Two novel beta-carboline compounds from the Maillard reaction between xylose and tryptophan

Two nonvolatile beta-carboline alkaloids were isolated from the Maillard reaction between xylose and tryptophan by solvent extraction and flash silica gel column chromatography. Their structures were elucidated by spectral methods (UV, MS, and NMR) as 1-(1,4-dihydroxybutyl)-beta-carboline and 1-(1,3, 4-trihydroxybutyl)-beta-carboline.     

Reaction of tryptophan with carbohydrates: mechanistic studies on the formation of carbohydrate-derived beta-carbolines.

Numerous carbohydrate-derived beta-carbolines have been identified for the first time in model reactions of tryptophan with glucose and ribose, as well as in food samples. Extending these structural studies, we performed detailed investigations to elucidate the corresponding intermediates and formation pathway of these alkaloids. Degradation experiments with purified tryptophan glycoconjugates established that only glyco-tetrahydro-beta-carboline-3-carboxylic acids, and not the N-glycosides nor the C-glycoconjugates represented the direct precursors of carbohydrate-derived beta-carbolines. In addition, the significance of the oxidative decarboxylation reaction as the initial step for formation of 1-substituted beta-carbolines was proven. Finally, the stereochemistry of the carbohydrate-derived side chain was studied by means of CD spectroscopy and HPLC-CD experiments. These detailed stereochemical analyses yielded experimental evidence for the racemization steps required for formation of the carbohydrate-derived harman alkaloids and confirmed the proposed reaction pathway.     

High pressure liquid chromatographic determination of carbohydrates in food products: evaluation of method

A high pressure liquid chromatographic (HPLC) method for determining 5 common carbohydrates in food products was evaluated. Reproducibility data were generated showing a relative standard deviation of 2.8%. Recovery studies on a variety of foods gave an average recovery of 98.8%. The HPLC data for 3 varieties of ready-to-eat cereals were compared with data from 4 independent laboratories using current AOAC chemical methods. The HPLC mean values differed from the chemical mean values by 3.2%.     

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.     

Multiplex, quantitative, ligation-dependent probe amplification for determination of allergens in food

Legislation requires labeling of foods containing allergenic ingredients. Here, we present a robust 10-plex quantitative and sensitive ligation-dependent probe amplification method, the allergen-multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA) method, for specific detection of eight allergens: sesame, soy, hazelnut, peanut, lupine, gluten, mustard, and celery. Ligated probes were amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and amplicons were detected using capillary electrophoresis. Quantitative results were obtained by comparing signals with an internal positive control. The limit of detection varied from approximately 5 to 400 gene copies, depending on the allergen. The method was tested using different foods spiked with mustard, celery, soy, or lupine flour in the 1-0.001% range. Depending on the allergen, sensitivities were similar or better than those obtained with qPCR. The allergen-MLPA method is modular and can be adapted by adding probe pairs for other allergens. The DNA-based allergen-MLPA method will constitute a complementary method to the traditional protein-based methods.     

Liquid chromatographic determination of ergot alkaloids in wheat

A method is described for the determination of individual ergot alkaloids in wheat. The sample is extracted with ethyl acetate-4% ammonium hydroxide (100 + 10), and the extract is cleaned up by liquid-liquid partition. The ergot alkaloids are resolved by liquid chromatography (LC), using a porous cross-linked polystyrene-divinylbenzene resin column and a mobile phase consisting of acetonitrile-0.05 M dibasic ammonium phosphate (55 + 45) buffered at pH 10.0. The ergot alkaloids ergonovine, ergonovinine, ergotamine, ergotaminine, alpha-ergocryptine, alpha-ergocryptinine, ergocristine, and ergocristinine are separated by LC and detected with a fluorescence detector. Recovery of ergot alkaloids added to wheat at levels of 16-760 ng/g averaged 85.6% with a coefficient of variation of 11.1%.     

Determination of sulfur amino acids and tryptophan in foods and food and feed ingredients: collaborative study

Samples of 4 foods, 1 animal feed, isolated soy protein, and beta-lactoglobulin were analyzed by 9 laboratories to determine concentrations of cysteine as cysteic acid, methionine as methionine sulfone, and tryptophan. Sulfur amino acids were determined by AOAC method 43.A08-43.A13 for food and feed ingredients, in which samples are oxidized with performic acid before protein hydrolysis with 6N HCl. Tryptophan was determined after protein hydrolysis with 4.2N NaOH. In both methods, free amino acids were separated by ion-exchange or reverse-phase chromatography. Each laboratory was provided with detailed methods and with sealed vials containing solutions of standards. Samples were analyzed in duplicate, and variation between laboratories was determined. Coefficients of variation between laboratories for the 6 samples ranged from 5.50 to 11.8% for methionine as methionine sulfoxide, 8.59 to 17.3% for cysteine as cysteic acid, and 3.87 to 16.1% for tryptophan. Amino acid recoveries were determined by analysis of beta-lactoglobulin and were based on expected levels of each amino acid obtained from amino acid sequence data. The mean recovery of cysteine was 97% with a range of 88-119%. For methionine, mean recovery was 98% (range 89-115%) and for tryptophan, 85% (range 59-102%). Method 43.A08-43.A13 for food and feed ingredients has been adopted official first action for determination of cysteine and methionine in processed foods. The alkaline hydrolysis method has been adopted official first action for determination of tryptophan in foods and food and feed ingredients.     

Isolation and identification of antifungal and antialgal alkaloids from Haplophyllum sieversii

Bioassay-guided fractionation of the hexane/ethyl acetate/water (H/EtOAc/H2O) crude extract of the aerial parts of Haplophyllum sieversii was performed because of preliminary screening data that indicated the presence of growth inhibitory components against Colletotrichum fragariae, Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, and Colletotrichum acutatum. Fractionation was directed using bioautographical methods resulting in the isolation of the bioactive alkaloids flindersine, anhydroevoxine, haplamine, and a lignan eudesmin. These four compounds were evaluated for activity against C. fragariae, C. gloeosporioides, C. acutatum, Botrytis cinerea, Fusarium oxysporum, and Phomopsis obscurans in a dose-response growth-inhibitory bioassay at 50.0, 100.0, and 150.0 microM. Of the four compounds tested, flindersine demonstrated the highest level of antifungal activity. Additionally, flindersine, eudesmin, and haplamine were screened against the freshwater phytoplanktons Oscillatoria perornata, Oscillatoria agardhii, Selenastrum capricornutum, and Pseudanabaena sp. (strain LW397). Haplamine demonstrated selective inhibition against the odor-producing cyanobacterium O. perornata compared to the activity against the green alga S. capricornutum, with lowest observed effect concentration values of 1.0 and 10.0 microM, respectively.     

Structure determination of a novel 3(6H)-pyranone chromophore and clarification of its formation from carbohydrates and primary amino acids

An intensely orange compound, which has recently been evaluated as one of the main colored compounds formed in Maillard reactions of hexoses, could be unequivocally identified as (Z)-2-[(2-furyl)methylidene]-5,6-di(2-furyl)-6H-pyran-3-one (1) by application of several NMR and LC-MS experiments. To clarify its formation, the effectiveness of certain carbohydrate degradation products as precursors of 1 was studied in a quantitative experiment demonstrating hydroxy-2-propanone, furan-2-aldehyde, and 3-deoxy-2-hexosulose as precursors of the colorant. Site-specific labeling experiments with D-1-[(13)C]glucose and D-6-[(13)C]glucose, respectively, were performed to elucidate the formation pathway of 1 involving a cleavage of the hexose skeleton between carbon atoms C(5) and C(6). In addition, pentoses could be shown to generate 1 via a similar formation pathway involving the 3-deoxy-2-pentosulose.     

Identification, determination, and biological evaluation of a novel styrene trimer contained in polystyrene food containers. 2

An unidentified styrene trimer (ST) isolated from the acetonitrile extract of polystyrene (PS) food containers was characterized as (1S*,6R*,7S*,8S*,11R*)-6,11-diphenyltricyclo[6,2,2,0(2,7)]dodeca-2,9-diene. The content and migration of this compound in PS food containers were determined by GC-MS (SIM). Furthermore, an endocrine-disrupting effect was tested using in vitro and in vivo assays of the compound. In conclusion, it seems that the compound does not present the effect.     

Rheological characterization of a novel functional food: tomato juice with soy germ

The rheological properties of tomato juice containing 1.5% soy germ were compared to plain tomato juice with and without soy protein isolate. This novel product was developed to provide a delivery system of carotenoids, soy protein, and significant isoflavone content without compromising the perceived juice characteristics of tomato product. Rheological tests depicted physical gel characteristics for all three products. Dynamic tests as a function of temperature showed that the stability and the compatibility between tomato juice and soy germ were higher as compared to soy protein isolate. The hydrophobic and electrostatic interactions between pectin and protein in the tomato soy protein isolate system were weakened as the temperature was increased. In the case of tomato juice with soy germ, the viscosity did not change during heating. The addition of soy germ increased the viscosity of tomato juice reinforcing the entire system without major qualitative effects on the rheological properties of plain tomato juice.     

Application of NMR spectroscopy and LC-NMR/MS to the identification of carbohydrates in beer

The application of LC-NMR/MS for the direct identification of carbohydrates in beer has been studied. Carbohydrates are major beer components, and their structural characterization by NMR alone is seriously hindered by strong spectroscopic overlap. Direct analysis of beer by LC-NMR/MS enables the rapid (1-2 h) identification of dextrins with degree of polymerization (DP) of up to nine monomers, with degassing being the only sample treatment required. Although the presence of alpha(1-->6) branching points is easily indicated by NMR for each subfraction separated by LC, difficulties arise for the unambiguous assignment of linear or branched forms of high DP dextrins. The two beer samples investigated in this work were found to have significantly different oligosaccharide compositions, reflecting the different production conditions employed. The use of hyphenated NMR for the rapid characterization of the carbohydrate composition of beers may be the basis of a useful tool for the quality control of beer.     

Rapid identification of seaweeds in food products by PCR combined with ALF-RFLP and FINS methodologies

In the present study, two methods for the genetic identification of the most important seaweed species used for human consumption were developed. Both are carried out through PCR amplification of an 18S rRNA gene fragment. The first one is based on the phylogenetic analysis of DNA sequences (FINS), while the second is based on length polymorphism and RFLP visualized by means of an ALF system. The main novelty of this work lies in the fact that it allows genetic identification of the main commercial species of seaweed. Moreover, the developed systems can be applied to all kinds of processed products, including those that have undergone intensive transformation, as for instance canned foods. These methodologies also permit the detection of species in complex matrixes where more than one algal species is present. The methods were validated using products manufactured in a pilot plant showing correct functioning. Finally, the methods were applied to 23 commercial samples including some that had been subjected to intensive thermal treatment, allowing the detection of those that were incorrectly labeled (30%). Therefore, these molecular tools can be used for clarifying questions related to the correct labeling and traceability of commercial products that include some seaweeds in their composition.     

Liquid chromatographic determination of polydextrose in food matrixes

A liquid chromatographic (LC) method has been developed to determine the content of polydextrose, a water-soluble 1 calorie/g bulking agent, in food matrixes such as cookies, cakes, fruit spreads, and chocolate toppings. This analysis, which requires use of a blank matrix, provides a feasible means to control the manufacture of foods containing this additive and provides a component for the accurate determination of the caloric value of a particular food product. The method involves aqueous extraction of the polydextrose from the food matrix followed by separation on a carbohydrate analysis column. The LC system uses a mobile phase of 0.005M CaSO4.2H2O and a refractive index detector for quantitation. Polydextrose recoveries from the food matrixes varied from 91.5 to 100.9% with assay precision, expressed as coefficient of variation, ranging from 0.7 to 4.3%. Each error estimate was derived from 5 parallel determinations. The present methodology is precise and selective in contrast to the modified classical phenol-sulfuric acid colorimetric method for assaying carbohydrates, which had been used for polydextrose determination in food matrixes in the past. Because the coefficient of variation frequently exceeded 10%, replicate analyses were necessary to achieve quantitation.     

Rapid determination of fumigant and industrial chemical residues in food

A gas chromatographic (GC) method is described for the determination of 22 fumigant and industrial chemical residues in a variety of foods. The fumigants and industrial chemicals determined are methyl bromide, methylene chloride, carbon disulfide, chloroform, 1,1-dichloroethane, ethylene dichloride, methyl chloroform, carbon tetrachloride, methylene bromide, propylene dichloride, 2,3-dichloropropene, trichloroethylene, 1,3-dichloropropylene, 1,1,2-trichloroethane, chloropicrin, ethylene dibromide, tetrachloroethylene, propylene dibromide, 1,1,2,2-tetrachloroethane, p-dichlorobenzene, o-dichlorobenzene, and 1,2-dibromo-3-chloropropane. Except for the latter three, the fumigants are determined at 90 degrees C on 3.6 m 20% loaded OV-101 columns with electron-capture and Hall-electroconductivity detectors. The other 3 compounds (o-dichlorobenzene, p-dichlorobenzene, and 1,2-dibromo-3-chloropropane), which elute beyond 30 min on the above columns, are determined at 90 degrees C on 1.8 m 5% loaded OV-101 columns with the same detectors. The ng/g-level fortifications have an overall mean analyte recovery of 70% and a coefficient of variation of 40%. The variety of foods examined includes both fatty and nonfatty food types (e.g., off-the-shelf cooked and uncooked grain-based items, dairy products, fresh and canned fruits and vegetables, and meats). Samples are extracted and cleaned up according to fat content and food type. Samples containing less than 71% fat are extracted by using an aqueous: nonaqueous shakeout (20% acetone solution under isooctane). Most extracts (isooctanes) are analyzed directly. Extracts from samples containing from 21 to 70% fat (e.g., ground beef, pecans, and corn chips) are cleaned up further on micro-Florisil columns to remove excess fat. A few other samples containing more than 71% fat or oil (e.g., butter, salad dressing, and vegetable oil) are diluted directly in isooctane and, depending on the degree of dilution, can be cleaned up further on micro-Florisil columns. Also, clear beverages (e.g., soda and tea) are extracted directly with isooctane. These extraction and cleanup techniques were tested on 231 different table-ready foods. Three-hundred incurred residues of 10 different fumigants were found in 138 items examined; 93 items had no detectable residues. The main advantage of the method is rapid semiquantitative determination of multiple fumigants from all food types.     

Colorimetric and spectrophotometric determination of total and non-phenolic alkaloids in ipeca and its formulations.

A simple method, requiring no chromatographic separation, is presented for the determination of the total and non-phenolic alkaloids in ipeca and its preparations. The complex formed between the alkaloid and methyl orange at pH 5.0 is extracted with chloroform and treated with 0.1N NaOH. The liberated dye, determined at 460 nm, is a measure of the total alkaloids. The chloroform phase remaining is treated with 0.1N H2SO4, and the acid extract is measured at 283 nm for the non-phenolic alkaloids, calculated as emetine. The proposed method was successfully applied to samples of ipeca powder, ipeca tincture, and 3 British Pharmaceutical Codex mixtures containing ipeca tincture, namely, ipecacuanha mixture, pediatric; ipecacuanha and ammonia mixture, pediatric; and belladonna and ipecacuanha mixture, pediatric. The proposed method compares favorably with the Egyptian Pharmacopoeia, British Pharmacopoeia, and USP methods and has a relative standard deviation of 1.54%. The present procedure is less time-consuming and requires about 45 and 90 min for the assay of ipeca tincture and powder, respectively. Only a small sample (0.2 mL tincture of 1.0 g powder) is required.     

Potential food additives from Carex distachya roots: identification and in vitro antioxidant properties

In the present study, the chemical composition and antioxidant properties of root methanol extract of Carex distachya Desf. (Cyperaceae) were assessed to use this plant as sources of food additives and nutraceuticals. The IC50 of the extract (4.2 microg/mL), derived from the DPPH radical scavenging capacity assay, was similar to those of ascorbic acid, alpha-tocopherol, and BHT. These results revealed a strong antioxidant activity because of the presence of an extraordinary quantity of bioactive phytochemicals. The phytochemical study of the root extract led to the isolation and identification of new and known polyphenols, most of them common constituents of plant foods. A total of 16 polyphenols, identified on the basis of spectroscopic data as 7 lignans, 4 phenylethanoids, 3 resveratrol derivatives, a monolignol, and a secoiridoid glucoside, were isolated. The tentative structural elucidation of the new metabolites 5'-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyloxy-3,3'-dimethoxy-7,9'-epoxylignan-4,8',9-triol and 3,5-bis-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyloxy-3'-methoxy-trans-stilben-4'-ol have been performed by a combined approach using ESI/TQ/MS techniques and 1D and 2D NMR experiments. All of the compounds have been tested for their antioxidant activity using six different antioxidant and radical scavenging tests. Interestingly, the extract contained high quantities of polyphenols, most of them reported as constituents of edible plants, such as grape and olive, suggesting that the methanol root extract of this plant could be used as a source of natural antioxidants useful as potential food additives.     

Efficient and sensitive method for quantitative analysis of alkaloids in hardinggrass (Phalaris aquatica L.)

An efficient high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) method for the analysis of alkaloids in hardinggrass (Phalaris aquatica L.) was developed. The method employed HPTLC glass plates precoated with silica gel 60F-254 as the stationary phase. The solvent system consisted of ethyl acetate/chloroform/7 N NH4OH in methanol (8:2:1, v/v/v). Using unidimensional double-development, bands were well separated for 10 alkaloid standards as well as alkaloids observed in hardinggrass plant extracts. Identities of compounds observed using HPTLC were validated by high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS). Software was used to quantify individual alkaloids in plant samples based on HPTLC retention factors and intensities relative to standards of known concentration. Correlation coefficients of 0.99 were obtained between estimated and actual concentrations for four standards (methyltyramine, hordenine, gramine, and 5-methoxydimethyltryptamine), with linearity in the range of 120-3840 ng/spot. The HPTLC method is repeatable and specific for beta-carboline, tryptamine, gramine, and tyramine type alkaloids in mixed standard and plant extracts. Initial results indicate substantial variation in alkaloid composition among and within hardinggrass populations.