Pterospartum tridentatum (L.) Willk, Gomphrena globosa L. e Cymbopogon citratus (DC) Stapf: fitoquímica e bioatividade das espécies individuais e sinergismos resultantes do uso combinado

Mestrado em cooperação com a Universidade de SalamancaPterospartum tridentatum (L.) Willk., Gomphrena globosa L. and Cymbopogon citratus (DC) Stapf. são plantas medicinais que requerem uma caracterização química mais detalhada, devido à importância do seu consumo em infusões. Assim, o perfil individual em tocoferóis, açúcares livres e ácidos orgânicos foi efetuado por cromatografia líquida de alta eficiência (HPLC) acoplada a diferentes detetores (florescência, índice de refração e detetor de díodos, respetivamente). A composição fenólica (e.g., ácidos fenólicos e flavonoides) foi também analisada por técnicas de cromatografia e espetrometria de massa. A atividade antioxidante dos extratos metanólicos e das infusões foi avaliada através da atividade captadora de radicais livres, poder redutor, inibição da descoloração do β-caroteno e inibição da peroxidação lipídica em homogeneizados cerebrais. Nos últimos anos, têm surgido estudos de avaliação dos efeitos sinergistas resultantes da combinação de plantas, destacando o maior potencial das misturas quando comparados com as plantas individuais. As três espécies mencionadas anteriormente são exemplos de plantas medicinais com propriedades antioxidantes próprias, mas que podem mostrar melhorias quando combinadas. Assim, avaliou-se também a atividade antioxidante das infusões preparadas a partir das plantas individuais e de misturas dessas plantas em diferentes proporções. C. citratus revelou o maior teor em α-tocoferol, tocoferóis totais, glucose sacarose, ácidos succínico e ascórbico, tendo ainda apresentado a mais elevada capacidade de inibição da descoloração do β-caroteno e peroxidação lipídica; a luteolina 2''-O-ramnosil-6-C-glucósido foi o composto maioritário no extrato metanólico dessa planta. P. tridentatum apresentou a maior concentração de frutose e açúcares totais, revelando também a maior atividade captadora de radicais livres e poder redutor; derivados de di-hidroflavonol e isoflavona foram os compostos mais significativos no extrato metanólico. Finalmente, G. globosa demonstrou a maior concentração em ácidos orgânicos, sendo o canferol 3-O-rutinósido o composto fenólico mais abundante no extrato metanólico; foram ainda identificadas betacianidinas nesta amostra. O perfil fenólico foi muito similar nos extratos metanólicos e nas infusões. Para as infusões, a ordem de eficácia antioxidante foi a seguinte P. tridentatum> C. citratus> G. globosa, o que pode estar relacionado com a diferente composição em compostos fenólicos, principalmente flavonoides. Quando se combinaram as plantas em estudo, observaram-se maioritariamente efeitos sinergistas na atividade antioxidante das infusões; os efeitos foram mais significativos nas proporções de 40%:60% (tanto de P. tridentatum e C. citratus, como G. globosa e C. citratus). A infusão obtida a partir de 40% de P. tridentatum e 60% de C. citratus foi a que apresentou propriedades antioxidantes mais elevadas, devido ao aumento da percentagem individual da planta com maior atividade antioxidante, comparativamente à mistura de 25%:75%. Tanto quanto sabemos, este é o primeiro trabalho que descreve a composição química de G. globosa e C. citratus. Dada a importância do consumo das três plantas mencionadas, o estudo da sua composição fitoquímica e das suas propriedades antioxidantes é de particular interesse. O presente trabalho valida ainda a comercialização das espécies combinadas em proporções específicas.Pterospartum tridentatum (L.) Willk., Gomphrena globosa L. and Cymbopogon citratus (DC) Stapf. are medicinal plants that require a more detailed chemical characterization, given the importance of their consumption as infusions. Therefore, the individual profiles in tocopherols, free sugars and organic acids were obtained by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) coupled to different detectors (fluorescence, refraction index and photodiode array, respectively). Phenolic composition (e.g., phenolic acids and flavonoids) was also analysed by chromatographic and mass spectrometry techniques, and the antioxidant activity was also accessed through free radicals scavenging activity, reducing power and inhibition of lipid peroxidation in brain homogenates, for methanol extracts as for infusions. In recent years, studies focused on the evaluation of synergistic effects of combined plants are emerging and seem to highlight the potential of the mixtures when compared with the individual plants. These three plants are examples of medicinal plants with antioxidant properties by their own, but that can be improved when mixed. In the present work, the antioxidant activity and phenolic compounds were determined in the infusions prepared from the individual plants, as mentioned above, and from mixtures of these plants in different proportions. C. citratus revealed the highest content of α-tocopherol, total tocopherols, glucose, sucrose, succinic and ascorbic acids, with the highest -carotene bleaching and lipid peroxidation inhibitions; luteolin 2´´-O-rhamnosyl-6-C-glucoside was the main compound in its methanolic extract. P. tridentatum presented the highest fructose and total sugars content, revealing the highest free radicals scavenging activity and reducing power; dihydroflavonol and isoflavone derivatives were mainly detected in the methanolic extract. Finnaly, G. globosa showed the highest organic acids concentration, being kaempferol 3-O-rutinoside the most abundant phenolic compound in the methanoli extract; betacyanins were also identified in this sample. The phenolic profile was very similar in the methanolic extracts and infusions. Regarding infusions, P. tridentatum > C. citratus > G. globosa was the order observed for antioxidant efficacy, which can be related to their different composition in phenolic compounds namely, flavonoids. Synergism was the main effect observed among the tested mixtures, mainly for the infusions prepared from the plants in proportion 40%:60% (either P. tridentatum and C. citratus; or G. globosa and C. citratus). The infusion obtained with 40% of P. tridentatum and 60% of C. citratus gave the highest antioxidant properties, due to the increasing percentage of the individual plant with the highest antioxidant activity, in comparison with the mixture 25%:75%. As far as we know, this is the first study reporting chemical composition of G. globosa and C. citratus. It is very interesting to study the phytochemical composition of these plants, and their properties given the importance of their consumption. The present study also validates the commercialization of the studied species combined in specific proportions

Nuevas fuentes naturales de betacianinas: optimización del proceso de extracción, estudios de estabilidad e incorporación como colorante en diferentes alimentos

Tesis inédita de la Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Facultad de Farmacia, leída el 13-07-2021.Nature can be an inexhaustible source of natural additives. Looking at the colouring diversity present in a huge range of natural matrices, easily these matrices turned into target raw materials to obtain these molecules. Another interesting point is the tons of industrial bioresidues that result from the food industry. These residues are usually discarded and have no economically viable destination, representing a global and environmental issue. This work intends to contribute to the valorisation of industries bioresidues,by exploiting these materials as sources of high valuable molecules, targeting colouring compounds in the range of pink, the betacyanins, for application in different foodstuff. To that end, three plant species were explored, mainly Gomphrena globosa L., Amaranthus caudatus L. and Hylocereus costaricensis (F.A.C. Weber) Britton & Rose. These three plants are characterized for the intense colour displayed by their flowers (G.globosa, and A. caudatus), and fruits (H. costaricensis), indicating the presence of colouring compounds, known as betacyanins. A. caudatus for instance, are explored for seeds production, due to their very interesting nutritional profile, and the deseeded bloomed flowers are considered bioresiduos. H. costaricensis fruits are used for various purposes, such as juice making, but the peels are discarded, originating tons of bioresidues. In both cases the crude mater discarded is filed with colouring compounds and can be exploited to recover high value molecules...La naturaleza puede ser una fuente inagotable de aditivos naturales. Tanto es así que, debido a diversidad de colores presente en la misma, está puede fácilmente ser en fuente de materias primas para la obtención de colorantes. Otro punto a tener en cuenta como posible fuente de colorantes alimentarios son los subproductos derivados del procesado de vegetales, hoy en día infrautilizados y sin un destino económicamente viable, lo que representa un problema global y ambiental. Este trabajo pretende contribuir a la revalorización de ciertos subproductos vegetales, como fuentes de compuestos bioactivos, concretamente de betacianinas (compuestos colorantes en la gama del rosa), para su aplicación en diferentes alimentos. Para ello, se evaluaron tres especies vegetales distintas, Gomphrena globosa L., Amaranthus caudatus L. e Hylocereus costaricensis (F.A.C. Weber) Britton & Rose. que se caracterizan porque sus flores (G. globosa y A. caudatus) y frutos (H. costaricensis) presentan un intenso color rosa debido a la presencia de betacianinas y suelen descartarse como subproductos derivados del procesado industrial de los mismos, como ocurre con las flores florecidas sin semillas de A. caudatus, y las pieles del fruto H. costaricensis, en ambos casos dando lugar a toneladas de subproductos sin un uso definido pudiéndose emplear como fuente de compuestos bioactivos y colorantes alimentarios...Fac. de FarmaciaTRUEunpu

HPLC-profiles of tocopherols, sugars and organic acids in three medicinal plants consumed as infusions

Pterospartum tridentatum (L.) Willk., Gomphrena globosa L. and Cymbopogon citratus (DC) Stapf. are medicinal plants that require a more detailed chemical characterization, given the importance of their consumption as infusions. Therefore, the individual profiles in tocopherols, free sugars and organic acids were obtained by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) coupled to different detectors (fluorescence, refraction index and photodiode array, respectively). C. citratus revealed the highest content of α-, and total tocopherols, glucose, sucrose, succinic and ascorbic acids. P. tridentatum presented the highest fructose and total sugars content. Otherwise, G. globosa showed the highest organic acids concentration. As far as we know, this is the first study reporting the mentioned chemical compounds in G. globosa and C. citratus.The authors aregrateful to Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT, Portugal) for financial support to the research center CIMO (strategic project PEst-OE/AGR/UI0690/2011) and Lillian Barros researcher contract under “Programa Compromisso com Ciência, 2008.

Antioxidant properties of Pterospartum tridentatum (L.) Willk and Cymbopogon citratus (Dc) Stapf.: evaluation of synergistic effects in a mixture of these species

The World Health Organization estimates that 80% of the world’s population uses medicinal plants in primary health needs. Pterospartum tridentatum (L.) Willk. (Fabaceae) and Cymbopogon citratus (DC) Stapf. (Poaceae) are examples of such medicinal plants. P. tridentatum is a small shrub, which can be found in the western part of the Iberian Peninsula and northern Morocco. Traditionally its flowers can be used to treat pneumonia, colds, bronchitis and hepatic disease [1]. C. citratus, commonly known as lemon grass, is a tall, aromatic, perennial densely tufted grass from Southeast Asia. There are many effects that can be attributed to this species, such as diuretics effects; it can also be used in hepatic disorders and to treat depression, flatulence and intestinal cramps [2]. The mixture of these two species opens a new panoply of therapeutic effects that can range from the treatment in case of stomach pain, cramping and flatulence, diarrhea, vomiting and flu. This is due to the interaction of these two species. In this study we aimed to evaluate the antioxidant activity of the single plants and of the mixture of the same plants (infusions and methanolic extracts. The antioxidant activity was accessed by four in vitro assays: scavenging effects on DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) radicals, reducing power, inhibition of β-carotene bleaching and inhibition of lipid peroxidation in brain cell homogenates by TBARS (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances) assay. In general, infusions revealed higher antioxidant activity than methanolic extracts, being higher for P. tridentatum. With the exception of the β-carotene bleaching inhibition assay, the mixture of the two plants revealed significant synergistic effects, allowing higher antioxidant activity. Although the interesting results obtained, the authors recommend a safe consume of these plant materials, including restricting the dose and duration of use to minimize the risks of potentially interactions with conventional medicines. Further studies will be conducted in order to identify the compounds responsible for the synergisms observed

Food colorants: challenges, opportunities and current desires of agro-industries to ensure consumer expectations and regulatory practices

Worldwide consumers seek most delightful and appealing foodstuffs, at the same time they require safer, more nutritious and healthier products. Color is one of the most important organoleptic attributes that directly affects consumers’ acceptance and food selection. Scope and approach: The present report aims to provide an extensive approach to the field of food (natural/synthetic) colorants, namely those who are currently allowed with established acceptable daily intake (ADI). It also describes the biotechnological and industrial techniques that have been used to optimize food attractiveness, shelf life and color stability, as well as the general trends and future perspectives of food science and technology in the topic of food colorants. Key findings and conclusions: Synthetic food colorants were largely used, but have been progressively substituted by those obtained from natural origins. Numerous side effects and toxicity, at both medium and long-terms, allergic reactions, behavioral and neurocognitive effects have been related with their use. Otherwise, naturally-derived food colorants seem to provide high quality, efficiency and organoleptic properties, and also play a contributive role as health promoters. Anthocyanins, carotenoids, phenolic compounds, beet derivatives, annatto and some curcuminoids are among the most commonly used, while strict regulatory practices have been applied looking for food quality assurance

Gomphrena globosa L. as a novel source of food-grade betacyanins: Incorporation in ice-cream and comparison with beet-root extracts and commercial betalains

Currently, there are some examples of natural colourants with commercial use. However, these colourants are usually under-exploited, besides being obtained from a reduced number of plant or algal species. Accordingly, we propose using betalains obtained from an alternative plant species, Gomphrena globosa, which have a powerful colouring activity besides being strong antioxidants, as a novel ice-cream colourant. For comparison purposes, other ice-cream formulations were prepared, namely without colourants, added with commercial betalain or with Beta vulgaris extract. Besides evaluating the colour parameters L*, a* and b*, the nutritional parameters, individual sugars and fatty acids profiles were also studied. These parameters were evaluated throughout time, up to a maximum of 60 days of freeze (−22 °C) storage. Betacyanin quantification of each formulation was also performed to determine its maintenance along storage. In general, ice-creams prepared with G. globosa were similar (considering nutritional, colour, individual sugars and fatty acids profiles) to those including B. vulgaris extract, thereby validating the suitability of this alternative plant as a source of food colourants, particularly as ice-cream colourants. Furthermore, the positive effects induced by the addition of this natural colourant were maintained throughout storage time, as indicated by the markers distribution in the linear discriminant analysis.The authors are grateful to the Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT, Portugal) and FEDER under Programme PT2020 for financial support to CIMO (UID/AGR/00690/2013); L. Barros and J.C.M. Barreira contracts and C.L. Roriz grant (SFRH/BD/117995/ 2016). This work was also funded by the European Structural and Investment Funds (FEEI) through the Regional Operational Program North 2020, within the scope of Project NORTE-01-0145-FEDER- 023289: DeCodE and Project Mobilizador ValorNatural®.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Gomphrena globosa L. as a source of natural pigments: characterization in betacyanins

No presente trabalho, descreve -se a composição em betacianidinas (classe das betalaínas com pigmentação vermelha- -roxo) da perpétua roxa (Gomphrena globosa L.), de forma a destacar esta planta como fonte alternativa de corantes naturais. A análise foi feita por cromatografia líquida de alta eficiência acoplada a um detetor de fotodíodos e espetrometria de massa com ionização por dispersão de eletrões (HPLC -PDA -MS/ESI), após extração com diferentes solventes (infusão com água e maceração com água: metanol, 80:20, v/v).In this paper, it is described the betacyanins composition (class of betalain with red -purple pigmentation) of globe amaranth (Gomphrena globosa L.) in order to highlight this plant as an alternative source of natural dyes. The analysis was performed by high -performance liquid chromatography coupled with a photodiode array detector and mass spectrometry with electron spray ionization (HPLC -PDA -MS/ESI) after extraction with different solvents (infusion with water and maceration with water: methanol, 80:20, v/v).Os autores estão gratos à Ervital pela disponibilização das amostras e à FCT (Portugal) pelo apoio financeiro ao CIMO (CIMO - PEst-OE/AGR/UI0690/2014) e a L. Barros (SFRH/BPD/107855/2015).info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Gomphrena globosa L. como fonte alternativa de pigmentos naturais: caracterização de betacianidinas por HPLC-PDA-ESI/MS

A perceção, as opiniões e os desejos dos consumidores têm um enorme impacto na indústria alimentar. Na perceção visual, a cor torna-se um fator fundamental e, neste campo, os corantes alimentares assumem uma extrema importância. A cor pode ser considerada um dos atributos mais impressionantes dos géneros alimentícios, que influencia diretamente a preferência e a seleção dos consumidores[1]. Existem muitos corantes naturais utilizados na indústria alimentar, tais como carotenóides, antocianinas e betalaínas. As betalaínas incluem compostos com cores que vão do vermelho-violeta (betacianidinas) ao amarelo-laranja (betaxantinas). As betalaínas não têm sido tão extensamente estudadas como as antocianinas, mas possuem uma capacidade corante três-vezes maior. A única betalaína autorizada como corante natural deriva da beterraba(E-162)[2], mas existem outras fontes alternativas de betacianidinas ,como a que se apresenta neste trabalho: Gomphrenaglobosa L., vulgarmente designada por perpétua roxa

Pterospartum tridentatum, Gomphrena globosa and Cymbopogon citratus: a phytochemical study focused on antioxidant compounds

Pterospartum tridentatum (L.) Willk., Gomphrena globosa L. and Cymbopogon citratus (DC) Stapf. are examples of medicinal plants that demand a more detailed characterization. Therefore, phenolic composition (e.g., phenolic acids and flavonoids) was analyzed by chromatographic and mass spectrometry techniques and the antioxidant activity was also accessed through free radicals scavenging activity, reducing power and inhibition of lipid peroxidation in brain homogenates. C. citratus revealed the highest β-carotene bleaching and lipid peroxidation inhibitions, being luteolin 2″-O-rhamnosyl-6-C-glucoside the main compound. P. tridentatum presented the highest 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity and reducing power and mainly dihydroflavonol and isoflavone derivatives were detected. Otherwise, G. globosa presented kaempferol 3-O-rutinoside as the most abundant phenolic compound and betacyanins were only present in this sample. It is very interesting to study the phytochemical composition of these plants, given the importance of their consumption

Scientific validation of synergistic antioxidant effects in commercialised mixtures of Cymbopogon citratus and Pterospartum tridentatum or Gomphrena globosa for infusions preparation

Pterospartum tridentatum (L.) Willk., Gomphrena globosa L. and Cymbopogon citratus (DC) Stapf. are examples of medicinal plants with antioxidant properties on their own, but that can be improved when mixed. In the present work, the antioxidant activity and phenolic compounds were determined in the infusions prepared from the individual plants, and from mixtures of these plants in different proportions. P. tridentatum > C. citratus > G. globosa was the order observed for antioxidant efficacy, which can be related to their different composition in phenolic compounds. Synergism was the main effect observed among the tested mixtures, mainly for the infusions prepared from the plants in proportion 40%:60% (either P. tridentatum and C. citratus; or G. globosa and C. citratus). The infusion obtained with 40% of P. tridentatum and 60% of C. citratus gave the highest antioxidant properties. The present study validates the commercialisation of the studied plants combined in specific proportions.The authors are grateful to Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT, Portugal) for financial support to the research center CIMO (strategic project PEst-OE/AGR/UI0690/2011) and L. Barros researcher contract under “Programa Compromisso com Ciência – 2008”