Actividad antioxidante y perfil de ácidos grasos de las semillas de jabuticaba (Myrciaria cauliflora Berg)

Numerous natural compounds found in fruits, grains and vegetables have antioxidant activity. This work aimed to characterize jabuticaba seeds (Myrciaria cauliflora Berg) by proximate composition, antioxidant activity and fatty acids profile of their extracted oil. To obtain the extract, the dehydrated and triturated seeds were extracted with ethyl alcohol for 30 min, at a proportion of 1:3 of seeds:ethyl alcohol, under continuous agitation, at room temperature. Afterwards, the mixture was filtered and the supernatant dehydrated at 40 °C aiming to determine, by direct weighing, the extract's dry matter yield. According to the results, the jabuticaba seeds are an important source of total carbohydrates, and also presented relevant antioxidant activity. In the jabuticaba seeds oil, a significant percentage of polyunsaturated fatty acids stood out, with linoleic and α-linolenic being the main component, essentials fatty acids.

Evaluating of the activity antioxidant and fatty acids profile of lychee seeds (Litchi chinensis SONN.)

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to characterize lychee seeds regarding their centesimal composition, and also to evaluate their antioxidant potential and fatty acid profile. Design/methodology/approach: To obtain the extract, dehydrated and grinded seeds were extracted with ethyl alcohol for 30 min, at a proportion of 1:3 of seeds:ethyl alcohol, under continuous agitation, at room temperature. Afterwards, the mixture was filtered and the supernatant subjected to a rotoevaporator at 40oC aiming to determine, by direct weighing, the extract dry matter yield. Findings: The largest found values went to the total carbohydrates (72.75 percent). In the oil from the lychee seeds there was a high percentage of unsaturated fatty acids, the main component being linoleic, considered an essential fatty acid. Research limitations/implications: Implies the identification of compounds biativos extracted from seeds of tropical and subtropical fruits, and to prevent certain types of diseases. Originality/value: The article tries to identify new source of phenolic compounds extracted from fruit. © Emerald Group Publishing Limited.

Extraction and quantification of phenolic acids and flavonols from Eugenia pyriformis using different solvents

The recovery of phenolic compounds of Eugenia pyriformis using different solvents was investigated in this study. The compounds were identified and quantified by reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with ultraviolet-visible diode-array detector (RP-HPLC-DAD/UV-vis). Absolute methanol was the most effective extraction agent of phenolic acids and flavonols (588.31 mg/Kg) from Eugenia pyriformis, although similar results (p ≤ 0.05) were observed using methanol/water (1:1 ratio). Our results clearly showed that higher contents of phenolic compounds were not obtained either with the most or the least polar solvents used. Several phenolic compounds were identified in the samples whereas gallic acid and quercetin were the major compounds recovered. © 2012 Association of Food Scientists & Technologists (India).

Antiulcer effects of Ethyl acetate fraction of Carpolobia lutea leaf

Carpolobia lutea leaves (CLL) (Polygalaceae) were earlier screened and the antiulcer ethnomedicinal claim established. This article seeks to quantitatively isolate, elucidate the active compounds from most active CLL fraction. Fractionation was by semi-preparative HPLC; the active fraction was subjected to radical scavenging assays (RSA) and quantification of the total phenolic content (TPC) were also executed. Results: Ethyl acetate fraction (EAF) was observed to be the most pharmacologically active antiulcer fraction when screened using acute ulcer models induced in rodents. The EAF demonstrated significant (p < 0.05-0.001) antiulcer activity in various in vivo induced ulceration models by reducing the ulcer index and increasing the preventive ratio. The EAF demonstrated > 70% in TPC and < 20 % in RSA. Cinnamic and coumaric acids derivatives were isolated from EAF. Cinnamic acids have been implicated and patented as antiulcer agent. Isolated compounds could in part mediate the observed pharmacological activities which lend credence to its ethnobotanical uses.

Chemical and biochemical characterization of guava and araçá fruits from different regions of Brazil

Guava and araçá, species of the Psidium genus, are important options for Brazilian agribusiness, especially the former species, due to their fruit characteristics, such as appearance, taste and richness in minerals and phenolic compounds. These fruits can be consumed in natura or in several processed forms. The active germplasm bank is an important tool for genetic resource characterization and plant breeding studies. Sixty guava and ten araçá accessions of the Psidium active germplasm, sampled in 44 different Brazilian regions and grown at Embrapa Semiarid, were chemically and biochemically characterized in order to support breeding programs. The accessions were grown in a randomized block design, with two replications and three plants/plot. The sugar, proteins, soluble solids, titratable acidity, calcium, magnesium, iron and phosphorus contents were determined. Large variations were observed in the analyzed compounds, which could be attributed to the diversity of genotypes and also to the environmental conditions, which affect the plant metabolism. The high variability observed in most parameters of the accessions is an important factor for the improvement of these species. Most guava accessions showed higher titratable acidity and soluble solids than those found in commercial cultivars and, in araçá, these levels were even higher, which makes them promising for commercial exploitation. Moreover, fruits of the guava and araçá accessions present good sources of sugars and minerals. Special attention should be given to some guava and araçá accessions from Maranhão and Pernambuco States, respectively, which showed high levels for titratable acidity, soluble solids, SS/TA ratio, total soluble sugars, calcium, magnesium and iron, should be targets of breeding programs for new Psidium cultivars. © ISHS.

Soursop (Annona muricata L.) and sugar apple (Annona squamosa L.): Antioxidant activity, fatty acids profile and determination of tocopherols

Purpose: This study aims to analyze the soursop and sugar apple seeds as to its composition, to evaluate the antioxidant potential of seeds extract and characterize the oil extracted from them, regarding the fatty acids profile and content of tocopherols. Design/methodology/approach: To obtain the extracts, dried and crushed seeds were extracted with ethanol for 30 minutes, at a ratio of 1:3 (m/m, seed: ethyl alcohol) under continuous stirring at room temperature. Then, the mixture was filtered and the supernatants subjected to rotoevaporator at 40°C aiming to determine, by direct weighing, the yields of dry extracts. Findings: According to the results, the soursop and sugar apple seeds constituted significant sources of lipids, proteins and carbohydrates and can therefore be used in food and feed, and offer relevant antioxidant activity of phenolic compounds. The oil seeds are a good source of unsaturated fatty acids, especially oleic and linoleic acids and they have significant amounts of total tocopherol. Research limitations/implications: Implications are the identification of bioactive compounds extracted from seeds of tropical and subtropical fruits, and to prevent certain types of diseases. Practical implications: The information presented might be directly used for developing of functional foods such as fruits. Originality/value: The article tries to identify new source of compounds extracted from fruits. © Emerald Group Publishing Limited.

Assessment of the chemical profile, polyphenol content and antioxidant activity in extracts of Psidium Guajava L. fruits

Fruits and vegetables that are rich in polyphenolic compounds, especially flavonoids, may be used to benefit human health by reducing the incidence of cancers and cardiovascular diseases. Previous studies have demonstrated the antioxidant activity of guava, a fruit widely available in Brazil, possibly due to the presence of these polyphenolic compounds. The aim of this study was to analyze the total phenolic and flavonoid contents of various guava extracts, assay their antioxidant activity and record the chromatographic profiles of these extracts, to determine a simple and low way of extracting these compounds efficiently from guava. The results confirmed the presence of polyphenols in guava, including flavonoids, and its antioxidant activity. Furthermore, it was demonstrated that the 70% ethanol (by volume) was the most effective solvent to extract these compounds from the fruit, among those tested.

Chemoprotective activity of the isoflavones, genistein and daidzein on mutagenicity induced by direct and indirect mutagens in cultured HTC cells

Isoflavones are phenolic compounds widely distributed in plants and found in a high percentage in soybeans. They have important biological properties and are regarded as potential chemopreventive agents. The aim of this study was to verify the preventive effect of two soy isoflavones (genistein and daidzein) by a micronucleus assay, analysis of GST activity, and real-time RT-PCR analysis of GSTa2 gene expression. Mutagens of direct (doxorubicin) and indirect (2-aminoanthracene) DNA damage were used. Hepatoma cells (HTC) were treated with genistein or daidzein for 26 h at noncytotoxic concentrations; 10 μM when alone, and 0.1, 1.0 and 10 μM when combined with genotoxic agents. The micronucleus test demonstrated that both isoflavones alone had no genotoxic effect. Genistein showed antimutagenic effects at 10 μM with both direct and indirect DNA damage agents. On phase II enzyme regulation, the current study indicated an increase in total cytoplasmic GST activity in response to genistein and daidzein at 10 μM supplementation. However, the mRNA levels of GSTa2 isozymes were not differentially modulated by genistein or daidzein. The results point to an in vitro antimutagenic activity of genistein against direct and indirect DNA damage-induced mutagenicity. © 2012 Springer Science+Business Media B.V.

Characterization and impact of the sugarcane borer on sugarcane yield and quality

The sugarcane borer, Diatraea saccharalis (F.) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae), is a key pest of sugarcane (Saccharum spp.). While damage caused by this pest has increased in the past 20 yr, studies investigating the insect-plant interactions are still lacking. Moreover, there is no information about the consequences of borer damage on the parameters of sugar quality. Therefore, two field experiments were performed during the 2010 and 2011 growing seasons in Brazil to compare the raw material and sugar quality of SP80-3280 sugarcane plants with and without the sugarcane borer. Plants were protected within screen cages and infested weekly during the 2010 and 2011 seasons, using egg masses starting at the second and third internode stage. At harvest, 25.77 and 19.01% of the internodes were bored by larvae (infestation intensity, II) in the first and second seasons, respectively. There was no correlation between the borer gallery total volume and II. The fiber content significantly increased with increasing II. The stalk biometric parameters, such as length, diameter, and yield, were not correlated with II. The sucrose yield significantly decreased with increasing II. Consequently, sugar yield losses were estimated at 8.83 and 19.80% per 1% bored internode for the first and second seasons, respectively. The concentration of phenolic compounds increased, and unclarified juice color quality decreased, with increasing II. Significant differences were detected in the quality of the sugar. These results should be confirmed for other sugarcane cultivars and incorporated into an economic injury level to enhance decision-making strategies for borer management. © 2013 by the American Society of Agronomy, 5585 Guilford Road, Madison, WI 53711. All rights reserved.

Phenolic composition of the berry parts of hybrid grape cultivar BRS Violeta (BRS Rubea×IAC 1398-21) using HPLC-DAD-ESI-MS/MS

The grape is considered a major source of phenolic compounds when compared to other fruits and vegetables, however, there are many cultivars with distinct characteristics directly linked to phenolic profile. Thus, the present study aimed to identify and quantify, for the first time and in detail, the phenolic compounds present in the skin, flesh and seeds of BRS Violeta grape berry using combination of SPE methodologies and analytical HPLC-DAD-ESI-MS/MS. The study was extended to the different berry parts and the most important grape and wine phenolic families, and has revealed interesting features. Violeta grape has a very thick skin (46% of grape weight) that accumulated the most of grape phenolic compounds: great amount of anthocyanins (3930. mg/kg, as malvidin 3,5-diglucoside), together with also important amounts of flavonols (150. mg/kg, as quercetin 3-glucoside), hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives (HCAD; 120. mg/kg, as caftaric acid), and proanthocyanidins (670. mg/kg, as (+)-catechin); in contrast, it seems to be a low resveratrol producer. Violeta grape seeds accounted for similar proportions of low molecular weight flavan-3-ols (mainly monomers; 345. mg/kg, as (+)-catechin) and proanthocyanidins (480. mg/kg, as (+)-catechin). Violeta grape is a teinturier cultivar, but it only contained traces of anthocyanins and low amounts of all the other phenolic types in its red-colored flesh. The anthocyanin composition of Violeta grape was dominated by anthocyanidin 3,5-diglucosides (90%). Within flavonols, myricetin-type predominated and kaempferol-type was missing. In addition to expected hydroxycinnamoyl-tartaric acids, several isomeric esters of caffeic and p-coumaric acids with hexoses were tentatively identified, accounting for relevant proportions within the pool of HCAD. Although pending of further confirmation over successive vintages, the aforementioned results suggest that BRS Violeta grape cultivar could be considered an interesting candidate for the elaboration of highly colored and antioxidant-rich grape juices and wines. © 2013 Elsevier Ltd.

Compostos voláteis da uvaia (Eugenia pyriformis cambess)

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Influência do estádio de maturação e do cultivo na composição de voláteis do maracujá (Passiflora edulis Sims f. flavicarpa Deg)

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Efeito do processamento industrial para obtenção de goiabada sobre os compostos antioxidantes e cor

Pós-graduação em Alimentos e Nutrição - FCFAR

Caracterização e propriedades funcionais de óleos extraídos de castanhas e nozes

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Desenvolvimento e caracterização de vinhos tintos a partir de uvas cultivadas no noroeste paulista

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)