Extraction, Production and Quality Evaluation of Margarine from Oil Extracted from Waste Biomass Peels of Avocado and Virgin Coconut Oil, Using Chitosan from Reared Shells as Preservative

The production and consumption of avocado pears generates tons of wastes, mainly the pear peels which are usually discarded, although they have been reported to contain important phyto-chemicals with biological activities. The adverse health effect associated with the consumption of saturated lipid based foods has ignited research on reformulation of lipid based foods to eliminate Trans Fatty Acids (TFAs). This study was thus aimed at the extraction and characterization of oil from Avocado Peels (APO) and evaluation of the quality of margarine produced from it. Five verities of pear were used for oil extraction by soxhlet method and physiochemical, oxidative, functional and antioxidant characterization was done. Margarines were formulated using a central composite design using oil blends of APO and Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO) with an oil ratio of 10:90, 40:60, 70:30 respectively, varied blending speed, blending time, and chitosan concentration. Samples were characterized and the effect of process parameters on the physiochemical and functional properties of the margarine studied. Optimized conditions were used to produce samples for sensory evaluation. Color, spreadability, aroma, taste and general acceptability was evaluated using ranking difference test. The results showed that the yield, density, and iodine values of APOs oils ranged from 14.91 ± 0.18 to 11.76 ± 0.46;0.93 ± 0.001 to 0.99 ± 0.1;46.63 ± 1.70 to 52.4 ± 0.63, their acid values, TBA and PV values ranged from 1.42 ± 0.39 to 1.97 ± 0.5;0.11 ± 0.002 to 0.18 ± 0.04;and 2.72 ± 0.14 to 4.43 ± 0.36 respectively, with Brogdon avocado peel variety having the overall best properties prepared blends of trans-free APO margarines showed that increase in APO ratio decreased melting point, increased oxidative stability and reduced moisture content of margarine samples. Chitosan addition leads to decrease moisture content and increase functional properties. VCO lead to increase in phenolic and flavonoid content of the margarines. Samples were spreadable and palatable with R20 being most palatable and the most accepted being R26 with a mean score of 7.07 ± 0.70. Decrease in color intensity increased acceptability. This study therefore demonstrated that avocado peel waste biomass can be valorized by using it as raw material for oil extraction, which can serve as good material for the production of trans-free margarines with good oxidative stability, functional and antioxidant properties.

Associations between Avocado Intake and Lower Rates of Incident Type 2 Diabetes in US Adults with Hispanic/Latino Ancestry

Background/Purpose: Hispanic/Latinos in the US are at increased risk for type 2 diabetes (T2D). Data suggest that avocado intake is associated with better glycemic control, but whether this translates to protection from T2D has not been studied. The goal of the current analyses was to examine whether consuming avocados at baseline is associated with lower incident T2D over a six-year period, compared to not consuming avocados at baseline. Subjects/Methods: Using data from a large population of US adults with Hispanic ancestry, without known or unknown T2D at baseline (N = 6159), participants were classified as avocado consumers (N = 983) or non-consumers (N = 5176) based on the mean of two 24-hour dietary recalls. Cox proportional hazard models estimated the association of avocado consumption with incident T2D (N = 656 cases) over a six-year follow-up period, in the population as a whole, and separately in those with normoglycemia vs. prediabetes at baseline. A set of three sequential models were run: the first controlling only for sociodemographic factors (“minimally adjusted” models), the second for these and health behaviors (“fully adjusted” models), and a third for both sets of covariates and also body mass index (BMI;“fully adjusted + BMI” models). Results: In the population as a whole, avocado intake at baseline was associated with reduced incident T2D in both the minimally adjusted (hazard ratio [HR] (±95% confidence intervals [CIs]): 0.70 (0.52 - 0.94), P = 0.04) and the fully adjusted models (HR: 0.72 (0.54 - 0.97), P = 0.03). This association was observed in both those with prediabetes and with normoglycemia at baseline, but only reached significance in those with prediabetes (minimally adjusted model: HR: 0.68 (0.48 - 0.97), P = 0.03;fully adjusted model: HR: 0.69 (0.48 - 0.98), P = 0.04), not in those with normoglycemia (minimally adjusted model: HR: 0.86 (0.45 - 1.65), P = 0.65;fully adjusted model: HR: 0.80 (0.41 - 1.55), P = 0.50). In models which additionally controlled for BMI (“fully adjusted + BMI model”), the associations were slightly attenuated (overall population: HR: 0.79 (0.59 - 1.06), P = 0.60;normoglycemia: HR: 0.83 (0.42 - 1.64), P = 0.60;prediabetes: HR = 0.75 (0.54 - 1.05), P = 0.09). Conclusions: In our longitudinal analyses, adults with Hispanic/Latino ancestry who consumed avocado were less likely to develop T2D than those who did not consume avocado at baseline, especially if they had prediabetes at baseline.

Avocado and Chayote-Two Edible and Medicinal Plants

There are two agricultural products originating in Mexico with nutritional,medicinal and cosmetic properties.One is the Avocado,the fruit of a tree that is widely accepted in the Mexican diet due to its pleasant flavor.The other is the Chayote,a green vegetable that grows like a vine,with guides that can exceed up to 6 m in length.These two foods,in addition to being consumed nationally,are also exported,which is why they are of economic importance for Mexico.Avocado is the most exported,after coffee and tomato,with Chayote in fourth place.

Free radical scavenging and anti-proliferative activities of avocado(Persea americana Mill.) seed extract

Objective: To investigate the chemical components and biological activities of avocado seed extract and fractions in order to determine the nutritional and pharmaceutical values of avocado seed. Methods: Various organic solvents were applied for extraction and fractionation of avocado seed. 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl, 2,2-azinobis-3-ethyl benzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid, and DNA oxidation assays were applied for investigation of free radical scavenging activity. Nitric oxide production was measured by Griess reaction assay. Moreover, MTT assay was used to measure cancer cell growth inhibition. Results: The result indicated that the avocado seed contains(7.14 ± 0.40) g lipid/100 g,(1.67 ± 0.03) g protein/100 g,(54.0 ± 1.2) g carbohydrate/100 g, and(62.0 ± 2.3) mg gallic acid equivalent/g dried weight extract. Moreover, dichloromethane and ethyl acetate were revealed to be the highest free radical scavenging fractions with IC_(50) values of(48.0 ± 3.4) μg/mL(1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl assay) and(22.0 ± 1.8) μg/mL(2,2-azinobis-3-ethyl benzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid assay), respectively. Additionally, the avocado seed extract and fractions were able to protect against H_2O_2-induced DNA damage at the concentration of 100 μg/mL. On the other hand, the ethanol extract was effective in reducing nitric oxide production from lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophage cells without cytotoxic effect. Notably, the avocado seed significantly inhibited the proliferation of human lung A549 and human gastric BGC823 cancer cells at the concentration of 200 μg/mL, especially hexane(81 ± 3)% and dichloromethane(75 ± 2)% fractions. Conclusions: The results of the present study supported the avocado seed as potential by-product source for further development of health beneficial products.

Micropropagation of Avocado (<i>Persea Americana</i>Mill.)

Avocado is a high demand, high value tropical fruit recognised for its nutritional value. Being planted as a grafted tree, propagation of avocado refers to propagation of rootstock cultivar, then graft it with bud-wood from a mature scion cultivar. Elite cultivar propagation is critical to maintain the quality of fruit and farm management practices. Avocado propagation through seeds exhibit high genetic variation, hence less appealing for orchard plantings. Rooting of cuttings is only possible through a complex, lengthy and expensive process called “Frolich and Platt method”. This creates limitations on rapid industry expansion due to scarcity and high price of plants in many countries. Alternative propagation methods are sought over 5 decades. Potential of micropropagation has been well demonstrated for wide variety of economically important plants. Commercial application of micropropagation for avocado will undoubtedly boost the industry around the globe. In this review, we present the developments in micropropagation of recalcitrant species, avocado, over the last 45 years. We summarise the culture media composition, hormones, growth conditions for different stages of avocado micropropagation pipeline, elaborating on cultivar specificity for in vitro success, and problems encountered under in vitro conditions and during acclimatisation. Overview of the current knowledge is critical to focus on important aspects in protocol optimisation, to develop an efficient and effective micropropagation system for avocado as well as other woody plant species recalcitrant for micropropagation.

Analysis of Sesquiterpene Distributions in the Leaves, Branches, and Trunks of Avocado (<i>Persea americana</i>Mill.)

Avocado is a commercially valuable fruit crop cultivated in tropical and subtropical climates throughout the world. Taxonomists recognize three horticultural races of avocado, consisting of Mexican (Persea americana var. drymifolia), Guatemalan (P. americana var. guatemalensis), and West Indian (P. americana var. americana) varieties. Published research that attempted to differentiate among the horticultural races by using leaf chemistry found that sesquiterpene content was only useful for discrimination of pure Mexican from Guatemalan and West Indian, but not to distinguish between Guatemalan and West Indian races. This study presents a sampling method for analysis of sesquiterpenes from avocado leaf, branch and trunk samples. Our results indicate that sesquiterpene content from leaves and small diameter branches (2.5 cm) was highly variable;however, sesquiterpenes were much less variable within wood from larger diameter branches and trunk samples, providing information representative of avocado varietal differences. In addition to chemotaxonomic applications, information on sesquiterpene content of avocado wood is needed for identification of host-based attractants for a new avocado pest, the redbay ambrosia beetle (Xyleborus glabratus). This insect vectors a fungal pathogen that causes laurel wilt, a lethal vascular disease that currently threatens avocado production in south Florida, USA. Females of X. glabratus identify appropriate host trees based on emissions of terpenoids, particularly α-copaene. Our results are discussed in terms of how proximo-distal distributions of sesquiterpenes may function as host-location cues by this invasive wood-boring pest.

Genetic Transformation Studies on Avocado Cultivar “Hass” (Persea americana)

The use of traditional breeding for improvement of avocado cultivars is time consuming, hence other methods such as genetic transformation by Agrobacterium is indispensable to adopt. The strain GV3850/pBI121gave best transformation outcome compared to five other binary vectors (AGL1/pCGP904;AGL1/pBI121;GV3850/pCGP904;LBA4404/pCG-P904 and LBA4404/pBI121) under different pH and acetosyringone concentrations. The optimal condition for reliable transformation was by using 200 μM acetosyringone and a pH of 5.2. Transformed embryonic shoots co-cultivated with GV3850/pBI121 were tested using the histochemical x-gluc assay. Further analysis was conducted by polymerase chain reaction using specific primers for the reporter gene (GUS).

First report of Phytopythium vexans causing the“Avocado sadness”in Michoacan,Mexico

Mexico is the main producer,consumer and exporter of avocado in the world,being Michoacan the main producer state contributing more than 80%of the national production.There are phytopathogens that decimate the production causing the death of the tree.Root samples were collected in avocado trees that showed the characteristic symptomatology of the disease known as avocado sadness,the sampling was carried out in four of the main avocado producing towns,in the state of Michoacan,Mexico.The isolation consisted in sowing root tissue in Petri dishes with V8R-PARPH culture medium,subsequently they were identified morphologically and for species level it was determined by molecular biology,with the PCR-ITS technique.Pathogenicity tests were performed in triplicate with avocado seedlings with more than six leaves.After 24 hours,the inoculated plants expressed decay in the apical part,after 120 hours the leaves showed yellowing and after 15 days there was a generalized wilt on the stem and leaves,re-isolating the phytopathogen Phytopythium vexans.This study confirms the first report of the oomycete P.vexans affecting avocado trees in the most important producing region of the Mexican Republic.

Chondrocyte Production of Pro-Inflammatory Chemokine MCP-1 (CCL-2) and Prostaglandin E-2 Is Inhibited by Avocado/Soybean Unsaponifiables, Glucosamine, Chondroitin Sulfate Combination

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic, painful disease affecting articulating joints in man and animals. It is characterized by cartilage breakdown, bone remodeling, osteophyte formation and joint inflammation. Currently used non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for the management of OA are known to have deleterious side effects. To address the need for alternatives, we evaluated the anti-inflammatory effects of a combination of avocado/soybean unsaponifiables (ASU), glucosamine (GLU) and chondroitin sulfate (CS) by measuring chemokine MCP-1 (monocyte chemoattractant protein 1, CCL2) and prostaglandin E-2 (PGE2) in stimulated chondrocytes. As the only cellular constituents of cartilage, chondrocytes are the source of pro-inflammatory mediators that play critical roles in the pathogenesis of OA. Chondrocytes were incubated: with: 1) control media, 2) [ASU + GLU + CS] combination, or 3) Phenylbutazone (PBZ) for 24 hours. Cells were next stimulated with IL-1β or LPS for another 24 hrs. MCP-1 and PGE2 from supernatants were quantitated by immunoassay. Another set of chondrocytes seeded in chamber slides were stimulated with IL-1β for 1 hour and then immunostained for NF-κB. Chondrocytes stimulated with IL-1β or LPS significantly increased MCP-1 and PGE2 production which were significantly reduced after treatment with [ASU + GLU + CS]. In contrast, PBZ significantly reduced PGE2 but not MCP-1 production. IL-1β stimulation induced nuclear translocation of NF-κB, which was inhibited by pre-treatment with either [ASU + GLU + CS] or PBZ. The present study provides evidence that the production of MCP-1 by chondrocytes can be inhibited by the combination of [ASU + GLU + CS] but not by PBZ. In contrast, PGE2 production was inhibited by either treatment suggesting that the production of MCP-1 and PGE2 could be independently regulated. The finding of distinct effects of [ASU + GLU + CS] on MCP-1 and PGE2 synthesis supports a scientific rationale for a multimodal treatment approach in the management of OA.

The Bioprocessing Quick Wins from Avocado Fruit in Uganda

Bioprocessing can help redeem the economic value for avocado (Persea americana) in Uganda. This study reviews the virgin potential of avocado bioprocessing in Uganda. Avocado consists of flesh, seed, and peel. The review indicates that the waste seed and peel are vital for development of high-value products. Both the edible part and waste (peel and seed) can be used for biogas production through a solid-state fermentation process. Biodiesel can be developed using avocado seed oil through a process called transesterification. Avocado oil is a better alternative for biodiesel production compared to waste cooking oil as it requires no further conversions processes for transforming fatty acids to esters. The starch-rich avocado seed is a suitable substrate for bioethanol, pigment and starch production. The high starch content places the avocado fruit as a potential: 1) raw material for the production of bioplastics;2) substrate for bacterial culture media production as opposed to potatoes, cereals, and cassava that double as a staple food. Avocado seeds can also be used for the production of antioxidants relevant for preventing enzymatic browning, thereby increasing product shelf life. Despite the quick wins, there is a need for increased research, financing, personnel training and development of appropriate policies to spur the benefits and untapped potential of avocado bioprocessing in Uganda. The circular economy of avocado waste alone into high-value products could increase gains in the environment and stimulate industrial development, especially the cosmetic, food and pharmaceutical industries in Uganda.

Effect of Postharvest Methyl Jasmonate Treatment on Early-Matured “Hass” Avocado Fruit Exocarp Colour Development during Ripening

Poor exocarp colour development is a common postharvest problem for early harvested “Hass” avocado fruit during ripening, which affects fruit quality and consumer preference. Therefore, measures to improve “Hass” avocado fruit colour developments are of great importance in the industry. This study investigated the effectiveness of postharvest methyl jasmonate treatment to improve early matured “Hass” avocado fruit exocarp colour during ripening. The results showed that T1 (10 μmol∙L−1) and T2 (100 μmol∙L−1) MeJA treatment increased visual colour, and decreased objective colour parameters (L*, C* and h˚) during ripening when compared with control fruit. Moreover, MeJA treated “Hass” avocado fruits had lower total chlorophyll content and higher total anthocyanin and cyanidin-3-O-glucoside concentration during ripening. In conclusion, “Hass” avocado fruit post-harvest treated with either T1 (10 μmol∙L−1) or T2 (100 μmol∙L−1) MeJA concentration improved exocarp quality attributes such as colour parameters (L*, C* h˚ and visual colour) and pigments (total anthocyanin and cyanidin-3-O-glucoside) during ripening, therefore, can be recommended for avocado fruit.

Nutrimental diagnosis of avocado(Persea americana Mill.)“Haas”,soil fertility and water quality in Cuernavaca,Morelos,Mexico

In two contrasting agricultural ecohabitats (agrohabitats) in the avocado production area in the municipality of Cuernavaca, Morelos, an analysis of nutrimental status, soil fertility and water quality was conducted to measure soil fertility levels and to determine the nutrimental state of the trees. The “Hass” variety avocado groves studied had an average age of 8 years;the first grove was planted in an acrisol soil (1700 to 1900 meters above mean sea level [mamsl]);the second, in an andosol soil (1200 to 1700 mamsl). In each agrohabitat, tests were performed to determine the soil’s physical and chemical characteristics. The physical and chemical characteristics of the soils of this zone differ as do the nutrimental states of the avocado trees in the two agrohabitats. The trees showed excessive concentration of Ca, Fe, S, Z and Mg. The indices of Deviation from Optimal Percentage (DOP) in the two agrohabitats showed different nutrimental requirements;nevertheless, they were low and very near to zero, 14.218 and 13.350 respectively. The water used for the agricultural irrigation was low in salinity and sodium content and thus may be used for the agricultural irrigation without restrictions.

Production of carbonaceous material from avocado peel for its application as alternative adsorbent for dyes removal

Adsorption processes have received special attention for contaminants removal thanks to their capability to generate effluents with high quality as well as their simple design. In the current work, the agro-waste residue avocado peel is proposed to be used as alternative to conventional activated carbons whose use is sometimes restricted to high costs, upgraded by their exhausting after long term operations. The carbonization procedure was optimized and analyzed through factorial design and response surface methodology by evaluating temperature(400–900 °C) and time(30–90 min) effects: optimal conditions were found at 900 °C and 65 min, generating an adsorbent with 87.52 m2·g-1of BET surface area, a mesopore volume of 74% and a zero point charge at 8.6. The feasibility of the carbonaceous material was proved for the removal of a variety of dyes by investigating substrate(10–50 mg·L-1) and solid(0.5–20 g·L-1) concentration effects and statistical significance: complete removal of Naphthol Blue Black and Reactive Black 5 was reached under optimal conditions(10 mg·L-1and20 g·L-1of dye and solid, respectively), while Basic Blue 41 was eliminated by using 13.4 g·L-1of the adsorbent.Overall, dyes removal by adsorption on carbonized avocado peel is presented as a promising technology due to the low cost and easy availability of the precursor, as well as the straightforward generation, the satisfactory characteristics and the proved adsorption capacity of the adsorbent.

鳄梨油的提取、营养组成及生物学功能研究进展

鳄梨油富含单不饱和脂肪酸(尤其是油酸)、生育酚和植物甾醇等营养成分,具有抗氧化、改善心血管健康、预防糖尿病、抗癌和降血压等生物学功能。随着研究的不断深入,鳄梨油越来越受到食品及生物医药领域的青睐,其市场规模也在逐年扩大。通过梳理近年来国内外报道的有关鳄梨油的研究成果,该文从鳄梨油的提取工艺、营养组成和生物学功能等方面展开综述,为鳄梨油提取工艺的创新、营养功效及其潜在机制的深入研究提供理论参考。

激素浓度组合对成熟油梨枝条伸长和生根的影响

为了建立抗根腐病成熟油梨砧木的快繁技术体系,通过设置不同浓度(0.1、0.5、1.0、1.5、2.0、2.5、3.0 mg/L)的细胞分裂素(meta-topolin,MT)与不同浓度(0.1、0.5、1.0、1.5 mg/L)的赤霉素(gibberellin,GA3)的组合试验,研究适宜于成熟油梨外植体伸长的培养条件;同时设置不同浓度(0.5、1.0、1.5、2.0、2.5、3.0 mg/L)的吲哚-3-丁酸(indole-3-butyric acid,IBA)的生根培养基,探究最适油梨外植体生根的培养条件。研究发现,伸长试验30 d时(D30)油梨外植体株高增量和茎粗增量的效应量依次是MT浓度×GA_(3)浓度>MT浓度>GA_(3)浓度;对D30叶片增量的效应量依次是MT浓度>MT浓度×GA_(3)浓度>GA_(3)浓度。结果表明,在该研究的测试范围内,最适于伸长的激素浓度组合是MT 2 mg/L、GA_(3)(0.5~1.0)mg/L,而在测试的IBA浓度范围内均没有观察到根系的生长。通过显微结构观察发现,MT浓度为1 mg/L处理的油梨外植体茎木质部(木质部厚度为171.6μm)生长优于MT浓度为0.1 mg/L的处理(木质部厚度为95.3μm),这对后期的成功驯化有一定积极作用。本研究结果可为成熟油梨快繁体系建立提供借鉴。