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Kamfar WW, Khraiwesh HM, Ibrahim MO, Qadhi AH, Azhar WF, Ghafouri KJ, Alhussain MH, Aldairi AF, AlShahrani AM, Alghannam AF, Abdulal RH, Al-Slaihat AH, Qutob MS, Elrggal ME, Ghaith MM, Azzeh FS. Comprehensive review of melatonin as a promising nutritional and nutraceutical supplement. Heliyon 2024; 10:e24266. [PMID: 38293391 PMCID: PMC10825492 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e24266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2023] [Revised: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Melatonin is an indoleamine hormone secreted by the pineal gland at night and has an essential role in regulating human circadian rhythms (the internal 24-h clock) and sleep-wake patterns. However, it has recently gained considerable attention for its demonstrated ability in disease management. This review discusses the major biological activities of melatonin, its metabolites as nutritional supplements, and its bioavailability in food sources. Methods The information acquisition process involved conducting a comprehensive search across academic databases including PubMed, Scopus, Wiley, Embase, and Springer using relevant keywords. Only the most recent, peer-reviewed articles published in the English language were considered for inclusion. Results The molecular mechanisms by which melatonin induces its therapeutic effects have been the subject of various studies. Conclusion While melatonin was initially understood to only regulate circadian rhythms, recent studies indicate that it has a far-reaching effect on various organs and physiological systems, such as immunity, cardiovascular function, antioxidant defense, and lipid hemostasis. As a potent antioxidant, anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, and immunoregulatory agent, multiple therapeutic applications have been proposed for melatonin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Waad W. Kamfar
- Department of Clinical Nutrition, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, UmmAl-Qura University, P.O. Box: 7067, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
- Medical Nutrition and Food Services Department, Almana Hospitals, Aziziah, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
| | - Husam M. Khraiwesh
- Department of Nutrition and Food Processing, Faculty of Agricultural Technology, Al-Balqa’ Applied University, Salt, Jordan
| | - Mohammed O. Ibrahim
- Department of Nutrition and Food Technology, Faculty of Agriculture, Mu'tah University, Karak, Jordan
| | - Alaa H. Qadhi
- Department of Clinical Nutrition, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, UmmAl-Qura University, P.O. Box: 7067, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Wedad F. Azhar
- Department of Clinical Nutrition, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, UmmAl-Qura University, P.O. Box: 7067, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Khloud J. Ghafouri
- Department of Clinical Nutrition, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, UmmAl-Qura University, P.O. Box: 7067, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Maha H. Alhussain
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, College of Food and Agriculture Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh, 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdullah F. Aldairi
- Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, Umm Al-Qura University, Al Abdeyah, Makkah, 7607, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdullah M. AlShahrani
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Khamis Mushayt, King Khalid University, Abha, 62561, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdullah F. Alghannam
- Lifestyle and Health Research Center, Health Sciences Research Center, Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh, 84428, Saudi Arabia
| | - Rwaa H. Abdulal
- Vaccines and Immunotherapy Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, 21589, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abed H. Al-Slaihat
- Department of Nutrition and Food Technology, School of Agriculture, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
| | - Maysoun S. Qutob
- Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics Department, Faculty of Allied Medical Sciences, Applied Science Private University, Amman, Jordan
| | | | - Mazen M. Ghaith
- Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, Umm Al-Qura University, Al Abdeyah, Makkah, 7607, Saudi Arabia
| | - Firas S. Azzeh
- Department of Clinical Nutrition, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, UmmAl-Qura University, P.O. Box: 7067, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
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Arabia A, Muñoz P, Pallarés N, Munné-Bosch S. Experimental approaches in studying active biomolecules modulating fruit ripening: Melatonin as a case study. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY 2023; 192:1747-1767. [PMID: 36805997 PMCID: PMC10315297 DOI: 10.1093/plphys/kiad106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Revised: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Phytohormones are naturally occurring small organic molecules found at low concentrations in plants. They perform essential functions in growth and developmental processes, from organ initiation to senescence, including fruit ripening. These regulatory molecules are studied using different experimental approaches, such as performing exogenous applications, evaluating endogenous levels, and/or obtaining genetically modified lines. Here, we discuss the advantages and limitations of current experimental approaches used to study active biomolecules modulating fruit ripening, focusing on melatonin. Although melatonin has been implicated in fruit ripening in several model fruit crops, current knowledge is affected by the different experimental approaches used, which have given different and sometimes even contradictory results. The methods of application and the doses used have produced different results in studies based on exogenous applications, while different measurement methods and ways of expressing results explain most of the variability in studies using correlative analyses. Furthermore, studies on genetically modified crops have focused on tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) plants only. However, TILLING and CRISPR methodologies are becoming essential tools to complement the results from the experimental approaches described above. This will not only help the scientific community better understand the role of melatonin in modulating fruit ripening, but it will also help develop technological advances to improve fruit yield and quality in major crops. The combination of various experimental approaches will undoubtedly lead to a complete understanding of the function of melatonin in fruit ripening in the near future, so that this knowledge can be effectively transferred to the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alba Arabia
- Department of Evolutionary Biology, Ecology and Environmental Sciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona 08028, Spain
- Research Institute of Nutrition and Food Safety, University of Barcelona, Barcelona 08028, Spain
| | - Paula Muñoz
- Department of Evolutionary Biology, Ecology and Environmental Sciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona 08028, Spain
- Research Institute of Nutrition and Food Safety, University of Barcelona, Barcelona 08028, Spain
| | - Núria Pallarés
- Department of Evolutionary Biology, Ecology and Environmental Sciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona 08028, Spain
| | - Sergi Munné-Bosch
- Department of Evolutionary Biology, Ecology and Environmental Sciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona 08028, Spain
- Research Institute of Nutrition and Food Safety, University of Barcelona, Barcelona 08028, Spain
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Verde A, Míguez JM, Gallardo M. Role of Melatonin in Apple Fruit during Growth and Ripening: Possible Interaction with Ethylene. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 11:plants11050688. [PMID: 35270158 PMCID: PMC8912437 DOI: 10.3390/plants11050688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Revised: 02/10/2022] [Accepted: 02/25/2022] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
The role of melatonin during the growth and ripening of apple fruit was studied using local varieties. The evolution of the growth and ripening parameters, including fruit size and weight, firmness, color change, sugar content, and ethylene production, was different in the five varieties studied, with yellow apples (Reineta and Golden) initiating the ripening process earlier than reddish ones (Teórica, Sanroqueña, and Caguleira). Changes in the melatonin and melatonin isomer 2 contents during growth and ripening were studied in Golden apples, as was the effect of the melatonin treatment (500 µM, day 124 post-anthesis) on the apple tree. Melatonin content varied greatly, with higher value in the skin than in the flesh. In the skin, melatonin increased at day 132 post-anthesis, when ethylene synthesis started. In the flesh, melatonin levels were high at the beginning of the growth phase and at the end of ripening. Melatonin isomer 2 was also higher once the ripening started and when ethylene began to increase. The melatonin treatment significantly advanced the ethylene production and increased the fruit size, weight, sugar content, and firmness. The data suggest that melatonin stimulates fruit ripening through the induction of ethylene synthesis, while melatonin treatments before ripening improve the final fruit quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antía Verde
- Departamento de Biología Vegetal, C.C. del Suelo, Universidade de Vigo, 36310 Vigo, Spain;
| | - Jesús M. Míguez
- Departamento de Biología Funcional, C.C. de la Salud, Universidade de Vigo, 36310 Vigo, Spain;
| | - Mercedes Gallardo
- Departamento de Biología Vegetal, C.C. del Suelo, Universidade de Vigo, 36310 Vigo, Spain;
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Melatonin: A blooming biomolecule for postharvest management of perishable fruits and vegetables. Trends Food Sci Technol 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tifs.2021.07.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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Inability of total antioxidant activity assays to accurately assess the phenolic compounds of date palm fruit (Phoenix dactylifera L.). NFS JOURNAL 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nfs.2021.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
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Ze Y, Gao H, Li T, Yang B, Jiang Y. Insights into the roles of melatonin in maintaining quality and extending shelf life of postharvest fruits. Trends Food Sci Technol 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tifs.2021.01.051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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Juhnevica-Radenkova K, Moreno DA, Ikase L, Drudze I, Radenkovs V. Naturally occurring melatonin: Sources and possible ways of its biosynthesis. Compr Rev Food Sci Food Saf 2020; 19:4008-4030. [PMID: 33337029 DOI: 10.1111/1541-4337.12639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2020] [Revised: 08/20/2020] [Accepted: 09/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
According to recent reports, the global market for melatonin is worth 700 million USD in 2018 and would reach 2,790 million USD by 2025, growing at a CAGR of 18.9% during 2019 to 2025. Having regard to the prevalence of sleep and circadian rhythm disorders and a clear tendency to increase the demand for melatonin, and the current lack of alternative green and cost-efficient technologies of its synthesis, the supply of this remedy will not be enough to guarantee melatonin supply and affordability on a global scale. The emergence of naturally occurring melatonin and its isomers in fermented foods has opened an exciting new research area; there are still, however, some obscure points in the efficient microbiological biosynthesis of melatonin. This review summarizes the research progress and recent evidence related to melatonin and its isomers in various foodstuffs. Additionally, one possible way to synthesize melatonin is also discussed. The evidence pointed out that the presence of melatonin and its isomers is not exclusive for grapes and grape-derived products, because it can be also found in sweet and sour cherries. However, different species of both Saccharomyces and non-Saccharomyces yeasts could be used to obtain melatonin and melatonin isomers in the process of alcoholic fermentation biotechnologically. The availability of L-tryptophan has been a key factor in determining the concentration of indolic compounds produced, and the utilization of probiotic lactic acid bacteria could help in the formation of melatonin isomers during malolactic fermentation. These approaches are environmentally friendly alternatives with a safer profile than conventional ones and could represent the future for sustainable industrial-scale melatonin production.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Diego A Moreno
- Phytochemistry and Healthy Foods Lab, Department of Food Science and Technology, CEBAS-CSIC, Murcia, Spain
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Albu C, Radu LE, Radu GL. Assessment of Melatonin and Its Precursors Content by a HPLC-MS/MS Method from Different Romanian Wines. ACS OMEGA 2020; 5:27254-27260. [PMID: 33134687 PMCID: PMC7594137 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.0c03463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2020] [Accepted: 10/02/2020] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Because melatonin has strong antioxidant activity and wine is an alcoholic beverage of economic relevance, in the present work, the impact of some variable parameters that may occur in the winemaking process on the concentrations of melatonin and its precursors in Romanian wines was studied. Therefore, a sensitive and selective high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS) method was developed for the simultaneous analysis of melatonin, serotonin, and l-tryptophan, and some method performance parameters including selectivity, detection limit, precision (by comparing with an alternative HPLC-FL method), accuracy, and robustness were validated. These determinations are significant and the final amounts of analytes are dependent on the microorganisms involved in the winemaking process, the grape variety, geographic regions of vineyards, and aging of wines. In the future, the method may be useful to increase the melatonin content and the antioxidant activity in wines by improved steps in the winemaking process, especially based on application of selected yeasts and improved fermentation conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camelia Albu
- Centre of Bioanalysis,
National Institute of Research and Development for Biological Sciences—Bucharest, 296 Splaiul Independentei, 060031 Bucharest, Romania
- . Phone/Fax: +(40)212.200.900
| | - Letitia Elena Radu
- Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 8 Eroii Sanitari Bulevard, 050474 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Gabriel-Lucian Radu
- Centre of Bioanalysis,
National Institute of Research and Development for Biological Sciences—Bucharest, 296 Splaiul Independentei, 060031 Bucharest, Romania
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Li L, Kitazawa H, Zhang X, Zhang L, Sun Y, Wang X, Liu Z, Guo Y, Yu S. Melatonin retards senescence via regulation of the electron leakage of postharvest white mushroom (Agaricus bisporus). Food Chem 2020; 340:127833. [PMID: 32919356 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2020.127833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2020] [Revised: 08/11/2020] [Accepted: 08/11/2020] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Currently, melatonin (N-acetyl-5-methoxytrytamine) is recognized as a potential scavenger of free radicals. In this study, the effect of exogenous melatonin at various concentrations (0.05, 0.1, and 0.2 mM) on the texture, sensory qualities, and electron leakage in white mushrooms was evaluated at 3 ± 1 °C. It was observed that mushrooms treated with 0.1 mM melatonin were of good quality and their electron leakage was dramatically dampened. The results showed that 0.1 mM melatonin retained a higher adenosine triphosphate level and also prevented the release of cytochrome c into the cytoplasm. More significantly, it prominently inhibited electron leakage by increasing the activities of complexes I and III by the upregulation of AbNdufB9 and AbRIP1. It also regulated respiratory states in mushrooms; delayed the decline of respiratory state 3; enhanced respiratory state 4; boosted the oxidative phosphorylation and efficiency of mitochondria; and ultimately retarded the senescence of the white mushrooms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling Li
- School of Agricultural Engineering and Food Science, Shandong University of Technology, Zibo 255049, China
| | - Hiroaki Kitazawa
- Food Research Institute, National Agriculture and Food Research Organization, Ibaraki 305-8642, Japan
| | - Xinhua Zhang
- School of Agricultural Engineering and Food Science, Shandong University of Technology, Zibo 255049, China
| | - Liming Zhang
- School of Agricultural Engineering and Food Science, Shandong University of Technology, Zibo 255049, China
| | - Yang Sun
- School of Agricultural Engineering and Food Science, Shandong University of Technology, Zibo 255049, China
| | - Xiangyou Wang
- School of Agricultural Engineering and Food Science, Shandong University of Technology, Zibo 255049, China.
| | - Zhanli Liu
- School of Agricultural Engineering and Food Science, Shandong University of Technology, Zibo 255049, China
| | - Yanyin Guo
- School of Agricultural Engineering and Food Science, Shandong University of Technology, Zibo 255049, China
| | - Shaoxuan Yu
- School of Agricultural Engineering and Food Science, Shandong University of Technology, Zibo 255049, China
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Wang SY, Shi XC, Wang R, Wang HL, Liu F, Laborda P. Melatonin in fruit production and postharvest preservation: A review. Food Chem 2020; 320:126642. [DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2020.126642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2019] [Revised: 03/17/2020] [Accepted: 03/17/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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Bagherzadeh Karimi A, Elmi A, Zargaran A, Mirghafourvand M, Fazljou SMB, Araj-Khodaei M, Baghervand Navid R. Clinical effects of date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.): A systematic review on clinical trials. Complement Ther Med 2020; 51:102429. [PMID: 32507440 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctim.2020.102429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2020] [Revised: 04/08/2020] [Accepted: 05/04/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The aim of present study was to review and categorize the clinical trials investigating the clinical effects of different botanical parts of dates compared with any controls. METHODS All clinical trials (randomized, pilot, quasi-experimental, cross-over. and non-randomized clinical trials) evaluating the clinical effects of date palm from 2000 until August 2019 in English and Persian languages were included in this systematic review. The methodological quality of the included studies was evaluated according to the risk of bias assessment of Cochrane handbook of systematic reviews, and then reported using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) statement. RESULTS Twenty-six studies met the inclusion criteria. Studies were performed in 8 categories based on different botanical parts of date palm. These categories were obstetrics, gynecology, oncology, dermatology, hematology, gastroenterology, endocrinology, metabolism, and infertility. A total of 38 % of included studies were randomized controlled trials. Further, 80 % of the included studies had performance and detection bias. Finally, about 50 % of them had selection bias and about 20 % had attrition and reporting bias. CONCLUSION The widespread consumption of date palm as medicinal and botanical plant suggests the importance of this plant in human healthcare. The clinical trials conducted so far have explained a number of clinical effects of date palm. However, there is not enough clinical evidence to support the clinical effects in other review articles and traditional medical systems, and further randomized controlled trials with robust designs and methods are required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alireza Bagherzadeh Karimi
- Department of Persian Medicine, School of Traditional Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
| | - Asghar Elmi
- Department of Orthopedic Surgeries, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
| | - Arman Zargaran
- Department of Traditional Pharmacy, School of Persian Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Mojgan Mirghafourvand
- Department of Persian Medicine, School of Traditional Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran; Midwifery Department, Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
| | - Seyed Mohammad Bagher Fazljou
- Department of Persian Medicine, School of Traditional Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
| | - Mostafa Araj-Khodaei
- Department of Persian Medicine, School of Traditional Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran; Aging Research Institute, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
| | - Roghayeh Baghervand Navid
- Department of Persian Medicine, School of Traditional Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
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Melatonin Accumulation in Sweet Cherry and Its Influence on Fruit Quality and Antioxidant Properties. Molecules 2020; 25:molecules25030753. [PMID: 32050515 PMCID: PMC7037775 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25030753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2020] [Revised: 02/02/2020] [Accepted: 02/03/2020] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Although the effects of melatonin on plant abiotic and biotic stress resistance have been explored in recent decades, the accumulation of endogenous melatonin in plants and its influence on fruit quality remains unclear. In the present study, melatonin accumulation levels and the expression profiles of five synthesis genes were investigated during fruit and leaf development in sweet cherry (Prunus avium L.). Melatonin was strongly accumulated in young fruits and leaves, then decreased steadily with maturation. Transcript levels of PacTDC and PacSNAT were highly correlated with melatonin content in both fruit and leaves, indicating their importance in melatonin accumulation. Furthermore, application of 50 and 100 μmol·L-1 of melatonin to leaves had a greater influence on fruit quality than treatments applied to fruits, by significantly improving fruit weight, soluble solids content, and phenolic content including total phenols, flavanols, total anthocyanins, and ascorbic acid. Meanwhile, melatonin application promoted the antioxidant capacity of fruit assayed by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2'-azinobis (3-ethylben zothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS), and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP). These results provide insights into the physiological and molecular mechanisms underlying melatonin metabolism of sweet cherry.
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Xu T, Chen Y, Kang H. Melatonin Is a Potential Target for Improving Post-Harvest Preservation of Fruits and Vegetables. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2019; 10:1388. [PMID: 31737014 PMCID: PMC6831725 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2019.01388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2019] [Accepted: 08/20/2019] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Melatonin is a ubiquitous molecule distributed in nature and not only plays an important role in animals and humans but also has extensive functions in plants, such as delaying senescence, exerting antioxidant effects, regulating growth and development, and facilitating plant adaption to stress conditions. Endogenous melatonin is widespread in fruits and vegetables and plays prominent roles in the ripening and post-harvest process of fruits and vegetables. Exogenous application of melatonin removes excess reactive oxygen species from post-harvest fruits and vegetables by increasing antioxidant enzymes, non-enzymatic antioxidants, and enzymes related to oxidized protein repair. Moreover, exogenous application of melatonin can increase endogenous melatonin to augment its effects on various physiological processes. Many previous reports have demonstrated that application of exogenous melatonin improves the post-harvest preservation of fruits and vegetables. Although overproduction of melatonin in plants via transgenic approaches could be a potential means for improving the post-harvest preservation of fruits and vegetables, efforts to increase endogenous melatonin in plants are limited. In this review, we summarize the recent progress revealing the role and action mechanisms of melatonin in post-harvest fruits and vegetables and provide future directions for the utilization of melatonin to improve the post-harvest preservation of fruits and vegetables.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Xu
- Key Lab of Phylogeny and Comparative Genomics of the Jiangsu Province, Institute of Integrative Plant Biology, School of Life Sciences, Jiangsu Normal University, Xuzhou, China
- Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, United States
- *Correspondence: Tao Xu, ; Hunseung Kang,
| | - Yao Chen
- Key Lab of Phylogeny and Comparative Genomics of the Jiangsu Province, Institute of Integrative Plant Biology, School of Life Sciences, Jiangsu Normal University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Hunseung Kang
- Department of Applied Biology, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, South Korea
- *Correspondence: Tao Xu, ; Hunseung Kang,
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