Year-long evaluation of total soluble proteins in the trunk of two pine species from northeastern Mexico

Objective: To quantify the one-year total soluble protein (TSP) concentration in the trunk of two pine species. Design/Methodology/Approach: The Bradford method (1976) was used to determine the TSP concentration in the two pine species. Statistical tests were subsequently performed with the IBM SPSS 18 Software, using a general linear model (GLM) univariate analysis. Results: The TSP concentration was different for each month. The highest concentration was recorded in August (6.84 mg gMS-1 for Pinus pinceana Gordon and 6.82 mg gMS-1 for Pinus cembroides Zucc), and the lowest was registered in April (5.53 mg gMS-1 for Pinus cembroides Zucc) and February (6.64 mg gMS-1 for Pinus pincenana Gordon). Study Limitations/implications: There is a lack of information regarding these two pine species and scarce studies explain the behavior of the TSP. Conclusions: The concentration of total soluble proteins varies in each month of the year. Further studies that include more plant organs are required to obtain a broader protein profile for both species

Grain yield, nutritional, polyphenols and antioxidant capacity in accessions of sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench)

Sorghum is an economically important crop in developing countries. The objective of this study was to compare the agronomic performance, and the chromatic, nutritional and nutraceutical properties of nineteen sorghum accessions cultivated in Tamaulipas, Mexico. Results showed that the grain yield (15.22 to 70.18 g per plant), days to flowering (73 to 92 days), panicle length (16.63 to 27.67 cm), luminosity (27.14 to 57.75), chromaticity (5.65 to 15.33) and hue angle (38.49 to 82.66) varied. The percentage of protein (7.33 to 3.43%), fiber (0.60 to 3.03%) and carbohydrates (70.17 to 78.39%) also varied. Grains had a high concentration of magnesium, phosphorus and potassium; the content of total phenols and total flavonoids (free + bound) was found in a range of 117.61 to 2367.01 mg GAE/100 g and 22.52 to 613.92 mg CE/100 g, respectively. The antioxidant capacities (free + bound) showed ranges from 65.09 to 2,017.58 μmol TE/100 g, 43.13 to 1,907.99 μmol TE/100 g and 107.20 to 3,523.20 μmol TE/100 g using the ABTS, DPPH and FRAP methods, respectively. A negative correlation (-0.36) was observed between grain yield and days to flowering. In addition, a positive correlation between phenolic compounds and antioxidant capacity. These results confirm an important genetic diversity among the studied accessions of sorghum

Euphorbia antisyphilitica Zucc: A Source of Phytochemicals with Potential Applications in Industry

Euphorbia antisyphilitica Zucc, better known as the candelilla plant, is one of the 10 non-timber forest products of greatest economic importance in the desert and semi-desert regions of Mexico. Moreover, it is a potential source of some functional phytochemicals such as polyphenolic compounds, wax and fiber, with potential applications in food, cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries. Thus, this review aims to describe these phytochemicals and their functional properties as antimicrobial, antioxidant, reinforcing and barrier agents. In addition, a suitable valorization of the candelilla plant and its byproducts is mandatory in order to avoid negative effects on the environment. This review provides, for the first time, an overview of the alternative methodologies for improving candelilla plant production, pointing out some of the agricultural aspects of the cultivation of this plant