In vitro Bioaccessibility of Lutein and Zeaxanthin of Yellow Fleshed Boiled Potatoes

Yellow fleshed potatoes contain significant amounts of lutein and zeaxanthin but the bioaccessibility of potato carotenoids has not yet been investigated. The purpose of this study was to estimate the in vitro bioaccessibility of carotenoids provided by potato. Lutein and zeaxanthin concentrations of boiled, freeze dried and milled samples of seven yellow fleshed potato accessions were determined by HPLC before and after different steps (gastric, duodenal and micellar phase) of in vitro digestion. The gastric and duodenal digestive stability of lutein and zeaxanthin in boiled tubers of the different accessions ranged from 70 to 95 % while the efficiency of micellarization ranged from 33 to 71 % for lutein and from 51 to 71 % for zeaxanthin. For all accessions, amounts of lutein and zeaxanthin after micellarization were significantly lower than the original amount found in the boiled samples. The accession 701862 showed the highest bioaccessible lutein concentration (280 μg/100 g, FW) and the accessions 703566 and 704218 showed the highest bioaccessible zeaxanthin concentration (above 600 μg/100 g, FW). Considering the mean potato intake in the Andes (500 g per day), the accession 701862 provides 14 % of the lutein intake suggested for health benefits and the accessions 703566 and 704218 provide 50 % more than the suggested zeaxanthin intake.     

Functional characterization of extruded rice noodles with corn bran: Xanthophyll content and rheology

The rheological changes in rice noodles by the substitution of corn bran and the effect of temperature on the xanthophyll content (lutein and zeaxanthin) of the corn bran-rice flour noodles were evaluated. The use of corn bran increased the water holding capacity of rice flour at room temperature while the opposite results were observed after heating. The pasting parameters of rice flour-corn bran mixture were reduced with increasing levels of corn bran and the mixture paste exhibited more dominant liquid-like behavior. The noodles containing corn bran exhibited lower expansion ratio and softer textural properties. The levels of lutein and zeaxanthin in raw corn bran were 336.9 and 123.1 μg/100 g, respectively and were significantly reduced (P < 0.05) by heating. While lutein and zeaxanthin were not detected in the control noodles without corn bran, their levels in corn bran-incorporated noodles ranged from 56.2 to 137.3 μg/100 g and from 37.9 to 61.9 μg/100 g, respectively and were significantly reduced by 37.7–45.4% (P < 0.05) after cooking. Thus, the heat-labile characteristics of two xanthophylls were clearly observed. This study provides useful information on the processing performance and xanthophyll content of corn bran, possibly extending its use in a wider variety of foods.     

Variability of Phytonutrient Content of Potato in Relation to Growing Location and Cooking Method

Potato has a defined complement of metabolites that contribute to the human diet. Among these are the carotenoids and anthocyanins. Carotenoids are found in all potatoes in the flesh. White-fleshed varieties have 50 to 100 μg per 100 g fresh weight (FW), while moderately yellow-fleshed varieties will generally possess from 100 to 350 μg per 100 g FW. The more intensely yellow-fleshed genotypes, which may look orange, at the higher extremes are at levels above 1,000 μg per 100 g FW. The highest level published is 2,600 μg per 100 g FW in diploid germplasm derived from South American Papa Amarilla cultivars. Potato generally has predominantly lutein, a xanthophyll which is also found in the human retina, and must be obtained in the diet. The genotypes with extremely high levels of total carotenoids have zeaxanthin, an isomer of lutein, which is also present in the human retina. Anthocyanins are present in red- or purple-skinned and fleshed varieties. Total anthocyanins range from 1.5 mg to 48 mg per 100 g FW in a solidly pigmented purple-skinned, purple-fleshed breeding line. The degree of pigmentation in the flesh appears to be under polygenic control. Anthocyanins are potent antioxidants and anti-inflammatory substances. The level of total anthocyanins is correlated with antioxidant level (r?=?0.94, P?<?0.001). Several methods of cooking interacted with genotypes in the antioxidant level remaining after cooking compared to raw potatoes. No method of cooking completely eliminated antioxidant activity, while boiling appeared to increase it compared to raw potato in the case of the most highly pigmented clone.     

Tocols and carotenoids of einkorn,emmer and spring wheat varieties: Selection for breeding and production

Einkorn (Triticum monococcum L., subsp. monococcum), emmer (Triticum dicoccum Schuebl [Schrank], subsp. dicoccum) and spring bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) may be rich in lipophilic antioxidants (tocols and carotenoids), and therefore potential food sources with good nutritional properties. The aim of the present study was to determine the contents of major lipophilic antioxidants beneficial for human health in wheat varieties and landraces for breeding and production. In field experiments over two years, fifteen einkorn, emmer and spring wheat varieties were analysed for the contents of tocols and carotenoids in grain. A high carotenoid content (lutein, zeaxanthin, β-carotene) was typical for the selected einkorn genotypes. Among the analysed wheat species, the highest content was of β-tocotrienol, especially in the einkorn accessions. α-Tocotrienol was abundant in einkorn and emmer wheat species. Higher contents of α- and β-tocopherols were characteristic of spring and emmer wheats. δ-Tocotrienol has been detected for the first time in einkorn and some emmer accessions, although in low concentrations. Significant effects of genotype on the contents of carotenoids and tocols were found with einkorn differing from emmer and spring wheats. The year of cultivation had less effect on the contents of carotenoids and tocols. Selected accessions of einkorn with high contents of carotenoids and tocotrienols as well as spring and emmer wheats with higher contents of tocopherols are good sources of antioxidants with potential health promoting benefits for the production of nutritionally enhanced foods.     

Biological Activities and Chemical Composition of Methanolic Extracts of Selected Autochthonous Microalgae Strains from the Red Sea

Four lipid-rich microalgal species from the Red Sea belonging to three different genera (Nannochloris, Picochlorum and Desmochloris), previously isolated as novel biodiesel feedstocks, were bioprospected for high-value, bioactive molecules. Methanol extracts were thus prepared from freeze-dried biomass and screened for different biological activities. Nannochloris sp. SBL1 and Desmochloris sp. SBL3 had the highest radical scavenging activity against 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl, and the best copper and iron chelating activities. All species had potent butyrylcholinesterase inhibitory activity (>50%) and mildly inhibited tyrosinase. Picochlorum sp. SBL2 and Nannochloris sp. SBL4 extracts significantly reduced the viability of tumoral (HepG2 and HeLa) cells with lower toxicity against the non-tumoral murine stromal (S17) cells. Nannochloris sp. SBL1 significantly reduced the viability of Leishmania infantum down to 62% (250 µg/mL). Picochlorum sp. SBL2 had the highest total phenolic content, the major phenolic compounds identified being salicylic, coumaric and gallic acids. Neoxanthin, violaxanthin, zeaxanthin, lutein and β-carotene were identified in the extracts of all strains, while canthaxanthin was only identified in Picochlorum sp. SBL2. Taken together, these results strongly suggest that the microalgae included in this work could be used as sources of added-value products that could be used to upgrade the final biomass value.     

Isolation and Characterization of a Yellow Xanthophyll Pigment-Producing Marine Bacterium,Erythrobacter sp. SDW2 Strain,in Coastal Seawater

Xanthophylls, a yellow pigment belonging to the carotenoid family, have attracted much attention for industrial applications due to their versatile nature. We report the isolation of a homo xanthophyll pigment-producing marine bacterium, identified as the Erythrobacter sp. SDW2 strain, from coastal seawater. The isolated Erythrobacter sp. SDW2 strain can produce 263 ± 12.9 mg/L (89.7 ± 5.4 mg/g dry cell weight) of yellow xanthophyll pigment from 5 g/L of glucose. Moreover, the xanthophyll pigment produced by the SDW2 strain exhibits remarkable antioxidative activities, confirmed by the DPPH (73.4 ± 1.4%) and ABTS (84.9 ± 0.7%) assays. These results suggest that the yellow xanthophyll pigment-producing Erythrobacter sp. SDW2 strain could be a promising industrial microorganism for producing marine-derived bioactive compounds with potential for foods, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals.     

Carotenoids and tocols content in genotypes of colored barley

Carotenoids and tocols of 20 genotypes of colored barley divided into three groups (A, B, C) were investigated. These included 16 F8 recombinant inbred lines obtained from crosses of four parental lines: 2005 FG, K4-31, L94 and Priora. The aim of the present study was to identify, quantify and profile characterize of tocols and carotenoids. Tocols profile is characterized by the prevalence of tocotrienols on tocopherols. The α-tocotrienol was the most represented tocol isomer, contributing about 53.03% of the total content. The highest α-tocotrienol content (33.67 μg g-¹) was found in the blue naked parental genotype 3007 (C-Group). The most abundant carotenoid was lutein on average 86% of total followed by zeaxanthin 10% and by α-carotene 3.40%. The Priora cultivar (C-Group) was the genotype with the highest lutein content (4.10 μg g-¹). The study found great variability in the content of carotenoids and tocols along the lines of each group.     

Xanthophyll levels in foxtail millet grains according to variety and harvesting time

Foxtail millet grains usually contain carotenoids, which are yellow pigments that are important for human health. Yellow grains are preferred by distributors and consumers, and special cultivars and cultivation methods are desired for a stable supply of yellow millet. We investigated the level of pigment fluctuation in several foxtail millet accessions, including the yellow grain cultivar ‘Yuikogane’ from Iwate Prefecture, using high-performance liquid chromatography. Most yellow grains primarily contained xanthophylls, including approximately 1 mg/100 g lutein and 0.2 mg/100 g zeaxanthin. These pigments were rare in the bran and grain husks but were readily detected in polished grains, indicating that xanthophylls accumulate in the endosperm. We examined ‘Yuikogane’ to investigate the relationship between xanthophyll accumulation and grain ripening. During the ripening stage, xanthophyll levels gradually increased, but they rapidly decreased in response to over-ripening. Xanthophyll accumulation was estimated using a colorimetric assay of yellow pigmentation, which could be a useful method for determining the proper harvesting time for foxtail millet.     

Analysis of Polyphenols, Anthocyanins and Carotenoids in Tubers from Solanum tuberosum Group Phureja, Stenotomum and Andigena

Sixty-five Solanum tuberosum group Andigena, Phureja and Stenotomum genotypes from an initial population of 1,500 were analyzed for phenylpropanoids, carotenoids, and antioxidant capacity. Total phenolic content ranged from 3 to 49 mg g^?1 DW, total carotenoids from 4.1 to 154 μg/g DW, anthocyanins from 0.27 to 34 mg g^?1 DW and antioxidant capacity from 60 to 1,767 μmol TE/g DW. HPLC analysis of phenolic extracts revealed that 5-O-chlorogenic acid (5CGA) was the most abundant polyphenol in all genotypes. Ten genotypes were independently grown out for more in-depth phytonutrient analysis. The Phureja genotypes RN 27.01 had the highest polyphenol, anthocyanin and antioxidant content, while RN 39.05 had the highest carotenoid content. The tuber percentage dry matter varied markedly among the ten genotypes, influencing the phytonutrient values when expressed on a dry weight basis. Chlorogenic acid concentrations ranged from 1.7 to 29.4 mg g^?1 DW and kaempferol-3-rutinose was present up to 3 mg g^?1 DW. Petunidin-3-O-coum-rutinoside-5-O-glu or pelargonidin-3-O-coum-rutinoside-5-O-glu were the most abundant anthocyanins. The principal carotenoids were lutein, zeaxanthin, violaxanthin, and antheraxanthin, but no one carotenoid was predominant in all genotypes. These findings further support utilization of Phureja group germplasm for phytonutrient enhancement efforts.     

Carotenoid profiling of Hordeum chilense grains: The parental proof for the origin of the high carotenoid content and esterification pattern of tritordeum

The outstanding high carotenoid content of the tritordeum (×Tritordeum Ascherson et Graebner) grains, a promising novel cereal derived from the crossing of durum wheat and the wild barley Hordeum chilense, has previously been assigned as a character derived from the genetic background of its wild parent. The carotenoid profile of H. chilense, especially the lutein esters presented in this study, provide biochemical evidences to confirm this affirmation, being the first time that the individual carotenoid profile of this cereal has been characterized. The total carotenoid content (6.14 ± 0.12 μg/g) and the individual carotenoid composition were very similar to the tritordeum grains, with lutein being the major carotenoid (88%; 5.38 ± 0.11 μg/g) and very low levels of β-carotene. In contrast to tritordeum, H. chilense presented a considerable amount of zeaxanthin (12%; 0.74 ± 0.01 μg/g). Up to 55% of lutein was esterified with palmitic (C16:0) and linoleic (C18:2) acids, presenting a characteristic acylation pattern, in agreement with the tritordeum one, and composed by four monoesters (lutein 3′-O-linoleate, lutein 3-O-linoleate, lutein 3′-O-palmitate and lutein 3-O-palmitate) and four diesters (lutein dilinoleate, lutein 3′-O-linoleate-3-O-palmitate, lutein 3′-O-palmitate-3-O-linoleate, lutein dipalmitate). These data may be useful in the field of carotenoid biofortification of cereals.     

Carotenoid accumulation during grain development in durum wheat

Yellow pigment (YP) concentration is an important quality trait in durum wheat and is comprised primarily of carotenoids. The main objective of our study was to measure the accumulation of carotenoids during the grain fill period to improve our understanding of the physiological basis for differences among durum wheat cultivars. Thirteen genotypes with large variation in total YP concentration were studied. Spikes were sampled from replicated field plots in 2007 and 2008 at 14, 21, 28 and 35 days after heading (DAH). The remainder of each plot was harvested at grain maturity for analysis. trans-Lutein was the predominant carotenoid at maturity and was detected at 14 DAH in all genotypes. The rate and duration of lutein accumulation was variable among genotypes expressing high, intermediate and low YP. The accumulation of all carotenoids was lowest in genotypes expressing low YP, and suggests rate limitations early in the carotenoid biosynthetic pathway. The ratio of trans-zeaxanthin to trans-lutein was inversely correlated with total YP and suggests that the β,? branch of lycopene cyclization leading to α-carotene and thus lutein, synthesis may also be limiting in low-YP genotypes. These results provide insights into the regulation of the carotenoid biosynthetic pathway in durum wheat grain.     

The Incidence and Effect on Total Tuber Carotenoids of a Recessive Zeaxanthin Epoxidase Allele (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Zep1</Emphasis>) in Yellow-fleshed Potatoes

Zeaxanthin epoxidase (Zep) is one of at least two genes important for the incidence and amount of carotenoids in yellow-fleshed potato. The recessive allele of the gene encoding zeaxanthin epoxidase (Zep1) has previously been shown to inhibit the conversion of the xanthophyll zeaxanthin to other, more polar carotenoids. We examined the effect of the dosage of Zep1 on total carotenoids in yellow-fleshed tetraploid potato germplasm. The dosage of heterozygous individuals was determined using high-resolution DNA melting. We also surveyed a wide range of germplasm available in the USDA-ARS potato breeding program in Washington for the presence and dosage of Zep1. Genotypes with zero, one, or two copies of Zep1 had statistically similar levels of total tuber carotenoids. Triplex individuals showed a small but significant increase in total carotenoids over the previous three classes. In turn, individuals that were homozygous for Zep1 had much higher levels of total carotenoids than all other dosage classes. This suggests that a slight dosage effect is present, but that the effect of Zep1 is indeed largely recessive. A significant amount of variation in total carotenoids was observed within all Zep1 dosage classes, reinforcing the evidence that additional loci are important for high total carotenoids in potato. Our survey of breeding germplasm supported earlier research that Zep1 is uncommon in tetraploid potato germplasm. The use of high-resolution DNA melting again allowed us to identify the dosage of Zep1 in heterozygous individuals. This is important for breeding high-carotenoid potatoes at the tetraploid level, since recovery of homozygous Zep1 individuals is very rare. Identification of agronomically desirable parents with two or more copies of Zep1 would allow for higher recovery of homozygous Zep1 progeny, permitting additional selection for other desirable traits.     

Cyanobacteria Secondary Metabolites as Biotechnological Ingredients in Natural Anti-Aging Cosmetics: Potential to Overcome Hyperpigmentation,Loss of Skin Density and UV Radiation-Deleterious Effects

The loss of density and elasticity, the appearance of wrinkles and hyperpigmentation are among the first noticeable signs of skin aging. Beyond UV radiation and oxidative stress, matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) assume a preponderant role in the process, since their deregulation results in the degradation of most extracellular matrix components. In this survey, four cyanobacteria strains were explored for their capacity to produce secondary metabolites with biotechnological potential for use in anti-aging formulations. Leptolyngbya boryana LEGE 15486 and Cephalothrix lacustris LEGE 15493 from freshwater ecosystems, and Leptolyngbya cf. ectocarpi LEGE 11479 and Nodosilinea nodulosa LEGE 06104 from marine habitats were sequentially extracted with acetone and water, and extracts were analyzed for their toxicity in cell lines with key roles in the skin context (HaCAT, 3T3L1, and hCMEC). The non-toxic extracts were chemically characterized in terms of proteins, carotenoids, phenols, and chlorophyll a, and their anti-aging potential was explored through their ability to scavenge the physiological free radical superoxide anion radical (O₂^•−), to reduce the activity of the MMPs elastase and hyaluronidase, to inhibit tyrosinase and thus avoid melanin production, and to block UV-B radiation (sun protection factor, SPF). Leptolyngbya species stood out for anti-aging purposes: L. boryana LEGE 15486 presented a remarkable SPF of 19 (at 200 µg/mL), being among the best species regarding O₂^•− scavenging, (IC₅₀ = 99.50 µg/mL) and also being able to inhibit tyrosinase (IC₂₅ = 784 µg/mL), proving to be promising against UV-induced skin-aging; L. ectocarpi LEGE 11479 was more efficient in inhibiting MMPs (hyaluronidase, IC₅₀ = 863 µg/mL; elastase, IC₅₀ = 391 µg/mL), thus being the choice to retard dermal density loss. Principal component analysis (PCA) of the data allowed the grouping of extracts into three groups, according to their chemical composition; the correlation of carotenoids and chlorophyll a with MMPs activity (p < 0.01), O₂^•− scavenging with phenolic compounds (p < 0.01), and phycocyanin and allophycocyanin with SPF, pointing to these compounds in particular as responsible for UV-B blockage. This original survey explores, for the first time, the biotechnological potential of these cyanobacteria strains in the field of skin aging, demonstrating the promising, innovative, and multifactorial nature of these microorganisms.     

Haloferax mediterranei Cells as C50 Carotenoid Factories

Haloarchaea produce C50 carotenoids such as bacterioruberin, which are of biotechnological in-terest. This study aimed to analyze the effect of different environmental and nutritional conditions on the cellular growth and dynamics of carotenoids accumulation in Haloferax mediterranei. The maximum production of carotenoids (40 µg·mL⁻¹) was obtained during the stationary phase of growth, probably due to nutrient-limiting conditions (one-step culture). By seven days of culture, 1 mL culture produced 22.4 mg of dry weight biomass containing 0.18 % (w/w) of carotenoids. On the other hand, carbon-deficient cultures (low C/N ratio) were observed to be optimum for C50 bacterioruberin production by Hfx. mediterranei, but negatively affected the growth of cells. Thus, a two-steps process was evaluated for optimum carotenoids yield. In the first step, a nutri-ent-repleted culture medium enabled the haloarchaea to produce biomass, while in the second step, the biomass was incubated under osmotic stress and in a carbon-deficient medium. Under the conditions used, the obtained biomass contained 0.27% (w/w) of carotenoids after seven days, which accounts for 58.49 µg·mL⁻¹ of carotenoids for a culture with turbidity 14.0.     

Antarctic Thraustochytrids as Sources of Carotenoids and High-Value Fatty Acids

Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and carotenoids are needed as human dietary supplements and are essential components in commercial feeds for the production of aquacultured seafood. Microorganisms such as thraustochytrids are potential natural sources of these compounds. This research reports on the lipid and carotenoid production capacity of thraustochytrids that were isolated from coastal waters of Antarctica. Of the 22 isolates, 21 produced lipids containing EPA+DHA, and the amount of these fatty acids exceeded 20% of the total fatty acids in 12 isolates. Ten isolates were shown to produce carotenoids (27.4–63.9 μg/g dry biomass). The isolate RT2316-16, identified as Thraustochytrium sp., was the best producer of biomass (7.2 g/L in five days) rich in carotenoids (63.9 μg/g) and, therefore, became the focus of this investigation. The main carotenoids in RT2316-16 were β-carotene and canthaxanthin. The content of EPA+DHA in the total lipids (34 ± 3% w/w in dry biomass) depended on the stage of growth of RT2316-16. Lipid and carotenoid content of the biomass and its concentration could be enhanced by modifying the composition of the culture medium. The estimated genome size of RT2316-16 was 44 Mb. Of the 5656 genes predicted from the genome, 4559 were annotated. These included genes of most of the enzymes in the elongation and desaturation pathway of synthesis of ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids. Carotenoid precursors in RT2316-16 were synthesized through the mevalonate pathway. A β-carotene synthase gene, with a different domain organization compared to the gene in other thraustochytrids, explained the carotenoid profile of RT2316-16.     

Quantification of Zeaxanthin Dipalmitate and Total Carotenoids in <Emphasis Type="Italic">Lycium</Emphasis> Fruits (Fructus Lycii)

An HPLC-DAD method has been developed to quantitatively analyze for the content of zeaxanthin dipalmitate, a major carotenoid in Fructus Lycii, in different species of the genus Lycium. Determination was performed using an Alltima C18 column with the mobile phase consisting of acetonitrile and dichloromethane (42:58). The total contents of carotenoids in these samples were also determined by using UV spectrophotometric assay. Total carotenoid concentrations of different Fructus Lycii are within the range of 0.03–0.5%. Zeaxanthin dipalmitate is a predominant carotenoid, comprising 31–56% of the total carotenoids in Fructus Lycii. This study is the first systematic quantification of the carotenoids in the fruits of different Lycium species. The results demonstrated that these methods are reliable and facile techniques for rapid analysis of carotenoids for crude drug and plant-derived food supplements.     

Carotenoid Content of Commonly Consumed Herbs and Assessment of Their Bioaccessibility Using an In Vitro Digestion Model

Herbs are a rich source of bioactive phytochemicals such as carotenoids, which are known to exert various positive biological effects. However, there is very limited information in the literature regarding the content and bioavailability of carotenoids from commonly consumed herbs. Therefore, the objectives of the present study were first, to determine the carotenoid content of eight herbs namely basil (Ocimum basilicum), coriander (Coriandrum sativum), dill (Anethum graveolens), mint (Metha L.), parsley (Petroselinum crispum), rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis), sage (Salvia officinalis), and tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus L.); and second, to assess carotenoid bioaccessibility from these herbs using a simulated human in vitro digestion model. Carotenoid bioaccessibility is defined as the amount of carotenoids transferred to micelles after digestion when compared with the original amount present in the food. The content of individual carotenoids varied significantly among the herbs tested. Carotenoid bioaccessibility varied from 0 to 42.8%. Basil and coriander, and their respective micelles, contained the highest levels of β-carotene, β-cryptoxanthin, and lutein + zeaxanthin. Our findings show that herbs are rich sources of carotenoids and that these foods can significantly contribute to the intake of bioaccessible carotenoids.     

Carotenoids of Sea Angels Clione limacina and Paedoclione doliiformis from the Perspective of the Food Chain

Sea angels, Clione limacina and Paedoclione doliiformis, are small, floating sea slugs belonging to Gastropoda, and their gonads are a bright orange-red color. Sea angels feed exclusively on a small herbivorous sea snail, Limacina helicina. Carotenoids in C. limacina, P. doliiformis, and L. helicina were investigated for comparative biochemical points of view. β-Carotene, zeaxanthin, and diatoxanthin were found to be major carotenoids in L. helicina. L. helicina accumulated dietary algal carotenoids without modification. On the other hand, keto-carotenoids, such as pectenolone, 7,8-didehydroastaxanthin, and adonixanthin were identified as major carotenoids in the sea angels C. limacina and P. doliiformis. Sea angels oxidatively metabolize dietary carotenoids and accumulate them in their gonads. Carotenoids in the gonads of sea angels might protect against oxidative stress and enhance reproduction.