Simultaneous quantification of caffeoyl esters and flavonoids in wild and cultivated cardoon leaves

Cynara cardunculus is a diploid (2n = 2x = 34) species, native to the Mediterranean basin, which belongs to the family of Asteraceae. It includes globe artichoke, cultivated cardoon, as well as their progenitor wild cardoon. The species is a source of biophenols and its leaf extracts have been widely used in herbal medicine as hepatoprotectors and choleretics since ancient times. Globe artichoke leaves have been found to be rich in compounds originating from the metabolism of phenylpropanoids however, to our knowledge, the leaf polyphenolic composition of the two other forms within the species, cultivated and wild cardoon, have not yet been properly investigated. Two main classes of polyphenols have been detected by HPLC/DAD and HPLC/MS analyses: caffeoyl esters and flavonoids. The compounds which are the result of esterification of caffeoylquinic acid moiety with succinic acid, previously detected in other members of the Asteraceae family, were detected in cardoon leaves for the first time.     

Irrigation of grapevines with saline water at different growth stages: Effects on leaf,wood and juice composition

Background and Aims: This study reports on the effects that timing of saline irrigation has on leaf and wood tissue concentrations of Na⁺ and Cl^– and on juice composition. Methods and Results: Colombard vines on Ramsey rootstock were drip irrigated with saline water during any one of four annual growth stages: pre‐flowering, berry formation, berry ripening and postharvest. At other times, vines were irrigated with non‐saline water as was the control. Salts were annually flushed from the rootzone. Over six seasons, saline irrigation caused five‐ and sevenfold rises, respectively, in the leaf and juice Na⁺ concentrations and two‐ and fourfold rises in respective Cl^‐ concentrations. Saline irrigation raised juice pH and this was associated with a rise in juice Na⁺. Normalising responses for inter‐treatment differences in the seasonal salt load to isolate the effects of timing showed that juice Cl^‐ concentration was most sensitive to saline irrigation during berry formation and juice malate concentration most sensitive to saline irrigation pre‐flowering. Conclusion: Cl^‐ uptake was greatest when saline irrigation was applied early in organ formation, whereas Na⁺ uptake reflected seasonal salt load in irrigation water. Significance of the Study: In vines on the chloride excluding rootstock Ramsey, yield loss under saline irrigation was associated with high concentrations of sodium in the leaf.     

Phenolic acids and flavonoids in leaf and floral stem of cultivated and wild Cynara cardunculus L. genotypes

Ten genotypes, cultivated and wild of Cynara cardunculus L. were evaluated for their content of phenolic acids, flavonoids and their antioxidant activity. The major compounds present in the leaf were luteolin derivatives in globe artichoke and apigenin derivatives in wild and cultivated cardoon. Apart from ‘Cimiciusa di Mazzarino’ (var. scolymus), caffeoylquinic acids represent the main phenolic compounds in the floral stem. In particular, ‘Sylvestris Creta’ (var. sylvestris) and ‘Violetto di Sicilia’ (var. scolymus) show the highest content of caffeoylquinic acid ∼95% of the total measured polyphenols. The antioxidant capacity, in both leaf and floral stem, was qualitatively and quantitatively dependent on the phenolic acid and flavonoid profile. The phenolic acids and flavonoids in normally uneaten parts of wild and cultivated artichoke could be exploited as sources of natural antioxidants.     

Metabolic pathways of the colonic metabolism of flavonoids (flavonols,flavones and flavanones) and phenolic acids

Flavonoids are metabolized by the gut microflora giving rise to a wide range of phenolic acids that may exert systemic effects in the body. Nevertheless, the colonic metabolism pathways and the function of the metabolites formed are poorly studied. In the present study, the individual colonic metabolism of three subclasses of flavonoids (flavonols, flavones and flavanones) and phenolic acids was evaluated. For this, seven standards of flavonoids (quercetin, quercetin–rhamnoside, quercetin–rutinoside, myricetin, luteolin, naringenin and kaempferol–rutinoside) and two phenolic acids (protocatechuic acid and gallic acid) were submitted to an in vitro fermentation model using rat colonic microflora. Simultaneously, a nuts–cocoa cream enriched with these standards of flavonoids was incubated and the colonic metabolism of these compounds was evaluated. The results showed that the greatest number of colonic metabolites came from the fermentation of quercetin and quercetin–rhamnoside, and the maximum concentration of fermentation products was observed after 48 h of fermentation. On the other hand, a smaller number of fermentation products were observed after the colonic fermentation of kaempferol–rutinoside, naringenin, luteolin and myricetin. The phenolic acids were slightly metabolized by the colonic microflora.     

Proximate,mineral, amino acid composition,phenolic profile,antioxidant and functional properties of oilseed cakes

Proximate, minerals, amino acids (AAs), phenolic composition, antioxidant and functional properties of flaxseed (FSC), sesame (SSC), mustard (MSC), nigella (NSC) and groundnut (GSC) seedcakes were studied. SSC exhibited higher ash and fat contents while GSC and FSC had more protein and mineral contents (P, Mg, Mn and Cu), respectively. The total flavonoids, phenolics and antioxidant activity were higher in NSC (18.60 mg QE g⁻¹), MSC (5.12 mg GAE g⁻¹) and FSC (12.28 µmol TE g⁻¹), respectively. NSC exhibited the highest oil absorption capacity (2.10 g g⁻¹) and emulsifying activity index (89.52 m² g⁻¹). Twenty-one AAs including citrulline and ɣ-aminobutyric acid were detected in oilseed cakes (OSC). MSC had more essential AAs (methionine, isoleucine, tryptophan, threonine and lysine) while GSC had more total hydrophobic, acidic and basic AAs. Syringic acid and rutin were identified as major phenolic compounds in GSC and MSC, respectively. The total free phenolic acids were more in GSC while FSC had high total bound phenolic acids and flavonoids. OSC can be utilised in food products as a supplement to improve nutritional properties.     

Determination of anthocyanins,flavonoids and phenolic acids in potatoes. I: Coloured cultivars of Solanum tuberosum L

The major anthocyanins, flavonoids and phenolic acids in the tubers (skin and flesh), flowers and leaves of 26 cultivars of Solanum tuberosum L with coloured skins and/or flesh have been identified and quantified using analytical HPLC. Red tubers contained mostly pelagonidin-3-(p-coumaroyl-rutinoside)-5-glucoside (200–2000 μg g⁻¹ FW) plus lesser amounts of peonidin-3-(p-coumaroyl-rutinoside)-5-glucoside (20–400 μg g⁻¹ FW). Light to medium purple tubers contained petunidin-3-(p-coumaroyl-rutinoside)-5-glucoside (1000–2000 μg g⁻¹ FW) plus small amounts of malvidin-3-(p-coumaroyl-rutinoside)-5-glucoside (20–200 μg g⁻¹ FW) whilst dark purple–black tubers contained similar levels of petunidin-3-(p-coumaroyl-rutinoside)-5-glucoside together with much higher concentrations of malvidin-3-(p-coumaroyl-rutinoside)-5-glucoside (2000–5000 μg g⁻¹ FW). Tuber flesh also contained chlorogenic acid (30–900 μg g⁻¹ FW) and other phenolic acids plus low concentrations of flavonoids (0–30 μg g⁻¹ FW). Tuber skins showed much higher levels (1000–4000 μg g⁻¹ FW) of chlorogenic acid. The major anthocyanins in flowers were present as the rutinosides or other glycosides of pelargonidin, petunidin and malvidin whilst glycosides of cyanidin and delphinidin were found in some flowers, together with many of the same phenolic acids as found in tubers. The commonest flavonoids included rutin, kaempferol-3-rutinoside and two quercetin-rhamnose-glucosides. Flowers and leaves contained higher concentrations of flavonoids which fell into two patterns, with some cultivars containing high concentrations of quercetin-3-glycosides, whilst others had much lower concentrations. © 1998 SCI.     

Selection of elderberry (Sambucus nigra L.) genotypes best suited for the preparation of elderflower extracts rich in flavonoids and phenolic acids

The importance of raw material and extraction parameters for obtaining a high content of flavonoids and phenolic acids in elderflower extracts was investigated. Nine phenolic acids (3-O-, 4-O-, and 5-O-caffeoylquinic acid, 3-O- and 5-O-p-coumaroylquinic acid, 1,5-di-O-, 3,4-di-O-, 3,5-di-O- and 4,5-di-O-caffeoylquinic acid) and six flavonol glycosides (quercetin-3-O-rutinoside, quercetin-3-O-glucoside, kaempferol-3-O-rutinoside, isorhamnetin-3-O-rutinoside, isorhamnetin-3-O-glucoside, and quercetin-3-O-6″-acetylglucoside) were identified and quantified in elderflowers and/or extracts thereof by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) and high-performance liquid chromatography-diode array detection (HPLC-DAD), respectively. The yield of elderflower extracts depended significantly on processing conditions and raw material properties and the maximum yield of elderflower extract was obtained by extraction for a maximum of 10 days at 4 °C using an extraction liquid consisting of a maximum of 20 w/w % sugars and 5% citric acid. The effects of the extraction liquid composition and raw material on the concentration of phenolic acids and flavonol glycosides in elderflower extracts were determined by factor analysis. Several elderberry genotypes were found to be useful for processing of elderflower extracts with a relative high concentration of phenolic acids and flavonol glycosides.     

Composition of flavonoids and phenolic acids in Glycin tomentella Hayata cultivated in various soils

A high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method was developed to simultaneously separate 12 phenolic acids and 21 flavonoids. The separation was performed with a C₁₈ column and a binary gradient solvent system consisting of methanol and water with 9% glacial acetic acid. The peak resolutions (Rs) were 0.51–12.41 and separation factors (α) were all higher than 1. The method was used to survey these phenolic components in Glycin tomentella Hayata. Diadzein was the major flavonoid in the leaves and roots, and gentisic acid and ferulic acid were the major phenolic acids in the leaves. Amounts of phenolic acids and flavonoids in the leaves from varied soil cultivations were in the order: loam > sand > red loamy sand. Flavonoid amounts in the roots also showed the same trend; however, phenolic acid amounts were low and did not present significant differences. Overall, the roots had much higher phenolic contents than the leaves.     

不同干燥方法对酸枣叶中核苷类、氨基酸类及黄酮类成分的影响

为研究不同干燥方法对酸枣叶干燥过程中内在质量的影响,采用UPLC-TQ MS法和HPLC法分别建立酸枣叶中20种核苷类和23种氨基酸类,以及黄酮类成分芦丁的分析方法,并探索不同干燥方法对酸枣叶中上述组分组成及含量的影响。研究结果表明本研究所建立的分析方法简便、准确可靠;所有样品均富含核苷类、游离氨基酸类及黄酮类成分芦丁,其中核苷类成分以磷酸化产物如胞苷-5’-单磷酸、腺苷-5’-单磷酸、鸟苷-5’-单磷酸含量相对较高,游离氨基酸类成分以脯氨酸、酪氨酸、γ-氨基丁酸含量相对较高;且所有干燥加工后样品其上述成分含量均总体高于新鲜样品。依据各样品中所测定成分的含量,采用TOPSIS分析法,对不同干燥方法干燥样品的内在质量进行了综合评价,结果显示以自然晒干样品和40℃热风干燥样品品质较优,而新鲜样品及70℃热风干燥样品品质较差。以上研究结果为酸枣叶产地干燥加工过程适宜干燥工艺的确定提供了数据支撑,也为叶类药材的干燥加工提供了借鉴。      

Effects of phenolic acids and transglutaminase on soft wheat flour dough and baked products

BACKGROUND: The effects of phenolic acids on the physical properties of soft wheat flour dough and baked soft wheat flour products were investigated. Transglutaminase (TG) was added to observe the effects of non‐disulfide crosslinks on phenolic acid treated dough. Ferulic acid, p‐coumaric acid or fumaric acid was blended with pastry flour at a level of 250, 500 or 1000 ppm of flour dry weight, respectively. RESULTS: The addition of phenolic acids, TG or a mixture of phenolic acids and TG to flour had no effect on the mixing properties of the doughs but significantly affected 90 min rested dough. The addition of phenolic acids decreased the maximum resistance and increased the extensibility of 90 min rested dough, and TG reversed the effects of phenolic acids on the rested dough. The physical characteristics of cookies blended with each phenolic acid plus TG were not significantly different (P > 0.01) from those of the control cookies. However, TG with and without phenolic acids had significant effects on the moisture content, weight and volume of crackers. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that the addition of phenolic acids and TG in the absence of a fermentation process do not affect the physical properties of soft wheat flour products. The fermentation process allows the chemical reaction of the phenolic acids and TG to occur before the soft wheat flour products are baked. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry     

辐照处理对薏仁米中脂肪酸的影响

目的 研究了辐照剂量、温度和湿度等不同条件对薏仁米中储藏过程脂肪酸变化的影响。方法 采用气相色谱(GC)对脂肪酸样品进行检测,采用面积归一化法进行定量分析。色谱柱为CP-SIL 88毛细管柱(100m×0.25μm×0.2mm),进样量为1μl,分流比为1：10,以氦(99.999%),流速为6.3mLmin-1。结果 薏仁米中共检测出13种脂肪酸成分,其中6种不饱和脂肪酸,5种饱和脂肪酸,2种反式脂肪酸,其中C16;0、C18:1-9C、C18:2-9C,12C为薏仁米中主要脂肪酸,达到脂肪酸总含量的90以上。结论 辐照处理、高湿度、高温都会加速薏仁米中不饱和脂肪酸的氧化,导致不饱和脂肪酸含量降低,产生有害的反式脂肪酸,不利于薏仁米的储藏。     

Effects of selenium addition on minimally processed leafy vegetables grown in a floating system

BACKGROUND: In recent years the consumption of minimally processed leafy vegetables has been increasing. At the same time food quality and its effects on human health have become crucial issues. Since selenium (Se) is an important microelement due to its ability to defend human organisms against free radicals, we investigated the effects of Se on chicory and lettuce production, and assessed the feasibility of a floating system as a method of producing Se‐enriched vegetables. RESULTS: The addition of 0.5 and 1.0 mg Se L^?1 to the nutrient solution resulted in an increase in the selenium concentration in the leaves, which had a positive effect on the plant yield. Selenium was generally effective in decreasing the production of ethylene and phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL) activity, even though a seasonal effect seemed to be present, consequently improving the quality of leafy vegetables and the shelf life in both species. The amount of Se accumulated in plants grown in the nutrient solution containing 0.5 mg Se kg^?1 could provide the rational Se intake for human nutrition in accordance with the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) guidelines. CONCLUSIONS: The addition of Se in a nutrient solution can be a useful system for providing enriched leafy vegetables. The floating system can be used to modulate the availability of Se in nutrient solutions and to grow vegetables with the optimal Se content for human health. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry