title: Sugar cane and sugar beet molasses, antioxidant-rich alternatives to refined sugar.
abstract: Molasses, the main byproduct of sugar production, is a well-known source of antioxidants. In this study sugar cane molasses (SCM) and sugar beet molasses (SBM) were investigated for their phenolic profile and in vitro antioxidant capacity and for their protective effect in human HepG2 cells submitted to oxidative stress. According to its higher phenolic concentration and antioxidant capacity in vitro, SCM exhibited an effective protection in cells, comparable to or even greater than that of α-tocopherol. Data herein reported emphasize the potential health effects of molasses and the possibility of using byproducts for their antioxidant activity. This is particularly important for consumers in developing countries, as it highlights the importance of consuming a low-price, yet very nutritious, commodity.
authors.affiliation: Department of Agro-Food Sciences and Technologies, University of Bologna , Piazza Goidanich 60, 47521 Cesena (FC), Italy.
authors.forename: Veronica
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Valli
authors.forename: Ana María
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Gómez-Caravaca
authors.forename: Mattia
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Di Nunzio
authors.forename: Francesca
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Danesi
authors.forename: Maria Fiorenza
authors.initials: MF
authors.lastname: Caboni
authors.forename: Alessandra
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Bordoni
mesh_terms: D000975:Antioxidants / Q000032:analysis* / Q000494:pharmacology; D027461:Beta vulgaris / Q000737:chemistry*; D004040:Dietary Carbohydrates / Q000008:administration & dosage; D056945:Hep G2 Cells; D006801:Humans; D008965:Molasses / Q000032:analysis*; D018384:Oxidative Stress / Q000187:drug effects; D010636:Phenols / Q000032:analysis; D031786:Saccharum / Q000737:chemistry*; D024502:alpha-Tocopherol / Q000494:pharmacology
chemical_list: D000975:Antioxidants; D004040:Dietary Carbohydrates; D010636:Phenols; D024502:alpha-Tocopherol