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Peroxidation during organism growth and development might have catastrophic implications. It is critical to further investigate the antioxidant potential of plant anthocyanins. In this study, anthocyanins from Eleutherococcus brachypus fruits (EBF) were extracted by an ultrasonic-assisted method. The anthocyanins were then tested for stability under various storage conditions. Based on single-factor combination with response surface optimization, the best ethanol concentration for anthocyanin extraction was 75%, the ideal ultrasonic irradiation power was 160 W, the liquid-to-solid ratio was 10.18 mL/g, and the maximum anthocyanin yield was 1.86 mg/g. Anthocyanins are readily degraded by bright light and remain stable under acidic storage conditions (pH 3.0) and at temperatures below 60°C. The inhibition rates of anthocyanins against ABTS and DPPH radicals were 54.59% and 48.70%, respectively, using vitamin C (Vc) as a positive control. The data cited above make it clear that anthocyanins may act as natural antioxidants. In addition, this research provides a sound theoretical foundation for the creation of natural green antioxidants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Podocarpus gracilis is an evergreen, dioecious tree found in Ethiopia and other African nations. It can reach a height of 60 meters. Without any scientific validation, ethnobotanical studies conducted in Ethiopia revealed that the Podocarpus gracilis plant's leaf is consumed orally to treat diabetes mellitus. Hence, this study aims to evaluate the in vivo blood glucose level lowering, lipid-lowering, and in vitro-free radical scavenging responses of Podocarpus gracilis leaf extract and fractions on experimental mice induced with diabetes. Methods. The in vitro antioxidant activity of PGC (Podocarpus gracilis) leaf extract was assessed by using a diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay. The oral glucose-loaded, normoglycemic, and streptozotocin- (STZ-) induced diabetic mouse models were employed. In the STZ-induced mice model, the leaf extract and solvent fractions activity on serum lipid and weight were also measured. The extract and fractions were tested at 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg dosages. One-way ANOVA was used to determine the statistical significance of BGL (blood glucose level) changes within and between groups, and Tukey's post hoc multiple comparisons were then performed. Results. In the acute toxicity study of Podocarpus gracilis leaf extract and fractions, there was no evidence of animal mortality at the maximum dose of 2 g/kg during the observation period. The extract-treated group with normoglycemia revealed a significant lowering in BGL at the 4-hour mark of 27.4% (p < 0.001) and 25.2% (p < 0.01) at doses of 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg, respectively, compared to that in negative control. In the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) model, only 400 mg/kg treated groups at 120 min after exposure showed a BGL reduction of 31.17% which was statistically significant (p < 0.05) in comparison to the negative control. In the single-dose STZ-induced model, eighth-hour BGL measurements from CE 100, CE 200, CE 400, and GLC5 showed drops in BGL of 43.1%, 44.1%, 45%, and 47.3% from baseline fasting BGL values. In the repeated streptozotocin (STZ)-induced model, at all doses of leaf extract and fractions, the fasting BGL was significantly (p < 0.001) reduced. Moreover, the leaf extract and solvent fractions have shown a significant (p < 0.001) reduction of serum lipids such as LDL, TC, and VLDL, and at the same time, it increases HDL at 14 days with body weight gained. In the test for antioxidant activity, the half-maximal inhibitory concentrations (IC50) for leaf extract and the standard medication (ascorbic acid) were 8.2 μg/ml and 3.3 μg/ml, respectively. The IC50 value denotes the concentration of the sample required to scavenge 50% DPPH radicals. Conclusion. The 80% hydromethanolic leaf extract and fractions of Podocarpus gracilis exhibited blood glucose lowering, lipid-lowering activity in normoglycemic, oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) mode, and STZ-induced diabetic mice with weight gains. There is scientific support for the alleged traditional use as an antidiabetic, lipid-lowering, and antioxidant activity. The results need to be confirmed by future studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hyperuricemia and its complications are severe risks to human health. Dietary intervention is considered an essential part of the management of hyperuricemia. Studies have reported that the intake of antioxidants has a positive effect on hyperuricemia. Here, we collected data from 8761 participants of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey for this analysis. Daily intakes of vitamins A, C, and E; manganese; selenium; and zinc were calculated as the composite dietary antioxidant index (CDAI). The participants were divided into four groups (Q1, Q2, Q3, and Q4) according to the CDAI. Univariate analysis was used to assess the association of covariates with hyperuricemia. The association between the CDAI and hyperuricemia was evaluated using multinomial logistic regression, and its stability was determined by stratified analysis. Our results revealed that the CDAI has a significant negative association with hyperuricemia (Q2: 0.81 (0.69, 0.95); Q3: 0.75 (0.62, 0.90); Q4: 0.65 (0.51, 0.82); P < 0.01). The results of stratified analysis emphasize that this association between CDAI and hyperuricemia is stable. In conclusion, this study suggested a negative association between the CDAI and hyperuricemia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Teff [Eragrostis tef (Zuccagni) Trotter] is a cereal grain originating in Ethiopia as a staple food for millions of people. Its grain is a gluten-free superfood and got acceptance as a medicinal ingredient. Therefore, it is worthwhile to determine the antioxidative activities and L-ascorbic acid contents of teff grain and its baked food (injera). This study aimed to determine the ascorbic acid contents and antioxidant activities in the aqueous extract of the white and brown teff grains and their injera samples using iodimetric titration and UV-Vis spectrophotometric methods, respectively. The ascorbic acid contents in the white and brown teff ranged from 67.9–112.6 mg/100 g and 69.2–117.2 mg/100 g, respectively, and those in injera of the selected teff samples ranged from 30.5–32.9 mg/100 g and 37.3–43.0 mg/100 g, respectively. The antioxidant activities ranged from 1.26–7.04 μmol AAE/g for the white teff grains, 1.44–6.29 μmol AAE/g for the brown teff grains, 1.81–2.47 μmol AAE/g for white teff injera, and 3.89–4.86 μmol AAE/g for the brown teff injera samples. Findings of the present study have revealed that white teff and brown teff grains and their injera were found to have a higher content of ascorbic acid than commonly consumed grains and vegetables. No significant difference (α = 0.05) has been observed between the two varieties of teff grains with respect to the ascorbic acid content and antioxidant activities. However, there was a statistically significant difference (α = 0.05) in the ascorbic acid content and antioxidant activities between the teff grains and their injera samples. Therefore, this study indicated that teff grains and injera are rich in ascorbic acid content and antioxidant activities as compared to other cereal grains and are very crucial for human nutrition and health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, to evaluate the role of acidic electrolyzed water (AEW) combined with vacuum precooling (VP) treatment in fresh goji preservation, the physicochemical properties and anti‐oxidation indexes of goji berries were compared between the AEW+VP‐treated and control (VP treatment) groups during storage at 4, 7, and 10°C. The results showed that AEW+VP could effectively inhibit the decrease in L* and a* values, reduce the respiratory rate, delay the loss of vitamin C content, and maintain higher total soluble solid (TSS) content. Compared to the control, AEW+VP‐treated goji maintained higher catalase (CAT), peroxidase (POD), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity. Therefore, AEW+VP treatment could effectively improve the storage quality and extend the shelf life of fresh goji berries. Practical applications: Acidic electrolyzed water, a clean and environmentally friendly preservation technology, combined with vacuum precooling extended the shelf life of fresh goji berries while delaying the aging of goji berries at different storage temperatures. In this sense, AEW+VP had certain stability in enhancing the storage quality and extending the shelf life of goji berries, which can be regarded as an effective strategy for promoting the preservation of agricultural products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Peelu (Salvadora oleoides Decne.) fruit is well known for its nutritional and medicinal values. The current study analyzed the chemical composition of Salvadora oleoides fruit. Fresh Peelu fruits were harvested, and physicochemical properties, proximate composition, macro- and micronutrients, and phytochemical properties were determined. Moreover, ethanol and methanol fruit extract was analyzed for physicochemical properties. The Peelu fruit seemed to be a potential source of essential macro- ((nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), and magnesium (Mg)) and micronutrients (zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn), iron (Fe), and copper (Cu)). The fruit had significant biochemical properties (total soluble solids (TSS), total acidity (TA), and TSS : TA ratio) with appreciable moisture, crude fiber, and ash contents. The fruit extracts demonstrated significantly higher antioxidants and phenolics, ascorbic acid contents, and carotenoids. Phytochemical screening of fruit revealed the presence of coumarins, flavonoids, phlobatannins, tannins, and terpenoids. Physicochemical and sensory evaluation of extracts indicated its potential for further in vivo study trials. The Peelu fruit was found to be a good source of mineral nutrients, proximate contents, vitamins (ascorbic acid and carotenoid), phytochemicals (total phenolic sand antioxidant contents), and pharmaceutically important metabolites that can be used as functional drink. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a micronutrient, vitamin C plays an important role in growth and immunity of fish, but the effects of vitamin C on Pampus argenteus were still unclear. Here, we added vitamin C with different concentrations (0, 350, 1050, 2100 and 4200 mg/kg) to the basic diet, and the optimal concentration of vitamin C was screened out as 1050 mg/kg through the growth indicators, antioxidant enzyme activities (SOD, CAT, GSH‐PX and MDA) and the expression of four immune‐related genes (IL‐2, IL‐3, IL‐17 and IL‐18). After feeding dietary vitamin C supplementation with optimal concentration for 4 weeks, 80 ml/t formaldehyde was used to damage the immune system of fish. Then, the activities of the antioxidant enzymes and immune‐related genes were tested to find out the protective effects of vitamin C on the immune system. The results showed that the activity of CAT, SOD and GSH‐PX increased, while the MDA content decreased. At the molecular level, the expression of IL‐2 and IL‐3 genes increased, but the expression of IL‐17 and IL‐18 genes was inhibited. These findings suggested that the dietary vitamin C supplementation improved fish growth, alleviated the stress reaction caused by formaldehyde treatment and improved the immunity of P. argenteus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Moringa oleifera and strawberry are cultivated extensively worldwide and are divinely blessed with an enormous amount of nutritional and medicinal constituents, such as vitamin C, vitamin E, iron, potassium, and phenolic antioxidants that play a pivotal role in treating, confining, and preventing diabetes and many kinds of cancer. The focus of the study is to develop different samples of highly acceptable ready to serve (RTS) Moringa strawberry juice blend by underutilizing Moringa and strawberry juice in different proportions. Moringa oleifera's bitter taste and green color steeply limits its acceptability and counter this drawback utilized with strawberry juice. The physicochemical analysis of blended juice was performed to investigate the suitability and keeping quality of the juice mixture. The collected data signify that pH titratable acidity (TA) and total soluble solids (TSS) the slight modification after the inclusion of Moringa juice extract and throughout the storage. The Moringa treatment positively improved the total phenolic content (TPC), antioxidant, and vitamin C from 12 to 49.17 mg GAE/100g, 61.41 to 87.69%, and 64.03 to 86.65 mg/100 mL, respectively, but there was a slight decline in antioxidant quantity while stored under refrigerated conditions for one month. An assimilative trend was noticed in TPC and vitamin C, which collapsed from 49.17–36.32 mg GAE to 86.65–79.19 mg, respectively. In accordance with sensory analysis T2 (90% strawberry juice and 10% Moringa extract), the juice blend was rated best in context to flavor, color, and taste. This juice blend proved to be greatly effective especially for children suffering from malnutrition as well as women to counter with its appreciable number of nutritional constituents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Psychotria densinervia hydro-ethanolic leaf extract (PHELE) and bark extract (PHEBE) were evaluated for antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and inhibition of digestive enzymes activities. The antioxidant activity was characterized by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), total phenolic content (TPC), and total flavonoid content (TFC) assays. The anti-inflammatory activity was characterized by protein denaturation and antiproteinase tests, while the inhibition of the enzymes was assessed using α-amylase, α-glucosidase, lipase, and cholesterol esterase activities. PHELE presented low (p < 0.001) IC50 (59.09 ± 5.97 μg/ml) for DPPH compared with ascorbic acid (71.78 ± 6.37 μg/ml) and PHEBE (115.40 ± 1.21 μg/ml). The IC50 of PHELE (262.4 ± 4.46 μg/ml) and PHEBE (354.2 ± 1.97 μg/ml) was higher (p < 0.001) than that of catechin (33.48 ± 2.02 μg/ml) for ABTS. PHELE had high (p < 0.001) FRAP (341.73 ± 21.70 mg CE/g) than PHEBE (150.30 ± 0.32 mg CE/g). PHELE presented (p < 0.001) high TPC (270.05 ± 7.53 mg CE/g) and TFC (23.43 ± 0.032 mg CE/g) than PHEBE (TPC: 138.89 ± 0.91 and TFC: 20.06 ± 0.032 mg CE/g). PHELE showed antiprotein denaturation with IC50 (257.0 ± 7.51 μg/ml) (p < 0.001) and antiproteinase activity (74.37 ± 1.10 μg/ml) lower than PHEBE (316.1 ± 6.02 μg/ml and 177.6 ± 0.50 μg/ml), respectively. Orlistat inhibited lipase (p < 0.001) activity with IC50 (37.11 ± 4.39 μg/ml) lower than PHELE and PHEBE (50.57 ± 2.89 μg/ml and 62.88 ± 1.74 μg/ml, respectively). PHELE inhibited cholesterol esterase with IC50 (34.75 ± 3.87 μg/ml) lower than orlistat (54.61 ± 2.56) and PHEBE (80.14 ± 1.71 μg/ml). PHELE inhibited α-amylase IC50 (6.07 ± 4.05 μg/ml) lower than PHEBE (19.69 ± 6.27 μg/ml) and acarbose (20.01 ± 2.84 μg/ml). Acarbose inhibited α-glucosidase (p < 0.001) activity with IC50 (4.11 ± 3.47 μg/ml) lower than PHELE (24.41 ± 2.84 μg/ml) and PHEBE (38.81 ± 2.46 μg/ml). PHELE presented better antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and enzyme inhibition activity than PHEBE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Allium species including garlic and leek exhibits a broad range of medicinal and nutritional properties. Therefore, this study investigates the physicochemical and biological activities of garlic (Allium sativum L.) and leek (A. ampeloprasum L. var. Porrum) oil extracts. The result indicated that physicochemical properties indicated that significantly higher oil yield (21.25%), ACV (2.66 mg/g), FFA (1.34%), and PV (4.10 meq/kg) and also antioxidant activities with respect to 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl, DPPH (27.60 ± 1.55%), hydrogen peroxide (12.35 ± 0.92%) free radical scavenging activities, and ascorbic acid content (25.30 ± 3.25%) were obtained for leek leaf oil extract. Stronger antibacterial activity with a maximum zone of inhibition (16.00 mm), minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) (0.20 µg/ml), and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) (0.40 µg/ml) was recorded for leek oil extract against S. pyogenes. However, garlic oil has presented stronger antifungal activity with a maximum zone of inhibition (13.50 mm), MIC (0.40 µg/ml), and minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) (0.75 µg/ml) against Candida albicans. It is concluded from the results of this investigation that oils extracts of garlic bulb and leek leaves demonstrated significant biological activities that can be used as sources for pharmaceutical and nutraceutical ingredients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Balanites aegyptiaca L. Delile (B. aegyptiaca) is used in traditional medicine for the treatment of memory impairment. This work aims to evaluate the antioxidant and anticholinesterase potential of BA fruit pulp extract on excitotoxicity induced by monosodium glutamate (MSG). MSG was administered 30 minutes after treatment with B. aegyptiaca aqueous fruit pulp extract (50, 125, 250, and 500 mg/kg) and vitamin C (100 mg/kg) for 30 days. The negative control group received only MSG, while the control group was given distilled water daily. Behavioral tests parameters (using the novel object recognition, Y-maze, and Barnes maze tests), oxidative stress biomarkers (malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase, and catalase), nitric oxide, and acetylcholinesterase activity and hippocampal architecture were evaluated. Results obtained revealed that different doses of B. aegyptiaca significantly reversed the deleterious effect of MSG on memory. This was displayed by a significant (p < 0.05) increment in the percentage of spontaneous alternation in the Y-maze test and a significant (p < 0.001) increase in discrimination index in novel object recognition observed with 500 mg/kg extract dose. Moreover, the extract (250 and 500 mg/kg doses) significantly (p < 0.001) increased direct search strategy and significantly decreased (p < 0.01) the time taken to find the target hole in the Barnes maze. A modulation of hyperactivity was observed after administration of all extract doses compared to the negative control group in the open arena. Furthermore, the highest dose of the extract caused a significant (p < 0.001) improvement in antioxidant enzymes activity, associated with a significant (p < 0.001) decrement in nitric oxide and malondialdehyde concentrations and a significant (p < 0.01) decrease in acetylcholinesterase activity. Treatment with the extract also restored normal hippocampal cell architecture. B. aegyptiaca fruit pulp extract could thus confer neuroprotection through its antioxidant and anticholinesterase potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nonalcoholic Palm Nectar from Cocos nucifera (NPNC), a bio‐refresher obtained from the juvenile inflorescence of coconut palm; is prominent as a nutritional health drink. The aim of this study was to investigate the nutritional and medicinal properties of NPNC and its products; sugar (NPNCS) and honey (NPNCH). The collected samples were subjected to physicochemical evaluations such as pH, Titrable Acidity, Total Soluble Solids, and Ash value, using standard techniques. The analysis revealed the suitability of NPNC as a natural health drink over conventionally available beverage. The elemental compositions of the samples were determined by using Inductive Coupled Plasma—Atomic Emission Spectrometry and demonstrated that NPNCH is enriched with iron and NPNCS with calcium. Vitamin C present in the samples was determined by using 2,6‐Dichlorophenol indophenol redox titration method. Hydrolysable polyphenols, tannins, and flavonoids are determined by Folin‐Ciocalteu, by Folin‐Denis's technique and by aluminium chloride colorimetric methods, respectively. In NPNC, the dominance of Vitamin C as antioxidant is observed. Diuretic activity of samples was determined by Lipschitz method, and the results revealed that NPNC exhibited significant diuretic activity, comparable with furosemide. Immunomodulatory activities of the samples were evaluated by using indirect hemagglutination test and by using delayed type hypersensitivity (DTH) response. NPNC, NPNCS, and NPNCH exhibited stimulatory effect on humoral and cell‐mediated immunity, which is comparable with that of standard immunomodulator levamizole. Subacute toxicity studies of selected samples were done in Wistar rats and the results proved the boicompatibility of the samples without systemic toxic effects. Practical applications: The use of commercially available carbonated beverages and energy drinks in young adults are associated with negative health outcomes with increased incidence of diabetes, sleep disturbances, and dental problems. Even though, such complications are there, the energy drink industries have grown dramatically accounting for major percentage of market sale. Researchers are in search for natural health drinks with some medicinal value to avoid the negative impact on consumers' health. Nonalcoholic Palm Nectar from Cocos nucifera (NPNC) is considered as zero alcoholic natural health drink. The focus of this study is to reveal the potential medicinal properties of NPNC and its products; honey (NPNCH) and sugar (NPNCS). If the nutritional and medicinal values of the selected preparations from natural sources can be proved with scientific evidence, its ability to beat commercially available carbonated beverages and energy drinks with negative health consequences may get widespread acceptance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined the secondary metabolite content and the antioxidant activities of hydromethanolic P. lentiscus L. leaves extracts at different altitudes. The results indicated that the contents of polyphenols and flavonoids were significantly (p ≤ 0.05) high in the low altitude, unlike the Chl (chlorophyll), tannins, and ascorbic acid, which were reported to have higher content in the high altitude. These results showed that the P. lentiscus L. is more adaptable to higher elevations than low elevation, where the plant was probably stressed. On the other hand, the analyses of correlation between the antioxidant activity and phytochemical content affirmed that the antiradical activity (DPPH) correlated with the content of polyphenols; however, the total antioxidant activity is correlated with the flavonoid content. These results revealed the importance of P. lentiscus L. leaves as a natural antioxidant and gave an idea of the altitude effect on the biochemical parameters of leaves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Antioxidants attracted long-standing attention as promising preventive agents worldwide. Previous observational studies have reported that circulating antioxidants are associated with reduced mortality; however, randomized clinical trials indicate neutral or harmful impacts. The association of long-term circulating antioxidant exposure with longevity is still unclear. Objectives. We aim to determine whether long-term circulating antioxidant exposure is causally associated with longevity in the general population using the two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) design. Methods. Genetic instruments for circulating antioxidants (ascorbate, lycopene, selenium, beta-carotene, and retinol) and antioxidant metabolites (ascorbate, alpha-tocopherol, gamma-tocopherol, and retinol) were identified from the largest up-to-date genome-wide association studies (GWASs). Summary statistics of these instruments with individual survival to the 90th vs. 60th percentile age (11,262 cases and 25,483 controls) and parental lifespan (N = 1,012,240 individuals) were extracted. The causal effect was estimated using the inverse-variance weighted method in the main analysis and complemented by multiple sensitivity analyses to test the robustness of results. Results. We found that genetically determined higher concentration of circulating retinol (vitamin A) metabolite was casually associated with a higher odds of longevity (OR, 1.07; 95% CI, 1.02–1.13; P < 0.01) and increased parental lifespan (lifespan years per 10-fold increase: 0.17; 95% CI, 0.07–0.27; P < 0.01). Present evidence did not support a causal impact of circulating ascorbate (vitamin C), tocopherol (vitamin E), lycopene, selenium or beta-carotene on life expectancy. No evidence was identified to show the pleiotropic effects had biased the results. Conclusions. Long-term higher exposure to retinol metabolite is causally associated with longevity in the general population. Future MR analyses could assess the current findings further by utilizing additional genetic variants and greater samples from large-scale GWASs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the study was to compare the physicochemical parameters, sugar, vitamin C, and phenolic profiles in five genotypes of local indeterminate tunnel tomato hybrid (LITTH) (LITTH-778, LITTH-784, LITTH-786, LITTH-788, and LITTH-790) of natural parthenocarpic tomato (NPT) and normal seeded tomato (NST). Samples were collected from the experimental fields of Ayub Agricultural Research Institute, Faisalabad, Pakistan. Physical parameters (fruit shape, fruit weight, fruit length, fruit width, number of seeds per fruit, and shelf-life) and chemical composition (moisture, ash, crude fat, crude fiber, total carbohydrate, crude protein, and vitamin C) of NPT and NST were analyzed by reported methods. The methanolic extracts of tomato pulp were prepared by shaking and extracts were assayed for antioxidant activity. Sugar contents and phenolic profile of NPT and NST were estimated using HPLC method. Weight and size of NPT were less and smaller than the NST. Moreover, NPT were seedless with longer shelf-life and had more phenolic and flavonoid contents than the NST. HPLC analysis revealed that chlorogenic acid, gallic acid, and p-coumaric acid were major phenolics in methanol (polar solvent) extracts of NST, and caffeic acid, gallic acid, and p-coumaric acid in NPT extract. NPT contained higher concentration of sugar contents, but lower concentration of vitamin C than NST. In 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging assay, NPT fruit extracts showed high scavenging activity with the 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) value of 22.56 μg/mL compared to NST fruit extracts having IC50 29.49 μg/mL. This study provided useful information for farmers and nutritionists. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adult koi carp (Cyprinus carpio L.) were fed with feed supplemented with vitamin C at 200 mg/kg feed (T1), 400 mg/kg feed (T2) and 600 mg/kg feed (T3), and vitamin E at 200 mg/kg feed (T4), 400 mg/kg feed (T5) and 600 mg/kg feed (T6) at ad libitum for 60 days. Control (without vitamin inclusion) was also maintained. Observations were made on the growth performance, GSI and biochemical composition of gonads such as crude protein, crude fat, cholesterol and carotenoid once in 15 days. At the end of the experiment, fertilization was done to record the fertilization and hatching rate. The difference in the values was noticed among the male and female koi carp. Fish supplemented with vitamin E at 200 mg/kg feeexhibited higher growth in both male and female fish, and the fertilization rate and hatching rate were also higher in that group, and the values were significantly different (p < 0.05) and showed linear and quadratic trends. Inclusion of vitamin C at 600 mg/kg feed had shown higher lipid and carotenoid contents of female koi carp (p<0.05). Hence, the results revealed that supplementing vitamin C and E in the diet is necessary for the successful reproduction of koi carp. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study aimed to characterize bananas in their different stages of ripeness, to determine the variables that demonstrate higher levels at each moment. The fruits were analyzed according to physical parameters: weight, texture, and diameter of the fruits; as well as physicochemical parameters: pH, titratable acidity, soluble solids, and Ratio; and also biochemical parameters: total sugars, phenolic compounds, ascorbic acid, pigments, antioxidant activity by DPPH and FRAP methods. The used samples were collected at the following maturation stages: 2, 4, 6, and 7 and determined according to the Von Loesecke Maturation Scale. In relation to the behavior of the parameters evaluated, the fruits showed significant reductions in relation to the physical parameters, while there were increases in relation to pH, titratable acidity, and soluble solids. The antioxidant and phenolic activities also showed reductions, which shows that the degradative process caused by ripening also causes reductions in these compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]