Sterol composition of 19 vegetable oils

Physical properties and oxidative stability of mayonnaises fortified with natural deep eutectic solvent, either alone or enriched with pigmented rice bran

This article explores the novel use of natural deep eutectic solvents (NaDES) in real food by incorporating them into mayonnaise, either alone or with pigmented rice bran (RB). Results showed that NaDES-fortified mayonnaises could prevent lipid oxidation. Notably, mayonnaises with NaDES2 (betaine:sucrose:water) significantly reduced the production of lipid hydroperoxides, which was maintained to an average of 2.6 mmol LOOH/kg oil, which is 2.9 times lower than the control (7.5 mmol LOOH/kg oil), or 7.4 times lower than mayonnaise with citric acid (19.1 mmol LOOH/kg oil). NaDES2-fortified mayonnaises maintained high tocopherols levels (0.97 g/Kg oil) and reduced volatile compounds from secondary lipid oxidation. This effect may result from NaDES altering the aqueous phase properties of mayonnaise, notably by reducing water activity by ∼0.1. Finally, pre-enrichment of the NaDES phase with bioactive molecules (e.g. from pigmented RB) represents an innovative perspective to promote the health benefits of formulated foods.

Coffee Oil Extraction Methods: A Review

Green and roasted coffee oils are products rich in bioactive compounds, such as linoleic acid and the diterpenes cafestol and kahweol, being a potential ingredient for food and cosmetic industries. An overview of oil extraction techniques most applied for coffee beans and their influence on the oil composition is presented. Both green and roasted coffee oil extractions are highlighted. Pressing, Soxhlet, microwave, and supercritical fluid extraction were the most used techniques used for coffee oil extraction. Conventional Soxhlet is most used on a lab scale, while pressing is most used in industry. Supercritical fluid extraction has also been evaluated mainly due to the environmental approach. One of the highlighted activities in Brazilian agribusiness is the industrialization of oils due to their increasing use in the formulation of cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and foods. Green coffee oil (raw bean) has desirable bioactive compounds, increasing the interest of private companies and research institutions in its extraction process to preserve the properties contained in the oils.

A Recyclable Electrochemical Reduction of Aldehydes and Ketones to Alcohols Using Water as the Hydrogen Source and Solvent

There are several challenging problems such as the usage of combustible and hazardous hydrogen sources and severe environmental pollution in the conventional reduction of aldehydes/ketones to alcohols. We report here a practical, safe, and green electrochemical reduction, which solves these problems to a large extent. Through an undivided cell, Zn(+) and Sn(-) as the electrode, tetrabutylammonium chloride (TBAC) as the electrolyte, water as the solvent and hydrogen source, a wide range of aldehydes and ketones are converted into the corresponding alcohols in mild conditions. Furthermore, the electrolytes and water can be recycled, and reductive deuteration can be achieved by simply using D2O as the solvent. Finally, the reduction can be smoothly scaled up to a kilogram level.

Protective effects of camellia and olive oils against cognitive impairment via gut microbiota-brain communication in rats

Food intake influences neurofunction via the gut microbiota-brain axis. Monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA) consumption is highly associated with neuroprotection; the mechanism behind the effects of olive oil and camellia oil on gut microbiota remains unclear. In this study, the objective was to compare the neuroprotective role of oleic acid-rich camellia oil and olive oil against AlCl₃-induced mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in rats. Morris water maze tests revealed that learning and memory capacities improved in AlCl₃-induced rats subjected to camellia oil administration better than olive oil treatment. Moreover, the results showed that the camellia oil- and olive oil-treated AlCl₃-induced rat groups had significantly reduced oxidative stress and inflammatory cytokines. Notably, Spearman correlation analysis indicated that the inflammatory cytokines negatively correlated with the microbial strains (Bacteroides pectinophilus_group and Blautia) in response to camellia oil administration. Furthermore, Ruminococcaceae_UCG014 abundance was significantly enhanced by camellia oil intake, which was highly positively associated with antioxidant activity expression. In conclusion, the novel data suggest that the outcomes of camellia oil consumption were superior to those of olive oil intake as camellia oil may have a beneficial effect on MCI protection and improvement through the gut microbiota-brain communication.

Determination of phytosterol oxidation products in pharmaceutical liposomal formulations and plant vegetable oil extracts using novel fast liquid chromatography - Tandem mass spectrometric methods

Phytosterol oxidation products (POPs) formed by the auto-oxidation of phytosterols can lead to negative health consequences. New liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) quantitative and qualitative approaches were developed. For quantification, sixteen phytosterol oxidation products (POPs) in liposomal formulations; namely 7-keto, 7-hydroxy, 5,6-epoxy, and 5,6-dihydroxy derivatives of brassicasterol, campesterol, stigmasterol, and β-sitosterol were quantified. The method has a short run time of 5 min, achieved on a poroshell C18 column, using isocratic elution. To the best of our knowledge, this is the shortest run time among reported methods for the quantitative analysis of POPs. Atmospheric pressure chemical ionization (APCI) was used, and the mobile phase was composed of acetonitrile/methanol (99:1 v/v). The quantitative method was validated as per the FDA guidelines for linearity, accuracy, precision, selectivity, sensitivity, matrix effect, dilution integrity, and stability. The method was applied for the quantification of POPs in liposomal phytosterol formulations prepared with and without tocopherols, as antioxidants. The formulation process had little impact on the formation of POPs as only 7-ketobrassicasterol was quantified in tested samples. The quantified value of POPs in liposomal samples was insignificant to impart any toxicological effects. Other degradation products such as 7-hydroxy, 5,6-epoxy and 5,6-dihydroxy derivatives of brassicasterol, campesterol and β-sitosterol were below the lower limit of quantification. Phytosterol-containing formulations were then assessed for their oxidative stability after microwave exposure for 5 min. The incorporation of tocopherols significantly increased the stability of phytosterols in the liposomal formulations. Finally, LC-MS/MS qualitative identification of phytosterols obtained from extra virgin olive oil was performed. New POPs, namely 7-ketoavenasterol, and 7-ketomethylenecycloartenol were putatively identified, illustrating the applicability of the method to identify POPs with varying structures present in various phytosterol sources. In fact, it is the first time that 7-ketomethylenecycloartenol is reported as a POP.

The pharmacokinetic characteristics and excretion studies of fucosterol from Sargasssum fusiforme in rats

Fucosterol is the main phytosterol in brown algae with various pharmacological effects such as cholesterol-lowering, anti-cancer, hepatoprotection, neuroprotection, and so on. Little is known about the pharmacokinetics and excretion characteristics of fucosterol. In this study, a GC-MS method was developed and validated for the determination of fucosterol in rat plasma, urine, and feces. The method effectively avoids the interference of Δ⁵ -avenasterol, a cis-trans-isomer of fucosterol derived from feed, by using a TG-5 capillary column (non-polar column with 5 % phenyl-methylpolysilicone as stationary phase material). The linearity ranges of fucosterol 0.300-18.0 μg/mL (R² = 0.9960) for plasma, 0.0500-2.50 μg/mL for urine (R² = 0.9963), and 0.100-8.00 μg/mg (R² = 0.9923) for feces sample. With good extraction recoveries and stability, this rapid and sensitive method was successfully applied to the pharmacokinetic and excretion studies of fucosterol in Sprague-Dawley rat. Fucosterol from Sargassum fusiforme had poor absorption and slow elimination within the absolute oral bioavailability of 0.74 %, and was mainly eliminated through fecal excretion.

GC/EI-MS method for the determination of phytosterols in vegetable oils

Sterols are a highly complex group of lipophilic compounds present in the unsaponifiable matter of virtually all living organisms. In this study, we developed a novel gas chromatography with mass spectrometry selected ion monitoring (GC/MS-SIM) method for the comprehensive analysis of sterols after saponification and silylation. A new referencing system was introduced by means of a series of saturated fatty acid pyrrolidides (FAPs) as internal standards. Linked with retention time locking (RTL), the resulting FAP retention indices (RI_FAP) of the sterols could be determined with high precision. The GC/MS-SIM method was based on the parallel measurement of 17 SIM ions in four time windows. This set included eight molecular ions and seven diagnostic fragment ions of silylated sterols as well as two abundant ions of FAPs. Altogether, twenty molecular ions of C₂₇- to C₃₁-sterols with 0-3 double bonds were included in the final method. Screening of four common vegetable oils (sunflower oil, hemp oil, rapeseed oil, and corn oil) enabled the detection of 30 different sterols and triterpenes most of which could be identified.

Sterols as a biomarker in tracing niger and sesame seeds oils adulterated with palm oil

Food adulteration is a serious social problem all over the world. The oil obtained from the niger and sesame is known for its quality and has a high market value in Ethiopia. The cost of the oil obtained from these oilseed crops is high unlike other plant oils, thus prone to be mixed with other cheap oils to increase profits. The study aimed to quantify the sterol profile of niger seed and sesame oils thereby trace adulteration of these oils with palm oil. Gas Chromatography coupled to Mass Spectrometry was used to analyze the sterol fractions of oils. A blend of palm oil, at a level of 10%, with niger seed and sesame oil was prepared. In all the studied oils; sitosterol (467.2–2778.96 mg/kg), campesterol (295.9–869.85 mg/kg) and stigmasterol (125.6–920 mg/kg) were the dominant sterols identified. Lupeol, Lanosterol, and Olean-12-en-3-one were only identified in a significant proportion for niger seed oil. Moreover, cholestroltrimethyl silyl ether (19.9 mg/kg) and 24-Nor-22,23- methylenecholest-5-en-3β-ol trimethylsilyl (TMS) ethers (139.14 mg/kg) were only identified in palm oil and used to trace adulteration. An attempt made to trace these compounds by mixing palm oil at a level of 10% with niger seed and sesame oils was successfully detected its presence. Hence, as the physicochemical properties of oils can be arranged to cover adulteration, marker identification provides a reliable identity of the specific oil.

Development of Methods to Quantify Free and Conjugated Steroids in Fatty Matrices by HPLC-MS/MS

Steroids are called the "fingerprint" of oils, fats, and their derivatives. Different classes of steroids may be present in these matrices. Most of the methods developed to analyze these constituents involve the determination of free steroid content, although their conjugated forms are extremely important in determining the total composition. Thus, this article demonstrates that the coupling of sequential mass spectrometry and high-performance liquid chromatography obtained high sensitivity and high specificity of mass resolution to identify and quantify the main classes of steroids. Four methods were developed to quantify steroids free, esterified, glucosides, and acylated glucosides by internal standardization using betulin. The main validation parameters were tested and demonstrated good correlation results for the methods. The content of free steroids was the majority in all samples, whereas the content of glucoside steroids was the least abundant. The contents of free steroids quantified in the degummed soybean oil were significantly reduced in relation to the refined oil. A small amount of esterified steroids was superior in refined soybean oil than in degummed oil. Comparing the steroid content between degummed oil and biodiesel, we found that the concentration of free and esterified steroids decreases in the conversion to biodiesel, whereas the concentration of glucoside steroids increases slightly.

Effects of Cultivars and Geography in China on the Lipid Characteristics of Camellia oleifera Seeds

New cultivars of Camellia oleifera have been developed and planted in southern China. However, lipid characteristics of their seed oils were still unclear. In this study, nine C. oleifera fruits were collected from different cultivars in different planting regions, and the lipid characteristics, such as oil content, fatty acid composition, triacylglycerol composition, tocopherol content and sterol composition were investigated for their seed oils. The oil content in Yuekexia-2 was the lowest (11.6%), while those in other cultivars ranged from 22.3% to 29.6%. The major fatty acids of C. oleifera seed oils (COSOs) were palmitic acid (16:0, 8.4-11.5%), oleic acid (18:1, 76.3-80.5%), and linoleic acid (18:2, 7.9-12.2%), respectively. Trioleoylglycerol (OOO) was the most abundant triacylglycerol specie (more than 50%) in the COSOs. COSOs contained 21.2-36.4 mg/100 g of α-tocopherol. Seven sterols and squalene were found in all COSOs, while the COSOs showed significant differences in their contents of unsaponifiable matters. The planting region and the cultivar type significantly affected some of the lipid characteristics with the C. oleifera seeds.

The Establishment of Tandem Mass Spectrometric Fingerprints of Phytosterols and Tocopherols and the Development of Targeted Profiling Strategies in Vegetable Oils

Phytosterols and tocopherols are essential for plant biochemistry, and they possess beneficial health effects for humans. Evaluating the tandem mass spectrometric (MS/MS) behavior of phytosterols and tocopherols is needed for the development of a qualitative and quantitative method for these biologically active plant metabolites. Herein, the MS/MS dissociation behavior of phytosterols and tocopherols is elucidated to establish generalized MS/MS fingerprints. MS/MS and multistage (MS³) analysis revealed common fragmentation behavior among the four tested phytosterols, namely β-sitosterol, stigmasterol, campesterol, and brassicasterol. Similar analysis was conducted for the tocopherols (i.e., alpha (α), beta (β), gamma (γ), and delta (δ)). As such, a universal MS/MS fragmentation pathway for each group was successfully established for the first time. Based on the generalized MS/MS fragmentation behavior of phytosterols, diagnostic product ions were chosen for the development of profiling methods for over 20 naturally occurring phytosterols. A precursor ion scan-triggered-enhanced product ion scan (PIS-EPI) method was established. Due to enhanced chromatographic peaks, multiple ion monitoring-triggered-enhanced product ion scan (MIM-EPI) was employed for confirmation. The screening approach was applied successfully to identify blinded samples obtained from standard mixtures as well as sesame and olive oils. The oil samples contain other phytosterols, and their successful identification indicates that, the generalized MS/MS fragmentation behavior is applicable to various structures of phytosterols. A similar approach was attempted for tocopherols and was only hindered by the low concentration of these bioactive metabolites present in the oil samples.

Effect of plant-based diets with varying ratios of ω6 to ω3 fatty acids on growth performance, tissue composition, fatty acid biosynthesis and lipid-related gene expression in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar)

Little is known about how variation in omega-6 to omega-3 (ω6:ω3) fatty acid (FA) ratios affects lipid metabolism and eicosanoid synthesis in salmon, and the potential underlying molecular mechanisms. The current study examined the impact of five plant-based diets (12-week exposure) with varying ω6:ω3 (0.3-2.7) on the growth, tissue lipid composition (muscle and liver), and hepatic transcript expression of lipid metabolism and eicosanoid synthesis-related genes in Atlantic salmon. Growth performance and organ indices were not affected by dietary ω6:ω3. The liver and muscle FA composition was highly reflective of the diet (ω6:ω3 of 0.2-0.8 and 0.3-1.9, respectively) and suggested elongation and desaturation of the ω3 and ω6 precursors 18:3ω3 and 18:2ω6. Furthermore, proportions of ω6 and ω3 PUFA in both tissues showed significant positive correlations with dietary inclusion (% of diet) of soy and linseed oils, respectively. Compound-specific stable isotope analysis (CSIA) further demonstrated that liver long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid (LC-PUFA) synthesis (specifically 20:5ω3 and 20:4ω6) was largely driven by dietary 18:3ω3 and 18:2ω6, even when 20:5ω3 and 22:6ω3 were supplied at levels above minimum requirements. In addition, significant positive and negative correlations were identified between the transcript expression of LC-PUFA synthesis-related genes and liver ω6 and ω3 LC-PUFA, respectively, further supporting FA biosynthesis. Liver ω3 LC-PUFA also correlated negatively with the eicosanoid synthesis-related transcripts pgds and cox1. This is the first study to use CSIA, hepatic transcriptome, and tissue lipid composition analyses concurrently to demonstrate the impact of plant-based diets with varying ω6:ω3 on farmed Atlantic salmon.

Palm Oil Carotenoids

Crude palm oil is the richest natural plant source of carotenoids in terms of retinol (provitamin A) equivalent. This article reports on » the carotenoids found in palm oil, its fractions, byproducts, and derivatives from the Elaeis guineensis and E. oleifera palms, including their hybrids and a back-cross, as well as the carotenoids of pressed palm fibres, second-pressed oil, palm leaves, and palm-derived alkyl esters; » two novel procedures for preparing highly concentrated sources of carotenoids (>80,000 ppm), by recovery by palm alkyl esters, and by retention and concentration in deacidified and deodorized red palm oil; » the carotenoid content and profiles of the above sources obtained by high-performance liquid chromatography; and » nutritional effects of palm oil carotenoids and their potential applications for health promotion and disease prevention.

Diversity of Sterol Composition in Tunisian Pistacia lentiscus Seed Oil

Pistacia lentiscus L. seed oil is used in some Mediterranean forest area for culinary and medicinal purposes. In this study, we aim to examine, for the first time, the effect of growing area on sterol content of Pistacia lentiscus seed oil. Fruits were harvested from 13 different sites located in northern and central Tunisia. Gas chromatography-flame-ionization detection (GC-FID) was used to quantify sterols and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) was used to identify them. The major sterol identified was β-sitosterol with a value ranging from 854.12 to 1224.09 mg/kg of oil, thus making up more than 54% of the total sterols. The other two main sterols were cycloartenol (11%) and 24-methylene-cycloartenol (5%). Statistical results revealed that growing location significantly (P < 0.001) affected phytosterol levels in these oils.

Effects of feeding outer bran fraction of rice on lipid accumulation and fecal excretion in rats

Outer bran fraction of rice (OBFR) contains higher concentrations of crude fiber, γ-oryzanol, and phytic acid compared to whole rice bran (WRB). In this study, we examined the effects of feeding OBFR on lipid accumulation and fecal excretion in rats. Twenty-one male rats at seven-week-old were divided into a control group and two treatment groups. The control group was fed a control diet, and the treatment groups were fed OBFR- or WRB-containing diet for 21 days. There was no significant difference in growth performance. Feeding OBFR diet increased fecal number and weight accompanied by increased fecal lipid content, while it did not affect mRNA expressions encoding lipid metabolism-related protein in liver. In addition, feeding OBFR-diet decreased the abdominal fat tissue weight and improved plasma lipid profiles, while WRB-containing diet did not affect them. These results suggested that feeding OBFR-diet might prevent lipid accumulation via enhancing fecal lipid excretion in rats.

Nongenotoxic effects and a reduction of the DXR-induced genotoxic effects of Helianthus annuus Linné (sunflower) seeds revealed by micronucleus assays in mouse bone marrow

Background

This research evaluated the genotoxicity of oil and tincture of H. annuus L. seeds using the micronucleus assay in bone marrow of mice. The interaction between these preparations and the genotoxic effects of doxorubicin (DXR) was also analysed (antigenotoxicity test).

Methods

Experimental groups were evaluated at 24-48 h post treatment with N-Nitroso-N-ethylurea (positive control – NEU), DXR (chemotherapeutic), NaCl (negative control), a sunflower tincture (THALS) and two sources of sunflower oils (POHALS and FOHALS). Antigenotoxic assays were carried out using the sunflower tincture and oils separately and in combination with NUE or DXR.

Results

For THALS, analysis of the MNPCEs showed no significant differences between treatment doses (250–2,000 mg.Kg^-1) and NaCl. A significant reduction in MNPCE was observed when THALS (2,000 mg.Kg^-1) was administered in combination with DXR (5 mg.Kg^-1). For POHALS or FOHALS, analysis of the MNPCEs also showed no significant differences between treatment doses (250–2,000 mg.Kg^-1) and NaCl. However, the combination DXR + POHALS (2,000 mg.Kg^-1) or DXR + FOHALS (2,000 mg.Kg^-1) not contributed to the MNPCEs reduction.

Conclusions

This research suggests absence of genotoxicity of THALS, dose-, time- and sex-independent, and its combination with DXR can reduce the genotoxic effects of DXR. POHALS and FOHALS also showed absence of genotoxicity, but their association with DXR showed no antigenotoxic effects.

Plant sterols as anticancer nutrients: evidence for their role in breast cancer

While many factors are involved in the etiology of cancer, it has been clearly established that diet significantly impacts one’s risk for this disease. More recently, specific food components have been identified which are uniquely beneficial in mitigating the risk of specific cancer subtypes. Plant sterols are well known for their effects on blood cholesterol levels, however research into their potential role in mitigating cancer risk remains in its infancy. As outlined in this review, the cholesterol modulating actions of plant sterols may overlap with their anti-cancer actions. Breast cancer is the most common malignancy affecting women and there remains a need for effective adjuvant therapies for this disease, for which plant sterols may play a distinctive role.

Steroidal compounds in commercial parenteral lipid emulsions

Parenteral nutrition lipid emulsions made from various plant oils contain steroidal compounds, called phytosterols. During parenteral administration of lipid emulsions, phytosterols can reach levels in the blood that are many fold higher than during enteral administration. The elevated phytosterol levels have been associated with the development of liver dysfunction and the rare development of liver failure. There is limited information available in the literature related to phytosterol concentrations in lipid emulsions. The objective of the current study was to validate an assay for steroidal compounds found in lipid emulsions and to compare their concentrations in the most commonly used parenteral nutrition lipid emulsions: Liposyn(®) II, Liposyn(®) III, Lipofundin(®) MCT, Lipofundin(®) N, Structolipid(®), Intralipid(®), Ivelip(®) and ClinOleic(®). Our data demonstrates that concentrations of the various steroidal compounds varied greatly between the eight lipid emulsions, with the olive oil-based lipid emulsion containing the lowest levels of phytosterols and cholesterol, and the highest concentration of squalene. The clinical impression of greater incidences of liver dysfunction with soybean versus MCT/LCT and olive/soy lipid emulsions may be reflective of the levels of phytosterols in these emulsions. This information may help guide future studies and clinical care of patients with lipid emulsion-associated liver dysfunction.

Effect of the solvent type and temperature on phytosterol contents and compositions of wheat straw, bran, and germ extracts

Wheat fractions, such as bran, germ, and straw, are rich in a number of health beneficial bioactive compounds. However, they have not been exploited to their full capacity for value-added product development. This study examines the potential of recovering phytosterol (PS)-enriched extracts from wheat germ, bran, and straw. The main objective of the study was to evaluate the effect of solvent type and temperature on PS content and composition in straw, bran, and germ extracts. Petroleum ether, chloroform, n-hexane, and ethanol were used as solvents. A pressurized solvent extraction system was used for extraction of wheat fractions. Germ extracts had the highest total PS content followed by straw and bran extracts. Beta-sitosterol, campesterol, and stigmasterol were the main PSs in all of the extracts. Ethanol extraction resulted in the lowest total PS recovery from germ. Solvent type had a significant effect on PS composition in straw extracts. beta-Sitosterol was the most abundant PS in straw hexane extracts (74% of total PS). Petroleum ether, chloroform, and ethanol extracted more stigmasterol than beta-sitosterol from straw. This study demonstrated that the solvent type and temperature had significant effects on both PS content and composition of extracts collected from wheat fractions. Because of the complex nature of the agricultural materials, solvent selection and process optimization need to be based on experimental data. Pressurized solvent extraction is a useful technique to screen complex biological materials for their composition and to determine processing conditions to be optimized.

Efficacy and safety of sitosterol in the management of blood cholesterol levels

Elevated levels of plasma LDL cholesterol (LDL-C) represent a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Treatments aimed at reducing levels of circulating LDL are regarded, therefore, as cardioprotective. The cholesterol lowering properties of plant sterols have been known for some time and many clinical studies have confirmed the efficacy of sitosterol in lowering plasma LDL-C concentrations. Animal studies have also shown reductions in LDL by sitosterol. The use of animal models has been useful in facilitating the elucidation of specific mechanisms by which this sterol exerts its hypocholesterolemic action. It is well known that plant sterols compete with cholesterol for space within bile salt micelles in the intestinal lumen thereby reducing cholesterol absorption. The understanding of the function of plant sterols in impeding cholesterol absorption has been clarified with the discovery of the adenosine binding cassette transporters, ABCG5/8, involved in the regulation of sterol absorption and secretion into the enterocyte and hepatocyte. Compared to cholesterol and other sterols, sitosterol is preferentially pumped out to the intestinal lumen by the ABCG5/8 transporters. This selective binding of sitosterol to the transporters ultimately results in significant lowering of plasma cholesterol. However, some findings support the hypothesis that plant sterols might be an additional risk factor for coronary heart disease. From the review of these studies, it is apparent that sitosterol is a useful dietary supplement for the lowering of plasma cholesterol. Nevertheless, this plant sterol should be used with caution in certain individuals who have a higher absorption rate of sitosterol.