This study aimed to determine total antioxidant and antioxidant activity of selected local varieties
of lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.). Five varieties (iceberg, butterhead, romaine, green coral and
red coral) were subjected to DPPH radical scavenging activity and ferric reducing antioxidant
power assay (FRAP) assays for determination of antioxidant activity. Total phenolic content
and total flavonoid content were determined as total antioxidant. The EC50 values obtained from
the DPPH radical scavenging assay ranged from 303.56 to 4485.41 μg/ml. The red coral lettuce
had the lowest EC50 value indicating it possesses the highest antioxidant activity among the
varieties. This variety also showed the highest FRAP value compared with the other varieties,
where the values ranged from 48.05 to 2135.82 mM Fe2+/100 g fresh weight. Total phenolic
content of samples ranged from 4.85 to 76.05 mg gallic acid equivalent/100 g fresh weight,
with the red coral lettuce had the highest value. Total flavonoid content of the lettuce samples
ranged from 2.28 to 21.96 mg quercetin equivalent/100 g fresh weight, and were significantly
different (p
Beans are distinctive among a diverse and broad class of legumes. Certain health products claimed their products are high in dietary fibers and total phenolic content (TPC) because they applied bean combinations. This study aimed to determine the dietary fibers and TPC of raw and cooked beans and its combinations. Individual beans studied were kidney bean, mung bean and chickpea. Bean combinations were done by mixing each of the homogenized beans flour in the ratio of 1:1 (w/w) and 1:1:1 (w/w/w). Dietary fibers were determined using enzymaticgravimetrical method whereas TPC was determined spectrophotometrically. Results showed the insoluble dietary fiber (IDF), soluble dietary fiber (SDF), total dietary fiber (TDF) and TPC for individual raw beans varied from 20.52 to 26.61 g/100 g, 1.20 to 2.45 g/100 g, 22.08 to 27.81 g/100 g and 0.48 to 1.04 mg GAE/g, respectively. For raw bean combinations, the IDF, SDF, TDF and TPC varied from 20.74 to 23.96 g/100 g, 2.3 to 2.50 g/100 g, 23.05 to 26.46 g/100 g and 0.80 to 0.85 mg GAE/g, respectively. No significant different (p > 0.05) in IDF and SDF for raw bean combinations and individual raw beans. Meanwhile, certain raw bean combinations contained significant higher (p < 0.05) TDF and TPC than individual raw beans. The IDF, SDF, TDF and TPC for individual cooked beans varied from 14.49 to 26.30 g/100 g, 1.40 to 2.02 g/100 g, 15.88 to 28.31 g/100 g and 0.57 to 1.20 mg GAE/g, respectively. For cooked bean combinations, the IDF, SDF, TDF and TPC varied from 15.73 to 23.03 g/100 g, 1.73 to 2.36 g/100 g, 17.46 to 24.95 g/100 g and 0.61 to 1.08 mg GAE/g, respectively. After cooking, the IDF, SDF, TDF and TPC of certain beans combinations were significantly higher (p < 0.05) than individual beans. This study supports the proposal that bean combinations can possibly be used as a method to increase the amount of dietary fibers and TPC.
High intake of trans fatty acids (TFA) may cause adverse changes in blood lipids as shown in many epidemiological studies. The major sources of TFA in human diet come from bakery products such as cookies, cakes, muffins, breads and pastries. In this study, total fat of baked products was determined using Soxhlet method while TFA content was determined on gas chromatograph using a highly polar capillary column and flame ionization detector. Exposure to TFA from the baked product was estimated based on Food Consumption Statistics of Malaysia 2003. High level of TFA was observed in muffins (3.21-7.34 g per 100 g food) followed by pastries (2.90-6.03 g per 100 g food) and cakes (2.26-8.36 g per 100 g food) regardless of products having brand name or not. Among the TFA isomers, trans 18:1 6t was the most abundant followed by trans 18:1 9t, trans 16:1 9t, trans 18:2 and small quantities of trans 18:1 11t. Exposure to TFA based on the Malaysian Food Consumption Statistics 2003 of the baked products was ranging from 0.14-0.18 g/day. Even with the low estimated exposure, actual intake of baked products must be monitored closely as other high fat food as these products is one of main contributor to TFA in the diet following their high frequency of daily intake.
Legume is a plant in the family of Fabacae or Leguminosae that rich in protein, carbohydrate, dietary fibre, and minerals. Germination of legume causes some important changes in the biochemical and a nutritional characteristic of the legumes that may be beneficial to human’s health and nutritional status. This study was carried out to determine the effect of germination on total phenolic, tannin and phytic acid contents of soy beans and peanut. The process of germination was carried out by soaking legumes in water for 6 hours, followed by germinating them in wet muslin cloth for 48 hours. After germination, samples were dried and stored in refrigerator before analysis. Total phenolic, tannin and phytic acid were determined spectrophotometrically. Total phenolic contents were decreased significantly (p
Vitamin C is one of the essential vitamins for human and animal. Many methods were
developed for the determination of vitamin C such as spectrophotometry, electrophoresis,
titration, and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). This study aims to compare
vitamin C content of citrus fruits (orange, grapefruit, lemon, lime, kaffir lime and musk lime)
using indophenol titration and HPLC-PDA methods. In the titration method, orange has the
highest vitamin C content (58.30 mg/100g) followed by grapefruit (49.15 mg/100g), lemon
(43.96 mg/100g), kaffir lime (37.24 mg/100g), lime (27.78 mg/100g) and musk lime (18.62
mg/100g). While, in the HPLC method orange also leads with the highest vitamin C content
(43.61 mg/100g) followed by lemon (31.33 mg/100g), grapefruit (26.40 mg/100g), lime (22.36
mg/100g), kaffir lime (21.58 mg/100g) and musk lime (16.78 mg/100g). Orange is the best
source of vitamin C while musk and kaffir lime have lower content. Significant differences
were observed in vitamin C of samples by both methods. Both methods are suitable for the
determination of vitamin C, however HPLC method is more accurate, precise and specific.
The antioxidant properties of skin, flesh and kernel of Canarium odontophyllum fruit were determined. The methanolic extracts of the fruit were screened for their total phenolic content and antioxidant properties. The averaged antioxidant properties (mM TE/g FM) in skin, flesh, and kernel of Canarium odontophyllum were 16.46 ± 0.24, 20.54 ± 0.35, and 8.89 ± 0.29, respectively by DPPH assay; 151.24 ± 9.75, 70.58 ± 2.98, and 5.65 ± 0.02, respectively by FRAP assay; and 47.9 ± 0.00, 11.61 ± 1.14, and 3.00 ± 0.00, respectively by β-Carotene bleaching method. The averaged OH scavenging activity (mg DMSOE/mg FM) in skin, flesh, and kernel of Canarium odontophyllum were 43.33 ± 13.85, 7.81 ± 1.42, and 3.31 ± 0.80, respectively. While averaged total phenolic content (mg GAE/100g FM) were 387.5 ± 33.23, 267.0 ± 4.24, and 51.0 ± 0.00 for skin, flesh, and kernel respectively. Antioxidant activities were positively correlated with the total phenolic content (0.71 ≤ r ≤ 0.84).
The level of total lipid and oryzanol content, an important antioxidant compound in locally produced bran was investigated. Total lipid in rice bran was extracted using 3:2 chloroform:methanol mixture yielding 16.4% fat. Oryzanol content was determined without saponification using a reverse-phase HPLC. Four fractions of oryzanol were successfully separated and quantitated. The 4 isomers were cycloartenyl ferulate, 24-methylene cycloartanyl ferulate, campestryl ferulate and mixtures of β–sitosteryl ferulate and cycloartanyl ferulate. The oryzanol content of local mixed varieties ranged from 23.7–43.0 mg g-1. The oryzanol concentration may depend on factors such as plant varieties, processing methods employed, extracting solvent used and ratio of extracting solvent to bran as well as extracting solvent temperatures. This study showed the potential of oryzanol extract from rice bran as a source of antioxidant.
This study aimed to compare the antioxidant content and antioxidant capacity of pulp and peel of two varieties of pomelo fruit (Tambun White and Tambun Pink). Antioxidants including total phenolic content, total flavonoid content and ascorbic acid content were determined using Folin-Ciocalteu reagent assay, aluminium chloride colorimetric assay and AOAC method, respectively. Antioxidant capacity of pomelo pulp and peel was measured using ferric reducing antioxidant potential and trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity assays. The peels of both pomelo fruits had higher antioxidant content and capacity than their pulps. Moreover, the white variety of pomelo had higher antioxidant content and capacity compared to the pink counterpart. Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity of the samples was positively high correlated with total phenolic content (r = 0.978) and total flavonoid content (r = 0.959), except for ascorbic acid. Therefore, pomelo peel from white variety possessed higher antioxidant properties and it is potentially rich sources of natural antioxidants.
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.
Legume is a plant in the family of Fabaceae (or Leguminosae) that is cultivated and consumed
throughout the world. Legume’s role in human health appears to be limited because of several
limiting factors such as low protein and starch digestibility, poor mineral bioavailability and
high antinutritional factors. Germination is defined as a process that occurs during seed growth
that starts with uptake of water until the emergence of radicle through the surrounding structure.
It has been suggested that germination is a cheaper and more effective technology that can
improve the quality of legumes by increasing their nutritional value. This study was conducted
to compare changes in dietary fibre and total sugar compositions after germination process in
kidney, mung, soy beans and peanuts. Total dietary fibre was found to be significantly increased
(p
The aim of this study was to determine hydrolytic stability [acid value (AV)] and oxidative stability [peroxide value (PV) and conjugated dienes (CD)] of selected blended oils during potato frying. The blended oils were prepared by blending palm oil with corn oil (POCO), sesame oil (POSO) and rice bran oil (PORBO). Blended vegetable oils were prepared in a ratio of 1 to 1 (v/v) and tested for 0, 10 and 20 times after frying potato. AV and PV were determined by titration method, while CD was determined using the spectrophotometric method. Increasing frequency of oil frying contributed to increased level of AV in all blended oils. PVs were increased in all samples, with most noticeable increment observed in POSO, followed by PORBO and POCO. CD levels of the blended oils were also increased after 20 times of potato frying compared with the unused oil and after 10 times of frying. POCO was the most stable oil in terms of hydrolytic and oxidative stabilities. It is most suitable for deep-fat frying of potato chips and industrial application.
Consumption of banana flower as a vegetable is popular among many countries in Southeast
Asia. In this study, banana flowers of six different Malaysian cultivars namely, pisang Abu
(Musa balbisiana cv P. Abu), pisang Berangan (Musa acuminata cv P. Berangan), pisang
Nipah (Musa balbisiana cv P. Nipah), pisang Susu (Musa acuminata cv P. Susu), pisang
Mas (Musa acuminate cv P. Mas) and pisang Rastali (Musa paradisiaca cv P. Rastali) were
investigated for their antioxidant and anti-hyperglyemic properties. The total poly phenolic
content and antioxidant activities, the α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitory potentials of the
banana flower extracts were studied in vitro using relevant assays. Among the six cultivars,
cultivar Susu was found to have the highest phenolic content (80.13 ± 4.64 mg of GAE/g of
extract) and displayed the highest ABTS+ and DPPH radical scavenging activities (24.73 ±
0.04 and 25.10 ± 0.15 µmole of Trolox equivalent/g of extract). The anti-amylase and antiglucosidase
activity of the banana flowers extracts were in the range of 47.31-62.58% and
74.98-91.62%, respectively. All banana flower extracts inhibited the activity of α-glucosidase
better than α-amylase at the concentration of 200 µg/ml. This study concluded that the extracts
of Malaysian banana flowers were potent sources of natural antioxidants, which can be used as
postprandial hyperglycemia regulators.
Proximate content and fatty acid composition of germinated and non-germinated legumes (kidney, mung, soy bean and peanut) and rice varieties (red, black, Barrio, brown and milled) were evaluated. In germinated samples, moisture content increased significantly while carbohydrate, protein and fat were decreased significantly. Total dietary fibre was increased in germinated samples except germinated kidney and mung bean. Germination also increased saturated fatty acids (SFA) in legumes, black, red and brown rice. Monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) decreased in all samples except germinated kidney, soy and Barrio rice. Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) increased in some germinated samples (mung bean, peanut, red, brown, Barrio and white rice) but decreased in other legume and rice samples. Generally, palmitic acid increased while stearic, oleic and linoleic acids decreased after germination. Overall, the proximate content and fatty acids of legume and rice varieties changed after germination and may be used as alternate resources for individuals with lifestyle diseases.
This study aimed to determine the protective effects of CO pulp and kernel oils supplementation to normocholesterolemic and hypercholesterolemic rabbits. Rabbits from the treatment groups were supplemented with CO pulp and kernel oils for four weeks. Bloods were drawn from all experimental groups at baseline and fourth week to determine protective effects of CO oils supplementation on plasma total antioxidant status (TAS) and catalase (CAT) activity. Liver function tests (ALT, AST, and GGT activities) were also determined for all the groups. The results showed that CO oil supplementation increased plasma TAS in both normal and hypercholesterolemic groups. Plasma CAT activities in the hypercholesterolemic groups supplemented with CO oils were significantly reduced but not for the normocholesterolemic groups. Significant reduction of plasma AST was observed for the hypercholesterolemic rabbits given CO pulp and kernel oils compared with the hypercholesterolemic control rabbits, but not for plasma ALT and GGT. In the normocholesterolemic rabbits, CO pulp oil had caused a significant elevation of plasma ALT, AST, and GGT levels as compared to the negative control rabbits. Therefore, CO pulp and kernel oils are somehow not hepatotoxic, and the oils are potent functional foods.
Introduction: This is a preliminary result of an on-going randomised cross-over trial to
compare the effects of consuming yellowstripe scad (YSS) and salmon, both rich in omega-3
fatty acids, on lipid profile, fasting glucose, body weight status, and blood pressure among
healthy overweight adults.
Methods: Fifty healthy overweight Malaysians aged 21-55 years
were recruited voluntarily through advertisements. During the first period of intervention,
subjects were randomised equally to receive eight weeks of either steamed whole YSS fish
(YSS group) or salmon fillet (salmon group), three days per week, obtaining approximately
7000 mg EPA+DHA per week. The diets were switched after an eight-week washout
period. Lipid profile, fasting glucose, body mass index, and blood pressure were evaluated
before and after each intervention period.
Results: The mean ages of YSS group (n=25)
and salmon (n=25) group were 30.6±9.1 and 27.9±7.1 years respectively. Both groups had
no statistically significant differences on socio-demographic characteristics (p>0.05). After
the first intervention period, there was a significant increase in total cholesterol within
the YSS group (p0.05). Both YSS and salmon
groups had significantly higher HDL-cholesterol levels after 8 weeks compared to baseline
(p0.05). However, there was a significant effect of time on
diastolic blood pressure (p
The study was conducted to determine the mineral contents of 20 species of marine fish and 4 species of shellfish from the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia.Overall, the contents of micro minerals in all samples were below the permissible limits; except for oyster; with copper slightly higher than the limit set by FAO/WHO (1984), but below the limit set by Malaysian Food Regulations (1985); and zinc content higher than the limit set by Malaysian Food Regulations (1985), but below the limit set by FAO/WHO (1984). Meanwhile for macro minerals, most samples contained comparable sodium contents, significantly lower of potassium contents, higher calcium contents, and extremely higher of magnesium contents compared to the common ranges reported in the literatures. All samples were good sources of micro and macro minerals and could provide multi-health benefits if consumed in recommended amounts.
This study was conducted to determine the major potential sources of industrially produced trans fatty acids (IP-TFAs) in Malaysian diet. Levels of IP-TFAs were initially determined in samples (n = 136) collected from 8 food groups (baked products, snacks, dairy products, breakfast cereals, fast foods, semisolid fats and cooking oils, and fried foods). A survey was carried out to 105 subjects aged 19-59 years old to determine the intake of IP-TFAs using Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ). The IP-TFAs range from 0-5.79% of food, with the highest found in semisolid fats and cooking oils (0.1-5.79%), followed by fast foods (0.04-0.86%), baked products (0.01-0.29%), breakfast cereals (0.06-0.45%), snacks (0.03-0.26%), dairy products (0-0.26%), and fried foods (0.002-0.06%). A Spearman’s Rho rank test showed that there were significant correlations (p < 0.05) between 4 of the food groups (semisolid fats and cooking oils, fast foods, fried foods, and baked products), with the total IP-TFA intakes of subjects. In general, total IP-TFAs intakes of subjects were < 1% of subjects' diet (0.067%-0.91% of subjects’ total calorie intakes). This indicate that high fat foods (semisolid fats and cooking oils, fast foods, fried foods, and baked products) were the main contributor of IP-TFAs in Malaysian diet, despite the low proportion of trans fatty acids, following their high frequency of daily intake.
Level of heavy metals in marine ecosystem has been intensively studied during recent years as these hazardous substances could be accumulated in the biota. Generally, the presence of contaminants in fish is a result of human activities such as industrial and agricultural wastes. In this study, the marine fish and shellfish from the Straits of Malacca were analyzed using Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrophotometer (ICP-OES) and Flow Injection Mercury System (FIMS) for Cd, As and Pb and Hg, respectively. The Straits of Malacca is one of the busiest shipping routes in the world that make the level of heavy metals potentially high besides the various industrial activities along the west region of Peninsular Malaysia. The range of heavy metals in samples were 1.0-3-6.5-3 µg/ g wet sample for Hg, 0.5-2-47-2 µg/ g wet sample for Cd, 0.01-0.39 µg/ g wet sample for Pb and 0.14-6.57 µg/ g wet sample for As. Most part of the values was below the permitted limit set by FAO/WHO 2004 as well as Food Act 1983 and Food Regulations 1985. Therefore it can be generalized that fish and shellfish from the Straits of Malacca are safe to consume in terms of these heavy metals concentrationand do not constitute a risk for human health.
This study was conducted to determine the cholesterol and alpha-tocopherol contents of 20 marine fish and four other seafood from the Straits of Malacca. Cholesterol and alphatocopherol contents of the fish and other seafood were determined using high-performance liquid chromatography. The results showed that most of the fish contained low amounts of cholesterol, except sixbar grouper (Epinephelus fasciatus), long-tailed butterfly ray (Gymnura sp.), yellowstripe scad (Selaroides leptolepis), cuttlefish (Sepia officinalis), large-scale tongue sole (Cynoglossus arel), and longtail shad (Hilsa macrura) that contained high amounts of cholesterol (119.39-353.97 mg/100 g wet samples). Indian mackerel (Rastrelliger kanagurta), giant seaperch (Lates calcarifer), prawn (Metapenaeus affinis), and moonfish (Trachinotus blochii) had high alpha-tocopherol contents (462-989 μg/100 g wet sample). Regular consumption of fish and other seafood is highly recommended partly due to the high alphatocopherol content. Due to the high cholesterol in certain types of fish, consumption of the fish fillets of sixbar grouper, long-tailed butterfly ray, yellowstripe scad, cuttlefish, and large scale tongue sole should be < 100 g per day and < 50 per day for longtail shad. Validation of the analytical method also showed a high accuracy and reproducibility of the HPLC method.
Glomus tympanicum is a highly vascular tumour traditionally treated surgically via a post-auricular approach. We present here the first published case in Malaysia where total excision was achieved transcanal endoscopically. The procedure was safe, quick and effective due to the better visualisation of the surgical field with the endoscope. Haemostasis was achieved with a modified suction catheter that performed as a functioning suction diathermy.