Accumulation and distribution of free folic acid content in red beet (Beta vulgaris L.)

Among vegetable plants, red beet contains a relatively high level of the B vitamin folic acid. Although many leafy green vegetables contain high levels of folic acid, red beet is consumed primarily as a root vegetable. Folic acid levels have been quantified in various vegetable plants, but little information exists regarding the accumulation and distribution of this vitamin in plant tissues. The objective of this study was to characterize free folic acid content (FFAC) in shoot and root tissue during growth of two red beet inbreds. Experiments were conducted in a greenhouse during 1993, 1994 and 1995. Two inbreds, W384 and W357, were planted in randomized complete blocks and shoot and root tissues were separately harvested at 60, 80, and 100 days after planting (DAP). Significant differences between years, tissue portions, and among harvest dates were detected, however, similar patterns in FFAC accumulation and distribution were observed between inbreds and years. FFAC in shoot tissue was significantly greater than root tissue for both inbreds. Accumulation of FFAC was linear for both inbreds across harvest dates for root tissue but not for shoot tissue. FFAC accumulation in shoot tissue increased sharply from 60 to 80 DAP but decreased sharply from 80 to 100 DAP. These results demonstrate that FFAC accumulates differentially in root and shoot tissue in a red beet plant. Maximum folic acid levels in shoot tissue are achieved prior to those in root tissue.     

Nutritive value ofSauropus androgynus leaves

From the proximate composition ofSauropus androgynus leaf it was observed that its nutritive value is superior to other commonly consumed leafy vegetables in India. In an attempt to popularise this vegetable for human consumption, certain preparations (traditional recipes in Andhra Pradesh, India) were made with the leaf and palatability tests conducted. These tests showed that the leaf was quite acceptable to the consumer. Sauropus androgynus leaf was previously reported to contain considerable amounts of the alkaloid papavarine (580 mg per 100 gm fresh leaf [2]). Excessive consumption of the leaf reportedly caused dizziness, drowsiness, constipation, etc. [6]. Before it could be recommended for wide and frequent use, further work on the subject is necessary to set safe levels for its consumption.A thesis submitted to the Andhra Pradesh Agricultural University (APAU) by P. Padmavathi for her M.Sc. (Foods & Nutrition) at the College of Home Science, Hyderabad, India.     

Effect of a natural high fibre diet on blood lipids and intestinal transit time in man

In two experiments with young healthy volunteers the effects of a high in take of dietary fibre on blood lipids and intestinal transit time were investigated. In the first experiment the effects were studied of a high-fibre diet, in which half of the dietary fibre was provided by vegetables and fruits and the rest came from bread and other cereal products. In the second trial the effects of dietary fibre derived from vegetables and fruits were compared with those of isolated citrus pectin and wheat bran. It is concluded that—at least in short-term controlled experiments—fibre-rich food-stuffs have only a small (vegetables and fruits) or no (bran) favourable effect on the level of serum cholesterol. However, in uncontrolled circumstances, a ‘natural’ high fibre diet may through its low fat and cholesterol content indirectly reduce the concentration of serum cholesterol. A high-fibre diet with vegetables and fruits as well as a diet with bran shorten the intestinal transit time and enhance faeces production.     

A diet based on wheat bread baked with lactic acid improves glucose tolerance in hyperinsulinaemic Zucker (fa/fa) rats

In the present study, the objective was to evaluate the long-term metabolic impact of adding lactic acid to a bread-based diet in obese, hyperinsulinaemic Zucker (fa/fa) rats. All diets were based on a white wheat bread, and the lactic acid was added either prior to, or after the baking process. In addition, a diet with addition of Lactobacillus plantarum 299v was included to investigate the possible impact of probiotic lactic acid bacteria, in the absence of lactic acid. The intervention period was fourteen days and oral glucose tolerance tests (OGTTs) were performed before and after the intervention. Glucose, insulin and glucagon were measured during both OGTTs. Other parameters studied were blood lipids (total cholesterol and triglycerides) and liver cholesterol. The intervention period with the wheat bread baked in the presence of lactic acid improved glucose tolerance as judged from a 51% reduction (P=0.007) in the total glycaemic area. In contrast, there was no such improvement with the diet where lactic acid was added after baking or with addition of probiotic bacteria. No differences were seen between groups in insulin, blood lipids or liver cholesterol following the intervention. It is concluded that bread baked in the presence of lactic acid improves glucose metabolism in obese and hyperinsulinaemic Zucker rats.     

Chemical composition of the edible leaves ofPterocarpus mildbraedii

Proximate composition, mineral element content, amino acid profile and the levels of some antinutrients in the edible leaves ofPterocarpus mildbraedii were determined. Moisture content was assayed as 85.12 percent (wet weight). Protein, fat, ash and fibre contents of the leaf (percent dry weight) were 25.84, 5.23, 6.44 and 7.56 respectively. Mineral element analysis showed high levels of calcium, potassium, magnesium, iron, copper, manganese and zinc. However, the level of sodium in the vegetable was low. Amino acid profile indicated that the leaf is rich in essential amino acids. The antinutrient levels of hydrogen cyanide and oxalate were low. The paper suggests the need to meet nutrient requirements through an increased use of this cheap but less popular food item with good nutritive potential.     

Micellarisation of Carotenoids from Raw and Cooked Vegetables

The efficiency of carotenoid micellarisation from plant foods can be used as an effective tool for the initial screening of carotenoid bioavailability. Therefore, the objectives of the present study were to assess the effects of cooking on the micellarisation of beta-carotene, lycopene, beta-cryptoxanthin and lutein from courgette (zucchini), red pepper and tomato; and, to a minor extent, investigate uptake of lutein by Caco-2 cells from micellar fractions obtained from raw and cooked courgettes. Both raw and cooked vegetables were subjected to an in vitro digestion procedure. beta-Carotene levels were significantly decreased in the digesta from each vegetable after boiling, grilling, microwave-cooking, or steaming, however all of the cooking methods enhanced beta-carotene transfer to micelles. Carotenoid micellarisation ranged from 1.7% to 100% depending on the food, carotenoid, and the cooking method tested. Grilling and microwave-cooking were generally the most detrimental on the transfer of xanthophyll carotenoids, namely beta-cryptoxanthin, to the micelles. Caco-2 cells absorbed greater amounts of lutein from the micelles of microwave-cooked courgettes than those that were raw, boiled, grilled, or steamed. Depending on the cooking methods used, carotenoid retention as well as micellarisation varied for each carotenoid among the different vegetables and different carotenoids present in each particular food.     

白鹃梅可食部分营养成分分析

[目的]分析测定白鹃梅的主要营养成分。[方法]对山野菜白鹃梅的花蕾、嫩叶（带嫩茎）和花等不同可食部位的维生素C、可溶性蛋白、可溶性糖、粗纤维、粗脂肪、硝酸盐的含量进行了分析测定。【结果】白鹃梅维生素c、粗脂肪和粗纤维含量高于常见野菜香椿、荠莱和马齿苋,分别为0．77、50．00、19．03g／kg,可溶性糖含量较低,为27．27g／kg,可溶性蛋白含量适中,为30．63g／kg,其中,白鹃梅花蕾和嫩叶（带嫩茎）的营养成分略高于花。白鹃梅的花蕾、花和嫩叶（带嫩茎）中硝态氮的含量分别为0．0790、0．1086、0．1122g／kg,属1级无公害蔬菜,可放心食用[结论]白鹃梅营养成分丰富,是一种极具开发利用价值的木本观食两用植物。     

可食用野生蔬菜中纤维类物质的检测方法

依据GB/T 5009.88-2003食品中不溶性膳食纤维的测定(Determination of insoluble dietary fiber in foods)和GB/T 5009.10-2003植物类食品中粗纤维的测定(Determination of crude fiber in vegetable foods),并简化其操作步骤,对海南8种可食用野生蔬菜中的粗纤维和不溶性膳食纤维进行测定.结果表明,不同用量石油醚和α-淀粉酶对蔬菜中脂肪和淀粉进行前处理的作用不大.对测定结果几乎无影响;8种野生蔬菜中不溶性膳食纤维含量为1.5%～4.9%.粗纤维含量为0.7%～1.8%.     

Effect of short term ingestion ofTelfaria occidentalis (fluted pumpkin) on the liver

Four groups of female mice (18–22g) were fed for at least 10 days on a control diet or diets with addedTelfaria occidentalis (10% w/w) vegetables. Group 1 were the control animals. Group 2 were fed the vegetable diet alone. Group 3 were fed the control diet and injected with aflatoxin B₁(AFB₁, 0.35 mg/kg/day) in the last 3 days. Group 4 were fed with the vegetable diet and similarly treated for 3 days with AFB₁. No effects attributable to treatment were encountered in body weight, food intake, water intake and relative liver weight (g/100 g body weight). Decreases (17–40%) in PB sleeping time in the vegetable fed animals were not significant (P>0.05) in comparison to the control. Microsomal proteins increased by 2 fold in group 2 but were apparently normal in groups 3 and 4. In group 2 the activities of liver microsomal glucose-6-phosphatase and NADH-cytochrome c reductase increased but those of NADPH-cytochrome c reductase and aniline hydroxylase decreased. Increases were observed in the activities of all of these enzymes in groups 3 and 4. The highest increases were observed in glucose-6-phosphatase activity in mice fed the vegetables and also injected with AFB₁.     

The contribution of different groups of foodstuffs to the intake of dietary fibre

The intake of Dietary Fibre (which is defined as the sum of lignin and the polysaccharides not hydrolysed by the endogenous secretions of the human digestive tract) is derived from the plant cell walls in the diet and other non-structural polysaccharides either present naturally in foods, or derived from polysaccharide food additives such as gums or algal polysaccharides. The composition of this complex mixture, its chemical and physical properties, and therefore, the physiological effects associated with its ingestion, will vary according to the foods making up in the diet. While techniques for the measurement and characterisation of dietary fibre still call for a considerable amount of methodological development it is possible to obtain reliable estimates for the major components and the overall composition of these components. These show that in fruits and vegetables the total dietary fibre content (on a fresh weight basis) lies between 2 and 5 g/100 g with peas and beans being an exception in having higher contents. The dietary fibre in cereals varies with the cereal and the reate of extraction used; for example, wholemeal wheat flours contain between 12 and 15 g/100 g whereas white wheat flour (72% extraction) contains between 3 and 4 g/100 g. Wheat bran and related products have much higher contents. The proportion of the dietary fibre present as cellulose does not show great variablility but lignin is extremely variable. Fruits and vegetables contain very small amounts of lignin unless they have lignified seeds or special lignified tissues. The non-cellulosic polysaccharides of fruits and vegetables are characteristically rich in uronic acids (from pectic substances) and arabino-galactans. In cereals β-glucans and arabino-xylans predominate and wheat bran and wholemeal wheat and rye flours are particularly rich in arabino-xylans. The amounds and composition of the dietary fibre in foods commonly forming the diet eaten in the United Kingdom will be reviewed and their contribution to the diet as a whole will be discussed. Changes in the pattern of food consumption in the United Kingdom in the past century will be discussed in relation to the effects that these have had on the consumption of dietary fibre.     

基因枪介导的转 TaGAPDH8基因小麦的获得与鉴定

甘油醛-3-磷酸脱氢酶(glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase,GAPDH)是参与糖酵解和糖异生途径的关键酶之一,在维持细胞能量供应和植物抗逆性方面具有重要作用。本研究以耐旱型小麦品种长武134及干旱敏感型小麦品种郑引1号为材料,利用基因枪法将 TaGAPDH8基因分别转化这两种小麦的幼胚愈伤组织,经潮霉素筛选和PCR鉴定,最终得到4个下调表达的长武134株系(CW134-3、CW134-6、CW134-12、CW134-13)和8个上调表达的郑引1号株系(ZY1-1、ZY1-3、ZY1-4、ZY1-9、ZY1-10、ZY1-14、ZY1-15、ZY1-17)。对生长于大田的T_2代转基因植株在乳熟期的生长状况进行了测定,获得了与对照相比有明显表型差异的植株。用实时荧光定量PCR(qRT-PCR)技术测定了T_3代小麦株系中 TaGAPDH8的表达量,结果表明,4个长武134株系中 TaGAPDH8基因的表达量分别为对照的0.53、0.75、0.21和0.78倍,而8个郑引1号株系中目的基因的表达量分别为对照的3.02、1.22、2.15、1.36、4.02、1.87、1.48和1.97倍。本研究获得了与对照存在明显表型差异的T_2代及稳定遗传目的基因的T_3代小麦株系,为后续的试验提供了研究材料和基础。     

Growth,hormonal status and protein turnover in rats fed on a diet containing peas (Pisum sativum L.) as the source of protein

The inclusion of peas (Pisum sativum L.) as the source of protein in the diet of growing rats brings about a reduction in growth rate as well as the impairment in the liver, muscle and spleen weights as compared with casein fed controls. Also, a fall in plasma glucose, triglycerides and protein was observed in the legume fed animals, while no changes in cholesterol levels were found. Furthermore, the rats fed on the diet containing peas showed lower levels of plasma insulin, corticosterone, IGF-I and T₄ as compared with casein controls. Liver and muscle total protein (mg) and total DNA (mg) were markedly decreased in the legume fed animals, but DNA/g, protein/DNA and RNA/protein ratios were similar in both dietary groups. Likewise, liver and muscle fractional synthesis rates were similar in the casein and legume groups, while the whole body protein synthesis is assumed to be lower in the legume fed animals due to differences in body weights. It is concluded that animals fed on a diet containing peas (Pisum sativum L.) as the only source of protein showed less adverse effects than those found with other legumes such asVicia faba L. orPhaseolus vulgaris L., in which protein quality, antinutritional factors and nutrient availability could be involved.     

Antihyperglycemic Effects of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Platycodon grandiflorum</Emphasis> (Jacq.) A. DC. Extract on Streptozotocin-induced Diabetic Mice

The root of Platycodon grandiflorum (Jacq.) A. DC has been reported to have a wide range of health benefits in oriental food. This study examined the hypoglycemic effects of Platycodon grandiflorum (Jacq.) A. DC aqueous-ethanol extract (PGE) in streptozotocin (STZ) -induced diabetic ICR mice (STZ diabetic mice) for the first time. The effects of PGE on blood glucose, plasma insulin levels and body weight were investigated. A significant decrease in blood glucose levels was observed after single administration of PGE. Furthermore, Glibenclamide and PGE significantly suppressed the rise in blood glucose after 30 min in the acute glucose tolerance test. Treatment with glibenclamide and PGE resulted in a reduction in blood glucose levels from the 2nd week, and this reduction was maintained until the 4th week of treatment. The body weight changed slightly in glibenclamide and PGE treated mice in comparison with the STZ control group. Plasma insulin levels were increased with glibenclamide treatment in STZ diabetic mice, whereas such effect was not observed with PGE. These results indicated that PGE could induce hypoglycemic effects without stimulating insulin secretion.     

Nutrient composition of the leaves and flowers ofColocasia esculenta and the fruits ofSolanum melongena

The nutrient composition, ofColocasia esculenta flowers (CF) and leaves (CL), and the green fruits ofSolanum melongena (SM) were carried out as a means to determine their nutritional potential. Results showed that these food materials had high moisture and fiber levels which ranged between 888 and 906 g·kg^–1; and 204 and 303 g·kg^–1 dry weight (dw) for moisture and fiber respectively. The calorific values were between 3889 and 4001 kcals·kg^–1 dw, while the total lipids ranged from 53 in CF to 71 g·kg^–1 dw in SM. The leaves ofColocasia esculenta had the highest crude protein value of 307 g·kg^–1 dw. The flowers had 149 g·kg^–1 dw while SM had 138 g·kg^–1 dw. The amino acid profile in the flowers and leaves ofColocasia esculenta in contrast to SM were balanced comparable to the reference FAO pattern. Ash values were high (ranging from 76 in SM to 98 g·kg^–1 in CL) with potassium being the principal element. Iron and Zinc levels were also high especially in CF (with 303 and 82 mg·kg^–1 dw respectively). These foods also contained moderate quantities of calcium, phosphorus and magnesium but were poor in manganese and copper.     

Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar L.) as a Marine Functional Source of Gamma-Tocopherol

Gamma tocopherol (gT) exhibits beneficial cardiovascular effects partly due to its anti-inflammatory activity. Important sources of gT are vegetable oils. However, little is known to what extent gT can be transferred into marine animal species such as Atlantic salmon by feeding. Therefore, in this study we have investigated the transfer of dietary gT into salmon. To this end, fish were fed a diet supplemented with 170 ppm gT for 16 weeks whereby alpha tocopherol levels were adjusted to 190 ppm in this and the control diet. Feeding gT-rich diets resulted in a three-fold increase in gT concentrations in the liver and fillet compared to non-gT-supplemented controls. Tissue alpha tocopherol levels were not decreased indicating no antagonistic interaction between gamma- and alpha tocopherol in salmon. The concentration of total omega 3 fatty acids slightly increased in response to dietary gT. Furthermore, dietary gT significantly decreased malondialdehyde in the fillet, determined as a biomarker of lipid peroxidation. In the liver of gT fed salmon we observed an overall down-regulation of genes involved in lipid homeostasis. Additionally, gT improved the antioxidant capacity by up-regulating Gpx4a gene expression in the pyloric caeca. We suggest that Atlantic salmon may provide a marine functional source capable of enriching gT for human consumption.     

Safety evaluation of water debittered andean lupins (Lupinus mutabilis): 12-week rat feeding study

In a 12-week feeding study, water debittered grains of Andean lupins (Lupinus mutabilis) were tested as unique protein source in growing male and female rats. Before the phsyiological study, the lupin flour was evaluated with regard to its possible content of anti-nutritive substances, such as alkaloids, cyanogenetic glucosides, trypsin inhibitor activity and hemagutanin activity. During the feeding study, parameters such as body weight, food consumption, hemoglobin and blood cells, glucose, urea, total protein, total lipid, cholesterol, uric acid, as well as weight and histopathological examinations of some organs (liver, kidneys, heart, spleen and brain) were controlled. The lupin flour did not show physiologically significant amounts of anti-nutritive substances. Rats fed on lupin diet did not show any statistically different growth performances as compared to the casein fed control animals. Food consumption as well showed no difference between the two diets, although food utilization of casein was slightly better during the first two months. All other observed parameters gave no indication of physiological differences of the performance of the diet. Results of the 12-week feeding test did not give any indication against the use of the water extracted grains of Andean lupins in human and animal nutrition.     

Antioxidant activity and phenolic content of chestnut (Castanea sativa) shell and eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus) bark extracts

Chestnut (Castanea sativa) shell and eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus) bark, waste products of the food and wood industries, respectively, were analysed as potential sources of antioxidant compounds. The extraction yield, the antioxidant activity and total phenols content of the extracts were greater in chestnut shell than in eucalyptus bark for most of the extraction conditions essayed. Extraction of chestnut shell with a 2.5% Na₂SO₃ aqueous solution led to the highest extraction yield, 25.6%, total phenols, 13.4 g gallic acid equivalent/100 g oven-dried shell, and FRAP antioxidant activity, 80.7 mmol ascorbic acid equivalent/100 g oven-dried shell. Extraction with methanol:water (50:50, v/v) provided the best results for eucalyptus bark. The antioxidant activity and the total phenols content of the extracts had a positive linear correlation. FTIR spectroscopy confirmed the higher content of phenolic compounds in chestnut shell extracts compared to eucalyptus bark extracts. Chestnut shell extracts were characterized by the presence of high molecular weight species whereas lower molecular weight species were predominant in eucalyptus bark extracts.     

Nutrient composition and anti-nutritional factors in selected vegetable soybean (Glycine Max [L.] Merr.)

The genetic variation in the nutrient composition and anti-nutritional factors of 17 vegetable soybean genotypes were determined and a wide variation in protein %, total phosphorus (TP_i) and available phosphorus (AP) was found among these genotypes. Variations in Ca, K, Fe, Mn, and Cu were also documented. Variation was also found for trypsin inhibitor (TI) activity and Phytate (PA) content. A highly significant and negative correlation (r=–0.533,P<0.01) was observed between TI and total protein. Strong positive correlation (r=0.90) was also found between TP_i and AP. Several genotypes (Sooty, Emperor, Wilson-5, PI 416771, PI 417322) showed good nutritional potential and can be used in the breeding program. High protein %, TP_i, and minerals are desirable qualities for vegetable-type soybeans that make it as food with high nutrient density. Studies on the nutritional evaluation of immature vegetable type soybean seeds at different reproductive stages are also underway.Agricultural Research Station Journal Article Series No. 172. The use of any trade name varieties, and/or vendors does not imply the exclusion of other products or vendors that may also be suitable.     

小麦EPF/EPFL基因家族的全基因组鉴定及 TaEPF1-2B与气孔性状的关系分析

表皮模式因子EPF/EPFL基因家族编码一类植物中特有的分泌类蛋白,在植物生长发育特别是形态建成过程中发挥着重要作用。为挖掘和利用小麦EPF/EPFL家族基因,对小麦该家族基因进行了系统鉴定,并利用生物信息学技术对其基因结构、蛋白质结构域、系统进化及表达特性进行分析。结果表明,在小麦全基因组水平共鉴定到35个TaEPF/EPFL基因家族成员,含有1~4个外显子,分布在除1A、5B外的19条染色体上,全基因组复制事件是导致该基因家族扩张的主要原因。蛋白结构分析显示,其编码蛋白的C端包含6个相对保守的半胱氨酸残基,N端存在信号肽剪切位点,且亚细胞定位在胞外基质中,属于一类胞外分泌蛋白。系统进化分析发现,TaEPF/EPFL基因在单子叶和双子叶植物分化之前就已形成。表达模式分析发现,大多数TaEPF/EPFL基因在小麦幼嫩组织和穗部表达量较高,部分TaEPF/EPFL基因响应干旱、高温等非生物胁迫。进一步分析 TaEPF1-2B不同单倍型与气孔性状的相关性,发现TaEPF1-2B不同单倍型的气孔密度、气孔长度、气孔宽度和气孔面积均存在极显著差异,净光合速率存在显著差异,其中单倍型Hap A具有较低的气孔密度和较高的光合速率,是优势单倍型。本研究结果为进一步改良小麦的抗旱性和光合效率提供了候选基因。     

干旱胁迫对小麦花后不同器官果聚糖代谢和转运的影响

为探索干旱胁迫对小麦花后不同器官果聚糖生理代谢和转运的影响,以抗旱性有显著差异的两个冬小麦品种为材料,在干旱胁迫(drought stress,DS)和正常灌溉(well watered,WW)条件下,研究了小麦花后主穗颖壳和主茎不同节位果聚糖代谢转运动态规律及其与籽粒灌浆的相关性。结果表明,小麦灌浆期不同器官果聚糖代谢转运受基因型、器官、花后天数和水分环境以及各因子互作显著影响;器官、花后天数和花后天数与水分互作是调控小麦花后果聚糖代谢转运的主要影响因子。小麦花后不同器官果聚糖含量均呈先升后降趋势。与正常灌溉处理相比,干旱胁迫缩短了果聚糖含量峰值出现的时间(提前5d),对果聚糖代谢的影响表现为"先促积累、后促降解"效应,此效应在抗旱品种陇鉴19和小麦颖壳、穗下节和倒二节等器官中更显著。干旱胁迫显著抑制了小麦花后蔗糖:蔗糖果糖基转移酶(1-SST)活性,提高了果聚糖外水解酶(FEH)活性;果聚糖含量与FEH酶活性正相关。小麦粒重与不同器官的1-SST活性、倒二节和倒三节的FEH活性呈显著或极显著负相关;灌浆速率与不同器官的果聚糖含量、颖壳和穗下节的FEH活性呈显著或极显著正相关。干旱胁迫显著促进了小麦不同器官果聚糖的转运和再分配,其转运率和对籽粒粒重的贡献率分别达6.86%~70.52%和0.07%~4.93%,其中,花前显著高于花后,陇鉴19高于Q 9086,穗下节和倒二节高于颖壳和倒三节。