RESUMO

This study evaluated the effects of acerola and guava fruit processing co-products fermented with probiotic Lactobacillus acidophilus LA-05 and Lacticaseibacillus paracasei L-10 on the abundance of different intestinal bacterial groups and microbial metabolic activity during 48 h of in vitro fecal fermentation. Digested fermented fruit co-products increased the relative abundance of beneficial bacterial groups while overall decreasing or maintaining the relative abundance of non-beneficial bacterial groups, suggesting selective stimulatory effects on beneficial bacterial intestinal populations. The fermented co-products stimulated microbial metabolic activity due to decreased pH, sugar consumption, short-chain fatty acid production, phenolic compound and metabolic profile alteration, and high antioxidant capacity during fecal fermentation. Acerola and guava co-products have high nutritional value and bioactive compounds whose fermentation with probiotics improves their potential functionalities. The results show that fermented fruit co-products could induce beneficial changes in the relative abundance of several bacterial groups as well as in the metabolic activity of the human intestinal microbiota. These results highlight their potential as novel and circular candidates for use as synbiotic ingredients.

RESUMO

Fresh produce have a more limited shelf life than processed ones. Their sensory attributes such as appearance and surface texture are important features in consumer perception and liking. The decomposition of fresh produce, which is caused by enzymes, chemical reactions, and microbial infections, often caused by Colletotrichum species, is inevitable. However, it can be slowed down. Several materials have been developed for this purpose, with an emphasis on active coatings using nanomaterials. In this study, the protective effects of a zein coating containing chitosan nanowhiskers (CSW) for the maintenance of fruit quality were investigated using guava (Psidium guajava L.) as a model fruit. CSW were previously characterized, and their antifungal effects against distinct Colletotrichum species (Colletotrichum asianum, Colletotrichum tropicale, Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, and Colletotrichum brevisporum) were proven. Coatings were characterized by thermogravimetric analysis, optical profilometry, and mechanical properties. Total soluble solids, pH, mass loss, and visual inspection of uncoated and coated guava fruits were also verified during 9 days. Results show that CSW length and aspect ratio decreased for longer extraction times. A similar behavior was found for x-ray diffraction in which peak intensity decreases under the same conditions. CSW degradation (ca. 250-400°C) also depends on extraction time in which more crystalline whiskers are the most thermally stable ones. The addition of CSW did not significantly (p < 0.05) modify the homogeneity and continuity of coating but prevented microbial growth assuring fruit quality during storage. In summary, coatings protected guava fruits from post-harvest spoilage while preserving quality and extending shelf life. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Fresh foods such as fruits and vegetables have a more limited shelf life than processed ones.

Assuntos

Quitosana , Filmes Comestíveis , Zeína , Antifúngicos/farmacologia , Frutas/química , Quitosana/química , Zeína/análise , Conservação de Alimentos/métodos

RESUMO

AIMS: To evaluate the phytochemical composition and effects of the baru peel and pulp (BPP) and the partially defatted baru nut (DBN) on the growth and metabolism of probiotics. METHODS AND RESULTS: The proximate composition, including dietary fibers, and polyphenol profile were determined in the BPP and DBN, and the prebiotic activity was evaluated on the growth and metabolism of the Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strains. BPP and DBN have a high content of insoluble fibers and phenolic compounds, mainly flavonoids and phenolic acids. Moreover, DBN stands out for its high content of proteins and lipids. BPP and DBN stimulated the growth and metabolism of Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BB-12, Lactobacillus acidophilus LA-05, and Lacticaseibacillus casei L-26. CONCLUSIONS: Baru by-products have potential prebiotic properties to be confirmed in preclinical and clinical studies, and to be explored as an ingredient in new health-promoting foods. IMPACT STATEMENT: Agro-industrial baru wastes, the peel plus pulp and the partially defatted nut, are sources of health-promoting compounds and stimulate the growth and metabolism of probiotics, indicating prebiotic properties.

Assuntos

Bifidobacterium animalis , Dipteryx , Probióticos , Bifidobacterium , Fibras na Dieta , Resíduos Industriais

RESUMO

Fruits agro-industrial by-products may have a great variety of bioactive compounds that promote health. Thus, the effects of supplementation with acerola, cashew and guava processing by-products for 28 days on retinol level, lipid profile and on some aspects related to intestinal function in rats were investigated. The animals supplemented with different fruit by-products presented similar weight gain, faecal pH values and intestinal epithelial structures; however, they showed higher moisture and Lactobacillus spp. and Bifidobacterium spp. counts in faeces compared to the control group. Supplementation with the cashew by-product decreased the blood glucose, acerola and guava by-products reduced serum lipid levels and all fruit by-products tested increased serum and hepatic retinol. The results indicated that acerola and guava by-products possess a potential hypolipidemic effect. The three fruit by-products increase the hepatic retinol deposition and the faecal populations of beneficial bacterial groups and modulated aspects of intestinal function. The findings of this study can contribute to sustainable fruticulture and support future clinical studies with the supplementation of by-products.

Assuntos

Frutas , Vitamina A , Ratos , Animais , Ratos Wistar , Frutas/química , Vitamina A/farmacologia , Vitamina A/análise , Promoção da Saúde , Suplementos Nutricionais , Lipídeos/análise

RESUMO

In this study, we evaluated the physical, nutritional, and bioactive properties of mandacaru cladode flour (Cereus jamacaru DC.). The granulometric profile revealed particles with non-uniform geometry, flakiness, a rectangular tendency, and a non-homogeneous surface, with particle sizes ranging from 20 to 60 µm. The flour presented low water activity (0.423), a moisture content of 8.24 g/100 g, high ash (2.82 g/100 g), protein (5.18 g/100 g), and total carbohydrate contents (74.48 g/100 g), and low lipid contents (1.88 g/100 g). Mandacaru flour is an excellent source of insoluble dietary fiber (48.08 g/100 g), calcium (76.33%), magnesium (15.21%), and potassium (5.94%). Notably, 1H NMR analysis revealed the presence of N-methyltyramine. Using HPLC chromatography, glucose was identified as the predominant sugar (1.33 g/100 g), followed by four organic acids, especially malic acid (9.41 g/100 g) and citric acid (3.96 g/100 g). Eighteen phenolic compounds were detected, with relevant amounts of kaempferol (99.40 mg/100 g), myricetin (72.30 mg/100 g), and resveratrol (17.84 mg/100 g). The total phenolic compounds and flavonoids were 1285.47 mg GAE/100 g and 15.19 mg CE/100 g, respectively. The mean in vitro antioxidant activity values were higher using the FRAP method (249.45 µmol Trolox TEAC/100 g) compared to the ABTS•+ method (0.39 µmol Trolox TEAC/g). Finally, the ascorbic acid had a content of 35.22 mg/100 g. The results demonstrate the value of mandacaru as a little-explored species and an excellent matrix for the development of flours presenting good nutritional value and bioactive constituents with excellent antioxidant potential.

RESUMO

This study elaborated different formulations with xique-xique (Pilosocereus gounellei) cladode, passion fruit and lime juice and sugar cane syrup. The formulated beverages were subjected to physical and physicochemical analysis, determination of total carotenoid, total flavonoid and total phenolic compound contents, as well as of their antioxidant activity (ABTS and FRAP method), organic acid, sugar and phenolic compound profile during 21 days of refrigeration storage (4 °C). Significant variations were found among formulated beverages for most of the measured parameters during storage. Beverages with xique-xique juice were less acidic (7.90-10.27 g/100 mL) than beverages without this juice (11.66-12.76 g/100 mL). Beverages with xique-xique juice had overall higher contents of bioactive compounds and higher antioxidant activity when compared to the control formulation. Beverages with the highest xique-xique juice concentrations had the highest contents of carotenoids (51.51-59.27 µg/100 mL), flavonoids (1.39-2.15 mg CE/100 mL), phenolic compounds (68.49-115.66 mg EGA/100 mL) and antioxidant activity, as measured by ABTS (0.71-0.84 µmol Trolox/mL) and FRAP (0.33-0.39 µmol Trolox/mL). These results indicate that the incorporation of xique-xique cladode juice in these mixed beverages enhanced their bioactive properties, especially of antioxidant compounds, enabling the development of a new product with potential functional properties to the beverage industry.

RESUMO

This study had as aims to evaluate the effects of successive exposures to Mentha piperita L. essential oil (MPEO) on culturability and physiological functions of Salmonella Typhimurium PT4. S. Typhimurium PT4 cells (108 log CFU/mL) were exposed to the same (1.25 µL/mL) or increasing MPEO concentrations (1.25-80 µL/mL) during 252 h. At each 36-h interval, the viable cell counts, and distinct cell functions were assessed using plate counting and flow cytometry, respectively. As the exposure time to the same MPEO concentration increased, the population of S. Typhimurium PT4 cells with damaged, permeabilized and depolarized membrane, and compromised efflux activity decreased. Otherwise, S. Typhimurium PT4 cells with damaged membrane physiological functions increased over the exposure to increasing concentrations of MPEO. Genomic analyses showed that the strain carries 17 genes associated with stress responses and the persistence of the tested strain among sources associated with poultry spanning more than 16 years and its virulence for humans. Therefore, successive exposure to a sublethal concentration of MPEO induced S. Typhimurium PT4 cells capable of maintaining the membrane integrity and its functions despite their non-culturable state.

Assuntos

Epidemias , Óleos Voláteis , Humanos , Mentha piperita , Óleos Voláteis/farmacologia , Extratos Vegetais , Salmonella typhimurium/genética

RESUMO

BACKGROUND AND AIM: High-fat (HF) diet consumption has been associated with gut dysbiosis and increased risk of dyslipidemia, type 2 diabetes mellitus and hypertension. Probiotic administration has been suggested as a safe therapeutic strategy for the treatment of cardiometabolic disorders. This study was designed to assess the effects of probiotic Lactobacillus (L.) fermentum 296, a fruit-derived bacteria strain, against cardiometabolic disorders induced by HF diet. METHODS AND RESULTS: Male Wistar rats were divided into control diet (CTL); HF diet; and HF diet treated with Lactobacillus fermentum 296 (HF + Lf 296). The L. fermentum 296 strain at 1 × 109 colony forming units (CFU)/ml were daily administered by oral gavage for 4 weeks. The results showed that rats fed with HF diet displayed insulin resistance, reduced Lactobacillus spp. counts in feces, serum lipids, and oxidative profile. Rats fed on HF diet also demonstrated augmented blood pressure associated with sympathetic hyperactivity and impaired baroreflex control. The administration of L. fermentum 296 for 4 weeks recovered fecal Lactobacillus sp. counts and alleviated hyperlipidemia, sympathetic hyperactivity, and reduced systolic blood pressure in HF rats without affecting baroreflex sensibility. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest the ability of L. fermentum 296 improve biochemical and cardiovascular parameters altered in cardiometabolic disorders.

Assuntos

Dieta Hiperlipídica , Dislipidemias/terapia , Microbioma Gastrointestinal , Hipertensão/terapia , Resistência à Insulina , Limosilactobacillus fermentum/crescimento & desenvolvimento , Síndrome Metabólica/terapia , Probióticos/farmacologia , Animais , Biomarcadores/sangue , Glicemia/metabolismo , Pressão Sanguínea , Modelos Animais de Doenças , Disbiose , Dislipidemias/sangue , Dislipidemias/microbiologia , Hipertensão/microbiologia , Hipertensão/fisiopatologia , Insulina/sangue , Lipídeos/sangue , Masculino , Síndrome Metabólica/sangue , Síndrome Metabólica/microbiologia , Síndrome Metabólica/fisiopatologia , Ratos Wistar

RESUMO

Consumers have shown increased concern about the importance of adopting regular fresh fruit consumption. Because fresh fruit are highly susceptible to postharvest decay, several studies have focused on the development of alternative technologies to extend their market period. The application of polysaccharides in combination with essential oils (EOs) to formulate edible coatings has been considered an innovative strategy to reduce postharvest losses in fruit. However, available studies have used different methodological procedures related to the production and application of these coatings on fruit, which could be potential influential factors on the achievement of the desired effects in coated fruit. This review summarized the studies focusing on the application of edible coatings formed by polysaccharides and EOs to preserve fruit, in addition to examine and discuss possible factors affecting their functionalities. The approach given in this review envisages to contribute to research in edible coatings formed by polysaccharides and EOs and help to their optimized application as a postharvest treatment of fruit. Despite of the different methods selected for use in experimental assays, data of available literature demonstrate that coatings formed by polysaccharides (that is, chitosan-the only polysaccharide used as an antimicrobial, cassava starch, flaxseed gum, gum arabic, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, locust bean gum, mesquite gum, pectin, pullulan, and sodium alginate) and different EOs (or their individual constituents) are effective to reduce postharvest losses in fruit and generally do not adversely affected their physicochemical and sensory characteristics during storage.

RESUMO

This study evaluated the efficacy of the essential oil from Mentha spicata L. (MSEO) and M. × villosa Huds. (MVEO) to inactivate Candida albicans, C. tropicalis, Pichia anomala and Saccharomyces cerevisiae in Sabouraud dextrose broth and cashew, guava, mango, and pineapple juices during 72 h of refrigerated storage. The effects of the incorporation of an anti-yeast effective dose of MSEO on some physicochemical and sensory characteristics of juices were evaluated. The incorporation of 3.75 µL/mL MSEO or 15 µL/mL MVEO caused a ≥5-log reductions in counts of C. albicans, P. anomala, and S. cerevisiae in Sabouraud dextrose broth. In cashew and guava juices, 1.875 µL/mL MSEO or 15 µL/mL MVEO caused ≥5-log reductions in counts of P. anomala and S. cerevisiae. In pineapple juice, 3.75 µL/mL MSEO caused ≥5-log reductions in counts of P. anomala and S. cerevisiae; 15 µL/mL MVEO caused ≥5-log reductions in counts of S. cerevisiae in mango juice. The incorporation of 1.875 µL/mL MSEO did not affect the physicochemical parameters of juices and did not induce negative impacts to cause their possible sensory rejection. These results show the potential of MSEO and MVEO, primarily MSEO, to comprise strategies to control spoilage yeasts in fruit juices.