Anthocyanin Content Research Articles

A computer vision system and machine learning algorithms for prediction of physicochemical changes and classification of coated sweet cherry

The current research utilized visual characteristics obtained from RGB images and qualitative characteristics to investigate changes in surface defects, predict physical and chemical characteristics, and classify sweet cherries during storage. It was achieved with the help of ANN (Artificial Neural Network) and ANFIS (Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Inference System) models. The ANN used in this study was a Multilayer Perceptron (MLP) with SigmoidAxon and TanhAxon threshold functions, trained with the Momentum training function. Additionally, ANFIS with a Mamdani system and Triangle, Gauss, and Trapezoidal membership functions, was employed to predict sweet cherries' physical and chemical properties and their quality classification. Both models incorporate four algorithms. Additionally, the algorithms use color statistical features and color texture features combined with physical and chemical properties, including weight loss, firmness, titratable acidity, and total anthocyanin content. The image color and texture characteristics were used by ANN and ANFIS models to predict physical and chemical properties with high accuracy. ANN and ANFIS models accurately estimate sweet cherry quality grades in all four algorithms with over 90% accuracy. According to the findings, the ANN and ANFIS models have demonstrated satisfactory performance in the qualitative classification and prediction of sweet cherries' physical and chemical properties.

Comparison of nutritional, antinutritional, and phenolic compositions of Justicia wynaadensis (Nees) T.Anderson plant from Kodagu region of Karnataka harvested at different seasons

BACKGROUND: Medicinal plants have been utilized across different cultures as a source of therapeutic compounds. The present study delves into assessing the medicinal properties of the Indigenous plant, Justicia wynaadensis endemic to the Western Ghats of India, especially Kodagu, Karnataka, where it is consumed during specific periods for its believed health benefits. METHODS: Analysis of nutrients, antinutrient profile, phenolic content, betalains, and antioxidant property was evaluated using AOAC and standardized methods. The present study seeks to elucidate the variation observed for different harvested seasons of J. wynaadensis for its comprehensive composition. RESULTS: The available carbohydrates ranged from 746 to 16.50 and 6.54 to 13.30 g/100 g in the leaf and stem parts of the plant, respectively. Total phenolic content varied from 0.82 to 1.21 g gallic acid equivalent/100 g, whereas, total flavonoid content varied from 0.41 to 1.07 g catechin equivalent/100 g. Total anthocyanin content and total carotenoid content varied from 8730 to 296 mg C3G/100 g and 3.23 to 23.02 mg/100 g, respectively. Betaxanthin and betacyanin contents were ranging between 0.436-0.986 and 19.13-40.41 μg/100 g. CONCLUSION: The comparison was done for pre-consumption (Season 1, July), consumption (Season 2, August), and post-consumption (Season 3, September) periods and was found for the variation in the nutritional and phenolic compositions between different seasons. The result showed significant quantities of antioxidants during the consumption phase in both the leaves and stem part and maximum phenolic content and minimum antinutrient content in the stem part of the plant. The study validates the traditional practice of consuming the medicinal plant J. wynaadensis by the people of Kodagu district during the August month of the year.

Evaluating the Antioxidant Activity and Stability of Pigmented Rice Extract

This study aims to evaluate the antioxidant activity and stability of the extract of pigmented rice. Pigmented rice powder from 6 different varieties including Subang, Jowo Melik, Andel Abang, Bukittinggi, Cempo Merah, and Cempo Ireng) was macerated using ethanol with concentrations of 96% and 70%. Next, the rice extract was tested for stability to pH (1, 3, 5, 7, 9) and temperature (20°, 40°, 60°, 80°C). Results revealed that extract of Subang black glutinous rice using 96% ethanol resulted the highest antioxidant activity of 11.11±2.04 mg FeSO4/g, with an overall anthocyanin, flavonoids, phenolic contents of respectively 28.22±1.14 mg CE/g, 2.91±1.13 mg QE/g, and 3.46±1.59 mg GAE/g. The physiochemical properties of the rice extract were affected by the difference of pH. The increase in pH resulted in a decrease in antioxidant activity, total anthocyanin, and the values of color attributes (L*, a*, b*, C*, and ºHue) of the rice extracts. Temperature did not affect the physiochemical properties of the extract. The antioxidant activity, total anthocyanin, and color attributes of the rice extract were typically stable when the temperature rose from 20°C to 80°C. The extract at pH 1 and 80ºC treatment exhibited slightly higher yield based on antioxidant activity, total anthocyanin content, a* value, and ºHue with the values of 16.92±1.73 mg FeSO4/g, 33.90±2.33 mg CE/g, 21.55±0.54, and 30.04±0.57, respectively. Keywords: Anthocyanin, antioxidant activity, pH, pigmented rice, temperature.

Comparative Analysis of Shelf-Life, Antioxidant Activity, and Phytochemical Contents of Australian-Grown and Imported Dragon Fruit under Ambient Conditions

Dragon fruit (Hylocereus spp.), renowned for its aesthetic appeal and rich antioxidant content, has gained global popularity due to its numerous health benefits. In Australia, despite growing commercial interest in cultivating dragon fruit, there is uncertainty for local growers stemming from competition with imported varieties. Notably, there is a lack of comparative research on the shelf-life, antioxidant activity, and phytochemical contents of Australian-grown versus imported dragon fruit, which is crucial for enhancing market competitiveness and consumer perception. This study compares the shelf-life, antioxidant activity, and phytochemical content of Australian-grown and imported dragon fruits under ambient conditions, addressing the competitive challenges faced by local growers. Freshly harvested white-flesh (Hylocereus undatus) and red-flesh (H. polyrhizus) dragon fruit were sourced from Queensland and the Northern Territory and imported fruit were sourced from an importer in Queensland. All fruit were assessed for key quality parameters including peel color, firmness, weight loss, total soluble solids (TSS), pH, titratable acidity (TA), total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), cupric reducing antioxidant capacity (CUPRAC), total betalain content (TBC), and total anthocyanin content (TAC). The results indicate that Australian-grown white dragon fruits exhibited average one day longer shelf-life with less color degradation, better firmness retention, and less decline in weight loss, TSS, and acidity compared to imported fruits. Australian-grown red dragon fruits showed similar shelf-life compared to fruits from overseas. Antioxidant activities and phytochemicals were consistently higher in Australian-grown fruits throughout their shelf-life. These findings indicate that Australian-grown dragon fruits offer better physical quality and retain more nutritional value, which could enhance their marketability.

An in-depth study of anthocyanin synthesis in the exocarp of virescens and nigrescens oil palm: metabolomic and transcriptomic analysis.

Oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) is a very important tropical woody oil plant with high commercial and ornamental value. The exocarp of the oil palm fruit is rich in anthocyanosides and proanthocyanidins, which not only give it a bright colour, but also mark the maturity of the fruit. The study of the dynamic change pattern of anthocyanoside content and important anthocyanoside metabolism-related regulatory genes during oil palm ripening is conducive to the improvement of the ornamental value of oil palm and the determination of the optimal harvesting period of the fruits. We analyzed the virescens oil palm (AS) and nigrescens oil palm (AT) at 95 days (AS1, AT1), 125 days (AS2, AT2) and 185 days (AS3, AT3) after pollination were used as experimental materials for determining the changes in the total amount of anthocyanins as well as their metabolomics and transcriptomics studies by using the LC-MS/MS technique and RNA-Seq technique. The results showed that the total anthocyanin content decreased significantly from AS1 (119µg/g) to AS3 (23µg/g), and from AT1 (1302µg/g) to AT3 (170µg/g), indicating a clear decreasing trend during fruit development. Among them, the higher flavonoids in AS and AT included anthocyanins such as peonidin-3-O-rutinoside (H35), pelargonidin-3-O-rutinoside (H21), and cyanidin-3-O-glucoside (H7), as well as condensed tannins such as procyanidin B2 (H47), procyanidin C1 (H49), and procyanidin B3 (H48). Notably, nine genes involved in the anthocyanin biosynthetic pathway exhibited up-regulated expression during the pre-development stage of oil palm fruits, particularly during the AS1 and AT1 periods. These genes include: Chalcone synthase (CHS; LOC105036364); Flavanone 3-hydroxylase (F3H; LOC105054663); Dihydroflavonol 4-reductase (DFR; LOC105040724, LOC105048473); Anthocyanidin synthase (ANS; LOC105035842), UDP-glucose: flavonoid 3-O-glucosyltransferase (UFGT; LOC105039612); Flavonoid 3',5'-hydroxylase (F3'5'H; LOC105036086, LOC105044124, LOC105045493). In contrast, five genes demonstrated up-regulated expression as the fruits developed, specifically during the AS3 and AT3 periods. These genes include: Chalcone synthase (CHS; LOC105036921, LOC105035716); Chalcone isomerase (CHI; LOC105045978); UDP-glucose: flavonoid 3-O-glucosyltransferase (UFGT; LOC105046326); Flavonoid 3'-hydroxylase (F3'H; LOC105036086). Most of differentially expressed genes exhibited up-regulation during the early stages of fruit development, which may contribute to the elevated anthocyanin content observed in oil palm fruits of both types during the pre-developmental period. Furthermore, the expression levels of most genes were found to be higher in the AT fruit type compared to the AS fruit type, suggesting that the differential expression of these genes may be a key factor underlying the differences in anthocyanoside production in the exocarp of oil palm fruits from these two fruit types. The findings of this study provide a theoretical foundation for the identification and characterization of genes involved in anthocyanin synthesis in oil palm fruits, as well as the development of novel variations using molecular biology approaches.

Antioxidant Compounds and Activities of Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) Decoction Residues from Cordial and Juice Production

Roselle is a popular plant in Malaysia, especially for its use in food and beverage production. The calyces of the roselle plant are commonly decocted to make roselle juice and cordial, resulting in a significant amount of waste in the form of decocted calyces. Surprisingly, these decocted calyces retain their dark red colour and are still intact although soften. However, to date, there is no research on the antioxidant compounds and activities of roselle decoction residues from cordial and juice production have been reported. Therefore, the aim of this study is to determine the phenolic compounds and antioxidant activities of the roselle decoction residues. The roselle decoction residues were evaluated for colour, Delta E (∆E), pH, total anthocyanin content (TAC), total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), DPPH radical scavenging assay, ferric reducing ability assay (FRAP), and ferrous ion chelating (FIC). All assays were also correlated and show positive effect among themselves. The decocted residues reported were still in acidic conditions ranged of pH 2 to 4. The decocted cordial residue (DCR) showed similar colour with control or fresh roselle calyx (FRC), and a bit duller in decocted juice residue (DJR). The DCR showed similar and slightly lower antioxidant content and activity of TAC, TPC, TFC, DPPH, FRAP and FIC to FRC but much better than DJR. Therefore, the DCR were still rich in anthocyanin contents and had good antioxidant activity without having colour changes. These residues have the capacity to be converted to wealth and could be an alternative source for natural antioxidants. Further research is needed to explore their potential applications in functional foods, dietary supplements, and pharmaceuticals. By harnessing the potential of roselle decoction residues, we can contribute to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly approach to food and beverage production.

Effect of Sugar on Anthocyanins in Rosella Kombucha Drink

Rosella kombucha is a fermented drink with a high antioxidant content and is known to be a solution that can neutralize free radicals and prevent oxidative stress. The ingredients in rosella kombucha drinks are anthocyanins, flavonoids, vitamin C, and polyphenols. Anthocyanin is a natural color pigment produced by plants. Anthocyanin is an antioxidant that is beneficial for the body. The fermentation process for the rosella kombucha drink was carried out for 14 days. This research aimed to determine the effect of sugar concentration on anthocyanin levels in rosella (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) kombucha drinks. The method used in this research is quantitative experimental with a completely randomized research design (RAL) with 3 samples and 3 repetitions. The independent variable in this study is sugar concentration, while the dependent variable is anthocyanin content. The subject of this research is sugar concentration, with concentrations of 15%, 25%, and 35%. Anthocyanin levels were measured using a visible spectrophotometer using a wavelength of 700 nm. Data analysis used in this research used the Shapiro-Wilk test and the One Way ANOVA test. The results of the data analysis show that the highest average is found in the F3 sample at 38.743900 ppm. The results of data analysis using the One Way ANOVA test showed a p-value <0.05, which means it has a real influence. The lowest pH value was found in sample F3, namely 2. The low pH helped stabilize the anthocyanin levels in the Rosella kombucha drink. The results showed that the sugar concentration used to make rosella kombucha drinks in all samples had a significant influence on anthocyanin levels (p<0.05).

Effect of zeolite on growth, yield, and active substances of genotypes of Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) and its Half–Diallel Crosses

Two field experiments were conducted on the private farms of a farmer in the village of Al-Jilawiyah in Al-Musayyab district (40 km north of the center of Babylon province) for the years 2021 and 2023 for the purpose of studying some genetic features of four genotypes of Roselle and their Half – Diallel Crosses. They gave the following results:The eggplant cultivar excelled in all the studied traits (plant height, chlorophyll content of leaves, number of branches in the plant, number of bolls in the plant, total yield of sepal leaves and anthospanin content), giving averages of (184.86 cm, 42.83 spad, 48.30 leaves.plant -1, 153.50 bolls.Plant -1, 1208.16 kg ha -1, 0.338%) respectively. As for the hybrids, the hybrid (1*2) excelled on the other hybrids by giving it the highest average for the studied traits (plant height, chlorophyll content of the leaves, number of branches, number of bolls in the plant, anthocyanin content, giving the averages (191.98 cm, 43.04 spad, 50 branches. plant -1, 157.22 bolls.plant -1, 0.345%), respectively. As for the hybrid strength, the hybrid (1*2) excelled giving it the highest hybrid strength at level Z 10, amounting to 19.97%, while the hybrid (2*4) gave it the lowest hybrid strength at level Z10, amounting to - 0.30%. As for the gene action, it gave the trait of chlorophyll content the highest percentage of heritability in the broad sense, amounting to 99.48%, at the level Z 10, while it gave the lowest percentage of heritability in the broad sense, amounting to 75.65%, for the trait of plant height, at the level Z 10. As for the heritability rate in the narrow sense, it reached its highest average of 60.06% for the trait number of branches at level Z 20. While it gave the lowest percentage of heritability in the narrow sense of 4.16% at the Z10 level. The average degree of dominance was 4.44% for the trait of plant height, while the lowest value for the average degree of heritability was 1.27 for the trait of the number of bolls. plant-1.

Protective Effects of Purple Corn (Zea mays L.) Byproduct Extract on Blue Light-Induced Retinal Damage in A2E-Accumulated ARPE-19 Cells.

This study investigated the antioxidative characteristics of Zea mays L. purple corn cob and husk extract (PCHE) and its potential protective effects against blue light (BL)-induced damage in N-retinylidene-N-retinylethanolamine (A2E)-accumulated ARPE-19 retinal pigment epithelial cells. PCHE had a 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical-scavenging capacity and Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity of 1.28±0.43 mM Trolox equivalents (TE)/g and 2,545.41±34.13 mM TE/g, respectively. Total content of anthocyanins, polyphenols, and flavonoids in the PCHE was 11.13±0.10 mg cyanidin-3-glucoside equivalents/100 g, 227.90±7.38 mg gallic acid equivalents/g, and 117.75±2.46 mg catechin equivalents/g, respectively. PCHE suppressed the accumulation of A2E and the photooxidation caused by BL in a dose-dependent manner. After initial treatment with 25 µM/mL A2E and BL, ARPE-19 cells showed increased cell viability following additional treatment with 15 µg/mL PCHE while the expression of the p62 sequestosome 1 decreased, whereas that of heme oxygenase-1 protein increased compared with that in cells without PCHE treatment. This suggests that PCHE may slow the autophagy induced by BL exposure in A2E-accumulated retinal cells and protect them against oxidative stress.

Effect of brewing conditions on flavonoid, phenolics, anthocyanins and antioxidant contents in hibiscus tea infusion

The hibiscus flowers are cherished for its high aesthetic value and in India it is one of the popular flower cultivated in almost every households due to its religious significance. Besides its hardy nature and wider adaptability in differ agro-climatic conditions. The hibiscus flower has been historically used in Ayurveda and Unani system to cure various ailments. Presently, the hibiscus flowers are being used in various value added products. Therefore, in the present investigation efforts to study variations in secondary metabolites from hibiscus petal tea infusions caused due to drying temperature ( 50ºC, 60ºC and 70ºC), quantity used (1.0 g, 1.5g and 2.0 g) and dipping duration (90 sec, 120 sec and 180 sec). The treatment combination of 60ºC drying temperature, 2 g quantity used and 120 seconds dipping duration obtained as optimized combination of selected independent variables which gave infused tea with high amount of bioactive compounds like total phenols content ( 75.65 mg GAE/g), total flavonoids content (64.73 mg/g catechin), total anthocyanins content (91.54 mg/l), antioxidant activity (88.38% and 0.37 µmol TE/g) along with superior aroma, taste and good colour retention up to 90 days of storage duration.

Perubahan Komponen Kimia Fungsional pada Umbi, Tepung, dan Beras Analog Ubi Jalar Ungu

The purple sweet potato tuber, rich in functional chemical components, offers potential for development into high-value products such as flour, which can then be processed into analog rice. This research aims to evaluate the changes in functional chemical components–namely moisture, ash, protein, fat, carbohydrates, anthocyanin, and β-carotene–along with antioxidant activity during the processing of purple sweet potato tubers into flour and analog rice. The chemical composition of the tubers was found to be as follows: moisture content of 78.00% on a wet basis (wb), ash content of 9.70% on a dry basis (db), fat content of 5.47% (db), protein content of 26.93% (db), carbohydrate content of 58.41% (db), anthocyanin content of 31.79 mg/100 g (db), β-carotene content of 17.73 mg/100 g (db), and antioxidant activity of 65.70%. The composition of the resulting flour included water (6.71% wb), ash (2.40% db), fat (1.06% db), protein (3.80% db), carbohydrate (92.75% db), anthocyanin (3.47 mg/100 g db), β-carotene (1.51 mg/100 g db), and antioxidant activity (45.59%). The chemical content of the analog rice was as follows: water (8.43% wb), ash (1.78% db), fat (1.62% db), protein (4.13% db), carbohydrate (92.50% db), anthocyanin (0.71 mg/100 g db), β-carotene (1.05 mg/100 g db), and antioxidant activity (8.38%). Processing the tubers into flour resulted in a reduction of fat, protein, anthocyanins, β-carotene, and antioxidant activity, while carbohydrate content increased. Similarly, the conversion of flour into analog rice led to decreased levels of carbohydrates, anthocyanins, β-carotene, and antioxidant activity, whereas fat and protein levels increased after transfor-mation into analog rice. The processing stages that significantly contributed to these changes in chemical components included drying, formulation, and extrusion.

Characteristics of ice cream from black soybean sprout juice – red dragon fruit with yolk emulsifier

Black soybean germination into sprouts reportedly improved nutrition digestibility and bioactive compound content. Red dragon fruit (RDF) and egg yolk (EY) can be used as natural and halal colorants and emulsifiers. Black soybean sprout (BSS) juice made non-dairy ice cream with red dragon fruit and egg yolk as an emulsifier. This research aimed to measure the effect of various red dragon fruit and egg yolk concentrations on the characteristics of ice cream made from BSS juice. A completely randomized design was applied to six formulations made using the ratio of RDF : EY of FA (20%: 3%), FB (20%: 4%), FC (20%: 5%), FD (40%: 3%), FE (40%: 4%), and FF (40%: 5%). BSS juice was made using 48 hours of room temperature incubated sprout and water at a 1:4 (b/v) ratio. Filtrate was then mixed with sugar, cornstarch, and salt into a dough, which was then mixed with RDF and EY at various concentrations. Nutritional proximate composition, radical scavenging activity, phenolic content, total anthocyanin content, vitamin C, and sensory acceptance were analyzed. Data was then statistically analyzed using one-way ANOVA, followed by Duncan’s Multiple Range Test. Results showed that higher RDF significantly changed overrun, melting rate, increased moisture content, vitamin C (20.4 – 40.23 mg/100 g), antioxidant activity (34.9 – 62.78 % radical scavenging activity), total phenolics (0.341 – 0.536 mg/g GAE), and total anthocyanin (3.905 – 9.726 mg/kg), and hedonic score, but shorter melting time. The shortest melting time was obtained by ice cream made using 20% RDF and 5% EY, the lower concentration of fruit, and the highest concentration of egg yolk, respectively. The results indicated that BSS juice could be used as the main ingredient to make non-dairy ice cream, with red dragon fruit and egg yolk as natural colorants and emulsifiers, respectively. Keywords: Black soybean sprout, Non-dairy ice cream, Red dragon fruit

DIAGNOSTIK PAPER ANALYTICAL DEVICE (PAD) MENGGUNAKAN EKSTRAK UBI JALAR UNGU UNTUK DETEKSI BORAKS DALAM MAKANAN

Consuming foods containing borax (tetraborate) will cause health problems. However, in reality, borax is often added to foods such as crackers, meatballs, wet noodles, dumplings. These foods are usually produced by unregistered public members, so their quality is less controlled, so routine monitoring of borax levels in food is needed so that the food quality circulating in the community is maintained and safe for consumption. This research aimed to develop simple method that does not use special instruments to diagnose borax using a Paper Analytical Device (PAD) based on digital imaging using natural reagents from purple sweet potato extract. The research design was laboratory research and development (RnD). The research was conducted at Poltekkes Kemenkes Bandung in January-June 2022. The samples used were borax samples at concentrations of 100, 300, and 500 ppm. The research method was PAD based on digital imaging using Image J. This research was carried out by extracting anthocyanins from purple sweet potatoes, then optimizing the anthocyanin concentration extract; pH; measurement time, determining measurement linearity, and validation by determining % recovery. The research results include that the optimum pH is 9. Optimized measurement time is 3 minutes and is stable until the 5th minute, the linear concentration range of tetraborate is 100-500 ppm tetraborate. In the validation test of the PAD method, a recovery percentage of 87.58-87.95% was obtained for 200 and 300 ppm tetraborate samples. The research result will be able to diagnose and monitor borax in food.

Study on Antioxidant Activity of Purple Sweet Potato (Ipomoea Batatas) Juice Fermented with Lactobacillus plantarum B1765

Purple sweet potatoes are a source of anthocyanins, which are antioxidants. However, the anthocyanin compounds in purple sweet potatoes are naturally bound in glycosidic form, so their potential as antioxidants is still limited. Fermentation is one method that can be used to degrade glycosidic bonds to liberate free phenolics so that it can increase the antioxidant potential of purple sweet potato. This research aims to study the growth of lactic acid bacteria (LAB), pH, total titratable acid (TAT), phenolic content, anthocyanin content, and antioxidant activity of sweet potato juice (Ipomoea batatas) fermented with Lactobacillus plantarum B1765 starter culture for 0.2, 4,6,8,10,12 and 14 hours. Total LAB was measured using the Total Plate Count (TPC) method, pH was measured using a pH meter, TAT was measured using acid-base titration, total phenolic content (TPC) was measured using the Folline-Ciocalteu method, anthocyanin content used the differential pH method and antioxidant activity was measured using the radical scavenging method 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) which is expressed in IC50 values. The results showed that fermentation time affected (p<0.05) total LAB, pH, TAT, phenols, anthocyanin levels, and antioxidant activity in purple sweet potato juice. Total BAL increased to reach an optimum of 2.6 x 108 CFU/mL within 6 hours. However, until the end of fermentation for 14 hours, there was still a decrease in pH to 3.73, an increase in TAT reaching 0.426%, an increase in total phenolics up to 324.21 mg GAE/g, a reduction in anthocyanin levels (13.68 mg/L) and an increase in antioxidant activity with an IC50 of 47 .05 ppm which is classified as very strong. This product meets the Indonesian National Standards for fermented drinks and can potentially be a source of antioxidants.

Separation and identification of individual anthocyanins from the petals of some rose cultivars

Rose cultivars represent a source with potential for therapeutical applications due to the high content in bioactive phytochemicals, including phenolic derivatives and lipophilic compounds, such as carotenoids. Anthocyanins, a phenolic subclass, represent the major compounds responsible for the colors of roses. In this study, we have aimed to extract, separate, and identify the anthocyanin compounds found in the petals of 25 different rose cultivars. High performance liquid chromatography followed by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (HPLC-ESI-MS) was used to separate, identify and quantify the individual anthocyanins. The results showed the presence of 9 anthocyanin compounds, whereas the total anthocyanin content of rose cultivars ranged from 20.267-1206.841 mg/100 g FW, from which cyanidin-caffeoyl-glucoside was the most quantitatively represented anthocianin, followed by cyanidin-glucoside and pelargonidin-glucoside. In addition to this, the antioxidant activity was applied using the established DPPH in vitro method (1403 ± 301-304 ± 37 µmol TE/g FW), as well as the total phenolic content (2600±452-208±23 mg GAE/100 g FW) and the total flavonoid content (160±23-705±49 mg QE/100 g FW). Among the evaluated cultivars, the highest content in anthocyanin was determined for the ‘Amalia’ cultivar. Between the 25 rose cultivars analyzed, the varieties ‘Amalia’, ‘Foc de tabără’, ‘Fruhrot’, and ‘First Red’ followed as being the richest in anthocyanins content and the lowest values were recorded for the varieties ‘Jimini Cricket’, ‘Cri-Cri’, ‘Fortuna’, and ‘Zburlici’. The same trend was observed for the total phenolic and total flavonoid content but also the antioxidant activity. The importance of analyzing anthocyanin content in different rose varieties came from the use of anthocyanins as natural dyes, having potential pharmaceutical ingredients that give various beneficial health effects.

Combination of medicinal plants with antibiotics against Klebsiella pneumoniae and Acinetobacter baumannii

Background and aims: One essential plant-based strategy to deal with infections is antimicrobial synergism, which can make antimicrobials more efficient. The aim of this study was to investigate the interaction between these extracts and two widely used antibiotics, meropenem and gentamicin, on two multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria, K. pneumoniae and A. baumannii, in vitro. Methods: Different concentrations of Rosa damascena Mill., Malva sylvestris L., and Zataria multiflora Boiss. hydroalcoholic extracts (2-fold serial dilution from 131072 to 256 μg/mL) were administered against two MDR bacteria, and their combination with gentamicin and meropenem (serial dilution from 32 to 0.015 μg/mL) was investigated by the resazurin-based microdilution and the checkerboard method. The phytochemical properties of the extracts were also examined, and the total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), anthocyanin content, and antioxidant capacity of the extracts were determined. Results: Z. multiflora and R. damascena showed high antibacterial activity, and their minimal inhibitory concentrations on Acinetobacter baumannii were 1024 and 2048 μg/mL, respectively. Z. multiflora also had high TFC, TPC, and antioxidant activity and demonstrated additive interaction with meropenem and gentamicin with fractional inhibitory concentrations of 1 and 0.75, respectively. Conclusion: We suggest the potency of Z. multiflora-antibiotic combinations in treating MDR A. baumannii after future clinical studies.

Storage Effects on the Physicochemical Properties, Phytochemical Composition, and Sugars in Red-Fleshed Cultivars, ‘Rubycot’ Plumcot, and ‘Queen Garnet’ Plum

Domestic storage conditions can have a significant impact on the composition of phytochemicals and sugars in stone fruits. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of two domestic storage temperatures (4 and 23 °C) on the physicochemical properties, phytochemical composition, and sugars of ‘Rubycot’ (RC) plumcot, a novel stone fruit variety, and ‘Queen Garnet’ (QG) plum. Initially, RC had a lower total anthocyanin concentration (TAC) than QG, but TAC in RC increased significantly (p < 0.05) during storage, peaking at +95% after 7 days at 23 °C, while QG reached +60% after 14 days. At 4 °C, TAC increased for both varieties (RC +30%, QG +27%). RC had a higher initial total phenolic content (TPC), which also increased for both fruits. QG had a significantly higher initial total quercetin concentration (TQC), increasing by 40% (p < 0.05) at 23 °C. The initial total carotenoid concentration in QG was higher than that in RC, but after 10 days at 23 °C, RC had a higher carotenoid concentration than QG. Both varieties showed similar sugar profiles, with QG starting higher but decreasing over time at both storage temperatures. Results from this study showed that ambient storage significantly increases total anthocyanins, total quercetins, and TPC in RC and QG. However, it is important to evaluate the textural and sensory properties of stored RC and QG in terms of consumer acceptability of the stored fruits.

Chlamydomonas sp. extract meliorates the growth and physiological responses of 'Camarosa' strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa Duch) under salinity stress.

Microalgae like Chlamydomonas are beneficial organisms employed as biological stimulants to improve plants' growth, fruit quality, and stress tolerance. In the current study, the effects of Chlamydomonas sp. foliar spraying (0, 20, and 40 ml L-1) were assayed on Camarosa strawberry plants under salinity stress (0, 40, and 80 mM NaCl). The results showed that the foliar application of Chlamydomonas extract influenced strawberry's morphological, physiological, and biochemical characteristics under salinity stress. Foliar treatment of Chlamydomonas extract with and without salinity stress increased the leaf number and leaf area, the leaf relative water content, and photosynthetic pigments content. Moreover, the foliar application of Chlamydomonas extract decreased lipid peroxidation and hydrogen peroxide content and, on the other hand, enhanced the antioxidant enzymes activity (superoxide dismutase, guaiacol peroxidase, and peroxidase), phenolics, flavonoids, and anthocyanins content under salinity stress. For instance, the highest total antioxidant capacity was found in the plants foliar treated with 40 ml L-1of Chlamydomonas algae extract under 80 mM salinity stress, which increased by 102.4% compared to the controls, as well as the highest total phenolic compounds and anthocyanin's content were 30.22, and 7.2% more than the control plants, respectively. Overall, the foliar application of Chlamydomonas algae extracts, especially at a concentration of 20 ml L-1enhanced the strawberry's growth, yield, and physiological traits under saline conditions. The results with more detailed evaluations will be advisable for the pioneer farmers and extension section.

Potential of sustained deficit irrigation to enhance biological and nutritional quality of pomegranate fruit during storage

BackgroundWhile water availability is important for quality at harvest, it also continues to influence the quality of pomegranates during storage. Reducing the amount of irrigation, in addition to water saving has different effects on bioactive compounds of pomegranate during storage time. This study was conducted to determine the influence of irrigation level on fruit quality changes during storage period of two commercial Iranian pomegranate cultivars (‘Shishecap’ and ‘Malas-Yazdi’). Sustained deficit irrigation (SDI) was applied to plants that received 75% (moderate stress) or 50% (severe stress) of their normal water requirement. A control group received 100% of their water requirement.ResultsAt harvest time and during storage period, fruit weight loss and some biochemical traits such as fruit total soluble solids (TSS), titratable acidity (TA), pH, total phenolic compounds (TPC), total anthocyanins content (TAC), antioxidant activity and vitamin C were measured in pomegranate fruits. Also, the quantity of the produced product was also measured at the time of harvesting. Results indicated that control fruits exhibited more weight loss than those produced under water deficit during the storage period in both years. According to results, fruit TSS, TAC, and antioxidant activity significantly increased during storage period but fruit TA and vitamin C significantly decreased throughout storage period. Also, reduction in irrigation level resulted in a decline in the yield.ConclusionsThis study revealed a crucial link between irrigation level and the quality of pomegranate fruits, despite a reduction in the yield. This included affecting weight loss and the content of bioactive compounds, both at harvest and during storage.

Breeding Rice to Increase Anthocyanin Yield Per Area through Small, Black Grain Size and Three Grains per Spikelet

Rice varieties with high anthocyanin content are often recognized for their vibrant colors and health benefits. The demand for rice with high anthocyanin is increasing domestically and internationally due to consumers becoming more health-conscious. However, the current increase in yield might not raise the anthocyanin content due to its location in the grain pericarp and seed coat, which are relative to the grain surface area. This study aims to develop rice lines to increase anthocyanin yield per production area by improving rice varieties with small, black, and three grains per spikelet. Accordingly, six rice recombinant inbred lines (RILs) were bred by crossing Niaw Dam Chaw Mai Pai 49 (NDCMP49) with Khao Nok (LLR059). The grain color, size, and number of grains per spikelet were selected from the F1 to the F4 population through the pedigree selection method. Six RILs and their parents were assigned in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications under field conditions during the rainy season of 2021 and 2022 in four locations. The results showed statistically significant differences in environmental conditions, affecting productivity and the yield components of rice lines. Consequently, the rice lines adapted to a specific environment, and there were significant differences in genotype. This study identified three RILs with higher yield performance (13-1 (3842 kg/ha), 374-1 (3699 kg/ha), and 903-3 (3550 kg/ha)) compared with the parent NDCMP49 (1996 kg/ha). However, the grain yields were unstable in the three top-yielding RILs due to varying environmental conditions, indicating that selective breeding requires a specific, narrow environment. Based on grain yield and grain size, the RILs performed better in the grain surface area than in the parent NDCMP49. Moreover, only two RILs (374-1 and 903-3) produced the highest anthocyanin content and yield, although this was lower than in the parent NDCMP49. However, the 374-1 and 903-3 RILs produced more grains, black grains, and three grains per spikelet with high yield and moderate anthocyanin content. They can, therefore, be backcrossed to the parent NDCMP49 to increase the accumulated anthocyanin content with a stable, high yield. This work provides a resource of small grains, black grains, and three grains per spikelet in the rice breeding line for breeding programs in the future.