Effects of pH and dissolved oxygen on the synthesis of γ‐glutamyltranspeptidase from Bacillus subtilis SK 11.004

BACKGROUND: γ‐Glutamyltranspeptidase (GGT; EC 2.3.2.2) is a widely distributed enzyme that is of interest in the food industry. In this study the effects of pH and dissolved oxygen (DO) on GGT synthesis from Bacillus subtilis SK 11.004 were investigated. RESULTS: GGT production increased to 0.5 U mL^?1 when the pH value was controlled at 6.5. The control of a single DO level revealed that the highest specific growth rate (3.42 h^?1) and GGT production rate (0.40 U g^?1 mL^?1) were obtained at DO levels of 40 and 10% respectively. To satisfy the different oxygen demands at different stages of cell growth and GGT synthesis, a stage DO level control strategy was designed as follows: 40% from 0 to 4 h, 30% from 4 to 6 h and 10% from 6 to 18 h. Furthermore, the maximum biomass (2.27 g L^?1) and GGT production (3.05 U mL^?1) could be obtained using a fermentation strategy combining a constant pH value with stage DO level control. CONCLUSION: The proposed fermentation strategy resulted in a 13.7‐fold increase in GGT production. This finding should be of great importance for the industrial production of GGT. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry     

Physical,functional and pasting properties of different maize (Zea mays) cultivars as modified by an increase in γ‐irradiation doses

Physical, functional and pasting properties of six maize (Zea mays) cultivars as modified by an increase in γ‐irradiation doses were investigated. From the L*, a* and b* measured, deltachroma, colour intensity and hue angle were calculated. Functional and physicochemical properties of maize flours were determined using standard methods and Rapid Visco Analyser, respectively. Often, the effect of γ‐irradiation on L*, a* and b* values within each cultivar was almost never significant but pronounced between the yellow and white cultivars. Generally, deltachroma, colour intensity and hue angle decreased with increased γ‐irradiation dose. Mean seed bulk density and 100 kernel weight varied from 0.73–0.77 g cm^?3 and 23.13–35.42 g, respectively. Loose and packed bulk densities, and water (WAC) and oil absorption capacities of the maize flours were not significantly affected by γ‐irradiation. WAC of nonirradiated and γ‐irradiated maize flours ranged from 1.54–1.62 and 1.09–1.70 g g^?1, respectively. Peak, trough, breakdown, final and setback viscosities decreased significantly (P < 0.05) with increased γ‐irradiation dose.     

Physicochemical and microbiological description of Caxiri – a cassava and corn alcoholic beverage

Caxiri is a fermented alcoholic beverage made from cassava, corn and sweet potatoes by indigenous people in Brazil. Saccharomyces cerevisiae Rhodotorula mucilaginosa, Lactobacillus fermentum, Bacillus subtilis and L. helveticus were the main microbial species detected. Maltose was the main carbohydrate found (19.12 g L^?1), and lactic acid (15.09 g L^?1) and ethanol (92.16 g L^?1) were also found in high concentrations. Gas chromatography‐flame ionisation detector was used to identify thirteen volatile compounds. Among these volatiles, the higher concentrations were decanoic acid (123.04 μg L^?1) for the acids, diethyl malate (88.32 μg L^?1) for the esters, furfural (109.31 μg L^?1) for the aldehydes, 2‐phenylethanol (1022.76 μg L^?1) for the alcohols and 1,1‐diethoxyethane (226.24 μg L^?1) for the others. This study contributes to increasing knowledge of the microbiota present in the alcoholic fermentation produced from cassava, corn and sweet potatoes.     

In vitro culture of Pandanus amaryllifolius and enhancement of 2‐acetyl‐1‐pyrroline,the major flavouring compound of aromatic rice,by precursor feeding of L‐proline

Shoots, plantlets and semi‐differentiated callus (SDC) cultures of Pandanus amaryllifolius capable of producing high levels of basmati rice flavour were established in vitro using Murashige and Skoog nutrient medium. A total of 10% of the initial explants responded to produce shoot cultures in the presence of benzylamino purine (BAP) (0.5 mg L^?1) and glutamine (100 mg L^?1). Leaf explants and basal portions of shoots produced SDC whereas elongated in vitro shoots could be continuously multiplied, using BAP (1.5 mg L^?1) and kinetin (Kn) (1.0 mg L^?1), and rooted in half‐strength medium for ex vitro cultivation leading to a process of micropropagation. Steam‐distillation extraction (SDE) followed by gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry (GC‐MS) analysis of various cultured organs and spent liquid medium used for SDC revealed the presence of 2‐acetyl‐1‐pyrroline (2‐AP) to various extents. This 2‐AP compound has been identified as the major flavouring compound of scented basmati and other scented rice varieties. 2‐AP was found to be highest, on a fresh weight basis, in SDC (19.7 mg kg^?1) on the 40th day, whereas in vitro roots, shoots and field leaves (of one‐year‐old plant) had lower levels of 15, 6.8 and 14 mg kg^?1, respectively. Further enhancement of 2‐AP in SDC using precursor was possible by feeding into medium 1 mmol L^?1 of L ‐proline where a highest level of 21.67 ppm of 2‐AP accumulated on the seventh day whereas a higher level of 2 mmol L^?1 of L ‐proline suppressed 2‐AP levels. The present report is the first on the tissue culture studies of P. amaryllifolius where continuous production of plantlets as well as synthesis of high levels of 2‐AP has been documented. Copyright © 2005 Society of Chemical Industry     

Changes in theanine and caffeine contents of black tea with different rolling methods and processing stages

Theanine is a specific amino acid in tea, which has positive effects on health. Theanine contents of different grade Turkish teas, variations in the theanine content during tea processing, and the effects of different rolling processes on theanine content were determined. Theanine content of Turkish tea varying between 0.32 and 0.43 % has been reported for the first time by this study. Theanine content decreased in all processing steps from 10.0–3.42 to 7.73–3.97 mg g^?1 dw in Orthodox and Cay-Kur methods, respectively. In both methods, the highest theanine loss (almost 50 %) was observed in the withering step, which was followed by drying step. Caffeine content of Turkish tea was determined varying between 1.8 and 2.2 %. While the caffeine content increased in the withering step, it decreased in other steps. The correlation between theanine and caffeine contents was evaluated. A high correlation (R ² = 0.87) between the caffeine and theanine contents was found in teas classified by Cay-Kur method, and caffeine/theanine ratio was found to be around 5.3 in general.     

EFFECT OF HIGH-PRESSURE TREATMENT OF MILK ON LIPASE AND γ-GLUTAMYL TRANSFERASE ACTIVITY

High‐pressure (HP) treatment (0–180 min at 300–400 MPa) was applied to milk to evaluate the pressure effects on the activities of lipoprotein lipase and γ‐glutamyl transferase. Short time pressure exposure resulted in some enhancement in the activity of both enzymes, and for lipase, there was no inactivation during the entire pressure hold time (up to 100 min). With γ‐glutamyl transferase, the extent of enhancement in activity was pressure level dependent, with lower pressure resulting in a greater enhancement. Furthermore, longer pressure treatment times resulted in inactivation of γ‐glutamyl transferase, following a first order kinetic model. The pressure sensitivity of the inactivation parameters (k and D‐values) for γ‐glutamyl transferase was adequately described by the pressure death time and Arrhenius models with a z_pof 543 MPa and an associated volume of activation, ΔV^≠, of ?3.28 × 10^?8 m³/mole.     

Traditional fermented sausage ‘Nem chua’ as a source of yeast biocatalysts efficient for the production of the aroma compound γ‐decalactone

The yeast ecosystem of Nem chua, a Vietnamese traditional fermented sausage naturally rich in medium‐chain‐length lipid‐derived flavouring compounds, was investigated to select biocatalysts able to produce the C10‐fatty acid‐derived aroma compound γ‐decalactone. The total number of yeast was about 5 × 10⁴ to 4 × 10⁵ CFU g^?1, and eighty four different species were identified from morphological, physiological and 26S rDNA characteristics, with Candida sake and Candida haemulonii being found in all samples. Six strains able to produce γ‐decalactone from castor oil were selected, of which three Yarrowia lipolytica strains were able to produce between 1 and 2 g L^?1 in our study. The strains produced the same amount from the acyl substrate under the form of ester or free fatty acid. Every strain degraded the product at the end of the culture. These high productions make them good candidates for industrial processes and confirm that traditional fermented foods are interesting bioresources for biocatalysts.     

γ‐Glu‐Met synthesised using a bacterial glutaminase as a potential inhibitor of dipeptidyl peptidase IV

This study describes γ‐glutamyl dipeptides as competitive inhibitors of dipeptidyl peptidase‐IV (DPP‐IV), and the feasible synthesis of γ‐Glu‐Met through transpeptidation catalysed by a commercial glutaminase of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens. γ‐Glu‐Met, γ‐Glu‐Leu, γ‐Glu‐Phe, γ‐Glu‐Trp or γ‐Glu‐Tyr exhibited a competitive inhibitory effect on DPP‐IV. The yield of γ‐Glu‐Met was 26.16% under optimised conditions: 200 mm Gln, 20 mm Met, 0.1 U mL^?1 enzyme, pH 9.0, 37 °C and reaction time 3 h. For the first time, the side products containing characteristic sequences, that is poly‐γ‐glutamyl short chains with a terminal Met residue (γ‐Glu‐γ‐Glu‐Met and γ‐Glu‐γ‐Glu‐γ‐Glu‐Met) were identified. The superiority of the commercial glutaminase in the synthesis of DPP‐IV‐inhibitory peptides can enable the application of this novel process for manufacturing γ‐glutamyl‐peptides as potential functional ingredients in the type 2 diabetic diet.     

Volatile compounds produced by Bacillus species alkaline fermentation of bambara groundnut (Vigna subterranean (L.) Verdc) into a dawadawa-type African food condiment using headspace solid-phase microextraction and GC × GC–TOFMS

The reports on the volatile compounds of a dawadawa-type African food condiment produced from the alkaline fermentation of bambara groundnut (Vigna subterranea (L.) Verdc.) using Bacillus starter cultures are limited. Volatile compounds were isolated from dawadawa-type condiments using headspace solid phase microextraction and analysed by comprehensive gas chromatography coupled to time of flight mass spectrometry. Acids, aldehydes and alcohols accounted for over 70% of the volatile compounds produced in the Bacillus fermented samples. B. subtilis subsp. subtilis SFBA3 produced the highest content of acids (4969.60 µg kg^?1), while the highest content of aldehydes (2811.90 µg kg^?1) and alcohols (1247.60 µg kg^?1) was detected with Bacillus cereus PALB7 and Bacillus licheniformis OALB2, respectively. Sulphur-containing compounds concentration (85.80 µg kg^?1) was highest for Bacillus amyloliquefaciens SFBA2. Maximum 2-methyl butanoic acid and 3-methyl butanoic acid concentrations, indicative of typical dawadawa aroma, were produced by B. subtilis subsp. subtilis SFBA3.     

Time of methyl jasmonate application influences the development of ‘Cripps Pink’ apple fruit colour

BACKGROUND: The effects of time and numbers of pre‐harvest sprays of methyl jasmonate (MJ) on the development of red blush, export‐grade fruit, accumulation of flavonoids in fruit skin and quality of ‘Cripps Pink’ apple were investigated in 2005 and 2006. In the first experiment during 2005, whole trees were sprayed once with 10 mmol L^?1 MJ at weekly intervals from 155 to 183 days after full bloom (DAFB). In second experiment during 2006, different numbers of sprays (0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6) of 5 mmol L^?1 MJ were applied from 151 to 179 DAFB. RESULTS: A single spray of MJ (10 mmol L^?1) at 169 DAFB resulted in the highest increase in the red blush, export‐grade fruit, accumulation of anthocyanins, cyanidin 3‐galactosides, chlorogenic acid, phloridzin, flavanols and flavonols in fruit skin as compared to all other treatments without affecting fruit quality. A single spray of 5 mmol L^?1 MJ at 186 DAFB was more effective in improving red blush, export‐grade fruit and accumulation of anthocyanins in fruit skin as compared to its multiple applications. The exposed sides of fruit developed better colour than the shaded sides, regardless of time and numbers of MJ sprays. Time of a single spray of MJ is more effective than its multiple applications. CONCLUSIONS: A single pre‐harvest spray of MJ (10 mmol L^?1) at 169 DAFB or MJ (5 mmol L^?1) at 186 DAFB was effective in improving the red blush and export grade fruit through accumulation of flavonoids in fruit skin without adversely affecting quality at harvest. © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry     

Quantitative analysis of the major γ glutamyl peptides in onion bulbs (Allium cepa)

Quantitative analysis of the major γ glutamyl peptides present in cultivars of onion (Allium cepa L) bulbs representing brown, white and red varieties was achieved by ion exchange and electrophoretic separations and by quantitation involving integration of ninhydrin-developed spots on thin layer chromatography. γ Glutamyl trans-prop(I)enyl cysteine sulphoxide was found to be the major γ glutamyl peptide in each of the three cultivars at levels between 1.24 and 2.18 mg g^?1 fresh weight, followed by S-2-carboxypropyl glutathione (0.45-0.60 mg g^?1 fresh weight) and γ glutamyl phenylalanine (0.09-0.16 mg g^?1 fresh weight). Conclusive identification of each of the compounds was achieved by NMR spectroscopy and by GC-MS of the n-butyl, trifluoroacetyl derivatives of the hydrolysis products.     

Chemical characteristics of Śliwowica Łącka and other plum brandies

BACKGROUND: ?liwowica ??cka is a strong, distilled, home‐made plum brandy produced in a submontane region of Poland. The aim of the present study was to determine the chemical composition of this alcoholic beverage (samples from the years 2001–2004) and compare it with that of other plum brandies. Gas chromatography and spectrophotometry methods were used to detect major volatile components. RESULTS: Home‐made Polish plum brandies generally contained more ethanol (64.7–72.5% v/v), methanol (5.59–8.74 g L^?1100°) and butanol (32–335 mg L^?1100°) and less isobutanol (406–491 mg L^?1100°), pentanol (4.3–14.9 mg L^?1100°) and 2‐phenylethanol (61–68 mg L^?1100°) than other samples. The amyl alcohols/1‐propanol and isobutanol/1‐propanol ratios might be used as indices to distinguish spontaneously fermented plum brandies from those produced by monoculture. Statistically significant differences (P < 0.01) were found in the plum brandy sensory characteristics examined. Total sensory scores of Polish plum brandies ranged between 12.0 and 14.3, while Slovakian Slivovica received the highest score (16.7). CONCLUSION: The results showed that plum brandies produced in the ??cko area are characterised by a similar and original chemical composition that results mainly from spontaneous fermentation as well as traditional production technology. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry     

Physical,proximate, functional and pasting properties of four non‐ and γ‐irradiated bambara groundnut (Vigna subterranean) cultivars

Effect of γ‐irradiation (2–30 kGy) on physical, proximate, functional and pasting properties of four bambara groundnut cultivars was investigated. Packed (0.74–0.75 g mL^?1) and loose (0.71–0.76 g mL^?1) density varied significantly among cultivars. Generally, CIE L and hue angle decreased, while CIE a, b, deltachroma and colour intensity increased with increased dose. Protein (21.23–23.77 g/100 g), fat (6.38–7.69 g/100 g), crude fibre (1.28–3.54 g/100 g), ash (1.50–4.50 g/100 g) and moisture (10.67–12.92 g/100 g) of non‐ and γ‐irradiated bambara varied with cultivars and dose. Loose (0.41–0.49 g mL^?1) and packed (0.54–0.74 g mL^?1) densities, water absorption (1.62–2.38 g/g) and swelling (10.50–18.00 g/g) increased marginally, while oil absorption (1.93–2.82 g/g), alkaline water retention (0.66–1.23 g/g), emulsion capacity (40.31–58.23%) and stability (31.67–46.49%) decreased with increased dose. Foam capacity (6.85–22.37%) and stability (1.80–22.37%) of γ‐irradiated flours were higher than their nonirradiated (2.03–18.26%) counterparts. Nonirradiated flours showed significantly higher viscosities than their γ‐irradiated counterparts. Flours showed slightly shear‐thinning behaviours.     

Shelf‐life extension of vacuum‐packaged sea bream (Sparus aurata) fillets by combined γ‐irradiation and refrigeration: microbiological,chemical and sensory changes

The combined effect of γ‐irradiation and refrigeration on the shelf‐life of vacuum‐packaged sea bream (Sparus aurata) fillets was studied by monitoring the microbiological, chemical and sensory changes of non‐irradiated and irradiated fish samples using low‐dose irradiation doses of 1 and 3 kGy. Fish species such as sea bream and sea bass are very popular in the Mediterranean countries due to their high quality characteristics, and their preservation is a constant challenge given their extreme perishability. Irradiation (3 kGy) dramatically reduced populations of bacteria, namely, total viable counts (3 vs 7 log cfu g^?1) for the non‐irradiated samples, Pseudomonas spp (<2 vs 7.6 log cfu g^?1), H₂S‐producing bacteria typical of Shewanella putrefaciens (<2 vs 5.9 log cfu g^?1), Enterobacteriaceae (<2 vs 6.0 log cfu g^?1) and lactic acid bacteria (<2 vs 3.5 log cfu g^?1) after 10 days of storage. The effect was more pronounced at the higher dose (3 kGy). Lactic acid bacteria, Enterobacteriaceae and H₂S‐producing bacteria typical of Shewanella putrefaciens showed higher sensitivity to γ‐radiation than did the rest of the microbial species. Of the chemical indicators of spoilage, Trimethylamine (TMA) values of non‐irradiated sea bream increased very slowly, whereas for irradiated samples significantly lower values were obtained reaching a final value of 7.9 and 6.3 mg N per 100 g muscle at 1 and 3 kGy respectively (day 42). Total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB‐N) values increased slowly attaining a value of 67.3 mg N per 100 g for non‐irradiated sea bream during refrigerated storage, whereas for irradiated fish, lower values of 52.8 and 43.1 mg N per 100 g muscle were recorded (day 42). Thiobarbituric acid (TBA) values for irradiated sea bream samples were higher than respective non‐irradiated fish and increased slowly until day 21 of storage, reaching final values of 1.1 (non‐irradiated), 2.0 (1 kGy) and 2.2 mg malonaldehyde kg^?1 muscle (3 kGy), respectively (day 42). Sensory evaluation showed a good correlation with bacterial populations. On the basis of overall acceptability scores (sensory evaluation) a shelf‐life of 28 days (3 kGy) was obtained for vacuum‐packaged sea bream, compared with a shelf‐life of 9–10 days for the non‐irradiated sample. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry     

Isolation of eriocitrin (eriodictyol 7‐O‐rutinoside) as an arachidonate lipoxygenase inhibitor from Lumie fruit (Citrus lumia) and its distribution in Citrus species

An inhibitory compound acting against rat platelet 12‐lipoxygenase was isolated from the peel of Lumie fruit (Citrus lumia) by activity‐guided separation. It was identified as eriocitrin (eriodictyol 7‐O‐rutinoside) by spectroscopic analyses. Eriocitrin inhibited 5‐lipoxygenase (IC₅₀29.1 µmol L^?1) from rat peritoneal polymorphonuclear leukocytes in addition to 12‐lipoxygenase (IC₅₀22.3 µmol L^?1). Its aglycone, eriodictyol (5,7,3′, 4′‐tetrahydroxyflavanone), was a much more potent inhibitor of both 12‐lipoxygenase (IC₅₀0.07 µmol L^?1) and 5‐lipoxygenase (IC₅₀0.20 µmol L^?1). It also inhibited the production of leukotriene B₄ in intact peritoneal polymorphonuclear leukocytes stimulated with calcium ionophore A23187 (IC₅₀12.7 µmol L^?1). The distribution of eriocitrin in 39 citrus fruits was investigated by high‐performance liquid chromatography analysis. Lumie, eureka lemon (Citrus limon), Sambokan (Citrus sulcata), Sudachi (Citrus sudachi) and Koji (Citrus leiocarpa) fruits were found to contain high levels of eriocitrin in both peel and juice vesicles. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry     

Modulation of salt (NaCl)‐induced effects on oil composition and fatty acid profile of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) by exogenous application of salicylic acid

BACKGROUND: Salicylic acid (SA) is a potential endogenous plant hormone that plays an important role in plant growth and development. Since sunflower yield and its seed oil yield are adversely affected by salinity, in this study the role of SA in modulating salt (NaCl)‐induced effects on various yield and oil characteristics of sunflower was investigated. For this purpose a greenhouse experiment comprising two sunflower hybrid lines (Hysun‐33 and SF‐187), two NaCl levels (0 and 120 mmol L^?1) and four SA levels (0, 100, 200 and 300 mg L^?1) was conducted. RESULTS: Salt stress markedly reduced yield, oil content, linoleic acid and δ‐tocopherol in both sunflower lines, while it increased linolenic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid and α‐ and γ‐tocopherols. However, increasing levels of foliar‐applied SA resulted in improved achene yield and hundred‐achene weight in both lines. Foliar‐applied SA caused a significant decrease in oil stearic acid and α‐ and γ‐tocopherols in both lines under non‐saline and saline conditions. CONCLUSION: Salt‐induced harmful effects on achene yield and oil characteristics of sunflower could be alleviated by exogenous application of SA. High doses of SA caused a marked increase in sunflower achene oil content as well as some key fatty acids. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry     

Hydrolysis of Tropical Tuber Starches by Bacterial and Pancreatic α-Amylases

Action of porcine pancreatic and Bacillus subtilis α-amylases on native tuber starches of yam (Dioscorea alata), sweet potato (Ipomea batatas) and tannia (Xanthosoma sagittifolium) was studied in comparison with the well known potato and cassava starches. Large differences in enzymes susceptibilities were observed when studied on 24h. Yam starch was 3.5% hydrolysed with 2,8 μkat amylase/g starch, three times less than potato and tannia starches while sweet potato starch was 53% hydrolysed, two times less than cassava starch. Except yam, level of hydrolysis was higher with porcine pancreatic amylase than with the Bacillus subtilis amylase while initial hydrolysis rate was lesser. Microscopic observations and image analysis pointed out that the polyhedric shaped granules of tannia, sweet potato and cassava starches were much more damaged than the spherical ones. Pitting occured preferentially on the edges of the granules and the enzymes penetrated into the starch granule by pores and canals of corrosion. Conversely to other starches, hydrolysis of yam starches evidenced greater differences between action of Bacillus subtilis and pancreatic α-amylases. The enzymes acted by pitting some parts of the granules surface, the number of pores and their size being related to enzyme source.     

Evaluation of in vitro probiotic potential of phytase‐producing bacterial strain as a new probiotic candidate

Sixty‐three phytase‐producing bacterial strains were isolated from natural sources, and their probiotic potential was evaluated. Of these, only fifteen strains were selected on the basis of confirmatory plate assay. Among these, five phytase‐producing strains exhibiting potent probiotic properties were identified as Bacillus cereus P1, Bacillus subtilis P6, B. subtilis P7, Pseudomonas aeruginosa P12 and P. aeruginosa P15 on the basis of morphological, biochemical and molecular characteristics. Maximum phytase activity (2.74 EU mL^?1) with potential probiotic properties, that is more than 70% survivability at pH 2.0, up to 2.0% bile salt tolerance, sporulation efficiency of more than 80% and survival in anaerobic condition (94.31%), was revealed by B. subtilis P6 as compared to the well‐established commercial probiotic strains Lactobacillus sporogenes and Lactobacillus casei. Thus, phytase‐producing B. subtilis P6 with promising probiotic features can be used in food and animal feed applications for betterment of mankind after further validation.     

Phytosterols and γ‐oryzanol in rice bran oils and distillates from physical refining process

Commercially available refined rice bran oil (RBO) contained high contents of phytosterol and γ‐oryzanol, that is, 858–1034 and 248–887 mg per 100 g oil, respectively. Although the crude rice bran oil (CRBO) had high contents of both phytochemicals (1362–1376 mg phytosterol per 100 g and 1599–1666 mg γ‐oryzanol per 100 g), physical refining process resulted in their reduction to 820–895 mg phytosterol per 100 g and 933–960 mg γ‐oryzanol per 100 g in RBO (P < 0.05). Both phytochemicals evaporated and accumulated in the deodoriser distillate (DD) to some extent during the deodorising step. Further distillation of DD using molecular distillation (MD) evaporated the free fatty acids (FFAs), resulting in the unevaporated fraction (UMD) having the acid values of 5.6–9.3 mg KOH g^?1. The UMD also contained 1585–3391 mg phytosterol per 100 g and 781–848 mg γ‐oryzanol per 100 g. Results suggest potential use of DD as the source of phytochemicals for further concentration by MD.     

Determination of Theanine and Catechin in <Emphasis Type="Italic">Camellia sinensis</Emphasis> (Kangra Tea) Leaves by HPTLC and NMR Techniques

Camellia sinensis is used to make special tea and also become a raw material for dietary supplements, health foods, and cosmeceuticals. Theanine (amino acid) and catechins (polyphenol) are most abundantly found in tea leaves. Theanine and catechins are also responsible for taste and flavor of tea products along with therapeutic and nutritional values. Hence, identification and quantification method for theanine and catechin has been developed using high performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC) and NMR techniques. HPTLC method was validated for selectivity, sensitivity, accuracy, and precision. Theanine and catechin were quantified in three tea samples including randomly plucked tea leaves (HAR), authentically plucked tea leaves (HAN), and processed tea (HAT). Both theanine and catechin were found maximum in HAN as compared to HAR and HAT. The Validated HPTLC method is economical, rapid, and highly suitable for quantification of theanine and catechin. Moreover NMR studies were also used for the qualitative and quantitative estimation of theanine and catechin along with other important metabolites in C. sinensis samples.