Toxicological effects of the Curatella americana extract in embryo development of female pups from diabetic rats.

Maternal diabetes can influence the development of offspring during fetal life and postnatally. Curatella americana is a plant used as a menstrual cycle regulator and to prevent diabetes. This study evaluates the effects of C. americana aqueous extract on the estrous cycle and preimplantation embryos of adult female pups from diabetic rats. Female Sprague Dawley newborn rats received Streptozotocin or vehicle (citrate buffer). At adulthood, were submitted to the Oral Glucose Tolerance Test, and mated. The female rats were obtained and were distributed into four experimental groups: OC and OC/T represent female pups of control mothers and received water or plant extract, respectively; OD and OD/T represent female pups of diabetic mothers and received water or plant extract, respectively. The estrous cycle was followed for 10 days, the rats were mated and on gestational day 4 was performed preimplantation embryo analysis. Phenolic composition and biogenic amines in the extract were analyzed about the influence of the thermal process. The female pups from diabetic dams exhibited glucose intolerance, irregular estral cycle and a higher percentage of pre-embryos in delayed development (morula stage). After C. americana treatment, OD/T group no present a regular estrous cycle. Furthermore, the infusion process increases phenolic compounds and biogenic amines levels, which can have anti-estrogenic effect, anticipates the early embryonic development, and impair pre-implantation embryos. Thus, the indiscriminate use of medicinal plants should be avoided in any life phases by women, especially during pregnancy.

Biogenic amines and stable isotopes in the quality and authenticity of honeys from Brazil.

The identification of biogenic amines and some precursor amino acids and the adulteration through stable isotopes was carried out in 114 honey from different geographic regions in Brazil (states of São Paulo (SP) and Santa Catarina (SC)) as support for evaluating quality control and food safety. Serotonin was detected in all samples, while melatonin was quantified in 92.2% of honey from SP and in 94% of SC. l-Dopa, dopamine and histamine appeared at higher levels in honey from SP. Cadaverine, putrescine, spermidine and spermine, varied little according to botanical source. Three honey from the metropolitan region of SP were considered adulterated (C4SUGARS > 7%), 92 were authentic samples (C4SUGARS - 7 to 7%) and 19 unadulterated (C4SUGARS less than - 7%), with isotopic values of δ13CH and δ13CP > 7%. The data were important for differentiating quality as a function of biogenic amines and stable isotope technique was important in detecting honey adulteration.

Fructose Consumption Alters Biogenic Amines Associated with Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors. / Consumo de Frutose Altera Aminas Biogênicas Associadas a Fatores de Risco Cardiovasculares.

BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are the major cause of mortality worldwide, whose most prominent risk factor is unhealthy eating habits, such as high fructose intake. Biogenic amines (BAs) perform important functions in the human body. However, the effect of fructose consumption on BA levels is still unclear, as is the association between these and CVD risk factors. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to establish the association between BA levels and CVD risk factors in animals that consumed fructose. METHODS: Male Wistar rats received standard chow (n=8) or standard chow + fructose in drinking water (30%) (n=8) over a 24-week period. At the end of this period, the nutritional and metabolic syndrome (MS) parameters and plasmatic BA levels were analyzed. A 5% level of significance was adopted. RESULTS: Fructose consumption led to MS, reduced the levels of tryptophan and 5-hydroxitryptophan, and increased histamine. Tryptophan, histamine, and dopamine showed a correlation with metabolic syndrome parameters. CONCLUSION: Fructose consumption alters BAs associated with CVD risk factors.

FUNDAMENTO: As doenças cardiovasculares (DCV) são a principal causa de mortalidade do mundo, e um de seus fatores de risco são os hábitos alimentares não saudáveis, tais como, o alto consumo de frutose. As aminas biogênicas (ABs) realizam funções importantes no corpo humano. Entretanto, o efeito do consumo de frutose nos níveis das ABs ainda não está claro, bem como a associação entre estes e os fatores de risco da DCV. OBJETIVO: Este estudo teve o objetivo de estabelecer a associação entre os níveis de ABs e os fatores de risco de DCV em animais que consumiram frutose. MÉTODOS: Ratos Wistar machos receberam ração convencional (n=8) ou ração convencional + frutose na água de beber (30%) (n=8) durante 24 semanas. Ao final, foram analisados os parâmetros nutricionais e da síndrome metabólica (SM) e os níveis plasmáticos das ABs. Foi adotado um nível de significância de 5%. RESULTADOS: O consumo de frutose levou à SM, reduziu os níveis de triptofano e 5-hidroxitriptofano e aumentou a histamina. Os níveis de triptofano, histamina e dopamina apresentaram correlação com parâmetros de síndrome metabólica. CONCLUSÃO: O consumo de frutose altera as ABs associadas a fatores de risco de doenças cardiovasculares.

Maternal-fetal toxicity of Strychnos pseudoquina extract treatment during pregnancy.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Plants and herbs have been used by women throughout history for therapeutic purposes. Strychnos pseudoquina, a plant used in the treatment of various diseases, can also function as an abortive herb. There is no scientific confirmation of its effects during pregnancy, and the activity of this plant needs to be substantiated or refuted with experimental evidence. AIM OF THE STUDY: Evaluating the effect of the S. pseudoquina aqueous extract on maternal reproductive toxicity and fetal development. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The aqueous extract of S. pseudoquina bark was evaluated in Wistar rats. Pregnant rats were distributed into four experimental groups (n = 12 rats/group): Control = treated with water (vehicle); Treated 75, Treated 150, and Treated 300 = treated with S. pseudoquina at dose 75, 150 and 300 mg/kg, respectively. The rats were treated by an intragastric route (gavage) from day 0 to day 21 of pregnancy. At the end of pregnancy, maternal reproductive outcomes, organs, biochemical and hematological profiles, fetuses, and placentas were analyzed. Maternal toxicity was evaluated through body weight gain, water, and food intake. With knowledge of the harmful dosage of the plant, other rats were used on gestational day 4 for the evaluation of morphological analyses before embryo implantation. P < 0.05 was considered as statistically significant. RESULTS: The S. pseudoquina treatment showed elevated liver enzymatic activities. The Treated 300 group presented toxicity with reduced maternal body weight, water and food intake, and increased kidney relative weight compared to those of the Control group. At a high dosage, the plant presents an abortifacient activity, confirmed by embryo losses before and after implantation and degenerated blastocysts. In addition, the treatment contributed to an increased percentage of fetal visceral anomalies, decreased ossification sites, and intrauterine growth restriction (300 mg/kg dose). CONCLUSION: In general, our study showed that an aqueous extract of S. pseudoquina bark caused significant abortifacient activity that testified to its traditional use. Furthermore, the S. pseudoquina extract caused maternal toxicity that contributed to impaired embryofetal development. Therefore, the use of this plant should be completely avoided during pregnancy to prevent unintended abortion and risks to maternal-fetal health.

Consumo de Frutose Altera Aminas Biogênicas Associadas a Fatores de Risco Cardiovasculares / Fructose Consumption Alters Biogenic Amines Associated with Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors

Resumo Fundamento As doenças cardiovasculares (DCV) são a principal causa de mortalidade do mundo, e um de seus fatores de risco são os hábitos alimentares não saudáveis, tais como, o alto consumo de frutose. As aminas biogênicas (ABs) realizam funções importantes no corpo humano. Entretanto, o efeito do consumo de frutose nos níveis das ABs ainda não está claro, bem como a associação entre estes e os fatores de risco da DCV. Objetivo Este estudo teve o objetivo de estabelecer a associação entre os níveis de ABs e os fatores de risco de DCV em animais que consumiram frutose. Métodos Ratos Wistar machos receberam ração convencional (n=8) ou ração convencional + frutose na água de beber (30%) (n=8) durante 24 semanas. Ao final, foram analisados os parâmetros nutricionais e da síndrome metabólica (SM) e os níveis plasmáticos das ABs. Foi adotado um nível de significância de 5%. Resultados O consumo de frutose levou à SM, reduziu os níveis de triptofano e 5-hidroxitriptofano e aumentou a histamina. Os níveis de triptofano, histamina e dopamina apresentaram correlação com parâmetros de síndrome metabólica. Conclusão O consumo de frutose altera as ABs associadas a fatores de risco de doenças cardiovasculares.

Abstract Background Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are the major cause of mortality worldwide, whose most prominent risk factor is unhealthy eating habits, such as high fructose intake. Biogenic amines (BAs) perform important functions in the human body. However, the effect of fructose consumption on BA levels is still unclear, as is the association between these and CVD risk factors. Objective This study aimed to establish the association between BA levels and CVD risk factors in animals that consumed fructose. Methods Male Wistar rats received standard chow (n=8) or standard chow + fructose in drinking water (30%) (n=8) over a 24-week period. At the end of this period, the nutritional and metabolic syndrome (MS) parameters and plasmatic BA levels were analyzed. A 5% level of significance was adopted. Results Fructose consumption led to MS, reduced the levels of tryptophan and 5-hydroxitryptophan, and increased histamine. Tryptophan, histamine, and dopamine showed a correlation with metabolic syndrome parameters. Conclusion Fructose consumption alters BAs associated with CVD risk factors.

Phytochemical profile of Brazilian grapes (Vitis labrusca and hybrids) grown on different rootstocks.

Important factors may influence the bioactive compounds in grapes, including scion-rootstock interaction. Therefore, the bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity in grape skin and pulp fractions of 'Isabel Precoce', 'BRS Carmem', 'BRS Cora', 'BRS Violeta' and 'IAC 138-22 Máximo' were assessed. These cultivars, from genetic improvement programs in Brazil, have good adaptation to subtropical and tropical climate conditions, and can be widely used by winegrowers aiming at adding value to the grape. All grapevines were grafted onto 'IAC 766' and 'IAC 572' rootstocks under tropical conditions in Brazil. The highest concentration of bioactive compounds was found in skins of 'BRS Violeta', followed by 'IAC 138-22 Máximo', both grafted onto 'IAC 766'. There was a strong correlation between phenolic content and antioxidant properties, since antioxidant activity also decreased in the sequence: 'BRS Violeta' > 'IAC 138-22 Máximo' > 'BRS Cora' > 'BRS Carmem' > 'Isabel Precoce'. Skin from hybrid grapes ('BRS Violeta', 'IAC 138-22 Máximo', 'BRS Cora' and 'BRS Carmem') grafted in both rootstocks contains higher levels of (poly)phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity than 'Isabel Precoce' (V. labrusca). Skin from 'BRS Violeta' grafted onto 'IAC 766' stand out from the others due to their high content of bioactive compounds.

The double knockdown of the mitochondrial uncoupling protein isoforms reveals partial redundant roles during Arabidopsis thaliana vegetative and reproductive development.

Mitochondrial uncoupling proteins (UCPs) are specialized proteins capable of dissipating the proton electrochemical gradient generated in respiration independent of ATP synthesis. Three UCP coding genes with distinct expression patterns have been identified in Arabidopsis thaliana (namely UCP1, UCP2 and UCP3). Here, we generated T-DNA double-insertion mutants (ucp1 ucp2, ucp1 ucp3 and ucp2 ucp3) to investigate the functionality of the Arabidopsis UCP isoforms. A strong compensatory effect of the wild-type UCP gene was found in the double-knockdown lines. Higher levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) were observed in vegetative and reproductive organs of double mutant plants. This exacerbated oxidative stress in plants also increased lipid peroxidation but was not compensated by the activation of the antioxidant system. Alterations in O2 consumption and ADP/ATP ratio were also observed, suggesting a change in mitochondrial energy-generating processes. Deficiencies in double-mutants were not limited to mitochondria and also changed photosynthetic efficiency and redox state. Our results indicate that UCP2 and UCP3 have complementary function with UCP1 in plant reproductive and vegetative organ/tissues, as well as in stress adaptation. The partial redundancy between the UCP isoforms suggests that they could act separately or jointly on mitochondrial homeostasis during A. thaliana development.

Tryptophan and Biogenic Amines in the Differentiation and Quality of Honey.

Honey is a natural product with beneficial properties to health and has different characteristics depending on the region of production and collection, flowering, and climate. The presence of precursor amino acids of- and biogenic amines can be important in metabolomic studies of differentiation and quality of honey. We analyzed 65 honeys from 11 distinct regions of the State of Santa Catarina (Brazil) as to the profile of amino acids and biogenic amines by HPLC. The highest L-tryptophan (Trp), 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-OH-Trp), and tryptamine (Tryp) levels were detected in Cfb climate and harvested in 2019. Although we have found high content of serotonin, dopamine, and L-dopa in Cfb climate, the highest values occurred in honey produced during the summer 2018 and at altitudes above 900 m. Results indicate that the amino acids and biogenic amine levels in honeys are good indicators of origin. These data warrant further investigation on the honey as source of amino acids precursor of serotonin, melatonin, and dopamine, what can guide the choice of food as source of neurotransmitters.

Functional and Nutraceutical Compounds of Tomatoes as Affected by Agronomic Practices, Postharvest Management, and Processing Methods: A Mini Review.

Tomatoes and their by-products are indisputable sources of substances with antioxidants properties. Several factors limit the production and influence the nutritional and antioxidant quality of tomato fruit. However, consumers can benefit from the effects of environmental factors, such as water and hydric stress, UV radiation, agronomic practices, among others, which lead to changes in the content of secondary metabolites in tomatoes. Molecules as phenolic compounds, carotenoids, and biogenic amines are often formed in response to environmental adversities. In this way, the consumption of tomato fruits or their by-products with higher levels of antioxidants may be important adjuvants in the prevention or reduction of diseases. In this mini-review, we will present how pre- and postharvest conditions may influence the content of some bioactive compounds in tomatoes. Furthermore, we will present how some heat processing methods may change the antioxidant content, as well as, the functional and nutritional properties of the final product.

Phytochemical and antidiabetic analysis of Curatella americana L. aqueous extract on the rat pregnancy.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Curatella americana L. is employed in popular medicine for treating diabetes. However, the understanding around its outcomes during pregnancy is unclear. AIM OF THE STUDY: To evaluate the phytochemical and hypoglycemic analysis of the C. americana extract and its maternal-fetal effect on diabetic rats. MATERIALS AND METHOD: Diabetes was chemically induced 24 h after birth in Wistar female newborn rats. At adulthood, after diabetes status confirmation, the rats were mated and randomized into four experimental groups: Nondiabetic (Control): given water; Treated: given C. americana extract; Diabetic, and Treated Diabetic rats. The aqueous extract of C. americana leaves (300 mg/kg) was administered daily through oral route during pregnancy. Maternal toxicity and biochemical profile, reproductive outcomes, fetal development, and phenolic composition and biogenic amines in aqueous extract were analyzed. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Phytochemical analysis revealed that the main phenolic components are 3-hydroxytyrosol, kaempferol, and quercetin, while tryptophan and putrescine derivatives were identified as the dominant amines. C. americana extract treatment improved the lipid profile, although no effect on hyperglycemic control in diabetic rats was observed. Maternal diabetes or C. americana extract caused embryo losses confirmed by the lower number of pre-embryos in early pregnancy and higher percentage of abnormal morphologically pre-embryos. C. americana extract previously caused premature pre-embryo fixation before implantation window in nondiabetic and diabetic mothers and intrauterine growth restriction in the fetuses of treated nondiabetic dams, complicating the embryo fetal development. These findings reinforce the caution of indiscriminate use of medicinal plants, especially during pregnancy.

Change in the Physiological and Biochemical Aspects of Tomato Caused by Infestation by Cryptic Species of Bemisia tabaci MED and MEAM1.

Infestation by Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) causes damage to tomatoes with production losses of up to 100%, affecting the physiological and biochemical aspects of host plants. The objective of this study was to analyze the influence of infestation of cryptic species of B. tabaci MED and MEAM1 on the physiological and biochemical aspects of tomato. Tomato plants 'Santa Adélia Super' infested with B. tabaci (MED and MEAM1), and non-infested plants were evaluated for differences in gas exchange, chlorophyll - a fluorescence of photosystem II (PSII), and biochemical factors (total phenols, total flavonoids, superoxide dismutase-SOD, peroxidase-POD, and polyphenol oxidase-PPO). Plants infested with B. tabaci MED showed low rates of CO2 assimilation and stomatal conductance of 55% and 52%, respectively. The instantaneous carboxylation efficiency was reduced by 40% in MED and by 60% in MEAM1 compared to the control. Regarding biochemical aspects, plants infested by MED cryptic species showed high activity of POD and PPO enzymes and total phenol content during the second and third instars when compared to control plants. Our results indicate that B. tabaci MED infestation in tomato plants had a greater influence than B. tabaci MEAM1 infestation on physiological parameters (CO2 assimilation rate (A), stomatal conductance (gs), and apparent carboxylation efficiency (A/Ci)) and caused increased activity of POD and PPO enzymes, indicating plant resistance to attack. In contrast, B. tabaci MEAM1 caused a reduction in POD enzyme activity, favoring offspring performance.

Orange-fleshed Sweet Potato Chips: Processing Effect on Carotenoid Content and Resistant Starch and Sensory Acceptance

HIGHLIGHTS Chips from orange-fleshed sweet potato have a good acceptability. Drying process showed retention of carotenoids total content. Chips from drying or frying process showed high resistant starch content.

Abstract There is currently a great demand for industrialized products with functional properties, together with the increase in consumption of roots and sweet potato products. Sweet potatoes have a high content of resistant starch, while only the orange-fleshed roots also have a high content of carotenoids. Due to these, this work aimed to produce orange-fleshed sweet potato chips, by two processes: drying oven and immersion frying. The chips were evaluated for the content of resistant starch and carotenoids in nature and chips sweet potatoes, and evaluations of the physical attributes and sensory analysis of the chips. The drying process retained a greater content of total carotenoids. Fried chips can be considered high resistant starch content, even with a decrease in the content after this processing; they also showed more intense coloring and pleasant texture. There was a statistical difference between the varieties only regarding the content of carotenoids and resistant starch. Thereby, it can be concluded that the chips of both processing have good technological and functional qualities, and that the frying process presented best hardness which led to greater acceptability and purchase intention.

Production, physicochemical quality and antioxidant capacity of 'Niagara Rosada' grape grafted on different rootstocks / Produção, qualidade físico-química e capacidade antioxidante da uva 'Niagara Rosada' sobre diferentes porta-enxertos

The objective of this study is to evaluate the effect of rootstocks on grape production, quality and antioxidant capacity of 'Niagara Rosada' grape in two productive cycles. The work was developed in Jundiaí-SP, Brazil (26° 06' S, 46° 55' W and an average altitude of 745 m). The experimental design was in randomized blocks with subdivided plots, the plots being represented by the rootstocks and the subplots by the production cycles, with four replications, each consisting of 6 plants. The treatments consisted of a combination of 'IAC 313 Tropical', 'IAC 572 Jales', 'IAC 571-6 Jundiaí', 'IAC 766 Campinas' and '106-8 Mgt' as rootstocks and 'Niagara Rosada' as graft, and the production cycles were 2013 and 2014. The number of bunches, production and productivity of the vines, the physical characteristics of bunches, berries and stalks and the physicochemical composition of the must (soluble solids content, titratable acidity, pH and the relation soluble solids/titratable acidity) were evaluated in production cycles of 2013 and 2014). The content of chlorophylls, anthocyanins, carotenoids, flavonoids and total phenolic compounds and the antioxidant activity of grapes were also evaluated in grape berries. The rootstocks did not influence the production and physical quality of 'Niagara Rosada' grapes. As for the chemical characteristics, rootstocks only had an effect on solids content, and 'IAC 766' and '106-8 Mgt' rootstocks promoted higher values of this characteristic. Likewise, the total phenolic compounds and the antioxidant activity of the grapes were not influenced by the studied rootstocks. The vines in 2013 presented higher production and better physical characteristics of the grapes, however, the soluble solids content in this cycle was lower than in 2014.

Objetivou-se avaliar a influência de porta-enxertos na produção da videira, na qualidade e capacidade antioxidante da uva 'Niagara Rosada' em dois ciclos produtivos. O trabalho foi realizado em Jundiaí-SP, Brasil (26° 06' S, 46° 55' W e uma altitude média de 745m). O delineamento experimental foi de blocos causalizados em parcelas subdivididas, as parcelas foram representas pelos porta-enxertos e as subparcelas pelos ciclos de produção, com quatro repetições, constituídas de 6 plantas. Os tratamentos consistiram na combinação entre os porta-enxertos 'IAC 313 Tropical', 'IAC 572 Jales', 'IAC 571-6 Jundiaí', 'IAC 766 Campinas' e '106-8 Mgt' e a variedade copa 'Niagara Rosada', e os ciclos produtivos de 2013 e 2014. O número de cachos, produção e produtividade das videiras, as características físicas de cachos, bagas e engaços e a composição físico-química do mosto (teor de sólidos solúveis, acidez titulável, pH e relação sólidos solúveis/acidez titulável) foram avaliados nos ciclos de produção de 2013 e 2014. Avaliou-se ainda nas bagas das uvas o conteúdo de clorofilas, antocianinas, carotenoides, flavonoides e compostos fenólicos totais e a atividade antioxidante. Os porta-enxertos não influenciaram a produção e a qualidade física da uva 'Niagara Rosada'. Quanto as características químicas houve efeito dos porta-enxertos apenas no teor de sólidos solúveis, sendo que os porta-enxertos 'IAC 766' e '106-8 Mgt' promoveram maiores valores dessa característica. Da mesma forma, os compostos fenólicos totais e a atividade antioxidante das uvas não foram influenciados pelos porta-enxertos estudados. As videiras, em 2013 apresentaram maior produção e melhores características físicas das uvas, no entanto, o teor de sólidos solúveis nesse ciclo foi inferior ao de 2014.

Delaying the harvest induces bioactive compounds and maintains the quality of sweet potatoes.

We have identified the best harvesting periods, related to higher bioactive compound content and post-harvest quality, for minimally processed sweet potatoes with orange pulp and cream pulp. Quality loss in minimally processed sweet potatoes occurred due to browning in cv. Mãe de Familia and ESAM1 and to whitening in cv. Paraná. Both Mãe de Família and ESAM1 presented higher peroxidase and polyphenol oxidase activities at 120 days, and cv. Paraná contained high levels of provitamin A. ß-carotene was the major carotenoid (up to 99%) in orange pulp. All cultivars harvested at 150 and 180 days and minimally processed showed the best visual quality, the highest bioactive compound content, and no microbial infection. Delaying the harvest also increase the antioxidant activity in orange roots, which was associated with a high content of carotenoids and phenolic compounds, resulting in an increase in the nutritional quality of the product. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Postharvest techniques can improve the visual and phytochemical quality of vegetables and extend their shelf life. The present research provides the best harvesting periods for minimally processed cream and orange sweet potato roots with higher postharvest qualities. Delaying the harvest resulted in a product with better visual quality, higher levels of bioactive compounds, which are highly beneficial to health, for example, ß-carotene, and no microbiological contamination. Our results may contribute to improvements in the current knowledge about harvesting times for sweet potato growers who aim to produce high quality, minimally processed products with a longer shelf life.

Biogenic Amines and the Antioxidant Capacity of Juice and Wine from Brazilian Hybrid Grapevines.

Some biogenic amines (BAs) are used as quality markers in grape-derived products. The prolife of 9 BAs was determined in juices and wines elaborated from hybrid grapes. Low levels of histamine, tyramine and cadaverine were found. Juices elaborated from 'BRS Rúbea' showed the highest tyramine levels (1.56 mg/L), while no histamine was found in wines elaborated from 'Seleção 34' and its higher content was detected in 'BRS Carmem' (3.55 mg/L). Juices elaborated from 'BRS Violeta' showed elevated content (472.88 mg/L) of total phenolic compounds (TPC) and mono-hydrated serotonin (6.20 mg/L), and wines elaborated from 'Violeta' presented a high serotonin mono-hydrate content (23.63 mg/L) and high antioxidant activity with FRAP test (77.24 mmol FeSO4/L). Juices elaborated from hybrid grapes 'BRS Violeta' and wines from 'BRS Violeta', 'Seleção 34' and 'Seleção 13' had high levels of bioactive compounds, emphasizing the great potential of these cultivars for winemaking.

Bioactive Amines Screening in Four Genotypes of Thermally Processed Cauliflower.

Biogenic amines are important indicators of food quality with recognized antioxidant capacity. Diets that are rich in these compounds promote several benefits for human health, although the consumption in excess may result in food poisoning. This study aims to screen the levels of biogenic amines in four colored cauliflowers, before and after cooking (boiling, steaming, and microwaving). In addition, the levels of tryptophan and 5-hydroxytryptophan, two serotonin precursors, were analyzed. Our results reveal that thermal processing shows a tendency to increase tryptophan levels and reduce 5-hydroxytryptophan in colored cauliflowers. A reduction of the tryptophan and increase in serotonin contents in 'Cheddar', steamed or microwaved, was observed. A higher level of histamine was observed in the genotype 'Forata' after cooking, whereas melatonin levels were higher after steaming and microwaving. The lowest levels of biogenic amines and amino acids were observed in 'Graffiti'. All the colored cauliflowers that were analyzed presented a chemical quality index (CQI) below the pre-established limits, indicating that are safe for consumption, even after cooking. We conclude that the levels of biogenic amines and amino acids in colored cauliflower are safe for human consumption and do not present health risks. Therefore, the consumption of these genotypes, raw or cooked, is a good source of bioactive compounds.

Bioactive amines changes during the ripening and thermal processes of bananas and plantains.

Bioactive amines are found in food and can be relevant for the assessment of fruits shelf life and nutritional quality. The pulp and peel of 20 banana and plantain were analyzed and the bioactive amine content varied according to the genotype, ripening stage, fruit tissue and thermal processing. In most of the analyzed genotypes, tyramine, histamine, dopamine, serotonin, spermidine, and spermine were decreased during the ripening process in the pulps. By contrast, there was an increase in putrescine level. In many genotypes of plantains, the serotonin and dopamine contents in pulp decreased until stage 5 and increased at stage 7. Peels contain higher levels of serotonin, dopamine, histamine and tyramine than pulps. Additionally, thermal processing affects the content of amines present in fruit. Boiling with the peel should be preferred in domestic preparations, regardless of the genotype used.

Evaluation of biogenic amines and nitrate in raw and pickled jurubeba (Solanum paniculatum L.) fruit.

The presence of biogenic amines, such as histamine and tyramine, in pickled food can cause health problems, such as allergies. However, other bioactive amines may be present and can induce some diseases. Some biogenic amines can react with nitrate and form nitrosamines, compounds harmful to human health. In this research, we qualitatively and quantitatively evaluated some biogenic amines and nitrate content in jurubeba preserved in oil or vinegar. The fruits were obtained from cultivated plants, or wild plants, or they were purchased from market. Jurubeba fruit was analyzed raw and after cooking. After thermal processing, the fruits were preserved in soybean oil or vinegar and were evaluated after 1 h and at 30, 60 and 90 days of storage. Variations in the contents of biogenic amine were found depending on the place from which the fruits were obtained, as well as depending on the type of preservative and time of storage. The nitrate levels did not exceed the established limits, mainly when preserved in vinegar, which also showed the lowest levels of biogenic amines.

Seasonality effects on chemical composition, antibacterial activity and essential oil yield of three species of Nectandra.

In this study, we aimed to determine whether seasonality affects the content, chemical composition, and antimicrobial activity of essential oils (EOs) from the leaves of three species of Nectandra (Nectandra megapotamica, Nectandra grandiflora, and Nectandra lanceolata) native to the Atlantic rainforest, Sao Paulo state, Brazil. In addition, we identified the compounds potentially related to the antimicrobial activity. Leaves were randomly collected in the middle of winter (August), spring (November), summer (February), and autumn (May). The influence of seasonality on the content and chemical composition of EOs from the Nectandra species was evident in this study. The EOs from N. lanceolata and N. grandiflora were characterized by similarities in the chemical composition and had a higher relative proportion of oxygenated sesquiterpenes. N. megapotamica presented a different chemical profile, with plenty of monoterpenic and sesquiterpenic hydrocarbons. Changes in the EO chemical profile because of seasonality were shown by the similarities between the EOs obtained in spring and autumn and the differences between the EOs obtained in summer and winter. The EO from the leaves of N. megapotamica harvested in winter and spring showed the highest control of the growth of Escherichia coli, and this antimicrobial action can be related to the monoterpenes α-pinene and ß-pinene as well as myrcene and limonene. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the EO from the leaves of N. lanceolata harvested in summer and autumn was lower against the gram-positive bacterium Staphylococcus aureus and can be related to the sesquiterpene hydrocarbons isobicyclogermacrenal, epi-zizanone, and germacrene B.

Bark of Passiflora edulis Treatment Stimulates Antioxidant Capacity, and Reduces Dyslipidemia and Body Fat in db/db Mice.

Obesity is considered an important risk factor for several disorders, such as diabetes mellitus, systemic arterial hypertension, dyslipidemia, and atherosclerosis, which are associated with inflammation and oxidative stress as a trigger factor. Passiflora edulis contains important bioactive compounds, such as phenolics, carotenoids, vitamin C, and polyamines in pulp, leaves, seeds, and bark. Aim: To evaluate the effect of bark of Passiflora edulis (BPe) on body composition, and metabolic and oxidative stress parameters in genetically obese mice. Methods: Obese male db/db mice (n = 14 animals) received normal feeds and water ad libitum for 8 weeks. Then, animals were randomly divided to continue either receiving standard chow (obese, n = 7 (OB)) or feed with standard chow plus bark Passiflora edulis (BPe) (obese + BPe, n = 7 (OB + BPe)) for 8 more weeks, totaling 16 weeks. BPe was added to chow (7 g of BPe/kg of chow corresponding to 1.5 g/kg of body weight). The parameters evaluated in animals included food and caloric intake, body weight, body fat, plasma glucose, triglycerides, and total cholesterol. Malondialdehyde and antioxidant capacity were evaluated in plasma and organs. Groups were compared by Student t-test, with p < 0.05. Results: BPe reduced visceral and subcutaneous fat deposit and adiposity index, cholesterol and triglyceride levels, ameliorated the antioxidant capacity, and reduced malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. Conclusion: the bark of Passiflora edulis was effective in improving body composition, and metabolic and antioxidant parameters in obese mice.