Identification and quantification of glucosinolates in sprouts derived from seeds of wild Eruca sativa L. (salad rocket) and Diplotaxis tenuifolia L. (wild rocket) from diverse geographical locations

The Brassicaceae rocket species Eruca sativa L. (salad rocket) and Diplotaxis tenuifolia L. (wild rocket) are consumed throughout the world in salads, predominantly the leaves but also the flowers and more recently the sprouts (seedlings). Ontogenic profiling of glucosinolates and flavonoids in plants derived from commercial seed of these species has previously been done, but no studies have been conducted to determine how geographical origin affects glucosinolate composition in rocket species. Seeds from wild E. sativa L. and D. tenuifolia L. from diverse regions of the world were obtained from gene banks and grown under controlled conditions. Sprouts were harvested when they would normally be harvested for consumption, and glucosinolates were extracted and profiled in these accessions. All of the sprouts from Italian E. sativa L. had consistently high total glucosinolate content, with only a few exceptions, and also the highest percentage contents of 4-mercaptobutylglucosinolate. In contrast, sprouts produced from Central and Eastern European seeds had a much higher percentage of 4-methylthiobutylglucosinolate. With a single exception, Tunisia, all sprouts produced from North African seeds had very high 4-methylthiobutylglucosinolate contents. The single sample from China had a high total glucosinolate content and glucosinolate profile that was very similar to the accessions from Uzbekistan and Pakistan. All of the D. tenuifolia L. sprouts had consistently high total glucosinolate contents, and a high percentage of this was 4-mercaptobutylglucosinolate. This glucosinolate variation in levels and profiles of the rockets can be used for genetic studies, selected breeding, and human intervention studies.     

Identification of new flavonoid glycosides and flavonoid profiles to characterize rocket leafy salads (Eruca vesicaria and Diplotaxis tenuifolia)

"Rocket" is a collective name used to term some species within the Eruca and Diplotaxis genera, whose leaves are characterized by a more or less pungent taste. Different approaches have been carried out to differentiate both genera that have similar leaf morphologies. Following our research in flavonoid profiling of the Brassicaceae family using high-performance liquid chromatography/ultraviolet-diode array detection/electrospray ionization mass spectroemtry, we have investigated Eruca vesicaria and Diplotaxis tenuifolia leaf samples as new ingredients of fresh salads. The MS/MS study allowed the identification of new naturally occurring quercetin mono- and diacyl-tri-O-glucosides and the elucidation of the flavonoid glycosylation and acylation patterns. Important differences between flavonoid profiles of E. vesicaria and D. tenuifolia were observed. E. vesicaria contained kaempferol derivatives as principal compounds whereas D. tenuifolia instead accumulated quercetin derivatives. The exhaustive study of the profiling of these species could help further studies concerning the bioavailability of these flavonoids for epidemiological or clinical intervention studies because these species have considerable potential as healthy leafy salads because of the bioactive phytochemicals.     

A comparative study of flavonoid compounds, vitamin C, and antioxidant properties of baby leaf Brassicaceae species

A comparative study of antioxidant compounds, flavonoids and vitamin C, and also antioxidant activity was carried out in four species of Brassicaceae vegetables used for salads: watercress ( Nasturtium officinale R. Br.), mizuna [ Brassica rapa L. subsp. nipposinica (L.H. Bailey) Haneltand], wild rocket [ Diplotaxis tenuifolia (L.) DC.], and salad rocket [ Eruca vesicaria (L.) Cav.]. The characterization of individual phenolic compounds by HPLC-DAD-MS/MS-ESI in watercress and mizuna completes the polyphenol study previously reported for wild rocket and salad rocket. The qualitative study of flavonoids in watercress leaves showed a characteristic glycosylation pattern with rhamnose at the 7 position. Isorhamnetin 3,7-di- O-glucoside was identified in mizuna leaves and may be considered a chemotaxonomical marker in some B. rapa subspecies. Brassicaceae species showed differences in the quantitative study of flavonoids, and the highest content was detected in watercress leaves. Watercress and wild rocket leaves had the highest content of vitamin C. The antioxidant activity evaluated by different methods (ABTS, DPPH, and FRAP assays) showed a high correlation level with the content of polyphenols and vitamin C. In conclusion, the Brassicaceae leaves studied, watercress, mizuna, wild rocket, and salad rocket, presented a large variability in the composition and content of antioxidant compounds. These baby leaf species are good dietary sources of antioxidants with an important variability of bioactive compounds.     

Profiling glucosinolates, flavonoids, alkaloids, and other secondary metabolites in tissues of Azima tetracantha L. (Salvadoraceae)

Azima tetracantha L. (needle bush; bee sting bush; Salvadoraceae) is used as a food and for various herbal medicines in Africa, India, and Madagascar, but there is very little information on the secondary metabolites in this species. High concentrations of N-methoxy-3-indolylmethyl-glucosinolate, a common glucosinolate of Brassica crops such as Brussels sprouts and broccoli, were found in the roots and seeds of A. tetracantha. Lower concentrations were detected in the stems and young leaves. The roots also contained another indole glucosinolate that was provisionally identified, from MS data and comparison with indole glucosinolate standards, as N-hydroxy-3-indolymethyl-glucosinolate. The roots, stems, and leaves contained neoascorbigen (the condensation product of N-methoxy-indole-3-carbinol and ascorbic acid). The seeds of A. tetracantha contained a complex mixture of 26 flavonoids predominantly as glycosides and acyl-glycosides, with traces of aglycones. The core aglycones of these flavonoids were identified as quercetin, isorhamnetin (3'-O-methylquercetin), rhamnetin (7-O-methylquercetin), and rhamnazin (7, 3'-di-O-methylquercetin). No flavonoids or anthocyanins were detected in other tissues, and procyanidins were undetectable. The dimeric piperidine alkaloids azimine, azcarpine, and carpaine were found in all tissues of A. tetracantha.     

Identification of botanical biomarkers in Argentinean Diplotaxis honeys: flavonoids and glucosinolates

To select and establish floral biomarkers of the botanical origin of Diplotaxis tenuifolia honeys, the flavonoids and glucosinolates present in bee-deposited nectar collected from hive combs (unripe honey) and mature honey from the same hives fron which the unripe honey samples were collected were analyzed by LC-UV-PAD-ESI-MS(n). Glycosidic conjugates of the flavonols quercetin, kaempferol, and isorhamnetin were detected and characterized in unripe honey. D. tenuifolia mature honeys contained the aglycones kaempferol, quercetin, and isorhamnetin. The differences between the phenolic profiles of mature honey and freshly deposited honey could be due to hydrolytic enzymatic activities. Aliphatic and indole glucososinolates were analyzed in unripe and mature honeys, this being the first report of the detection and characterization of glucosinolates as honey constituents. Moreover, these honey samples contained different amounts of propolis-derived flavonoid aglycones (1765-3171 μg/100 g) and hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives (29-1514 μg/100 g). Propolis flavonoids were already present in the freshly deposited nectar, showing that the incorporation of these compounds to honey occurs at the early steps of honey production. The flavonoids quercetin, kaempferol, and isorhamnetin and the glucosinolates detected in the samples could be used as complementary biomarkers for the determination of the floral origin of Argentinean Diplotaxis honeys.     

Effect of Nitrogen Supply and Storage Temperature on Vitamin C in Two Species of Baby Leaf Rocket,and the Potential of These Crops for a Nutrient Claim in Australia

Baby leaf crops such as rocket are popular in mixed salads and add flavor and diversity to these dishes. Rocket leaves contain many beneficial compounds to human health, including vitamin C. It is important to determine abiotic factors that influence the concentration of this compound; in order to improve the supply of quality produce with a high nutritional value. The possibility of a nutrient claim for leaves of perennial wall rocket [Diplotaxis tenuifolia (L.) DC.] and annual garden rocket (Eruca sativa Mill.) was examined under the Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) framework. Crops were supplied with 0, 100, 200, and 300 kg · ha^?1 of nitrogen (N); leaves were stored at 0, 4, and 7°C for 15 days. The cultivar and amount of nitrogen supplied to perennial wall rocket did not affect the concentration of vitamin C in leaves at harvest, with a mean of 79.6 mg 100 g^?1. For annual garden rocket there was an interaction between cultivar and nitrogen supply, with higher levels of supply generally resulting in lower vitamin C concentrations at harvest. The postharvest stability of vitamin C in both crops was best maintained at the lowest storage temperature. The results of this study illustrate that if stored at 0°C, both species contain vitamin C in sufficient quantities 15 days after harvest, to result in a “good source” health claim [>25% recommended daily intake (RDI)]. However, the storage temperature in the supply chain is typically ～7°C, still permitting a “source” health claim (>10% RDI) for both species.     

Glucosinolate profiles in the seeds,leaves and roots of rocket salad (Eruca sativa Mill.) and anti-oxidative activities of intact plant powder and purified 4-methoxyglucobrassicin

Abstract

Six desulfo-glucosinolates (DS-GSLs), DS-glucoraphanin, DS-4-(β-d-glucopyranosyldisulfanyl)butyl GSL, DS-glucoerucin, DS-glucobrassicin, DS-dimeric 4-mercaptobutyl GSL and DS-4-methoxyglucobrassicin, were isolated from rocket salad (Eruca sativa Mill.) By using high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) and identified by their retention times on HPLC and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) techniques. Total GSL contents were 125, 11 and 22 µmol g^?1 dry weight (DW) in seeds, leaves and roots, respectively. Two DS-GSLs, namely DS-glucoraphanin and DS-glucoerucin, were the major GSLs in seeds and roots, while DS-glucoraphanin, DS-glucoerucin and DS-dimeric 4-mercaptobutyl GSL were the predominant GSLs in leaves (> 1 µmol g^?1 DW or > 10% of the total GSL content). In addition, the anti-oxidant activity (n = 3) of intact leaf and root powders, whole DS-GSL eluates and purified DS-4-methoxyglucobrassicin were measured using the XYZ-dish method. DS-4-methoxyglucobrassicin showed the greatest anti-oxidant activity value (3.8 unit g^?1 DW), and the value for whole DS-GSL eluates (1.6) was higher than that of intact leaves (1.5) and roots (0.87).     

Direct antioxidant activity of purified glucoerucin, the dietary secondary metabolite contained in rocket (Eruca sativa Mill.) seeds and sprouts

Rocket (Eruca sativa Mill. or Eruca vesicaria L.) is widely distributed all over the world and is usually consumed fresh (leafs or sprouts) for its typical spicy taste. Nevertheless, it is mentioned in traditional pharmacopoeia and ancient literature for several therapeutic properties, and it does contain a number of health promoting agents including carotenoids, vitamin C, fibers, flavonoids, and glucosinolates (GLs). The latter phytochemicals have recently gained attention as being the precursors of isothiocyanates (ITCs), which are released by myrosinase hydrolysis during cutting, chewing, or processing of the vegetable. ITCs are recognized as potent inducers of phase II enzymes (e.g., glutathione transferases, NAD(P)H:quinone reductase, epoxide hydrolase, etc.), which are important in the detoxification of electrophiles and protection against oxidative stress. The major GL found in rocket seeds is glucoerucin, GER (108 +/- 5 micromol g(-)(1) d.w.) that represents 95% of total GLs. The content is largely conserved in sprouts (79% of total GLs), and GER is still present to some extent in adult leaves. Unlike other GLs (e.g., glucoraphanin, the bio-precursor of sulforaphane), GER possesses good direct as well as indirect antioxidant activity. GER (and its metabolite erucin, ERN) effectively decomposes hydrogen peroxide and alkyl hydroperoxides with second-order rate constants of k(2) = 6.9 +/- 0.1 x 10(-)(2) M(-)(1) s(-)(1) and 4.5 +/- 0.2 x 10(-)(3) M(-)(1) s(-) , respectively, in water at 37 degrees C, thereby acting as a peroxide-scavenging preventive antioxidant. Interestingly, upon removal of H(2)O(2) or hydroperoxides, ERN is converted into sulforaphane, the most effective inducer of phase II enzymes among ITCs. On the other hand, ERN (and conceivably GER), like other ITCs, does not possess any chain-breaking antioxidant activity, being unable to protect styrene from its thermally (37 degrees C) initiated autoxidation in the presence of AMVN. The mechanism and relevance of the antioxidant activity of GER and ERN are discussed.     

Distribution of carbohydrates and related enzyme activities in yacon (polymnia sonchifolia)

Abstract

Yacon (Polymnia sonchifolia) plants originating from Andean highlands are known to accumulate a large amount of oligofructans in their tubers and tuberous roots (Ohyama et al. 1990; Asami et al. 1992). Asami et al. (1992) have reported that tubers and tuberous roots which were harvested in late fall contained about 57 and 66% respectively (on a dry matter basis) of oligofructans. However, the tubers, tuberous roots and shoots of the yacon contained only a small amount of starch and inulin. The tuberous roots of yacon which resemble those of sweet potato in appearance are usually eaten raw and are expected to become commercially valuable as a source of oligofructans.     

Nitrate and ammonium nutrition in chicory and rocket salad plants

To evaluate chicory (Cichorium intybus L.) and rocket salad [Eruca vesicaria (L.) Cav.subsp. sativa (Mill.)] capability to use ammonium‐nitrogen (NH₄‐N) even in the absence of nitrate‐nitrogen (NO₃‐N) in the nutrient solution, and the chances they offer to reduce leaf NO₃ content, cultivated rocket and two cultivars of chicory ('Frastagliata’, whose edible parts are leaves and stems, and ‘Clio’, a leaf hybrid) were hydroponically grown in a growth chamber. Three nutrient solutions with the same nitrogen (N) level (4 mM) but a different NH₄‐N:NO₃‐N (NH₄:NO₃) ratio (100:0, 50:50, and 0:100) were used. Rocket growth was inhibited by NH₄ nutrition, while it reached the highest values with the NH₄:NO₃ ratio 50:50. Water and N‐use efficiencies increased in rocket with the increase of NO₃‐N percentage in the nutrient solution. In the best conditions of N nutrition, however, rocket accumulated NO₃ in leaves in a very high concentration (about 6,300 mg kg^‐1 fresh mass). For all the morphological and yield features analyzed, chicory resulted to be quite unresponsive to N chemical forms, despite it took more NO₃‐N than NH₄‐N when N was administered in mixed form. By increasing NO₃‐N percentage in the nutrient solution, NO₃ leaf content increased (5,466 mg kg^‐1 fresh mass with the ratio NH₄:NO₃ 0:100). On average, both chicory cultivars accumulated 213 mg NO₃ kg^‐1 fresh mass with the ratio NH₄:NO₃ 100:0 and, differently from rocket, they showed that by using NH₄ produce can be obtained very low in NO₃ content.     

Interactive effect between sulfate and selenate on glutathione pool in garden rocket (Eruca sativa L.) leaves

Garden rocket (Eruca sativa L.) plants grown in sand culture were irrigated with normal 1/10 Hoagland's medium [low sulfate (SO₄^2?)] or with double SO₄^2? concentration (high SO₄^2?), each supplemented with 0, 2, 10 ppm SeO₄^2? as sodium selenate for 30 days. Increasing SO₄^2? concentration in the nutrient medium diminished SeO₄^2? uptake, foliar hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), and MDA via enhancing the glutathione pool and their enzyme activities. These results showed that increasing SO₄^2?/SeO₄^2? ratio in nutrient medium of rocket plants played an important role in selenate detoxification.     

Deep root growth and nitrogen uptake by rocket (Diplotaxis tenuifolia L.) as affected by nitrogen fertilizer,plant density and leaf harvesting on a coarse sandy soil

This study investigated management strategies to increase deep root growth and crop nitrogen (N) uptake by rocket grown as baby leaf in coarse sandy soil. Stage I (sowing to first harvest) measured the effects of two sowing densities and two N fertilizer rates on root growth and total N uptake. In Stage II (first to second harvest), effects of leaf harvesting and late season N fertilizer application on root growth, total N uptake and deep ¹⁵N uptake were measured. At the end of Stage I, root depth was 0.68–0.90 m, and the large fertilizer application increased N uptake. Plant density increased root depth, N uptake and nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) early in this stage and biomass production at harvest. Leaf harvesting in Stage II affected root density but not root depth that reached 1.4 m. The ability for N uptake was greater from 0.6 m due to more roots and larger N inflow than from 1.1 m depth. Late season fertilizer increased N concentration and uptake but did not affect NUE and deep N uptake. During the growing season, 330–349 kg N_inorg/ha was lost from 0 to 1.0 m depth most likely by leaching. Management practices that increased root growth and N uptake were found to increase NUE in rocket production early in the season. The production system used N inefficiently and smaller applications, plant density, leaf harvesting and other changes of management are required to reduce leaching.     

Aroma compound analysis of Eruca sativa (Brassicaceae) SPME headspace leaf samples using GC,GC-MS,and olfactometry

The aroma compounds of rocket salad (Eruca sativa) SPME headspace samples of fresh leaves were analyzed using GC, GC-MS, and olfactometry. More than 50 constituents of the Eruca headspace could be identified to be essential volatiles, responsible for the characteristic intense green; herbal; nutty and almond-like; Brassicaceae-like (direction of cabbage, broccoli, and mustard); and horseradish-like aroma of these salad leaves. As aroma impact compounds, especially isothiocyanates, and derivatives of butane, hexane, octane, and nonane were identified. 4-Methylthiobutyl isothiocyanate (14.2%), cis-3-hexen-1-ol (11.0%), cis-3-hexenyl butanoate (10.8%), 5-methylthiopentyl isothiocyanate (9.3%), cis-3-hexenyl 2-methylbutanoate (5.4%), and 5-methylthiopentanenitrile (5.0%) were found in concentrations higher than 5.0% (calculated as % peak area of GC analysis using a nonpolar column).     

Study of flavonoids of Sechium edule (Jacq) Swartz (Cucurbitaceae) different edible organs by liquid chromatography photodiode array mass spectrometry

A liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS)-based method was developed for the characterization of flavonoids from Sechium edule (Jacq) Swartz (Cucurbitaceae) edible organs, a plant cultivated since pre-Colombian times in Mexico where the fruit is called chayote. Chayote is used for human consumption in many countries; in addition to the fruits, stems, leaves and the tuberous part of the roots are also eaten. Eight flavonoids, including three C-glycosyl and five O-glycosyl flavones, were detected, characterized by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopic data, and quantified in roots, leaves, stems, and fruits of the plant by LC-photodiode array-MS. The aglycone moieties are represented by apigenin and luteolin, while the sugar units are glucose, apiose, and rhamnose. The results indicated that the highest total amount of flavonoids was in the leaves (35.0 mg/10 g of dried part), followed by roots (30.5 mg/10 g), and finally by stems (19.3 mg/10 g).     

Volatile components of roots, stems, leaves, and flowers of Echinacea species.

The headspace volatile components of roots, stems, leaves, and flowers of Echinacea angustifolia,E. pallida, and E. purpurea were analyzed by capillary gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). Over 70 compounds were identified in the samples. All plant tissues, irrespective of the species, contain acetaldehyde, dimethyl sulfide, camphene, hexanal, beta-pinene, and limonene. The main headspace constituents of the aerial parts of the plant are beta-myrcene, alpha-pinene, limonene, camphene, beta-pinene, trans-ocimene, 3-hexen-1-ol, and 2-methyl-4-pentenal. The major headspace components of root tissue are alpha-phellandrene (present only in the roots of E. purpurea and E.angustifolia), dimethyl sulfide, 2-methylbutanal, 3-methylbutanal, 2-methylpropanal, acetaldehyde, camphene, 2-propanal, and limonene. Aldehydes, particularly butanals and propanals, make up 41-57% of the headspace of root tissue, 19-29% of the headspace of the leaf tissue, and only 6-14% of the headspace of flower and stem tissues. Terpenoids including alpha- and beta-pinene, beta-myrcene, ocimene, limonene, camphene, and terpinene make up 81-91% of the headspace of flowers and stems, 46-58% of the headspace of the leaf tissue, and only 6-21% of the roots. Of the 70 compounds identified, >50 are reported in Echinacea for the first time.     

Profiling glucosinolates and phenolics in vegetative and reproductive tissues of the multi-purpose trees Moringa oleifera L. (horseradish tree) and Moringa stenopetala L

Moringa species are important multi-purpose tropical crops, as human foods and for medicine and oil production. There has been no previous comprehensive analysis of the secondary metabolites in Moringa species. Tissues of M. oleifera from a wide variety of sources and M. stenopetala from a single source were analyzed for glucosinolates and phenolics (flavonoids, anthocyanins, proanthocyanidins, and cinnamates). M. oleifera and M. stenopetala seeds only contained 4-(alpha-l-rhamnopyranosyloxy)-benzylglucosinolate at high concentrations. Roots of M. oleifera and M. stenopetala had high concentrations of both 4-(alpha-l-rhamnopyranosyloxy)-benzylglucosinolate and benzyl glucosinolate. Leaves from both species contained 4-(alpha-l-rhamnopyranosyloxy)-benzylglucosinolate and three monoacetyl isomers of this glucosinolate. Only 4-(alpha-l-rhamnopyranosyloxy)-benzylglucosinolate was detected in M. oleifera bark tissue. M. oleifera leaves contained quercetin-3-O-glucoside and quercetin-3-O-(6' '-malonyl-glucoside), and lower amounts of kaempferol-3-O-glucoside and kaempferol-3-O-(6' '-malonyl-glucoside). M. oleifera leaves also contained 3-caffeoylquinic acid and 5-caffeoylquinic acid. Leaves of M. stenopetala contained quercetin 3-O-rhamnoglucoside (rutin) and 5-caffeoylquinic acid. Neither proanthocyanidins nor anthocyanins were detected in any of the tissues of either species.     

Wild rocket – effect of water deficit on growth,flowering, and attractiveness to pollinators

Wild rocket, Diplotaxis tenuifolia (L.) DC. (Brassicaceae), is one of the three cultivated rocket species, the demand and production of which have recently increased in Mediterranean countries where irrigation water is scarce. Besides its use as a crop, D. tenuifolia has been observed to flower for a long period and to be attractive to pollinators. In this study we assessed the effect of drought stress and moderate- and severe-deficit irrigation on growth, flower development, and attractiveness to pollinators in D. tenuifolia. The results showed that in greenhouse conditions, potted D. tenuifolia could be without irrigation for 4 days without affecting its growth, flowering, and attractiveness to pollinators. However, lack of irrigation for 8 days or longer significantly reduced the vegetative growth, number of open flowers, total floral area, flower diameter, corolla tube diameter, and corolla tube length of D. tenuifolia. This study shows that regulated-deficit irrigation can improve water use efficiency, and depending on the purpose of growing D. tenuifolia, as a crop or as a beneficial plant to attract pollinators, it can reduce water consumption from 40% to 70% without affecting its vegetative and floral development and without reducing its attractiveness to pollinators.     

LC-ESI-MS study of the flavonoid glycoside malonates of red clover (Trifolium pratense)

High-performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS) was applied to the analysis of the flavonoids and their glycoside malonates of the flowers and leaves of red clover (Trifolium pratense). Through LC-MS comparative studies on the plant extracts and their malonate-free extracts, approximately 20 flavonoid glycoside malonates were detected in the flower extract. Eight were identified as genistin 6' '-O-malonate (39), formononetin 7-O-beta-D-glucoside 6' '-O-malonate (40), biochanin A 7-O-beta-D-glucoside 6' '-O-malonate (41), trifoside 6' '-O-malonate (42), irilone 4'-O-beta-D-glucoside 6' '-O-malonate (43), pratensein 7-O-beta-D-glucoside 6' '-O-malonate (44), isoquercitrin 6' '-O-malonate (45), and 3-methylquercetin 7-O-beta-D-glucoside 6' '-O-malonate (46). About 15 other flavonoids and clovamides were proved to be present in this extract. The study also found that the flowers contained flavones as the major flavonoids, whereas the leaves had isoflavones as the major flavonoids. This is the first detection of the six malonates (39 and 42-46) in the extracts of red clover, and among them, 42, 43, and 46 are new compounds.     

Phenolic, flavonoid, and lutein ester content and antioxidant activity of 11 cultivars of chinese marigold

This study analyzed 11 Chinese cultivars of marigold to determine their major phytochemical contents and antioxidant activities. Dried marigold flowers were extracted with ethanol, ethyl acetate, and n-hexane and the extracts were analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry and chemical methods to determine their lutein esters, phenolic and flavonoid contents, and antioxidant activity, respectively. The different cultivars of marigold showed considerable variations in their lutein ester contents, ranging from 161.0 to 611.0 mg/100 g of flower (dry basis). The lutein esters in marigolds consisted predominantly of six all trans-diesters, but small amounts of cis isomers of the respective diesters were also present. The different cultivars of marigold also showed marked variations in total phenols and flavonoids, as well as antioxidant and radical-scavenging activities. Ethanol was confirmed to be the best solvent for extracting both phenols and flavonoids from marigold flowers, while n-hexane was the worst. The ethanolic extracts also exhibited the highest antioxidant and radical-scavenging activities. The cultivar Xinhong had the highest phenolic and flavonoid contents and radical-scavenging activity, as well as one of the highest lutein contents and antioxidant activities.     

Antioxidant capacity and phenolic content in leaf extracts of tree spinach (Cnidoscolus spp.)

Total phenolic content and antioxidant capacity of two tree spinach species (Cnidoscolus chayamansa McVaugh and C. aconitifolius Miller.) were determined in raw and cooked leaf extracts. Antioxidant capacity was assessed by the oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) assay, and flavonoid glycoside composition was quantified by HPLC and identified by GC. Total phenolics and antioxidant capacity were higher in raw than in cooked leaf extracts. The ORAC values were strongly correlated with total phenolic content (r = 0.926) in all leaf extracts. The major flavonoids isolated from the leaf extracts were kaempferol-3-O-glycosides and quercetin-3-O-glycosides. C. aconitifolius leaves contained more varieties of the flavonoid glycosides than C. chayamansa. Cooking reduced antioxidant activity and phenolic content and resulted in losses of some kaempferol glycoside and quercetin glycoside residues in leaf extracts. The results of this study indicate that tree spinach leaves are a rich source of natural antioxidants for foods.