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Provitamin A and vitamin C contents in selected California-grown cantaloupe and honeydew melons and imported melons
Abstract
Vitamins are essential for human health and are mainly obtained from dietary sources. Cantaloupe and honeydew melons are abundant in provitamin A and vitamin C. California is one of the leading producers of cantaloupe and honeydew melons in the United States. Because melon is a warm-season crop, cantaloupe and honeydew melons are also imported to the United States from other countries to ensure year-around consumption. Nutrient content often varies among different melon varieties as well as among melons grown and harvested from different locations. To provide detailed nutrient information on domestic and imported melons, provitamin A and vitamin C contents of six California-grown and four imported melon varieties were determined by HPLC analysis and compared to the nutrient data published in the USDA nutrient database. Overall, California-grown and imported melons analyzed in the current work have higher vitamin A activity than values reported in the USDA database. Differential accumulation of provitamin A and vitamin C was observed among California-grown and imported melons. In addition, cantaloupe melons accumulate up to 60-fold more β-carotene than honeydew melons.
... The increase in demand for sweet melon fruit has resulted in production and release of new sweet melon varieties. Nutritional content can vary among varieties, and the production system used to grow them [14][15][16]. This study evaluated nutritional and phytochemical qualities at harvest and after postharvest storage of fruit from sweet melon cultivars grown in soilless culture. ...
... Thus, the concentration of β-carotene is dependent on the cultivar and fruit flesh color, which is linked to the pigments present in the fruit. Pigment (carotenoid and chlorophyll) compositions are largely different between cantaloupe and honeydew fruits [16]. With some limitations, color may be used as an indicator for β-carotene-rich sweet melon cultivars. ...
... With some limitations, color may be used as an indicator for β-carotene-rich sweet melon cultivars. Cantaloupe fruits do not contain chlorophyll, and β-carotene accounts for the majority of total carotenoids, while in honeydew melons, the major pigments are chlorophylls a and b [16]. β-ionone is a major norisoprenoid derived from β-carotene with a typical aroma, rarely found or in small quantities when present in green-and white-fleshed melon varieties [18]. ...
There is an increasing demand for sweet melon (Cucumis melo L.) fruit in fruit and vegetable markets due to its nutritional content, resulting in different cultivars being grown in different production systems. This study evaluated the nutritional and phytochemical contents of soillessgrown cantaloupe and honeydew sweet melon cultivars at harvest and postharvest. At harvestvitamin C and β-carotene concentrations were higher in orange-fleshed (cantaloupe) cvs. Magritte, Divine, Majestic, Cyclone, MAB 79001, E25F.00185, E25F.00075 and Adore, compared to green-fleshed (honeydew) cvs. Honey Brew and Honey Star. The zinc (Zn), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), magnesium (Mg) andcalcium (Ca) contents were higher in orange-fleshed compared to green-fleshed cultivars. Total phenolics content (TPC) in cv. E25F.00075 was the highest (2.87 mg GAE·g−1 dry weight). A significant, positive, correlation occurred between β-carotene and Zn, P, K, Ca and Mg contents. Postharvest storage duration affected TPC and total soluble solid content. The interaction of cultivar and postharvest storage duration affected flavonoid, vitamin C and β-carotene contents, free radical scavenging activity and fruit juice pH. Vitamin C and β-carotene contents decreased with increased postharvest storage duration while flavonoid content increased. The cantaloupe cultivars performed significantly better compared to the honeydew cultivars as evident in their high mineral element content, and vitamin C and β-carotene concentrations. Selection of appropriate cultivars in a production system should consider variation in nutritional traits of cultivars and postharvest storage duration. Soilless production of sweet melon cultivars in tunnels offers a viable alternative to open f ield to produce high-quality melons at harvest and postharvest.
... Melons are a good source of carotenoids, mainly β-carotene and lutein (Laur and Tian 2011;Amaro et al. 2015). Nevertheless, other carotenoids have also been detected such as α-carotene, β-cryptoxanthin, violaxanthin, neoxanthin, and zeaxanthin (Yano et al. 2005;Laur and Tian 2011;Condurso et al. 2012). ...
... Melons are a good source of carotenoids, mainly β-carotene and lutein (Laur and Tian 2011;Amaro et al. 2015). Nevertheless, other carotenoids have also been detected such as α-carotene, β-cryptoxanthin, violaxanthin, neoxanthin, and zeaxanthin (Yano et al. 2005;Laur and Tian 2011;Condurso et al. 2012). In details, Atef et al. (2013) recorded 0.56 mg/100 g DW of total carotenoid content in the melon pulp. ...
... In details, Atef et al. (2013) recorded 0.56 mg/100 g DW of total carotenoid content in the melon pulp. Laur and Tian (2011) demonstrated that β-carotene and lutein varied in different melon varieties of different geographical origins, ranging between 0.06 and 3.85, and 0.007 and 0.032 mg/100 g FW, respectively. Furthermore, β-carotene (1.44 mg/100 g FW) and ζ-carotene (1.08 mg/100 g FW) were also reported by Condurso et al. (2012). ...
Nowadays, the sustainability of food processing is a major concern coupled with the reduction of waste generation. Fruit and vegetable processing require modernization to valorize wastes and by-products highly generated, particularly because they are still rich in natural compounds that demanded human health. Melon (Cucumis melo L.) processing generates a high amount of wastes every year, which are recognized with a high content of bioactive compounds, including phenolics, carotenoids, and oils. This chapter reviews the current knowledge about the bioactive compounds present in the melon fruit, together with the nutritional properties, focusing on its by-products (pulp, peel, and seeds). The melon fruit contains important beneficial molecules, mainly antioxidants, which are of interest to the food, cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries. Moreover, extracts of melon parts have been shown to exhibit antimicrobial, antidiabetic, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, antihyperglycemic, and anti-proliferative effects in different in vitro and in vivo tests. Melon wastes can be considered an excellent natural source of many bioactive molecules with potential applications in the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries. This approach to food waste valorization fully meets the circular economy aims based on paradigm of reduction, reuse and recycling, and addresses some ethical issues.
... Melon (Cucumis melo L.) are widely cultivated horticultural crops that are well accepted by consumers due to their sweet fruit, aroma, and beneficial phytochemicals. β-Carotene is the major carotenoid in melons and ζ-carotene, lutein and βcryptoxanthin are the minor carotenoids [12,13]. Previous studies have reported methods for carotenoid quantification; for example, Esteras et al. [13] extracted carotenoids with hexane: Ace: ethanol (2:1:1) followed by saponification, drying, and redissolution. ...
... Laur et at. [12] also reported the presence of ζ-carotene in cantaloupe, but further quantification was not done due to the low ζ-carotene levels [12]. This is the first report on the identification of ζ-carotene isomers from melon. ...
... Laur et at. [12] also reported the presence of ζ-carotene in cantaloupe, but further quantification was not done due to the low ζ-carotene levels [12]. This is the first report on the identification of ζ-carotene isomers from melon. ...
Accurate, rapid quantitation of key antioxidants such as carotenoids is important for assessment of food quality. Carotenoids are lipid-soluble pigments that are susceptible to oxidation due to their highly conjugated carbon-carbon double bonds. Therefore, the present work focuses on improving sample preparation to facilitate rapid analysis of carotenoids. The method involves optimized carotenoid extraction followed by direct HPLC analysis without further concentration and redissolution. For extraction, we tested the effect of blending time (1, 3 and 5 min) and 12 different solvent combinations for carotenoid extraction from cantaloupe (Cucumis melo var. cantalupensis) and oranges (Citrus sinensis), two popular fruits that are high in carotenoids. The identification of carotenoids was performed by LC-APCI-QTOF-HR-MS in positive-ionization mode. In melon, 1 min blending time gave significantly higher β-carotene content with CHCl3: Ace (1:1) solvent. The optimized method was validated with tomato, watermelon, oranges, grapefruit, melon varieties and commercial products such as fruit juices. Among the different melon varieties, Western Shipper had significantly higher β-carotene (25.1 ± 0.4 µg/g) contents. In oranges, β-carotene and (all-E)-lycopene contents were 4.4 ± 0.1and 3.8 ± 0.1 µg/g, respectively. The optimized method has fewer unit operations and is reproducible for the quantitation of carotenoids and their isomers. This is the first report on the identification of ζ-carotene isomers, and lycopene isomers from cantaloupe varieties and lycopene from oranges.
Graphical Abstract
... Total carotenoids for each subplot was obtained using one 2-ml aliquot of tomato slurry that was thawed to room temperature. A total of 100 μl of tomato slurry was added to 1.9 ml of a 2:1:1 hexane, acetone, and ethyl acetate solution at room temperature (Laur & Tian, 2011). The solution was then sonicated for 10 min to extract the pigment from the slurry. ...
... After sonication, the solution was centrifuged at 13,000 rpm for 2 min, and repeated as needed to remove any tomato slurry remaining in suspension. The solution without a suspended slurry was then read at 450 nm with a UV spectrophotometer to obtain total carotenoids content (Laur & Tian, 2011). ...
Climate change is reducing water availability for crop production. Cultivated tomato, Solanum lycopersicum, has a limited genetic base for improvement. A wild tomato, Solanum habrochaites, is water stress tolerant and may serve as a genetic source of abiotic stress‐tolerance traits. A set of 24 introgression lines (ILs) derived from S. habrochaites and processing tomato inbred cultivar E6203 were evaluated in the field in replicated experiments over 3 years for 15 traits, including water stress tolerance‐related, fruit quality, and horticultural traits. A split plot experimental design was employed with reduced and full irrigation treatments as main plots. Subplots consisted of the ILs and control E6203, and trait data were collected on a per‐subplot basis. Statistical data analyses and bin mapping were performed on a per‐trait basis. Trait‐genomic region associations (TGRAs) were detected in ILs when a significant difference between E6203 and an IL was present. A total of 268 TGRAs were detected for all 15 traits. Traits mapped to introgressions in 22 of the 24 ILs and in 11 of 12 tomato chromosomes. ILs contributed both positive and negative allelic effects at TGRAs. TGRA with positive allelic effects from S. habrochaites were identified for soluble solids content, fruit weight, degree of fruit sunburn, canopy cover, and maturity. Our results suggest that S. habrochaites may be a useful resource for breeding improvement of certain fruit quality and horticultural traits in cultivated tomato. Overall, S. habrochaites alleles did not contribute to increased water stress tolerance relative to E6203 at the milder level of water stress used in this study.
... It is a source of major bioactive compounds, vitamins and potassium. Further, C. melo is rich in -carotene, which is a precursor for both phytoene and vitamin A [15,16], and several bioactive compounds, such as 3,4,5-trihydroxybenzoic acid (gallic acid), ellagic acid, salicylic acid, catechin, eugenol, quercetin, and vanillic acid were previously reported [17]. Thus, it possesses wide ranging biological properties, including antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anticancer activity [16]. ...
... The UV visible spectrum data recorded the occurrence of an absorbance peak at 415 nm, suggesting the materialization of AgNPs during the bioreduction process (Fig. 2). As reported earlier, the presence of UV-Visible absorption band around 420 nm is an indication of SPR property of AgNPs [3,15,21]. Most likely, the occurrence of various bio-reducing agents in the C. melo pericarp extract may involve in capping process to produce and stabilize nanoparticles. ...
The current investigation reports the structural and biological evaluation of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) biosynthesized from the pericarp extract of Cucumis melo L. (muskmelon). The AgNPs were characterized by ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectrophotometry, XRD (X-ray diffraction), SEM (scanning electron microscopy) and EDAX (energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy). The XRD analysis showed that biosynthesized AgNPs were having FCC (face centered cubic) crystalline structures. Further, the SEM and EDAX showed spherically shaped AgNPs having an average size of 25 nm. The AgNPs effectively inhibited the growth of Bacillus subtilis and Escherichia coli . Moreover, the cytotoxic assay of AgNPs revealed effective cytotoxicity against different cancer cells, such as HeLa, HCT-116, PC-3 and Jurkat in a dose reliant way. The cell viability was noticed to range from 50% to 60% with IC 50 values ranging from 150 μ g/mL to 224 μ g/mL. The lower cell viability indicates the toxic effects of biosynthesized AgNPs against these malignant cells. Thus, the current study shows that these biosynthesized AgNPs could be utilized in various medical applications in near future.
... To obtain tomato fruit carotenoids, the solvent system for extraction was adapted from Laur &Tian, 2011 andGuzman et al., 2010, with following modifications. For fast simultaneous extraction of both polar and non-polar carotenoids, hexane, acetone, and ethyl-acetate solvents were combined to make a 2:1:1 (v/v/v) extraction mixture. ...
... To obtain tomato fruit carotenoids, the solvent system for extraction was adapted from Laur &Tian, 2011 andGuzman et al., 2010, with following modifications. For fast simultaneous extraction of both polar and non-polar carotenoids, hexane, acetone, and ethyl-acetate solvents were combined to make a 2:1:1 (v/v/v) extraction mixture. ...
Phenotyping for vegetable fruit quality traits can involve laborious postharvest and biochemical assays, decreasing efficiency of data collection. Portable devices that are easy to use and withstand in‐field conditions to non‐destructively and accurately quantify internal fruit quality traits would greatly enhance efficiency in breeding programs. We evaluated a hand‐held quality spectrophotometer, the Felix‐750, as an in‐field tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) and pepper (Capsicum annuum) high‐throughput phenotyping tool. Fruit quality traits included pH, soluble solids, carotenoids, and shrink in germplasm grown in replicated split‐plot field trials. Germplasm included elite inbred cultivars and introgression lines of tomato, and diverse hybrid and open‐pollinated cultivars of pepper. Our study employed a multi‐faceted approach to evaluate the use of the Felix‐750 in a plant breeding program. Our approach included chemometrics and trait‐based partial least squares regression modeling, and examination of patterns in the λ‐specific spectroscopy data based on variables relevant to genetic, fruit, and environmental factors using principal component analysis and biplots. Results of our study revealed: (a) the scope and limitations of the Felix‐750 in fruit quality trait assessment based on the range of predictive power of partial least squares models; (b) insights into the complex relationships of spectroscopy data with genetic diversity, fruit biology and biochemistry, and factors related to environment. Additional research on the Felix‐750 is needed to determine its potential applications at early and later stages of a breeding pipeline. We also suggest researchers explore more advanced chemometric tools and 3‐D fruit hyperspectral imaging approaches.
... It is one cultivar group of the muskmelon and belongs to the family, Cucurbitaceae. It is produced by crossing orange-fleshed cantaloupe with non-netted, greenfleshed honeydew [6][7][8][9]. The distinctive aroma of orangefleshed honeydew melon fruit is due to the presence of several volatile compounds that are derived biosynthetically from fatty acids, amino acids, carotenoids, and terpenes. ...
... The major volatile constituents imparting include phenylethyl alcohol and (Z,Z)-3,6-nonadien-1-ol. The melon fruit is a good source of vital vitamins, i.e., thiamine, riboflavin, and folic acid; provitamin A; and ascorbic acid [7,9]. It is stated that different parts of the orange-fleshed honeydew melon fruit possess varied levels of soluble solids, total sugars, sucrose, 5-methyltetrahydrofolic acid, and β-carotene [6]. ...
Honeydew melon ( Cucumis melo L.) is an oval-shaped delicious fruit of one cultivar group of the muskmelon with immense nutritional importance and is extensively consumed by many tropical countries. The effect of various organic solvents on the recovery of phytochemicals from honeydew melon plant fruits and seeds was assessed. Further, High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) was used to examine and assess the contents of phenolic acid (gallic acid) and flavonoid (rutin) compounds. The use of gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis explained the presence of volatile phytocompounds in the extracts. The use of organic solvents had a substantial impact on the total dry weight and extract yield. In general, the solvent-extracted constituents remained in the order of methanol>chloroform>distilled water for both honeydew melon seeds and whole fruit. 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) was used to assess the cytotoxicity effect against PC3, HCT116, HeLa, and Jurkat cell lines. The chloroform extract exhibited a good cytotoxic activity against all cell lines as compared to other solvent extracts. HPLC analysis revealed the occurrence of gallic acid content of 0.102±0.23 mg/10 mg of dry whole fruit extract, while 10 mg of dry seed extract contained only 0.022±0.12 mg of gallic acid content. Likewise, rutin content was observed to be 0.224±0.31 mg and 0.1916±0.82 mg/10 mg of dry whole fruit and seed extract, respectively. Further, GC-MS analysis revealed the presence of a total of 37 compounds in chloroform extract of whole fruit, while only 14 compounds were found in seed extract. Nevertheless, more examinations are needed to identify and characterize other metabolites from honeydew melon and evaluate their pharmacological importance.
... Data processing was conducted using Agilent ChemStation software (B.04.03). The chromatographic parameters were described by Laur and Tian [27]. The absorbance was measured at 450 nm for β-carotene and 510 nm for lycopene. ...
Efficient extraction of bioactive compounds from red lobster by-products is crucial for maximizing their nutritional and economic value. This study compared high-hydrostatic pressure extraction (HHPE), ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE), and conventional extraction (CE), assessing the yield and bioaccessibility of carotenoids (astaxanthin, β-carotene, lycopene), antioxidants (DPPH, FRAP assays), and minerals (sodium, magnesium, potassium, calcium). HHPE and UAE significantly enhanced carotenoid extraction (p < 0.05), with UAE yielding the highest astaxanthin (3.61 mg/100 g FW) and HHPE producing the most β-carotene (0.64 mg/100 g FW). HHPE also significantly increased antioxidant capacity (38.04% increase over CE, p < 0.05). Despite reduced bioaccessibility after in vitro digestion, HHPE and UAE represent sustainable methods for recovering valuable bioactive compounds, improving the nutritional profile of red lobster by-products.
... The melon, a fruit of the Cucurbitaceae family with significant economic value, is renowned for its distinctive aroma and sweet taste, making it highly favored by consumers and presenting a broad market prospect [1]. Additionally, melon is recognized for its health benefits, as it is exceptionally rich in nutritional value [2]. Beyond common factors like soil quality, climate, moisture, pests, and diseases, fruit ripeness plays a crucial role in determining fruit quality [3]. ...
Background
Ripeness is a phenotype that significantly impacts the quality of fruits, constituting a crucial factor in the cultivation and harvesting processes. Manual detection methods and experimental analysis, however, are inefficient and costly.
Results
In this study, we propose a lightweight and efficient melon ripeness detection method, MRD-YOLO, based on an improved object detection algorithm. The method combines a lightweight backbone network, MobileNetV3, a design paradigm Slim-neck, and a Coordinate Attention mechanism. Additionally, we have created a large-scale melon dataset sourced from a greenhouse based on ripeness. This dataset contains common complexities encountered in the field environment, such as occlusions, overlapping, and varying light intensities. MRD-YOLO achieves a mean Average Precision of 97.4% on this dataset, achieving accurate and reliable melon ripeness detection. Moreover, the method demands only 4.8 G FLOPs and 2.06 M parameters, representing 58.5% and 68.4% of the baseline YOLOv8n model, respectively. It comprehensively outperforms existing methods in terms of balanced accuracy and computational efficiency. Furthermore, it maintains real-time inference capability in GPU environments and demonstrates exceptional inference speed in CPU environments. The lightweight design of MRD-YOLO is anticipated to be deployed in various resource constrained mobile and edge devices, such as picking robots. Particularly noteworthy is its performance when tested on two melon datasets obtained from the Roboflow platform, achieving a mean Average Precision of 85.9%. This underscores its excellent generalization ability on untrained data.
Conclusions
This study presents an efficient method for melon ripeness detection, and the dataset utilized in this study, alongside the detection method, will provide a valuable reference for ripeness detection across various types of fruits.
... Melon is a delicious, juicy fruit with a unique smell and yellow-orange colours. The main pigment substances found in melon are carotene, lutein, cryptoxanthin and phytoene [20], violaxanthin [24], neoxanthin and zeaxanthin [25]. However, melon is a product rich in betacarotene, vitamin C, fiber, folic acid and potassium. ...
In this study, in the process of valorizing melon biomass into food powder at 360, 540, 720 and.
900 W power values; Drying rate, moisture rate, effective moisture diffusion, SMER-SEC energy consumption and greenhouse gas emission (GHG) values of production processes were investigated. It was determined that the average drying rates of the samples varied between 0.2393–0.9376 g moisture/g dry matter.minute. According to microwave power values, the effective moisture diffusion values of the products were found to vary between 5.47 × 10–7-2.27 × 10–6 m²/s. It was determined that the average SMER values of the drying processes varied between 0.024–0.047 kg/kWh and SEC values varied between 21.12–40.93 kWh/kg. According to the drying processes, NOX, SO2 and CO2 values were calculated to vary between 0.210–1.106, 0.00–2.919 and 49.50–200.168 g, respectively. It was found that the most suitable microwave power in terms of drying kinetics, energy consumption and greenhouse gas values was 900 W.
... Le melon constitue une excellente source de β-carotène et des vitamines tels que vitamine K, B1 et B2. De nos jours, des nouveaux critères de qualité ont une préoccupation importante et qui sont essentiellement en rapport avec les composés bioactifs et leurs bienfaits pour la santé (Lester and Hodges, 2008 ;Laura and Tian, 2011). Ces composés sont des molécules qui peuvent prévenir la formation des espèces réactives de l'oxygène (ROS), ou qui peuvent réagir avec ces derniers pour les neutraliser et les dégrader (Miquel, 2002, Boldyrev, 2005. ...
Revue des Régions Arides n°43 (3/2017)-Numéro spécial-Actes du 5ème Meeting International sur l'Aridoculture et les Cultures Oasiennes : Biotechnologie végétale en zones arides et oasiennes Zarzis (Tunisie), 19-21 décembre 2016 __________________________________________________________________________________ Etude des corrélations entre les paramètres physicochimiques et morphologiques chez le melon (Cucumis melo L.) : Trabelsi (Nord de la Tunisie) et Maazoun (Sud de la Tunisie) Résumé En Tunisie, le melon (Cucumis melo L.) est parmi les fruits les plus consommés en été de fait de sa très forte teneur en eau. Cucumis melo L. est caractérisé par sa richesse en composés bioactifs à capacité antioxydante permettant la prévention des diverses pathologies. Dans ce travail, nous sommes intéressés à l'évaluation des paramètres physicochimiques et morphologiques chez deux variétés locales de melon 'Trabelsi' (originaire du nord tunisien) et 'Maazoun' (originaire du sud tunisien) afin d'étudier la corrélation entre ces deux types de paramètres. Les paramètres agronomiques (poids du fruit, poids de 100-graines) et physicochimiques (pH, Brix°, phénols totaux, caroténoides) étudiés ont montré une grande différence significative entre les deux variétés de melon (P<0,01). L'étude des corrélations entre ces différents paramètres a montré que les teneurs en matières sèches solubles sont positivement corrélées avec les teneurs en polyphénols. Aussi des corrélations positives ont été enregistrées entre les teneurs en composés phénoliques, le poids de 100-graines et le poids moyen du fruit. Une corrélation positive élevée a été aussi enregistrée entre les teneurs en matières sèches solubles et le pH. Alors qu'une forte corrélation significative entre les teneurs en caroténoïdes et en phénols totaux (R=0,99) et entre le poids de 100-graines et le poids moyen du fruit (R=0,89) a été démontrée. Ces résultats montrent l'incidence du facteur génétique sur les paramètres agronomiques et physicochimiques et la présence des corrélations assez importante entre les deux paramètres étudiés, ce qui met l'accent sur la nécessité d'évaluer plus profondément la biodiversité chez cette espèce afin de l'utiliser dans des programmes d'amélioration. Summary In Tunisia, melon is the most popular summer fruit due to its wealth in water. Cucumis melo provides large bioactive compounds with high antioxidant capacity. Naturals compounds have received great attention because of their antioxidant activity suggesting beneficial effect on general health. Some agronomic and physicochemical characteristics were determined of two local varieties of melon grown in Tunisia 'Maazoun' (originally from Southern Tunisia) and 'Trabelsi' (Northern Tunisia) in order to study the correlation between the two parameters. The determination of morphological traits (fruit weight, seed weight) and physicochemical traits (Brix°, phenols, carotenoids) showed a significant difference between the varieties (P<0,01). The study of correlation between two parameters revealed a positive correlation between Brix° and polyphénols and also between fruit weight, seed weight and phenols. A strong positive correlation detected between Brix° and pH. Whereas carotenoids, phenols (R=0, 99) and weight fruit, seed weight were significantly correlated (R=0,89). Although, these data reveal the important role by the genotype and the correlation existing between traits, which emphasizes the need to evaluate more profoundly biodiversity in this species in order to use in breeding programs.
... Vitamins B12, folic acid, and riboflavin are plentiful. It contains a lot of vitamin C and provitamin A. (Laur and Tian, 2011). Researchers discovered various concentrations of sucrose, total sugars, soluble solids, 5-methyltetrahydrofolic acid, and -carotene in various parts of fruit (Lester, 2008). ...
... Dưa lưới được ưa chuộng bởi nó là loại quả mọng nước, có thịt chắc, màu cam bắt mắt, ngọt và có hương thơm đặc trưng. Dưa lưới có hàm lượng calo và chất béo thấp, đồng thời nó còn là nguồn cung cấp dồi dào các nhóm vitamin (A, B, C, K) và các loại khoáng chất (K, P, Fe, Mg, Cu) [1], [2]. Không chỉ vậy, dưa lưới còn là nguồn cung cấp các hoạt chất sinh học có lợi cho sức khỏe con người như carotenoid, phenolic, flavanoid và góp phần cải thiện thị lực, ngăn ngừa ung thư, tăng cường khả năng miễn dịch, điều hòa huyết áp, kiểm soát bệnh tiểu đường và điều trị viêm khớp [3]- [5]. ...
Dưa lưới là loại quả mọng nước, có thịt chắc, màu cam bắt mắt, vị ngọt và hương thơm đặc trưng. Dưa lưới còn là nguồn cung cấp dồi dào các nhóm vitamin, khoáng chất và các hợp chất có hoạt tính sinh học tốt cho sức khỏe. Mục tiêu của nghiên cứu nhằm tuyển chọn chủng nấm men thương mại thích hợp để ứng dụng trong lên men rượu vang dưa lưới. Đồng thời, nghiên cứu cũng nhằm xác định các điều kiện thích hợp cho quá trình lên men rượu vang bao gồm tỉ lệ pha loãng (1:1, 1:2, 1:3, 1:4), nồng độ enzyme pectinase (0, 0,02, 0,04, 0,06% w/v), hàm lượng chất hòa tan (20, 22, 24, 26°Brix) và pH (4,5, 5,0, 5,5). Kết quả cho thấy sau 7 ngày lên men ở nhiệt độ môi trường (28-32 o C), chủng nấm men S. cerevisiae BV818 có khả năng lên men tốt nhất so với các chủng thương mại khác với hàm lượng ethanol đạt 8,54% v/v. Các giá trị tối ưu của từng nhân tố khảo sát cũng được xác định với tỉ lệ pha loãng là 1:1, nồng độ enzyme bổ sung vào dịch quả là 0,02%, hàm lượng chất hòa tan là 26 và pH ban đầu là 5,0. Sản phẩm thử nghiệm ở quy mô 1 lít với hàm lượng ethanol đạt 14,2% v/v, rượu có màu vàng, sáng đẹp trong suốt, không vẩn đục, mùi thơm dịu nhẹ và đạt 16,22 điểm khi đánh giá cảm quan theo TCVN 3217:79. Bên cạnh đó, chất lượng của sản phẩm cũng được phân tích và phù hợp với QCVN 6-3:2010/BYT.
... The concentration of sugars, in particular sucrose, 5-methyltetrahydrofolate, provitamin A and soluble solids in different parts of the fetus can vary significantly. [7]. ...
Object of research: the process of creating a technology for the preparation of sweet products using locally produced melon fruits.
Investigated goal: Development of technology for the production of sweet products from gourds on a natural basis using local unsold raw materials.
Main scientific results: possible ways of using unsold melon fruits in the food industry were identified, a solution to the problem of overproduction of melons and gourds in the country was proposed. The original technologies for the production of sweet products made on the basis of the fruits of gourds have been compiled and worked out. the evaluation of the nutritional value of finished products was carried out.
Area of practical use of research results: small and medium-sized farms for the production of melon fruits.
Innovative technological product: technology for the production of sweet products, which allows organizing the industrial processing of the unsold volume of gourds.
Scope of the innovative technological product: agricultural and food industry in the field of melons processing, small and medium enterprises for the production of melons, confectionery production.
... There were statistically significant differences in colour among the different groups of samples (MAN-OVA F 45,400 = 8.7, P < 0.0001). Fresh melon juice presented a pale green colour, as the major pigments in honeydew melons are chlorophylls a and b (Laur & Tian, 2011). The initial colourimetric values of fresh juice were L* = 37.6(AE0.2), ...
The aim of this study was to explore the use of pulsed light (PL) for inactivating peroxidase (POD), polyphenoloxidase (PP0) and pectin methylesterase (PME) in melon juice. The influence of treatments on the optical, physicochemical and rheological properties of the juice was also evaluated. PL fluences between 3.6 and 71.6 J cm⁻² caused a significant reduction in POD activity from 13% to 96% respectively. On contrary, PPO and PME activities were slightly or not significantly affected by the treatments. POD inactivation curve was successfully fitted with the first‐order and Weibull‐type models. Samples exposed to 35.8 and 71.6 J cm⁻² showed minor changes in pH, titratable acidity and total soluble solids content than non‐treated juice along cold storage. PL treatments also better maintained the original colour of the fresh juice during storage. A slight but significant reduction in the apparent viscosity was observed due to PL exposure. Results indicated that pulsed light could be a useful technique for inhibiting POD activity and preserving the colour of melon juice along cold storage. Other preservation agent(s) in combination would need to be evaluated for better control of enzyme activity.
... Melon (Cucumis melo) is one of the most consumed fruits worldwide as it contains naturally occurring vitamins (~60 mg/100 g [1]), minerals (~260 mg/100 g [1]), and pigments (>2000 µg/100 g [2]) that provide taste, health benefits, high antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. Melon is rich in important vitamins and also a good source of pro-vitamin A [3]. ...
The bioactive compounds, antioxidant capacity and microbiological quality of melon juice processed by high-intensity ultrasound (HIUS) were studied. Melon juice was processed at two ultrasound intensities (27 and 52 W/cm2) for two different processing times (10 and 30 min) using two duty cycles (30 and 75%). Unprocessed juice was taken as a control. Total carotenoids and total phenolic compounds (TPC) were the bioactive compounds analyzed while the antioxidant capacity was determined by DPPH, ABTS and FRAP assays. The microbiological quality was tested by counting the aerobic and coliforms count as well as molds and yeasts. Total carotenoids increased by up to 42% while TPC decreased by 33% as a consequence of HIUS processing regarding control juice (carotenoids: 23 μg/g, TPC: 1.1 mg GAE/g), gallic acid and syringic acid being the only phenolic compounds identified. The antioxidant capacity of melon juice was enhanced by HIUS, achieving values of 45% and 20% of DPPH and ABTS inhibition, respectively, while >120 mg TE/100 g was determined by FRAP assay. Further, the microbial load of melon juice was significantly reduced by HIUS processing, coliforms and molds being the most sensitive. Thus, the HIUS could be an excellent alternative supportive the deep-processing of melon products.
... Melons, cucumbers, squashes, gourds, and pumpkins have grown for hundreds of years, and these are all part of the Cucurbitaceae family [1]. These cucurbits are not a good source of protein and calories, but they are rich in dietary fiber, provitamin A, folic acid, vitamin C, and minerals [2,3]. According to FAO stats data in the year 2019, the production of melons was 2,75,01,360 tonnes, whereas the production in India alone was 12,66,000 tonnes. ...
Wastage of food is a big concern for the world. In summers, several fruits are available like watermelon, muskmelon, etc. Muskmelons are fruits that are consumed all over the world. Around 32 % of muskmelon is wasted; it includes 5 % seeds and 27 % peel of the total weight. Seeds of muskmelons have great nutritional benefits. They have a very large number of bioactive compounds like tocopherols, phospholipids, and sterols. Muskmelon seeds have antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antidiabetic, anti-Alzheimer, and diuretic properties and can be used to treat or prevent many diseases. Therefore, muskmelon seeds can be used as a functional food.
... Honeydew melon, (Cucumis melo L.) belongs to the family Cucurbitaceae and is a creamy yellowish oval shape fruit. Honeydew melon is rich in vitamin C, riboflavin, thiamine, pro-vitamin A, and folic acid (Eitenmiller et al., 1985;Laur and Tian, 2011). The soluble solids, sucrose, total sugars, β-carotene, and 5-methyltetrahydrofolic acid varied in different parts of the fruit (Lester, 2008). ...
... 33 Ascorbic acid analysis in C. myxa fruits and leaves from different locations indicates the presence of the highest ascorbic acid content in the Dehra variety of C. myxa (36.72 mg/g), followed by RFE (32.97 mg/g), SFE (30.37 mg/g), and Lappiana variety (31.28 mg/g). C. myxa also contains a significant amount of ascorbic acid compared with other fruit sources such as strawberry, which contains 10−80 mg/100 g (per serving) 34 and melon with a range of 10−29 mg/100 g. 35 Therefore, to explore further phytochemical analysis in detail, targeted (phenolics, flavonoids, amino acids, vitamins, and elemental analysis) and nontargeted metabolite study was conducted on the fruits and leaves of C. myxa collected from the selected locations. ...
... cantalupensis called as Cantaloupe, Muskmelon or Netted Melon (Baloglu, 2018;Lim, 2016). Global Rock melon market has been broadened because of high consumer preference due to its nutritive values, taste and texture (The World's Healthiest Foods, 2019; Laur and Tian, 2011). Rock melon is an economical and popular greenhouse crop in all over the world which sensitive to high temperature (Azmi et al., 2019 andZhang et al., 2013). ...
Rock melon is a high value greenhouse crop. Reduction of economical crop yield in high temperature stress due to global warming is an emerging issue with Rock melon. Therefore, this study was conducted for evaluate the growth, physiology and yield of different Rock melon cultivars grown under high temperature stress. Four cultivars of rock melon (Lady-gold, Lady-green, Himalai-99 and Glamour) were evaluated for their physiological behaviors under two temperature (42±3°C and 47 ±3°C) regimes. In four cultivars of rock melon, leaf area, specific leaf area, relative growth rate, chlorophyll content, photosynthesis rate, stomatal conductance, intercellular carbon dioxide concentration, transpiration rate, malondialdehyde content and fruit yield of Rock melon were significantly differ in each temperature regime. Temperature significantly affects the fruit position in main branch. When temperature increases, Rock melon fruits shifts in to upper branches. While Lady-green and Glamour shown similar attributes in extreme temperature, most susceptible cultivar was the Lady-gold and most tolerant cultivar was the Himalai-99.This study identified the issues of extreme temperature related to the economical yield of rock melon cultivars which can be use in future crop modification and breeding.
... Ascorbic acid content was measured according to the method proposed by Laur and Tian [36] with some modifications. The freeze-dried melon samples (0.1 g) were dissolved in 1.9 mL of 6% (w/v) metaphosphoric acid (Sigma Aldrich, Milan, Italy). ...
This study aimed at evaluating the effects of two coating application methods, spraying and dipping, on the quality of fresh-cut melons. An alginate-based coating containing both ascorbic and citric acid was applied at two concentrations (5% and 10%) with both methods on fresh-cut melon. The nutritional quality of the products was investigated during 11 days of storage at 10 °C. The suitability and adaptability of the applied coatings on the fruit were evaluated based on rheological and microstructural properties. Moisture, carotenoids, total polyphenols and ascorbic acid content were analyzed on melon samples during storage. Results showed that the coating solution applied by the dipping method and at the highest concentration (10%), allowed to better maintain some quality characteristics of fresh-cut melon, thanks also to the better coating homogeneity and higher thickness observed through microstructural analysis.
... occurring vitamins, minerals, and pigments that provide taste, health benefits, high antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. Melon is rich in important vitamins and also a good source of pro-vitamin A (Eitenmiller et al., 1985;Laur & Tian, 2011;Oseni & Okoye, 2013;Ren et al., 2013;Zeb, 2016). Cucurbitaceae are economically important plant species in human consumption and has higher consumption rate in tropical regions with particularly nutritious edible fruits (Rai et al., 2008;Singh et al., 2016). ...
Fresh melon (control) contained 0.07 µg/g total carotenoid, 17.56 mg GAE/100 g total phenol and 8.21 mg QE/100g total flavonoid. Antioxidant activity value of fresh melon (control) was 0.15 mmol TE/100g while total carotenoid amounts of dehydrated melons vary between 0.05 µg/g (oven) and 0.29 µg/g (microwave), total flavonoid amounts of dehydrated melons were measured between 42.50 (microwave and infrared) and 43.21 mg QE/100g.Total phenol contents of dehydrated melon slices were identified between 101.96 (infrared) and 150.18 mg GAE/100g (microwave). While the contents of 3,4‐dihydroxybenzoic, (+)‐catechin, caffeic, syringic, rutin, p‐coumaric and ferulic acid of melon samples dehydrated in the oven were higher than those of melons dehydrated in microwave and infrared, only gallic acid, 3,4‐dihydroxybenzoic, (+)‐catechin and ferulic acid contents were slightly higher than those of melons dehydrated in infrared. The highest component was determined in melon dehydrated in the oven, followed by infrared and microwave in decreasing order.
... It is rich in folic acid, thiamine, and riboflavin. Vitamin C and pro-vitamin A are abundantly present in it (Laur and Tian, 2011). According to researchers in different parts of fruit the concentration of sucrose, total sugars, soluble solids, 5-methyltetrahydrofolic acid, and β-carotene are various (Lester, 2008). ...
Food waste is a big problem today. On the other hand, the market for natural composites for
health is growing. Melon (Cucumis melo L.) is a very common fruit, eaten all around the world, containing
significant quantities of seeds as well as peels that have been discarded. These seeds contain high functional
and nutritional potential compounds. It is the most exported and consumed fresh fruit and the residues
like seeds and peel are commonly thrown out. It is cultivated in many countries and has high financial value
worldwide and all this is due to adaptation to climate and various types of soil., Melon is an excellent source
of biologically active compounds for humans due to good taste and rich chemical composition. Glucose,
fructose, vitamin A, D, C, K, E, and some vitamins from group B are present in melon. Biologically active
compounds like tocopherols, phospholipids, and sterols are present in melon seed in a large amount due to
which it has a beneficial effect on humans. Consequently, these seeds can be described as effective electors for
the production of innovative functional foods leading to a healthy food chain. It is concluded that the presence
of bioactive compounds is fully justified by melon seed, including anti-inflammatory agents, hypoglycemic
agent, antimicrobial, anti-genic and antioxidant potential.
... Numerous different analytical methods have already been developed for the determination of BCA in foodstuffs and pharmaceutical formulas; more specifically, high-performance liquid chromatography with spectrophotometric and coulometric detection [11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18] spectrophotometric assays in ultraviolet and visible region [19][20][21][22][23], or two voltammetric methods [24,25]. ...
Significant improvements in the voltammetric determination of β-carotene (BCA) enables a method described in this article; mainly, thanks to a new sample preparation. The respective procedure is based on anodic oxidation of BCA at a gold electrode in the disc configuration, when using square-wave voltammetry in pure acetone (99.8%) with 0.1 mol L⁻¹ LiClO4 as the supporting electrolyte. The method comprises extraction of the analyte from the sample with acetone, thus avoiding the usually used highly toxic solvents. Analytically, it can be characterised by a linear range from 6.0 × 10⁻⁶ to 5.9 × 10⁻⁴ mol L⁻¹ with regression equation Ipa = 0.0184c - 0.1631 and correlation coefficient, R² = 0.9998, limits of detection and quantification LOD = 1.6 × 10⁻⁶ mol L⁻1 and LOQ = 5.4 × 10⁻⁶ mol L⁻¹, respectively; both being obtained at a potential step of 5 mV, with the pulse amplitude of 25 mV, and a frequency of 80 Hz. After optimization, the method was evaluated in series of analyses; namely, with two samples of vegetables and two pharmaceutical preparations (capsules), when the results could be compared to those of a reference spectrophotometric method. Due to a simple instrumentation, including sample preparation, the voltammetric method for the determination of BCA can be recommended as a quick screening assay in food and pharmaceutical analysis.
... Carotenoids are lipophilic compounds with several functional properties, such as antioxidant [1], anti-inflammatory, and, some of them, vitamin A precursors [2][3][4]. Among the different plant sources of carotenoids, orange pulp melons stand out, as the commercial Cantaloupe type, produced in Northeast Brazil, mainly presents β-carotene and lutein [5]. ...
The safety and bioactive potential of crude carotenoid extract from Cantaloupe melon nanoencapsulated in porcine gelatin (EPG) were evaluated in a chronic inflammatory experimental model. Animals were fed a high glycemic index and high glycemic load (HGLI) diet for 17 weeks and treated for ten days with 1) HGLI diet, 2) standard diet, 3) HGLI diet + crude carotenoid extract (CE) (12.5 mg/kg), and 4) HGLI diet + EPG (50 mg/kg). General toxicity signals were investigated, considering body weight, food intake, hematological, biochemical parameters, relative weight, morphology, and histopathology of organs. The biochemical parameters indicated the low toxicity of EPG. Acute hepatitis was observed in animals' livers, but CE and EPG groups presented improved tissue appearance. Chronic enteritis was observed in animals, with villi and intestinal glands preservation in the EPG group. The results suggest the safety and the bioactive effect of EPG, possibly related to its anti-inflammatory potential.
... High antioxidant capacity were observed in leaf and stem extract. Rock melon has high amount of pro-vitamin A and vitamin C that beneficial to health (Laur and Tian, 2011). The fruit peel extracts also contributes to anti-diabetic action due to the rich content of polyphenol and ascorbic acid (Parmar and Kar, 2008). ...
The aim of this study was to determine the physicochemical characteristics of dried immature Manis Terengganu melon pretreated with osmotic dehydration. The pretreatment was performed using osmotic solutions with different concentration and immersion time. Drying process was conducted at 60 °C. Samples were subjected to determinations of water loss, solid gain, weight reduction, water activity and texture analysis. Osmotic dehydration of melon in sucrose solutions with added calcium lactate significantly increased water loss, weight reduction and subsequently, reduced the incorporation of sugar in the fruit. Meanwhile, water activity and firmness were not dependent on type of treatments. Combination of osmotic dehydration and air-drying contributed a pronounce effect to drying time, final moisture content and water activity. The present obtained result would be useful in food industries for developing a product from waste of Manis Terengganu melon plantation.
... inodorus and Cucumis melo var. cantalupensis, they contain a lot of pro-vitamin A and vitamin C and great origin of nutrients (Laur & Tian, 2011). ...
The present study was conducted to evaluate the antioxidant activity of peel extract from three types of melon, Cucumis melo var cantalupensis, Cucumis melo var inodorus and Citrullus lanatus in family Curcurbitaceae. The extract was prepared with methanol respectively. 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay were used to study their antioxidant activity. The extracts were compared with commercial antioxidant, butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT). The highest scavenging effect from peel extract was presented by Cucumis melo var inodorus with the value of 52.7 ± 9.1µg/ml (IC50 = 4.61). BHT showed the lowest IC50 value 1.71 with the scavenging activity 90.0 ± 1.7µg/ml. Low IC50 value will indicates the strong ability of the extracts to act as DPPH scavenger.
Melon seeds have been recognized as a nutritional powerhouse, offering a range of essential vitamins and fatty acids that play a critical role in maintaining and enhancing our health. This study aims to analyze the fatty acid profile and water-soluble vitamins in melon seeds in order to highlight the importance of incorporating melon seeds into our diets, not only as a source of nutrients but also as a means of promoting overall health and well-being. It delves into the rich nutritional profile of melon seeds, underscoring their valuable contribution to a balanced diet. Water soluble vitamins C, PP and B1 were detected in melon seeds in this study. Regarding fatty acid profile, PUFA C 18:2 was the most abundant (35.31%), followed by MUFA C18:1 (25.83%), although other unsaturated and saturated fatty acids were also determined. This comprehensive analysis of melon seeds' nutritional benefits encourages further exploration of their potential in enhancing diet quality and supporting long-term health objectives.
Vitamin A is a crucial nutrient that protects the body from oxidative stress caused by free radicals, which are unstable molecules that can damage cellular components. Its antioxidant properties helps maintaining various physiological functions that depend on its presence, including vision, immune function and skin health. The human body can convert natural forms of vitamin A (retinol, retinal and retinoic acid) and provitamin A (β-carotene) into active forms, which interact with specific molecular targets, influencing gene expression, cell differentiation and cellular processes. This comprehensive review provides an in-depth examination of vitamin A, covering its dietary sources, physiological roles and consequences of deficiency. In this research review explored the metabolic pathways of vitamin A, including absorption, transport and storage, as well as its potential applications, offering a thorough understanding of this essential nutrient. Furthermore, we have decreased the latest research on vitamin A's role in, maintaining healthy vision, immune function, and skin health, treating various diseases and conditions, such as retinal disorders, infectious diseases and cancer, mechanisms of action, including gene regulation, cell signaling, and antioxidant activity, relationships with other nutrients and health outcomes, including vitamin D, iron, and zinc, impact of deficiency on human health, including night blindness, impaired immunity, and skin disorders and emerging research on potential benefits and risks, including its role in chronic diseases and interactions with medications. Key words: Nutrition, retinyl ester, Nyctalopia, Rhodopsin, Vitamin A, β-carotene
Indonesia merupakan negara produsen serta konsumen buah melon (Cucumis melo L.) yang tinggi, tetapi impor benih melon dari luar negeri masih cukup besar. Hal tersebut membuka peluang pemulia tanaman untuk merakit varietas hibrida unggul. Varietas melon hibrida yang diharapkan adalah yang memiliki kualitas buah yang baik dan produksi yang tinggi. Penelitian ini bertujuan mempelajari karakteristik beberapa genotipe melon dan memilih genotipe potensial untuk materi perakitan varietas hibrida baru. Genotipe yang digunakan ialah enam genotipe dari koleksi Pusat Kajian Hortikultura Tropika (PKHT) IPB (IPB G1, IPB G30, IPB G41, IPB 240, IPB 283, Glamour-S1), tiga galur inbrida PKHT IPB (IPB M13, IPB M23, IPB M21), dan satu varietas pembanding (Alisha F1). Genotipe IPB G1 dan IPB 240 memiliki keunggulan penampakan buah menarik dengan keunikan berupa corak pada kulit buah genotipe IPB G1 dan jala yang tebal dengan intensitas tidak terlalu rapat pada genotipe IPB 240. Genotipe IPB G41 memiliki kandungan padatan terlarut total yang tinggi dan rasanya sangat manis. Genotipe Glamour-S1 memiliki keunggulan penampakan buah menarik serta buah yang besar. Karakter bobot buah berkorelasi positif dengan diameter buah dan panjang buah. Kandungan PTT berkorelasi positif dengan umur panen. Berdasarkan analisis korelasi, genotipe potensial adalah yang memiliki ukuran buah yang besar dan umur panen yang cukup. Genotipe yang memiliki potensi sebagai materi pemuliaan adalah IPB G1, IPB 240, IPB G41, dan Glamour-S1. Kata kunci: genotipe potensial, karakteristik melon, pemuliaan melon
Macrophomina phaseolina causal agent of charcoal rot, stem, and seedling rot, causes
economic losses on over 500 plant species including tomato and melon around the
world every year. One of the most important and effective alternative methods for
chemicals and reducing their risks is biocontrol using different agents such as
endophytic fungi. In the present study, the effect of some endophytic fungi on charcoal
rot disease and the growth indices of tomato and melon plants were assessed. In the
dual culture test, among the 12 endophyte species, five isolates including Chaetomium
globosum 2S1, Ch. globosum 3L2, Fusarium fujikuroi 37F6, F. acuminatum GO2L1,
and F. incarnatum 25S3 which had the highest inhibition of pathogen mycelia growth,
were selected for further tests. In the volatile compounds test, all endophytic isolates
showed more than 90% inhibition of pathogen mycelia growth. In biocontrol assay
under greenhouse conditions, all endophytic isolates except F. fujikori 37F6,
completely prevented disease on both tomato and melon plants. In the evaluation of
the growth indices and by comparing the treated plants with the infected and healthy
controls, no positive effect of the selected endophytic isolates was observed on the
growth indices of both plants. However, they reduced the harmful effects of the
pathogen and thus reduced the charcoal rot disease severity. Recovery of endophyte
isolates from both inoculated melon and tomato plants showed that the surveyed
isolates can become endophytes in plant tissue.
A manga Ubá é uma fruta de custo reduzido, amplamente cultivada na Zona da Mata Mineira e muito apreciada pelos consumidores. Com o objetivo de avaliar o conteúdo de antioxidantes naturais ao longo do amadurecimento da fruta, este trabalho quantificou o conteúdo de β-caroteno e vitamina C total (ácido ascórbico-AA e ácido desidroascórbico-ADA) na fruta in natura em três estádios de maturação: verde, parcialmente madura e madura. As análises foram feitas por Cromatografia Líquida de Alta Eficiência (CLAE). O conteúdo médio de β-caroteno foi maior na manga madura, seguido pela manga parcialmente madura e manga verde. Para AA e vitamina C total, ao contrário, observou-se maior conteúdo na manga verde, seguido pela fruta parcialmente madura e menor conteúdo na manga verde.
The multifaceted role of vitamin C in human health intrudes several biochemical functions that are but not limited to antioxidant activity, homoeostasis, amino acid synthesis, collagen synthesis, osteogenesis, neurotransmitter production and several yet to be explored functions. In absence of an innate biosynthetic pathway, humans are obligated to attain vitamin C from dietary sources to maintain its optimal serum level (28 μmol/L). However, a significant amount of naturally occurring vitamin C may deteriorate due to food processing, storage and distribution before reaching to the human gastrointestinal tract, thus limiting or mitigating its disease combating activity. Literature acknowledges the growing prevalence of vitamin C deficiency across the globe irrespective of geographic, economic and population variations. Several tools have been tested to address vitamin C deficiency, which are primarily diet diversification, biofortification, supplementation and food fortification. These strategies inherit their own advantages and limitations. Opportunely, nanotechnology promises an array of delivery systems providing encapsulation, protection and delivery of susceptible compounds against environmental factors. Lack of clear understanding of the suitability of the delivery system for vitamin C encapsulation and fortification; growing prevalence of its deficiency, it is a need of the hour to develop and design vitamin C fortified food ensuring homogeneous distribution, improved stability and enhanced bioavailability. This article is intended to review the importance of vitamin C in human health, its recommended daily allowance, its dietary sources, factors donating to its stability and degradation. The emphasis also given to review the strategies adopted to address vitamin c deficiency, delivery systems adopted for vitamin C encapsulation and fortification.
The effectiveness of static magnetic fields with different intensities (5, 10, 15 mT) combined with liquid carbon dioxide spray freezing (LCSF) technique in improving the quality of frozen honeydew melon was investigated. The results showed that LCSF with magnetic fields above 10 mT significantly improved ice nucleation and quality of frozen melons compared to conventional -20 °C freezing, -80 °C freezing and LCSF method without magnetic field assistance (P < 0.05). 15 mT strength static magnetic field assistance suggested the best results, with a 15.0% reduction in total freezing time, 17.7% increase in average freezing rate, 26.6% reduction in drip loss, and better maintenance of sample quality compared to LCSF. These findings demonstrate that LCSF with static magnetic field assistance is promising in improving the quality of frozen foods.
The beverage industry generates a huge quantity of by-products and waste largely in the form of spent grains and pomace. These are generally used as low-value animal feed, composts, fertilizers or a source of bio-fuel. However, these by-products and waste are attractive sources of bioactive compounds such as (poly) phenols, dietary fiber and essential oils. Through enzymatic bioprocessing, it is possible to efficiently recover these high-value ingredients for food applications. This chapter discusses the different types of by-products and how these waste and/or by-products, through biotechnological innovations, are being utilized by the food and beverage industry as the main ingredient or as a fortifying agent along with developments for an upcycled food certification mark. The reintegration of beverage industrial by-products into the food chain would develop a more environment friendly and sustainable food system.
The effects of CO2 pressurization combined with ultrasound-assisted immersion freezing (CO2USIF) on improving the freezing quality of honeydew melon were studied. The cut melon samples were first subjected to 0.2, 0.5 and 0.8 MPa CO2 pressure for 2 h respectively, and then frozen by an ultrasound-assisted freezing device. The results indicated that the CO2 pressurization affected the water state and reduced the freezable water content. Cryo-observed results showed the ice crystal area of the 0.5CO2USIF sample was 66.6% smaller than that of the SF, and 60.8% smaller than that of the IF. The drip loss of 0.5CO2USIF sample was 58.2% lower than that of SF. The indexes of vitamin C, flavor, texture and color of CO2USIF samples were kept better. The SEM results showed that the cell structures of CO2USIF samples were better maintained. These demonstrated that CO2USIF technology has application potential in improving the quality of frozen food.
Cucumis melo L. is a worldwide appreciated fruit that offers multiple benefits to human health. However, besides the pulp, its by-products, such as peels and seeds, may also be used in the production of extracts and flours, and in the extraction of oils, since they contain phytochemicals of high nutritional and functional capacity. This chapter highlights the importance of using the by-products derived from C. melo L., especially from cantaloupe, as they present analgesic, antiinflammatory, antioxidant, anticancer, antimicrobial, diuretic, hepatoprotective, and immunomodulatory activities due to the presence of bioactive compounds. Also, their use may help minimize the environmental impact.
The sensory and functional quality attributes of muskmelons (Cucumis melo L.), such as flavor, sweetness, color, and texture, determine consumer preferences. Genetic makeup primarily regulates these traits, but environmental factors such as soil type, irrigation, and temperature affects yields and quality. Here, we investigated variation in quality traits of diverse melon cultigens (advanced breeding lines or cultigen) grown in multiple locations (California, Texas, Georgia, Arizona, and North Carolina) across the United States. Mesocarp sugar and carotenoid concentrations varied significantly as a function of production location and cultigen. Multivariate analyses revealed significant cultigen, location, and interactive effects on fruit quality. The highest sugar content was found in a honeydew melon cultigen (HD-150; 83.1 ± 2.36 mg/g) grown in Georgia and the Western Shipper type cantaloupe (F-39; 70.8 ± 2.85 mg/g) grown in North Carolina compared to the other cultigens. The Tuscan type (Da Vinci) grown in Texas and Georgia had the highest β-carotene concentrations (29.1 ± 3.37 and 33.6 ± 1.73 µg/g, respectively) compared to the other cultigens. These observations, showing that cultivar and location significantly influenced melon phytochemical composition, will help melon breeding programs improve the sensory and functional qualities of melons and identify suitable cultivars for specific environments to maximize fruit quality.
Agri-food processing industries generate substantial amounts of wastes and/or by-products, which are now a well-established resource of nutraceutically valued compounds. Exploring these wastes/by-products to fabricate economically valued products will not only contribute toward minimizing the environmental pollution-related issues, but can also contribute to higher economic gains for the agri-food-based industries. Globally, it is witnessed that processing of fruits or vegetables belonging to the genera of Cucumis (melon), Cucurbita (pumpkin), and Citrullus (watermelon) leads to the accumulation of enormous volume wastes and/or by-products occurring mainly as pomace (skin, pulp, seeds, and stems). Available reports have indicated that the discarded seeds of the above-mentioned genera are a reliable source of bioactive phytochemicals including essential fatty acids (polyunsaturated fatty acids), antioxidant-rich polyphenols, tannins, flavonoids, carotenoids, and other components exhibiting bioactivities like those of dietary fiber, proteins, amino acids, minerals, etc. Hence, being an inexpensive raw material, the discarded seeds hold high promise for effective valorization. These discarded seeds can be utilized as a valuable functional ingredient with potential applications in the food, feed, pharmaceutical, and cosmeceuticals industries. In addition, efficient valorization of these seeds through an environmental-friendly sustainable process can solve critical problems related to the management of wastes and/or by-products from this industry.
In this chapter, the authors discuss the nutraceutical values of seeds [from the genera Cucumis (melon), Cucurbita (pumpkin), and Citrullus (watermelon)], which hold high economic importance because of their worldwide production. In addition, prospective applications that can provide rich economic gains to the relative industry, sustainability challenges to efficient valorization, and future research gaps are also highlighted.
Melon is a favourite fruit and is widely planted in China. High temperature and humidity (HTH) stress describes the main limiting factors for melon due to the continuous hot and rainy weather in summer. The physiological response of melon to HTH stress and an evaluation method for identifying varieties resistant to HTH have not been reported. In this study, seedlings of 56 melon germplasm resources were used to measure the growth indexes and physiological and biological indexes under high temperature and humidity stress and to evaluate the tolerance of different varieties to HTH. Compared with the control, the plant height (PH) grew rapidly, and stem diameter (SD), leaf length (LL), and leaf width (LW) were inhibited in all melon varieties. The photosynthetic parameters Pn and Fv/Fm decreased compared with the control. Most of the varieties showed increases in chlorophyll (Chl), soluble protein (SP) and MDA. According to the membership function value and cluster analysis methods, three varieties, M32, M52 and M56, were selected for their better HTH tolerance. Through correlation analysis, it was determined that Fv/Fm, Pn, Chl, LL, LW, PH, MDA and SD can be used as the identification indexes of early tolerance to HTH. In conclusion, this work provides basic materials for melon breeding and basic theories for the molecular mechanism of HTH tolerance in melon.
Vitamin A is a group of vital micronutrients widely present in the human diet. Animal-based products are a rich source of the retinyl ester form of the vitamin, while vegetables and fruits contain carotenoids, most of which are provitamin A. Vitamin A plays a key role in the correct functioning of multiple physiological functions. The human organism can metabolize natural forms of vitamin A and provitamin A into biologically active forms (retinol, retinal, retinoic acid), which interact with multiple molecular targets, including nuclear receptors, opsin in the retina and, according to the latest research, also some enzymes. In this review, we aim to provide a complex view on the present knowledge about vitamin A ranging from its sources through its physiological functions to consequences of its deficiency and metabolic fate up to possible pharmacological administration and potential toxicity. Current analytical methods used for its detection in real samples are included as well.
Ascorbic acid, known as vitamin C, is an important antioxidant and food ingredient, and highly sensitive to environmental conditions, which makes its incorporation into food, cosmetic and pharmaceutical products more difficult. The evaluation of its nano/microencapsulation enables the improvement of its stability and controlled release. There are various investigations regarding ascorbic acid encapsulation; however, a deep study related to the scale-up of encapsulation process, its application into food products and digestibility study are still needed. This review highlights the main physicochemical and health properties of vitamin C, recent advances of its encapsulation into micro/nanocarriers, and application in food products. Also, the controlled release and bioavailability of encapsulated forms within different carriers is underlined. The results of published studies clearly show that vitamin C can be successfully protected within micro/nanoencapsulation systems and it can be applied as an efficient ingredient in the formulation of various food products such as bakery goods.
The goal of this work was to characterize the profile of bioactive compounds and the antioxidant activity of inodorus melon peels. Melon peels were divided into three fractions: a solid fraction with a higher content of carbohydrates (84.81%); a liquid fraction with a higher ash content (11.5%); and a pellet fraction with a higher protein content (34.90%). The structural carbohydrates study revealed a composition of cellulose (27.68%), hemicellulose (8.2%) and lignin (26.46%) in the solid fraction. The liquid fraction had the highest antioxidant activity based on results from DPPH, ABTS and ORAC assays. Flavones, hydroxybenzoic and hydroxycinnamic acids were the main phenolic classes found in all fractions. In addition, β-carotene, lutein, β-cryptoxanthin and violaxanthin had also been quantified. Melon fractions were rich in nutrients and bioactive substances and could be useful in the development of novel functional products, considering the growing market demand for safe and healthy food products.
Background
For modern food industry, sustainability of food processing is a major concern coupled to the reduction of waste generation. Fruit and vegetable processing require of modernization to valorize the waste and by-products highly generated, particularly because they are rich in natural beneficial components which are demanded to human health. Melon (Cucumis melo L.) processing generate a high amount of peels and seeds, which are recognized with higher content of bioactive compounds than pulp, including polyphenols, carotenoids and oils.
Scope and approach
In this review, we summarize information about of the bioactive compounds present in the melon fruit, together with the nutritionals properties that it presents as a functional food, with a focus on its by-products (pulp, seed and peel). The melon fruit contains important bioactive compounds, mainly the peel has a high content of antioxidants which are of interest in the food, cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries. These findings pretend to support new research concerning the formulation of novel functional foods based on melon by-products.
Key finding and conclusions
Extracts of melon fruit, mainly from the peel, have been shown to possess phytochemical compounds that exhibit antioxidant, antimicrobial, antidiabetic, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, anti-hypoglycemia and anti-proliferative effects in various in vitro and in vivo test. However, it is necessary for further analyze the nutritional and functional potential of these by-products, the therapeutic and clinic mechanisms involved and to develop its industrial process as functional or nutraceutical food products.
Dehydroascorbic acid-reducing activity in normal human neutrophil lysates was characterized and identified by activity-based purification and measurement of newly synthesized ascorbate by HPLC. The initial reducing activity was non-dialysable and could not be accounted for by the activity of glutathione as a reducing agent. The reducing activity was purified to homogeneity as an 11 kDa protein. The protein had a specific activity of 3 mumol/min per mg of protein and was glutathione dependent. Kinetic experiments showed that the protein had a K(m) for glutathione of 2.0 mM and a K(m) for dehydroascorbic acid of 250 microM. Dehydroascorbic acid reduction by the purified protein was pH dependent and was maximal at pH 7.5. Peptide fragments from the purified protein were analysed for amino acid sequence and the protein was identified as glutaredoxin. By using degenerate oligonucleotides based on the amino acid sequence, glutaredoxin was cloned from a human neutrophil library. Expressed purified glutaredoxin displayed reducing activity and kinetics that were indistinguishable from those of native purified enzyme. Several approaches indicated that glutaredoxin was responsible for the most of the protein-mediated dehydroascorbic acid reduction in lysates. From protein purification data, glutaredoxin was responsible for at least 47% of the initial reducing activity. Dehydroascorbic acid reduction was at least 5-fold greater in neutrophil lysates than in myeloid tumour cell lysates, and glutaredoxin was detected in normal neutrophil lysates but not in myeloid tumour cell lysates by Western blotting. Glutaredoxin inhibitors inhibited dehydroascorbic acid reduction in neutrophil lysates as much as 80%. These findings indicate that glutaredoxin plays a major role in dehydroascorbic acid reduction in normal human neutrophil lysates, and represent the first identification of dehydroascorbic acid reductase in human tissue by activity-based purification.
The predominant carotenoids of the macular pigment are lutein, zeaxanthin, and meso-zeaxanthin. The regular distribution pattern of these carotenoids within the human macula indicates that their deposition is actively controlled in this tissue. The chemical, structural, and optical characteristics of these carotenoids are described. Evidence for the presence of minor carotenoids in the retina is cited. Studies of the dietary intake and serum levels of the xanthophylls are discussed. Increased macular carotenoid levels result from supplementation of humans with lutein and zeaxanthin. A functional role for the macular pigment in protection against light-induced retinal damage and age-related macular degeneration is discussed. Prospects for future research in the study of macular pigment require new initiatives that will probe more accurately into the localization of these carotenoids in the retina, identify possible transport proteins and mechanisms, and prove the veracity of the photoprotection hypothesis for the macular pigments.
Lutein is one of the most widely found carotenoids distributed in fruits and vegetables frequently consumed. Its presence in human tissues is entirely of dietary origin. Distribution of lutein among tissues is similar to other carotenoids but, along with zeaxanthin, they are found selectively at the centre of the retina, being usually referred to as macular pigments. Lutein has no provitamin A activity in man but it displays biological activities that have attracted great attention in relation to human health. Epidemiological studies have shown inconsistent associations between high intake or serum levels of lutein and lower risk for developing cardiovascular disease, several types of cancer, cataracts and age-related maculopathy. Also, lutein supplementation has provided both null and positive results on different biomarkers of oxidative stress although it is effective in increasing macular pigment concentration and in improving visual function in some, but not all, subjects with different eye pathologies. Overall, data suggest that whereas serum levels of lutein have, at present, no predictive, diagnostic or prognostic value in clinical practice, its determination may be very helpful in assessing compliance and efficacy of intervention as well as potential toxicity. In addition, available evidence suggests that a serum lutein concentration between 0.6 and 1.05 micromol/l seems to be a safe, dietary achievable and desirable target potentially associated with beneficial impact on visual function and, possibly, on the development of other chronic diseases. The use of lutein as a biomarker of exposure in clinical practice may provide some rationale for assessing its relationship with human health as well as its potential use within the context of evidence-based medicine.
Carotenoids and tocopherols are the two most abundant groups of lipid-soluble antioxidants in chloroplasts. In addition to their many functional roles in photosynthetic organisms, these compounds are also essential components of animal diets, including humans. During the past decade, a near complete set of genes required for the synthesis of both classes of compounds in photosynthetic tissues has been identified, primarily as a result of molecular genetic and biochemical genomics-based approaches in the model organisms Arabidopsis thaliana and Synechocystis sp. PCC6803. Mutant analysis and transgenic studies in these and other systems have provided important insight into the regulation, activities, integration, and evolution of individual enzymes and are already providing a knowledge base for breeding and transgenic approaches to modify the types and levels of these important compounds in agricultural crops.
Among Cucurbitaceae, Cucumis melo is one of the most important cultivated cucurbits. They are grown primarily for their fruit, which generally have a sweet aromatic flavor, with great diversity and size (50 g to 15 kg), flesh color (orange, green, white, and pink), rind color (green, yellow, white, orange, red, and gray), form (round, flat, and elongated), and dimension (4 to 200 cm). C. melo can be broken down into seven distinct types based on the previously discussed variations in the species. The melon fruits can be either climacteric or nonclimacteric, and as such, fruit can adhere to the stem or have an abscission layer where they will fall from the plant naturally at maturity. Traditional plant breeding of melons has been done for 100 years wherein plants were primarily developed as open-pollinated cultivars. More recently, in the past 30 years, melon improvement has been done by more traditional hybridization techniques. An improvement in germplasm is relatively slow and is limited by a restricted gene pool. Strong sexual incompatibility at the interspecific and intergeneric levels has restricted rapid development of new cultivars with high levels of disease resistance, insect resistance, flavor, and sweetness. In order to increase the rate and diversity of new traits in melon it would be advantageous to introduce new genes needed to enhance both melon productivity and melon fruit quality. This requires plant tissue and plant transformation techniques to introduce new or foreign genes into C. melo germplasm. In order to achieve a successful commercial application from biotechnology, a competent plant regeneration system of in vitro cultures for melon is required. More than 40 in vitro melon regeneration programs have been reported; however, regeneration of the various melon types has been highly variable and in some cases impossible. The reasons for this are still unknown, but this plays a heavy negative role on trying to use plant transformation technology to improve melon germplasm. In vitro manipulation of melon is difficult; genotypic responses to the culture method (i.e., organogenesis, somatic embryogenesis, etc.) as well as conditions for environmental and hormonal requirements for plant growth and regeneration continue to be poorly understood for developing simple in vitro procedures to culture and transform all C. melo genotypes. In many cases, this has to be done on an individual line basis. The present paper describes the various research findings related to successful approaches to plant regeneration and transgenic transformation of C. melo. It also describes potential improvement of melon to improve fruit quality characteristics and postharvest handling. Despite more than 140 transgenic melon field trials in the United States in 1996, there are still no commercial transgenic melon cultivars on the market. This may be a combination of technical or performance factors, intellectual property rights concerns, and, most likely, a lack of public acceptance. Regardless, the future for improvement of melon germplasm is bright when considering the knowledge base for both techniques and gene pools potentially useable for melon improvement.
This chapter reviews visible absorption and fluorescence of chlorophyll, and its aggregates in solution. The high concentration of chlorophyll in the photosynthetic apparatus, and the difference in shape between the absorption spectra of chlorophylls in dilute solution and in vivo, have motivated investigations on effect of high pigment concentration on spectral properties. If a solution of Bchl or chlorophyll in methanol or acetone is diluted with water, an opalescent, nonfluorescent colloid forms. The absorption spectrum differs from the spectrum in solution, especially with Bchl. With chlorophyll a, no formation of a second long wavelength band is usually found, but the absorption spectrum of a colloidal chlorophyll a suspension may vary to a certain extent with conditions of preparation, purity, and time. The mechanism resulting in the spectral shifts related to the water and dioxane colloids might be a dispersion of unordered particles into more regular aggregates. The decrease in scattering and apparent increase in absorption coefficient may be caused by a decrease of the sieve effect, because of splitting up of large particles. Dioxane probably effects polymerization via the central Mg or Zn atom.
Chlorophyllides a and b were produced by incubation of spinach (Spinacia oleracea, cv. Melody) leaves in hot water (65-degrees-C for 30 min). Chlorophylls and chlorophyllides a and b and their degradation products were separated and identified by using a high-performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) technique including a gradient solvent system and a reversed-phase C-18 column or a normal-phase separation with a silica column. Of the two separation methods, the reversed-phase technique was rapid (25-30 min) and capable of resolving 12 different chlorophyll derivatives. Peak identification was based on ultraviolet-visible absorption spectra by using a photodiode array detector and confirmed by using fast atom bombardment mass spectrometry.
Proximate and micronutrient composition of cantaloupe and honeydew melons purchased from six marketing locations at marketing times near maximum and minimum product availability were determined. Cantaloupe varieties purchased at periods near maximum availability showed significantly higher (α= 0.01) levels of niacin, riboflavin, thiamin, ascorbic acid, folacin and Cr compared to those purchased near minimum availability. Honeydew melon varieties purchased at periods near maximum availability showed significantly lower (α= 0.01) levels of ascorbic acid, folacin, pantothenic acid, K, Zn, and Cr compared to those purchased near minimum availability. Although some differences were observed between values obtained and those reported in Handbook 8–9, proximate composition and mean values for micronutrients approximated those previously reported.
Carotenoids are plant pigments that are present in the human diet as microcomponents of fruit and vegetables. Since 1980, a consistent bulk of the results from both epidemiologic and experimental studies has strongly suggested that β-carotene, a widespread food carotenoid with provitamin A activity, could prevent the onset of cancers, especially lung cancer. Unfortunately, subsequent large-scale intervention studies failed, with one exception, to demonstrate any chemopreventive potency for β-carotene supplementation in humans, revealing a lack of knowledge of the mechanisms involved. In addition to their antioxidant properties, which have long been thought to be the clue to their biological effects, carotenoids appear to have a variety of cellular actions that make them remarkable ‘physiological modulators’. Research is still needed before new chemoprevention trials can eventually be undertaken on a strong scientific basis.
Vitamin C, including ascorbic acid and dehydroascorbic acid, is one of the most important nutritional quality factors in many horticultural crops and has many biological activities in the human body. The content of vitamin C in fruits and vegetables can be influenced by various factors such as genotypic differences, preharvest climatic conditions and cultural practices, maturity and harvesting methods, and postharvest handling procedures. The higher the intensity of light during the growing season, the greater is vitamin C content in plant tissues. Nitrogen fertilizers at high rates tend to decrease the vitamin C content in many fruits and vegetables. Vitamin C content of many crops can be increased with less frequent irrigation. Temperature management after harvest is the most important factor to maintain vitamin C of fruits and vegetables; losses are accelerated at higher temperatures and with longer storage durations. However, some chilling sensitive crops show more losses in vitamin C at lower temperatures. Conditions favorable to water loss after harvest result in a rapid loss of vitamin C especially in leafy vegetables. The retention of vitamin C is lowered by bruising, and other mechanical injuries, and by excessive trimming. Irradiation at low doses (1 kGy or lower) has no significant effects on vitamin C content of fruits and vegetables. The loss of vitamin C after harvest can be reduced by storing fruits and vegetables in reduced O2 and/or up to 10% CO2 atmospheres; higher CO2 levels can accelerate vitamin C loss. Vitamin C of produce is also subject to degradation during processing and cooking. Electromagnetic energy seems to have advantages over conventional heating by reduction of process times, energy, and water usage. Blanching reduces the vitamin C content during processing, but limits further decreases during the frozen-storage of horticultural products.
A growing body of literature exists regarding the effects of beta-carotene and other carotenoids on chronic diseases in humans. This article reviews and critically evaluates this literature and identifies areas for further research. This review is restricted to studies in humans, with a major emphasis on the most recent literature in the area of carotenoids and selected cancers. Effects of carotenoids on cardiovascular diseases, photosensitivity diseases, cataracts, and age-related macular degeneration are also discussed briefly. Numerous observational studies have found that people who ingest more carotenoids in their diets have a reduced risk of several chronic diseases. However, intervention trials of supplemental beta-carotene indicate that supplements are of little or no value in preventing cardiovascular disease and the major cancers occurring in well-nourished populations, and may actually increase, rather than reduce, lung cancer incidence in smokers. As a consequence of these findings, some of the ongoing trials of beta-carotene and disease prevention have been terminated or have dropped beta-carotene from their interventions. Researchers should now seek explanations for the apparently discordant findings of observational studies vs. intervention trials. The most pressing research issues include studies of interactions of carotenoids with themselves and with other phytochemicals and mechanistic studies of the actions of beta-carotene in lung carcinogenesis and cardiovascular disease. Paradoxically, the finding that lung carcinogenesis and cardiovascular disease can be enhanced by supplemental beta-carotene may ultimately lead to a clearer understanding of the role of diet in the etiology and prevention of these diseases. The conclusion that major public health benefits could be achieved by increasing consumption of carotenoid-rich fruits and vegetables still appears to stand; however, the pharmacological use of supplemental beta-carotene for the prevention of cardiovascular disease and lung cancer, particularly in smokers, can no longer be recommended.
This chapter describes the analysis of ascorbic acid and dehydroascorbic acid in biological samples. The chapter focuses on ascorbate assays because these techniques are substantially more advanced than those for dehydroascorbic acid and most techniques for the latter are based on those of the former. High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with electrochemical (EC) detection is the ascorbate assay technique that provides the highest sensitivity, specificity, and accounts for substance interference. The general separation principles of HPLC are utilized to separate ascorbate from other substances. A mobile phase—or the solution for chromatography—is selected that optimizes both separation and detection. Once separation is accomplished, ascorbate is detected by one of two distinct types of EC detectors, amperometric EC detectors, or coulometric detectors. The principle of both detectors is that they pass a voltage across an area. Current generated by the voltage and the components of the mobile phase are measured. Amperometric EC detectors are “flow by” detectors, in which the solution containing ascorbate and the components of the mobile phase for HPLC separation flow around the detector. Coulometric detectors are “flow through” detectors. The mobile phase and ascorbate flow through the detector, which is porous. Coulometric detectors are preferred over amperometric detectors. The chapter concludes with a discussion of the detection of radiolabeled ascorbate and dehydroascorbic acid.
Determination of dehydroascorbic acid in biological samples most commonly involves indirect measurement. The concentration is calculated by subtraction of the measured ascorbic acid concentration from that of total ascorbic acid analyzed after reduction of the dehydroascorbic acid present; a methodology also referred to as subtraction methods. Consequently, successful determination of dehydroascorbic acid is dependent on proper sample handling, quantitative reduction of the compound, and accurate quantification of both ascorbic acid and total ascorbic acid. In this paper, the recently introduced reductant tris[2-carboxyethyl]phosphine (TCEP) is evaluated as a reliable alternative to the commonly used reducing agent dithiothreitol (DTT). The results show that TCEP offers a more efficient reduction of dehydroascorbic acid at low pH compared to that of DTT. Moreover, while DTT maintains a reducing sample environment for less than 24 h, TCEP show complete protection from oxidation of ascorbic acid for at least 96 h following sample preparation. Removal of TCEP prior to analysis is unnecessary. A revised HPLC-EC method incorporating TCEP as reductant as well as the coanalysis of isoascorbic acid and uric acid is presented. The within- and between-day coefficients of variation for the complete assay are less than 1.5 and 3.5% for all analytes. As a whole, the method presented here is simpler and more reliable than existing methods.
Xanthophylls are oxygenated carotenoids that perform critical roles in plants. Beta-carotene hydroxylases (beta-hydroxylases) add hydroxyl groups to the beta-rings of carotenes and have been cloned from several bacteria and plants, including Arabidopsis. The lut1 mutation of Arabidopsis disrupts epsilon-ring hydroxylation and has been suggested to identify a related carotene hydroxylase that functions specifically on epsilon-ring structures. We have used library screening and genomics-based approaches to isolate a second beta-hydroxylase genomic clone and its corresponding cDNA from Arabidopsis. The encoded protein is 70% identical to the previously reported Arabidopsis beta-hydroxylase 1. Phylogenetic analysis indicates a common origin for the two proteins, however, their different chromosomal locations, intron positions and intron sizes suggest their duplication is not recent. Although both hydroxylases are expressed in all Arabidopsis tissues analyzed, beta-hydroxylase 1 mRNA is always present at higher levels. Both cDNAs encode proteins that efficiently hydroxylate the C-3 position of beta-ring containing carotenes and are only weakly active towards epsilon-ring containing carotenes. Neither beta-hydroxylase cDNA maps to the LUT1 locus, and the genomic region encompassing the LUT1 locus does not contain a third related hydroxylase. These data indicate that the LUT1 locus encodes a protein necessary for epsilon-ring hydroxylation but unrelated to beta-hydroxylases at the level of amino acid sequence.
In humans, as in plants, the xanthophyll lutein is believed to function in two important ways: first as a filter of high energy blue light, and second as an antioxidant that quenches and scavenges photo induced reactive oxygen species (ROS). Evidence suggests that lutein consumption is inversely related to eye diseases such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and cataracts. This is supported by the finding that lutein (and a stereo isomer, zeaxanthin) are deposited in the lens and the macula lutea, an area of the retina responsible for central and high acuity vision. Human intervention studies show that lutein supplementation results in increased macular pigment and improved vision in patients with AMD and other ocular diseases. Lutein may also serve to protect skin from UV-induced damage and may help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. Crystalline lutein is readily absorbed from foods and from dietary supplements whereas, to enter the bloodstream, lutein esters require prior de-esterification by intestinal enzymes. Unlike the hydrocarbon carotenoids which are mainly found in the LDL fraction, xanthophylls like lutein and zeaxanthin are incorporated into both HDL and LDL. Today, lutein can be obtained from the diet in several different ways, including via supplements, and most recently in functional foods. Animal toxicology studies have been performed to established lutein's safety as a nutrient. These studies have contributed to the classification of purified crystalline lutein as generally recognized as safe (GRAS). The achievement of GRAS status for purified crystalline lutein allows for the addition of this form into several food and beverage applications. This achievement speaks directly to the quality and safety of purified lutein.
Plant secondary metabolism has been a focus of research in recent years due to its significant roles in plant defense and in human medicine and nutrition. A protein engineering strategy was designed to more effectively manipulate plant secondary metabolite (isoflavonoid) biosynthesis. A bifunctional isoflavone synthase/chalcone isomerase (IFS/CHI) enzyme was constructed by in-frame gene fusion, and expressed in yeast and tobacco. The fusion protein was targeted to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membrane and the individual enzymatic functions of its component fragments were retained when assayed in yeast. Petals and young leaves of IFS/CHI transgenic tobacco plants produced higher levels of the isoflavone genistein and genistein glycosides as a ratio of total flavonoids produced than did plants transformed with IFS alone. Thus, through a combined molecular modeling, in vitro protein engineering and in planta metabolic engineering approach, it was possible to increase the potential for accumulation of isoflavonoid compounds in non-legume plants. Construction of bifunctional enzymes will simplify the transformation of plants with multiple pathway genes, and such enzymes may find broad uses for enzyme (e.g., cytochrome P450 family) and biochemical pathway engineering.
Oxidative stress is an important contributor to the risk of chronic diseases. Dietary guidelines recommend increased consumption of fruits and vegetables to combat the incidence of human diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis and diabetes. Fruits and vegetables are good sources of antioxidant phytochemicals that mitigate the damaging effect of oxidative stress. Carotenoids are a group of phytochemicals that are responsible for different colors of the foods. They are recognized as playing an important role in the prevention of human diseases and maintaining good health. In addition to being potent antioxidants some carotenoids also contribute to dietary vitamin A. There is scientific evidence in support of the beneficial role of phytochemicals in the prevention of several chronic diseases. Although the chemistry of carotenoids has been studied extensively, their bioavailability, metabolism and biological functions are only now beginning to be investigated. Recent interest in carotenoids has focused on the role of lycopene in human health. Unlike some other carotenoids, lycopene does not have pro-vitamin A properties. Because of the unsaturated nature of lycopene it is considered to be a potent antioxidant and a singlet oxygen quencher. This article will review carotenoids in general and lycopene in particular for their role in human health.
Canta-loupe Production in California. University of California Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources Publication 7218 Carotenoids in the retina and lens: possible acute and chronic effects on human visible performance
- T Hartz
- M Cantwell
- J Mickler
- S Mueller
- S Stoddard
- T Turini
Hartz, T., Cantwell, M., Mickler, J., Mueller, S., Stoddard, S., Turini, T., 2008. Canta-loupe Production in California. University of California Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources Publication 7218. Landrum, J., Bone, R., 2001. Carotenoids in the retina and lens: possible acute and chronic effects on human visible performance. Archives of Biochemistry and Biophysics 385, 28–40.
Commodity Profile: Melons University of California Retrieved October 18 Separation of chlorophyll compounds and their polar derivatives by high-performance liquid chromatography
- H Boriss
- H Brunke
- M Kreith
Boriss, H., Brunke, H., Kreith, M., 2006. Commodity Profile: Melons. Agricultural Issues Center (AIC), University of California Retrieved October 18, 2009 from http://aic.ucdavis.edu/profiles/Melons-2006.pdf. Canjura, F.L., Schwartz, S.J., 1991. Separation of chlorophyll compounds and their polar derivatives by high-performance liquid chromatography. Journal of Ag-ricultural and Food Chemistry 39, 1102–1105.
Dietary Reference Intakes: The Essential Guide to Nutrient Requirements Purification, cloning and expression of dehydroascorbic acid-reducing activity from human neutrophils: identification as glutaredoxin
- J Otten
- J Hellwig
- L Meyers
Otten, J., Hellwig, J., Meyers, L., 2006. Dietary Reference Intakes: The Essential Guide to Nutrient Requirements. National Academies Press, Washington, DC. Park, J., Levine, M., 1996. Purification, cloning and expression of dehydroascorbic acid-reducing activity from human neutrophils: identification as glutaredoxin. Biochemical Journal 315, 931–938.