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This study was conducted to determine how the intensity of the cluster drop effects nut traits, bioactive compounds, and fatty acid composition in Tombul, Palaz and Kalınkara hazelnut cultivars. The cluster drop significantly affected bioactive compounds and fatty acid composition while it did not affect the traits of the nuts. As cluster drop intensity increased, nut traits and bioactive compounds in all cultivars increased. Strong cluster drop intensity determined the highest total phenolics, total flavonoids, and antioxidant activity. Except for the Kalınkara cultivar, a low amount of linoleic acid was detected while high amounts of oleic and stearic acid were determined in slight cluster drop intensity. As cluster drop intensity increased, palmitic acid increased. Principal component analysis showed that the slight and intermediate drop intensity were generally associated with kernel length, oleic, linoleic, stearic, palmitoleic, 11-eicosenoic and arachidic acids. In contrast, strong intensity was associated with nut and kernel weight, kernel ratio, kernel width, kernel thickness, kernel size, bioactive compounds, and palmitic acid. As a result, the bioactive compounds and fatty acid composition, which are important for human health, was significantly affected by cluster drop intensity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Citrus aurantium L. (Rutaceae), commonly known as bitter orange, has multiple therapeutic potentials. An experimental qualitative study was carried out with the objective of knowing the characteristics of the consumption of C. aurantium (CA) in the Tabasco population. To validate its use, an ethanolic extract (85 %) was prepared from the dry CA leaves and phytochemical screening was performed, with subsequent quantification of the content of total phenols and flavonoids. Subsequently, antioxidant activity was determined by the DPPH assay and acute toxicity with Artemia salina. The most used parts of the plant are the leaves to relieve muscle pain, cold symptoms. In the phytochemical study it was found that the extract contains alkaloids, flavonoids, coumarins, quinones and tannins. In the thin layer chromatography of the hydroalcoholic extract, the presence of naringin was demonstrated. A total phenol content of 69.42 ± 3.47 EAG/g DM and total flavonoids of 14.78 ± 0.28 EQ/g DM were obtained. It contains antioxidant activity of 9240 ± nmol TEAC/gMS and the acute toxicity test showed moderate toxicity. The results show that the 85% ethanolic extract contains phenolic compounds and flavonoids, allowing to sustain the medicinal and pharmacological properties conferred to the plant in the state of Tabasco. Conclusions: this study showed the existence of phenols and flavonoids, the antioxidant activity of hydroalcoholic extracts from C. aurantium leaves and their moderate toxicity against Artemia salina. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Worldwide, eco-friendly and innocuous techniques to reduce postharvest strawberry fruit decay are being developed. Vitis plants had polyphenols presenting fungistatic activity. Strawberry fruits were dipped for 3 min in Vitis leaves solution (7.2% w/v) of 3 accessions: resveratrol and gallic acid, 0.450 g L-1 each, and distilled water. Then, fruits were inoculated with 1 x 106 Botrytis cinerea conidia and stored (19 °C/70% RH). Five days after inoculation (DAI), 75% of control fruits presented rotted peel with velvety gray mold; the other treatments showed between 14 and 30% of infection. With eight DAI, berries treated with Vitis extracts and gallic acid lost 2 N of firmness, while resveratrol treated berries lost less than 1 N. In contrast, control fruit lost 2.5 N in only five DAI. Extracts of Mexican wild grapevine leaves have the potential for reducing the infection and symptoms of Botrytis cinerea in strawberry fruits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this work was to characterize and implement a reliable, viable and effective physicochemical methodology for the quality of Apis mellifera propolis collected in two apiaries located in Pacho and Suba-Bogotá, Cundinamarca, Colombia. A qualitative analysis was designed and validated to diagnose and evaluate the quality of propolis for laboratory analysis. Samples were collected by the scraping method, ethanolic extracts of propolis (EEP) were obtained and results were compared under several Latin American standards (Cuban, Brazilian and Salvadoran standards). The presence of phenols and flavonoids was determined by means of solubility in lead acetate, ferric chloride, sodium hydroxide, pW, humidity, oxidizing property, UV-vis spectroscopy profiles, pH, mechanical masses, dry mass, percentage of phenolic compounds, ashes, determination of major and minor minerals and quantity of flavonoids in quercetin. The results showed that the solubility in lead acetate and sodium hydroxide were positive for the 10 samples in duplicate, plus the 3 validation samples; the results showed significant differences between locations and compared with current standards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The transformation and use of agricultural and agro-industrial biomass has been the focus of study in recent years, due to its treatment and use in value-added products such as liquid, solid and gaseous fuels. Molecules such as hydrogen, organic carbon, organic nitrogen, oxygen, and oxygenated compounds present in the liquid phase of biomass currently represent opportunities for synthesis of green fuels and inputs for the industry. In this work was discussed the main aspects for Animal Biomass transformations from a perspective based on Biooils composition obtained from different thermochemical methods, containing model molecules, useful for biofuels synthesis for transportation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Philippe de Clermont (1831–1921) was a French organic chemist, known particularly for his synthesis of tetraethyl pyrophosphate, the first organophosphate cholinesterase inhibitor. This achievement was part of an extensive research about phosphoric ethers using Wurtz’s procedure. This type of synthesis was found to be also appropriate for the preparation of carbonic ethers. Another important consequence was that the reaction between ammonia and an ether composed of a mineral oxacid resulted in the formation of an alcoholic alkali. Clermont also carried extensive research about octene and its derivatives that culminated in the synthesis of a large number of new derivatives, among them octylene oxide acetate, caprylene halides and alcohol, octyl glycol, octyl glycol chlorhydrin, etc. Clermont determined the composition of persulfonic acid, synthesized sulfophenylurea, and a variety of thioureas. He also studied a variety of reactions of pyruvic acid, the composition of pyrogallic acid, synthesized purpurogallin, and a variety of metallic sulfides, in particularly the flesh and green sulfides of manganese and the decomposition reaction of ammonium chloride with metallic sulfides. Likewise, he showed that the production of aurin required the presence of nascent CO2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Capsaicinoids, the pungent compounds of Capsicum (Chili) fruits, are amides of vanillylamine with ω-1-methyl-fatty acids of nine to eleven carbons. Isotopic studies have revealed that vanillylamine come from phenylalanine via the phenylpropanoid pathway, while the ω-1- methyl-fatty acids come from valine or leucine via isobutyrate or isovalerate, but the intermediate biochemical steps of the biosynthesis of these fatty acids are still obscure. Furthermore, there is no clear experimental evidence for the presence of these ω-1-methylated fatty acids precursors of capsaicinoids in fruits or other tissues of Capsicum plants. The objective of this study was to investigate by HPLC and GC/MS the presence and distribution of these branched fatty acids in fruits and biomass of cell cultures from several species of Capsicum in relation to the content of capsaicinoids. Capsaicinoids were detected exclusively in placental tissue and in biomass of cell suspension cultures. Its content regarding to the ripening stage of the fruits showed a typical growth pattern, reaching a stationary phase of accumulation during its transition from green to the final color, characteristic of each species. Interestingly, ω-1-methylated fatty acids were positively detected in tiny amounts in the placental tissue, but also in other parts of the fruit, and putatively in leaves adjacent to the peduncle of fruits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The relationship between the accumulation of pigments regarding with the capsaicinoids contents and the maturation state of fruits from several Capsicum species was investigated. The capsaicinoids profile showed a stationary phase of accumulation during the transition from the green to red, yellow or orange final color, characteristic of each species. After the color transition phase, when maturation was reached, the stationary phase for capsaicinoids accumulation was stable for 10-15 days, until the fruits come into senescence, state that can be appreciated by the changes in morphology, mainly loss of turgor and wilting. This final stage of maturation starts with the lowering in the amount of capsaicinoids and the start of the transition phase from the green to the final color of the fruits. When the accumulation of pigments reaches its maximum the fruit shriveling, enters senescence, and the capsaicinoids content decreases to a minimum in all species studied. These observations indicate that the profile of capsaicinoids content have a direct metabolic correlation with the elongation of the fruits and inverse to the biosynthesis of pigments, acting as a chemical signal to stop the fruit elongation and for the start of pigments biosynthesis. The study on the profile for accumulation of both capsaicinoids and pigments showed that the end of the accumulation of capsaicinoids was gradually accompanied by the start of pigment biosynthesis, which supports the hypothesis that this metabolic change is the biochemical signal for the ripening and senescence processes of Capsicum fruits, assumption that is supported by the fact that chili peppers are non-climacteric fruits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The total phenols in virgin olive oil are highly dependent on cultivar, but also on ripening stage and other agronomic factors. The focus of most studies on agronomic factors has been irrigation, while fertilization has received less attention. Most of the fertilization works find that nitrogen over-fertilization leads to a decrease in phenol contents in virgin olive oil (VOO) and extra virgin olive oil (EVOO), under rain-fed or irrigation management. Ortho-diphenols also decrease with high doses of nitrogen, with no effect on secoiridoids. Phosphorous has a minor effect on irrigated trees; while the role of potassium is controversial, with a lack of trials with calcium and micro-nutrients. Due to the great impact of the fertilization on the phenol content and quality of VOO, new research is necessary with focus aimed at different cultivars and agronomic factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

La mastitis bovina es una enfermedad causada por bacterias patógenas que infectan la glándula mamaria del ganado lechero, lo cual genera pérdidas económicas importantes, además, debido al uso excesivo de antibióticos para tratar esta enfermedad, los microorganismos han creado resistencia a estos fármacos, por ello, se buscan nuevas alternativas para este fin. El objetivo fue evaluar el efecto antimicrobiano de extractos de plantas nativas de Sonora contra bacterias patógenas aisladas de vacas diagnosticadas con mastitis. Se obtuvieron 17 extractos etanólicos de plantas nativas de Sonora, y se evaluó su actividad antimicrobiana por el método de difusión en agar contra siete patógenos aislados de leche de vacas con mastitis utilizando una concentración de 50 mg/ml de cada extracto. El contenido de fenoles y flavonoides totales se determinó mediante espectrofotometría. Los resultados mostraron que los extractos de Ibervillea sonorae (wereke, tubérculo), Populus alba (álamo, hojas), Ambrosia ambrosioides (chicura, tallos), Krameria sonorae (cosahui, raíces) y Prosopis velutina (mezquite, hojas) fueron eficaces para eliminar a S. aureus, Streptococcus spp., E. coli, Enterobacter spp., Proteus spp., Shigella spp. y Citrobacter spp. (P<0.05). Además, los extractos con alto contenido de fenoles y flavonoides totales (wereke, álamo, chicura, cosahui y mezquite) mostraron una correlación inversa con respecto al pH (r = -0.94, r = -0.92, respectivamente) (P<0.05) y presentaron mayor actividad antimicrobiana contra los patógenos probados. Por lo anterior, los extractos de las plantas de Sonora podrían representar una alternativa para el control de patógenos Gram (+) y Gram (-) que infectan la glándula mamaria del ganado lechero. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

From the roasted coffee bean (Coffea arabica), one of the most consumed beverages in the world is obtained, constituting a functional product thanks to its diversity of biomolecules. The objective of the research was to determine the effect of three roasting times on the concentration of caffeine, phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity in artisan green coffee beans. The beans were roasted at 250°C, at times of 10, 12 and 14 min, characterized as light, medium and dark roast. The analytes of interest were determined by UV/Visible molecular absorption spectrophotometry and the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrilhydrazil free radical method (DPPH) and the iron reducing power test (FRAP) were used for antioxidant activity. The analyses showed that the caffeine concentration did not vary significantly in the three types of roasts. Statistical difference was observed regarding the content of phenolic and flavonoids compounds (p < 0.05). In relation to the antioxidant activity, the water extract of grains with medium roast presented the highest antioxidant power (DPPH = 85.34%, FRAP = 113.32 ± 0.90 µmol Fe+2/g CM). Although the roasting temperature and time vary according to each company and independent coffee grower, it is concluded that the roasting process represents a fundamental step in the expression of compounds with antioxidant activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since 2003, some forest nurseries in the country have been using substrates with fresh sawdust from pine and fir. Due to the availability of sawdust from a greater variety of species, this study proposed the hypothesis that substrates with fresh sawdust from broadleaf trees are suitable for producing Pinus patula plants with a quality similar to that produced in substrates with sawdust from pine or fir species. To test it, the objective was to evaluate the growth of P. patula seedlings in polystyrene trays filled with substrates with 60% fresh sawdust of the 11 main timber forest species (conifers and broadleaf trees) that are used in central and south-eastern México. The sawdust used was of the species: Abies religiosa, Hevea brasiliensis, Gmelina arborea, Mangifera indica, Pinus ayacahuite, Pinus montezumae, Pinus patula, Pinus teocote, Quercus laurina, Quercus rugosa and Tectona grandis. The polystyrene trays (77 cavities, 170 cm³ each) were filled with a substrate mixture of sawdust (60%), composted pine bark, perlite and vermiculite (20, 10 and 10%). Fertilizers were added to each tray filling mixture: Multicote® 18-6-12 and 12-24-12 (N-P2O5-K2O) 8 months of controlled-release (4 g L-1 each) and Micromax® (1 g L-1). The experimental design was completely randomized and included 11 treatments and four replicates. At seven months, there were differences (p≤0.05) by treatment in diameter, height, dry weights, sturdiness quotient and Dickson's quality indexes, and in the leaf concentration of N, K, Mg, Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu and B. With all substrates, Dickson's quality indexes ≥0.47; diameters ≥4 mm and heights 20 to 30 cm were obtained, except with that of M. indica. N and P concentrations were ≥1.3 and 0.20%, except in plants grown in H. brasiliensis and M. indica substrates. Concentrations of K, Mg, Ca, Zn and B were lower than the recommended values in all treatments. The plant produced in the substrate with P. ayacahuite sawdust developed the best morphological and nutrient concentration variables, while the lowest values were observed in the plant grown in M. indica substrate. This is attributed respectively, to the lower and higher content of salts and phenols in the sawdust of those two species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The primary objective of this research study was to characterize the phenolic compounds and the antioxidant activity of dehydrated coffee (Coffea arabica L.) pulp by two drying methods (hot air and lyophilization). Coffee pulp samples were obtained from three farms in the Amazonas region (Peru). They were treated in a process that included washing, air drying, dehydration, grinding, and extraction using ultra-pure water and four organic solvents: 50% ethanol, 95% ethanol, 50% methanol, and 95% methanol. The results showed that the extracts obtained by lyophilization and 95% ethanol solvent had the most extraction capacity, phenolic compounds, and antioxidant capacity, with 66.3% and 402.6 mg of Gallic acid equivalents/100 g dehydrated pulp, respectively. It is concluded that 95% ethanol is the best solvent for the extraction of phenolic compounds in dehydrated coffee pulp by lyophilization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To determine the content of bioactive compounds and antioxidant capacity of the banana passionfruit (Passiflora mollissima) and black cherry (Prunus serotina). Materials and methods: An analytical, experimental, longitudinal and prospective study. The black cherries and banana passionfruits were collected in the Cusco, Moquegua and Arequipa regions. The content of phenols and flavonoids were determined using the Folin–Ciocalteu reagent and aluminum chloride method, respectively. The antioxidant activity was evaluated using the ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP), 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) techniques. Albino rats classified into a negative control group, a positive control group and four experimental groups were used to study the hepatoprotective effect of the fruits. Results: Banana passionfruits from the Cusco region (Quechua) showed the highest concentration of total phenols (584.94 ± 134.62 mg GAE/100 g) and flavonoids (445.62 ± 7.94 mg QE/100 g). Concerning the DPPH radical, the IC50 value of banana passion fruits from the Arequipa region (Yunga) was found to be 0.41 ± 0.01 mg/mL. Banana passion fruits from the Cusco region (Quechua) showed the highest FRAP value (8.38 ± 0.32 mmol Fe2+/100 g). Black cherries from the Arequipa region (Yunga) had the highest concentration of total phenols (181.81 ± 34.1 mg GAE/100 g) and flavonoids (205.18 ± 77.8 mg QE/100 g). They also showed a significant antioxidant activity regarding the DPPH (2.1 ± 0.01 mg/mL), while the antioxidant capacity of black cherries from the Cusco region (Quechua), which was evaluated with the FRAP method, achieved a value of 1.59 ± 0.2 mmol Fe2+/100 g. The observed differences were statistically significant. Banana passion fruits showed a better hepatoprotective effect than black cherries. Conclusions: Banana passion fruits from the Cusco region (Quechua) are an important source of antioxidant compounds and show a high antioxidant capacity (FRAP), while black cherries from the Arequipa region (Yunga) have a high content of antioxidant compounds and a higher antioxidant capacity (DPPH). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sustainable agroecological practices make it possible to reduce the negative environmental and socio-economic impact on agriculture. Among these practices, is the use of composts and biol found as fertilizers, fertilizers or organic amendments with an effectiveness, in many cases, higher than that exerted by natural manures. In this context, the agri-food industry generates a great variety and quantity of waste and by-products, which can potentially be used as fertilizers and soil amendments due to their high content of organic matter and plant nutrients. Therefore, the objective of the present investigation was to evaluate the physicochemical and biochemical composition of the biol with five different concentrations of alperujo (5, 10, 15, 2 and 25%). The unidirectional analysis of variance of the results obtained in the concentration of organic matter, organic carbon, phosphates, phenols, nitrates and protein did not show a significant statistical difference, however, the authors recommend the concentration of alperujo 25% due to presenting the lower concentration of phenols and high concentration of organic matter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Six cold-pressed oil samples obtained from the seeds of different grape varieties grown in a Fruška Gora vineyard in the Republic of Serbia were examined for chemical and nutritive quality, as well as antiradical capacity. All the tested samples were of good quality, but the results showed noticeable differences in seed oil properties for red and white grape varieties. The highest content in total tocols, 575.23 ± 4.46 mg/kg, was found in the red grape seed oil of the Merlot variety, but the vitamin E activity of white grape seed oils was significantly higher. Regarding single phenols, the most prevalent fraction in all the oil samples was ursolic acid, up to 336.3 ± 4.8 µg/g in the grape seed oil of the Hamburg variety. The highest content in the total phenolic compounds, 54.92 ± 0.93 µg GAE/g, was detected in the oil of red grape seeds. Although significant differences existed between samples, EC50 values were the lowest for the red grape seed oils, varying from 29.84 ± 1.07 to 65.34 ± 0.32 mg oil/mg DPPH, indicating that these oils had the highest antiradical capacity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The organoleptic qualities of aromatic species and their derived products are directly related to some characteristics of flavor, color and nutritional value and depend largely on their genetic origin and content of secondary metabolites. Objective: the antioxidant activity of different genotypes of Theobroma spp. from Mexico was evaluated in order to distinguish promising qualities for genetic improvement, and to differentiate phylogenetic traits, considering biochemical variables. Methods: the amount of phenols, flavonoids and antioxi-dant activity was determined by ABTS and DDPH, in addition to the content of anthocyanins, theobromine and caffeine in four species of Theobroma L., and 50 genotypes derived from T. cacao. The results were analyzed using an analysis of variance, means test, principal component analysis and cladistic analysis. Results: there are highly significant differences between genotypes. The phenol content ranged from 7.5-85 mg g-1; flavonoids 6.57-69.6 mg g-1, antioxidant activity by ABTS of 17.3-86.1 and by DDPH of 40.0-53.3; anthocyanin content of 0.01-3, caffeine of 1.8-6.7-and theobromine of 2.9-9.8 mg g-1. Principal component and cladistic analysis helped explain the variation found and distinguish evolutionary characters and phylogenetic brotherhoods. The varia-tion in content of phenols, flavonoids, antioxidant activity, anthocyanins, theobromine and caffeine was mainly due to the degree of domestication, while for the group of genotypes derived from T. cacao (forastero, trinitario and criollo) it was the origin of the seeds. Conclusions: the degree of domestication influences the content of phenols and antioxidant capacity. The results suggest that the evaluated variables can help to form criteria for genetic improvement in the complex derived from T. cacao oriented to the selection of higher phenol content and greater antioxidant activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sugarcane (Saccharum spp.), main sugar crop worldwide, is affected by multiple pathogens. One of the most important viral diseases in this crop is mosaic, caused by Sugarcane mosaic virus (SCMV). This research was conducted with the objective of demonstrating the ability of two bioproducts to induce defenses response against this virus. The first based on the encapsulation of the endopolygalacturonase enzyme of the yeast Kluyveromyces marxianus CCEBI 2011 and another whose active principle is constituted by phenolic compounds produced by sugarcane in temporary immersion bioreactors. SP70-1284 cultivars susceptible to SCMV and resistant C323-68 were treated with the bioproducts and inoculated with SCMV. The severity of the infection, the accumulation of superoxide radicals and the expression of 10 defense-related genes were evaluated. The resistant cultivar did not show symptoms of infection during the development of the experiment, while in the susceptible the application of both bioproducts decreased the severity of the infection between 38.9 and 44.4% with respect to the control. The presence of superoxide radicals was observed in the first hours of sugarcane-SCMV interaction, while at 28 days' post inoculation, a differentiated expression of three genes related to antiviral defense was observed. The ability of both bioproducts to induce defensive responses in sugarcane against SCMV was demonstrated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research is aimed at determining the in vitro antifungal activity of ethanolic leaf extracts of Moringa oleifera Lam against Rhizoctonia solani Kühn and Stemphylium solani Weber. For this purpose, ethanolic extracts were obtained from M. oleifera leaves and maceration with magnetic stirring was used as an extraction method. The yield of the process was 185.89 mg·g-1DM and phenol content in the extract was 24.86 mg·g-1 de DM. The in vitro antifungal activity tests were carried out through microdilutions in 96-well plates. As a result, mycelial growth inhibition was observed in both phytopathogens with the increase of the evaluated concentrations. Compared to R. solani, the highest percentage of mycelial growth inhibition was 68.15 % and 0.39 mg·ml-1 as the minimum inhibitory concentration of the extract. In the case of S. solani it was inhibited up to 63.97 % of the fungus growth and the minimum inhibitory concentration was 3.13mg·ml-1. The results demonstrate the in vitro antifungal capacity of ethanolic leaf extracts from M. oleifera against two phytopathogenic fungi. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To characterize the variations in the phenol content in the different edible and non-edible portions of Elaeagnus angustifolia L. during the growth cycle of the plant. Materials and Methods: Plant material was collected during the plant growth cycle in the Valle Medio region, Río Negro, Argentina. The collection was carried out in five sampling moments (September, November, January, February and March). For such purpose, samples were taken from the leaves, flowers and fruits of the canopy exposed to the sun and leaves in the shaded canopy. The presence of polyphenols in the different samples collected by qualitative and quantitative essays was evaluated. The data were analyzed through variance analysis; while the significant differences among means, by Tukey's test for p < 0,05. The statistical program Infostat® was applied. Results: Significant differences (p < 0,05) were found in the content of polyphenols between the external sunlit sunny leaves and the inner shaded ones in the September sampling. The shaded leaves contained significantly more phenolic compounds than the higher sunlit sunny leaves (19,8 and 16,4 mg GAE g-1 DM, respectively). This variability becomes null, when the total edible thyrse is compared with the non-consumed parts. Conclusions: Seasonal and spatial variation was determined in the concentration of total phenols in the edible and non-edible biomass of E. angustifolia during its growth cycle. In addition, no limiting quantities of polyphenols were found in the shaded leaves, which could reduce the voluntary intake of feed and its digestibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soursop (Annona muricata L.) is a tropical fruit tree with great acceptance in the regions where it is grown. In Mexico there are about 3000 ha of this species, most of them free of charge and there are partial evaluations of physical, chemical and morphological characteristics of the fruit or tree in some producing regions of the country. The objective of this research was to evaluate the mass, dimensions, chemical quality and antioxidant activity of fruits harvested in physiological maturity of 52 trees in three locations in Nayarit, Mexico. With descriptive statistics, cluster analysis and canonical discriminant, we defined promising materials for subsequent genetic improvement. The populations showed great variation in the mass of the fruit and its structures, number of seeds (CV from 42.96 to 74.35%); the minimum mass varied from 261 to 2535 g. The dimensions, color components (L*, C* and h), total soluble solids content and titratable acidity showed low CV (6.95 to 28.7%). Total soluble solids exceeded 20.1 ° Brix. The content of phenols, flavonoids, soluble sugars, vitamin C and antioxidant activity varied from 31.2 to 43.1%. Four groups of trees were formed with 19, 14, 15 and 4 members, according to the cluster analysis, which was mainly based on phenols, antioxidant activity, fruit dimensions, mass and number of seeds. In this study, we defined materials with nutritional and productive characteristics (Groups 3 and 4), and potential for genetic improvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pleurotus sp is a genus of superior fungi, widely distributed worldwide and includes ediblemedicinal species of economic importance. Within this genus is the species Pleurotus ostreatus, which has different biological properties with high potential for the treatment of nontrasmisible chronic diseases that currently constitute a serious health problem. In the present work, the interaction between the phenols reported for the Pleurotus ostreatus species with redox balance proteins is evaluated. Through a molecular docking, with the Autodock program and the protein database (PDB), thirteen phenols and three redox balance proteins (NFkB, NADPH -oxidase and COX-2) were used to visualize the degree of affinity between these and predict their best links. The results showed adequate values of ΔG, Ki with the interactions for quercetin and catechin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of the addition of an extract rich in phenols, from rice husks, on the microstructural and optical properties of biodegradable films based on thermoplastic starch and poly (ε-caprolactone) has been studied. For the rice husk extract, the amount of soluble solid, the content of phenolic compounds and the antioxidant activity were determined. In the case of films, their morphology was studied by Scanning Electron Microscopy and their internal transmittance, colour and brightness were determined. The results show statistically significant differences (p <0.05) for the transmittance, colour and brightness of the material. Regarding its morphology, the addition of phenols generated less rough, and more homogeneous and compact films. Based on the results of the work, it is concluded that the addition of extract significantly affects the structure of the material by modifying its optical properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is a marked interest in obtaining mycelial biomass and bioactive compounds more quickly and efficiently, from edible fungi. Pleurotus ostreatus is one of the most widely cultivated species in the world, due to the nutritional quality of its biomass and the presence of metabolites of pharmacological importance. In the present work, the response surface methodology was used in the optimization of the YPG culture medium, aiming to obtain the maximum concentration of biomass and total phenols, by means of submerged fermentation of Pleurotus ostreatus. Based on a central composite design, two second-order polynomial mathematical models were fitted to the experimental results obtained from the production of mycelial biomass and total phenols. It was observed that the concentrations of the nitrogen sources had bigger significant influence on the production of biomass. Both the nitrogen and carbon source concentrations had a significant influence on the total phenol concentration. The models predicted a maximum biomass concentration value of 15,28 g·L-1 for a culture medium with 28,41 g·L-1 glucose, 5,68 g·L-1 yeast extract and 2,32 g·L-1 peptone, as well as a maximum total phenols concentration of 104 μg·mL-1 for the following culture medium composition: 11,59 g·L-1 glucose, 2,32 g·L-1 yeast extract and 2,32 g·L-1 peptone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to evaluate the effect of three types of cooking (sautéed, boiled, and roasted) on content of the bioactive compounds, and antioxidant activity in tomato, four treatments were established: sautéed, boiled, roasted, and control (without application of some cooking method). Once the treatments were applied, the physiochemical properties such as total soluble solids (TSS), titratable acidity (TA), and pH were evaluated as well as the lycopene content, β-carotene, ascorbic acid, phenols and total flavonoids, and antioxidant activity in vitro by essays of 2-2- diphenil-1-picrylhydrazil (DPPH), and 2,2'-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazolino-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS). All the cooking methods increased the TSS and reduced the acidity of the fruit. By roasting, a higher concentration of ascorbic acid (58.10%) was retained, as compared to the control. A significant increased (P ≤ 0.05) was observed in the concentration of carotenoids, and phenolic compounds in tomatoes due to the effect of the treatment sautéed, therefore a greater antioxidant activity. An inhibition of DPPH● radicals was found of 17.92%, and an antioxidant activity expressed as Trolox equivalents of 25.97 μM per g of fresh weight, as a result of the ABTS test. The boiling treatment caused a lixiviation effect of the bioactive compounds in the cooking media; therefore a smaller concentration was found. Sautéed was a better cooking method for tomatoes to obtain a higher concentration of antioxidant compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Se realizó la pirolisis lenta de residuos agroindustriales de la palma africana (Elaeis guinnensis) en un reactor tipo batch, a diferentes temperaturas desde 250 °C hasta 375 °C, la mayor cantidad de bio-oil (25,47%) se obtuvo para la mezcla de 60% raquis, 30% torta y 10% cuesco, a la temperatura de 350 °C y 20 psi. El bio-oil fue separado por extracción liquido-liquido con hexano y las dos fases resultantes se analizaron por GC-MS y HPLC-DAD; UV-vis. La mayoría de los compuestos obtenidos en ambas fases son fenoles simples y el componente mayoritario en ambos casos es el fenol y los fenoles sustituidos. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To demonstrate the presence of alkaloids and phenols in the Minthostachys mollis (muña) flower branch, and to compare the results with those of five informally traded muña samples bought in Lima - Peru. Materials and methods: A sample of Minthostachys mollis was collected in the department of Junín (located at 321 km from Lima and at 4113 m.a.s.l.), Peru, according to the Cerrate E. and Ramagosa et. al. method, and identified by a botanic specialist. Other five samples without sanitary registry were bought in different markets. The phytochemical screening was performed using the method proposed by Olga Lock, M.D. The qualitative references employed were "+++" (highly present), "++" (moderately present), "+" (slightly present) and "-" (absent). Results: Regarding the alkaloids, the sample of Minthostachys mollis showed "++" metabolites. In contrast, M1 showed no metabolites, M3 showed "+" metabolites, and M2, M4 and M5 showed "++" metabolites. Concerning the phenols, the sample of Minthostachys mollis showed "+++" metabolites. In contrast, M4 showed "++" metabolites, and M1, M2, M3 and M5 showed "+++" metabolites. Conclusions: In comparison with the sample of Minthostachys mollis, qualitative differences in the presence of the studied metabolites were demonstrated in the informally traded samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work proposes the use of treatments with organic acids (acetic, citric and lactic) as an alternative to prevent the deterioration of the lettuce (Lactuca sativa L,) Batavia variety and extends its shelf life. Lettuce is a vegetable considered as functional given its antioxidant power and content of phenolic compounds. However, inappropriate handling during post-harvesting can not only affect these characteristics but also produce water loss, microbial contamination and enzymatic browning. The physicochemical, functional and microbiological characteristics were monitored, under a simulated scheme of a marketing chain in the Sabana de Bogotá (time, temperature and relative humidity). The results show statistically significant differences (α <0.05) for the quality and color index (enzymatic browning). Regarding the native microbial population, the acids considered promote the decrease of the microorganism population until 6 hours after treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An increasing number of researches have focused on phenols with antioxidant capacities that can fight diseases caused by free radicals. Those phenols can be found in various plants, fruits, and other structures. These substances were also detected in the wood of conifers and some oak species. However, there are few studies about this kind of wood, even though they could be a source of these phenols. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine the antioxidant capacity and the phenolic profile of the methanolic and aqueous extracts from the sapwood, heartwood, and bark of three oaks (Quercus candicans, Q. laurina, and Q. rugosa). The extracts were obtained by successive extraction with solvents of increasing polarity (cyclohexane, acetone, and methanol) in a Soxhlet equipment, and they were finally subject to hot water with reflux. The antioxidant activity was analyzed through the inhibition of the lipid oxidation, while the phenolic composition of the extracts was analyzed through a HPLC analysis. Higher outputs were obtained from the total extracts with methanol taken from bark. The inhibition of the lipid oxidation was higher when the methanolic extract was taken from the sapwood of Q. rugosa (antioxidant activity: 94.09%), while the methanolic extract taken from the sapwood of Q. laurina was lower (42.54%). The phenolic compounds most frequently found in the extracts taken from the three oaks were chlorogenic acid, resorcinol, catechin, and gallic acid. Methanolic and aqueous extracts taken from the wood and bark of three oaks are rich in phenolic compounds with potent antioxidant activity and they are an alternative source of biomolecules. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this work was to determine the fatty acids (FA), tocopherols, phenols, and antioxidant capacity (AC) of five virgin olive oils (VOO) obtained from the olive cultivar 'Roghiani', from different regions of northern Libya during the crop year 2015. The parameters determined for the oils were investigated for the first time. Seven principal FAs were detected in the VOO samples. Oleic, palmitic, and linoleic acids were the dominant ones. The highest percentage of palmitic acid was found in Tripoli VOO (P ≤ 0.05). Oleic acid was dominant in all the VOO samples. Gharyan VOO possessed the highest value of oleic acid, O/L ratio, monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA), total phenols content (TPC), total tocopherol and tocotrienol contents (TTC), and ACDPPH % (P ≤ 0.05). A strong positive relationship between TPC and (AC) as (1/EC50DPPH) was observed, (r) was +0.831. On the other hand, (1/EC50DPPH) showed a positive correlation with TTC, (r) was +0.768. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Moringa oleifera Lam. it is one of the best known and widely distributed species in the world. It is considered as one of the most useful trees, with multiple benefits. One of its distinguishing characteristics is that its leaves accumulate high contents of phenolic compounds, which are investigated for their biological properties. The present investigation was developed with the aim to obtain crude ethanolic leaf extracts, with higher extraction yields and phenolic compounds, from M. oleifera by comparing four extraction methods. The influence of extraction by magnetic stirring, static extraction, extraction by Soxhlet and ultrasound-assisted extraction on the yield of crude leaf ethanolic extract and the concentration of phenolic compounds were determined. The phytochemical characterization of the extract was carried out and the chromatographic profile was determined by thin layer chromatography. A yield of 185.89 mg g-1 of dry mass and the highest concentrations of phenols in the extract (24.86 mg g-1 dry mass) were obtained by magnetic stirring. The qualitative chemical characterization of the phenolic extract of M. oleifera proved the presence of volatile coumarins, triterpenes, steroids, flavonoids, tannins and phenolic compounds detected in the phytochemical and phenolic acids analyses, glycosylated flavonoids, essential oils associated with phenols and compounds with pungent and bitter principle in thin layer chromatography. It is concluded that by the extraction method with magnetic stirring for 3 h, crude ethanolic leaf extracts of M. oleifera are obtained with high yields of extraction and concentration of phenolic compounds of varied nature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The firebush (Hamelia patens Jacq.) is a bush widely distributed in tropical areas and used in the traditional medicine for the treatments of wound and inflammatory process. The aim of the present work was to determine the phytochemical composition and the antibacterial activity of leaf extracts of firebush grown closely to the Botanical Garden of Matanzas, in the province of Matanzas, Cuba. Disease free leaves were collected, the qualitative amounts of several secondary metabolites were determined and it was quantified the content of soluble, wall-linked and total phenols as well as reducing sugars. The antibacterial activity of the ethanolic extract against Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis and Escherichia coli was evaluated. Terpenoids, flavonoids, coumarins, tannins, steroids and cardiotonic glycosides were observed in methanolic and ethanolic extracts, although, the metabolites were detected in higher proportions when using the etanolic solvent. The leaf ethanolic extract exhibited an antibacterial effect against Staphylococcus aureus and S. epidermidis, however non-inhibitory effect was shown against Escherichia coli. The phytochemistry and the antibacterial evaluation carried out point out the potentialities of Hamelia patens Jacq. as a source of bioactive compounds, with different biological activities and supports the ethno-botanical use of this plant for the treatment of bacterial infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cupuassu (Theobroma grandiflorum (Willd. ex Spreng.) K.Schum.) is an evergreen tree in the family Malvaceae, with nutritional qualities of interest in the food and cosmetic industry. It is necessary for its processing, in addition to other processes, to perform a fermentation, affecting its chemical composition. Therefore, the effect of fermentation time on the phenolic content and antioxidant activity of Cupuassu (T. grandiflorum) beans, was determined. During this process, the chemical properties of the beans and the phenolic content were evaluated every two days; also quantifying the secondary metabolites Catechin, Epicatechin, Theobromine and Caffeine by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The antioxidant activity was analyzed using the ABTS, DPPH, and FRAP assays. Analysis of phenolic content and antioxidant activity showed a decrease after 6 days of fermentation. Therefore, it is not recommended to continue fermentation after this period due to a negative influence of the process on the bioactive substances (Catechins) content, and the reduction of the ability to inhibit free radicals, exhibited by Cupuassu beans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tomato is a horticultural crop with high acceptance worldwide, which is affected for several pathogens in those who find Stemphyllium solani Weber, responsible for the gray leaf spot. The control of this disease is based on application of chemical fungicides, which increase production costs and cause pollution to the environment, so the search for methods of agro-ecological control is necessary, as is the use of plant extracts. The aim of this work was to determine the "in vitro" antifungal activity of Citrus spp. extracts against S. solani. The extracts were obtained by ultrasonic assisted extraction and then the total phenols content was quantified. For each extract was established the minimal inhibitory concentration, and then was determined the percentage of inhibition of micelial growth and the percentage of inhibition of conidial germination. In all extracts were obtained concentrations of totals phenols highest than 36 mg equivalent to galic acid mL-1 of extracts. The ethanolic extract of Citrus aurantium var. sinensis (L.) Osbeck showed the lowest minimum inhibitory concentration against S. solani. The tested extracts, except C. aurantium L. in ethanol, showed percentages of inhibition of mycelial growth of S. solani of 100 %. However, only the extracts of C. aurantium var. sinensis in ethanol and Citrus reticulata Blanco in methanol showed percentages of inhibition of conidial germination of 100 %, so they were selected as the most effective in the in vitro control of S. solani. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Corbicular bee pollen is a natural product result from the activity of bees that removed pollen grains from anthers and aglutinate it into tiny pellets, as a nutritional sustenance of the colony. The aim of this work has focused on phenolic fraction and total flavonoids in colombian corbicular bee pollen: antioxidant and free radical scavenging activity. Phenolic fraction observed varies between 11.8 ± 2.22 and 30.6 ± 7.10 mg EAG/g, and flavonoids from 5.67 ± 2.35 to 12.1 ± 1.13 mg Eq. Quercetin/g pollen. The reducing capacity (11.8 ± 2.22 to 30.6 ± 7.10) and (9.00 ± 3.43 and 17.9 ±4.30) µM Trolox/g for FRAP and ABTS respectively. The results are indicative of a significant contribution of phenols and flavonoids, in colombian bee pollen from Andean zones, its removal and concentrations allows the incorporation as additive in food supplements or pharmaceutical products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Given that for some years now, there is a concern about the loss of the biodiversity of Colombia, and also about the increasing neccessity for linking experimentation and application of pedagogical strategies, which allow institutions, such as Technological University of Chocó, to train professionals from the region in the knowledge of generating a high value-added biodiversity. This is for an important environmental education, through which students are enabled to find and comprehend a series of concepts and situations regarding their surrounding environment. In that context, secondary metabolites are the denomination of natural products that demonstrate biological and, sometimes, ecological properties. According to the chemical properties, secondary metabolites may be classified as medicine, insecticides, herbicides, perfumes, artificial colorings, among others. The objective of this study is to qualitatively identify and characterize secondary metabolites from 11 ethnobotanical species, by using the thin layer chromatography method. UV rays, vanillin - sulfuric acid, sodium hydroxide, and fast blue were used as the developer solutions. The obtained results determined the following, as the major evidenced compounds (secondary metabolites) in the samples tested from ethanolic extracts of leaves and bark species: phenols in 8/11, coumarins in 7/11, and terpenes in 6/11. These results match the preliminary studies carried out by other researchers through colorimetric techniques at the laboratory of the natural products research group. V. macrophylla in 4/5 followed by H. oblongifolia, C. silvestre y H. mancinella en 3/5 were the found species with the highest number of families of secondary metabolites. According to literature review, some species of identified compounds in this study have biological activity, which could validate the use that is ancestrally attributable as ethnomedicine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Henequen (Agave fourcroydes Lem.) is a representative crop of the province of Matanzas, Cuba, which has been exploited extensively for the quality of its fibers. The present work aimed to characterize from the biochemical and histological point of view henequen plants cv. 'Sac Ki' in vitro acclimatized. The biochemical indicators analyzed were concentration of soluble phenols, total soluble carbohydrates, reducing sugars, soluble proteins and total chlorophylls, as well as the relative contents of flavonoids, terpins and anthocyanins. In addition, a histological analysis of the epidermis was performed and the results were compared with plants of one month in rooting culture medium. In vitro acclimatized plants were subsequently transferred to the ex vitro conditions. The contents of total soluble carbohydrates, reducing sugars and chlorophylls decreased, whereas the levels of soluble phenols, proteins and secondary metabolites were higher in relation to in vitro plants rooted for 30 days. The epidermis of the in vitro acclimatized plants showed a greater development of the stomatal apparatus that could positively affect the ex vitro acclimatization, where a survival rate of 87% and a reduction of the acclimatization time were obtained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bark from timber species might be a promising target of therapeutical interest due to its content of bioactive phenolic compounds. However the extraction efficiency of these metabolites depends on the type of solvent chosen and the process variables analyzed. Traditional medicine only uses ethanol and water mixtures for therapeutical purposes. Therefore in this study extractions of Pinus durangensis and Quercus sideroxyla bark were realized. In order to study the effect of the hydroethanolic solutions of 20 50 and 80% and the relation mass/solvent volume ratio of 1/10 1/20 and 1/30 an experiment design of 2x3x3 was followed over the extract yield; where 28,72 ±0,9% corresponded to P. durangensis (PdE50-1/20) and 24,95±1,2% to Q. sideroxyla (QsE50-1/30). The highest content of phenolic compounds was obtained with ethanol 80%-1/10 in both species (PdE80-1/10 with 712,36±13,4 mg of gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/g) and QsE80-1/10 of 592,97±10,6 (GAE/g); while the antioxidant capacity evaluated through DPPH ABTS and FRAP showed that PdE20-1/30 and QsE50-1/10 presented the strongest activity. Significant statistical differences (p<0,05) were found among the treatments analyzed. The ethanol concentration had a higher effect than the relation mass/solvent volume ratio. More importantly P. durangensis showed the highest phenol and flavonoid concentration respect to Q. sideroxyla. However the proanthocyanidin amount was similar in both species. Finally the flavonoid content of P. durangensis is mainly composed by flavanone and flavonol type compounds while Q. sideroxyla contains gallic acid and flavan-3-ol (catechins). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Andean berry is a globose berry, deep purple when it reaches its highest degree of maturity. It fruit has a high antioxidant capacity compared to other Vaccinum berries, attributed to the content of polyphenolic compounds. Objectives: To evaluate the composition, antioxidant activity and some microbiological parameters of frozen pulp of Andean berry (PAC) and freeze-dried pulp of Andean berry (PAL) and analyze their behavior during 60 days of storage. Methods: the variables pH, ° Brix, titratable acidity, % moisture, ash, fat, protein, carbohydrates, total calories and water activity (lyophilized) were measured at intervals of 15 days during storage. Under the same conditions the content of phenols and total anthocyanins by Folin-Ciocalteu and pH differential method respectively was determined. The antioxidant activity by FRAP and ORAC. Results: There were no significant differences (p>0,05) during storage in pH, ° Brix, Aw (lyophilized), % moisture, fat, ash, carbohydrates and total calories for PAC and PAL indicating stability of these variables over time storage. Titratable acidity expressed in mg citric acid/ ml, varied significantly p (<0.05) over time storage for PAC and PAL between 1.65 to 1.82 and 4.66 to 4.79 respectively. The protein varied during storage for PAC and PAL between 1.25 to 2.10 g and 4.70 to 5.20 g, and was observed for both a significant increase between day 15 and 60 of storage. PAC and PAL showed significant losses of anthocyanins, total phenols and FRAP value during storage; however the PAL retained until day 60 high content of total phenols: 1046 (mg gallic eq/100 g acid), anthocyanins: 82.64 (mg eq of cyanidin-3-glucoside/100g), reducing capacity (FRAP): 1032.17 mg ascorbic acid equivalents /100 g and ORAC value 33935 umol equivalents Trolox/100g. Conclusions: physicochemical variables analyzed in the PAL were stable and content of polyphenolic compounds retained for longer compared to PAC. Whereas Andean berry has two growing seasons a year in Colombia (May and December), freezedried is a strategy that will allow the producer constant supply of fruit on the market. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Table olive processing water (TOPW) contains many complex substances, such as phenols, which could be valorized as a substrate for microalgae biomass culture. The aim of this study was to assess the capability of Nannochloropsis gaditana to grow in TOPW at different concentrations (10- 80%) in order to valorize this processing water. Within this range, the highest increment of biomass was determined at percentage of 40% of TOPW, reaching an increment of 0.36 ± 0.05 mg volatile suspended solids (VSS)/L. Components of algal biomass were similar for the experiments at 10-40% of TOPW, where proteins were the major compounds (56-74%). Total phenols were retained in the microalgae biomass (0.020 ± 0.002 g of total phenols/g VSS). Experiments for 80% of TOPW resulted in a low production of microalgae biomass. High organic matter, nitrogen, phosphorus and phenol removal were achieved in all TOPW concentrations. Although high-value products, such as proteins, were obtained and high removal efficiencies of nutrients were determined, microalgae biomass culture should be enhanced to become a suitable integral processing water treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Algae and microalgae produce protective antioxidant compounds in response to damage for stress (UV radiation, temperature variation, excessive light and others). In the present study, the total phenol content in four species of marine microalgae Chaetoceros muelleri (Lemmermann, 1898), Thalassiosira weissflogii (Grunow, 1977), Dunaliella tertiolecta (Butcher, 1959) y Tetraselmis chuii (Butcher, 1959), grown at different illumination rates due to the materials of the containers (carboy of clear glass and carboy of blue plastic), was evaluated under laboratory conditions. The total phenols were quantified by spectrophotometry. Independently of illumination condition, the greatest number of cells was found in D. tertiolecta and C. muelleri (904,000 and 965,000 cells mL-1, respectively). The concentration of total phenols (mg EAG g-1) was different among species, but not among illumination condition. Extracts of D. tertiolecta grown in glass and T. chuii grown in plastic containers, showed the highest content of phenols (1.54 and 1.52 mg EAG g-1, respectively). It was concluded that the production of phenolic compounds were higher in green microalgae, independently of the illumination condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fruits of Opuntia spp. they provide human consumption with compounds such as amino acids, vitamin C, phenols, betalain pigments, as well as antioxidant agents with high nutritional values and health benefits. This study presents for the first time a non-directed metabolomics analysis by Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) of aqueous ethanolic extracts of Opuntia albicarpa fruits during the main stages of development. The dynamics of the metabolism of (poly)phenols as a function of the phenological stage of the fruit can be identified by NMR. Both Principal Component Analysis and Partial Least Squares Discriminant Analysis reveal a unique mapping of the prickly pear polyphenolic machinery, which depends on the phenological stage. NMR is an analytical method that can be used to identify and quantify metabolites at each phenological stage of prickly pear and thereby highlight their properties and health benefits. The metabolomics of the prickly pear can be complemented with its transcriptome to better understand its biology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, interest has won biocontrol Mycosphaerella fijiensis with the use of microorganisms or their products. Nevertheless, the knowledge of the biochemical events involved in Musa-M. fijiensis-microorganism interaction, is still limited. The objective was to determine the histochemical response of 'Grande naine' (Musa AAA) plants inoculated or not with the pathogen in the presence of culture filtrate of Bacillus pumilus CCIBP-C5. For this, techniques that allow visualization of callose, superoxide anion, lignin and phenolic compounds in the early days post inoculation (dpi) were used. As a result, at 6 dpi callose deposition were observed within the stomata in plants where the culture filtrate was applied regardless of the presence or absence of the pathogen. Furthermore, a blue halo was observed around stomas, indicative of the presence of superoxide anion. It was not possible to detect accumulation of lignin or phenolic compounds with the technique used. It was demonstrated the accumulation of biochemical compounds related to defense response of 'Grande naine' plants to pathogen infection. Furthermore, it was shown that the plant responds in early infection with the use of bacterial culture filtrates. These results demonstrate the possible mechanism of induction of defense response in plants of Musa sp. in the presence of bacterial culture filtrate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The growing market of functional beverages requires characterize specifically the sources of bio-actives to select those with the highest quantity of the compound needed in the formulation. The composition of phenolic acids and the content of anthocyanins and proanthocyanidins, from aqueous extracts of the calyxes of three varieties of jamaica (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) were assessed using HPLC-DAD: dark red (Sudan), light red (Criolla Nayarit) and white (Alma Blanca). Antioxidant activity was also determined. The experimental design was completely randomized with three replications. The highest contents of total phenolic acids were detected in Sudan and Alma Blanca (10.71±0.29 and 8.22±0.30 mg GAE g-1 DM). The fraction of free phenolic acids (FPA) was abundant and was highly complex in the calyxes of the three colors. Chlorogenic acid and its two isomers were predominant in the FPA, and the glycosylated phenolic acids (GPA) accounted for 77.4 to 81.5 % of the total phenolic acids in the three varieties. The white Alma Blanca calyxes contained more caffeic and protocatechuic acid derivatives than the red calyxes of the other varieties. The highest antioxidant activity (p⩽0.05) was found in the Sudan extract (CI50=113.3 μg mL-1). The color of the calyxes can indicate the predominant type of phenols in H. sabdariffa L. and aid in the selection of varieties for formulations with particular nutraceutical properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The distillery vinasse is the most important liquid effluent of the ethanol production process and it is characterized by a high chemical oxygen demand (COD) and high biochemical oxygen demand (BOD); besides its acid pH and dark brown color. Phenol content in vinasse causes inhibitory effects on anaerobic digestion processes and has an adverse environmental impact. An alternative for treating vinasse from distilleries by using the electro-dissolution of iron and a heterocoagulation stage with Ca(OH)2 as a pretreatment was evaluated. Removals of 92% in phenols and 52% in chemical oxygen demand (COD) were obtained. Then, the pretreated vinasse was undergone to an anaerobic digestion process. Global removals to around 93% in biochemical oxygen demand (BOD5), 83% in COD, and over 99% in total phenols were obtained. Finally, an eco-toxicological evaluation using Daphnia pulex was carried out, and it was found that the coupling treatment increased the medium lethal concentration (LC50) to around 190%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Coffee, one of the most consumed beverages in the world, contains several bioactive compounds such as antioxidants, which have shown effectiveness in reducing the incidence of chronic and neurodegenerative diseases. As Norte de Santander is the birthplace of coffee in Colombia, it is important to study the antioxidant properties of its coffee and of this coffee industry, which delivers several products that may be used as a source of functional substances. Objective: To evaluate the antioxidant capacity and to determine the total phenol content in the coffee produced and marketed in Norte de Santander (Colombia) and in its waste or by-products. Methods: Commercial samples were selected by a survey conducted in 12 municipalities of Norte de Santander. Almonds and coffee waste came from the towns of Toledo and Lourdes. The antioxidant capacity was evaluated by FRAP and ABTS methods and the total phenol content was determined by Folin Ciocalteu (FC). Results: total phenol content was found between 1129 ± 0.000 and 2582 ± 0.000 mg EAG / g coffee and between 52.57 ± 4.767 and 1904 ± 8.288 mg EAG / g coffee, for commercial and unroasted samples, respectively. The antioxidant capacity in commercial samples varied between 3095 ± 0.000 and 6857 ± 8.115 for FRAP and between 224.0 ± 0.245 and 245.0 ± 0.000 μmol Etrolox/g coffee for ABTS. In the case of almonds and waste, the antioxidant capacity varied between 2.265 ± 0.000 and 1894 ± 1.627 by FRAP and between 71.78 ± 0.000 and 233.0 ± 0.000 /μmol Etrolox / g coffee by ABTS. Conclusions: All samples showed antioxidant capacity and total phenols, including coffee processing wastes such as parchment, peel and pulp of the cherry. Therefore, the potencial of coffee wastes as natural sources of antioxidants is confirmed. This study reports for the first time antioxidant properties of parchment and specialty coffees. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: banana passion fruit is a tropical fruit whose nutritional value and bioactive compounds are little known and have not been studied enough. Objective: based on the nutritional and antioxidant characteristics of banana passion fruit we show the nutritional value and the impact to human health. Methodology: characteristics of fruit and production were described. Proximal composition of the fruit was analyzed. Micronutrients were known by scientific references related to banana passion fruit. Antioxidant capacity was analyzed by DPPH, FRAP and ORAC methods. Results: this is a source of vitamins A, C and niacin, minerals such as potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, sodium, chlorine, iron; provides moderate amounts of carbohydrates and calories. The content of total carotenoids, phenols and flavonoids was 118,8 mg pcarotene 460,1 mg galic acid galic and, 1.907,6 mg catechine/100 g respectively. The DPPH, FRAP and ORAC value was 60.843,1 pmol, 8.520,3 pmol and, 20.754,9 pmol trolox equivalents/100 g dehydrated fruit respectively. Conclusion: people in general and the food industry should take advantange of the nutritional and antioxidant value of banana passion fruit as well as raw material to improve the productive chain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The phenolic compositions, antioxidant and antimicrobial activities against six bacteria of phenolic extracts of olive oil varieties from eleven Algerian varieties were investigated. The antioxidant activity was assessed by determining the scavenging effect on the DPPH and ABTS.+ radicals. The antimicrobial activity was measured as a zone of inhibition and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) on human harmful and foodborne pathogens. The results show that total phenols was significantly (p< 0.05) correlated with DPPH (r = 0.72) and ABTS.+ radicals (r = 0.76). Among the bacteria tested, S. aureus and to a lesser extent B. subtilis showed the highest sensitivity; the MIC varied from 0.6 to 1.6 mg•mL-1 and 1.2 to 1.8 mg•mL-1, respectively. The results reveal that Algerian olive oils may constitute a good source of antioxidant and antimicrobial agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Moringa oleífera crop is grown all over India for its nutritious pods, leaves and seeds. M. oleífera seeds are endowed with a high oil content (-39%) which resembles olive oil because of its high oleic acid content (-65-75%). The objective of the present study was to evaluate the natural antioxidants of crude seed kernel oil from the Jaffna variety of M. oleifera (MSO). Natural antioxidants like tocopherols and phenolics as well as minor compounds such as sterols and carotenoids present in MSO and its radical scavenging activity were measured in comparison to dried coconut kernel (copra) crude oil (CNO), crude sesame oil (SESO), crude niger seed oil (NSO), crude palm oil (CPO), crude rice bran oil (RBO) and commercially refined groundnut oil (GNO). MSO contained 88 ppm of total tocopherols with atocopherol (56.2 ppm) being the major tocopherol. MSO also contained 117.9 ppm of total phenolics with gallic acid (48.5 ppm) being the major phenolic. MSO contained fair amounts of sterols (1700.8 ppm) and carotenoids (17.9 ppm). MSO showed an IC50 value of 35.5 mg mL-1. This study indicates that MSO has antioxidant characteristics which are better than CNO and comparable to those of GNO. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The content of polyphenol compounds such as total phenols, total flavonoids, condensed tannins and phenolic acids of the sour guava fruits (Psidium araca) was determined. These compounds determine the antioxidant capacity, property that expresses the facility for scavenging reactive oxygen species as nutraceutical value of the specie. The antioxidant activity of sour guava was determined by different methods such as DPPH, ABTS, FRAP and ORAC. The results are comparable with those found for common guava (Psidium guajava) and higher than those reported for common fruits such as pineapple, watermelon, passion fruit and melon. In conclusion, sour guava is a fruit with antioxidant potential, which can be handled by various technological methods to get high added-value products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]