their antioxidant activity was also tested using DPPH radical scavenging, metal-chelation, and ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays. Total flavonoid content of the extracts was determined by AlCl₃ reagent, while HPLC technique was applied for analysis of various phenolic acids in the extracts. The extracts exerted weak cholinesterase and tyrosinase inhibition, and remarkable inhibition against lipoxygenase (13.07 ± 2.73-74.21 ± 5.61%) at 100 μg ml⁻¹. The methanol extracts showed higher antioxidant activity in DPPH radical scavenging and FRAP assays. The extracts were analyzed for their gallic, protocateuchic, p-hydroxy-benzoic, vanillic, caffeic, chlorogenic, syringic, o- and p-coumaric, ferulic, rosmarinic, and tr-cinnamic acid contents and the methanol extract of Salvia ekimiana (153.50 mg 100 g⁻¹) was revealed to be the richest in terms of rosmarinic acid.     

Sensory,microbiological and chemical assessment of the freshness of red mullet (Mullus barbatus) and goldband goatfish (Upeneus moluccensis) during storage in ice

The shelf life of red mullet and goldband goatfish during ice storage were studied in terms of sensory, microbiological and chemical changes. The sensory acceptability limit was 8 days for goldband goatfish (Upeneus moluccensis) and 11 days for red mullet (Mullus barbatus) stored in ice. The TVC level was correlated with sensory assessment. The TVC exceeded 7 log cfu g⁻¹ after 8 days for goldband goatfish, and 11 days for red mullet. At the end of storage period, pH, TVB-N, TBA, FFA and PV for red mullet were 7.84, 47.19 mg/100 g, 0.69 mg MA kg⁻¹, 1.17% oleic acid and 1.58 meq O₂/kg and for goldband goatfish they were 7.53, 43.97 mg/100 g, 0.74 mg MA kg⁻¹, 1.62% oleic acid and 1.68 meq O₂/kg, respectively. In red mullet, agmatine, serotonin, histamine and dopamine became the dominant amines, reaching 7.30, 5.97, 2.52 and 2.31 mg/100 g, respectively. Also the dominant amines for goldband goatfish were 4.37, 3.88, 3.38 and 2.00 mg/100 g for histamine, agmatine, dopamine and putrescine, respectively.     

Identification and quantification of carotenoids by HPLC-DAD during the process of peach palm (Bactris gasipaes H.B.K.) flour

The identification and quantification of carotenoids has been carried out on tropical and non tropical fruits because of two important carotenoid's properties: as antioxidant compounds having a prevention role in some diseases, and as a source of provitamin A needed for a good human nutrition. This study aimed to identify carotenoids present during different steps for producing flour from Costa Rican peach-palm fruit (Bactris gasipaes H.B.K). Nine carotenoids were tentatively identified and quantified by HPLC-DAD in raw pulp, and 14 were detected in cooked pulp, the additional five being products of isomerization and hydroxylation of carotenoids in the raw pulp. The flour contained 13 carotenoids, one less (all-trans-??-criptoxanthin) than in cooked pulp, with the main one being all-trans ??-carotene. This carotenoid was also present in raw pulp at a concentration of 96.0 ± 1.7 ??g equiv. of ??-carotene g⁻¹ dw. The concentration decreased significantly (P < 0.05) during cooking and drying to reach a final concentration of 33.3 ± 1.0 ??g equiv. ??-carotene g⁻¹ dw in the flour. Flour production reduced (P < 0.05) the total carotenoid content from 373.4 to 237.7 ??g of ??-carotene g⁻¹ dw, with a final retention rate of 63.7% by the end of the process. Moreover, 9 of the 14 carotenoids account for high levels of provitamin A, which, even so, had decreased from 2723 retinol equivalents (RE) 100 g⁻¹ in raw pulp to 1614 RE 100 g⁻¹ in cooked pulp and 1289 RE 100 g⁻¹ in flour. Provitamin A level is still high when compared to other common provitamin A sources. Our study shows that while there is a change in the levels and profile of carotenoids during the peach-palm flour process, and a reduction of provitamin A value, peach-palm fruit is a great source of bioactive compounds.     

Cagaita (Eugenia dysenterica DC.) of the Cerrado of Minas Gerais, Brazil: Physical and chemical characterization, carotenoids and vitamins

The physical characteristics (diameters, height and mass), chemical composition (tritratable acidity, soluble solids, pH, moisture, ash, protein, lipids and total dietary fiber), occurrence and content of vitamin C (ascorbic acid and dehydroascorbic acid), carotenoids (??-carotene, ??-carotene, ??-cryptoxanthin and lycopene), vitamin E (??-, ??-, ??- and ??-tocopherol and tocotrienol) and folates (tetrahydrofolate, 5-methyltetrahydrofolate and 5-formyltetrahydrofolate) were evaluated in the cagaita obtained from the Cerrado of Minas Gerais, Brazil. The analyses of vitamin C and carotenoids were performed by HPLC-DAD and vitamin E and folates by HPLC with fluorescence detection. The cagaita pulp presented high content of moisture (91.56 g 100 g^− 1), vitamin C (34.11 mg 100 g^− 1) and folates (25.74 ??g 100 g^− 1). The presence of protein (0.63 g 100 g^− 1), ash (0.18 g 100 g^− 1), lipids (0.57 g 100 g^− 1), carbohydrates (5.54 g 100 g^− 1), dietary fiber (1.54 g 100 g^− 1) and carotenoids (0.77 mg 100 g^− 1) was observed in its composition. Vitamin E isomers were not detected. Consumption of cagaita (100 g) contributed significantly to supply the daily requirements of vitamin C (on average 71.0%), vitamin A (on average 7.5%) and folates (on average 7.9%). The cagaita showed high pulp yield, reduced total energy value and was considered a source of vitamin C, which play important role in human health.     

Studies on seed characteristics and chemical composition of three morphotypes of Mucuna urens (L.) Medikus – Fabaceae

Seed characteristics and nutrient composition of three morphotypes of big-grained Mucuna urens (L.) Medikus were studied. Results showed that 100-seed weight ranged from 3200.2 to 4700.9 g, cotyledon weight per seed (23.2–26.6 g) and testa weight per seed (9.0–21.2 g). The testa constituted 43.7%, 28.1% and 44.7% of the average seed weight for morphotypes 1, 2 and 3, respectively. The cotyledon also constituted 56.3%, 71.9% and 55.3% of the average seed weight for morphotypes 1, 2 and 3, respectively. Nutrient composition analyses showed that the three morphotypes of M. urens are good sources of crude protein (19.97–20.57 g 100 g⁻¹), carbohydrate (72.39–75.49 g 100 g⁻¹) and fat (1.84–5.05 g 100 g⁻¹). Other nutritional components, including ascorbic acid, calcium and phosphorus are present in the three morphotypes in moderate amounts. The iron content of the M. urens is low. The three morphotypes contain appreciable amounts of essential amino acid. The oxalate content is low. The variations observed in the seed characteristics and nutrient compositions are suspected to be due to genotype. Genetic improvement of this plant is recommended to remove the itching hair trait so as to encourage its cultivation.     

Hollow fibre-based liquid phase microextraction combined with high-performance liquid chromatography for the analysis of flavonoids in Echinophora platyloba DC. and Mentha piperita

A simple, inexpensive and efficient three phase hollow fibre liquid phase microextraction (HF-LPME) technique combined with HPLC was used for the simultaneous determination of flavonoids in Echinophora platyloba DC. and Mentha piperita. Different factors affecting the HF-LPME procedure were investigated and optimised. The optimised extraction conditions were as follows: 1-octanol as an organic solvent, pH_donor = 2, pH_acceptor = 9.75, stirring rate of 1000 rpm, extraction time of 80 min, without addition of salt. Under these conditions, the enrichment factors ranged between 146 and 311. The values of intra and inter-day relative standard deviations (RSD) were in the range of 3.18–6.00% and 7.25–11.00%, respectively. The limits of detection (LODs) ranged between 0.5 and 7.0 ng mL⁻¹. Among the investigated flavonoids quercetin was found in E. platyloba DC. and luteolin was found in M. piperita. Concentration of quercetin and luteolin was 0.015 and 0.025 mg g⁻¹ respectively.     

Assessment of in vitro antioxidant capacity and polyphenolic composition of selected medicinal herbs from Leguminosae family in Peninsular Malaysia

Determination of total phenolic (TPC), flavonoid and anthocyanin contents, and various antioxidant activities (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging, ferric reducing power, ferrous ion chelating and lipid peroxidation inhibition) of leaves and flowers of Bauhinia kockiana, Caesalpinia pulcherrima and Cassia surattensis were performed in this study. The B. kockiana flower was found to possess the highest TPC (8280 ± 498 mg GAE/100 g), free radical scavenging activity (ascorbic acid equivalents 14,600 ± 2360 mg AA/100 g) and reducing ability (72.4 ± 8.7 mg GAE/g). Rutin and chlorogenic acid were detected in the plants, where the C. pulcherrima leaf contained the highest amount of rutin (669 ± 26 mg/100 g), while minute amounts of chlorogenic acid were detected in C. surattensis leaf (9.13 ± 0.44 mg/100 g). The C. pulcherrima leaf displayed the highest ferrous ion chelating and lipid peroxidation inhibition activities. Positive correlation was observed between TPC and various antioxidant activities.     

Rosmarinic acid from beach waste: Isolation and HPLC quantification in Zostera detritus from Arcachon lagoon

Detritus of Zostera noltii and Zostera marina collected from the beaches of Arcachon lagoon (France) over a 30-month period were screened as a new source of rosmarinic acid (RA), a phenolic acid and an economically important metabolite. The seasonal variation of the RA content was quantified in methanolic crude extracts using high-performance liquid chromatography. Concentrations of RA ranged from 2.2 to 18.0 mg g⁻¹ (dw) for Z. noltii and 1.3 to 11.2 mg g⁻¹ (dw) for Z. marina. This is the first time RA has been isolated from Z. noltii; detrital leaves of Zostera have never before been screened for their bioactive substances. The high RA content of Zostera flotsam is of interest for both the cosmetic and herbal industries. These results show that there is a real potential for harvesting beachcast Zostera.     

Antioxidant properties of hot water extracts from Agrocybe cylindracea

Agrocybe cylindracea (DC: Fr.) Mre. was available in the form of fruit bodies, mycelia and fermentation filtrate. From these three forms, hot-water extracts were prepared and their antioxidant properties were studied. Antioxidant activities of hot-water extracts from fruit bodies, mycelia and filtrate were 63.6%, 81.6% and 56.8% at 20 mg ml⁻¹, respectively. EC₅₀ values in reducing power were 2.72, 3.97 and 3.09 mg ml⁻¹ whereas those in scavenging abilities of 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radicals were 0.62, 1.66 and 0.82 mg ml⁻¹ for fruit bodies, mycelia and filtrate, respectively. At 20 mg ml⁻¹, the scavenging abilities of hydroxyl radicals were 80.1%, 57.0% and 54.3% for fruit bodies, mycelia and filtrate, respectively. With regard to EC₅₀ values in chelating abilities on ferrous ions, the hot-water extract from filtrate was better than that from mycelia. Total phenols were the major naturally occurring antioxidant components found in hot-water extracts and in the range of 23.74–30.16 mg g⁻¹. From EC₅₀ values obtained, it can be concluded that hot-water extracts from three forms of A. cylindracea were good in antioxidant properties.     

Flow injection spectrophotometry using natural reagent from Morinda citrifolia root for determination of aluminium in tea

A flow injection (FI) spectrophotometric method with using natural reagent extracted from Morinda citrifolia root has been developed for determination of aluminium. The extract contained anthraquinone compounds which could react with Al³⁺ to form reddish complexes which had maximum absorption wavelength at 499.0 nm. The extract could be used as a reagent in FI system without further purification to obtain pure compound. A sensitive method for determination of aluminium in concentration range of 0.1-1.0 mg L⁻¹, with detection limit of 0.05 mg L⁻¹ was achieved. Relative standard deviations of 1.2% and 1.7% were obtained for the determination of 0.1 and 0.6 mg L⁻¹ Al³⁺ (n = 11). Sample throughput of 35 h⁻¹ was achieved with the consumption of 3 mL each of carrier and reagent solutions per injection. The developed method was successfully applied to tea samples, validated by the FAAS standard method. The method is simple, fast, economical and could be classified as a greener analytical method.     

Salmonella surveillance and control at post-harvest in the Belgian pork meat chain

Salmonella remains the primary cause of reported bacterial food borne disease outbreaks in Belgium. Pork and pork products are recognized as one of the major sources of human salmonellosis. In contrast with the primary production and slaughterhouse phases of the pork meat production chain, only a few studies have focussed on the post-harvest stages. The goal of this study was to evaluate Salmonella and Escherichia coli contamination at the Belgian post-harvest stages. E. coli counts were estimated in order to evaluate the levels of faecal contamination. The results of bacteriological analysis from seven cutting plants, four meat-mincing plants and the four largest Belgian retailers were collected from official and self-monitoring controls. The prevalence of Salmonella in the cutting plants and meat-mincing plants ranged from 0% to 50%. The most frequently isolated serotype was Salmonella typhimurium. The prevalence in minced meat at retail level ranged from 0.3% to 4.3%. The levels of Salmonella contamination estimated from semi-quantitative analysis of data relating to carcasses, cuts of meat and minced meat were equal to −3.40 ± 2.04 log CFU/cm², −2.64 ± 1.76 log CFU/g and −2.35 ± 1.09 log CFU/g, respectively. The E. coli results in meat cuts and minced meat ranged from 0.21 ± 0.50 to 1.23 ± 0.89 log CFU/g and from 1.33 ± 0.58 to 2.78 ± 0.43 log CFU/g, respectively. The results showed that faecal contamination still needs to be reduced, especially in specific individual plants.     

Effect of phosphorus on the fruit yield and food value of two landraces of Trichosanthes cucumerina L.- Cucurbitaceae

Studies were conducted in the early season of 2002 and 2003 at the Teaching and Research Farm, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria to evaluate the effect of phosphorus (P) on fruit yield and chemical composition of two landraces of Trichosanthes cucumerina L. For the purpose of the study, two landraces of T. cucumerina named Landrace I and Landrace II were used. The five levels of phosphorus evaluated were 0, 30, 60, 90 and 120 kg P₂O₅ ha⁻¹ using single super phosphate fertilizer (8% P). Statistical analysis showed that 90 kg P₂O₅ ha⁻¹ gave statistically significant higher fruit yield (16.4 tons ha⁻¹) compared to other P levels. The fruit yield of the two Landraces did not differ significantly. Except for crude protein content, the 90 kg P₂O₅ ha⁻¹ produced significantly higher ether extract (1.22 g 100 g⁻¹), crude fibre (1.93 g 100 g⁻¹), moisture content (90.5 g 100 g⁻¹), ash (0.90 g 100 g⁻¹), total sugars (0.81 g 100 g⁻¹) and ascorbic acid (28.7 mg 100 g⁻¹) than other P levels. The essential amino acids compositions were also significantly higher at 90 g 100 g⁻¹ compared to other lower P levels. Landrace I had significantly higher ether extract (0.90 g 100 g⁻¹) content than Landrace II (0.62 g 100 g⁻¹) while Landrace II in turn had significantly higher total sugar (0.76 g 100 g⁻¹) compared to Landrace I (0.61 g 100 g⁻¹). The essential amino acids composition is high and the oxalate composition is low. The high ascorbic acid and amino acid content together with a low oxalate composition suggested a strong basis for encouraging the cultivation of this indigenous fruit vegetable to augment nutrient requirement, improve diet and consequently alleviate poverty, preserve the biodiversity and increase the gene bank of neglected wild species of high quality nutrient sources.     

Comparison of free amino acid,carbohydrates concentrations in Korean edible and medicinal mushrooms

Ten popular species of both edible and medicinal Korean mushrooms were analysed for their free amino acids and disaccharides. The average total free amino acid concentration was 120.79 mg g⁻¹ in edible mushrooms and 61.47 mg g⁻¹ in medicinal mushrooms, respectively. The average total of free amino acids for all mushrooms, edible mushrooms and medicinal mushrooms was 91.13 mg g⁻¹. Agaricus blazei (227.00 mg g⁻¹) showed the highest concentration of total free amino acids; on the other hand, Inonotus obliquus (2.00 mg g⁻¹) showed the lowest concentration among the 10 species of mushrooms. The average total carbohydrates concentration was 46.67 mg g⁻¹ in the 10 species of mushrooms, where the edible mushrooms contained 66.68 mg g⁻¹ and the medicinal mushrooms contained 26.65 mg g⁻¹. The carbohydrates constituents of the 10 mushroom species were mainly mannose (36.23%), glucose (34.70%), and xylose (16.83%).     

Phenolic compounds and fatty acids in different parts of Vitis labrusca and V. vinifera grapes

trans-Resveratrol, antioxidant activity, phenolic compounds, proximate composition, and fatty-acid composition were quantified in different parts (peel, pulp, and seeds) of four grape varieties: Brazil (Vitis vinifera), Benitaka (V. vinifera), Isabel (Vitis labrusca) and Niagara (V. labrusca). Large concentrations of polyunsaturated fatty acid (18.84 and 9204.27 mg 100 g^− 1), linoleic acid (LA, 18:2n-6), from 5890.87 to 9148.93 mg 100 g^− 1, and alpha-linolenic (LNA, 18:3n-3), from 5.25 to 56.85 mg 100 g^− 1, were found in different parts of the four grape varieties. The lowest concentrations necessary for 50% inhibition of DPPH were (9.26 to 126.91 ??g mL^− 1) in seeds; the pulp did not have antioxidant activity. The total phenolic content varied between 0.04 and 122.35 mg EAG g^− 1; seeds had the highest concentrations (89.83 to 122.35 mg EAG g^− 1), especially in Niagara and Isabel varieties. trans-Resveratrol was detected in peels (1.17 to 12.96 ??g g^− 1) and seeds (2.03 to 2.44 ??g g^− 1) of the four varieties; however, it was absent in the pulp.     

Trace element content of Boletus tomentipes mushroom collected from Yunnan,China

The contents of As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, Mg, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn in eleven fruiting bodies of Boletus tomentipes were determined. The results showed the values of the studied elements decreased in the order: Mg (208–279 mg kg⁻¹) > Fe (106–137 mg kg⁻¹) > Mn (29.5–46.8. mg kg⁻¹) > Zn (18.7–23.1 mg kg⁻¹), > Cu (11.4–15.8 mg kg⁻¹) > Cr (3.36–4.78 mg kg⁻¹) > Pb (1.38–3.88 mg kg⁻¹) > Ni (1.68–3.01 mg kg⁻¹) > Cd (0.16–0.32 mg kg⁻¹) > As (0.10–0.24 mg kg⁻¹) > Hg (<0.06 mg kg⁻¹).     

Characterization of total capsaicinoids,colour and volatile compounds of Habanero chilli pepper (Capsicum chinense Jack.) cultivars grown in Yucatan

Total capsaicinoids, colour and volatile compounds of 10 Habanero chilli pepper (Capsicum chinense Jack.) cultivars grown in Yucatan, grouped by their colours: four red, five orange and one brown, were determined. The content of capsaicinoids, responsible for the pungency of chilli peppers, varied between 41.8 and 65.9 mg g⁻¹ dry fruit. Mean concentration of orange cultivars was 55.0 mg g⁻¹, while red cultivars had 45.0 mg g⁻¹ dry fruit, indicating that the first ones are more pungent. The composition of volatile compounds of the Habanero chilli peppers differs clearly for the different cultivars. Orange and brown cultivars have in general higher amounts of esters, with their fruity odour notes, than red cultivars. These differences are reflected in the amount of total volatiles, which is higher in orange and brown cultivars in comparison with red cultivars. From these results it can be concluded that orange and brown cultivars are better in terms of their flavour-relevant chemical composition than red cultivars.     

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.