Effect of Thyme, Cumin and Anise on the Formation of Acrylamide in Some Bakery Products

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Dep, Home Economics, Faculty of Specific Education, Alexandria University

2 Dep, Nutrition, High institute of Public Health, Alexandria University

Abstract

Background: Bakery products account for about 20%of human exposure to acrylamide. Many herbs and spices have
been recognized to have medicinal properties and beneficial impact on health such as antioxidants activity. Objective: The
aim of this study was to determine the effects of adding thyme, cumin and anise as antioxidants to reduce acrylamide
content in Arabic bread, Paton salé and Cressina. Methods: Twelve samples were prepared for chemical analysis to
determine antioxidant activity, acrylamide content, flavonoids, total phenols and essential oils. Bakery products were
conducted for sensory evaluation. Results indicated that the percentage of antioxidant activity increased by adding thyme,
cumin and anise. The highest percentage of antioxidant activity was detected in patonsalé with anise, cressina with cumin,
arabic bread with anise (40.77 ± 0.53, 39.43 ± 0.36, 34.35 ± 0.15respectively) while the lowestwas detected in samples
without additives. In contrast the content of acrylamide decreased in arabic bread with anise, patonsalé with anise, and
cressina with cumin (0.0 ± 0.0, 0.30 ± 0.0, 0.43 ± 0.06, resp) while increased in samples without additives. Conclusion:
The results confirmed that thyme, cumin and anise minimized and alleviated the formation of acrylamide in bakery
products and increased the activities of antioxidant. This study recommends increasing the usage herbs and spices to
foods, especially bakery products.

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