Characterization of Delonix regia Flowers’ Pigment and Polysaccharides: Evaluating Their Antibacterial, Anticancer, and Antioxidant Activities and Their Application as a Natural Colorant and Sweetener in Beverages

Abstract

In the present study, an attempt was made to investigate the in vitro antioxidant, anticancer, and antibacterial activities of Delonix regia, then in vivo evaluate its safety as a natural colorant and sweetener in beverages compared to synthetic colorant and sweetener in rats, then serve the beverages for sensory evaluation. Delonix regia flowers had high protein, polysaccharide, Ca, Na, Mg, K, and Fe contents. The Delonix regia pigment extract (DRPE) polysaccharides were separated and purified by gel permeation chromatography on Sephacryl S-200, characterized by rich polysaccharides (13.6 g/L). The HPLC sugar profile detected the monosaccharides in the extracted polysaccharides, composed of mannose, galactose, glucose, arabinose, and gluconic acid, and the structure of saccharides was confirmed by FTIR, which showed three active groups: carbonyl, hydrocarbon, and hydroxyl. On the other hand, the red pigment constituents of DRPE were detected by HPLC; the main compounds were delphinidin and cyanidin at 15 µg/mL. The DRPE contained a considerable amount (26.33 mg/g) of anthocyanins, phenolic compounds (64.7 mg/g), and flavonoids (10.30 mg/g), thus influencing the antioxidant activity of the DRPE, which scavenged 92% of DPPH free radicals. Additionally, it inhibited the population of pathogenic bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus, Listeria monocyogenes, Salmonella typhimurum, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, in the range of 30–90 μg/mL, in addition to inhibiting 85% of pancreatic cancer cell lines. On the in vivo level, the rats that were delivered a diet containing DRPE showed regular liver markers (AST, ALP, and ALT); kidney markers (urea and creatinine); high TP, TA, and GSH; and low MDA, while rats treated with synthetic dye and aspartame showed higher liver and kidney markers; lowered TP, TA, and GSH; and high MDA. After proving the safety of DRPE, it can be safely added to strawberry beverages. Significant sensorial traits, enhanced red color, and taste characterize the strawberry beverages supplemented with DRPE. The lightness and redness of strawberries were enhanced, and the color change ΔE values in DRPE-supplemented beverages ranged from 1.1 to 1.35 compared to 1.69 in controls, indicating the preservative role of DRPE on color. So, including DRPE in food formulation as a natural colorant and sweetener is recommended for preserving health and the environment.

The Isolation, Structural Characterization and Anti-Inflammatory Potentials of Neutral Polysaccharides from the Roots of Isatis indigotica Fort.

“…As shown in Figure 3 , RIP-A1, RIP-B1 and RIP-B2 each possess a prominent and wide absorption peak that results from the -OH stretching vibration in the polysaccharide structure (3000~3500 cm −1 ) [ 48 ]. The resonance of the C-H bond in the methyl group within the sugar ring (2800~3000 cm −1 ) produces the signal shown in the spectrum [ 49 ]. The absorption peaks are located at 1000~1200 cm −1 , and they were found to originate from the stretching vibration of the C-O-H pendant group, the C-O-C glycosidic band vibration of the pyranose ring and the stretching vibration of the asymmetric ring, respectively [ 50 ].…”

Artificial Sweeteners and Pancreatic Cancer: Is Aspartame a Culprit or a Coincidence?

“…The antioxidant and antibacterial capabilities of the extract and its capacity to slow the growth of pancreatic cancer cells have been demonstrated in a previous study. 3 The findings of this study show that it is not reasonable to conclude that all artificial sweeteners, and not just aspartame, may pose a risk for cancer.…”

Analysis of flavonoid metabolism of compounds in succulent fruits and leaves of three different colors of Rosaceae

“…Anthocyanins find applications in food coloring, as well as in dyes, medicine, cosmetics, etc. 4 . Additionally, the diverse range of Rosaceae fruit types offers an excellent opportunity to study color formation and fruit breeding 5 .…”