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Inclusion complex of catechin (CAT) with β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) was prepared using co-precipitation method to enhance antioxidant stability of CAT and the physicochemical properties of the inclusion complex were studied. The CAT/β-CD inclusion complex was analyzed through phase solubility study, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Phase solubility study indicated that CAT and β-CD formed 1:1 stoichiometric inclusion complex. Results of FT-IR indicated that CAT was stabilized in β-CD cavity by intra-molecular hydrogen bonds. Results of DSC and SEM proved that CAT/β-CD inclusion complex formed. XRD results showed that the formation of new solid crystalline phases in the CAT/β-CD inclusion complex. CAT was effectively protected through encapsulation into β-CD and the antioxidant stability of CAT was improved after encapsulation. In addition, the release behavior of CAT from the inclusion complex increased with increasing of the temperature.

Hemiparasitic plants commonly known as mistletoe (muérdago in Spanish) in the families Santalaceae and Loranthaceae are common in various kinds of plants or trees, and many hemiparasitic plants are used for medicinal purposes in various parts of the world. The objective of the present work, carried out in Psittacanthus linearis (suelda con suelda), a representative species in the seasonally dry forest (SDF) from the north of Perú, was to study aspects of in vitro tissue culture, carry out preliminary phytochemical analysis, and assess antibacterial activity. Seeds of individuals of P. linearis, which used Prosopis pallida (algarrobo) as host plant, were collected and used to induce in vitro seed germination, clonal propagation, callus induction and organogenesis. Stems, leaves and fruits of individuals of P. linearis were dried, powdered, and subjected to ethanol extraction. Posteriorly the extract was first recovered with ethanol and the remnant with chloroform, which formed the ethanolic and chloroformic fraction. A preliminary phytochemical screening was performed and preliminary antibacterial studies with Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were carried out and their results are discussed. This is the first report about in vitro tissue culture, phytochemical analysis and antibacterial activity of P. linearis. The results may have important implications for understanding physiological and biochemical interactions between host and hemiparasitic species as well as P. linearis with P. pallida and other SDF species.

The total phenolic content (Folin-Ciocalteu method), free radical scavenging ability expressed as DPPH value, ferric reducing antioxidant capacity, and oxygen radical absorbance capacity were determined in water extracts of leaves from Rosaceae family plants (Fragaria vesca, Rubus fructicosus, and Rubus idaeus). The antioxidant capacities of the extracts (in the order of the above mentioned methods) were 73.6-88.9%, 60.1-71.4%, 49.7-78.0%, and 45.3-66.5%, respectively, of the antioxidant capacity of green tea water extract. Further, the presence of 15 compounds (gallic acid, rutin, ellagic acid, caffeic acid, p-coumaric acid, quercetin, kaempferol, myricetin, quercetin-3-d-glucoside, ascorbic acid, (+)-catechin, (-)-epicatechin, epicatechingallate, epigallocatechin, procyanidin B1) was studied by HPLC-ECD and their antioxidant capacities were compared to the antioxidant capacity of the extracts. Out of the compounds studied, mostly (+)-catechin, ellagic acid, and (-)-epicatechin participated in the antioxidant capacities of the studied plant leaves water extracts. The antioxidant capacity of leaves infusions (determined by DPPH method) was lower than those of red wines and tea infusions, but comparable to the antioxidant capacities of white wines and fruit beverages.

To investigate the effect of black and green tea consumption, with and without milk, on the plasma antioxidant activity in humans. In a complete cross-over design, 21 healthy volunteers (10 male, 11 female) received a single dose of black tea, green tea (2 g tea solids in 300 ml water) or water with or without milk. Blood samples were obtained at baseline and at several time points up to 2 h post-tea drinking. Plasma was analysed for total catechins and antioxidant activity, using the ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP) assay. Consumption of black tea resulted in a significant increase in plasma antioxidant activity reaching maximal levels at about 60 min. A larger increase was observed after consumption of green tea. As anticipated from the higher catechin concentration in green tea, the rise in plasma total catechins was significantly higher after consumption of green tea when compared to black tea. Addition of milk to black or green tea did not affect the observed increases in plasma antioxidant activity. Consumption of a single dose of black or green tea induces a significant rise in plasma antioxidant activity in vivo. Addition of milk to tea does not abolish this increase. Whether the observed increases in plasma antioxidant activity after a single dose of tea prevent in vivo oxidative damage remains to be established. European Journal of Clinical Nutrition (2000) 54, 87-92

As one of the most consumed beverages worldwide, green tea has been extensively studied for its wide array of health benefits. In this study, the composition of active compounds and antioxidative activity was analyzed using various antioxidant assay systems and compared between organic green tea (OGT) and conventionally grown green tea (CGT). OGT extract was prepared in the same way as CGT with the exception of fertilizer and insecticide, which were used only for CGT preparation. There were no significant differences in total polyphenol content and antioxidant activity tested against 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) diammonium salt radicals and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radicals. In addition, the antioxidant activities shown with both assays were highly correlated with the polyphenol contents (r2 > 0.99). No significant differences were observed in the cellular antioxidant activity assay using HepG2 cells (P > 0.05). However, substantially higher concentrations of catechins, especially epigallocatechin-3-gallate, were found in the OGT (7.64 vs 5.54/100 mg extract). Thus, OGT could be considered as a potent and safe antioxidative resource, being free of both fertilizer and herbicide uses. However, the advantages of OGT should be further optimized to provide a wide range of physiological effects, considering the price of production and parallel amounts of the active ingredients in CGT.

The antioxidant capacity of some herbs used in dietology practice was determined by the DPPH free radical method, which was calibrated with ascorbic acid. Partially hydrophilic phenolic compounds are the most active compounds in plants, and therefore water was used as the extraction agent. Besides antioxidant capacity, the content of total phenolic compounds was also measured and a strong correlation between these two variables was found. The extracts of Melissa officinalis, Mentha x piperita, Origanom vulgare, Origanum heracleoticum, Salvia officinalis and Satureja montana showed very significant activity. It was comparable with the activity of green tea in the case of oregano and peppermint. Lower activity was observed in the case of Rosmarinus officinalis, Majorana hortensis, Hyssopus officinalis, Ocimum basilicum, and Levisticum officinale. The inhibitory activity of the herb extracts was monitored also during the autooxidation of lard. Very high antioxidant capacity was observed mainly in sage samples, but also in marjoram and Greek oregano. The extracts of peppermint, oregano, rosemary, winter savory, lemon balm and hyssop showed middle activity comparable to that of alpha-tocopherol. The antioxidant capacity of sweet basil and lovage was insignificant.

Antecedentes: El té verde, obtenido de la Camellia sinensis, es una de las bebidas más populares en el mundo y ha estado recientemente en el foco de atención de la investigación científica por sus efectos benéficos en la salud general. Varios estudios sugieren que, entre los polifenoles encontrados en el té verde, la epigalocatequina-3-galato (EGCG) es el compuesto más bioactivo y es el responsable de su actividad antimicrobiana. Objetivo: Realizar una revisión sistemática cualitativa de la literatura donde se evalúe la actividad antibacteriana de la EGCG contra el Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans). Métodos: Se identificaron estudios relevantes incluidos en las bases de datos bibliográficas Pubmed (1966- junio 2015), Scopus (1960- junio 2015), Web of Science (1900- junio 2015) y Google Académico. Los datos de estudios in vitro que investigaron la eficacia antibacterial de la EGCG contra el S. mutans se seleccionaron y organizaron en una tabla. La evaluación de los estudios incluyó los criterios: medidas de las zonas de inhibición, reducción del número de microorganismos y formación de biopelícula. Resultados: Se seleccionaron 12 estudios para la revisión sistemática. Once de ellos comprobaron la eficacia antibacteriana de la EGCG contra el S. mutans. Conclusiones: La evidencia in vitro disponible confirma que la EGCG tiene un efecto antibacteriano contra el S. mutans. PALABRAS CLAVE agentes antimicrobianos; Camellia sinensis; caries dental; epigalocatequina-3-galato ÁREAS TEMÁTICAS cariología; catequinas; microbiología Background: Green tea, obtained from the Camellia sinensis, is one of the most popular drinks worldwide and has recently been in the focus of scientific research due to its beneficial effects on general health. Several studies suggest that, among the polyphenols found on green tea, epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) is the most bioactive compound and is responsible for its antibacterial activity. Purpose: To conduct a qualitative systematic review of literature evaluating the antibacterial efficacy of EGCG against Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans). Methods: Relevant published studies included in the Pubmed (1966-June 2015), Scopus (1960-June 2015), Web of Science (1900-June 2015), and Google Scholar databases were identified. Publications of in vitro studies, which studied EGCG antibacterial efficacy against S. mutans, were extracted and pooled in a table. The evaluation included inhibition zone measures, reduction of the number of microorganisms, and biofilm formation. Results: Twelve studies were selected to compose this systematic review. Eleven of them showed that EGCG has antibacterial efficacy against S. mutans. Conclusions: In vitro evidence available confirms the antibacterial activity of EGCG against S. mutans. KEYWORDS Antimicrobial Agents; Camellia sinensis; Dental Caries, Epigallocatechin-3-gallate THEMATIC FIELDS Cariology; Catechins; Microbiology

The character and authenticity of the Czech beer, which has been accorded the protected geographical indication (PGI) Ceske pivo by the EU, are based on specific technology and use of unique raw materials. A number of chemical and sensorial markers of the Czech beer differ from those of other lager or Pils-type beers. The majority of Czech beers contain residual (unfermented) extract. One of the most typical characteristics of Czech beers is the difference in attenuation; its long-term recorded limit value is 4.5%. Another important characteristic typical of the Czech beer is bitterness, which is mostly higher in comparison with other lagers, with the limit value at 29 EBC units. Also the colour, pH, and total polyphenol content are higher in the Czech-type beer. The limit parameters obtained by long-term monitoring were 11.8 EBC, 4.52 and 153 mg/l, respectively. Differences in amino acid and protein profiles and contents were also observed.

The bioavailability of major phenolics in Autumn Royal grape juice was measured in 16 subjects distributed into two groups: the experimental group (n = 8 receiving 300 mL of juice) and the placebo group (n = 8 receiving 300 mL of artificial beverage). Blood was obtained before and after 30, 90, 180, and 300 min after juice or placebo intake and 24-h urine was collected. At 30 min, catechin and gallic acid levels were 3.18 ± 0.06 and 0.33 ± 0.06 nmol/mL plasma (p < 0.01), respectively. The maximal plasma levels of catechin and gallic acid observed at 180 min were 7.11 ± 0.53 and 1.56 ± 0.07 nmol/mL, respectively. After 300 min, gallic acid was not detected and only two subjects exhibited measurable levels of catechin. After juice intake, urinary catechin and gallic acid contents were significantly higher than the basal values (p < 0.001). After a regular serving of grape juice, catechin and gallic acid are bioavailable and thus potentially capable of exerting their expected biological effects.

The defensive reaction of apple cultivar Idared was studied after inoculation with three different pathogens (Penicillium expansum, Monilinia fructigena, Gloeosporium spp.). Changes in phenolic concentrations and activity of phenylalanine-ammonia lyase were determined after 7, 14, and 21 days after the inoculation. Significant differences were discovered in the progress of rotting after the inoculation. The increase in phenols concentrations and in phenylalanine-ammonia lyase activity varied in the place of fungal attack, in the tissues around rotten zone and in the healthy part. The response to the infection was different in the fruit peel and flesh. Very good correlation was found between the activity of phenylalanine-ammonia lyase and total phenol concentration (r = 0.76-0.98).