Effects of different products of peach (Prunus persica L. Batsch) from a variety developed in southern Brazil on oxidative stress and inflammatory parameters in vitro and ex vivo

Unlocking peach juice byproduct potential in food waste biorefineries: Phenolic compounds profile, antioxidant capacity and fermentable sugars

This work assesses an integrated pathway for the revalorization of peach byproduct (PB) within a biorefinery. PB was subjected to an oven-drying (OD) treatment for its evaluation as a storage treatment. It was compared to freeze-drying and untreated material in terms of antioxidant capacity (AOC), phenolic compounds (PC) profile and fermentable sugar production. OD reduced the water content to less than 15 % while preserving the bound hydrolysable polyphenols, which were the more abundant PC (≈64 %) with the highest AOC. Drying treatments hampered polysaccharide accessibility, but some enzyme preparations released 60-70 g/L of fermentable sugars at relatively high solids loading (10 %). This study proposes a novel enzyme-based strategy for the valorisation of fermentable sugars and antioxidant compounds from PB. The sugars can be fermented into several building blocks while the solid residue enriched in recalcitrant phenolic compounds and proteins could be used to develop novel functional products for food/feed sectors.

Attenuation of glycation and biochemical aberrations in fructose‐loaded rats by polyphenol‐rich ethyl acetate fraction of Parkia biglobosa (jacq.) Benth. (Mimosaceae) leaves

Background

Different parts of the Parkia biglobosa plant are employed in traditional medicine in different African communities. However, information ratifying its use and biochemical influence on health is still scanty in literature. Thus, the present study assessed the influence of the ethyl acetate fraction of Parkia biglobosa leaves (EAFPB) on some biochemical parameters of sub-chronic fructose-loaded rats.

Methodology

Twenty-five Wistar rats were randomized into five groups (n = 5). The normal control group was maintained on normal diet only while the high fructose solution (HFS) control (placebo), reference and treatment groups received high fructose solution (3 g/kg/d b.w of fructose) for 30 days before treatment. Based on pilot study, two doses (100 and 200 mg/kg/d b.w) of EAFPB were selected and were administered to two groups of test animals while the reference group received 300 mg/kg/d b.w. of metformin for 14 days. Thereafter, blood was collected from fasted animals for biochemical analyses for the examination of level of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), liver status (alanine and aspartate aminotransferases (ALT and AST) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activities, and bilirubin level), lipid profile (total cholesterol, triglyceride, and low- and high-density lipoproteins levels) and lipid peroxidation (malondialdehyde – MDA level).

Results

EAFPB was shown to have a good DPPH radical scavenging activity (EC50 = 0.395 mg/ml). Chromatographic analysis of EAFPB revealed 28 known flavonoids (mainly kaempferol (21.31 mg/100 g), quercetin (12.84 mg/100 g), and luteolin (6.75 mg/100 g)), four hydrocinnamic acids derivatives (mainly P-coumaric acid (6.73 mg/100 g)), and 11 phenolic acids derivatives (mainly chlorogenic acid (48.18 mg/100 g) and protocatechuic acid (21.58 mg/100 g)). Relative to normal control, it was observed that fructose overload significantly increased serum activities of ALP, ALT, and AST, and levels of MDA, total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein and triglyceride in placebo. However, EAFPB significantly tapered the elevated serum activities of ALP, ALT, and AST. In addition, relative to placebo, the increased levels of HbA1c, MDA, and lipid health markers were also rebated by EAFPB.

Conclusions

Ethyl acetate fraction of Parkia biglobosa leaves attenuates biochemical aberrations in fructose-loaded rats, an effect attributable to the rich store of polyphenolic compounds in the fraction.

Graphical abstract

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

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

Anti‑inflammatory role of Prunus persica L. Batsch methanol extract on lipopolysaccharide‑stimulated glial cells

Glial cells are the resident immune cells of the central nervous system. Reactive glial cells release inflammatory mediators that induce neurotoxicity or aggravate neurodegeneration. Regulation of glial activation is crucial for the initiation and progression of neuropathological conditions. Constituents of the peach tree (Prunus persica L. Batsch), which has a global distribution, have been found to exert therapeutic effects in pathological conditions, such as rashes, eczema and allergies. However, the therapeutic potential of its aerial parts (leaves, fruits and twigs) remains to be elucidated. The present study aimed to evaluate the anti-inflammatory role of P. persica methanol extract (PPB) on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated glial cells. High-performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry analysis showed that PPB contained chlorogenic acid and catechin, which have antioxidant properties. Western blot and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction results indicated that PPB reduced the transcription of various proinflammatory enzymes (nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase-2) and cytokines [tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-6] in LPS-stimulated BV2 cells. In addition, PPB inhibited the activation of NF-κB and various mitogen-activated protein kinases required for proinflammatory mediator transcription. Finally, nitrite measurement and immunocytochemistry results indicated that PPB also suppressed nitrite production and NF-κB translocation in LPS-stimulated primary astrocytes. Thus, PPB may be used as a potential therapeutic agent for neurodegenerative diseases and neurotoxicity via the suppression of glial cell activation.

Unripe peach (Prunus persica) extract ameliorates damage from UV irradiation and improved collagen XVIII expression in 3D skin model

INTRODUCTION

Collagen type XVIII regulates cellular activities of adjacent cells at the dermal-epidermal junction (DEJ). To investigate its possible changes during aging, we compared its mRNA levels and protein localization in skin samples from female participants aged 20-70 years old. In addition, we evaluated the beneficial effects of unripe peach extracts in a 3D skin model.

METHODS

Sun-exposed or sun-protected female skin samples were compared by DNA array or by immunohistochemistry for basement membrane components. To evaluate protective effects of fresh unripe peach extract, UV-B irradiated human 3D skin models were incubated in the presence or absence of the extract, followed by measurements of mRNA levels by real-time PCR, or by immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS

In aged skin samples, COL18A1 mRNA levels were lower and the protein localization exhibited less intensive signal by anti-collagen type XVIII immunostaining. As observed in the skin tissues, collagen type XVIII exists at the DEJ in the 3D skin model. Fresh unripe peach extract significantly improved mRNA levels and partially localizations of collagen type XVIII, suggesting that fresh unripe peach extract ameliorates DEJ damages caused by UV-B irradiation.

CONCLUSION

Collagen type XVIII and fresh unripe peach extract can be promising protective cosmetic strategies against skin aging.

Ethanol Extract of Root of Prunus persica Inhibited the Growth of Liver Cancer Cell HepG2 by Inducing Cell Cycle Arrest and Migration Suppression

Liver cancer is the second most lethal cancer and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the primary cancer subgroup. However, the current chemotherapy agents remain ineffective and present wide side effects for advanced HCC patient. In this study, we investigated the antitumor role of ethanol extract of root of peach tree (Prunus persica (L.) Batsch and hereafter designated as TSG in short of its Chinese name), which is an important ingredient in Chinese medicine prescription, in liver cancer cell HepG2. By cell viability assay, we showed that addition of TSG in the culture medium inhibited the cell growth of HepG2 cells in a dose and time-dependent way. Cell cycle analysis indicated that TSG caused sustained M/G2 phase arrest. The expression of mitosis-related protein Cdc25c was impaired upon TSG treatment. Furthermore, wound healing assay demonstrated that TSG treatment notably suppressed the migration of HepG2 cells and the expression of extracellular matrix metalloprotease, MMP3 and MMP9. Most significantly, administration of TSG inhibited in vivo tumor growth in nude mice. Our findings suggested that TSG may serve as a source to isolate anti-HCC therapeutic ingredients.

Effects of a standardized extract of Rheum turkestanicum Janischew root on diabetic changes in the kidney, liver and heart of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

Numerus studies highlighted benefits of natural flavonoids in the management of diabetes. The present study was aimed to investigate the effects of a high flavonoids containing extract of Rheum turkestanicum on diabetic changes in different tissues. Male Wistar rats were divided into normal and streptozotocin-induced diabetic groups received saline or hydroalcoholic extract of R. turkestanicum root (100, 200 and 300mg/kg) through orogastric gavage for 4 weeks. Serum glucose, HbA1c, lipids, creatinine, uric acid, liver enzymes (alkaline phosphatase, aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase), and cardiac enzymes (lactate dehydrogenase and creatine phosphokinase) in diabetic control group were significantly higher compared to normal control group (p<0.001). The extract significantly reduced these factors, increased body weight, and improved both glucosurea and proteinuria. Lipid peroxidation was high in the liver of diabetic rats compared to normal rats (p<0.001) and reverted toward control values by R. turkestanicum. Also, the extract significantly protected the liver, kidney, and heart of diabetic rats against histopathological changes. In conclusion, R. turkestanicum inhibited the development of nephropathy, liver injury, and myocardial damage in diabetes by lowering the serum levels of glucose and lipids, and by inhibiting oxidative stress mediated lipid peroxidation.

Phenolic contents and bioactive potential of peach fruit extracts

Several cultivars of peach fruit (Prunus persica L.) were investigated. Their phenolic composition and concentration were assessed by LC-MS. Concentrations were calculated in mg per g of dry weight extract. Their antioxidant capacity (Folin-Ciocalteu, ORAC, DPPH, ABTS, PFRAP and ICA), inhibitory property against β-amyloid and α-synuclein fibril formation and protective capacity against Aβ-induced toxicity on PC12 cell lines (viability assessed by MTT assay and intracellular ROS production by DCFH-DA assay) were evaluated. Fifteen different phenolic compounds were identified and quantified. In particular, new isorhamnetin derivatives were identified. Phenolic contents were ranged between 19 and 82mg/g. Spring Belle extract had the highest content and Romea the lowest. Except for the ICA assay, a good correlation between phenolic content and the antioxidant capacities of peach fruit extracts was found, indicating that phenolic compounds are major contributors to their antioxidant capacity. Results indicate that the phenolic extract of peach cultivars inhibits Aβ and αS fibril formation and protects PC12 cell lines against Aβ-induced toxicity.