Effect of Grinding Process Parameters and Storage Time on Extraction of Antioxidants from Ginger and Nutmeg.

The aim of this study was to optimize the grinding process parameters (mesh size of grinder sieve (X1), the peripheral velocity of the grinding wheels (X2)), and the storage time (X3) of ground ginger rhizome and nutmeg to obtain ethanol and ethanol-water extracts with improved antioxidant properties. The optimal conditions were estimated using response surface methodology (RSM) based on a three-variable Box-Behnken design (BBD) in order to maximize the antioxidant capacity (AC) determined by the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) methods, and the total phenolic content (TPC) was determined by the Folin-Ciocalteu (F-C) method in spice extracts. Additionally, the phenolic acid profiles in extracts from optimized conditions were analyzed using ultra-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC). It was found that the optimal preparation conditions for antioxidant extraction were dependent on the spice source and solvent type. The best antioxidant properties in nutmeg extracts were achieved for X1 = 1.0 mm, X2 = 40-41 Hz and X3 = 7 days, whereas the optimized parameters for ginger extracts were more varied (1.0-2.0 mm, 43-50 Hz and 1-9 days, respectively). The ginger extracts contained 1.5-1.8 times more phenolic acids, and vanillic, ferulic, gallic, and p-OH-benzoic acids were dominant. In contrast, the nutmeg extracts were rich in protocatechuic, vanillic, and ferulic acids.

Efficacy of canolol and guaiacol in the protection of cold-pressed oils being a dietary source linoleic acid against oxidative deterioration.

Oils high in linoleic acid are the main sources of polyunsaturated fatty acids in the human diet. The study attempted to increase the oxidative stability of 11 cold-pressed oils with various linoleic acid percentages by adding phenolic acid derivatives (canolol, guaiacol) at concentrations of 20-100 ppm. The oils were characterized by acid, peroxide and anisidine values, diene, triene, and water contents, fatty acid composition, and bioactive compounds. Their oxidative stability was evaluated before and after the addition of phenolic acid derivatives in the Rancimat test. The results indicate that both additives can be deployed as antioxidants in linoleic acid-rich oils, but canolol elicits a stronger protective effect (over fourfold). 100 ppm of canolol caused a significant increase in the oxidative stability of most oils (31-79%). The guaiacol effectiveness was greater (13-19% increase) at higher concentrations in hemp and poppy oils, but its lower amounts were more relevant for other oils.

Impact of Bioactive Compounds of Plant Leaf Powders in White Chocolate Production: Changes in Antioxidant Properties during the Technological Processes.

Bioactive compounds present in the powdered leaves of matcha green tea (Camellia sinensis L.) (MGTP) and moringa (Moringa oleifera) (MOLP) seem to be related to health benefits due to their antioxidant properties. The growing accessibility of these powders has led to their being more widely used in food production. The aim of this study was to evaluate the total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant capacity (AC) of white chocolate (WCh) supplemented with MGTP and MOLP. AC was determined by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS), cupric ion-reducing antioxidant capacity (CUPRAC), and ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays, whereas TPC was determined by the Folin-Ciocalteu (FC) method. Both additives were incorporated at four levels (1, 2, 3 and 4%) in two chocolate processing steps (conching and tempering). Additionally, the amounts of phenolic acids, tocopherols, and carotenoids in WCh samples enriched by MGTP and MOLP were determined to explain their influence on AC. The results showed that the chocolates supplemented with MGTP were characterized by higher antioxidant properties than those with MOLP. In turn, MOLP significantly increased the content of lipophilic antioxidants in chocolates, tocopherols and carotenoids, which also exhibit pro-health effects. Furthermore, the incorporation of these additives during the tempering process was more relevant to the improvement of the antioxidant properties of WCh.

Bioactive Compounds in Aegopodium podagraria Leaf Extracts and Their Effects against Fluoride-Modulated Oxidative Stress in the THP-1 Cell Line.

Aegopodium podagraria L. (goutweed), a member of the Apiaceae family, is a common perennial plant found all around the world that has been used in folk medicine since antiquity. Goutweed leaves contain polyacetylenes, essential oils, mono- and sesquiterpenes, vitamins, macro- and microelements, and phenolic compounds. In spite of its many health-promoting properties, including antioxidant effects, the plant has not been thoroughly studied. The aim of this study was to investigate the antioxidant properties of different goutweed leaf extracts and their effects on the THP-1 cell line, and also to describe the chemical characteristics of goutweed. Falcarinol and falcarindiol and essential oil were determined by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. Spectrophotometry was used to measure the total content of polyphenols and antioxidant activity-by DPPH and FRAP methods. Oxidative stress in THP-1 cells was induced via sodium fluoride. Then, goutweed leaf extracts were added to evaluate their influence on antioxidant potential (ABTS) and the activity of antioxidant enzymes. Confocal microscopy was used to visualise the production of cytoplasmic and mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) and for in vitro imaging of apoptosis. The ethanol extracts have a high total content of polyphenols, polyacetylenes, and essential oil, as well as high antioxidant potential. The main volatiles represented diverse chemical groups, which are both oxygenated derivatives of sesquiterpenes and monoterpenes. We also demonstrated positive effects of the high antioxidant potential and increased activity of antioxidant enzymes on cell cultures under severe fluoride-induced oxidative stress. Extraction at 80 ℃ and the use of ethanol as a solvent increased the antioxidant capacity of the extract. The leaves of Aegopodium podagraria may serve as a valuable source of antioxidants in the daily diet and assist in the prevention and treatment of oxidative stress-mediated conditions, e.g., inflammatory conditions, cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, and even obesity.

Conventional and Organic Honeys as a Source of Water- and Ethanol-Soluble Molecules with Nutritional and Antioxidant Characteristics.

The benefits of natural honeybee products (e.g., honey, royal jelly, beeswax, propolis, beevenom and pollen) to the immune system are remarkable, and many of them are involved in the induction of antibody production, maturation of immune cells and stimulation of the immune system. The type of plants in the geographical area, climatic conditions and production method have a significantly influence on the nutritional quality of honey. However, this variability can influence consumer liking by the sensory attributes of the product. The aim of this work was to compare the most popular honeys from Poland in terms of nutritional value, organoleptic properties and antioxidant activity. In the study, five varieties of honey (honeydew, forest, buckwheat, linden and dandelion) from conventional and organic production methods were tested. The nutritional characteristics of honey samples included acidity, content of water, sugars, vitamin C, HMF and phenolics (total and flavonoids), while honey color, taste, aroma and consistency were investigated in the organoleptic characteristics. The antioxidant activity was determined in water- and ethanol-soluble honey extracts using DPPH and ORAC tests. The results showed that organoleptic and nutritional characteristics of popular Polish honeys differ significantly in relation to plant source and production method. The significant effect of honey variety on the content of HMF, saccharose and phenolics, as well as acidity and antioxidant capacity were noted. The impact of variety and variety × production method interaction was significant in the case of the content of vitamin C, glucose and fructose. A visible difference of buckwheat and forest honeys from other samples was observed. The highest content of total phenolics with antioxidant activity based on the SET mechanism was found in buckwheat honeys, while forest honeys were richer in flavonoids.

Edible flowers as a new source of natural antioxidants for oxidative protection of cold-pressed oils rich in omega-3 fatty acids.

This study aimed to evaluate and compare the effect of methanolic extracts from 23 lyophilized Polish edible flowers on the oxidative stability of two cold-pressed oils rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Two popular oils (flax and chia seed oils) were used in the study and characterized for their chemical composition, quality and oxidative stability. Hydro- and lipophilic components, and antioxidant activity were determined in the flower extracts. The effectiveness of the edible flower extracts in oxidative protection of cold-pressed oils was evaluated in the Rancimat test. The edible flower extracts differed significantly in their composition and antioxidant activity. Among the extracts, the richest source of phenolic compounds were those obtained from red begonia (996.80 ppm), red geranium (1028.16 ppm), and small leaved lime (1003.62 ppm) flowers; whereas red begonia and red geranium flower extracts were also found to be valuable sources of flavonoids, 343.70 and 307.34 ppm, respectively. The extracts from lyophilized edible flowers had a low content of lipophilic pigments (0.97-9.01 ppm for chlorophylls and 0.03-12.34 ppm for carotenoids), while the content of tocopherols varied greatly (0.70-193.34 ppm). Most of the analyzed extracts were characterized by a high DPPH radical inhibition value (>10 µM TE/mL). Almost all studied edible flower extracts improved oxidative stability of the cold-pressed flax and chia seed oils. More favorable effects were observed in chia seed oil, in particular after the addition of extracts from nasturtium, marigold scattered, dog rose, and daylilies flowers (the changes were more than 50% higher compared to the control sample).

Modulatory Effects of Osthole on Lipopolysaccharides-Induced Inflammation in Caco-2 Cell Monolayer and Co-Cultures with THP-1 and THP-1-Derived Macrophages.

Lipopolysaccharydes (LPS) are responsible for the intestinal inflammatory reaction, as they may disrupt tight junctions and induce cytokines (CKs) secretion. Osthole has a wide spectrum of pharmacological effects, thus its anti-inflammatory potential in the LPS-treated Caco-2 cell line as well as in Caco-2/THP-1 and Caco-2/macrophages co-cultures was investigated. In brief, Caco-2 cells and co-cultures were incubated with LPS to induce an inflammatory reaction, after which osthole (150-450 ng/mL) was applied to reduce this effect. After 24 h, the level of secreted CKs and changes in gene expression were examined. LPS significantly increased the levels of IL-1ß, -6, -8, and TNF-α, while osthole reduced this effect in a concentration-dependent manner, with the most significant decrease when a 450 ng/mL dose was applied (p < 0.0001). A similar trend was observed in changes in gene expression, with the significant osthole efficiency at a concentration of 450 ng/µL for IL1R1 and COX-2 (p < 0.01) and 300 ng/µL for NF-κB (p < 0.001). Osthole increased Caco-2 monolayer permeability, thus if it would ever be considered as a potential drug for minimizing intestinal inflammatory symptoms, its safety should be confirmed in extended in vitro and in vivo studies.

Impact of the addition of 4-vinyl-derivatives of ferulic and sinapic acids on retention of fatty acids and terpenoids in cold-pressed rapeseed and flaxseed oils during the induction period of oxidation.

In the western diet there is an oversupply of n-6 fatty acids. This adverse trend can be balanced by the consumption of rapeseed and flaxseed oils rich in α-linolenic acid (n-3). However, the high share of this fatty acid contributes to low oxidative stability of oil. Oxidation decreases n-3 fatty acid and other bioactive compounds contents, which adversely affects oil nutritional value. In this study, the impact of ferulic and sinapic acids vinyl derivatives on the fatty acids and oil terpenoids (sterols, tocols, carotenoids, squalene) retention at the end of induction period during accelerated oxidation of rapeseed and flaxseed cold-pressed oils was investigated. It was found that the use of 4-vinylsyringol (4-VS) or 4-vinylquaiacol (4-VQ) increased the retention of intact sterols and carotenoids (at least 2-fold) and squalene (at least 4-fold). The 4-VQ addition also inhibited the α-linolenic acid loss. Unfortunately, both phenolic derivatives favoured α-tocopherol decay in rapeseed oil.

Comparison of the effect of sinapic and ferulic acids derivatives (4-vinylsyringol vs. 4-vinylguaiacol) as antioxidants of rapeseed, flaxseed, and extra virgin olive oils.

The aim of the work is to compare the antioxidant activity of 4-vinylguaiacol (4-VQ) and 4-vinylsyringol (4-VS) added to stabilize three (flaxseed, olive and rapeseed) commercial oils. The phenolics were added at concentration of 20, 40 and 80mg per 100g of oil. The oils were oxidized in a Rancimat test at 110°C. The linear dependences between the concentrations of each of these compounds and the induction period (IP) were found. Generally, 4-VQ was more effective, since the determined IP increase after its addition was from 5 to 25-fold higher than for the same addition of 4-VS. The highest increase was noted for flaxseed oil, for which 80mg 4-VQ addition per 100g of oil resulted in 50% IP increase. The highest absolute values of IP were reached by extra virgin olive oil, naturally abundant in phenolic compounds and with the lowest fatty acids oxidation index.

Sensory, Physico-Chemical and Water Sorption Properties of Corn Extrudates Enriched with Spirulina.

This study compares the quality of extrudates made from corn grits with the addition of up to 8% of spirulina powder. The sensory properties (shape, color, aroma, taste and crispness), chemicals (content of water, protein, fat, ash, fiber, carbohydrates, carotenoids, chlorophyll and phycocyanin) and physical properties (color, water absorption index, expansion indices, texture and water sorption properties) were determined. It has been found that spirulina-enriched extrudates had slightly lower sensory scores, but the addition of spirulina improved their nutritional value. The contents of protein, ash, fiber and ß-carotene increased in extrudates with 8% of spirulina by 34, 36, 140 and 1,260%, respectively. The increasing addition of spirulina caused a decrease in extrudates lightness, an increase in their greenness and yellowness accompanied by a decrease of expansion indices and an increase of softness. Only small differences were found in water sorption properties, suggesting a similar behavior of spirulina-enriched extrudates during storage.

Effect of Fruit Pomace Addition on Shortbread Cookies to Improve Their Physical and Nutritional Values.

Fruit pomace remaining after juice extraction is still a source of bioactive compounds. Especially rich in these compounds is the pomace from blackcurrant fruit and from fruits of little-known horticultural plants, like: rowan, rosehip and elderberry. The addition of fruit pomace to bakery and confectionery products, especially to those made of white flour, may significantly enrich their composition with dietary fiber, vitamins and phenolic compounds. This study was aimed at determining the effect of 20 % addition of fruit pomace from rosehip, rowan, blackcurrant and elderberry on the properties of shortbread cookies. The pomace-containing cookies, compared to those without additives, were characterized by a darker color with a higher contribution of yellowness, and by higher hardness. The overall organoleptic assessment was comparable for all types of cookies, however the cookies with pomace were characterized by more perceptible taste and aroma, and were sourer. The extracts from pomace-supplemented cookies had a significantly stronger antioxidant capacity than that from the cookies without pomace, but they were ineffective in inhibiting lipid oxidation. The study showed that fruit pomace could improve the nutritional value of shortbread cookies. Furthermore, non-typical color of such a new product may be attractive to consumers.

Commercial Cold Pressed Flaxseed Oils Quality and Oxidative Stability at the Beginning and the End of Their Shelf Life.

The aim of the study was to determine quality and oxidative stability of selected cold pressed flaxseed oils, fresh (after producing, the beginning of shelf life) and stored at refrigerator temperature (after three months, the end of declared shelf life). The fresh oils were characterized by organoleptic assessment, fatty acids composition and bioactive compounds content (sterols, tocols, squalene, carotenoids, and phenols). For the fresh and stored oils oxidative stability in the Rancimat test, and the hydrolytic and oxidation degrees using standard methods were determined. It was found that fresh flaxseed oils were differentiated in fatty acid composition and content of bioactive compounds. Shares of saturated fatty acids, and content of squalene and phenolic compounds were most variable in the oils. At the end of shelf life flaxseed oils were characterized by 9-26% shorter induction time in compare to the initial state, and increased content of hydrolysis (acid value by 18-40%) and oxidation products (peroxide value by 16-37%, anisidine value by 13-41%, diene content by 10-21%, triene content by 23-42%) was detected.

Comparison of the phenolic compounds, carotenoids and tocochromanols content in wheat grain under organic and mineral fertilization regimes.

A field study was performed to evaluate the effect of mineral (NPK) and organic-based fertilizers such as compost (C), manure (FYM) and meat and bone meal (MBM) on the appearance (dimensions and color) of spring wheat kernels and on the total content in grain of main its phytochemicals (polyphenols, carotenoids and tocochromanols) and phenolic acids composition. Total phenolic compounds were determined using the Folin-Ciocalteu assay after alkaline hydrolysis of grain and carotenoids were analyzed spectrophotometrically. Composition of tocochromanols and phenolic acids was determined using RP-HPLC techniques. Only insignificant differences in the appearance of kernels and small changes in the content and composition of grain phytochemicals were noted between the studied fertilization systems. Among the analyzed phytochemicals the greatest variation was observed in the group of polyphenol compounds, with a stated increase of their total content of 6.7 and 11.2% in grain fertilized with MBM and compost, respectively. Simultaneously the grain from organic fertilization contained significantly less phenolic acids, and the decrease in their content ranged from 10.0% for FYM to 24.8% for MBM+EM-1. Organically and conventionally fertilized grain had similar amounts of tocochromanols and carotenoids. Comparison of MBM and MBM+EM-1 variants showed that application of effective microorganisms decreased carotenoids and tocochromanols content by 8.5 and 9.7%, respectively.