Gingerol content of diploid and tetraploid clones of ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe)

Ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe), a monocotyledonous, sterile cultigen, is widely used as a spice, flavoring agent, and herbal medicine. The pungency of fresh ginger is due to a series of homologous phenolic ketones of which [6]-gingerol is the major one. The gingerols are thermally unstable and can be converted to their corresponding shogaols, which are present in dried ginger. Fresh rhizomes of 17 clones of Australian ginger, including commercial cultivars and experimental tetraploid clones, were assayed by HPLC for gingerols and shogaols. [6]-Gingerol was identified as the major pungent phenolic compound in all samples, while [8]- and [10]-gingerol occurred in lower concentrations. One cultivar known as "Jamaican" contained the highest concentrations of all three gingerols and was the most pungent of the clones analyzed. Gingerols were stable in ethanolic solution over a 5-month period when stored at 4 degrees C. Shogaols were not identified in the extracts prepared from fresh rhizomes at ambient temperature, confirming that these compounds are not native constituents of fresh ginger. In contrast to previous findings, this study did not find significant differences in gingerol concentrations between the tetraploid clones and their parent diploid cultivar.     

Identification and quantification of coumarins in Peucedanum ostruthium (L.) Koch by HPLC-DAD and HPLC-DAD-MS

The rhizomes of Peucedanum ostruthium (L.) Koch (masterwort) are traditionally used in the alpine region as ingredient of liqueurs and bitters, and as a herbal drug. A sensitive and specific high-performance liquid chromatography-diode-array detection-mass spectrometry (HPLC-DAD-MS) method has been developed for the simultaneous identification and quantification of its main coumarins, oxypeucedanin hydrate, oxypeucedanin, ostruthol, imperatorin, osthole, isoimperatorin, and ostruthin. Fast HPLC separation could be achieved on an Acclaim C18 column (150 mm × 2.1 mm i.d., 3 μm) using a mobile phase gradient of acetonitrile-water modified with 0.01% acetic acid. The quantification by HPLC-DAD was performed with imperatorin as external standard and validated to demonstrate selectivity, linearity, precision, and accuracy. The content of the main coumarins was quantitated in various batches of commercial and field-collected rhizomes of Peucedanum ostruthium, as well as in beverages prepared thereof.     

Continuous whey fermentation using kefir yeast immobilized on delignified cellulosic material

Delignified cellulosic-supported biocatalyst, prepared by immobilization of kefir yeast on delignified cellulosic material (DCM), was found to be suitable for continuous, modified whey fermentation. The modified whey contained 1% raisin extract and molasses. Ethanol productivities ranged from 3.6 to 8.3 g L(-1)day(-1), whereas parameters such as ethanol concentration, residual sugars, and daily fermented whey productivity were acceptable for the production of potable alcohol and alcoholic drinks in industrial fermentations. The continuous fermentation bioreactor was operated for 39 days, stored for 18 days at 4 degrees C, and operated again for another 15 days without any diminution of the ethanol productivity. The concentrations of higher alcohols (propanol-1, isobutyl alcohol, and amyl alcohols) were low. The main volatile byproducts formed in the continuous process were similar to those observed in alcoholic beverages, and the fermented whey had a good aroma. The concentrations of higher alcohols were very low when compared to that of ethyl acetate, therefore resulting in a quality product. The possibility of using such a process for the production of potable alcohol or a novel, low-alcohol content drink is proposed.     

广东阳春双滘原产地产品沙姜的特征元素

植物特征元素及其组合能一定程度上反映特定区域对该地植被生长产生的影响。为了探讨元素及其组合能否作为原产地产品的元素指纹标记,分析了广东阳春双滘地区沙姜与土壤中十多种元素的含量、相关性及元素吸收系数。该研究中微量元素在沙姜和土壤中均具有较好的传承性;沙姜对各种元素的吸收具有差异性,沙姜与土壤中元素也具有一定的相关性;通过权重分析初步认定该区域沙姜特征元素为Mn、Zn、Mg、Sr、Cu、Ni、Fe。区域地球化学背景对原产地产品的影响值得深入探讨。     

Alcohol intake in relation to body mass index and waist-to-hip ratio: the importance of type of alcoholic beverage

OBJECTIVE: Alcohol consumption may play a role in the development of obesity but the relationship between alcohol and weight is still unclear. The aim of our study was to assess the cross-sectional association of intakes of total alcohol and of specific alcoholic beverages (wine, beer and spirits) with waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) and body mass index (BMI) in a large sample of adults from all over France. DESIGN: Cross-sectional. SETTING: Participants were free-living healthy volunteers of the SU.VI.MAX study (an intervention study on the effects of antioxidant supplementation on chronic diseases). SUBJECTS: For 1481 women aged 35-60 years and 1210 men aged 45-60 years, intakes of total alcohol and specific alcoholic beverages were assessed by six 24-hour dietary records. BMI and WHR were measured during a clinical examination the year after. RESULTS: A J-shaped relationship was found between total alcohol consumption and WHR in both sexes and between total alcohol consumption and BMI in men only (P<0.05). The same relationships were observed with wine (P<0.05); men and women consuming less than 100 g day(-1) had a lower BMI (men only) and WHR than non-drinkers or those consuming more. Spirits consumption was positively associated with BMI (linear regression coefficient beta=0.21, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.09-0.34 and beta=0.22, 95% CI: 0.06-0.39 for men and women, respectively) and WHR (beta=0.003, 95% CI: 0.001-0.005 and beta=0.003, 95%CI: 0.0002-0.006) in both sexes in a linear fashion. No relationship between beer consumption and BMI or WHR was found. CONCLUSION: If confirmed in longitudinal studies, our results indicate that consumption of alcoholic beverages may be a risk factor for obesity.     

Inhibition of acetate ester biosynthesis in banana (Musa sapientum L.) fruit pulp under anaerobic conditions

The effect of anaerobic conditions on acetate ester biosynthesis in ripened banana pulp was investigated. Incubation of the pulp in less than 1% O(2) resulted in a significant reduction in the formation of ethyl acetate. Regardless of the presence of a large amount of endogenous ethanol and the remaining exogenous isobutyl alcohol after complete anaerobic incubation with the pulp, the production of acetate ester decreased. The effect of addition of pyruvate, isobutyl alcohol, acetate, and methyl hexanoate on acetate ester formation in 100% N(2) was also investigated. The addition of pyruvate and isobutyl alcohol to the pulp gave lower acetate esters in N(2) than in air, whereas the pulp incubated with acetate and isobutyl alcohol produced more acetate ester in both conditions. Therefore, the lack of acetyl CoA, or more precisely acetate, in the tissue is the main reason for the inhibition of acetate ester formation under anaerobic conditions. The activity of beta-oxidation measured by incubation with methyl hexanoate was detected only in the samples incubated in air. The formation of acetyl CoA, derived from pyruvate through mitochondria and through beta-oxidation, was inhibited by anaerobic conditions, which suggests that mitochondrial activity and/or beta-oxidation are essential for ester biosynthesis.     

Multiresidue determination of pesticides in malt beverages by capillary gas chromatography with mass spectrometry and selected ion monitoring

A method was developed to determine pesticides in malt beverages using solid phase extraction on a polymeric cartridge and sample cleanup with a MgSO4-topped aminopropyl cartridge, followed by capillary gas chromatography with electron impact mass spectrometry in the selected ion monitoring mode [GC-MS(SIM)]. Three GC injections were required to analyze and identify organophosphate, organohalogen, and organonitrogen pesticides. The pesticides were identified by the retention times of peaks of the target ion and qualifier-to-target ion ratios. GC detection limits for most of the pesticides were 5-10 ng/mL, and linearity was determined from 50 to 5000 ng/mL. Fortification studies were performed at 10 ng/mL for three malt beverages that differ in properties such as alcohol content, solids, and appearance. The recoveries from the three malt beverages were greater than 70% for 85 of the 142 pesticides (including isomers) studied. The data showed that the different malt beverage matrixes had no significant effect on the recoveries. This method was then applied to the screening and analysis of malt beverages for pesticides, resulting in the detection of the insectide carbaryl and the fungicide dimethomorph in real samples. The study indicates that pesticide levels in malt beverages are significantly lower than the tolerance levels set by the United States Environmental Protection Agency for malt beverage starting ingredients. The use of the extraction/cleanup procedure and analysis by GC-MS(SIM) proved effective in screening malt beverages for a wide variety of pesticides.     

Reverse phase liquid chromatographic determination of aspartame in beverages and beverage mixes

A method is described for determining the artificial sweetener aspartame in beverages and beverage mixes by liquid chromatography. Aspartame is separated on a microC18 column, using a mobile phase of acetic acid, water, and isopropyl alcohol at pH 3.0 and UV detection at 254 nm. Beverages are filtered through 0.45 micron filters and injected directly into the chromatograph. Aspartame is eluted in approximately 7 min. Detection of aspartame is confirmed by a UV scan of the trapped peak. Aspartame is quantitated in the presence of other beverage additives such as saccharin, caffeine, sodium benzoate, artificial colors, and artificial flavors. Results are presented for spiked soda beverages, beverages from fruit-flavored mixes, instant tea, reconstituted presweetened drink mixes, and a powdered tabletop sweetener.     

Selectivity of Candida antarctica B lipase toward fatty acid and (Iso)propanol substrates in esterification reactions in organic media

Fatty acid (FA) selectivity of immobilized Candida antarctica B lipase was assessed as influenced by various cosubstrate systems for ester synthesis. Reaction mixtures contained a homologous series of even-chain n-acyl donor (C(4)(-)(16)) substrates (FA or their methyl esters, FAME) and a single alcohol cosubstrate (propanol, 2-propanol, or their acetate derivatives) in hexane. Multiple FA optima were often observed, with preferences for C(6) (or C(4)) followed by C(14) and sometimes C(10). The degree of selectivity among acyl donors was modest (up to 1.28-2.60, based on ratios of selectivity constants) and was dependent on the choice of cosubstrate system. Acyl group selectivity ranged up to 1.31-1.36 for [FA + alcohol], 1. 48-2.60 for [FAME + alcohol], 1.30-1.72 for [FA + alcohol acetate], and 1.28-1.88 [FAME + alcohol acetate] reaction systems. General shifts in selectivity were observed between short-chain (C(4)(-)(8)) and long-chain (C(10)(-)(16)) FA as groups with propanol cosubstrate, whereas shifts in reaction selectivity were observed toward specific FA(s) for 2-propanol cosubstrate. Selectivity among a series of alcohol cosubstrates ranged up to 13-fold in esterification reactions with C(6) FA.     

Comparison between cachaça and rum using pattern recognition methods

The differentiation between cacha?a and rum using analytical data referred to alcohols (methanol, propanol, isobutanol, and isopentanol), acetaldehyde, ethyl acetate, organic acids (octanoic acid, decanoic acid, and dodecanoic acid), metals (Al, Ca, Co, Cu, Cr, Fe, Mg, Mn, Ni, Na, and Zn), and polyphenols (protocatechuic acid, sinapaldehyde, syringaldehyde, ellagic acid, syringic acid, gallic acid, (-)-epicatechin, vanillic acid, vanillin, p-coumaric acid, coniferaldehyde, coniferyl alcohol, kaempferol, and quercetin) is described. The organic and metal analyte contents were determined in 18 cacha?a and 21 rum samples using chromatographic methods (GC-MS, GC-FID, and HPLC-UV-vis) and inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry, respectively. The analytical data of the above compounds, when treated by principal component analysis, hierarchical cluster analysis, discriminant analysis, and K-nearest neighbor analysis, provide a very good discrimination between the two classes of beverages.     

Sensory properties of virgin olive oil polyphenols: identification of deacetoxy-ligstroside aglycon as a key contributor to pungency

Polyphenols are an important functional minor component of virgin olive oils that are responsible for the key sensory characteristics of bitterness, pungency, and astringency. Polyphenols were isolated from virgin olive oils by using liquid/liquid extraction and then separated by using reverse phase HPLC followed by fraction collection. The sensory qualities of the isolated polyphenols were evaluated, and almost all fractions containing polyphenols were described as bitter and astringent. However, the fraction containing deacetoxy-ligstroside aglycon produced a strong burning pungent sensation at the back of the throat. In contrast, the fraction containing the analogous deacetoxy-oleuropein aglycon, at an equivalent concentration, produced only a slight burning/numbing sensation, which was perceived more on the tongue. No other polyphenol fractions from the analyzed oils produced the intense burning sensation; thus, deacetoxy-ligstroside aglycon is the polyphenol responsible for the majority of the burning pungent sensation found in pungent extra virgin olive oils.     

Essential oil composition of diploid and tetraploid clones of ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) grown in Australia

Ginger oil, obtained by steam distillation of the rhizome of Zingiber officinale Roscoe, is used in the beverage and fragrance industries. Ginger oil displays considerable compositional diversity, but is typically characterized by a high content of sesquiterpene hydrocarbons, including zingiberene, ar-curcumene, beta-bisabolene, and beta-sesquiphellandrene. Australian ginger oil has a reputation for possessing a particular "lemony" aroma, due to its high content of the isomers neral and geranial, often collectively referred to as citral. Fresh rhizomes of 17 clones of Australian ginger, including commercial cultivars and experimental tetraploid clones, were steam distilled 7 weeks post-harvest, and the resulting oils were analyzed by GC-MS. The essential oils of 16 of the 17 clones, including the tetraploid clones and their parent cultivar, were found to be of substantially similar composition. These oils were characterized by very high citral levels (51-71%) and relatively low levels of the sesquiterpene hydrocarbons typical of ginger oil. The citral levels of most of these oils exceeded those previously reported for ginger oils. The neral-to-geranial ratio was shown to be remarkably constant (0.61 +/- 0.01) across all 17 clones. One clone, the cultivar "Jamaican", yielded oil with a substantially different composition, lower citral content and higher levels of sesquiterpene hydrocarbons. Because this cultivar also contains significantly higher concentrations of pungent gingerols, it possesses unique aroma and flavor characteristics, which should be of commercial interest.     

Quantitative ester analysis in cachaca and distilled spirits by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS)

An analytical procedure for the separation and quantification of ethyl acetate, ethyl butyrate, ethyl hexanoate, ethyl lactate, ethyl octanoate, ethyl nonanoate, ethyl decanoate, isoamyl octanoate, and ethyl laurate in cachaca, rum, and whisky by direct injection gas chromatography-mass spectrometry was developed. The analytical method is simple, selective, and appropriated for the determination of esters in distilled spirits. The limit of detection ranged from 29 (ethyl hexanoate) to 530 (ethyl acetate) microg L(-1), whereas the standard deviation for repeatability was between 0.774% (ethyl hexanoate) and 5.05% (isoamyl octanoate). Relative standard deviation values for accuracy vary from 90.3 to 98.5% for ethyl butyrate and ethyl acetate, respectively. Ethyl acetate was shown to be the major ester in cachaca (median content of 22.6 mg 100 mL(-1) anhydrous alcohol), followed by ethyl lactate (median content of 8.32 mg 100 mL(-1) anhydrous alcohol). Cachaca produced in copper and hybrid alembic present a higher content of ethyl acetate and ethyl lactate than those produced in a stainless-steel column, whereas cachaca produced by distillation in a stainless-steel column present a higher content of ethyl octanoate, ethyl decanoate, and ethyl laurate. As expected, ethyl acetate is the major ester in whiskey and rum, followed by ethyl lactate for samples of rum. Nevertheless, whiskey samples exhibit ethyl lactate at contents lower or at the same order of magnitude of the fatty esters.     

加热处理对蜂蜜酒香气物质的影响

为研究适合蜂蜜酒发酵的优良工艺条件,以2批荆条蜜(白色和浅琥珀色)为原料,在酒精发酵前对发酵醪液进行加热处理,以不加热处理的样品为对照,采用酿酒酵母FX10进行发酵,发酵结束后测定蜂蜜酒的各项理化指标及挥发性化合物的含量。结果表明,供试酒样中共检测出77种挥发性物质,其中酯类39种、醇类20种、酸类8种、萜烯类4种、羰基化合物6种。加热处理可以显著增加蜂蜜酒中香气物质的种类和含量,含量较高的香气物质有乙酸乙酯、乙酸苯乙酯、乙酸异戊酯、己酸乙酯、辛酸乙酯、癸酸乙酯、月桂酸乙酯、9-十六碳烯酸乙酯、异戊醇、β-苯乙醇、辛酸和癸酸。对蜂蜜酒中香气物质进行主成分分析,发现加热处理的酒样中酯类物质对酒香贡献较大;对照酒样中酯类物质对酒香贡献较小,而醇类物质是其主要挥发性成分。本研究结果为蜂蜜酒的生产提供了一定的理论依据。     

Structure elucidation of a pungent compound in black cardamom: Amomum tsao-ko Crevost et Lemarié (Zingiberaceae)

Natural plant extracts containing taste modifier compounds will gain more commercial interest in the future. Black cardamom, Amomum tsao-ko Crevost et Lemarié, used as a spice in Asia, produces a nice refreshing effect in the mouth. Therefore, an ethyl acetate extract was prepared, and constituents were separated by liquid chromatography. Guided by the tasting of each fraction (LC tasting), a new pungent compound was discovered, (+/-)-trans-2,3,3a,7a-tetrahydro-1H-indene-4-carbaldehyde. To confirm this new structure, a synthesis was performed starting from cyclopentene-1-carbaldehyde. The Wittig conditions were determined to control the stereochemistry of the ring fusion to prepare (+/-)-trans-(2,3,3a,7a-tetrahydro-1 H-inden-4-yl) methanol and (+/-)-cis-(2,3,3a,7a-tetrahydro-1H-inden-4-yl) methanol. After oxidation, (+/-)-trans-2,3,3a,7a-tetrahydro-1H-indene-4-carbaldehyde and (+/-)-cis-2,3,3a,7a-tetrahydro-1H-indene-4-carbaldehyde were tasted in water and only the trans-2,3,3a,7a-tetrahydro-1H-indene-4-carbaldehyde, present in black cardamom, produced a trigeminal effect in the mouth.     

Liquid chromatographic determination of melamine in beverages

A liquid chromatographic method is described for the determination of melamine in beverages. Melamine is separated by column chromatography using cation and anion exchange resin and determined by ion-pair liquid chromatography using an ODS column and a mixture of acetonitrile and 0.05M phosphate buffer (pH 3.0) containing 0.005M sodium 1-laurylsulfate (1 + 4, v/v) as mobile phase. Recoveries of melamine ranged between 90.3 +/- 7.8 and 102.1 +/- 5.6% at levels of 0.6 to 2.4 ppm in 4 kinds of beverages. The quantitation limit was 2.5 micrograms melamine in 50 mL beverage. The method was applied to the migration test of melamine from melamine-formaldehyde resin products to the beverages.     

Acute effect of tea, wine, beer, and polyphenols on ecto-alkaline phosphatase activity in human vascular smooth muscle cells

Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) is an ecto-enzyme widely distributed across species. It modulates a series of transmembranar transport systems, has an important role in bone mineralization, and can also be involved in vascular calcification. Polyphenol-rich diets seem to have protective effects on human health, namely, in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases. We aimed to investigate the effects of polyphenols and polyphenol-rich beverages upon membranar alkaline phosphatase (ecto-ALP) activity in intact human vascular smooth muscle cells (AALTR). The ecto-ALP activity was determined at pH 7.8, with p-nitrophenyl phosphate as the substrate, by absorbance spectrophotometry at 410 nm. Cell viability was assessed by the lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) method, and the polyphenol content of beverages was assessed using the Folin-Ciocalteu reagent. All polyphenols tested inhibited ecto-ALP activity, in a concentration-dependent way. Teas, wines, and beers also inhibited ecto-ALP activity, largely according to their polyphenol content. All tested compounds and beverages improved or did not change AALTR cell viability. Stout beer was an exception to the described behavior. Although more studies must be done, the inhibition of AALTR ecto-ALP activity by polyphenolic compounds and polyphenol-containing beverages may contribute to their cardiovascular protective effects.     

Volatile constituents from Cinnamomum zeylanicum fruit stalks and their antioxidant activities

Cinnamomum zeylanicum Blume is an important spice and aromatic crop having wide applications in flavoring, perfumery, beverages, and medicines. The steam-distilled volatile oil from cinnamon fruit stalks was analyzed with GC and GC-MS. It showed the presence of hydrocarbons (44.7%) and oxygenated compounds (52.6%). Twenty-seven compounds constituting ca. 95.98% of the volatile oil were characterized. (E)-Cinnamyl acetate (36.59%) and (E)-caryophyllene (22.36%) are found to be major compounds. The volatile oil was screened for its potential as an antioxidant by using in vitro models, such as the beta-carotene-linoleate and phosphomolybdenum complex method. The volatile oil showed 55.94% and 66.9% antioxidant activity at 100 and 200 ppm concentration, respectively. Also, the volatile oil showed good antioxidant capacity, using the formation of the phosphomolybdenum complex. A comparison of the chemical composition of the volatile oil was made with that of buds, flowers, and fruits. This is the first report on the chemical composition of volatile oil of the fruit stalks of this species and its antioxidant activity.