Characterization of carotenoid pigments in mature and developing kernels of selected yellow-endosperm sorghum varieties

Sorghum is a critical source of food in the semiarid regions of sub-Saharan Africa and India and a potential source of dietary phytochemicals including carotenoids. The objective of this study was to determine the carotenoid profiles of sorghum cultivars, selected on the basis of their yellow-endosperm kernels, at various developmental stages. Following extraction from sorghum flours, carotenoids were separated by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with diode array detection. Total carotenoid content in fully matured yellow-endosperm sorghum kernels (0.112-0.315 mg/kg) was significantly lower (p < 0.05) than that in yellow maize (1.152 mg/kg) at physiological maturity. Variation in total carotenoids and within individual carotenoid species was observed in fully mature sorghum cultivars. For developing kernels, large increases in carotenoid content occurred between 10 and 30 days after half bloom (DAHB), resulting in a peak accumulation between 6.06 and 28.53 microg of total carotenoids per thousand kernels (TK). A significant (p < 0.05) decline was noted from 30 to 50 DAHB, resulting in a final carotenoid content of 2.62-15.02 microg/TK total carotenoids. (all-E)-Zeaxanthin was the most abundant carotenoid, ranging from 2.22 to 13.29 microg/TK at 30 DAHB. (all-E)-Beta-carotene was present in modest amounts (0.15-3.83 microg/TK). These data suggest the presence of genetic variation among sorghum cultivars for carotenoid accumulation in developing and mature kernels.     

Genotype, location, and year influence antioxidant activity, carotenoid content, phenolic content, and composition in specialty potatoes

The influence of genotype, location, and year on antioxidant activity (AOA), total phenolics (TP), total carotenoids (TC), and phenolic composition was studied using specialty (colored) potatoes ( Solanum tuberosum L.) from the Texas Potato Variety Development Program. Twenty-five potato genotypes were grown at two Texas locations (McCook and Dalhart) and in two years (2003 and 2004). The AOA, TP, and TC differed significantly with genotype (G), location (L), and year (Y). Phenolic composition differed significantly among genotypes and between locations. The AOA, TP, and chlorogenic acid content were significantly correlated with one another. Genotypic effects were significant for all parameters measured and were larger than location and year effects. Interaction effects (G x L and G x L x Y) were significant for most parameters, but were relatively smaller than genotypic effects. Lutein and violaxanthin were the major carotenoids identified, and genotypes differed significantly in their carotenoid content. Genotypes CO112F2-2P/P and ATTX98013-1R/R were stable between locations and years with high AOA and TP, suggesting that they could be used as parents in breeding varieties with improved health benefits.     

Carotenoid Composition and Changes in Sweet and Field Corn (Zea mays) During Kernel Development

Kernels of two carotenoid‐rich cultivars, sweet corn Jingtian 5 and field corn Suyu 29, were compared in terms of carotenoid composition during corn kernel development. The results showed that eight principal carotenoids were characterized by HPLC with diode array detection and atmospheric pressure chemical ionization tandem mass spectrometry with a C30 column. During kernel development, there was a similar trend in the change of total carotenoids for both corn cultivars, and the variation of individual carotenoids was also somewhat similar; violaxanthin, zeaxanthin, lutein, α‐cryptoxanthin, and β‐cryptoxanthin contents had upward trends, whereas neoxanthin content declined all the time, and α‐carotene and β‐carotene had no significant changes. However, the highest levels of the major carotenoids lutein (41.61 µg/g, dry weight) and zeaxanthin (39.59 µg/g, dry weight) obtained in field corn Suyu 29 during the milk stage were higher than those in sweet corn Jingtian 5, whereas the other individual carotenoid levels were significantly lower. Compared with the grain color, highly significant positive correlations were observed between zeaxanthin, lutein, and violaxanthin contents and deeper yellow/orange coloration indicators for field corn Suyu 29, but these relationships were weak for sweet corn Jingtian 5. Potential genetic variation might exist for carotenoid accumulation in sweet and field corn kernels.     

Comparison of fatty acid and polar lipid contents of tubers from two potato species, Solanum tuberosum and Solanum phureja

Total and individual fatty acid contents were determined in raw tubers of four genotypes from each of the two species Solanum phureja and S. tuberosum. The four S. phureja genotypes contained statistically significantly higher concentrations of total fatty acids, with their average value being 37% greater than that for the mean of the four S. tuberosum cultivars. In both species, a total of 17 fatty acids were detected in quantifiable amounts, and in all genotypes the predominant fatty acid was linoleic followed by alpha-linolenic and palmitic acids. Unusually, 15-methyl hexadecanoate was present as a minor acid in both species. Although a number of statistically significant differences in the fatty acid percentage compositions were found between and within the two species, these were generally small. Averaged over all species and genotypes, tuber storage resulted in an initial small but statistically significant increase in total fatty acid content, but prolonged storage resulted in a fall to the initial values detected close to harvest. The same trend was evident for S. phureja alone (for mean values of all genotypes), but for S. tuberosum the total fatty acid content remained constant over the whole storage period. For both species, the contents (both as absolute levels and as percent compositions) of linoleic acid decreased and alpha-linolenic acid increased in tubers over the whole storage period, and possible mechanisms are discussed. Also, the absolute levels of these two acids were greater in S. phureja than in S. tuberosum, and this is discussed in relation to the development of flavor-related compounds during cooking. The polar lipids of one representative of S. tuberosum and of S. phureja were qualitatively similar. There were only minor differences in the polar lipid percentage compositions and in the corresponding fatty acid compositions of the individual polar lipids between the two species, although the absolute levels of the total, and of some individual, polar lipids were higher in S. phureja.     

Carotenoid bioaccessibility from whole grain and degermed maize meal products

Although yellow maize (Zea mays) fractions and products are a source of dietary carotenoids, only limited information is available on the bioavailability of these pigments from maize-based foods. To better understand the distribution and bioavailability of carotenoid pigments from yellow maize (Z. mays) products, commercial milled maize fractions were screened for carotenoid content as were model foods including extruded puff, bread, and wet cooked porridge. Carotenoid content of maize fractions ranged from a low of 1.77-6.50 mg/kg in yellow maize bran (YCB) to 12.04-17.94 mg/kg in yellow corn meal (YCM). Lutein and zeaxanthin were major carotenoid species in maize milled fractions, accounting for approximately 70% of total carotenoid content. Following screening, carotenoid bioaccessibility was assessed from model foods using a simulated three-stage in vitro digestion process designed to measure transfer of carotenoids from the food matrix to bile salt lipid micelles (micellarization). Micellarization efficiency of xanthophylls was similar from YCM extruded puff and bread (63 and 69%), but lower from YCM porridge (48%). Xanthophyll micellarization from whole yellow corn meal (WYCM) products was highest in bread (85%) and similar in extruded puff and porridge (46 and 47%). For extruded puffs and breads, beta-carotene micellarization was 10-23%, but higher in porridge (40-63%), indicating that wet cooking may positively influence bioaccessibility of apolar carotenes. The results suggest that maize-based food products are good dietary sources of bioaccessible carotenoids and that specific food preparation methods may influence the relative bioaccessibility of individual carotenoid species.     

Kinetics of carotenoids degradation during the storage of einkorn (Triticum monococcum L. ssp. monococcum) and bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L. ssp. aestivum) flours

To evaluate the effect of storage temperature, the degradation kinetics of carotenoids in wholemeal and white flour of einkorn cv. Monlis and bread wheat cv. Serio, stored at -20, 5, 20, 30, and 38 degrees C, was assessed by normal-phase high-performance liquid chromatography. In Monlis, the carotenoids content (8.1 and 9.8 mg/kg for wholemeal and white flour, respectively) was 8-fold higher than in Serio (1.0 and 1.1 mg/kg). Only lutein and zeaxanthin were detected in bread wheat, while significant quantities of (alpha and beta)-carotene and beta-cryptoxanthin were observed in einkorn. Carotenoids degradation was influenced by temperature and time, following first-order kinetics. The degradation rate was similar in wholemeal and white flour; however, loss of lutein and total carotenoids was faster in Serio than in Monlis. The activation energy E(a) ranged from 35.2 to 52.5 kJ/mol. Temperatures not exceeding 20 degrees C better preserve carotenoids content and are recommended for long-term storage.     

Effects of salinity stress on carotenoids, anthocyanins, and color of diverse tomato genotypes

One nonanthocyanin-accumulating (Ailsa Craig) and three anthocyanin-accumulating tomato genotypes (Anthocyanin fruit type, Atroviolaceum, and Sun Black) were analyzed to assess differences in their carotenoid and anthocyanin levels and color and to evaluate the effects of nutrient solutions with different salt concentrations on these parameters. The carotenoid content of control Atroviolaceum tomatoes was ca. 2-2.5-fold higher relative to the other two types, and the color of its puree could be visually distinguished from those of other genotypes. Salinity stress led in some cases to a 2-3-fold increase in the lycopene content. Saline treatment increased the accumulation of total anthocyanins in fruits of Sun Black (2-fold increase), while it reduced it in fruits of Anthocyanin (10-fold decrease). In general, the treatment increased the differences in color of different purees. These results indicate that salinity stress can lead to similar or higher increases in tomato carotenoids than those achieved by genetic engineering. In addition, these changes were accompanied by visually discernible color differences in tomato products. Our findings show the considerable potential of exploiting saline soils to obtain tomatoes with higher levels of secondary metabolites like carotenoids and anthocyanins.     

Effects of genotype,environment, and postharvest storage on the total ascorbate content of potato (Solanum tuberosum) tubers

The total ascorbate content of potato tubers from 33 Solanum tuberosum genotypes grown at three geographically diverse sites in Europe in each of two years was determined immediately postharvest and after approximately 4 months of storage at 4 degrees C. Statistically significant differences in total ascorbate concentration were observed between genotypes both at harvest and after storage. In all genotypes, the levels of ascorbate decreased during storage. These results are discussed in terms of their implications for diet and health as well as in terms of breeding for improved vitamin C content in potatoes.     

Aging, free radicals, and antioxidants in wheat seeds

Free radical oxidative attack is considered a major cause of disruption and deteriorative changes observed in aged seeds. Antioxidant defense mechanisms may remove potentially damaging molecular species, and carotenoids may act as radical scavengers. The content of lutein, the major carotenoid in wheat seeds, was determined in the flours. It showed a rapid decrease during seed aging. In addition, the content of free radicals in glutens made from flours of wheat seeds after long-term storage was studied. The concentration of radicals appeared to be age dependent, because the highest content of radicals was detected between 13 and 15 years of aging over 36 years of storage. Specific spin labeling of the sulfhydryl groups of gluten proteins enabled comparative EPR studies of the rigidity of the protein chains. A progressive stiffening of polymeric gluten with seed storage was found.     

Vitamin C,provitamin A carotenoids,and other carotenoids in high-pressurized orange juice during refrigerated storage

Vitamin C, provitamin A carotenoids, and other carotenoids were measured in freshly squeezed juices from oranges (Citrus sinensis L. var. Valencia late) that were subjected to high-pressure (HP) treatment. Also, the stability of these compounds was studied during refrigerated storage at 4 degrees C. HP treatment is an alternative to heat preservation methods for foods; therefore, it is essential to assess the impact of HP on bioactive compounds. Several processes that combine HP treatment with heat treatment for various time periods were assayed: T0, fresh juice (without treatment); T1, 100 MPa/60 degrees C/5 min; T2, 350 MPa/30 degrees C/2.5 min; T3, 400 MPa/40 degrees C/1 min. Fresh and treated samples were kept refrigerated (4 degrees C) over 10 days. After application of HP and during the refrigeration period, the qualitative and quantitative determination of vitamin C, provitamin A carotenoids (beta- and alpha-carotene; beta- and alpha-cryptoxanthin), and the xanthophylls zeaxanthin and lutein was achieved by high-performance liquid chromatography. T1 and T3 juices showed a decrease in ascorbic acid and total vitamin C just after HP treatment (D0) compared with T0 juices. On the contrary, T2 juices, just after HP treatment (D0), had the same levels of both compounds compared to untreated juices. T1, T2, and T3 treatments led to an increase in the extraction of carotenoids and provitamin A carotenoids. Total carotenoid content after the 10-day refrigerated storage period resulted in no significant quantitative changes in T1 juices, whereas in T2 and T3 juices small losses were found at the end of the storage period (20.56 and 9.16%, respectively). These losses could be influenced by the depleted protection of vitamin C toward carotenoid oxidation during the same period. A similar trend was found in provitamin A carotenoids for the different treated juices.     

Effects of heating and illumination on trans-cis isomerization and degradation of beta-carotene and lutein in isolated spinach chloroplasts

The influence of thermal treatment and light exposure on degradation and isomerization of the predominant carotenoids (lutein and beta-carotene) occurring in green leafy vegetables was assessed. The effect of lipid addition on carotenoid stability was also evaluated. For the first time, the stabilities of pure carotenoids and chloroplast-bound carotenoids were compared. Besides degradation, heating caused carotenoid isomerization in all samples. Whereas pure carotenoids favor 13-cis isomers, in native chloroplasts and heated chloroplasts 9-cis isomers were predominant. Illumination of freshly prepared chloroplast isolates caused an initial increase in the level of lutein (9.6%) and beta-carotene (29.8%), while pure carotenoids exhibited time-dependent degradation. The addition of lipids to chloroplast preparations had the reverse effects on the retention of both carotenoids after heating; isomerization was not significantly affected. It was demonstrated that carotenoid stability has to be evaluated for every individual pigment in its genuine environment. Stability data based on model systems (e.g., pure carotenoids) may not be transferred to complex food matrices without intensive investigation.     

Influence of drying and storage on lipid and carotenoid stability of the microalga Phaeodactylum tricornutum

The influence of short-term storage and spray- and freeze-drying of fresh microalgal paste on the stability of lipids and carotenoids of Phaeodactylum tricornutum was investigated. Furthermore, the effects of storage time (14 and 35 days) and condition (vacuum packed vs non vacuum packed, -20 °C vs 4 °C vs 20 °C) after spray- and freeze-drying were studied. Total lipid content, free fatty acid content, carotenoid content and degree of lipid oxidation were measured. No effects of spray- and freeze-drying and subsequent storage were found on total lipid content, except for short-term storage of the fresh microalgal paste, which led to pronounced lipolysis and therefore a lower total lipid content. Freeze-dried microalgae were found to be more susceptible to lipolysis upon storage than spray-dried microalgae. On the other hand, spray-dried microalgae were more susceptible to oxidation than freeze-dried microalgae, possibly due to breakdown of protecting carotenoids upon spray-drying. Hardly any effect of storage condition was observed for any of the parameters tested.     

Assessment of carotenoid bioavailability of whole foods using a Caco-2 cell culture model coupled with an in vitro digestion

Epidemiological studies have shown that consumption of carotenoid-rich fruits and vegetables is associated with a reduced risk of developing chronic diseases. beta-Carotene, alpha-carotene, and beta-cryptoxanthin are precursors of vitamin A, a nutrient essential for human health. However, little is known about the bioavailability of carotenoids from whole foods. This study characterized the intestinal uptake performance of carotenoids using monolayers of differentiated Caco-2 human intestinal cells and mimicked human digestion to assess carotenoid absorption from carrots and corn. Results showed that Caco-2 cellular uptake of beta-carotene and zeaxanthin was higher than that of lutein. Uptake performances of pure carotenoids and carotenoids from whole foods by Caco-2 cells were both curvilinear, reaching saturated levels after 4 h of incubation. The time kinetics and dose response of carotenoid uptake presented a similar pattern in Caco-2 cells after plating for 2 and 14 days. Furthermore, the applicability of this new model was verified with whole grain corn, showing that cooked corn grain significantly enhanced carotenoid bioavailability. These results support the feasibility of the in vitro digestion cell model for assessing carotenoid absorption from whole foods as a suitable and cost-effective physiological alternative to current methodologies.     

朱红橘果实成熟过程中类胡萝卜素的积累及相关基因的表达分析

为探究朱橘类果实成熟过程中类胡萝卜素的积累及相关基因的表达模式,本研究以朱红橘为材料,使用手持色差仪测定果实成熟过程中果皮和果肉的色差值,利用液相色谱串联质谱(LC-MS/MS)检测类胡萝卜素组分的含量变化,并利用实时荧光定量PCR(qRT-PCR)分析类胡萝卜素代谢相关基因的表达.结果表明,朱红橘成熟过程中,果皮和果...     

低O2高CO2贮藏环境对马铃薯块茎淀粉-糖代谢的影响

为明确低O2高CO2贮藏环境对马铃薯块茎淀粉-糖代谢的影响,本试验以大西洋马铃薯为试验材料,研究体积分数为5％O2+2％ CO2(CA1)、5％O2+4％ CO2 (CA2)、5％O2+6％CO2(CA3)、5％O2+8％CO2(CA4)及5％O2+10％CO2(CA5)的气体环境对马铃薯在4℃贮藏期间块茎中糖类、淀粉...     

Effect of orange juice's processing on the color, particle size, and bioaccessibility of carotenoids

This study was aimed at assessing the differences between industrially processed and hand-squeezed orange juices (OJs) in relation to their color, particle size, carotenoid content, and carotenoid bioaccessibility. Specifically, industrial samples of fresh squeezed OJs after the finishing steps (FISO) and the same OJs after pasteurization (PISO), as well as hand-squeezed OJs (HSO) were studied. The results showed that the HSO and PISO were different (p < 0.05) in terms of color (darker and more reddish vs brighter, more yellowish and colorful), particle size (volume and surface area mean diameter), and total carotenoid content (29 ± 5 and 22 ± 3 mg/L, respectively). On the other hand, the industrial extraction of OJs reduced the particle size distribution, and accordingly, the relative bioaccessibility of bioactive carotenoids increased (p < 0.01). Independently of the type of OJ, the bioaccessibility of carotenoids in decreasing order was the following: α-carotene > β-cryptoxanthin > β-carotene > zeaxanthin > lutein.     

Salt in irrigation water affects the nutritional and visual properties of romaine lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.)

The influence of salinity stress on the growth, appearance, and nutritional compounds, especially phenolic compounds and carotenoids, of romaine lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.), a low salt tolerant plant, was studied. The dry weight, height, and color of the lettuce plants were significantly changed by long-term irrigation (15 days) with higher NaCl concentration (i.e., >100 mM). However, no significant differences were observed in the growth and appearance among the control, all short-term treatments (2 days; 50, 100, 500, and 1000 mM), and long-term irrigation with low salt concentration. Moreover, in romaine lettuce treated with long-term irrigation with 5 mM NaCl, the total carotenoid content increased without color change, and the contents of major carotenoids in romaine lettuce, lutein and beta-carotene, increased 37 and 80%, respectively. No differences were observed in lutein and beta-carotene contents in short-term-treated lettuce. The phenolic content of the romaine lettuce declined with short-term salt irrigation, whereas there were no significant differences among treatments exposed to long-term irrigation. This research indicates that long-term irrigation with relatively low salt concentration, rather than short-term irrigation with high salt concentration, can increase carotenoid content in romaine lettuce without causing a tradeoff in yield or visual quality.     

Antioxidant profiling of native Andean potato tubers (Solanum tuberosum L.) reveals cultivars with high levels of beta-carotene, alpha-tocopherol, chlorogenic acid, and petanin

The antioxidant profile of 23 native Andean potato cultivars has been investigated from a human nutrition perspective. The main carotenoid and tocopherol compounds were studied using high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with a diode array detector (HPLC-DAD) and a fluorescence detector, respectively, whereas polyphenols (including anthocyanins in colored tubers) were identified by means of both HPLC-mass spectrometry and HPLC-DAD. Antioxidant profiling revealed significant genotypic variations as well as cultivars of particular interest from a nutritional point of view. Concentrations of the health-promoting carotenoids, lutein and zeaxanthin, ranged from 1.12 to 17.69 microg g(-1) of dry weight (DW) and from 0 to 17.7 microg g(-1) of DW, with cultivars 704353 and 702472 showing the highest levels in lutein and zeaxanthin, respectively. Whereas beta-carotene is rarely reported in potato tubers, remarkable levels of this dietary provitamin A carotenoid were detected in 16 native varieties, ranging from 0.42 to 2.19 microg g(-1) of DW. The amounts of alpha-tocopherol found in Andean potato tubers, extending from 2.73 to 20.80 microg g(-1) of DW, were clearly above the quantities generally reported for commercial varieties. Chlorogenic acid and its isomers dominated the polyphenolic profile of each cultivar. Dark purple-fleshed tubers from the cultivar 704429 contained exceptionally high levels of total anthocyanins (16.33 mg g(-1) of DW). The main anthocyanin was identified as petanin (petunidin-3-p-coumaroyl-rutinoside-5-glucoside). The results suggest that Andean potato cultivars should be exploited in screening and breeding programs for the development of potato varieties with enhanced health and nutritional benefits.     

Comparison of the bioavailability of natural palm oil carotenoids and synthetic beta-carotene in humans

Palm oil carotenoids are a mixture of alpha- and beta-carotenes, which are used as food colorants. They may also be applied as a functional food ingredient because of the provitamin A activity of alpha- and beta-carotenes and their proposed beneficial roles in the prevention of chronic diseases. This paper discusses the results of an incomplete balanced crossover study with 69 healthy adult volunteers to compare palm oil carotenoids with synthetic beta-carotene in their efficacies to increase plasma levels of carotenoids. Four days of supplementation with natural palm oil carotenoids (7.6 mg/day of alpha-carotene, 11.9 mg/day of all-trans-beta-carotene, 7.5 mg/day of cis-beta-carotene) or synthetic beta-carotene (23.8 mg/day of all-trans-beta-carotene, 4.4 mg/day of cis-beta-carotene), added to a mixed meal, resulted in significant increases in plasma levels of the supplied carotenoids as compared to consumption of a low-carotenoid meal (i.e., 7.2-fold increase in alpha-carotene and 3.5-fold increase in all-trans-beta-carotene following palm oil carotenoids; 6.9-fold increase in all-trans beta-carotene following synthetic beta-carotene). As the carotenoid content differed between the treatments, the relative plasma responses were calculated per milligram of beta-carotene intake. These were similar for the two supplements, suggesting that the presence of alpha-carotene does not affect the bioavailability of beta-carotene from palm oil. It was concluded that 4 days of supplementation with palm oil carotenoids or synthetic beta-carotene improves the plasma beta-carotene status substantially, whereas alpha-carotene is additionally delivered by the palm oil supplement.