Phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity of Italian extra virgin olive oil Monti Iblei.

The profile of phenolic compounds, antioxidant capacity, oxidative stability, and chemical characteristics (free acidity, peroxide value, specific extinction K232 and K270 values, and DeltaK) of 22 commercial extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) samples coming from the denomination of protected origin (DPO) Monti Iblei and obtained from olives harvested in the period September-December 2005 in the production area of the province of Siracusa (Sicily, Italy) were evaluated. The content of total phenols, expressed as gallic acid equivalents, ranged from 14.80 to 121.

Absorption and metabolism of red orange juice anthocyanins in rats.

Anthocyanins are natural pigments that could be involved in various health effects. Red oranges are an important dietary source of anthocyanins, including cyanidin 3-glucoside (Cy 3-glc) and an acylated derivative, cyanidin 3-(6''-malonyl)-glucoside (Cy 3-malglc). The aim of this study was to evaluate the absorption and metabolism of red orange anthocyanins in rats fed an anthocyanin-enriched diet for 12 d (approximately 2.

Antioxidant activity of pasteurized and sterilized commercial red orange juices.

Blood orange juice is a typical Italian product whose red color is primarily associated with anthocyanin pigments. Two orange-based products are present on the market: pasteurized pure juice with 40 days of shelf life, and sterilized beverage containing minimum 12% of concentrated fruit juice. The aim of the present paper is to verify the relationships between the antioxidant properties and the anthocyanins content in a sampling of pasteurized and sterilized commercial red orange juices.

Effects of blood orange juice intake on antioxidant bioavailability and on different markers related to oxidative stress.

Orange juice is a source of antioxidants that might afford in vivo protection from oxidative stress. To test this hypothesis, we carried out a human intervention study with blood orange juice containing high amounts of vitamin C, anthocyanins, and carotenoids. Sixteen healthy female volunteers were enrolled in a crossover study and were given 600 mL/day of blood orange juice or a diet without juice for 21 days.

Ochratoxin A-induced DNA damage in human fibroblast: protective effect of cyanidin 3-O-beta-d-glucoside.

Ochratoxin A (OTA), a mycotoxin produced by Aspergillus ochraceus and other moulds, has recently received growing attention because of its carcinogenic, teratogenic and nephrotoxic properties in both humans and farm animals. Nevertheless, with regard to the mechanism of toxicity, the data in the literature are inconclusive. The aim of our work was to verify in human fibroblasts treated with different OTA dosages the involvement of oxidative pathway in the damage mechanism of this mycotoxin and the possible protective effect exerted by cyanidin 3-O-beta-D-glucoside (C3G), an anthocyanin present in pigmented oranges, red wines, fruits and vegetables.

Differentiation of human melanoma cells induced by cyanidin-3-O-beta-glucopyranoside.

Great attention has been recently given to a flavonoid of the anthocyanin class, cyanidin-3-O-beta-glucopyranoside (C-3-G), which is widely spread throughout the plant kingdom, and is present in both fruits and vegetables of human diets. In this study, we investigated the effect of C-3-G on proliferation and differentiation of human melanoma cells. Both morphological and functional parameters were evaluated, using electron and confocal microscopy, cytofluorometric analysis, HPLC assay, Western blot analysis, and enzymatic assay, as appropriate.

Cyanidins: metabolism and biological properties.

Cyanidin and its glycosides belong to the anthocyanins, a widespread class of water-soluble plant compounds that are responsible for the brilliant color (red, orange, blue) of fruits and flowers. They are widely ingested by humans as it has been estimated a daily intake around 180 mg, mainly deriving from fruits and red wines. This paper reviews the literature on the biological activities, absorption and metabolism of cyanidins, with emphasis to the antioxidant, antimutagenic and other protective activities ascribed to these compounds.

Cyanidin-3-O-beta-glucopyranoside protects myocardium and erythrocytes from oxygen radical-mediated damages.

The cyanidin-3-O-beta-glucopyranoside (C-3-G) antioxidant capacity towards reactive oxygen species (ROS)-mediated damages was assessed in tissue and cells submitted to increased oxidative stress. In the isolated ischemic and reperfused rat heart, 10 or 30 degreesM C-3-G protected from both lipid peroxidation (66.7 and 94% inhibition of malondialdehyde (MDA) generation in 10 and 30 microM C-3-G-reperfused hearts, respectively, in comparison with control reperfused hearts) and energy metabolism impairment (higher ATP concentration in 10 and 30 microM C-3-G-reperfused hearts than in control reperfused hearts).

Occurrence and Stability of Aflatoxin M in Milk and Milk Products: A Worldwide Review.

This paper critically reviews data from the literature since 1980 on the occurrence of aflatoxin M (AFM) in human and animal milk, infant formula, dried milk, cheese, and yogurt. Furthermore the influence of storage and processing of milk and milk products on the occurrence and stability of AFM is reviewed. It is concluded that (i) efforts in attempting to harmonize already existing regulatory limits for AF in foods and feed should be made; (ii) further investigations should verify the influence of milk storage and processing on AFM occurrence to avoid uncertainty in actual practice; (iii) the occurrence of AFM in animal milks and milk products is widespread, although, considering the current scientific fund, contamination levels do not seem to be a serious health hazard; however, further studies should provide accurate scientific information concerning the human health hazard related to long-term exposure to subchronic AF levels; (iv) monitoring programs should be more extensive and frequent; and (v) in tropical and subtropical countries, especially in African countries, a particular attention should be used in monitoring milk and milk products other than those from cows, as well as feed.