Biochemical characterization of amandin; the major storage protein in almond (Prunus dulcis L.).
The almond major storage protein; amandin; was prepared by column chromatography (amandin-1); cryoprecipitation (amandin-2); and isoelectric precipitation (amandin-3) methods. Amandin is a legumin type protein characterized by a sedimentation value of 14S. Amandin is composed of two major types of polypeptides with estimated molecular weights of 42-46 and 20-22 kDa linked via disulfide bonds. Several […]
Non-detectable levels of trans-fatty acids in peanut butter.
The fatty acid composition of 11 brands of peanut butter and paste freshly prepared from roasted peanuts was analyzed with emphasis on isomeric trans-fatty acids. No trans-fatty acids were detected in any of the samples in an analytical system with a detection threshold of 0.01% of the sample weight. Hydrogenated vegetable oils are added to […]
Antioxidant phytochemicals in hazelnut kernel (Corylus avellana L.) and hazelnut byproducts.
Antioxidant efficacies of ethanol extracts of defatted raw hazelnut kernel and hazelnut byproducts (skin; hard shell; green leafy cover; and tree leaf) were evaluated by monitoring total antioxidant activity (TAA) and free-radical scavenging activity tests [hydrogen peroxide; superoxide radical; and 2;2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical]; together with antioxidant activity in a beta-carotene-linoleate model system; inhibition of oxidation […]
Detection and stability of the major almond allergen in foods.
Almond major protein (AMP or amandin); the primary storage protein in almonds; is the major allergen recognized by almond-allergic patients. A rabbit antibody-based inhibition ELISA assay for detecting and quantifying AMP in commercial foods has been developed; and this assay; in conjunction with Western blotting analyses; has been applied to the investigation of the antigenic […]
Selenium and Aflatoxin levels in raw Brazil nuts from the Amazon Basin.
Whereas selenium (Se) is an important antioxidant in human metabolism to prevent cancer; aflatoxins are highly carcinogenic. Brazil nuts from Eastern and Western Amazon regions were evaluated to find any relationship between Se and aflatoxins levels. A total of 80 (in-shell and shelled) nuts samples were collected directly from different forest sites and analyzed for […]
Antioxidant capacity and phenolic content of grapes; sun-dried raisins; and golden raisins and their effect on ex vivo serum antioxidant capacity.
Grapes and raisins provide phenolic antioxidants; which contribute to their potential health benefits. The objectives of this study were to compare the antioxidant capacity and phenolic content of green Thompson seedless grapes (the most common variety of grapes consumed in the United States); sun-dried raisins; and golden raisins (both produced from Thompson seedless grapes) and […]
Almond (Prunus dulcis (Mill.) D.A. Webb) skins as a potential source of bioactive polyphenols.
An exhaustive study of the phenolic composition of almond ( Prunus dulcis (Mill.) D.A. Webb) skins was carried out in order to evaluate their potential application as a functional food ingredient. Using the HPLC-DAD/ESI-MS technique; a total of 33 compounds corresponding to flavanols; flavonols; dihydroflavonols and flavanones; and other nonflavonoid compounds were identified. Peaks corresponding […]
Fatty acid profiles; tocopherol contents; and antioxidant activities of heartnut (Juglans ailanthifolia Var. cordiformis) and Persian walnut (Juglans regia L.).
The fatty acid and tocopherol compositions of three heartnut (Juglans ailanthifolia var. cordiformis) varieties (Imshu; Campbell CW1; and Campbell CW3) were examined and compared with those of two Persian walnut (Juglans regia L.) varieties (Combe and Lake). The major fatty acids found in heartnuts and walnuts were identified by gas chromatography as linoleic (18:2n-6); alpha-linolenic […]
Antioxidant activity of Sicilian pistachio (Pistacia vera L. var. Bronte) nut extract and its bioactive components.
Pistacia vera L. is the only species of Pistacia genus producing edible nuts. This paper investigates the antioxidant potential of a Sicilian variety of pistachio nut by chemical as well as biological assays and measured antioxidant vitamins and a number of antioxidant polyphenols in either the hydrophilic and/or the lipophilic nut extract. In accordance with […]
Identification and quantification of flavonol glycosides in almond seedcoats using MALDI-TOF MS.
Interest in the molecular composition of almonds is growing; due to their popularity in a wide variety of food formulations. Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) is a powerful new technique that can be used to rapidly identify and quantify possible bioactive compounds in these popular tree nuts. Four flavonol glycosides were identified […]