Armando U. O. Sabaa-Srur

Uso de Passiflora edulis f. flavicarpa na redução do colesterol

The flour of the passion fruit peel is rich in a soluble fiber called pectin. In order to evaluate the effect of this flour on cholesterol reduction, a pilot clinical study, was carried out with nineteen women, aged between 30 and 60 years, all of whom presented high cholesterol level (cholesterol > 200 mg/dL). The treatment consisted of daily doses of 30 g of the flour during 60 days. At the end of the 60 days it was observed a statistical reduction (p < 0.05) of the total cholesterol (p = 0,00000) and LDL-cholesterol (p = 0,01193) levels. The results suggested that the passion fruit peel flour, rich in pectin, can be used in human diet, with a large variety of foods, or as a raw material for other products intending to reduce cholesterol levels.

Finding of pesticides in fashionable fruit juices by LC–MS/MS and GC–MS/MS

Products labelled as containing extracts from two mushrooms (cordyceps plus reishi) and the juices from açaí, goji, mangosteen, noni, pomegranate, and sea buckthorn have been analysed for 174 different pesticides, using the validated QuEChERS method for sample preparation and electrospray LC-MS/MS in the positive ion mode for analysis. Pesticides were found in 10 of the 21 samples analysed. Most pesticides found were below the tolerance levels (1-6 μg/g, depending on the pesticide), but some were not. This included boscalid, dimethomorph, iprovalicarb, pyridaben, pyrimethanil, and imazalil, for which there is no tolerance reported or zero tolerance in any fruit. However, genuine açaí that was harvested in the state of Pará and lyophilised in Rio de Janeiro had no detectable pesticides, when analysed by both LC-MS/MS and GC-MS/MS, which can detect 213 more pesticides and industrial chemicals. Likewise no pesticides were found in one sample each of cordyceps plus reishi, sea buckthorn and noni.

EFEITO DA IRRADIAÇÃO IONIZANTE gama NA QUALIDADE PÓS-COLHEITA DE CENOURAS (Daucus carota L.) cv. NANTES

The goal of this work was to evaluate the effect of g irradiation on the post harvest physical and chemical characteristics of cv. Nantes carrots. According to the Family Budget Survey (FBS, 1991) carried out in the Brazilian Southeast, within the roots and tubers group, carrots are widely consumed. It is also well known that the carrot is one of the best sources of provitamin A (a and b-carotene). Doses of 0.25, 0.50, 0.75 and 1.0kgy of g ionizing irradiation, from a cesium source, in accordance with the maximum dose allowed by the FDA (1995), were used on the carrots. The different treatments and the control group were evaluated by analysing for pH, total soluble solids (TSS), total titratable acidity (TTA), TSS/TTA ratio, weight loss, hardness, colour, total carotenoid content, ascorbic acid concentration and volatiles. The variance analysis (F of the Fisher treatment) of the results showed no significant difference at the 5% level between the irradiated samples and the control group for most of the tests, except for the colour intensity, which faded with increase in the irradiation dose, total acidity and TSS/TTA ratio, which decreased due to the decrease in the organic acid concentration after harvest. The results show that the low dose irradiation process is very promising to maintain the quality of the product, being a good alternative to avoid post harvest losses.

Efeito da farinha da casca do maracujá-amarelo (Passiflora edulis f. flavicarpa Deg.) nos níveis glicêmicos e lipídicos de pacientes diabéticos tipo 2

The supplementation of diet with soluble dietary fiber can be considered an important therapy measure in the treatment of diabetic and obese patients. In order to evaluate the effect of the flour of the yellow passion fruit peel which is rich in pectin, a phase II clinical trial with 43 patients with type 2 Diabetes Mellitus was performed. They received daily 30 g of the tested product for 60 days. Statistically significant difference was observed in fasting plasma glucose (p = 0.000) accompanied by a reduction in the average values of glycated hemoglobin (p = 0.032). In relation to the lipid profile, there were no reduced levels of total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol in patients during this study; however, there were reduction in the levels of Triglycerides and increase in HDL cholesterol in them. The glycemic levels presented by the patients before and after the use of the passion fruit peel flour are compatible to a positive action to control blood glucose as an adjunct of conventional therapies.

Centesimal composition and bioactive compounds in fruits of buriti collected in Pará

The link between diet and the incidence of chronic and degenerative diseases has already been established. The foods that play a role in preventing and/or treating these diseases are called functional foods. Buriti can be highlighted amongst these foods since it is an excellent source of vegetable oil, which is rich in β-carotene and oleic acid. This research evaluated the potential of the pulp of this fruit as a functional food focusing on its incorporation to the diet. Buriti pulp presented 62.93% moisture, 8.25% total carbohydrates, and 2.10% protein. The lipid fraction corresponded to 13.85%, and oleic acid was the main fatty acid. It also contained 0.94% total mineral content. Based on the results obtained, it can be said that the pulp of buriti may contain bioactive compounds with functional activities, but further research is needed to assess such potential.

Mango rind and pulp (Mangifera indica L.) cv. Tommy Atkins centesimal composition and minerals contents

O Brasil produz cerca de 140 milhoes de toneladas de alimento por ano; entretanto, a fome ainda e um dos maiores problemas enfrentados por grande parte da sua populacao. O aproveitamento integral de alimentos e uma alternativa para suprir as necessidades nutricionais e contribuir para reduzir o lixo orgânico. Nesse sentido, cascas, talos, sementes e outras partes, tradicionalmente nao utilizadas como alimentos, podem ser incorporadas na dieta alimentar. Estudos revelam que cascas de muitas hortifruticolas possuem mais nutrientes que determinadas polpas, a parte tradicionalmente consumida. No entanto, o conhecimento sobre a concentracao de metais pesados nessas fracoes tambem e importante, uma vez que podem provocar intoxicacoes alimentares, se consumidos, mesmo em concentracoes reduzidas. O Brasil e o setimo produtor mundial de manga e dentre as cultivares de importância comercial, a cv. Tommy Atkins e a mais plantada e exportada pelo Brasil. A pesquisa teve como objetivo determinar a composicao centesimal e o perfil de macro e microminerais, inclusive, os elementos-traco, da casca e da polpa de manga cv. Tommy Atkins. A maior fracao da composicao centesimal da casca estudada foi a umidade, seguida dos carboidratos totais, com destaque para o teor de fibra alimentar total (FAT), que representou cerca 11% dessa quantidade. Ja os teores de proteina e de cinzas apresentaram cerca de 2,5%, enquanto a fracao lipidica foi inferior aos demais componentes. O perfil de minerais da casca revelou que as concentracoes desses elementos foram superiores aos encontrados na polpa, exceto para zinco e ferro. As concentracoes de metais pesados presentes na casca, em funcao das concentracoes menores que 0,1 mg/100g, possibilitam a sua utilizacao na alimentacao humana. A composicao centesimal e perfil mineral da casca da manga demonstraram a sua importância nutricional e a possibilidade da utilizacao dessa parte, ate entao considerada nao comestivel na dieta brasileira, visando a contribuir para a melhora do estado nutricional da populacao e a reduzir os residuos do processo industrial.

Folhas de alface lisa (Lactuca sativa) minimamente processadas armazenadas em atmosfera modificada: análises físicas, químicas e físico-químicas

Lettuce (Lactuca sativa) cv. smooth, after being selected and washed, was cleaned with chlorine water at 5oC, with 150ppm of free chlorine and pH adjusted to 6.0, rinsed and centrifuged for 8 minutes at 2200rpm. Right after, the lettuce leaves were packaged in plastic bags made of nylon poli 5 layers, with and without modified atmosphere (N2 having 20ppm of O2 and 20ppm of maximum moisture) and stored at 4oC. During 5 days there were pH, soluble solids concentration measurements and acid analysis (mL NaOH 0,1M/100g lettuce leaves). The products became acid, detectable by a pH decrease in both atmospheres. A raise in acidity was shown, being the highest marks for the control samples (without modified atmosphere) and there was no soluble solids variation. Results have shown that technological progress is being reached aiming to improve the vegetables quality and shelf life.

Saturação de manga (Mangifera indica L.) var. rosa com açúcares

Mango (Mangifera indica L) cv. Rosa was in a stage of initial physiological maturation, it was washed in solution that showed 8-10 ppm of free residue chlorine 0,1% of the neutral detergents and the pH adjusted and maintained at 6. The mango was peeled and cutted in cubes (2cmx2cm), treated in hot water in 85oC for about 10 minutes. After cooling off in freezer water, the cubes were immersed in syrup to 30 Brix (90% saccharose + 10% glucose) and the pH was adjusted to 4. After 48 hours, it was reached the osmotic equilibrium, the syrup was drained and termic treatmented, and it was corrected with saccharose to the concentration of sugars in 10 Brix. The each osmotic equilibrium of the syrup was increased in 10o Brix and in the end of the process, the cubos had 71,6 and the syrup 76,5o Brix. In beginning of the process, the pH was reduced but the acidez increased, likely of fermentation occured. At the end of the fermentation, the pH was between 3,8 to 3,9 and the reducing sugar concentration in cubos was 2,15% with increse constant. The final product demonstrated satisfatories qualities, keeping its characteristic taste, good consistency, uniform color, pleasant odor to use of the industrial products, like: cakes, candies, sweets, icecreams, etc.

Neurotoxicity of Dietary Supplements from Annonaceae Species

Dietary supplements containing plant materials of Annonaceae species (Annona muricata L., A. squamosa L., A. mucosa JACQ., A. squamosa × cherimola Mabb.) were extracted by hot, pressurized ethyl acetate and analyzed for their effect in vitro on Lund human mesencephalic neurons. Cell viability was measured by the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay, and cell death was determined by lactate dehydrogenase levels. Three supplements strongly decreased the cell viability at extract concentrations of 1 µg/mL, of which 1 decreased cell viability at 0.1 µg/µL. Also, strong neuronal toxicities of these supplements were found. Cell death was observed at concentrations of 10 µg/mL. The degree of toxicity was comparable to the ones found in Annonaceous fruit extracts. Two fruit pulps of Annonaceae (A. muricata and A. squamosa) showed a reduction in cell viability at lower concentrations. The fruit pulp extract of A. muricata revealed the strongest neurotoxic effect, with 67% cell death at a concentration of 1 µg/mL. A high reduction in cell viability coupled with pronounced cell death was found at 0.1 µg/mL for an Annonaceous seed extract. These results demonstrate that the intake of dietary supplements containing plant material from Annonaceae may be hazardous to health in terms of neurotoxicity.

Efeito da alta pressão hidrostática na atividade de enzimas da polpa de açaí

Recebido para publicacao em 30/1/2007 Aceito para publicacao em 17/7/2008 (002551) 1 Instituto de Tecnologia – IT, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro – UFRRJ, BR 465, Km 07, CEP 23890-000, Seropedica RJ, Brasil, E-mail: ellenmayra@hotmail.com 2 Embrapa Agroindustria de Alimentos, Av. das Americas, 29501, CEP 23020-470, Rio de Janeiro RJ, Brasil, E-mail: arosent@ctaa.embrapa.br 3 Centro de Ciencias da Saude – CCS, Departamento de Nutricao Basica e Experimental – DNBE, Instituto de Nutricao IN, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro – UFRJ, Av. Brigadeiro Trompowski, Bloco J, 2o andar, sala 15, CEP 21949-900, Ilha da Cidade Universitaria, Rio de Janeiro RJ, Brasil, E-mail: sabaasrur@yahoo.com.br 4 Centro de Tecnologia – CT, Escola de Quimica – EQ, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro – UFRJ, Av. Athos da Silveira Ramos 149, Bloco A, 2o andar, CEP 21941-909, Rio de Janeiro RJ, Brasil, E-mail: calado@eq.ufrj.br *A quem a correspondencia deve ser enviada Efeito da alta pressao hidrostatica na atividade de enzimas da polpa de acaiBrazil has been conquering tropical fruit juice international market , especially with acai (native fruit with the highest penetration in the international), considered a functional food for its anthocyanin, dietetic fibe, and monounsaturated fat content. However, acai is very perishable, so the use of technology is needed in order to ensure long shelf life. In this case, High Hydrostatic Pressure (HHP) use can be an alternative to traditional processing techniques for enzyme activation or inactivation. Peroxidases (POD) and Polyphenoloxidases (PPO) are the main enzymes responsible for undesirable changes in the original characteristics of vegetable products, but using HHP to inactivate them, it is possible to avoid enzymatic browning maintaining sensorial properties. Aiming to evaluate HHP effect on POD and PPO, present in the acai pulp, the variables pressure, temperature, and time were adopted. Enzyme activities, expressed in percentages, indicate a more stable POD, achieving percentages close to 100% (control). The lowest activities were at 90.74%, and when applied 300 and 500 MPa, 25 °C for 5 minutes treatments, the activities increased (112.34 and 132.98%, respectively). PPO activity rose up to 83.03% in relation to the to control even though inactivation was present in most of the processes (35 °C/5 minutes at 300 and 500 MPa, 53.25, and 53.75%, respectively). Under the experimental conditions, HHP proved effective for the partial inactivation of acai pulp oxidases.