Polyphenolic composition of raisins

The polyphenolics of raisins were extracted, separated by HPLC, and characterized by their UV-vis spectra, and their concentrations measured. Color measurements and browning indices were also determined. Samples (n = 20) included sun-dried, dipped, and golden raisins. Comparisons were also made with fresh and frozen Thompson Seedless grapes. Golden raisins (which are treated with SO(2)) had the highest amount of hydroxycinnamic acids and the highest lightness values. In comparison with fresh grapes, percent losses of the two major hydroxycinnamics (caftaric and coutaric acids) in sun-dried, dipped, and golden raisins were on the order of 90%. Flavonols were not influenced by processing as much as hydroxycinnamics, while procyanidins and flavan-3-ols were completely degraded in all raisin samples. Formation of hydroxymethylfurfural and loss of amino acids in sun-dried and dipped raisins are ascribed to Maillard browning reactions.     

快速脱水抑制葡萄干制过程中膜脂过氧化及褐变

为探索脱水速度对无核白葡萄干制过程中膜脂过氧化作用及褐变的影响,以新疆无核白葡萄为试验材料,经过葡萄促干剂处理后,采用快速脱水和缓慢脱水2种处理,质量每减轻10%进行取样,测定脱水过程中果实干基含水率、干燥速率、褐变度、细胞膜透性、丙二醛(malonaldehyde,MDA)含量、脂氧合酶(lipoxygenase,LOX)、超氧化物歧化酶(superoxide dismutase,SOD)、过氧化氢酶(catalase,CAT)、过氧化物酶(peroxidase,POD)、多酚氧化酶(polyphenol oxidase,PPO)活性以及总酚含量的变化。结果表明:与缓慢脱水相比,快速脱水处理显著(P0.05)降低了无核白葡萄褐变度的上升,减少MDA生成量以及膜透性的增加,抑制LOX活性的升高,保持较高的活性氧清除酶SOD、CAT及POD活性及较高的总酚含量,且使PPO活性保持在一个较低的水平。因此认为,快速脱水可以有效地抑制无核白葡萄的膜脂过氧化作用对细胞膜的破坏,保持细胞的完整性,且PPO活性较低,从而减少无核白葡萄脱水褐变的发生。研究结果为快速脱水在无核白葡萄干制中的应用提供参考。     

Residues of azoxystrobin from grapes to raisins

Azoxystrobin, a fungicide of the strobilurin group, has an European Union maximum residue level (MRL) of 2 mg/kg for grapes. This work aimed to assess residues on fresh and washed grapes and on raisins following processing with (i) alkali treatment and sun drying and (ii) sun drying only. QUADRIS 25% SC was applied according to good agricultural practice for two consecutive years on a typical cv. Thomson seedless and a seed-producing clone. Samples were collected 0, 15, and 21 days postapplication and analyzed using gas chromatography/electron capture detection; recoveries were 86 +/- 12% for grapes and 99 +/- 15% for raisins. Residues on grapes were 0.49-1.84 mg/kg, and washing removed 75% of the residue. Residues in raisins produced from seedless grapes were 0.51-1.49 (treatment 1) and 1.42-2.08 mg/kg (treatment 2), with residue transfer factors sometimes >1, even following alkali treatment, which reduced residues considerably. To avoid trade problems, a higher MRL for raisins is necessary.     

Grape seed proanthocyanidins prevent plasma postprandial oxidative stress in humans

Postprandial hyperlipemia is a well-defined risk factor for atherosclerosis. A reasonable contributing mechanism could involve the postprandial increase of plasma lipid hydroperoxides (LPO) affecting the oxidant/antioxidant balance and increasing the susceptibility of LDL to oxidation. Wine has been shown to prevent both these events. The present study was designed to investigate the effect of supplementing a meal with grape seed proanthocyanidins (the main phenolic antioxidant of red wine) on plasma postprandial oxidative stress. In two different sessions, 8 healthy volunteers consumed the same test meal rich in oxidized and oxidizable lipids without (control) or with 300 mg of a proanthocyanidin-rich grape seeds extract (GSE). Lipid hydroperoxide concentration, antioxidant status, and LDL resistance to oxidative modification were measured in postprandial plasma. The content of LPO in chylomicrons was 1.5-fold higher after the control meal than after the GSE-supplemented meal. Plasma LPO increased only after consumption of the control meal. The plasma antioxidant capacity increased in the postprandial phase only following the GSE supplemented meal. LDL isolated 3 h after the control meal tended to be more susceptible to oxidative modification (but the difference did not reach statistical significance). An opposite trend was observed following the GSE supplemented meal. In conclusion, the supplementation of a meal with GSE minimizes the postprandial oxidative stress by decreasing the oxidants and increasing the antioxidant levels in plasma, and, as a consequence, enhancing the resistance to oxidative modification of LDL.     

Evolution of antioxidant capacity during storage of selected fruits and vegetables

Interest in the consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables is, to a large extent, due to its content of bioactive nutrients and their importance as dietary antioxidants. Among all of the selected fruits and vegetables, strawberries and black grapes have relatively high antioxidant capacities associated with high contents of total phenolic compounds, ascorbic acid, and flavonols. More interesting, the results of this study indicated that in most fruits and vegetables storage did not affect negatively the antioxidant capacity. Better, in some cases, an increase of the antioxidant capacity was observed in the days following their purchase, accompanied by an increase in phenolic compounds. In general, fruits and vegetables visually spoil before any significant antioxidant capacity loss occurs except in banana and broccoli. When ascorbic acid or flavonoids (aglycons of flavonols and anthocyanins) were concerned, the conclusions were similar. Their content was generally stable during storage.     

Phenolic composition of the Brazilian seedless table grape varieties BRS Clara and BRS Morena

The detailed phenolic composition (anthocyanins, flavonols, hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives, stilbenes, and flavan-3-ols) in the skin and flesh of the new BRS Clara and BRS Morena seedless table grapes has been studied using HPLC-DAD-ESI-MS/MS. The two grapes, especially BRS Morena, contained high amounts of phenolic compounds, mainly located in their skins and qualitatively not different from those found in Vitis vinifera grapes. In addition, BRS Morena (a teinturier variety) showed qualitatively different phenolic compositions in its skin and flesh, mainly affecting the anthocyanin and flavonol profiles. Consistent with high phenolic contents, high antioxidant capacity values were registered for both grape varieties, especially for BRS Morena. Proanthocyanidins and hydroxycinnamoyl-tartaric acids were the major phenolic compounds found in BRS Clara and were also important in BRS Morena, although anthocyanins were the main phenolic compounds in the latter case. These results suggest that the entire grapes, including the skin, may potentially possess properties that are beneficial to human health. In this context, the BRS Morena grape can be considered as a high resveratrol producer.     

Influence of cultivar, harvest time, storage conditions, and peeling on the antioxidant capacity and phenolic and ascorbic acid contents of apples and pears

Apple and pear fruits are important sources of secondary plant metabolites and one of the major sources of dietary phenolics consumed all year round. The aim of this work was to identify the main variables influencing phenolic content and antioxidant capacity in apples. Higher phenolic and antioxidant contents were observed in some varieties (such as the Delbar Estival apple and Durondeau pear). Storage conditions were important. Our results also showed that fruits should be consumed rapidly after purchase and with their peel. After one week of domestic storage, the ascorbic acid content was found to decrease by 75%. Peeling led to a more than 25% decrease in total phenolics and ascorbic acid. The harvest time (at normal ripeness) had only a limited impact, but significant year-to-year variations were observed. In conclusion, well-chosen and well-stored apples and pears may contribute to an antioxidant-rich diet if consumed rapidly and with their peel.     

Antioxidant capacity of lettuce leaf tissue increases after wounding

Wounding induced the accumulation of phenolic compounds in Iceberg and Romaine lettuce leaf tissue. Phenolic concentrations were quantified after holding the leaf tissue at 10 degrees C for 48 h as the absorbance of a methanol extract at 320 nm, and by the Folin-Ciocalteu method. Heat-shock treatments applied by immersing tissue in 45 degrees C water for 2.5 min before or after wounding reduced the accumulation of phenolic compounds. Compared to the nonwounded, nonheat-shocked controls, these and other wounding and heat-shock treatments produced leaf tissue with a 4-fold range in phenolic content. The antioxidant capacity of the tissue, measured as DPPH (alpha,alpha-diphenyl-beta-picrylhydrazyl)-radical scavenging activity, or as ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), increased after wounding. The increase was linearly correlated with the increase in phenolic compounds in Iceberg (R(2) > 0.97) and in Romaine (R(2) > 0.95) lettuce leaf tissue. Increased consumption of diets rich in phenolic antioxidants may contribute to reducing human diseases. Treatments that reduce the browning of wounded lettuce leaf tissue by preventing the oxidation of the accumulated wound-induced phenolic compounds may produce a healthier fresh-cut product than treatments that prevent the wound-induced synthesis and accumulation of phenolic compounds with antioxidant properties.     

Buckwheat honey increases serum antioxidant capacity in humans

Honey has been known to exert significant in vitro antioxidant activity, in part due to its phenolic content. However, conclusions that the antioxidants in honey are or are not efficacious in the human body cannot be reached if its antioxidant action is not assessed as part of a human study. In the present study, the acute effect of consumption of 500 mL of water, water with buckwheat honey, black tea, black tea with sugar, or black tea with buckwheat honey on serum oxidative reactions was examined in 25 healthy men. Antioxidant capacity of human serum samples was measured using different methods: the oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) assay, ex vivo susceptibility of serum lipoprotein to Cu(2+)-induced oxidation, and the thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) assay. The results showed that the serum antioxidant capacity determined by ORAC increased significantly (p < 0.05) by 7% following consumption of buckwheat honey in water. No significant changes in serum antioxidant capacity could be established after the consumption of any of the other beverages. Ex vivo serum lipoprotein oxidation and TBARS values were not significantly altered after consumption of any of the five beverages. This study provides primary evidence of the in vivo antioxidant activity of buckwheat honey. However, long-term studies and epidemiological data are necessary to investigate whether honey consumption can exert overall antioxidant-related health benefits.     

Raisin dietary fiber composition and in vitro bile acid binding

Raisins are dried grapes that are popular shelf-stable snacks. Three commercially important types of raisins were studied: sun-dried (natural), artificially dried (dipped), and sulfur dioxide-treated (golden) raisins. Dietary fiber composition was analyzed by AACC method 32-25. Polysaccharides were hydrolyzed, and the resulting sugars were analyzed by colorimetric and gas chomatographic methods. Fructans were measured with a colorimetric kit assay. Total dietary fiber values agreed with published values, with pectins and neutral polysaccharides of mannose and glucose residues predominating. Dipped raisins had over 8% fructans. No fructans were found in fresh grapes. Raisin types varied in their ability to bind bile acids in vitro. Coarsely chopped raisins bound more bile than did finely chopped or whole raisins.     

Occurrence of fumonisins B(2) and B(4) in retail raisins

Concerns that raisins may be contaminated by fumonisins stem from the persistent occurrence of Aspergillus niger spores on raisins and the recent discovery of fumonisin production by A. niger on grapes, which leads to the widespread occurrence of fumonisin B(2) in wine. This study presents an LC-MS/MS survey of fumonisins in retail raisins. In 10 of 21 brands collected in Denmark, Germany, and The Netherlands, fumonisins B(2) and B(4) were detected at levels up to 13 and 1.3 μg/kg, respectively. Only fumonisin B(2) has been detected in wine, so the presence of fumonisin B(4) in raisins suggests that the fumonisins are produced mainly during the drying process concomitant with the decreasing water activity. Analysis of multiple packages from one manufacturer showed a 3-fold package-to-package variation, suggesting that a few raisins per package are contaminated.     

Major flavonoids in grape seeds and skins: antioxidant capacity of catechin, epicatechin, and gallic acid

Grape seeds and skins are good sources of phytochemicals such as gallic acid, catechin, and epicatechin and are suitable raw materials for the production of antioxidative dietary supplements. The differences in levels of the major monomeric flavanols and phenolic acids in seeds and skins from grapes of Vitis vinifera varieties Merlot and Chardonnay and in seeds from grapes of Vitis rotundifolia variety Muscadine were determined, and the antioxidant activities of these components were assessed. The contribution of the major monomeric flavonols and phenolic acid to the total antioxidant capacity of grape seeds and skins was also determined. Gallic acid, monomeric catechin, and epicatechin concentrations were 99, 12, and 96 mg/100 g of dry matter (dm) in Muscadine seeds, 15, 358, and 421 mg/100 g of dm in Chardonnay seeds, and 10, 127, and 115 mg/100 g of dm in Merlot seeds, respectively. Concentrations of these three compounds were lower in winery byproduct grape skins than in seeds. These three major phenolic constituents of grape seeds contributed <26% to the antioxidant capacity measured as ORAC on the basis of the corrected concentrations of gallic acid, catechin, and epicatechin in grape byproducts. Peroxyl radical scavenging activities of phenolics present in grape seeds or skins in decreasing order were resveratrol > catechin > epicatechin = gallocatechin > gallic acid = ellagic acid. The results indicated that dimeric, trimeric, oligomeric, or polymeric procyanidins account for most of the superior antioxidant capacity of grape seeds.     

Changes in hydrophilic and lipophilic antioxidant activity in relation to their phenolic composition during the chamber drying of red grapes at a controlled temperature

The purpose of this work was to study the variation of phenol compounds, as measured by HPLC, during the chamber drying under controlled temperature conditions of red grapes of the Merlot and Tempranillo varieties in relation to antioxidant activity. Both lipophilic and hydrophilic antioxidant activities in these grapes increased during the drying process; the former was measured via proton transfer in the coupled oxidation reaction between linoleic acid and β-carotene, and the second via electron transfer in the DPPH assay. The hydrophilic component was invariably greater in Tempranillo grapes, and so was the lipophilic component in Merlot grapes. Only the increase in hydrophilic antioxidant activity obtained a significant correlation with the phenolic compounds during the drying process. However, based on the phenolic fraction analysis, this result was primarily due to phenolic polymers and, to a lesser extent, also to phenolic acids, flavans, and some flavonols and anthocyans.     

Antioxidant capacities and phenolics levels of French wines from different varieties and vintages.

Phenolics from grapes and wines can play a role against oxidation and development of atherosclerosis. Levels of phenolics, major catechins [(+)-catechin, (-)-epicatechin, procyanidin dimers B1, B2, B3, and B4], phenolic acids (gallic acid and caffeic acid), caftaric acid, malvidin-3-glucoside, peonidin-3-glucoside, and cyanidin-3-glucoside were quantified by HPLC with UV detection for 54 French varietal commercial wines taken from southern France to study the antioxidant capacity and the daily dietary intake of these compounds for the French population. The highest antioxidant capacity was obtained with red wines and ranged from 12.8 mmol/L (Grenache) to 25.2 mmol/L (Pinot Noir). For white wines, Chardonnay enriched in phenolics by special wine-making was found to have an antioxidant capacity of 13.8 mmol/L, comparable to red wine values. For red wines classified by vintages (1996-1999) antioxidant capacities were approximately 20 mmol/L and then decreased to 13.4 mmol/L for vintages 1995-1991. Sweet white wines have 1.7 times more antioxidant capacity (3.2 mmol/L) than dry white wines (1.91 mmol/L). On the basis of a still significant French wine consumption of 180 mL/day/person, the current daily intake of catechins (monomers and dimers B1, B2, B3, and B4) averaged 5 (dry white wine), 4.36 (sweet white wines), 7.70 (rosé wines), 31.98 (red wines), and 66.94 (dry white wine enriched in phenolic) mg/day/resident for the French population. Red wine, and particularly Pinot Noir, Egiodola, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot varieties, or Chardonnay enriched in phenolics during wine-making for white varieties contribute to a very significant catechin dietary intake.     

Varietal differences among the phenolic profiles and antioxidant activities of seven table grape cultivars grown in the south of Italy based on chemometrics

Seven table grape cultivars grown in Apulia region were considered: Italia, Baresana, Pizzutello, Red Globe, Michele Palieri, Crimson Seedless, and Thompson Seedless. Seeds, skins and pulps were extracted and analyzed for their phenolic profiles and antioxidant activities. The hierarchy in the phenolic contents was seeds, skins, and pulps. These results indicate that the intake of the whole berries (seeds included) must be strongly recommended. The highest phenolic contents were detected on Italia and Michele Palieri cv., respectively within the white and the red/black table grapes. Seeds gave a high contribution to the berry antioxidant activity, as they had higher phenolic content than skins and contained high quantities of proanthocyanidines, but the strongest antioxidant activity was shown by the pulp juices due to their content in hydroxycinnamyl acids. The principal component analysis applied to the phenolic composition and antioxidant activity of skins, pulps, and seeds allowed a good separation of Italia and Michele Palieri cultivars. According to the cluster analysis, cultivars were grouped into two clusters, one including Michele Palieri and the other one including Italia, Baresana, Pizzutello, and Thompson Seedless.     

Phenolic content and antioxidant capacity of muscadine grapes

Fruits of 10 cultivars of muscadine grapes (five bronze skin and five purple skin) grown in southern Georgia were separated into skin, seed, and pulp. Each fruit part and the leaves from the corresponding varieties were extracted for HPLC analysis of major phenolics. Total phenolics were determined colorimetrically using Folin-Ciocalteu reagent. Total anthocyanins were determined according to a pH-differential method, using a UV-visible spectrophotometer. Antioxidant capacity was determined by the Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) assay. Gallic acid, (+)-catechin, and epicatechin were the major phenolics in seeds, with average values of 6.9, 558.4, and 1299.4 mg/100 g of fresh weight (FW), respectively. In the skins, ellagic acid, myricetin, quercetin, kaempferol, and trans-resveratrol were the major phenolics, with respective average values of 16.5, 8.4, 1.8, 0.6, and 0.1 mg/100 g of FW. Contrary to previous results, ellagic acid and not resveratrol was the major phenolic in muscadine grapes. The HPLC solvent system used coupled with fluorescence detection allowed separation of ellagic acid from resveratrol and detection of resveratrol. Reported here for the first time are the phenolic content and antioxidant capacity of muscadine leaves. Major phenolics in muscadine leaves were myricetin, ellagic acid, kaempferol, quercetin, and gallic acid, with average concentrations of 157.6, 66.7, 8.9, 9.8, and 8.6, respectively. Average total phenolics were 2178.8, 374.6, 23.8, and 351.6 mg/g gallic acid equivalent in seed, skin, pulp, and leaves, respectively. Total anthocyanin contents were 2.1 and 132.1 mg/100 g of FW in the skins of bronze and purple grapes, respectively, and 4.3 and 4.6 mg/100 g of FW in seeds and pulps, in that order. Antioxidant capacity values were, on average, 2.4, 12.8, 281.3, and 236.1 microM TEAC/g of FW for pulps, skins, seeds, and leaves, respectively.     

Identification and occurrence of beta-carboline alkaloids in raisins and inhibition of monoamine oxidase (MAO)

Monoamine oxidase (MAO) is a mitochondrial enzyme involved in the oxidative catabolism of neurotransmitters and xenobiotic amines, including vasopressor and neurotoxic amines, and a current target for antidepressant and neuroprotective drugs. Raisin extracts and homogenates exhibited reversible in vitro inhibition of MAO isozymes, particularly MAO-A, suggesting the presence of MAO-inhibiting substances. Chromatographic and spectrometric studies showed the occurrence of aromatic beta-carboline alkaloids in raisins, and norharman and harman were identified as the key contributors to MAO inhibition. On average, harman ranged from 6 to 644 ng/g and norharman from 2 to 120 ng/g. Several technological variables appeared to determine the presence of these compounds in raisins. Dark-brown raisins (i.e., sun-dried) contained much higher levels than golden raisins. Tetrahydro-beta-carboline-3-carboxylic acid compounds that are direct precursors of aromatic beta-carbolines were also identified in raisins and appeared in a higher amount, reaching up to 50 microg/g. beta-Carbolines were isolated from raisins and acted as good competitive inhibitors of MAO-A (harman) and MAO-B (norharman) isozymes. These results suggest that beta-carboline alkaloids and perhaps raisins containing a high level of beta-carbolines might exhibit potential activity as MAO inhibitors. The results also show that some raisins can be a source of dietary exposure to bioactive beta-carbolines.     

Processing and storage effects on monomeric anthocyanins, percent polymeric color, and antioxidant capacity of processed blackberry products

Blackberries are a rich source of polyphenolics, particularly anthocyanins, that may contribute to the reduced risk of chronic disease; however, as with most berries, the fresh fruit are only seasonally available. With most of the blackberries consumed as frozen or in thermally processed forms after long-term storage, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of processing and 6 months of storage on the anthocyanins and antioxidant capacity of blackberries that were individually quick-frozen (IQF), canned-in-syrup, canned-in-water, pureed, and juiced (clarified and nonclarified). Monomeric anthocyanins, percent polymeric color, and antioxidant capacity by oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC FL) and photochemiluminescence (PCL) were determined postprocessing (1 day) and after 1, 3, and 6 months of storage. Processing resulted in increases in polymeric color values (up to 7%) and losses in monomeric anthocyanins (up to 65%). For most products, processing also resulted in losses in antioxidant capacity (by ORAC FL and PCL). Storage at 25 degrees C of all processed products resulted in dramatic losses in monomeric anthocyanins with as much as 75% losses of anthocyanins throughout storage, which coincided with marked increases of percent polymeric color values of these products over 6 months of storage. There were no changes in ORAC FL or PCL for processed products throughout long-term storage. No significant changes in antioxidant capacity or anthocyanin content were observed in IQF fruit during long-term storage at -20 degrees C.     

Polyphenols-enriched Chardonnay white wine and sparkling Pinot Noir red wine identically prevent early atherosclerosis in hamsters

The effects of a white wine enriched with polyphenols (PEWW) from Chardonnay grapes and of a sparkling red wine (SRW) from Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes were studied for the first time on early atherosclerosis in hamsters. Animals were fed an atherogenic diet for 12 weeks. They received by force-feeding PEWW, SRW, ethanol 12% (ETH), or water as control (mimicking a moderate consumption of approximately 2 red wine glasses per meal for a 70 kg human). Plasma cholesterol concentrations were lower in groups that consumed PEWW and SRW accompanied by an increase in the ratio apo A-1/apo B. Liver-specific activities of superoxide dismutase and catalase were significantly increased by PEWW (38 and 16%, respectively) and by SRW (48 and 15%, respectively). PEWW and ETH significantly increased plasma antioxidant capacity and vitamin A concentrations. Aortic fatty streak area (AFSA) was significantly strongly reduced in the groups receiving PEWW (85%) and SRW (89%) in comparison with the control. AFSA was reduced by ethanol to a lesser extent (58%). These data suggest that tannins from the phenolics-enriched white wine induce a protective effect against early atherosclerosis comparable to that produced by sparkling red wine containing tanins and anthocyanins and dissociated from the antioxidant action of these compounds.     

Coffee drinking influences plasma antioxidant capacity in humans

Coffee and tea are widely consumed beverages, but only tea has been studied for its antioxidant capacity (AC) in vivo. The aim of this study was to compare the capacities of coffee and tea to affect plasma redox homeostasis in humans. The AC of plasma before and after supplementation with 200 mL of beverages (0, 1, and 2 h) was measured by the TRAP and crocin tests. The crocin test detected an increase in plasma AC only in subjects supplemented with coffee (+7% at peak time), whereas the TRAP method showed an increase in plasma AC after consumption of both coffee and tea (+6 and +4%, respectively, at peak time). Both beverages induced a significant increase in plasma uric acid (+5 and +7%, respectively). Uric acid strongly affects the results obtained by the TRAP test and does not affect those obtained by the crocin test. We can thus argue that uric acid is the main component responsible for the plasma AC increase after tea drinking, whereas molecules other than uric acid (probably phenolic compounds) are likely to be responsible for the increase in plasma AC after coffee drinking.