Silymarin compounds: Chemistry, innovative extraction techniques and synthesis
Abstract Silymarin complex consisting of four flavonolignans (silychristin, silydianin, silibinin and taxifolin) has been used from ancient times in both traditional European and Asian medicine for liver disorders treatment. Moreover, over the last years, the anticancer activity of these compounds against various types of cancer cells (e.g., breast, skin, colon, cervix, ovary, prostate, lung and hepatocellular cancers, among others) has been demonstrated. Therefore, at this stage of development, food and pharmaceutical interest have shown an increased interested in the recovery of these molecules. Conventional solvent extraction has been traditionally used to recover silymarin complex from …
Novel Food Processing and Extraction Technologies of High-Added Value Compounds from Plant Materials
Some functional foods contain biologically active compounds (BAC) that can be derived from various biological sources (fruits, vegetables, medicinal plants, wastes, and by-products). Global food markets demand foods from plant materials that are “safe”, “fresh”, “natural”, and with “nutritional value” while processed in sustainable ways. Functional foods commonly incorporate some plant extract(s) rich with BACs produced by conventional extraction. This approach implies negative thermal influences on extraction yield and quality with a large expenditure of organic solvents and energy. On the other hand, sustainable extractions, such as microwav…
Green food processing: concepts, strategies, and tools
Abstract One of the developmental aspects of food science is testing and adapting advanced technologies for food production, which save resources and improve food quality. More often than not, this includes technologies operating at lower temperatures, shorter time, and resulting in better preservation of the thermolabile compounds in the foods, as compared to conventional technologies. Nutritionally rich but thermally sensitive raw materials such as fruit, vegetables, meats, and others can particularly benefit from the application of such advanced food technologies. Technologies with the most tested potential for industrial implementation include nonthermal plasma, pulsed electric field, h…
Functional Foods: Product Development, Technological Trends, Efficacy Testing, and Safety
Functional foods is a very popular term in the social and scientific media; consequently, food producers have invested resources in the development of processed foods that may provide added functional benefits to consumers’ well-being. Because of intrinsic regulation and end-of-use purposes in different countries, worldwide meanings and definitions of this term are still unclear. Hence, here we standardize this definition and propose a guideline to attest that some ingredients or foods truly deserve this special designation. Furthermore, focus is directed at the most recent studies and practical guidelines that can be used to develop and test the efficacy of potentially functional foods an…
Active packaging films with natural antioxidants to be used in meat industry: A review.
Spoilage of meat products during processing, distribution and exposure in the markets have an important negative impact on meat industry from an economic point of view. Two of the main problems of meat and products during processing and subsequent storage are lipid oxidation and deterioration due to microorganism growth. In this context, several packaging alternatives have been developed by meat industry in order to limit these losses and to extend the meat products´ shelf life. Over the last years, the use of active packaging has been proposed as an alternative to traditional packaging. The principle of active packaging, particularly antioxidant active packaging, consists of including acti…
Stability and extraction of bioactive sulfur compounds from Allium genus processed by traditional and innovative technologies
Abstract Since ancient times, species from the Allium genus have been used in both culinary and medicinal applications. The health promoting properties, with well documented “evidence-based” studies, were attributed to the genus’ high content of bioactive organosulfur compounds. For these reasons, the organosulfur compounds have attracted interest in both food and pharmaceutical industries to be used as additives or supplements. Therefore, improvement in the extraction and stability during processing and storage of these molecules is crucial. The presented review documents the effects of traditional and innovative processing techniques on the extraction and stability of organosulfur compoun…
Bioavailability and food production of organosulfur compounds from edible Allium species
Abstract Allium members are known for their wide use in culinary dishes and the content of their bioactive compounds. In this aspect, edible Allium members, such as garlic (A. sativum), onion (A. cepa), leeks (A. porrum), chives (A. schoenoprasum), and shallots (A. ascalonicum), have been widely studied with respect to their functional properties in vivo. Their beneficial effects on humans are closely associated with bioavailability of organosulfur compounds (OSCs) in allyl and methyl forms. However, the OSCs are thermally unstable, so it is important to identify critical processing types/parameters that have destructive effects on bioavailability of the OSCs, and possibly to avoid them in …
Phenolic and Antioxidant Analysis of Olive Leaves Extracts (Olea europaea L.) Obtained by High Voltage Electrical Discharges (HVED)
Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate high voltage electrical discharges (HVED) as a green technology, in order to establish the effectiveness of phenolic extraction from olive leaves against conventional extraction (CE). HVED parameters included different green solvents (water, ethanol), treatment times (3 and 9 min), gases (nitrogen, argon), and voltages (15, 20, 25 kV). Methods: Phenolic compounds were characterized by ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometer (UPLC-MS/MS), while antioxidant potency (total phenolic content and antioxidant capacity) were monitored spectrophotometrically. Data for Near infrared spectroscopy (NIR) spectroscopy, colorimetry…
Pulsed electric fields as an alternative to thermal processing for preservation of nutritive and physicochemical properties of beverages: A review
Fruit juices and other beverages constitute an important source of bioactive compounds, but thermal processing may reduce their contents thus decreasing natural nutritive value of foods. This has been recently led to the use of non-thermal technologies, especially pulsed electric fields (PEF) as an interesting alternative to thermal pasteurization of beverages. Reported results show that PEF is a useful for pasteurization of fruit juices that can minimize changes in physicochemical and nutritional properties with retention of higher amounts of health-related phytochemicals. This study presents an overview of the effect of PEF on the physicochemical (e.g., Brix, pH, viscosity, acidity, color…
Green extraction approach for the recovery of polyphenols from Croatian olive leaves (Olea europea)
Abstract Pressurized liquid extraction (PLE) is shown as an innovative green technology for the effective extraction of the various phytochemicals from food by-products, therefore the aims of this study were to evaluate the application of PLE to engineer green extracts of Croatian olive leaves ( Olea europaea , cv. Oblica) for potential industrial production (functional foods/pharmaceuticals). PLE was conducted under various cycle numbers (1, 2), temperature (60, 80, 100 °C) and static times (5, 10, 15 min). Obtained extracts were characterized in terms of: (i) total polyphenols (TP); (ii) total flavonoids (TF); hydroxycinnamic acids (HCA); and (iv) flavonols (FLA). Response surface methodo…
High‐power ultrasound altered the polyphenolic content and antioxidant capacity in cloudy apple juice during storage
The aim was to investigate the influence of high‐power ultrasound treatment (HPU) on polyphenolic stability and antioxidant capacity in cloudy apple juice during 7 days of storage at 4°C. HPU (100 W, 30 kHz frequency) was operated at: (i) amplitude 40 versus 80%, (ii) the probe diameter 7 versus 10 mm, and (iii) treatment time of 3, 6, and 9 min. Total phenols (TP), total flavan‐3‐ols (TFL), and in vitro antioxidant capacity (DPPH and FRAP) were determined spectrophotometrically. Findings revealed that HPU significantly decreased TP, TFL, and antioxidant capacity in the samples. However, results indicated that examined sonication parameters, represented as the probe diameter and treatment t…
Pulsed Electric Field Processing of Fruit Juices
Abstract Fruit juices and other liquid foods constitute an important source of bioactive compounds. However, the techniques used for their processing may cause alterations in their contents, and consequently they do not provide the benefits expected by the consumer. This fact has led to the increasing use of nonthermal processing technologies, such as pulsed electric field (PEF), which have been developed over recent decades as alternative technologies to thermal pasteurization of liquid foods. Researchers have previously studied the effects of PEF on the main compounds affecting the quality and the health-related properties. The reported results show that PEF could be used to pasteurize fr…
Impact of conventional and non-conventional processing on prickly pear ( Opuntia spp.) and their derived products: From preservation of beverages to valorization of by-products
Abstract Background In recent years, both food researchers and food industry have shown growing interest in Opuntia fruits, as they constitute a good source of phytochemicals such as phenolics, vitamin C, vitamin E, polysaccharides and betalains. Many of these compounds have shown antioxidant, anti-cancer, antiatherosclerotic and/or hepatoprotective properties. Moreover, the fruit is also a source of dietary fibers, which promote bowel transit, thus preventing constipation. Scope and approach Due to these properties, Opuntia fruits are considered as functional products offering numerous health benefits when are consumed as fresh or processed product. However, these compounds can lose their …
Pressurized hot water extraction (PHWE) for the green recovery of bioactive compounds and steviol glycosides from Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni leaves
Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni leaves are a natural source of diterpenic glycosides, and various bioactive compounds. The objectives were to characterize antioxidants and steviol glycosides in the extracts obtained from Stevia after "green" pressurized hot water extraction (PHWE). PHWE extracts were obtained at different temperatures (100, 130, 160 °C); static extraction times (5 and 10 min), and cycle numbers (1, 2, 3) using a constant pressure of 10.34 MPa. Temperature was the most important parameter for extraction, where the highest recoveries of all bioactive compounds (except for carotenoids) were at 160 °C. Extracts obtained at longer static times had more steviol glycosides, condensed ta…
Enhancing Bioactive Antioxidants’ Extraction from “Horchata de Chufa” By-Products
During the production of a traditional drink produced from the tubers of Cyperus esculentus L. also known as “horchata de chufa,” a high quantity of by-products are generated. These by-products are rich with valuable biological compounds, hence, there is a need to report their extraction conditions for further use in food production as raw materials. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate and improve the conventional extraction process, applied for recovery of phenolic compounds, total flavonoids, and total antioxidant capacity from the by-products. Independent variables for extraction were: (i) Solvent type (mixtures of ethanol-water (v/v) at 0%, 25% and 50%)
Sources, Chemistry, and Biological Potential of Ellagitannins and Ellagic Acid Derivatives
Abstract The consumption of polyphenols is considered an important part of a healthy life style and is related to reducing the risk for diseases. Ellagitanins (e.g., vescalagin, punicalagin, and castalagin) and ellagic acid and its derived compounds (e.g., urolithin) have been receiving attention in recent years as bioactive substances. This class of phenolic substances can be found in berries, pomegranates, walnuts, almonds, and other plant material that is consumed as traditional medicine to treat inflammatory diseases. Human gut microbiota are considered to play an important role in the bioactivity of ellagic acid derivative activity due to the production of urolithin and its antiinflamm…
Comparing the effects of thermal and non-thermal technologies on pomegranate juice quality: A review.
The consumption of pomegranate juice (PJ) has increased substantially since scientific literature reported its therapeutic benefits that are attributable to antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-carcinogenic, and anti- inflammatory properties. The growing consumer demands for fresh and high-quality food products have led to the interest in non- thermal technologies for preservation of fruit juices. Although thermal pasteurization is the most widely used preservation technology, it has adverse effects on the nutritional and sensory quality of juices. Conversely, non- thermal technologies are suitable alternatives for preservation and without negative effects on the quality. However, there is limi…
Strategies to achieve a healthy and balanced diet: fruits and vegetables as a natural source of bioactive compounds
Abstract The main world health problems are obesity and chronic diseases such as diabetes, cancer, and cardiovascular problems. They are etiologically linked with the reduced consumption of fruits and vegetables and increased intake of salt, fats from animal origins, trans fatty acids, sugars, and sugary beverages. Various strategies for educating the public tend to promote the increased consumption of bioactives from fruits and vegetables and dieting, while creating affordable and nutritious foods from sustainable raw materials. These strategies include educating the public about dietary tools and the industrial use of advanced nonthermal food processing and production technologies from re…
Valorization of waste and by-products from food industries through the use of innovative technologies
Abstract Food waste and by-products, which are normally regarded as not being valuable, have great potential for valuable compounds production. Valorization of these materials not only means more nutrients or bioactive compounds, but also addresses environmental issues caused by discarding these “waste” materials. This chapter discusses the nutritive and economic potential of food waste and by-products, as well as the application of innovative technologies (i.e., electrotechnologies, ultrasound, high hydrostatic pressure, nanotechnology, pressurized fluids) in food waste and by-products valorization. Such technologies improve the perspectives regarding waste utilization, paving the ways tow…
Japanese, Mediterranean and Argentinean diets and their potential roles in neurodegenerative diseases
Environmental factors are responsible of cellular senescence and processes found in the development of cognitive disorders. The aim of this paper is to compare benefits of the Japanese, Mediterranean, and Argentinian Diet on the onset or prevention of senile dementia (SD) and Alzheimer's Disease (AD). Special focus was on the effects of specific compounds such as polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), antioxidants, and saturated and trans fatty acids. A high adherence to diets rich in PUFAs, monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) and antioxidants may decrease the risk of developing neurodegenerative diseases ; while the predominance of saturated and trans fatty acids possibly rises it.
Innovative technologies for the recovery of phytochemicals from Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni leaves: A review.
Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni has gained increased industrial and scientific interests in the last 20 years, representing a suitable nutritional alternative to sucrose and artificial sweeteners. Moreover, this plant contains polyphenols, chlorophylls, and carotenoids that may be extracted for production of nutraceuticals and functional foods. Because of nutritional and technological advantages over sucrose, innovative approaches for the extraction of highly valued compounds from Stevia leaves have been developed and optimized. In contrast to conventional alternatives, innovative extraction methods allow higher yields in a shorter time, less usage of organic solvents, and reduced energy consumpt…
Sugar reduction: Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni as a natural sweetener
Abstract Excessive sugar consumption is associated with the development of numerous health problems, such as obesity and many chronic diseases (e.g., cardiovascular disease, diabetes). Obesity is a rapidly growing public health problem, thus its prevention and treatment are crucial to improve the quality of life. Among others, sugar-sweetened beverage consumption was considered as a key risk factor that contributes to a significant excess of sugar in the diet. The World Health Organization is intensively working on strategies to reduce sugar intake by featuring educational methods and innovative marketing techniques for various communities, media, governments, and industries. Despite many s…
An Integrated Approach to Mandarin Processing: Food Safety and Nutritional Quality, Consumer Preference, and Nutrient Bioaccessibility
Mandarins are a member of the Citrus genus and are the focus of growing commercial interest, with satsuma mandarins (Citrus unshiu) and the common mandarin (Citrus reticulata Blanco) being the most important mandarin varieties. The possible health benefits and functional properties of those fruits are often associated with the antioxidative function of vitamin C, carotenoids, and phenolic compounds. While most mandarins are consumed fresh, many are processed into juices (mostly cloudy), usually via thermal processing which can lead to the creation of off-flavors and may diminish nutritional quality. The aim of this review is to summarize the most significant and recent information on the sa…
Innovative technologies for encapsulation of Mediterranean plants extracts
Abstract Background High-added value biological compounds (BACs) from herbal and plant sources, such as essential oils (EO), antioxidants and volatile compounds, often exhibit remarkable features, ranging from nutritive and medicinal properties, as well as antimicrobial and antioxidant activities, which can be exploited in the production of functional foods. However, most BACs exhibit low water solubility, strong off-flavors/odors, and are generally unstable and easily degraded under common processing and storage conditions. Encapsulation is a technology that enables the delivery in food systems, the protection, as well as the controlled and targeted release of BACs. Scope and approach The …
Nanoencapsulation of promising bioactive compounds to improve their absorption, stability, functionality and the appearance of the final food products
The design of functional foods has grown recently as an answer to rising consumers’ concerns and demands for natural, nutritional and healthy food products. Nanoencapsulation is a technique based on enclosing a bioactive compound (BAC) in liquid, solid or gaseous states within a matrix or inert material for preserving the coated substance (food or flavor molecules/ingredients). Nanoencapsulation can improve stability of BACs, improving the regulation of their release at physiologically active sites. Regarding materials for food and nutraceutical applications, the most used are carbohydrate-, protein- or lipid-based alternatives such as chitosan, peptide–chitosan and β-lactoglobulin nanopart…
Microencapsulation of antioxidant compounds through innovative technologies and its specific application in meat processing
Background Meat has a complex physical structure and chemical composition that is very prone to oxidation. Plants are sources of biologically active compounds (antioxidants) of interest as potential raw materials for meat processing, primary as replacements for synthetic additives. Some examples are essential oils from aromatic plants that are usually unstable under common processing and storage conditions and exhibit strong smell and off flavour. Hence, stable delivery systems like encapsulation are required. Scope and approach Encapsulation, and particularly spray-drying, offers protection of active compounds, their controlled and targeted release in food products and ability to mask unac…
Innovative “Green” and Novel Strategies for the Extraction of Bioactive Added Value Compounds from Citrus Wastes—A Review
Citrus is a major processed crop that results in large quantities of wastes and by-products rich in various bioactive compounds such as pectins, water soluble and insoluble antioxidants and essential oils. While some of those wastes are currently valorised by various technologies (yet most are discarded or used for feed), effective, non-toxic and profitable extraction strategies could further significantly promote the valorisation and provide both increased profits and high quality bioactives. The present review will describe and summarize the latest works concerning novel and greener methods for valorisation of citrus by-products. The outcomes and effectiveness of those technologies such a…
An overview of organosulfur compounds from Allium spp.: From processing and preservation to evaluation of their bioavailability, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties
The use of Allium species and their extracts has been known since immemorial times due to their health beneficial properties. It is known that functional properties of Allium genus come from the high content of bioactive compounds. The biological activity of Allium extracts will be conditioned by the type of Allium variety, agricultural conditions, and specific extraction process used since all these factors affect the content and the profile of bioactive compounds. Innovative extraction techniques in comparison to conventional processes could be considered as a promising tool to recover bioactive compounds from Allium spp. with antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. Trying to fill…
Challenges and opportunities regarding the use of alternative protein sources: Aquaculture and insects
The world population is constantly growing so that the needs of food, including protein sources, will also increase considerably in the coming years. Animal farming has been related to numerous environmental consequences such as soil erosion, exaggerated water consumption, generation of large quantities of waste and accumulation of greenhouse gases. This is a situation that demonstrates the suitability and importance of finding more sustainable protein alternatives without losing the quality and the nutritional benefits of current common protein sources. In this context, it is worth highlighting the potential of insects and products derived from aquaculture. Particularly, farmed aquatic foo…
Berries extracts as natural antioxidants in meat products: A review.
The aim was to evaluate antioxidants from berries as replacement food additives for inhibition of lipid and protein oxidation in meat and meat products, since meats are highly susceptible to oxidation. Oxidation can be delayed/retarded by synthetic antioxidants with phenolic structures (e.g. butylated hydroxytoluene). However, new natural alternatives are needed for synthetic antioxidants due to the controversy regarding their possible negative health effects and consumers' demand for more ‘natural’ food additives. Berries are a good source of phenolic compounds, especially anthocyanins, which can be used as the potential alternative. Reviewed berries included bearberry (Arctostaphylos sp.)…
Extraction of bioactive compounds and essential oils from mediterranean herbs by conventional and green innovative techniques: A review
International audience; Market interest in aromatic plants from the Mediterranean is continuously growing mainly due to their medicinal and bioactive compounds (BACs) with other valuable constituents from essential oils (EOs). From ancient times, these plants have been important condiments for traditional Mediterranean cuisine and remedies in folk medicine. Nowadays, they are considered as important factors for food quality and safety, due to prevention of various deteriorative factors like oxidations and microbial spoilage. EOs have different therapeutic benefits (e.g. antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antifungal), while BACs mostly affect nutritive, chemical, microbiologi…
Untargeted screening of the bound / free phenolic composition in tomato cultivars for industrial transformation
BACKGROUND Tomato is one of the most important agricultural crops and it is characterized by a wide bioactive compound profile. However, little information is reported on its comprehensive polyphenol profile. In this work, 13 commercial tomato cultivars for industrial transformation were screened by ultra-high-pressure liquid chromatography coupled to quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC-QTOF-MS) for both free and bound phenolic profiles. Thereafter, the in vitro antioxidant activity of each cultivar was assessed by ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and oxygen radical absorbance activity (ORAC) assays. Multivariate statistics, i.e. orthogonal projection to latent struct…