Antioxidant, antinociceptive, and anti-inflammatory effects of carotenoids extracted from dried pepper (Capsicum annuum L.)

Dietary anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial medicinal plants and its compounds in bovine mastitis associated impact on human life

Bovine mastitis (BM) is the most common bacterial mediated inflammatory disease in the dairy cattle that causes huge economic loss to the dairy industry due to decreased milk quality and quantity. Milk is the essential food in the human diet, and rich in crucial nutrients that helps in lowering the risk of diseases like hypertension, cardiovascular diseases and type 2 diabetes. The main causative agents of the disease include various gram negative, and positive bacteria, along with other risk factors such as udder shape, age, genetic, and environmental factors also contributes much for the disease. Currently, antibiotics, immunotherapy, probiotics, dry cow, and lactation therapy are commonly recommended for BM. However, these treatments can only decrease the rise of new cases but can't eliminate the causative agents, and they also exhibit several limitations. Hence, there is an urgent need of a potential source that can generate a typical and ideal treatment to overcome the limitations and eliminate the pathogens. Among the various sources, medicinal plants and its derived products always play a significant role in drug discovery against several diseases. In addition, they are also known for its low toxicity and minimum resistance features. Therefore, plants and its compounds that possess anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties can serve better in bovine mastitis. In addition, the plants that are serving as a food source and possessing pharmacological properties can act even better in bovine mastitis. Hence, in this evidence-based study, we particularly review the dietary medicinal plants and derived products that are proven for anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial effects. Moreover, the role of each dietary plant and its compounds along with possible role in the management of bovine mastitis are delineated. In this way, this article serves as a standalone source for the researchers working in this area to help in the management of BM.

Agri-Food Waste Recycling for Healthy Remedies: Biomedical Potential of Nutraceuticals from Unripe Tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum L.)

Unripe tomatoes represent an agri-food waste resulting from industrial by-processing products of tomatoes, yielding products with a high content of bioactive compounds with potential nutraceutical properties. The food-matrix biological properties are attributed to the high steroidal glycoalkaloid (SGA) content. Among them, α-tomatine is the main SGA reported in unripe green tomatoes. This review provides an overview of the main chemical and pharmacological features of α-tomatine and green tomato extracts. The extraction processes and methods employed in SGA identification and the quantification are discussed. Special attention was given to the methods used in α-tomatine qualitative and quantitative analyses, including the extraction procedures and the clean-up methods applied in the analysis of Solanum lycopersicum L. extracts. Finally, the health-beneficial properties and the pharmacokinetics and toxicological aspects of SGAs and α-tomatine-containing extracts are considered in depth. In particular, the relevant results of the main in vivo and in vitro studies reporting the therapeutic properties and the mechanisms of action were described in detail.

Characterization and biological applications of gonadal extract of Paracentrotus lividus collected along the Mediterranean coast of Alexandria, Egypt

Marine invertebrates represent a valuable reservoir of pharmaceutical bioactive compounds with potential relevance to various medical applications. These compounds exhibit notable advantages when compared to their terrestrial counterparts, in terms of their potency, activity, and mechanism of action. Within this context, the present work aimed to extract, chemically characterize, and investigate the bioactivity of the gonadal extract of the sea urchin Paracentrotus lividus (P. lividus) collected along the Mediterranean coast of Alexandria, Egypt. Fractions of the gonadal extract were characterized by Spectrophotometry and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and their bioactivities were investigated in vitro. The analysis supported the extract richness of carotenoids and bioactive compounds. The extract showed promising anticancer activity against three different breast cancer cell lines with different levels of aggressiveness and causative factors, namely MDA-MB-231, MDA-MB-453, and HCC-1954. Gene expression analysis using RT-qPCR showed that P. lividus extract inhibited the expression of crucial factors involved in cell cycle regulation and apoptosis. In addition, the extract significantly inhibited the lipo-polysaccharides (LPS) induced inflammation in the RAW264.7 macrophage cell line and exerted anti-bacterial activity against the Gram-negative bacteria Klebsiella pneumoniae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Collectively, these results demonstrated the chemical richness and the wide-scale applicability of P. lividus gonadal extract as an anti-cancer, anti-bacterial, and anti-inflammatory natural extract.

Highly Water-Dispersed and Stable Deinoxanthin Nanocapsule for Effective Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Activity

Introduction

Deinoxanthin (DX), a carotenoid, has excellent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. However, owing to its lipophilicity, it is unfavorably dispersed in water and has low stability, limiting its application in cosmetics, food, and pharmaceuticals. Therefore, it is necessary to study nanoparticles to increase the loading capacity and stability of DX.

Methods

In this study, DX-loaded nanocapsules (DX@NCs) were prepared by nanoprecipitation by loading DX into nanocapsules. The size, polydispersity index, surface charge, and morphology of DX@NCs were confirmed through dynamic light scattering and transmission electron microscopy. The loading content and loading efficiency of DX in DX@NCs were analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography. The antioxidant activity of DX@NCs was evaluated by DPPH assay and in vitro ROS. The biocompatibility of DX@NCs was evaluated using an in vitro MTT assay. In vitro NO analysis was performed to determine the effective anti-inflammatory efficacy of DX@NCs.

Results

DX@NCs exhibited increased stability and antioxidant efficacy owing to the improved water solubility of DX. The in situ and in vitro antioxidant activity of DX@NCs was higher than that of unloaded DX. In addition, it showed a strong anti-inflammatory effect by regulating the NO level in an in vitro cell model.

Conclusion

This study presents a nanocarrier to improve the water-soluble dispersion and stability of DX. These results demonstrate that DX@NC is a carrier with excellent stability and has a high potential for use in cosmetic and pharmaceutical applications owing to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.

Antioxidant potential and factors influencing the content of antioxidant compounds of pepper: A review with current knowledge

The use of natural food items as antioxidants has gained increasing popularity and attention in recent times supported by scientific studies validating the antioxidant properties of natural food items. Peppers (Capsicum spp.) are also important sources of antioxidants and several studies published during the last few decades identified and quantified various groups of phytochemicals with antioxidant capacities as well as indicated the influence of several pre- and postharvest factors on the antioxidant capacity of pepper. Therefore, this review summarizes the research findings on the antioxidant activity of pepper published to date and discusses their potential health benefits as well as the factors influencing the antioxidant activity in pepper. The major antioxidant compounds in pepper include capsaicinoids, capsinoids, vitamins, carotenoids, phenols, and flavonoids, and these antioxidants potentially modulate oxidative stress related to aging and diseases by targeting reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, lipid peroxidation products, as well as genes for transcription factors that regulate antioxidant response elements genes. The review also provides a systematic understanding of the factors that maintain or improve the antioxidant capacity of peppers and the application of these strategies offers options to pepper growers and spices industries for maximizing the antioxidant activity of peppers and their health benefits to consumers. In addition, the efficacy of pepper antioxidants, safety aspects, and formulations of novel products with pepper antioxidants have also been covered with future perspectives on potential innovative uses of pepper antioxidants in the future.

Fine mapping and gene silencing pinpoint Capana10g002229 as a strong candidate gene regulating the deciduous character of ripe pepper fruit (Capsicum spp.)

The pepper S locus, which controls the deciduous character of ripe fruit, was first fine mapped into an interval with a physical length of ~ 38.03 kb on chromosome P10. Capana10g002229, encoding a polygalacturonase, was proposed as a strong candidate gene based on sequence comparison, expression pattern analysis and virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS). The deciduous character of ripe fruit, which is controlled by the dominant S locus, is a domesticated trait with potential value in the pepper processing industry (Capsicum spp.). However, the gene associated with the S locus has not been identified. Here, one major QTL designated S10.1 was detected by using the F₂ population (n = 155) derived from BA3 (Capsicum annuum) × YNXML (Capsicum frutescens) and was further verified in an intraspecific backcross population (n = 254) derived from the cross between BB3 (C. annuum) and its wild relative Chiltepin (C. annuum var. glabriusculum) with BB3 as the recurrent parent. Then, a large BC₁F₂ population derived from the self-pollination of BB3 × (BB3 × Chiltepin) individuals and comprising 4217 individuals was used to screen the recombinants, and the S locus was ultimately delimited into a 38.03-kb region on chromosome P10 harbouring four annotated genes. Capana10g002229, encoding a polygalacturonase (PG), was proposed as the best candidate gene for S based on sequence comparison and expression pattern analyses. Downregulation of Capana10g002229 in fruits through VIGS significantly delayed fruit softening and abscission from the fruit-receptacle junction. Taken together, the results show that Capana10g002229 could be regarded as a strong candidate gene associated with the S locus in pepper. These findings not only lay a foundation for deciphering the molecular mechanisms underlying pepper domestication but also provide a strategy for genetic improvement of the deciduous character of ripe fruit using a marker-assisted selection approach.

Biological Characterization of Polystichum lonchitis L. for Phytochemical and Pharmacological Activities in Swiss Albino Mice Model

Polystichum lonchitis L. is a fern belonging to the family Dryopteridaceae. The present study was conducted to evaluate its pharmacological, antioxidant, and phytochemical properties, and to conduct GC-MS screening of P. lonchitis. The acetic acid-induced writhing test, yeast-induced hyperpyrexia method, carrageenan-induced rat paw edema model, and charcoal meal test model were carried out to assess analgesic, antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, and antispasmodic activity, respectively. DPPH was used as an antioxidant, while the phytochemical screening was conducted using standard scientific methods. Among the pharmacological activities, the most significant effects were observed in the analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities, followed by the antipyretic and antispasmodic activities, at a dose of 450 mg/kg after the 4th hour, compared with 150 mg/kg and 300 mg/kg. For the evaluation of antioxidant activities, the most significant results were detected in the methanolic and aqueous extracts. The detection of flavonoids and phenol occurred most significantly in the methanolic extract, and then in the ethanolic and aqueous extracts. The main compounds detected using GC-MS analysis with a high metabolic rate was 𝛼-D-Galactopyranoside, which had a metabolic rate of 0.851, and methyl and n-hexadecanoic, which had a metabolic rate of 0.972. Overall, the results suggested that P. lonchitis had a strong potential for pharmacological activities. The suggested assessment provided a way to isolate the bioactive constituents and will help to provide new medicines with fewer side effects. Due to the fern's effectiveness against various diseases, the results provide clear evidence that they also have the potential to cure various diseases.

Evaluation of a Packaging System in Pallets Under Modified Atmosphere to Extend the Shelf-life of ‘Padrón’ Peppers Stored at Refrigeration Temperature

A modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) system in pallets was developed for ‘Padrón’ peppers as a way to extend their shelf-life while maintaining good fruit quality. Peppers were stored at 6 °C in cardboard boxes arranged on pallets wrapped in micro-perforated low-density polyethylene (LDPE) bags. Physico-chemical (moisture, firmness, color, chlorophylls, carotenoids, ascorbic acid, and total phenolic content) and sensory analysis were carried out after 0, 7, 14, and 21 days of storage. An initial mixture of 11.8% O2–8.5% CO2 prevented anaerobic conditions and kept suitable CO2 levels throughout the entire storage period. Silica gel was tested as a moisture absorbent and considerably reduced water vapor condensation inside packaging bags. The MAP system developed maintained the shelf-life of peppers until the end of the 21-day storage period. The fruit always showed a good appearance and color. No rotting or other types of undesirable alterations were observed. MAP markedly reduced the fraction of peppers with water loss as evidenced by a minimum percentage of fruit with wrinkles (12.5%) as compared to unpackaged samples (75%). Good pigment stability was also observed.

Protective Effects of Orange Sweet Pepper Juices Prepared by High-Speed Blender and Low-Speed Masticating Juicer against UVB-induced Skin Damage in SKH-1 Hairless Mice

Sweet pepper fruits (Capsicum annuum L.) contain various nutrients and phytochemicals that enhance human health and prevent the pathogenesis of certain diseases. Here, we report that oral administration of orange sweet pepper juices prepared by a high-speed blender and low-speed masticating juicer reduces UVB-induced skin damage in SKH-1 hairless mice. Sweet pepper juices reduced UVB-induced skin photoaging by the regulation of genes involved in dermal matrix production and maintenance such as collagen type I α 1 and matrix metalloproteinase-2, 3, 9. Administration of sweet pepper juices also restored total collagen levels in UVB-exposed mice. In addition, sweet pepper juices downregulated the expression of pro-inflammatory proteins such as cyclooxygenase-2, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-17, and IL-23, which was likely via inhibiting the NF-κB pathway. Moreover, primary antioxidant enzymes in the skin were enhanced by oral supplementation of sweet pepper juices, as evidenced by increased expression of catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and superoxide dismutase-2. Immunohistochemical staining showed that sweet pepper juices reduced UVB-induced DNA damage by preventing 8-OHdG formation. These results suggest that sweet pepper juices may offer a protective effect against photoaging by inhibiting the breakdown of dermal matrix, inflammatory response, and DNA damage as well as enhancing antioxidant defense, which leads to an overall reduction in skin damage.

Technologies for Solubility, Dissolution and Permeation Enhancement of Natural Compounds

The current review is based on the advancements in the field of natural therapeutic agents which could be utilized for a variety of biomedical applications and against various diseases and ailments. In addition, several obstacles have to be circumvented to achieve the desired therapeutic effectiveness, among which limited dissolution and/or solubility and permeability are included. To counteract these issues, several advancements in the field of natural therapeutic substances needed to be addressed. Therefore, in this review, the possible techniques for the dissolution/solubility and permeability improvements have been addressed which could enhance the dissolution and permeability up to several times. In addition, the conventional and modern isolation and purification techniques have been emphasized to achieve the isolation and purification of single or multiple therapeutic constituents with convenience and smarter approaches. Moreover, a brief overview of advanced natural compounds with multiple therapeutic effectiveness have also been anticipated. In brief, enough advancements have been carried out to achieve safe, effective and economic use of natural medicinal agents with improved stability, handling and storage.

Phytochemical‑rich herbal formula ATG‑125 protects against sucrose‑induced gastrocnemius muscle atrophy by rescuing Akt signaling and improving mitochondrial dysfunction in young adult mice

The antioxidant capability of herbal remedies has attracted widespread attention, but their molecular mechanisms in a muscle atrophy model have not been explored. The aim of the present study was to compare the bioactivity of sucrose challenged mice following treatment with ATG‑125. Here, through a combination of transcriptomic and biomedical analysis, herbal formula ATG‑125, a phytochemical‑rich formula, was identified as a protective factor against muscle atrophy in sucrose challenged mice. Gene ontology (GO) identified differentially expressed genes that were primarily enriched in the 'negative regulation of proteolysis', 'cellular amino acid metabolic process', 'lipoprotein particle' and 'cell cycle', all of which were associated with the ATG‑125‑mediated prevention of muscle atrophy, particularly with regard to mitochondrial biogenesis. In skeletal muscle, a set of mitochondrial‑related genes, including angiopoietin‑like 4, nicotinamide riboside kinase 2 (Nmrk2), pyruvate dehydrogenase lipoamide kinase isozyme 4, Asc‑type amino acid transporter 1 and mitochondrial uncoupling protein 3 (Ucp3) were markedly upregulated following ATG‑125 intervention. An increase in Nmrk2 and Ucp3 expression were noted after ATG‑125 treatment, in parallel with upregulation of the 'nicotinate and nicotinamide metabolism' pathway, as determined using the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG). Furthermore, KEGG pathway analysis revealed the downregulation of 'complement and coagulation cascades', 'cholesterol metabolism', 'biosynthesis of amino acids' and 'PPAR signaling pathway', which were associated with the downregulation of serine (or cysteine) peptidase inhibitor clade A member (Serpina)3, Serpina1b, Serpina1d, Serpina1e, apolipoprotein (Apo)a1 and Apoa2, all of which were cardiovascular and diabetes‑associated risk factors and were regulated by ATG‑125. In addition, ATG‑125 treatment resulted in downregulated mRNA expression levels of ATPase sarcoplasmic/endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ transporting 2, troponin‑I1, troponin‑C1 and troponin‑T1 in young adult gastrocnemius muscle compared with the sucrose group. Nuclear factor‑κB‑hypoxia inducible factor‑1α‑TGFβ receptor type‑II‑vascular endothelial growth factor staining indicated that ATG‑125 decreased sucrose‑induced chronic inflammation. ATG‑125 was sufficient to prevent muscle atrophy, and this protective effect may be mediated through upregulation of AKT phosphorylation, upregulating the insulin growth factor‑1R‑insulin receptor substrate‑PI3K‑AKT pathway, which in turn resulted in a forkhead box O‑dependent decrease in protein degradation pathways, including regulation of atrogin1 and E3 ubiquitin‑protein ligase TRIM63. Peroxisome‑proliferator activated receptor γ coactivator 1α (PGC1α) was decreased in young adult mice challenged with sucrose. ATG‑125 treatment significantly increased PGC1α and significantly increased UCP‑1,2,3 expression levels, which suggested ATG‑125 poised the mitochondria for uncoupling of respiration. This effect is consistent with the increased SIRT1 levels and may explain an increase in mitochondria biogenesis. Taken together, the present study showed that ATG‑125, as an integrator of protein synthesis and degradative pathways, prevented muscle wasting.

Astaxanthin engages the l-arginine/NO/cGMP/KATP channel signaling pathway toward antinociceptive effects

One of the main functions of the sensory system in our body is to maintain somatosensory homeostasis. Recent reports have led to a significant advance in our understanding of pain signaling mechanisms; however, the exact mechanisms of pain transmission have remained unclear. There is an urgent need to reveal the precise signaling mediators of pain to provide alternative therapeutic agents with more efficacy and fewer side effects. Accordingly, although the anti-inflammatory, antioxidative and anti-neuropathic effects of astaxanthin (AST) have been previously highlighted, its peripheral antinociceptive mechanisms are not fully understood. In this line, considering the engagement of l-arginine/nitric oxide (NO)/cyclic GMP (cGMP)/potassium channel (KATP) signaling pathway in the antinociceptive responses, the present study evaluated its associated role in the antinociceptive activity of AST. Male mice were intraperitoneally (i.p.) injected with l-arginine (100 mg/kg), SNAP (1 mg/kg), L-NAME (30 mg/kg), sildenafil (5 mg/kg), and glibenclamide (10 mg/kg) alone and prior to the most effective dose of AST. Following AST administration, intraplantarly (i.pl) injection of formalin was done, and pain responses were evaluated in mice during the primary (acute) and secondary (inflammatory) phases of formalin test. The results highlighted that 10 mg/kg i.p. dose of AST showed the greatest antinociceptive effect. Besides, while L-NAME and glibenclamide reduced the antinociceptive effect of AST, it was significantly increased by l-arginine, SNAP and sildenafil during both the primary and secondary phases of formalin test. These data suggest that the antinociceptive activity of AST is passing through the l-arginine/NO/cGMP/KATP pathway.

Acetylated cashew gum and fucan for incorporation of lycopene rich extract from red guava (Psidium guajava L.) in nanostructured systems: Antioxidant and antitumor capacity

Industrial application of lycopene is limited due to its chemical instability and low bioavailability. This study proposes the development of fucan-coated acetylated cashew gum nanoparticles (NFGa) and acetylated cashew gum nanoparticles (NGa) for incorporation of the lycopene-rich extract from red guava (LEG). Size, polydispersity, zeta potential, nanoparticles concentration, encapsulation efficiency, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) were used to characterize nanoparticles. The antioxidant activity was determinated and cell viability was evaluated in the human breast cancer cells (MCF-7) and human keratinocytes (HaCaT) by MTT assay. The toxic effect was evaluated by hemolysis test and by Galleria mellonella model. NFGa showed higher stability than NGa, having a size of 162.10 ± 3.21 nm, polydispersity of 0.348 ± 0.019, zeta potential -30.70 ± 0.53 mV, concentration of 6.4 × 10⁹ nanoparticles/mL and 60% LEG encapsulation. Microscopic analysis revealed a spherical and smooth shape of NFGa. NFGa showed antioxidant capacity by ABTS method and ORAC assay. The NFGa presented significant cytotoxicity against MCF-7 from the lowest concentration tested (6.25-200 μg/mL) and did not affect the cell viability of the HaCaT. NFGa showed non-toxic effect in the in vitro and in vivo models. Therefore, NFGa may have a promising application in LEG stabilization for antioxidant and antitumor purposes.

Optimization of Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction of Bioactive Compounds from Acacia Seyal Gum Using Response Surface Methodology and Their Chemical Content Identification by Raman, FTIR, and GC-TOFMS

Acacia Seyal gum (ASG), also known as gum Arabic, is an antioxidant-rich soluble fiber. ASG has been reported to have many biological activities, including anticancer, antidiabetic, antiulcer, and immunomodulatory activity. Extraction of bioactive compounds from ASG is commonly performed using conventional extraction methods. However, these techniques have certain limitation in terms of extraction time, energy, and solvent requirements. Ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) could be used as an alternative technique to extract bioactive compounds in less time, at low temperature, and with less energy and solvent requirements. In this study, the UAE extraction of ASG was optimized using response surface methodology (RSM). A face-centered central composite design (FCCCD) was used to monitor the effect of different independent factors of ultrasound operation (sonication time, temperature, and solvent ratio) on ASG extraction yield. In addition, screening and characterization of phytochemicals in 60% ethanol ASG extract was carried out using Raman microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and gas chromatography time-of-flight mass spectroscopy (GC-TOFMS) analysis. The results indicated that, under optimal conditions (extraction time 45 min, extraction temperature 40 °C, and solid–liquid ratio of 1:25 g/mL), the yield of ASG was 75.87% ± 0.10. This yield was reasonably close to the predicted yield of 75.39% suggested by the design of experiment. The ANOVA revealed that the model was highly significant due to the low probability value (p < 0.0001). Raman spectrum fingerprint detected polysaccharides, such as galactose and glucose, and protein like lysine and proline, while FTIR spectrum revealed the presence of functional groups peaks value of alkanes, aldehydes, aliphatic amines, and phenol. GC-TOFMS spectroscopic detected the presence of strong d-galactopyranose, carotenoid, and lycopene antioxidant compounds. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that the UAE technique is an efficient method to achieve a high yield of ASG extracts. The selected model is adequate to optimize the extraction of several chemical compounds reported in this study.

Antibacterial and Therapeutic Potentials of the Capsicum annuum Extract against Infected Wound in a Rat Model with Its Mechanisms of Antibacterial Action

The wound healing process is essential to reform the damaged tissue and prevent its invasion by pathogens. The present study aims at evaluating the antibacterial and therapeutic properties of the Capsicum annuum L. (Solanaceae) extract against infected wound in a rat model with its mechanisms of antibacterial action. The fruit extract was prepared by maceration in methanol. The broth microdilution method was used to investigate the antibacterial activity of the methanol extract of C. annuum fruits. The therapeutic effect of the extract gel was performed on an excision wound infected with Staphylococcus aureus using a rat model. The total phenol, flavonoid, and tannin contents as well as the antibacterial mechanisms of action of the extract were determined using spectrophotometric methods. The C. annuum fruit extract showed antibacterial properties which can be linked to its total phenolic, flavonoid, and tannin contents. The antibacterial activity is due to the inhibition of the biofilm formation, ATPases/H+ proton pump, and dehydrogenase activity as well as the alteration of the bacterial cell membrane through the leakage of nucleic acids, reducing sugars and proteins. The extract gel showed a significant (p < 0.05) increase in the percentage of wound closure and eradicated S. aureus at the infection site. The extract gel was nonirritating to the skin and slightly irritating to the eyes and should be used with caution. Overall, the findings of the present study support the traditional use of the studied plant in the treatment of wounds and infectious diseases associated with the tested bacteria.

Fine mapping and candidate gene analysis of the up locus determining fruit orientation in pepper (Capsicum spp.)

The up locus determining fruit orientation was fine-mapped into a region with a physical length of ~169.51 kb on chromosome P12 in pepper. Capana12g000958, encoding a developmentally regulated G protein 2, was proposed as the strongest candidate via sequence comparison and expression analysis. Fruit orientation is an important horticultural and domesticated trait, which is controlled by a single semi-dominant gene (up) in pepper. However, the gene underlying up locus has not yet been identified. In this study, the previously detected major QTL UP12.1 was firstly verified using a backcross population (n = 225) stem from the cross of BB3 (C. annuum) and its wild relative Chiltepin (C. annuum var. glabriusculum) using BB3 as the recurrent parent. Then, a large BC₁F₂ population (n = 1827) was used for recombinant screening to delimit the up locus into an interval with ~ 169.51 kb in length. Sequence comparison and expression analysis suggested that Capana12g000958, encoding a developmentally regulated G protein 2, was the most likely candidate gene for the up locus. There is no difference within the coding sequences of Capana12g000958 between BB3 and Chiltepin, while a SNP in the upstream of Capana12g000958 showed a complete correlation with the fruit orientation among a panel of 40 diverse pepper inbred lines. These findings will form a basis for gene isolation and reveal of genetic mechanism underlying the fruit orientation domestication in pepper.

Emulgel for improved topical delivery of Tretinoin: Formulation design and characterization

OBJECTIVES

The chief objective of the present research was to reduce local side effects by reducing the dose, controlling the release, and improving the stability by developing and optimizing tretinoin (TRT)-loaded topical emulgel formulation.

METHODS

TRT emulgel (TE) was prepared and optimized at varying ratios of excipients and using 3² optimal response surface design (ORSD). The TRT emulgel was optimized based on TRT content and in vitro release profile of TRT from formulated emulgel batches. The optimized TRT was characterized for physical properties, pH, viscosity, spreadability, extrudability, photomicroscopy, in vitro anti-acne, in vivo skin irritation, in vivo anti-inflammatory activity, and stability study.

RESULTS

The FTIR and DSC analysis revealed the compatibility between TRT and formulation excipients of emulgel. The batch F5 of emulgel formulation displayed maximum drug content (98.69±1.26%), and controlled TRT release (78.27±0.69%). Thus, batch F5 was selected as an optimized batch for further characterization. The photomicroscopic analysis of optimized TE exhibited the presence of spherical globules. The pH and viscosity of optimized TE were found to be 6.20±0.12 and 3240cP respectively. Besides, the optimized TE showed good spreadability and extrudability. The in vitro anti-acne activity against Propionibacterium acne (P. acne) of optimized TE (diameter of zone of inhibition 34.54±0.26mm) was found to be the comparatively same as that of marketed Sotret® gel (diameter of zone of inhibition 36.13±0.43mm). Moreover, no sign of irritation was observed in rats treated with optimized TE indicating the safety of TE. Furthermore, the optimized TE displayed significant (p<0.01) in vivo anti-inflammatory activity when compared to marketed gel. Besides, optimized TE was found to be stable when stored in cool conditions for three months.

CONCLUSION

Thus, the emulgel could be a promising approach for the topical delivery of TRT with improved performance and reduced side effects.

Myrciaria dubia Juice (camu-camu) Exhibits Analgesic and Antiedematogenic Activities in Mice

The Myrciaria dubia (Myrtaceae) fruit is traditionally used to treat malnutrition due to its high levels of vitamin C and phenolic compounds. Because of its composition, this plant is very promising in the research of novel natural treatment for pain disorders. This study analyzed the phytochemical profile of M. dubia juice and assessed its antinociceptive and antiedematogenic potential. The phytochemical profile was determined through high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), the oral antinociceptive effect of M. dubia 50% juice (Md50) was evaluated by formalin, hot plate and Complete Freund's Adjuvant tests and the antiedematogenic activity by paw edema. HPLC revealed the presence of ascorbic acid, rutin, and ellagic acid as major compounds. Md50 showed an antinociceptive effect in the acute and chronic phases of the formalin test. In the hot plate test, Md50 also induced an antinociceptive effect of 0.5 up to 6 h, showing antinociceptive and antiedematogenic potential without changing the spontaneous locomotion of animals. All protocols were submitted and approved by the Ethics Committee for use of Animals of the Lutheran University of Brazil (protocol No. 2013-30P).

Chili Pepper Carotenoids: Nutraceutical Properties and Mechanisms of Action

Chili pepper is a prominent cultivated horticultural crop that is traditionally used for food seasoning and is applied for the treatment and prevention of multiple diseases. Its beneficial health properties are due to its abundance and variety of bioactive components, such as carotenoids, capsaicinoids, and vitamins. In particular, carotenoids have important nutraceutical properties, and several studies have focused on their potential in the prevention and treatment of human diseases. In this article, we reviewed the state of knowledge of general aspects of chili pepper carotenoids (biosynthesis pathway, types and content in Capsicum spp., and the effects of processing on carotenoid content) and recent findings on the effects of carotenoid nutraceuticals, such as antioxidant, cancer preventive, anti-inflammatory, cardiovascular disorder preventive, and anti-obesity effects.

Effects of paprika carotenoid supplementation on bone turnover in postmenopausal women: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group comparison study

Background

Paprika (Capsicum annuum L.) is a good source of carotenoids, including capsanthin, β-carotene, β-cryptoxanthin, and zeaxanthin. Several epidemiological studies have shown a beneficial association of intake of these carotenoids or their blood concentration with bone mineral density (BMD) and fracture risk. However, little information is available regarding the effect of intake of these carotenoids on bone metabolism in postmenopausal women.

Objective

The objective of the present study was to investigate the effects of paprika carotenoid extract (PCE) on bone turnover in healthy, postmenopausal women.

Design

We conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group comparison study. One hundred participants were randomly assigned to PCE or placebo groups. Each group was given a 20 mg PCE (equivalent to 1.4 mg of carotenoids) a day or a placebo for 24 weeks. We measured bone resorption markers (tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase 5b [TRACP-5b] and serum type I collagen cross-linked N-telopeptide [sNTX]) at 12 and 24 weeks and bone formation markers (bone alkaline phosphatase and osteocalcin) at 24 weeks.

Results

The percentage decrease of TRACP-5b at 24 weeks was significantly higher for PCE than the placebo. There were no significant differences in sNTX or bone formation markers, although PCE decreased each marker compared with the placebo.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that PCE supplementation suppresses bone resorption and contributes to maintaining bone quality in postmenopausal women.

Formulation Development, Characterization, and Evaluation of a Novel Dexibuprofen-Capsaicin Skin Emulgel with Improved In Vivo Anti-inflammatory and Analgesic Effects

Transdermal application of analgesics allows efficient and painless delivery of medication with minimum side effect. This study was designed with the aim to formulate and characterize dexibuprofen-capsaicin emulgel for transdermal drug delivery with improved anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects. The emulgel was prepared and evaluated for physical examination, stability, spreadability, rheological behavior, viscosity, drug content determination, FTIR analysis, and ex vivo studies. Anti-inflammatory (carrageenan-induced paw edema) and analgesic (hot plate latency test) effects were determined in Sprague-Dawley rats. The dexibuprofen-capsaicin emulgel showed good physical appearance and stability having average pH 5.5 to 6.0, conductivity 73-76 s/m, spreadability (12-)17 g cm/s, drug content 102.84% ± 0.53 (for capsaicin) and 94.09% ± 0.41 (for dexibuprofen), and FTIR compatibility. It was noted that 86.956% ± 1.46 (with 100 mg menthol), 76.687% ± 1.21 (75 mg menthol), and 65.543% ± 1.71 (without menthol) of capsaicin were released. Similarly 81.342% ± 1.21 (with 100 mg menthol), 72.321% ± 1.31 (75 mg menthol), and 52.462% ± 1.23 (without menthol) of dexibuprofen were released. The cumulative amount of capsaicin permeated through rabbit skin was 9.83 ± 0.037 μg/cm² with 100 mg menthol (as permeation enhancer), 7.23 ± 0.037 μg/cm² with 75 mg menthol, and 2.23 ± 0.061 μg/cm² without menthol after 6.5 h. The permeation of dexibuprofen was 19.53 ± 0.054 μg/cm², 13.87 ± 0.032 μg/cm², and 3.83 ± 0.074 μg/cm². Carrageenan-induced paw edema of rat was effectively inhibited by the optimized emulgel. Similarly it was observed that DCE5 shows higher analgesic activity compared with marketed diclofenac sodium emulgel (Dicloran®). The conclusion of this research study evidently indicated a promising synergistic potential of dexibuprofen-capsaicin emulgel as an alternative to the conventional topical dosage form.

Biological Properties, Bioactive Constituents, and Pharmacokinetics of Some Capsicum spp. and Capsaicinoids

Pepper originated from the Capsicum genus, which is recognized as one of the most predominant and globally distributed genera of the Solanaceae family. It is a diverse genus, consisting of more than 31 different species including five domesticated species, Capsicum baccatum, C. annuum, C. pubescen, C. frutescens, and C. chinense. Pepper is the most widely used spice in the world and is highly valued due to its pungency and unique flavor. Pepper is a good source of provitamin A; vitamins E and C; carotenoids; and phenolic compounds such as capsaicinoids, luteolin, and quercetin. All of these compounds are associated with their antioxidant as well as other biological activities. Interestingly, Capsicum fruits have been used as food additives in the treatment of toothache, parasitic infections, coughs, wound healing, sore throat, and rheumatism. Moreover, it possesses antimicrobial, antiseptic, anticancer, counterirritant, appetite stimulator, antioxidant, and immunomodulator activities. Capsaicin and Capsicum creams are accessible in numerous ways and have been utilized in HIV-linked neuropathy and intractable pain.

Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory, and Antidiabetic Activities of Leaves and Stems of Uapaca bojeri Bail. (EUPHORBIACEAE), an Endemic Plant of Madagascar

Uapaca bojeri is an endemic Malagasy plant used by the local population. This work aimed to evaluate antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antidiabetic activities of the methanol extracts of U. bojeri leaves and stems and to report their total phenolic content and the bioactive compound content by HPLC methods. Antioxidant capacity was determined by DPPH and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays. An in vivo carrageenan-induced paw oedema and acetic acid-induced writhing test in mice were used for anti-inflammatory activity evaluation. An oral glucose tolerance test was performed in mice to evaluate antidiabetic activity. The total bioactive compound content of leaves was higher than that of stems. Stem methanol extract inhibited the free radical DPPH more than the leaf methanol extract. Leaf methanol extract inhibited, in a dose-dependent manner, the carrageenan-induced paw oedema more than the stem extract, but their inhibition of the pain symptoms caused an acetic acid-induced decrease similar to the number of writhes in the dose-dependent case. The leaf and stem methanol extracts significantly reduced blood glucose levels after 30 min of glucose loading in mice compared to the control group blood glucose reduction. The presence of several bioactive compounds in U. bojeri contributed to the different biological activities, but isolation and identification of these bioactive molecules are necessary to confirm these pharmacological properties.

Preclinical and clinical results regarding the effects of a plant-based antidiabetic formulation versus well established antidiabetic molecules

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a complex syndrome with debilitating long-term complications, comprising alterations of carbohydrate, protein and lipid metabolisms, along increased oxidative stress and chronic low-grade inflammation. Diet management and plant-based formulations can improve the metabolic status of patients, being used as adjuvants of classic antidiabetic therapy. The purpose of our study was to evaluate the impact of a plant-based antidiabetic formulation (PBAF), containing Vaccinium myrtillus, Ribes nigrum, Rosa canina and Capsicum annuum, on the increased oxidative burden found in diabetes mellitus, comparing it with the effects of metformin and gliclazide. Firstly, we characterized the individual plant-derived components of this formulation and also assessed their in vitro radical scavenging capacity. We devised a preclinical study protocol to examine the impact of the PBAF, along metformin and gliclazide, on tissue histology as well as on the redox status of tissue, mitochondria, serum and serum lipoproteins of alloxan-induced diabetic Wistar rats. Subsequently, we assessed their long-term impact on the redox status of serum and isolated serum lipoproteins of type 2 DM (T2DM) patients, taking into consideration their cardiometabolic profile. In the preclinical stage, we found that PBAF was able to enhance total serum antioxidant defense, while metformin yielded the best results regarding the advanced glycation and protein/lipid oxidation of serum and of serum lipoproteins. The latter also improved overall serum redox status and HDL redox function. Also, antidiabetic treatment seemed to increase mitochondrial redox activity, without overturning overall tissue redox balance. Histologically, liver and brain tissues of treated diabetic rats were fairly similar to those of non-diabetic rats. In T2DM patients, the most striking results involved the effects on serum lipoproteins. The tested PBAF exerted protective antioxidant effects on low-density and, especially, on high density lipoproteins. We conclude that this formulation might constitute a good addition to the well-established pharmacological approach of DM, contributing to the reduction of overall oxidative burden.

Carotenoids of Capsicum Fruits: Pigment Profile and Health-Promoting Functional Attributes

Pepper of the Capsicum species is a common ingredient in various food preparations by different cultures worldwide. The Capsicum is recognised by its five main domesticated species, namely Capsicum annuum, C. baccatum, C. chinense, C. frutescens and C. pubescens. The genetic diversity in Capsicum offers fruits in wide ranges of morphology and carotenoid profile. Carotenoids enhance the value of pepper from a nutritional standpoint, despite being commonly prized for the pharmacologically active pungent capsaicinoids. Carotenoids of pepper comprise mainly of the unique, powerful and highly stable capsanthin and capsoroubin, together with β-carotene, β-cryptoxanthin, lutein, zeaxanthin, antheraxanthin and violaxanthin. These carotenoids are present at diverse profile and varying levels, biosynthetically connected to the fruit maturity stages. This review describes the health-promoting functional attributes of the carotenoids that are mainly associated with their excellent role as lipophilic antioxidants. Capsicum as a great source of carotenoids is discussed in the aspects of main domesticated species, biosynthesis, pigment profile, antioxidant activity and safety. Findings from a number of in vitro, in vivo and clinical studies provided appreciable evidence on the protective effects of pepper’s carotenoids against degenerative diseases. Hence, pepper with its functional carotenoids might be recommended in health-promoting and disease preventing strategies.

Dihydrocapsaicin Inhibits Epithelial Cell Transformation through Targeting Amino Acid Signaling and c-Fos Expression

Chili peppers are one of the most widely consumed spices worldwide. However, research on the health benefits of chili peppers and some of its constituents has raised controversy as to whether chili pepper compounds possess cancer-promoting or cancer-preventive effects. While ample studies have been carried out to examine the effect of capsaicin in carcinogenesis, the chemopreventive effect of other major components in chili pepper, including dihydrocapsaicin, capsiate, and capsanthin, is relatively unclear. Herein, we investigated the inhibitory effect of chili pepper components on malignant cell transformation. Among the tested chili pepper compounds, dihydrocapsaicin displayed the strongest inhibitory activity against epidermal growth factor (EGF)-induced neoplastic transformation. Dihydrocapsaicin specifically suppressed EGF-induced phosphorylations of the p70S6K1-S6 pathway and the expression of c-Fos. A reduction in c-Fos levels by dihydrocapsaicin led to a concomitant downregulation of AP-1 activation. Further analysis of the molecular mechanism responsible for the dihydrocapsaicin-mediated decrease in phospho-p70S6K1, revealed that dihydrocapsaicin can block amino acid-dependent mechanistic targets of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1)-p70S6K1-S6 signal activation. Additionally, dihydrocapsaicin was able to selectively augment amino acid deprivation-induced cell death in mTORC1-hyperactive cells. Collectively, dihydrocapsaicin exerted chemopreventive effects through inhibiting amino acid signaling and c-Fos pathways and, thus, might be a promising cancer preventive natural agent.

INVESTIGATION OF THE CHEMICAL COMPOSITION AND EFFICIENCY OF SEED OIL OF SPINDLE TREE (EUONYMUS EUROPAEA L.) ON THE MODEL OF NON-ALLERGIC DERMATITIS

The aim of the research was to study the chemical composition and effectiveness of the seed oil of Spindle tree (Euonymus europaea L.) on the non-allergic contact dermatitis model. The oil was obtained by the extraction by petroleum ether from the seeds. The analysis of fatty acids and determination of their quantitative content was carried out using gas chromatography. Determination of carotenoids and tocopherols content in fatty oils was carried out after chromatography on a silica gel column. Investigation of anti-inflammatory action of the Spindle tree seed oil on white rats was carried. Determination of biochemical parameters of blood plasma was performed on the semi-automatic biochemical analyzer BS3000M (Poland). The yield of oil was 20–28 % of the weight of the seeds. Nine fatty acids were identified in the oil by the gas chromatography, among which 4 are unsaturated (oleic, palmitoleic, linoleic and linolenic), which together make up 87.79 % of all fatty acids from this oil. Spindle tree oil contains 26±5 mg – % carotenoids and 40±5 mg – % tocopherols, which were separated by chromatography on a silica gel column. There were no symptoms of intoxication with the introduction of Spindle tree oil in the stomach of rats and it can be classified in the 4 the grade of danger in accordance with GOST 12.1.005-88. The anti-inflammatory activity of Spindle tree oil in comparison with the oil of Sea buckthorn on the model of non-allergic contact dermatitis was weaker, but sufficient to recommend it for the treatment of skin diseases in ointments.

Is the pharmaceutical industry's preoccupation with the monotherapy drug model stifling the development of effective new drug therapies?

Drug discovery and development is heavily biased towards the development of monotherapies. Screening, testing, and evaluation of mono-entity drugs are generally much simpler than drug combinations, and are generally easier to get approval from the regulatory authorities for their clinical use. However, monotherapy drugs may not have optimal activity, may have associated toxicities, or may lose activity over time as their target develops resistance. Drug combinations, often developed from existing monotherapies, may have improved efficacy and/or be less toxic. Furthermore, the existing drugs which have lost efficacy due to the development of resistance can often be re-activated by combining them with other chemical entities. Thus, whilst the current climate for drug approval, registration, and clinical use drives the majority of drug development research towards the development of monotherapies, combinations are often a substantial improvement on the original drug. This commentary examines monotherapy and combinational therapy models and discusses the benefits and limitations of each model.

Italian folk plant-based remedies to heal headache (XIX-XX century)

BACKGROUND

Headache has been recognized since antiquity. From the late nineteenth to the early to mid-twentieth century, Italian folk remedies to treat headache were documented in a vast corpus of literature sources.

AIM

The purpose of this paper is to bring to light the plant-based treatments utilized by Italian folk medicine to heal headache in an attempt to discuss these remedies from a modern pharmacological point of view. Moreover, we compare the medical applications described by Hippocrates, Pliny the Elder, Dioscorides, Galen and Serenus Sammonicus with those utilized by Italian folk medicine to check if they result from a sort of continuity of use by over two thousand years.

RESULTS

A detailed search of the scientific data banks such as Medline and Scopus was undertaken to uncover recent results concerning the anti-inflammatory, anti-nociceptive and analgesic activities of the plants. Fifty-eight (78.4%) plant-based remedies have shown in vivo, in vitro or in human trials a large spectrum of anti-inflammatory, anti-nociceptive and analgesic activities. Moreover, thirty-one of remedies (41.9%) were already included in the pharmacopoeia between the 5th century BC and the 2nd century AD.

CONCLUSION

Italian folk medicine could be a promising source of knowledge and could provide evidences for active principles that have not as of yet been fully used for their potential.

Medicinal Plants from North and Central America and the Caribbean Considered Toxic for Humans: The Other Side of the Coin

The consumption of medicinal plants has notably increased over the past two decades. People consider herbal products as safe because of their natural origin, without taking into consideration whether these plants contain a toxic principle. This represents a serious health problem. A bibliographic search was carried out using published scientific material on native plants from Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean, which describe the ethnobotanical and toxicological information of medicinal plants empirically considered to be toxic. A total of 216 medicinal plants belonging to 77 families have been reported as toxic. Of these plants, 76 had been studied, and 140 plants lacked studies regarding their toxicological effects. The toxicity of 16 plants species has been reported in clinical cases, particularly in children. From these plants, deaths have been reported with the consumption of Chenopodium ambrosioides, Argemone mexicana, and Thevetia peruviana. In most of the cases, the principle of the plant responsible for the toxicity is unknown. There is limited information about the toxicity of medicinal plants used in Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean. More toxicological studies are necessary to contribute information about the safe use of the medicinal plants cited in this review.

Anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities of solvent fractions of the leaves of Moringa stenopetala Bak. (Moringaceae) in mice models

Background

Many people still experience pain and inflammation regardless of the available drugs for treatments. In addition, the available drugs have many side effects, which necessitated a quest for new drugs from several sources in which medicinal plants are the major one. This study evaluated the analgesic and anti- inflammatory activity of the solvent fractions of Moringa stenopetala in rodent models of pain and inflammation.

Methods

Successive soxhlet and maceration were used as methods of extractions using solvents of increasing polarity; chloroform, methanol and water. Swiss albino mice models were used in radiant tail flick latency, acetic acid induced writhing and carrageenan induced paw edema to assess the analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities. The test groups received different doses (100 mg/kg, 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg) of the three fractions (chloroform, methanol and aqueous). The positive control groups received morphine (20 mg/kg) or aspirin (100 mg/kg or 150 mg/kg) based on the respective models. The negative control groups received the 10 ml/kg of vehicles (distilled water or 2% Tween 80).

Results

In all models, the chloroform fraction had protections only at a dose of 400 mg/kg. However, the methanol and aqueous fraction at all doses have shown significant central and peripheral analgesic activities with a comparable result to the standards. The aqueous and methanol fractions significantly reduced carrageenan induced inflammation in a dose dependent manner, in which the highest reduction of inflammation was observed in aqueous fraction at 400 mg/kg.

Conclusion

This study provided evidence on the traditionally claimed uses of the plant in pain and inflammatory diseases, and Moringa stenopetala could be potential source for development of new analgesic and anti-inflammatory drugs.

Analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities of 80% methanol root extract of Jasminum abyssinicum Hochst. ex. Dc. (Oleaceae) in mice

BACKGROUND

Pain and inflammation are associated with the pathophysiology of various clinical conditions. Most analgesic and anti-inflammatory drugs available in the market present a wide range of problems. The current study was aimed at investigating the analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity of 80% methanol extract of J. abyssinicum root.

METHODS

The analgesic activity was determined using tail-flick test and acetic acid induced writhing, whereas anti-inflammatory activity was determined by carrageenan induced paw edema and formalin induced pedal edema, carried out in vivo. The test group received three different doses of the extract (50mg/kg, 100mg/kg and 200mg/kg) orally. The positive control group received diclofenac (10mg/kg), aspirin (100mg/kg or 150mg/kg) or morphine (20mg/kg) orally. The negative control group received vehicle (2% Tween 80, 10ml/kg) orally. Furthermore, preliminary phytochemical screening was carried out.

RESULTS

Oral administration of J. abbysinicum 80% methanol extract (at all doses) significantly (p<0.001) inhibit pain sensation in the pain models. Similarly, the extract demonstrated anti-inflammatory effect in the inflammation models in mice. Preliminary phytochemical screening showed the presence of saponins, flavonoids, terpenoids, triterpenens and glycosides.

CONCLUSION

The data obtained from the present study indicates that the extract possessed a significant analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity, upholding the folkloric use of the plant.

Some biological activities of pigments extracted from Micrococcus roseus (PTCC 1411) and Rhodotorula glutinis (PTCC 5257)

The importance of replacing synthetic pigments with natural types is increasing day by day in the food industry due to the harmful effects of some synthetic pigments. Microorganisms are a major source of natural pigments, which nowadays have attracted the attention of researchers. In this study, carotenoid pigments were produced by Micrococcus roseus and Rhodotorula glutinis, and some of their biological properties such as antimicrobial, antioxidant, anticancer, and anti-inflammatory activities were evaluated. Given the results, bacteria, especially gram-positive bacteria, had higher sensitivity to the pigments extracted from M. roseus (PEM) and R. glutinis (PER) compared to molds so that Bacillus cereus and Alternaria citri had the highest and the lowest sensitivity, respectively. PER showed a higher antioxidant activity compared with PEM in the various methods of measuring antioxidant activity. In vitro and in vivo anti-tumor-promoting activities of PER were measured significantly more than PEM (P <0.05). Both pigment extracts remarkably inhibited the 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA)-induced inflammation, so that ID₅₀ (50% inhibitory dose) of PEM and PER were 0.22 and 0.09 mg/ear, respectively.

Application of visible/near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy for predicting internal and external quality in pepper

BACKGROUND

The characterization of internal (°Brix, pH, malic acid, total phenolic compounds, ascorbic acid and total carotenoid content) and external (color, firmness and pericarp wall thickness) pepper quality is necessary to better understand its possible applications and increase consumer awareness of its benefits. The main aim of this work was to examine the feasibility of using visible/near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy (VIS-NIRS) to predict quality parameters in different pepper types. Commercially available spectrophotometers were evaluated for this purpose: a Polychromix Phazir spectrometer for intact raw pepper, and a scanning monochromator for freeze-dried pepper.

RESULTS

The RPD values (ratio of the standard deviation of the reference data to the standard error of prediction) obtained from the external validation exceeded a value of 3 for chlorophyll a and total carotenoid content; values ranging between 2.5 < RPD < 3 for total phenolic compounds; between 1.5 < RPD <2.5 for °Brix, pH, color parameters a* and h* and chlorophyll b; and RPD values below 1.5 for fruit firmness, pericarp wall thickness, color parameters C*, b* and L*, vitamin C and malic acid content.

CONCLUSION

The present work has led to the development of multi-type calibrations for pepper quality parameters in intact and freeze-dried peppers. The majority of NIRS equations obtained were suitable for screening purposes in pepper breeding programs. Components such as pigments (xanthophyll, carotenes and chlorophyll), glucides, lipids, cellulose and water were used by modified partial least-squares regression for modeling the predicting equations. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry.