Phenolic compounds in Rosaceae fruit and nut crops

Unleashing the power of chlorogenic acid: exploring its potential in nutrition delivery and the food industry

In the contemporary era, heightened emphasis on health and safety has emerged as a paramount concern among individuals with food. The concepts of "natural" and "green" have progressively asserted dominance in the food consumption market. Consequently, through continuous exploration and development, an escalating array of natural bioactive ingredients is finding application in both nutrition delivery and the broader food industry. Chlorogenic acid (CGA), a polyphenolic compound widely distributed in various plants in nature, has garnered significant attention. Abundant research underscores CGA's robust biological activity, showcasing notable preventive and therapeutic efficacy across diverse diseases. This article commences with a comprehensive overview, summarizing the dietary sources and primary biological activities of CGA. These encompass antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, anti-cancer, and neuroprotective activities. Next, a comprehensive overview of the current research on nutrient delivery systems incorporating CGA is provided. This exploration encompasses nanoparticle, liposome, hydrogel, and emulsion delivery systems. Additionally, the article explores the latest applications of CGA in the food industry. Serving as a cutting-edge theoretical foundation, this paper contributes to the design and development of CGA in the realms of nutrition delivery and the food industry. Finally, the article presents informed speculations and considerations for the future development of CGA.

Unveiling the mechanisms for the development of rosehip-based dermatological products: an updated review

Rosa spp., commonly known as rosehips, are wild plants that have traditionally been employed as herbal remedies for the treatment of a wide range of disorders. Rosehip is a storehouse of vitamins, including A, B complex, C, and E. Among phytonutrients, vitamin C is found in the highest amount. As rosehips contain significant levels of vitamin C, they are perfect candidates for the development of skincare formulations that can be effectively used in the treatment of different skin disorders (i.e., scarring, anti-aging, hyperpigmentation, wrinkles, melasma, and atopic dermatitis). This research focuses on the vitamin C content of several Rosa sp. by their botanical and geographic origins, which according to research studies are in the following order: R. rugosa > R. montana > R. canina > R. dumalis, with lower levels in R. villosa and R. arvensis, respectively. Among rosehip species, R. canina is the most extensively studied species which also displays significant amounts of bioactive compounds, but also antioxidant, and antimicrobial activities (e.g., against Propionibacterium acnes, Staphylococcus aureus, S, epidermis, and S. haemolyticus). The investigation also highlights the use of rosehip extracts and oils to minimise the harmful effects of acne, which primarily affects teenagers in terms of their physical appearance (e.g., scarring, hyperpigmentation, imperfections), as well as their moral character (e.g., low self-confidence, bullying). Additionally, for higher vitamin C content from various rosehip species, the traditional (i.e., infusion, maceration, Soxhlet extraction) and contemporary extraction methods (i.e., supercritical fluid extraction, microwave-assisted, ultrasonic-assisted, and enzyme-assisted extractions) are highlighted, finally choosing the best extraction method for increased bioactive compounds, with emphasis on vitamin C content. Consequently, the current research focuses on assessing the potential of rosehip extracts as medicinal agents against various skin conditions, and the use of rosehip concentrations in skincare formulations (such as toner, serum, lotion, and sunscreen). Up-to-date studies have revealed that rosehip extracts are perfect candidates as topical application products in the form of nanoemulsions. Extensive in vivo studies have revealed that rosehip extracts also exhibit specific activities against multiple skin disorders (i.e., wound healing, collagen synthesis, atopic dermatitis, melasma, and anti-aging effects). Overall, with multiple dermatological actions and efficacies, rosehip extracts and oils are promising agents that require a thorough investigation of their functioning processes to enable their safe use in the skincare industry.

Isoenzymes of the Flavonoid and Phenylpropanoid Pathways Show Organ-Specific Regulation during Apple Fruit Development

Elucidating the molecular mechanisms controlling fruit development is a primary target for the improvement of new apple (Malus × domestica Borkh.) cultivars. The first two weeks of development following pollination are crucial to determine fruit characteristics. During this period, a lot of changes take place in apple fruit, going from rapid cell division to the production of important metabolites. In this work, attention was focused on the phenylpropanoid and flavonoid pathways responsible for the production of numerous compounds contributing to fruit quality, such as flavonols, catechins, dihydrochalcones and anthocyanins. A total of 17 isoenzymes were identified, belonging to seven classes of the phenylpropanoid and flavonoid pathways that, despite showing more than 80% sequence identity, showed differential expression regulation during the first two weeks of apple fruit development. This feature seems to be quite common for most of the enzymes of both pathways. Differential regulation of isoenzymes was shown to be present in both 'Golden Delicious' and a wild relative (Malus mandshurica), even though differences were also present. Each isoenzyme showed a specific pattern of expression in the flower and fruit organs, suggesting that genes coding for enzymes with the same function may control different aspects of plant biology. Finally, promoter analysis was performed in order to highlight differences in the number and type of regulatory motifs. Overall, our results indicate that the control of the expression of genes involved in the phenylpropanoid and flavonoid pathways may be very complex as not only enzymes belonging to the same class, but even putative isoenzymes, can have different roles for the plant. Such genes may represent an important regulatory mechanism, as they would allow the plant to fine-tune the processing of metabolic intermediates towards different branches of the pathway, for example, in an organ-specific way.

Changes of Bioactive Components and Antioxidant Capacity of Pear Ferment in Simulated Gastrointestinal Digestion In Vitro

Fruit ferment is rich in polyphenols, organic acids, enzymes, and other bioactive components, which contribute to their antioxidant ability. In this study, we investigated the effect of the simulated gastric and intestinal digestion in vitro on the total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), phenolic components content, organic acid content, protease activity, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity (DPPH-RSA), hydroxyl (·OH) radical scavenging activity (·OH-RSA), and total reducing capacity in ‘Xuehua’ pear (Pyrus bretschneideri Rehd) ferment. The result showed that the TPC, TFC, protease activity, and phenolic components such as arbutin, protocatechuic acid, malic acid, and acetic acid showed a rising trend during the simulated gastric digestion in ‘Xuehua’ pear ferment, and these components might contribute to the increasing of ·OH-RSA and total reducing capacity. The SOD activity and epicatechin content showed an increasing trend at first and then a decreasing trend, which was likely associated with DPPH-RSA. During in vitro-simulated intestinal digestion, the majority of evaluated items reduced, except for protease activity, quercetin, and tartaric acid. The reason for the decreasing of bio-accessibility resulted from the inhibition of the digestive environment, and the transformation between substances, such as the conversion of hyperoside to quercetin. The correlation analysis indicated that the antioxidant capacity of ‘Xuehua’ pear ferment was mainly affected by its bioactive compounds and enzymes activity as well as the food matrices and digestive environment. The comparison between the digestive group with and without enzymes suggested that the simulated gastrointestinal digestion could boost the release and delay the degradation of phenolic components, flavonoids, and organic acid, protect protease and SOD activity, and stabilize DPPH-RSA, ·OH-RSA, and total reducing capacity in ‘Xuehua’ pear ferment; thus, the ‘Xuehua’ pear ferment could be considered as an easily digestible food.

Prediction of the Potential Distributions of Prunus salicina Lindl., Monilinia fructicola, and Their Overlap in China Using MaxEnt

Prunus salicina Lindl. (P. salicina) is an essential cash crop in China, and brown rot (BR) is one of its most important diseases. In this study, we collected geographic location information on P. salicina and Monilinia fructicola (G. Winter) Honey (M. fructicola), one of the BR pathogenic species, and applied the MaxEnt model to simulate its potential suitable distribution in China. There have been discussions about the dominant environmental variables restricting its geographical distribution and their overlap. The results showed that the mean temperature of the coldest quarter, precipitation of the warmest quarter, precipitation in July, and minimum temperatures in January and November were the main climatic variables affecting the potential distribution of P. salicina, while the coldest quarter, precipitation of the driest month, precipitation of March, precipitation of October, maximum temperatures of February, October, and November, and minimum temperature of January were related to the location of M. fructicola. Southern China had suitable conditions for both P. salicina and M. fructicola. Notably, the overlap area of P. salicina and M. fructicola was primarily located southeast of 91°48' E 27°38' N to 126°47' E 41°45' N. The potential overlap area predicted by our research provided theoretical evidence for the prevention of BR during plum planting.

Bioinspired fabrication of CuONPs synthesized via Cotoneaster and application in dye removal: antioxidant and antibacterial studies

In this study, bioinspired fabrication of copper oxide nanoparticles (CuONPs) which are widely researched in nanotechnology field with Cotoneaster extract was performed. Cotoneaster plant extract was chosen as a good antioxidant and antibacterial agent in terms of the amount of phenolic and flavonoid compounds it contains. The obtained CuONPs were characterized by UV-Vis, FTIR, and SEM analyses. Antibacterial activity of the fabricated nanoparticles was evaluated against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Total phenolic compound, total flavonoid amount, and reducing power of the CuONPs were determined. Furthermore, paint removal properties of copper oxide nanoparticles on various dyes were investigated. Fabrication of the CuONPs was evaluated morphologically by color change and in UV spectrum by SPR band at 338 nm. The characteristic peak of CuONPs at 621 cm^-1 was monitored employing FT-IR. SEM results showed that the fabricated CuONPs were spherical and between 50 and 160 nm. The CuONPs represented notable antibacterial efficiency against E. coli and S. aureus with inhibition zone of 19 ± 1 and 23 ± 2, respectively employing disk diffusion. The antioxidant properties of the CuONPs were also confirmed. Total phenolic substance content of the CuONP solution was 6.04 μg pyrocathecol equivalent/mg nanoparticle and total flavonoid content value was found as 122.46 μg catechin equivalent/mg nanoparticle. The reducing power of the fabricated CuONPs was found to be good when compared to the standard antioxidants BHA and α-tocopherol. In addition, the decolorization efficiency of the fabricated CuONPs has a strong potential on the industrial dye removal of neutral red and naphthol blue black.

Phytochemical Profiling and Isolation of Bioactive Compounds from Leucosidea sericea (Rosaceae)

In the study, ultraperformance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight-mass spectrometry analysis of Leucosidea sericea leaf and stem extracts led to the identification of various classes of compounds. Further chromatographic purifications resulted in the isolation of 22 compounds that consisted of a new triterpenoid named leucosidic acid A (1), an acetophenone derivative 2, a phloroglucinol derivative 3, three chromones 4-6, seven pentacyclic triterpenoids 7-13, a phytosterol glucoside 14, a flavonoid 15, and seven flavonoid glycosides 16-22. Nineteen of these compounds including the previously undescribed triterpenoid 1 are isolated for the first time from L. sericea. The structures of the isolated compounds were assigned based on their high-resolution mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance data. Some of the isolated triterpenoids were evaluated for inhibitory activity against α-amylase, α-glucosidase, and pancreatic lipase. Of the tested compounds, 1-hydroxy-2-oxopomolic acid (7) and pomolic acid (13) showed higher potency on α-glucosidase than acarbose, which is used as a positive control in this study. The two compounds inhibited α-glucosidase with IC₅₀ values of 192.1 ± 13.81 and 85.5 ± 6.87 μM, respectively.

An Upgraded, Highly Saturated Linkage Map of Japanese Plum (Prunus salicina Lindl.), and Identification of a New Major Locus Controlling the Flavan-3-ol Composition in Fruits

Japanese plum fruits are rich in phenolic compounds, such as anthocyanins and flavan-3-ols, whose contents vary significantly among cultivars. Catechin (C) and epicatechin (EC) are flavan-3-ol monomers described in the fruits of this species and are associated with bitterness, astringency, antioxidant capacity, and susceptibility to enzymatic mesocarp browning. In this study, we aimed to identify quantitative trait loci (QTL) associated with the content of flavan-3-ol in Japanese plum fruits. We evaluated the content of C and EC in the mesocarp and exocarp of samples from 79 and 64 seedlings of an F1 progeny (<'98-99' × 'Angeleno'>) in the first and second seasons, respectively. We also constructed improved versions of linkage maps from '98-99' and 'Angeleno,' presently called single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) after mapping the already available GBS reads to Prunus salicina Lindl. cv. 'Sanyueli' v2.0 reference genome. These data allowed for describing a cluster of QTLs in the cultivar, 'Angeleno,' associated with the flavan-3-ol composition of mesocarp and exocarp, which explain up to 100% of the C/EC ratio. Additionally, we developed a C/EC metabolic marker, which was mapped between the markers with the highest log of odds (LOD) scores detected by the QTL analysis. The C/EC locus was located in the LG1, at an interval spanning 0.70 cM at 108.30-108.90 cM. Our results suggest the presence of a novel major gene controlling the preferential synthesis of C or EC in the Japanese plum fruits. This study is a significant advance in understanding the regulation of synthesizing compounds associated with fruit quality, postharvest, and human health promotion.

Valorization of Rose Hip (Rosa canina) Puree Co-Product in Enriched Corn Extrudates

Serious issues and challenges of the world’s population are represented by dwindling natural food resources and the scale-up of sustainable food manufacturing. Therefore, the valorization of co-products from the food industry represents new methods for food development. The principal goal of the study was to capitalize rose hip (Rosa canina) co-product powder in extrudates, highlighting its influence on extrusion parameters, physicochemical, and nutritional characteristics. The water absorption index, swelling index, and hygroscopicity increased with the rose hip co-product addition. Furthermore, water solubility index, expansion index, porosity, image parameters (area and perimeter) of the extrudates decreased. Lycopene, β-Carotene, Zea-esters, and lutein were the main carotenoids identified in the extrudates; whereas Catechin, Di-gallic acid, Procyanidin dimmer 1, Procyanidin dimmer 2, and Isorhamnetin-glucuronide were the main flavonoids. Strong Pearson correlations were identified between carotenoids, total flavonoids, vitamin C, total folate, and antioxidant activity. Valorization of the Rosa canina powder co-product led to value-added products—corn extrudates—rich in bioactive compounds.

Effect of Vitamin C Source on Its Stability during Storage and the Properties of Milk Fermented by Lactobacillus rhamnosus

The enrichment of commonly consumed foods with bioactive components might be helpful in promoting health and reducing the risk of disease, so the enrichment of probiotic fermented milk with vitamin C can be considered appropriate. The effect of vitamin C addition depends on the source of origin (rosehip, acerola and ascorbic acid in powder form) on the growth and survival of Lactobacillus rhamnosus and the quality of fermented milk on the 1st and 21st day of storage was analyzed. The pH, total acidity, vitamin C, syneresis, color, texture profile and numbers of bacterial cells in fermented milk were determined. The organoleptic evaluation was also performed. The degradation of vitamin C in milk was shown to depend on its source. The lowest reduction of vitamin C was determined in milk with rosehip. The least stable was vitamin C naturally found in control milk. The addition of rosehip and acerola decreased syneresis and lightness of milk color, increasing the yellow and red color proportion. In contrast, milk with ascorbic acid was the lightest during the whole experimental period and was characterized by a very soft gel. The growth of Lactobacillus rhamnosus during fermentation was most positively affected by the addition of rosehip. However, the best survival of Lactobacillus rhamnosus was demonstrated in milk with acerola. On the 21st day of storage, the number of L. rhamnosus cells in the control milk and the milk with vitamin C was >8 log cfu g⁻¹, so these milks met the criterion of therapeutic minimum. According to the assessors, the taste and odor contributed by the addition of rosehip was the most intense of all the vitamin C sources used in the study.

Detection of Quantitative Trait Loci Controlling the Content of Phenolic Compounds in an Asian Plum (Prunus salicina L.) F1 Population

Consumption of fresh fruit is known to protect against non-communicable diseases due to the fruit's content in compounds with an antioxidant capacity, among them is polyphenols. Asian plums (Prunus salicina L.) accumulate more than 40 phenolic compounds, with a remarkable diversity in their profiles, depending on the variety and environmental conditions. Although candidate genes have been indicated to control this trait, the loci controlling its phenotypic variation have not yet been defined in this species. The aim of this work was to identify the quantitative trait Loci (QTL) controlling the phenolic compounds content in the Asian plum skin and flesh. Using UHPLC-DAD-Orbitrap-MS, we determined that cyanidin-3-glucoside and cyanidin-3-rutinoside are the main anthocyanins in Asian plums. Other anthocyanins found to a lesser extent were tentatively identified as cyanidin bound to different sugar and procyanidin moieties. Then we phenotyped fruits of 92 and 80 F1 seedlings from the cross < "98.99" × "Angeleno"> (98 Ang) for two harvest seasons. We used HPLC-DAD to quantify single anthocyanin and spectrophotometric techniques to determine the total content of phenols, flavonoids, procyanidins, and antioxidant activity (DPPH and FRAP). To determine the phenotype-genotype association of phenolic compounds content, phenotypic values (adjusted by linear mixed-effects models), genotypic data and linkage maps were analyzed with the multiple QTL model (MQM) approach. We found a total of 21 significant trait-marker associations: 13 QTLs segregating from "98.99" and 8 QTLs from "Angeleno." From these associations, 8 corresponded to phenolic compound content in the flesh and 13 in the skin. Phenotype variance was explained by the detected loci, ranging from 12.4 to 27.1%. The identified loci are related to the content of cyanidin-3-glucoside (LG4), cyanidin-3-rutinoside (LG4), total flavonoids and procyanidins (LG5 and LG8), and minor anthocyanin compounds (LG3 and LG4). These results will help improve the efficiency of breeding programs for the generation of Asian plum varieties with high phenolic compound content.

Characterization of Japanese Plum (Prunus salicina) PsMYB10 Alleles Reveals Structural Variation and Polymorphisms Correlating With Fruit Skin Color

The red to blue hue of plant organs is caused due to anthocyanins, which are water-soluble flavonoid pigments. The accumulation of these pigments is regulated by a complex of R2R3-MYB transcription factors (TFs), basic-helix-loop-helix (bHLH), and WD-repeat (WDR) proteins (MBW complex). In Rosaceae species, R2R3-MYBs, particularly MYB10 genes, are responsible for part of the natural variation in anthocyanin colors. Japanese plum cultivars, which are hybrids of Prunus salicina, have high variability in the color hue and pattern, going from yellow-green to red and purple-blue, probably as a result of the interspecific hybridization origin of the crop. Because of such variability, Japanese plum can be considered as an excellent model to study the color determination in Rosaceae fruit tree species. Here, we cloned and characterized the alleles of the PsMYB10 genes in the linkage group LG3 region where quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for the organ color have been mapped to other Prunus species. Allele segregation in biparental populations as well as in a panel of varieties, combined with the whole-genome sequence of two varieties with contrasting fruit color, allowed the organization of the MYB10 alleles into haplotypes. With the help of this strategy, alleles were assigned to genes and at least three copies of PsMYB10.1 were identified in some varieties. In total, we observed six haplotypes, which were able to characterize 91.36% of the cultivars. In addition, two alleles of PsMYB10.1 were found to be highly associated with anthocyanin and anthocyanin-less skin. Their expression during the fruit development confirms their role in the fruit skin coloration. Here, we provide a highly efficient molecular marker for the early selection of colored or non-colored fruits in Japanese plum breeding programs.

Review about Non-Lipid Components and Minor Fat-Soluble Bioactive Compounds of Almond Kernel

This work presents a bibliographic review about almond kernel non-lipid components, in particular about the protein fraction, the carbohydrates and the mineral fraction. In addition, other fat-soluble phytochemicals which are present in minor concentrations but show important antioxidant activities are reviewed. Almond kernel is a rich protein food (8.4-35.1%), in which the globulin-albumin fraction dominates, followed by glutelins and prolamins. Within the almond kernel protein profile, amandine dominates. Free amino acids represent a small amount of the total nitrogen quantity, highlighting the presence of glutamic acid and aspartic acid, followed by arginine. Carbohydrates that appear in almond kernels (14-28%) are soluble sugars (mainly sucrose), starch and other polysaccharides such as cellulose and non-digestible hemicelluloses. Regarding the mineral elements, potassium is the most common, followed by phosphorus; both macronutrients represent more than 70% of the total mineral fraction, without taking into account nitrogen. Microminerals include sodium, iron, copper, manganese and zinc. Within the phytochemical compounds, tocopherols, squalene, phytosterols, stanols, sphingolipids, phospholipids, chlorophylls, carotenoids, phenols and volatile compounds can be found.

Ultrasonic-promoted enzymatic preparation, identification and multi-active studies of nature-identical phenolic acid glycerol derivatives

Phenolic acid glycerols (PAGs) are a group of rare phytochemicals found from potato periderm, which show great potential in the food, cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries. In this study, seven PAGs were enzymatically synthesized via transesterification of ethyl phenates (EPs) with glycerol by ultrasonic promotion. The conversions of 88.1–98.5% could be obtained in 1–9 h. Compared with the conventional stirring methods, the catalytic efficiency was significantly increased 11.0–44.0 folds by ultrasound assistance. The lipid peroxidation inhibition activity increased 8.1-fold and 14.4-fold compared to the parent phenolic acids (PAs). Furthermore, caffeoyl glycerol and feruloyl glycerol exhibited excellent antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli compared to the corresponding PAs with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) decreasing 4–16-fold. The PAGs can also absorb a much wider and higher amount of the harmful UV-B rays than the corresponding PAs. The present strategy for facile synthesis of multifunctional PAGs paves the way for the development and application of natural phytochemicals and novel ingredients.

A group of rare nature-identical phenolic acid glycerol derivatives was enzymatically prepared and identified, and showed much better antioxidant and antimicrobial activities than the corresponding phenolic acids.

Multifunctional Phytocompounds in Cotoneaster Fruits: Phytochemical Profiling, Cellular Safety, Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Effects in Chemical and Human Plasma Models In Vitro

The work presents the results of an investigation into the molecular background of the activity of Cotoneaster fruits, providing a detailed description of their phytochemical composition and some of the mechanisms of their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. GS-FID-MS and UHPLC-PDA-ESI-MS³ methods were applied to identify the potentially health-beneficial constituents of lipophilic and hydrophilic fractions, leading to the identification of fourteen unsaturated fatty acids (with dominant linoleic acid, 375.4–1690.2 mg/100 g dw), three phytosterols (with dominant β-sitosterol, 132.2–463.3 mg/100 g), two triterpenoid acids (10.9–54.5 mg/100 g), and twenty-six polyphenols (26.0–43.5 mg GAE/g dw). The most promising polyphenolic fractions exhibited dose-dependent anti-inflammatory activity in in vitro tests of lipoxygenase (IC₅₀ in the range of 7.7–24.9 μg/U) and hyaluronidase (IC₅₀ in the range of 16.4–29.3 μg/U) inhibition. They were also demonstrated to be a source of effective antioxidants, both in in vitro chemical tests (DPPH, FRAP, and TBARS) and in a biological model, in which at in vivo-relevant levels (1–5 μg/mL) they normalized/enhanced the nonenzymatic antioxidant capacity of human plasma and efficiently protected protein and lipid components of plasma against peroxynitrite-induced oxidative/nitrative damage. Moreover, the investigated extracts did not exhibit cytotoxicity towards human PMBCs. Among the nine Cotoneaster species tested, C. hjelmqvistii, C. zabelii, C. splendens, and C. bullatus possess the highest bioactive potential and might be recommended as dietary and functional food products.

Total Polyphenol Content and Antioxidant Capacity of Rosehips of Some Rosa Species

Background: Rosehips, the fruits of Rosa species, are well known for their various health benefits like strengthening the immune system and treating digestive disorders. Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cell regenerative effects are also among their health enhancing impacts. Rosehips are rich in compounds having antioxidant properties, like vitamin C, carotenoids, and phenolics. Methods: Total polyphenol content (Folin-Ciocalteu’s method), and in vitro total antioxidant capacity (ferric-reducing ability of plasma, FRAP) in rosehips of four Rosa species (R. canina, R. gallica, R. rugosa, R. spinosissima) were determined and compared. Ripe fruits were harvested at two locations. Water and ethanolic extracts of dried fruit flesh were analyzed. Results:R. spinosissima had the highest total phenolic content and antioxidant capacity, significantly higher than the other investigated Rosa species. Both parameters were reported in decreasing order for R. spinosissima > R. canina > R. rugosa > R. gallica. Ethanolic extracts of rosehips showed higher phenolic content and antioxidant activity than water extracts. Antioxidant properties were influenced by the growing site of Rosa species. Conclusions: This study indicates that R. spinosissima exhibited the greatest phenolic and antioxidant content, and therefore can be used as a reliable source of natural antioxidants, and serve as a suitable species for further plant breeding activities. Furthermore, investigations of various Rosa species for their antioxidant properties may draw more attention to their potential as functional foods.

Berry Phenolic Antioxidants - Implications for Human Health?

Antioxidants present in the diet may have a significant effect on the prophylaxis and progression of various diseases associated with oxidative stress. Berries contain a range of chemical compounds with antioxidant properties, including phenolic compounds. The aim of this review article is to provide an overview of the current knowledge of such phenolic antioxidants, and to discuss whether these compounds may always be natural gifts for human health, based on both in vitro and in vivo studies. It describes the antioxidant properties of fresh berries (including aronia berries, grapes, blueberries, sea buckthorn berries, strawberries and other berries) and their various products, especially juices and wines. Some papers report that these phenolic compounds may sometimes behave like prooxidants, and sometimes demonstrate both antioxidant and prooxidant activity, while others note they do not behave the same way in vitro and in vivo. However, no unwanted or toxic effects (i.e., chemical, hematological or urinary effect) have been associated with the consumption of berries or berry juices or other extracts, especially aronia berries and aronia products in vivo, and in vitro, which may suggest that the phenolic antioxidants found in berries are natural gifts for human health. However, the phenolic compound content of berries and berry products is not always well described, and further studies are required to determine the therapeutic doses of different berry products for use in future clinical studies. Moreover, further experiments are needed to understand the beneficial effects reported so far from the mechanistic point of view. Therefore, greater attention should be paid to the development of well-controlled and high-quality clinical studies in this area.

Fine-tuning of the flavonoid and monolignol pathways during apple early fruit development

A coordinated regulation of different branches of the flavonoid pathway was highlighted that may contribute to elucidate the role of this important class of compounds during the early stages of apple fruit development. Apple (Malus × domestica Borkh.) is an economically important fruit appreciated for its organoleptic characteristics and its benefits for human health. The first stages after fruit set represent a very important and still poorly characterized developmental process. To enable the profiling of genes involved in apple early fruit development, we combined the suppression subtractive hybridization (SSH) protocol to next-generation sequencing. We identified and characterized genes induced and repressed during fruit development in the apple cultivar 'Golden Delicious'. Our results showed an opposite regulation of genes coding for enzymes belonging to flavonoid and monolignol pathways, with a strong induction of the former and a simultaneous repression of the latter. Two isoforms of phenylalanine ammonia-lyase and 4-coumarate:CoA ligase, key enzymes located at the branching point between flavonoid and monolignol pathways, showed opposite expression patterns during the period in analysis, suggesting a possible regulation mechanism. A targeted metabolomic analysis supported the SSH results and revealed an accumulation of the monomers catechin and epicatechin as well as several forms of procyanidin oligomers in apple fruitlets starting early after anthesis, together with a decreased production of other classes of flavonoids such as some flavonols and the dihydrochalcone phlorizin. Moreover, gene expression and metabolites accumulation of 'Golden Delicious' were compared to a wild apple genotype of Manchurian crabapple (Malus mandshurica (Maxim.) Kom.). Significant differences in both gene expression and metabolites accumulation were found between the two genotypes.

Detoxification effects of phytonutrients against environmental toxicants and sharing of clinical experience on practical applications

According to the Food and Health Bureau and Trade and Industry Department of the Hong Kong Government, 90 % of the total food supply in Hong Kong was imported from the Mainland China. In addition, the hidden or illegal use of prohibited pesticides, food adulteration (e.g., using industrial salt in food processing, using gutter oil as cooking oil), and pollutions were periodically reported by the media. Excessive exposure to toxic heavy metals or persistent organic pollutants (POPs) from diet or environmental is inevitable amid industrialization and pollution. Understanding of the detoxification ability among nutrients in plant-based food (i.e., phytonutrients in green tea, onion, garlic, coriander, and turmeric) offers therapeutic and preventive effects against the poisoning effects due to these pollutants. Oxidative stress and pro-inflammatory actions are the common mechanisms for heavy metals or POPs toxicities, while phytonutrients counteracts these cellular insults by anti-oxidation, upregulation of anti-inflammatory pathways, and chelation.

Effect of Organic and Conventional Management on Bio-Functional Quality of Thirteen Plum Cultivars (Prunus salicina Lindl.)

In this study, thirteen Japanese plum cultivars (Prunus salicina Lindl.) grown under conventional and organic conditions were compared to evaluate the influence of the culture system on bioactive compounds. Their organic acids content (malic, citric, tartaric, succinic, shikimic, ascorbic and fumaric acid), total polyphenols, total anthocyanins, total carotenoids and antioxidant capacity (FRAP, ABTS) were evaluated. The study was performed during two consecutive seasons (2012 and 2013) in two experimental orchards located at the IFAPA centre Las Torres-Tomejil (Seville, SW Spain). The culture system affected all the studied parameters except for total carotenoid content. The organic plums had significantly higher polyphenol and anthocyanin concentrations and a greater antioxidant capacity. Additionally, significant differences between cultivars were also found. ‘Showtime’ and ‘Friar’ were the cultivars with the highest polyphenol concentration and antioxidant capacity. ‘Black Amber’ had the highest anthocyanin content and ‘Larry Ann’ and ‘Songold’ the highest carotenoid content. ‘Sapphire’ and ‘Black amber’ were the cultivars with the highest concentration of ascorbic acid. Our results showed a strong year effect. In conclusion, organic management had an impact on the production of phytochemical compounds in plums.

Insect Antifeedant Potential of Xanthohumol, Isoxanthohumol, and Their Derivatives

Xanthohumol (14) and isoxanthohumol (6) derived from hop (Humulus lupulus L., Cannabaceae) and selected chalcone and chromene derivatives, obtained by chemical synthesis, were studied for antifeedant activity against the peach-potato aphid (Myzus persicae [Sulz.]). The study used also commercially available 4-chromanone (1), flavanone (4), naringenin (5), chromone (7), flavone (8), 7-aminoflavone (9), trans-chalcone (10), and 4-methoxychalcone (12). For chromone derivatives it was observed that the presence of a phenyl substituent at C-2 in the chromone (7) skeleton increased the insect antifeedant activity, and this activity was observed for a longer time. Also, the introduction of an amino group at C-7 of flavone (8) considerably increased the insect antifeedant activity, which was observed for the whole test time. Among the compounds examined, the strongest deterrents were isoxanthohumol (6), 7-methoxy-2,2-dimethylchroman-4-one (3), 7-aminoflavone (9), and 4-ethyl-4'-methoxychalcone (13).