Bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity of fresh exotic fruits from northeastern Brazil

Foods rich in antioxidants play an essential role in the prevention of diseases. The present study compared contents of phenolics, vitamin C, anthocyanin and antioxidant activity of 11 fresh exotic fruits, cultivated in the northeastern part of Brazil. The antioxidant activities were evaluated using two antioxidant systems 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2′-azinobis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS), expressed as TEAC (Trolox Equivalent Antioxidant Capacity) and VCEAC (Vitamin C Equivalent Antioxidant Capacity) values. The results indicated that the above fruits, such as murici and mangaba, were good sources of antioxidants. The phenolic contents showed positive correlations with total antioxidant by ABTS (R = 0.94, P ≤ 0.001) and DPPH (R = 0.88, P ≤ 0.001) assays. However, this correlation was not noticed when examining vitamin C and anthocyanins contents. The 11 fruits studied had comparable antioxidant activity in both, ABTS and DPPH assays. These methods are recommended as useful tools for the evaluation of the total activity antioxidant in fruits. Our results indicated promising perspectives for the development and usage of fruits species studied with considerable levels of antioxidant activity.     

Determination of antioxidant compounds and antioxidant activity in commercial oilseeds for food use

Different commercial edible oilseed samples were analyzed in order to evaluate the compounds involved in antioxidant activity. Fatty acids, triacylglycerols, tocopherols, chlorophylls, β-carotene, squalene, phenolic compounds and CIE L^∗a^∗b^∗ coordinates were assayed. Strong chemical variability depending on the oilseed variety was observed. Antioxidant activity was evaluated for the oils, both for their methanol-soluble phase and the fraction insoluble in methanol. DPPH radical scavenging activity expressed in TEAC ranged between 0.45 and 2.30 mmol/l in peanut and maize oils, respectively. Free radical scavenging activity was mainly influenced by tocopherols content (r = +0.70) in oils and polyunsaturated fatty acids (r = +0.61) in the fraction nonsoluble in methanol. Variability of the correlation between the antioxidant activity and the composition of the oilseeds could be attributed to the differences in the squalene, chlorophylls, carotenoids, and phenols contents of the oils and their mutual interactions.     

Characterization and antioxidant activity of nocino liqueur

Nocino is an after-dinner liqueur made with green, unripe walnuts, appreciated both for its appealing flavour and aroma, and for its properties as a tonic and digestive aid. There is a large number of recipes for the production of nocino and the industrial production coexists with preparations at home. The liqueur has never been scientifically investigated; thus the aim of this work was to examine various kinds of it. Three sets of samples were considered: Commercial brands, home-made nocino and, among the latter, samples made for years with the same recipe and aged for different times, up to 25 years. In the commercial products, the phenolic profiles and the antioxidant activities were widely variable. The antioxidant activity proved to be directly correlated with the content of total phenols, total tannins and non-tannin phenolics. Study of samples aged for different lengths of time showed that the characteristics considered remained substantially unchanged during the aging process.     

Mediterranean non-cultivated vegetables as dietary sources of compounds with antioxidant and biological activity

Non-cultivated vegetables whose basal leaves have been traditionally consumed in Spain were evaluated for their potential in human nutrition, considering vitamin C, organic acids, tocopherols, phenolics and flavonoids, and antioxidant activity. As far as we know, this is the first report on organic acids and vitamin C of Anchusa azurea and Apium nodiflorum, on tocopherols of Aazurea, Beta vulgaris, Chondrilla juncea, Rumex papillaris, Rumex pulcher, Silybum marianum and Taraxacum obovatum, as well as on the antioxidant capacity of most of them. Data revealed that the mentioned non-cultivated vegetables are good sources of bioactive compounds. R. pulcher, R. papillaris and Papaver rhoeas are rich in vitamin C, Sonchus oleraceus and R. papillaris in tocopherols. R. pulcher, P. rhoeas and A. azurea showed promising antioxidant properties, which are related to their high levels of phenolic and flavonoids. Some species presented high levels of oxalic acid. Therefore, people with a trend of developing kidney calculus should avoid eating these greens (especially S. marianum, S. oleraceus and Beta maritima) and choose species with low oxalic acid content such as T. obovatum and Cichorium intybus. The traditional consumption of these species after boiling and rejecting the water may decrease the amount of oxalic acid.     

Characterisation of polyphenols and antioxidant properties of five lettuce varieties and escarole

Salad vegetables could be relevant as dietary sources of natural antioxidants. A better knowledge of their composition can be useful for understanding their potential bioavailability and biological activities. The antioxidant compounds, polyphenols and vitamin C, have been determined in five varieties of lettuce (iceberg, romaine, continental, red oak leaf, lollo rosso) and one variety of escarole (frissé). The polyphenol study by HPLC-DAD-MS/MS ESI allowed the identification of two compounds previously not reported in lettuce; quercetin and luteolin rhamnosyl-hexosides. Qualitative and quantitative differences were observed between the polyphenol profiles. Caffeic acid derivatives were the main phenolics in green varieties, while flavonols were detected in higher quantities in red varieties and escarole, and anthocyanins were only present in red-leafed varieties. The highest total phenolic content was observed in red-leafed varieties while the highest level of vitamin C was detected in the continental variety. The red varieties showed the highest antioxidant activity by all the methods assayed.     

UV radiation-induced changes of antioxidant capacity of fresh-cut tropical fruits

The effect of ultraviolet (UV-C) treatment on total phenol, flavonoid, and vitamin C content of fresh-cut honey pineapple, banana “pisang mas”, and guava was investigated. The antioxidant capacity of the fruit also was evaluated by measuring its ferric reducing/antioxidant power (FRAP) and DPPH free radical-scavenging activity. The fresh-cut fruits were exposed to UV-C for 0, 10, 20, and 30 min. Total phenol and flavonoid contents of guava and banana increased significantly with the increase in treatment time. In pineapple, the increase in total phenol content was insignificant, but the flavonoid content increased significantly after 10 min of treatment. UV-C treatment decreased the vitamin C content of all three fruits. In fresh-cut banana, longer treatment time resulted in higher FRAP and DPPH values; these values remained stable throughout the experiment for fresh-cut pineapple. For fresh-cut guava, FRAP and DPPH values were stable until 30 min, after which a significant increase in FRAP values occurred.

Industrial relevance

UV irradiation processing of fresh-cut fruits leads to increase in antioxidants, polyphenols, and flavonoids. Hence, apart from the application of UV for microbial safety at industrial levels, this novel technology can also be exploited for enhancement of health promoting compounds for benefit of consumers.     

Optimization of ozone treatment of fresh-cut green leaf lettuce

The optimization of ozone treatment for fresh-cut green leaf lettuce was studied to determine the effects of ozone concentration (0.5–4.5 ppm) and exposure time (0.5–3.5 min) on Listeria monocytogenes counts and the overall visual quality of lettuce. Prior to the optimization study, the effect of temperature on the efficacy of ozone treatment was evaluated in the range of 10–26 °C. No significant effect of temperature on the efficacy of ozone treatment was observed. The quality and safety of lettuce samples treated at the determined optimum ozonation condition (2 ppm) were compared with the chlorinated water (100 ppm), organic acid (0.25 g/100 g citric acid plus 0.50 g/100 g ascorbic acid), and water treatments applied at 10 °C for 2 min. Samples were stored at 4 °C for 12 days. Analysis include aerobic mesophilic count, Enterobactericeae, psychrotrophic bacteria, vitamin C, β-carotene, and sensory quality. Ozone treatment was found to be better than the chlorine and organic acid treatments in maintaining the sensory quality.     

Effects of storage temperature and duration on chemical properties,proximate composition and selected bioactive components of pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) arils

Effects of storage temperature on nutritional composition of pomegranate cultivars (‘Arakta’, ‘Bahgwa’ and ‘Ruby’) were investigated. Pomegranate arils were stored at 1, 4, and 8 °C at 95% relative humidity for 14 days. Arils stored at 1 °C were removed from storage after 14 days and kept at ambient conditions for one day. Anthocyanins, ascorbic acid and proximate composition were measured on day 0, 7, 14 and 15. O₂ consumption and CO₂ production increased at elevated temperatures. Proximate composition of pomegranate arils was similar amongst cvs.: 0.8 g/g moisture, 5.2 g kg⁻¹ ash, 13–15 g kg⁻¹ fat, 27–29 g kg⁻¹ dietary fibre, 11–12 g kg⁻¹ protein, 140–150 g kg⁻¹ carbohydrate and 310–320 kJ 100 g⁻¹ energy. ‘Arakta’ had highest titratable acidity (TA) level (0.3 ± 0.01 g 100 mL⁻¹) and ascorbic acid (26.0 ± 1.3 mg kg⁻¹). Low β-carotene levels (1.7–3.5 mg kg⁻¹) were detected in all samples. Nutritional composition of arils was not significantly affected at 1 and 4 °C for 14 d. Temperature did not affect total soluble solids (TSS), but increased TA and reduced TSS/TA. No mould growth was observed in arils stored at 1 °C after 14 d.     

Impact of high-intensity pulsed electric fields variables on vitamin C, anthocyanins and antioxidant capacity of strawberry juice

A response surface methodology was used to determine the combined effect of HIPEF critical processing conditions on vitamin C, anthocyanins and antioxidant capacity of strawberry juice. Keeping constant the electric field strength at 35 kV/cm and the treatment time at 1000 μs, the treatments were set at frequencies from 50 to 250 Hz, pulse width from 1 to 7 μs using monopolar or bipolar mode. A second order response function covering the whole range of experimental conditions was obtained for each health-related compound. Strawberry juice antioxidant potential was affected linearly by frequency, pulse width and pulse polarity. The quadratic term of frequency and the combined effect of frequency and pulse width were also significant. HIPEF treatments conducted at 232 Hz with bipolar pulses of 1 μs led to strawberry juices with the greatest presence of health-related compounds. The evaluation of the HIPEF critical parameters influence on health-related compounds can contribute to achieve optimal processing conditions to obtain strawberry juices with high antioxidant potential.     

Influence of freezing,lyophilisation and air‐drying on the total monomeric anthocyanins,vitamin C and antioxidant capacity of selected berries

Fresh berries are a rich source of antioxidants. The choice of a method for preserving these fruits determines, among other things, keeping their antioxidant capacity. The aim of this study was to estimate the contents of monomeric anthocyanins and vitamin C and to assess the antioxidant capacity of the fruit of black chokeberry, black elder, common bilberry, thornless blackberry and raspberry depending on the method of preservation in the process of freezing, lyophilisation and air‐drying. In fruits frozen at ?18 °C as compared with the fresh fruits, losses of anthocyanins and vitamin C of 10% and 14%, respectively, were found. During lyophilisation and air‐drying, losses of anthocyanins as compared with fresh fruits accounted for 82% and 94%, respectively, of vitamin C 84% and 89%. Regardless of the preservation method, chokeberry was characterised by the richest resource of anthocyanins and the highest antioxidant capacity, followed by black elder.     

Phytochemical compositions, and antioxidant properties, and antiproliferative activities of wheat flour

Ten soft wheat varieties grown in Maryland were compared for their phytochemical compositions, antioxidant properties and antiproliferative activities. Free radical scavenging capacities were examined against DPPH(·), oxygen, hydroxyl and ABTS(·+) radicals. Significant radical scavenging capacities were detected in all wheat flour extracts. Total phenolic content ranged from 1.66 to 2.01 mg of GAE/g wheat flour. The wheat flours contained 172.91-297.55 μg/g insoluble bound ferulic acid, contributing 89.74-94.29% of total ferulic acid on a per weight basis. The concentrations of lutein and zeaxanthin were 0.27-0.46 and 0.08-0.13 μg/g, respectively. In addition, the wheat flours had 0.30-0.59 and 0.07-0.29 μg/g α- and δ-tocopherols, respectively. Four wheat flour extracts were further examined for their antiproliferative activities. The Jamestown wheat flour showed significant antiproliferative activity against both HT-29 and Caco-2 colon cancer cells at the initial treatment concentration of 50 mg flour equivalents/ml, while USG3555 flour showed inhibitive effect only in HT-29 cancer cells, suggesting the different and possible selective antiproliferative property of the wheat flours. These results may be used to direct the breeding effects to produce soft winter wheat varieties with improved health properties.     

Effects of processing on anthocyanins,carotenoids and vitamin C in summer fruits and vegetables

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of processing, i.e. heating (98 °C, 10 min), freezing (−20 °C) and freeze-drying on anthocyanins, carotenoids, and vitamin C in summer fruits and vegetables, i.e. cherries, nectarines, apricots, peaches, plums, carrots and red bell peppers. The commodities were collected from growers located in the Otago region (namely Cromwell, Roxburgh, Mosgiel and Clinton), New Zealand. The results revealed that each commodity contained different contents of phytochemicals. The content and the process stability of phytochemicals in each commodity were influenced by the geographical location of the growers. In general, a high content of phytochemicals was found in summer fruits and vegetables grown in Otago compared to those grown in the Northern Hemisphere, e.g. anthocyanins in cherries, nectarines, peaches and plums; total carotenoids in red bell peppers and nectarines and vitamin C in cherries, peaches, red bell peppers and carrots. Heating and freezing enhanced the release of membrane bound anthocyanins, resulting in higher content after processing compared to fresh commodities. In the commodities studied, with the exception of red bell peppers, the stability of ascorbic acid was increased if ascorbic acid oxidase was inactivated for example by heating.     

Phenol content,antioxidant activity and metal composition of Croatian wines deriving from organically and conventionally grown grapes

The present study was performed to evaluate the antioxidant capacity, the polyphenol and metal content of conventionally and organically produced wines, which underwent similar winemaking processes. The wine grapes were grown under well-defined organic and conventional conditions from the two different wine-growing sub-regions of Croatia, Prigorje and Southern Dalmatia. The values of antioxidant activity, as evaluated by two free radical methods, ABTS and DPPH, was found systematically higher in organic wines compared to conventional ones. In a reversed phase HPLC analysis, used in order to characterise the phenol fraction of wines, higher concentrations of chlorogenic acid, ferulic acid, catechin, trans-resveratrol, all studied hydroxybenzoic acids and flavonols were found in the organically produced wines. No apparent trend was found in the metal contents of the wines, but ICP-MS analysis confirmed that both wine productions, organic and conventional, were well within the toxicological safety limits.     

Role of carbohydrases on the release of reducing sugar, total phenolics and on antioxidant properties of oat bran

Aqueous solutions of medium oat bran flour were treated with four carbohydrases viscozyme, celluclast, alpha-amylase, and amyloglucosidase, and then extracted with equal volume of methanol. The resulting extracts were examined for their reducing sugar content, total phenolic content (TPC), oxygen radical scavenging absorbance capacity (ORAC), hydroxyl radical scavenging effect, superoxide scavenging activity, and ferrous ion chelating potential. The amount of reducing sugar increased form 2.0% in the control sample to 21.4% in the sample treated with four fungal beta-glucanase units/g of bran. The increase in reducing sugar was also associated with subsequent increase of other extractable compounds. The total phenolic content as measured by Folin-Ciocalteu’s method ranged from 0.50 to 4.80 mg of gallic acid equivalents/g of bran, whereas the ORAC values were 14.4-25.4 μM of Trolox equivalents/g of bran. All the samples treated with carbohydrases had higher TPC content and higher ORAC values than the control sample (no enzyme treatment). In the hydroxyl radical scavenging assay, except for the alpha-amylase treated sample, all other samples demonstrated a greater inhibition power than the control. These results indicated that pre-treatment of oat bran with cell wall degrading enzymes (i.e. carbohydrases) is a way to increase the amount of extracted phenols as well as the antioxidant properties of oat bran samples.     

Physical, biochemical and antioxidant properties of some Indian honeys

The study was intended to characterise the physicochemical and antioxidant properties of some commercial brands of Indian honeys. All the samples showed considerable variations with reference to their level of total phenolics, protein, radical scavenging activity, ascorbic acid equivalent antioxidant content (AEAC) and ferric reducing antioxidant potential (FRAP). Comparative studies of Indian honeys indicated the strong correlation between proline content and AEAC as well as 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging activity whereas phenol content was strongly correlated with FRAP values. Thus, overall antioxidant activity seems to be contributed by proline and phenol contents. Besides these major factors, colour pigments (ABS₄₆₀) were also found to contribute significantly to the overall observed antioxidant activity.     

几种常见果蔬抗氧化活性与多酚和维生素C的关系

目的:探索几种常见果蔬的抗氧化活性与多酚、维生素C的相关关系。方法:运用二苯代苦味酰基自由基法（DPPH法）、硫代巴比妥酸反应物法（ABTS法）、血浆高铁还原能力分析能力（FRAP法）、羟自由基和超氧阴离子自由基5种抗氧化方法评价10种常见果蔬的抗氧化活性,并采用Folin-Ciocalteu法和2,4-二硝基苯肼法分别测定了果蔬中多酚和VC的含量,并对多酚、VC的含量与抗氧化活性进行相关性分析。结果:DPPH、ABTS、FRAP、超氧阴离子、羟自由基抗氧化活性最强的依次为豆角、豆角、橘子、香蕉、橘子,最弱的依次为西瓜、西瓜、西瓜、胡萝卜、卷心菜。DPPH、ABTS和FRAP测定果蔬粗提液抗氧化活性与多酚的含量的相关性强于VC。结论:多酚的含量对果蔬抗氧化活性的影响强于V_C。      

Major anthocyanins and antioxidant activity of Nasturtium flowers (Tropaeolum majus)

Major anthocyanins, ascorbic acid content, total phenolic content, and the radical scavenging activity against ABTS and DPPH radicals in petals of orange Nasturtium flowers (Tropaeolum majus), were investigated. Anthocyanin (ACN) content in the petals was 72 mg/100 g FW and pelargonidin 3-sophoroside represented 91% of the total ACN content. The ascorbic acid content was 71.5 mg/100 g and the total phenolic content as determined by the Folin–Ciocalteau method was 406 mg GAE/100 g FW. The radical scavenging activities against ABTS and DPPH radicals were 458 and 91.87 μm trolox eq/g FW, respectively. The excellent free radical scavenging activities along with high phenolic and ascorbic acid content of Nasturtium flowers suggest that they could be source of natural pigments and antioxidants for applications in functional foods.