Phenolic Acid Composition Research Articles

Anthocyanin and Phenolic Acid Profiles in Purple, Red and Non-Pigmented Rice during Germination

There is a growing interest in using germinated rice in health products based on their antioxidant properties but studies exploring differences in pigmented and non-pigmented rice types are limited. Therefore, anthocyanin and phenolic acid contents and composition were quantified using UPLC over 6 days of germination in three pigmented (two purple and one red) and one non-pigmented rice genotypes. Most of the anthocyanin content in purple rice, mainly cyanidin-3-glucoside and peonidin-3-glucoside, was lost during the imbibition and radicle emergence phase of germination. By contrast, there were only small changes in free and bound phenolic acid fractions over the 6 days of germination in all genotypes. Vanillic and ferulic acids comprised the main components of the free and bound pools, respectively. Vanillic acid contents, but not ferulic acid, were considerably greater in purple rice than in red and non-pigmented rice. Germination rapidly decreased the anthocyanin content in purple rice, but only had a minor effect on the free and bound phenolic acids in purple, red and non-pigmented rice. The increasing content of bound p-coumaric, ferulic and vanillic acids in germinated purple rice may provide an opportunity to develop rice products as functional foods.

Elevated CO2 Impact on Common Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Yield, Wholemeal Quality, and Sanitary Risk.

The rising atmospheric CO2, concentration is expected to exert a strong impact on crop production, enhancing crop growth but threatening food security and safety. An improver wheat, a hybrid, and its parents were grown at elevated CO2, e[CO2] in open field, and their yield and rheological, nutritional, and sanitary quality were assessed. For all cultivars, grain yield increased (+16%) and protein content decreased (−7%), accompanied by a reduction in dough strength. Grain nitrogen yield increased (+24%) only in ordinary bread making cultivars. e[CO2] did not result in significant changes in phenolic acid content and composition, whereas it produced a significant increase in the deoxynivalenol content. Different responses to e[CO2] between cultivars were found for yield parameters, while the effect on qualitative traits was quite similar. In the upcoming wheat cropping systems, agronomic practices and cultivar selection suited to guarantee higher nitrogen responsiveness and minimization of sanitary risk are required.

Comparative assessment of functional properties, free and bound phenolic profile, antioxidant activity, and in vitro bioaccessibility of rye bran and its insoluble dietary fiber.

In cereals, 95% of dietary fiber is associated with phenolic compounds. The present study examined the functional properties, phenolic composition, antioxidant activity, and in vitro bioaccessibility of phenolics and flavonoids present in rye bran (RB) and its insoluble dietary fiber (IDF). Compared to RB, higher functional properties (WHC, WRC, and OHC) were represented by IDF due to its porous structure. The IDF contained lower free but higher bound phenolics and flavonoids content as compared to RB, whereas highest total phenolics (556.6mg GAE/100g) and flavonoids (378.3mg RE/100g) content were observed in IDF. Results had identified significant differences (p<.05) in phenolic acids composition between RB and IDF determined by HPLC-MS and the total phenolic acids were higher in IDF. The antioxidant capacity of IDF was higher than RB in DPPH, FRAP, ABTS, and reducing power assay. However, the in vitro phenolics and flavonoids bioaccessibility of IDF was much lower because of its high content of bound phenolics and flavonoids. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: A successful comparative study between RB and its IDF has been conducted in this research work that edifies the health benefits associated with the phytochemicals linked with RB and IDF. The present study also carries rich information regarding the cereal chemistry of RB that truly facilitates the food developers to specifically focus on the bioaccessibility of phenolic compounds present in IDF and RB. The findings about the functional properties and antioxidant capacities of RB and its IDF can also open new research horizons when dealing with food product development tasks, specifically related to therapeutic and medically tailored meals for the targeted customers.

Composition of Phenolic Acids and Antioxidant Properties of Selected Pulses Cooked with Different Heating Conditions.

Pulses are recommended for healthy eating due to their high content of nutrients and bioactive compounds that can undergo changes during cooking. This study investigated the effects of four cooking methods (boiling, pressure, microwave, slow) and three heating solutions (water, salt, sugar) on the phenolic acids and antioxidant properties of three pulses (faba beans, lentils, peas). The composition of phenolic acids differed among the three pulses with p-coumaric and ferulic being the dominant acids. Cooking increased free phenolic acids and lessened bound phenolic acids in faba beans and peas, while decreased both free and bound phenolic acids in lentils. Cooking resulted in reductions in total phenol content (TPC) in faba bean methanol and bound extracts. Pressure and microwave cooking increased TPC in lentil methanol extracts, while pot boiling and slow cooking reduced TPC. Microwave cooking resulted in increases in TPC in bound phenolic extracts from lentils. For peas, cooking increased TPC in both methanol and bound phenolic extracts. Significant changes were also observed in the antioxidant capacity of cooked pulses based on the scavenging ability of DPPH, ABTS and peroxyl radicals subject to the type of pulse, polyphenol and antioxidant assay. Despite the significant reduction in antioxidants, high amounts of phenolics with potent antioxidant activities are still found in cooked pulses.

Phytogeographical profiling of ivy leaf (Hedera helix L.)

Leaves of Hedera helix L. have been widely used for the treatment of productive cough and chronic inflammatory bronchitis. The pharmacological effect may be caused by the presence of many active compounds which also may show additively or synergistically action. The quality of raw material, as well as, the pharmacological activity strongly depends on the phytochemical composition thus, phytoprofiling and phytochemical markers identification are essential for the standardization of herbal materials for comprehensive characterization of herbal drugs. The aim of this comparative investigation was to determine the composition of flavonoids, phenolic acids, triterpene saponins, amino acids, and individual fast-acting antioxidants in H. helix leaf samples collected from different climatic and environmental regions of Europe. The determined predominant phenolic compounds and radical scavengers were 3,5-caffeoylquinic acid and chlorogenic acid corresponding up to 80 % of total radical scavenging activity. These compounds could be chosen as analytical markers. The results have revealed two major phytogeographical groups with characteristic phytochemical composition: the central part and the southern part growing sites, with latter having significantly lower amounts of all compounds tested. The determined patterns of bioactive compounds suggest distinct chemotypes with characteristic phenolic acid, flavonoid, triterpene saponin, and amino acid complexes. Developed and validated analytical methods are suitable for fingerprint profiling of the phenolic, radical scavenging, triterpenic compounds, and amino acids and marker elucidation for standardization.

Antioxidant, Antibacterial, and Anticancer Activities of Bitter Gourd Fruit Extracts at Three Different Cultivation Stages

In this study, we are presenting the effect of three ripening stages of air-dried bitter gourd fruit extracts on phenolic acid composition, antioxidant, antibacterial, and anticancer activities. The results showed mature bitter gourd fruit extract in 100% methanol showing 78% DPPHº scavenging activity. Immature dried fruit extract in 80% and 100% methanol showed promising antibacterial activities, i.e., &gt;18.5 ± 0.21 mm zone-of-inhibition againstStaphylococcus aureus, while mature dried fruit extract in 80% methanol showed 18.4 ± 0.17 mm zone-of-inhibition againstEscherichia coli. Anticancer activity results of 100% methanol extracts of ripened fruit possess showed 6.72 ± 1.81 and 3.55 ± 0.51 mg/mL IC50values with HeLa and MDBK cancer cell lines, respectively. The overall results indicate that the immature and ripen fruits of BG could be extracted in pure methanol as an antibacterial and anticancer phytomedicine.

Quantification of phenolic acids and antioxidant potential of wheat rusks as influenced by partial replacement with barley flour.

This study was investigated to evaluate the phenolic acid composition, antioxidant potential and acceptance of rusk prepared by the progressive replacement of wheat flour with barley flour. The wheat-barley blends rusks were also evaluated for their pasting and sensorial properties. The pasting characteristics of wheat flour was influenced by barley flour incorporation with a increase in peak and final viscosity values with increasing amount of barley flour. The results revealed that incorporation of barley flour into wheat flour improved the nutritional and bioactive compounds profile. The free radical scavenging activities towards DPPH and ABTS+ was found to be higher for wheat-barley blends rusk in comparison with wheat rusk. As evident from total phenolic content, total flavonoids contents and antioxidant activities, barley flour was found to be rich in bioactive compounds in comparison with wheat flour. Supplementation of rusks with 30% barley flour were suggested to be nutritionally superior with an acceptable sensory score and is a successful approach to enrich rusks with nutrients.

Anti-proliferative potential of phytochemical fractions isolated from Simarouba glauca DC leaf

Emerging advancements in anticancer drug discovery research are leaning towards the plant-based bioactive fractions, which is a cocktail of naturally abundant two or more substances with unique proportions, exhibiting greater potential to combat cancers than the individual molecules. Thus, isolation and characterization of anti-cancer activity enriched fractions from plants is gaining scientific attention. Consistent with this view, one of the evidence-based traditional medicinal plants, well known for its anti-cancer potential, Simarouba glauca (SG) leaf has been scientifically examined to identify and isolate the potent anti-cancer fraction. The dried SG leaves were extracted successively with the solvents of increasing polarity. The phytochemical characterization of obtained extracts and fractions were carried out to determine the phenolic acid composition. All fractions were individually examined for anti-cancer property in cancer cells representing lungs, cervix, breast, colon and rectum in vitro. Among all fractions tested, the chloroform (SGC) and ethyl acetate (SGEA) extracts showed potent anti-proliferative effects by triggering apoptosis. In summary, our findings demonstrate that the extracts SGC and SGEA have potent anti-cancer activities compared to other fractions of SG leaf and thus warrant further pre-clinical studies to establish scientific basis for the anticancer potentials of SG.

Biotransformation of phenolics and metabolites and the change in antioxidant activity in kiwifruit induced by Lactobacillus plantarum fermentation.

Changes in antioxidant activity of fruit during fermentation are related to changes in the composition of phenolic acids and flavonoids. In this study, we investigated the effects of Lactobacillus plantarum on the phenolic profile, antioxidant activities, and metabolites of kiwifruit pulp. Lactobacillus plantarum fermentation increased scavenging activity of 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,20-azinobis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) diammonium salt (ABTS) radicals. The content of phenolics and flavonoids was increased after fermentation. Correlation analysis demonstrated that the phenolic and flavonoid content was responsible for increasing the scavenging activities of DPPH and ABTS. Lactobacillus plantarum influenced the phenolic profile of the pulp. Protocatechuic and chlorogenic acids were the predominant phenolic acids in fermented kiwifruit pulp. Gallic acid, chlorogenic acid, epicatechin, and catechins were degraded by L. plantarum. The content of 6,7-dihydroxy coumarin and p-coumaric acid, and especially protocatechuic acid, was increased by fermentation. Metabolic differences in lactic acid, fructose, phosphoric acid, gluconolactone, and sugar were evident between non-fermented and fermented kiwifruit. Lactobacillus plantarum fermentation increased antioxidant compounds and antioxidant activity in kiwifruit pulp. These results provide the foundation to target the functional benefits of L. plantarum-fermented kiwifruit pulp for further human, animal, and plant health applications. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry.

Beneficial Effects of Hydroalcoholic Extract from Rosa Roxburghii Tratt Fruit on Hyperlipidemia in High-Fat-Fed Rats.

Rosa roxburghii Tratt fruit is extensively used as a medicinal and edible resource in China due to its unique bioactivities. In this research, we aimed to characterize its phenolic acid composition and investigate the potential hypolipidemic effect of this plant in a rat model of hyperlipidemia. We evaluated the effects of hydroalcoholic extract of Rosa roxburghii Tratt fruit (HRT) on serum lipids, body weight, activities of lipoprotein metabolism and antioxidant enzymes, and gene expression of lipid metabolism in hyperlipidemic rats. HRT significantly reduced body weight gain and decreased serum and liver lipid levels in the hyperlipidemic rats. In addition, HRT treatment improved the activities of antioxidant enzymes, lipoprotein lipase, and hepatic lipase, downregulated the mRNA and protein expressions of sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1c and acetyl CoA carboxylase, and upregulated the mRNA and protein expressions of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α and low-density lipoprotein receptor in hepatic tissue. The results showed that Rosa roxburghii Tratt fruit is rich in phenolic acids, and that it exerted lipid lowering effects in the hyperlipidemic rats.

Phenolic acids in kernels of different coloured-grain wheat genotypes

The content of free, conjugated and bound phenolic acids in 12 wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) genotypes of 4 different grain colours (standard red, yellow endosperm, purple pericarp and blue aleurone) from 2-year field trial was analysed in the present study. Significant increase (8%) in the total phenolic acid content was observed in the dryer year 2017. Five phenolic acids (ferulic, sinapic, p-coumaric, vanillic and 4-hydroxybenzoic) and cis-isomers of ferulic and sinapic acid were determined by HPLC-DAD (high-performance liquid chromatography with a diode-array detector) in grain samples. The total phenolic acid content of coloured wheat groups varied: blue aleurone &amp;gt; purple pericarp &amp;gt; yellow endosperm &amp;gt; red colour (798 &amp;gt; 702 &amp;gt; 693 &amp;gt; 599 µg/g). The fraction of bound phenolic acids was the major contributor to the total phenolic acid content (91.7%) with ferulic acid predominating (85.2%). Conjugated phenolic acids accounted for 7.9% of the total with sinapic and ferulic acid predominating (47.6% and 19.9%). The composition of individual phenolic acids was similar within these two fractions. The remaining 0.4% was represented by the fraction of free phenolic acids in which the phenolic acid profile varied among the individual coloured groups. Ferulic acid prevailed in red and yellow wheats, vanillic in blue and p-coumaric in purple wheats.

Antioxidant activity and bioaccessibility of phenolic compounds in white, red, blue, purple, yellow and orange edible flowers through a simulated intestinal barrier

This study assessed the phenolics and their bioaccessibility through an in vitro digestion system coupled to a simulated intestinal barrier in eight edible flowers of distinct colors, namely mini rose, torenia, mini daisy, clitoria, cosmos, cravine, begonia and tagete. The antioxidant activity of the flowers before in vitro digestion, in their derived dialyzed and non-dialyzed fractions was evaluated using distinct approaches. All flowers presented in their composition phenolic acids, stilbenes, flavanol, anthocyanin, flavonol and flavanone, however distinct compounds and contents were found in each flower. The bioaccessibility varied among the phenolics and within the flower source (p < 0.05). Cosmos presented the highest (p < 0.05) content of phenolics and activity in ORAC assay before in vitro digestion and in dialyzed and non-dialyzed fraction; the observed activity was correlated (r = 0.9) to its major compounds, hesperidin and rutin, as well as to caftaric acid and procyanidin B2. Mini rose displayed the highest antioxidant activity in FRAP and DPPH assays before in vitro digestion; its dialyzed and non-dialyzed fraction showed the highest activity in FRAP, correlated to pelargonidin 3,5-diglucoside, catechin, epicatechin galate, epicagocatechin galate, procyanidin A2, quercitin 3-glucoside and trans-resveratrol (r = 0.9). In DPPH assay, mini rose showed the highest activity in the non-dialyzed fraction, while cravine showed the highest activity in the dialyzed fraction, which was mainly correlated to syringic acid (r = 1.0), pelargonidin 3,5-diglucoside and epicatechin (r = 0.9). Results show great variability in the phenolic composition and their bioaccessibility among the edible flowers studied. Our findings indicate cosmos and mini rose as sources of bioaccessible phenolics with great antioxidant activity.

Chemical Investigation of Flavonoid, Phenolic acids Composition and Antioxidant activity of Tagetes erecta Flowers

This study was geared towards discovering the chemical profile and in vitro antioxidant activity of methanol (MeOH) extract and its ethyl acetate (EtOAc) fraction of Tagetes erecta orange flowers. A total of 29 known chemical compounds including phenolic acids and flavonoid compounds were identified and quantified using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) technique. The identification was carried out in EtOAc fraction for the first time. Pyrogallol and vanillic acid were highly abundant phenolic acids in flowers methanolic extract and its EtOAc fraction amounted 37.57 and 3.34mg/g dry extract, respectively. On the other hand, apig-6-rhamnose-8-glucose and hesperidin were found to be the major flavonoid compounds detected in MeOH extract amounted 18.34 and 0.66mg/g dry extract, respectively. Furthermore, results asserted that the tested samples were more efficient in the three applied antioxidant methods compared with standard antioxidant references (Ascorbic acid and BHT), especially EtOAc fraction which displayed the most activity against 1, 1-di phenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical with IC50 value 32.5± 0.12 µg/ml. These finding highlighted the use of Tagetes erecta flowers as a promising source of alternative bioactive compounds for both industrial and medicinal uses.

Crop level vs. leaf removal: Effects on Istrian Malvasia wine aroma and phenolic acids composition

The impact of crop level and leaf removal on Istrian Malvasia (Vitis vinifera L.) white wine aroma and phenolic acids composition was studied over two vine-growing seasons. Two crop levels were combined with leaf removal or untreated control in two-factorial design. Crop level showed limited impact on aroma compounds in wine and the concentration of some esters was increased by higher crop level. In contrast, leaf removal increased the concentration of several aroma compounds and especially monoterpenes and esters. The concentration of hydroxycinnamic acids in wine was enhanced only by leaf removal, while no consistent impact of the investigated factors on hydroxybenzoic acids was observed. The obtained results suggest that in cases where environmental conditions are not limiting, increasing the crop level under adequate microclimate in fruit zone has no detrimental effects on white wine aroma and hydroxycinnamic acids composition, potentially leading to economically more sustainable grape production.

Low molecular phytochemicals of Indian dwarf (Triticum sphaerococcum Percival) and Persian wheat (T. carthlicum Nevski) grain

Ancient wheat grain is considered by consumers to be more natural, pro-healthy and better tolerated, so these genotypes are being steadily reintroduced to cultivation. This study presents the content and composition of phenolic acids, alkylresorcinols, sterols, tocols and carotenoids in the grain of Indian dwarf and Persian wheats, extended by characteristics of their kernels (weight, dimensions and colour). To compare these features, four other wheat species (bread, spelt, durum and einkorn wheats) were used. It was found that the grain of Indian dwarf and Persian wheat is similar in weight and dimensions to grain of einkorn wheat, while in colour to bread wheat. Among the tested samples, grain of both new genotypes was the richest source of total low molecular phytochemicals, especially phenolic acids and alkylresorcinols, while being the weakest source of carotenoids. For these wheats, an enhanced share of ferulic acid (93–95%) was found, accompanied by higher quantitative and qualitative variability of homologues within sterols, tocols and carotenoids. In turn, the alkylresorcinol composition was related to wheat ploidy level.

Evaluation of Phytochemical Compositions and Biological Properties of Achillea gypsicola at Different Phenological Stages.

Phytochemicals, which are commonly found at different levels in many medicinal plants, are natural strong antioxidants used in traditional medicine. In this research, determination of differences of phytochemical compositions and biological properties were aimed as periodically (pre-, full and post flowering) and daily (6 am, 1 pm and 8 pm) in Achillea gypsicola Hub.-Mor. The volatile oils belonging to A. gypsicola were obtained by hydrodistillation and analyzed by gas chromatography-flame ionization detection (GC-FID) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS). The antimicrobial activities of the volatile oils were determined with disc diffusion method. The microdilution method was used to determine minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). Total phenolic and flavonoid contents were determined by spectrophotometric methods and antioxidant capacities were evaluated by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical, reducing power (RP) and metal chelating activity (MCA) assay. In addition, the phenolic acid and flavonoid compositions were evaluated by reversed phase-high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC). This study presented a comprehensive report for the first time on evaluation of the phytochemical composition and the biological properties of A. gypsicola at different phenological stages. Thirty-two compounds, containing the major component as camphor, 1,8-cineole and borneol, were detected. Designated harvest time for the highest yield of volatile oils was found to be at full flowering stage-1 pm. It has been observed that the volatile oil composition changes periodically and even daily. Also, in this research, menthol and menthone were found as the composition of volatile oil in Achillea species for the first time. Full flowering stage was found as the richest period in terms of phenolic acid and flavonoid compositions of A. gypsicola for the first time. The species examined in this research showed a high antioxidant and antimicrobial activity in comparison to other studies with Achillea species. The volatile oils exhibited high performances with range of inhibition zones (8.3-42.3 mm) and minimum inhibitory concentration values (2.25-144 μg/ml). Besides, a high correlation between antioxidant activity and phenolic content of A. gypsicola was found. These results suggest that A. gypsicola can be used as a safe source in the cosmetic, food and pharmaceutical industries.

Garlic passion fruit (Passiflora tenuifila Killip): Assessment of eventual acute toxicity, anxiolytic, sedative, and anticonvulsant effects using in vivo assays.

Several Passiflora species are known for their sedative and anxiolytic properties. However, the functional properties of Passiflora tenuifila Killip are still unexplored. The objective of this work was to evaluate the phenolic composition and acute toxicity, anxiolytic, sedative, and anticonvulsant effects using in vivo assays. The whole fruit (peel, pulp, and seed) was lyophilized and used for all assays. LC-MS showed 19 phenolic compounds, tentatively identified as flavonoids and phenolic acids. Acute treatment with single doses of up to 2000mg kg-1 in Wistar rats showed no signs of mortality or toxicity over 14days. The assay of functional effects was performed with Swiss mice, four groups, received by gavage, doses of P. tenuifila (200 or 400mg kg-1 body weight), water, and diazepam (as negative and positive control), and behavior tests were performed after 60min of the treatments. The animals treated with P. tenuifila fruit showed a significant decrease in locomotor activity, indicating a sedative and anxiolytic activity. No significant changes were observed in the rotarod apparatus, suggesting that the P. tenuifila fruit did not cause muscle relaxation. The 400mg kg-1 dose of P. tenuifila exerted a protective effect against pentylenetetrazole-induced seizures, decreasing the severity and not causing the death of the animals. In conclusion, P. tenuifila showed no acute toxicity and had a promising effect as an anxiolytic agent, hypnotic-sedative and anticonvulsant, which could be related to its composition of flavonoids and phenolic acids.

Impact of flour particle size on nutrient and phenolic acid composition of commercial wheat varieties

In the present study, the effect of particle size (PS) on phenolic acid content and proximate composition (moisture, ash, protein, total fat, crude fiber and total carbohydrates) of whole-wheat flour (WWF) was determined. Five different particle size fractions <1.18 to>0.43, <0.43 to>0.30, <0.30 to>0.15, < 0.15 to>0.08 mm, and < 0.08 mm (ASTM recommended), of three commercial wheat varieties (Benazir, TJ-83, Imdad) were used for the present study. Total phenolic acid was determined using HPLC-DAD detections after base hydrolysis of the samples. Proximate composition of each particle size fraction of all three wheat flours were determined by recommended AOAC methods. In all wheat varieties, maximum quantities of total phenolic acids (162.12–554.16 mg/100 g) were obtained from <1.18 to>0.43 mm PS fractions. The maximum moisture content (8.12–8.98 g/100 g) was observed in the two lower PS (<0.15 mm) fractions while ash and protein were highest in the largest PS (<1.18 to>0.43) i.e. 2.10–2.77 mg/100 g and 10.9–11.8 mg/100 g respectively. The total fat (0.24-0.53 mg/100 g) and crude fiber (0.40-0.59 mg/100 g) were highest in <0.43 to>0.30 PS fraction of all wheat varieties. The average carbohydrates (g/100 g) and energy (kilojoules) were ranged from 77.4-79.9, 1502.0-–1518.8 for Imdad; 79.7-84.3, 1518.8-–1527.2 for Benazir; and 78.4-81.1, 1506.2-–1518.8 for TJ-83 wheat varieties. Pearson correlation showed negative correlation between particle size and carbohydrate and energy content and positive correlation with phenolic acids content. This study concludes that particle size has direct influence on the distribution of phenolic acids, carbohydrate, protein, crude fiber, ash, crude fat and moisture in the three wheat varieties.

Phenolic, flavonoid, and amino acid compositions reveal that selected tropical seaweeds have the potential to be functional food ingredients

Seaweeds are a rich source of metabolites, including polyphenols, flavonoid, and amino acids, and have been used as food or food supplements in Asian countries since ancient times. Different metabolites are being reported from seaweeds worldwide, but there has been little reported, so far, on tropical seaweeds of the Arabian Sea coast. Eighteen abundant tropical seaweeds (7 green, 4 brown, and 7 red) were collected from the Saurashtra Coast of the Arabian Sea (Gujarat, India), and their phenolic, flavonoid, and amino acid compositions were studied. Liquid chromatography/mass spectroscopy revealed the presence of important polyphenols and flavonoids. High‐performance liquid chromatography detected ascorbic acid and 19 natural flavonoids, including gallic acid, catechins, myricetin, proanthocyanin, kaempferol, quercetin, apigenin, and lutein. The highest amount of ascorbic acid (26.3 mg/g DW) was detected in Ulva fasciata, followed by Ulva lactuca (20 mg/g DW) and Grateloupia indica (11.5 mg/g DW). All green and red seaweeds contained gallic acid, with the highest amount (9 mg/g DW) in Amphiroa anceps, followed by Caulerpa racemosa var. macrophysa (8.5 mg/g DW) and Caulerpa corynephora (4 mg/g DW). The highest catechin content was found in A. anceps (14 mg/g DW), followed by C. racemosa var. macrophysa and Spatoglossum asperum (11 mg/g DW). Amino acids are primary metabolites that are important in the human diet. Among the green seaweeds, the highest amounts of leucine (0.2 mg/g protein), lysine (0.5 mg/g protein), methionine (0.4 mg/g protein), phenylalanine (0.2 mg/g protein), valine (1.3 mg/g protein), proline (48 mg/g protein), and tyrosine (28 mg/g protein) were detected in Caulerpa spp. The highest amounts of the sulfur‐rich amino acids, methionine (1 mg/g protein), and cysteine (9 mg/g protein), were found in the red seaweed Gracilaria corticata. This study reveals that tropical seaweeds, including Caulerpa spp., Spatoglossum asperum, Stoechospermum polypodioides, Gracilaria corticata, and Grateloupia indica, are promising as functional food ingredients or dietary supplements for daily intake. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: The present study demonstrates that tropical seaweeds, especially Caulerpa species (corynephora, racemosa and chemnitzia), S. asperum, S. polypodioides, G. corticata, and G. indica are rich source of phenolic and flavonoid compounds, including ascorbic acid, gallic acid, catechins, myricetin, proanthocyanin, and essential amino acids. These metabolites are natural antioxidants and own high bioactivity. The article reveals the functional food or nutraceutical potential of tropical seaweeds. As practical perspective, tropical seaweeds such as Caulerpa has potential to be processed further as a functional food or may be explored for the extraction of nutraceuticals.

Profile of secondary metabolites and genetic stability analysis in new lines of Echinacea purpurea (L.) Moench micropropagated via somatic embryogenesis

Echinacea purpurea (L.) Moench is a plant species important for the phytopharmaceutical industry and in horticulture. Currently, there is lack of standardized plant material with an increased content of secondary metabolites in purple coneflower. The following research meets the expectations of the industry, as new selected lines of purple coneflower were micropropagated by somatic embryogenesis. The plant lines were analyzed both in terms of the content of main secondary metabolites by High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), as well as the genetic stability within the line and the genetic distance between lines using Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) and Inter-Simple Sequence Repeat (ISSR) genetic markers. Significant differences were found in the relative percentage composition of individual phenolic acids in the tested plant material. Among six selected lines of Echinacea purpurea, three were characterized by a higher content of cichoric acid in relation to the other lines studied. A higher mean polymorphism rate (>90%) was found with the RAPD technique, with a total of 1427 scorable bands produced (142.7 products per one primer). Unlike the RAPD analysis, ISSRs detected mostly monomorphic loci (63.4%), followed by polymorphic ones (36.6%), while there were no specific loci present. Cluster analysis of both marker systems showed that the tested genotypes were grouped according to their respective lines.