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The phenolic compounds of Thompson grape bagasse were extracted using a 95:5 (vol/vol) ethanol/water mixture. Measurement of the antioxidant activity in refined soybean oil of bagasse grape extract was performed by using two different methods, the Rancimat method and the Schaal oven method in conjunction with peroxide value determination. The antioxidant activity of the extract was compared to the tertiary butyl hydroquinone (TBHQ) and butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) activity. The bagasse grape extract showed similar antioxidant activities in both methods employed. At all concentrations tested [0.1, 0.3 and 0.5% of total phenols (TP)] the extract exhibited appreciable activity, which exceeded the activity of BHA. At some concentrations (0.3 and 0.5% TP) the extract exhibited activity comparable to that of TBHQ. Bagasse is a byproduct with a high content of phenolic compounds and is a good source of natural antioxidants.

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The scientific basis for the statement that plants and their active constituents play an important role in the prevention of chronic and degenerative diseases is continously advancing. The object of the present study was to evaluate the effect of Hibiscus sabdariffa L. dried calyx ethanolic extract on the serum lipid profile of Sprague-Dawley rats. The rats were fed during 4 weeks with either a basal diet, containing high cholesterol (1%), cholic acid (0.25%), lard oil (10%), or a supplemental diet with H. sabdariffa extract at 5%, 10%, and 15% levels (SD(5), SD(10), SD(15)). Weight gain and faeces dry weight were both very significantly less (p

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the trans fatty acid (TFA) composition and the tocopherol content in vegetable oils produced in Mexico. Sample oils were obtained from 18 different oil refining factories, which represent 72% of the total refineries in Mexico. Fatty acids and TFA isomers were determined by gas chromatography using a 100-m fused-silica capillary column (SP-2560). Tocopherol content was quantified by normal-phase high-performance liquid chromatography using an ultraviolet detector and a LiChrosorb Si60 column (25 cm). Results showed that 83% of the samples corresponded to soybean oil. Seventy-two percent of the oils analyzed showed TFA content higher than 1%. Upon comparing the tocopherol contents in some crude oils to their corresponding deodorized samples, a loss of 40-56% was found. The processing conditions should be carefully evaluated in order to reduce the loss of tocopherols and the formation of TFA during refining.