Antioxidant components and properties of dry heat treated clove in different extraction solvents

The Application of Handheld Near-Infrared Spectroscopy and Raman Spectroscopic Imaging for the Identification and Quality Control of Food Products

The following investigations describe the potential of handheld NIR spectroscopy and Raman imaging measurements for the identification and authentication of food products. On the one hand, during the last decade, handheld NIR spectroscopy has made the greatest progress among vibrational spectroscopic methods in terms of miniaturization and price/performance ratio, and on the other hand, the Raman spectroscopic imaging method can achieve the best lateral resolution when examining the heterogeneous composition of samples. The utilization of both methods is further enhanced via the combination with chemometric evaluation methods with respect to the detection, identification, and discrimination of illegal counterfeiting of food products. To demonstrate the solution to practical problems with these two spectroscopic techniques, the results of our recent investigations obtained for various industrial processes and customer-relevant product examples have been discussed in this article. Specifically, the monitoring of food extraction processes (e.g., ethanol extraction of clove and water extraction of wolfberry) and the identification of food quality (e.g., differentiation of cocoa nibs and cocoa beans) via handheld NIR spectroscopy, and the detection and quantification of adulterations in powdered dairy products via Raman imaging were outlined in some detail. Although the present work only demonstrates exemplary product and process examples, the applications provide a balanced overview of materials with different physical properties and manufacturing processes in order to be able to derive modified applications for other products or production processes.

Comparative assessment of morphological, physiological and phytochemical attributes of cultivated Valeriana jatamansi Jones in Uttarakhand, West Himalaya

Medicinal plants are global sources of herbal products, drugs, and cosmetics. They are disappearing rapidly due to anthropogenic pressure, overexploitation, unsustainable harvesting, lack of knowledge on cultivation, and the availability of quality plating materials. In this context, standardized in-vitro propagation protocol was followed to produce Valeriana jatamansi Jones, and transferred in two locations at Kosi-Katarmal (GBP) Almora (1200 masl) and Sri Narayan Ashram (SNA) Pithoragarh (Altitude 2750 masl), Uttarakhand. Over the three years of growth, plants were gathered from both locations for determining biochemical and physiological parameters, and growth performance. The plants growing at Sri Narayan Ashram (SNA) showed considerably (p < 0.05) higher amounts of polyphenolics, antioxidant activities, and phenolic compounds. Similarly, physiological parameters (transpiration 0.004 mol m^-2 s^-1; photosynthesis 8.20 μmol m^-2 s^-1; stomatal conductance 0.24 mol m^-2 s^-1), plant growth performance (leaves number 40, roots number 30, root length 14 cm) and soil attributes (total nitrogen 9.30; potassium 0.025; phosphorus 0.34 mg/g, respectively) were found best in the SNA as compared to GBP. In addition, moderate polar solvent (i.e., acetonitrile and methanol) was found suitable for extracting higher bioactive constituents from plants. The findings from this study revealed that large-scale cultivation of V. jatamansi should promote at higher elevation areas such as Sri Narayan Ashram to harness the maximum potential of the species. Such a protective approach with the right interventions will be helpful to provide livelihood security to the local populace along with quality material for commercial cultivation. This can fulfill the demand through regular supply of raw material to the industries and simultaneously promote their conservation.

Clove Polyphenolic Compounds Improve the Microbiological Status, Lipid Stability, and Sensory Attributes of Beef Burgers during Cold Storage

This study investigated the phenolic composition of clove powder extract (CPE), determined by high-pressure liquid chromatography, as well as the effect of the clove powder (CP) concentration (0, 2, 4, and 6%) on the quality of beef burgers during 21 days of cold storage at 4 °C. The CPE contained a high amount of total phenolic content (455.8 mg Gallic acid equivalent/g) and total flavonoid content (100.4 mg catechin equivalent/g), and it exhibited high DPPH antioxidant scavenging activity (83.9%). Gallic acid, catechol, and protocatechuic acid were the highest phenolic acids (762.6, 635.8, and 544.9 mg/100 g, respectively), and quercetin and catechin were the highest flavonoid acids (1703.1 and 1065.1 mg/100 g, respectively). Additionally, the CPE inhibited the growth of both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria effectively at 100 μg/disc. The addition of the CP had no discernible influence on the pH of the meat patties. The addition of CP at 4 and 6% increased the phenolic content and antioxidant activity of the beef patties, which consequently resulted in reduced lipid oxidation and microbial spoilage throughout the storage period. Furthermore, the CP significantly (p ≤ 0.05) improved the beef burger cooking characteristics (cooking yield, fat retention, moisture retention, and shrinkage). Additionally, the sensory acceptability was higher (p ≤ 0.05) for the burgers that contained 2% and 4% CP compared with the other treatments. In conclusion, the bioactive compounds in CP can extend the shelf life and improve the safety of beef burgers.

Composition and Antioxidant Properties of Pigments of Mediterranean Herbs and Spices as Affected by Different Extraction Methods

This study examined the composition and properties of chlorophyll and carotenoid extracted from the leaves of several Mediterranean evergreen shrubs and subshrubs (Myrtus communis L., Pistacia lentiscus L., Thymus vulgaris L., Salvia officinalis L. and Laurus nobilis L.) commonly used as herbs and spices. In order to fully assess their composition over a wide polarity range, pigments were extracted by successive solvent extraction with hexane, 80% acetone and 96% ethanol. Agitation-assisted extraction (AAE), ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) and pressurized liquid extraction (PLE) were employed and compared regarding their effect on the pigments’ yield and composition. Individual chlorophylls and carotenoids were analyzed by HPLC-DAD, while the content of total pigments and the extracts’ antioxidant capacity were determined spectrophotometrically. Throughout the experiments, pheophytin a, b and b’ were dominant chlorophyll molecules, while lutein and β-carotene were dominant carotenoids. Overall, the extracted pigments were determined as being in the range of 73.84–127.60 mg 100 g⁻¹ and were the lowest in T. vulgaris, with no significant differences between other species. M. communis and P. lentiscus had the highest antioxidant capacities, showing a moderate positive correlation with carotenoid and chlorophyll levels. Significant differences were found in the levels of individual pigments with most of them showing a medium level of polarity due to the dissolution in acetone as a medium polar solvent. AAE and PLE demonstrated similar efficacy in the extraction of both carotenoids and chlorophylls; however, preference can be given to PLE, being a novel method with numerous advantages, e.g., shorter extraction time and lower solvent consumption. The examined plant species certainly expressed great diversity and showed the potential for application in the production of various functional products.

Microwave technology: a novel approach to the transformation of natural metabolites

Microwave technology is used throughout the world to generate heat using energy from the microwave range of the electromagnetic spectrum. It is characterized by uniform energy transfer, low energy consumption, and rapid heating which preserves much of the nutritional value in food products. Microwave technology is widely used to process food such as drying, because food and medicinal plants are the same organisms. Microwave technology is also used to process and extract parts of plants for medicinal purposes; however, the special principle of microwave radiation provide energy to reaction for transforming chemical components, creating a variety of compounds through oxidation, hydrolysis, rearrangement, esterification, condensation and other reactions that transform original components into new ones. In this paper, the principles, influencing factors of microwave technology, and the transformation of natural metabolites using microwave technology are reviewed, with an aim to provide a theoretical basis for the further study of microwave technology in the processing of medicinal materials.

Antioxidant, Antimicrobial and Antiviral Properties of Herbal Materials

Recently, increasing public concern about hygiene has been driving many studies to investigate antimicrobial and antiviral agents. However, the use of any antimicrobial agents must be limited due to their possible toxic or harmful effects. In recent years, due to previous antibiotics' lesser side effects, the use of herbal materials instead of synthetic or chemical drugs is increasing. Herbal materials are found in medicines. Herbs can be used in the form of plant extracts or as their active components. Furthermore, most of the world's populations used herbal materials due to their strong antimicrobial properties and primary healthcare benefits. For example, herbs are an excellent material to replace nanosilver as an antibiotic and antiviral agent. The use of nanosilver involves an ROS-mediated mechanism that might lead to oxidative stress-related cancer, cytotoxicity, and heart diseases. Oxidative stress further leads to increased ROS production and also delays the cellular processes involved in wound healing. Therefore, existing antibiotic drugs can be replaced with biomaterials such as herbal medicine with high antimicrobial, antiviral, and antioxidant activity. This review paper highlights the antibacterial, antiviral, and radical scavenger (antioxidant) properties of herbal materials. Antimicrobial activity, radical scavenger ability, the potential for antimicrobial, antiviral, and anticancer agents, and efficacy in eliminating bacteria and viruses and scavenging free radicals in herbal materials are discussed in this review. The presented herbal antimicrobial agents in this review include clove, portulaca, tribulus, eryngium, cinnamon, turmeric, ginger, thyme, pennyroyal, mint, fennel, chamomile, burdock, eucalyptus, primrose, lemon balm, mallow, and garlic, which are all summarized.

Optimisation of phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity extraction conditions of a roasted mix of Tetrapleura tetraptera (Schumach & Thonn.) and Aframomum citratum (C. Pereira) fruits using response surface methodology (RSM)

The therapeutic abilities of Tetrapleura tetraptera and Aframomum citratum fruits used as spices are attributed to their bioactive molecules, including polyphenols. Sometimes used together and heated, they can undergo denaturation. The aim of the current study is to optimize the extraction of phenolic compounds and antioxidant potential of a roasted mix of Tetrapleura tetraptera and Aframomum citratum (95/5: w/w) fruits using RSM in a home food consumption context. The mix of spices was chosen according to the highest content of TPP and preliminary studies were performed to select the influencing variables. Roasting temperatures (130–170 °C), roasting times (10–15 min) and brewing times (8–15 min) were investigated with a rotatable central composite design. Experimental results were fitted to the second-order polynomial model where multiple regressions and ANOVA were used to determine the coefficients of the model and the optimal conditions for the considered responses. The two spices are good sources of phenolic compounds, and they also show significant (p < 0.05) dose-dependent radical scavenging activities (DPPH assay and inhibition of β-carotene discoloration) and reductive activities (FRAP assay and Phosphomolybdenum method). They significantly inhibit bovine serum albumin and 5-LOX denaturation. Brewing time and roasting time significantly (p < 0.05) influence the responses and there is a strong (R² = 0.93) correlation between the TPP and TAC of the beverage. The quadratic model fit well and the different factors used to test its accuracy and fitness were in satisfactory ranges. For TPP extraction (38.90 mgGAE/g dw) and TAC (50.75 mg TE/g dw) expression, the optimal conditions were reached at a roasting temperature of 150 °C, roasting time of 12.62 min, brewing time of 11.91 min and a desirability of 0.95. The novel information on the optimisation of the process can be further used by scientists, consumers and herbalists for effective handling of fruits during the extraction process.

Oxidative Stress-Induced DNA Damage and Apoptosis in Clove Buds-Treated MCF-7 Cells

In recent decades, several spices have been studied for their potential in the prevention and treatment of cancer. It is documented that spices have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and anticancer effects. The main mechanisms of spices action included apoptosis induction, proliferation, migration and invasion of tumour inhibition, and sensitization of tumours to radiotherapy and chemotherapy. In this study, the ability of clove buds extract (CBE) to induce oxidative stress, DNA damage, and stress/survival/apoptotic pathways modulation were analysed in MCF-7 cells. We demonstrated that CBE treatment induced intrinsic caspase-dependent cell death associated with increased oxidative stress mediated by oxygen and nitrogen radicals. We showed also the CBE-mediated release of mitochondrial pro-apoptotic factors, signalling of oxidative stress-mediated DNA damage with modulation of cell antioxidant SOD (superoxide dismutase) system, and modulation activity of the Akt, p38 MAPK, JNK and Erk 1/2 pathways.

Effects of thermal treatments on 10 major phenolics and their antioxidant contributions in Acer truncatum leaves and flowers

This study aimed to investigate effects of thermal treatments on major phenolics and their antioxidant contributions in Acer truncatum leaves and flowers (ATL and ATF, respectively). With ultra performance liquid chromatography-diode array detector-quadrupole time-of-flight-mass spectrometer/mass spectrometer, phenolic compositions of ATF were first characterized and compared with those of ATL. An optimized high performance liquid chromatography fingerprint was then established, and 10 major phenolics existing in both ATL and ATF were quantified. Gallic acid derivatives and flavonol-3-O-glycosides were found to be their dominant phenolic constituents, with the former being key constituents which was affected by thermal treatments and further influencing the variations of total phenols. Moreover, the mechanism underlining the changes of phenolics in ATL and ATF by the treatments was characterized as a thermolhydrolysis process. During thermal treatments, polymerized gallotannins were hydrolysed to 1,2,3,4,6-pentakis-O-galloyl-β-d-glucose, ethyl gallate and gallic acid, resulting in more than fivefold and twofold increase of their contents in ATL and ATF, respectively. By contrast, contents and antioxidant contributions of flavonol-3-O-glycosides gradually decreased during the process.\absbreak Overall, this is, to our knowledge, the first report on the effects of thermal treatments on phenolics and their antioxidant contributions in ATL and ATF, and the three gallic acid derivatives with potentially higher bioactivity could be efficiently achieved by thermal treatments.

Extraction and recovery of phytochemical components and antioxidative properties in fruit parts of Dacryodes rostrata influenced by different solvents

This study investigated the recovery of phytochemical antioxidants in Dacryodes rostrata fruit using different extraction solvents. The effects of solvent of varying polarities with sequential extraction method on the recovery of phenolics, flavonoids, carotenoids and anthocyanins from different parts of the fruit (seed, pulp and peel) were determined. Their antioxidant activities were further determined using DPPH radical, ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), hydroxyl radical scavenging, superoxide anion radical scavenging and phosphomolybdenum method. Dacryodes Rostrata seed had the highest total phenolic content with 50% ethanol as the most efficient extraction solvent. The highest total flavonoid content was obtained in ethyl acetate extract of fruit pulp, whereas peel extracted with hexane and 50% ethanol was the highest in total carotenoid content and total anthocyanin content, respectively. The seed extracted with 50% ethanol exhibited the strongest DPPH radical scavenging activity. Iron chelating activity measured by FRAP assay was the best in seed extracts, particularly in those polar extracts derived from water and 50% ethanol. Antioxidant activities of 50% ethanol extract of D. rostrata seed was the highest when determined by FRAP and phosphomolydenum assays. However, the influence of extraction solvents is not distinctly shown by hydroxyl radical and superoxide anion radical scavenging activities. This is the first report on the effect of various extraction solvents on the recovery of phytochemicals in D. rostrata fruit parts and the seed of D. rostrata is a potential source of polar antioxidants.

Clove extract functions as a natural fatty acid synthesis inhibitor and prevents obesity in a mouse model

Numerous medicinal plants have been reported to prevent various chronic diseases.

Phenolic profile, antioxidant activity and enzyme inhibitory activities of extracts from aromatic plants used in Mediterranean diet

The antioxidant and enzyme inhibitory properties of methanolic extracts from four aromatic plants used in traditional medicine and food [Calamintha nepeta (L.) Savi subsp. nepeta, Helichrysum italicum subsp. picardii Franco, Mentha spicata L. and Origanum vulgare subsp. virens (Hoffmanns. & Link) Bonnier & Layens] were evaluated. The extract from O. vulgare exhibited the strongest DPPH (IC50 of 4.65 ± 0.12 µg/ml) and ABTS (1479.56 ± 12.29 µmolTE/gextract) scavenging capacities, as well as the largest ferric reducing ability (1746.76 ± 45.11 µmolAAE/gextract). This extract also showed the highest total phenolic content (1597.20 ± 24.10 µmolGAE/gextract) and although HPLC-DAD analysis revealed rosmarinic acid as the main compound of the extract, other compounds seem to be involved in the antioxidant activity. Furthermore, the extract from H. italicum, which was found to be rich in caffeoylquinic and dicaffeoylquinic acids and in pinocembrin, showed the highest inhibitory potential against acetylcholinesterase, tyrosinase and α-glucosidase. Overall, the results obtained validate the usefulness of the studied plants as valuable sources of natural agents beneficial for human health.