Chemical characterization, cytotoxicity, antimicrobial and antioxidant potential of Justicia pectoralis Jacq and Croton jacobinensis Baill extracts

Abstract In this research, aqueous and ethanolic extracts from Justicia pectoralis Jacq and Croton Jacobinensis Baill were characterized. The UPLC-QTOF-MSE analysis was performed on the extracts identified, predominantly, flavonoids, tannins and acids. The extracts did not indicate toxicity in human epithelial cells. C. jacobinensis presented a concentration of phenolics 60.5% higher than J. pectoralis in all scenarios evaluated and, for both samples, the hydroalcoholic extract at 70% exhibited the best efficiency in the extraction (14501.3 and 32521.5 mg GAE 100 g-1 for J. pectoralis and C. jacobinensis, respectively). The antioxidant activity presented a positive correlation with the concentration of phenolics, being 1.186,1 and 1.507,9 µM of Trolox for J. pectoralis and C. jacobinensis at 70% of ethanol; however, it was not verified statistical difference between the ethanolic solutions (p < 0.05). The antimicrobial activity of J. pectoralis extracts was highlighted once was the most effective against gram-positive bacteria. The results suggest that both J. pectoralis and C. jacobinensis extracts present the potential to be applied as natural additives due to their antioxidant and antimicrobial activity and safety. Thus, it is suggesting the development of studies that could investigate the interaction of these plant extracts with food matrices is required

Evaluation of cooking methods on the bioactive compounds of cashew apple fibre and its application in plant-based foods.

Plant co-products currently represent an attractive alternative to the food industry, especially to the growing market of development low-fat products. Among the co-products resulting from tropical fruits' processing, the cashew apple's fibre presents unusual nutritional and sensory characteristics. In several food preparations could use it as an ingredient. In this work, the bioactive compounds of both artisanal and industrialized cashew apple fibre were studied and the influence of the different cooking methods on their bioactive content, and the acceptance and sensory preference of products new plants-based products formulated. It was observed that both artisanal and industrial cashew apple fibres presented a rich composition in the bioactive compounds, especially regarding the content of ascorbic acid found in artisanal (147.8 mg.100g-1) and carotenoids in industrialized fibre (1.87 mg 100 g-1), which resulted in a higher antioxidant activity for both samples in each method evaluated. Frying (180 °C/3 min) and cooking in a combination oven (98 °C/10 min) exhibited higher averages regarding the retention of the bioactive compounds in the fibres, resulting in a higher antioxidant activity for the products processed by these methods. In contrast, it was boiling processing (100 °C/18min) leads to leach of water-soluble biocompounds and, consequently, their products presented a reduced antioxidant activity. The cashew apple "paçoca" and "meatballs" were judged in terms of their attributes (appearance, aroma, taste, overall impression) and buy intention. In general, the average of these results indicated a high sensorial acceptance and a partial possibility in their purchase of these products. The cashew apple fibres are a source of nutrients. Its incorporation in culinary preparations can be a friendly way to avoid waste and promote new food products.