The relationship of antioxidant components and antioxidant activity of sesame seed oil

Although sesame seed oil contains high levels of unsaturated fatty acids and even a small amount of free fatty acids in its unrefined flavored form, it shows markedly greater stability than other dietary vegetable oils. The good stability of sesame seed oil against autoxidation has been ascribed not only to its inherent lignans and tocopherols but also to browning reaction products generated when sesame seeds are roasted. Also, there is a strong synergistic effect among these components. The lignans in sesame seed oil can be categorized into two types, i.e. inherent lignans (sesamin, sesamolin) and lignans mainly formed during the oil production process (sesamol, sesamolinol, etc.). The most abundant tocopherol in sesame seed oil is γ‐tocopherol. This article reviews the antioxidant activities of lignans and tocopherols as well as the browning reaction and its products in sesame seed and/or its oil. It is concluded that the composition and structure of browning reaction products and their impacts on sesame ingredients need to be further studied to better explain the remaining mysteries of sesame oil. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry     

Effect of endogenous antioxidants of sesame seeds and sesame oil to the thermal stability of edible vegetable oils

Differently processed sesame seeds were used for the preparation of sesamol, seed extract, oil extract or unsaponifiable matter. Analysis of these sesame extracts revealed that dehulling and roasting of seeds had an adverse effect on their lignan and phenolic compounds content. Various concentrations of the extracts were incorporated in vegetable oils and their effectiveness in retarding the oxidative deterioration of oils was evaluated. Additionally, the formation of oxidation products in these oil samples was correlated with their antioxidant activity and their sesamol and phenolic compounds content. Results indicated that decomposition of phenolic compounds present in oil samples induced a significant reduction in their linoleic acid peroxidation inhibition capacity and a corresponding increase in their oxidative rancidity. Sesame seed extract was the most effective in protecting oils from oxidation, suggesting that seed extract, especially the one prepared from coated-unroasted sesame seeds, may have potential application as a source of natural antioxidants in oil industry.     

Fatty acids and lignans in unground whole flaxseed and sesame seed are bioavailable but have minimal antioxidant and lipid‐lowering effects in postmenopausal women

Fatty acids and lignans in ground flaxseed and sesame seed are absorbed, metabolized, and exert some health benefits in vivo. However, it is unclear if they are absorbed, metabolized, and exert health benefits when consumed as unground whole seed; therefore, it was investigated in this study. In a randomized crossover study, 16 postmenopausal women supplemented their diets with food bars containing either 25 g unground flaxseed, sesame seed, or their combination (12.5 g each) (flaxseed+sesame seed bar, FSB) for 4 wk each, separated by 4 wk washout periods. Total serum n‐3 fatty acids increased with flaxseed (p<0.05) and FSB (p=0.064) while serum n‐6 fatty acids increased with sesame seed (p<0.05). Urinary lignans increased similarly with all treatments (p<0.05). Plasma lipids and several antioxidant markers were unaffected by all treatments, except serum γ‐tocopherol (GT), which increased with both sesame seed (p<0.0001) and FSB (p<0.01). In conclusion, fatty acids and lignans from unground seed in food bars are absorbed and metabolized; however, except for serum GT, the 25 g unground seed is inadequate to induce changes in plasma lipids and several biomarkers of oxidative stress.     

芝麻中木脂素的组成、结构及其生理功能

介绍了芝麻中木脂素类物质(lignans):芝麻素、芝麻林素、芝麻酚以及芝麻林素酚等生物活性物质的结构、含量以及其所具有的抗氧化、抗癌、保护肝脏、降低血浆中的胆固醇、调节脂质代谢等诸多生理功能特性.     

Effects of site, season and viticultural practices on grape seed development

The effects of vineyard site, season, clone and viticultural management practices were examined as possible sources of variability in seed development between populations of grape berries, cvs Traminer, Riesling and Pinot Noir. Mean values for number and weight of seeds per berry were similar in most seasons and sites, but some were significantly different. In some but not all cases, smaller means for seed number per berry were associated with larger mean weight per seed. Trellising, training, pruning level, canopy manipulation and regulation of bunch number per vine had little effect on seed complement per berry except that mean weight per seed was smaller with minimal pruning. Reduction in water supply imposed after flowering did not alter seed number but reduced seed weight. Berries of boron-deficient vines had fewer and smaller seeds. The implications of seed development for berry development are discussed.     

微波预处理对沙棘油得率和品质的影响

在2 450 MHz、560 W的微波条件下,分别对沙棘籽、沙棘果肉和沙棘全果进行0~5 min预处理,研究微波不同时间对溶剂法所提沙棘籽油、沙棘果油及沙棘全果油的得率和品质的影响。结果表明,微波预处理能提高沙棘籽油、沙棘果油和沙棘全果油的得率,最高增加比例分别为9.49%、28.35%、18.21%;随着微波时间的延长,沙棘籽油中维生素E含量呈下降趋势,而沙棘果油和沙棘全果油则相反;3种油中植物甾醇含量先增加后减少;沙棘籽油总酚呈先增加后减少的趋势,沙棘果油和沙棘全果油则呈上升趋势;微波也会导致过氧化值和酸价的升高,而微波预处理对脂肪酸组成的影响不大。由此可见,合适的微波预处理时间能同时提高沙棘籽油、沙棘果油和沙棘全果油得率及改善其营养品质。     

Relative proportions of seed, skin and flesh, in ripe berries from Cabernet Sauvignon grapevines grown in a vineyard either well irrigated or under water deficit

Relationships between the fresh mass of seed, skin (exocarp), and flesh (mesocarp) in six different berry size categories, were assessed on ripe fruit from Cabernet Sauvignon grapevines exposed to either High (H), Control (C) or Low (L) water status during post‐veraison berry growth in a vineyard. Berries harvested from each treatment were segregated into six mass categories in order to distinguish between changes in fresh mass components associated with general variation in berry size (on well‐watered grapevines), and those associated with berry size differences due to water stress. Berry fresh mass across all treatments ranged from about 0.4 to 2.0 g. Fresh mass components for both H and C berries comprised approximately 5% seed, 15% skin, and 80% flesh, regardless of variation in berry size, although there was some increase in seed mass relative to whole‐berry fresh mass in larger berries. Berry growth (as inferred from fresh mass at harvest) was much less sensitive to water deficit than published reports for grapevine shoot growth. Midday leaf water potentials around –1.20 MPa (Control) were not sufficient to inhibit berry growth. However, midday water potentials around –1.50 MPa (Low water status) inhibited berry growth by 13–18% of that attained by grapevines grown at high water status (i.e. treatment H where midday leaf water potentials remained around –1.00 MPa). Inhibition of berry growth by water deficit was attributed almost exclusively to reduced growth of mesocarp tissues (for most berry size categories). Water deficit thus increased the proportion of whole‐berry fresh mass represented by seeds and skin (for most berry size categories). Changes in those proportions due to irrigation treatments exceeded differences associated with general (non‐stress) variation in whole‐berry fresh mass. Excluding adverse environmental impacts on whole‐berry fresh mass, our results point to a limited role for variation in berry size per se as a factor determining the solute concentration of juice or wine derived from different sized fruit. By implication, and for all categories of whole‐berry fresh mass represented here, late season water deficit can result in ripe fruit with more skin and seed tissues (relative to whole‐berry fresh mass) compared with well‐watered control fruit.     

Variation of sesamin,sesamolin and tocopherols in sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) seeds and oil products in Thailand

Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) seed and oil contain abundant lignans, including sesamin, sesamolin and lignan glycosides. The aim of the present study was to determine sesamin, sesamolin and tocopherol contents in sesame seed and oil available in Thailand. The results showed that there was a large variation of sesamin and sesamolin contents in products. The distribution plot of sesamin and sesamolin contents in seeds showed that the mean values of sesamin and sesamolin were 1.55 mg/g (SD = 1.63; range n.d.–7.23 mg/g) and 0.62 mg/g (SD = 0.48; range n.d.–2.25 mg/g), respectively. The range of total tocopherols of these sesame lines was 50.9–211 μg/g seed. In commercial sesame oils, the ranges of sesamin and sesamolin were 0.93–2.89 mg/g oil and 0.30–0.74 mg/g oil, respectively, and tocopherol contents were 304–647 μg/g oil. The study reveals the extensive variability in sesamin, sesamolin and tocopherol contents among sesame products.     

Evaluation of a Microwave-Assisted Extraction Method for Lignan Quantification in Flaxseed Cultivars and Selected Oil Seeds

An optimized microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) method was evaluated through repeatability, recovery and efficiency testing. The repeatability tests, performed by three users over time, were not significantly different. The recovery of lignan throughout the extraction, preparation and analysis steps is 97.5% with a coefficient of variation <1%. The MAE method is efficient for extracting lignans from the plant matrix, and it achieves significantly higher extraction yields than the two established reference methods. The applicability of the MAE method was demonstrated by extracting lignans from a variety of plant samples. The secoisolariciresinol diglucoside (SDG) content of seven flaxseed cultivars grown in Saint-Mathieu-de-Beloeil, QC, in 2009 ranged from 14.6 to 18.9 mg SDG per gram of seed. Flax hulls produced in Winchester, ON, in 2010 were very rich in lignan; their SDG content was 40.0 mg/g of flax hull. Sesame seeds contained 0.18–1.89 mg SECO (aglycone of SDG) per gram of seed, with significant differences among black, white and brown sesame seed. Chia seeds contained 0.99–1.29 mg SECO per gram of seed, with significant differences among batches of seeds. Sunflower seeds had 0.046 mg SECO per gram of sample and almonds had 0.029 mg SDG per gram of sample. The optimized and evaluated MAE method is recommended for the general analytical quantification of lignans in plant samples.     

微波预处理对芝麻油中芝麻木酚素含量及油脂品质的影响

为了确定高芝麻酚芝麻油的最适微波预处理条件,将芝麻水分含量调节为5个梯度,在不同微波预处理时间下制得芝麻油样品,对其芝麻木酚素含量、酸值、茴香胺值、氧化诱导时间、脂肪酸组成、生育酚含量、有害物质（多环芳烃和杂环胺）含量及感官品质进行了分析,探究芝麻水分含量和微波预处理时间对芝麻油中芝麻木酚素含量及油脂品质的影响。结果表明：微波预处理时间6 min、芝麻水分含量7%条件下制得的芝麻油芝麻酚含量较高,芝麻油酸值符合国家标准限定要求,氧化稳定性较强,有害物质杂环胺和多环芳烃含量处于适当的可控水平,同时兼顾了芝麻油的固有风味,消费者的喜爱度较高。综上,高芝麻酚芝麻油的最适微波预处理条件为微波预处理时间6 min,芝麻水分含量7%。     

Characterization of seed oils of wild, edible Finnish berries

A chemotaxonomic screening of the seed oil fatty acids of 22 common, edible berry species belonging to 13 genera (Vaccinium, Oxycoccus, Arctosta-phylos, Empetrum, Hippophaë, Chamaepericlymenum, Sambucus, Rosa, Fragaria, Rubus, Sorbus, Prunusand Ribes) that grow wild in northern Europe was carried out. The highest oil content in the seeds (≈30% d.w.) was measured in Vaccinium, Oxycoccusand Sambucus, and the lowest in Arctostaphylos, Empetrum, Rosaand Chamaepericlymenumspecies (<10% d.w.). The smaller the seed of a berry species within a genus, the higher was the oil content. The mass of 100 seeds varied from 10?mg (V. myrtillus) to 2950?mg (P. padus). Fatty acids of triacylglycerols were analysed as methyl esters by gas chromatography. Typically the most abundant fatty acids were linoleic, α-linolenic, oleic and palmitic acids. Exceptions were S. aucupariaand P. padus,which contained hardly any α-linolenic acid. Currants (Ribes nigrum, Ri. spicatumand Ri. alpinum) also contained γ-linolenic acid (11–16?mol%) and stearidonic acid (3–6?mol%). The content and composition of the seed oil of various berry species within the same genus, or within the same family, were similar, thus supporting the commonly accepted taxonomic classification.     

Effect of Seed Roasting Conditions on the Antioxidant Activity of Defatted Sesame Meal Extracts

ABSTRACT: Antioxidant activities of defatted sesame meal extract increased as the roasting temperature of sesame seed increased, but the maximum antioxidant activity was achieved when the seeds were roasted at 200°C for 60 min. Roasting sesame seeds at 200°C for 60 min significantly increased the total phenolic content, radical scavenging activity (RSA), reducing powers, and antioxidant activity of sesame meal extract; and several low-molecular-weight phenolic compounds such as 2-methoxyphenol, 4-methoxy-3-methylthio-phenol, 5-amino-3-oxo-4-hexenoic acid, 3,4-methylenedioxyphenol (sesamol), 3-hydroxy benzoic acid, 4-hydroxy benzoic acid, vanillic acid, filicinic acid, and 3,4-dimethoxy phenol were newly formed in the sesame meal after roasting sesame seeds at 200°C for 60 min. These results indicate that antioxidant activity of defatted sesame meal extracts was significantly affected by roasting temperature and time of sesame seeds.     

Composition and properties of seeds and pods of the tree legume Prosopis juliflora (DC)

Seeds and whole pods of Prosopis juliflora were analysed for proximate composition, fatty acids, minerals and soluble sugars. Crude protein constituted 35 % and 10 % of the seeds and whole pods, respectively. Nitrogen free extracts (NFE) comprised approximately 45 % of the seeds and whole pods. In the case of the pods, sucrose represented approximately 75 % of the soluble sugars. The lipid of both the seeds and whole pods contained a relatively large proportion of unsaturated fatty acids with linoleic acid as the predominant fatty acid. Levels of the macronutrients Ca, Mg, K and P were relatively low in comparison with cultivated legumes. Alkaline extraction of the seeds and whole pods showed that more than 70 % of the proteins were extractable. Maximum precipitation of the proteins was observed in the pH range 4.0-4.5. Amino acid analysis of the isolated proteins showed relatively high levels of lysine (312mg g^?l N for the seed and 438 mg g^?l N for the pod protein) and adequate levels of valine, leucine, tyrosine and phenylalanine. Methionine was the most limiting amino acid. The in vitro enzymic digestibility of the proteins of Prosopis seed was comparable to that of proteins of other legume seeds.     

Detection of sesame seed DNA in foods using real-time PCR

The detection of potentially allergenic foods, such as sesame seeds, in food products is a major concern for the food-processing industry. A real-time PCR method was designed to determine if sesame seed DNA is present in food products. The PCR reaction amplifies a 66-bp fragment of the sesame seed 2S albumin gene, which is detected with a sesame-specific, dual-labeled TaqMan probe. This reaction will not amplify DNA derived from other seeds present in baked goods, such as pumpkin, poppy, and sunflower seeds. Additionally, this assay will not cross-react with DNA from several tree nut species, such as almond, Brazil nut, cashew, hazelnut, and walnut, as well as four varieties of peanut. This assay is sensitive enough to detect 5 pg of purified sesame seed DNA, as well as sesame seed DNA in a spiked wheat cracker sample.     

The contents of lignans in commercial sesame oils of Taiwan and their changes during heating

Sesame lignans have multiple functions and were recently reported to have potential as sources of phytoestrogens. Sesame oils used in Taiwan are expelled from roasted sesame seeds with dark colour and strong flavour. This study analyzed lignan contents of 14 brands of sesame oils, and found their mean of total lignans to be 11.5 mg/g; 82% and 15% of the lignans were sesamin, and sesamolin, respectively. Sesamol contents were relatively higher in those with darker colour. In use as a cooking oil, heating at 180 °C for 4 min did not change the content of lignans, but the level of sesamol increased after heating at 180 °C for 20 min. Heating at 200 °C for 20 min caused a significant loss of sesamolin and sesamol. From our calculation, ingestion of 10 g of sesame oil is adequate to provide the level of lignans that might benefit cardiovascular health, as found by other studies. Cooking at temperatures above 200 °C will cause loss of some lignans, but sesamin, a source of phytoestrogen, is relatively heat-stable.     

Examination and composition of some legume seeds (author's transl)

The chemical composition of some legume seeds is reviewed. It was found that soy (Glycine soja), field beans (Vicia faba), Vicia sativa and Lens culingris (red seeds) have the highest protein content. There were only minor differences in amino acid composition except for glutamic acid. The lysine content of legume seeds was high. Lysine is the most limiting essential amino acid in cereal proteins, therefore cereal products can be improved nutritionally by addition of legume seed flour. Examination of polar lipids by thin layer chromatography revealed that lecithin, phosphatidyl ethanolamine and phosphatidyl inositol were the major components. However, Lupinus angustifolius contained two unknown polar lipid classes.--In contrary to previous literature the ripe legume seeds contained only a very small amount of galactosyl diglycerides; however legume seeds contain higher amounts of the compounds. The conection between biosynthesis of linolenic acid and the presence of galactosyl diglycerides in higher plants is discussed.     

Antioxidant activity of white and black sesame seeds and their hull fractions

The total phenolic content (TPC), total antioxidant status (TAS), free radical scavenging capacity, inhibition of low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and metal chelating capacity of extracts of whole black and whole white sesame seeds and their hull fractions in 80% aqueous ethanol were investigated. The TPC of whole black sesame seeds and hull extracts were 29.9 ± 0.6 and 146.6 ± 0.6 mg catechin equivalents/g crude ethanolic extract, respectively. The corresponding values for white sesame were 10.6 ± 1.6 and 29.7 ± 0.9 mg catechin equivalents/g crude ethanolic extract. The TAS as determined by Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity assay and expressed as Trolox equivalents was highest for black sesame hulls (65.9 ± 1.7) while white seeds showed the lowest (4.4 ± 0.6). Free radical scavenging capacity of sesame extracts (5–40 μg/mL) was measured using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical. The highest scavenging capacity was obtained at 40 μg/mL and was 94.9 ± 0.8, 25.1 ± 0.4, 14.4 ± 0.9 and 2.5 ± 0.4 for black sesame hulls, black sesame seeds, white sesame hulls and white sesame seeds, respectively. Inhibition of LDL oxidation at 100 ppm level was highest for black sesame hulls (96.7%) followed by those for white sesame hulls (84.6%), black sesame (78.4%) and white sesame seeds (57.3%). Sesame products displayed good ferrous ion chelating capacities, which ranged from 12% to 46% and 17% to 62% at 50 and 100 ppm levels, respectively. Results demonstrated considerable antioxidant activity of sesame products tested especially black sesame hulls.     

Nutritional value and functional properties of flaxseed

The nutritional value and functional properties of flaxseed Linum Usitatissimum L. are analyzed. There are three groups of compounds in the flaxseeds, characterized by specific biological activity and functional properties: PUFA omega-3 family, soluble dietary fiber in the form of mucus, and lignans, which have phytoestrogen properties. Data on the chemical composition of flaxseed, obtained from various sources, are characterized by high variability. The flaxseeds contain 35-45% oil, which contains 9-10% of saturated fatty acids (palmitic and stearic), about 20% monounsaturated fatty acids (mainly oleic acid), and more than 70% alpha-linolenic fatty acids acid. The protein content in seeds of flax varies from 20-30%. Proteins of flaxseeds are limited by lysine, but are characterized by a high coefficient of digestibility (89,6%) and biological value (77,4%). The content of dietary fiber reaches 28% by weight of whole seed, with the ratio of soluble and insoluble fractions from 20:80 until 40:60. According to the content of B-group vitamins and some minerals flaxseeds are close to the crops. Vitamin E in the flaxseeds is mainly in the form of gamma-tocopherol (9,2 mg/100 g of seeds). Flaxseed is the richest in the vegetable world source of lignans (up to 0,7-1,5% of dry weight of seed), among which prevails secoisolariciresinol diglucoside. The chemical composition of flaxseed has identified areas in the study of preventive and functional properties. PUFA omega-3 family, dietary fibers and phytoestrogen lignans determine hypolipidemic and antiatherogenic actions of flaxseed. Flax seeds under the conditions of storage and processing technologies are harmless food product. Consumption of 50 g/day of flaxseed showed no adverse effects in humans.     

Relationships of rapeseed strength properties to seed size,colour and coat fibre composition

BACKGROUND: The size and strength of rapeseeds are factors likely to determine their suitability for storage and processing. The mechanical properties of whole seeds depend mainly on their coat composition. This study investigates variations in seed strength and colour between different‐sized rapeseeds. The paper also presents an explanation of the differences in seed mechanical properties through analyses of coat fibre composition. RESULTS: The strength properties of seeds were dependent on seed size and correlated with seed equivalent diameter. All measured strength indices showed that seeds of diameter above 2 mm were the most resistant. The mechanical properties of seeds were also correlated with the colour of seed surface, indicating that the most resistant seeds were those with values of H > 60°, S < 15% and I < 19% in the HSI colour space. The resistance of individual seeds was attributed to the surface density of soluble and insoluble dietary fibre, especially cellulose and lignin. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that the highest mechanical resistance shown by the largest and blackest rapeseeds can be associated with the high surface density of fibre components in the seed coat. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry