Hydroxycinnamic Acids Research Articles

Anticancer potential of hydroxycinnamic acids: mechanisms, bioavailability, and therapeutic applications.

Hydroxycinnamic acids (HCAs) are plant compounds with anticancer potential due to their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, apoptosis-inducing, and proliferation-inhibiting effects. This review aims to consolidate and analyze current knowledge on the anticancer effects of HCAs, exploring their mechanisms of action, bioavailability challenges, and potential therapeutic applications. A comprehensive literature search on PubMed/MedLine, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar focused on the anticancer properties, mechanisms, bioavailability, and safety profiles of HCAs. Studies have shown that HCAs, such as caffeic acid, ferulic acid, and sinapic acid, inhibit the growth of cancer cells in vitro and in vivo and sensitize cancer cells to chemotherapy and radiation therapy. These effects are mediated by mechanisms including the inhibition of cell survival pathways, modulation of gene expression, and induction of oxidative stress and DNA damage. Additionally, several studies have demonstrated that HCAs exhibit selective toxicity, with a higher propensity to induce cell death in cancerous cells compared to normal cells. However, the toxicity profile of HCAs can vary depending on the specific compound, dosage, and experimental conditions. The anticancer properties of HCAs suggest potential applications in cancer prevention and treatment. However, it is essential to distinguish between their use as dietary supplements and therapeutic agents, as the dosage and formulation suitable for dietary supplements may be insufficient for therapeutic purposes. The regulatory and practical implications of using HCAs in these different contexts require careful consideration. Further research is needed to determine appropriate dosages, formulations, long-term effects, and regulatory frameworks for HCAs as both dietary supplements and therapeutic agents.

Cinnamic Acid Derivatives: Recent Discoveries and Development Strategies for Alzheimer's Disease.

Alzheimer's Disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that leads to cognitive decline and memory impairment. It is characterized by the accumulation of Amyloid-beta (Aβ) plaques, the abnormal phosphorylation of tau protein forming neurofibrillary tangles, and is often accompanied by neuroinflammation and oxidative stress, which contribute to neuronal loss and brain atrophy. At present, clinical anti-AD drugs are mostly single-target, improving the cognitive ability of AD patients, but failing to effectively slow down the progression of AD. Therefore, research on effective multi-target drugs for AD has become an urgent problem to address. The main derivatives of hydroxycinnamic acid, caffeic acid, and ferulic acid, are widely present in nature and have many pharmacological activities, such as antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, anti-Aβ deposition, and so on. The occurrence and development of AD are often accompanied by pathologies, such as oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and Aβ deposition, suggesting that caffeic acid and ferulic acid can be used in the research on anti-AD drugs. Therefore, in this article, we have summarized the multi-target anti-AD derivatives based on caffeic acid and ferulic acid in recent years, and discussed the new design direction of cinnamic acid derivatives as backbone compounds. It is hoped that this review will provide some useful strategies for anti-AD drugs based on cinnamic acid derivatives.

Phytochemical profile and allelopathic activity of eight Eucalyptus species on the performance of initial growth stage of four local species in the southern Tunisia

We aimed thought this survey 1) to investigate and compare the phytotoxicity features of eight Eucalyptus species frequently planted in southern Tunisia (Eucalyptus camaldulensis Dehn., Eucalyptus gomphocephala DC., Eucalyptus torquata Luehm., Eucalyptus microtheca F.Muell., Eucalyptus occidentalis Endl., Eucalyptus diversifolia Bonpl., Eucalyptus sargentii Maiden., and Eucalyptus torwood) on seed germination and radicle growth of Medicago sativa L., Corchorus olitorius L., Cenchrus ciliaris L., Peganum harmala L., and 2) to classify those species according to their allelopathic efficiency. The laboratory experiment was conducted using aqueous extracts made from dried and ground plant leaves to obtain concentrations of 5 % and 10 %. These were prepared alongside control treatments for comparison. Afterward, methanol extracts were utilized in the chemical composition identification procedure via HPLC-DAD-ESI-MS. Different responses were obtained for the species studied for germination and extraction. Results highlighted that C. ciliaris and P. harmala were the most susceptible to eucalypt extracts, while, M. sativa and C. olitorius were more resistant. Statistically, lower concentrations were less effective, but higher ones had noticeable inhibitory effects on seedling growth parameters. We assumed that E. occidentalis, E. gomphocephala, E. torquata and E. camaldulensis were recognized as the most noxious species, E. sargentii and E. microtheca produced moderate effects, while E. torwood and E. diversifolia were regarded as benign species. Phytochemicals especially ellagitannins and flavonols derivatives were the major compounds identified accounted for 21–78 % and 8–59 %, but hydroxycinnamic acids derivatives, gallic acid derivatives, total flavonols content and non-phenolic acids were acknowledged as the major causes for the observed outcomes.

Dual nematode infection in Brassica nigra affects shoot metabolome and aphid survival in distinct contrast to single-species infection.

Previous studies showed that aphid performance was compromised on Brassica nigra infected by root-lesion nematodes (Pratylenchus penetrans, Pp), but less, or positively influenced by root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne spp., Mi) infection. These experiments were on single-nematode infections, while naturally, roots are infected with several nematode species simultaneously. We performed greenhouse assays to assess the effects of single (Mi, Pp) and concurrent (MP)-nematode infections on aphid performance. Using targeted and untargeted profiling of leaf and phloem metabolomes, we examined how single- and concurrent-nematode infections affect shoot metabolomes, and elucidated the possible consequences on aphid performance. We found that the metabolic response towards double-infection is different from single-species infections. Moreover, Mi- and Pp-infections triggered discrete changes in B. nigra leaf and phloem metabolic profiles. Both Pp and MP-infections reduced aphid survival, suggesting that the biological effect could primarily be dominated by Pp-induced changes. This concurred with increased indole glucosinolates and hydroxycinnamic acid levels in the leaves, in particular the putative involvement of salicylic acid-2-O-β-D-glucoside. This study provides evidence that concurrent infection by different nematode species, as is common in natural environments, is associated with distinct changes in aboveground plant metabolomes, which are linked to differences in the survival of an aboveground herbivore.

2β-Acetoxyferruginol derivatives as α-glucosidase inhibitors: Synthesis and biological evaluation

To find potential α-glucosidase inhibitors, a series of 2β-acetoxyferuginol derivatives containing cinnamic acid (WXC-1 ∼ 25) were synthesized and investigated their biological activity. All derivatives (WXC-1 ∼ 25) displayed better inhibitory activity (IC50 values: 7.56 ± 1.35 ∼ 25.63 ± 1.72 μM) compared to acarbose (IC50 vaule: 564.28 ± 48.68 μM). In particularly, WXC-25 with 4-hydroxycinnamic acid section showed the best inhibitory activity (IC50 vaule: 2.02 ± 0.14 μM), ∼75-fold stronger than acarbose. Kinetics results suggested WXC-25 being one reversible non-competition inhibitors. Fluorescence quenching results indicated that WXC-25 quenched the fluorescence of α-glucosidase in a static manner. 3D fluorescence spectra results indicated that WXC-25 treatment could cause the conformation changes of α-glucosidase. Moreover, molecular docking simulated the detailed interaction of WXC25 with α-glucosidase.

Consumption of a Coffee Rich in Phenolic Compounds May Improve the Body Composition of People with Overweight or Obesity: Preliminary Insights from a Randomized, Controlled and Blind Crossover Study.

This study analyzes the effects on body composition and variables related to metabolic syndrome of two coffees with different degree of roasting and phenolic content. Sixty participants with body mass index between 25 and 35 kg/m2 and a median age of 51.0 years (Interquartile range 46.3-56) were recruited. The study was a controlled, randomized, single-blind crossover trial consisting in drinking three cups/day of roasted coffee (RC) or lightly roasted coffee (LRC) during 12 weeks with 2-week wash-out stages before each coffee intervention. LRC contained ≈400 mg of hydroxycinnamic acids and ≈130 mg of caffeine per 200 mL/cup while RC contained ≈150 mg of hydroxycinnamic acids and ≈70 mg of caffeine per 200 mL/cup. Along the study, in each of the six visits, blood pressure, body composition by bioimpedance, anthropometric measurements, and blood biochemistry were analyzed. The mean differences and p values were calculated using a linear mixed model (JASP.v.0.18.0.3). A total of 38 participants completed the study. After the consumption of both coffees, fat mass and body fat percentage (LRC: -1.4%, p < 0.001; RC: -1.0%, p = 0.005) were reduced, whereas muscle mass and muscle mass percentage slightly increased (LRC: 0.8%, p < 0.001; RC: 0.7%, p = 0.002). The decrease in fat percentage was greater with LRC compared to RC (-0.8%; p = 0.029). There were no significant changes in metabolic syndrome variables or in body weight. In conclusion, LRC was slightly superior at inducing changes in body composition.

Microwave pre-treatment of niger (Guizotia abyssinica) seeds: Impact on stability, physicochemical characteristics, bioactive and fatty acid profiles of extracted oil

The study explored the impact of microwave pre-treatment (MPT) at different powers (360, 540 and 720 W) and exposure times (2, 4, 6 and 8 min) on the qualitative characteristics of niger seed oil (NgO). The changes in physicochemical characteristics, oxidative stability index (OSI), phenolic constituents, Maillard products, tocopherols, pigments and phytosterols in NgO were elucidated after MPT of seeds. The NgO yield increased from 33.19 % to 38.76 % and OSI augmented from 2.69 to 3.93 h upon MPT at 540 W and 720 W for 8 min, respectively. The tocopherols and phytosterols levels augmented upon MPT at 540 W for 4 and 6 min, respectively while declined by further elevating power (720 W) and exposure time (8 min). The total hydroxycinnamic (27.41 mg/kg) and hydroxybenzoic (1.48 mg/kg) acids and total flavonoids (115.83 mg/kg) were highest upon MPT at 720 W for 6 min while viscosity (56.71 mPa.s), chlorophylls (0.12 mg/kg), carotenoids (0.85 mg/kg) and 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (1.38 mg/kg) were highest upon MPT at 720 W for 8 min. In conclusion, the MPT promoted the release of bioactive compounds and lowered the generation of harmful oxidative by-products. The results highlight the potential of MPT in enhancing quality attributes of NgO for use in the food, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical industries.

The Influence of Maceration and Flavoring on the Composition and Health-Promoting Properties of Roasted Coffee.

Over the years, many methods of refining green beans have been developed, including maceration aimed at enriching the coffee aroma and improving the overall quality. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of different methods of maceration (fruit and wine) and the addition of food flavors to coffee beans on antioxidant activity, caffeine, phenolic and organic acid content, as well as health-promoting properties. This research showed that the use of the maceration in melon and apple fruit pulp (100 g of fruit pulp per 100 g of green coffee, incubated for 24 h, coffee roasting at 230 °C, control trial roasted coffee) ensured the highest polyphenol (hydroxycinnamic acids and their esters-chlorogenic acids) content (in melon pulp-13.56 g/100 g d.b. (dry bean); in apple pulp-13.22 g/100 g d.b., p < 0.05 (one-way ANOVA)) and antioxidant activity. Melon (92.11%, IC50 = 3.80 mg/mL extract) and apple (84.55%, IC50 = 4.14 mg/mL) showed the highest α-amylase (enzyme concentration 10 μmol/mL) inhibition activity (0.5 mg/mL for both fruits). The addition of food flavors reduced the total content of chlorogenic acids to the range of 4.64 to 6.48 g/100 g d.b. and increased the content of acrylamide and 5-HMF, which positively correlated with a low antioxidant potential compared to the macerated samples and the control. Studies have shown that coffee macerated in the pulp of melon and apple fruit, due to its great potential to inhibit α-amylase in vivo, may have a preventive effect on type II diabetes. This study complements the current knowledge on the potential health-promoting properties of coffee flavored using different methods; further research should include more advanced models for testing these health-promoting properties. Statistical analysis was based on the determination of the average values of six measurements and their standard deviation, as well as on the one-way ANOVA (analysis of variation) and the Pearson correlation coefficient, using Statistic 10.0 software. The significance was defined at p ≤ 0.05.

Hydroxycinnamate decarboxylase in Metschnikowia pulcherrima promotes the formation of vinylphenolic pyranoanthocyanins to enhance the color stability of blueberry wine

Blueberry wine is popular among consumers due to its high nutritional value, appealing color, and potential health benefits. However, the instability of its color during the brewing process poses challenges for storage and the overall growth of the blueberry wine industry. This study found that vinylphenolic pyranoanthocyanins in blueberry wine provide a more stable color than their anthocyanin precursors. The presence of yeast with hydroxycinnamic acid decarboxylase (HCDC) enhances the formation of vinylphenolic pyranoanthocyanins. Metschnikowia pulcherrima Y4, isolated from decayed blueberry peels, promotes the production of six specific vinylphenolic pyranoanthocyanins in blueberry wine: malvidin-4-vinylcatechol, delphinidin-3-arabinoside-4-vinylcatechol, cyanidin-3-galactoside/glucoside (C3G)-4-vinylcatechol, cyanidin-3-O-arabinoside-4-vinylcatechol, malvidin-3-O-glucoside/galactoside-4-vinylcatechol, and C3G-4-vinylphenol. Blueberry wine fermented solely with M. pulcherrima Y4 exhibits a 25% increase in light stability under direct outdoor light conditions and a 19% increase in temperature stability at 60 °C compared to Saccharomyces cerevisiae K1. Furthermore, the use of M. pulcherrima Y4 in fermenting blueberry wine significantly decreases the time required to form vinylphenolic pyranoanthocyanins to eight days. Hence, M. pulcherrima Y4 is highly effective in accelerating the synthesis of these compounds, providing a valuable approach for improving the stability and color of blueberry wine.

Quantification of the association constant of caffeic acid‐cyclodextrin complex using a novel micro‐conductometric sensor for bitter taste masking of caffeic acid

AbstractCaffeic acid (CA), a member of the hydroxycinnamic acid family, has garnered attention in the medical community for its wide‐ranging health benefits. However, its application in pharmaceutical and nutraceutical products has been hampered by its distinctly bitter taste, which deters many consumers. This study investigates the taste‐masking of caffeic acid (CA) using hydroxypropyl‐β‐cyclodextrin (HP‐β‐CD). A CA micro‐conductometric sensor was developed. This advanced technology demonstrated remarkable sensitivity, capable of detecting CA at concentrations as low as 10−5 M, with a rapid response time between 10 and 50 seconds. The binding constant of the CA‐HP‐β‐CD complex was determined to be 240±24. 1H NMR spectroscopy analysis provided concrete evidence of the formation of a 1 : 1 inclusion complex between CA and HP‐β‐CD. These findings collectively suggest that HP‐β‐CD is highly effective in masking CA's bitterness, thereby significantly enhancing its palatability.

Metabolomic Profiling of Guadua Species and Its Correlation with Antioxidant and Cytotoxic Activities.

Bamboo plants are widely used in Asian traditional medicine for various health issues and exhibit therapeutic potential. Guadua species are renowned bamboos for their high phenolic compound content, including flavonoids and hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives, and possess noteworthy biological properties. Despite this, there is a notable scarcity of research on the chemical and biological aspects of Latin American bamboo leaf extracts (BLEs), especially concerning the Guadua genus. This study aimed to employ a metabolomics approach to integrate the phytochemical and activity profiles of BLEs to identify potential bioactive markers. We determined the metabolic fingerprints of 30 BLEs through HPTLC, HPLC-DAD, UHPLC-QTOF-MS, and 1H-NMR analyses and screened for antioxidant and cytotoxic activities using ABTS, DPPH, and MTT methods. Ultimately, correlation analyses were performed by using chemometric methods and molecular networking. Our findings present a comprehensive chemical characterization, encompassing 40 flavonoids and 9 cinnamic acid derivatives. Notably, most of these compounds have been reported for the first time within the genus, signifying novel discoveries. Additionally, certain compounds identified in other species of the subfamily Bambusoideae provide valuable comparative insights. These compounds demonstrated a significant correlation with antioxidant potential, with values exceeding 100 and 30 μmol of TE/g of extract for ABTS and DPPH, respectively, in the samples. Extracts from G. incana and G. angustifolia exhibited potent cytotoxic effects with IC50 values of 1.23 and 4.73 μg/mL against HCT-116 colon cancer cells, respectively. Notably, glycosylated flavones showed a strong correlation with cytotoxicity. These new findings significantly contribute to our understanding of the chemical composition and biological properties of these often overlooked bamboo species, providing them with important added value and alternative use.

Tolerance enhancement of Dendrobium officinale by salicylic acid family-related metabolic pathways under unfavorable temperature

BackgroundUnfavorable temperatures significantly constrain the quality formation of Dendrobium officinale, severely limiting its food demand. Salicylic acid (SA) enhances the resistance of D. officinale to stress and possesses various analogs. The impact and mechanism of the SA family on improving the quality of D. officinale under adverse temperature conditions remains unclear.ResultsCombined with molecular docking analysis, chlorophyll fluorescence and metabolic analysis after treatments with SA analogues or extreme temperatures are performed in this study. The results demonstrate that both heat and cold treatments impede several main parameters of chlorophyll fluorescence of D. officinale, including the ΦPSII parameter, a sensitive growth indicator. However, this inhibition is mitigated by SA or its chemically similar compounds. Comprehensive branch imaging of ΦPSII values revealed position-dependent improvement of tolerance. Molecular docking analysis using a crystal structure model of NPR4 protein reveals that the therapeutic effects of SA analogs are determined by their binding energy and the contact of certain residues. Metabolome analysis identifies 17 compounds are considered participating in the temperature-related SA signaling pathway. Moreover, several natural SA analogs such as 2-hydroxycinnamic acid, benzamide, 2-(formylamino) benzoic acid and 3-o-methylgallic acid, are further found to have high binding ability to NPR4 protein and probably enhance the tolerance of D. officinale against unfavorable temperatures through flavone and guanosine monophosphate degradation pathways.ConclusionsThese results reveal that the SA family with a high binding capability of NPR4 could improve the tolerance of D. officinale upon extreme temperature challenges. This study also highlights the collaborative role of SA-related natural compounds present in D. officinale in the mechanism of temperature resistance and offers a potential way to develop protective agents for the cultivation of D. officinale.

Green biocatalytic synthesis of (hydroxy)cinnamic monoterpenyl esters in biomass solvent: Mechanism underlying different reaction efficiency

(Hydroxy)cinnamic acids (HCAs), a kind of prevalent phenolic acid compound, boast diverse biological activities. However, their limited liposolubility impedes their utilization in oil-based systems. Addressing this challenge, we presented an eco-friendly approach to synthesize (hydroxy)cinnamic monoterpenyl esters in biomass solvent 2-methyltetrahydrofuran (2-MeTHF), grafting antibacterially active monoterpenyl onto phenolic acid compounds through esterification/transesterification. This green enzymatic catalytic strategy successfully synthesized a series of cinnamic monoterpenyl esters (yield >87.84%), p-coumaric monoterpenyl esters (yield >67.26%), and caffeic monoterpenyl esters (yield >10.55%). The mechanism difference in reaction efficiency of different hydroxyl cinnamic acids was revealed through kinetic calculation and molecular docking. As the number of hydroxyl group increased, the affinity between substrates and lipase decreased, which was reflected by the Km value, in which the Km value of cinnamic acid, p-coumaric acid and caffeic acid were 23.72, 52.04 and 60.05, respectively. Furthermore, molecular docking results showed that the strong binding of the hydroxyl groups to the hydrophobic cavity of the lipase resulted in the need for more energy to twist the reaction site closer to the active center during the reaction. This research provided a green and feasible route for the synthesis of phenolic acid ester derivatives.

Antimicrobial Activity of Leaf Aqueous Extract of Schinus polygamus (Cav.) Cabrera against Pathogenic Bacteria and Spoilage Yeasts.

The antimicrobial activity of an aqueous extract of the leaves of Schinus polygamus (cav.) Cabrera against microorganisms of food importance was evaluated. First, the leaf aqueous extract of Schinus polygamus was characterized, quantifying hydroxycinnamic acids and phenolic compounds. Then, a battery of strains was tested, including Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, Salmonella Typhimurium ATCC 14028, and Listeria monocytogenes ATCC 13932. Also, we tested wine spoilage yeasts such as Brettanomyces bruxellensis LAMAP2480, B. bruxellensis LAMAP1359, B. bruxellensis CECT1451, and Pichia guilliermondii NPCC1051. Tests were conducted using the kinetic curve of growth and cell viability counts. The results indicate that with 10% v/v of concentrated extract, it is possible to observe growth inhibition of all microorganisms studied, with statistically significant differences during the whole measurement time (70 h for bacteria and 145 h for yeast).

Chemical Characterization of Cider Produced in Hardanger—From Juice to Finished Cider

Our investigation delves into the previously uncharted territory of cider composition from Norway. This study aimed to obtain an overview of the qualitative and quantitative compositions of general chemical parameters, polyphenols (individual and total expressed as gallic acids equivalents), selected esters, and selected C6-alcohols in ciders with the PDO label Cider from Hardanger. In total, 45 juice and cider samples from the fermentation process were collected from 10 cider producers in Hardanger in 2019, 2020, and 2021. Individual sugars, acids, ethanol, and 13 individual phenols were quantified using HPLC-UV/RI. Seven ethyl esters of fatty acids, four ethyl esters of branched fatty acids, ten acetate esters, two ethyl esters of hydroxycinnamic acids, and four C6-alcohols were quantified using HS-SPME-GC-MS. For samples of single cultivars (‘Aroma’, ‘Discovery’, ‘Gravenstein’, and ‘Summerred’), the sum of the measured individual polyphenols in the samples ranges, on average, from 79 to 289 mg L−1 (the lowest for ‘Summerred’ and highest for ‘Discovery’ and ‘Gravenstein’). Chlorogenic acid was the most abundant polyphenol in all samples. Ethyl butyrate, ethyl hexanoate, ethyl octanoate, ethyl decanoate, ethyl isobutyrate, ethyl 2-methylbutyrate, isoamyl acetate, and hexanol were present at concentrations above the odour threshold and contributed to the fruity flavour of the Cider from Hardanger.

Phytochemical Characteristics and Antimicrobial Effects of Nonea rossica (Boraginaceae) Extracts.

Phytochemical characteristics and antimicrobial properties of extracts were studied in Nonea rossica Steven (Boraginaceae), which is widespread in Russia. The aerial part (herb) of N. rossica was harvested from a steppe meadow in the Novosibirsk region during flowering. The qualitative composition of biologically active compounds (BACs) was determined by thin-layer chromatography. Quantitative assays were carried out by spectrophotometry; flavonoids, hydroxycinnamic acids, and coumarin-like compounds were measured with reference to rutin, caffeic acid, and coumarin, respectively. Antimicrobial activity was determined by the serial dilution method. Gram-positive bacterial (Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538 FDA 209P and Bacillus cereus ATCC 10702) and fungal (Candida albicans NCTC 885-653) strains were used as test cultures. Phenolic BACs (hydroxycinnamic acids, flavonoids, and coumarins) were detected, and their quantitative contents determined. The highest yield of phenolic BACs was achieved using 40-70% ethanol as an extractant. Antimicrobial activity against S. aureus and B. cereus and antifungal activity against C. albicans were detected in N. rossica herb extracts prepared using 40-70% ethanol. The extracts were tested for the contents of caffeic acid and coumarin. Synergistic interactions of these compounds determined the bactericidal and fungistatic properties of the extracts.

Changes in Individual and Group Compositions of Polyphenols in Leaves of Lonicera caerulea subsp. altaica and Spiraea chamaedryfolia as Related to Chemical Element Contents in Soil and Plants on Ultra-alkaline Parent Rock Material.

Using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), the contents of main classes of biologically active polyphenols in leaf extracts were analyzed in the medicinal species Spiraea chamaedryfolia L. (Rosaceae) and Lonicera caerulea subsp. altaica L. (Caprifoliaceae). Their features were studied in relation to the macroelement and trace element contents in soil and phytomass in sites with sporadic occurrence of serpentinites in the Altai Mountains. A total of 16 polyphenolic compounds were identified for the first time in S. chamaedryfolia leaf extracts. Of these, three compounds were attributed to phenol carboxylic acids; ten, to flavonols; two, to flavones; and one was identified as a flavanone. In L. caerulea subsp. altaica, the analysis confirmed the polyphenolic composition measured earlier, including hydroxycinnamic acids, flavonols, and flavones, and identified an additional compound as a flavanone. Species-specific shifts in plant secondary metabolism were found to occur in response to specific edaphic properties and the accumulation of macroelements and trace elements in leaves of plants growing in an area with a natural geochemical anomaly.

Synergistic Biocontrol and Growth Promotion in Strawberries by Co-Cultured Trichoderma harzianum TW21990 and Burkholderia vietnamiensis B418.

This study aimed to investigate the efficiency of the secondary metabolites (SMs) produced by a co-culture of Trichoderma harzianum TW21990 and Burkholderia vietnamiensis B418 in the control of Colletotrichum siamense CM9. A fermentation filtrate of B418 + TW21990 co-culture (BT21) produced a notable increase in the inhibition rate of CM9 compared to those of TW21990 and B418 monocultures, which reached 91.40% and 80.46% on PDA plates and strawberry leaves, respectively. The BT21 fermentation broth exhibited high control efficiency on strawberry root rot of 68.95% in a pot experiment, which was higher than that in the monocultures and fluazinam treatment. In addition, BT21 treatment promoted strawberry root development, improved antioxidative enzyme activities in the leaves and roots, and enhanced the total chlorophyll content of the strawberry leaves. UHPLC-MS/MS analysis of fermentation filtrates was performed to elucidate SM variations, revealing 478 and 795 metabolites in BT21 co-culture in positive and negative ion modes, respectively. The metabolomic profiles suggested abundant SMs with antagonistic capabilities and growth-promoting effects: 3-(propan-2-yl)-octahydropyrrolo [1,2-a]pyrazine-1,4-dione (cyclo(L-Pro-L-Val)), 3-[(4-hydroxyphenyl)methyl]-octahydropyrrolo[1,2-a]pyrazine-1,4-dione (cyclo(L-Pro-L-Tyr)), 3-indoleacetic acid (IAA), 2-hydroxycinnamic acid, 4-aminobutyric acid (GABA), bafilomycin B1, and DL-indole-3-lactic acid (ILA) were significantly enhanced in the co-culture. Overall, this study demonstrates that a co-culture strategy is efficient for inducing bioactive SMs in T. harzianum and B. vietnamiensis, which could be exploited as a novel approach for developing biocontrol consortia.

Phenolic Compounds in Different Stages of Ontogenesis in Chrysanthemum—A Potential for Thrips-Resistance Characterisation

A number of studies have indicated the potential role of secondary metabolites, referred to as ‘resistance factors’, in plant defence against insect pests. Nevertheless, it remains unclear which metabolites serve as predictors of resistance in chrysanthemum cultivars against thrips. In the present study, the phenolic compounds of chrysanthemum leaves at different ontogenetic stages were analysed using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Furthermore, the relative epidermal flavonol contents in the leaves were quantified using the Dualex® Scientific 4 sensor, and the suitability of this non-destructive method for the rapid discrimination of resistance levels was evaluated. The results demonstrated that the most notable discrepancies in phenolic metabolite profiles were observed in the older leaves and the vegetative state of the chrysanthemum plants. Multiple discriminant analysis was conducted using HPLC-analysed metabolites to predict the importance of metabolites in resistant, susceptible, or highly susceptible plants in the vegetative stage. The results demonstrated that multiple metabolites, rather than a single metabolite, are responsible for thrips resistance in chrysanthemum. However, the relative flavonol content did not reflect the HPLC-analysed flavonoid glycosides or hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives, indicating that the Dualex® sensor is not a suitable device for determining resistance levels in chrysanthemums. Testing is required to extend and analyse the results in greater depth.

Green Approaches for the Extraction of Banana Peel Phenolics Using Deep Eutectic Solvents.

Banana peels, comprising about 35% of the fruit's weight, are often discarded, posing environmental and economic issues. This research focuses on recycling banana peel waste by optimizing advanced extraction techniques, specifically microwave-assisted (MAE) and ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE), for the isolation of phenolic compounds. A choline chloride-based deep eutectic solvent (DES) with glycerol in a 1:3 ratio with a water content of 30% (w/w) was compared to 30% ethanol. Parameters, including sample-to-solvent ratio (SSR), extraction time, and temperature for MAE or amplitude for UAE, were varied. Extracts were analyzed for hydroxycinnamic acid (HCA) and flavonoid content, and antioxidant activity using FRAP and ABTS assays. DES outperformed ethanol, with HCA content ranging from 180.80 to 765.92 mg/100 g and flavonoid content from 96.70 to 531.08 mg/100 g, accompanied by higher antioxidant activity. Optimal MAE conditions with DES were an SSR of 1:50, a temperature of 60 °C, and a time of 10 min, whereas an SSR of 1:60, time of 5 min, and 75% amplitude were optimal for UAE. The polyphenolic profile of optimized extracts comprised 19 individual compounds belonging to the class of flavonols, flavan-3-ols, and phenolic acids. This study concluded that DESs, with their superior extraction efficiency and environmental benefits, are promising solvents for the extraction of high-value bioactive compounds from banana peels and offer significant potential for the food and pharmaceutical industries.