Lycopene induces bone marrow lymphopoiesis and differentiation of peritoneal IgA-producing cells.

Lycopene is a hydrocarbon-carotenoid commonly found in red fruits intake with major function correlated to antioxidative capacity in several pathological conditions, including cancer and cardiovascular diseases. Recently, lycopene has been associated with hematopoiesis, although the effects on B lymphocyte differentiation and antibody production are poorly understood. In this work, the principal aim was to investigate whether lycopene affects B lymphopoiesis and terminal differentiation into plasma cells. Distinct in vivo and in vitro strategies based on lycopene supplementation were used direct in Balb/c mice or in culture systems with cells derived of these mice. In the bone marrow, lycopene expanded B220+IgM- progenitor B cells and B220+IgM+ immature B lymphocytes. In the spleen, lycopene induced terminal CD138+ plasma cell generation. In the blood, we found prominent IgA and low IgM levels after lycopene administration. Interestingly, the pattern of peritoneal IgM+ and IgA+ B cells indicated a significant IgM-to-IgA class switching after lycopene injection. These data indicated that lycopene induces B cell differentiation into IgA-producing plasma cells. Thus, a new cellular function has been attributed to lycopene for B lymphocyte biology and possibly associated with humoral responses and mucosal immunity.

Determination of the Phytochemical Composition and Antioxidant Potential of Eugenia copacabanensis and Myrciaria tenella Leaves (Myrtaceae) Using a Saccharomyces cerevisiae Model.

Eugenia copacabanensis and Myrciaria tenella are present in restingas of the Atlantic Forest, but little information is available about their chemical and biological potential. In this context, the hexane, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate and butanol fractions from the leaves of methanolic extract were analyzed by GC/MS and HPLC-DAD and the antioxidant potential was determined by DPPH and ABTS assays and using a Saccharomyces cerevisiae model. Dereplication allowed the identification of 68 compounds, 42 and 41 of which, respectively, are first reported here for E. copacabanensis and M. tenella. In vivo results revealed that the ethyl acetate and butanol fractions showed expressive antioxidant protection in the BY4741 and Δgsh1 strains, with greater impact on glutathione-deficient cells. With a high diversity of phenolic compounds, these polar fractions of E. copacabanensis and M. tenella leaves are potential protectors against intracellular oxidative stress.

Antiproliferative Activity on Human Colon Adenocarcinoma Cells and In Vitro Antioxidant Effect of Anthocyanin-Rich Extracts from Peels of Species of the Myrtaceae Family.

There is a significant indication of the beneficial health effects of fruit rich diets. Fruits of native plant species have noticeably different phytochemicals and bioactive effects. The aim of this work was to characterize and compare the constituents of jabuticaba (Myrciaria jaboticaba, MJ), jamun-berry (Syzygium cumini, SC), and malay-apple (Syzygium malaccense, SM) extracts and their influence on antioxidant activity in vitro and antiproliferative effects on human colon adenocarcinoma cells. According to the results, dried peel powders (DP) have a high anthocyanin content, phenolic compounds, and antioxidant activity when compared to freeze dried extracts (FD). M. jaboticaba dried peel powder extract had a higher total anthocyanin and phenolic compounds content (802.90 ± 1.93 and 2152.92 ± 43.95 mg/100 g, respectively). A reduction in cell viability of HT-29 cells after treatment with M. jaboticaba extracts (DP-MJ and FD-MJ) was observed via MTT assay. Flow cytometry showed that the treatment with the anthocyanin-rich extracts from MJ, SC, and SM had an inhibitory impact on cell development due to G2/M arrest and caused a rise in apoptotic cells in relation to the control group. The findings of this study highlight the potential of peel powders from Myrtaceae fruits as an important source of natural antioxidants and a protective effect against colon adenocarcinoma.

Physical Characterization of Maize Grits Expanded Snacks and Changes in the Carotenoid Profile.

The objective of this work was to evaluate the effects of feed moisture (13-17%, wb) and barrel temperature (120-160 °C) on physicochemical properties, and changes in the carotenoid profile of maize grits extruded snacks. The extrudates were obtained in a single-screw extruder, according to a 32 factorial design with two replicates. The linear coefficients of feed moisture and barrel temperature mainly affected the physicochemical properties. On the other hand, the interaction coefficient ß112 dominated the change in total carotenoids, lutein, zeaxanthin, and ß-carotene. The quadratic coefficients were also important for changes in total color (regarding feed moisture), and for ß-cryptoxanthin, specific mechanical energy, and volumetric expansion index (regarding barrel temperature). ß-cryptoxanthin and ß-carotene increased, whereas lutein and zeaxanthin decreased. The mathematical models developed from responses revealed two feasible operating regions under the domain explored. For a satisfactory process, from a technological and nutritional point of view, it is suggested to extrude at the operating conditions ranging between 13.2-13.7% feed moisture and 120-132 °C barrel temperature. Under these conditions, the specific mechanical energy input required was 410-450 kJ/kg, and extrudates with a volumetric expansion index greater than 12, a crispness work less than 0.4 N.mm, and with moderate increments in the levels of ß-carotene and ß-cryptoxanthin were produced. The use of richer cultivars in carotenoids could contribute to the production of healthier snacks.

Comparative analysis of nutritional compositions of transgenic RNAi-mediated virus-resistant bean (event EMB-PV051-1) with its non-transgenic counterpart.

Golden mosaic is among the most economically important diseases that severely reduce bean production in Latin America. In 2011, a transgenic bean event named Embrapa 5.1 (EMB-PV051-1), resistant to bean golden mosaic virus, was approved for commercial release in Brazil. The aim of this study was to measure and evaluate the nutritional components of the beans, as well as the anti-nutrient levels in the primary transgenic line and its derived near-isogenic lines after crosses and backcrosses with two commercial cultivars. Nutritional assessment of transgenic crops used for human consumption is an important aspect of safety evaluations. Results demonstrated that the transgenic bean event, cultivated under field conditions, was substantially equivalent to that of the non-transgenic bean plants. In addition, the amounts of the nutritional components are within the range of values observed for several bean commercial varieties grown across a range of environments and seasons.

Acute Effects of Coffee Consumption on Blood Pressure and Endothelial Function in Individuals with Hypertension on Antihypertensive Drug Treatment: A Randomized Crossover Trial.

INTRODUCTION: Coffee is a complex brew that contains several bioactive compounds and some of them can influence blood pressure (BP) and endothelial function (EF), such as caffeine and chlorogenic acids (CGAs). AIM: This study aimed to evaluate the acute effects of coffee on BP and EF in individuals with hypertension on drug treatment who were habitual coffee consumers. METHODS: This randomized crossover trial assigned 16 adults with hypertension to receive three test beverages one week apart: caffeinated coffee (CC; 135 mg caffeine, 61 mg CGAs), decaffeinated coffee (DC; 5 mg caffeine, 68 mg CGAs), and water. BP was continuously evaluated from 15 min before to 90 min after test beverages by digital photoplethysmography. Reactive hyperemia index (RHI) assessed by peripheral arterial tonometry evaluated EF before and at 90 min after test beverages. At the same time points, microvascular reactivity was assessed by laser speckle contrast imaging. Repeated-measures-ANOVA evaluated the effect of time, the effect of beverage, and the interaction between time and beverage (treatment effect). RESULTS: Although the intake of CC produced a significant increase in BP and a significant decrease in RHI, these changes were also observed after the intake of DC and were not significantly different from the modifications observed after the consumption of DC and water. Microvascular reactivity did not present significant changes after the 3 beverages. CONCLUSION: CC in comparison with DC and water neither promoted an acute increase in BP nor produced an improvement or deleterious effect on EF in individuals with hypertension on drug treatment who were coffee consumers.

Effects of boiling and frying on the bioaccessibility of beta-carotene in yellow-fleshed cassava roots (Manihot esculenta Crantz cv. BRS Jari).

BACKGROUND: The effects of boiling and frying on the bioaccessibility of all-trans-beta-carotene in biofortified BRS Jari cassava roots have not been investigated, although these are conventional methods of cassava preparation. OBJECTIVE: The aims of the present study were to investigate beta-carotene micellarization efficiency of yellow-fleshed BRS Jari cassava roots after boiling and frying, as an indicator of the bioaccessibility of this carotenoid, and to apply fluorescence microscopy to investigate beta-carotene in the emulsified fraction. METHODS: Uncooked, boiled, and fried cassava roots were digested in vitro for the evaluation, by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), of the efficiency of micellarization of all-trans-beta-carotene in BRS Jari cassava roots. Fluorescence microscopy of the micellar fraction was used to confirm the presence of beta-carotene in the emulsified fraction and to observe the structure of the microemulsion from the boiled and fried cassava samples. RESULTS: Fried cassava roots showed the highest (p < .05) micellarization efficiency for total carotenoids and all-trans-beta-carotene (14.1 +/- 2.25% and 14.37 +/- 2.44%, respectively), compared with boiled and raw samples. Fluorescence microscopy showed that after in vitro digestion there were no carotenoid crystals in the micellar fraction, but rather that this fraction presented a biphasic system compatible with emulsified carotenoids, which was consistent with the expected high bioavailability of beta-carotene in this fraction. CONCLUSIONS: Increased emulsification and bioaccessibility of beta-carotene from fried biofortified BRS Jari cassava roots compensates for chemical losses during preparation, indicating that this preparation is suitable for home use of BRS Jari cassava roots and might represent a relatively good food source of bioavailable provitamin A.

Correction: Macauba (Acrocomia aculeata) kernel has good protein quality and improves the lipid profile and short chain fatty acids content in Wistar rats.

Correction for 'Macauba (Acrocomia aculeata) kernel has good protein quality and improves the lipid profile and short chain fatty acids content in Wistar rats' by Fátima Ladeira Mendes Duarte et al., Food Funct., 2022, 13, 11342-11352, https://doi.org/10.1039/D2FO02047E.

Obtention and evaluation of physico-chemical and techno-functional properties of macauba (Acrocomia aculeata) kernel protein isolate.

The consumption of plant proteins is increasing worldwide. These proteins have an important role in human nutrition as well as in the technological properties of foods. Thus, there is a great interest in exploring new sources of plant proteins, such as macauba (Acrocomia aculeata), which is a promising tropical palm tree, native to Brazil, whose fruits are rich in oil, proteins and dietary fiber. Hence, the objective of this work was to obtain and evaluate the physico-chemical and techno-functional properties of the macauba kernel protein isolate (MKPI). Defatted macauba kernel flour was obtained and used to produce the MKPI by isoelectric precipitation. Then, the proximate composition, amino acid profile, and physico-chemical and techno-functional properties of the MKPI were determined. The MKPI stood out for its high protein content (94.9%) and high levels of arginine (16.21%) and glutamate (20.84%). The MKPI average isoelectric point was at pH 4.9 and its proteins showed low solubility in the pH range from 4.0 to 6.0. Moreover, the hydrophobicity of MKPI proteins was higher at pH 3.5 than at pH 7.0, and they had higher oil holding capacity (153.77%) than water holding capacity (97.29%). Regarding the MKPI emulsifying and gelling properties, emulsions with 0.5% and 1.0% of MKPI remained stable during storage and the minimum gelling concentration was 14%. Thus, the MKPI has a great potential to be produced and used by the food industry due to its nutritional and techno-functional properties.

Myrcia eriopus DC. (Myrtaceae) fruits, a new endemic Brazilian source of bioactive anthocyanins.

Myrcia eriopus DC. (Myrtaceae) is a native and endemic Brazilian species, and there is no information about its chemical composition. In our study, five different anthocyanins and two other phenolic compounds were described for the first time in M. eriopus fruits. Delphinidin 3-O-glucoside (1), cyanidin 3-O-glucoside (2), petunidin 3-O-glucoside (3), peonidin 3-O-glucoside (4), malvidin 3-O-glucoside (5), gallic acid (6) and myricetin (7) were identified by offline system RP-HPLC-DAD/ESI-QTOF-MS and compared to the scientific literature. Furthermore, the lyophilized powder of M. eriopus fruits showed a high anthocyanin content (1878.14 mg cy-3-glu eqv/100 g f.w.), with greater levels of compounds 1 and 3, and an antioxidant potential in DPPH and ABTS assays (EC50 2419 µg/mL and 339 µmol Trolox/g f.w.), results superior to other non-conventional Brazilian fruits. This first report about the chemical composition of M. eriopus fruit reveals the potential of this fruit as a new source of bioactive anthocyanins.

Macauba (Acrocomia aculeata) kernel has good protein quality and improves the lipid profile and short chain fatty acids content in Wistar rats.

Macauba (Acrocomia aculeata) has aroused interest in the food industry due to the high nutritional value of its fruits. This study aimed to evaluate the protein quality and influence on biochemical markers, short chain fatty acids content, intestinal morphology, and intestinal functionality in Wistar rats of macauba kernel. Male young rats were divided into three groups (n = 8) that received a control diet (casein), and two test diets (M30: 30% semi-defatted macauba kernel flour or M50: 50% semi-defatted macauba kernel flour) for 29 days. Protein Efficiency Ratio (PER), Net Protein Ratio (NPR), True Digestibility (TD), biochemical, and intestinal morphology and functionality markers were evaluated. The PER and NPR values were lower in test groups compared to the control group. TD did not differ between M30 and M50. The animals that were fed the macauba kernel flour had lower concentrations of total cholesterol and triglycerides compared to the control group. The concentration of acetic and propionic acids was higher and the fecal pH was lower in M30 and M50 groups compared to the control group. Gene expression of aminopeptidase (AP) and sodium-glucose transport protein 1 (SGLT1) did not differ among the groups, and the M50 group had lower expression of peptide transporter 1 (PepT1) and sucrase isomaltase (SI) than the control group. Crypts thickness was higher in the M50 group compared to the other groups, while the intestinal muscle layer width did not differ among groups. Therefore, macauba kernel flour proved to be a good plant protein alternative, and its consumption reduced blood lipids and increased short chain fatty acids content.

Use of asparaginase for acrylamide mitigation in coffee and its influence on the content of caffeine, chlorogenic acid, and caffeic acid.

A factorial design with a duplicate in the central point was used to investigate the effect of treating arabica coffee beans with asparaginase. The investigated factors were enzymatic load (1000 and 5000 ASNU/Kg), water percentage (30 and 90%), and hydrolysis time (1 and 3 h). The acrylamide content was determined by UPLC-MS/MS, and the caffeic acid, chlorogenic acid and caffeine concentrations were determined by HPLC-DAD. The statistical analysis was carried out in the R platform using RStudio graphical interface. The results indicated the importance of coffee bean pretreatment with steam, and that the enzyme load reduced the acrylamide content to 65 mg/kg in coffee beans. The predicted reduction was obtained with hydrolysis time of 2 h, water content of 90%, and asparaginase load of 5000 ASNU/kg. The asparaginase treatment did not influence the major bioactive compounds in coffee.

Reduction of ßN-alkanoyl-5-hydroxytryptamides and diterpenes by yeast supplementation to green coffee during wet processing.

Coffee is one of the most consumed non-alcoholic beverages in the world. It is well known that some compounds present in coffee beans have important biological activities. In this study, evidence was turned to ßN-alkanoyl-5-hydroxytryptamides (C-5HTs) and to the furokaurane diterpenes cafestol and kahweol, associated with gastric irritation and increasing of blood cholesterol, respectively. Fermentation in coffee post-harvest wet process was induced by three Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeasts (for bakery, white and sparkling wines) as starter cultures. Variations in mass, time, temperature and pH (56 experiments under fractional factorial and mixture experimental designs) were tested. Substantial reductions for C-5HTs (up to 38% reduction for C20-5HT and 26% for C22-5HT) as well as for diterpenes (54% for cafestol and 53% for kahweol) were obtained after treating green coffee beans with 0.6 g of a 1:1:1 mixture the three yeasts for 12 h at 15 °C and pH 4. Caffeine and 5-CQA content, monitored in the green coffee beans, did not change. Therefore, the use of starter cultures during coffee post-harvest wet process has influence on the amount of some important compounds related to health and improves the sensory quality of the beverage.

Potential use of pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.) in Brazil: Food security, processing, health benefits and nutritional products.

Climate change can cause an increase in arid soils, warmer weather, and reduce water availability, which in turn can directly affect food security. This increases food prices and reduces the availability of food. Therefore, knowledge concerning the nutritional and technological potential of non-traditional crops and their resistance to heat and drought is very interesting. Pearl millet is known to produce small nutritious cereal grains, which can endure both heat and dry conditions, and is one of the basic cereals of several African and Asian countries. Although this species has been cultivated in Brazil for at least 50 years it is only used as a cover crop and animal feed, but not for human consumption. Nonetheless, pearl millet grains have a high potential as food for humans because they are gluten-free, higher in dietary fiber content than rice, similar in lipid content to maize and higher content of essential amino acids (leucine, isoleucine and lysine) than other traditional cereals, such as wheat and rye. In addition, the crop is low cost and less susceptible to contamination by aflatoxins compared to corn, for example. Most grains, including pearl millet, can be milled, decorticated, germinated, fermented, cooked and extruded to obtain products such as flours, biscuits, snacks, pasta and non-dairy probiotic beverages. Pearl millet also has functional properties; it has a low glycemic index and therefore it can be used as an alternative food for weight control and to reduce the risk of chronic diseases, such as diabetes. Thus, this review intends to show the potential of pearl millet as an alternative food security crop, particularly in countries, like Brazil, where it is not commonly consumed. Also this review presents different processes and products that have been already reported in the literature in order to introduce the great potential of this important small grain to producers and consumers.

Chemical characterization of Myrciaria floribunda (H. West ex Willd) fruit.

M. floribunda fruit was studied to characterize its chemical composition. The chemical composition, bioactive compounds, antioxidant activity and volatiles of the fruit were determined. The chemical composition was determined according to AOAC and AOCS, the bioactive compounds by HPLC, the volatiles by GCMS and the antioxidant activity by ABTS+ and DPPH methods. The chemical composition of the freeze-dried fruit was 1.89 g·100 g-1, 2.43 g·100 g-1, 4.78 g·100 g-1 and 90.89 g·100 g-1 of ashes, lipids, proteins and total carbohydrates on a dry base, respectively. The concentration of the carotenoids was 52.22 mg·100 g-1 and for the flavonoid rutin was 78.56 mg·100 g-1. The gallic and ellagic acid contents were 5.45 mg·g-1 and 2.21 mg·g-1, respectively. The cis-ß-ocimene corresponded to 50.90% of the volatiles. The antioxidant activity by ABTS+ method was 550.14 µmol Trolox·g-1 and by the DPPH method the EC50 was 85.68 g·g-1. The fruits presented relevant antioxidant activity, a high concentration of carotenoids and of rutin.

Processing tomato waste as a potential bioactive compounds source: phenolic compounds, antioxidant capacity and bioacessibility studies / Resíduo do processamento do tomate como potencial fonte de compostos bioativos: compostos fenólicos, capacidade antioxidante e bioacessibilidade

A comparative study was perfomed with conventional and ultrasound assisted extraction on tomato processing waste. Ultrasound extraction exhibited slightly higher phenolic and flavonoids content, as well as higher ABTS + radical scavenging capacity (4.63 mg GAE.g-1, 0.96 mg RUE.g-1 and 27.90 µmol TE.g -1 respectively). On both extracts, a high percentage of flavonoids was lost during simulated digestion, resulting on a bioacessibility of approximately 13 %. Extracts presented good stability during storage conditions, which indicates a possible technological application.

Foi realizado um estudo comparativo com a extração convencional e assistida por ultrassom em resíduos do processamento de tomate. A extração ultrassônica exibiu teor de fenólicos e flavonóides ligeiramente maiores, bem como maior capacidade antioxidante ABTS + (4,63 mg AG.g-1, 0,96 mg RUE.g-1 e 27,90 µmol TE.g -1, respectivamente). Em ambos os extratos, uma alta porcentagem de flavonóides foi perdida durante a digestão simulada, resultando em uma bioacessibilidade de aproximadamente 13%. Os extratos apresentaram boa estabilidade durante as condições de armazenamento, o que indica uma possível aplicação tecnológica.

LC-MS based screening and targeted profiling methods for complex plant: coffee a case study.

In the recent years the way of thinking about human health necessarily passes by human food. Recent discoveries are not only concerned about valuable biomolecules but also contaminants. Thus, the screening of substances in animal and vegetable matrices by analytical techniques is focused on the presence and absence of target substance. In both cases, the majority of these substances are present as traces or in very low levels. Contaminants could be naturally present in the food, inserted on it or even developed on it as a consequence of food processing or cooking. Pesticides, mycotoxins, dioxins, acrylamide, Sudan red, melamine and now 4(5)-methylimidazole can be, at present, be listed as some of the world big problems related to food contaminants and adulterants. With the development of liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (LC-MS-MS), in the last few decades, analysis of some food contaminants in trace levels trace become less laborious, more accurate and precise. The multiple approach of those techniques make possible to obtain many results in one single run. On the other hand, European Union (2002/657/EC) established regulations for analytical methods regarding mass spectrometry as detection tool, showing the importance of this technique in food quality control. The EU criteria uses identification points (IPs) that could be achieved basically with four product ions (including molecular ion) or reduced with the use of high resolution equipments. This kind of mass spectrometers made the IPs criteria more accessible, as the exact mass information is a differential tool. In view of this the aim of this review is to present the actual scenario for mass spectrometry analysis in a complex vegetable food matrix such as roasted coffee, with emphasis on needs and challenges regarding the LC-MS technique in order to meet and contribute to food safety standards in this complex matrix.

Retention of total carotenoid and ß-carotene in yellow sweet cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) after domestic cooking.

BACKGROUND: Over the last decade, considerable efforts have been made to identify cassava cultivars to improve the vitamin A nutritional status of undernourished populations, especially in northeast Brazil, where cassava is one of the principal and essentially only nutritional source. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the total carotenoid, ß-carotene, and its all-E-, 9-, and 13-Z-ß-carotene isomers content in seven yellow sweet cassava roots and their retention after three boiling cooking methods. DESIGN: The total carotenoid, ß-carotene, and its all-E-, 9-, and 13-Z-ß-carotene isomers in yellow sweet cassava samples were determined by ultraviolet/visible spectrometry and high-performance liquid chromatography, respectively, before and after applying the cooking methods. All analyses were performed in triplicate. RESULTS: The total carotenoid in raw roots varied from 2.64 to 14.15 µg/g and total ß-carotene from 1.99 to 10.32 µg/g. The ß-carotene predominated in all the roots. The Híbrido 2003 14 08 cultivar presented the highest ß-carotene content after cooking methods 1 and 3. The 1153 - Klainasik cultivar presented the highest 9-Z-ß-carotene content after cooking by method 3. The highest total carotenoid retention was observed in cultivar 1456 - Vermelhinha and that of ß-carotene for the Híbrido 2003 14 11 cultivar, both after cooking method 1. Evaluating the real retention percentage (RR%) in sweet yellow cassava after home cooking methods showed differences that can be attributed to the total initial carotenoid contents. However, no cooking method uniformly provided a higher total carotenoid or ß-carotene retention in all the cultivars. CONCLUSION: Differences were found in the cooking methods among the samples regarding total carotenoid or ß-carotene retention, suggesting that the different behaviors of the cultivars need to be further analyzed. However, high percentages of total carotenoid or ß-carotene retention were observed and can minimize vitamin A deficiency in low-income populations.

Teor de carotenoides em nutricosméticos: análise da adequação e qualidade do produto / Carotenoids content in nutricosmetics products: evaluation of product adequacy and quality

O objetivo deste trabalho foi verificar a adequação dos nutricosméticos contendo carotenoides em sua formulação em relação aos teores de β-caroteno, luteína, licopeno e zeaxantina, considerando-se as quantidades declaradas pelos fabricantes. Dezenove nutricosméticos foram adquiridos no comércio varejista do município do Rio de Janeiro, em 2012. Duas metodologias de extração foram aplicadas,variando-se de acordo com o tipo de invólucro (cápsula), veículos (excipientes) e carotenoides presentes.A quantificação e determinação do perfil de carotenoides nas amostras foram realizadas por cromatografialíquida de alta eficiência (CLAE) com método validado e acreditado. Quatro amostras das 19 analisadas estavam dentro dos limites estabelecidos pelas Boas Práticas de Fabricação (90 a 110 %). As demais amostras revelaram conteúdo inadequado de carotenoides e, consequentemente, falhas no controle de qualidade para a produção dos nutricosméticos. Desta forma, esta pesquisa demonstra que este setor deve ser objeto de atenção especial da vigilância sanitária, com necessidade de estabelecer legislação específica para regulamentar a fabricação, a rotulagem e a propaganda destes produtos.

The present study analyzed the nutricosmetics adequacy referring to the carotenoids contents, such asβ-carotene, lutein, lycopene and zeaxanthin, and these findings were compared with the contents declaredby the manufacturers. Nineteen carotenoids-containing nutricosmetics were purchased at retail marketin Rio de Janeiro city in 2012. Two methodologies of extraction were used according to the type of shell(capsules), carriers (excipients) and carotenoids. Quantification and determination of carotenoids profilewere performed in a High Performed Liquid Chromatograph (HPLC) with validated and accreditedmethodology. Of 19 analyzed samples, four were within the limits established by the Good ManufacturingPractice specification (90 to 110 %), and the others were out of this range, revealing an inadequacy inthe carotenoids contents and failures in the quality control of nutricosmetics production. This studydemonstrated that the nutricosmetics production sector should receive a special attention from the healthsurveillance, and it needs a specific legislation to regulate the manufacture, labeling and advertising ofthese products.

Obtenção de padrões de cis-licopeno e beta-criptoxantina para cromatografia líquida de alta eficiência a partir de melão-de-São-Caetano e caqui / Obtaining cis-lycopene and beta-cryptoxanthin standards for high performance liquid chromatography from bitter melon and persimmon

A detecção e quantificação de carotenóides em alimentos por cromatografia líquida de alta eficiência (CLAE) demanda de padrões analíticos com alto grau de pureza. A aquisição comercial destes padrões é morosa e dispendiosa. Além disso, determinados diasteroisômeros não estão disponíveis no mercado e alterações dos compostos podem ocorrer durante seu transporte. Desta forma, o objetivo deste trabalho foi obter isômeros cis-licopeno a partir de licopeno todo-trans de melão-de-São-Caetano (Momordica charantia L.) e beta-criptoxantina a partir de caqui (Diospyros kaki L.) para utilização como padrões analíticos na análise de alimentos. Licopeno todo-trans extraído do arilo de sementes de melão-de-São-Caetano foi convertido a cis-licopeno. A isomerização e separação das frações contendo isômeros do licopeno foram realizadas em coluna cromatográfica aberta de sílica ativada e a verificação da isomerização e o isolamento foram realizados por CLAE. Foram detectados 94,2% de licopeno todo-trans entre os carotenóides totais dos arilos de sementes. A isomerização em coluna de sílica aberta ativada produziu 29 isômeros ¬cis-licopeno em três frações coletadas. Nas primeiras frações de melão-de-São-Caetano e de caqui foram isolados um isômero cis-licopeno e beta-criptoxantina com pureza de 91,3% e 92,8%, respectivamente, o que permite seu uso como padrões analíticos para análises. Após 1 ano conservados à -18 oC em ampola de borossilicato selada à vácuo, em ambiente escuro, não houve alteração significativa nas concentrações do cis-licopeno e da beta-criptoxantina, permitindo ainda seu uso como padrões analíticos. A metodologia empregada mostrou-se viável para a conversão de licopeno todo-trans em cis-licopenos e para o isolamento e purificação de padrões analíticos para CLAE.

Detection and quantification of carotenoids in foods can be carried out by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), but analytical standards must be employed. However, these analytical standards are expensive, some isomers are not available for trade, time consuming between purchase and reception and chemical changes may occur during long transportation. Therefore, the objective of this study was to obtain cis-lycopene isomers from all-trans lycopene present in bitter melon (Momordica charantia L.) and beta-cryptoxanthin from persimmon (Diospyros kaki L.), for use as analytical standards in foods analysis. All-trans lycopene extracted from bitter melon seed arils was converted to cis-lycopene. The isomerization and separation of the fractions containing cis-isomers were done in silica column. Confirmation of isomerization and isolation of cis-lycopene were performed by HPLC. A total of 94.2% of all-trans lycopene were detected in the seed arils. Isomerization in silica column produced 29 cis-lycopene isomers in 3 fractions collected. In the first fraction, a cis-lycopene with a purity of 91.3% was isolated which allows its use as analytical standard for analysis using HPLC. After sample preparation, ?-cryptoxanthin was isolated by silica column. Analysis by HPLC revelead ?-cryptoxanthin with purity of 92.8%. After one year stored at -18 °C in sealed borosilicate glass ampoule under vacuum, in the dark,, no significant change in concentration of cis-lycopene and ?-cryptoxanthin occured, still allowing them use as analytical standards. The methodology was feasible for the conversion of all-trans lycopene to cis-lycopene and for the isolation and purification of analytical standards by HPLC.