Citrus fruits as a treasure trove of active natural metabolites that potentially provide benefits for human health

Phytomedical compounds as promising therapeutic agents for COVID-19 targeting angiotensin-converting enzyme 2: a review

AIMS

The aim of the present review was to highlight natural product investigations in silico and in vitro to find plants and chemicals that inhibit or stimulate angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE-2).

BACKGROUND

The global reduction of incidents and fatalities attributable to infections with SARS-CoV-2 is one of the most public health problems. In the absence of specific therapy for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), phytocompounds generated from plant extracts may be a promising strategy worth further investigation, motivating researchers to evaluate the safety and anti-SARS-CoV-2 effectiveness of these ingredients.

OBJECTIVE

To review phytochemicals in silico for anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity and to assess their safety and effectiveness in vitro and in vivo.

METHODS

The present review was conducted using various scientific databases and studies on anti-SARS-CoV-2 phytochemicals were analyzed and summarized. The results obtained from the in silico screening were subjected to extraction, isolation, and purification. The in vitro studies on anti-SarcoV-2 were also included in this review. In addition, the results of this research were interpreted, analyzed, and documented on the basis of the bibliographic information obtained.

RESULTS

This review discusses recent research on using natural remedies to cure or prevent COVID-19 infection. The literature analysis shows that the various herbal preparations (extracts) and purified compounds can block the replication or entrance of the virus directly to carry out their anti-SARS-CoV-2 effects. It is interesting to note that certain items can prevent SARS-CoV-2 from infecting human cells by blocking the ACE-2 receptor or the serine protease TMPRRS2. Moreover, natural substances have been demonstrated to block proteins involved in the SARS-CoV-2 life cycle, such as papain- or chymotrypsin-like proteases.

CONCLUSION

The natural products may have the potential for use singly or in combination as alternative drugs to treat/prevent COVID-19 infection, including blocking or stimulating ACE-2. In addition, their structures may provide indications for the development of anti-SARS-CoV-2 drugs.

Farmers' perceptions and management of citrus fungal diseases in Benin

Background and aim

Citrus production represents an important activity for the national economy and a source of income for farmers in Benin. However, fungal diseases are a major constraint to production intensification. The aim of this study is to assess farmers' perceptions on citrus fungal diseases in production areas in Benin.

Methods

A survey was conducted among 417 farmers between July and December 2021 in four major citrus-producing agro-ecological zones (zones V, VI, VII and VIII) to collect their perceptions, knowledge and management practices of citrus fungal diseases.

Results

Farmers reported that fungal diseases are one of the main constraints to citrus production, including black spot, anthracnose, brown rot, sooty mold and fruit rot. Among them, black spot disease is the most severe, causing damage to production. According to farmers, symptoms appear on fruit after fruit set, with a very remarkable presence and high incidence at maturity. Although farmers are most of times aware of the damage caused by fungal diseases with adverse consequences on their income, they have a poor knowledge of appropriate phytosanitary products to manage these diseases. Indeed, the majority of farmers (>60 %) use chemical insecticides, which they reported to be ineffective against citrus fungal diseases. Although chemical insecticides are their only recourse, almost 40 % use nothing to control these diseases. Farmers stated that climatic variability is a factor favoring the development of diseases, leading to reduced production.

Conclusions

Among the several citrus fungal diseases, black spot is perceived as the most damaging, causing greater yield losses under favorable conditions, coupled with an almost total absence of appropriate control methods. This study contributes to the reorganization of the citrus industry and to decision-making on capacity building for farmers in terms of orchard pest protection, in order to guarantee better production of marketable and exportable fruit.

Exploring Phenolic Compounds in Crop By-Products for Cosmetic Efficacy

Phenolic compounds represent a group of secondary metabolites that serve essential functions in plants. Beyond their positive impact on plants, these phenolic metabolites, often referred to as polyphenols, possess a range of biological properties that can promote skin health. Scientific research indicates that topically using phenolics derived from plants can be advantageous, but their activity and stability highly depend on storage of the source material and the extraction method. These compounds have the ability to relieve symptoms and hinder the progression of different skin diseases. Because they come from natural sources and have minimal toxicity, phenolic compounds show potential in addressing the causes and effects of skin aging, skin diseases, and various types of skin damage, such as wounds and burns. Hence, this review provides extensive information on the particular crops from which by-product phenolic compounds can be sourced, also emphasizing the need to conduct research according to proper plant material storage practices and the choice of the best extracting method, along with an examination of their specific functions and the mechanisms by which they act to protect skin.

Ethnobotany and diversity of Citrus spp. (Rutaceae) as a source of "Kem-kem" traditional medicine used among the Karo sub-ethnic in North Sumatra, Indonesia

The Karo sub-ethnic is one of five Batak sub-ethnicities in the Karo Regency, North Sumatra Province, Indonesia. They are famous for their local knowledge about the traditional use of medicinal plants to treat various diseases. The "Kem-kem" traditional medicine is one of the traditional healing practices that involve using plants passed down through generations from their ancestors. One of the plant genus group in the Rutaceae family utilized in the traditional "Kem-kem" healing practice is a citrus known as "Rimo". This study aims to document the local knowledge about the diversity of Citrus spp. as Kem-kem's herbal medicinal plant. This study was conducted from April to July 2023 in the Kabanjahe and Berastagi districts, Karo Regency, North Sumatra. Data was collected using interviews with traditional healers, herbal medicine vendors, and direct observations at traditional markets, involving a total of 8 Citrus spp. The Karo uses "Rimo" with different local names as sources of traditional medicinal ingredients in practicing "Kem-kem". There are 15 local names comprising eight species of Citrus. Four are hybrids, i.e., Citrus x aurantiifolia (Christm.) Swingle, Citrus × aurantium L, Citrus × junos Siebold ex Yu.Tanaka, and Citrus × taitensis Risso. Two of the remaining species are recognized in infraspecific rank, one variety (Citrus medica var. sarcodactylis (Hoola van Nooten) Swingle) and one form (Citrus × aurantium f. deliciosa (Ten.) M.Hiroe). They were used as material sources for Kem-kem traditional medicine to treat at least nine health problems. There are two species with six local names included in the Least Concern (LC) category, namely C. medica (Rimo Gawang, Rimo Hantuantu, Rimo Kayu), C. medica var. sarcodactylis (Rimo Kuku Harimau), and C. medica (Rimo Telur Buaya), C. maxima (Burm.) Merr. (Rimo Malem). Nine local names are included in the Not Evaluated (NE) category, namely C. × junos (Rimo Kejaren), C. × taitensis (Rimo Jungga), C. × aurantium f. deliciosa (Rimo Keling), C. × aurantium (Rimo Kersik), Citrus hystrix DC. (Rimo Mukur), C. × taitensis (Rimo Puraga), C. × aurantium (Rimo Kalele), Citrus swinglei Burkill ex Harms (Rimo Pagar), and C. x aurantiifolia (Rimo Bunga). Rimo Kejaren (C. × junos) is a species that has the most benefits.

Meta-analysis of citrus-derived additives on chicken meat quality and safety: a comprehensive evaluation of acceptability, physicochemical properties, and microbial contamination

Citrus represents a valuable repository of antioxidant substances that possess the potential for the preservation of meat quality. This meta-analysis aimed to comprehensively assess the impact of citrus additives on the quality and safety of chicken meat. Adhering to the PRISMA protocol, we initially identified 103 relevant studies, from which 20 articles meeting specific criteria were selected for database construction. Through the amalgamation of diverse individual studies, this research provides a comprehensive overview of chicken meat quality and safety, with a specific focus on the influence of citrus-derived additives. Minimal alterations were observed in the nutritional quality of chicken meat concerning storage temperature and duration. The findings demonstrated a significant reduction in aerobic bacterial levels, with Citrus aurantiifolia exhibiting the highest efficacy (P < 0.01). Both extracted and nonextracted citrus components, applied through coating, curing, and marinating, effectively mitigated bacterial contamination. Notably, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) concentrations were significantly reduced, particularly with Citrus hystrix (P < 0.01). Total volatile base nitrogen (TVBN), an indicator of protein degradation, exhibited a decrease, with citrus extract displaying enhanced efficacy (P < 0.01). Chemical composition changes were marginal, except for a protein increase after storage (P < 0.01). Hedonic testing revealed varied preferences, indicating improvements in flavor, juiciness, and overall acceptability after storage (P < 0.01). The study underscores the effectiveness of citrus additives in preserving chicken meat quality, highlighting their antibacterial and antioxidant properties, despite some observed alterations in texture and chemical composition. Citrus additives have been proven successful in 1) mitigating adverse effects on chicken meat during storage, especially with Citrus hystrix exhibiting potent antimicrobial properties, and 2) enhancing the hedonic quality of chicken meat. This research strongly advocates for the application of citrus additives to uphold the quality and safety of chicken meat.

Immunoregulatory role of hesperidin against ovalbumin (OVA)-induced bronchial asthma and depression in rats

Links between bronchial asthma and depression have recently become a great subject of interest. The present study was carried out to assess the protective role of hesperidin against ovalbumin (OVA)-induced bronchial asthma that is associated with depression in rats, for this purpose, four groups. Rats were sensitized with intraperitoneal administration of 200 μg OVA/10 mg aluminum hydroxide (Al (OH) 3 for 3 consecutive days then at day 11 followed by intranasal challenge with OVA (1.5 mg/kg) at days 19, 20, and 21. Rats were pretreated with hesperidin (100 & 200 mg/kg) 1h before OVA challenge. At the end of the study, behavioral tests, biochemical indices, and histopathological architectures of lung and brain tissues were evaluated. Our findings showed that hesperidin significantly ameliorated the reduction in motor activity, motor coordination, forced swimming, CD4, CD25 and foxp3, interleukin-10 (IL-10), dopamine, serotonin, and neurotrophin-3 (NT3) as well as alleviated the elevation in transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), iL-5, and immunoglobulin E (IgE). In addition, hesperidin reduced cellular infiltration, alveolar sacs damage, the bronchioles wall disruption, and nuclei pyknosis in neuron cells. Finally, hesperidin may provide protection against OVA-induced asthma and depression. This impact could be mediated in part by its anti-inflammatory and immunoregulatory properties.

An Update on the Potential of Tangeretin in the Management of Neuroinflammation-Mediated Neurodegenerative Disorders

Neuroinflammation is the major cause of neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. Currently available drugs present relatively low efficacy and are not capable of modifying the course of the disease or delaying its progression. Identifying well-tolerated and brain-penetrant agents of plant origin could fulfil the pressing need for novel treatment techniques for neuroinflammation. Attention has been drawn to a large family of flavonoids in citrus fruits, which may function as strong nutraceuticals in slowing down the development and progression of neuroinflammation. This review is aimed at elucidating and summarizing the effects of the flavonoid tangeretin (TAN) in the management of neuroinflammation-mediated neurodegenerative disorders. A literature survey was performed using various resources, including ScienceDirect, PubMed, Google Scholar, Springer, and Web of Science. The data revealed that TAN exhibited immense neuroprotective effects in addition to its anti-oxidant, anti-diabetic, and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ agonistic effects. The effects of TAN are mainly mediated through the inhibition of oxidative and inflammatory pathways via regulating multiple signaling pathways, including c-Jun N-terminal kinase, phosphoinositide 3-kinase, mitogen-activated protein kinase, nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2, extracellular-signal-regulated kinase, and CRE-dependent transcription. In conclusion, the citrus flavonoid TAN has the potential to prevent neuronal death mediated by neuroinflammatory pathways and can be developed as an auxiliary therapeutic agent in the management of neurodegenerative disorders.

Assessing the Feasibility of Biorefineries for a Sustainable Citrus Waste Management in Korea

Citrus fruits are one of the most widely used fruits around the world and are used as raw fruits, but are also processed into products such as beverages, and large amounts of by-products and waste are generated in this process. Globally, disposal of citrus waste (CW) through simple landfilling or ocean dumping can result in soil and groundwater contamination, which can negatively impact ecosystem health. The case of Korea is not much different in that these wastes are simply buried or recycled wastes are used as livestock feed additives. However, there are many reports that CW, which is a waste, has high potential to produce a variety of products that can minimize environmental load and increase added value through appropriate waste management. In this study, we aim to explore the latest developments in the evaluation and valorization of the growing CW green technologies in an effort to efficiently and environmentally transform these CW for resource recovery, sustainability, and economic benefits. Recent research strategies on integrated biorefinery approaches have confirmed that CW can be converted into various bioproducts such as enzymes, biofuels and biopolymers, further contributing to energy security. It was found that more efforts are needed to scale up green recovery technologies and achieve diverse product profiling to achieve zero waste levels and industrial viability.

Metabolome and Transcriptome Analysis Revealed the Basis of the Difference in Antioxidant Capacity in Different Tissues of Citrus reticulata 'Ponkan'

Citrus is an important type of fruit, with antioxidant bioactivity. However, the variations in the antioxidant ability of different tissues in citrus and its metabolic and molecular basis remain unclear. Here, we assessed the antioxidant capacities of 12 tissues from Citrus reticulata 'Ponkan', finding that young leaves and root exhibited the strongest antioxidant capacity. Secondary metabolites accumulated differentially in parts of the citrus plant, of which flavonoids were enriched in stem, leaf, and flavedo; phenolic acids were enriched in the albedo, while coumarins were enriched in the root, potentially explaining the higher antioxidant capacities of these tissues. The spatially specific accumulation of metabolites was related to the expression levels of biosynthesis-related genes such as chalcone synthase (CHS), chalcone isomerase (CHI), flavone synthase (FNS), O-methyltransferase (OMT), flavonoid-3'-hydroxylase (F3'H), flavonoid-6/8-hydroxylase (F6/8H), p-coumaroyl CoA 2'-hydroxylase (C2'H), and prenyltransferase (PT), among others, in the phenylpropane pathway. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) identified modules associated with flavonoids and coumarin content, among which we identified an OMT involved in coumarin O-methylation, and related transcription factors were predicted. Our study identifies key genes and metabolites influencing the antioxidant capacity of citrus, which could contribute to the enhanced understanding and utilization of bioactive citrus components.

Vegetables, fruits, and berries - a scoping review for Nordic Nutrition Recommendations 2023

Vegetables, fruits, and berries comprise a large variety of foods and are recognised to play an important role in preventing chronic diseases. Many observational studies have been published during the last decade, and the aim of this scoping review is to describe the overall evidence for the role of vegetables, fruits, and berries for health-related outcomes as a basis for setting and updating food-based dietary guidelines. A scoping review was conducted according to the protocol developed within the Nordic Nutrition Recommendations 2023 project. Current available evidence strengthens the role of consuming vegetables, fruits, and berries in preventing chronic diseases. The most robust evidence is found for cancer in the gastric system and lung cancer, cardiovascular disease, and all-cause mortality. Steeper risk reductions are generally seen at the lower intake ranges, but further reductions have been seen for higher intakes for cardiovascular disease. Weaker associations are seen for type 2 diabetes. There is evidence that suggests a beneficial role also for outcomes such as osteoporosis, depression, cognitive disorders, and frailty in the elderly. The observed associations are supported by several mechanisms, indicting causal effects. Some subgroups of vegetables, fruits, and berries may have greater benefits than other subgroups, supporting a recommendation to consume a variety of these foods.

Eriocitrin Disrupts Erythrocyte Membrane Asymmetry through Oxidative Stress and Calcium Signaling and the Activation of Casein Kinase 1α and Rac1 GTPase

BACKGROUND

Hemolysis and eryptosis result in the premature elimination of circulating erythrocytes and thus contribute to chemotherapy-related anemia, which is extremely prevalent in cancer patients. Eriocitrin (ERN), a flavanone glycoside in citrus fruits, has shown great promise as an anticancer agent, but the potential toxicity of ERN to human erythrocytes remains unstudied.

METHODS

Erythrocytes were exposed to anticancer concentrations of ERN (10-100 μM) for 24 h at 37 °C, and hemolysis and associated markers were quantified using colorimetric assays. Eryptosis was assessed by flow cytometric analysis to detect phosphatidylserine (PS) exposure by annexin-V-FITC, intracellular Ca2+ using Fluo4/AM, and oxidative stress with 2-,7-dichlorodihydrofluorescin diacetate (H2DCFDA). ERN was also tested against specific signaling inhibitors and anti-hemolytic agents.

RESULTS

ERN caused significant, concentration-dependent hemolysis at 20-100 μM. ERN also significantly increased the percentage of eryptotic cells characterized by Ca2+ elevation and oxidative stress. Furthermore, the hemolytic activity of ERN was significantly ameliorated in the presence of D4476, NSC23766, isosmotic urea and sucrose, and polyethylene glycol 8000 (PEG). In whole blood, ERN significantly elevated MCV and ESR, with no appreciable effects on other peripheral blood cells.

CONCLUSIONS

ERN promotes premature erythrocyte death through hemolysis and eryptosis characterized by PS externalization, Ca2+ accumulation, membrane blebbing, loss of cellular volume, and oxidative stress. These toxic effects, mediated through casein kinase 1α and Rac1 GTPase, can be ameliorated by urea, sucrose, and PEG. Altogether, these novel findings are relevant to the further development of ERN as an anticancer therapeutic.

The fate of mycotoxins in oranges during storage and processing

To evaluate the safety of orange consumption induced by mycotoxins, 'Newhall' navel oranges were artificially inoculated with P. expansum and A. tenuissima, followed by an evaluation of the distribution and migration patterns of corresponding mycotoxins (patulin [PAT], tentoxin [Ten], altenuene [ALT], alternariol monomethyl ether [AME], alternariol [AOH] and tenuazonic acid [TeA]) during orange storage and processing. The concentration of mycotoxins decreased as the increase of distance from the lesion, and mycotoxins could be detected throughout the orange when the lesion extended to 8 mm in diameter. AOH and AME pose the primary source of dietary risk with high concentrations and low thresholds of toxicological concern. Orange juice and pectin processing could remove 43.4-98.7% of mycotoxins, while tangerine peelprocessing might lead to significant enrichment of mycotoxins with the processing factors (PFs) of 2.8-3.5. The findings may offer scientific insights into mitigating the dietary risk of mycotoxin exposure from oranges and their derivatives.

Antioxidant and Hypoglycemic Potential of Essential Oils in Diabetes Mellitus and Its Complications

Since the earliest times, essential oils (EOs) have been utilized for medicinal and traditional purposes. However, in recent decades, an increasing interest has developed due to the need to rediscover herbal remedies and adjuvant therapies for the management of various diseases, particularly chronic ones. The present narrative review examines the potential for EOs to exert hypoglycemic and antioxidant effects in diabetes mellitus, analyzing the main publications having evaluated plant species with potentially beneficial effects through their phytocompounds in diabetes mellitus and its complications. Numerous species have shown promising characteristics that can be used in diabetes management. The hypoglycemic effects of these EOs are attributed to their capacity to stimulate glucose uptake, suppress glucose production, and increase insulin sensitivity. Moreover, EOs can alleviate the oxidative stress by manifesting their antioxidant effects via a variety of mechanisms, including the scavenging of free radicals, the regulation of antioxidant enzymes, and the decreasing of lipid peroxidation, due to their diverse chemical composition. These findings demonstrate the possible benefits of EOs as adjuvant therapeutic agents in the management of diabetes and its complications. The use of EOs in the treatment of diabetes shows good potential for the development of natural and effective strategies to enhance the health outcomes of people with this chronic condition, but additional experimental endorsements are required.

Effects of increasing levels of orange peel extract on kit growth, feed utilization, and some blood metabolites in the doe rabbits under heat stress conditions

One of the most severe consequences of climate change on the rabbit production sector is heat stress. Dietary supplementation of phytochemicals could alleviate the negative impact of heat stress on rabbits. Thirty-six V-line rabbit does with average live body weight (LBW) of 2.672 ± 0.031 kg were randomly allocated into three experimental groups as follows: the control group (OPE0) and the OPE2.5 and OPE5 groups were orally administered orange peel extract (OPE) at doses of 2.5 and 5 mL/doe. The increasing OPE levels significantly improved LBW at partum (p = 0.002) and weaning (p = 0.004), daily and total feed intake from pregnancy until weaning (p = 0.007), daily milk yield per doe at 7th and 14th days (p ≤ 0.05), and milk efficiency (p = 0.001). Litter size at 1st-28th days, litter weight gain, survival rate, and kit weight gain at 21st-28th days of heat-stressed doe rabbits were significantly improved with OPE treatments. The treatment of OPE5 significantly decreased serum glucose, triglycerides, and very-low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol levels of rabbits. The increasing OPE levels decreased significantly total lipid and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol levels and increased (p = 0.001) high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol concentration in heat-stressed rabbits. In conclusion, the treatment of OPE improved feed utilization, milk efficiency, and reproductive performance and alleviated the drastic impacts of heat stress on rabbits.

Polyphenols from Mediterranean Plants: Biological Activities for Skin Photoprotection in Atopic Dermatitis, Psoriasis, and Chronic Urticaria

Polyphenols are a diverse class of natural compounds that are widely distributed in various fruits, vegetables, and herbs. They possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and bring benefits in the prevention and treatment of various diseases. Studies suggested that polyphenols may improve cardiovascular health and may have neuroprotective effects. The Mediterranean region is a vast area. Although the territory encompasses a wide variety of cultures and dietary patterns, there are some commonalities in terms of the plant-based foods and their polyphenol content. Such polyphenols have been studied for their potential photoprotective effects on the skin. We focused on nutraceutical effects of Mediterranean plants in skin photoprotection in atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, and chronic urticaria. Results highlight the importance of exploring natural compounds for therapeutic purposes. The wide variety of polyphenols found in different foods and plants allows for a diverse range of pharmacological effects. The Mediterranean diet, rich in polyphenol-containing foods, is associated with a lower incidence of various chronic diseases, including dermatological conditions. While more research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms of action and optimal dosing of polyphenols, there is initial evidence to support their potential use as adjunctive therapy for atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, and chronic urticaria.

Metabolomic analyses provide insights into the preharvest rind disorder in Satsuma Owari Mandarin

Citrus fruit's appearance is the primary criterion used to assess its quality for the fresh market, hence the rind's condition is a crucial quality trait. Pre-harvest rind disorder is one of the major physiological problems in mandarins. The disorder occurs right before harvest following rain events in some Mandarin varieties. Despite the economic damage caused by this kind of disorder, very limited information is available about the molecular mechanisms underlying the occurrence of this disorder. In the present study, we evaluated the primary metabolites, antioxidants, and hormones associated with the pre-harvest rind disorder in Mandarins. The study was carried out using ten-year-old 'Owari' Satsuma mandarin trees grafted on 'Carrizo' rootstock and grown in a commercial orchard in San Joaquin Valley, California, USA. Samples were collected from healthy tissue of healthy fruit (HF_HT), healthy tissue of damaged fruit (DF_HT), and damaged tissue of damaged fruit (DF_DT). Damaged fruit (DF_HT and DF_DT) showed lower cellulose concentrations than healthy fruit tissues (HF_HT), however, had similar contents of pectin and hemicellulose. The antioxidant activities showed no significant difference in all paired comparisons between samples as expressed in the malondialdehyde (MDA) content. However, DF_DT had a higher H2O2 content compared to HF_HT, but DF_HT had a similar content to that of HF_HT. Furthermore, peroxidase (POD) and polyphenol oxidase (PPO) activities were increased in DF_DT compared to HF_HT (P = 0.0294) and DF_HT (P = 0.0044), respectively. Targeted metabolomics analysis revealed that a total of 76 metabolites were identified in Satsuma rind tissues, and the relative concentrations of 43 metabolites were significantly different across studied samples. The hormonal analysis showed the involvement of jasmonate O-methyltransferase, jasmonic acid-amido synthetase JAR1-like, and JA-isoleucine may key role in causing the rind disorder in mandarins. In addition, the damaged fruit tissues have a higher level of jasmonic acid (JA), 12-oxo-phytodienoic acid, and JA-isoleucine than undamaged tissue.

In Vitro Assessment of The Bioactive Compounds and Anticancer Potential of Citrus medica Leaf Extract

Citrus medica is a horticultural crop grown in different parts of the world. The plant leaves have medicinal importance in traditional medicine for the treatment of various diseases. The leaves are an underutilised part of the plant, despite having various bioactive compounds with health benefits, with phytochemical analysis having revealed the presence of flavonoids, fatty acids, alkaloids, terpenoids, glycosides, carbohydrates and phytosterols. The biochemical constituents were identified using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), which confirmed the presence of terpenoids, alcohols, alkanes, phytosterols and fatty acids. Among these, methyl 8, 11, 14-heptadecatrienoate is a linolenic acid, and α-linolenic acid, trimethylsilyl ester and levulinic acid are the predominant compounds belonging to the omega-3 fatty acid group, which has known health benefits. Further, the antimicrobial activity of C. medica plant leaves were tested against certain food-borne pathogens and showed significant results. The minimum inhibitory concentrations ranged from 6.09 mg/mL to 390 mg/mL for bacterial organisms and 48.75 mg/mL to 390 mg/mL for fungal organisms. The antioxidant activity values were 300 μg/mL and 450 μg/mL by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) assay, respectively. The methanolic extract from the C. medica leaves also showed anticancer activity against MCF7 breast cancer cell lines, with an IC50 value of material for developing a healthy processed food such as nutraceuticals and functional foods.

Metabolomics analysis of Citrus medica var. sarcodactylis (Siebold ex Hoola van Nooten) Swingle and Limonia acidissima Linn. fruits and leaves in perspective to their antimicrobial potential

Antimicrobial potential of Citrus medica var. sarcodactylis (Siebold ex Hoola van Nooten) Swingle and Limonia acidissima L. fruits and leaves extracts CMF, CML, LAF and LAL, respectively were evaluated. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis for lipoidal matters revealed a high percentage of non-oxygenated compounds. Phytol was the major in LAL. Palmitic and linoleic acid were the major in CML and LAL, respectively. Rutin and P-hydroxy benzoic acid were the main compounds identified by High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis. The antibacterial and antifungal activities of the plants extract were determined by the well diffusion method. Antimicrobial investigation for different successive fractions of active methanol extracts of CML, LAL, LAF and CMF showed the highest activity (CML), whereas the petroleum ether (CML PE) and MeOH (CML) fractions exhibit a significant antifungal activity against Candida albicans minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) 12 and 15 µg/mL, respectively. The antifungal activity prevailed by C. medica leaves may be attributed to its polyphenolics (rutin, chlorogenic and rosmarinic acid) in addition to phenylated hydrocarbon.

Hirami lemon (Citrus reticulata var. depressa) modulates the gut-brain axis in a chronic mild stress-induced depression mouse model

Citrus reticulata var. depressa, commonly known as Hirami lemon, is a native citrus species found in Taiwan and Okinawa islands of Japan. While several Citrus species are known to possess antidepressant activity by modulating the gut microbiota, the antidepressant effect of Hirami lemon and its underlying mechanisms have not been thoroughly investigated. In this study, we explored the potential antidepressant efficacy of the fruit extract (CD) and the essential oil (CDE) from Hirami lemon peel using a chronic mild stress (CMS)-induced mouse model and analyzed the association of gut microbiome changes. Our findings revealed that mice subjected to CMS exhibited anxiety- and depression-like behaviors as assessed by elevated plus-maze and forced swimming tests, respectively. Significantly, oral administration of CDE and CD notably reversed CMS-induced depression- and anxiety-like behaviors in CMS-induced mice. Moreover, compared to the non-stressed group, CMS significantly altered the gut microbiome, characterized by highly diverse bacterial communities, reduced Bacteroidetes, and increased Firmicutes. However, oral administration of CDE and CD restored gut microbiota dysbiosis. We also performed a qualitative analysis of CD and CDE using UPLC-MS and GC-MS, respectively. The CD contained 25 compounds, of which 3 were polymethoxy flavones and flavanones. Three major compounds, nobiletin, tangeretin and hesperidin, accounted for 56.88% of the total relative peak area. In contrast, the CDE contained 11 terpenoids, of which 8 were identified as major compounds, with D-limonene (45.71%) being the most abundant, followed by γ-terpinene (34.65%), linalool (6.46%), p-cymene (2.57%), α-terpineol (2.04%), α-pinene (1.89%), α-terpinolene (1.46%), and β-pinene (1.16%), accounting for 95.94% of the total oil. In conclusion, our study demonstrated the potential of Hirami lemon as a source of natural antidepressant agents for the prevention and treatment of major depressive disorders.

Citrus By-Products as a Valuable Source of Biologically Active Compounds with Promising Pharmaceutical, Biological and Biomedical Potential

Citrus fruits processing results in the generation of huge amounts of citrus by-products, mainly peels, pulp, membranes, and seeds. Although they represent a major concern from both economical and environmental aspects, it is very important to emphasize that these by-products contain a rich source of value-added bioactive compounds with a wide spectrum of applications in the food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries. The primary aim of this review is to highlight the great potential of isolated phytochemicals and extracts of individual citrus by-products with bioactive properties (e.g., antitumor, antimicrobial, antiviral, antidiabetic, antioxidant, and other beneficial activities with health-promoting abilities) and their potential in pharmaceutical, biomedical, and biological applications. This review on citrus by-products contains the following parts: structural and chemical characteristics; the utilization of citrus by-products; bioactivities of the present waxes and carotenoids, essential oils, pectins, and phenolic compounds; and citrus by-product formulations with enhanced biocactivities. A summary of the recent developments in applying citrus by-products for the treatment of different diseases and the protection of human health is also provided, emphasizing innovative methods for bioaccessibility enhancements (e.g., extract/component encapsulation, synthesis of biomass-derived nanoparticles, nanocarriers, or biofilm preparation). Based on the representative phytochemical groups, an evaluation of the recent studies of the past six years (from 2018 to 2023) reporting specific biological and health-promoting activities of citrus-based by-products is also provided. Finally, this review discusses advanced and modern approaches in pharmaceutical/biological formulations and drug delivery (e.g., carbon precursors for the preparation of nanoparticles with promising antimicrobial activity, the production of fluorescent nanoparticles with potential application as antitumor agents, and in cellular imaging). The recent studies implementing nanotechnology in food science and biotechnology could bring about new insights into providing innovative solutions for new pharmaceutical and medical discoveries.

Transcriptome and UPLC-MS/MS reveal mechanisms of amino acid biosynthesis in sweet orange 'Newhall' after different rootstocks grafting

Sweet orange 'Newhall' (C. sinensis) is a popular fruit in high demand all over the world. Its peel and pulp are rich in a variety of nutrients and are widely used in catering, medicine, food and other industries. Grafting is commonly practiced in citrus production. Different rootstock types directly affect the fruit quality and nutritional flavor of citrus. However, the studies on citrus metabolites by grafting with different rootstocks are very limited, especially for amino acids (AAs). The preliminary test showed that there were significant differences in total amino acid content of two rootstocks (Poncirus trifoliata (CT) and C. junos Siebold ex Tanaka (CJ)) after grafting, and total amino acid content in the peel was higher than flesh. However, the molecular mechanism affecting amino acid differential accumulation remains unclear. Therefore, this study selected peel as the experimental material to reveal the amino acid components and differential accumulation mechanism of sweet orange 'Newhall' grafted with different rootstocks through combined transcriptome and metabolome analysis. Metabolome analysis identified 110 amino acids (AAs) and their derivatives in sweet orange 'Newhall' peels, with L-valine being the most abundant. L-asparagine was observed to be affected by both developmental periods and rootstock grafting. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) combined with Redundancy Analysis (RDA) revealed eight hub structural genes and 41 transcription factors (TFs) that significantly influenced amino acid biosynthesis in sweet orange 'Newhall' peels. Our findings further highlight the significance of rootstock selection in enhancing the nutritional value of citrus fruits and might contribute to the development of functional citrus foods and nutritional amino acid supplements.

Sudachitin and Nobiletin Stimulate Lipolysis via Activation of the cAMP/PKA/HSL Pathway in 3T3-L1 Adipocytes

Polymethoxyflavones are flavonoids that are abundant in citrus fruit peels and have beneficial effects on human health. Previous studies have demonstrated that the polymethoxyflavones, namely sudachitin and nobiletin, ameliorate obesity and diabetes in humans and rodents. Although nobiletin induces lipolysis in adipocytes, lipolytic pathway activation by sudachitin has not been clarified in adipocytes. In this study, the effect of sudachitin on lipolysis was elucidated in murine 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Glycerol release into the medium and activation of the cyclic AMP (cAMP)/protein kinase A (PKA)/hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL) pathway was evaluated in 3T3-L1-differentiated adipocytes. Treatment with sudachitin and nobiletin for 24 and 48 h did not induce cytotoxicity at concentrations of up to 50 μM. Sudachitin and nobiletin at concentrations of 30 and 50 μM increased intracellular cAMP and medium glycerol levels in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Western blotting revealed that sudachitin and nobiletin dose-dependently increased protein levels of phosphorylated PKA substrates and phosphorylated HSL. Sudachitin- and nobiletin-induced glycerol release, phosphorylation of PKA substrates, and HSL phosphorylation were suppressed by pharmacological inhibition of adenylate cyclase and PKA. These findings indicated that sudachitin, similar to nobiletin, exerts anti-obesogenic effects, at least in part through the induction of lipolysis in adipocytes.

Stachydrine, a Bioactive Equilibrist for Synephrine, Identified from Four Citrus Chinese Herbs

Four Chinese herbs from the Citrus genus, namely Aurantii Fructus Immaturus (Zhishi), Aurantii Fructus (Zhiqiao), Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium Viride (Qingpi) and Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium (Chenpi), are widely used for treating various cardiovascular and gastrointestinal diseases. Many ingredients have already been identified from these herbs, and their various bioactivities provide some interpretations for the pharmacological functions of these herbs. However, the complex functions of these herbs imply undisclosed cholinergic activity. To discover some ingredients with cholinergic activity and further clarify possible reasons for the complex pharmacological functions presented by these herbs, depending on the extended structure-activity relationships of cholinergic and anti-cholinergic agents, a simple method was established here for quickly discovering possible choline analogs using a specific TLC method, and then stachydrine and choline were first identified from these Citrus herb decoctions based on their NMR and HRMS data. After this, two TLC scanning (TLCS) methods were first established for the quantitative analyses of stachydrine and choline, and the contents of the two ingredients and synephrine in 39 samples were determined using the valid TLCS and HPLC methods, respectively. The results showed that the contents of stachydrine (3.04‱) were 2.4 times greater than those of synephrine (1.25‱) in Zhiqiao and about one-third to two-thirds of those of Zhishi, Qingpi and Chenpi. Simultaneously, the contents of stachydrine, choline and synephrine in these herbs present similar decreasing trends with the delay of harvest time; e.g., those of stachydrine decrease from 5.16‱ (Zhishi) to 3.04‱ (Zhike) and from 1.98‱ (Qingpi) to 1.68‱ (Chenpi). Differently, the contents of synephrine decrease the fastest, while those of stachydrine decrease the slowest. Based on these results, compared with the pharmacological activities and pharmacokinetics reported for stachydrine and synephrine, it is indicated that stachydrine can be considered as a bioactive equilibrist for synephrine, especially in the cardio-cerebrovascular protection from these citrus herbs. Additionally, the results confirmed that stachydrine plays an important role in the pharmacological functions of these citrus herbs, especially in dual-directionally regulating the uterus, and in various beneficial effects on the cardio-cerebrovascular system, kidneys and liver.

Host-Guest Complexes HP-β-CD/Citrus Antioxidants: Exploratory Evaluations of Enhanced Properties in Biodegradable Film Packaging

The aim of this work was to exploit the antioxidant potential of molecules recovered during the pectin purification process of citrus lemon waste and to encapsulate them in stable pectin films, with a view to a green and circular economy process. Antioxidant molecules were recovered during the pectin purification process, further recovering matter from the waste. Seven molecules were identified and quantified, and the antioxidant power of the mixture and its stability over time was evaluated. To improve the stability of the bioactive fraction, this was complexed with 2-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HP-β-CD); indeed, this procedure increased their thermal stability from 120 °C up to 250 °C, as verified by thermogravimetry. Furthermore, the most promising complexes were studied under autoclave-like conditions (120 °C, 28 min) to simulate thermal sterilization. The antioxidants and HP-β-CD were combined in a pectin film, showing increased stability over time (up to three times) compared to uncomplexed antioxidants. This process represents a first step towards the development of applicable devices for the delivery of antioxidant molecules.

Inhibition of Melanogenesis by Essential Oils from the Citrus Cultivars Peels

Citrus is one of the most popular and widely grown fruit crops in the world. However, the bioactivity of only certain species of citrus cultivars is studied. In this study, the effects of essential oils from 21 citrus cultivars on melanogenesis were investigated in an effort to identify active anti-melanogenesis constituents. The essential oils from the peels of 21 citrus cultivars obtained by hydro-distillation were analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Mouse melanoma B16BL6 cells were used in all assays conducted in this study. The tyrosinase activity and melanin content were determined using the lysate of α-Melanocyte-stimulated B16BL6 cells. In addition, the melanogenic gene expression was determined by quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Overall, the essential oils of (Citrus unshiu X Citrus sinensis) X Citrus reticulata, Citrus reticulata, and ((Citrus unshiu X Citrus sinensis) X Citrus reticulata) X Citrus reticulata provided the best bioactivity and comprised five distinct constituents compared to other essential oils such as limonene, farnesene, β-elemene, terpinen-4-ol, and sabinene. The anti-melanogenesis activities of the five individual compounds were evaluated. Among the five essential oils, β-elemene, farnesene, and limonene showed dominating properties. The experimental results indicated that (Citrus unshiu X Citrus sinensis) X Citrus reticulata, Citrus reticulata, and ((Citrus unshiu X Citrus sinensis) X Citrus reticulata) X Citrus reticulara are potential candidates with anti-melanogenesis activity for use as cosmetics and pharmaceutical agents against skin hyperpigmentation.

The Chemical Variability, Nutraceutical Value, and Food-Industry and Cosmetic Applications of Citrus Plants: A Critical Review

Citrus fruits occupy an important position in the context of the fruit trade, considering that both fresh fruits and processed products are produced on a large scale. Citrus fruits are recognized as an essential component of the human diet, thanks to their high content of beneficial nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, terpenes, flavonoids, coumarins and dietary fibers. Among these, a wide range of positive biological activities are attributed to terpenes and flavonoids derivatives. In this review, a list of bibliographic reports (from 2015 onwards) on the phytochemical composition, beneficial effects and potential applications of citrus fruits and their by-products is systematically summarized. In detail, information regarding the nutraceutical and medicinal value closely linked to the presence of numerous bioactive metabolites and their growing use in the food industry and food packaging, also considering any technological strategies such as encapsulation to guarantee their stability over time, were evaluated. In addition, since citrus fruit, as well as its by-products, are interesting alternatives for the reformulation of natural cosmetic products, the sector of the cosmetic industry is also explored. More in-depth knowledge of the latest information in this field will contribute to future conscious use of citrus fruits.

Citrus Waste as Source of Bioactive Compounds: Extraction and Utilization in Health and Food Industry

The current research was conducted to extract the bioactive compounds from citrus waste and assess their role in the development of functional foods to treat different disorders. The scientific name of citrus is Citrus L. and it belongs to the Rutaceae family. It is one of the most important fruit crops that is grown throughout the world. During processing, a large amount of waste is produced from citrus fruits in the form of peel, seeds, and pomace. Every year, the citrus processing industry creates a large amount of waste. The citrus waste is composed of highly bioactive substances and phytochemicals, including essential oils (EOs), ascorbic acid, sugars, carotenoids, flavonoids, dietary fiber, polyphenols, and a range of trace elements. These valuable compounds are used to develop functional foods, including baked products, beverages, meat products, and dairy products. Moreover, these functional foods play an important role in treating various disorders, including anti-aging, anti-mutagenic, antidiabetic, anti-carcinogenic, anti-allergenic, anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, and cardiovascular-protective activity. EOs are complex and contain several naturally occurring bioactive compounds that are frequently used as the best substitutes in the food industry. Citrus essential oils have many uses in the packaging and food safety industries. They can also be used as an alternative preservative to extend the shelf lives of different food products.

Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Compounds from Edible Plants with Anti-Cancer Activity and Their Potential Use as Drugs

Food is our daily companion, performing numerous beneficial functions for our bodies. Many of them can help to alleviate or prevent ailments and diseases. In this review, an extensive bibliographic search is conducted in various databases to update information on unprocessed foods with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can aid in treating diseases such as cancer. The current state of knowledge on inflammatory processes involving some interleukins and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) is reviewed. As well as unprocessed foods, which may help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, both of which are important factors in cancer development. Many studies are still needed to take full advantage of the food products we use daily.

HPLC analysis and in vitro antioxidant mediated through cell migration effect of C.hystrix water extract on human keratinocytes and fibroblasts

Citrus hystrix or kaffir lime is a native tropical plant containing a high level of phenolic and flavonoid compounds. Its fruits are used as a food ingredient to enhance the sour-sweet scent and flavor in many dishes. Due to its polyphenol-containing, it has also been used as traditional medicine for health benefits including oral and gum health, stress relief, hair care, and skincare. In this study, we demonstrated the antioxidant activity of C. hystrix water extract and its effect on human keratinocyte and fibroblast migration. The extract showed a high amount of phenolic and flavonoid contents. The HPLC analysis indicated the presence of gallic acid, catechin, caffeic acid, rutin, and quercetin. We showed that C. hystrix water extract exhibited free radical scavenging capacity, determined by DPPH assay, with IC₅₀ of 14.91 mg/mL, and nitrite radical scavenging capacity, determined by NO assay, with IC₅₀ of 4.46 mg/mL. The C. hystrix water extract displayed unnoticeable toxicity at all tested doses. We showed that the treatment of water extracts as low as 50 μg/mL decreased the reactive oxygen species (ROS) from H₂O₂-induced ROS formation in both cell lines. Besides, C. hystrix water extract promoted cell migration in a dose-dependent manner. Together, these results demonstrated the positive benefit of C. hystrix water extract as a wound-healing accelerator. Its health benefits may be due to the antioxidant capability of its phytochemical compounds contained in C. hystrix water extract that enhances the migration of two major cell types: fibroblast and keratinocytes, responsible for the proliferation and remodeling phase of wound healing.

Effect of different ways of ingesting orange essential oil on blood immune index and intestinal microflora in mice

BACKGROUND

Studies have found that the addition of plant essential oils to feed had a positive effect on intestinal microflora and immunity in mice. However, the effect of different ways of ingestion of orange essential oil on mice has seldom been reported. In the present study, we investigated the effects of ingestion of orange essential oil by gavage, sniffing and feeding on intestinal microflora and immunity in mice.

RESULTS

The results obtained showed that a low concentration of essential oil feeding significantly increased the spleen index of mice (P < 0.05). The effect of different ways of ingestion on the thymus index, immunoglobulin G and immunoglobulin M of mice was not significant (P > 0.05). High and medium concentrations of essential oil feeding increased the level of interleukin-2 in mice (P < 0.05). H⁺ K⁺ -ATPase activity was significantly increased in mice fed with gavage and different concentrations of essential oil feed compared to the control group (P < 0.05). The analysis of the results of the microflora in the cecum and colon of mice indicated that the medium concentration of essential oil feeding group and the sniffing group significantly changed the structure of the flora and increased the diversity of the intestinal microflora. All three essential oil ingestion methods increased the abundance of Bacteroidetes and Lactobacillus in the intestine of mice.

CONCLUSION

Compared with gavage and feeding, sniffing had a significant effect on immunoglobulins in mice. All the three ingestion methods could affect the intestinal microflora of mice and increase the abundance of Lactobacillus. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.

Juices and By-Products of Red-Fleshed Sweet Oranges: Assessment of Bioactive and Nutritional Compounds

The content of nutrients and bioactive compounds, and antioxidant capacity were assessed in the juices from two red-fleshed oranges, Cara Cara and Kirkwood, and compared with that of a standard Navel orange. Two juice extraction procedures, hand-squeezing and industrial, and two treatments, pasteurization (85 °C/30 s) and high-pressure homogenization (HPH, 150 MPa/55 °C/1 min), were evaluated. For most of the nutrients and bioactive compounds, the hand and industrial juice squeezing rendered similar extraction efficiency. Individual composition of carotenoids in the juices were differentially affected by the extraction procedure and the treatments, but the red-fleshed orange juices contained between 3- to 6-times higher total carotenoids than the standard Navel juices, being phytoene and phytofluene the main carotenoids. The industrial and treated juices of both red-fleshed oranges contained 20-30% higher amounts of tocopherols but about 20% lower levels of vitamin C than Navel juices. Navel juices exhibited higher hydrophilic antioxidant capacity, while the red-fleshed orange juices showed an improved lipophilic antioxidant capacity. The main distinctive characteristic of the industrial juice by-product of the red-fleshed oranges was a higher content of carotenoids (×10) and singlet oxygen antioxidant capacity (×1.5-2) than the Navel by-product.

Neurological disorders of COVID-19: insights to applications of natural products from plants and microorganisms

In addition to the typical respiratory manifestations, various disorders including involvement of the nerve system have been detected in COVID-19 ranging from 22 to 36%. Although growing records are focusing on neurological aspects of COVID-19, the pathophysiological mechanisms and related therapeutic methods remain obscure. Considering the increased concerns of SARS-CoV-2 potential for more serious neuroinvasion conditions, the present review attempts to focus on the neuroprotective effects of natural compounds as the principle source of therapeutics inhibiting multiple steps of the SARS-CoV-2 infection cycle. The great majority of the natural products with anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity mainly inhibit the attachment, entry and gene expression rather than the replication, assembly, or release. Although microbial-derived natural products comprise 38.5% of the known natural products with neuroprotective effects following viral infection, the neuroprotective potential of the majority of microorganisms is still undiscovered. Among natural products, chrysin, huperzine A, ginsenoside Rg1, pterostilbene, and terrein have shown potent in vitro neuroprotective activity and can be promising for new or repurpose drugs for neurological complications of SARS-CoV-2.

Comparing Metabolomic and Essential Oil Fingerprints of Citrus australasica F. Muell (Finger Lime) Varieties and Their In Vitro Antioxidant Activity

Comparative chemical analyses among peel and pulp essential oils (EOs) and methanolic extracts of four Citrus australasica varieties (Red, Collette, Pink Ice, and Yellow Sunshine), and the hybrid Faustrime, were performed using GC-MS and UHPLC-DAD-HR-Orbitrap/ESI-MS. Peel and pulp extracts were also analysed for their in vitro antioxidant activity on a Balb/3T3 clone A31 mouse embryo fibroblast cell line. The results of peel and pulp EOs were mainly characterised by monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes, respectively. All peels displayed a higher total phenol content (TPC) than pulps, and consequently a greater antioxidant activity. Collette peels and Pink Ice pulps showed the highest amount of identified flavonoids (e.g., luteolin, isosakuranetin, and poncirin derivatives). Collette and Red peels were rich in anthocyanins (delphinidin and petunidin glycosides), exhibiting the maximum protective activity against induced oxidative damage. In conclusion, finger lime fruits are good sources of health-promoting phytocomplexes, with the Red, Collette, and Pink Ice varieties being the most promising.

Foods of the Mediterranean diet: citrus, cucumber and grape

Fruit and vegetables are excellent sources of health-promoting bioactive compounds and nutraceuticals. Regular consumption of fruit and vegetables helps prevent the onset and progression of many non-communicable diseases. The Mediterranean diet envisages consumption of healthy vegetables and fruit on a daily basis for maximum health benefits. Traditional use envisages vegetable-based and fruit-based diets, and many studies scientifically proved the beneficial effects of Mediterranean vegetables and fruits. Rich in bioactive phytochemicals, citrus, cucumbers and grapes have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, cardioprotective, anti-ageing and anti-cancer properties. Studies indicate that intake of citrus, cucumbers and grapes reduces hypertension, hyperlipidemia, skin problems and infections and improves the health of the cardiovascular and nervous systems. These beneficial effects are mediated by several bioactive molecules present in Mediterranean diet vegetables and fruits, such as citrus, cucumbers and grapes. Indeed, they contains flavones, isoflavones, tannins, polyphenols and many beneficial natural molecules. This review focuses on the bioactive ingredients in citrus fruit, cucumbers and grapes, all components of the Mediterranean diet, and their health effects. A deep understanding of Mediterranean diet's components, as well as clinical trials to test natural molecules beneficial effects, will permit to further explore the therapeutic potential of the Mediterranean diet in several pathological conditions.

Anti-inflammatory and anti-aggregating effects of rangpur in the first trimester of growth: ultra-performance liquid chromatography-electrospray mass spectrometry profile and quantification of hesperidin

BACKGROUND

Citrus fruits are a rich source of valuable molecules, and their industrial processing produces bagasses, little explored to generate important by-products. These Citrus residues, including seeds and peels, also contain numerous pharmacologically important substances. To reduce the impact of these Citrus by-products, young, harvested fruits could be used as a functional supplemental food while another part is grown until maturity for industrial production. This study therefore aims to valorize rangpur (Citrus limonia) in the first 3 months of its growth by investigating and comparing its monthly chemical profiles using ultra-performance liquid chromatography-electrospray mass spectrometry (UPLC-ESI-MS) and its anti-inflammatory and antiplatelet activity.

RESULTS

Extracts obtained from the fruits harvested in November, December, and January, 2017 and 2018 (L221117, L161217, and L160118) showed different UPLC-ESI-MS profiles. Twenty-five of the 26 detected metabolites were identified as cyclitol, pyrrolidine betaine, aryl propanoyl esters, chlorogenic acids, flavonoids, coumarins, and limonoids. Quantification studies indicated an increased concentration of hesperidin from the younger fruits to the older fruits of the series. L160118 reduced nitrogen oxide (NOx), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), and interleukin 6 (IL-6) levels more than other extracts. Their activity followed the same trends as the hesperidin concentration in each fruit. In contrast, the most promising antiplatelet activity was observed with the extracts from the two youngest fruits. This suggests combined effects of the chemical components found in these fruits' extracts.

CONCLUSION

The extracts obtained from these young fruits showed considerable anti-inflammatory and antiplatelet activity. Overall, young rangpur could be used as raw material to produce functional foods without producing any waste. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.

COVID-19: Pathophysiology, transmission, and drug development for therapeutic treatment and vaccination strategies

COVID-19, a dreaded and highly contagious pandemic, is flagrantly known for its rapid prevalence across the world. Till date, none of the treatments are distinctly accessible for this life-threatening disease. Under the prevailing conditions of medical emergency, one creative strategy for the identification of novel and potential antiviral agents gaining momentum in research institutions and progressively being leveraged by pharmaceutical companies is target-based drug repositioning/repurposing. A continuous monitoring and recording of results offer an anticipation that this strategy may help to reveal new medications for viral infections. This review recapitulates the neoteric illation of COVID-19, its genomic dispensation, molecular evolution via phylogenetic assessment, drug targets, the most frequently worldwide used repurposed drugs and their therapeutic applications, and a recent update on vaccine management strategies. The available data from solidarity trials exposed that the treatment with several known drugs, viz. lopinavir-ritonavir, chloroquine, hydroxychloroquine, etc had displayed various antagonistic effects along with no impactful result in diminution of mortality rate. The drugs like remdesivir, favipiravir, and ribavirin proved to be quite safer therapeutic options for treatment against COVID-19. Similarly, dexamethasone, convalescent plasma therapy and oral administration of 2DG are expected to reduce the mortality rate of COVID-19 patients.

Synthesize and characterization of CaOx crystals against various citrus waste peel extracts: an in vitro study

Citrus fruits have been consumed by world's population for several centuries. Since it's an edible source possesses various uses in treating many diseases. Among various diseases urolithiasis is one of the major issues globally demands in painless surgical treatment. Calcium Oxalate (CaOx) is found to be the most prevailing constituent of renal calculus in humans which tends to be the categories of the urolithiasis. Citric acid is commonly used in treating to dissolve them in medications. Citrate compound has the ability to bind with calcium stones to relieve oxalates in urine. The objective of the present study is to assess the efficacy of citrate compounds from waste citrate peels describing the inhibition of calcium oxalate (CaOx) crystals. Multistep extraction procedures were performed for the selected citrus peels of Citrus limon, Citrus limetta and Citrus sinensis using different solvents (hexane, aqueous and ethanol) and were tested for its inhibitory actions with different parameters against the synthesized CaOx crystals. The synthetic CaOx crystals were characterized by Microscopy, FTIR, SEM, XRD, and TGA. The structural change in the crystal was observed for inhibition at various stages like nucleation, growth and aggregation when treated with the ethanol extracts of citrus peels. Thus the present investigation concludes that the ethanol extracts of C. sinensis peels highly inhibits at a concentration of 1000 (µg/mL) in 60 min when compared to other solvents. This research would give additional information in preparation of drugs against CaOx urolithiasis in future pharmaceutical development processes.

Cardioprotection by Citrus grandis (L.) Peel Ethanolic Extract in Alloxan-Induced Cardiotoxicity in Diabetic Rats

Diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) pathogenesis is multifarious, and there are insufficient therapeutic options to treat DCM. The present research explored the effects of Citrus grandis peel ethanolic extract (CGPE) in alloxan-induced DCM in rats. Diabetes was triggered by intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of alloxan (150 mg/kg) in Wistar rats (200-250 g). CGPE (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg) or glibenclamide (Glib, 10 mg/kg) were administered orally for 2 weeks. After the treatment schedule, prooxidants (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances), antioxidants (glutathione, catalase, and superoxide dismutase), and inflammatory markers (tumor necrosis factor-α) were determined in cardiac tissues. Biomarkers of cell death, viz., lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), creatine kinase MB (CK-MB) activity, glucose levels, total cholesterol (TC), and high-density lipoproteins (HDL), were assessed in the blood. Rats administered with alloxan showed a consistent increase in blood glucose level (days 7 and 14) that was lowered considerably (p < 0.001) by CGPE or Glib. Alloxan-induced increase in LDH, CK-MB, TC, and decline in HDL was attenuated (p < 0.001) in rats that were treated with CGPE or Glib. Alloxan significantly (p < 0.001) elevated oxidative stress, inflammation, and reduced antioxidants in the cardiac tissue of rats, and these pathogenic abnormalities were ameliorated (p < 0.001) by CGPE. Histopathological studies showed a decrease in morphological disruptions by alloxan in CGPE-treated rats. CGPE (400 mg/kg) significantly ameliorated biochemical parameters in comparison to the lower doses against alloxan cardiotoxicity. Citrus grandis peel extract can be an alternative in the management of DCM.

Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles Using Aqueous Citrus limon Zest Extract: Characterization and Evaluation of Their Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Properties

The current work concentrated on the green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) through the use of aqueous Citruslimon zest extract, optimizing the different experimental factors required for the formation and stability of AgNPs. The preparation of nanoparticles was confirmed by the observation of the color change of the mixture of silver nitrate, after the addition of the plant extract, from yellow to a reddish-brown colloidal suspension and was established by detecting the surface plasmon resonance band at 535.5 nm, utilizing UV-Visible analysis. The optimum conditions were found to be 1 mM of silver nitrate concentration, a 1:9 ratio extract of the mixture, and a 4 h incubation period. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy spectrum indicated that the phytochemicals compounds present in Citrus limon zest extract had a fundamental effect on the production of AgNPs as a bio-reducing agent. The morphology, size, and elemental composition of AgNPs were investigated by zeta potential (ZP), dynamic light scattering (DLS), SEM, EDX, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis, which showed crystalline spherical silver nanoparticles. In addition, the antimicrobial and antioxidant properties of this bioactive silver nanoparticle were also investigated. The AgNPs showed excellent antibacterial activity against one Gram-negative pathogens bacteria, Escherichia coli, and one Gram-positive bacteria, Staphylococcus aureus, as well as antifungal activity against Candida albicans. The obtained results indicate that the antioxidant activity of this nanoparticle is significant. This bioactive silver nanoparticle can be used in biomedical and pharmacological fields.

Targeted Metabolomics With a Chemometric Study of Oxygenated Heterocyclic Aglycones as a Tool for Preliminary Authenticity Assessment of Orange and Grapefruit Juices

Profiles of citrus juice oxygenated heterocyclic aglycones (OHAs), which are notable marker secondary metabolites, were used to assess the authenticity of sweet orange and grapefruit juices in situations where mandarin and pomelo juices might be adulterants. Thirty-nine known OHAs, including 10 methoxyflavones, 13 coumarins, and 16 furanocoumarins, as well as 13 tentatively screened OHAs, were analyzed in orange, mandarin, grapefruit and pomelo juices using our newly developed high-resolution HPLC-UV and fluorescence detection method. Quantitative OHA profiles from 158 pure juice samples were obtained to establish a purity discriminant model using an omics strategy. Reduction of OHA variables showed that three important methoxyflavones, i.e. isosinensetin, tangeretin and sinensetin provided the best discrimination ability between sweet orange and mandarin juices. There are two subtypes of pomelos, Shatianyou Group and Wendan Group, of which juices should be separately compared to grapefruit juice. Five OHAs, namely meranzin, 3,5,6,7,8,3',4'-heptamethoxyflavone, osthole, 6',7'-epoxybergamottin, and bergamottin were found to discriminate Shatianyou Group of pomelo juice from grapefruit juice; whereas three OHAs, namely bergaptol, isomeranzin, and 6',7'-dihydroxybergamottin were able to discriminate Wendan Group of pomelo juice from grapefruit juice. The established partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) models were capable of detecting as little as 10% mandarin juice in sweet orange juice and 10% pomelo juice in grapefruit juice, allowing for fast prescreening of excess addition with good reliability (root mean square error of prediction, RMSEP < 5%).

Vitamin C and its therapeutic potential in the management of COVID19

COVID19 has emerged as one of the worst pandemics in the history of mankind. Several vaccines have been approved by different government agencies worldwide, but data on their efficacy and safety are limited, and distribution remains a massive challenge. As per WHO, personal immunity is vital for protection against COVID19. Earlier, Vitamin C-mediated pathways have been shown to play critical role in boosting immunity attributed to its antioxidant properties. Recently, the involvement of such pathways in protection against COVID19 has been suggested. The controlled doses of Vitamin C administered through intravenous (IV) injections are being studied for determining its role in the prognosis of COVID19. In this article, we have discussed the potential role of Vitamin C in the management in COVID19 patients and presented recent clinical trials data. Additionally, we have elaborated the possibility of administering Vitamin C through inhalers in order to achieve local high concentration and the challenges of such approach.

Plant-derived extracellular vesicles: a novel nanomedicine approach with advantages and challenges

BACKGROUND

Many eukaryote cells produce membrane-enclosed extracellular vesicles (EVs) to establish cell-to-cell communication. Plant-derived EVs (P-EVs) contain proteins, RNAs, lipids, and other metabolites that can be isolated from the juice, the flesh, and roots of many species.

METHODS

In the present review study, we studied numerous articles over the past two decades published on the role of P-EVs in plant physiology as well as on the application of these vesicles in different diseases.

RESULTS

Different types of EVs have been identified in plants that have multiple functions including reorganization of cell structure, development, facilitating crosstalk between plants and fungi, plant immunity, defense against pathogens. Purified from several edible species, these EVs are more biocompatible, biodegradable, and extremely available from many plants, making them useful for cell-free therapy. Emerging evidence of clinical and preclinical studies suggest that P-EVs have numerous benefits over conventional synthetic carriers, opening novel frontiers for the novel drug-delivery system. Exciting new opportunities, including designing drug-loaded P-EVs to improve the drug-delivery systems, are already being examined, however clinical translation of P-EVs-based therapies faces challenges.

CONCLUSION

P-EVs hold great promise for clinical application in the treatment of different diseases. In addition, despite enthusiastic results, further scrutiny should focus on unravelling the detailed mechanism behind P-EVs biogenesis and trafficking as well as their therapeutic applications. Video Abstract.

Study on Closely Related Citrus CMMs based on Chemometrics and Prediction of Components-Targets-Diseases Network by Ingenuity Pathway Analysis

As the representatives of closely related Chinese medicinal materials (CMMs) originated from Rutaceae family, Aurantii fructus immaturus (AFI), Aurantii fructus (AF), Citri reticulatae pericarpium viride (CRPV), and Citri reticulatae pericarpium (CRP) have better functions in regulating qi and promoting gastrointestinal motility. However, differences in the quality of closely related Citrus CMMs have not yet been revealed until now. Herein, this study focused on the systematic differentiation and in-depth understanding of closely related Citrus CMMs by a strategy integrating chemometrics and network pharmacology. Determined by ultra performance liquid chromatography, the content of nine flavonoids showed obvious fluctuations in the decoction pieces from different species (Citrus aurantium Linnaeus and Citrus reticulate Blanco) with decreasing levels in the samples of ripe fruits. Decoction pieces from the different species and ripening stages were well distinguished by orthogonal projection to latent structure-discriminate analysis (OPLS-DA) and cluster analysis. As a result, four active components including narirutin, naringenin, hesperidin, and 3,5,6,7,8,3′,4′-heptemthoxyflavone were filtered out by variable importance for the projection (VIP) value (VIP > 1.0), which were regarded as chemotaxonomic markers. Furthermore, a components-targets-diseases network was constructed via ingenuity pathway analysis (IPA), and the correlations were predicted between four chemotaxonomic markers, 223 targets, and three diseases including colitis, breast cancer, and colorectal cancer. The obtained results will be of great significance for identifying closely related Citrus CMMs and conduce to improving the resource utilization of CMMs.

Fruit Pomaces as Functional Ingredients in Poultry Nutrition: A Review

Sustainable poultry intensification is economically constrained by several factors including high feed costs, which constitute more than 70% of total production costs. Functional feed ingredients such as fruit pomaces can be incorporated into poultry diets as natural sources of nutrients and biologically active substances to deliver sustainable production. Fruit pomaces are agro-industrial waste by-products that have no direct food value for humans. Their utilization as feed ingredients would reduce feed-food competitions, optimize poultry production systems, and promote environmental, economic, and social sustainability. Large quantities of fruit pomaces are generated and disposed in landfills or through incineration with little regard to the environment. Thus, their inclusion in poultry feeds could offer a long-term strategy to protect the environment. Valorising fruit pomaces to enhance poultry production would also contribute toward sustainable development goals and food security through the provision of affordable high-quality protein to the rapidly growing human population. Moreover, the use of fruit pomaces complements food production systems by ensuring that food animals are reared on human inedible feedstuffs. Thus, this review explores the nutritional composition and subsequent feeding values of various fruit pomaces, while examining their environmental benefits when used as feed ingredients in poultry nutrition. Furthermore, strategies that can be employed to negate the effect of anti-nutritional factors in the pomaces are presented. We postulate that the use of fresh or valorised fruit pomaces would improve poultry production and significantly reduce the amounts of waste destined for incineration and/or direct deposition in landfills.