Search

Using stress elicitors in fruits and vegetables is considered a good strategy to increase the content of bioactive compounds in plant foods. However, bioactive compounds can affect the sensory characteristics of food products, and little is known about their shelf-life stability in fresh produce treated with elicitors. In the present work, carotenoids and polyphenols were quantified by spectrophotometric methods in red and green butterhead lettuce treated with elicitors that had previously been demonstrated to increase bioactive compounds: arachidonic acid (AA), methyl jasmonate (MJ), and Harpin protein (HP). The bioactive compounds were determined immediately and during three weeks after harvest. A descriptive sensory analysis was carried out, which included odor, taste, tactile, and visual attributes of control and elicitor-treated lettuce. Carotenoids showed greater shelf-life stability than polyphenols, and both were more stable in red than in green lettuce during the first two weeks of storage. The best elicitor was MJ, which increased phenolic compounds (red and green lettuce), anthocyanins, and carotenoids (red lettuce) through the storage period. Color intensity, crispness, wettability, and bitter taste were some of the primary sensory attributes in butterhead lettuce and were not affected by any treatment. Other organoleptic properties were also not affected by the elicitors. These results suggest that elicitation could improve the content of bioactive compounds, which is stable through the shelf-life of butterhead lettuce, without any adverse effect on the sensory properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The importance of bioactive compounds in agro-industrial by-products of plant origin lies in their direct impacts on human health. These compounds have been shown to possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties, contributing to disease prevention and strengthening the immune system. In particular, the antimicrobial action of these compounds emerges as an important tool in food preservation, providing natural alternatives to synthetic preservatives and contributing to combating antimicrobial resistance. Using agro-industrial by-products of plant origin not only addresses the need to reduce waste and promote sustainability but also inaugurates a new era in the formulation of functional foods. From fruit peels to pulps and seeds, these by-products are emerging as essential ingredients in the creation of products that can promote health. Continued research in this area will unveil new applications and properties of these by-products and open doors to a food paradigm in which health and sustainability converge, paving the way to a healthier and more equitable future. The present review presents an overview of our knowledge of agro-industrial by-products and some of their more relevant health-promoting bioactivities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Avocado paste (AP) is an industrial byproduct and a potential source of bioactive compounds, so there is great interest in its valorization. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effects of adding AP to corn chips regarding their nutritional profile and sensory acceptability. Three AP-supplemented corn chip samples were prepared (C-2%, C-6%, and C-10%), along with a control chip (C), whose total phenolics, flavonoids, antioxidant capacity, proximate composition, minerals, fatty acids, and sensory acceptability were evaluated. Regarding the content of phenolic compounds and flavonoids, significant increases were found between all samples (p < 0.05), particularly between C and C-10% (from 0.93 to 3.56 mg GAE/g dw and 1.17 to 6.61 mg QE/g dw, respectively). Their antioxidant capacity also increased significantly (p < 0.05) with all methods used (FRAP, DPPH, ORAC, and TEAC). Regarding the sensory analysis, no significant differences were found (p > 0.05) between C and C-2% in the parameters of smell, color, flavor, and overall acceptability; however, the texture of C-2% was better evaluated. The C-2% sample also had the highest acceptability; 82% of the participants mentioned that they would buy the C-2%, higher than the rest of the samples. These results suggest the feasibility of adding 2% AP as a strategy to improve the nutritional properties of corn chips without compromising their sensory acceptability; therefore, AP may be used as a food ingredient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inflammation may negatively impact health, particularly that of the central nervous system. Phenolic compounds are bioactive molecules present in fruits and vegetables with potential anti‐inflammatory effects. The purpose of the present work is to review the immunomodulatory bioactivities of phenolic compounds in the periphery and in the central nervous system. Results show that various types of phenolics are able to counter diet‐ or pathogen‐induced systemic inflammation (among others) in various models. In vitro data show significant effects of flavonoids and phenolic acids in particular; similar bioactivities were reported in vivo, when administering them as pure compounds or from fruit and vegetable extracts that contain them. In the central nervous system, phenolics counter chronic inflammation and aggressive acute inflammatory processes, such as ischemic events, when administered preemptively and even therapeutically. We therefore conclude that the immunomodulatory potential of phenolic compounds can maintain an adequate immune response; their regular consumption should therefore be prioritized in order to maintain health. Practical applications: The immune response must be carefully regulated in order to avoid its deleterious effects. The present work highlights how phenolic compounds, dietary components ubiquitous in everyday diet, are able to maintain it within an adequate range. As humans are exposed to more proinflammatory stimuli (inadequate dietary pattern, mental stress, environmental pollution, chronic diseases, etc.), it becomes necessary to counter them, and consuming adequate amounts of foods that contain compounds with this ability is a rather simple strategy. Thus, the present work highlights how fruits and vegetables can help to maintain an adequate immune response that can preserve systemic health and that of the central nervous system. Furthermore, specific compounds contained in them can also be ideal candidates for additional in‐depth studies, which can potentially lead to the development of potent, targeted, and safe anti‐inflammatory molecules. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Açaí, lychee, mamey, passion fruit and jackfruit are some lesser-consumed tropical fruits due to their low commercial production. In 2018, approximately 6.8 million tons of these fruits were harvested, representing about 6.35% of the total world production of tropical fruits. The present work reviews the nutritional content, profile of bioactive compounds, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capacity of these fruits and their by-products, and their ability to modulate oxidative stress due to the content of phenolic compounds, carotenoids and dietary fiber. Açaí pulp is an excellent source of anthocyanins (587 mg cyanidin-3-glucoside equivalents/100 g dry weight, dw), mamey pulp is rich in carotenoids (36.12 mg β-carotene/100 g fresh weight, fw), passion fruit peel is rich in dietary fiber (61.16 g/100 dw). At the same time, jackfruit contains unique compounds such as moracin C, artocarpesin, norartocarpetin and oxyresveratrol. These molecules play an important role in the regulation of inflammation via activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (including p38, ERK and JNK) and nuclear factor κB pathways. The properties of the bioactive compounds found in these fruits make them a good source for use as food ingredients for nutritional purposes or alternative therapies. Research is needed to confirm their health benefits that can increase their marketability, which can benefit the primary producers, processing industries (particularly smaller ones) and the final consumer, while an integral use of their by-products will allow their incorporation into the circular bioeconomy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, the ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) (operating conditions of sonication amplitude, pulse-cycle, and extraction time) was investigated to obtain an extract rich in biologically active compounds from Annona muricata leaves. In addition, the content of bioactive compounds from the extract by the optimal UAE conditions (UAE extract) was compared with extracts prepared by decoction and infusion. Moreover, Artemia salina toxicity was evaluated in all extracts. UAE extract (using optimal conditions: 80% amplitude, 0.7 s pulse-cycle, for 4.54 min) contained 178.48 mg/100 mL of soluble phenols, 20.18 mg/100 mL of total flavonoids, 27.81 mg/100 mL of hydrolyzable polyphenols, 167.07 mg/100 mL of condensed tannins, 30.44 mg/100 mL of total alkaloids and 14.62 mg/100 mL of total acetogenins. The UAE extract exhibited a high antioxidant capacity and a higher content of bioactive compounds from ~6 to ~927-fold than decoction or infusion, depending on the type of compound. Twenty-four different phenolic compounds were identified in the samples, and UAE extract produced the highest concentration. All extracts were considered non-toxic using the A. salina test. The UAE extract from A. muricata leaves is a rich source of bioactive compounds and can be utilized to formulate therapeutic drugs or nutraceutical foods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of ultrasound treatment (UT) on a beverage from mango pulp and carrot juice with added turmeric powder on total soluble phenolic content (TSP), total carotenoid content (TC) and antioxidant capacity (AOC) was evaluated. Response surface methodology (RSM) was applied to obtain the optimal formulation of the beverage. The AOC was assigned as a response variable in addition to TSP and TC. Mathematical modeling showed that the formulation with 35% (v/v) of mango pulp, 10% (v/v) of carrot juice, and 0.7% (w/v) of turmeric powder, yielded the highest values of TSP, TC, and AOC. The beverages were subjected to different ultrasound conditions with varying exposure times (ET), sonication amplitudes (SA), and pulse cycles (PC) to obtain the highest values for response variables. Statistical modeling showed that a UT at 21 min ET, 100% SA, and 0.7 s PC, increased TSP, Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC), and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) by 15.5%, 45.1%, and 15.9%, respectively. Seven phenolic acids, three curcuminoids, five flavonoids, and a xanthonoid were identified in the beverages. The quantities of 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid, gallic acid, chlorogenic acids, (+)-catechin, quercetin, kaempferol, (-)-gallocatechin gallate, and mangiferin were higher in the UT beverage compared to the control, suggesting their release from cell-wall structures as a result of UT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Avocado cv. 'Hass' paste is the main byproduct derived from industrial avocado processing, and contains various bioactive compounds (BCs). Consumption of these compounds from different sources has been associated with positive health effects, although studies of avocado byproducts remain minimal. Avocado paste was analyzed, regarding its physicochemical properties, proximate composition, main BCs, antioxidant capacity, in vitro digestion and in silico interactions of its three main phenolics with cholesterol. Avocado paste contained 14.2% of lipids and 13.8% of protein. Total phenolic compounds were 2.1 mg GAE/g dw, with a phenolic profile that contained phenolic acids (ferulic, protocatechuic and p-coumaric acids) as its main compounds. Carotenoids (mainly β-carotene), tocopherols (mainly α-tocopherol), fatty acids (mainly oleic acid) and other BCs were also identified and quantified. Release of its phenolic compounds and antioxidant capacity were highest in the gastric phase of an in vitro digestion. In silico analyses showed that ferulic acid had the strongest interaction with cholesterol, suggesting a possible mechanism to inhibit its intestinal absorption. According to its composition and characteristics, it is possible to suggest avocado paste may be used as an unconventional source of BCs, with possible effects on cholesterol digestion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The content of antioxidant compounds varies within fungal species, and the Polyporales order has been recognized for this property. Numerous antioxidant compounds have been identified in Polyporales fungi, including phenolic compounds, β-glucans, ergosterol, ergothioneine, vitamin C, and tocopherols. Each compound contributes differently to the antioxidant potential of fungi. Besides the health benefits for rural communities caused by fungi consumption, their antioxidant composition attracts the food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries’ interest. In this context, the present review compiles, analyzes, and discusses the bioactive composition of edible fungi of the Polyporales order and its contribution to total antioxidant capacity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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

The fruit of Guamúchil is an excellent source of bioactive compounds for human health although their natural occurrence could be affected by the ripening process. The aim was to evaluate some physicochemical, chemical and antioxidant changes in guamúchil fruit during six ripening stages (I to VI). A defined trend (p ≤ 0.003) was observed for color [°Hue, 109 (light green) to 20 (dark red)], anthocyanins (+571 %), soluble solids (+0.33 oBrix), ash (+16 %), sucrose (-91 %), proanthocyanidins (63 %), ascorbic acid (-52 %) and hydrolysable PC (-21 %). Carotenoids were not detected and chlorogenic acid was the most abundant phenolic compound. Maximal availability of these bioactives per ripening stage (p ≤ 0.03) was as follows: I (protein/ lipids/ sucrose/ proanthocyanidins/ hydrolysable phenolics), II (total sugars/ascorbic acid), III (total phenolics), IV (flavonoids/ chlorogenic acid) and VI (fructose/ glucose/ anthocyanins). Color change was explained by sucrose (β = 0.47) and anthocyanin (β = 0.20) contents (p < 0.001). Radical scavenging capacity (ORAC, DPPH and TEAC) strongly correlated with total PC (r = 0.49-0.65, p ≤ 0.001) but 89 % of ORAC's associated variance was explained by anthocyanin + sucrose + ascorbic acid (p ≤ 0.0001). Guamúchil fruit could be a more convenient source of specific bioactive compounds if harvested at different ripening stages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hibiscus sabdariffa and Camellia sinensis are traditionally consumed as beverages and are good sources of health-promoting phenolic compounds. The objective of this work was to use response surface methodology to develop an optimized functional beverage with high total phenolic content, antioxidant capacity, and acceptable for potential consumers. Optimum infusion conditions were 4.9 g of hibiscus calyces or C. sinensis leaves/100 ml of water at 26 ℃ for 291 min. These conditions yielded a total phenolic content of 14.80 ± 1.4 and 33.02 ± 0.34 mg gallic acid equivalents/100 ml for hibiscus and green tea, respectively. The optimized beverages were combined in a 7:3 (hibiscus:green tea, v/v) ratio; a consumer preference test showed that this combination had an acceptable taste according to untrained panelists. A chromatographic analysis showed that this formulation contained flavonoids, phenolic acids, and anthocyanins as its main components. Our data suggested that hibiscus and green tea phenolic compounds were efficiently extracted using near-ambient temperature water for prolonged times, contrary to routine methods (high temperature, short time). Our method also preserved antioxidant capacity, possibly by avoiding chemical changes/degradation due to high temperatures. This process can be used to produce organoleptically acceptable functional beverages that deliver a varied phenolic compound profile to the consumer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Agave leaves are considered a by‐product of alcoholic beverage production (tequila, mezcal and bacanora) because they are discarded during the production process, despite accounting for approximately 50% of the total plant weight. These by‐products constitute a potential source of Agave extracts rich in bioactive compounds, such as saponins, phenolic compounds and terpenes, and possess different biological effects, as demonstrated by in vitro and in vivo tests (e.g. antimicrobial, antifungal, antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, antihypertensive, immunomodulatory, antiparasitic and anticancer activity). Despite their positive results in biological assays, Agave extracts have not been widely evaluated in food systems and pharmaceutical areas, and these fields represent a potential route to improve the usage of Agave plants as food additives and agents for treating medical diseases. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The content of bioactive compounds and antioxidant capacity of nine vegetables of conventional and unconventional utilization in salad mixtures were studied. The total phenolic and flavonoid contents ranged between 39.6–148.5 mg GAE/100g FW and 76.3–217.4 mg QE/100g FW, respectively. Ascorbic acid content ranged between 16.4 and 198.8 mg AAE/100g FW. Antioxidant capacity was assessed using DPPH, FRAP, and ORAC methods; values were in the range of 48.9–245.8 mg TE/100g FW, 67.7–335.8 mg TE/100g FW, and 104.86–833.9 mg TE/100g FW, respectively. Red cabbage, beet greens, parsley, and rocket exhibited the highest antioxidant capacities. Catechin was the most abundant phenolic compound identified in the free fraction, and p‐coumaric acid, quercetin, and caffeic acid in the hydrolyzed fraction. Results suggested that the presence of these phenolics could be of great importance in preventing some chronic and degenerative diseases when regularly consumed. Nonconventional vegetables showed high antioxidant properties, therefore, it is important to promote their consumption. Practical applications: Not all vegetables have the same phenolic composition, and not all phenolics have the same antioxidant capacity. Knowledge of the bioactive content and antioxidant capacity profile in each vegetable could be of interest to consumers and the food industry for selecting the more suitable leaves to make salad mixtures with high nutritional and functional values. These compounds can prevent some chronic‐degenerative diseases related to oxidative stress, so it is important introduce them regularly into the diet. Moreover, the evaluation of nontraditional vegetables is intended to bring consumers toward a new source of bioactive compounds, prompting their consumption, and providing added value to certain plant parts that are sometimes considered as waste products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Natural bioactive compounds include a broad diversity of structures and functionalities that provide an excellent pool of molecules for the production of nutraceuticals, functional foods, and food additives. Some of those compounds can be found in nature at high concentration such as polyphenols but others can only be found at very low levels, so that massive harvesting is needed to obtain sufficient amounts, and their structural diversity and complexity make chemical synthesis unprofitable. The inherent difficulties in screening and producing these compounds have led to the development of advanced technologies. The commonly used methods for their extraction are the conventional liquid-liquid or solid-liquid extraction and the advanced include pressurized-liquid extraction, subcritical and supercritical extractions, and microwave- and ultrasound-assisted extractions. In addition, these extraction techniques have been improved with previous steps (enzyme-and instant controlled pressure drop-assisted extractions) which help to release the compounds from the matrix. These technologies could provide in the next few years an innovative approach to increase the production of specific compounds for use as nutraceuticals or as ingredients in the design of functional foods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista Iberoamericana de Micologia is the property of Elsevier B.V. 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.)

Fouquieria splendens commonly named "ocotillo", is a native plant from Mexico, used in folk medicine against different illnesses. However, scientific evidence about its biological activities is limited. The objective of this study was to determine phenolic composition, antioxidant and antiproliferative effect of F. splendens. Amethanolic extract from F. splendens leaves extract (F. splendens extract) was obtained and fractioned by liquid-liquid partition, obtaining hexane, ethyl acetate, and residual fractions. Phenolic compounds were determined by the Folin Ciocalteu method, and the phenolic profile was assessed by UPLC-DAD. Antioxidant activity was determined by DPPH, TEAC, ORAC, and FRAP assays. Antiproliferative activity was performed by MTT assay against C33-A and HeLa cell lines. The ethyl acetate fraction exhibited the highest (p < 0.0001) amount of phenolic compounds (479.9 mg GAE/g) and the predominant compounds were gallic acid (25.949 mg/g), ellagic acid (17.439 mg/g), and kaempferol-3-β-glucoside (7.336 mg/g). Similarly, ethyl acetate fraction exhibited the highest (p < 0.0001) antioxidant potential (DPPH: 2430.1 µmol TE/g; TEAC: 60.4 µmol TE/g; ORAC: 4948.4 µmol TE/g; FRAP: 7803 µmol Fe(II)/g). An antiproliferative assay evidenced that the F. splendens extract was the most effective (p < 0.0002) to inhibit proliferation of cervical cancer cell lines, particularly HPV negative cells (C33-A IC 50 : 9.06 µg/mL; HeLa IC 50 : 74.7 µg/mL). The results showed a promissory biological potential of F. splendens , associated with phenolic compounds, besides the first report on the identification of some phenolic compounds in this plant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Raspberries are important sources of bioactive compounds, whose synthesis is influenced by the fertilization system and the maturity stage. This study evaluated the effect of organic and conventional fertilization systems on raspberries at three maturity stages, pink, ripe, and overripe. Physicochemical characteristics, bioactive compounds (phenolic profile, vitamin C), antioxidant capacity (DPPH, FRAP, TEAC, and ORAC), phenolic-associated enzyme, phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL), and antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT, GPx, and APX) were evaluated. The physicochemical determination of the fruit did not reveal differences between fertilization systems. Regarding bioactive compounds, higher content of anthocyanins was found in organic raspberries at all maturity stages. Organic fertilization increased the content of ellagic acid and gallic acid at all stages of maturity. Higher content of caffeic, hydroxybenzoic, protocatechuic acid, and vitamin C was observed in organic raspberry at the overripe stage. Raspberries grown with organic fertilization exhibited higher values of antioxidant capacity by the DPPH, FRAP, and TEAC methods at all maturity stages. Raspberries under organic fertilization showed significantly greater activity of CAT, SOD, APX, GPX, and PAL. The present study suggests that organic fertilization induces oxidative stress causing an increase in antioxidant defense mechanisms, enhancing bioactive compound production, and improving antioxidant capacity in raspberries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of UV-C irradiation time on total phenol, flavonoids, β-carotene, ascorbic acid contents, and antioxidant capacity (ORAC, DPPH•) of fresh-cut “Tommy Atkins” mango stored for 15 d at 5 °C was investigated. Fresh-cut mango was irradiated for 0, 1, 3, 5, and 10 min prior to storage at 5 °C. UV-C irradiation for 10 min induced a hypersensitive defense response resulting in the phenols and flavonoids accumulation which was positively correlated with ORAC and DPPH• values. However, β-carotene and ascorbic acid content of fresh-cut mangos decreased with irradiation time during storage. Antioxidant capacity (ORAC, DPPH•) was increased in fresh-cut mangoes treated with UV-C irradiation. In conclusion, UV-C irradiation appears to be a good technique to improve the total antioxidant capacity of fresh-cut mango. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Grape pomace (GP) and pecan shell (PS) are two by-products rich in phenolic compounds (PC), and dietary fiber (DF) that may be considered for the development of functional baked foods. In this study, four formulations with different GP:PS ratios (F1(8%:5%), F2(5%:5%), F3(5%:2%), F4(0%:5%), and control bread (CB)) were elaborated and characterized (physiochemical and phytochemical content). Also, their inner structure (SEM), changes in their FTIR functional group's vibrations, and the bioaccessibility of PC and sugars, including an in vitro glycemic index, were analyzed. Results showed that all GP:PS formulations had higher mineral, protein, DF (total, soluble, and insoluble), and PC content than CB. Additionally, PC and non-starch polysaccharides affected gluten and starch absorbance and pores distribution. In vitro digestion model showed a reduction in the glycemic index for all formulations, compared to CB. These findings highlight the possible health benefits of by-products and their interactions in baked goods. • The addition of grape pomace and pecan shells increases the content of bioactive compounds in bread formulations. • Phenolic compounds and dietary fiber interact with gluten proteins and starchy compounds. • The presence of phenols and dietary fiber derivatives can modulate the release of sugars and reduce the glycemic index in an in vitro system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Recent studies have demonstrated that vitamin C, phenols, and carotenoids are bioactive compounds that protect the body from oxidative stress, reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases and some types of cancer. Qualitative and quantitative analysis of the major phytochemicals found in papaya fruit flesh and skin (Carica papaya L., cv Maradol) was conducted in four stages of ripeness, using high-performance liquid chromatography mass spectrometry. Phenolic compounds identified in the fruit skin tended to decrease with ripening. The compounds identified were ferulic acid (277.49 to 186.63mg/100gDW), p-coumaric acid (229.59 to 135.64mg/100gDW), and caffeic acid (175.51 to 112.89mg/100gDW). The following carotenoids, along with vitamin C, increased in flesh with ripening; lycopene (0.36 to 3.40mg/100gDW), β-criptoxanthin (0.28 to 1.06mg/100gDW), β-carotene (0.23 to 0.50mg/100gDW), and vitamin C (25.07 to 58.59mg/100gDW). These results indicate that stage of ripeness significantly influences the contents of bioactive compounds in papaya fruit. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The main aim of this investigation was to characterize new kiwi fruit cultivars after cold storage treatment and to determine the similarities and differences between them, using spectroscopic methods. The chemometric comparison of kiwi fruit cultivars based on physicochemical indices during cold storage was carried out. All kiwi fruit cultivars showed a high level of correlation between the contents of phenolic compounds (polyphenols, tannins and flavonoids) and their antioxidant capacities. The interactions of soluble polyphenols of different kiwi fruit cultivars with human serum albumin (HSA) were investigated by fluorescence. The obtained statistical and fluorescence results allow to classify the investigated kiwi fruit cultivars according to their properties. The antioxidant properties of different cultivars monitored by β-carotene assay showed that the highest percentage of antioxidant activity (%AA) at the end of the cold storage was detected for ‘SKK-12’ (27.61±2.44) %AA with the lowest shelf life (8 weeks) and the lowest was found for ‘Hayward’ variety (8.33±0.74) %AA with the highest shelf life (24 weeks). The averaged amount of polyphenols in ‘Bidan’ and ‘SKK-12’ 13.97±1.95 mg GAE/g was much higher than in other cultivars 3.93±3.26 mg GAE/g, without respect on time of cold storage. The HSA-binding capacities of these cultivars were the highest and correlated with their antioxidant capacities. To our knowledge this is the first report showing differences and similarities in new kiwi fruit cultivars, using spectroscopic techniques. The fact that fluorescence spectral methods are applied as a powerful tool to show the photophysical properties of intrinsic fluorophores in protein molecules in the presence of fruit extracts is important in this study. In conclusion, the obtained knowledge would contribute to the pharmaceutical development and clinical application of kiwi fruit extracts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The aim of this study was to assess the contents of indigo''s bioactive compounds, its antioxidant and anticancer activities in acetone, hexane and DMSO extracts and to compare the overall bioactivity with another more used medicinal plant named prolipid. It was found that the contents of the bioactive compounds in the studied extracts from different parts of indigo plant varied (P <0.05): the significantly highest content of polyphenols and flavonoids was in DMSO extract of prolipid, flavanols – in acetone extract of brown seeds (P <0.05 in both cases) and tannins – in DMSO extract of green leaves, but not significantly (P >0.05). Also the level of antioxidant activity was different: the highest antioxidant activity of all studied samples was in prolipid: according to ABTS, FRAP and CUPRAC tests in DMSO extract (P <0.05 in all 3 cases), and only in acetone extract according to DPPH was not significant (P >0.05). The correlations between polyphenol compounds and the antioxidant activities were relatively high. DPPH kinetic measurements were used to compare and distinguish the antiradical activity among indigo extracts by multivariate analysis. The FT-IR spectroscopy evaluated the presence of polyphenols. The interaction between DMSO polyphenol extracts of indigo plant and BSA showed that indigo has a strong ability as other medicinal plants such as prolipid to quench the intrinsic fluorescence of BSA by forming complexes and was measured by 3-dimensional fluorescence (3D-FL). The highest anticancer activity was in prolipid in concentrations of 800μg/mL against Calu-6, following by indigo brown leaves. In conclusion, organic extracts of indigo brown leaves were analyzed for their antioxidant and anticancer activities and compared with prolipid, using polyphenols composition, antioxidant activities and fluorescence properties. The indigo ability to quench the intrinsic fluorescence of BSA, relatively high content of phenolic compounds and anticancer properties can be used as medicinal plant. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The effect of alginate-based edible coating as carrier of antibrowning agents (ascorbic and citric acid) on color, bioactive compounds content and antioxidant activity of fresh-cut mangoes ‘Kent’ stored at 4 °C were evaluated. The application of alginate edible coating in conjunction with antibrowning agents (ascorbic and citric acid) to mango cubes maintained higher color values (L* and °Hue) and increased vitamin C content compared to mango cubes treated only with alginate coating or control. Total phenols content, measured throughout the Folin–Ciocalteu method, was increased 2-fold in cubes coated with alginate plus antibrowning agent. This behavior was attributed to vitamin C addition and not to a real increase in phenolic compounds. However, mangoes coated with alginate plus antioxidant presented higher concentration of ρ-hydroxybenzoic and ellagic acid than those samples coated just only with alginate or control. Mango cubes with antibrowning agents had the highest antioxidant activity due the ascorbic acid addition. The combination of alginate and antibrowning agent preserved the color of fresh-cut mangoes and increased the antioxidant potential of cubes. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The influence of dipping in ascorbic acid, citric acid and calcium chloride (AA+CA+CaCl2) solution and storage time on color, bioactive compounds content and antioxidant activity of fresh-cut mango ‘Kent’ stored at 5°C was evaluated. The treated mangoes showed better color retention during storage than control mangoes. The dipping treatments with AA+CA+CaCl2 significantly increased the vitamin C values compared with untreated mango cubes. β-Carotene was not affected by dipping treatments and vitamin E showed a significant decline over storage time for both treated and untreated mango cubes. However, higher vitamin E values were found in treated mangoes. Dipped cubes had higher antioxidant activity measured as TEAC and %RSA than controls. In general, addition of ascorbic acid as an anti-browning agent not only retarded quality loss of fresh-cut mango cubes but also promoted significant increases in antioxidant activity in comparison with control samples. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• Annona species have been used in traditional medicine to treat different diseases. • All parts of Annona trees are a good source of bioactive compounds. • The compounds isolated from Annona species have interesting biological activities. • Underutilized Annona species are an alternative in the pharmacological industry. The genus Annona belongs to the family Annonaceae and includes several species of tropical and subtropical crops characterized by their edible and exotic fruits. Twenty species of Annona have been reported in Mexico, localized mainly in the tropical southeastern regions of the country. Most species, however, are not marketable and remain underutilized, and are often referred to as wild Annona species, but they are a valuable source of bioactive compounds. According to ethnobotanical evidence, extracts obtained from different Annona species and different parts of the plant (stem bark, leaves, roots, seeds, and peel) have been used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments. Most of their reported health benefits are attributed to the presence of bioactive compounds with various in vitro and in vivo biological activities, such as antidepressant, antidiabetic, neuroprotective, anticonvulsant, anti-inflammatory, antiproliferative, vasorelaxant, antipyretic, anti-ulcer, analgesic, and healing activities. Therefore, further extensive knowledge of these species especially information on their health benefits is essential to increase their cultivation and commercial use. The present review focuses on traditional uses of underutilized Annona species, their bioactive compounds content, and biological activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]