Are Organic Certified Carrots Richer in Health-Promoting Phenolics and Carotenoids than the Conventionally Grown Ones?

Health-Promoting Effects, Phytochemical Constituents and Molecular Genetic Profile of the Purple Carrot 'Purple Sun' (Daucus carota L.)

The purple carrot cultivar 'Purple Sun' (Daucus carota L.) is characterized by a relevant content of phenolic compounds and anthocyanins, which may play an important role in reducing the risk of chronic diseases and in the treatment of metabolic syndrome. In the present study, the genetic diversity, phytochemical composition, and bioactivities of this outstanding variety were studied for the first time. Genetic analysis by molecular markers estimated the level of genetic purity of this carrot cultivar, whose purple-pigmented roots were used for obtaining the purple carrot ethanol extract (PCE). With the aim to identify specialized metabolites potentially responsible for the bioactivities, the analysis of the metabolite profile of PCE by LC-ESI/LTQ Orbitrap/MS/MS was carried out. LC-ESI/HRMS analysis allowed the assignment of twenty-eight compounds, putatively identified as isocitric acid (1), phenolic acid derivatives (2 and 6), hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives (9, 10, 12-14, 16, 17, 19, 22, and 23), anthocyanins (3-5, 7, 8, 11, and 18), flavanonols (15 and 21), flavonols (20 and 24), oxylipins (25, 26, and 28), and the sesquiterpene 11-acetyloxytorilolone (27); compound 26, corresponding to the primary metabolite trihydroxyoctanoic acid (TriHOME), was the most abundant compound in the LC-ESI/HRMS analysis of the PCE, and hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives followed by anthocyanins were the two most represented groups. The antioxidant activity of PCE, expressed in terms of reactive oxygen species (ROS) level and antioxidant enzymes activity, and its pro-metabolic effect were evaluated. Moreover, the antibacterial activity on Gram (-) and (+) bacterial strains was investigated. An increase in the activity of antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT, and GPx), reaching a maximum at 0.5 mg/mL of PCE with a plateau at higher PCE concentrations (1.25, 2.5, and 5.0 mg/mL), was observed. PCE induced an initial decrease in ROS levels at 0.1 and 0.25 mg/mL concentrations, reaching the ROS levels of control at 0.5 mg/mL of PCE with a plateau at higher PCE concentrations (1.25, 2.5, and 5.0 mg/mL). Moreover, significant antioxidant and pro-metabolic effects of PCE on myoblasts were shown by a reduction in ROS content and an increase in ATP production linked to the promotion of mitochondrial respiration. Finally, the bacteriostatic activity of PCE was shown on the different bacterial strains tested, while the bactericidal action of PCE was exclusively observed against the Gram (+) Staphylococcus aureus. The bioactivities of PCE were also investigated from cellular and molecular points of view in colon and hematological cancer cells. The results showed that PCE induces proliferative arrest and modulates the expression of important cell-cycle regulators. For all these health-promoting effects, also supported by initial computational predictions, 'Purple Sun' is a promising functional food and an optimal candidate for pharmaceutical and/or nutraceutical preparations.

Efficiency of the Enzymatic Conversion of Flavone Glycosides Isolated from Carrot Leaves and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Enzyme-Treated Carrot Leaves

In traditional oriental medicine, carrots (Daucus carota L.) are considered effective medicinal herbs; however, the use of D. carota leaves (DCL) as therapeutic agents has not been explored in depth. Therefore, we aimed to demonstrate the value of DCL, generally treated as waste while developing plants for wide industrial availability. Six flavone glycosides were isolated and identified from DCL, and their constituents were identified and quantitated using an NMR and HPLC/UV method, which was optimized and validated. The structure of chrysoeriol-7-rutinoside from DCL was elucidated for the first time. The method exhibited adequate relative standard deviation (<1.89%) and recovery (94.89-105.97%). The deglycosylation of DCL flavone glycosides by Viscozyme L and Pectinex was assessed. Upon converting the reaction contents to percentages, the luteolin, apigenin, and chrysoeriol groups showed values of 85.8, 33.1, and 88.7%, respectively. The enzyme-treated DCL had a higher inhibitory effect on TNF-α and IL-2 expression than that of the carrot roots or carrot leaves without enzyme treatments. These results highlight the importance of carrot leaves and could be used as baseline standardization data for commercial development.

Identification and Quantification of Bioactive Compounds in Organic and Conventional Edible Pansy Flowers (Viola × wittrockiana) and Their Antioxidant Activity

The use of edible flowers has become increasingly popular as a good source of bioactive compounds. Many flowers can be consumed, but there is a lack of information about the chemical composition of organic and conventional flowers. Organic crops represent a higher level of food safety because pesticides and artificial fertilizers are prohibited. The present experiment was carried out with organic and conventional edible pansy flowers of different colors: double-pigmented violet/yellow and single-pigmented yellow flowers. In fresh flowers, the contents of dry matter and polyphenols (including phenolic acids, flavonoids, anthocyanins, carotenoids, and chlorophylls) and the antioxidant activity were determined by the HPLC-DAD method. The results showed that organic edible pansy flowers contained significantly more bioactive compounds, especially polyphenols (333.8 mg/100 g F.W.), phenolic acids (40.1 mg/100 g F.W.), and anthocyanins (293.7 mg/100 g F.W.) compared to conventional methods. Double-pigmented (violet/yellow) pansy flowers are more recommended for the daily diet than single-pigmented yellow flowers. The results are unique and open the first chapter in a book on the nutritional value of organic and conventional edible flowers.