A rational approach to prevent postprandial modification of LDL by dietary polyphenols

Food may undergo enhanced oxidation in the stomach leading to increases in the generation of deleterious lipid peroxidation products. Following meat consumption an escalation occurs in malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in human plasma. It was hypothesized that MDA could cause postprandial LDL modification in vivo, which can be abolished by the simultaneous addition of red wine polyphenols. Healthy volunteers consumed two test meals for four sequential days: meat cutlets (MC) and meat cutlets with red wine (MCRW). Postprandial plasma MDA levels after meal (MC) increased by 106 nmol/ml, and only by 57 nmol/ml after meal (MCRW). Following meal (MC) day 1 postprandial MDA–LDL levels increased by 27%. Following 4 days of repeated consumption of meal (MC), postprandial MDA–LDL levels increased by 96% (P = 0.021) and remained elevated after an overnight fast. Addition of red wine to the meal (MCRW) completely prevented postprandial MDA–LDL modification. It is concluded that the postprandial increase level of MDA in the plasma is partially responsible for LDL modification.     

Phenolic contents and antioxidant activities of bitter gourd (Momordica charantia L.) leaf, stem and fruit fraction extracts in vitro

Bitter gourd (Momordica charantia L.) has long been regarded as a food and medicinal plant. We investigated the antioxidant activity of the water extract of leaf, stem and fruit fractions by several in vitro systems of assay, namely DPPH radical-scavenging activity, hydroxyl radical-scavenging activity, β-carotene–linoleate bleaching assay, ferric reducing/antioxidant power (FRAP) assay and total antioxidant capacity. Total phenolic content was measured by Folin–Ciocalteu reagent. Identification of phenolic compounds was achieved using HPLC with the UV-diode array detection. The extracts of different fractions were found to have different levels of antioxidant activity in the systems tested. The leaf extract showed the highest value of antioxidant activity, based on DPPH radical-scavenging activity and ferric reducing power, while the green fruit extract showed the highest value of antioxidant activity, based on hydroxyl radical-scavenging activity, β-carotene–linoleate bleaching assay and total antioxidant capacity. The predominant phenolic compounds were gallic acid, followed by caffeic acid and catechin. The present study demonstrated that the water extract fractions of bitter gourd have different responses with different antioxidant methods. Total phenol content was shown to provide the highest association with FRAP assay in this present study (R² = 0.948).     

Water extractable phytochemicals from Capsicum pubescens (tree pepper) inhibit lipid peroxidation induced by different pro-oxidant agents in brain: in vitro

This study seeks to determine the antioxidant and neuroprotective properties of aqueous extract of ripe and unripe Capsicum pubescens (tree pepper) on some pro-oxidant induced lipid peroxidation in rat’s brain (in vitro). The total phenol, vitamin C, ferric reducing antioxidant property (FRAP) and Fe (II) chelating ability of the extracts of C. pubescens were determined. Thereafter, the ability of the extracts to inhibit lipid peroxidation (induced by FeSO₄, sodium nitroprusside or quinolinic acid) in rat’s brain homogenates (in vitro) was determined. The results of the study revealed that ripe C. pubescens had a significantly higher (P < 0.05) total phenol content [ripe (113.7 mg/100 g), unripe (70.5 mg/100 g)] and reducing power than the unripe pepper. However, there was no significant difference (P > 0.05) in the vitamin C [ripe (231.5 μg/g), unripe (224.4 μg/g)] content and Fe (II) chelating ability of the extracts. However, both extracts significantly (P < 0.05) inhibited lipid peroxidation induced by the pro-oxidant agents [25 μM Fe(II), 7 μM sodium nitroprusside and 1 mM quinolinic acid] in the rat’s brain homogenates in a dose-dependent manner. Nevertheless, the ripe pepper extracts inhibited MDA (Malondialdehyhide) production in the rat’s brain homogenates than the unripe pepper. Conversely, both extracts did not significantly (P > 0.05) inhibit Fe (II)/H₂O₂ induced decomposition of deoxyribose. It was therefore concluded that ripe and unripe C. pubescens would inhibit lipid peroxidation in rat brain in vitro. However, the ripe pepper was a more potent inhibitor of lipid peroxidation in the rat’s brain; this is probably due to its higher phenol content and reducing power.     

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.     

A comparative study on the free radical scavenging activities of some fresh flowers in southern China

The scavenging activities of the crude aqueous extracts from 69 kinds of fresh flowers in southern China on DPPH, superoxide and hydroxyl free radicals, and their polyphenolic contents, were investigated and evaluated in the paper. The results showed that the extracts of red rose flowers had obviously stronger antioxidant activity when compared to other flowers. Polyphenolic content had significant relationships with the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) (r = 0.983, P < 0.01) and superoxide free radical scavenging activity (FRSA) (r = 0.588, P < 0.01), but no significant relationship with hydroxyl FRSA (r = 0.184, P > 0.05) in tested open flowers. However, in tested flower buds, polyphenolic content was correlated well with the DPPH FRSA (r = 0.993, P < 0.01), superoxide FRSA (r = 0.738, P < 0.01), and hydroxyl FRSA (r = 0.737, P < 0.01), respectively. Rose was found to be a promising resource of antioxidant polyphenolics that might contribute to the development of functional food.     

Comparative studies of four different phenolic compounds on in vitro antioxidative activity and the preventive effect on lipid oxidation of fish oil emulsion and fish mince

Antioxidative activities of different phenolic compounds (catechin, caffeic acid, ferulic acid and tannic acid) at various levels were determined by different assays. Among all the phenolic compounds tested, tannic acid exhibited the highest 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) radical scavenging activities and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP). Nevertheless, catechin showed the highest metal chelating activity (P < 0.05), whereas caffeic acid had the highest lipoxygenase (LOX) inhibitory activity (P < 0.05). The impact of different phenolic compounds at a level of 100 mg/l on lipid oxidation of menhaden oil-in-water emulsion and mackerel mince was investigated. Tannic acid showed the highest efficacy in retardation of lipid oxidation for both model systems as evidenced by the lower peroxide value (PV), conjugated diene (CD) and thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) values. This was also related with the lower non-heme iron content in tannic acid treated samples. Tannic acid was therefore considered as the most potential natural antioxidant for controlling oxidation of fish oil-in-water emulsion and fish mince, whereas ferulic acid seemed to possess the lowest preventive effect on lipid oxidation.     

Study of the effect of ‘Ataulfo’ mango (Mangifera indica L.) intake on mammary carcinogenesis and antioxidant capacity in plasma of N-methyl-N-nitrosourea (MNU)-treated rats

The effect of ‘Ataulfo’ mango consumption on chemically induced mammary carcinogenesis and plasma antioxidant capacity in rats treated with N-methyl-N-nitrosourea (MNU) was studied. Mango was administered in the drinking water (0.02–0.06 g/mL) during both short-term and long-term (LT) periods to rats treated or not with MNU. Rats treated with MNU showed no differences in mammary carcinogenesis or in plasma antioxidant capacity measured by both ferric reducing/antioxidant power (FRAP) and total oxyradical scavenging capacity assays. However, in animals not treated with MNU but with a LT intake of mango the plasma antioxidant capacity as measured by the FRAP assay tended to increase in a dose-dependent manner. This suggests that mango consumption by healthy subjects may increase antioxidants in plasma.     

Salvianolic acid B inhibits low‐density lipoprotein oxidation and neointimal hyperplasia in endothelium‐denuded hypercholesterolaemic rabbits

BACKGROUND: Atherosclerosis and restenosis are inflammatory responses involving free radicals and lipid peroxidation and may be prevented/cured by antioxidant‐mediated lipid peroxidation inhibition. Salvianolic acid (Sal B), a water‐soluble antioxidant obtained from a Chinese medicinal herb, is believed to have multiple preventive and therapeutic effects against human vascular diseases. In this study the in vitro and in vivo inhibitory effects of Sal B on oxidative stress were determined. RESULTS: In human aortic endothelial cells (HAECs), Sal B reduced oxidative stress, inhibited low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) oxidation and reduced oxidised LDL‐induced cytotoxicity. Sal B inhibited Cu²⁺‐induced LDL oxidation in vitro (with a potency 16.3 times that of probucol) and attenuated HAEC‐mediated LDL oxidation as well as reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. In cholesterol‐fed New Zealand White rabbits (with probucol as positive control), Sal B intake reduced Cu²⁺‐induced LDL oxidation, lipid deposition in the thoracic aorta, intimal thickness of the aortic arch and thoracic aorta and neointimal formation in the abdominal aorta. CONCLUSION: The data obtained in this study suggest that Sal B protects HAECs from oxidative injury‐mediated cell death via inhibition of ROS production. The antioxidant activity of Sal B may help explain its efficacy in the treatment of vascular diseases. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry     

Characterisation and comparison of phenols,flavonoids and isoflavones of soymilk and their correlations with antioxidant activity

To investigate the relationship between bioactive compounds and antioxidant property, total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), individual and total isoflavone content of soymilk and their correlations with oxygen‐radical‐absorbing capacity (ORAC), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging capacity values were evaluated and compared. Results showed that TPC, TFC, isoflavones (including concentration and profiles) and antioxidation activity significantly varied among ten tested soybean cultivars. Significant correlations were established between DPPH and TFC (r = 0.553, P < 0.01), DPPH and TPC (r = 0.753, P < 0.01), FRAP and TFC (r = 0.599, P < 0.01) and FRAP and TPC (r = 0.616, P < 0.01). Positive linear correlations were found between subtotal, total isoflavones and ORAC. Unlike other isoflavone monomers, aglycone isoflavones correlated positively with DPPH and FRAP significantly. DPPH well correlated with FRAP, whereas neither DPPH nor FRAP correlated with ORAC. TPC, TFC, individual and total isoflavone values are potentially useful for soymilk antioxidant activity assessment.     

Water extract of licorice (Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch.) Supplementation is related with decreased lipid peroxidation among healthy male smokers with glutathione-S-transferase M1 positive genotype

Recently, licorice (Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch., GU) has demonstrated significant in vitro and in vivo antioxidant properties. In this study, it was tested that a daily regimen of supplementation with water extract of GU would ameliorate oxidative stress and whether effects were modulated by the glutathion-S-transferase (GST) polymorphisms. Forty healthy male smokers aged 20–60 were divided evenly into 2 groups and given either 260 mL of GU extracted with hot water or 260 mL of oligosaccharide based placebo every day for 8 weeks without any change of usual food intake, and blood samples were drawn before and after the intervention. Eight weeks of GU supplementation significantly decreased plasma conjugated dienes (a maker for lipid peroxidation) in GSTM1 positive subjects, but not in the GSTM1 null genotype group. Our finding suggests that consumption of licorice water extract might be effectively decreasing lipid peroxidation in the subgroup of smokers who have GSTM1 gene.     

Microbial and physicochemical succession in fermented sausages produced with bacteriocinogenic culture of Lactobacillus sakei and semi-purified bacteriocin mesenterocin Y

The influence of the bacteriocinogenic culture Lactobacillus sakei (10⁵/g) and semi-purified bacteriocin mesenterocin Y (2560 AU/kg) on the safety and quality of traditional Croatian fermented sausages was investigated. The addition of Lb. sakei and/or mesenterocin Y reduced microbial counts (P < 0.05) in the final products. After 28 days of ripening, coagulase-negative cocci decreased 1.5–2.0 log, yeasts 1.2–1.4 log and enterococci 1.7–2.7 log. In the case of the addition of Lb. sakei, the lactic acid bacteria count was significantly (P < 0.05) higher at day 7 of ripening, and was accompanied by a lower pH and a higher amount of lactic acid (P < 0.05). In the final product the amount of acetic acid was significantly lower. More intensive proteolysis and an increase in ammonia content were found at the beginning of fermentation, and in the second phase of ripening in the control samples, respectively. The free fatty acid concentration was significantly lower during the entire ripening process compared to the control (P < 0.05). Semi-purified mesenterocin Y did not affect the sensory properties of the sausages, whilst the addition of Lb. sakei enhanced them.     

Consumer acceptance and steak cutting yields of beef top sirloin and knuckle subprimals

Beef knuckles (n = 150) and center-cut top sirloin butts (n = 150) were used to determine portion-controlled steak cutting yields, palatability characteristics, and consumer acceptance of rectus femoris (RF), vastus lateralis (VL), and gluteus medius (GM) steaks. Steak yields were higher (P < 0.05) for top sirloins than knuckles. Trained sensory panel ratings for overall tenderness, juiciness, and flavor were similar between RF and GM. Consumer panel ratings for tenderness and juiciness were higher (P < 0.05) for GM than RF; however, consumer perceptions of overall like and flavor were similar for GM and RF. Vastus lateralis received lower (P < 0.05) trained panel and consumer ratings for all traits than either RF or GM. Palatability of VL will need improvement to be a viable foodservice offering. Yet, these data suggest that RF would amply substitute for GM in foodservice settings, and that knuckle steak yields would be adequate for foodservice applications.     

Relationship between pre-slaughter stress responsiveness and beef quality in three cattle breeds

The relationship between stress responsiveness and beef quality of 40 Nguni, 30 Bonsmara and 30 Angus steers was determined. The L^* values, pHu, cooking loss (CL) and Warner-Bratzler shear force (WBSF) were determined. Catecholamine levels were determined from urine samples collected at slaughter. Bonsmara steers had the highest (P < 0.05) levels of catecholamines with respective epinephrine, norepinephrine and dopamine concentrations of 10.8, 9.7 and 14.8 nmol/mmol. Nguni steers had the lowest (P < 0.05) levels of catecholamines, with respective catecholamine concentrations of 5.1, 4.3 and 4.0 nmol/mmol. In the Nguni steers, there were significant (P < 0.05) correlations between catecholamines and L^* and between dopamine and tenderness in meat aged for two days (WBSF2). In the Bonsmara, dopamine was correlated (P < 0.05) pHu, WBSF2 and CL. No significant correlations were found in the Angus. Therefore the relationship between stress responsiveness and certain beef quality traits may not be similar in different breeds.     

Screening of 70 medicinal plant extracts for antioxidant capacity and total phenols

The total phenolic content and related total antioxidant capacity of 70 medicinal plant infusions was analyzed. Infusions were prepared in common way in which teas are prepared for human consumption. The total phenolics were measured by Folin–Ciocalteau assay. The total antioxidant capacity was estimated by Ferric Reducing/Antioxidant Power (FRAP) assay. To make practical comparison of relative antioxidant potential of phenolics extracted from selected medicinal plants, the phenol antioxidant coefficient (PAC) was calculated for each infusion. The total phenolic content of medicinal plant infusions ranges from 9 to 2218 mg/L. The FRAP range from 0.06 to 25 mM/L. There was significant linear correlation between total phenolic content and FRAP. According to their antioxidant capacity, 70 medicinal plant extracts can be divided in five groups: (a) very low FRAP (<1 mM/L) n = 9; (b) low FRAP (1–5 mM/L), n = 37; (c) good FRAP (5–10 mM/L), n = 15; (d) high FRAP (10–20 mM/L), n = 8; and (e) very high FRAP (>20 mM/L), n = 1 medicinal plant extract. The PAC was ranging from 1.1 to 3.9 (average 2.4). The best results were obtained for Melissae folium infusions: high phenolic concentration, very high FRAP (>20 mM/L) and PAC > 3. The effect of infusion time and infusion temperature on the phenolic content, FRAP, and free radical scavenging ability was tested. DPPH radical scavenging ability of Melissae folium phenolics was similar to (+)-catechin but not as good as for quercetin. Compared to Trolox and vitamin C, Melissae folium phenolics were more efficient free ABTS radical scavengers. The results indicate that Melissae folium infusions could be an important dietary source of phenolic compounds with high antioxidant capacity comparable with red wine or beverages like tea.     

Antioxidant activities of citrus herbal product extracts

Total phenolic content, DPPH free radical-scavenging activity, hydrogen peroxide-scavenging activity, ferrous ion-chelating activity and ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) of four citrus herbal products, Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium (CRP), Citri Reticulatae Viride Pericarpium (CRVP), Aurantii Immaturus Fructus (AIF) and Aurantii Fructus (AF) extracts were determined. EC₅₀ values of DPPH radical-scavenging activities ranged from 0.1 mg/ml (AF) to 1.59 mg/ml (AIF). EC₅₀ values of hydrogen peroxide-scavenging activities ranged from 0.08 mg/ml (AF) to 0.9 mg/ml (CRP). EC₅₀ values of ferrous ion-chelating activities ranged from 0.8 mg/ml (AF) to 2.08 mg/ml (AIF). The differences in DPPH free radical-scavenging activity, hydrogen peroxide-scavenging activity, and ferrous ion-chelating activity of all citrus herbal product extracts were significant. AF had the highest antioxidant activity. In this study, citrus herbal product extracts did not have good reducing power.     

Total phenolic compounds and antioxidant capacities of major fruits from Ecuador

Seventeen fruits from Ecuador were analysed for total soluble phenolic compounds content and for antioxidant capacity, using three different methods (DPPH, FRAP and ABTS⁺). For the total phenolic content measured by the Folin–Ciocalteu method, three groups, having <100, 200–500 and >1000 mg GAE/100 g FW, were clearly distinguishable. Andean blackberry, capulí cherry peel and banana passion fruit were classified in the third group, with concentrations of 2167, 1494 and 1010 mg of GAE/100 g FW, respectively. Antioxidant capacity analyses revealed the same classes. FRAP and ABTS⁺ gave comparable results and were highly correlated (y = 0.691x + 6.78; r² = 0.908). Spectrophotometric measurements showed that the Andean blackberry and capulí peel but not banana passion fruit contained high levels of anthocyanins (λ_max = 520 nm).     

Consumption of Hibiscus sabdariffa L. aqueous extract and its impact on systemic antioxidant potential in healthy subjects

BACKGROUND: To evaluate health benefits attributed to Hibiscus sabdariffa L. a randomized, open‐label, two‐way crossover study was undertaken to compare the impact of an aqueous H. sabdariffa L. extract (HSE) on the systemic antioxidant potential (AOP; assayed by ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP)) with a reference treatment (water) in eight healthy volunteers. The biokinetic variables were the areas under the curve (AUC) of plasma FRAP, ascorbic acid and urate that are above the pre‐dose concentration, and the amounts excreted into urine within 24 h (Ae_0–24) of antioxidants as assayed by FRAP, ascorbic acid, uric acid, malondialdehyde (biomarker for oxidative stress), and hippuric acid (metabolite and potential biomarker for total polyphenol intake). RESULTS: HSE caused significantly higher plasma AUC of FRAP, an increase in Ae_0–24 of FRAP, ascorbic acid and hippuric acid, whereas malondialdehyde excretion was reduced. Furthermore, the main hibiscus anthocyanins as well as one glucuronide conjugate could be quantified in the volunteers' urine (0.02% of the administered dose). CONCLUSION: The aqueous HSE investigated in this study enhanced the systemic AOP and reduced the oxidative stress in humans. Furthermore, the increased urinary hippuric acid excretion after HSE consumption indicates a high biotransformation of the ingested HSE polyphenols, most likely caused by the colonic microbiota. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry     

Assessment of antioxidant capacity of sedum (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Sedum sarmentosum</Emphasis>) as a valuable natural antioxidant source

In order to investigate the antioxidant capacity of sedum (dolnamul, Sedum sarmentosum) and to offer a scientific basis for the medicinal use of it, lyophilized sedum leaves were extracted with n-hexane, n-butanol, ethyl acetate, and methanol, respectively. The methanol extract (ME) showed the highest extraction yield, but no significant differences in the extraction yield were observed. The total polyphenol content (TPC) of the ethyl acetate extract (EAE) and the ME was significantly higher than that of the non-polar solvent extracts. The EAE and ME showed the superior antioxidant activities in the DPPH, oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC), and ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP) assays. Lipid peroxidation was efficiently inhibited by the addition of the sedum extracts in the ferric thiocyanate (FTC) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) assays, but significant differences among the tested extracts were not observed. The ME showed the potent lipid peroxidation inhibitory activity comparable to butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT). The correlations between the TPC and the antioxidant activities based on the DPPH, ORAC, and FRAP assays were highly positive (R ²>0.899).     

Antioxidant activity and functional properties of porcine plasma protein hydrolysate as influenced by the degree of hydrolysis

Antioxidant activity and functional properties of porcine blood plasma protein hydrolysates (PPH) prepared with Alcalase at 6.2%, 12.7% and 17.6% of degree of hydrolysis (DH) were investigated. The PPH showed stronger radical-scavenging ability and possessed stronger Cu²⁺-chelation ability and a reducing power compared to non-hydrolysed plasma protein (P < 0.05). The antioxidant activity of PPH, indicated by thiobarbituric acid-reactive substance (TBARS) values in a liposome-oxidising system, increased with increasing DH (P < 0.05). The Alcalase hydrolysis increased protein solubility from its original 68.46–81.79% (non-hydrolysed) to 82.95–94.94% (hydrolysed) over a broad pH range (3.0–8.0). However, hydrolysis decreased surface hydrophobicity and suppressed emulsifying and foaming capacity of the plasma protein. To identify antioxidant peptide, PPH was subjected to ultrafiltration, ion-exchange chromatography and reverse-phase high performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC), and the amino acid sequences of isolated peptides were determined by liquid chromatography/tendem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS). The peptide with the strongest antioxidant activity had the amino acid sequence of His-Asn-Gly-Asn. The results indicated that PPH could be used as a novel antioxidant but may be of limited utility as an emulsifying or foaming agent.     

Changes in bioactive compounds and their relationship to antioxidant activity in white sufu during manufacturing

In this article, samples of white sufu were collected at different manufacture stages and their content of water‐soluble protein (WSP) and amino nitrogen (AN); the distribution of peptides in WSP and isoflavones, as well as the antioxidant activities, was analysed. Results indicated that the peptides with molecular weight of 500–1000 Da increased 13.09 times from 0.11 to 1.44 g 100 g^?1 dry matter (DM) during the whole manufacturing, while isoflavone glucosides were almost entirely converted to aglycones after ripening for 15 days. Ferric reducing power (FRAP) and 2,2′‐azinobis‐3‐ethylbenzothiazoline‐6‐sulphonic acid radical scavenging activity (ABTS RSA) were significantly increased by 2.80‐ and 1.60‐fold, respectively. Correlation analysis suggested that ABTS RSA was significantly related to WSP (especially for the 500–1000 Da peptides; P < 0.01) and the content of aglycones (P < 0.05), while FRAP was only correlated to WSP (P < 0.05). It is concluded the peptides were the most important components contributing to the antioxidant activities of sufu.