Research Update:Almond and Apricot Kernel.

  seminal trace...Almond Extract.Apricot extract.Apricot Kernels Extract.CAS.NO.068650-44-2.Sweet Almond Extract,Amygdalus communis LINN.AKE,Extract of apricot.Apricot Seeds extract,Bitter Apricot Kernels extract.Bitter almond extract...

 


   Phytochemical info of Almond and Apricot Kernel.

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 Definition:Almond and Apricot Kernel are majorly composed of
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   Research Update:Almond and Apricot Kernel.

  The effects of foot and facial massage on sleep induction, blood pressure, pulse and respiratory rate: Crossover pilot study.:Complement Ther Clin Pract. 2007 Nov;13(4):266-75. Epub 2007 May 8.Ejindu A.London South Bank University, Faculty of Health and Social Care, LSBU at Havering Campus, Gubbins Lane, Harold Wood, Romford, RM3 0BE, UK.

 The study aimed to compare the effects of facial massage with that of foot massage on sleep induction and vital signs of healthy adults and to test a methodology that could be used by a lone researcher in such a study. A randomised within-group crossover pilot study of six healthy female volunteers was conducted. The interventions were a 20min foot and a 20min facial massage using peach-kernel base oil Prunus persica. A drop in systolic blood pressure of 8.5mmHg was recorded immediately after facial massage compared to that of 1mmHg recorded after foot massage. Both treatments were equally effective in reducing subjective levels of alertness during the interventions, with face massage marginally better at producing subjective sleepiness. A lone researcher using these methods would be able objectively to measure vital signs before and after interventions, but not during; and would be able subjectively to measure sleep induction in non-sleep-laboratory contexts.

  Cardioprotective mechanisms of Prunus cerasus (sour cherry) seed extract against ischemia-reperfusion-induced damage in isolated rat hearts.:Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol. 2006 Sep;291(3):H1329-36. Epub 2006 Apr 14.Bak I, Lekli I, Juhasz B, Nagy N, Varga E, Varadi J, Gesztelyi R, Szabo G, Szendrei L, Bacskay I, Vecsernyes M, Antal M, Fesus L, Boucher F, de Leiris J, Tosaki A.Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Health and Science Center, University of Debrecen, Nagyerdei krt. 98, 4032-Debrecen, Hungary.

 The effects of kernel extract obtained from sour cherry (Prunus cerasus) seed on the postischemic cardiac recovery were studied in isolated working rat hearts. Rats were treated with various daily doses of the extract for 14 days, and hearts were then isolated and subjected to 30 min of global ischemia followed by 120 min of reperfusion. The incidence of ventricular fibrillation (VF) and tachycardia (VT) fell from their control values of 92% and 100% to 50% (not significant) and 58% (not significant), 17% (P<0.05), and 25% (P<0.05) with the doses of 10 mg/kg and 30 mg/kg of the extract, respectively. Lower concentrations of the extract (1 and 5 mg/kg) failed to significantly reduce the incidence of VF and VT during reperfusion. Sour cherry seed kernel extract (10 and 30 mg/kg) significantly improved the postischemic recovery of cardiac function (coronary flow, aortic flow, and left ventricular developed pressure) during reperfusion. We have also demonstrated that the extract-induced protection in cardiac function significantly reflected in a reduction of infarct size. Immunohistochemistry indicates that a reduction in caspase-3 activity and apoptotic cells by the extract, beside other potential action mechanisms of proanthocyanidin, trans-resveratrol, and flavonoid components of the extract, could be responsible for the cardioprotection in ischemic-reperfused myocardium.

  Isolation and quantitation of amygdalin in Apricot-kernel and Prunus Tomentosa Thunb. by HPLC with solid-phase extraction.:J Chromatogr Sci. 2005 Aug;43(7):383-7.Lv WF, Ding MY, Zheng R.Key Lab of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology, Ministry of Education, Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, P.R. China.

 Apricot-kernel and Prunus Tomentosa Thunb. are traditional Chinese herb medicines that contain amygdalin as their major effective ingredient. In this report, three methods for the extraction of amygdalin from the medicinal materials are compared: ultrasonic extraction by methanol, Soxhlet extraction by methanol, and reflux extraction by water. The results show that reflux extraction water containing 0.1% citric acid is the best option. The optimal reflux is 2.5 h and water bath temperature is 60 degrees C. The solid-phase extraction method using C18 and multiwalled carbon nanotube as adsorbents is established the pretreatment of reflux extract, and the result shows that the two adsorbents have greater adsorptive capacity for amygdalin and good separation effect. In order to quantitate amygdalin in Apricot-kernel and Prunus Tomentosa Thunb., a reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography method using methanol-water (15:85, for 30 min and pure methanol after 30 min) as mobile phase is developed and a good result is obtained.

  Separation and determination of phospholipids in plant seeds by nonaqueous capillary electrophoresis.:J Chromatogr A. 2005 May 13;1074(1-2):205-13.Guo BY, Wen B, Shan XQ, Zhang SZ, Lin JM.State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, P.O. Box 2871, Beijing 100085, China.

 A method has been developed for the separation and determination of phospholipids by nonaqueous capillary electrophoresis in a separation medium of acetonitrile-2-proponol (3:2, v/v), 0.3% acetic acid and 60 mM ammonium acetate. To optimize the separation conditions, the composition of separation medium including alcohols, acetic acid, n-hexane and ammonium acetate was studied. The solvation interaction and ion-dipole interaction were also investigated. The contents of phospholipids in soybean, sunflower, peanut, apricot kernel, filbert and walnut were determined by the recommended method. The results obtained by the nonaqueous capillary electrophoreses were in good agreement with those determined by micellar electrokinetic chromatography.

  Relationship between cyanogenic compounds in kernels, leaves, and roots of sweet and bitter kernelled almonds.:J Agric Food Chem. 2002 Mar 27;50(7):2149-52.Dicenta F, Mart¨ªnez-G¨®mez P, Gran¨¦ N, Mart¨ªn ML, Le¨®n A, C¨¢novas JA, Berenguer V.Departamento de Mejora y Patolog¨ªa Vegetal, CEBAS-CSIC, P.O. Box 4195, 30080 Murcia, Spain. fdicenta@cebas.csic.es

 The relationship between the levels of cyanogenic compounds (amygdalin and prunasin) in kernels, leaves, and roots of 5 sweet-, 5 slightly bitter-, and 5 bitter-kernelled almond trees was determined. Variability was observed among the genotypes for these compounds. Prunasin was found only in the vegetative part (roots and leaves) for all genotypes tested. Amygdalin was detected only in the kernels, mainly in bitter genotypes. In general, bitter-kernelled genotypes had higher levels of prunasin in their roots than nonbitter ones, but the correlation between cyanogenic compounds in the different parts of plants was not high. While prunasin seems to be present in most almond roots (with a variable concentration) only bitter-kernelled genotypes are able to transform it into amygdalin in the kernel. Breeding for prunasin-based resistance to the buprestid beetle Capnodis tenebrionis L. is discussed.


  Micellar electrokinetic chromatography for the analysis of D-amygdalin and its epimer in apricot kernel.:J Chromatogr A. 2000 Jan 14;866(2):253-9.

 We have developed a simple, rapid and reproducible method for the determination of D-amygdalin and its epimer by using micellar electrokinetic chromatography (MEKC). Separation of D-amygdalin was performed in a 20 mM sodium borate buffer (pH 8.5) containing 300 mM sodium dodecyl sulfate using a bare fused-silica capillary. The eluates were monitored by the absorbance at 210 nm. The applied electric field was 278 V/cm, and the time needed for the separation of D-amygdalin did not exceed 6 min. The calibration curve for D-amygdalin showed excellent linearity in the concentration range of 5-500 microg/ml. The migration time and the corrected peak area show relative standard deviations (n=6) of 0.86% and 1.48%, respectively. The limit of detection (S/N=3) for D-amygdalin was 2 microg/ml. Under acidic and neutral conditions, amygdalin exists only as the D-form; however, under basic conditions, it shows both the D- and L-forms with a concentration ratio of 1:1.3 (D-amygdalin/L-amygdalin). Results of HPLC, UV-Vis spectrophotometry, and mass spectrometry reconfirmed the identification of D-amygdalin and its epimer. The number of theoretical plates of D-amygdalin is about 100,000 in MEKC, which is significantly higher than approximately 8,000 of HPLC. This method has been successfully applied to the determination of amygdalin epimers in various apricot kernel extracts and pharmaceutical products.

  Antimicrobial activity of essential oils and other plant extracts.:J Appl Microbiol. 1999 Jun;86(6):985-90.Hammer KA, Carson CF, Riley TV.Department of Microbiology, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Western Australia. khammer@cyllene.uwa.edu.au

 The antimicrobial activity of plant oils and extracts has been recognized for many years. However, few investigations have compared large numbers of oils and extracts using methods that are directly comparable. In the present study, 52 plant oils and extracts were investigated for activity against Acinetobacter baumanii, Aeromonas veronii biogroup sobria, Candida albicans, Enterococcus faecalis, Escherichia col, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serotype typhimurium, Serratia marcescens and Staphylococcus aureus, using an agar dilution method. Lemongrass, oregano and bay inhibited all organisms at concentrations of < or = 2.0% (v/v). Six oils did not inhibit any organisms at the highest concentration, which was 2.0% (v/v) oil for apricot kernel, evening primrose, macadamia, pumpkin, sage and sweet almond. Variable activity was recorded for the remaining oils. Twenty of the plant oils and extracts were investigated, using a broth microdilution method, for activity against C. albicans, Staph. aureus and E. coli. The lowest minimum inhibitory concentrations were 0.03% (v/v) thyme oil against C. albicans and E. coli and 0.008% (v/v) vetiver oil against Staph. aureus. These results support the notion that plant essential oils and extracts may have a role as pharmaceuticals and preservatives.

  Acute cyanide toxicity caused by apricot kernel ingestion.:Ann Emerg Med. 1998 Dec;32(6):742-4.Suchard JR, Wallace KL, Gerkin RD.Department of Medical Toxicology, Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center, Phoenix, AZ, USA. jsuchard@samaritan.edu

 A 41-year-old woman ingested apricot kernels purchased at a health food store and became weak and dyspneic within 20 minutes. The patient was comatose and hypothermic on presentation but responded promptly to antidotal therapy for cyanide poisoning. She was later treated with a continuous thiosulfate infusion for persistent metabolic acidosis. This is the first reported case of cyanide toxicity from apricot kernel ingestion in the United States since 1979.

  Biochemical studies of some non-conventional sources of proteins. Part 7. Effect of detoxification treatments on the nutritional quality of apricot kernels.:Nahrung. 1994;38(1):12-20.el-Adawy TA, Rahma EH, el-Badawey AA, Gomaa MA, L¨¢sztity R, Sarkadi L.Technical University of Budapest, Department of Biochemistry and Technology, Hungary.

 Detoxification of apricot kernels by soaking in distilled water and ammonium hydroxide for 30 h at 47 degrees C decreased the total protein, non-protein nitrogen, total ash, glucose, sucrose, minerals, non-essential amino acids, polar amino acids, acidic amino acids, aromatic amino acids, antinutritional factors, hydrocyanic acid, tannins and phytic acid. On the other hand, removal of toxic and bitter compounds from apricot kernels increased the relative content of crude fibre, starch, total essential amino acids. Higher in-vitro protein digestibility and biological value was also observed. Generally, the detoxified apricot kernels were nutritionally well balanced. Utilization and incorporation of detoxified apricot kernel flours in food products is completely safe from the toxicity point of view.

  Unconventional protein sources: apricot seed kernels.:Z Ernahrungswiss Suppl. 1981 Sep;20(3):208-15.Gabrial GN, El-Nahry FI, Awadalla MZ, Girgis SM.

 Hamawy apricot seed kernels (sweet), Amar apricot seed kernels (bitter) and treated Amar apricot kernels (bitterness removed) were evaluated biochemically. All kernels were found to be high in fat (42.2--50.91%), protein (23.74--25.70%) and fiber (15.08--18.02%). Phosphorus, calcium, and iron were determined in all experimental samples. The three different apricot seed kernels were used for extensive study including the qualitative determination of the amino acid constituents by acid hydrolysis, quantitative determination of some amino acids, and biological evaluation of the kernel proteins in order to use them as new protein sources. Weanling albino rats failed to grow on diets containing the Amar apricot seed kernels due to low food consumption because of its bitterness. There was no loss in weight in that case. The Protein Efficiency Ratio data and blood analysis results showed the Hamawy apricot seed kernels to be higher in biological value than treated apricot seed kernels. The Net Protein Ratio data which accounts for both weight, maintenance and growth showed the treated apricot seed kernels to be higher in biological value than both Hamawy and Amar kernels. The Net Protein Ratio for the last two kernels were nearly equal.


  Influence of roasting conditions on the acrylamide content and the color of roasted almonds.:J Food Sci. 2007 Jan;72(1):C033-8.Lukac H, Amrein TM, Perren R, Conde-Petit B, Amad¨° R, Escher F.Inst. of Food Science and Nutrition, Swiss Federal Inst. of Technology, ETH Zurich, CH-8092 Zurich, Switzerland.

 The influence of roasting conditions on the acrylamide content and on the color of roasted almonds of 3 cultivars was investigated. The temperature inside the almond kernel, the water content, the color, and the acrylamide content were determined at different roasting temperatures and times. The formation of acrylamide started only when the kernel temperature had exceeded approximately 130 degrees C. The activation energy for the acrylamide formation during the roasting of almonds was 123 kJ.mol(-1). The color as measured by the degree of brightness correlated well with the acrylamide content as acrylamide content increased with increasing darkness. Therefore, control of roasting temperature presents the critical factor for limiting the acrylamide concentration in the final product. At constant roasting conditions, almonds with higher initial moisture content contained less acrylamide after roasting, which is probably due to the influence of moisture on the development product temperature during roasting.

  Comparative study on the triglyceride composition of almond kernel oil. A new basis for cultivar chemometric characterization.:J Agric Food Chem. 1999 Sep;47(9):3688-92.Mart¨ªn-Carratal¨¢ ML, Llorens-Jord¨¢ C, Berenguer-Navarro V, Gran¨¦-Teruel N.Department of Analytical Chemistry, University of Alicante, P.O. Box 99, 03080 Alicante, Spain.

 Nine triglycerides (LLL, OLL, PLL, OLO, PLO, PLP, OOO, POO, and SOO; triglycerides are abbreviated using L, O, P, and S for linoleoyl, oleoyl, palmitoyl, and stearoyl fat acid radicals, respectively) in the almond kernel of 19 different cultivars have been determined by high-performance liquid chromatography. Multivariate techniques have been applied to the data from 114 chromatographic determinations. Principal component analysis efficiently reduces the number of variables so that the first two principal components explain 84.4% of the total variance. The classification obtained by the application of cluster analysis to triglyceride composition differentiates the American cultivar Texas from the rest of the cultivars. The Italian cultivars are grouped. The cultivars Achaak, Del Cid, Malague?a, Desmayo Largueta, and Chellaston form another group, and the largest group includes most of the Spanish cultivars. Discriminant analysis provides convenient functions to describe the four groups previously established by cluster analysis. The calculated classification functions correctly assign samples from the testing set to their respective groups.


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  1.Research Update:Almond and Apricot Kernel.