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Avenanthramides are phenolic compounds unique to oats and may contribute to health‐promoting properties associated with oat consumption. This study used Xenopus laevis oocytes expressing the glucose transporters, glucose transporter 2 (GLUT2) or sodium–glucose transport protein 1 (SGLT1) and human Caco‐2 cells models to investigate the effect of oat avenanthramides on human intestinal glucose transporters. The presence of avenanthramide reduced the glucose uptake in a dose‐dependent manner in Caco‐2 cells. Glucose uptake in oocytes expressing either GLUT2 or SGLT1 was nullified by oat avenanthramide. There was no significant difference between the inhibition potencies of avenanthramides C and B. Thus, our results suggest that avenanthramides may contribute to the antidiabetic properties of oats. Practical applications: The present research focus on the antidiabetic properties of avenanthramides, which are unique phenolic compounds found in oats. Inhibiting the activities of the glucose transport proteins expressed in the small intestine is a known strategy to improve the control of postprandial glucose level. We therefore examined the inhibitory effects of avenanthramides on two glucose transporters, glucose transporter 2 and sodium–glucose transport protein 1, predominantly found in the small intestine using the human small intestinal cell model Caco‐2 cell line and by heterologously expressing these two transporters in the Xenopus laevis oocytes. Based on our results, we have confirmed for the first time that the glucose uptake is indeed inhibited by the presence of avenanthramides, suggesting the possibility of incorporating avenanthramides in foods to enhance postprandial glucose response, and ultimately improve the management of diabetes. Therefore, future research could consider utilizing this evidence in the development of diabetic‐friendly functional foods or nutraceuticals containing avenanthramides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Starch is widely utilized in the food industry, but its native form may have limitations in terms of functionality and nutrition. This study examines the characteristics of native oat starch and explores its potential for chemical modification by cross‐linking, with the aim of gaining a deeper understanding of its functionality. Citrate‐modified oat starch (COS) is generated by cross‐linking native oat starch (NOS) with citric acid. Chemical analysis reveals distinctions between NOS and COS, notably in terms of resistant starch content, which is elevated in COS. X‐ray diffraction (XRD) results reveal that NOS exhibits crystalline peaks characteristic of A‐type starch, distinguishing it from COS. In contrast, COS displays absent crystalline peaks, attributed to cross‐linking. Swelling factor, solubility, and paste clarity along with most of the pasting properties are found to be significantly lower for COS compared to NOS. The scanning electron microscopic images show how cross‐linking can alter the morphology of the NOS. The findings from this investigation highlight significant distinctions between NOS and COS. The cross‐linking process successfully enhances the resistant starch content and imparted distinctive properties absent in native oat starch. Consequently, there is potential for incorporating modified oat starch as a food ingredient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The studies on the effects of arabinoxylan (AX) polysaccharides on postprandial glucose response have resulted in contrasting results owing to the diversity in AX structures. Four water extractable AX (WEAX) extracts obtained from wheat aleurone and bran were used to investigate (a) the effect of AX on activities of α-amylase and α-glucosidase, (b) influence of AX chemical composition on their inhibition potency, and (c) kinetics of enzyme inhibition. α-Amylase activity was not significantly affected by the presence WEAX fractions regardless of type or concentration. WEAX inhibited α-glucosidase activity only when maltose was used as a substrate but not sucrose. The IC50 values of WEAX (4.88±0.3–10.14±0.5 mg/mL) were highly correlated to ferulic acid content (R=-0.89), arabinose to xylose ratio (R=-0.67), and relative proportions of xylose being unsubstituted (R=0.69), disubstituted (R=-0.63), and monosubstituted (R=-0.76). The Lineweaver–Burk plot suggested an uncompetitive enzyme inhibition mode. Thus, our results suggest that antiglycemic properties of WEAX may be derived from direct inhibition of α-glucosidase activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of feruloylated arabinoxylan mono- and oligosaccharides (FAXmo) on mammalian α-glucosidase and glucose transporters was investigated using human Caco-2 cells, rat intestinal acetone powder, and Xenopus laevis oocytes. The isolated FAXmo from wheat aleurone and corn bran were identified to have degree of polymerization (DP) of 4 and 1, respectively, by HPLC-MS. Both FAXmo extracts were effective inhibitors of sucrase and maltase functions of the α-glucosidase. The IC50 for FAXmo extracts on Caco-2 cells and rat intestinal α-glucosidase was 1.03–1.65 mg/mL and 2.6–6.5 mg/mL, respectively. Similarly, glucose uptake in Caco-2 cells was inhibited up to 40%. The inhibitory effect of FAXmo was dependent on their ferulic acid (FA) content (R = 0.95). Sodium independent glucose transporter 2 (GLUT2) activity was completely inhibited by FAXmo in oocytes injected to express GLUT2. Our results suggest that ferulic acid and feruloylated arabinoxylan mono-/oligosaccharides have potential for use in diabetes management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of xylanase type ( Trichoderma viride or Neocallimastix patriciarum ) and graded ethanol fractionation on the antioxidant capacity (AOC) of arabinoxylan oligosaccharides (AXOS) obtained from wheat aleurone was investigated. AXOS yields were higher using N. patriciarum (62%) than T. viride (44%). The fraction (F100) collected at >80% ethanol concentration constituted 60% of total recovered AXOS. Degree of substitution ranged from 0.20 to 0.60 for ethanol graded fractions. Ferulic acid (FA) esterified to AXOS (8.0 μg/ mg) was 2-fold lower for the N. patriciarum treatment. The mean AOC (41.6, 183.1, and 394.9 μM TE/mg) of T. viride treated AXOS was >1.4-fold higher than N. patriciarum treatment using DPPH and ABTS and ORAC assays, respectively. Fraction F100 had highest AOC. AOC was influenced by the content of esterified FA ( R 2 = 0.94). The type of xylanase had a major influence on the AOC of the resultant AXOS rich in FA content. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Undernutrition during childhood is a common disorder in the developing countries, however most research has focussed much on its treatment rather than its prevention. Objective We investigated the potential of using chickpeas in infant follow-on formula production against the requirements of WHO/FAO on complementary foods and EU regulations on follow-on formula. Methods Chickpeas were germinated for 72 hours followed by boiling, drying and dehulling in order to minimise associated anti-nutrition factors. Saccharifying enzymes were used to hydrolyse starch to maltose and the resulting flours were analysed for their protein content and amino acid profile. Results The protein content (percentage) increased from 16.66 ± 0.35 and 20.24 ± 0.50 to 20.00 ± 0.15 and 21.98 ± 0.80 for the processed desi and kabuli cultivar compared to raw chickpeas, respectively (P < 0.05). There was insignificant change (P = 0.05) in amino acid profile following processing and the resulting flour was found to meet the amino acid requirements of WHO/FAO protein reference for 0-24 month's children. Conclusion The designed chickpea based infant follow-on formula meets the WHO/FAO requirements on complementary foods and also the EU regulations on follow-on formula with minimal addition of oils, minerals and vitamins. It uses chickpea as a common source of carbohydrate and protein hence making it more economical and affordable for the developing countries without compromising the nutrition quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Cultivar, and location affected asparagine concentration of Canadian HRS wheat. • Two cultivars of wheat with low asparagine accumulating potential were identified. • N and S did not significantly affect asparagine concentration of the wheat kernel. The need to produce wheat with low asparagine concentration is of great importance as a measure to mitigate acrylamide concentration in wheat-based products. The association of asparagine concentration in Canadian bread wheat with cultivar, growing location, fertilizer and their interaction were investigated. Wheat cultivars (8) were grown in 2 locations under 4 fertilizer treatments in triplicate (which consisted of two nitrogen rates (90 or 120 lbs/acre) with or without 15 lbs sulphur per acre). The asparagine concentration ranged from 168.9 to 1050 µg/g and was significantly affected by cultivar, location, and their interaction but not fertilizer treatment. Location and cultivar were responsible for 80% and 14% of the variation, respectively. Some cultivars were not affected by location and maintained their low asparagine accumulation trait. Thus, breeding strategies should aim to identify cultivars that are low asparagine accumulating and are stable across different growing environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phenolic acids are thought to be involved in modulating the activity of intestinal α‐glucosidase which is desirable in the treatment and management of diabetes. However, limited data exist on the structural activity relationship between phenolic acid derivatives and intestinal α‐glucosidase activity inhibition. Thus five (5) hydroxycinnamic and six (6) hydroxybenzoic acid derivatives and four (4) hydroxycinnamic acid conjugates common in cereal grains were used to investigate the structural activity relationship and the kinetics of enzyme inhibition. α‐Glucosidase activity was inhibited by 4%–55% in the presence of the phenolic acid derivatives. The inhibition potency was dependent on the number of hydroxyl and methoxy groups present in the aromatic ring. Conjugation to other compounds did not affect their inhibition potency. The Lineweaver–Burk plots suggest mixed, competitive and uncompetitive types of inhibition. These results suggest that some derivatives of phenolic acid could play a significant role in prevention and management of diabetes. Practical Applications: Phenolic acids, a group of biologically active compounds, present in cereal grains are thought to be involved in the prevention and management of diabetes through inhibiting the activities of enzymes in the intestine (such as α‐glucosidase). Intestinal α‐glucosidase is one of the enzymes required to breakdown sugars before their absorption into blood. This work investigated how the structure of phenolic acids found in cereal grain affects the activity of this enzyme. The results suggest that the number of hydroxyl and methoxy groups present in the main structure of phenolic acid decides to what extent the activity of the enzyme (α‐glucosidase) is inhibited. Understanding of this structure–activity relationship will help in identifying the type or variety of cereal grain that has the highest efficacy in preventing or managing diabetes based on their phenolic acid profile. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A rapid, reliable, and user-friendly method that does not require complex sample preparation and sophisticated instrumentation will fulfill an emerging demand for free asparagine (ASN) analysis to ascertain acrylamide-related food safety issues in baked cereal products. This study validated a new method for wheat free asparagine analysis by comparing a rapid enzymatic test with two established analytical methods: UPLC and 1H-NMR using asparagine standards and whole-wheat flours with a range of free asparagine concentrations. For method validation, various quality parameters were assessed, including accuracy, precision, and sensitivity. Experimental and time costs associated with the analyses were estimated. The rapid test method had consistent accuracy, excellent precision of 1.0 or less (CV%), good sensitivity (0.0389 AU L mg−1) of free asparagine signal detection, and the least cost for experimental materials and instrument usage. A strong correlation (r = 0.997) between the results generated by the rapid enzymatic test and the UPLC method for free ASN quantification in whole-wheat flour was obtained. Overall, the rapid test method is recommended for ASN analysis in simple laboratory environments or in industrial applications. [Display omitted] • Free asparagine continues to be a marker for acrylamide risks in wheat supply chain. • A rapid novel enzymatic test for free asparagine quantification is introduced. • Enzymatic test compares well with two established but more complicated methods. • Method is apt for applying practical steps to reduce acrylamide in wheat supply chain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is evermore imperative to develop green processes and products due to the environmental and health problems facing modern society. Thus, the aims of this study were as follows: to use HPLC-MS to identify and quantify the phenolic compounds in Amazon Curcuma longa L. starch; to develop a bioactive starch film and to characterise its phenolic compounds (HPLC-MS) and antioxidant capacity (DPPH, ABTS and ORAC), as well its thickness and granular structure (SEM), mechanical (tensile strength and elongation at break) and colour (CIE-lab scale: L*, a*, b*) properties. HPLC-MS revealed eight major phenolic compounds in the C. longa starch and six in its film. The starch and the film from C. longa had high levels of antioxidant capacity, 65-92% (as measured by DPPH and ABTS). Furthermore, C. longa exhibited a smooth structural surface and strong resistance to tensile force, as well as maintaining its elasticity as measured by mechanical assays (tensile strength and elongation at break). Based on the obtained results a novel biodegradable starch film was obtained applying a single matrix, the Amazon Curcuma longa L. starch. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Undernutrition during childhood is a common disorder in the developing countries, however most research has focussed much on its treatment rather than its prevention.Objective: We investigated the potential of using chickpeas in infant follow-on formula production against the requirements of WHO/FAO on complementary foods and EU regulations on follow-on formula.Methods: Chickpeas were germinated for 72 hours followed by boiling, drying and dehulling in order to minimise associated anti-nutrition factors. Saccharifying enzymes were used to hydrolyse starch to maltose and the resulting flours were analysed for their protein content and amino acid profile.Results: The protein content (percentage) increased from 16.66 ± 0.35 and 20.24 ± 0.50 to 20.00 ± 0.15 and 21.98 ± 0.80 for the processed desi and kabuli cultivar compared to raw chickpeas, respectively (P < 0.05). There was insignificant change (P = 0.05) in amino acid profile following processing and the resulting flour was found to meet the amino acid requirements of WHO/FAO protein reference for 0-24 month's children.Conclusion: The designed chickpea based infant follow-on formula meets the WHO/FAO requirements on complementary foods and also the EU regulations on follow-on formula with minimal addition of oils, minerals and vitamins. It uses chickpea as a common source of carbohydrate and protein hence making it more economical and affordable for the developing countries without compromising the nutrition quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multivariate data analysis feasibility for the evaluation of Brazilian stingless bee honey (SBH) by pollen spectrum, bioactive compounds content, physicochemical, antioxidant and antimicrobial analysis was investigated. Levels of total and individual phenolics content were analyzed by HPLC–PDA. The antioxidant capacity was performed by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl free radical (DPPH), oxygen radical absorption capacity (ORAC) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays. The total phenolic compounds from the thirty-two SBH was positively correlated with the antioxidant capacity. Bioactive compounds such as p -coumaric acid, quercetin, and hesperetin were identified in all the samples. Brazilian SBH shows more effective antibacterial activity against Gram-negative bacteria (E. coli and S. Typhimurium) compared to Gram-positive ones. Results also revealed that SBH could reach up to 45% higher antioxidant and biological activities than the traditional Apis mellifera honey. Chemometrics shows that chemical and biological properties of SBH have a strong relationship with the pollen botanical origin. Principal component analysis (PCA) grouped the honey into three categories with predominant pollen from Verbenaceae, Asteraceae and Sapindaceae families, confirming that SBH belonging to the same floral origin present similar characteristics. Graphical abstract Unlabelled Image • Honey with Verbenaceae and Asteraceae pollen have more antioxidant properties. • The antibacterial activity was highly effective against E. coli and S. Typhimurium. • Stingless bee honey can be clustered according to botanical origin of the pollen • Chemometrics is a useful tool to discriminate the stingless bee honey. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Starches with different particle size were obtained by milling and air classification. • The coarse starch had higher ΔH, pasting temperature and RDS content. • All starches displayed similar C-type X-ray diffraction pattern and FTIR spectra. • The fine starch presented short-range molecular order and low number of double helix structure. • These findings may provide a basis for the various applications of pea starches. The fine, coarse and parent starches were isolated from pea flour by milling and air-classification. Their structural, thermal, physicochemical properties and in vitro digestibility were investigated. Particle Size Distribution showed the fine starch with the smallest unimodal distribution (18.33 and 19.02 μm) displayed higher degree of short-range molecular order and lower number of double helix structure. Scanning Electron Microscopy showed the morphology of the coarse starch granules as uniform in size and lacking protein particles on its smooth surface. Differential Scanning Calorimetry revealed the coarse starch had higher enthalpy changes while Rapid Visco Analysis showed higher peak, trough, and breakdown viscosities for the fine starch. In vitro digestibility featured the fine starch containing lower fast digesting starch contents, but with higher resistant starch content, indicating its resistance to enzymatic hydrolysis. The results could provide theoretical support for application of pea starch in functional foods and the manufacture of emerging starch products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Oats are rich source of beta-glucan and phenolic compounds. • Processing techniques alter beta-glucan properties and affects its efficacy. • Oats lower blood pressure and studies are needed to further reveal its potential. Oats are a rich source of a soluble fibre, beta-glucan, phenolic compounds, as well as functional lipid and protein components that could potentially aid in preventing and managing hypertension. Processing techniques commonly used to manufacture oat based foods have been shown to improve its physiological efficacy. Hypertension is a common condition that is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, a primary cause of mortality worldwide. Though exercise and pharmacological interventions are often used in the management of hypertension, diet is an incredibly important factor. One preclinical study and a handful of clinical studies have shown that oat components/products are effective in lowering blood pressure. However, research in this area is limited and more studies are needed to elucidate the anti-hypertensive potential of oats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]