Effect of γ-irradiation on the antioxidant activity of turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) extracts

Effect of γ-irradiation (10KGy) on the antioxidant property of turmeric extracts was investigated. γ-irradiated as well as non-irradiated turmeric samples were subjected to successive solvent extraction using hexane, benzene, and 80% aq. methanol. Benzene extract, containing mainly curcuminoids were subjected to column fractionation in order to isolate the individual curcuminoids. The curcuminoid analogues as well as the above fractions were then tested for their antioxidant activity by measuring thiobarbituric acid value (TBAV) and peroxide value (PV) based on the air oxidation of linoleic acid. γ-irradiation at a dose of 10KGy did not affect the antioxidant activity of turmeric extracts studied.     

Effect of γ-irradiation on antioxidant activity of black pepper (Piper nigrum L.)

Antioxidant activity and EPR investigations of irradiated ground black pepper (Piper nigrum L.) were evaluated. The black pepper was exposed to γ-irradiation at doses from 5 to 30 kGy. The effect of irradiation on antioxidant properties of black pepper extracts was investigated by radical-scavenging effect on 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radicals, by determination of reducing power and content of thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances. Some significant changes were observed in creation of thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS). Difference between non-irradiated and irradiated samples at the legal European limit dose of 10 kGy reached, on average, 23% and, at the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) 30 kGy limit, 33%. Irradiation affected significantly the DPPH radical-scavenging activity and reducing power of ground black pepper extracts. The γ-radiation treatment of ground black pepper samples observed by EPR, resulted in the production of three paramagnetic species (GI–GIII) characterized by different origin, thermal behaviour and stability. The axially symmetric EPR resonances, GI and GII, were assigned to the carbohydrate radical structures. The spin Hamiltonian parameters of GIII possessed the characteristic features of “cellulosic” radical species. The EPR measurements, performed 20 weeks after the radiation process, confirmed that temperature increase from 298 to 353 K, caused significant decrease of integral EPR signal intensity for γ-irradiated samples (∼40%), compared to the reference (non-irradiated) ground black pepper, where only 13% drop was found. Significant correlation between EPR and thiobarbituric acid methods was assessed by study of antioxidant activity changes in relation to irradiation doses and also in the case of spice storage, between EPR and reducing power methods.     

Modification of bean starch by γ-irradiation: Effect on functional and morphological properties

Starches isolated from Red, White, Yellow and Black Kidney beans were treated by γ-irradiation doses of 5, 10 and 20 kGy. Physicochemical, morphological and pasting properties of irradiated bean starches were investigated. Microscopic observation under scanning electron microscope (SEM) showed that some of the bean starch granules were destroyed by γ-irradiation and the breakage was greater at a higher dose (20 kGy). Physicochemical properties differed significantly and showed strong dose-dependent relationship. Carboxyl content, solubility, water absorption capacity and transmittance increased, whereas swelling power, apparent amylose content, syneresis and pasting properties decreased upon the irradiation of kidney bean starch. Radiation doses were positively correlated with water absorption capacity and solubility index and negatively correlated with swelling index, peak viscosity, trough viscosity, breakdown and final viscosity. There were high positive correlations between pasting properties. X-ray diffraction pattern remained same upon irradiation but a decrease in crystallinity was observed with increasing irradiation dose.     

Effect of γ-irradiation on the physicochemical and sensory properties of cashew nuts (Anacardium occidentale L.)

The present study evaluated cashew nuts' quality as a function of γ-irradiation dose in order to determine dose levels causing minimal undesirable changes to the product. Physicochemical (colour, peroxide value, hexanal content, fatty acid composition, volatile compounds) and sensory (colour, texture, odor, taste) properties of cashew nuts were determined after irradiation at doses up to 7 kGy. Results showed a five-fold increase in peroxide value (PV) and a two-fold increase in hexanal content after irradiation at a dose of 7 kGy. Of the fatty acids determined, stearic acid concentration increased while oleic acid decreased with irradiation dose. PUFA were unaffected by irradiation. Volatile compounds such as aldehydes, ketones and alcohols increased after irradiation indicating enhanced lipid oxidation. Colour parameter a∗ increased (p < 0.05) at doses >3 kGy while colour parameters L∗ and b∗ remained unaffected by irradiation. Sensory analysis showed that cashew nuts remained organoleptically acceptable at doses <3 kGy.     

Effects of γ-irradiation on the biological activity of burdock (Arctium lappa L.) extracts

Burdock (Arctium lappa L.) extracts were prepared with different extraction methods, ethanol (70%, RT) and hot water (85°C for 3 hr, HT), and their biological activities were investigated after γ-irradiation (10 and 20 kGy). Color of the burdock extracts became brighter after application of irradiation regardless of the extraction system. The 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity of the burdock extracts with RT and HT were 54.56 and 59.21% at 500 ppm, respectively, and the lipid oxidation of oil emulsion was delayed by addition of the extracts. The HT29 cancer cell viability was inhibited by burdock extracts with RT up to 52.45 at a 250 ppm level. The anti-mutagenicitiy against 3-amino-1,4-dimethyl-5H-pyrido[4,3-b]indole and 2-nitrofluorene were also found. Results indicate that burdock extract possesses biological activities and RT showed an increasing trend in antixodiative activity and inhibition of cancer cell viability. Brighter color of the burdock extract after irradiation may improve industrial applicability.     

Biological importance of γ-glutamyl-S-methylcysteine of kidney bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.)

The effects of S-methyl-L-cysteine (SMC) on growth and food intake by rats were investigated and in vivo absorption studies of gamma-glutamyl-S-methyl-L-cysteine and free SMC were performed. The results showed that the peptide is slowly absorbed and only free SMC could be detected in the blood. The diets (10% casein), containing SMC, depressed food intake and animals’ growth. Both effects were proportional to the SMC contents in the diets. The results obtained with pair-fed groups led to the conclusion that the depression in growth was caused by the refusal of the SMC diets. The addition of cystine to the SMC diet only partially restored normal growth. Histological examination of livers, kidneys and spleens of rats fed with SMC showed no tissue alterations, except for a significant increase in the kidney weights. The hematological features did not show any significant differences, but there was a slight increase in erythroid precursors and young forms in the bone marrow, which might indicate an increased erythrocyte turnover. These results suggest that the reduction in food intake could be associated with some defence mechanism against toxic substances.     

Influence of γ-irradiation on antioxidant,thermal and rheological properties of native and irradiated whole grain millet flours

Millets of different types like Barnyard (Echinochloa utilis), Finger (Eleusine coracana), Foxtail (Setaria italic), Kodo (Paspalum setaceum) Little (Panicum sumatrense), Pearl (Pennisetum glaucum) and Proso millets (Penicum miliaceum) are staple foods for Indian and African diets. The germination, fungal and microbial contamination leads to postharvest losses mainly due to poor warehouse storage in Asia and Africa. Six millet varieties conditioned at 12% and 14% moisture content and irradiated at a dosage of 2.5 and 5 kGy and then milled into flours. The flour was analysed for composition, antioxidant and the rheological and thermal properties. Pearl, Proso, Finger Kodo at 12% moisture contents showed significant (P ≤ 0.05) increase in Phenolic contents at 2.5 kGy level of irradiation treatments compared with native and 5% irradiation treatment level. The DPPH activity showed an interesting results (42.77–72.65%) with wide variation and a mixed trend of high and low results with irradiation. Thermal transition temperatures showed that the irradiation decreased the transition temperatures primarily due to loss of the crystalline and amorphous starch structure due to radiation that lead to rapid water uptake and shorter time to reach peak viscosity. We are further studying the application of the irradiated flours in different food products to understand the influence of irradiation on nutritional, sensory and functional properties in cereal-based products.     

Effect of γ-irradiation on structural,functional and antioxidant properties of β-glucan extracted from button mushroom (Agaricus bisporus)

In this study, β-d-glucan extracted from mushroom Agaricus bisporus were irradiated at 5, 10, 20, 30 and 50 kGy. The samples were characterized by ATR-FTIR spectroscopy, gel permeation chromatography (GPC) and quantitative estimation by Megazyme β-d-glucan assay kit. The average molecular weight of non-irradiated β-d-glucan was 181 kDa that decreased to 31.1 kDa at 50 kGy. The functional properties like swelling power and viscosity decreased while fat binding capacity, emulsifying properties, foaming properties, and bile acid binding capacity showed increased trend with the increase in irradiation doses. The antioxidant properties of irradiated β-d-glucan were carried out using six different assays like DPPH, reducing power, inhibition of lipid per oxidation, chelating ability on ferrous ion, FRAP and ABTS assay that also showed increased activity. In conclusion, the present study signifies the importance of irradiated β-d-glucan in various fields of food processing and pharmacy.Industrial RelevanceIn today's scenario, people are having a sedentary life style with increased risk factors of various diseases like hypercholestromia, cancers, obesity, etc. So they are looking for such type of food that has profound health benefits i.e., functional food. β-Glucan is one of the polysaccharide that can be incorporated into the food formulations and make it functional. However its high viscous nature and low solubility pose several restrictions to being applied widely in food industries. Gamma irradiation is one of the useful techniques that can be commercialized to overcome this problem and use irradiated β-glucan in various food formulations as an ingredient with enhanced antioxidant and functional properties.     

Optimal soaking conditions and addition of exogenous substances improve accumulation of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in germinated mung bean (Vigna radiata)

Germinated mung beans have been widely used as fresh vegetable or processed healthy food due to their high amounts of bioactive and nutritional compounds, including γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA). The objectives of this study were to investigate the effects of different soaking conditions (temperature, ratios of seeds to water, soaking time, pH, addition of L-glutamic acid (L-Glu) or gibberellic acid (GA3)) and germination time on accumulation of GABA in the germinated mung bean seeds. The mung bean seeds, soaked at 40°C for 4 h with ratio of seeds to water of 1:4 (g mL⁻¹) and then germinated for 7 h, accumulated higher amount of GABA than other soaking conditions and germination time. The addition of GA3 (0.30 mg L⁻¹) or L-glu (1,000 mg L⁻¹) or acidifying to pH 5.5 of the soaking water had high impact on the GABA accumulation. Among them, the soaking water with pH 5.5 was more effective than adding with the L-Glu or GA3 in the production of GABA (1677 mg/kg powder) and essential amino acids (16.56 g/100g powder) in the germinated mung bean seeds. The findings of this study provide useful information to produce GABA-enriched and healthy foods from mung beans.     

Effect of γ-irradiation on physical quality attributes and identification properties of different sauces

Gamma-irradiated (0, 1, and 10 kGy) ketchup (KTP), barbeque sauce (BBQ), and sweet chili sauce (SWC) were identified using photostimulated-luminescence (PSL) and thermoluminescence (TL) analysis and characterized for physical properties like Brix, consistency, and color. PSL-based screening showed negative results for all nonirradiated samples, while intermediated results were found for irradiated samples. Routine density separation method for mineral extraction provided better TL results; however, alkaline and acid hydrolysis could ease the process with acceptable results. A slight decrease in consistency of all the samples was observed. Brix of KTP remained unchanged, while increase of same was obvious in BBQ and SWC following irradiation. The Hunter L* value of the γ-irradiated sauces decreased except SWC samples, and the a* and b* values showed a general increase compared to the non-irradiated samples. The studied methods have potential to successfully identify and characterize the irradiated sauces for technical and regulatory requirements.     

Comparison of γ-aminobutyric acid accumulation capability in different mung bean (Vigna radiata L.) varieties under heat and relative humidity treatment,and its correlation with endogenous amino acids and polyamines

In this study, the accumulation of GABA and its inherent factors across different varieties of mung bean (Vigna radiata L.) in response to heat and relative humidity (HRH) were investigated. Results showed the average GABA content in mung bean varieties was increased 7.52 times following HRH treatment, and the black mung bean variety (A8) exhibited the highest GABA accumulation capability (1.76–84.57 mg per 100 g DW). From the perspective of GABA shunt metabolites, the free glutamic acid content of mung beans significantly decreased (P < 0.05) after HRH treatment and presented a significant correlation (P < 0.05) with GABA content. In polyamine degradation pathway, although the average levels of spermine and spermidine of mung bean varieties significantly decreased (P < 0.05) after HRH treatment, no significant correlation with GABA content was identified. Hence, the GABA accumulation was predominantly attributed to GABA shunt. Besides, free amino acids including glutamic acid, serine, ornithine, arginine and glycine in mung beans showed a significant positive correlation (P < 0.05) with GABA content and increment following HRH treatment, which suggested that mung beans enriched in these free amino acids might accumulate higher amounts of GABA after HRH treatment and be useful for industrial applications.     

Effect of γ-irradiation on bioactivity, fatty acid compositions and volatile compounds of clary sage seed (Salvia sclarea L.)

Clary sage seeds (Salvia sclarea L.) were obtained from plants cultivated, and 2.5, 4.0, 5.5, and 7.0 kGy doses of γ-irradiation were applied to the clary sage seeds. They were then analyzed for their protein, ash, oil and dry matter contents, and fatty acid composition. Additionally, the total phenolic contents, antiradical, antioxidant activities, and volatile compounds of the clary sage seed extract were determined. There was no significant difference in protein content. However, the moisture, oil, and ash contents of the samples were affected by irradiation. While the 7 kGy dose had a positive effect on the total phenolic content and antiradical activity of the sage seed extract, all doses have negative effects on the antioxidant activity of the sage seed. The main fatty acid of the sage seed was remarkably found as α-linolenic acid. The four irradiation levels caused significant differences in fatty acid composition by affecting all fatty acids except palmitic, palmitoleic, and eicosenoic acids. The dominant volatile compounds of control sage seed were found as β-pinene (18.81%) and limonene (15.60%). Higher doses of the irradiation decreased volatile components of sage seed. Clary sage seed including high omega-3 can be irradiated with low doses (≤ 2.5 kGy) of γ-irradiation. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Clary sage is one of the most popular Salvia species in Turkey and many countries. Clary sage seed has approximately 29% oil content and this oil contains >50% of α-linolenic acid. γ-Irradiation is widely applied in the preservation of spice quality. The present study shows that the antioxidant activity of the clary sage seed is decreased by γ-irradiation. Additionally, higher doses of irradiation also decreased the volatile components of sage seed. Therefore, we suggest that clary sage seed which includes high levels of omega-3 should be irradiated with low doses (≤ 2.5 kGy) of γ-irradiation.     

Cookie making behavior of wheat–barley flour blends and effects on antioxidant properties

Refined wheat flour was replaced with whole barley flour at varying levels and the blends were evaluated for their cookie making behavior. The spread factor of cookies decreased as the proportion of barley flour increased while snap force and water activity increased significantly upto 114.7 N and 0.397 in only barley flour cookies. Increasing levels of barley flour lead to a significant decrease in L^∗ and b^∗ values of cookie dough. Peak viscosity (PV) and final viscosity (FV) increased significantly as the levels of barley flour increased. A significant increase in antioxidant activity (AOA), total phenolic content (TPC), metal chelating activity (MCA), reducing power (RP) and total flavonoid content (TFC) was observed as the proportion of barley flour increased. Baking lead to a significant decrease in TPC and TFC whereas AOA, MCA and RP increased. Baking lead to a significant increase in the non-enzymatic browning index of cookies.     

紫皮豇豆(Vigna unguiculata L.)花色苷的研究

首次应用高效液相色谱-二极管阵列检测器-质谱联用技术（HPLC-DAD-MS）鉴定出紫皮豇豆主要含有三种花色苷,分别为飞燕草色素、矢车菊色素、天竺葵色素的葡萄糖苷,其中矢车菊葡萄糖苷相对百分含量达到93.4%;应用pH示差法测定出其单体花色苷的含量为57.15mg/100g鲜重;应用DPPH法测定结果显示,花色苷粗提液有较强的抗氧化能力。      

The effect of sterilizing doses of γ-irradiation on the molecular weight and emulsification properties of gum arabic

Experiments were performed on raw, kibbled and spray-dried gum arabic. Microbiological tests showed that following a radiation dose of 10 kGy the contaminating micro-organisms were effectively inactivated. The average molecular weight of kibbled and spray dried gum arabic was shown by viscosity measurements to be somewhat reduced as the result of γ-irradiation. No significant radiation-induced changes in the molecular weight of raw gum arabic could be detected. The yields of radiolytically produced strand breaks (breaks/100 eV of radiation absorbed) have been calculated for spray-dried [G(strand breaks) = 4.1 × 10⁻¹] and for kibbled [G(strand breaks) = 2.9 × 10⁻¹]. Gel permeation chromatography confirmed this order of radiation stability and indicated that gum arabic consists of at least three major components, the larger molecular weight fraction appearing to be the more radiation sensitive. There was no measurable change in the total hexuronic acid content (20%) of any of the samples on γ-irradiation. Finally, measurements showed no adverse effect of γ-irradiation, even up to doses of 30 kGy, on the ability of the gum arabic to stabilize emulsions. The extent of chemical change induced by irradiation with sterilizing doses has no practical adverse significance and demonstrates that this technique is suitable for processing raw gum arabic samples.     

紫皮豇豆(Vigna unguiculata L.)花色苷的研究

首次应用高效液相色谱-二极管阵列检测器-质谱联用技术(HPLC-DAD-MS)鉴定出紫皮豇豆主要含有三种花色苷,分别为飞燕草色素、矢车菊色素、天竺葵色素的葡萄糖苷,其中矢车菊葡萄糖苷相对百分含量达到93.4%;应用pH示差法测定出其单体花色苷的含量为57.15mg/100g鲜重;应用DPPH法测定结果显示,花色苷粗提液有较强的抗氧化能力。     

Phenolic composition,antioxidant capacity and inhibitory effects on α-glucosidase and lipase of immature faba bean seeds

Immature faba bean seeds of five varieties were investigated for changes in phenolic composition, antioxidant capacity and inhibitory effects on α-glucosidase and lipase at three edible stages (S1, S2 and S3). Phenolics and antioxidant capacity in seed coats were significantly higher than those in cotyledons, and the highest was found of FD18 at stage S3. While phenolic content in cotyledons decreased steadily with the harvest time delayed. Eight phenolic compounds were confirmed with epicatechin and catechin prominent and their levels showed a great variability depending on varieties, maturation stages and plant parts of faba bean seeds. Unexpectedly, the inhibitory effects of purified phenolics on α-glucosidase were even stronger than that of the positive control acarbose, and the inhibitory effects on lipase in the cotyledons declined gradually from stage S1 to S3. Significant positive correlations between phenolics from seed coats and antioxidant capacity, and phenolics from cotyledons and the enzyme inhibitory effects were observed. Overall, the immature faba bean seed, especially its seed coat, has great potential as a functional food.     

Effect of enzyme treatment with β-glucosidase on antioxidant capacity of mulberry (Morus alba L.) leaf extract

This study was carried out to investigate the effect of enzyme treatment with β-glucosidase on antioxidant capacity of the mulberry leaf extract (MLE) using oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) and cellular antioxidant capacity (CAC) assay. The MLE was prepared by autoclaving at 121°C for 15 min and treated with β-glucosidase for 9 hr. High pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis showed that only qercetin-3-β-d-glucose (QT-G) among quercetin (QT) glycosides of MLE, including QT-G, quercetin-3-O-glucose-6″-acetate (QT-GA), and rutin (RT), was converted into QT by 3 hr treatment with β-glucosidase. The in vitro peroxyl radical- and hydroxyl radical scavenging capacity significantly increased after the enzyme treatment using β-glucosidase for 6 and 9 hr, respectively. The metal chelating activity increased after the enzyme treatment using β-glucosidase for 3 hr. The intracellular antioxidant capacity of MLE to protect AAPH- and Cu²⁺-induced oxidative stress in HepG2 cells significantly increased after the enzyme treatment using β-glucosidase for 3 and 6 hr, respectively, indicating that QT may be released from QT-G by β-glucosidase and penetrate into cell membrane so that it can contribute to the intracellular antioxidant capacity of MLE.     

Bioactive components and antioxidant properties of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) tea leaves

Various ethanolic concentrations (0–95%, v/v) and temperatures (25–95 °C) were used to extract γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) tea leaves. Extraction yields, and contents of total phenols, various catechins, GABA, theanine, and antioxidant properties of extracts were determined. The 50% (v/v) ethanol at 50–95 °C gave higher yields (32.05–32.56 g dried extract/100 g dried tea leaves). The bioactive components and antioxidant properties of extracts were affected by the ethanolic concentrations and temperatures. Among catechins, epigallocatechin gallate was the main catechin in all extracts, followed by epigallocatechin, epicatechin, epicatechin gallate, gallocatechin and gallocatechin gallate. The 50–75% (v/v) ethanol at 75–95 °C gave higher contents of ester type (102.92–104.54 mg/g extract) and non-ester type (61.75–63.55 mg/g extract) catechins. Water at 50–75 °C gave higher GABA and theanine contents and higher chelating ability of extracts. The 75% (v/v) ethanol at 25–75 °C gave higher scavenging ability and reducing power of extracts. Based on dried tea extracts or leaves results obtained, the optimal extraction conditions to maintain the total contents of various catechins, GABA and theanine in the maximum level were 50% ethanol (v/v) and 75–95 °C.