Join the Department of Food Science and Nutrition for this seminar series event online Thursday, February 24 at 1 p.m. featuring guest speaker Dr. Luke R. Howard, whose research is focused on extraction and characterization of bioactive compounds in fresh and processed fruits and vegetables.
Dr. Luke R. Howard
Thursday, February 24, 2022 – 1:00 PM Central Time
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Title: Anti-inflammatory properties of blackberry phenolic and volatile extracts
Abstract: The anti-inflammatory activity of blackberries has been attributed to phenolic compounds, especially anthocyanins. The present study hypothesized that volatiles could contribute to anti-inflammatory activity as well. The anti-inflammatory properties of three blackberry genotypes varying in total volatile and phenolic contents were assessed by measuring concentrations of nitric oxide (NO), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor -α (TNF-α) within LPS-inflamed RAW264.7 murine macrophage cells after a preventive treatment of either a phenolic or a volatile extract. Extracts from blackberry genotypes A2528T, A2587T and Natchez had total phenolic contents of 4315, 3369 and 3680 µg/mL, respectively, and total volatile contents of 283, 852 and 444 ng/mL, respectively. Phenolic and volatile extracts of all genotypes significantly lowered the secretion of NO, IL-6 and TNF-α in ranges varying between 20-42%, 34-60% and 28-73% inhibition, respectively. Volatile extracts exhibited greater anti-inflammatory properties than phenolic extracts, despite being present at much lower concentrations in the berries. Further research is needed to assess bioavailability and anti-inflammatory effect of blackberry volatiles in vivo.
Keywords: Anti-inflammatory, Blackberries, Cytokines, Inflammation, in vitro, Phenolics.
Luke R. Howard
Dr. Howard received his B.S. degree in Horticulture from Purdue University, and his M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Food Science from the University of Arkansas. He worked as an Analytical Chemist at the Dole Packaged Foods Research and Development Center for two years, and was an Assistant Professor in the Horticultural Sciences Department at Texas A&M University for five years. He has served on the faculty in the Department of Food Science at the University of Arkansas since 1997 (Associate Research Professor 1997-2002, Professor 2002-present). His research program is focused on extraction and characterization of bioactive compounds in fresh and processed fruits and vegetables. Dr. Howard has published over 140 scientific articles and five book chapters and has delivered over 100 presentations at scientific meetings. He is a Fellow of the Division of Agricultural and Food Chemistry Division of the American Chemical Society.
FDSN Seminar Series
The FDSN Seminar Series features guest lectures by invited speakers that broaden understanding and knowledge of various scientific topics and original research in food science and nutrition. Speakers include experts from academia, federal government agencies, and the food industry. These seminars are held every Thursday at 1 p.m. Central Time.
Our Virtual Food Industry Friday events showcase food industry professionals, board members, and alumni who are available to meet with students, providing career path insights to the broad and important field of food, science, and technology. Speakers represent a wide range of experience and roles in the food industry such as quality, product development, packaging, regulations, research and development, and more, providing a broad perspective on the food industry. Virtual Food Industry Friday events are held every third Friday of the month during the spring and fall semester from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. CST. The open seminar forum lasts approximately 45 minutes with a 10-15 minute Q&A session included.