High Antioxidant Content Research Articles

The effectiveness of adding antioxidant compounds from pedada leaves extract (Sonneratia Caseolaris) in antiseptic soap production

Pedada leaves (Sonneratia caseolaris) are plants from tropical areas with relatively high antioxidant content. This research aims to make antiseptic soap with the addition of pedada leaves and see the quality of the antiseptic soap by SNI 03-3532-1994. This research includes the pre-treatment process, namely taking pedada leaf extract by maceration using ethanol and acetone solvents using a variety of evaporation tools in the form of a water bath and soxhlet, then making soap with coconut oil with variations used in the form of evaporation methods and the amount of extract used. This research analyzed water content, free alkali, and free fatty acids. The observations showed that using a water bath would produce a more significant amount of extract. The results of the soap-free alkali analysis produced ranged from 0.061% to 0.088%, which shows that the free alkali content is still below the limit determined by SNI. The lowest water content analysis results obtained were 11.30%.

Positive impacts of Nannochloropsis oculata supplementation on gene expression of immune and antioxidant markers and metabolic profile of Barki sheep in the transition period and lipogenic effects on progeny

Nannochloropsis species should be given priority when it comes to microalgae that should be added to feed since they are suitable for intense culture and have a high concentration of PUFAs (especially EPA), antioxidants, and certain vitamins. This study investigated the possible immune and antioxidant impacts of Nannochloropsis supplementation on Barki ewes during transition period and their newly born lambs. Three weeks prior to the expected time of lambing, the researched ewes were divided into two equal groups of thirty ewes each. The second group, on the other hand, was fed the same base diet as the first group plus 10 g of commercially available Nannochloropsis powder per kg of concentrate, given daily to each ewe’s concentrate. Findings revealed that supplementation of ewes with Nannochloropsis significantly up-regulated the expression pattern of immune (NFKB, RANTES, HMGB1, TNF-α, IRF4, TLR7, CLA-DRB3.2, IL1B, IL6, CXCL8, S-LZ, and Cathelicidin), and antioxidant (SOD1, CAT, GPX1, GST, ATOX1, Nrf2 and AhpC/TSA) markers in ewes post-lambing and their newly born lambs. Additionally, mRNA levels of lipogenic (ACACA, FASN SCD, LPL, and BTN1A) markers were significantly up-regulated in lambs from supplemented ewes than control ones. There was a significant increase in the WBCs, Hb, RBc count, serum level of glucose, total protein, triacylglycerol and total cholesterol, GPx, catalase, IL1α and IL6 with significantly decreased serum level of TNF-α and MDA in supplemented ewes after lambing as compared with control ones. There was also a significant increase in WBCs, Hb, RBc count, birth weight and body temperature with significantly decreased in the serum levels of TNF-α and stillbirth of newly born lambs from supplemented ewes as compared to other lambs from control ones.

Comparative Analysis of Antioxidants in Moringa Leaves and Soursop Leaves

Antioxidants are chemical compounds that can donate one or more electrons to free radicals, so antioxidants function to neutralize free radicals. Antioxidants delay and inhibit cell damage through their properties that can neutralize free radicals. Several studies have reported that M.oleifera has antioxidant activity to various pharmacological effects such as anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer. Moringa oleifera or better known as Moringa is a plant that is widely used by the community to overcome various disease complaints. In addition to Moringa leaves, Soursop leaves (Annona muricata L) also have high antioxidant content in their leaves so that these plants can be divided into synthetic antioxidants and natural antioxidants. The use of synthetic antioxidants is currently decreasing due to consideration of the negative effects on health such as liver damage and can cause carcinogens so that their use is replaced by natural antioxidants. The natural antioxidants in question are compounds found in natural materials such as Moringa leaves and Soursop leaves. The type of research used in this study is experimental research by testing the comparison of antioxidant compound activity between Moringa leaves and Soursop leaves using the DPPH method. Moringa leaves had antioxidant activity of 141.34 ppm, while Soursop leaves had antioxidant activity of 82.39 ppm. There is no significant difference in antioxidant activity between Moringa leaves and Soursop leaves.

Chemical composition and antioxidant properties of native Ecuadorian fruits: Rubus glabratus Kunth, Vaccinium floribundum Kunth, and Opuntia soederstromiana

The native berries of South America present promising marketing opportunities owing to their high antioxidant content, notably rich in anthocyanin and phenolic compounds. However, Ecuador's endemic fruits, primarily found in the wild, lack comprehensive data regarding their phytochemical composition and antioxidant capacity, underscoring the need for research in this area. Accordingly, this study evaluated the total phenolic, anthocyanin, flavonoid, resveratrol, ascorbic acid, citric acid, sugars, and antioxidant content of three native Ecuadorian fruits: mora de monte (Rubus glabratus Kunth), mortiño (Vaccinium floribundum Kunth), and tuna de monte (Opuntia soederstromiana). Determination of resveratrol, ascorbic acid, citric acid, and sugars was determined by HPLC analysis, and UPLC analysis was used to determine tentative metabolites with nutraceutical properties. Antioxidant capacity was assessed using cyclic voltammetry and the DPPH method; differential pulse voltammetry was used to evaluate antioxidant power. Analysis of results through UPLC-QTOF mass spectrometry indicated that R. glabratus Kunth and V. floribundum Kunth are important sources of various compounds with potential health-promoting functions in the body. The DPPH results showed the following antioxidant capacities for the three fruits: R. glabratus Kunth >O. soederstromiana >V. floribundum Kunth; this trend was consistent with the antioxidant capacity results determined using the electrochemical methods.

Physical properties of pectin edible film with kepok banana blossom filler as food packaging

Kepok banana blossom is a part of banana plants that provide high antioxidant content. An antioxidant is defined as a component that can reduce the microbial activity of edible film. This research aims to determine the effect of kepok banana blossom on the physical properties of edible film. The material used in this research is kepok banana blossom which is obtained from a local market in Medan, Sumatera Utara. Pectin edible film was made by using the casting solution method which includes 0 wt%, 1.wt%, 3 wt%, 5wt%, 7wt%, and 9 wt% of kepok banana blossom as fillers. The physical properties of the edible film are observed by using Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), Fourier Transform Infra-Red (FTIR), density test, and water vapor transmission rate (WVTR). FTIR resulting from edible film indicates the decreased functional group along with the additional filler concentrations of 5%. The SEM result of the edible film shows the form of fibers and the fibers cover the cavity. To conclude kepok banana blossom as a filler has an influence on the value of the antimicrobial index on the edible film.

Formulation of Skin Moisturizing Body Scrub with Kedondong Leaf Extract (Spondias dulcis)

Background: Body scrub is a skincare preparation that effectively removes dead skin cells caused by free radicals. Kedondong leaves are a plant with extraordinary wealth, especially its vitamins, namely A, B1, and C, and have a high antioxidant content, so they can be used as a natural moisturizer for the skin. Objective: This research aims to formulate a body scrub containing Kedondong leaf extract. Method: Kedondong leaf extract was formulated with a concentration of 10.0; 15.0; and 20.0%. Evaluation of the body scrub formulation includes organoleptic, homogeneity, pH, irritation and moisture using a skin analysis tool. Results: Research shows that the body scrub formulation with Kedondong leaf extract is homogeneous and has a shape, colour and pH value corresponding to skin pH standards. This formulation also does not irritate and provides adequate moisture for the skin. The formulation with a concentration of 20% (F4) shows the best effectiveness, being able to moisturize the skin up to 47.8%. Conclusion: Kedondong leaves can be formulated into an effective body scrub to improve the condition of dull skin to make it brighter, cleaner and smoother.

Stability pattern and simultaneous selection for the stable essential oil-yielding genotypes of basil

Basil leaves are used to make a tea that promises to assist with vomiting, rheumatic pain, and loose motions. It includes a high concentration of antioxidants, which may increase longevity and health. The current study aims to assess the consistency, stability, and recommendations for producing essential oils from commercial genotypes and cultivars. To investigate genotype stability, field experiments were conducted in a semi-arid tropical climate in an RBD and replicated three times over three years in 2017, 2018, and 2019, at the CIMAP, RC, Hyderabad, south India. Each of the thirteen economic variables exhibited substantial diversity. In a three-year experiment, the stability of 20 basil genotypes was studied. There have been very few studies on the genotype and environmental interactions, stability, and diversity of basil. Nonetheless, no simultaneous assessments, stability, or reliability analyses have been performed in a multi-environment essential oil yield study on basil. According to the AMMI model, genotypes OC-6 and 8 for oil yield and OC-6 and 10 for linalool (%) were the most adaptable and stable varieties because they could withstand a wide range of environmental conditions. This leads to the conclusion that the most stable genotypes for linalool content (%) and essential oil production are OC-6, OC-8, and OC-10, all of which provide excellent yields. As a result, it is suggested that these genotypes and cultivars be commercialized.

Both external and internal factors induce heterogeneity in senescing leaves of deciduous trees.

Autumn senescence is characterised by spatial and temporal heterogeneity. We show that senescing birch (Betula spp.) leaves had lower PSII activity (probed by the F V /F M chlorophyll a fluorescence parameter) in late autumn than in early autumn. We confirmed that PSII repair slows down with decreasing temperature, while rates of photodamage and recovery, measured under laboratory conditions at 20°C, were similar in these leaves. We propose that low temperatures during late autumn hinder repair and lead to accumulation of non-functional PSII units in senescing leaves. Fluorescence imaging of birch revealed that chlorophyll preferentially disappeared from inter-veinal leaf areas. These areas showed no recovery capacity and low non-photochemical quenching while green veinal areas of senescing leaves resembled green leaves. However, green and yellow leaf areas showed similar values of photochemical quenching. Analyses of thylakoids isolated from maple (Acer platanoides ) leaves showed that red, senescing leaves contained high amounts of carotenoids and α-tocopherol, and our calculations suggest that α-tocopherol was synthesised during autumn. Thylakoids isolated from red maple leaves produced little singlet oxygen, probably due to the high antioxidant content. However, the rate of PSII photodamage did not decrease. The data show that the heterogeneity of senescing leaves must be taken into account to fully understand autumn senescence.

Growth, phytochemical concentration, nutrient uptake, and water consumption of butterhead lettuce in response to hydroponic system design and growing season

Two hydroponic system designs (nutrient film technique: NFT, and deep water culture: DWC) were set up in a climate-controlled greenhouse to compare growth, nutrients and water uptake patterns, yield and quality of lettuce (Lactuca sativa cv. Butterhead) during fall (October through November) and summer (July-August) growing conditions. The research was conducted with four system replicates for each hydroponic design and each system contained nine lettuce plants. Plant photosynthetic properties, growth parameters, and irrigation solution nutrient concentrations were measured weekly. At the end of the production cycle, plants were harvested for leaf area, fresh and dry yield of shoots and roots, nutritional and phytochemical concentrations. In the study, DWC system had better water quality properties than NFT including less seasonal water temperature fluctuation, which supported lettuce with better photosynthetic rates, growth rate and fresh yield in fall. Tipburn symptoms were only observed in summer, and NFT grown lettuce had significantly lower shoot calcium and magnesium concentrations than DWC in both fall and summer seasons, which led to more severe tip burn symptom in summer. In addition, better water quality in DWC also benefited lettuce with higher antioxidant concentrations than NFT, which included 9.4 % higher vitamin C in fall, 34.6 % higher total carotenoids in fall, 40.6 % higher non-acidified phenols in fall, as well as 12.9 % higher total chlorophyll in summer. Although there were marginal differences in fresh yield, most types of mineral nutrients and antioxidants between DWC and NFT, DWC performed better than NFT with less tipburn in summer as well as increased yield, total carotenoids, vitamin C and non-acidified phenols in fall.

Development of an Antioxidant-Rich Sugar-Free Plantain Candy and Assessment of Its Shelf Life in a Flexible Laminate.

Candy is a popular confection worldwide, and it would be beneficial to society if it were converted into a source of antioxidant molecules to eliminate its adverse health effects. The amount of antioxidants available even in fruit candies is questionable due to the high thermal processing losses they undergo and the presence of various food additives. Plantains (Musa paradisiaca) are less known as good sources of biotherapeutic antioxidants, namely l-tryptophan, serotonin and melatonin, and consumption of this highly nutritious fruit is limited to underdeveloped and developing countries. The objectives of this study are: to develop a functional antioxidant-rich sugar-free plantain-based candy with valuable contents of the mentioned biomolecules in synergy; and to ensure its extended shelf life without compromising its physicochemical properties and functionality by wrapping it with a suitable packaging laminate. To accomplish the first objective, lyophilized plantain powder, sorbitol and mannitol were used as base materials with minimal additives under minimal processing conditions to reduce processing loss. Sensory, proximate, physicochemical and phytochemical properties, including the antioxidant synergy among the mentioned biomolecules of the developed candies were evaluated. For the second objective, the candies were enclosed in two different flexible packaging laminates and the optimal packaging was determined based on the microbiological safety and sensory appeal of the wrapped candies. Subsequently, the above-mentioned properties of the packaged (in the most suitable laminate) candies were evaluated at regular time intervals during storage for assessment of their shelf life. The candy had a characteristic flavour of plantain, uniform dark brown colour, rich mouthfeel, pleasant aroma, moderately hard texture and moderate sweetness, along with high antioxidant activity and considerable content of l-tryptophan, serotonin and melatonin (present as a synergistic consortium). During storage of the packaged candy under ambient conditions, it remained microbiologically safe for up to 56 days, and also maintained sensory attributes, antioxidant activity and synergy compared to the control candy. This newly developed semi-hard sugar-free candy with high antioxidant content, containing three important antioxidants, namely l-tryptophan, serotonin and melatonin, could be a good source of biotherapeutic molecules and a substitute for commercial candies consumed globally.

An Overview of Date (Phoenix dactylifera) Fruits as an Important Global Food Resource.

Dates are the fruits of the date palm belonging to the Arecaceae family; they comprise over 2500 species and 200 genera and constitute an essential part of the daily diet worldwide, with beneficial nutritional, health, and economic values. Several varieties of date palm (Phoenix dactylifera) fruit exist globally, especially in hot and humid regions. This review is an overview of date palms as a significant global food resource, including their historical significance, nutritional composition, cultivation practices, economic importance, and health benefits. The historical journey of dates goes back to ancient civilizations where they were revered for their richness in essential nutrients and natural sweetness. Today, dates are a vital crop in arid regions, contributing substantially to the agricultural economy and livelihoods of communities. This paper further explores the cultivation techniques employed to enhance date production. Furthermore, the nutritional composition of dates is analyzed in detail, highlighting their high content of vitamins, minerals, dietary fibers, and antioxidants. These attributes make dates a delicious treat and a valuable nutritional component, offering numerous health benefits. The potential health effects, including improved digestion, enhanced cardiovascular health, and increased energy levels, are discussed. Additionally, this paper delves into the economic significance of the date industry and its global trade.

Research of the nutritional value of functional purpose marshmallows

This scientific article presents the results of studying the nutritional value (vitamins, antioxidants, organic acids) of marshmallows based on local vegetable raw materials (cranberries, currants, strawberries, apples) with the addition of powders from medicinal herbs (sea buckthorn leaves, St. John's wort, rosehip) in order to widen the assortment of immunostimulating confectionery for functional purposes. Based on the results of scientific research, the highest content of antioxidants is found in currant-apple and apple marshmallows (1.19 mg /100 and 1.15 mg/100g), most of the B vitamins: B1 in apple marshmallows with the addition of sea buckthorn leaves (0.191 mg /100g); vitamins B2 (0.511 mg /100g) and B6 (0.099 mg / 100g) in currant-apple marshmallows with the addition of St. John's wort; B5 in cranberry-apple marshmallows with the addition of sea buckthorn leaves (0.022 mg / 100g). Vitamin C content prevailed in strawberry and apple marshmallows, 0.109 mg/100g and 0.284 mg/100, respectively. All types of marshmallows with the addition of powders from medicinal herbs also distinguished themselves by a high content of organic food acids. Thus, it should be noted that the developed assortment of marshmallows has optimal indicators of nutritional value and meets the requirements for functional confectionery products.

Exploring the dietary and therapeutic potential of licorice (Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch.) sprouts.

Ethnopharmacological relevanceThis research substantiates the traditional use of Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch. for liver health, with scientific evidence of the non-toxic and lipid-lowering properties of licorice sprout extracts. The sprouts' rich mineral and amino acid content, along with their strong antioxidant activity, reinforce their value in traditional medicine. These findings bridge ancient herbal practices with modern science, highlighting licorice's potential in contemporary therapeutic applications. Aim of the studyThe study aimed to investigate the dietary and medicinal potential of G. uralensis sprouts by assessing their safety, nutritional content, and antioxidant properties using both plant and animal models. Specifically, the study sought to determine the effects of different sizes of licorice sprouts on lipid metabolism in human liver cancer cells and their overall impact on rat health indicators. Materials and methodsThe study examined the effects of aqueous and organic extracts from G. uralensis sprouts of varying lengths on the cytotoxicity, lipid metabolism, and antioxidant activity in HepG2 cells, alongside in vivo impacts on Sprague-Dawley rats, using MTT, ICP, and HPLC. It aimed to assess the potential health benefits of licorice sprouts by analyzing their protective effects against oxidative stress and their nutritional content. ResultsLicorice sprout extracts from G. uralensis demonstrated no cytotoxicity in HepG2 cells, significantly reduced lipid levels, and enhanced antioxidant activities, with the longest sprouts (7 cm) showing higher mineral, sugar, and arginine content as well as increased glycyrrhizin and liquiritigenin. In vivo studies with Sprague-Dawley rats revealed weight gain and improved antioxidant enzyme activities in blood plasma and liver tissues after consuming the extracts, highlighting the sprouts' dietary and therapeutic potential. ConclusionsThis study is the first to demonstrate that G. uralensis sprouts, particularly those 7 cm in length, have no cytotoxic effects, reduce lipids, and have high mineral and antioxidant contents, offering promising dietary and therapeutic benefits.

A Review on the Distribution, Economic Importance and Nutritional Value of Underutilized Plants in Sikkim's Agricultural Scenario

This literature review provides a brief reference to the current status and socio-economic importance of some of the selected underutilized crops of Sikkim. Some wild fruits show great potential for cultivation due to their high antioxidant content, good fat, medicinal biochemicals, and even higher fruit yield per tree compared to commercial plant varieties, making them horticulturally competent for cultivation. The use of these wild local plant species as a supplementary food reserve holds promise. The avocado crop is versatile and can be utilized in various ways, such as for producing processed goods, for export, for oil extraction, and as a raw material in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries, thereby generating high-value products. There is a significant interest in this crop in different parts of India, including Eastern India, as indicated by the high demand for information on avocados.

Accelerated thermal ageing on performance of polypropylene‐based semiconducting screen for high voltage direct current cable applications—Effect of antioxidants

AbstractThe potential of using eco‐friendly thermoplastic polypropylene (PP)‐based insulation for high voltage direct current (HVDC) cable has been widely investigated but much less work on the PP‐based semiconducting screen (SC). Considering a long service life (>30 years) under high temperature and high electrical stress is required for typical HVDC cables, and investigations on the effect of antioxidant (AO) concentration and thermal oxidative stability, mechanical, and electrical properties of PP‐based SCs have been conducted. It has been demonstrated that an appropriate combination and amounts of AOs are critical for achieving high thermal stability and maintaining the mechanical properties of SC after ageing in a harsh environment (150°C, with Cu, in air, 7 days). Although higher amounts of space charges have been observed in SC/PP/SC samples with higher AO concentrations, the impact on space charge behaviours is less after ageing, suggesting that ageing (or operating at high temperature) leads to microstructure evolution in SC and can potentially mitigate space accumulation in PP‐based insulating materials.

Pollen profiles, physico-chemical parameters, in vitro antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of honeys and anti-browning effect of honeys on apple

BACKGROUND: Honey, a product of the beehive with high nutritional and taste value, is a food much appreciated by consumers for its nutritional value and therapeutic properties such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. OBJECTIVE: The main objectives of this work are to evaluate the quality of Algerian honeys, their chemical composition, their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-browning enzyme activities, and to confirm the qualitative superiority of local honeys over imported honeys. METHODS: Six local and imported honeys are analyzed for their physicochemical parameters, floral origin, phenolic compound content and in vitro antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. The enzymatic browning inhibitory power of Algerian honeys is also tested. RESULTS: The pollen study shows that the four local honeys were of monofloral origin, while the two imported honeys are pollen-free. Local and imported honeys are compared on 17 physico-chemical and biological parameters. The results reveal that single-flower honeys generally meet international standards in terms of HMF and proline content, unlike imported honeys. These honeys have lower antioxidant levels than other honeys: polyphenols (161 to 248 mg GAE/100 g) and flavonoids (64 to 74 mg QE/100 g). There is a correlation between honey color, antioxidant contents and biological activities. CONCLUSION: Darker Algerian honeys have higher antioxidant content and better biological properties than others samples.

Investigation of antioxidant activity from beetroot juice (Beta vulgaris L) as a healthy drink for the prevention of non-communicable disease

Non-communicable diseases can cause oxidative stress, which affects their pathophysiology. One of the recommended diets for preventing complications of non-communicable diseases (NCD) is a rich antioxidant diet. One of the foods rich in antioxidants is beetroots. This study aimed to assess the antioxidant content of locally obtained beetroot juice. Laboratory experimental methods were used to test the antioxidant activity of beetroot juice. Before the laboratory test, the panelists carried out a hedonic test. The beets were then juiced and checked for DPPH′ (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl). The beetroot was then juiced and checked for DPPH′ (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl). Statistical analysis was performed using the Kruskal–Wallis test. Results: The hedonic test showed that panelists preferred beetroot juice with lemon juice, with a 'like' range for the aroma and viscosity and a 'neutral-like' range for the taste and color of beetroot juice. The antioxidant content in 300 ml of beetroot juice was 53,34 ± 0,13%. In conclusion, beetroot juice has a high antioxidant content and health benefits in preventing NCD.

Protective effects of flaxseed oil against dexamethasone induced skeletal muscle atrophy on rats

The production of omega-3 fatty acids in the lipids of muscle tissue was boosted by flaxseed oil (Linum usitatissimum), which is well-described in the Ayurvedic system of medicine. In skeletal muscle disorders, atrophy is a major problem which arises due to cachexia, sarcopenia and immobilization. Nevertheless, despite significant efforts, few FDA-approved medications are available in the market to treat skeletal muscle atrophy. The current project was conceptualized to investigate the protective effects of flaxseed oil against dexamethasone-induced muscular atrophy in adult Sprague Dawley Rats. Marketed preparation of dexamethasone was used to induce muscle atrophy and flaxseed oil was administered orally after disease induction of 7 days till 28 days. Body weight and behavioural studies were carried out to assess muscle mass and glucose. Due to its high antioxidant and fatty acid Omega-3 content, flaxseed oil promotes significant improvements in diseased animals. Rats administered with flaxseed oil demonstrated great weight gain and a decreased blood sugar level. After three weeks-blood sugar levels, muscle mass, momentary changes in rats and HDL levels were all significantly higher in the dexamethasone alone treated control group animals. Flaxseed oil protects against the biochemical and histopathological changes caused due to dexamethasone toxicity. The findings of this study reveals that, flaxseed oil protects against dexamethasone induced skeletal muscle atrophy and protective effect may be due to flaxseed oil's antioxidant properties. However, further research is essential to prove the protective effects of flaxseed oil in some more studies mainly revealing its actions at cellular and molecular level.

Evaluation of the Antioxidant Capacity and Studies of the Anticonvulsant Properties of Hymenocardia acida

The work focuses on evaluating the antioxidant capacity and studying the anticonvulsant properties of the bark of Hymencardia acida (Euphorbiaceae), which is a tropical African plant traditionally used in the Centre Region of Cameroon in the treatment of many diseases such as migraines, diarrhoea, wounds, stomach ache and influenza. The various antioxidant tests carried out have highlighted the high antioxidant content of the bark of these plants. The results of the anticonvulsant activity showed that: The decoction of Hymencardia acida antagonized the convulsions induced by 100% pentylenetetrazole at doses of 22.5, 45 and 90 mg/kg. It also protected mice from convulsions induced by pilocarpine, 100% at doses 45 and 90 mg/kg and in the 4-aminopyridine convulsion induction test, it protected mice 100% at doses 45 and 90 mg/kg with a significant difference of (P ≤ 0.001) compared to the negative control. This study justify the use of H. acida in traditional medicine category 1, for the treatment of epilepsy in the community of the Centre Region of Cameroon.

Assessment of Six Blackberry Cultivars Using a Combination of Metabolomics, Biological Activity, and Network Pharmacology Approaches.

Blackberries have gained considerable attention due to their high antioxidant content and potential health benefits. This study compared the metabolite profiles of six blackberry cultivars and investigated their biological activities. The metabolites extracted from blackberries were analyzed using metabolomics, and their biological activities and mechanisms were confirmed using in vitro models and network pharmacology. Among the cultivars examined, "Kiowa" ripe berries exhibited the highest antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. These effects were primarily attributed to the accumulation of flavonoids (quercitrin and luteolin) and anthocyanin (cyanidin 3-O-glucoside) in the phenylpropanoid pathway. Furthermore, our research identified 13 blackberry metabolites that interacted with 31 genes, including AKT1, CASP3, JUN, MAPK8, NOS3, NQO1, and HMOX1 which play roles in reducing oxidative stress, protecting cells from damage, and suppressing inflammation. These findings suggest that blackberry metabolites, such as quercitrin, luteolin, and cyanidin 3-O-glucoside, may exert therapeutic effects by modulating specific genes and pathways associated with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory responses. This research is promising not only for plant breeders but also for those interested in harnessing the health-promoting properties of blackberries.