First report on quality and purity assessment of sweet almond oil in Brazilian body oils by gas chromatography and mass spectrometry

Sweet almond oil is a raw material with high-added value used in different products. Then, the aim of this study is to evaluate the quality and purity of 10 body oils based on sweet almond oils currently available in the Brazilian market. Fatty acid composition and triacylglycerol (TAG) profile were determined by gas chromatography with flame ionization detector (GC-FID) and atmospheric solids analysis probe mass spectrometry (ASAP-MS), respectively. The authenticity of samples was assessed using an analytical curve equation. Soybean oil was chosen as the adulterant because it is the cheapest vegetable oil commercialized in Brazil. Hierarchical clustering analysis (HCA) in conjunction with ASAP-MS classified product samples according to the type of vegetable oil (soybean and sweet almond oils). The addition of soybean oil (8.79% to 99.70%) was confirmed in samples. However, only two samples stated in their label the presence of soybean oil as an ingredient. These findings highlight the need for better oversight by regulatory bodies to ensure that consumers acquire high quality and authentic products based on equally high quality and purity of sweet almond oils.

TOCSY, hydrogen decoupling and computational calculations to an unequivocal structural elucidation of a new sesquiterpene derivative and identification of other constituents from Praxelis sanctopaulensis

INTRODUCTION

Praxelis genus comprises 24 species, however, only two species of this genus have been chemically investigated. Here we investigated Praxelis sanctopaulensis, a native plant from Brazil, that occurs mainly in Cerrado regions.

OBJECTIVE

The goal was to identify the specialised metabolites from P. sanctopaulensis, and compare with those described from Praxelis and Chromolaena species.

METHODS

The phytochemical study of P. sanctopaulensis was performed through different chromatography techniques, including high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), gas chromatography flame ionisation detector (GC-FID), and ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography high-resolution tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-HRMS/MS). The structures of the compounds were established based on spectroscopic analysis, total correlated spectroscopy (TOCSY), hydrogen decoupling and computational calculations was used to an unequivocal structural elucidation of a new sesquiterpene. The antioxidant activity was evaluated using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), and antimicrobial assay was performed by the microdilution method. Comparison of the flavonoids described P. sanctopaulensis was carried out using principal component analysis.

RESULTS

The phytochemical investigation of P. sanctopaulensis led to the isolation of a pair of diastereomers, praxilone A and praxilone B. Seven known compounds were isolated from this species, another 14 fatty acids were detected in hexane fraction, and 26 compounds were identified from ethyl acetate fraction. All these compounds are being described for the first time in this species, with the exception of viridifloric acid. The ethyl acetate fraction showed potent antioxidant activity.

CONCLUSIONS

Forty-seven compounds are described from P. sanctopaulensis. The combination of different techniques of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and computational calculations allowed the unequivocal structure elucidation of a new cadinene. The clustering analysis showed similarities between the flavonoids identified in P. sanctopaulensis and in Chromolaena species.

Chemical profile, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of Miconia albicans (Sw.) Triana (Melastomataceae) fruits extract

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Miconia albicans (Sw.) Triana has been widely used in Brazilian popular medicine for the treatment of several diseases. Aerial parts are used as an infusion to treat arthrosis and arthritis, to relieve rheumatic and stomach pains, and intestinal disorders due to its anti-inflammatory, anti-mutagenic anti-nociceptive, digestive and hepatoprotective properties.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study aimed to characterize the of M. albicans (Sw.) Triana fruits extract (MAFRE) chemical profile and to evaluate its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antitumor activities, as well as its toxicity.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Maceration with methanol as liquid extractor was used to prepare MAFRE. M. albicans (Sw.) Triana fruits chemical composition was characterized by UHPLC-QTOF-MS/MS and GC-FID (fatty acid methyl esters composition from lyophilized fruits). MAFRE antioxidant potential was evaluated in vitro using a combination of assays: Folin-Ciocalteu reducing capacity, DPPH^• and ABTS radical scavenging ability and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP). In vitro antiproliferative activity was investigated in four human tumor cell lines (U251, 786-0, HT29 and MDA-MB-231) while the effect on the non-tumor cell viability was assessed in the VERO cell line using the on-step MTT assay. In addition, in vivo anti-inflammatory effect was assessed by Croton oil-induced ear edema in mice followed by myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity evaluation.

RESULTS

Thirty-five compounds were identified by UHPLC-QTOF-MS/MS. Among it flavonoids derived from quercetin (8), myricetin (1), kaempferol (2), terpenoids (6) and other compounds (18). GC-FID analysis identified and quantified nine fatty acids: palmitic, stearic, arachidic, behenic, elaidic, oleic, eicosenoic, and linoleic acids. The most abundant fatty acids were polyunsaturated fatty acids (5.33 ± 0.17 mg g^-1), followed by saturated fatty acids (2.38 ± 0.07 mg g^-1) and monounsaturated fatty acids (1.74 ± 0.09 mg g^-1). The extract revealed high content of phenolic compounds (43.68 ± 0.50 mg GAE/g of extract), potent antioxidant, and ferrous chelating capacities. Morever, it proved to be non-toxic to the VERO cells, not affecting cells viability (95% of viable cells). No antiproliferative effect against human tumor cell lines were found. Furthermore, MAFRE significantly (p<0.05) reduced ear edema (≈35%) and MPO activity (84.5%) having a statistical effect similar to traditional steroidal and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

CONCLUSIONS

Taken together, the results evidenced that M. albicans fruit extract has antioxidant properties, a higher concentration of phenolic compounds, flavonoids, fatty acids, and also topical anti-inflammatory activity with low toxicity of extract on VERO cells. Through the ethnomedicinal study, these findings supporting the popular use of M. albicans, but also highlight that not only aerial parts and leaves deserve attention, but the fruits also have anti-inflammatory proprieties and can be a source of phenolic compounds and other substances with potential health benefices.

A high-carbohydrate diet induces greater inflammation than a high-fat diet in mouse skeletal muscle

We previously reported that both the high-carbohydrate diet (HCD) and high-fat diet (HFD) given for two months promote lipid deposition and inflammation in the liver and brain of mice. The results obtained indicate a tissue-specific response to both diets. Herein, we compared the effects of HCD and HFD on fatty acid (FA) composition and inflammation in the gastrocnemius muscle. Male Swiss mice were fed with HCD or HFD for 1 or 2 months. Saturated FA (SFA), monounsaturated FA (MUFA), n-3 polyunsaturated FA (n-3 PUFA), and n-6 PUFA were quantified. The activities of stearoyl-CoA desaturase 1 (SCD-1), Δ-6 desaturase (D6D), elongase 6, and de novo lipogenesis (DNL) were estimated. As for indicators of the inflammatory tissue state, we measured myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity and gene expression of F4/80, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-4, IL-6, and IL-10. The HCD led to a lower deposition of SFA, MUFA, n-3 PUFA, and n-6 PUFA compared to HFD. However, the HCD increased arachidonic acid levels, SFA/n-3 PUFA ratio, DNL, SCD-1, D6D, and MPO activities, and expression of IL-6, contrasting with the general idea that increased lipid deposition is associated with more intense inflammation. The HCD was more potent to induce skeletal muscle inflammation than the HFD, regardless of the lower lipid accumulation.

Anthocyanidins structural study using positive electrospray ionization triple quadrupole mass spectrometry and H/D exchange

We report herein a detailed structural study by collision-induced dissociation (CID) of nonglycosylated anthocyanins (anthocyanidins) using electrospray ionization triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (ESI-QqQ) and isotope labeling experiments to understand the fragmentation process often used in mass spectrometry analysis of this class of compounds. Tandem mass spectrometric product ion spectra for three anthocyanidins (cyanidin, delphynidin, and pelargonin) were evaluated to propose fragmentation mechanisms to this natural colorant class of organic compounds. The proposed rearrangements, retro Diels-Alder reaction, water loss, CO losses, and stable acylium ion formation, were evaluated based on tandem mass spectrometric experiments of normal and labeled precursor ions together to computational thermochemistry. B3LYP/6-311 + G** ab initio calculations studies were carried out to obtain energy diagrams to show the viability of the proposed mechanisms. The CO losses fragmentation channels have lower energies when compared with water losses and the other proposed fragmentations. The isotope labeling experiments indicate the H/D exchange of the hydroxyl protons and corroborate the proposed general fragmentation mechanism for anthocyanidins.

Incorporation of conjugated fatty acids into Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)

BACKGROUND

The aim of this work was to improve the nutritional quality of Nile tilapia meat through enriched diets with conjugated isomers of linolenic acid from tung oil. The transfer process of conjugated fatty acids (CFAs) into fish muscle tissue was evaluated by gas chromatography-flame ionization detection (GC-FID) and easy ambient sonic-spray ionization mass spectrometry (EASI-MS).

RESULTS

The results showed that conjugated fatty acids were transferred from enriched diet for muscle tissue of Nile tilapia. Conjugated linoleic acids biosynthesis from conjugated linolenic acids was also observed after 10 days. Other important fatty acids such as docosahexaenoic (DHA), eicosapentaenoic (EPA) and arachidonic (AA) acids were also identified over time; however, DHA showed the highest concentration when compared with EPA and AA compounds.

CONCLUSION

Therefore, the nutritional quality of Nile tilapia was improved through feeding with enriched diets. The ingestion of these fish may contribute to reaching adequate levels of daily CFA consumption. Furthermore, other important substances which play an important role in human metabolism, such as EPA, DHA and AA, can also be ingested together with CFA. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry.

Polyelectrolyte complexes based on alginate/tanfloc: Optimization, characterization and medical application

Hydrogels based on alginate and tanfloc (a cationic biopolymer obtained from natural condensed tannins) were successfully prepared. Tanfloc (TN) presents high aqueous solubility at pHs lower than 10; it contains substituted amino sites and molar weight of ca. 600,000gmol^-1. A factorial design (2²) was used to optimize the yield of alginate/tanfloc polyelectrolyte complexes (PECs). Dialysis recovered the overplus of alginate (AG) no complexed with TN. These materials were characterized by thermal analyses (TGA/DTG and DSC), zeta potential, and FTIR, while SEM technique depicted a rough surface on AG/TN complex, containing non-homogeneous pores. Indeed, the AG and TN were tailored to elicit scaffold materials with outstanding cytocompatibility, mainly upon mouse preosteoblastic cells because of reconstruction of bone tissues (119% at 10days). The AG/TN complex also displayed antioxidant and bactericidal activities against Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). Besides, the pristine TN fostered bacteriostatic and bactericidal performances towards S. aureus and Escherichia coli. However, for our best knowledge, no studies were still carried out on TN and TN-based materials for medical purpose.

Optimization of photocatalytic degradation of biodiesel using TiO2/H2O2 by experimental design

This study reports on the investigation of the photodegradation of biodiesel (B100) in contact with water using TiO₂/H₂O₂. The TiO₂ was characterized by X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), pH point of zero charge (pH_pzc) and textural analysis. The results of the experiments were fitted to a quadratic polynomial model developed using response surface methodology (RSM) to optimize the parameters. Using the three factors, three levels, and the Box-Behnken design of experiment technique, 15 sets of experiments were designed considering the effective ranges of the influential parameters. The responses of those parameters were optimized using computational techniques. After 24h of irradiation under an Hg vapor lamp, removal of 22.0% of the oils and greases (OG) and a 33.54% reduction in the total of fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) concentration was observed in the aqueous phase, as determined using gas chromatography coupled with flame ionization detection (GC/FID). The estimate of FAMEs undergo base-catalyzed hydrolysis is at least 3years (1095days) and after photocatalytic treatment using TiO₂/H₂O₂, it was reduced to 33.54% of FAMEs in only 1day.

Bioactive compounds and scavenging capacity of extracts from different parts of Vismia cauliflora against reactive oxygen and nitrogen species

CONTEXT

Vismia cauliflora A.C.Sm. [Hypericaceae (Clusiaceae)] is a plant from Amazonian forest. It is used by Amerindians to treat dermatosis and inflammatory processes in the skin and has been considered an interesting source of bioactive compounds.

OBJECTIVE

We evaluated the scavenging capacity of extracts from V. cauliflora (leaf, branch, stem bark, flower, and whole fruit) against reactive oxygen (ROS) and nitrogen species (RNS), namely, superoxide radical ([Formula: see text]), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), hypochlorous acid (HOCl), singlet oxygen ((1)O2), nitric oxide ((•)NO), and peroxynitrite (ONOO(-)). In addition, for the first time, the profile of phenolic compounds and carotenoids was determined.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The scavenging capacities of each extract were determined using specific probes (fluorescent, colorimetric, and chemiluminescent) to detect different reactive species ((1)O2, HOCl, H2O2, [Formula: see text], (•)NO, and ONOO(-)). The identification and the quantification of phenolic compounds and carotenoids were carried out by HPLC-DAD-ESI-MS/MS and HPLC-DAD, respectively.

RESULTS

(-)-Epicatechin and proanthocyanidin dimers and trimer were the major phenolic compounds tentatively identified in leaf, branch, stem bark, and flower extracts, while dihydroxybenzoic acids were the major compounds in whole fruit extracts. All-trans-zeinoxanthin and all-trans-β-carotene were the major carotenoids tentatively identified in leaf extracts. All extracts of V. cauliflora showed high efficiency against all tested ROS and RNS, although flower and stem bark extracts exhibited the most remarkable scavenging capacity, especially for (•)NO and ONOO(-).

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

Vismia cauliflora has great potential to be used in the development of phytopharmaceutical products due to its characteristic of being a promising source of bioactive compounds with high antioxidant properties.

The impact of dietary sugarcane addition to finishing diets on performance, apparent digestibility, and fatty acid composition of Holstein × Zebu bulls

The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of corn silage (CS) or sugarcane (SC) additions to finishing diets on voluntary intake, apparent digestibility, animal performance, and LM fatty acid (FA) composition in crossbred Holstein × Zebu bulls. Forty-two bulls (initial BW 328 ± 39.2 kg and an initial age of 23.5 mo) were used in this experiment. A completely randomized design was used to examine roughage source (CS vs. SC) and ratio of concentrate (CO) on nutrient utilization and production. The experimental diets consisted of 1) 60% CS and 40% CO on DM basis fed for 84 d (CS60:40), 2) 60% CS and 40% CO on DM basis fed for 42 d and 40% CS and 60% CO on DM basis fed for 42 d (CS reverse diet [CSR]), 3) 40% CS and 60% CO on DM basis fed for 84 d (CS40:60), 4) 60% SC and 40% CO on DM basis fed for 84 d (SC60:40), 5) 60% SC and 40% CO on DM basis fed for 42 d and 40% SC and 60% CO on DM basis fed for 42 d (SC reverse diet [SCR]), and 6) 40% SC and 60% CO on DM basis fed for 84 d (SC40:60). Dry matter and NDF intakes were greater (P < 0.01) in bulls fed CS-based diets than bulls fed SC-based diets. The greatest (P < 0.01) DM and CP digestibility were observed in bulls fed SC-based diets. Bulls fed CSR and CS40:60 had greater (P < 0.01) ADG than bulls fed SC-based diets. However, ADG was similar (P = 0.52) in bulls fed CS60:40, CSR, and SC40:60 diets. The percentage of C18:3 n-3 and C20:5 n-3 were greater (P < 0.01) in LM of bulls fed SC-based diets. The percentage of CLA was greater (P < 0.01) in LM of bulls fed SC60:40 than those fed CS-based diets. The findings of the present study indicate that SC40:60 can replace CS60:40 and CSR in finishing diets and, moreover, roughage source significantly altered the FA composition of crossbred Holstein × Zebu bulls LM.

Muscle composition and fatty acid profile in lambs fattened in drylot or pasture

The effects of two fattening systems on muscle composition and fatty acid profile were determined in an experiment using samples of the longissimus dorsi (LD) muscle of 24 ram lambs (slaughter weight 29-31kg). The fattening systems were: (i) drylot (a mixture of maize, soybean, wheat and minerals) and (ii) grazing (Cynodon dactylon). The lambs fattened in the drylot system presented higher fat levels (p<0.01), but lower concentrations of moisture (p<0.01) and cholesterol (p<0.05). The lipid content presented a negative correlation with moisture and protein. In lambs fattened in the drylot system increasing levels of fatness of LD muscle were associated with a decrease (p<0.05) in myristic and palmitic acids, but myristic, palmitic and linoleic acids increased (p<0.05) as the cholesterol levels of the muscles increased.

The antioxidant activity of teas measured by the FRAP method adapted to the FIA system: optimising the conditions using the response surface methodology

This study proposes a FRAP assay adapted to FIA system with a merging zones configuration. The FIA system conditions were optimised with the response surface methodology using the central composite rotatable design. The optimisation parameters studied were: the carrier flow rate, the lengths of the sample and reagent loops, and reactor length. The conditions selected in accordance with the results were: carrier flow rate of 1.00 ml/min, length of the loops 18.2 cm and length of the reaction coil 210.1 cm. The detection and quantification limits were, respectively, 28.6 and 86.8 μmol/l Fe(2+), and the precision was 1.27%. The proposed method had an analytical frequency of 30 samples/h and about 95% less volume of FRAP reagent was consumed. The FRAP assay adapted to the FIA system under the optimised conditions was utilised to determine the antioxidant activity of tea samples.