Oat phenolic content and total antioxidant capacity during grain development

Oats (Avena sativa L.) were revaluated in recent years as a promising crop for improving the nutritional quality of foods, due to their richness in many bioactive compounds, including phenols. These plant secondary metabolites are useful as radical scavenging, and also possess positive biochemical effects against cardiovascular diseases, cancer growth and age-related diseases. Twenty oat cultivars were analyzed for their soluble phenol content (SPC, ranging 0.78–1.09 g_GAE/kg d.m.) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC, ranging 13.99–18.84 mmol TE/kg d.m.). In another experiment, the kinetics of SPC accumulation and TAC in the immature grains of five oat cultivars revealed a marked decrease of both parameters (−48.9% and −72.1%, respectively) from ten days after anthesis to maturity. These results could suggest a possible use of immature oat grains in human nutrition, as it was already proposed for other cereals.     

Influence of phenolic acid content on sensory perception of bread and crackers made from red or white wheat

Despite the health benefits of wholegrain, consumer acceptance of wholegrain products remains an issue due to the presence of characteristic flavours that some consumers consider to be unacceptable. It was hypothesized that phenolic acids could be contributing to the perceived unacceptable flavours described in wholegrain products. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between total phenolic acid content (TPAC) and phenolic acids as quantified by HPLC, to the sensory properties of wholegrain products using partial least squares (PLS) mapping. Red and white wheat flours were investigated in an intermediate (bread) and low (cracker) moisture product system. Red and white wheat demonstrated different phenolic acid profiles despite having similar TPAC. Within the bread crumb, the free and bound phenolic acids provided the best predictive scores; whereas only bound phenolic acids provided high predictive scores in crackers. This suggests that the contribution of phenolic acids to flavour characteristics of wholegrain products varies depending upon the product moisture.     

Effect of germination on total phenolic compounds,total antioxidant capacity,Maillard reaction products and oxidative stress markers in canihua (Chenopodium pallidicaule)

Germination of cereals/pseudo-cereals has been suggested as an effective method to increase antioxidant compounds. However, this process could also lead to high reducing sugar levels and subsequent Maillard reaction products. The aim of this work was to determine the time course effect of canihua (Chenopodium pallidicaule) germination on: 1) antioxidant capacity, 2) extractable and non-extractable phenolic compounds content, 3) Maillard reaction products and 4) oxidative stress markers. Germination increased antioxidant capacity, phenolic compounds and Maillard reaction products, including advanced glycated end products while it decreased oxidative stress markers. All parameters exhibited a similar time course pattern with a maximum at 72 h. In addition to the increase in phenolic compounds and antioxidant capacity, canihua germination produced advanced glycated end products. The impact on human health of these compounds in germinated seeds deserves future attention.     

Effect of solid state fermentation by Enterococcus faecalis M2 on antioxidant and nutritional properties of wheat bran

Wheat bran is the main by-product during wheat flour processing. Although wheat bran is rich in the bioactive compounds and antioxidant capacity, it is not widely utilized in its natural state. To improve the antioxidant and nutritional properties of wheat bran, a dominant strain, Enterococcus faecalis M2, was screened from lactic acid bacteria (LAB) isolated from various foods. Following solid state fermentation, the soluble dietary fiber content of wheat bran nearly quadrupled compared to the raw material. Total proportion of phenols, flavonoids, alkylresorcinols, along with the antioxidant capacity and free radical scavenging rate were significantly improved, particularly the ferulic acid content increased by 5.5 times. Additionally, the free amino acid content increased with degradation of wheat bran protein, whereas the level of anti-nutrient phytic acid decreased. The results of this study could provide an effective method for biological modification of wheat bran, which further enhance the health benefit and utilization of bran.     

Functional study of raw and cooked blue maize flour: Starch digestibility,total phenolic content and antioxidant activity

The purpose of this study was to determine the chemical composition and antioxidant capacity of blue maize (BM) (Zea mays L.) flour and to investigate the effects of polyphenol-containing extracts and BM wholegrain flour on starch digestion under uncooked and cooked conditions; commercial white maize flour was used as control. Total phenolic content in BM flour (BMF) (164 ± 14 mg gallic acid/g of dry matter) was higher than white maize (127 ± 7 mg gallic acid/g of dry matter), and the presence of anthocyanins (2.0 ± 0.5 mg cyanidin 3-glucoside/100 g) was detected. Also, an important scavenging activity against ABTS (2,2’-azino-di-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline)-6-sulfonic acid) and DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) radicals and ferric reducing power (FRAP) was determined. Extracts of BMF reduced amylase activity (>90% of inhibition). BMF showed higher slowly digestible and resistant starch contents, thus exhibiting lower predicted glycemic index than white maize. Total anthocyanins (r = −0.89 and r = −0.79, p<0.05), antioxidant capacity (r = −0.86 and r = −0.96, p<0.05), total starch (r = 0.99 and 0.92, p<0.05) and resistant starch content (r = −0.99 and r = −0.92, p<0.05) were correlated with pGI for uncooked and cooked flours, respectively. These results indicate the potential use of BMF and its phenolic-rich extract as functional ingredients to develop antioxidant and indigestible carbohydrate-rich foods with potential health benefits.     

The influence of fermentation processes and cereal grains in wholegrain bread on reducing phytate content

Wholegrain bread is generally thought of as being more healthy than white bread due to it having a higher content of dietary fibre, vitamins (especially vitamin B and E) and many important minerals. However, wholegrain bread also contains high levels of phytate (myo-inositolhexakisphosphate, InsP-6) which may bind desirable nutrients, preventing their absorption in the gut and thereby reducing the nutritional value of the end product. In order to evaluate factors influencing phytate levels, the effects of fermentation and selected wholemeal flours from rye, oats and wheat were investigated. Phytate levels were assessed using a spectrophotometric assay based on the measurement of iron with 2,2′-bipyridine. Phytate decreased in freshly ground wholegrain flour dough during the fermentation process with time of fermentation being the most important factor. Fermentation temperature was found to make only a small difference to the process of phytate reduction. Since the potential benefits of wholemeal breads incorporating various grains (e.g. oats and rye) are increasingly evident, this research has important implications for human health.     

Effects of high temperature and shading on grain abscisic acid content and grain filling pattern in rice (Oryza sativa L.)

ABSTRACT

Abscisic acid (ABA) is a key factor regulating starch biosynthesis genes and is involved in assimilate partitioning to individual spikelets. The objective of this study was to clarify the effects of high temperature and shading during grain filling on grain ABA content and the grain filling pattern of spikelets located at different positions in a panicle. We grew the rice cultivar ‘Koshihikari’ in pots in 2009 under two temperature regimes and two light conditions during grain filling. We periodically measured grain dry weight and grain ABA content (pmol per grain) and concentration (pmol per grain dry weight). Shading increased a grain weight difference between superior and inferior spikelets while high temperature decreased the difference regardless of light condition. High temperature decreased ABA content and concentration in grains. There was a close correlation between mean grain ABA content and mean grain-filling rate averaged over the first half of grain filling.     

Benzoxazinoid and alkylresorcinol content,and their antioxidant potential,in a grain of spring and winter wheat cultivated under different production systems

The health-promoting properties of the grains of common wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) are associated with the presence of unique phytochemicals. This study determines the profile of alkylresorcinols (ARs) and benzoxazinoids (BXs) in T. aestivum spring and winter cultivars grown in Poland under the two different production systems: conventional and organic. Wheat grain extracts were subjected to qualitative and quantitative UPLC-UV-MS/MS analyses. The ARs profile consisted of five 5-n-alkylresorcinol derivatives, among which 5-n-heneicosylresorcinol (C21:0) and 5-n-nonadecanylresorcinol (C19:0) predominated; while six different BXs were determined in hydrothermally treated grains. Our research shows significant differences in the contents of ARs and BXs among wheat cultivars, as well as the two production systems used. Organically grown varieties had their total contents of ARs and BXs significantly higher than those grown conventionally. Another aim of the study was to determine the antioxidant capacity of alkylresorcinol extracts from tested wheat cultivars. The quantitative TLC-DPPH• method for determining the antiradical capacity of wheat ARs extracts was developed. We observed a positive relationship between the free radical scavenging activity of extracts and the total amount of ARs. The biological activity research is important for developing value-added wheat cultivars, having an improved profile and composition of nutritional substances.     

Effects of gamma irradiation on mycotoxin disappearance and amino acid contents of corn,wheat, and soybeans with different moisture contents

The effects of gamma irradiation on degradation of aflatoxin B₁ in wheat, corn, and soybeans and of T-2 toxin in wheat, deoxynivalenol (DON) in soybeans, and zearalenone in corn at 9, 13, and 17% moisture were studied. Radiation doses of 5, 7.5, 10 or 20 kGy were applied to spiked grain samples, and the residual toxins were measured using an enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Irradiation doses of up to 20 kGy did not significantly affect aflatoxin B₁ in any of the three grains, but significant reductions occurred in T-2 toxin, DON, and zearalenone concentration at doses of 10 or 20 kGy and in T-2 toxin at the 7.5 kGy dose. Two-way analysis of variance with Tukey's Multiple Range Test showed no significant interaction between radiation dose and grain moisture level. Irradiation of the ground grains at doses higher than 5 kGy resulted in small, but significant, losses of lysine in corn (only at 7.5 kGy), wheat, and soybeans, and methionine was reduced in wheat and corn samples. In some cases, phenylalanine decreased in corn and wheat, and histidine levels in wheat were reduced in samples receiving 7.5 kGy of irradiation. Other essential amino acids were not affected significantly by irradiation.Contribution No. 94-114-J of the Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station.     

Volatile profile,fatty acids composition and total phenolics content of brewers' spent grain by-product with potential use in the development of new functional foods

Brewers' spent grain (BSG) is the insoluble residue generated from the production of wort in the brewing industry. This plant-derived by-product is known to contain significant amounts of valuable components, which remain unexploited in the brewing processes. Therefore, it is essential to develop a more detailed characterization of BSG in order to highlight its potential in developing new value-added products and simultaneously solve the environmental problems related to its discharge. The content of BSG in several biologically active compounds (fatty acids, polyphenols, flavonoids, antioxidant capacity) as well as its volatile fingerprint were assessed and compared with the composition of barley, malt and wheat flour samples. The obtained results emphasized the importance and the opportunities of the re-use of this agro-industrial by-product.     

Alpha-amylase treatment increases extractable phenolics and antioxidant capacity of oat (Avena nuda L.) flour

In this work, α-amylase was used to treat oat flour with the intent to release phenolic compounds with known antioxidant properties. After methanol extraction, the amounts of nine beneficial phenolic compounds were measured using HPLC. The antioxidant activities of the extracts were assessed using 2,2′-azinobis (3- ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS),2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and protein oxidative damage protection assays. Compared with heating-only treated oat flour, that treated with α-amylase showed significant increase of extractable total phenolic content (0.46–1.35 μmol gallic acid equivalents per gram oat), total antioxidant capacity, and an increased ability on the protection of protein from oxidative damage. Heating-only increased caffeic acid and vanillin content by 17 (0.03 vs 0.54 μg/g oat) and 1.8 (0.62 vs 1.11 μg/g oat) folds, but slightly increased the content of other phenols. Excluding heating effect, α-amylase treatment increased gallic acid content by 2.6 folds (0.38 vs 1.38 μg/g oat), caffeic acid content by 2.4 (0.54 vs 1.82 μg/g oat) folds, and other phenols by 1.0–1.8 folds. In conclusion, α-amylase treatment can yield oat products containing more extractable phenolic compounds with increased antioxidant capacity.     

Effects of different additives on fermentation quality and aerobic stability of Leymus chinensis silage

This study investigated the effects of different additives on fermentation quality and aerobic stability of Leymus chinensis silage. Treatments included (i) no additive, (ii) 3 mL kg^?1 formic acid (FA), (iii) 6 mL kg^?1 FA, (iv) 5 mL kg^?1 acetic acid (AA), (v) 10 mL kg^?1 AA, (vi) 2 mL kg^?1 propionic acid (PA), (vii) 4 mL kg^?1 PA, (viii) 5 mL kg^?1 butyric acid (BA), (ix) 10 mL kg^?1 BA, (x) 1.0 g kg^?1 potassium sorbate (PS), (xi) 1.0 g kg^?1 sodium benzoate (SB), (xii) 1 × 10⁸ colony‐forming units (cfu) kg^?1 Lactobacillus (Lb) plantarum LP (LP), (xiii) 1 × 10⁸ cfu kg^?1 Lb. brevis LB (LB) and (xiv) 1 × 10⁸ cfu kg^?1 Lb. buchneri NCIMB40788 (Fresh). Each additive treatment was based on fresh matter (FM). Results showed that all additives decreased pH values. All additives except Fresh decreased ammonia‐N content (p < .001). Both LP and LB increased lactic acid content (p < .001). Butyric acid content increased with FA (3 mL kg^?1) and BA, but decreased with PA, PS, SB, FA (6 mL kg^?1), AA, LP, LB (p < .001). FA (3 mL kg^?1), AA (10 mL kg^?1), PA, BA, PS, SB and Fresh improved aerobic stability (p < .001). After 8 days exposure to air, the pH value and yeast count were lower in FA (3 mL kg^?1), BA (10 mL kg^?1), SB treatments than in other treatments. Overall, AA outperformed all other additives in improving fermentation quality. Sodium benzoate and AA could be used as an effective additive to improve aerobic stability of L. chinensis silage.     

Effects of additives on the fermentation and aerobic stability of grass silages and total mixed rations

Mown herbage of timothy–meadow fescue (dry matter 218 (LDM) or 539 (HDM) g kg^?1) was ensiled in laboratory silos to evaluate silage additives. For LDM silage, additives including formic acid (a blend of formic acid, sodium formate, propionic acid, benzoic acid, glycerol and another blend of formic acid and ammonium formate, both applied at 5 L t^?1) were able to restrict fermentation and thereby improve intake potential of the silage. Aerobic stability (AS) of total mixed ration (TMR) was also improved. LDM grass treated with homofermentative lactic acid bacteria (_hoLAB) resulted in silage containing lactic acid at 132 g kg^?1 DM, ammonium‐N <40 g kg^?1 total N, and pH < 3·8, and the AS was poor (<36 h). The treatment including heterofermentative strain (Lactobacillus brevis) produced more acetic acid and better AS than _hoLAB. Salt treatment (sodium benzoate, potassium sorbate, sodium nitrite) reduced pH compared to the Control treatment (3·89 vs. 4·24) and improved AS of TMR. The LDM Control silage had good AS, but the TMR based on it had poor AS. All additives were able to lower pH on HDM silages also, but other benefits of using additives were minimal. The treatment including L. brevis on HDM was able to improve AS of TMR.     

不同陈化条件下烤烟褐变与氨基酸含量变化关系

通过分光光度法测定不同陈化时间和不同温度、湿度、真空度等陈化条件下烤烟烟叶中氨基酸含量和颜色的变化,并探讨烤烟褐变与氨基酸含量变化间的相互关系。结果表明,烤烟云烟85和翠碧在有氧陈化条件下温度越高、湿度越大,氨基酸含量越低,褐变度越大。因此烤烟在陈化过程中适当保持低温、低湿和隔离空气可减少烟叶褐变。     

Cd胁迫对草莓叶片膜脂质过氧化和脱落酸含量的影响

采用土壤盆栽试验,研究了Cd胁迫对草莓叶片膜脂质过氧化和脱落酸（ABA）含量的影响。结果表明,Cd胁迫下草莓叶片中的活性氧积累,丙二醛（MDA）含量升高,细胞膜透性增大,K＋渗透率增加,过氧化氢酶（CAT）活性降低。Cd浓度较高时,过氧化物酶（POD）和超氧化物歧化酶（SOD）活性降低,说明Cd胁迫下草莓细胞活性氧清除系统的功能降低,可能是导致细胞内活性氧积累,进而引起膜脂质过氧化加快和膜系统受损的重要原因。此外,Cd胁迫下草莓叶片中的ABA含量也提高。     

Effects of formic acid and potassium diformate on the fermentation quality,chemical composition and aerobic stability of alfalfa silage

The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of potassium diformate (KDF) as a potential additive for alfalfa silage. Fresh alfalfa was untreated or treated with formic acid (4 g/kg fresh weight, FW) or three concentrations of KDF (4, 5.5 or 7 g/kg FW). After 60 days of ensiling, the addition of formic acid and greater levels of KDF (5.5 and 7 g/kg) effectively reduced silage pH and inhibited the undesirable bacteria, indicated by lower butyric acid, ethanol, ammonia N concentrations and microbial populations (including enterobacteria, yeasts, moulds and clostridia). Additives decreased the dry‐matter loss, and more water‐soluble carbohydrates were preserved in the silages with formic acid or potassium diformate than in the control. Alfalfa silages treated with formic acid at 4 g/kg FW or potassium diformate at 5.5 or 7 g/kg FW were classified as the highest quality silage based on the higher Flieg's point (above 70) and remained stable for more than 9 days during aerobic exposure. Potassium diformate is recommended as an effective additive for alfalfa silages at a level of 5.5 or 7 g/kg FW under the humid and hot conditions of southern China.     

Whole wheat bread: Effect of bran fractions on dough and end-product quality

Consumption of whole-wheat based products is encouraged due to their important nutritional elements that benefit human health. However, the use of whole-wheat flour is limited because of the poor processing and end-product quality. Bran was postulated as the major problem in whole wheat breadmaking. In this study, four major bran components including lipids, extractable phenolics (EP), hydrolysable phenolics (HP), and fiber were evaluated for their specific functionality in flour, dough and bread baking. The experiment was done by reconstitution approach using the 2⁴ factorial experimental layout. Fiber was identified as a main component to have highly significant (P < 0.05) and negative influence on most breadmaking characteristics. Although HP had positive effect on farinograph stability, it was identified as another main factor that negatively impacted the oven spring and bread loaf volume. Bran oil and EP seemed to be detrimental to most breadmaking characteristics. Overall, statistical analysis indicates that influence of the four bran components are highly complex. The bran components demonstrate multi-way interactions in regards to their influence on dough and bread-making characteristics. Particularly, Fiber appeared to have a high degree of interaction with other bran components and notably influenced the functionality of those components in whole wheat bread-making.     

Phenolic compounds,antioxidant capacity and gelling properties of glucoarabinoxylans from three types of sorghum brans

Arabinose to xylose ratio (A/X), phenolics, antioxidant capacity and gelling properties were evaluated in glucoarabinoxylans (GAX) extracted from white (W-GAX), red (R-GAX) and high tannin (T-GAX) sorghum brans (SB). The characterization of arabinoxylans from corn fiber (CFAX) was used as benchmark. Sorghum GAX had higher branched structure (A/X 1.08–1.41) than CFAX (0.59). Nine 3-deoxyanthocyanins (3-DAs) were identified in SB and two glycosylated forms remained associated to the R-GAX and T-GAX extracts. T-GAX was the only that contained tannins (0.41 mg catechin equivalents (CE)/g dry basis (db)) and exerted the highest antioxidant capacity (81.75 mM Trolox equivalents (TE)/g db) followed by R-GAX (48.49 mM TE/g db), which contained the highest amount of 3-DAs (0.11 mg Luteolinidin equivalents (Lut eq)/g db), and W-GAX (35.45 mM TE/g db) that was not significantly different from the CFAX (25.83 mM TE/g db). Among sorghums, only the W-GAX gelled but it formed a weaker gel compared to CFAX likely due to its lower hydroxycinnamic acids (HCA) concentration. The presence of 3-DAs in the structure of R-GAX and T-GAX affected negatively their solubility and gelling properties. The different SB showed potential as sources of GAX with antioxidant capacity.