Phytochemical Constituents,Attenuated Total Reflectance Fourier Transform Infrared Analysis and Antimicrobial Activity of Four Plant Leaves Used for Preparing Rice Beer in Assam,India

Phytochemicals content and antimicrobial activity of Artocarpus heterophyllus, Cyclosorus extensa, Oldendia corymbosa, and Alpinia malaccensis were investigated. Maximum alkaloids and terpenoids were found in A. heterophyllus; tannins and saponins in C. extensa; flavonoids, polyphenols, and phytosterols in O. corymbosa and anthraquinone, glycosides, and anthocyaninin A. malaccensis. Aqueous, methanolic, ethyl acetate, and hexane extracts were prepared from all the leaves. Attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometric (ATR-FTIR) analysis revealed that alkanes and alkyl halides were prevalent in all the extracts and the ethyl acetate extracts contained comparatively higher number of functional groups, which were also more effective against Candida albicans, Escherichia coli, and Staphylococcus aureus. The minimum inhibitory concentration values of A. malaccensis against the tested pathogens were found to be lesser than the other species.     

Antioxidant capacity and total phenolics of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Cyphostemma digitatum</Emphasis> before and after processing: use of different assays

In the framework of standardisation of new healthy food sources, this paper aimed to study the total phenolics and the antioxidant power of Cyphostemma digitatum (Vitaceae) in water and ethanol extracts, using 96-well micro plates with BMG FLUOstar Optima micro plate reader. Total phenolics by Folin–Ciocalteu method in the water extracts were significantly lower after processing, decreasing from 1.41 ± 0.06 g GAE/100 g in the raw leaves to 0.80 ± 0.08 g GAE/100 g in the processed sample; the ethanol extract revealed the same trend with higher values, decreasing from 1.95 ± 0.03 to 1.56 ± 0.12 g GAE/100 g. The antioxidant capacity was elucidated by four methods: TEAC, DPPH, FRAP and ORAC. No or very weak correlations were found between antioxidant assays and total phenolics; this confirms that the antioxidant capacity could be attributed to other molecules. The ORAC assay proved to be more powerful than the other assays; it showed 103.3 ± 2.5 mmol/100 g Trolox equivalents in the raw leaves ethanol extract and 91.9 ± 3.0 mmol/100 g in the processed sample. ORAC assay showed the opposite for the water extract where the antioxidant capacity increased from 16.7 ± 0.2 to 41.7 ± 2.7 mmol/100 g Trolox equivalents after processing, which could be attributed to new water-soluble compounds generated in the consumed form.     

Measurement of anthocyanins and other phytochemicals in purple wheat

The major anthocyanin composition of normal purple wheat and heat stressed purple wheat were measured using HPLC, LC–MS/MS and the pH differential method. The lignan secoisolariciresinol diglucoside (SDG) and melatonin content were also measured. Total anthocyanin profile of normal purple wheat (491.3 mg/kg) was significantly (P < 0.05) lower than that of the heat stressed purple wheat (522.7 mg/kg). Thirteen major anthocyanins were isolated and cyanidin 3-glucoside was the predominant anthocyanin in purple wheat. Using the pH differential method, the total anthocyanin content of normal (500.6 mg/kg) and heat stressed (526.0 mg/kg) purple wheat were similar to those observed using HPLC. The SDG content of normal and heat stressed purple wheat were 770 and 520 μg/kg, while melatonin content was 4 and 2 μg/kg, respectively. The presence of SDG and melatonin in addition to anthocyanins may contribute to the health benefits associated with consumption of coloured cereal grains.     

Coffee and cancer risk,epidemiological evidence,and molecular mechanisms

Although early studies suggested that coffee consumption might increase risk of some cancers, more comprehensive epidemiological and experimental data now generally indicate either neutral or beneficial effects. In this review, we summarize the current evidence for associations between breast, prostate, colorectal, and liver cancers and the consumption of coffee, and discuss the experimental evidence for potential chemopreventive mechanisms of coffee and coffee constituents. The epidemiological evidence consistently indicates that coffee protects against liver cancer, and also point toward protective effects for risk of colorectal cancers (with relative risks of 0.50 (95% CI: 0.42–0.59) and 0.83 (95% CI: 0.75–0.92), respectively, in the most recent meta‐analyses). There seems to be no association between the overall risk of breast and prostate cancer and coffee intake. However, for subgroups such as postmenopausal breast cancers, advanced prostate cancers, and breast and prostate cancer survivors, an inverse association with coffee intake is indicated. Potential mechanisms for chemopreventive effects of coffee phytochemicals includes inhibition of oxidative stress and oxidative damage, regulation of DNA repair, phase II enzymatic activity, apoptosis, inflammation, as well as having antiproliferative, antiangiogenetic effects and antimetastatic effects. The experimental evidence for effects of coffee and coffee constituents on each of these processes is discussed.     

紫花苜蓿生物活性与应用的研究现状

紫花苜蓿的茎、叶中含有多种营养素及未知生长因子,紫花苜蓿次生代谢物具有多种独特的生物活性,如抗氧化、抑菌等。本文简述了紫花苜蓿叶蛋白、皂苷、类黄酮、膳食纤维等主要活性成分及其营养保健作用,并谈及紫花苜蓿活性成分营养保健的应用前景。     

Phytochemical and antioxidant characterization of mamey (Pouteria sapota Jacq. H.E. Moore & Stearn) fruit

Phytochemical compounds in fruits and vegetables have gained great importance in the last few years because of the increasing evidence suggesting their antioxidant and prevention of chronic diseases. Carotenoids, phenolics, flavonoids, and vitamins E and C, are among these phytochemicals. Several fruits have been characterized so far for their antioxidant and health properties but there is still limited information on fruits from the tropic. Therefore, the objective of this study was the characterization of mamey fruit (Pouteria sapota Jacq. H. E. Moore & Stearn) with regard to their antioxidant capacity and phytochemical profile. Phenolics, carotenoids and ??-tocopherol were quantified and identified by HPLC-DAD-Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS), and DPPH and FRAP assays were used to evaluate antioxidant capacity. Hydrophilic extracts of mamey fruit showed higher antioxidant capacity than the lipophilic portion. Total soluble phenols content was 28.5 mg GAE/100 g fw, being p-hydroxybenzoic acid as the main phenolic that was identified. Total carotenoid content was 1127.9 ??g ??-carotene/100 g fw with ??-carotene being the main contributor, in addition to lutein, and violoxanthin. Concentration of ??-tocopherol was 360.0 ??g/100 g fw. Results of this study suggest that mamey fruit is a good source of carotenoids and its inclusion in the diet is recommended.     

Total isothiocyanate yield from raw cruciferous vegetables commonly consumed in the United States

Dietary isothiocyanates are a group of promising chemopreventive agents obtained primarily from cruciferous vegetables. Due to their potent chemopreventive and/or anti-cancer activities, there is a growing interest in assessing dietary isothiocyanate exposure and its impact on human health. Using the HPLC-based cyclocondensation assay, the current study measured total isothiocyanate yield from raw cruciferous vegetables. A total of 73 samples comprising nine types of cruciferous vegetables were analyzed. We observed a wide range of isothiocyanate content across the individual vegetables with an average level of 16.2 μmol/100 g wet weight, ranging from 1.5 μmol in raw cauliflower to 61.3 μmol in raw mustard greens. The data represent the maximum amount of isothiocyanates released from the intake of raw cruciferous vegetables. Given that the vegetables assayed in this study include the most commonly consumed cruciferous vegetables in western diets, the data may be particularly useful in estimation of dietary isothiocyanate exposure in these populations. However, due to the variation observed within each vegetable, biomarkers such as urinary isothiocyanate level may be necessary for accurate estimation of individual exposure.     

Bioactive phytochemicals, nutritional value, and functional properties of cape gooseberry (Physalis peruviana): An overview

Exotic fruits play an important role in nutrition as an excellent base for low calorie and dietetic products. Highly valued for its unique flavor, texture and color, recent research has shown cape gooseberry (Physalis peruviana) to be high in many beneficial compounds. The diversity of functional applications to which P. peruviana can be put gives this fruit great importance. The food industry has used cape gooseberry in different products including beverages, yogurts and jams. With the rapidly growing popularity of this unique fruit it is important to have a comprehensive reference for its nutritional benefits. This review provides a valuable source for current knowledge on bioactive phytochemicals and further development of P. peruviana for functional foods as well as nutraceutical and pharmaceutical industries.     

Chemical composition of a soybean cultivar lacking lipoxygenases (LOX2 and LOX3)

The nutrient, phytic acid, oxalate, trypsin inhibitors and isoflavones composition of a whole soy flour produced from a new cultivar (UFV-116), lacking lipoxygenases 2 and 3, compared to a conventional cultivar (OCEPAR-19) were determined. Protein and dietary fibres (total, soluble and insoluble) were similar for both cultivars. OCEPAR-19 was higher in lipids and UFV-116 in ash content (p < 0.05). Indispensable, dispensable and total aminoacid as well as Ca, K and Mg were higher for UFV-116. This cultivar also showed higher levels of phytic acid, oxalate and trypsin inhibitors (p < 0.05). Total saturated and unsaturated fatty acids were similar between them. However, palmitic and linoleic acids were higher for UFV-116 and stearic, α-linolenic and oleic acids for OCEPAR-19 (p < 0.05). The higher concentration of isoflavones in UFV-116 (p < 0.05) could provide better benefit for human health. Experimental studies are necessary to evaluate health effects of this new soybean cultivar.     

Bioactivity of endosperm extracts from susceptible and resistant bean seeds against Callosobruchus maculatus

Due to their high nutritional value, seeds are often the target of herbivory. In response, plants have evolved a host of adaptations that physically and/or chemically reduce the likelihood of granivory. In grain legumes, the main chemical defences within the endosperm derive from anti-nutritional proteins such as lectins and protease inhibitors. However, less is known about the bioactivity of secondary metabolites found within seeds. Here, solvent extraction was used to identify the major classes of phytochemicals found within the endosperm of both resistant beans (Phaseolus vulgaris) and susceptible beans (Vigna unguiculata). Phenols and terpenoids were recovered from the resistant P. vulgaris seeds only, whilst glycosides and flavonoids were recovered in greater amounts from P. vulgaris in comparison to V. unguiculata. To assess the bioactivity of the extracts against the seed beetle, Callosobruchus maculatus, the extracts were incorporated into artificial seeds and key life-history traits of the beetle determined. The results show the endosperm of both resistant and susceptible beans to contain an ensemble of secondary metabolites that deter oviposition (antixenosis) by adult beetles and disrupt the survival and development of the larvae (antibiosis). However, no extract resulted in complete resistance, indicating that the phytochemicals function alongside other anti-herbivory mechanisms such as α-amylase inhibitors and protease inhibitors. Breeding programmes could potentially select for key phytochemical groups such as terpenoids or glycosides in cultivars in order to optimise the trade-off between resistance and agronomic quality by harnessing the anti-herbivory properties of secondary metabolites in conjunction with anti-nutritional proteins.