We tested whether polyphenolic substances in extracts of commercial culinary herbs and spices would inhibit fructose-mediated protein glycation. Extracts of 24 herbs and spices from a local supermarket were tested for the ability to inhibit glycation of albumin. Dry samples were ground and extracted with 10 volumes of 50% ethanol, and total phenolic content and ferric reducing antioxidant potential (FRAP) were measured. Aliquots were incubated in triplicate at pH 7.4 with 0.25 M fructose and 10 mg/mL fatty acid-free bovine albumin. Fluorescence at 370 nm/440 nm was used as an index of albumin glycation. In general, spice extracts inhibited glycation more than herb extracts, but inhibition was correlated with total phenolic content (R(2) = 0.89). The most potent inhibitors included extracts of cloves, ground Jamaican allspice, and cinnamon. Potent herbs tested included sage, marjoram, tarragon, and rosemary. Total phenolics were highly correlated with FRAP values (R(2) = 0.93). The concentration of phenolics that inhibited glycation by 50% was typically 4-12 microg/mL. Relative to total phenolic concentration, extracts of powdered ginger and bay leaf were less effective than expected, and black pepper was more effective. Prevention of protein glycation is an example of the antidiabetic potential for bioactive compounds in culinary herbs and spices.

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Cereal Chem. 80(1): [45][46][47][48][49][50][51] Sensory texture and flavor parameters of three formulations of two popular cookies were evaluated by a trained descriptive panel. Probing, a puncture test, was used to assess texture instrumentally. Other physical tests included water activity, cookie spread, and specific gravity. Chocolate chip and oatmeal cookies were prepared using a nonsucrose sweetener blend (dextrose/acesulfame-K) or prune puree, following manufacturers' recommendations, to replace 50% of the sugar or fat, respectively. The three formulations differed in ratios of flour, sugar, fat, and water.Instrumental and sensory evaluations occurred the day after baking. Data were analyzed using analysis of variance and means separation tests (P < 0.05). Relationships between sensory and instrumental assessments were identified with correlations. According to the trained panel, sugar and fat replacement had a greater effect on texture than on flavor. Probing was successfully used to assess textural attributes of cookies. Correlations revealed that the area under the curve was the best predictor of sensory hardness and chewiness, regardless of cookie type.

Thual hull-less barley from Alaska and Tennessee was ground into whole-grain flours (10.5 and 14.4% protein, respectively). A potentially feasible bread formula was identified from response surfaces depicting effects of barley and salt levels within barley source on dough development parameters. Breads containing 20% barley, 30% whole-wheat and 50% bread flours and 2.0% salt were prepared from each flour; a control contained SO:50 whole-wheat:bread flour with 2% salt. Barley decreased specific loaf volume 56%. Instron hardness, cohesiveness, springiness, and chewiness were similar; lower protein barley bread was more gummy than the control. Overall flavor, appearance, and texture acceptability did not differ. Barley bread as prepared was feasible, suggesting the usefulness of response surfaces in formula development.