Changes in the contents of antioxidant compounds in pepper fruits at different ripening stages,as affected by salinity

The interest in the consumption of pepper fruits (Capsicum annuum L.) is, to a large extent, due to its content of bioactive nutrients and their importance as dietary antioxidants. A greenhouse experiment was carried out to determine the effects of salinity and different ripening states of pepper fruits on several compounds with antioxidant properties. Fruits from plants grown under three saline treatments (0, 15, and 30 mM NaCl) were collected at three maturity states (green, turning, and red). Antioxidant activity in the hydrophilic (HAA) and lipophilic (LAA) fractions, lycopene, β-carotene, ascorbic acid, total phenolic compounds and reducing sugars were determined. From the nutritional point of view, the red state was the most appropriate state of maturation, since red peppers had the highest levels of lycopene, β-carotene, and sugars and the highest antioxidant activity for both hydrophilic and lipophilic fractions. The effect of salinity depended on the maturity state of the peppers: it had no effect on HAA, β-carotene or sugars, but decreased ascorbic acid and total phenolic compounds, and increased LAA and lycopene. The use of a moderately-saline water was beneficial when peppers were harvested in the red state, by increasing HAA and LAA in fruits, with no significant effects on other parameters.     

Effect of manure and mineral fertilisation on pepper nutritional quality

BACKGROUND: The influence of farming systems on fruit quality remains controversial and the different aspects associated with each agricultural management system need to be studied separately to elucidate any specific effect on fruit quality. To this end, a greenhouse experiment was conducted to examine the effect of the usual fertilisation guidelines for pepper cultivation on the nutritional quality of fruits (sugars, vitamin C, total phenolic compounds, chlorophylls, total carotenoids and antioxidant activities in the hydrophilic (HAA) and lipophilic (LAA) fractions). Treatments included manure amendment combined with synthetic fertiliser applied at the rates recommended for organic (T1), low‐input (T2) and conventional (T3) practices. RESULTS: Pepper composition was not affected by increasing mineral fertilisation. In addition, treatment had no significant effect on HAA or LAA. The antioxidant activity of both the hydrophilic and lipophilic fractions increased from the green to the red stage of ripening. HAA contributed about 80% of the total antioxidant activity. CONCLUSION: Pepper response to mineral fertilisation seems to be less pronounced than that of other fruits, since antioxidant concentrations did not increase with increasing fertiliser application. Antioxidant activity in pepper was mainly linked to hydrophilic compounds (vitamin C and phenolic compounds). Ripening was the most important factor determining the fruit antioxidant composition. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry     

Determination of antioxidant activity and antioxidant content in tomato varieties and evaluation of mutual interactions between antioxidants

Major antioxidants and antioxidant activity in eight varieties of tomatoes were determined. Hydrophilic and lipophilic antioxidant activity (HAA and LAA) was determined by the ABTS assay and ascorbic acid and carotenoid contents were determined by HPLC-DAD. The HAA has far more significant impact on total antioxidant activity (83%) as compared with LAA. HAA was increasing during all ripening stages and was strongly correlated with ascorbic acid content (r = 0.83). During the ripening the LAA was increasing till the III. stage of maturity and then decreased. The main carotenoids determined in the red-fruit tomatoes were lycopene, β-carotene and lutein. The content of lycopene has been increasing equally during the ripening. β-Carotene and lutein were intensively synthesized between the I. and II. stage of maturity. Among ascorbic acid, α-tocopherol, lycopene, β-carotene and lutein standards ascorbic acid was determined as the most efficient antioxidant followed by α-tocopherol and β-carotene. Antioxidant activity of ascorbic acid, α-tocopherol, β-carotene and lutein grew equally with increasing concentration, however lycopene was the most effective in its lowest concentration. The analysis of two-component mixtures showed significant synergism between lycopene-lutein, lycopene-β-carotene and α-tocopherol-β-carotene.     

The hydrophilic and lipophilic contribution to total antioxidant activity

The ABTS/H₂O₂/HRP decoloration method permits the evaluation of the antioxidant activity of complex food samples. This method, with slight modifications, is capable of determining both hydrophilic and lipophilic antioxidant properties, thus, it is possible estimate the antioxidant activity of both antioxidant types in the same sample. The method is easy, accurate and rapid to apply. Its application to three vegetable soups provided data on hydrophilic and lipophilic antioxidant activity, and the values reflect the contribution of the particular antioxidants (ascorbic acid and carotenoids) to the total antioxidant activity of the samples.     

Influence of Ca2+, K+ and NO3− fertilisation on nutritional quality of pepper

A study was conducted in order to assess the effect of different fertilisation levels of Ca²⁺, K⁺ and NO₃^? on the bioactive nutrient content in red pepper (Capsicum annuum L) fruits. The experiment was carried out in a greenhouse, under hydroponic culture. Lycopene, β‐carotene, vitamin C, total phenolic compound, sugar, nitrate and potassium contents and antioxidant activity were determined. Increasing Ca²⁺ and NO₃^? concentrations in the root medium increased the lycopene and β‐carotene contents in pepper. Antioxidant activity was determined in the hydrophilic (HAA) and lipophilic (LAA) fractions. HAA was increased by intermediate and high Ca²⁺ concentrations in the culture medium. However, LAA was raised only by NO₃^? treatments. Vitamin C, sugar and total phenolic acid contents were not affected by Ca²⁺ or NO₃^? treatments. K⁺ treatments had no effect on nutritional quality of pepper. An increased supply of Ca²⁺ and NO₃^? in the culture medium could constitute a useful practice for improving the nutritional attributes of pepper as well as its commercial quality. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry     

黑米与欧洲越橘花色苷抗氧化活性比较研究

为探究黑米与欧洲越橘花色苷抗氧化活性的差异,以抗坏血酸为阳性对照,通过比较其总还原力及清除超氧阴离子、羟自由基、过氧化氢、DPPH·、ABTS+·的能力,对其体外抗氧化作用进行了比较研究。结果表明,在测试浓度范围内,黑米花色苷与欧洲越橘花色苷总还原能力、清除过氧化氢、DPPH·、ABTS+·能力均高于阳性对照,且黑米花色苷具有更好地清除DPPH·、ABTS+·能力(IC₅₀分别为0.88、0.75 μg/mL);两种花色苷清除羟自由基、超氧阴离子自由基能力均低于阳性对照,但黑米花色苷清除超氧阴离子能力是欧洲越橘的3.63倍,清除羟自由基能力与欧洲越橘花色苷相当。研究表明,黑米花色苷具有更好的抗氧化性,是良好的天然抗氧化剂。     

Acorns (Quercus rotundifolia Lam.) and grass as natural sources of antioxidants and fatty acids in the “montanera” feeding of Iberian pig: Intra- and inter-annual variations

In two consecutive years (2006/2007 and 2007/2008), fortnightly samples were taken to characterise the antioxidant composition and fatty acid profile of acorns and grass on which Iberian pigs feed during the period of “montanera” (free-range rearing system of the south-western of Iberian Peninsula). The antioxidant parameters analysed were: α- and γ-tocopherol, total phenolics compounds (TPC), lipophilic and hydrophilic antioxidant activities (LAA, HAA) (acorn and grass) and condensed and hydrolysable tannins (CT, HT) and protein precipitating capacity (PP) (acorns). To characterise the fatty acid profiles, the thirteen major fatty acids were assayed. For the acorns, it was found that there was intra-annual variability in all the antioxidants studied except α-tocopherol, and inter-annual variability in all except the protein precipitating capacity. The fatty acid profile also varied depending on the sampling date and the study year, especially in the saturated fatty acids (SFA) and C18:1 n-9 content. For the grass, there was intra- and inter-annual variability in all the antioxidant parameters studied, and in the proportions of the fatty acids C18:0, and C18:1. It could explain variations in the antioxidant and fatty acids composition of Iberian pig tissues from animals raised in different “montanera” seasons and even in the same “montanera” season.     

Effects of different polarity of onion skin extracts on antioxidative properties and non-volatile profiles

Onion skins are agricultural by-products that contain high levels of antioxidants, including quercetin and protocatechuic acid. The solubility of extracts can affect their antioxidant capacity in food oil matrices. The antioxidative properties of onion skin extracts with different polarity were compared and the chemical profiles of the extracts were identified by GC-MS. Highly lipophilic, moderately hydrophilic and highly hydrophilic onion skin extracts (HLE, MHE and HHE, respectively) were prepared and their antioxidant properties were tested using in vitro assays and bulk oil or oil-in-water (O/W) emulsions. The most abundant phenolic compounds in the onion skin extracts were quercetin and protocatechuic acid. The lipophilicity levels of HLE, MHE and HHE were 0.674, 0.394 and −1.225, respectively. HLE showed higher antioxidant capacity in bulk oil and O/W emulsion matrices compared to MHE and HHE. The antioxidant capacity of HLE was higher in the O/W emulsion than in the bulk oil system. Therefore, highly lipophilic onion skin extracts can be used as effective natural antioxidants in oil matrices, especially O/W emulsions.     

Hydrophilic and Lipophilic Antioxidant Activity in Different Leaves of Three Lettuce Varieties

Three different Lactuca sativa L. varieties (Iceberg, Romaine and Baby head) were analysed in order to determine differences in the antioxidant activity, both hydrophilic and lipophilic, and in the total phenolic content of different leaves (stem, inner, medium and outermost leaves). Romaine showed the highest level of hydrophilic and lipophilic antioxidant activity, and its phenolic content was also higher than that of Iceberg and Baby head. According to leaf position, lipophilic antioxidant activity increased sharply from stem to outermost leaves, suggesting a protective role for the lipophilic antioxidant in mature or light-exposed leaves, while hydrophilic antioxidant activity shows a non-specific distribution. The phenolic content also increased in Romaine from stem to outermost leaves, although no significant changes were observed in Iceberg or Baby head lettuces in this respect.     

藜麦固态发酵及其产物的体外抗氧化性质研究（网络首发、推荐阅读）

筛选不同颜色藜麦营养价值较高的品种并揭示藜麦品种间抗氧化性质的差异。以红藜、白藜、黑藜三种不同颜色种类的藜麦为原料,对其进行固态发酵,从总糖、总酸、氨基酸态氮、pH值四个方面评价藜麦固态发酵产物的营养价值,对总酚含量进行测定,以1,1-二苯基-2-三硝基苯肼（DPPH）自由基清除率、铁离子的还原能力等为外抗氧化指标,通过单因素实验探究不同颜色的藜麦品种对固态发酵产物抗氧化性的影响。结果表明：以大米为参照,在相同发酵条件下,大米的总糖含量明显高于藜麦（P<0.05）,不同颜色的藜麦总糖含量存在差异;黑藜和红藜的总酸含量明显高于白藜（P<0.05）;藜麦的氨基酸态氮含量高于大米（P<0.05）,且黑藜与红藜相近略高于白藜;黑藜的DPPH清除率高于红藜与白藜;藜麦的铁离子还原能力远高于大米,且红黑藜的还原能力较强。在三种藜麦中,黑藜与红藜的抗氧化性较强,营养价值也更高,白藜在总糖与总酸上更为均衡化。     

Antioxidant activity evaluation of alkyl hydroxytyrosyl ethers,a new class of hydroxytyrosol derivatives

The antioxidant activity of a new series of alkyl hydroxytyrosyl ethers was evaluated by the Rancimat test in a lipophilic food matrix and by the FRAP, ABTS and DPPH assays in a hydrophilic medium, and compared to free hydroxytyrosol (HTy), butylhydroxytoluene (BHT) and α-tocopherol. All methods used to assess the antioxidant activity of the new compounds emphasised the importance of the ortho-diphenolic structure on the maintenance of the high antioxidant activity associated with free HTy. The results obtained support the ‘polar paradox’ since the antioxidant activity of the lipophilic hydroxytyrosyl ethers was slightly lower in bulk oils and higher in hydrophilic media in comparison with their reference HTy. Although the length of the alkyl chain did not significantly affect the antioxidant activity in bulk oils, it did have a positive influence in hydrophilic medium for ethers with a short alkyl chain (methyl, ethyl and propyl), while ethers with longer alkyl chain (butyl, hexyl, octyl, dodecyl and octadecyl) maintained or even decreased their antioxidant activity, probably due to the steric effect of the side chains. In conclusion, these results show the strong antioxidant activity of a new group of lipophilic HTy derivatives that satisfies the food industry demands for new antioxidants with potential use as functional ingredients to improve the quality and nutritional properties of foods.     

Potential of nanofiltration for the concentration of bioactive compounds from watermelon juice

The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential of nanofiltration for the concentration of bioactive compounds of watermelon juice. Lipophilic and hydrophilic antioxidant activities were determined through two assays, ferric reducing antioxidant power and DPPH. The content of lycopene, flavonoids and total phenolic in the concentrate samples increased with the increase in the volume reduction factor. Volume reduction factor of three showed the best performance of concentration, generating the highest values for lycopene, flavonoid and total phenolic contents. Average permeation flux was 2.3 L h^?1 m^?2, with continuous extraction of the concentrate at a volumetric reduction ratio of three. Lycopene showed the highest rejection coefficient (0.99), followed by flavonoids (0.96) and total phenolic content (0.65). The hydrophilic antioxidant activity values in both assays were higher than the lipophilic antioxidant activity values. A highly significant correlation was noted between the contents of flavonoids, phenolic compounds, ascorbic acid, and lycopene and their antioxidant potential in both lipophilic and hydrophilic fractions.     

干燥方式对无核紫葡萄品质及抗氧化活性的影响

采用自然晒干、热风干燥、荫干和真空冷冻干燥4种常见方法对新鲜无核紫葡萄进行干燥,测定葡萄干的总糖、还原糖、果糖、葡萄糖、总酸、V_C、总酚、总黄酮、总黄烷醇、花青素以及感官指标、抗氧化能力。结果表明:不同干燥方式的无核紫葡萄干品质及抗氧化性差异明显。其中真空冷冻干燥和热风干燥速率最快,分别为3.5,3.0d;荫干速率最慢,为35d。真空冷冻干燥的无核紫葡萄干的总酸、V_C、总酚、总黄酮、总黄烷醇、花青素含量被最大程度保留,分别为34.6%、6.34mg/100g、8.28mg/100g、71.5mg/100g、182.3mg/100g、3.61mg/100g。真空冷冻干燥抗氧化能力强。相关性分析表明酚类物质含量与抗氧化能力有一定的关系。综合分析,真空冷冻干燥适合用于无核紫葡萄的干燥,能较好地保留其营养成分及抗氧化物质含量,抗氧化性强,可作为无核紫葡萄适宜的干燥方法。     

乳清蛋白肽美拉德反应产物的抗氧化活性与稳定性

以乳清蛋白碱性蛋白酶水解物为原料与葡萄糖发生美拉德反应,制备得到乳清蛋白肽美拉德反应产物（whey protein peptide Maillard reaction products,WPP-MRPs）,并研究其抗氧化活性以及温度、pH值、光照、金属离子和过氧化氢对其抗氧化活性的影响。结果表明,WPP-MRPs具有较强的总还原力、羟自由基（·OH）清除能力和2,2’-连氮基-双-（3-乙基苯并二氢噻唑啉-6-磺酸）二铵盐自由基（ABTS+·）清除能力,且抗氧化活性随着WPP-MRPs质量浓度的增加而加强。WPP-MRPs在90～100 ℃时具有较高的活性;在碱性环境中的抗氧化活性大于在中性及酸性环境中;室外自然光照射会降低WPP-MRPs抗氧化活性;金属离子Cu2+、Fe2+、Fe3+和氧化剂--过氧化氢能够显著降低WPP-MRPs的抗氧化活性。     

Phytonutrients affecting hydrophilic and lipophilic antioxidant activities in fruits,vegetables and legumes

The antioxidant activities of fruits (n = 21), vegetables (n = 67) and legumes (n = 7) commonly consumed in Korea were determined by both the lipophilic antioxidant performance assay (LAP) and the hydrophilic oxygen radical absorbance capacity assay (ORAC). The LAP assay used the lipophilic radical initiator MeO‐AMVN [2,2′‐azobis(4‐methoxy‐2,4‐dimethylvaleronitrile)] and the lipophilic probe BODIPY 581/591 [4,4‐difluoro‐5‐(4‐phenyl‐1,3‐butadienyl)‐4‐bora‐3a, 4a‐diaza‐s‐indacene‐3‐undecanoic acid]. The ORAC assay used the hydrophilic radical initiator AAPH [2,2′‐azobis(2‐amidinopropane) dihydrochloride] and the hydrophilic probe fluorescein. In addition, the lipid‐soluble phytonutrients, carotenoids and tocopherols were determined by a reverse‐phase HPLC system using a C30 column with a UV detector. The water‐soluble phytonutrient, ascorbic acid, was analyzed using an HPLC system with an electrochemical detector. Total phenols were determined by UV spectrophotometry. Tocopherols (r = 0.774, p < 0.0001) and carotenoids (r = 0.569, p < 0.0001) were significantly correlated with LAP in total samples (n = 95). ORAC was significantly correlated with total phenols (r = 0.893, p < 0.0001), but not with ascorbic acid (r = 0.009, p = 0.929) in total samples (n = 95). These data indicate that carotenoids and tocopherols and total phenols are the major contributors to the lipophilic and hydrophilic antioxidant capacities, respectively. Therefore, the contribution of both the hydrophilic and lipophilic components of fruits and vegetables should be considered when determining the actual ‘total’ antioxidant activity of fruits and vegetables. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry     

Antioxidant capacities and total phenolic contents of 56 vegetables

The antioxidant capacities and total phenolic contents of lipophilic and hydrophilic extracts of 56 commonly consumed vegetables were studied. The resulted showed that antioxidant capacities and total phenolic contents in the lipophilic fraction were higher than those in hydrophilic fraction. The different vegetables had diverse antioxidant capacities. The highest antioxidant capacities and phenolic contents were found in Chinese toon bud, loosestrife, perilla leaf, cowpea, caraway, lotus root, sweet potato leaf, soy bean (green), pepper leaf, ginseng leaf, chives, and broccoli, while the values were very low in marrow squash and eggplant (purple). Furthermore, several phenolic compounds were detected, and chlorogenic acid, gallic acid and galangin were widely found in these vegetables. The results provide support for dietary guidelines as well as epidemiological research.     

Fluctuations in the Levels of Antioxidant Compounds and Antioxidant Capacity of Ten Small Fruits During One Year of Frozen Storage

The fluctuations in antioxidant capacity (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl, 2,2´-azinobis (3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulphonic acid), and ferric reducing/antioxidant power assays), total phenol, total flavonoid, and total anthocyanin contents of 10 small fruits (sweet cherries, sour cherries, strawberries, red currants, raspberries, blackberries, hawthorn, cornelian cherries, and red and white grapes) were monitored during storage at ?20°C. After one year in storage, all varieties except hawthorn and white grapes retained equal or slightly greater total phenol content in comparison to the initial values. The total flavonoid and total anthocyanin levels also remained stable or even increased after 12 months in all fruits exept hawthorn and strawberries. Red currants and raspberries exhibited optimal preservation of antioxidant capacity, while hawthorn showed a decrease in the antioxidant capacity during different time points in storage as well as at the end of storage. Analyzed fruits were classified into four main groups based on hierarchical cluster analysis.     

新疆药桑椹营养成分分析及其体外抗氧化作用

以新疆独特的药用果桑药桑椹为研究对象,分析药桑椹鲜果中总糖等基本营养成分及总黄酮等生物活性成分,并测定其体外抗氧化能力。药桑椹鲜果中总糖、粗纤维及粗蛋白含量分别为12.9、1.28、1.17 g/100 g,明显低于对照白桑椹。药桑椹中矿物质Ca、Fe含量为113 mg/100 g和11.9 mg/100 g,分别是白桑椹的1.6 倍及1.7 倍。药桑椹中VC与总酸含量高达48.4 mg/100 g与47.1 mg/g,分别是白桑椹的8.1 倍与8.4 倍。药桑椹中总多酚、总黄酮、多糖、花青素等生物活性物质含量均明显高于白桑椹,且其体外总抗氧化能力和清除DPPH自由基能力亦显著高于白桑椹。     

Effect of maturity stage on the content of fatty acids and antioxidant activity of ‘Hass’ avocado

Avocado (Persea americana) is an important tropical fruit and a good source of lipophilic phytochemicals such as monounsaturated fatty acids, carotenoids, vitamin E and sterols that have been inversely related to cardiovascular diseases. However, their antioxidant capacities have received far less attention compared with hydrophilic phytochemicals in this fruit. In this context, this study evaluated the effect of the stage of ripeness of ‘Hass’ avocado on the content of lipophilic and hydrophilic phytochemicals and their correlation with the antioxidant capacity. In every ripeness stage the fatty acids, total phenolic and flavonoid content as well as the antioxidant capacity were evaluated. Physiological and physico-chemical analysis were also performed including respiration rate, ethylene production, firmness, color (L*, °Hue, and Chroma), dry matter and oil content. In general, total phenols increased during ripening, while flavonoids slightly decreased. The main fatty acid identified was oleic acid (about 67-70% of total content). In general, a significant increase in monounsaturated and saturated fatty acids was observed during avocado ripening while polyunsaturated fatty acid content decreased (p < 0.05). Lipophilic extracts showed higher values of antioxidant capacity than hydrophilic, however, both extracts had similar trends for DPPH, TEAC and ORAC assays. DPPH and TEAC assays had a positive correlation with some unsaturated fatty acids. Avocado at different ripeness stages showed a better antioxidant capacity in the lipophilic fraction, which correlated with the fatty acid content evaluated.