The inhibitory activity and binding characteristics of caffeic acid,
-coumaric acid, quercetin and capsaicin, four phenolic compounds found in hot pepper, against porcine pancreatic lipase activity ...were studied and compared to hot pepper extract. Quercetin was the strongest inhibitor (IC
=(6.1±2.4) µM), followed by
-coumaric acid ((170.2±20.6) µM) and caffeic acid ((401.5±32.1) µM), while capsaicin and a hot pepper extract had very low inhibitory activity. All polyphenolic compounds showed a mixed-type inhibition. Fluorescence spectroscopy studies showed that polyphenolic compounds had the ability to quench the intrinsic fluorescence of pancreatic lipase by a static mechanism. The sequence of Stern-Volmer constant was quercetin, followed by caffeic and
-coumaric acids. Molecular docking studies showed that caffeic acid, quercetin and
-coumaric acid bound near the active site, while capsaicin bound far away from the active site. Hydrogen bonds and π-stacking hydrophobic interactions are the main pancreatic lipase-polyphenolic compound interactions observed.
Bulk Cu compounds such as Cu(OH)2 are extensively used as pesticides in agriculture. Recent investigations suggest that Cu-based nanomaterials can replace bulk materials reducing the environmental ...impacts of Cu. In this study, stress responses of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) seedlings to Cu(OH)2 nanoparticle or compounds were evaluated. Seeds were immersed in suspension/solutions of a Cu(OH)2 nanoform, bulk Cu(OH)2, CuSO4, and Cu(NO3)2 at 25 and 75 mg/L. Six days later, the germination, seedling growth, and the physiological and biochemical responses of sprouts were evaluated. All Cu treatments significantly reduced root elongation (average = 63%). The ionic compounds at 25 and 75 mg/L caused a reduction in all elements analyzed (Ca, K, Mg, P, Zn, and Mn), excepting for S, Fe and Mo. The bulk-Cu(OH)2 treatment reduced K (48%) and P (52%) at 75 mg/L, but increased Zn at 25 (18%) and 75 (21%) mg/L. The nano-Cu(OH)2 reduced K (46%) and P (48%) at 75 mg/L, and also P (37%) at 25 mg/L, compared with control. Confocal microscopy images showed that all Cu compounds, at 75 mg/L, significantly reduced nitric oxide, concurring with the reduction in root growth. Nano Cu(OH)2 at 25 mg/L upregulated the expression of the Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase gene (1.92-fold), while ionic treatments at 75 mg/L upregulated (∼10-fold) metallothionein (MT) transcripts. Results demonstrated that nano and bulk Cu(OH)2 compounds caused less physiological impairments in comparison to the ionic ones in alfalfa seedlings.
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•All Cu treatments reduced root elongation.•All Cu treatments at 75 mg/L differentially reduced the nitric oxide accumulation.•Nano Cu(OH)2 at 25 mg/L upregulated expression of Cu/Zn SOD.•Ionic treatments at 75 mg/L upregulated metallothionein transcripts.
This study provides initial mechanistic insights concerning the effects of Cu compound effects in alfalfa seedlings’ elemental composition and gene expression levels.
We evaluated the physicochemical properties and oxidative stability of the oil extracted from the seeds of Moringa oleifera during its refining process. Refining is accomplished in three stages: ...neutralization, degumming, and bleaching. Four samples were analyzed, corresponding to each step of the processed and crude oil. Increases in the density, viscosity, saponification value and oxidation of the oil were detected during the refining, while the peroxide value and carotenoid content diminished. Moreover, the refractive index and iodine content were stable throughout the refining. Nine fatty acids were detected in all four samples, and there were no significant differences in their composition. Oleic acid was found in the largest amount, followed by palmitic acid and behenic acid. The crude, neutralized, and degummed oils showed high primary oxidation stability, while the bleached oil had a low incidence of secondary oxidation.
The Juarez Valley is an important agricultural region in northern Mexico, conveniently organized into three modules (I to III). For decades, their soils have been exposed to organochlorine pesticides ...(OCPs) and also have been irrigated with wastewaters, which may contain heavy metals. Nowadays, there is very limited information regarding the presence of OCPs and heavy metals in these soils. Thus, the aim of this study was to diagnose these soils for OCPs and heavy metal content by using gas chromatography coupled with electron micro-capture detector and atomic absorption spectrometry, respectively. The results indicated that 4,4′-dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene and 4,4′-dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane were primarily disseminated across the three modules since they were found in 100% and 97% of the analyzed soils, respectively. According to international regulations, none of the determined OCP concentrations are out of the limits. Additionally, the Cu, Zn, Fe, Pb, and Mn were found in all sampled soils from the three modules. The highest concentration of Fe was found in module II (1902.7 ± 332.2 mg kg
−1
), followed by Mn in module III (392.43 ± 74.43 mg kg
−1
), Zn in module I (38.36 ± 26.57 mg kg
−1
), Pb in module II (23.48 ± 6.48 mg kg
−1
), and Cu in module I (11.04 ± 3.83 mg kg
−1
) (
p ≤
0.05). These values did not exceed the limits proposed by international standards. The Cd was detected in most of the analyzed soils and all their values, with an average of 2 mg kg
−1
, surpassed the Mexican standards (0.35 mg kg
−1
). This study has mapped the main OCPs and heavy metals in the Juarez Valley and can serve as a starting point to further monitor the behave of xenobiotics. Since these recalcitrant compounds might be bio-accumulated in biological systems, further analytical methods, as well as remediation techniques, should be developed.
Summary
The proximate composition, amino acids content, fatty acid profile, total polyphenols, total flavonoids, DPPH radical scavenging capacity and sulforaphane content in broccoli seeds and ...sprouts were evaluated in this study. The results showed significant differences in the nutritional composition and the phytochemical level in the different stages of germination. Aspartic acid, glutamic acid, serine‐histidine, proline and threonine were found in larger concentrations. Polyphenols and flavonoids content ranged from 9 to 77 mg GAE g−1 and 33 to 117 μg QE g−1, respectively. DPPH radical scavenging capacity ranged from 174 to 674 μmol TE g−1. The sulforaphane content in seeds and sprouts ranged from 273 to 3632 μg g−1–the highest values were found in seeds and the 8‐ and 11‐day‐old sprouts. The results suggest that the broccoli sprouts are a rich source of nutrients and phytochemicals, these have a high potential as functional food.
Moringa oleifera is a plant valued for its properties and applications in Ethnomedicine. It is cultivated in India, tropical Africa, and America; some regions use their different tissues as food ...supplements. Although germination can increase seedlings' phytochemical content, few studies have described the phytochemical content of moringa seedlings during early growth. This study aimed to investigate and discuss the limited information dealing with moringa seed germination, sprout production, and seedlings' chemical composition. This bibliographical research was systematically and thoroughly conducted using some of the most internationally-recognized databases. M. oleifera plants are characterized by their ability to grow under adverse environmental conditions. Although they generally germinate at rates greater than 70%, this response depends on the altitude, light periods, temperature, and nutrient availability. Pre-germination treatments have also been reported to help improve germination yields; the most common is soaking exposure. The production of M. oleifera sprouts is a viable option for obtaining functional food as this process can increase the content of nutrients (e.g. lipids, proteins) and phytochemicals (glucosinolates and phenolic compounds). Also, sprouts can be used as additives to enrich conventional foods. It is concluded that there is little scientific information describing the germination process and the chemical composition of both moringa seeds and moringa sprouts. Therefore, it is a niche opportunity to build new research that helps fill the informational gaps mentioned above. Meanwhile, it is envisioned that biotic or abiotic agents might modulate the germination process and their chemical compounds.
This study was carried out in order to compare the biochemical characteristics from three edible parts of the multipurpose tree Moringa oleifera such as the leaves, flowers, and immature pods. On ...average, the three most abundant amino acids were glutamic acid, arginine, and aspartic acid. The fatty acids present at the highest content were linolenic acid (C18:3ω3), palmitic acid (C16:0), linoleic acid (C18:2ω6), and oleic acid (C18:1ω9). The chemical composition (of dry weight) ranged from 19.34% to 22.42% for protein, 1.28% to 4.96% for lipids, 7.62% to 14.60% for ash, and 30.97% to 46.78% for dietary fiber. M. oleifera is a nonconventional plant with substantial nutritional value.
The wheat flour tortilla (WFT) is a Mexican food product widely consumed in the world, despite lacking fiber and micronutrients. Ramón seed flour (RSF) is an underutilized natural resource rich in ...fiber, minerals and bioactive compounds that can be used to improve properties of starchy foods, such as WFT. The study evaluated the impact of partial replacement of wheat flour with RSF on the physicochemical, sensory, rheological and nutritional properties and antioxidant capacity (AC) of RSF-containing flour tortilla (RFT). Results indicated that RFT (25% RSF) had higher dietary fiber (4.5 times) and mineral (8.8%; potassium 42.8%, copper 33%) content than WFT. Two sensory attributes were significantly different between RTF and WFT, color intensity and rollability. RFT was soft and it was accepted by the consumer. Phenolic compounds (PC) and AC were higher in RFT (11.7 times, 33%-50%, respectively) than WFT. PC identification by ultra-performance liquid chromatography quadrupole time of flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-QTOF-MS) showed that phenolic acids esterified with quinic acid, such as chlorogenic and other caffeoyl and coumaroyl derivatives were the major PC identified in RSF, resveratrol was also detected. These results show that RSF can be used as an ingredient to improve nutritional and antioxidant properties of traditional foods, such as the WFT.
This study focuses on the isolation and quantification of astaxanthin and its esters in the oils extracted from shrimp waste. The content of astaxanthin was determined by high performance liquid ...chromatography and ranged from 1.5 to 2.1 mg g
−1
. The astaxanthin and its esters were isolated by thin layer chromatography in three fractions: free astaxanthin, monoester, and diester of astaxanthin, with percentages of 44, 32, and 26%, respectively. Oleic acid was the major fatty acid in the monoester fraction, while palmitic, oleic, and stearic acids were present predominantly in the diester fraction. Free radical-scavenging activity of the oils and the three fractions was evaluated. All oils showed an effect on the decrease in the absorbtion of 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl solutions, while among the fractions no significant difference occurred. Pigmented oil from shrimp waste is an organic source of pigment and antioxidant astaxanthin, the esters, and fatty acids, such as eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic.
Abstract
Lycopene and oleoresin extraction from powder of tomato over-ripe by three agitation methods and four solvents have been evaluated. Also, tomato powder and the oleoresins were characterized ...biochemically. On average, the moisture content of powder was found to be 4.30, ash 8.90, proteins 11.23 and lipids 4.35 g 100 g−1. The best oleoresin extraction yield was achieved by combining sonication and acetone at 1.43 g 100 g−1. The greatest amount of lycopene (65.57 ± 0.33 mg 100 g−1) was also obtained using the same treatment. The presence of trans-lycopene was positively confirmed by HPLC and FTIR. In oleoresins, linoleic acid (C18:2n6) was the predominant with 50% of total fatty acids, whereas stearic acid (C18:0) is presented in a smaller proportion (5%). A simple and suitable method for extraction of lycopene from over-ripe tomato was optimized. In industrial applications, tomato by-products are a viable source of analytes, such as lycopene and unsaturated fatty acids.
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