Contenido de polifenoles y actividad antioxidante de varias semillas y nueces / Polyphenol content and antioxidant activity of several seeds and nuts

Los alimentos de origen vegetal en especial las frutas y los vegetales presentes en la dieta de acuerdo a estudios epidemiológicos realizados, pueden ejercer un efecto protector contra algunas enfermedades tales como el cáncer y trastornos cardiovasculares. Esta propiedad se debe a la presencia de compuestos bioactivos con capacidad antioxidante como la vitamina C, E, b-caroteno, y una mezcla compleja de compuestos fenólicos. El objetivo de este trabajo fue estudiar en una serie de productos de origen vegetal, la relación entre el contenido de polifenoles totales y la actividad antioxidante. Los polifenoles fueron determinados luego de su extracción en solución metanólica por el método de Folin-Ciocalteau. La actividad antioxidante fue evaluada usando los métodos del b-caroteno/linoleato, el poder reductor, y la actividad antirradical. Los productos estudiados fueron las semillas y/o pericarpios de: Theobroma cacao (cacao), Campsiandra comosa Benth (chiga), Sorghum bicolor, L. Moench (sorgo), Melicoccus bijugatus (mamón). El pericarpio del mamón presentó el más bajo contenido de polifenoles (1,40 EAGg/100g) y el cacao el más alto (6,66 EAGg/100g). El poder reductor del cacao resultó ser el más alto y equivalente al poder reductor de 5,80g de ácido ascórbico /100g, seguido por la chiga. Asimismo, las semillas de chiga y de cacao presentaron una actividad antioxidante, comparable a la del butil hidroxianisol antioxidante sintético. El mayor poder antirradical lo presentó la semilla de chiga con un EC50 de 2,67 g/gDPPH. El contenido de polifenoles totales se correlaciona bien con la actividad antioxidante; asimismo, estas semillas o granos podrían tener los efectos beneficiosos para la salud atribuidos a otras frutas y vegetales.

Foods from plant origin not only provide human diet with certain antioxidant vitamins (C, E and β-carotene), but also a complex mixture of polyphenols, with antioxidant activity. Numerous studies have been focused on the protective and preventing effect of this antioxidant activity on certain degenerative illnesses such as cardiovascular, cancer, and neurological diseases, cataracts and oxidative stress dysfunctions. The objective of this work was to evaluate total polyphenol content and antioxidant activity of several seeds, nuts, or grains such as Theobroma cacao, Campsiandra comosaBenth (chiga), Sorghum bicolor, L. Moench, Melicoccus bijugatus (genip). Total polyphenol content was assessed by the Folin-Ciocalteau method and the antioxidant activity by the β.carotene/linoleate, reducing power, and the anti-radical activity methods. Results showed genip pericarp with the lowest polyphenol content (1.40 gGAE/100g), and cacao beans with the highest (6.66 gGAE/100g). Reducing power of cacao beans was also the highest and similar to the reducing power of 5,80g ascorbic acid /100g, followed by Campsiandra comosa. Moreover, Campsiandra comosa and cacao seeds presented an antioxidant activity comparable to that of the butylhydroxianisol, a synthetic antioxidant. The highest anti-radical activity was shown by Campsiandra comosa with an EC50 of 2.67 g/gDPPH. Total polyphenol content shows a good correlation with the antioxidant activity. Moreover, these seeds might have the same health beneficial effects attributed to other fruits and vegetables.

[Polyphenol content and antioxidant activity of several seeds and nuts]. / Contenido de polifenoles y actividad antioxidante de varias semillas y nueces.

Foods from plant origin not only provide human diet with certain antioxidant vitamins (C, E and beta-carotene), but also a complex mixture of polyphenols, with antioxidant activity. Numerous studies have been focused on the protective and preventing effect of this antioxidant activity on certain degenerative illnesses such as cardiovascular, cancer, and neurological diseases, cataracts and oxidative stress dysfunctions. The objective of this work was to evaluate total polyphenol content and antioxidant activity of several seeds, nuts, or grains such as Theobroma cacao, Canpsiandra comosa Benth (chiga), Sorghum bicolor, L. Moench, Melicoccus bijugatus (genip). Total polyphenol content was assessed by the Folin-Ciocalteau method and the antioxidant activity by the beta carotene/linoleate, reducing power, and the anti-radical activity methods. Results showed genip pericarp with the lowest polyphenol content (1.40 gGAE/100 g), and cacao beans with the highest (6.66 gGAE/100 g). Reducing power of cacao beans was also the highest and similar to the reducing power of 5.80 g ascorbic acid/100 g, followed by Campsiandra comosa. Moreover, Campsiandra comosa and cacao seeds presented an antioxidant activity comparable to that of the butylhydroxianisol, a synthetic antioxidant. The highest anti-radical activity was shown by Campsiandra comosa with an EC50 of 2.67 g/gDPPH. Total polyphenol content shows a good correlation with the antioxidant activity. Moreover, these seeds might have the same health beneficial effects attributed to other fruits and vegetables.

'Guapo' (Myrosma cannifolia) starch: a natural product with potential use in cosmetic formulations.

The objective of the present work was to evaluate the possible use of Myrosma cannifolia starch L.F. Maranthaceae ('Guapo'), as a raw material in heterogeneous systems or powdered cosmetic and pharmaceutical products formulation. The starch chemical and physical characteristics, physico-chemical properties, and rheological behaviour, previously studied, were considered. Flowing characteristics, particle size distribution, water absorption capacity at 25 degrees C (ambient temperature), and toxicity were assessed. Results showed that Myrosma starch complies with the USP and British pharmacopoeia, and presented a normal particle distribution. More than 25% of the granules had a diameter >23.81 mum and the average size of particles was >16.92 mum. When compared with talc, 'guapo' starch presented higher values for water absorption capacity and flowing characteristics. Starch showed negative local toxicity, and low acute toxicity in vitro on two human dermis cell types. The amylographic study and the difractograms suggest the possible use of this starch in heterogeneous systems. A facial transparent powder was formulated and some of its properties were determined by sensorial analysis. It was concluded that the M. cannifolia starch presents certain characteristics useful in the formulation of new powdered products.

Characterization of cocoa butter extracted from hybrid cultivars of Theobroma cacao L.

Cocoa butter is the most important fat used in the confectionery and chocolate industries. The main objective of the present study was to determine the physical and chemical characteristics of cocoa butter extracted from hybrid cultivars belonging to the germplasm bank of the Fondo Nacional de Investigaciones Agropecuarias (National Foundation for Agricultural Research). AOAC methods were used for the assessment of the proximal composition of the beans, physical and chemical characteristics as well as for the fatty acid profile of the fat. It was found that there were statistical differences in the proximate composition of the cocoa beans among the cultivars studied as well as the iodine and saponification indices of the butter. Saturated fatty acids were present in higher proportions than unsaturated fatty acids, with palmitic and stearic acid as the main fractions. Oleic acid content was higher than linoleic acid. The fatty acid profile found is the main factor that influences the hard texture of the cocoa butter from Venezuelan cocoa hybrids cultivars.

Caryodendron orinocense ('nuez de Barinas') oil: tocopherol content and use in cosmetics.

Preliminary studies showed the possibility of using the oil extracted from the 'nuez de Barinas' (Caryodendron orinocense Karst.) (also known as 'taque nut'), in cosmetic formulation, due to its UV absorbance spectrum as well as other physical, chemical and toxicological characteristics. Some Amerindians have used this oil as unction. The tree, also called in Venezuela 'nueza' or 'nogal de Barquisimeto', and in other countries 'Inchi' or 'taque', belongs to the Euphorbiaceae, and grows wild along the base of the Andes mountains in Venezuela, Ecuador, Peru and Colombia. The oil presented a high polyunsaturated fatty acid content, especially linoleic acid (75.13%), which makes it susceptible to oxidation. alpha, beta, gamma and delta-tocopherols are chemical compounds that have antioxidant and vitamin E activity. Tocopherols are used in cosmetics owing to these two characteristics. These properties vary depending on the isomer, the alpha-tocopherol having higher vitamin activity, while the delta-tocopherol has the highest antioxidant power, acting as free radical scavenger. The objective of this study was to assess the presence of tocopherols in the oil, as well as the emollient efficiency and activity of the oil after incorporation as a base in formulation of cosmetic products. Results showed good emollient efficiency and activity, and the presence of alpha, beta, gamma and delta-tocopherols, which means that the oil will be stable in cosmetic formulations.

Evaluation of 'nuez de barinas' (caryodendron orinocense) oil for possible use in cosmetic.

Caryodendron orinocense, Karst., is a tree that grows along the eastern base of the Andes mountains in Venezuela, Ecuador, and Colombia. It is known in Venezuela as 'Nuez de Barinas, nuez or nogal de Barquisimeto' and in other countries as 'inchi', 'taque', 'abay' or 'palo de nuez'. The oil extracted from the 'nuts' (seeds) is edible. The objective of this study was to assess the potential use of the oil extracted from the seeds in cosmetics. The organoleptic characteristics, some physical (viscosity, specific density, extensibility, UV absorbance), and chemical (fatty acid profile, titratable acidity, saponification index, unsaponifiable matter and peroxide value) characteristics, were determined by official methods. The results show a high polyunsaturated fatty acid content (75.13%) and good physical, chemical and toxicological characteristics appropriate for use in cosmetics. It was concluded that the Caryodendron oil should be useful in cosmetic formulations.

Physico-chemical characteristics of the Barinas nut (Caryodendron orinocense Karst. Euphorbiaceae) crude oil.

A proximate analysis of the seed of the C. orinocense K. (Euphorbiaceae) has demonstrated that these are a good source of edible oil. The crude oil was analyzed to determine its physical and chemical characteristics and the lipid composition, using the AOAC methods and gas liquid chromatography. The results showed that the oil meets Venezuelan standards for edible vegetable oils, with the exception of moisture content and the acid index. It is rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids (75.13% lineoleic acid), having a polyunsaturated to saturated fatty acid ratio of 6.50, and therefore could be used for human consumption.