Ellagic Acid Content Research Articles

Enhancement of phenolics content and biological activities of longan (Dimocarpus longan Lour.) treated with thermal and ageing process

This study is the first to compare the chemical compositions and biological activities of a conventional dried Dimocarpus longan with a novel black D. longan that underwent a thermal ageing process. Pericarp, aril, and seed of both D. longan were macerated in 95% v/v ethanol. Their chemical compositions were investigated using a Folin–Ciocalteu assay, aluminum chloride assay, and high-performance liquid chromatography. Antioxidant activities were evaluated in terms of radical scavenging and iron (III) reduction capacity. An enzyme inhibition assay was used to evaluate the hyaluronidase inhibition. Inflammatory cytokine secretion was evaluated with an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. After being exposed to a heating and ageing procedure, gallic acid and ellagic acid content were increased tenfold, while the corilagin content was doubled. Black D. longan seed extract was the most potent anti-hyaluronidase and antioxidant with the strongest free radical scavenging and reduction power, while black D. longan aril extract resulted in the highest inhibition of inflammatory cytokine secretion. Black D. longan contained more biologically active compounds and possessed more potent biological activities than conventional dried D. longan. Therefore, thermal ageing treatment is suggested for producing black D. longan, for which seed extract is suggested as a cosmeceutical active ingredient and aril extract for anti-inflammation.

복분자 추출물의 항산화 활성 및 지표성분 표준화를 위한 ellagic acid 검증

The content of ellagic acid obtained from the extracts of Rubus occidentalis (RC) and its antioxidant activity were measured to secure basic data for developing functional materials. The extract was prepared by boiling RC in water for 3 h at 90°C. The polyphenol content and 2,2'-azinbis-(3-ethyl-benzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) radical scavenging activity (IC50) of RC was 30.60±1.27 mg/g and 176±3.95 μg/mL, respectively. RC acid hydrolysate (RCH) was analyzed using HPLC and ellagic acid as a marker compound. HPLC was used to separate the content using the following experimental conditions. Gradient solvent made of 0.1% formic acid and acetonitrile/methanol (85:15 v/v) was used with elution solvent gradient. Separation was performed on a C18 MGII column (4.6×250 mm, 5 μm) and with a 254 nm PDA detector. Limit of detection (LOD), limit of quantification (LOQ), precision, accuracy, and recall rate were measured. Ellagic acid and RCH were separated from other substances with a consistent detection time and peak retention time. Ellagic acid and RCH were eluted as a single peak on the chromatogram at approximately about 17.9 min. The maximum absorbance of ellagic acid and RCH was consistent at 254 nm PDA spectrum. These results indicate that ellagic acid and RCH are similar and there are some specific differences. The correlation coefficient (R2) of the calibration curve showed a 0.9999 linearity, 0.1330 μg/mL LOD, and 0.4029 μg/mL LOQ. Inter-day precision, and intermediate precision were 12.95-13.48 mg/g (1.38-3.70% RSD) and 13.16-13.41 mg/g (1.19-2.51% RSD), respectively. The ellagic acid and RCH contents were 6.17±0.80 mg/g and 19.56±3.56 mg/g, respectively. The content of ellagic acid increased with increasing extraction and hydrolysis time. Our findings suggest that HPLC analysis could be used for validating ellagic acid as a marker compound of RC.

Rapid and ultrasensitive detection of ellagic acid by integrating boronate-affinity controllable-oriented imprinted magnetic nanoparticle and boronic acid-modified / polyethylene glycol-coated allochroic-graphene oxide

Herein, we integrate boronate-affinity controllable-oriented ellagic acid-imprinted magnetic nanoparticles (BCEMN) and boronic acid-modified / polyethylene glycol-coated allochroic-graphene oxide (BPAO) for specific and ultrasensitive detection of ellagic acid (EA). The novel detection method depends on a dual boronate-affinity sandwich strategy. The symmetric EA is first specifically captured by the BCEMN based on the boronate-affinity-related molecularly imprinted recognition, and then labeled with BPAO due to the boronate-affinity recognition. The BPAO, which is functionalized with 2,6-difluoro-4-formyl-phenylboronic acid, loaded with a large amount of pH-sensitive thymol phthalide and coated with hydrophilic polyethylene glycol, can specifically recognize the cis-diol of EA at physiological condition (pH 7.4) and perform signal amplification and readout through pH-triggered allochroism. Furthermore, the signal readout of allochroism is linear with the logarithm of EA concentration over the range between 0.02 ng mL−1 to 104 ng mL−1 with a good correlation coefficient (R2 = 0.993), and the limit of detection (LOD) is 2.96 pg mL−1. Finally, the BCEMN linked BPAO (BCBP) strategy has also been successfully applied in the detection of EA concentration in spiked strawberry sample with recovery and relative standard deviation in the range of 84.9%–110.2% and 3.9%–6.1%, respectively.

Modification of ginseng insoluble dietary fiber through alkaline hydrogen peroxide treatment and its impact on structure, physicochemical and functional properties

The influence of alkaline hydrogen peroxide (AHP) treatment of ginseng insoluble dietary fiber (IDF) on physicochemical and functional properties was investigated in this study. The chemical treatment resulted in porous IDF with wrinkled surface and loosened inner structure. Comparing to the unmodified, modifying ginseng IDF increased the water holding capacity (WHC), water swelling capacity (WSC) and oil retention capacity (ORC) by 32.6%, 29.8% and 32.7%, respectively. The chemical modification caused diminution in isoquercetin, ellagic acid, resveratrol, epicatechin and ferulic acid contents and unfavorable decreases in antioxidant activities. AHP treatment improved nitrite-adsorption capacity, cholesterol-adsorption capacity, glucose adsorption capacity and α-amylase inhibitory activity. X-ray diffraction and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy analyses showed that AHP treatment led to major alterations in the structure of IDF. Thus, AHP modified ginseng IDF, as a novel ingredient could find potential applications in the development of both plant and meat based products.

High or low temperature extraction, which is more conducive to Triphala against chronic pharyngitis?

ObjectiveExplore the effects of high-temperature reflux extraction and low-temperature decompressing inner ebullition on Triphala's chemical composition and anti-chronic pharyngitis activity. MethodsThe network pharmacology was used to analyze the material basis, targets and pathways of Triphala for chronic pharyngitis. HPLC were used to compare the fingerprint profile and content of components between the two extracts. The antioxidant and anti-chronic pharyngitis activities of the two extracts were compared by DPPH assay and ammonia induced chronic pharyngitis model in rats. ResultsThe network pharmacology results showed that the active ingredients of Triphala for chronic pharyngitis are epigallocatechin-3-gallate, (+)-catechin, epicatechin, epicatechin gallate, (+)-gallocatechin, quercetin, luteolin, leucodelphinidin and other flavonoids; phenolic acids such as gallic acid and ellagic acid; alkaloids such as ellipticine, cheilanthifoline; hydrolyzed tannins such as corilagin and chebulic acid. The high-temperature reflux extract and the low-temperature decompressing inner ebullition extract have extremely significant differences in the fingerprint profile. Among them, the content of gallic acid, ellagic acid, chebulic acid, catechin, epicatechin, corilagin, quercetin, and epicatechin gallate in the reflux extract is 1.1–5.3 times as much as decompressing inner ebullition extract. The free radical scavenging ability of reflux extract is significantly stronger than that of decompression extract (p < 0.01), and it has a repairing effect on pharyngeal mucosal damage (reducing keratinization or hyperplasia of mucosal epithelium, reducing inflammatory cell infiltration and bleeding), and reducing IL-1β (P＜0.05), IL-6 (p＜0.05), TNF-α overexpression ability is stronger than the decompressing inner ebullition extract. Conclusionsgallic acid, ellagic acid, chebulic acid, catechin, epicatechin, corilagin and epicatechin gallate are the basic aglycones or oligomers of tannin. High temperature reflux extraction can significantly promote the occurrence of the hydrolysis of tannins and significantly increases the content of these components.Therefore, its anti-chronic pharyngitis activity is enhanced. It is suggested that high temperature reflux extraction should be used in the treatment of chronic pharyngitis.

N‐acetylcysteine is more effective than ellagic acid in preventing acrolein induced dysfunction in mitochondria isolated from rat liver

Acrolein, a common environmental, food, and water pollutant, has been linked to the pathology of several diseases. This toxic substance is an unsaturated aldehyde and a major component of cigarette smoke and also produced during the processing of fat-containing foods. This study aimed to evaluate the protective effect of ellagic acid and N-acetylcysteine (NAC) in acrolein-induced toxicity in mitochondria isolated from the rat liver. The mitochondria were exposed to different concentrations of acrolein for 40min, then functionality was assessed. Contact with acrolein rapidly and remarkably depleted the intracellular glutathione and antioxidant capacity, because of increased ROS production and lipid peroxidation which may lead to the cell death. Mitochondria were then pre-exposed to different concentrations of ellagic acid, NAC, and IC50 concentration of acrolein. Consistent with the results, acrolein decreased GSH content and increased ROS level and lipid peroxidation, which led to ATP depletion and mitochondrial dysfunction. While ellagic acid has been able to reduce ROS and therefore the permeability of the mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), presumably via its antioxidant properties, we've not detected its favorable effect on GSH and ATP restoration and also on mitochondrial complex II function. However, NAC strongly decreased ROS, lipid peroxidation and MMP and improved GSH content and complex II activity. These results showed that ellagic acid while reported to possess some cellular protective properties, did not prevent mitochondria from being affected by acrolein during this in vitro study. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Ellagic acid is found in fruits, vegetables, and nuts which are revealed to possess strong antioxidant and protective properties. Mitochondrial dysfunction has been implicated in the pathogenesis of some chronic diseases including cancer, diabetes, liver disease, and neurodegenerative disorders, and presumably, ellagic acid by its mitochondrial protective effects can be helpful in these chronic conditions. Acrolein is an α,β-unsaturated aldehyde that can be produced during cooking at high temperature. By increasing the ROS level and lipid peroxidation and depleting the glutathione content, acrolein induces cellular damage and mitochondrial toxicity. This toxicant is taken into account as a carcinogen and mutagen. In this study, the protective effect of ellagic acid in comparison with N-acetylcysteine has been investigated during the toxicity of acrolein in the rat liver mitochondria to look for evidence of whether it is useful or not through this insult.

Toxicological and bioactivity evaluation of blackcurrant press cake, sea buckthorn leaves and bark from Scots pine and Norway spruce extracts under a green integrated approach

Aqueous extracts from blackcurrant press cake (BC), Norway spruce bark (NS), Scots pine bark (SP), and sea buckthorn leaves (SB) were obtained using maceration and pressurized hot water and tested for their bioactivities. Maceration provided the extraction of higher dry matter contents, including total phenolics (TPC), anthocyanins, and condensed tannins, which also impacted higher antioxidant activity. NS and SB extracts presented the highest mean values of TPC and antioxidant activity. Individually, NS extract presented high contents of proanthocyanidins, resveratrol, and some phenolic acids. In contrast, SB contained a high concentration of ellagitannins, ellagic acid, and quercetin, explaining the antioxidant activity and antibacterial effects. SP and BC extracts had the lowest TPC and antioxidant activity. However, BC had strong antiviral efficacy, whereas SP can be considered a potential ingredient to inhibit α-amylase. Except for BC, the other extracts decreased reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation in HCT8 and A549 cells. Extracts did not inhibit the production of TNF-alpha in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated THP-1 macrophages but inhibited the ROS generation during the THP-1 cell respiratory burst. The recovery of antioxidant compounds from these by-products is incentivized for high value-added applications.

Development and Validation of Chromatographic Method for the Standardization of Homeopathic Formulation of Syzygium Cumini.

Syzygium cumini (Lam.), family Myrtaceae, has a long history of use in folk and traditional systems of indigenous medicine. Many homeopathic formulations of Jamun seeds are available in the market for their crucial usage as an anti-diabetic. Despite the popularity of homeopathic products, a lack of standard quality is a significant impediment in their acceptance. The present study aimed to develop and validate a chromatographic method for the standardization of the homeopathic formulation of Syzygium cumini. The seeds of Syzygium cumini were studied for physicochemical evaluation and preliminary phytochemical screening. Also, the in-house standard and marketed homeopathic formulations of Syzigium cumini were standardized for pH, total fatty content, total phenolic and flavonoid content, with quantitative high-performance liquid chromatography- photodiode array detector (HPLC-PDA) analysis by using ellagic acid as a marker. The physicochemical characteristics of crude material were found to be within pharmacopeial limits. The phytochemical screening showed the presence of various secondary metabolites. The total phenolic and flavonoid content was higher in the in-house standard than in marketed formulations. A validated quantitative HPLC-PDA analysis showed variations of ellagic acid content in different homeopathic formulations. Physicochemical analysis and the HPLC method for quantitative estimation of ellagic acid can be used to standardize a homeopathic formulation of Syzygium cumini.

Quality, Bioactive Compounds, Antioxidant Capacity, and Enzymes of Raspberries at Different Maturity Stages, Effects of Organic vs. Conventional Fertilization.

Raspberries are important sources of bioactive compounds, whose synthesis is influenced by the fertilization system and the maturity stage. This study evaluated the effect of organic and conventional fertilization systems on raspberries at three maturity stages, pink, ripe, and overripe. Physicochemical characteristics, bioactive compounds (phenolic profile, vitamin C), antioxidant capacity (DPPH, FRAP, TEAC, and ORAC), phenolic-associated enzyme, phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL), and antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT, GPx, and APX) were evaluated. The physicochemical determination of the fruit did not reveal differences between fertilization systems. Regarding bioactive compounds, higher content of anthocyanins was found in organic raspberries at all maturity stages. Organic fertilization increased the content of ellagic acid and gallic acid at all stages of maturity. Higher content of caffeic, hydroxybenzoic, protocatechuic acid, and vitamin C was observed in organic raspberry at the overripe stage. Raspberries grown with organic fertilization exhibited higher values of antioxidant capacity by the DPPH, FRAP, and TEAC methods at all maturity stages. Raspberries under organic fertilization showed significantly greater activity of CAT, SOD, APX, GPX, and PAL. The present study suggests that organic fertilization induces oxidative stress causing an increase in antioxidant defense mechanisms, enhancing bioactive compound production, and improving antioxidant capacity in raspberries.

Development of a bioprocess for production of ellagic acid from chestnut (Castanea sativa Mill.) waste by fermentation with Aspergillus spp.

Ellagic acid is a polyphenol found in plant-based foods with health benefits. In this study, valorization of chestnut shell (shell: inner pellicle and peel) to produce ellagic acid by fungal fermentation was investigated. Newly isolated black Aspergillus spp. (A. aculeatus ZGM6, A. japonicus ZGM4, A. niger ZDM2, A. tubingensis ZDM1) were screened to evaluate their potential for fermentation. LC-MS/MS and HPLC-PDA were carried out to identify ellagic acid and its derivatives in the fermentation medium. A. japonicus ZGM4 was found to yield the highest level of ellagic acid and used as the test microorganism to determine optimum fermentation conditions. Optimization studies were conducted by the Plackett-Burman Design followed by the Central Composite Design. Concentrations of lactose and yeast extract and fermentation time were found as effective factors on ellagic acid yield. Fermentation of chestnut shell under the optimized conditions (11.5 g/L lactose, 5.9 g/L yeast extract, 140 h) generated 6-fold increase in concentration of ellagic acid. Chestnut shell can be utilized as a natural source of ellagic acid that could be further enriched by fermentation.

Potential valorization of Cornelian cherry (Cornus mas L.) stones: Roasting and extraction of bioactive and volatile compounds

This study aimed to characterize the antioxidant potential, bioactive and volatile compounds of the stones from fruits of Cornus mas.Both fresh and roasted stones show a high antioxidant potential (166.48–509.74 μmol TE/g dw stones), which significantly depends on the cultivars. The roasted stones preserved 43.6% (DPPH; ‘Raciborski’) to 97.2% (FRAP; ‘Alesha’) of the antioxidant activity of the non-roasted stones. In the stones, two iridoids and ellagic acid were determined. During roasting, loganic acid remained stable, whereas cornuside was completely degraded. The analyses showed a 30-fold increase in the concentration of ellagic acid and in the formation of two of its derivatives. The major aroma compound of the roasted stones was furfural, but we also identified 18 pyrazine derivatives.This study is the first attempt to valorize Cornelian cherry stones via roasting. The roasted stones can be a coffee substitute, or aromatic and bioactive additions to cereal coffees.

Evaluation of the quality of fermented kiwi wines made from different kiwifruit cultivars

This study evaluated the physicochemical properties of the juices of different kiwi cultivars before and after fermentation. The organic acid, monomeric phenol, aroma, and alcohol contents of seven kiwi wines were analyzed. The results revealed that Guichang wine had the highest total phenol content and the highest principal component analysis score. Xuxiang wine had the highest organic acid, quinic, and lactic acid contents, while Jinkui wine had the highest acetic, citric, and malic acid contents. The main monomeric phenols present in kiwi wine were protocatechuic, ellagic, and gallic acids. Guichang wine had the highest gallic acid content, while Hayward wine had the highest protocatechuic and ellagic acid contents. Furthermore, Guichang wine had the highest volatile aroma content, while Miliang One wine had the most aromatic compounds (n = 45) in volatile aromas. Miliang One wine had the highest alcohol content and Jinkui wine had the lowest.

Pharmacokinetics study of a supersaturatable self-microemulsifying drug delivery system for ellagic acid by UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS.

To evaluate the bioavailability of ellagic acid loaded super-saturatable self-microemulsifying drug delivery system (S-SMEDDS), its pharmacokinetic properties were studied in rats with an ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry. The plasma samples were treated by solid-phase extraction method, and gallic acid was used as the internal standard when determining the concentration of ellagic acid. Results showed that the established analytical method was sensitive and accurate, which is applicable to the pharmacokinetic study of ellagic acid. The drug was found to be absorbed rapidly in vivo, and the plasma concentration-time curve showed double peaks, indicating that ellagic acid were reabsorbed by entero-hepatic circulation after oral administration. Compared with ellagic acid suspension, the apparent clearance of ellagic acid-loaded S-SMEDDS and SMEDDS reduced significantly, and the AUC 0~t of them were 4.7 and 5.8-fold increase, respectively. Therefore, the bioavailability of ellagic acid-loaded S-SMEDDS was higher than that of the suspension and SMEDDS.

Terminalia ferdinandiana inhibited the increased of matrix metalloproteinase-1 and prevent collagen decreased in mice skin exposed to UV-B

Kakadu cream contained 0,1% Kakadu plum (Terminalia ferdinandiana) extract with a high content of phenolic compound, flavonol, tocopherol, luthein, chlorophyll, and ellagic acid has potential to prevent the Ultraviolet-B (UV-B) effect on skin aging acceleration. To date, there’s no in vivo experiment on the effect of kakadu plum extract on collagen nor matrix metalloproteinase-1(MMP-1). This research aims to evaluate the effectiveness of Kakadu cream administration in inhibiting the increase of MMP-1 expressions and prevent the decrease of collagen amount in mice (Mus musculus) skin exposed to UV-B.&#x0D; &#x0D; An experimental study with a post-test only control group design was employed in 36 male mice, 6-8 weeks old, weighing 20-25 grams. The samples were divided randomly into two groups, a control group given base cream and the study group, given Kakadu cream 0,1% on their shaved backs, 1 cm2 in size as the UV-B exposure's location. The UV-B irradiation was done three times a week for 4 weeks. The base and Kakadu cream were given twice a day. Comparative analysis was carried out to compare MMP-1 expression and collagen amount in both groups.&#x0D; &#x0D; The results show that the mean of MMP-1 expression on the study group was significantly lower compared to control group (p&lt;0.001). The mean collagen amount was significantly higher in the study group than in the control group (p&lt; 0,001).&#x0D; &#x0D; From the results, can be concluded that Kakadu cream inhibited the increase MMP-1 expression and prevent the decrease of collagen amount in mice skin exposed to UV-B.

PHENOLIC COMPOUNDS AGRIMONIA PILOSA DEPENDING ON THE PHASE OF PLANT DEVELOPMENT

The composition and content of phenolic compounds in the organs of the above-ground part of Agrimonia pilosa Ledeb. depending on the phase of plant development were studied by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Fourteen compounds found in water-ethanol extracts from organs of A. pilosa. Flavonols (kaempferol, astragalin, kaempferol-3-O-β-rutinoside, quercetin, hyperoside and rutin), flavones (apigenin, vitexin, luteolin and luteolin-7-glucoside) and phenolic acids (chlorogenic, caffeic, vanillic and ellagic acids) have been identified. Hyperoside, rutin, and ellagic acid were the major constituents in the extracts from the leaves and the reproductive organs of the species. The highest content of rutin were found in the leaves during vegetative growth and in the inflorescences (2.75 and 2.67 mg/g, respectively). The highest content of hyperoside were observed in leaves in the phase of budding and fruiting (2.02 and 2.25 mg/g). The highest content of ellagic acid were revealed in leaves in the fruiting phase and in buds (3.49 and 2.09 mg/g). The highest total phenolic content was found in the leaves during the fruiting (21.1 mg/g). Unidentified flavonols number 12 and 13 (1.62 and 2.76 mg/g, respectively) were the domi-nant components in the leaves in the growing phase. The total content of phenolic compounds in buds (9.52 mg/g) and in inflorescences (9.80 mg/g) was the same. The total content of phenolic compounds in fruits was two times less (4.24 mg/g) than in buds and inflorescences.

Mitochondrial, lysosomal and DNA damages induced by acrylamide attenuate by ellagic acid in human lymphocyte.

Acrylamide (AA), is an important contaminant formed during food processing under high temperature. Due to its potential neurotoxicity, reproductive toxicity, hepatotoxicity, immunotoxicity, genotoxicity and carcinogenicity effects, this food contaminant has been recognized as a human health concern. Previous studies showed that acrylamide-induced toxicity is associated with active metabolite of acrylamide by cytochrome P450 enzyme, oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction and DNA damage. In the current study, we investigated the role of oxidative stress in acrylamide's genotoxicity and therapeutic potential role of ellagic acid (EA) in human lymphocytes. Human lymphocytes were simultaneously treated with different concentrations of EA (10, 25 and 50 μM) and acrylamide (50 μM) for 4 h at 37°C. After 4 hours of incubation, the toxicity parameters such cytotoxicity, ROS formation, oxidized/reduced glutathione (GSH/GSSG) content, malondialdehyde (MDA) level, lysosomal membrane integrity, mitochondria membrane potential (ΔΨm) collapse and 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) were analyzed using biochemical and flow cytometry evaluations. It has been found that acrylamide (50 μM) significantly increased cytotoxicity, ROS formation, GSH oxidation, lipid peroxidation, MMP collapse, lysosomal and DNA damage in human lymphocytes. On the other hand, cotreatment with EA (25 and 50 μM) inhibited AA-induced oxidative stress which subsequently led to decreasing of the cytotoxicity, GSH oxidation, lipid peroxidation, MMP collapse, lysosomal and DNA damage. Together, these results suggest that probably the co-exposure of EA with foods containing acrylamide could decrease mitochondrial, lysosomal and DNA damages, and oxidative stress induced by acrylamide in human body.

Effective medicinal ingredients and screening of excellent germplasm in Rubus chingii

In order to provide rationale for selection of good germplasm in Rubus chingii, main effective medicinal ingredients of green fruit such as gallic acid, ellagic acid, kaempferol-3-rutinoside, astragalin and tiliroside were measured using UPLC for the samples collected from Chun'an county of Zhejiang province, and such parameters as soluble solid contents of ripe fruit of some samples were also measured to study variation among individuals and correlation. It has been found that there were differences among individuals in the contents of gallic acid, ellagic acid, kaempferol-3-rutinoside, astragalin and tiliroside, which ranged from 0.010 2%-0.027 4%, 0.089 5%-0.291 1%, 0.010 5%-0.114 8%, 0.005 8%-0.041 2% and 0.010 9%-0.086 3%, respectively, with a CV of 18.60%, 27.02%, 44.23%, 44.17% and 47.29%, respectively. Gallic acid was positively correlated with ellagic acid, but negatively with kaempferol-3-rutinoside and astragalin significantly. Significantly positive correlation existed between kaempferol-3-rutinoside, astragalin and linden glycoside as well as between ellagic acid and fruit shape index of ripe fruit and between linden glycoside and the content of soluble solids. 51.35% of the individuals had a content of soluble solids more than 15%. Therefore, abundant variations have been found among individuals in effective medicinal ingredients in R. chingii, which shows great potential for selection, but only do 7.61% of the individuals meet the requirement of Chinese pharmacopoeia in terms of the contents of effective medicinal ingredients. Therefore, selection could be first performed in terms of fruit shape index of ripe red fruit, followed by the contents of ellagic acid and kaempferol-3-rutinoside measured. The individuals, in which the contents of effective medicinal ingredients don't meet the requirement of Chinese pharmacopoeia, could be considered for the selection in terms of edible fresh fruit.

Characterisation of nutritional, physiochemical, and mineral compositions of aril and seed of longan fruit (Dimocarpus longan L.)

Longan (Dimocarpus longan L.) seeds are usually discarded without further utilisation in food production. In the present work, to determine the food resource value of longan seeds, their nutritional components, bioactive materials, and antioxidant activity were compared with those of the longan aril, the edible portion. The dried longan aril and seeds produced in Thailand were examined for their primary nutritional composition, organic acid composition, phenolic contents (gallic acid and ellagic acid), and antioxidant activity; including the DPPH radical-scavenging activity, superoxide dismutase (SOD)-like activity, and reducing power. Based on the proximate composition, the longan aril had higher moisture (9.85%) and crude ash (4.07%) contents, whereas the seed had higher crude protein (7.38%), crude lipid (4.91%), and carbohydrate (83.63%) contents. Among the minerals, calcium (122.60 mg/100 g), potassium (2.053.50 mg/100 g), phosphorus (191.21 mg/100 g), and sodium (25.24 mg/100 g) contents were higher in the longan aril, whereas magnesium (69.83 mg/100 g) and iron (2.97 mg/100 g) contents were higher in the seed. The contents of most free sugars and organic acids were higher in the longan aril than in the seed. UHPLC-MS/MS analysis showed the contents of gallic acid and ellagic acid were higher in the seed (1.54 and 1249.50 µg/g, respectively) than in the aril. The total phenolic and total flavonoid contents, which indicate the antioxidant activity, were higher in the longan seed (248.42 mg GAE/g and 6.37 mg CAE/g, respectively) than in the longan aril, whereas the seed showed higher values for all the antioxidant activities than the aril. Our findings suggest that the longan seed exhibits not only high contents of nutrients but also an outstanding antioxidant activity, thereby verifying the high value of longan seeds as a potential food resource.

Phytochemical and Psychotropic Research of Motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca L.) Modified Dry Extracts.

The prospect of creating a new medicine with psychotropic activity is shown as a result of studying the chemical composition and pharmacological activity of modified dry extracts of motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca L.) tincture. The most promising substances were the dry extracts, modified by adding small amounts of arginine, valine, phenylalanine, glycine, lysine, and alanine. A total of 15 main phenolic substances were found in the extracts, and eight of them were identified. There were also 10 hydroxycinnamic acids in these extracts, three of which were identified (chlorogenic, caffeic, and rosmarinic acids). The dominant hydroxycinnamic acids were chlorogenic and caffeic acids. Among flavonoids, catechin, hyperoside, and rutin were identified. It should be noted that the extracts had a significant content of ellagic acid. On the basis of the results of the phytochemical analysis of the extracts, it can be concluded that the composition of phenolic compounds does not differ significantly, and the main differences are related to amino acids, which obviously have an impact on the overall pharmacological effect. The results obtained indicate the presence of anxiolytic activity in the motherwort extracts studied in complex with amino acids. The extracts with glycine, valine, and arginine were more effective in reducing anxiety in animals.

Influence of Foliar Application with Gibberellic Acid on Phenolic and Bioactive Compounds of Strawberry Fruits

In present study, effects of foliar GA3 treatments on phenolic compounds, organic acids, vitamin C content and agro-morphological characteristics of 5 strawberry cultivars were investigated. Principle component analysis was also performed to assess the variations in and relationships between bioactive compounds contents of cultivars treated with GA3. Although they varied depending on cultivars, the highest organic acid contents were generally determined in fruits treated with 50 ppm GA3. Both GA3 treatments increased vitamin C contents in ‘Albion’ and ‘Aromas’ but decreased in ‘Seascape’ fruits. GA treatment caused significant change in some phenolic compounds content. While 100 ppm GA3 treatment significantly increased catechin content of ‘Albion’ and ‘Aromas’, it decreased catechin content of ‘Seascape’ fruits. Results of PCA analysis showed that ‘Sweet Ann’ differ from other cultivars by poor ascorbic and fumaric acid content. ‘Albion’ and ‘Honeoye’ differ from other cultivars by high p-coumaric and low ellagic acid contents.