This study aimed to determine and compare antioxidant components and antioxidant capacity in different parts (skin, pulp, mace and seed) of nutmeg. Freeze dried samples were extracted using 80% methanol, while Folin-Ciocalteu assay was employed to determine total phenolic content, aluminium chloride assay was applied to determine total flavonoid content and ascorbic acid was assessed by titrimetric method. Antioxidant activities were evaluated by ferric reducing antioxidant power and trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) assays. Results revealed that nutmeg seed contained the highest TPC followed by mace, skin and pulp. Similar observation was also found for TFC. The highest ascorbic acid content was found in nutmeg mace, while the lowest was in its pulp. For antioxidant activity, nutmeg seed possessed the highest FRAP and TEAC values, while nutmeg pulp had the lowest as compared to other parts. Phenolic compounds in nutmeg samples have exhibited strong correlation with antioxidant capacity. Therefore, nutmeg is a potential functional food with high antioxidants, especially nutmeg seed. Phenolic compounds in nutmeg samples have exhibited strong correlation with antioxidant capacity. Therefore, nutmeg is a potential functional food with high antioxidants, especially nutmeg seed.
Ascorbic acid or vitamin C is mostly found in natural products such as fruits and vegetables. High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method has been developed and validated to compare the ascorbic acid content in Benincasa hispida (Bh) fruit extract with three different extraction solvents; i) 3% metaphosphoric acid, ii) 3% citric acid and iii) distilled water. The compound has been detected and quantified by the use of HPLC coupled with UV-Vis detector. The amount of ascorbic acid detected in Bh fruit extract prepared with different extraction solvents; 3% metaphosphoric acid, 3% citric acid and distilled water were 13.18, 7.91 and 9.42 mg/100g respectively. Total run time was 6 min and the retention time was 2.60 min. Calibration curve was linear with the concentration range 1.00 – 16.00 μg/ml. Limits of detection was 0.24 μg/ml, limit of quantification was 0.81 μg/ml and recovery was 93.52%. The result showed ascorbic acid content is higher in Bh fruit extract with 3% metaphosphoric acid, followed by extract with distilled water and 3% citric acid. Thus, Bh is another novel fruit/ vegetable potentially used as food ingredient as it contains a good source of ascorbic acid that can be good for one’s health.
There is an increase need and demand to update Malaysian Food Composition Database (FCD) which was last updated in 1997. The current FCD program was designed to expand the quantity and improve the quality of the existing database. The present work was aimed to determine the nutrient content of commercial rice products from three rice varieties classified as raw and processed foods, namely Basmati, Siam, and Fragrant rice. A total of six brands from each type of rice were sampled from a local supermarket within Klang Valley. Analyses were carried out for 27 nutrients that include proximate (Energy, Water, Protein, Fat, Carbohydrate, Total Dietary Fibre, and Ash), minerals (Magnesium, Calcium, Sodium, Iron, Zinc, and Copper), water soluble vitamins (C, B1, B2, B3, B6 and B9), fat soluble vitamins (A and E), total sugar, fatty acids (total saturated fat, total monounsaturated fat and total polyunsaturated), trans fatty acids, and cholesterol. The three rice varieties were found to contain comparable nutrient levels except for vitamin C, B1, A, E and total sugar which were not detected in all samples. The fatty acid (total saturated, total monounsaturated, and total polyunsaturated) as well as trans- fatty acid were detected at very low levels. Cholesterol was not detected in all samples. These findings can be utilised in raising public awareness and assistance to better estimate nutrient contents and intake depending on the varieties of rice.
Although Malaysia is one of the important pineapple fruit producing and exporting country, the production of MD-2 pineapple fruit only started in 2009. Pineapple fruit has been harvested at different ripening stages for different markets. The information on Malaysian grown MD-2 pineapple fruit quality is lacking. Therefore this work was carried out with the aim to determine physicochemical quality, antioxidant compounds and activity of MD-2 pineapple fruit at five ripening stages. Ripening stage affected physicochemical quality of MD-2 pineapple fruit. Soluble solids concentration of MD-2 pineapple fruit increased from 15.41 to 18.02% SSC when fruit ripened from stage 1 to 4 and no significant difference was found in fruit between stage 4 and 5. The ascorbic acid content decreased while total carotenoids content increased as ripening stage advanced. The total phenolic content of both 80% methanol and water extraction solvents increased significantly as fruit ripened from stage 1 to 3 and reduced as fruit ripened to stage 5. The antioxidant activity of MD-2 pineapple fruit as assayed using DPPH, FRAP and ABTS showed similar trend as total phenolic content. These results suggest that ripening stage affect MD-2 pineapple fruit quality and nutritional values.
Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) from Malvaceae family is an annual crop with potential for use by many industries including food, animal feed, neutraceutical, cosmeticeutical and pharmaceutical industries. Its origin is not fully known but it is believed to be from West Africa, although the plant is found native from India to Southeast Asia. The calyxes, stems and leaves are acid in flavour. The juice is produced from the calyces, and it is claimed to be a prohealth drink due to its high contents of ascorbic acid, anthocyanins and other antioxidants.
In the last decade, non-thermal processing for inactivating microorganisms has been developed in response to the worldwide interest for more fresh and improved quality of food products. Winter melon is a very perishable fruit, hence, processing into puree is a necessity. However application of heat in the production of puree could affect the nutritional values, thus, application of non thermal treatment in combination with preservation method is significant for this fruit. This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of non-thermal processing in combining with preservation method on antioxidant activity, level of key antioxidant groups (total phenolic and ascorbic acid content) and the color of winter melon puree. Total phenolic content (TPC) was measured using Folin-Ciocalteu reagent. Ascorbic acid (AA) was determined using 2,6-dichlorophenol-indophenol titration method. Antioxidant activity were determined using four antioxidant assays namely Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Potential (FRAP), Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity (ORAC), 2,2-Diphenyl-1-Picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and β-Carotene Bleaching Assays. For the TPC, puree with pH 3 (28.5±1.3 GAE/g fresh weight) exhibited high in TPC as compared to puree with pH 3.5 and unprocessed puree. In contrast, unprocessed puree contains significantly high ascorbic acid (AA) content (35.9 ± 1.8 mg/100 g fresh mass) as compared to pH 3.0 and pH 3.5 purees. In general, antioxidant activity for all assays of pH 3.0 and pH 3.5 purees were significantly higher (p
Vigna sinensis also known as long-podded cowpea or Chinese long bean (Family:Fabaceae) is most widely grown in Southeast Asia. They are a good source of protein, vitamin A, vitamin C, iron, phosphorus, and potassium. The antioxidant potential of crude methanol extract, chloroform, and ethyl acetate soluble fractions of Vigna sinensiswas screened for in- vitro antioxidant activity using total phenolic content, ferric reducing power, 2,2'-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS) assay, ferric thiocyanate (FTC) and thiobarbituric acid (TBA) tests. It was found that ethyl acetate fraction have maximum amount of polyphenolics compounds (2.69 mg/g GAE in concentration 0.5 mg/mL); more effective than methanol and chloroform extract.This fraction also exhibited fairly good antioxidant activity with in both TBA (17.39% mg/g GAE) and FTC (12.65% mg/g GAE) methods.
This study was carried out to determine the nutritional status of 16 elite netball players of the Commonwealth Games 1998, during centralised training at Bukit Jalil. The mean age of the subjects was 21.1 ± 3.1 year. The physical characteristics were assessed through antropometric measurements. The dietary intake was estimated as a mean of 3-days weighed food record while the physical activity pattern was determined by time and motion study which was carried out simultaneously. A biochemical analysis test was carried out to evaluate the haemoglobin status of the athletes. The results indicated that the mean body weight and height were 62.5 ± 7.9 kg and 1.69 ± 0.06 meter, respectively. The percentage average body fat of the subjects was 23.7 ± 2.8. Mean energy intake was recorded as 2726 ± 507 kcal/day while energy expenditure was 3225 ± 409 kcal/d with a negative energy balance of 499 kcal. The contribution of calories from carbohydrate, protein and fat were 59%, 16% and 26%, respectively. Intake of most micronutrients was sufficient and met the Malaysian RDA. The percentage average of the daily physical activity pattern revealed that 74% was spent for light activities, 12% for moderate while 14% for heavy activities. 94% of the athletes took supplements which vitamin C was the most popular (64%).
Efficacy of some Malaysian herbal aqueous extracts, BHA/BHT (synthetic antioxidants) and ascorbic acid in retarding oxidative rancidity was tested with cakes. The development of lipid oxidation products during 15 days at room temperature was evaluated by means of Peroxide Value (PV) and Thiobarbituric acidreactive substances (TBARS) value. The six formulations consists of control sample (cake without addition of antioxidant) (F1), cake added with curry leaves extract (F2), cake incorporated with kesum leaves extract (F3), cake added with tenggek burung leaves extract (F4), cake incorporated with ascorbic acid (F5) and cake added with BHA/BHT (F6). Formulation with the incorporation of tenggek burung leaves extract showed powerful oxidative stability effect compared to the formulations with othe plant extracts and control sample. However, cakes with BHA/BHT showed the strongest oxidative stability throughout the storage period. Therefore, it is suggested that tenggek burung leaves extract can be added into the food system for effectiveness as antioxidant to prolong the shelf life of the product.
Introduction: Hygrocybe conica (HC), a wild mushroom commonly consumed by the indigenous people (Orang Asli) in Peninsular Malaysia, was assessed for its antioxidant content. Methods: The HC mushroom was extracted using distilled water and the crude extract partitioned using different solvents and open column chromatography to evaluate its potential antioxidant properties. The mushroom extract was partitioned using liquid-liquid extraction into the hexane (Fl), chloroform (F2), butanol (F3) and formic acid (F4) fractions. Based on solvent polarity, the water extract of the mushroom was fractionated into non-polar (FI), semi-polar (Fii), and polar fractions (Fiii) using open column chromato graphy. Antioxidant capacities were determined using DPPH, ABTS, and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays while Folin-Ciocalteu reagent assay was used to determine total phenolic content (TPC). Results: The HC extract had the highest TPC and DPPH scavenging capacity compared to its extract fractions. TE values (ABTS assay) of F2 and F4 were not significantly higher than the HC extract. Among the extract fractions of different polarities, Fiii had the highest antioxidant capacities (DPPH and FRAP) compared to FI and Fii while FRAP values of these fractions were not significantly lower than the FRAP value of HC extract. The HC extract had significantly lower antioxidant capacity than antioxidant standards (ascorbic acid and BHA). Tannie acid as the main bioactive component in HC mushroom was detected using HPLC method. The presence of phenolics in HC extract was also confirmed using TLC. Conclusion: Due to the presence of potent phenolic components, the mycelia of HC could be consumed for potential antioxidative benefits.
This study was conducted to determine radical scavenging activity and vitamin antioxidant composition in red pitaya from organic plantation. For antioxidant vitamins analysis, a reverse-phase high performance liquid chromatography was used and radical scavenging activity of methanolic and water extract were determined using 1,1-diphenyl-2-pircrylhydrazyl assay. Results for radical scavenging activity, red pitaya methanolic extract achieved the highest percentage 70.13% compared with water extract (47.13%). Antioxidant vitamins composition in red pitaya showed that the concentration of vitamin A is 120.13 ± 0.69 μg/100 g freeze-dried sample, vitamin C is 540.27 ± 0.59 μg/100 g fresh samples and vitamin E is 105.67 ± 0.56 μg/100 g freeze-dried samples. This shows that red pitaya may become an alternative and potential source of natural antioxidant.
An assessment of the daily intake of major nutrients among 409 adults (males and females aged between 18-60 years, normal body mass index) residing in four regions in Malaysia was carried out as part of a major study on energy requirement. Subjects from both urban and rural areas completed a 3-day food record during the study. Mean energy intake among the men and women were 9.05 ± 2.21 MJ/day (2163 kcal/day) and 7.19 ± 1.60 MJ/day (1718 kcal/day) respectively, corresponding to 90% of the Malaysian RDA. A mean of 14% of the total energy was derived from protein, 23% from fat and 63% from carbohydrate. Energy intake amongst male subjects in the rural area (8.47 MJ/day, 2024 kcal) was significantly lower than their urban counterparts (9.52 MJ/day, 2275 kcal). There was no difference in mean energy intake in both the urban (7. 19 MJ/day, 1718 kcal) as well as rural women (7.16 MJ/day, 1711 kcal) corresponding to 86% of the RDA. The distribution of nutrients to the total energy intake amongst rural subjects were 13% for protein in both males and females, 65% for carbohydrate in males and 66% in females and 19% for fat in males and 21% for females. In the urban male and female subjects, the distribution of protein, carbohydrate and fat to the total energy intake were 14%, 55% and 29% and 30% respectively. The rural subjects showed a poorer mean intake of vitamins and minerals compared to the urban subjects. The diets of the male subjects in the rural area were deficient, less than two-third RDA in calcium, riboflavin and niacin. Calcium and iron intakes were less than two-third RDA in both the rural as well as the urban women. The rural women also had a poor intake of vitamin A and niacin. Overall, only protein and vitamin C intake met the RDA in most subjects from rural and urban areas.
This study aimed to determine total phenolic content (TPC), total antioxidant activity (TAA), antioxidant vitamin composition (A, C, and E) of pomegranate fruit. In addition, two edible parts of pomegranate juice, pomegranate seed, and combination of them were compared based on antioxidant properties. TPC was determined by using Folin-Ciocalteu (FC) method based on colorimetric reduction. Ferric reduction ability power (FRAP assay) was used to test the antioxidant activity. Vitamin assessments were conducted by using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Results for antioxidant vitamin composition in pomegranate juice (PJ) showed that the concentration of vitamin A was 22.8 ± 0.69 μg/100 g, vitamin C was 57.8 ± 0.59 mg/100 g, and vitamin E was 0.07 ± 0.01 mg/100 g. Besides, TPC in PJ, pomegranate seed (PS), and pomegranate seed-juice (PSJ) was 2502 ± 54, 165 ± 49, and 2696 ± 49 mg GAE/L, and TAA was 32 ± 5.1, 20 ± 2.8, and 47 ± 5.5 mmol/L respectively. This study revealed that PSJ contained high level of phenolic compounds, antioxidant activity, and vitamin C. In addition, TPC was as main contributor to antioxidant activities, and positively correlated with TAA (r2 = 0.91, p
This study was undertaken to evaluate the potential of fruit waste materials as source of natural antioxidant. The fruit peels including mango, guava and papaya peel were used in this study. The total phenolic content (TPC) was determined by Folin-Ciocalteu assay while antioxidant activities were determined by using ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging, ferric thiocynate (FTC) and thiobarbituric acid (TBA) assays. These antioxidant activities were compared to synthetic antioxidants, BHA/BHT combination and ascorbic acid. The results demonstrated that TPC ranged from 3.23 to 15.84 g GAE/100 g extract. Mango peels extract exhibited highest TPC compared to guava peel and papaya peel extract. In the FRAP assay, mango peel extract at 200 ppm, guava peel extract at 400 ppm and papaya peel extract at 1200 ppm, exhibited reducing power comparable to the permissible amount of BHA/BHT at 200 ppm. At concentration of 250 μg/ml, the DPPH radical scavenging activity of extracts and standards decreased significantly in the order of mango peel extract > guava peel extract > BHA/BHT > ascorbic acid > papaya peel extract. For the FTC assay, the antioxidant activity of mango peel extract was significantly higher than ascorbic acid, guava peel and papaya peel extract but lower than BHA/BHT while in the TBA assay, percentage inhibition of BHA/BHT and ascorbic acid were found to be higher than fruit peel extracts. The quantitative analysis for flavonoids showed the presence of catechin, epicatechin and kaempferol in the peel extracts.
The Malaysian skincare industry is growing rapidly with a vast number of new sunscreens being produced annually. Inadequate skincare regulations and lack of enforcement have resulted in the overrating of sunscreens’ quality. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the local and international sunscreens and to determine the effects of adding concentrated antioxidants into them. Three local and three internationally manufactured sunscreens were tested for the in vitro Ultraviolet A protection factor (UVAPF), Sun Protection Factor (SPF) and photostability. The creams were spread onto roughened polymethylmethacrylate plates where the absorbance was measured using a spectrophotometer before and after two hours of sunlight irradiation. The procedure was repeated combining available concentrated vitamin C and E creams. International sunscreens were found to have more accurate SPF labels (p=0.009) while local sunscreens were found to be more photostable (p=0.003). However, both sunscreens had inadequate UVAPF (p=0.471). Vitamin C enhanced the SPF values (p= 0.04) of both groups of sunscreens while vitamin E enhanced their photostability (p=0.000). Interestingly, combining vitamins C and E rich creams with the sunscreens had no effect on the SPF and UVAPF values as compared to the use of a single vitamin. More importantly, the combination of vitamins decreased the photostability (p=0.002) of sunscreens as compared to the addition of vitamin E alone. In conclusion, photoprotection is best achieved when sunscreens are used together with creams containing either vitamin C or E alone.
Physical training is associated with oxidative stress and improvement in blood antioxidant status. In this study, we investigated the effects of training on plasma malondialdehyde (MDA) and 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE) as markers of lipid peroxidation, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, and ascorbic acid (AA) after a single bout of acute exercise. Twelve healthy, untrained young adult men were recruited for 5 weeks of aerobic training period. They were subjected to a rope-skipping exercise for 20 minutes at the intensity of 65-80% of heart rate reserve, thrice weekly. They also had to perform a single, acute bout of the same exercise protocol prior to and after training period. Venous blood samples were collected at resting condition (BL), immediately (0 h) and 24 hours (24 h) post acute exercise on both single bout sessions. Results showed that the pattern changes of oxidative stress response are quite similar on both acute sessions. The acute bouts of rope-skipping is associated with a significant increased (p = 0.001) in lipid peroxidation markers immediately after cessation of exercise, with a concomitant increases in antioxidant levels, albeit higher when compared to pre-training values (p = 0.001). These changes were followed by a significant decreased (p = 0.001) in all parameters, toward resting values, 24 hours thereafter. The training program seemed to induce a significant increase in MDA and 4-1-INE but also enhanced the antioxidant defense system namely SOD and AA among the untrained subjects.
Magnetic nanoparticles of Fe₃O₄ were synthesized and characterized using transmission electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. The Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles were found to have an average diameter of 5.48 ±1.37 nm. An electrochemical biosensor based on immobilized alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles was studied. The amperometric biosensor was based on the reaction of ALP with the substrate ascorbic acid 2-phosphate (AA2P). The incorporation of the Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles together with ALP into a sol gel/chitosan biosensor membrane has led to the enhancement of the biosensor response, with an improved linear response range to the substrate AA2P (5-120 μM) and increased sensitivity. Using the inhibition property of the ALP, the biosensor was applied to the determination of the herbicide 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D). The use of Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles gives a two-fold improvement in the sensitivity towards 2,4-D, with a linear response range of 0.5-30 μgL-1. Exposure of the biosensor to other toxicants such as heavy metals demonstrated only slight interference from metals such as Hg2+, Cu2+, Ag2+ and Pb2+. The biosensor was shown to be useful for the determination of the herbicide 2, 4-D because good recovery of 95-100 percent was obtained, even though the analysis was performed in water samples with a complex matrix. Furthermore, the results from the analysis of 2,4-D in water samples using the biosensor correlated well with a HPLC method.
Propolis contains high concentrations of polyphenols, flavonoids, tannins, ascorbic acid, and reducing sugars and proteins. Malaysian Propolis (MP) has been reported to exhibit high 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical-scavenging activity and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) values. Herein, we report the antioxidant properties and cardioprotective properties of MP in isoproterenol- (ISO-) induced myocardial infarction in rats. Male Wistar rats (n = 32) were pretreated orally with an ethanol extract of MP (100 mg/kg/day) for 30 consecutive days. Subcutaneous injection of ISO (85 mg/kg in saline) for two consecutive days caused a significant increase in serum cardiac marker enzymes and cardiac troponin I levels and altered serum lipid profiles. In addition significantly increased lipid peroxides and decreased activities of cellular antioxidant defense enzymes were observed in the myocardium. However, pretreatment of ischemic rats with MP ameliorated the biochemical parameters, indicating the protective effect of MP against ISO-induced ischemia in rats. Histopathological findings obtained for the myocardium further confirmed the biochemical findings. It is concluded that MP exhibits cardioprotective activity against ISO-induced oxidative stress through its direct cytotoxic radical-scavenging activities. It is also plausible that MP contributed to endogenous antioxidant enzyme activity via inhibition of lipid peroxidation.
Throughout the cryopreservation process, plants were exposed to a series of
abiotic stresses such as desiccation and osmotic pressure due to highly concentrated
vitrification solution. Abiotic stress stimulates the production of reactive oxygen species
(ROS) which include hydrogen peroxide, superoxide radicals, and singlet oxygen. Higher
production of ROS may lead to oxidative stress which contributes to the major injuries in
cryopreserved explants. Antioxidant enzymes in plant such as ascorbate peroxidase
(APX) can protect plants from cell damage by scavenging the free radicals. This study was
determined based on APX enzyme activity of Aranda Broga Blue orchid’s protocorm-like
bodies (PLBs) in response to PVS2 (Plant Vitrification Solution 2) cryopreservation
treatments at different stages. PLBs that were precultured at 0.25 M sucrose for 3 days
were subjected to vitrification cryopreservation method. Results obtained showed that the
highest APX activity was achieved at PVS2 cryoprotectant treatment prior liquid nitrogen
(LN) storage. This phenomenon indicating that accumulation of osmotic and dehydrating
stress throughout the cryopreservation treatment resulted in oxidative burst which in turn
leads to higher APX activity in order to control the excess production of ROS. To
conclude, PVS2 treatment was revealed as the most detrimental step throughout
cryopreservation treatment. Thus, this research also suggested that exogenous
antioxidant such as ascorbic acid can be added throughout cryopreservation procedure
especially at PVS2 treatment in the future experiments to aid in regrowth of cryopreserved
explants by reducing oxidative stress.
The proximate composition including mineral and vitamin contents of 16 fruits and 46 vegetables (leaves, fruits, palm hearts and shoots) of indigenous origin in Sarawak are provided. Fruits like dabai (Canarium odontophyllum), kembayau (Dacryodes rostrata f. cuspidata), durian nyekak (Durio kutejensis) and durian kuning (Durio graveolens) are very nutritious with high values for energy, protein and potassium. Among the vegetables, the protein content of letup (Passiflora foetida), kepayang (Pangium edule) and tubu (Pycnarrhena tumetacta) is high, ranging from 6 to 7%. The range of nutrients among foods of indigenous origin are generally comparable with those of many cultivated species except for vitamin C, which is lower. Teh Kampung (Leucosyke capitellata) leaves are particularly high in magnesium (626 mg/100 g). Some of the indigenous vegetables contain antinutritional factors. Kepayang has very high levels of hydrogen cyanide (1834 µg/g on dry basis) but this poison can be completely evaporated by boiling. Indigenous fruits and vegetables which are pesticide residue free are important food sources for rural populations. Nutritious indigenous fruits and vegetables have the potential to be promoted for wider use, domestication and commercialization.