Matching in vitro bioaccessibility of polyphenols and antioxidant capacity of soluble coffee by Boosted Regression Trees

The aim of this study was to evaluate changes in polyphenol profile and antioxidant capacity of five soluble coffees throughout a simulated gastro-intestinal digestion, including absorption through a dialysis membrane. Our results demonstrate that both polyphenol content and antioxidant capacity were characteristic for each type of studied coffee, showing a drop after dialysis. Twenty-seven compounds were identified in coffee by HPLC-MS, while only 14 of them were found after dialysis. Green+roasted coffee blend and chicory+coffee blend showed the highest and lowest content of polyphenols and antioxidant capacity before in vitro digestion and after dialysis, respectively. Canonical correlation analysis showed significant correlation between the antioxidant capacity and the polyphenol profile before digestion and after dialysis. Furthermore, boosted regression trees analysis (BRT) showed that only four polyphenol compounds (5-p-coumaroylquinic acid, quinic acid, coumaroyl tryptophan conjugated, and 5-O-caffeoylquinic acid) appear to be the most relevant to explain the antioxidant capacity after dialysis, these compounds being the most bioaccessible after dialysis. To our knowledge, this is the first report matching the antioxidant capacity of foods with the polyphenol profile by BRT, which opens an interesting method of analysis for future reports on the antioxidant capacity of foods.Fil: Podio, Natalia Soledad. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Córdoba. Instituto de Ciencia y Tecnología de Alimentos Córdoba. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias Químicas. Instituto de Ciencia y Tecnología de Alimentos Córdoba; ArgentinaFil: López Froilán, Rebeca. Universidad Complutense de Madrid; EspañaFil: Ramirez Moreno, Esther. Universidad Autónoma de Estado de Hidalgo; México. Universidad Complutense de Madrid; EspañaFil: Bertrand, Lidwina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Córdoba. Centro de Investigaciones en Bioquímica Clínica e Inmunología; ArgentinaFil: Baroni, María Verónica. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Córdoba. Instituto de Ciencia y Tecnología de Alimentos Córdoba. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias Químicas. Instituto de Ciencia y Tecnología de Alimentos Córdoba; ArgentinaFil: Pérez Rodríguez, María L.. Universidad Complutense de Madrid; EspañaFil: Sánchez Mata, María Cortes. Universidad Complutense de Madrid; EspañaFil: Wunderlin, Daniel A.. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Córdoba. Instituto de Ciencia y Tecnología de Alimentos Córdoba. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias Químicas. Instituto de Ciencia y Tecnología de Alimentos Córdoba; Argentin

Nutritional parameters of infusions and decoctions obtained from Fragaria vesca L. roots and vegetative parts

Fragaria vesca L. (wild strawberry) roots and vegetative parts are commonly used in infusions and decoctions for different medicinal purposes. The composition in non-nutrients (mainly phenolic compounds) has previously been reported, but the contribution in nutritional compounds has not been researched. Therefore, chemical parameters with nutritional role, namely macronutrients, mineral components, some vitamins (ascorbic acid, folate and tocopherols), as well as, fatty acids, soluble sugars and organic acids, present in F. vesca roots and vegetative parts were evaluated using commercial and wild samples. Furthermore, their infusions and decoctions were also fully characterized; as well as the percentages of vitamins and minerals released for the aqueous preparations. The processing steps, the collection region and also the physiological state in which the samples were collected could influence the differences found between commercial and wild samples. The infusion and decoction preparations showed significantly high released percentages of folate and minerals, and also allowed the detection of xylose, proving to be more effective for soluble sugars extraction. Roots and vegetative parts of F. vesca, normally consumed as infusions and decoctions, can be sources of macro and micronutrients.The authors are grateful to Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (FCT, Portugal) for financial support to CIMO (strategic project PEst-OE/AGR/UI0690/2011), REQIMTE (PEst-C/EQB/LA0006/2011) and ALIMNOVA research group (UCM-GR35/10A). M.I. Dias thanks to FCT for the grant (SFRH/BD/84485/2012) and L. Barros contract under “Programa Compromisso com a Ciência-2008”

Nutritional and antioxidant properties of pulp and seeds of two xoconostle cultivars (Opuntia joconostle F.A.C. Weber ex Diguet and Opuntia matudae Scheinvar) of high consumption in Mexico

The genus Opuntia embraces different species of cactus, and many of them produce acid fruits known as xoconostle, which are considered valuable vegetable foods in Latin America. Xoconostle fruit contains an edible thick-acid-freshly mesocarp, and seeds that are considered as by-products. Given the high potential of its use and consumption, and the lack of information about its detailed chemical composition and bioactive compounds, the aim of this study was to evaluate the nutritional and antioxidant properties of pulp and seeds of two highly consumed commercial cultivars of xoconostle fruits (Opuntia joconostle F.A.C. Weber ex Diguet, cv. Cuaresmeño, and Opuntia matudae Scheinvar, cv. Rosa). This investigation shows that the pulp of the studied xoconostle cultivars had an appreciable amount of soluble fiber and antioxidant compounds such as ascorbic acid, while the seeds are a source of fiber, phenolics, flavonoids, PUFAs and tocopherols (specially γ-tocopherol), which provide a good antioxidant capacity. In the light of these results, xoconostle fruits should be considered of great interest for either promoting the conventional consumption, and also as sources of bioactive compounds for the addition to other food products, so that all the nutrients present are fully used, instead of being discarded

Evolución histórica de la clasificación taxonómica del cáñamo

El cáñamo (Cannabis sativa L.) es una planta ampliamente extendida por el mundo. Se trata de una de las fuentes más antiguas de fibras textiles, pero también ha destacado por sus usos medicinales y alimentarios. El proceso de domesticación llevado a cabo por el ser humano, centrado en la obtención de productos diferentes, ha llevado consigo una evolución biológica de planta desde los puntos de vista anatómico, morfológico, fisiológico y químico. Además, la hibridación también ha condicionado en gran medida el proceso de evolución del cáñamo, lo que ha dificultado enormemente su clasificación taxonómica, que ha sido muy controvertida. Durante la Edad Moderna, algunos autores consideraban que había diferentes especies, mientras que otros afirmaban que todos los especímenes se correspondían con una única especie. En el siglo XX tuvo lugar la caracterización química de los cannabinoides, los compuestos más característicos del metabolismo secundario del cáñamo, y esto permitió incluir como criterio de clasificación el contenido de algunos de ellos. Sin embargo, seguía habiendo discrepancias entre los autores sobre si el género Cannabis era monotípico o politípico. En el siglo XXI, la clasificación taxonómica del cáñamo continúa siendo objeto de estudio ante la falta de consenso

Análise de vitamina 69 e minerais em plantas silvestres: estudos de Biodisponibilidade com milefólio, louro e dente-de-leão

As plantas silvestres usadas tradicionalmente têm suscitado um interesse cada vez maior, por serem consideradas uma fonte valiosa de compostos naturais com reconhecidos efeitos benéficos para a saúde do consumidor. Entre estes compostos estão as vitaminas e os elementos minerais, com um reconhecido papel na manutenção da saúde humana. A vitamina B9 (ácido fólico) é um importante cofactor de muitas reações que ocorrem nas células, enquanto que os macro e microelementos desempenham um papel fundamental na produção de energia e na manutenção da integridade estrutural da membrana celular. Os macroelementos funcionam também como modeladores do metabolismo e do equilíbrio ácido-base. Apesar destes componentes terem sido já estudados em diferentes espécies de plantas, a sua análise em espécies silvestres e, sobretudo, em aspetos relacionados com biodisponibitidade, é ainda escassa. No presente trabalho, foi realizado um processo de diálise por membrana com o objetivo de simular condições gastrointestinais para a avaliação da biodisponibilidade dos elementos minerais presentes em diferentes formulações (planta seca e infusão) de Achillea millefollium L. (milefólio), Laurus nobilis L. (louro) e Taraxacum sec. Ruderalia (dente-de-leão). A dinâmica de retenção/passagem foi avaliada utilizando uma membrana de celulose com 34 mm de porosidade. Os teores em vitamina B9 foram também analisados, por cromatografia líquida de alta eficiência acoplada a detecção por fluorescência, nas diferentes preparações de cada amostra. O dente de leão apresentou os níveis mais elevados de elementos minerais (exceto zinco) independentemente da formulação utilizada (planta seca ou infusão). Por outro lado, o milefólio mostrou um conteúdo mais elevado de vitamina B9. As plantas secas, como era expectável, mostraram maiores quantidades de todos os elementos estudados, em relação às respetivas infusões; no entanto, os rendimentos de extração dos elementos minerais variaram muito, sendo mais elevados para os macroelementos. Os níveis de vitamina 89 foram muito mais baixos nas infusões, possivelmente devicto à degradação induzida pela água fervente aquando da sua preparação. Relativamente à biodisponibilidade, o cálcio e o potássio demonstraram maior capacidade para atravessar a membrana de diálise. As espécies de plantas estudadas, especialmente se usadas diretamente na forma seca, podem ser consideradas para o desenvolvimento de formulações que atuem como fontes de vitamina B9 e minerais

Evaluación nutricional, caracterización de compuestos bioactivos y actividad antioxidante de la pulpa y piel de diferentes variedades de clementinas

Los cítricos y en particular las clementinas son una de las frutas frescas más consumidas en España, aunque también se comercializan como productos de IV Gama. Destacan por la presencia de compuestos bioactivos y funcionales tales como la vitamina C (principalmente como ácido ascórbico, AA), carotenoides y fibra. Su piel, subproducto derivado del procesamiento de estas frutas, presenta aplicaciones industriales tales como la fabricación de piensos, además puede considerarse una importante fuente de componentes bioactivos (tocoferoles y ácidos grasos) de gran interés para su utilización como ingrediente funcional. En el presente trabajo, se ha estudiado tres variedades de clementinas (Basol, Clemenrubí y Clemensoon) recolectadas en dos estadios diferentes de maduración durante la campaña de otoño-invierno de 2013. Determinándose el contenido de nutrientes (hidratos de carbono, proteínas, grasa y minerales), compuestos bioactivos (ácidos orgánicos, vitamina C, tocoferoles, perfil de ácidos grasos) y actividad antioxidante in vitro (ensayo de DPPH, poder reductor e inhibición de la decoloración del β-caroteno) de la pulpa, así como la caracterización en compuestos bioactivos y actividad antioxidante in vitro de la piel. En general, la pulpa destaca por su contenido en fibra total (alrededor de 2g/100g, destacando la fracción soluble), bajo contenido en grasa (inferior al 0.1%) y elevado contenido de vitamina C (102 mg/100 g, en la variedad Basol) principalmente en forma de AA, que aumenta ligeramente con la maduración. Mientras que las pieles pueden considerarse como una buena fuente de tocoferoles (38 mg/100g, en Basol), principalmente α-tocoferol (37.66 mg/ 100g), así como una buena fuente de ácido linoleico (C18:2n6; alrededor del 40%). Tanto la pulpa como la piel presentan buenos resultados de actividad antioxidante total, obtenidos a través del ensayo de poder reductor. Por su parte, la piel también destaca por sus buenos resultados frente al ensayo de inhibición de la peroxidación lipídica

Minerals and vitamin B9 in dried plants vs. infusions: assessing absorption dynamics of minerals by membrane dialysis tandem in vitro digestion

Vitamins and mineral elements are among the most important phytochemicals due to their important role in the maintenance of human health. Despite these components had already been studied in different plant species, their full characterization in several wild species is still scarce. In addition, the knowledge regarding the in vivo effects of phytochemicals, particularly their bioaccessibility, is still scarce. Accordingly, a membrane dialysis process was used to simulate gastrointestinal conditions in order to assess the potential bioaccessibility of mineral elements in different preparations of Achillea millefolium (yarrow), Laurus nobilis (laurel) and Taraxacum sect. Ruderalia (dandelion). The retention/passage dynamics was evaluated using a cellulose membrane with 34 mm pore. Dandelion showed the highest levels of all studied mineral elements (except zinc) independently of the used formulations (dried plant or infusion), but yarrow was the only species yielding minerals after the dialysis step, either in dried form, or as infusion. In fact, the ability of each evaluated element to cross the dialysis membrane showed significant differences, being also highly dependent on the plant species. Regarding the potential use of these plants as complementary vitamin B9 sources, the detected values were much lower in the infusions, most likely due to the thermolability effect.The authors are grateful to Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (FCT, Portugal) for financial support to CIMO (strategic project PEst-OE/AGR/UI0690/2011), REQIMTE (PEst-C/EQB/LA0006/2011) and ALIMNOVA research group (UCM-GR35/10A), João C.M. Barreira and M.I. Dias grants (SFRH/BPD/72802/2010 and SFRH/BD/84485/2012, respectively). The authors thank Prof. Ana Maria Carvalho from the Polytechnic Institute of Bragança (CIMO), for the taxonomic identification of the yarrow, laurel and dandelion species

Bebidas vegetales: análisis de su etiquetado y recomendaciones de consumo y formulación

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Fragaria vesca L. fruits as sources of high valuable bioactive molecules

Introduction Fragaria vesca L. (Rosaceae), wild strawberry, belongs to Rosaceae family and is commonly found in roadsides and slopes [1]. Its small sweet fruits can be consumed as sources of vitamin C, either in fresh or in infusions used for the treatment of intestinal disorders [2]. Objectives, Material and Methods Herein, the fruits of wild F. vesca were characterized in terms of nutritional value (carbohydrates, proteins, fat, ash, and energy value), dietary fiber content and fatty acids profile. Furthermore, both the fruits and corresponding infusions were characterized by their content in soluble sugars, organic acids, folates and tocopherols by HLPC coupled to RI, DAD and FL detectors, respectively, and also for their mineral elements composition, evaluated by EAA. Results Carbohydrates were the main macronutrient found in F. vesca fruits, followed by fat, ash and proteins. They also contain high levels of dietary fiber, mainly as soluble dietary fiber. Linolenic (C18:3n3) and γ-linolenic acids (C18:3n6) were the main fatty acids found in the fruits, highlighting a prevalence of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA). The fruits and corresponding infusion showed sucrose, followed by fructose as main sugars. Citric acid was the most abundant organic acid in both samples; while oxalic and ascorbic acids were only detected in traces in the infusion. In terms of microelements, manganese was the most abundant in both forms. Potassium and calcium were the main macroelements found in the fruits and their infusion, respectively. In terms of vitamins, both samples presented folates (vitamin B9) and tocopherols (vitamin E), being γ-tocopherol the main isoform found, followed by α-tocopherol. By the way, in the infusion only α-tocopherol was detected. Conclusions Although fruits of wild F. vesca are mainly consumed in fresh, this study also proves the potentiality of their infusions as a source of bioactive molecules

New developments in lycopene analysis by spectroscopic and chromatographic techniques, accompanied by mathematical modelling

Comunicación Oral sobre los resultados obtenidos en el estudio de las propiedades del lycopeno presente en el tomate como compuesto bioactivo. Se realizó la identificación y cuantificación por diferentes metodologías experimentales. Se muestran los resultados analíticos comapartivamente con distintas técnicas