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AbstractIn present study, Spanish cherry pulp (SCP) was dried using refractance window (RW) dryer at varying temperatures (50 to 90 °C) to investigate the impacts on drying kinetics and physicochemical properties and compared with freeze-dried samples. An increasing RW drying temperature from 50 to 90 °C reduced drying time from 320 to 80 min. The water and oil absorption capacity showed no significant (p < 0.05) changes in RW-dried SCP samples. Noticeable changes in color values, ascorbic acid, β-carotenoid, total phenol content, total flavonoid content, and antioxidant activity were observed on increasing RW drying temperature. As per results, compared to control, RW drying at 50 °C retained most of the nutrients. From nutrient retention perspective, RW drying at 80 and 90 °C may not be suitable SCP samples. From multivariance analysis, RW drying of SCP samples can be performed at 60 °C instead of 70 °C for better nutrient contents. [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]

Knowing the true levels of nutrients and dietary bioactives in fruit juices at the point of consumption is key to properly understand their potential health benefits. The objective was to characterise the vitamin C and flavanone content in commercial orange juices consumed in Europe, compared with fresh-squeezed juices. Commercial juices were a rich source of vitamin C (>30% of the Nutrient Reference Value). Vitamin C in fresh-squeezed juices, at the end of their shelf-life, remained 33% higher than the levels found in the commercial juices. Flavanones had similar values from both commercial and fresh juices, except for fresh samples stored for 48 h, where fresh juices had higher values (22.36 mg/100 mL). Thus, orange juices preserve their bioactive compounds during storage, with very little influence of the brand, country, industrial process or storage conditions. Main bioactive compounds in commercial juices are present at nutritionally significant levels to the freshly-squeezed ones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reports an evaluation of Annaba city climate impact on phytochemical composition and antiradical power of Tropaeolum majus leaf, flower and fruit extracts. Significant phenolic, flavonoid, tannin and carotenoid levels were registered in leaf extract, whereas flower extract showed higher yield, vitamin C and anthocyanin contents. The 2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl scavenging power was significantly higher in leaf extract. Conversely, hydroxyl antiradical power was significantly higher in fruit fixed oil. These results show that the Mediterranean climate of Annaba City improved Tropaeolum majus leaves and the nutritional qualities of flowers and fruits, enhancing their phytochemical composition as well as antiradical properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Effects of freeze-thaw pretreatments using slow (SFZ), fast (FFZ) and ultrafast (UFZ) freezing on the drying characteristics, physicochemical and phytochemical compositions of red dragon fruit slices were investigated during mid- (MIR) and near-infrared (NIR) drying. Results indicated that the pretreatments altered cellular structure, reduced drying time and increased drying rates and effective moisture diffusivity, and these effects were dependent on the freezing methods, showing that FFZ and UFZ could improve physicochemical quality, ascorbic acid, and hydroxyl scavenging ability, while SFZ could enhance total phenolics and flavonoid contents, betalains, and ABTS radical scavenging activity. Overall, freeze-thaw pretreatments prompted more efficient drying due to structural modification and improved heating uniformity, they also presented undesirable effects on color, shrinkage, betalains, phenolics and ABTS scavenging activity. The study provided a theoretical basis for applying freeze-thaw pretreatments during infrared drying and indicated the need for optimization studies for improving drying efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Currently, an estimated 20% of the population in Sub-Saharan Africa is food insecure with the incidence of hunger and malnutrition still rising. This trend is amplified by the socio-economic consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic. In contrast, more than a third of the harvestable perishable produce is lost due to a lack of preservation or failure to utilize preservation as is the case for underutilized crops (UCs). Moreover, some of the preservation techniques utilized are poor, leading to the deterioration of food quality, especially the micronutrients. In this study, we thus exemplarily investigated the impact of different drying settings on the quality of two highly nutritious UCs, namely cocoyam and orange-flesh sweet potato (OFSP) (40, 60, and 80 °C for cocoyam and 40, 50, 60, and 70 °C for OFSP) to deduce the optimum quality retention and further develop a theoretical design of processing units and processing guidelines for decentralized food processing. Drying cocoyam at 80 °C and OFSP at 60 °C, respectively resulted in a relatively shorter drying time (135 and 210 min), a lower total color difference (2.29 and 11.49-13.92), greater retentions for total phenolics (0.43 mg GAE/100 gDM and 155.0-186.5 mg GAE/100 gDM), total flavonoid (128 mg catechin/100 gDM and 79.5-81.7 mg catechin/100 gDM) and total antioxidant activity (80.85% RSA and 322.58-334.67 mg AAE/100 gDM), respectively for cocoyam and OFSP. The β-carotene, ascorbic acid and vitamin A activity per 100 gDM of the OFSP flours ranged between 6.91- 9.53 mg, 25.90 − 35.72 mg, and 0.53 − 0.73 mg RAE, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Germination of seeds is a complex process linked to various molecular and biochemical changes that increase the nutritional value. This research has studied the impact of germination on the enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant activities of five domestic staple legumes from Pakistan: chickpea, mung bean, soybean, lentil, and peanut. The maximum moisture content was recorded for chickpea, i.e., 11.7 ± 0.05 g 100 g−1 followed by lentil, soybean, peanut, and mung bean as 9.65 ± 0.02, 8.07 ± 0.01, 7.6 ± 0.01, and 7.31 ± 0.01 g 100 g−1, respectively. The overall augmentation in catalase activity during germination (days 1 to 4) was maximum for lentils, i.e., 76.22%, and ascorbate peroxidase activity for peanuts, i.e., 62.09%. The soybean showed a clear difference from the 1st to 4th days of germination for peroxide activity among all selected legumes with a 37.29% increase. A maximum change in superoxide dismutase was noticed in mung bean. The mung bean also had the highest variation in total flavonoid contents, while total phenolic contents were higher in the chickpea. The radical scavenging activity varied higher in peanuts, while the ascorbic acid content was maximum for soybeans. Among all selected legumes, non-germinated chickpeas showed a lower DPPH value, i.e., 1.15 ± 0.03%, whereas the highest DPPH value was observed in lentils (69.84 ± 0.05%). Thus, the incorporation of ready-to-eat (RTE) germinated legumes with high antioxidant activity would be a contemporary addition to the everyday meal. [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]

Turmeric has high commercial demand internationally, owing to its high nutrient and medical value. In this research, turmeric samples were subjected to several drying methods viz. infrared freeze drying (IRFD), freeze drying (FD), and pulse-spouted microwave-assisted freeze-drying (PSMFD). Over the range of operating conditions employed in this study, IRFD of infrared radiation was showed to shorten the drying time by 21.27% relative to FD, while the retention valves of ascorbic acid, curcumin, total phenols, and total flavonoids remains at 75.61%, 94.06%, 69.00%, and 80.09%, respectively over the range of experimental parameters. IRFD significantly (P < 0.05) reduced 25.19% of the energy consumption in comparison with FD. Furthermore, the interior of IRFD samples exhibited a honeycomb porous structure, and increased hardness, lower shrinkage, apparent density compared to PSMFD. Additionally, IRFD also performed better than PSMFD and FD under vacuum freezing conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of Aloe vera application (33% and 66% as dipping, AV) on 'Bluecrop' blueberry's (Vaccinium corymbosum) quality properties such as weight loss, respiration rate, fruit color, soluble solids content (SSC), acidity, phytochemical components (vitamin C, total phenolics, and total flavonoids) and antioxidant activity was investigated during the cold storage (at 0 ± 0.5°C and 90 ± 5% RH) for 28 days. During cold storage, significantly lower weight loss was recorded in fruit treated with AV compared to control. At the end of the cold storage, the weight loss was 20% lower in AV treated fruits and AV concentration was not effective in weight loss. On the contrary, the respiration rate (except for the 7th day) and fruit firmness were higher in these fruit. It was observed that color changes were less in AV-treated fruit during storage. In general, AV-treated fruit had significantly lower SSC, while acidity and vitamin C were higher. Moreover, 66% AV application was more effective in delaying the loss of vitamin C at the end of storage. During cold storage, 33% AV-treated fruit had significantly higher total phenolics (except day 28) and total flavonoids content compared to control. In the last two measurements of the cold storage, it was determined that fruit dipped in AV had higher antioxidant activity (both DPPH and FRAP assays) compared to control fruit. As a result, it was revealed that postharvest AV gel applications can be used as an effective postharvest tool to delay the loss of quality, the loss of phytochemical components and antioxidant activity of the blueberry fruit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two new compounds calothphenone (1) and 6-methoxy kaempferol 3-O-(6″-E-p-coumaroyl)-β-d-glucopyranoside (6-methoxy tiliroside) (2) along with six known compounds viz gallic acid (3), methyl gallate (4), kaempferol 3-O-(6″-E-p-coumaroyl)-β-d-glucopyranoside (tiliroside) (5), castalagin (6), kaempferol (7) and quercetin (8) were isolated from the ethyl acetate fraction (EAF) of 80% aqueous methanol extract of Calothamnus quadrifidus aerial parts. Their structure was established based on different chemical and spectroscopic techniques (1H-/13C-NMR and 2D NMR). Antioxidant activity for EAF and compounds 1, 2 and 5 was evaluated using DPPH, superoxide radical and nitric oxide (NO) inhibition methods. EAF exhibited strong activity to inhibit DPPH, superoxide and NO radicals. Moreover, all tested compounds demonstrated a close high ability to inhibit superoxide and NO radicals in comparison to ascorbic acid, but they exerted lower activity towards DPPH radical. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Descaudatine A (1), an undescribed phenolic glycoside, along with a known analogue (2) and ten flavonoids (3-12), were isolated from the whole plant of Desmodium caudatum. Compounds 1 and 4 exhibited potent antioxidant activities with the IC50 of 58.59 μM and 31.31 μM, respectively, which were approached to that of the positive control Vitamin C (IC50 = 46.32 μM). Meanwhile, 12 showed moderate antioxidant activity with the IC50 of 173.9 μM. Besides, compounds 3 and 6 inhibited the proliferation of HeLa cells with IC50 values of 56.14 μM and 69.04 μM, respectively. Further studies indicated that 3 and 6 could dose-dependently induce PARP cleavage and might trigger caspase-3, 8, 9 activation to induce apoptosis. RXRα is an ideal anticancer target of nuclear receptor. The reporter gene assay of RXRα indicated that 3 and 6 could inhibited the 9-cis-RA induced RXRα transcription in a concentration-dependent manner. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The antioxidant potential (% RSA and EC50) of solvent extracts of leaves and roots of Lobelia nicotianifolia Roth. was assessed using five in vitro assays. The EC50 values of methanolic extract were comparable to that of ascorbic acid for nitric oxide (30.67 µg mL−1) and hydrogen peroxide (81.01 µg mL−1) radical assays. The % RSA and EC50 correlated with the total phenolic content and total flavonoid content. The characterization by liquid chromatography-high-resolution mass spectrometry showed the presence of five flavonoids, six phenolics, three carotenoids, one anthraquinone, coumarin, hydroxyquinone, and isoflavonoid. Embelin, gallic acid, and quercetin were quantified by high-performance liquid chromatography. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of different resistance inducers against carnation vascular wilting caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. dianthi (Fod) was evaluated, as well as its relation with the content of phenols and flavonoids in roots of the carnation plants. Indexed cuttings of carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus L.) were used with three-weeks of rooting (variety Solex susceptible to the disease). The resistance inducers: Ascorbic Acid, Salicylic Acid, Thiamine and Potassium Phosphite, were applied by spray or drench before Fod inoculation. Compared to controls, it was found that disease incidence and severity measured as the area under the disease progress curve, decreased with the application of all inductors except for K3PO3 spray-applied treatment. Plants treated with thiamine showed, in addition, an increase in the content of phenols and flavonoids. These results suggested the potential of thiamine as a resistance inducer in the management of carnation vascular wilting caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. dianthi. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, effects of foliar Zn sprays at different periods on yield, fruit quality attributes, bioactive compounds and micro-macro elements of 'Granny Smith' (Malus x domestica Borkh.) apples grafted on MM111 rootstocks were investigated. Experimental treatments were arranged as control (without Zn sprays), Zn-1 [Zn sprays 1 month after full bloom (when the fruit had a size of a walnut)], Zn-2 (Zn sprays 1 and 2 months after full bloom) and Zn-3 (Zn sprays 1, 2 and 3 months after full bloom). Experimental trees were sprayed with 0.2% Zn (ZnSO4.7H2O). Compared to control, Zn sprays increased yields. SSC values of Zn-2 and Zn-3 treatments were lower than the control and Zn-1 treatments. The total phenolics and total flavonoids of Zn-treated fruit were lower than the control fruit. The greatest vitamin C and antioxidant activity were obtained from Zn-2 and Zn-3 treatments, respectively. Zn-2 and Zn-3 treatments had greater zinc and phosphorus concentrations than the control treatments and Zn-sprayed fruit had greater nitrogen and potassium concentrations than the control fruit. It was concluded based on present findings that Zn treatments could be used as an effective tool to increase yield, antioxidant activity and mineral elements of 'Granny Smith' apples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to characterize the quality and bioactive compounds from five cultivars grown in Mexico´s northern region: Heritage, Summit, Harvest, and red and yellow Autumn. The physicochemical characteristics, DPPH anti-radical capacity, total phenolics, flavonoid and anthocyanins, polyphenolic profile, and ascorbic acid levels of the raspberries were assessed. The Harvest cultivar presented the highest weight and firmness and the lowest yield, total phenolics, and flavonoids. The yellow Autumn Bliss contained higher concentrations of polyphenols and ascorbic acid, and the red Autumn Bliss contained higher concentrations of flavonoids and anthocyanins and possessed a greater antioxidant capacity. The polyphenol profile indicated the presence of seven phenolic acids, namely, ellagic, gallic, caffeic, chlorogenic, p-coumaric, hydroxybenzoic, and protocatechuic acids; and four flavonoids, namely, catechin, quercetin-3-β-D-glucoside, quercetin-3-glucuronide, and rutin; these compounds were present in all the varieties, except for rutin, in yellow Autumn Bliss. The results of this study highlight the most valuable raspberry cultivars in terms of weight and firmness (Harvest), yield (Heritage), polyphenols and ascorbic acid (yellow Autumn Bliss), and anthocyanins and antioxidant capacity (red Autumn Bliss) in raspberries grown in northern Mexico. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cornelian cherry (Cornus mas L.) fruits are a well-known source of antioxidants and other biologically active compounds, and these compounds depend on maturity. Ripeness is recognized by means of a visual assay of the growing fruit. The study aimed to determine the relationship between the color of the tested cultivars of Cornus mas and their content of the predominant compounds (i.e., flavonoids, anthocyanins, vitamin C, carotenoids and chlorophyll). The studied deviation between cultivars is based on the tested parameters and compared with the genetic profile of Cornelian cherry cultivars. Cornelian is a rich source of anthocyanins and flavonoids. Particularly valuable is the cv. Szafer variety, which color is the darkest and the richest in phenols, flavonoids and anthocyanins. However, the correlation between colorimetric and chemical parameters is found to be low for most variables. Genetic polymorphism analysis showed different distances between the cultivars than the values resulting from chemical analyses. The part of fruit, which was subjected to colorimetric measurement, did not affect the distance projection. Colorimetric parameters were poorly correlated with spectroscopic results, but did not change the distances between the samples. Differences in fruit color and composition, and genetic relationship can be drawn from the adaptation of different cultivars to the current study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fruits of Msasa and Jaffa orange varieties were harvested and subjected to post-harvest treatments namely; dipping in hexanal, dipping in calcium chloride and compared with untreated control; and they were stored at ambient (28 ± 2°C) and reduced temperatures (18 ± 2°C) conditions. Data were collected on the 0, 4th, 8th, and 12th days from the date of fruit harvest. Chemical analyses were conducted to determine vitamin C content, total sugars, reducing sugars and total flavonoids. Post-harvest treatments had a significant effect on vitamin C and total flavonoids of Jaffa orange fruit. Hexanal treated fruit had higher values of total flavonoids, vitamin C, and total sugars compared to calcium chloride treated and control fruit. The storage durations showed significant effects on the vitamin C content of Jaffa, total flavonoids, the total and reducing sugars of both fruit varieties. Vitamin C and total flavonoids decreased with increasing storage duration of fruit. The significant interactions of factors were observed on total sugar which was increasing with increasing storage duration, but higher in hexanal treated and ambient stored fruit. Based on consumer acceptance test, the hexanal treated fruits were the most liked followed by calcium chloride treated and untreated fruits based on the appearance, taste, texture and overall acceptability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The wild species of Abelmoschus are not explored for their nutraceutical properties. The study was undertaken to evaluate total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), antioxidant activities, proximate composition and mineral profile of wild Abelmoschus taxa A. manihot (L.) Medik, and A. ficulneus (L.) Wight & Arn., and the cultivated taxa A. esculentus, and A. esculentus cv. Phule Utkarsha. The highest TPC [5.86 ± 0.10 gallic acid equivalent (GAE) mg∙g−1 DW] and TFC [13.93 ± 0.19 rutin equivalent (RE) mg∙g−1 DW] were observed in A. esculentus cv. Phule Utkarsha. Abelmoschus ficulneus had higher 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity (10.65 ± 0.06%) and ferric reducing antioxidant property (FRAP) activity [33.91 ± 0.73 ascorbic acid equivalent (AAE) mg∙g−1 DW]. Taxa affected extraction performance of solvents for phenolics, flavonoids and antioxidant molecules. The Pearson correlation analysis indicated a positive correlation between phenolics, flavonoids and antioxidant activity. Proximate composition was higher for wild Abelmoschus over cultivated taxa with higher fat, fiber, protein, carbohydrates content and energy value. The A. esculentus cv. Phule Utkarsha had the highest boron, calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, potassium, sodium and zinc, compositions. Thus, the nutraceutical properties of wild Abelmoschus taxa reported may benefit human health and explore the importance of these wild species and their commercial cultivation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study analyzed the simultaneous heat and mass transfer between acerola residues and the air in a fixed-bed dryer with a thick layer. We used a two-phase model with a set of adequate constitutive equations, which was numerically solved using the method of lines. We compared simulation results with the experimental data obtained in a pilot unit at different positions throughout the bed. The simulated results show a good agreement with experimental data. The proposed model was also able to predict the heterogeneity of the process. The drying conditions in which the content of the main bioactive compounds (ascorbic acid, phenolics, and flavonoids) were in high levels were identified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lettuce is grown in different parts of the world and it is beneficial for health. Light condition is one of the most important environmental factor in regulating growth, development, and phytochemical accumulation in lettuce, particularly when lettuce is produced in a hydroponic system. Due to advances in technologies, artificial light sources have become increasingly capable of providing appropriate quality, intensity, and photoperiod of light in hydroponic lettuce production. This review highlights the progress of current research on the effects of artificial light regulation on growth and phytochemical accumulation in lettuce produced in hydroponic systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this work was to review the studies that evaluated the effect of drying temperature on the content of ascorbic acid (AA), total phenolic (TPC), and total flavonoid contents (TFC) in fruits and vegetables, and quantify whether drying at 40 °C is more favorable than at higher temperatures. For the purpose of this study, AA, TPC, and TFC values for 40 °C were compared with those obtained at 50 °C, 60 °C, and 70-80 °C. A meta-analysis was performed using the weighted response ratio calculated for each experiment. Despite the fact that other variables significantly influenced the nutrient content in individual experiments, the meta-analysis provided a general view on the effect of air-drying temperature on the quality of plant-based food products from outcomes of various studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fruits are pointed out as natural sources of antioxidants, playing protective roles against aging, and chronic and degenerative pathologies. In this review it is shown that virtually unknown edible tropical fruits present significantly higher antioxidant activity when compared to temperate fruits considered to be good sources of antioxidants. For example, the pulp of fruits native to the Brazilian savanna, consumed widely by local populations, like araticum (Anonna crassiflora) and pequi (Caryocar brasiliense), have shown an antioxidant capacity of 148 (IC50 µg/mL DPPH) and 9.4 µg/mL, respectively. These antioxidant activities are much higher when compared to the antioxidant activity of 672 g/g DPPH reported for blackberries (Rubus fruticosus), temperate fruits thought to be good sources of antioxidants. These remarkably higher antioxidant activities found for some tropical fruits is related to the presence of exceptionally high levels of compounds known for their elevated antioxidant activity. Data provided in this review support recommendation for a broader use of antioxidant-rich tropical fruits for the enrichment of human diet with remarkable amounts of natural antioxidants beneficial to health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A lot of variations in vegetable amaranth germplasm have been observed in Bangladesh. It has been used as a cheap source of antioxidants, nutrients, protein, and dietary fiber. But no efforts had not been taken to know the status of antioxidant content, polyphenol, flavonoid, antioxidant vitamins and minerals, dietary fiber, nutritional and agronomic traits. In this study, Forty-three vegetable amaranth genotypes were evaluated to determine the status of total antioxidant content, polyphenol, flavonoid, antioxidant vitamins and minerals, dietary fiber, nutritional and agronomic traits and the magnitude of genetic diversity based on the contribution of those traits for meaningful grouping and proper utilization in future breeding program. The experiment was carried out in an open experimental field at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Agricultural University, Bangladesh in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Multivariate (Principal component and cluster) analysis was done using numerical taxonomic techniques of Sneath, & Sokal. Four principal components contributed 98.61% of the variation. Biological yield and total antioxidant content was strongly associated with their related all agronomic traits. Total flavonoid content had a higher contribution to total antioxidant capacity compared to vitamin and mineral antioxidants. Contribution of antioxidant profile and agronomic traits was the highest in diversity of vegetable amaranth. Both high and low yielding genotypes had a high antioxidant profile. Therefore, high yielding genotypes (From cluster VI) could be used directly as high antioxidant profile varieties and low yielding genotypes as a source of donor parents in hybridization program. Cluster analysis grouped the genotypes into six clusters. The diverse genotypes in different clusters were identified. Genotypes with desirable genes of one cluster hybridized with promising genotypes of other diverge clusters could facilitate the accumulation of favorable genes in hybrids. Abbreviations: PCA: principal component analysis; PC: principal component; dw: dry weight; TFC: total flavonoid content; TAC: total antioxidant capacity; TPC: total polyphenol content; K: potassium; Ca: calcium; Mg: magnesium; Fe: iron; Mn: manganese; Cu: copper; Zn: zinc [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Blood orange juice from Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck cv. Moro was compared to a concentrated blood orange juice and both juices were studied during frozen storage at -20°C. Analyses were conducted on pH (3.33-3.81) and titratable acidity as citric acid (11.14-13.16 g/L). The formol number decreased in both blood orange juice and concentrated blood orange juice during frozen storage, while vitamin C showed a very slight decrease. Scavenging abilities of the juices for the DPPH· radical ranged from 53.39% to 42.55% in blood orange juice and from 39.16% to 33.75% in concentrated blood orange juice during frozen storage. Although anthocyanins showed a diminution during storage in both the concentrated and non-concentrated blood orange juice, they were always higher in the non-concentrated juice fruit. Four phenolic acids were detected: gallic, chlorogenic (the highest quantity, 13-27 mg/L), caffeic, and ferulic, the latter showed the lowest content. Ten flavonoids were identified, two flavonols (rutin and quercetin) and eight flavanones: narirutin (the second highest flavonoid), naringin, hesperidin (the highest quantity), neoeriocitrin, didymin, eriocitrin, neohesperidin, and hesperetin. Concentration and duration of frozen storage were found to influence the physicochemical properties of blood orange juice in different ways.a [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flours of four pigmented (from orange to red and dark red) local Italian corns, studied for their soluble, soluble conjugate, and insoluble-bound phenols and flavonoids, showed a prevalence of the insoluble-bound fraction (70–80%). Correlations were found between the flours antioxidant capacity, measured with CUPRAC, FRAP, and DPPH methods, and soluble phenols and flavonoids content. A correlation was also found between ascorbic acid content and flours antioxidant power. Anthocyanins were present in small amounts in the red/dark red seeds; however, acid-alcohol assays and spectral analyses of pericarp extracts indicated the presence of red-brick phlobaphenes in these varieties. Spectrophotometrically quantified total carotenoids were significantly higher in one of the local varieties (Nano); RP-HPLC analyses indicated that the local varieties contained significantly higher amounts of zeaxanthin and β-carotene, and lower amounts of lutein, than a commercial line. Among local varieties, Nano expressed the highest levels of zeaxanthin, β-carotene, and β-cryptoxanthin. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Tomato is considered as one of the most important sources of nutrients such as lycopene, β-carotene, flavonoids, ascorbic acid (vitamin C) and hydroxyl-cinnamic acid derivatives. The quality and quantity of nutrients in tomato fruits were decreased during the severe infection ofAlternaria alternata. The present study deals with the estimation of lycopene, β-carotene, phenolic and ascorbic acid content in tomato fruits which were infected withA. alternataand its toxins such as tenuazonic acid (TeA), alternariol (AOH) and alternariol monomethyl ether (AME). The lycopene, β-carotene, ascorbic acid and phenolic content were found lowest in pathogen-infected fruits i.e. (0.66 ± 0.03 mg/g), (0.14 ± 0.01 mg/g), (1.89 ± 0.2 mg/g) and (0.58 ± 0.05 mg/g), respectively, followed by toxins-treated samples as compared to the control. The results concluded thatA. alternatamostly affects the nutritional values of tomato fruits due to the combined effect of the toxins. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The article presents a study which examined the antioxidant properties, mycochemial, and phenolic profiling of Termitomyces clypeatus, and edible mushroom from the lateritic region of West Bengal, India.

Objectives:The present study was undertaken to evaluate the prophylactic effect of aqueous extract ofEnhydra fluctuans(AEEF) against NaAsO2-induced hepatotoxicity. Methods:The cytoprotective effect of AEEF against NaAsO2(10 µM) toxicity was measured on isolated murine hepatocytes. The effect on lipid peroxidation, protein carbonylation, cellular redox markers and signal proteins were measured after incubating the hepatocytes with NaAsO2(10 µM) + AEEF (400 µg/ml). Finally, the prophylactic effect of AEEF (50 and 100 mg/kg) against NaAsO2(10 mg/kg) toxicity was measured byin vivoassay in experimental mice. Results:In vitrobioassay on isolated mouse hepatocytes confirmed cytoprotective effect of AEEF. The NaAsO2treatment significantly (P<0.01) increased the levels of lipid peroxidation, protein carbonylation with concomitant reduction (P<0.01) of antioxidant enzymes and reduced glutathione levels in hepatocytes. In addition, NaAsO2significantly (P<0.05–0.01) altered the expression of intrinsic (Bad↑, Bcl-2↓, cleaved-caspase 3↑ and cleaved-caspase 9↑) and extrinsic (Fas↑, Bid↑, cleaved-caspase 8↑) transcription proteins participating in the apoptotic event. However, AEEF treatment could significantly rescue the aforementioned parameters near-normal levels. Inin vivobioassay, NaAsO2intoxication increased (p<0.01) bioaccumulation of As along with the abnormalities in haematological parameters and redox imbalance in the livers of experimental mice. Treatment with AEEF, however, could significantly (P<0.05–0.01) restore the hematological and redox parameters to the near-normal levels, with histological studies of livers supporting the protective role of AEEF. Discussion:Presence of substantial quantity of ascorbic acid, phenolics and flavonoids in the extract may be responsible for overall protective effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present work, a systematic study on the comparative in-vitro antioxidant activity of aqueous extracts of seven locally available cultivars of unripe mango (Mangifera indicaL.) fruits was performed. Our study clearly demonstrates that despite different colors, tastes, and appearance, each of these cultivars is a rich source of dietary antioxidants, e.g., polyphenols, flavonoids, and ascorbic acid, but the contents of these active components vary with change of the mango cultivars. Moreover, for the first time we have explored Au nanoparticle formation potential of mango to measure its antioxidant activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The work proposes a simple method for simultaneous detection and quantification of vitamin C (ascorbic acid), phenolic acids (gallic acid and ellagic acid), hydroxycinnamic acid (chlorogenic acid), and flavonoids (myricetin, quercetin, and kaempferol) in seasonal samples of emblica juice. The compounds were separated by an intangible curved gradient of 0.1% orthophosphoric acid in water (v/v) and acetonitrile as mobile phase A and B using Zorbax SB RP C-18 column at a wavelength of 254 nm in 18 min. The assay was optimized by varying the mobile phase, gradient type, and detection wavelength. The method was validated in terms of linearity, precision, detection limits, and quantification limits. Good linear response was observed over the range specified for all the analytes, as confirmed by the correlation coefficient which ranged from 0.991 and 0.995. The limit of detection and limit of quantification were found to be in the range of 0.129–0.685 µg mL−1and 0.43–2.883 µg mL−1, respectively. Complete resolution of the phenolic compounds was achieved without the need of pre-analysis processes. The overall precision values obtained for standards and samples were within the range of 0.01–0.2 and 0.15–0.23, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Activity-guided fractionation ofNeosinocalamus affinisleaves led to obtain two new flavonoids, 4′-O-((7″R,8″S)-8″-guaiacylglyceryl)-pleioside B (9) and apigenin 6-C-β-d-fucopyranosyl-7-O-β-d-glucopyranoside (10) along with eight known compounds. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic data (UV, IR, NMR, and MS). Among these 10 compounds, farobin A (4) and isoorientin (7) showed significant antioxidant activity evaluated by 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl, 2,2′-azinobis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid), superoxide anion and nitric oxide (NO) radical-scavenging assays. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was undertaken to investigate the antioxidant, anticancer, and cytotoxic properties of 18 ethanol extracts of the plant-based preparations described in Thai Pharmaceutical Textbook and locally used as rejuvenators. ‘Tri-Su-Ra-Phon’, ‘Tri-Sa-Mo’, ‘Jatu-Pha-La-Ti-Ga’, and ‘Nava-Kot’ extracts had much higher antioxidant activities than those of standard trolox and ascorbic acid. The percentage inhibitions, using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl free radical (DPPH) and 2,2'-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS)methods, of these extracts were found to be approximately 73.33 ± 6.01–93.50 ± 0.30% and 73.71 ± 2.77–101.86 ± 0.54%, respectively. ‘Tri-Su-Ra-Phon’ extract presented the highest phenolic and flavonoid contents of 1373.40 mg gallic acid equivalent/g of extract and 4290.60 mg catechin equivalent/g of extract, respectively. Moreover, ‘Jatu-Pha-La-Ti-Ga’, ‘Tri-Sa-Mo’, and ‘Tri-Su-Ra-Phon’ exhibited significant anticancer activity against human breast cancer cell lines with selectivity indexes of 3–12. Based on this information, it could be concluded that ‘Jatu-Pha-La-Ti-Ga’, ‘Tri-Sa-Mo’, and ‘Tri-Su-Ra-Phon’ have great potential to be used in the development of functional beverages that are currently in demand for health benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Crude extracts of two edible and two medicinal lignicolous mushroom species: Meripilus giganteus, Agrocybe aegerita, Fomes fomentarius and Xylaria polymorpha, growing wild in Serbia, were analyzed for their antioxidative and antibacterial potentials. Free radical scavenging capacity (RSC) on DPPH • and •OH was evaluated both by spectrophotometer and by Electron Spin Resonance (ESR) spectroscopy against DPPH •. The highest antioxidant and antibacterial bioactivity was obtained with F. fomentarius extracts (IC50 ≈ 10.7 µg/ml in DPPH • assay; 136.6 mg ascorbic acid equivalents (AAE)/g dry weight (d.w.) for ferric reducing antioxidant power FRAP). It also showed the highest total phenol (TP) (82.54 mg gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/g dry weight (d.w.)) and total flavonoid (TF) content (76.8 µg rutin equivalents (RE)/g dry weight (d.w.)). A. aegerita showed the best antioxidant activity (IC50 = 0.87 mg/ml) against DPPH • in ESR analysis. Total redox potential of extracts was in direct positive correlation with TP content ( r2 = 0.98) and TF content ( r2 = 0.58). GC/MS analysis detected major constituents of extracts, confirming the presence of the following organic and phenolic acids: fumaric, succinic, mallic, 4-hydroxy benzoic, gentisic, protocatechuic, vanillic, gallic and p-coumaric acid. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The antioxidant properties and the flavonoid composition of extracts of different hydrophobicity prepared from the entire edible flowers ofAgave durangensiswere evaluated. Separately, total extracts of tepals and anthers–pollen were analyzed in the same manner. The high performance liquid chromatography with photodiode array detection (HPLC–DAD) analysis revealed a total of eight flavonols (five quercetin glycosides and three kaempferol glycosides), varying in number and concentration in the different extracts. The total extracts of the entire flowers showed the highest flavonoid content (1210.4 µg/g dry extract) and the most complex flavonoid profile (eight compounds). All the extracts showed important antioxidant activity, which was not evidently associated with their flavonoid content. The total extracts of tepals showed the highest antioxidant properties (total antioxidant capacity, free radical scavenging activity, and iron reducing capacity: 30.2 mg ascorbic acid equivalents, EC50= 0.074 µg/mL, and IC50= 43.28 µg/mL, respectively). The flowers ofA. durangensisrepresent an important source of antioxidant flavonols. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This article evaluates the effect of air drying, freeze drying, and 24-month storage at 4 and20∘Con unblanched and blanchedBoletus edulis. Water content and activity were lower in freeze-dried mushrooms than in air-dried mushrooms, whereas rehydration capacity showed the opposite tendency. Drying resulted in substantial losses of the following antioxidants: total flavonoids (4–7%), vitamin C (2–36%),β-carotene (26–32%), and total tocopherols (72–81%); total polyphenols increased during air drying (7–17%) and decreased during freeze drying (5–7%). Antioxidant activity increased 1–33% during drying. Storage led to further changes in the quality of dried mushrooms. After 24 months, no vitamin C or tocopherols were detected, and water content and activity were moderately high. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This study is designed to evaluate the antioxidant and antihaemolytic activities of the hydroalcoholic extracts ofAllium scabriscapumaerial parts and bulbs by employing eightin vitroassay systems. In 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl hydrazyl radical scavenging assay, both the extracts show moderate scavenging activity. The reducing power ability of extracts increased with increasing in the samples concentrations. IC50for metal chelating activity of aerial parts and bulbs extracts were 894.6 ± 31.29 and 746.2 ± 26.11 μg mL−1, respectively. The aerial part extracts show better nitric oxide and hydrogen peroxide scavenging activities than the bulb. Extracts exhibited good antioxidant activity in linoleic acid emulsion system and were comparable to vitamin C (p > 0.05). Aerial parts extract showed better antihemolytic activity against cumene hydroperoxide and hydrogen peroxide-induced hemolysis. Among the extractsA. scabriscapum, aerial parts had higher phenolic and flavonoid contents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Artichoke is one of the most important crop cultivated in the Mediterranean area and especially in Italy. Among all the different artichoke types available on the market, two typical genotypes grown in the Veneto basin in northern Italy, Violetto di S. Erasmo (VE) and Violetto di Chioggia (VC), both unknown from a nutritional point of view, were characterized. All the results obtained were compared with those of Violetto di Toscana (VT) that can be considered a standard for the oval purple type. Violetto di S. Erasmo (VE) and VC showed higher antioxidant capacity than VT. Chlorogenic acid content was very high, especially in VE and VC. Caffeic acid was also detected, whereas p-coumaric acid, ferulic acid, and gallic acid were not found. Moreover, Veneto genotypes showed a high ascorbic acid content leading us to consider them suitable also for the processing industry and a rather good source of functional compounds and healthy properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Health benefits including antioxidant potential of black tea ( Camellia sinensis), lemon ( Citrus limon) and honey bees ( Apis mellifera) have been extensively reported. Nevertheless, nothing is reported about the effects of their concomitant use. Herein, those effects were evaluated in infusions of lemon-flavoured black tea with three different kinds of honey (light amber, amber and dark amber) from Lavandula stoechas, Erica sp. pl. and other indigenous floral species from north-east Portugal, a region with high amounts of this food product. Data obtained showed that the use of honey (dark amber>amber>light amber) potentiates the antioxidant activity of lemon-flavoured black tea, increasing the reducing power and lipid peroxidation inhibition properties, as also the antioxidant contents such as phenolics, flavonoids and organic acids including ascorbic acid. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diversity needs to be “conserved through use.” Owing to the global need, the present study includes two underutilized berries, Carissa carandus and Eleagnus conferta, to explore their potential as supplementary food by evaluating their antioxidant activity and approximate chemical composition. Berries of E. conferta are a richer source of carotene, ascorbic acid, protein, and magnesium, whereas berries of C. carandus are rich in sugars, lipids, iron, and magnesium. The antioxidant properties of the berries and a comparative account on their performance using DPPH and FRAP assay was studied. Both assays revealed high activity in the peel extract of berries of C. carandus. The LC-MS/MS profile of C. carandus reveals the presence of eleven different polyphenolic compounds while E. conferta had only four of these compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Rose hip is a rich source of naturally occurring antioxidants. Its activity is mainly attributed to compounds represented by vitamin C and polyphenols. Rose hip extract was fractionated using solid phase extraction. Free radical scavenging activities of rose hip extract fractions containing vitamin C (39.17 μg/g dry rose hip), flavonoids (0.11 μg/g dry rose hip), and phenolic acids (0.50 μg/g dry rose hip) towards hydroxyl and superoxide anion radicals were evaluated using electron spin resonance spectroscopy. The presence of antioxidant derived free radical intermediates during reactions with superoxide anion radical was also observed. Very potent free radical scavenging activities of rose hip extract fractions, as well as good correlations with compositional data were revealed. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Observational evidence consistently shows that consumption of a diet rich in fruit and vegetables may offer protection against diseases such as cardiovascular disease and cancer. Assessment of dietary intake is complex and prone to many sources of error. More objective biomarkers of fruit and vegetable intake are therefore of interest. The aim of this review is to examine the usefulness of the main biomarkers of fruit and vegetable intake to act as objective indicators of compliance in dietary intervention studies. A comprehensive search of the literature was conducted using six databases. Suitable papers were selected and relevant data extracted. The papers were categorized into 3 sub-groups: whole diet interventions; mixed fruit and vegetable interventions; and studies involving individual varieties of fruits or vegetables. Ninety-six studies were included in the review. Overall, the most commonly measured, and most consistently responsive, biomarkers were the carotenoids and vitamin C. Based on the results of this systematic review, it remains prudent to measure a panel of biomarkers in fruit and vegetable intervention studies. The only possible exception to this is 'fruit only' intervention studies where assessment of vitamin C alone may suffice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Protection of ascorbic acid (AA) (vitamin C) from Cu(II)-catalyzed autoxidation is an important aspect of antioxidant chemistry. The autoxidation of AA in the absence and presence of Cu(II) ions was investigated in aerated solution at room temperature and I  ==  0.1 ionic strength (KNO3); the effects of three different flavonoids of similar structure (quercetin, morin and catechin) and their mixtures on the AA system were studied. The concentration of unoxidized AA remaining in solution was measured with the modified cupric ion reducing antioxidant capacity spectrophotometric method. The Cu(II)-catalyzed oxidation at pH 4.5 followed first-order kinetics with respect to AA concentration. Catalytic autoxidation of AA was inhibited to a greater extent by stable quercetin and morin complexes of Cu(II) than by catechin complex. The inhibitive effectiveness order of mixtures gives information about possible synergistic or antagonistic combinations of flavonoid antioxidants, which should be further confirmed with other antioxidant tests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fruits from five accessions of mulberry (Morussp.) representing Morus nigra, Morus lavigeta, and Morus alba were evaluated for ferric reducing antioxidant potential, diphenyl picryl hydrazyl radical scavenging ability, total phenols, flavonoids, anthocyanins, and ascorbic acid contents. In fresh fruits, higher antioxidant capacity was found in M. nigra followed by M. lavigeta and the lowest capacity was observed in M. alba. Higher ferric reducing antioxidant potential and diphenyl picryl hydrazyl scavenging capacities were mainly due to higher anthocyanins. Among the black accessions evaluated, Acc. No. 362 and 497 recorded the highest ferric reducing antioxidant potential (4,515.75 and 4,224.24 mg ascorbic acid equivalent antioxidant capacity 100 g-1 dry wt, respectively), diphenyl picryl hydrazyl (IC50 values of 0.124 and 0.116 mg-1, respectively), and anthocyanin (4,255.65 and 4,103.93 mg/100 g-1 dry wt, respectively) content when compared to other accessions. Accession number 249 (M. alba) with white colored fruits recorded the lowest antioxidant capacity. A phenolic acid profile of fruits indicated that these accessions are rich in caffeic and gallic acids. Gentisic and protocatechuic acids were also found in fairly good quantities. Dried fruits also recorded very high antioxidant (0.18-2.32 g ascorbic acid equivalent antioxidant capacity 100 g-1 dry weight) and diphenyl picryl hydrazyl radical scavenging abilities (IC50 of 0.3-2.98 mg, quantity needed for removing 50% of diphenyl picryl hydrazyl radicals). Results indicated that black mulberry fruits could be used for preparation of high antioxidant postharvest products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phytochemicals have received a considerable attention in the present day world. Epidemiological studies have established that phytochemicals contribute more qualitatively to the total antioxidant activity of foods than nutrient antioxidants like vitamin C and vitamin E. Among polyphenols, quercetin constitutes the main flavonoid in our daily diet being particularly abundant in onions and apples. Since the realization that many folk medicines in use contain flavonoids, interest in this class of compounds has intensified. Quercetin acts as a strong reducing agent, which together with other dietary reductants such as vitamin C, vitamin E, and carotenoids protect body tissue against oxidative stress. Recent reports suggest that quercetin as antioxidant improves normal cell survival and as pro-oxidant induces apoptosis in cancerous cells whereby prevents tumor proliferation. Among other important properties like modulation of genes related to cell cycle, signal transduction, and xenobiotic metabolism, quercetin has also been attributed with antiviral, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and muscle-relaxing properties. In the literature, only a few in vivo studies have been carried out; therefore, before making any authentic health claim about this compound, it is essential to know its nature and its dietary origin. Furthermore, it is important to know the amount present in different diets and its bioavailability, followed by clinical trials and investigations, if researchers are to use it as an chemo-preventive and chemotherapeutic agent against various deleterious degenerative diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present research aimed at evaluating the vitamin C, total phenolic content (TPC), phenolic compounds, carotenoids, and chlorophyll contents, as well as antioxidant activity (AAC) of six Actinidia species fruit. Vitamin C, phenolic compounds, carotenoids and chlorophylls were measured using high-performance liquid chromatography. TPC was determined using the Folin–Ciocalteau reagent, and AAC using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH) assay. The highest concentrations of vitamin C and TPC were found for Actinidia kolomikta fruit (1008.3 and 634.1 mg/100 g fresh weight [FW], respectively). Among phenolic compounds, seven phenolic acids and three flavonoids were identified. The 2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid prevailed in A. kolomikta (425.54 mg/100 g FW), while tannic acid dominated in other species (4.63–100.43 mg/100 g FW). The largest amounts of chlorophylls and carotenoids were identified as Actinidia macrosperma (4.02 and 2.09 mg/100 g FW, respectively). The AAC of fruit extracts decreased in the order of A. kolomikta > Actinidia purpurea > Actinidia melanandra > A. macrosperma > Actinidia arguta > Actinidia deliciosa according to the DPPH assay. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chemical investigations from a foliar extract of Araucaria excelsa (Lamb.) (Araucariaceae) resulted in the identification of seven phenolic metabolites including one flavananol, one flavananol 3- O-glycoside, four C-glycoside flavonoids, and one phenolic acid. Structures were elucidated by spectral determination including: UV, NMR and MS analysis. Moderate antioxidant activity was observed with a 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging assay in comparison with the reference antioxidant ascorbic acid. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this research was to determinate the influence of harvest time and storage duration on several chemical and physical quality parameters of 'Cripps Pink' apple cultivar. Fruits were harvested 199 (1Ht), 207 (2Ht), and 214 (3Ht) days after full bloom, and analyzed after 0 (1St), 14 (2Sd), and 30 (3Sd) weeks of storage in a controlled atmosphere (2 °C, 95% relative air moisture, 2% CO2, and 1% O2). Fruit firmness, content of starch, total soluble solids, dry matter, as well as vitamin C, and total acids content were decreased after 14 weeks of storage in each harvest time. The same results were obtained after 30 weeks of storage, except that the pH was increased. Total phenol content and non-flavonoid phenolic fraction decreased during storage, unlike fruit color which did not markedly increased or decreased during storage in every harvest time. Results shown influence of harvest time on storage life and quality of apple fruit, which resulted in progressive content decreasing of some compounds in apple fruit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mature green apricot (Prunus armeniaca L. `Shanhuangxing') fruit were exposed to 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) at 0, 0.5, 1.0, or 5.0 μl l-1 for 12 h, or treated with 1.0 μl l-1 1-MCP for 0, 6, 12, or 24 h, stored at 0°C and 85 - 95% RH for 4 weeks, then transferred to a shelf-life simulation at 23°C and 80 - 90% RH. The shelf-life of apricots was effectively extended for > 2 d by pre-storage 1-MCP treatment at 1.0 or 5.0 μl l-1 for 6 h and/or 12 h. The decline in firmness, colour change, and the incidence of fruit decay were substantially inhibited by 1-MCP at 1.0 or 5.0 i1 l-1 for 6 h and/or 12 h during cold storage and subsequent shelf-life. Increases in soluble pectin contents and decreases in ascorbic acid contents were delayed, but the levels of total phenolic compounds and flavonoids increased in 1-MCP- treated fruit during shelf-life. 1-MCP treatment enhanced the peroxidase activity of apricot fruit for 3 d during shelf- life, but inhibited ethylene production in harvested apricot fruit. These results support an effective application of 1- MCP to maintain apricot fruit quality and to extend the time for marketing. - [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adenophora triphylla is commonly used in food materials and oriental medicine as an analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antitussive. In the present study, the leaves and roots of A. triphylla were extracted with water and ethanol, respectively, to examine the extracts' in vitro antioxidant activities and total phenolic contents, as well as A. triphylla's potential as a new functional food source and safe and inexpensive supply of antioxidants. Different antioxidant tests were employed and the results were compared with ascorbic acid as a standard antioxidant. The total extractable contents of phenolic compounds and flavonoids, which relate to antioxidant activity in medicinal plants, were also measured. The leaf extracts had notable levels of total phenolics and flavonoids and showed high radical and nitrite scavenging activities as well as inhibition activity against enzymes that induce oxidation. These results suggest that A. triphylla leaves are a potential ingredient for food supplements and a natural source of antioxidants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]