Phenolic and carotenoid characterization of the ethanol extract of an Australian native plant Haemodorum spicatum.

Bloodroot (Haemodorum spicatum) is an Australian native bulb plant yielding red pigment. This study aimed to characterize the phenolic and carotenoid profiles of the 80% ethanol extract of the H. spicatum bulb by HPLC-DAD-ESI-QTOF-MS/MS and HPLC-DAD. Results revealed the relatively low total phenolic content and antioxidant activity of the bulb extract with the maximum absorbance at 477 nm. Only 2 carotenoids (lutein and capsanthin) were detected at relatively low levels in the extract. A total of 40 phenolic compounds were tentatively identified, including 5 phenolic acids, 13 flavonoids and 22 other phenolic compounds, where 35 were reported for the first time in H. spicatum, together with 3 previously reported phenylphenalenones, haemodorol, haemoxiphidone and 2,5,6-trimethoxy-9-phenyl-1H-phenalen-1-one, and 2 oxabenzochrysenones, 5-hydroxy-2-methoxy-1H-naphtho[2,1,8-mna]xanthen-1-one and 5-hydroxy-1H-naphtho[2,1,8-mna]xanthen-1-one. This study provided the most comprehensive phenolic and carotenoid profiles of H. spicatum up to date.

Effect of PolyGlycopleX (PGX) Consumption on Blood Lipid Profiles in Healthy, Low CVD Risk Overweight Adults.

Raised blood lipid levels are associated with a risk of a cardiovascular disease (CVD). Moderate reductions in several CVD factors such as total, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and non-high-density lipoprotein (non-HDL) cholesterol concentrations may be more effective in reducing overall risk than a major reduction in just one. A blind, randomised controlled trial was conducted with 120 healthy overweight (BMI 25⁻30) adults aged 25⁻70 years who were non-smokers, not diabetic and of low risk of cardiovascular disease, as assessed by the Framingham risk equation. Participants consumed 4.5 g PolyGlycopleX (PGX) as softgel capsules (PGXS) or 5 g PGX granules (PGXG) or 5 g rice flour (RF) with meals three times a day for 12 weeks. Total, LDL and non-HDL cholesterol were all significantly reduced (-6%, -5% and -3.5%, respectively) post the PGX granule treatment; however, PGX in softgel capsule form did not affect blood lipid profiles. Daily consumption of PGX granules in overweight low CVD risk adults produced lipid changes indicating a CVD preventative benefit.

Regulation of the levels of health promoting compounds: lupeol, mangiferin and phenolic acids in the pulp and peel of mango fruit: a review.

There is a demand for feasible methodologies that can increase/maintain the levels of health-promoting phytochemicals in horticultural produce, due to strong evidence that these compounds can reduce risk of chronic diseases. Mango (Mangifera indica L.), ranks fifth among the most cultivated fruit crops in the world, is naturally rich in phytochemicals such as lupeol, mangiferin and phenolic acids (e.g. gallic acid, chlorogenic acid and vanillic acid). Yet, there is still much scope for up-regulating the levels of these compounds in mango fruit through manipulation of different preharvest and postharvest practices that affect their biosynthesis and degradation. The process of ripening, harvest maturity, physical and chemical elicitor treatments such as low temperature stress, methyl jasmonate (MeJA), salicylic acid (SA) and nitric oxide (NO) and the availability of enzyme cofactors (Mg2+ , Mn2+ and Fe2+ ) required in terpenoid biosynthesis were identified as potential determinants of the concentration of health-promoting compounds in mango fruit. The effectiveness of these preharvest and postharvest approaches in regulating the levels of lupeol, mangiferin and phenolic acids in the pulp and peel of mango fruit will be discussed. In general spray application of 0.2% iron(II) sulphate (FeSO4 ) 30 days before harvest, harvest at sprung stage, storage of mature green fruit at 5 °C for 12 days prior to ripening, fumigation of mature green fruit with 10-5  mol L-1 and/or 10-4  mol L-1 MeJA for 24 h or 20 and/or 40 µL L-1 NO for 2 h upregulate the levels of lupeol, mangiferin and phenolic acids in pulp and peel of ripe mango fruit. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry.

Characterization of polyphenols in Australian sweet lupin (Lupinus angustifolius) seed coat by HPLC-DAD-ESI-MS/MS.

Seeds of the legume lupin (Lupinus spp.) are becoming increasingly important as human food. The seed coat, at ~25% of the whole seed of Lupinus angustifolius (Australian sweet lupin, ASL), is the main by-product of lupin kernel flour production. The primary market for lupin seed coat is low value feed with very limited use in foods. In this study, seed coats of six ASL commercial varieties from two growing sites were sampled for identification and quantification of polyphenols using a high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with diode array detector (DAD) and coupled with a triple quadrupole mass spectrometer which equipped with electrospray ionization source (ESI-MS/MS). Three flavones (apigenin-7-O-ß-apiofuranosyl-6,8-di-C-ß-glucopyranoside, vicenin 2, and apigenin-7-O-ß-glucopyranoside), one isoflavone (genistein) and one dihydroflavonol derivative (aromadendrin-6-C-ß-d-glucopyranosyl-7-O-[ß-D-apiofuranosyl-(1 → 2)]-O-ß-D-glucopyranoside), and several hydroxybenzoic and hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives were identified. Considerable variations in levels of individual polyphenols were found but apigenin-7-O-ß-apiofuranosyl-6,8-di-C-ß-glucopyranoside was the predominant polyphenol in all samples accounting for 73.08-82.89% of the total free polyphenols. These results suggest that ASL seed coat could be valuable dietary source of polyphenols.

Effect of Incorporating Stevia and Moringa in Cookies on Postprandial Glycemia, Appetite, Palatability, and Gastrointestinal Well-Being.

BACKGROUND: Medicinal plants including stevia and moringa constitute an important source of health-beneficial bioactive components, and hence their intake may beneficially modulate biomarkers of chronic diseases. OBJECTIVE: The objective of the present study was to investigate the effect of incorporating stevia and moringa leaf powder in cookies on postprandial glycemia, appetite, palatability, and gastrointestinal well-being in humans. METHOD: In a randomized crossover design, 20 healthy subjects consumed 3 isocaloric test foods (each providing 50 g available carbohydrates) of control cookies (CC) made from 100% wheat flour, cookies containing stevia leaf powder (SC, 3% w/w), and cookies containing moringa leaf powder (MC, 5% w/w) as breakfast. Blood glucose and subjective appetite were measured at fasting and at 15, 30, 45, 60, 90, and 120 min after the consumption of the cookies. Palatability and gastrointestinal well-being were measured using standard questionnaires. RESULTS: Compared to CC, MC resulted in a significant decrease in postprandial blood glucose concentration at 30 and 45 min (p = 0.002 and p = 0.003, respectively) and showed a tendency (p = 0.077) for lower blood glucose incremental area under the curve (iAUC). Subjects were significantly less hungry after SC and MC intake (p = 0.035 and p = 0.041, respectively) compared to CC. All the cookies were liked by the subjects without any reported gastrointestinal discomfort. CONCLUSION: The results showed that compared to CC, MC improved postprandial glycemia and reduced hunger, while SC reduced hunger only. Future studies are now warranted to explore the mechanisms responsible for these observed effects.

Dynamics in the concentrations of health-promoting compounds: lupeol, mangiferin and different phenolic acids during postharvest ripening of mango fruit.

BACKGROUND: Mango fruit (Mangifera indica L.) is renowned for its pleasant taste and as a rich source of health beneficial compounds. The aim of this study was to investigate the changes in concentrations of health-promoting compounds, namely ascorbic acid, carotenoids, antioxidants, lupeol, mangiferin, total phenols and individual phenolic acids, as well as ethylene production and respiration rates during climacteric ripening in 'Kensington Pride' and 'R2E2' mango fruit. RESULTS: The climacteric ethylene and respiration peaks were noted on the third day of the fruit ripening period. The concentrations of total carotenoids in the pulp, total antioxidants in both pulp and peel, and total phenols of the peel, lupeol and mangiferin were significantly elevated, whereas the concentration of ascorbic acid declined during post-climacteric ripening. Gallic, chlorogenic and vanillic acids were identified as the major phenolic acids in both pulp and peel of 'Kensington Pride' and 'R2E2' mangoes. The concentrations of phenolic acids (gallic, chlorogenic, vanillic, ferulic and caffeic acids) also increased during the post-climacteric phase. The concentrations of all phenolic compounds were several-fold higher in the peel than pulp. CONCLUSION: Mangoes at post-climacteric ripening phase offer the highest concentrations of health-promoting compounds. Peel, at this stage of fruit ripening, could be exploited as a good source for extraction of these compounds. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry.

Effect of Incorporating Bay Leaves in Cookies on Postprandial Glycemia, Appetite, Palatability, and Gastrointestinal Well-Being.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies of patients with type 2 diabetes showed that capsules containing 1, 2, and 3 g of bay leaves lower fasting blood glucose, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and total cholesterol concentrations after 30 days of treatment. However, the acute effect of bay leaves on postprandial glycemic and appetite responses has not yet been determined. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to determine the effect of cookies containing different doses of bay leaves on postprandial glycemia, appetite, palatability, and gastrointestinal well-being in healthy subjects. METHODS: In a randomized crossover study, 20 subjects consumed 3 test foods each providing 50 g of available carbohydrates. The test foods were provided as breakfast, 1-2 weeks apart, and were control cookies (CC) made from 100% wheat flour, cookies containing 3% (w/w) bay leaf powder (B3), and cookies containing 6% (w/w) bay leaf powder (B6). Blood glucose, subjective appetite, and gastrointestinal well-being were assessed at fasting and postprandially for 2 hours. Palatability of the test cookies was measured using 9-point hedonic scale. RESULTS: There was a significant effect of time (p < 0.001), treatment (p = 0.033), and Time × Treatment interaction (p = 0.001) on postprandial blood glucose concentrations. Post hoc pairwise comparison showed that blood glucose concentration was significantly reduced by B6 compared to CC at 30 and 45 minutes (p = 0.014 and p = 0.010, respectively). However, there were no significant differences (p = 0.411) in blood glucose incremental areas under the curves (iAUCs) among the treatments. No significant effect on any of the appetite parameters was observed among the treatments. All of the cookies were rated as acceptable and subjects did not report any gastrointestinal discomfort. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, the results indicate that cookies containing bay leaf powder at 6% (w/w) incorporation level provides a palatable product that induces a reduced glycemic response.

Phenolic profile and content of sorghum grains under different irrigation managements.

Sorghum grain is widely consumed in Sub-Saharan Africa and Asia, as a staple food due to its adaptation to harsh environments. The impact of irrigation regime: full irrigation (100%); deficit irrigation (50%); and severe deficit irrigation (25%) on phenolic profile and content of six sorghum grain genotypes was investigated by high performance liquid chromatography coupled with diode array detection and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (HPLC-DAD-ESI-MS). A total of 25 individual polyphenols were unequivocally or tentatively identified. Compared to the colored-grain genotypes, the white grained sorghum var. Liberty had a simpler polyphenol profile. The concentrations of the sorghum-specific 3-deoxyanthocyanidins luteolinidin and apigeninidin, were higher under deficit irrigation compared to the other two regimes in all genotypes. These findings will be valuable for the selection of sorghum genotypes for grain production as human food under water deficit conditions, since polyphenol levels can affect the grain's nutritional value and health properties.

Recent advances in γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) properties in pulses: an overview.

Beans, peas, and lentils are all types of pulses that are extensively used as foods around the world due to their beneficial effects on human health including their low glycaemic index, cholesterol lowering effects, ability to decrease the risk of heart diseases and their protective effects against some cancers. These health benefits are a result of their components such as bioactive proteins, dietary fibre, slowly digested starches, minerals and vitamins, and bioactive compounds. Among these bioactive compounds, γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a non-proteinogenic amino acid with numerous reported health benefits (e.g. anti-diabetic and hypotensive effects, depression and anxiety reduction) is of particular interest. GABA is primarily synthesised in plant tissues by the decarboxylation of l-glutamic acid in the presence of glutamate decarboxylase (GAD). It is widely reported that during various processes including enzymatic treatment, gaseous treatment (e.g. with carbon dioxide), and fermentation (with lactic acid bacteria), GABA content increases in the plant matrix. The objective of this review paper is to highlight the current state of knowledge on the occurrence of GABA in pulses with special focus on mechanisms by which GABA levels are increased and the analytical extraction and estimation methods for this bioactive phytochemical. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry.

Effect of Fibre Supplementation on Body Weight and Composition, Frequency of Eating and Dietary Choice in Overweight Individuals.

Fibre supplementation can potentially reduce energy intake and contribute to weight loss. The mechanism may be reduced frequency of eating, resulting in reduced food consumption. The objective of this research was to determine the effectiveness of fibre supplementation with PolyGlycopleX® (PGX®), on body weight and composition, frequency of eating and dietary intake in 118 overweight adults. In a three-arm, parallel, blind, randomised controlled trial participants were randomised to one of three groups; 4.5 g PGX as softgels (PGXS), 5 g PGX granules (PGXG) or 5 g rice flour (RF) control. Prior to supplementation and at 12 weeks, participants captured before and after images of all food and beverages consumed within 4 days using a mobile food record app (mFR). The mFR images were analysed for food group serving sizes and number of eating occasions. In the PGXG group, per-protocol analysis [corrected] analysis showed there was a significant reduction in waist circumference (2.5 cm; p = 0.003). Subgroup analysis showed that PGXG supplementation at the recommended dose resulted in a reduction in body weight (-1.4 ± 0.10 kg, p < 0.01), body mass index (BMI) reduction (-0.5 ± 0.10, p < 0.01), reduced number of eating occasions (-1.4 ± 1.2, p < 0.01) and a reduced intake of grain food (-1.52 ± 1.84 serves, p = 0.019). PGXG at the recommended dose resulted in a reduction in weight and BMI which was significantly greater than that for RF (p = 0.001). These results demonstrate the potential benefits of PGX fibre in controlling frequency of eating and in weight loss.

Changes in whole grain polyphenols and antioxidant activity of six sorghum genotypes under different irrigation treatments.

Sorghum grain containing elevated polyphenolic antioxidant content may provide foods with benefits to human health. A study was undertaken to determine the potential role of irrigation on the content of polyphenols and antioxidant levels in sorghum grain. Bound, free and total polyphenols were investigated in six diverse sorghum genotypes grown under either full irrigation or a deficit irrigation regime. Results showed genotype, irrigation and their interaction had a significant effect on polyphenols and antioxidant activity (P⩽0.05). The deficit irrigation treatment significantly increased polyphenol content and antioxidant activity compared to the full irrigation treatment. Of the six genotypes Shawaya black short 1 and IS1311C (brown) showed the highest polyphenols levels and antioxidant activity. Therefore, both irrigation treatments and genotype need to be considered by sorghum breeders and farmers during sorghum production to produce grain with the required levels of polyphenolics and antioxidant activity for targeted end-use.

Consumption of the Soluble Dietary Fibre Complex PolyGlycopleX(®) Reduces Glycaemia and Increases Satiety of a Standard Meal Postprandially.

The effect of consumption of PolyGlycopleX(®) (PGX(®)) was compared to wheat dextrin (WD) in combination with a standard meal, on postprandial satiety and glycaemia in a double-blind, randomised crossover trial, of 14 healthy subjects trained as a satiety panel. At each of six two-hour satiety sessions, subjects consumed one of three different test meals on two separate occasions. The test meals were: a standard meal plus 5 g PGX; a standard meal plus 4.5 g of PGX as softgels; and a standard meal plus 5 g of WD. Subjects recorded fullness using a labelled magnitude scale at 0, 15, 30, 45, 60, 90, and 120 min and the total area under the curve (AUC), mean fullness vs. time was calculated. The meals with PGX (in granular and softgel form) gave higher satiety (AUC) (477 ± 121 and 454 ± 242 cm·min), than the meal with WD (215 ± 261 cm·min) (p < 0.001). Subjects had blood glucose levels measured after the meals with PGX (granules) and WD. Glucose response (AUC) was significantly lower (p < 0.001) after the PGX meal than for the WD meal.  The high viscosity reported for PGX is a likely mechanism behind the significant satiety and blood glucose modulating effects observed in this study.

Preparation and in vitro release of zein microparticles loaded with prednisolone for oral delivery.

Zein has been proposed as a polymer for targeted-drug delivery via the oral route. Zein microparticles were loaded with prednisolone and evaluated as an oral delivery system. Microparticles were formulated using phase separation. Starting quantities of zein and prednisolone, along with the agitation method and temperature were found to significantly impact drug loading and loading efficiency. Vortex mixing produced the highest drug loading and loading efficiency. Drug release was measured in simulated conditions of the stomach and small intestine using the microparticles made with the method that best improved drug loading. In simulated stomach and small intestine conditions, prednisolone release reached almost 70% over 3 and 4 h, respectively. While a clinically relevant dose may be delivered using c. 100 mg of zein microparticles, prednisolone release from the microparticles indicates that they may not be suited as a controlled- or targeted-delivery system.

Lupin (Lupinus albus) protein isolate (L-ISO) has adequate nutritional value and reduces large intestinal weight in rats after restricted and ad libitum feeding.

BACKGROUND: A protein isolate from white lupin (Lupinus albus; L-ISO) has potential as a novel human food ingredient, but its nutritional effects are unknown. METHODS: We evaluated protein quality and effects on body composition in rats of isoenergic diets of L-ISO, lactalbumin, or casein with both restricted (10-day) and ad libitum (28-day)intake. The diets were equivalent in protein per se, but supplementation was used to balance essential amino acid levels. RESULTS: In both studies, the rats consumed similar amounts of each diet, and no effect of diet on the gain:feed ratio was observed--though gain:N ratio and net protein utilization were slightly lower for the L-ISO diet. Lower large intestinal weights after the L-ISO than after the lactalbumin diet were observed in both studies. The L-ISO diet resulted in lowered body fat percentage in the 10-day study but in an elevated level in the 28-day study. Liver composition (DNA, RNA, glycogen, and fat) and plasma levels of some amino acids (His, Thr, Ala, Pro, Tyr, Val and Met) were affected by diet, but no effects on plasma lipid, glucose, or uric acid were observed. CONCLUSION: The L-ISO diet did not affect feed intake and has adequate nutritional quality in rats whilst modifying large intestinal weight in a potentially beneficial manner--suggesting potential for this protein in human nutrition.

Phytoestrogens: end of a tale?

Phytoestrogens are plant-derived hormone-like diphenolic compounds of dietary origin that are present at high levels in plasma of subjects living in areas with low atherosclerosis and cancer incidence. The term phytoestrogen is commonly applied to the soy isoflavones genistein, daidzein and glycitein. As outlined in a previous review article in this journal by Adlercreutz and Mazur 1, these compounds are weakly estrogenic and appear to influence the cardiovascular system, the production, metabolism and biological activity of sex-hormones, as well as malignant cell proliferation, differentiation and angiogenesis. Recently skepticism has developed concerning the true potential of phytoestrogens to beneficially modify these processes. A critical analysis of the early findings from supplementing the diet with soy protein has failed to confirm phytoestrogens as the responsible agent for beneficial cardiovascular effects, be it by way of lipid reduction, vasodilation or lipoprotein oxidation. Furthermore, contrasting data have been reported on the potential of phytoestrogens to prevent hormone-dependent cancers (e.g. breast and prostate) and to successfully treat post-menopausal complaints, an indication for which they are widely used. These potentially negative findings have led health authorities in several countries to suggest maximum daily intake levels for phytoestrogens. There is now growing interest in the use of soy products containing low levels of phytoestrogens and in research on other phytoestrogen free legumes such as lupin.