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Orange-fleshed non-netted honeydew melon has high nutritional and economic potential, being widely appreciated as a refreshing sweet fruit. Therefore, evaluating commercial samples of such relevant products for the fresh fruit market is of great importance. This study investigated the antioxidant capacity, quality parameters, and chemical composition of honeydew melons from the Brazilian market. The values of pH and °Brix determined for melon samples were 6.5 ± 0.30 and 9.2 ± 0.80 g/100 g (fresh weight), respectively, which agree with the results expected for high-quality melons. The chromatography analysis revealed sucrose (49% of total sugar) as the main sugar, followed by fructose (30%) and glucose (21%). Carotenoids, which are directly linked to the characteristic orange color, showed a total level of 270.59 µg/g (dry weight). Additionally, the higher b* value compared to a* value indicates the highest yellow contribution. Regarding the antioxidant assays, in addition to presenting antioxidant capacity for both methods applied, DPPH and FRAP, levels ranging from 16.40 ± 0.21 µmol ascorbic acid equivalent/g to 56.98 ± 0.80 µmol Trolox equivalent/g (dry weight) were reported in melon extracts. Moreover, the results were higher in terms of FRAP than DPPH. Therefore, the results underscore the evaluated honeydew melons as valuable sources of bioactive compounds, such as carotenoids and phenolics, which contribute to their antioxidant properties. Besides, analyses of color, pH, and total soluble solids content also reflect the quality attributes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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In this research, a mining effluent was used to produce microalgal and cyanobacterial biomass to obtain red (carotenoids) and blue pigments (phycocyanin). Two strains were isolated from a hydrothermal source in Norte de Santander and grown in mining wastewater mixed with 50% BG-11 medium for the Osci_UFPS01 cyanobacterium and 50% with Bold Basal medium for the Chlo_UFPS01 microalgae. A carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus experiment design was developed, and subsequent response surface analysis (RSM) was used to determine the optimal operating conditions for the formation of the products of interest. A notable decrease in pigment production was observed compared to that in the controls without mining wastewater. Overall, 45% of phycocyanin (C PC) per unit dry weight (DW) and 1,129% (w/w) of carotenoids were obtained in the cultures with a mining wastewater mixture in the final optimization processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Ecosistemas y Recursos Agropecuarios is the property of Universidad Juarez Autonoma de Tabasco and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Elaeis oleifera oil has stood out for its high contents of carotenoids, tocochromanols, oleic and linoleic acids and low content of saturated fatty acids. The content of these bioactive compounds depends on the oil extraction process and the data available is related to solvent extraction. Pressing is the current industrial oil extraction process for palm fruits. E. oleifera bunches were harvested on two different days at an interval of two months. They were then sterilized and the fruits were submitted to hydraulic pressing and the oil from the mesocarp was evaluated. The main fatty acids of two samples were C18:1 (54.72 – 55.69%), C16:0 (23.72 – 24.23%) and C18:2 (15.47 – 16.95%). The alpha- and beta-carotene contents were 620-725 µg/g and 1,358– 1,403 µg/g, respectively. Gamma-tocotrienol accounted for 799 and 1,066 µg/g. The oil is a concentrate of pro-vitamin A and rich in gamma-tocotrienol and its low oil acidity allows for the consumption of the crude oil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Copyright of Revista ION is the property of Universidad Industrial de Santander and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

La luz tiene un impacto positivo en la regulación de los procesos de desarrollo de las plantas. Sin embargo, la evidencia sugiere que las respuestas a los cambios en el espectro de luz dependen de las especies de plantas. El objetivo de este trabajo fue evaluar el efecto de la iluminación suplementaria con LEDs sobre el crecimiento, la síntesis de fitoquímicos y la calidad del fruto en cultivos de tomate y pepino. Para esto, se estableció un experimento con plantas de tomate (Solanum lycopersicum L.) y pepino (Cucumis sativus L.) cultivadas con luz suplementaria de 7:00 p.m. a 12:00 a.m. utilizando lámparas LED con luz azul (455 nm), roja (660 nm) y roja lejana (730 nm). Los tratamientos fueron la aplicación de las diferentes longitudes de onda con una o dos lámparas, más un control (T0). Se evaluaron los parámetros agronómicos, contenido de fitoquímicos y calidad de los frutos. Los resultados demostraron un impacto en la altura de las plantas de tomate, además se incrementaron los pigmentos fotosintéticos en hojas de tomate (18.4-29.1%), licopeno en hojas (166.7-207.4%) y frutos de pepino (83.2-175.5%), y compuestos carotenoides en frutos de tomate (106.9-127.5%). También se modificaron los atributos de calidad de los frutos como SST, pH y CE. En conclusión, los resultados mostraron que la suplementación con luz a través de lámparas LED induce respuestas positivas en los cultivos de tomate y pepino, mejorando la calidad y compuestos bioactivos de los frutos de tomate y pepino.

In this brief, non-exhaustive essay, we review major adaptive changes in reproductive and developmental traits of decapod crustaceans, which have passed through evolutionary transitions from ancestral life in coastal marine environments to brackish, limnic, polar, or deep-sea habitats. Two major approaches can be recognised in studies of life-history evolution, focussing on: (1) developmental changes in adaptive physiological or biochemical traits of successive ontogenetic stages, comparing, for instance, osmoregulatory capabilities in larvae, juveniles, and adults ("ontogeny of adaptations" perspective); (2) adaptive changes in the modes of reproduction and development, e.g., enhanced maternal energy investment in egg production, abbreviated, non-feeding larval development ("adaptations in ontogeny"). Using both scientific approaches, Christoph D. Schubart has significantly contributed to our understanding of evolutionary transitions in crustaceans. In our essay, we pay particular attention to the significance of nutritional selection factors in relation to presumably adaptive developmental, physiological, and biochemical traits in different life-history stages. In this context, we highlight the key roles of lipids and carotenoid pigments, in particular of essential polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and astaxanthin. While PUFAs and other lipid compounds have received wide scientific attention, we propose that future studies should further analyse also the potential role of astaxanthin and other essential carotenoids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ulva lactuca is an edible green macroalga (Chlorophyta) that can be produced in cultivation systems; it is a natural source of high-value molecules. Ulva lactuca produces metabolites including carotenoids, which are pigments with antioxidant properties that are in high demand in the health and nutraceutical industries and improve the nutritional quality of U. lactuca biomass. We studied the carotenoid and chlorophyll content in U. lactuca thalli collected in 3 different environments in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: the intertidal beds of the urban beaches of Arpoador and Boa Viagem and a continental integrated multi-trophic aquaculture (IMTA) facility. Carotenoid conservation was evaluated during 1 week, 2 weeks, and 4 weeks of storage. We compared the molecules in fresh U. lactuca collected during the dry season (July 2018) and rainy season (February 2019). The content of carotenoids, such as β-carotene + zeaxanthin, lutein + antheraxanthin, violaxanthin, neoxanthin, and their derivatives (aurochrome and auroxanthin), were analyzed in 100% acetone extracts by ultraviolet visible (UV/vis) spectrophotometry and monitored by thin layer chromatography (TLC) and proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H-NMR). The extracts of dried U. lactuca produced in the IMTA facility presented higher pigment yields than the dried biomass collected from intertidal beds. Over 4 weeks of storage, carotenoids were well conserved in U. lactuca produced in the IMTA facility, in contrast to what was observed in U. lactuca collected from the intertidal beds, which showed carotenoid losses. In addition, we observed differences in carotenoid content between the dry and rainy seasons in U. lactuca collected from Boa Viagem Beach. However, the U. lactuca collected from Arpoador Beach or produced by the IMTA facility only exhibited significant differences in chlorophyll content. We conclude that U. lactuca produced by the IMTA facility constitutes a potential source of pigments such as β-carotene, lutein, and violaxanthin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The exploration of the biodiversity of cyanobacteria and microalgae holds great promise for obtaining pigments of industrial interest. This study focused on the bioprospecting of these organisms to obtain pigments of industrial interest together with enriched biomass. We investigated the impact of photoperiod and concentration of C/N/P nutrient sources in heterotrophic cultures, controlling specific variables such as light intensity, volume, pH, temperature, air flow and time to produce phycobiliproteins in Arthrospira platensis UTEX1926 and total carotenoids in Scenedesmus sp. using a nonfactorial Plackett‒Burman design in STATISTICA 7.0 software. The biomass concentration was determined by dry weight, while the concentrations of phycocyanin and carotenoids were determined spectrophotometrically at specific wavelengths. Heterotrophic cultures demonstrated superior productivity, with phycocyanin and carotenoids achieving percentages of 7% and 0.4% (w/w), respectively, and an R2 value of 0.99. Among the influential parameters, potassium diphosphate and sodium bicarbonate played pivotal roles in the final deposition of carotenoids and phycocyanin, respectively, yielding concentrations of 96.5 mg/L phycocyanin and 6.5 mg/L carotenoids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The loquat is a fruit found in some regional markets of Mexico, and information on its quality is limited. The physicochemical properties and antioxidant potential of loquat fruit pulp produced in the states of Mexico, Oaxaca, and Veracruz were evaluated. The fresh weight (fw) of the fruits was about 15 g. The acidity of the pulp showed variations between 0.60 and 0.93%. The Total soluble solids values were between 14.5 and 17.3 °Bx. The concentration of total phenols was 3.5 mg g-1dwand the flavonoids represented 62% of the bioactive compounds. The content of carotenes was higher in fruits from the State of Mexico 1 dw (75.4 µg EβC g-1dw) that achieved the largest fruit size. In the ABTS and FRAP assays, Veracruz fruits had the highest antioxidant capacity but the smaller fruit size. The total sugar mean content was 6.8% fw. In general, the loquat fruit was of commercial small size, and in the tropical conditions of Veracruz attained high phenolic contents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluated the effect of carrot flour (CF; Daucus carota L.) as a partial substitute for the basal diet of Cobb 500 broiler chicken on skin pigmentation, production parameters and profitability. A total of 64 chickens were separated according to sex and assigned to four diets, with four replicates of two birds each. The control groups were fed a standard diet, and the experimental groups were fed the same conventional diet with replacement levels of 10, 15, and 20% CF. No significant differences were observed in feed consumption, weight gain or feed conversion ratio. However, diets with carrot flour improved feed intake, promoted weight gain and optimized feed efficiency with 10% in males and 15% in females. No mortality was recorded in the experimental groups. The intensity of pigmentation in the chickens’ skin increased as the level of substitution increased, while sex influenced color expression. Diets with CF improved profitability especially in males. In conclusion, the replacement of the basal diet with CF in the diet of Cobb 500 broilers had positive effects on the evaluated parameters, therefore, it can be used as an alternative source of natural pigment in the production of yellow-skinned broilers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Brazilian Journal of Biology is the property of Instituto Internacional de Ecologia and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Passion fruit (Passiflora edulis) is a tropical fruit appreciated for its attractiveness and nutritional value. The yellow variety (Passiflora edulis f. flavicarpa) and the purple variety (Passiflora edulis f. edulis) are the best-known species, both rich in carbohydrates, proteins, lipids and bioactive compounds. Despite their potential, passion fruit by-products, such as seeds and peel, are underutilized, despite being sources of phenolic compounds and carotenoids. The leaves are considered insignificant, yet they contain nutrients and medicinal effects beneficial to health. Nevertheless, these by-products have diverse uses and applications. In this sense, this work seeks to document research on passion fruit and its by-products, emphasizing their composition and possible uses in agroindustrial products. In addition to propose pest biocontrol strategies to preserve the quality of the crop and the implementation of organic fertilizers in crops, promoting sustainable agricultural practices. In this sense, it is urgent not only to diversify the agroindustry and develop new products, but also to contribute to the reduction of environmental impact and promote sustainable agricultural practices. The integrated use of passion fruit emerges as a key strategy for moving towards more efficient and sustainable production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

El aguaymanto (Physalis peruviana) y el tomate de árbol (Solanum betaceum), poseen componentes bioactivos, que abren la posibilidad de buscar nuevas formas de industrializarlos. El objetivo del estudio fue reportar la caracterización química y sensorial de una nueva bebida alcohólica producida por mezclas de frutos de Physalis peruviana y Solanum betaceum, mediante una fermentación con Saccharomyces cerevisiae (Ale) y Saccharomyces pastorianus (Lager). La caracterización fisicoquímica de las bebidas obtenidas fue determinada por parámetros básicos como el grado alchólico, pH, densidad, solidos solubles totales, que se analizaron mediante: el “Official Methods of Analysis” de la AOAC. Los carotenoides totales se analizaron según: mg b-caroteno eq/100g; los compuestos fenólicos totales se determinaron bajo el protocolo de Folin Ciocalteus; las características cromáticas (L*, a* y b*) mediante visión computacional y análisis de datos de Python. La caracterización sensorial se estableció con ayuda de 60 panelistas, que evaluaron 8 características (aroma a flores, aroma a frutos secos, aroma a madera, astringencia, cuerpo, olor a flores, olor a frutos secos y olor a madera). Mediante un análisis de componentes principales (ACP) y análisis de clusterización, se mostraron que los fermentados Ale-25AG-75BE y Ale-50AG-50BE, presentaron mayor preferencia con el 60 y 80%, siendo representado por los Clúster 3 y 4. Finalmente, este estudio muestra la factibilidad de utilizar mezclas de aguaymanto y tomate de árbol para producir bebidas alcohólicas fermentadas, que podrían insertarse en el mercado como un nuevo producto.

El maracuyá (Passiflora edulis), es una fruta tropical apreciada por su atractivo y valor nutricional. Siendo la variedad amarilla (Passiflora edulis f. flavicarpa) y variedad la morada (Passiflora edulis f. edulis) las especies más conocidas; ambas ricas en carbohidratos, proteínas, lípidos y compuestos bioactivos. A pesar de su potencial, los subproductos del maracuyá, como las semillas y la cáscara, son infrautilizados, a pesar de ser fuentes de compuestos fenólicos y carotenoides. Las hojas son consideradas insignificantes, sin embargo, estas contienen nutrientes y efectos medicinales beneficiosos para la salud. No obstante, estos subproductos poseen diversos usos y aplicaciones. En este sentido, este trabajo busca documentar investigaciones referentes al maracuyá y sus subproductos, enfatizando en su composición y sus posibles usos en productos agroindustriales. Además de plantear estrategias de biocontrol de plagas para preservar la calidad del cultivo y la implementación de fertilizantes orgánicos en los cultivos, promoviendo prácticas agrícolas sostenibles. En este sentido, es urgente no solo diversificar la agroindustria y desarrollar nuevos productos, sino también contribuir a la reducción del impacto ambiental y fomentar prácticas agrícolas sostenibles. El aprovechamiento integral del maracuyá emerge como una estrategia clave para avanzar hacia una producción más eficiente y sostenible.

This research study aims to evaluate the effect of ultrasound (US) pretreatment on the quality of crude palm (Elaeis guineensis) oil (ACP) during three stages of the extraction process: 1) press liquor (LP), pre-clarifier input (EC), and pre-clarifier output sludge (LS). Spectrophotometry is used to determine the bleaching deterioration index (DOBI). High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) is applied to identify phenolic compounds and antioxidants. Color changes are established by photocolorimetry with the CIELab scale. The results show that applying US (40 and 80 kHz/30 min) during the extraction stages significantly increases antioxidant and phenolic compound concentrations, preserving and attenuating the ACP’s color. There are no significant changes in DOBI when compared to the control. In conclusion, ultrasound is a technology that preserves ACP quality by not altering its properties and by improving some nutritional attributes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of @limentech: Ciencia y Tecnología Alimentaria is the property of Journal @limentech, University of Pamplona and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of @limentech: Ciencia y Tecnología Alimentaria is the property of Journal @limentech, University of Pamplona and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Los carotenoides son pigmentos orgánicos que el organismo no puede sintetizar y deben ser suministrados en la dieta humana. Este artículo de revisión tiene por objetivo abordar la ruta carotenogénica y los pigmentos predominantes en la pulpa de cucurbitáceas, siendo una de las hortalizas con mayor contenido de carotenoides, de tonalidades amarillo y naranja. Se recopiló literatura relevante sobre la temática proveniente de libros y de artículos científicos, identificando que el género Cucurbita, por ser de naturaleza alógama, expresa alta variabilidad fenotípica y genotípica, que es afectada por el ambiente y, ello, supone alta variabilidad en la composición de carotenoides del fruto, tanto cuantitativa como cualitativamente. Los carotenoides son los responsables de dar color característico a las flores y a los frutos; los apocarotenoides son conocidos por dar aromas, fragancias y sabores. El almacenamiento y la biosíntesis de los carotenoides se genera en los plastidios, estos pigmentos se pueden sintetizar por la ruta del metileritritol difosfato (MEP) hasta licopeno, donde se bifurca a α-caroteno y β-caroteno y, posteriormente, mediante hidroxilaciones, se generan las xantofilas. Su importancia en la acumulación de carotenoides en frutos radica en las múltiples funciones y beneficios en plantas, animales y humanos, como fotoreceptores y fotoprotectores de luz, colorantes agroindustriales, antioxidantes, reducción de enfermedades crónicas, precursores de vitamina A, entre otros beneficios, cabe destacar el alto contenido de carotenos totales en cucurbitáceas encontrándose en Cucurbita moschata más de 600 μg/g en genotipos mejorados.

Pumpkin is a product has phenolic compounds in its composition, both in the skin and in the pulp, and therefore, it can be an alternative for incorporation into a food matrix poor in this type of nutrient, such as yogurt. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the content of carotenoids from the processing by-product (dry peel, at 55 °C / 24 h), from cabotiá squash (Cucurbita maxima x Cucurbita moschata), aiming its application in natural yogurt. For the initial analysis, the concentrations of 1 and 2% flour were added to the yogurt, I1% and I2%, respectively, and the amount of carotenoids present after 0, 14 and 28 days was evaluated, in the absence and presence of light, in order to verify if these compounds suffer significant degradation. The pumpkin peel flour showed a concentration of 14.252 mg carotenoids / 100 g of flour. Formulations I2% underwent changes in the concentration of these compounds from day 14, whereas I1% did not show significant difference in the evaluated time. The total phenolic content was higher in the pumpkin peel flour (2.47 mg EAG / g) followed by the formulation of I2% (0.079 mg EAG / g) and I1% (0.051 mg EAG / g). When performing the sensory analysis, the attributes flavor, texture and overall appearance, did not show significant difference (p < 0.05), whereas texture and aroma showed significant difference (p < 0.05), but both formulations (I1% and I2%) had an acceptance rate above 77%. Thus, it can be said that the use of the by-product, pumpkin peel, as a source of nutrients in yogurt by up to 2%, can be an alternative that will please consumers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Beta-carotene is a carotenoid present in fruits, and vegetables; it is a precursor of vitamin A. The sweet potato variety "Toquecita" with orange flesh from the Instituto Nacional de Investigaciones Agropecuarias de Portoviejo, Ecuador, offers multiple health benefits in the food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. Objective: To obtain beta-carotene from the sweet potato variety "Toquecita" (Ipomea batata). Materials and methods: The soxhlet extraction method was used, which consisted of a solid-liquid extraction, using organic solvents, and an adaptation of ultrasound and centrifuge extraction was also used, which takes advantage of the displacement speed to obtain a liquid part and a sedimented part. Results and discussion: Analyses of moisture, ash, protein, lignin, cellulose, hemicellulose, and reducing sugars gave results within bibliographical ranges. The presence of beta-carotene in the sweet potato "Toquecita" by the Soxhlet method was 3.962 uG/gbetacarotene in Acetone solvent, 2.452 uG/gbetacarotene in methanol solvent and 6.830 uG/gbetacarotene in hexane solvent. Using the adapted extraction method (ultrasonido-centrifuge), 131.285 mg/g beta-carotene was obtained. Conclusions: With the ultrasound-centrifuge extraction method, it was possible to obtain 131.285 Ug/g of beta-carotene, being thus, the one that obtained the best results within the ranges established by other authors cited in this research, one of the reasons is because this method was not exposed to heat sources or light, thus allowing better performance in obtaining beta-carotene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Nativa is the property of Revista Nativa and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Objetivo: definir a ação do licopeno sob CT, HDL, LDL e TG e analisar quais dosagens suficientes que apresentam efeito positivo nos marcadores metabólicos. Metodologia: A investigação foi baseada no efeito dos produtos contendo licopeno e seu efeito nos marcadores metabólicos séricos de Colesterol total, LDL, HDL e Triglicerídeos. Para análise de estudos in vivo foram incluídos estudos que preenchiam critérios de intervenção com delineamento controlado, dieta ou manipulado controlado por placebo cruzado ou paralelo, ensaio clínico randomizado com dosagem padronizada de licopeno no tratamento e grupo controle e intervenção 2≤ semanas que avaliaram colesterol total, HDL, LDL e triglicerídeos. Resultados: Foi visto que o licopeno apresenta importante atuação sobre marcadores metabólicos isto devido a sua capacidade de reduzir o mecanismo de HMG-Coa redutase, diminuindo a síntese de colesterol e sua capacidade antioxidante sob LDL. O licopeno também modulou a atividade de PPAR e LXR, modulando ação de ABCA1, Apoa1 e caveolinas melhorando a síntese de HDL e efluxo de colesterol. As dosagens com efeito positivo de colesterol variam, mas ficam em torno de 26,5 mg de licopeno por dia, relatado em estudos in vivo com suplementação de colesterol. Conclusão: A revisão sugere a eficácia do licopeno na redução de marcadores metabólicos, reduzindo assim riscos de doenças ateroscleróticas.

Introduction: Beta-carotene is a carotenoid present in fruits, and vegetables; it is a precursor of vitamin A. The sweet potato variety "Toquecita" with orange flesh from the Instituto Nacional de Investigaciones Agropecuarias de Portoviejo, Ecuador, offers multiple health benefits in the food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. Objective: To obtain beta-carotene from the sweet potato variety "Toquecita" (Ipomea batata). Materials and methods: The soxhlet extraction method was used, which consisted of a solid-liquid extraction, using organic solvents, and an adaptation of ultrasound and centrifuge extraction was also used, which takes advantage of the displacement speed to obtain a liquid part and a sedimented part. Results and discussion: Analyses of moisture, ash, protein, lignin, cellulose, hemicellulose, and reducing sugars gave results within bibliographical ranges. The presence of beta-carotene in the sweet potato "Toquecita" by the Soxhlet method was 3.962 uG⁄gbetacarotene in Acetone solvent, 2.452 uG⁄gbetacarotene in methanol solvent and 6.830 uG⁄gbetacarotene in hexane solvent. Using the adapted extraction method (ultrasonido-centrifuge), 131.285 mg⁄g beta-carotene was obtained. Conclusions: With the ultrasound-centrifuge extraction method, it was possible to obtain 131.285 Ug⁄g of beta-carotene, being thus, the one that obtained the best results within the ranges established by other authors cited in this research, one of the reasons is because this method was not exposed to heat sources or light, thus allowing better performance in obtaining beta-carotene.

El chuño y la tunta son productos alimenticios ancestrales de gran importancia en las zonas altoandinas de Bolivia y Perú, sin embargo, son todavía poco estudiados. Por lo anterior, el objetivo de este trabajo fue determinar el contenido de compuestos fenólicos totales (cf), antocianinas totales (an), carotenoides totales (car) y capacidad antioxidante (ca) del chuño y la tunta. Se utilizaron 10 kilogramos de tubérculos nativos: yana siri (Solanum x juzepczukii, 2n = 3x = 36) y yuraq siri (Solanum x curtilobum, 2n = 5x = 60), distribuidos en un diseño de bloques completamente al azar de tres tratamientos (t): T1: producción de tunta sin ácido ascórbico, T2: producción de tunta con ácido ascórbico y T3: producción de chuño, sometidos a -10 °C, -20 °C y -30 °C de congelación. Para la tunta y el chuño, los contenidos máximos de cf son 162,8 ± 0,6 y 230,6 ± 5,24 mg ácido gálico/100 g b. s., de ant son 3,4 ± 0,6 y 0,74 ± 0,15 mg cianidina-3-glucósido/100 g, de ca son 411,54 ± 1,03 y 454,51 ± 1,52 µmol Trolox/g b. s. y de car son 3,38 ± 0,59 y 0,74 ± 0,147 mg β-caroteno/100 g b. s., donde se registraron en yana siri a -30 °C (p < 0,01). Este estudio muestra que las mejores condiciones de extracción de los biocomponentes y la capacidad antioxidante para el chuño y la tunta se lograron a la temperatura de congelación de -30 ºC, con un secado para el chuño de 40 ºC por 48 h y de 35 ºC por 72 horas para la tunta. Se recomienda seguir investigando las condiciones tecnológicas para mejorar la calidad de estos productos andinos.

Male Painted Buntings (Passerina ciris) display at least 6 distinct plumage colors that encapsulate much of the visible light spectrum, yet the specific mechanisms responsible for generating this diversity of color have not been identified. Here, we show that metabolically derived carotenoids and nanostructures capable of producing structural color were ubiquitous across feather patches. We used digital photography, light microscopy, spectrophotometry, carotenoid extraction, and high-performance liquid chromatography to show that the resulting color of each feather patch depended on the concentration of carotenoids, melanins, and underlying feather nanostructures. For example, we found that the blue-violet head feathers contained low concentrations of ketolated carotenoids, which is not typical of blue-violet structurally colored feathers. Additionally, the red breast and orange belly feathers contained a green-tuned structural color visible after carotenoid extraction, which is not typical of feathers that contain ketolated carotenoids. Although, none of these abnormal combinations of carotenoids and structural coloration appeared to significantly impact feather color. Conversely, we found the purple rump, dark green greater coverts, and bright yellow-green mantle feather coloration resulted from the combination of high concentrations of carotenoids and the presence of structural color. For the first time, we identify the combination of red ketolated carotenoids and blue structural color as a mechanism to produce purple feather coloration. Identifying the specific mechanisms that give rise to the diversity of colors within this species will facilitate the study of the--to date--unknown signaling functions of colors produced through the combination of carotenoids and nanostructures in Painted Buntings and other songbirds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work aims to screen the extraction of oil and bioactive compounds including carotenes and tocochromanols from oil palm fruit with subcritical propane and without using a cosolvent. The overall extraction curves of palm oil with subcritical propane were studied and compared to those extracted with supercritical carbon dioxide. Carotenes and tocochromanols were evaluated not only in the extracted oil, but also in the oil of residual fiber in order to calculate the efficiency to recover these valuable compounds. The experimental results showed that oil yield of up to 70 % could be obtained within 120 minutes with subcritical propane at 50 bar and a flow rate of 35 kg·h-1·kg-1. It was also shown that compressed propane is an excellent solvent for the extraction of oil enriched in carotenes and tocochromanols. Subcritical propane extraction can be used as an alternative process for the simultaneous recovery of these valuable minor components from palm fruit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Doxorubicin (DOX) is one of the drugs necessary for the treatment of the 10 most common types of cancer. The leading adverse effect limiting clinical use of DOX is cardiotoxicity. Given that literature data indicate a protective role of carotenoids in doxorubicin-induced toxicity, in our study we compared the cardioprotective effect of a mixture of pumpkin carotenoids and a commercially available antioxidant preparation. Animals were distributed in 8 groups (Control – S; NADES – N; Doxorubicin – Dox; Carotenoids – Car; CardiofortIN – CF; NADES-Doxorubicin – N-Dox; Carotenoids-Doxorubicin – Car-Dox; CardiofortIN-Doxorubicin – CF-Dox). Histological sections were stained with the hematoxylin-eosin (HE) and analyzed for the presence of myocardial damage by doxorubicin damage score (DDS). From the heart tissue homogenate were determined the intensity of lipid peroxidation and specific antioxidative enzyme activity (superoxide dismutase; catalase; glutathione S-transferase; glutathione peroxidase). In Car-DOX and CF-DOX groups, lipid peroxidation is significantly reduced compared to DOX group. Pretreatment of animals with carotenoids and in lesser extent with CardiofortIN led to higher antioxidative enzymes activity, compared to DOX group. Pretreated with carotenoids, only 50 % of animals had some degree of myocardial damage, and no animals had extensive damage. CardiofortIN pretreatment showed less protective effect. Pretreatment with carotenoid extract, reduced DDS significantly, so Car-DOX group has changes equivalent to mild myocardial damage. Although CardiofortIN pretreatment lowered DDS score values, animals still had moderate level of myocardium damage. This in vivo study and its findings indicate that carotenoids extracted from pumpkin may be a promising cardioprotective agent against doxorubicin induced cardiotoxicity, at least in part mediated through inhibition of DOX-induced oxidative stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Objetivou-se avaliar o efeito de níveis crescentes do farelo do resíduo da semente de urucum (Bixa orellana L.) (FU), sobre a pigmentação da gema e análise sensorial dos ovos de codornas europeias alimentadas com dietas à base de sorgo em substituição ao milho. Foram utilizadas 80 codornas europeias (Coturnix coturnix coturnix) fêmeas, na fase de postura, no período de 251 a 316 dias de idade. Foram três períodos experimentais de 21 dias cada (251-272; 273-294; 295-316 dias). As codornas foram distribuídas em delineamento inteiramente casualizado, com cinco tratamentos (T1 - ração à base de milho; T2 - ração com 100% de sorgo em substituição ao milho sem a adição de FU; T3, T4 e T5 – ração com 100% de sorgo em substituição ao milho com a adição de 0,5; 1,0 e 1,5% de FU) e quatro repetições. Cem ovos de cada tratamento foram utilizados para a análise. A avaliação sensorial foi aplicada em painel não treinado de 20 avaliadores. Os ovos foram cozidos, descascados e servidos. A aparência, sabor, cor, odor, textura e avaliação global, foram avaliadas pelos painelistas. A farinha de semente de urucum adicionada à ração à base de sorgo promoveu aumentos lineares nos atributos aparência, sabor, cor, odor, textura e avaliação global, avaliados durante a análise sensorial (p=0,001). A adição de 1,5% de FU em dietas a base de sorgo beneficiou as características de aparência (4,50), sabor (4,50) cor (4,55), aroma (4,25) e textura (4,55) dos ovos de codorna avaliados, sendo considerados mais atrativos e com maior aceitação (avaliação global = 5,97), em relação aos demais tratamentos testados. A inclusão do FU nas rações à base de sorgo melhorou a pigmentação da gema dos ovos de codorna em relação aos tratamentos controle. O AM desencadeia efeitos positivos na pigmentação da gema e nas características sensoriais de ovos de codornas comuns.

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O presente estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a qualidade nutricional do fruto de caferana, com foco no teor e perfil de carotenoides, devido à sua coloração característica desses compostos. Os frutos foram coletados, identificados botanicamente e avaliados quanto à composição centesimal, teor e perfil de carotenoides e de açúcares e perfil de flavonoides. Os resultados da composição centesimal da polpa de caferana foram: 65g/100g de umidade; 0,72g/100g de cinzas; 0,92g/100g de proteína; 0,78g/100g de extrato etéreo; 2,83g/100g de fibra alimentar; 29,73g/100g de carboidratos e o valor calórico de 129,62 kcal/100g da polpa. Quanto ao teor e perfil de açúcares na polpa, obteve-se 19,41g/100g de frutose e 4,01g/100g de glicose. O fruto apresentou alto teor de carotenoides (40mg/100g em base úmida), dos quais 89% era licopeno (36mg/100g), 2,5mg/100g de β-caroteno e 0,3mg/100g de luteína. Identificou-se a rutina como flavonoide presente na polpa do fruto. O fruto da caferana revelou-se uma excelente fonte de licopeno, com teores superiores aos produtos à base de tomate.

This study investigated baru oil and partially defatted baru flour from the northwest region of Minas Gerais, Brazil. The physicochemical characterization of the oil was made by determining the fatty acid profile using gas chromatography, lutein, and α- and β-carotenes by means of high-performance liquid chromatography, and total carotenoids by spectrophotometry. The flour was analyzed for its chemical composition, fiber, and mineral contents. Baru oil presented excellent quality parameters and high contents in unsaturated fatty acids and carotenoids. The flour showed relevant levels of proteins, lipids, and dietary fiber, in addition to having representative mineral contents for food such as manganese, magnesium, and copper. Thus, baru oil and the by-product of its extraction offer a rich chemical composition, and their application may add nutritional value to foods in addition to reducing negative environmental impacts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A carotenoid-rich extract containing 2.5 mg/mL of lutein and 3.3 mg/mL of β-carotene from the microalga Scenedesmus almeriensis was added to ten extra virgin olive oils from four Spanish cultivars with differing degrees of ripeness, obtaining carotenoid enriched oils with lutein and β-carotene concentrations of 0.082 and 0.11 mg/mL, respectively. Extra virgin olive oils enriched with carotenoids from microalgae were studied by analyzing the effect on color of three different treatments: ultraviolet exposure, microwave heating and immersion bath heating. The methodology was designed to simulate, in controlled laboratory conditions, the effects of household treatments. Spectrophotometric color measurements were then performed to monitor color changes in the enriched and non-enriched extra virgin olive oil samples. Enriched oils are much more chromatic, darker and redder than natural oils. After 55 days UV irradiation, 40 min microwave heating, and 72 hours thermostatic heating, the average color differences for natural/enriched extra virgin olive oils were 98/117, 15/9 and 57/28 CIELAB units, respectively. In general, increasing temperature and ultraviolet exposure produced higher CIELAB color differences in the non-enriched samples. The addition of microalga extracts to extra virgin olive oils was found to induce some color stability and may constitute a future way of increasing the daily intake of beneficial bioactive compounds such as carotenoids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

En este estudio se evaluó el potencial agroindustrial de la harina de epicarpio de mandarina Oneco (Citrus reticulata) como posible colorante natural en el pan. En la metodología se analizaron las propiedades fisicoquímicas como el pH, aw, los parámetros de color: luminosidad (L*), cromaticidad (C*) y ángulo de tono (h°), porcentaje de acidez, porcentaje de materia seca, cuantificación de carotenoides por espectrofotometría, compuestos fenólicos, capacidad antioxidante en harina y parámetros de color (L*, C* y h°) en el pan. Se encontró que, después del tratamiento de secado convectivo, se retuvieron concentraciones significativamente más altas de compuestos bioactivos como los fenólicos, se evidenció también un aumento en la capacidad antioxidante y el contenido de carotenoides, además de cambios significativos en los parámetros de color (L* y C*). En la sustitución de la harina de epicarpio de mandarina en las formulaciones del pan, se notó un aumento significativo en la concentración del contenido de carotenoides, siendo el pico de esta en la sustitución del 4 %; En los parámetros de color, se hallaron diferencias significativas en los parámetros L* y C*, presentando el mayor valor de L* en la sustitución del 2 % y de C* en la sustitución del 4 %, mientras que el parámetro h° no presentó diferencias significativas en ninguna de las formulaciones. Finalmente, se concluye que la harina de epicarpio de mandarina puede ser una alternativa importante, como aditivo de colorante natural en la elaboración del pan.

Las coloraciones anormales en aves son raras y poco documentadas. Se han relacionado a problemas congénitos y con factores externos, consideradas como un indicador ambiental que da evidencia y pistas sobre la calidad de las poblaciones a nivel genético. Identificamos un caso de anormalidad pigmentaria en un trogón elegante (Trogon elegans (Gould, 1834)) en el Área Natural Protegida Reserva de la Biosfera El Cielo, México. Determinamos el tipo como dilución pastel, en esta mutación ambas melaninas se ven fuertemente afectadas, donde carecía de melanina, pero mantuvo los carotenoides con el rojo de las plumas ventrales. Discutimos posibles explicaciones para esta coloración anormal y asumimos que fueron alteraciones genéticas o de desarrollo del individuo las que causaron el decolorado del plumaje.

Introducción. El consumo de frutas y vegetales correlaciona inversamente con la incidencia de enfermedades degenerativas como diabetes, enfermedades cardiovasculares, ciertos tipos de cáncer y cataratas asociadas al envejecimiento, dada la acción de compuestos bioactivos como vitamina C, polifenoles y carotenoides. Objetivo. Evaluar el perfil nutricional de once frutas cultivadas en Costa Rica. Materiales y métodos. Este estudio se realizó en el Centro Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnología de Alimentos de la Universidad de Costa Rica, en el 2010. Se determinó el contenido de fibra dietética, polifenoles totales, reportados como equivalentes de ácido gálico (EAG), carotenoides totales expresados como µg β-caroteno y la capacidad hidrofílica de absorción de radicales de oxígeno (H-ORACFL) de once frutas tradicionales o subutilizadas: banano (Musa AAA subgrupo Cavendish cv. ‘Grand Naine’), mora tropical de altura (Rubus adenotrichos cv. ‘vino con espinas rojas’), melón (Cucumis melo cv. ‘Veracruz’), higo (Ficus carica cv. ‘Brown-Turkey’), mango (Mangifera indica cv. ‘Tommy Atkins’), papaya (Carica papaya híbrido ‘Pococí’), pejibaye (Bactris gasipaes H.B.K), piña (Ananas comosus cv. híbrido MD-2 ‘Gold’), membrillo (Cydonia oblonga), jocote (Spondias purpurea cv. Tronador) y tomate de árbol rojo (Solanum betaceum). Las frutas fueron recolectadas en localidades de San José, Cartago, Alajuela, Guanacaste y Limón. Resultados. Seis de las frutas estudiadas presentaron contenidos de fibra dietética entre 4,2 y 6,6 g 100 g-1. La mora tropical de altura presentó el mayor contenido de compuestos fenólicos totales (538 ± 97 mg EAG 100 g-1) y la mayor actividad antioxidante (62,1 ± 4,0 μmol equivalentes de Trolox g-1), y el pejibaye cocido presentó el mayor contenido de carotenoides (72 ± 4 µg β-caroteno g-¹). Conclusión. Se evidencia los altos contenidos de compuestos bioactivos en frutas comúnmente cultivadas en Costa Rica, características nutricionales asociadas a beneficios para la salud, respaldados por estudios clínicos y epidemiológicos.

The natural carotenoids are more and more sought after for their coloring and bioactive properties. In this work, the carotenoid content was evaluated in the hexane extracts of different organs and six (06) carotenoids were characterized in the extracts of the leaves of Cymbopogon giganteus acclimatized in Burkina Faso. The contents of total carotenoids were estimated at 13.3 μg, 4.2 μg and 1.5 μg of β-carotene equivalent (EBC) / mg of dry extract, respectively in the hexanic extracts of leaves, stems and roots of C. giganteus. The major carotenoids that were identified by thin-layer chromatography-mass spectrometry (HPTLC-MS) for the first time in the extracts of this plant are lutein, 5,6-epoxylutein, violaxanthin, β-carotene, β-cryptoxanthine and Phytoène. Moreover, the total antioxidant contents evaluated by FRAP and DPPH methods vary between 28.6 and 34.1 μg TE/mg extract; 19.4 and 23.6 μg TE/mg extract; and 16.5 and 18.1 μg TE/mg dry extract respectively for leaves, stems and roots. Hexane extracts of the different parts of C. giganteus may be a potential source of natural antioxidants and carotenoids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The content of photosynthetic pigments, especially chlorophylls, has a significant effect on the quality, viability, and storability of seeds. Determination of photosynthetic pigments together with the correlation with seed quality parameters, such as germination and radicle emergence, lead to the possibility of using the pigments content as a new indicator of seed quality. The photosynthetic pigments content was determined spectrophotometrically from extracts of commercial mature seeds of carrot, celery, dill, parsley, and parsnip. The content of chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, ß-carotene, and lutein varied among species of family Apiaceae and among varieties within species. Spectrophotometry was verified as easy, quick, and inexpensive method that can be used for the determination of photosynthetic pigments in mature seeds. The individual pigments content was compared to seed quality parameters such as standard germination, germination speed index (GSI), and radicle emergence (RE), which was carried out at 72, 96, 120, 144, and 168 h. Based on the correlation of photosynthetic pigments content with seed quality parameters (GSI and RE), chlorophyll b and lutein content were selected, and can be used as the new markers of seed quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, the conditions for an autotrophic and mixotrophic culture of Scenedesmus sp were established. Effluents from acidic coal mine drains were used to study biomass and carotenoid production, both under autotrophic and mixotrophic conditions in relation to the effect of different sources of nitrogen: sodium nitrate, urea and ammonium phosphate. Pollutant removal was determined, such as COD, TOC, heavy metals, ions and total suspended solids. Batch cultures lasted nine days and biomass production, carotenoids and pollutant removal were compared in each condition. The highest biomass concentration reached was 1.2 g/L in the mixotrophic culture with urea, followed by the culture with sodium nitrate of 0.9 g/L in a C/N ratio of 6:1. The highest carotenoid specific concentration was reached in the mixotrophic culture with sodium nitrate, 19.43 mg carotenoids/g biomass. The culture with ammonium phosphate was found to be inhibitory for the growth of the microalgae with the lowest results of all the parameters except for the autotrophic culture where the concentration of carotenoids was very similar to those reached with sodium nitrate and urea. Finally, the mixotrophic culture with urea presented the highest removal percentages, being 86.97% for total iron, 58.29% for chlorides and 92.5% for COD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]