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The influence of drying temperatures ranging from 40° to 100°C on the chemical composition, antioxidant properties and microstructure characteristics of the ginger powders was investigated. The ginger samples dried at 100°C showed a significantly higher amount of polyphenols (24.154 mg EAG/g) and flavonoids (10.564 mg EAG/g) contents. Moreover, the antioxidant activity increased from 73.47% at 40°C to 78.23% at 100°C. The reduction trend of 6-gingerol and βcarotene concentrations was obtained by rising the drying temperatures as indicated by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis. In contrast, zingerone and 6-shogoal contents significantly increased at high drying temperatures. A pronounced gelatinization and a more compacted structure was observed in the ginger powders dried at high temperatures (80 and 100°C) as indicated by scanning electron microscopy analysis. These findings offer a better comprehension of the influence of the oven drying process on the functional properties and structure characteristics of the ginger powder, hence allowing the optimization and development of applications in the food and pharmaceutical industries.

Moderate ethanol drinking (ED) and n-3 fatty acids have both been associated with low cardiac mortality. However, there are few data evaluating the interactions of ED with n-3. We recently reported that moderate ED results in increased n-3 in cardiac patients. The main aim of the present study was, through a well-controlled experimental model, to confirm that chronic ED actually results in increased n-3. Secondary aims were to examine the effects of chronic ED on cardiac mitochondria, cardiac function and experimental myocardial infarction. We studied the fatty acid profiles of plasma, cell membranes and cardiac mitochondria phospholipids in a rat model of chronic ED. In plasma and cell membranes, ED actually resulted in higher n-3 (P¼0·005). In mitochondria phospholipids of ED rats, n-3 were also increased (P, 0·05) but quite modestly. Cardiac mitochondrial function and left ventricular function were not significantly different in ED and control rats, while infarct size after 30 min ischaemia and reperfusion was smaller (P, 0·0001) in ED rats. This is the first animal study confirming interaction of alcohol drinking with n-3. We found no harmful effect of chronic ED on the heart in that model but a significant cardioprotection. Further studies are warranted to investigate the mechanisms by which moderate ED alters the metabolism of n-3 and whether n-3 are the mediators of the ED-induced cardioprotection.