Antioxidant activities of different colored sweet bell peppers (Capsicum annuum L.)

ABSTRACT:  Antioxidant compounds and their antioxidant activity in 4 different colored (green, yellow, orange, and red) sweet bell peppers ( Capsicum annuum L.) were investigated. The total phenolics content of green, yellow, orange, and red peppers determined by the Folin-Ciocalteau method were 2.4, 3.3, 3.4, and 4.2 μmol catechin equivalent/g fresh weight, respectively. The red pepper had significantly higher total phenolics content than the green pepper. Among the 4 different colored peppers, red pepper contained a higher level of β-carotene (5.4 μg/g), capsanthin (8.0 μg/g), quercetin (34.0 μg/g), and luteolin (11.0 μg/g). The yellow pepper had the lowest β-carotene content (0.2 μg/g), while the green one had undetectable capsanthin and the lowest content of luteolin (2.0 μg/g). The free radical scavenging abilities of peppers determined by the 2,2'-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) method were lowest for the green pepper (2.1 μmol Trolox equivalent/g) but not significantly different from the other 3 peppers. All 4 colored peppers exhibited significant abilities in preventing the oxidation of cholesterol or docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) (C22:6) during heating. However, these 4 peppers did not show significant differences in their abilities in preventing cholesterol oxidation. The green pepper showed slightly higher capability in preventing the oxidation of DHA compared to the other 3 peppers.     

Bioactive Compounds and Fruit Quality of Green Sweet Pepper Grown under Different Colored Shade Netting during Postharvest Storage

In this study, influence of 3 types of photo‐selective nets (pearl, red and yellow) and a standard black net on marketable yield, fruit quality and bioactive compounds after postharvest storage was investigated. Percentage marketable fruits were higher in green sweet peppers produced under the pearl nets. Fruits produced under the pearl nets showed higher fruit mass, firmness, chlorophyll content, ascorbic acid content, antioxidant scavenging activity after postharvest storage. Red/far red photon ratio under the pearl net could have improved the ascorbic acid content and the antioxidant scavenging activity in green peppers. Green sweet peppers grown under the pearl nets had higher hue values and maintained green color longer. Our results showed the impact of modified light quality on the bioactive compounds of green sweet pepper during postharvest storage.     

UV-C处理对青椒色泽和生理品质的影响

为研究短波紫外线（short-wave ultraviolet,UV-C）处理对青椒色泽和生理品质的影响,本实验以不同剂量UV-C处理青椒,得到最佳处理剂量,然后采用最佳剂量的UV-C（0.25 kJ/m2）处理青椒,分别将其进行常温和冷藏方式贮藏,测定青椒贮藏过程中的感官品质和总叶绿素、类胡萝卜素、类黄酮、总酚含量,同时测定过氧化物酶（peroxidase,POD）、过氧化氢酶（catalase,CAT）、抗坏血酸过氧化物酶（ascorbate peroxidase,APX）、多酚氧化酶（polyphenol oxidase,PPO）及八氢番茄红素合酶（phytoene synthase,PSY）、番茄红素β-环化酶（lycopene-β-cyclase,LCYB）活力的变化。结果表明：UV-C处理可明显提升青椒的外观品质,减缓叶绿素降解,并降低PSY和常温贮藏下LCYB活力,进而影响青椒中类胡萝卜素的合成,抑制类胡萝卜素和类黄酮含量的升高,从而延缓青椒转红。此外,与对照相比,UV-C处理还能降低青椒中的PPO活力,有效延缓果实褐变,并诱导酚类物质的合成,提高POD、CAT和APX活力,提高抗氧化能力。结论：UV-C处理可以延缓青椒转红,维持青椒在贮藏期间的生理品质,有效延长青椒的货架期,结果可为青椒的采后贮藏保鲜提供理论依据。     

Antioxidant and tyrosinase inhibitory activities of different parts of guava (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Psidium guajava</Emphasis> L.)

The antioxidant and the tyrosinase inhibitory activities of 4 different solvents (acetone, ethanol, methanol, and water) for preparation of extracts from guava (branch, fruit, leaf, and seed) were evaluated by measuring total phenolic contents (TPC), DPPH radical scavenging activity, ABTS radical scavenging activity, reducing power (RP), and tyrosinase inhibitory activity. The extracts of branch and leaf showed relatively higher antioxidant properties than those of fruit and seed. The highest TPC (141.28 mg/g gallic acid equivalents), DPPH radical scavenging activity (IC₅₀=34.01 μg/mL), ABTS radical scavenging activity (IC₅₀=3.23 μg/mL), and RP (IC₅₀= 75.63 μg/mL) were found in acetone extract of leaf, while water extract of seed had the lowest antioxidant activity. The tyrosinase inhibitory activity of ethanol extract from guava leaf was 69.56%, which was the highest activity among the extracts. These results indicate that useful bioactive substances exist in the guava branch as well as leaf extracts.     

A Comparative Study on Antioxidant and DNA Protective Activity of Different Skin Coloured Brinjal (Solanum Melongena)

The aim of this study was to investigate the in vitro antioxidant activity and DNA damage inhibition potential of aqueous extract of S. melongena with different skin colours. Water extracts of brinjal with four different skin colours: moderately purple (S1), light purple (S2), dark purple (S3) and purple with green lines (S4) were tested for their antioxidant and radical scavenging activities. The total phenolic content (TPC) was quantified using Folin-Ciocalteau's method. The effectiveness of brinjal extracts in preventing radical induced DNA damage was also determined. There was a significant difference (p<0.0001) between the skin colour andantioxidant activity. Brinjal with S3skin colour showed the highest TPC and antioxidant activity measured by FRAP while, S2 showed the least. S1 displayed the highest percentage of DPPH radical scavenging activity with an IC₅₀ value of 3.51±0.62 mg/ml while, S3 demonstrated the strongest total antioxidant capacity with an inhibition percentage of 40.45±1.17. In the FTC (Ferric Thiocyanate) and egg yolk model, S1 and S3 showed better antioxidantactivity than S2 and S4. The in vitro freeradical quenchingand antioxidant results well correlated with the in vitro lipid peroxidation assays. All extracts were able to effectively retain DNA against AAPH induced radical damage at the concentration levels (25 and 75 mg/ml) tested. All the extracts showed moderate to potent antioxidant activity, among which S3 and S1, intensely coloured skins, demonstrated better antioxidant activity which may be attributed to the higher phenolic content since a linear relation was observed between the TPC and the antioxidant parameters.     

茉莉酸甲酯处理对青圆椒采后冷害生理与营养品质的影响

目的：研究茉莉酸甲酯（methyl jasmonate,MeJA）处理对青圆椒采后冷害生理与营养品质的影响。方法：采用30 μmol/L MeJA溶液浸泡‘京甜3号’青圆椒10 min（以蒸馏水浸泡为对照）,阴干后于4 ℃贮藏。对青圆椒的冷害指数、质量损失率、硬度、可溶性固形物质量分数、总叶绿素含量、抗氧化物质（VC、总酚、类黄酮）含量和丙二醛含量进行测定,并对多酚氧化酶（polyphenol oxidase,PPO）、过氧化物酶（peroxidase,POD）、抗坏血酸过氧化物酶（ascorbate peroxidase,APX）、过氧化氢酶（catalase,CAT）的活力进行测定。结果：与对照相比,MeJA处理能明显抑制青圆椒冷害的发生,延缓VC、总酚、类黄酮等抗氧化物质含量的下降,显著提高PPO、POD、APX、CAT等抗氧化酶活力（P＜0.05、P＜0.01）,提高青圆椒果实的抗氧化能力,延缓青圆椒品质劣变。结论：MeJA处理能够减轻冷藏期间青圆椒的冷害,维持青圆椒冷藏期间的品质,延长青圆椒的贮藏期。     

Nutritional improvement of bhujia by incorporating colored bell peppers

The present study aimed at improving phytonutritional profile of traditional snack (bhujia) by incorporating variety bell pepper. The bell peppers were dried at 50°C which resulted in 4.94%–8.16% increase in total phenols whereas, retained approximately 92.49% total carotenoids and 91.36% of the antioxidant activity in terms of DPPH radical scavenging activity. Gram flour at 5.0% (w/w) level of bell pepper powders was optimized for developing bhujia which significantly (p ≤ 0.05) increased bulk density, minerals, phytonutritional profile, and sensory attributes of bhujia. Total phenols of developed bhujia increased by approximately 11% and antioxidant activity was found 3.5 times as compared to control. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy showed the presence of various phytochemicals compounds in the prepared products compared to control. Storage studies (at 25–30°C/50%–87% RH) revealed that the physicochemical parameters remained unaffected except moisture which increased significantly. However, peroxide value and free fatty acids remained well within maximum permissible limits.     

腐胺对机械伤青椒果实生理品质和抗氧化能力的影响

目的:研究腐胺处理对机械伤青椒生理品质和抗氧化能力的影响。方法:将青椒从1 m高处跌落来模拟运输过程中所受的机械损伤,然后将受损青椒浸泡在2 mmol/L的腐胺溶液和去离子水中20 min,在20 ℃下贮藏,测定青椒贮藏过程中生理品质和抗氧化酶活性的变化。结果:腐胺处理抑制了青椒转红,维持较高的维生素C和叶绿素含量,抑制丙二醛(MDA)的积累,提高了过氧化物酶(POD)、过氧化氢酶(CAT)和抗坏血酸过氧化物酶(APX)活性。结论:腐胺处理可以减缓青椒在20 ℃贮藏时机械损伤引起的生理品质下降。     

Antioxidant Activities and Phenolic Compounds of Several Tissues of Pawpaw (Asimina triloba [L.] Dunal) Grown in Korea

Pawpaw (Asimina triloba [L.] Dunal) possesses antioxidant compounds and strong inhibitors of cancer cells, and is widely cultivated in North America, Canada, and Korea. We analyzed the total phenolic and total flavonoid contents (TPC and TFC, respectively) of pawpaw plants grown in Korea and the antioxidant activities of their roots, twigs, leaves, and fruit with respect to 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picryl‐hydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity, 2,2′‐azino‐bis diammonium salt (ABTS) radical scavenging activity, ferrous (Fe²⁺) chelating ability, and nitrite scavenging activity. Pearson's correlation analyses revealed a linear correlation between TPC and antioxidant activities (r² >0.69). Root methanol extracts had higher TPC and antioxidant activities than other extracts, which was also consistent with those from the phenolic compounds found in those extracts. Therefore, antioxidant activities seem to depend on the TPC of each pawpaw tissue and pawpaw roots might be useful as a natural source of natural antioxidants.     

Total phenolic content and antioxidant capacity of extracts obtained from six important fruit residues

The extracts from kinnow peel, kinnow seeds, litchi pericarp, litchi seeds, grape seeds, and banana peel were screened for total phenolic content (TPC), trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC), 1,1 diphenyl-2-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity, as well as reducing power. Kinnow peel extract exhibited the highest reducing power, TEAC, and DPPH free radical scavenging activity, whereas, the phenolic content of 37.4 mg GAE/g-dw was highest for grape seed extract. Banana peel extract with a low TPC showed the lowest reducing power, TEAC as well as DPPH free radical scavenging activity among the fruit residue extracts examined in the present study. Correlation analysis between the reducing power and DPPH radical scavenging ability; reducing power and ABTS radical scavenging activity; and ABTS and DPPH radical scavenging abilities showed a high degree of correlation (r² = 0.85-0.91). However, r² of 0.36, 0.66, and 0.49 between TPC and DPPH radical scavenging activity; TPC and reducing power; and TPC and ABTS radical scavenging ability, respectively, indicated that some non-phenolic compounds also contributed to the total antioxidant activity in fruit residue extracts examined in this study. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first paper presenting comprehensive data on TPC, reducing power, and antioxidant activity for the six fruit residues. This study demonstrated that kinnow peel, litchi pericarp, litchi seeds, and grape seeds, can serve as potential sources of antioxidants for use in food and pharmaceutical industry.     

Antimicrobial and Antioxidant Activities of Cichorium Intybus Root Extract Using Orthogonal Matrix Design

Solvent, impregnation time, sonication repetitions, and ultrasonic power were important factors in the process of ultrasound‐assisted extraction from chicory (Cichorium intybus) root, while there were no studies about optimizing these 4 factors for extract yield, total phenolic content (TPC), antioxidant, antibacterial, and antifungal activity of the extracts using orthogonal matrix design. The present research demonstrated that the solvent composition played a significant role in the improving extract yield, TPC, antioxidant, and antibacterial activities. The other 3 factors had inequable effect on different purposes, ultrasonic power could improve TPC and antioxidant activity, but long time of extraction lowered antioxidant activity. The TPC increased from 22.34 to 27.87 mg GAE (gallic acid equivalents)/100 g (dry extracts) with increasing solvent polarity. The half inhibition concentration (IC_50, μg/mL) of the radical scavenging activity of the chicory extracts ranged from 281.00 to 983.33 μg/mL. The content of caffeoylquinic acids of root extract, which was extracted by the optimal combination was 0.104%. Several extracts displayed antibacterial activities against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus thuringiensis, Bacillus subtilis, and Salmonella typhi, while Penicillium sp. and Aspergillus sp. resisted against all the extracts. Combination of 70% ethanol v/v, 24‐h impregnation time, 3 sonication rounds, and 300‐W ultrasonic input power was found to be the optimal combination for the chicory extract yield, TPC, antioxidant activity, and antibacterial activity.     

茉莉酸甲酯处理对模拟运输振动圆椒贮藏品质的影响

圆椒营养丰富但质地脆嫩,在运输过程中容易受到振动引起的机械损伤。本实验探究了20 μmol/L的茉莉酸甲酯(methyl jasmonate,MeJA)对模拟运输振动后的圆椒在常温条件(20±1) ℃下贮藏的保鲜效果,对圆椒在贮藏期间的感官评分、硬度、呼吸强度、失重率以及圆椒可溶性固形物(SS)、维生素C(V_C)和叶绿素的含量进行了测定。结果表明:振动损伤会加速圆椒贮藏期间品质的下降;20 μmol/L的MeJA能较好的维持振动后圆椒的感官品质,抑制圆椒硬度的下降及失重率的上升,保持较低的呼吸强度,延缓圆椒SS、V_C及叶绿素含量的下降,有效保持了振动后圆椒的外观品质和营养价值,减少圆椒的逆境胁迫损伤,延长其货架期。     

Antioxidant activities of red pepper (Capsicum annuum) pericarp and seed extracts

In this study, we examined the antioxidant activities of red pepper (Capsicum annuum, L.) pericarp and red pepper seed extracts. The extracts were evaluated by various antioxidant assays, including 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging, superoxide anion radical scavenging, hydroxyl radical scavenging, [2,2′‐azino‐bis(3‐ethylbenzthiazoline‐6‐sulphonic acid)] (ABTS) radical scavenging, ferrous chelating activity, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and reducing power, along with the determination of total phenolic and flavonoid contents. All the extracts showed strong antioxidant activity by the testing methods. The red pepper pericarp extract exhibited strong ferrous chelating activity and high scavenging activity against free radicals, including both the hydroxyl and DPPH radicals, but it exhibited weaker scavenging activity for the superoxide anion radical and for SOD. In contrast, the red pepper seed extract exhibited strong SOD activity and high scavenging activity against the superoxide anion radical, but showed weaker ferrous chelating activity, hydroxyl radical scavenging, and DPPH radical scavenging. We observed that the reducing power level and ABTS radical scavenging activity of the red pepper seed were higher than those of the red pepper pericarp at the highest tested concentration. Most of the test results for the red pepper seed and red pepper pericarp extracts increased markedly with increasing concentration; however, the metal chelating, SOD and ABTS radical scavenging activities did not increase with the concentration. Highest total phenolic and flavonoid contents were obtained from the red pepper pericarp extracts. Overall, the red pepper seed and red pepper pericarp extracts were highly effective for the antioxidant properties assayed, with the exceptions of ferrous chelating activity, hydroxyl radical scavenging and SOD activity.     

Determination of microwave drying and rehydration kinetics of green peppers with the bioactive and textural properties

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of microwaves on drying and rehydration kinetics of green pepper varieties (sweet, green, and bell) and the bioactive and textural properties of dried and rehydrated peppers. Drying was performed at 90, 180, and 90 + 180 W and dried peppers were rehydrated at 25, 50, and 70°C. The best drying fits were obtained using the equations of both Sigmoid and Hii et al. for drying, and two term exponential decay was the most appropriate model for rehydration. The lowest and highest final rehydration ratio values were obtained for the peppers dried at 180 and 90 W, respectively at each temperature and pepper variety. Among peppers, bell pepper showed the lowest color change (ΔE) and it was the most potent to recover initial color in rehydration. Peppers had softer texture in both drying and rehydration treatment. Total phenolic content of peppers was reduced around 56–65% compared to the fresh pepper by drying and this decrement was reached up to 87% in rehydrated peppers. Results showed that drying at 180 W and rehydration at 70°C provided faster drying and rehydration as well maintained the quality characteristics of green peppers.     

The influence of fruit ripening on the phytochemical content and biological activity of Capsicum chinense Jacq. cv Habanero

During the past decade, it has been reported that the consumption of certain foods and spices such as pepper may have a positive effect on health. The present study evaluates the influence of fruit ripening on total phenols, flavonoids, carotenoids and capsaicinoids content and antioxidant, hypoglycaemic and anticholinesterase activities of Capsicum chinense Jacq. cv Habanero. The chemical investigation showed a different composition between the two stages of ripening (immature and mature). Generally, the concentration of carotenoids and capsaicinoids increased as the peppers reached maturity, whereas the concentration of phenols declined. The immature fruits showed the highest radical scavenging activity (IC₅₀ of 97.14 μg/ml). On the contrary, the antioxidant activity evaluated by the β-carotene bleaching test showed a significant activity for mature peppers (IC₅₀ value of 4.57 μg/ml after 30 min of incubation). Mature peppers inhibited α-amylase with an IC₅₀ of 130.67 μg/ml. The lipophilic fractions of both mature and immature peppers exhibited an interesting and selective inhibitory activity against α-amylase with IC₅₀ values of 29.58 and 9.88 μg/ml, respectively. Both total extracts of mature and immature peppers inhibited butyrylcholinesterase selectively. The obtained results underline the potential health benefits as a result of consuming C. chinense Habanero and suggest that it could be used as new valuable flavour with functional properties for food or nutriceutical products on the basis of the high content of phytochemicals and found biological properties.     

Antioxidant activity of 4 cultivars of persimmon fruit

In this study, the antioxidant activity of persimmon fruit of 4 different persimmon cultivars cultured at Korea was evaluated. There were 3 astringent persimmon cultivars [‘Bongok’ (BO), Japanese Hatchiya; ‘Cheongdobansi’ (CB); and ‘Dogeunjosaeng’ (DJ), Japanese Tonewase] a 1 non-astringent persimmon cultivar [‘Seochonjosaeng’ (SJ), Japanese Nishimurawase] fruits. After preparing extracts of fruits according to parts (calyx, pulp, and peel) with 4 different solvents (acetone, ethanol, methanol, and water), total phenolic contents (TPC) and antioxidant activity were determined. The extracts of calyx showed significantly higher TPC and antioxidant properties than those of the other persimmon parts. The highest 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity (IC₅₀=43.36±1.78 μg/mL) and reducing power (IC₅₀=81.93±1.18 μg/mL) were found at acetone extract of SJ calyx, while SJ pulp extracts showed relatively lower antioxidant activities. Astringent persimmons showed relatively higher antioxidant activity than non-astringent persimmons in peel and pulp parts. These results indicated that persimmons have different antioxidant activity depending on cultivars and parts.     

Antioxidant properties of Phyllanthus amarus extracts as affected by different drying methods

The total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant activity of fresh and dried Phyllanthus amarus plant materials were evaluated using the Folin-Ciocalteau method, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging activity and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays. Different drying treatments led to significant reduction (P<0.05) in antioxidant properties of P. amarus methanolic extracts, with microwave drying causing the highest decrease in TPC and antioxidant activity exhibited by the reduction in both radical scavenging activity and FRAP. On the other hand, boiling water extracts appeared to exhibit significantly stronger antioxidant potentials (P<0.05) even in dried plant materials due to greater solubility of compounds, breakdown of cellular constituents as well as hydrolysis of tannins. Its strong free radical scavenging activity suggests that it has great potential in the food industry as functional food ingredient.     

Antioxidant activities of aqueous extracts of selected plants

The antioxidant properties of 25 edible tropical plants, expressed as Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC), were studied using DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl free radical) scavenging and reducing ferric ion antioxidant potential (FRAP) assays. Their cupric ion chelating activities (CCA) and total polyphenol contents (TPC) were also determined. A strong correlation between TEAC values obtained for the DPPH assay (TEAC_DPPH) and those for the FRAP assay (TEAC_FRAP) implied that compounds in the extracts were capable of scavenging the DPPH free radical and reducing ferric ions. A satisfactory correlation of TPC with TEAC_DPPH and TEAC_FRAP suggested that polyphenols in the extracts were partly responsible for the antioxidant activities while its correlation with CCA was poor, indicating that polyphenols might not be the main cupric ion chelators. Principal component analysis (PCA) indicated that TEAC_DPPH, TEAC_FRAP and TPC contributed to the total variation in the antioxidant activities of the plants.     

Flavonoids and Antioxidant Activity of Fresh Pepper (Capsicum annuum) Cultivars

Flavonoid, ascorbic acid and total phenolic content and antioxidant activity of “jalapeño” (Veracruz, Mitla, Tam Mild, Jaloro, Sweet Jalapeño), “yellow wax” [(Hungarian Yellow, Long Hot Yellow, Gold Spike (hybrid)], “Chile” (New Mexico-6, Green Chile), “ancho” (San Luis Ancho), and “serrano” (Hidalgo) peppers were investigated at green or yellow stages of maturity. Major pepper flavonoids were quercetin and luteolin which were present in conjugate forms. Total flavonoid content varied from none detectable to 800 mg/kg after hydrolysis. “Chile”, “yellow wax” and “ancho” peppers had greater flavonoid and ascorbic acid contents and antioxidant activities than “jalapeño” peppers. Sep-Pak C₁₈(tm) bound phenolic compounds, including flavonoids, correlated well with antioxidant activity (r²=0.86). Luteolin had highest antioxidant activity followed by capsaicin and quercetin on equimolar basis.     

Assessing and comparing antioxidant activities of lactobacilli strains by using different chemical and cellular antioxidant methods

Some lactobacilli strains had beneficial effects on human beings due to their antioxidant activities. In this study lactobacilli strains stored in our laboratory were screened for potential antioxidant activities by investigating their 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl free radical scavenging activity, oxygen radical absorbance capacity, resistance to H₂O₂, and hydroxyl free radical scavenging activity; then the antioxidant activities of the screened strains were evaluated by cellular antioxidant assay and protection for HT-29 cells against H₂O₂ injury assay. The results showed that Lactobacillus plantarum Y44 could scavenge oxygen free radicals, inhibit the production of intracellular reactive oxygen species without creating obvious cytotoxic effects, and protect HT-29 cells against H₂O₂ injury evidenced by the significant decrease of the Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax)/B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) ratio and heat shock protein 70 expression, increase of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activities, and decrease of malondialdehyde level of HT-29 cells damaged by H₂O₂. It was speculated that L. plantarum Y44 protect HT-29 cells against oxygen radical injury through scavenging reactive oxygen species and activating intracellular antioxidant enzymes. A significant correlation was observed among the results of the hydroxyl radical scavenging assay, protection assay for HT-29 cells against H₂O₂ injury, and the cellular antioxidant assay. The findings indicated that L. plantarum Y44 could be a probiotic candidate with antioxidant properties and combining several chemical antioxidant methods and antioxidant cellular models could be an effective procedure to screen lactobacilli strains with antioxidant activity.