In vitro inhibitory effects of cranberry bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) extracts on aldose reductase, α‐glucosidase and α‐amylase

The in vitro inhibitory activities of different seed extracts prepared from cranberry bean mutant SA‐05 and its wild‐type variety Hwachia against aldose reductase, α‐glucosidase and α‐amylase were examined. The results indicated that the polyphenolics‐rich extracts obtained using 800 g kg^?1 methanol and 500 g kg^?1 ethanol demonstrated inhibitory activities against aldose reductase (IC₅₀ of 0.36–0.46 mg mL^?1) and α‐glucosidase (IC₅₀ of 1.32–1.94 mg mL^?1). The 500 g kg^?1 ethanol extracts also showed α‐amylase inhibitory activities (IC₅₀ of 70.11–80.22 μg mL^?1). Subsequent extracts, prepared further with NaCl and H₂O from precipitates of 800 g kg^?1 methanol or 500 g kg^?1 ethanol extracts, exhibited potent α‐amylase inhibitory activities (IC₅₀ of 17.68–38.68 μg mL^?1). A combination of 500 g kg^?1 ethanol extraction plus a subsequent H₂O extraction produced highest polyphenolics and α‐amylase inhibitors. The SA‐05 α‐amylase inhibitor extracts showed greater inhibitory activities than that of Hwachia. Thus, cranberry bean mutant SA‐05 is an advantageous choice for producing anti‐hyperglycaemic compounds.     

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     

Antioxidant and anti‐hypertensive activity of anthocyanin‐rich extracts from hulless pigmented barley cultivars

Anthocyanin‐rich acetone extracts of barley grain of four hulless pigmented genotypes were investigated to determine their potential as functional food ingredients. The purple barley cultivar contained 11 anthocyanins, whereas only one anthocyanin, peonidin derivative, was observed in blue, black and yellow barley. The total anthocyanin content of pigmented barley genotypes ranged from 3.2 to 678.5 mg kg^?1 in whole grain and from 4.5 to 1654.6 mg kg^?1 in bran. The purple barley bran extract gave the highest DPPH radical scavenging capacity, superoxide radical scavenging capacity and total antioxidant activity. The half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) of angiotensin I‐converting enzyme (ACE) of anthocyanin‐rich extract of purple barley grain and bran was 8.77 and 4.54 mg mL^?1, respectively. Purple barley appears to have great potential uses for the promotion of human health and development of nutraceuticals and functional foods.     

In vitro antioxidant and antiproliferative activity of three rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) extract formulations

Antioxidant and antiproliferative activities of three rosemary extract formulations (VivOX 20, VivOX 40 and Inolens 50) with different contents of carnosic acid, carnosol and methylcarnosol were tested in vitro. Electron spin resonance measurements revealed that Inolens 50 extract that contained highest amount of carnosic acid was the most potent scavenger of hydroxyl (concentration of extract where 50% of its maximal scavenging activity is observed, that is, EC₅₀, 109.54 μg mL^?1), superoxide anion (EC₅₀ = 7.94 μg mL^?1) and 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) (EC₅₀ = 27.4 μg mL^?1)‐free radicals. Comparison of the radar charts of standard antioxidants and rosemary extracts showed similarity between antioxidant characteristics of Inolens 50 and chlorogenic and caffeic acids. Tested rosemary extracts exhibited significant (P ≤ 0.01) antiproliferative effect in cervix epitheloid carcinoma (HeLa), breast adenocarcinoma (MCF7) and colon adenocarcinoma (HT‐29) cell lines. In both MCF7 and HeLa cell lines, the extracts yielded very low IC₅₀ values (concentration of extract needed to inhibit cell growth by 50%), the most pronounced being for Inolens 50 in MCF7 (IC₅₀ = 9.95 μg mL^?1) and VivOX 20 in HeLa cell line (IC₅₀ = 10.02 μg mL^?1). The obtained results may provide support for the use of tested rosemary extracts as nutraceuticals and phytopharmaceuticals.     

Chemical composition and in vitro antioxidant studies on Syzygium cumini fruit

Syzygium cumini, widely known as Jamun, is a tropical tree that yields purple ovoid fleshy fruit. Its seed has traditionally been used in India for the treatment of diabetes. Based on the available ethno‐pharmacological knowledge, further studies were extended to understand the chemical composition and antioxidant activities of three anatomically distinct parts of fruit: the pulp, kernel and seed coat. Fruit parts, their corresponding ethanol extracts and residues were evaluated for chemical composition. The alcoholic extract was evaluated for its antioxidant potential against DPPH^?, OH^?, O₂^?? and lipid peroxidation. The whole fruit consisted of 666.0 ± 111.0 g kg^?1 pulp, 290.0 ± 40.0 g kg^?1 kernel and 50.0 ± 15.0 g kg^?1 seed coat. Fresh pulp was rich in carbohydrates, protein and minerals. Total fatty matter was not significant in all three parts of fruit. Detailed mineral analysis showed calcium was abundant in all fruit parts and extracts. Total phenolics, anthocyanins and flavonoid contents of pulp were 3.9 ± 0.5, 1.34 ± 0.2 and 0.07 ± 0.04 g kg^?1, respectively. Kernel and seed coat contained 9.0 ± 0.7 and 8.1 ± 0.8 g kg^?1 total phenolics respectively. Jamun pulp ethanol extract (PEE), kernel ethanol extract (KEE) and seed coat ethanol extract (SCEE) showed a high degree of phenolic enrichment. DPPH radical scavenging activity of the samples and standards in descending order was: gallic acid > quercetin > Trolox > KEE > BHT > SCEE > PEE. Superoxide radical scavenging activity (IC₅₀) of KEE was six times higher (85.0 ± 5.0 µg mL^?1) compared to Trolox (540.0 ± 5.0 µg mL^?1) and three times compared to catechin (296.0 ± 11.0 µg mL^?1). Hydroxyl radical scavenging activity (IC₅₀) of KEE was 151.0 ± 5.0 µg mL^?1 which was comparable with catechin (188.0 ± 6.0 µg mL^?1). Inhibition of lipid peroxidation of the extracts was also studied and their activity against peroxide radicals were lower than that of standard compounds (BHT, 79.0 ± 4.0 µg mL^?1; quercetin, 166.0 ± 13.0 µg mL^?1; Trolox, 175.0 ± 4.0 µg mL^?1; PEE, 342.0 ± 17.0 µg mL^?1; KEE, 202.0 ± 13.0 µg mL^?1 and SCEE, 268.0 ± 13.0 µg mL^?1. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry     

Antioxidant and semicarbazide‐sensitive amine oxidase inhibitory activities of alginic acid hydroxamates

The commercial polysaccharides of alginic acid (medium (3500 cps, 2% solution) and low (250 cps, 2% solution) viscosities) were esterified with acidic methanol (1 mmol L^?1 HCl) at 4 °C with gentle stirring for 5 days to obtain methyl esters of medium‐viscosity alginic acid (ME‐MVA) and low‐viscosity alginic acid (ME‐LVA). These ME‐MVA and ME‐LVA were reacted with alkaline hydroxylamine to obtain medium‐viscosity alginic acid hydroxamates (MVA‐NHOH) and LVA‐NHOH. The percentages of hydroxamic acid content in MVA‐NHOH and LVA‐NHOH were calculated as 25% and 20%, respectively. The hydroxamate derivatives of alginic acid were used to test the antioxidant and semicarbazide‐sensitive amine oxidase (SSAO) inhibitory activities in comparison with original materials (MVA and LVA). The half‐inhibition concentrations, IC₅₀, of scavenging activity against 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) were 24.5 and 29.8 µg mL^?1 for MVA‐NHOH and LVA‐NHOH, respectively. However, few scavenging activities of the MVA and LVA were found at the same concentrations. The IC₅₀ of the positive control of butylated hydroxytoluene was 5 µg mL^?1. The scavenging activity of DPPH radical was pH‐dependent, and the optimal pH for both of MVA‐NHOH and LVA‐NHOH was the Tris‐HCl buffer (pH 7.9). Using electron spin resonance (ESR) to detect the activity of scavenging hydroxyl radicals, both alginic acid hydroxamates showed dose‐dependent scavenging activities, and the IC₅₀ was 90 and 92 µg mL^?1, respectively, for MVA‐NHOH and LVA‐NHOH. Both alginic acid hydroxamates also exhibited protection against hydroxyl radical‐mediated DNA damage. Both MVA‐NHOH and LVA‐NHOH showed dose‐dependent inhibitory activities against bovine SSAO (2.53 units); the IC₅₀ was 0.16 and 0.09 µg mL^?1, respectively, for MVA‐NHOH and LVA‐NHOH, compared with 3.81 µg mL^?1 of semicarbazide (positive controls). Amine oxidase activity staining also revealed that both MVA‐NHOH and LVA‐NHOH exhibited SSAO inhibitory activities. Both MVA‐NHOH and LVA‐NHOH showed mixed non‐competitive inhibition against bovine SSAO. It was found that the V′_max value was reduced and the K′_m value was either increased (added MVA‐NHOH, 0.05 µg mL^?1) or reduced (added LVA‐NHOH, 0.11 µg mL^?1) in the presence of alginic acid hydroxamate. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry     

Isolation and characterisation of a novel angiotensin I‐converting enzyme‐inhibitory peptide derived from douchi,a traditional Chinese fermented soybean food

BACKGROUND: Douchi, a traditional fermented soybean food, has recently attracted a great deal of attention owing to its superior physiological activity. In the present study the angiotensin I‐converting enzyme (ACE)‐inhibitory activity of typical douchi procured from various regions of China was analysed. An ACE‐inhibitory peptide derived from the most potent douchi was also isolated and characterised. The pattern of ACE inhibition and resistance to hydrolysis by gastrointestinal proteases of this peptide are described. RESULTS: ACE‐inhibitory activities were detected in all douchi samples, with IC₅₀ values ranging from 0.204 to 2.011 mg mL^?1. Among the douchi samples, a Mucor‐type douchi exhibited the most potent ACE‐inhibitory activity (IC₅₀ = 0.204 mg mL^?1). A novel ACE‐inhibitory peptide was then isolated from this Mucor‐type douchi using ultrafiltration followed by Sephadex G‐25 column chromatography and reverse phase high‐performance liquid chromatography. The amino acid sequence of the purified peptide was identified by Edman degradation as His‐Leu‐Pro (IC₅₀ = 2.37 µmol L^?1). The peptide is a competitive inhibitor and maintained its inhibitory activity even after incubation with some gastrointestinal proteases. CONCLUSION: The present study shows that peptides derived from soybean fermentation during douchi processing could be the main contributor to the ACE‐inhibitory activity observed. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry     

Antioxidant activity and dietary fibre of Prensal Blanc white grape (Vitis vinifera) by‐products

Stem and pomace of a white grape (Vitis vinifera) variety, Prensal Blanc, were studied for the first time: general composition and dietary fibre components together with the total soluble polyphenol content and antioxidant activity. Both by‐products present high contents of total dietary fibre (TDF), 790 g kg^?1 d.m. (stem) and 716 g kg^?1 d.m. (pomace). Values of the soluble dietary fibres in relation to TDF differed: 5% (stem) and 14.4% (pomace). Similar values of Klason lignin were found: 229 g kg^?1 (stem) and 278 g kg^?1 (pomace), however, the pomace exhibited more than twice the content of the condensed tannins (168 g kg^?1) with regard to the stem (79 g kg^?1). Notable were the high resistant protein contents of both by‐products. Stem and pomace showed appreciable amounts of total soluble polyphenols (87 g kg^?1 against 35 g kg^?1 respectively). The free radical scavenging capacity of the former by‐products was determined using the 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH) method, obtaining EC₅₀ values of 0.79 g d.m. g^?1 DPPH (stem) and 1.32 g d.m. g^?1 DPPH (pomace). These data shows that both vinification by‐products from the Prensal Blanc variety are a good source of dietary fibre and have antioxidant properties.     

Tyrosinase inhibition by water and ethanol extracts of a far eastern sea cucumber, Stichopus japonicus

BACKGROUND: Tyrosinase plays a key role in hyperpigmentaion and enzymatic browning. The present study was aimed at investigating the inhibitory effects of water and 70% aqueous ethanol extracts of Stichopus japonicus, a sea cucumber long consumed as a tonic food and traditional medicine, on the diphenolase activity of tyrosinase. RESULTS: In the tyrosinase inhibition study, high‐performance liquid chromatography completely separated L ‐3,4‐dihydroxyphenylalanine and dopachrome from other compounds present in the extracts, and provided more reliable results than the commonly used spectrophotometry. The ethanol extract (IC₅₀ = 0.49–0.61 mg mL^?1) showed higher inhibitory activity than the water extract (IC₅₀ = 1.80–1.99 mg mL^?1). Enzyme inhibition by the extracts was reversible and of mixed type. For both extracts, the dissociation constants for binding to free enzyme were significantly smaller than those for binding to enzyme–substrate complex. Ethyl‐α‐D ‐glucopyranoside (IC₅₀ = 0.19 mg mL^?1), isolated for the first time from sea cucumber, and adenosine (IC₅₀ = 0.13 mg mL^?1), were identified as key tyrosinase inhibitors. CONCLUSION: The sea cucumber extracts were demonstrated to possess considerable inhibitory potency against the diphenolase activity of tyrosinase, suggesting that the sea cucumber may be a good source of safe and effective tyrosinase inhibitors. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry     

Influence of degree of hydrolysis on functional properties and angiotensin I‐converting enzyme‐inhibitory activity of protein hydrolysates from cuttlefish (Sepia officinalis) by‐products

BACKGROUND: In Tunisia the cuttlefish‐processing industry generates large amounts of solid wastes. These wastes, which may represent 35% of the original material and constitute an important source of proteins, are discarded without any attempt at recovery. This paper describes some functional properties and the angiotensin I‐converting enzyme (ACE)‐inhibitory activity of protein hydrolysates prepared by hydrolysis of cuttlefish (Sepia officinalis) by‐products with crude enzyme extract from Bacillus licheniformis NH1. RESULTS: Cuttlefish by‐product protein hydrolysates (CPHs) with different degrees of hydrolysis (DH 5, 10 and 13.5%) were prepared. All CPHs contained 750–790 g kg^?1 proteins. Solubility, emulsifying capacity and water‐holding capacity increased while fat absorption and foaming capacity decreased with increasing DH. All hydrolysates showed greater fat absorption than the water‐soluble fraction from undigested cuttlefish by‐product proteins and casein. CPHs were also analysed for their ACE‐inhibitory activity. CPH3 (DH 13.5%) displayed the highest ACE inhibition (79%), with an IC₅₀ value of 1 mg mL^?1. CONCLUSION: Hydrolysis of cuttlefish by‐product proteins with alkaline proteases from B. licheniformis resulted in a product with excellent solubility over a wide pH range and high ACE‐inhibitory activity. This study suggests that CPHs could be utilised to develop functional foods for prevention of hypertension. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry     

The in vitro antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of the essential oil and various extracts of Origanum syriacum L var bevanii

The present work examines the in vitro antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of the essential oil and various extracts from the herbal parts of Origanum syriacum L var bevanii. Polar subfractions of methanol extracts from both deodorised and non‐deodorised materials showed the highest DPPH (2,2‐diphenyl‐l‐picrylhydrazyl) radical‐scavenging activity, with IC₅₀ values of 21.40 and 26.98 µg ml^?1 respectively, whereas the IC₅₀ of the essential oil was 134.00 µg ml^?1. The antioxidant potential of the extracts appeared to be closely related to the presence of polar phenolics. However, the inhibitive effect on linoleic acid oxidation might be promoted by the presence of non‐polar phenolics, as both hexane and dichloromethane extracts showed high antioxidant activities. The antimicrobial activity of the essential oil was superior to those of the other extracts. Nineteen compounds representing 962 g kg^?1 of the essential oil were identified; carvacrol (669 g kg^?1) was the main component. Overall, the results suggest that the essential oil and extracts from the herbal parts of O syriacum could be used as natural preservative ingredients in the food industry. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry     

Activities and sequences of the angiotensin I‐converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory peptides obtained from the digested lentil (Lens culinaris) globulins

The aim of this study was the identification of potentially bioaccessible ACE‐inhibitory peptides obtained by in vitro gastrointestinal digestion of lentil globulins. ACE‐inhibitory peptides were purified by ion exchange chromatography and gel filtration. After the first step of purification, three peptide fractions with potential antihypertensive properties were obtained and the highest inhibitory activity was determined for the fraction 5 (IC₅₀ = 0.02 mg mL^?1). This fraction was separated on Sephadex G10, and six peptide fractions were obtained. The peptides of fraction (5‐F) with the highest potential antihypertensive activity (IC₅₀ = 0.13 mg mL^?1) were identified using ESI‐MS/MS. The sequences of peptides were KLRT, TLHGMV and VNRLM. Based on Lineweaver–Burk plots for the fraction 5‐F, the kinetic parameters as K_m (1.24 mm ), V_max (0.012 U min^?1), K_i (0.12 mg mL^?1) and mode of inhibition were determined.     

Separation of angiotensin I‐converting enzyme inhibitory peptides from bovine connective tissue and their stability towards temperature,pH and digestive enzymes

Bovine collagen was isolated from connective tissue, a by‐product in the meat processing industry and characterised by SDS‐PAGE. Alcalase and papain were employed to generate collagen hydrolysates with different degree of hydrolysis (DH). In vitro angiotensin I‐converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory activities were evaluated and the two most potent hydrolysates from each enzyme were separated by two‐step purification. Both alcalase‐catalysed and papain‐catalysed hydrolysates exhibited strong ACE inhibitory capacities with IC₅₀ values of 0.17 and 0.35 mg mL^?1, respectively. Purification by ion‐exchange chromatography and gel filtration chromatography revealed higher ACE inhibitory activities in one fraction from each enzyme with IC₅₀ values of 3.95 and 7.29 μg mL^?1. These peptide fractions were characterised as 6‐12 amino acid residues by MALDI‐TOF/MS. The peptides retained their activity (>90%) after exposure to processing temperature and pH and in vitro simulated gastrointestinal digestion. The present results demonstrated that collagen peptides can be utilised for developing high value‐added ingredients, for example ACE inhibitory peptides.     

Angiotensin I‐converting enzyme inhibitory peptides FQPSF and LKYPI identified in Bacillus subtilis A26 hydrolysate of thornback ray muscle

Angiotensin I‐converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory peptides have been searched in thornback ray (Raja clavata) muscle hydrolysed with Bacillus subtilis A26 proteases until a hydrolysis degree of 18.35%. The hydrolysate showed an IC₅₀ of 0.83 mg mL^?1. To identify peptides responsible for this activity, the extract was eluted through size‐exclusion chromatography and fractions collected. The highest ACE inhibitory activity was found for fractions F2 and F3 which had IC₅₀ of 0.42 and 0.51 mg mL^?1, respectively. These fractions were analysed by nano‐liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (nLC‐MS/MS). A total of 131 and 108 peptide sequences mainly derived from actin, myosin heavy chain and procollagen alpha 1 chain proteins were identified in fractions F2 and F3, respectively. FQPSF and LKYPI showed the best results with an IC₅₀ of 12.56 and 27.07 μM, respectively. These results prove the potential of thornback ray muscle hydrolysate as a source of ACE inhibitory peptides.     

Antibacterial and antioxidant activities of the essential oil and methanol extracts of Bidens frondosa Linn

Antibacterial and antioxidant potential of essential oil, extract and its fractions of Bidens frondosa Linn were evaluated. Sixty‐one components representing 95.41% of the total oil were identified. The essential oil (7.5 μL disc^?1), methanol extract and its different organic subfractions (0.5 μg disc^?1) of B. frondosa displayed a great potential of antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 6538 and KCTC 1916), Listeria monocytogenes ATCC 19116, Bacillus subtilis ATCC 6633, Pseudomonas aeruginosa KCTC 2004, Salmonella enteritidis KCTC 12021 and Enterobacter aerogenes KCTC 2190. Antioxidant activity was evaluated by using 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay. The free radical scavenging activity of ethyl acetate (EtOAc) fraction was superior to all other fractions (IC₅₀ = 11.96 μg mL^?1), which was higher than synthetic antioxidant butylated hydroxyanisole, (IC₅₀ = 18.27 μg mL^?1). Furthermore, the amount of total phenolic compounds was determined and its content in EtOAc fraction was the highest as compared to methanol extract or other fractions. The results indicate that the oil and extracts of B. frondosa could serve as an important bio‐resource of antimicrobial agents and antioxidants for using in the food industries.     

Antioxidant and melanogenesis‐inhibitory activities of collagen peptide from jellyfish (Rhopilema esculentum)

BACKGROUND: Jellyfish collagen was hydrolysed with trypsin and properase E, and jellyfish collagen peptide (JCP) was purified from the enzymatic hydrolysate using ion exchange chromatography and gel filtration. The antioxidant activity of JCP in a linoleic acid emulsion system, its superoxide anion‐ and hydroxyl radical‐scavenging activities and its copper‐chelating ability were evaluated in vitro. Initial investigations of JCP's ability to inhibit melanogenesis were carried out using cultured B16 melanoma cells. RESULTS: The molecular weight distribution of JCP was from 400 to 1200 Da. Amino acid analysis showed that JCP was rich in Gly, Pro, Ser, Ala, Glu and Asp and had a total hydrophobic amino acid content of 384.2 g kg^?1. JCP showed high antioxidant activity (IC₅₀147.8 µg mL^?1), superoxide anion‐scavenging activity (IC₅₀21.9 µg mL^?1), hydroxyl radical‐scavenging activity (IC₅₀16.7 µg mL^?1) and copper‐chelating ability (IC₅₀88.7 µg mL^?1) in vitro. It also significantly inhibited intracellular tyrosinase activity, decreased melanin content and enhanced glutathione synthesis (P < 0.05). Furthermore, JCP decreased intracellular cAMP levels and suppressed tyrosinase mRNA expression. CONCLUSION: Based on the results of this study, JCP exerts anti‐melanogenic actions via its antioxidant properties and copper‐chelating ability. JCP could be used as a natural skin‐lightening agent in the medicine and food industries. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry     

Solvent effects on antioxidant properties of persimmon (Diospyros kaki L. cv. Daebong) seeds

The aim of this study was to investigate the antioxidant activities of persimmon seed extracts (PSE) using different solvents such as ethanol, methanol, acetone, and their aqueous 80% solvents. The EC₅₀ values of the extracts from absolute ethanol (EE) and methanol (ME) in 2, 2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical–scavenging assay were 49.71 and 51.15 μg mL^?1, respectively, while the EC₅₀ of butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) was 70.82 μg mL^?1. However, the EC₅₀ value of reducing power for the absolute acetone extract (AE) was higher (210.06 μg mL^?1) than that of BHA (212.67 μg mL^?1). Although the absolute ME had the highest antioxidant activity, it exhibited the lowest total phenolics and flavonoids. In contrast, the antioxidant activities of the aqueous solvent extracts showed a good correlation with total phenolics and flavonoids when compared to the absolute solvent extracts. The results showed that PSE could potentially be used as an inexpensive source of natural antioxidant in food and pharmaceutical industries.     

Optimization of peptic hydrolysis parameters for the production of angiotensin I-converting enzyme inhibitory hydrolysate from Acetes chinensis through Plackett-Burman and response surface methodological approaches

BACKGROUND: Angiotensin I‐converting enzyme (ACE) plays an important physiological role in regulating blood pressure. The elevation of blood pressure could be suppressed by inhibiting ACE. ACE inhibitory peptides derived from food proteins could exert antihypertensive effects without side effects. Acetes chinensis is a marine shrimp suitable for the production of ACE inhibitory peptides. The principal objective of this study was to screen for the significant variables, and further to optimize the levels of the selected variables, for the enzymatic production of ACE inhibitory peptides from Acetes chinensis. RESULTS: Plackett–Burman design and response surface methodology were employed to optimize the peptic hydrolysis parameters of Acetes chinensis to obtain a hydrolysate with potent ACE inhibitory activity. The peptic hydrolysis variables were subject to a Plackett–Burman design for screening the main factors. The selected significant parameters such as pH, hydrolysis temperature and enzyme/substrate (E/S) ratio were further optimized using a central composite design. The optimized conditions were: pH 2.5, hydrolysis temperature 45 °C, E/S ratio 17 800 U kg^?1 shrimp and substrate concentration 200 g L^?1. The results showed that 3–5 h hydrolysis could result in a hydrolysate with ACE inhibition IC₅₀ of 1.17 mg mL^?1 and a high DH of 25–27%. CONCLUSION: Plackett–Burman design and RSM performed well in the optimization of peptic hydrolysis parameters of Acetes chinensis to produce hydrolysate with ACE inhibitory activity. A hydrolysate with potent ACE inhibitory activity and high degree of hydrolysis was obtained, so that the yield of ACE inhibitory peptides in it was high. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry     

Tannin fraction from Ampelopsis grossedentata leaves tea (Tengcha) as an antioxidant and α‐glucosidase inhibitory nutraceutical

Leaf of Ampelopsis grossedentata is a new resource of functional foods with healthful properties. Antioxidant and α‐glucosidase inhibitory activities of water extract (made in the style of drinking), tannin fraction (TF) and dihydromyricetin (DMY) from A. grossedentata leaves were evaluated. The main component of TF was identified as gallotannins. DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging activities and reducing power of TF were superior to those of water extract, however, inferior to those of DMY. In no PBS wash protocol of cellular antioxidant activity assay, DMY and TF exhibited similarly, while in PBS wash protocol, the value of TF was higher than that of DMY. In addition, TF possessed the highest α‐glucosidase inhibitory activities (IC₅₀ = 1.94 μg mL^?1), followed by water extract (IC₅₀ = 23.10 μg mL^?1) and DMY (IC₅₀ = 72.21 μg mL^?1). The strong α‐glucosidase inhibitory activity of TF may attribute to the binding capacity to enzymes, as confirmed by fluorescence analysis.     

Antioxidant and tyrosinase inhibitory activities of different parts of guava (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Psidium guajava</Emphasis> L.)

The antioxidant and the tyrosinase inhibitory activities of 4 different solvents (acetone, ethanol, methanol, and water) for preparation of extracts from guava (branch, fruit, leaf, and seed) were evaluated by measuring total phenolic contents (TPC), DPPH radical scavenging activity, ABTS radical scavenging activity, reducing power (RP), and tyrosinase inhibitory activity. The extracts of branch and leaf showed relatively higher antioxidant properties than those of fruit and seed. The highest TPC (141.28 mg/g gallic acid equivalents), DPPH radical scavenging activity (IC₅₀=34.01 μg/mL), ABTS radical scavenging activity (IC₅₀=3.23 μg/mL), and RP (IC₅₀= 75.63 μg/mL) were found in acetone extract of leaf, while water extract of seed had the lowest antioxidant activity. The tyrosinase inhibitory activity of ethanol extract from guava leaf was 69.56%, which was the highest activity among the extracts. These results indicate that useful bioactive substances exist in the guava branch as well as leaf extracts.