Biscuits Enriched with Monofloral Bee Pollens: Nutritional Properties, Techno-Functional Parameters, Sensory Profile, and Consumer Preference.

Bee pollens are potential functional food ingredients as they contain essential nutrients and a wide range of bioactive compounds. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of enrichment with monofloral bee pollens on the nutritional properties, techno-functional parameters, sensory profile, and consumer preference of biscuits. Biscuits were prepared according to the AACC-approved method by substituting wheat flour with pollens of rapeseed (Brassica napus L.), phacelia (Phacelia tanacetifolia Benth.) and sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) at 2%, 5% and 10% levels. The macronutrient composition of the biscuits was determined: crude protein content (Kjeldahl method), crude fat content (Soxhlet extraction), ash content (carbonization), moisture content (drying), carbohydrate content (formula). Their total phenolic content (TPC) and in vitro antioxidant capacity (FRAP, TEAC, DPPH) were determined spectrophotometrically. The colour of the biscuits was measured using a tristimulus-based instrument, and their texture was characterized by using a texture analyser. Sensory profile of biscuits was determined by qualitative descriptive analysis (QDA). The consumer acceptance and purchase intention of the biscuits were also evaluated, based on the responses of 100 consumers. Additionally, an external preference map was created to illustrate the relationship between consumer preference and the sensory profile of the biscuits, and penalty analysis was conducted to identify directions for product development. Phacelia pollen appeared to be the most effective for improving the nutritional quality of biscuits. The addition of phacelia pollen at the 10% substitution level increased the protein content and TPC of the control biscuit by 21% and 145%, respectively. Significant changes (p < 0.05) were also observed regarding the colour and texture of biscuits. The results of the QDA revealed that biscuits containing pollens of different botanical sources have heterogeneous sensory attributes. The biscuit containing sunflower pollen at the 2% substitution level was preferred the most (overall liking = 6.9 ± 1.6), and purchase intentions were also the highest for this product. Based on the results of the present study, it is recommended to use sunflower pollen for developing pollen-enriched foods in the future.

Application of Near-Infrared Spectroscopy to Investigate Some Endogenic Properties of Pleurotus ostreatus Cultivars.

Fourteen different Pleurotus ostreatus cultivars (Po_1-Po_14) were tested for free amino acid content (fAA), total polyphenol content (TPC), and antioxidant capacity (Ferric Reducing Ability of Plasma-FRAP) to select the cultivars with the most favorable traits. Automatic amino acid analyzer (fAA) and spectrophotometric assay (TPC, FRAP) results as well as Fourier-transform near infrared (FT-NIR) spectra were evaluated with different chemometric methods (Kruskal-Wallis test, Principal Component Analysis-PCA, Linear Discriminant Analysis-LDA). Based on total free amino acid concentrations and FRAP values, the Po_2 cultivar was found to be the most favorable. Types Po_3, Po_8, Po_10 and Po_12 were separated using PCA. Based on the spectral profile, they may contain polyphenols and reducing compounds of different qualities. LDA classification that was based on the concentrations of all free amino acids, cysteine, and proline of the cultivars was performed with an accuracy of over 90%. LDA classification that was based on the TPC and FRAP values was performed with an accuracy of over 83%.

Total Polyphenol Content and Antioxidant Capacity of Rosehips of Some Rosa Species.

Background: Rosehips, the fruits of Rosa species, are well known for their various health benefits like strengthening the immune system and treating digestive disorders. Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cell regenerative effects are also among their health enhancing impacts. Rosehips are rich in compounds having antioxidant properties, like vitamin C, carotenoids, and phenolics. Methods: Total polyphenol content (Folin-Ciocalteu's method), and in vitro total antioxidant capacity (ferric-reducing ability of plasma, FRAP) in rosehips of four Rosa species (R. canina, R. gallica, R. rugosa, R. spinosissima) were determined and compared. Ripe fruits were harvested at two locations. Water and ethanolic extracts of dried fruit flesh were analyzed. Results:R. spinosissima had the highest total phenolic content and antioxidant capacity, significantly higher than the other investigated Rosa species. Both parameters were reported in decreasing order for R. spinosissima > R. canina > R. rugosa > R. gallica. Ethanolic extracts of rosehips showed higher phenolic content and antioxidant activity than water extracts. Antioxidant properties were influenced by the growing site of Rosa species. Conclusions: This study indicates that R. spinosissima exhibited the greatest phenolic and antioxidant content, and therefore can be used as a reliable source of natural antioxidants, and serve as a suitable species for further plant breeding activities. Furthermore, investigations of various Rosa species for their antioxidant properties may draw more attention to their potential as functional foods.

Antihyperlipidemic Effects of Sour Cherries Characterized by Different In Vitro Antioxidant Power and Polyphenolic Composition.

The aims of the present study were to clarify in vivo effects of three sour cherry cultivars characterized by different polyphenolic composition in hyperlipidemic animals in a short term experiment. The three different sour cherry cultivars were chosen based on their total in vitro antioxidant capacity, total polyphenolic, monomeric anthocyanin and flavonoid content. Male Wistar rats were divided randomly into eight groups: rats kept on normal diet (control) and normal diet supplied with sour cherry powder of one of the three cultivars; others were kept on fat-rich diet and fat-rich diet supplied with sour cherry powder prepared from one of the three cultivars. The treatment lasted 10 days. Lyophilized sour cherry administered in the diet decreased both total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol levels, and increased the HDL cholesterol concentration in sera of hyperlipidemic animals. Significant differences were found in the efficacy of different sour cherry cultivars in case of hyperlipidemia. Sour cherries characterized by higher polyphenol content seem to have a more pronounced effect on serum cholesterol levels. Our results suggest that besides anthocyanins, colourless polyphenols also have lipid lowering effect.

Differences in antioxidant properties of ginkgo leaves collected from male and female trees.

Total phenolic content and antioxidant capacity (FRAP method) of Ginkgo biloba L. leaves collected from male and female trees were determined and compared. Different water and aqueous ethanolic (water/ethanol 80/20, V/V) extracts were prepared by varying the time of infusing, boiling and steeping in order to determine the effect of the extraction method on the above parameters. Antioxidant activity and phenolic content of ginkgo leaf extracts correlated well with significant correlation coefficients. Slopes of linear regression lines were not statistically different for either sex.

Genistein isoflavone glycoconjugates in sour cherry (Prunus cerasus L.) cultivars.

The isoflavone genistein on the contrary to its well-established health-beneficial effects is not a major component of the Western diet, since soy consumption, considered as the main dietary source of genistein, in these populations is low. Genistein compounds in twelve commercial sour cherry (Prunus cerasus L.) cultivars grown in Hungary were studied. High performance liquid chromatography coupled to electrospray ionisation quadrupole/time-of-flight mass spectrometry (HPLC-ESI-qToF-MS) was used for screening and confirmatory analyses. Genistin and genistein were found in 'Pipacs1', 'Kántorjánosi', 'Debreceni botermo' and 'Éva', which are native cultivars to Hungary. Genistein content of the latter three were in the range of 0.4-0.6, while in 'Pipacs1' in total 4.4 mg genistein compounds were measured expressed as aglycone equivalents per 100g of fresh fruit flesh. These cultivars may play important role as complementary genistein sources in the Western diet. Especially 'Pipacs 1', may be best utilised in functional food products.

A comparative assessment of antioxidant properties, total phenolic content of einkorn, wheat, barley and their malts.

Two einkorn wheat, one barley, three optional winter cultivation wheat and five winter cultivation wheat samples harvested in Hungary in 2011, and their malts were evaluated for their DPPH radical and ABTS radical cation scavenging activity, ferric reduction capacity (FRAP) and total phenolic content (TPC). All einkorn and barley samples exhibited significant antioxidant activities determined by DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging activities. The einkorn samples show higher polyphenol content than the other wheat samples. In all cases the barley sample had the highest antioxidant potential and polyphenol content. The einkorn malts had high DPPH and ABTS radical cation scavenging activities, but the phenolic content was lower against wheat samples. There was significant difference between the antioxidant potential of optional and winter cultivation wheat samples except on ABTS scavenging activities. Einkorn wheat is potentially a new raw material to produce organic beer that might have beneficial effects with its increased antioxidant potential.

Coherences of instrumental and sensory characteristics: case study on cherry tomatoes.

The aim of this study was to investigate 6 cherry tomato varieties in terms of morphological, instrumental, and sensory attributes. Hungarian cherry tomato landraces have not been investigated in comparison with new commercial varieties for these traits. Parameters investigated were water-soluble antioxidant capacity (FRAP, DPPH, and TEAC), and total polyphenol, vitamin C, ß-carotene, lycopene, total soluble solids, and acid contents. Colorimetric measurements as well as sensory analyses were conducted. It was concluded that varied antioxidant assays should be used in parallel to overcome the selectivity of any 1 method. Total phenolic content significantly contributed to results of antioxidant assays for the investigated varieties. The sensory profiles of the 6 cherry tomato varieties have been created. The differences between the products based on the 18 attributes were analyzed by Tukey post hoc test. The biplot of the principal component analysis showed that the sensory panel could discriminate the samples along the principal components. No correlation was found between colorimetric data a* and b* measured from pulp and lycopene, but a negative connection of ß-carotene and hue was noted. Total polyphenol content showed correlations with colorimetric results, except for b*. The influence of tomato skin color on color perception is significant as in the present study instrumental data measured from pulp did not match that of the panelists evaluating intact fruit. Instrumental results of sugar content were supported by the ratings of the sensory panel.

The effects of cocoa supplementation, caloric restriction, and regular exercise, on oxidative stress markers of brain and memory in the rat model.

The effects of treadmill running (8 weeks, 5 times/week, 1h/day at 27 m/min), caloric restriction, and cocoa supplementation on brain function and oxidative stress markers were tested. The Morris maze test was used to appraise rat memory. Regular exercise significantly improved spatial learning performance. The level of oxidative stress was measured by the concentration of carbonylated proteins. The free radical concentration increased in brain of the training groups but not the controls. The content of reactive carbonyl derivates did not change with exercise, suggesting that the increased production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) were well tolerated in this experimental model. Caloric restriction (CR) decreased the accumulation of free radicals in the frontal lobe. The protein content of brain-derived neutrophic factors (BDNFs) was evaluated and changes did not occur either with exercise or cocoa supplementation treatments. These data did not show significant effects of the administration of cocoa (2% w/w) on the concentration of ROS, BDNF or on spatial memory. Conversely, exercise and CR can play a role in ROS generation and brain function.

Accumulation of antioxidants in apricot fruit through ripening: characterization of a genotype with enhanced functional properties.

Two apricot genotypes, 'Gonci magyarkajszi' and 'Preventa' were assayed at three ripening stages for flesh color indices (L*, a*, b*, C* and Hº), contents of total phenolics and vitamin C, and both water- and lipid-soluble antioxidant capacities (ferric reducing antioxidant power; 2,2'-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl scavenging activity; total radical scavenging activity; and Photochem lipid-soluble antioxidant capacity) to compare their dynamics in the accumulation of antioxidant compounds and capacities through ripening. The increase in a*, b* and C* and decrease in Hº during ripening represented a color shift from green to yellow and orange due to carotenoid accumulation. Parallel to carotenoid accumulation, contents of total phenolics and vitamin C and antioxidant capacity increased significantly (p < 0.05) from unripe to fully ripe fruits. More phenolics and vitamin C accumulated in fully ripe fruits of 'Preventa' than 'Gönci magyarkajszi'. The accumulation patterns of these compounds were different: while the vitamin C contents in unripe fruit of 'Preventa' and 'Gönci magyarkajszi' were identical (approx. 6 mg/100 g fresh weight), unripe 'Preventa' contained even more phenolics (approx. 12 mmolGA/l) than fully ripe 'Gönci magyarkajszi' (8 mmolGA/l). Our results confirm that fully ripe 'Preventa' fruits are characterized by outstanding functional properties due to the increased accumulation of vitamin C and phenolics throughout the ripening process.

Accumulation of Antioxidants in Apricot Fruit through Ripening: Characterization of a Genotype with Enhanced Functional Properties

Two apricot genotypes, 'Gonci magyarkajszi' and 'Preventa' were assayed at three ripening stages for flesh color indices (L*, a*, b*, C* and Hº), contents of total phenolics and vitamin C, and both water- and lipid-soluble antioxidant capacities (ferric reducing antioxidant power; 2,2'-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl scavenging activity; total radical scavenging activity; and Photochem lipid-soluble antioxidant capacity) to compare their dynamics in the accumulation of antioxidant compounds and capacities through ripening. The increase in a*, b* and C* and decrease in Hº during ripening represented a color shift from green to yellow and orange due to carotenoid accumulation. Parallel to carotenoid accumulation, contents of total phenolics and vitamin C and antioxidant capacity increased significantly (p < 0.05) from unripe to fully ripe fruits. More phenolics and vitamin C accumulated in fully ripe fruits of 'Preventa' than 'Gonci magyarkajszi'. The accumulation patterns of these compounds were different: while the vitamin C contents in unripe fruit of 'Preventa' and 'Gonci magyarkajszi' were identical (approx. 6 mg/100 g fresh weight), unripe 'Preventa' contained even more phenolics (approx. 12 mmolGA/l) than fully ripe 'Gonci magyarkajszi' (8 mmolGA/l). Our results confirm that fully ripe 'Preventa' fruits are characterized by outstanding functional properties due to the increased accumulation of vitamin C and phenolics throughout the ripening process.

Antioxidant and antiradical capacities in apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.) fruits: variations from genotypes, years, and analytical methods.

The fruit quality parameters and antioxidant capacity (ferric reducing antioxidant power, FRAP) and total phenolic content (TPC) were determined in 27 apricot cultivars and hybrids of diverse origins. Twenty one- to 35-fold variations were measured among FRAP and TPC values. Besides genotype, harvest year also contributed significantly (P≤0.05) to the variations of TPC presumably due to the climatic differences between years. A subset of genotypes (15) was also analyzed for their antiradical activities (2,2'-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl, DPPH; total radical-scavenging activity, TRSA; water-soluble antioxidant capacity, ACW; and lipid-soluble antioxidant capacity, ACL), and vitamin C contents as well as color indices (CIE H°, L*, and chroma). The hybrid "Preventa" had outstanding FRAP (>10.4 mmol ascorbic acid/L), DPPH (74.45%), TRSA (0.002%), ACW (33587.5 nmol AA/L) and ACL (78.65 nmol Trolox/L), TPC (>2890.0 mg gallic acid/L), and vitamin C (16.17 mg/100 g FW) levels and an average carotenoid content estimated from the hue angle (66.99°). Most antioxidant and antiradical activities correlated significantly except for TRSA; the closest correlation was observed between FRAP and ACW (r=0.952). Only TRSA showed significant correlations with color indices, H° and chroma, suggesting TRSA measures at least a fraction of the antioxidant capacity attributable to apricot carotenoids.

Alterations in the content of metal elements and fatty acids in hepatic ischaemia-reperfusion: induction of apoptotic and necrotic cell death.

Ischaemia and reperfusion are related to oxidative stress, which alters with the redox-homeostasis of the liver cells. Our aim was to reveal the correlations between changes of metal element and fatty acid concentration (two main components of redox-balance) and apoptotic and necrotic processes of hepatic ischaemia-reperfusion. Wistar rats were divided into three groups: control, sham-operated and reperfusion. Hepatic ischaemia was induced for 45 min in the left lateral, left medial and right medial lobes followed by 24 h of reperfusion. Global redox parameters and glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase activity were detected by luminometry and spectrophotometry. Routine laboratory measurements, fatty acid composition (with gas chromatography) as well as metal ion concentration of liver (with ICP-OES) were determined. Metallothionein activity was measured by atomic absorption spectrometry. Immunohistochemical and histological examinations were carried out to investigate apoptotic and necrotic changes in the liver. During reperfusion, global antioxidant parameters decreased and superoxide dismutase level of the liver was significantly lower than in the sham-operated group. Changes in the metal element concentration are essential for cellular biochemical pathways, and significant correlations were found between decrease in Cu and Zn content and decreased superoxide dismutase activity. Necrotic lesions along with increased number of apoptotic cells were found in the liver after 24 h of reperfusion. Alterations in the metal element and fatty acid content was found in the liver tissue during 24 h of ischaemia-reperfusion along with increase in the number of apoptotic cells and significant disturbance of the antioxidant balance. Study of the metal element content of the liver during hepatic ischaemia-reperfusion may provide new supportive strategies for liver surgery and transplantation.

Extreme consumption of Beta vulgaris var. rubra can cause metal ion accumulation in the liver.

Redox homeostasis can be considered as the cumulative action of all free radical reactions and antioxidant defences in different tissues, which provide suitable conditions for life. Transition metal ions are ubiquitous in biological systems. Beta vulgaris var. rubra (table beet root) contains several bioactive agents (e.g. betain, betanin, vulgaxanthine, polyphenols, folic acid) and different metal elements (e.g. Al, B, Ba, Ca, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Na, Zn), which act on the various physiological routes. Therefore we studied the effect of this metal rich vegetable on element content of the liver in healthy rats. Male Wistar rats (n = 7) (200 +/- 20 g) were treated with lyophilised powder of table beet root (2 g/kg b.w.) added into the rat chow for 10 days. Five healthy animals served as control. We found significant accumulation of Cu, Fe, Mg, Mn, Zn and P in the liver, which was proved by ICP-AES measurements. We suppose that the extreme consumption of table beet root can cause several disturbances not only in cases of healthy patients but, e.g. in patients suffering with metal accumulating diseases, e.g. porphyria cutanea tarda, haemochromatosis or Wilson disease-although moderate consumption may be beneficial in iron-deficiency anaemia and inflammatory bowel diseases.

Liver-protecting effects of table beet (Beta vulgaris var. rubra) during ischemia-reperfusion.

OBJECTIVE: Table beet (Beta vulgaris var. rubra) contains important bioactive agents (betaine and polyphenols), which have a wide range of physiologic effects. Because nutritive antioxidants may reduce the occurrence of complications and postoperative mortality, dietary intake of polyphenols and vitamins before surgery may greatly contribute to the survival of patients. Our aim was to determine the liver-protecting properties of bioactive substances of table beet in a model of ischemia-reperfusion injury of the rat. METHODS: Wistar rats were divided into two groups: non-treated (n = 24) and fed with table beet (n = 8). For 10 days the second group was treated with lyophilized table beet (2 g/kg body weight daily) mixed into the rat chow. Hepatic ischemia was maintained for 45 min, followed by 15 min of reperfusion. Ischemia-reperfusion was carried out on animals from both groups. Chemiluminescent intensity, H-donating ability, reducing power, free SH group concentration, Randox-total antioxidant status, glutathione peroxidase, and superoxide dismutase activities were determined by luminometry and spectrophotometry. Fatty acid (Shimadzu GC) and metal ion (inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry) concentrations were observed in the liver. RESULTS: As a result of feeding, global parameters (H-donating ability, reducing power, free SH group concentration) and enzymatic antioxidants (glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase) of the liver were found to increase significantly, which indicated that the treatment had a positive effect on its redox state. The increase found in zinc and copper content may protect the hepatocytes against oxidative stress because these elements are required for the function of superoxide dismutase enzymes. In the table beet group the concentration of short-chain fatty acids decreased, whereas that of long-chain fatty acids increased. The changes in metal element and fatty acid concentrations confirmed that these elements have an essential function in cellular pathways. CONCLUSION: It may be stated that a natural antioxidant-rich diet has a positive effect on redox homeostasis during hepatic ischemia-reperfusion.

Metal ion and antioxidant alterations in leaves between different sexes of Ginkgo biloba L.

A comparative study was carried out to determine some valuable phytochemical components, macro- and microelement and redox parameters in leaves of male and female Ginkgo biloba trees and in extracts made from them. G. biloba extracts have become more popular as a therapeutic agent in the modern pharmacology in neurodegenerative diseases, in which increased brain metal levels can be observed and free radical reactions are involved. Macro- and microelement components, total phenol content, H-donating activity and reducing power as well as total scavenger capacity were determined in the samples. Well detectable differences were obtained for micro- and macroelement contents between male and female samples, but no toxic elements could be detected in the extracts. Male extracts contained more hazardous metals (e.g. Fe) compared to the female ones, while extracts from female leaves had higher levels of ions, which are known to have beneficial effects in neurodegenerative diseases. The ethanolic extracts of male leaves showed the highest H-donating activity, reducing power and total phenol content, as well as the best total scavenger activity. Ginkgo extracts due to the antioxidant properties may have favourable effects as dietary supplements in several neurodegenerative diseases, but this study draws the attention that critical evaluation is required in view of the potential hazard induced by their metal ion constitution. Our results lead us to the conclusion that although the aqueous extracts of female leaves are characterized by relatively lower antioxidant properties, they may be more eligible for these purposes due to their favourable metal ion constitution.

Magnesium-content of Rhizobium nodules in different plants: the importance of magnesium in nitrogen-fixation of nodules.

OBJECTIVE: Rhizobium bacteria induce nodules (tumors) in roots of leguminous crops that fix nitrogen (N2) from the atmosphere. METHODS: Trials were carried on in sterile perlite where two species of peas were grown hydroponically, and in two different soil types (brown forest soil and meadow silt soil), in a field where different leguminous plants were chosen for test plants: lupin, soybean, broad-bean, lentil and bean inoculated by Rhizobium bacteria. The Mg-content of the nutrient solution was higher than that of the control, but in the soil tests 1% Mg leaf fertilization was applied after bacterial inoculation. Number, weight and Mg-content of nodules were evaluated using an AAS method compared with the thick and thin hair/roots of the given plant. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Our results clearly show that the Mg nutrition treatment increased the number of Rhizobium nodules and their Mg-content, resulting in increased N2-fixation and yield.