Purification of citrus limonoids and their differential inhibitory effects on human cytochrome P450 enzymes

Recent studies demonstrated that citrus limonoids and flavonoids possess numerous health promoting properties. In the present study, glucosides of limonoids and flavonoids were purified from citrus molasses and limonoid aglycones from citrus seeds. Glucosides were separated on styrene (divinylbenzene), Q‐sepharose resins with increasing concentration of sodium chloride. A pH‐dependent cold precipitation was carried out for the isolation of naringin in large quantity. Major aglycones such as limonin and nomilin were isolated from seeds by direct crystallization and minor limonoids were purified by vacuum liquid chromatography. The structures of the isolated compounds were confirmed by NMR spectra. Individual limonoids were tested for O‐dealkylase and hydroxylase activities of human cytochrome P450 (CYP) isoenzymes such as CYP1A2, CYP1B1, CYP3A4 and CYP19, using ethoxyresorufin, methoxyresorufin and dibenzylfluorescein as substrates. Partial to high inhibition of CYPs was observed in dose‐dependent assays. Significant (P < 0.001) reductions in enzyme activities were observed with purified compounds above 2 µmol. Kinetic analyses indicated that limonin glucoside inhibited CYP19 competitively (IC₅₀, 7.1 µ mol L^?1), whereas Nomilinic acid glucoside inhibited it noncompetitively (IC₅₀, 9.4 µ mol^?1). Nomilinic acid glucoside was the most potent limonoid, with an overall IC₅₀ of < 10 µ mol, for all the enzymes tested. The differential inhibition of CYPs can be ascribed to structural variations of the limonoid nucleus. Limonoid inhibition of key CYPs involved in carcinogenesis supports growing evidence that citrus limonoids act as anticancer agents. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry     

Higher bioavailability of isoflavones after a single ingestion of aglycone-rich fermented soybeans compared with glucoside-rich non-fermented soybeans in Japanese postmenopausal women

BACKGROUND: There have been conflicting study results concerning how the food matrix affects the bioavailability of isoflavone aglycone and glucoside. In this study the bioavailability of isoflavones after a single ingestion of aglycone‐rich fermented soybeans (Fsoy) and glucoside‐rich non‐fermented soybeans (Soy) was compared. Eleven healthy postmenopausal Japanese women were recruited for a randomised, double‐blind, crossover trial and consumed Fsoy or Soy powder dissolved in hot water. Blood samples were collected 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 12 and 24 h and urine samples from 0 to 48 h after ingestion of the powders. The Fsoy and Soy powders ingested had the same total isoflavone content (95 µmol), but the former was rich in aglycone (90.6 µmol) while the latter was rich in glucoside (81.9 µmol). RESULTS: Serum concentrations of total isoflavones after 1–4 h were significantly higher in the Fsoy group than in the Soy group. The Fsoy group showed significantly higher maximum concentration (Cmax: 2.79 ± 0.13 vs 1.74 ± 0.13 µmol L^?1) and area under the curve (AUC_{0–24 h}: 23.78 ± 2.41 vs 19.95 ± 2.03 µmol day L^?1) and lower maximum concentration time (Tmax: 1.00 ± 0.00 vs 5.00 ± 0.67 h) compared with the Soy group. The cumulative urinary excretion of total isoflavones after 2 h was significantly higher in the Fsoy group than in the Soy group. Individual isoflavones (daidzein, genistein and glycitein) showed similar trends to total isoflavones. Equol (a metabolite from daidzein) did not differ between the two groups. CONCLUSION: The results of this study demonstrated that the isoflavones of aglycone‐rich Fsoy were absorbed faster and in greater amounts than those of glucoside‐rich Soy in postmenopausal Japanese women. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry     

Clarification of reconstituted frozen orange juice concentrate by continuous flow centrifugation for limonin glucoside solid phase extraction

BACKGROUND: The suitability of continuous flow centrifugation for the clarification of reconstituted frozen orange juice concentrate prior to its application to a solid phase extraction column for the isolation of limonin glucoside was evaluated. Clarification experiments spanning three flow rates (325, 588 and 875 mL min^?1) and three rotor speeds (equivalent to 2130, 8521 and 19 172 × g) were conducted in a simple factorial design. RESULTS: With increasing rotor speed or decreasing flow rate the average particle size, colour parameters (CIE L*, a*, b*) and residual solids in the resulting centrifugates were found to decrease, whereas juice characteristics including pH, conductivity, °Brix and limonin glucoside content were unchanged by the clarification process. Mean particle size in the resulting centrifugates ranged from 1.14 to 79.31 µm. The most effective clarification was obtained using a 325 mL min^?1 flow rate in conjunction with the maximum rotor speed. Suitability of the centrifugates for processing by solid phase extraction was tested through a two‐step process, in which the centrifugates were first screened using small columns, followed by application of the centrifugate to a larger self‐packed column (6.5 cm × 20 cm) containing SP‐70 Sepabeads. CONCLUSION: Centrifugates from two conditions (325 and 588 mL min^?1 at the maximum rotor speed) were suitable for direct application to both columns. It was found that up to 19 L of these centrifugates could be applied to the 6.5 cm × 20 cm column without clogging or experiencing a decrease in flow rate. Analysis of the column effluent revealed that 11 L of centrifugate was sufficient to saturate this column. Published in 2008 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Main quality attributes and antioxidants in Hungarian sour cherries: identification of genotypes with enhanced functional properties

Sour cherry (Prunus cerasus L.) cultivars native to Hungary and some of them grown worldwide, display great phenotypic variability. Eleven sour cherry cultivars were analysed for their main quality attributes including fruit weight, soluble solid content, acidity, pH, specific sugars (glucose and fructose), antioxidant capacity as well as total polyphenolic (TPC), total anthocyanin (TMAC) and vitamin C contents. Results showed wide variation in both fruit quality and antioxidant parameters of Hungarian sour cherries. The anthocyanin contents varied from 11.3 to 93.5 mg/100 g. An amarelle‐type cultivar, ‘Pipacs 1’ showed the highest antioxidant capacity (21.85 mmol AA L^?1), TPC (49.04 mg GA L^?1) and vitamin C (8.98 mg/100 g) content. Key enzymes in anthocyanin biosynthesis were expressed in both yellow‐coloured flesh and red skin of ‘Pipacs 1’ fruits at all ripening stages. The detected diversity presents a choice that can satisfy different consumer preferences, and meet specific nutritional requirements.     

Biosynthesis of limonoid glucosides in lemon (Citrus limon)

TLC analyses of lemon (Citrus limon (L) Burm f) fruit at various stages of maturity showed that limonoid glucosides were synthesised during the late stages of fruit growth. No limonoid glucosides were found in the stem and leaf. Use of radioactive tracers showed that ¹⁴C-nomilin was converted to ¹⁴C-nomilin 17-β-D -glucopyranoside in fruit tissues and seeds. Glucosides are indeed the major end products of limonoid metabolism.     

Volatile composition and sensory quality of Spanish pomegranates (Punica granatum L.)

BACKGROUND: Pomegranate is highly valued for its health‐promoting effects. Fruits of nine pomegranate cultivars were analysed for volatile compounds, antioxidant activity and quality parameters, including maturity index and CIEL*a*b* colour. Volatile compounds were isolated from fresh juices using hydrodistillation; extracts were analysed using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. Fruit colour was influenced by cultivar and grouping of cultivars according to their taste (sweet, sour‐sweet or sour), with sweet fruits having more intense red colour and higher lightness values. RESULTS: A total of 18 compounds were found in pomegranate aroma profiles, including monoterpenes, aldehydes, alcohols, monoterpenoids and linear hydrocarbons. The most abundant compound were trans‐2‐hexenal, 3‐carene, α‐terpinene and α‐terpineol. The total concentration of volatiles ranged from 1.7 to 10.9 g kg^?1. Overall consumer liking of pomegranate juices was associated with the presence of monoterpenes such as α‐pinene, β‐pinene, β‐myrcene, limonene and γ‐terpinene. The presence of aldehydes such as hexanol, hexanal and cis‐3‐hexenol was correlated with poor overall consumer liking. CONCLUSION: Fruits from the cultivar Mollar de Elche 2 were those most suited for juice processing because they had the highest total concentration of volatiles, which was related to high overall consumer liking, intense and acceptable fresh pomegranate odour and flavour (high scores of satisfaction degree), medium intensity of red colour and low sourness. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry     

Physicochemical and microbiological description of Caxiri – a cassava and corn alcoholic beverage

Caxiri is a fermented alcoholic beverage made from cassava, corn and sweet potatoes by indigenous people in Brazil. Saccharomyces cerevisiae Rhodotorula mucilaginosa, Lactobacillus fermentum, Bacillus subtilis and L. helveticus were the main microbial species detected. Maltose was the main carbohydrate found (19.12 g L^?1), and lactic acid (15.09 g L^?1) and ethanol (92.16 g L^?1) were also found in high concentrations. Gas chromatography‐flame ionisation detector was used to identify thirteen volatile compounds. Among these volatiles, the higher concentrations were decanoic acid (123.04 μg L^?1) for the acids, diethyl malate (88.32 μg L^?1) for the esters, furfural (109.31 μg L^?1) for the aldehydes, 2‐phenylethanol (1022.76 μg L^?1) for the alcohols and 1,1‐diethoxyethane (226.24 μg L^?1) for the others. This study contributes to increasing knowledge of the microbiota present in the alcoholic fermentation produced from cassava, corn and sweet potatoes.     

Comparison of aromatic and phenolic compounds in cherry wines with different cherry cultivars by HS‐SPME‐GC‐MS and HPLC

To compare the influence of cultivars on the production of aroma compounds and polyphenols, eight cherry varieties (six sweet and two sour) were fermented into cherry wines, and their compositions were analysed. Results showed that by headspace solid microextraction coupled to gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (HS‐SPME‐GC‐MS), a total of twenty‐first aromatic compounds, mostly consisting of esters, acids, terpenoids and C₁₃‐norisoprenoids, were identified, and eleven polyphenols including five anthocyanins and six phenolic acids were quantified using HPLC. May Duck and Early Richmond wines contained significantly higher levels of phenolic acids (>42 mg L^?1) that were associated with high contents of chlorogenic and neochlorogenic acids and also relatively high amounts of octanoic acid and β‐damascenone (odour activity values ≥1000). Hongdeng, Zhifuhong and Bing wines were characterised by higher concentrations of anthocyanins (>41 mg L^?1) and also relatively higher levels of isopentyl acetate. Lapins and Governer Wcod wines were distinguished by lower concentrations of polyphenols and relatively higher contents of ethyl 3‐methylbutanoate.     

Ripening temperature affects the content and distribution of isoflavones in sufu,a fermented soybean curd

Sufu, a fermented soybean curd, was prepared by ripening the salted tofu cubes in the Aspergillus oryzae‐fermented rice–soybean koji mash at 25, 35 or 45 °C for a period of 16 days. It showed that the 16‐day ripened sufu contains less total isoflavone content (629.29–739.68 μg g^?1 dried matter) than the salted tofu before ripening (942.59 μg g^?1 dried matter). Regardless of ripening temperature, ripening causes a major reduction in the content of β‐glucoside and malonylglucoside isoflavones along with a significant increase of aglycone isoflavone content. These changes were enhanced as the ripening period extended. Among the various treatments examined, sufu ripened at 45 °C showed the greatest increase in aglycone content coupled with the greatest decrease in malonylglucosides. The distribution of malonylglucosides decreased from an initial 40.32% in the tofu cube to 9.78% after 16 days of ripening at 45 °C. Meanwhile, the distribution of aglycone increased from 13.17% to 39.88%.     

Isolation of eriocitrin (eriodictyol 7‐O‐rutinoside) as an arachidonate lipoxygenase inhibitor from Lumie fruit (Citrus lumia) and its distribution in Citrus species

An inhibitory compound acting against rat platelet 12‐lipoxygenase was isolated from the peel of Lumie fruit (Citrus lumia) by activity‐guided separation. It was identified as eriocitrin (eriodictyol 7‐O‐rutinoside) by spectroscopic analyses. Eriocitrin inhibited 5‐lipoxygenase (IC₅₀29.1 µmol L^?1) from rat peritoneal polymorphonuclear leukocytes in addition to 12‐lipoxygenase (IC₅₀22.3 µmol L^?1). Its aglycone, eriodictyol (5,7,3′, 4′‐tetrahydroxyflavanone), was a much more potent inhibitor of both 12‐lipoxygenase (IC₅₀0.07 µmol L^?1) and 5‐lipoxygenase (IC₅₀0.20 µmol L^?1). It also inhibited the production of leukotriene B₄ in intact peritoneal polymorphonuclear leukocytes stimulated with calcium ionophore A23187 (IC₅₀12.7 µmol L^?1). The distribution of eriocitrin in 39 citrus fruits was investigated by high‐performance liquid chromatography analysis. Lumie, eureka lemon (Citrus limon), Sambokan (Citrus sulcata), Sudachi (Citrus sudachi) and Koji (Citrus leiocarpa) fruits were found to contain high levels of eriocitrin in both peel and juice vesicles. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry     

Bitter taste in cassava roots correlates with cyanogenic glucoside levels

Cassava roots contain cyanogenic glucosides. Malawian farmers classify cultivars into two groups based on the perceived danger of eating raw roots that they associate with bitterness. In the vernacular, cultivars that produce roots with bitter taste are called vyakubaba (bitter), whereas those yielding non‐bitter roots are called vyakuzizra (cool). In the scientific literature they are distinguished as ‘bitter’ or ‘sweet’. Roots from ‘bitter’ cultivars are processed prior to consumption. We studied the ability of farmers to predict the cyanogenic glucoside levels of 492 roots from the 10 most commonly grown cultivars. Twenty‐eight farmers predicted the taste of each of the cultivars that they grew, and scored bitterness on a five‐point scale by tasting the root tip. Thereafter cyanogenic glucosides were determined on half of the root, while a taste panel scored the taste of the other half. The mean cyanogenic glucoside level in 132 roots from ‘cool’ cultivars was 29 mg HCN eq kg^?1 fresh weight (CI 25–33, range 1–123) and in 360 roots from ‘bitter’ cultivars was 153 mg HCN eq kg^?1 fresh weight (CI 143–163, range 22–661). Farmers' distinction of ‘cool’ and ‘bitter’ cultivars predicts glucoside levels. The tasting of the tip of the root improved the farmers' prediction of toxicity. Scoring of bitterness by a trained taste panel showed a stronger correlation with glucoside levels (r² = 0.67). This suggests that cyanogenic glucosides confer the bitter taste, notwithstanding the probability of additional modifying intrinsic factors. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry     

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.     

Limonoids and Flavonoids in Juices of Oroblanco and Melogold Grapefruit Hybrids

Oroblanco and Melogold are hybrids obtained from pummelo and grapefruit. Limonoids and flavonoids in both juices were analyzed. Oroblanco and Melogold juices contained low concentrations of limonoid glucosides, an average of 99 and 59 ppm, respectively. However, they contained relatively high concentrations of bitter limonoid aglycones, limonin and nomilin, at levels above the limonin bitterness threshold. For comparison, limonoid glucosides in juices of grapefruit, another pummelo hybrid, were also analyzed. Limonin glucoside was the major limonoid glucoside in all juices analyzed. Nomilin glucoside and nomilinic acid glucosides were also present. Oroblanco and Melogold juices contained bitter flavonoids normally found in grapefruit and pummelo including naringin, neohesperidin and poncerin in total amount of 440 ppm in Oroblanco juice and 495 ppm in Melogold juice. They also contained several other nonbitter flavonoids found in grapefruit.     

Phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity of tuberous root leaves

The antioxidant potential of five tuberous root leaves was evaluated. High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC/DAD) showed the presence of phenolic compounds in leaves, and the predominant ones were chlorogenic acids in carrot (458.79 mg.L^?1± 0.03): rosmarinic acid in sweet potato (222.05 mg.L^?1± 0.01) and quercetin in sweet potato (292.42 mg.L^?1± 0.01). Radish leaves showed a higher total in vitro antioxidant activity for all methods used in this study. The results indicated that these leaves were natural sources of antioxidants and, therefore, could be included in the health beneficial diet.     

Enrichment of fresh pasta with antioxidant extracts obtained from artichoke canning by‐products by ultrasound‐assisted technology and quality characterisation of the end product

This work is aimed at: (i) analysing the extracts obtained from canning by‐products of three artichoke cultivars (Opal, Capriccio and Catanese) for antioxidant parameters; (ii) comparing UHPLC‐ESI‐MS/MS profile, colour, textural properties and cooking performance of fresh pasta enriched of the most antioxidant extract, with control pasta. The concentrated Catanese cv. extracts showed the highest antioxidant activity (1662 μmol Trolox equivalents L^?1) and the highest levels of luteolin‐7‐O‐rutinoside, luteolin‐7‐O‐glucoside and apigenin‐7‐O‐rutinoside compared to other cultivars. Fresh pasta enriched of Catanese extract showed higher (P < 0.05) phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity (500 mg gallic acid kg^?1 and 1324 μmol Trolox kg^?1, respectively) than control pasta (306 mg gallic acid kg^?1 and 886 μmol Trolox kg^?1, respectively). The extract increased (P < 0.05) pasta brownness (from 19.93 to 23.34), and decreased yellowness (from 27.11 to 23.09), but did not alter textural and cooking parameters. So, pasta was a good vehicle to increase the antioxidant dietary intake.     

In vitro-cultured wheat spikes provide a simplified alternative for studies of cadmium uptake in developing grains

BACKGROUND: An immature wheat spike culture system was used to monitor cadmium (Cd) accumulation in grains, hulls and awns of bread wheat and durum wheat. Immature spikes were cultured prior to anthesis in a medium containing 50 g L^?1 sucrose and 0.4 g L^?1 L ‐glutamine, supplemented with 0, 0.1, 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, 15, 20 or 25 mg L^?1 cadmium chloride (CdCl₂). Grains were collected at maturity and their Cd accumulation was determined using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP‐MS). RESULTS: Cd accumulation at CdCl₂ concentrations of 3 mg L^?1 and above was higher in grains of durum wheat compared with bread wheat. In hulls a similar trend was observed at CdCl₂ concentrations above 15 mg L^?1. Starch concentration in grains increased slightly at 3 and 4 mg L^?1 CdCl₂. Cd accumulation negatively affected grain protein concentration. Expression patterns of Cd‐related genes glutathione reductase (TaGR), metallothionein (MT) and phytochelatin synthase (PCS) in spikes cultured in media containing 0, 5, 10, 15 and 25 mg L^?1 CdCl₂ at 5 days post‐anthesis showed that TaGR and PCS expression in bread wheat was up‐regulated at 5 mg L^?1 CdCl₂ but down‐regulated at other CdCl₂ concentrations. However, in durum wheat, expression of all three genes was down‐regulated or remained unchanged. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that immature spike culture can be used to study Cd accumulation in grains and can delineate hyper‐accumulating durum wheat from bread wheat at CdCl₂ concentrations of 2 mg L^?1 and above. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry     

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     

Characterisation of phenolic extracts from olive pulp and olive pomace by electrospray mass spectrometry

Methanol extracts of olive pomace (two‐phase olive oil extraction) and olive pulp were analysed by reverse phase HPLC and the eluted fractions were characterised by electrospray ionisation mass spectrometry. This technique allowed the identification of some common phenolic compounds, namely, verbascoside, rutin, caffeoyl‐quinic acid, luteolin‐4‐glucoside and 11‐methyl‐oleoside. Hydroxytyrosol‐1′‐β‐glucoside, luteolin‐7‐rutinoside and oleoside were also detected. Moreover, this technique enabled the identification, for the first time in Olea europaea tissues, of two oleoside derivatives, 6′‐β‐glucopyranosyl‐oleoside and 6′‐β‐rhamnopyranosyl‐oleoside, and of 10‐hydroxy‐oleuropein. Also, an oleuropein glucoside that had previously been identified in olive leaves was now detected in olive fruit, both in olive pulp and olive pomace. With the exception of oleoside and oleuropein, the majority of phenolic compounds were found to occur in equivalent amounts in olive pulp and olive pomace. Oleoside was the main phenolic compound in olive pulp (31.6 mg g^?1) but was reduced to 3.6 mg g^?1 in olive pomace, and oleuropein (2.7 mg g^?1 in the pulp) almost disappeared (<0.1 mg g^?1 in the pomace). Both these phenolic compounds were degraded during the olive oil extraction process. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry     

Juice components and antioxidant capacity of four Tunisian Citrus varieties

BACKGROUND: Juices from four Citrus species of Tunisia were investigated mainly for quality parameters and antioxidant capacity. RESULTS: Citrus reticulata (mandarin) juice had the highest content of total flavonoids (85.33 mg CE L^?1). The latter also occurred in high quantity (82.01 mg CE L^?1) in Citrus lemon (lemon) juice which was also marked by its richness in total aroma (70.16 µg mL^?1) and in total fatty acids (48.10 µg mL^?1). Mandarin and lemon juices had the highest antioxidant activity, as determined b the β‐carotene bleaching assay (26.67% and 22.67%, respectively). Citrus aurantium (bitter orange) juice was characterised by the highest content of total polyphenols (784.67 mg GAE L^?1) and by the greatest inhibition of DPPH (96.10%). Citrus sinensis (blood orange) juice was only marked by the high quantity of ascorbic acid (36.90 mg mL^?1). GC/MS analysis of juice aroma showed the predominance of limonene (48.85–69.59%) in mandarin and in bitter and blood oranges, but of camphene (89.05%) in lemon. GC analysis of juice fatty acids revealed their richness in oleic acid (23.13–39.52%). HPLC analysis of juice phenolics indicated the predominance of phenolic acids (73.13–86.40%). CONCLUSION: The Citrus species used in this study were considered valuable varieties from the point of view of antioxidant capacity and nutrition. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry     

Extraction,identification and enzymatic synthesis of acylated derivatives of anthocyanins from jaboticaba (Myrciaria cauliflora) fruits

Polyphenols were extracted from the skin of jabuticaba fruits (Myrciaria cauliflora). Their total concentration and in vitro antioxidant activity were analysed by the DPPH and ABTS methods. The corresponding results (dry basis) were 1290 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)?(100 g)^?1, 98% of DPPH radical inhibition and 120 μm TEAC?g^?1 (ABTS method). All these values are at least as higher as average values reported in the literature for other fruits. A more specific analysis of the fractions of phenolic compounds was also performed by HPLC‐MS. Ellagic acid, quercetin, rutin, delphinidin‐3‐glucoside and cyanidin‐3‐glucoside were the main compounds detected; the latter two were the most abundant. The crude extract was subjected to enzymatic acylation assays in order to synthesise new esters with new potential techno‐functionalities. Palmitic acid was used as acyl donor and lipase B of Candida antactica (CALB) as biocatalyst. HPLC‐MS evidenced the formation of palmitic monoesters in connection with the delphinidin‐3‐glucoside and cyanidin‐3‐glucoside fractions.