Antioxidant activity, total phenolics and flavonoids contents: Should we ban in vitro screening methods?

As many studies are exploring the association between ingestion of bioactive compounds and decreased risk of non-communicable diseases, the scientific community continues to show considerable interest in these compounds. In addition, as many non-nutrients with putative health benefits are reducing agents, hydrogen donors, singlet oxygen quenchers or metal chelators, measurement of antioxidant activity using in vitro assays has become very popular over recent decades. Measuring concentrations of total phenolics, flavonoids, and other compound (sub)classes using UV/Vis spectrophotometry offers a rapid chemical index, but chromatographic techniques are necessary to establish structure-activity.

Alternatives to those artificial FD&C food colorants.

Replacement of artificial food dyes with natural colorants is a current marketing trend, notwithstanding the fact that neither the United States nor the European Union (EU) has defined natural with respect to food colors. Consumer groups have concerns over the safety of synthetic colorants, and in addition, many of the naturally derived colorants provide health benefits. Food scientists frequently have the assignment of replacing artificial colorants with natural alternatives.

Sugar and nonvolatile acid composition of blackberries.

Sugar and nonvolatile acid analyses were conducted on 52 samples of blackberries (Rubus spp), the objective being to develop a compositional database for evaluating authenticity and quality. Brix ranged from 6.88 to 16.

Color quality of Oregon strawberries--impact of genotype, composition, and processing.

This investigation was to evaluate fruit color and study the effect of processing on color quality of strawberry products. Three color instruments with different viewing angles, viewing areas, and sample presentation geometries were compared for their effectiveness in measuring CIEL*C*h(o) color values for fresh fruits of 6 strawberry genotypes. There were significant differences between genotypes as well as between instruments.

Polyphenol composition and antioxidant activity in strawberry purees; impact of achene level and storage.

In this study the impact of achenes on polyphenolic compounds, ascorbic acids, and antioxidant activities in strawberry purees at production and after storage at 6 and 22 degrees C for 8 and 16 weeks was investigated. Strawberry purees were made from flesh, berry, and achene-enriched homogenate and contained 0, 1.2, and 2.