Evaluation of chemical constituents and antioxidant activity of sweet cherry (Prunus avium L.) cultivars

This research was undertaken to evaluate the sugars, organic acids, phenolic compositions and antioxidant capacities of sweet cherry cultivars (Van, Noir de Guben, Larian and 0‐900 Ziraat) grown in Turkey. High‐performance liquid chromatographic methods were used to identify and quantify four sugars (sucrose, glucose, fructose and sorbitol) and four organic acids (malic, citric, shikimic, and fumaric acid). The major organic acid was found as malic acid (8.54–10.02 g kg^?1 of FW). With regard to sugars, glucose was present in the largest amounts (44.71–48.31 g kg^?1 of FW) for sweet cherry cultivars. The sum of sugars ranged from 103.87 (Larian) to 113.13 g kg^?1 of FW (0‐900 Ziraat) and that of organic acids from 12.01 (0‐900 Ziraat) to 14.17 g kg^?1 of FW (Noir de Guben). A total of eleven phenolic compounds were identified and quantified in sweet cherry cultivars, including hydroxycinnamic acids (3), anthocyanins (5), flavan‐3‐ols (2) and flavonol (1) compounds. Total phenolic contents ranged from 88.72 (Van) to 239.54 (Noir de Guben) mg/100 g of FW, while antioxidant activities ranged from 2.02 to 7.75 μm Trolox equivalents g^?1 of FW.     

Bioactive components and antioxidant capacities of different miniature tomato cultivars grown by altered fertilizer applications

This study investigated the organic acid and phenolic compound levels, total phenolic (TP) and antioxidant capacity (TEAC) of three miniature tomato cultivars grown on a farmer’s field with three different fertilizer applications. Analysis of phenolic compound (protocatechuic, vanillic, gallic, chlorogenic, caffeic, syringic, p-coumaric and ferulic acid, rutin, quercetin, catechin and phloridzine) organic acid (citric, tartaric, malic, succinic and fumaric acid), TP and TEAC levels in fruit samples showed statistically significant (p?<?0.05) differences between tomato cultivars and fertilizer applications. Rutin and chlorogenic acid were the predominant phenolic compounds found in all three cultivars. The highest rutin value (50.48 mg kg^?1 FW) was found in the Black Zebra fertilized with DAP plus organic and biochemical fertilizers and the lowest (20.52 mg kg^?1 FW) in the Black Zebra fertilized with DAP only. The highest chlorogenic acid value (63.31 mg kg^?1 FW) was found in the sweet pea currant fertilized with DAP only and the lowest (21.06 mg kg^?1 FW) in the Black Zebra fertilized with DAP plus chemical fertilizer. Citric acid content was the dominant organic acid in all three cultivars, with the highest citric acid value (6439.50 mg kg^?1 FW) found in the Sweet Pea Currant cherry tomato fertilized with DAP plus organic and biochemical fertilizers and the lowest (2435.20 mg kg^?1 FW) in the Window Box Yellow fertilized with DAP plus chemical fertilizer. Total phenolic and antioxidant levels in the window box yellow were significantly lower as compared to the Black Zebra and sweet pea currant varieties for all three fertilizer applications.     

Sugars,organic acids,phenolic composition and antioxidant activity of sweet cherry (Prunus avium L.)

Sugars, organic acids, phenolics and anthocyanins in fruits of 13 sweet cherry cultivars: Badascony, Burlat, Early Van Compact, Fercer, Fernier, Ferprime, Lala Star, Lapins, Noire de Meched, Sylvia, Vesseaux, Vigred (red-coloured) and Ferrador (bi-coloured) were quantified by HPLC. Sweet cherry cultivars of different pomological characteristics and different time of ripening were evaluated sensorily. Cultivars were evaluated for their total phenolic content and antioxidant activity. The sum of sugars (glucose, fructose, sucrose and sorbitol) ranged from 125 to 265 g/kg fresh weight (FW) and the sum of organic acids (malic, citric, shikimic and fumaric) ranged from 3.67 to 8.66 g/kg FW. Total phenolic content ranged from 44.3 to 87.9 mg gallic acid equivalents/100 g FW and antioxidant activity ranged from 8.0 to 17.2 mg ascorbic acid equivalent antioxidant capacity mg/100 g FW. The correlation of antioxidant activity with total phenolics content and content of anthocyanins was cultivar dependent.     

Volatile and non‐volatile acids of noni (Morinda citrifolia L.) fruit

BACKGROUND: Volatile and non‐volatile acids were analysed in noni (Morinda citrifolia L.) fruit by a combination of conventional sampling methods with gas chromatography/flame ionisation detection and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. RESULTS: A total of 34 volatile acids and 26 non‐volatile acids were identified in noni fruit. Octanoic acid (3.06 g kg^?1) and hexanoic acid (0.33 g kg^?1) were the major volatile acids, while malic acid (3.28 g kg^?1), malonic acid (1.46 g kg^?1) and fumaric acid (1.03 g kg^?1) were the main non‐volatile acids. CONCLUSION: The combination of conventional isolation methods and instrumental techniques provided the most representative information so far on noni fruit acids. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry     

Textural Characteristic,Antioxidant Activity,Sugar, Organic Acid,and Phenolic Profiles of 10 Promising Jujube (Ziziphus jujuba Mill.) Selections

Abstract: Ten promising jujubes were analyzed for textural characteristic (hardness), antioxidant activity, sugar, organic acid, and phenolic profiles. Total phenolic content (TP) measured by Folin–Ciocalteu method ranged from 275.6 to 541.8 mg of gallic acid equivalents per 100 g fresh weight (mg GAE/100 g FW). Four sugars (rhamnose, fructose, sucrose, and glucose), 3 organic acids (malic, citric, and succinic acids), and 11 phenolic compounds (gallic acid, protocatechuic acid, cinnamic acid, chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, ferulic acid, ellagic acid, catechin, epicatechin, rutin, and quercetin) were identified and quantified by high‐performance liquid chromatography in jujube fruits. The results showed that ascorbic acid and proanthocyanidins contents were positively correlated with hardness, and antioxidant activity was well correlated with TP content. Among 10 jujube cultivars, Zizyphus jujuba cv. Qingjianmuzao is good for direct consumption containing high levels of total soluble solids, total sugars, fructose, and glucose, while Zizyphus jujuba cv. Jiaxianmuzao could be an important dietary source of natural antioxidants. Practical Application: Genotype is the main factor influencing the composition of bioactive compounds in jujubes. Zizyphus jujuba cv. Qingjianmuzao is good for direct consumption, while Zizyphus jujuba cv. Jiaxianmuzao could be an important dietary source of natural antioxidants for prevention of diseases caused by oxidative stress.     

Comparative study of primary and secondary metabolites in apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.) cultivars

BACKGROUND: Apricot is one of the most popular Prunus species grown in the temperate zone and great variation in the contents of primary and secondary metabolites has been reported in its fruit. However, little is known on the phenolic profiles and antioxidant potential of important local cultivars. The objective of the study was to identify valuable parental lines for breeding of cultivars with high health‐promoting effects. RESULTS: Primary metabolites (sugars, organic acids) and secondary metabolites (phenolics) were quantified by high‐performance liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (HPLC/MS) in fruit of 13 apricot cultivars: total sugars ranged from 59.2 to 212.5 g kg^?1 fresh weight (FW) and total organic acids from 4.2 to 20.8 g kg^?1 FW. Four hydroxycinnamic acids and three flavonols were quantified; their content was significantly higher in skin compared to pulp. Similarly, antioxidative potential was significantly higher in skin and ranged from 125.4 to 726.5 mg ascorbic acid equivalents kg^?1 FW. A positive correlation between total phenolic content and antioxidant potential was determined. Multivariate analysis subdivided the cultivars into five major groups, mostly influenced by the content of individual and total phenolics as well as the antioxidant potential of apricot skin and pulp. CONCLUSION: In regard to high phenolic content in connection with antioxidant potential, three cultivars stand out as the richest in analyzed quality parameters: ‘Mula Sadik’, ‘Bergeron’ and ‘Chuan Zhi Hong’. They also contained high amounts of primary metabolites and should be promoted for further planting and included in apricot breeding programs. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry     

Antioxidant activity and phenolic content of wine vinegars produced by two different techniques

BACKGROUND: The presence of phenolics in fruit, red wine and vinegar has positive health effects due to their significant antioxidant activity. The aim of the study was to determine the effects of two different vinegar production methods on antioxidant activity and phenolic level of vinegars derived from Ulugbey Karasi grapes. Traditional surface and industrial submerge methods were used to make vinegar. Samples were taken from fresh red grape juice, maceration, wine, traditional vinegar and industrial vinegar. RESULTS: Total phenolic content of traditional and industrial vinegar samples were 2690 mg L^?1 and 2461 mg L^?1 GAE, respectively. ORAC values of traditional and industrial vinegar samples were 10.50 µmol mL^?1and 8.84 µmol mL^?1 TE, respectively. Antioxidant activity values of traditional and industrial vinegars were 13.50 mmol L^?1 and 10.37 mmol L^?1 TEAC, respectively. Gallic acid, catechin, epicatechin, chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, syringic acid, p‐coumaric acid and ferulic acid were detected in grape juice, wine and vinegar samples. The content of catechin in industrial vinegar (27.50 mg L^?1) was significantly higher than that of in traditional vinegar (13.76 mg L^?1) (P < 0.05). Traditional vinegar had higher amounts of chlorogenic and syringic acids than the industrial vinegar (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Results of this study showed that different production methods affected the functional constituents of wine vinegars. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry     

Developmental changes of carbohydrates,organic acids,amino acids,and phenolic compounds in ‘Honeycrisp’ apple flesh

The developmental changes of carbohydrates, organic acids, amino acids and phenolic compounds in ‘Honeycrisp’ apple flesh were investigated using GC–MS and HPLC. A total of 12 carbohydrates, 8 organic acids, 20 amino acids, and 18 phenolic compounds were identified and quantified. Each metabolite showed characteristic changes during fruit development, but in general, concentrations of most sugars and sugar alcohols either increased or remained unchanged whereas concentrations of most organic acids, amino acids and phenolic compounds decreased with fruit development, indicating that most sugars and sugar alcohols are synthesised and/or accumulate at a faster or similar rate relative to fruit growth whereas organic acids, amino acids and phenolics are synthesised and/or accumulate at a slower rate relative to fruit growth. On a whole fruit basis, the content of most metabolites increased with fruit development. In the flesh of mature ‘Honeycrisp’ apple, fructose and sucrose and sorbitol are the major sugars and sugar alcohol; malic acid is the major organic acid; aspartic acid, asparagine, glutamic acid, proline, threonine and γ-aminobutyric acid are the major amino acids; and procyanidin B1, procyanidin B2, chlorogenic acid, catechin and epicatechin are the major phenolic compounds, respectively.     

Phenolic composition of European cranberrybush (Viburnum opulus L.) berries and astringency removal of its commercial juice

Phenolic composition of the European cranberrybush (ECB) (Viburnum opulus L.) juice was determined using high‐performance liquid chromatography. The juice contained 2037 mg kg^?1 chlorogenic acid, which was 54% of total phenolics, and several other phenolics such as (+)‐catechin, (?)‐epicatechin, cyanidin‐3‐glucoside, cyanidin‐3‐rutinoside and six different glucosides of quercetin. Because of its strong astringent taste, the juices were treated with various doses of two different types of activated carbons (Granucol Bi and Granucol Ge) in order to remove phenolic compounds. Results revealed that both types of activated carbons were equally effective on astringency removal (P < 0.01). A 20–30% reduction in total phenolics was achieved by application of 2.0–3.0 g L^?1 activated carbon which also removed unpleasant taste and odour.     

Variations in antioxidant properties of strawberries grown in Brazilian savannah and harvested in different seasons

BACKGROUND: Strawberries are nutritive fruits and a source of antioxidants. We evaluated antioxidant properties of ‘Camino Real’ strawberries grown in the Brazilian savannah, harvested in different seasons. Analytical and meteorological data were analyzed by partial least squares regression. RESULTS: Fruits from May showed the lowest contents of total phenolics (1789.78 mg kg^?1 fresh weight (FW)), catechin (21.37 mg kg^?1 FW), quercetins (4.89 mg kg^?1 FW) and total ellagic acid (208.68 mg kg^?1 FW) and the lowest antioxidant activity by 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) (11.39 mg Butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) eq. g^?1 FW) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) (22.01 mg ferrous sulfate eq. g^?1 FW) assays. Strawberries harvested in July presented the lowest concentrations of total (190.61 mg kg^?1 FW) and individual anthocyanins (73.88 mg kg^?1 FW and 5.96 mg kg^?1 FW for pelargonidin‐3‐glucoside and cyanidin‐3‐glucoside, respectively), but the highest contents of vitamin C (685.47 mg kg^?1 FW), DPPH (18.87 mg BHT eq. g^?1 FW) and FRAP (39.30 mg ferrous sulfate eq. g^?1 FW). The highest contents of free ellagic acid (26.11 mg kg^?1 FW), pelargonidin‐3‐glucoside (291.82 mg kg^?1 FW) and cyanidin‐3‐glucoside (11.84 mg kg^?1 FW) were found in strawberries from September. Rain in the previous 30 days to harvest influenced negatively many phenolics and antioxidant activity of strawberries harvested in May. In July, longer photoperiod and lower temperature at 30 days previous to harvest probably led to higher antioxidant activity and vitamin C. Increased photoperiod and temperature at the final stage of maturation seem to raise pigments and free ellagic acid in strawberries. CONCLUSION: It was possible to observe significant relationships among meteorological and antioxidant variables for strawberries grown in the Brazilian savannah. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry     

Chemical analysis of the fruit of Vitex doniana (verbanaceae)

Analysis of black plum (Vitex doniana) indicated a fruit with useful nutritional value in tropical African diets (crude protein 27·5, lipid 49·5, sugars 842 g kg^?1 DM; moisture 488 g kg^?1 FW) and possibly a good shelf-life.     

Phenolic acids and flavonoids profiles of extracts from edible wild fruits and their antioxidant properties

In this study, the total phenolic, total flavonoids, phenolic compounds, the mineral content, and antioxidant activity of fruit extracts of seven wild species (Crataegus monogyna Jacq., Prunus spinosa L., Rosa canina L., Hippophaë rhamnoides L., Rubus fruticosus L., Prunus padus, Cornus mas L.) were investigated. The results indicated significant differences (p < 0.05) in the total phenolics and total flavonoids content, between the seven analyzed species. These ranged from 184.69 to 727.29 mg GAE/100 g FW and 17.27 to –165.55 mg QE/100 g FW, respectively. The antioxidant activity found in fruits was not directly affected by the total phenolic content (TPC). This activity was linked to a larger extent to the type of individual phenolic compounds and to a lesser extent to the TPC, because fruits with higher TPC have not always presented the highest values of antioxidant activity. HPLC analysis of methanolic extract showed the presence of phenolic acids (i.e. gallic, vanillic, chlorogenic, caffeic, syringic, p-coumaric, ferulic, sinapic, salycilic, elagic, and trans-cinnamic) and flavonoids (i.e. catechin, epicatechin, rutin, myricetin, and quercetin). Significant differences (p < 0.05) were observed in each individual mineral between fruits from wild flora. The fruits tissues of wild species turned out to be a good source of calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), sodium (Na), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), copper (Cu), chromium (Cr), zinc (Zn), and boron (B). The results demonstrated that wild species possessed great potential for food production as sources of bioactive compounds such as phenolic compounds and minerals, for food supplements or functional foods.     

Evaluation of the chemical composition of fresh and stored edible aroids

The chemical compositions of 32 cultivars of two edible aroid species (Colocasia esculenta var antiquorum and Xanthosoma sagittifolium) were determined. Mean values obtained for both species in g kg^?1 dry weight were: crude protein 37.5–73.6, total fat 0.9–8.7, ash 28.7–77.7, crude fibre 4.3–42.0, total sugars 5.9–42.5 and starch 509.1–705.7. The mam sugars identified by HPLC were fructose, glucose, sucrose and maltose. The amino acids with the highest concentrations were aspartic acid, glutamic acid and arginine. A significant reduction in starch content (to 39.8–47.4 g kg^?1) and increase in total sugars content (to 8.0–11.6 g kg^?1) occurred during the storage of cormels for two weeks under tropical ambient conditions (24–29°C; 86–98% RH). No significant differences (P> 0.05) between fresh and stored cormels were found in crude protein and amino acid contents.     

Identification of the Sugars and Acids in Birch Sap

The sugars and acids of the spring sap from the Finnish birches Betula pendula Roth, B. pubescens Ehrh. and B. pendula var. carelica Mercklin were analyzed. The TMS-derivatives of the sugars and acids were analyzed by capillary GLC-MS. The qualitative compositions did not vary among species and varieties. In order of decreasing levels, the sugars (g · L^?1) were glucose (2.5–4.7), fructose (2.3–4.5), sucrose (<0.7), galactose (<0.05) and the sugar alcohol myo-inositol (trace); acids were malic (0.1–0.7), succinic (<0.1), citric (<0.1), phosphoric (<0.04), and fumaric (trace). The sugars indentified formed at least 99.5% of the total sugar content and the acids identified over 99% of the total acids. The citric, glycolic and fumaric acids as well as the sucrose were not always present in detectable amounts.     

Analysis of the testaless seeds of chrysophyllum albidum: Nutritional aspects

The testaless seeds of Chrysophyllum albidum G Don from Nigeria were analysed and found to contain saponins with a foaming index < 100, 71 g kg^?1 crude fibre, 109 g kg^?1 total ash, 316 g kg^?1 carbohydrates, 364 g kg^?1 proteins and 52 g kg^?1 fixed oil on dry weight basis. They were also found to have appreciable amounts of K, Ca, P and Mg. Further analysis of the carbohydrates showed the presence of starch and the reducing sugars arabinose, galactose, glucose and mannose. The profile of amino acids showed the seeds to be rich in the essential amino acids lysine, threonine, leucine, isoleucine and phenylalanine. The fatty acids of fixed oil include 16–3% palmitic acid, 5–9% stearic acid, 41–3% oleic acid, 30–9% linoleic acid and 1–6% arachidic acid.     

Epicatechin derivatives and fatty acid composition of a traditional product made in Sikkim from leaves of Camellia sinensis

A traditional product of Camellia sinensis leaves was recorded in tribal areas of Sikkim State, India. The product was analysed for its epicatechin derivatives, and for its neutral lipid, glycolipid and phospholipid contents together with their fatty acid compositions. (–)– Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) was the main polyphenolic constituent present in this traditional product, accounting for 742 g kg^?1 of total epicatechin derivatives. Glycolipids, which account for 570 g kg^?1 of total lipid, contained a significantly greater amount of linolenic acid (C 18: 3, 546 g kg^?1 of glycolipid) than the neutral lipids or phospholipids. Palmitic (C 16:0) and linoleic (C18:2) acids were in greater proportion in the phospholipid fraction, while myristic (C14:0) and lauric (C12:0) were abundant in the neutral lipid. Since EGCG is a known antimutagenic and anticarcinogenic agent, this traditional tea product may have considerable pharmacological significance.     

Camu-camu Myrciaria dubia (HBK) McVaugh: Chemical composition of fruit

Abstract : The chemical composition of the Peruvian camu-camu fruit Myrciaria dubia(HBK) McVaugh was analysed at three stages of maturity (immature, midripe and ripe). As fruit matured, levels of ascorbic and dehydroascorbic acids, reducing sugars (fructose and glucose were the major sugars), amino acids (serine, valine and leucine) and soluble solids increased. Citric acid was the major acid (from 19.8 up to 29.8 g kg^?1) and was responsible for the fruit's sour taste. Unlike citric acid, malic acid increased with maturation. Among the macronutrients, potassium was the most abundant mineral (711 mg kg^?1) and could be considered, like vitamin C, nutritionally significant. During maturation, the fruit pulp colour turned from yellow-green to pink, presumably due to the migration of anthocyanin pigments from the peel.     

Traditional walnut liqueur – cocktail of phenolics

The phenolic composition in walnut husks of the Slovenian cultivar Elit, which is a basic material for the traditional making of walnut liqueur, was investigated by HPLC with a PDA detector. Four different samplings of green husks were performed on different dates in order to compare the contents of phenolic compounds. The 2nd sampling coincided with the picking time of walnut fruits intended for the making of liqueur. Phenolic composition of walnut liqueur was investigated as well. Thirteen phenolic compounds were identified in walnut husks: chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, ferulic acid, sinapic acid, gallic acid, ellagic acid, protocatechuic acid, syringic acid, vanillic acid, catechin, epicatechin, myricetin, and juglone. In walnut liqueur, 1,4-naphthoquinone was also identified. The major phenolic in the husks was juglone with the highest content in the 2nd sampling; its content in walnut liqueur was low. The concentrations of individual phenolics in the liqueur were quite low compared with the contents in the green husks, due to the traditional way of making the liqueur.     

Qualitative and quantitative analysis of the major phenolic compounds as antioxidants in barley and flaxseed hulls using HPLC/MS/MS

BACKGROUND: Both qualitative and quantitative analyses of the major phenolic compounds in barley and flaxseed hulls were conducted using reverse phase high‐performance liquid chromatography coupled with photodiode array detection and quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry. RESULTS: Ferulic acid, p‐coumaric acid, vanillic acid and vanillin were identified and quantified in four barley hull samples. Four ferulate dehydrodimers were also detected. The phenolic compounds of flaxseed hull were distinct from those of barley hull. Three flaxseed hull samples varied significantly (P < 0.05) in their contents of secoisolariciresinol diglucoside (16.38–33.92 g kg^?1), coumaric acid glucoside (35.68–49.22 g kg^?1) and ferulic acid glucoside (5.07–15.23 g kg^?1). The phytochemical profiles of co‐extracts featured the major phenolic compounds from both barley and flaxseed hulls. The total phenolic content and 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl radical‐scavenging capacity varied significantly (P < 0.05) among different varieties of flaxseed and barley hulls. CONCLUSION: As agricultural by‐products, barley and flaxseed hulls may be utilised as potential sources of functional food ingredients through extraction and concentration of the phytochemicals identified above. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry     

Determination of phenolic antioxidants in tuna fillets canned in hydrosols with HPLC-DAD

Canned tuna was fortified with a mixture of brine and hydrosols of aromatic plants (i.e. oregano, laurel, sage and lemon balm). An HPLC-DAD method was developed and validated for the simultaneous determination of thirteen antioxidants in tuna fillets, including phenolic acids (gallic acid, vanillic acid, syringic acid and rosmarinic acid), flavonoids (catechin, epicatechin, vanillin, myricetin, rutin, quercetin, luteolin and apigenin) and one hydroxybenzaldehyde (syringaldehyde). The analytes showed satisfying recovery efficiency (82.1–92.1%), and the method presented excellent linearity (r² > 0.99). The precision limit was ≤5.6% RSD_r for intra-day and ≤7.2% RSD_R for inter-day experiments. The determined analytes ranged between 8.86 mg (quercetin) and 512 mg (rosmarinic acid) per 100g tuna flesh (n = 10), verifying that the hydrosols fortified the tuna fillets.