Nutritional Characterization of Annual and Perennial Glassworts from the Apulia Region (Italy).

Plant phytochemical accumulation is influenced by various external factors that change with the seasons (e.g., harvesting time). Atractylodes japonica, an important medicinal plant rich in bioactive compounds, is used to treat several human diseases. We analyzed the influence of harvesting time on phenolic compound concentration and antioxidant activity of A. japonica roots. We investigated the correlation between phenolic compound and minerals contents and antioxidant activity in different harvests. Total phenolic and flavonoid contents varied significantly with the harvesting time. Liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) analysis revealed significant changes in the concentration of various phenolics between harvests. The content of different types of phenolics were significantly higher in the samples collected in October. Among them, chlorogenic acids (133,833.30 µg/g dry weight of root extract) were the most dominant phytochemical compounds detected. Samples harvested in October had higher concentrations of flavonoids, including rutin, orientin, vitexin, and apigenin. Roots harvested in October had a significantly higher (p < 0.05) antioxidant activity than that of those harvested later. Root mineral concentrations also varied with the harvest time. The analysis revealed that macro elements such as Ca ad Mg contents were significantly increased with delaying harvesting time, whereas a different trend was observed for the microelements including Fe, Cu, Al, and As contents in the October harvest. We also found a significant relationship between antioxidant activity and phenolic compound content. The most abundant minerals (Ca, Mg, Mn, Fe, and Al) correlated positively with the antioxidant activity indicating that these elements and compounds may be associated with the A. japonica antioxidant potential. Furthermore, A. japonica root extracts inhibited NIH/3T3 cellular proliferation in a season- and dose-dependent manner. Hence, harvesting time influenced the antioxidant properties and phenolic compound accumulation of A. japonica roots. These results indicate that the harvesting time is essential for obtaining the specific phytochemicals.

Background: Phaseolus vulgaris L. is widely studied for its bioactive compounds and nutritional properties while minimal attention has been given to P. lunatus L. or P. coccineus L. Here, a comparison of the phenolic compounds, minerals and antioxidant activity between landraces of P. lunatus and P. coccineus was made based on samples from populations cultivated by indigenous communities in Oaxaca, Mexico and with reference to improved varieties of P. vulgaris. Methods: The phenolic compound contents and antioxidant activity in four samples of P. lunatus, four of P. coccineus and four improved varieties of P. vulgaris (control) were evaluated by spectrophotometry using reference standards. Through inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry, the mineral macro- and microelements contents were determined. Result: Except for Fe, Zn and Na, significant differences and high levels of variability were observed in the phenolic compound and mineral contents and antioxidant activity of P. lunatus, P. coccineus and P. vulgaris across the populations evaluated. The highest concentration of phenolic compounds was recorded in the seed coat, followed by whole grains and cotyledons.

Most biologically natural compounds are very sensitive and easily degradable under drying conditions. This study aimed to investigate the effect of drying temperature on the contents of phenolic compounds and in vitro antioxidant and antidiabetic activities of wild guava leaves. Wild guava leaves were dried at 40 °C, 50 °C, 60 °C, 70 °C, and 80 °C, as well as sun drying (SD). The total phenolic and flavonoid contents (TPC and TFC) were measured using the colorimetric method. Antioxidant activity was determined by the 2,2-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl hydrate (DPPH) and 2,2-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) radical scavenging activity assays. In vitro antidiabetic activity was measured by assessing α-glucosidase and α-amylase inhibitory activities. The contents of individual phenolic compounds were determined using ultra-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC). The principal component analysis (PCA) results revealed that hot air drying at different temperatures had significantly different effects on the bioactive compounds and biological properties of guava leaves. Drying at high or low temperatures resulted in a higher degradable rate of bioactive compounds leading to a weakening of the biological properties. Drying at 50 °C resulted in high TPC and TFC as well as the highest in vitro antioxidant and antidiabetic activities. Furthermore, the highest contents of gallic acid, catechin, rutin, quercetin, apigenin, quercitrin, vitexin, and apigenin-7- O-D-glucopyranoside were found in samples dried at 50 °C, whereas the highest contents of chlorogenic acid, epicatechin, and ellagic acid were observed in samples dried at 60 °C. Therefore, drying at 50 °C was the suitable temperature for retaining valuable biological compounds in wild guava leaves.

Bee pollen is a hive product of common consumption with a known and remarkable content of bioactive and functional compounds, namely carotenoids and phenolic compounds. The bee pollen from the Colombian High Andean region has a prominent content of these compounds due to environmental and botanical conditions. In this work, the process of bee pollen drying by solar dehydration was evaluated to determine its influence on functional compounds and antioxidant activity. This process was carried out in a greenhouse type solar system located in the central region of Colombia into the High Andean region. Drying tests were conducted for two consecutive days during the dry season. The tests were developed for 8h, collecting samples at the beginning (t = 0h) and at the end (t = 8h) of the process. The contents of total carotenoids, total phenol compounds and antioxidant activity in vitro of samples were measured by spectrophotometric standard methods: a spectrophotometric measure of acetone extract for carotenoids, Folin-Ciocalteau for phenol compounds and TEAC/FRAP for antioxidant activity. The content of carotenoids in dry bee pollen was in average 0.9mg s-carotene/g. Besides, the content of phenolic compounds of bee pollen processed in the solar system was 16mg gallic acid/g. The content of carotenoids and phenol compounds in dry bee pollen did not change significantly from initial raw bee pollen. Furthermore, the antioxidant activity of raw bee pollen (0.85mmol Trolox/g) was maintained even after the drying process in the solar dehydration system. The results show that there was no impact of the solar drying process on bioactive compounds content of bee pollen. Therefore, this type of solar drying system is an actual alternative to traditional equipment for bee pollen drying at this region, favoring a lower energy cost and with a no evident influence on the product quality.

Background: Mandarin by-products, such as peels and seeds, are considered as one of the naturel source of phenolic compounds. Aim: The objective of the present study was to compare the phenolic compounds contents and antioxidant activity of different parts (pulps, seeds, juices, and peels) of three mandarins varieties extracts. Material and methods: Total phenolic, flavonoid, and proanthocyanidin contents of the extracts were assessed while, the antioxidant activity was evaluated using three tests including ferric reducing power, free radical scavenging activity, and phosphomolybdate. Results: The Mediterranean Mandarin peels present a high total phenolics and flavonoids contents with values of 2445.62 mg GAE/100g FW and 609.78 mg QE/100g FW, respectively. Likewise, the clementine juice showed the highest proanthocyanins contents with value of 46.67 mg CE/100g FW. Seeds and pulps of the three varieties present the lowest phenolic compound contents. Mediterranean Mandarin juice showed a strong ferric reducing power and phosphomolybdate with values of 1270.91 and 190.19 mg AAE/100g FW, respectively, however, the peels reveled a strong free radical scavenging activity with value of 259.89 mg AAE/100 g FW. Statistical analysis showed a positive correlation between the antioxidant activity and the phenolic compounds contents of the three studied mandarins varieties extracts. Conclusion: Among the analyzed cultivars, Mediterranean mandarin variety may be considered as the most promising source of polyphenols and antioxidants, compared to the clementine and Satsuma varieties. Moreover, this study also highlights important properties of the fruit parts generally considered wastes. Keywords: Mandarins, different parts, phenolics compounds, antioxidant activity.

Background: Mandarin by-products, such as peels and seeds, are considered as one of the naturel sources of phenolic compounds. Aim: The objective of the present study was to compare the phenolic compounds contents and antioxidant activity of different parts (pulps, seeds, juices, and peels) of three mandarins varieties extracts. Material and methods: Total phenolic, flavonoid, and proanthocyanidin contents of the extracts were assessed while, the antioxidant activity was evaluated using three tests including ferric reducing power, free radical scavenging activity, and phosphomolybdate. Results: The Mediterranean Mandarin peels present a high total phenolics and flavonoids contents with values of 2445.62 mg GAE/100g FW and 609.78 mg QE/100g FW, respectively. Likewise, the clementine juice showed the highest proanthocyanins contents with a value of 46.67 mg CE/100g FW. Seeds and pulps of the three varieties present the lowest phenolic compound contents. Mediterranean Mandarin juice showed a strong ferric reducing power and phosphomolybdate with values of 1270.91 and 190.19 mg AAE/100g FW, respectively, however, the peels revealed a strong free radical scavenging activity with value of 259.89 mg AAE/100 g FW. Statistical analysis showed a positive correlation between the antioxidant activity and the phenolic compounds contents of the three studied mandarins varieties extracts. Conclusion: Among the analyzed cultivars, the Mediterranean mandarin variety may be considered as the most promising source of polyphenols and antioxidants, compared to the clementine and Satsuma varieties. Moreover, this study also highlights important properties of the fruit parts generally considered wastes. Keywords: Mandarins, different parts, phenolics compounds, antioxidant activity.

ABSTRACTFicus deltoidea Jack (Moraceae) is a well-known medicinal plant used in customary medication among the Malay people to reduce and mend sicknesses such as ulcers, psoriasis, cytotoxicity, cardioprotective, inflammation, jaundice, vitiligo, hemorrhage, diabetes, convulsion, hepatitis, dysentery injuries, wounds, and stiffness. Ficus deltoidea contains a wide variety of bioactive compounds from different phytochemical groups such as alkaloids, phenols, flavonoids, saponins, sterols, terpenes, carbohydrates, and proteins. The genus Ficus has several hundreds of species, which shows excellent therapeutic effects and a wide variety of helpful properties for human welfare. Searching information was collected by using electronic databases including Web of Science, Science Direct, Springer, SciFinder, PubMed, Scopus, Medline, Embase, and Google Scholar. This review is, therefore, an effort to give a detailed survey of the literature on its pharmacognosy, phytochemistry, phytochemical, and pharmacological properties of Ficus and its important species. This summary could be beneficial for future research aiming to exploit the therapeutic potential of Ficus and its useful medicinal species.

Effect of oven roasting treatment on the antioxidant activity, phenolic compounds, fatty acids, minerals, and protein profile of Samh (Mesembryanthemum forsskalei Hochst) seeds

Rhus pentaphylla (Jacq.) Desf. is an Algerian food and medicinal specie used to treat diarrhea and abdominal colic and is employed as a digestive [1,2,3], yet there is little information available concerning its bioactive composition. The aim of this study was to quantify bioactive compounds and to investigate antioxidant and acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activities of extracts obtained from leaves of R. pentaphylla in order to prove its possible use as potential natural source for human health. The bioactive compounds were quantified using colorimetric methods. The phytochemical analysis was carried out using chromatographic techniques. The antioxidant activity was assayed using several test systems, namely total antioxidant capacity, DPPH, ABTS and OH radical scavenging activity, a ferric reducing power assay, and a ferrous ion chelating capacity and β-carotene bleaching assay. The acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activity was determined using bioautographic and spectrophotometric methods. The results showed that extracts of R. pentaphylla are an excellent source of phenolic compounds, especially regarding its high flavonoid and hydrolysable tannin contents (36.26 ± 1.77 mg CE/g DE and 898.64 ± 26.56 mg TAE/g DE, respectively), promoting high antioxidant activity. The phytochemical analysis led to the identification of several phenolic compounds that were dominated by flavonoids and phenolic acids. The extracts showed potential antioxidant activity in the different tests. This could be attributed to their polyphenol, tannin, and flavonoid contents. The extracts of R. pentaphylla also exhibited anti-acetylcholinesterase activity. Owing to its phenolic profile and biological activities, R. pentaphylla could be considered as potential functional ingredient for pharmaceutical applications.

The article deals with the problem of developing antibacterial drugs of plant origin, focusing on the properties of the herb Speranskia Tuberculata (Bunge) Baill, which is still understudied. The aim was to determine the antibacterial activity of preparations of the herb Speranskia Tuberculata (Bunge) Baill, extracted with different solvents. Materials and methodology. Crude extracts were obtained using four solvents: petroleum ether, ethyl acetate, n-butanol, and aqueous solutions. Subsequently, the dried extracts were weighed and dissolved in dimethylsulfoxide to prepare working solutions with 10 to 500 µg/mL concentrations. Colonies of three types of bacteria, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Propionibacterium Acnes, were used as the object of the study. The degree of antibacterial activity was determined by measuring the antibacterial zone formed after treating bacteria with different concentrations of extracts compared to the control group (treatment with distilled water). In addition, the total content of phenolic compounds and flavonoids was determined by chemical methods. Antioxidant activity, volume of the dry residue of crude extracts, and content of flavonoids and phenolic compounds were compared with the results of liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry on the presence of antibacterial substances in the extracts known from the literature. It was shown that the ethyl acetate extract among the 4 studied extracts had a clearly expressed antibacterial effect. The calculated value of IC50 for this extract varied between 112‒135 μg/mL for different bacteria. Other solvents did not show a pronounced antibacterial effect. The weakest effect was associated with petroleum ether extracts. At the same time, the mass of the dry residue, when extracted with petroleum ether, was the maximum among all solvents; on the contrary, with ethyl acetate, it was the minimum. Regarding the content of phenolic compounds and flavonoids, the results of the studies were opposite; namely, the maximum concentrations were characteristic of the ethyl acetate extract, and the minimum concentrations were characteristic of the petroleum ether extract. According to the literature, twelve compounds found in the extracts have pronounced antibacterial activity. Suppose the presence of an aromatic ring and a carbon-linked hydroxyl group OH- is taken as the main sign of belonging to phenolic compounds. In that case, 8 of 12 invented antibacterial compounds belong to phenols and flavonoids. Experimentally proven high antibacterial activity of preparations of the herb Speranskia Tuberculata (Bunge) Baill based on ethyl acetate extracts. This property is related to the extract's high content of phenolic compounds and flavonoids.

Introduction. The cob is a byproduct generated from the marketing of purple corn grains. Currently, bioactive compounds are extracted from purple corn using conventional techniques that require substantial volumes of solvents and extended extraction periods. Objective. To determine the content of phenolic compounds and perform a microbiological analysis of purple corn cob extracts obtained by ultrasound. Materials and methods. The extract was prepared with 80% ethanol (pH 2.3) at a sample-to-solvent ratio of 1:12.5 (g/mL). The extraction process was performed using an ultrasonic bath (480 W, 40 KHz, 45°C for 90 minutes). Physicochemical and microbiological analyses were conducted on the purple corn cob powder and the hydroalcoholic extract, focusing on anthocyanin and phenolic compound content, as well as antioxidant activity. Results and discussion. The results indicated that the powdered cob had a high mineral and carbohydrate content, while the extract exhibited significant levels of anthocyanins (34.52 mg cyanidin-3-glucoside/g dry sample), phenolic compounds (324.59 mg gallic acid/g dry sample), and antioxidant activity (1327 μmol Trolox/g dry sample) compared to the control sample. Notably, the hydroalcoholic extract was free from molds and yeasts, unlike the purple corn cob powder. Conclusion. The ultrasound-processed extract of purple corn cob has potential applications as a food additive to retard oxidation and microbiological spoilage in food products.

This study investigated the contents of saponins and phenolic compounds in relation to their antioxidant activity and α-glucosidase inhibition activity of 7 colored quinoa varieties. The total saponin content was significantly different among 7 varieties and ranged from 7.51 to 12.12 mg OAE/g DW. Darker quinoa had a higher content of phenolic compounds, as well as higher flavonoids and antioxidant activity than that of light varieties. Nine individual phenolic compounds were detected in free and bound form, with gallic acid and ferulic acid representing the major compounds. The free and bound phenolic compounds (gallic acid and ferulic acid in particular) exhibited high linear correlation with their corresponding antioxidant values. In addition, the free phenolic extracts from colored quinoa exhibited higher inhibitory activity against α-glucosidase than the bound phenolic extracts. These findings imply that colored quinoa with abundant bioactive phytochemicals could be an important natural source for preparing functional food.

The aim of the research was to characterize bioactive components of unsaponifiable fraction of selected unconventional oils. Nine oils were analyzed as far as the content of tocopherols, squalene, phenolic compounds, and sterols were concerned. Tocopherols and squalene were analyzed by HPLC coupled with diode array detector and fluorescent detector (HPLC‐DAD‐FLD). The content of sterols in oils was determined by GC coupled with MS (GC‐MS). The total amount of phenolic compounds in oils was determined by the colorimetric methods using Folin–Ciocalteau phenol reagent. The examined oils were characterized by differentiated amount of particular forms of tocopherols. The oil obtained from the seeds of amaranth was the richest source of squalene (over 52 mg/g oil). The presence of 22 different compounds of sterols were identified, whereas β‐sitosterol was found in the largest amount. Total amount of sterols in the oils ranged from 90 (walnut) to 850 mg/100 g (evening primrose). Significant differentiation of total amount of phenolic compounds was observed in the examined oils. Evening primrose oil showed the highest amount of phenolic compounds (679 mg/kg). The presented results prove that plant oils obtained from nonconventional sources are a potential source of bioactive compounds.

The impact of phenolic compounds on the human body depended on the type, content, bioavailability, and antioxidant activity. After digestion, different phenolic compounds had different changes of bioavailability and antioxidant activity, which needed to be considered in the application. In this experiment, the structural stability and antioxidant activity of 27 phenolic compounds (phenolic acids, flavonols, flavonoids, and flavanones) were investigated during the in vitro simulated digestion. This experiment eliminated the influence of food matrix, provide a basis for regularity for the changes of phenolic substances in different materials. Results showed that the bioaccessibility of phenolic compounds with different structures varied, and there was a conformational relationship between the structure and stability. After oral digestion, most of the phenolic compounds underwent degradation and the cellular antioxidant activity (CAA) values decreased to a large extent (p<0.05). After gastric digestion, the content (p>0.05) and CAA values (p<0.05) of most phenolic compounds increased. However, after intestinal digestion, the phenolic compounds were degraded to a greater extent, and different structures of phenolic compounds had different changes in CAA values (p<0.05). In general, the CAA values of most phenolic compounds after in vitro digestion were lower than the initial value. The 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2'-azino-bis (3-ehylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS), and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) values of phenolic acids and flavonols decreased after in vitro simulated digestion (p<0.05), while the values of DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP of most flavonoids (p<0.05) increased. The increased oxygen radical absorption capacity (ORAC) values were found in most phenolic acids, flavonols, and flavonoids (p<0.05), and most flavanones showed unremarkable changes in ORAC values (p>0.05). In general, the changing trend of chemical-based antioxidant activity was consistent with the content of phenolic compounds.

A field experiment was carried out for the autumn season 2021 in Al-Watifia area - Al-Musauib project / Babylon province, with coordinates (longitude (44°22′ and 44°31′ east) and latitudes (32°32′ and 32°36′ north) and in a loamy soil to study gibberellin and spray Nano iron fertilizer in the roots of the local cultivar Foeniculum vulgare Mill. it used 4 levels of gibberellin growth regulator (0, 50, 100, 150 mgm L-1) with four levels of nano-iron (0, 25, 50, 75 mgm L-1). A factorial experiment was conducted by Randomized Completely Block Design (RCBD) with three replicates, and the averages of parameters compared with the LSD test of 5%. The results indicated that: The treatment of gibberellin growth regulator at a level of 100 mgm L-1 significantly increasing value of root content of the volatile oil Estagole, Carene and - Pinene α gave highest averages amounted to 318.10, 66.16 and 56.50 mg L-1, respectively. While the treatment of spraying nano iron with a level of (75 mgm L-1) was increased and gave the highest averages of 319.67, 65.26 and 47,53 mgm L-1. In terms of the best interaction treatment between them, the interaction between the two factors (gibberellin at a level of 100 mgm L-1) + Iron sprayed at level of 75 mgm L-1) was increased and it gave the highest averages of the above oily compounds, which were 488.08, 110.25 and 81.60 mgm L-1, respectively.As for the roots’ content of phenolic and flavonoid compounds, the concentration of gibberellin (100 mgm L-1) was significantly increase in the roots’ content of phenolic and flavonoid compounds Rutin, Eriocitin, and Quercetin, by giving them the highest averages amounted to 74,68, 64,24, 359,35 mgm L-1, respectively. As for the phenolic compound Ellage acid, it did not differ significantly from the 150 level of gibberellin, as it gave average of 41.97, and the level of 100 mgm L-1 had an average of 41.70, As for iron spray, the level (75 mgm L-1) was increasing the roots’ content of phenolic compounds and flavonoids Rutin, Ellage acid, Eriocitin and Quercetin by giving them the highest averages of 74.24, 44.31, 62.67 and 365.60 mgm L-1, respectively. While the interaction between the two factors (gibberellin at a level of 100 mgm L-1 + iron spray at a level of 75 mgm L-1) gave the highest averages of the above phenolic compounds amounting to 89.17, 52.13, 65.32 and 449.33 mgm L-1, respectively.