Phenolic, oxylipin and fatty acid profiles of the Chilean hazelnut (Gevuina avellana): Antioxidant activity and inhibition of pro-inflammatory and metabolic syndrome-associated enzymes

Abstract

Roasted cotyledons of the Chilean hazelnut (Gevuina avellana) are appreciated as snacks. The aim of our work was to assess the fatty acid, oxylipin and phenolic composition using gas chromatography (GC) coupled to mass spectrometry (MS), ultra- high performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC) coupled to MS and HPLC coupled to diode array detector (HPLC-DAD). Additionally, various antioxidant activities were assessed. The inhibition of α-glucosidase, α-amylase, lipase, cyclooxygenases-1 and -2 (COX-1/COX-2), and lipoxygenase was determined. The main fatty acids were oleic and 7-hexadecenoic acids. Eight phytoprostanes and three phytofurans were identified and quantified. Hydroxybenzoic and hydroxycinnamic acids were the main phenolic compounds. Oils showed antioxidant activity determined by EPR, and inhibition of COX-1/COX-2. The statistical analysis showed that the roasting does not affect the composition of the samples. The occurrence of oxylipins in this species is reported for the first time. Chilean hazelnuts can be considered a source of health promoting compounds.

Keywords: 5-Hydroxymethyl furfural (PubChem CID: 237332); 7-Hexadecenoic acid (PubChem CID: 445639); Arachidonic acid (PubChem CID: 444899); Chilean hazelnut; Fatty acids; Gevuina avellana; HPLC-MS/MS; Hydroxybenzoic acid (PubChem CID: 135); Oleic acid (PubChem CID: 445639); Phenolics; Phytofurans; Phytoprostanes; Polyunsaturated fatty acids; α-Linolenic acid (PubChem CID: 5280934).