Correction: Correction: Influence of Ni content on structural, magnetocaloric and electrical properties in manganite La0.6Ba0.2Sr0.2Mn1-xNixO3 (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.1) type perovskites.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1039/D3RA90093B.][This corrects the article DOI: 10.1039/D1RA07059B.].

Changes in the expression of genes encoding xanthophyl acyltransferases during the postharvest ripening of avocado (Persea americana) fruit.

BACKGROUND: Avocado fruit is rich in xanthophylls, which have been related to positive effects on human health. Xanthophyl acetyltransferases (XATs) are enzymes catalyzing the esterification of carboxylic acids to the hydroxyl group of the xanthophyll molecule. This esterification is thought to increase the lipophilic nature of the xanthophyll and its stability in a lipophilic environment. Studies on XATs in fruits are very scarce, and no studies had been carried out in avocado fruit during postharvest. The objective of this work was to investigate the changes in the expression of genes encoding XAT, during avocado fruit ripening. RESULTS: Avocado fruits were obtained from a local market and stored at 15 °C for 8 days. The fruit respiration rate, ethylene production, and fruit peel's color space parameters (L*, a*, b*) were measured during storage. Fruit mesocarp samples were taken after 1, 3, 5, and 7 days of storage and frozen with liquid nitrogen. Total RNA was extracted from fruit mesocarp, and the quantification of the two genes designated as COGE_ID: 936743791 and COGE_ID: 936800185 encoding XATs was performed with real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction using actin as a reference gene. The presence of a climacteric peak and large changes in color were recorded during postharvest. The two genes studied showed a large expression after 3 days of fruit storage. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that during the last stages of ripening in avocado fruit there was an active esterification of xanthophylls with carboxylic acids, which suggests the presence of esterified xanthophylls in the fruit mesocarp. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Cytotoxic and Antitumoral Effects of Methanolic Extracts of Avocado Fruit Mesocarp in Colorectal Cancer Cell Line HT29.

Colorectal cancer is a widespread neoplasia with high ratios of chemoresistance. Phytochemicals in plant-based extracts could be useful to treat colorectal cancer, and/or reduce chemoresistance. Methanolic extract of avocado mesocarp (MEAM) has demonstrated antitumoral properties, depending on the fruit ripening stage (RS). The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of methanolic extracts of "Hass" avocado fruit at different RS on cytotoxicity, antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, anti-invasive, cell cycle, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition inhibition in colorectal adenocarcinoma cell line HT29. The MEAM showed an increasing concentration of total phenolic compounds as the RS progressed, which was correlated with antioxidant capacity measured by the Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power assay but not with the 2.2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl assay. The specific phenolic compounds of MEAM were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography, and it was found that concentrations of epicatechin decreased while concentrations of chlorogenic acid increased as the RS progressed. The HT29 cell line was treated with MEAM for 48 h, and all MEAM had a cytotoxic effect, reported by MTT assay, nevertheless, the strongest effect was associated with the presence of chlorogenic acid. MEAM induced apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in phase G0/G1, reported by flow cytometry. Moreover, MEAM inhibited cell migration evidenced by the wound healing assay. On the other hand, MEAM significantly reduced expression of mRNA of tumor necrosis factor-alpha and cyclooxygenase 2. These effects comprise important inhibition of some hallmarks of cancer. This, in turn, may provide interesting guidelines for developing antitumoral intervention agents.

Phytochemical constituents, in-vitro anticancer activity and computational studies of Cymbopogon schoenanthus.

The cytotoxic effects of Cymbopogon schoenanthus L. aerial part ethanol extract were examined against some cancer cell lines, and HUVEC normal cell lines using MTT assay. The ethanolic extract was prepared by ultrasonic-assisted extraction and analyzed by GC-MS and HPLC. The extract was found to be rich in terpene compounds. The extract proved to be highly selective and effective against breast and prostate cancer cell lines (MDA-MB-435, MCF-7, and DU 145) with IC50 as low as 0.7913 ± 0.14, 12.841 ± 0.21, and 30.51 ± 0.18 µg/ml, respectively. In silico modeling was performed to investigate the binding orientation and affinity of the major identified compounds against Polo-like kinase (PLK1 protein) a cancer molecular target using molecular docking and molecular dynamic whereas eudesm-5-en-11-ol, piperitone, and 2,3-dihydrobenzofuran displayed better binding affinity and stability against PLK1 compared to the reference drug. These findings encourage further in vivo studies to assess the anti-cancer effects of C. schoenanthus extract and its components.

Quality evaluation of fresh pistachios (Pistacia vera L.) cultivars coated with chitosan/TiO2 nanocomposite.

Fresh pistachios are rich in dietary fiber, minerals and unsaturated fatty acids, but they have a short shelf life. This investigation examined the effect of pre-harvest foliar application with chitosan (500 and 1000 mg. L-1), nano-chitosan (250 and 500 mg. L-1), and chitosan/TiO2 nanocomposite (250 and 500 mg. L-1) coating films on the postharvest physiology and storage of fresh pistachios (Pistacia vera cvs. Akbari and Ahmad Aghaei) cultivar during storage at 4 ± 0.5 °C. It was found that, fresh pistachios' shelf life could by increased by up to 30 days by the use of chitosan/TiO2 nanocomposite coating for foliar application. The decay index of the composite coated fruits was 4-6 % lower than that of the control group, and after 50-60 days the bacterial contamination appeared in cultivars; respectively. The nanocomposite treatments reduced the fruits weight between 30 and 40 %, which was 15 % higher that of than uncoated fruits. The pre-harvest application of chitosan/TiO2 coating reduced microbial contamination, weight loss, phenylalanine ammonialyase (PAL) activity and saturated fatty acids, and increased unsaturated fatty acids, antioxidant properties, sensory properties, essential minerals, superoxide dismutase (SOD), quality indicators and shelf life. These results demonstrated that the chitosan/TiO2 (250 and 500 mg. L-1) coating film effectively preserved the nutrient composition, sensory quality, nutritional value, antioxidant capacity and shelf life of fresh pistachio.

Correction: Influence of Ni content on structural, magnetocaloric and electrical properties in manganite La0.6Ba0.2Sr0.2Mn1-xNixO3 (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.1) type perovskites.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1039/D1RA07059B.].

Bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity in garambullo fruit (Myrtillocactus geometrizans) at different ripening stages.

Garambullo (Myrtillocactus geometrizans) is endemic in México, and although popularly consumed locally, its nutritional characteristics and value have not been studied in details. The objective of this work was to investigate the bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity in garambullo fruit from different sites at three ripening stages. Fruit from the three ripening stages (red, purple, and dark purple) were investigated for their physicochemical characteristics, hydrophilic (phenolic compounds, betalains, and ascorbic acid), and lipophilic (carotenoids, tocopherols, and fatty acids) bioactive compounds, using spectrophotometry, gas chromatography (GC-FID), and high-pressure liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (HPLC/DAD-ESI-MS). The antioxidant capacity was measured with the 2,2'-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl and the ferric-ion-reducing antioxidant power assays. The color components of the fruit, chroma and a* values increased, whereas lightness (L*) and b* significantly decreased during ripening. Five betacyanins and four betaxanthins were tentatively identified with HPLC/DAD-ESI-MS, and betacyanins were more abundant than betaxanthins. Betalains content and antioxidant capacity of hydrophilic extracts significantly increased during ripening. Ten phenolic compounds were identified, with ferulic acid being the most abundant. Tocopherols were low (0.023-0.033 mg/100 g fw). Five fatty acids were abundant, and linoleic acid was the most important. Phenolic compounds, ascorbic acid, total carotenoids, and fatty acids decreased during fruit ripening. Garambullo fruit is rich in phytochemical compounds of importance for human nutrition and health. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: The physicochemical and bioactive compounds characterization in garambullo fruit is important to establish maturation and harvesting indices, postharvest strategies to preserve fruit quality and prolong postharvest life, promote the consumption and utilization of the fruit, and the designing of proper functional foods. In addition, the knowledge on the bioactive components might be useful to include this fruit in personalized nutritional approaches for patients with risks of certain chronic diseases. The methodology used in this study could be useful for the study of other fruits, especially those from the Cactaceae family.

Identification and quantification of fatty acids and lipid-soluble phytochemicals using GC-MS, HPLC-MS, and FTIR and their association with quality parameters during avocado ripening.

Consumer demand for the avocado fruit has increased considerably, but accelerated fruit ripening, lack of fruit ripening uniformity, and lack of proper quality characteristics and indices generate considerable problems during fruit handling and trade. Physicochemical parameters are used to determine avocado fruit ripening. These parameters together with lipid-soluble phytochemicals (LSP) and fatty acids (FAs) highlight the health and economic importance of this fruit. Analysis of LSP and FAs in avocado fruit has been reported, but combining the use of analytical techniques such as Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and high-pressure liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS) to determine qualitative and quantitative changes during fruit ripening, and their association with physicochemical parameters, has not been conducted. Physicochemical parameters (fruit firmness, color, oil and dry matter contents) were determined, and the changes of FAs and LSP (carotenoids, chlorophylls, and tocopherols) during "Hass" avocado ripening, based on dry matter (DM) content, were analyzed using FTIR, GC-MS, and HPLC-MS. The association between them was also determined using principal component analysis. Fruit with 19% and 25% DM exhibited high LSP and FAs levels. Carotenoids, chlorophylls, and tocopherols were associated with firmness, color, and DM of 19% and 22%, while FAs were associated with fruit weight and DM of 25%. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: There is a major global increase in avocado cultivation and consumer demand. However, a major problem facing the handling and trade of avocado fruit is related to lack of fruit ripening uniformity and quality characteristics and indices. Therefore, a proper association between simple measures of fruit physicochemical properties and bioactive components can establish an excellent, simple, and practical index that can eventually be used for quality evaluation by the industry and the consumers.

Wilson's disease and autoimmune hepatitis coexistence: A cause of diagnostic delay

This case report describes a 27-year-old housewife who presented with a progressive and insidious onset of abdominal distension, loss of appetite, and fatigue which started 3 months before her presentation. The physical assessment showed moderate ascites and small liver size, and no other peripheral evidence of chronic liver disease was observed. A diagnosis of liver cirrhosis and was confirmed by investigations and imaging, where ascites responded well to therapy with diuretics. Investigations for the cause of cirrhosis was established through the diagnosis of autoimmune hepatitis, and she was started on steroids and azathioprine with partial improvement in liver biochemistry. She presented 8 months later with neuropsychiatric symptoms in the form of slurred speech and difficulty walking. Accordingly, Wilson's disease was suspected to be the cause and further investigations confirmed this. A chelating agent, D penicillamine, was added to her immunosuppressive treatment. Nine months later she showed slow improvement in her neurological symptoms and was referred for assessment for liver transplantation. Wilson's disease, although rare, should be suspected in patients with decompensated liver disease. The dominance of clinical and epidemiological features of autoimmune hepatitis as a common causative pathology for chronic liver disease in young and middle-aged ladies may hide the presence of other serious different pathologies such as Wilson's disease.

Lesser-Consumed Tropical Fruits and Their by-Products: Phytochemical Content and Their Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Potential.

Açaí, lychee, mamey, passion fruit and jackfruit are some lesser-consumed tropical fruits due to their low commercial production. In 2018, approximately 6.8 million tons of these fruits were harvested, representing about 6.35% of the total world production of tropical fruits. The present work reviews the nutritional content, profile of bioactive compounds, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capacity of these fruits and their by-products, and their ability to modulate oxidative stress due to the content of phenolic compounds, carotenoids and dietary fiber. Açaí pulp is an excellent source of anthocyanins (587 mg cyanidin-3-glucoside equivalents/100 g dry weight, dw), mamey pulp is rich in carotenoids (36.12 mg ß-carotene/100 g fresh weight, fw), passion fruit peel is rich in dietary fiber (61.16 g/100 dw). At the same time, jackfruit contains unique compounds such as moracin C, artocarpesin, norartocarpetin and oxyresveratrol. These molecules play an important role in the regulation of inflammation via activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (including p38, ERK and JNK) and nuclear factor κB pathways. The properties of the bioactive compounds found in these fruits make them a good source for use as food ingredients for nutritional purposes or alternative therapies. Research is needed to confirm their health benefits that can increase their marketability, which can benefit the primary producers, processing industries (particularly smaller ones) and the final consumer, while an integral use of their by-products will allow their incorporation into the circular bioeconomy.

Solubility enhancement of some poorly soluble drugs by solid dispersion using Ziziphus spina-christi gum polymer.

A high percentage of marketed drugs suffer from poor water solubility and require an appropriate technique to increase their solubility. This study aims to compare physically modified and unmodified gum polymers extracted from Ziziphus spina-christi fruits as solid dispersion carriers for some drugs. Taguchi Orthogonal Design (L9) was chosen for the screening and optimization of the solid dispersions. The design has four factors: type of drug, type of polymer, type of solid dispersion process, and drug to polymer ratio. Each factor was varied in three stages and the total number of runs was 9 in triplicate. The polymer was physically modified by heating (M1ZG) or freeze-drying (M2ZG). The drugs were selected according to the biopharmaceutical classification system, namely loratadine and glimepiride (class II) and furosemide (class IV). Drugs were dispersed in the polymer in three different ratios 1: 1, 1: 2, and 1: 3. Solid dispersions were made by co-grinding, solvent evaporation, and kneading methods. Modified and unmodified polymers were characterized in terms of their organoleptic properties, solubility, powder flowability, density, viscosity, swelling index, and water retention capacity. Solid dispersions were characterized in terms of percentage practical yield, solubility improvement, and drug compatibility. The results showed that the organoleptic properties of polymers were not changed by the gum modification. The swelling index of the polymer was doubled in M1ZG. The viscosity and water retention capacity of the polymer was increased in both modified polymers. All solid dispersions showed a high practical percentage yield of more than 93%, the higher values ​​being more associated with loratadine and furosemide than with glimepiride. The improvement in solubility was observed in all solid dispersions prepared, the values ​​varying with the pH of the medium and the method of modification. The FTIR results indicated that there was no chemical interaction between these drugs and the polymer used. Analysis of the results according to the Taguchi orthogonal design indicated 51 folds aqueous solubility enhancement for loratadine using M2ZG polymer at a ratio of 1: 3 of Drug: polymer. This study showed the possibility of improving the solubility of other poorly soluble drugs.

Influence of Ni content on structural, magnetocaloric and electrical properties in manganite La0.6Ba0.2Sr0.2Mn1-x Ni x O3 (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.1) type perovskites.

We present a detailed study on the physical properties of La0.6Ba0.2Sr0.2Mn1-x Ni x O3 samples (x = 0.00, 0.05 and 0.1). The ceramics were fabricated using the sol-gel route. Structural refinement, employing the Rietveld method, disclosed a rhombohedral R3̄c phase. The magnetization vs. temperature plots show a paramagnetic-ferromagnetic (PM-FM) transition phase at the T C (Curie temperature), which decreases from 354 K to 301 K. From the Arrott diagrams M 2 vs. µ 0 H/M, we can conclude the phase transition is of the second order. Based on measurements of the isothermal magnetization around T C, the magnetocaloric effects (MCEs) have been calculated. The entropy maximum change (-ΔS M) values are 7.40 J kg-1 K-1, 5.6 J kg-1 K-1 and 4.48 J kg-1 K-1, whereas the relative cooling power (RCP) values are 232 J kg-1, 230 J kg-1 and 156 J kg-1 for x = 0.00, 0.05 and 0.10, respectively, under an external field (µ 0 H) of 5 T. Through these results, the La0.6Ba0.2Sr0.2Mn1-x Ni x O3 (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.1) samples can be suggested for use in magnetic refrigeration technology above room temperature. The electrical resistivity (ρ) vs. temperature plots exhibit a transition from metallic behavior to semiconductor behavior in the vicinity of T M-SC. The adiabatic small polaron hopping (ASPH) model is applied in the PM-semiconducting part (T > T MS). Throughout the temperature range, ρ is adjusted by the percolation model. This model is based on the phase segregation of FM-metal clusters and PM-insulating regions.

Factors associated with mortality in patients with COVID-19 admitted to intensive care: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Identification of high-risk patients admitted to intensive care with COVID-19 may inform management strategies. The objective of this meta-analysis was to determine factors associated with mortality among adults with COVID-19 admitted to intensive care by searching databases for studies published between 1 January 2020 and 6 December 2020. Observational studies of COVID-19 adults admitted to critical care were included. Studies of mixed cohorts and intensive care cohorts restricted to a specific patient sub-group were excluded. Dichotomous variables were reported with pooled OR and 95%CI, and continuous variables with pooled standardised mean difference (SMD) and 95%CI. Fifty-eight studies (44,305 patients) were included in the review. Increasing age (SMD 0.65, 95%CI 0.53-0.77); smoking (OR 1.40, 95%CI 1.03-1.90); hypertension (OR 1.54, 95%CI 1.29-1.85); diabetes (OR 1.41, 95%CI 1.22-1.63); cardiovascular disease (OR 1.91, 95%CI 1.52-2.38); respiratory disease (OR 1.75, 95%CI 1.33-2.31); renal disease (OR 2.39, 95%CI 1.68-3.40); and malignancy (OR 1.81, 95%CI 1.30-2.52) were associated with mortality. A higher sequential organ failure assessment score (SMD 0.86, 95%CI 0.63-1.10) and acute physiology and chronic health evaluation-2 score (SMD 0.89, 95%CI 0.65-1.13); a lower PaO2 :FI O2 (SMD -0.44, 95%CI -0.62 to -0.26) and the need for mechanical ventilation at admission (OR 2.53, 95%CI 1.90-3.37) were associated with mortality. Higher white cell counts (SMD 0.37, 95%CI 0.22-0.51); neutrophils (SMD 0.42, 95%CI 0.19-0.64); D-dimers (SMD 0.56, 95%CI 0.43-0.69); ferritin (SMD 0.32, 95%CI 0.19-0.45); lower platelet (SMD -0.22, 95%CI -0.35 to -0.10); and lymphocyte counts (SMD -0.37, 95%CI -0.54 to -0.19) were all associated with mortality. In conclusion, increasing age, pre-existing comorbidities, severity of illness based on validated scoring systems, and the host response to the disease were associated with mortality; while male sex and increasing BMI were not. These factors have prognostic relevance for patients admitted to intensive care with COVID-19.

Avocado oil: Production and market demand, bioactive components, implications in health, and tendencies and potential uses.

Avocado is a subtropical/tropical fruit with creamy texture, peculiar flavor, and high nutritional value. Due to its high oil content, a significant quantity of avocado fruit is used for the production of oil using different methods. Avocado oil is rich in lipid-soluble bioactive compounds, but their content depends on different factors. Several phytochemicals in the oil have been linked to prevention of cancer, age-related macular degeneration, and cardiovascular diseases and therefore have generated an increase in consumer demand for avocado oil. The aim of this review is to critically and systematically analyze the worldwide production and commercialization of avocado oil, its extraction methods, changes in its fat-soluble phytochemical content, health benefits, and new trends and applications. There is a lack of information on the production and commercialization of the different types of avocado oil, but there are abundant data on extraction methods using solvents, centrifugation-assisted aqueous extraction, mechanical extraction by cold pressing (varying concentration and type of enzymes, temperature and time of reaction, and dilution ratio), ultrasound-assisted extraction, and supercritical fluid to enhance the yield and quality of oil. Extensive information is available on the content of fatty acids, although it is limited on carotenoids and chlorophylls. The effect of avocado oil on cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases has been demonstrated through in vitro and animal studies, but not in humans. Avocado oil continues to be of interest to the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries and is also generating increased attention in other areas including structured lipids, nanotechnology, and environmental care.

Antiproliferative potential of Andean Berry (Vaccinium meridionale Swartz) juice in combination with Aspirin in human SW480 colon adenocarcinoma cells.

Andean Berry (Vaccinium meridionale Sw.) is a South American fruit rich in phytochemicals with promising anti-cancer properties as co-adjuvants to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as Aspirin. This study aimed to evaluate the antiproliferative potential of Andean Berry Juice (ABJ) in combination with Aspirin in human SW480 colon adenocarcinoma cells. ABJ primarily contained 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic and chlorogenic acids. The combined treatment of ABJ (IC50 : 30.0 ± 0.11%) and Aspirin (IC50 : 20.0 ± 0.57) exhibited a higher (p < .01) antiproliferative effect than each counterpart. Moreover the same mixture displayed a lower reduced glutathione/oxidized glutathione ratio (GSH/GSSG) than the untreated cells. ABJ-Aspirin combination induced late apoptosis stage without stimulating mitochondrial depolarization and prompted phosphatidylserine relocalization. These results emphasize the antiproliferative potential of bioactive compounds from ABJ and Aspirin combinations. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Natural products such as Andean Berry (V. meridionale Sw.) juice (ABJ) contains antioxidant polyphenols that could reduce the need to use non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, currently employed in cancer treatment, to prevent its side effects. The high abundance of polyphenols from this underutilized berry could stimulate the standardization of its production and industrial exploitation to be transformed into suitable food products delivering natural bioactive compounds with potential anti-cancer effects in vitro.

Metabolomic analysis and physical attributes of ripe fruits from Mexican Creole (Persea americana var. Drymifolia) and 'Hass' avocados.

The physicochemical properties, including nutrient and bioactive compound compositions, in fruit of four creole avocados (CA) from Mexico were determined and compared with those of 'Hass' fruit. 'Hass' pulp and some CA pulps contained similar concentrations of lutein, chlorophyll a, ß-sitosterol and α-tocopherol. CA pulp contained 3.91-9.55% more oil than 'Hass'. Oil from CA pulp contained 10.10-26.79% more oleic acid than 'Hass' pulp. However, CA were small (CA = 81.40-137.15 g, 'Hass' = 188.59 g) and their pulp contents were low (CA = 39.83-84.82 g, 'Hass' = 144.14 g). CA peels were very thin, making these avocado peels edible but prone to mechanical damage. CA peels also contained higher concentrations and greater diversity of anthocyanins and glycosylated quercetin compounds than 'Hass' peels. Some CA were particularly rich in mannoheptulose and perseitol. Consumption of CA, including their peel, might result in higher intakes of some nutrients and bioactive compounds compared with 'Hass' avocados.

Effect of cultivar on the content of selected phytochemicals in avocado peels.

The peels of ripe fruit of 'Hass' and 'Hass' type (HT) avocado cultivars were evaluated for phytochemical composition and other attributes. Peels represented from 8.78 to 14.11% of fruit weight. Their color ranged from homogeneous black to black with very small greenish spots. The oil content in the peels was low. Twelve fatty acids were identified in peel oil and the ratio of unsaturated to saturated fatty acids suggested that peel oil might contribute to human health. The phytochemical composition varied significantly with cultivar. However, many HT peels were superior than 'Hass' peel in their content of α-tocopherol, ß-sitosterol, perseitol, and cyanidin-3-glucoside, which was up to 211.67, 45.92, 337.17, and 519.27% higher in HT peels, respectively. The content of some phenolic compounds, especially procyanidin B2 and epicatechin, was significantly lower in 'Hass' than in many HT peels. Few HT peels showed a higher content of carotenoids and chlorophyll than 'Hass' peels. Lutein was the most abundant carotenoid. Chlorophyll a and b were also abundant in peels and low concentrations of chlorophyll derivatives were observed. Avocado peels are an important source of bioactive compounds, including some carotenoids, acids, sterols, and volemitol, which were observed for the first time.

Bioaccessibility of fat-soluble bioactive compounds (FSBC) from avocado fruit as affected by ripening and FSBC composition in the food matrix.

Dried fruit pulp and oil from avocado fruit (Persea americana, Cv Hass) at five different ripening stages were digested in vitro to determine the bioaccessibility of several fat-soluble bioactive compounds (FSBC). Viscosity, particle size, ζ-potential and lipolysis were evaluated and related to the bioaccessibility of the tested compounds. Fatty acids were more bioaccessible than carotenoids and tocopherols. The viscosity of gastrointestinal medium was related to the initial fruit firmness and modulated the bioaccessibility of neoxanthin, violaxanthin, lutein and luteoxanthin, while particle size and ζ-potential influenced the bioaccessibility of fatty acids. Lipolysis degree highly altered the bioaccessibility of luteoxanthin, pheophytin b, and α-tocopherol indicating that these digestive events are highly involved in the bioaccessibility of FSBC. In summary, FSBC from avocado fruit are highly bioaccessible, but their bioaccessibility depends on fruit ripening stage and FSBC type and concentration.

Avocado fruit and by-products as potential sources of bioactive compounds.

The increased demand for avocado, and therefore production and consumption, generate large quantities of by-products such as seeds, peel, and defatted pulp, which account for approximately 30% of fruit weight, and which are commonly discarded and wasted. The present review focuses on various compounds present in avocado fruit and its by-products, with particular interest to those that can be potentially used in different industrial forms, such as nutraceuticals, to add to or to formulate functional foods, among other uses. Main molecular families of bioactive compounds present in avocado include phenolic compounds (such as hydroxycinnamic acids, hydroxybenzoic acids, flavonoids and proanthocyanins), acetogenins, phytosterols, carotenoids and alkaloids. Types, contents, and possible functions of these bioactive compounds are described from a chemical, biological, and functional approach. The use of avocado and its by-products requires using processing methods that allow highest yield with the least amount of unusable residues, while also preserving the integrity of bioactive compounds of interest. Avocado cultivar, fruit development, ripening stage, and processing methods are some of the main factors that influence the type and amount of extractable molecules. The phytochemical diversity of avocado fruit and its by-products make them potential sources of nutraceutical compounds, from which functional foods can be obtained, as well as other applications in food, health, pigment, and material sectors, among others.