Selenium content, chemical composition and volatile components of essential oil and hydrosol from flowers of Cardamine violifolia.

Cardamine violifolia is a unique selenium hyperaccumulating vegetable in China, but its flowers are commonly wasted in large-scale cultivation. To better utilize this resource, this study explored the selenium content, chemical composition, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) of hydro-distilling essential oil (EO) and hydrosol from C. violifolia flowers. ICP-MS results indicated that the EO and hydrosol contained selenium reaching 13.66±2.82 mg/kg and 0.0084±0.0013 mg/kg, respectively. GC-MS analysis revealed that organic acids, hydrocarbons, and amines were the main components of EO. Additionally, benzyl nitrile, benzaldehyde, benzyl isothiocyanate, benzyl alcohol, megastigmatrienone, and 2-methoxy-4-vinylphenol also existed in considerable amounts. The hydrosol extract had fewer components, mainly amines. HS-SPME-GC-MS corresponded to the composition analysis and aromatic compounds were the prevalent VOCs, while HS-GC-IMS primarily identified C2-C10 molecular alcohols, aldehydes, ethers, and sulfur-containing compounds. This study first described the chemical composition and VOC profiles of EO and hydrosol from selenium hyperaccumulating plant.

Selenium speciation and volatile flavor compound profiles in the edible flowers, stems, and leaves of selenium-hyperaccumulating vegetable Cardamine violifolia.

Cardamine violifolia is a unique selenium (Se)-hyperaccumulating vegetable in China. The total Se content and Se speciation of three edible parts, including flowers, stems, and leaves were detected by HPLC-ICP-MS. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) greatly impact food flavor. The VOCs of three samples were analyzed by E-nose, HS-GC-IMS, and HS-SPME-GC-MS. The results showed that the total Se content in flowers was significantly higher than that in leaves and was the lowest in stems. Organic Se accounts for more than 98% of the total Se content, primarily selenocystine, followed by methyl selenocysteine. A total of 102 VOCs were identified from C. violifolia, mainly esters, aldehydes, alcohols, and ketones. Flowers contained abundant VOCs, while stems and leaves contained fewer but similar profiles. Moreover, multivariate statistical analysis was applied to investigate the VOC variations and marker VOCs. This work can provide useful knowledge for understanding the Se characteristics and flavor of C. violifolia.

Recent advances in the development of bitter gourd seed oil: from chemical composition to potential applications.

Non-conventional seed oils are being considered novelty foods due to the unique properties of their chemical constituents. Numerous such seed oils serve as nutritional and functional supplements, making them a point of interest for scholars. Bitter gourd (Momordica charantia L.) seed oil (BGSO) has been widely used in folk medicine worldwide for the treatment of different pathologies, such as diabetes, cancer, and several inflammatory diseases. Therefore, its nutritional and medicinal value has been extensively studied. Considering the potential use of BGSO, it is imperative to have a comprehensive understanding of this product to develop and use its biologically active ingredients in innovative food and pharmaceutical products. An extensive understanding of BGSO would also help improve the economic feasibility of the bitter gourd seed processing industry and help prevent environmental pollution associated with the raw waste produced during the processing of bitter gourd seeds. This review addresses the potential uses of BGSO in terms of food and pharmaceuticals industry perspectives and comprehensively summarizes the oil extraction process, chemical composition, biological activity, and the application prospects of BGSO in clinical medicine.

Studies on the interaction between homological proteins and anthocyanins from purple sweet potato (PSP): Structural characterization, binding mechanism and stability.

The protein-bound anthocyanin complexes are naturally existed in food systems by their spontaneous interaction. In this study, the interaction mechanism of homological proteins (p-PSP) and anthocyanins (FAC-PSP) was investigated to explore the binding characteristic of native protein-bound anthocyanins from purple sweet potato (p-BAC-PSP). The structural characterization, stability and anti-ultraviolet property of p-BAC-PSP were also evaluated. Results revealed that hydrophobic interaction is dominant binding force for forming p-BAC-PSP. The binding resulted in protein secondary structure changes with more ß-sheet and lower ß-turn, random coil structures. Fluorescence spectroscopy demonstrated that FAC-PSP quenched p-PSP fluorescence in a combination of static and dynamic mode (static dominant) with a binding constant of 105 L/mol reflecting strong affinity of FAC-PSP to p-PSP. Moreover, the complex form exhibited better protective effects on anthocyanins for pH, light, thermal stabilities and higher anti-ultraviolet activity. These findings further expanded the application of anthocyanins as stable, functional food and cosmetic ingredients.

Structural characterization, acute toxicity assessment and protective effects of selenylated apple pectin on dextran sulfate sodium-induced ulcerative colitis.

This study was aimed at investigating the structural characterization, acute toxicity and protective effect of selenylated apple pectin on dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced ulcerative colitis (UC) in mice. Selenylated apple pectin was characterized by ion chromatography, NMR and SEC-RI-MALLS. The acute toxicity and protective effect of selenylated apple pectin against UC were investigated by gavage administration in mice. The organ state and coefficients, inflammatory cytokine (IL-6, IL-10 and TNF-α) contents in serum, GSH-Px activity and MPO content in colon tissues were also evaluated. The results indicated that selenylated apple pectin was non-toxic and contained 244.28 µgselenium per g. The monosaccharide composition with different molar ratios, different relative molecular weights and a weakened signal peak (CH2-O group) at 3-4 ppm were observed after selenylation. The selenylated apple pectin showed the protective effect against UC by down-regulating IL-6 and TNF-α contents and up-regulating the IL-10 content in serum, as well as increasing the GSH-Px activity and decreasing the MPO content in colon tissues. Moreover, DSS-induced alterations were effectively recovered by a high-dose sample. These findings provide evidence in support of selenylated apple pectin as a novel dietary selenium supplement for UC protection.

Starch/tea polyphenols nanofibrous films for food packaging application: From facile construction to enhance mechanical, antioxidant and hydrophobic properties.

Starch based food packaging has been receiving increasing attention. However, the inherent poor properties of starch restrict its practical applications in the versatile material science field. In this study, a fast, simple, and environmentally friendly route to construct polyfunctional starch/tea polyphenols nanofibrous films (STNFs) by one-step temperature-assisted electrospinning was developed. The effects of introduction of tea polyphenols (TP) on the mechanical and antioxidant activity of STNFs were comprehensively investigated. Results of ABTS·+ free radical scavenging assay showed that the antioxidant activity of STNFs was endowed by addition of TP with optimum mechanical properties confirmed by tensile test. More interestingly, the hydrophobicity of STNFs was improved dramatically with increasing cross-linking time as indicated by water contact angle (WCA) measurement showing no effect on the antioxidant activity of the films. The results of this work offer a major step forward to promote functional starch-based materials for sustainable application in food packaging.

Investigation of sugars, organic acids, phenolic compounds, antioxidant activity and the aroma fingerprint of small white apricots grown in Xinjiang.

Small white apricot is well known as a famous fresh fruit and even a folk medicine in Xinjiang. To investigate nutritive value, antioxidant activity, and flavor of small white apricot, sugars, organic acids, total flavonoids, phenolic compounds, antioxidant activities, and volatile compounds in five apricot cultivars were examined by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and headspace solid-phase microextraction coupled with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (HS-SPME-GC-MS). The results showed that sucrose (32.94% to 42.49%), malic acid (69.21% to 76.75%), and quercetin-3-rutinoside (72.84% to 74.05%) were the dominant sugar, organic acid, and phenolic compounds in small white apricot, respectively. The antioxidant activity reached up to 61.72 to 135.52 mg TEs 100 g-1 . Furthermore, the aroma fingerprint of the small white apricot consisted of 1-octen-3-ol, 1-dodecanol, pentanal, hexanal, (E)-2-hexenal, (E)-2-heptenal, 6-methyl-5-hepten-2-one, (E)-2-nonenal, 1-octen-3-one, ß-myrcene, and linalool, providing clear green, grassy, and fatty notes. Apricots from different cultivars possessed a similar flavor, while linalool and (E)-2-hexenal had been identified as the characteristic aroma compounds in small white apricot. The results provide a complete chemical characterization of the taste, functional ingredients and aroma of the small white apricot. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: The nutritive value, antioxidant activity and flavor of small white apricot were investigated in this study. The results will provide a theoretical basis for developing characteristic variety aroma, nutritive value, and medicinal value of small white apricot.

Protein-Bound Anthocyanin Compounds of Purple Sweet Potato Ameliorate Hyperglycemia by Regulating Hepatic Glucose Metabolism in High-Fat Diet/Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Mice.

Purple sweet potato is known as a rich source of protein and anthocyanins. Anthocyanins can form complexes with protein present in food products through non-covalent forces or covalent bonds during processing, transportation, and storage as their protein affinity. We evaluated the hypoglycemic effects of protein-bound anthocyanin compounds of purple sweet potato (p-BAC-PSP) and free anthocyanin compounds of purple sweet potato (FAC-PSP) in high-fat diet/streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice. The results showed that administration of both p-BAC-PSP and FAC-PSP improved diabetic condition, as evidenced by the improvement of glucose tolerance and lipid metabolism, and the decrease of oxidative stress and liver damage. For the mechanism study, we have found that p-BAC-PSP and FAC-PSP induced the expression of AMP-activated protein kinase in liver. With p-BAC-PSP or FAC-PSP treatment, glucose transporter type 2, the protein levels of glucokinase, and insulin receptor α were found to be improved significantly (p < 0.05). Glycolysis key genes, phosphofructokinase and pyruvate kinase, were upregulated in two treatment groups, while gluconeogenic genes, glucose-6-phosphatase and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase, were downregulated. Our findings suggested that p-BAC-PSP has great potential as a dietary supplement with hypoglycemic activity for general, pre-diabetic, and diabetic population.

Molecular characteristics of kappa-selenocarrageenan and application in green synthesis of silver nanoparticles.

Selenium is an essential trace element in human body, and kappa-selenocarrageenan (Se-car) is an organic source of selenium supplement. To further utilize Se-car in food packaging, biotherapy or biosensor, the molecular information of Se-car was characterized here and multi-functional Ag NPs synthesized by Se-car were fabricated. Results of GPC-MALLS, FTIR, potentiometric titration, and intrinsic viscosity showed that Se-car was polymerized by nearly 22 basic units of disaccharide. Sixty-four percentage of sulfated groups (SO42-) in carrageenan was replaced by selenium acid (SeO32-), which belonged to weak acid resulting from a gradually decrease of ζ-potential with acidity process to pH 1.0. Besides, the capacity of biosynthesis silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) by Se-car was studied and it made a comparison with κ-carrageenan. Results exhibited that Se-car could serve as an efficient reducing and capping agent for Ag NPs fabrication (remarked as Se-car@Ag). The kapp of Se-car@Ag NPs for catalyzing 4-NP degradation was 2.14 × 10-2 s-1. Antibacterial test revealed Se-car@Ag had an ability to inhibit the growth of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. To combine the selenium health benefit and functional metal nanoparticles, Se-car@Ag might have potential applications in multiple areas like medicine, disease diagnostic, and drug delivery.

Transport of Flavanolic Monomers and Procyanidin Dimer A2 across Human Adenocarcinoma Stomach Cells (MKN-28).

It has been proven that A-type procyanidins, containing an additional ether bond, compared to B-type procyanidins are also bioavailable in vitro and in vivo. However, their bioavailability and absorption in the gastrointestinal tract remain uncertain. In this study, a model of the human adenocarcinoma stomach cell line (MKN-28) was established to explore the cellular transport of flavanolic monomers and procyanidin dimer A2, which were isolated from the litchi pericarp extract. After the integrity and permeability of the cell monolayer were ensured by measurement of the transepithelial electrical resistance and the apparent permeability coefficient for Lucifer yellow, the transportation of procyanidins A2 and B2, (-)-epicatechin (EC), and (+)-catechin (CC) was studied at pH 3.0, 5.0, or 7.0 in the apical side, with compound concentrations of 0.05 and 0.1 mg/mL based on the cytotoxicity test. High-performance liquid chromatography and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry analyses indicated that EC, CC, and A2 were transported in the MKN-28 cell line from 30 to 180 min, while B2 showed no transport. The maximal transport efficiencies of EC, CC, and A2 were 23 ± 0.81, 13.16 ± 1.53, and 16.41 ± 1.36%, respectively, existing at 120, 180, and 120 min of transportation. Laser scanning confocal microscopy analysis presented the dynamic transmission of EC, in accordance with the result of concentration determination, suggesting that the A-type procyanidins are possibly absorbed through the stomach barrier, which is pH- and time-dependent.

Degradation of anthocyanins and polymeric color formation during heat treatment of purple sweet potato extract at different pH.

Purple sweet potato anthocyanins are common natural pigments widely used in food industry, while they are often thermally processed in application. Degradation of anthocyanins, formation of polymers and color changes of purple sweet potato extract (PSPE) were investigated at 90 °C in the range of pH 3.0-pH 7.0. Data analysis indicated a first-order reaction for anthocyanins degradation in solutions with pH 3.0, 5.0 and 7.0 have half-lives of 10.27, 12.42 and 4.66 h, respectively. The polymeric color formation followed zero-order kinetics, progressively increasing with pH values. The color of PSPE were changed with heating time and pH value through visual observation and colorimetric characterization. Analysis by UV-Vis spectrophotometry and HPLC indicated that anthocyanins in solution with pH 3.0 changed from monomeric anthocyanin into new polymers during heat treatment. Degradation of anthocyanins was accompanied by an increase in polymeric color index, due to the formation of melanoidin pigments and condensation reactions.

Anti-hyperuricemic and nephroprotective effects of extracts from Chaenomeles sinensis (Thouin) Koehne in hyperuricemic mice.

Clinically, Chaenomeles sinensis (Thouin) Koehne (C. sinensis) has been used to treat hyperuricemia and gout. However, the exact mechanism of action is still unknown. In the present study, the ethyl acetate fraction of C. sinensis fruit extract (CSF-E) was separated. Potassium oxonate (PO)-induced hyperuricemic mice and normal mice were administered with CSF-E at 60, 120 and 180 mg kg-1, respectively for 7 days. Serum uric acid, creatinine and BUN levels, liver oxidative damage, and serum and hepatic XOD activities were primarily measured using assay kits. The evaluation of its nephroprotective effects was carried out by renal histopathological analysis. Simultaneously, renal protein levels of organic anion transporters, such as mURAT1 and mOAT1, were detected using western blotting to elucidate the possible mechanisms. The results showed that CSF-E could significantly inhibit XOD activities in both serum and liver (p < 0.05), decreasing uric acid, creatinine and BUN levels in serum, and increasing levels in the excretion of uric acid by down-regulated of mURAT1 and up-regulated mOAT1 protein expression of kidney in hyperuricemic mice. Moreover, PO-induced alterations in the levels of MDA, hepatic SOD and GSH-Px activities and renal inflammation damage in hyperuricemic mice were effectively recovered by CSF-E at 120 mg kg-1. CSF-E possessed anti-hyperuricemic and nephroprotective effects by suppressing XOD activity, improving renal function and regulating renal mURAT1 and mOAT1 protein expression, which resulted in beneficial effects on hyperuricemia and gout prevention.

From 'green' technologies to 'red' antioxidant compounds extraction of purple corn: a combined ultrasound-ultrafiltration-purification approach.

BACKGROUND: A pilot scale process consisting of ultrasound-assisted extraction, ammonium sulfate precipitation, cross-flow ultrafiltration and AB-8 macroporous resins purification aiming to recover anthocyanins and zein from purple corn (PC) was optimized and scaled-up. The effects of five independent variables (ethanol concentration, liquid to solid ratio, ultrasound temperature, time and power) were discussed and the most influential factors were optimized. RESULTS: The highest total anthocyanin (0.45 ± 0.01 g kg-1 ) and zein (17.14 ± 1.73 g kg-1 ) contents from purple corn were obtained using an ultrasound power of 105 W, an extraction time of 90 min, an ethanol concentration of 74% and a liquid to solid ratio of 26:1, at 70 °C, and this was consistent with the predicted values (0.46 and 17.36 g kg-1 , for anthocyanin and zein, respectively). Subsequently, ammonium sulfate precipitation was used to isolate anthocyanins and zein. After cross-flow ultrafiltration, zein (6.30 g) was obtained with 80% purity. Anthocyanins were purified by AB-8 macroporous resins, resulting in 1.60 g of anthocyanins. High-performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry analysis revealed eight different anthocyanins in purple corn extracts. CONCLUSION: From the results obtained in the present study, it can be concluded that the proposed extraction-separation-filtration-purification method applied under the optimal conditions could be scaled-up to recover anthocyanins and zein simultaneously. Moreover, under the selected conditions, no significant degradation of anthocyanins was observed. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry.

Recovery of Oil with Unsaturated Fatty Acids and Polyphenols from Chaenomelessinensis (Thouin) Koehne: Process Optimization of Pilot-Scale Subcritical Fluid Assisted Extraction.

The potential effects of three modern extraction technologies (cold-pressing, microwaves and subcritical fluids) on the recovery of oil from Chaenomelessinensis (Thouin) Koehne seeds have been evaluated and compared to those of conventional chemical extraction methods (Soxhlet extraction). This oil contains unsaturated fatty acids and polyphenols. Subcritical fluid extraction (SbFE) provided the highest yield-25.79 g oil/100 g dry seeds-of the three methods. Moreover, the fatty acid composition in the oil samples was analysed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. This analysis showed that the percentages of monounsaturated (46.61%), and polyunsaturated fatty acids (42.14%), after applying SbFE were higher than those obtained by Soxhlet, cold-pressing or microwave-assisted extraction. In addition, the oil obtained under optimized SbFE conditions (35 min extraction at 35 °C with four extraction cycles), showed significant polyphenol (527.36 mg GAE/kg oil), and flavonoid (15.32 mg RE/kg oil), content, had a good appearance and was of high quality.

Gastrointestinal absorption, antiproliferative and anti-inflammatory effect of the major carotenoids of Gardenia jasminoides Ellis on cancer cells.

The gastrointestinal absorption of the main carotenoids present in Gardenia jasminoides Ellis, crocetin, crocin-1 and crocin-2, was assayed through transport studies on MKN-28 and Caco-2 cell lines. Overall, crocetin was the compound that presented the highest gastrointestinal transport efficiency. Additionally, and since after absorption crocins are metabolized into crocetin, the antiproliferative capacity of crocetin was assayed in MKN-28 (stomach), MCF-7 (breast) and Caco-2 (colon) cancer cell lines. The results point to an antiproliferative effect of crocetin on the three cell lines tested. Anti-inflammatory properties were also assayed. Overall, crocetin showed a potential involvement in the downregulation of IL-1ß and TNF-α but not IL-6. Altogether, these results suggest that these compounds can have an important role against cancer proliferation, highlighting the importance of Gardenia jasminoides Ellis as a nutraceutical food source.

Effect of the A-Type Linkage on the Pharmacokinetics and Intestinal Metabolism of Litchi Pericarp Oligomeric Procyanidins.

The bioavailability of A-type procyanidins in vivo has been rarely investigated; as such, this study discusses the effect of A-type linkage and degree of polymerization on the metabolism of procyanidins extracted from litchi pericarp (LPOPC). Sprague-Dawley rats were gavaged with (-)-epicatechin (EC) and LPOPC and sacrificed at different time points after ingestion. A-type linkage procyanidin oligomers inhibited the absorption of EC. Analysis of urinary contents from rats administered with EC, A-type procyanidin dimer (A-2), and A-type procyanidin trimer (A-3) showed distinct native and metabolite profiles for each rat. Rats fed with A-2 and A-3 presented significantly higher levels of shikimic acid and less amount of m(p)-coumaric acid metabolites in vivo and provide insight into the quantitative structure-activity relationship of procyanidin oligomers during metabolism, indicating that procyanidins with A-type linkage could induce an altered metabolic pathway of oligomers in the gastrointestinal system.

HPLC-DAD-ESI-MS(2) analytical profile of extracts obtained from purple sweet potato after green ultrasound-assisted extraction.

Ultrasound pre-treatment (UAE) was applied to assist the extraction of valuable compounds (polyphenols (especially anthocyanins), and proteins) from purple sweet potato (PSP). Under optimum conditions (ultrasound time (40min); supplementary hot extraction (80°C) up to 120min; pH: 2.5; ethanol concentration: 58%), the highest concentrations of polyphenols (3.877mg/g), anthocyanins (0.293mg/g), and proteins (0.753mg/g) were found, with minimal specific energy consumption (8406J/mg). Moreover, anthocyanin and non-anthocyanin polyphenols in PSP extract from optimized extraction temperature were identified using HPLC-DAD-ESI-MS(2). The major identified anthocyanins were peonidin-3-caffeoyl-p-hydroxybenzoyl sophoroside-5-glucoside, peonidin-3-(6″-caffeoyl-6‴-feruloyl sophoroside)-5-glucoside, cyanidin-3-caffeoyl-p-hydroxybenzoyl sophoroside-5-glucoside, whereas the major identified non-anthocyanin molecules were quinic acid, chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, and chlorogenic acid-3-glucose. The amount of the predominant anthocyanin and non-anthocyanin compounds from PSP extract obtained after UAE was higher than that extracted after conventional solvent extraction. The results obtained in this work demonstrated the efficiency of UAE for the recovery of anthocyanins from PSP.

Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction, Centrifugation and Ultrafiltration: Multistage Process for Polyphenol Recovery from Purple Sweet Potatoes.

This work provides an evaluation of an ultrasound-assisted, combined extraction, centrifugation and ultrafiltration process for the optimal recovery of polyphenols. A purple sweet potato (PSP) extract has been obtained using ultrasonic circulating extraction equipment at a power of 840 W, a frequency of 59 kHz and using water as solvent. Extract ultrafiltration, using polyethersulfone (PES), was carried out for the recovery of polyphenol, protein and anthocyanin. Pre-treatment, via the centrifugation of purple sweet potato extract at 2500 rpm over 6 min, led to better polyphenol recovery, with satisfactory protein removal (reused for future purposes), than PSP extract filtration without centrifugation. Results showed that anthocyanin was efficiently recovered (99%) from permeate. The exponential model fit well with the experimental ultrafiltration data and led to the calculation of the membrane's fouling coefficient. The optimization of centrifugation conditions showed that, at a centrifugation speed of 4000 rpm (1195× g) and duration of 7.74 min, the optimized polyphenol recovery and fouling coefficient were 34.5% and 29.5 m-1, respectively. The removal of proteins in the centrifugation process means that most of the anthocyanin content (90%) remained after filtration. No significant differences in the intensities of the HPLC-DAD-ESI-MS² peaks were found in the samples taken before and after centrifugation for the main anthocyanins; peonidin-3-feruloylsophoroside-5-glucoside, peonidin-3-caffeoyl-p-hydroxybenzoylsophoroside-5-glucoside, and peonidin-3-caffeoyl-feruloyl sophoroside-5-glucoside. This proves that centrifugation is an efficient method for protein removal without anthocyanin loss. This study considers this process an ultrasound-assisted extraction-centrifugation-ultrafiltration for purple sweet potato valorization in "green" technology.

Optimization of ultrasound-assisted extraction of gardenia fruit oil with bioactive components and their identification and quantification by HPLC-DAD/ESI-MS(2).

Compounds in Fructus Gardeniae have been shown to possess a wide array of biological activities. However, Gardenia oil extracted from its fruit is less reported and its composition remains uncertain. To completely characterize lipophilic compounds in Gardenia oil, three conventional extraction (CE) and ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) methods were investigated. The oil extraction yield obtained by UAE was 51.8% higher than that acquired by cold-pressed extraction (CPE). The fatty acid profile in UAE oil with different solvents was characterized by GC-MS. Petroleum ether was observed to be an ideal solvent with 8.59% extraction yield and 78.88% recovery rate and with a ratio of 3.11 of unsaturated fatty acids to saturated fatty acids. Response surface methodology (RSM) with Box-Behnken Design (BBD) was applied to optimize conditions in UEA of oil to maximize extraction yield. Furthermore, the bioactive components in oil extracted by UAE were qualitatively identified and quantified by HPLC-DAD/ESI-MS(2) and HPLC-DAD analysis. The eight compounds in Gardenia oil, including geniposide, trans/cis-crocin-1, crocin-2, crocin-3, crocin-4, and trans/cis-crocetin, were structurally revealed. The corresponding transfer rates of the bioactive components showed that the lipophilic trans/cis-crocetin could be completely transferred from fruit to oil, with the highest concentration of 11.38 µg g(-1) oil among all compounds quantified. These findings could deliver potential application to a large-scale production of functional Gardenia oil whose bioactive components possess health benefits.

Solution properties and in vitro anti-tumor activities of polysaccharides from longan pulp.

The solution properties of four fractions (LPI-IV) from crude longan pulp polysaccharides (LP3) were analyzed by size-exclusion chromatography combined with laser light scattering, viscometry, complex formation with Congo red, and atomic force microscopy. Their radii of gyration (z)(½) were 43.3, 62.6, 43.2 and 77.3 nm, exponents of (z)(½) = k M(w)(v) were 0.04, 0.50, 0.52 and 0.02, and intrinsic viscosities ([η]) were 9.945, 25.38, 308.2 and 452.1 mL/g, respectively. Moreover, the dependence of [η] on M(w) was established to be [η] = 5.3 × 10⁻²M(w)°·6¹ (mL/g). LPI had both a sphere-like conformation and a triple-helix structure, and LPII-IV existed as flexible chains. LP3, LPI, LPII and LPIII all exhibited direct inhibitory effects on A549, HeLa and HepG2 cells in a positive dose-dependent manner in the range of 50-400 µg/mL. The activities of LPIII, especially the inhibition of HepG2 cell proliferation, were stronger than those of others, which may be partly related to its flexible conformation. The present results support the cancer therapeutic potential of longan polysaccharides.