Showing papers by "Branca M. Silva published in 2009"
TL;DR: This is the first study comparing the chemical composition and biological potential of F. carica pulps, peels and leaves and leaves' organic acids profile presented oxalic, citric, malic, quinic, shikimic and fumaric acids.
228 citations
TL;DR: Quince leaf may have application as preventive or therapeutic agent in diseases in which free radicals are involved and under the oxidative action of AAPH, quince leaf methanolic extract significantly protected the erythrocyte membrane from hemolysis in a similar manner to that found for green tea.
163 citations
TL;DR: Higher antioxidant activity for certain parts of quince fruit, namely pulp and peel, that may therefore represent accessible sources of natural antioxidants with potential application in nutritional/pharmaceutical fields, as preventive or therapeutic agents in diseases in which free radicals are implicated.
125 citations
TL;DR: The recent patents on the tea manufacture, extracts preparation and health-promoting properties are reviewed in this manuscript, especially in what concerns the chemopreventive and chemotherapeutic activities of tea polyphenols.
Abstract: In recent years, the scientific community, food industry, consumers and media have revealed a growing interest regarding the potential benefits of tea consumption for human health. Several studies indicate that phenolic compounds, especially flavan-3-ols (catechins), are the main components responsible for the medicinal effects of this beverage due to their recognized antioxidant properties. Antioxidants are ascribed to reduce cells and biomolecules oxidative damage caused by reactive oxygen/nitrogen species (ROS/RNS). In fact, ROS and RNS have been implicated in the oxidative deterioration of food products, as well as in the pathogenesis of several chronic and/or ageing diseases such as atherosclerosis, diabetes mellitus, chronic inflammation, neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer's disease, and certain types of cancer. (-)-Epigallocatechin-3-gallate, the main component of white and green teas, for which chemical synthesis is complex, not only possesses strong antiradicalar activity but also can inhibit nitration reactions, modulate carcinogen-metabolizing enzymes, trap ultimate carcinogens and inhibit cancer cell proliferation. The recent patents on the tea manufacture, extracts preparation and health-promoting properties are reviewed in this manuscript, especially in what concerns the chemopreventive and chemotherapeutic activities of tea polyphenols.
38 citations