Comparative analysis of metabolite profiles from Panax herbs in specific tissues and cultivation conditions reveals the strategy of accumulation

Population-Related Variability in Qualitative and Quantitative Secondary Metabolite Profile of Gentianella austriaca (A. & J. Kern.) Holub

Phytochemical profiling of six natural populations of Gentianella austriaca was performed by HPLC identification and quantification of a number of secondary metabolites, and evaluation of time series of peak areas by chemometric analysis. Phytochemical analysis of G. austriaca revealed the presence of iridoids, flavone-C-glucosides and xanthones. Twelve secondary metabolites were identified in the aerial parts, roots and seeds, including swertiamarin (SWM), gentiopicrin (GP), sweroside (SWZ), isoorientin (ISOOR), swertisin (SWE), demethylbellidifolin-8-O-glucoside (DMB-8-O-glc), bellidifolin-8-O-glucoside (BDF-8-O-glc), mangiferin (MGF), corymbiferin (CBF), corymbiferin-1-O-glucoside (CBF-1-O-glc), bellidifolin (BDF) and campestroside. Multivariate statistical analyses showed relatively low variability among populations according to secondary metabolite content. However, some pharmacologically important compounds were found in higher amounts in a few populations, which could be useful for conservation and future biotechnological procedures.

Comparative analyses of functional traits based on metabolome and economic traits variation of Bletilla striata: Contribution of intercropping

The intercropping practice has been regarded as a practical land-use selection to improve the management benefits of Bletilla striata plantations. The reports about the variety of economic and functional traits of Bletilla pseudobulb under intercropping systems were limited. The present study investigated the variation of economic and functional traits of Bletilla pseudobulb under different intercropping systems (the deep-rooted intercropping system: B. striata - Cyclocarya paliurus, CB; and the shallow-rooted intercropping system: B. striata - Phyllostachys edulis, PB). The functional traits were analyzed through non-targeted metabolomics based on GC-MS. The results indicated that the PB intercropping system significantly decreased the yield of Bletilla pseudobulb while significantly increasing the total phenol and flavonoids compared with the control (CK). However, there were no significant differences in all economic traits between CB and CK. The functional traits among CB, PB, and CK were separated and exhibited significant differences. Under different intercropping systems, B. striata may adopt different functional strategies in response to interspecific competition. The functional node metabolites (D-galactose, cellobiose, raffinose, D-fructose, maltose, and D-ribose) were up-regulated in CB, while the functional node metabolites (L-valine, L-leucine, L-isoleucine, methionine, L-lysine, serine, D-glucose, cellobiose, trehalose, maltose, D-ribose, palatinose, raffinose, xylobiose, L-rhamnose, melezitose, and maltotriose) were up-regulated in PB. The correlation between economic and functional traits depends on the degree of environmental stress. Artificial neural network models (ANNs) accurately predicted the variation in economic traits via the combination of functional node metabolites in PB. The correlation analysis of environmental factors indicated that Ns (including TN, NH₄ ⁺-, and NO₃ ^--), SRI (solar radiation intensity), and SOC were the main factors that affected the economic traits (yield, total phenol, and total flavonoids). TN, SRI, and SOC were the main factors affecting the functional traits of the Bletilla pseudobulb. These findings strengthen our understanding of the variation of economic and functional traits of Bletilla pseudobulb under intercropping and clarify the main limiting environmental factors under B. striata intercropping systems.

Methods of Incorporating Plant-Derived Bioactive Compounds into Films Made with Agro-Based Polymers for Application as Food Packaging: A Brief Review

Plastic, usually derived from non-renewable sources, is among the most used materials in food packaging. Despite its barrier properties, plastic packaging has a recycling rate below the ideal and its accumulation in the environment leads to environmental issues. One of the solutions approached to minimize this impact is the development of food packaging materials made from polymers from renewable sources that, in addition to being biodegradable, can also be edible. Different biopolymers from agricultural renewable sources such as gelatin, whey protein, starch, chitosan, alginate and pectin, among other, have been analyzed for the development of biodegradable films. Moreover, these films can serve as vehicles for transporting bioactive compounds, extending their applicability as bioactive, edible, compostable and biodegradable films. Biopolymer films incorporated with plant-derived bioactive compounds have become an interesting area of research. The interaction between environment-friendly biopolymers and bioactive compounds improves functionality. In addition to interfering with thermal, mechanical and barrier properties of films, depending on the properties of the bioactive compounds, new characteristics are attributed to films, such as antimicrobial and antioxidant properties, color and innovative flavors. This review compiles information on agro-based biopolymers and plant-derived bioactive compounds used in the production of bioactive films. Particular emphasis has been given to the methods used for incorporating bioactive compounds from plant-derived into films and their influence on the functional properties of biopolymer films. Some limitations to be overcome for future advances are also briefly summarized. This review will benefit future prospects for exploring innovative methods of incorporating plant-derived bioactive compounds into films made from agricultural polymers.