Changes of platelet antioxidative enzymes during oxidative stress: The protective effect of polyphenol-rich extract from berries of Aronia melanocarpa and grape seeds

Abstract: Aronia melanocarpa fruits (Rosaceae) and grape seeds (seeds of Vitis vinifera; Vitaceae) are two of the richest plant sources of phenolic substances; and they have been shown to have various biological activities. The aim of the present study was to investigate and compare the action of phenolic extracts (at concentrations 5?100??g/mL) of two different […]

Molecular characterization and toxigenic profile of Aspergillus section Nigri populations isolated from the main grape-growing regions in Argentina.

AIMS: The objective of this study was to evaluate the biodiversity of Aspergillus section Nigri populations from Argentinean vineyards by morphological; toxigenic and AFLP analysis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Five hundred and thirty-eight strains were isolated from grapes during 2006/07 and 2007/08 vintages. The morphological identification and toxigenic profile for all strains isolated were performed. Eighty-eight […]

Isolation and identification of ochratoxin A-producing Aspergillus section Nigri strains from California raisins

Aims: To determine incidence and levels of ochratoxin A (OTA) in California raisins; and to isolate and characterize OTA-producing fungi from Forty California raisin vineyard populations. Methods and Results: raisin clusters sampled from four California vineyards in the San Joaquin Valley were analyzed for OTA content using immunoaffinity and HPLC methods. OTA was detected in […]

Polyphenol content and health benefits of raisins.

The health benefits of grapes and wine have been studied and publicized extensively; but dried grapes (raisins; including “sultanas” and “currants”) have received comparatively little attention. The purpose of the review was to summarize the polyphenol; phenolic acid; and tannin (PPT) composition of raisins; predict the likely bioavailability of the component PPT; and summarize the […]

Study on antioxidant activity of common dry fruits

This study investigates the antioxidant activity of different dry fruits (almonds; walnut; cashew nut; raisins and chironji) through several chemical and biochemical assays: reducing power; lipid peroxidation damage in biomembranes and determination of antioxidant enzymes activity (SOD and CAT). To estimate the total phenolic content; the assay using Folin-Ciocalteu reagent was used. The EC(50) values […]

Resveratrol: a natural compound with pharmacological potential in neurodegenerative diseases

Resveratrol is a phytoalexin structurally related to stilbenes; which is synthesized in considerable amounts in the skin of grapes; raspberries; mulberries; pistachios and peanuts; and by at least 72 medicinal and edible plant species in response to stress conditions. It was isolated in 1940 and did not maintain much interest for around five decades until […]

Effect of raisin consumption on oxidative stress and inflammation in obesity

Aim: Oxidative stress can initiate increased inflammation that elevates risk for cardiovascular disease. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of daily consumption of raisins on markers of oxidative stress; inflammation and endothelial activation in response to an acute high-fat meal in overweight individuals. Methods: Seventeen overweight men and women consumed 90 […]

Value of raisins for reduction of oxidative stress; endothelial dysfunction; and inflammation in obesity. http://www.calraisins.org

Raisins as a functional food for oral health. University of Illinois at Chicago; College of Dentistry; http://www.calraisins.org

Effect of germicidal UVC light on fungi isolated from grapes and raisins

AIMS: To examine how UVC affects the different genera of fungi commonly isolated from grapes; with the aim of understanding changes in mycobiota during grape ripening and possible applications for preventing grape decay during storage. METHODS AND RESULTS: Spores of Aspergillus carbonarius; Aspergillus niger; Cladosporium herbarum; Penicillium janthinellum and Alternaria alternata (between 100-250 spores/plate agar) […]