Antioxidant properties and bioactive constituents of some rare exotic Thai fruits and comparison with conventional fruits

Unveiling phenylpropanoid regulation: the role of DzMYB activator and repressor in durian (Durio zibethinus) fruit

KEY MESSAGE

DzMYB2 functions as an MYB activator, while DzMYB3 acts as an MYB repressor. They bind to promoters, interact with DzbHLH1, and influence phenolic contents, revealing their roles in phenylpropanoid regulation in durian pulps. Durian fruit has a high nutritional value attributed to its enriched bioactive compounds, including phenolics, carotenoids, and vitamins. While various transcription factors (TFs) regulate phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, MYB (v-myb avian myeloblastosis viral oncogene homolog) TFs have emerged as pivotal players in regulating key genes within this pathway. This study aimed to identify additional candidate MYB TFs from the transcriptome database of the Monthong cultivar at five developmental/postharvest ripening stages. Candidate transcriptional activators were discerned among MYBs upregulated during the ripe stage based on the positive correlation observed between flavonoid biosynthetic genes and flavonoid contents in ripe durian pulps. Conversely, MYBs downregulated during the ripe stage were considered candidate repressors. This study focused on a candidate MYB activator (DzMYB2) and a candidate MYB repressor (DzMYB3) for functional characterization. LC-MS/MS analysis using Nicotiana benthamiana leaves transiently expressing DzMYB2 revealed increased phenolic compound contents compared with those in leaves expressing green fluorescence protein controls, while those transiently expressing DzMYB3 showed decreased phenolic compound contents. Furthermore, it was demonstrated that DzMYB2 controls phenylpropanoid biosynthesis in durian by regulating the promoters of various biosynthetic genes, including phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL), chalcone synthase (CHS), chalcone isomerase (CHI), and dihydroflavonol reductase (DFR). Meanwhile, DzMYB3 regulates the promoters of PAL, 4-coumaroyl-CoA ligase (4CL), CHS, and CHI, resulting in the activation and repression of gene expression. Moreover, it was discovered that DzMYB2 and DzMYB3 could bind to another TF, DzbHLH1, in the regulation of flavonoid biosynthesis. These findings enhance our understanding of the pivotal role of MYB proteins in regulating the phenylpropanoid pathway in durian pulps.

Hybrid Fruits for Improving Health-A Comprehensive Review

Several species of hybrid fruits, such as citrus, grapes, blueberries, apples, tomatoes, and lingonberries among others, have attracted scientific attention in recent years, especially due to their reported antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The bagasse, leaves, bark, and seeds of these hybrid fruits have large amounts of polyphenols, such as flavonoids, which act as potent antioxidants. Several studies have been carried out in cellular models of neurotoxicity of the extract of these fruits, to document the beneficial effects for human health, as well as to prove its antiproliferative effect in cancer cells. In the present review, through a synthesis of existing information in the scientific literature, we demonstrate that hybrid fruits are a source of antioxidant and bioactive compounds, which act in the inhibition of diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and inflammatory and neurodegenerative diseases, and consequently improving human health.

A review on the gastrointestinal protective effects of tropical fruit polyphenols

Tropical fruits are popular because of their unique, delicious flavors and good nutritional value. Polyphenols are considered to be the main bioactive ingredients in tropical fruits, and these exert a series of beneficial effects on the human gastrointestinal tract that can enhance intestinal health and prevent intestinal diseases. Moreover, they are distinct from the polyphenols in fruits grown in other geographical zones. Thus, the comprehensive effects of polyphenols in tropical fruits on gut health warrant in-depth review. This article reviews, first, the biological characteristics of several representative tropical fruits, including mango, avocado, noni, cashew apple, passion fruit and lychee; second, the types and content of the main polyphenols in these tropical fruits; third, the effects of each of these fruit polyphenols on gastrointestinal health; and, fourth, the protective mechanism of polyphenols. Polyphenols and their metabolites play a crucial role in the regulation of the gut microbiota, increasing intestinal barrier function, reducing oxidative stress, inhibiting the secretion of inflammatory factors and regulating immune function. Thus, review highlights the value of tropical fruits, highlighting their significance for future research on their applications as functional foods that are oriented to gastrointestinal protection.

Impact of Circular Brewer’s Spent Grain Flour after In Vitro Gastrointestinal Digestion on Human Gut Microbiota

Brewer’s spent grain (BSG) solid residues are constituted by dietary fibre, protein, sugars, and polyphenols, which can have potential effects on human health. In this study, for the first time, the flours obtained from solid residues of solid-liquid extraction (SLE) and ohmic heating extraction (OHE) were applied throughout the gastrointestinal digestion simulation (GID), in order to evaluate their prebiotic potential and in vitro human gut microbiota fermentation. The results showed that the digestion of BSG flours obtained by the different methods lead to an increase throughout the GID of total phenolic compounds (SLE: from 2.27 to 7.20 mg gallic acid/g BSG—60% ethanol:water (v/v); OHE: 2.23 to 8.36 mg gallic acid/g BSG—80% ethanol:water (v/v)) and consequently an increase in antioxidant activity (ABTS—SLE: from 6.26 to 13.07 mg ascorbic acid/g BSG—80% ethanol:water (v/v); OHE: 4.60 to 10.60 mg ascorbic acid/g BSG—80% ethanol:water (v/v)—ORAC—SLE: 3.31 to 14.94 mg Trolox/g BSG—80% ethanol:water (v/v); OHE: from 2.13 to 17.37 mg Trolox/g BSG—60% ethanol:water (v/v)). The main phenolic compounds identified included representative molecules such as vanillic and ferulic acids, vanillin and catechin, among others being identified and quantified in all GID phases. These samples also induced the growth of probiotic bacteria and promoted the positive modulation of beneficial strains (such as Bifidobacterium spp. and Lactobacillus spp.) present in human faeces. Moreover, the fermentation by human faeces microbiota also allowed the production of short chain fatty acids (acetic, propionic, and butyric). Furthermore, previous identified polyphenols were also identified during fecal fermentation. This study demonstrates that BSG flours obtained from the solid residues of SLE and OHE extractions promoted a positive modulation of gut microbiota and related metabolism and antioxidant environment associated to the released phenolic compounds.

Dragon Fruits as a Reservoir of Natural Polyphenolics with Chemopreventive Properties

Dragon fruits are a valued source of bioactive compounds with high potential to become a functional food. The aim of the study was to evaluate and compare the chemopreventive potential and chemical composition of fruits harvested in Thailand and Israel. The amount of different compounds in water and methanol extracts and antioxidant activity was investigated. Moreover, cytotoxic activity against cancer and normal cells of skin, prostate, and gastrointestinal origin was performed, accompanied by anti-inflammatory assay based on NO production in RAW 264.7 macrophage model. Additionally, the quenching properties of polyphenols from fruits were determined by the interaction of the main drug carrier in blood human serum (HSA). The chemometric analysis was used to reveal the relationships between the determined parameters. Dragon fruits harvested in Israel revealed higher antioxidant properties and total content of polyphenols and betacyanins when compared to those from Thailand. The examined fruits of both origins showed significant cytotoxic activity toward colon and prostate cancer cells, with no toxic effect on normal cells, but also no anti-inflammatory effect. Moreover, a high binding ability to HSA was observed for water extracts of dragon fruits. All these predestine dragon fruits are the candidates for the attractive and chemopreventive elements of daily diet.

Phytochemical and Cytotoxic Test of Durio kutejensis Root Bark on MCF-7 Cells

Durio kutejensis has known potential as herbal medicine in Kalimantan. Many things can be explored from D. kutejensis related pharmacological activity in every part of the plant included root bark. This study investigated the phytochemical content with a qualitative test and tested cytotoxic activities of D. kutejensis root bark on MCF-7 cell lines. Cytotoxic activity tested on MCF-7 cells with MTT assay method. The result showed that D. kutejensis root bark contains flavonoid, tannin, terpenoid, phenol, and saponin. IC50 value for ethanol extracts of root bark, n-hexane fractions, ethyl acetate fractions, and doxorubicin on MCF-7 cells are 761.29; 280.5; 207.08; and 0.25 μg/mL, respectively. In conclusion, D. kutejensis root bark has some secondary metabolites but no cytotoxic activity on MCF-7 cells. Further research on other compounds to be investigated and test to other pharmacological activity.

Comprehensive Chemical Characterisation of Durio Zibethinus

This study investigated the chemical properties of Durio zibethinus (Durian) in Malaysia. The cultivars included in the present study were D101, D197, and Kampung. A wide range of chemical properties such as proximate nutritional content, minerals, total phenolic content was analysed using established analytical methods. The antioxidant capacity in term of free radical scavenging activity was determined using colorimetric assay, whereas metabolite profiles of samples were analysed by hyphenated high throughput tool like GC-MS. The results showed that D197 durian had the highest content of ash, protein, fat, and carbohydrate, but the lowest moisture level. Potassium was found to be the highest mineral (8.68–11.36 mg g–1), followed by sodium (3.2–7.6 mg g–1), magnesium (0.86–1.88 mg g–1), and calcium (2.74–3.80 mg g–1) in the tested cultivars. The major sulphur containing compounds (% relative peak area) such as hydrogen sulphide (5.0–8.3%), methanethiol (0.5–1.0%), ethanethiol (20.7–35.0%), 1-propanethiol (2.7– 9.5%), and diethyl disulphide (0.6–1.9%), and esters, especially ethyl 2-methylbutanoate (10.0–15.0%), methyl 2-methylbutanoate (1.0%), and propyl 2-methylbutanoate (1.5%) were detected when fresh samples were heated in headspace GC-MS. However, those compounds evaporated during ultrasound assisted extraction and oven drying even at 40 °C.

Revalorization of bioactive compounds from tropical fruit by-products and industrial applications by means of sustainable approaches

Tropical fruits trade is on the rise due to the claimed health benefits related with their consumption. Functional activities are exerted by the presence of bioactive compounds which could be used for prevention or amelioration diseases. However, the occurrence of bioactive compounds is found mainly in non-edible fraction of tropical fruits which are usually discarded. Therefore, the revalorization of tropical fruits by-products as source of functional compounds is on the cutting-edge research. The implementation of this challenge not only allows the enhancement of the tropical fruits by-products management, but also the production of value-added products. This review compiles the latest comprehensive information about the revalorization of bioactive compounds from tropical fruits by-products. A revision of the sustainable green technologies used for the isolation of valuable compounds has been carried out as well as the current food, functional, cosmeceutical and bioenergetics industrial applications of bioactive compounds extracted from tropical fruits by-products.

Screening and Characterization of Phenolic Compounds and Their Antioxidant Capacity in Different Fruit Peels

Fruit peels have a diverse range of phytochemicals including carotenoids, vitamins, dietary fibres, and phenolic compounds, some with remarkable antioxidant properties. Nevertheless, the comprehensive screening and characterization of the complex array of phenolic compounds in different fruit peels is limited. This study aimed to determine the polyphenol content and their antioxidant potential in twenty different fruit peel samples in an ethanolic extraction, including their comprehensive characterization and quantification using the LC-MS/MS and HPLC. The obtained results showed that the mango peel exhibited the highest phenolic content for TPC (27.51 ± 0.63 mg GAE/g) and TFC (1.75 ± 0.08 mg QE/g), while the TTC (9.01 ± 0.20 mg CE/g) was slightly higher in the avocado peel than mango peel (8.99 ± 0.13 mg CE/g). In terms of antioxidant potential, the grapefruit peel had the highest radical scavenging capacities for the DPPH (9.17 ± 0.19 mg AAE/g), ABTS (10.79 ± 0.56 mg AAE/g), ferric reducing capacity in FRAB (9.22 ± 0.25 mg AA/g), and total antioxidant capacity, TAC (8.77 ± 0.34 mg AAE/g) compared to other fruit peel samples. The application of LC-ESI-QTOF-MS/MS tentatively identified and characterized a total of 176 phenolics, including phenolic acids (49), flavonoids (86), lignans (11), stilbene (5) and other polyphenols (25) in all twenty peel samples. From HPLC-PDA quantification, the mango peel sample showed significantly higher phenolic content, particularly for phenolic acids (gallic acid, 14.5 ± 0.4 mg/g) and flavonoids (quercetin, 11.9 ± 0.4 mg/g), as compared to other fruit peel samples. These results highlight the importance of fruit peels as a potential source of polyphenols. This study provides supportive information for the utilization of different phenolic rich fruit peels as ingredients in food, feed, and nutraceutical products.

Valorization of byproducts from tropical fruits: Extraction methodologies, applications, environmental, and economic assessment: A review (Part 1: General overview of the byproducts, traditional biorefinery practices, and possible applications)

Tropical fruits represent one of the most important crops in the world. The continuously growing global market for the main tropical fruits is currently estimated at 84 million tons, of which approximately half is lost or wasted throughout the whole processing chain. Developing novel processes for the conversion of these byproducts into value-added products could provide a viable way to manage this waste problem, aiming at the same time to create a sustainable economic growth within a bio-economy perspective. Given the ever-increasing concern about sustainability, complete valorization through a bio-refinery approach, that is, zero waste concept, as well as the use of green techniques is therefore of utmost importance. This paper aims to report the status on the valorization of tropical fruit byproducts within a bio-refinery frame, via the application of traditional methodologies, and with specific attention to the extraction of phenolics and carotenoids as bioactive compounds. The different types of byproducts, and their content of bioactives is reviewed, with a special emphasis on the lesser-known tropical fruits. Moreover, the bioactivity of the different types of extracts and their possible application as a resource for different sectors (food, pharmaceutical, and environmental sciences) is discussed. Consequently, this review presents the concepts of tropical fruit biorefineries, and the potential applications of the isolated fractions.

Glycolytic genes expression, proapoptotic potential in relation to the total content of bioactive compounds in durian fruits

The properties of durian fruit at five stages of ripeness were evaluated and compared. The physicochemical parameters such as titratable acidity (TA) and total soluble solids (TSS) increased, whereas the pH slightly decreased during the ripening process. The highest contents of polyphenols, flavonoids, flavanols, tannins, vitamin C and the antioxidant capacities, measured by radical scavenging assays, were found in ripe and overripe fruits. The structural properties of extracted polyphenols were evaluated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and fluorescence spectroscopy. The interaction of polyphenols with the main drug carrier in blood human serum albumin (HSA) showed decrease in its fluorescence intensity. The binding properties of polyphenols were in direct correlation with the antioxidant capacities of the investigated fruits. HepG2 cells evaluated cytotoxic effect and the mechanism of cell death after treatment with durian. The metabolism of carbohydrates was examined on the expression of glycolysis-related genes (hexokinase 2 (HK2); 6-phosphofructo-2-kinase 4 (PFKFB4); facilitated glucose transporter member 1 (SLC2A1 (Glut1)) and lactate dehydrogenase A and utilization of glucose in the hepatocytes with durian treatment. Durian in immature stage had stronger cytotoxic effect and weak proapoptotic potential on HepG2 cells than the mature and overripe ones. The ripe and overripe fruits increased the expression of hepatic HK2 and PFKFB4 glycolytic genes and stimulated glucose utilization in HepG2 cells. The present results indicate that durians reveal different biological activity and may provide their broad and extensive use as medicinal or functional foods.

In Vitro Gastrointestinal Digestion and Colonic Fermentation of High Dietary Fiber and Antioxidant-Rich Mango (Mangifera indica L.) "Ataulfo"-Based Fruit Bars

Mango (Mangifera indica L.) is a tropical fruit which is considered to be a source of dietary fiber (DF) and phenolic compounds (PCs). In this study, high DF mango-based fruit bars were developed from whole mango (peel and pulp). The bars were evaluated for their nutritional composition, the bioaccesibility of PCs during gastrointestinal digestion, and the PCs metabolites profile after in vitro colonic fermentation. The amount of DF in a 30 g portion of mango bars was 9.5 g, i.e., 35% of the recommended daily intake. Phenolic acids such as gallic acid; cinnamic acids, such as ferulic, coumaric, and caffeic acids; flavonoids such as quercertin; and xanthones such as mangiferin and mangiferin gallate, were identified as the main PCs in the bars. The antioxidant capacity associated with the PCs profile, together with the high DF content are indicative of the potential functional features of these natural fruit bars. The bioaccesibility of PCs in the mango bar was 53.78%. During fermentation, the PCs were bioconverted mainly to hydroxyphenolic acids and the main short-chain fatty acid produced was acetic acid. The xanthone norathyriol was identified after 12 h of fermentation. This study on the digestion and colonic fermentation of mango-based bars using in vitro models provides hints of the potential physiological behavior of PCs associated with DF, which constitutes relevant information for further development of natural and health-promoting fruit-based bars.

Bioactive Compounds, Nutritional Value, and Potential Health Benefits of Indigenous Durian (Durio Zibethinus Murr.): A Review

Durian (Durio zibethinus Murr.) is an energy-dense seasonal tropical fruit grown in Southeast Asia. It is one of the most expensive fruits in the region. It has a creamy texture and a sweet-bitter taste. The unique durian flavour is attributable to the presence of fat, sugar, and volatile compounds such as esters and sulphur-containing compounds such as thioacetals, thioesters, and thiolanes, as well as alcohols. This review shows that durian is also rich in flavonoids (i.e., flavanols, anthocyanins), ascorbic acid, and carotenoids. However, limited studies exist regarding the variation in bioactive and volatile components of different durian varieties from Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia. Experimental animal models have shown that durian beneficially reduces blood glucose and cholesterol levels. Durian extract possesses anti-proliferative and probiotics effects in in vitro models. These effects warrant further investigation in human interventional studies for the development of functional food.

Impact of combining acerola by-product with a probiotic strain on a gut microbiome model

In this study, we first investigated the survival of three probiotic strains, individually and combined with acerola by-product during simulated gastrointestinal conditions. Next, we investigated the effects of acerola by-product combined with Bifidobacterium longum BB-46 on a gut microbiota model (SHIME®). Chemical composition, total phenolic compounds, antioxidant activity of the acerola by-product and microbial counts, denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE), ammonium ions ( NH4+ ) and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) analysis of the SHIME® samples were performed. Acerola by-product revealed high protein and fibre, reduced lipid contents, and showed to be an excellent source of total phenolic compounds with high in vitro antioxidant activity. A decreased amount of NH4+ in the ascending colon and an increase (p < .05) in SCFAs were observed in the three regions of colon during treatment with BB-46 and acerola by-product. BB-46 combined with acerola by-product showed positive effects on the gut microbiota metabolism in SHIME® model.

Correlation of FT-IR Fingerprint and α-Glucosidase Inhibitory Activity of Salak (Salacca zalacca) Fruit Extracts Utilizing Orthogonal Partial Least Square

Salak fruit (Salacca zalacca), commonly known as snake fruit, is used indigenously as food and for medicinal applications in Southeast Asia. This study was conducted to evaluate the α-glucosidase inhibitory activity of salak fruit extracts in correlation to its Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) fingerprint, utilizing orthogonal partial least square. This calibration model was applied to develop a rapid analytical method tool for quality control of this fruit. A total of 36 extracts prepared with different solvent ratios of ethanol–water (100, 80, 60, 40.20, 0% v/v) and their α-glucosidase inhibitory activities determined. The FT-IR spectra of ethanol–water extracts measured in the region of 400 and 4000 cm⁻¹ at a resolution of 4 cm⁻¹. Multivariate analysis with a combination of orthogonal partial least-squares (OPLS) algorithm was used to correlate the bioactivity of the samples with the FT-IR spectral data. The OPLS biplot model identified several functional groups (C–H, C=O, C–N, N–H, C–O, and C=C) which actively induced α-glucosidase inhibitory activity.

Prebiotic effect of predigested mango peel on gut microbiota assessed in a dynamic in vitro model of the human colon (TIM-2)

Mango (Mangifera indica L.) peel (MP), is a by-product from the industrial processing to obtain juices and concentrates, and is rich in polyphenols and dietary fiber (DF). DF content of dried MP is about 40%. The aim of this study was to determine the prebiotic potential of this by-product submitting predigested mango ('Ataulfo') peel to a dynamic in vitro model of the human colon. Dried MPs were predigested following an enzymatic treatment and separating digestion products and undigested material by diafiltration. The predigested samples were fermented in a validated in vitro model of the colon (TIM-2) using human fecal microbiota and sampled after 0, 24, 48 and 72h. A carbohydrate mixture of standard ileal effluent medium (SIEM) was used as control. Production of short chain fatty acids (SCFA), branched chain fatty acids (BCFA) and ammonia profiles were determined in both lumen and dialysates. Microbiota composition was determined by sequencing 16S rRNA gene V3-V4 region. Principal component (PC) analysis of fermentation metabolites and relative abundance of genera was carried out. Fermentation of MP resulted in SCFA concentrations resembling those found in the SIEM experiments, with a 56:19:24 molar ratio for acetic, propionic and butyric acids, respectively. BCFA and ammonia were produced in similar concentrations in both samples. About 80 bacterial genera were identified after fermentation of MP, with an 83% relative abundance of Bifidobacterium at 24h. Three PC were identified; PC1 was influenced by a high Bifidobacterium abundance and low metabolites production. PC2 resulted in a decrease of other genera and an increase of metabolites studied. The relative abundance at 72h in MP was distributed over 4 genera Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus, Dorea, and Lactococcus. Our results suggest MP as a potential prebiotic ingredient.

Screening and evaluation of active compounds in polyphenol mixtures by HPLC coupled with chemical methodology and its application

An off-line high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) coupled with chemical methods has been developed to evaluate antioxidant activity of 11 standard polyphenol compounds (SPCs) and vitamin C (Vc) in terms of radical scavenging abilities. The structure-activity relationships of each SPC were also discussed. SPCs showed different abilities in scavenging 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2'-azinobis-3-ethyl-benzthiazoline-6-sulphonate (ABTS+) and hydroxyl (OH) free radicals. Among SPCs, quercetin and kaempferol, as typical flavonoids, displayed the greatest radical-scavenging activities and even exhibited higher activity in OH radical removal ability than that of Vc. Furthermore, the proposed method was also applied to screening polyphenolic antioxidant components from Cichorium endivia L. (C. endivia) seed extract. The results indicated that cynarin in the extract was a more active compound to scavenge DPPH and ABTS+ radicals than chlorogenic acid, while chlorogenic acid had stronger capacity in scavenging OH free radicals.

Bioactivities and Health Benefits of Wild Fruits

Wild fruits are exotic or underutilized. Wild fruits contain many bioactive compounds, such as anthocyanins and flavonoids. Many studies have shown that wild fruits possess various bioactivities and health benefits, such as free radical scavenging, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and anticancer activity. Therefore, wild fruits have the potential to be developed into functional foods or pharmaceuticals to prevent and treat several chronic diseases. In the present article, we review current knowledge about the bioactivities and health benefits of wild fruits, which is valuable for the exploitation and utilization of wild fruits.

Bioactivity and nutritional properties of hardy kiwi fruit Actinidia arguta in comparison with Actinidia deliciosa 'Hayward' and Actinidia eriantha 'Bidan'

The aim of this research is to identify and compare the bioactive compounds, antioxidant capacities and binding potentials to human protein in different varieties of hardy kiwi (Actinidia (A.) arguta), 'Hayward' (Actinidia deliciosa) and less - known 'Bidan' (Actinidia eriantha). Polyphenols, flavonoids, flavanols, tannins, vitamin C, lutein, zeaxanthin and dietary fibers were significantly higher in cultivar 'M1' among the A. arguta than in 'Hayward'. The binding properties of studied kiwi fruits were determined by interaction of polyphenols with human serum albumin (HSA). An internal standard FTIR technique allowed the quantitative comparison of specific IR absorption bands (Amides I, II, III) of different kiwi fruit samples after interaction with HSA. It was shown that the antioxidant and binding capacities and FTIR quantitative estimations of A. arguta fruits were significantly higher than in 'Hayward', but lower than the 'Bidan'. In MS spectra were found some slight differences in A. arguta kiwis in comparison with 'Hayward' and 'Bidan'. Two A. arguta cultivars were similar to 'Bidan'. The interaction of polyphenols with HSA, evaluated by fluorometry/FTIR, made it possible to compare the bioactivity of different cultivars and families. In conclusion, for the first time fruits A. arguta, cultivated in Poland, were compared with widely consumed kiwi fruits, using advanced analytical methods. The high bioactivity and nutritional value of A. arguta fruits from Polish ecological plantation enables us to recommend them for marketing and consumption.

Extraction assisted by pulsed electric energy as a potential tool for green and sustainable recovery of nutritionally valuable compounds from mango peels

The study compares the efficiency of conventional aqueous extraction at different temperatures (20-60 °C) and pH (2.5-11) and extraction assisted by pulsed electric energy (pulsed electric fields, PEF or high voltage electrical discharges, HVED) of nutritionally valuable compounds found in mango peels. Exponential decay pulses with initial electric field strengths of ≈ 13.3 kV/cm and ≈ 40 kV/cm for PEF and HVED treatments were used, respectively. The impact of temperature on aqueous extraction of proteins and carbohydrates was not significant. The highest values of nutritionally valuable and antioxidant compounds (7.5mM TE) were obtained for aqueous extraction (T = 60 °C, pH 6) but extracts were unstable and cloudy. The application of two-stage procedure PEF+supplementary aqueous extraction (+SE) that include PEF-assisted extraction as the first step, and +SE at 50 °C, pH 6 during 3h as the second step, allowed a noticeable enhancement of the yields of TPC (+400%) even at normal pH.

Bioaccessibility of polyphenols associated with dietary fiber and in vitro kinetics release of polyphenols in Mexican ‘Ataulfo’ mango (Mangifera indica L.) by-products

The biological properties of polyphenol (PP) depend on its bioaccessibility and bioavailability.

Exploring the potential nutraceutical values of durian (Durio zibethinus L.) - an exotic tropical fruit

This review focuses on providing informations on potential uses of durian, an exotic tropical fruit as a source of food, as well as a potential therapeutic agent. Apart from disseminating details on the traditional value, in this review we have focussed on the nutritional composition, presence of bioactive compounds, volatiles, antimicrobials, as well as on the toxicological effects of durian fruit consumption. Durian fruits are enjoyed for their unique taste and organoleptic qualities, but there is also a need to ensure that their potential is exploited for the international market. In addition, in the present socio-economic scenario, tapping the potential of exotic tropical fruit such as durian could benefit the health of consumers as well as support the local population who depend on farming for a livelihood. Overall, it is envisaged that identifying the nutraceutical potential of the edible and non-edible parts of durian fruits can benefit food and pharmaceutical industries.

Avocado oil supplementation modifies cardiovascular risk profile markers in a rat model of sucrose-induced metabolic changes

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of avocado oil administration on biochemical markers of cardiovascular risk profile in rats with metabolic changes induced by sucrose ingestion. Twenty-five rats were divided into five groups: a control group (CG; basic diet), a sick group (MC; basic diet plus 30% sucrose solution), and three other groups (MCao, MCac, and MCas; basic diet plus 30% sucrose solution plus olive oil and avocado oil extracted by centrifugation or using solvent, resp.). Glucose, total cholesterol, triglycerides, phospholipids, low- and high-density lipoproteins (LDL, HDL), very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL), lactic dehydrogenase, creatine kinase, and high sensitivity C-reactive protein concentration were analyzed. Avocado oil reduces TG, VLDL, and LDL levels, in the LDL case significantly so, without affecting HDL levels. An effect was exhibited by avocado oil similar to olive oil, with no significant difference between avocado oil extracted either by centrifugation or solvent in myocardial injury biochemical indicators. Avocado oil decreased hs-CRP levels, indicating that inflammatory processes were partially reversed. These findings suggested that avocado oil supplementation has a positive health outcome because it reduces inflammatory events and produces positive changes in the biochemical indicators studied, related to the development of metabolic syndrome.

Health-promoting effects of ethylene-treated kiwifruit 'Hayward' from conventional and organic crops in rats fed an atherogenic diet

Kiwifruit is a subtropical fruit that is very popular among consumers. Kiwifruit 'Hayward' ( Actinidia deliciosa C.F. Liang et A.R. Ferguson) is an important source of bioactive compounds and possesses high antioxidant capacity, but its value can be changed during ripening. The aim of this study was to compare the levels of total polyphenols (TP), ascorbic acid (AA), and total antioxidant capacities (TACs) of ethylene-treated and nontreated kiwifruits 'Hayward' from conventional and organic farming. The influence of these fruits on lipid profile, TAC, and liver enzymes in plasma of rats fed diets with cholesterol was studied. Ethylene treatment shortened the ripening of kiwifruits. Ethylene-treated kiwifruits from organic farming (OHE) have the highest contents of TP and TAC. The experiment in vivo was performed during 33 days on male Wistar rats (111 ± 5 g), divided into six groups: one without cholesterol, control (C), and five groups with 1% of cholesterol (Chol). Four groups with cholesterol were supplemented with 5% of lyophilized kiwifruits: ethylene treated, organic (Chol/OHE) or conventional (Chol/CHE); and untreated, organic (Chol/OHC) or conventional (Chol/CHC). Cholesterol diets supplemented with kiwifruit influenced the palatability and feed intake, body gain, and FER. Diets containing kiwifruits significantly influenced the decrease of TG (61%), TC (29%), LDL-C (38%), atherogenic index TC/HDL-C (25%), and atherogenic index (AI, 32%), without differences between treatments. A significant increase of TAC in plasma of rats fed kiwifruit was obtained by DPPH (18%), FRAP (55%), and ABTS (55%). Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activity in serum was significantly lower for all groups with kiwifruit supplementation. Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) was lower only in diet groups supplemented with conventional fruits in comparison with the cholesterol group. Glucose levels were higher in groups with kiwifruit supplementation than in C and Chol groups. Supplementation of Chol groups with organic kiwifruits influenced the prothrombin index and significantly decreased the amount of platelets (PLT) in blood. In conclusion, studied kiwifruit 'Hayward' can be a very good ingredient of the diet, especially for patients suffering from hypercholesterolemia and with other cardiovascular diseases, but not for diabetic patients.