Total phenolic and phytosterol compounds and the radical scavenging activity of germinated Australian sweet lupin flour

Andean Crops Germination: Changes in the Nutritional Profile, Physical and Sensory Characteristics. A Review

Andean crops such as quinoa, amaranth, cañihua, beans, maize, and tarwi have gained interest in recent years for being gluten-free and their high nutritional values; they have high protein content with a well-balanced essential amino acids profile, minerals, vitamins, dietary fiber, and antioxidant compounds. During the germination bioprocess, the seed metabolism is reactivated resulting in the catabolism and degradation of macronutrients and some anti-nutritional compounds. Therefore, germination is frequently used to improve nutritional quality, protein digestibility, and availability of certain minerals and vitamins; furthermore, in specific cases, biosynthesis of new bioactive compounds could occur through the activation of secondary metabolic pathways. These changes could alter the technological and sensory properties, such as the hardness, consistency and viscosity of the formulations prepared with them. In addition, the flavor profile may undergo improvement or alteration, a critical factor to consider when integrating sprouted grains into food formulations. This review summarizes recent research on the nutritional, technological, functional, and sensory changes occur during the germination of Andean grains and analyze their potential applications in various food products.

Lupin as Ingredient in Durum Wheat Breadmaking: Physicochemical Properties of Flour Blends and Bread Quality

The popularity of adding pulse flours to baked goods is growing rapidly due to their recognised health benefits. In this study, increasing amounts (3, 7, 10, and 15%) of white lupin flour (Lupinus albus L.) and of protein concentrate from narrow-leaved lupin (Lupinus angustifolius L.) were used as replacements for durum wheat semolina to prepare bread, and their effects on the physicochemical properties of the flour blends, as well as the technological and sensory qualities of bread, were evaluated. The addition of protein concentrate from narrow-leaved lupin and white lupin flour increased the water binding capacity and the leavening rate compared to pure semolina. A farinograph test indicated that the dough development time had a slight but significant tendency to increase with the addition of lupin flour and protein concentrate of narrow-leaved lupin, while had a negative effect on the stability of dough. The alveograph strength decreased (225, 108, and 76 × 10-4 J for dough made with semolina, 15% of protein concentrate from narrow-leaved lupin, and 15% of white lupin flour, respectively), whereas there was an upward trend in the P/L ratio. Compared to re-milled semolina, the samples with lupin flour and protein concentrate from narrow-leaved lupin had low amylase activity, with falling number values ranging from 439 s to 566 s. The addition of the two different lupin flours lowered the specific volumes of the breads (2.85, 2.39, and 1.93 cm3/g for bread made from semolina, from 15% of protein concentrate from narrow-leaved lupin, and from 15% of white lupin flour, respectively) and increased their hardness values (up to 21.34 N in the bread with 15% of protein concentrate from narrow-leaved lupin). The porosity of the loaves was diminished with the addition of the two lupin flours (range of 5-8). The sensory analysis showed that the addition of white lupin flour or protein concentrate from narrow-leaved lupin did not impart any unpleasant flavours or odours to the bread. To conclude, the use of lupin in breadmaking requires adjustments to strengthen the gluten network but does not require a deflavouring process.

Go local: Enhancing sustainable production of Tenebrio molitor through valorization of locally available agricultural byproducts

Insects receive increasing attention as an alternative source of protein for animals and humans, and thus, the production of low-cost insects for meeting the dietary demand on sustained basis is an ever-growing concept. This study aims to design dietswith locally available agricultural byproducts from Greece as feed for larvae of the yellow mealworm, Tenebrio molitor L. (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae). This will considerably reduce the cost of insect feed and the environmental impact of insect farming by using locally available agricultural byproducts as economic insect feedstock. More specifically, five agricultural byproducts derived from the production of cereals and legumes were utilized to design twelve different diets at two protein levels, i.e., 17.4 and 22.5% protein content. All diets were evaluated both at laboratory scale, but also at pilot scale. Based on the obtained results, both bioassays revealed that the diets contained one legume and one cereal byproduct (i.e., lupin and triticale as well as lupin and oat) supported more efficiently the growth and performance of the larvae, irrespective of the protein level. Indicatively, individual larval weight of the best performed larvae from both groups ranged from 132 to 142 mg. Moreover, our results highlight the fact that data derived from laboratory scale bioassays are not always easy to be extrapolated to industrial production. For instance, the total harvest of larvae, a parameter assessed in the tray scale bioassay, exhibited a disparity between diet A2 (910 g) and diet A3 (749 g), despite both being deemed optimal in the laboratory-scale experiment. Our study aims to promote a circular approach for the industrial rearing of insects through integration of local agricultural byproducts into specific diets for T. molitor larvae.

Lupin as a Source of Bioactive Antioxidant Compounds for Food Products

Four species of lupin (white lupin, yellow lupin, blue lupin and Andean lupin) are widely cropped thanks to the excellent nutritional composition of their seeds: high protein content (28-48 g/100 g); good lipid content (4.6-13.5 g/100 g, but up to 20.0 g/100 g in Andean lupin), especially unsaturated triacylglycerols; and richness in antioxidant compounds like carotenoids, tocols and phenolics. Particularly relevant is the amount of free phenolics, highly bioaccessible in the small intestine. However, the typical bitter and toxic alkaloids must be eliminated before lupin consumption, hindering its diffusion and affecting its nutritional value. This review summarises the results of recent research in lupin composition for the above-mentioned three classes of antioxidant compounds, both in non-debittered and debittered seeds. Additionally, the influence of technological processes to further increase their nutritional value as well as the effects of food manufacturing on antioxidant content were scrutinised. Lupin has been demonstrated to be an outstanding raw material source, superior to most crops and suitable for manufacturing foods with good antioxidant and nutritional properties. The bioaccessibility of lupin antioxidants after digestion of ready-to-eat products still emerges as a dearth in current research.

Research on the Potential Use of Grape Seed Flour in the Bakery Industry

Grape seeds are one of the most accessible by-products of the wine industry in large quantities (about 2.4 million t/year). Numerous researchers have shown that grape seeds have a high potential for use as a functional ingredient in the food industry due to their high content of protein, fiber, minerals, and polyphenols. The aim of the paper is to evaluate the possibilities of using grape seed flour (GSF) in the bakery industry from both chemical and rheological points of view. Research shows that grape seed flour contains about 42 times more fiber than wheat flour and approximately 9 times more calcium, 8 times more magnesium, and 2 times more potassium. To assess this potential, four samples of bread from flour mixtures with 3%, 5%, 7%, and 9% (w/w) degree of replacement with GSF were prepared, analyzed, and compared with a control sample from 100% wheat flour. From a rheological point of view, the baking qualities deteriorate: the water absorption capacity (CH) decreases from 58.2% to 55.8%, the dough stability increases from 8.50 min to 9.83 min, the α slope varies from −0.066 Nm/min to −0.104 Nm/min, the β slope increases from 0.576 Nm/min to 0.630 Nm/min, and the γ slope varies from −0.100 Nm/min to −0.198 Nm/min. The sensory analyses performed by the panel of evaluators enclosed the sensorial characteristics of the samples with 3% and 5% GSF between the two control samples made from flour types 480 and 1250. The conclusions show that the sample containing 7% and 9% are unsatisfactory from rheological and sensorial points of view and the samples with 3% and 5% can be considered a fiber source and a Cu source, respectively, and are rich in Zn.

Enhancement of Digestibility of Nutrients (In vitro), Antioxidant Potential and Functional Attributes of Wheat Flour Through Grain Germination

Wheat grains were germinated at different time (12, 24, 36, and 48 h) and temperature (25, 30, and 35°C) to enhance the functionality of resultant flour. Results revealed that an increase in germination time and temperature enhanced the in vitro digestibility of starch (10.35-42.30 %) and proteins (6.31-44.02 %) owing to their depolymerization by hydrolytic enzymes. Total phenolic and flavonoid content of wheat during germination at variable conditions were enhanced significantly (p < 0.05) from 3.62 to 5.54 mg GAE/g and 32.06 to 54.33 mg QE/100 g, respectively. Germination at elevated temperature (35°C) for a prolonged time (48 h) increased the DPPH RSA by 58.85 %, reducing power by 80.40 % and metal chelating activity by 112.26 % as a result of the structural breakdown of bound phenolics. Increased activity of hydrolytic enzymes also results in a continuous reduction in the viscosity and lightness values of wheat flour. Tailored germination, therefore, can be offered as a tool to increase the nutrient digestibility and bioactive potential of wheat thus resulting in producing the naturally modified flour with enhanced functionality.

Characterisation of the molecular interactions between primary bile acids and fractionated lupin cotyledons (Lupinus angustifolius L.)

Interactions between bile acids and plant-based materials, and the related feedback mechanisms in enterohepatic circulation, have been considered targets for lowering cholesterol. This study aimed to identify lupin compounds that interact with primary bile acids on molecular level. Lupin cotyledons were fractionated and bile acid adsorbing activities were investigated using in vitro digestion, equilibrium dialysis and kinetic analyses. Protein- and fibre-enriched fractions significantly (p ≤ 0.05) adsorbed chenodesoxycholic acids (up to 2.33 µmol/100 g DM). Alcohol purification showed that bile acid adsorption is independent of protein and fibre structures. Moreover, high adsorption was observed with an alcohol extract (6.97 µmol chenodesoxycholic acids/100 g DM) that was rich in phytochemicals, such as flavonoids (1842 mg/100 g DM). These results suggest the formation of hydrophobic interactions between polyphenols and bile acids. Further studies of molecular mechanisms are required to define the contributions of polyphenols to the cholesterol-lowering actions of lupins.

Nutritional and Bioactive Compounds in Mexican Lupin Beans Species: A Mini-Review

As a source of bioactive compounds, species of the genus Lupinus are interesting legumes from a nutritional point of view. Although wild species are abundant and represent a potential source of nutrients and biologically active compounds, most research has focused on domesticated and semi-domesticated species, such as Lupinus angustifolius, Lupinus albus, Lupinus luteus, and Lupinus mutabilis. Therefore, in this review, we focus on recent research conducted on the wild Lupinus species of Mexico. The nutritional content of these species is characterized (similar to those of the domesticated species), including proteins (isolates), lipids, minerals, dietary fiber, and bioactive compounds, such as oligosaccharides, flavonoids, and alkaloids.

Phenolic contents and antioxidant capacities of wild and cultivated white lupin (Lupinus albus L.) seeds

The aim of this study was to compare the antioxidant capacities and phenolic compound profiles of wild and cultivated Lupinus albus L. seeds. The total phenolic content (TPC), radical scavenging activity, ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and antioxidant activity in an β-carotene-linoleic acid emulsion were determined. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry was used to identify phenolics. The TPC of lupin seeds ranged from 4.36 to 7.24 mg gallic acid equivalent/g dry matter (d.m.). The dominant phenolics of all genotypes were two p-coumaric acid derivatives (0.74-1.61 and 0.66-1.63 mg/g d.m.) and apigenin-6,8-di-C-glucoside (1.13-1.31 mg/g d.m.). The results of antioxidant assays of wild lupin extracts were similar to or lower than those of the cultivated variety. FRAP and ABTS⁺ scavenging activity were correlated with the contents of the more polar p-coumaric acid derivative and apigenin-6,8-di-C-glucoside. Generally, significant differences between cultivated and wild L. albus seeds were not found in antioxidant capacities and phenolic compound contents.

Verifying Identities of Plant-Based Multivitamins Using Phytochemical Fingerprinting in Combination with Multiple Bioassays

Sales of multivitamins have been growing rapidly and the concept of natural multivitamin, plant-based multivitamin, or both has been introduced in the market, leading consumers to anticipate additional health benefits from phytochemicals that accompany the vitamins. However, the lack of labeling requirements might lead to fraudulent claims. Therefore, the objective of this study was to develop a strategy to verify identity of plant-based multivitamins. Phytochemical fingerprinting was used to discriminate identities. In addition, multiple bioassays were performed to determine total antioxidant capacity. A statistical computation model was then used to measure contributions of phytochemicals and vitamins to antioxidant activities. Fifteen multivitamins were purchased from the local markets in Seoul, Korea and classified into three groups according to the number of plant ingredients. Pearson correlation analysis among antioxidant capacities, amount phenols, and number of plant ingredients revealed that ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryhydrazyl (DPPH) assay results had the highest correlation with total phenol content. This suggests that FRAP and DPPH assays are useful for characterizing plant-derived multivitamins. Furthermore, net effect linear regression analysis confirmed that the contribution of phytochemicals to total antioxidant capacities was always relatively higher than that of vitamins. Taken together, the results suggest that phytochemical fingerprinting in combination with multiple bioassays could be used as a strategy to determine whether plant-derived multivitamins could provide additional health benefits beyond their nutritional value.

Effects of different depth of grain colour on antioxidant capacity during water imbibition in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

BACKGROUND

The importance of the effect of phytochemical accumulation in wheat grain on grain physiology has been recognised. In this study, we tracked phytochemical concentration in the seed coat of purple wheat during the water-imbibition phase and also hypothesised that the speed of germination was only relevant to its initial phytochemical concentration.

RESULTS

The results indicate that the speed of germination was significantly reduced in the darker grain groups within the purple wheat. Total phenol content was slightly increased in all groups compared to their initial state, but the levels of other phytochemicals varied among groups. It is revealed that anthocyanin was significantly degraded during the water imbibition stage. Also, the activities of peroxidase, ascorbate peroxidase, catalase, glutathione S-transferase, glutathione reductase, and glutathione peroxidase in each grain colour group did not correlated with germination speed. Overall antioxidant activity was reduced as imbibition progressed in each group. Generally, darker grain groups showed higher total antioxidant activities than did lighter grain groups.

CONCLUSION

These findings suggested that the reduced activity of reactive oxygen species, as controlled by internal antioxidant enzymes and phytochemicals, related with germination speed during the water imbibition stage in grains with greater depth of purple colouring. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry.

Calcium, Iron, and Zinc Bioaccessibilities of Australian Sweet Lupin (Lupinus angustifolius L.) Cultivars

In this study, we aimed to determine the effect of the cultivar and dehulling on calcium, iron, and zinc bioaccessibilities of Australian sweet lupin (ASL). Ten ASL cultivars grown in 2011, 2012, and 2013 in Western Australia were used for the study. The bioaccessibilities of calcium, iron, and zinc in whole seed and dehulled lupin samples were determined using a dialysability method. The cultivar had significant effects on calcium, iron, and zinc contents and their bioaccessibilities. Average bioaccessibilities of 6% for calcium, 17% for iron, and 9% for zinc were found for whole seeds. Dehulled ASL had average calcium, iron, and zinc bioaccessibilities of 11%, 21%, and 12%, respectively. Compared to some other pulses, ASL had better iron bioaccessibility and poorer calcium and zinc bioaccessibilities. Dehulling increased calcium bioaccessibilities of almost all lupin cultivars. The effect of dehulling on iron and zinc bioaccessibilities depends on the ASL cultivar.

Bioactivities of alternative protein sources and their potential health benefits

Increasing the utilisation of plant proteins is needed to support the production of protein-rich foods that could replace animal proteins in the human diet so as to reduce the strain that intensive animal husbandry poses to the environment.

Amino acids profile and antioxidant activity of different Lupinus angustifolius seeds after solid state and submerged fermentations

The objective of this study was to investigate the amino acids profile, total phenolic compounds (TPC) content, antioxidant activity after submerged (SmF) and solid state (SSF) fermentations of different Lupinus angustifolius seeds by the Lactobacillus sakei KTU05-6. Additionally, the impact of different lupin seeds as fermentation media for LAB biomass and d/l-lactic acid production was analysed. The d/l ratio for SmF and SSF treated lupin samples varied from 0.15 to 0.45 and from 0.12 to 0.46, 16 respectively. Nutritional analysis highlighted a substantial increase in the TPC content and antioxidant activity up to 31.5-48.8% for SSF treated L. angustifolius samples compared to unfermented. The interaction between analysed factors (lupin variety and fermentation conditions) had a significant influence on essential and nonessential amino acids profile.

Isolation of Functional Components β-Glucan and γ-Amino Butyric Acid from Raw and Germinated Barnyard Millet (Echinochloa frumentaceae) and their Characterization

The study was carried out to analyze the characteristics of two functional constituents' viz. γ-amino butyric acid (GABA) and β-glucan extracted from raw and germination barnyard millet (var. PRJ-1). A significant (P ≤ 0.05) effect of germination (sprouting) was observed in yield, chemical composition, functional, rheological and antioxidant properties of β-glucan and GABA. The yield of GABA extract was 12.34 % and the content increased from 6.37 mg/100 g in raw to 35.70 mg/100 g in germinated sample. The DPPH, total antioxidant and hydrogen peroxide scavenging activities of GABA extract increased after germination from 45.34 to 65.34 %, 15.3 to 33.3 millimole/g and 38.4 to 64.7 millimole/g, respectively. The yield of β-glucan extract of raw and germinated flour was 6.05 and 5.01 % whereas the β-glucan contents were 83.30 and 79.64 %, respectively. The functional properties of β-glucan i.e., swelling power, water binding capacity and DPPH scavenging activity increased from 1.45 to 1.76 g/g, 2.13 to 2.32 g/g and 44.39 to 57.42 %, respectively, after germination. Similarly there was an increase in the storage modulus after germination process which attributes a better viscoelastic capacity of β-glucan at low frequencies. The results exploit that the β-glucan and GABA might promise a polymeric incipient to be implemented as food additives with variable functional and structural characteristics.

Impact of Elicitation on Antioxidant and Potential Antihypertensive Properties of Lentil Sprouts

The aim of this study was to investigate the application of elicitors (500 μM ascorbic acid, 50 μM folic acid, 5 mM glutamic acid and 50 ppm chitosan in 5 mM glutamic acid) during lentil germination up to 8 days as a strategy to increase germination rate and to enhance the accumulation of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and phenolic compounds. The effect of elicitation on the protein profile and antioxidant and angiotensin I converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory activities of sprouted lentils was also evaluated. The application of elicitors did not negatively affect the germination yield of lentils and no significant changes on the protein pattern of lentils germinated in the presence of elicitors were observed. Chitosan/glutamic acid increased by 1.6-fold the GABA content in lentil sprouts, whilst ascorbic and folic acids as well as chitosan/glutamic acid were highly effective to enhance the total content of phenolic compounds and the antioxidant activity of sprouted lentils. All elicited lentil sprouts showed ability to inhibit ACE activity (IC50: 9.5-11.9 μg peptides/mL). Therefore, elicitation can be considered a promising approach to improve the content of compounds with antioxidant and potential antihypertensive activities in lentil sprouts.