Viburnum Opulus Research Articles

Valorization of European Cranberry Bush (Viburnum opulus L.) Berry Pomace Extracts Isolated with Pressurized Ethanol and Water by Assessing Their Phytochemical Composition, Antioxidant, and Antiproliferative Activities.

Defatted by supercritical CO2, Viburnum opulus berry pomace (VOP) was subjected to consecutive extraction with pressurized ethanol (E) and water (W) and yielded 23% of VOP-E and 8% of VOP-W, respectively. The major phytochemical groups covering 42 identified and quantified constituents in VOP extracts were organic and phenolic acids, iridoids, quercetin and (epi)catechin derivatives, flavalignans, procyanidins, and anthocyanins. The on-line HPLC-DPPH•-scavenging assay revealed the presence of numerous antioxidants. VOP-E had a higher total phenolic content, was a stronger antioxidant (equivalent to 0.77, 0.42, and 0.17 g trolox/g in oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC), ABTS, and DPPH assays, respectively), and recovered the major part of phenolics from the pomace; however, both extracts demonstrated similar antioxidant activity in the cellular assay. VOP-E inhibited HT29 cancer cells at non-cytotoxic concentrations. The results of this study revealed that VOP contains valuable phytochemicals possessing antioxidant and antiproliferative activities. Consequently, extracts from VOP substances may be of interest in developing functional ingredients for healthy foods, nutraceuticals, and cosmeceuticals.

Ecological potentials of trees, shrubs and hedge species for urban green spaces by multi criteria decision making

In planning for sustainable development of urban green space at the macro and regional levels, it is imperative to examine plant species of urban green spaces and to introduce new species considering climatic conditions, environmental pollution, industrial lifestyle, and resource limitations. The present study employs multi criteria decision making techniques to assess the existing and recommended plant species (trees, shrubs, and hedge plants) in downtown and marginal parks of Rasht City, Iran. Twenty seven indicators were defined in the context of six criteria, namely regional adaptation, urban environment, aesthetics, maintenance, growth characteristics, and specific advantages. Weights were assigned to the criteria using the entropy method. They were subsequently ranked by Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS), Combinative Distance-based Assessment (CODAS), Additive Ratio Assessment (ARAS), and Evaluation Based on Distance from Average Solution (EDAS) techniques. To provide a final ranking of the ornamental species, the results of these four techniques were integrated using average rank, Borda, and Copeland methods. Based on the results, Parrotia persica, Liquidambar styraciflua, Lagerstroemia indica, Pyracantha coccinea, and Ligustrum texanum were ranked highest and Aesculus hippocastanum, Koelreuteria paniculata, Crataegus microphylla, Viburnum opulus, and Berberis gagnepainii were ranked lowest. Based on the detailed results, the assessment of trees, shrubs, and hedge plants can help decision makers and planners of urban green space development.

High pressure processing (HPP) of cranberrybush “Viburnum opulus” puree: Effects on microbiological quality, bioactive compounds and antioxidant capacities

High pressure processing (HPP) of cranberrybush “<i>Viburnum opulus</i>” puree: Effects on microbiological quality, bioactive compounds and antioxidant capacities

Characterization of European cranberrybush (Viburnum opulus L.) genetic resources in Turkey

In this study, a comprehensive morphological and biochemical characterization of 14 European Cranberrybush (Viburnum opulus L.) genotypes that were collected from Gumushane province of Turkey is provided. Additionally, their potentials as cultivar candidate, natural antioxidants, colorants and ingredients were exploited. Yield per bush, fruit weight, number of fruits per raceme and number of racemes per bush were ranged from 4.7 kg to 6.2 kg; 0.53 to 0.86 g; 34.4–53.1 and 119–307 among genotypes indicating high diversity. The majority of genotypes (8) had red fruit skin color and rest of the genotypes had equally light red and dark red fruit skin color. European Cranberrybush fruits had medium level vitamin C content (28−43 mg per 100 g fresh fruit) and the genotypes had SSC (Soluble Solid Content) between 10.40 and 12.20 %. Crude protein and crude cellulose of the genotypes varied from 5.67 to 6.71 (%) and 16.6–18.7 (%), respectively. Total phenol and total anthocyanin content ranged from 696 to 830 mg gallic acid equivalent per 100 g fresh weight and 27.6–54.3 mg per 100 g fresh fruit expressed cyanidin-3-glucoside. Antioxidant activity were found between 27.67 and 35.65 μmol trolox equivalents per g fresh fruit based on FRAP (Ferric Reducing Ability of Plasma) assay. Total lipid content ranged from 10.3–13.3 (%) and oleic acid was dominant fatty acids for all genotypes (57.3–70.4). Local genotypes are found to be promising for further valorization through horticultural characteristics and novel antioxidants, colorants and ingredients.

Viburnum opulus L. Juice Phenolic Compounds Influence Osteogenic Differentiation in Human Osteosarcoma Saos-2 Cells.

Bone mass loss occurs with a decrease in osteoblast proliferation and differentiation, or the enhancement of bone resorption, which further leads to the impairment of bone mineral density and increase in bone fracture. Recent studies suggest that some phenolic compounds found in food play positive role in bone metabolism. High content of phenolic compounds with potential beneficial effects on bone metabolism have been identified in the Viburnum opulus fruit. The aim of the study was to determine the influence of V. opulus fresh juice (FJ) and juice purified by solid phase extraction (PJ) on osteogenesis processes with osteosarcoma Saos-2 cell lines. V. opulus purified juice revealed stronger potential as an inducer of Saos-2 osteogenic differentiation. Saos-2 cells matrix mineralization was evaluated with alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity measurement and alizarin red S staining. Gene expression analysis showed the elevation of the mRNA levels of Runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2), ALP, collagen type 1 and osteonectin, whereas the nuclear factor-κB ligand and osteoprotegerin ratio (RANKL/OPG) decreased. Furthermore, V. opulus was able to diminish the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines Il6 and TNFα, however had no effect on vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). It decreased intracellular oxidative stress and induced DNA repair, but had no effect on the growth inhibition of lactic acid beneficial microorganisms.

Viburnum opulus L. Juice Phenolics Inhibit Mouse 3T3-L1 Cells Adipogenesis and Pancreatic Lipase Activity.

Viburnum opulus L. fruit is a rich source of phenolic compounds that may be involved in the prevention of metabolic diseases. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of Viburnum opulus fresh juice (FJ) and juice purified by solid-phase extraction (PJ) on the adipogenesis process with murine 3T3-L1 preadipocyte cell line and pancreatic lipase activity in triolein emulsion, as well as their phenolic profiles by UPLC/Q-TOF-MS. Decrease of lipids and triacylglycerol accumulation in differentiated 3T3-L1 cells were in concordance with downregulation of the expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPARγ), CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein alpha (C/EBPβ/α), and sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1c (SREBP-1c). Furthermore, regulation of PPARγ-mediated β-lactamase expression by V. opulus components in reporter gene assay, as well as their binding affinity to ligand-binding domain of PPARγ, were tested. In addition, the levels of enzymes involved in lipid metabolism, like fatty acid synthase (FAS) or acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC), were decreased, along with inflammatory cytokines, like tumor necrosis factorα (TNFα), interleukin-6 (Il-6) and leptin. Moreover, FJ and PJ were able to inhibit pancreatic lipase, which potentially could reduce the fat absorption from the intestinal lumen and the storage of body fat in the adipose tissues. Thirty-two phenolic compounds with chlorogenic acid as the dominant compound were identified in PJ which revealed significant biological activity. These data contribute to elucidate V. opulus juice phenolic compounds’ molecular mechanism in adipogenesis regulation in 3T3-L1 cells and dietary fat lipolysis.

INFLUENCE OF EXTRACTION TECHNOLOGY ON ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY OF CRANBERRY, SEA BUCKTHORN, BLACKBERRY, HONEYSUCKLE, VIBURNUM, MOUNTAIN ASH, AND JUNIPER FRUIT EXTRACTS

The aim of the work is to develop an optimal technology for extracting a complex of substances with an antioxidant effect from cranberries (Vaccinium oxycoccos L.), sea buckthorn (Hippophaërhamnoides L.), blackberries (Rubus subgen. Rubus), honeysuckle (Lonicera L.) widespread in the Russian Federation. ), viburnum (Viburnum opulus L.), mountain ash (Sorbus aucuparia L.), juniper (Juniperus L.), a comparative study of the effect of ultrasound exposure with traditional maceration and microwave irradiation on the total content of phenols, flavonoids, anthocyanins, β-carotene, antiradical e action, restoring force in the extraction of the studied plant materials. Spectrophotometric methods for determining the total content of phenols, flavonoids, anthocyanins, antiradical activity with 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl free radical, and restoring forces with the FRAP reagent were chosen as research methods. It is the use of ultrasonic extraction for fruits that allows to obtain a higher content of phenols, flavonoids, anthocyanins, antiradical activity values, regenerating power, antioxidant action in the obtained extracts. Microwave radiation has a similar effect in the level of a number of indicators of fruit extracts. Although the performance of microwave extracts of fruits is lower in magnitude than ultrasonic extracts. It is interesting to note that it is anthocyanins as the most sensitive to external influences class of compounds that are extracted during ultrasonic processing from the berries and remain the most. To obtain fruit extract, acting as a component of many dietary supplements, as well as cosmetics with a high level of antioxidant substances and antioxidant activity, on the basis of the conducted research it is possible to recommend ultrasonic treatment as an intensification method with the same temperature parameters and process time, which will allow to obtain extracts with a higher content of nutraceutical substances.

Evaluation of Viburnum opulus L. Fruit Phenolics Cytoprotective Potential on Insulinoma MIN6 Cells Relevant for Diabetes Mellitus and Obesity.

In this study, the influence of guelder rose (Viburnum opulus) fruit fresh juice (FJ) and a phenolic-rich fraction (PRF) isolated from juice on mice insulinoma MIN6 cells activities was investigated. Extracts were able to decrease intracellular oxidative stress at the highest non-cytotoxic concentrations. They induced glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) secretion in the presence of an elevated glucose concentration, and they inhibited in vitro activity of the dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP4) enzyme. Nonetheless, inhibition of glucose-stimulated insulin secretion was detected, which was accompanied by a decrease of cellular membrane fluidity and hyperpolarization effect. In addition, the increase of free fatty acid uptake and accumulation of lipid droplets in MIN6 cells were observed. Elevated extract concentrations induced cell apoptosis through the intrinsic mitochondrial pathway with activation of initiatory caspase-9 and downstream caspases-3/7. The fluorescence-quenching studies indicated that PRF extract has binding affinity to human serum albumin, which is one of the factors determining drug bioavailability. Taken together, despite the cytoprotective activity against generated intracellular oxidative stress, V. opulus revealed potential toxic effects as well as decreased insulin secretion from MIN6 cells. These findings are relevant in understanding V. opulus limitations in developing diet supplements designed for the prevention and treatment of postprandial glucose elevation.

Diversity on Fruits of Wild Grown European Cranberrybush from Coruh Valley in Turkey

Wild berries-blackberry, raspberry, blueberry, strawberry, rose hip, elderberry, cranberries etc. are common across most of region of Turkey and there is lack of information about horticultural characteristics of wild grown those berries in the country. Present study aimed to determine some morphological (fruit weight, number of fruits per raceme, number of racemes per bush), and biochemical (vitamin C, soluble solid content, total phenol, total anthocyanin, and antioxidant capacity) in fruits of ten European cranberrybush (Viburnum opulus L.) genotypes naturally grown in Coruh valley in Turkey. The results showed statistically significant differences among genotypes for most of the searched parameters. Fruit weight, number of fruits per raceme and number of racemes per bush were ranged from 0.64 to 0.85 g; 35.2 to 52.6 and 326 to 483, respectively. The genotypes had SSC (Soluble solid content) and vitamin C between 10.96 and 12.65% and 29 and 41 mg per 100 g fresh fruit basis. Total phenol and total anthocyanin content ranged from 668 to 856 mg gallic acid equivalent per 100 g fresh weight, 27–53 mg per 100 g fresh fruit expressed cyanidin-3-rutinoside. Antioxidant activity were found between 28.76 and 36.41 µmol trolox equivalents per g fresh fruit based on FRAP (Ferric Reducing Ability of Plasma) assay.

First Insights into the Chemical Ecology of an Invasive Pest: Olfactory Preferences of the Viburnum Leaf Beetle (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae).

The viburnum leaf beetle (VLB), Pyrrhalta viburni (Paykull), is an invasive chrysomelid in North America where it infests native Viburnum shrubs in woody areas and managed landscapes. Despite its invasive and destructive nature, little is known about the chemical ecology of this beetle, and efficient chemical lures for monitoring and trapping this insect have yet to be developed. Using two of the main host plants of VLB in its native range, Viburnum opulus L. (Caprifoliaceae) and V. lantana L., we examined the olfactory preferences of adult females of VLB under laboratory conditions and measured volatile emissions of Viburnum twigs with and without VLB damage. VLB females had a clear preference for V. opulus and V. lantana twigs compared to blank odor sources. In addition, twigs with foliar damage and fresh egg masses were found to be more attractive than noninfested twigs in V. opulus when VLB infestation was recent, but not when twigs had been infested for several weeks. Chemical analyses revealed consistent treatment-specific blends of compounds, which may be used for the elaboration of attractive lures. Future research should focus on the identification of these compounds and on exploring the olfactory preferences of VLB with Viburnum species present in North America.

Green Synthesis of Biogenic Silver Nanoparticles for Efficient Catalytic Removal of Harmful Organic Dyes.

The present article reports an environmentally benign method for synthesizing silver nanoparticles using the fruit extract of Viburnum opulus L. as a source of bioactive compounds, which can act as reducing agents of the silver ions and also as stabilizing agents of the obtained nanoparticles. The catalytic ability of the synthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) to remove toxic organic dyes was also evaluated. The biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles was firstly confirmed by UV-Vis spectral analysis, which revealed the presence of the characteristic absorption peak at 415 nm corresponding to the surface plasmon vibration of colloidal silver. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) studies were conducted to confirm the presence of bioactive phytocompounds, especially phenolics, as capping and stabilizing agents of the AgNPs. The size, morphology and crystalline nature of the synthesized AgNPs were investigated by transmission electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction techniques revealing that the obtained nanoparticles were spherical shaped, with an average diameter of 16 nm, monodispersed, face centered cubic nanoparticles. Further, the catalytic ability in the degradation of tartrazine, carmoisine and brilliant blue FCF dyes by NaBH4 was evaluated. The results demonstrated an efficient activity against all the investigated dyes being an outstanding catalyst for the degradation of brilliant blue FCF. This eco-friendly synthetic approach can generate new tools useful in environmental pollution control.

Cranberry tree (Viburnum opulus L.) аccessions of the L.P. Symyrenko pomology experimental station of the institute of horticulture in the forest-steppe of Ukraine

Aim. To determine economic and biological indicators (yield, average weight, palatability) of Viburnum opulus accessions under the conditions of the central forest-steppe of Ukraine. Results and Discussion. V. opulus accessions were studied at the L.P. Symyrenko Experimental Station of Pomology of the Institute of Horticulture of NAAS in 2015-2019. Five cultivars were studied: Koralova, Velykoplidna, Rubinova, Ukrainochka, and Bahriaana. In addition, 21 elite hybrid forms, which had been planted in plots of 4 m x1.5 m in 1998, were investigated. The number of recorded plants per plot was 15 in 3 replications. Measurements and monitoring were performed according to conventional methods. Multi-year breeding resulted in the following cranberry tree cultivars: Koralova, Velykoplidna, Rubinova, Ukrainochka, and Bahriana. Pomological characteristics of the cultivars are given for basic economic and biological features under the conditions of the forest-steppe of Ukraine. The yield capacity is the main criterion in economic evaluation of V. opulus. It to a large extent depends on characteristics of a cultivar, soil and climatic factors, and farming techniques. The fruit size and palatability are major components of the performance determining the fruit quality. Large and uniform berries are more attractive both as fresh and as frozen products. In 2015-2019, the V. opulus yield ranged 6.52 to 9.37 kg per bush and 10.9 to 15.6 tons per hectare. The average berry weight was 0.8 - 1.25 g. Cultivar Bahriana and hybrid form Ch-19500 were the most productive: 9.37 kg and 9.19 kg per bush, respectively. Velykoplidna, Rubinova and Bahriana were distinguished due to the average berry weight: 1.25 g, 1.2 g and 1.2 g, respectively. We built up a working collection of V. opulus accessions by yield capacity and quality. The collection comprises 20 cultivars. All the cultivars are of local origin. The collection is formed by the following traits: yield level, berry size, berry shape, berry after colour, berry hardness, palatability, and the berry number per corymb. Conclusions. The 2015-2019 studies showed that the highest yields were obtained from Bahriana (15.6 t/ha), elite hybrid form Ch-19500 (15.3 t/ha) and elite hybrid form P-19503 (15 t/ha); the highest fruit weight was recorded in Velykoplidna (1.25 g), Rubinova (1.2 g), Bahriana (1.2 g), Ukrainochka (1.15 g), and elite hybrid form P-19503 (1.16 g); the best palatability scores were intrinsic to Koralova (8.5 points), Rubinova (8.5), Ukrainochka (8.3), Bahriana (8.3), elite hybrid form K-19501 (8.3).

Оцінка нових селекційних форм калини звичайної за екологічними і господарсько цінними ознаками

It has been shown that an alternative source of many food components are fruit plants, in particular, Sorbus aucuparia L., Aronia melanocarpa (Michx.) Elliott, Amelanchier canadensis (L.) Medik., Hippophae rhamnoides L., Cydonia oblonga Mill., Viburnum opulus L., Cornus mas L. and others. Their raw materials are a source of vitamins, minerals, dietary fiber and other vital nutrients necessary for the normal maintenance of metabolic processes in the human body. The article focuses on the shortage of genetic resources of Viburnum opulus L., which would meet the requirements of mechanized harvesting, are characterized by high environmental adaptability, as well as meet the requirements of the processing and food industries for consumer quality for the production of functional and health products. New selection forms of Viburnum opulus L. (Strumkova, Horikhova, Krasunya) are characterized by economically valuable traits, morpho-biological traits and properties and biochemical indicators. It is shown that the new forms of guelder rose Strumkova and Krasunya, given the high yields (7.7 and 12.7 kg / plant, respectively) and consumer quality of fruits, are suitable for processing and production of functional products, and the plant form of Horikhova is suitable to the mechanized harvesting of fruits in their technical ripeness, due to low growth (1.8 m) and compactness of a bush, character of placement of fruits on a plant. Based on the successful targeted introduction during 2017–2019 in the research field of the Institute of Horticulture NAAS (Northern Forest-Steppe of Ukraine), more promising (3 samples) were transferred to the National Center for Plant Genetic Resources of Ukraine (NCGRRU). V. Ya. Yuriev NAAS of Ukraine, where after expert evaluation the samples were assigned a catalog number and included in the genetic bank of plants of Ukraine, including: Strumkova, Horikhova, Krasunya which are recommended for the selection process as sources of stable productivity and consumer quality fruits for processing, high resistance to adverse environmental factors.

Variation in volatile and fatty acid contents among Viburnum opulus L. Fruits growing different locations

This study aimed to compare fatty acid and volatile compound compositions of Viburnum opulus fruits grown at various locations at different altitudes of Turkey (Ardahan/Center, Sivas/Gemerk, Kayseri/Develi, Gumushane/Kelkit). The total lipid contents in fruits varied from 9.34 % (Ardahan) to 12.35 % (Gümüşhane). A total of ten fatty acids (lauric acid (C12:0), myristic acid (C14:0), oleic acid (C 18:1), palmitic acid (C16:0), linoleic acid (C18:2), α-Linolenic acid(C18:3), arachidic acid (C20:0), gondoic acid (C20:1), behenic acid (C22:0), stearic acid (C18:0)) have been identified and quantified. The major fatty acids in all the samples were oleic acid, linoleic acid, and palmitic acid. The highest saturated fatty acid (SFA) content was found in Gümüşhane sample (18.14 %), while the lowest content was detected in Sivas (13.46 %). Unlike SFA, the highest unsaturated faty acid (UFA) content was determined in Sivas sample (87.01 %), while the lowest content was identified in Gümüşhane sample (82.26 %). We used headspace and immersion solid-phase microextraction gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (HS-SPME/GC–MS and Im-SPME/GC–MS) techniques to identify the volatiles. 23 and 35 compounds were identified by the HS-SPME/GC–MS technique at 28 and 40 ̊C, however, 44 and 38 compounds were detected by the Im-SPME/GC–MS technique at 28 and 40 ̊C. Thirty volatile components of V.opulus fruits have been detected for the first time in this study. 3-methylbutanoic acid in Ardahan, Kayseri, Sivas samples, ethyl acetate in Sivas sample, 2-octanol in Gümüşhane sample, phenol in Ardahan sample are the main volatile compounds. Im-SPME/GC–MS technique allowed identification of a larger number of volatile compounds and thus is more efficient than the HS-SPME/GC–MS technique.

The evaluation of the effectiveness of Gilaburu (Viburnum opulus L.) extract in the medical expulsive treatment of distal ureteral stones.

Medical expulsive therapy is an important non-invasive treatment modality that facilitates the passage of ureteral stones. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of Gilaburu (Viburnum opulus) extract in the treatment of distal ureteral stones <10 mm. Data of 103 patients were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were divided into two groups: those given V. opulus 1000 mg peroral 3×2 and diclofenac 50 mg peroral on-demand (n=53) and those given only diclofenac sodium 50 mg peroral on-demand (n=50). Comparisons of stone expulsion rates and the elapsed time until the expulsion between the groups were determined as primary outcome measures. The comparison of the need for additional treatment [ureteroscopy (URS) or extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL)], the need for emergency admission, analgesic requirement, and the complication rates in additional treatment were determined as secondary outcome measures. The mean age of the patients was 45.8±14.5 years. The rate of stone expulsion was significantly higher (82% vs. 66%, p=0.026), and elapsed time to stone expulsion was significantly shorter (9±1.8 vs. 14±2.3 day, p=0.018) in the V. opulus group. The need for additional treatment (URS and ESWL) and analgesic requirement was less in the V. opulus group (9.4% vs. 20%, p=0.038 and 24.5% vs. 44%, p=0.042, respectively). V. opulus is an herbal treatment alternative that facilitates the passage of ureteral stones <10 mm. Prospective, randomized studies are needed to support these results.

Fruits of new selection forms and varieties of snowball tree for manufacture of products of therapeutic and prophylactic purpose

The paper presents the results of the comparative assessment of varieties and selected breeding forms of the snowball tree (Viburnum opulus L., Adoxaceae). The article presents the biochemical composition, marketable and taste qualities of fruits of varieties and elite forms of the snowball tree of regular selection of the Institute of Horticulture of the NAAS and its network, grown under conditions of the Central part of the Forest-Steppe of Ukraine. We selected the sources of specific economic and valuable features: large-fruits (weight of the fruit of 1.24–1.80 g, weight of bunch of 109–126 g – Velykoplidna, Ania, Uliana, ЕF-3-10-2010), high taste qualities – degustation evaluation of 8.8–9.0 points and chemical composition of fruits (EF-5-12-2012, EF-3-10-2010, Bagriana, Koralova). The study revealed that the fruits of some selection samples are promising raw materials for production of food products and ingredients of functional purpose, including syrups, mors, juices (varieties Kоrаlоvа, Bаhrianа, Аnia, Uliana, ЕF-3-10-2010, ЕF-5-12-2012, ЕF-7-31-12 with sugar-acid index of 4.86–7.63 and juiciness of the fruit of 4.86–7.63%); jelly, marmalade (Bаhrianа, Аnia, Kоrаlоvа, ЕF-3-10-2010, which have increased content of pectic substances – 9.1–13.0 mg/kg and Р-active compounds – 740–950 mg%); powdered food additives (Kоrаlоvа, ЕF-3-10-2010, ЕF-5-12-2012, ЕF-7-31-12); manufacturing pharmaceuticals (ЕF-2-56-13). Consumption of these products reduces the risk of diet-related diseases, preventing deficiency and replenishing nutrients in the human body, thus preserving and improving health due to the presence of physiologically functional ingredients in their composition. The modern food industry is paying more attention to healthy food with a balanced composition of nutrients, including functional products. Today the snowball tree is a nichе plant both in Ukraine and in the world. According to national scientists and market analysts, today some important factors of the cultivation expediency of snowball tree fruits can be distinguished. The weather and climate and soil conditions in Ukraine are quite favourable for cultivation of this plant. The creation of raw material zones would allow the population to be provided with functional products in sufficient quantity, and, if necessary, allow this plant to be cultivated for export.

Metabolite profiling, arginase inhibition and vasorelaxant activity of Cornus mas, Sorbus aucuparia and Viburnum opulus fruit extracts

The present study investigated the effects of Cornus mas, Sorbus aucuparia and Viburnum opulus fruit extracts on arginase activity and arterial vasodilation. V. opulus fruit extract exerted the highest vasorelaxant activity in phenylephrine precontracted rat aortic rings (EC50 = 6.31 ± 1.61 μg/mL) and a significant inhibition of arginase (IC50 = 71.02 ± 3.06 μg/mL). By contrast, S. aucuparia and C. mas fruit extracts showed no important anti-arginase activity and a significantly weaker activity in the rat aortic rings relaxation assay (EC50 = 100.9 ± 11.63 and 78.52 ± 8.59 μg/mL, respectively). For all extracts, the main mechanism of vasodilation was proven to be endothelium-dependent. HPLC-ESI-Q-TOF-MS/MS studies revealed a very complex metabolite profiling in all three extracts with chlorogenic acid accounting for 30.89, 0.72 and 2.03 mg/g in V. opulus, C. mas and S. aucuparia fruit extracts, respectively. All extracts were declared non-toxic in the brine shrimp acute toxicity test. Our study highlights potential benefits of V. opulus fruit extract in diseases associated with endothelial dysfunction and impaired vasodilation.

Plants species for ecological landscaping in urban territory in Central Siberia

Green spaces such as parks and street trees represent a key component of urban ecosystems. Planting trees and shrubs in cities provides a number of environmental, economic, social and health benefits and also preserves biodiversity in highly urbanized areas. The key problem of the ecological landscaping in Central Siberia is to select plants species resistant both to high level of pollutants and to large variations in temperature. Basing on the comparative study of growth characteristics and physiological state of plants in natural and urban ecosystems we recommend 31 plants species of 16 families for ecological landscaping. Recommended species for ecological landscaping in Central Siberia are Abies sibirica, Acer platanoide, Amorpha fruticosa, Berberis thunbergii, Berberis vulgaris, Cornus alba, Cotoneaster lucidus, Crataegus sanguine, Dasiphora spp., Forsythia spp., Juglans mandshurica, Juniperus Sabina, Larix sibirica, Philadelphus spp., Physocarpus opulifolius, Picea obovata, Picea pungens, Pinus sibirica, Pinus sylvestris, Ribes aureum, Rosa rugosa, Salix alba, Salix ledebouriana, Salix purpurea, Sorbaria sorbifolia, Sorbus aucuparia, Spiraea salicifolia, Syringa josikaea, Tamarix ramosissima, Tilia cordata, Viburnum opulus. Coniferous plants are presented with 7 species of 5 genera. Deciduous plants are presented with 24 species of 21 genera. The list of recommended plants species includes both trees and shrubs.

Viburnum opulus Fruit Phenolic Compounds as Cytoprotective Agents Able to Decrease Free Fatty Acids and Glucose Uptake by Caco-2 Cells

In recent years, there has been increasing interest in studying food-originated phytocompounds with beneficial influences for humans. Amongst the most active natural substances are polyphenols, for which high content has been identified in the Viburnum opulus berry, and which are unused in Western Europe. Due to its strong antioxidant activity we explored the potential of V. opulus as a preventive agent against diet-related chronic diseases, such as obesity and type 2 diabetes. Among the causes of these ailments is oxidative stress, as well as impaired glucose and free fatty acids (FFA) uptake. Thus, the purpose of this study was to determine biological activity of V. opulus phenolic extracts as cytoprotective agents able to decrease induced oxidative stress, lower lipid accumulation and attenuate glucose and FFA uptake by Caco-2 cells via GLUT2 and CD36/FAT transporters. To determine the source of the most biologically active phenolic compounds, we obtained four phenolic compounds extracts as crude juice, phenolics isolated from juice and two preparations of phenolics obtained with different extraction agents from fruit pomace. Among the studied extracts, the phenolic rich fraction obtained from fruit juice revealed the strongest activity to decrease uptake of glucose, FFA and accumulation of lipid droplets in Caco-2 cells without affecting their viability (IC0 50 μg/mL). Observed uptake attenuation was followed by decrease of the CD36/FAT gene expression, without influence on the GLUT2 and PPARα levels. We suspect that V. opulus phenolics were able to modulate the cellular membrane dynamic, although that hypothesis requires further, more detailed studies. Extracts revealed strong chemo-preventive activity against oxidative stress induced chemically by tert-butylhydroperoxide (t-BOOH), as well as against DNA damage through the induction of DNA repair after cell exposition to methylnitronitrosoguanidine (MNNG) and H2O2. Our findings suggest Viburnum opulus fruit as a dietary source of phytocompounds, which could be considered as a tailored design food supplement components for the prevention and treatment of postprandial elevation of glucose and fatty acids through delaying the rate of glucose and fatty acid absorption by intestinal cells.

Comparison of Chemical Composition and Antioxidant Capacity of Fruit, Flower and Bark of Viburnum opulus

In this work, the profiles of phenolics, fiber, pectins, sugars, organic acids and carotenoids, vitamin C, ash, protein and fat contents, as well as antioxidant capacity were compared in fruits, flowers, and bark of Viburnum opulus (VO). Antioxidant capacity was evaluated against ABTS, hydroxyl, peroxyl and superoxide free radicals, and as a reducing power by using in vitro test. The results showed great quantitative differences in the composition of the VO morphological parts tested. Fruits contained the highest concentrations of fat, organic acids, sugars, soluble dietary fiber (10.57 ± 0.54; 7.34 ± 0.06; 32.27 ± 1.25; 6.82 ± 0.38 g/100 g DW, respectively) and carotenoids (2.70 ± 0.07 mg/100 g DW). Whereas, the bark exceeded the remaining parts of the VO in terms of antioxidant capacity, ash (9.32 ± 0.17 g/100 g DW), total (59.34 ± 0.75 g/100 g DW) and insoluble dietary fiber (58.20 ± 0.73 g/100 g DW) contents as well as phenolic compounds (3.98 ± 0.04 g/100 g DW). Among the phenolic compounds quantified in this study, chlorogenic acid and (+)-catechin had the highest concentrations (> 1 g/100 g DW) in the flowers and bark, respectively.