Polyphenolic compounds and anthocyanin content of Prosopis nigra and Prosopis alba pods flour and their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capacities

The aim of this study was to determine the content of total free and bound phenolics, free and bound flavonoids, anthocyanins, and alkaloids and the profile of polyphenols of edible ripe pods of Prosopis alba and Prosopis nigra.P. alba flour showed significantly higher total (sum of Free- and Bound) phenolic content and total flavonoid compounds than P. nigra (p < 0.05) while P. nigra had higher concentrations of anthocyanins than P. alba (p < 0.05). The P. nigra flour shows a pattern characterized by the occurrence of anthocyanins as well as 14 flavonoid glycosides, with higher chemical diversity than P. alba, which shows 8 flavonoid glycosides as relevant constituents. The main compounds were quercetin O-glycosides and apigenin-based C-glycosides. The phenolic composition of two South American algarrobo pod flour is presented for the first time. P. nigra pods having higher content of anthocyanins are darker (purple) than those of P. alba (light brown). Furthermore, the sugar-free polyphenolic extracts of P. nigra and P. alba as well as anthocyanins enriched extracts from P. nigra showed antioxidant activity. P. nigra and P. alba polyphenolic extracts showed activity against a pro-inflammatory enzyme. In conclusion, algarrobo pods meal contained biologically active polyphenols, with a positive impact on human health.     

Prosopis spp. powder: influence of chemical components in water adsorption properties

Prosopis alba and Prosopis nigra powders from pods were evaluated through chemical and mineral composition and other healthy food compounds such as polyphenols and fatty acids exhibiting antioxidant activity. P. nigra presented higher content of lipids and polyphenols leading to a higher antioxidant activity than P. alba. Although P. nigra presented lower amount (%) of fibre (20.1 vs. 23.3), the amount of total soluble sugars responsible of water retention was slightly higher (PN: 57.1, PA: 56.7). Moisture content, water activity and water absorption behaviours were different between both powders due to differences in their chemical composition. P. nigra powder presented higher amounts of polyphenols, antioxidant activity and lower initial equilibrium moisture content (a_w = 0.7), with a lower a_w at 20 °C at the same water content, suggesting that P. nigra powder would have less possibility of deterioration during storage.     

Chemical and nutritional properties of different fractions of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Prosopis alba</Emphasis> pods and seeds

The objective of this work was to study chemical and nutritional aspects of different fractions of Prosopis alba. Flours from whole pod, pericarp (pulp) and seeds were obtained. Polyphenols were mainly located in pulp but antioxidant activity was higher in whole pod flour and seeds. In seeds, the fraction with the highest polyphenols and antioxidant activity was the seed coat or testa. Protein content was higher in whole pod flour (5.81 %) than in pulp flour (3.52 %), presenting the seed an appreciable amount 33.6 %. These proteins were composed by monomer subunits of 85, 67, 38, 16 and 14 kDa and no prolamins and anti-tryptic activity were detected. P. alba flours presented high content of soluble sugars, mainly composed by sucrose, and also high amount of insoluble dietary fiber. The major mineral was potassium. The whole pod, due to the contribution of seeds, contained high amount of calcium, magnesium, iron and zinc, all indispensable minerals for human nutrition. Therefore, P. alba flours, mainly containing the seeds, constitute nutritional ingredients for bakery and gluten free products.     

Identification of 5,6-dihydro-6-propyl-2H-pyran-2-one as the major volatile constituent in mesquite (Prosopis) flour

Mesquite (Prosopisspp.) are woody leguminous plants that belong to the family Leguminosae and grow in arid and semiarid regions of America, Africa and Asia. Prosopis spp. produce indehiscent fruit (pods) that can be milled to yield flour that is sold commercially and is used in pastries and baked goods. The major volatile constituent of mesquite flour was identified as 5,6-dihydro-6-propyl-2H-pyran-2-one on the basis of its Kovats index and mass spectrum. Using δ-nonalactone as an internal standard its concentration was determined to be 59.75 ± 7.07 mg/kg (n = 3).     

Integrated Analytical Methods to Characterize Lipids from <Emphasis Type="Italic">Prosopis</Emphasis> spp. and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Ceratonia siliqua</Emphasis> Seed Germ Flour

Flour from seed germ of European carob (Ceratonia siliqua) and South American algarrobo (Prosopis spp.) is a potential ingredient for health-promoting baked products. Herein, lipids from germ of three Argentinean Prosopis (P. alba, P. nigra, and P. ruscifolia) and one European carob species were characterized in detail, exploiting an array of up-to-date analytical techniques. Total lipids ranged from 7.1 to 8.1% (w/w). Linoleic acid (C18:2, ω-6) predominated the GC flame ionization detector profiles of fatty acid in all samples (43.3–50.6%). Prosopis spp. contained 6–7% of C20–C24 fatty acids and, consistently, C56–C60 triacylglycerols, as detected by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry (MS), which were practically missing in C. siliqua germ. Phospholipids were isolated by hydroxyapatite chromatography, characterized by MALDI-TOF MS and grossly quantified by attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy. Because of a relatively high content (9.5–11.8%, v/v), phospholipids might increase the antioxidant potential and improve the baking performances of flour fortified with carob and algarrobo seed germ.     

Phenolics from walnut (Juglans regia L.) kernels: Antioxidant activity and interactions with proteins

Walnut (Juglans regia L.) kernels have important amounts of phenolic compounds. The objectives of the work were twofold: (a) to extract the phenolic fraction from hulls and walnut flour, and to examine its antioxidant capacity and (b) to evaluate the effect of hull removal on solubility of protein fractions from walnut flour. In accordance with their higher total phenolic content, hull extracts had stronger antioxidant activity than had flour extracts. The presence of phenolic compounds decreased protein solubility in walnut flour obtained from whole kernels. Dehulling of kernels significantly improved protein recovery but this result was strongly affected by the solvent system employed. Proteins from whole kernels, especially those extracted with water and NaCl solution, had a reduced solubility, indicating that phenolics bind to proteins when they are dispersed in aqueous media at neutral pH. The results are discussed in the light of the different complex-forming mechanisms that bind phenolics to proteins.     

The antioxidant, angiotensin converting enzyme inhibition activity, and phenolic compounds of bamboo shoot extracts

This study was undertaken to evaluate the functional properties of two of the most popular species of edible bamboo shoots in Korea (Phyllostachys pubescens and Phyllostachys nigra). Powdered bamboo shoots were extracted with methanol and an aqueous suspension of the obtained methanol extract was partitioned successively with chloroform, ethyl acetate, and butanol, leaving a residual water extract. All obtained extracts were evaluated for their antioxidant capacity and antimicrobial activity, angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibition activity, and ascorbic acid and phenolic compound content. Methanol and water fractions showed a particularly high ascorbic acid contents. The ethyl acetate fraction contained a high concentration of phenolic compounds. Among all extracts, the ethyl acetate and butanol fractions showed particularly high antioxidant activity. Methanol extract had a significantly higher ACE inhibitory activity than other extracts. None of the extracts inhibited the tested bacteria.     

Pods of Khejri (Prosopis cineraria) consumed as a vegetable showed functional food properties

The arid plant Prosopis cineraria (Fabaceae) is known as Khejri in India or the golden tree of Indian deserts. The dried pods are consumed as a vegetable and leaves as traditional medicine to cure a wide range of diseases in the state of Rajasthan, India. The pods of this plant have not been investigated for their bioactive components, hence we have done so in this study. The dried pods were boiled with water to afford the aqueous extract. Extraction of the residue gave methanolic extract. The lipid peroxidation (LPO) and cyclooxygenase enzymes (COX-1 and -2) inhibitory activities of extracts and major compounds present in the bioactive extracts were then determined. Purification of bioactive extracts yielded compounds 1–7. The absorbance of 1–7 at 570 nm ranged between 0.15 and 0.45 at 50 μg/mL whereas vitamin C and tert-butylhydroquinone (TBHQ) at 25 μg/mL gave an absorbance of 0.5 in the MTT [3-(4,5-dimethylthiazole-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide] assay. At 25 μg/mL concentration, compounds 1–7 inhibited LPO, COX-1 and -2 enzymes between the ranges of 15–87%, 21–67% and 16–59%, respectively. This is the first report of the chemical and biological activities of the edible part of this plant.     

Antioxidant properties of tartary buckwheat extracts as affected by different thermal processing methods

The effects of roasting, pressured-steam heating and microwave heating on total phenolics, total flavonoids, and antioxidant properties of whole-meal flour from tartary buckwheat (Fagopyrum tataricum Gaertn.) were investigated. The total phenolics were evaluated by Folin-Ciocalteau assay, total flavonoids by aluminum nitrate colorimetric assay whilst antioxidant properties were based on free radical scavenging activity of flour extracts against hydroxyl and superoxide anion radicals, and inhibition of lipid peroxidation in vitro. This study showed that thermal treatment of buckwheat flour caused a decrease in total phenolics, total flavonoids and antioxidative activities. The changes in trend of the antioxidant activities due to the thermal treatment were positively correlated with the content of phenolics (R² = 0.8401-0.9909). Therefore, it can be suggested that special care should be taken when processing method is selected for the exploration of tartary buckwheat products.     

Phenols,Flavonoids, and Antioxidant and Antibacterial Activity of Leaves and Stem Bark of Morus Species

Leaves and stem bark composition from Morus species (M. alba var. alba, M. alba var. rosa and M. rubra) was evaluated for its antioxidant and antimicrobial activities in order to enhance its therapeutic uses. Total phenolics and flavonoids contents were estimated in hydromethanolic and aqueous extracts. Results showed highest content in M. rubra leaves aqueous extract (1129 mg gallic acid equivalent/100 g dry weight and 816 mg gallic acid equivalent/100 g dry weight, respectively). Using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl assay, the highest antioxidant activity was obtained in aqueous stem barks extracts. M. alba var. alba has an IC₅₀ of 2.84 mg/ml and the IC₅₀ value of M. rubra was the highest (4.78 mg/ml). ABTS^.+ (2,2'-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid)) method and reducing power assay were used to confirm the results from the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl test. All extracts expressed considerable free radical-scavenging properties. Hydromethanolic and aqueous extracts were tested against Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus feacalis, Staphylococcus epidermis, Escherichia coli, and Salmonella Typhimurium bacteria. Hydromethanolic stem bark extracts have the highest antimicrobial activities, and it may be a good antimicrobial agent for human gastrointestinal infections. This plant could be used as an additive to foods and also as a possible source to obtain new and effective herbal medicines to treat infections of multi-drug resistant strains of microorganisms.     

Proximate composition and biological activity of Chilean Prosopis species

The proximate and amino acid compositions of the leaves and pods of Prosopis chilensis and P tamarugo and the leaves of P alba have been assessed. The biological activity of the leaves and pods of the first two species as well as the leaves and exudate of P alba has been determined for free radical scavenging activity, xanthine oxidase inhibition and DNA binding. The best protein source among the forage trees was the leaves of P chilensis; P alba and P tamarugo leaves showed higher crude protein, fat and nitrogen‐free extract values than reported in previous studies. According to their amino acid profiles, all species surveyed are deficient in essential amino acids. The alkaloids β‐phenethylamine and tryptamine were isolated from P chilensis, and phenethylamine was detected in P tamarugo. At 0.50 mg ml⁻¹, both compounds showed DNA binding activity, with values of 18.5 and 11% respectively. The exudate of P alba showed a strong free radical scavenging effect. The activity was related with the total phenolics content, consisting mainly of catechin. © 2000 Society of Chemical Industry     

Evaluation of antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of finger millet polyphenols (Eleusine coracana)

Phenolic acids from finger millet (Eleusine coracana) milled fractions (whole flour, seed coat, 3%, 5% and 7%) were isolated and their antioxidant and antimicrobial properties were evaluated. Acidic methanol extracts from seed coat to whole flour were rich in polyphenol content and were found to be stable up to 48 h at pH 4, 7, and 9 as studied by ultraviolet spectroscopy. Diadzene, gallic, coumaric, syringic and vanillic acids were identified as major phenolic acids from the extracted phenolics. Diadzene content was highest in concentration in the 5% flour. The reducing power of seed coat extract was significantly (p < 0.05) higher than that of whole flour extract. Antioxidant activity (AA) as determined by the β-carotene–linoleic acid assay indicated that the AA was highest in seed coat extract (86%), whilst at the same concentration it was only 27% in the whole flour extract. The seed coat extract showed higher antimicrobial activity against Bacillus cereus and Aspergillus flavus compared to whole flour extract. From these observations, it can be inferred that the polyphenols are responsible for the microbial activity of the millet and the results indicate that potential exists to utilise finger millet seed coat as an alternative natural antioxidant and food preservative.     

Antioxidant effect and characterization of South American Prosopis pods syrup

The traditional syrup made of Prosopis pods, known as “algarrobina” or “arrope de algarrobo” in the Andean countries, is commonly used in confectionery and local cuisine to prepare sweets and cocktails. The polyphenolic content of four Prosopis pods syrup samples as well as from the phenolic-enriched Amberlite-retained fraction of the syrup, were analyzed using reversed phase high performance liquid chromatography-diode array detector coupled to electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (HPL-DAD-ESI-MS). The main phenolics in the syrups were apigenin-derived C-glycosyl flavonoids, including 6,8-C-pentoside-C-hexoside, 6,8-dihexoside and quercetin glycosides. The sugar derivative 5-hydroxymethyl furfural was present in most of the samples. All syrups were devoid of cytotoxicity towards human lung fibroblasts and human gastric AGS cells, with IC₅₀ values > 1000 μg/mL. The phenolic constituents of the syrups are C-glycosylflavonoids with known anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and other nutraceutical properties. The phenolic composition of South American algarrobo syrup is presented for the first time.     

The antioxidant properties of alcoholic extracts from Sambucus nigra L. (antioxidant properties of extracts)

The antioxidant properties of alcoholic extracts from the leaves, berries and flowers of Sambucus nigra L. are estimated by means of DPPH and β-carotene/linoleic acid methods, and considered in relation to the extraction temperature (in the range 20-200 °C) and to the level of flavonoids most representative for this plant. The extracts of S. nigra act as antioxidants neutralizing the activities of free radicals and inhibiting the co-oxidation reactions of linoleic acid and β-carotene. There is no direct correlation between the level of flavonoids in the extracts and their antioxidant activity. The data presented show that the extraction temperature strongly influences the antioxidant properties of the extracts, especially in the case of leaves.     

Evaluation of the antioxidant potential of Pittosporum dasycaulon Miq. stem bark

The in vitro antioxidant properties of methanol and aqueous extracts of stem bark from Pittosporum dasycaulon Miq. were investigated. Fractions were screened for total antioxidant capacity, ferric reducing power, and radical scavenging activities. The total phenolic, flavonoid, and tannin contents of the methanol and aqueous extracts were also determined. The aqueous extract exhibited a stronger scavenging effect than the methanol extract against the DPPH free radical, the nitric oxide radical, and the superoxide radical. The methanol extract exhibited a stronger total antioxidant activity and reducing power than the aqueous extract. The free radical scavenging effect of P. dasycaulon stem bark extracts was comparable to an ascorbic acid reference antioxidant while the reducing power of the methanol extract was greater than ascorbic acid. P. dasycaulon stem bark is a potential source of natural antioxidant compounds.     

Antioxidant properties of aqueous extracts from Terminalia catappa leaves

Aqueous extracts were prepared from green, yellow fallen and red fallen leaves of Terminalia catappa L. (Combretaceae) and their antioxidant activity, scavenging and chelating abilities were evaluated. Aqueous extracts from three different leaves showed high antioxidant activities and moderate scavenging abilities on hydroxyl radicals at 1 mg/ml. EC₅₀ values in antioxidant activity were 0.549-0.557 mg/ml whereas those in scavenging ability on hydroxyl radicals were 0.631-0.686 mg/ml for aqueous extracts prepared from three leaves with boiling water for 3 min. EC50 values in reducing power were 0.15-0.23 mg/ml. EC50 values in scavenging abilities on superoxide anion and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydryl radicals were 0.36-0.44 and 10.4-35.3 mg/ml, respectively. EC50 values in chelating abilities on ferrous and cupric ions were 0.41-2.50 and 8.96-9.89 mg/ml, respectively. Based on the results obtained, the aqueous extracts displayed higher antioxidant properties. Six phenolic compounds identified in the aqueous were p-hydroxybenzoic acid, 4-hydroxyphenylpropionic acid, m-coumaric acid, 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid, p-coumaric acid and gallic acid. Therefore, the aqueous extracts from three different leaves of T. catappa might be a potential antioxidant supplement for application in food products or as a drink.     

Evaluation of Antimicrobial,Antioxidant Activities,and Nutritional Values of Fermented Foxtail Millet Extracts by Lactobacillus paracasei Fn032

Solid-state bioprocessing of foxtail millet by Lactobacillus paracasei Fn032 is a biotechnological strategy to produce fermented foxtail millet meal with more beneficial components. The objective of this study was to evaluate the antioxidant, antimicrobial properties and nutritional values of water extracts from fermented foxtail millet flour and its bran with and without protease. Fermented foxtail millet flour with added protease extract showed higher scavenging ability on 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radicals as well as reducing power than fermented foxtail millet flour and fermented foxtail millet bran extracts. Both extracts, fermented foxtail millet flour and fermented foxtail millet flour with protease, showed significant (P < 0.05) effectiveness inhibition abilities on microbial growth when compared with fermented foxtail millet bran extracts. Amino acid profile revealed that fermented foxtail millet flour with protease, with relatively strongest antioxidant, antimicrobial activity, also had the highest total hydrophobic amino acids content (51.39%) and hydrophobic index (8.47 Kj/mol amino acid residue). Moreover, fermented foxtail millet flour with protease revealed the highest protein content, predicted protein efficiency ratio, and protein digestibility. Molecular weight of the whole extracts varied from 180–5000 Da. Based on the results obtained, fermented foxtail millet flour extracts were relatively effective in the antioxidant, antimicrobial properties assayed and might be potential biological values for application in food products.     

Bioaccessibility,changes in the antioxidant potential and colonic fermentation of date pits and apple bagasse flours obtained from co-products during simulated in vitro gastrointestinal digestion

The aims of this work were to evaluate the effect of in vitro gastrointestinal digestion (GID) on (i) the recovery and bioaccessibility indexes, (ii) the changes on antioxidant activity and (iii) the short chain fatty acid (SCFA) production of two DF rich extracts (date pits flour (DPF) and apple bagasse flour (ABF)) obtained from agro-industrial co-products. At the end of GID process, the bioaccessibility of phenolic compounds present in DPF and ABF was 78.54 and 91.58%, respectively. With regard to antioxidant activity, GID increased the chelating activity and reducing power. However, the scavenging properties were reduced. Fermentation of DPF and ABF by colonic bacteria generated SCFA such as formiate, succinate, acetate, propionate and butyrate. These findings suggest that DPF and ABF might be used as potential food ingredients due to GID produced that bioactive compounds released from the matrix which exerts antioxidant activity.     

Ultrasound-assisted extraction and antioxidant activity of phenolic and flavonoid compounds and ascorbic acid from rugosa rose (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Rosa rugosa</Emphasis> Thunb.) fruit

The present study aimed to extract total phenolic compounds (TPC), total flavonoid compounds (TFC), and ascorbic acid (AA) from the fruit of rugosa rose (Rosa rugosa Thunb.) by ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE), and to evaluate their antioxidant activities. UAE significantly increased the extract yield compared with that obtained using the conventional method. TPC, TFC, and AA were extracted, depending on the extraction conditions (temperature, time, and ethanol concentration), in the range of 50.73–96.69, 15.93–31.88, and 3.06–6.08 mg/g, respectively. TPC and TFC were effectively extracted at a relatively high temperature (50 °C) than AA was (30 °C). The solvent condition used to extract TPC, TFC, and AA was 50% ethanol. The UAE condition for the highest antioxidant activity was obtained 30 °C, 30 min, and 50% ethanol, which were the same condition for the highest AA extraction. Among the extracts, AA showed a strong correlation with antioxidant activity at p-value of 0.001.     

Study on the quality and stability of minimally processed apples impregnated with green tea polyphenols during storage

In the present study, a green tea extract (GTE) was used to enrich minimally processed apples by vacuum impregnation VI in order to obtain a nutritionally fortified product.Apples were impregnated with isotonic sucrose solutions containing 1% GTE and/or 1% ascorbic acid (AA). The impact of GTE enrichment on quality characteristics of the product, stability of the antioxidant compounds and activity during refrigerated storage were assessed.Results showed that a satisfactory impregnation of minimally processed apples was achieved and resulted in a strong increase of the antioxidant compounds content and activity. While other qualitative parameters were only slightly affected, colour of samples was influenced just after the VI treatment with an increase of the yellow/orange colour components but also during storage with a higher degree of browning development. However, the addition of 1% of AA allowed to better preserve colour and antioxidant properties during storage limiting oxidative phenomena.Industrial relevanceThe demand for functional foods characterized by a high nutritional value is constantly increasing. Vacuum impregnation (VI) is a technology that allows the replacement of the gas into the porous food structure with an aqueous solution, promoting compositional changes in short treatment times thus permitting the direct formulation of a porous food matrix, hence representing a promising technology for product innovation for the fruit and vegetable industry.Green tea (GT) is a high source of flavanoids, known to have strong antioxidant properties which has been widely studied both in in-vitro and in-vivo trials. According to the results obtained in this study, the enrichment of apples with GT catechins and AA seemed to be promising in order to obtain a nutritionally fortified fruit product.