Husk Cherry: Nutritional attributes,bioactive compounds and technological applications

Husk cherry (Physalis pruinosa; L) is a tropical fruit commonly grown in the Mediterranean region, and widely consumed fresh in most countries of the world. To enhance our knowledge about this promising fruit, the technological, therapeutic, and nutritional quality attributes of the raw fruits were investigated. The fruit had an orange yellowish color and a mild sweetness, with a pulp yield of 93.40 % (w/w) and a juice yield of 64.45 % (v/w). It contains high ratios of total sugar (41.65%), protein (14.56%), crude fibers (11.59 %), ascorbic acid (40.17 mg/100 g), ß-carotene (64.78 μg/g), total phenols (178.53 mg gallic acid 100 g⁻¹), anthocyanin (7.01 μg cyaniding-3-glucoside equivalents 100 g⁻¹), flavonoids (6.69 mg quercetin g⁻¹), and chlorophylls (19.03 μg g⁻¹). These fruit showed high antioxidant activities, which were found using DPPH and ABTS assays, and could be considered as a good source of antioxidants. The fruit contained several minerals, including potassium, phosphorus, sodium, and magnesium. The major amino acids in the fruit pulp were glutamic acid, aspartic acid, arginine, phenylalanine, proline, valine and alanine. The main polyphenols detected in the fruits were gallic acid, 4-hydroxybenzoic acid, benzoic acid, catechol, ellagic acid, chlorogenic acid, and epicatechin. Several flavonoids can be obtained in high concentrations, such as naringenin, luteolin, and rutin. Six functional food products (juice, jelly, jam, candied fruits, chocolate--coated dried fruits, and fruit leather) were manufactured using husk cherry fruits. The quality attributes of prepared products were determined. The highest crude fiber, ascorbic acid, β carotene, and total sugar compositions were found in chocolate-coated dry fruit products. All the manufactured products were well palatable amongst 25 trained panelists. The findings of this study confirmed the nutritional and technological potential of husk cherry fruits, which might be used effectively within the development of some functional products for food industries.     

Effect of mineral matter on the formation of NOX precursors during biomass pyrolysis

Formation of NO_X precursors during pyrolysis of three typical kinds of biomass (wheat straw, rice straw and corn cob) was studied using a thermogravimetric analyzer (TGA) coupled with a Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometer in argon atmosphere. Two pretreatment methods, including deionized water washing and acid washing were utilized to investigate the effect of included minerals on the distribution of nitrogen containing species during wheat straw pyrolysis. KOH and CaO were loaded onto the demineralized (dem) wheat straw to study the effect of excluded minerals on nitrogen release. The residues of the samples after pyrolysis were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. The results show that different kinds of biomass have distinctive formation characteristics of N-containing species. HCN and HNCO are the main N-containing species for rice straw, while NH₃ and HCN are the main N-containing species for wheat straw and corn cob.The existence of minerals influences the formation of N-containing species during biomass pyrolysis. Both the included potassium and excluded potassium promote N-conversion to NH₃, HCN, NO and HNCO at lower temperature, but decrease the total yields of N-containing species. The included calcium decreases N-conversion to HCN, NH₃ and HNCO at lower temperature (<about 330 °C), while favors the total yields of N-containing species. However, the presence of added calcium restrains N-conversion to HCN, NH₃, NO and HNCO.     

Organic Acid Composition of Native Black Mulberry Fruit

Using HPLC, organic acids from the fruit of black mulberry (Morus nigra L., Moraceae) were quantified. Malic acid was predominant with a range of 35.4-198.5 mg/g. Citric acid was the second in abundance, with a range of 5.5-23.4 mg/g, followed by tartaric, oxalic, and fumaric with an average of 4.16, 0.62, and 0.019, respectively.     

A Comparison of Fruit Chemical Characteristics of Two Wild Grown <em>Rubus</em> Species from Different Locations of Croatia

The main focus of our study was to investigate differences in nutritional (dry matter, soluble solids content, total acidity and pH value) and bioactive values (ascorbic acid, total anthocyanins, total phenols, and non-flavonoids content) of wild grown raspberry (Rubus idaeus) and blackberry (Rubus discolor) genotypes harvested from native populations in Croatia. The average total acidity ranged from 0.93 to 1.72% in R. discolor and 1.57 to 1.91% in R. idaeus. Ascorbic acid was found between 22.34 mg and 45.00 mg 100 g^-1 in R. idaeus, while it was between 30.64 mg and 33.09 mg 100 g^-1 in R. discolor genotypes. A great variability in total anthocyanins was detected in Croatian wild blackberry and raspberry genotypes, ranging from 2,226 to 2,367 mg kg^-1 for blackberries and 279 to 582 mg kg^-1 for raspberries, indicating wild blackberries are particularly rich in anthocyanins. On the basis of these results, it can be concluded that investigated wild growing fruit species have a great potential in nutritive research, as well as in biodiversity research. It is necessary to carry out further investigation and evaluation of wild growing fruit species to utilize them in the most appropriate way, as well as conservation of interesting accessions in the gene banks.     

Direct potentiometric titration of thiosulfate,thiourea, and ascorbic acid with lodate using an iodide ion-selective electrode

A potentiometric method has been developed for the semi-automatic direct titration of thiourea, thiosulfate, and ascorbic acid with potassium iodate in strongly acidic solutions using an iodide ion-selective electrode to monitor the reaction and locate the endpoint. The method is simple, fast, precise, and accurate. Amounts ranging from 0.15–1.5 mg of thiourea (3.9 × 10^?4–3.9 × 10^?3, M), 0.3–3.0 mg of thiosulfate (5.4 × 10^?4–5.4 × 10^?3, M), and 0.5–5.0 mg of ascorbic acid (5.7 × 10^?4–5.7 × 10^?3, M) have been determined with an average error of about 1%. The method has been applied to the determination of ascorbic acid in tablets. Results checked closely with those obtained with a standard titrimetric method.     

Nephroprotective and antioxidant activities of ethyl acetate fraction of Euphorbia geniculata Ortega family Euphorbiaceae

In continuation of our work on genus Euphorbia, the phytochemical investigation of ethyl acetate fraction of the aerial parts of Euphorbia geniculata Ortega (Eg) family Euphorbiaceae revealed the isolation and identification of eight polyphenolic compounds; gallic acid (1), ellagic acid (2), quercetin-3-O-rutinoside) (rutin) (3), quercetin-3-O-glucopyranoside-7-O-rhamnoside (4), quercetin-3-O-rhamnoside (5), quercetin-3-O-β-D- glucopyranoside (6), and quercetin-3-O-β-D-arabinoside (7) and quercetin (8) using spectrophotometric and physicochemical analysis. Quantitative estimation of total flavonoids and phenolics contents were carried out for total methanolic extract. Biological activities of ethyl acetate fraction including nephroprotective and antioxidant activities were evaluated for the first time. The nephroprotective potential of Eg was evaluated in male rats with thioacetamide induced kidney injury. Antioxidant activity was evaluated using DPPH method.Results; Quantitative estimation of total phenolics and flavonoids content in the total methanolic extract of Eg revealed high phenolics content (285.4 mg GAE /gm extract) in comparison with flavonoids content (36.9 mg RE /gm extract). Isolation and characterization of eight polyphenolic compounds. The nephroprotictive activity was studied using thioacetamide as nephrotoxicant agent resulted in marked nephrotoxicity. While pretreatment of rats with ethyl acetate fraction of Eg significantly attenuated the nephrotoxicity through alteration of kidney biomarkers, improving the redox status of the tissue and so brought the serum biochemical parameters nearly toward the normal levels. The study revealed significant antioxidant activity of Eg in comparison with ascorbic acid. Conclusion; The results suggested that E. geniculata Ortega ethyl acetate fraction could be used in future therapy as nephroprotective and antioxidant drugs of natural source.     

Analysis of antioxidant flavonoids from asteraceae and moraceae plants by capillary electrophoresis

Summary Antioxidant flavonoids from the plantsSolidago gigantea Ait.,Taraxacum officinale Wiggers and Webers (Asteraceae) andMorus nigra L. (Moraceae) have been analysed by capillary electrophoresis (CE).Solidago gigantea was investigated because of its diuretic, spasmolytic, antiphlogistic, and wound-healing effect,Taraxacum officinale because it has been shown to have good diuretic and choleretic activity, andMorus nigra because it is also widely regarded as a diuretic and antidiabetic agent. Aqueous and methanolic extracts of these plants have antioxidant properties. Because their flavonoid composition might be important in their free-radical-scavenging activity, a capillary electrophoretic method was developed for characterization of the flavonoids present. We identified quercetin-3-O-β-rutinoside (rutin), quercetin-3-O-β-d-glucoside (isoquercitrin), and chlorogenic acid as the most abundant compounds inSolidago gigantea andMorus nigra, and apigenin-7-O-β-glucoside, luteolin-7-O-β-glucoside, and chlorogenic acid inTaraxacum officinale. We also discovered that quercetin-3-O-α-rhamnoside (quercitrin) and quercetin-3-O-β-galactoside (hyperoside) were absent from our sample ofSolidago gigantea and quercitrin fromMorus nigra. Quantitative analysis of these extracts was performed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Presented at Balaton Symposium '01 on High-Performance Separation Methods, Siófok, Hungary, September 2–4, 2001     

Anthocyans from Fruit of Some Plants of the Caprifoliaceae Family

The qualitative and quantitative compositions of anthocyans from fruit of plants of the Caprifoliaceae family grown under conditions of Belgorod region were investigated. The plants included elder species [Sambucus nigra L. (I), S. canadensis (II), and S. canadensis f. sceletoniana (III)], Viburnum opulus L., and Lonicera caerulea L. It has been found that the principal anthocyans of I are cyanidin-3-sambubioside (52.5%) and cyanidin-3-glucoside (37.1%) whereas from the other two elder species the principal component was cyanidin-3-sambubioside-5-glucoside, acylated p-coumaric acid, 70.9 (II) and 54.3% (III). Fruit of the other plants did not contain acylated anthocyans. The content of anthocyans in fresh or dried fruit was determined by spectrophotometry.__________Translated from Khimiya Prirodnykh Soedinenii, No. 2, pp. 132–133, March–April, 2005.     

Chemical Composition and Potential Practical Application of 15 Red Algal Species from the White Sea Coast (the Arctic Ocean)

Though numerous valuable compounds from red algae already experience high demand in medicine, nutrition, and different branches of industry, these organisms are still recognized as an underexploited resource. This study provides a comprehensive characterization of the chemical composition of 15 Arctic red algal species from the perspective of their practical relevance in medicine and the food industry. We show that several virtually unstudied species may be regarded as promising sources of different valuable metabolites and minerals. Thus, several filamentous ceramialean algae (Ceramium virgatum, Polysiphonia stricta, Savoiea arctica) had total protein content of 20–32% of dry weight, which is comparable to or higher than that of already commercially exploited species (Palmaria palmata, Porphyra sp.). Moreover, ceramialean algae contained high amounts of pigments, macronutrients, and ascorbic acid. Euthora cristata (Gigartinales) accumulated free essential amino acids, taurine, pantothenic acid, and floridoside. Thalli of P. palmata and C. virgatum contained the highest amounts of the nonproteinogenic amino acid β-alanine (9.1 and 3.2 μM g⁻¹ DW, respectively). Several red algae tend to accumulate heavy metals; although this may limit their application in the food industry, it makes them promising candidates for phytoremediation or the use as bioindicators.     

Application of differential pulse polarography to the assay of ascorbic acid

A polarographic method for the determination of ascorbic acid in pharmaceutical preparations and fruit juices is described. The method is based on the oxidation of ascorbic acid by iodine, and the resulting iodide, after removal of excess iodine, is oxidized with bromine to iodate which is measured polarographically. The method enables analysis of solutions as dilute as 1.7 × 10^?6M ascorbic acid.     

Polyphenolic profile as a useful tool to identify the wood used in wine aging

Although oak wood is the main material used in cooperage, other species are being considered as possible sources of wood for the production of wines and their derived products. In this work we have compared the phenolic composition of acacia (Robinia pseudoacacia), chestnut (Castanea sativa), cherry (Prunus avium) and ash (Fraxinus excelsior and F. americana) heartwoods, by using HPLC-DAD/ESI-MS/MS (some of these data have been showed in previous paper), as well as the changes that toasting intensity at cooperage produce in each polyphenolic profile. Before toasting, each wood shows a different and specific polyphenolic profile, with both qualitative and quantitative differences among them. Toasting notably changed these profiles, in general, proportionally to toasting intensity and led to a minor differentiation among species in toasted woods, although we also found phenolic markers in toasted woods. Thus, methyl syringate, benzoic acid, methyl vanillate, p-hydroxybenzoic acid, 3,4,5-trimethylphenol and p-coumaric acid, condensed tannins of the procyanidin type, and the flavonoids naringenin, aromadendrin, isosakuranetin and taxifolin will be a good tool to identify cherry wood. In acacia wood the chemical markers will be the aldehydes gallic and β-resorcylic and two not fully identified hydroxycinnamic compounds, condensed tannins of the prorobinetin type, and when using untoasted wood, dihydrorobinetin, and in toasted acacia wood, robinetin. In untoasted ash wood, the presence of secoiridoids, phenylethanoid glycosides, or di and oligolignols will be a good tool, especially oleuropein, ligstroside and olivil, together verbascoside and isoverbascoside in F. excelsior, and oleoside in F. americana. In toasted ash wood, tyrosol, syringaresinol, cyclolovil, verbascoside and olivil, could be used to identify the botanical origin. In addition, in ash wood, seasoned and toasted, neither hydrolysable nor condensed tannins were detected. Lastly, in chestnut wood, gallic and ellagic acids and hydrolysable tannins of both the gallotannin and ellagitannin type, can be used as chemical markers.     

Effect of five different stages of ripening on chemical compounds in medlar (Mespilus germanica L.)

The study of changes of nutritional value of fruit during the ripening process can help estimate the optimal date for fruit harvesting to achieve the best quality for direct consumption and further utilization. The aim of this study was to monitor the changes of chemical composition of medlar fruit (Mespilus germanica L.) measured at five various ripening stages including 134, 144, 154, 164 and 174 days after full bloom (DAFB). Fruits were analyzed and ascorbic acid (AA) and total phenolic compound content with respect to the total antioxidant activity were determined. In addition, selected micronutrients and macronutrients were monitored. The results of our experiments demonstrate that ascorbic acid, total phenolic compound content and total antioxidant activity decreased significantly with increasing time of ripeness. The decreasing tendency in potassium, calcium and magnesium contents during the ripening stages was also determined. During the ripening period, the content of all micronutrients as well as phosphorus and sodium was balanced, with no statistically significant differences between the monitored ripening stages, which can be considered as a positive fact with respect to ideal consumption quality of fruit.     

Analysis of the kinetic slowing down during carbonation of CaO by CO2

The synthesis of calcium hydroxyapatite powder (Ca-HA) from orthophosphoric acid or from potassium dihydrogen orthophosphate and calcium carbonate was carried out under moderate conditions. A better dissolution of calcium carbonate and a complete precipitation of the orthophosphate species were obtained with orthophosphoric acid, indicating that it may be of interest as a phosphate source compared with potassium dihydrogen orthophosphate. The influence of calcination treatment on the physico-chemical properties of the solids is discussed in this paper. Different characterization techniques such as specific surface area (S _BET), true density, particle size distribution, thermo-mechanical analysis, simultaneous thermogravimetry and differential scanning calorimetry analysis, X-ray diffraction and infrared were performed to understand the phase changes during thermal treatment. Specific surface area decreased while true density and particle size increased with the rise in the calcination temperature, due to the sintering of particles and the chemical reactions occurring at high temperatures. Mixtures of well-crystallized Ca-HA and tricalcium phosphate (TCP) or well-crystallized Ca-HA, CaO, and TCP were obtained after calcination at 800–1,000 °C of the solid products starting from orthophosphoric acid or potassium dihydrogen orthophosphate, respectively.     

In Vitro Antidiabetic and Antioxidant Effects of Different Extracts of Catharanthus roseus and Its Indole Alkaloid,Vindoline

The Catharanthus roseus plant has been used traditionally to treat diabetes mellitus. Scientific evidence supporting the antidiabetic effects of this plant’s active ingredient-vindoline has not been fully evaluated. In this study, extracts of C. roseus and vindoline were tested for antioxidant activities, alpha amylase and alpha glucosidase inhibitory activities and insulin secretory effects in pancreatic RIN-5F cell line cultured in the absence of glucose, at low and high glucose concentrations. The methanolic extract of the plant showed the highest antioxidant activities in addition to the high total polyphenolic content (p < 0.05). The HPLC results exhibited increased concentration of vindoline in the dichloromethane and the ethylacetate extracts. Vindoline showed noticeable antioxidant activity when compared to ascorbic acid at p < 0.05 and significantly improved the in vitro insulin secretion. The intracellular reactive oxygen species formation in glucotoxicity-induced cells was significantly reduced following treatment with vindoline, methanolic and the dichloromethane extracts when compared to the high glucose untreated control (p < 0.05). Plant extracts and vindoline showed weaker inhibitory effects on the activities of carbohydrate metabolizing enzymes when compared to acarbose, which inhibited the activities of the enzymes by 80%. The plant extracts also exhibited weak alpha amylase and alpha glucosidase inhibitory effects.     

Characteristics of the pigments from anthocyan-containing food plants, raw material for production of bioflavonoid dyes

Data are presented on the composition of anthocyans of the fruits and pulp of the food plants bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillis L), high-bush cranberry (Viburnum opulus L.), elderberry (Sambucus nigra L.), cherry (Cerasus vulgaris Mill.), crowberry (Empetrum nigrum L.), cranberry (Oxycoccus palustris Pers.), currant (Ribes nigrum L.), and mulberry (Morus nigra L.) growing in the Ukraine. The anthocyan pigments differ qualitatively and quantitatively owing to genetic peculiarities in the different species of fruits and the localization of the pigments in them.Odessa State Academy of Food Technology, fax (0482) 25 32 84. Translated from Khimiya Prirodnykh Soedinenii, No. 2, pp. 118–120, March–April, 2000.     

The Biological Effects of Forsythia Leaves Containing the Cyclic AMP Phosphodiesterase 4 Inhibitor Phillyrin

Forsythia fruit (Forsythia suspensa Vahl (Oleaceae)) is a common component of Kampo medicines for treating the common cold, influenza, and allergies. The main polyphenolic compounds in the leaves of F. suspensa are pinoresinol β-d-glucoside, phillyrin and forsythiaside, and their levels are higher in the leaves of the plant than in the fruit. It is known that polyphenolic compounds stimulate lipid catabolism in the liver and suppress dyslipidemia, thereby attenuating diet-induced obesity and polyphenolic anti-oxidants might attenuate obesity in animals consuming high-fat diets. Recently, phillyrin was reported as a novel cyclic AMP phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) inhibitor derived from forsythia fruit. It was expected that the leaves of F. suspensa might display anti-obesity effects and serve as a health food material. In this review, we summarized our studies on the biological effects of forsythia leaves containing phillyrin and other polyphenolic compounds, particularly against obesity, atopic dermatitis, and influenza A virus infection, and its potential as a phytoestrogen.     

Two new prenylflavonoids from Morus nigra L.

Two new prenylflavonoids, mornigrol E(1) and mornigrol F(2) were isolated from Morus nigra L. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic methods, especially 2D-NMR techniques.     

Anti‐Interferent Properties of Oxidized Nickel Based on Layered Double Hydroxide in Glucose Amperometric Biosensors

An amperometric biosensor based on Pt electrodes modified with a thin film of a Ni, Al layered double hydroxide (LDH), submitted to a preliminary oxidative treatment in order to have the nickel centers at the oxidation state +4, and glucose oxidase (GOx) is presented. The oxidized LDH acts both as a system to support the enzyme and as a barrier to anions since it acquires an overall negative charge, as demonstrated by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. Even if the biosensor response is due to the detection of H₂O₂ at anodic potentials, glucose can be accurately determined in the presence of ascorbic acid or other interferences, commonly present in real matrices in anionic form, since they can not reach the electrode surface. The effectiveness of the developed biosensor has been demonstrated by measuring glucose in samples of fruit juices containing ascorbic acid at high levels.     

A Portable Fill‐and‐Flow Channel Biosensor with an Electrode to Predict the Effect of Interferences

A portable fill‐and‐flow channel biosensor with a “predictor electrode” is described. The predictor electrode, on the opposite channel wall and upstream of the detector electrode, allows direct evaluation of the current due to interfering species at the detector electrode. A model is developed which shows that the reaction at the upstream predictor electrode has no significant effect on the concentration distribution of the interfering species at the detector electrode. This enables a straightforward correction of the current at the detector electrode and a determination of the analyte concentration. The effect of interference from ascorbic acid in the detection of glucose in samples was efficiently removed by using such a concept. The recovery of glucose from samples containing ascorbic acid was 103% (s=12%, n=3). The approach was also applied to a biosensor for the determination of glucose in red wine samples containing polyphenolic interferents.     

A water-soluble Wilkinson's complex as homogeneous catalyst for the photochemical reduction of water

A water-soluble Wilkinson's complex, chlorotris(diphenylphosphinobenzene-m-sulphonate)rhodium(I) (Rh^ICl(dpm)₃³⁻), was examined as a homogeneous catalyst for the reduction of water coupled with the photoreaction of Ru(bpy)₃²⁺ using ascorbic acid as a sacrificial electron donor. A high quantum yield of H₂ (440 nm), i.e. 0.30, was obtained at pH 5. This value was found to be limited by the photochemical generation of Ru(bpy)₃⁺, indicating that the catalytic process maintained by the rhodium complex is almost quantitative. Studies by cyclic voltammetry, laser flash photolysis and pulse radiolysis revealed the catalysis mechanism which involves a Rh(II)-hydride species.