scholarly journals Anti-Hyperglycemic and Anticholinergic Effects of Natural Antioxidant Contents in Edible Flowers

Antioxidants ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (8) ◽  
pp. 308 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paulina Nowicka ◽  
Aneta Wojdyło

In this study, 16 selected edible flowers were evaluated for their content of bioactive compounds (polyphenols, carotenoids, triterpenoids) and for their anti-diabetic (ability to inhibit α-amylase and α-glucosidases) and anti-aging (ability to inhibit acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase) activities. Most of the flowers analyzed in this study have not been examined in this respect until now. Contents of the analyzed bioactive compounds differed significantly among the flowers. In particular, the highest contents of carotenoids and triterpenoids were determined in marigold, arnica, lavender, and daisy; in turn, the highest contents of phenolic acids, procyanidin polymers, and total polyphenols were assayed in hawthorn, primrose, and linden blossom. There was a positive correlation between the content of isoprenoids in edible flowers and their anti-aging activity, and between the content of polymeric procyanidins and flowers’ ability to inhibit α-glucosidase. In conclusion, edible flowers may be used to produce functional foods as well as for medical purposes.

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (10) ◽  
pp. 3468 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ewelina Hallmann ◽  
Piotr Sabała

The aim of this work was to determine the bioactive compounds concentration in herbs from organic and conventional production. In 2017 and 2018, herbs of four species, including basil (Ocimum basilicum L.), bear’s garlic (Allium ursinum L.), marjoram (Origanum majorana L.), and oregano (Origanum vulgare L.), were examined. The concentrations of polyphenols, phenolic acids, flavonoids, carotenoids, and chlorophylls were measured. Next, separation and identification of the individual bioactive compounds were completed. The obtained results show that organic herbs contained significantly higher concentrations of total polyphenols, flavonoids, and phenolic acids compared to conventional herbs in both investigation years. On the other hand, conventional herbs contained significantly higher concentrations of chlorophylls and carotenoids, including beta-carotene.


Foods ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 204 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chiara Sanmartin ◽  
Isabella Taglieri ◽  
Francesca Venturi ◽  
Monica Macaluso ◽  
Angela Zinnai ◽  
...  

Flaxseed has been recently studied for the formulation of healthy functional foods that are also useful for the prevention of chronic diseases. In this context, the production of sourdough bread fortified with different percentages of flaxseed cake was performed and the interactions among the bioactive compounds derived from both sourdough and flaxseed cake were investigated. The organoleptic properties as well as nutraceutical and chemical characteristics regarding pH, ethanol, lactic and acetic acid content, fatty acids profile, the concentration of total polyphenols, antioxidant capacity, and aroma volatile organic compounds were determined to evaluate the efficacy of leavening in the different matrices in comparison with the traditional bread. The results obtained demonstrated that flaxseed cake-enriched sourdough bread can represent a potential vehicle for bioactive compounds with the possibility of obtaining high-quality products with improved nutritional profiles and desired health attributes. Furthermore, the bread obtained with the addition of 7.5% of flaxseed cake was individuated as the best formulation to produce sourdough bread fortified with flaxseed cake by the overlap between three series of information coming from physical-chemical, nutritional, and sensorial analyses. In conclusion, in the operating conditions adopted, the use of flaxseed cake could represent a viable alternative for the production of fortified bread based on sourdough technology.


2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (23) ◽  
pp. 8638
Author(s):  
Katarzyna Najman ◽  
Anna Sadowska ◽  
Ewelina Hallmann

This study examines the effect of fermentation processes (70 °C temperature; 80% humidity; 45 days) on the content of bioactive compounds (total polyphenols, selected phenolic acids, and flavonoids), antioxidant activity and physicochemical properties of conventional and organic garlic (Allium sativum L.). Raw garlic from conventional cultivation (GR) showed significantly lower content of phenolic components and antioxidant activity compared to raw garlic from organic cultivation (GREcol) (by 22.8% and 25.1%, respectively). The fermentation processes of the garlic from both the conventional (BG) and organic (BGEcol) cultivation significantly increased the content of total polyphenols (more than two times), phenolic acids (more than 1.5 times) and flavonoids (1.5 and 1.3 times, respectively). The garlic fermentation process also significantly increased antioxidant potential: two times for BG and three times for BGEcol. The content of bioactive compounds (total polyphenols, phenolic acids, and flavonoids) was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in organic black garlic (BGEcol) compared to conventional black garlic (BG). Heat treatment leading to changes in both the physicochemical, organoleptic and health-promoting properties allowed to obtain a new product gaining in sensory attractiveness and enabling a wide range of applications.


2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
pp. 183-189
Author(s):  
Miluska Cisneros-Yupanqui ◽  
Anna Lante ◽  
Corrado Rizzi

Background: The by-products of red chicory leaves are a valuable source of bioactive compounds that can be exploited in the development of functional foods. Objective: This work aimed to combine healthy properties of red chicory by-products with other ingredients in the formulation of a functional jam, which is easy and safe to swallow, especially for people suffering from dysphagia. Methods: The physicochemical parameters, as well as the total polyphenols content (TPC), was assessed in the obtained product. Results: The TPC (549.44 mg GAE/100 g) was higher than the values reported in other jams, and it remained stable along with the colour during six weeks of storage. Within the carbohydrates, 0.4% of the prebiotic fibre inulin has been detected, suggesting that this jam formulation is a promising delivery system of phenols and fibre. From the sensorial point of view, the functional jam obtained an overall good acceptability judgment. The bitterness of the red chicory is persistent, which helps people with dysphagia swallow more easily. Conclusion: The functional jam, based on chicory by-products, could be a good source of bioactive compounds, which are helpful even in the disabled subjects’ diet.


2021 ◽  
pp. 1-22
Author(s):  
Renata A. Carnauba ◽  
Flavia M. Sarti ◽  
Neuza M.A. Hassimotto ◽  
Franco M. Lajolo

Abstract Background: There is an inverse association between bioactive compounds intake and disease risk. The knowledge of its consumption according to socioeconomic strata is important, which allows identification of potential intervention targets. Objective: To investigate bioactive compounds intake according to income level in Brazilian population. Design: Data were obtained from the Brazilian Household Budget Survey, a cross-sectional survey which included data on individual food intake of 34,003 subjects aged 10 years and over collected using two 24-h dietary records. Polyphenol and carotenoid content of foods was identified using published databases. Total polyphenol and carotenoid intake were determined according to per capita income, as well as main food sources. Results: Total polyphenols and flavonoids intake increased with income level, and subjects with lower income showed higher phenolic acids intake than individuals in highest income (p=0.0001). Total carotenoids and classes intake (with exception to β-cryptoxanthin and zeaxanthin) were higher among subjects in highest income quartile, compared to the lowest quartile (p=0.0001). Coffee was major source to total polyphenols and phenolic acids intake, and orange juice was main flavonoid provider in individuals from all income levels. In the upper income quartile, total carotenoid was supplied mainly by tomato and kale, and fruits had important contribution to carotenoid intake in the lowest income quartile. Conclusions: There is important influence of income level on diet quality regarding intake of foods with bioactive compounds, and individuals with lower income may experience lower quality diets due to less availability of foods with bioactive compounds.


2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 2087
Author(s):  
Maria Isabella Sifola ◽  
Linda Carrino ◽  
Eugenio Cozzolino ◽  
Luisa del Piano ◽  
Giulia Graziani ◽  
...  

Tobacco cultivation is characterized by high amounts of waste biomasses whose disposal frequently represents a complex and expensive problem. A study was conducted to evaluate thepotential of pre-harvest light air-cured (Burley) and dark fire-cured (Kentucky) tobacco waste biomasses as a source of bioactive compounds (nutraceutical ingredients) such as polyphenols. Pre-harvest waste materials (topping fresh materials and residual stalks at final harvest) were collected to determine dry matter, total polyphenols content (TPC; Folin assay), and DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) and ABTS (2,20-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-60-sulfonic acid) diammonium salt) antioxidant capacity. Polyphenols quali-quantitative profiles obtained by Orbitrap Q Exactive of both tobacco types were also determined. Total pre-harvest waste biomass amounted to 3956.9 and 1304.4 kg d.w. ha−1 in light air-cured (Burley) and dark fire-cured (Kentucky) tobacco types, respectively. Polyphenols content, expressed as g kg−1 dry weight (d.w.), ranged between 4.6 and 15.7 g kg−1 d.w. and was generally greater in leaves than in stalks. Considering both leaves and stalks, the light air-cured (Burley) tobacco crop yielded 22.1 kg ha−1 of polyphenols, while the dark fire-cured (Kentucky) tobacco yielded 12.0 kg ha−1. DPPH and ABTS were significantly greater in leaves than in stalks waste biomass in both types of tobacco. The most abundant components were quinic and chlorogenic acids, rutin, and luteolin rutinoside.


Plants ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 32
Author(s):  
Hosakatte Niranjana Murthy ◽  
Guggalada Govardhana Yadav ◽  
Yaser Hassan Dewir ◽  
Abdullah Ibrahim

Many underutilized tree species are good sources of food, fodder and possible therapeutic agents. Balanites aegyptiaca (L.) Delile belongs to the Zygophyllaceae family and is popularly known as “desert date”, reflecting its edible fruits. This tree grows naturally in Africa, the Middle East and the Indian subcontinent. Local inhabitants use fruits, leaves, roots, stem and root bark of the species for the treatment of various ailments. Several research studies demonstrate that extracts and phytochemicals isolated from desert date display antioxidant, anticancer, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, hepatoprotective and molluscicidal activities. Mesocarp of fruits, seeds, leaves, stem and root bark are rich sources of saponins. These tissues are also rich in phenolic acids, flavonoids, coumarins, alkaloids and polysterols. Some constituents show antioxidant, anticancer and antidiabetic properties. The objective of this review is to summarize studies on diverse bioactive compounds and the beneficial properties of B. aegyptiaca.


Molecules ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (5) ◽  
pp. 1340
Author(s):  
Ying Kong ◽  
Huan Wang ◽  
Lixin Lang ◽  
Xiaoying Dou ◽  
Jinrong Bai

The bulbs of several Lilium species are considered to be both functional foods and traditional medicine in northern and eastern Asia. Considering the limited information regarding the specific bioactive compounds contributing to the functional properties of these bulbs, we compared the secondary metabolites of ten Lilium bulb samples belonging to five different species, using an ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-ESI-MS/MS)-based secondary metabolomics approach. In total, 245 secondary metabolites were detected; further, more metabolites were detected from purple Lilium bulbs (217 compounds) than from white bulbs (123–171 compounds). Similar metabolite profiles were detected in samples within the same species irrespective of where they were collected. By combining herbal analysis and screening differential metabolites, steroid saponins were considered the key bioactive compounds in medicinal lilies. Of the 14 saponins detected, none were accumulated in the bulbs of L. davidii var. willmottiae, also called sweet lily. The purple bulbs of L. regale accumulated more secondary metabolites, and, notably, more phenolic acid compounds and flavonoids. Overall, this study elucidates the differential metabolites in lily bulbs with varying functions and colors and provides a reference for further research on functional foods and the medicinal efficacy of Lilium species.


Plants ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (10) ◽  
pp. 2218
Author(s):  
Irene Sánchez-Gavilán ◽  
Esteban Ramírez Chueca ◽  
Vicenta de la Fuente García

(1) Background: this study describes bioactive compounds in the following halophytes: Sarcocornia (S. alpini, S. pruinosa, and S. perennis) and Arthrocnemum (A. macrostachyum). The material comes from: coastal marshes in Tinto River, Guadiana River, and some interior provinces from the Iberian Peninsula. (2) Methods: the techniques used were Folin–Ciocalteu, GC-MS, and ESI-MS/MS. (3) Results: Five phenolic acids were found in Sarcocornia: trans-cinnamic, salicylic, veratric, coumaric, and caffeic acids. In addition, in Arthronemum, ferulic acid was also detected. The obtained flavonoids were cyanidin-3-O-arabinoside, luteolin-7-glucoside, dihydroquercetin, and p-coumaroyl-glucoside. They also presented fatty acids, such as palmitic, linoleic, and oleic acids in Sarcocornia, while palmitic, linolenic, and stearic acids were the main fatty acids in A. macrostachyum. (4) Conclusions: the high diversity of the compounds identified confirms the relation between nutritional interest and salt tolerance in halophytes.


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