Characteristics of some almond kernel and oils.
The proximate properties; the fatty acid and mineral contents of different almond kernel varieties were determined. The crude protein contents of kernels ranged between 12.7% (guara) and 16.3% (cristomorto). The oil yields from these kernels were established between 48.8% (cristomorto) and 55.7% (ferragnes). The acidity value of oils were found between 1.389 and 3.559%. In […]
Effect of increasing climatic water deficit on some leaf and stomatal parameters of wild and cultivated almonds under Mediterranean conditions.
The prevailing environmental conditions; temperature in particular; drive seasonal changes both in leaf development and stomatal characteristics. In order to ascertain the effect of increases in climatic water deficit on some leaf and stomatal parameters under field conditions; a study was carried out on two sets of leaves (spring and summer) on a large sample […]
Cytotoxicity of cashew flavonoids towards malignant cell lines.
The leaves of the Cashew plant (Anacardium occidentale L.) are used by the folk medicine in South America and West Africa. This plant is rich in flavonoids; which are polyphenolic compounds widespread in plants; and that have diverse physiological effects. In a sub-acute toxicity assay it was found that an ethanolic extract of Cashew leaves […]
Effects of different forms of hazelnuts on blood lipids and a-tocopherol concentrations in mildly hypercholesterolemic individuals.
Background/Objectives: Diets high in nuts reduce cholesterol; probably due to their favorable lipid profile and other bioactive substances. However; the physical form of the nut may be important as the cell wall of intact nuts may limit the hypocholesterolemic effect of nuts by reducing lipid bioavailability. Therefore; we investigated the effects on blood lipids of […]
Quality changes in macadamia kernel between harvest and farm-gate.
BACKGROUND: Macadamia integrifolia; Macadamia tetraphylla and their hybrids are cultivated for their edible kernels. After harvest; nuts-in-shell are partially dried on-farm and sorted to eliminate poor-quality kernels before consignment to a processor. During these operations; kernel quality may be lost. In this study; macadamia nuts-in-shell were sampled at five points of an on-farm postharvest handling […]
Pecans Acutely Increase Plasma Postprandial Antioxidant Capacity and Catechins and Decrease LDL Oxidation in Humans.
Bioactive constituents of pecan nuts such as -tocopherol and flavan-3-ol monomers show antioxidant properties in vitro; but bioavailability in humans is not known. We examined postprandial changes in plasma oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) and in concentrations of tocopherols; catechins; oxidized LDL; and malondialdehyde (MDA) in response to pecan test meals. Sixteen healthy men and […]
Effect of moderate walnut consumption on lipid profile; arterial stiffness and platelet activation in humans.
Background/Objectives: A large intake of walnuts may improve lipid profile and endothelial function. The effect of moderate walnut consumption is not known. We investigated whether a moderate intake of walnuts would affect lipid profile; arterial stiffness and platelet activation in healthy volunteers. Subjects/Methods: A total of 30 healthy males were recruited into a single-blind randomized […]
Resveratrol regulates the PTEN/AKT pathway through androgen receptor-dependent and -independent mechanisms in prostate cancer cell lines.
The tumor suppressor gene PTEN (phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome 10) and the androgen receptor (AR) play important roles in tumor development and progression in prostate carcinogenesis. Among many functions; PTEN negatively regulates the cytoplasmic phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase/AKT anti-apoptotic pathway; and nuclear PTEN affects the cell cycle by also negatively regulating the MAPK pathway via […]
Effects of peanut processing on body weight and fasting plasma lipids.
Peanuts and peanut butter are commonly consumed as a snack; meal component and ingredient in various commercial products. Their consumption is associated with reduced CVD risk and they pose little threat to positive energy balance. However; questions have arisen as to whether product form (e.g. whole nut v. butter) and processing properties (e.g. roasting and […]
Antioxidant properties and chemical composition of technical Cashew Nut Shell Liquid (tCNSL).
The present study analyzed the antioxidant activity of the technical Cashew Nut Shell Liquid (tCNSL) using the 2;2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging assay and the xanthine oxidase assay; as well as in vivo evaluation by Saccharomyces cerevisiae assay. Also; the chemical composition of tCNSL was determined by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GCÂMS); revealing the presence of cardanols (40.26%); […]