Optimization of Thermoultrasound Process of Soursop (Annona muricata) Nectar and Comparison of Its Physicochemical Properties and In Vitro Bioaccessibility of Antioxidants with Pasteurized Sample.

Research background: Soursop nectar contains antioxidants and is preserved by pasteurization. However, this technology impairs its physicochemical properties and bioactive compounds. An alternative is therefore thermoultrasound, which could counteract these effects. The thermosonicated nectar was compared with a pasteurized one and the in vitro bioaccessibility of antioxidants was estimated. Experimental approach: The soursop nectar (25 %) was processed and the response surface methodology was used to determine the optimal conditions for thermoultrasound treatment (TUS). The TUS (75-90 % amplitude, 3.15-15 min) was applied, and 2 % stevia and 6 % agave inulin were added as sweeteners. The microbiological, physicochemical, enzymatic and antioxidant properties were analyzed. The properties of thermosonicated nectar obtained under optimal conditions were compared with pasteurized nectar. In addition to the above determinations, microstructure, total dietary fiber (TDF) and in vitro bioaccessibility of antioxidants were determined. Results and conclusions: The response variables that fit the mathematical model were L*, b*, chroma (C*), total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant activity determined by ABTS•+, DPPH˙ and Fe(III) reducing antioxidant power (FRAP). The L* and DPPH˙ were affected by quadratic time and TPC by time (p<0.0001). The optimum TUS condition was 82 % amplitude for 9.15 min and the responses variables were L*, b* and C* (45.48, 3.55 and 3.62, respectively), TPC expressed as gallic acid equivalents (38.40 mg/100 mL), ABTS•+ expressed as Trolox equivalents (TE) (31.28 µmol/100 mL), DPPH˙ expressed as TE (124.22 µmol/100 mL) and FRAP expressed as Fe(II) (3.06 µmol/100 mL). Compared to the pasteurized sample, thermosonicated sample had high values of L* (45.56), h° (-56.49), TPC (26.63 mg/100 mL), ABTS•+ and DPPH˙ (22.03 and 129.22 µmol/100 mL, respectively), FRAP (3.10 µmol/100 mL) and low pectin methylesterase (PME) activity (0.28 U/mL). For in vitro bioaccessibility, thermosonicated nectar showed high absorption of TPC (15.26/100 mL) and high antioxidant activity determined by ABTS (34.92 µmol/100 mL) and FRAP (7.88 µmol/100 mL). Novelty and scientific contribution: The thermoultrasound improves the physicochemical properties and in vitro bioaccessibility of antioxidants in soursop nectar. On the other hand, as an alternative, this beverage offers low-calorie alternative with prebiotic properties that benefits consumer health.

Role of Bioactive Compounds in Obesity: Metabolic Mechanism Focused on Inflammation.

Obesity is a disease characterized by an inflammatory process in the adipose tissue due to diverse infiltrated immune cells, an increased secretion of proinflammatory molecules, and a decreased secretion of anti-inflammatory molecules. On the other hand, obesity increases the risk of several diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and cancer. Their treatment is based on nutritional and pharmacological strategies. However, natural products are currently implemented as complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). Polyphenols and fiber are naturally compounds with potential action to reduce inflammation through several pathways and play an important role in the prevention and treatment of obesity, as well as in other non-communicable diseases. Hence, this review focuses on the recent evidence of the molecular mechanisms of polyphenols and dietary fiber, from Scopus, Science Direct, and PubMed, among others, by using key words and based on recent in vitro and in vivo studies.

Subproductos de interés nutricional y funcional de Agave salmiana

RESUMEN Agave salmiana es una subespecie originaria de México, ha sido participe en distintos periodos históricos, utilizado en la construcción, vestimenta, alimento y bebida. Destacando el aguamiel como subproducto, cuya particularidad es su alto contenido de azúcares (fructooligosacáridos). Algunos subproductos derivan del aguamiel, como el pulque y el jarabe de agave; el primero resultado de la fermentación y el segundo de la concentración de solutos mediante tratamientos térmicos y/o enzimáticos. Por lo anterior, el objetivo de esta revisión fue recopilar información de los últimos años sobre Agave salmiana y subproductos de interés nutricional y funcional, así como su uso en productos alimenticios, para lo cual se usaron las bases de datos: Medline/PubMed, SciELO, ELSEVIER, así como Normas Oficiales Mexicanas y páginas web privadas. La estrategia de búsqueda se realizó combinando el uso de operadores booleanos "AND" y "OR", utilizando las siguientes palabras: aguamiel and characterization, pulque and microorganisms or fermentation, agave syrup and bread. Esta revisión concluye que el consumo, de manera controlada, de los subproductos de Agave salmiana, trae consigo múltiples beneficios a la salud, principalmente al fortalecer la microbiota intestinal, por lo que pueden ser incluidos en la dieta habitual de una persona sana, además, pueden ser utilizados como parte del tratamiento nutricional, en bajas cantidades, en patologías como diabetes tipo 2 e intolerancia a la insulina, colitis ulcerosa y cáncer de colon siempre con supervisión médica. Por otra parte, aún existe la necesidad de generar más información sobre el tema a través de investigación científica.

ABSTRACT Agave salmiana is a native subspecies from Mexico, it has been part of different historical periods, used in construction, clothing, food and drink; highlighting the aguamiel as a by-product, whose particularity is its high sugar content (fructooligosaccharides). Some by-products are derived from aguamiel, such as pulque and agave syrup; the first is the result of fermentation and the second of the concentration of solutes by thermal and/or enzymatic treatments. Therefore, the objective of this review was to collect recent information about Agave salmiana and by-products of nutritional and functional interest, as well as use in food products. We used the following databases were used: Medline/PubMed, SciELO, ELSEVIER, as well as the Official Mexican Standards and private web pages. The search strategy was carried out with the boolean operators "AND" and "OR", using the following words: aguamiel and characterization, pulque and microorganisms or fermentation, agave syrup and bread. This review concludes that the consumption, in a controlled manner, of the by-products of Agave salmiana, brings with it multiple health benefits, mainly by strengthening the intestinal microbiota, so they can be included in the usual diet of a healthy person. In addition, by-products can be used as part of nutritional treatments, in low amounts, for diseases such as type 2 diabetes and insulin intolerance, ulcerative colitis and colon cancer, always with medical supervision. On the other hand, there is still a need to generate more information about the subject through scientific research.

Potential Mechanisms of the Improvement of Glucose Homeostasis in Type 2 Diabetes by Pomegranate Juice.

Pomegranate is a polyphenol-rich fruit. Studies have shown that extracts prepared from its juice or from different parts of the pomegranate plant have various biological activities including antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anticarcinogenic, cardioprotective, and antidiabetic. The therapeutic potential has been attributed to various phytochemicals, including ellagic acid, punicic acid, flavonoids, anthocyanidins, anthocyanins, flavonols, and flavones. This review focuses on the scientific evidence of pomegranate juice as hypoglycemic, emphasizing the chemical composition and the possible mechanisms of action associated with this effect. Studies were identified using the PubMed, Scopus, and ISI Web of Science databases to identify relevant articles focused on the hypoglycemic effect of pomegranate juice. The physiological responses to pomegranate juice are reported here, including a decrease of oxidative stress damage, an increase of insulin-dependent glucose uptake, maintenance of ß-cell integrity, inhibition of nonenzymatic protein glycation, an increase of insulin sensitivity, modulation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma, inhibition of α-amylase, inhibition of α-glucosidase and dipeptidyl peptidase-4, and decreases in inflammation. Overall, we found a significant hypoglycemic effect of pomegranate in in vitro and in vivo studies and we summarize the potential mechanisms of action.

Proximal chemical evaluation, antioxidant content and fatty acids in fermented and dried cocoa beans, roasted cocoa beans and cocoa pulp bar (Theobroma cacao L. Criollo cultivar)

ABSTRACT The objective of this work was to evaluate the proximal chemical composition, antioxidant activity assays with total phenol, 2,2-Diphenyl-1-Picrylhydrazyl, 2'2-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazolin-6-sulfonic acid) diammonium salt, iron reducing antioxidant power, and the fatty acid composition of fermented and dried cocoa beans, roasted cocoa beans and cocoa pulp bar. The fermented and dried cocoa beans were purchased, roasted (115 °C for 5 min) and homogenized. The mixture was brought to its melting point (58 °C for 5 min). In the cocoa pulp bar there was an increase in lipids (53.0%). The roasted affected the concentration of ashes (3.38-2.98%). Total phenol (1.8, 1.5 and 1.3 mg AEG kg-1), 2,2-Diphenyl-1-Picrylhydrazyl (65.8, 64.4 and 65.0 μmol ET kg-1), 2'2-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazolin-6-sulfonic acid) diammonium salt (3.60, 3.00 and 2.30 μmol EAC kg-1) and iron reducing antioxidant power (0.09, 0.07 and 0.06 mg Fe2+ kg-1) presented significant differences (p<0.05) in the fermented and dried cocoa beans, roasted cocoa beans and cocoa pulp bar respectively, however, the changes were minimal. The cocoa pulp bar had a higher concentration of unsaturated fatty acid (89.2%), where oleic (48.6%) was predominated. Therefore, the cocoa pulp bar is a food with an important antioxidant content, moreover, it has a higher concentration of unsaturated fatty acid, which is desirable in the diet.

RESUMEN El objetivo de este trabajo fue evaluar la composición química proximal, el contenido de antioxidantes con los ensayos de fenoles totales, 2,2-Difenil-1-Picrilhidrazil, Ácido 2'2-azino-bis (3-etilbenzotiazolin-6-sulfónico), sal de diamonio y poder antioxidante reductor del hierro, y la composición de ácidos grasos en los granos de cacao fermentados y secos, granos de cacao tostados y barra de pulpa de cacao. Se compraron los granos de cacao fermentado y seco y se tostaron (115 °C durante 5 min), y se homogeneizaron. La mezcla se llevó a su punto de fusión (58 °C durante 5 min). En la barra de pulpa de cacao hubo un aumento de lípidos (53,0%). El tostado afectó la concentración de cenizas (3,38 - 2,98%). En los resultados de fenoles totales (1,80, 1,50 y 1,30 mg AEG kg-1), 2,2-Difenil-1-Picrilhidrazil (65,8, 64,4 y 65,0 μmol ET kg-1), Ácido 2'2-azino-bis (3-etilbenzotiazolin-6-sulfónico), sal de diamonio (3,6, 3,0 y 2,3 μmol EAC kg-1) y poder antioxidante reductor del hierro (0.09, 0.07 y 0.06 mg Fe2+ kg-1) presentaron diferencias significativas (p<0.05) en los granos de cacao fermentados y secos, granos de cacao tostados y barra de pulpa de cacao respectivamente, sin embargo, los cambios fueron mínimos. La barra de pulpa de cacao presentó una mayor concentración de ácidos grasos insaturados (89%), donde predominó el oleico (48,6%). Por lo tanto, la barra de pulpa de cacao es un alimento con importante contenido en antioxidantes, además, tiene una mayor concentración de ácidos grasos insaturados, lo que es deseable en la dieta.

Effect of electric field on the characteristics of crude avocado oil and virgin olive.

The objective of this study was to analyze the effect of an electric field treatment (voltage 9 kV cm-1, frequency 720 Hz and time of 5 and 25 min) as method of preservation on two edible oils. Unsaturated fatty acid oxidation in the crude avocado oil and virgin olive oil was analyzed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy in the mid infrared region and by quality parameters (acidity, peroxide and iodine). The electric field is a suitable method to preserve the crude oils composition with minimal modifications without the synthetic antioxidant addition.

Effect of Thermoultrasound on the Antioxidant Compounds and Fatty Acid Profile of Blackberry (Rubus fruticosus spp.) Juice.

Blackberry (Rubus fruticosus spp.) fruit has high antioxidant activity due to its significant content of anthocyanins and antioxidant compounds. Among emerging technologies for food preservation, thermoultrasound is a technique that reduces microbial loads and releases compounds with antioxidant properties. The objective of this study was to determine the antioxidant content and fatty acid profile of blackberry juice subjected to thermoultrasound treatment in comparison to pasteurized juice. Blackberry juice and n-hexane extracts from a control (untreated juice), pasteurized, and thermoultrasonicated samples were evaluated for antioxidant activity, fatty acid profile, and antioxidant content. The juice treated with thermoultrasound exhibited significantly (p < 0.05) higher levels of total phenols (1011 mg GAE/L), anthocyanins (118 mg Cy-3-GlE/L); antioxidant activity by ABTS (44 mg VCEAC/L) and DPPH (2665 µmol TE/L) in comparison to the control and pasteurized samples. Oil extract from thermoultrasound juice also had the highest antioxidant activity (177.5 mg VCEAC/L and 1802.6 µmol TE/L). The fatty acid profile of the n-hexane extracts showed the presence of myristic, linolenic, stearic, oleic, and linoleic acids and was not affected by the treatments except for stearic acid, whose amount was particularly higher in the control. Our results demonstrated that thermoultrasound can be an alternative technology to pasteurization that maintains and releases antioxidant compounds and preserves the fatty acids of fruit juice.

Effect of ultrasound on survival and growth of Escherichia coli in cactus pear juice during storage

Abstract The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of ultrasound as a conservation method for the inactivation of Escherichia coli inoculated into cactus pear juices (green and purple). Total soluble solids, pH, titratable acidity, and the kinetics of E. coli in cactus pear juices treated by ultrasound (60%, 70%, 80% and 90% amplitude levels for 1, 3 and 5 min) were evaluated over 5 days. Total inactivation was observed in both fruit juices after 5 min of ultrasound treatment at most amplitude levels (with the exception of 60% and 80%). After one and two days of storage, the recovery of bacteria counts was observed in all cactus pear juices. Ultrasound treatment at 90% amplitude for 5 min resulted in non-detectable levels of E. coli in cactus pear juice for 2 days. The parameters of pH, titratable acidity and soluble solids were unaffected.

Effect of ultrasound on survival and growth of Escherichia coli in cactus pear juice during storage.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of ultrasound as a conservation method for the inactivation of Escherichia coli inoculated into cactus pear juices (green and purple). Total soluble solids, pH, titratable acidity, and the kinetics of E. coli in cactus pear juices treated by ultrasound (60%, 70%, 80% and 90% amplitude levels for 1, 3 and 5min) were evaluated over 5 days. Total inactivation was observed in both fruit juices after 5min of ultrasound treatment at most amplitude levels (with the exception of 60% and 80%). After one and two days of storage, the recovery of bacteria counts was observed in all cactus pear juices. Ultrasound treatment at 90% amplitude for 5min resulted in non-detectable levels of E. coli in cactus pear juice for 2 days. The parameters of pH, titratable acidity and soluble solids were unaffected.

[EFFECT OF A BEVERAGE MADE FROM CACTUS PEAR (NOPALEA COCHENILLIFERA (L) SALM-DYCK) IN A RURAL POPULATION OF HIDALGO, MEXICO; A PILOT CLINICAL TRIAL]. / EFECTO DE UNA BEBIDA A BASE DE NOPAL (NOPALEA COCHENILLIFERA (L) SALM-DYCK) EN PACIENTES DE UNA POBLACIÓN RURAL DE HIDALGO, MÉXICO; ENSAYO CLÍNICO PILOTO.

INTRODUCTION: cactus pear has been used in Mexican traditional medicine. However, clinical studies are limited to demonstrate the effectiveness as anti-diabetic. OBJECTIVE: to evaluate the effect of a fresh beverage made from Nopalea cochenillifera (l.) Salm-dyck on glucose levels, glycosylated hemoglobin, weight, waist circumference and blood pressure. METHODS: the beverage (50 g/250 mL) was daily administered in twenty patients for 30 days. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: differences statistically significant were found in some time of the supplementation for all measured variables excepting for glucose levels, this suggests that values might be significant to a longer administration or bigger doses. CONCLUSIONS: although preliminary data, the results demonstrated that cactus pear used in this study may be an alternative for the management of patients with diabetes type 2. Nevertheless, further trials must be conducted with a bigger sample size and more control groups so that the effectiveness can be fully evaluated.

Introducción: el nopal ha sido usado en la medicina tradicional mexicana. Sin embargo, los estudios clínicos para demostrar la eficacia como antidiabético son limitados. Objetivo: evaluar el efecto de una bebida fresca a base de nopal (Nopalea cochenillifera (l.) Salm-dyck), sobre los niveles de glucosa, hemoglobina glicosilada, peso corporal, circunferencia de cintura y presión sanguínea. Métodos: la bebida (50 g/250 mL) se administró diariamente a 20 pacientes durante 30 días. Resultados y discusión: se encontraron diferencias estadísticamente significativas en algún momento de la suplementación, excepto para la glucosa, sugiriendo que los valores podrían ser significativos en un tiempo mayor de administración a dosis mayores. Conclusiones: aunque preliminares, los resultados demostraron que el nopal usado en este estudio podría ser útil en el manejo de pacientes con diabetes tipo 2. No obstante, deben efectuarse futuros ensayos con un tamaño de muestra más grande y más grupos control, para que la efectividad pueda ser totalmente evaluada.

Efecto de una bebida a base de nopal (Nopalea cochenillifera (l) Salm-dyck) en pacientes de una población rural de Hidalgo, México; ensayo clínico piloto / Effect of a beverage made from cactus pear (nopalea cochenillifera (l) salm-dyck) in a rural population of hidalgo, Mexico; a pilot clinical trial

Introducción: el nopal ha sido usado en la medicina tradicional mexicana. Sin embargo, los estudios clínicos para demostrar la eficacia como antidiabético son limitados. Objetivo: evaluar el efecto de una bebida fresca a base de nopal (Nopalea cochenillifera (l.) Salm-dyck), sobre los niveles de glucosa, hemoglobina glicosilada, peso corporal, circunferencia de cintura y presión sanguínea. Métodos: la bebida (50 g/250 mL) se administró diariamente a 20 pacientes durante 30 días. Resultados y discusión: se encontraron diferencias estadísticamente significativas en algún momento de la suplementación, excepto para la glucosa, sugiriendo que los valores podrían ser significativos en un tiempo mayor de administración a dosis mayores. Conclusiones: aunque preliminares, los resultados demostraron que el nopal usado en este estudio podría ser útil en el manejo de pacientes con diabetes tipo 2. No obstante, deben efectuarse futuros ensayos con un tamaño de muestra más grande y más grupos control, para que la efectividad pueda ser totalmente evaluada (AU)

Introduction: cactus pear has been used in Mexican traditional medicine. However, clinical studies are limited to demonstrate the effectiveness as anti-diabetic. Objective: to evaluate the effect of a fresh beverage made from Nopalea cochenillifera (l.) Salm-dyck on glucose levels, glycosylated hemoglobin, weight, waist circumference and blood pressure. Methods: the beverage (50 g/250 mL) was daily administered in twenty patients for 30 days. Results and discussion: differences statistically significant were found in some time of the supplementation for all measured variables excepting for glucose levels, this suggests that values might be significant to a longer administration or bigger doses. Conclusions: although preliminary data, the results demonstrated that cactus pear used in this study may be an alternative for the management of patients with diabetes type 2. Nevertheless, further trials must be conducted with a bigger sample size and more control groups so that the effectiveness can be fully evaluated (AU)

Shelf life, physicochemical, microbiological and antioxidant properties of purple cactus pear (Opuntia ficus indica) juice after thermoultrasound treatment.

The objective of this study was to evaluate changes in color, betalain content, browning index, viscosity, physical stability, microbiological growth, antioxidant content and antioxidant activity of purple cactus pear juice during storage after thermoultrasonication at 80% amplitude level for 15 and 25 min in comparison with pasteurized juice. Thermoultrasound treatment for 25 min increased color stability and viscosity compared to treatment for 15 min (6.83 and 6.72 MPa, respectively), but this last parameter was significantly lower (p<0.05) compared to the control and pasteurized juices (22.47 and 26.32 MPa, respectively). Experimental treatment reduced significantly (p<0.05) sediment solids in juices. Total plate counts decreased from the first day of storage exhibiting values of 1.38 and 1.43 logCFU/mL, for 15 and 25 min treatment, respectively. Compared to the control, both treatments reduced enterobacteria counts (1.54 logCFU/mL), and compared to pasteurized juice decreased pectinmethylesterase activity (3.76 and 3.82 UPE/mL), maintained high values of ascorbic acid (252.05 and 257.18 mg AA/L) and antioxidant activity (by ABTS: 124.8 and 115.6 mg VCEAC/100 mL; and DPPH: 3114.2 and 2757.1 µmol TE/L). During storage thermoultrasonicated juices had a minimum increase in pectinmethylesterase activity (from day 14), and exhibited similar total plate counts to pasteurized juice. An increase of phenolic content was observed after 14 days of storage, particularly for treatment at 80%, 25 min, and an increase in antioxidant activity (ABTS, DPPH) by the end of storage.

Effect of electric field treatment on unsaturated fatty acid in crude avocado oil.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the stability of the fatty acids in avocado oil when the product is subjected to different conditions of electric field treatment (voltage: 5 kV cm(-1); frequency: 720 Hz; treatment time: 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 min). Fatty acids were analyzed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy in the mid-infrared region. Electric field is a suitable method to preserve the oil quality and composition with minimal modifications in unsaturated fatty acids.