Effects of a mutated yeast plus addition of sucrose and nitrogen on the total higher alcohol levels of a plum wine fermentation

The brewing process and strain employed can play key roles in controlling the level of total higher alcohols (THA) in plum wine. In this study, fermentations using Saccharomyces cerevisiae XN3 and plum must led to the production of 671 mg/L THA (including 1‐propanol, isobutanol and isopentanol). A mutant of XN3, exhibiting a higher activity of lactic acid dehydrogenase, named XN3‐3, produced lower levels of THA at 538 mg/L. Further optimization of the brewing process, including rapid nitrogen and sugar fed‐batch additions, were conducted with XN3‐3. Tests with the addition of 0.4 g/L (NH₄)₂HPO₄ produced a lower level of THA (385 mg/L) than sucrose additions (to a 20°Brix level) using the fed‐batch method (452 mg/L). These additions were effective in reducing the higher alcohols and could be combined in application. Copyright © 2014 The Institute of Brewing & Distilling     

E‐Beam Irradiation for Improving the Microbiological Quality of Smoked Duck Meat with Minimum Effects on Physicochemical Properties During Storage

This study was performed to evaluate the effect of different doses (0, 1.5, 3, and 4.5 kGy) of e‐beam irradiation on the quality parameters (pH, Hunter's parameter, and heme pigment) and stability qualifiers (peroxide value [POV], thiobarbituric acid reactive substances [ TBARSs], and total volatile basic nitrogen [TVBN]) of smoked duck meat during 40 d of storage under vacuum packaging at 4 °C. The initial populations of total bacteria (7.81 log CFU/g) and coliforms (5.68 log CFU/g) were reduced by approximately 2 to 5 log cycles with respect to irradiation doses. The results showed that pH, myoglobin, met‐myoglobin, L^*, a^*, and b^* showed significant differences with respect to different doses and storage intervals; a^* and b^* did not vary significantly because of storage. Higher pH was found in samples treated with 4.5 kGy at 40 d, while the minimum was observed in nonirradiated samples at day 0 of storage. Higher POV (2.31 ± 0.03 meq peroxide/kg) and TBARS (5.24 ± 0.03 mg MDA/kg) values were found in 4.5 kGy‐treated smoked meat at 40 d and the lowest was reported in 0 kGy‐treated meat at initiation of storage (0 d). However, irradiation suppressed TVBN during storage and higher TVBN (7.09 ± 0.32 mg/100 mL) was found in duck meat treated with 0 kGy at 40 d. The electronic nose (e‐nose) effectively distinguished flavor profiles during the different storage intervals. The results showed that different sensory attributes did not vary significantly with respect to the dose of irradiation. We conclude that low dose of e‐beam irradiation and vacuum packaging is beneficial for safety and shelf life extension without affecting the sensory characteristics of smoked duck meat.     

ANTIHYPERTENSIVE CAPACITY OF DEFATTED SOFT-SHELLED TURTLE POWDER AFTER HYDROLYSIS BY GASTROINTESTINAL ENZYMES

Soft‐shelled turtle (SST) is a high‐value animal cultivated in Asia, possessing many mystical folk curative properties in traditional Chinese medicine. This study investigated the effects of enzymatic hydrolysate derived from defatted SST powder on inhibition of angiotensin I‐converting enzyme (ACE) activity and on antihypertensive effect of spontaneously hypertension rats (SHR). The SST powder showed limited inhibition of ACE (IC₅₀ = 16.7 mg/mL), while its enzymatic hydrolysate exhibited a fivefold increase in inhibition of ACE (IC₅₀ = 3.2 mg/mL). The fraction of molecular weight (Mr) less than 1000 Da obtained through ultrafiltration exhibited the best inhibition of ACE (IC₅₀ = 2.8 mg/mL). The fraction of Mr less than 1000 was then separated into six fractions by gel filtration, eluted with deionized water, and the ACE inhibitory activity from three fractions was analyzed. Fractions 4 and 5 with Mr at 560–600 Da and 440–480 Da had the strongest inhibition on ACE. Single oral administration of 500 mg/kg BW dose from enzymatic hydrolysates to SHR showed a noticeable decrease of systolic blood pressure (SBP) at the sixth and eighth hour after the administration when compared to 0 h (P < 0.05). The fractions with Mr over 5000 Da from enzymatic hydrolysate significantly lowered SBP after a single oral administration at a dose of 500 mg/kg BW in SHR. On the other hand, Mr less than 5000 and 1000 Da significantly lowered SBP after a single oral administration at a dose of 150 and 50 mg/kg BW. The results suggested that hydrolysates of defatted SST powder, produced with a gastrointestinal enzyme, showed inhibition of ACE activity and antihypertensive effect in SHR.     

Hypocholesterolemic Effects of Capsaicinoids and Lactobacillus plantarum Swun5815 Combined by Inhibiting Cholesterol Synthesis and Increasing Bile Acid and Sterols Excretion on Ovariectomized Rats

This study evaluated the hypocholesterolemic effects and potential metabolism of single and combined administrations of capsaicinoids and Lactobacillus plantarum SWUN5815 in ovariectomized rats. Forty female Sprague–Dawley rats were divided into 5 treatment groups. One group was sham‐operated (with 1 mL/100 g BW physiological saline), and the 4 other groups were double‐ovariectomized: OVX–CON (with 1 mL/100 g BW physiological saline), OVX–CAP (with 1 mL/100 g BW physiological saline and fed with food containing 0.08 g/kg capsaicinoids), OVX–L. P. (with 1 mL 2 × 10⁹ cfu/mL/100 g BW L. plantarum SWUN5815), and OVX–CAP + L. P. (with 1 mL 2 × 10⁹ cfu/mL/100 g BW L. plantarum SWUN5815 and fed with food containing 0.08 g/kg capsaicinoids). Rats were sacrificed after 6 weeks of feeding. Results showed that the combination of capsaicinoids and L. plantarum significantly decreased the total cholesterol, triglyceride and low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol of plasma, total cholesterol and lipid accumulation of liver in ovariectomized rats without affecting food intake. Bile acid contents in the fecal excrement and small intestines were significantly increased by the combination compared with the individual effects. However, the mRNA levels of 3‐hydroxy‐3‐methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase (HMG‐CoA R), farnesoid X receptor (FXR), ileum bile acid binding protein (IBABP), and apical sodium‐dependent bile acids transporter (ASBT) significantly decreased. Liver X receptor also remarkably increased. Therefore, these genes potentially affect cholesterol metabolism by inhibiting cholesterol synthesis and promoting excretion of bile acid. The protective effects of the combination of capsaicinoids and L. plantarum SWUN5815 on the intestines were significant in ovariectomized rats.     

Design and Characterization of Corn Starch Edible Films Including Beeswax and Natural Antimicrobials

The effectiveness of edible films (EFs) used as coatings to maintain the quality and safety of fresh produce for long time depends on their functional properties characterization. This study was aimed to design and evaluate physicochemical, barrier, mechanical, and antimicrobial properties of EFs based on corn starch (acetylated cross-linked (ACLS) or oxidized (OS)), micro-emulsified beeswax (BW, 0–1 % w/w), and two natural antimicrobials (lauric arginate (LAE, 400–4000 mg/L) and natamycin (NAT, 80–800 mg/L)). EFs based on ACLS or OS made with 1 % BW microemulsion produced homogeneous EFs surface and did not show changes in thickness or opacity. Water vapor permeability (WVP, 0.57 ± 0.04 g mm m^?2 h^?1 kPa^?1 for ACLS, and 0.56 ± 0.05 g mm m^?2 h^?1 kPa^?1 for OS) was reduced; tensile strength (TS, 51.48 ± 5.92 MPa for ACLS, and 40.96 ± 4.98 MPa for OS), and elastic modulus (EM, 211.30 ± 7.85 MPa for ACLS, and 203.50 ± 5.35 MPa for OS) were decreased, whereas elongation at break (E, 4.59 ± 1.11 % for ACLS, and 4.76 ± 4.98 % for OS) increased. The additive effect showed by the combination of natural antimicrobials (2000 mg/L of LAE plus 400 mg/L of NAT) incorporated into EFs with 1 % BW completely inhibited Rhizopus stolonifer, Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, Botrytis cinerea, and Salmonella Saintpaul. These properties of corn starch EFs used as coatings represent an excellent alternative to extend the shelf life of fresh produce.     

Oregano: chemical analysis and evaluation of its antimalarial, antioxidant, and cytotoxic activities

Abstract: GC‐FID and GC‐MS analysis of essential oil from oregano leaves (Origanum compactum) resulted in the identification of 46 compounds, representing more than 98% of the total composition. Carvacrol was the predominant compound (36.46%), followed by thymol (29.74%) and p‐cymene (24.31%). Serial extractions with petroleum ether, ethyl acetate, ethanol, and water were performed on aerials parts of Origanum compactum. In these extracts, different chemical families were characterized: polyphenols (gallic acid equivalent 21.2 to 858.3 g/kg), tannins (catechin equivalent 12.4 to 510.3 g/kg), anthocyanins (cyanidin equivalent 0.38 to 5.63 mg/kg), and flavonoids (quercetin equivalent 14.5 to 54.7 g/kg). The samples (essential oil and extracts) were subjected to a screening for antioxidant (DPPH and ABTS assays) and antimalarial activities and against human breast cancer cells. The essential oil showed a higher antioxidant activity with an IC₅₀= 2 ± 0.1 mg/L. Among the extracts, the aqueous extract had the highest antioxidant activity with an IC₅₀= 4.8 ± 0.2 mg/L (DPPH assay). Concerning antimalarial activity, Origanum compactum essential oil and ethyl acetate extract showed the best results with an IC₅₀ of 34 and 33 mg/mL, respectively. In addition, ethyl acetate extract (30 mg/L) and ethanol extract (56 mg/L) showed activity against human breast cancer cells (MCF7). The oregano essential oil was considered to be nontoxic.     

Exploring solid lipid nanoparticles to enhance the oral bioavailability of curcumin

Scope : Curcumin, a molecule with pluripharmacological properties, was loaded into solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) with a view to improve its oral bioavailability (BA). Methods and results : Curcumin‐loaded solid lipid nanoparticles (C‐SLNs) with an average particle size of 134.6 nm and a total drug content of 92.33±1.63% was produced using a microemulsification technique. The particles were spherical in shape, with high drug entrapment of 81.92±2.91% at 10% drug loading. The in vitro release was predominantly by diffusion phenomenon and was prolonged up to 7 days. No significant variation in particle size and curcumin content of C‐SLNs was observed, upon storage, over a period of 12 months at 5±3°C. In vivo pharmacokinetics performed after oral administration of C‐SLNs (50, 25, 12.5 and 1 mg/kg dose) and (free) solubilized curcumin (C‐S; 50 mg/kg), using a validated LC‐MS/MS method in rat plasma revealed significant improvement (at p<0.05) in BA (39 times at 50 mg/kg; 155 times at 1 mg/kg; and, 59 and 32 times at 12.5 and 25 mg/kg, respectively) after administration of C‐SLNs at all the doses with respect to C‐S. Conclusions : Enhanced and reliable BA will help in establishing its therapeutic usefulness especially for neurodegenerative and cancerous disorders in humans.     

Lemon (Citrus limon, Burm.f.) essential oil enhances the trans-epidermal release of lipid-(A, E) and water-(B6, C) soluble vitamins from topical emulsions in reconstructed human epidermis

Topical bioavailability of lipid‐ and water‐soluble vitamins is a critical issue for protecting or anti‐ageing formulations. Using 17‐day‐old SkinEthic^® reconstructed human epidermis, we investigated (at 34°C) the role of lemon EO in enhancing the penetration of α‐tocopherol (E) and retinyl acetate (A), pyridoxine (B₆) and ascorbic acid (C), released from O/W or W/O emulsions. D‐limonene, α‐pinene and p‐cymene (65.9, 2.2 and 0.5%w/w of the oil) had skin permeability coefficients Ps (10^?3 cm h^?1) of 0.56 ± 0.03 (or 0.73 ± 0.02), 0.72 ± 0.05 (or 0.98 ± 0.05) and 0.84 ± 0.04 (or 1.14 ± 0.04), respectively, when incorporated in a W/O (or O/W) emulsion. Vitamins B6, C and A had Ps values of (3.0 ± 0.4) × 10^?3, (7.9 ± 0.6) × 10^?3 and (0.37 ± 0.02) × 10^?5 cm h^?1, respectively, and their flux through the skin was enhanced by a factor of 4.1, 3.4 and 5.8, respectively, in the presence of lemon EO. The penetration of vitamin E was nine‐fold enhanced. Lemon EO produced only reversible modification of TEWL, and it is a safe and effective penetration enhancer for topical administration of lipid‐ and water‐soluble vitamins.     

Acute and Subacute Toxicity Assessment of Lutein in Lutein‐Deficient Mice

Dietary lutein consumption is lower than the actual recommended allowances to prevent macular degeneration; thus dietary lutein supplements have been recommended. This study aimed to investigate potential adverse effect of lutein from Tagetes erecta in lutein‐deficient (LD) male mice. Preliminary acute toxicity study revealed that the LD₅₀ exceeded the highest dose of 10000 mg/kg BW. In a subacute study, male mice were gavaged with 0, 100, 1000 mg/kg BW/day for a period of 4 wk. Plasma lutein levels increased dose dependently (P < 0.01) after acute and subacute feeding of lutein in LD mice. Compared to the control (peanut oil without lutein) group, no treatment‐related toxicologically significant effects of lutein were prominent in clinical observation, ophthalmic examinations, body, and organ weights. Further, no toxicologically significant findings were eminent in hematological, histopathological, and other clinical chemistry parameters. In the oral subacute toxicity study, the no‐observed‐adverse‐effect level (NOAEL) for lutein in LD mice was determined as 1000 mg/kg/day, the highest dose tested.     

Browning Inhibition in Fresh-cut'Fuji'Apple Slices by Natural Antibrowning Agents

ABSTRACT Response surface methodology was used to study the effect of antibrowning agents (4‐hexylresorci‐nol, glutathione, N‐acetylcysteine, and ascorbic acid) and storage time (14 d) on the color of minimally processed Fuji apples. The selected color parameters were L*,a*, b*, hue angle (h*), and color difference (ΔE*). Storage time had a significant effect on all the studied color parameters (P± 0.05). 4‐hexylresorcinol showed the most effective individual effect on keeping constant a*values (P± 0.0001). Besides, the interaction of N‐acetylcysteine/ glutathione was found to have a significant effect (P± 0.05) on maintaining a* values over time. On the other hand, individual treatment with N‐acetylcysteine in concentrations higher than 0.75% w/v may be used to preserve a*and h*.According to the F‐test, 4‐hexylresorcinol and N‐acetylcysteine (P± 0.05) displayed a significant individual effect on ΔE*, indicating that ΔE* decreased when increasing the concentration of these antibrowning agents. Nevertheless, color difference went down when 4‐hexylresorcinol concentration increased up to 0.5%, but higher concentrations of this agent led to an increase in ΔE* that indicates browning.     

Energy and protein requirements of crossbred (Holstein × Gyr) growing bulls

The objective of this study was to estimate the energy and protein requirements of crossbred (Holstein × Gyr) growing bulls. Twenty-four 10-mo-old bulls [initial body weight (BW) = 184 ± 23.4 kg] were used in a comparative slaughter trial. Six bulls were slaughtered at the beginning of the experiment as the reference group, to estimate initial empty body weight (EBW) and energy and protein contents of the remaining animals. The remaining bulls were assigned to a completely randomized design with 3 levels of dry matter intake and 6 replicates. The levels of dry matter intake were 1.2% of BW, 1.8% of BW, and ad libitum to target orts equal to 5% of the total amount that was fed. The remaining bulls were slaughtered at the end of the experiment. The bulls were fed a diet consisting of 59.6% corn silage and 40.4% concentrate on a dry matter basis. The equation that determined the relationship between EBW and BW was EBW = (0.861 ± 0.0031) × BW. The relationship between empty body gain (EBG) and average daily gain (ADG) was demonstrated by the following equation: EBG = (0.934 ± 0.0111) × ADG. Net energy for maintenance (NE_M) was 74.8 ± 2.89 kcal/kg of EBW^0.75 per day, and metabolizable energy for maintenance (ME_M) was 120.8 kcal/kg of EBW^0.75 per day. The detected efficiency of use of metabolizable energy for maintenance (k_m) was 61.9%. The equation used to estimate net energy for gain (NE_G) was as follows: NE_G = (0.049 ± 0.0011) × EBW^0.75 × EBG^{0.729 ± 0.0532}. The efficiency of use of metabolizable energy for gain (k_g) was 35.7%. The metabolizable protein for maintenance (MP_M) was 3.05 g/kg of BW^0.75. The equation used to estimate net protein requirements for gain (NP_G) = (87.138 ± 65.1378 × EBG) + [(40.436 ± 21.3640) × NE_G]. The efficiency of use of metabolizable protein for gain (k) was 35.7%. We concluded that the estimates of energy and protein requirements presented herein are more appropriate than the National Research Council dairy cattle model and the Brazilian BR-CORTE system to balance the diets of crossbred (Holstein × Gyr) growing bulls.     

Changes in selected quality characteristics of minimally processed carambola (Averrhoa carambola L.) when treated with ascorbic acid

‘B 10’ carambola of ripening stage (RS) 3 and 4 were minimally processed (MP) and then dipped in 0, 15 and 30 mg L^?1 ascorbic acid (AA). The 1‐cm‐thick slices were then dried, packed into cling‐wrapped‐foam tray and stored at 7 °C for 0, 3 and 5 days. Skin colour (L*, C* and h°), flesh firmness, soluble solids concentration, vitamin C content, titratable acidity, pH, degree of browning, polyphenoloxidase (PPO) activity and sensory attributes of MP carambola treated with AA were determined. AA treatment had significant effect in decreasing cut surface browning degree but no significant effect on all the selected quality characteristics of the MP carambola. In the sensory evaluation, flesh colour, sweetness, flavour and overall taste were significantly affected by AA treatment especially at 15 mg L^?1. The RS of fruit significantly affected skin colour (C* and h°), pH and sensory attributes of colour and flavour of the MP carambola. As storage day (SD) progressed, skin colour (C* and h°), flesh firmness and vitamin C content, cut surface browning, PPO activity and all the sensory attributes of MP carambola decreased significantly. Flesh firmness of the MP carambola was affected by the interaction between AA × SD. Sensory attributes of MP carambola were affected significantly by AA × RS. All the sensory attributes of MP carambola positively correlated to each other but negatively correlated with browning degree. PPO activity positively correlated with browning degree. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry     

Comparison of Quercetin Pharmacokinetics Following Oral Supplementation in Humans

Abstract: The objective of the study was to investigate the absorption of quercetin aglycone in 18 healthy human subjects administered via the following oral carrier systems: suspension of quercetin (quercetin QU995 powder in Tang^® and spring water), nutritional bars (First Strike?), and chews (RealFX? Q‐Plus?). Subjects were divided into 3 groups of 6 individuals each receiving 500 mg quercetin in one of the aforementioned formulations. Blood levels were monitored immediately pre‐ and for 32 h postadministration. The concentration of total quercetin in blood samples was determined by solid phase extraction followed by high‐performance liquid chromatography analysis. Pharmacokinetic parameters were determined by noncompartmental modeling using Kinetica software. The C_max of quercetin was highest with RealFX? Q‐Plus? Chews (1051.9 ± 393.1 μg/L) achieved within 3.3 h as compared to that for First Strike? Bars (698.1 ± 189.5 μg/L in 2.3 h) and Tang^® suspension (354.4 ± 87.6 μg/L in 4.7 h). The results showed no statistically significant difference in quercetin absorption among groups due to high variability within groups receiving quercetin from same dosage form. This study represents the first comprehensive evaluation of quercetin absorption from quercetin fortified oral food products at doses commonly used for quercetin supplementation. Practical Application: The current study describes for the first time, comprehensive evaluation of quercetin PK in humans from quercetin fortified oral food products at doses commonly used for quercetin supplementation. Owing to quercetin's potent antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory actions, quercetin is widely being used as a nutritional supplement. In order to maximize the bioavailability of quercetin for its use in efficacy studies, it is important to determine its ideal oral carrier system and route for its delivery. The current research unveils vital information about quercetin supplementation to the international community, especially to soldiers, athletes, and the dietary supplement industry.     

Repeated oral administration modulates the pharmacokinetic behavior of the chemopreventive agent phenethyl isothiocyanate in rats

The principal objective of this study was to evaluate whether repeated oral administration influences the pharmacokinetic behavior of the chemopreventive agent phenethyl isothiocyanate (PEITC) in rat. Animals were treated orally with 0.5, 1.0 and 5.0 mg/kg of the isothiocyanate for 4 days, and plasma levels at various times post‐administration were determined by LC/MS after the first and last day. To determine absolute bioavailability, a group of animals was treated with a single (0.5 mg/kg) intravenous dose of PEITC. Following single oral dose administration, PEITC was rapidly absorbed, peak plasma concentrations being attained within the hour, and achieved an absolute bioavailability of 77%, but displayed dose‐dependent pharmacokinetics, with bioavailability decreasing and clearance increasing moderately with dose; C_max values did not rise proportionately to the dose and volume of distribution increased. At the higher doses of 1.0 and 5.0 mg/kg, repeated administration led to higher PEITC plasma C_max concentrations and decreased plasma clearance of the isothiocyanate leading to enhanced bioavailability.     

Comparative effect of red yeast rice (Monascus purpureus), red beet root (Beta vulgaris) and betanin (E‐162) on colour and consumer acceptability of fresh pork sausages packaged in a modified atmosphere

Fresh pork sausages containing natural colorants, red yeast rice powder (Monascus purpureus; Frame^®) or a crude red beet root (Beta vulgaris) juice or commercial betanin (E‐162), at different concentrations, were packaged in an atmosphere containing 80% O₂ and 20% CO₂ and stored in the dark for 20 days. The following parameters were measured at 4 day intervals: instrumental colour (CIE L*, a*, b*, a*/b*, C* and h*), reflectance spectra, sensory discoloration (trained panel) and acceptability and willingness to purchase (habitual and non‐habitual consumer panels) under two different lighting displays (standard fluorescent and Promolux^® lamp). The use of colorants improved the colour properties of fresh pork sausages. Sausages with red yeast rice, red beet root juice and betanin had lower L* and h* and higher a* and a*/b* values than control samples. The colour properties of sausages with red beet root were the closest to control sausages, while sausages with red yeast rice had significantly lower b* values. Both natural colorants and betanin protected sausages from discoloration and extended acceptability and willingness to purchase by about 4 days, according to evaluation by habitual consumers under two different types of lighting display. Therefore, red beet root juice may be envisaged as the most suitable natural colorant for use in fresh pork sausages. Copyright © 2005 Society of Chemical Industry     

Optimisation of hydrolysis of purple sea urchin (Strongylocentrotus nudus) gonad by response surface methodology and evaluation of in vitro antioxidant activity of the hydrolysate

BACKGROUND: Hydrolysates prepared from sea urchin (Strongylocentrotus nudus) gonad by enzymatic treatment showed strong 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging activity and reducing power. RESULTS: Hydrolysis of S. nudus gonad by the commercial protease papain was optimised for maximum degree of hydrolysis (DH) and trichloroacetic acid‐soluble peptide index (TCA‐SPI) using response surface methodology. Results showed that the optimal conditions were the following: temperature of 48.83 °C, pH of 6.92, enzyme‐to‐substrate ratio of 3143 U g^?1, and substrate concentration of 83.5 g L^?1. Under these conditions, a DH of 27.96 ± 0.54% and a TCA‐SPI of 57.32 ± 0.63% were obtained. The hydrolysate prepared in the optimal conditions was fractionated by an ultra‐filtration system and the resultant fraction below 10 kDa was found to effectively scavenge hydroxyl radical (EC₅₀ = 13.29 ± 0.33 mg mL^?1) and hydrogen peroxide (EC₅₀ = 16.40 ± 0.37 mg mL^?1), inhibit lipid peroxidation (EC₅₀ = 11.05 ± 0.62 mg mL^?1), chelate Fe²⁺ (EC₅₀ = 7.26 ± 0.44 mg mL^?1), and protect mice macrophages against death induced by tert‐butyl hydroperoxide. CONCLUSION: Hydrolysates prepared from S. nudus gonad have the potential to be applied as natural antioxidant agents. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry     

Characteristics of the leaf parts of some traditional Korean salad plants used for food

BACKGROUND: Total phenolics content, antioxidant activity and cytotoxicity of the methanol extracts from leaf parts of 13 Korean traditional salad plants were investigated in order to determine their properties. RESULTS: The highest phenolics content (mg ferulic acid equivalents kg^?1 dry weight (d.w.), omit one) was found in methanol extracts from Polygonum aviculare, at 293.7 ± 6.0, followed by Euonymus alatus, at 250.7 ± 3.3, Saxifraga stolonifera, at 125.0 ± 8.1 and Ligularia fischeri, at 122.5 ± 5.9. The methanol plant extracts dose‐dependently increased free radical scavenging activity. Methanol extracts of Polygonum aviculare, Euonymus alatus and Saxifraga stolonifera, at 31 mg kg^?1, exhibited the highest 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity (%) by 90.8 ± 4.2, 85.7 ± 3.9 and 64.1 ± 3.2, respectively. According to 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, the methanol extracts from Portulaca oleracea (IC₅₀ < 25.0 µg mL^?1) showed the highest cytotoxicity against Calu‐6, followed by Plantago asiatica (49.2 µg mL^?1) and Osmunda japonica (89.6 µg mL^?1). CONCLUSION: Total phenolics content of the tested plant extracts was correlated with the DPPH radical scavenging activity, suggesting the phenolics compounds are contributing to the antioxidant properties of Korean salad plants. The leaf parts of the 13 Korean traditional salad plants described here that are currently used as foods may also provide some benefit to human health, and research into their potential benefits as preventative and/or therapeutic agents is warranted. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry     

Investigation of the in vivo antioxidative activity of Cynara scolymus (artichoke) leaf extract in the streptozotocin‐induced diabetic rat

The in vivo antioxidant activity of a quantified leaf extract of Cynara scolymus (artichoke) was studied. The aqueous artichoke leaf extract (ALE), containing 1.5% caffeoylquinic acid with chlorogenic acid being most abundant (0.30%), and luteolin‐7‐O‐glucoside as major flavonoid (0.15%), was investigated by evaluating the effect on different oxidative stress biomarkers, after 3 wk oral supplementation in the streptozotocin‐induced diabetic rat model. Apart from two test groups (0.2 g ALE/kg BW/day and 1 g ALE/kg BW/day, where BW is body weight), a healthy control group, untreated oxidative stress group, and vitamin E treated group (positive control) were included. A 0.2 g/kg BW/day of ALE decreased oxidative stress: malondialdehyde and 8‐hydroxydeoxyguanosine levels significantly diminished, whereas erythrocyte glutathione levels significantly increased. A 1.0 g/kg BW/day ALE did not show higher antioxidant activity.     

Application of Lactobacillus plantarum in Functional Products Based on Fermented Buckwheat

In this work, 12 plant‐based potential probiotic mashes were produced by fermenting buckwheat with lactic acid cocci of the Fresco DVS 1010 culture and the human‐derived isolate Lactobacillus plantarum HM1. The effect of single and coculture fermentation was studied at 30 and 37 ± 0.5 °C for 8 hr (5% CO₂), followed by a storage period of 21 days (6 ± 0.5 °C). Although milk is the typical growth medium for lactic acid bacteria (LAB), presumably viable counts of Fresco reached levels of 10⁸ to 10⁹ CFU/mL (specific growth rates ranging from 1.07 to 1.40 hr^?1) with higher counts in coculture fermentation (13%) that differed statistically significantly (P < 0.05). After storage, 194 to 4700 mg/kg lactic acid was found in the mashes, with significantly higher contents after cocultivation (11% to 96%). Based on the overall acceptance of the designed products, milk‐based mashes right after the fermentation were evaluated as the most satisfactory (3.3 to 3.6). Those after the storage period (21 days) exhibited an attractive sensory acceptability (2.2 to 3.2).     

Effects of trypsin inhibitor on plasma antioxidant activity and lipid levels in mice from sweet potato roots

BACKGROUND: Several inflammatory diseases are thought to be related to oxidative injury and reactive oxygen species have been proposed as important causative agents of heart disease and ageing. This study was designed to investigate the effects of sweet potato trypsin inhibitor (SPTI) on antioxidant enzymes, lipid peroxidation and lipid profiles in mice. RESULTS: Twenty mice were randomly divided into four groups and fed with TI (10, 50 and 100 mg kg^?1 BW) as treatment and with saline as a control in addition to regular diets. After 35 days, Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC), triglyceride (TG) and cholesterol levels in plasma and superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase and glutathione peroxidase (GPx), thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) in liver were measured. Serum from the group that had received the the highest oral dose of SPTI (100 mg kg^?1 BW) had the highest total antioxidant activity (expressed as 3.59 ± 0.237 mmol L^?1 TEAC). The SOD, catalase and GPx activity of SPTI groups were significantly increased compared with the control group. Malondialdehyde (MDA) was significantly lower in all experimental groups compared with the control one. No significant differences in the concentration of low‐density lipoprotein (LDL)‐cholesterol was found, but high density lipoprotein (HDL)‐cholesterol, triglyceride (TG) and total cholesterol tended to decrease. CONCLUSION: This study showed that the oral intake of SPTI in mice may trigger inflammatory responses which result in an increase in antioxidant enzyme activities, and a decrease in MDA, TG and total cholesterol, which are known risk factors of inflammatory and heart disease. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry