Preparation, characterization, structural analysis and antioxidant activities of phosphorylated polysaccharide from Sanchi (Panax notoginseng) flower.

In this study, phosphorylation effects on the monosaccharide composition, structural attributes, morphology and radical-scavenging activities of Sanchi (Panax notoginseng) flower polysaccharides were investigated. Sanchi flower phosphorylated polysaccharides mainly comprised of Man, Rha, GluA, GalA, Glu, Gal and Xyl, but lacked GluN, Rib, Arab and Fuc in their compositions. FTIR analysis of phosphorylated polysaccharides showed an emergence of new absorption peak around spectral region of 1254 cm-1. NMR and FTIR analyses were indicative of the successful phosphorylation of the Sanchi flower polysaccharides. The introduction of phosphate groups into polysaccharides led to the induction of pore-like structures in polysaccharides configuration. Phosphorylation of polysaccharides led to concentration-dependent increasing tendencies in radical-scavenging activities. These findings demonstrated the positive impact of phosphorylation on Sanchi flower polysaccharides, which could potentially be used as a therapeutic agent.

The Influence of Different Extraction Methods on the Structure, Rheological, Thermal and Functional Properties of Soluble Dietary Fiber from Sanchi (Panax notoginseng) Flower.

The influence of different extraction methods, such as acidic (AC), enzymatic (EN), homogenization (H), ultrsonication (U) and alkali (AL), on structure, rheological, thermal and functional properties of soluble dietary fiber (SDF) from Sanchi flower was evaluated in this study. The highest extraction yield (23.14%) was obtained for AL-SDF extract. Glucose (Glc) and galactose (Gal) were found to be the major constituents in Sanchi SDF. Homogenization and Ultrsonication treatments caused significant compaction of pores in the microstructures. FTIR analysis showed increased hydrolysis of pectin and hemicellulose in U, AL and AC-SDF extracts. H-SDF and AC-SDF exhibited similar shear rate change with the rise in shear stress. H-SDF was thermally more stable than other SDF extracts. Among all extraction methods, H-SDF and U-SDF exhibited the highest water holding capacity (WHC), oil-holding capacity (OHC), Bile acid-adsorption capacity (BAC), Cholesterol-adsorption capacity (CAC) and Glucose adsorption capacity (GAC). Thus, Sanchi flower SDF with improved functional properties could be utilized as a functional food ingredient in the development of various food products.

Development of biscuits supplemented with papaya seed and peel: effects on physicochemical properties, bioactive compounds, in vitro absorption capacities and starch digestibility.

In this study, wheat biscuits were prepared by supplementing with papaya seed (PS) and papaya peel (PP) in range of 2 to 10%. As compared to control (un-supplemented) samples, PS and PP-supplemented biscuits were analyzed for their physicochemical properties, bioactive compounds, antioxidant activities, in vitro absorption capacities, starch digestibility and sensory attributes. As compared to PS, PP had lower energy value, higher bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity along with better in vitro adsorption capacities. Overall, PS and PP addition from 2 to 10% significantly improved nutritional components, polyphenol compounds, antioxidant activities, and caused marked rises in NO2 - ion, cholesterol and bile acid absorption capacities of supplemented biscuits. Moreover, PS and PP-addition showed significant concentration-dependent decreases in glucose release response during various in vitro starch digestion intervals. Based on sensory characteristics, biscuits supplemented up to 4% PS and PP showed excellent overall acceptability, however, in comparison with PS, 4% PP-supplemented biscuits exhibited the better sensory properties. Therefore, PP-supplemented biscuits up to 4% could be utilized as a convenience food. Moreover, PS and PP-supplementation of wheat biscuits led to improvement of functional properties as a valuable source of bioactive compounds and high radical-scavenging activities.

Effects of superfine grinding on the physicochemical properties and antioxidant activities of Sanchi (Panax notoginseng) flower powders.

Sanchi flowers were traditionally used as functional medicinal ingredient in materials. The study was aimed at evaluating superfine powder product of Sanchi flower, hence in this study, five fractions of dried Sanchi flower powders (SFP) were prepared at variable particle sizes by superfine grinding and evaluated for changes in various properties. Superfine powder with median particle diameter of 25.57 µm was produced through grinding. It was evident from the environmental scanning electron microscopy analysis that during superfine grinding, mechanical shear stress played its crucial role in breakdown of the SFP and causes increases in surface area owing to reduction of particle sizes. Superfine grinding could improve solubility, oil holding capacity, and brightness, but decrease the fluidity of SFP. SFP with smallest particle size exhibited highest saponin, minerals, total phenolic, and flavonoid contents accompanied with the best antioxidant activities. Size reduction beyond M200 and M400 led to increasing tendency in IR signature band patterns and marked differences in peak intensities while the powdered samples showed resemblance with respect to peak shapes. Differential scanning calorimetry indicated the lowest melting temperature for SFP fraction with smallest particle size. Conclusively, superfine SFP due to inherent improvement in properties may render several potential applications in manufacturing of food and pharmaceutical additives to impart improved functionalities of finally finished products with uniformity.