Concentrating rosmarinic acid from Orthosiphon aristatus extract for high antioxidative candies

Extraction and fractionation were carried out to concentrate the rosmarinic acid from Orthosiphon aristatus in order to increase the value of herbal candy formulated using polyphenolic rich extract. The herb was extracted and fractionated in column chromatography, and then analyzed by LC-MS/MS. The collected plant fractions with similar chromatographic profiles were combined and determined for antioxidant capacities expressed in radical scavenging activity. The results showed that the antioxidant capacity was in good agreement with the concentration of rosmarinic acid in the combined fractions. The combined fraction II showed the highest rosmarinic acid content, 3.8%w/w and the highest antioxidant capacity (IC50=14.922 ppm). The incorporation of rosmarinic acid rich extract into candy formulation did not statistically affect the antioxidant capacity. Hence, the rosmarinic acid rich extract could be another choice of ingredient to enhance the beneficial property of candies. Candy is another form of carrier to deliver herbal ingredient for health promotion.

Validation of an analytical method for the determination of acrylamide in potato chips and french fries

The aim of this study was to validate a GC-MS/MS method for determining acrylamide (AA) in potato-based products by using the solid-phase extraction (SPE) clean-up. The method consisted in defatting the sample (potato chips, French fries) with hexane, extraction of AA in water, centrifugation, followed by AA purification on two SPE columns. The purified extract was derivatized with bromine compounds, then extracted with ethyl acetate: hexane mixture. The residue dissolved in ethyl acetate and triethylamine was injected into the GC-MS/MS. The method showed a good precision (RSDr= 1.13- 4.26%; RSDR= 1.19- 8.84%) and accuracy (recovery= 85.64- 109.22%). The precision of the results was demonstrated by participation in two proficiency tests launched by the FAPAS® program, yielding z-scores of -0.8 (for pre-cooked French fries) and 0 (for potato crisps). Good sensitivity was achieved for potato chips with a LOD and LOQ of 6.94 and 20.83 μg/kg, while for French fries, it was 10.29 and 30.87 μg/kg, respectively. When applying the method on potato chips sample, the AA level varied between undetectable and 1504.93 μg/kg, while for French fries was between 31.45- 371.30 μg/kg. The method fulfilled the performance criteria of Commission Regulation EU 2017/2158 for the determination of AA in potato-based products.

Potential of herbs as galactogogues – A review

Given that approximately 130 million babies are born worldwide each year, this study aims to help both, pregnant and breastfeeding women, to overcome the first impasse, namely the decrease or lack of lactation. To sustain this purpose, over the years were used many methods to improve lactation. A galactogogue is a substance, a food or a plant that has the ability to stimulate or increase lactation. Plants as fenugreek, fennel, anise, lemon balm, thyme, cumin, milk thistle and many others are widespread all over the globe and known as galactogogues. These plants can be used as ingredients in food or consumed in the form of herbal teas, which in turn can be obtained by different extraction methods. Even though these herbs possess many other beneficial properties for the human body, the main purpose of their use, alone or in combination, is to maintain or increase breast milk production. The purpose of this paper is to review and summarize data regarding the efficacy of galactogogues available worldwide for increasing breast milk production in food and feed nutrition.

Detoxification and nutritional enrichment of cassava waste pulp using Rhizopus oligosporus and Aspergillus niger

The present study evaluated the detoxification and nutritional enrichment potentials of the fermented cassava waste pulp obtained through different processing methods of sweet (S) and bitter (B) cassava varieties by fermentation with Rhizopus oligosporus and Aspergillus niger. Four batches [two with both bark and cortex of the tuber removed (S- and B-), two with bark only removed (S+ and B+)] of cassava waste pulp (CWP) were produced from each of S and B varieties. CWP from the four treatments were then subjected to Rhizopus oligosporus, Aspergillus niger, and natural fermentation. Cyanide (mg HCN/kg), phytate (mg/100g), tannin (mg/100g), pH, crude protein (N X6.25) (%), ash (%), Fe, P, K and Ca (mg/100g) content of the unfermented and fermented CWP were determined using standard procedures. The range of the reduction (%) in cyanide content for Rhizopus oligosporus fermented CWP (RCWP), Aspergillus niger fermented CWP (ACWP), and naturally fermented CWP (NCWP) were 86.24 – 91.95, 79.68 – 84.34 and 72.96 – 78.58 while those for phytate were 58.82 – 71.20, 29.98 – 39.26 and 36.16 – 40.32 respectively. Fermentation had no significant (p>0.05) effect on the tannin content while the pH range of NCWP, RCWP and ACWP were 7.20 – 7.50, 5.41 – 6.40, and 3.83 – 4.21, respectively. The range of the increase (%) in the protein content for NCWP, RCWP, and ACWP was 346 – 375 , 671 – 728 and 508 – 542 while those of the ash content were 7.16 – 7.91, 6.72 – 6.84, and 5.42 – 5.63 respectively. Of all the examined minerals, only calcium increased by 5.68 – 26.89, 49.96 - 70.43, and 59.71 – 98.87 % in NCWP, RCWP, and ACWP respectively. Results from the present study are indicating that controlled fermentation offers greater benefit over natural fermentation and that the cassava variety and not the peeling method will determine the extent of detoxification and nutrient enrichment.

Microbial cellulose based films and composites for food packaging: a review

Currently, the production and application of non-biodegradable petroleum-based synthetic polymer (commonly known as plastic) are highly prevalent. As synthetic polymers as mostly non-biodegradable, they adversely affect the environment and result in the generation of excessive solid waste. The increasing awareness about the ill-effects of synthetic polymers among consumers has resulted in a demand for natural, disposable, biodegradable, reusable, or recyclable food packaging materials. Bio-based polymers and biopolymers have been one of the most favorable alternatives to be exploited and developed into eco-friendly food packaging materials. Certain microorganisms, such as Gluconoacetobacter xylinus, produce cellulose by a fully green procedure which is called bacterial cellulose. Bacterial cellulose demonstrates exceptional properties such as being a chemically pure material, highly flexible, high water absorbency, great tensile strength, highly crystalline nature, highly moldable, non-toxic nature, and biocompatible. However, there are some limitations such as lack of antibacterial properties, optical transparency, and stress-bearing capability which can be overcome by developing bacterial cellulose composites using hydrocolloids like proteins, starches, pectins, etc. The bacterial cellulose composites are employed to develop packaging films with properties such as high mechanical strength; antimicrobial, transparent, biodegradable, with air, water, and oil resistance properties, thus, making it an appropriate material for packaging.

The new gastronomic product: dried and vacuumed rainbow trout roe

In this study, it was aimed to investigate that the effect of drying process on rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss Walbaum, 1792) roes in terms of the proximate composition, aw, pH, TVB-N, TBARs, microbiological counts and color parameters. Drying was lasted 42 hours including, 18 hours at 30oC and 24 hours at 45oC. The dried fish roes were vacuum-packed (vacuum degree 0.02MPa) and stored at 4oC for 90th days. The crude lipid, crude protein, crude ash and moisture contents of fresh fish roe was 6.67%, 18.51%, 2,67%, and 71.99%, respectively. No change detected in terms of aw value in vacuum packed dried eggs between the first and 90 days (p>0.05). While the pH value of the fresh roe decreased with pretreatments and drying, TVB-N and TBARs value increased. At the end of the storage period, TVB-N value reached to 42.57mgN / 100g. The total mesophilic aerobe bacteria count of dried roes did not exceed the limit value at the end of the storage period. Total anaerobe mesophilic bacteria, Total Coliform, E. coli, H2S producing bacteria (including S. putrefaciens) and Lactic acid bacteria counts of fresh and vacuumed dried roes were below detectable limit values (<0.30 LogCFU/g). In conclusion, it has been determined that vacuum-packed dried rainbow trout roes can be safely consumed for 60 days at ±4oC.

Optimization of the microwave assisted extraction and biological activities of polyphenols from lemon verbena leaves

The present study aims to optimize the extraction of phenolics by microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) using the response surface methodology (RSM), from Lemon verbena leaves. The optimized extract was tested for its antioxidant activity using two methods (DPPH and reducing power) and its antibacterial efficiency by using disk diffusion assay and broth microdilution, against two Gram-negative (Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853) and two Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923, Bacillus subtilis ATCC 6633) strains. Under the optimized conditions (40% (v/v): of ethanol concentration, 188 s of irradiation time, 600 W of microwave power and 1:40 g/mL of solid-to-liquid ratio) the total phenolic content (TPC) was 67.87±1.61 mg GAE/g DW. The IC50 of the extract was 139.65±1.44 µg/mL and 56.60±2.79 µg/mL for DPPH inhibition and reducing power, respectively. The best antibacterial activity was shown by the extract obtained by MAE with lower MBC (1.56 to 18.75 mg/mL) and MBC/MIC ratio. Lemon verbena extract can be used as an ingredient in cosmetics, food supplements and herbal medicinal products due to its interesting biological properties.

The influence of incubation temperature and starter culture type on physical properties of ayran

In this study, the effects of the incubation temperature and type of starter culture on the physical properties, including graininess and visual roughness, of ayran were determined. Ayran samples were produced from milk inoculated with two different starter cultures (Yo-Mix 410, Yo-Mix 883) and incubated at temperatures of 37 or 45°C, and then stored at 4°C for 15 days. As incubation temperature decreased the number and perimeter of grains and syneresis decreased and the amount of exopolysaccharide (EPS) increased in ayran samples. The high amount of EPS resulted in low syneresis value, the number and perimeter of grains and visual roughness in ayran samples. The apparent viscosity and consistency coefficient values of ayran samples produced from milk incubated at 37°C were higher than those from milk incubated at 45°C. The Power law model was found more satisfactory to describe flow behaviour of all ayran samples. The rheological properties of ayran samples changed with measurement temperature. As the measurement temperature increased from 5°C to 15°C, the apparent viscosity and consistency coefficient values of ayran samples were significantly decreased. The activation energy values for apparent viscosity of ayran samples varied depending on the incubation temperature, type of starter culture and storage period.

Foam stability of cloudy carrot juice: effects of protein sources and foaming conditions

Carrot is an important crop by containing bioactive compounds such as carotenoids, vitamins and dietary fiber. But the shelf life of fresh carrot is limited due to its moisture content. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of using different amounts of egg albumen (EA) and whey protein isolate (WPI) and their interactions on carrot juice foam stability. For this purpose, the experimental design was built by response surface method and employing EA amount (5-10-15%), WPI amount (0-5-10%) and whipping time (4-6-8 min) as independent variables, while selecting the density and overrun as foam stability evaluation criteria. Among the tested levels of independent variables, the lowest density (0.2433 g/ml) and the highest overrun value (2.3466) was observed for 15% EA with 10% of WPI incorporation and the 8 min whipped foam. The levels of EA and/or WPI were found significantly effective on the selected responses (p<0.05), however only the interaction of whipping time with WPI amount had significant effect on density and overrun values. The foam stability improvement with WPI incorporation was confirmed by air bubble diameter distribution analysis, and the lowest average foam diameter with more homogeneous diameter distribution was obtained for 15% EA+10% WPI foam.

Physical and chemical properties of tigernut oil as influenced by variety and method of extraction

This study was carried out to investigate the physical and chemical properties of tigernut oil as influenced by variety and methods of extraction. Oil was extracted from yellow and brown varieties of tigernut using mechanical screw press and N-hexane, and it was characterized for physical and chemical composition. The moisture content, acid value, free fatty acid, iodine value, saponification value and peroxide value for tigernut oil from extraction methods ranged from 2.97 to 3.30%, 0.28 to 0.56mgKOH/g, 0.55 to 1.12g/100g, 66.11 to 69.75gI/100g, 174.93 to 210.06mgKOHg and 0.27 to 0.56MgH2O2, respectively. The range of values for specific gravity, percentage impurity, cloud point, smoke point and melting point are: 0.64 to 0.99g/ml, 0.15 to 0.24%, 9.00 to 25.5°C, 170.5 to 204.5°C and 18.0 to 28.5°C, respectively. However, the study showed that both the physical and chemical composition of tigernut oil were affected by the extraction methods used in this study.