Evaluation of polyphenolic profile and nutritional value of non-traditional fruit species in the Czech Republic--a comparative study

A Systematic Review of Cardio-Metabolic Properties of Lonicera caerulea L

In the light of growing concerns faced by Western societies due to aging, natality decline, and epidemic of cardio-metabolic diseases, both preventable and treatable, new and effective strategical interventions are urgently needed in order to decrease their socio-economical encumbrance. The recent focus of research has been redirected towards investigating the potential of haskap (Lonicera caerulea L.) as a novel functional food or superfruit. Therefore, our present review aims to highlight the latest scientific proofs regarding the potential of Lonicera caerulea L. (LC), a perennial fruit-bearing plant rich in polyphenols, in reversing cardio-metabolic dysfunctions. In this regard, a systematic search on two databases (PubMed and Google Scholar) from 1 January 2016 to 1 December 2023 was performed, the keyword combination being Lonicera caerulea L. AND the searched pharmacological action, with the inclusion criteria consisting of in extenso original articles, written in English. The health-enhancing characteristics of haskap berries have been examined through in vitro and in vivo studies from the 35 included original papers. Positive effects regarding cardiovascular diseases and metabolic syndrome have been assigned to the antioxidant activity, hypolipidemic and hypoglycemic effects, as well as to the hepatoprotective and vasoprotective potential. Latest advances regarding LCF mechanisms of action are detailed within this review as well. All these cutting-edge data suggest that this vegetal product would be a good candidate for further clinical studies.

Antioxidant, Enzyme Inhibitory, and Protective Effect of Amelanchier lamarckii Extract

The present study aimed to investigate the chemical content of Romanian juneberries (Amelanchier lamarckii), their effect on antioxidant and enzyme inhibition activities, and their bioaccessibility after simulated in-vitro digestion. In Amelanchier lamarckii extract (AME), 16 polyphenolic compounds were identified by LC-ESI+-MS analysis. The most representative compounds found in the extract were cyanidin-galactoside, 3,4-dihydroxy-5-methoxybenzoic acid, feruloylquinic acid, and kaempferol, all belonging to the anthocyanins, phenolic acids, and flavonols subclasses. The polyphenols of AME exert quenching abilities of harmful reactive oxygen species, as the CUPRAC antioxidant assay value was 323.99 µmol Trolox/g fruit (FW), whereas the FRAP antioxidant value was 4.10 μmol Fe2+/g fruit (FW). Enzyme inhibition assays targeting tyrosinase (IC50 = 8.843 mg/mL), α-glucosidase (IC50 = 14.03 mg/mL), and acetylcholinesterase (IC50 = 49.55 mg/mL) were used for a screening of AME's inhibitory potential against these key enzymes as a common approach for the discovery of potential antidiabetic, skin pigmentation, and neurodegenerative effects. The screening for the potential antidiabetic effects due to the α-glucosidase inhibition was performed in glucose-induced disease conditions in a human retinal pigmented epithelial cell experimental model, proving that AME could have protective potential. In conclusion, AME is a valuable source of phenolic compounds with promising antioxidant potential and metabolic disease-protective effects, warranting further investigation for its use in the nutraceutical and health industries.

Evaluation of the Harvest Dates for Three Major Cultivars of Blue Honeysuckle (Lonicera caerulea L.) in China

Blue honeysuckle (Lonicera caerulea L.) is an emerging fruit crop; however, determining its proper harvest time in commercial cultivation remains challenging due to its rapid fruit development characteristics. In this study, we investigated 17 agronomic traits of three blue honeysuckle cultivars harvested on 5 successive dates within their respective harvest windows. 'Lanjingling', 'Wulan', and 'Berel' showed solid-acid ratios (SS:TA) ranging from 10.00 to 16.01, 8.13 to 10.23, and 5.77 to 7.11, respectively; anthocyanin contents ranged from 233.85 to 276.83 mg/100 g, 236.38 to 312.23 mg/100 g, and 235.71 to 334.98 mg/100 g, respectively; vitamin C contents ranged from 88.43 to 99.68 mg/100 g, 108.13 to 191.23 mg/100 g, and 89.71 to 120.40 mg/100 g, respectively; phenolic contents ranged from 25.22 to 37.59 mg/g, 25.40 to 36.52 mg/g, and 37.66 to 50.00 mg/g, respectively. The results revealed the SS:TA value consistently increased with delayed harvesting and were significantly negatively correlated with fruit firmness, total acidity, shelf life, and respiration intensity, suggesting it is an ideal maturity indicator for blue honeysuckle berries. The factor analysis suggests that the suitable harvest date for 'Lanjingling' could be either 47 days after flowering (DAF) with an SS:TA value of approximately 10.0, characterized by high firmness, extended shelf life, and elevated levels of anthocyanins and phenolics; or 67 DAF (SS:TA ≈ 16.0), characterized by high vitamin C content and sweetness, and larger size and weight. For 'Wulan', it suggests the suitable harvest date is either 54 DAF (SS:TA ≈ 9.0), yielding fruit with high levels of anthocyanins and vitamin C; or 62 DAF (SS:TA > 10.0), yielding fruit with high sweetness and large size and weight. For 'Berel', it is suggested to be either 52 DAF (SS:TA ≈ 6.5), resulting in fruit with high levels of anthocyanins and vitamin C; or 62 DAF (SS:TA > 7.0), resulting in balanced levels of the fruit quality traits.

Health Benefits of Antioxidant Bioactive Compounds in the Fruits and Leaves of Lonicera caerulea L. and Aronia melanocarpa (Michx.) Elliot

Lonicera caerulaea L. and Aronia melanocarpa (Michx.) Elliot fruits are frequently used for their health benefits as they are rich in bioactive compounds. They are recognized as a source of natural and valuable phytonutrients, which makes them a superfood. L. caerulea presents antioxidant activity three to five times higher than other berries which are more commonly consumed, such as blackberries or strawberries. In addition, their ascorbic acid level is the highest among fruits. The species A. melanocarpa is considered one of the richest known sources of antioxidants, surpassing currants, cranberries, blueberries, elderberries, and gooseberries, and contains one of the highest amounts of sorbitol. The non-edible leaves of genus Aronia became more extensively analyzed as a byproduct or waste material due to their high polyphenol, flavonoid, and phenolic acid content, along with a small amount of anthocyanins, which are used as ingredients in nutraceuticals, herbal teas, bio-cosmetics, cosmeceuticals, food and by the pharmaceutical industry. These plants are a rich source of vitamins, tocopherols, folic acid, and carotenoids. However, they remain outside of mainstream fruit consumption, being well known only to a small audience. This review aims to shed light on L. caerulaea and A. melanocarpa and their bioactive compounds as healthy superfoods with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antitumor, antimicrobial, and anti-diabetic effects, and hepato-, cardio-, and neuro-protective potential. In this view, we hope to promote their cultivation and processing, increase their commercial availability, and also highlight the ability of these species to be used as potential nutraceutical sources, helpful for human health.

C3G quantified method verification and quantified in blue honeysuckle (Lonicera caerulea L.) using HPLC–DAD

Blue honeysuckle is a source of anthocyanins with great potential as a food colorant, and a healthy and functional food material, and contains much cyanidin 3-glucoside (C3G), which has many benefits for human health. A rapid, reliable, accurate quantification method of anthocyanin content in different varieties of blue honeysuckle is critical to help in breeding and selecting excellent varieties which are used in the food processing industry and healthcare industry. Our objective was to verify the modified quantification method of C3G and quantified C3G content in three blue honeysuckle varieties of 'Berel', 'Lanjingling' and 'Wulan' using the modified HPLC method by Agilent 1200 system and CAPCELL PAK C18 column (150 mmⅹ4.6 mm, I. D., 5 μm, Japan), with detection at 530 nm, the solvent flow rate was 1 mL/min, the temperature of the column chamber is 35 °C. The results indicated that the modified method was validated in terms of linearity (R2 = 0.999), precision (RSD = 0.61%), stability (RSD = 5.23%), and recovery with a good level, and C3G can be quickly quantified in blue honeysuckle. In addition, 'Wulan' contains the highest C3G level compared with 'Lanjingling' and 'Berel'.

Prunus lusitanica L. Fruits: A Promising Underexploited Source of Nutrients with Potential Economic Value

In recent times, less-known fruit species have increasingly attracted worldwide attention and their health benefits are at the forefront. The fruits of plants from the genus Prunus are good sources of nutrients due to their economic, agronomic, and healthy values. However, Prunus lusitanica L., commonly known as Portuguese laurel cherry is considered an endangered species. Thus, the present work aimed to monitor the nutritional components of P. lusitanica fruits grown in three locations in northern Portugal for four consecutive years (2016-2019), using AOAC (Association of Official Analytical Chemists), spectrophotometric, and chromatographic analysis. The results evidenced the abundance of phytonutrients in P. lusitanica, such as proteins, fat, carbohydrates, soluble sugars, dietary fibre, amino acids, and minerals. It was also highlighted that the variation of nutritional components was relatively linked to the year factor, being especially relevant in the frame of the current changing climate, among others. These findings suggest that P. lusitanica L. deserves to be conserved and planted because of its food and nutraceutical applications. However, more detailed information on this rare plant species, such as phytophysiology, phytochemistry, bioactivity, pharmacology, etc., is certainly required for the design and development of appropriate uses and valorization alternatives for this species.

Effects of Ozone Application on Microbiological Stability and Content of Sugars and Bioactive Compounds in the Fruit of the Saskatoon Berry (Amelanchier alnifolia Nutt.)

Saskatoon berry fruits are a valuable source of micro- and macronutrients, sugars, and compounds with health-promoting properties, the properties of which change during storage. This study presents the effects of applied gaseous ozone at 10 ppm for 15 and 30 min on microbiological stability, sugar content, and bioactive compounds for three cultivars and three clones of Saskatoon berry fruit. The ozonation process had a positive effect on reducing the microbial load of the fruit, which was observed on day 7 of storage for the two variants of ozonation time of 15 and 30 min compared to the control and also on the sugar profile of the “Thiessen” fruit, as well as clones no 5/6 and type H compared to the control sample, which was non-ozonated fruit. In the Saskatoon berry fruits analyzed, 21 polyphenolic compounds were identified, of which four belonged to the anthocyanin group whose main representative was the 3-O-glucoside cyanidin. The ascorbic acid content and antioxidant activity (determined by DPPH· and ABTS⁺· methods) varied according to the cultivar and clone of the Saskatoon berry fruits analyzed and the ozone exposure time.

The Effective Analysis for Blue Honeysuckle Extract in the Treatment of Hepatocellular Carcinoma

To further determine how BHE affected the growth of HCC cells, the proportion of each cell cycle phase was explored in HCC cells by flow cytometry. Blue honeysuckle (Lonicera caerulea L.) is a species of bush that grows in eastern Russia. Blue honeysuckle extract (BHE) is rich in bioactive phytochemicals which can inhibit the proliferation of tumor cells. The mechanism underlying the anticancer activity of BHE in primary liver cancer is poorly understood. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the growth inhibition mechanism of bioactive substances from blue honeysuckle on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells and to explore its protein and gene targets. The compounds in BHE were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). Cell counting kit-8 (CCK8) assay was used to evaluate the effects of BHE on HCC cell proliferation, and flow cytometry assay (FCA) was used to determine how BHE arrested the proportion of each cell cycle phase in HCC cells. Western blot (WB) was performed to determine the expression of cell cycle-related proteins in HCC cells treated with different concentrations of BHE. The xenograft tumor animal models were established by HCC cell implantation. The results showed that cyanidin-3-o-glucoside and cyanidin-3-o-sophoroside which are the main biologically active components were detected in BHE. BHE is highly effective in inhibiting the proliferation of HCC cells by arresting the HCC cell cycle in the G2/M phase. BHE also downregulated the expression of conventional or classical dendritic cells-2 (cDC2) and cyclin B1 by promoting the expression of myelin transcription factor 1 (MyT1) in HCC cells. The weight and volume of xenografts were significantly decreased in the BHE treated groups when compared to the control group. BHE increased the expression of MyT1 in xenograft tissues. These findings showed that blue honeysuckle extract inhibits proliferation in vivo and in vitro by downregulating the expression of cDC2 and cyclin B1 and upregulating the expression of MyT1 in HCC cells.

Effect of Aronia Extract on Collagen Synthesis in Human Skin Cell and Dermal Equivalent

The regulation of collagen synthesis, which occurs in fibroblasts in the dermal layer, is a key process in dermis regeneration and skin reconstruction. Herein, we investigated whether Aronia melanocarpa extract affects the human skin condition. We focused on type I collagen synthesis using two different types of model systems: a monolayer of cells and a bioprinted 3D dermal equivalent. The Aronia extract showed no cytotoxicity and increased cell proliferation in neonatal human dermal fibroblasts. Treatment with Aronia extract increased the transcription of COL1A1 mRNA in direct proportion to the extract concentration without causing a decrease in COL1A1 mRNA degradation. Additionally, the Aronia extract inhibited the expression of MMP1 and MMP3, and an increase in type I collagen was observed along with a decrease in MMP1 protein. We also fabricated dermal equivalents from type I collagen (the major component of the dermis) and dermal fibroblasts by bioprinting. In the 3D dermis model, the compressive modulus directly affected by collagen synthesis increased in direct proportion to the Aronia extract concentration, and expression levels of MMP1 and MMP3 decreased in exactly inverse proportion to its concentration. The findings that the Aronia extract increases synthesis of type I collagen and decreases MMP1 and MMP3 expression suggest that this extract may be useful for the treatment of damaged or aged skin.

Bioactive Compounds, Antioxidant, and Antibacterial Properties of Lonicera caerulea Berries: Evaluation of 11 Cultivars

The aim of the study was to evaluate 11 cultivars of blue honeysuckle (Lonicera caerulea L.) for bioactive compounds, antioxidant capacity, and the antibacterial activity of berries. Total phenolic contents (TPCs) and total anthocyanin contents (TACs) were established by using ethanolic extracts. For contents of organic acids and saccharides, aqueous extracts were used, and vitamin C was determined by using oxalic acid solution. DPPH^• radical scavenging capacity was evaluated by using ethanolic extracts; antibacterial activity was assessed by using both ethanolic and aqueous extracts. The TPC varied from 364.02 ± 0.41 mg/100 g in ‘Vostorg’ to 784.5 ± 0.3 mg/100 g in ‘Obilnaja’, and TAC ranged from 277.8 ± 1.1 mg/100 g in ‘Čelnočnaja’ to 394.1 ± 8.4 mg/100 g in ‘Nimfa’. Anthocyanins comprised 53.8% of total phenolic contents on average. Among organic acids, citric acid was predominant, averaging 769.41 ± 5.34 mg/100 g, with malic and quinic acids amounting to 289.90 ± 2.64 and 45.00 ± 0.37 mg/100 g on average, respectively. Contents of vitamin C were 34.26 ± 0.25 mg/100 g on average. Organic acids were most effective in the inhibition of both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria tested. In conclusion, berries of L. caerulea are beneficial not only for fresh consumption, but also as a raw material or ingredients of foods with high health-promoting value.

The mineral composition of cherry (Prunus cerasus Mill.) fruits depending on the scion-stock combination

Cherry is a stone fruit crop that is valued for its early fruiting, productivity, and high taste and diet properties. The researches in the sphere of compatible scion-stock combinations selection of cherry crops with high winter hardiness and fruits quality were held in Federal State Budgetary Scientific Institution All-Russian Horticultural Institute for Breeding, Agrotechnology, and Nursery (FSBSI ARHIBAN) for these crops introduction in industrial gardening of the Central region of Russia. The mineral composition of four cherry cultivars of FSBSI ARHIBAN selection (Apuсhtinskaya, Rusinka, Volochaevka, and Molodezhnaya) grown on rooted and grafted plants (stocks AVCH-2, Izmaylovskiy, and Moskoviya) was studied for the first time. The influence of scion-stock combinations on 11 elements (Na, P, K, Mn, Fe. Mg, Ca. Co, Zn, Se, Mo) accumulation in the fruits was determined. The greatest proportion of mineral substances in cherry fruits belongs to K. Depending on the scion-stock combination its amount is varied from 13.89 mass % (Apuсhtinskaya/Moskoviya) to 30.52 mass % (Molodezhnaya/Izmaylovskiy). For all cultivars fruits, the amount of K is 1.1 – 1.3 times higher on stock Izmaylovskiy than on rooted plants. The variation coefficient of K is low (V %) 1.37 – 6.91 for the majority of scion-stock combinations that indicate the stable entry of this element inside the fruit. The most content of all the elements under study was found in the fruits ash of Rusinka, Molodezhnaya, and Volochaevka on stock Izmaylovskiy that indicates the stable physiological state of the plants on these stocks. Results show that the cherry fruits analyzed could be an alternative to the supplementing of a mineral diet.

Phytochemical Characterization of Blue Honeysuckle in Relation to the Genotypic Diversity of Lonicera sp

The phytochemical characteristic analysis of a group of 30 haskap berry genotypes was carried out bearing in mind the concern for the consumption of food with high nutraceutical value that helps maintain good health. Phytochemical fruit composition and antioxidant activity were assessed by the Folin–Ciocalteau, spectrophotometric, DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) as well as ABTS (2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) method. Evaluation of antioxidant activity was referred to as the Trolox equivalent. The observed differences in the content of phenolics, flavonoids, vitamin C and antioxidant activity allowed us to select genotypes which, due to the high level of the analyzed compounds, are particularly recommended in everyone’s diet. In addition, the analysis of the prospects of increasing the analyzed phytochemical properties, estimated by parameters such as heritability and genetic progress, indicates the effectiveness of breeding in relation to each of the analyzed traits. The results of the presented research can be used in the implementation of future breeding programs for this valuable species.

The Impact of Maltodextrin and Inulin on the Protection of Natural Antioxidants in Powders Made of Saskatoon Berry Fruit, Juice, and Pomace as Functional Food Ingredients

The objective of this study was to examine the effect of inulin and maltodextrin applied during vacuum drying of Saskatoon berry fruit, juice, and pomace on the retention of bioactive compounds and antioxidant capacity (radical scavenging capacity (ABTS), ferric reducing antioxidant potential (FRAP)) of powders obtained. Ultra-high performance liquid chromatography (UPLC-PDA-ESI-MS/MS) was used to identify major groups of polyphenolic compounds, such as: flavan-3-ols (35% of all polyphenols for fruit powder, 33% for juice powder, and 39% for pomace powders of all polyphenols), anthocyanins (26% for fruit powder, 5% for juice powder, and 34% for pomace), phenolic acids (33% for fruit powder, 55% for juice powder, and 20% for pomace powder), and flavanols (6% for fruit powder, 6% for juice powder, and 7% for pomace powder). In general, the content of polyphenols was more dependent on the content than on the type of carrier used for drying, regardless of the matrix tested. The average sum of polyphenols and the antioxidant activity (for ABTS and FRAP assay) of the powders with 30% of carrier addition were 5054.2 mg/100 g dry matter (d.m.) as well as 5.3 and 3.6 mmol Trolox/100 g d.m. in the ABTS and FRAP tests, respectively. The increase in carrier concentration by 20% caused a decrease of 1.5-fold in the content of polyphenols and a 1.6-fold and 1.5-fold in the antioxidant potential, regardless of the matrix tested. The principal component analysis (PCA) analysis indicated that the freeze-drying process led to the lowest degradation of the identified compounds, regardless of the matrix tested, with the exception of juice and pomace powders dried by vacuum drying at 60 °C. In this case, the release of (−)-epicatechin was observed, causing an increase in the flavanol contents. Thus, this work demonstrated the effect of processing and matrix composition on the preservation of antioxidant bioactives in Saskatoon berry powders. Properly designed high-quality Saskatoon berry powders with the mentioned carriers may be used as nutraceutical additives to fortify food products and to improve their functional properties.

Effects of Different Factors on Concentration of Functional Components of Aronia and Saskatoon Berries

Effects of different factors on the content of phenolics, anthocyanins, antioxidants and colour parameters in two varieties of Aronia and three varieties of Saskatoon berries were evaluated. The berries were extracted by dynamic solvent extraction using three different solvents (water, 50% ethanol (v/v) and dimethyl sulfoxide) and subsequently analysed by ultraviolet visible near infrared spectroscopy and electron paramagnetic resonance followed by chemometric analysis. The results obtained show that, dimethyl sulfoxide was the most appropriate for berries functional components isolation, and among the studied berries, Aronia exhibited the highest contents of phenolics. Besides that, varieties of Aronia melanocarpa Viking and of Amelanchier lamarckii Ballerina were selected as the cultivars with high contents of functional components. Satisfactory differentiation of berries was achieved according to extraction solvent, fruit type, variety and production years. The results obtained reveal that, phytochemical composition of Aronia and Saskatoon berries may vary depending on genotypic factors, climate, growing conditions as well as on extraction method used for their assessment. Sample processing, genotypic and seasonal factors had significant effect on the concentration of naturally occurring compounds in berries.

Health Properties and Composition of Honeysuckle Berry Lonicera caerulea L. An Update on Recent Studies

Lonicera caerulea L., also known as haskap or honeysuckle berry, is a fruit commonly planted in eastern Europe, Canada and Asia. The fruit was registered as a traditional food from a third country under European Union regulations only on December 2018. It is resistant to cold, pests, various soil acidities and diseases. However, its attractiveness is associated mostly with its health properties. The fruit shows anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant activity-important factors in improving health. These features result from the diverse content of phytochemicals in honeysuckle berries with high concentrations of phytocompounds, mainly hydroxycinnamic acids, hydroxybenzoic acids, flavanols, flavones, isoflavones, flavonols, flavanones and anthocyanins but also iridoids, present in the fruit in exceptional amounts. The content and health properties of the fruit were identified to be dependent on cultivar, genotype and the place of harvesting. Great potential benefits of this nutritious food are its ability to minimize the negative effects of UV radiation, diabetes mellitus and neurodegenerative diseases, and to exert hepato- and cardioprotective activity.

The impact of food processing on the phenolic content in products made from juneberry (Amelanchier lamarckii) fruits

Sugars, organic acids, and phenolic compounds were analyzed in the fruits of juneberry (Amelanchier lamarckii). Different food products were made from fresh juneberry fruits: jam, liqueur, juice, and tea. A detailed analysis of the phenolic component was performed using high-pressure liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry, and the content of phenolics in different products was compared with the control treatment (fresh fruits extracted with 70% methanol: 27% water: 3% formic acid; v/v/v). Four sugars and six organic acids were determined in the fruits. The main sugars were glucose (61 g/kg fresh weight [FW]) and fructose (64 g/kg FW) and the acids: malic (5.85 g/kg FW) and citric acid (2.6 g/kg) were abundant. Hydroxycinnamic acids, anthocyanins, and flavonol glycosides were the major phenolic groups in juneberry fruits. Fruit processing significantly affected the content of phenolic compounds in the different fruit products. Liqueur had 17% higher phenolic acid contents than the control treatment (fresh fruits extracted with a solution of 70% MeOH/27% H₂ O/3% formic acid) and jam had 14% higher content than the control, calculated on the dry mass of fruit. Juneberry juice had the highest content of total analyzed phenolics (298 mg/100 mL), followed by liqueur (108 mg/100 mL) and tea (8 mg/100 mL). Fruits of juneberry are rich in bioactive compounds and a useful source for the food industry for making various health snacks, jellies, marmalades, alcoholic drinks, juices, and so on. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Juneberry is becoming a desirable organically grown fruit species with many views as new functional food. The content of phenolic compounds has been measured in different food products made from juneberries. The results could be useful for food and nutraceutical industry.

Classification of barberry genotypes by multivariate analysis of biochemical constituents and HPLC profiles

INTRODUCTION

Recently, there has been a growing interest in the use of edible barberry and their extracts as a source of natural antioxidants in food and pharmaceutical industries.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to evaluate the biochemical constituents of 18 samples of barberry fruits and classification of barberry genotypes by multivariate analysis.

METHODS

Total phenolic, total flavonoid, total anthocyanin, total tannin, total carbohydrate contents and antioxidant activity were determined using Folin-Ciocalteu, aluminum chloride, colorimetric, vanillin, anthron and DPPH (2,2'-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) assays, respectively. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) system is used for quantitative determination of phytochemical constituents. The multivariate data analysis (principal component analysis and hierarchical cluster analysis) and heat map data visualisation techniques were performed to classify barberry genotypes using Minitab and GraphPad Prism software, respectively.

RESULTS

The highest amounts of total phenolics and flavonoids were obtained in fruit extracts of G3 (Berberis vulgaris). The highest total anthocyanin content and antioxidant activity were observed in G8 (B. vulgaris) and G16 (B. vulgaris), respectively. HPLC analysis of phytochemicals (gallic acid, caffeic acid, chlorogenic acid, p-coumaric acid, cinnamic acid, rutin, apigenin, and quercetin) revealed that gallic acid and p-coumaric acid were found as the most abundant phytochemical compounds. Based on multivariate analysis and heat map visualisation techniques, Berberis genotypes were classified into three main clusters.

CONCLUSIONS

These results showed that barberry species (especially B. vulgaris and B. carataegina) are promising sources of natural antioxidants and biochemical compounds beneficial to be used in the food industry and that the multivariate analysis was a suitable approach to classify the barberry samples.

Capillary Blood GSH Level Monitoring, Using an Electrochemical Method Adapted for Micro Volumes

Glutathione (γ-glutamyl-cysteinyl-glycine; also known as GSH) is an endogenous antioxidant that plays a crucial role in cell defense mechanisms against oxidative stress. It is thus not surprising that this molecule can serve as a biomarker for oxidative stress monitoring. As capillary blood is a highly accessible target for biomarking, it is a valuable bodily fluid for diagnosing human GSH levels. This study focused on the optimization of GSH measurements from micro volumes of capillary blood prior to using electrochemical detection. The optimization of experimental parameters, including the sample volume and its stability, was performed and evaluated. Moreover, we tested the optimized method as part of a short-term study. The study consisted of examining 10 subjects within 96 h of their consumption of high amounts of antioxidants, attained from a daily dose of 2 g/150 mL of green tea. The subjects' capillary blood (5 μL) was taken at 0 h, 48 h, and 96 h for subsequent analysis. The short-term supplementation of diet with green tea showed an increase of GSH pool by approximately 38% (between 0 and 48 h) within all subjects.

Blue honeysuckle (Lonicera caerulea subsp. edulis (Turcz. ex Herder) Hultén.) berries and changes in their ingredients across different locations

BACKGROUND

Interest in organic blue honeysuckle berries has increased in recent years. They are rich in various health-promoting compounds which are sensitive to different environmental factors and are modified during the growing season.

RESULTS

Honeysuckle berries from different locations differed significantly in their contents of primary and secondary metabolites. The location Ogulin, with the highest altitude and consequently high UV radiation, had the highest phenolic content (259.85 mg per 100 g). Additionally, Vukovski Vrh, with the lowest temperature, had the highest ascorbic acid content (36.83 mg per 100 g), while Šmartno pri Litiji and Višnja Gora, with the highest precipitation, had the highest organic acid contents (885.85 and 850.01 mg per 100 g respectively). A combination of stressful environmental conditions of temperature, water source and light intensity led to the highest saponin content in Višnja Gora (695 mg per 100 g), the highest tannin content in Dolnje Impolje (134 mg per 100 g) and the highest sugar content (2585.45 mg per 100 g) in Vučetinac.

CONCLUSION

The contents of bioactive substances were influenced by various environmental factors such as temperature, UV radiation, altitude, light intensity and fruit ripening stage. Different compounds respond distinctly to different environmental factors. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry.

Effect of pre-treatment of blue honeysuckle berries on bioactive iridoid content

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of the different methods of preparation of the blue honeysuckle (Lonicera caerulea L. var. Kamtschatica) cv. 'Wojtek' and their influence on the iridoid content of fruit juices and fresh and freeze-dried pomaces. Compounds were identified by UPLC-ESI-qTOF-MS/MS in negative ion mode. Five iridoids - loganic acid, 7-epi-loganic acid 7-O-pentoside, loganin, sweroside, and secologanin - were determined in blue honeysuckle fruits and products. The results revealed no differences in iridoid content between the fresh pomace from skin and flesh, or between the juice from skin and flesh. A higher content of iridoids was obtained in juice from crushed than from whole berries, and in freeze-dried pomace from whole than from crushed berries. Freeze-dried pomace from blue honeysuckle can be an excellent source of bioactive iridoids.

Fruits of Black Chokeberry Aronia melanocarpa in the Prevention of Chronic Diseases

In recent years, growing attention has been focused on the utilization of natural sources of antioxidants in the prevention of chronic diseases. Black chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa) represents a lesser known fruit species utilized mainly as juices, purees, jams, jellies and wine, as important food colorants or nutritional supplements. The fruit is valued as a great source of antioxidants, especially polyphenols, such as phenolic acids (neochlorogenic and chlorogenic acids) and flavonoids (anthocyanins, proanthocyanidins, flavanols and flavonols), particularly cyanidin-3-galactoside and cyanidin-3-arabinoside, as well as (-)-epicatechin units. The berries of A. melanocarpa, due to the presence and the high content of these bioactive components, exhibit a wide range of positive effects, such as strong antioxidant activity and potential medicinal and therapeutic benefits (gastroprotective, hepatoprotective, antiproliferative or anti-inflammatory activities). They could be also contributory toward the prevention of chronic diseases including metabolic disorders, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases, because of supportive impacts on lipid profiles, fasting plasma glucose and blood pressure levels.

Iridoids, Phenolic Compounds and Antioxidant Activity of Edible Honeysuckle Berries (Lonicera caerulea var. kamtschatica Sevast.)

Iridoid and polyphenol profiles of 30 different honeysuckle berry cultivars and genotypes were studied. Compounds were identified by ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (UPLC-ESI-qTOF-MS/MS) in positive and negative ion modes and quantified by HPLC-PDA. The 50 identified compounds included 15 iridoids, 6 anthocyanins, 9 flavonols, 2 flavanonols (dihydroflavonols), 5 flavones, 6 flavan-3-ols, and 7 phenolic acids. 8-epi-Loganic acid, pentosyl-loganic acid, taxifolin 7-O-dihexoside, and taxifolin 7-O-hexoside were identified in honeysuckle berries for the first time. Iridoids and anthocyanins were the major groups of bioactive compounds of honeysuckle constituents. The total content of quantified iridoids and anthocyanins was between 128.42 mg/100 g fresh weight (fw) (‘Dlinnoplodnaya’) and 372 mg/100 g fw (‘Kuvshinovidnaya’) and between 150.04 mg/100 g fw (‘Karina’) and 653.95 mg/100 g fw (‘Amur’), respectively. Among iridoids, loganic acid was the dominant compound, and it represented between 22% and 73% of the total amount of quantified iridoids in honeysuckle berry. A very strong correlation was observed between the antioxidant potential and the quantity of anthocyanins. High content of iridoids in honeysuckle berries can complement antioxidant properties of phenolic compounds.

Black Crowberry (Empetrum nigrum L.) Flavonoids and Their Health Promoting Activity

Nowadays, much research attention is focused on underutilized berry crops due to the high antioxidant activity of fruits. Black crowberry (Empetrum nigrum L.) represents an important source of flavonols (quercetin, rutin, myricetin, naringenin, naringin, morin, and kaempferol) and anthocyanins. The fruit components could be utilised as natural colourants or as a part of functional foods and, because of the high antioxidant activity, the berries of black crowberry can be used in the treatment of diseases accompanied with inflammation, or as an effective antibacterial and antifungal remedy. Moreover, the reduction of lipid accumulation and total cholesterol as well as an improvement of postprandial hyperglycaemia have been proven. This review summarizes for the first time the main antioxidants (flavonoids) of black crowberry fruits, with a focus on their health promoting activity.

Quercetin and Its Anti-Allergic Immune Response

Quercetin is the great representative of polyphenols, flavonoids subgroup, flavonols. Its main natural sources in foods are vegetables such as onions, the most studied quercetin containing foods, and broccoli; fruits (apples, berry crops, and grapes); some herbs; tea; and wine. Quercetin is known for its antioxidant activity in radical scavenging and anti-allergic properties characterized by stimulation of immune system, antiviral activity, inhibition of histamine release, decrease in pro-inflammatory cytokines, leukotrienes creation, and suppresses interleukin IL-4 production. It can improve the Th1/Th2 balance, and restrain antigen-specific IgE antibody formation. It is also effective in the inhibition of enzymes such as lipoxygenase, eosinophil and peroxidase and the suppression of inflammatory mediators. All mentioned mechanisms of action contribute to the anti-inflammatory and immunomodulating properties of quercetin that can be effectively utilized in treatment of late-phase, and late-late-phase bronchial asthma responses, allergic rhinitis and restricted peanut-induced anaphylactic reactions. Plant extract of quercetin is the main ingredient of many potential anti-allergic drugs, supplements and enriched products, which is more competent in inhibiting of IL-8 than cromolyn (anti-allergic drug disodium cromoglycate) and suppresses IL-6 and cytosolic calcium level increase.

Optimization of ultrasound-assisted extraction of anthocyanins from haskap berries (Lonicera caerulea L.) using Response Surface Methodology

Haskap berries (Lonicera caerulea L.) are a rich source of bioactive molecules. As such, the extraction of anthocyanins is important for the development of many value-added products and functional food ingredients. In this paper, the ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) of anthocyanins from haskap berries was investigated. Significant independent variables were screened and optimized using Plackett-Burman (PB) and Box-Behnken (BB) designs, respectively. The mathematical model showed a high coefficient of determination (R(2)=0.9396) and the optimum conditions for the extraction were as follows: liquid/solid ratio 25:1 (mL/g), solvent composition of 80% ethanol, addition of 0.5% formic acid, ultrasound bath temperature of 35°C for 20 min. Under these conditions, the total anthocyanin content of 22.73 mg cyaniding 3-glucoside equivalents (C3G)/g dry weight (DW) was consistent with the predicted response of 22.45 mg C3G/g DW from the model (mean error of 1.28%). Five anthocyanins were identified in the optimized extract, namely cyanidin 3,5-diglucoside, cyanidin 3-glucoside, cyanidin 3-rutinoside, pelargonidin 3-glucoside, and peonidin 3-glucoside. Thus, UAE is a suitable technique for the extraction of anthocyanins from haskap berries.

Evaluation of antioxidant activity, polyphenolic compounds, amino acids and mineral elements of representative genotypes of Lonicera edulis

The aim of this study was to evaluate the bioactive substances in 19 berry cultivars of edible honeysuckle (Loniceraedulis). A statistical evaluation was used to determine the relationship between the content of selected bioactive substances and individual cultivars. Regarding mineral elements, the content of sodium was measured using potentiometry and spectrophotometry. The content of selected polyphenolic compounds with high antioxidant activity was determined by a HPLC–UV/ED method. The total amount of polyphenols was determined by the Folin-Ciocalteu method. The antioxidant activity was determined using five methods (DPPH, FRAP, ABTS, FR and DMPD) that differ in their principles. The content of 13 amino acids was determined by ion-exchange chromatography. The experimental results obtained for the different cultivars were evaluated and compared by statistical and bioinformatic methods. A unique feature of this study lies in the exhaustive analysis of the chosen parameters (amino acids, mineral elements, polyphenolic compounds and antioxidant activity) during one growing season.

Flavonoid profile of Saskatoon berries (Amelanchier alnifolia Nutt.) and their health promoting effects

Flavonoids are a significant group of secondary metabolites in plants. Many of these compounds are potent antioxidants, being an important part in food products derived from the plants. The current status of research on flavonoid compounds in the fruit of Saskatoon berries (Amelanchier alnifolia Nutt.) and their health promoting effects, including recommended utilization, are reviewed. The major classes of flavonoids in the fruit are flavonols (quercetin and rutin), flavanes (proanthocyanidin compounds ranging from dimers through to heptamers and even higher polymers) and finally anthocyanins. The flavonoids represented the group of polyphenols that mostly contributed to the antioxidant activity of Saskatoon berries. High content of the flavoinoids antioxidants in the fruit is responsible for the observed anti-inflammatory, antidiadiabetic and chemo-protective effects.

Effect of sarcosine on antioxidant parameters and metallothionein content in the PC-3 prostate cancer cell line

Sarcosine is currently one of the most discussed markers of prostate cancer. It is involved in amino acid metabolism and methylation processes that occur during the progression of prostate cancer. In this study, we monitored the effect of the addition of sarcosine (0; 10; 250; 500; 1,000 and 1,500 µM) in a time-dependent manner (0-72 h) on the PC-3 prostate cancer cell line. For the assessment of cell viability, the commonly used MTT test was employed. Furthermore, ion-exchange liquid chromatography was used for the determination of sarcosine content in the PC-3 cells. We also determined metallothionein (MT) levels by chip capillary electrophoresis and Brdicka reaction in the cells treated with sarcosine. Sarcosine levels in the cells increased in a concentration-dependent manner levels increased from only 270 nM with the lowest applied concentration of sarcosine (10 µM) to 106 µM with the highest applied concentration of sarcosine (1,500 µM). There was a marginal change observed in the MT concentration. Finally, the antioxidant activity of the PC-3 cells was determined using five different spectrophotometric methods [2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP), free radicals, N,N-dimethyl-p-phenylenediamine (DMPD) and 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid (ABTS)]. A significant negative correlation was observed between DPPH and FRAP (r=-0.68 at p<0.001) and between DMPD and ABST (r=-0.64 at p<0.001). Additionally, as regards the correlation between MT and DPPH, a significant positive trend (r=0.62 at p<0.001) was observed.