Nutritional Composition and Antioxidant Properties of the Fruits of a Chinese Wild Passiflora foetida

Metabolic Profile of Leaves and Pulp of Passiflora caerulea L. (Bulgaria) and Their Biological Activities

At present, there are no data in the scientific literature on studies aimed at characterizing Passiflora caerulea L. growing in Bulgaria. The present study aimed to investigate the metabolic profile and elemental composition of the leaves and pulp of this Passiflora, as well as to evaluate the antioxidant, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activities of its leaf and pulp extracts. The results showed that the pulp predominantly contained the essential amino acid histidine (7.81 mg g-1), while it was absent in the leaves, with the highest concentration being tryptophan (8.30 mg g-1). Of the fatty acids, palmitoleic acid predominated both in the pulp and in the leaves. A major sterol component was β-sitosterol. Fructose (7.50%) was the predominant sugar in the pulp, while for the leaves, it was glucose-1.51%. Seven elements were identified: sodium, potassium, iron, magnesium, manganese, copper and zinc. The highest concentrations of K and Mg were in the pulp (23,946 mg kg-1 and 1890 mg kg-1) and leaves (36,179 mg kg-1 and 5064 mg kg-1). According to the DPPH, FRAP and CUPRAC methods, the highest values for antioxidant activity were found in 70% ethanolic extracts of the leaves, while for the ABTS method, the highest value was found in 50% ethanolic extracts. In the pulp, for all four methods, the highest values were determined at 50% ethanolic extracts. Regarding the antibacterial activity, the 50% ethanolic leaf extracts were more effective against the Gram-positive bacteria. At the same time, the 70% ethanolic leaf extract was more effective against Gram-negative bacteria such as Salmonella enteritidis ATCC 13076. The leaf extracts exhibited higher anti-inflammatory activity than the extracts prepared from the pulp. The obtained results revealed that P. caerulea is a plant that can be successfully applied as an active ingredient in various nutritional supplements or cosmetic products.

Multi-integrated genomic data for Passiflora foetida provides insights into genome size evolution and floral development in Passiflora

Passiflora is a plant genus known for its extremely distinctive and colorful flowers and a wide range of genome size variation. However, how genome characteristics are related to flower traits among Passiflora species remains poorly understood. Here, we assembled a chromosome-scale genome of P. foetida, which belongs to the same subgenus as the commercial passionfruit P. edulis. The genome of P. foetida is smaller (424.16 Mb) and contains fewer copies of long terminal repeat retrotransposons (LTR-RTs). The disparity in LTR-RTs is one of the main contributors to the differences in genome sizes between these two species and possibly in floral traits. Additionally, we observed variation in insertion times and copy numbers of LTR-RTs across different transposable element (TE) lineages. Then, by integrating transcriptomic data from 33 samples (eight floral organs and flower buds at three developmental stages) with phylogenomic and metabolomic data, we conducted an in-depth analysis of the expression, phylogeny, and copy number of MIKC-type MADS-box genes and identified essential biosynthetic genes responsible for flower color and scent from glandular bracts and other floral organs. Our study pinpoints LRT-RTs as an important player in genome size variation in Passiflora species and provides insights into future genetic improvement.

Polyphenol Profiling by LC QTOF/ESI-MS and Biological Activity of Purple Passion Fruit Epicarp Extract

A polyphenolic preparation in the form of the passion fruit epicarp extract was analyzed to identify and quantify the polyphenolic compounds using LC QTOF/ESI-MS and UPLC-PDA-FL. The analyzed parameters included antidiabetic activity (α-amylase, α-glucosidase, and pancreatic lipase), inhibitory activity toward cholinesterase (AChE, BuChE), anti-inflammatory activity (COX-1, COX-2, 15-LOX) and antioxidant activity based on ORAC and ABTS. The polyphenolic preparation of the passion fruit epicarp extract contained 51 polyphenolic compounds representing five groups-flavones (25 compounds; 52% of total polyphenolic), flavonols (8; 16%), flavan-3-ols (6; 7%), phenolic acids (4; 3%), and anthocyanins (7; 21%), with derivatives of luteolin (13 derivatives) and apigenin (8 derivatives) as dominant compounds. The preparation was characterized by an antioxidant activity of 160.7 (ORAC) and 1004.4 mmol Trolox/100 mL (ABTS+o). The inhibitory activity toward α-amylase, α-glucosidase, and pancreatic lipase reached IC50 of 7.99, 12.80, and 0.42, respectively. The inhibition of cholinesterases (IC50) was 18.29 for AChE and 14.22 for BuChE. Anti-inflammatory activity as IC50 was 6.0 for COX-1, 0.9 for COX-2, and 4.9 for 15-LOX. Food enriched with passion fruit epicarp extract has a potentially therapeutic effect.

Anti-Inflammatory and Gut Microbiota Modulation Potentials of Flavonoids Extracted from Passiflora foetida Fruits

This study aimed to explore the anti-inflammatory and gut microbiota modulation potentials of flavonoid-rich fraction (PFF) extracted from Passiflora foetida fruits. The results showed that PFF markedly reduced the production of nitric oxide (NO), tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), and interleukin 6 (IL-6) in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. Meanwhile, PFF treatment also effectively decreased the phosphorylation levels of MAPK, PI3K/Akt, and NF-κB signaling-pathway-related proteins (ERK, JNK, p38, Akt, and p65). Moreover, PFF had an impact on microbial composition and metabolites in a four-stage dynamic simulator of human gut microbiota (BFBL gut model). Specifically, PFF exhibited the growth-promoting ability of several beneficial bacteria, including Bifidobacterium, Enterococcus, Lactobacillus, and Roseburia, and short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) generation ability in gut microbiota. In addition, spectroscopic data revealed that PFF mainly contained five flavonoid compounds, which may be bioactive compounds with anti-inflammatory and gut microbiota modulation potentials. Therefore, PFF could be utilized as a natural anti-inflammatory agent or supplement to health products.

Phytochemistry, nutritional composition, health benefits and future prospects of Passiflora: A review

Passiflora, also known as "passion fruit", is widely grown in tropical and subtropical regions. It is not only eaten raw but is also widely used in processed foods. Various extracts, juices and isolated compounds show a wide range of health effects and biological activities, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, sedative, and neuroprotective effects. In this review, we not only review the phytochemical properties of Passiflora but also highlight the potential of Passiflora for food applications and the use of all parts as a source of ingredients for medicines and cosmetics that promote health and well-being. This will provide theoretical support for the integrated use of such natural products.

By-Products of Fruit and Vegetables: Antioxidant Properties of Extractable and Non-Extractable Phenolic Compounds

Non-extractable phenolic compounds (NEPs), or bound phenolic compounds, represent a crucial component of polyphenols. They are an essential fraction that remains in the residual matrix after the extraction of extractable phenolic compounds (EPs), making them a valuable resource for numerous applications. These compounds encompass a diverse range of phenolic compounds, ranging from low molecular weight phenolic to high polymeric polyphenols attached to other macro molecules, e.g., cell walls and proteins. Their status as natural, green antioxidants have been well established, with numerous studies showcasing their anti-inflammatory, anti-aging, anti-cancer, and hypoglycemic activities. These properties make them a highly desirable alternative to synthetic antioxidants. Fruit and vegetable (F&Veg) wastes, e.g., peels, pomace, and seeds, generated during the harvest, transport, and processing of F&Vegs, are abundant in NEPs and EPs. This review delves into the various types, contents, structures, and antioxidant activities of NEPs and EPs in F&Veg wastes. The relationship between the structure of these compounds and their antioxidant activity is explored in detail, highlighting the importance of structure-activity relationships in the field of natural antioxidants. Their potential applications ranging from functional food and beverage products to nutraceutical and cosmetic products. A glimpse into their bright future as a valuable resource for a greener, healthier, and more sustainable future, and calling for researchers, industrialists, and policymakers to explore their full potential, are elaborated.

Antioxidant Activity and Anti-Nutritional Factors of Selected Wild Edible Plants Collected from Northeastern Ethiopia

In Ethiopia, wild edible plants (WEPs) offer a natural food supply for humans to alleviate food insecurity and hunger. Despite the extensive usage of WEPs in Ethiopia, there have been few investigations on their nutritional composition. Our study aimed to evaluate the antioxidant activity and anti-nutritional factors of the most commonly consumed WEPs in Northeastern Ethiopia. The antioxidant parameters including total phenol, total flavonoid, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and Ferric Antioxidant Power (FRAP) assay contents and the anti-nutritional parameters including oxalate, phytate and tannin contents of the selected seven WEPs were evaluated using standard food analysis techniques. The total phenol (mg GAE/100 g) and total flavonoid (mg QE/100 g) content of WEPs resulted in ranges of 0.79–17.02 and 2.27–7.12, respectively. The antioxidant activity revealed that leaves of Amaranthus hybridus and Rumex nervosus have the highest DPPH and FRAP value, scavenging 50% of free radicals under 50 µg/mL. Non-food values resulted in the respective ranges of 3.37–11.73 mg/100 g oxalate, 16.31–165 µg/100 g phytate and 1.38–5.49 mg/100 g tannin. The investigation indicates that the antioxidant activity of WEPs under research was higher than common crops, and the non-food values were laid in the safe limit, indicating that these might be used for making more healthy and nutritious foods.

Nutritional composition and antioxidant properties of the fruit of Berberis heteropoda Schrenk

Objective

This study assessed the major nutrients and antioxidant properties of Berberis heteropoda Schrenk fruits collected from the Nanshan Mountain area of Urumqi City, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, China.

Methods and materials

We assessed the basic nutrients, including amino acids, minerals, and fatty acids, and determined the total phenol, flavonoid, and anthocyanin contents of the extracts.

Results

The analytical results revealed the average water (75.22 g/100 g), total fat (0.506 g/100 g), total protein (2.55 g/100 g), ash (1.31 g/100 g), and carbohydrate (17.72 g/100 g) contents in fresh B. heteropoda fruit, with total phenol, flavonoid, and anthocyanin contents of B. heteropoda fruits at 68.55 mg gallic acid equivalents/g, 108.42 mg quercetin equivalents/g, and 19.83 mg cyanidin-3-glucoside equivalent/g, respectively. Additionally, UPLC-Q-TOF-MS^E analysis of polyphenols in B. heteropoda fruit revealed 32 compounds.

Conclusion

B. heteropoda fruits may have potential nutraceutical value and represent a potential source of nutrition and antioxidant phytochemicals in the human diet.

Comparative Study of Ovule Development between Wild (Passiflora foetida L.) and Cultivated (P. edulis Sims) Species of Passiflora L. Provide Insights into Its Differential Developmental Patterns

The ovules inside the ovary of a plant are the precursors of seeds and they are important for the perpetuation of the plants. The genus Passiflora L., produce fruits with numerous seeds and they have economic and medicinal value. The edible portion of the Passiflora are the seeds surrounded by pulp. Being the edible parts of a fruit, it is important to investigate the early development of ovules in Passiflora that lead to the formation of seeds after pollination. Wild relatives of the domesticated crops are increasingly being investigated for possible genetic resources that can be used for crop improvement programs. The present study was designed to investigate the comparative ovule development between a wild (Passiflora foetida L.) and a cultivated (Passiflora edulis Sims) species of Passiflora with an aim that it may provide important information about the common and diverging regulatory mechanisms during ovule development between the wild and the cultivated species. We also investigated the pollen morphology between the wild and cultivated species using light and scanning electron microscopy. Our results show that wild type P. foetida ovule growth is faster when compared with that of cultivated P. edulis. Furthermore, wild species harbour ovules of large size (0.14 mm2) but less in number (6) as compared to cultivated ones which show smaller size (0.05 mm2) of ovules but relatively more in number (21). The differences in ovary wall thickness were also stark between the two species. The ovary wall thickness was 0.10 mm in the wild type whereas it was 0.74 mm in cultivated species. Notable differences were also observed in diameter where the wild type (2.45 mm) reported smaller diameter than cultivated species (3.25 mm). We observed little difference in the pollen morphology between the two species.

Selective Extraction of Piceatannol from Passiflora edulis by-Products: Application of HSPs Strategy and Inhibition of Neurodegenerative Enzymes

Passiflora edulis by-products (PFBP) are a rich source of polyphenols, of which piceatannol has gained special attention recently. However, there are few studies involving environmentally safe methods for obtaining extracts rich in piceatannol. This work aimed to concentrate piceatannol from defatted PFBP (d-PFBP) by means of pressurized liquid extraction (PLE) and conventional extraction, using the bio-based solvents selected with the Hansen solubility parameters approach. The relative energy distance (Ra) between solvent and solute was: Benzyl Alcohol (BnOH) < Ethyl Acetate (EtOAc) < Ethanol (EtOH) < EtOH:H₂O. Nonetheless, EtOH presented the best selectivity for piceatannol. Multi-cycle PLE at 110 °C was able to concentrate piceatannol 2.4 times more than conventional extraction. PLE exhibited a dependence on kinetic parameters and temperature, which could be associated with hydrogen bonding forces and the dielectric constant of the solvents. The acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and lipoxygenase (LOX) IC₅₀ were 29.420 μg/mL and 27.682 μg/mL, respectively. The results reinforce the demand for processes to concentrate natural extracts from food by-products.

Development and application of green and sustainable analytical methods for flavonoid extraction from Passiflora waste

Brazilian biodiversity and favourable environmental conditions open up possibilities not yet explored, showing potential to shift the country's monochromatic economy into an emancipated, diversified and sustainable economic environment. This can be made possible through the integral use of its resources, exploring every functional fraction to create novel solutions to modern problems. Biorefineries present an interesting strategy to fully use the potential of agricultural feedstocks and together with green separation methods can contribute to the generation of sustainable processes and products. Passion Fruit (Passiflora edulis Sims f. flavicarpa Deg species) is produced on a large scale in Brazil and in other tropical countries, and its processing plants generate tons of residues that basically consist of peel, seeds and bagasse, which account for around 75% of its mass. These fractions of P. edulis can contain significant amounts of flavonoids, secondary metabolites that are the main compounds responsible for the fruit's bioactivity (antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, pesticide and biocide, in general). Therefore, this work aims to develop, apply and compare the best conditions for the extraction of isoorientin, orientin and isovitexin from passion fruit applying solid-liquid methodologies, followed by analyte quantification using UHPLC-PDA. Homogenizer-assisted (HAE), ultrasound-assisted (UAE) and microwave-assisted (MAE) extraction techniques were used, as well as a full factorial design to reach optimal parameters concerning the extraction yield and energy and solvent efficiencies. According to the results, the procedure based on HAE presented the best conditions for the extraction of selected flavonoids (1.07, 0.90 and 0.33 mg g-1 of isoorientin, orientin and isovitexin, respectively) and was considered the best method according to the green and sustainable described factors.

Extractable and Non-Extractable Antioxidants Composition in the eBASIS Database: A Key Tool for Dietary Assessment in Human Health and Disease Research

The antioxidant properties of foods are crucial in nutrition, food chemistry, and medicine studies but are often underestimated, with significant amounts of bioactive compounds containing physiological and biochemical properties remaining in the residue from extraction as non-extractable antioxidants. Over the last decade, extractable and non-extractable compounds have become key in the evaluation/determination of the antioxidant properties of food matrices because of their relevance in human health. This has led to the need to include extractable and non-extractable antioxidants in comprehensive and harmonized food composition databases for a wide range of applications within research, food, pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, and cosmeceutical areas. Additionally, the databases are invaluable as part of the health claims application process. eBASIS, (Bioactive Substances in Food Information System) a comprehensive database containing quality-evaluated scientific data, covering the composition of bioactive compounds present in foods, has flexible structures, allowing it to be extended to include newly emerging data on extractable and non-extractable compounds. Search criteria were developed and defined for compiling suitable peer-reviewed literature. Data quality assessment methods were established for the addition of composition data and antioxidant activity, with a focus on various parameters including: the extraction procedure, the antioxidant measurements, the expression of results. A total of 437 quality-evaluated datapoints on the composition of extractable and/or non-extractable compounds were entered into the database. This database update represents one of the first examples of building a database dedicated to antioxidant properties. This expansion of eBASIS provides a novel and unique tool for nutritionists, dietitians, researchers to use for a wide range of applications, such as dietary assessment, exposure studies and epidemiological studies, and may contribute to an increase in high-bioactive food consumption by consumers.

Extraction Processes with Several Solvents on Total Bioactive Compounds in Different Organs of Three Medicinal Plants

The extraction of secondary metabolites by water, MeOH:water (8:2) containing NaF, methanol, ethanol and acetone (all of them diluted (7:3) in water)from the different parts (leaves, flowers, stems and roots) of Passiflora caerulea L., Physalis peruviana L. and Solanum muricatum Aiton via decoction and maceration methods was studied. The highest extraction yields were recorded by methanol for decoction and acetone for maceration. The total polyphenol content (TPC) obtained by decoction had the highest TPC contents, and MeOH containing NaF was the best solvent for the extraction of TPC. Maceration was suitable for flavonoid extractions, with ethanol and acetone being the best solvents. In general, the highest levels of TPC and flavonoids were obtained from Passiflora leaves regardless of the solvent or extraction method applied. Furthermore, the roots of Physalis and Solanum showed important levels of these compounds in consonance with the total antioxidant activity (TAA) evaluated in the different organs of the plant in the three species. In this study, the solvents and extraction methods applied were tools that determined significantly the level of extraction of bioactive compounds, showing a different impact on plant organs for each medicinal species studied.

Pharmacological Properties and Chemical Profiles of Passiflora foetida L. Extracts: Novel Insights for Pharmaceuticals and Nutraceuticals

In the present study, Passiflora foetida extracts characterized by different polarities were studied for their phytochemical profile, enzyme inhibitory, and antioxidant potentials. In silico, in vitro and ex vivo studies were also carried out on methanol and water extracts for predicting pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. In this regard, neuronal HypoE22 cells, isolated mouse skin tissues, and pathogen dermatophytes strains were exposed to extracts. Emphasis was given to the preventing effects induced by the extracts on hydrogen peroxide-induced alterations of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), l-dopa, and serotonin. Chemical analysis revealed the presence of similar compounds in infusion and methanolic extracts. The ex vivo studies also showed protective skin properties by P. foetida water and methanol extracts, as evidenced by the decrease of hydrogen peroxide-induced PGE2 level. Additionally, the blunting effects on hydrogen peroxide-induced l-dopa levels are consistent with the anti-tyrosinase effect exerted by both extracts. In silico studies demonstrated the affinity of extracts’ phytochemicals, namely apigenin, chrysoeriol, loliolide, luteolin, quercetin, and vitexin, towards cyclo-oxygenase-2 and tyrosinase. Finally, microbiological tests demonstrated the efficacy of P. foetida methanol and water extracts as anti-mycotic agents against Trichophyton and Arthroderma species, involved in skin inflammation. Hence, P. foetida L. extracts could represent potential sources of pharmaceuticals and nutraceuticals.

New Advances in the Determination of Free and Bound Phenolic Compounds of Banana Passion Fruit Pulp (Passiflora tripartita, var. Mollissima (Kunth) L.H. Bailey) and Their In Vitro Antioxidant and Hypoglycemic Capacities

Banana passion fruit (Passiflora tripartite L.H. Bailey) is a lesser known species of the genus Passiflora. This fruit typically grows in the Andean region of Ecuador and it is locally known as tumbo, taxo or curuba. The juice of this fruit is highly appreciated in South America. Extracts of banana passion fruit were characterized for their content levels of free and bound phenolic compounds by high performance liquid chromatography coupled to high resolution mass spectrometry detector (HPLC-ESI-TOF-MS). A total of 82 polar compounds classified as phenolic acid derivatives, organic acids, benzophenones, flavan-3-ols, flavonols and flavones were detected in the extracts. The total phenolic content was 2356 mg 100 g^-1 dry matter, with the bound phenolic fraction representing 37.7% of total amounts. Flavan-3-ols, such as (epi)catechin, (epi)azfelechin and their derivatives, were the main phenolic compounds in the free phenolic fraction; however, phenolic acids represented the most abundant class of bound phenolic extracts. The antioxidant and hypoglycemic capacities reported for banana passion fruit were higher than for other fruits. To our knowledge, this is the first time that bound phenolic compounds have been described in banana passion fruit pulp.

Structural Features of Three Hetero-Galacturonans from Passiflora foetida Fruits and Their in Vitro Immunomodulatory Effects

Passiflora foetida is a horticultural plant and vital traditional Chinese herbal medicine. In our previous study, the characterization and immuno-enhancing effect of fruits polysaccharide 1 (PFP1), a water-eluted hetero-mannan from wild Passiflora foetida fruits, were investigated. Herein, another three salt-eluted novel polysaccharides, namely PFP2, PFP3, and PFP4, were obtained and structurally characterized. The results showed that PFP2, PFP3, and PFP4 were three structurally similar hetero-galacturonans with different molecular weights of 6.11 × 104, 4.37 × 104, and 3.48 × 105 g/mol, respectively. All three of these hetero-galacturonans are mainly composed of galacturonic acid, galactose, arabinose (75.69%, 80.39%, and 74.30%, respectively), and other monosaccharides including mannose, fucose, glucose, ribose, xylose, and glucuronic acid (24.31%, 19.61, and 25.70%, respectively), although differences in their backbone structure exist. Additionally, immunomodulatory assay indicated that the three hetero-galacturonans possess the ability to promote the production of nitric oxide (NO), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in RAW264.7 macrophages in a concentration-dependent manner (p < 0.05). Especially, PFP3 displayed a stronger enhancing effect than PFP2 and PFP4 at the minimum effective concentration. Therefore, the results suggested that the obtained three salt-eluted hetero-galacturonans, especially PFP3, could be utilized as immunomodulatory effectivity ingredients in nutritional/pharmaceutical industries.

Comparison of in vitro antioxidative activities of crude methanolic extracts of three species of Passiflora from greenhouse using DPPH, ABTS and FRAP methods

Introduction:. It is well documented that many species from Passifloraceae family can provide edible and nutritious fruits while the leaves of cultivated plants are renewable and waste material. This biomass may be further used in various sectors, especially as a bioactive food additive and as source of innovative pharmaceuticals, cosmetics or feed additives. The biomaterials and green chemistry are new sectors bioeconomy according to the high-level horizontal strategies and bio-based industries in Europe. In recent years, attention has been paid to the biological activity and phytochemical profiles of extracts from different species of Passiflora. However, there is little comparative studies using the same procedures and techniques in the same laboratory conditions for study of plant material obtained from the similar greenhouse conditions.

Objective: This study was focused on the examination of antioxidative activities of low concentrations of crude extracts from leaves of Passiflora incarnata L., Passiflora caerulea L., and Passiflora alata Curtis.

Methods: The activity was evaluated using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2’-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS) radical scavenging and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) methods. Results of study were supported by estimation of chemical composition with secondary metabolites profiling in extracts which were carried out previously for the same extracts from three Passiflora species. One-way ANOVA analysis revealed significant differences in the antioxidant activity of various concentrations of the extracts using the DPPH and ABTS radical models, and FRAP method.

Results: Measurement of antioxidant capacity (expressed as trolox equivalent, TE) showed that the most active was extract of P. caerulea > P. alata > P. incarnata. Phytochemical analysis for extracts of P. caerulea and P. incarnata showed greater similarities in metabolites content than P. alata. However, comparative statistical analysis of antioxidant activity showed that despite this phytochemical similarities, extract from P. alata leaves had higher activities than extract from leaves P. incarnata. Antioxidant effect of extract from P. alata can be explain by terpenoids presented in this extract. In this work, there have been discussed activities against Acanthamoeba castellanii strain, antibacterial and antifungal activities against selected clinical microorganisms (Enterococcus faecalis, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Candida albicans, Micro-sporum gypseum), and anti-leukemic activities tested in human acute lymphoblastic leukemia cell lines for this extracts, which have been described in previous authors’ publications.

Conclusion: Our current and previous studies showed that the same crude extracts from leaves of P. alata, P. caerulea, P. incarnata exerted not only antioxidant potential in vitro but also few interesting properties such as antibacterial, antifungal, amoebostatic, amoebicidal activities, which indicate the possibility of using these extracts in both a healthy diet and natural cosmetics. Leaves of this species may become an interesting source of biomaterials which can exert health-promoting effects.

Antioxidant Properties of Four Commonly Consumed Popular Italian Dishes

Four popular dishes belonging to Italian cuisine and widely consumed in the country were experimentally prepared in a dedicated lab-kitchen following a validated and standardized protocol. This study provides their antioxidant properties evaluating the contribution of extractable and non-extractable bioactive compounds, and identifying the assessment of interactions between their natural active compounds and the food matrix. Ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) values in aqueous-organic extract ranged from the highest antioxidant activity in torta di mele (10.72 µmol/g d.m.) to that in besciamella (2.47 µmol/g d.m.); in residue, pasta alla carbonara reached the highest value (73.83 µmol/g d.m.) following by that in pasta alla amatriciana (68.64 µmol/g d.m.). Total polyphenol content (TPC) ranged in aqueous-organic extracts between 36.50 and 64.28 mg/100 g d.m. and in residue from 425.84 to 1747.35 mg/100 g d.m. Our findings may contribute to the updating of the Italian Food Composition Database, by providing for the first time a value for the antioxidant properties. This could contribute to encourage the consumption of recipes rich in key nutrients and bioactive molecules. This information is useful and important for determining the association between diet and a healthy status.