Chinensis Fruit Research Articles

Inflorescence pruning and cincturing after full female bloom improve ‘Yu Her Pau’ litchi (Litchi chinensis) fruit bearing

Inflorescence pruning and cincturing after full female bloom improve ‘Yu Her Pau’ litchi (Litchi chinensis) fruit bearing

Photocatalytic Activity of Orchid-Flower-Shaped ZnO Nanoparticles, toward Cationic and Anionic Dye Degradation under Visible Light, and Its Anti-Cancer Potential

Orchid-flower-shaped ZnO nanomaterials were successfully synthesized via green synthesis and an eco-friendly approach using an aqueous extract of Lycium chinense fruit as a reducing and capping agent. The synthesized Lycium chinense orchid-flower-shaped ZnO (LC-ZnO/OF) nanoparticles (NPs) were characterized using different analytical methods through X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and photoluminescence (PL). The FE-TEM analysis revealed the orchid flower shape of the nanoparticles, and the elemental composition was confirmed via XPS analysis. The photocatalytic activity of the nanoparticles was determined by the degrading cationic dye methylene blue (MB) and the anionic dye Eosin Y (EY) under visible light irradiation at (400 w) within 180 min time, where it showed a significant ability to degrade both cationic and anionic dye by almost 50%. The LC-ZnO/OF photocatalyst was also used to check the toxicity level in human cancer cells, where it exhibited remarkable cytotoxicity to the human lung cancer (A549 cell line) and human gastric adenocarcinoma hyperdiploid (AGS cell line). The present investigation suggests that LC-ZnO/OF has the potential photocatalytic ability to degrade toxic dye as well as have anti-cancer effects. These preliminary results suggest that LC-ZnO/OF could have a significant impact on the environmental and biomedical fields.

The study of biological active compounds of lipophilic fraction of Schisandra chinensis (Turcz.) Baill seeds

Schisandra chinensis (Turcz.) Baill - Chinese magnolia - a well-known fruit plant intraditional Chinese and Korean medicine. The fruits and seeds of S. chinensis are rich in biologicallyactive substances. According to the literature (Irfan M. etc, 2020; Liu G-Z. etc, 2020; Sun W. etc,2021; Zhao T. etc., 2021; Bodrevich B.B. etc, 2017) the following therapeutic effects of S. chinensis
 fruits and seeds can be called: immunomodulatory, tonic, adaptogenic, anti-inflammatory, hepato-protective, nephroprotective, tonic. The study of the S. chinensis raw materials continues in the future,
 to reveal a wider range of therapeutic actions. The study of S. chinensis seeds is quite relevant toexpand the range of standardized medicinal raw materials, which is not included in the monographsof the State Pharmacopoeia of Ukraine. The main purpose of this study is to obtain the lipophilicfraction of S. chinensis seeds and to study the composition of different groups of lipophilic substancesin the resulting fraction. The main method of obtaining the lipophilic fraction of S. chinensis seeds isa comprehensive extraction in the Soxhlet apparatus. The chemical reaction was used to determinethe presence of tocopherols. The presence of the main groups of biologically active substances in thelipophilic fraction of S. chinensis seeds was established by the method of two-dimensional thin-layerchromatography. The study of fatty acid composition was performed by gas chromatography/massspectrometry (Su L. etc, 2020). The yield of lipophilic fraction of S. chinensis seeds was 35.79±0.7%.The obtained lipophilic fraction of S. chinensis seeds is an oily liquid of deep yellow color with a
 characteristic specific odor. The presence of tocopherols was established. Thin layer chromatogra-phy in the solvent system: I direction - hexane-acetone (8: 2), II direction - hexane-acetone (8: 4),
 development reagent - Stahl reagent, identified at least 14 compounds of terpene nature. As a resultof studies of fatty acids by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry, the quantitative content of 6 fattyacids was identified and established: palmitic, linoleic, oleic, stearic, gondoic and nonadecanoic. The
 quantitative content of unsaturated fatty acids significantly exceeded the quantitative content of satu-rated fatty acids. The results of the study give grounds to draw the following conclusions: the studies
 confirm the rich composition of the lipophilic fraction of S. chinensis seeds: tocopherols, 14 terpenes,6 fatty acids, of which saturated fatty acids (palmitic, stearic, nonadecanoic) and unsaturated fatty
 acids , oleic and gondoin); The results of the study suggest the anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, regen-erating effect of the lipophilic fraction of S. chinensis seeds.

Fruit of Schisandra chinensis and its bioactive component schizandrin B ameliorate obesity-induced skeletal muscle atrophy

Schisandra chinensis fruit (Omiza in Korean), used for the production tea or liquor, and is known to enhance skeletal muscle function. However, the effect of Omiza extract (OM) on obesity-induced skeletal muscle atrophy remains unclear. This study investigated the effect of OM on skeletal muscle mass and performance in obese mice. OM increased skeletal muscle weight, size and improved skeletal muscle performance. Further, it also suppressed obesity-induced increases in proinflammatory cytokines, MuRF1, and Atrogin1 in mouse skeletal muscle and enhanced the expression of MHC and the phosphorylation of AKT/mTOR signaling molecules, thereby suppressing myostatin expression and regulating Smad-FOXO signaling. Schizandrin B, a major component of OM inhibited palmitic acid induced atrophy in C2C12 cells via Smad-FOXO regulation, suggesting that it partially contributed to the effects of OM against obesity-induced muscle atrophy. Taken together, OM may have the potential to prevent and treat obesity-induced muscle atrophy.

Nortriterpenoids from the fruit stalk of Schisandra chinensis (Turcz.) Baill.

Abstract Objective The fruit stalk of Schisandra chinensis (Turcz.) Baill. (S. chinensis) has been found to contain bioactive components similar to the fruit of S. chinensis. Here, we report a recent discovery about new nortriterpenoids with a novel skeleton and anti-gastric cancer activity, which were isolated from the fruit stalk of S. chinensis. Methods The chemical components of ethyl acetate extract from 70% ethanol extract from S. chinensis fruit stalk were separated, purified, and identified by liquid chromatography methods (silica gel, ODS, HPLC) and extensive spectroscopic analyses (NMR, IR, UV, MS, CD). Results Two new nortriterpenoids, schilancitrilactone M and 25-hydroxyl schindilactone D (1 and 2), along with ten known nortriterpenoids (3–12) were isolated from the fruit stalk of S. chinensis. The isolated compounds were tested for their cytotoxic activities against MGC-803 cells, and the results showed that compounds 6–8 possessed significant activities with IC50 of 9.01, 11.77, and 2.74 μmol/L, respectively. Conclusion Twelve nortriterpenoids including two new compounds were isolated from the fruit stalk of S. chinensis for the first time. Among them, compounds 6–8 showed significant anti-gastric cancer activities. We postulated that the fruit stalk of S. chinensis could be used as an anti-gastric cancer drug.

Biosynthesis of ZnO Nanoparticles Using Capsicum chinense Fruit Extract and Their In Vitro Cytotoxicity and Antioxidant Assay

Green synthesis of nanoparticles (NPs) has garnered wide research interest due to inherent properties such as eco-friendliness, compatibility with substrates, and cost-effectiveness. Here, zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) were successfully synthesized for the first time using Capsicum chinense fruit extract. The optical property of the green and conventionally synthesized ZnO-NPs was characterized by UV-vis spectrophotometer, which exhibited absorption peaks at 302 and 481 nm, respectively, and the morphology of the NPs was analyzed by transmission and scanning electron microscopies (TEM and SEM). The X-ray diffraction (XRD) studies showed that the hexagonal wurtzite phase was obtained, with high crystalline nature, while the electron dispersion X-ray study (EDX) revealed the purity of ZnO-NPs. The cytotoxicity assay of the biosynthesized and conventionally synthesized ZnO-NPs was evaluated using human embryonic kidney (HEK 293) and cervical carcinoma (HeLa) cell lines treated with various concentrations of the ZnO-NPs and they exhibited reasonable activity. Antioxidant activity of the ZnO-NPs was measured using 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay and the green ZnO-NPs exhibited higher activity compared to conventional ZnO-NPs. These findings proved that aqueous extracts of C. chinense fruit are effective for the biosynthesis of ZnO-NPs with anticancer and antioxidant potential.

The red flesh of kiwifruit is differentially controlled by specific activation-repression systems.

Anthocyanins are visual cues for pollination and seed dispersal. Fruit containing anthocyanins also appeals to consumers due to its appearance and health benefits. In kiwifruit (Actinidia spp.) studies have identified at least two MYB activators of anthocyanin, but their functions in fruit and the mechanisms by which they act are not fully understood. Here, transcriptome and small RNA high-throughput sequencing were used to comprehensively identify contributors to anthocyanin accumulation in kiwifruit. Stable overexpression in vines showed that both 35S::MYB10 and MYB110 can upregulate anthocyanin biosynthesis in Actinidia chinensis fruit, and that MYB10 overexpression resulted in anthocyanin accumulation which was limited to the inner pericarp, suggesting that repressive mechanisms underlie anthocyanin biosynthesis in this species. Furthermore, motifs in the C-terminal region of MYB10/110 were shown to be responsible for the strength of activation of the anthocyanic response. Transient assays showed that both MYB10 and MYB110 were not directly cleaved by miRNAs, but that miR828 and its phased small RNA AcTAS4-D4(-) efficiently targeted MYB110. Other miRNAs were identified, which were differentially expressed between the inner and outer pericarp, and cleavage of SPL13, ARF16, SCL6 and F-box1, all of which are repressors of MYB10, was observed. We conclude that it is the differential expression and subsequent repression of MYB activators that is responsible for variation in anthocyanin accumulation in kiwifruit species.

Chemical Characterization and Potential Mechanism of the Anti-Asthmatic Activity of a Subfraction from Schisandra chinensis Fruit Extract.

Schisandra chinensis fruit is a widely edible and medicinal resource, whose extract had a good inhibitory effect on airway inflammation in asthmatic mice. However, the main active components remain unknown. In this work, we found that PET2, a subfraction of its ethanolic extract petroleum ether, displayed significant anti-inflammatory effects in interleukin (IL)-4/tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α-stimulated BEAS-2B cells. Meanwhile, in the ovalbumin (OVA)-induced allergic asthma mice model, PET2 (200 and 400 mg/kg) had significant effects on attenuating airway inflammatory cell infiltration and reducing serum Th2-related cytokines. Further studies led to the isolation and identification of 14 compounds, guided by ultraperformance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF/MS)-based rapid characterization of chemical constituents. Combining network pharmacology analysis and in vitro experiments, we found that six compounds from PET2 had good anti-inflammatory properties. The potential mechanism may be involved in Fc epsilon RI, T cell receptor, and Jak-STAT signaling pathways. This study clarified the anti-inflammatory properties of the main active fraction and active compounds of S. chinensis fruit and provided a theoretical basis for its anti-asthma scientific utilization.

The aflatoxin inhibitors capsaicin and piperine from Capsicum chinense and Piper nigrum fruits modulate the antioxidant system in Aspergillus parasiticus

Several aflatoxin inhibitors can modulate the antioxidant system in fungi. In this work, the effect of the ethanolic extract of Capsicum chinense and Piper nigrum fruits, capsaicin, and piperine on the expression of the aflE, aflG, aflH, aflI, aflK, aflL, aflO, aflP, and aflQ genes involved in the aflatoxin biosynthetic pathway in Aspergillus parasiticus were studied by qRT-PCR analysis. As well as, the effect on the expression of fungal antioxidant genes (sod1, catA, and cat2) and enzymatic activity of catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD). Results reveal that the highest (p < 0.05) radial growth inhibition (68 and 86%) and aflatoxins production inhibition (73 and 80%) was observed with capsaicin and piperine respectively, at 300 µg/mL, instead of the ethanolic extract at the same concentration. The qRT-PCR analysis showed that compounds and extracts at 300 µg/mL induced a down-regulation of aflatoxin genes and an up-regulation on the fungal antioxidant genes. CAT activity increased by 23.15, 36.65, 51.40, and 65.50%, in the presence of C. chinense and P. nigrum extract, capsaicin, and piperine exposure, respectively. While SOD activity was not significantly impacted (p > 0.05). In conclusion, the capsaicin and piperine, two antifungal and anti-aflatoxigenic compounds produce an up-regulation of antioxidant defense genes accompanied by an enhancement of catalase enzymatic activity in A. parasiticus.

Evaluation of Multicomponent Changes of Schisandra chinensis Fruits with Different Drying Process by UPLC-QQQ-MS-Based Targeted Metabolomics Analysis

Schisandra chinensis fruit is a famous tonic traditional Chinese medicine and healthy food. The chemical components of dried fruits may vary with the initial processing methods of fresh fruits. Therefore, in this study, the influence of drying was evaluated based on targeted metabolomics analysis. The ultrahigh performance liquid chromatography-triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (UPLC-QQQ-MS) was applied in determination of multicomponent including lignans, organic acids, and oligosaccharides. The fresh fruits of Schisandra chinensis were processed by natural drying in the sun, hot air drying and vacuum drying at different temperatures, and vacuum freeze drying, respectively. The contents of lignans, organic acids, and oligosaccharides in different fruit samples were quantified and statistically analyzed by partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA). The variation of totally 10 lignans, 5 organic acids, and 9 oligosaccharides with different drying process were compared. The results showed that the drying time of natural drying method was much longer than the other methods using instrument. For hot air and vacuum drying samples, most of lignans, organic acids, and oligosaccharides gradually decreased with the increase of temperature. And the appearance of fruit drying at higher temperature was dark red. At the same processing temperature, vacuum drying takes longer time than hot air drying. In addition, organic acid and oligosaccharide contents of vacuum freeze drying treated samples were higher than the other processed samples significantly. According to the targeted metabolomics analysis, the lignans, organic acids, and oligosaccharides markers were screened out for holistic quality evaluation of Schisandra chinensis fruits. In comprehensive consideration of multicomponent, drying time, fruit appearance and storage, and production feasibility, hot air drying at 50°C is more suitable for the process of Schisandra chinensis. The result is expected to provide a scientific basis for the selection of proper method for drying process of fresh Schisandra chinensis fruit.

Effects and Mechanisms of Rhus chinensis Mill. Fruits on Suppressing RANKL-Induced Osteoclastogenesis by Network Pharmacology and Validation in RAW264.7 Cells.

Rhus chinensis Mill. fruits are a kind of widely distributed edible seasoning, which have been documented to possess a variety of biological activities. However, its inhibitory effect on osteoclast formation has not been determined. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of the fruits on osteoclast differentiation of RAW264.7 cells, induced by receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL) and to illuminate the potential mechanisms using network pharmacology and western blots. Results showed that the extract containing two organic acids and twelve phenolic substances could effectively inhibit osteoclast differentiation in RANKL-induced RAW264.7 cells. Network pharmacology examination and western blot investigation showed that the concentrate essentially decreased the expression levels of osteoclast-specific proteins, chiefly through nuclear factor kappa-B, protein kinase B, and mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathways, particularly protein kinase B α and mitogen-activated protein kinase 1 targets. Moreover, the extract likewise directly down regulated the expression of cellular oncogene Fos and nuclear factor of activated T-cells cytoplasmic 1 proteins. Citric acid, quercetin, myricetin-3-O-galactoside, and quercetin-3-O-rhamnoside were considered as the predominant bioactive ingredients. Results of this work may provide a scientific basis for the development and utilization of R. chinensis fruits as a natural edible material to prevent and/or alleviate osteoporosis-related diseases.

Rhus chinensis Mill. fruits prevent necrotizing enterocolitis in rat pups via regulating the expressions of key proteins involved in multiple signaling pathways

Ethnopharmacological relevanceBased on ancient records and previous studies, many parts of Rhus chinensis Mill., including the fruits, have good preventive and therapeutic effects on inflammation, malaria, diarrhea, and gastrointestinal diseases. Rhus plants and Galla chinensis produced from R. chinensis leaves can also prevent or cure intestinal diseases. However, the preventive effect and molecular mechanisms of R. chinensis fruits on necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) have not been comprehensively studied. Aim of the studyThis article aims to estimate the effect of the 80% ethanol extract of R. chinensis fruits (RM) on alleviating NEC in rat pups and illustrate the potential molecular mechanisms. Materials and methodsRat pups were subjected to formula feeding, intermittent hypoxic, and cold stresses to establish the NEC model. The preventive effects of RM on NEC were evaluated through survival rate; clinical sickness index; macroscopic conditions; histopathology; and expression levels of inflammatory markers (i.e., tumor necrosis factor-α [TNF-α], interleukin-6 [IL-6]), oxidative stress indicators (i.e., total antioxidant status [TAS], total oxidant status [TOS], superoxide dismutase [SOD], glutathione peroxidase [GSH-Px], myeloperoxidase [MPO], malondialdehyde [MDA]), and tight junction proteins (i.e., Zonula Occludens 1 [ZO-1], Occludin). Moreover, the expression levels of several key proteins involved in oxidative stress (i.e., nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 [Nrf2], NAD(P)H–quinone oxidoreductase-1 [NQO1]), inflammation (i.e., Toll-like receptor 4 [TLR4], phosphorylated-nuclear factor kappa-B [p-NF-κB], inducible nitric oxide synthase [iNOS]), and apoptosis (i.e., cleaved cysteinyl aspartate specific proteinase-3 [cleaved Caspase-3], Bcl-2-associated X [Bax], B-cell lymphoma-2 [Bcl-2]) in intestinal tissues were analyzed to clarify the molecular mechanisms. ResultsThe extract particularly high doses (400 mg RM/kg body weight) could remarkably reduce the mortality and clinical sickness score and improve the macroscopic condition and histopathological injury of the intestine in NEC pups. After RM administration, the levels of TOS, TNF-α, IL-6, MPO, and MDA in the bowel tissue decreased, whereas the levels of TAS, SOD, and GSH-Px were significantly enhanced. The expression levels of ZO-1 and Occludin proteins were dramatically augmented in RM-treated groups to maintain intestinal barrier integrity. Further analyses revealed that RM might prevent NEC pups by improving some pivotal proteins involved in oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis of enterocytes, namely, by down-regulating the levels of TLR4, p-NF-κB, iNOS, cleaved Caspase-3, and Bax and up-regulating the levels of Bcl-2, NQO1, and Nrf2. ConclusionsThe RM prevented the intestinal inflammation and damage caused by NEC by regulating the expression of several pivotal proteins involved in oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis. This study might provide a scientific basis for R. chinensis fruits as a traditional herbal medicine to prevent and/or alleviate NEC.

Radiosensitizing effect of polysaccharide in Schisandrae chinensis (Turcz.) Baill. Fruit on ovarian cancer SKOV3 cells

&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; Purpose: To investigate the radiosensitizing effect of polysaccharide from Schisandrae Chinensis fruit (SCFP) on ovarian cancer SKOV3 cell line.&#x0D; Methods: The 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay was used to evaluate SKOV3 cell viability. Caspase-3, caspase-9, Bax, and Bcl-2 levels in SKOV3 cells were assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Furthermore, mRNA expression of caspase-3, caspase-9, Bax and Bcl-2 in SKOV3 cells were determined using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) assay.&#x0D; Results: β-Irradiation (10 Gy) did not show obvious inhibitory effects on SKOV3 cell proliferation. However, SCFP at a dose of 1.25, 2.5 and 5 mg/mL significantly enhanced the radiosensitivity of SKOV3 cells to β-irradiation (p &lt; 0.01). Furthermore, SCFP at concentrations of 1.25, 2.5 and 5 mg/mL significantly increased the levels of caspase-3, caspase-9 and Bax in SKOV3 cells, but decreased that of Bcl-2 (p &lt; 0.01). In addition, SCFP combined with β-irradiation up-regulated mRNA expression of caspase-3, caspase-9 and Bax (p &lt; 0.01), but down-regulated that of Bcl-2 in SKOV3 cells (p &lt; 0.01).&#x0D; Conclusion: SCFP significantly enhances the sensitivity of nasopharyngeal carcinoma SKOV3 cells to β-irradiation. The possible mechanism of sensitization might be correlated to the induction of mitochondria-mediated apoptosis. This research provides a scientific basis for the development of SCFP for the treatment of ovarian cancer.&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D;

Long-read transcriptome sequencing provides insight into lignan biosynthesis during fruit development in Schisandra chinensis

BackgroundSchisandra chinensis, an ancient member of the most basal angiosperm lineage which is known as the ANITA, is a fruit-bearing vine with the pharmacological effects of a multidrug system, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, cardioprotective, neuroprotective, anti-osteoporosis effects. Its major bioactive compound is represented by lignans such as schisandrin. Molecular characterization of lignan biosynthesis in S. chinensis is of great importance for improving the production of this class of active compound. However, the biosynthetic mechanism of schisandrin remains largely unknown.ResultsTo understand the potential key catalytic steps and their regulation of schisandrin biosynthesis, we generated genome-wide transcriptome data from three different tissues of S. chinensis cultivar Cheongsoon, including leaf, root, and fruit, via long- and short-read sequencing technologies. A total of 132,856 assembled transcripts were generated with an average length of 1.9 kb and high assembly completeness. Overall, our data presented effective, accurate gene annotation in the prediction of functional pathways. In particular, the annotation revealed the abundance of transcripts related to phenylpropanoid biosynthesis. Remarkably, transcriptome profiling during fruit development of S. chinensis cultivar Cheongsoon revealed that the phenylpropanoid biosynthetic pathway, specific to coniferyl alcohol biosynthesis, showed a tendency to be upregulated at the postfruit development stage. Further the analysis also revealed that the pathway forms a transcriptional network with fruit ripening-related genes, especially the ABA signaling-related pathway. Finally, candidate unigenes homologous to isoeugenol synthase 1 (IGS1) and dirigent-like protein (DIR), which are subsequently activated by phenylpropanoid biosynthesis and thus catalyze key upstream steps in schisandrin biosynthesis, were identified. Their expression was increased at the postfruit development stage, suggesting that they may be involved in the regulation of schisandrin biosynthesis in S. chinensis.ConclusionsOur results provide new insights into the production and accumulation of schisandrin in S. chinensis berries and will be utilized as a valuable transcriptomic resource for improving the schisandrin content.

Integrative Analysis of Metabolome and Transcriptome Reveals the Mechanism of Color Formation in Actinidia Chinensis Fruit

Integrative Analysis of Metabolome and Transcriptome Reveals the Mechanism of Color Formation in Actinidia Chinensis Fruit

The toxicity of Meistera chinensis rhizome fraction by shrimp larvae with the BSLT method

Meistera chinensis is a species that belong to the Zingiberacea family. In Southeast Sulawesi, a population of Meistera chinensis was found in the Abuki forest of Konawe Regency. Empirically, its consumed by the community as a cooking spice and body fitness. The results of previous research revealed that Meistera chinensis fruit is efficacious as an antioxidant, anticancer, antimicrobial and antifungal. Research on the rhizome has never been done. This study aims to determine the potential for toxicity and the LC50 value of Meistera chinensis rhizome using the BSLT method. The rhizomes were extracted with 96% ethanol and concentrated using a rotary evaporator. Then fractionation was carried out with methanol and ethyl acetate as solvents. The concentration of the rhizome fraction was 7.81 ppm, 15.63 ppm, 32.25 ppm, 62.5 ppm, 125 ppm, 250 ppm, 500 ppm and 1000 ppm. Positive control used of 1.4 mg potassium bichromate and negative control is DMSO. Toxicity was determined based on the mortality of shrimp larvae and calculated by determining the LC50 value. The results showed that the LC50 values ​​for the methanol, ethyl acetate and positive control fractions of Meistera chinensis rhizome were 252.88 mg/L, 57.17 mg/L, and 6.22 mg/L, respectively. Based on these results, it can be concluded that the Meistera chinensis rhizome fraction has a toxic effect on shrimp larvae (≤1,000 mg/L).

Metabolic shifts during fruit development in pungent and non-pungent peppers

Fruit pungency is caused by the accumulation of capsaicinoids, secondary metabolites whose relation to primary metabolism remains unclear. We have selected ten geographically diverse accessions of Capsicum chinense Jacq with different pungency levels. A detailed metabolic profile was conducted in the fruit placenta and pericarp at 20, 45, and 60 days after anthesis aiming at increasing our understanding of the metabolic changes in these tissues across fruit development and their potential connection to capsaicin metabolism. Overall, despite the variation in fruit pungency among the ten accessions, the composition and metabolite levels in both placenta and pericarp were uniformly stable across accessions. Most of the metabolite variability occurred between the fruit developmental stages rather than among the accessions. Interestingly, different metabolite adjustments in the placenta were observed among pungent and non-pungent accessions, which seem to be related to differences in the genetic background. Furthermore, we observed high coordination between metabolites and capsaicin production in C. chinense fruits, suggesting that pungency in placenta is adjusted with primary metabolism.

The Antioxidant Phytochemical Schisandrin A Promotes Neural Cell Proliferation and Differentiation after Ischemic Brain Injury.

Schisandrin A (SCH) is a natural bioactive phytonutrient that belongs to the lignan derivatives found in Schisandra chinensis fruit. This study aims to investigate the impact of SCH on promoting neural progenitor cell (NPC) regeneration for avoiding stroke ischemic injury. The promoting effect of SCH on NPCs was evaluated by photothrombotic model, immunofluorescence, cell line culture of NPCs, and Western blot assay. The results showed that neuron-specific class III beta-tubulin (Tuj1) was positive with Map2 positive nerve fibers in the ischemic area after using SCH. In addition, Nestin and SOX2 positive NPCs were significantly (p < 0.05) increased in the penumbra and core. Further analysis identified that SCH can regulate the expression level of cell division control protein 42 (Cdc42). In conclusion, our findings suggest that SCH enhanced NPCs proliferation and differentiation possible by Cdc42 to regulated cytoskeletal rearrangement and polarization of cells, which provides new hope for the late recovery of stroke.

Variation of lignan content and α-glucosidase inhibitory activity of Schisandra chinensis fruit at different maturation stages: Comparison with stem, leaf and seed

The fruit of Schisandra chinensis has been used for the treatment of various metabolic diseases for a long time. The bioactive constituents of the fruit are known as lignans with dibenzocyclooctadienes skeletons. In this study, changes in the content of four main lignans of S. chinensis, schizandrin (S1), schizandrin A (S2), gomisin N (S3) and wuweizisu C (S4), and anti-diabetic activities at the different maturation stages of fruits were investigated. In addition, comparison of stem, leaf and seed with fruit was conducted in order to determine the optimum harvest time of fruit with high functionality and seek an alternative to use the other parts of plant except the fruit. In the results, the total content of four lignans were kept relatively constant and the amount of S1 and S3 were more than that of S2 and S4. According to fruit maturity, the content of S1 and S2 increased, on the contrary, S3 and S4 decreased. α-Glucosidase inhibitory effect was higher in early matured fruits and decreased in medium and late matured fruits. Considering the correlation between lignan content and α-glucosidase inhibitory effect, the content of S4 appeared to be highly related to the inhibitory effect. All of examined lignans were also detected in other parts of the plant, especially showed higher level in stem and seed than in leaf. However, the content of each lignan was different in each part, that is, high content of S4 was detected in stem whereas the content of S3 was higher in seed. For the breeding of new cultivars of S. chinensis, it is necessary to cultivate early-maturing varieties with a high content of active ingredients as well as to find an alternative approach to use the various plant parts including stem, leaf and seed.

Inhibition of Serine Protease, α-Amylase and Growth of Phytopathogenic Fungi by Antimicrobial Peptides from Capsicum chinense Fruits.

Plant fungal diseases cause major problems for the global economy. Antimicrobial peptides have aroused great interest in the control of phytopathogens, as they are natural molecules and have a broad spectrum of inhibitory activity. Herein, we have tried to identify and characterize antimicrobial peptides present in fruits of Capsicum chinense and to evaluate their enzymatic and antifungal activities. The retained fraction obtained in the anion exchange chromatography with strong antifungal activity was subjected to molecular exclusion chromatography and obtained four fractions named G1, G2, G3, and G4. The 6.0-kDa protein band of G2 showed similarity with protease inhibitors type II, and it was able to inhibit 100% of trypsin and α-amylase activities. The protein band with approximately 6.5kDa of G3 showed similarity with sequences of protease inhibitors from genus Capsicum and showed growth inhibition of 48% for Colletotrichum lindemuthianum, 49% for Fusarium lateritium, and 51% for F. solani and F. oxysporum. Additionally, G3 causes morphological changes, membrane permeabilization, and ROS increase in F. oxysporum cells. The 9-kDa protein band of G4 fraction was similar to a nsLTP type 1, and a protein band of 6.5kDa was similar to a nsLTP type 2. The G4 fraction was able to inhibit 100% of the activities of glycosidases tested and showed growth inhibition of 35 and 50% of F. oxysporum and C. lindemuthianum, respectively. C. chinense fruits have peptides with antifungal activity and enzyme inhibition with biotechnological potential.