Fruit Components Research Articles

Evaluation of fruit raw materials chemical composition by the content of organic acids and macronutrients

The actual content of organic acids and macronutrients in the samples of purees made of strawberries, black currants, blackberries, cranberries, pears, cherries, apricots was determined in the work. The average value of malic acid mass fraction in the studied types of raw materials was 0.7%, while in apple puree it counted 0.43%. The average value of the sum of potassium and magnesium mass fraction for the presented types of raw materials was 212 mg / 100 g, and the previously determined value for apple puree was 211 mg / 100 g. Comparison of the actual values and reference data of the ranges of malic acid content and potassium and magnesium sum shows the possibility of the fruit component content determination in various confectionery products groups. Organic acids and macronutrients were proven to be used as identification indicators for many groups of fruit raw materials. The factual data on organic acids and macronutrients content in some types of fruit purees made of tropical fruits, which are characterized by very wide ranges, were obtained in the work. The mass fraction of malic acid in the studied samples is in the range from 0.03% to 0.30%. The potassium content ranges from 60 mg to 301 mg per 100 g of product, and the magnesium content ranges from 6 mg to 21 mg per 100 g of product. The preservation of organic acids and macronutrients in apple puree was proved during storage. This indicates the possibility of their use in the confectionery industry as accurate and reliable criteria for fruit raw materials identification in finished products.

Simultaneous determination and difference evaluation of volatile components generated from ginseng fruit by HS-SPME Coupled with GC-MS according to fruit color

Abstract The volatile components of fruits of Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer analyzed to interpret whether fruits color affect volatile components. The volatile components in ginseng fruits cultured with 3 different clolors such as red fruits, yellow fruits and orange fruits were isolated by head-space solid-phase microextraction fiber (polydimethylsiloxane 100 μm) and identified by gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Then, the volatile components compared by principal component analvsis (PCA). As the results, the 23 voltile components were identified from 3 colors samples and consisted mainly of sesquiterpene hydrocarbons. The differences among the different colors of the samples were obvious from the PC1 and PC2 scatter point plot. As the conclusion, The volatile components of ginseng fruits are different from those of ginseng roots. the fruits colors can affect to produce the volatile components of ginseng fruits.

Geniposide attenuates dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis in mice via Nrf-2/HO-1/NF-κB pathway.

Geniposide (GE) is the main component in gardenia fruit. This study aimed to investigate the protective effects and potential mechanisms of GE on dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis in mice and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced RAW 264.7 cells. The in vivo acute colitis experimental model was established by administering drinking water containing 3% DSS to the mice for 7 days. GE was administered to the mice via oral gavage at 20 and 40 mg/kg for 7 days. Colon length, colon myeloperoxidase (MPO) level, serum and colon malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity were determined, and histological evaluation was performed. The levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-1β, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in the serum and colon were detected. The expression of proteins of the nuclear factor E2 related factor 2 (Nrf-2)/HO-1/ NF-κB pathway in the colon was detected. The in vitro model of LPS-induced RAW 264.7 cells to simulate enteritis model. Cell viability, IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α levels in the cell supernatant were measured. The MPO levels in RAW 264.7 cells and DSS-induced mice and MDA and SOD levels in the cell supernatant were measured. The expression of proteins of the Nrf-2/HO-1/NF-κB pathway in RAW 264.7 cells was determined. GE treatment resulted in significant histological changes and reduced the expression of inflammatory mediators IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α the in serum, colon, and cell supernatant effectively. Parenteral nutrition reduced MPO content in the colon and RAW 264.7 cells. GE treatment increased SOD levels in the serum, colon, and cell supernatant. GE restored the protein expression of the Nrf-2/HO-1/ NF-κB pathway in RAW 264.7 cells and nude mice, and these changes were blocked significantly by Nrf-2 siRNA. These findings demonstrated that GE ameliorated inflammation and oxidative stress in experimental colitis via modulation of the Nrf-2/HO-1/NF-κB pathway. Thus, GE could serve as a potential therapeutic agent for the treatment of ulcerative colitis (UC).

Income Generation of Non-wood Forest Products in an Innovative Integrated Crop-Livestock-Forestry System

The wide extension area occupied by babassu palm (Atallea speciosa Mart. Ex Spreng) is usually considered as an important obstacle for agricultural activities, such as crop production and pasture maintenance in Brazil. This study aimed to evaluate the non-wood forest product use and income generated in an Integrated Crop-Livestock-Forestry (ICLF) system using babassu palm as the main forestry component in a rural area of Pindaré-Mirim, a municipality of Maranhão state, in the Amazon Eastern Region, Brazil. In order to rise a well-balanced agroforestry system in numerous rural areas of the country, three main questions were addressed in this study: 1) What is the production of babassu fruits in the system? 2) Is the babassu extractivism income economically suitable for traditional communities of women babassu breakers? 3) Which commercialization scenario of NWFP could generate more income? Data on phenology and fruit production, processing of all fruit components, and commercialization of babassu products were collected in two 12-month seasons of palm production (2017/2018 and 2018/2019). The mean fruit production reached 2,345.49 kg ha-1 season-1, resulting in an estimate of income generation ranging from R$ 8,206.96 ha-1 season-1 to R$ 36,628.54 ha-1 season-1, depending on the commercialization scenario. These numbers were compared to the statewide monthly income per household of R$ 605.00 and to the per capita monthly income of 54% of the municipality of less than R$ 499.00. The real field data and the estimates for two seasons of using babassu palm, as the innovative forestry component in ICLF system, demonstrated that babassu NWFP could generate substantial income for the surrounding user communities. Such innovative agricultural system may contribute to change people understanding, diversifying agrarian production, improving the socioeconomic household welfare, and reducing the long-term conflicts between livestock activities and babassu palm existence in Brazil.

Hesperidin and SARS-CoV-2: New Light on the Healthy Function of Citrus Fruits.

Among the many approaches to Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) prevention, the possible role of nutrition has so far been rather underestimated. Foods are very rich in substances, with a potential beneficial effect on health, and some of these could have an antiviral action or be important in modulating the immune system and in defending cells from the oxidative stress associated with infection. This short review draws the attention on some components of citrus fruits, and especially of the orange (Citrus sinensis), well known for its vitamin and flavonoid content. Among the flavonoids, hesperidin has recently attracted the attention of researchers, because it binds to the key proteins of the Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Several computational methods, independently applied by different researchers, showed that hesperidin has a low binding energy, both with the coronavirus “spike” protein, and with the main protease that transforms the early proteins of the virus (pp1a and ppa1b) into the complex responsible for viral replication. The binding energy of hesperidin to these important components is lower than that of lopinavir, ritonavir, and indinavir, suggesting that it could perform an effective antiviral action. Furthermore, both hesperidin and ascorbic acid counteract the cell damaging effects of the oxygen free radicals triggered by virus infection and inflammation. There is discussion about the preventive efficacy of vitamin C, at the dose achievable by the diet, but recent reviews suggest that this substance can be useful in the case of strong immune system burden caused by viral disease. Computational methods and laboratory studies support the need to undertake apposite preclinical, epidemiological, and experimental studies on the potential benefits of citrus fruit components for the prevention of infectious diseases, including COVID-19.

Dynamic changes of phenol and antioxidant capacity during fruit development of three Actinidia species (kiwifruit)

Three Actinidia species fruit have been used to study the dynamic changes of the phenolic composition and concentration during their fruit development with high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The results showed that there was a clear downward trend of the total phenol contents in fruit of the three Actinidia species, but it was significantly different among them. Total phenol content in fruit of A. eriantha ‘Ganmi No. 6’ was the highest, more than ten times higher compared to the other two species. All nine phenolic monomer of gallic acid, catechin, p-hydroxybenzoic acid, epicatechin, caffeic acid, vanillic acid, rutin, ferulic acid and quercetin were detected in the three species during their fruit development. However, the dynamic change pattern and the proportion of each phenolic monomer as part of the total phenols varied greatly among the three species. During fruit development, the content of each phenolic monomer in fruit of ‘Ganmi No. 6’ was significantly higher than that in fruit of A. chinensis ‘Hongyang’ and A. deliciosa ‘Jinkui’ (P < 0.01), especially the content of gallic acid (up to 620.55 mg/100 g FW). Gallic acid, epicatechin and catechin were the major phenolic components in fruit of ‘Jinkui’, which also contained lower amounts of caffeic acid. However, the fruit of ‘Hongyang’ mainly contained epicatechin, rutin, caffeic acid followed by p-hydroxybenzoic acid. ‘Ganmi No. 6’ also exhibited stronger antioxidant capacity with higher ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP) value and O2− clearance rate than that in fruit of the other two species. Correlation analysis showed that although the antioxidant activity of each of the three species was significantly correlated with the total phenol content, there were significant differences in the types of the antioxidant activities measured, which was correlated with different phenolic levels and compositions in the different species of Actinidia. This study provides a better understanding of the phenolic characteristics of the three Actinidia species and how they affect antioxidant properties. Some of these compounds are especially useful as a nutritional resource for human consumption, e.g., ferulic acid and highlights the potential of new A. eriantha germplasm resource for utilization toward breeding of novel kiwifruit to benefit human health.

Fruit red colorants impact on the antiradical activity determined by DPPH method

This work is focused on the determination of antiradical activity (ARA) by the method of free radical scavenging of 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH). Since the DPPH solution is intense purple-coloured and absorbs at a wavelength of 517 nm, similar to the anthocyanin colorants of fruits, the modification of the method examined the effect of the colour of the sample extracts on the result of the ARA determination. Statistical evaluation of the results of the analyses using Youden's graphing method revealed that the two compared method adjustments gave consistent results over the observed range of antiradical activity. It also showed that there was no statistically significant difference between the mean ARA values obtained by the two treatments. Investigation of the effect of the evaluated fruit components revealed a strong correlation between the content of ascorbic acid and ARA in samples containing no anthocyanin colorants. For the fruit samples studied, ARA values showed a strong correlation with polyphenol content.

KERAGAMAN GENETIK KELAPA DALAM MAPANGET NOMOR 32 HASIL PENYERBUKAN SENDIRI BERDASARKAN PENANDA RAPD

&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Genetic variability of selfing Mapanget Tall coconut No. 32 based on RAPD marker&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The objective of this study was to analyze the genetic variability of seling Mapanget Tall coconut No. 32 used RAPD marker. Ihe method of morphology, fruit component and isozymc analyses could not explain the homozygote level of the offspring and his parents. The DNA analysis was done at Plant Biology Laboratory, PAU, Life Science IPB, and the coconut leaflets samples were collected from Kima Atas Research Instalation, Research Institute for Coconut and Palmae, Manado. This research the study was conducted from November 1999 to Fcbruay 2000. Coconut materials analyzed were DMT 32-OP, DMT 32-S2, DM 1 32-S3 andDMT32-S4. DMT 32-S2 was the offsprings of the selfcd DMT 32- SI coconut seling. and the DMT 32-SI came from the sclfed of DMT 32-OP. Then selfcd DMT 32-S2 produced were found the DMT 32-S3. and selfcd of DMT 32-S3 produced the progeny of DMT 32-S4. DNA was isolated using the method of ROHDE et at (1995), while DNA quantity and quality was using the method of SAMBROOK et al (1989). Then the DNA was ampliied using 10 random primer 10 mer and PCR apparatus of 2.400 Perkin-Elmer System. Ater thai the DNA was elcctrophorated, and photographed using Polaroid 667 ilm, then ihe biner data matrix of each coconut population was calculated lor Ilic number of monomorphism banding was found in DMT 32-S2. Ihe genetic similarity between DMT 32-S3 and DMT 32-S3 was the mosl similar at genetic distance of 90%. DMT 32-S3 resulted from self pollination can be recommended as parent material for hybridization.&lt;/p&gt;

Using orthogonal arrays to obtain efficient and reproducible extraction conditions of geniposide and genipin in gardenia fruit with liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry determinations

The conditions to efficiently and reproducibly extract geniposide and genipin in Gardenia fruit powders were established using Taguchi experimental design approaches to improve extraction recovery. Geniposide, the major iridoid glycoside component of Gardenia fruits, which has been recognized to have choleretic effects, is transformed to Genipin in animals. In this study, the extraction conditions of geniposide and genipin such as solvent types, solvent acidities and boiling times were investigated under the guidance of experimental designs to obtain the highest content in extracts determined with liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) methods. Herbal powders ground from Gardenia fruits, Gardenia jasminoides Ellis and Gardenia jasminoides Ellis var. grandiflora Nakai, were used. This paper has successfully demonstrated the use of Taguchi orthogonal arrays to obtain proper extraction conditions of geniposide and genipin in the above fruits. These design methods are capable of obtaining the optimum extraction conditions in only nine trials in which three factors, namely solvent type, boiling time and solvent acidity are investigated. The results show that solvent acidity is the influencing factor in achieving adequate contents and the other factors only have minor influences. The highest content obtained is similar to the reported data. In addition, using Taguchi orthogonal arrays within four experimental trials has identified that the extraction of ground fine powders results in more reproducible recovery than that of coarse ones.

Data-based agroecological zoning of Acrocomia aculeata: GIS modeling and ecophysiological aspects into a Brazilian representative occurrence area

Macauba palm (Acrocomia aculeata (Jacq.) Lodd.) is an emergent oleaginous crop with undeniable economical potential that occurs naturally from south Mexico to south Brazil. Besides its oils, every biomass component from its fruit has a great manufacturing value, for either food or energy-based sectors. Thus, this paper main objective is to estimate the productive potential of eight fruit components (among oil content, weight, volume and internal structures dry mass) for a wide natural occurrence area of macauba trees, the Minas Gerais State, in Brazil. Prediction was based on six environmental attributes: terrain altitude; temperature; precipitation; solar radiation; distance from hydrography; and water deficit, utilizing Random Forest regression methodology, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and ecophysiological assumptions. All eight fruit components presented high predictability. Temperature was the most influencing factor in almost all evaluated fruit components. The generated predictive maps can support decision making regarding planting orientation or industrial implantation. It is worth mentioning that a given location may have good productivity for a specific fruit component while being disadvantageous for others. This indicates the need for proper planning, management and/or cultivation objective. The study area presents a broad variety of environmental features, suggesting a promising productive potential for the entire specie natural occurrence area. Crop cultivation in adapted ecophysiological areas require fewer resources, what leads to a more sustainable agricultural system, with reduced environmental stress and risk of economic loss.

Some Physiological Observations on Date Palm Fruits during its infestation by the date palm dust mite, Oligonychus afrasiaticus (McGregor) (Acari: Tetranychidae)

The current study aimed to survey the phytophagous tetranychid mite, Oligonychus afrasiaticus (McGregor) Tetranychidae in different regions of Egypt. Also, the effect of O. afrasiaticus infestation on the different components of date palm fruits was determined after one month of filed infestation. The results showed that the O. afrasiaticus appeared infested the date palm fruits in New -Valley, Giza, and Marsa Matruh Governorates only and disappeared from the other tested locations of Egypt. It was observed from the study that O. afrasiaticus infested Barhi Variety (Fresh) with a rare number in Sharq El-Ewinate region (New –Valley) only. On the other hand, Siwi variety (Semi-dry) infested with O. afrasiaticus on date palm fruits in Baharia Oasis (Giza Governorate), Siwa Oasis region (Marsa Matruh), El-Kharga Oasis and Dakhla Oasis region (New -Valley ). However, it was noticed that Samani and Zaghloul (Fresh varieties) did not infest with O. afrasiaticus during this study. The current study indicated that the protein contents were decreased when the fruits exposed to the infestation by O. afrasiaticus where it was recorded 18.6 mg/gm of fruits in infested fruits compared to 26.37 mg/gm in non-infested fruits. The highest level of carbohydrate content was (445.0 mg/gm) in non-infested date palm fruits. While the lowest carbohydrates level (308.0 mg/gm) was found when the date fruits exposed to mite's infestation. The obtained data showed that the nitrogen content of infested date palm fruits was 3.33 ug/gm of fruits but the recorded level of nitrogen in non-infested fruits was 4.37 ug/gm of fruits.The lowest content of phosphorus (3.1 µg/gm) was observed with infested fruits compared with 7.43µg/gm in the case of non-infested fruits. There were slight differences in potassium contents(7.16 and 7.83 µg/gm ) between infested and non-infested date fruits respectively,.The biochemical data revealed that the level of calcium contents was slightly differed (16.4 and 16.67 µg/gm) in date palm fruits infested and non-infested with mite individuals of O. afrasiaticus, respectively.

Uniform honeycomb CNT-microparticles prepared via droplet-microfluidics and sacrificial nanoparticles for electrochemical determination of methyl parathion

Porous carbon-based nanomaterials have attracted much attention because of their specific structure and multifunctionality. We report on a strategy for constructing porous microparticles consisting of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) connected with honeycomb nanopores and their application for electrochemical sensors. The microdroplets containing silica nanoparticles (SiO2NPs) and CNTs are created using a microfluidic device, with droplet size and composition being tunable via the fluidic phases. Solid microparticles consisting of close-packed SiO2NPs and CNTs (SiO2NP-CNT-μPs) are obtained after water evaporation and calcination. Target honeycomb CNT-microparticles (h-CNT-μPs) are achieved after removing SiO2NPs from the SiO2NP-CNT-μPs. The glassy carbon electrodes (GCEs) modified with h-CNT-μPs and Nafion (h-CNT-μPs/Nafion/GCEs) show highly enhanced specific surface area and electrocatalytic activity. Under optimized conditions, h-CNT-μPs/Nafion/GCEs exhibit linear response to methyl parathion (MP) in the concentration ranges of 0.3–20.0 μM and 20.0–150.0 μM with the limit of detection of 0.092 μM (S/N = 3), showing good sensitivity, selectivity, reproducibility and anti-interference. Prepared electrochemical sensors have also been applied for determination of MP in practical samples of tomato and cabbage, showing comparable results to those measured using a high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). This proposed strategy is highly efficient for constructing microscale sensor units considering their size, uniformity and compositions, providing a reliable way for monitoring pesticide and other active components in fruits, vegetables and other scenarios of agricultural and industrial production.

Betacyanins, major components in Opuntia red-purple fruits, protect against acetaminophen-induced acute liver failure

Acetaminophen (APAP) misuse or overdose is the most important cause of drug-induced acute liver failure. Overdoses of acetaminophen induce oxidative stress and liver injury by the electrophilic metabolite N-acetyl-p-benzoquinone imine (NAPQI). Plant-based medicine has been used for centuries against diseases or intoxications due to their biological activities. The aim of this study was to evaluate the therapeutic value of Opuntia robusta and Opuntia streptacantha fruit extracts against acetaminophen-induced liver damage and to identify the major biocomponents on them. Opuntia fruit extracts were obtained by peeling and squeezing each specie, followed by lyophilization. HPLC was used to characterize the extracts. The effect of the extracts against acetaminophen-induced acute liver injury was evaluated both in vivo and in vitro using biochemical, molecular and histological determinations. The results showed that betacyanins are the main components in the analyzed Opuntia fruit extracts, with betanin as the highest concentration. Therapeutic treatments with Opuntia extracts reduced biochemical, molecular and histological markers of liver (in vivo) and hepatocyte (in vitro) injury. Opuntia extracts reduced the APAP-increased expression of the stress-related gene Gadd45b. Furthermore, Opuntia extracts exerted diverse effects on the antioxidant related genes Sod2, Gclc and Hmox1, independent of their ROS-scavenging ability. Therefore, betacyanins as betanin from Opuntia robusta and Opuntia streptacantha fruits are promising nutraceutical compounds against oxidative liver damage.

Analysis of carotenoid content and diversity in apricots (Prunus armeniaca L.) grown in China.

The carotenoids in the peel and flesh of 41 apricot cultivars were qualitatively and quantitatively analysed by UHPLC-APCI-MS/MS, and the L*, a*, b* and quality indexes of the fruits were determined. The results showed that the L*, a*, b* and quality indexes of the fruits were quite different, and 13 carotenoids were detected in the peel and flesh of apricots, among which ε-carotene, α-cryptoxanthin and apocarotenal were newly detected carotenoids in apricots. The total carotenoid content of the 41 apricot cultivars varied from 20.983 to 320.278μg/g FW, and the total carotenoid content varied from 17.353 to 222.098μg/g FW in the peel and from 2.536 to 98.179μg/g FW in the flesh. The main components of apricot fruits were β-carotene and (E/Z)-phytoene, followed by β-cryptoxanthin and lutein. This study shows that carotenoids in apricot fruits have rich metabolic diversity.

Modulation of Endothelial Glycocalyx and Microcirculation in Healthy Young Men during High-Intensity Sprint Interval Cycling-Exercise by Supplementation with Pomegranate Extract. A Randomized Controlled Trial.

The natural components of the pomegranate fruit may provide additional benefits for endothelial function and microcirculation. It was hypothesized that supplementation with pomegranate extract might improve glycocalyx properties and microcirculation during acute high-intensity sprint interval cycling exercise. Eighteen healthy and recreationally active male volunteers 22–28 years of age were recruited randomly to the experimental and control groups. The experimental group was supplemented with pomegranate extract 20 mL (720 mg phenolic compounds) for two weeks. At the beginning and end of the study, the participants completed a high-intensity sprint interval cycling-exercise protocol. The microcirculation flow and density parameters, glycocalyx markers, systemic hemodynamics, lactate, and glucose concentration were evaluated before and after the initial and repeated (after 2 weeks supplementation) exercise bouts. There were no significant differences in the microcirculation or glycocalyx over the course of the study (p < 0.05). The lactate concentration was significantly higher in both groups after the initial and repeated exercise bouts, and were significantly higher in the experimental group compared to the control group after the repeated bout: 13.2 (11.9–14.8) vs. 10.3 (9.3–12.7) mmol/L, p = 0.017. Two weeks of supplementation with pomegranate extract does not influence changes in the microcirculation and glycocalyx during acute high-intensity sprint interval cycling-exercise. Although an unexplained rise in blood lactate concentration was observed.

Cardiometabolic risk profile and diet quality among internal migrants in Brazil: a population-based study.

Studies of migrants can improve understanding of the environmental influence on the risk of chronic diseases. In continental countries, internal migration has been associated with changes in diet and health status. The objective of this study is to assess differences in diet quality and the cardiometabolic risk profile between migrants and the host population. A cross-sectional, population-based study was conducted in the city of São Paulo. The study population included internal migrants, defined as individuals born outside São Paulo city who had lived in the city for ten years or longer. The final population (n = 537) was divided into three groups: natives of São Paulo (45.5%), migrants from the Southeast (26.9%) and migrants from the Northeast (27.5%). The joint interim statement consensus criteria were used for diagnosing MetSyn. Diet quality was estimated using the revised version of the Brazilian Healthy Eating Index (BHEI-R). Comparisons between the data of BHEI-R, cardiometabolic risk factors and MetSyn in migrants and natives were performed using generalized linear models adjusted for confounding factors, respectively. Southeastern and Northeastern migrants younger than 60years had a higher average of for whole fruit and oil components, respectively. Northeastern migrants older than 60years had higher systolic and diastolic blood pressure, atherogenic ratio concentrations, lower HDL-C and were more likely to present metabolic syndrome compared to those born in São Paulo of the same age group. Native and internal migrants from Brazil resident in São Paulo exhibited differences in diet quality and cardiometabolic risk factors.

Bioautographic identification of alder gray Alnus incana (L.) Moench. fruits and geranium meadow Geranium pratense L. rhizomes extracts active components exhibiting synergism of antimicrobial action with macrolides

Annotation. The increase in the number of isolated antibiotic-resistant strains of microorganisms stimulates the search for alternative sources of biologically active substances that have antibiotic-potentiating action and are able to block the mechanisms of bacterial resistance to antibiotics. The aim of the study was to carry out bioautographic identification of the active components of gray alder fruits, geranium meadow rhizomes extracts and preparation “Altan” (extractant 90% aqueous-ethanolic), which showed synergism of antimicrobial action with erythromycin against skin isolates of staphylococci with different MLS phenotypes. Paper chromatography, thin-layer chromatography and bioautography were performed. Statistical processing of results: UTHSCSA ImageTool 2.0, Microsoft Office Excel 2011 On bioautograms of gray alder fruits extract and Altan with subinhibitory concentrations of erythromycin inoculated with S. epidermidis culture (inductive MLS-resistance phenotype), near the start line, areas with clear edges of growth inhibition were detected indicating the presence of hydrolysable tannins. Bioautograms of geranium meadow rhizomes extract showed the presence of compounds with antibiotic-potentiating activity with pronounced hydrophobic properties, indicating the presence of essential oils. In the extracts of gray alder fruits and geranium meadow rhizomes, the active components with antibiotic-potentiating properties, namely hydrolysable tannins and essential oils, have been identified. The fruits of gray alder and geranium meadow rhizomes are recommended for their preclinical and in-depth pharmacological study.

Metabolic analysis of phenolic profiles reveals the enhancements of anthocyanins and procyanidins in postharvest peach as affected by hot air and ultraviolet C

Abstract Anthocyanins are one of the most critical components in peach fruit and are responsible for their visual appearance and nutritional value. In this study, hot air (HA) and UV-C treatments were applied to induce colour development. Peach fruit were treated with HA (40 °C, 4 h) or UV-C (1.5 kJ m−2, 20 min for each side) and then stored at 1 °C for 35 d plus another 3 d at 20 °C. The results showed that anthocyanins, procyanidins (PAs) and cyanidin-3-glucoside (Cya-3-G) increased in response to HA and UV-C during the storage period. LC–MS/MS analysis indicated that most of the individual phenols increased in response to the two treatments. However, l -phenylalanine significantly decreased. HA and UV-C significantly upregulated the enzyme activity and gene expression of phenylalanine ammonialyase to promote the conversion of phenylalanine into downstream compounds. The activities of leucoanthocyanidin reductase and anthocyanidin reductase were enhanced by HA and UV-C, which led to the accumulation of PAs. Besides, the activities of dihydroflavonol reductase, anthocyanidin synthase and UDP-glucose: flavonoid 3-o-glucosyltransferase increased in response to the two treatments, with increased contents of Cya-3-G, leucopelargonidin and pelargonidin-3-G occurring in treated fruit. In summary, HA and UV-C promoted the synthesis of anthocyanins and PAs by enhancing the activities and expressions of enzymes involved in phenylpropanoid metabolism.

Research Advances on Biosynthesis, Regulation, and Biological Activities of Apocarotenoid Aroma in Horticultural Plants

Apocarotenoids, which play important roles in the growth and development of horticultural plants, are produced by the action of carotenoid cleavage oxygenase (CCO) family members or nonenzymatic cleavage actions. Apocarotenoids are commonly found in leaves, flowers, and fruits of many horticultural plants and participate in the formation of pigments, flavors, hormones, and signaling compounds. Some of them are recognized as important aroma components of fruit and flower with aromatic odor, such as βß-ionone, β-damascenone, and 6-methyl-5-hepten-2-one in tomato fruit, and have low odor thresholds with β-ionone having odor threshold of only 0.007 ppb. In this review, the main apocarotenoid aroma components in horticultural plants were listed, and factors influencing their production were discussed at first. Then, the biosynthetic pathway of apocarotenoid aromas was briefly introduced, and the CCDs gene family was highlighted, and the nonenzymatic production of apocarotenoid aromas was also mentioned. Next, chemical and molecular regulations of apocarotenoid aromas and their biological activities were summarized. Finally, further exploration aspects needed were suggested. We anticipate that this review can afford some crucial information for comprehensive application of apocarotenoid volatile compounds in horticultural plants.

Optimization of a fruit juice cocktail containing soursop, pineapple, orange and mango using mixture design

A simplex lattice mixture design was used to optimize the formulation of a juice cocktail containing soursop, pineapple, mango and orange, based on physicochemical and sensory attributes of the cocktail. In this study, juice from soursop, pineapple, mango and orange were the components. Physicochemical and sensory parameters were determined using standard methods. Mixture regression models explained up to 99% of the variability in the experimental data. Cox response trace plots generated from the fitted models indicated that pH of the cocktail (ranging from 4.0 to 4.2) was greatly influenced by orange, pineapple and soursop. Increasing amounts of soursop juice resulted in a reduction in °Brix and b* value, which indicates yellowness. Whereas taste of the cocktail was positively influenced by all the components, only extreme amounts of soursop or high amounts of either pineapple or mango enhanced product likeness. Results of the optimization indicated that high amounts of pineapple juice is required to achieve the best cocktail containing these four fruit components. The study demonstrates the potential of utilizing soursop in a juice cocktail together with popular tropical fruits.