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Nasturtium officinale R.Br. (Betong watercress) contains high levels of secondary metabolites that offer health benefits. However, fresh-cut watercress has a short shelf life. This study aimed to assess the effect of drying methods on the phytochemical contents, antioxidant activity, and anti-diabetic activity of Betong watercress. The watercress was dried using three methods: roasting (R, 50 °C, 40 min); roasting and drying (RD, 40 min roasting at 50 °C and 1 h drying at 80 °C); and blanching, roasting, and drying (BRD, 30 s blanching at 80 °C, 20 min roasting at 50 °C, and 1 h drying at 80 °C). Aqueous extracts from each drying method were analyzed for total phenolic content, total flavonoid content, total glucosinolate content, antioxidant activities (FRAP, DPPH, and ABTS assays), and α-amylase enzyme inhibition. From the results, the R method provided the highest level of total phenolic, total flavonoid, and total glucosionolate content compared to the RD and BRD methods. Similarly, antioxidant activities and α-amylase enzyme inhibition were highest in the R method, followed by the RD and BRD methods. Our results demonstrate that roasting of Betong watercress without the addition of blanching or drying effectively preserves the phytochemical contents, antioxidant activities, and anti-diabetic activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lonicera caerulea L. fruits are a rich source of vitamins, organic acids, and phenolic compounds, which are characterised by their health-promoting properties. The content of bioactive compounds in this fruit may vary depending on the cultivar and the harvest date. This study analysed the effect of applying 5 ppm gaseous ozone for 1, 3, and 5 min on the chemical properties of L. kamtschatica varieties and newly created clones of L. emphyllocalyx for three years of cultivation. The fruits harvested from L. emphyllocalyx, depending on the year of harvest, had significantly larger size and weight compared to L. kamtschatica. On average, the acidity of the L. emphyllocalyx clones was 6% higher than other tested varieties. The average content of ascorbic acid was highest in L. emphyllocalyx clone '21-17'—57.80 mg·100 g−1; the year of harvest will significantly affect the content of vitamin C, reaching the highest level in 2022—53.92 mg·100 g−1. The total content of polyphenols was significantly dependent on the year of cultivation; reaching, on average, 54.8% more in 2022 compared to the rest of the years. The total antioxidant value using the FRAP, DPPH, and ABTS methods varied depending on the variety; exposure to ozone significantly increased the antioxidant value in each case. On the basis of the study, both botanical varieties can be used in food processing. Gaseous ozone exposure can significantly influence chemical composition, increasing the health-promoting value of fruit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ultrasound-assisted extraction for bioactive compound retrieval is a viable alternative to traditional extraction methods. Employing ultrasoundassisted extraction, this study aimed to enhance the scavenging capacity of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS), total polyphenol content (TPC), and flavonoid content in Ainsliaea acerifolia (A. acerifolia) through response surface methodology (RSM). Initially, the impact of extraction temperature, time, and ethanol concentration on DPPH scavenging capacity, ABTS, TPC, and flavonoid content was assessed. Optimal conditions for maximizing antioxidant activity and TPC were determined as 78% (v/v) ethanol, 60 ℃ extraction temperature, and 91 min of extraction time. Highperformance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis of the optimized extract revealed dicaffeoylquinic acid as the primary polyphenol in A. acerifolia extracts, comprising the majority of phenolic compounds (102.06 mg/g DW). This model enabled the optimization of conditions for phenolic compound extraction with antioxidant properties from A. acerifolia, highlighting its potential as a source of antioxidant compounds for industrial, pharmaceutical, and food applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The quantity and quality of sunflower oil are key factors for the crushing industry. This research presents a comprehensive analysis of the oil quality parameters of seven foreign sunflower hybrids grown in Morocco. Conducted over two consecutive years (2018 and 2019), the study focuses on key traits, including oil content, acidity index, peroxide index, refractive index, color index, total phenolic content, total flavonoid content, and antioxidant activity. Significant variations in most parameters, including color properties, were observed between the two years and among the seven varieties, indicating the influence of genetic and environmental factors. This highlights the importance of understanding the genetic potential of sunflower hybrids and the impact of environmental variables on oil quality. More favorable weather conditions in 2019, compared to 2018, contributed to better oil quality in all the varieties investigated. Overall, four homogeneous groups of hybrid varieties were identified based on oil content and other biochemical parameters. Some of these hybrids, like 'Niagara', had moderate oil content but high polyphenol content, flavonoid content and antioxidant activity, as well as a lower peroxide index, making them potential sources of natural antioxidant compounds as well as dietary supplements. Overall, this research provides sunflower breeders with valuable insights into the development of new high-performing hybrids with enhanced oil quality that could be used to produce functional foods with health benefits. These findings have implications for the use of seed oils from those hybrids in various industries and underscore the importance of further and more in-depth research on sunflower oil quality in the context of climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prunus avium L. and Prunus spinosa L. are valuable fruit-bearing trees known for their bioactive compounds and medicinal properties. However, limited research exists regarding their kernel oils. This study aimed to compare the chemical composition, quality parameters, and bioactive potential of the kernel oils extracted from Prunus avium L. and Prunus spinosa L. The kernel oils' fatty acid and tocopherol profiles were characterized, and the presence of bioactive compounds were identified and quantified. Total polyphenol content (TPC) and antioxidant activity (AAC) were also measured, indicating the presence of bioactive compounds in both oils. Additionally, the main quality parameters, including oxidative status, were evaluated. The fatty acid analysis revealed a higher proportion of polyunsaturated fatty acids compared to monounsaturated fatty acids in both kernel oil samples. Linoleic acid (57–64%) and oleic acid (18–29%) were the major fatty acids in both Prunus avium L. and Prunus spinosa L. kernel oils. α-Eleostearic acid (11.87%) was quantified only in Prunus avium kernel oil. Furthermore, the α-, β-, γ-, and δ-tocopherol content were determined, and it was found that both kernel oils contained γ-tocopherol as the major tocopherol (~204–237 mg/Kg). TPC in Prunus avium L. kernel oil was measured at 9.5 mg gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/Kg and recorded as ~316% higher TPC than Prunus spinosa L. kernel oil. However, the recorded AAC were 11.87 and 14.22 μmol Trolox equivalent (TE)/Kg oil, respectively. Both oils recorded low peroxide values (~1.50 mmol H2O2/Kg), and low TBARS value (~0.4 mmol malondialdehyde equivalents, MDAE/Kg oil), but high p-anisidine value (23–32). The results indicated that both Prunus avium L. and Prunus spinosa L. kernel oils exhibited unique chemical compositions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The object of research is organic and inorganic lemon balm. The subject of research is the antioxidant properties of these plants. One of the most problematic areas is that organic products have a slightly different chemical composition, which is due to the lack of fertilizers during their cultivation. The research hypothesis is that organic plants naturally release more phenols and polyphenols, which are needed to fight pests. At the same time, polyphenol compounds have antioxidant properties. The work investigated the total content of polyphenols in organic and inorganic lemon balm. The content of polyphenols in terms of gallic acid was determined by the spectrophotometric method by reaction with the Folin-Chocalteu reagent. In order to determine the antioxidant properties, the content of the peroxide number and the acid number of the fatty base during storage were determined. As a fat base, a mixture of organic butter and organic rye oil was chosen in a ratio of 75:25. Dried lemon balm was added in the amount of 4 % to the mass of fat. Changes in the fat base were determined in three samples: without the addition of lemon balm, with the addition of dried inorganic and organic lemon balm. The samples were stored in a thermostat at a temperature of 50 °C for 10 days. Studies were conducted every 2 days. The amount of peroxides was determined by the iodometric method. The acid number content was determined every 5 days by the titration method. It has been established that organic lemon balm has better antioxidant properties. This is due to the content of polyphenolic substances. So, the content of polyphenols in ordinary lemon balm is 14.1 mg/g, and in organic – 26.5 mg/g. Research has established that the value of the peroxide number after 10 days of storage was 17 ½O for the sample with the addition of organic lemon balm and 22 ½O for the sample with the addition of ordinary lemon balm. The sample without the addition of lemon balm had a value of 25 ½O. The value of acid number of fat on the tenth day of storage was 1.4 for the sample with the addition of inorganic lemon balm and 1.1 for the sample with the addition of organic lemon balm. Further research is planned to be devoted to the effect of plant organic antioxidants on the lipid fraction of food products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to improve functional characteristics of standard milk chocolate (C) was enriched by the addition of whey protein concentrate (WPC) and whey proteins hydrolyzed by trypsin (H-WPC) in the amount of 6%. The chocolate samples were analyzed by determination of antioxidant capacity, particle size distribution, textural, rheological, and sensory properties. The obtained results revealed that chocolate enriched by whey protein hydrolysate (H-WPC) possesses higher content of total polyphenols (1007.8 ± 96.8 mg GAE/100 g), increased ability to inhibit ABTS radicals (66.30 ± 1.99%), and increased ability to inhibit DPPH radicals (56.34 ± 3.20%), compared to the standard milk chocolate (C) (877.1 ± 56.0 mg GAE/100g; 48.46 ± 2.11%; 48.07 ± 2.80%, respectively). The additional ingredients do not significantly affect the hardness and enthalpy of chocolates. The hydrolyzed whey proteins increase the viscosity of chocolate (11.81 ± 0.11 Pa·s) to a greater extent than non-hydrolyzed whey proteins (9.17 ± 0.09 Pa·s), relative to the control sample (3.53 ± 0.05 Pa·s). Regardless of the fact that the WPC sample has slightly better rheological characteristics and particle size distribution compared to the H-WPC sample, no major changes in the sensory characteristics of chocolate were observed. Based on the results, whey protein hydrolysate can be marked as an exceptional ingredient for improving the quality of chocolate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ocimum basilicum L. is the most common Ocimum species, and it is used as an ornamental plant and in food condiments. This unique study examined the chemical composition and biological activities of six extracts from five basil cultivars, including their antimicrobial, antidiabetic, antilipidemic, neuroprotective, and anticollagenase activity. Moreover, their toxicological effects were studied using the zebrafish Danio rerio. Volatile components were determined using HS-SPME and GC-MS, while total polyphenols were detected using HPLC and the spectrophotometric Folin–Ciocalteu method. Spectrophotometric assays (DPPH, ABTS, ORAC, FRAP) were performed to determine antioxidant activity, collagenase inhibition, acetylcholinesterase inhibition, and pancreatic lipase inhibition. Antimicrobial activity was determined using the broth microdilution test. The study found that the biological activities of different basil cultivars varied depending on the proportion of active compounds, as determined by chemical analyses. All six basil extracts significantly inhibited α-amylase, while Purple basil extract most significantly inhibited the activity of collagenase, acetylcholinesterase, and pancreatic lipase. Purple basil and Dark Opal basil I extracts exhibited the highest antimicrobial activity, while the Dark Opal basil II extract had the most significant antioxidant potential. The findings in this study suggest that ethanolic basil extracts have the potential to be used as dietary drugs and implemented in antiaging products. This study is unique in its aims to compare the chemical composition and biological activities of basil cultivars from Croatia and to evaluate potential toxicological effects through embryotoxicity tests on zebrafish Danio rerio embryos, and it reports the first evidence of anticollagenase, antidiabetic, and antilipidemic activities for these cultivars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: The chemical composition, phenylalanine ammonia‐lyase (PAL), polyphenol oxidase (PPO) and peroxidase (POD) activity of the three main Portuguese elderberry cultivars were determined for the first time through five stages of maturation, in different harvesting years, to gain a deeper understanding of the effect of climatic conditions and enzymatic activity involved in the synthesis and degradation of phenolic compounds on the final quality of elderberries. RESULTS: Simple sugar and anthocyanin content increased with maturation but total acidity and flavonoids content decreased, and cinnamic acids did not show a clear trend. Climatic conditions seem to have a decisive influence on the elderberry maturation, namely the total number of hot (>30 °C) days. The PAL, PPO, and POD activity can explain the differences observed in elderberry phenolic content. CONCLUSION: These results highlighted the influence of climatic conditions in each harvesting season on elderberry development and quality. © 2022 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Buckwheat hulls which are rich in fiber are good ingredients to increase the nutritional value of food products. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of the applied additives in the form of fiber and apple juice on the properties of both potato and corn starch (normal and waxy). In order to characterize the rheological properties of kissel, the pasting characteristic was measured. In the obtained gels, the basic quality parameters were determined. The analysis of texture, color parameters, and also total polyphenol content were determined. Buckwheat hulls, in addition to their high fiber content, are a valuable source of phenolic compounds and can be a great additive in starch desserts. The addition of buckwheat hulls and apple juice improved the nutritional value of the final products but also caused changes in the technological qualities: it increased the initial temperature of potato starch mixtures (by approx. 9 °C); it decreased the viscosity of cold desserts (from 8 to 55%); and increased the hardness of the final product by more than 7 times. In the case of other starches, the recorded changes were much smaller than for potato starch-based products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microgreens are a functional food that is very appreciated for their good taste and product features. They are produced all year without fertilizers and pesticides. In this paper, the effects of the application of commercial and natural biostimulants on the yield and nutraceutical properties of turnip greens and radish microgreens were investigated. The experiment consisted of four treatments based on biostimulants (Bio-1: TRAINER®; Bio-2: AQUAMIN®; Bio-3: leaf moringa extract; C: distilled water (control)) applied in two species (turnip greens and radish). Fresh and dry biomass, nitrate content, pigments, antioxidants, and antioxidant activity were measured. All biostimulants promoted biomass (both fresh and dry) accumulation in the radish but not in turnip greens. The treatment with biostimulant did not affect plant growth in the radish, while a depressive effect of Bio-1 upon plant growth was observed in turnip greens (−19% smaller than control). In radish, Bio-3 led to microgreens with the highest chlorophyll a content (+75% with respect to the control). Bio treatments did not affect the Chl (a, b, total) content in turnip greens. Biostimulants significantly lowered the nitrate content compared to the control (−27% nitrates) and significantly promoted TPC (+19% over the control) in the radish. They also stimulated antioxidant activity (DPPH), with the highest value in Bio-1, in the turnip, and in Bio-2 and Bio-3, in the radish. Conclusively, biostimulant treatments showed a positive effect on microgreens and, in particular, on those of the radish, improving various nutraceutical parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Phenolic acids have more efficient compounds on antioxidant activity than anthocyanins. • Ellagic acid has the most important role in antioxidant activity. • Harvest date is more determinant on bioactive compounds than genotype. • 33-bred line stands out with its antioxidant activity and some individual phenolics level. • Temperature affected the phenolic compounds accumulation in fruits. Secondary compounds of fruit are among the essential concerns due to their positive effects on human health. Many studies have attempted to improve these compounds by applying different genotype or cultivation practices such as irrigation and fertilization. This study aimed to find out the effect of different harvest dates on strawberry genotypes in terms of total phenolic (TP), total antioxidant activity (TAA), total monomeric anthocyanin (TMA), and some crucial individual phenolic compounds during the five-month growing season (January - May periods) with one month intervals. Besides, superior bred lines ('33′, '36′ and '61′) were compared with widely grown cultivars ('Rubygem', 'Festival' and 'Fortuna') under the Mediterranean climate conditions. Regarding the genotypes, it was observed that TMA, TP, TAA, (−) epicatechin, (−) epicatechin gallate, pelargonidin 3- glucoside (P3G), and pelargonidin 3- rutinoside (P3R) values were the highest values in the 33-bred line, while the 36-bred line stood out in terms of ferulic acid and cyanidin 3- glucoside (C3G). This study also has shown that the chlorogenic acid and sinapic acid contents of the 61-bred line were found in the highest level compared with the others. Regarding the harvest date, fruit antioxidant activity, total phenolic compounds, and individual phenols such as gallic, syringic, ferulic, (−) epicatechin and ellagic acid were measured the highest in May-harvested fruits, whereas these values were observed at the lowest level in March, except for syringic and (−) epicatechin. On the other hand, rutin, quercetin, sinapic acid, chlorogenic and caffeic acids, and P3G and P3R levels of fruits were the highest in April, when it was the most intense harvest period in Mediterranean climate conditions. These observations indicated that these compounds could be increased by choosing the right genotype and suitable environmental conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Borassus flabellifer L., belonging to the Arecaceae family, is less explored for its nutritional and biological properties. The plant parts such as the tender kernel, tender water, Borassus flabellifer sap, and haustorium are consumed by various communities in India. The present study first time analyzed the cytoprotective and anti-inflammatory properties of Borassus flabellifer haustorium extract (BHE). The protective effect of BHE was estimated in the normal intestinal epithelial cell (IEC-6) against the pro-oxidant insults induced by hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and malondialdehyde (MDA). Further, the change in redox status was estimated in terms of antioxidant enzyme activities or the oxidative stress markers. The anti-inflammatory potential of BHE was analyzed in macrophage cells (Raw 264.7) stimulated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). BHE had a total polyphenols and flavonoids content of 37.92 ± 4.03 mg GAE and 7.02 ± 0.61 mg QE. The pretreatment with BHE has significantly reduced the cytotoxic effect of H2O2 and MDA (p < 0.01) in IEC-6 cells; restoration of cellular glutathione levels and catalase activity (p < 0.05), with a concomitant reduction in the thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances and conjugated dienes (p < 0.05) maybe the plausible mode of action. Further, H2O2 and MDA induced expression of apoptotic genes caspase 3/7 and apaf-1 was significantly reduced by BHE pretreatment (p < 0.05). Similarly, BHE dose-dependently reduced the LPS (1 µg/mL) induced release of pro-inflammatory cytokines including IL-1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) in Raw 264.7 cells. The study concludes that Borassus flabellifer haustorium can be an efficient antioxidant and anti-inflammatory functional food. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chia seeds (CS) and sprouts are rich in bioactive compounds. This study aimed to assess the effects of germination and chemical elicitation (salicylic acid [SA]; hydrogen peroxide [H2O2]) on proximate chemical, total phenolics compounds (TPC), non‐extractable proanthocyanidins (NEPA), and carotenoids content of chia sprouts; besides, the effects of their supplementation on obesity‐associated complications in rats fed with high‐fat and fructose diet (HFFD) were evaluated. Protein, carbohydrate, TPC, NEPA, and carotenoids content were higher in sprouts than CS; elicitation enhanced TPC and carotenoids compared to non‐elicited (NE) sprouts. CS, NE, and elicited chia sprouts ameliorated insulin resistance and dyslipidemia at the same level in HFFD‐fed rats. NE and SA–chia sprouts exerted the biggest reduction in hepatic triglycerides, which could be partially related to inhibition of pancreatic lipase activity. In addition, SA elicitation induced the greatest effect on insulin levels and corporal weight. CS and their sprouts decreased obesity and its complication, mainly SA‐elicited sprouts. Practical applications: The growing epidemic of non‐communicable diseases such as diabetes and obesity has led to the search for prevention and treatment through lifestyle changes, including the consumption of foods rich in bioactive compounds, such as seeds and their sprouts. Since sprouts contain higher concentrations of bioactive compounds and nutrients than seed, germination is a natural alternative to produce ready‐to‐eat functional foods. Chemical elicitation is a strategy to increase even more the bioactivity of sprouts. CS has been recognized for its beneficial health effects ameliorating dyslipidemia and insulin resistance. This study demonstrates that elicitation, with SA and H2O2, during germination of CS, increases the nutrient and phytochemical content of sprouts, with beneficial effects on body weight gain, insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, and prevention of NAFLD progression in diet‐induced obese rats. Therefore, chia sprouts, natural and elicited, may be used as potential nutraceutical foods for the prevention and treatment of obesity and its complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study presents a comprehensive analysis of the impact of plasma treatment on the browning inhibition. A 30 min plasma treatment resulted in a pronounced decrease in the concentration of flavan-3-ols, which play a pivotal role in antioxidant defense and browning prevention. This significant reduction is likely due to plasma-induced oxidative stress, which can lead to the breakdown of these compounds or their conversion into other phenolic structures. Simultaneously, a slight increase in dihydrochalcones and flavonols was observed, suggesting a selective effect of plasma on different phenolic classes. The increase in these compounds could be attributed to the plasma's ability to induce specific reactions that generate these phenolics from other precursors present in the apples. The reduction in flavan-3-ols may affect the antioxidant capacity and health benefits associated with the apples, while the increase in dihydrochalcones and flavonols could have a positive impact on the flavor profile and potential health-promoting properties. Moreover, these modifications could contribute to the extension of shelf-life and maintenance of sensory qualities, making plasma treatment a valuable tool in the food industry for enhancing product stability and consumer appeal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Grape pomace is the main by-product of winemaking, a valuable source of polyphenols with antimicrobial, antioxidant and anti-cancer effect. Grape seeds and marcs extracts are of strategic importance for the development of new therapeutic approaches against certain cancer diseases, including breast cancer. In this study the antioxidant and antitumor potential of the polyphenolic fraction of grape pomace obtained from the vinification of the local Bulgarian grape variety Mavrud is reported. After Soxhlet extraction with 50 % water solution of ethanol, the total polyphenol content of the extracts by the Folin-Ciocalteu colorimetric method was determined. The obtained extracts were characterized by HPLC-DAD and their antioxidant activity was studied with DPPH assay. The cytotoxic effect was tested on 3T3 cell line, while MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell lines were selected to determine antitumor activity. The results showed higher total polyphenol content in the marc compared to the seed extracts and prevalence of gallic acid, catechin and epigallocatechin. A correlation between antioxidant activity and total polyphenol content was established. The studied extracts had a low cytotoxic effect, as the seed extracts showed a stronger antitumor activity compared to the extracts of marcs and potential for treatment of luminal breast cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is a growing demand for bioactive compounds derived from green extraction methods from the food and cosmetic industries. Pulsed electric field (PEF)-assisted extraction has been applied for numerous foods but few on macroalgae. The present study examines PEF as part of the extraction process of polyphenols and carbohydrates from the brown macroalga Alaria esculenta. The effect of PEF treatment (0, 720 pulses) and ethanol concentration (0%, 15%) on the extraction of bioactive compounds from Alaria esculenta was assessed. To determine the pigment yield a second extraction was conducted with 60% ethanol or fractionated coconut oil with or without lecithin. The PEF treated aqueous extract had the highest yield for phenolic (10.4 ± 3.7 mg GAE g−1 DW) and carbohydrate content (21.4 ± 1.8 mg GE g−1 DW) as well as ferric reducing activity power and DPPH radical scavenging activity. The 60% ethanol extracts had a higher fucoxanthin content (73 ± 14 mg (100 g)−1 FD pulp) than the oil (2.1 mg (100 g)−1 FD pulp) and oil with lecithin (17 mg (100 g)−1 FD pulp) extracts. We obtained crude aqueous and low ethanolic extracts containing bioactive that show antioxidant activities, with either low temperature or PEF treatment from dried blades of Alaria esculenta. PEF treatment did not influence the pigment extraction with oil or 60% ethanol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This scientific work was aimed to evaluate the antioxidant potential of aromatic plants of Thymus spp. in the East of Ukraine. These plants are known as medicinal and food around the world. All antioxidant parameters were investigated spectrophotometrically: total content of polyphenols (TPC), the total content of phenolic acids (TPAC), the total content of flavonoids (TFC), molybdenum reducing power of extracts (MRP), and antioxidant activity by DPPH method (DPPH). Investigation of ethanolic extracts demonstrated that TPC varied from 57.89 to 123.67 mg/g gallic acid equivalent (GAE) DW for Th. pulegioides, from 61.43 to 168.18 mg GAE/g for Th. serpyllum, and from 47.36 to 115.67 mg GAE/g for Th. vulgaris. TPAC ranged from 27.36 to 50.22 mg/g caffeic acid equivalent (CAE) DW for Th. pulegioides, from 28.58 to 59.62 mg CAE/g for Th. serpyllum, and from 22.95 to 53.82 mg CAE/g for Th. vulgaris. TFC was determined in a range from 29.88 to 61.23 mg/g quercetin equivalent (QE) DW for Th. pulegioides, from 36.0 to 82.43 mg QE/g for Th. serpyllum, and from 24.59 to 55.41 mg QE/g for Th. vulgaris. MRP was detected in the range of 94.65 - 204.76 mg/g Trolox equivalent (TE) DW for Th. pulegioides, 96.06 - 219.0 mg TE/g for Th. serpyllum, and 87.56 - 215.43 mg TE/g for Th. vulgaris. The antioxidant activity of extracts by the DPPH method was 6.34 - 9.23 mg TE/g for Th. pulegioides, 8.11 - 9.21 mg TE/g for Th. serpyllum, and 4.97 - 9.53 mg TE/g for Th. vulgaris. It was established that polyphenol accumulation depended on the growth stage and species. For all species was found a strong correlation between TPC and TFC (r=0.938, 0.908, and 0.854). Investigated Thymus spp. are a valuable source of antioxidants that can be used in pharmacological studies and the food industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The propolis, an extremely complex resinous material, exhibits valuable pharmacological and biological properties, mainly attributed to the presence of polyphenols. The composition of propolis depends on time, vegetation, and the area of collection. Total flavonoid and polyphenol contents of aqueous extracts of propolis samples from different areas of Algeria, determined by using aluminum chloride and Folin--Ciocalteu colorimetric methods, were in the range of 3.047 ± 0.004--5.273 ± 0.013 mg/g and 96.833 ± 0.027--458.833 ± 0.0005 mg/g crude extract of propolis, respectively. This study examined the antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of propolis. Aqueous extracts of propolis were obtained in order to evaluate their antioxidant activities by using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging, β-carotene and electrochemical assays. All tested propolis samples had relatively strong antioxidant activities, which were also correlated with the total polyphenol and flavonoid content present. The percentage of inhibition of lipid peroxidation of linoleic acid emulsion during 24 h varied between 86.04 ± 0.42 and 90.60 ± 3.77% among the tested samples. The highest DPPH radical scavenging activity was observed by ABAL (Ain Abassa Aqueous Extract) with IC50 = 8.49 ± 5.07 10-5 μg/ml, and the lowest was observed by SAL (Setif Aqueous Extract) with IC50 of 21.16 ± 0.0001 μg/ml. The most important antibacterial activity was obtained with Ain Abassa extract; the zones of inhibition obtained for this excerpt vary from 15.22 to 15.5 mm. Followed by the Setif extract with areas of 12.33 to 12.75 mm, the Tizi-Ouzou extract with areas of 10.11 to 11.11 mm. This study will bring an innovation for further studies with regard to the antioxidant and antibacterial properties of the aqueous extracts of propolis. This study corroborates that Algerian propolis is a rich source of natural antioxidants, properties which could be used in the prevention of different diseases, both in humans and in animals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pulsed electric field (PEF) assisted extraction was used to produce crude aqueous extracts from the brown alga Laminaria digitata to explore different treatment conditions. The experiment was set up using a central composite design and fitted to a response surface model with three factors: biomass concentration (0.17–3.28% dry weight), number of pulses during PEF treatment (12–268 pulses) and the initial temperature of algae suspension (12–48 °C). The temperature change during treatment, the extraction yield, total polyphenol and total carbohydrate content were determined. During PEF treatment the temperature change ranged from − 1 to 13 °C. The yield of supernatant and extraction yield was 70 ± 15% and 15% ± 8%, respectively. The total polyphenol content was 4.0 ± 1.6 mg GAE (100 g)−1 DW and the total carbohydrate content was 2.6 ± 2.9 mg GE g−1 DW. The supernatant yield, polyphenol content and carbohydrate content were the highest for the lowest biomass concentration. The number of pulses during PEF treatment was positively correlated to the temperature change, whilst the initial temperature was negatively correlated to the temperature change. This study shows that PEF assisted extraction can be used for the extraction of valuable compounds from L. digitata without recourse to high heat or organic solvents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the fact that the use of rosemary and thyme residues and essential oils in animal feeding was widely documented, that of myrtle is scarce. To test the hypothesis that myrtle essential oils (MEOs) could improve goats' carcass characteristics and meat quality traits, twenty‐one male goats received a ration consisted of 40% oat hay and 60% concentrate. Experimental goat kids received the control diet supplemented with 0, 0.3 and 0.6% of myrtle essential oils (MEOs) for C, Myrt1 and Myrt2 groups respectively. The administration of MEO did not improve the daily DM intake (p > 0.05). Kids of C and Myrt2 groups had higher average daily gain than Myrt1 group (75 versus 55 g). The goats slaughtered at 19.9 kg of weight did not differ (p > 0.05) in carcass weights and carcass yield in terms of commercial dressing percentage (CDP = 41%) and real dressing percentage (RDP = 52%). The administration of MEO increased the meat polyphenol content, being higher in both Myrtle groups (87 versus. 56 μg gallic acid equivalents g‐1 fresh matter, p < 0.05). Myrtle EO administration protected kids' meat against oxidation (0.48 versus. 0.91 mg MDA/kg of meat for Myrtle and C groups, respectively, at the 9th day of storage; p < 0.05). It could be useful to include MEO as a dietary supplement in goats' rations since it improves meat's oxidative status without negative effects on FA profile. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This scientific work was aimed to evaluate the antioxidant potential of aromatic plants of Thymus spp. in the East of Ukraine. These plants are known as medicinal and food around the world. All antioxidant parameters were investigated spectrophotometrically: total content of polyphenols (TPC), the total content of phenolic acids (TPAC), the total content of flavonoids (TFC), molybdenum reducing power of extracts (MRP), and antioxidant activity by DPPH method (DPPH). Investigation of ethanolic extracts demonstrated that TPC varied from 57.89 to 123.67 mg/g gallic acid equivalent (GAE) DW for Th. pulegioides, from 61.43 to 168.18 mg GAE/g for Th. serpyllum, and from 47.36 to 115.67 mg GAE/g for Th. vulgaris. TPAC ranged from 27.36 to 50.22 mg/g caffeic acid equivalent (CAE) DW for Th. pulegioides, from 28.58 to 59.62 mg CAE/g for Th. serpyllum, and from 22.95 to 53.82 mg CAE/g for Th. vulgaris. TFC was determined in a range from 29.88 to 61.23 mg/g quercetin equivalent (QE) DW for Th. pulegioides, from 36.0 to 82.43 mg QE/g for Th. serpyllum, and from 24.59 to 55.41 mg QE/g for Th. vulgaris. MRP was detected in the range of 94.65 – 204.76 mg/g Trolox equivalent (TE) DW for Th. pulegioides, 96.06 – 219.0 mg TE/g for Th. serpyllum, and 87.56 – 215.43 mg TE/g for Th. vulgaris. The antioxidant activity of extracts by the DPPH method was 6.34 – 9.23 mg TE/g for Th. pulegioides, 8.11 – 9.21 mg TE/g for Th. serpyllum, and 4.97 – 9.53 mg TE/g for Th. vulgaris. It was established that polyphenol accumulation depended on the growth stage and species. For all species was found a strong correlation between TPC and TFC (r=0.938, 0.908, and 0.854). Investigated Thymus spp. are a valuable source of antioxidants that can be used in pharmacological studies and the food industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stevia is a natural non-caloric substitute to conventional sugar. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of solar convective drying on kinetics and quality attributes of stevia leaves grown in Morocco. The evaluated drying temperatures were 50, 60, 70 and 80 °C with an air flow of 300 and 150 m3/h. Effective moisture diffusivity was in the range of 5.07 × 10−11 and 3.14 × 10−10 m2 s−1. An activation energy was found to be 37.81 kJ/mol. Additionally, effective moisture diffusivity increases with the increase in drying air temperature and air flow. The experimental results demonstrated the technical feasibility for the solar drying of stevia. However, drying process, affected quality characteristics of stevia leaves. From the results obtained it was verified that drying conditions, particularly temperature and air flow, lead to stevia modifications that can cause quality degradation. Chlorophyll contents as well as the total phenolic and flavonoids content decreased as both air-drying temperature and air flow increased. Additionally, at high temperature (i.e. 80 °C) and air flow, microstructural deformation happens when it is mainly driven by the high diffusion and evaporation rates of water. • Drying kinetics of stevia was investigated under solar convective drying. • Effective moisture diffusivity and activation energy were determined. • Effects of air drying temperature and flow on stevia quality were evaluated. • Solar drying proved to be an efficient method for the valorization of stevia. • Solar drying is a very promising drying method for the industrial drying of stevia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this work was to study the influence of atmospheric, vacuum and microwave vacuum drying methods on the quality of dried beetroots. Three different red beetroot species ('Alto F1', 'Cylindra', 'Detroit') were chosen in this study. The microwave vacuum method reduced the total time of drying and decreased the shrinkage compared to the other drying methods. The quality of the dehydrated material was described by its color change, antioxidant capacity, total polyphenol, betacyanin, betaxanthin and each phenolic acids content. The attempts were made to suggest the microwave vacuum method for red beetroot samples as a gentle drying technology to reach a special texture that is favoured by costumers. During the experiments relevant differences could be observed between the investigated beetroot species on the effect of different drying methods. According to the examined parameters the 'Cylindra' species proved the most appropriate beetroot variety for microwave vacuum drying. Based on the results, the combined methods with hot-air at 60 °C followed by microwave vacuum finish drying was the most suitable assay to preserve the investigated parameters in the highest amount. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tristaniopsis merguensis Griff. is a species of the Myrtaceae family and has been widely used by people of Bangka Belitung as a traditional medicine to reduce cholesterol, gastric pains, and improve cardiac performance. Extraction methods are the crucial efficacy of herbal medicine. The conventional method, like maceration, takes a long time. In this study, the leaves of Tristaniopsis merguensis were extracted using Microwave-Assisted Extraction (MAE) to reduce extraction time. The extraction using MARS (Microwave Accelerated Reaction System) 6 by CEM Corporation with time variation times of 5, 10, 15, 30 min with temperature of 60, 80, 100°C at 1200 W. The yield using acetone extraction of Tristaniopsis merguensis leaves increases with time and temperature. The extraction dependent on solvent extraction, polar solvent like ethanol, and methanol were higher than semi-polar solvents like acetone and ethyl acetate. The polyphenol content of acetone extract using MAE (10 min, 80°C) was found to be 234.67 mg Gallic Acid Equivalent per gram (GAE/g); it was higher than acetone extract using maceration. The phytochemical results show there are no difference in the active compound using MAE and maceration, i.e. alkaloids, tannin, and flavonoids. Yield extraction, time, and phytochemical results of MAE are more favorable than a maceration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study is to establish the antioxidant capacity and phenolic content of one of the most popular medicinal plants in Bucovina area of Romania, named Volovatic or mountain Volovatic (Carduus glaucinus), a plant of the Asteraceae family, Carduus genus, defloratus Carduus species, Carduus glaucinus (glaucus) subspecies, less studied but widely used in the area of origin. It was determined Volovatic antioxidant potential, respectively polyphenol content and antioxidant activity, contents of metals and metalloids from the plant in order to assess a possible toxic effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two-dimensional correlation spectroscopy (2DCOS) and near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) were used to determine the polyphenol content in oat grain. A partial least squares (PLS) algorithm was used to perform the calibration. A total of 116 representative oat samples from four locations in China were prepared and the corresponding near-infrared spectra were measured. Two-dimensional correlation spectroscopy was employed to select wavelength bands for the PLS regression model for the polyphenol determination. The number of PLS components and intervals was optimized according to the coefficients of determination (R2) and root mean square error of cross validation (RMSECV) in the calibration set. The performance of the final model was evaluated using the correlation coefficient (R) and the root mean square error of validation (RMSEV) in the prediction set. The results showed the band corresponding to the optimal calibration model was between 1350 and 1848 nm and the optimal spectral preprocessing combination was second derivative with second smoothing. The optimal regression model was obtained with an R2 of 0.8954 and an RMSECV of 0.06651 in the calibration set and R of 0.9614 and RMSEV of 0.04573 in the prediction set. These measurements reveal the calibration model had qualified predictive accuracy. The results demonstrated that the 2DCOS with PLS was a simple and rapid method for the quantitative determination of polyphenols in oats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The effect of freezing (in liquid nitrogen at −196 °C , at −80 °C and at −20 °C) on the food matrix structure and the consequent effect on the bioaccessibility of total polyphenol content (TPC) and antioxidant activity (AA) of beetroot was investigated by an in vitro digestion method. The in vitro digestion involved incubation in simulated saliva followed by incubation in simulated gastric juice. Bioaccessibility of bioactive compounds was evaluated by measuring the TPC and the AA during in vitro digestion in both the beetroot matrix and the gastric juice. Results: Release of TPC and AA of beetroot was higher in frozen samples (55 ± 5% for TPC and 68 ± 5% for AA) than in the fresh beetroot sample (∼46% for TPC and ∼53% for AA). The mass transfer kinetics were described by using a Weibull model with mean relative errors lower than 8.5% contributing to a better understanding of the influence of freezing on the bioaccessibility of bioactive compounds. Conclusions: From the treatments tested in this study, freezing with liquid nitrogen resulted in the greatest increase in bioaccessibility of the antioxidant and phenolic compounds of beetroots. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Honey contains important bioactive compounds (enzymes, phenolic compounds, vitamins, and minerals) with several positive health effects for humans. In the study six types of honey (acacia, rape, floral, multi flower, forest, and honeydew honeys), of Czech and Slovak origin, were evaluated for bioactive compounds by means of color, polyphenols and antioxidant capacity analyses. The brightest color of honeys, the lowest values measured spectometrically, had acacia and rape honeys, followed by floral, and darker multi flower and forest honeys, and honeydew honeys. Polyphenols (PP) amount, determined by spectrophotometric method with Folin-Ciocalteu reagent, was highest for the darkest honeydew honeys, followed by multi flower and forest honey, brighter floral honeys, and rape and acacia honey. Honeys polyphenols were in the range from 54.0 to 254.2 mg GAE.100g-1. The total antioxidant capacity (TAC) was analyzed by spectrometric methods with ABTS and DPPH reagents. Antioxidant capacity values are in agreement with the PP contents order. They were highest also for honeydew honeys (59.2 - 89.6 and 73.1 - 118.7 mg TE.100g-1), followed by multi flower (66.0 and 56.7 mg TE.100g-1) and forest honey (56.0 and 49.1 mg TE.100g-1), then floral honeys (33.0 - 49.2 and 27.8 - 38.7 mg TE.100g-1) and the lowest values for rape (19.0 and 28.1 mg TE.100g-1) and acacia (15.5 and 11.3 mg TE.100g-1) honey. A positive correlation between color, PP amount and TAC was evaluated for analyzed honeys. Darker honey samples showed higher values of phenolic compounds and antioxidant potential, therefore they belong to the honey types with higher amount of bioactive compounds such as antioxidants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ethanolic (EEC) and aqueous (WEC) extracts of cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum) were evaluated for their antioxidant profiles by eight distinguished bioanalytical antioxidant methods. Their inhibitory effects were tested against some enzymes including acetylcholinesterase, butyrylcholinesterase, α-glycosidase and α-amylase, which linked to different diseases. Additionally, the antioxidant properties were determined and polyphenolic compositions of the both extracts were evaluated by LC-MS/MS analysis. According to the LC-MS/MS experiments, thirteen compounds were found in WEC and EEC. Also, p-hydroxybenzoic acid (321.1 mg/kg extract), p-coumaric acid (291.4 mg/kg extract), and pyrogallol (142.4 mg/kg extract) were found to be the most abundant ingredients in the WEC. On the other hand, pyrogallol (264.3 mg/kg extract), ferulic acid (224.7 mg/kg extract) and p-coumaric acid (170.2 mg/kg extract) were found as the most plentiful chemicals in the EEC. For the estimation of the antioxidant capacities of the both extracts (WEC and EEC), DPPH· and ABTS•+ scavenging activities, as well as Fe3+-Fe2+, and Cu2+-Cu+ reducing assays were studied. The IC50 values of the WEC and EEC indicated that they were potent effective DPPH· (21. 25 and 15.71 μg/mL) and ABTS•+ (6.52 and 5.79 μg/mL) scavengers, as well as AChE (221.33 and 110.26 μg/mL), BChE (461.69 and 94.93 μg/mL), α-glycosidase (206.86 and 220.00 μg/mL) and α-amylase (189.86 and 200.86 μg/mL) inhibitors. As a conclusion, both EEC and WEC had rich phenolic contents and demonstrated effective anticholinergic, antidiabetic and antioxidant effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two-field experiments were conducted during the growing season of 2016-2017, at Grdarasha field, College of Agriculture, University of Salahaddin, Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq. The first experiment included the impact of selected plant growth regulators on antioxidant activity, phenolic and flavonoid content of broccoli Brassica oleracea var. Italica of Paraiso cultivar heads, while the second experiment was conducted to study the effect of chosen mineral nutrients on the same parameters of Agassi and Zen cultivars heads of broccoli. Different concentrations of plant growth regulators (Indole-3-acetic acid, benzyl adenine and salicylic acid), and mineral nutrients (zinc and cobalt) exhibited variable effects on the tested parameters. The foliar spray with all selected plant growth regulators increased antioxidant activity as compared with control and Indole-3-acetic acid recorded the highest value. The total phenolic content was almost higher in plants as affected by foliar application of plant growth regulators. As a result of spraying selected mineral nutrients at different concentrations strong antioxidant activities were recorded as compared with control in both cultivars. The highest phenolic and flavonoid content was recorded from treatments with zinc spray in Agassi cultivar. The results indicated that using such plant growth regulators and mineral nutrients have a positive role in enhancing antioxidant compounds of broccoli heads in different cultivars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum L.) is important source of oil and protein for industrial, pharmaceutical, and nutritional applications. In order to estimate the effects of lyophilized aqueous extract of flaxseed shell (AEF) and evaporated ethanolic extract of flaxseed shell (EEF), we studied their DPPH, ABTS, DMPD and O2 •- scavenging effects. Total antioxidant activity by ferric thiocyanate method, Fe3+, Cu2+ and [Fe3+- (TPTZ)2]3+ reducing ability, and Fe2+ chelating activity. Also, α-tocopherol, BHA, trolox, and BHT were used as positive controls. The results clearly AEF and EEF demonstrated effective antioxidant activity. The quantity of p-hydroxybenzoic, vanillin, p-coumaric acid, ascorbic acid, ferulic acid, and ellagic acid were investigated by LC-MS/MS. The present study will introduce a novelty for further studies on the antioxidant effects of AEF and EEF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

White chocolate does not contain fat-free cocoa solids and thus lacks bioactive components. In the present study, white chocolate was enriched with encapsulated blackberry juice in concentrations: 60 g kg −1 , 80 g kg −1 , and 100 g kg −1 . The results showed an increase of volume weighted mean in enriched chocolates with increasing the concentration of encapsulate from 13.06 μm in white chocolate to 18.05 μm in chocolate with 100 g kg −1 of encapsulate. Casson viscosity of chocolate mass increased at the same time (from 0.63 Pa in white chocolate to 1.22 Pa in chocolate with a maximum concentration of encapsulate) due to an increase of specific surfaces of solid particles in chocolate. Internal structure and surface gloss in chocolate with 100 g kg −1 of encapsulate are also affected where the lack of free fat phase caused mat color on the surface. However, the addition of encapsulated blackberry juice to white chocolate led to the creation of new type of enriched chocolate with attractive color and blackberry taste. Total polyphenol content (mg GAE/100 g) of white chocolate is increased from 40.75 to 75.06, 145.86, and 153.95 in chocolates with 60 g kg −1 , 80 g kg −1 , and 100 g kg −1 of encapsulate, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Normally the olive oil quality is assessed by chemical analysis according to international standards. These norms define chemical and organoleptic markers, and depending on the markers, the olive oil can be labelled as lampante, virgin, or extra virgin olive oil (EVOO), the last being an indicator of top quality. The polyphenol content is related to EVOO organoleptic features, and different scientific works have studied the positive influence that these compounds have on human health. The works carried out in this paper are focused on studying relations between the polyphenol content in olive oil samples and its spectral response in the near infrared spectra. In this context, several acquisition parameters have been assessed to optimize the measurement process within the virgin olive oil production process. The best regression model reached a mean error value of 156.14 mg/kg in leave one out cross validation, and the higher regression coefficient was 0.81 through holdout validation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To enhance the knowledge of polyphenol content variability in table grape breeding, the polyphenol content and other fruit quality traits (berry weight, skin color, L* value, anthocyanin content, soluble solids content and titratable acidity) were assessed during the ripening process, and varietal differences in polyphenol contents and antioxidant activities among table grape cultivars bred in Japan were examined. Based on the ripening patterns of an array of individual fruit quality traits, 90 d after full bloom was selected as the optimum time to evaluate the polyphenol content because no remarkable developmental changes were occurring. An analysis of variance showed that genotypic variance was high in the polyphenol content in association with small or negligible variance levels associated with ripening times, genotype × ripening time interaction, among vines within genotype, and vine × ripening time interaction. The repeatability value of the polyphenol content was high, as were the correlation coefficients between the values for each year and the means of 3 years. The polyphenol content was greater in the black- and red-skinned cultivars than in white-skinned cultivars. A linear positive correlation was observed between the polyphenol content and antioxidant activity. Increased polyphenol contents in grape berries will enhance the economic value of newly released cultivars of fresh and processed grapes. In future table grape-breeding projects, colored cultivars should be considered as promising breeding stocks because of their high polyphenol contents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The research shows the influence of water temperature and brewing time on the polyphenol content and antioxidant properties in common marigold (Calendula officinalis L.) ligulate flower infusions. All of the collected samples were characterised by low antioxidant properties. The brewing time and the water temperature influenced the polyphenol content and antioxidant properties of common marigold ligulate flower infusions. In order to obtain a common marigold dried ligulate flower infusion with the highest polyphenol content, it has to be brewed for 10 minutes in water at a temperature of 80°C. The highest DPPH radical scavenging properties were found in an infusion prepared at the highest temperature of 100°C after 10 minutes of brewing. The results point to the potential possibility of using this raw material to make tea infusions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The potential effects of three modern extraction technologies (cold-pressing, microwaves and subcritical fluids) on the recovery of oil from Chaenomelessinensis (Thouin) Koehne seeds have been evaluated and compared to those of conventional chemical extraction methods (Soxhlet extraction). This oil contains unsaturated fatty acids and polyphenols. Subcritical fluid extraction (SbFE) provided the highest yield--25.79 g oil/100 g dry seeds--of the three methods. Moreover, the fatty acid composition in the oil samples was analysed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. This analysis showed that the percentages of monounsaturated (46.61%), and polyunsaturated fatty acids (42.14%), after applying SbFE were higher than those obtained by Soxhlet, cold-pressing or microwave-assisted extraction. In addition, the oil obtained under optimized SbFE conditions (35 min extraction at 35 °C with four extraction cycles), showed significant polyphenol (527.36 mg GAE/kg oil), and flavonoid (15.32 mg RE/kg oil), content, had a good appearance and was of high quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Present study investigates the effect of storage (at room temperature and at a frozen state) of Cistus incanus leaves and its hard-coated seeds on the total polyphenol content and the antioxidant capacity in view of the extraction carried out in 50 % ethanol-in water solution. A correlation between the polyphenol content and the antioxidant activity of the leaves stored at room temperature is elucidated. The frozen stored material generates better extraction efficiency and keeps a very high antioxidant activity. This investigation demonstrates that Cistus incanus from Strandja Mountain, Bulgaria is an important source of polyphenols and antioxidant activity. The latter is present in leaves stored for a couple of years. The results from this study contribute to better understanding the extraction process of this non-traditional Bulgarian herb. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many factors can influence antioxidative and antimicrobial characteristics of plant materials. The quality of cocoa as functional food ingredient is influenced through its processing. The main aim of this study was to test if there is difference in polyphenol content, antioxidant capacity, and antimicrobial activity between nonalkalized and alkalized cocoa powders. To estimate polyphenol and flavonoid content in cocoa samples the spectrophotometric microassays were used. Flavan-3ols were determined with reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC). Antimicrobial activity against 3 Gram positive bacteria, 4 Gram negative bacteria and 1 strain of yeast was determined using broth microdilution method. Total polyphenol content was 1.8 times lower in alkalized cocoa samples than in natural ones. Epicatechin/catechin ratio was changed due to the process of alkalization in favor of catechin (2.21 in natural and 1.45 in alkalized cocoa powders). Combined results of 3 antioxidative tests (DPPH, FRAP, ABTS) were used for calculation of RACI (Relative Antioxidant Capacity Index) and GAS (Global Antioxidant Score) values that were consistently higher in natural than in alkalized cocoa extracts. Obtained results have shown significant correlations between these values and phenolic content (0.929 ≤ r ≤ 0.957, P < 0.01). Antimicrobial activity varied from 5.0 to 25.0 mg/ml (MICs), while Candida albicans was the most sensitive tested microorganism. Cocoa powders subjected to alkalization had significantly reduced content of total and specific phenolic compounds and reduced antioxidant capacity ( P < 0.05), but their antimicrobial activity was equal for Gram-positive bacteria or even significantly enhanced for Gram-negative bacteria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using a long term experiment (20 and 11 years of organic cultivation on the same soil), sunflower was cultivated under organic management and in a different part of the same farm under conventional management. Kernels, teguments and oils were analyzed for their polyphenols content. Five caffeoylquinic acids were identified. No qualitative differences were found in the three cases, while quantitative differences have been pointed out and discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The influence of processing (freezing at −196 °C in liquid N 2 , FN sample; freeze-drying at −50 °C and 30 Pa, FD sample; and convective drying at 60 °C and 2 m/s, CD sample) on apple (var. Granny Smith ) behavior during in vitro gastric digestion was investigated. Dried apples (FD and CD samples) were rehydrated prior to digestion. Changes in carbohydrate composition, moisture, soluble solids, acidity, total polyphenol content (TPC), and antioxidant activity (AA) of apple samples were measured at different times during digestion. Processing resulted in disruption of the cellular structure during digestion, as observed by scanning electron microscopy, light microscopy, and changes in carbohydrate composition. Moisture content increased (6–11% dm o ), while soluble solids (55–78% dm o ), acidity (44–72% dm o ), total polyphenol content (30–61% dm o ), and antioxidant activity (41–87%) decreased in all samples after digestion. Mathematical models (Weibull and exponential models) were used to better evaluate the influence of processing on apple behavior during gastric digestion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to determine the quantitative analysis of phytoconstituents such as total contents of phenolic compounds, tannins, alkaloids, and flavanoids from the chloroform extract of Crossandra infundibuliformis. The total concentrations of phenolic compounds and tannins were performed by Folin-Ciocalteu method, with gallic acid as standard. Aluminum chloride colorimetric method was used to determine the total content of flavanoids, and quercetin was used as standard. In conclusion, the present investigation envisages the presence of various phytoconstituents in the chloroform extract of C. infundibuliformis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flavonoids and phenolic acids are of the most important bioactive compounds in plants owing to the physiological and ecological significance but the contents are dependent on a number of different factors, such as plant species, harvesting times, environmental conditions, soil and plant mineral content, extraction techniques, etc. Nutritional status of plants is of great importance for sustainable crop productivity and desired traits of plants. In this context, the present study was designed to investigate and correlate the plant nutritional status with total phenolic (TPC) and flavonoid contents (TFC). Results showed that the responses of both cultivars were different with respect to the element accumulation concentration and accumulation times. cv. Gemlik was not affected by irrigation periods whereas cv. Kilis Yaglik was influenced but after irrigation periods the samples were allowed to be in the same group and did not differ for cv. Kilis Yaglik. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Horse gram was germinated at 90% RH at 25°C for 72 h after 24 h soaking and then grinded to pass through 150 μm mesh size screens. The germination of horse gram result in increased protein, fiber, total polyphenol content, and antioxidant activity of horse gram flour whereas fat, ash, carbohydrate, iron, calcium, tannin, phytate, and oxalate were reduced due to germination. Bread was prepared by the incorporation of (2%, 4%, 6%, and 8%) germinated horse gram flour ( GHF) by a straight dough method. The loaf volume and specific volume decreased with an increased use of percentage of GHF. The sensory evaluation revealed that the incorporation of GHF up to 6% was acceptable. The protein (% db), fiber (% db), ash (% db), iron (mg/100 g), calcium (mg/100 g), tannin (mg/g), phytate (mg/g), oxalate (mg/g), total polyphenol content ( GAE/g), and antioxidant activity ( DPPH % inhibition) was found to be 9.08 ± 0.01, 1.23 ± 0.15, 1.36 ± 0.11, 4.07 ± 0.03, 128 ± 0.26, 2.06 ± 0.15, 2.46 ± 0.15, 0.7 ± 0.1, 12.44 ± 0.40, and 31.13 ± 0.25, respectively, in 6% GHF incorporated bread. The research concludes that 6% GHF incorporation in bread enhance the polyphenol content and antioxidant properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study toxicity of Frangula alnus Mill. bark, widely used as laxative, was investigated. Human peripheral blood lymphocytes (HPBLs) were treated with F. alnus bark extract or emodin (emodin is bark component with laxative property), and cytotoxicity, genotoxicity and parameters of oxidative stress were assessed. Also, polyphenol content of bark extract and antioxidant activity of the extract and emodin measured by DPPH, ABTS and FRAP methods were examined. The bark extract (500 μg/ml) produced cell death and DNA damage, while level of ROS changed at 250 μg/ml. Emodin induced cell death and DNA damage at 150 μg/ml and 200 μg/ml, respectively, and the increase of ROS was observed at 25 μg/ml. These results suggest that both, bark extract and emodin, are cyto/genotoxic to HPBLs and that oxidative stress is involved in the mechanism of their toxicity. The results on antioxidant activity showed that, unlike emodin, bark extract possess moderate antioxidant capacity (44.6%, 46.8% and 2.25 mmol Fe 2+ /g measured by DPPH, ABTS and FRAP assay, respectively) that can be related to relatively high phenolic content (116.07 mg/g). However, due to toxicological properties use of F. alnus bark as well as emodin-containing preparations should be taken with caution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cranberries (Vaccinium macrocarpon) contain many bioactive compounds and have some biological activities and beneficial health properties. In the study, antioxidant effects of lyophilized aqueous extract of cranberry (LAEC) and quantity of some its polyphenolic compounds were determined. For this purpose, we performed DPPH·, DMPD.-, ABTS.- and O2.- radicals scavenging activities, inhibition of lipid peroxidation activity by thiocyanate method, Cu2+ and Fe3+ reducing abilities, FRAP assay and Fe2+ binding activity. At the 10 µg/mL concentration, LAEC inhibited 52.4% lipid peroxidation produced by linoleic acid emulsion. Also, α-tocopherol, BHA, trolox, and BHT had 52.5, 89.9, 93.1 and 94.9% inhibition value at 30 µg/mL concentration, respectively. Quantitative amounts of some phenolic compounds in LAEC were investigated by high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). p-Hydroxy benzoic acid was found as the most abundant phenolic compound (55 mg/kg extract) in LAEC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Different kinds of chocolates produced in Serbia were analyzed regarding total polyphenol, flavonoid and proanthocyanidin content using spectrophotometric methods. Flavan-3ols and methylxanthines in all samples were determined with RP-HPLC. DPPH, FRAP, ABTS and ORAC assays were applied for measuring antioxidant capacity. The average of all four antioxidant tests for each cocoa product was used for calculating antioxidant potency composite index (ACI). Obtained results for all four assays have shown that antioxidant capacity of analyzed chocolate/cocoa extracts followed cocoa, polyphenol, flavonoid, and proanthocyanidin contents. Although the addition of raspberries to dark chocolates had no significant influence on their total polyphenol, flavonoid and proanthocyanidin contents, statistical analysis showed that there was significant increase in the antioxidant capacity of dark chocolates with raspberry compared to plain dark chocolates ( p = 0.007). Overall range for theobromine content varied from 5.5 to 22.3 mg/g depending on the product type, while the content of caffeine was 13–30 times lower in all analyzed cocoa products. In addition, correlation between antioxidant potency composite index and declared percentage of cocoa was high ( R 2 = 0.798, p < 0.05) and indicated that declared cocoa content was a reliable indication for antioxidant capacity of chocolates produced in Serbia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to group samples of cacao collected in Southern of Mexico. For this, several physical bean variables (weight, length, width and bean circumference), chemical (moisture, ash, fat, protein, fatty acids) in addition to polyphenol content and antioxidant capacity (ABTS method) were measured. Forty-five cacao samples derived from plants with Criollo phenotype, and a control sample of T. bicolor was included. All variables were analyzed by multivariate analysis (principal component analysis-PCA, k-means and discriminant analysis-DA). The four physical bean traits were not useful when incorporated into the analysis altogether with the chemical variables and led to wrong grouping, and the PCA did not separate T. bicolor of the cocoa samples, so they were discarded for further analysis. Among chemical variables, those that contributed most to the variance and explained the total variance (PCA) were palmitoleic, palmitic, oleic and stearic fatty acids, as well as moisture content and polyphenol content. All samples were classified into seven homogeneous groups. The geographical origin of the samples did not correlate with chemometric grouping, which shows little influence of microclimates, the possible dispersion of highly related materials or individuals adapted to the microenvironmental conditions of the region. Multivariate analysis allowed the grouping of individuals of cacao based on six chemical characteristics of the beans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study is to evaluate bioactive compounds and antioxidant activities are present in C. siamea leaves collected from four different locations in and around Universiti Putra Malaysia using different solvents extractions: water, methanol, ethanol and ethyl acetate. The contents of ascorbic acid, α-tocopherol, β-carotene, tannin and total phenolic contents (TPC) were determined. Antioxidant activities were evaluated using DPPH radical scavenging assay, Ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and 2,2'-azinobis (3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS). The result showed that methanol extract indicated the highest value of the TPC, tannin contents, antioxidant activities (DPPH, FRAP and TEAC values) followed by the extracts of water, ethanol and ethyl acetate, respectively. TPC and tannins were found to be significantly (p<0.05) higher in methanolic extract of C. siamea leaves sample obtained from the location 3. Ascorbic acid content was found to be higher in water extract, whereas the ethyl acetate extract showed highest β-carotene contents (16.51-28.20 mg of β-carotene/g dry weight), irrespective of its locations obtained. DPPH and ABTS values of methanol extract were found to be significantly higher at location 3. On the basis of the results obtained, we confirmed that the methanolic extract of C. siamea leaves obtained from location 3 is a potential source of bioactive compounds rich in antioxidant activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]