Comparison on emulsifying and emulgelling properties of low methoxyl pectin with varied degree of methoxylation from different de-esterification methods.

Low methoxyl pectin (LMP) with different degree of methoxylation (DM, 40-50 %, 20-30 % and 5-10 %) were prepared from commercially available citrus pectin using high hydrostatic pressure assisted enzymatic (HHP-pectin) and traditional alkaline (A-pectin) de-esterification method. The results showed that both de-esterification methods and DM exhibited LMPs with varied physicochemical, structural, and functional properties. As the DM decreased, LMP showed a decrease in molecular weight (Mw), while an increase in negative charges and rhamnogalacturonan I (RG-I) ratio, accompanied with better emulsion stability, emulsion gel strength and water-holding properties. Relative to A-pectin, HHP-pectin had higher Mw and lower RG-I side chain ratio, contributing to its better thermal stability, apparent viscosity, and emulgelling properties. HHP-pectin with lower DM (5-10 %) showed superior thickening, emulsifying and emulgelling properties, while that with higher DM (40-45 %) had superior thermal stability, which provided alternative for de-esterification and targeted structural modification of pectin.

Potential role of cell wall pectin polysaccharides, water state, and cellular structure on twice "increase-decrease" texture changes during kohlrabi pickling process.

Pickled kohlrabi is a traditional and favored vegetable product in China. During pickling, the hardness, springiness, and chewiness of kohlrabi all experienced a typical change with twice "increase-decrease" trend. However, little is known about its mechanism. In this study, in situ analysis including immunofluorescence, low field nuclear magnetic, and transmission electron microscopy were used to explore the effects of cell wall pectin, water state, and cellular structure on kohlrabi texture changes during pickling. Results revealed that at the early stage, due to the rapid loss of water after three times salting, the cells shrank and the interstitial space reduced, resulting in the first increase on kohlrabi texture. Subsequently, the dehydration-rehydration caused by the first brine processing resulted in the first decrease on kohlrabi texture. Then under the action of PME enzyme, more low-esterified pectin was produced, and chelate-soluble pectin with more branched structure was further formed, leading to another elevation of the sample texture. As the pickling continued, under the combined action of PG and PME, the molecular weight of pectin was decreased and the rigidity of the cell tissue was destroyed, caused kohlrabi texture continued to decline. These researches could provide important information and guidance for better maintaining the texture of pickled vegetables during processing.

Identification of the active ingredients and pharmacological effects of Kuntai capsules in the treatment of primary ovarian insufficiency: A review.

Kuntai capsules are effective in controlling primary ovarian insufficiency (POI). However, the precise mechanisms underlying the pharmacological effects of Kuntai capsules remain unclear. This study aimed to screen the active components and underlying mechanisms of Kuntai capsules for POI treatment using network pharmacology protocols and molecular docking technology. Potential active constituents in the chemical composition of Kuntai capsules were obtained from the Traditional Chinese Medicine System Pharmacology Database. Targets for POI were obtained from the Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man and Gene Cards database. All target data were integrated to identify the active ingredients of POI treatment. Enrichment analyses were performed using the Database for Annotation, Visualization, and Integrated Discovery database. The STRING database and Cytoscape software were used for protein-protein interaction network construction and core target identification. Finally, a molecular docking analysis of the active components and core targets was performed. A total of 157 ingredients related to POI were identified. Enrichment analysis showed that these components might participate in the mitogen-activated protein kinase, tumor necrosis factor, phosphoinositide-3-kinase/AKT serine/threonine kinase 1, and forkhead box O signaling pathways. Further protein-protein interaction network analysis revealed that the core targets were Jun proto-oncogene, AKT serine/threonine kinase 1, tumor protein P53, interleukin 6, and the epidermal growth factor receptor. Molecular docking analysis showed that baicalein was the most active ingredient with the highest affinity for the core targets. This study identified baicalein as the core functional component and elucidated the potential pharmacological effects of Kuntai capsule in the treatment of POI.

Emulsifying properties, in vitro digestive characteristics, and ß-carotene bioaccessibility of mandarin peel pectin emulsions prepared with different carrier oil phases.

Mandarin peel pectin (MPP) emulsions were prepared with different oil phase loadings with or without ß-carotene, and their emulsifying characteristics, digestive properties and ß-carotene bioaccessibility were investigated. Results revealed that all MPP emulsions exhibited good loading efficiency for ß-carotene, while their apparent viscosity and interfacial pressure (π) of MPP emulsions increased significantly after the addition of ß-carotene. Emulsification of MPP emulsions as well as digestibility were significantly dependent on the kind of oil. MPP emulsions prepared with long-chain triglycerides (LCT) oil (soybean, corn, and olive oil) exhibited higher volume average particle size (D4,3), apparent viscosity, π values, and bioaccessibility of carotene compared to those prepared with medium-chain oils (MCT). MPP emulsions with LCT rich in monosaturated fatty acids (olive oil) had the highest ß-carotene encapsulation efficiency, bioaccessibility, etc. than from other oils. This study provides a theoretical basis for the efficient encapsulation and high bioaccessibility of carotenoids with pectin emulsions.

Extraction of Pectin from Satsuma Mandarin Peel: A Comparison of High Hydrostatic Pressure and Conventional Extractions in Different Acids.

Satsuma mandarin peel pectin was extracted by high hydrostatic pressure-assisted citric acid (HHPCP) or hydrochloric acid (HHPHP), and the physiochemical, structural, rheological and emulsifying characteristics were compared to those from conventional citric acid (CCP) and hydrochloric acid (CHP). Results showed that HHP and citric acid could both increase the pectin yield, and HHPCP had the highest yield (18.99%). Structural characterization, including NMR and FTIR, demonstrated that HHPHP showed higher Mw than the other pectins. The viscosity of the pectin treated with HHP was higher than that obtained with the conventional method, with HHPHP exhibiting significantly higher viscosity. Interestingly, all the pectin emulsions showed small particle mean diameters (D4,3 being 0.2-1.3 µm) and extremely good emulsifying stability with centrifugation and 30-day storage assays, all being 100%. Satsuma mandarin peel could become a highly promising pectin source with good emulsifying properties, and HHP-assisted acid could be a more efficient method for pectin extraction.

Curcumin loading and colon release of pectin gel beads: Effect of different de-esterification method.

Low methoxyl citrus pectin (LMP) de-esterified from high hydrostatic pressure assisted enzymatic (HHP-pectin) and two other traditional methods was characterized, and curcumin-pectin calcium gel beads were prepared to study curcumin-loading and colon-targeted delivery abilities. It was found there was no significant difference among different LMP on amorphous structure, while significantly higher Rha/GalA ratio of HHP-pectin indicated higher rhamnogalacturonan Ⅰ (RG-I) proportion and branching extent. Curcumin was well embedded in LMP beads with improved stability. HHP-pectin beads showed significantly higher hardness, chewiness and encapsulation efficiency, while lower swelling ratio. Moreover, in vitro simulated digestion showed gel beads can deliver curcumin to colon and inhibit premature release. HHP-pectin beads could release curcumin more quickly in colon, probably because of differences on texture properties, which may be depended on molecular structure. Thus, LMP especially HHP-pectin calcium gel as colon-targeted delivery system for curcumin may have potential application in function food and drug delivery.

Potential low-calorie model that inhibits free fatty acid release and helps curcumin deliver in vitro: Ca2+-induced emulsion gels from low methyl-esterified pectin with the presence of erythritol.

Our previous study showed that pectin de-esterified by high hydrostatic pressure assisted enzymatic method (HHP-pectin) had better Ca2+-induced gel performance and more stable emulsion than those from conventional enzymatic and alkaline methods. In this study, Ca2+-induced emulsion gels were further prepared by HHP-pectin in the presence of erythritol, and their texture properties, moisture distribution, the release of free fatty acids (FFAs) and curcumin were investigated. Results showed that gel strength, gel elasticity, and water cut-off capacity of the prepared emulsion gels significantly increased with Ca2+ concentration increasing. Compared with emulsions, HHP-pectin emulsion gels can significantly decrease FFAs and curcumin release in vitro digestion, especially for samples with better texture properties (higher Ca2+ concentration). This study indicated that Ca2+-induced HHP-pectin emulsion gels prepared with erythritol may provide a new choice for low-calorie foods preparing, and may become a potential alternative model that inhibiting FFAs release and helping fat-soluble nutrients (curcumin) deliver.

Regulatory Role of Chinese Herbal Medicine in Regulated Neuronal Death.

Ischemic neuronal injury results from a complex series of pathophysiological events, including oxidative, excitotoxicity, inflammation and nitrative stress. Consequently, many of these events can induce cell death, including necrosis (unregulated cell death) and apoptosis (a type of regulated cell death). These are long-established paradigms to which newly discovered regulated cell death processes have been added, such as necroptosis (a regulated form of necrosis) and autophagydependent cell death. Moreover, many researchers have targeted products associated with Chinese herbal medicine at regulated pathways for the treatment of ischemic neuronal injury. In East Asia, these drugs have been known for centuries to protect and improve the nervous system. Herbal extracts, especially those used in Chinese herbal medicine, have emerged as new pharmaceuticals for the treatment of ischemic neuronal injury. Here, we review the evidence from preclinical studies investigating the neuroprotective properties and therapeutic application of Chinese herbal medicines (Chinese herbal monomer, extract, and medicinal compounds) and highlight the potential mechanisms underlying their therapeutic effects via targeting differently regulated cell death pathways. Notably, many herbs have been shown to target multiple mechanisms of regulated cell death and, in combination, may exert synergistic effects on signaling pathways, thereby attenuating multiple aspects of ischemic pathology. In this review, we summarize a generally regulated pathway of cell death as a target for novel natural herbal regimens against ischemic neuronal injury.

[Regulatory effect of the lipid metabolic pathways of TMAO, FMO3 and FXR on compound stress-induced ED in rats and mechanisms of Yimusake intervention].

OBJECTIVE: To study of the regulatory effects of the lipid metabolic pathways of trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO), flavin-containingmonooxidase 3 (FMO3) and farnesoid X receptor (FXR) on compound stress-induced ED (CSED) rats and the mechanisms of Yimusake Tablets (YMSK) intervention. METHODS: Based on the results of metabonomics analysis, we determined the concentration of TMAO in the serum of the rats in the normal control (n = 30), the CSED model control (n = 30) and the YMSK intervention group (intragastrical administration of YMSK at 250 mg/kg once daily for 2－3 weeks after modeling, n = 30) by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy test. We also detected the expressions of the FMO3, FXR1 and FXR2 proteins in the liver tissue of the three groups of rats by Western blot. RESULTS: The serum TMAO level was significantly elevated in the CSED model control compared with that in the normal control group (ï¼»46.64 ± 5.16ï¼½ vs ï¼»34.98 ± 3.69ï¼½ µg/mL, P < 0.01) but remarkably decreased after YMSK intervention (ï¼»39.63 ± 4.81ï¼½ µg/mL) in comparison with that in the CSED model control group (P < 0.01). The rats in the CSED model control group, compared with the normal controls, showed significantly upregulated expressions of FMO3 (1.75 ± 0.90 vs 0.86 ± 0.62, P < 0.01),FXR1 (1.29 ± 0.38 vs 0.78 ± 0.25, P < 0.01) and FXR2 in the liver tissue (1.90 ± 0.63 vs 0.42 ± 0.27, P < 0.01), but all the three expressions were markedly decreased after YMSK intervention (FMO3: 1.05 ± 0.38, P < 0.05; FXR1: 1.07 ± 0.42, P < 0.05; FXR2: 1.04 ± 0.46, P < 0.01) as compared with those in the CSED model control group. CONCLUSIONS: The lipid metabolic pathways of TMAO, FMO3 and FXR underwent significant changes in the rat model of compound stress-induced ED, which could be improved by YMSK intervention, suggesting that YMSK may play an important role in protecting erectile function by regulating the lipid metabolic pathways of TMAO, FMO3 and FXR.

A new holistic assessment system and its impacts on student performance in regional anatomy / Un nuevo sistema de evaluación holística y sus impactos en el rendimiento de los estudiantes en anatomía regional

Summative and formative assessments are two overlapping complementary ways of assessing student progress in regional anatomy teaching and learning. Our present study was designed to create a new holistic assessment system that embraces both summative and formative assessments, and evaluate its impacts on student performance of regional anatomy. A collection of five formative assessment tests were designed and introduced into the teaching process of regional anatomy, and their performances were combined with scores of the summative assessment taken at the end of the semester to form the holistic assessment. And an anonymous survey was conducted to gather student perceptions regarding the assessments. We found, compared to summative assessment scores, students' overall average points are higher by 4.67 points (P<0.05) and 9.23 points (P<0.01) when evaluated by the holistic and formative assessment; formative assessment scores are positively correlated to summative assessment scores, and the Pearson correlation is 0.624. Questionaire investigation showed 57.65 % of the students wishes to be assessed by the holistic assessmen, and 97.9 % of the students think that the holistic assessment can promote the frequency of student-teacher communication, which helps them form the right learning attitude and improve the performance. The results indicated that holistic assessment is a more reflective and practical approach of evaluating student performance in regional anatomy teaching, which can increase studentteacher communication and enhance the self-directed learning among students.

Las evaluaciones sumativas y formativas son dos formas complementarias superpuestas de evaluar el progreso de los estudiantes en la enseñanza y el aprendizaje de la anatomía regional. El presente estudio fue diseñado para crear un sistema nuevo de evaluación integral que abarque tanto las evaluaciones sumativas como las formativas, y evalúe sus impactos en el rendimiento de los estudiantes de la anatomía regional. Se diseñó e introdujo una colección de cinco pruebas de evaluación formativa en el proceso de enseñanza de la anatomía regional, y sus desempeños se combinaron con los puntajes de la evaluación sumativa tomada al final del semestre para formar la evaluación holística. Además, se realizó una encuesta anónima para recopilar las percepciones de los estudiantes con respecto a las evaluaciones. Encontramos que, en comparación con los puntajes de la evaluación sumativa, los puntos promedio generales de los estudiantes son más altos en 4,67 puntos (P <0,05) y 9,23 puntos (P <0,01) cuando se evalúan mediante la evaluación holística y formativa; los puntajes de las evaluaciones formativas se correlacionan positivamente con los puntajes de las evaluaciones sumativas, y la correlación de Pearson es 0,624. La investigación del cuestionario mostró que el 57,65 % de los estudiantes desea ser evaluado por los evaluadores holísticos, y el 97,9 % de los estudiantes piensa que la evaluación holística puede promover la frecuencia de la comunicación entre estudiantes y maestros, útil para formar una actitud correcta de aprendizaje y mejorar el rendimiento. Los resultados indicaron que la evaluación holística es un enfoque más reflexivo y práctico para evaluar el desempeño de los estudiantes en la enseñanza de anatomía regional, lo que puede aumentar la comunicación entre estudiantes y maestros y mejorar el aprendizaje autodirigido entre los estudiantes.

Role of the Gut Microbiota and Their Metabolites in Modulating the Cholesterol-Lowering Effects of Citrus Pectin Oligosaccharides in C57BL/6 Mice.

We investigated the regulatory effects of citrus pectin oligosaccharides (POS) from an innovative, chemically controllable degradation process on cholesterol metabolism and the gut microbial composition. The modulatory role of the intestinal flora was explored. Four-week-old male C57BL/6 mice were fed either a standard diet; a high-fat (HF) diet; or a HF diet with 0.15, 0.45, and 0.9 g/kg body weight POS for 30 days. POS reduced serum total cholesterol (TC) and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) in a dose-dependent manner. The relative abundances of specific bacterial groups in the feces and the concentrations of their metabolites were higher in the POS groups. There were significant correlations among Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus, and Bacteroides and short-chain fatty acids, as well as among serum TC, LDL-C, fecal bile acids, and liver cholesterol 7-α-hydroxylase and 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase. These findings indicate that the prepared POS exhibited hypocholesterolemic effects and that the potential regulatory mechanisms of citrus POS on cholesterol metabolism are modulated by specific bacterial groups together with their metabolites.

Pin1 Is Regulated by CaMKII Activation in Glutamate-Induced Retinal Neuronal Regulated Necrosis.

In our previous study, we reported that peptidyl-prolyl isomerase 1 (Pin1)-modulated regulated necrosis (RN) occurred in cultured retinal neurons after glutamate injury. In the current study, we investigated the role of calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) in Pin1-modulated RN in cultured rat retinal neurons, and in an animal in vivo model. We first demonstrated that glutamate might lead to calcium overloading mainly through ionotropic glutamate receptors activation. Furthermore, CaMKII activation induced by overloaded calcium leads to Pin1 activation and subsequent RN. Inactivation of CaMKII by KN-93 (KN, i.e., a specific CaMKII inhibitor) application can decrease the glutamate-induced retinal neuronal RN. Finally, by using an animal in vivo model, we also demonstrated the important role of CaMKII in glutamate-induced RN in rat retina. In addition, flash electroretinogram results provided evidence that the impaired visual function induced by glutamate can recover after CaMKII inhibition. In conclusion, CaMKII is an up-regulator of Pin1 and responsible for the RN induced by glutamate. This study provides further understanding of the regulatory pathway of RN and is a complementary mechanism for Pin1 activation mediated necrosis. This finding will provide a potential target to protect neurons from necrosis in neurodegenerative diseases, such as glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and even central nervous system diseases.

Regulatory Roles of Pectin Oligosaccharides on Immunoglobulin Production in Healthy Mice Mediated by Gut Microbiota.

SCOPE: The prebiotic regulation of the gut microbiota is a promising strategy to induce protective humoral and mucosal immune responses. The potential immune-improving effects of pectin oligosaccharides (POS) in healthy mice and the potential mechanism mediated by specific intestinal bacteria are investigated. METHODS AND RESULTS: POS is prepared using a hydrogen-peroxide-assisted degradation. Mice that consumed diets containing POS are tested for microbial community shifts, short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), and immunoglobulin (Ig) production using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, gas chromatography, and ELISA kits. Pearson's correlation analyses are performed between Ig production and specific intestinal bacteria or SCFAs. POS treatment significantly improves the growth of healthy mice. Moreover, 4-week POS administration results in a profound change in intestinal microbial composition and a significantly higher fecal concentration of acetate, which leads to substantial increases of the levels of fecal secretory immunoglobulin A and serum IgG. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that the inclusion of POS in a diet can increase Ig production and optimize the composition of the gut microbiota. A significant correlation is observed between changes in Ig production and specific intestinal bacteria or acetate, providing insight into the mechanism of POS as a potential immune-enhancing supplement.

Untargeted metabolomics reveals predominant alterations in primary metabolites of broccoli sprouts in response to pre-harvest selenium treatment.

Broccoli sprouts have attracted considerable attention because of their abundant phytochemicals and high selenium accumulation capacity, which reportedly reduce the risks of different cancers and cardiovascular diseases. In this study, an untargeted metabolomics approach was developed to investigate the effect of 5 days of treatment with 100 µmol/L selenate on the metabolome of broccoli sprouts. Results showed that the total sulfur content was slightly lower and the total selenium content was significantly higher in the selenate-treated sprouts. The multivariate statistical analyses showed that serine, d-erythronolactone, melezitose and tyrosine were obviously up-regulated, but d-glyceric acid, succinic acid and citric acid were down-regulated after selenate treatment. Moreover, metabolite pathway analyses were used to support the identification of subtle but significant changes among groups of related metabolites that cannot be observed with conventional approaches. Selenate treatment influenced the metabolism of ß-alanine and glutathione, as well as the biosynthesis of plant metabolite related to the precursors of glucosinolate. These results could explain why the total glucosinolate decreased after selenate treatment.

[Expressions of calcitonin gene-related peptide and vasoactive intestinal peptide in the penile tissue of the ED rat model and their action mechanisms].

OBJECTIVE: To determine the expressions of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) and vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) in the penile tissue of the ED rat model and explore their action mechanisms. METHODS: An ED model was established in 44 mature male SD rats by feeding them on a spinach + coriander diet in a cold-wet environment and another 10 were taken as normal controls. Then the model rats were randomly divided into an ED model control group (n = 15) treated by gavage of distilled water in the same modeling environment, a spontaneous recovery group (n = 15) treated by gavage of distilled water in the normal environment, and a medication group (n = 14) treated intragastrically with Yimusake Tablets at 250 mg/kg qd. After 2－3 weeks of intervention, the expressions of CGRP and VIP in the penile tissue were detected by immunohistochemistry and Western blot. RESULTS: Immunohistochemistry showed that, after 2 weeks of intervention, both the expressions of CGRP and VIP in the rat penile tissue were significantly lower in the ED model control (150.0 ± 43.3 and 36.4 ± 13.1) and the spontaneous recovery group (165.9 ± 40.7 and 67.5 ± 29.0) than in the normal control (227.3 ± 42.5 and 175.0 ± 45.6) (P < 0.05), but remarkably higher in the medication group (255.0 ± 38.7 and 167.5 ± 42.6) than those in the ED model control and spontaneous recovery groups (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The expressions of CGRP and VIP were significantly down-regulated in the ED rat model, and Yimusake Tablets improved ED by up-regulating their expressions.

Preparation and prebiotic potential of pectin oligosaccharides obtained from citrus peel pectin.

Pectin oligosaccharide (POS) fractions were obtained by controlled chemical degradation of citrus peel pectin. By adjusting trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) concentration, three oligosaccharides were obtained, of molecular weight (Mw) range 3000-4000 Da, 2000-3000 Da and lower than 2000 Da. Varying hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) concentration and reaction time produced oligosaccharides of 3000-4000 Da and 2000-3000 Da. The relative proportions of acidic monosaccharide increased from 68.58% to 89.93% (TFA) and from 63.74% to 83.26% (H2O2) as the reaction conditions intensified. Prebiotic activity scores were used to quantify POS ability to promote selective growth of specific probiotics. Sample POSH1 from H2O2 degradation showed the highest prebiotic potential with prebiotic activity score 0.41 for Lactobacillus paracasei LPC-37 and 0.92 for Bifidobacterium bifidum ATCC 29521.

NARROW AND ROLLED LEAF 2 regulates leaf shape, male fertility, and seed size in rice.

Grain yield in rice (Oryza sativa L.) is closely related to leaf and flower development. Coordinative regulation of leaf, pollen, and seed development in rice as a critical biological and agricultural question should be addressed. Here we identified two allelic rice mutants with narrow and semi-rolled leaves, named narrow and rolled leaf 2-1 (nrl2-1) and nrl2-2. Map-based molecular cloning revealed that NRL2 encodes a novel protein with unknown biochemical function. The mutation of NRL2 caused pleiotropic effects, including a reduction in the number of longitudinal veins, defective abaxial sclerenchymatous cell differentiation, abnormal tapetum degeneration and microspore development, and the formation of more slender seeds compared with the wild type (WT). The NRL2 protein interacted with Rolling-leaf (RL14), causing the leaves of the nrl2 mutants to have a higher cellulose content and lower lignin content than the WT, which may have been related to sclerenchymatous cell differentiation and tapetum degeneration. Thus, this gene is an essential developmental regulator controlling fundamental cellular and developmental processes, serving as a potential breeding target for high-yielding rice cultivars.

Characterization and functional properties of mango peel pectin extracted by ultrasound assisted citric acid.

Pectin was extracted from 'Tainong No. 1' mango peels, using a chelating agent-citric acid as extraction medium by ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) and conventional extraction (CE) at temperatures of 20 and 80°C. Chemical structures, rheological and emulsifying properties of mango peel pectins (MPPs) were comparatively studied with laboratory grade citrus pectin (CP). All MPPs exhibited higher protein content (4.74%-5.94%), degree of methoxylation (85.43-88.38%), average molecular weight (Mw, 378.4-2858kDa) than the CP, but lower galacuronic acid content (GalA, 52.21-53.35%). CE or UAE at 80°C resulted in significantly higher pectin yield than those at 20°C, while the extraction time for UAE-80°C (15min) was significantly shorter compared to CE-80°C (2h) with comparable pectin yield. Moreover, MPPs extracted at 80°C were observed with higher GalA and protein content, higher Mw, resulting in higher viscosity, better emulsifying capacity and stability, as compared to those extracted at 20°C and the CP. Therefore, these results suggested that MPPs from 'Tainong No. 1' may become a highly promising pectin with good thickening and emulsifying properties, using ultrasound-assisted citric acid as an efficient and eco-friendly extraction method.

Physico-chemical and antioxidant properties of four mango (Mangifera indica L.) cultivars in China.

Four principal mango cultivars (Tainong No.1, Irwin, JinHwang and Keitt) grown in southern China were selected, and their physico-chemical and antioxidant properties were characterized and compared. Of all the four cultivars, Tainong No.1 had highest content of total phenols, ρ-coumaric acid, sinapic acid, quercetin, titratable acidity, citric acid, malic acid, fructose, higher antioxidant activities (DPPH, FRAP) and L(*), lower pH, PPO activity and individual weight. Keitt mangoes showed significantly (p<0.05) higher contents of ß-carotene, ρ-hydroxybenzoic acid, sucrose, total sugar, total soluble solid, catechin, succinic acid and higher PPO activity. JinHwang mangoes exhibited significantly (p<0.05) higher individual weight and PPO activity, but had lower content of total phenols, ß-carotene and lower antioxidant activity. Principal component analysis (PCA) allowed the four mango cultivars to be differentiated clearly based on all these physico-chemical and antioxidant properties determined in the study.