Phenolic Acid Content Research Articles

Salicylic acid regulates phenolic acid biosynthesis via SmNPR1-SmTGA2/SmNPR4 modules in Salvia miltiorrhiza.

Phenolic acids are the main active ingredients in Salvia miltiorrhiza, which can be used for the treatment of many diseases, particularly cardiovascular diseases. It is known that salicylic acid (SA) can enhance phenolic acid content, but the molecular mechanism of its regulation is still unclear. The nonexpresser of PR genes 1 (NPR1) plays a positive role in the SA signaling pathway. In this study, we identified a SmNPR1 gene that responds to SA induction and systematically investigated its function. We found that SmNPR1 positively affected phenolic acid biosynthesis. Then, we identified a novel TGA transcription factor, SmTGA2, which interacts with SmNPR1. SmTGA2 positively regulates phenolic acid biosynthesis by directly up-regulating SmCYP98A14 expression. After double-gene transgenic analysis and other biochemical assays, it was found that SmNPR1 and SmTGA2 work synergistically to regulate phenolic acid biosynthesis. In addition, SmNPR4 forms a heterodimer with SmNPR1 to inhibit the function of SmNPR1, and SA can alleviate this effect. Collectively, these findings elucidate the molecular mechanism underlying the regulation of phenolic acid biosynthesis by SmNPR1-SmTGA2/SmNPR4 modules and provide novel insights into the study of the SA signaling pathway regulating plant secondary metabolism.

Analysis of the effects of sulfamethoxazole on the secondary metabolites and antioxidants in oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.) and the underlying mechanisms

The secondary metabolism of plants is key for mediating responses to environmental stress, but few studies have examined how the relationship between secondary metabolism and the stress response of plants is affected by exposure to antibiotics. Here, we studied the effects of sulfamethoxazole (SMZ) on the secondary metabolism and antioxidant activity of oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.). SMZ significantly affected the growth of rape seedlings. Low and high concentrations of SMZ induced the production of a large number of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in rape seedlings, which damaged cells. SMZ stress altered the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), and catalase (CAT), as well as the content of malondialdehyde (MDA). SMZ promoted the activities of phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL), tyrosine ammonia lyase (TAL), cinnamic acid-4-hydroxylase (C4H), and 4-coumaric acid: coenzyme A ligase (4CL) by activating the phenylpropanoid pathway. The content of secondary metabolites changed. The content of phenolic acids and flavonoids increased, and the content of sinapine and anthocyanins was altered to cope with the oxidative damage induced by antibiotics. Transcriptomic and metabolomic analysis showed that differentially expressed genes and differentially expressed metabolites were mainly involved in Phenylpropanoid biosynthesis. SMZ alters the secondary metabolites of rapeseed, which mitigates the deleterious effects of stress, by modulating upstream secondary metabolism pathways and the production of plant hormones involved in signal transduction. In sum, these results provide a new perspective on the effects of SMZ on plants relative to secondary metabolites and improve our understanding of the toxicity of SMZ.

Effect of Sprouting on the Phenolic Compounds, Glucosinolates, and Antioxidant Activity of Five Camelina sativa (L.) Crantz Cultivars.

Sprouts are increasingly present in the human diet, being tasty and healthy foods high in antioxidant compounds. Although there is a body of literature on the sprouting of many plant species, Camelina sativa (L.) Crantz has not yet been studied for this purpose. This study aimed to characterize the main bioactive compounds and antioxidant potential of seeds and sprouts of five different Camelina cultivars (ALBA, CO46, CCE43, JOELLE, and VERA). In particular, the contents of phenolic compounds (PCs), phenolic acids (PAs), and glucosinolates (GLSs) were investigated. PCs, PAs, GLSs, and the antioxidant activity of seeds differed among cultivars and were greatly increased by sprouting. A PCA analysis underlined both the effect of the cultivar (PC2) and the germination (PC1) on the nutritional properties of Camelina. The best nutritional properties of seeds were observed for ALBA and CCE43, while the best nutritional properties of sprouts were recorded for CCE43 and JOELLE, since the latter cultivar showed a greater enhancement in phytochemical content and antioxidant activity with sprouting. Finally, a UHPLC-UV procedure for the analysis of GLSs in Camelina was developed and validated. The performance criteria of the proposed method demonstrated that it is useful for the analysis of GLSs in Camelina.

Apitherapy in Post-Ischemic Brain Neurodegeneration of Alzheimer's Disease Proteinopathy: Focus on Honey and Its Flavonoids and Phenolic Acids.

Neurodegeneration of the brain after ischemia is a major cause of severe, long-term disability, dementia, and mortality, which is a global problem. These phenomena are attributed to excitotoxicity, changes in the blood-brain barrier, neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, vasoconstriction, cerebral amyloid angiopathy, amyloid plaques, neurofibrillary tangles, and ultimately neuronal death. In addition, genetic factors such as post-ischemic changes in genetic programming in the expression of amyloid protein precursor, β-secretase, presenilin-1 and -2, and tau protein play an important role in the irreversible progression of post-ischemic neurodegeneration. Since current treatment is aimed at preventing symptoms such as dementia and disability, the search for causative therapy that would be helpful in preventing and treating post-ischemic neurodegeneration of Alzheimer's disease proteinopathy is ongoing. Numerous studies have shown that the high contents of flavonoids and phenolic acids in honey have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, anti-amyloid, anti-tau protein, anticholinesterase, serotonergic, and AMPAK activities, influencing signal transmission and neuroprotective effects. Notably, in many preclinical studies, flavonoids and phenolic acids, the main components of honey, were also effective when administered after ischemia, suggesting their possible use in promoting recovery in stroke patients. This review provides new insight into honey's potential to prevent brain ischemia as well as to ameliorate damage in advanced post-ischemic brain neurodegeneration.

Evaluation of the Antioxidant and Anti-Lipoxygenase Activity of Berberis vulgaris L. Leaves, Fruits, and Stem and Their LC MS/MS Polyphenolic Profile.

Berberis vulgaris L. is currently widely studied for its antioxidant and chemopreventive properties, especially with regard to the beneficial properties of its fruits. Although the bark and roots have been well known and used in traditional medicine since ancient times, little is known about the other parts of this plant. The aim of the research was to determine the antioxidant and LOX inhibitory activity effects of extracts obtained from the leaves, fruits, and stems. Another aim of the work was to carry out the quantitative and qualitative analysis of phenolic acids, flavonoid aglycones, and flavonoid glycosides. The extracts were obtained with the use of ASE (accelerated solvent extraction). The total content of polyphenols was determined and was found to vary depending on the organ, with the highest amount of polyphenols found in the leaf extracts. The free radical scavenging activity of the extracts was determined spectrophotometrically in relation to the DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) radical, with results ranging from 63.9 mgTE/g for the leaves to 65.2 mgTE/g for the stem. Antioxidant activity was also assessed using the ABTS test. The lowest value was recorded for the barberry fruit (117.9 mg TE/g), and the highest level was found for the barberry leaves (140.5 mgTE/g). The oxygen radical absorbance capacity test (ORAC) showed the lowest value for the stem (167.7 mgTE/g) and the highest level for the leaves (267.8 mgTE/g). The range of the percentage inhibition of LOX was determined as well. The percentage inhibition of the enzyme was positively correlated with the sum of the flavonoids, TPC, TFC, and the content of selected flavonoids. Phenolic acids, flavonoid aglycones, and flavonoid glycosides were determined qualitatively and quantitatively in individual parts of Berberis vulgaris L. The content of phenolic acids, flavonoid aglycones, and flavonoid glycosides was determined with the LC-MS/MS method. The following phenolic acids were quantitatively and qualitatively identified in individual parts of Berberis vulgaris L.: gallic acid, 3-caffeoylquinic acid, protocatechuic acid, 5-caffeoylquinic acid, 4-caffeoylquinic acid, and caffeic acid. The flavonoid glycosides determined were: eleutheroside E, Eriodictyol-7-glucopyranoside, rutin, hyperoside, isoquercitin, luteoloside, narcissoside, naringenin-7-glucoside, isorhamnetin-3-glucoside, afzeline, and quercitrin. Flavonoid aglycones such as catechin, luteolin, quercetin, and eriodictyol were also determined qualitatively and quantitatively.

Study of the effects of climatic conditions on the phenolic content and antioxidant activity of Austrian and Montenegrin red wines

We evaluated the chemical composition and antioxidant activity of 30 red wines from Austria (cv. Cabernet-Sauvignon, Blaufraenkisch and Zweigelt) and 20 wines from Montenegro (cv. Cabernet-Sauvignon and Vranac) from three consecutive vintages: 2014, 2015 and 2016. We determined spectrophotometrically the contents of total phenol (TP), total anthocyanin (TA) and low- and high-molecular-weight proanthocyanidins (LMP and HMP respectively). We identified and quantified 18 phenolic compounds (hydroxycinnamic acids, hydroxybenzoic acids, stilbenes and flavan-3-ols) by high-performance liquid chromatography. In addition, we used Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy for chemical analyses of the main wine parameters. Austrian autochthonous wines exhibited a similar chemical composition (alcohol 12.4 vol%, pH 3.38). Blaufraenkisch wines showed higher TP, HMP and LMP than Zweigelt wines; however, TA content was similar. Blaufraenkisch wines also showed higher phenolic acid, flavan-3-ol and stilbene contents than Zweigelt wines. Montenegrin autochthonous Vranac wines showed a typical chemical composition (alcohol 13.0 vol%, pH 3.42), and medium to high levels of phenols: TP, HMP, LMP, TA, HCA and flavan-3-ols. On the other hand, they showed a moderate stilbene content. Cabernet-Sauvignon wines from Austria and Montenegro exhibited some similarities in phenolic composition: TP, HMP, LMP and TA. There were notable variations in the phenolic acid and flavan-3-ol contents, especially the stilbene content, which was much higher in the Austrian wines than in the Montenegrin wines. These findings evidence an important impact of climatic conditions on these compounds. The antioxidant activity in all investigated wines was high and correlated strongly with TP, total phenol index, HMP and LMP in wines. The vintage influenced the chemical composition and content of all examined phenolic groups, except flavan-3-ols. Wines from the vintage with the best maturity (2015) contained the highest content of spectrophotometrically determined phenolic compounds and lowest level of phenolic acids and stilbenes. Principle component analysis showed that wines were mainly discriminated by variety and origin but not by vintage.

Phenylpropanoid Content of Chickpea Seed Coats in Relation to Seed Dormancy.

The physical dormancy of seeds is likely to be mediated by the chemical composition and the thickness of the seed coat. Here, we investigate the link between the content of phenylpropanoids (i.e., phenolics and flavonoids) present in the chickpea seed coat and dormancy. The relationship between selected phenolic and flavonoid metabolites of chickpea seed coats and dormancy level was assessed using wild and cultivated chickpea parental genotypes and a derived population of recombinant inbred lines (RILs). The selected phenolic and flavonoid metabolites were analyzed via the LC-MS/MS method. Significant differences in the concentration of certain phenolic acids were found among cultivated (Cicer arietinum, ICC4958) and wild chickpea (Cicer reticulatum, PI489777) parental genotypes. These differences were observed in the contents of gallic, caffeic, vanillic, syringic, p-coumaric, salicylic, and sinapic acids, as well as salicylic acid-2-O-β-d-glucoside and coniferaldehyde. Additionally, significant differences were observed in the flavonoids myricetin, quercetin, luteolin, naringenin, kaempferol, isoorientin, orientin, and isovitexin. When comparing non-dormant and dormant RILs, significant differences were observed in gallic, 3-hydroxybenzoic, syringic, and sinapic acids, as well as the flavonoids quercitrin, quercetin, naringenin, kaempferol, and morin. Phenolic acids were generally more highly concentrated in the wild parental genotype and dormant RILs. We compared the phenylpropanoid content of chickpea seed coats with related legumes, such as pea, lentil, and faba bean. This information could be useful in chickpea breeding programs to reduce dormancy.

The Effect of Ripening Stages on the Accumulation of Polyphenols and Antioxidant Activity of the Fruit Extracts of Solanum Species.

The aim of the research was to evaluate the influence of the ripening stage on the accumulation of polyphenols and antioxidant activity in fruits of Solanum species. The experiment included two factors: I-four different Solanum species (S. melanocerasum, S. nigrum, S. villosum, and S. retroflexum) and II-three ripening stages. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was used to analyze the individual phenolic compounds (flavonoids and phenolic acids), and the spectrophotometric method was applied to determine antioxidant activity. The results revealed that the accumulation of polyphenols and antioxidant activity in fruits of Solanum species depends on the stage of ripening and species. All studied Solanum species fruits had the highest content of total phenolic acid at ripening stage III and the greatest antioxidant activity at ripening stage I. Fully ripe fruits of S. melanocerasum contained significantly more total flavonoids, whereas S. nigrum contained significantly more total phenolic acids than other investigated Solanum species fruits. The significantly highest antioxidant activity was found in S. melanocerasum fruits at ripening stage I.

The Effect of Various Forms of Sulfur on Soil Organic Matter Fractions and Microorganisms in a Pot Experiment with Perennial Ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.).

This article focuses on the agronomic evaluation of the supplementation of mineral NPKMg fertilizers with elemental sulfur, magnesium, potassium, or ammonium sulfates in pot experiments with ryegrass growing in a sandy Arenosol with very low sulfur content. A benefit evaluation was carried out on the basis of biomass production, crop nutritional status, and changes in the content of soil organic matter fractions. Furthermore, the total number of bacteria, nitrogen-fixing bacteria, and fungi was estimated using the qPCR technique in soil samples after 60 days of ryegrass growth. The combined application of NPKMg and sulfur or sulfate fertilizers significantly increased the summary yield of three cuttings of fresh ryegrass biomass in the range of 32.3% to 82.7%. The application, especially in the form of sulfates, significantly decreased the content of free phenolic acids. Furthermore, compared to the control, i.e., soil with NPKMg applied alone, an increase in the content of glomalin-related proteins and a decrease in the amount of water-soluble organic carbon compounds were observed. Neither the number of DNA marker copy numbers of the total bacterial community nor the nitrogen-fixing bacteria were noticeably different. In turn, the total number of genetic markers for fungi was significantly higher in soils with potassium or ammonium sulfates compared to the control soil. The general results suggest that the application of sulfur fertilizers with NPKMg mineral fertilizer can benefit crops and support soil fertility due to the stabilization of aggregates and the decrease in water-soluble organic compounds.

Profile of phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity of organically and conventionally grown black-grain barley genotypes treated with biostimulant.

Beneficial dietary and pro-health values, have resulted in the increasing consumption importance of barley. Therefore, genotypes and cultivation methods are sought that guarantee high functional value of grain. The aim of the study was to assess the content of phenolic acids, flavonoids, chlorophylls, anthocyanidins, phytomelanin and antioxidant activity of grain of three barley genotypes depending on agricultural technology. Two of them are primary genotypes with dark grain pigmentation Hordeum vulgare L. var nigricans and H. vulgare L. var. rimpaui, the third is a modern cultivar 'Soldo' H. vulgare with yellow grain, which is the control sample. Evaluated the effect of foliar application of a amino-acids biostimulant on the functional properties of grain under the conditions of organically and conventionally cultivations. The results indicated a higher antioxidant activity and the concentration of phenolic acids, flavonoids and phytomelanin in the black-grain genotypes. Organic cultivation and application of amino acids had increased the content of phenolic compounds in grain. The antioxidant activity was correlated with the content of syringic acid, naringenin, quercetin, luteolin and phytomelanin. Organically cultivation and the foliar application of an amino acid biostimulant improved the functional properties of barley grain, in particular the original, black-grained genotypes.

Iodine-Biofortified Microgreens as High Nutraceutical Value Component of Space Mission Crew Diets and Candidate for Extraterrestrial Cultivation.

The success of Space missions and the efficacy of colonizing extraterrestrial environments depends on ensuring adequate nutrition for astronauts and autonomy from terrestrial resources. A balanced diet incorporating premium quality fresh foods, such as microgreens, is essential to the mental and physical well-being of mission crews. To improve the nutritional intake of astronaut meals, two levels of potassium iodide (KI; 4 µM and 8 µM) and an untreated control were assessed for iodine (I) biofortification, and overall nutraceutical profile of four microgreens: tatsoi (Brassica rapa L. subsp. narinosa), coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.), green basil, and purple basil (Ocimum basilicum L.). A dose-dependent increase in I was observed at 8 µM for all species, reaching concentrations of 200.73, 118.17, 93.97, and 82.70 mg kg-1 of dry weight, in tatsoi, coriander, purple basil, and green basil, respectively. Across species, I biofortification slightly reduced fresh yield (-7.98%) while increasing the antioxidant activity (ABTS, FRAP, and DPPH). LC-MS/MS Q extractive orbitrap analysis detected 10 phenolic acids and 23 flavonoids among microgreen species. The total concentration of phenolic acids increased (+28.5%) in purple basil at 8 µM KI, while total flavonoids in coriander increased by 23.22% and 34.46% in response to 4 and 8 µM KI, respectively. Both doses of KI increased the concentration of total polyphenols in all species by an average of 17.45%, compared to the control.

Post Acid Treatment on Pressurized Liquid Extracts of Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) Grain and Plant Material Improves Quantification and Identification of 3-Deoxyanthocyanidins

Sorghum is a unique natural food source of 3-deoxyanthocyanidins (3-DA) polyphenols. This work evaluated the effect of acidification on sorghum extracts post pressurized liquid extraction (PLE) and its ability to increase the identification and quantification of 3-DA. The sorghum genotypes included Sumac and PI570366 (bran only) and SC991 (leaf and leaf sheath tissue). The acidification of the PLE extracts was carried out with methanol–HCl solutions at various concentrations (0, 0.5, 1, 2, and 4%, v/v). Changes in color were determined using L*a*b*. The overall phenolic composition was estimated with the total phenolic content and the DPPH free radical scavenging assays. Quantitative and qualitative chromatographic methods determined the phenolic profile. Color analysis showed that the redness and color saturation increased after acidification. No statistical difference was found in the total phenolic content of the acidified extracts, except for SC991, which was increased. There were no differences in the antioxidant capacity following acidification in all samples. For chromatographic analysis, luteolinidin was predominant in the extracts and the 3-DA content increased after acid treatment. However, some flavonoid and phenolic acid concentrations decreased following acid treatment, including taxifolin, quercetin, and chlorogenic acid. Interestingly, 0.5% v/v HCl acidification was sufficient to increase the color, allow the detection of 5-methoxyluteolinidin, and to increase luteolinidin and 7-methoxyapigenidin by at least twofold.

Phenolics and Sesquiterpene Lactones Profile of Red and Green Lettuce: Combined Effect of Cultivar, Microbiological Fertiliser, and Season.

The main goal of our study was to find an optimal combination of tested factors to achieve lettuce rich in bioactive compounds sustaining its pleasant taste. We examined three red and three green cultivars in a greenhouse using two microbiological fertilisers (EM Aktiv and Vital Tricho), and their combination. Plants were grown in three consecutive growing seasons (autumn, winter, and spring). Lactones accumulated in autumn, whereas phenolics' concentration rose during winter. Red cultivars showed higher phenolics and lactone content, where chicoric acid and luteolin-7-glucoside were the most abundant in the 'Gaugin' winter trial. Lactucopicrin was the predominant lactone among tested cultivars with the highest value in the red cultivar 'Carmesi'. Solely applicated, the fertiliser EM Aktiv and Vital Tricho led to significantly higher phenolic acid and dihydrolactucopicrin content, while combined, there were notably increased levels of all detected lactones. Application of single fertilisers had no effect on flavonoid content, while the combination even reduced it. A sensory analysis showed a negative correlation between overall taste and total sesquiterpene lactones, lactucopicrin, caffeoylmalic, and chlorogenic acid, indicating a less bitter taste with decreasing content of these compounds. Our findings indicate that the cultivar, fertiliser, and growing season jointly affected all of the tested parameters, highlighting the differences in the application of EM Aktiv, Vital Tricho, and their combination.

Evaluation of Biological Activity and Pharmacological Attributes of Pariploca aphylla: Potential Source of Functional Food and Nutraceuticals

Functional foods and nutraceuticals are gaining popularity as they are being developed and commercialized with the aim of reducing the risk of various diseases and their treatment. In this study, antiradical activity guided fractionation of Pariploca aphylla (P. aphylla) crude extract was conducted. A crude methanolic extract of P. aphylla was prepared and then fractionated using different solvents, including hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate, butanol, and water. This approach allowed for the isolation and characterization of different fractions of P. aphylla with potential antioxidant activity. These fractions were tested for the determination of total phenolic content, antiradical (DPPH• and ABTS•+) potential and HPLC quantification of phenolic acids. Among all the tested fractions, butanol fraction exhibited highest phenolic content and significant antiradical potential. Butanol faction was further sub-fractionated using a silica gel-loaded column and 18 sub-fractions were obtained. Antiradical potential of all 18 sub-fractions was determined and sub-fraction 12 was found having highest radical scavenging potential. Structures of compounds in sub-fraction 12 were identified and quantified using GC-MS. Among all the identified compounds, 7-Trimethylsilyloxytridecane (C16H36OSi) and 1,2-bis(trimethylsiloxy)ethane (C8H22O2Si2) were found in highest ratio. All of the compounds can be declared having high anti-radical potential that can be extracted or synthesized for possible exploitation as functional food or nutraceuticals.

The Influence of Bee Bread on Antioxidant Properties, Sensory and Quality Characteristics of Multifloral Honey

The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of bee bread addition on the phenolic content, antioxidant properties, sensory and quality characteristics of the multifloral honey. On the base of results obtained, it was stated that an enrichment of honey with bee bread led to an significant increase in total phenolic content (from 30.75 to 158.96 mg GAE/100 g), total flavonoids content (from 2.77 to 21.15 mg QE/100 g), and phenolic acids content (from 11.02 to 35.47 mg CAE/100 g). Gallic acid was the predominating phenolic acid, while quercetin was the main determined flavonoid. A significant elevation of the phenolic content resulted in an increase in antioxidant capacity of the honey. However, an addition of bee bread to the honey led to the unfavorable changes of its sensory characteristics. The decrease in clarity, and uniformity of color and brightness was detected. In the case of consistency, the decrease in smoothness and meltability was found along with an increase in the feeling of sandiness. The assessment of taste showed a significant increase in acid taste, sharpness, bitterness and durability of the aftertaste, with a decrease in sweetness. The addition of bee bread to the honey caused a significant increase in water-insoluble substances content, free acidity, specific conductivity and proline level. At the same time, a decrease in the content of glucose and fructose was observed.

Replacing Mineral Fertilizer with Nitrified Human Urine in Hydroponic Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) Production

Source-separated, nitrified, and decontaminated human urine constitutes a promising plant fertilizer that contains a large share of the nitrogen and phosphorus in household wastewater, and other plant nutrients. However, human urine contains high levels of sodium and chloride that can affect salt-sensitive greenhouse crops. Replacing mineral fertilizer with nitrified urine fertilizer could reduce the environmental impact of lettuce production in hydroponic systems, if marketable yield, appearance, and produce quality are not affected. In the present study, a treatment combination of a nitrified urine fertilizer and mineral fertilizers was used to grow lettuce through the nutrient film technique. This was compared to a conventionally fertilized control treatment. No significant differences were observed regarding yield, phenotype, and contents of nitrate, heavy metals, phenolic acids, and chlorophyll in leaf tissue. Calcium content was significantly reduced and sodium was elevated in nitrified urine treatment. For the elements nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium, a saving of 48%, 13%, and 15% was calculated, respectively. The calculated carbon footprint from the total fertilizer production was reduced by 34.25%, caused by the nitrified urine treatment. Based on these results, a nutrient solution composed of nitrified urine fertilizer combined with mineral fertilizer may be a promising alternative for growers to produce lettuce with a reduced environmental impact without loss of plant quantity and quality.

Peach (Prunus persica (L.) Batsch) seeds and kernels as potential plant-based functional food ingredients: A review of bioactive compounds and health-promoting activities

Prunus persica (L.) Batsch (or peach) (Rosaceae) is the most important stone fruit crop in many areas, including North Africa, South Africa, and Europe. Peaches are well known for their flavor, nutritional value, and potential health benefits. During the consumption of peach fruit, usually jams, jellies, juices, and other food products, the seed and kernel (stone) is disposed of as waste. However, the seeds and kernels of peach fruit are considered remarkably rich sources of sodium, potassium, zinc, copper, iron, fatty acids (linolenic, oleic, palmitic, and linoleic acids), fiber, and carbohydrate (sucrose, glucose, and fructose) content. The preliminary results of various studies demonstrated that seed and kernels of peach fruit contain high amount of protein and bioactive peptides. Seed and kernels extract showed anti-ageing, anti-biofilm properties, protection against oxidative stress, cancer cell proliferation, inhibit type II diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease and obesity. It was concluded that biological properties are stimulated by the presence of hydroxycinnamic acids, polymeric procyanidins, cyanogenic glycosides, carotenoids and other metabolites. Oil extracted from the seeds of peach extracted via, supercritical CO2 shows the presence of phytosterols (stigmasterol, β-sitosterol, campesterol) that were widely known for their cholesterol-lowering effects, while additional research showed peach kernels as a potent source of phenolic compounds with high concentration of phenolic acids and catechin. Amygdalin is present in the seed extract of peach fruit, that changes into cyanide and supposed to kill cancer cells. A variety of studies are being conducted to recover possible bioactive compounds from peach seed and/or kernels in order to prevent environmental pollution and also economic losses. Thus, peach wastes, by-products, and their valorized compounds can be used as a sustainable resource of various important compounds that can be of great importance in different functional foods, pharmaceuticals, animal feed industry and cosmetics.

The effect of the genotype-environment interaction on the concentration of carotenoids, tocochromanol, and phenolic compounds in seeds of Lupinus angustifolius breeding lines

In order to determine the effect of genotype and environment on the concentration of carotenoids, tocopherols and phenolic compounds in narrow-leafed lupin a two-year study was conducted. The plant material comprised 55 breeding lines of Lupinus angustifolius. Quantitative concentration of carotenoids, tocopherols and phenolic compounds were determined using HPLC method. Mean carotenoid concentration amounted to 0.5 mg/100 g d.m. for violaxantin, 2.0 mg/100 g d.m. for lutein, 1.2 mg/100 g d.m. for zeaxantin and 0.5 mg/100 g d.m. for β-carotene, respectively. The share of the α-T homologue was 5 % (mean concentration 0.5 mg/100 g d.m.), while for the γ-T homologue it was 95 % (mean concentration 9.9 mg/100 g d.m.). The total concentration of phenolic acids in the tested lines of L. angustifolius ranged from 5.1 mg/100 g d.m. to 19.9 mg/100 g d.m. Among phenolic compounds a higher concentration of flavonoids was recorded, with their total level ranging from 100.7 mg/100 g d.m. to 152.8 mg/100 g d.m. Broad-sense heritability was 0.67–0.75 for carotenoids, 0.59–0.86 for tocopherols and 0.72–0.76 for phenolic compounds. Among all the analyzed genotypes, fifteen were selected as satisfactory and stable in terms of their concentration of biologically active compounds.

Effect of different fermentation conditions on bioactive properties, phenolic component and sensory properties of caper (Capparis ovata desf. var. ovata) buds

In this study, the antioxidant activities of caper buds, total phenolic acid content, carotenoid, flavonoid, phenolic components and total phenolic acid content of caper buds after fermentation of caper flower buds in separately 10% brine (NaCl2) containing 5% flower honey, 5% pine honey, 5% granulated sugar and 5% glucose syrup and to reveal their sensory properties were investigated. The difference of this study from other studies is the use of honey, glucose and saccharide (sugar) in addition to the use of salt in lactic acid fermentation, the main difference being the use of caper buds and the innovation. Total carotenoid contents of raw (control) and fermented caper buds were determined between 0.27 µg/g (Glucose supplemented) and 9.40 µg/g (control (raw)). In addition, the total phenolic content of raw and fermented caper buds was measured between 106.45 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/100 g (raw) and 231.07 mg GAE/100 g (with added sugar), while the total flavonoid values of raw and fermented caper buds are determined between 242.26 mg quercetin equivalent (QE)/100 g (raw) to 453.48 mg QE/100 g (sugar added). In addition, antioxidant activity values of raw and fermented caper buds were measured between 6.04 mmol trolox equivalent (TE)/kg (with added salt) and 7.75 mmol TE/kg (with added sugar). Gallic acid, 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid and catechin were the dominant phenolic components of raw and fermented caper buds. Caper buds fermented in brine with added sugar and glucose were the most appreciated.

Evaluation of gamma irradiation on medicinal plants for both qualitative and quantitative analysis of phenolic acid

The aim of this study is to assess how gamma irradiation affects the chemical profiles of medicinal plants. Two different forms; methanol leaf extracts and dried leaves, of the three medicinal plants were investigated. Utilising FTIR, HPLC, and LCMS techniques, the qualitative measurement of gallic acid (GA) in three different medicinal plants for both plant extract and dried plant before and after the gamma radiation treatment was carried out. In the meantime, HPLC has been used to do a quantitative analysis of GA in these plants in order to show the percentage concentration of phenolic acid. For these medicinal herbs, the FTIR study revealed that both plant extract and dried plant had comparable functional groups both before and after gamma radiation therapy. The chromatogram of the HPLC profile for these medicinal plants was similar in chemical constituents before and after gamma irradiation, but the samples that were treated with gamma irradiation had a slight increase in intensity (between 0.0002-0.0009 Au). Additionally, gamma irradiation at levels of 6-12 kGy and 9-13 kGy caused the mass peak of GA to deteriorate in mass spectrometry analysis. Furthermore, the percentage concentration of GA increased significantly as the gamma radiation dose increased for both forms.