Flavonol Content Research Articles

Comparison of the content of active ingredients and antioxidant, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activities in different parts of Fructus Choerospondiatis

Fructus Choerospondiatis (FC) has been utilized in Mongolian medicine for the treatment of many diseases. This investigation assessed the coloration, five active components, total phenolic and flavonol contents, as well as the antioxidant and antibacterial properties of different parts of FC from eight cultivars, and the optimal cultivar was identified to determine the anti-inflammatory capacity of all parts. The findings revealed that L* and b* values of the dried peel powder were the highest and the a* value of whole fruit powder was the highest. The concentrations of gallic acid, catechin, epicatechin, total phenols, and total flavonoids exhibited a positive correlation with antioxidant activity. A comprehensive analysis revealed that the peel contained a greater abundance of active compounds and exhibited stronger antioxidant and antibacterial properties compared to other parts. RPNO.1 can be used as the source of high-quality FC for clinical application. In vivo anti-inflammatory experiments indicated that both the flesh and peel of RPNO.1 displayed the highest anti-inflammatory effect. This research not only addressed the gap in studies regarding FC’ s anti-inflammatory properties but also proved that the peel of FC, which was often discarded, had utilization value and could be used as a medicinal herb.

The Effect of Temperature and UV Manipulation on Anthocyanins, Flavonols, and Hydroxycinnamoyl-Tartrates in cv Nebbiolo Grapes (Vitis vinifera L.).

This research aimed to identify the effects of increased temperature and decreased ultraviolet (UV) exposure on berry characteristics and quality parameters of cv Nebbiolo, identifying the potential risks associated with climate change for the quality of grapes and the identity of Barolo wine. This two-year research (2022 and 2023) was performed in three vineyards, located at different elevations in La Morra (Piedmont, northwestern Italy), monitored from the beginning of veraison to harvest. A split-plot design was set up, applying a passive greenhouse amplifying temperature in the bunch zone ('T' = increased temperature; 'C' = control temperature) and UV-blocking plastics over individual bunches ('1' = full UV exposure; '0' = UV-blocked). Berry weight, skin weight, and juice total soluble solids were measured. Grape skin anthocyanins, flavonols, and hydroxycinnamic acid tartaric esters were analyzed by HPLC-DAD. Both treatments negatively influenced the berry weight but not the skin weight; the increased T had a negative impact on the sugar per berry content. Limited UV and increased temperature negatively impacted total anthocyanins at harvest and on di-hydroxylated anthocyanins. Limited UV-depressed flavonol concentration and high temperature decreased their synthesis. Increased UV promoted cis-p-coumaroyl tartaric acid and decreased trans-p-coumaroyl tartaric acid. The results of this research are valuable for improving the quality production of Nebbiolo through understanding the impacts of increased temperature and alterations to UV exposure expected by climate change.

VviMYB24 positively regulates flavonol biosynthesis in response to moderate drought stress in ‘Cabernet Sauvignon’ grape seedlings

Drought is a kind of adversity that has always severely restricted the growth of grapes. Flavonols, as flavonoid compounds, are abundant in grapes and have an indispensable function in resisting drought. Hereafter, the objectives of this investigation were to identify key drought-induced transcription factors in grape and explore their roles and regulatory networks in the flavonol-mediated drought response mechanism. In this study, one-year-old cutting seedlings of ‘Cabernet Sauvignon’ grape were used as experimental materials, cultivated in a solar greenhouse, and subjected to moderate drought treatment. The physiological and biochemical parameters related to stress and flavonol content in plant tissues were determined, and gene expression, functional validation, and transcriptional regulation relationships were explored. The results showed that the growth of grape plants was affected under drought conditions, the flavonol accumulation and the expression level of VviMYB24 were significantly induced by drought stress. Overexpression of VviMYB24 reduced the degree of cytoplasmic membrane damage and induced flavonol biosynthesis to confer drought tolerance in Arabidopsis plants and grape callus. Further study revealed that VviMYB24 can interact with the bHLH transcription factor VviMYC2b, which was positively responsive to drought, and they could activate VviFLS5 expression individually and/or in combination in the form of a complex. Interestingly, VviMYB24 could positively regulate VviMYC2b expression to form a transcriptional cascade, enhancing the function of the complex. Transient overexpression of VviMYB24, VviMYC2b, and VviFLS5 in grape leaves promoted the drought-responsive flavonol accumulation. Overall, the above data elucidated that the VviMYB24-VviMYC2b-VviFLS5 module positively regulates drought-induced flavonol biosynthesis in response to drought stress in grape, which contributes to further grape drought resistant breeding and variety improvement through biotechnology.

Morphological and physiological characteristics of two neotropical plants in veredas with different levels of drying

Objective: The propose of this study was to investigate whether the species Copaifera oblongifolia (Fabaceae) and Macairea radula (Melastomataceae), occurring in veredas with different levels of drying, show differences in plant architecture (morphological traits) and foliar compound levels (physiological characteristics). Methods: Sampling was conducted in two veredas, which are Vereda da Almescla (preserved vereda) and Vereda do Peruaçu (degraded vereda in an advanced drying stage) located in the northern region of Minas Gerais, Brazil. Data on morphological traits (height, circumference above ground, and canopy width) and foliar compounds (concentrations of chlorophyll, nitrogen, and flavonols) were collected from 15 individuals of each species in each vereda. Results: The results showed that the structural characteristics of the studied species did not differ between the analyzed veredas. Similarly, foliar compounds did not exhibit significant differences in their concentrations among the plants from the two veredas studied. Conclusion: These results suggest that the water stress present in the veredas does not seem to influence the morphological characteristics and foliar compounds of neotropical species. This is the first study evaluating the impacts of vereda drying on morphological and physiological attributes of plants.

A decade of rain exclusion in a Mediterranean forest reveals trade-offs of leaf chemical defenses and drought legacy effects

Increasing aridity in the Mediterranean region will result in longer and recurrent drought. These changes could strongly modify plant defenses, endangering tree survival. We investigate the response of chemical defenses from central and specialized metabolism in Quercus pubescens Willd. to future Mediterranean drought using a long-term drought experiment in natura where trees have been submitted to amplified drought (~ –30% annual precipitation) since April 2012. We focused on leaf metabolites including chlorophylls and carotenoids (central metabolism) and flavonols (specialized metabolism). Measurements were performed in summer from 2016 to 2022. Amplified drought led to higher concentrations of total photosynthetic pigments over the 2016–2022 period. However, it also led to lower AZ/VAZ and flavonol concentrations. Additionally, chemical defenses of Q. pubescens responded to previous precipitation where low precipitation 1 year and/or 2 years preceding sampling was associated to low concentrations of VAZ, flavonol and high neoxanthin concentrations. Our study indicates that the decline of flavonol concentration under long-term drought is counterbalanced by a higher production of several central metabolites. Such results are potentially due to an adjustment in tree metabolism, highlighting the importance of performing long-term experimental studies in natura for assessing drought legacy effects and thus forest adaptation to climate change.

Optimization of microwave parameters to enhance phytochemicals, antioxidants and metabolite profile of de-oiled rice bran

The current study explores the effects of microwave treatment at varying wattage and durations on the phytoconstituents, antioxidant status, anti-nutritional factors (ANFs), and metabolite profiles of de-oiled rice bran. The total phenolics and flavonoids showed both increases and decreases depending on specific microwave parameters, while flavonol content consistently increased across all treated groups compared to the control. The DPPH and ABTS free radical scavenging activity, total antioxidant capacity, FRAP, CUPRAC, metal chelating activity, and ascorbic acid content were enhanced in most of the microwaved samples; however, longer microwave exposure at higher wattage led to their reduction. A treatment-specific decrease in ANFs, including condensed tannins, oxalates, and phytates, was observed. HRMS-based untargeted metabolomics identified a diverse range of primary and secondary metabolites, which clustered in a group-specific manner, indicating notable group-wise metabolite variations. Analysis of discriminating metabolites revealed no significant differences in the overall levels of phenolics, flavonoids, vitamins and cofactors, sugars, amino acids, terpenoids, fatty acids, and their derivatives among the treated groups compared to the control; however, several individual metabolites within these metabolite classes differed significantly. These findings suggest that optimized microwaving of de-oiled rice bran can enhance phytochemicals and antioxidants while improving the metabolite profile.

Antioxidant activity of extracts of oregano and marsh cinquefoil, growing in the Altai region, in connection with their content of favonoids

Drugs based on medicinal plants have such advantages over synthetic analogues as low toxicity, better tolerability and reduced risk of addiction. Antioxidant agents in medicinal plants include substances from the flavonoid group, due to their ability to inactivate free radical processes, due to the mechanism of electron transfer between reaction components to neutralize free radicals. Among the medicinal plants of Western Siberia and the Altai Territory, oregano and marsh cinquefoil have a high content of flavonoids. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the antioxidant activity of alcohol-free extracts of oregano and marsh cinquefoil growing in the Altai region in connection with the content of flavonoids (flavonols and proanthocyanidins). To conduct the study, alcohol-free extracts of the studied plants were prepared using patented technology. The content of flavonols and proanthocyanidins was studied by arbitration techniques using spectrophotometry. The antioxidant activity of the extracts was measured using cathodic voltammetry method. The results showed that the average flavonol content in oregano extract was 866.5 μg/ml, while only traces were found in the extract of cinquefoil (60.0 μg/ ml). The average content of proanthocyanidins in the extract of cinquefoil was 4.05%, in the extract of oregano content of proanthocyanidins was 0.43%. The average coefficient of antioxidant activity for cinquefoil extract was 11.63 mmol/l×min and 3.81 mmol/l×min for oregano extract. From the results obtained, we can conclude that it is advisable to use extracts of marsh cinquefoil and oregano, growing in the Altai Territory, in the composition of biologically active antioxidant additives.

Bioactives in Berry Fruits with Emphasis on In Vitro Bioaccessibility for Human Nutrition

This study aimed to investigate the bioaccessibility and biostability of carotenoids, vitamin E isomers, and individual polyphenolic compounds after the in vitro gastrointestinal digestion of two types of berries (raspberry and blackberry fruits). The results of the polyphenols analysis showed that raspberry fruits contained higher concentrations of hydroxybenzoic acids, hydroxycinnamic acids, flavanols, and flavonols compared to blackberry fruits, but exhibited the lowest bioaccessibility values for all the studied polyphenol classes. Ellagic acid represented 13.63% and 2.65% of the hydroxybenzoic acids in raspberry and blackberry fruits. The hydroxybenzoic acids exhibited the highest bioaccessibility index in the intestinal phase of both types of berries, and gallic acid emerged as one of the most bioaccessible phenolic compounds. The bioaccessibility of carotenoids ranged between 15.7 and 17.30% for lutein, 5.52 and 7.56% for astaxanthin, and 7.85 and 9.93% for canthaxanthin, with elevated values being observed in raspberry fruits. Although vitamin E and carotenoids follow a similar path for absorption, the bioaccessibility of vitamin E isomers was higher than that of carotenoids, with γ-tocopherol being the most bioaccessible isomer in both raspberries and blackberries. Knowing the bioaccessibility of food constituents during digestion is crucial, as the potential effectiveness of bioactives for human health largely depends on the bioavailability of these molecules.

Validation and identification of new QTLs for plant and fruit developmental and composition traits in eggplant under low N conditions

Enhancing plant adaptation to low input conditions is a fundamental goal for implementing sustainable agriculture. In the present study, two eggplant (Solanum melongena) accessions (MEL1 and MEL5), two introgression lines (ILs) derived from eggplant wild relatives S. dasyphyllum (IL-M1-D1) and S. insanum (IL-M5-I9), and a heterozygous version of this last IL (ILHet-M5-I9), along with hybrids among them were evaluated under low N (LN) conditions. IL-M1-D1 carries an introgressed fragment of 4.9 Mb in homozygosis from S. dasyphyllum on chromosome 2, while IL-M5-I9 and ILHet-M5-I9 carry an introgression of 21.5 Mb on chromosome 9 in homozygosis and heterozygosis, respectively, from S. insanum. Multiple quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for several traits of interest were associated with both introgressions under LN conditions in a previous study with segregating advanced backcrosses. Here we evaluated the performance of these materials for 22 agronomic and developmental traits under low N fertilization (LN) conditions. Hybrids with the ILs enabled the study of genetic background effects on QTLs expression. The materials evaluated showed a significant phenotypic variation, particularly within hybrids segregating for the introgression from S. insanum in chromosome 9. Statistical analysis revealed no significant differences among hybrids carrying or not the introgression on chromosome 2 of S. dasyphyllum, and only slight differences were observed between the IL-M1-D1 and its recurrent parent S. melongena MEL1, suggesting a limited impact of this introgression on chromosome 2 on the phenotype variation. However, the differences observed between IL-M5-I9 and its recurrent parent S. melongena MEL5, together with the association between genotypic and phenotypic variation in hybrids segregating for this introgression, allowed the identification of 13 QTLs on chromosome 9. These results successfully validated the previously identified QTLs for flavonol content in leaves, nitrogen balanced index, fruit mean weight, and nitrogen content in leaves and, also revealed nine new QTLs associated with the introgressed genomic region in chromosome 9. This study emphasizes the influence of environmental conditions, genotypes, and genetic backgrounds on the phenotypic expression of eggplant QTLs introgressed from wild relatives and highlights the importance of QTL validation. These findings contribute valuable insights for developing new eggplant cultivars for a more sustainable agriculture, particularly with adaptation to LN conditions.

Enzymatic catalytic dynamics of lactic-acetic acid co-fermentation: Effect of cellulase on the physicochemical, phytochemicals, volatiles, and antioxidant activity of jujube puree extracts

The processing of jujube (Ziziphus jujuba) is imperative due to its esteemed status and rich pharmacological properties despite its sensory challenges and short shelf-life. Traditional drying methods preserve jujube quality but complicate bioactive compound extraction due to the conjugated polysaccharide matrix. This study addresses the gap in research on enzymatic pretreatment by investigating the use of cellulases to break down the rigid cellulose structure, thus enhancing the efficiency of subsequent fermentation processes. Besides, this research explored the catalytic dynamics of cellulase pretreatment in lactic-acetic acid co-fermentation to improve jujube puree's functional and quality properties. Methodologies involved applying cellulase at concentrations of 1 %, 3 %, and 5 % (v/v) at 40 °C for 4 hours, followed by fermentation with Lactobacillus plantarum CGMCC 3346 and Acetobacter pasteurianus (Ap CICC 20001, CGMCC 1.41). Results indicated that fermentation and enzyme hydrolysis significantly influenced jujube puree's physicochemical and sensory attributes. Fermentation increased densities and moisture content, while unfermented and enzyme-treated samples had higher total soluble solids (TSS) values (11.00–11.50 °Brix). Enzyme concentration affected the reducing sugar and protein content, with higher enzyme concentrations (5 %EF) producing lighter products (L* = 52.00). Total phenolic content increased with fermentation, particularly in the 3 %EF treatment (351.89 mg GAE/100 g FW), while flavonoid and flavonol contents peaked in the 5 %EF (426.33 mg RE/100 g FW) and 3 %EF (25.80 mg QE/100 g FW) treatments, respectively. Proanthocyanidin content was highest at moderate enzyme concentrations, notably in the 3 %EF treatment (715.95 mg CE/100 g FW). Fermentation also enhanced antioxidant properties and altered flavor profiles by decreasing acetoin levels and increasing acid and ester production. This study highlights the significance of the combinative effect of enzyme concentration and fermentation processes in augmenting jujube puree extracts' nutritional and sensory qualities.

Multi-omics analysis revealed the mechanism underlying flavonol biosynthesis during petal color formation in Camellia Nitidissima

BackgroundCamellia nitidissima is a rare, prized camellia species with golden-yellow flowers. It has a high ornamental, medicinal, and economic value. Previous studies have shown substantial flavonol accumulation in C. nitidissima petals during flower formation. However, the mechanisms underlying the golden flower formation in C. nitidissima remain largely unknown.ResultsWe performed an integrative analysis of the transcriptome, proteome, and metabolome of the petals at five flower developmental stages to construct the regulatory network underlying golden flower formation in C. nitidissima. Metabolome analysis revealed the presence of 323 flavonoids, and two flavonols, quercetin glycosides and kaempferol glycosides, were highly accumulated in the golden petals. Transcriptome and proteome sequencing suggested that the flavonol biosynthesis-related genes and proteins upregulated and the anthocyanin and proanthocyanidin biosynthesis-related genes and proteins downregulated in the golden petal stage. Further investigation revealed the involvement of MYBs and bHLHs in flavonoid biosynthesis. Expression analysis showed that flavonol synthase 2 (CnFLS2) was highly expressed in the petals, and its expression positively correlated with flavonol content at all flower developmental stages. Transient overexpression of CnFLS2 in the petals increased flavonol content. Furthermore, correlation analysis showed that the jasmonate (JA) pathways positively correlated with flavonol biosynthesis, and exogenous methyl jasmonate (MeJA) treatment promoted CnFLS2 expression and flavonol accumulation.ConclusionsOur findings showed that the JA-CnFLS2 module regulates flavonol biosynthesis during golden petal formation in C. nitidissima.

Phytochemical profile and allelopathic activity of eight Eucalyptus species on the performance of initial growth stage of four local species in the southern Tunisia

We aimed thought this survey 1) to investigate and compare the phytotoxicity features of eight Eucalyptus species frequently planted in southern Tunisia (Eucalyptus camaldulensis Dehn., Eucalyptus gomphocephala DC., Eucalyptus torquata Luehm., Eucalyptus microtheca F.Muell., Eucalyptus occidentalis Endl., Eucalyptus diversifolia Bonpl., Eucalyptus sargentii Maiden., and Eucalyptus torwood) on seed germination and radicle growth of Medicago sativa L., Corchorus olitorius L., Cenchrus ciliaris L., Peganum harmala L., and 2) to classify those species according to their allelopathic efficiency. The laboratory experiment was conducted using aqueous extracts made from dried and ground plant leaves to obtain concentrations of 5 % and 10 %. These were prepared alongside control treatments for comparison. Afterward, methanol extracts were utilized in the chemical composition identification procedure via HPLC-DAD-ESI-MS. Different responses were obtained for the species studied for germination and extraction. Results highlighted that C. ciliaris and P. harmala were the most susceptible to eucalypt extracts, while, M. sativa and C. olitorius were more resistant. Statistically, lower concentrations were less effective, but higher ones had noticeable inhibitory effects on seedling growth parameters. We assumed that E. occidentalis, E. gomphocephala, E. torquata and E. camaldulensis were recognized as the most noxious species, E. sargentii and E. microtheca produced moderate effects, while E. torwood and E. diversifolia were regarded as benign species. Phytochemicals especially ellagitannins and flavonols derivatives were the major compounds identified accounted for 21–78 % and 8–59 %, but hydroxycinnamic acids derivatives, gallic acid derivatives, total flavonols content and non-phenolic acids were acknowledged as the major causes for the observed outcomes.

Black and Red Currant Pomaces as Raw Materials to Create Smoothies with In Vitro Health-Promoting Potential.

Pomace is a by-product resulting from the pressing of fruits and vegetables into juices, and it is typically treated as waste. Interestingly, pomace contains minimal amounts of protein and fat but is characterized by its high polyphenol and dietary fiber contents, which may have health benefits for human physiology. Therefore, they are a potentially attractive raw material for the food industry, but to our knowledge, no smoothies with their addition have been prepared and described so far. Consequently, products derived from apple juice, incorporating different doses of fresh (6% and 12%) and dried (3% and 6%) black or red currant pomace, were formulated, and their physical properties, chemical composition, bioactive compound content, and health-promoting potential (in vitro antioxidant and antidiabetic activity) were evaluated. Additionally, the products underwent sensory assessment by consumers. The fortified beverages exhibited different physical characteristics and chemical compositions than apple juice. All smoothies were characterized by higher concentrations of anthocyanins, flavonols, and procyanidin polymers compared to the base product. Moreover, 75% of them exhibited a significantly elevated phenolic acid content as well as a higher concentration of flavan-3-ols. The majority of fresh smoothies exhibited significantly higher in vitro antioxidant capacities and increased in vitro α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitory effects compared to the base product. The highest ABTS activity was recorded in the variant with 6% dried black currant pomace. In turn, the smoothie with 3% dried red currant pomace had the most effective FRAP effect and, together with the product containing 12% fresh black currant pomace, ORAC antioxidant activity and α-glucosidase inhibition also. The introduction of 6% dried red currant pomace led to the creation of a beverage that most effectively inhibited α-glucosidase. The study showed that the application of various types of pomace, mainly that of black currant, into apple juice enables the development of new functional products with sensory attributes that are favorably evaluated by consumers.

Extraction of Bioactive Compounds from Rubus Idaeus Bioresidues: A Full Screening on Phenolic Composition and Bioactive Potential

Abstract Purpose Rubus idaeus cultivation has boosted productivity due to its high nutritional value. In consequence, waste production increased. The discarded biomass, including leaves and aerial components, can be transformed into valuable functional ingredients for industrial applications, such as cosmetics. Studying their bioactivity potential is highly relevant. Methods According to the present idea, the research involved producing extracts from raspberry plant branches and leaves by employing four different techniques: aqueous decoction, aqueous infusion, hydroethanolic maceration, and ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE). Subsequently, these compounds were screened for their bioactive potential, including antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and cytotoxic properties. Results The ultrasound-assisted extraction produced extracts rich in phenolic compounds, whereas the infusion and maceration methods resulted in higher flavonol contents. Among the identified phenolic compounds, hydrolyzable tannins, particularly galloyl-bis-HHDP-glucose, were the most dominant ones. Regarding antioxidant potential, the decoction extract was the strongest, while the infusion showed the greatest potential for inhibiting lipid peroxidation. The UAE extract was found to be highly effective as an antibacterial agent. Both infusion and UAE extracts demonstrated the highest anti-inflammatory potential. Conclusion The combination of these results highlights the sample’s bioactive potential and the importance of exploiting bioresidues as unique, sustainable candidates for industrial applications.

Antioxidant Effects and Fatty Acid Analysis of Leucojum aestivum Seed Coat Extracts

The aim of this study is to analyze the biochemical composition and antioxidant activity of Leucojum aestivum seed coats. In the crude extract the total phenolic content was determined to be 129.55 ± 1.94 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/g, while the total flavonoid content was found to be 210.21 ± 7.91 mg quercetin equivalent (QE)/g. Additionally, the total flavonol, tannin, and proanthocyanidin contents were determined to be 9.63 ± 5.16 mg QE/g, 3.32 ± 0.14 mg GAE/g, and 129.89 ± 6.10 mg catechin equivalent (CAE)/g, respectively. Furthermore, the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity showed a significant antioxidant potential with a concentration that results in 50% decrease in the initial DPPH concentration IC50 value of 214.97 ± 50.44 mg QE/g in the crude extract. GC/MS analysis revealed the presence of various biologically active compounds, including hexadecanoic acid, oleic acid, and stigmasterol. Moreover, galantamine and galathan were identified in the seed coat extracts. Fatty acid analysis indicated the presence of compounds such as linoleic acid, oleic acid, and palmitic acid. This comprehensive study provides a detailed examination of seed coats and highlights the presence of biologically active compounds such as galantamine. This finding represents a study conducted for the first time in the literature, as no similar research focusing on L. aestivum seed coats has been conducted previously. Therefore, the results of the study provide new insights into the potential biological and pharmacological effects of seed coats and offer significant findings that could serve as a basis for future research.

Interpopulation Variation of Leaf Polyphenol Content in Spiraea aquilegifolia (Rosaceae) from the Republic of Buryatia.

The composition and content of polyphenols in leaves was studied in Spiraea aquilegifolia Pall. plants from nine natural populations of the Republic of Buryatia (Western Transbaikalia) by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). At least 24 compounds were detected in hydroethanolic extracts of S. aquilegifolia leaves by HPLC. Of these, three phenol carboxylic acids (chlorogenic, p-hydroxybenzoic, and p-coumaric acids) and six flavonols (hyperoside, isoquercitrin, avicularin, astragalin, quercetin, and kaempferol) were identified. Hyperoside (2.9-8.2 mg/g), avicularin (3.0-5.8 mg/g), and isoquercitrin (0.8-2.5 mg/g) were the main flavonols found in leaf hydroethanolic extracts. Plants from populations located at the northern distribution limit in Western Transbaikalia were found to have higher contents of phenol carboxylic acids (near the village Koma) and flavonols (near the village Klyuchi). Plants from populations located at the eastern limit (near the villages Kusoty and Zagan) showed the lowest concentration of the identified phenolic compounds. The contents of the identified free phenolic acids and flavonols were moderate or high in S. aquilegifolia leaves as compared to other Spiraea species examined, rendering it important to further study the composition of phenolic compounds in S. aquilegifolia.

Investigation of Chemical Composition, Antioxidant Properties, and Molecular Docking in Different Roasting Stages of Coffee Beans

AbstractThis study investigates the chemical composition and antioxidant properties of coffee beans at different roasting stages, namely green coffee, filter-roasted coffee, and espresso-roasted coffee. Using a Golden Roaster machine, specific roasting profiles were developed to achieve distinct flavor characteristics: an intense flavor and balanced acidity for espresso, and a balanced, complex taste for filter coffee. Results indicate that filter-roasted coffee exhibits the highest radical scavenging activity, as evidenced by its lowest IC50 value for 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) inhibition. Green coffee demonstrates superior iron chelation activity, while filter-roasted coffee contains the highest flavonol content and espresso-roasted coffee has the highest flavonoid content. Bacterial sensitivity tests show that both filter-roasted and espresso-roasted coffee are effective against certain strains, including Klebsiella pneumoniae ATCC 13883. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC–MS) analysis identifies key compounds such as caffeine and 4,4-dimethyl-3-(3-methylbut-3-enylidene)-2-methylenebicyclo [4.1.0] heptane in filter-roasted coffee, and 2-(2-hydroxyphenyl) buta-1,3-diene in espresso-roasted coffee. Molecular docking and in silico molecule’s absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity (ADME) studies suggest potential pharmaceutical applications for coffee compounds. These findings provide valuable insights into coffee’s complex chemistry and its health-related properties. Additionally, the importance of coffee profiling in bioprocesses is highlighted by the need to carefully analyze the profiling process to optimize the biological effects and health benefits of these compounds. Coffee profiling not only enhances consumer taste experiences but also contributes to a better understanding of coffee’s potential health benefits by effectively identifying biomolecules and nutrients for use in bioprocesses. Graphical Abstract

Phenolic Compounds in Different Stages of Ontogenesis in Chrysanthemum—A Potential for Thrips-Resistance Characterisation

A number of studies have indicated the potential role of secondary metabolites, referred to as ‘resistance factors’, in plant defence against insect pests. Nevertheless, it remains unclear which metabolites serve as predictors of resistance in chrysanthemum cultivars against thrips. In the present study, the phenolic compounds of chrysanthemum leaves at different ontogenetic stages were analysed using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Furthermore, the relative epidermal flavonol contents in the leaves were quantified using the Dualex® Scientific 4 sensor, and the suitability of this non-destructive method for the rapid discrimination of resistance levels was evaluated. The results demonstrated that the most notable discrepancies in phenolic metabolite profiles were observed in the older leaves and the vegetative state of the chrysanthemum plants. Multiple discriminant analysis was conducted using HPLC-analysed metabolites to predict the importance of metabolites in resistant, susceptible, or highly susceptible plants in the vegetative stage. The results demonstrated that multiple metabolites, rather than a single metabolite, are responsible for thrips resistance in chrysanthemum. However, the relative flavonol content did not reflect the HPLC-analysed flavonoid glycosides or hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives, indicating that the Dualex® sensor is not a suitable device for determining resistance levels in chrysanthemums. Testing is required to extend and analyse the results in greater depth.

The composition and structure of plant fibers affect their fining performance in wines

In recent years, the wine industry has shifted towards plant-based fining agents for food safety reasons and consumer preferences. This study analysed the interaction of five plant fibers with red wine phenolic compounds to determinate their performance as fining agents. Chemical composition, polysaccharide profile, and physical properties were examined. Pea, cellulose, and Sauvignon Blanc pomace fibers effectively reduced tannin content while minimally affecting the concentration of anthocyanins, flavonols and wine color. Contrary to previous beliefs, the presence of pectins in fibers didn't play a crucial role in phenolic compound interaction since cellulose-rich fibers with low pectin concentration also bound tannins effectively, especially those with small particle size and high contact surface. Pea fiber, rich in cellulose and pectins, showed remarkable tannin retention while minimally affecting wine color. This research highlights the potential of plant fibers as effective fining agents in wine production and how their composition affects their performance.

Diversity of plant pollen sources, microbial communities, and phenolic compounds present in bee pollen and bee bread.

The pollination of several crops, as well as wild plants, depends on honeybees. To get the nutrients required for growth and survival, honeybee colonies are dependent on pollen supply. Bee pollen (BP) is partially packed in honeycomb cells and processed into beebread (BB) by microbial metabolism. The composition of pollen is highly variable and is mainly dependent on ecological habitat, geographical origin, honey plants, climatic conditions, and seasonal variations. Although there are important differences between the BP and the BB, little comparative chemical and microbiological data on this topic exists in the literature, particularly for samples with the same origin. In this study, BP and BB pollen samples were collected from two apiaries located in the Campania and Molise regions of Southern Italy. Phenolic profiles were detected via HPLC, while antioxidant activity was determined by ABTS·+ and DPPH· assay. The next-generation sequencing (NGS) based on RNA analysis of 16S (rRNA) and internal transcribed spacer (ITS2) regions were used to investigate the microbial community (bacteria and fungi) and botanical origin of the BP and BB. Chemical analysis showed a higher content of flavonols in BP (rutin, myricetin, quercetin, and kaempferol), while in BB there was a higher content of phenolic acids. The NGS analysis revealed that the microbial communities and pollen sources are dependent on the geographical location of apiaries. In addition, diversity was highlighted between the microbial communities present in the BP and BB samples collected from each apiary.