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At least 235 records · Page 13Linked to original sources
PubMed2004

The microbiology of cocoa fermentation and its role in chocolate quality.

The first stage of chocolate production consists of a natural, seven-day microbial fermentation of the pectinaceous pulp surrounding beans of the tree Theobroma cacao. There is a microbial succession of a wide range of yeasts, lactic-acid, and acetic-acid bacteria during which high temperatures of up to 50 degrees C and microbial products, such as ethanol, lactic acid, and acetic acid, kill the beans and cause production of flavor precursors. Over-fermentation leads to a rise in bacilli and filamentous fungi that can cause off-flavors. The physiological roles of the predominant micro-organisms are now reasonably well understood and the crucial importance of a well-ordered microbial succession in cocoa aroma has been established. It has been possible to use a synthetic microbial cocktail inoculum of just 5 species, including members of the 3 principal groups, to mimic the natural fermentation process and yield good quality chocolate. Reduction of the amount of pectin by physical or mechanical means can also lead to an improved fermentation in reduced time and the juice can be used as a high-value byproduct. To improve the quality of the processed beans, more research is needed on pectinase production by yeasts, better depulping, fermenter design, and the use of starter cultures.

Acetic Acid↗
PubMed2000

Reactions of peroxynitrite with cocoa procyanidin oligomers.

Peroxynitrite is a mediator molecule in inflammation, and its biological properties are being studied extensively. Flavonoids, which are natural plant constituents, protect against peroxynitrite and thereby could play an anti-inflammatory role. Procyanidin oligomers of different sizes (monomer through nonamer), isolated from the seeds of Theobroma cacao, were recently examined for their ability to protect against peroxynitrite-dependent oxidation of dihydrorhodamine 123 and nitration of tyrosine and were found to be effective in attenuating these reactions. The tetramer was particularly efficient at protecting against oxidation and nitration reactions. Epicatechin oligomers found in cocoa powder and chocolate may be a potent dietary source for defense against peroxynitrite.

Biflavonoids↗
PubMed2002

Flavonoids of cocoa inhibit recombinant human 5-lipoxygenase.

(-)-Epicatechin and its related oligomers, the procyanidins, are present in sizable amounts in some cocoas and chocolates. Intake of flavonoid-rich chocolate in humans has been reported to increase the plasma level of (-)-epicatechin and concomitantly to significantly decrease the plasma level of proinflammatory cysteinyl leukotrienes. Because leukotrienes are formed via the 5-lipoxygenase pathway of arachidonic acid metabolism, we examined whether 5-lipoxygenase is a possible target for the flavonoids of cocoa. Recombinant human 5-lipoxygenase was reacted with arachidonic acid and yielded a mixture of mainly 5-hydroperoxy-6E,8Z, 11Z,14Z-eicosatetraenoic acid (5-HpETE) and hydrolysis products of 5,6-leukotriene A(4) (LTA(4)). The formation of these products was significantly inhibited by (-)-epicatechin in a dose-dependent manner with 50% inhibitory concentrations (IC(50)) of 22 and 50 micromol/L, respectively. Among the procyanidin fractions isolated from the seeds of Theobroma cacao, only the dimer fraction and, to a lesser extent, the trimer through pentamer fractions exhibited comparable effects, whereas the larger procyanidins (hexamer through nonamer) were almost inactive. We conclude that (-)-epicatechin and its low-molecular procyanidins inhibit both dioxygenase and LTA(4) synthase activities of human 5-lipoxygenase and that this action may contribute to a putative anti-inflammatory effect of cocoa products.

Antioxidants↗
PubMed2005

Biochemical changes during the development of witches' broom: the most important disease of cocoa in Brazil caused by Crinipellis perniciosa.

Witches' broom disease (WBD) is caused by the hemibiotrophic basidiomycete fungus Crinipellis perniciosa, which is one of the most important diseases of cocoa in the western hemisphere. In this study, the contents of soluble sugars, amino acids, alkaloids, ethylene, phenolics, tannins, flavonoids, pigments, malondialdehyde (MDA), glycerol, and fatty acids were analysed in cocoa (Theobroma cacao) shoots during the infection and development of WBD. Alterations were observed in the content of soluble sugars (sucrose, glucose, and fructose), asparagine and alkaloids (caffeine and theobromine), ethylene, and tannins. Ethylene and tannins increased prior to symptom development and declined with the death of the infected tissues. Furthermore, MDA and glycerol concentrations were higher in infected tissue than in the controls, while fatty acid composition changed in the infected tissues. Chlorophylls a and b were lower throughout the development of the disease while carotenoids and xanthophylls dropped in the infected tissue by the time of symptom development. These results show co-ordinated biochemical alterations in the infected tissues, indicating major stress responses with the production of ethylene. Ethylene levels are hypothesized to play a key role in broom development. Some of the other biochemical alterations are directly associated with ethylene synthesis and may be important for the modification of its effect on the infected tissues.

Agaricales↗
PubMed2002

Rate of dehydration and cumulative desiccation stress interacted to modulate desiccation tolerance of recalcitrant cocoa and ginkgo embryonic tissues.

Rate of dehydration greatly affects desiccation tolerance of recalcitrant seeds. This effect is presumably related to two different stress vectors: direct mechanical or physical stress because of the loss of water and physicochemical damage of tissues as a result of metabolic alterations during drying. The present study proposed a new theoretic approach to represent these two types of stresses and investigated how seed tissues responded differently to two stress vectors, using the models of isolated cocoa (Theobroma cacao) and ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba) embryonic tissues dehydrated under various drying conditions. This approach used the differential change in axis water potential (DeltaPsi/Deltat) to quantify rate of dehydration and the intensity of direct physical stress experienced by embryonic tissues during desiccation. Physicochemical effect of drying was expressed by cumulative desiccation stress [integralf(psi,t)], a function of both the rate and time of dehydration. Rapid dehydration increased the sensitivity of embryonic tissues to desiccation as indicated by high critical water contents, below which desiccation damage occurred. Cumulative desiccation stress increased sharply under slow drying conditions, which was also detrimental to embryonic tissues. This quantitative analysis of the stress-time-response relationship helps to understand the physiological basis for the existence of an optimal dehydration rate, with which maximum desiccation tolerance could be achieved. The established numerical analysis model will prove valuable for the design of experiments that aim to elucidate biochemical and physiological mechanisms of desiccation tolerance.

Adaptation, Physiological↗
PubMed2001

Polyphenols of cocoa: inhibition of mammalian 15-lipoxygenase.

Some cocoas and chocolates are rich in (-)-epicatechin and its related oligomers, the procyanidins. Fractions of these compounds, isolated from the seeds of Theobroma cacao, caused dose-dependent inhibition of isolated rabbit 15-lipoxygenase-1 with the larger oligomers being more active; the decamer fraction revealed an IC50 of 0.8 microM. Among the monomeric flavanols, epigallocatechin gallate (IC50 = 4 microM) and epicatechin gallate (5 microM) were more potent than (-)-epicatechin (IC50 = 60 microM). (-)-Epicatechin and procyanidin nonamer also inhibited the formation of 15-hydroxy-eicosatetraenoic acid from arachidonic acid in rabbit smooth muscle cells transfected with human 15-lipoxygenase-1. In contrast, inhibition of the lipoxygenase pathway in J774A.1 cells transfected with porcine leukocyte-type 12-lipoxygenase (another representative of the 12/15-lipoxygenase family) was only observed upon sonication of the cells, suggesting a membrane barrier for flavanols in these cells. Moreover, epicatechin (IC50 approx. 15 microM) and the procyanidin decamer inhibited recombinant human platelet 12-lipoxygenase. These observations suggest general lipoxygenase-inhibitory potency of flavanols and procyanidins that may contribute to their putative beneficial effects on the cardiovascular system in man. Thus, they may provide a plausible explanation for recent literature reports indicating that procyanidins decrease the leukotriene/prostacyclin ratio in humans and human aortic endothelial cells.

12-Hydroxy-5,8,10,14-eicosatetraenoic Acid↗
PubMed2005

Suppressive effect of cocoa powder on atherosclerosis in Kurosawa and Kusanagi-hypercholesterolemic rabbits.

We investigated the suppressive effect of cocoa powder (cacao polyphenol content: 7.8%) on atherosclerosis in a spontaneous familial hypercholesterolemic model, Kurosawa and Kusanagi-hypercholesterolemic (KHC) rabbits. Six-month dietary administration of cocoa powder had no effects on body weight, hematology or blood chemistry parameters or a lipid profile in KHC rabbits. Antioxidative activity of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) was observed in the 2nd month and 3rd month of administration. Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), the marker of lipid peroxidation, in plasma were decreased in the cocoa powder treated group from the 2nd month of administration during the study period compared to that in the control group. The area of atherosclerotic lesions in th aorta was significantly smaller in the cocoa powder group (30.87%) than in the control (52.39%). Tissue cholesterol content also tended to decrease. Distensibility of the aortic wall was improved significantly in the cocoa powder treated group due to decreases in fatty streaks and intimal thickening compared to that in the control group. These results suggest that cocoa powder has suppressive effect on development of atherosclerotic lesions. We consider that antioxidative activity of polyphenols rich in cocoa powder may be a key factor for the anti-atherosclerotic effect.

Animals↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Diverse biological activity of polycaphenol.

Millimolar concentrations of alkaline extract of Cacao husk (polycaphenol) were more cytotoxic to human oral tumor cells (human oral squamous cell carcinoma HSC-2, human salivary gland tumor HSG), than to human gingival fibroblast (HGF), suggesting its tumor-specific action. Polycaphenol enhanced the radical intensity and cytotoxic activity of vitamin K3 more effectively than that of sodium ascorbate (vitamin C). Polycaphenol effectively scavenged the superoxide anion, produced by the hypoxanthine-xanthine oxidase reaction, indicating bimodal (prooxidant and antioxidant) action of polycaphenol. Polycaphenol inhibited the cytopathic effect of HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) infection in MT-4 cells, to a comparable extent as that achieved by lignin. Pretreatment of mice with polycaphenol protected them from lethal infection of Eschericia coli. These data suggest the medicinal efficacy of polycaphenol.

Animals↗
PubMed2002

Elemental sulfur and thiol accumulation in tomato and defense against a fungal vascular pathogen.

The occurrence of fungicidal, elemental S is well documented in certain specialized prokaryotes, but has rarely been detected in eukaryotes. Elemental S was first identified in this laboratory as a novel phytoalexin in the xylem of resistant genotypes of Theobroma cacao, after infection by the vascular, fungal pathogen Verticillium dahliae. In the current work, this phenomenon is demonstrated in a resistant line of tomato, Lycopersicon esculentum, in response to V. dahliae. A novel gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy method using isotope dilution analysis with 34S internal standard was developed to identify unambiguously and quantify 32S in samples of excised xylem. Accumulation of S in vascular tissue was more rapid and much greater in the disease-resistant than in the disease-susceptible line. Levels of S detected in the resistant variety (approximately 10 microg g-1 fresh weight excised xylem) were fungitoxic to V. dahliae (spore germination was inhibited >90% at approximately 3 microg mL-1). Scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive x-ray microanalysis confirmed accumulation of S in vascular but not in pith cells and in greater amounts and frequency in the Verticillium spp.-resistant genotype. More intensive localizations of S were occasionally detected in xylem parenchyma cells, vessel walls, vascular gels, and tyloses, structures in potential contact with and linked with defense to V. dahliae. Transient increases in concentrations of sulfate, glutathione, and Cys of vascular tissues from resistant but not susceptible lines after infection may indicate a perturbation of S metabolism induced by elemental S formation; this is discussed in terms of possible S biogenesis.

Cacao↗
PubMed2002

[Anti-caries vaccines].

Even though the reduction of caries-incidence in developed countries, its increasing has been observed nowadays. The use of a vaccine was object of many researches, going under modifications and evaluations during years. Wallace and McCollum showed the chance to induce experimental cavities, while Clarke and McIntosh were the first underlining the roll of S. mutans and Lactobacilli as efforts of the pathology. Williams was the first working with humans and Zinner and Fitzgerald continued. So since Bowen the research tried to build a vaccine made of single bacterial molecules with antigenic power. We can count about a large number of targets, like: the Ag I/II, the glucosyltransferase enzyme (GTF), the glucan-binding-protein (GBP), the destranase, the fruttosyltransferase and the glucans. Among the substances used to obtain a vaccine cacao revealed its capacity against bacteria able to develop cavities, thanks to its cariostatic and anti-glucosyltransferase activity due to polyphenols, that we can find in green tea too. It's also interesting a technique that gives passive antibodies like cow's milk, but in particular the one of a monoclonal antibody made with biotechnology of plants: the Guy's 13. It does not show substantial differences in comparison with the human Ig and it's able to prevent the installation of micro-organism and to reduce cavities in adult patients already infected. For the setting-up of a vaccine, however, only studies, comparison and research will be able to show precise instruments of defence.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗
PubMed2004

Cocoa pod (Theobroma caco)--a potential breeding habit of Aedes albopictus in dengue-sensitive Kerala State, India.

Aedes (Stegomyia) albopictus (Skuse), a potential dengue vector, particularly in the foot-hill areas of the Western Ghat region of Kerala State has been found breeding for the first time in cocoa pods (Theobroma cacao) in India. Breeding in cocoa pods is considered an opportunistic adaptive behavior of the mosquito to maintain density in the absence of common breeding sites, especially latex-collecting cups in rubber plantations, during the monsoon periods. Vector breeding in cocoa pods was observed up to 8 m from the ground, and in both hanging and grounded pods, whose endocarp had been devoured by rodents. Ae. albopictus breeding in cocoa plant is discussed in relation to accentuating disease transmission risk.

Aedes↗
PubMed1984

[Cosmetic acne and a test of comedogenicity].

A comedogenic test was carried out on the internal ear canal of four adult, masculine, albino rabbits, using butter of cacao and linseed oil, both known to be present in various cosmetic products. Histologic observation after 14 days showed follicular hyperkeratosis conferming the validity of this test.

Acne Vulgaris↗
PubMed1981

Frequency of the Aspergillus flavus in some sensoric unchanged foodstuffs.

By aid of a direct inoculation method it was followed the frequency of Aspergillus flavus - colony forming units in 11,526.5 p (100%) of 55 samples of some basic sensoric unchanged foodstuffs (cereal instant gruels 21%, milk powder 49%, pudding powders 7%, meal 9% and tea, coffee, cacao 12%) and inner contamination by A. flavus in 22,017 pieces of nuts and grains. It was found, that A. flavus colony forming units falls in Czechoslovak Socialistic Republic on the average on 7.2 g of the sample of crisp consistency (the least 0 colony/3.24%) of the investigated grains and nuts.

Animals↗
PubMed1981

Tobacco, cocoa, coffee, and ragweed: cross-reacting allergens that activate factor-XII-dependent pathways.

A glycoprotein antigen has been isolated from cured tobacco leaves (TGP-L) Nicotiana tabacum) and from cigarette smoke condensate (TGP-CSC) to which approximately one-third of human volunteers, smokers and non-smokers, exhibit immediate cutaneous hypersensitivity. TGP-L and TGP-CSC contain polyphenol haptens that activate the factor XII (Hageman factor) dependent pathways of coagulation, fibrinolysis, and kinin generation in normal human plasma. The purpose of this communication is to describe the isolation antigens from cocoa powder (Theobroma cacao), ground coffee (Coffea arabica), and ragweed (Ambrosia eliator) pollen that are immunologically cross-reactive with TGP-L and TGP-CSC, contain similar polyphenol haptens, and are capable of activating factor-XII-dependent pathways in normal human plasma.

Allergens↗
PubMed1977

[Descriptive study of Fortesan: a new food product for preschool children].

Pre-school Children acceptability of a high nutritive value and low cost new food product (Fortesán) was studied. This mixture is formed by W.S.B. powdered milk and cacao. The purpose was to establish its a acceptability by the children and their mothers, in the Santiago population. A similar study had been already performed in 1972 in another marginal urban area and in rural areas. Inicial and final heights and weights were measured, and a socio-economical and acceptability survey was performed in all cases. The same experimental group was used as a control of it self. The study lasted 4 months, from April-May 1973 until August-September 1973. The sample was formed by children from 1 to 6 years old, coming from different socioeconomical levels. Results showed a good acceptability of the product both by the mothers and their children. It also showed a good influence in the height and weight that the children reached.

Animals↗
PubMed1997

A short basic domain supports a nucleic acid-binding activity in the rice tungro bacilliform virus open reading frame 2 product.

Little is known about the features of badnavirus open reading frame 2 products (P2). So far, no consensus functional domain has been found in these proteins. However, they all have in common at their C-terminus amino acids which may have the capacity to bind nucleic acids. Such capacity has already been established for cacao swollen shoot virus protein P2. We have looked for such a binding capacity of rice tungro bacilliform virus (RTBV) ORF 2 product. For this purpose, the protein was expressed as full-length or truncated versions in Escherichia coli. When used in nucleic acid-binding assays, complete RTBV P2 was shown to bind both DNA and RNA. This property may be related to a basic sequence, PPKKGIKRKYPA, localized at its C-terminus. Mutations were introduced into this sequence and revealed that four of the five basic residues, including a crucial lysine, are required for the binding to nucleic acids. Moreover, this sequence can confer binding capacity when it is fused to the N-terminus of nonbinding proteins.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1998

Mapping regions of the cauliflower mosaic virus ORF III product required for infectivity.

The open reading frame (ORF) III product (PIII) of the pararetrovirus cauliflower mosaic virus (CaMV) has nucleic acid-binding properties in vitro, but its biological role is not yet determined. ORF III is closely linked to ORF II and overlaps ORF IV out of frame in the CaMV genome. A new CaMV-derived vector (Ca delta) devoid of ORF III and containing unique restriction sites between ORFs II and IV was designed. Introduction of the wild-type CaMV ORF III into Ca delta results in a clone (Ca3) infectious in turnip plants. Truncated or point-mutated versions of ORF III were then inserted into Ca delta and tested in vivo. Inoculation of the different mutants into turnip revealed that the four C-terminal amino acid residues of PIII are dispensable for infectivity as well as an internal domain (amino acids 61 to 80). Taken together the results show that PIII possesses a functional two-domain organization. Moreover, the CaMV PIII function(s) cannot be replaced either by the PIII protein of another caulimovirus, the figwort mosaic virus, or by the P2 protein of the cacao swollen shoot badnavirus, a member of the second plant pararetrovirus group.

Amino Acid Sequence↗