Exploring the toxicity profile of coriander (C. sativum L.) essential oil: implications for translational toxicological research.

The plant species C. sativum L. is a staple in cuisine and holds significant ethnopharmacological value. Its essential oil (EO) is of particular interest, yet its toxicity profile remains a subject of inquiry. This study aimed to elucidate the chemical constituents of C. sativum L. EO and evaluate its toxicity through various parameters, including cytotoxicity assays on HaCaT keratinocytes, in vivo toxicity tests on Galleria mellonella larvae, in vivo genotoxicity assessments on mice and cytotoxicity assays on human erythrocytes. Notably, major constituents such as 2-decen-1-ol, dec-(2E)-enal, and 1,6-octadien-3-ol were found to remain predominant. The IC50 value for the essential oil on the keratinocyte cell line was determined to be 60.13 ± 2.02 µg/mL. However, in vivo toxicity tests with G. mellonella larvae demonstrated safety at doses below 4.5 g/kg. Additionally, genotoxicity assessment revealed that a single dose of 20 mg/mL (5 mg/kg) did not induce a significant increase in micronuclei formation. EO concentrations above 250 µg/mL led to significant changes in human erythrocytes cell viability (p < 0.0001), resulting in over 60% hemolysis. These findings collectively suggest that the essential oil of C. sativum L. exhibits a suitable toxicity profile for conducting preclinical studies in vertebrate animal models.

Introgression of the sesquiterpene biosynthesis from Solanum habrochaites to cultivated tomato offers insights into trichome morphology and arthropod resistance.

MAIN CONCLUSION: Cultivated tomatoes harboring the plastid-derived sesquiterpenes from S. habrochaites have altered type-VI trichome morphology and unveil additional genetic components necessary for piercing-sucking pest resistance. Arthropod resistance in the tomato wild relative Solanum habrochaites LA1777 is linked to specific sesquiterpene biosynthesis. The Sesquiterpene synthase 2 (SsT2) gene cluster on LA1777 chromosome 8 controls plastid-derived sesquiterpene synthesis. The main genes at SsT2 are Z-prenyltransferase (zFPS) and Santalene and Bergamotene Synthase (SBS), which produce α-santalene, ß-bergamotene, and α-bergamotene in LA1777 round-shaped type-VI glandular trichomes. Cultivated tomatoes have mushroom-shaped type-VI trichomes with much smaller glands that contain low levels of monoterpenes and cytosolic-derived sesquiterpenes, not presenting the same pest resistance as in LA1777. We successfully transferred zFPS and SBS from LA1777 to cultivated tomato (cv. Micro-Tom, MT) by a backcrossing approach. The trichomes of the MT-Sst2 introgressed line produced high levels of the plastid-derived sesquiterpenes. The type-VI trichome internal storage-cavity size increased in MT-Sst2, probably as an effect of the increased amount of sesquiterpenes, although it was not enough to mimic the round-shaped LA1777 trichomes. The presence of high amounts of plastid-derived sesquiterpenes was also not sufficient to confer resistance to various tomato piercing-sucking pests, indicating that the effect of the sesquiterpenes found in the wild S. habrochaites can be insect specific. Our results provide for a better understanding of the morphology of S. habrochaites type-VI trichomes and paves the way to obtain insect-resistant tomatoes.

Essential Oils Extracted from Organic Propolis Residues: An Exploratory Analysis of Their Antibacterial and Antioxidant Properties and Volatile Profile.

The industrial processing of crude propolis generates residues. Essential oils (EOs) from propolis residues could be a potential source of natural bioactive compounds to replace antibiotics and synthetic antioxidants in pig production. In this study, we determined the antibacterial/antioxidant activity of EOs from crude organic propolis (EOP) and from propolis residues, moist residue (EOMR), and dried residue (EODR), and further elucidated their chemical composition. The EOs were extracted by hydrodistillation, and their volatile profile was tentatively identified by GC-MS. All EOs had an antibacterial effect on Escherichia coli and Lactobacillus plantarum as they caused disturbances on the growth kinetics of both bacteria. However, EODR had more selective antibacterial activity, as it caused a higher reduction in the maximal culture density (D) of E. coli (86.7%) than L. plantarum (46.9%). EODR exhibited mild antioxidant activity, whereas EOMR showed the highest antioxidant activity (ABTS = 0.90 µmol TE/mg, FRAP = 463.97 µmol Fe2+/mg) and phenolic content (58.41 mg GAE/g). Each EO had a different chemical composition, but α-pinene and ß-pinene were the major compounds detected in the samples. Interestingly, specific minor compounds were detected in a higher relative amount in EOMR and EODR as compared to EOP. Therefore, these minor compounds are most likely responsible for the biological properties of EODR and EOMR. Collectively, our findings suggest that the EOs from propolis residues could be resourcefully used as natural antibacterial/antioxidant additives in pig production.

Antiproliferative Flavanoid Dimers Isolated from Brazilian Red Propolis.

Herein reported are results of the chemical and biological investigation of red propolis collected at the Brazilian Northeast coastline. New propolones A-D (1-4), with a 3-{3-[(2-phenylbenzofuran-3-yl)methyl]phenyl}chromane skeleton; propolonones A-C (5-7), with a 3-[3-(3-benzylbenzofuran-2-yl)phenyl]chromane skeleton; and propolol A (8), with a 6-(3-benzylbenzofuran-2-yl)-3-phenylchromane skeleton, were isolated as constituents of Brazilian red propolis by cytotoxicity-guided assays and structurally identified by analysis of their spectroscopic data. Propolone B (2) and propolonone A (5) display significant cytotoxic activities against an ovarian cancer cell line expressing a multiple drug resistance phenotype when compared with doxorubicin.

Antioxidant activity and development of one chromatographic method to determine the phenolic compounds from Agroindustrial Pomace.

A chromatographic method consisting of multi wavelength detection for identification of six phenolic acids, one stilbene and five flavonoids in grape and apple pomaces was proposed. Scavenging of DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl), ABTS (2,2'-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid), reactive oxygen species and reduction of Fe3+ to Fe2+ using in vitro and HPLC-UV-ABTS on-line methods are herein presented. A reversed phase C18 coupled with an absorption detector operating at 280, 300, 320 and 360 nm for the benzoic acid derivatives and flavanols; stilbenes; cinnamic acid derivatives and flavonols, were respecctively used. The solvents water, methanol and acetonitrile acidified with acetic acid were evaluated as mobile phase. The optimized chromatographic method presented recoveries ranged from 68 to 130% and from 66 to 130% for grape and apple pomaces respectively. The determination coefficients (R2) of the 12 compounds were > 0.98. The extracts showed high total phenolic content and exhibits strong capacities to scavenge free radicals and reactive oxygen species. The results obtained by HPLC-ABTS on-line method suggest that pomaces of grape and apple are rich in bioactive compounds and that catechin and epicatechin contribute in a significantly way to the antioxidant activity in both agroindustrial pomaces.

Colostrum from primiparous Holstein cows shows higher antioxidant activity than colostrum of multiparous ones.

Antioxidant components of colostrum prevent oxidative cell damage caused by free radicals that could harm the calf's development. The relationship of antioxidant potential of colostrum with parity is not well defined and could enlighten the importance of these components for the neonate and for the protection of the intestinal epithelium. The purpose of this work was to determine the antioxidant potential of colostrum from primiparous and multiparous Holstein cows in a commercial dairy farm. Samples from the first milk secretion from primiparous (first lactation, n = 8) and multiparous (second and third lactations, n = 8) Holstein cows were collected after birth of calves for determination of immune and antioxidant factors. The cows sampled in this study were vaccinated during pregnancy in order to improve colostrum quality. Colostrum from primiparous cows showed higher values of ceruloplasmin activity, oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) and transferrin saturation index (TSI) than colostrum from multiparous cows (P < 0.05). The total iron binding capacity (TIBC) and transferrin concentration in the colostrum of primiparous cows showed a non-significant numerical decrease (P = 0.06) in relation to the value in the colostrum of multiparous cows. Concentration of proteins, immunoglobulin G, and activity of lactoperoxidase, lysozyme, glutathione peroxidase and catalase, in turn, did not differ (P > 0.05). Metabolic differences between primiparous and multiparous cows may have affected the antioxidative status of colostrum, since ORAC values were twice higher in first lactation cows. Lower values of transferrin and TIBC and higher TSI in colostrum from primiparous cows suggests a relationship between lower iron stock and higher antioxidant activity. Thus, this work indicates an important role of the antioxidant potential of colostrum for neonates from first-lactation cows. Additionally, the iron stock may be directly related to the higher antioxidant potential of the colostrum from primiparous cows, and further investigations are required.

Polyphenol analysis using high-resolution mass spectrometry allows differentiation of drought tolerant peanut genotypes.

BACKGROUND: Peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) is an important economic food crop highly appreciated worldwide. Although peanut cultivation has been expanding to dry regions, with water stress during growth stages, current genotypes are not adapted to drought. This study aimed to identify and quantify the full range of polyphenols in five peanut genotypes with different degrees of drought tolerance developed by Embrapa (Brazil) using ultra-high-definition accurate-mass liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-LTQ-Orbitrap-mass spectrometry. RESULTS: Fifty-eight polyphenols of the classes hydroxybenzoic acids, hydroxycinnamic acids, flavanols, flavonols and flavanones were identified and quantified using high mass accuracy data and confirmed by tandem mass spectrometric experiments. High-definition mass spectrometric analyses revealed nine phenolic compounds that have never been reported in peanuts before. Polyphenol assessment using multivariate analysis allowed identification of the level of similarities among the five peanut genotypes studied. CONCLUSION: Higher drought-tolerant genotypes exhibited higher content of flavonoids, which suggests a relationship between these compounds and drought tolerance traits. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry.

Can we conserve trans-resveratrol content and antioxidant activity during industrial production of chocolate?

BACKGROUND: Cocoa exhibits high content of phenolic compounds, among which trans-resveratrol stands out, associated with several bioactive activities such as antioxidant properties. Chocolate contains reduced amounts of these bioactive compounds due to losses during the production process. Therefore, this study aimed to assess changes in total phenolic content, and specifically trans-resveratrol, as well as changes in the antioxidant activity of cocoa and its products during industrial production of chocolate. RESULTS: A total of ten different cocoa products were analyzed. The processes of fermentation and roasting caused significant loss of total phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity. The high temperature of roasting had a major influence on this loss (71% for total phenolic compounds and 53-77% for antioxidant activity), except for trans-resveratrol. The trans-resveratrol content formed after fermentation (9.8 µg kg-1 ) showed little variation during the processes, and it was detected in higher concentrations both in natural (11.4 µg kg-1 ) and in alkalized cocoa powder (13.5 µg kg-1 ). Alkalization of cocoa products led to loss of capacity of deactivating superoxide radical. CONCLUSION: These findings contribute to the optimization of the production process of chocolate and other food products containing cocoa and its derivatives, aiming to better preserve their bioactive compounds. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry.

Evaluation of the selective antibacterial activity of Eucalyptus globulus and Pimenta pseudocaryophyllus essential oils individually and in combination on Enterococcus faecalis and Lactobacillus rhamnosus.

Essential oils (EOs), as substitutes for antibiotics in animal diets, should have selective antibacterial activity between pathogenic and beneficial bacteria from the animal gut. Thus, this study evaluated the selective antibacterial activity of Eucalyptus globulus (EG) and Pimenta pseudocaryophyllus (PP) EOs on Enterococcus faecalis as a surrogate model of pathogenic bacterium and on Lactobacillus rhamnosus as a beneficial bacterium model. The EOs antibacterial activity was evaluated by determination of minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs), minimal bactericidal concentration (MBCs), and fractional inhibitory concentration (FIC) indices. The time-kill and sequential exposure assays were also performed, but using only the EG oil, which was the best selective EO, since it had a MIC lower on E. faecalis (7.4 mg/mL) than on L. rhamnosus (14.8 mg/mL). FIC index values showed that the combination of the two EOs had an indifferent effect (1.25 and 2.03) on E. faecalis and an additive effect (1.00) on L. rhamnosus. The time-kill assay showed that EG oil was able to kill E. faecalis within 15 min of treatment (∼5 log reduction) and caused a reduction ∼3 log of L. rhamnosus viability. The sequential exposure assay showed that EG oil (at MIC/2) produced higher reduction on E. faecalis viability (∼3 log) than on L. rhamnosus (∼2 log) as well. Therefore, L. rhamnosus presented higher tolerance to the antibacterial activity of EG oil than E. faecalis did.

Vestitol Isolated from Brazilian Red Propolis Inhibits Neutrophils Migration in the Inflammatory Process: Elucidation of the Mechanism of Action.

Vestitol is an isoflavonoid isolated from Brazilian red propolis with potential anti-inflammatory activity. This study investigated the mechanism of action of vestitol on the modulation of neutrophil migration in the inflammatory process. Pre-treatment with vestitol at 1, 3, or 10 mg/kg reduced LPS- or mBSA-induced neutrophil migration and the release of CXCL1/KC and CXCL2/MIP-2 in vivo. Likewise, pre-treatment with vestitol at 1, 3, or 10 µM reduced the levels of CXCL1/KC and CXCL2/MIP-2 in macrophage supernatants in vitro. Moreover, the administration of vestitol (10 mg/kg) reduced leukocyte rolling and adherence in the mesenteric microcirculation of mice. The pre-treatment with vestitol (10 mg/kg) in iNOS(-/-) mice did not block its activity concerning neutrophil migration. With regard to the activity of vestitol on neutrophils isolated from the bone marrow of mice, there was a reduction on the chemotaxis of CXCL2/MIP-2 or LTB4-induced neutrophils and on calcium influx after pre-treatment with the compound at 3 or 10 µM. There was no change in CXCR2 expression by neutrophils treated with vestitol at 10 µM. These findings demonstrate that vestitol is a promising novel anti-inflammatory agent.

Impact of Brazilian red propolis extract on blood metabolites, milk production, and lamb performance of Santa Inês ewes.

Twenty Santa Inês ewes used to evaluate effects of oral administration of Brazilian red propolis extract on blood metabolites, milk production, and lamb performance were randomly grouped (n = 10 ewes/group) to control without propolis administration and propolis treated (3 g red propolis extract/ewe/day) 21 days before expected lambing date. Blood samples were collected weekly, and daily milk yield was recorded twice weekly until 7 weeks postpartum. Propolis administration increased (P < 0.05) total leukocyte counts, protein, and globulin and glucose concentrations, decreased (P < 0.05) somatic cell counts, and enhanced (P < 0.05) yields of milk, fat, protein, and lactose. Propolis supplementation increased (P < 0.05) average daily gain and milk conversion ratio but had no effect on lamb birth and weaning weights. The prepartum administration of propolis extract supported positively the transition of ewes from pregnancy to lactation with health benefits achieved for both of ewes and lambs performances.

Volatile compounds profile of Bromeliaceae flowers.

Volatile compounds play a vital role in the life cycle of plants, possessing antimicrobial and anti-herbivore activities, and with a significant importance in the food, cosmetic, chemical, and pharmaceutical industry. This study aimed to identify the volatile compounds emitted by flowers of thirteen species belonging to four genera of Bromeliaceae, using headspace solid-phase micro-extraction and detection by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. A total of 71 volatile compounds belonging to nine chemical groups were identified. The compounds identified represented more than 97 % of the major components in Aechmea bicolor, Ae. bromeliifolia, Ae. distichantha, Ae. fasciata, and Vriesea friburgensis. In the Ananas varieties, over 99 % of the components were identified, and around 90 % in V. simplex. V. friburgensis presented the largest diversity of volatiles with 31 compounds, while Alcantarea nahoumii presented only 14. All three Ananas varieties presented the same 28 compounds in relatively similar abundance, which has been confirmed by principal component analysis. Current taxonomy and pollination syndrome studies available can adequately explain the variation in volatile compounds among species.

Action of essential oils from Brazilian native and exotic medicinal species on oral biofilms.

BACKGROUND: Essential oils (EO) obtained from twenty medicinal and aromatic plants were evaluated for their antimicrobial activity against the oral pathogens Candida albicans, Fusobacterium nucleatum, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Streptococcus sanguis and Streptococcus mitis. METHODS: The antimicrobial activity of the EO was evaluates by microdilution method determining Minimal Inhibitory Concentration. Chemical analysis of the oils compounds was performed by Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (CG-MS). The most active EO were also investigated as to their actions on the biolfilm formation. RESULTS: The most of the essential oils (EO) presented moderate to strong antimicrobial activity against the oral pathogens (MIC--Minimal Inhibitory Concentrations values between 0.007 and 1.00 mg/mL). The essential oil from Coriandrum sativum inhibited all oral species with MIC values from 0.007 to 0.250 mg/mL, and MBC/MFC (Minimal Bactericidal/Fungicidal Concentrations) from 0.015 to 0.500 mg/mL. On the other hand the essential oil of C. articulatus inhibited 63.96% of S. sanguis biofilm formation. Through Scanning Eletronic Microscopy (SEM) images no changes were observed in cell morphology, despite a decrease in biofilm formation and changes on biofilm structure. Chemical analysis by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) of the C. sativum essential oil revealed major compounds derivatives from alcohols and aldehydes, while Cyperus articulatus and Aloysia gratissima (EOs) presented mono and sesquiterpenes. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, the crude oil from C. articulatus exhibited the best results of antimicrobial activity e ability to control biofilm formation. The chemical analysis showed the presence of terpenes and monoterpenes such as a-pinene, a-bulnesene and copaene. The reduction of biofilms formation was confirmed from SEM images. The results of this research shows a great potential from the plants studied as new antimicrobial sources.

Pollen types and levels of total phenolic compounds in propolis produced by Apis mellifera L. (Apidae) in an area of the Semiarid Region of Bahia, Brazil.

Twenty-two propolis samples produced by Apis mellifera L. in an area of the Semiarid region the the State of Bahia (Agreste of Alagoinhas), Brazil, were palynologically analyzed and quantified regarding their levels of total phenolic compounds. These samples were processed using the acetolysis technique with the changes suggested for use with propolis. We found 59 pollen types belonging to 19 families and 36 genera. The family Fabaceae was the most representative in this study with nine pollen types, followed by the family Asteraceae with seven types. The types Mikania and Mimosa pudica occurred in all samples analyzed. The types Mimosa pudica and Eucalyptus had frequency of occurrence above 50% in at least one sample. The highest similarity index (c. 72%) occurred between the samples ER1 and ER2, belonging to the municipality of Entre Rios. Samples from the municipality of Inhambupe displayed the highest (36.78±1.52 mg/g EqAG) and lowest (7.68 ± 2.58 mg/g EqAG) levels of total phenolic compounds. Through the Spearman Correlation Coefficient we noticed that there was a negative linear correlation between the types Mimosa pudica (rs = -0.0419) and Eucalyptus (rs = -0.7090) with the profile of the levels of total phenolic compounds of the samples.

The antioxidant response of the liver of male Swiss mice raised on a AIN 93 or commercial diet.

BACKGROUND: Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are formed under natural physiological conditions and are thought to play an important role in many human diseases. A wide range of antioxidants are involved in cellular defense mechanisms against ROS, which can be generated in excess during stressful conditions, these include enzymes and non-enzymatic antioxidants. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antioxidant responses of mice to two diets control, commercial and the purified AIN 93 diet, commonly used in experiments with rodents. RESULTS: Malondialdehyde (MDA) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) concentrations and superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione reductase (GR) activities determined in the liver were lower in the group of mice fed with the AIN 93 diet, while catalase (CAT) activity was higher in the same group, when compared to the group fed on the commercial diet. Liver glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity was similar in the groups fed on either AIN 93 or the commercial diets. Two SOD isoforms, Mn-SODII and a Cu/Zn-SODV, were specifically reduced in the liver of the AIN 93 diet fed animals. CONCLUSIONS: The clear differences in antioxidant responses observed in the livers of mice fed on the two diets suggest that the macro- and micro-nutrient components with antioxidant properties, including vitamin E, can promote changes in the activity of enzymes involved in the removal of the ROS generated by cell metabolism.

Guava pomace: a new source of anti-inflammatory and analgesic bioactives.

BACKGROUND: Guava pomace is an example of the processing waste generated after the manufacturing process from the juice industry that could be a source of bioactives. Thus, the present investigation was carried out in order to evaluate the anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive potential and determinate the main phenolic compounds of a guava pomace extract (GPE). METHODS: The anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated by carrageenan, dextran, serotonin, histamine-induced paw edema and neutrophils migration in the peritoneal cavity models. Acetic acid-induced abdominal writhing and formalin test were performed to investigate the antinociceptive effects. In addition, the content of total phenolic and of individual phenolic compounds was determined by GC/MS. RESULTS: GPE showed anti-inflammatory activity by carrageenan, dextran, serotonin, histamine-induced paw edema and neutrophils migration in the peritoneal cavity models (p < 0.05). GPE also demonstrated antinociceptive activity by acetic acid-induced abdominal writhing and formalin test (p < 0.05). The total phenolic value was 3.40 ± 0.09 mg GAE/g and epicatechin, quercetin, myricetin, isovanilic and gallic acids were identified by GC/MS analysis. CONCLUSIONS: The presence of bioactive phenolic compounds as well as important effects demonstrated in animal models suggest that guava pomace could be an interesting source of anti-inflammatory and analgesic substances.

Effect of Brazilian red propolis administration on hematological, biochemical variables and parasitic response of Santa Inês ewes during and after flushing period.

Brazilian red propolis was administered orally to Santa Inês ewes, and evaluation was made of general health and hematological, biochemical, and parasitic responses during and after flushing. Thirty mature, nonlactating, nonpregnant Santa Inês ewes (40 ± 2 kg and 2.5 years old) were grazing tropical pasture (Brachiaria decumbens and Pennisetum purpureum) and, as flushing after synchronization, were supplemented with a concentrate-roughage mixture at a rate of 4 % body weight (BW). Ewes were divided according to BW and fecal egg count (FEC) into two groups (n = 15 each): control and propolis that received propolis ethanolic extract at rates of, respectively, 0 and 3 g/ewe/day. The treatments lasted 21 days until the end of flushing period. BW and body condition score (BCS) were recorded, and blood and fecal samples were taken weekly for 8 weeks. Mean values of BW and BCS were not (P > 0.05) affected by propolis administration. Propolis increased (P < 0.01) total leukocytes (WBC), but no significant differences were observed for other hematological parameters. Propolis increased (P < 0.01) total protein and globulin concentrations and decreased (P < 0.01) triglycerides, glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase, and glutamate pyruvate transaminase. Propolis decreased (P < 0.05) FEC. Propolis administration had good impact on ewe health and may be a promising feed additive during critical periods such as flushing.

Antimicrobial activity of yerba mate (Ilex paraguariensis St. Hil.) against food pathogens.

Yerba mate (Ilex paraguariensis St. Hil.) has been studied for its important biological activities mainly attributed to phenolic compounds. This study evaluated the antimicrobial activity of methanolic and ethanolic extracts of yerba mate against food pathogens, such as Staphylococcus aureus, Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella Enteritidis and Escherichia coli through minimum inhibitory (MIC) and bactericidal (MBC) concentrations, in addition to the determination of chemical composition by gas chromatography with mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and phenolic content. The most effective extract had its activity evaluated under different pH conditions by growth curve analysis. All microorganisms except E. coli were inhibited. The ethanolic extract showed the lowest MIC/MBC (0.78/0.78 mg/ml), the highest phenolic content (193.9 g.GAE/kg) and the presence of chlorogenic acid derivatives, especially 3-O-caffeoylquinic and caffeic acid. This extract was able to inhibit microbial growth at pH 7 and 8.

Evaluation of the release, stability and antioxidant activity of Brazilian red propolis extract encapsulated by spray-drying, spray-chilling and using the combination of both techniques.

Red propolis, originary from Northeast Brazil, has a unique composition and a great commercial interest. However, due to the presence of ethanol and its remarkable sensory characteristic, its application in food products is challenging. Thus, the aim of this work was to microencapsulate the red propolis extract by spray-drying, spray-chilling, and combining both techniques. The particles loaded with propolis extracts were characterised and evaluated according to the stability of phenolic compounds, flavonoids and formononetin, during 60 days of storage. In addition, the formononetin release was also monitored during the oral, gastric, and intestinal phases in the in vitro digestion process. All produced particles presented matrix-type with size, distribution, shape, hygroscopicity, and dispersibility parameters that varied according to the carrier and encapsulation process applied. The techniques used to fabricate the particles efficiently obtained powdered propolis extract and protected the extract's bioactive compounds, total flavonoids and formononetin throughout the analysed period. The gastrointestinal release study presented distinctive releases in all phases (oral, gastric, and intestinal). The spray-dried particles, for example, released formononetin mainly in the oral stage. While the spray-chilled particles were primarily released in the intestinal phase, and coated particles were released gradually throughout the assay, reaching maximum relief in the intestinal phase. In conclusion, using microencapsulation techniques by spray-drying, spray-chilling, and their combination developed particles with different levels of protection during storage, releases and characteristics, which resulted in a range of possible applications in the food, feed, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries.

Antioxidant activity of Brazilian vegetables and its relation with phenolic composition.

Vegetables are widely consumed in Brazil and exported to several countries. This study was performed to evaluate the phenolic content and antioxidant activity of vegetables commonly consumed in Brazil using five different methods, namely DPPH and ABTS free radical, ß-carotene bleaching, reduction of Fe(3+) (FRAP), oxidative stability in Rancimat, and the chemical composition using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The content of phenolic compounds ranged from 1.2 mg GA/g (carrot) to 16.9 mg GA/g (lettuce). Vegetables presenting the highest antioxidant activity were lettuce (77.2 µmol Trolox/g DPPH(•); 447.1 µmol F(2+)/g FRAP), turmeric (118.6 µmol Trolox/g ABTS(•+); 92.8% ß-carotene), watercress and broccoli (protective factor 1.29-Rancimat method). Artichoke, spinach, broccoli, and asparagus also showed considerable antioxidant activity. The most frequent phenolic compounds identified by GC-MS were ferulic, caffeic, p-coumaric, 2-dihydroxybenzoic, 2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acids, and quercetin. We observed antioxidant activity in several vegetables and our results point out their importance in the diet.