Variation in Phenolic Compounds and Antioxidant Activity of Various Organs of African Cabbage (Cleome gynandra L.) Accessions at Different Growth Stages

Phytochemical Profile, Antioxidant, Anti-Atopic, and Anti-Inflammatory Activities of Filipendula glaberrima Nakai at Different Growth Stages

Since atopic dermatitis is an inflammatory skin disease, natural remedies, such as Filipendula glaberrima Nakai (FG), with anti-inflammatory properties are possible promising therapeutic options. This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic potential of FG extracts at different growth stages. Seven compounds were isolated from the FG leaf extracts using open-column chromatography, and they were analyzed using HPLC. The extracts were further evaluated for their total polyphenol and flavonoid content (TPC and TFC). The in vitro antioxidant properties of the FG extracts were evaluated using radical scavenging assays, whereas their anti-inflammatory activities were assessed by evaluating their ability to inhibit the production of inflammation-associated biomarkers using the Griess assay and ELISA, respectively. The MTT assay was used to evaluate the viability and cytotoxicity of the FG extracts in keratinocyte cell lines. The results showed that the full-flowering stage exhibited the highest TPC, TFC, and antioxidant activities, thus suggesting a positive correlation between these properties. All FG extracts showed significant anti-inflammatory activity by inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory biomarkers in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated macrophages. Additionally, the FG extracts suppressed the production of cytokines and chemokines in keratinocytes, indicating their anti-atopic potential. HPLC analysis revealed that the full-flowering stage had the highest content of all the analyzed phytochemicals (gallic acid, (+)-catechin, hyperin, miquelianin, astragalin, afzelin, and quercetin). These results suggest that the full-flowering stage of FG is the most promising source for therapeutic applications owing to its superior phytochemical profile and biological activities. This study highlights the potential of FG extracts, particularly in its full-flowering stage, as a natural therapeutic agent for the management of inflammation-related diseases, and it can also serve as a reference for further research on FG.

Harvest time optimization for medicinal and aromatic plant secondary metabolites

Plant secondary metabolites (SMs) play a crucial role in shielding plants from pathogens and environmental stressors. These natural products find widespread applications across various industries, including pharmaceutical, food, cosmetic, and healthcare. However, the quantity and quality of these compounds in plants can be influenced by factors such as genetics, morphology, plant age, and the seasonal and daily variations. The timing of harvest holds particular significance for medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs) as their active compounds peak at a specific moment during the plant growth cycle. Determining the optimal harvest time is essential to ensure the plants meet their intended cultivation goal. In this review, we analyzed how developmental and external factors impact the qualitative and quantitative effectiveness of SMs in MAPs. We examined recent studies on the effects of environmental and developmental factors on SMs of MAPs, compiling relevant data for analysis. The results of this review demonstrate how these factors influence the quantity and quality of plant SMs, underscoring the importance of determining the optimal harvest time (known as the balsamic time) to maximize the utilization of these compounds. Our findings offer crucial insights into the factors affecting SMs, serving as a tool for quality control in MAPs production. Moreover, this review can be a valuable resource for researchers, farmers, and industrial users aiming to optimize plant growth and harvest timing for maximum yield. Overall, our review provides valuable information for devising effective strategies to produce high-quality MAPs products.

Regional Variations in Peucedanum japonicum Antioxidants and Phytochemicals

Peucedanum japonicum has long been a staple in East Asian cuisine. In the context of traditional medicine, various members of the Peucedanum genus have been investigated for potential medicinal properties. In laboratory settings, some compounds derived from this plant have shown antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties-characteristics often associated with potential medicinal applications. This study aimed to determine which part of the P. japonicum plants cultivated on two Korean islands contains the most antioxidant compounds. This determination was made through assessments of total polyphenol content and total flavonoid content, coupled with evaluation of antioxidant activity via DPPH and ABTS assays. The results showed that the aerial parts contain a richer array of bioactive compounds and demonstrate superior antioxidant activity compared to their root counterparts in the plants from both islands. To characterize the phytochemicals underpinning this bioactivity, LC-MS/MS and HPLC analyses were carried out. These methods detected varying amounts of chlorogenic acid, peucedanol 7-O-glucoside, rutin, and peucedanol, with good separation and retention times. This study addresses the lack of research on the antioxidant activity of different parts of P. japonicum. The findings hold significance for traditional medicine, dietary supplements, and the development of functional foods. Understanding antioxidant distribution aids in the development of medicinal and nutritional applications, influences agricultural practices, and contributes to regional biodiversity-conservation efforts. The study's geographical scope provides insights into how location impacts the concentration of bioactive compounds in plants. Overall, the results contribute valuable data for future research in plant biology, biochemistry, and related fields.

Temporospatial pattern of flavonoid metabolites and potential regulatory pathway of PbMYB211-coordinated kaempferol-3-O-rhamnoside biosynthesis in Phoebe bournei

Phoebe is a well-known timber tree species that contains abundant metabolites characterized by flavonoids that are widely used in the pharmaceutical industry. Nevertheless, temporospatial flavonoid metabolism variations substantially impact the Phoebe industry. Thus, a metabolomics analysis was carried out and identified 465 metabolites (102 flavonoids) in P. bournei, revealing distinct distribution patterns among five studied organs, and most of the flavonoids were dominant in the leaves. Furthermore, three kaempferol glycoside derivatives were significantly accumulated in the leaves and showed higher contents in young leaves than in mature leaves and differences between spring and autumn. For instance, greater accumulation of kaempferol-7-O-rhamnoside was detected in spring, whereas higher contents of kaempferol-3-O-arabinofuranoside and kaempferol-3-O-rhamnoside were found in autumn. Integrated metabolomics and transcriptomics identified 20 transcription factors (TFs) and 12 structural genes that participate in kaempferol derivative synthesis and elucidated a potential regulatory mechanism in P. bournei. Of the identified genes, PbMYB211 might contribute significantly to the kaempferol-3-O-rhamnoside content by regulating the target structural gene PbUGT139, as revealed by transient overexpression analysis. Overall, this study illuminated the temporospatial accumulation of flavonoids among different organs, seasons, and developmental stages in P. bournei and elucidated a potential regulatory pathway of kaempferol-3-O-rhamnoside. The results provide important insights into harvest techniques and a theoretical basis for the comprehensive utilization of P. bournei.

Stability of Phenols, Antioxidant Capacity and Grain Yield of Six Rice Genotypes

The environment is the main factor affecting variations in phytochemicals and antioxidant activity in rice. The objective of this study was to evaluate the stability of grain yield, phytochemicals and antioxidant capacity of six rice genotypes. Six rice genotypes were evaluated in a randomized complete block design with three replicates at three locations in Trat, Bangkok and Sakon Nakhon provinces in July-October 2019. Data on grain yield, yield components, total phenolic content, ferulic acid and antioxidant capacity were recorded. Grain yield was highest for crops grown in Bangkok, whereas antioxidant activity was highest for crops grown in Bangkok and Sakon Nakhon. Hom Nang Nual 1 and Mali Nil Boran had the highest grain yield. Riceberry had the highest grain yield in Trat; it also had high levels of total phenolic compounds, ferulic acid and antioxidant activity. Mali Nil Boran, Mali Nil Surin and Riceberry had the most stable total phenolic content, ferulic acid and antioxidant activity, respectively. Information on the levels and variability of phytochemicals in rice enables the selection of genotypes with high and stabile phytochemicals for production and rice breeding.

Influence of Extraction Techniques and Solvents on the Antioxidant and Biological Potential of Different Parts of Scorzonera undulata

The genus Scorzonera has various medicinal values. Species belonging to this genus were traditionally used as drugs or in food. The current study aimed to determine the phytochemical composition, antioxidant activity, and biological properties of the tuber, leaf, and flower of Scorzonera undulata extracts, collected from the southwest of Tunisia. Phenolic compounds from the three parts were extracted using two solvents (water and ethanol) and two extraction techniques (maceration and ultrasound). The total phenolic content was measured by the Folin–Ciocalteu assay. Furthermore, the chemical composition of Scorzonera undulata extract was also investigated by the LC-ESI–MS method using phenolic acid and flavonoid standards. The variation of the extraction methods induced a variation in the real potentialities of the three parts in terms of bioactive molecules. However, the aerial part of S. undulata (leaves and flowers) showed, in general, the highest phenolic contents. Twenty-five volatile compounds have been detected by GC-MS in S. undulata extracts; among them, fourteen were identified before derivatization. The DPPH test showed that the aerial part of the plant has a higher antioxidant activity compared to the tuber (25.06% at 50 µg/mL for the leaf ethanolic extract obtained by ultrasound extraction). For most biological activities (anti-Xanthine, anti-inflammatory, and antidiabetic (alpha-amylase and alpha-glucosidase)), the aerial parts (flowers and leaves) of the plant showed the highest inhibition than tubers.

Phenolic composition of ten plants species used as ethnoveterinary medicines in Omusati and Kunene regions of Namibia

The therapeutic benefits of phenolic compounds found in plants are well known. The purpose of this study was to determine the phenolic content of ten plant species used as ethnoveterinary treatments in Namibia's Omusati and Kunene regions. The plants of concern were Aloe esculenta, Fockea angustifolia, Boscia albitrunca, Combretum imberbe, Acacia nilotica, Colophospermum mopane, Acacia erioloba, Ziziphus mucronata, Ximenia americana, and Salvadora persica. An LC-MS approach was used to identify the compounds. To analyse high-resolution UPLC-UV/MS, a Waters Acquity ultra-performance liquid chromatograph (UPLC) with a photodiode array detector was connected to a Waters Synapt G2 quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometer (MS). The current study identified a total of 29 phenolic compounds. Flavonoids (epicatechin, (-)-Epigallocatechin, and rutin,) were the most abundant, followed by 2R, 3S-Piscidic acid. Methylisocitric acid was found in all species investigated, with the highest quantities in A. esculenta and X. americana leaf extracts. There were differences in composition and quantity of phenolic compounds in aerial and ground sections between species. The overall findings of the present study would act as a standard for subsequent investigations into the pharmacological potentials of plants species utilized as ethnoveterinary remedies. Priority should be given to isolating, purifying, and defining the active compounds responsible for these plants' activity.

Antioxidant properties of water-soluble polysaccharides prepared by co-culture fermentation of straw and shrimp shell

Herein, we present a method for producing water-soluble polysaccharides (WSPs) by co-culture fermentation of straw and shrimp shells. The chitin-degrading strain was isolated and genotypically identified as the non-pathogen Photobacterium sp. LYM-1 in this study. Photobacterium sp. LYM-1 and Aureobasidium pullulans 2012 could coexist without antagonism. WSPs concentrations were higher in co-culture fermentations of Photobacterium sp. LYM-1 and A. pullulans 2012 (PsL/AP-WSPs) compared to monocultures (PsL-WSPs and AP-WSPs). FTIR was used to examine the polysaccharide properties of three WSP fractions. The monosaccharide compositions of three WSPs fractions were primarily composed of mannose, ribose, glucosamine, glucose, galactose, and arabinose with varying molecular weights and molar ratios according to HPLC analysis. PsL/AP-WSPs showed better scavenging effects on DPPH, ABTS, and OH free radicals, demonstrating the application potential of PsL/AP-WSPs from straw and shrimp shells. The maximum yield obtained under optimum conditions (fermentation time of 6 days, temperature of 31°C, inoculum concentration of 10% (w/v), and inoculum composition of 2:1) was 5.88 ± 0.40 mg/mL, based on the PsL/AP-WSPs production optimization by orthogonal design. The results suggest that an environmentally friendly approach for WSPs production from agro-food wastes straw and shrimp shells was developed.

Prospective Role of Indigenous Leafy Vegetables as Functional Food Ingredients

Indigenous leafy vegetables (ILVs) play a pivotal role in sustaining the lives of many people of low socio-economic status who reside in rural areas of most developing countries. Such ILVs contribute to food security since they withstand harsher weather and soil conditions than their commercial counterparts and supply important nutrients such as dietary fibre, vitamins and minerals. Furthermore, ILVs contain bioactive components such as phenolic compounds, flavonoids, dietary fibre, carotene content and vitamin C that confer health benefits on consumers. Several studies have demonstrated that regular and adequate consumption of vegetables reduces risks of chronic conditions such as diabetes, cancer, metabolic disorders such as obesity in children and adults, as well as cardiovascular disease. However, consumption of ILVs is very low globally as they are associated with unbalanced and poor diets, with being food for the poor and with possibly containing toxic heavy metals. Therefore, this paper reviews the role of ILVs as food security crops, the biodiversity of ILVs, the effects of processing on the bioactivity of ILVs, consumer acceptability of food derived from ILVs, potential toxicity of some ILVs and the potential role ILVs play in the future of eating.

Antioxidant Activity and Anti-Nutritional Factors of Selected Wild Edible Plants Collected from Northeastern Ethiopia

In Ethiopia, wild edible plants (WEPs) offer a natural food supply for humans to alleviate food insecurity and hunger. Despite the extensive usage of WEPs in Ethiopia, there have been few investigations on their nutritional composition. Our study aimed to evaluate the antioxidant activity and anti-nutritional factors of the most commonly consumed WEPs in Northeastern Ethiopia. The antioxidant parameters including total phenol, total flavonoid, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and Ferric Antioxidant Power (FRAP) assay contents and the anti-nutritional parameters including oxalate, phytate and tannin contents of the selected seven WEPs were evaluated using standard food analysis techniques. The total phenol (mg GAE/100 g) and total flavonoid (mg QE/100 g) content of WEPs resulted in ranges of 0.79–17.02 and 2.27–7.12, respectively. The antioxidant activity revealed that leaves of Amaranthus hybridus and Rumex nervosus have the highest DPPH and FRAP value, scavenging 50% of free radicals under 50 µg/mL. Non-food values resulted in the respective ranges of 3.37–11.73 mg/100 g oxalate, 16.31–165 µg/100 g phytate and 1.38–5.49 mg/100 g tannin. The investigation indicates that the antioxidant activity of WEPs under research was higher than common crops, and the non-food values were laid in the safe limit, indicating that these might be used for making more healthy and nutritious foods.

High throughput analytical approach based on μQuEChERS combined with UHPLC-PDA for analysis of bioactive secondary metabolites in edible flowers

Mallow blue (Malva sylvestris L.), hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis L.) and nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus L.), are common edible flowers rich in bioactive secondary metabolites (BASMs) whose use in sophisticated gastronomy present currently as increasing trend. In this study the BASMs profile of these edible flowers was established using an emerging green extraction technique, μQuEChERS followed by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled to a photodiode array detection system (UHPLC-PDA). After validation the μQuEChERS/UHPLC-PDA methodology allow to identify that apigenin and epigallocatechin gallate are the most abundant BASMs in mallow blue flowers, while catechin and dicaffeoylquinic acid are predominant in hibiscus flowers, and myricitrin and dicaffeoylquinic acid in nasturtium flowers. Total polyphenol content is the highest in the extract of hibiscus. Nasturtium shows the greatest radical scavenging activity. The results revealed that these flowers constitute a potential source of BASMs with different bioactive properties suggesting its use in design of new functional foods.

Hieracium waldsteinii (Asteraceae) and Onosma stellulata (Boraginaceae) as a Source of Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Agents

The current study aimed to phytochemically characterize (including a detailed phenolic profile) two endemic Balkan's species (Hieracium waldsteinii and Onosma stellulata) and determine their possible application as a source of natural antioxidant and antimicrobial agents. The main phenolic compound in both species (in all examined parts) was chlorogenic acid. Eriodictyol, genistein and naringenin were quantified only in H. waldsteinii while isorhamnetin-3-O-rutinoside and sinapic acid were characteristic for O. stellulata. The highest antioxidant activity (98 mg AAE/g dry weight for TAC assay) was ascribed to the flower extract of H. waldsteinii while the lowest results (∼4.3 mg AAE/g dry weight for FRP assay) were exhibited by the extracts obtained from the plant's stem. Antimicrobial assays showed moderate antibacterial, i. e., moderate/strong activity against several tested fungi (in particular Trichoderma viride). Correlation analysis revealed strong positive connection between phenolic compounds and reducing power of extracts as well as between total phenolic and flavonoid content and the obtained minimal inhibitory concentration recorded in antibacterial assays.

Chemometric Optimization of Biologically Active Compounds Extraction from Grape Marc: Composition and Antimicrobial Activity

The article focuses on the optimization of the extraction process of biologically active compounds (BAC) from grape marc—a by-product of the wine industry. The influence of temperature, specifically 30 °C, 45 °C and 65 °C, and ethanol concentration in solutions, specifically 0–96% (v/v) on the extraction yield of polyphenols, flavonoids, tannins and anthocyanins, were investigated. The composition of individual polyphenols, anthocyanins and organic acids, antioxidant activity (DPPH and ABTS) and CIELab chromatic characteristics of the grape marc extracts (GME), were characterized. The microbiostatic and microbicidal effects in direct contact of GME with pathogenic microorganisms, Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, were determined in vitro. The influence of extraction parameters on the total polyphenol content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), tannin content (TC), total anthocyanin content (TAC) and their interdependencies were studied using information analysis. A mathematical model was developed on cubic spline functions. The analysis of individual compounds showed the presence of a wide range of flavonoids (procyanidin B2, procyanidin B1, hyperoside and quercetin), flavones (catechin), hydroxybenzoic acid derivatives (gallic, protocatechuic, p-hydroxybenzoic acids, m-hydroxybenzoic acid, syringic acid), hydroxycinic acid derivatives and ferulic acid methyl ester. The malvidol-3-glucoside was the main anthocyanin identified in the extract. A high amount of tartaric acid was also found. GME showed significant antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive bacteria and lower activity against Gram-negative bacteria.

Volatile Compounds and Total Phenolic Content of Perilla frutescens at Microgreens and Mature Stages

Microgreens are considered products of high biological value because they contain natural and beneficial metabolites and antioxidants in high amounts; also, consumers appreciate them very much for their aromas. In this work, we focused our attention on the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted from whole fresh leaves of two Chinese basil varieties (Perilla frutescens var. frutescens and var. crispa) at the microgreens stage; to show that the emission is microgreens specific we tested whether this capacity remains during subsequent growth of the plants. We found differences between the VOCs produced by the leaves of the two varieties at the microgreens stage and significantly reduced emission after development (additional four weeks of growth) particularly for the green variety (var. frutescens). The main volatiles emitted by whole leaves were D-Limonene for the red variety (crispa) and 2-Hexanoylfuran for the green one. In addition, the total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant power increase in adult leaves. These results clearly indicate that the particular smell of microgreens Perilla leaves depends on the specific variety and is not related to the amount of total phenols or antioxidant capacity of the leaves.