Preparation of products rich in slowly digestible starch (SDS) from rice starch by a dual-retrogradation treatment

In this work, a dual-retrogradation treatment (gelatinization–retrogradation–gelatinization–retrogradation) was designed for preparing slowly digestible starch (SDS) products from rice starch. The results showed that a maximum SDS yield in the tested samples increased from 39.3% to 56.7% by the dual retrogradation with the time interval of 36 h. The dual retrogradation also seemed to increase with the melting temperature range (T_c–T_o) of the SDS products. This increase indicated that more imperfect crystallites were formed during the dual-retrogradation treatment. Furthermore, compared to the single retrogradation, the dual retrogradation generated larger cavities and more solid connection parts in the SDS products. This internal microstructure could result in the increase of slow digestibility. These findings suggest that the dual retrogradation can be used in starchy products to increase the yield of SDS.     

The phytochemical analysis and pharmacological potentials of husk and straw as paddy waste products

Rice serves as a staple food for one-half of the global population. However, rice production, particularly the rice milling process, results in a substantial amount of paddy waste products (e.g. bran, husk and straw) annually. Because the potentials of bran have been extensively explored in prior studies, the present review focuses exclusively on the phytochemical analysis and pharmacological potentials of husk and straw. This comprehensive review establishes a solid foundation for promoting husk and straw as medicinal substances given their promising pharmacological potentials as bioactive compound sources with therapeutic functions. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry     

橡实(杯状栲)淀粉的凝胶特性研究

实验采用质构仪考察了不同浓度、pH及常用添加剂对杯状栲橡实淀粉的凝胶质构特性的影响,并比较了橡实淀粉与玉米、马铃薯淀粉的差异。结果显示,橡实淀粉的凝胶特性值略高于玉米淀粉,低于马铃薯淀粉。浓度对橡实淀粉的凝胶质构特性影响显著,随着浓度的增加,凝胶质构特性增强。pH在6.5附近时,杯状栲淀粉表现出最强的凝胶质构特性。除木糖醇可以显著增强杯状栲淀粉的凝胶特性,实验中其他糖类的加入对其质构特性的影响作用均不大。盐类、脂类对杯状栲淀粉的凝胶质构特性的影响作用都有先增大后减小的趋势。      

Anti-oxidant and anti-adipogenic effects of acorn (Quercus acutissima CARR.) shell extracts via regulation of wnt signaling in 3T3-L1 cells

Food Science and Biotechnology - Acorn (Quercus acutissima CARR.) is a nut from the Fagaceae family that has been used in traditional medicine for many years. However, shells from acorns are...     

Physicochemical Properties of Quercus leucotrichophora (Oak) Starch

Starch from the seeds of Quercus leucotrichophora was isolated, purified and its physico-chemical properties were determined. Scanning electron microscopy of the granules show that they are oval to eliptical in shape. Its has high contents of ash, lipids, proteins and lower content of amylose. Its gelatinization temperature is 80–85°C and displays high water binding capacity. It has low swelling power but high solubility. Amylograph study shows 425 B.U. paste viscosity and no thinning inspite of 3 h heating. On cooling starch retrogrades to paste viscosity of 1200 B.U.     

A quantitative comparison of phytochemical components in global noni fruits and their commercial products

The fruits of noni (Morinda citrifolia L.) have been used as a medicinal food for centuries in a wide range of tropical regions, and are increasingly attracting more attention worldwide. Due to the increase of commercial noni fruit products in the global market, an extensive phytochemical comparison of noni fruits and their juice products seems imperative to understand their internal quality. To this end, we developed an HPLC method, established phytochemical fingerprints, and quantitatively compared the characteristic components in 7 noni fruits and 13 commercial fruit juices originating from the Caribbean, Central America, the Central and South Pacific, and Asia. The results showed that scopoletin, rutin, quercetin, and 5,15-dimethylmorindol were detected in all the samples, although at varying concentrations. Together, these components could be used as a reference for identification and authentication of raw noni fruits and their commercial products. Meanwhile, the variation in phytochemical content in noni fruits and juices may be attributed to the diversity of geographical environments (soil, sunlight, temperature, precipitation, etc.) and post-growth factors (harvesting, storage, transportation, manufacturing processes, formulation, etc.). Further, the variation may also suggest different toxicological and pharmacological profiles. As such, scientific data of efficacy and safety conducted on one noni fruit or juice may not be applicable to all others, including those from the same origins.     

Durability of European oak (Quercus petraea and Quercus robur) against white rot fungi (Coriolus versicolor): relations with phenol extractives

Knowledge on wood natural durability is required in order to be able to decide if we can use a certain type of wood outdoors. For instance, when used outside, oak wood is subjected to the leaching of its water-soluble substances. In this case the resistance of European oak wood is considered to be durable according to the European Standard EN 350-2. However, so far we do not exactly know the real impact of the leaching phenomenon on the resistance of oak wood and the importance of chemical contents. Nevertheless, our study has indicated that some individuals may contain highly durable wood characteristics even after the leaching process (i.e. 33% of very durable wood was still very durable after the leaching test). Chemical analysis has demonstrated that the presence of phenolic compounds are positively correlated with durability. This means that higher proportions of phenol confer higher resistance on wood. After the leaching test, which involves a washout of water soluble compounds, 70% of the trees demonstrate a decline in durability (after the leaching test 75% of the very durable wood dropped to a durable class; whereas, 25% of the wood in the same class still kept their very durable status). This experiment clearly shows the influence of the leaching phenomena and its important role on durability in oak wood. The results show also that 18% of the oak samples could be considered as very durable even after leaching.     

Chestnut and acorn starch properties affected by isolation methods

Starches from chestnut (Castanea sativa Mill.) and acorns (Quercus suber Lam. and Q. rotundifolia Lam.) were isolated from dried fruits using four different methods. These involved a physicochemical and/or an enzymatic treatment followed by centrifugation and sieving: (i) low shear at alkaline pH – LSA, (ii) high shear in water – HSW, (iii) enzymatic treatment at low shear – LSE, (iv) LSA and using successively three sieves – LSA3S. Raw yield, purity, colour parameters, morphology, protein, fat, ash, reducing sugars and amylose contents, damaged starch content and viscoamylographic profiles were studied in isolated starches, presenting different properties through different methods. In general, chestnut starch seems to be poorly resistant to extraction methodologies as shown by the damaged starch content and viscoamylographic properties encountered during this study. Moreover, acorn starches exhibited cross‐linked amylographic patterns. For all the tested raw materials, the LSA3S isolation method always higher yield and purity of starches. Gelatinization temperature and peak consistency were also higher than those shown by starches produced by the other methods, a less damaged structure was also evident. In conclusion, it seems that this method is the most suitable to produce starch for food ingredient usage.     

雪莲果系列制品的研制

为提高雪莲果的利用价值和开发新的功能性食品,以新鲜雪莲果为原料,榨汁后滤液喷雾干燥制备雪莲果汁粉,滤渣制备雪莲果渣粉。考察了护色剂对雪莲果汁粉及出粉率的影响,并对产品中低聚果糖的含量进行了测定。再以玉米胚芽油为芯材,雪莲果汁及其他材料为壁材,采用微胶囊技术研发新型的功能性雪莲果汁粉末油脂。结果表明:0.20%的柠檬酸护色效果较好,制备的雪莲果汁粉末油脂表面油含量2.11%,包埋率92.6%,冲溶后的乳状液有雪莲果香且稳定性好。     

Nutritional characterization of acorn flour (a traditional component of the Mediterranean gastronomical folklore)

Nowadays, acorns, the fruits of Quercus trees, are mostly associated with animal feed. However they are part of the traditional gastronomical folklore of several Mediterranean countries. Though several uses can be mentioned, one of the most common uses is powdering the acorns in order to produce a flour that can substitute regular corn flour in the manufacture breads and cakes. An example of this is acorn bread, a typical Portuguese loaf. However, to the best of our knowledge, there is no information about the nutritional value of these flours. As such, the main goal of this work was to describe the nutritional value of acorn flours from two different subspecies of Quercus abundant in Portugal (Quercus ilex and Quercus rotundifolia) obtained using two different traditional methods (drying and roasting). The results demonstrated that all flours possessed interesting nutritional properties, namely the absence of gluten and elevated values of both monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids. Because of these facts and it’s low production cost, acorn flour poses as an interesting alternative to traditional flours particularly for gluten intolerant individuals.     

Richcel(R)纤维的性能及其产品

将经过5%NaOH溶液处理的Richcel(R)(丽赛(R))、Viscose、Modal、Lyocell、Tencel-G、TencelA100纤维与处理前的这些纤维试样进行了对比测试,包括干湿态拉伸性能、溶胀性能和形态结构测试.由于Richcel(R)纤维的聚合度和结晶度较高,使其对碱的稳定性较高,这是该纤维最突出的性能.Richcel(R)纤维经碱处理后强度损失小、溶胀率较小、形态变形也很小.将其与棉进行不同比例的混纺,然后对混纺织物进行适当的丝光整理,可改善织物手感与光泽,减少收缩,提高织物尺寸稳定性和褶皱稳定性.此外,Richcel(R)纤维未经碱处理时,其干湿态断裂强度和初始模量均较高.文中还对Richcel(R)纤维织物的染整工艺和应用领域作了简要介绍.     

Antimicrobial and antioxidative enrichment of oak (Quercus robur) bark by rotation planar extraction using ExtraChrom

The multifunctional ExtraChrom instrument was used in the extraction of antimicrobial and radical scavenging components from oak (Quercus robur L.) bark. Milled and sieved oak bark was extracted with 80% (v/v) methanol solution in water on the ExtraChrom instrument using step-gradient in the preparative separation. Extracts were tested using agar diffusion method on Staphylococcus aureus, Enterobacter aerogenes and Candida albicans. Some extracts showed moderate bactericidal, fungicidal, bacteriostatic and fungistatic activity. The composition related to activity of the fractions and extracts was screened simultaneously by thin-layer chromatography (TLC) detected by UV and by spraying the plate with radical scavenging reagent 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) to detect antioxidant activity. Thus, we could demonstrate the antiradical and antimicrobial activity of oak beneficial in the storage of wine against the oxidation and human microbial exposure.     

Broad bean and pea by‐products as sources of fibre‐rich ingredients: potential antioxidant activity measured in vitro

BACKGROUND By‐products generated during the processing of plant food can be considered a promising source of dietary fibre as a functional compound. The dietary fibre composition, soluble sugars and antioxidant activity of the extractable polyphenols of pea and broad bean by‐products have been analysed in this study. RESULTS: Total dietary fibre using AOAC methods plus hydrolysis (broad bean pod: 337.3 g kg^?1; pea pod: 472.6 g kg^?1) is higher (P < 0.05) in both by‐products than with the Englyst method (broad bean pod: 309.7 g kg^?1; pea pod: 434.6 g kg^?1). The main monomers are uronic acids, glucose, arabinose and galactose in broad bean pods. However, pea pods are very rich in glucose and xylose. The soluble sugars analysed by high‐performance liquid chromatography in both by‐products have glucose as the most important component, followed by sucrose and fructose. The ferric reducing antioxidant power (broad bean pod: 406.4 µmol Trolox equivalents g^?1; pea pod: 25.9 µmol Trolox equivalents g^?1) and scavenging effect on 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl radical (EC₅₀ of broad bean pod: 0.4 mg mL^?1; EC₅₀ of pea pod: 16.0 mg mL^?1) were also measured. CONCLUSIONS: Broad bean and pea by‐products are very rich in dietary fibre, particularly insoluble dietary fibre and their extractable polyphenols demonstrate antioxidant activity. Therefore they might be regarded as functional ingredients. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry     

Millets as potential nutri-cereals: a review of nutrient composition,phytochemical profile and techno-functionality

Millets are sustainable drought-resistant crops capable of surviving a wide range of climatic conditions. They are small-seeded grains rich in proteins, minerals and bioactive compounds inducing several health benefits and provide protection against chronic and degenerative modern lifestyle disorders. Hypoglycaemic profile and bioactive composition are the key elements for the popularity of millets as functional ingredients for the development of novel food products of commercial importance. Despite numerous health benefits and agro-economic potential, millets have lost their popularity due to coarse nature and are underutilised in developed countries. Food scientists and nutritionists are characterising and valorising millets to enhance their use for food applications. The present article reviews research investigations about nutritional composition (macro- and micro-nutrients), biologically active components (phenolic acid, flavonoids, phytosterols and related antioxidant potential) and techno-functionality of millets. Pharmacological impact and their utilisation in value-added products have also been included.     

Influence of intermittent-direct-electric-current (IDC) on phytochemical compounds in garden cress during growth

The influence of different intensities of applied intermittent-direct-electric-current on the levels of phytochemical compounds in garden cress sprouts was determined. One-week-old treated and non-treated plants were harvested and used to analyse the total phenol content and associated antioxidant activity. The contents of chlorophyll, proteins, in addition to specific elements of macro- and micronutrients, as well as heavy metals, were supplementary determined in order to explain changes in secondary metabolism of the treated garden cress. The results of this study showed that, in contrast to other abiotic elicitors, weak levels of IDC can be applied to promote the biosynthesis of chlorophyll, proteins, and phenolics. An IDC of 1400 mA was effective enough to significantly maximise the total phenol content and other biosynthetic products in garden cress, revealing no signs of damage. The accumulation of heavy metals had no toxic effects in garden cress and did not exceed the legal regulations for human consumption.     

Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory activity, and phytochemical constituents of ficus (Ficus amplissima Smith) bark

In the present investigation, phenolics (36.6 g gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/100 g extract), tannin (21.6 g GAE/100 g extract), and flavonoid content (67.5 g rutin equivalents/100 g extract) were found to be highest in acetone extract. Ficus (Ficus amplissima) acetone extract showed maximum antioxidant activity in phosphomolybdenum (958.8 mg ascorbic acid equivalents/g extract), DPPH (1.6 μg/mL), ferric reducing antioxidant power (2,993 mmol Fe (II)/g extract), and metal chelating (39.7 mg EDTA equivalents/g extract) assays. In anti-inflammatory study, 400 mg/kg acetone extract showed maximum reduction in the paw volume compare to indomethacin. GC-MS analysis indicated that bark contain rich source of non-polar compounds like Lup-20(29)-en-3-yl acetate (33.04%). Hence, Ficus can be valuable source for antioxidant and anti-inflammatory and seemed to be applicable in medicine.     

Exploring the phytochemical content and the antioxidant potential of Citrus fruits grown in Cyprus

The physicochemical and phytochemical profile as well as the antioxidant properties of the most important Citrus fruits grown in Cyprus [orange (Citrus sinensis, cv. ‘Valencia’), grapefruit (Citrus paradisi, cvs. ‘White Marsh’, ‘Star Ruby’, ‘Rio Red’) and an interspecific hybrid (Citrus reticulata x Citrus sinensis, cv. ‘Mandora’)] were determined. ‘Valencia’ fruit exhibited the highest phenolic, flavonoid and ascorbic acid content, as well as a higher antioxidant potency, followed by ‘Mandora’ fruit and the three grapefruit cultivars. HPLC indicated significant diversity on flavanones among the examined fruits, while LC-MS analysis revealed the presence of hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives, polymethoxyflavones and a furocoumarin. Overall, this study provides supporting evidence for the superiority of ‘Valencia’ orange fruit as an excellent source of bioactive compounds. In addition, to the best of our knowledge, this is the first study thoroughly describing the phytochemical profile of ‘Mandora’ fruit, an interspecific hybrid cultivated in Cyprus.