Optimization of headspace solid phase microextraction for gas chromatography/mass spectrometry analysis of widely different volatility and polarity terpenoids in olibanum

The journey of boswellic acids from synthesis to pharmacological activities

There has been a lot of interest in using naturally occurring substances to treat a wide variety of chronic disorders in recent years. From the gum resin of Boswellia serrata and Boswellia carteri, the pentacyclic triterpene molecules known as boswellic acid (BA) are extracted. We aimed to provide a detailed overview of the origins, chemistry, synthetic derivatives, pharmacokinetic, and biological activity of numerous Boswellia species and their derivatives. The literature searched for reports of B. serrata and isolated BAs having anti-cancer, anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, anti-arthritic, hypolipidemic, immunomodulatory, anti-diabetic, hepatoprotective, anti-asthmatic, and clastogenic activities. Our results revealed that the cytotoxic and anticancer effects of B. serrata refer to its triterpenoid component, including BAs. Three-O-acetyl-11-keto-BA was the most promising cytotoxic molecule among tested substances. Activation of caspases, upregulation of Bax expression, downregulation of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kB), and stimulation of poly (ADP)-ribose polymerase (PARP) cleavage are the primary mechanisms responsible for cytotoxic and antitumor effects. Evidence suggests that BAs have shown promise in combating a wide range of debilitating disease conditions, including cancer, hepatic, inflammatory, and neurological disorders.

Analysis of the volatile monoterpene composition of citrus essential oils by photoelectron spectroscopy employing continuously monitored dynamic headspace sampling

A new photoelectron spectroscopic method permitting a quantitative analysis of the volatile headspace of several essential oils is presented and discussed. In particular, we focus on the monoterpene compounds, which are known to be the dominant volatile components in many such oils. The photoelectron spectra of the monoterpene constituents may be effectively isolated by accepting for analysis only those electrons that accompany the production of m/z = 136 ions, and by using low photon energies that restrict cation fragmentation. The monoterpene isomers are then identified and quantified by regression modelling using a library of terpene standard spectra. An advantage of this approach is that pre-concentration of the volatile vapour is not required, and all steps are performed at ambient temperature, avoiding the possible deleterious effects (such as isomerisation/decomposition) that may sometimes arise in gas chromatographic (GC) procedures. As a proof-of-principle demonstration, three citrus oils (lemon, lime, bergamot) are analysed with this approach and the results are compared with reported GC composition profiles obtained for these oils. Potential advantages of the methodology that include multiplex detection and real-time, in situ analysis are identified and discussed. Alternative and faster experimental implementations concerning laboratory-based ionization and detection schemes are proposed and considered, as is the possibility of a straightforward extension towards simultaneous determination of enantiomeric excesses.

Volatile Profile in Greek Grape Marc Spirits with HS-SPME-GC-MS and Chemometrics: Evaluation of Terroir Impact

Greek grape marc spirits, although being traditional products, have lately attracted increasing attention as a revisited spirit product category. A headspace solid-phase microextraction coupled to the gas chromatography-mass spectrometry method was optimized in order to determine the volatile composition of 39 samples of grape marc spirits from eight major geographical regions of Greece and 4 protected designations of origin (PDOs). This untargeted analysis approach yielded the identification and quantification of 200 volatiles characterizing those products. Principal component analysis and partial least-squares-discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) combined with the volatile matrix were further employed to identify terroir denomination. Initial results showed a clear separation of the PDO products from Tyrnavos from the rest. Variable importance in projection data pretreatment was further adopted, and with 31 volatiles subsequently used with PLS-DA, products were correctly classified according to region of origin at 76.92% and for 3 out of 4 PDO denominations at 100%.

Antimicrobial Activity of Frankincense (Boswellia sacra) Oil and Smoke against Pathogenic and Airborne Microbes

As they continuously evolve, plants will remain a renewable source for antimicrobial compounds. Omani frankincense is produced by B. sacra trees and is graded into Hojari, Nejdi, Shazri or Sha'bi. Air can be a source for pathogenic or food spoilage microbes; thus, inactivating airborne microbes is necessary in environments such as food and animal production areas. This study investigated the antimicrobial activity and the chemistry of steam-distilled oils of Hojari and Sha'bi grades. It also analyzed the antimicrobial activity of frankincense smoke and the size of its solid particles. Chemical analysis was performed using gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The antimicrobial activity of the oils against Staphylococcus aureus (NCTC 6571), Bacillus spp., Escherichia coli (NCTC 10418), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (NCTC 10662), Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Candida albicans, Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus ochraceus, Aspergillus niger, Penicillium citrinum, Alternaria alternata and Fusarium solani was determined using well diffusion and micro-well dilution methods. A microscopic technique was used to determine the size of frankincense smoke solid particles. Microbes were exposed to frankincense smoke to test their susceptibility to the smoke. Hojari and Sha'bi oils were similar in composition and contained monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes. The Hojari and the Sha'bi oils possessed broad spectrum antimicrobial activity. The largest growth inhibition zones were obtained with S. cerevisiae and F. solani. An MIC of 1.56% (v/v) was found with E. coli, S. cerevisiae and F. solani. Frankincense smoke contained fine irregular solid particles with a diameter range of 0.8-2287.4 µm, and thus may pose a health risk to susceptible individuals. The smoke had potent antimicrobial activity against S. aureus, E. coli, and airborne bacteria, yeast and mold, with a maximum inhibition of 100%. It was concluded that Hojari and Sha'bi frankincense oils and smoke had significant antimicrobial activity that can be exploited in controlling human, animal and plant pathogenic microbes.

Conventional and innovative extraction technologies to produce food-grade hop extracts: Influence on bitter acids content and volatile organic compounds profile

Hop extracts represent a natural alternative to synthetic food additives because of their high content of bitter acids and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) with bittering, flavoring, and antimicrobial properties. However, broader uses of hop extracts as natural techno-functional ingredients rely on the identification of sustainable and affordable extraction technologies allowing to diversify the processes and produce extracts characterized by different compositions and, consequently, qualitative properties. Thus, this study is aimed to evaluate and compare the effect of innovative and conventional extraction methods on the bitter acids content and VOCs pattern of food-grade ethanolic hop extracts for food applications. Innovative extractions were carried out by using two ultrasound systems (a laboratory bath [US] and a high-power ultrasound bath [HPUS]), and a high-pressure industrial process (high hydrostatic pressure [HHP]). Conventional extractions (CONV) were performed under dynamic maceration at 25 and 60°C; for ultrasound and conventional methods, the effect of the extraction time was also investigated. Among the extracts, the highest and lowest content of bitter acids was found in CONV 60°C extracts, and HHP and CONV 25°C extracts, respectively. Of the 34 VOCs identified in dry hops, ∼24 compounds were found in US, HPUS and CONV extracts, while only 18 were found in HHP. CONV extractions showed higher selectivity for sesquiterpenes, while US and HPUS showed higher selectivity for esters and monoterpenes. Hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) and partial least squares-discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) allowed classifying hop extracts based on the extraction methods and also allowed highlighting the technological conditions to produce hop extracts with specific techno-functional and flavoring properties. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: The study showed that different extraction methods can lead to hop products with varying sensory and functional properties. By selecting the right extraction method, companies can produce hop extracts with specific compositions that meet their needs for clean label and sustainable food products, as well as new edible packaging or coatings.

Review of the Chemical Composition, Pharmacological Effects, Pharmacokinetics, and Quality Control of Boswellia carterii

OBJECTIVE

This review aimed to systematically summarize studies that investigated the bioactivities of compounds and extracts from Boswellia.

METHODS

A literature review on the pharmacological properties and phytochemicals of B. carterii was performed. The information was retrieved from secondary databases such as PubMed, Chemical Abstracts Services (SciFinder), Google Scholar, and ScienceDirect.

RESULTS

The various Boswellia extracts and compounds demonstrated pharmacological properties, such as anti-inflammatory, antitumour, and antioxidant activities. B. carterii exhibited a positive effect on the treatment and prevention of many ageing diseases, such as diabetes, cancer, cardiovascular disease, and neurodegenerative diseases.

CONCLUSION

Here, we highlight the pharmacological properties and phytochemicals of B. carterii and propose further evidence-based research on plant-derived remedies and compounds.

Characterization of the volatile fraction of mastic oil and mastic gum

GC-MS of ethyl acetate solutions and HS-SPME-GC-MS of mastic oil and mastic gum showed the presence of α-pinene and β-myrcene as main components of the mixture. In the GC-MS analysis of mastic oil 19 compounds were detected, while mastic gum allowed to detect only twelve compounds. Mastic gum showed the presence of compounds with a higher molecular weight. In HS-SPME analysis the amount of β-myrcene increased in comparison to the results obtained in the analyses performed in solution. The relative ratio between α-pinene and β-myrcene showed that SPME analysis induces a preferential detection for β-myrcene (α-pinene/β-myrcene in the mastic oil 16.18 in GC-MS analysis, and 5.06 in SPME analysis; α-pinene/β-myrcene in mastic gum 10.64 in GC-MS analysis, and 2.25 in SPME analysis). These results can be explained considering a different absorption selectivity of these compounds on the SPME fiber.

Metabolomics fingerprint of Philippine coffee by SPME-GC-MS for geographical and varietal classification

Volatile metabolites of Philippine Arabica and Robusta coffee beans in both forms standard (not-eaten by the Asian palm civet) and civet coffee grown in different Philippine regions were identified using the hyphenated technique headspace-solid phase microextraction-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. A great number of volatile metabolites with a wide variety of functional groups were extracted and forty-seven prominent compounds were identified. The volatile metabolomics (volatilomics) fingerprint of Arabica coffees considerably differed from Robusta coffee and geographical origin slightly altered the fingerprint profile of coffee samples. Chemometric analysis such as principal component analysis (PCA) displayed a good classification between Arabica and Robusta coffee samples. Although Arabica coffee samples from different geographical origins were clustered separately from each other, the proximity of clusters between Arabica coffee samples which could be classified into one large group, indicated their close similarity of headspace metabolites. The distinction between Arabica samples and Robusta coffees was attributed through the PCA to several key volatile metabolites, in particular, higher quantities of acetic acid, furfural, 5-methylfurfural, 2-formylpyrrole and maltol and lower concentrations of 4-ethylguaiacol and phenol. These discriminating metabolites could represent useful quality markers to differentiate Arabica from Robusta coffee. Results revealed that the headspace metabolites in coffee provide significant information on its inherent aroma quality. Also, the findings suggested that the overall quality of Philippine coffee is variety and region-specific.

Effects of smoking process on the aroma characteristics and sensory qualities of dried longan

In this study, the effects on the sensory quality and flavor profile of dried longan resulting from smoking it for 104 h were investigated. The results showed that, in terms of the quality of the dried longan. The smoking time influenced the fruit's water activity (0.70-0.92), soluble solids (30-60 ^。Brix), pH (6.13-6.71), and tendency to change from yellow to brown hues (ΔE: 3.13-12.83). We detected 42 volatile compound variations during smoking, of which 3-methyl-1-butanol, 3,7-dimethyl-1,3,6-octatriene, hydroxy butanone, and 1-octen-3-ol perceived aroma for longan. Aroma characteristics were evaluated smoky effect by agglomerative hierarchical cluster and principal component analysis. Forasmuch phenolic derivatives (smoky flavor) form lignin degradation correlated for the time, and organic compounds via oxidation (or hydrolyzation). We found get the smoky flavor and intermediate moisture of longan in smoked 72 h, which extended sensory and preservation that is beneficial to longan producers.

Distribution of the anti-inflammatory and anti-depressant compounds: Incensole and incensole acetate in genus Boswellia

Incensole and its acetate have shown anti-inflammatory and anti-depression activities due to their ability to activate ion channels in the brain to alleviate anxiety or depression. The natural occurrence of these two structurally and medicinally fascinating 14-membered diterpenoids was reported mainly from the genus Boswellia. Incensole and incensole acetate were detected in and isolated from both essential oils and resins of frankincense. One total synthesis was reported for incensole. Both incensole and its acetate served as precursors for several synthetic transformations. Given the fact that no specific enzymes were isolated from Boswellia trees, the major sources for incensole and incensole acetate, the biosynthetic pathway of these two compounds was only speculated. Recent studies on incensole and incensole acetate including ours have revealed another secret of the ancient drug. Understanding their mode of action will open a door in modern neurobiology and provides new insights on the mysterious diseases of the nervous system. This review interpretatively discusses the natural existence of incensole and incensole acetate, the variation of their percentages in different Boswellia species and other sources, their synthetic modifications, their biosynthesis and their therapeutic potential.

Unlocking preservation bias in the amber insect fossil record through experimental decay

Fossils entombed in amber are a unique resource for reconstructing forest ecosystems, and resolving relationships of modern taxa. Such fossils are famous for their perfect, life-like appearance. However, preservation quality is vast with many sites showing only cuticular preservation, or no fossils. The taphonomic processes that control this range are largely unknown; as such, we know little about potential bias in this important record. Here we employ actualistic experiments, using, fruit flies and modern tree resin to determine whether resin type, gut microbiota, and dehydration prior to entombment affects decay. We used solid phase microextraction gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (SPME GC-MS) to confirm distinct tree resin chemistry; gut microbiota of flies was modified using antibiotics and categorized though sequencing. Decay was assessed using phase contrast synchrotron tomography. Resin type demonstrates a significant control on decay rate. The composition of the gut microbiota was also influential, with minor changes in composition affecting decay rate. Dehydration prior to entombment, contrary to expectations, enhanced decay. Our analyses show that there is potential significant bias in the amber fossil record, especially between sites with different resin types where ecological completeness and preservational fidelity are likely affected.

Comprehensive 2D gas chromatography-time-of-flight mass spectrometry with 2D retention indices for analysis of volatile compounds in frankincense (Boswellia papyrifera)

Frankincense gum resin secreted from Boswellia papyrifera was analysed by comprehensive 2D gas chromatography hyphenated with accurate mass time-of-flight mass spectrometry (GC×GC-accTOFMS). Direct multiple injection experiments with stepwise isothermal temperature programming were then performed to construct isovolatility curves for reference alkane series in GC×GC. This provides access to calculation of second dimensional retention indices (²I). More than 500 peaks were detected and 220 compounds mainly comprising monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes, diterpenes and oxygenated forms of these compounds were identified according to their ¹I, ²I and accurate mass data. The study demonstrates the capability of GC×GC-accTOFMS with retention data on two separate column phases, as an approach for improved component identification. A greater number of identified and/or tentatively identified terpenoids in this traditional Chinese medicine allow for a more comprehensive coverage of the volatile composition of frankincense.

The effect of ginger and garlic addition during cooking on the volatile profile of grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) soup

Ginger and garlic have long been used in Asian countries to enhance the flavor and to neutralize any unpleasant odors present in fish soup. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the change in the amount of volatile components present in fish soup compared to boiled water solutions of ginger and garlic. The fish soup was prepared by boiling oil-fried grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) with or without ginger and/or garlic. Generally, boiling garlic and ginger in water led to a decrease in the amount of the principal volatile constituents of these spices, together with the formation of some new volatiles such as pentanal, hexanal, and nonanal. The results showed that 16 terpenes present in raw ginger, predominantly camphene, β-phellandrene, β-citral, α-zingiberene, and (E)-neral, were detected in fish soup with added ginger and thus remained in the solution even after boiling. Similarly, 2-propen-1-ol and three sulfur compounds (allyl sulfide, diallyl disulfide, and diallyl trisulfide) present in raw garlic, were present in trace amounts in the boiled garlic solution, but were present in considerably larger amounts in the boiled fish solution with garlic or garlic plus ginger. In conclusion, the effect of adding spices on the volatile profile of grass carp soup can be attributed to the dissolution of flavor volatiles mainly derived from raw spices into the solution, with few additional volatiles being formed during boiling. In addition, boiling previously fried grass carp with spices led to enhanced volatile levels compared to boiled spice solutions.

Metabolomic-based study of the leafy gall, the ecological niche of the phytopathogen Rhodococcus fascians, as a potential source of bioactive compounds

Leafy gall is a plant hyperplasia induced upon Rhodococcus fascians infection. Previously, by genomic and transcriptomic analysis, it has been reported that, at the early stage of symptom development, both primary and secondary metabolisms are modified. The present study is based on the hypothesis that fully developed leafy gall, could represent a potential source of new bioactive compounds. Therefore, non-targeted metabolomic analysis of aqueous and chloroform extracts of leafy gall and non-infected tobacco was carried out by 1H-NMR coupled to principal component analysis (PCA) and orthogonal projections to latent structures-discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA). Polar metabolite profiling reflects modifications mainly in the primary metabolites and in some polyphenolics. In contrast, main modifications occurring in non-polar metabolites concern secondary metabolites, and gas chromatography and mass spectrometry (GC-MS) evidenced alterations in diterpenoids family. Analysis of crude extracts of leafy galls and non-infected tobacco leaves exhibited a distinct antiproliferative activity against all four tested human cancer cell lines. A bio-guided fractionation of chloroformic crude extract yield to semi-purified fractions, which inhibited proliferation of glioblastoma U373 cells with IC50 between 14.0 and 2.4 µg/mL. Discussion is focused on the consequence of these metabolic changes, with respect to plant defense mechanisms following infection. Considering the promising role of diterpenoid family as bioactive compounds, leafy gall may rather be a propitious source for drug discovery.

Headspace, Solid-phase Micro-extraction, Gas Chromatographic-Mass Spectrometric Analysis of Terpenoids in the Latex of Euphorbia Species

The volatile and semi-volatile terpenoids in the latex of Euphorbia amygdaloides, E. exigua, E. helioscopia, and E. peplus were analyzed by headspace, solidphase micro-extraction (HS-SPME), coupled with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The volatiles were extracted using a 100 μm polydimethylsiloxane SPME fiber under optimized extraction conditions. The compounds detected encompassed a range of chemical classes, but only terpenoids were evaluated. Only sesquiterpene hydrocarbons were detected in the tested samples of E. exigua, E. helioscopia, and E. peplus, with β-caryophyllene being the major one, but were never recorded in latex samples of E. amygdaloides, in which only the diterpene hydrocarbon kaur-16-ene was detected. α-Humulene was consistently found in samples of E. helioscopia, and E. peplus, but never in those of the other two species. These preliminary results show that the developed procedure is suitable for the analysis of small samples of Euphorbia latex and that, for each individual species, there is very little qualitative difference between samples, regardless of either place or date of collection.

Chemical differences in volatiles between Melittis melissophyllum L. subsp. melissophyllum and subsp. albida (Guss) P. W. Ball (Lamiaceae) determined by solid-phase microextraction (SPME) coupled with GC/FID and GC/MS

Melittis melissophyllum (Lamiaceae) is a perennial herb, typical of woody places, occurring in Italy with two subspecies, i.e., melissophyllum and albida. So far, the classification of these two taxa was only based on morphology, i.e., the presence of glandular trichomes, the dimension of the leaves, and the number of teeth on each side as the main discriminant characters. To find marker compounds to chemically discriminate the subsp. melissophyllum with respect to the subsp. albida, a solid-phase microextraction SPME analysis coupled with GC/FID (=flame ionization detector) and GC/MS was carried out. SPME proved to be a chemotaxonomically useful technique that permitted a clearly differentiation of the two subspecies at headspace level. The subsp. melissophyllum was characterized by high amount of the mushroom alcohol oct-1-en-3-ol and the phenolic coumarin, whilst the subsp. albida exhibited a high content in monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes, α-pinene, sabinene, and (E)-caryophyllene being the major compounds. Multivariate chemometric techniques, such as cluster analysis (CA) and principal-component analysis (PCA), were used to support chemical data and characterize the population according to the taxonomy. In addition, the micromorphology and distribution of glandular trichomes of both subspecies were studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM).

Assessment of the degradation of polyurethane foams after artificial and natural ageing by using pyrolysis-gas chromatography/mass spectrometry and headspace-solid phase microextraction-gas chromatography/mass spectrometry

Polyurethane foams are widely present in museum collections either as part of the artefacts, or as a material for their conservation. Unfortunately many of PU foam artefacts are in poor condition and often exhibit specific conservation issues. Their fast thermal and photochemical degradations have been the aim of previous researches. It is now accepted that hydrolysis predominates for polyester-based polyurethane PU(ES) whereas oxidation is the principal cause of degradation for polyether-based polyurethane PU(ET) variety. Only a few studies have been devoted to volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted by polyurethanes and, to our knowledge, none were performed on polyurethane foams by using headspace-solid phase microextraction (HS-SPME). The objective of the work described here is to assess the impact of some environmental factors (humidity, temperature and daylight) on the degradation of PU foams by evaluating their volatile fractions. We investigated morphological changes, polymerized fractions and volatile fractions of (i) one modern produced PU(ES) foam and one modern PU(ET) foam artificially aged in different conditions as well as (ii) four naturally aged foams collected from various daily life objects and selected for the representativeness of their analytical data. Characterization procedure used was based on attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), pyrolysis-gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (Py-GC/MS) and non-invasive headspace solid-phase microextraction coupled with gas chromatography and mass spectrometry (HS-SPME-GC/MS). In this paper, the formation of alcohol and acid raw products for PU(ES) and glycol derivatives for PU(ET) during natural and artificial ageing is confirmed. These main products can be considered as degradation markers for PU foams. Results show that artificial and natural ageing provide similar analytical results, and confirm that the dominant degradation paths for PU(ES) and for PU(ET) are hydrolysis and photo-oxidation, respectively. Lastly, we highlight that non-invasive HS-SPME-GC/MS analysis allows to distinguish between PU(ES) and PU(ET) at any point of their degradations.

Biological effects and photodegradation by TiO(2) of terpenes present in industrial wastewater

The aim of this work was to study the biological effects of four monoterpenes, i.e. α-pinene, β-pinene, 3-carene and D-limonene present in the wastewater of a citrus transformation factory. The study was carried out by exposing V79 Chinese hamster cells to single terpene or to the mixture of four terpenes at concentrations corresponding to those in the wastewater evaluated by head space solid phase micro extraction and gas chromatography (HS-SPME-GC) analyses. Treatments with single or combined terpenes similarly affected cell vitality, but only the combined treatments induced the 6-thioguanine resistant mutants. Moreover the photocatalytic degradation of the four terpenes was successfully achieved with the photocatalyst TiO(2) Degussa P25 in both the actual effluent and in synthetic solutions.

Solid-phase microextraction (SPME) analysis of six Italian populations of Ephedra nebrodensis Tineo ex Guss. subsp. nebrodensis

Headspace solid-phase microextraction (HS-SPME) coupled with GC/FID and GC/MS was applied for the first time in the analysis of the volatile fraction of an Ephedra species. Notably, six Italian populations (Marche, Abruzzo, and Sardinia) of Ephedra nebrodensis subsp. nebrodensis, covering almost the entire Italian area, were investigated to examine the chemical variability and to support the taxonomy of the species. A fiber screening with polymethylsiloxane (PDMS), Carboxen(TM) /polymethylsiloxane (CAR/PDMS), and polymethylsiloxane/divinylbenzene (PDMS/DVB) coatings, together with an optimization of the extraction conditions were carried out before analysis of the six populations. A total of 119 volatiles were identified in the headspace of different samples, accounting for 63.35-100.00% of the total volatiles. A great variability was found in the qualitative composition of different samples, since only 18 components were in common among all populations. The headspace composition was dominated by sesquiterpene hydrocarbons (52.30-88.32%), with β-maaliene (traces-7.49%), β-patchoulene (traces-1.29%), β-panasinsene (traces-6.85%), α-isocomene (traces-31.25%), α-trans-bergamotene (traces-6.95%), alloaromadendrene (traces-33.20%), α-acoradiene (traces-9.41%), and γ-muurolene (0.61-16.33%) being the most abundant constituents. Noteworthy is the occurrence in a sample of two major unknown sesquiterpenes, one hydrocarbon (24.49%, RI: 1396) and one oxygenated compound (10.37%, RI: 1591), whose mass spectra were reported for the first time. Multivariate chemometric techniques, such as cluster analysis (CA) and principal component analysis (PCA), were used to characterize the samples according to the geographical origin.

Fruit physical, chemical and aromatic attributes of early, intermediate and late apricot cultivars

BACKGROUND

In order to reach good fruit quality, apricots require a balance of sugars and acids as well as a strong apricot aroma. In this study, fruit quality of early, intermediate and late apricot cultivars was evaluated by measuring physical, chemical and olfactory attributes. Multivariate analysis of quality and aroma attributes was used to identify groups of similar cultivars and association with ripening season.

RESULTS

Physical, chemical and aromatic attributes showed great variation among cultivars but no relation to ripening season. Aromatic profiles (34 volatiles) of fruit tissues indicated qualitative and quantitative differences among cultivars. Ninfa and Mandorlon were richest in aroma, with a prevailing fruity component; Goldrich and Orange Red were also highly aromatic, with all odour components well represented; Pinkot, Alba and Pellecchiella were lowest in aroma, with a prevailing grassy component. Linear functions including five volatiles (concentrations) and fruit diameter or six aromatic compounds (odour units) and peel colour were found to discriminate cultivars by ripening season. Principal component analysis individuated three groups of cultivars: Ninfa and Mandorlon with sweet and fruity-flavoured fruits; Bulida, Alba, Goldrich, Ouardy and Silvercot with large, acidic and well-coloured fruits; and Fracasso, Pellecchiella, Palummella and Pinkot with small and floral/grassy-flavoured fruits.

CONCLUSION

In apricot, detailed analysis of the aromatic profile may represent an efficient tool for classification of genotypes by ripening season, and volatiles with relevant odour contribution may serve as quality markers for selecting towards an extended ripening season of best quality apricots.

Boswellic acids: a group of medicinally important compounds

This review, containing over 276 references, covers the progress made in the chemistry and bioactivity of this important group of triterpenoids. Though initially known for their anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic activities through a unique 5-LO inhibition mechanism, boswellic acids have recently attained significance due to their anti-cancer properties. The phytochemistry and chemical modifications, including mechanism of action, are discussed.

Determination of volatile organic compounds generated from fresh, white and red Panax ginseng (C. A. Meyer) using a direct sample injection technique

Ginsenosides are regarded as the main active, non-volatile components of Panax ginseng (C. A. Meyer). However, throughout the long history of ginseng research, there has been virtually no report describing its volatile flavor compounds. A solvent-free procedure for the determination of volatile flavor compounds generated from fresh, white and red Panax ginseng (C. A. Meyer) using solvent-free solid injection (SFSI) coupled with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) detection is described here. At no point in the SFSI technique were the extraction conditions optimized. Rather, the experimental variables including various sample preparations (fresh, oven-dried and freeze-dried), injector temperatures (100, 150, 200, 250 and 300 degrees C), and preheating times (3, 5, 7, 10 and 15 min), were predicated on the experience of the authors. A total of 47 compounds were identified in various forms of ginseng. Among the compounds identified in the sample, fresh ginseng was characterized by a high proportion of 3-acetyl-1-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)-5-ethyl-4,5-dihydro-7,8-dimethoxy-4-methylene-3H-2,3-benzodiazepine (64.24%) and 23,24-dinor-3-oxolean-4,12-dien-28-oic acid (21.42%); 2-furanmethanol (20.26%) and 3-hydroxy-2-methyl-4H-pyran-4-one (17.95%) were detected as the major components in white ginseng while the main components of the red ginseng were found to be 1,2-benzenedicarboxylic acid dibutyl ester (16.27%) and 2-furanmethanol (13.82%). SFSI is a solvent-free, rapid and simple sample preparation technique based on direct vaporization. There is no dilution or contamination with solvent or its impurities and no loss of quickly eluted components was observed in the solvent peak.

Characterization of aroma active compounds in fruit juice and peel oil of Jinchen sweet orange fruit (Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck) by GC-MS and GC-O

Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and gas chromatography-olfactometry (GC-O) were used to determine the aromatic composition and aroma active compounds of fruit juice and peel oil of Jinchen sweet orange fruit. Totals of 49 and 32 compounds were identified in fruit juice and peel oil, respectively. GC-O was performed to study the aromatic profile of Jinchen fruit juice and peel oil. A total of 41 components appeared to contribute to the aroma of fruit juice and peel oil. Twelve components were the odorants perceived in both samples. The aromatic compositions of fruit juice were more complex than that of peel oil. Ethyl butanoate, beta-myrcene, octanal, linalool, alpha-pinene, and decanal were found to be responsible for the aromatic notes in fruit juice and peel oil. Nineteen components have been perceived only in the juice and ten compounds were described as aromatic components of only the peel oil by the panelists. These differences lead to the different overall aroma between fruit juice and peel oil.

Studies on the aroma of maté (Ilex paraguariensis St. Hil.) using headspace solid-phase microextraction

Volatile and semi-volatile components of maté (Ilex paraguariensis St. Hil.) were analysed by headspace solid-phase microextraction (HS-SPME) coupled to gas chromatography and mass spectrometry. Five SPME fibres coated separately with 100 microm poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS), 65 microm PDMS-divinylbenzene (DVB), 70 microm carbowax (CW)-DVB, 85 microm carboxen (CAR)-PMDS or 50/30 microm DVB-CAR, were tested. Seventy compounds were identified in the sample headspace, including propanal, (E)-2-pentenal, hexanal, (E)-2-hexenal, 6-methyl-5-hepten-2-one, (E,Z)-2,4-heptadienal, (E,E)-2,4-heptadienal, (E,Z)-3,5-octadien-2-one, beta-cyclocitral, 3-ethyl 4-methyl-(1H)-pyrrole-2,5-dione, alpha-ionone, geranylacetone, beta-ionone, dihydroactinidiolide and caffeine. Extraction parameters such as temperature, time and sample mass were studied and optimized. The best conditions for trapping volatile and semi-volatile compounds were obtained using a DVB-CAR fibre at 80 degrees C for 60 min with a sample mass starting from 100 mg in a vial of 4 mL.