Editorial

5 pages, 203 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Special Issue on “Phenolic Compounds: Extraction, Optimization, Identification and Applications in Food Industry”

by Ibrahim M. Abu-Reidah and Amani Taamalli

Processes 2022, 10(1), 128; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr10010128 - 09 Jan 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1196

Interest has grown regarding natural plant extracts in food and beverage applications, their vital role in food quality and technology, and their therapeutic use in inhibiting several diseases [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Phenolic Compounds: Extraction, Optimization, Identification and Applications in Food Industry)

Research

Jump to: Editorial, Review

13 pages, 1512 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Infrared Irradiation Drying Impact on Bee Pollen: Case Study on the Phenolic Composition of Eucalyptus globulus Labill and Salix atrocinerea Brot. Pollens

by Maria G. Campos, Christian Frigerio, Otilia Bobiş, Adriana C. Urcan and Nelson G. M. Gomes

Processes 2021, 9(5), 890; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr9050890 - 18 May 2021

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2874

Abstract

Bee pollen is commonly reputed as a rich source of nutrients, both for bees and humans. Its composition is well balanced and can be taken as a stand-alone food or as supplement, including for the elderly owing its low caloric value. However, storage [...] Read more.

Bee pollen is commonly reputed as a rich source of nutrients, both for bees and humans. Its composition is well balanced and can be taken as a stand-alone food or as supplement, including for the elderly owing its low caloric value. However, storage conditions frequently lead to product degradation, namely due to the high moisture content that enable the proliferation of molds and bacteria. Herein, an infrared (IR)-based technology is proposed as a mean to determine moisture content, setting also a new scalable approach for the development of a drying technology to be used for bee pollen processing, which can be carried out in a short time, without impacting the phenolic and flavonoid content and associated bioactive effects. Proof-of-concept was attained with an IR moisture analyzer, bee pollen samples from Eucalyptus globulus Labill and Salix atrocinerea Brot. being selected as models. Impact of the IR radiation towards the phenolic and flavonoid profiles was screened by HPLC/DAD profiling and radical scavenging ability by the DPPH assay. The IR-based approach shows good reproducibility while simultaneously reducing drying time and energy consumption, thus implying a low environmental impact and being suitable for industrial scale-up once no degradation has been found to occur during the radiation process. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Phenolic Compounds: Extraction, Optimization, Identification and Applications in Food Industry)

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13 pages, 1580 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Polyphenolic Profiling of Green Waste Determined by UPLC-HDMS^E

by Colin M. Potter and David L. Jones

Processes 2021, 9(5), 824; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr9050824 - 09 May 2021

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1824

Abstract

Valorising green waste will greatly enhance and promote the sustainable management of this large volume resource. One potential way to achieve this is the extraction of high value human health promoting chemicals (e.g., polyphenols) from this material. Our primary aim was to identify [...] Read more.

Valorising green waste will greatly enhance and promote the sustainable management of this large volume resource. One potential way to achieve this is the extraction of high value human health promoting chemicals (e.g., polyphenols) from this material. Our primary aim was to identify the main polyphenols present in four contrasting green waste feedstocks, namely Smyrnium olusatrum, Urtica dioica, Allium ursinum and Ulex europaeus, using UPLC-HDMS^E. Polyphenol-rich Camellia sinensis (green tea) was used as a reference material. Samples were extracted and analysed by UPLC-HDMS^E, which was followed by data processing using Progenesis QI and EZ Info. A total of 77 high scoring polyphenolic compounds with reported benefits to human health were tentatively identified in the samples, with abundances varying across the plant types; A. ursinum was seen to be the least abundant in respect to the polyphenols identified, whereas U. europaeus was the most abundant. Important components with a diverse range of bioactivity, such as procyanidins, (−)-epigallocatechin, naringenin, eriodictyol and iso-liquiritigenin, were observed, plus a number of phytoestrogens such as daidzein, glycitin and genistein. This research provides a route to valorise green waste through the creation of nutritional supplements which may aid in the prevention of disease. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Phenolic Compounds: Extraction, Optimization, Identification and Applications in Food Industry)

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12 pages, 461 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Formulation and Stability of Cellulose-Based Delivery Systems of Raspberry Phenolics

by Josipa Vukoja, Ivana Buljeta, Anita Pichler, Josip Šimunović and Mirela Kopjar

Processes 2021, 9(1), 90; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr9010090 - 04 Jan 2021

Cited by 21 | Viewed by 2468

Abstract

Encapsulation of bioactives is a tool to prepare their suitable delivery systems and ensure their stability. For this purpose, cellulose was selected as carrier of raspberry juice phenolics and freeze-dried cellulose/raspberry encapsulates (C/R_Es) were formulated. Influence of cellulose amount (2.5%, 5%, 7.5% and [...] Read more.

Encapsulation of bioactives is a tool to prepare their suitable delivery systems and ensure their stability. For this purpose, cellulose was selected as carrier of raspberry juice phenolics and freeze-dried cellulose/raspberry encapsulates (C/R_Es) were formulated. Influence of cellulose amount (2.5%, 5%, 7.5% and 10%) and time (15 or 60 min) on the complexation of cellulose and raspberry juice was investigated. Obtained C/R_Es were evaluated for total phenolics, anthocyanins, antioxidant activity, inhibition of α-amylase and color. Additionally, encapsulation was confirmed by FTIR. Stability of C/R_Es was examined after 12 months of storage at room temperature. Increasing the amount of cellulose during formulation of C/R_E from 2.5% to 10%, resulted in the decrease of content of total phenolics and anthocyanins. Additionally, encapsulates formulated by 15 min of complexation had a higher amount of investigated compounds. This tendency was retained after storage. The highest antioxidant activities were determined for C/R_E with 2.5% of cellulose and the lowest for those with 10% of cellulose, regardless of the methods used for its evaluation. After storage of 12 months, antioxidant activity slightly increased. Encapsulates with 2.5% of cellulose had the highest and those with 10% of cellulose the lowest capability for inhibition of α-amylase. The amount of cellulose also had an impact on color of C/R_Es. Results of this study suggest that cellulose could be a good encapsulation polymer for delivering raspberry bioactives, especially when cellulose was used in lower percentages for formulation of encapsulates. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Phenolic Compounds: Extraction, Optimization, Identification and Applications in Food Industry)

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16 pages, 1459 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Influence of Processing Parameters on Phenolic Compounds and Color of Cabernet Sauvignon Red Wine Concentrates Obtained by Reverse Osmosis and Nanofiltration

by Ivana Ivić, Mirela Kopjar, Lidija Jakobek, Vladimir Jukić, Suzana Korbar, Barbara Marić, Josip Mesić and Anita Pichler

Processes 2021, 9(1), 89; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr9010089 - 03 Jan 2021

Cited by 18 | Viewed by 3132

Abstract

In this study, Cabernet Sauvignon red wine was subjected to reverse osmosis and nanofiltration processes at four different pressures (25, 35, 45, and 55 bar) and two temperature regimes (with and without cooling). The aim was to obtain concentrates with a higher content [...] Read more.

In this study, Cabernet Sauvignon red wine was subjected to reverse osmosis and nanofiltration processes at four different pressures (25, 35, 45, and 55 bar) and two temperature regimes (with and without cooling). The aim was to obtain concentrates with a higher content of phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity and to determine the influence of two membrane types (Alfa Laval RO98pHt M20 for reverse osmosis and NF M20 for nanofiltration) and different operating conditions on phenolics retention. Total polyphenol, flavonoid, monomeric anthocyanin contents, and antioxidant activity were determined spectrophotometrically. Flavan-3-ols and phenolic acids were analyzed on a high-performance liquid chromatography system and sample colour was measured by chromometer. The results showed that the increase in applied pressure and decrease in retentate temperature were favorable for higher phenolics retention. Retention of individual compounds depended on their chemical structure, membrane properties, membrane fouling, and operating conditions. Both types of membranes proved to be suitable for Cabernet Sauvignon red wine concentration. In all retentates, phenolic compounds content was higher than in the initial wine, but no visible color change (ΔE* < 1) was observed. The highest concentrations of phenolic compounds were detected in retentates obtained at 45 and 55 bar, especially with cooling. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Phenolic Compounds: Extraction, Optimization, Identification and Applications in Food Industry)

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14 pages, 2663 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Evaluation of Direct Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction of Phenolic Compounds from Potato Peels

by Shusheng Wang, Amy Hui-Mei Lin, Qingyou Han and Qin Xu

Processes 2020, 8(12), 1665; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr8121665 - 17 Dec 2020

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 3241

Abstract

Potato peels (PPs) are generally considered as agriculture waste. The United States alone generates over one million tons of PPs a year. However, PPs contain valuable phenolic compounds with antioxidant activities. In this study, we evaluated the efficiency of ultrasound-assisted extraction techniques in [...] Read more.

Potato peels (PPs) are generally considered as agriculture waste. The United States alone generates over one million tons of PPs a year. However, PPs contain valuable phenolic compounds with antioxidant activities. In this study, we evaluated the efficiency of ultrasound-assisted extraction techniques in recovering antioxidants from PPs. These techniques included a direct ultrasound-assisted extraction (DUAE), an indirect ultrasound-assisted extraction (IUAE), and a conventional shaking extraction (CSE). Results of this study showed that DUAE was more effective in extracting phenolic compounds than IUAE and CSE. We also evaluated the factors affecting the yield of total phenolic compounds (TPC) in DUAE, including the temperature, time, acoustic power, ratio of solvent to solids, and size of PPs particles. TPC yield of DUAE was higher, and the extraction rate was faster than IUAE and CSE. Furthermore, TPC yield was strongly correlated to the temperature of the mixture of PPs suspension. SEM images revealed that the irradiation of ultrasound energy from DUAE caused micro-fractures and the opening of PPs cells. The extract obtained from DUAE was found to have antioxidant activity comparable to commercial synthetic antioxidants. Results of this preliminary study suggest that DUAE has the potential to transform PPs from agricultural waste to a valuable ingredient. A future systematic research study is proposed to advance the knowledge of the impact of processing parameters in the kinetics of phenolic compounds extraction from potato peels using various extraction methods. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Phenolic Compounds: Extraction, Optimization, Identification and Applications in Food Industry)

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15 pages, 1875 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Phenolics Dynamics and Infrared Fingerprints during the Storage of Pumpkin Seed Oil and Thereof Oleogel

by Andreea Pușcaș, Andruța Mureșan, Floricuța Ranga, Florinela Fetea, Sevastița Muste, Carmen Socaciu and Vlad Mureșan

Processes 2020, 8(11), 1412; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr8111412 - 05 Nov 2020

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2925

Abstract

Cold-pressed pumpkin seed oil is a valuable source of bioactive molecules, including phenolic compounds. Oleogels are designed for trans and saturated fats substitution in foods, but also demonstrate protection and delivery of bioactive compounds. Consequently, the present work aimed to assess individual phenolic [...] Read more.

Cold-pressed pumpkin seed oil is a valuable source of bioactive molecules, including phenolic compounds. Oleogels are designed for trans and saturated fats substitution in foods, but also demonstrate protection and delivery of bioactive compounds. Consequently, the present work aimed to assess individual phenolic compounds dynamics and infrared fingerprints during the ambient storage of pumpkin seed oil and thereof oleogel. For oleogels production, a 5% ternary mixture of waxes, composed by 3% beewax, 1% sunflower wax and 1% rice bran wax, was used. Phenolic compounds were extracted by traditional liquid–liquid extraction, followed by HPLC-MS quantification. FTIR (400–4000 cm⁻¹) was used for characterizing and monitoring the oxidative stability of all samples and for the evaluation of intermolecular forces between oleogelator mixtures and oil. Specific wavenumbers indicated oxidative processes in stored sample sets; storage time and sample clustering patterns were revealed by chemometrics. Isolariciresinol, vanillin, caffeic and syringic acids were quantified. The main changes were determined for isolariciresinol, which decreased in liquid pumpkin seed oil samples from 0.77 (T1) to 0.13 mg/100 g (T4), while for oleogel samples it decreased from 0.64 (T1) to 0.12 mg/100 g (T4). However, during the storage at room temperature, it was concluded that oleogelation technique might show potential protection of specific phenolic compounds such as syringic acid and vanillin after 8 months of storage. For isolariciresinol, higher amounts are registered in the oleogel (0.411 mg/100 g oil) than in the oil (0.37 mg/100 g oil) after 5 months of ambient temperature storage (T3). Oxidation processes occurred after 5 months storage for both oil and oleogel samples. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Phenolic Compounds: Extraction, Optimization, Identification and Applications in Food Industry)

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12 pages, 1075 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Polyphenolic Profiling of Forestry Waste by UPLC-HDMS^E

by Colin M. Potter and David L. Jones

Processes 2020, 8(11), 1411; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr8111411 - 04 Nov 2020

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2098

Abstract

Polyphenols constitute a diverse array of naturally occurring secondary metabolites found in plants which, when consumed, have been shown to promote human health. Greater consumption may therefore aid in the fight against diseases such as obesity, diabetes, heart disease, cancer, etc. Tree bark [...] Read more.

Polyphenols constitute a diverse array of naturally occurring secondary metabolites found in plants which, when consumed, have been shown to promote human health. Greater consumption may therefore aid in the fight against diseases such as obesity, diabetes, heart disease, cancer, etc. Tree bark is polyphenol-rich and has potential to be used in food supplements. However, it is important to gain insight into the polyphenol profile of different barks to select the material with greatest concentration and diversity. Ultra-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) was coupled with an ion mobility time-of-flight high-definition/high-resolution mass spectrometer (UPLC-HDMS^E) to profile ethanol extracts of three common tree barks (Pinus contorta, Pinus sylvestris, Quercus robur) alongside a commercial reference (Pycnogenol^® extracted from Pinus pinaster). Through the use of Progenesis QI informatics software, 35 high scoring components with reported significance to health were tentatively identified across the three bark extracts following broadly the profile of Pycnogenol^®. Scots Pine had generally higher compound abundances than in the other two extracts. Oak bark extract showed the lowest abundances but exhibited higher amounts of naringenin and 3-O-methylrosmarinic acid. We conclude that forestry bark waste provides a rich source of extractable polyphenols suitable for use in food supplements and so can valorise this forestry waste stream. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Phenolic Compounds: Extraction, Optimization, Identification and Applications in Food Industry)

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17 pages, 2071 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Determination of the Total Polyphenols Content and Antioxidant Activity of Echinacea Purpurea Extracts Using Newly Manufactured Glassy Carbon Electrodes Modified with Carbon Nanotubes

by Florin Banica, Simona Bungau, Delia Mirela Tit, Tapan Behl, Pavel Otrisal, Aurelia Cristina Nechifor, Daniela Gitea, Flavia-Maria Pavel and Sebastian Nemeth

Processes 2020, 8(7), 833; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr8070833 - 13 Jul 2020

Cited by 30 | Viewed by 4476

Abstract

A sensitive electrochemical method was used for the determination of the total phenolic content and antioxidant activity of Echinacea purpurea extracts. In this study, 3 glassy carbon electrodes (GCE) were used: one unmodified and the other two newly manufactured glassy carbon electrodes modified [...] Read more.

A sensitive electrochemical method was used for the determination of the total phenolic content and antioxidant activity of Echinacea purpurea extracts. In this study, 3 glassy carbon electrodes (GCE) were used: one unmodified and the other two newly manufactured glassy carbon electrodes modified with carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and chitosan (CS) in different concentrations, having the following composition: 1 mg/mL CNTs/CS 5%/GCE and 20 mg/mL CNTs/CS 0.5%/GCE. The determinations were performed on 3 different pharmaceutical forms (capsules, tablets and tincture), which contain E. pururea extract from the root or aerial part of the plant. Standard chicoric and caftaric polyphenolic acids, as well as food supplements extracts, were characterized using voltammetry, in a Britton-Robinson (B-R) electrolyte buffer. The modified 1 mg/mL CNTs/CS 5%/GCE electrode has superior properties compared to the other two (the unmodified and 20 mg/mL CNTs/CS 0.5%/GCE-modified) electrodes used in the study. Echinacea tincture had the highest antioxidant capacity and the biggest total amount of polyphenols (28.72 mg/equivalent of 500 mg powder). Echinacea capsules had the lowest antioxidant capacity, but also the lowest total amount of polyphenols (19.50 mg/500 mg powder); similarly, tablets had approximately the same values of polyphenols content (19.80 mg/500 mg powder), and also antioxidant capacity. The total polyphenol content was consistent with the one indicated by the manufacturers. Pulse-differential cyclic voltammetry represents a rapid, simple and sensitive technique to establish the entire polyphenolic amount and the antioxidant activity of the E. purpurea extracts. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Phenolic Compounds: Extraction, Optimization, Identification and Applications in Food Industry)

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13 pages, 1924 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Moringa oleifera—Storage Stability, In Vitro-Simulated Digestion and Cytotoxicity Assessment of Microencapsulated Extract

by Cecilia Castro-López, Catarina Gonçalves, Janeth M. Ventura-Sobrevilla, Lorenzo M. Pastrana, Cristóbal N. Aguilar-González and Guillermo C. G. Martínez-Ávila

Processes 2020, 8(7), 770; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr8070770 - 01 Jul 2020

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 6017

Abstract

Moringa extract was microencapsulated for the first time by spray-drying technique using tragacanth gum (MorTG) to improve its stability under gastrointestinal and storage conditions, assessing total polyphenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant activity. Additionally, cytotoxicity of the microencapsulated components was evaluated after contact with [...] Read more.

Moringa extract was microencapsulated for the first time by spray-drying technique using tragacanth gum (MorTG) to improve its stability under gastrointestinal and storage conditions, assessing total polyphenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant activity. Additionally, cytotoxicity of the microencapsulated components was evaluated after contact with Caco-2 cells. Results showed that TPC was released as follows—oral (9.7%) < gastric (35.2%) < intestinal (57.6%). In addition, the antioxidant activity in in vitro digestion reached up to 16.76 ±0.15 mg GAE g⁻¹, which was 300% higher than the initial value. Furthermore, microencapsulated moringa extract presented a half-life up to 45 days of storage, where the noticeably change was observed at 35 °C and 52.9% relative humidity. Finally, direct treatment with 0.125 mg mL⁻¹ MorTG on Caco-2 cells showed a slight antiproliferative effect, with a cell viability of approx. 87%. Caco-2 cells’ viability demonstrated non-cytotoxicity, supporting the safety of the proposed formulation and potential use within the food field. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Phenolic Compounds: Extraction, Optimization, Identification and Applications in Food Industry)

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16 pages, 1315 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Industrial-Scale Study of the Chemical Composition of Olive Oil Process-Derived Matrices

by Haifa Jebabli, Houda Nsir, Amani Taamalli, Ibrahim Abu-Reidah, Francisco Javier Álvarez-Martínez, Maria Losada-Echeberria, Enrique Barrajón Catalán and Ridha Mhamdi

Processes 2020, 8(6), 701; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr8060701 - 17 Jun 2020

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3057

Abstract

The effect of the industrial process and collecting period on produced olive oil and by-products was evaluated. Obtained results showed significant variations for the majority of quality indices before and after vertical centrifugation between all samples from the three collecting periods. All samples [...] Read more.

The effect of the industrial process and collecting period on produced olive oil and by-products was evaluated. Obtained results showed significant variations for the majority of quality indices before and after vertical centrifugation between all samples from the three collecting periods. All samples were rich in monounsaturated fatty acid: Oleic acid (C18:1) with a maximum of 69.95%. The total polyphenols and individual phenolic compounds varied significantly through the extraction process, with a significant variation between olive oil and by-products. Notably, the percentage of secoiridoids and their derivatives was significant in paste and olive oil, highlighting the activity of many enzymes released during the different extraction steps. Regarding antioxidant capacity, the most remarkable result was detected in olive oil and olive mill wastewater samples. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Phenolic Compounds: Extraction, Optimization, Identification and Applications in Food Industry)

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9 pages, 1841 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Preliminary Testing of Ultrasound/Microwave-Assisted Extraction (U/M-AE) for the Isolation of Geraniin from Nephelium lappaceum L. (Mexican Variety) Peel

by Cristian Hernández-Hernández, Cristóbal Noé Aguilar, Adriana Carolina Flores-Gallegos, Leonardo Sepúlveda, Raúl Rodríguez-Herrera, Jesús Morlett-Chávez, Mayela Govea-Salas and Juan Ascacio-Valdés

Processes 2020, 8(5), 572; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr8050572 - 12 May 2020

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 2930

Abstract

The rambutan peel (RP) is a relevant source of bioactive molecules, which could be used for application in cosmetics, food, and pharmaceutical areas. Total soluble polyphenol content was extracted from Mexican variety rambutan peels using an emergent ultrasound/microwave-assisted extraction (U/M-AE) technology. Five extractions [...] Read more.

The rambutan peel (RP) is a relevant source of bioactive molecules, which could be used for application in cosmetics, food, and pharmaceutical areas. Total soluble polyphenol content was extracted from Mexican variety rambutan peels using an emergent ultrasound/microwave-assisted extraction (U/M-AE) technology. Five extractions were performed using different mass/volume and ethanol/water ratios; 1:16-0; 1:16-70; 1:8-0; 1:8-70; 1:12-30. Condition 1:16-0 was defined as the best extraction condition with 0% ethanol percentage (only water). The content of total soluble polyphenols was 307.57 mg/g. The total bound polyphenol content was 26.53 mg/g. Besides, two separation processes were made with the soluble fraction; the first one was performed using Amberlite XAD-16 (Sigma-Aldrich, Saint Louis, MO, USA), and seven polyphenolic compounds were obtained. The second one was performed using a preparative HPLC (Varian, Palo Alto, CA, USA) equipment obtained fraction where three compounds were obtained: geraniin (main compound), ellagic acid, and ellagic acid pentoside. The major compound isolated in the two separations was geraniin, according to HPLC/ESI/MS (High Performance Liquid Chromatography/ElectroSpray Ionization/Mass) analysis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Phenolic Compounds: Extraction, Optimization, Identification and Applications in Food Industry)

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11 pages, 532 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Fatty Acids, Tocopherols, and Phytosterol Composition of Seed Oil and Phenolic Compounds and Antioxidant Activity of Fresh Seeds from Three Dalbergia Species Grown in Vietnam

by Thi Thuy Nguyen, Lan Phuong Doan, Thu Huong Trinh Thi, Hong Ha Tran, Quoc Long Pham, Hai Ha Pham Thi, Long Giang Bach, Bertrand Matthäus and Quoc Toan Tran

Processes 2020, 8(5), 542; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr8050542 - 05 May 2020

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2711

Abstract

This research aimed to investigate the chemical composition of seed oils extracted from three Vietnamese Dalbergia species (D. tonkinensis, D. mammosa, and D. entadoides). The fatty acid profiles and contents of tocopherols and sterols of the seed oils, and total [...] Read more.

This research aimed to investigate the chemical composition of seed oils extracted from three Vietnamese Dalbergia species (D. tonkinensis, D. mammosa, and D. entadoides). The fatty acid profiles and contents of tocopherols and sterols of the seed oils, and total phenolic compounds extracted from the fresh seeds were characterized using different methods. Among the examined samples, D. tonkinensis seed oils showed high contents of linoleic acid (64.7%), whereas in D. mammosa, oleic acid (51.2%) was predominant. In addition, α- and γ-tocopherol and β-sitosterol were major ingredients in the seed oils, whereas ferulic acid and rosmarinic acid are usually predominant in the seeds of these species. Regarding sterol composition, the D. entadoides seed oil figured for remarkably high content of Δ5,23-stigmastadienol (1735 mg/kg) and Δ7-stigmastenol (1298 mg/kg). In addition, extracts with methanol/water (80:20, v/v) of seeds displayed significant in vitro antioxidant activity which was determined by DPPH free radical scavenging assay. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Phenolic Compounds: Extraction, Optimization, Identification and Applications in Food Industry)

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11 pages, 1280 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Phytochemical Profile, Antioxidant and Antitumor Activities of Green Grape Juice

by Mohamad Nasser, Hoda Cheikh-Ali, Akram Hijazi, Othmane Merah, Abd El-Ameer N. Al-Rekaby and Rana Awada

Processes 2020, 8(5), 507; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr8050507 - 26 Apr 2020

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 3683

Abstract

(1) Plants, due to their phytochemicals, have long been known for their pharmacological potential and medicinal value. Verjuice, the acidic juice of unripe green grape, is still poorly characterized in terms of its chemical composition and biological activities. (2) In this study, we [...] Read more.

(1) Plants, due to their phytochemicals, have long been known for their pharmacological potential and medicinal value. Verjuice, the acidic juice of unripe green grape, is still poorly characterized in terms of its chemical composition and biological activities. (2) In this study, we characterized the chemical composition, antioxidant and antitumor potential of verjuice extract. Folin–Ciocalteu and aluminum chloride reagents were used to identify the total phenol and total flavonoid composition. Various conventional methods were used to quantify the alkaloids and tannins. DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) free radical scavenging assay and Neutral Red assay were used to assess the antioxidant and antitumor activities, respectively. (3) We showed that the verjuice extract contains alkaloids, tannins, and a high quantity of total flavonoids and total phenols. Besides its antioxidant activity, verjuice significantly repressed human pulmonary adenocarcinoma (A549) cells’ viability in both dose- and time-dependent manners. Moreover, verjuice extract significantly enhanced the anticancer potential of cisplatin. (4) Altogether, these observations suggest a potential use of verjuice as a natural antitumor remedy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Phenolic Compounds: Extraction, Optimization, Identification and Applications in Food Industry)

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Review

Jump to: Editorial, Research

25 pages, 2654 KiB

Open AccessReview

The Significance of Natural Product Derivatives and Traditional Medicine for COVID-19

by Dongdong Wang, Jiansheng Huang, Andy Wai Kan Yeung, Nikolay T. Tzvetkov, Jarosław O. Horbańczuk, Harald Willschke, Zhibo Gai and Atanas G. Atanasov

Processes 2020, 8(8), 937; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr8080937 - 04 Aug 2020

Cited by 27 | Viewed by 8772

Abstract

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). To date, there have been more than 10 million reported cases, more than 517,000 deaths in 215 countries, areas or territories. There is no effective antiviral medicine to prevent [...] Read more.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). To date, there have been more than 10 million reported cases, more than 517,000 deaths in 215 countries, areas or territories. There is no effective antiviral medicine to prevent or treat COVID-19. Natural products and traditional medicine products with known safety profiles are a promising source for the discovery of new drug leads. There is increasing number of publications reporting the effect of natural products and traditional medicine products on COVID-19. In our review, we provide an overview of natural products and their derivatives or mimics, as well as traditional medicine products, which were reported to exhibit potential to inhibit SARS-CoV-2 infection in vitro, and to manage COVID-19 in vivo, or in clinical reports or trials. These natural products and traditional medicine products are categorized in several classes: (1) anti-malaria drugs including chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine, (2) antivirals including nucleoside analogs (remdesivir, favipiravir, β-D-N4-hydroxycytidine, ribavirin and among others), lopinavir/ritonavir and arbidol, (3) antibiotics including azithromycin, ivermectin and teicoplanin, (4) anti-protozoal drug, emetine, anti-cancer drug, homoharringtonine, and others, as well as (5) traditional medicine (Lian Hua Qing Wen Capsule, Shuang Huang Lian Oral Liquid, Qingfei Paidu Decoction and Scutellariae Radix). Randomized, double-blind and placebo-controlled large clinical trials are needed to provide solid evidence for the potential effective treatment. Currently, drug repurposing is a promising strategy to quickly find an effective treatment for COVID-19. In addition, carefully combined cocktails need to be examined for preventing a COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting global health concerns. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Phenolic Compounds: Extraction, Optimization, Identification and Applications in Food Industry)

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29 pages, 2072 KiB

Open AccessReview

Conventional and Emerging Extraction Processes of Flavonoids

by Mónica L. Chávez-González, Leonardo Sepúlveda, Deepak Kumar Verma, Hugo A. Luna-García, Luis V. Rodríguez-Durán, Anna Ilina and Cristobal N. Aguilar

Processes 2020, 8(4), 434; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr8040434 - 07 Apr 2020

Cited by 93 | Viewed by 11954

Abstract

Flavonoids are a group of plant constituents called phenolic compounds and correspond to the nonenergy part of the human diet. Flavonoids are found in vegetables, seeds, fruits, and beverages such as wine and beer. Over 7000 flavonoids have been identified and they have [...] Read more.

Flavonoids are a group of plant constituents called phenolic compounds and correspond to the nonenergy part of the human diet. Flavonoids are found in vegetables, seeds, fruits, and beverages such as wine and beer. Over 7000 flavonoids have been identified and they have been considered substances with a beneficial action on human health, particularly of multiple positive effects because of their antioxidant and free radical scavenging action. Although several studies indicate that some flavonoids have provident actions, they occur only at high doses, confirming in most investigations the existence of anti-inflammatory effects, antiviral or anti-allergic, and their protective role against cardiovascular disease, cancer, and various pathologies. Flavonoids are generally removed by chemical methods using solvents and traditional processes, which besides being expensive, involve long periods of time and affect the bioactivity of such compounds. Recently, efforts to develop biotechnological strategies to reduce or eliminate the use of toxic solvents have been reported, reducing processing time and maintaining the bioactivity of the compounds. In this paper, we review, analyze, and discuss methodologies for biotechnological recovery/extraction of flavonoids from agro-industrial residues, describing the advances and challenges in the topic. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Phenolic Compounds: Extraction, Optimization, Identification and Applications in Food Industry)

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Phenolic Compounds: Extraction, Optimization, Identification and Applications in Food Industry

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