Higher Levels Of Phenolics Research Articles

Broccoli, Kale, and Radish Sprouts: Key Phytochemical Constituents and DPPH Free Radical Scavenging Activity.

Our research group previously found that broccoli sprouts possess neuroprotective effects during pregnancy. The active compound has been identified as sulforaphane (SFA), obtained from glucosinolate and glucoraphanin, which are also present in other crucifers, including kale. Sulforaphene (SFE), obtained from glucoraphenin in radish, also has numerous biological benefits, some of which supersede those of sulforaphane. It is likely that other components, such as phenolics, contribute to the biological activity of cruciferous vegetables. Notwithstanding their beneficial phytochemicals, crucifers are known to contain erucic acid, an antinutritional fatty acid. The aim of this research was to phytochemically examine broccoli, kale, and radish sprouts to determine good sources of SFA and SFE to inform future studies of the neuroprotective activity of cruciferous sprouts on the fetal brain, as well as product development. Three broccoli: Johnny's Sprouting Broccoli (JSB), Gypsy F1 (GYP), and Mumm's Sprouting Broccoli (MUM), one kale: Johnny's Toscano Kale (JTK), and three radish cultivars: Black Spanish Round (BSR), Miyashige (MIY), and Nero Tunda (NT), were analyzed. We first quantified the glucosinolate, isothiocyanate, phenolics, and DPPH free radical scavenging activity (AOC) of one-day-old dark- and light-grown sprouts by HPLC. Radish cultivars generally had the highest glucosinolate and isothiocyanate contents, and kale had higher glucoraphanin and significantly higher sulforaphane content than the broccoli cultivars. Lighting conditions did not significantly affect the phytochemistry of the one-day-old sprouts. Based on phytochemistry and economic factors, JSB, JTK, and BSR were chosen for further sprouting for three, five, and seven days and subsequently analyzed. The three-day-old JTK and radish cultivars were identified to be the best sources of SFA and SFE, respectively, both yielding the highest levels of the respective compound while retaining high levels of phenolics and AOC and markedly lower erucic acid levels compared to one-day-old sprouts.

Bioactive Compounds and Antioxidant Capacity of Several Blackberry (Rubus spp.) Fruits Cultivars Grown in Romania

Blackberry fruit (Rubus spp.) has a powerful antioxidant capacity due to the high levels of anthocyanins and other phenols it contains. In this work, we investigated the physico-chemical characteristics, the bioactive compounds (total phenols, flavonoids, and monomeric anthocyanins), and the antioxidant capacity of seven blackberry cultivars belonging to the Rubus fruticosus L. and Rubus laciniatus L. genera growing in the NW region of Romania. In addition, the wild blackberry cultivar from the same area was also evaluated. Anthocyanins from the blackberry fruit were extracted using SPE (Solid Phase Extraction), and the anthocyanin profile was identified and quantified using HPLC-PDA analysis. In terms of polyphenol content and antioxidant capacity, two of the cultivars examined stood out. The majority of anthocyanin found in blackberries was cyanidin-3-glucoside, with the highest amount recorded in the ‘Thorn Free’ cultivar at 329.26 ± 9.36 mg/g dw. Comparatively, ‘Loch Ness’ and ‘Thorn Free’ fruits exhibited total phenol contents of 1830.98 ± 13.55 and 1687.14 ± 62.41 mg GAE/100 g dw, respectively. Antioxidant capacities varied significantly among the eight blackberry cultivars, with cultivars ‘Loch Ness’ and ‘Thorn Free’ achieving high values in comparison to the others. The findings of the multivariate analysis also supported the experimental results. Knowing the phytochemical composition and antioxidant potential of different blueberry cultivars, one can use them as fresh, functional foods or for commercial purposes to produce products derived from fruits with a high concentration of bioactive components.

Volatile organic compounds measured by proton transfer reaction mass spectrometry over the complex terrain of Quintero Bay, Central Chile

This research provides new evidence regarding the different kinds of air quality episodes, and their underlying mechanisms, that frequently impact the urban area of Quintero Bay in Central Chile, which is located along complex coastal terrain and is surrounded by industries. The monitoring campaign was carried out in January 2022 and encompassed two distinctive meteorological regimes. The first part of the month was dominated by a coastal low centered to the south of Quintero, which resulted in prevailing northerly flow (or weak southerlies) and a deep cloud-topped marine boundary layer. After a 2–3-day transition, the latter collapsed, and a clear-sky regime ensued, which was characterized by a shallow boundary layer and strong southerly winds during the daytime that lasted until the end of the campaign.By using proton transfer reaction time of flight mass spectrometry (PTR–TOF–MS) at a high temporal resolution (1 s), we measured high levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) during air quality episodes in real time. The episodes detected were associated with different prevailing meteorological regimes, suggesting that different point sources were involved. In the first episode, propene/cyclopropane, butenes, benzene, toluene and ethylbenzene/xylenes were associated with north and northwesterly weak winds. Complaints associated with hydrocarbon odor were reported. The pollution originated from industrial and petrochemical units located to the north of Quintero, which transport and store natural gas, liquified petroleum gas and oil. The second episode was linked to an oil refinery located south of our measurement site. In this case, high levels of phenol, furan and cresols occurred under strong southwesterly winds. During this event, headaches and dizziness were reported. By contrast, the levels of other aromatic compounds (benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene/xylenes) were lower than in the first air pollution episode.

Phytochemical profile, antioxidant, cytotoxic and anti-inflammatory activities of stem bark extract and fractions of Ailanthus excelsa Roxb.: In vitro, in vivo and in silico approaches

This study aimed to assess the phytochemical composition, in vitro antioxidant, cytotoxicity, and in vivo anti-inflammatory activities of the methanolic extract of Ailanthus excelsa (Simaroubaceae) stem bark and its fractions. Quantitative phytochemical analysis revealed that methanolic extract and all fractions contained a high level of flavonoids (20.40–22.91 mg/g QE), phenolics (1.72–7.41 mg/g GAE), saponins (33.28–51.87 mg/g DE), and alkaloids (0.21–0.33 mg/g AE). The antioxidant potential was evaluated in vitro using a range of assays, i.e., DPPH•, ABTS radical scavenging ability, and total antioxidant capacity. The chloroform and ethyl acetate fractions showed stronger antioxidant activity than the methanol extract. In vitro cytotoxic activity was investigated in three human tumor cell lines (A-549, MCF7 and HepG2) using the SRB assay. In addition, the in vivo anti-inflammatory effect was assessed by carrageenan-induced paw edema in rats. The chloroform fraction showed a more pronounced effect by effectively controlling the growth with the lowest GI50 and TGI concentrations. The human lung cancer cell line (A-549) was found to be more sensitive to the chloroform fraction. Furthermore, the chloroform fraction exhibited significant anti-inflammatory activity at a dose of 200 mg/kg in the latter phase of inflammation. Besides, methanol extract and ethyl acetate fraction revealed a significant cytotoxic and anti-inflammatory effects. The chloroform fraction of stem bark showed a strong anti-inflammatory effect in experimental animals and significant COX-2 inhibitory potential in the in vitro experiments. GC-MS analysis of chloroform fraction identified the phytochemicals like caftaric acid, 3,4-dihydroxy phenylacetic acid, arachidonic acid, cinnamic acid, 3-hydroxyphenylvaleric acid, caffeic acid, hexadeconoic acid, and oleanolic acid. The in-silico results suggest that identified compounds have better affinity towards the selected targets, viz. the BAX protein (PDB ID: 1F16), p53-binding protein Mdm-2 (PDB ID: 1YCR), and topoisomerase II (PDB ID: 1QZR). Amongst all, caftaric acid exhibited the best binding affinity for all three targets. Thus, it can be concluded that caftaric acid in combination with other phenolic compounds, might be responsible for the studied activity. Additional in vivo and in vitro studies are required to establish their exact molecular mechanisms and consider them as lead molecules in developing of valuable drugs for treating oxidative stress-induced disorders, cancers, and inflammations.

Total microbe, physicochemical property, and antioxidative activity during fermentation of cocoa honey into kombucha functional drink

Cocoa honey is a by-product of cocoa bean processing and is rich in sugars and minerals that is suitable as medium for fermentation, from which then it could be used for making potential kombucha functional drink. It is an approach to upgrading cocoa honey product. This study evaluated total microbes, physicochemical aspect, antioxidant activity, and phenolic and flavonoid compounds during the fermentation of cocoa honey kombucha. The fermentation time significantly affected the properties of cocoa honey functional beverages. Total acidity, cellulose weight, viable counts, and antioxidative activity increased during the 8-day fermentation. On the contrary, pH and total soluble solids decreased after 6 days of fermentation. Based on antioxidative activity, the good quality of kombucha was confirmed after 6 days of fermentation. During this time, the kombucha cacao honey drink demonstrated high antioxidant activity (70.14% ±1.15% DDPH and 43.49% ± 0.52% ABTS), which correlated with the high levels of phenols (144.75 ± 2.03 mg GAEq/mL) and flavonoids (1.776 mg QAEq/mL). It is expected to help in further research on the production of kombucha functional drink.

The Effect of Light and Dark Treatment on the Production of Rosmarinic Acid and Biological Activities in Perilla frutescens Microgreens.

This study aimed to investigate the effect of light [a long-day photoperiod (16 h light/8 h dark cycle)] and dark treatment on the production of rosmarinic acid in P. frutescens microgreens and to determine its antioxidant and antibacterial activities. Microgreens of P. frutescens were grown under light and dark conditions and harvested after 10, 15, 20, and 25 days of each treatment. Although dry weight values of microgreens gradually increased from 10 to 25 days of both treatments, the microgreens grown under light treatment possessed slightly higher levels of dry weight than those grown in the dark. Rosmarinic acid and total phenolic content (TPC) were also analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and Folin-Ciocalteu assay. The accumulation patterns of rosmarinic acid and TPC gradually increased and decreased, respectively, in P. frutescens microgreens grown in continuous darkness. The highest accumulation was observed in microgreens grown for 20 days. However, rosmarinic acid and TPC values were not significantly different in microgreens grown under light conditions. According to the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical inhibition assay, the extracts of P. frutescens microgreens were confirmed to be strong antioxidants, and their ability to scavenge DPPH radicals was positively correlated with the total phenolic content in the microgreens after 10, 15, 20, and 25 days of both treatments. Considering the relatively higher values of dry weight, rosmarinic acid, TPC, and DPPH assay, P. frutescens microgreens after 20 days of darkness and 20 days of light treatment, respectively, were selected for screening antibacterial activity using nine pathogens. Both microgreen extracts showed strong antibacterial activity against pathogens. In particular, the extracts of microgreens grown for 20 days under light treatment showed higher antimicrobial effects. Therefore, the light treatments for 20 days, as well as the darkness treatment for 20 days, were the best conditions for P. frutescens microgreen production because of their high levels of dry weight, phenolics, and biological activities.

Antioxidative Activities of Plants and Fungi Used as Herbal Medicines.

Plants and fungi classified as herbs are utilized for the maintenance of health in humans. In this study, to evaluate the beneficial effects of herbs, we investigated the phenolic content and antioxidative activity of 20 samples. Some herbs, including Cistanche herb, had high phenol levels and exhibited high activities for radical-scavenging and suppression of lipid peroxidation. Phenolic contents and antioxidative activities showed a high positive correlation. In contrast, some herbal medicines with low phenolic content exhibited high suppressive effects on lipid peroxidation, and it was thought that carotenoids contributed to their suppression. The results of this study are expected to support the clarification of the mechanism of herbal medicines in promoting wellness.

LC-ESI-MS phenolic contents assessment, antioxidant, and protective ability of Punica granatum root bark extract against ethanol-induced gastric ulcer in rats: in silico H+, K+-ATPase inhibitory pathway study.

The objectives of the current study were to evaluate the Punica granatum root bark extract's (PGE) antioxidant and gastroprotective activities against ethanol-induced gastric ulcers in Wistar rats and to elucidate the putative mechanism of action using in silico analysis. The PGE phytochemical study shows high levels of phenolics, flavonoids, tannins, and polysaccharides. In vitro, the PGE was more effective at scavenging hydroxyl radicals than quercetin and had lower ferric reducing activity than catechin. In vivo, it was revealed that pretreatment of ethanol-ulcerated rats with PGE at oral doses of 100, 200, and 400mg/kg b.w. offered a dose-dependent shield against ethanol-induced ulcers when compared to Omeprazole (20mg/kg b.w.) by preventing the development of deep ulcer lesions, lowering gastric juice output and pH rises, boosting gastric mucus production and antioxidant enzyme levels, and attenuating malondialdehyde and myeloperoxidase contents. Moreover, the liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis of PGE identified 5 phenolic acids and 4 flavonoids, which revealed an in silico high oral bioavailability, drug-likenesses, and good binding affinities and thus inhibitory effects on the gastric H+, K+-ATPase enzyme. PGE may have synergistic antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and H+, K+-proton pump inhibitory actions that contribute to its antiulcer efficacy.

Assessment of Genetic Variability for Fruit Nutritional Composition in the Ex-Situ Collection of Jujube (Ziziphus spp.) Genotypes of Arid Regions of India

Jujube or ber (Ziziphus spp.) is one of the most important fruit crops of India’s arid and semi-arid regions because of its high adaptability to resource constraints hot (semi)arid region. Jujube is a rich source of minerals, vitamins and dietary antioxidants to arid zone dwellers, where it is known as poor man’s apple. Given the present rising trends in discovering and exploiting plant-based health-promoting compounds, it is imperative to know the extent of variability with respect to fruit nutritional compositions present in the jujube germplasms. In this study, we assessed genetic variability for fruit nutritional and functional quality traits in eighteen jujube accessions belonging to three species (Z. mauritiana, Z. rotundifolia and Z. oenoplia) from an ex-situ collection from Indian arid and semi-arid regions in two consecutive fruiting seasons (2020-21 and 2021-22). Results revealed significant variability among eighteen jujube genotypes for important fruits physico-biochemical parameters. The IC 625864 (Z. oenoplia) identified as a superior accession for fruit antioxidant potential with having high levels of total phenols (256.2 mg/100 g dry weight) and total antioxidants (423 mg/100 g in FRAP). Moreover, IC 625849 (Z. mauritiana) and IC 625848 (Z. rotundifolia) were other genotypes containing high levels of phenols and total antioxidant (FRAP). Thus, while aiming for simultaneous improvement for total antioxidants with phenols, IC 625848, IC 625849 and IC 625864 genotypes can be considered as valuable resource for jujube fruit quality improvement program. Further, the high levels of phenotypic variance with high genotypic variance coupled with high heritability and genetic advance particularly for total antioxidants, total phenols, and ascorbic acid contents in fruits, indicating them to be considered as reliable biochemical markers to identify the productive genotypes having higher amounts of dietary antioxidants. Depending on the identified genotypes for their richness in the particular phytonutrients, these can be exploited either for table purpose or biofortification of other products, or using in jujube breeding program for quality improvement.

Characterization and Biodegradation of Phenol by Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella variicola Strains Isolated from Sewage Sludge and Their Effect on Soybean Seeds Germination.

Phenols are very soluble in water; as a result, they can pollute a massive volume of fresh water, wastewater, groundwater, oceans, and soil, negatively affecting plant germination and animal and human health. For the detoxification and bioremediation of phenol in wastewater, phenol biodegradation using novel bacteria isolated from sewage sludge was investigated. Twenty samples from sewage sludge (SS) were collected, and bacteria in SS contents were cultured in the mineral salt agar (MSA) containing phenol (500 mg/L). Twenty colonies (S1 up to S20) were recovered from all the tested SS samples. The characteristics of three bacterial properties, 16S rDNA sequencing, similarities, GenBank accession number, and phylogenetic analysis showed that strains S3, S10, and S18 were Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Klebsiella variicola, respectively. P. aeruginosa, K. pneumoniae, and K. variicola were able to degrade 1000 mg/L phenol in the mineral salt medium. The bacterial strains from sewage sludge were efficient in removing 71.70 and 74.67% of phenol at 1000 mg/L within three days and could tolerate high phenol concentrations (2000 mg/L). The findings showed that P. aeruginosa, K. pneumoniae, and K. variicola could potentially treat phenolic water. All soybean and faba bean seeds were germinated after being treated with 250, 500, 750, and 1000 mg/L phenol in a mineral salt medium inoculated with these strains. The highest maximum phenol removal and detoxification rates were P. aeruginosa and K. variicola. These strains may help decompose and detoxify phenol from industrial wastewater with high phenol levels and bioremediating phenol-contaminated soils.

The Effect of Sodium Nitroprusside Treatment on Storage Ability of Fresh-Cut Potato.

Quality deterioration is a major problem restricting the fresh-cut potato industry. The present study investigated the effect of sodium nitroprusside (SNP) treatment on the quality of fresh-cut potatoes during short-term storage. The treatment was carried out immediately either before or after cutting, using an SNP concentration of 200 μmol/L. The results showed that SNP treatment inhibited the accumulation of malondialdehyde (MDA) and total soluble solids (TSSs). SNP treatment also decreased the firmness, chewing properties, and ascorbic acid (AsA) content in potatoes, maintaining high levels of total phenols (TPs), total flavonoids (TFs), nitric oxide (NO), and superoxide dismutase (SOD). Furthermore, SNP treatment restrained the rise of phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL), peroxidase (POD), and polyphenol oxidase (PPO), as well as the electrolyte leakage (EL) rate. After SNP treatment, the nitrite content in the potatoes was within security scope. Comparing potatoes treated before and after cutting, the best result was noted in the potatoes soaked in SNP before cutting, which displayed the smallest losses in firmness (11.24%), chewing properties (34.30%), and AsA (40.35%), and maximum increases in TPs (32.84%), TFs (2.83-time), NO (76.11%), and SOD activity (93.15%). Moreover, this group presented the minimum MDA content, EL rate, and TSS values and the lowest PAL, POD, and PPO activities. These results indicated that 200 μmol/L SNP applied for 20 min, particularly before cutting, is an efficient alternative technology that can be used in the fresh-cut potato industry.

Employment of conventional and flash pyrolysis for biomass wastes from the textile industry with sustainable prospects

The textile industry generates millions of tons of waste annually, making this sector one of the most polluting in the world. The objective of this research was to study the energy potential of three industrial textile wastes of vegetable and animal origin: CW (card waste), SFW (short fibre waste) and W (wool), using conventional and flash pyrolysis at 500 °C and 750 °C. CW and SFW thermogravimetric profiles were very different from W. In general, the bio-oil yield was higher in the conventional and in the low-temperature flash pyrolysis (up to 55 %). The gas obtained by flash pyrolysis at 750 °C has higher flue gas content and lower CO2 content so their high heating value (HHV) is higher (up to 15.34 MJ/kg). Bio-oils obtained by flash pyrolysis at high temperature stood out for their higher HHV (>30 MJ/kg), with the highest value (34.15 MJ/kg) obtained from SFW waste. Both low temperature flash pyrolysis and conventional pyrolysis produce bio-oils that contain aromatic (35–48 %) and non-aromatic (18–34 %) organic compounds. Additionally, they have high levels of phenols and benzenes. High-temperature flash pyrolysis bio-oils are mainly composed of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. The textile samples are suitable for an energetic valorisation, highlighting the best SWF behaviour.

Heavy metal composition and phytochemical constituents of selected herbal remedies sold in open markets in Owerri metropolis, south east Nigeria

Heavy metal composition and Phytochemical constituents of selected herbal remedies sold in Owerri, South East Nigeria, were studied using standard laboratory procedures. Results obtained revealed that apart from proteins, all the phytochemicals studied were present in all the samples. High levels of phenol, flavonoids, glycosides, steroids and terpenoids were present in most of the samples. Total phenol values as high as 22900.88±1409.19 µg/ml and flavonoids 2644.89±6.94 µg/ml were recorded. Heavy metals identified in these samples included Zn, Ni, Cr, Cd, Pb and Hg. The concentration of Pb (0.081-0.124 ppm), Zn (0.045 -0.223 ppm), Cd (0.003 to 0.045 ppm) and the other heavy metals analyzed did not exceed the approved permissible limits. High levels of these heavy metals when consumed by humans can cause serious health issues. Also, the presence of high levels of phenolic acid, flavonoids, tannins, and alkaloids in samples is a strong indication of the therapeutic capacity of the samples. Therefore, it is important to ensure that this natural resource continues to be beneficial to the global health sector, it is important to set uniform standards and to monitor the quality of herbal treatments for dangerous ingredients.

High-Throughput Real-Time qPCR and High-Resolution Melting (HRM) Assay for Fungal Detection in Plant Matrices.

Crop producers are under great pressure to produce more and better food items. Effective control of crop pathogens is fundamental to guaranteeing food safety and reducing economic losses. Therefore, their identification throughout the production chain is of utmost interest. To achieve this goal, genomic analysis tools are currently being developed allowing to control crop production more effectively.Genomic analysis in some samples is difficult, mostly due to the sample's intrinsic characteristics, i.e., high levels of phenols, fatty acids (e.g., oleaginous fruits, such as olives), and carbon hydrates (e.g., honey), among others. Additionally, some samples yield very low DNA recovery with high content of contaminants, imposing protocol improvements to overcome these difficulties.Here we present protocols focused on qPCR and HRM to detect the presence of fungal pathogens collected from plant-derived samples.

Characterization and potential use of olive pies from different extractions and industries in ruminant feeding

This work aimed to characterize coproducts from extra virgin olive oil extraction, its chemical composition and nutritive value of two olive cultivars (Arbequina and Koroneiki) in industries in Brazil Southern region. Sampling from cultivar Arbequina was done at two moments (time 0 and 48h post processing) and from cultivar Koroneiki, only at time zero was sampled. The composition of the two cultivars was different, as expected. Higher levels of carbohydrates (CHO) and lower levels of neutral detergent fiber (NDF) contributed to improve in situ degradability (61.0 vs 43.5% ) of Koroneiki cultivar. Both co-products obtained on the day of processing showed high levels of lignin, which led to a lower level of in situ degradability of the NDF (21.1%). High levels of EE (19.4% DM), total phenols (FT; 1.8% DM), total tannins (TT; 1.11% DM) and TDN (72.7% DM) were also observed. These results demonstrate that the byproduct represents a potential source of lipids and phenolic compounds that can be used to adjust diets as well as the aggregation of functional molecules in meat and milk products. The care in obtaining and preserving the product is important because the material obtained 48 hours after the processing showed losses in the contents of CHO, CNF, FT and TT, which can impair its nutritional value and the potential of use.

A review on applicable methods to measure antioxidant activity of sorghum products

This study defines effectual methodologies to measure the antioxidant activity of Sorghum. Some different types of phenol with fluctuating properties exist, but their relatively diminutive exertion to establish the potential of these compounds in human health has been reported. Antioxidants are used for the reserve process of oxidation. These are primarily used in food preservation and in the petroleum industry to protect them from corrosion. Of all the cereals, sorghum has the capability to be bred specifically to produce high levels of different phenol that can be easily concentrated by simple processes. This special sorghum has reasonable grain yields and agronomic traits that make them productive and economical. Different methods are being used to determine these compounds, such as the DPPH method, ABTS, and ORAC technique. The prospect is good, but significant investment is required to make obvious feeding trials and their health-endorsing characteristics.

Chemical characterization of different parts of noni (Morinda citrifolia) fruit and its freeze-dried pulp powder with emphasis on its bioactive compounds and antioxidant activities

The aim of this study was to prepare the freeze dried powder of noni (Morinda citrifolia) pulp and determine the contents of bioactive and antioxidant capacity. Seed, peel, pulp and lyophilized powder were characterized in terms of physico-chemical, carotenoids, chlorophyll, sugars, ascorbic acid, phenolics, flavonoids and antioxidants contents. Phenolic compounds were determined by LC-MS. The lyophilized pulp powder showed high levels of phenolics and flavonoids (7486.38 µg GAE/g and 385.57 µg QE/g, respectively) and higher antioxidant activity for FRAP (10360.39 to 467970.40 mmol/100 g). Ascorbic acid has a higher concentration in the lyophilized powder (336.62 mg/100 g). Rutin, caffeic, artepillin C, quercetin-3-glucoside, kaempferol, vanillin and vanillic were the major compounds. The antioxidant effect present in the various components of the fruit was predominant, and the greater conservation of this potential was through the application of lyophilization. Thus, the noni may be considered as a good source of phenolics compounds having a high potential as natural antioxidants.

Phytochemical evaluation and nematicide effect of a dry leaves aqueous extract of Eucalyptus globulus against Pratylenchus vulnus infecting apple

The nematicide effect of an aqueous extract from dried leaves of Eucalyptus globulus was evaluated against the root lesion nematode Pratylenchus vulnus in vitro and in vivo trials. In both experiments, the application of four concentrations of a dried leaf aqueous extract (30 g/100 mL: 100%, 20 g/100 mL :60%, 10 g/100 mL: 30%, 5 g/100 mL: 15%; w/v) significantly reduced the nematode number of females and males in roots of the apple rootstock MM106. In vitro tests showed that the highest mortality was recorded with the undiluted concentration (96%) after 72 h of exposure time. Results of in vivo experiment revealed also that the concentration 100% has significantly increased the reduction rates of the nematode population of females and males (84.43% and 91.40%, respectively) compared to the other concentrations. The chemical treatment with Oxamyl G has significantly reduced the female and male population by 98.30% and 100%, respectively. The chemical analysis of dried leaves of Eucalyptus globulus showed high levels of total phenol and total flavonoid contents and exhibited high antioxidant capacity. The obtained results suggest that aqueous extracts of Eucalyptus globulus leaves have a promising nematicide potential against P. vulnus.

Improving mulberry shelf-life with 1-Methylcyclopropene and modified atmosphere packaging

Black mulberries fruit are well-known sources of nutrition and their high levels of phenolics, flavonoids, and antioxidants. However, their short shelf-life and postharvest quality preservation remain a significant handicap for consumption and processing purposes. Therefore, the aim of this work was to assess the impact of 1-Methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) with modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) treatment on postharvest quality. The efficacy of two different concentrations of 1-MCP (2 and 4 μl −1) were applied in concomitance with MAP in O2/CO2 change, technological and phenolic maturity laid up at ±3 °C for 15 days were estimated. The skin color of black mulberry fruits was decreased insignificantly by pre-treated 1-MCP application. L*, a* and b* values are varied but any significant difference was observed. 1-MCP treatment encouraged influence of preventing decreases in total phenolic content. 4 μl L−1 1-MCP remarkably restricted both improving of skin color and enhancement soluble solids, protected quality and enlarged postharvest life.

Phytochemical Profile, Antioxidant Activity, Anti-Hyperglycemic Effect and Toxicity Assessment of Ridolfia segetum (L.) Moris Extract.

The present work was designed to study the chemical composition, antioxidant, antihyperglycemic effect, and toxicity assessment of Ridolfia segetum (L.) Moris extract. The chemical composition was studied by use of high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Antioxidant power was tested by use of DPPH and FRAP assays. The antihyperglycemic effect was tested by use of a glucose tolerance test, while toxicity assessment was done in vivo by use of Wistar rats for 14 days. Analysis of the extract by HPLC-UV revealed the presence of gallic acid, catechol, vanillic acid, catechin, tannic acid, rosmarinic acid, naringenin, and coumarin acid. The crude hydroethanolic extract possessed high levels of total phenols (15.6 ± 1.76 mg EAG/g), condensed tannins (383.49 mg ECat/g DM), and flavonoid (11.63 mg EQ/g). The findings showed that the studied extract possessed good antioxidant power with IC50 values equal to 550, 650, 700 µg/mL respectively for the decoction, the ethyl acetate fraction (F2M), and the ethyl acetate fraction (F2E). For the antioxidant activity by FRAP, the aqueous fraction (F3E) and the aqueous extract (F4) showed CE50 values of 0.33 mg/mL and 0.4 mg/mL, respectively. Glucose tolerance test analysis showed that R. segetum (L.) Moris decoction had a significant postprandial antihyperglycemic effect in normal Wistar rats. The results of the acute toxicity test showed that the decoction was not toxic even at 2 g/Kg. Pancreatic α-amylase activity was significantly inhibited in the presence of R. segetum (L.) Moris extract (IC50 = 0.133 ± 0.09 mg/mL). The outcome of the present work showed that R. segetum (L.) Moris is very rich in phenolic compounds with potent antioxidant and antihyperglycemic effects.