Chemical and antioxidant profiles of acorn tissues from Quercus spp.: Potential as new industrial raw materials

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2016

Authors

Vinha, AF (Author) Other; Costa, ASG (Author) Other; Barreira, JCM (Author) Other; Pacheco, R (Author) Other; Beatriz B P P Oliveira (Author) FFUP

Journal

Title: Industrial Crops and Products

Vol. 94

Pages: 143-151

ISSN: 0926-6690

Publisher: Elsevier

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 4 Citations

Scopus - 17 Citations

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-00K-T35

DOI: 10.1016/j.indcrop.2016.08.027

Abstract (EN): The bioactivity of different organs and tissues of Quercus spp. (Fagaceae), an important group of evergreen or deciduous trees from temperate and tropical climatic areas, represents a good starting point for possible industrial applications. Nevertheless, Quercus fruits, generally known as acorns, are currently undervalued and underexploited. Accordingly, the proximate composition, fatty acids and tocopherols profiles, chlorophyll, lycopene and beta-carotene contents, as well as the antioxidant activity, were studied in different Quercus species to boost new applications in food, cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries. In general, significant differences were found among the nutritional parameters, fatty acids and tocopherols contents and bioactivity indicators, either considering phenotypic (studied species) or botanical (acorn tissues) factors. The acorn tissues and the Quercus species that optimize the production of each nutrient and bioactive compound, as well as that allowing the highest antioxidant activity were thoroughly identified. The obtained information provides an increased knowledge to define potential industrial applications for acorn tissues, potentially offering economic advantages to this underutilized natural resource.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 9