The chemical composition and the membrane stabilizing activity of the decoctions of the dry Hibiscus sabdariffa Linn. (Malvaceae) calyx (Sobo in a Nigerian language), Theobroma cacao Linn. (N.O. Sterculiaceae) root (cocoa) and the dry stalk of white and red cultivars of Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench (Poaceae) were determined. These herbs are often used locally for the management of anemia. Ash content was from 3.5 to 7.2%, tannin 7-46 mg/kg catechin equivalent, ascorbic acid content 250-625 mg/kg and total anthocyanin 57-150 mg/kg cyanidin-3-glucoside equivalent. Phytate was not detected in any sample but alkaloids and saponins were present except in Sobo. The decoctions contained 0.2-2.0% of the herbs' total tannin content while the pH was 3.2-6.7. Iron and zinc content was highest in Sobo while Theobroma cacao root contained the highest calcium and magnesium. Solubility and mineral availability were highest in the decoction of Sobo and lowest but available in Theobroma cacao root decoction. The decoction of Theobroma cacao exhibited a high membrane stabilizing activity while those of Sorghum bicolor and Hibiscus sabdariffa were only average. The study indicated that the herbal decoctions could provide some minerals and also help to stabilize the red blood cells from stress injury.
Download full-text PDF |
Source |
|---|---|
| http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2005.04.034 | DOI Listing |
Publication Analysis
Top Keywords
Similar Publications
Comparison of cadmium pathways in a high Cd accumulating cultivar versus a low Cd accumulating cultivar of Theobroma cacao L.
Plant Physiol Biochem
January 2025
Université Grenoble Alpes, Université Savoie Mont Blanc, CNRS, IRD, Université G. Eiffel, ISTerre, Grenoble, France. Electronic address:
Understanding cadmium (Cd) pathways in cacao trees is critical for developing Cd mitigation strategies. This study investigates whether Cd uptake and translocation mechanisms differ between a low and a high Cd-accumulating cacao cultivar. We sampled three replicate trees of each cultivar, and a grafted cultivar that shared the same scion as the low Cd accumulator but had a different rootstock.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFRubber intercropping with arboreal and herbaceous species alleviated the global warming potential through the reduction of soil greenhouse gas emissions.
Sci Rep
January 2025
College of Ecology and Environment, Hainan University, Haikou, 570228, China.
Agroforestry systems are known to enhance soil health and climate resilience, but their impact on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in rubber-based agroforestry systems across diverse configurations is not fully understood. Here, six representative rubber-based agroforestry systems (encompassing rubber trees intercropped with arboreal, shrub, and herbaceous species) were selected based on a preliminary investigation, including Hevea brasiliensis intercropping with Alpinia oxyphylla (AOM), Alpinia katsumadai (AKH), Coffea arabica (CAA), Theobroma cacao (TCA), Cinnamomum cassia (CCA), and Pandanus amaryllifolius (PAR), and a rubber monoculture as control (RM). Soil physicochemical properties, enzyme activities, and GHG emission characteristics were determined at 0-20 cm soil depth.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFComment on "Stability and degradation mechanism of (-)-epicatechin in thermal processing".
Food Chem
January 2025
Poznań University of Technology, Institute of Chemistry and Technical Electrochemistry, Berdychowo 4, 60-965 Poznań, Poland. Electronic address:
Catechins, due to their high antioxidant capacity, are ones of the most common ingredients of human diet (e.g. tea, fruits, cacao) of the well-known health benefit properties.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFEcuadorian Cacao Mucilage as a Novel Culture Medium Ingredient: Unveiling Its Potential for Microbial Growth and Biotechnological Applications.
Foods
January 2025
Grupo de Investigación en Bio-Quimioinformática, Carrera de Ingeniería Agroindustrial, Facultad de Ingeniería y Ciencias Aplicadas, Universidad de Las Américas (UDLA), Quito 170503, Ecuador.
Cacao mucilage is typically disposed of during processing, yet its abundant content of organic compounds, polysaccharides, and nutrients renders it valuable for various applications. This scientific study investigates the suitability of cacao mucilage as an alternative culture medium for , , and , aiming to provide a viable alternative to traditional media. Through a mixed-design approach, the powdered mucilage, peptone, and yeast extract ingredients were optimized using the recovery rates of each micro-organism as the response variable.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThe Health Impact of Cocoa from Cultivation to the Formation of Biogenic Amines: An Updated Review.
Foods
January 2025
Department of Bioscience and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy.
Cocoa and chocolate are known for their health benefits, which depend on factors like cocoa variety, post-harvest practices, and manufacturing processes, including fermentation, drying, roasting, grinding, and refining. These processing methods can influence the concentration and bioavailability of bioactive compounds, such as polyphenols that are linked to cardiovascular health and antioxidant effects. Recent scientific research has led to the development of cocoa-based products marketed as functional foods.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFWant AI Summaries of new PubMed Abstracts delivered to your In-box?
Enter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!