Antioxidant Capacity and Antimutagenic Activity of Anthocyanin and Carotenoid Extracts from Nixtamalized Pigmented Creole Maize Races (Zea mays L.)

Nixtamalization process is the first step to obtain maize based products, like tortillas; however, in both the traditional and commercial processes, white grain is generally preferred. Creole maize races, mainly pigmented varieties, have increasingly attention since these are rich in anthocyanins and carotenoids. The aim of this investigation was to evaluate the antioxidant and antimutagenic activity of rich anthocyanins and carotenoids extracts from creole maize races before (grain) and after (masa and tortilla) the nixtamalization process. Most anthocyanins and carotenoids were lost during nixtamalization. Before nixtamalization, blue and red genotypes contained either higher antioxidant capacity and anthocyanin contents (963?±?10.0 and 212.36?±?0.36 mg of cyanidin-3-glucoside eq/100 g, respectively) than the white and yellow genotypes. However, the highest carotenoid levels were displayed by red grains (1.01?±?0.07 to 1.14?±?0.08 μg of β-carotene eq/g extract). Anthocyanins losses were observed when the blue grains were processed into masa (83 %) and tortillas (64 %). Anthocyanins content correlated with antiradical activity (r?=?0.57) and with 2-aminoanthracene -induced mutagenicity inhibition on TA98 and TA100 (r?=??0.62 and r?=??0.44, respectively). For white grains, nixtamalization also reduced carotenoids (53 to 56 %), but not antioxidant activity and 2-Aa-induced mutagenicity. Throughout the nixtamalization process steps, all the extracts showed antimutagenic activity against 2-aminoanthracene—induced mutagenicity (23 to 90 %), displaying higher potential to inhibit base changes mutations than frameshift mutations in the genome of the tasted microorganism (TA100 and TA98, respectively). The results suggest that even though there were pigment losses, creole maize pigments show antioxidant and antimutagenic activities after nixtamalization process.     

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.     

Qualitative response of roselle to planting methods,humic acid application,mycorrhizal inoculation and irrigation management

Crop management is an important factor affecting the quality of medicinal plants. Therefore, objectives of our investigation on roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) were: 1) To identify an appropriate planting method in semi-arid regions and 2) to study crop production under water-deficit conditions using eco-friendly techniques. We specifically investigated the effects of planting methods (direct sowing vs. transplanting) (experiment 1, in a randomized complete-block design), as well as effects of water regimes [irrigation after pan evaporation of 100 mm (normal irrigation) and 200 mm (deficit irrigation)], humic acid application (0 and 4 kg ha ^?1) and mycorrhizal inoculation (Glomus versiforme, Glomus intraradices, and control) (experiment 2, in a split-split-plot layout) on certain qualitative indices of roselle. The amounts of total soluble solids (TSS), anthocyanin content, and maturity index for direct seeding were, respectively, 17%, 15%, and 33% higher than those for transplanting, whereas vitamin C content and total acidity for transplanting treatment were, respectively, 17% and 20% more than those for direct sowing. According to data obtained from the average of the three mycorrhizal treatments, normal irrigation combined with humic acid application increased total acidity (0.88 mg.100 g^?1), anthocyanins (67.1 mg.l^?1), and vitamin C content (2177 mg.100 g^?1) over the control (deficit irrigation and no humic acid application, which had lower acidity (0.53 mg.100 g^?1), anthocyanins (38.8 mg.l^?1), and vitamin C content (1882 mg.100 g^?1). Total phenol and anthocyanins content under mycorrhizal inoculation were relatively higher than under control treatment at both levels of irrigation. G. intraradices produced the largest amount of vitamin C (2353 mg.100 g^?1) under deficit irrigation. On average, no-inoculation treatment had higher TSS, pH, and total acidity than any mycorrhizal inoculation treatment. Humic acid application and mycorrhizal inoculation, especially using G. intraradices, showed the highest values of anthocyanins (56.9 mg.l^?1) and vitamin C (2309 mg.100 g^?1) content. Overall, normal irrigation, combined with humic acid application and mycorrhizal inoculation, partially improved the quality indices of roselle.     

Arsenic in irrigated water,soil, and rice: perspective of the cropping seasons

Arsenic contamination of shallow groundwater and related health problems are threats for the millions in endemic regions of West Bengal. Contamination of rice grain creates the food chain pathway of mineral arsenic besides drinking water contamination. Present study concentrated on association of arsenic concentration in irrigated water, paddy field soil and rice with the cropping seasons. Irrigated ground water arsenic concentration decreased significantly (p = 0.007) from summer (median 0.42 mg l^?1) to winter (median 0.35 mg l^?1). Carried over effect created significant decrease (p = 0.03) of paddy field soil arsenic concentration from summer (median 8.35 mg kg^?1) to winter (median 6.17 mg kg^?1). Seasonal variation was observed in rice straw (p = 0.03) but not in husk (p = 0.91). Arsenic concentration decreased significantly (p = 0.05) in the rice grains collected in winter season (median 0.23 mg kg^?1) than the samples collected in the summer season (median 0.30 mg kg^?1). In conclusion, seasonal effects need to be considered in case of human health risk assessment from arsenic consumption.     

Bioactive Compounds and Sensory Quality of Black and White Mulberries Grown in Spain

The objective of this study was to evaluate and compare, for the first time, white and black mulberry species in terms of main phytochemical, volatile composition and sensory profile characteristics in eight Spanish clones. The results showed that black and white mulberry species displayed significant different characteristics. PLS analysis has allowed grouping of the clones into four groups (i) MA1, MA2 and MN2, (ii) MN3 and MN4, (iii) MA3 and MA4, and (iv) MN1. Experimental results proved that Spanish mulberries have potential for fresh consumption due to their high antioxidant capacity (10.7–86.1 mg Trolox 100 g^?1), polyphenol (76.7–180 mg gallic acid 100 g^?1) and ellagic acid content (8.7–15.5 mg 100 g^?1) as well as considerable amount of volatile compounds (35) with desirable attributes, which were scored high by a trained panel. Cultivars from the Morus nigra species seem to provide fruits with higher content of bioactive compounds and better aptitude for fresh consumption than Morus alba. Differences among the species should be attributed to genetics because they were cultivated under same conditions.     

Degradation of Carotenoids in Apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.) During Drying Process

Carotenoids are natural compounds whose nutritional importance comes from the provitamin A activity of some of them and their protection against several serious human disorders. The degradation of carotenoids was investigated during apricot drying by microwave and convective hot-air at 60 and 70 °C. Seven carotenoids were identified: antheraxanthin, lutein, zeaxanthin, β-cryptoxanthin, 13-cis-β-carotene, all-trans-β-carotene and 9-cis-β-carotene; among these, all-trans-β-carotene was found to be about 50 % of total carotenoids. First-order kinetic models were found to better describe all-trans-β-carotene reduction during drying, with a degradation rate constant (k₁) that increased two folds when temperatures increased by 10 °C, in both methods. No differences were found in k₁ between apricots dried by hot air at 70 °C (k₁?=?0.0340 h^?1) and by microwave at 60 °C. The evolution of total carotenoids (117.1 mg/kg on dry basis) during drying highlighted a wider decrease (about 50 %) when microwave heating was employed, for both set temperatures. Antheraxantin was found to be the carotenoid most susceptible to heat, disappearing at 6 h during both trials with microwave as well as during convective hot-air at 70 °C. For this reason, antheraxanthin could be a useful marker for the evaluation of thermal damage due to the drying process. Also the degree of isomerization of all-trans-β-carotene could be a useful marker for the evaluation of the drying process.     

Phenolic Compounds,Volatiles and Antioxidant Capacity of White Myrtle Berry Liqueurs

The aim of this research was to evaluate the antioxidant capacity and physical-chemical characteristics of commercial white myrtle berry (Myrtus communis L. var. leucocarpa DC) liqueur (WMBL). The total phenolic (TP) content was measured spectrophotometrically, applying a modified Folin-Ciocalteu’s method, and phenolic compounds were identified by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) coupled with electrospray mass spectrometry, and quantified by HPLC coupled with ultraviolet/visible detection. The antioxidant capacities were evaluated by FRAP, CUPRAC, DPPH^?, and ABTS^?+ assays. The volatiles were assessed by gas chromatography and mass spectrometry (GC-MS/FID) after headspace solid-phase microextraction (HS-SPME) and liquid-liquid extraction (LLE). WMBL showed lower TP levels (636.3 ± 39.2 mg GAE/L) than in purple myrtle berry liqueur (PMBL). Nevertheless, WMBL exhibited better antioxidant capacities, potentially due to high concentrations of gallic acid (294.2 ± 14.2 mg/L) and its derivatives (58.3 ± 2.1 mg/L). Other phenolic compounds detected by HPLC-DAD and LC-MS/MS were flavonols like myricetin and its derivatives (myricetin-3-O-galactoside and myricetin-3-O-rhamnoside) with concentrations similar to those found in PMBL. GC-MS/FID analysis revealed 44 compounds (terpenes, higher aliphatic compounds and shikimic acid pathway derivatives). 1,8-Cineole was the most abundant terpene in the liqueur (26.5% (HS-SPME) and 9.6% (LLE)).     

Prevalence of potato yellow vein virus (PYVV) in Solanum tuberosum Group Phureja Fields in Three States of Colombia

Potato yellow vein virus (Crinivirus) causes leaf yellowing, is limited to the phloem and is transmitted by Trialeurodes vaporariorum and tubers. PYVV causes up to 50 % yield reduction in S. tuberosum. The prevalence of PYVV was established in Group Phureja in 2008 in the Colombian states of Cundinamarca, Antioquia and Nariño. The presence (S) or absence (NS) of symptoms was established in 24,930 plants. Symptom prevalence was as follows: Cundinamarca 0.74 %?±?0.03, Antioquia 5.4 %?±?12 and Nariño 6.2 %?±?0.11. Percentages of S plants were highly variable among different states and municipalities. PYVV was diagnosed by RT-PCR in a subsample of 1,545 plants from Cundinamarca and Nariño. RT-PCR showed that 2.4 %?±?8.3?×?10^?5 and 41 %?±?0.0009 % of the symptomless plants of Cundinamarca and Nariño respectively were positive. This suggests possible late infection of plants by the vector which did not have enough time to express symptoms, infections with two or more viruses or “virus latency”. PYVV symptomatic prevalence in Group Phureja was lower than that reported for Diacol-Capiro (Group Andigena), but increases if molecular results are taken into account. This is the first known study aimed at determining PYVV prevalence using molecular tools and extensively sampling of S.tuberosum Group Phureja plants in grower’s fields in three states and multiple municipalities of Colombia.     

Phenolic Compounds Determined by LC-MS/MS and <Emphasis Type="Italic">In Vitro</Emphasis> Antioxidant Capacity of Brazilian Fruits in Two Edible Ripening Stages

The aim of this study was to investigate the free individual phenolics and the in vitro antioxidant capacity of blackberry, acerola, yellow guava, guabiju, jambolan and jabuticaba fruits in two edible stages. Of the thirty-three phenolics investigated by liquid chromatography - tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), twenty-five were quantified and the major ones were catechin, isoquercitrin, epicatechin and gallic acid. The highest values for the total phenolic content (in dry matter) were observed for acerola (83.6 to 97.7 mg gallic acid equivalents g^?1 DM) and blackberry (18.9 to 28.3 mg gallic acid equivalents g^?1 DM); however, acerola, jabuticaba, and blackberry showed the highest antioxidant capacities (134.6 to 1120.4 mg Trolox equivalents g^?1 for 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl and 43.6 to 501.8 μmol Trolox equivalents g^?1 for ferric reducing antioxidant power). For most fruits, the antioxidant capacity decreased during the ripening, possibly due to a decrease in the concentration of most of the phenolics.     

Chemical fractionation of seven heavy metals (Cd, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn) in selected paddy soils of Iran

The content and fractionation of seven heavy metals (Cd, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn) were determined in 28 surface soil samples (0–20 cm) of agricultural topsoil from Isfahan Province in central Iran. The order of abundance of metals in the soils was Fe (1240.4 mg kg^?1) > Mn (95.7 mg kg^?1) > Pb (51.6 mg kg^?1) > Zn (23.8 mg kg^?1) > Ni (13.4 mg kg^?1) > Cu (7.0 mg kg^?1) > Cd (2.8 mg kg^?1). Iron, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn existed in paddy soils mainly in Fe-Mn oxides (53.6 %, 65.2 %, 40.4 %, 40.8 %, 53.3 %, respectively), whereas Cu and Cd occurred essentially as residual mineral phase (41.4 %) and carbonate (36.1 %), respectively. The mobile and bioavailable fractions of Cd, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn in paddy soils averaged 48.8, 20.8, 0.79, 29.2, 28.5, 41.1, and 24.8 %, respectively, which suggests that the mobility and bioavailability of the seven metals probably decline in the following order: Cd > Pb > Mn ≥ Ni > Zn > Cu ? Fe, suggesting greater contribution of anthropogenic Cd. As Cd in soil is easily accumulated by plants through the root system, the concentration of Cd in these paddy soils could be a concern to human health.     

Anti-hyperglycemic Effect of Bilberry, Blackberry and Mulberry Ultrasonic Extracts on Diabetic Rats

Small fruits like bilberry, blackberry and mulberry are rich sources of anthocyanins and other phenols, compounds with a certified antioxidant activity and spectacular effects in some chronic diseases. Romanian bilberry, blackberry and mulberry extracts were tested as anti-hyperglycemic agents on diabetic rats. Anthocyanins extraction was carried out with 80 % acidified ethanol in ultrasonically conditions at 23?±?2 °C and 40 kHz. Monomeric anthocyanins content was determined by pH differential method and varied between 1200 and 2800 mg/L. The analyses of anthocyanins were achieved using high performance liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry. Phenolics content was determined by Folin-Ciocalteu procedure and values varied between 2320 and 4250 mg/L gallic acid. Antioxidant activities of extracts were estimated by DPPH scavenging method and the values varied between 8 and 16 miliequivalents Trolox. In order to evaluate the toxicology of the extracts, the heavy metals concentration and pesticides content were analyzed. The extracts were administrated to diabetic rats in drinking water for five weeks. The administration of bilberry extract offered no satisfactory results. Treatment with blackberry extract determined a significant decrease of glucose level from 360 to about 270 mg/dL (p?<?0.05). The mulberry extract administration determined a significant decrease of glucose level from 252 mg/dL at the start day to 155 mg/dL at the final of experiment (p?<?0.05).     

Six Edible Wild Fruits as Potential Antioxidant Additives or Nutritional Supplements

Total antioxidant activity of six non-cultivated but traditionally collected fruits from the south of Europe was assessed by measuring their ability to reduce the hydroxyl radical ( OH^· ) \left( {{\hbox{O}}{{\hbox{H}}^\bullet }} \right) and hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), and their Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC). This antioxidant activity was compared with that shown by the synthetic antioxidants BHA (E-320), BHT (E-321) and propyl gallate (E-310). Total phenolics, ascorbic acid and the carotenoid content of the fruits were also analyzed. All fruits showed a high ability to scavenge the OH^· {\hbox{O}}{{\hbox{H}}^\bullet } radical, ranging from 60.61% to 81.04% inhibition for Rosa canina and Crataegus monogyna, respectively. The H₂O₂ scavenging capacity and the TEAC value varied widely, ranging between 3.63% and 87.26% inhibition of H₂O₂ and between 0.47 and 416.64 mM trolox g⁻¹ FW for Sorbus domestica and Rosa canina, respectively. The antioxidant activity of fruits was higher than that of the synthetic additives analyzed, except in the TEAC assay. The phenolic and carotenoid content of R. canina was much higher than that of the other fruits analyzed and its ascorbic acid concentration was also high, reflecting its higher efficacy towards ABTS ^·- {\hbox{ABT}}{{\hbox{S}}^{ \bullet - }} (TEAC assay) and H₂O₂ species_. In spite of these associations, the correlation coefficients between total antioxidant activity and the antioxidant compounds analyzed were not very significant; only phenolics and carotenoids showed a marginal correlation with the TEAC assay. The results support the possible use of R. canina as natural antioxidant to replace the synthetic additives, as well as their use in the production of functional foods with a high antioxidant activity.     

Influence of a non-copper algicide on the cyanobacterium, Nostoc spongiaeforme, and the green alga, Hydrodictyon reticulatum, in field and laboratory experiments

Cyanobacteria and algae grow in California rice fields where they form large mats that may smother seedlings or cause them to dislodge, resulting in reduced rice stand establishment and potential yield loss. The most troublesome species of cyanobacteria is Nostoc spongiaeforme. It is very difficult to control using currently accepted methods, i.e., aerial applications of copper sulfate. A non-copper algicide, the mono (N,N-dimethylalkylamine) salt of endothall has been suggested as an alternative method for controlling nuisance cyanobacterial and algal growths in California rice fields. The purpose of the experiments described here was to evaluate the effect of the mono (N,N-dimethylalkylamine) salt of endothall on growth of N. spongiaeforme and the green alga, Hydrodictyon reticulatum. In laboratory experiments, the mono (N,N-dimethylalkylamine) salt of endothall reduced N. spongiaeforme growth at 0.3 mg L^?1. This effect was removed when rice straw was added to the growth medium, indicating that the rice straw may have introduced bacteria capable of degrading the mono (N,N-dimethylalkylamine) salt of endothall. In outdoor experiments, which used rice field water containing decomposing rice straw, the mono (N,N-dimethylalkylamine) salt of endothall concentrations between 0 and 5 mg L^?1 had little effect on N. spongiaeforme. In contrast, H. reticulatum exhibited injury symptoms at 1 mg L^?1 or greater. However, H. reticulatum recovered by the end of the 7-day exposure. It is not clear how this algicide will be useful in the management of N. spongiaeforme or H. reticulatum in California rice fields.     

The effect of floating vegetation on CH<Subscript>4</Subscript> and N<Subscript>2</Subscript>O emissions from subtropical paddy fields in China

Duckweed (Lemna minor), a floating macrophyte belonging to the Lemnaceae family, is commonly found in subtropical paddy fields. This plant rapidly takes up nutrients from water and forms dense floating mats over the water surface that may impact the biogeochemical processes and greenhouse gas production in paddy fields. In this study, we measured CH₄ and N₂O emissions from duckweed and non-duckweed plots in a subtropical paddy field in China during the period of rice growth using static chamber and gas chromatography methods. Our results showed that CH₄ emission rate ranged from 0.19 to 26.50 mg m^?2 h^?1 in the duckweed plots, and from 1.02 to 28.02 mg m^?2 h^?1 in the non-duckweed plots. The CH₄ emission peak occurred about 1 week earlier in the duckweed plots compared to the non-duckweed counterparts. The mean CH₄ emission rate in the duckweed plots (9.28 mg m^?2 h^?1) was significantly lower than that in non-duckweed plots (11.66 mg m^?2 h^?1) (p < 0.05), which might be attributed to the higher water and soil Eh in the former. N₂O emission rates varied between ?50.11 and 201.82 µg m^?2 h^?1, and between ?28.93 and 54.42 µg m^?2 h^?1 in the duckweed and non-duckweed plots, respectively. The average N₂O emission rate was significantly higher in the duckweed plots than in the non-duckweed plots (40.29 vs. 11.93 µg m^?2 h^?1) (p < 0.05). Our results suggest that the presence of duckweed will reduce CH₄ emission, but increase N₂O flux simultaneously. Taking into account the combined global warming potentials of CH₄ and N₂O, we found that growing duckweed could reduce the overall greenhouse effect of subtropical paddy fields by about 17 %.     

Effects of various organic amendments on organic carbon pools and water stable aggregates under a scented rice–potato–onion cropping system

Pools of organic carbon are quantified from the soil samples under scented rice crop from different soil layers (0–10, 10–20, and 20–30 cm) under 9 years’ long-term trials with five treatments in scented rice–potato–onion cropping system. These treatments were 100 % NPK (NPK), 50 % recommended NPK through mineral fertilizers + 50 % N as FYM (NPK + FYM), FYM + vermicompost (VC) + neem cake (NC) each equivalent to one-third of recommended N (FYM + VC + NC), 50 % N as FYM + biofertilizer for N + bone meal to substitute phosphorus requirement of crops + phosphate solubilizing bacteria (FYM + BFN + BM + PSB), FYM + vermicompost + neem cake each equivalent to 1/3rd of recommended N + PSB (FYM + VC + NC + PSB). SMBC (479 mg kg^?1), HWEOC (373 mg kg^?1), CWSCHO (235 mg kg^?1), HWSCHO (839 mg kg^?1), and ASCHO (180 mg kg^?1) were found to be the highest in the soil treated with FYM + VC + NC + PSB and the lowest with NPK. The quantity of hot water-extractable carbohydrate content is highest amongst cold water, dilute acid and hot water extractable carbohydrate that decreases with the soil depth irrespective of treatments, except CWEOC. Soil microbial biomass carbon (SMBC) shows significant correlation with CWEOC (r = 0.60**), HWEOC (r = 0.94**), CWSCHO (r = 0.75**), HWSCHO (r = 0.83**), and ASCHO (r = 0.83**) that primed for better aggregate stability irrespective of soil layers up to 30 cm depth. This indicates that labile carbon pools, most specifically water-soluble carbon, carbohydrate, microbial biomass, could be a suitable indicator for evaluation of soil quality, particularly in relation to soil aggregation.     

From Genotype to Apricot Fruit Quality: The Antioxidant Properties Contribution

Apricot fruit (Prunus armeniaca L.) quality strictly relates to the eating quality of fresh produce. Since consumers are more and more interested in healthy food, and apricot germplasm shows a wide choice of new selections and cultivars, apricot nutraceutical properties are under evaluation in order to select outstanding genotypes, which may link breeding and marketing. In the present study, 18 apricot genotypes of the Italian and international germplasm were evaluated over three years according to pomological, total antioxidant and total phenols attributes using principal component and hierarchical cluster analyses. The antioxidant capacity ranged from 1.24 to 11.47 μmolTE gFW^?1 and total phenols from 0.22 to 1.58 mgGAE gFW^?1. Four outstanding genotypes stood out as healthy food for fresh consumption which may also be introduced in breeding programs to produce new cultivars with improved nutraceutical values in addition to fruit qualitative attributes.     

Antioxidant activity and phenolic composition of the medicinal and edible halophyte Mesembryanthemum edule L.

Mesembryanthemum edule L. (sourfig, Aizoaceae) has long been used as food and in traditional medicine. This study was intended to characterize the antioxidant properties and the phenolic compounds of M. edule leaf, stem and root. The approach consisted to evaluate these organs for their antioxidant activities through several in vitro tests, to determine tissue contents in total phenolics, flavonoids and proanthocyanidins and to establish the phenolic composition through RP-HPLC analysis. All studied organs showed a high antioxidant activity as compared to positive control BHT, with maximal efficiency for stems followed by leaves and roots. The highest polyphenolic levels were found in stems and leaves (86.5 and 68.7 mg GAE g⁻¹ DW, respectively), suggesting that their strong antioxidant activity could be attributed to these phytochemicals. The HPLC analysis revealed that the main phenolic compounds were quercitrin and avicularin (1.4 and 1.15 mg g⁻¹ DW, respectively) in the leaves, while catechin and procyanidin B2 (1.66 and 1.54 mg g⁻¹ DW, respectively) were the most abundant phenolics in the stems. Overall, the strong antioxidant activity and richness of M. edule aerial tissues suggest that it could be advantageously used as a functional or nutraceutical food, to prevent or moderate oxidative stress-related diseases.     

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.     

Effects of Short-term Heating on Total Polyphenols,Anthocyanins, Antioxidant Activity and Lectins of Different Parts of Dwarf Elder (Sambucus ebulus L.)

Dwarf elder (Sambucus ebulus L.) berries are rich in health-promoting phytochemicals such as polyphenols and anthocyanins, and display a significant antioxidant activity. They are also rich in two lectins (ebulin f and SELfd) that share amino acid sequence homology with the elderberry allergen Sam n1 present in Sambucus nigra pollen and fruits. Ebulin f displays toxicity by oral ingestion. This study was aimed at eliminating the toxicity of these lectins whilst having little or no effect on the antioxidant properties of dwarf elder berries. We thus investigated the potential effects of incubation in a boiling water bath of extracts from several parts of the plant on total polyphenol content, antioxidant activity, total anthocyanins, cyanidin-3-glycoside content, and the sensitivity of purified dwarf elder fruit lectins to a simulated gastric fluid. The study shows that five minutes of said heat treatment fully sensitized both lectins to pepsin digestion, whilst minimally reducing phenol and antioxidant as well as free radical scavenging activities to below 13 %. It proved possible to eliminate the potential risks derived from the presence of lectins in dwarf elder juices without any significant reduction in the content of the antioxidant compounds. Dwarf elder berries may thus be a valuable nutritional source.     

Carotenoids,Phenolic Profile,Mineral Content and Antioxidant Properties in Flesh and Peel of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Prunus persica</Emphasis> Fruits during Two Maturation Stages

Carotenoids and phenolic profile, antioxidant activity as well as concentrations of selected macronutrients (K, N, Mg, Ca and Na) and micronutrients (Zn, Cu and Mn) in flesh and peel of peach fruit were recorded at two harvest dates. Predominant mineral was potassium, followed by calcium, magnesium and sodium. The concentration of most micronutrients was greater in the peel than in the flesh especially in early season. The concentration of most elements in flesh and peel decreased during fruit maturation. Total carotenoids content varied with respect to the cultivar. β-cryptoxanthin and β-carotene were the major carotenoids in both tissues and flesh contain the lowest amounts. Neochlorogenic acid, chlorogenic acid, catechin, epicatechin, gallic acid, rutin, quercetin-3-O-galactoside, cyanidin-3-O-glucoside, cyanidin-3-O-rutinoside, were detected in both peel and flesh, with chlorogenic acid and catechin being the predominant components. Peel extracts showed markedly higher antioxidant activities, when estimated by ABTS or DPPH assays, than the flesh counterparts, consistent with the observed higher phenolic content. Overall, total phenolics levels increased at full ripening stage in both peel and flesh. The results found herein provide important data on carotenoids, phenolic and macro- and micronutrient changes during fruit growth, and emphases peach fruit as a potential functional food.