ABSTRACT
This work aimed to evaluate the impact of enrichment processing on the quality parameters, bioactivity and sensorial aspects of Myristica fragrans (mace)-flavored olive oil storage for one year. The mace powder was added to extra virgin olive oil through two different processes: immediately after crushing the olives by mixing mace (1% weight/weight (w/w)) with the olive paste (MAVOO-M) and by adding mace to extra virgin olive oil (C) (2% w/w) (MAVOO-I). A multi-analytical approach was applied to measure the main qualitative indexes, such as the free acidity, peroxide value and ultraviolet parameters. The total phenolic and carotenoid contents (TPC and TCC, respectively) and α-tocopherol were also evaluated, as well as the sensory attributes. The radical scavenging potential was estimated by using two different in vitro tests, namely, 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH). A significant increase in the free acidity parameter was found in all the flavored oils, and particularly in the MAVOO-M (1.27% oleic acid); at the same time, this oil was the sample with the lowest peroxide value (i.e., 9.68 meqO2/kg) after 360 days of storage. At the end of the storage, an increase in L* values was found in both the MAVOO-M and -I vs. the C (43.88 and 43.02, respectively, vs. 42.62). The TCC was strongly influenced by the addition of mace, especially when the infusion process was used. In fact, after one year of storage, the TCC in the MAVOO-I resulted in ~34.7% more than the MAVOO-M. A promising DPPH radical scavenging activity was observed independently by the applied aromatization process, with IC50 values of 19.77 and 17.80 µg/mL for the MAVOO-M and MAVOO-I, respectively. However, this activity decreased during storage, and a similar trend was observed using the ABTS test. In conclusion the infusion as enrichment methodology led to more promising results in terms of functionality compared with the co-mixing one.
Subject(s)
Myristica , Myristica/chemistry , Antioxidants/chemistry , Antioxidants/pharmacology , Powders/chemistry , Phenols/chemistry , Olive Oil/chemistry , Flavoring Agents/chemistry , Food Storage/methods , Carotenoids/chemistryABSTRACT
This study was aimed at investigating the phytochemical profile and bioactivity of Diplotaxis harra subsp. crassifolia (Brassicaceae), a species from central-southern Sicily (Italy), where it is consumed as a salad. For this purpose, LC-ESI/HRMSn analysis of the ethanolic extract was performed, highlighting the occurrence, along with flavonoids, hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives, and oxylipins, of sulfated secondary metabolites, including glucosinolates and various sulfooxy derivatives (e.g., C13 nor-isoprenoids, hydroxyphenyl, and hydroxybenzoic acid derivatives), most of which were never reported before in the Brassicaeae family or in the Diplotaxis genus. Following ethnomedicinal information regarding this species used for the treatment of various pathologies such as diabetes and hypercholesterolemia, D. harra ethanolic extract was evaluated for its antioxidant potential using different in vitro tests such as 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl, 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid), Ferric Reducing Ability Power, and ß-carotene bleaching tests. The inhibitory activity of carbohydrate-hydrolyzing enzymes (α-amylase and α-glucosidase) and pancreatic lipase was also assessed. In the 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid assay, an IC50 value comparable to the positive control ascorbic acid (2.87 vs. 1.70 µg/mL, respectively) was obtained. The wild-wall rocket salad extract showed a significant α-amylase inhibitory effect. Obtained results indicate that Sicilian wild-wall rocket contains phytochemicals that can prevent hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia, and obesity.
Subject(s)
Antioxidants , Phytochemicals , Plant Extracts , Plant Extracts/chemistry , Plant Extracts/pharmacology , Antioxidants/chemistry , Antioxidants/pharmacology , Phytochemicals/chemistry , Phytochemicals/pharmacology , Sicily , Flavonoids/chemistry , Flavonoids/pharmacology , Flavonoids/analysisABSTRACT
Raspberry (Rubus idaeus L.) is a fruit of great interest due to its aroma, nutritional properties, and the presence of many bioactive compounds. However, differences among cultivation systems can affect its composition and, consequently, its potential bioactivity. Herein, for the first time, raspberries grown in an aeroponic system were investigated for their chemical profile and antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity, as well as their enzyme (α-glucosidase and pancreatic lipase) inhibitory properties in comparison to wild and conventionally cultivated fruits. High-performance liquid chromatography coupled with diode array detection (HPLC-DAD) analyses revealed the presence of gallic acid, caffeic acid, chlorogenic acid, p-coumaric acid, ferulic acid, rutin, and catechin in all the samples. The extracts exhibited in vitro anti-inflammatory activity (inhibition of nitric oxide production) regardless of the cultivation method. Of particular interest is the ability of raspberries to inhibit pancreatic lipase. With the exception of the ß-carotene bleaching test, the raspberries grown in conventional and aeroponic systems were more active in terms of antioxidants than wild fruits, as evidenced by the ABTS (IC50 in the range 1.6-3.4 µg/mL), DPPH (IC50 in the range 8.9-28.3 µg/mL), and FRAP tests (24.6-44.9 µM Fe(II)/g). The raspberries from aeroponic cultivation were generally able to exert the same bioactivity as those obtained from both conventionally cultivated and wild fruits, supporting the consideration that in the future, this technology could reshape agriculture by mitigating resource constraints, fostering sustainable practices and increasing yields.
ABSTRACT
During the last decades, the consumption of bamboo sprouts (Phyllostacys edulis) has increased because they are considered a "superfood". However, this product is characterized by a short shelf life due to the deterioration in quality parameters. The aim of this study was to investigate the application of two modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) systems (MAP1: 2% O2, 5% CO2, 93% N2 and MAP2: 3% O2, 7% CO2, 90% N2) to fresh-shelled ready-to-eat bamboo sprouts and compare these packaging systems with vacuum packaging during storage for 28 days at 4 °C using heat-sealable polyamide and polyethylene (PA/PE) trays. Several chemical-physical parameters (moisture content, water activity, pH, headspace composition, and firmness) were monitored, as well as CIELab colorimetric parameters and microbial growth. The quantification of selected organic acids was performed via UHPLC. Mathematical kinetic models were applied to study the evolution of total phenol (TPC), flavonoid (TFC), and carotenoid content (TCC) during storage. The evolution of antioxidant potential investigated by ABTS, DPPH, and ß-carotene bleaching tests was also assessed. Results showed that at the end of the storage period, significant variations in the colorimetric parameters are detectable between the sprouts apical portion and the basal one, regardless of both applied MAPs. A linear reduction in both DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging activity was evidenced during storage, regardless of the type of packaging applied. In DPPH test samples packaged in MAP after 28 days of storage, they retain good antioxidant activity, whereas in vacuum, this activity is reduced by 50% compared to the initial value (IC50 values from 24.77 to 32.74 µg/mL and from 24.77 to 71.12 µg/mL for MAP2 and vacuum, respectively).
ABSTRACT
The aim of this work was to evaluate the impact of two enrichment processes on the quality parameters and bioactivity of Ottobratica extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) with ginger during storage. The first procedure was conducted by including ginger powder with olive fruits in the malaxer, and the second by infusion into the EVOO. The obtained oils were stored at room temperature for one year in the dark and periodically analysed. To evaluate the effect on the shelf-life of flavoured olive oils (FVOOs), physical, chemical and sensory parameters were evaluated. The FVOOs were investigated for antioxidant activity through a multi-target approach. The inhibition of lipase and carbohydrate hydrolysing enzymes was analysed. The addition of ginger in the malaxer generated a product that preserved the lowest values of peroxide after storage (10.57 mEq O2 kg-1) and maintained the highest α-tocopherol level (101.16 mg kg-1). The FVOOs, regardless of the enrichment technique used, showed a higher antioxidant activity than EVOO. Generally, a reduction in the inhibitory activity of the carbohydrate inhibitory enzymes was observed, especially after 60 days of storage. The addition of ginger improved the lipase inhibitory effect, especially if added during malaxation, and helped the FVOOs maintain this activity during storage.
ABSTRACT
Background: Berry fruits are recognized as a "superfood" due to their high content of bioactive compounds and health benefits. Scope and approach: Herein, extracts of Cornus sanguinea and Cornus mas fresh and dried fruits obtained by different extraction procedures (ethanolic and hydroalcoholic maceration, ultrasound-assisted extraction, and Soxhlet apparatus) were analysed using liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-quadrupole-time of flight-mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-QTOF-MS) and compared to identify the main healthy compounds and their impact on the inhibition of key enzymes (pancreatic lipase, α-glucosidase, and α-amylase) associated with metabolic disorders. The antioxidant activity and inhibition of nitric oxide (NO) and NF-κB pathway were also investigated. Key findings and conclusions: Flavonoids, iridoids, and phenolic acids were the main classes of identified compounds. Herein, kaempferol 3-O-galactoside, kaempferol 3-O-glucoside, quercetin, quercetin 3-O-xyloside, and myricetin 3-O-galactoside were detected for the first time in C. sanguinea. Remarkable antioxidant effects and promising α-glucosidase and lipase inhibitory activity were observed with extracts obtained by hydroalcoholic maceration of both Cornus dried fruits. Consequently, these extracts were subjected to fractionation using Amberlite XAD-16 resin. The most promising biological activities, which are attributed to the presence of some flavonoids and iridoids, were detected with the C. sanguinea fractions, in particular SD2(II). The results of this study offer new insights into the potential development of functional foods, nutraceuticals, and food supplements using the Cornus species.
Subject(s)
Cornus , Metabolic Diseases , Flavonoids/chemistry , Antioxidants/chemistry , Kaempferols , Cornus/chemistry , Quercetin/analysis , alpha-Glucosidases/analysis , Iridoids/pharmacology , Plant Extracts/chemistry , Spectrometry, Mass, Electrospray Ionization , Lipase , Galactosides , Anti-Inflammatory Agents/pharmacology , Anti-Inflammatory Agents/analysis , Fruit/chemistryABSTRACT
In spite of the progress in treatment strategies, cancer remains a major cause of death worldwide. Therefore, the main challenge should be the early diagnosis of cancer and the design of an optimal therapeutic strategy to increase the patient's life expectancy as well as the continuation of the search for increasingly active and selective molecules for the treatment of different forms of cancer. In the recent decades, research in the field of natural compounds has increasingly shifted towards advanced and molecular level understandings, thus leading to the development of potent anti-cancer agents. Among them is the diterpene lactone andrographolide, isolated from Andrographis paniculata (Burm.f.) Wall. ex Nees that showed shows a plethora of biological activities, including not only anti-cancer activity, but also anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, anti-bacterial, neuroprotective, hepatoprotective, hypoglycemic, and immunomodulatory properties. Andrographolide has been shown to act as an anti-tumor drug by affecting specific molecular targets that play a part in the development and progression of several cancer types including breast, lung, colon, renal, and cervical cancer, as well as leukemia and hepatocarcinoma. This review comprehensively and systematically summarized the current research on the potential anti-cancer properties of andrographolide highlighting its mechanisms of action, pharmacokinetics, and potential side effects and discussing the future perspectives, challenges, and limitations of use.
ABSTRACT
Bamboo (Phyllostacys edulis J. Houz) has become an emerging forest resource of economic and ecological significance with health benefits. Since the beneficial effects of the non-edible parts of bamboo have not been thoroughly explored, we characterized in this study bamboo leaf (BL) and sheath (BS) extracts. The total phenol and flavonoid content (TPC and TFC), antioxidant activity (ABTS, DPPH, FRAP and ß-carotene bleaching test) and anti-inflammatory properties were determined. Leaves exhibited a TPC value of 73.92 mg equivalent (eq) gallic acid/g fresh weight (FW) and a TFC value of 56.75 mg eq quercetin/g FW. Ultra-High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (UHPLC) coupled with photo diode array detector (PDA) analysis revealed evidence for the presence of protocatechuic acid, isoorientin, orientin and isovitexin in BL, whereas BS was rich in phenolic acids. Both samples demonstrated a significant ability to scavenge radicals against ABTS·+, with an inhibitory concentration of 50% of 3.07 µg/mL for BL and 6.78 µg/mL for BS. At a concentration of 0.1 and 0.2 mg/mL, BS decreased reactive oxygen species production without hampering cell viability in HepG2 liver cells, while at the same concentrations, BL exhibited cytotoxicity in HepG2 cells. In addition, 0.1 and 0.2 mg/mL BS and BL reduced Interleukin-6 and Monocyte Chemoattractant Protein-1 production in human lipopolysaccharide-stimulated THP-1 macrophages, without affecting cell viability. These findings highlight the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of BL and BS, corroborating their different potential applications in the nutraceutical, cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries.
ABSTRACT
A new accession of myrobalan (Prunus cerasifera L.) from Sicily (Italy) was studied for the first time for its chemical and nutraceutical properties. A description of the main morphological and pomological traits was created as a tool for characterization for consumers. For this purpose, three different extracts of fresh myrobalan fruits were subjected to different analyses, including the evaluation of total phenol (TPC), flavonoid (TFC), and anthocyanin (TAC) contents. The extracts exhibited a TPC in the range 34.52-97.63 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/100 g fresh weight (FW), a TFC of 0.23-0.96 mg quercetin equivalent (QE)/100 g FW, and a TAC of 20.24-55.33 cyanidine-3-O-glucoside/100 g FW. LC-HRMS analysis evidenced that the compounds mainly belong to the flavonols, flavan-3-ols, proanthocyanidins, anthocyanins, hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives, and organic acids classes. A multitarget approach was used to assess the antioxidant properties by using FRAP, ABTS, DPPH, and ß-carotene bleaching tests. Moreover, the myrobalan fruit extracts were tested as inhibitors of the key enzymes related to obesity and metabolic syndrome (α-glucosidase, α-amylase, and lipase). All extracts exhibited an ABTS radical scavenging activity that was higher than the positive control BHT (IC50 value in the range 1.19-2.97 µg/mL). Moreover, all extracts showed iron-reducing activity, with a potency similar to that of BHT (53.01-64.90 vs 3.26 µM Fe(II)/g). The PF extract exhibited a promising lipase inhibitory effect (IC50 value of 29.61 µg/mL).
ABSTRACT
Citrus is an important genus in the Rutaceae family, with high medicinal and economic value, and includes important crops such as lemons, orange, grapefruits, limes, etc. The Citrus species is rich sources of carbohydrates, vitamins, dietary fibre, and phytochemicals, mainly including limonoids, flavonoids, terpenes, and carotenoids. Citrus essential oils (EOs) consist of several biologically active compounds mainly belonging to the monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes classes. These compounds have demonstrated several health-promoting properties such as antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer properties. Citrus EOs are obtained mainly from peels, but also from leaves and flowers, and are widely used as flavouring ingredients in food, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical products. This review focused on the composition and biological properties of the EOs of Citrus medica L. and Citrus clementina Hort. Ex Tan and their main constituents, limonene, γ-terpinene, myrcene, linalool, and sabinene. The potential applications in the food industry have been also described. All the articles available in English or with an abstract in English were extracted from different databases such as PubMed, SciFinder, Google Scholar, Web of Science, Scopus, and Science Direct.
ABSTRACT
This work investigated the phytochemical content and bioactivity of Lycium barbarum collected in Calabria and evaluated, for the first time, the possibility of enriching traditional ciabatta bread with goji fresh flesh puree. For this purpose, goji flesh puree, bread, and bread enriched with 20% and 40% goji flesh puree (G20 and G40 samples, respectively) were subjected to several analyses. Selected compounds were quantified by UHPLC analysis in both goji fresh flesh puree and after simulation of the cooking process. The impact of the addition on key enzymes (lipase, α-amylase, and α-glucosidase) related to metabolic syndrome was assessed together with the antioxidant properties. Texture, colourimetric, and sensory analyses on enriched bread were performed to evaluate consumer acceptance. Despite cooking, the enriched bread maintained good levels of bioactive compounds compared to the berry pulp alone (p < 0.01). The enriched bread showed the ability to protect against lipid peroxidation, with IC50 values of 6.88 and 6.52 µg/mL for samples G20 and G40, respectively, after incubation for 30 min (p < 0.01). Although less active than the control, the enriched bread showed inhibitory activities against the enzymes involved in the digestion of carbohydrates. From a sensory point of view, the addition of goji fresh pulp puree slightly modified the appearance but not the flavour and taste of the bread. Collectively, our results support the potential healthy function of this baked product.
ABSTRACT
Brassica villosa subsp. drepanensis (Caruel) Raimondo & Mazzola, belonging to the Brassica oleracea complex, is a wild edible plant endemic to western Sicily and a relative of modern cultivated Brassica crops. In this study, the antioxidant properties, anti-inflammatory activities, enzymatic inhibition, and cytotoxicity in cancer cells of B. villosa subsp. drepanensis leaf ethanolic extract were analysed for the first time. In addition, its chemical profile was investigated partitioning the total 70% ethanol extract among ethyl acetate, n-butanol, and water to obtain three residues that were subjected to chromatographic separation. Two flavonol glycosides, a phenol glucoside, two amino acids, and purine/pyrimidine bases were obtained. The presence of the glucosinolate glucoiberin was detected in the water extract by UHPLC-MS analysis. The total polyphenol and flavonoid content of the 70% ethanol extract showed good antioxidant capacities and anti-inflammatory properties by reducing nitric oxide release and reactive oxygen species levels and increasing glutathione in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. The extract inhibited the enzymatic activity of α-amylase, α-glucosidase, and, significantly, of lipase. The MTT assay showed that the extract did not affect the viability of normal HFF-1 and RAW 264.7 cells. Among the cancer cell lines tested, an antiproliferative action was only observed in CaCo-2. The cytotoxicity of the extract was further confirmed by LDH release assay and by the destabilization of the oxidative balance. Results confirmed the antioxidant properties of the crude extract responsible for the anti-inflammatory effect on healthy cells and cytotoxicity in cancer cells.
Subject(s)
Brassica , Humans , Brassica/metabolism , Plant Extracts/chemistry , Caco-2 Cells , Plant Leaves/chemistry , Antioxidants/chemistry , Anti-Inflammatory Agents/chemistry , Water/chemistry , Ethanol/metabolismABSTRACT
Haloarchaeal carotenoids have attracted attention lately due to their potential antioxidant activity. This work studies the effect of different concentrations of carbon sources on cell growth and carotenoid production. Carotenoid extract composition was characterized by HPLC-MS. Antioxidant activity of carotenoid extracts obtained from cell cultures grown under different nutritional conditions was determined by 2,2'-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), Ferric Reducing Ability Power (FRAP) and ß-carotene bleaching assays. The ability of these carotenoid extracts to inhibit α-glucosidase, α-amylase, and lipase enzymes was also assessed to determine if they could be used to reduce blood glucose and lipid absorption. The maximum production of carotenoids (92.2 µg/mL) was observed combining 12.5% inorganic salts and 2.5% of glucose/starch. Antioxidant, hypoglycemic, and antilipidemic studies showed that higher carbon availability in the culture media leads to changes in the extract composition, resulting in more active haloarchaeal carotenoid extracts. Carotenoid extracts obtained from high-carbon-availability cell cultures presented higher proportions of all-trans-bacterioruberin, 5-cis-bacterioruberin, and a double isomeric bacterioruberin, whereas the presence 9-cis-bacterioruberin and 13-cis-bacterioruberin decreased. The production of haloarchaeal carotenoids can be successfully optimized by changing nutritional conditions. Furthermore, carotenoid composition can be altered by modifying carbon source concentration. These natural compounds are very promising in food and nutraceutical industries.
Subject(s)
Antioxidants , Haloferax mediterranei , Antioxidants/pharmacology , Carbon , Carotenoids/pharmacology , Carotenoids/chemistry , Plant Extracts/pharmacology , Plant Extracts/chemistryABSTRACT
Cancer is one of the largest causes of mortality in the world, and due to its incidence, the discovery of novel anticancer drugs is of great importance. Many successful anticancer drugs used in clinical practices are derived from natural products. The genus Santolina is a group of species distributed in the Mediterranean area and used in traditional medicine for their biological properties. The aim of this work was to investigate, for the first time, the multi-target biological potential of Italian Santolina pinnata in relation to their chemical profile, by which an interesting natural source of valuable phytochemicals endowed with anticancer and anti-inflammatory features could be assessed. n-Hexane (EHSP) and methanol (EMSP) extracts were investigated by gas chromatography (GC) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC), respectively. Anti-proliferative activity was analyzed on MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells, as well as on non-tumorigenic MCF-10A cells, by the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Apoptotic death was assessed by comet assay. Cell motility and invasive features were examined in highly invasive MDA-MB-231 by wound-healing scratches, while, in both breast cancer cell lines, by gel-zymography experiments. The anti-inflammatory potential was analyzed by nitric oxide (NO) production and the nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) staining experiments in bacterial lipopolysaccharides (LPS) which stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. EHSP and EMSP extracts exhibited anticancer activity against breast cancer cells, promoting apoptotic death, as well as decreasing cell migration and invasive behaviours. The highest activity (IC50 of 15.91 µg/mL) was detected against MDA-MB-231 cells, a highly invasive breast cancer cell line. Both extracts were also able to promote anti-inflammatory effects (IC50 values ranging from 27.5 to 61.14 µg/mL), as well as to reduce NO levels by inducing inhibitory effects on NF-κB nuclear translocation in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. The different biological behaviours found between the extracts could be related to their different chemical compositions. Herein, the multi-target biological potential of S. pinnata in inducing antitumor and anti-inflammatory effects was comprehensively demonstrated. These findings will provide important stepping-stones for further investigations and may lead to the development of highly effective S. pinnata extract-based treatments for breast cancer and inflammatory processes.
Subject(s)
Antineoplastic Agents , Asteraceae , Breast Neoplasms , Mice , Animals , Humans , Female , RAW 264.7 Cells , Lipopolysaccharides/pharmacology , NF-kappa B/metabolism , Breast Neoplasms/drug therapy , Plant Extracts/pharmacology , Plant Extracts/chemistry , Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry , Asteraceae/chemistry , Anti-Inflammatory Agents/pharmacology , Anti-Inflammatory Agents/chemistry , Antineoplastic Agents/pharmacologyABSTRACT
Seeds from mustard (genera Brassica spp. and Sinapsis spp.), are known as a rich source of glucosinolates and omega-3 fatty acids. These compounds are widely known for their health benefits that include reducing inflammation and lowering the risk of cardiovascular diseases and cancer. This review presented a synthesis of published literature from Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus, Sci Finder, and Web of Science regarding the different glucosinolates and omega-3 fatty acids isolated from mustard seeds. We presented an overview of extraction, isolation, purification, and structure elucidation of glucosinolates from the seeds of mustard plants. Moreover, we presented a compilation of in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies showing the potential health benefits of glucosinolates and omega-3 fatty acids. Previous studies showed that glucosinolates have antimicrobial, antipain, and anticancer properties while omega-3 fatty acids are useful for their pharmacologic effects against sleep disorders, anxiety, cerebrovascular disease, neurodegenerative disease, hypercholesterolemia, and diabetes. Further studies are needed to investigate other naturally occurring glucosinolates and omega-3 fatty acids, improve and standardize the extraction and isolation methods from mustard seeds, and obtain more clinical evidence on the pharmacological applications of glucosinolates and omega-3 fatty acids from mustard seeds.
ABSTRACT
The growing interest in foods that can be beneficial to human health is bringing into focus some products that have been used locally for centuries but have recently gained worldwide attention. One of these foods is pumpkin seed oil, which has been used in culinary and traditional medicine, but recent data also show its use in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. In addition, some sources refer to it as a potential functional food, mainly because it is obtained from pumpkin seeds, which contain many functional components. However, the production process of the oil may affect the content of these components and consequently the biological activity of the oil. In this review, we have focused on summarizing scientific data that explore the potential of pumpkin seed oil as a functional food ingredient. We provide a comprehensive overview of pumpkin seed oil chemical composition, phytochemical content, biological activity, and safety, as well as the overview of production processes and contemporary use. The main phytochemicals in pumpkin seed oil with health-related properties are polyphenols, phytoestrogens, and fatty acids, but carotenoids, squalene, tocopherols, and minerals may also contribute to health benefits. Most studies have been conducted in vitro and support the claim that pumpkin seed oil has antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. Clinical studies have shown that pumpkin seed oil may be beneficial in the treatment of cardiovascular problems of menopausal women and ailments associated with imbalance of sex hormones.
Subject(s)
Anti-Infective Agents , Cucurbita , Food Ingredients , Antioxidants/pharmacology , Carotenoids , Cucurbita/chemistry , Fatty Acids/chemistry , Female , Functional Food , Humans , Pharmaceutical Preparations , Phytochemicals , Phytoestrogens , Plant Oils/chemistry , Plant Oils/pharmacology , Polyphenols , Squalene , TocopherolsABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Biocompatible Pickering emulsions (PE) stabilized by tailor-made antioxidant-loaded particles have been known for some time now, but antioxidant-rich natural plant particle-based emulsions are much less well known. This study aimed to investigate the physico-chemical properties of commercial Zingiber officinale powders obtained from biological and conventional agricultural practice and ginger powder-based PE. RESULTS: The physico-chemical and biological properties of Zingiber officinale powders (GDPs) obtained from conventional (GDPC1 and GDPC2) and biological agricultural (GDPBIO) practices, and the properties of derived PE (PE_GDPs) were examined. All GDPs showed weak aggregation in aqueous media and a sufficiently hydrophobic surface to stabilize oil-in-water (O/W) PE against coalescence for at least 1 month. Zingiber officinale powders (2% w/w) derived from biological agricultural practices (GDPBIO) demonstrated the best emulsifying properties. The Zingiber officinale powders and PE_GDPs were also characterized by their phytochemical profiles. All the investigated samples exhibited ferric reducing ability power greater than the positive control, butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), with values ranging from 91.21 to 102.63 µmol L-1 Fe (II) g-1 for GDPC2 and 05PE_GDPC1 (O/W=1:1), respectively. In ß-carotene bleaching test the following trend GDPC1 > GDPBIO > GDPC2 was observed. A 05PE_GDPBIO sample with the oil volume fraction equal to 50% was stable to oxidation and exhibited a promising α-amylase inhibitory activity. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that ginger powder should be used as a starting point to design biocompatible PEs for different applications in the functional food, nutraceutical, and pharmaceutical industries. In fact, powder and based PE are characterized by a promising antioxidant activity, carbohydrate hydrolyzing enzyme and lipase inhibitory properties. Further in vivo studies are necessary to confirm these findings. © 2022 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Subject(s)
Zingiber officinale , Antioxidants/analysis , Antioxidants/pharmacology , Butylated Hydroxytoluene , Carbohydrates , Emulsions/chemistry , Zingiber officinale/chemistry , Lipase , Powders , Water , alpha-Amylases , beta CaroteneABSTRACT
Food is processed to make it safe, to make its shelf-life more stable, and to make it more desirable [...].
ABSTRACT
The aim of the present study is to investigate the chemical profile, antioxidant activity, carbohydrate-hydrolysing enzyme inhibition, and hypolipidemic effect of essential oils (EOs) extracted from Sicilian Citrus maxima (pomelo) flavedo. Using gas-chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis (GC-MS) we analysed the Eos of five cultivars of C. maxima, namely, 'Chadock', 'Maxima', 'Pyriformis', 'Terracciani', and 'Todarii', and their blends. The antioxidant activity was performed by using a multi-target approach using 2,2'-Azino-Bis-3-Ethylbenzothiazoline-6-Sulfonic acid (ABTS), 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), ferric reducing ability power (FRAP), and ß-carotene bleaching tests. The α-amylase, α-glucosidase, and lipase-inhibitory activities were also assessed. GC-MS analyses revealed D-limonene as the main monoterpene hydrocarbon in all cultivars, albeit with different percentages in the range of 21.72-71.13%. A good content of oxygenated monoterpenes was detected for all cultivars, especially for 'Todarii'. The analysis of the principal components (PCA), and related clusters (HCA), was performed to find chemo-diversity among the analysed samples. EOs from 'Chadock' and 'Maxima' were statistically similar to each other, and they differed from P3 in the smaller amount of sesquiterpene hydrocarbons, while the oils from 'Terracciani' and 'Todarii' were found to be chemically and statistically different. 'Chadock' EO was the most active to scavenge radicals (IC50 values of 22.24 and 27.23 µg/mL in ABTS and DPPH tests, respectively). 'Terracciani' EO was the most active against both lipase and α-amylase, whereas the blends obtained by the combination (1:1 v/v) of C. maxima 'Maxima' + 'Todarii' were the most active against α-glucosidase. Generally, the blends did not exert a unique behaviour in potentiating or reducing the bioactivity of the pomelo EOs.