Integrative metabolome and transcriptome profiling provide insights into elucidation of the synthetic mechanisms of phenolic compounds in Yunnan hulled wheat (Triticum aestivum ssp. yunnanense King)

BACKGROUND

Yunnan hulled wheat grains (YHWs) have abundant phenolic compounds (PCs). However, a systematic elucidation of the phenolic characteristics and molecular basis in YHWs is currently lacking. The aim of the study, for the first time, was to conduct metabolomic and transcriptomic analyses of YHWs at different developmental stages.

RESULTS

A total of five phenolic metabolite classes (phenolic acids, flavonoids, quinones, lignans and coumarins, and tannins) and 361 PCs were identified, with flavonoids and phenolic acids being the most abundant components. The relative abundance of the identified PCs showed a dynamic decreasing pattern with grain development, and the most significant differences in accumulation were between the enlargement and mature stage, which is consistent with the gene regulation patterns of the corresponding phenolic biosynthesis pathway. Through co-expression and co-network analysis, PAL, HCT, CCR, F3H, CHS, CHI and bZIP were identified and predicted as candidate key enzymes and transcription factors.

CONCLUSION

The results broaden our understanding of PC accumulation in wheat whole grains, especially the differential transfer between immature and mature grains. The identified PCs and potential regulatory factors provide important information for future in-depth research on the biosynthesis of PCs and the improvement of wheat nutritional quality. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Drought increases Norway spruce susceptibility to the Eurasian spruce bark beetle and its associated fungi

Drought affects the complex interactions between Norway spruce, the bark beetle Ips typographus and associated microorganisms. We investigated the interplay of tree water status, defense and carbohydrate reserves with the incidence of bark beetle attack and infection of associated fungi in mature spruce trees. We installed roofs to induce a 2-yr moderate drought in a managed spruce stand to examine a maximum of 10 roof and 10 control trees for resin flow (RF), predawn twig water potentials, terpene, phenolic and carbohydrate bark concentrations, and bark beetle borings in field bioassays before and after inoculation with Endoconidiophora polonica and Grosmannia penicillata. Drought-stressed trees showed more attacks and significantly longer fungal lesions than controls, but maintained terpene resin defenses at predrought levels. Reduced RF and lower mono- and diterpene, but not phenolic concentrations were linked with increased host selection. Bark beetle attack and fungi stimulated chemical defenses, yet G. penicillata reduced phenolic and carbohydrate contents. Chemical defenses did not decrease under mild, prolonged drought in our simulated small-scale biotic infestations. However, during natural mass attacks, reductions in carbon fixation under drought, in combination with fungal consumption of carbohydrates, may deplete tree defenses and facilitate colonization by I. typographus.

Biological and phytochemical potential of Baccharis trimera (Less.) DC leaf extract on swine clinical isolates

Phytochemical studies have shown extracts obtained from the aerial parts of Baccharis trimera (Less.) DC has antioxidant and antimicrobial activities and the potential to treat some diseases. This study investigated the phenolic compounds, antioxidant and antimicrobial activity, and phytochemical potential of B. trimera leaf extract obtained by decoction on ATCC standard bacterial strains and 23 swine clinical isolates. Water was used as an extraction solvent based on the principles of green chemistry and at a low cost. The decoction process resulted in an extract rich in phenolic compounds and a high capacity for scavenging DPPH and ABTS radicals. Phytochemical analysis of aqueous extracts was performed using HPLC-DAD, and high concentrations of chlorogenic, ferulic, caffeic, and cinnamic phenolic acids were found. Antimicrobial activity was observed against gram-negative bacteria. B. trimera aqueous extract may be a promising low-cost agent for prophylactic treatment against swine enteropathogens and contribute to reducing production costs.

Characterization of Secondary Metabolites of Leaf Buds from Some Species and Hybrids of Populus by Gas Chromatography Coupled with Mass Detection and Two-Dimensional High-Performance Thin-Layer Chromatography Methods with Assessment of Their Antioxidant Activity

Poplars provide medicinal raw plant materials used in pharmacy. Leaf buds are one of the herbal medicinal products collected from poplars, having anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties, but there are no quality standards for their production and there is a need to determine their botanical sources. Therefore, the chemical compositions of the leaf buds from four species and varieties of poplars, Populus balsamifera, P. × berolinensis, P. × canadensis 'Marilandica', and P. wilsonii were investigated and compared using gas chromatography coupled with mass detection (GC-MS) and two-dimensional high-performance thin-layer chromatography (2D-HPTLC) in order to search for taxa characterized by a high content of biologically active compounds and with a diverse chemical composition that determines their therapeutic effects. The presence of 163 compounds belonging to the groups of flavonoids, phenolic acids derivatives, glycerides, and sesquiterpenes was revealed. Moreover, the conditions for the separation and identification of biologically active compounds occurring in analyzed leaf buds using 2D-HPTLC were optimized and used for metabolomic profiling of the studied poplars, enabling their fast and simple botanical identification. The total phenolic (TPC) and flavonoid (TFC) contents of examined extracts were determined and their antioxidant capacities were estimated by spectrophotometric DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP assays. Based on the analysis of phytochemicals and antioxidant activity, P. × berolinensis buds were selected as the raw plant material for medicinal purposes with the highest content of active compounds and the strongest antioxidant activity.

Phytochemical analysis of Pithecellobium dulce (Roxb) Benth Bark via UPLC-ESI-MS/MS and evaluation of its biological activity

The metabolites profile of Egyptian P. dulce bark was investigated using UPLC-ESI-MS/MS analysis with subsequent analysis of its cytotoxicity, antimicrobial, and antioxidant activities. Asides, in silico molecular docking study was performed for validation of cytotoxicity. P. dulce bark showed richness in polyphenolics and flavonoids, displaying 575.5 mg GAE/g extract (total phenolic content) and 310.82 mg CE/g extract (flavonoid content). A total of 29 compounds were tentatively identified. Proanthocyanidins and phenolic acids were the major classes observed. P. dulce bark possessed promising antioxidant and cytotoxic activities, however, it exhibited a weak antimicrobial activity. No antifungal activity was observed. In silico molecular docking revealed that daidzein compound achieved the best interaction energy score on the 5II2 of Gibbs free energy of -6.911 kcal/mol. This study revealed that P. dulce bark can be introduced as a potential source for valuable bioactive compounds that supporting its usage in food and pharmaceutical industries.

Metabolomics Combined with Correlation Analysis Revealed the Differences in Antioxidant Activities of Lotus Seeds with Varied Cultivars

Functional foods have potential health benefits for humans. Lotus seeds (LS) as functional foods have excellent antioxidant activities. However, the differences in chemical composition of different LS cultivars may affect their antioxidant activities. This study comprehensively analyzed the differences among five LS cultivars based on metabolomics and further revealed the effects of metabolites on antioxidant activities by correlation analysis. A total of 125 metabolites were identified in LS using UPLC-Q/TOF-MS. Then, 15 metabolites were screened as differential metabolites of different LS cultivars by chemometrics. The antioxidant activities of LS were evaluated by DPPH•, FRAP, and ABTS•+ assays. The antioxidant activities varied among different LS cultivars, with the cultivar Taikong 66 showing the highest antioxidant activities. The correlation analysis among metabolites and antioxidant activities highlighted the important contribution of phenolics and alkaloids to the antioxidant activities of LS. Particularly, 11 metabolites such as p-coumaric acid showed significant positive correlation with antioxidant activities. Notably, 6 differential metabolites screened in different LS cultivars showed significant effects on antioxidant activities. These results revealed the important effects of phytochemicals on the antioxidant activities of different LS cultivars. This study provided evidence for the health benefits of different LS cultivars.

Quantitative analysis of tiliroside and other flavonoid glycosides in Hippophae salicifolia D. Don leaves by HPLC-PDA

A new HPLC-PDA method was developed and validated for simultaneous determination of five phenolic compounds (trans-and cis- isomers of tiliroside, quercetin-3-O-β-D-glucoside, ellagic acid, kaempferol-3-O-β-D-glucoside and isorhamnetin-3-O-glucoside) in the leaves of Hippophae salicifolia D. Don. Of the five compounds, three (tiliroside, quercetin-3-O-β-D-glucoside and ellagic acid) were isolated and characterised by spectroscopy techniques. The developed HPLC method provided a selective, sensitive and rapid analysis with good linearity (r2> 0.999), accuracy and precision. Also, the leaves of H. salicifolia were extracted by three different extraction techniques viz. reflux, microwave and ultrasound. Methanolic extracts prepared by reflux method showed the highest content of all the five compounds.

An Evaluation of the Edible Value of Salvia miltiorrhiza Seeds: Proximate Composition, Phytochemical Components and Antioxidant Activity

Salvia miltiorrhiza seeds (SMS) are the main by-product of the production processing of Radix Salviae Miltiorrhizae. The main purposes of this work are to analyse the nutritional components in SMS, to explore the antioxidant activity of the chemical components in SMS and to evaluate the possibility of SMS as a raw material for functional foods. The contents of crude fibre, total protein, carbohydrates, total phenolics and flavonoids in SMS and the composition and relative content of fatty acids in SMS oil were determined. The results suggested that SMS has high contents of crude fibre (28.68 ± 4.66 g/100 g), total protein (26.65 ± 2.51 g/100 g), total phenolics (6.45 ± 0.55 mg of gallic acid equivalent/g) and total flavonoids (3.28 ± 0.34 mg of rutin equivalent/g), as well as a high level of α-linolenic acid (33.774 ± 4.68%) in their oil. Twenty-two secondary metabolites were identified in SMS residue, and nine compounds were isolated. The IC50 values of the total phenolic content in SMS on an ABTS radical, DPPH radical, superoxide radical and hydroxyl radical were 30.94 ± 3.68 μg/mL, 34.93 ± 4.12 μg/mL, 150.87 ± 17.64 μg/mL and 230.19 ± 24.47 μg/mL, respectively. The results indicate that SMS contain many nutrients and have high utilization value as a promising functional food.

Effect of quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa W.) flour supplementation in breads on the lipid profile and glycemic index: an in vivo study

Quinoa is a gluten-free pseudocereal, with an excellent nutrient profile containing considerable amounts of fiber and minerals and rich in antioxidants such as polyphenols. The purpose of this research was to investigate the effects of quinoa bread on physical, chemical, bioactive components, glycaemic index (GI), and biochemical parameters. Human subjects aged between 20 and 50 years with the absence of morbid factors were fed daily with quinoa bread for 3 months in order to study its pre-and post-treatment effects on blood glucose, glycosylated haemoglobin, and lipid profile. The effort was made to incorporate the maximum amount of quinoa into the bread without compromising the acceptability of the bread. Of the 14 formulations, TQ13, containing 20% quinoa flour with 3% wheat bran, was selected for further analysis. The GI study revealed that quinoa bread peaked at 45 min with a gradual increase after ingestion of the bread and a steady decline thereafter. The observed value for blood glucose levels, before and after supplementation with quinoa-incorporated bread, was 86.96 ± 15.32 mg/dL and 84.25 ± 18.26 mg/dL, respectively. There was a statistically significant (p ≤ 0.05) decrease in levels of triglycerides, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and very-LDL (VLDL) level before and after supplementation. However, non-significant changes were observed for high-density lipoprotein levels from the pre- and post-treatment with the quinoa-incorporated bread. Quinoa-incorporated bread possessed low GI (42.00 ± 0.83) compared to control (69.20 ± 1.84) and long-term consumption proved to contain functional efficacies in terms of hypolipidemic effect.

Comparative transcriptomics illuminates the cellular responses of an aeroterrestrial zygnematophyte to UV radiation

The zygnematophytes are the closest relatives of land plants and comprise several lineages that adapted to a life on land. Species of the genus Serritaenia form colorful, mucilaginous capsules, which surround the cells and block harmful solar radiation, one of the major terrestrial stressors. In eukaryotic algae, this "sunscreen mucilage" represents a unique photoprotective strategy, whose induction and chemical background are unknown. We generated a de novo transcriptome of Serritaenia testaceovaginata and studied its gene regulation under moderate ultraviolet radiation (UVR) that triggers sunscreen mucilage under experimental conditions. UVR induced the repair of DNA and the photosynthetic apparatus as well as the synthesis of aromatic specialized metabolites. Specifically, we observed pronounced expressional changes in the production of aromatic amino acids, phenylpropanoid biosynthesis genes, potential cross-membrane transporters of phenolics, and extracellular, oxidative enzymes. Interestingly, the most upregulated enzyme was a secreted class III peroxidase, whose embryophyte homologs are involved in apoplastic lignin formation. Overall, our findings reveal a conserved, plant-like UVR perception system (UVR8 and downstream factors) in zygnematophyte algae and point to a polyphenolic origin of Serritaenia's sunscreen pigment, whose synthesis might be extracellular and oxidative, resembling that of plant lignins.

Effect of indoor dehydration on the chemical composition of Marselan grapes in Heyang of China

Marselan is a red wine grape variety with great brewing prospects. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of postharvest indoor dehydration on the quality of Marselan grapes. For two consecutive years, the harvested grapes were dehydrated naturally indoors (24-28°C). Fresh grapes were used as a control, and dehydrated samples were taken every 7 days during the period of dehydration until ending at day 28. Dehydration treatment increased degrees Brix, reducing sugars, glycerol, and malic acid. On day 7, there was an increase in protocatechuic acid, p-coumaric acid, and total tannin of 26.00%-27.73%, 11.43%-52.52%, and 39.74%-70.45%, respectively. With increasing dehydration time, total phenols, total flavonoids and total flavanols in the skins were decreased by 17.05%-38.13%, 24.32%-57.38%, and 17.05%-59.48%, respectively, with an increase in pH, citric acid, and ascorbic acid contents of grape juice by 7.66%-21.43%, 100%-137.50%, and 61.29%-258.82%, respectively. On day 21, the esters were increased by 1.10-1.75 factors. Partial least square-discriminant analysis result of volatile compounds showed that ethyl acetate, 1-propanol, 1-propanol, 2-methyl-, 1-hexanol, and 1-butanol, 3-methyl- were the predominant characteristic flavor compounds during dehydration of Marselan grapes. The effect of indoor dehydration on Marselan grape quality offered application value for China's later dehydration wine production.

Research progress on the regulation of oxidative stress by phenolics: the role of gut microbiota and Nrf2 signaling pathway

In recent years, the increase in high-calorie diets and sedentary lifestyles has made obesity a global public health problem. An unbalanced diet promotes the production of proinflammatory cytokines and causes redox imbalance in the body. Phenolics have potent antioxidant activity and cytoprotective ability. They can scavenge free radicals and reactive oxygen species, and enhance the activity of antioxidant enzymes, thus combating the body's oxidative stress. They can also improve the body's inflammatory response, enhance the enzyme activity of lipid metabolism, and reduce the contents of cholesterol and triglyceride. Most phenolics are biotransformed and absorbed into the blood after the action by gut microbiota; these metabolites then undergo phase I and II metabolism and regulate oxidative stress by scavenging free radicals and increasing expression of antioxidant enzymes. Phenolics induce the expression of genes encoding antioxidant enzymes and phase II detoxification enzymes by stimulating Nrf2 to enter the nucleus and bind to the antioxidant response element after uncoupling from Keap1, thereby promoting the production of antioxidant enzymes and phase II detoxification enzymes. The absorption rate of phenolics in the small intestine is extremely low. Most phenolics reach the colon, where they interact with the microbiota and undergo a series of metabolism. Their metabolites will reach the liver via the portal vein and undergo conjugation reactions. Subsequently, the metabolites reach the whole body to exert biological activity by traveling with the systemic circulation. Phenolics can promote the growth of probiotics, reduce the ratio of Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes (F/B), and improve intestinal microecological imbalance. This paper reviews the nutritional value, bioactivity, and antioxidant mechanism of phenolics in the body, aiming to provide a scientific basis for the development and utilization of natural antioxidants and provide a reference for elucidating the mechanism of action of phenolics for regulating oxidative stress in the body. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

Metabolite profiling reveals the influence of grapevine genetic distance on the chemical signature of juices

BACKGROUND

Yield, disease tolerance, and climate adaptation are important traits in grapevine genetic breeding programs. Selection for these characteristics causes unpredictable changes in primary and specialized metabolism, affecting the physicochemical properties and chemical composition of the berries and their processed products, juice, and wine. In this study, we investigated the influence of the genetic distance between grapevine genotypes on the chemical signatures of the juices, by integrating comprehensive metabolic profiling to genetic analyses.

RESULTS

The studied grapevine cultivars exhibited low genetic diversity. Breeding for agronomic traits promoted higher contents of soluble sugars, total phenolics, and anthocyanins in the juices. Untargeted juice metabolomics identified a total of 147 metabolites, consisting of 30 volatiles, 21 phenolics, and 96 ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS) features. Juices from grapes of the most recent cultivars exhibited increased levels of trans-resveratrol, catechin, and luteolin. The blend of volatiles from juices of later cultivars was also more complex, consisting of 29 distinct metabolites in 'BRS Magna'. Grapes from 'BRS Carmem', an intermediate cultivar, gave the most divergent UHPLC-MS juice profile.

CONCLUSION

Contents of soluble solids, total phenolics, and anthocyanins in grape juices were increased by controlled crosses and hybrid selection. Integrative analyses demonstrated that the juices' metabolic profiles accurately represent the cultivars' genetic distances. Juices from 'BRS Violeta' and 'BRS Magna' show relevant positive association with health-related phenolics and a distinct set of odor volatiles, although these characteristics were specifically sought by breeding. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

Eucalypt Extracts Prepared by a No-Waste Method and Their 3D-Printed Dosage Forms Show Antimicrobial and Anti-Inflammatory Activity

The pharmaceutical industry usually utilizes either hydrophobic or hydrophilic substances extracted from raw plant materials to prepare a final product. However, the waste products from the plant material still contain biologically active components with the opposite solubility. The aim of this study was to enhance the comprehensive usability of plant materials by developing a new no-waste extraction method for eucalypt leaves and by investigating the phytochemical and pharmacological properties of eucalypt extracts and their 3D-printed dosage forms. The present extraction method enabled us to prepare both hydrophobic soft extracts and hydrophilic (aqueous) dry extracts. We identified a total of 28 terpenes in the hydrophobic soft extract. In the hydrophilic dry extract, a total of 57 substances were identified, and 26 of them were successfully isolated. The eucalypt extracts studied showed significant antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bacillus subtilis, Candida albicans, Corynebacterium diphtheriae gravis, and Corynebacterium diphtheriae mitis. The anti-inflammatory activity of the dry extract was studied using a formalin-induced-edema model in mice. The maximum anti-exudative effect of the dry extract was 61.5% at a dose of 20 mg/kg. Composite gels of polyethylene oxide (PEO) and eucalypt extract were developed, and the key process parameters for semi-solid extrusion (SSE) 3D printing of such gels were verified. The SSE 3D-printed preparations of novel synergistically acting eucalypt extracts could have uses in antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory medicinal applications.

Evaluation of structure, quality, physicochemical properties, and phenolics content of pea proteins: A novel strategy through the incorporation of fermentation

The utilization of pea proteins (PPs) is limited due to their relatively low protein digestibility (∼81%) compared to animal-based proteins, such as whey. The present investigation involved the fermentation of PPs at a concentration of 1% (w/v) using 5% (w/v) water kefir for 60 h at 25°C to improve the functional properties of PPs. The results showed a significant (p < 0.05) increase in lactic acid and acetic acid production during fermentation. These findings suggest that PPs can be effectively fermented using water kefir as a starter culture for the increased protein digestibility of PPs. The PP conformation underwent modifications, including secondary and tertiary protein structure alterations. The total phenolic compounds increased throughout the fermentation, reaching around 695.32 ± 15 mg gallic acid equivalent/100 g after 24 h of fermentation. Furthermore, the fermentation process has culminated in significant (p < 0.05) changes in the surface charge and hydrophobic properties of the fermented PPs, from -38.1 to -45.73 and 362.7 to 550.2, respectively. Fermentation using water kefir is a promising technique for improving the digestibility, protein structure, and nutritional values of PPs.

HPLC-MS/MS Profiles, Antioxidant, Neuroprotective, Antidiabetic and Skin Protective Effects of Different Extracts of Vicia peregrina L. Collected from the Eastern Region of Turkey

Many Vicia species (Fabaceae) were proven to possess bioactive compounds with potential health beneficial properties. The present study was designed to determine the phenolic constituents, antioxidant and enzyme inhibition activities of aerial parts and seed of V. peregrina. Hexane, ethyl acetate and methanol extracts were prepared by maceration and aqueous extract by infusion. The chemical compositions of the extracts were determined using HPLC-MS/MS technology. The antioxidant activities were examined using various assays including free radical scavenging (ABTS and DPPH), reducing ability (CUPRAC and FRAP), metal chelation, and phosphomolybdenum. The enzyme inhibitory effects were investigated against cholinesterase, tyrosinase, amylase and glucosidase. The highest total phenolics and flavonoids contents were recorded in the methanol extracts of the seed (45.42 mg GAE/g) and aerial parts (40.33 mg RE/g) respectively. The aerial parts were characterized by higher accumulation of chlorogenic acid (9893.86 μg g-1 ), isoquercitrin (9400.33 μg g-1 ), delphindin 3,5 diglucoside (9113.28 μg g-1 ), hyperoside (6337.09 μg g-1 ), rutin (3489.83 μg g-1 ) and kaempferol-3-glucoside (2872.84 μg g-1 ). Generally, the methanol and aqueous extracts of the two studied parts exerted the best antioxidant activity with highest anti-DPPH (61.99 mg TE/g), anti-ABTS (101.80 mg TE/g) and Cu++ (16169 mg TE/g) and Fe+++ (172,36 mg TE/g) reducing capacity were recorded from the seed methanol extract. Methanol extract of the seed showed the best anti-tyrosinase activity (75.86 mg KAE/g). These results indicated that V. peregrina is rich with bioactive phenolics suggesting their use in different health promoting applications.

NMR Analysis of Extra Virgin Olive Oil of the Epirus Region of Greece with Emphasis on Selected Phenolic Compounds

Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) is recognized for its numerous health benefits, attributed to its rich phenolic components. NMR has emerged as a prevalent technique for precisely identifying these compounds. Among Mediterranean countries, Greece stands as the third-largest producer of olives, with the Epirus region notably advancing in olive cultivation, contributing significantly to the dynamic growth of the region. In this study, an NMR method was employed based on the acquisition of a 1H NMR spectrum along with multiple resonant suppression in order to increase the sensitivity. Using the above method, 198 samples of extra virgin olive oil, primarily sourced from the Epirus region, were analyzed, and both the qualitative and quantitative aspects of the phenolic compounds were obtained. In addition, we examined the effects of various factors such as variety, harvest month, and region origin on the phenolic compounds' concentration. The results revealed an average total phenolic content of 246 mg/kg, closely approaching the EU health claim limit of 250 mg/kg. Approximately 15% of the samples were confidently characterized as high-phenolic olive oil. The highest concentrations were observed in the Thesprotia samples, with several Lianolia varieties exceeding the total phenolic content of 400 mg/kg. Statistical tests demonstrated a significant influence of the olive variety and the month of fruit harvest on phenolic component concentration, followed by the region of origin. A very strong correlation was noted between the total phenolics content and the levels of oleocanthal and oleacein, with a correlation coefficient (r) of 0.924. Upon optimization of all factors affecting olive oil quality, the majority of the EVOOs from the Epirus region have the potential to be characterized as high in phenolic content.

A Systematic Review and Comprehensive Evaluation of Human Intervention Studies to Unravel the Bioavailability of Hydroxycinnamic Acids

Significance: Hydroxycinnamic acids (HCAs) are the main phenolic acids in the western diet. Harmonizing the available information on the absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME) of HCAs is fundamental to unraveling the compounds responsible for their health effects. This work systematically assessed pharmacokinetics, including urinary recovery, and bioavailability of HCAs and their metabolites, based on literature reports. Recent Advances: Forty-seven intervention studies with coffee, berries, herbs, cereals, tomato, orange, grape products, and pure compounds, as well as other sources yielding HCA metabolites, were included. Up to 105 HCA metabolites were collected, mainly acyl-quinic and C6-C3 cinnamic acids. C6-C3 cinnamic acids, such as caffeic and ferulic acid, reached the highest blood concentrations (maximum plasma concentration [Cmax] = 423 nM), with time to reach Cmax (Tmax) values ranging from 2.7 to 4.2 h. These compounds were excreted in urine in higher amounts than their phenylpropanoic acid derivatives (4% and 1% of intake, respectively), but both in a lower percentage than hydroxybenzene catabolites (11%). Data accounted for 16 and 18 main urinary and blood HCA metabolites, which were moderately bioavailable in humans (collectively 25%). Critical Issues: A relevant variability emerged. It was not possible to unequivocally assess the bioavailability of HCAs from each ingested source, and data from some plant based-foods were absent or inconsistent. Future Directions: A comprehensive study investigating the ADME of HCAs derived from their most important dietary sources is urgently required. Eight key metabolites were identified and reached interesting plasma Cmax concentrations and urinary recoveries, opening up new perspectives to evaluate their bioactivity at physiological concentrations. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 40, 510-541.

Cytotoxic and Antitumoral Effects of Methanolic Extracts of Avocado Fruit Mesocarp in Colorectal Cancer Cell Line HT29

Colorectal cancer is a widespread neoplasia with high ratios of chemoresistance. Phytochemicals in plant-based extracts could be useful to treat colorectal cancer, and/or reduce chemoresistance. Methanolic extract of avocado mesocarp (MEAM) has demonstrated antitumoral properties, depending on the fruit ripening stage (RS). The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of methanolic extracts of "Hass" avocado fruit at different RS on cytotoxicity, antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, anti-invasive, cell cycle, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition inhibition in colorectal adenocarcinoma cell line HT29. The MEAM showed an increasing concentration of total phenolic compounds as the RS progressed, which was correlated with antioxidant capacity measured by the Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power assay but not with the 2.2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl assay. The specific phenolic compounds of MEAM were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography, and it was found that concentrations of epicatechin decreased while concentrations of chlorogenic acid increased as the RS progressed. The HT29 cell line was treated with MEAM for 48 h, and all MEAM had a cytotoxic effect, reported by MTT assay, nevertheless, the strongest effect was associated with the presence of chlorogenic acid. MEAM induced apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in phase G0/G1, reported by flow cytometry. Moreover, MEAM inhibited cell migration evidenced by the wound healing assay. On the other hand, MEAM significantly reduced expression of mRNA of tumor necrosis factor-alpha and cyclooxygenase 2. These effects comprise important inhibition of some hallmarks of cancer. This, in turn, may provide interesting guidelines for developing antitumoral intervention agents.

Extraction, Purification, and Characterization of Olive (Olea europaea L., cv. Chemlal) Polyphenol Oxidase

Among fruits susceptible to enzymatic browning, olive polyphenol oxidase (OePPO) stood out as being unisolated from a natural source until this study, wherein we successfully purified and characterized the enzyme. Sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) of heated and nonheated OePPO revealed distinct molecular weights of 35 and 54 kDa, respectively, indicative of its oligomeric nature comprising active and C-terminal subunits. OePPO displayed latency, fully activating with 5 mM SDS under optimal conditions of pH 7.5 and 15 °C. The enzyme demonstrated monophenolase activity and showcased the highest efficiency toward hydroxytyrosol. Despite its low optimal temperature, OePPO exhibited high thermal resistance, maintaining stability up to 90 °C. However, beyond this threshold, the oligomeric enzyme disassociated, yielding a denatured main subunit and C-terminal fragments. Six OePPO genes were found in the fruits. Tryptic digestion identified the enzyme as mature OePPO1 (INSDC OY733096), while mass spectrometry detected the active form mass alongside several C-terminal fragments, revealing potential cleavage sites (Gly407, Tyr408).

Effects of Ferulic Acid on Cognitive Function: A Systematic Review

SCOPE

Plant (poly) phenolic compounds have been reported to decrease the risk of developing dementia and have been associated with maintenance of cognitive performance in normal ageing. Ferulic acid (FA) is a phenolic acid, present in a wide variety of foods including cereals, fruits, vegetables, and coffee. The aim of this systematic review is to examine the effect of FA on cognitive function in humans and animals.

METHODS AND RESULTS

The search terms "Ferulic acid AND cognit*" and "Ferulic acid OR feruloyl OR ferula AND (memory OR attention OR learning OR recognition)" are used in Web of Science, Scopus, PubMED, OVID (Medline/PsycInfo), and CINAHL through October 2023. No human studies are identified that matched the inclusion criteria. Twenty-six animal studies are identified. A small number (n = 5) of these studies examined FA in healthy animals whilst the remainder examined animal models of dementia. Alzheimer's disease (n = 11) is the most prevalent model.

CONCLUSION

Overall, results from studies employing disease models suggest that FA ameliorates induced cognitive decline in a time and dose-dependent manner. Similarly, studies in healthy animals show a beneficial effect of FA. However, further studies are required to determine the effects of FA on human cognitive function.

Enrichment of Whole-Grain Breads with Food-Grade Extracted Apple Pomace Bioactives Enhanced Their Anti-Inflammatory, Antithrombotic and Anti-Oxidant Functional Properties

Apple pomace (AP) is a bio-waste product of apples that is co-produced as a by-product during apples' processing for making apple-based products, mainly apple juice, cider and vinegar. AP is a rich source of several bioactives that can be valorized as ingredients for developing novel functional foods, supplements and nutraceuticals. Within the present study, food-grade extracts from AP with different tannin contents were found to contain bioactive polar lipids (PLs), phenolics and carotenoids with strong anti-oxidant, antithrombotic and anti-inflammatory properties. The extract from the low-in-tannins AP showed stronger anti-inflammatory potency in human platelets against the potent thrombo-inflammatory mediator platelet-activating factor (PAF), while it also exhibited considerable anti-platelet effects against the standard platelet agonist, adenosine diphosphate (ADP). The infusion of 0.5-1.0 g of this bioactive AP extract as functional ingredients for whole-grain bread-making resulted in the production of novel bio-functional bread products with stronger anti-oxidant, antithrombotic and anti-inflammatory potency against both PAF and ADP in human platelets, compared to the standard non-infused control breads. Structural analysis by LCMS showed that the PL-bioactives from all these sources (AP and the bio-functional breads) are rich in bioactive unsaturated fatty acids (UFA), especially in the omega-9 oleic acid (OA; 18:1n9), the omega-3 alpha linolenic acid (ALA; 18:n3) and the omega-6 linoleic acid (LA; 18:2n6), which further supports their strong anti-inflammatory and antithrombotic properties. All food-grade extracted AP including that infused with AP-bioactives novel functional breads showed higher hydrophilic, lipophilic and total phenolic content, as well as total carotenoid content, and subsequently stronger antioxidant capacity. These results showed the potential of appropriately valorizing AP-extracts in developing novel bio-functional bakery products, as well as in other health-promoting applications. Nevertheless, more studies are needed to fully elucidate and/or validate the anti-inflammatory, antithrombotic and antioxidant potential of novel bio-functional products across the food and cosmetic sectors when infused with these AP bioactives.

Wastewater Treatment Using Membrane Bioreactor Technologies: Removal of Phenolic Contaminants from Oil and Coal Refineries and Pharmaceutical Industries

Huge amounts of noxious chemicals from coal and petrochemical refineries and pharmaceutical industries are released into water bodies. These chemicals are highly toxic and cause adverse effects on both aquatic and terrestrial life. The removal of hazardous contaminants from industrial effluents is expensive and environmentally driven. The majority of the technologies applied nowadays for the removal of phenols and other contaminants are based on physio-chemical processes such as solvent extraction, chemical precipitation, and adsorption. The removal efficiency of toxic chemicals, especially phenols, is low with these technologies when the concentrations are very low. Furthermore, the major drawbacks of these technologies are the high operation costs and inadequate selectivity. To overcome these limitations, researchers are applying biological and membrane technologies together, which are gaining more attention because of their ease of use, high selectivity, and effectiveness. In the present review, the microbial degradation of phenolics in combination with intensified membrane bioreactors (MBRs) has been discussed. Important factors, including the origin and mode of phenols' biodegradation as well as the characteristics of the membrane bioreactors for the optimal removal of phenolic contaminants from industrial effluents are considered. The modifications of MBRs for the removal of phenols from various wastewater sources have also been addressed in this review article. The economic analysis on the cost and benefits of MBR technology compared with conventional wastewater treatments is discussed extensively.

Maize hydroxycinnamic acids: unveiling their role in stress resilience and human health

Maize production is pivotal in ensuring food security, particularly in developing countries. However, the crop encounters multiple challenges stemming from climatic changes that adversely affect its yield, including biotic and abiotic stresses during production and storage. A promising strategy for enhancing maize resilience to these challenges involves modulating its hydroxycinnamic acid amides (HCAAs) content. HCAAs are secondary metabolites present in plants that are essential in developmental processes, substantially contributing to defense mechanisms against environmental stressors, pests, and pathogens, and exhibiting beneficial effects on human health. This mini-review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of HCAAs in maize, including their biosynthesis, functions, distribution, and health potential applications.

Targeted Anthocyanin Profiling of Fruits from Three Southern Highbush Blueberry Cultivars Propagated in Colombia

The blueberry, a deciduous shrub in the Ericaceae family, is celebrated for its delightful flavor, sweetness, and abundance of anthocyanins and antioxidants, qualities that have garnered significant attention for their potential health benefits. Blueberries grown in diverse environments and exhibit varied anthocyanin profiles, often influenced by factors such as altitude and climate. Varietal groups worldwide have been bred and categorized based on their growth habits and specific cold requirements, particularly with southern highbush cultivars thriving in temperate climates, demonstrating tolerance to higher altitudes or cooler climates-a result of hybridizations involving various Vaccinium species. In the Colombian Andes, southern highbush blueberries thrive in unique high-altitude conditions, leading to exceptional quality due to the region's cool climate and specific soil characteristics. In this context, this study aimed to chemically characterize and differentiate three southern highbush blueberry cultivars (i.e., 'Biloxi,' 'Legacy' and 'Sharpblue') cultivated in a Colombian Andean plateau and compare them to three commercially available highbush blueberries. This comprehensive evaluation involved examining total phenols, flavonoids, anthocyanin content, and DPPH· free-radical scavenging capacity, as well as conducting anthocyanin-targeted profiling via HPLC-DAD-HRMS. Through supervised multivariate analyses such as sPLS-DA, this study delved into the pattern recognition of those anthocyanins that could potentially serve as markers for quality and cultivar-related chemical trait determination. These findings locate blueberry-derived anthocyanins in a metabolic context and afford some insights into southern highbush blueberry cultivar differentiation to be used for further purposes.

Effects of leaf herbivory and autumn seasonality on plant secondary metabolites: A meta-analysis

Plant secondary metabolites (PSMs) are produced by plants to overcome environmental challenges, both biotic and abiotic. We were interested in characterizing how autumn seasonality in temperate and subtropical climates affects overall PSM production in comparison to herbivory. Herbivory is commonly measured between spring to summer when plants have high resource availability and prioritize growth and reproduction. However, autumn seasonality also challenges plants as they cope with limited resources and prepare survival for winter. This suggests a potential gap in our understanding of how herbivory affects PSM production in autumn compared to spring/summer. Using meta-analysis, we recorded overall production of 22 different PSM subgroups from 58 published papers to calculate effect sizes from herbivory studies (absence to presence) and temperate to subtropical seasonal studies (summer to autumn), while considering other variables (e.g., plant type, increase in time since herbivory, temperature, and precipitation). We also compared production of five phenolic PSM subgroups - hydroxybenzoic acids, flavan-3-ols, flavonols, hydrolysable tannins, and condensed tannins. We wanted to detect a shared response across all PSMs and found that herbivory increased overall PSM production in herbaceous plants. Herbivory was also found to have a positive effect on individual PSM subgroups, such as flavonol production, while autumn seasonality was found to have a positive effect on flavan-3-ol and condensed tannin production. We discuss how these responses might stem from plants producing some PSMs constitutively, whereas others are induced only after herbivory, and how plants produce metabolites with higher costs only during seasons when other resources for growth and reproduction are less available, while other phenolic PSM subgroups serve more than one function for plants and such functions can be season dependent. The outcome of our meta-analysis is that autumn seasonality changes some PSM production differently from herbivory, and we see value in further investigating seasonality-herbivory interactions with plant chemical defense.

Impact of 24-epibrassinoliode and methyl jasmonate on quality of Red Delicious apples

BACKGROUND

Changes in apple fruit quality indices in response to foliar spray with 24-epibrassinolide (EBL) at 0 and 1 μmol L-1 and methyl jasmonate (MeJA) at 0 and 0.5 μmol L-1 , as well as the combination of these phytohormones, were investigated at harvest and during cold storage.

RESULTS

Both phytohormones synergistically enhanced the fruit firmness, specific weight, size, fresh weight, water content, total antioxidant activity, total phenolics, ascorbic acid, total anthocyanins, total soluble solids/titratable acidity ratio and precocity. In addition, the fruit abscission pattern was changed in response to different treatments. Treated fruit exhibited lower weight loss and internal breakdown symptoms and higher total soluble solids index, firmness and phytochemicals during cold storage. A negative correlation was seen between fruit mass, firmness, specific weight, antioxidant activity, total phenolics and vitamin C content with internal breakdown occurrence and weight loss.

CONCLUSION

Foliar spray with EBL and MeJA during the growth season is a good environmental friendly and safe method for enhancing the apple fruit different quality parameters, marketability and postharvest life. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

Carriers based on dairy by-products and dehumidified-air spray drying as a novel multiple approach towards improved retention of phenolics in powders: sour cherry juice concentrate case study

BACKGROUND

Sour cherry juice concentrate powder can serve as a modern, easy-to-handle, phenolics-rich merchandise; however, its transformation into powdered form requires the addition of carriers. In line with the latest trends in food technology, this study valorizes the use of dairy by-products (whey protein concentrate, whey, buttermilk, and mixes with maltodextrin) as carriers. A new multiple approach for higher drying yield, phenolics retention (phenolic acids, flavonols and anthocyanins) and antioxidant capacity of powders were tested as an effect of simultaneous decrease of drying temperature due to the drying air dehumidification and lower carrier content.

RESULTS

Dairy-based carriers were effective for spray drying of sour cherry-juice concentrate. The drying yield was increased and retention of phenolics was higher when compared with maltodextrin. The application of dehumidified air, which enabled the drying temperature to be reduced, affected drying yield positively, and also affected particle morphology and retention of phenolics (the phenolic content was approximately 30% higher than with spray drying).

CONCLUSIONS

The study proved that it is possible to apply dairy-based by-products to produce sour cherry juice concentrate powders profitably, lowering the spray-drying temperature and changing the carrier content. Dehumidified air spray drying can be recommended for the production of fruit juice concentrate powders with improved physicochemical properties. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

Determination of anthocyanins, organic acids, and phenolic acids in hibiscus market products using LC/UV/MS

Hibiscus sabdariffa has gained increasing attention from consumers as a natural, healthy food ingredient, leading to a myriad of available products, yet there is a lack of understanding of the quality and chemical diversity among commercially available hibiscus products. Here, we conducted a survey on the chemistry of 29 hibiscus products (calyces, beverages, and extracts). UHPLC-DAD and UHPLC-QQQ/MS methods with high sensitivity and selectivity were developed to evaluate the chemical profiles pertaining to the sensory attributes (color and taste). Two major anthocyanins (delphinidin-3-sambubioside and cyanindin-3-sambubioside), eight organic acids, and 23 phenolic acids were identified and quantified in hibiscus market products. The results showed that hibiscus samples contained < 0.001-2.372% of total anthocyanins, 0.073-78.002% of total organic acids, and 0.001-1.041% of total phenolic acids, and demonstrated significant variations in market products. This is the first time that an in-depth organic acid profiling was conducted on hibiscus products using UHPLC-QQQ/MS. This method can also be extended to chemical profiling, sensory analysis, quality control, authentication, and standardization of other natural products.

Uncovering chemical profiles, biological potentials, and protection effect against ECM destruction in H2 O2 -treated HDF cells of the extracts of Stachys tundjeliensis

The genus Stachys L., one of the largest genera of the Lamiaceae family, is highly represented in Turkey. This study was conducted to determine the bio-pharmaceutical potential and phenolic contents of six different extracts from aerial parts of Stachys tundjeliensis. The obtained results showed that the ethanol extract exhibited the highest antioxidant activity in the antioxidant assays. Meanwhile, the ethanol extract displayed strong inhibitory activity against α-tyrosinase, the dichloromethane extract exhibited potent inhibition against butyrylcholinesterase, and the n-hexane extract against α-amylase. Based on ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled to high-resolution mass spectrometry analysis, more than 90 secondary metabolites, including hydroxybenzoic acid, hydroxycinnamic acid, and their glycosides, acylquinic acids, phenylethanoid glycosides, and various flavonoids were identified or tentatively annotated in the studied S. tundjeliensis extracts. It was observed that the application of S. tundjeliensis eliminated H2 O2 -induced oxidative stress. It was determined that protein levels of phospho-nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), receptor for advanced glycation endproducts, and activator protein-1, which are activated in the nucleus, decreased, and the synthesis of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and MMP-9 also decreased to basal levels. Overall, these findings suggest that S. tundjeliensis contains diverse bioactive compounds for the development of nutraceuticals or functional foods with potent biological properties.

Longer cluster hanging time decreases the impact of grapevine red blotch disease in Vitis vinifera L. Merlot across two seasons

BACKGROUND

Grapevine red blotch virus (GRBV) is a recently discovered virus and a major concern for the wine industry. Prior research indicated that GRBV delays grape ripening by reducing °Brix and anthocyanin concentrations in grapes from infected vines, resulting in higher ethanol concentrations in wines made from healthy fruit compared to diseased vines, which have an impact on sensory properties. In this study, infected fruit (Vitis vinifera L. Merlot) was sequentially harvested (in 2016 and 2017) and chaptalized (in 2017) to ameliorate the impact of GRBV on grape and final wine composition.

RESULTS

Chemical parameters including phenolic and volatile profiles of grapes and their subsequent wines were measured. Sensory properties were determined by descriptive analyses. Results demonstrated that GRBV decreased sugar accumulation and anthocyanin synthesis in grapes. Wines from GRBV grapes harvested at later ripening stage produced wines that were more similar chemically and sensorially to wines made from healthy fruit than to wines made from GRBV fruit harvested earlier.

CONCLUSION

A longer hang time of GRBV grapes is a potential strategy to mitigate the impacts of GRBV. However, chaptalization of diseased fruit must was inefficient at increasing similarities to wines made from healthy fruit. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

Combined effect of electrolyzed water (EW) and sonication with equilibrium modified atmosphere packaging for prolonging storage stability of fresh strawberry

This research focuses on the effectiveness of electrolyzed water (50 and 100 ppm for 3 min), ultrasonication (80 W for 3 min), and their combinations on fresh strawberries, which are then packaged using microperforated film to enhance their storage stability. The gas composition in the headspace, pH, soluble solids, color (L*, a*, b*, and ΔE* values), anthocyanins, total phenolics, and texture profile was evaluated for the 35 days of storage at +4 °C. The lowest weight loss was measured at about 100 ppm electrolyzed water (EW; 0.47%), and the highest one was in the control group (0.57%) after storage. At the end of the storage, O2 in the headspace decreased from 20.90% to 10.50-8.10% and CO2 was accumulated from 0.03% to 16.4-14.34%. The results showed that soluble solids decreased (9.95 to 8.48-7.85 °Bx) and pH values increased (3.34 to 3.79-3.91) during storage. At the end of the storage, the total phenolics in the control group decreased by the most during storage (from 1209.09 ppm to 808.00 ppm), whereas the 50 ppm EW group had the highest (931.66 ppm). Further, the significantly highest anthocyanin amount was found to be 143.86 ppm in the 100 ppm EW group at the end of 28 days of storage. The EW can significantly delay the degradation of anthocyanin over the storage period. The sonication at 100 ppm EW damages strawberry tissues, reducing their hardness. The lowest decay rate was found in fruits treated with 100 ppm EW (41.67%), followed by 50 ppm EW (58.33%), compared to the control (75.00%). This study reveals that applications of the 50 ppm EW and also 50 pm EW combined with ultrasonication have great potential in the extending storage stability of the fresh strawberries.

Antioxidant Activity Analysis of Native Actinidia arguta Cultivars

Kiwiberry (Actinidia arguta) is a perennial fruit tree belonging to the family Actinidiaceae. Kiwiberries are known to have an extremely high concentration of sugars, phenolics, flavonoids, and vitamin C, and possess delicious taste and health-promoting properties. Numerous studies have focused on kiwiberry fruits, demonstrating that they possess a higher phytochemical content and greater antioxidant activities than other berry fruits. The purpose of this study was to compare the phytochemical content and antioxidant potential of leaf, stem, root, and fruit extracts from twelve kiwiberry cultivars grown in Wonju, Korea, characterized by a Dwa climate (Köppen climate classification). In most kiwiberry cultivars, the total phenolic (TPC) and total flavonoid (TFC) phytochemical content was significantly higher in leaf and stem tissues, while the roots exhibited higher antioxidant activity. In fruit tissues, the TPC and TFC were higher in unripe and ripe kiwiberry fruits, respectively, and antioxidant activity was generally higher in unripe than ripe fruit across most of the cultivars. Based on our results, among the 12 kiwiberry cultivars, cv. Daebo and cv. Saehan have a significantly higher phytochemical content and antioxidant activity in all of the tissue types, thus having potential as a functional food and natural antioxidant.

Evaluation of chemical compositions and biological activities of Dendrobium species

Dendrobium spp. were investigated for their chemical compositions with HPTLC/CMS, and biological properties, including antioxidant activities (DPPH and ABTS.+ assay), and anti-acetylcholinesterase (AChE). The ethanolic extracts of Dendrobium orchid pseudobulbs (D. chrysotoxum; DC, D. fimbriatum; DF, D. lindleyi; DL, and D. pulchellum; DP) were found to contain caffeic acid, gallic acid, quercetin, rutin hydrate and vanillin. While luteolin was shown in D. fimbriatum and D. lindleyi extracts. D. lindleyi, and D. pulchellum extracts presented the high value of total phenolic and flavonoid contents, resulting in a strong antioxidant property. Moreover, D. chrysotoxum extract expressed AChE inhibitory potential. This research indicated that chemical compounds in Dendrobium would be involved with their biological properties, i.e. antioxidant and anti-AChE. This information can be used to support further in-depth research and product development in health, food, and pharmaceutical.

Application of Ultrasound Treatments in the Processing and Production of High-Quality and Safe-to-Drink Kiwi Juice

This study explores the potential of thermosonication as an alternative to traditional heat treatments, such as pasteurization, in the processing of fruit juices. Conventional methods often lead to undesirable quality changes in fruit juices, whereas thermosonication offers promising results regarding microbial inactivation and quality preservation. This work focused on the inactivation kinetics of Listeria innocua 2030c, a surrogate for pathogenic L. monocytogenes, in kiwifruit juice using thermosonication at 45 °C, 50 °C, and 55 °C. These treatments were compared with equivalent heat treatments. Quality attributes of the juice were also evaluated to assess process efficiency. Survival data of L. innocua were fitted with the Weibull model, estimating first decimal reduction times (δ) and shape parameters (n). The results reveal temperature and process dependencies on δ, while n remains mostly temperature and treatment independent. Thermosonication outperforms heat treatment, achieving higher L. innocua reductions while retaining quality attributes like pH, soluble solid content, and total phenolics and chlorophylls. Thermosonication at 55 °C stands out, providing a 6.2-log-cycle reduction in just 3 min with superior quality retention. These findings highlight the synergistic effect of temperature and ultrasound, making mild heat processes feasible while enhancing product quality. Thermosonication, particularly at 55 °C, emerges as an effective alternative to traditional thermal treatments for fruit juices, offering improved microbial safety without compromising product quality.

Seasonal and Geographic Dynamics in Bioproperties and Phytochemical Profile of Limonium algarvense Erben

This study delved into the influence of ecological and seasonal dynamics on the synthesis of secondary metabolites in the medicinal halophyte Limonium algarvense Erben, commonly known as sea lavender, and examined their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Aerial parts of sea lavender were systematically collected across winter, spring, summer, and autumn seasons from distinct geographic locations in southern Portugal, specifically "Ria de Alvor" in Portimão and "Ria Formosa" in Tavira. The investigation involved determining the total polyphenolic profile through spectrophotometric methods, establishing the chemical profile via liquid chromatography electrospray ionization quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-QTOF-MS/MS), and evaluating in vitro antioxidant properties using radical and metal-based methods, along with assessing anti-inflammatory capacity through a cell model. Results unveiled varying polyphenol levels and profiles across seasons, with spring and autumn samples exhibiting the highest content, accompanied by the most notable antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capacities. Geographic location emerged as an influential factor, particularly distinguishing plants from "Ria de Alvor". Seasonal fluctuations were associated with environmental factors, including temperature, which, when excessively high, can impair plant metabolism, but also with the presence of flowers and seeds in spring and autumn samples, which also seems to contribute to elevated polyphenol levels and enhanced bioproperties of these samples. Additionally, genetic factors may be related to differences observed between ecotypes (geographical location). This study underscores sea lavender's potential as a natural source of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agents, emphasizing the significance of considering both geographic location and seasonal dynamics in the assessment of phenolic composition and bioactive properties in medicinal plant species.

Characterization and mechanism of seed dormancy in Symplocos paniculata

Symplocos paniculata is a highly desirable oil species for biodiesel and premium edible oil feedstock. While germplasm preservation and breeding are crucial, the severity of seed dormancy poses a challenge to successful germination. We employed S. paniculata seeds as experimental materials and conducted an investigation into the types and causes of seed dormancy by analyzing the morphology and developmental characteristics of its embryo, exploring the water permeability property of the endocarp, and examining the presence of endogenous inhibitors, aiming to establish a theoretical foundation for overcoming seed dormancy and maximizing germplasm resource utilization. The findings revealed that the seed embryo had matured into a fully developed embryo, and no dormancy in terms of embryo morphology was observed. Upon reaching maturity, the endocarp of seeds undergoes significant lignification, resulting in notable differences in water absorption between cracked and intact seeds. The impermeability of the endocarp is one of the factors contributing to mechanical restriction. The different phases of endosperm extraction exerted varying effects on the germination of Chinese cabbage seeds, with the methanol phase exhibiting the most potent inhibitory effect. The presence of endogenous inhibitors emerged as the primary factor contributing to physiological dormancy in seeds. GC-MS analysis and validation trials revealed that fatty acids and phenolics, including hexadecanoic acid, oxadecanoic acid, and m-cresol, constituted the main types of endogenous inhibitory compounds found within the endosperm. These findings suggest that the seed dormancy in S. paniculata seeds has endocarp mechanical restriction, and the presence of endogenous inhibitors causes physiological dormancy.

Surface Modification of Okara Cellulose Crystals with Phenolic Acids to Prepare Multifunction Emulsifier with Antioxidant Capacity and Lipolysis Retardation Effect

Emulsion-based foods are widely consumed, and their characteristics involving colloidal and oxidative stabilities should be considered. The fabrication of the interfaces by selecting the emulsifier may improve stability and trigger lipolysis, thereby reducing energy uptake from the emulsified food. The present work aimed to develop Okara cellulose crystals (OCs) as a multifunction emulsifier to preserve the physical and chemical stability of a Pickering emulsion via surface modification with phenolic acids. The modification of OC was performed by grafting with the selected phenolics to produce OC-gallic acid (OC-G) and OC-tannic acid (OC-T) complexes. There was a higher phenolic loading efficiency when the OC reacted with gallic acid (ca. 70%) than with tannic acid (ca. 50%). This trend was concomitant with better antioxidant activity of the OC-G than OC-T. Surface modification based on grafting with phenolic acids improved capability of the OC to enhance both the colloidal and oxidative stability of the emulsion. In addition, the cellulosic materials had a retardation effect on the in vitro lipolysis compared to a protein-stabilized emulsion. Surface modification by grafting with phenolic acids successfully provided OC as an innovative emulsifier to promote physico-chemical stability and lower lipolysis of the emulsion.

Extractions of aerial parts of Hippomarathrum scabrum with conventional and green methodologies: Chemical profiling, antioxidant, enzyme inhibition, and anti-cancer effects

Hippomarathrum scabrum L. is an endemic medicinal plant in Turkey; however, there have been few studies investigating the phytochemistry and biological properties of these plants has not been investigated. The aim of this work is to determine the chemical composition of different extracts (extracts obtained by using supercritical carbon dioxide extraction, accelerated solvent extraction, homogenizer-assisted extraction, microwave-assisted extraction, and ultrasound-assisted extraction from Hippomarathrum scabrum L., and evaluate their biological properties. The analysis revealed that 5-O-caffeoylquinic acid, rutin, and isorhamnetin 3-O-rutinoside were the main bioactive compounds. The extract obtained by accelerated extraction contains the highest concentration of 5-O-Caffeoylquinic acid (7616.74 ± 63.09 mg/kg dry extract) followed by the extract obtained by homogenizer-assisted extraction (6682.53 ± 13.04 mg/kg dry extract). In antioxidant tests, all extracts expressed significant antioxidant activity. Also, cytotoxic and anticancer effects of these plant extracts were detected in the human prostate cancer cell line. Intrinsic apoptotic genes were up-regulated and anti-apoptotic genes were down-regulated in human prostate cancer cells after inhibition concentration dose treatment. The findings are promising, and suggest the use of these plant extracts could be used as natural sources with different biological activities, as well as anticancer agents.

Polyamines in Edible and Medicinal Fungi from Serbia: A Novel Perspective on Neuroprotective Properties

The therapeutic effectiveness of current neurodegenerative disease treatments is still under debate because of problems with bioavailability and a range of side effects. Fungi, which are increasingly recognized as sources of natural antioxidants and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) enzyme inhibitors, may thus serve as potent neuroprotective agents. Previous studies have associated the anti-AChE and antioxidant activities of fungi mostly with polysaccharides and phenolic compounds, while other secondary metabolites such as polyamines (PAs) have been neglected. This study aimed to investigate eight edible and medicinal fungi from Serbia, marking the initial investigation into the neuroprotective capabilities of Postia caesia, Clitocybe odora, Clitopilus prunulus, and Morchella elata. Neuroprotective activity was examined using the Ellman assay, while the antioxidant capacity was tested by conducting DPPH, NO, ABTS, and FRAP tests. PA levels were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) coupled with fluorescent detection. Ganoderma applanatum and Lepista nuda exhibited the most robust anti-AChE (98.05 ± 0.83% and 99.94 ± 3.10%, respectively) and antioxidant activities, attributed to the synergistic effects of the total protein, total phenolic, and PA levels. Furthermore, P. caesia displayed significant AChE inhibition (88.21 ± 4.76%), primarily linked to the elevated spermidine (SPD) (62.98 ± 3.19 mg/kg d.w.) and putrescine (PUT) levels (55.87 ± 3.16 mg/kg d.w.). Our results highlight the need for thorough research to comprehend the intricate relationships between distinct fungus species and AChE inhibition. However, it is important to recognize that more research is required to identify the precise substances causing the reported inhibitory effects.

Anti-Staphylococcal, Anti-Candida, and Free-Radical Scavenging Potential of Soil Fungal Metabolites: A Study Supported by Phenolic Characterization and Molecular Docking Analysis

Staphylococcus and Candida are recognized as causative agents in numerous diseases, and the rise of multidrug-resistant strains emphasizes the need to explore natural sources, such as fungi, for effective antimicrobial agents. This study aims to assess the in vitro anti-staphylococcal and anti-candidal potential of ethyl acetate extracts from various soil-derived fungal isolates. The investigation includes isolating and identifying fungal strains as well as determining their antioxidative activities, characterizing their phenolic substances through HPLC analysis, and conducting in silico molecular docking assessments of the phenolics' binding affinities to the target proteins, Staphylococcus aureus tyrosyl-tRNA synthetase and Candida albicans secreted aspartic protease 2. Out of nine fungal species tested, two highly potent isolates were identified through ITS ribosomal gene sequencing: Aspergillus terreus AUMC 15447 and A. nidulans AUMC 15444. Results indicated that A. terreus AUMC 15447 and A. nidulans AUMC 15444 extracts effectively inhibited S. aureus (concentration range: 25-0.39 mg/mL), with the A. nidulans AUMC 15444 extract demonstrating significant suppression of Candida spp. (concentration range: 3.125-0.39 mg/mL). The A. terreus AUMC 15447 extract exhibited an IC50 of 0.47 mg/mL toward DPPH radical-scavenging activity. HPLC analysis of the fungal extracts, employing 18 standards, revealed varying degrees of detected phenolics in terms of their presence and quantities. Docking investigations highlighted rutin as a potent inhibitor, showing high affinity (-16.43 kcal/mol and -12.35 kcal/mol) for S. aureus tyrosyl-tRNA synthetase and C. albicans secreted aspartic protease 2, respectively. The findings suggest that fungal metabolites, particularly phenolics, hold significant promise for the development of safe medications to combat pathogenic infections.

Influence of Storage Temperature on Levels of Bioactive Compounds in Shiitake Mushrooms (Lentinula edodes)

Shiitake mushroom (Lentinula edodes) hold high nutritional and medicinal value as they contain an abundance of health-promoting compounds. However, the effect of long-term postharvest storage on the variation in the levels of health-promoting compounds has not been extensively studied. In this study, we investigated the changes in the levels of phenolic compounds, antioxidants, eritadenine, and ergothioneine in shiitake mushrooms stored at three different temperatures (1, 3, and 5 °C) for 4 weeks. Compared to mushrooms stored at lower temperatures, those stored at 5 °C exhibited a higher level of total phenolics in their pileus after 2 weeks of storage; however, storage at 5 °C also increased the deterioration of the fruiting body of these mushrooms. In mushrooms stored at all temperatures, the eritadenine content in the pilei tended to increase up to 2 weeks of storage. In contrast, the ergothioneine content in the pileus decreased during storage, with a significantly lower level detected in mushrooms stored at 5 °C for 4 weeks. Together, these results suggest that the mechanisms underlying the accumulation of phenolics and eritadenine may be related to mushroom deterioration during storage. Our findings indicate that the levels of health-promoting compounds in shiitake mushrooms are influenced by storage temperature, suggesting the potential to control adjustments of specific bioactive compounds by regulating storage conditions.

Antioxidant Systems and Quality in Sweet Cherries Are Improved by Preharvest GABA Treatments Leading to Delay Postharvest Senescence

γ-Aminobutyric acid (GABA) plays important roles in plant development, including the maintenance of fruit quality when applied as postharvest treatment. However, little information is available about the effects of preharvest GABA treatments. Thus, GABA (10, 50 and 100 mM) was applied as foliar spray at key points of fruit development in three sweet cherry cultivars and over two years. The results show that quality parameters, such as total soluble solid content, titratable acidity and firmness were higher in the fruit from GABA-treated trees than in the controls, either at harvest or during four weeks of cold storage. In addition, the total phenolic and total and individual anthocyanin concentrations were also enhanced by GABA treatments and the fruit color was improved. The activities of the antioxidant enzymes catalase, ascorbate peroxidase and peroxidase were also enhanced by the GABA treatments. The most effective concentration was 50 mM, which led to extending the storage period of sweet cherries with high quality traits to up to four weeks, while for the controls this was two weeks. Thus, GABA treatment had a clear effect on delaying the postharvest ripening and senescence processes in sweet cherries, with an additional effect on enhancing the content of bioactive compounds, such as phenolics and anthocyanins, with antioxidant properties and health benefits.

Stability of Coumarins and Determination of the Net Iron Oxidation State of Iron-Coumarin Complexes: Implications for Examining Plant Iron Acquisition Mechanisms

Coumarins are exuded into the soil environment by plant roots in response to iron (Fe) deficiency. Previous studies have shown that coumarins can increase the Fe solubility upon interaction with sparsely soluble Fe(III) (hydr)oxide. However, the chemical mechanisms of Fe(III) (hydr)oxide dissolution by coumarins remain unclear. The high redox instability of dissolved coumarins and the interference of coumarins in determining the Fe redox state hinder the quantitative and mechanistic investigation of coumarin-induced Fe mobilization. In this study, we investigated the oxidative stability of three coumarins that have been found in root exudates, esculetin, scopoletin, and fraxetin, over a broad pH range under oxic and anoxic conditions. Our results show that the oxidation of coumarins is irreversible under oxic conditions and that oxidative degradation rates increased with increasing pH under both oxic and anoxic conditions. However, the complexation of Fe protects coumarins from degradation in the circumneutral pH range even under oxic conditions. Furthermore, we observed that Ferrozine, which is commonly used for establishing Fe redox speciation, can facilitate the reduction of Fe(III) complexed by coumarins, even at circumneutral pH. Reduction rates increased with decreasing pH and were larger for fraxetin than for scopoletin and esculetin. Based on these observations, we optimized the Ferrozine method for determining the redox state of Fe complexed by coumarins. Understanding the stability of dissolved coumarins and using a precise analytical method to determine the redox state of Fe in the presence of coumarins are critical for investigating the mechanisms by which coumarins enhance the availability of Fe in the rhizosphere.

Dynamic Changes of Phenolic Composition, Antioxidant Capacity, and Gene Expression in 'Snow White' Loquat (Eriobotrya japonica Lindl.) Fruit throughout Development and Ripening

The newly released 'Snow White' (SW), a white-fleshed loquat (Eriobotrya japonica Lindl.) cultivar, holds promise for commercial production. However, the specifics of the phenolic composition in white-fleshed loquats, along with the antioxidant substances and their regulatory mechanisms, are not yet fully understood. In this study, we examined the dynamic changes in the phenolic compounds, enzyme activities, antioxidant capacity, and gene expression patterns of SW during the key stages of fruit development and ripening. A total of 18 phenolic compounds were identified in SW, with chlorogenic acid, neochlorogenic acid, and coniferyl alcohol being the most predominant. SW demonstrated a stronger antioxidant capacity in the early stages of development, largely due to total phenolics and flavonoids. Neochlorogenic acid may be the most significant antioxidant contributor in loquat. A decline in enzyme activities corresponded with fruit softening. Different genes within a multigene family played distinct roles in the synthesis of phenolics. C4H1, 4CL2, 4CL9, HCT, CCoAOMT5, F5H, COMT1, CAD6, and POD42 were implicated in the regulation of neochlorogenic acid synthesis and accumulation. Consequently, these findings enhance our understanding of phenolic metabolism and offer fresh perspectives on the development of germplasm resources for white-fleshed loquats.

Polyphenol Fingerprint, Biological Activities, and In Silico Studies of the Medicinal Plant Cistus parviflorus L. Extract

Cistus parviflorus L. (Cistaceae) is a medicinal plant with several folkloric applications, including being used for urinary tract infections and as a food additive. In this study, the polyphenolic diversity and the antioxidant, antidiabetic, and antimicrobial activities of the C. parviflorus methanolic extract were evaluated. Spectrophotometric and HPLC-based analyses using standard polyphenolic compounds were conducted to measure the phenolics and flavonoids in the plant extract. The in vitro DPPH, ORAC, FRAP, and α-glucosidase assays were used to evaluate the plant's antioxidant and antidiabetic activities. Furthermore, disc diffusion and MIC-based microdilution tests were applied to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of the plant against broad-spectrum microorganisms. The analysis revealed the existence of high phenolic and flavonoid quantities that were measured at 302.59 ± 0.6 μg GAE and 134.3 ± 0.5 μg RE, respectively. The HPLC-based analysis revealed the existence of 18 phenolic acids and 8 flavonoids. The major phenolic acid was ellagic acid (169.03 ppm), while catechin was the major flavonoid (91.80 ppm). Remarkable antioxidant activity was measured using three different assays: DPPH, ORAC, and FRAP. Furthermore, strong inhibition of α-glucosidase compared to acarbose was recorded for the plant extract (IC50 0.924 ± 0.6). The results showed that C. parviflorus's extract had a strong anti-Escherichia coli effect with MIC value of 0.98 μg\mL and IZD value of 32.2 ± 0.58 mm compared to 25.3 ± 0.18 mm for gentamycin, the positive control. Moreover, Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus fumigatus, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, and Salmonella typhimurium all showed significant growth inhibition in response to the extract, a result that may be related to the use of the plant in traditional medicine to treat urinary tract infections. The docking study indicated the higher binding affinity of the major identified compounds, i.e., ellagic acid, rutin, naringin, catechin, and punicalagin, to the S. aureus gyrase-DNA complex, which might suggest the possible mechanisms of the plant as antimicrobial agents.

Phytochemical Statistical Mapping of Red Grape Varieties Cultivated in Romanian Organic and Conventional Vineyards

Red grapes are rich in phytochemicals such as phenolics and flavonoids, which are strongly correlated with their antioxidant activity. Thus, grapes as-harvested and grape extracts, especially those obtained from their seeds and pulp, have been reported to have health benefits, and accordingly, grapes and their derivatives are considered potential functional food ingredients. The total phenolic content, total flavonoid content, and the antioxidant activity of skin, pulp, and seeds of four grape varieties grown both in conventional and organic vineyards were examined in this study. Phytochemical characteristics of one native Romanian variety, Feteasca Neagra, were compared with data measured for three red grape varieties more commonly cultivated worldwide (Merlot, Pinot Noir, and Muscat Hamburg). It was found that the seeds of the Pinot Noir variety grown in an organic system contained the highest total phenolics of 169.53 ± 7.32 mg gallic acid equivalents/g and the highest total flavonoid content of 388.25 ± 10.72 mg quercetin equivalents/g, values corresponding to high antioxidant activity (312.84 ± 12.81 mg ascorbic acid equivalents/g). The total flavonoid content in the hydroalcoholic extracts obtained from seeds of Pinot Noir (organic vineyard) was around 24.5-fold higher than that of the skin of Pinot Noir (conventional vineyard). Experiments showed that seeds of all four tested grape varieties are good sources of total flavonoids, not only of total phenolics. When referring to the organic vineyard, the skin and pulp grapes showed good results for the total phenolic content. The antioxidant activities of the hydroalcoholic extracts were well-correlated with the total phenolic content and total flavonoid content. Lower values of these parameters were found for extracts obtained from skin and pulp than for those obtained from seeds of the same grape variety regardless of the culture management system (organic/conventional). Data mining techniques such as regression analysis, principal component analysis, and clustering analysis were applied to establish the potential correlation between the phytochemical content and the antioxidant activities of the red grapes on the one hand, and grape variety, anatomical parts, and vineyard type (organic/conventional) on the other hand.

Evaluation of Bioactive Compounds and Antioxidant Activity in 51 Minor Tropical Fruits of Ecuador

Less common tropical fruits have been the subject of little research, leaving a vast field to be explored. In this context, a comprehensive study was carried out on the bioactive compounds and antioxidant capacity of 51 non-traditional fruits consumed in Ecuador. Vitamin C, organic acids, carotenoids, and phenolic compounds were evaluated using microextraction and rapid resolution liquid chromatography (RRLC) techniques, while antioxidant activity was measured using microplate readings. The results showed high levels of vitamin C (768.2 mg/100 g DW) in Dovyalis hebecarpa, total organic acids (37.2 g/100 g DW) in Passiflora tripartita, carotenoids (487.0 mg/100 g DW) in Momordica charantia, phenolic compounds (535.4 mg/g DW) in Nephelium lappaceum, Pourouma cecropiifolia (161.4 µmol TE/g DW) and Morus alba (80.5 µmol AAE/g DW) in antioxidant activity. Effective extraction of carotenoids was also observed using a mixture of methanol: acetone: dichloromethane (1:1:2) with an extraction time of 2 min, while an 80% solution of 0.1% acidified methanol with hydrochloric acid with an extraction time of 3 min was highly effective for phenolics in fruit. These results provide a valuable basis for optimising future extraction processes of bioactive compounds from non-traditional fruits, with significant implications for their potential use in various nutritional and pharmaceutical contexts.

Root exudate fingerprint of Brachiaria humidicola reveals vanillin as a novel and effective nitrification inhibitor

Introduction: Biological Nitrification Inhibition (BNI) is defined as the plant-mediated control of soil nitrification via the release of nitrification inhibitors. BNI of Brachiaria humidicola (syn. Urochloa humidicola) has been mainly attributed to root-exuded fusicoccane-type diterpenes, e.g., 3-epi-brachialactone. We hypothesized, however, that BNI of B. humidicola is caused by an assemblage of bioactive secondary metabolites. Methods: B. humidicola root exudates were collected hydroponically, and metabolites were isolated by semi-preparative HPLC. Chemical structures were elucidated by HRMS as well as 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy. Nitrification inhibiting potential of isolated metabolites was evaluated by a Nitrosomonas europaea based bioassay. Results and discussion: Besides previously described brachialactone isomers and derivatives, five phenol and cinnamic acid derivatives were identified in the root exudates of B. humidicola: 2-hydroxy-3-(hydroxymethyl)benzaldehyde, vanillin, umbelliferone and both trans- and cis-2,6-dimethoxycinnamic acid. Notably, vanillin revealed a substantially higher nitrification inhibiting activity than 3-epi-brachialactone (ED50 ∼ 12.5 μg·ml-1, ED80 ∼ 20 μg·ml-1), identifying this phenolic aldehyde as novel nitrification inhibitor (NI). Furthermore, vanillin exudation rates were in the same range as 3-epi-brachialactone (1-4 μg·h-1·g-1 root DM), suggesting a substantial contribution to the overall inhibitory activity of B. humidicola root exudates. In relation to the verification of the encountered effects within soils and considering the exclusion of any detrimental impact on the soil microbiome, the biosynthetic pathway of vanillin via the precursor phenylalanine and the intermediates p-coumaric acid/ferulic acid (precursors of further phenolic NI) might constitute a promising BNI breeding target. This applies not only to Brachiaria spp., but also to crops in general, owing to the highly conserved nature of these metabolites.

Impact of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum Infection on Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) Survival and Phenolics Content-A Case Study in a Horticulture Farm in Poland

Sclerotinia sclerotiorum is a cause of a prevalent and destructive disease that attacks many horticultural food crops, such as lettuce. This soil-borne necrotrophic fungal pathogen causes significant economic losses in worldwide lettuce production annually. Furthermore, current methods utilized for management and combatting the disease, such as biocontrol, are insufficient. In this study, three cultivars of lettuce (one Crispy and two Leafy cultivars of red and green lettuce) were grown in central Poland (Lodz Voivodeship), a widely known Polish horticultural region. In the summer and early autumn, lettuce cultivars were grown in control and S. sclerotiorum-infected fields. The lettuce cultivars (Templin, Lollo Rossa, and Lollo Bionda) differed phenotypically and in terms of the survival of the fungal infection. The Crispy iceberg Templin was the most susceptible to S. sclerotiorum infection compared to the other cultivars during both vegetation seasons. The total content of phenolic compounds, flavonoids, and anthocyanins varied among cultivars and fluctuated during infection. Moreover, phenolic content was affected by vegetation season with alterable environmental factors such as air temperature, humidity, soil temperature, and pH. The most increased levels of phenolics, both flavonoids and anthocyanins in infected plants, were observed in the Leafy red Lollo Rossa cultivar in both crops. However, the highest survival/resistance to the fungus was noticed for Lollo Rossa in the summer crop and Lollo Bionda in the autumn crop.