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The objective of this study was to evaluate the impacts of different drying technologies including microwave drying (MD), vacuum microwave drying (VMD), sun drying (SD), vacuum drying (VD), hot air drying (HAD), and vacuum freeze drying (VFD) on the physical characteristics, nutritional properties and antioxidant capacities of kiwifruit pomace in order to realize by-product utilization and improve energy efficiency. Results showed that both MD and VMD significantly reduced drying time by >94.6%, compared to traditional thermal drying which took 14-48 h. MD exhibited the highest content of soluble dietary fiber (9.5%) and the lowest energy consumption. Furthermore, VMD resulted in the highest content of vitamin C (198.78 mg/100 g) and reducing sugar (73.78%), and the antioxidant capacities ranked only second to VFD. Given the financial advantages and product quality, VMD was suggested to be advantageous technology in actual industrial production., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare no conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2023. Published by Elsevier Ltd.)

In this work, the selenylation Codonopsis pilosula polysaccharide (Se-CPPS) were synthesized using an optimized microwave-assisted method. Then, physicochemical properties, including molecular weight, particle size, valence state of selenium, antioxidant capacity, release mechanism of selenium under gastrointestinal conditions, as well as their effects on HT-29 cell viability were comprehensively investigated. The results demonstrated that Se-CPPS with the highest selenium content (21.71 mg/g) was synthesized using 0.8% nitric acid concentration under microwave conditions of 90 min at 70 °C. FTIR and XPS analysis revealed that Se was bound to the polysaccharide chain in the form of O-Se-O and O-H···Se, with a valence state of either 0 or +4. In vitro investigations on antioxidant activity and selenium release capacity indicated that selenization not only enhanced the antioxidant activity of CPPS but also endowed Se-CPPS with robust selenium release capability in simulated gastric digestion. The effects of Se-CPPS on HT-29 cells was further investigated by CCK-8 method. The results showed that the selenide modification effectively reduced the toxicity of Na 2 SeO 3 and enhanced the viability of CPPS. The findings of this study offer valuable methodological guidance for the synthesis of Se-polysaccharides with superior functional properties., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

The growing interest in fermented dairy products is due to their health-promoting properties. The use of milk kefir grains as a starter culture made it possible to obtain a product with a better nutritional and biological profile depending on the type of milk. Cow, buffalo, camel, donkey, goat, and sheep milk kefirs were prepared, and the changes in sugar, protein, and phenol content, fatty acid composition, including conjugated linoleic acids (CLAs), as well as antioxidant activity, determined by ABTS and FRAP assays, were evaluated and compared. The protein content of cow, buffalo, donkey, and sheep milk increased after 24 h of fermentation. The fatty acid profile showed a better concentration of saturated and unsaturated lipids in all fermented milks, except buffalo milk. The highest content of beneficial fatty acids, such as oleic, linoleic, and C18:2 conjugated linoleic acid, was found in the cow and sheep samples. All samples showed a better antioxidant capacity, goat milk having the highest value, with no correlation to the total phenolic content, which was highest in the buffalo sample (260.40 ± 5.50 μg GAE/mL). These findings suggested that microorganisms living symbiotically in kefir grains utilize nutrients from different types of milk with varying efficiency.

In this study, the ultrasonic assisted high-temperature cooking extraction method of soluble dietary fiber from bamboo shoots was optimized by response surface methodology, and the effects of ultrasonic assisted high-temperature cooking extraction on the structural characteristics, physicochemical properties and antioxidant activity of soluble dietary fiber (SDF) from bamboo shoots were evaluated. The yield of modified UH-SDF 1 was significantly higher than that of untreated D-SDF 2 . FTIR and XRD confirmed that UH-SDF had more hydrophilic groups and higher crystallinity (28.73 %), resulting in better thermal stability. SEM observation showed that UH-SDF exhibited a more loose microstructure, and the particle size of UH-SDF (601.52 μm) was significantly smaller than that of D-SDF (242.59 μm), so UH-SDF had a larger specific surface area. In addition, UH-SDF has stronger water holding capacity, water swelling capacity and oil holding capacity than D-SDF. The DPPH radical and hydroxyl radical scavenging rates of UH-SDF were 8.91 % and 7.49 % higher than those of D-SDF. In addition, the reducing ability of UH-SDF was higher than that of D-SDF, which had better antioxidant activity. In summary, UH-SDF has the potential to be developed as an anti-inflammatory functional food., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2023 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Pullulan-based composite films incorporated with bacterial cellulose (BC) and ferulic acid (FA) were prepared by solution casting method. The rheological, morphological, barrier, optical, anti-fogging, and antioxidant properties of pullulan-based composite films doped with BC and FA were investigated. The rheological results showed that all film-forming solution was pseudoplastic fluid and its viscosity increased with the increase of BC content. An appropriate BC (2 %) and FA were uniformly dispersed in pullulan to form uniform and dense composite films. With the increase of BC content, the roughness and opacity of composite films increased while their UV-vis barrier performance was improved by incorporating BC and FA. Fourier transform infrared spectrometer analysis demonstrated that hydrogen bond interactions among pullulan, BC, and FA were found, and incorporating BC could increase the crystallinity of the composite films, thus enhancing their mechanical, barrier, hydrophobic, and thermal stability properties. Pullulan-based composite films incorporated with 2 % BC and FA (P-BC2-FA) showed better mechanical properties, water, oxygen, and carbon dioxide barrier performances, and its water contact angle value also increased compared with control, respectively. P-BC2-FA film showed superior anti-fogging and antioxidant activities. These results indicate that the P-BC2-FA film are expected to be a potential target of bioactive packaging., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest No conflict of interest exists in the submission of this manuscript, and the manuscript is approved by all authors for publication. The work described was original research that has not been published previously, and not under consideration for publication elsewhere. All the authors listed have approved the manuscript that is enclosed., (Copyright © 2022. Published by Elsevier B.V.)

Cysteine might scavenge free radicals and is a limiting substrate for the cellular synthesis of glutathione (GSH). We investigated the association of cysteine with oxidative stress and GSH-related antioxidant capacity in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients. Plasma samples were drawn from 66 patients 1 day before (pre-resection) and 4 weeks after resection (post-resection). Tumor and adjacent normal tissues were collected. We measured levels of plasma and tissue cysteine, homocysteine, oxidative stress indicators (malondialdehyde, MDA; advanced oxidation protein products, AOPP), GSH, and antioxidant enzyme activities. After tumor resection, patients had significantly higher levels of plasma cysteine, homocysteine, MDA, AOPP, and GSH-related antioxidant enzyme activities when compared with pre-resection. Levels of cysteine, homocysteine, AOPP and all antioxidant capacity indicators in tumor tissue were significantly higher than those levels in the adjacent normal tissue. Plasma cysteine levels measured at pre-resection were positively associated with MDA levels in the tumor and in the adjacent normal tissues. Cysteine levels in tumor and adjacent normal tissues were significantly associated with tissue levels of homocysteine, almost as indicators of oxidative stress and antioxidant capacities. Cysteine in the circulation was likely utilized to mediate GSH-related antioxidant capacity and further cope with increased oxidative stress in tumor and adjacent normal tissues.

This work investigated the preparation, characterization, antioxidant, and anti-inflammation capacities of Flammulina velutipes polyphenols (FVP) and fermented FVP (FFVP). The results revealed that the new syringic acid, accounting for 22.22%, was obtained after fermentation (FFVP). FFVP exhibits higher antioxidant and anti-inflammation activities than FVP, enhancing cell viability and phagocytosis, inhibiting the secretion of NO and ROS, and reducing the inflammatory response of RAW264.7 cells. This study revealed that FFVP provides a theoretical reference for in-depth study of its regulatory mechanisms and further development of functional antioxidants that are applicable in the food and health industry.

As phytochemicals, anthocyanins are not only responsible for the diverse colors in nature, but are associated with broad-spectrum health-promoting effects for human beings. Pomegranate is abundant in anthocyanins which possess high antioxidant capacities. However, the pomegranate anthocyanins profile and their contributions to antioxidant capacities are not fully depicted. The purpose of this article is to review anthocyanins from pomegranate as important antioxidants. Total anthocyanin content (TAC) and six major components vary greatly with intrinsic and extrinsic factors. In pomegranate, anthocyanins mainly acted as primary antioxidants, while their action as secondary antioxidants were not conclusive. The antioxidant potentials of anthocyanins were significantly affected by factors especially chemical structure and detection assays in vitro. The current knowledge may provide insights into potential applications for pomegranate anthocyanins based on their antioxidant activities., (© 2021 Wiley-VHCA AG, Zurich, Switzerland.)

Elicitation is a biotechnological approach to improve phenolic compounds content and antioxidant properties of ready-to-eat functional foods. This study aimed to evaluate the chemical elicitation effects using salicylic acid (SA) and hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ) in optimized-germination conditions on seedling vigor, phenolic content, and their antioxidant capacities in vitro and serum and urine of Wistar obese rats. Optimized-germination conditions of 26.5 °C and 178 h produced a 64% of germination and a sprout length of 56 mm. Only, the elicitation with H 2 O 2 (20 mM) enhanced the germination (75%) and H 2 O 2 (10 and 20 mM) the sprout length (69 and 59 mm, respectively). In contrast, both elicitors enhanced phenolic contents, being more significant total phenolic compounds content for SA (1 and 2 mM), up to 65.5-73.5%. SA and H 2 O 2 improved total flavonoids content (36.5-64.1%), ABTS (19.3-61.1%), and DPPH capacities (51-86%), depending on SA and H 2 O 2 concentration, compared with non-elicited chia sprouts. The QUENCHER antioxidant capacities of elicited chia sprouts increased up to three times more than extracts capacities, principally Q-ABTS, which could be attributed to phenolic bounds to dietary fiber. Rats fed with a high-fat and fructose diet (HFFD) and supplemented with chia sprouts, especially 1-mM SA, improve the obesity-related oxidative stress through an increase of antioxidant capacities, using DPPH and ABTS test, on serum (70-118%) and urine samples (80-116%). These results suggest that chia sprouts elicited with 1-mM SA are a source of antioxidant compounds that can be used to decrease obesity related oxidative stress., (© 2021. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.)

Background: Buckwheat products are receiving increasing attention because of their high nutritive values and significant health-promoting properties. In the present study, 15 buckwheat products grown in different parts of China were investigated. Representative common or tartary buckwheat samples were further subjected to soaking, roasting, microwave cooking, boiling and steaming treatments. Colorimetric analyses and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analyses were performed to determine the phenolic profiles and antioxidant capacities of the raw and thermally processed buckwheat samples, respectively., Results: Tartary buckwheat exhibited a remarkably higher total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), 2-diphenyl-1-picryhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging activity and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) compared to common buckwheat, although there were no significant differences between their 2,2'-azino-di-(3-ethylbenzthiazoline sulfonic acid) (ABTS) free radical scavenging capacity. All thermal treatments, particularly microwave cooking, contributed to the greatest losses of phenolics and antioxidant capacities in the common buckwheat samples, whereas boiling and steaming usually resulted in the lowest losses. For the tartary buckwheat samples, all thermal treatments (except roasting), especially boiling and steaming, led to significant increases in TPC, TFC, DPPH free radical scavenging activity, FRAP and ABTS free radical scavenging capacity. However, HPLC analyses indicated that all thermal treatments, especially microwave cooking, gave rise to the greatest losses of the total content of 14 phenolic acids and three flavonoids, whereas boiling led to the lowest losses., Conclusion: Both steaming and boiling treatments are recommended when preparing common or tartary buckwheat food products because they can minimize thermal degradation or promote their phenolic compounds and antioxidant capacities to the greatest extent. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry., (© 2019 Society of Chemical Industry.)

In this study, a unique citrus species (Citrus australasica) was selected, and its fruit characteristics, phenolic compounds and ability to inhibit inflammation were preliminarily studied. Finger lime fruits showed distinctive features in shape, size, weight, colour, total soluble solids, water-soluble pectin, sugar and acids contents. Combining UPLC-HRMS and UPLC-DAD analysis, 31 phenolics, 1 secoiridoid derivative and 1 neolignan glycoside were preliminarily identified and quantified. The phenolics composition of finger limes showed cultivar and tissue specificity. Antioxidant evaluation showed that extracts from finger lime cultivar of 'XiangBin' exhibited better antioxidant capacities than cultivar of 'LiSiKe', especially in peel. LPS-induced NO-releasing model was performed in the mouse microglia BV-2 cell line. Results illustrated that finger limes inhibited the NO-releasing and the inflammation-related cytokines including IL-1β, IL-6 and TNFα elevation. QRT-PCR revealed that finger lime extracts alleviated LPS-induced upregulation of iNOS, IL-6, JAK2, TNFα, TLR2, TLR4, IL-1β, NF-κB and LPS-induced downregulation of IκBα. This study may expand our knowledge on the physiochemical characteristics and bioactive properties of citrus fruits., (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Prunellae Spica is a perennial edible and medicinal plant, rich in antioxidant substances. Total flavonoids (TFC), Phenolics (TPC), triterpenoids (TSC), polysaccharides (PC) and their antioxidant capacities (by the FRAP, DPPH and ABTS⁺ methods) of ethyl acetate fraction, n-butanol fraction and other fractions of aqueous extract from Prunellae Spica were investigated in this study. Then the multivariate statistical method was adopted to analyze the relationship between the multiple pharmaceutical ingredients and antioxidant capacities of Prunellae Spica. The results showed that ethyl acetate fraction had relatively high concentration of TFC (0.61±0.10) g·g⁻¹DW, TPC (0.52±0.09) g·g⁻¹DW, and TSC (0.21±0.03) g·g⁻¹DW, with high scavenging capacity of DPPH (3.1±0.38) mmol·L⁻¹·g⁻¹DW and FRAP (2.56±0.35) mmol·L⁻¹·g⁻¹DW. Hierarchical clustering analysis (HCA) and principal component analysis (PCA) results indicated the information from chemical compositions and antioxidant capacity can represent the "differences" of different fractions. Canonical correlation analysis (CCorA) revealed a high positive correlation between the amounts of multiple chemical compositions and the antioxidant capacities (r=0.970 0), and the first canonical variate had been reached. Moreover, ABTS⁺ method showed a low response to the compositions of different fractions, so this method may not be suitable for evaluation of Prunellae Spica antioxidant capacities, while DPPH evaluation method was more suitable for TSC and TPC. The results of this study have important reference significance for the evaluation method on antioxidant activity of Prunellae Spica in the field of food or medicine as well as for the development of related extracts., Competing Interests: The authors of this article and the planning committee members and staff have no relevant financial relationships with commercial interests to disclose., (Copyright© by the Chinese Pharmaceutical Association.)

The objective of this study was to evaluate influence of dietary palygorskite (Pal) supplementation on growth performance, mineral accumulations in the tissues (livers, kidneys, and muscles), antioxidant capacities, and meat quality of broilers fed lead (Pb)-contaminated diet. One-hundred forty-four male broiler chicks were randomly divided into three treatment groups, receiving a corn-soybean meal basal diet (the control group), the basal diet contaminated with 10 mg/kg Pb (the Pb group), and the basal diet with 10-g/kg Pal supplementation and 10-mg/kg Pb contamination (the Pal/Pb group) from 1 to 42 days of age, respectively. Treatments did not affect growth performance of broilers in the 42-day study (P > 0.05). Compared with the control group, Pb contamination increased Pb accumulation in the livers, kidneys, and muscles (P < 0.05); elevated malondialdehyde accumulation in the livers, kidneys, and breast muscles; glutathione peroxidase activity in the livers and superoxide dismutase activity in the kidneys (P < 0.05); exacerbated drip loss in the pectoralis muscles (P < 0.05); and reduced glutathione peroxidase activity in the pectoralis muscles (P < 0.05) of broilers at 42 days of age. The values of these parameters were reversed in the Pal/Pb group to levels comparable with those in the control group (P < 0.05). Additionally, Pal supplementation reduced redness value in the pectoralis muscles (P < 0.05), and decreased Cu concentration in the pectoralis muscles and livers at 42 days of age as well as its accumulation in the kidneys at both 21 and 42 days of age compared with the other two groups (P < 0.05). The results suggested that dietary Pal supplementation would decrease Pb residue in the tissues, alleviate oxidative stress, and affect meat quality of broilers exposed to Pb.

Citrus ( Citrus reticulate Blanco) is one of the most commonly consumed and widely distributed fruit in the world, which is possessing extensive bioactivities. Present study aimed to fully understand the flavonoids compositions, antioxidant capacities and in vitro anticancer abilities of different citrus resources. Citrus fruits of 35 varieties belonging to 5 types (pummelos, oranges, tangerines, mandarins and hybrids) were collected. Combining li quid chromatography combined with electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS/MS) and ultra-performance liquid chromatography combined with diode array detector (UPLC-DAD), a total of 39 flavonoid compounds were identified, including 4 flavones, 9 flavanones and 26 polymethoxylated flavonoids (PMFs). Each citrus fruit was examined and compared by 4 parts, flavedo, albedo, segment membrane and juice sacs. The juice sacs had the lowest total phenolics, following by the segment membrane. Four antioxidant traits including 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity, ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) and cupric reducing antioxidant capacity (CUPRAC) were applied for the antioxidant capacities evaluation. Three gastric cancer cell lines, SGC-7901, BGC-823 and AGS were applied for the cytotoxicity evaluation. According to the results of correlation analysis, phenolics compounds might be the main contributor to the antioxidant activity of citrus extracts, while PMFs existing only in the flavedo might be closely related to the gastric cancer cell line cytotoxicity of citrus extracts. The results of present study might provide a theoretical guidance for the utilization of citrus resources., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest.

New powdered seasonings, rich in natural antioxidant compounds, have successfully been applied recently in different food matrices. Once ingested, the antioxidants contained in these seasonings may exert protective effects against oxidative stress along the gastrointestinal tract. This fact was evaluated by submitting the different seasonings under study to simulated digestion followed by assessing the reducing and antiradical capacities of the digested fractions. Enzymatic gastrointestinal digestion enhanced 2-3 times both antioxidant activities and colonic fermentation increased more than 10-fold the radical scavenging ability of digested fractions compared with undigested seasonings. Digested fractions derived from the seedless wine pomace seasoning presented generally the highest antioxidant properties. The results were evaluated considering bioaccessibility factors to have a more realistic overview of the potential antioxidant capacities of the seasonings and of the probable beneficial effects of their consumption on the prevention of oxidative damage along the gut., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

This work aimed to further investigate the phenolic profiles and antioxidant capacities of the crude extracts and the subsequent fractions of Potentilla fruticosa leaves. Result showed that P. fruticosa leaves contained high amounts for hyperoside, ellagic acid and (+)-catechin contents, and the highest amount being registered for hyperoside (17.67 mg g(-1)). Nine sub-fractions were obtained after column chromatographic separation. EF-3, EF-4, EF-5 and BF-2 presented higher values for their total phenolic or flavonoid, (+)-catechin, ellagic acid and hyperoside content. Besides, EF-3, EF-4, BF-2 and BF-3 showed significant in vitro antioxidant capacities and protective effects on Escherichia coli under peroxide stress. The correlation between chromatograms and antioxidant activity showed that (+)-catechin, ellagic acid and hyperoside may play crucial roles in the antioxidant capacities of P. fruticosa and could be used as chemical markers for its quality assessment. Moreover, this is the first time P. fruticosa leaves have been systematically studied.

The volatile compounds in gingko wine, a novel functional wine, were extracted by head-space solid phase micro-extraction (SPME) and analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) coupled with odor activity value (OAV) and relative odor contribution (ROC) analyses. In addition, the total polyphenolic content of gingko wine was determined using the Folin-Ciocalteu reagent, and its antioxidant capacity was evaluated by 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2'-azinobis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) assays. Fifty-eight compounds were tentatively identified, including 13 esters, 10 alcohols, 11 acids, 12 carbonyl compounds, 2 lactones, 2 phenols, and 8 hydrocarbons. Ethyl hexanoate, ethyl pentanoate, nonanal, ethyl butyrate and ethyl heptanoate were the major contributors to the gingko wine aroma based on the results of OAV and ROC. The total phenols content of the gingko wine was 456 mg/L gallic acid equivalents, and its antioxidant capacity was higher than those of typical Chinese liquors analyzed in this paper., (Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

In order to fully understand the variations of fruit quality-related phytochemical composition in Chinese bayberry (Myrica rubra Sieb. et Zucc.), mature fruit of 17 cultivars from Zhejiang and Jiangsu provinces was used for the investigation of fruit quality attributes, including fruit color, soluble sugars, organic acids, total phenolics, flavonoids, antioxidant capacity, etc. Sucrose was the main soluble sugar, while citric acid was the main organic acid in bayberry fruit. The content of total phenolics and total flavonoids were positively correlated with 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) antioxidant activity and 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline- 6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS) radical scavenging activity. Five anthocyanidins, i.e., delphinidin-hexoside (Dp-Hex), cyanidin-3-O-galactoside (C-3-Gal), cyanidin-3-O-glucoside (C-3-Glu), pelargonidin-3-O-glucoside (Pg-3-Glu) and peonidin-3-O-glucoside (Pn-3-Glu), and seven flavonols compounds, i.e., myricetin-3-O-rhamnoside (M-3-Rha), myricetin deoxyhexoside-gallate (M-DH-G), quercetin-3-O-galactoside (Q-3-Gal), quercetin-3- O-glucoside (Q-3-Glu), quercetin-3-O-rhamnoside (Q-3-Rha), kaempferol-3-O-galactoside (K-3-Gal) and kaempferol-3-O-glucoside (K-3-Glu), were identified and characterized among the cultivars. The significant differences in phytochemical compositions among cultivars reflect the diversity in bayberry germplasm, and cultivars of good flavor and/or rich in various health-promoting phytochemicals are good candidates for future genetic breeding of bayberry fruit of high quality. In conclusion, our results may provide important information for further breeding or industrial utilization of different bayberry resources.

The aim of this investigation was to find the best among seven different kiwi fruit cultivars ('Hayward', 'Daheung', 'Haenam', 'Bidan', 'Hort16A', 'Hwamei' and 'SKK12') for human consumption and to classify them as groups. Therefore, the contents of bioactive compounds and the level of antioxidant capacities of these cultivars were determined in four different extracts and compared. It was found that the contents of the bioactive compounds and the level of antioxidant capacities in different extracts differ significantly (P<0.05). Bioactive compounds and the antioxidant capacities were significantly higher in 'Bidan' and 'SKK12' cultivars than in other studied samples. The ethanol and water extracts of these cultivars exhibited high binding properties with human serum albumin (HSA) in comparison with catechin. In conclusion, based on fluorescence profiles the seven new kiwi fruit cultivars can be classified for three groups: 'Hayward' (including 'Daheung', 'Haenam', Hwamei' and 'SKK12'), 'Bidan' and 'Hort 16A'. In MS - profiles some differences in the peaks were found between the cultivar groups. All studied fruits could be a valuable addition to known disease preventing diets., (Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Background & Aims: Increased homocysteine concentration and oxidative stress and decreased antioxidant capacities are thought to affect carcinogenesis. However, the associations of homocysteine, cysteine, pyridoxal 5'-phosphate (PLP) and folate with oxidative stress and antioxidant capacities in patients with colorectal cancer are unclear. The purpose of this study was to determine the associations of homocysteine, cysteine, PLP and folate with oxidative stress indicators and antioxidant capacities, and to further analyze their relationships with respect to risk for colorectal cancer., Methods: One hundred and sixty-eight subjects with colorectal cancer (cases) and 188 healthy subjects (controls) were recruited., Results: There were no significant associations of homocysteine, cysteine and folate with oxidative stress indicators and antioxidant capacities in cases; however, PLP positively correlated with glutathione S-transferase activities after adjusting for potential confounders in cases. Subjects with higher plasma homocysteine concentration exhibited significantly increased risk of colorectal cancer with or without adjustment for potential confounders. The associations of cysteine, PLP and folate with the risk of colorectal cancer were not observed when potential confounders were adjusted., Conclusions: Increased homocysteine was strongly associated with the risk of colorectal cancer independently of oxidative stress indicators and antioxidant capacities. However, cysteine, PLP and folate were not found to be related to oxidative stress, antioxidant capacities and the risk of colorectal cancer., (Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd and European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism. All rights reserved.)

Keeping in view that some metal complexes are found to be more potent than their parent drugs, therefore, our present paper aimed to synthesized Cd(II), Hg(II) and Pb(II) complexes of paracetamol (Para) anti-inflammatory drug. Paracetamol complexes with general formula [M(Para)2(H2O)2]·nH2O have been synthesized and characterized on the basis of elemental analysis, conductivity, IR and thermal (TG/DTG), (1)H NMR, electronic spectral studies. The conductivity data of these complexes have non-electrolytic nature. Comparative antimicrobial (bacteria and fungi) behaviors and molecular weights of paracetamol with their complexes have been studied. In vivo the antihepatotoxicity effect and some liver function parameters levels (serum total protein, ALT, AST, and LDH) were measured. Hematological parameters and liver antioxidant capacities of both Para and their complexes were performed. The Cd(2+)+Para complex was recorded amelioration of antioxidant capacities in liver homogenates compared to other Para complexes treated groups., (Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Avocado (Persea americana L.) is an important tropical fruit, source of bioactive compounds. It is native of Mexico and Central America, but they are cultivated around the World. In avocado processing, seeds are removed of as wastes. The avocado seed characterized about 13 to 24% of the total weight of the fruit and it source of different bioactive compounds such as phenolic compounds, procyanidins and triterpenoids. However, this by-product has limited commercial uses. In the study, it was aimed to use in avocado seed as a functional component in snack production and to determine the physico-chemical and functional properties of the products obtained. Total phenolic content (TFM) was analysed using Folin-Ciocalteu assay, and antioxidant capacities were assessed by CUPRAC and DPPH methods. According to the results, enrichment of avocado seeds had improved functional quality of cookies by increasing total phenolic contents, antioxidant capacities, and dietary fibre content of snacks. The results demonstrated that avocado seed might be use as a natural additives and have a good potential for developing functional and acceptable snacks and similar bakery products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herbal infusions are a common practice among people. Making a hot water infusion is the simplest way to extract the medicinal properties of a plant. One of the most frequently used plants for this purpose is linden. Antioxidants (especially phenolic compounds) may also enhance the immune system and reduce the risk of cancer and infections such as colds, a frequent medicinal use for this species. In this work, ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) method and infusion extraction (IE) technique using only water as the extractant were carried out comparatively for the extraction of phenolic compounds from Tilia cordata fruits to evaluate the efficiency of the hot water infusion technique. Both extracts obtained with IE and UAE techniques were initially screened for their total phenolic contents (TPCs) and total antioxidant capacities (TACs) via Folin-Ciocalteu and CUPRAC methods, respectively. TPCs of the extracts obtained with IE and UAE were found as 58.86 ± 21.51 and 111.84 ± 13.99 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/g dry sample, respectively. Furthermore, TACs of the extracts obtained with IE and UAE were calculated as 82.99 ± 13.13 and 197.52 ± 12.69 mg trolox equivalent (TE)/g dry sample, respectively. Subsequently, 31 phenolic compounds in the same extracts were scanned by liquid chromatography-electrospray tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) method. Among phenolics, 24 compounds were quantitatively determined with protocatechuic acid as the dominant one (1723.1–2183.5 μg/g dry sample). Consequently, the traditional hot water infusion which can be easily applied at home was considered to be a comparatively effective method for the extraction of phenolic compounds from Tilia cordata fruits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nutritional composition of the kernels of two types of Pindan walnut (Terminalia cunninghamii), a native nut consumed traditionally by Australian Indigenous peoples, is reported for the first time. Results showed that Pindan walnut kernels contained high levels of fat, protein and ash, approximately 50, 30 and 5% fresh basis, respectively. The levels of minerals in the kernels were much higher than common walnuts and macadamia nuts, especially those of phosphorus, magnesium and zinc. The high amounts of polyphenols in the kernels provided strong hydrophilic antioxidant capacities, of up to 2004 mg Trolox equivalents/100 g fresh basis using the hydrophilic oxygen radical absorbance capacity assay. Both free polyphenol content and hydrophilic antioxidant capacities of the kernels were higher than those of macadamia nuts, although the lipophilic oxygen radical absorbance capacity was lower. These preliminary studies indicate high potential for wider use of the Pindan walnut as a novel, nutritious and health-promoting food. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was conducted to investigate the effects of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) on antioxidant capacities and the expression of inflammatory cytokines in weaned piglets. In total, 15 litters, containing 150 14-day-old piglets, were divided, by litter, into suckling (control), weaning and NAC groups. Thus, there were five litters per group. Compared with the suckling group, the weaning group had increased (p < .05) malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and interleukin (IL)-6 contents in their serum and pro-inflammatory cytokineIL-6andIL-1βexpression levels in the jejunum, while they had decreased superoxide dismutase (SOD) (p = .055) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) (p = .057) activities, as well as IL-4 (p < .05) concentrations in their serum and I-κBα expression (p < .05) in their jejunum. Dietary supplementation with NAC had improved (p < .05) antioxidant status in serum and increased (p < .05) levels ofIL-4but decreased (p < .05) mRNA expression levels and concentrations ofIL-6andIL-1β. Meanwhile, the I-κBα expression level in the jejunum of the NAC-treated group increased (p < .05) compared with the weaning group. In conclusion, weaning resulted in oxidative stress, and dietary supplementation with NAC could increase the antioxidant capacities, while decreasing the jejunal expression of inflammatory cytokines in weaned piglets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wild Lonicera caerulea berries were subjected to five different high hydrostatic pressure (HHP) treatments (which resemble the conditions of active component extraction and commercial sterilization). The content of anthocyanins and total phenolics increased by 6.84% and 14.35% (p < 0.05), respectively after treatment at 200 MPa for 5 and 10 min. As HHP increased, a higher loss of active component was observed. The total phenolic contents did not differ significantly between the control and the 400 MPa/20 min treated group (p > 0.05); HHP processing demonstrated better sterilization effect but severely destroyed enzymes. Polyphenol oxidase (PPO) and peroxidase (POD) activity were activated at lower HHP, such as 200 MPa, and decreased at 400–600 MPa. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) maintained good stability under HHP processing. The antioxidant capacities of anthocyanins extracts of wild L. caerulea berry were evaluated by 3 different methods (DPPH assay, oxygen radical absorbance capacity assay, and cellular antioxidant activity assay). Industrial Relevance Factors such as color, luster, and nutrition often affect consumer choice in food. However, the color and nutrition of foods tend to be destroyed during processing and storage. The demand for healthier and more nutritious food while retaining the color and flavor after processing highlights the need to develop novel and gentler technologies for fruit processing. Recently, high hydrostatic pressure (HHP) technologies have been used in different branches of the food industry. In the present study, the content of active component in blue honeysuckle fruit pulps such as anthocyanins and polyphenols showed tendency to increase and then decrease with increasing pressure at room temperature. Five different HHP treatment groups (resembling the conditions of active component extraction conditions and commercial sterilization) were compared to the control (fresh fruit) and heat-treated group to determine the effects of HHP processing on L. caerulea berry pulps. The aim of this study was to investigate the changes in active component particularly the content and composition of anthocyanins under different high-pressure treatment at room temperature; the color and physicochemical indexes were also analyzed at the same conditions. Low HHP for a long period of time (400 MPa/20 min) demonstrated better results than that with high HHP for a short time (600 MPa/10 min), as indicated by the higher contents of anthocyanins and phenols and stronger antioxidant capacities. Therefore, Low HHP conditions can be used as an auxiliary means of active component extraction. The conditions of HHP processing at low HHP for a long period of time (400 MPa/20 min) can be altered to retain active components during food processing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of the non-thermal technologies of pulsed electric fields (PEF), high-voltage electrical discharges (HVED) and ultrasound (USN) on bioactive compounds (ascorbic acid, total carotenoids, total phenolic compounds and total anthocyanins) and antioxidant capacity of a fruit juice (papaya and mango) blend sweetened with Stevia rebaudiana. Experiments were carried out at two equivalent energy inputs (32-256 kJ/kg) for each technology. Principal component analysis (PCA) was used to understand the contribution of ascorbic acid, total carotenoids and oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) values. These parameters were better retained with PEF treatments. Nevertheless, the use of HVED and USN technologies cannot be ruled out, as they may enhance the contents of other bioactive compounds such as total phenolic compounds when HVED technology is applied at an energy input of 256 kJ/kg. The obtained data can contribute to the determination of optimum processing conditions for production of high nutritional quality liquid foods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this research is to identify and compare the bioactive compounds, antioxidant capacities and binding potentials to human protein in different varieties of hardy kiwi ( Actinidia (A.) arguta ), ‘Hayward’ ( Actinidia deliciosa ) and less – known ‘Bidan’ ( Actinidia eriantha ) . Polyphenols, flavonoids, flavanols, tannins, vitamin C, lutein, zeaxanthin and dietary fibers were significantly higher in cultivar ‘M1’ among the A. arguta than in ‘Hayward’. The binding properties of studied kiwi fruits were determined by interaction of polyphenols with human serum albumin (HSA). An internal standard FTIR technique allowed the quantitative comparison of specific IR absorption bands (Amides I, II, III) of different kiwi fruit samples after interaction with HSA. It was shown that the antioxidant and binding capacities and FTIR quantitative estimations of A. arguta fruits were significantly higher than in ‘Hayward’, but lower than the ‘Bidan’. In MS spectra were found some slight differences in A. arguta kiwis in comparison with ‘Hayward’ and ‘Bidan’. Two A. arguta cultivars were similar to ‘Bidan’. The interaction of polyphenols with HSA, evaluated by fluorometry/FTIR, made it possible to compare the bioactivity of different cultivars and families. In conclusion, for the first time fruits A. arguta , cultivated in Poland, were compared with widely consumed kiwi fruits, using advanced analytical methods. The high bioactivity and nutritional value of A. arguta fruits from Polish ecological plantation enables us to recommend them for marketing and consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In China, there are about 1.6 million tons of thinned young apples (TYAs) every year after blossoming and fruit thinning. These resulting fruits, in reality, could be utilized as agricultural and food resource. This study was undertaken to evaluate the influence on physical properties, bioactive attributes of TYAs that were subjected to chosen drying techniques. In general, significant differences ( p < 0.05) exist in physical appearance and polyphenol. Antioxidant capacity was also investigated on the basis of assay for Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) by 2,2ʹ-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS), reducing power and 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging ability. Judging from the results, it was concluded that hot air drying at 60℃ is appropriate for large-scale production; furthermore, vacuum freeze drying tends to manufacture high-value up-market TYA products that are available to give the best results for dehydrated fruits. It is suggested that TYA has great potential in the food industry as functional ingredient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

China is an important centre of diversity for Prunus persica. In the present study, 17 Chinese peach cultivars were evaluated for phenolic content and antioxidant activity. Neochlorogenic acid (NCHA), chlorogenic acid (CHA), procyanidin B1 (B1), catechin (CAT), cyanidin-3-O-glucoside (C3G), quercetin-3-O-galactoside (Q3GAL), quercetin-3-O-glucoside (Q3GLU), quercetin-3-O-rutinoside (Q3R), and kaempferol-3-O-rutinoside (K3R) were identified and quantified. CHA and CAT were the predominant components in both the peel and pulp of this fruit. In general, peel extracts showed higher antioxidant activities than the pulp counterparts, consistent with the observed higher phenolic content. The melting peach cultivar "Xinyu" showed the highest antioxidant potency composite (APC) index. The principal component analysis (PCA) of peel phenolics showed a clear distinction between the melting peach and nectarine. Overall, peach cultivars rich in hydroxycinnamates and flavan-3-ols showed relatively higher antioxidant activities and might be excellent sources of phytochemicals and natural antioxidants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this investigation was to find the best among seven different kiwi fruit cultivars ('Hayward', 'Daheung', 'Haenam', 'Bidan', 'Hort16A', 'Hwamei' and 'SKK12') for human consumption and to classify them as groups. Therefore, the contents of bioactive compounds and the level of antioxidant capacities of these cultivars were determined in four different extracts and compared. It was found that the contents of the bioactive compounds and the level of antioxidant capacities in different extracts differ significantly (P<0.05). Bioactive compounds and the antioxidant capacities were significantly higher in 'Bidan' and 'SKK12' cultivars than in other studied samples. The ethanol and water extracts of these cultivars exhibited high binding properties with human serum albumin (HSA) in comparison with catechin. In conclusion, based on fluorescence profiles the seven new kiwi fruit cultivars can be classified for three groups: 'Hayward' (including 'Daheung', 'Haenam', Hwamei' and 'SKK12'), 'Bidan' and 'Hort 16A'. In MS - profiles some differences in the peaks were found between the cultivar groups. All studied fruits could be a valuable addition to known disease preventing diets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] China is rich in wild mandarin germplasms which were underutilized. [•] The phenolic and antioxidant activity of main Chinese wild mandarin were reported. [•] Some wild genotypes were rich in phenolics and exhibited high antioxidant capacity. [•] Remarkable variation was observed in phenolics contents and antioxidant capacity. [•] 18 individual flavonoids and 8 phenolic acids were identified from studied fruits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antioxidant capacities and polyphenolic contents of two mango cultivars from northern Chile, one of them endemic of an oasis in the Atacama Desert, were compared for the first time. Twenty one phenolic compounds were detected in peel and pulp of mango fruits varieties Pica and Tommy Atkins by HPLC-PDA-MS and tentatively characterized. Eighteen compounds were present in Pica pulp (ppu), 13 in Pica peel (ppe) 11 in Tommy Atkins pulp (tpu) and 12 in Tommy Atkins peel (tpe). Three procyanidin dimers (peaks 6, 9 and 10), seven acid derivatives (peaks 1-4, 11, 20 and 21) and four xanthones were identified, mainly mangiferin (peak 12) and mangiferin gallate, (peak 7), which were present in both peel and pulp of the two studied species from northern Chile. Homomangiferin (peak 13) was also present in both fruit pulps and dimethylmangiferin (peak 14) was present only in Tommy pulp. Pica fruits showed better antioxidant capacities and higher polyphenolic content (73.76/32.23 μg/mL in the DPPH assay and 32.49/72.01 mg GAE/100 g fresh material in the TPC assay, for edible pulp and peel, respectively) than Tommy Atkins fruits (127.22/46.39 μg/mL in the DPPH assay and 25.03/72.01 mg GAE/100 g fresh material in the TPC assay for pulp and peel, respectively). The peel of Pica mangoes showed also the highest content of phenolics (66.02 mg/100 g FW) measured by HPLC-PDA. The HPLC generated fingerprint can be used to authenticate Pica mango fruits and Pica mango food products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Predation is known to impact growth and reproduction, and the physiological state of the prey, including its susceptibility to oxidative stress. In this study, we investigated how prolonged exposure to predators modulates tissue specific antioxidant defense and oxidative damage in the short-lived epibenthic scallop Argopecten ventricosus (2years maximum lifespan). Scallops that were experimentally exposed to predators had not only lower antioxidant capacities (superoxide dismutase and catalase), but also lower oxidative damage (protein carbonyls and TBARS=thiobarbituric acid reactive substances including lipid peroxides) in gills and mantle compared to individuals not exposed to predators. In contrast, oxidative damage in the swimming muscle was higher in predator-exposed scallops. When predator-exposed scallops were on the verge of spawning, levels of oxidative damage increased in gills and mantle in spite of a parallel increase in antioxidant defense in both tissues. Levels of oxidative damage increased also in the swimming muscle whereas muscle antioxidant capacities decreased. Interestingly, post-spawned scallops restored antioxidant capacities and oxidative damage to immature levels, suggesting they can recover from spawning-related oxidative stress. Our results show that predator exposure and gametogenesis modulate oxidative damage in a tissue specific manner and that high antioxidant capacities do not necessarily coincide with low oxidative damage. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Our aim was to assess the antioxidant capacities and phenolic constituents of methanol and aqueous extracts of Rhodiola imbricata Edgew. root from Trans-Himalayan cold desert of Ladakh. The 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2′-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) radical scavenging capacity of the root extracts increased in a dose-dependent manner (up to 0.1 mg/mL) and root extract concentrations required for 50% inhibition of radical scavenging effect ( IC50) were recorded as 0.013 and 0.014 mg/mL (for DPPH) and 0.016 and 0.017 mg/mL (for ABTS) for methanol and aqueous extracts, respectively. The total antioxidant power of the extract was determined by ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay. Total polyphenol and phenolic acid content of methanol and aqueous extracts were 112.24, 59.06, 39.02, and 16.95 mg gallic acid equivalent/g of extract, respectively. Total flavonoid and flavonol contents were estimated to be 30.2, 17.67, 20.68, and 7.38 mg quercetin equivalent/g of extract, respectively. In all antioxidant capacity assays, the methanol extract exhibited significantly higher antioxidant capacity than that of aqueous extract due to the presence of significantly higher amount of vital phytoconstitiuents, viz. polyphenol, phenolic acid, and flavonol. GC/MS analysis showed that phytosterols, alkyl halide, phenols, and fatty acid esters were major phytochemical clusters. On the other hand, monoterpenes, fatty acids, tocopherols, aliphatic hydrocarbons, and ethers were found to be present in comparatively less amount in the methanol extract. Hence, our study signifies that this high-altitude medicinal herb could be used as the natural source of antioxidants and supports its use in traditional system of medicine to ameliorate oxidative stress and high-altitude maladies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Phenolic compounds and antioxidant capacities of ten Algerian date (Phoenix dactylifera L.) cultivars were investigated. The total phenolic, flavonoid, flavonol and condensed tannin contents of the different cultivars were measured using colorimetric methods. Free phenolic acid and flavonoid profiles of the date cultivars were analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography with diode array detection (HPLC-DAD), while antioxidant capacities were evaluated in vitro using scavenging assays of 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical and hydrogen peroxide, ferric reducing power, and ferrous ion chelating ability. The results showed that the cultivars exerted different antioxidant capacities, and had different phenolic acid and flavonoid patterns. Among the tested cultivars, Ghazi, Arechti and Sebt Mira possessed the strongest antioxidant capacities and the highest phenolic contents. Four phenolic acids (gallic, ferulic, coumaric and caffeic acids) and five flavonoids (isoquercetrin, quercetrin, rutin, quercetin and luteolin) were identified and quantified. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of solid-to-solvent ratio (1:5. 1:10, 1:15 and 1:20) on the extraction of phenolic compounds (TPC and TFC) and antioxidant capacity (ABTS and DPPH radical scavenging capacity) of P. niruri. Solid-to-solvent ratio showed a significant effect for both phenolic compounds (TPC and TFC) and antioxidant capacity (ABTS and DPPH radical scavenging capacity) with 1:20 was the condition for extracting the highest of phenolic compounds (TPC and TFC) with a value of 5788.7 mg GAE/100 g DW and 1906.5 mg CE/100 g DW, respectively and exhibited high antioxidant capacities (ABTS and DPPH radical scavenging capacities) with a value of 0.820 mM and 1.598 mM, respectively among the four levels studied. TPC was positively and significantly correlated with ABTS and DPPH (r=0.999 and r=0.999) under the effects of solid-to-solvent ratio as compared to TFC, positively and strongly correlated (r=0.865 and r=0.868) with ABTS and DPPH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Greenhouse grown tobacco plants were exposed to supplemental ultraviolet irradiation (280-400 nm, UV-B centered) for 6 days and changes in their photosynthesis (gas exchange and electron transport) and general and specific antioxidant activities were measured. UV irradiation corresponded to 8.95 kJ m-2 d-1 biologically effective dose and was supplemented to below ambient (200 μmol m-2 s-1 photon flux density) photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD, 400-700 nm). Two groups of plants, which were different in their leaf antioxidant capacities due to one of them having been acclimated to high irradiance (1000 μmol m-2 s-1 PPFD) before the UV treatment, responded differently. High light pretreated leaves lost approximately 25% of photosynthetic activity during the UV exposure and showed no change either in the amounts of UV-absorbing pigments or antioxidant levels. On the other hand, leaves which were exposed to UV irradiation without the preceding high light acclimation had 60% lower photosynthesis by the end of the treatment, and increased antioxidant activities. Our results emphasize the importance of base antioxidant levels over inducible pools in leaf responses to low doses of UV irradiation and may also contribute to hypotheses on acclimation under field conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Antioxidant capacities of α-tocopherol, trolox, ascorbic acid, and ascorbyl palmitate at 0.01, 0.1, and 1.0mM in riboflavin photosensitized oil-in-water (O/W) emulsions were determined using headspace oxygen depletion, lipid hydroperoxide, and headspace volatile analyses. After 32h visible light irradiation, headspace oxygen in O/W emulsions without adding antioxidants, with 1.0mM α-tocopherol, trolox, ascorbic acid, and ascorbyl palmitate decreased to 18.50%, 18.85%, 16.01%, 17.92%, and 19.88%, respectively, whereas those samples in the dark were 20.74%. Trolox and ascorbic acid acted as prooxidants while their lipophilic counterparts, α-tocopherol and ascorbyl palmitate, respectively showed antioxidant properties. Similar antioxidative or prooxidative properties of the tested compounds can be observed in the results of lipid hydroperoxides and headspace volatiles. However, the prooxidant and antioxidant properties of the tested compounds were not clearly shown at 0.01 and 0.1mM concentration. Both the type and concentration of antioxidants influenced the antioxidant capacities in riboflavin photosensitized O/W emulsions. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Salinity could damage cellular membranes through overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS), while antioxidant capacities play a vital role in protecting plants from salinity caused oxidative damages. The objective of this study was to investigate the toxic effect of salt on the antioxidant enzyme activities, isoforms and gene expressions in perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.). Salt-tolerant ‘Quickstart II’ and salt-sensitive ‘DP1′ were subjected to 0 and 250mM NaCl for 12d. Salt stress increased the content of lipid peroxidation (MDA), electrolyte leakage (EL) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), to a greater extent in salt-sensitive genotype. Salt-stressed plant leaves exhibited a greater activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD, EC 1.15.1.1), peroxidase (POD, EC 1.11.1.7), ascorbate peroxidase (APX, EC 1.11.1.11) at 4d after treatment (DAT), but a lower level of enzyme activity at 8 and 12d, when compared to the control. Catalase (CAT, EC 1.11.1.6) activity was greater at 4 DAT and thereafter decreased in salt tolerant genotype relative to the control, whereas lower than the control during whole experiment period for salt-sensitive genotype. There were different patterns of five isoforms of SOD, POD and two isoforms of APX between two genotypes. Antioxidant gene expression was positively related to isoenzymatic and total enzymatic activities during 12-d salt-treated leaves of two genotypes, with a relatively higher level in salt-tolerant genotype. Thus, salt tolerance could be related to the constitutive/induced antioxidant gene, leading to more efficient enzyme stimulation and protection in perennial ryegrass. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Flavonoids are a family of antioxidants that are widely represented in fruits, vegetables, dry legumes, and chocolate, as well as in popular beverages, such as red wine, coffee, and tea. The flavonoids chlorogenic acid, kaempferol, quercetin and quercetin 3β-d-glycoside were investigated for genotoxicity using the wing somatic mutation and recombination test (SMART). This test makes use of two recessive wing cell markers: multiple wing hairs (mwh) and flare (flr 3 ), which are mutations located on the left arm of chromosome 3 of Drosophila melanogaster and are indicative of both mitotic recombination and various types of mutational events. In order to test the antioxidant capacities of the flavonoids, experiments were conducted with various combinations of oxidants and polyphenols. Oxidative stress was induced using hydrogen peroxide, the Fenton reaction and paraquat. Third-instar transheterozygous larvae were chronically treated for all experiments. The data obtained in this study showed that, at the concentrations tested, the flavonoids did not induce somatic mutations or recombination in D. melanogaster with the exception of quercetin, which proved to be genotoxic at only one concentration. The oxidants hydrogen peroxide and the Fenton reaction did not induce mutations in the wing somatic assay of D. melanogaster, while paraquat and combinations of flavonoids produced significant numbers of small single spots. Quercetin 3β-d-glycoside mixed with paraquat was shown to be desmutagenic. Combinations of the oxidants with the other flavonoids did not show any antioxidant activity. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This article aims to determine the phenolic, tocopherol contents, and antioxidant capacities from fruits (juices, peels, and seed oils) of 6 Tunisian pomegranate ecotypes. Total anthocyanins were determined by a differential pH method. Hydrolyzable tannins were determined with potassium iodate. The tocopherol (α-tocopherol, γ-tocopherol, and δ-tocopherol) contents were, respectively, 165.77, 107.38, and 27.29 mg/100 g from dry seed. Four phenolic compounds were identified and quantified in pomegranate peel and pulp using the high-performance liquid chromatography/ultraviolet method: 2 hydroxybenzoic acids (gallic and ellagic acids) and 2 hydroxycinnamic acids (caffeic and p-coumaric acids). Juice, peel, and seed oil antioxidants were confirmed by ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) methods. The highest values were recorded in peels with 25.63 mmol trolox equivalent/100 g and 22.08 mmol TE/100 g for FRAP and ORAC assay, respectively. Results showed that the antioxidant potency of pomegranate extracts was correlated with their phenolic compound content. In particular, the highest correlation was reported in peels. High correlations were also found between peel hydroxybenzoic acids and FRAP ORAC antioxidant capacities. Identified tocopherols seem to contribute in major part to the antioxidant activity of seed oil. The results implied that bioactive compounds from the peel might be potential resources for the development of antioxidant function dietary food. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Study on antioxidants’ radical scavenging processes and antioxidant capabilities is important for understanding the protective role of antioxidants against oxidative damages associated with some chronic diseases and food degradation. Traditional methods to monitor the radical scavenging by antioxidant require expensive instrument and sophisticated synthesis process. Herein, we report a novel, simple, colorimetric DNAzyme-based method to detect radical-scavenging capacity of antioxidant. In this new strategy, horseradish peroxidase (HRP) mimicking DNAzyme catalyzes the oxidation of ABTS2− (2,2′-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid)) by H2O2 to generate blue/green ABTS − radical, which can be scavenged by antioxidants resulting in color change. The typical kinetic curve of antioxidant-inhibited generation of ABTS − shows distinct biphasic pattern, involving a lag phase (stage I) and a linear increase phase (stage II). kt value, the product of lag time (t) and the slope of the curve in stage II (k), was used as the parameter for antioxidant capacity determination. This DNAzyme-based antioxidant assay has been effectively used to quantitatively detect the concentrations of antioxidants and evaluate the antioxidant capabilities of a variety of antioxidants and some real samples. Compared with traditional antioxidant assays, this method is thermostable, pH stable, and time-saving, which presents a promising platform for antioxidant assay. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Musts from sun-dried grapes Pedro Ximénez are rich in polyphenols and sugars, and synergic effects between them have been found. Sugars participate in the stability of polyphenols; so, the autoxidation of (+)-catechin by ferrous iron is inhibited by a mixture of glucose and fructose similar to that found in musts of dried grapes. Phenolic fraction of musts was extracted with SepPack C18 cartridges, and the identification and quantification of phenolic compounds was achieved using HPLC-diode array detection. The evolution of phenolic content along the off-vine process indicated that there was a fourfold increase in most phenolics, catechin being the most abundant phenolic identified. Musts and the phenolic fractions showed a high antioxidant activity when determined by various established in vitro systems, namely β-carotene-linoleate bleaching assay, deoxyribose degradation and pBlueScript SK (-) DNA oxidation. The high antioxidant activity of musts found in the assays involving the formation of hydroxyl radicals, deoxyribose degradation, and DNA oxidation were partially due to the presence of sugars in the musts. The glycation of albumin was also studied by incubating BSA with a concentration of glucose and fructose, similar to that in musts; in these conditions, the phenolic fraction from must inhibited by a 76% the formation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs). A similar inhibition in the AGEs formation was observed when musts were directly incubated with albumin. The results indicate that musts and the phenolic fraction of sun-dried Pedro Ximénez grapes possess a marked antioxidant activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The levels of anthocyanins and other flavonoids, as well as melatonin, in various tart cherry products (frozen and dried cherries, powders from individually quick frozen (IQF) cherry and juice concentrate) from two tart cherry cultivars, ‘Montmorency’ and ‘Balaton’ were analysed comparatively by HPLC and electrospray mass spectrometry (EMS). Our results show that the major anthocyanin compound in these two tart cherry cultivars is cyanidin 3-glucosylrutinoside, followed by cyanidin 3-rutinoside, cyanydin sophoroside, and peonidin 3-glucoside. Studies on antioxidant activities (total antioxidant status assay) of crude extracts of ten tart cherry products show that these products preserve their antioxidant capacities after processing and storage. We have also compared the antioxidant activities of several single constituents that are present in tart cherry. When TEAC (trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity) values were evaluated conceptually against the cherry phytochemical profile, cyanidin and its derivatives were found to be the significant contributors to the antioxidant systems of tart cherries. It was shown that standard compounds with common aglycon moieties show similar antioxidant activities. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Phenolic compounds and antioxidant capacities of bayberry juices from 14 cultivars were investigated. HPLC–DAD and Folin-Ciocalteu methods were used for the analysis of the phenolic compounds. Biqi had the highest content of total flavonols (56.75±4.68mg/l), Wuzi had the highest content of phenolic acids (30.1±0.05mg/l), and Lizhizhong had the highest content of anthocyanins (514±46.1mg/l) and total phenolics (1055±9.32mgGAE/l). The FRAP and ABTS·+ assay indicated that bayberry juices possessed considerable antioxidant activities, and all the analysed phenolic components contributed to the antioxidant capacities. The results also showed that bayberry juices from red coloured cultivars possessed higher contents of phenolic compounds than those from white coloured cultivars. The higher antioxidant capacities of red bayberry juices implied that they might be potential resources for the development of functional drinks. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]