The Status of Prunus padus L. (Bird Cherry) in Forest Communities throughout Europe and Asia

Fruits of Wild-Grown Shrubs for Health Nutrition

Cultivated fruits and berries, such as raspberries, strawberries, black currants, cherries, blueberries, are generally recognized sources of antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and other substances beneficial to human health and well-being. However, there are also wild berries and fruits that are of undoubted interest as food products having valuable medicinal properties due to the presence of phenolic compounds, antioxidants, and vitamins. These fruits have a great potential to be used in functional food making. The present review is dedicated to fruits of wild-grown shrubs Bird cherry (Prunus padus L.), Rowan berry (Sorbus aucuparia L.), Guelder rose (Viburnum opulus L.), Black elderberry (Sambucus nigra L.), and Barberry (Berberis vulgaris L.) The chemical compositions of these wild berries are described as well as their effects on the improvement of human health proved by clinical trials and epidemiological studies. The possibilities of using the fruits of wild-grown shrubs in the preparation of functional foods and examples of their implementation for the manufacturing of dairy, bakery and meat products are considered.

Influences of wildfire on the forest ecosystem and climate change: A comprehensive study

Wildfires have complex impacts on forests, including changes in vegetation, threats to biodiversity, and emissions of greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide, which exacerbate climate change. The influence of wildfires on animal habitats is particularly noteworthy, as they can lead to significant changes in native environments. The extent of these alterations in species and habitats plays a crucial role in shaping forest ecology. Drought, disease, insect infestations, overgrazing, or their combined effects can amplify the negative effects on specific plant genera and entire ecosystems. In addition to the immediate consequences of plant mortality and altered community dynamics, forest fires have far-reaching implications. They often increase flowering and seed production, further influencing ecological communities. However, one concerning trend is the decline in the diversity of forest biological species within fire-affected areas. Beyond their ecological impacts, wildfires emit substantial quantities of greenhouse gases and fine particulates into the atmosphere, triggering profound changes in climate patterns and contributing to global warming. As vegetation burns during these fires, the carbon stored within is released, rendering large forest fires detrimental to biodiversity and the emission of CO2, a significant contributor to global warming. Measuring the global impact of wildfires on ecological communities and greenhouse gas emissions has become increasingly vital. These research endeavors shed light on the intricate relationships and feedback loops linking wildfires, ecosystem inhabitants, and the evolving climate landscape.

The Possibility of Using Fruit-Bearing Plants of Temperate Climate in the Treatment and Prevention of Diabetes

Diabetes mellitus is one of the most dangerous metabolic diseases. The incidence of this disease continues to increase and is often associated with severe complications. Plants and natural plant products with a healing effect have been successfully used in the treatment of many disease entities since the beginning of the history of herbalism and medicine. At present, great emphasis is placed on the biodiversity of crops and the replacement of the monoculture production system of popular temperate climate plants, such as apple, pear, plum, and vine, with alternative fruit species. Very promising fruit plants are Cornelian cherry (Cornus mas); mulberry (Morus alba); bird cherry (Prunus padus); sour cherry (Prunus cerasus); plants of the genus Amelanchier, Sorbus, and Crategus; medlar (Mespilus germanica); quince (Cydonia oblonga); plants of the genus Vaccinium; and wild roses. When promoting the cultivation of alternative fruit-bearing plants, it is worth emphasizing their beneficial effects on health. This systematic review indicates that the antidiabetic effect of various parts of fruit plants is attributed to the presence of polyphenols, especially anthocyanins, which have different mechanisms of antidiabetic action and can be used in the treatment of diabetes and various complications associated with this disease.

Composition of Phenolic Compounds, Cyanogenic Glycosides, Organic Acids and Sugars in Fruits of Black Cherry (Prunus serotina Ehrh.)

The forest understory is rich in fruit-bearing trees and shrubs. They include both native species and invasive alien plant species (IAPS). One of the most spreading IAPS is black cherry (Prunus serotina E.). Problems with the invasiveness of P. serotina is well known in many European countries. However, there are very few studies related to this IAPS. This article aims to fill the gap in research on the bioactive compounds of black cherry fruits and thus to start a discussion on the potential use of this species on an industrial or semi-industrial scale, which may lead to the reduction of this species presence in forests. Fruits were collected in a forest of Northern Poland. Contents of sugars, phenolic compounds as well as cyanogenic glycosides were determined. Pphenolic compounds and cyanogenic glycoside were assayed using HPLC-DAD coupled with MSn. Sugars and organic acids were determined with the use of HPLC-DAD. Fruits of P. serotina can be considered as rich in anthocyanins, even at a lower level of total phenolics than in their plantation-grown couterparts, fruits of black cherry are still a good source of dietary phenolics of natural, forest-grown origin. When stones are not crushed during processing the level of GCC is within a safe, admissible range.