Fruit Components Research Articles

Effect of environmental factors on the fruit essential oils of Pistacia terebinthus L. growing wild in Turkey

Background: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of environmental factors on the essential oil yields (EOYs) and major essential oil components in the ripe fruits of Pistacia terebinthus L. (turpentine tree), which is a medicinal and aromatic plant. Fruit samples were collected from 34 different locations of the turpentine tree growing wild in the Lake District in the Mediterranean Region of Turkey. EOYs (%, v/w) and essential oil component ratios (%) were determined in fruit samples by hydrodistillation and GC-MS methods, respectively. The effect of environmental factors on these variables were analyzed using Pearson Correlation and Principal Component Analysis. Results: The essential oil yield of fruits collected from different localities ranged from 0.05% (v/w) to 0.19% (v/w). In terms of average values, α-pinene with 41.01% and limonene with 14.28% were the major components in the essential oils of ripe fruits. Among the environmental variables, longitude and sand % in 10-30 cm were the variables that made a statistically significant difference (p < 0.05) in fruit essential oil yield. According to the results of principal components analysis (PCA), α-pinene and Ocimene components were most affected by silt (%, 10-30 cm) and pH (%, 30-50 cm) ratios. The longitude and total annual precipitation (mm) were the most determining variables in the sabinene and limonene components, respectively. It was seen that the total lime ratios at different depth levels of the soils taken from the localities were the most effective variables for Myrcene and p-Cymene components. Conclusion: The study findings showed that EOYs and intended volatile component ratios in ripe fruits of turpentine trees grown under appropriate environmental conditions can be increased.

ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY OF ALKALOID FRACTIONS AND COMPOUNDS FROM Litsea cubeba Lour. Fruits

Maceration was used to extract the fruit of Litsea cubeba (Lour.). To get alkaloid fractions, ethanol extract was fractionated by liquid-liquid extraction using n-hexane, and chloroform at pH 3, 7, 9, and 11. Preparative thin layer chromatography was used to isolate alkaloid compounds. The ABTS test was used to assess the antioxidant activity of fractions and isolates. Chloroform fractions at pH 7 and compound III had the highest IC50. They IC50 were 80.47 ± 0.19 and 17.73 ± 0.04 µg/mL. Compound III was showed maximum absorbance at (279.0; 227.0; 212.5 nm) and wave number (3394.72; 2943.37; 2839.22; 1599.34; 1462.04; 1369.46; 1319.31; 1111.00; 817.82 cm-1). This indicates that it is an alkaloid compound containing hydroxyl, methyl, methylene, and methoxy groups. The findings show that the alkaloid fractions and components of Litsea cubeba fruit have a high antioxidant potential.

The effects of bioactive components in Solanum nigrum against oxidative stress in liver damage

The present study aimed to evaluate the role of bioactive components in Solanum nigrum fruit, its phytochemical screening, and in vivo antioxidant potential against liver injury. The HPLC analysis of an ethanolic extract of Solanum nigrum fruit revealed the presence of bioactive components that showed its significant in vitro antioxidant activity. Moreover, The Sprague Dawley rats were divided into four groups for in vivo analysis: G1 (negative control), G2 (positive control), G3 (rats receiving standard drug), and G4 (rats receiving Solanum nigrum fruit extract). The Solanum nigrum fruit reduced the level of liver enzymes, and bilirubin. An opposite trend was seen in the case of albumin, catalase, creatinine, and superoxide dismutase. Histology slides also showed the normal cell structure of hepatocytes. Conclusively, Solanum nigrum fruit bioactive components have the ability to reduce oxidative stress.

Performance Evaluation of Exotic Coconut Genotypes to Assess their Suitability for Cultivation in the Western Zone of Tamil Nadu

Identification and utilization potential genotypes for development of high yielding cultivars with distinctive traits is the need of the hour to cope up with the shifting demand of international market. The present research examination was carried among seven exotic coconut genotypes viz., San Ramon Tall (SNRT), Federated Malay States Tall (FMST), British Solomon Island Tall (BSIT), Zanzibar Tall (ZNT), St. Vincent Tall (STVT), Gonthembili Tall (GTBT) and Java Tall (JVT) in comparison with three indigenous coconut ecotypes viz., Tiptur Tall (TPT), East Coast Tall (ECT), and Arasampatti Tall (APT) at ICAR-AICRP (Palms) centre, Coconut Research Station, Aliyarnagar. The investigation was intended to identify suitable exotic coconut genotypes with increased copra quantity and quality along with good tender nut parameters for cultivation in the Western Zone of Tamil Nadu. Based on the observations recorded over a period of eight years from 2010 to 2017, Federated Malay States recorded maximum girth (121.2cm) while San Ramon Tall was found to be superior in terms of floral traits and inflorescence production per year. Java tall produced maximum number of buttons per inflorescence (26.0)among the genotypes evaluated. The highest annual nut yield was recorded by Zanzibar Tall (106.6 nuts per palm per year)followed by Federated Malay States (99.9 nuts per palm per year), while San Ramon Tall also recorded considerable nut yield of 75.3 nuts per palm per year. Sanramon Tall recorded the highest average copra content (333.2 gram per nut) with an estimated copra yield of 25.1 Kg per palm per year. Taking into consideration of yield attributes, fruit component traits and tender nut quality parameters, the exotic genotypes San Ramon Tall (SNRT) and Federated Malay States Tall (FMST) were found to be suitable for cultivation in the Western zones of Tamil Nadu.

Design, synthesis and bioactivity evaluation of novel N-phenyl-substituted evodiamine derivatives as potent anti-tumor agents

Natural products are important sources for the development of therapeutic medicine, among which evodia fruit has a wide range of medicinal properties in traditional Chinese medicine. Evodiamine, the main active component of evodia fruit, has various anti-cancer effects and has been proved to be a Topo inhibitor. From our previous attempts of modifying evodiamine, we found that the N14 phenyl substituted derivatives had showed great anti-tumor activity, which prompted us to further explore the novel structures and activities of these compounds. Compound 6f, as a N14 3-fluorinated phenyl substituted evodiamine derivative, showed a certain inhibitory activity against Topo I at 200 μM. By studying its anti-tumor effects in vitro, compound 6f could inhibit proliferation and induce apoptosis, as well as arrest the cell cycle of HGC-27 and HT-29 cell lines at G2/M phase in a concentration-dependent manner. Moreover, compound 6f could inhibit the migration and invasion of HGC-27 cell lines. Meanwhile, compound 6f could induce apoptosis of HGC-27 cells by inhibiting PI3K/AKT pathway. Overall, this work demonstrated that the N14 phenyl-substituted evodiamine derivatives had a good inhibitory effect on tumor cells in vitro, providing a promising strategy for developing potential anticancer agents for the treatment of gastrointestinal tumors.

In vitro antimicrobial, anticancer, and apoptosis-inducing effects of the methanolic extract of Launaea mucronata

Traditional medicine is widely used in the treatment and management of various ailments due to its low toxicity, low number of side effects and low cost. Many components of common fruits and vegetables play crucial roles as chemopreventive or chemotherapeutic agents. This study aimed to evaluate in vitro the antioxidant, cytotoxic and antimicrobial activities of Launaea mucronata’s methanolic stems and leaves extract. In this screening study, Launaea mucronata’s methanolic extracts showed remarkably antifungal activity against Candida albicans. The maximum zone of inhibition of the methanolic extract of Launaea mucronata leaves was detected against Proteus vulgaris with inhibition zones of 17.8 mm and 14.6 mm, respectively. 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay results showed high antioxidant activity for the extract almost comparable to that of ascorbic acid at 30 µg/ml, which indicates that it might potentially be developed into a successful antioxidant agent. Meanwhile, 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay was performed by screening the extract against HepG2 (Hepatocellular), A549 (Lung), HCT116 (Colon) and MCF7 (Breast) cancer cells and it was found that the extract exerted its highest activity against A549 cells with an IC50 value of 14.9 µg/ml. The extracts also shown lower cytotoxic activity against normal, healthy MRC-5 cells, with IC50 values of 204.83 g/ml for the stem extract and 412.4 g/ml for the leaves extract, respectively. This suggests that the extract is safe for normal, healthy cells, which is an important characteristic of any possible anticancer treatment. The antiproliferative and apoptosis activities of our selected plant showed that the extracts induced S-phase arrest and apoptosis in A549 cells. This high cytotoxic activity of the extract indicates that highly bioactive pure compounds could potentially be isolated from the extract in future studies and further developed into an anticancer agent specifically against lung cancer. Therefore, the current study has proven the potential of Launaea mucronata’s methanolic extract as a source of potent antioxidant and anticancer agent.

Peppermint Essential Oil and Its Major Volatiles as Protective Agents against Soft Rot Caused by Fusarium sambucinum in Cera Pepper (Capsicum pubescens).

Cera pepper (Capsicum pubescens) is an exotic fruit considered as a rich source of nutraceuticals with known benefits for human health and also an economic resource for local producers in Mexico. The present investigation reports on the in vitro and in situ antifungal activity of the essential oil from Mentha piperita and its two major volatiles (menthol and menthone) against Fusarium sambucinum, which is a causal agent of soft rot in cera pepper. The application of these components in pepper fruits previously infected with F. sambucinum caused a significant delay (p<0.05) in the emergence of soft rot symptoms. This effect was reflected in the maintenance of pH and fruit firmness during a period of 10 days. The nutrimental content of the fruits (protein, fiber, fat and other proximate parameters) was conserved in the same period of time. The nutraceutical content of these fruits was estimated by the quantification of seven carotenoids (violaxanthin, cis-violaxanthin, luteoxanthin, antheraxanthin, lutein, zeaxanthin and β-carotene), ascorbic acid and capsaicinoids (capsaicin and dihydrocapsaicin). According to our results, the essential oil from M. Piperita and its major volatiles exerted a preservative effect on these metabolites. Our findings demonstrated that the essential oil of M. Piperita and its major volatiles represent an ecological alternative for the control of fusariosis caused by F. sambucinum in cera peppers under postharvest conditions.

Changes in the biochemical components of mandarin fruits after pest control in the Republic of Abkhazia

The study assessing biochemical components (sugars and organic acids) in mandarin fruits after pest control was carried out in matured plantings of cv. Unshiu mandarin in the Republic of Abkhazia in 2019-2020. The treated fruits contained a greater amount of soluble carbohydrates than the fruits in control. The predominant form of monosaccharides is fructose (17.78-17.85 g/l, with 11.89 g/l in the control) in the fruits from the standard treatment and in variant 6 (with a combination of Metamax, Vermitek and Karate Zeon), which is preferable, since it has the greatest sweetness (173 units), providing a sweeter taste of the fruit. According to the content of organic acids, variants 6 and 8 (four treatments with Diatomite, 6%) were distinguished, the content of citric acid on which was 11.86-11.3 mg/l. A more balanced taste of the fruit was in variants 6, 7 (four treatments with Diatomite, 3%) and 8 (sugar-acid index from 7.7 to 7.9 units). Taking into account the content of basic acids and sugars in mandarin fruits, it is possible to predict the impact of insecticides and their combinations on their basic taste properties.

Comparative analyses of five drying techniques on drying attributes, physicochemical aspects, and flavor components of Amomum villosum fruits

Amomum villosum fruit is an attractive spice owing to its pleasant aromatic properties, and drying is an efficacious way to maintain its therapeutic and trading values. In this study, Amomum villosum fruits were dried using five drying technologies namely, freeze drying (FD), hot air impingement drying (HAID), hot air drying with temperature and humidity process control (HADTHPC), HADTHPC combined with radio frequency-vacuum drying (HADTHPC + RFVD), as well as medium-and short-wave infrared drying (MSWID). Quality and drying characteristics were compared. Result showed that FD achieved the best color retention, the lowest shell burst ratio, and the best retention of flavor profiles due to the complete glandular trichomes structure; however, it recorded the longest drying time and the highest energy consumption. HADTHPC + RFVD, combining the advantages of HADTHPC and RFVD, had the shortest drying time, the highest conservation of total flavonoids content (TFC), the best antioxidant activity, and low energy consumption compared with the other thermal drying methods. After drying, the content of esters decreased, while alcohols content increased. GC-IMS indicated the fingerprints of the four thermal dehydrated samples exhibiting similar signal intensities. Therefore, in terms of maintaining quality and saving energy, HADTHPC + RFVD would be a promising drying technology for Amomum villosum fruits.

Variation among 91 stone oak species (Fagaceae, Lithocarpus) in fruit and vegetative morphology in relation to climatic factors

Stone oaks (genus Lithocarpus, Fagaceae) are common canopy trees in the tropical and subtropical forests across China and Southeast Asia, which exhibit both great species diversity and interspecific variation in fruit morphology represented by two major fruit types. Acorn (AC) fruits of Lithocarpus are similar to oak (Quercus) acorns, and enclosed receptacle (ER) fruits generally have larger seeds enclosed by thick lignified fruit husks. It is therefore worth examining the adaptation of stone oaks to a wide range of ecosystems and climatic conditions by interspecific functional differentiation for understanding their diversification. By applying the herbarium-specimen database (20,516 specimens) and records from the Flora of China, we examined the variation in both reproductive (seed, fruit husk and cupule size) and vegetative (leaf length, leaf width and maximum tree height) traits among 91 species, in relation to climatic factors (mean annual temperature and wetness annual precipitation minus annual potential evapotranspiration). We found that even though species representing both fruit types co-occurred over Southern China, they exhibited different correlations with climatic factors: three reproductive components of AC fruits were all positively related to both temperature and wetness, whereas only husk volume of ER fruits representing mechanical protection to seed increased with temperature. In vegetative traits, leaf length and tree height of ER-type species were both negatively related with excessive wetness. Our results suggested that vegetative traits of stone oaks were independent of fruit types and fruit morphological variations. Overall, the distinctive correlation between interspecific reproductive and vegetative traits with climatic factors could be important in the diversification of the stone oaks in the tropical and subtropical evergreen broad-leaved forests.

The effect of biodynamic preparations on growth and fruit quality of giant pumpkin (Cucurbita maxima D.)

BackgroundFood quality of agricultural crops depends on environmental conditions, production system and cultivation method. A plant-based nutrition with food rich in vitamins, minerals and secondary plant compounds with antioxidative properties promotes human health. This investigation was inspired by an increasing global issue on how to improve product quality while using alternative preparations. The main aim of a 3-year study was to investigate the influence of fermented manure and silica products on yield and nutritive components in peel, fruit and seeds of three pumpkin cultivars. In four replicates as block design, the effects of individually as well as combined application of biodynamic horn manure and horn silica preparation were compared to a control variant.ResultsHorn manure application significantly increased total and marketable yield. Marketable yield, contents of macroelements, total carotenoids, single carotenoids (lutein + zeaxanthin, lycopene, ß-carotene) and antioxidants (catechins, total phenols, leuco-anthocyanins) were significantly increased by horn silica use. The combination of both biodynamic preparations had a significantly increasing effect on total and marketable yield, net photosynthetic productivity, dry matter content and total and single carotenoid contents (lutein + zeaxanthin, lycopene, ß-carotene).ConclusionsThe pumpkin trial results indicated a general growth-promoting effect by horn manure, a quality-enhancing effect by horn silica and a compensatory effect through both preparations on a high qualitative level. In accordance with other investigations, these effects did not occur in the same way in all plant species. Therefore, the effects of the biodynamic preparations should be tested in further trials on a plant species-specific basis.Graphic abstract

Deficit irrigation and leaf removal modulate anthocyanin and proanthocyanidin repartitioning of Cabernet Sauvignon (Vitis vinifera L.) grape and resulting wine profile.

In monsoonal climates, grape anthocyanin and proanthocyanidin (PA) accumulations are unsatisfactory for producing optimal wine. Agronomical practices are often considered to be effective means for regulating fruit components. However, there is a lack of quantitative information on the effects of deficit irrigation (DI), basal leaf removal (LR) or their combination of deficit irrigation and leaf removal (DILR) on the characteristics of anthocyanin and PA compositions and their implications on the resulting wine quality. In this study, the dynamics of grape anthocyanin and PA accumulation were investigated in DI, LR and DILR during grape ripening, and the resulting wine profile was assessed. The contents of reducing sugar and total anthocyanins in Cabernet Sauvignon berries were significantly increased by DI, LR and DILR, while titratable acidity, total flavan-3-ols and tannins levels were generally decreased. Notably, the levels of 3'5'-substituted anthocyanins, such as malvidin and its derivatives significantly increased, and 3'-substituted anthocyanins decreased in both grape and wine under DI and DILR strategies. Skin PAs were sensitive to water deficits, whereas they were insensitive to LR. In resulting wine, PAs content and the proportion of 3'-hydroxylated PAs, such as (+)-catechin, (-)-epicatechin and (-)-epicatechin-3-O-gallate units were significantly decreased under DI and DILR, while molecular mass and the proportion of 3'5'-hydroxylated units of PAs were increased in response to DILR. The DILR was the most favorable for the repartitioning of anthocyanin and PA metabolites, and promoted the accumulation of tri-substituted forms contributing a higher color intensity, mouthfeel persistence, structure, and astringency of wine. This information provides an important strategy for modulating the anthocyanin and PA compositions by agricultural practices and achieving the desired quality of grapes and wines in monsoonal climates. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.

Medicinal Importance of Flavonoid “Eupatorin” in the Health Sectors: Therapeutic Benefit and Pharmacological Activities Through Scientific Data Analysis

Background: Herbal medicines have been used in the health sector for the treatment of human disorders from the ancient time till the modern age. Plant based herbal products have an important place in medicine due to their health beneficial potential and pharmacological activities. Traditional medicines have been used in developing country, such as India to the developed countries such as the USA and Europe. Traditional medicines have been used in the health sectors for the treatment of numerous types of human disorders. Phytoconstituents play an important role in the growth, reproduction and development of the human being. Plant products have been used for the treatment of skin disorders, wounds, and various forms of inflammatory diseases. Flavonoids are a colorful component of fruits, seeds, vegetables, nuts and plants. Flavonoids have been used for the treatment of human disorders due to their vast pharmacological activities. Methods: Scientific information on eupatorin has been collected from different literature sources and analyzed in order to know the health benefit of eupatorin in medicine. All the scientific information presented here is collected from various databases such as Google, PubMed, and Science Direct etc. Pharmacological activity data of eupatorin have been collected from various literature databases and analyzed here to know the beneficial health potential of eupatorin in medicine. However, important analytical tools for the separation, isolation and identification of eupatorin have also been discussed in the present paper. Results: Eupatorin (39,5-dihydroxy-49,6,7-trimethoxyflavone) is a flavone class flavonoidal compound found to be present in the Orthosiphon stamineus, Salvia mirzayanii, Lantana montevidensis, Lantana montevidensis and Tanacetum vulgare. Eupatorin have been used against bronchitis, stomach disorders and various forms of cancer. Eupatorin have a potential role in various cancerous disorders, such as human uterus carcinoma, human gastric adenocarcinoma, breast carcinoma, melanoma and colon carcinoma. Pharmacological data analysis revealed the effectiveness of eupatorin in human cancer and various types of inflammatory disorders. However, the effectiveness of eupatorin against microorganism and enzymes were also presented in the present work with their herbicidal and vasorelaxation potential in the medicine. Eupatorin has a valuable role in the development of adjuvant chemotherapeutic agents. Conclusion: Present review will be beneficial to the researcher to understand the physiological importance of eupatorin in medicine for the development of newer and effective medicine.

BUNCH COMPONENT VARIATIONS OF INBRED PROGENIES IN THIRD CYCLE OF LIMITED BREEDING PROGRAMME OF DURA MATERIALS PLANTED IN PENINSULAR MALAYSIA AND SABAH

A total of 7163 bunches were analysed from progenies with identical genotype derived from the third cycle of limited breeding programme (LBP) of dura materials from 2016 to 2020 in Bayok Estate of Pamol Sabah and Gomali Estate in Batu Anam, Peninsular Malaysia. The bunch components of the identical dura inbred progenies showed significant differences in traits when planted in geographically distant locations. The mean square (variance) analysed through ANOVA between the two locations showed that the bunch components of fruit to bunch, oil to dry mesocarp and wet mesocarp to fruits were statistically significant at probability (p)=&lt;5 per cent to result in a significantly low oil to bunch in Sabah when compared to Peninsular Malaysia. Difference in kernel to fruit percent between the two locations was marginally significant at p=&lt;5 per cent, while shell to fruit percent was marginally significant at p=&lt;0.1 per cent. Although the progenies from Sabah showed heavier fruit weight (in grammes), statistically the difference in weights of the fruit in both locations were not significant. Correlation coefficient matrix analysis indicates that the two major bunch analysis components that affected the low oil to bunch were low fruit to bunch and low oil to dry mesocarp percent which were highly significant at p=&lt;0.1 per cent. The differences in bunch phenotypic components on fruit to bunch ratio could be the result of the seasonal high rainfall in Sabah as compared to Peninsular Malaysia. The high soil water table from Typic Endoaquept soil in Sabah during flood and tidal water could be the reason for low oil in dry mesocarp. The low seasonal fruit to bunch percent is a common annual natural phenomenon in Sabah. Keywords: Oil to bunch percent, parthenocarpy, environmental variations, inbred progenies and oil palm breeding

Aronia melanocarpa polysaccharide ameliorates inflammation and aging in mice by modulating the AMPK/SIRT1/NF-\u03baB signaling pathway and gut microbiota

Aronia melanocarpa is a natural medicinal plant that has a variety of biological activities, its fruit is often used for food and medicine. Aronia melanocarpa polysaccharide (AMP) is the main component of the Aronia melanocarpa fruit. This research evaluated the delay and protection of AMP obtained from Aronia melanocarpa fruit on aging mice by d-Galactose (D-Gal) induction and explored the effect of supplementing AMP on the metabolism of the intestinal flora of aging mice. The aging model was established by intraperitoneal injection of D-Gal (200 mg/kg to 1000 mg/kg) once per 3 days for 12 weeks. AMP (100 and 200 mg/kg) was given daily by oral gavage after 6 weeks of D-Gal-induced. The results showed that AMP treatment significantly improved the spatial learning and memory impairment of aging mice determined by the eight-arm maze test. H&E staining showed that AMP significantly reversed brain tissue pathological damage and structural disorders. AMP alleviated inflammation and oxidative stress injury in aging brain tissue by regulating the AMPK/SIRT1/NF-κB and Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathways. Particularly, AMP reduced brain cell apoptosis and neurological deficits by activating the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway and its downstream apoptotic protein family. Importantly, 16S rDNA analysis indicated the AMP treatment significantly retarded the aging process by improving the composition of intestinal flora and abundance of beneficial bacteria. In summary, this study found that AMP delayed brain aging in mice by inhibiting inflammation and regulating intestinal microbes, which providing the possibility for the amelioration and treatment of aging and related metabolic diseases.

A Fatty Acid Fraction Purified From Sea Buckthorn Seed Oil Has Regenerative Properties on Normal Skin Cells.

In recent years, natural product's research gained momentum, fueled by technological advancement and open availability of research data. To date, sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L. [Elaeagnaceae]) plant parts, especially berries, are well characterized and repeatedly tested for antioxidant activity and regenerative properties, in various cell types and tissues. However, fatty acids (FA) have been less investigated in term of biological effects, although, they are important bioactive components of the sea buckthorn fruit and oil. The aim of our work was to determine whether sea buckthorn seed oil is a suitable source of FA with regenerative properties on normal skin cells. Using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and liquid chromatography – mass spectrometry (LC-MS), we purified and characterized four fractions enriched in saturated (palmitic) and non-saturated (linoleic, alfa-linolenic, oleic) FA, which were tested for cytotoxicity, cytokine and growth factor production, and regenerative effect on normal keratinocytes and skin fibroblasts. Evidence is presented that the palmitic acid enriched fraction was a suitable sea buckthorn seed oil derived product with cell proliferation properties on both skin cell types.

Not only manganese, but fruit component effects dictate the efficiency of fruit juice as an oral magnetic resonance imaging contrast agent.

Several fruit juices are used as oral contrast agents to improve the quality of images in magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography. They are often preferred to conventional synthetic contrast agents because of their very low cost, natural origin, intrinsic safety, and comparable image qualities. Pineapple and blueberry juices are the most employed in clinical practice due to their higher content of manganese(II) ions. The interest of pharmaceutical companies in these products is testified by the appearance in the market of fruit juice derivatives with improved contrast efficacy. Here, we investigate the origin of the contrast of blueberry juice, analyze the parameters that can effect it, and elucidate the differences with pineapple juice and manganese(II) solutions. It appears that, although manganese(II) is the paramagnetic ion responsible for the contrast, it is the interaction of manganese(II) with other juice components that modulates the efficiency of the juice as a magnetic resonance contrast agent. On these grounds, we conclude that blueberry juice concentrated to the same manganese concentration of pineapple juice would prove a more efficient contrast agent than pineapple juice.

Chemical components change along the ontogeny of a bat fruit (Neolamarckia cadamba) with ripening asynchrony in favour of its fruit selection and seed dispersal.

An asynchronous fruit-ripening strategy can enhance the chance of seed dispersal by providing ripe fruits for an extended period to foragers. However, mechanisms associated with this strategy that can facilitate seed dispersal are understudied. This study aimed to investigate whether the chemical components (minerals and secondary metabolites) of a bat fruit with ripening asynchrony change along its ontogeny (Rubiaceae: Neolamarckia cadamba). We predicted that the seed-to-pulp ratio would increase along with fruit ripeness. The chemical components of the fruit were also predicted to change along their ontogenesis in favour of fruit selection and seed dispersal by fruit bats. Our study shows that the asynchronous fruiting strategy limited the number of ripe fruits daily so that fruits were available at a steady rate. As predicted, the seed-to-pulp ratio of each fruit increased along with fruit development. A fruit's mineral concentration also increased as fruit developed, with a sharp jump at full ripeness, when fruit colour also changed. In contrast, the concentration of secondary metabolite compositions decreased gradually during the process of ontogeny. Fruit bats (Pteropodidae: Pteropus giganteus and Cynopterus sphinx) were the only nocturnal frugivore visitors of these trees and their fruit selection was driven by fruit size and colour. Both bats preferably consumed ripe fruits, which had a higher concentration of attractants (essential minerals) and a lower concentration of deterrents (secondary metabolites), supplemented with a higher seed-to-pulp ratio. The bats exhibited different foraging patterns and home ranges resulting in dispersal (as measured by feeding roost location) occurring across different spatial scales. Our study shows that the chemical components involved in an asynchronous fruit-ripening process could select for extended fruit availability by intensifying the demand for each ripe fruit among legitimate seed dispersers, which increases the likelihood of fruits being dispersed away from parent crowns.

Designing Functional Fruit-Based Recovery Drinks in Powder Form That Contain Electrolytes, Peptides, Carbohydrates and Prebiotic Fiber Taking into Account Each Component's Osmolality.

High levels of osmolalities have been found in manufactured carbohydrate-based functional drinks that occasionally include added protein; however, fruit components rich in bioactive ingredients have been absent. It has proved difficult to obtain recovery drinks based on natural fruit components that deliver calories and nutrients to the body whilst simultaneously ensuring that the body is adequately hydrated after physical exertion; the problem being that it is difficult to ensure the drinks’ stability at low pH levels and maintain an appropriate sensory quality. This study aims to develop drinks based on natural fruit components that contain added electrolytes, carbohydrates, prebiotic fiber and protein; an improved water and electrolyte balance; the calories needed after intense physical exertion; a high content of nutrients; and a favorable sensory quality. Furthermore, the relationships between regressive osmolalities of beverage components are herein investigated. The study materials were raspberry powders (prepared via fluidized-bed jet milling, drying, freeze-drying and spray-drying) as well as citrated sodium, potassium, magnesium salts, isomaltulose, hydrolyzed collagen, whey protein isolate and prebiotic fiber. The drinks’ polyphenols and antioxidant properties were measured spectrophotometrically, whilst vitamin C content was determined using high-pressure liquid chromatography. The sensory qualities of each drink were assessed according to a scaling method. Six test versions of recovery drinks were prepared in which osmolalities ranged from 388 to 607 mOsm/kg water, total polyphenol content was 27–49 mg GAE/100 mL and vitamin C level was 8.1–20.6 mg/100 mL, following compositions defined by the study results. It is thus possible to obtain fruit-based recovery drinks of the recommended osmolality that contain added protein, prebiotics and fiber, as well as defined amounts of electrolytes and carbohydrates. All drinks were found to have a satisfactorily sensory quality. The design of appropriate recovery drink compositions was also greatly helped by investigating the relationships among the regressive osmolalities of beverage components (i.e., electrolytes, carbohydrates, fruit powders and protein).

Effects of Geniposide and Geniposidic Acid on Fluoxetine-Induced Muscle Atrophy in C2C12 Cells

Fluoxetine, an antidepressant known as a selective 5-hydroxytryptamine reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), can cause side effects such as muscle atrophy with long-term use, but the mechanism is not fully understood. Geniposide (GPS) and geniposidic acid (GPSA), the main components of Gardenia jasminoides fruit, have been shown to have biological activity in disease prevention, but their role in preventing FXT-related side effects such as muscle atrophy remains unclear. The process of muscle atrophy is a complex physiological mechanism involving the balance of protein synthesis and catabolism. In this study, we hypothesized that FXT may suppress hypertrophy signaling and activate the atrophy mechanisms, resulting in proteolysis and reduced protein synthesis, while geniposide (GPS) and geniposide acid (GPSA) may be beneficial in improving muscle weakness caused by FXT. The C2C12 cell model was used to examine the expression of hypertrophy signaling (PI3K, Akt, and mTOR) and protein break signals (FOXO, MuRF-1, and MyHC). Our data indicated that FXT inhibited MyHC and promoted MuRF-1 protein expression by downregulating the signaling pathways of p-ERK1/2, p-Akt, p-mTOR, and p-FOXO, resulting in a decrease in differentiation and myotube formation in C2C12 muscle cells, which further resulted in muscle atrophy. However, GPS and GPSA can positively regulate the atrophy mechanism induced by FXT in muscle cells, thereby ameliorating the imbalance in muscle synthesis. In conclusion, GPS and GPSA have the potential to attenuate the muscle loss caused by long-term FXT administration, diseases, or the aging process.