Partially replacing sorghum silage with cactus (Opuntia stricta) cladodes in a soybean oil-supplemented diet markedly increases trans-11 18:1, cis-9, trans-11 CLA and 18:2 n-6 contents in cow milk.

Based on low 18:0 contents observed in milk fat of cows fed cactus cladodes (CC), we hypothesized that including Opuntia stricta cladodes in a soybean oil (SO)-supplemented diet would promote incomplete rumen biohydrogenation of supplemental PUFA, leading to increased trans-11 18:1 and cis-9, trans-11 CLA contents in milk. Twelve Holstein cows were used in a two-period study: (a) Baseline: all cows received a total mixed ration (TMR) composed of sorghum silage (SS) and a concentrate containing no SO for 14 days; (b) Treatment: cows received one of the following SO-supplemented diets for 21 days: (1) SS-TMR: a TMR composed of SS and a SO-enriched concentrate, (2) CC-TMR: a TMR containing CC as a partial substitute for SS plus the SO-enriched concentrate, and (3) CC-PMR: same diet as in treatment 2, but CC were mixed with the SO-enriched concentrate and fed as a partial mixed ration (PMR). Both CC diets increased relative abundances of trans-11 18:1, cis-9, trans-11 CLA, and 18:2 n-6 in milk fat, whereas opposite effects were observed on 18:0 and cis-9 18:1. Proportion of 18:2 n-6 increased, and cis-9, trans-11 CLA tended to increase with CC-PMR as compared to CC-TMR, whereas 18:3 n-3 was higher with CC-PMR than with SS-TMR. Proportions of several odd- and branched-chain fatty acids, certain 18:1 isomers, and trans-9, cis-11 CLA changed with CC diets, notably with CC-PMR. Milk yield and intake of most nutrients (except fibre) increased or tended to increase with the CC diets, whereas gross milk composition was unaltered. Stearoyl-CoA desaturase-1 index for C18 (SCD18 ) was higher with CC-PMR than with SS-TMR, and milk n-6:n-3 FA ratio and apparent transfer of 18:2 n-6 to milk increased with CC diets. These results indicate that Opuntia stricta cladodes can be a valuable feed ingredient for improving the nutraceutical value of milk fat.

Traditional detoxification of Jatropha curcas L. seeds.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Jatropha curcas L. is a plant with high cultural significance for quilombola communities of Oriximiná (Pará State, Brazil). Although the plant is highly toxic, its seeds are used in these communities to treat tuberculosis and related diseases and symptoms. AIM OF THE STUDY: This study was designed to provide a scientific rationale for the traditional detoxification method and use of J. curcas seeds in quilombola communities of Oriximiná. MATERIALS AND METHODS: J. curcas seeds were manually separated into testa, tegmen, endosperm, and embryo, and then methanolic extracts of each sample were prepared. The traditional preparation of J. curcas seeds consists of a water extract of endosperms that is known as "milk of pinhão-branco". The content of phorbol esters (PEs) in the extracts was analyzed by High-Performance Liquid Chromatography with Diode-Array Detection (HPLC-DAD). The cytotoxic activity was evaluated in human monocytic cell line THP-1 by Resazurin Reduction Assay, and antimycobacterial activity was assessed by determining Minimal Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) values against H37Rv and BCG strains using the Resazurin Microtiter Assay (REMA). RESULTS: The content analysis revealed that the distribution of PEs within the seeds is not homogeneous. High contents were found in tegmens (4.22 ±â€¯0.25-15.52 ±â€¯0.06 mg/g) and endosperms (1.61 ±â€¯0.07-5.00 ±â€¯0.42 mg/g), while concentrations found in testas and embryos were all below 0.5 mg/g. The traditional preparation derived from the endosperm of J. curcas contained significantly less PEs than the endosperms (0.01 ±â€¯0.005 mg/g). Against THP-1 cells, all the parts of the seed showed cytotoxic activity, while the traditional preparation was considered non-cytotoxic. Nevertheless, only the tegmen and endosperm of J. curcas were considered active against M. tuberculosis and M. bovis (MIC = 200 µg/mL). CONCLUSION: The results of this study indicated that the traditional processing performed by the quilombola people from Oriximiná is effective in reducing the toxicity of J. curcas seeds. Although inactive against mycobacteria, the extensive use of the traditional preparation and its low toxicity encourage further studies to investigate other biological activities.

Antioxidant Activity and Genotoxic Assessment of Crabwood (Andiroba, Carapa guianensis Aublet) Seed Oils.

The seed oil of Carapa guianensis (Aublet), a tree from the Meliaceae family commonly known as andiroba, is widely used in Brazilian traditional medicine because of its multiple curative properties against fever and rheumatism and as an anti-inflammatory agent, antibacterial agent, and insect repellant. Since there is no consensus on the best way to obtain the C. guianensis oil and due to its ethnomedicinal properties, the aim of the present research was to evaluate the chemical composition, free-radical scavenging activity, and mutagenic and genotoxicity properties of three C. guianensis oils obtained by different extraction methods. The phenolic contents were evaluated by spectrophotometry. Oil 1 was obtained by pressing the dried seeds at room temperature; oil 2 was obtained by autoclaving, drying, and pressing; oil 3 was obtained by Soxhlet extraction at 30-60°C using petroleum ether. The oil from each process presented differential yields, physicochemical properties, and phenolic contents. Oil 1 showed a higher scavenging activity against the DPPH radical when compared to oils 2 and 3, suggesting a significant antioxidant activity. All oils were shown to be cytotoxic to bacteria and to CHO-K1 and RAW264.7 cells. At noncytotoxic concentrations, oil 2 presented mutagenicity to Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium and induced micronuclei in both cell types. Under the same conditions, oil 3 also induced micronucleus formation. However, the present data demonstrated that oil 1, extracted without using high temperatures, was the safest for use as compared to the other two oils, not showing mutagenicity or micronucleus induction.

Impact of multi-functional fermented goat milk beverage on gut microbiota in a dynamic colon model.

The aim of this research was to evaluate the effect of grape probiotic fermented beverages made of goat milk, with or without added grape pomace on gut microbiota in a Simulator of Human Intestinal Microbial Ecosystem (SHIME®). SHIME® model was used to investigate to assess changes in microbial composition and fermentation metabolites (short- and branched-chain fatty acids and ammonium), as well as under the antioxidant capacity. The results demonstrated that the beverages formulated, with or without grape pomace extract, exhibited high dietary fiber, oleic acid, phenolic compounds content and antioxidant activity. Both beverages also kept L. rhamnosus and S. thermophilus viable during their passage through the intestinal tract and had a positive effect on gut microbiota metabolism, increasing the antioxidant capacity and the production of short-chain fatty acids, and decreasing the ammonium concentration. Therefore, the multifunctional beverages formulated in this study can offer a new perspective for the production of foods with positive potential effects on human health.

Length-scale Specific Crystalline Structural Changes Induced by Molecular Randomization of Pequi Oil.

Pequi fruit (Caryocar brasiliense Camb) is considered important since its pulp has a high content of oil and carotenoids. The oil's triacylglycerols (TAGs) contain mainly oleic (~57%) and palmitic (~36%) fatty acids, distributed primarily among POO, POP/PPO, and OOO TAGs. It displays a tendency to fractionate upon storage and has a relatively low melting temperature (SFC of 4% at 25°C). Pequi oil was modified through chemical interesterification, which increased the PPP content to ~6%. This caused a flattening in the SFC-temperature profile, raising the end of melt temperature significantly (SFC of 4% at 39°C). The interesterified oil does not fractionate and is thermally stable up to 40°C, with an SFC-temperature profile resembling that of roll-in shortening (SFC of 31% at 16°C) despite containing high amounts of oleic acid. Crystallization and melting behavior changed. Crystal packing became more disorganized as evidenced by a significant decrease in crystalline domain size in the [001] direction from 42.3 nm to 32.1 nm. Polymorphism remained of the triclinic (ß) subcell type but polytypism changed from the 3L to the 2L type. Polarized light microscopy demonstrated that interesterification dramatically decreased crystal size, consistent with a higher rate of nucleation in the material. Moreover, the dramatic improvement in physical stability and functionality was not accompanied by a significant decrease in total carotenoid content (~390 mg/kg).

Application of cashew tree gum on the production and stability of spray-dried fish oil.

Evaluation of cashew gum compared to conventional materials was conducted regarding properties and oxidative stability of spray-dried fish oil. Emulsions produced with cashew gum showed lower viscosity when compared to Arabic gum. The particle size was larger (29.9µm) when cashew gum was used, and the encapsulation efficiency reached 76%, similar to that of modified starch but higher than that for Arabic gum (60%). The oxidation process for the surface oil was conducted and a relative lower formation of oxidation compounds was observed for the cashew gum treatment. GAB model was chosen to describe the moisture adsorption isotherm behaviours. Microparticles produced using Arabic and cashew gums showed greater water adsorption when exposed to higher relative humidities. Microparticles produced using cashew gum were more hygroscopic however encapsulation efficiency were higher and surface oil oxidation were less pronounced. Cashew gum can be further explored as an encapuslant material for spray drying processes.

Correction: Bayesian Multi-Trait Analysis Reveals a Useful Tool to Increase Oil Concentration and to Decrease Toxicity in Jatropha curcas L.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0157038.].

Bayesian Multi-Trait Analysis Reveals a Useful Tool to Increase Oil Concentration and to Decrease Toxicity in Jatropha curcas L.

The biggest challenge for jatropha breeding is to identify superior genotypes that present high seed yield and seed oil content with reduced toxicity levels. Therefore, the objective of this study was to estimate genetic parameters for three important traits (weight of 100 seed, oil seed content, and phorbol ester concentration), and to select superior genotypes to be used as progenitors in jatropha breeding. Additionally, the genotypic values and the genetic parameters estimated under the Bayesian multi-trait approach were used to evaluate different selection indices scenarios of 179 half-sib families. Three different scenarios and economic weights were considered. It was possible to simultaneously reduce toxicity and increase seed oil content and weight of 100 seed by using index selection based on genotypic value estimated by the Bayesian multi-trait approach. Indeed, we identified two families that present these characteristics by evaluating genetic diversity using the Ward clustering method, which suggested nine homogenous clusters. Future researches must integrate the Bayesian multi-trait methods with realized relationship matrix, aiming to build accurate selection indices models.

Discrimination of pulp oil and kernel oil from pequi (Caryocar brasiliense) by fatty acid methyl esters fingerprinting, using GC-FID and multivariate analysis.

Pequi is an oleaginous fruit whose edible oil is composed mainly by saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids. The biological and nutritional properties of pequi oil are dependent on its composition, which can change according to the oil source (pulp or kernel). There is little data in the scientific literature concerning the differences between the compositions of pequi kernel and pulp oils. Therefore, in this study, different pequi genotypes were evaluated to determine the fatty acid composition of pulp and kernel oils. PCA and PLS-DA were applied to develop a model to distinguish these oils. For all evaluated genotypes, the major fatty acids of both pulp and kernel oils were oleic and palmitic acids. Despite the apparent similarity between the analyzed samples, it was possible to discriminate pulp and kernel oils by means of their fatty acid composition using chemometrics, as well as the unique pequi genotype without endocarp spines (CPAC-PQ-SE-06).

Genetic diversity of macauba from natural populations of Brazil.

BACKGROUND: The macauba has been identified as the most promising native species for the production of vegetable oil and biomass. Several studies confirm its potential for numerous purposes (liquid and solid biofuels, food, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals), but this Brazilian biodiversity resource has been little explored, and work aimed at their domestication and genetic improvement are relatively recent. This study consisted of a multivariate approach to levels of trans fatty acids, oil yield and physical characteristics found in fruits of macauba of natural populations. The objective was to quantify the genetic variability among 35 genotypes of natural populations of macauba from 16 locations in different regions of Brazil. Euclidean Distance measurements were estimated and the cluster analysis obtained by the UPGMA method considering separately the fatty acid profile, and traits related to physical part and the fruits oil content. RESULTS: It was observed the formation of seven groups for the profile of fatty acids and five groups for physical characteristics and oil yield. Large variations were observed for different types of mesocarp (pulp) fatty acids and kernel. Oleic acid (18: 1) in mesocarp was the largest contribution to the total divergence. The results indicate variations to the physical characteristics and oil yield, especially the oil percentage in mesocarp and weight of the whole fruit which contributed 64.58% of the divergence between genotypes. CONCLUSIONS: The study identified genotypes potential to generate variability and obtaining selection gains, directing plant breeding programs according with demands of oils market.

Oil quality of passion fruit seeds subjected to a pulp-waste purification process / Qualidade do óleo das sementes do maracujá submetidas ao processo de purificação dos resíduos da polpa

Passion fruit seeds must be clean and dry before the extraction processing to obtain high-quality oil for edible and cosmetic purposes. This research studies the viability of a cleaning process of seeds by evaluating the oil quality. The research examined 2 maturation stages of the fruit and one purification process of the seeds, compared to the control. The oil quality was evaluated by fatty acid composition, acidity, peroxide value and oxidative stability. The pulp waste suffered a thermal treatment in an alkaline water solution at 60°C for 10min and was further purified in an experimental decanter. In the control treatment, the pulp waste was processed using only water at ambient conditions. The passion fruit seeds were totally cleaned by the thermal/chemical treatment, allowing a faster drying (less than 50% of the drying time) of the seeds and a bit higher yield of oil extraction (proportionally around 7.7%), without changes in quality of the oil.

As sementes de maracujá devem ser limpas e secas antes do processo de extração para obtenção de um óleo de alta qualidade, para fins comestíveis ou para produtos cosméticos. Este trabalho investigou um processo de purificação das sementes e seu efeito na qualidade do óleo. A pesquisa contemplou dois estádios de maturação dos frutos e um processo de purificação das sementes, comparado com o controle. A qualidade do óleo foi avaliada através da composição de ácidos graxos, acidez do óleo, índice de peróxido e estabilidade oxidativa. O resíduo sofreu um tratamento térmico em solução alcalina, mantida a 60oC por 10min e, posteriormente, foi processado em um decantador experimental. No tratamento de controle, o resíduo da polpa sofreu tratamento em água à temperatura ambiente. Concluiu-se que as sementes foram totalmente limpas por meio do tratamento térmico/químico, permitindo uma secagem mais rápida das sementes (menos de 50% do tempo de secagem) e havendo um maior rendimento de extração de óleo (proporcionalmente, cerca de 7,7%), sem alteração na sua qualidade.

Development and nutritional and sensory evaluation of cachapinta (Pseudoplatystoma sp) pâté.

This study developed a technique for the preparation of pâté from cachapinta (Pseudoplatystoma sp) waste. For this, frozen minced cachapinta fish was crushed in a mini cutter and homogenized with all other ingredients. The prepared pâté was stored in seamed and thermally treated cans (volume 170 g). Weight proportions of mean moisture, ash, protein, and lipid contents of the minced fish were 75.49, 1.00, 15.00, and 7.92 (g/100 g), respectively. The formulation of the developed pâté is in accordance with legislation for fish products. Cachapinta pâté is a product with high content of polyunsaturated fatty acids, low level of trans fat, and good indices of nutritional quality. Tests of sensory acceptance, purchase intent, and sensory attributes (except spreadability) averaged a score above 6.0, indicating acceptability of the product. Our study suggests that the potential of minced cachapinta for pâté production is high, and that it can contribute a value-added product to seafood consumption.

Diferentes taxas de alimentação de prensa do tipo expeller na eficiência de extração e na qualidade do óleo de semente de maracujá / Different screw press feed rates on extraction efficiency and quality of passion fruit seed oil

Sementes de maracujá foram submetidas à prensagem sob diferentes taxas de alimentação (1,2 a 3,0kgh-1) com o objetivo de avaliar o impacto desta variação no rendimento do processo de extração, nas características de qualidade e na composição em ácidos graxos do óleo de semente de maracujá. O rendimento de extração de óleo variou entre 24 e 25%, com eficiência de 84 a 86% e teor residual de óleo na torta parcialmente desengordurada em torno de 5%, indicando que o processo utilizado foi adequado à matéria-prima. O menor valor de temperatura de saída do óleo da prensa foi observado na taxa de alimentação de 2,4kgh-1. Não houve diferença significativa (P>0,05) para a composição em ácidos graxos, estabilidade oxidativa, densidade e para os índices de iodo, saponificação, refração e de peróxidos. No entanto, houve diferença (P<0,05) quanto ao teor de ácidos graxos livres, que foi menor para o óleo obtido na maior taxa de alimentação, e para umidade do óleo, que foi maior para a menor taxa de alimentação. A taxa de alimentação na prensagem de sementes de maracujá promoveu diferenças quanto à qualidade do óleo.

Passion fruit seeds were subjected to pressing under different feed rates (1.2 to 3.0kgh-1) in order to assess the impact of this variation in the yield of the extraction process, the quality characteristics and fatty acid composition of the passion fruit seed oil obtained. The yield of the process ranged between 24 and 25% and presented 84 to 86% of efficiency and residual oil in partially defatted cake around 5%, indicating that the procedure was adequate to the raw material. The lowest press oil outlet temperature was observed at the feed rate of 2.4kgh-1. No significant difference (P>0.05) were observed for fatty acid composition, oxidative stability, density and iodine, saponification, refraction and peroxide values. However, significant differences (P<0.05) was observed on free fatty acids content, which was lower for the highest feed rate, and oil moisture, which was higher for the lowest feed rate. The feed rate in pressing of passion fruit seeds promoted differences in oil quality.

Extração de ácido clorogênico de farelo de girassol desengordurado / Extraction of chlorogenic acid from deffated sunflower meal

A cultura de girassol (Helianthus annuus L.) vem se consolidando no Brasil, pois se adapta a diversas regiões do país e apresenta características interessantes tanto do ponto de vista agronômico, quanto em relação à composição do óleo e à qualidade de sua proteína. O farelo desengordurado de girassol tem sido utilizado para ração, mas seu escurecimento limita o uso para consumo humano. O farelo contém ácido clorogênico, um potente antioxidante, que quando oxidado pela polifenoloxidase gera compostos que causam o escurecimento e reduzem a qualidade nutricional da proteína. Neste trabalho, foram obtidos extratos de ácido clorogênico, a partir do farelo desengordurado de girassol, utilizando-se metanol ou etanol como solvente, nas temperaturas de 25, 40 e 60°C e tempos de contato de 30 e 60 minutos, constituindo um experimento a três critérios de classificação. Houve diferença significativa entre solventes, tempo e temperaturas (P<0,05). A maior eficiência de remoção de ácido clorogênico foi de 40 por cento, quando o metanol foi utilizado. Os extratos de ácido clorogênico obtidos têm potencial de uso como antioxidante.

The culture of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) has been consolidated in different regions of Brazil, and presents interesting characteristics on agronomic aspects, oil composition and protein quality. The defatted sunflower meal has been used to feed, but browning limits its use for human consumption. Sunflower meal contains chlorogenic acid, a potent antioxidant, which in turn is oxidized by polyphenol oxidase, producing compounds that darken the meal and reduce the nutritional quality of protein. In this research chlorogenic acid extracts were obtained from defatted sunflower meal, using methanol or ethanol as solvent, at temperatures of 25, 40 and 60°C and contact times of 30 and 60 minutes in a three classification criteria experiments. There were significant differences between solvent, time and temperature (P<0.05). The highest removal efficiency of chlorogenic acid was of 40 percent, when methanol was used. Chlorogenic acid extracts obtained have potential for use as antioxidant.

Métodos de avaliaçäo da estabilidade oxidativa de óleos e gorduras / Oxidative evaluation methods of oils and fats

Apresenta revisäo de literatura sobre métodos de determinaçäo da estabilidade oxidativa que surgiram numa tentativa de se avaliar a resistência à oxidaçäo dos óleos e gorduras. Existe, atualmente, muita controvérsia sobre a eficiência ou a capacidade destes métodos de predizerem as alteraçöes que ocorreräo nos óleos e gorduras, durante o armazenamento. Foram discutidas as vantagens e desvantagens de cada método e a sua importância na área de tecnologia de óleos e gorduras. A padronizaçäo das metodologias para determinaçäo da estabilidade oxidativa, seja pelo método de estufa ou pelos métodos automatizados, uma necessidade em funçäo da grande quantidade de dados relatados na literatura que foram obtidos em condiçöes muito diversas, dificultando até para simples comparaçäo(AUo