Antiradical activity of extracts of almond and its by-products

Almond [Prunus dulcis (Mill.) DA Webb] Processing Residual Hull as a New Source of Bioactive Compounds: Phytochemical Composition, Radical Scavenging and Antimicrobial Activities of Extracts from Italian Cultivars ('Tuono', 'Pizzuta', 'Romana')

In this study we developed a new extract, by the use of conventional solid-solvent extraction and a food-grade hydroalcoholic solvent, rich in phenolic and triterpenoid components from almon hull to be employed as functional ingredient in food, pharma and cosmetic sectors. Two autochthonous Sicilian cultivars ('Pizzuta' and 'Romana') and an Apulian modern cultivar ('Tuono') have been tested for the production of the extract. Results showed that the two Sicilian varieties, and in particular the 'Romana' one, present the best characteristics to obtain extracts rich in triterpenoids and hydroxycinnamic acids, useful for the production of nutraceutical supplements. About triterpenoids, the performance of the hydroalcoholic extraction process allowed to never go below 46% of recovery for 'Pizzuta' samples, with significantly higher percentages of recovery for 'Tuono' and 'Romana' extracts (62.61% and 73.13%, respectively) while hydroxycinnamic acids were recovered at higher recovery rate (84%, 89% and 88% for 'Pizzuta', 'Romana' and 'Tuono' extracts, respectively). Invitro antioxidant and antimicrobial activities exerted by the extracts showed promising results with P. aeruginosa being the most affected strain, inhibited up to the 1/8 dilution with 'Romana' extract. All the three tested extracts exerted an antimicrobial action up to 1/4 dilutions but 'Romana' and 'Pizzuta' extracts always showed the greatest efficacy.

Natural treatments for erectile dysfunction: A focus on mobile health applications

To the Editor, Erectile dysfunction (ED) is defined as the persistent inability to achieve or maintain penile erection sufficient for satisfactory sexual performance. ED represents one of the most important male sexual dysfunctions with a prevalence of 52% and affecting more than 150 million men worldwide (estimated to be 322 million worldwide for 2025) [...]

Chemical Composition and Biological Active Substances from Hazelnut Green Leafy Covers

This investigation aims to study the perspectives for obtaining natural remedies and food addit­ives from raw plant materials that can be used in food, pharmaceutical, and other industries. The selection of hazelnut green leafy cover as an item is based on the fact that it is a natural organic resource that is now being discarded as waste. In the article, the results are presented about the determination of mineral elements and bioactive compounds in the bio-extracts of 70% ethyl alcohol (BE-III) and distillation water (BE-IV) obtained from the green leafy cover of the plant (Corylus avellane L.) where grow in the north-western region of Azerbaijan. According to our study, BE-III has 25 chemical elements, excluding Rb, for a total of 12.797%, while BE-IV contains 26 chemical elements for a total of 21.347%. Amounts of mac­roelements are 10.4%, and microelements are 2.69% in the content of BE-III, while amounts of macroele­ments are 17.82%, and amounts of microelements are 3.53% in the content of BE-IV. Amounts of organic compounds are 87.2% in the content of BE-III, while their amounts are 78.65% in the content of BE-IV. The amount of Zn, which has antioxidant activity, is 0.009%, and the amount of Se is 0.002% in the con­tent of BE-IV. These values vary in the content of BE-III, the amount of Zn is 0.01%, but the amount of Se is 0.001%. 15 bioactive substances were identified in the content of BE-III bio-extract; however, 5 bioact­ive substances were identified in the content of BE-IV bio-extract. According to our research results, the bio-extract obtained from hazelnut green leafy cover is abundant with antioxidants and bioactive sub­stances with antibacterial activity. For this reason, these bio-extracts can be used as both a food supple­ment and a means of treatment.

Analysis of the phytochemicals of Coriandrum sativum and Cichorium intybus aqueous extracts and their biological effects on broiler chickens

Spices and herbs can be used as feed additives and viable alternatives to antibiotics in chicken production. This study analyzed the phytochemicals, minerals, and antioxidant activity of aqueous extracts from Coriandrum sativum seeds and Cichorium intybus roots. The effects of different concentrations of C. sativum and C. intybus extracts on blood parameters, growth and carcass traits, biochemical parameters, and antioxidant activity of broiler chicks were also examined. The results showed that C. sativum aqueous extract has relatively higher contents of total flavonoids and total phenolic acids than C. intybus aqueous extract. Both extracts contain elevated mineral elements, especially iron, potassium, and sodium. Therefore, dietary supplementation of C. sativum seed and C. intybus root extracts could enhance broiler chicken growth performance, carcass characteristics, liver function, lipid profile, and antioxidant status. These extracts could be utilized as natural feed additives and growth promoters for broiler chickens.

Almond Hull as a Functional Ingredient of Bread: Effects on Physico-Chemical, Nutritional, and Consumer Acceptability Properties

Hulls are the principal almond by-products and are rich in bioactive compounds, such as polyphenols and fibre. Generally, hulls are used as animal feed; however, because of their valuable chemical composition, alternative applications as a natural food ingredient and dietary supplement should be evaluated. The aim of this study was to assess the physico-chemical and nutritional characteristics and the consumer acceptability of bread produced by replacing 4% and 8% of wheat flour with almond hulls (AHs) obtained from six almond varieties at two ripening stages (green and mature). The use of AHs in bread production increased fibre content, polyphenol content, and antioxidant activity. In particular, bread containing mature AHs showed the highest quantities of fibre and sugars, mainly glucose, whereas bread containing green AHs showed the highest polyphenol content. The polyphenol content and antioxidant activity in bread containing green AHs were 272.88 mg GAE/100 g dry weight and 1145.32 μmol TE/100 g dry weight, respectively, of which 60.5% and 52% were bioaccessible after in vitro digestion. Bread containing AH powder showed slightly lower specific volume, darker crumb colour, and lower hardness than those of the control. Consumer evaluation indicated that breads with 8% AH powder were those with the most overall liking.

Metabolite Profiling and Transcriptome Analyses Provide Insight Into Phenolic and Flavonoid Biosynthesis in the Nutshell of Macadamia Ternifolia

Macadamia ternifolia is a dynamic oil-producing nut crop in the world. However, the nutshell is frequently considered as a low-quality material. Further, its metabolic profile is still uncharacterized. In order to explore the industrial significance of the nutshell, this study performed metabolic and transcriptomic analyses at various developmental stages of the nutshell. The qualitative and quantitative metabolic data analysis identified 596 metabolic substances including several species of phenolic acids, flavonoids, lipids, organic acids, amino acids and derivatives, nucleotides and derivatives, alkaloids, lignans, coumarins, terpenoids, tannins, and others. However, phenolic acids and flavonoids were predominant, and their abundance levels were significantly altered across various developmental stages of the nutshell. Comparative transcriptome analysis revealed that the expression patterns of phenolic acid and flavonoid pathway related genes were significantly changed during the nutshell growth. In particular, the expression of phenylalanine ammonia-lyase, C4H, 4CL, CHS, CHI, F3H, and FLS had dynamic differences at the various developmental stages of the nutshell. Our integrative metabolomic and transcriptomic analyses identified the key metabolic substances and their abundance levels. We further discussed the regulatory mechanism of phenolic and flavonoid biosynthesis in the nutshell of M. ternifolia. Our results provide new insights into the biological profiles of the nutshell of M. ternifolia and help to elucidate the molecular mechanisms of phenolic and flavonoid biosynthesis in the nutshell of M. ternifolia.

Correlation Study of Antioxidant Activity with Phenolic and Flavonoid Compounds in 12 Indonesian Indigenous Herbs

The antioxidant activity (AA), total phenolic content (TPC), and total flavonoid content (TFC) of selected Indonesian Zingiberaceae herbs were determined. An optimization extraction procedure was conducted by using Taguchi L₁₆ orthogonal array. Four chemical assays were applied, including 2,2-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity assay, H₂O₂ scavenging activity assay, Folin-Ciocalteau (F-C) assay, and NaNO₂-AlCl₃-NaOH assay, which revealed remarkable differences in AA, TPC, and TFC. The result indicated the diversity of AA composition among the herbs, and C. longa exhibited the highest AA. HPLC-PAD analysis revealed that curcumin was present in five high antioxidant herbs, and the highest amount was in C. longa. Pearson correlation analysis indicated that the identified TPC and TFC were significant contributors to AA, and curcumin was likely the main contributing antioxidant compound. Our approach concluded that C. longa is the greatest source of natural antioxidants among 12 Indonesian indigenous Zingiberaceae herbs. The use of a mixed-method approach to augment the findings of solitary methods might facilitate future researchers to uncover deeper and hidden meanings.

Post-harvest Industrial Processes of Almond (Prunus dulcis L. Mill) in Sicily Influence the Nutraceutical Properties of By-Products at Harvest and During Storage

Almond cultivation in Sicily is experiencing a phase of great interest which is mainly concentrated in the development of specialized orchards, with irrigation and by adopting cultivars with high qualitative and quantitative performances. These are mostly Mediterranean genotypes with high fat content and hard or semi-hard shell, extremely different from the varieties of Californian diffusion. The development of the sector comprises the primary production of almonds but also a series of secondary products which often represent a burden for the company. From these considerations several researches have been developed with the aim of giving a value to these by-products through circular economy paths. One of the by-products widely produced, besides the shell, is the skin which covers the seed and is produced during the peeling phase. It is well-known that tegument is an important component of almond because it contains important bioactive substances (phenols and aromas) which are usually dispersed during peeling. This paper examined three different Italian cultivars widely spread in Sicily, two of Apulian origin, (Genco and Tuono), and one locally cultivated variety (Vinci a tutti). These three cultivars occupy an increasingly large area and are very popular with consumers and industry. The production of secondary products, therefore, evidences significant quantities and the possibility to give them an added value becomes a need for the sector. Therefore, the content of phenols and proanthocyanins in the skin at harvest and during storage was analyzed, adopting two different separation methods, with and without water. During the analysis it was possible to observe the different behavior of the three cultivars due to genetic and industrial factors. Skin separated without using hot water showed a higher total phenolic presence with average increases of about 20%, and with even higher increases, between 28 and 32%, for proanthocyanins. Vinci a tutti evidenced the highest total phenolic content after 8 months of storing while roasting has revealed to be a more effective skin separation approach.

A Structured Approach to Recover Valuable Compounds from Agri-food Side Streams

Food side streams contain useful compounds such as proteins, sugars, polyphenols, and amino acids that might get discarded during processing. The concentration of these components may be low (e.g., fruit side streams are mainly composed by water, around 90%, while polyphenol content in rapeseed meal is less than 3% dry weight) and therefore effective separation techniques should be evaluated. The aim of this review is to identify the different process steps (like pretreatment, volume reduction, phase change, solid removal, purification, and formulation) required to recover high-value products from agri-food residues. It reviews different plant-based byproducts as sources (cereal bran, fruit pomace, oilseed meals, fruit wastewater) of valuable compounds and discusses the relevant technologies required for processing (such as extraction, adsorption, crystallization, drying, among others). A structured approach to design recovery processes presented focused on high purity products. This work demonstrates that multiple high-value products can be recovered from a single agri-food side stream depending on the processing steps and the origin source (strong and soft structures and wastewater).

Feeding high amounts of almond hulls to lactating cows

California is the leading state for the production of almonds, with more than 400,000 bearing hectares of orchards that produced approximately 1 billion kilograms of shelled nuts in 2017. Almond hulls (AH) are a regional by-product feedstuff fed predominantly to dairy cattle in California. A 2012 study surveyed 40 dairy farms in California and found that 39 out of 104 total mixed rations contained AH, with a mean daily feeding rate of 1.45 kg/cow. In 2017, approximately 2 billion kilograms of AH was produced. At a feeding rate of 1.45 kg/cow daily, even if all 1.7 million lactating cows in California are consuming AH, there will be a surplus of AH on the market as the approximately 130,000 nonbearing hectares come into nut production. Therefore, the potential of feeding varying amounts of AH to lactating dairy cows was investigated using 12 Holstein cows with 4 primiparous and 8 multiparous cows. The dietary treatments were 4 total mixed rations containing 0, 7, 13, or 20% AH. The AH used contained 12.8% crude fiber (as-is basis), which was below the 15% legal limit set by state feed regulations. Diets were formulated so that as the inclusion rate of AH increased, the amount of steam-flaked corn and soyhull pellets decreased and soybean meal inclusion increased. Experimental design was a replicated 4 × 4 Latin square. Diet had a cubic effect on actual milk yield, energy-corrected milk yield, and dry matter intake, with the 7% AH diet having the highest values and the 13% AH diet having the lowest. The percent and yield of total solids and the yields of lactose and fat did not differ with diet, but percent and yield of protein declined linearly with increased AH inclusion, and fat percent increased linearly. Apparent total-tract digestibilities of dry matter and organic matter were higher with the inclusion of AH in the diet. Total percentage of the day spent ruminating increased linearly with higher amounts of AH. Overall, this work demonstrated that AH can be fed at varying amounts, up to 20% of the diet, to lactating dairy cows to support high levels of milk production and that increasing amounts of AH (up to 20%) in the diet could lead to improved digestibility and milk fat percentage but decreased milk protein production.

Extraction and purification of total flavonoids from Eupatorium lindleyanum DC. and evaluation of their antioxidant and enzyme inhibitory activities

The health benefits and promising medical treatment potential of total flavonoids from Eupatorium lindleyanum DC. (TFELDC) have been recognized. The process parameters of extracting total flavonoids from Eupatorium lindleyanum DC. by ultrasonic-microwave synergistic extraction (UMSE) were optimized, and they were purified by AB-8 macroporous resin in the current study. In addition, the antioxidant and enzyme inhibitory activities of the purified TFELDC (PTFELDC) were evaluated. The results showed that the optimal parameters of UMSE were as follows: ethanol volume fraction 71.5%, L/S ratio 12.2 ml/g, microwave power 318 W, and extraction time 143 s. After TFELDC were purified by AB-8 macroporous resin, the total flavonoid contents of PTFELDC increased from 208.18 ± 1.60 to 511.19 ± 3.21 mg RE/g FDS. Compared with TFELDC, the content of total flavonoids in PTFELDC was increased by 2.46 times. The antioxidant activities of PTFELDC were assessed using DPPH radical, superoxide anion radical, reducing power, and ferric reducing antioxidant power assays, and the IC50 values were found to be 37.13, 19.62, 81.22, and 24.72 μg/ml, respectively. The enzyme inhibitory activities of PTFELDC were measured using lipase, α-amylase, α-glucosidase, and acetylcholinesterase assays with the IC50 values 1.38, 2.08, 1.63, and 0.58 mg/ml, respectively. By comparing with their positive controls, it was found that PTFELDC had good antioxidant activities, and lipase, α-amylase, and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities, However, the acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activity was relatively weaker. These results suggested that PTFELDC have a promising potential as natural antioxidant, antilipidemic, and hypoglycemic drugs used in functional foods or pharmaceuticals.

Extracts from Almond (Terminalia catappa) leaf and stem bark mitigate the activities of crucial enzymes and oxidative stress associated with hypertension in cyclosporine A-stressed rats

We investigated the effect of extracts from the leaf (ALE) and stem bark (ABE) of Almond tree on activities of some crucial enzymes [angiotensin-1 converting enzyme (ACE), arginase, acetylcholinesterase (AChE), phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE-5), adenosine deaminase (ADA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase], and thiobarbituric acid reactive species (TBARS) associated with hypertension in normal adult male Wistar albino rats and Cyclosporine A (CsA)-stressed rats. The result revealed that CsA-stressed rats treated with captopril and extracts (ALE and ABE) had lowered ACE, arginase, AChE, PDE-5, ADA activities, and TBARS level, coupled with improved SOD and catalase activities compared with untreated CsA-stressed rats, which had reversed these biochemicals compared to normal rats. This suggests that the extracts could be explored to suppress hypertension and other cardiac injury known with CsA treatment; the potentials that could be linked with the constituent polyphenols. However, further studies including blood pressure should be determined to ascertain this claim. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Drug-induced cardiotoxicity, hypertension, and organ damage are among the most common side effects of pharmaceutics. Therefore, it becomes imperative to find natural, effective, and alternative therapy with little or no side effect to combat drug toxicity. The use of Almond (leaf and stem bark) in folklore for the treatment/management of hypertension and other heart-related diseases without full scientific basis is on the increase. Hence, this study provides some biochemical evidences on the effect of Almond leaf and stem back extracts on crucial enzymes and oxidative stress markers involve in the incidence of hypertension in the course of Cyclosporine A administration. The findings of this study indicated that the studied plant materials could be promoted as nutraceutical agents to neutralize drug-induced cardiac injury and hypertension.

A One-Pot Ultrasound-Assisted Almond Skin Separation/Polyphenols Extraction and its Effects on Structure, Polyphenols, Lipids, and Proteins Quality

Almond skin is an important by-product in the almond processing industry, rich in potentially health-promoting phenolic compounds. The objective of this present study is to separate the skin from the almond and extract its polyphenol contents using Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction (UAE) at room temperature. Optimization was performed according to a two-variable central composite design (CCD), and the optimum combination of ultrasonic intensity and extraction temperature was obtained through multi-response optimization: ultrasonic intensity (UI), 9.47 W.cm−2; and temperature, 20 °C for an extraction time of 20 min. Under the above-mentioned conditions, total phenolic content was 258% higher with UAE than silent experiment. Mathematic modelling and microscopic investigations were achieved to enable understanding physical and structural effects of ultrasound on almond skins and comprehension of the mechanism behind the enhancement of mass transfer phenomena. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) showed different acoustic cavitation impacts including fragmentation, sonoporation, and erosion. Extracts were analyzed by ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS), identifying a combination of flavanols, flavanones and non-flavonoids. UAE shows no negative effect on almond proteins and lipids when compared to natural almonds (NS).

Almond-supplemented diet improves sexual functions beyond Phosphodiesterase-5 inhibition in diabetic male rats

Hyperglycemia, an important feature of diabetes, can cause oxidative stress, which is associated with varieties of diabetic complications including erectile dysfunction. Therefore, this study sought to investigate the effect of almond-supplemented diet on some biochemical indices relevant to erection in diabetic male rats. Forty-two male rats were divided into two groups: A (n = 6) and B (n = 36). Diabetes was induced in Group B via injection of a single dose of STZ (50 mg/kg) intraperitoneally and confirmed 72 h after induction. Diabetic rats (blood glucose ≥250 mg/dL) were subsequently divided into six groups (n = 6). Fourteen days after confirmation of diabetes, rats were fed with diets containing almond drupe and seeds (10 and 20% inclusion) for fourteen days. The effects of the diets on blood glucose, sexual behavior, sexual hormones, phosphodiesterase-5 activity, nitric oxide, H₂S, and AGEs levels were evaluated. Significant increase in blood glucose level, phosphodiesterase-5 activity, and glycated hemoglobin was observed in diabetic rats. Furthermore, diabetes caused a significant decrease in nitric oxide, H₂S, sexual hormones (testosterone, follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone) levels, and sexual behavioral indices. However, treatment with diets supplemented with almond drupe and seeds significantly reversed these effects in diabetic rats. Findings in this study revealed that almond-supplemented diets enhance some important biomarkers relevant to erection in diabetic rats. Thus, dietary inclusion of almond (drupe and seeds) could serve as a cheap and readily available nutraceutical in the management of erectile dysfunction associated with diabetes.

Characterization of Polyphenolic Compounds Extracted from Different Varieties of Almond Hulls (Prunus dulcis L.)

Ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) was applied as a pretreatment technique to improve the recovery of polyphenols from the almond hulls of four Tunisian and three Italian almond varieties, followed by the characterization with HPLC-DAD. The operating parameters (solid/liquid ratio, extraction time, and ethanol concentrations) were optimized using a Response Surface Methodology. A polynomial equation was calculated to describe the relationship between the operating parameters and dependent variables as total polyphenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant activity (RSA). A desirability function approach was used to determine the optimum conditions for operating parameters: a solid:solvent ratio of 2 g/100 mL, an extraction time of 13 min, and an ethanol concentration of 51.2%. Among the almond varieties, Pizzuta and Fakhfekh showed the highest polyphenol content and antioxidant activity. HPLC-DAD analysis of almond hull extracts confirmed that chlorogenic acid, catechin, and protocatechuic acid were the most important polyphenols in almond hull. The results highlighted that UAE could be an effective technique for the recovery of phenolic compounds from almond hull, thereby making this byproduct a promising source of compounds with potential applications in food and healthcare sectors.

Enhanced Recovery of Antioxidant Compounds from Hazelnut (Corylus avellana L.) Involucre Based on Extraction Optimization: Phytochemical Profile and Biological Activities

Tree nut by-products could contain a wide range of phytochemicals, natural antioxidants, which might be used as a natural source for dietary supplements. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the phenolic and sterolic composition, as well as the antioxidant and other biological activities, of hazelnut involucre (HI) extracts. Experimental designs were developed in order to select the optimum extraction conditions (solvent, temperature, time) using turbo-extraction by Ultra-Turrax for obtaining extracts rich in bioactive compounds. Qualitative and quantitative analyses were performed by LC-MS and LC-MS/MS and they revealed important amounts of individual polyphenols and phytosterols, molecules with antioxidant potential. The richest polyphenolic HI extract with the highest antioxidant activity by TEAC assay was further evaluated by other in vitro antioxidant tests (DPPH, FRAP) and enzyme inhibitory assays. Additionally, the cytotoxic and antioxidant effects of this extract on two cancerous cell lines and on normal cells were tested. This is the first study to analyze the composition of both hydrophilic and lipophilic bioactive compounds in HI extracts. Our findings reveal that this plant by-product presents strong biological activities, justifying further research, and it could be considered an inexpensive source of natural antioxidants for food, pharmaceutical, or cosmetic industry.

Antioxidant and antimicrobial activity of bioactive prodigiosin produces from Serratia marcescens using agricultural waste as a substrate

The objective of this investigation was to explore the antioxidant and antimicrobial property of bioactive prodigiosin produced from Serratia marcescens using rice bran. The antioxidant potential of prodigiosin was examined by 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2, 2'-azino-bis 3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) radical scavenging method via UV-visible, electron spin resonance spectrum (ESR), cyclic voltammetry and excitation emission spectrum. The antimicrobial activity of prodigiosin was examined against foodborne pathogens. The shelf life extending capacity of prodigiosin was evaluated with meat extract powder (MEP) as a model food material. The DPPH and ABTS radicals were completely scavenged by prodigiosin at the concentration of 10 mg/L. The food spoilage was inhibited by the addition of prodigiosin with MEP and it was compared with conventional preservative. The prodigiosin has prohibited the growth of foodborne pathogens effectively and the shelf life of the food was also extended significantly. The antimicrobial edible preservative developed in this study inhibited the growth of the microbial populations that produced through storage of the MEP and free radical scavenging activity. The results reveal that the bioactive prodigiosin effectively scavenged the free radical and inhibited the bacterial growth in food stuff.

Extraction, identification, and quantification of antioxidant phenolics from hazelnut (Corylus avellana L.) shells

Hazelnut shells are the major byproduct of the hazelnut industry. The objectives of this study were to optimize the conditions for extracting phenolics and to identify and quantify the phenolics in hazelnut shells. Preliminary optimization showed that a high recovery of phenolics could be achieved with shell particle size less than 0.5mm when extracted with acetone at 50°C. Response surface experiments showed that a 10g/l liquid to solid ratio, 58% acetone, and 12h extraction time yielded the highest amount of phenolics. Twenty-seven phenolic compounds were identified in hazelnut shells by mass spectrometry. Coumaroylquinic acid, epicatechin gallate, quercetin, and six other phenolics were identified in hazelnut shells for the first time. The most abundant phenolics in hazelnut shells were catechin, epicatechin gallate, and gallic acid, as quantified by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). These results can be useful for the development of industrial extraction processes of natural antioxidants from hazelnut shells.

Phenolics of Selected Cranberry Genotypes (Vaccinium macrocarpon Ait.) and Their Antioxidant Efficacy

Free, esterified, and bound phenolic fractions of berries from five different cranberry genotypes and two market samples were evaluated for their total phenolic, flavonoid, and monomeric anthocyanin contents as well as their antioxidant efficacy using TEAC, ORAC, DPPH radical, reducing power, and ferrous ion chelation capacity assays. HPLC-MS/MS analysis was performed for two of the rich sources (Pilgrim and wild clone NL2) of phenolics and high antioxidant activity. Among the genotypes, Pilgrim showed the highest phenolic and flavonoid contents and wild clones NL3 and NL2 showed the highest monomeric anthocyanin and proanthocyanidin content, respectively. Protocatechuic and syringic acids were detected only in Pilgrim, whereas luteolin 7-O-glucoside, quercetin 3-O-rhamnoside, quercetin 3-O-galactoside, proanthocyanidin B-type, and myricetin 3-O-galactoside were found in wild clone NL3 genotype. Moreover, proanthocyanin trimer A-type and dimer B-type predominated in the wild clone NL2, whereas proanthocyanidin dimer B and trimer A were predominant in Pilgrim.

Effect of almond on technological, nutritional, textural and sensory characteristics of goat meat nuggets

An attempt was made through the present study to develop meat based functional food by incorporating almond nut at two different 2.5 and 5 % (Formulation 1 and 2) levels and observe its impact on the different quality attributes against control goat meat nuggets. Almond improved (P < 0.05) the emulsion stability of formulation 1 and 2. Product with 2.5 % almond had higher (P < 0.05) cooking yield than other two products, whereas expressible water was lower. Emulsion and products pH values increased with the addition of almond. Emulsion and products with almond had higher (P < 0.05) proximate values except moisture content. Textural properties of all the products did not differ significantly. Percent SFAs decreased (P < 0.05) and MUFAs were increased with the addition of almond. The fatty acids C16:0, C18:1, C18:2 were significantly higher in formulation 1 and 2 products. Almond incorporation can be a very good approach to enhance nutritional profile of the meat products without affecting acceptability.

Antioxidant capacity of the striped sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) seed extracts evaluated by three in vitro methods

The antioxidant capacity of the striped sunflower seed cotyledon extracts, obtained by sequential extraction with different polarities of solvents, was evaluated by three different in vitro methods: ferric reducing/antioxidant power (FRAP), 2.2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH) and oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) assays. In the three methods, the aqueous extract at 30 µg/ml showed a higher antioxidant capacity value (FRAP, 45.27 µmol; DPPH, 50.18%; ORAC, 1.5 Trolox equivalents) than the ethanolic extract (FRAP, 32.17 µmol; DPPH, 15.21%;ORAC, 0.50 Trolox equivalents). When compared with the synthetic antioxidant butylated hydroxyl toluene, the antioxidant capacity of the aqueous extract varied from 45% to 66%, according to the used method. The high antioxidant capacity observed for the aqueous extract of the studied sunflower seed suggests that the intake of this seed may prevent in vivo oxidative reactions responsible for the development of several diseases, such as cancer.

In Vitro Antibacterial and Antioxidant Studies of Croton roxburghii L., from Similipal Biosphere Reserve

In vitro antibacterial activities of acetone, ethanol, methanol and water extracts of leaves and bark of Croton roxburghii L. studied against ten human pathogenic bacterial strains showed significantly higher activity in acetone extract and least activity in case of aqueous. Minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) values of all extracts ranged between 0.62 and 10 mg/ml, while minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC) values ranged from 1.25 to values greater than 10 mg/ml. The antioxidant assays viz. DPPH, hydrogen peroxide scavenging, iron reducing and iron chelating assays along with total phenol and ascorbic acid content were carried out with aqueous extracts of leaves and bark. While the total phenol contents in leaves and bark extracts were 0.766 ± 0.014 and 0.735 ± 0.028% respectively their ascorbic acid contents were found to be 0.252 ± 0.019 and 0.431 ± 0.013% respectively. DPPH activities in both (leaves and bark) extracts increased with the increase in concentrations. Iron chelating capacity of leaves extract is significantly higher than that of the bark. Leaves extract showed an increase in percentage of scavenging property with the increase in concentrations. Plant extracts showed low amount of iron reducing property at all concentrations. Hydrogen peroxide scavenging properties of bark was low than that of the leaves.

Phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity of kernels and shells of Mexican pecan (Carya illinoinensis)

The phenolic composition and antioxidant activity of pecan kernels and shells cultivated in three regions of the state of Chihuahua, Mexico, were analyzed. High concentrations of total extractable phenolics, flavonoids, and proanthocyanidins were found in kernels, and 5-20-fold higher concentrations were found in shells. Their concentrations were significantly affected by the growing region. Antioxidant activity was evaluated by ORAC, DPPH•, HO•, and ABTS•-- scavenging (TAC) methods. Antioxidant activity was strongly correlated with the concentrations of phenolic compounds. A strong correlation existed among the results obtained using these four methods. Five individual phenolic compounds were positively identified and quantified in kernels: ellagic, gallic, protocatechuic, and p-hydroxybenzoic acids and catechin. Only ellagic and gallic acids could be identified in shells. Seven phenolic compounds were tentatively identified in kernels by means of MS and UV spectral comparison, namely, protocatechuic aldehyde, (epi)gallocatechin, one gallic acid-glucose conjugate, three ellagic acid derivatives, and valoneic acid dilactone.

Cytoprotection by almond skin extracts or catechins of hepatocyte cytotoxicity induced by hydroperoxide (oxidative stress model) versus glyoxal or methylglyoxal (carbonylation model)

Oxidative and carbonyl stress are detrimental in the pathogenesis of diabetic complications, as well as in other chronic diseases. However, this process may be decreased by dietary bioactive compounds. Almond skin is an abundant source of bioactive compounds and antioxidants, including polyphenolic flavonoids, which may contribute to the decrease in oxidative and carbonyl stress. In this study, four Almond Skin Extracts (ASEI, ASEII, ASEIII, and ASEIV) were prepared by different methods and evaluated for their antioxidant activity. The order of the polyphenol content (total muM gallic acid equivalents) of the four extracts was found to be, in decreasing order of effectiveness: ASEI>ASEIII>ASEIV>ASEII. The order of Ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP, microM FeSO(4)/g) value, in decreasing order was ASEI (216)>ASEIII (176)>ASEIV (89)>ASEII (85). The order of ASE effectiveness for decreasing protein carbonyation induced by the copper Fenton reaction was ASEI>ASEIV>ASEII>ASEIII. The order of antioxidant effectiveness for inhibiting tertiary-butyl hydroperoxide (TBH) induced microsomal lipid peroxidation was ASEI>ASEIV>ASEII, ASEIII. Also, the order of ASE effectiveness for inhibiting TBH induced hepatocyte cell death was: ASEIII, ASEIV>ASEI, ASEII. Catechin also protected hepatocytes from TBH induced hepatocyte, lipid peroxidation and cytotoxicity. In a cell free model, equimolar concentrations of catechin or epicatechin rescued serum albumin from protein carbonylation induced by methylglyoxal (MGO). Catechin, epicatechin and ASEI all decreased gloxal induced hepatocyte cell death and reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation in GSH-depleted hepatocytes. Catechin and epicatechin protected against GO or MGO induced hepatocyte cell death, protein carbonylation and ROS formation. Catechin was more effective than epicatechin. Our results suggest that (a) bioactive almond skin constituents in the non-lipophilic polyphenol extract were the most effective at protecting hepatocytes against hydroperoxide induced hepatocyte oxidative stress and in protecting against dicarbonyl induced cytotoxicity; (b) catechins, the major polyphenol in the extract, were also effective at preventing GO or MGO cytotoxicity likely by trapping GO and MGO and/or rescuing hepatocytes from protein carbonylation.

Antioxidant activity of a red lentil extract and its fractions

Phenolic compounds were extracted from red lentil seeds using 80% (v/v) aqueous acetone. The crude extract was applied to a Sephadex LH-20 column. Fraction 1, consisting of sugars and low-molecular-weight phenolics, was eluted from the column by ethanol. Fraction 2, consisting of tannins, was obtained using acetone-water (1:1; v/v) as the mobile phase. Phenolic compounds present in the crude extract and its fractions demonstrated antioxidant and antiradical activities as revealed from studies using a β-carotene-linoleate model system, the total antioxidant activity (TAA) method, the DPPH radical-scavenging activity assay, and a reducing power evaluation. Results of these assays showed the highest values when tannins (fraction 2) were tested. For instance, the TAA of the tannin fraction was 5.85 μmol Trolox^® eq./mg, whereas the crude extract and fraction 1 showed 0.68 and 0.33 μmol Trolox^® eq./mg, respectively. The content of total phenolics in fraction 2 was the highest (290 mg/g); the tannin content, determined using the vanillin method and expressed as absorbance units at 500 nm per 1 g, was 129. There were 24 compounds identified in the crude extract using an HPLC-ESI-MS method: quercetin diglycoside, catechin, digallate procyanidin, and p-hydroxybenzoic were the dominant phenolics in the extract.