Antioxidant Activity Of Fruits Research Articles

A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF EXTRACTION OPTIMIZATION, ANTIOXIDANT POTENTIAL, AND FATTY ACID COMPOSITION OF CUCUMI S ATIVUS AND CUCUMIS MELO

Background: Cucumis plants are being frequently used to treat metabolic disorders such as obesity and diabetes, in traditional medicinal system. Objectives: The current study sought to assess the impact of several solvents with varying polarity for the extraction of polyphenolic, and flavonoid components. Further, this study also aims to determine antioxidant activity of fruits and peels of Cucumis melo and Cucumis sativus. Methodology: Methanol, ethyl acetate, chloroform, and n-hexane were chosen for optimal extraction. Extract yields were assessed to determine the optimal solvent solution for extraction. The TPC and TFC contents were determined by Folin–Ciocalteu reagent and AlCl3 method. The antioxidant potential was determined spectrophotometrically using DPPH scavenging and iron chelation assays. The fatty acid contents of methanol extract were determined by gas chromatography (GC-FID). The instrument utilized for this purpose was a Shimadzu GC-14A with a flame ionizer (FID) and a packed glass column, DEXIL-300. The column oven's temperature was kept at 180ºC for 5 minutes and programmed to 250 ºC at the rate of 5ºC/mint. The injection and detector temperature was 250ºC and 230ºC respectively. Results: The results showed that the methanol extract of C. sativus peels exhibited the highest extraction yield, TPC, and TFC 12.72 ± 0.34 mg/mL, 130.13 ± 1.23 mg/mL, and 86.56 ± 0.67 mg/mL, respectively for C. Sativus peels and for C. melo the results were as 8.32. ± 0.34 mg/mL, 68.23.13 ± 1.23 mg/mL and 48.23 ± 0.67 mg/mL, respectively. The C. Sativus peel extract also showed the highest DPPH inhibition and iron chelation activities with IC50 values of 33.34 ± 0.12 µg/mL and 30.34 ± 0.23 µg/mL. The methanol extracts also showed dose-dependent antioxidant activities. The seven fatty acids contents were found from C12 to C20 in peel extract with arachidic acid and linoleic acid in relatively greater amounts. Conclusion: The current study has shown that the methanol extract of C. sativus peel has rich total phenolic, flavonoid content, and has reasonable antioxidant activity in all of the tested methods.

Evaluation of the Impact of the Ripening Stage on the Composition and Antioxidant Properties of Fruits from Organically Grown Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) Spanish Varieties.

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) is a widely cultivated horticultural crop. It belongs to the Solanaceae family and is known for its high concentration of essential nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, and bioactive compounds with antioxidant properties. The Mediterranean countries, including Italy, Spain, and Greece, have a diverse range of tomato landraces. Assessing the nutritional and bioactive composition of different tomato varieties and their ripening stages is crucial to determine their suitability for the market. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of ripening on nutritional composition (including carotenoids and polyphenols content) and antioxidant activities of fruits of three specific tomato varieties grown in Spain: Josefina and Karelya, which are cherry-like tomatoes, and Muchamiel, a type of salad tomato. In addition to evaluating their characteristics and composition (including carotenoids and polyphenol content), the antioxidant activities of these varieties at three different ripening stages were quantified. As expected, the results reveal that, as the tomatoes matured, their antioxidant capacity increased along with higher levels of carotenoids and polyphenols. Interestingly, cherry-like tomatoes showed a higher antioxidant activity than the salad tomatoes. This investigation emphasizes the role of fruit ripening in increasing carotenoid levels, which contribute to the antioxidant activity of three tomato varieties.

Differential Efficacy of Storage Temperature and Postharvest Treatment on Shelf Life and Quality of Avocado Fruit (Persea americana Mill.).

Avocado fruit is a rich source of phytonutrients such as vitamins, minerals, carotenoids, carbohydrates, polyphenols and unsaturated fatty acids. However, due to its climacteric nature, fruits are highly susceptible to storage temperature, resulting in poor shelf life and reduced quality. In the present study avocado fruits (Accession CHES-HA-I/I) were stored at different low temperatures (5, 9 and 12°C with 90-95% relative humidity, RH) to identify optimum low temperature for cold storage. In a further experiment, avocado fruits were treated with 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP, 500ppb) and chitosan (0.5%) to extend the shelf life with better fruit quality. The results showed that storage temperatures had significant effect on physiological, biochemical and antioxidant activities of fruits. Lower physiological loss in weight (PLW), reduced respiration and ethylene production, and higher carbohydrates, protein and fat content were recorded in fruits stored at 9°C as compared to 12°C. Similarly, maximum antioxidant properties in terms of free radical scavenging activity (FRSA) and ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP) was found in avocado fruits stored at 9°C. It was also noticed that chilling injury was developed in fruits stored under 5°C. In addition, exogenous application of 1-MCP significantly reduced respiration and ethylene production rate at 9°C and extended the shelf life up to 42days with better fruit quality and more antioxidant activities. However, chitosan treated and control fruits had shelf life up to 28 and 21days respectively, with minimum nutritional content. From this study it is concluded that a storage temperature of 9°C and 1-MCP treatment significantly enhanced the shelf life of avocado fruits with better fruit quality as compared to other storage temperatures (5 and 12°C) and postharvest treatment (chitosan).

Planting density: Key strategy for optimizing soil health and fruit antioxidant activity in a calafate orchard

Planting density: Key strategy for optimizing soil health and fruit antioxidant activity in a calafate orchard

Antifungal potential of lipopeptides produced by the Bacillus siamensis Sh420 strain against Fusarium graminearum.

Biological control is a more sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative to chemical fungicides for controlling Fusarium spp. infestations. In this work, Bacillus siamensis Sh420 isolated from wheat rhizosphere showed a high antifungal activity against Fusarium graminearum as a secure substitute for fungicides. Sh420 was identified as B. siamensis using phenotypic evaluation and 16S rDNA gene sequence analysis. An in vitro antagonistic study showed that Sh420's lipopeptide (LP) extract exhibited strong antifungal properties and effectively combated F. graminearum. Meanwhile, lipopeptides have the ability to decrease ergosterol content, which has an impact on the overall structure and stability of the plasma membrane. The PCR-based screening revealed the presence of antifungal LP biosynthetic genes in this strain's genomic DNA. In the crude LP extract of Sh420, we were able to discover several LPs such as bacillomycin, iturins, fengycin, and surfactins using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry. Microscopic investigations (fluorescent/transmission electron microscopy) revealed deformities and alterations in the morphology of the phytopathogen upon interaction with LPs. Sh420 LPs have been shown in grape tests to be effective against F. graminearum infection and to stimulate antioxidant activity in fruits by avoiding rust and gray lesions. The overall findings of this study highlight the potential of Sh420 lipopeptides as an effective biological control agent against F. graminearum infestations.IMPORTANCEThis study addresses the potential of lipopeptide (LP) extracts obtained from the strain identified as Bacillus siamensis Sh420. This Sh420 isolate acts as a crucial player in providing a sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative to chemical fungicides for suppressing Fusarium graminearum phytopathogen. Moreover, these LPs can reduce ergosterol content in the phytopathogen influencing the overall structure and stability of its plasma membrane. PCR screening provided confirmation regarding the existence of genes responsible for biosynthesizing antifungal LPs in the genomic DNA of Sh420. Several antibiotic lipopeptide compounds were identified from this bacterial crude extract using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry. Microscopic investigations revealed deformities and alterations in the morphology of F. graminearum upon interaction with LPs. Furthermore, studies on fruit demonstrated the efficacy of Sh420 LPs in mitigating F. graminearum infection and stimulating antioxidant activity in fruits, preventing rust and gray lesions.

Influence of the genotype on the polyphenolic composition and antioxidant activity of some berry fruits

The objective of this study was to analyze the content of vitamin C, total phenols, total anthocyanins, flavan-3-ols and antioxidant activity in fruits of five berry fruit species: blackcurrant variety ?Rosenthal?, white mulberry local ecotype, black chokeberry variety ?Viking?, blackberry variety ?Thornfree? and pomegranate autochthonous variety ?Karamustafa?. Determination of vitamin C was performed by classical analytical method. Total phenols, total anthocyanins, flavan-3-ols and antioxidant activity were analysed by spectrophotometric methods. The obtained results from the analysis for berry fruits showed high antioxidant activity, over 70% and high content of polyphenols. According to the genotype, black chokeberry had the highest content of total phenols (23.9 mg g-1 FW (fresh weight), anthocyanins (6.1 mg g-1 FW) and flavan-3-ols (2.8 mg g-1 FW). Blackcurrant had highest content of vitamin C (216.0 mg 100 g-1 FW) and antioxidant activity (86.2% inhibition). A positive correlation was found among all the studied fruit species. A strong positive correlation of vitamin C with antioxidant activity was determined, as well as between total phenols and total anthocyanins, i.e. flavan-3-ols. A weak negative correlation was only observed for catechin in relation to vitamin C, inhibitory antioxidant activity and vitamin C antioxidant activity.

Nutritionally Important Pro-Health Active Ingredients and Antioxidant Properties of Fruits and Fruit Juice of Selected Biennial Fruiting Rubus idaeus L. Cultivars.

Raspberry fruits are an important source of many biologically active chemical compounds exerting nutritional and pro-health effects. The study presents a comparative analysis of nutritionally important bioactive chemical compounds-polyphenols; flavonoids, including anthocyanins; vitamin C; amino acids; fatty acids; and primary metabolites-contained in the fruits of three biennial fruiting cultivars, R. idaeus 'Glen Ample', 'Laszka', and 'Radziejowa', i.e., common cultivars in Poland and Europe. The antioxidant activity of fresh fruits and juice was determined with five methods. The analyses revealed the strong free radical scavenging potential of the fruits and juice, confirmed by the high concentration of nutrients, e.g., polyphenols, anthocyanins, vitamin C, amino acids, and fatty acids. The antioxidant activity of the juice determined with the ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and OH radical methods was from 2.5 to 4.0 times higher than that of the fruits. The following orders of total polyphenol contents were established in the analyzed cultivars: 'Glen Ample' < 'Laszka' < 'Radziejowa' in the fruits and 'Glen Ample' < 'Radziejowa' < 'Laszka' in the juice. The highest antioxidant activity was exhibited by the 'Radziejowa' fruits. Given their high content of dietary fiber, the fruits of the analyzed raspberry cultivars can be consumed by dieting subjects. The concentrations of vitamin C (28-34 mg/100 g) and anthocyanins (20-34 mg/100 g) indicate the biological and pharmacological activity of these fruits. The main unsaturated fatty acids in the fruits were gamma-linoleic acid (C18:2n6c) and alpha-linolenic acid (C18:3n3), which neutralize excess free radicals. The amino acids nutritionally essential to humans were dominated by leucine, arginine, and phenylalanine. This is the first comparative analysis of the antioxidant activity of fruits and juice and the contents of selected active compounds in the fruits of biennial fruiting cultivars of R. idaeus, i.e., a highly commercialized crop in Europe.

Influence of the Growing Region on the Phytochemical Composition and Antioxidant Properties of North American Cranberry Fruit (Vaccinium macrocarpon Aiton).

The impact of the growth environment on the production of health-promoting phytochemicals in cranberry fruit (Vaccinium macrocarpon Aiton) is not well established despite increased production worldwide. We investigated the secondary metabolite composition among the cranberry fruit of nine cultivars produced in two major coastal North American growing regions that differ in climate. Using 1H NOESY NMR to generate metabolic fingerprints, principal component analysis revealed variation between the two regions and identified likely contributing metabolites. Triterpenoids ursolic and oleanolic acid, as well as citric and malic acids, were quantified using 1H qNMR, and anthocyanins and flavonols were determined by HPLC-DAD. Total proanthocyanidins (PACs), total soluble phenolics, and DPPH free-radical scavenging antioxidant activity were also evaluated. Across all cultivars, anthocyanins, flavonols, and total phenolic content were significantly higher in West Coast fruit than East Coast fruit, correlating with a regional trend of higher antioxidant activity in fruit grown on the West Coast. The opposite trend was observed for triterpenoids and organic acids, which were significantly higher across cultivars in East Coast fruit. These trends persisted over two growing seasons. The study demonstrates that climate plays an important role in the production of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory phytochemicals in cranberry plants.

Agromorphological traits and bioactive compounds of four Mexican chili peppers (Capsicum annuum var. annuum L.)

In Mexico, diverse morphotypes of chili pepper with local recognition are distributed regionally contributing to the in-situ conservation of Capsicum diversity in the hands of farmers, as is the case of Huacle pepper in Oaxaca. The objective of this study was to evaluate the variation among morphotypes of Huacle, Guajillo, Ancho and Pasilla chili peppers, based on agromorphological traits, bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity in fruits. The morphotypes were established in greenhouse conditions under a random block design, obtaining fruit at physiological maturity for laboratory analysis. Significant differences (P ≤ 0.01) were determined in the analysis of variance among and within morphotypes for all the agromorphological characters evaluated, except in plant height at 120 days after transplantating (dat) and specific weight. Different growth patterns were evaluated from 30 to 120 dat, but the final height was similar. Size, weight, shape, pericarp thickness, locules, number and total weight of fruits per plant were used to determine the variation among and within morphotypes. Morphotypes of Huacle (CH-4, CH-9 and CH-15) and Ancho (AN-R) presented the highest values of fruits, total weight and a low number of fruits per plant. Among morphotypes, significant differences (P ≤ 0.01) were observed for fruit composition, but not for antioxidant activity. Also, significant differences were seen in vitamin C, flavonoids content, and antioxidant activity. In fruit composition, Huacle and Guajillo peppers presented a higher vitamin C content (4.5 mg acetic acid g-1). Huacle pepper was also high in total polyphenols (31.5 mg GAE g-1). Ancho pepper showed a higher content of carotenoids (2.8 mg β -carotene g-1) and total flavonoids (3.3 mg QE g-1). Pasilla pepper showed low values in all the evaluated compounds. In conclusion, all morphotypes showed variation in fruit characters (weight, length, width, pericarp thickness, number of locules and fruit length/width ratio). In fruit composition, the variation was in vitamin C, carotenoids, flavonoids and polyphenols, but not in antioxidant activity. Key words: Morphotypes, Huacle pepper, Ancho pepper, Guajillo peppers, fruit composition, phenolic compounds, vitamin C, antioxidant activity

Comparative analysis of the phenolic contents and antioxidant activities of different parts of two pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) Cultivars: 'Tunisia' and 'Qingpi'.

Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.), with its abundant phenolic substances and strong antioxidant activity, holds significant research and utilization potential across various organs. However, there have been few studies on the phenolic content and antioxidant activity of different parts of pomegranate, especially the placenta. This study investigated the phenolic content and antioxidant activity of fruits, flowers, and leaves of two pomegranate varieties, 'Tunisia' and 'Qingpi', throughout their growth and development. Results indicated significant variations in phenolic content among different organs, with petals exhibiting the highest total polyphenol content (TPC, 49.40 mg GAE/g FW) and total anthocyanin content (TMAC, 1938.54 nmol/g FW). Placenta contained the highest levels of total flavonoids (TFC, 173.58 mg RE/g FW) and punicalagin (109.30 mg/g FW). The peel had the highest content of total flavanols (TFAC, 19.42 mg CE/g FW). Over the course of pomegranate development, total polyphenols, total flavonoids, total flavanols, punicalagin, and antioxidant activity declined in different organs. Antioxidant activity followed the order: fruit > flower > leaf, with the placenta exhibiting the highest antioxidant activity among fruits. Antioxidant activity showed a significant positive correlation with total polyphenols (R2=0.77-1.00), total flavonoids (R2=0.71-0.99, except tegmens), and punicalagin (R2=0.71-1.00). This study provides a comparative analysis of the phenolic content and antioxidant activity in different organs of pomegranate, highlighting the placenta as the primary source of punicalagin. This study provides a theoretical basis for the development and utilization of pomegranate phenolic compounds.

Analysis of antioxidant activity of balakka barks and fruits (Phyllanthus emblica) from South Tapanuli

Balakka (Phyllanthus emblica Linn.) is a plant usually found in the South Tapanuli area, specifically in the Padangsidimpuan district. The people of South Tapanuli consume balakka bark as an addition to the “Holat” dishes. Balakka, especially the fruit part, has been widely studied to have various bioactivity useful for health, such as antioxidants, antidiabetic, anticancer, and others. Therefore, this research changed to decide the distinction in the antioxidant activity of the fruit and bark extracts of balakka, which have been extracted with the use of distinct solvents, which are polar (ethanol) and non-polar (N-Hexane) solvents. DPPH method carried out antioxidant activity analysis. The outcomes confirmed that the exceptional solvents used affected the antioxidant activity of the fruit and bark of balakka extract. The antioxidant activity of balakka fruit extracted using ethanol was greater than that of balakka fruit extracted using N-Hexane with an IC50 of 729.66 ± 117.03 ppm. Likewise, the balakka bark extracted using ethanol was larger than the bark extracted using N-Hexane with an IC50 of 1830.23 ± 656.54 ppm. This study concludes that the different solvents used to affect the antioxidant activity produced.

By-Product from Livestock Waste Recovery System Used as Fertilizer: Bioactive Compounds and Antioxidant Activity of Tomato Fruit as Affected by Fertilization under Field and Greenhouse Conditions

Conversion of livestock manure into organic fertilizer is a sustainable strategy in crop production. In contrast to composted manure, the agronomic characteristics of an anaerobic digestion by-product, digestate, have not been well characterized. This study aimed to investigate the effects of digestate and compost, derived from a pilot-scale livestock waste recycling system, on bioactive compounds in tomato fruits. Both field and greenhouse experiments were conducted to compare the effects of these two organic fertilizers with the application of chemical fertilizer. These comparisons were made by evaluating their influence on tomato yield and bioactive compound contents and antioxidant activity of fruits. The experiment included a control (no fertilizer) and three fertilization treatments with the same nitrogen dose: chemical fertilizer, digestate, and compost. The results revealed that the application of digestate and compost yielded similar results in terms of tomato production, surpassing both the chemical fertilizer application and the control group under both field and greenhouse conditions. Fertilization exhibited a significant influence on the bioactive compound contents and antioxidant capacity of the fruits. Furthermore, the application of digestate and compost led to an increase in the concentration of sugars, phenolic compounds, and several organic acids in the fruits while simultaneously reducing the citric acid levels in comparison to the chemical fertilizer treatment. Moreover, the application of both organic fertilizers improved the total phenol and total flavonoid contents in tomato fruits, and the antioxidant capacity in fruits was significantly higher than that of the chemical fertilizer treatment. In conclusion, the application of digestate or compost derived from the livestock waste recycling system reduced use of chemical fertilizers and resulted in higher tomato yields and fruit with considerably superior bioactive compounds. The results suggested that using digestate or compost as an alternative to inorganic fertilizers for tomato cultivation could assist farmers in increasing productivity, improving the content of bioactive compounds in tomato fruit, and promoting agricultural waste management.

The Effect of Storage Conditions on potential antioxidant activity of orange and Pomelo Juice

Appropriate storage conditions seem critical to preserving the antioxidant activity of fruits and veggies. This study was assessed to determine the effect of storage conditions on the antioxidant activity of orange and pomelo juice. The pomelo and orange juice samples were stored for 30 days at room(25°C) temperature, chilling (5°C), and frozen (-4 °C) temperature, chilling, and frozen temperature. The antioxidant activity of pomelo and orange juice was determined by the DPPH assay method by using a UV-visible spectrophotometer. The storage time and temperature significantly alter the antioxidant activity of the pomelo and orange juice with a significant difference of (p&lt;0.05). The antioxidant activity of pomelo and orange juice decrease from 300.23 to 160.14 µmol TE / 100 g and 232.50 µmol to 101.76 TE / 100 g, respectively, at room temperature. Similarly, the activity reduced from 300.23 to 266.22 µmol TE / 100 g and 232.50 to 215.18 µmol TE / 100 g respectively at the chilling condition, which was considered less as compared to room temperature. Interestingly, the pomelo juice and orange retain 90% and 94% of its antioxidant activity from 300.23 to 270.55 µmol TE / 100 g and 232.50 to 218.10 µmol TE / 100 g. Hence, the frozen condition is best for retaining the maximum antioxidant activity in both members of the citric family. Therefore, storage conditions are essential factors for fruits quality and antioxidant potential.

The Effect of Ripening Stages on the Accumulation of Polyphenols and Antioxidant Activity of the Fruit Extracts of Solanum Species.

The aim of the research was to evaluate the influence of the ripening stage on the accumulation of polyphenols and antioxidant activity in fruits of Solanum species. The experiment included two factors: I-four different Solanum species (S. melanocerasum, S. nigrum, S. villosum, and S. retroflexum) and II-three ripening stages. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was used to analyze the individual phenolic compounds (flavonoids and phenolic acids), and the spectrophotometric method was applied to determine antioxidant activity. The results revealed that the accumulation of polyphenols and antioxidant activity in fruits of Solanum species depends on the stage of ripening and species. All studied Solanum species fruits had the highest content of total phenolic acid at ripening stage III and the greatest antioxidant activity at ripening stage I. Fully ripe fruits of S. melanocerasum contained significantly more total flavonoids, whereas S. nigrum contained significantly more total phenolic acids than other investigated Solanum species fruits. The significantly highest antioxidant activity was found in S. melanocerasum fruits at ripening stage I.

Changes in antioxidant substances and antioxidant enzyme activities in raspberry fruits at different developmental stages

Raspberry is a small berry shrub with a relatively recent cultivation history in China, and its fruits have remarkable antioxidant activity. In this study, the raspberry cultivars 'Clode Summit', 'Heritage' and 'Bristol' were used as experimental materials to determine the color parameters, dry and fresh weights, ROS, MDA, ASA and GSH contents, activities of SOD, CAT and POD, and total antioxidant activity of fruits in different harvest periods. In addition, we analyzed the relative gene expression levels of SOD, CAT, POD and related transcription factors in the flavonoid synthesis pathway during fruit development. The results showed that the production rate of O2− and the content of MDA increased gradually, while the activities of CAT and POD decreased gradually. The growth and development of raspberry fruits activated the SOD enzyme system, but the change trend of SOD activity was different among different cultivars. Principal component analysis and correlation analysis showed that the antioxidant capacity of raspberry mainly came from ASA, GSH and anthocyanins. The content of ASA in green raspberry fruits was generally higher than that in red raspberry and black raspberry fruits. Black raspberry had the highest content of GSH and anthocyanin, as well as antioxidant activity. Correlation analysis showed that POD activity was significantly correlated with the expression level of RuPER17. The expression levels of RuPAL, RuFLS, RuMYB6, RuMYB306 and RuWRKY24 in the three raspberry fruits first increased and then decreased. The results provide a reference for further exploration of the mechanism of antioxidation and for regulating the biosynthesis of related enzymes in raspberry fruits.

Nutritional and Antioxidant Potential of Kundru (Coccinia Indica Wight &amp; Arn.) And Kikar (Acacia Nilotica L. Del.) Pods

Kundru (Coccinia indica) and Kikar (Acacia nilotica) are well known for their uses in Indian ayurveda to treat diabetes. Although the two plants are well known for their medicinal properties, not much literature is available regarding their nutritional composition. The present study reports the nutritional composition and antioxidant activity of fruits of the two plants. Significant (P ≤ 0.05) differences were observed in ash and crude protein content of Kikar (2.47 and 17.30 g/100 g, respectively) and kundru (1.97 and 7.54 g/100 g, respectively). Resistant starch in Kundru and Keekar was 0.52 and 0.12 g/100g, respectively. In-vitro protein digestibility was significantly (P≤0.05) higher in Kikar (35.43 %). Total phenol, flavonoids, DPPH scavenging activity and ferric reducing antioxidant power was observed to be significantly (P ≤ 0.05) higher in Kundru (65.13 mg GAE/100 g, 80.04 mg RE/100g, 75.14 mg TE/100 g and 68.95 mg TE/100 g, respectively) as compared to Kikar (51.05 mg GAE/100 g, 25.29 mg RE/100 g, 63.84 mg TE/100g and 35.22 mg TE/100g, respectively). Bangladesh J. Bot. 52(2): 389-394, 2023 (June)

COMPARISON OF SOME BIOLOGICAL ACTIVITIES AND CATECHIN TANNIN CONTENTS OF TWO JUNIPERUS AND PRUNUS SPECIES

Objective: Qualitative and quantitative determination of catechin in fruits of J. communis var. saxatilis, J. oxycedrus subsp. oxycedrus, P. spinosa, and P. cerasifera was analyzed by LC-MS/MS using standards. Antidiabetic, antimicrobial, and antioxidant activities of fruit and cone extracts of these plants were evaluated. Qualitative analysis of secondary metabolites was also done. Material and Method: Antimicrobial activity was done with MIC. ABTS·+ and DPPH• scavenging activies were used antioxidant activity. α-Amylase and α-glucosidase inhibition assays were done for antidiabetic activity. Result and Discussion: JCS (IC50 = 578 ± 20 μg/ml), JOO (IC50 = 3706 ± 52 μg/ml), and PS (IC50 = 313 ± 7 μg/ml) extracts were observed to show a higher activity than acarbose (IC50 = 4061 ± 146 μg/ml). J. communis var. saxatilis fruit extract was observed with MIC values between (312.5 -2500 µg/ml) against all microorganisms. JCS extract has the highest phenolic composition and JOO has the lowest phenolic composition (µg GAE/ mg extract). JCS extract indicated the highest antioxidant activity. It was determined that plant containing the highest catechin (1173.3±5.77 ng/ml) and epigallocatechin (208±7.21 ng/ml) was JCS. In this research, it can be said that JCS with the highest tannin content shows the highest effects.

Bioactive Compounds and Antioxidant Activity in the Fruit of Rosehip (Rosa canina L. and Rosa rubiginosa L.).

Rosehips (Rosa spp., Rosaceae) are wild rose bushes with more than 100 species. Its fruits vary in colour and size, depending on the species, and are recognised for their nutritional characteristics. Ten samples of Rosa canina L. and Rosa rubiginosa L. fruits were collected at different geographical points from Southern Chile. Nutrients such as crude protein and minerals and functional properties such as phenolic compounds, ascorbic acid, and also antioxidant activities were evaluated by HPLC-DAD-ESI-MS/MS. The results revealed a high content of bioactive compounds, primarily ascorbic acid (6.0 to 8.2 mg g-1 fresh weight (FW)), flavonols (427.9 ± 0.4 μg g-1 FW) and antioxidant activity. We established a relationship between the antioxidant activity using Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC), cupric reducing antioxidant capacity (CUPRAC) and 2,2-diphenyl radical (DPPH) methods and the concentration of uncoloured compounds, such as flavonols and catechin. This antioxidant activity was primarily associated with the samples from Gorbea, Lonquimay, Loncoche, and Villarrica localities, and all of them were of the species Rosa rubiginosa L. The results here obtained represent novel information of rosehip fruits. In this sense, the reported information about compounds and antioxidant activities in rosehip fruits allowed us to continue new lines of research in relation to the potential formulation of new functional foods and also in the treatment and/or prevention of some diseases.

UV-C irradiation maintains cell membrane integrity at wounds of potato tubers during healing by regulating ROS homeostasis and increasing antioxidant activity

Ultraviolet-C (UV-C), a short-wave ultraviolet light, has been extensively proved to regulate reactive oxygen species (ROS) homeostasis and increase antioxidant activity in fruit and vegetables. However, whether UV-C may regulate ROS homeostasis, antioxidant activity and cell membrane integrity at potato tubers wounds during healing has not been reported. In this study, UV-C irradiation activated calcium-dependent protein kinase (CDPK), NADPH oxidase (NOX) and superoxide dismutase (SOD), and promoted superoxide anion (O2.-) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) production at tuber wounds. Meanwhile, UV-C activated catalase (CAT), peroxidase (POD), ascorbate peroxidase (APX) and glutathione reductase (GR), and elevated the levels of ascorbic acid (AsA), reduced glutathione (GSH), total phenolic and flavonoid at tuber wounds. Furthermore, UV-C decreased malondialdehyde (MDA) content and cell membrane permeability at tuber wounds by enhancing the scavenging capacities of DPPH, ABTS+ and FRAP. Taken together, UV-C irradiation could maintain cell membrane integrity at potato tubers wounds during healing by regulating ROS homeostasis and increasing antioxidant activity.

Identification of nutritional composition and antioxidant activities of fruit peels as a potential source of nutraceuticals.

Fruit peels comprise several biologically active compounds, but their nutritional composition and antioxidant potential of different fruit varieties are limited. This study aimed to determine the nutritional composition and antioxidant properties of 12 peels of different fruit varieties such as apples, pomegranates, guavas, strawberries, grapes, and citrus fruits using a ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectrophotometer, an inductively-coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES), and an amino acid analyzer. The highest values of TPC, TFC, lycopene, ascorbic acid [total carotenoids and total antioxidant capacity (TAC)], reducing sugars, non-reducing sugars, and total soluble proteins were reported in grapes (Black seedless) 54,501.00 ± 0.82 μM/g dry wt., guava (Gola) 198.19 ± 0.46 Rutin equivalent dry wt., strawberry (Candler) 7.23 ± 0.33 mg/g dry wt., citrus (Mausami) 646.25 ± 0.96 ug/g dry wt., apple (Kala kulu-Pak) 14.19 ± 0.38 mg/g dry wt. and 12.28 ± 0.39 μM/g dry wt., strawberry (Candler) 25.13 ± 0.40 mg/g dry wt., pomegranate (Badana) 9.80 ± 0.43 mg/g dry wt., apple (Kala kullu-Irani) 30.08 ± 0.11 mg/g dry wt., and guava (Gola) 638.18 ± 0.24 mg/g dry wt. compared with its opponent peels of fruits, respectively. All 12 peels of the fruit verities had 20 amino acids and presented as dry matter basis%. The highest trend of glutamic acid + glutamine, glycine, and aspartic acid + asparagine was observed in pomegranate (Badana) 1.20 DM basis%, guava (Surhai and Gola) 1.09 and 1.09 DM basis%, and strawberry (Desi/local and Candler) 1.15 and 1.60 DM basis% in response to other fruit peels, respectively. Regarding the mineral profile, the highest values of nitrogen (764.15 ± 0.86 mg/100 g), phosphorus (53.90 ± 0.14 mg/100 g), potassium (3,443.84 ± 0.82 mg/100 g), ferric (1.44 ± 0.00 mg/100 g), magnesium (1.31 ± 0.00 mg/100 g), and manganese (0.21 ± 0.00 mg/100 g) were found in pomegranate (Badana), grapes (Black seedless), apple (Kala kulu-Pak), and pomegranate (Badana), respectively, in context to other fruit peels' extract. Principal component analysis (PCA) and agglomerative hierarchical clustering (AHC) were analyzed for determining the correlation among different peels of fruits. Significantly, high levels of variation were noticed among different variables of peels of fruit. Fruit variety and its peels have been distinctive variables in selecting genotypes. The dendrogram obtained from cluster analysis was distributed into two groups and consisted of eight varieties in the same group, and four fruit varieties were in second group. Overall, the results conclude that fruit peels have the abundant antioxidants and some minerals, which can effectively be utilized for nutraceuticals as well as for food security.