Identification and characterization of low molecular weight polyphenols in berry leaf extracts by HPLC-DAD and LC-ESI/MS

A new arbutin derivative from the leaves of Vaccinium dunalianum wight

A new arbutin derivative, namely dunalianosides J (1), along with six known compounds, arbutin (2), robustaside A (3), 6'-O-caffeoylarbutin (4), dunalianoside D (5), kaempferol 3-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (6) and kaempferol 3-O-β-D-sambubioside (7) were isolated from the leaves of Vaccinium dunalianum Wight (Ericaceae). The structure of 1 was elucidated by extensive 1D and 2D NMR, HR-MS and CD spectroscopic analyses. In which, kaempferol 3-O-β-D-sambubioside (7) was isolated from the genus Vaccinium for the first time.

Non-targeted metabolite profiling highlights the potential of strawberry leaves as a resource for specific bioactive compounds

BACKGROUND

The non-edible parts of horticultural crops, such as leaves, contain substantial amounts of valuable bioactive compounds which are currently only little exploited. For example, strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa) leaves may be a promising bioresource for diverse health-related applications. However, product standardization sets a real challenge, especially when the leaf material comes from varying cultivars. The first step towards better quality control of berry fruit leaf-based ingredients and supplements is to understand metabolites present and their stability in different plant cultivars, so this study surveyed the distribution of potentially bioactive strawberry leaf metabolites in six different strawberry cultivars. Non-targeted metabolite profiling analysis using LC/qTOF-ESI-MS with data processing via principal component analysis and k-means clustering analysis was utilized to examine differences and commonalities between the leaf metabolite profiles.

RESULTS

Quercetin and kaempferol derivatives were the dominant flavonol groups in strawberry leaves. Previously described and novel caffeic and chlorogenic acid derivatives were among the major phenolic acids. In addition, ellagitannins were one of the distinguishing compound classes in strawberry leaves. In general, strawberry leaves also contained high levels of octadecatrienoic acid derivatives, precursors of valuable odour compounds.

CONCLUSION

The specific bioactive compounds found in the leaves of different strawberry cultivars offer the potential for the selection of optimized leaf materials for added-value food and non-food applications. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry.

Inhibition of Xanthomonas fragariae, Causative Agent of Angular Leaf Spot of Strawberry, through Iron Deprivation

In commercial production settings, few options exist to prevent or treat angular leaf spot (ALS) of strawberry, a disease of economic importance and caused by the bacterial pathogen Xanthomonas fragariae. In the process of isolating and identifying X. fragariae bacteria from symptomatic plants, we observed growth inhibition of X. fragariae by bacterial isolates from the same leaf macerates. Identified as species of Pseudomonas and Rhizobium, these isolates were confirmed to suppress growth of X. fragariae in agar overlay plates and in microtiter plate cultures, as did our reference strain Pseudomonas putida KT2440. Screening of a transposon mutant library of KT2440 revealed that disruption of the biosynthetic pathway for the siderophore pyoverdine resulted in complete loss of X. fragariae antagonism, suggesting iron competition as a mode of action. Antagonism could be replicated on plate and in culture by addition of purified pyoverdine or by addition of the chelating agents tannic acid and dipyridyl, while supplementing the medium with iron negated the inhibitory effects of pyoverdine, tannic acid and dipyridyl. When co-inoculated with tannic acid onto strawberry plants, X. fragariae's ability to cause foliar symptoms was greatly reduced, suggesting a possible opportunity for iron-based management of ALS. We discuss our findings in the context of 'nutritional immunity,' the idea that plant hosts restrict pathogen access to iron, either directly, or indirectly through their associated microbiota.

Changing the content of phenolic compounds as the response of blackcurrant (Ribes nigrum L.) leaves after blackcurrant leaf midge (Dasineura tetensi Rübs.) infestation

Blackcurrant leaf midge (Dasineura tetensi) is one of the most common pests of blackcurrant (Ribes nigrum). The aim of this study was to investigate changes in the content of phenolic compounds in the leaves damaged by the larvae of this pest. Additionally, susceptibility of different blackcurrant cultivars to the midge attack was investigated. Qualitative and quantitative analyses of control and pest-infested blackcurrant leaves were performed using LC-PDA-QTOF/MS and UPLC-PDA-FL systems. A total of 39 types of phenolic compounds were identified in blackcurrant leaf extracts and they included 3 flavan-3-ols, 14 hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives, and 22 flavonols. Feeding of blackcurrant leaf midge on blackcurrant leaves lowered the content of leaf polyphenolic compounds. The greatest differences in polyphenolics between control and infected leaves were observed in 'Ruben', 'Fariegh', 'Foxendown', 'Ores', 'Ben Hope', 'Ben Connan' and 'Tisel' cultivars that were probably highly susceptible to the pest attack. In the other cultivars: 'Ben Finlay', 'Polares', 'Tiben', and 'Gofert' the differences in phenolics content were less pronounced, so they were probably less susceptible to D. tetensi attack. Plant polyphenolic compounds was strongly involved in pathogen-plant interaction, and their accumulation significantly decreased as a result of the pathogen attack.

Berry Leaves: An Alternative Source of Bioactive Natural Products of Nutritional and Medicinal Value

Berry fruits are recognized, worldwide, as “superfoods” due to the high content of bioactive natural products and the health benefits deriving from their consumption. Berry leaves are byproducts of berry cultivation; their traditional therapeutic use against several diseases, such as the common cold, inflammation, diabetes, and ocular dysfunction, has been almost forgotten nowadays. Nevertheless, the scientific interest regarding the leaf composition and beneficial properties grows, documenting that berry leaves may be considered an alternative source of bioactives. The main bioactive compounds in berry leaves are similar as in berry fruits, i.e., phenolic acids and esters, flavonols, anthocyanins, and procyanidins. The leaves are one of the richest sources of chlorogenic acid. In various studies, these secondary metabolites have demonstrated antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, cardioprotective, and neuroprotective properties. This review focuses on the phytochemical composition of the leaves of the commonest berry species, i.e., blackcurrant, blackberry, raspberry, bilberry, blueberry, cranberry, and lingonberry leaves, and presents their traditional medicinal uses and their biological activities in vitro and in vivo.

Characterization of Polyphenols from Lycium ruthenicum Fruit by UPLC-Q-TOF/MS(E) and Their Antioxidant Activity in Caco-2 Cells

The fruit of Lycium ruthenicum Murr. (LRF) has long been used in folk medicine. Nevertheless, detailed information related to its polyphenol compositions remains scarce. In this study, we confirmed that the total phenolic and anthocyanin contents of LRF fruit extracts (LRFEs) were 4906.5 ± 60.6 mg of gallic acid equivalents/100 g DW and 787.6 ± 34.1 mg of cyanindin-3-glucoside equivalents/100 g DW, respectively. A characterization of LRFEs was performed by ultrahigh performance liquid chromatography/quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry using an MS(E) data acquisition. A total of 26 polyphenols were tentatively identified, of which 19 represent the first reports of these polyphenols in LRFEs. Furthermore, the cellular antioxidant array showed that LRFEs could protect Caco-2 cells against H2O2-induced oxidative damage based on microscopic fluorometric imaging.

Metabolic Response of Strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa) Leaves Exposed to the Angular Leaf Spot Bacterium (Xanthomonas fragariae)

Plants have evolved various defense mechanisms against biotic stress. The most common mechanism involves the production of metabolites that act as defense compounds. Bacterial angular leaf spot disease (Xanthomonas fragariae) of the strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa) has become increasingly destructive to strawberry leaves and plant production. In this study, we examined metabolic changes associated with the establishment of long-term bacterial disease stress using UPLC-QTOF mass spectrometry. Infected leaves showed decreased levels of gallic acid derivatives and ellagitannins, which are related to the plant defense system. The levels of phenylalanine, tryptophan, and salicylic acid as precursors of aromatic secondary metabolites were increased in inoculated leaves, whereas levels of coumaric acid, quinic acid, and flavonoids were decreased in infected plants, which are involved in the phenylpropanoid pathway. In addition, phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) activity, a key enzyme in the phenylpropanoid pathway, was decreased following infection. These results suggest that long-term bacterial disease stress may lead to down-regulation of select molecules of the phenylpropanoid metabolic pathway in strawberry leaves. This approach could be applied to explore the metabolic pathway associated with plant protection/breeding in strawberry leaves.

Physical Effects of Buckwheat Extract on Biological Membrane In Vitro and Its Protective Properties

Buckwheat is a valuable source of many biologically active compounds and nutrients. It has properties that reduce blood cholesterol levels, and so reduces the risk of atherosclerosis, seals the capillaries, and lowers blood pressure. The aim of the study was to determine quantitative and qualitative characteristics of polyphenols contained in extracts from buckwheat husks and stalks, the biological activity of the extracts, and biophysical effects of their interaction with the erythrocyte membrane, treated as a model of the cell. An analysis of the extract’s composition has shown that buckwheat husk and stalk extracts are a rich source of polyphenolic compounds, the stalk extracts showing more compounds than the husk extract. The study allowed to determine the location which incorporated polyphenols occupy in the erythrocyte membrane and changes in the membrane properties caused by them. It was found that the extracts do not induce hemolysis of red blood cells, causing an increase in osmotic resistance of erythrocytes. They affect mainly the hydrophilic region by changing the degree of order of the polar heads of lipids, but do little to change the fluidity of the membrane and its hydration. The results showed also that polyphenolic substances included in the extracts well protect the membranes of red blood cells against oxidation and exhibit anti-inflammatory effect.

Flavonol Glycosides in Currant Leaves and Variation with Growth Season, Growth Location, and Leaf Position

Flavonol glycosides (FG) were analyzed in the leaves of six currant cultivars (Ribes spp.) with HPLC-DAD, HPLC-MS/MS, and NMR. The average amounts of the 12 major, identified FG constituted 86-93% (9.6-14.1 mg/g DW) of the total of 27 FG found. Quercetin and kaempferol were the major aglycones with trace amounts of myricetin. Quercetin-3-O-(2,6-α-dirhamnopyranosyl-β-glucopyranoside), quercetin-3-O-(2-β-xylopyranosyl-6-α-rhamnopyranosyl-β-glucopyranoside), and kaempferol-3-O-(3,6-α-dirhamnopyranosyl-β-glucopyranoside) were identified for the first time in currant leaves and existed in a white currant cultivar 'White Dutch' only. Kaempferol-3-O-β-(6'-malonyl)glucopyranoside was also a new compound existing in abundance in five cultivars but not in the white one. The results show the primary importance of the genetic background of the cultivars. The content of malonylated FG of special importance in cardiovascular health decreased regularly during summer. Time of collection and leaf position were more prominent factors affecting the composition than were the year of harvest or the growth latitude. Randomly collected leaves differed in their FG profiles from those collected from the middle position of new branches.

Detailed polyphenolic profiling of Annurca apple (M. pumila Miller cv Annurca) by a combination of RP-UHPLC and HILIC, both hyphenated to IT-TOF mass spectrometry

Annurca apple, a Southern Italian cultivar, possesses not only a particular taste and flavor, different from other types of apple, but also several healthy properties. With the aim to thoroughly elucidate the polyphenolic profile of this variety, listed as Protected Geographical Indication product, an extensive qualitative profiling of Annurca apple polyphenolic peel extract was carried out, by employing a combination of ultra high performance reversed phase (RP-UHPLC) and hydrophilic liquid chromatography (HILIC) coupled to ion trap-time of flight (IT-TOF) mass spectrometry. A total of 63 compounds were tentatively identified, 25 of which not reported in Annurca apple extract so far. Furthermore, thanks to the different selectivity obtained with the HILIC, in combination with accurate mass measurements, an improved separation and detection of procyanidins, was obtained. Moreover, the obtained profiles were compared with those of a conventional variety, such as Red Delicious (RD), highlighting their differences. This work contributes to increase the knowledge about the polyphenolic fingerprint of this typical apple variety.

Concentrated green tea supplement: biological activity and molecular mechanisms

AIM

This study was undertaken to determine the biological activity of a green tea supplement with respect to cells and erythrocyte membranes and the molecular mechanism of that activity.

MAIN METHODS

The extract's activity was evaluated on the basis of its hemolytic, antioxidant and antiinflammatory actions. In addition, the extract's effect on the physical properties of the erythrocyte membrane was examined. We also conducted a detailed analysis of supplement ingredients using high-yield liquid chromatography, supplemented with standard tests of total content of polyphenols and flavonoids in the supplement.

KEY FINDINGS

The study showed that green tea extract has a high antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capacity with no deleterious effect on red blood cells. The extract modifies the physical properties of the erythrocyte membrane, apparently by binding to its hydrophilic region, with consequent rigidity of the hydrophobic region, increased hydration and a moderate increase in its resistance to changes in tonicity of the medium. Because the extract's components anchor in the polar region of membrane lipids, they are able to effectively scavenge free radicals in the immediate vicinity of the membrane and hinder their diffusion into its interior.

SIGNIFICANCE

Green tea supplement at concentrations markedly exceeding the blood plasma physiological polyphenol concentrations has no destructive effect on the erythrocyte membrane. Due to the high content of flavan-3-ols, the supplement exhibits high biological activity, which makes it an alternative source of those substances to the commonly used infusion of green tea leaves.

Analysis of phenolic and cyclic compounds in plants using derivatization techniques in combination with GC-MS-based metabolite profiling

Metabolite profiling has been established as a modern technology platform for the description of complex chemical matrices and compound identification in biological samples. Gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-MS) in particular is a fast and accurate method widely applied in diagnostics, functional genomics and for screening purposes. Following solvent extraction and derivatization, hundreds of metabolites from different chemical groups can be characterized in one analytical run. Besides sugars, acids, and polyols, diverse phenolic and other cyclic metabolites can be efficiently detected by metabolite profiling. The review describes own results from plant research to exemplify the applicability of GC-MS profiling and concurrent detection and identification of phenolics and other cyclic structures.

Extract from Ribes nigrum leaves in vitro activates nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and increases CD39 expression in human endothelial cells

The aim of the present study was to evaluate whether blackcurrant leaf extract (BLE) modulates endothelium antithrombotic function, namely increases the expression/activity of ADPase (CD39) and augments the production of nitric oxide in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC). It was found that BLE with proanthocyanidins (60 % of the total polyphenol content) increased the CD39-positive endothelial cell fraction (up to 10 % for 2.5 μg/ml, and up to 33 % for 15 μg/ml, p < 0.05 or less) in a concentration-dependent manner, and enhanced endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) activation (T495 phosphorylation decreased by 31 ± 6 % for 2.5 μg/ml and 48 ± 6 % for 15 μg/ml; S1177 phosphorylation increased by 13 ± 3 % for 2.5 μg/ml and 18 ± 7 % for 15 μg/ml, compared to untreated cells, p < 0.05 or less). Additionally, incubation for 24 or 48 h with BLE at a lower range of polyphenol concentrations, significantly increased cell viability with a maximal effect at 2.5 μg/ml (viability increased by 24.8 ± 1.0 % for 24 h and by 32.5 ± 2.7 % for 48-h time incubation, p < 0.0001). The increased CD39 expression and the increased eNOS activation in HUVEC can be regarded as the beneficial markers of the improvement of antiplatelet action of endothelial cells. Unexpectedly, these assumptions were not confirmed in the experimental model of platelet-endothelial cell interactions. These observations lead to the conclusion that BLE may improve endothelial cell viability at low physiological concentrations without affecting the antiplatelet action of endothelium.

Phenolic compounds in blackcurrant (Ribes nigrum L.) leaves relative to leaf position and harvest date

Blackcurrant leaves are an essential source of phenolic compounds and this study investigated their variation relative to leaf positions and harvest date. The phenolic content varied between harvest dates, although leaf position on the shoot and interactions also played an important role. The contents of quercetin-malonyl-glucoside, kaempferol-malonyl-glucoside isomer and kaempferol-malonyl-glucoside were higher than that of the other identified phenolic compounds, whereas epigallocatechin was the lowest for all investigated leaf positions and harvest dates. The content of several of the compounds was highest in June, while quercetin-glucoside, kaempferol-glucoside and total phenols, increased towards the end of the season. Leaf position influenced the content of myricetin-malonyl-glucoside, myricetin-malonyl-glucoside isomer, quercetin-malonyl-glucoside and kaempferol-glucoside at the end of the season. Knowledge relating to the influence of ontogenetic and harvest time on the content of specific phenolic compounds might contribute in tailoring functional foods or pharmaceutical products using blackcurrant leaves as natural ingredients.

Modification of the properties of biological membrane and its protection against oxidation by Actinidia arguta leaf extract

The aim of the study was to determine the polyphenol composition and biological activity of an extract from the leaves of kiwi. Antioxidant and hemolytic activity of the extract were examined, as well as its effect on the physical properties of the erythrocyte membrane such as osmotic resistance, membrane fluidity, and packing order of its hydrophilic area. Antioxidant activity of the extract was determined in relation to the erythrocyte membrane oxidized with free radicals induced by UVB and UVC radiation and the compound AAPH. Chromatographic, spectrophotometric and fluorimetric methods were applied in the research. The obtained results showed that kiwi leaves are a rich source of polyphenolic substances, mainly catechins and their dimers, which do not induce red blood cell hemolysis but make them stronger and more resistant to changes in medium tonicity. Substances contained in the extract effectively protect erythrocyte membranes against oxidation induced by physicochemical factors, the effectiveness of the protection depending on the concentration and type of free radical inducer. In addition, the study showed that the kiwi extract increases fluidity of the erythrocyte membrane and causes an increase in packing disorder in the hydrophilic membrane area. The changes seem to be due to the presence of polyphenolic substances in the extract, mainly in the region of the polar heads of lipids, where they can form a barrier protecting the membrane against diffusion of free radicals to the membrane interior. The effects of the extract evidenced by the present research, in particular protection of the biological membrane against free radicals induced by physicochemical agents, make it a potential valuable food additive, to enrich it with polyphenolic compounds that inhibit lipid oxidation in food exposed to UVB radiation. Supplementing the organism with substances contained in kiwi leaves is expected to provide protection against many diseases that develop as a result of oxidative stress.

CD39/NTPDase-1 expression and activity in human umbilical vein endothelial cells are differentially regulated by leaf extracts from Rubus caesius and Rubus idaeus

Many experimental studies have demonstrated the favorable biological activities of plants belonging to the genus Rubus, but little is known of the role of Rubus leaf extracts in the modulation of the surface membrane expression and activity of endothelial apyrase. The aim of this study was to assess the influence of 1–15 μg/ml Rubus extracts on CD39 expression and enzymatic activity, and on the activation (ICAM-1 expression) and viability of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC). The polyphenolic contents and antioxidative capacities of extracts from dewberry (R. caesius L.) and raspberry (R. idaeus L.) leaves were also investigated. The techniques applied were flow cytometry (endothelial surface membrane expression of ICAM-1 and CD39), malachite green assay (CD39 activity), HPLC-DAD (quantitative analysis of polyphenolic extract), ABTS, DPPH and FRAP spectrometric assays (antioxidant capacity), and the MTT test (cell viability). Significantly increased CD39 expressions and significantly decreased ATPDase activities were found in the cells treated with 15 μg/ml of either extract compared to the results for the controls. Neither of the extracts affected cell proliferation, but both significantly augmented endothelial cell ICAM-1 expression. The overall antioxidant capacities of the examined extracts remained relatively high and corresponded well to the determined total polyphenol contents. Overall, the results indicate that under in vitro conditions dewberry and raspberry leaf extracts have unfavorable impact on endothelial cells.

Hydroxycinnamic acids and flavonols in native edible berries of South Patagonia

Diverse edible berries are native to the Patagonian region of Southern Chile. These berries are underused because their nutritional properties are relatively unknown. In this work, the profiles and concentrations of hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives and flavonols, and the antioxidant capacity of the berry extracts, were studied using HPLC-DAD-ESI-MS/MS and CUPRAC assays, respectively. In total, 46 compounds were identified, including 17 hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives and 26 flavonols. Caffeoylquinic acid isomers were the most abundant compounds, and quercetin and myricetin derivatives were the main flavonols found. The berries from Ribes genera showed a high diversity and concentration of these 2 families of compounds and contained 3-caffeoylquinic acid and quercetin-3-rutinoside at the highest concentrations. The Patagonian berries, especially the berries of Rubus and Ribes genera, had high cupric reducing antioxidant capacity, comparable with that described for berries from the Northern hemisphere. These results contribute to promote the nutritional study of these fruits.

Simultaneous determination of five major compounds in the traditional medicine Pyeongwee-San by high performance liquid chromatography-diode array detection and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry

Background:

Pyeongwee-San (PWS) has been widely used for treating acute gastritis, chronic, and gastritis.

Objective:

In this paper, simultaneous determination of five compounds (naringin, hesperidin, glycyrrhizin, atractylenolide III, and magnolol) from traditional medicine PWS using the high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was established for quality control.

Materials and Methods:

Optimum separations were obtained with a SHISEIDO C18 reverse-phase column by gradient elution with 0.1% Trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) water-acetonitrile as the mobile phase. The flow rate was 1 mL/min and detection wavelength was set at 205 nm and 250 nm. Validation of the analytical method was evaluated by linearity, precision, and accuracy test.

Results:

The calibration curves were linear over the established range with R² > 0.9978. The limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ) ranged from 0.09 to 0.43 and 0.27 to 1.29 μg/mL. The method exhibited intra-day and inter-day precision range between 0.01-1.86% and 0.04-0.35% respectively. The recoveries of five compounds in PWS were in the range between 93.18-106.40%, and 0.20-1.51%. The application of this method was identified through the successful analysis of five compounds in 12 batches of PWS. In addition, identification of five compounds was confirmed by a liquid chromatography method and mass spectrometry.

Conclusion:

The HPLC method was could be accomplished to the quality control and stable experiment for the preparations consisted of five major compounds.

Biophysical mechanism of the protective effect of blue honeysuckle (Lonicera caerulea L. var. kamtschatica Sevast.) polyphenols extracts against lipid peroxidation of erythrocyte and lipid membranes

The aim of the present research was to determine the effect of blue honeysuckle fruit and leaf extracts components on the physical properties of erythrocyte and lipid membranes and assess their antioxidant properties. The HPLC analysis showed that the extracts are rich in polyphenol anthocyanins in fruits and flavonoids in leaves. The results indicate that both extracts have antioxidant activity and protect the red blood cell membrane against oxidation induced by UVC irradiation and AAPH. The extracts do not induce hemolysis and slightly increase osmotic resistance of erythrocytes. The research showed that extracts components are incorporated mainly in the external part of the erythrocyte membrane, inducing the formation of echinocytes. The values of generalized polarization and fluorescence anisotropy indicate that the extracts polyphenols alter the packing arrangement of the hydrophilic part of the erythrocyte and lipid membranes, without changing the fluidity of the hydrophobic part. The DSC results also show that the extract components do not change the main phase transition temperature of DPPC membrane. Studies of electric parameters of membranes modified by the extracts showed that they slightly stabilize lipid membranes and do not reduce their specific resistance or capacity. Examination of IR spectra indicates small changes in the degree of hydration in the hydrophilic region of liposomes under the action of the extracts. The location of polyphenolic compounds in the hydrophilic part of the membrane seems to constitute a protective shield of the cell against other substances, the reactive forms of oxygen in particular.

Polyphenols in strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa) leaves induced by plant activators

Strawberry leaves contain high amounts of diverse phenolic compounds potentially possessing defensive activities against microbial pathogens and beneficial properties for human health. In this work, young strawberry plants were treated with two plant activators, S-methylbenzo-1,2,3-thaidiazole-7-carbothiate (BTH) and birch wood distillate. Phenolic compounds from activator-treated and control leaves were subjected to quantitative analyses by HPLC-DAD, HPLC-ESI-MS, and microQTOF ESI-MS. Thirty-two different phenolic compounds were detected and characterized, and 21 different ellagitannins constituted the largest group of compounds in the strawberry leaves (37.88-45.82 mg/g dry weight, 47.0-54.3% of total phenolics). Treatment with BTH resulted in higher levels of individual ellagitannins, whereas treatment with birch wood distillate strongly increased the levels of chlorogenic acid in strawberry leaves compared with the control. The results suggest that different plant activators may be useful tools for the activation of different branches in the phenylpropanoid biosynthesis in strawberry.

Biological activity of blackcurrant Extracts (Ribes nigrum L.) in relation to erythrocyte membranes

Compounds contained in fruits and leaves of blackcurrant (Ribes nigrum L.) are known as agents acting preventively and therapeutically on the organism. The HPLC analysis showed they are rich in polyphenol anthocyanins in fruits and flavonoids in leaves, that have antioxidant activity and are beneficial for health. The aim of the research was to determine the effect of blackcurrant fruit and leaf extracts on the physical properties of the erythrocyte membranes and assess their antioxidant properties. The effect of the extracts on osmotic resistance, shape of erythrocytes and hemolytic and antioxidant activity of the extracts were examined with spectrophotometric methods. The FTIR investigation showed that extracts modify the erythrocyte membrane and protect it against free radicals induced by UV radiation. The results show that the extracts do not induce hemolysis and even protect erythrocytes against the harmful action of UVC radiation, while slightly strengthening the membrane and inducing echinocytes. The compounds contained in the extracts do not penetrate into the hydrophobic region, but bind to the membrane surface inducing small changes in the packing arrangement of the polar head groups of membrane lipids. The extracts have a high antioxidant activity. Their presence on the surface of the erythrocyte membrane entails protection against free radicals.

Phenolic distribution in liquid preparations of Vaccinium myrtillus L. and Vaccinium vitis idaea L

INTRODUCTION

Liquid preparations such as tinctures and 'bud extracts' of bilberry and lingonberry are typical products used in some European countries but they have not been widely studied to date.

OBJECTIVE

Our aim was to define a phytochemical profile in terms of phenolic compounds for liquid preparations of Vaccinium myrtillus L. (bilberry) and Vaccinium vitis idaea L. (lingonberry) foliar tissues, and evaluate their stability.

METHODS

Up to 17 extracts of lingonberry, and bilberry have been analysed by HPLC equipped with a diode-array detector (DAD) in combination with MS. Some of these samples were freshly prepared (laboratory extracts).

RESULTS

Phenolic profiles of the bud extracts and tinctures of bilberry and lingonberry were obtained at 330 nm, typical of the cinnamoyl compounds and suitable to distinguish these two species. Analogously, the profiles at 280 nm were used to detect the arbutin derivatives recognised as the typical markers of lingonberry leaves only. Among the cinnamoyl derivatives, chlorogenic acid was the main compound found in bilberry samples, while caffeoyl arbutin was the principal marker in lingonberry samples. In quantitative terms, the hydroxycinnamic acids were the main class in bilberry bud extracts ranging between 4.67 and 6.81 mg/L (from 52 to 84% of the total phenols). The young sprouts of this species, independently from the extraction mixture, show a higher phenolic content than adult leaves of the same plant.

CONCLUSIONS

The analytical method allowed to define fingerprints of bilberry and lingonberry liquid preparations. Moreover, without applying accelerated ageing protocols, the stability over time of 11 samples was evaluated up to 6 months, demonstrating negligible variations.

Composition of polyphenols and antioxidant activity of rabbiteye blueberry (Vaccinium ashei) in Nanjing

The total phenolic content (TFC), total flavonoid content (TFC), antioxidant activity, and polyphenol composition of extracts of rabbiteye blueberry fruit polyphenols (BBFPs), rabbiteye blueberry pomace polyphenols (BBPPs), and rabbiteye blueberry leaves polyphenols (BBLPs) were investigated. The highest TPC and TFC were found in the extract of BBLPs, followed by the extracts of BBPPs and BBFPs. The extract of BBLPs exhibited the highest antioxidant activity according to five antioxidant methods. All three samples exhibited significantly higher antioxidant activity than the positive control rutin. HPLC-DAD-MS(n) analysis showed that the extract of BBFPs contained nine different anthocyanins, while the extract of BBPPs contained only four of them. In addition, four caffeoylquinic acids, quercetin, and its three derivatives were detected in the extract of BBLPs. The results indicate that the fruits, pomace, and leaves of rabbiteye blueberry were good sources of polyphenols and natural antioxidants. These could be useful as a functional food ingredient beneficial to human health.

Triterpenoid content of berries and leaves of bilberry Vaccinium myrtillus from Finland and Poland

Triterpenoid compounds found in free and ester forms in extracts of entire fruits and leaves and in fruit and leaf cuticular waxes of bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus L.) collected in Finland and Poland were identified and quantitated by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry coupled to a flame ionization detector (GC-MS/FID). The main bilberry triterpenoid profile consisted of α- and β-amyrin, α- and β-amyrenone, campesterol, cholesterol, citrostadienol (in berries), cycloartanol, erythrodiol, lupeol, 24-methylenecycloartanol, sitosterol, sitostanol, stigmasterol, stigmasta-3,5-dien-7-one, uvaol, oleanolic and ursolic aldehydes, and oleanolic, ursolic, 2α-hydroxyoleanolic, and 2α-hydroxyursolic acids. Friedelin and D:A-friedooleanan-3β-ol were found only in Finnish plants, whereas D:C-friedours-7-en-3β-ol and taraxasterol were found only in Polish plants. To our knowledge, this is the first thorough description of triterpenoid compounds in this species. The presented results revealed that the triterpenoid profile of bilberry varied considerably between different organs of the plant, regardless of the plant origin, as well as between plant samples obtained from the two geographical locations.

Antioxidant Activities of Ribes diacanthum Pall Extracts in the Northern Region of Mongolia

Ribes diacanthum Pall (RDP) is a member of the Saxifragaceae family. The plant is traditionally used in Mongolia for the treatment of various ailments associated with kidney and bladder's diseases, cystitis, kidney stone, and edema. This study was aimed to investigate antioxidant activities of different solvent extracts of whole Pall plants, based on ferric-reducing antioxidant potential (FRAP), 2,2'-azinobis(3-ethybenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS· +) radical scavenging activity, 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrydrazyl (DPPH·), and hydroxyl (·OH) radical scavenging activities. Additionally, total flavonoids and phenolic contents (TPC) were also determined. The ethyl acetate extract of RDP (EARDP) had a remarkable radical scavenging capacity with an IC50 value of 0.1482 mg/mL. In addition, EARDP was shown to be higher in total phenolic and flavonoid contents than the methanol extract of RDP (MRDP). Moreover, the EARDP had the predominant antioxidant capacity, DPPH, hydroxyl, and ABTS radical scavenging activities and ferric reducing power. These results suggest a potential for R. diacanthum Pall extract as a functional medicinal material against free-radical-associated oxidative damage.

An optimized method for analysis of phenolic compounds in buds, leaves, and fruits of black currant ( Ribes nigrum L.)

Although the fruits are the economic driver for the black currant industry, the buds and leaves are excellent sources of beneficial phenolic compounds that may contribute to the future value of the crop. In this study, extraction of phenolic compounds for different parts of the black currant plant was optimized, and an efficient method for their separation by HPLC was developed. This allowed the simultaneous quantification of a range of hydroxycinnamic acids, flavan-3-ols, flavonols, and anthocyanins by DAD following their identification by HPLC-ESI-MS(n). A total of 23 compounds were detected in the buds, 22 of which were found in fruit and leaves. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of flavonol glycosides of quercetin, myricetin, isorhamnetin, and kaempferol along with hydroxycinnamic acids such as neo-chlorogenic acid and chlorogenic acid in the buds. Additionally, we provide the first evidence of kaempferol-3-O-rutinoside in black currant leaves. This approach offers avenues for superior combined compositional identification and cultivar selection targeted at the generation of polyphenol-rich products derived from the whole crop and not just the fruit.