Phytochemical compounds and biological effects of Actinidia fruits

Bioactive compounds, total antioxidant capacity and yield of kiwiberry fruit under different nitrogen regimes in field conditions

BACKGROUND

Actinidia arguta known as the 'kiwiberry' or 'mini kiwi' is relatively new among the cultivated berry species. Recent studies indicate the kiwiberry fruit could be an important source of many health-promoting compounds. A knowledge-based fertilisation concept was evolved to define optimal strategies for feeding Actinidia with nitrogen (N) because a deficit and excess of N both have a negative impact on plants and the surrounding environment.

RESULTS

Kiwiberry yield and fruit internal quality significantly depended on soil N level, cultivar and growing season. A higher soil N led to an increase in carotenoid content and a decrease in phenolic content, whereas ascorbic acid and glutathione contents were not affected by soil N fertility. Under the highest N dose, enzymatic antioxidants were activated. Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity clearly decreased with an increasing N level.

CONCLUSIONS

Competent and skilful fertilisation management should focus on balancing a high fruit yield and maintaining their high quality. Based on yield level and fruit antioxidant potential, the N guide values for A. arguta vary between 30 and 50 mg N per kg^-1 of soil. The recommended N dose may depend on overall soil quality traits and cultivar N demand, as well as on weather conditions. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry.

Phenolic Profiles of Hardy Kiwifruits and Their Neuroprotective Effects on PC-12 and SH-SY5Y Cells against Oxidative Stress

Hardy kiwifruits (Actinidia arguta Planch.) have high amounts of antioxidants, including ascorbic acid (vitamin C) and phenolics. The anti-cholinesterase activity and neuroprotective effects of three different cultivars of hardy kiwifruits, cv. Mansu (A. arguta × A. deliciosa), cv. Haeyeon (A. arguta), and cv. Chiak (A. arguta), on PC-12 and SH-SY5Y cells were evaluated. Extraction of phenolics and vitamin C was carried out using 80% (v/v) aqueous ethanol and metaphosphoric acid assisted with homogenization, respectively. Hardy kiwifruit of cv. Mansu showed higher total phenolic, total flavonoid, and vitamin C contents and antioxidant capacity compared to the other tw°Cultivars of hardy kiwifruits, cv. Haeyeon and cv. Chiak. Analysis of high-performance liquid chromatography results revealed the presence of procyanidin B2, (?)-epicatechin, neochlorogenic acid, cryptochlorogenic acid, rutin, hyperoside, isoquercitrin, and astragalin in hardy kiwifruits. The three cultivars of hardy kiwifruits had a wide range of vitamin C content of 55.2?130.0 mg/100 g fresh weight. All three cultivars of hardy kiwifruits had protective effects on neuronal PC-12 and SHSY5Y cells exposed to hydrogen peroxide by increasing cell viability and reducing intracellular oxidative stress. Furthermore, the hardy kiwifruits inhibited acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase. Collectively, these results suggest that hardy kiwifruits rich in antioxidants like phenolics and vitamin C have good potential as functional materials in neuroprotective applications.

Bioactivity, phytochemical profile and pro-healthy properties of Actinidia arguta: A review

Hardy kiwi (Actinidia arguta) is a climbing, perennial and dioecious vine from Actinidiaceae family, native from Asia and valued as ornamental and traditional medicine. In the last decade, the growing interest as fruit-bearing plant encourage the expanding cultivation of A. arguta mainly to fruits production, particularly in Europe and North America. A. arguta plants have an extensive range ofbioactive compoundsthat can be obtained from different botanical structures, such as fruits, leaves, flowers and stems. These bioactive molecules, with well-recognized health-promoting properties, include phenolic compounds, minerals, carbohydrates or even volatile substances, with a great potential to be used in several formulations of food products. Phytochemical studies on this plant reported hypoglycemic effects as well as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, among others. The traditional uses ofA. arguta have been experimentally proved byin vitroandin vivostudies, in which its bioactivities were associated to its phytochemical composition. This review aims to assess and summarize the phytochemical and healthy properties ofthe different botanical parts of A. arguta, describing their bioactive composition and exploring it potential functional properties on foodstuffs.

The influence of different carrier agents and drying techniques on physical and chemical characterization of Japanese quince (Chaenomeles japonica) microencapsulation powder

Fruit powders can become a new and innovative direction of using the potential of Japanese quince (JQ) fruit in an affordable form. Therefore, physical (dry matter, true and bulk density, porosity and color) and chemical parameters of JQ juice powders obtained by using different carrier agents and drying techniques were evaluated. The juice was mixed with maltodextrin, inulin and a mixture of both in different proportions and dried using freeze, spray, and vacuum (50, 70, and 90 °C) drying techniques. The identification and quantification of phenolic compounds in JQ juice powders were performed by LC-PDA-QTOF-MS and UPLC-PDA, respectively, while antioxidant capacity was measured using ABTS, FRAP and ORAC assays. In addition, enzymatic in vitro inhibition tests of α-glucosidase, pancreatic lipase, acetylcholinesterase and 15-lipoxygenase were performed. Among the drying techniques applied, freeze-drying resulted in the highest retention of polyphenols, while among the carrier agents maltodextrin was found to be the best biopolymer for obtaining high-quality fruit powder and also ensured powders with the lowest content of undesirable hydroxymethylfurfural.

ABTS On-Line Antioxidant, α-Amylase, α-Glucosidase, Pancreatic Lipase, Acetyl- and Butyrylcholinesterase Inhibition Activity of Chaenomeles Fruits Determined by Polyphenols and other Chemical Compounds

This study aimed to identify and quantify the chemical composition and polyphenolic profile of 19 cultivars of Chaenomeles × superba, Chaenomeles japonica, and Chaenomeles speciosa by liquid chromatography coupled with photodiode array detector and quadrupole time-of-flight electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (LC-PDA-QTOF-ESI-MS). Antioxidant (ABTS on-line, ABTS, FRAP, and ORAC), as well as in vitro biological activities, i.e., the ability to inhibit α-amylase, α-glucosidase, pancreatic lipase, acetylcholinesterase (AChE), butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE), and 15-lipoxygenase (15-LOX) were determined. Most of the Chaenomeles species and cultivars analyzed in this study have not been examined in this respect until now. Fruits contained 30.26 to 195.05 mg of vitamin C, 0.65 to 1.69 g of pectin, 0.32 to 0.64 g of ash, 0.60 to 3.98 g of sugars, and 41.64 to 110.31 g of organic acids in 100 g fresh weight. The lowest content of total polyphenols showed C. speciosa ‘Rubra’ (57.84 g/kg dry weight, dw) while C. × superba ’Nicoline’ (170.38 g/kg dw) exhibited the highest concentration of those compounds. In the phenolic compounds, polymeric procyanidin fraction predominated (65%) with procyanidin B2, C1, and (−)-epicatechin the most abundant. The antioxidant capacity measured by ABTS assay was mainly formed by polymeric procyanidins and flavan-3-ols, which was confirmed by ABTS on-line profiling. Chaenomeles fruits showed high potential for inhibition of α-glucosidase and pancreatic lipase. The analyzed cultivars displayed greater potential for acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibition than for butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE). The data indicate that Chaenomeles fruits could be regarded as a promising source of bioactive functional food.

Polyphenol Compounds and Biological Activity of Caper (Capparis spinosa L.) Flowers Buds

The aim of the study was to analyze potential health-promoting components of caper flower buds (Capparis spinosa L.) at six stages of development in two cultivars. Polyphenol compounds (flavonols, hydroxycinnamic acids, flavan-3-ols) were identified by Liquid Chromatography- quadrupole Time-of-Flight -Mass Spectrofotometer/Mass Spectrofotometer (LC-qTOF-MS/MS) and quantified by Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography-Photodiode Array-Fluorescence Detector (UPLC-PDA-FL). Moreover, antioxidant properties (ABTS+•, FRAP, and ORAC), anti-diabetic potential (α-amylase and α-glucosidase), and anti-aging activity (acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE)) of the buds were examined. Total phenolic compounds in the investigated caper varied from 10,720 to 3256 mg/100 g dry weight (DW), and depended on a genotype and growing stage of caper flowers. Among six different growing stages, the one named 'nonpareilles' was characterized by significantly higher content of polyphenols than the remaining five stages. The flavonols in caper flowers represented a mixture of different glycosylated quercetin, kaempferol, myricetin, and isorhamnetin derivatives, accounting for 38%-67%, 15%-36%, 4%-7%, and 0.8%-3%, respectively, of total flavonols,. Their contents strongly depended on the growth stage. 'Nonpareilles' and 'surfines' were richer in flavonols than 'fines' and 'gruesas'. Of the six investigated growth stages, 'nonpareilles' accumulated the greatest amounts of bioactive compounds that correlated with antioxidant and anti-diabetic properties, and were more potent BuChE than AChE inhibitors.

Chemical composition and bioactive properties of byproducts from two different kiwi varieties

Kiwis are an example of fruits with excellent bioactive properties worldwide appreciated and consumed generating tons of waste. Thus, the objective of this work was to compare two varieties of kiwi: Actinidia deliciosa cv. "Hayward" (green) and Actinidia spp. (red) regarding the nutritional value of their pulps, chemical composition and bioactivities of each pulp and peel. The results revealed that pulps have a high water content and low amount of other macronutrients. Both parts of red kiwi presented the highest tocopherols content and red kiwi pulp presented the highest content in ascorbic acid. In general, the peels exhibited the highest antioxidant activity and green kiwi peels showed cytotoxicity and anti-inflammatory activity, which could be related to its higher content in phenolic compounds, especially B-type (epi)catechin dimer. Therefore, kiwi components currently underutilized may be indicated as a source of natural functionalizing ingredients with several benefits for human health.

Green kiwifruit extracts protect motor neurons from death in a spinal muscular atrophy model in Caenorhabditis elegans

Kiwifruit is considered a functional food and a good source of nutraceuticals. Among the possible beneficial effects of kiwifruit species, a neuroprotective activity exerted in rats with learning and memory impairment induced by exposure to different chemicals was reported. We sought to investigate the neuroprotective activities of kiwifruit toward spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). To this purpose, we have used a recently developed Caenorhabditis elegans SMA model, displaying an age-dependent degeneration of motor neurons detected as locomotory defects, disappearance of fluorescent markers, and apoptotic death of targeted neurons. Although an anti-nematode activity is reported for kiwifruit, it has been verified that neither green (Actinidia deliciosa, cultivar Hayward) nor gold (Actinidia chinensis, cultivar Hort 16A) kiwifruit extracts cause detectable effects on wild-type C. elegans growth and life cycle. Conversely, green kiwifruit extracts have a clear effect on the C. elegans SMA model by partially rescuing the degeneration and death of motor neurons and the locomotion impairment. The gold species does not show the same effect. The components responsible for the neuroprotection are macromolecules with a molecular weight higher than 3 kDa, present in the green and not in the yellow kiwifruit. In conclusion, this is the first study reporting a protective activity of green kiwifruit toward motor neurons. In addition, we demonstrate that C. elegans is an animal model suitable to study the biological activities contained in kiwifruit. Therefore, this model can be exploited for future investigations aimed at identifying kiwifruit molecules with potential applications in the field of human health.

Antidiabetic, Anticholinesterase and Antioxidant Activity vs. Terpenoids and Phenolic Compounds in Selected New Cultivars and Hybrids of Artichoke Cynara scolymus L

The aim of the study was to analyze the chemical composition of new artichoke cultivars and hybrids and to assess their potential health-promoting properties. Polyphenols, carotenoids and chlorophylls were identified by liquid chromatography-photodiode detector-mass spectrometry/quadrupole time of flight (LC-PDA-MS/QTof) and quantified by ultra performance liquid chromatography-photodiode detector (UPLC-PDA). Sugar and organic acid profiles were prepared, and antioxidant capacity (ABTS, FRAP and ORAC) and in vitro antidiabetic (inhibition of α-amylase and α-glucosidase) and anticholinesterase (inhibition of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE)) potentials were evaluated. The analyses revealed a highly varied content of bioactive compounds and great health-promoting potential significantly depending on a cultivar. The content of polyphenolic compounds ranged from 1681.49 (“Sambo”) to 3638.91 (“Symphony”) mg/100 g of dry weight (DW). “Blanca de Tudela” contained the highest amounts of carotenoids and chlorophylls (3761.91 mg/100 g DW) and exhibited high ABTS and ORAC capacity. Inhibition of antidiabetic enzymes was significant in cvs. “Symphony” and “Calico”. Additionally, all tested cultivars and hybrids turned out to be effective inhibitors of neurodegenerative enzymes.

The nutritional and health attributes of kiwifruit: a review

PURPOSE

To describe the nutritional and health attributes of kiwifruit and the benefits relating to improved nutritional status, digestive, immune and metabolic health. The review includes a brief history of green and gold varieties of kiwifruit from an ornamental curiosity from China in the 19th century to a crop of international economic importance in the 21st century; comparative data on their nutritional composition, particularly the high and distinctive amount of vitamin C; and an update on the latest available scientific evidence from well-designed and executed human studies on the multiple beneficial physiological effects. Of particular interest are the digestive benefits for healthy individuals as well as for those with constipation and other gastrointestinal disorders, including symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. The mechanisms of action behind the gastrointestinal effects, such as changes in faecal (stool) consistency, decrease in transit time and reduction of abdominal discomfort, relate to the water retention capacity of kiwifruit fibre, favourable changes in the human colonic microbial community and primary metabolites, as well as the naturally present proteolytic enzyme actinidin, which aids protein digestion both in the stomach and the small intestine. The effects of kiwifruit on metabolic markers of cardiovascular disease and diabetes are also investigated, including studies on glucose and insulin balance, bodyweight maintenance and energy homeostasis.

CONCLUSIONS

The increased research data and growing consumer awareness of the health benefits of kiwifruit provide logical motivation for their regular consumption as part of a balanced diet. Kiwifruit should be considered as part of a natural and effective dietary strategy to tackle some of the major health and wellness concerns around the world.

Phenolic Profiles, Antioxidant Capacities, and Inhibitory Effects on Digestive Enzymes of Different Kiwifruits

In order to obtain high-quality kiwifruits with health-promoting characteristics, physicochemical properties, phenolic profiles, antioxidant capacities, and inhibitory effects on digestive enzymes (pancreatic lipase and α-glucosidase), of fourteen different types of kiwifruit obtained from China were systematically investigated and compared. Noticeable variations in the fruits’ physicochemical properties and phenolic profiles were observed among them. The total phenolic content of Actinidia chinensis cv. Hongshi, A. chinensis cv. Jinshi, and A. chinensis cv. Jinlong were 16.52 ± 0.26 mg GAE/g DW (dry weight), 13.38 ± 0.20 mg GAE/g DW, and 11.02 ± 0.05 mg GAE/g DW, respectively, which were much higher than those of the other tested kiwifruits. According to high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis, phenolic compounds, including procyanidin B1, procyanidin B2, (−)-epicatechin, chlorogenic acid, gallic acid, and quercetin-3-rhamnoside, were found to be the major compounds in kiwifruits, while procyanidin B1, procyanidin B2, and chlorogenic acid were the most abundant phenolic compounds. Furthermore, all the tested kiwifruits exerted remarkable antioxidant capacities and inhibitory effects on pancreatic lipase and α-glucosidase. Indeed, A. chinensis cv. Hongshi, Actinidia chinensis cv. Jinshi, and Actinidia chinensis cv. Jinlong exhibited much better antioxidant capacities and inhibitory effects on digestive enzymes than those of the other tested kiwifruits. Particularly, A. polygama showed the highest inhibitory activity on α-glucosidase. Therefore, Actinidia chinensis cv. Hongshi, Actinidia chinensis cv. Jinshi, and Actinidia chinensis cv. Jinlong, as well as A. polygama could be important dietary sources of natural antioxidants and natural inhibitors against pancreatic lipase and α-glucosidase, which is helpful for meeting the growing demand for high-quality kiwifruits with health-promoting characteristics in China.

Anticholinergic effects of Actinidia arguta fruits and their polyphenol content determined by liquid chromatography-photodiode array detector-quadrupole/time of flight-mass spectrometry (LC-MS-PDA-Q/TOF)

This study discusses polyphenolic compounds identified and quantified in Actinidia arguta fruits by LC-MS-PDA-Q/TOF method and in vitro anticholinergic activity. Notably, of 31 compounds, including 16 flavonols, 7 flavanols, 7 phenolic acids, and 1 anthocyanin were identified or tentatively identified on the basis of their retention times, accurate mass measurements and subsequent mass fragmentation data, or by comparison with reference substances and literature. Among the detected compounds, 27 were reported for the first time in A. arguta fruits. The content of total polyphenols equal 845.54 mg/100 g dry weight (dw), and flavanols predominat (92% of total phenolic compounds). Flavonol derivatives, mainly glycosylated and acetylated forms of quercetin (22.64 mg/100 g dw) and kaempferol (18.40 mg/100 g dw) were quantified. The total content of phenolic acids was 29.63 mg/100 g dw, and neochlorogenic acid predominant. This anticholinergic activity effect of A. arguta fruits can be explained by the Pearson's correlation found between flavonols (r = 0.709 and 0.678), phenolic acids (r = 0.513 and 0.487), flavan-3-ols (r = 0.466 and 0.443) and anthocyanins (r = 0.312 and 0.301) for acetylcholinesterase (AChE) or butylcholinoesterase (BuChE), respectively. The data compiled from the quantitative polyphenol indicate that A. arguta fruits could be regarded as a promising source of bioactive functional food.

Assessment of phenolic contributors to antioxidant activity of new kiwifruit cultivars using cyclic voltammetry combined with HPLC

The phenolics profile of two new kiwifruit cultivars, Zespri® SunGold and Zespri® Sweet Green, were characterized and quantified for the first time using cyclic voltammetry, an electrochemical method, combined with HPLC. Results from the cyclic voltammetry revealed high correlations with those obtained from the spectrophotometry and HPLC methods, providing evidence to support the application of cyclic voltammetry as a rapid method in determining the phenolic profile and reducing power of kiwifruit extracts. Catechol-containing phenolics were identified as the major phenolic sub-class in the skins while flavonoids and phenolic acids were abundant in flesh of the tested cultivars. Epicatechin was the predominant phenolic compound and contributor to antioxidant capacity in all samples. Results also showed that SunGold and Sweet Green (both flesh and skin) exhibited significantly higher phenolic contents and antioxidant activities comparing with the well-established commercial 'Hayward' cultivar, indicating their commercial value and potential applications in food and nutraceuticals.

The Nutritional and Health Benefits of Kiwiberry (Actinidia arguta) - a Review

The kiwiberry (Actinidia arguta) is a new product on the market that is enjoying growing consumer acceptance around the world. This widespread interest has created increased demand for identification of the kiwiberry's nutritional health benefits. Containing over 20 essential nutrients and a range of vitamins, the kiwiberry comes near the top of fruits classed as superfoods. It is one of the richest sources of vitamin C with up to 430 mg/100 g fresh weight (FW) and is considered the richest dietary source of myo-inositol (up to 982 mg/100 g FW). The kiwiberry is also one of the richest sources of lutein (up to 0.93 mg/100 g FW) in commonly consumed fruit. Furthermore, containing up to 1301.1 mg/100 g FW phenolics and significant amounts of the essential minerals of potassium, calcium and zinc, the kiwiberry rates very highly as a 'healthy food'. The type and number of this fruit's medicinally promising nutrients have motivated ongoing investigations into its antioxidant, anti-tumour and anti-inflammatory properties. Early research has pointed to the kiwiberry being a very promising treatment for some cancers and health issues involving the gastrointestinal system, hypercholesterolemia and certain cancers. A pharmaceutical composition of A. arguta, A. kolomikta, and A. polygama extracts has already been registered for the prevention and treatment of some immune (inflammatory) mediated diseases, as well as the treatment of some non-allergic inflammatory diseases. This paper reviews and highlights the limited nutritional and therapeutic information currently available on the kiwiberry, a minor fruit possessing such major properties.