Fruit Antioxidant Research Articles

The Biochemistry and Effectiveness of Antioxidants in Food, Fruits, and Marine Algae.

It is more effective to maintain good health than to regain it after losing it. This work focuses on the biochemical defense mechanisms against free radicals and their role in building and maintaining antioxidant shields, aiming to show how to balance, as much as possible, the situations in which we are exposed to free radicals. To achieve this aim, foods, fruits, and marine algae with a high antioxidant content should constitute the basis of nutritional elements, since natural products are known to have significantly greater assimilation efficiency. This review also gives the perspective in which the use of antioxidants can extend the life of food products, by protecting them from damage caused by oxidation as well as their use as food additives.

Effects of Plant Biostimulation Time Span and Soil Electrical Conductivity on Greenhouse Tomato ‘Miniplum’ Yield and Quality in Diverse Crop Seasons

Biostimulants help plants cope with environmental stresses and improve vegetable yield and quality. This study was conducted to determine the protein hydrolysate (PH) effect of three different durations (weekly applications: three, six, or nine times plus an untreated control) in factorial combination with four soil electrical conductivities (EC: 1.5, 3.0, 4.5, or 6.0 mS·cm-1) on yield, fruit quality, and elemental composition of tomato 'miniplum' grown in a greenhouse. Fruit yield was best affected, during the summer, by six and nine biostimulant applications at EC 3.0 mS·cm-1, and in the same season, the six treatments led to the highest fruit number with no difference compared to nine applications; during the winter, the three and six treatments improved the mentioned variables at each EC level. Fruits' dry residue and Brixo were positively affected by biostimulation both in summer and winter. In summer, the 6.0 mS·cm-1 EC led to the highest dry residue and Brixo values, though the latter did not show any significant difference compared to 4.5 mS·cm-1; in winter, the best results corresponded to 4.5 and 6.0 mS·cm-1. A higher beneficial effect of PH on fruit antioxidant status, i.e., lycopene, polyphenols, ascorbic acid levels, and lipophilic (LAA) and hydrophilic (HAA) activity, was recorded in winter compared with summer. Positive correlations between polyphenols and LAA, as well as ascorbic acid content and HAA were found for all EC and PH treatments. Most of the mineral elements tested demonstrated concentration stability, whereas the highest EC decreased P, Mg, Cu, and Se accumulation. The opposite effect was shown by PH application on Se and Mn levels, with P tending to increase. The concentrations of Fe, Zn, and Cu were the lowest under the longest duration of PH supply. These results further confirm the essential role of plant biostimulation in enhancing tomato yield and quality, with a particular focus on the treatment duration.

Analysis of antioxidant potential of fruit and vegetable juices available in Serbian markets.

Antioxidants in fruit and vegetable juices have become increasingly popular because of their potential health benefits. Nowadays, juice mixes made from berries present frequent consumer choices, due to their nutritive value and high content of bioactive compounds. Commercial fruit and vegetable juices available in Serbian markets (n = 32) were analyzed for the physicochemical properties, chemical composition, and antioxidant activity. Relative antioxidant capacity index was used for the ranking of the juices according to antioxidant capacity, while antioxidant effectiveness of phenolic compounds contained in juice samples was investigated depending on phenolic antioxidant coefficients. Principal component analysis was applied to study the data structure. In addition, a multi-layer perceptron model was used for modeling an artificial neural network model (ANN) for prediction antioxidant activity (DPPH, reducing power, and ABTS) based on total phenolic, total pigments, and vitamin C content. The obtained ANN showed good prediction capabilities (the r2 values during training cycle for output variables were 0.942). Phenolic, pigments, and vitamin C contents showed a positive correlation with the investigated antioxidant activity. The consumption of commercial berry fruit juices available in Serbian markets may deliver great health benefits through the supply of natural antioxidants.

Revealing the mode of action of Phenylalanine application in inducing fruit resistance to fungal pathogens

Pathogenic fungi cause most postharvest decay. Phenylalanine (Phe) is an eco-friendly treatment that increased fruit resistance to various pathogenic fungi including Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, the main postharvest pathogen of mango fruit. The mode of action of Phe-induced fruit tolerance against C. gloeosporioides was examined after harvest, post-treatment, and post-inoculation by transcriptome, metabolome, and biochemical assays. Phe treatment induced defense response-related genes including Ca2+ signaling, MAP kinase, WRKY transcription factors, and activation of the phenylpropanoid pathway, which lead to an accumulation of flavonols and anthocyanins. In addition, after Phe application and C. gloeosporioides inoculation, the levels of the antioxidant, total phenolic, and flavonoid were induced. The increase in antioxidants in Phe-treated fruit was correlated with reduced lipid peroxidation. Phenolic extract of mango peel treated with Phe reduced conidia germination and hyphal growth of various pathogenic fungi including C. gloeosporioides, Botrytis cinerea, Alternaria alternata, and Lasiodiplodia theobromae. Furthermore, the application of peel extracts from fruit treated with Phe reduced decay against C. gloeosporioides and A. alternata in mango fruit. Overall, the novelity of this study show that postharvest Phe treatment induces the fruit defense response and the biosynthesis of antioxidant and antifungal flavonoids, which can effectively control fungal growth and disease development, indicating its applicative potential as postharvest control against fungal pathogens.

Natural antioxidants from some fruits, seeds, foods, natural products, and associated health benefits: An update.

Antioxidants are compounds that inhibit the oxidation of other molecules and protect the body from the effects of free radicals, produced either by normal cell metabolism or as an effect of pollution and exposure to other external factors and are responsible for premature aging and play a role in cardiovascular disease. degenerative diseases such as cataracts, Alzheimer's disease, and cancer. While many antioxidants are found in nature, others are obtained in synthetic form and reduce oxidative stress in organisms. This review highlights the pharmacological relevance of antioxidants in fruits, plants, and other natural sources and their beneficial effect on human health through the analysis and in-depth discussion of studies that included phytochemistry and their pharmacological effects. The information obtained for this review was collected from several scientific databases (ScienceDirect, TRIP database, PubMed/Medline, Scopus, Web of Science), professional websites, and traditional medicine books. Current pharmacological studies and evidence have shown that the various natural antioxidants present in some fruits, seeds, foods, and natural products have different health-promoting effects. Adopting functional foods with high antioxidant potential will improve the effective and affordable management of free radical diseases while avoiding the toxicities and unwanted side effects caused by conventional medication.

Physicochemical substances and bioactive components of wild cornelian cherry (Cornus mas L.) fruits in Erzincan province of Eastern Turkey

Turkey has a very rich flora due to diverse climatic and topographic conditions within the country. Cornelian cherry (Cornus mas L.) is an important wild edible fruits and widely distributed in Turkey and well known for its fruit antioxidants and nutrients. In this study, phytochemical content in fruits of a number of Cornelian cherry genotypes in Erzincan region were determined. The biochemical analysis included organic acids, sugars, vitamin C, antioxidant and individual phenolic compounds. In the study, organic acid content was between 253.09 mg/100 g and 112.50 mg/100 g. Vitamin C content varied between 115.85 mg/100g and 43.77 mg/100 g. Likewise, the sugar content of Cornelian cherry fruits varied from 6.17 g/100 g to 4.06 g/100 g. When the antioxidant content was examined, the highest antioxidant was 980.91 ?mol TE/g fresh weight (FW) base and the lowest was 490.38 ?mol TE/g FW. In the genotypes examined, gallic acid was determined as the highest among the individual phenolic compounds, while the individual phenolic amounts ranged from 38.93 mg/100 g FW to 4.31 mg/100 g FW. As a result of the study, it was determined that Cornelian cherry fruits are very rich in vitamin C and other phytochemicals and as a result of this examination, 24ER04 and 24ER08 genotypes came to the fore.

Combined Effect of Chlorella vulgaris Beijer. (Chlorophyta) and Silicon-Containing Organic Fertilizer on Bell Pepper Productivity, Microbiocenosis, Allelopathic and Agronomic Soil Characteristics

The combined effect of the culture medium of green microalgae (<i>Chlorella vulgaris</i>) and organosilicon fertilizer (analcite + peat (pH 5.8) in a ratio of 1 : 3) on characteristics of growth, development, photosynthetic productivity, yield and quality of bell pepper (<i>Capsicum annuum</i> L., cv. "Bilozyorka"), as well as microbiocenosis, allelopathic and agronomic characteristics of the soil were studied in pot experiments. The culture medium of microalgae was added at a rate of 10 mL per pot (0.7 L) to sifted and sterile gray podzolid soil. Plants were grown in a phytochamber under controlled conditions of light, temperature and soil moisture. The vitality of pepper plants was assessed by morphometric growth characteristics (shoot height, stem diameter, surface area of leaves, root length, dry weight of shoots and roots, number and weight of fruits), the content of photosynthetic pigments in leaves, and protective antioxidants (carotenoids, flavonoids and anthocyanins) in fruits. At the end of the experiment, the content of phenolic compounds, electrical conductivity, redox potential, pH, content of NH<sub>4</sub><sup>+</sup>, NO<sub>3</sub><sup>-</sup> and HCO<sub>3</sub><sup>-</sup> ions in the soil solution were determined. Eco-trophic groups of soil microorganisms were also determined. A synergistic enhancement of the positive effect of microalgae and organosilicon fertilizer on the growth, development, productivity and fruit quality in bell pepper was established. The combined application of the microalgae with organosilicon fertilizer more effectively improved the agronomic and allelopathic characteristics of the soil, stimulated the development of agronomically useful eco-trophic groups of microorganisms, incresed the intensity of the mineralization and transformation of organic matter compared to the control and treatments in which microalgae or fertilizer were applied separately.

A comparative study of the content of some antioxidants in the fruits of autochthonous pomegranate varieties

The contents of total phenolics, anthocyanins, flavan-3-ols, and the fruit antioxidant activity of 9 pomegranate varieties (‘Zumnarija’, ‘Bejnarija’, ‘Valandovska kisela’, ‘Valandovska kiselo-slatka’, ‘Hidjas’, ‘Kisela’, ‘Karamustafa’, ‘Lifanka’, and ‘Ropkavec’) were examined. Autochthonous pomegranate varieties contained 4354.4 – 6480.9 mg/kg FW total phenols, 160 – 698.2 mg/kg FW anthocyanins, 96.9 – 157.2 mg/kg FW flavan-3-ols, and high antioxidant activity of fruits (71.2 - 92.5% inhibition). The ‘Valandovska kisela’ variety had the highest content of total phenolics (6480.87 mg/kg FW), flavan-3-ols (157.190 mg/kg FW) and higher fruit antioxidant activity (92.5% inhibition) compared to the standard ‘Karamustafa’ variety and the other autochthonous varieties. The ‘Hidjas’ variety had the highest content of anthocyanins (698.20 mg/kg FW). A positive correlation (0.9815) was found between the content of total phenolics and the fruit antioxidant activity. A moderate positive, insignificant correlation was also found between the content of flavan-3-ols and anthocyanins.

Origanum dubium (Cypriot Oregano) as a Promising Sanitizing Agent against Salmonella enterica and Listeria monocytogenes on Tomato and Cucumber Fruits.

In recent years, the use of natural products such as essential oils (EOs) and other plant extracts for the preservation of fresh produce has attracted much interest from the food industry. Many endemic medicinal and aromatic plants, such as Cypriot oregano (Origanum dubium), present a plethora of properties that can be utilized by the fruit and vegetable sectors of the food industry. The purpose of the present study was to assess the effects of O. dubium EO and hydrosol (at different concentrations and durations of dipping application) for the preservation of tomato and cucumber fruit quality, and their effectiveness as sanitizing agents against two foodborne pathogens (Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella enterica). The results of this study indicated that increased concentrations of EO, combined with a longer duration of application, resulted in less marketable fruit compared to hydrosol application. Interestingly, EO application at lower concentrations and shorter durations of application (i.e., 0.01% for 5 min) increased fruit antioxidant, ascorbic acid and carotenoid levels (for tomato fruit), suggesting an increase in the nutritional value of the treated fruit, compared to the control. EO and hydrosol were able to decrease the bacterial populations (both bacteria) on fruits. Both products were especially effective against L. monocytogenes, even seven days after their application and storage at 11 °C (up to an approx. 3 log reduction with the EO application). Overall, the results of this study suggest that the use of O. dubium EO and hydrosol could be considered as alternative sanitation means for tomatoes and cucumbers.

Plant Performance and Soil Microbial Responses to Irrigation Management: A Novel Study in a Calafate Orchard

Calafate fruits have a high content of phenolic compounds and an antioxidant activity up to four times higher than that of blueberries. The establishment of a calafate orchard and irrigation responses on fruit and soil characteristics have been scarcely studied. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of water replenishment rate: 0%, 50%, 100% and 150% of reference evapotranspiration (ET0), on soil microbiological activity, plant physiological response, fruit yield and chemical composition in a calafate orchard. The results showed that irrigation at 50% ET0 presented significant increases in soil urease, dehydrogenase and acid phosphatase activity. Likewise, irrigation at 50% ET0 significantly increased stomatal conductance and plant chlorophyll index, which led to a significant increase in fruit yield being 60% higher compared to the other treatments. Despite the higher fruit yield, 50% ET0 irrigation had a similar level of total anthocyanins and ORAC antioxidant capacity as the 100% ET0 treatment. In contrast, 0% and 150% ET0 treatments showed a higher degree of stress and got higher values for total anthocyanins and fruit antioxidant capacity. Irrigation rates 50% ET0 increases fruit yield while maintaining fruit quality and optimizing water resources in commercial orchards of calafate.

Quality attributes of garden strawberry fruits and breeding for their improvement

Based on the analysis of domestic and foreign literary sources the information about the main quality attributes of garden strawberry fruits (large fruit size, hardness or firmness of fruits, biochemical composition) and breeding possibilities of their improvement at the present stage of breeding is summarized. Quality characteristics of garden strawberries are differentiated by groups: commercial, consumer, biochemical, physical and mechanical, technological. When growing garden strawberries for fresh consumption, the following large-fruited varieties were identified: Clery (Italy), Florence (UK), Alba (Italy), Roxana (Italy), Vima Xima (Netherlands), Vima Tarda (Netherlands), Vima Kimberly (Netherlands), Maya (Italy), San Andreas (USA), Taira, Nelly, Kemiya, Elegy, Alpha, Bereginya, Tsaritsa, Krymchanka 87, Arossa, Zarya, Krymskaya rannaya, Uniol, Jantarnaja. The trait of fruit hardness refers to the technological characteristics, but it also depends on the appearance of fruits during harvesting and transportation, which determines the commercial appearance. The following varieties have a high degree of fruit hardness: Tsaritsa, Surprise olympics, Rubinovy kulon, Feyerverk, Aquarelle, Alina, Nelli, Induka (Netherlands), Clery, Darselect (France), Tenira (Netherlands), Selekta (Canada), Polka (Netherlands), Irma (Italy), Alba, Asia (Italy), Syria (Italy), Onda (Italy), Vivaldi (Netherlands). Strawberry fruits are characterized by a unique composition of biologically active compounds that determine the nutritional value of the crop as a source of dietary and therapeutic and preventive nutrition. Studies indicate a predominant role of genotype in the accumulation of antioxidants in garden strawberry fruits, as well as the influence of growing conditions on the realization of the genetic potential of the varieties. Due to the development of cultivation technologies and the expansion of knowledge about the nutraceutical value of garden strawberries, improving the quality of fruits has become one of the priority objectives of breeding programs around the world. To increase the level of fruit quality traits in garden strawberry, the greatest effect can be achieved by using the original forms with proven donor properties on these traits in breeding.

Assessing Physicochemical Parameters, Bioactive Profile and Antioxidant Status of Different Fruit Parts of Greek Eggplant Germplasm

Eggplant is an economically important vegetable with a potential for functional food production, mainly due to its high fruit antioxidant capacity. The goal of the present study was to investigate the main physicochemical and antioxidant parameters, and assess the bioactive profiles, of 19 eggplant genotypes of diverse origin, including Greek commercial varieties and hybrids, landraces and the related species S. macrocarpon. For that reason, the physicochemical traits (dry matter, pH, total soluble solids and total acidity) were assessed in the eggplant fruit and some important bioactive compounds (total phenols (TPC), total flavonoids (TFC), total monomeric anthocyanin (TAC), chlorogenic acid (CA) and its isomers neo- and crypto-CA) were assessed both in fruit pulp and peel. In addition, the antioxidant capacity was assessed according to ABTS•+, DPPH• and FRAP assays. The results revealed significant differences between the studied genotypes for all the evaluated traits, for both fruit parts. Solanum macrocarpon showed a distinct bioactive profile and was superior for most of the pulp traits (TFC, neo-CA, crypto-CA, ABTS•+, DPPH• and FRAP). Among the eggplant materials, the landrace ‘KD054/07’ had very high values for pH and some pulp traits (TPC, CA, ABTS•+ and FRAP), while the commercial F1 hybrid ‘Nilo’ was superior for dry matter and most of the peel traits (TPC, TFC, ABTS•+ and FRAP). The Greek commercial variety ‘Langada’ performed well for TAC and peel CA, ABTS•+ and FRAP, while ‘Tsakoniki’ had very high anthocyanin and pulp TPC content. These results constitute a source of information for a subset of the Greek eggplant germplasm and could contribute both to the promotion of Greek varieties of high bioactive and antioxidant value, as well as to the targeted selection of parents in breeding programs.

Effect of Ozonation on the Mechanical, Chemical, and Microbiological Properties of Organically Grown Red Currant (Ribes rubrum L.) Fruit

Red currant fruits are a valuable source of micro- and macronutrients, vitamins, and chemical compounds with health-promoting properties, the properties of which change depending on the harvest date and the time and method of storage. This study analysed the effect of applying 10 ppm ozone gas for 15 and 30 min on the mechanical properties, chemical properties and microbiological stability of three organic-grown red currant fruit cultivars. Fruits harvested at the time of harvest maturity had significantly larger diameters and weights and lower water contents compared with fruits harvested seven days earlier, and the ozonation process, regardless of its harvesting date, reduced the physical parameters in question (diameter, weight, and water content). The ascorbic acid content of the ozonated fruit varied, with the highest decreases observed for fruit harvested 7 days before the optimal harvest date and stored for 15 days under refrigeration (an average decrease of 13.31% compared with the control fruit without ozonation). In general, the ozonation process had a positive effect on the variation of fruit antioxidant activity, with the highest average values obtained for fruit harvested 7 days before the optimum harvest date and stored for 15 days under refrigeration conditions; in addition, it also had an effect on reducing the development of microorganisms, including mesophilic aerobic bacteria, yeasts, and moulds, mainly for the cultivar 'Losan'.

Excellent enzymeless anti-oxidant sensor for fruit juice and wine using nano gold/metal selenide urchins decorated 2D-composite

There is a growing interest to develop electrochemical sensor for the quick detection of constituent especially the antioxidants in fruits. Here for the first time gold nanoparticles decorated on capacitance material like 2D-β-Ni(OH)2 supported Mo3Se4 urchins were prepared for selective phenol detection in the real sample like fruit juice and wine matrixes. Under optimal condition the Mo3Se4/β-Ni(OH)2/AuNSs modified electrode displays a wide linear range of 0.05 µM to 3 mM (R2=0.9854) for gallic acid. Besides, this sensor exhibits the lowest detection limit of 5 nM (S/N=3). Because of its ever-increasing requirement and simplicity, the present sensor can be commercialized and deployed for monitoring gallic acid in wine matrixes and fruit juices.

Determinação do ponto de colheita de pimentas ‘Murupi’ acondicionadas em embalagens plásticas e armazenamento refrigerado

ABSTRACT Peppers of the genus Capsicum are rich in antioxidants and considered to be an excellent source of compounds, which can bring benefits for human health, such as vitamin C and phenolic compounds. These compounds are influenced by the ripening stage of the fruits. Thus, the aim of this study was to determine the ideal harvest point for ‘Murupi’ pepper fruits, targeting the consumer market, based on physical, chemical, and functional attributes. These attributes were evaluated during postharvest, being the fruits packed in low density polyethylene plastic film (LDPE) and submitted to cold storage (25±1°C and 95±3% U.R.) for 20 days. The treatments consisted of three different fruit maturation stages at harvest time (fruit peel color: green, partially red and totally red). The authors analyzed the vitamin C, total and soluble fibers, ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity), DPPH (2.2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl), total and reducing sugars, total phenolics, carotenoids, capsaicin and anthocyanins. The fruits harvested in immature stage (green) showed the highest values of vitamin C, total phenolics and, capsaicin contents, and also the highest averages of fruit antioxidant activity. The use of 0.10 mm-thick LDPE packages showed to be effective in delaying the maturation of pepper fruits in relation to sensory attributes, especially in terms of total fiber contents, being also observed, in this case, better maintenance of vitamin C and capsaicin contents, phenolic compounds and the highest antioxidant activity.

The combination of vermicompost and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi improves the physiological properties and chemical composition of Opuntia ficus-indica under semi-arid conditions in the field

Drought is one of the major threats to food security in arid and semi-arid regions. Therefore, significant changes in agricultural production systems will be required to meet the challenges of food security while addressing water scarcity. Prickly pear is a drought tolerant plant, as well as a source of sustainable food and feed. Nonetheless, in dry conditions, its growth and performance are restricted. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), vermicompost (Vc) or the combination of AMF + Vc on yield, growth and physio-chemical parameters of cactus grown under field drought conditions. Two irrigation regimes were applied, non-irrigated (grown under rainfed conditions) and irrigated plants (8 mm of water per week). After eight months of cultivation, the finding demonstrated that drought reduced growth, physiological and biochemical parameters of cactus. However, the application of biostimulants, especially Vc and AMF + Vc, can mitigate the negative effect of drought by increasing cladode dry weight (93% and 109%), total chlorophyll (78% and 75%), total phenolic content (83% and 81%). Those treatments are also efficient in enhancing activities of enzymatic and non enzymatic antioxidants in cactus cladodes and fruits. These results suggest that the use of these biostimulants can mitigate the challenges associated with drought, by improving the physiological and biochemical responses of cactus.

Post-harvest chitosan treatment suppresses oxidative stress by regulating reactive oxygen species metabolism in wounded apples.

Mechanical wound on fruit triggers the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) that weaken cell walls, resulting in post-harvest losses. This mechanism can be controlled by using fruit preservatives to stimulate fruit antioxidant enzyme activities for the detoxification of ROS. Chitosan is a safe and environmentally friendly preservative that modulates ROS in whole fruits and plant cells, but the effects of chitosan on the ROS metabolism of mechanically wounded apples during storage are unknown. Our study focused on exploring the effects of post-harvest chitosan treatment on ROS production, cell membrane integrity, and enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant systems at fruit wounds during storage. Apple fruits (cv. Fuji) were artificially wounded, treated with 2.5% (w/v) chitosan, and stored at room temperature (21–25°C, RH = 81–85%) for 7 days. Non-wounded apples were used as healthy controls. The results showed that chitosan treatment stimulated the activities of NADPH oxidase and superoxide dismutase and increased the formation of superoxide anions and hydrogen peroxide in fruit wounds. However, malondialdehyde, lipoxygenase, and membrane permeability, which are direct biomarkers to evaluate lipid peroxidation and membrane integrity, were significantly decreased in the wounded fruits after chitosan treatment compared to the wounded control fruits. Antioxidant enzymes, such as peroxidase and catalase activities, were induced by chitosan at fruit wounds. In addition, ascorbate-glutathione cycle-related enzymes; ascorbate peroxide, monodehydroascorbate reductase, dehydroascorbate reductase, and glutathione reductase and the content of substrates, mainly ascorbic acid, dehydroascorbate, reduced glutathione, and glutathione, were increased at fruit wounds by chitosan compared to the wounded control fruits. Our results show that wounding stimulated the production of ROS or oxidative stress. However, treatment with chitosan triggered antioxidant systems to scavenge ROS and prevent loss of fruit membrane integrity. Therefore, chitosan promises to be a favorable preservative in inducing tolerance to stress and maintaining fruit quality.

Antioxidants for the Prevention and Treatment of Non-communicable Diseases

Abiotic environmental stress causes plants and animals to produce excessive superoxide radicals that are extremely toxic and reactive, thereby causing injury to tissue resulting in the occurrence of several disorders. Antioxidants can counteract free radicals by preventing non-communicable diseases. There are natural and synthetic antioxidants. Natural antioxidants in fruits, vegetables, and spices can be consumed, while synthetic antioxidants are produced in laboratories via chemical processes. This review focused on the sources, pharmacological properties, applications, and prospects of natural and synthetic antioxidants, as well as exogenous and endogenous antioxidants. A literature search was done using different search engines like Google Books, Science.gov, Microsoft Academic, Worldwide Science, ResearchGate, Bielefeld Academic Search Engine (BASE), Medline, and PubMed Central. Different keywords, such as antioxidants, free radicals, oxidative stress, superoxide radicals, and oxygen radicals, were used. The relevant literature was collected and used in this review. Antioxidants inhibit oxidation and help to prevent non-communicable diseases, such as aging and inflammatory processes, tumors, kidney and liver diseases, coronary heart disease, cataracts, renal toxicity, and neurological diseases. It was found that antioxidants in the diet have the capacity to prevent oxidative anxiety-related disorders.

Manipulation of light quality is an effective tool to regulate photosynthetic capacity and fruit antioxidant properties of Solanum lycopersicum L. cv. 'Microtom' in a controlled environment.

Light quality plays an essential role in setting plant structural and functional traits, including antioxidant compounds. This paper aimed to assess how manipulating the light spectrum during growth may regulate the photosynthetic activity and fruit bioactive compound synthesis in Solanum lycopersicum L. cv. ‘Microtom’ to improve plant physiological performance and fruit nutritional value. Plants were cultivated under three light quality regimes: red-green-blue LEDs (RGB), red-blue LEDs (RB) and white fluorescent lamps (FL), from sowing to fruit ripening. Leaf functional traits, photosynthetic efficiency, Rubisco and D1 protein expression, and antioxidant production in fruits were analyzed. Compared to FL, RGB and RB regimes reduced height and increased leaf number and specific leaf area, enhancing plant dwarf growth. The RGB regime improved photosynthesis and stomatal conductance despite lower biomass, favoring Rubisco synthesis and carboxylation rate than RB and FL regimes. The RB light produced plants with fewer flowers and fruits with a lower ascorbic acid amount but the highest polyphenol content, antioxidant capacity and SOD and CAT activities. Our data indicate that the high percentage of the green wavelength in the RGB regime promoted photosynthesis and reduced plant reproductive capacity compared to FL and RB. Conversely, the RB regime was the best in favoring the production of health-promoting compounds in tomato berries.

Description of the genetic collection of strawberry (<i>Fragaria × ananassa</i> Duch.) cultivars according to the components of their fruit antioxidant complex

Background. Quality indicators, medicinal and prophylactic properties of strawberry fruits are largely determined by their chemical composition. In order to improve the breeding work, it is necessary to look for the sources of high-level accumulation of macro- and micronutrients in fruits.Materials and methods. Fruits of 101 accessions from the genetic collection of introduced foreign and domestic cultivars, elite and selected forms held by the I.V. Michurin Federal Science Center were used as the target research material. All of them were grown on the experimental plantations from 1994 through 2020. Their chemical composition (ascorbic acid and anthocyanin contents) was analyzed at the Laboratory of Biochemistry and Food Technologies according to the standard methods.Results and conclusions. The ranges of variability in the accumulation of primary components of the antioxidant complex in strawberry fruits in the environments of the Central Black Earth Region (Michurinsk) were measured: 30.1–102.3 mg/100 g for ascorbic acid and 3.6–124.5 mg/100 g for anthocyanins. The cultivars were ranked according to the analyzed chemical components. A majority of them were classified into the group with average vitamin C content (50.1–90.0 mg/100 g). The largest part (85.6%) of the studied cultivars accumulated anthocyanins within the range of 30.0–70.0 mg/100 g. Valuable genotypes with high levels of ascorbic acid (above 90.1 mg/100 g) were identified: cvs. ‘Kokinskaya zarya’, ‘Lirovidnaya’, ‘Sudarushka’ and ‘Zephyr’. As for anthocyanins (above 90.1 mg/100 g), cvs. ‘Alena’, ‘Istochnik’, ‘Pamyati Zubova’, ‘Privlecatelnaya’, ‘Rubinovy kulon’, ‘Torpeda’ and ‘Feyerverk’, plus the elite seedling 56-5 (“Rubinovy kaskad”), showed the best results. The identified genotypes are of interest both for consumers, as they yield highly vitaminized fresh fruits, and for breeders as source material for the development of cultivars with improved chemical composition.