Effect of Extrusion Processing Conditions on the Phenolic Compound Content and Antioxidant Capacity of Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) Bran.

Sorghum is a cereal with little use in human diet; however, this grain can provide several nutrients and, additionally, has a high content of phenolic compounds concentrated in bran, which could be beneficial to human health due to its high antioxidant capacity. However, these bioactive compounds are bound within the cell wall matrix; it is necessary to release these compounds to take advantage of their antioxidant properties. The extrusion process increases the accessibility of bound phenolic compounds, breaking their bonds from the bran matrix. The aim of this study was to determine the optimal extrusion conditions for maximizing the phenolic compound content and antioxidant capacity of sorghum bran extrudate. The extrusion process factors evaluated were feed moisture (FM) from 25 to 35% and the fourth extrusion zone temperature (T) in the range of 140-180 °C. Analysis of variance and response surface analysis were used in the evaluation. The prediction coefficient, (FM)2, (T)2 and their interaction (FM)(T) significantly affected the free total phenolic compounds. The antioxidant capacity of the free total phenolic compounds was significantly affected by (FM)2 and (T)2. The optimal extrusion conditions were FM = 30% and T = 160 °C, which provided free total phenolic compounds with a value of 7428.95 µg GAE/g (predicted value: 7810.90 µg GAE/g) and antioxidant capacity with a value of 14.12 µmol TE/g (predicted value: 14.85 µmol TE/g). Results confirmed that extrusion process optimization was useful to increase the content of phenolic compounds and improved the antioxidant capacity of sorghum bran.

Hypotensive effects of genistein: From chemistry to medicine.

Genistein (4', 5, 7-trihydroxyisoflavone), a naturally occurring flavonoid characteristic of Leguminoseae plants, is a phyto-oestrogen exerting oestrogenic activity as both an agonist and an antagonist substance. A large body of evidence suggests that genistein possesses many physiological and pharmacological properties that make this molecule a potential agent for the prevention and treatment of a number of chronic diseases. Growing evidence suggests that genistein could act as a vasodilating, anti-thrombotic, and anti-atherosclerotic agent, exerting these effects through different mechanisms of action. This paper aims to review data from the literature assessing the beneficial effects of genistein on hypertension, one of the most important cardiovascular disease risk factors along with hyperglycemia and hyperlidipemia. In addition, we discuss the chemistry, main sources and bioavailability of genistein. Scientific findings support genistein's potential as a promising anti-hypertensive agent in different experimental models. However, clinical trials are very limited and more research will be required before genistein intake can be recommended as part of therapies targeting raised blood pressure.

Cuantificación de riboflavina (vitamina B2) en productos lácteos por HPLC / Quantification of riboflavin (vitamin B2) in dairy products by HPLC

La riboflavina (B2) es una vitamina hidrosoluble del complejo B, cuyo aporte nutritional es imprescindible para el buen funcionamiento del organismo. La leche es una de las principales fuentes de riboflavina en la dieta humana, sin embargo, en la mayoría de los alimentos se degrada durante los procesos térmicos convencionales y en el almacenamiento. En el presente trabajo se determinó el contenido de riboflavina en productos lácteos comerciales, leches para consumo directo y yogurt, por cromatografía líquida de alta resolución (HPLC) con detección por fluorescencia. La preparación de la muestra incluye una hidrólisis acida (HC10. IN), seguida por una digestión enzimática, y por último, la precipitación de proteínas (TCA100 por ciento). En el análisis cromatográfico se utilizó un sistema isocrático (acetato de amonio 5 mM-metanol, 72:28 v/v). El contenido de riboflavina de las muestras de yogurt estuvo en el rango de 0,289 - 3,078 u/g BS, mientras que en la leche ultrapasteurizada y pasteurizada de 0,61-13,64 ug/gBS y 11,73-15,41 ug/ g BS, respectivamente. Las leches para consumo directo y el yogurt comercial son fuentes de riboflavina, y su consumo regular puede ayudar a satisfacer los requerimientos diarios.

Riboflavin is a water-soluble vitamin of the B complex, and its contribution is essential for the good functioning of the body. Milk is one of the main sources of riboflavin in the human diet; however, in most foods is degraded during conventional thermal processes and storage. In this paper the content of riboflavin in commercial dairy products, milk for direct consumption and yogurt, was determined by high performance liquid chrornato graphic analysis (HPLC) with fluorescence detection. Sample preparation includedan acid hydrolysis (HCL 0.1 N) followed by an enzymatic digestion and a protein precipitation at the end (TCA100 percent). For the HPLC analysis an isocratic bomb program was used (0.005 M ammonium acetate-methanol, 72:28 vlv). Riboflavin concentrations in yogurt samples were 0.289-3.078 ugB2/gDW, while in the ultra-high-temperature pasteurized milk and pasteurized milk was 0.61 -13.64 ugB2/g DW and 11.73-15.41 ugB2/g DW, respectively. Milk for direct consumption and yogurt are good sources of riboflavin; its regular consumption helps to satisfy daily requirements.