Effect of processing conditions on characteristics of dehydrated bee-pollen and correlation between quality parameters

The aim of the present study was to compare the physical, chemical and biological parameters and the microbiological quality of bee-pollen samples treated with different dehydration processes and to correlate the results. The samples came mainly from Eucalyptus (Myrtaceae) and Eupatorium (Asteraceae) plants. The dehydration conditions of the samples influenced the L*a*b* colour parameters and the biological value. Unlike the protein and lipid content, the glucose and fructose content were unaffected. The vitamin E content (27.2 ± 0.3 μg/g, 27.5 ± 0.4 μg/g) in oven-dehydrated samples with forced air circulation was significantly lower (P < 0.05) compared with lyophilized samples (37.5 ± 0.2 g/100 g, 53.7 ± 3.9 g/100 g). Overall, the results were inconclusive for vitamin B complex, minerals and microbiological indicators. There was a positive correlation between the colour parameters L* and b* and the total phenolic content, as well as between phenolic content and the antioxidant and antimicrobial capacity. The data indicate that lyophilization might be a viable alternative to the current process, resulting in dehydrated bee-pollen with higher biological activity.The authors are grateful to State of S~ao Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP) for financial support (FAPESP process 2011/51741- 5) and scholarship granted to AAM De-Melo (FAPESP process 2011/ 11746-8 and FAPESP process 2013/23179-6). For a scholarship granted to OM Barth from the National Counsel of Technological and Scientific Development (CNPq, Process 304067/2013-0). To the MN Pr opolis company that supplied the samples.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Parámetros físico-químicos y contenido de vitaminas del complejo B : un estudio exploratorio del polen apícola del sur de Brasil

This study aimed to determine the presence of B-complex vitamins and some physicochemical parameters in bee pollen samples from the southern Brazilian states of Paraná, Santa Catarina and Rio Grande do Sul and, then, to identify their correlations with the geographical and botanical origin of the samples using multivariate statistical techniques. B-complex vitamins were determined by HPLC and mean contents were 0.79 mg/100 g (vitamin B1 ), 0.88 mg/100 g (vitamin B2 ), 5.31 mg/100 g (sum of vitamin B3 vitamers) and 4.42 mg/100 g (sum of B6 vitamers). The physicochemical parameters of the samples were consistent with those reported in the literature. The results showed that bee pollen is an important source of B-complex vitamins and multivariate statistical exploratory techniques suggested its nutritional content should be evaluated locallyEl objetivo de este estudio fue determinar la presencia de vitaminas del complejo B y algunos parámetros físico-químicos en muestras de polen apícola oriundas de los Estados del Sur de Brasil (Paraná, Santa Catarina y Rio Grande do Sul); y correlacionar estos resultados con el origen botánico y geográfico, usando un análisis estadístico multivariado. Las vitaminas del complejo B fueron determinadas por HPLC y su contenido fue de 0,79 mg/100 g (vitamina B1 ); 0,88 mg/100 g (vitamina B2 ); 5,31 mg/100 g (suma de los compuestos de vitamina B3 ); y 4,42 mg/100 g (suma de los compuestos de vitamina B6 ). Los parámetros físico-químicos de las muestras fueron consistentes con los reportados en la literatura. Los resultados mostraron que el polen apícola fue una fuente importante de vitaminas del complejo B, y las técnicas multivariadas sugirieron que su contenido nutricional debe ser evaluado localmente

Nanoencapsulation and bioaccessibility of polyphenols of aqueous extracts from Bauhinia forficata link

Bauhinia forficata Link is a plant rich in polyphenols that has been used mainly for its hypoglycemic activity, which is related to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential. However, the beneficial effect of these bioactive compounds is directly dependent on their bioaccessibility and bioavailability, requiring processing techniques that can improve and preserve their biological activities. This work aimed to obtain nanocapsulated extracts from the infusion (ESIN) and decoction (ESDC) of B. forficata Link leaves, by spray drying. The encapsulating agents used were maltodextrin and colloidal silicon dioxide. The nanocapsules were characterized by HPLC-PDA-ESI-IT-MSn, evaluated the bioaccessibility of polyphenols after simulated digestion and their antioxidant activity. Additionally, an extensive physicochemical characterization of the nanocapsulated extracts was carried out and their stability and technological parameters were evaluated. The ESIN and ESDC extracts had yields of 57.3 % and 62.7 %, with average nanocapsules sizes of 0.202 μm and 0.179 μm, low humidity and water activity (<0.5), powder density and proper flow properties (Hausner ratio ≤ 1.25; Carr index 18–19 %). Scanning electron microscopy showed a spherical and amorphous morphology and low viscosity, which may have favored the solubility profile. The phenolic compounds of the nanocapsules degraded after 400 °C, showing high thermal stability. The infrared spectra identified the presence of maltodextrin and phenolic compounds and that there were no reactions between them. Chromatography confirmed the presence of phenolic compounds, mainly flavonols and their O-glycosylated derivatives, as well as carbohydrates, probably maltodextrin. Simulated in vitro digestion showed that polyphenols and flavonoids from ESIN and ESDC nanocapsules were bioaccessible after the gastric phase (49.38 % and 64.17 % of polyphenols and 64.08 % and 36.61 % of flavonoids) and duodenal (52.68 % and 79.06 % of polyphenols and 13.24 % and 139.03 % of flavoids), with a variation from 52.27 % to 70.55 % of the antioxidant activity maintained, by the ORAC method, after gastric digestion and still 25 %, after duodenal. Therefore, the nanoencapsulation of extracts of B. forficata is a viable option for the preservation of their bioactive compounds, making them bioaccessible and with antioxidant activity, which make them suitable for incorporation into various nutraceutical formulations, such as capsules, tablets and sachets.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Characterization of bioactive potential of bee pollen from Eucalyptus sp. in vitro and its influence on parameters of oxidative stress and inflammation in vivo

O presente trabalho teve por objetivo caracterizar os compostos bioativos e o impacto de fatores climáticos no pólen apícola (PA) de Eucalyptus sp., o seu potencial antioxidante in vitro e a sua influência em parâmetros do estresse oxidativo e da inflamação in vivo. A caracterização quimica das amostras foi realizada pela quantificação de fenólicos e flavonóides totais e a avaliação da atividade antioxidante dos extratos por três metodologias (DPPH, ORAC e FRAP). Foram realizadas análises de perfil de ácidos graxos e fitoesteróis (CG). Os resultados de fenólicos e flavonóides totais mostraram uma variação entre 17 e 44 mg de equivalentes de ácido gálico e entre 1,3 e 4,4 mg de equivalentes de catequina/g. A atividade antioxidante mostrou uma variação de 267 a 961 &#181;mol de equivalentes de Trolox/g pelo método ORAC, de 38 a 147 &#181;mol de equivalentes de Trolox/g para o FRAP e um EC50 entre 0,41 e 1,61 mg/mL de extrato por DPPH. Apesar das amostras de PA apresentarem baixa quantidade de lipideos (3,3 %), em torno de 50 % do total destes são constituidos de ácidos graxos insaturados. Foram encontrados teores de fitoesteróis entre 1,2 a 1,8 mg/g (sitoesterol, estigmasterol e campesterol). Estes resultados confirmaram a presenca de bioativos com potencial antioxidante nas amostras. A fim de confirmar seu efeito biológico, foi selecionada uma amostra para a realização do ensaio in vivo, na qual foram identificados por CLAE três compostos fenólicos majoritários (rutina, 3n-tris-p-feruloil-espermidina e miricetina). O ensaio foi realizado por 10 semanas com 70 camundongos machos (C57BL/6), distribuídos em sete grupos de 10 animais cada: controle normolipídico (NL); controle hiperlipídico (HL); dieta NL com 5 % de PA; dieta HL com 2,5 % de PA; dieta HL com 5 % de PA; dieta HL com extrato de PA (EPA) a 2,5 %; e dieta HL com EPA a 5 %. Foi possível identificar que os grupos HL tiveram maior ganho de peso quando comparados aos grupos NL (p<0,05), porem os grupos com incorporação de PA não apresentaram diferencas em relação ao controle HL. Foram avaliados ainda parâmetros bioquímicos séricos, de estresse oxidativo (ORAC, TBARS, GSH e enzimas antioxidantes) e parâmetros inflamatórios (IL1-&#946;, IL-6, IL-10, MCP-1 e TNF-&#945;) no tecido hepático. Os resultados de parâmetros de estresse oxidativo não apresentaram diferenças significativas entre os grupos. Quanto aos parâmetros inflamatórios os grupos HL+PA2,5 e HL+PA5 reduziram os níveis das citocinas IL1-&#946;, IL-6 e MCP-1 (p<0,05) e TNF-&#945; apenas o grupo HL+PA5 % apresentou uma redução significativa (p<0,05). Os resultados de citocinas inflamatórias mostraram um efeito positivo na administração de PA, visto que ocorreu uma diminuição nos níveis do tecido hepático dos animais. Estes resultados mostraram que o PA promoveu uma melhora do quadro inflamatório ocasionado com uma dieta hiperlipídica.The present work aimed to characterize bioactive compounds and the impact of climatic factors on the bee pollen (BP) from Eucalyptus sp., its antioxidant potential in vitro and its influence on parameters of oxidative stress and inflammation in vivo. The chemical characterization of the samples was performed by the quantification of phenolics and flavonoids, and evaluation of the antioxidant activity of the extracts by three methodologies (DPPH, ORAC and FRAP). Profile of fatty acids and phytosterols were performed by gas chromatography (GC). The results of phenolics and flavonoids varied between 17 and 44 mg of gallic acid equivalents and between 1.3 and 4.4 mg of catechin equivalents/g. The antioxidant activity varied from 267 to 961 &#181;mol of Trolox equivalents/g by the ORAC method, from 38 to 147 &#181;mol of Trolox equivalents/g for FRAP and an EC50 between 0.41 and 1.61 mL of extract/mg by DPPH. Despite the low lipid content of PA samples (3.3%), around 50% of the total is composed of unsaturated fatty acids. Phytosterols levels were found between 1.2 and 1.8 mg/g (sitosterol, stigmasterol and campesterol). This result confirms the presence of bioactive compounds with antioxidant potential in the samples. In order to evaluate its biological effect, a sample was included in the in vivo assays, in which three phenolic compounds (rutin, 3n-tri-p-feruloyl-spermidine and myricetin) were identified. The assay was performed for 10 weeks with 70 male mice (C57BL/6), distributed in seven groups of 10 animals each: normolipid control (NL); hyperlipidemic control (HL); diet NL with 5% of BP; HL diet with 2.5% BP; HL diet with 5% BP; HL diet with 2.5% BP extract (BPE); and HL diet with 5% BPE. The HL groups gained more weight compared with the NL groups (p<0.05), but the groups supplemented with BP did not show lower weight compared to the HL groups. Serum biochemical parameters of oxidative stress in hepatic tissue (ORAC, TBARS, GSH and antioxidant enzymes) and inflammation (IL-&#946;, IL-6, IL- 6, IL-10, MCP-1 and TNF-&#945;) were evaluated. The levels of oxidative stress did not show differences between the groups. HL + PA2.5 and HL + PA5 reduced the cytokines IL1-&#946;, IL-6 and MCP-1 (p<0.05) and TNF-&#945; only the HL + PA5 group showed a significant reduction (p<0.05). The cytokine results showed a positive reduction with BP administration, with a decreasing rate in the hepatic animal tissues. This results showed that BP promotes an improvement in the inflammatory status, occurred by a hyperlipidic diet

Quantification of antioxidant vitamins E (&#945;-, &#946;-, &#947;-, &#948;-tocopherol), C (ascorbic acid), provitamin A (&#945;-, &#946;-carotene) and chemical composition of dehydrated bee pollen produced in georeferenced apiaries of southern Brazil.

O objetivo geral deste trabalho foi quantificar as vitaminas antioxidantes (tocoferóis, ácido ascórbico, &#945;- e &#946;-caroteno) bem como a composição química de amostras de pólen apícola obtidas em apiários georreferenciados da região sul do Brasil e desidratadas de forma controlada conforme recomendação da legislação brasileira. Inicialmente foi realizada a composição química de 21 amostras de pólen apícola desidratados sendo os valores médios de 3,37% para umidade, 19,80% para proteínas, 3,44% para lipídios, 2,02% para cinzas. Pode-se verificar que a maioria das amostras encontraram-se dentro dos parâmetros de qualidade preconizados pela legislação brasileira. Além disso, utilizando a cromatografia líquida de alta eficiência (CLAE), foi confirmando a presença de açúcares redutores glicose (6,77%) e frutose (5,39%) nas amostras. A determinação da vitamina C foi realizada por titulometria e os valores encontrados variaram entre 60 e 797 &#181;g/g, sendo duas amostras consideradas fonte desta vitamina para homens e três para mulheres conforme a Ingestão Dietética de Referência (IDR). Já os tocoferóis e o &#945;- e &#946;-caroteno foram analisados por CLAE. Com relação aos tocoferóis (&#945;-, &#946;-, &#947;-, &#948;-tocoferol), os valores foram apresentados como equivalentes de alfa-tocoferol e variaram entre 0,57 e 11,7 mg/100g, podendo duas amostras serem consideradas fontes de vitamina E. Da mesma forma, duas amostras foram consideradas fontes de vitamina A, levando-se em consideração os valores encontrados para &#945;- e &#946;-caroteno, que variaram entre 3,9 e 4945 &#181;g de equivalentes de retinol por 100g de amostra. A caracterização das amostras com relação a origem botânica mostrou uma grande variedade entre os tipos polínicos encontrados nas diferentes amostras. Chama-se atenção para o gênero Eucalyptus que esteve presente em 16 amostras, sendo em duas delas como pólen dominante (>45% do total de grãos), bem como duas amostras que puderam ser considerados monoflorais (>90% do total de grãos). Os resultados estatísticos (correlação) mostraram que alguns tipos polínicos se correlacionam de maneira positiva e forte com a composição nutricional do pólen apícola, como os gêneros Brassicacom os teores de lipídios e proteínas, Euterpe com o &#945;-tocoferol, &#945;- e &#946;-caroteno, Piptocarpha com os tocoferóis (&#946;-, &#947;- e &#948;-), Senecio com &#945;- e &#946;-caroteno. O presente trabalho contribui de forma importante para a caracterização química e botânica do pólen apícola produzido em apiários georreferenciados da região sul do Brasil, valorizando assim o produto e trazendo informações e benefícios para apicultores e consumidores além de fornecer dados relevantes para o estudo e padronizações metodológicas nacional e internacionais para este produto.The aim of this study was to quantify the antioxidant vitamins (tocopherols, ascorbic acid, &#945;- and &#946;-carotene ) as well as the chemical composition of samples of bee pollen obtained from georeferenced apiaries of southern Brazil and dehydrated in a controlled manner as recommended by brazilian regulation. Initially the chemical composition of 21 samples of dehydrated bee pollen was performed and the average values is 3.37 % for moisture, 19.80 % for proteins, 3.44 % for lipids, 2.02 % for ash. It can be seen that most of the samples were within the quality parameters recommended by brazilian regulation. Furthermore, using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was confirmed the presence of reducing sugars glucose (6.77%) and fructose (5.39%) in the samples. The determination of vitamin C was performed by titration and the values varied from 60 to 797 &#181;g/g, and two samples can be considered source of this vitamin for men and three for women according to the Dietary Reference Intake (DRI). The tocopherols and &#945;- and &#946;-carotene were analyzed by HPLC. With respect to tocopherols (&#945;-, &#946;-, &#947;-, &#948;-tocopherol ), the values were expressed as equivalents of alpha-tocopherol and ranged between 0.57 and 11.7 mg/100g, so two samples can be considered sources of vitamin E. Similarly, two samples were considered sources of vitamin A, taking into consideration the values for &#945; and &#946;-carotene, ranging from 3.9 to 4945 &#181;g of retinol equivalents per 100g of sample. The characterization of the samples with respect to botanical origin showed a variety of pollen types found in different samples. Attention is drawn to the genus Eucalyptuswhich was present in 16 samples, and in two of them as the predominant pollen (> 45 % of total grains counted) and two samples that could be considered monofloral (> 90 % of total grains counted). The statistical results (correlation) showed that some pollen types correlate positively and strongly with the nutritional composition of pollen as Brassica genera with the levels of lipids and proteins, Euterpe with &#945;-tocopherol, &#945;- and &#946;-carotene, Piptocarpha with tocopherols (&#946;- , &#947;- and &#948;-), Senecio with &#945;- and &#946;-carotene. This study contributes significantly to the chemical and botanical characterization and the georeferenced bee pollen produced in apiaries of southern Brazil, thus enhancing the product and bringing information and benefits to beekeepers and consumers and provide relevant data for the study and methodological standardization national and international for this product

Essential minerals and inorganic contaminants (barium, cadmium, lithium, lead and vanadium) in dried bee pollen produced in Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil

Like other beehive products, such as honey, royal jelly and propolis, bee pollen has attracted great interest because of the health benefits it can provide when consumed. Bee pollen has high contents of sugars and proteins and a low content of lipids, it is also a rich source of vitamins and other bioactive compounds, which makes it an attractive micronutrient supplement. However, few studies have investigated its composition. Therefore, the aim of this study was to characterize the essential minerals and inorganic contaminants present in bee pollen produced at apiaries in Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil. Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES) revealed the presence of 8 essential minerals (calcium, iron, copper, chromium, manganese, molybdenum, phosphorus and zinc) in the 5 analyzed samples; 6 of them were in sufficiently high amounts to meet dietary requirements. Of the 5 inorganic contaminants assessed (barium, cadmium, lithium, lead and vanadium), only cadmium was present at levels over the International Honey Commission’s standards. All bee pollen samples showed a high content of the 8 essential minerals. Contamination usually results from the use of pesticides,fertilizers and other chemicals in agriculture; thus, monitoring of its levels must be included in bee pollen analysis