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AbstractPlastic pollution is one of the most acute environmental problems in the world, so active packaging materials made from biodegradable natural polymers have received widespread attention in recent years. In this paper, forsythia flower extract, serving as an active ingredient, was integrated into the starch-sodium alginate-montmorillonite composite film. The physicochemical properties and functional packaging applications of the composite films were investigated. The results demonstrate the formation of a tightly-knit network structure through molecular interactions among forsythia flowers, starch, sodium alginate, and montmorillonite. Notably, the addition of forsythia flower extracts conferred better UV resistance (from 200 nm to 400 nm) and outstanding antioxidant properties to the composite films. After 18 days of storage, in comparison with the control group, the decay rate of fresh cherry tomatoes packaged with the composite film containing forsythia flower extract showed a significant reduction of 40%, the hardness increased by 25%, and the content of vitamin C was enhanced by 33%. Hence, the forsythia flower extract composite film offers a novel perspective for the design and development of bio-based packaging films for preserving fresh fruits. The results serve as a foundation for the subsequent advancement and application of forsythia flower in the field of packaging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new salvianolic acid derivative, (7′E)-(7S, 8S)-salvianolic acid V (1), together with four previously described compounds (2-5) were obtained from the n-butanol fraction of Salvia miltiorrhiza flowers. Their structures were established by a series of spectroscopic methods, and the absolute configuration of 1 was determined by electronic circular dichroism (ECD) calculation. Salvianolic acids (1) and phenolic acids (2-4) showed stronger DPPH free radical scavenging abilities and certain protective effects against H2O2-induced human skin fibroblast (HSF) cells oxidative damage, in which compound 1 (IC50 7.12 μM) possessed more noticeable free radical scavenging activity than the positive control vitamin C (IC50 14.98 μM). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new fruit of the Myrtaceae, Eugenia bonita, was recently discovered. Its composition is unknown, which makes its physicochemical characterisation and its development profile during maturation necessary. Therefore, this work constitutes the first study aimed at determining the quality parameters and bioactive compounds of new fruit of E. bonita, at different stages of maturation. The fruits were collected in the city of Bonito de Minas, Minas Gerais in five stages of maturation and submitted for analysis of the physicochemical characteristics. The advance of maturation caused increase in all biometric characteristics of E. bonita fruits and reduction in all constituents of the proximate composition, except moisture. In addition, the ripe fruit was characterised by high water content, high acidity, and good sweetness. Moreover, there was change in the fruit color from green to yellow-orange, after maturity. In turn, although some phytochemicals have degraded during maturation, the high levels of vitamin C (61.17 mg/100 g) and total phenolics (587.92 mg GAE/100 g) in the ripe fruits characterise E. bonita as an important source of bioactive compounds. These data are of great importance to the scientific community, food industry, and popular culture since this fruit has interesting functional properties and great nutritional value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two neolignan glycosides including a new one (1), along with seven iridoid glycosides (3 − 9) and nine flavonoid glycosides (10 − 18), were isolated from the leaves of Vaccinium bracteatum. Their structures were established mainly on the basis of 1D/2D NMR and ESIMS analyses, as well as comparison to known compounds in the literature. The structure of 1 with absolute stereochemistry was also confirmed by chemical degradation and ECD calculation. Selective compounds showed antiradical activity against ABTS and/or DPPH. Moreover, several isolates also suppressed the production of ROS in RAW264.7 cells and exerted neuroprotective effect toward PC12 cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To develop potent anticancer agents, a series of novel 1,3,4-thiadiazoldiazenylacrylonitrile derivatives 2–16 were designed and synthesized using (1,3,4-thiadiazol-2-yl) carbonohydrazonoyl dicyanide (2) as starting material. The radical scavenging activity of the synthesized compounds was evaluated, and it was observed that the compounds have radical scavenging properties. For studying the radical scavenging activity of the synthesized compounds, the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) method was applied. It was found that compounds 12–16 are the most potent antioxidant compounds compared to the results of ascorbic acid (reference drug). Cytotoxicity studies of the newly synthesized compounds were performed against two mammalian cancer cell lines, HepG2, and MCF-7 cells. Compound 15 showed an IC50 value (11.5 ± 0.6 µM) that is very similar to DOX as a standard for the two used cell lines. The most promising values were observed from compounds 5 and 12–16 (very strong activity). Histopathology of liver tissues treated with compound 15 confirmed its anticancer activity. Molecular docking (MD) simulations were run to evaluate the putative binding ability of the most promising anti-cancer synthesized compounds 5 and 12–16 with the human cyclin-dependent kinase 2 (CDK2). Based on MD results as well as physicochemical and pharmacokinetic (ADMET) predictions, the compounds under investigation are promising candidates for the future development of novel anticancer agents targeting CDK2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Edible flowers represent rich sources of nutritional and phytochemical compounds. Violas (Viola × wittrockiana) have been confirmed to be non-toxic as food products. Based on the wide variety of flower colours, major differences may exist in antioxidant concentrations among flowers of different colours. This study examined the differences in concentrations of antioxidant components in viola flowers of eight different colours: white, red, dark red, orange, yellow, light blue, light purple, and dark purple. Flower fresh weight, petal length, petal colour (measured using a chroma metre), ascorbic acid concentration, total anthocyanin concentration, total polyphenol concentration, and DPPH radical-scavenging activity were analysed. The violas used in this study had a wide range of colours, with different lightness and chroma values. Ascorbic acid, total anthocyanin, and total polyphenol concentrations were higher in red, dark red, and dark purple flowers. In contrast, these concentrations were lower in white and light-coloured flowers. The DPPH radical-scavenging activity was also lower in white and light-coloured flowers. Therefore, red, dark red, and dark purple flowers rather than white and light-coloured flowers of violas represent rich sources of antioxidant components and their consumption may provide various health benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The chemical composition and antioxidant activity of the essential oil from the leaves and flowers of Baccharis odorata Kunth grown in Cuzco, Peru were studied. One hundred forty-one compounds were identified in the essential oil. Oxygenated sesquiterpene and sesquiterpene hydrocarbons were the most represented classes of volatiles with 36.1% and 33.6%, respectively. The main constituents of the essential oil were δ-cadinene (9.1%), β-pinene (8.8%), α-cadinol (8.1%) and limonene (6.2%). Antioxidant properties were examined using the DPPH ferric-reducinging antioxidant power assays. For DPPH radical scavenging assay, the IC50 value was 10.2 ± 1.6 μg/mL, while the FRAP was between 301.3 ± 23.4 to 480.2 ± 21.2 μM of ascorbic acid equivalents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pakchoi (Brassica campestris ssp. Chinensis) is a leafy vegetable which has been widely cultivated and consumed worldwide due to its low calorific value, a large supply of macro and micronutrients, beneficial phytochemicals and fibers. Amino acids have a vital role in plant nutrition; however, the effect of glycine and nitrate (Gly/NO3-N) on health-promoting phytochemicals, biomass, and antioxidant activities has gained a little attention. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the impact of glycine and nitrate on health-promoting phytochemicals and yield/biomass of pakchoi. Glycine and nitrate were employed in different proportions (control, Gly/NO3-N = 3:1, Gly/NO3-N = 1:1, and Gly/NO3-N = 1:3 in the Venlo greenhouse, Shanghai Jiao Tong university, China. Results showed that compared to control, the treatment with Gly/NO3-N notably increased the secondary metabolites like polyphenols, flavonoids, glutathione (GSH), ascorbic acid (vitamin C), antioxidant potential (FRAP and DPPH value), and biomass in pakchoi plants. The contents of all antioxidants were high under the treatment of Gly/NO3-N（1:1). Interestingly, the contents of flavonoids were significantly enhanced (107.10%) by Gly/NO3-N = 1:1 than control plants. Furthermore, the content of Phe increased by 33.79%-86.32%, and also the activity of catabolic enzymes (CHI, CHS, C4H, and PAL) of the polyphenols pathway was found to be significantly enhanced while the activity of 4CL and DFR was restrained by the treatment of Gly/NO3-N, compared with control plants. In addition, the correlation analysis of polyphenols and flavonoids with Phe, PAL, C4H, CHS, and CHI showed a positive correlation, while a negative correlation was found in the case of 4CL and DFR. Taken together, the current findings suggest that the application of Gly/NO3-N enhanced polyphenols metabolism as well as increased the total polyphenolic content and antioxidant activity. Consequently, this combination of glycine and nitrate could be used to promote beneficial phytochemicals and yield/biomass of pakchoi. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

R-phycoerythrin (R-PE) is a red pigment present in algae with potential application in the biotechnology industry. This study aims the physical-chemical characterization and antioxidant activity of R-phycoerythrin from Gracilaria birdiae (CE-Gb). The spectroscopic stability of the pigment against different additives was also evaluated. The results showed antioxidant activity dependent on pigment concentration. Furthermore, the degradation of R-PE was maximum in CE-Gb without preservatives, and the addition of ascorbic acid (AA) reduced the color loss of the pigment during storage. G. birdiae proved to be a potential source of R-PE, which can be used as a dye in the food industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study aimed to evaluate the stability of mango peel flakes obtained by drum-drying through sorption isotherms, glass transition temperature, and controlled storage. Two products were produced using drum-drying (146 °C/15 s): without (DMP) and with process additives (DMPA) (5% corn starch d.b.; 1% glyceryl monostearate d.b.). The isotherms, obtained by gravimetric method (25 °C), had the best fit with the GAB model (R2=0.99), revealing a monolayer of 0.0954 g water/g d.b. (aw=0.5089) for DMP, and 0.0826 g water/g d.b. (aw=0.4818) for DMPA. The glass transition temperatures (Tg) were fitted through Roos and Gordon-Taylor, demonstrating the plasticizing effect of water. Combined GAB-Gordon Taylor analysis pointed out critical storage conditions (25 °C): aw=0.061 and moisture content of 0.7 g/100 g for DMPA; aw=0.055 and moisture content of 0.6 g/100 g for DMP. The storage of DMPA (aw=0.219; moisture content of 1.27 g/100 g) at 25 °C (240 days) and 35 °C (120 days) showed high retention of vitamin C, color, and phenolic compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was designed to determine the nutritional composition and bioactive compounds in four selected wild potato varieties. Moisture content in wild potato varieties ranged between 70.92 ± 0.29 to 73.82 ± 0.64 g/100 g sample. Shimul Alu has the highest amount of ash (1.01 g/100 g sample). The range of 3.2–4.10 g/100 g sample was the range where the protein content changed substantially. Jam Alu had the highest protein content (4.10 g/100 g sample), whereas lal parki had the lowest value (2.2 g/100 g sample). Shimul Alu provided the highest crude fiber concentration (0.55 g/100 g sample), whereas lal parki presented the lowest crude fiber content (0.43 g/100 g sample). Shimul Alu had the highest levels of starch and reducing sugar. In comparison to widely grown types, wild potato varieties showed increased antioxidant activity. Jam Alu had the most antioxidant activity, with 148.83 mol of ascorbic acid per gram, whereas commonly consumed potato, lal parki, had the lowest antioxidant activity, with 91.57 mol of ascorbic acid per gram. The phenolic content of the dry sample ranged from 1.01 to 2.85 mg GAE. Jam alu, one of the potato cultivars, had the greatest phenolic content. The range of the total flavonoid concentration in grams was 18.04–41.38 mg of quercetin equivalents (QE). Shil bilati, a wild kind of potato, had the highest flavonoid content, whereas lal parki, a commonly consumed potato, had the lowest. In comparison to widely farmed and consumed forms, wild kinds of potatoes were shown to be more nutrient-dense. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cashew tree has two parts of food industry and nutrition interest, i.e the nut and the juicy apple. This study aimed to carry out a phytochemical characterization, determine the antioxidant properties and evaluate the influence of temperature on the phytonutrient composition of cashew fruits. The contents of ascorbic acids, phytates, and tannins, of various pigments were determined. Antioxidant activities were determined by four methods using standard methods. The apples presented the best antioxidant activities for FRAP, SOD, and LPO 98.54 ± 5.48, 834.12 ± 13.47, and 84.9 ± 4.15, respectively; while walnuts showed the best antioxidant activities for free radical scavenging which was 26.14 ± 3.21. Tannin, phytate, and anthocyanin contents decreased by more than 50% when increasing temperatures between 50 and 100°C. Ascorbic acid tends to disappear completely in fruit at temperatures of 100°C. Extractable lycopene increased by about 25% with increasing temperature. β-carotene was found to be insensitive to temperature increase. These results provide valuable information that can help in the control of cashew fruit processing in the food industry. They also provide important information on the nutraceutical potential of cashew fruit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new series of novel α-aminophosphonate derivatives have been synthesized by new rapid and convenient approach, based on the stepwise one pot reaction of 2-hydroxyaniline, aromatic aldehydes and triethyl phosphite. The structures of all compounds have been identified by appropriate spectroscopic methods such as FTIR, 1H, 13C, 31P NMR and ESI-MS. The crystal structure of diethyl-(2-fluorophenyl)-(2-hydroxy-4-methylphenyl)amino phosphonate has been determined, it crystallizes in the P-1 space group. In vitro antifungal activity of the synthesized compounds were tested against wheat fusarium (Fusarium oxysporum) and compared with standard antifungal drug Chlorpyriphos EC to explore their potential antifungal activity. We also measured the antioxidant activity of these molecules, compared with vitamin C as standard antioxidant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Here, the extraction of total flavonoids from Tremella fuciformis (TF) by aqueous two-phase extraction combined with ultrasound is presented. The extraction was optimized via a single-variable approach using the variables of mass fraction of ethanol and NaH2PO4, ultrasonication time, and TF sample amount. Response surface methodology (RSM) was then applied to determine the best conditions for extraction using the following three key parameters: ultrasonication time, ethanol mass fraction, and NaH2PO4 mass fraction. The optimum conditions were as follows: an aqueous two-phase system of ethanol/NaH2PO4, an ethanol mass fraction of 23%, a NaH2PO4 mass fraction of 27.18%, and an extraction time of 8.25 min. Under these conditions, the maximum extraction rate of total flavonoids was 0.158 mg/g. The scavenging rates for superoxide anion and hydroxyl radical, as well as the antioxidant activity of total flavonoids in TF, were studied. Total flavonoids from TF showed some scavenging ability, but the scavenging effects were lower than those of vitamin C (Vc) at the same concentrations. Nevertheless, ultrasound-assisted two-phase extraction was considered an efficient and rapid method that can be used to extract total flavonoids from TF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three new β-benzylselenated Schiff bases, (S)-L1H, (R)-L2H and (R)-L3H, were synthesized from three chiral β-benzylselenated amines, (S)-2a, (R)-2b and (R)-2c, respectively, on condensation with salicylaldehyde. The corresponding palladium complexes, (S)-1, (R)-2 and (R)-3, were synthesized by reactions of these ligands with Na2[PdCl4]. The ligands and their complexes were characterized by spectroscopic (1H, 13C{1H} NMR and FT-IR), polarimetric and elemental analysis. The crystal structure of (S)-1 was determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The ligands bind palladium(II) as deprotonated ((S)-L1, (R)-L2 and (R)-L3) tridentate (Se,N,O-) chelates resulting in complexes of composition [Pd(L1-3)Cl]. All these compounds have been screened for in vitro DPPH radical scavenging activity using vitamin-C as a reference standard. The DPPH radical scavenging activity was assessed by varying the concentration of each of these compounds. The results of antioxidant activity studies demonstrated that these compounds are good-to-excellent radical scavenging agents. The antioxidant activity was quantitatively expressed as their IC50 values which revealed that the activity of palladium complexes were 50% higher than those of corresponding ligands and very close to that of the standard reference vitamin-C. New tridentate (Se,N,O-) type Schiff bases and their palladium complexes. The crystal structure of a palladium complex determined. Ligands and complexes explored for in-vitro DPPH radical scavenging activity. The antioxidant activity studies revealed that these compounds are promising antioxidants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the effects of salicylanilide analogue NBHE for shrimp preservation. The antioxidant activity of 4-Nitro-benzoic acid 3-(2-hydroxy-benzoylamino)-propyl ester (NBHE) was evaluated using the superoxide anion scavenging ability assay. The results showed that NBHE possessed a higher inhibitory effect than that of salicylic acid but weaker than that of kojic acid and ascorbic acid. The IC50 value for ascorbic acid, kojic acid, salicylic acid, and NBHE was calculated to be 9.88 ± 1.98 μg/mL, 63.10 ± 1.13 μg/mL, 328.94 ± 25.01 μg/mL, and 80.94 ± 4.20 μg/mL, respectively. The copper chelating activity of 80.04 ± 3.00% and 85.39 ± 2.97% was observed in the presence of 30 μg/mL and 35 μg/mL of NBHE, respectively. Fifty μM concentration of NBHE had no considerable cytotoxic effect in HaCaT cells. The sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) of shrimp myofibrillar proteins (MP) showed that NBHE could effectively inhibit myofibrillar protein degradation and displayed obvious preservative effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Physalis angulata is an annual herb which has tremendous medicinal uses. The antioxidant activity of the whole plant extract of Physalis angulata was investigated using DPPH radical scavenging activity. Purified compounds were isolated using column chromatography method. Their structures were determined using various spectroscopic techniques. A new compound named as Squalen-1-ol, Phytol, squalene and α-tocopherol were isolated. These compounds were isolated for the first time from Physalis angulata. The extract of Physalis angulata gave a significant IC50 value of 0.77 mg/mL as compared with the standard ascorbic acid with IC50 value of 0.24 mg/mL. It can be correlated that the antioxidant activity of Physalis angulata could be attributed to the presence of α – tocopherol which is a known antioxidant. The presence of these compounds gives a further added pharmacological value to the plant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Elaeagnus latifolia is an underutilized plant of the Elaeagnaceae family. The extraction of E. latifolia pulp was carried out from 30 to 120 min by different environmentally friendly extraction methods: agitation, percolation, Soxhlet, and ultrasound-assisted extraction with ethanol, and hydrodistillation. The extracts were analyzed for their total phenolic compounds, carotenoids and ascorbic acid contents, and antioxidant activity. The highest yield of extract, of 63.5 g/100 g of raw material (RM), in dry basis (db), total phenolic compounds, of 3.3 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/g extract, and 2.042 mg GAE/g RM, and carotenoids, of 176.6 mg β-carotene equivalent/kg RM, were obtained by Soxhlet for 120 min. All the extracts presented similar antioxidant activity. Therefore, E. latifolia can be a source of compounds of interest to the food industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A green and efficient one-pot has been developed for the synthesis of a series of new diethyl-(((2,3-dihydrobenzo[b][1, 4] dioxin-6yl)amino)(substituted phenyl)methyl) phosphonates (4a-k) by the Kabachinik-Fields reaction of 2,3-dihydrobenzo[b] [1, 4]dioxin-6-amine (1) with various substituted aldehydes (2a-k) and diethyl phosphite (3) using nano ferrite supported glutathione (nano FGT) as catalyst under microwave irradiation and solvent free conditions. The synthesized compounds were evaluated for their antioxidant (DPPH & FRAP) and anti-inflammatory activity studies. Compounds 4b (naphthyl) and 4k (9-anthracenyl) showed highest antioxidant activity than that of standard ascorbic acid in DPPH method. Whereas compounds 4f (3-nitrophenyl), 4h (3-phenoxyphenyl) and 4k (9-anthracenyl) exhibited low IC50 values than that of standard ascorbic acid in and in Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP) studies. Compounds 4a, 4b, 4h, 4i, and 4k have shown strong anti-inflammatory activity against LPS induced cell death in RAW 264.7 cell lines. Molecular docking studies were also carried out against COX-2 showed high binding energies that are in support of their high anti-inflammatory activity. Being the most bioactive compound (4k) stands as promising next future anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory agent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of pre-harvest gibberellic acid (GA3) and calcium chloride (CaCl2) and post-harvest modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) applications on fruit quality of sweet cherry during the cold storage. At the end of the cold storage, GA3+CaCl2 applications in MAP-applied fruit and CaCl2 in non-MAP-applied fruit significantly delayed weight loss compared to the control. During the cold storage, the decay of CaCl2-applied fruit has not been observed. At the end of cold storage, the a* and firmness values of the fruit treated with GA3 and CaCl2 were significantly higher than the control. The CaCl2-applied fruit had less soluble solids than the control, but they had significantly higher acidity compared to other applications. In MAP, GA3- and CaCl2-applied fruit had higher vitamin C and antioxidant activity values than the control fruit, but their total phenolics were higher. However, the total flavonoids of CaCl2-applied fruit were higher than the control. On fruit in non-MAP, with GA3 application, less anthocyanin was obtained compared to the control. As a result, GA3-treated fruit had a relatively lower bioactive compound content compared to the fruit of the CaCl2 and control applications both during the harvest and the cold storage. However, it has been revealed that GA3 and CaCl2 applications can be used as significant pre-harvest tools to delay the loss of the fruit firmness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new series of 1-Thiazolyl-2-Pyrazolines 5a-g was accomplished by reacting pyrazolealdehyde with an appropriate aromatic ketone in the presence of PEG-300 as a solvent to yield chalcone. The chalcones reacted with thiosemicarbazide to yield asymmetric 1-thiocarbamoyl pyrazoles. The above formed 1-thiocarbamoyl pyrazoles reacted with appropriate α- haloketones to yield 1-Thiazolyl-2-Pyrazolines. The structural interpretations of newly formed compounds were done by 1H NMR, 13CNMR, IR and mass spectroscopic methods. The newly prepared asymmetric 1-Thiazolyl-2-pyrazoline derivatives were evaluated to their in vitro antioxidant (H2O2, DPPH, SOR and NO radical inhibiting activity) as well as anti-inflammatory activity. The 1-Thiazolyl-2-pyrazoline derivatives 5a-g exhibited moderate to good H2O2 scavenging activity as match up to ascorbic acid. All the 1-Thiazolyl-2-pyrazoline derivatives exhibited excellent SOR scavenging activity except 5 b. All the tested compounds have shown good to excellent, NO radical inhibiting activity. DPPH radical scavenging activity results have shown low antioxidant activity. Also, all the 1-Thiazolyl-2-pyrazoline derivatives were tested for their in vitro anti-inflammatory activity. The compounds 5a, 5 b, 5c, 5f and 5 g were exhibited good anti-inflammatory activity and 5d showed moderate activity while 5e less active as match up to diclofenac sodium as a standard reference. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Consumer demand for higher-quality fruit juices has resulted in the development of non-thermal processing to extend the shelf life of fruit juices. Ozonation is a novel technique, involving the production of volatile oxygen atoms capable of destroying an extensive range of microorganisms and lengthening the shelf stability of fruit juices. The purpose of this research was to examine the influence of ozonation on the physicochemical, bioactive components, and microbial properties of kinnow juice. Kinnow juice was exposed to ozone gas with fixed concentration 150 mg/h for 5, 10, and 15 minutes. Then, kinnow juice was filled in a plastic bottle and kept at 4 ± 2°C for 3 months. The mentioned parameters were examined after 30 days, 60 days, and 90 days. It was found that ozonation had shown a significant influence on nutritional characteristics of kinnow juice as it increased (p ≤.05) the acidity, total soluble content, total phenolics content, flavonoids content, and antioxidant potential of kinnow juice and diminished the microbial activity, increasing ozone time from 5 to 15 minutes. OZ-15 (15 minutes of ozonation) showed the maximum value of total soluble content (14.70 ± 0.10 °Brix), titrable acidity (0.179 ± 0.10%), total flavonoid content (244.44 ± 3.70 mg equivalent of catechin/100 mL), and total antioxidant activity (305.95 ± 2.70 µg/g equivalent of ascorbic acid of juice), but it presented the least total mold counts (1.49 ± 0.02 colony forming unit/mL) and plate counts (1.53 ± 0.03 colony forming unit/mL). It was suggested that the ozonation could be used as an alternative to the traditional pasteurization and chemical preservatives on kinnow juice to retain quality characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The white mulberry, Morus alba, is distributed worldwide and known for its antioxidant properties. Ethanol extract of six varieties of M. alba roots were studied (IZ 13/6, IZ 40, IZ 56/4, IZ 64, Indonesia and Tigreada). From variety IZ 40, two secondary metabolites were isolated and unambiguously identified by 2 D NMR experiments as morusin and mulberrofuran B. These were quantified in the varieties by liquid chromatography, recording 5.27–16.74% for the first, and 0.54–3.55% for the latter. Mulberrofuran B presented higher activity than morusin by phosphomolybdenum (1531.33 ± 20.28 mmol ascorbic acid/g) and ferrocyanide (14.39%) methods, ABTS (95.74 ± 4.21 µM) and DPPH (843.87 ± 10.65 µM) radical sequestration capacity, while morusin showed significant statistical correlation with antioxidant activity for some M. alba varieties. These results suggested that morusin influences antioxidant activity of M. alba in synergism with other compounds and can be a good chemical marker in this species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work presents a simple, low cost, and portable spectrophotometer based on a digital microscope as a detector for the determination of the antioxidant activity and total phenolic content (TPC). The antioxidant activity was expressed as ascorbic acid equivalents (AAE) using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH) assay. The TPC value was measured using the Folin-Ciocalteu method. The color of the products was captured using a digital microscope powered through the USB output of a laptop. A digital microscope, held in a 3D printing device was used to take photos of the reaction product that was illuminated with the stable light source of the digital microscope. The pictures were analyzed for quantitation. For the DPPH assay, the developed method provided a working range from 0.6 to 6 mg L−1 of ascorbic acid with a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.2 mg L−1 and a relative standard deviation (RSD) of 2.2%. The TPC method provided a working range from 4.6 to 100 mg L−1 for gallic acid, with a LOD of 1.4 mg L−1 and a RSD of 1.3%. Results of the proposed system agree well with a conventional spectrophotometric method and have been successfully applied to measure the antioxidant activity and TPC of local Thai tea samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]