Bioactive compounds contents, antioxidant and antimicrobial activities during ripening of Prunus persica L. varieties from the North West of Tunisia

Enhancement of yogurt functionality by adding Mentha piprita phenolic extract and evaluation of its quality during cold storage

New functional food products with health benefits are currently in high demand among health-conscious consumers. The present research aims to improve the functional properties of yogurt by adding peppermint hydroethanolic extract (PHE) at different doses. The impact of PHE (0%, 2%, 4%, and 6%) on yogurt was studied for acidity, pH, organoleptic quality, antioxidant activity, lipid peroxidation, and fatty acid profile. The results revealed that PHE is rich in phenolic compounds, of which rosmarinic acid was the main one (339.88 mg/g lyophilized extract) and has considerable antioxidant potential, which remarkably (p < .01) increased antioxidant capacity in yogurt by over 39.51%, even at a low dose of 2%, giving the product better protection against lipid peroxidation and preserving its physicochemical and sensory quality. At 4%, PHE increased significantly (p < .01) the content of omega-3 fatty acids, notably alpha-linolenic acid, in fortified yogurt compared with the control, and reduced (p < .01) the ratio of omega-6/omega-3, which dropped from 5.21 to 4.11. It looks feasible to prepare a yogurt with health-giving properties by adding Mentha piperita hydroethanolic extract at a concentration of up to 4% as an alternative to synthetic antioxidants, which would also extend its shelf life.

The Health-Promoting Quality Attributes, Polyphenols, Iridoids and Antioxidant Activity during the Development and Ripening of Cornelian Cherry (Cornus mas L.)

This study defined the physicochemical attributes, composition, and antioxidant capacity of four Polish cultivars of cornelian cherry (CC) at six stages of development and ripening. A total of 52 metabolites were identified by UPLC-ESI-qTOF-MS/MS and quantified by HPLC-PDA. In general, phenolic acids, hydrolyzable tannins, flavonols, iridoids, antioxidant activity, organic acids, and vitamin C decreased, while anthocyanins, malic acid, sugars, and titratable acidity increased. For the first time, we determined the evolution of the CC chemical properties and the metabolic behavior and quantified the individual compounds, and groups of compounds during ripening, in particular gallotannins, ellagitannins, iridoids, and organic acids. The main novelty of our study is that CC is a valuable resource for utilization at different degrees of maturity. We showed that unripe fruits in particular deserve valorization, as they contained the highest content of total bioactive phytocompounds (5589.1-6779.6 mg/100 g dw)-primarily phenolic acids > iridoids > tannins-and the highest antioxidant capacity. The intermediate stages were the most abundant in vitamin C (341.1-495.6 mg/100 g dw), ellagic acid (5.9-31.6 mg/100 g dw), gallotannins (47.8-331.1 mg/100 g dw), and loganic acid (1393.0-2839.4 mg/100 g dw). The ripe fruits contained less bioactive phytocompounds (1403.7-1974.6 mg/100 g dw)-primarily iridoids > phenolic acids > tannins > anthocyanins-and the lowest antioxidant capacity. On the other hand, ripe fruits showed the highest content of anthocyanins (30.8-143.2 mg/100 g dw), sugars (36.4-78.9 g/100 g dw), malic acid (5.5-12.2 g/100 g dw), and, favorably for the nutritional applications, the highest sugar-to-acids ratio (3.0-6.4). Our work illustrates in detail that quality attributes and the content of health-promoting phytocompounds in CC depend on the ripening stage and on the cultivar. These results advance the scientific knowledge about CC. Our findings can be helpful to select the optimal properties of CC for the development of diverse functional foods and phytopharmaceuticals applied in the prevention of civilization diseases.

Ethnoveterinary practises of medicinal plants used for the treatment of different cattle diseases: A case study in East Khasi Hill district of Meghalaya, North East India

Introduction

For generations, the inhabitants of Meghalaya have relied on medicinal plants to maintain the health of their livestock and treat various illnesses that may afflict their animals. Due to the lack of survey for use and documentation, these plants have never been undertaken. Therefore, it is imperative to explore the diversity, utilization, and phytochemical profile of these plants and quantitatively analyse the data to identify important medicinal plants. By doing so, we can better understand the potential of these plants for developing novel drugs.

Methods

Frequent field trips were made for the collection of ethnoveterinary data of medicinal plants from local animal-keepers, traditional healers (THs) and inhabitants of different age groups. This information was gathered through semi-structured interviews, individual discussions, direct field-use observation, and questionnaires. A total of 52 informants (35 females and 17 males) were interviewed from seven rural villages and the information obtained from them were quantitatively analysed using the informant consensus factor (ICF), and fidelity level (FL). Additionally, for each documented plant, available published literature was extensively surveyed to identify the presence of bioactive chemical compounds responsible for their therapeutic effects.

Results

During the present study, a total 96 plants, distributed into 87 genera and 43 families were identified and recorded for their use in ethnoveterinary practices against more than 25 diseases. Out of the recorded plant species, the Fabaceae family was found to be the most dominant with seven species, followed by Poaceae and Lamiaceae with six species each, and Moraceae with five species. The leaves (50.00%) and seeds (12.50%) were the most frequently used plant parts, while the paste (30 species) was the common mode of application. Aegle marmelos Correa exhibited a fidelity level (FL) of 100% for indigestion, while Tagetes erecta L. had a fidelity level of 94.11% for wound treatment, making them the most promising candidates for further study. The highest FIC value of 1.00 was recorded for the treatment of neurological disorder (1.00), followed by foot and mouth disease (FIC 0.91), which depicted that some species were frequently utilized to treat multiple livestock ailments.

Conclusion

The study presents trustworthy information about medicinal plants and their associated indigenous ethnoveterinary knowledge. It has been scientifically proven that these plants contain bioactive compounds responsible for their therapeutic properties. However, this knowledge is in danger of being lost due to factors like socioeconomic changes, environmental and technological alterations, and lack of interest from younger generations. Therefore, it is essential to document this empirical folklore knowledge systematically and take measures to protect and conserve it.

Quantitative and qualitative determination of carotenoids and polyphenolics compounds in selected cultivars of Prunus persica L. and their ability to in vitro inhibit lipoxygenase, cholinoesterase, α-amylase, α-glucosidase and pancreatic lipase

The present study aimed to evaluate the content of polyphenols and carotenoids as well as the health-promoting properties (antioxidant, antidiabetic, antiobesity, antiaging, and anti-inflammatory activities) in selected peaches cultivated in Poland. The qualitative analysis of the tested cultivars showed that the content of polyphenols was dominated by flavan-3-ols, and phenolic acids. In turn, the performed analysis clearly indicated that the dominant carotenoid was β-carotene, which constituted on average 88% of the total amount of carotenoids. The general content of yellow pigments is as follows: all-trans-β-carotene > 13 cis-β-carotene > 9 cis-β-carotene > zeaxanthin > β-cryptoxanthin ≥ β-cryptoxanthin-myristate > β-cryptoxanthin-palmitate > crocin ≥ cis-violaxanthin > lutein. In addition, the present study showed that the peach fruit has a high potential in the context of inhibition of pancreatic lipase, which may indicate a potential antiobesity effect. However, the potential of the peaches to inhibit α-amylase, α-glucosidase, or 15-LOX has not been demonstrated.

Valorization of Peels of Eight Peach Varieties: GC-MS Profile, Free and Bound Phenolics and Corresponding Biological Activities

Sustainability, becoming essential for food processing and technology, sets goals for the characterization of resources considered as food waste. In this work, information about the GC-MS metabolites of peach peels was provided as a tool that can shed more light on the studied biological activities. In addition, distribution patterns and contribution of the chemical profile and free and bound phenolic compounds as antioxidant, antimicrobial, and enzymatic clusters in peach peels of different varieties of Bulgarian origin were studied. The two applied techniques (alkaline and acid hydrolysis) for releasing the bound phenolics reveal that alkaline hydrolysis is a better extraction approach. Still, the results indicate the prevalence of the free phenolics in the studied peach peel varieties. Total phenolics of peach wastes were positively correlated with their antioxidant activity. The antioxidant activity results certainly defined the need of an individual interpretation for each variety, but the free phenolics fractions could be outlined with the strongest potential. The limited ability of the peels' extracts to inhibit α-amylase and acetylcholinesterase, and the moderate antimicrobial activity, on the other hand, indicate that the potential of peach peels is still sufficient to seek ways to valorize this waste. Indeed, this new information about peach peels can be used to characterize peach fruits from different countries and/or different food processes, as well as to promote the use of this fruit waste in food preparation.

Chemical and Biological Properties of Peach Pomace Encapsulates: Chemometric Modeling

Background: Bioactive compounds need to resist food processing, be released from the food matrix, and be bioaccessible in the gastrointestinal tract in order to provide health benefits. Bioactive compounds isolated from peach pomace (PP) were encapsulated using four different wall materials to improve their stability and to evaluate the effects of in vitro gastrointestinal digestion, as well as chemometric modeling among obtained encapsulates. Methods: Phenolics and carotenoids content, antioxidant, antihyperglycemic, anti-inflammatory, and cell growth activities were evaluated after gastric and intestinal digestion steps. Chemometrics classification analysis–principal component analysis and hierarchical cluster analysis revealed grouping among encapsulates. Results: The encapsulation of PP bioactive compounds showed a protective effect against pH changes and enzymatic activities along digestion, and thereby contributed to an increase in their bioaccessibility in gastric and intestinal fluids. Conclusions: The obtained results suggest protein and polysaccharide carriers and the freeze-drying technique, as an efficient method for the encapsulation of bioactives from PP, could find use in the food and pharmaceutical industry.

Phytochemical profile and anti-oxidation activity changes during ginger (Zingiber officinale) harvest: Baby ginger attenuates lipid accumulation and ameliorates glucose uptake in HepG2 cells

We determined the phenolic content and anti-oxidation properties of ginger at different harvesting time and tested its effects on lipid droplet formation and glucose uptake in HepG2 cells. Ginger samples at different stages of maturity were harvested every two weeks starting from mid-October for 16 weeks. Our data indicate that ginger has the highest phenolic contents and superior anti-oxidation activity when harvested early (immature baby ginger); however, the concentration of phenolic contents and its anti-oxidation activity were progressively reduced up to 50% as ginger matures. Furthermore, the data indicate that baby ginger extract inhibits lipid accumulation and triglyceride content in oleic acid-induced HepG2 cells up to 20% in a dose-dependent manner. Baby ginger exhibited significant inhibition of α-amylase enzyme activity by 29.5% and ameliorated glucose uptake in HepG2 cell at similar level. Our results suggest that harvesting ginger at an appropriate (early) time may be beneficial for optimizing its biological active contents and qualitative properties. The data also suggest that a regular use of ginger can potentially lower incidences of obesity and diabetes.

Evaluation of Antimicrobial and Anticancer Activities of Selected Medicinal Plants of Himalayas, Pakistan

Medicinal plants are known for their diverse use in the traditional medicine of the Himalayan region of Pakistan. The present study is designed to investigate the anticancer and antimicrobial activities of Prunus cornuta and Quercus&nbsp;semicarpifolia. The anticancer activity was performed using cancerous human cell lines (HepG2, Caco-2, A549, MDA-MB-231, and NCI-H1437 carcinoma cells), while the antimicrobial activity was conducted with the agar-well diffusion method. Furthermore, toxicity studies were performed on alveolar and renal primary epithelial cells. Initially, different extracts were prepared by maceration techniques using n-hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate, butanol, and methanol. The preliminary phytochemical screening showed the presence of secondary metabolites such as alkaloids, tannins, saponins, flavonoids, glycosides, and quinones. The chloroform extract of P. cornuta (PCC) exhibited significant inhibitory activity against Acinetobacter baumannii (16 mm) and Salmonella enterica (14.5 mm). The A. baumannii and S. enterica strains appeared highly susceptible to n-hexane extract of P. cornuta (PCN) with an antibacterial effect of 15 mm and 15.5 mm, respectively. The results also showed that the methanolic extracts of Quercus semecarpifolia (QSM) exhibited considerable antibacterial inhibitory activity in A. baumannii (18 mm), Escherichia coli (15 mm). The QSN and QSE extracts also showed good inhibition in A. baumannii with a 16 mm zone of inhibition. The Rhizopus oryzae strain has shown remarkable mycelial inhibition by PCM and QSN with 16 mm and 21 mm inhibition, respectively. Furthermore, the extracts of P. cornuta and Q. semicarpifolia exhibited prominent growth inhibition of breast (MDA-MB-231) and lung (A549) carcinoma cells with 19-30% and 22-39% cell viabilities, respectively. The gut cell line survival was also significantly inhibited by Q. semicarpifolia (24-34%). The findings of this study provide valuable information for the future development of new antibacterial and anticancer medicinal agents from P. cornuta and Q. semicarpifolia extracts.

Changes in physicochemical properties at different development stages of Hexachlamys edulis fruit, an underutilized South American species

The aim of this work was to study the evolution of fruit size and weight together with the soluble solid and total titratable acidity contents during development of Hexachlamys edulis fruit. Also, the patterns of accumulation of chlorophylls, carotenoids, phenols and antioxidant activity were analysed to define the optimal time for harvesting to obtain maximum nutraceutical characteristics. Fruits were harvested from H. edulis plants growing at the experimental field of the University of Morón (Moreno, Buenos Aires, 34°35′4.98″ SL, 58°48′52.09″ WL, 14 m.a.s.l.). Fresh fruit weight was significantly higher in Medium ripe, Ripe and Overripe fruits (40.1, 39.6 and 38.5 g, respectively) than in Unripe fruits (19.5 g). Soluble solids/total titratable acidity was significantly higher in Overripe fruits (7.3) than in Unripe, Medium ripe and Ripe fruits (3.7–4.5). Total polyphenols were maximum in Unripe fruits (905.8 mg tannic acid/100 g fresh fruit weight) decreasing during the fruit development (426.2–130.4 mg tannic acid/100 g fresh fruit weight). Also, DPPH radical scavenging activity was significantly higher in Unripe fruits (75.7%) compared with Medium ripe, Ripe and Overripe fruits (64.1–17.0%). Positive and significant correlations were observed between total polyphenol content and DPPH radical scavenging activity at each extract concentration (r = 0.74, 0.87, 0.74 and 0.60 for 1.25; 2.50; 5.00 and 12.50 mg/mL, respectively). Total carotenoid content increased during fruit development while at the same time decreased chlorophyll content. Chlorophyll b is the main chlorophyll found. Chromatographic analysis showed that lutein is the main carotenoid found in H. edulis fruits, followed by β-cryptoxanthin and β-carotene. As shown by the chromatograms at 280 nm, the concentration of biophenols and the complexity of the biophenol profile decreases during fruit development. Levels of polyphenols and pigments together with the antioxidant activity allow us to consider H. edulis fruit as a functional food.

Identifying sources of metabolomic diversity and reconfiguration in peach fruit: taking notes for quality fruit improvement

The metabolomic content determines many of the important features of a fruit, such as its taste, flavor, color, nutritional value, and abiotic or biotic resistance. Peach (Prunus persica (L.) Batsch) is one of the best genetically characterized species used as a model for Rosaceae, the drupes of which are a source of minerals, vitamins, fiber, and antioxidant compounds for healthy diets around the world. During the last few years, a great advance in the analysis of the metabolic diversity and reconfiguration in different peach varieties in response to developmental and environmental factors has occurred. These studies have shown that the great phenotypic diversity among different peach varieties is correlated with differential metabolomic content. Besides, the fruit metabolome of each peach variety is not static; on the contrary, it is drastically configured in response to both developmental and environmental signals, and moreover, it was found that these metabolic reconfigurations are also variety dependent. In the present review, the main sources of metabolic diversity and conditions that induce modifications in the peach fruit metabolome are summarized. It is postulated that comparison of the metabolic reconfigurations that take place among the fruits from different varieties may help us better understand peach fruit metabolism and their key drivers, which in turn may aid in the future design of high‐quality peach fruits.

Chemical Composition Analysis, Antioxidant, and Antibacterial Activities of Eggplant Leaves

Agricultural by-products represent one of the biggest pollutants for the environment, therefore, investigating new sources for the extraction of bioactive compounds is a topic of great interest for the entire scientific community. This work is aimed at studying the chemical composition (pigments, phenolics, volatile compounds) and biological activities (antioxidant and antimicrobial properties) of young and mature leaves of five eggplant cultivars (Solanum melongena L.) grown in Tunisia (Tizona, A1014, Nawel, A336, and Mirval). Pigment analysis showed no statistical variations between the two types of leaves, whereas higher levels of anthocyanins were recorded in young leaves of three out of five cultivars (24.7-52.8 mg 100 g^-1 ). Total phenolic compounds (966.5-2072.6 mg 100 g^-1 ) and o-diphenols (343.9-741.2 mg 100 g^-1 ) contents varied significantly according to leaf age and cultivar. However, no statistically significant variation between young and mature leaves was found in flavonols and tannins content. As for volatile profiles, 62 constituents were characterized with non-terpene derivatives (52.0-61.6 %) and apocarotenes (19.9-35.6 %) as major chemical classes. Regarding the antioxidant activity, methanol extracts of Tizona cultivar mature leaves displayed important antiradical properties using DPPH, ABTS, and phosphomolybdenum assays (IC₅₀ 0.1, 0.2 and 0.01 mg mL^-1 , respectively). With regards to reducing power determination, the most active extract was obtained from mature A1014 leaves. Further, young Mirval leaves proved to be significantly active from a bactericidal point of view against Candida albicans and Staphylococcus aureus of 3.1 mg mL^-1 and 0.2 mg mL^-1 MBC, respectively. In conclusion, eggplant leaves are a noteworthy source of antioxidant and antimicrobial compounds with potential use in the pharmaceutical, the cosmetics and the food industries.

Bioactive components, antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of Paeonia rockii fruit during development

In last ten years, much attention focused on tree peony fruit (TPF) for edible oil production despite other potential utilization. The present study identified and quantified 29 bioactive components by liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-triple quadrupole-mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-QqQ-MS) targeted approach during the development of TPF. Trans-resveratrol, benzoic acid, luteolin, and methyl gallate were selected as predominant chemical markers between seeds and pods through principal component analysis (PCA) and orthogonal partial least square-discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA). Extremely high levels of paeoniflorin (1893 mg/100 g) and trans-resveratrol (1793 mg/100 g) were observed at stage 2 (S2) and S6 in seeds, respectively. Antioxidant activities determined by ABTS^+•, DPPH^•, and FRAP assays showed significant correlations with total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC). The strongest antibacterial effects of pod and seed against Staphylococcus aureus and Proteus vulgaris occurred at initial stages and maturation stages. TPF could be a potential source of bioactive compounds with functional properties.

Stone Fruit as Biofactories of Phytochemicals With Potential Roles in Human Nutrition and Health

Phytochemicals or secondary metabolites present in fruit are key components contributing to sensory attributes like aroma, taste, and color. In addition, these compounds improve human nutrition and health. Stone fruits are an important source of an array of secondary metabolites that may reduce the risk of different diseases. The first part of this review is dedicated to the description of the main secondary organic compounds found in plants which include (a) phenolic compounds, (b) terpenoids/isoprenoids, and (c) nitrogen or sulfur containing compounds, and their principal biosynthetic pathways and their regulation in stone fruit. Then, the type and levels of bioactive compounds in different stone fruits of the Rosaceae family such as peach (Prunus persica), plum (P. domestica, P. salicina and P. cerasifera), sweet cherries (P. avium), almond kernels (P. dulcis, syn. P. amygdalus), and apricot (P. armeniaca) are presented. The last part of this review encompasses pre- and postharvest treatments affecting the phytochemical composition in stone fruit. Appropriate management of these factors during pre- and postharvest handling, along with further characterization of phytochemicals and the regulation of their synthesis in different cultivars, could help to increase the levels of these compounds, leading to the future improvement of stone fruit not only to enhance organoleptic characteristics but also to benefit human health.

Carrier oils in dermatology

Wounds are a common medical infliction. With the increase in microbial resistance and a shift of interest towards complementary medicines, essential oils have been shown to be beneficial in suppressing microbial growth. However, in practice, essential oils are more often diluted into a base due to the risk of topical adverse effects, such as dermatitis. There is a lack of collated evidence-based information on toxicity and efficacy of carrier oils. The current information on the subject matter is restricted to generic, aroma-therapeutic books and pamphlets, based on anecdotal evidence rather than an experimental approach. Therefore, this review aimed at identifying the recommended carrier oils used in dermatology and thereafter collating the scientific evidence to support the use of carrier oils together with essential oils recommended for dermatological use. Aloe vera gel had multiple studies demonstrating the ability to enhance wound healing; however, several other carrier oils have been largely neglected. It was observed that the extracts for certain plant species had been used to justify the use of the carrier oils of the same plant species. This is an inaccurate cross assumption due to the difference in chemical composition and biological activities. Lastly, despite these carrier oils being recommended as a base for essential oils, very little data was found on the interactive profile of the carrier oil with the essential oil. This review provides a platform for further studies, especially if essential oils are to receive credence in the scientific field.

Trends of polyphenolics and anthocyanins accumulation along ripening stages of wild edible fruits of Indian Himalayan region

Wild fruits are important food resources that provide health promoting nutraceutical components, which vary with ripening stages. In present study, five wild edible fruits of Indian Himalayan Region i.e., Myrica esculenta, Berberis asiatica, Rubus ellipticus, Pyracantha crenulata and Morus alba were examined for their nutraceutical potential at different ripening stages. The results of present study showed that polyphenolic concentration decreased whereas anthocyanin level increased with fruit ripening, however few species and compounds showed different trends. Among the tested fruit species, unripe fruits of B. asiatica followed by M. esculenta were found to be the best for harvesting polyphenolics (especially catechin), while ripen fruits of M. esculenta followed by B. asiatica were found the best for anthocyanin (cyanin and delphinidin) extraction. The results from this study can be effectively used by the harvesters, consumers, traders and food and nutraceutical industries to harness maximum nutraceutical potential depending on the preferred compounds and ripening stages of these species.

Metabolomic fingerprint of Mentha rotundifolia L. Leaf tissues promotes this species as a potential candidate for sustainable production of biologically active molecules

Background The Mentha rotundifolia L. (Lamiaceae family), is a medicinal herb used since the ancient times as an antiseptic, analgesic and anti-inflammatory agent. In the present work, metabolomic profiling of two Mentha rotundifolia L. ecotypes leaf tissues spontaneously growing in the North of Tunisia was achieved. Methods Phenolic contents (TPC, TFC and TTC) were assessed using colorimetric methods. Metabolomic profiling of leaf tissues extracts was assessed based on Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS) analysis. The antioxidant ability of M. rotundifolia extracts was achieved based on two test systems namely DPPH and FRAP assays. Antimicrobial activity against a set of Gram negative and Gram positive bacteria was estimated by measuring ID, MIC and MBC values. Results Fifty metabolites were identified as belonging mainly to phenolics, fatty acids, terpenes, steroids and aldehydes classes with qualitative and quantitative variability. Most of the identified compounds are reputed bioactive with potent antioxidant, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory among others effects. To confirm these findings common in vitro biological activities were achieved. The investigated extracts showed significant antioxidant abilities based on both 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and Ferric reducing antioxidant potential (FRAP) assays. Furthermore, the extracts revealed promising antimicrobial ability against tested Gram+ and Gram- bacterial strains (ID: 12.5-14.5 mm, MIC: 3.125-25 (µg/mL), MBC: 6.25-100 (µg/mL)). Conclusions Based on our findings Mentha rotundifolia L. leaves extracts present a potential source of natural antioxidants and diverse bioactive compounds which could be used in green pharmacy, food preservation, alternative medicine and natural therapies.

Variation in Phenolic Content, Profile, and Antioxidant Activity of Seeds among Different Paeonia ostii Cultivated Populations in China

The purpose of this study was to analyze the phenolic profiles of seeds from fifteen Paeonia ostii cultivated populations in China and identify their relationship with antioxidant activities and associated environmental factors. Thirteen individual phenolic compounds were quantitatively determined by HPLC, and (+)-catechin was the most abundant phenolic compound in the seeds. Correlation analysis showed that phenolics were the most effective antioxidant compound class by evaluating DPPH, ABTS, and hydroxyl radical scavenging activities as well as ferric reducing antioxidant power. Latitude and annual rainfall had significant effects on the contents of many phenolic compounds, and elevation was only significantly correlated with gallic acid content. Within fifteen P. ostii cultivated populations, the seeds of Tongling population exhibited the highest phenolic contents and strongest antioxidant activities. These results suggest that Tongling population has a relatively high utilization value and a potential for sources of natural antioxidants.

Strychnos pseudoquina modulates the morphological reorganization of the scar tissue of second intention cutaneous wounds in rats

Natural substances are used in folk medicines to treat injuries. Strychnos pseudoquina has scarring, antipyretic, and antimalarial actions. The present study aimed to analyze the effect of S. pseudoquina on cutaneous wound healing in rats. The S. pseudoquina extract was submitted to phytochemical prospection. The levels of flavonoids and total phenolic compounds in the extract were 50.7 mg/g and 2.59 mg/g, respectively. Thirty Wistar rats were individualized in cages with food and water ad libitum (registration no. 730/2014). After anesthesia, three circular wounds (12mm diameter) were made in the animals, which were randomly separated into five treatments: Sal, saline; VO, ointment vehicles (lanolin and Vaseline); SS, positive control (silver sulfadiazine 1%); LE 5, freeze-dried extract 5%; and LE 10, lyophilized extract 10%. The animals were treated with the ointment daily for 21 days. Every seven days, the area and the rate of wound contraction were evaluated. Tissue samples were removed for histopathological analysis of the number of mast cells, elastic and collagen fibers, and biochemical analyses, quantification of malondialdehyde (MDA), carbonylated proteins (PCN), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), transforming growth factor β (TGF-β), Interleukin 10 (IL-10) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF). The number of mast cells, collagen and elastic fibers in the rat wounds were higher in the treatments with the plant. The extract also stimulated the activity of antioxidant enzymes, particularly SOD, presenting high levels, and maintained low levels of PCN. The TGF-β and IL-10 concentration was higher in the LE5 and LE10 treatment of the extract than in the Sal, OV and SS treatments on day 7. The ointment based on S. pseudoquina closed the wound faster and accelerated wound healing in animals.

Cosmetic potentials of Prunus domestica L. leaves

BACKGROUND

The current study presents new insight on the phytochemical content and biological activities of five Prunus domestica L. varieties ('Quetsche blanche de Létricourt', 'Mirabelle de Nancy', 'Perdrigon violet', 'Mirabelle de Provence', 'Reine-claude dorée').

RESULTS

The plum leaves were found to possess promising anti-aging activities by their capacity to inhibit 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), elastase, hyaluronidase and lipoxygenase. After solid phase extraction (SPE), chlorogenic acid, rutin, quercetin and their derivatives were putatively identified by high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry using an electrospray ionization source (HPLC/ESI-MS/MS).

CONCLUSION

The plum leaf, a by-product, provides an interesting valuable resource for use as a natural cosmetic product or as a food supplement. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry.

Effect of different ripening stages on walnut kernel quality: antioxidant activities, lipid characterization and antibacterial properties

Packing tissue between and around the kernel halves just turning brown (PTB) is a phenological indicator of kernel ripening at harvest in walnuts. The effect of three ripening stages (Pre-PTB, PTB and Post-PTB) on kernel quality characteristics, mineral composition, lipid characterization, sensory analysis, antioxidant and antibacterial activity were investigated in fresh kernels of indigenous numbered walnut selection of Kashmir valley "SKAU-02". Proximate composition, physical properties and sensory analysis of walnut kernels showed better results for Pre-PTB and PTB while higher mineral content was seen for kernels at Post-PTB stage in comparison to other stages of ripening. Kernels showed significantly higher levels of Omega-3 PUFA (C18:3ⁿ³) and low n6/n3 ratio when harvested at Pre-PTB and PTB stages. The highest phenolic content and antioxidant activity was observed at the first stage of ripening and a steady decrease was observed at later stages. TBARS values increased as ripening advanced but did not show any significant difference in malonaldehyde formation during early ripening stages whereas it showed marked increase in walnut kernels at post-PTB stage. Walnut extracts inhibited growth of Gram-positive bacteria (B. cereus, B. subtilis, and S. aureus) with respective MICs of 1, 1 and 5 mg/mL and gram negative bacteria (E. coli, P. and K. pneumonia) with MIC of 100 mg/mL. Zone of inhibition obtained against all the bacterial strains from walnut kernel extracts increased with increase in the stage of ripening. It is concluded that Pre-PTB harvest stage with higher antioxidant activities, better fatty acid profile and consumer acceptability could be preferred harvesting stage for obtaining functionally superior walnut kernels.

Bioactive properties of faveleira (Cnidoscolus quercifolius) seeds, oil and press cake obtained during oilseed processing

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report in the literature concerning the bioactive properties of faveleira products. This work focuses on the physicochemical evaluation of faveleira oil, as well as it investigates the bioactive properties of faveleira seeds, faveleira oil and the press cake obtained during the oilseed processing. The seeds were cold pressed and the following tests were performed: physicochemical characteristics (acidity, peroxide values, moisture and volatile matter, density and viscosity) and fatty acid profile of faveleira oil; total phenolic and flavonoid content of faveleira seed and press cake; antibacterial activity of seed, oil and press cake; and antioxidant activity (DPPH radical scavenging activity, reducing power assay, total antioxidant capacity, superoxide radical scavenging assay and oxygen radical absorbance capacity) of seed, oil and press cake. Our work demonstrated that the faveleira seed oil has low acidity (0.78 ± 0.03% oleic acid) and peroxide value (1.13 ± 0.12 mEq/1000g), associated with the relevant concentration of linoleic acid (53.56%). It was observed that important phenolics (398.89 ± 6.34 mg EAG/100 g), especially flavonoids (29.81 ± 0.71 mg RE/g) remain in the press cake, which indicates that the by-product of the faveleira oilseed production constitutes a rich residual source of bioactive compounds. No bacterial growth inhibition was detected, but all samples including faveleira seeds, press cake, oil and its fractions have potent antioxidant activities, mainly the press cake, with oxygen radical absorbance capacity of 28.39 ± 4.36 μM TE/g. Our results also show that faveleira oil has potential to be used as edible oil and the press cake should be used to contain the most antioxidants from seed.

Carotenoids, Phenolic Profile, Mineral Content and Antioxidant Properties in Flesh and Peel of Prunus persica Fruits during Two Maturation Stages

Carotenoids and phenolic profile, antioxidant activity as well as concentrations of selected macronutrients (K, N, Mg, Ca and Na) and micronutrients (Zn, Cu and Mn) in flesh and peel of peach fruit were recorded at two harvest dates. Predominant mineral was potassium, followed by calcium, magnesium and sodium. The concentration of most micronutrients was greater in the peel than in the flesh especially in early season. The concentration of most elements in flesh and peel decreased during fruit maturation. Total carotenoids content varied with respect to the cultivar. β-cryptoxanthin and β-carotene were the major carotenoids in both tissues and flesh contain the lowest amounts. Neochlorogenic acid, chlorogenic acid, catechin, epicatechin, gallic acid, rutin, quercetin-3-O-galactoside, cyanidin-3-O-glucoside, cyanidin-3-O-rutinoside, were detected in both peel and flesh, with chlorogenic acid and catechin being the predominant components. Peel extracts showed markedly higher antioxidant activities, when estimated by ABTS or DPPH assays, than the flesh counterparts, consistent with the observed higher phenolic content. Overall, total phenolics levels increased at full ripening stage in both peel and flesh. The results found herein provide important data on carotenoids, phenolic and macro- and micronutrient changes during fruit growth, and emphases peach fruit as a potential functional food.