Systematic study on the extraction of antioxidants from pinhão ( araucaria angustifolia (bertol.) Kuntze) coat

Impact of defibrillation technique on the rheological, thermo-mechanical, and nutritional properties of nanosuspensions produced from multiple fractions of pinhão seed (Araucaria angustifolia (Bertol.) Kuntze)

This work aimed to evaluate the influence of the mechanical defibrillation technique on the pinhão nanosuspensions production obtained from the whole pinhão, its coat, and almond. The nanosuspensions were characterized concerning their composition, morphology, thermal stability, rheological behavior, compound profiling, and cytotoxicity. The results revealed a significant fiber content in pinhão coat nanosuspension (63.12 ± 0.52 %) and non-fiber carbohydrates in whole pinhão (59.00 ± 0.13 %) and almond (74.39 ± 0.23 %) nanosuspensions. The defibrillation process led to micro/nano-sized fibers in pinhão coat nanosuspensions and small-size starch granules in almond nanosuspensions. The nanosuspensions containing pinhão coat exhibited a gel-like behavior, while almond nanosuspensions displayed liquid-like characteristics. Pinhão coat nanosuspensions presented a significant content of flavonoids and phytosterols, whereas almond-based nanosuspensions contained substantial sugar amounts. No cytotoxicity was observed at the concentrations evaluated. These findings demonstrated that the defibrillation technique impacted the properties of pinhão constituents, allowing their application in new product development.

In situ extraction/encapsulation of olive leaves antioxidants in zein for improved oxidative stability of edible oils

This study presents a sustainable and cost-effective method for preserving the bioactivity of phenolic compounds in olive leaves (OLE) during their application. The extraction and nanoencapsulation of OLE were performed in a single-step process using a rotor-stator system with zein as the encapsulating agent. The nanoprecipitation step was carried out using an aqueous sodium caseinate solution, resulting in spherical particles with an average diameter of about 640 nm, as confirmed by Transmission Electron Microscopy. Thermal characterization showed that the produced nanoparticles were more thermally stable than free OLE until 250 °C, and FTIR spectra indicated effective interaction between the phenolic compounds and zein. Antioxidant activity was evaluated using TBARS, DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP assays, with results showing that encapsulated OLE had lower antioxidant activity than free OLE. The best antioxidant capacity results were determined by TBARS assay, with IC50 results equal to 43 and 103 µgOLE/mL for free and encapsulated OLE, respectively. No anti-inflammatory potential was detected for both samples using the RAW 264.7 model, and only free OLE showed cytotoxic activity against lung cancer and gastric carcinoma. Encapsulated and free OLE were used as antioxidants in soy, palm, and palm kernel oils and compared to BHT using Rancimat. The Schaal Oven Test was also performed, and the PARAFAC chemometric method analyzed the UV-Vis spectra, which revealed high stability of the oil when 300 mg or the nanoparticles were added per kg oil. Results suggested that zein-encapsulated olive leaf antioxidants can improve the oxidative stability of edible oils.

Sensory properties of Australian bunya nuts

Abstract

Bunya nuts are the seeds of Araucaria bidwillii, a conifer native to South‐East Queensland, Australia. They are one of the 19 species of Araucaria family found around the world, with the nuts from South America being the most commonly consumed. They are traditionally eaten boiled or roasted. This study aims to profile the sensory properties of bunya nuts with chestnut as a comparator. Since chestnuts do not come from a conifer tree, it is expected that there will be differences. Different methods of preparation are also expected to change the sensory attributes. Representative samples were collected from a variety of locations in South‐East Queensland, prepared and presented to a panel of 14 experienced tasters applying conventional sensory descriptive profiling.

Practical Application

There is an increase demand for local, sustainable, and natural foods. Bunya nuts are native to Australia and are part of the Araucaria family, which includes 19 species that can be found around the world. To the best of our knowledge there is no study characterizing Araucaria nuts in terms of sensory attributes. This study builds a lexicon for bunya nuts and compares to chestnuts. It also shows how different preparation methods affect its sensory attributes, as well as possible future uses in product development. The outcomes might provide information to support studies on Araucaria nuts in other countries.

Bioactivity screening of pinhão (Araucaria Angustifolia (Bertol.) Kuntze) seed extracts: the inhibition of cholinesterases and α-amylases, and cytotoxic and anti-inflammatory activities

The objective of this work was to determine the potential bioactive properties of extracts from bio-residues of pinhão (Araucaria angustifolia (Bertol.) Kuntze) seeds, namely the α-amylase and cholinesterase inhibition, cytotoxicity, and anti-inflammatory properties. The pinhão extracts evaluated were obtained from cooking water (CW) and as an ethanolic extract from residual pinhão seed shells (PS). Catechin was the major compound found in both extracts. The PS extract presented higher antioxidant levels and the better inhibition of human salivary and porcine pancreatic α-amylases when compared to the CW extract. Also, based on in vivo evaluations, the PS extract did not differ significantly from acarbose when compared to a control group. The most potent inhibitor of cholinesterases was the CW extract. No cytotoxicity toward normal cells was detected, and neither extract showed anti-inflammatory activity. The PS extract presented cytotoxic activity toward non-small-cell lung, cervical, hepatocellular and breast carcinoma cell lines. Overall, the results demonstrated the potential bioactivity of extracts obtained from pinhão bio-residues.

Pinhão coat extract encapsulated in starch ultrafine fibers: Thermal, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties and in vitro biological digestion

This study aimed to produce soluble potato starch ultrafine fibers for the encapsulation of pinhão coat extract (PCE), evaluating their relative crystallinity (RC), thermal stability, antioxidant activity, antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, as well as in vitro biological digestion. In the simulation of in vitro biological digestion, the phenolic compounds release profile was also evaluated. The ultrafine fibers were produced by electrospinning, based on a polymeric solution composed of soluble potato starch (50% w/v) and formic acid. Then, PCE was incorporated at various concentrations (0.5%, 1.0%, and 1.5%, w/w, dry basis). The endothermic event of free PCE was not observed in the ultrafine fibers, which suggests its encapsulation. The RC decreased according to the increase in PCE concentration in the ultrafine fibers. The PCE resisted thermal treatments when encapsulated into the ultrafine fibers (100 and 180°C), and the ultrafine fibers with 1% PCE presented the highest amount of preserved phenolic compounds. Regarding antioxidant activity, the free PCE presented 85% of DPPH inhibition and the ultrafine fibers had 18% inhibition, not differing among the PCE concentrations (p < 0.05). The free PCE and the ultrafine fibers with 0.5% PCE showed inhibitory effect against S. aureus and the ones with 1.5% PCE showed controlled release of phenolic compounds during the simulation of in vitro digestion. Starch ultrafine fibers showed potential to be applied in food industries due to their capacity of protecting phenolic compounds when submitted to high temperatures or gastrointestinal conditions. Nevertheless, their application depends on the end use of the product. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: The encapsulation of pinhão coat extract (PCE) in ultrafine starch fibers promotes greater preservation of phenolic compounds. Thus, it can be incorporated into different foods that are produced using the ultra-high temperature (UHT) process-at 135-145°C for 5 to 10 s, or some other equivalent time/temperature combination. Another possibility is the incorporation of ultrafine fibers in active packaging: compounds can migrate to food, improving sensory characteristics, increasing shelf life, preventing chemical and microbiological deterioration, and ensuring food safety.

Aerogels based on corn starch as carriers for pinhão coat extract (Araucaria angustifolia) rich in phenolic compounds for active packaging

The objective of this study was to produce renewable aerogels from native and anionic corn starches loaded with pinhão coat extract (PCE) with water absorbent capacity, antioxidant activity and controlled release of phenolic compounds in a hydrophilic food simulant media. Starch aerogels were produced with different concentrations of PCE, 5 and 10%, and evaluated for FT-IR spectra, relative crystallinity, thermal properties, water absorption capacity (WAC), density, antioxidant activity and in vitro release. Thermal stability of the compounds was improved by the incorporation of PCE. The aerogels presented high WAC of 541 to 731% and low-density values of 0.03 g.cm^-1. The highest inhibition of DPPH and ABTS radicals was presented to anionic starch aerogels with 10% PCE rendering 26% of inhibition of ABTS and 24% of DPPH. The maximum in vitro releases for native and anionic starch aerogels with 5% of PCE were 28.70 and 29.44%, respectively, and for aerogels with 10% of PCE they were 34.27 and 35.94%, respectively. The anionic starch aerogels had the highest amount of phenolic compounds released when compared to the native starch aerogels. The starch-based bioactive aerogels showed potential to be applied in food packaging as water absorbent and as a carrier of phenolic compounds.

Ionizing Radiation Technologies to Increase the Extraction of Bioactive Compounds from Agro-Industrial Residues: A Review

Due to the growing demand in society for healthier foods, scientific communities are searching and developing new ingredients. In this context, agro-industrial residues, which can have a negative impact on the environment, represent a natural source for bioactive compounds and their recovery can contribute to economic and environmental sustainability. Ionizing radiation is a clean and eco-friendly technology that can be used to improve the extraction of bioactive compounds. The aim of this review, after presenting general aspects about bioactive compounds in agro-industrial residues and radiation technologies, is to focus on the effects of ionizing radiation on the extraction of bioactive compounds from these residues and related bioactive properties. Irradiated residues were demonstrated to have enhanced bioactive characteristics that turn the prepared extracts suitable for applications in food industry, resulting in high-added-value products as well as reducing adverse impacts on the environment.

Pehuén (Araucaria araucana) seed residues are a valuable source of natural antioxidants with nutraceutical, chemoprotective and metal corrosion-inhibiting properties

In the last decade, green chemistry has been attracting great interest in many contexts, including, among others, natural antioxidants. However, only a few works deal with natural residue extracts and biowaste, which could be an efficient, economical and environmentally friendly source for the production of useful compounds. In this study, we look for antioxidant activity in Araucaria araucana seeds, an iconic pine species of the Argentine and Chilean Patagonia commonly known as "pehuén". Piñones are the edible pehuén seeds, and it is estimated that approximately 40 tons of piñones are harvested annually in Argentina and Chile. The chemical composition, antioxidants, metal corrosion-inhibiting properties and biological activity of edible and discarded piñón tissues were determined. Acute toxicity was discarded by in vitro testing and double fluorescent staining. Biological activity was evaluated in vivo by determining redox markers in salivary glands from rats treated with Cyclophosphamide (an oncological drug). All piñón tissues had antioxidants and antioxidant activity, with the coats showing the highest levels (up to 404 µg ascorbic acid equivalent per mg). The coats, in particular, had high gallic acid, catechin, quercetin and tannin contents, and more antioxidant activity, polyphenols and flavonoids than berries from the region. Results by X-ray fluorescence spectrometry showed that Na, Mg, P, S, Cl, K, and Ca were majority elements in the coat, embryo and endosperm. Furthermore, coat extract also showed significant anti-corrosion activity and in vivo protection against oxidative damage. The results indicate that piñón biowaste is a low-cost attractive source of natural antioxidants with potential nutraceutical, medical and metal corrosion protection applications.

Triacylglycerol, fatty acid, and phytochemical profiles in a new red sorghum variety (Ji Liang No. 1) and its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties

In this study, a new red sorghum variety (Ji Liang No. 1) was investigated for its triacylglycerol (TAG) and fatty acid profiles, carotenoid and tocopherol compositions, total phenolic, total flavonoid and phenolic acid contents, and antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. A total of 17 TAGs were identified in the red sorghum oil. Linoleic and oleic acids were the primary fatty acids, contributing more than 80% of the total fatty acids. β-Carotene was the primary carotenoid at a level of 26.14 μg/g. α-, γ-, and δ-tocopherols were at levels of 0.19, 4.08, and 0.10 μg/g, respectively. Moreover, acetone-water (60:40, v/v) extract of the red sorghum exhibited the greatest total phenolic content of 2.77 mg GAE/g and total flavonoid content of 5.44 mg RE/g. The extract had scavenging capacities against DPPH, ABTS +, and peroxyl radicals and suppressed LPS stimulated IL-1β, IL-6, and COX-2 mRNA expressions in a dose-dependent manner. Ferulic, p-coumaric, isoferulic, and p-hydroxybenzoic acids were found in the red sorghum, with ferulic acid as the predominant phenolic acid and mostly in an insoluble bound form. These data indicated a potential utilization of the red sorghum in health-promoting functional food or supplemental products.

Araucaria angustifolia (Bertol.) Kuntze extract as a source of phenolic compounds in TPS/PBAT active films

There is growing interest in the development of biodegradable packaging materials containing natural antioxidant extracts.

Protection by the Total Flavonoids from Rosa laevigata Michx Fruit against Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Liver Injury in Mice via Modulation of FXR Signaling

We previously reported the effects of the total flavonoids (TFs) from Rosa laevigata Michx fruit against carbon tetrachloride-induced liver damage, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and liver ischemia-reperfusion injury. However, there have been no papers reporting the role of R. laevigata TFs against lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced liver injury. In this paper, liver injury in mice was induced by LPS, and R. Laevigata extract was intragastrically administered to the mice for 7 days. Biochemical parameters in serum and liver tissue were examined, and pathological changes were observed by transmission electron microscopy, hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and Oil Red O staining. The results showed that the TFs markedly reduced serum ALT (alanine transferase), AST (aspartate transaminase), TG (total triglyceride), and TC (total cholesterol) levels and relative liver weights and improved liver pathological changes. In addition, the TFs markedly decreased tissue MDA (malondialdehyde) level and increased the levels of SOD (superoxide dismutase) and GSH-Px (glutathione peroxidase). A mechanistic study showed that the TFs significantly increased the expression levels of Nrf2 (nuclear erythroid factor2-related factor 2), HO-1 (heme oxygenase-1), NQO1 (NAD(P)H dehydrogenase (quinone 1), GCLC (glutamate-cysteine ligase catalytic subunit), and GCLM (glutamate-cysteine ligase regulatory subunit) and decreased Keap1 (Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1) level by activating FXR (farnesoid X receptor) against oxidative stress. Furthermore, the TFs markedly suppressed the nuclear translocation of NF-&kappa;B (nuclear factor-kappa B) and subsequently decreased the expression levels of IL (interleukin)-1&beta;, IL-6, HMGB-1 (high -mobility group box 1), and COX-2 (cyclooxygenase-2) by activating FXR and FOXO3a (forkhead box O3) against inflammation. Besides, the TFs obviously reduced the expression levels of SREBP-1c (sterol regulatory element-binding proteins-1c), ACC1 (acetyl-CoA carboxylase-1), FASN (fatty acid synthase), and SCD1 (stearoyl-coenzyme A desaturase 1), and improved CPT1 (carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1) level by activating FXR to regulate lipid metabolism. Our results suggest that TFs exhibited protective effect against LPS-induced liver injury by altering FXR-mediated oxidative stress, inflammation, and lipid metabolism, and should be developed as an effective food and healthcare product for the therapy of liver injury in the future.