Analysis Of Antioxidant-Rich Phytochemicals

To quantify antioxidants in natural sources, the application of chromatography techniques with different detectors followed by skillful sample preparation is necessary. Analysis of Antioxidant-Rich Phytochemicals is the first book that specifically covers and summarizes the details of sample preparation procedures and methods developed to identify and quantify various types of natural antioxidants in foods. Focusing on the principle of quantification methods for natural antioxidants, the book reviews and summarizes current methods used in the determination of antioxidant-rich phytochemicals in different sources. Chapter by chapter, the distinguished team of authors describes the various methods used for analysis of the different antioxidant-rich phytochemicals – phenolic acids; carotenoids; anthocyanins; ellagitannins, flavonols and flavones; catechins and procyanidins; flavanones; stilbenes; phytosterols; and tocopherols and tocotrienols. Going beyond extensive reviews of the scientific literature, the expert contributors call on their accumulated experience in sample extraction and analysis to outline procedures, identify potential problems in dealing with different samples, and offer trouble-shooting tips for the analysis. Analysis of Antioxidant-Rich Phytochemicals covers the important food applications and health-promoting functions of the major antioxidant phytochemicals, presents general analysis principles and procedures, and systematically reviews and summarizes the various analytical methods necessary for each type of natural antioxidant in different food sources.

Zhimin Xu, PhD, serves as Associate Professor in the Department of Food Science, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA. His areas of specialization and research include: extraction, isolation, and characterization of health-promoting (bioactive) compounds in agricultural products; evaluation of stabilities of bioactive compounds during post-harvest treatment, storage, and food processing; utilization of bioactive compounds to improve food quality and value; and food microconstituent analysis using chromatography technology.

Luke R. Howard, PhD, serves as Professor in the Department of Food Science, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR. His research interests include: fruit and vegetable processing; critical fluid extraction of bioactive compounds from fruit and vegetable processing by-products; and identification and characterization of bioactive compounds in fresh and processed horticultural crops. Dr. Howard is a long-standing member of the Fruit & Vegetable Products Division of the Institute of Food Technologists, having served as its chair in 2003-2004.