Extracts from black carrot tissue culture as potent anticancer agents

Acylated Anthocyanins From Black Carrots and Their Related Phenolic Acids Diminish Priming and Activation of the NLRP3 Inflammasome in THP-1 Monocytes

SCOPE

Excessive activation of the nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor pyrin domain-containing protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome contributes to chronic inflammation. Thus, targeting NLRP3 inflammasome activation by anthocyanins may prevent inflammatory diseases. Therefore, the present study determines the influence of a black carrot extract (BCE) with high amounts of acylated anthocyanins and their related phenolic acids on the NLRP3 inflammasome.

METHODS AND RESULTS

THP-1 monocytes are pretreated with a BCE, cyanidin-3-glucoside (C3G), or hydroxycinnamic acids. NLRP3 inflammasome assembly is initiated by priming THP-1 monocytes with lipopolysaccharide and/or activating the NLRP3 inflammasome with nigericin. Flow cytometry is used to assess apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a caspase recruitment domain (ASC) speck formation, as well as ASC and NLRP3 protein expression. Caspase-1 activity is measured using a bioluminescent assay, and cytokine concentrations are determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA). C3G and phenolic acids diminish ASC and NLRP3 protein expression. In addition, C3G and phenolic acids attenuate ASC speck formation. Furthermore, the BCE and C3G decline caspase-1 activity. Consistently, IL-1β and IL-18 secretion are reduced upon NLRP3 inflammasome activation.

CONCLUSION

The present study shows that a BCE with high amounts of acylated anthocyanins and their related phenolic acids diminish priming and activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome in THP-1 monocytes.

Investigating the antioxidant and anticancer potential of Daucus spp. extracts against human prostate cancer cell line C4-2, and lung cancer cell line A549

The study evaluated 297 carrot germplasm lines, focusing on 52 cultivars to explore their therapeutic potential and address challenges related to the accessibility and affordability of nutraceuticals and health promoting foods. The investigation explores the application of DNA barcoding using the ITS region for precise species identification, highlighting genetic diversity among the examined cultivars. Through ITS sequence-based analysis and phylogenetic examination, six diverse Daucus spp. genotypes were differentiated and classified into distinct groups, indicating the presence of vast genetic variation. Evaluation of antioxidant activities using the DPPH radical scavenging assay revealed varying degrees of scavenging ability among genotypes with SKAU-C-15, SKAU-C-17, and SKAU-C-16 exhibiting the highest activity, suggesting their potential for antioxidant-rich products. Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC) bioautography confirmed the presence of bioactive compounds in carrot extracts responsible for their antioxidant properties. In cell culture studies, specific carrot genotype extracts demonstrated potential anti-proliferative and anti-invasive effects on recurrent prostate cancer cell line - C4-2 (SKAU-C-30, SKAU-C-10, and SKAU-C-42) and non-small cell lung cancer cell line - A549 (SKAU-C-18 and SKAU-C-11) cancer cells, as indicated by MTT assay, wound healing assay, and Colony Forming Unit assay. These findings suggest the promising therapeutic potential of carrot genotypes for developing anti-cancer functional foods, nutraceuticals and health supplements.Therefore, the study contributes to the nutrition security, paving the way for advancements in functional foods and health applications, particularly in cancer treatment and prevention.

Seasonal and Morphology Effects on Bioactive Compounds, Antioxidant Capacity, and Sugars Profile of Black Carrot (Daucus carota ssp. sativus var. atrorubens Alef.)

Black carrot (Daucus carota ssp. sativus var. atrorubens Alef.) is widely recognized for its bioactive compounds and antioxidant properties. The black carrot of Cuevas Bajas (Málaga) is a local variety characterized by a black/purple core, which differs from other black carrot varieties. Therefore, this autochthonous variety was characterized according to the root size and the harvesting season by means of a study of its antioxidant capacity analyzed by three methods, its total carotenoids content, and its sugars and phenolic compounds profile by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled to high-resolution mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS). A total of 20 polyphenolic compounds were quantified in 144 samples analyzed. The anthocyanidins group was observed to be the most abundant, followed by the hydroxycinnamic acids group. Moreover, pelargonidin 3-sambubioside was observed in black carrot for the first time. The medium-sized carrots presented the highest content of phenolic compounds, largely due to their significantly higher anthocyanidins content. Comparatively, the small carrots showed a higher content of simple sugars than the large ones. Regarding the influence of season, significantly higher quantities of glucose and fructose were observed in the late-season carrots, while sucrose was the main sugar in early-season samples. No significant differences were observed in the total carotenoid content of black carrot.

Insights into the current status of bioactive value, postharvest processing opportunities and value addition of black carrot

Black carrots are a type of carrot that is naturally dark purple or black in color. They are a good source of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, and have been shown to have several health benefits, including reducing the risk of cancer, heart disease, and diabetes. This review article discusses the bioactive compounds present in black carrot, including anthocyanins, phenolic acids, carotenoids, and organic acids and sugars. It also compares the bioactive compounds and antioxidant capacity of black carrot with other carrot varieties. Furthermore, it discusses various postharvest processing methods, both conventional and novel, such as encapsulation, drying, and microbial decontamination, highlighting their effects on preserving and stabilizing the bioactive compounds. The review also emphasizes the incorporation of black carrot into different food products, including dairy items, beverages, and baked goods, and their impact on nutritional enhancement. The article provides knowledge on utilizing black carrot for improved nutritional and functional outcomes.

Development and quality evaluation of polyphenols enriched black carrot (Daucus carota L.) powder incorporated bread

Black carrot is a prominent source of polyphenols and the cheapest source of anthocyanins in India. In this study, an attempt has been made to examine the feasibility of black carrot powder as an ingredient in bread. Black carrot bread was prepared by incorporating different concentrations of black carrot powder (BCP) at 2.5, 5.0, 7.5 and 10 %. The developed bread samples were analyzed for physical and textural quality, proximate composition, bioactive compounds, antioxidant properties, sensory characteristics, mineral content and storage quality. The results revealed that loaf volume and specific volume decreased (1995-1254 mL, 5.25-3.28 mL/g) with the incorporation of BCP into bread. Textural analysis revealed that the addition of BCP led to increased hardness in the bread (0.110-12 0.151 N), whereas the resilience (43.64-35.10 %), cohesion and springiness (89.930-13 82.146 %) decreased significantly. The content of bioactive compounds such as total phenols, anthocyanins (29.63-112.68 mg/100 g) and flavonoids increased to exceptionally high levels in BCP-incorporated bread and showed high antioxidant activity. Incorporation of BCP up to 7.5 % showed the most acceptable sensory analysis score (7.85) with a significant increase in dietary fiber (40 %) and total mineral content (50 %), which revealed that black carrot powder could be used up to 7.5 % as an ingredient into bread with high acceptability. The present study revealed significant enhancement in bioactive compounds and mineral content of bread after the incorporation of black carrot powder, which supports its immense potential in preventing hunger and oxidative stress-induced disorders in developing countries.

Chemical Composition, Functional and Anticancer Properties of Carrot

Plants are a valuable source of drugs for cancer treatment. Daucus carota has been investigated for its health properties. In particular, Daucus carota L. subsp. Sativus, the common edible carrot root, has been found to be rich in bioactive compounds such as carotenoids and dietary fiber and contains many other functional components with significant health-promoting features, while Daucus carota L. subsp. Carrot (Apiacae), also known as wild carrot, has been usually used for gastric ulcer therapy, diabetes, and muscle pain in Lebanon. Here, we review the chemical composition of Daucus carota L. and the functional properties of both edible and wild carrot subspecies. Then, we focus on compounds with anticancer characteristics identified in both Daucus carota subspecies, and we discuss their potential use in the development of novel anticancer therapeutic strategies.

Carrot and carotene and multiple health outcomes: an umbrella review of the evidence

In recent years, the benefits of carrots and carotene in different areas of health have been examined. The purpose of this umbrella review was to identify the associations between carrots and carotene and multiple health outcomes. The review considered evidence from meta-analyses of interventional and observational studies of carrots and carotene and any health outcome. We comprehensively searched Web of Science, PubMed, and Embase. For each association, we estimated the summary effect size using random and fixed effects models and the 95% confidence interval. A total of 1329 studies were searched, and 30 meta-analyses with 26 health outcomes were identified that met the eligibility criteria. Carrot intake was associated with a lower risk of multiple cancer outcomes including breast cancer, lung cancer, pancreatic cancer, gastric cancer, urothelial cancer, and prostate cancer. Carotene intake was associated with a lower risk of fracture, age-related cataract, sunburn, Alzheimer's disease, breast cancer, lung cancer, pancreatic cancer, gastric cancer, esophageal cancer, prostate cancer, and head and neck cancer (HNC). Serum carotene was inversely associated with all-cause mortality, breast cancer, and lung cancer. Our study revealed that carrot or carotene intake could reduce the risk of various negative health outcomes. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

Phyto-factories of anti-cancer compounds: a tissue culture perspective

Background

Cancer is one of the most critical but ubiquitous causes of death grappled from past decades. Widely used chemotherapy with cytotoxic activity blocks/ kills the cancer cell. The compounds targeted for anticancerous activity are either derived synthetically or naturally (through plants or microbial origin). Current day, versatile role of plants in medicinal field has been attributed to the secondary metabolites it produces, known for their anticancer activity. Therefore, discovery, identification and commercial production of such novel anticancer drugs is escalated and are centerpiece for pharmaceuticals.

Main body

A biotechnological approach, principally tissue culture, leads the candidacy to be an alternative method for production of anticancer compounds. A wide range of bioactive agents like alkaloids, steroids, phenolics, saponins, flavonoids, and terpenoids are in huge demand commercially. Plant tissue culture applications are constructively more advantageous over conventional methods in terms of their continuous, controlled, aseptic production, large scale and de novo synthesis opportunity. Various bioreactors are used for mass cultivation of bioactive compound at commercial level. For example: stirred tank reactors are used for production of shikonin from Lithospermum erythrorhizon, vincristine from Catharanthus roseus, podophyllotoxin from Podophyllum etc. Strategies like callus culture, suspension culture and hairy root culture are opted for mass cultivation of these bioactives.

Conclusions

This review summarizes plant tissue culture as a promising strategy proven to be a colossal breakthrough in reliable and continuous production of existing and novel anticancer compounds and help in combating the increasing future demands.

The Promising Therapeutic and Preventive Properties of Anthocyanidins/Anthocyanins on Prostate Cancer

As water-soluble flavonoid derivatives, anthocyanidins and anthocyanins are the plants pigments mostly rich in berries, pomegranate, grapes, and dark color fruits. Many bioactivity properties of these advantageous phytochemicals have been reported; among them, their significant abilities in the suppression of tumor cells are of the promising therapeutic features, which have recently attracted great attention. The prostate malignancy, is considered the 2nd fatal and the most distributed cancer type in men worldwide. The present study was designated to gather the preclinical and clinical studies evaluating potencies of anthocyanidins/anthocyanins for the treatment and prevention of this cancer type for the first time. In general, findings confirm that the anthocyanins (especifically cyanidin-3-O-glucoside) indicated higher activity against prostatic neoplasms compared to their correlated anthocyanidins (e.g., delphinidin); in which potent anti-inflammatory, apoptosis, and anti-proliferative activities were analyzed. Complementary anti-prostate cancer assessment of diverse naturally occurred anthocyanidins/anthocyanins and their synthetically optimized derivatives through preclinical experiments and eventually confirmed by clinical trials can promisingly lead to discover natural-based chemotherapeutic drug options.

Delving into the Nutraceutical Benefits of Purple Carrot against Metabolic Syndrome and Cancer: A Review

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) constitutes a group of risk factors that may increase the risk of cancer and other health problems. Nowadays, researchers are focusing on food compounds that could prevent many chronic diseases. Thus, people are shifting from dietary supplements towards healthy nutritional approaches. As a nutritious and natural food source, purple carrot (Daucus carota spp. Sativus var. atrorubens Alef.) roots could have an important role in the prevention of MetS as well as cancer. This review provides deep insight into the role of purple carrot’s main bioactive compounds and their effectiveness against MetS and cancer. Phenolic compounds, such as anthocyanin, present in purple carrot roots may be especially productive in avoiding or delaying the onset of cardiovascular disease (CVDs), obesity, diabetes, and cancer. Anthocyanins and other phenolics are successful in reducing metabolic changes and inflammation by inhibiting inflammatory effects. Many researchers have made efforts to employ this vegetable in the prevention and treatment of MetS and cancer. However, more advanced studies are required for the identification of its detailed role, effectiveness, suitable intake, and the effect of its bioactive compounds against these diseases.

Black carrot anthocyanins exhibit neuroprotective effects against MPP+ induced cell death and cytotoxicity via inhibition of oxidative stress mediated apoptosis

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a common chronic neurodegenerative disease induced by the death of dopaminergic neurons. Anthocyanins are naturally found antioxidants and well-known for their preventive effects in neurodegenerative disorders. Black carrots (Daucus carota L. ssp. sativus var. atrorubens Alef.) are a rich source of anthocyanins predominantly including acylated cyanidin-based derivatives making them more stable. However, there have been no reports analysing the neuroprotective role of black carrot anthocyanins (BCA) on PD. In order to investigate the potential neuroprotective effect of BCA, human SH-SY5Y cells were treated with MPP+ (1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium) to induce PD associated cell death and cytotoxicity. Anthocyanins were extracted from black carrots and the composition was determined by HPLC-DAD. SH-SY5Y cells were co-incubated with BCA (2.5, 5, 10, 25, 50, 100 µg/ml) and 0.5 mM MPP+ to determine the neuroprotective effect of BCA against MPP+ induced cell death and cytotoxicity. Results indicate that BCA concentrations did not have any adverse effect on cell viability. BCA revealed its cytoprotective effect, especially at higher concentrations (50, 100 µg/ml) by increasing metabolic activity and decreasing membrane damage. BCA exhibited antioxidant activity via scavenging MPP+ induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) and protecting dopaminergic neurons from ROS mediated apoptosis. These results suggest a neuroprotective effect of BCA due to its high antioxidant and antiapoptotic activity, along with the absence of cytotoxicity. The elevated stability of BCA together with potential neuroprotective effects may shed light to future studies in order to elucidate the mechanism and further neuro-therapeutic potential of BCA which is promising as a neuroprotective agent.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10616-021-00500-4.

Innovative Technologies for Extraction and Microencapsulation of Bioactives from Plant-Based Food Waste and their Applications in Functional Food Development

The by-products generated from the processing of fruits and vegetables (F&V) largely are underutilized and discarded as organic waste. These organic wastes that include seeds, pulp, skin, rinds, etc., are potential sources of bioactive compounds that have health imparting benefits. The recovery of bioactive compounds from agro-waste by recycling them to generate functional food products is of increasing interest. However, the sensitivity of these compounds to external factors restricts their utility and bioavailability. In this regard, the current review analyses various emerging technologies for the extraction of bioactives from organic wastes. The review mainly aims to discuss the basic principle of extraction for extraction techniques viz. supercritical fluid extraction, subcritical water extraction, ultrasonic-assisted extraction, microwave-assisted extraction, and pulsed electric field extraction. It provides insights into the strengths of microencapsulation techniques adopted for protecting sensitive compounds. Additionally, it outlines the possible functional food products that could be developed by utilizing components of agricultural by-products. The valorization of wastes can be an effective driver for accomplishing food security goals.

6-Methoxymellein Isolated from Carrot (Daucus carota L.) Targets Breast Cancer Stem Cells by Regulating NF-κB Signaling

The presence of breast cancer stem cells (BCSCs) induces the aggressive progression and recurrence of breast cancer. These cells are drug resistant, have the capacity to self-renew and differentiate and are involved in recurrence and metastasis, suggesting that targeting BCSCs may improve treatment efficacy. In this report, methanol extracts of carrot root were purified by means of silica gel, Sephadex LH-20, and preparative high-performance liquid chromatography to isolate a compound targeting mammosphere formation. We isolated the compound 6-methoxymellein, which inhibits the proliferation and migration of breast cancer cells, reduces mammosphere growth, decreases the proportion of CD44⁺/CD24⁻ cells in breast cancer cells and decreases the expression of stemness-associated proteins c-Myc, Sox-2 and Oct4. 6-Methoxymellein reduces the nuclear localization of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) subunit p65 and p50. Subsequently, 6-methoxymellein decreases the mRNA transcription and secretion of IL-6 and IL-8. Our data suggest that 6-methoxymellein may be an anticancer agent that inhibits BCSCs via NF-κB/IL-6 and IL-8 regulation.

Is carrot consumption associated with a decreased risk of lung cancer? A meta-analysis of observational studies

Findings of epidemiological studies regarding the association between carrot consumption and lung cancer risk remain inconsistent. The present study aimed to summarise the current epidemiological evidence concerning carrot intake and lung cancer risk with a meta-analysis. We conducted a meta-analysis of case-control and prospective cohort studies, and searched PubMed and Embase databases from their inception to April 2018 without restriction by language. We also reviewed reference lists from included articles. Prospective cohort or case-control studies reporting OR or relative risk with the corresponding 95 % CI of the risk lung cancer for the highest compared with the lowest category of carrot intake. A total of eighteen eligible studies (seventeen case-control studies and one prospective cohort study) were included, involving 202 969 individuals and 5517 patients with lung cancer. The pooled OR of eighteen studies for lung cancer was 0·58 (95 % CI 0·45, 0·74) by comparing the highest category with the lowest category of carrot consumption. Based on subgroup analyses for the types of lung cancer, we pooled that squamous cell carcinoma (OR 0·52, 95 % CI 0·19, 1·45), small-cell carcinoma (OR 0·43, 95 % CI 0·12, 1·59), adenocarcinoma (OR 0·34, 95 % CI 0·15, 0·79), large-cell carcinoma (OR 0·40, 95 % CI 0·10, 1·57), squamous and small-cell carcinoma (OR 0·85, 95 % CI 0·45, 1·62), adenocarcinoma and large-cell carcinoma (OR 0·20, 95 % CI 0·02, 1·70) and mixed types (OR 0·61, 95 % CI 0·46, 0·81). Exclusion of any single study did not materially alter the pooled OR. Integrated epidemiological evidence from observational studies supported the hypothesis that carrot consumption may decrease the risk of lung cancer, especially for adenocarcinoma.

Cytotoxicity screening of supercritical fluid extracted seaweeds and phenylpropanoids

Detached leaves of Posidonia oceanica and Zostera marina creating nuisance at the shores were extracted by means of supercritical CO2 enriched with a co-solvent, compared with that of soxhlet extraction. The extracts and their active compounds which are phenylpropanoids (chicoric, p-coumaric, rosmarinic, benzoic, ferulic and caffeic acids) were screened for cytotoxicity in cancer cell lines including human breast adenocarcinoma (MCF-7, MDA-MB-231, SK-BR-3), human colon adenocarcinoma (HT-29), human cervix adenocarcinoma (HeLa), human prostate adenocarcinoma (PC-3), Mus musculus neuroblastoma (Neuro 2A) cell lines and African green monkey kidney (VERO) as healthy cell line. Supercritical CO2 extracts proved to be more active than soxhlet counterparts. Particularly, Zostera marina extract obtained by supercritical CO2 at 250 bar, 80 °C, 20% co-solvent and a total flow rate of 15 g/min revealed the best IC50 values of 25, 20, 8 μg/ml in neuroblastoma, colon and cervix cancer cell lines. Among the major compounds tested, p-coumaric acid exhibited the highest cytotoxic against colon and cervix cell lines by with IC50 values of 25, 11 μg/ml. As for the effects on healthy cells, the extract was not cytotoxic indicating a selective cytotoxicity. Obtained supercritical CO2 extracts can be utilized as a supplement for preventive purposes.

A novel niosome formulation for encapsulation of anthocyanins and modelling intestinal transport

The bioavailability of drugs can be improved by regulating the structural properties, particularly lipoid systems, such as niosomes, can increase cellular uptake. Herein, we optimized double emulsion and niosomal formulations for encapsulating anthocyanin-rich black carrot extract. Nanoparticles obtained by selected formulation were characterized in terms of morphology, particle size, drug encapsulation efficiency, in vitro release and cytotoxicity. The optimum conditions for niosomal formulation were elicited as 30 mg of cholesterol, 150 mg of Tween 20 and feeding time of 1 min at a stirring rate of 900 rpm yielding the lowest average particle size of 130 nm. In vitro release data showed the majority of the encapsulated anthocyanins were released at the end of 10 h. A mathematical model was developed to estimate the absorption of anthocyanins released from niosomes and cytotoxicity was assessed against neuroblastoma. Overall, these findings suggest that niosomal vesicles might be suitable delivery systems for anthocyanins.

MdMYBL2 helps regulate cytokinin-induced anthocyanin biosynthesis in red-fleshed apple (Malus sieversii f. niedzwetzkyana) callus

Anthocyanin biosynthesis is induced by cytokinins, and is regulated by MYB transcription factors. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms have not been fully characterised. In the present study, red-fleshed apple callus were induced from the leaves of an R6/R6 homozygous line, which was the hybrid offspring of Malus sieversii f. niedzwetzkyana and 'Fuji'. We analysed the callus anthocyanin contents in response to different cytokinin concentrations. We observed that cytokinin treatments upregulated the expression of anthocyanin structural genes MdDFR and MdUFGT and transcription factor genes MdMYB10 and MdbHLH3. Additionally, the expression of MdMYBL2, which encodes the bHLH and EAR motifs, was inhibited by cytokinin treatments. The MdMYBL2-overexpressing callus had lower anthocyanin contents than the wild-type controls. We noted that the expression levels of anthocyanin biosynthesis structural genes MdDFR and MdUFGT and transcription factor genes MdMYB10 and MdbHLH3 were strongly suppressed in the transgenic callus. Subsequent yeast two-hybrid, bimolecular fluorescence complementation, and pull-down assays indicated that MdMYBL2 interacts with MdbHLH3, which may influence the expression of anthocyanin biosynthesis-related genes. Our findings may provide new insights into how MYB transcription factors influence the cytokinin-regulated anthocyanin biosynthesis in red-fleshed apples.

Cytoprotective effect of a functional antipollutant blend through reducing B[a] P-induced intracellular oxidative stress and UVA exposure

Benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P) is a ubiquitous environmental pollutant that reacts with skin and induces intracellular oxidative stress through reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation. The antipollution properties of natural extracts, especially including antioxidants, for inhibiting ROS in cells are gaining importance, in addition to the anticancer effects attributed to them. In this study, a commercial functional antipollutant blend of plant extracts consisting of ellagic acid standardized Punica granatum peel extract, Sambucus nigra fruit extract, Prunus cerasus seed extract, and hydrolyzed wheat protein with high antioxidant properties and UV damage-protective properties attributed to each one was investigated. The cytoprotective effect of this functional antipollutant blend was determined by ROS assay through reducing the level of intracellular ROS induced by B[a]P as an oxidative stress factor in human neonatal keratinocytes and fibroblast cells. In addition, the cytoprotective effect of the functional antipollutant blend after UVA exposure was also determined. It is shown that the oxidative damage induced by B[a]P and UVA, which are the most abundant factors of chemical and physical pollution, would be prevented by the functional antipollutant blend. Thus, it can be concluded that this antipollutant functional blend may offer a promising ingredient for the cosmetic industry's skincare products.

Optimization of anthocyanins extraction from black carrot pomace with thermosonication

A study was conducted to identify optimal ultrasound processing conditions (ultrasound energy density and temperature) to maximize the extraction of anthocyanin colorants from black carrot pomace. The treatment maximized the yield of five different anthocyanin compounds from black carrot pomace with cyanidin-3-xyloside-galactoside-glucoside-ferrulic acid (C3XGGF, 60.85-74.22mg/L) as the most abundant anthocyanin compound, followed by cyanidin-3-xyloside-galactoside (C3XG, 49.56-70.12mg/L). The response surface models predicted that if extraction conditions were conducted at 183.1J/g energy density and 50°C, the yield of various anthocyanin compounds would be maximized from the black carrot pomace. Response surface models were developed correlating anthocyanin yield with ultrasonication treatment parameters. The study showed the synergy of combining ultrasonication and temperature for the extraction of anthocyanin pigments from black carrot pomace. Results of the study also further demonstrate the potential of ultrasonication technology as a tool for the extraction of valuable components waste products from fruits and vegetables juice industry.