Determination Of Vitamin C Stability In Different Packaging Materials At Refrigerated Conditions By Hplc Analysis

The stability of Vitamin C depends on storage temperature, time, and packaging material. Vitamin C is known to prevent the oxidation of low-density lipoprotein primarily by scavenging the free radicals and other reactive oxygen species in the aqueous milieu, ascorbic acid combats cancer by promoting collagen synthesis and thus prevents tumors from invading other tissues. Aim: The present study aims at investigating the Vitamin C content of two citrus fruits under refrigerated conditions after a specific time interval, in different packaging materials. Material: In the present study, two citrus fruits – Amla & Lemon were used to study the stability of Vitamin C in different packaging materials viz., perforated zip lock cover, brown paper cover & plastic container under refrigerated conditions (5-6°C) at 0th day, 15th day, 30th day and 45th day. Vitamin C was estimated by the HPLC method and compared with the standard Ascorbic Acid. Results: The stability of Vitamin C in both Amla and Lemon stored in a perforated Zip lock cover was better than the other 2 packaging materials viz., Brown paper cover and Plastic container during the period of 0th to 45th day. The vitamin C content of Amla at 0th day - 200mg and 45th - day 163mg, and Lemon at 0th day - 43mg and 45th day - 26mg packed in perforated zip lock cover. Conclusion: From the present study it can be concluded that a perforated Zip lock cover is the most suitable packaging material for the retention of vitamin C under refrigerated conditio

Role of glucosinolates in insect-plant relationships and multitrophic interactions

Glucosinolates present classical examples of plant compounds affecting insect-plant interactions. They are found mainly in the family Brassicaceae, which includes several important crops. More than 120 different glucosinolates are known. The enzyme myrosinase, which is stored in specialized plant cells, converts glucosinolates to the toxic isothiocyanates. Insect herbivores may reduce the toxicity of glucosinolates and their products by excretion, detoxification, or behavioral adaptations. Glucosinolates also affect higher trophic levels, via reduced host or prey quality or because specialist herbivores may sequester glucosinolates for their own defense. There is substantial quantitative and qualitative variation between plant genotypes, tissues, and ontogenetic stages, which poses specific challenges to insect herbivores. Even though glucosinolates are constitutive defenses, their levels are influenced by abiotic and biotic factors including insect damage. Plant breeders may use knowledge on glucosinolates to increase insect resistance in Brassica crops. State-of-the-art techniques, such as mutant analysis and metabolomics, are necessary to identify the exact role of glucosinolates.