Higher Phenolic Acid Research Articles

Porównanie właściwości przeciwutleniających wybranych części maliny właściwej (Rubus idaeus) i jeżyny europejskiej (Rubus fruticosus)

Antioxidants contained in plant raw materials prevent oxidative stress, and reduce the degenerative effects of free radical reactions and damage caused by UV radiation. Antioxidant activity is exhibited, for example, in raspberry (Rubus idaeus), and blackberry (Rubus fruticosus), which have a high content of tannins, flavonoids, phenolic acids, vitamins and minerals. The raw plant material consisted of fresh and dried leaves and fruits of raspberries and blackberries harvested in 2014. This material was extracted using a Soxhlet apparatus and by an ultrasound-assisted technique. To evaluate antioxidant activity DPPH and FRAP methods were used in the first year and DPPH and ABTS methods in the second year of the study. The highest antioxidant activity, evaluated by the DPPH method in 2015, was demonstrated by both raspberry and blackberry fresh leaf extracts, whereas the highest reductive ability, assessed by FRAP, was demonstrated in fresh and dried blackberry leaves. In the next year of the study (2016), the activity of samples evaluated using the DPPH method did not differ significantly, with the exception of fresh raspberry leaf. In this year, the highest antioxidant properties, assessed using the ABTS method, were shown by extracts made of fresh blackberry leaves and fruits, and dried blackberry leaves. All the studied material, both ethanolic leaves and fruit extracts of raspberry and blackberry, reduced free radicals, which was examined using three methods of evaluation of the antioxidative properties (DPPH, FRAP and ABTS). The storage of ethanolic extracts at ambient temperature had no significant impact on the activity reduction of the evaluated plant material. The antioxidant activity of most examined extracts remained consistently high, which may be reflected in the use of the studied materials as sources of antioxidants in the cosmetics and pharmaceuticals industries.

Comparative analysis of different groups of phenolic compounds in fruit and leaf extracts of Aronia sp.: A. melanocarpa, A. arbutifolia, and A. \xd7prunifolia and their antioxidant activities

Anthocyanins, flavonols, and phenolic acids were estimated in methanolic extracts from the fruits and leaves of three chokeberries—Aronia melanocarpa, Aronia arbutifolia, and Aronia ×prunifolia. The fruits contained significant amounts of cyanidin glycosides (0.3–323.2 mg/100 g DW) and two phenolic acids: chlorogenic acid (16.3–273.5 mg/100 g DW) and neochlorogenic acid (92.3–212.6 mg/100 g DW). The leaf extracts contained high amounts of flavonols: quercetin, quercitrin, and rutin (62.1–367.0 mg/100 g DW), as well as chlorogenic acid, neochlorogenic acid, and rosmarinic acid (max. 724.2, 482.7, 154.7 mg/100 g DW, respectively). Of the examined materials, A. arbutifolia leaves were characterized by the highest total phenolics content (9148.2 mg gal. ac. Eq./100 g DW) and showed the highest antioxidant activity in DPPH and FRAP assays. The results demonstrate that fruits of A. arbutifolia and A. ×prunifolia are a rich source of antioxidants and can be used as plant raw materials, alternatively to A. melanocarpa berries. Leaves of the investigated species are of potential therapeutic and dietary interest because of their high flavonol and phenolic acid content.

Wheat Bran Dietary Fiber: Promising Source of Prebiotics with Antioxidant Potential

The potential of wheat bran (WB) addition as a prebiotic source were demonstrated using yogurt with probiotics (Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium lactis). Yogurts (with 4% WB) were significantly (P < 0.05) different in total bacterial counts (9.1 log CFU/mL), and total titratable acidity % (TTA, 1.4%) compared to controls during 28 days cold storage (4°C). Additionally, WB-total dietary fiber contents and their bound phenolic profiles were investigated as well as the antioxidant activity of WB-water extractable polysaccharides (WEP) was studied. HPLC analysis of alkaline hydrolyzed DF fractions showed that insoluble DF had higher phenolic acids (84.2%) content than soluble DF (15.8%). Also, crude-WEP showed stronger antioxidant activity compared to purified-WEP with an ORAC of 71.88 and 52.48 µmol TE/g, respectively. Here we demonstrate WB has potentials as a source of prebiotics, which may have the potentials for functional foods and nutraceutical applications.

The use of a freeze-dried extract of Ligusticum mutellina in a cosmetic cream with potential antioxidant properties

Abstract The aim of this work was to develop a cream formulation with potential antioxidant properties. Herein, a freeze-dried extract of Ligusticum mutellina was used as a source of active compounds. The proposed qualitative composition of the cream was characterized by a good polyphenolic compounds release profile. Of note, the highest R2adj values were obtained for the Korsmeyer-Peppas and Higuchi models (0.9159 and 0.9226, respectively). These results indicate that a freeze-dried extract of L. mutellina, due to its retained high phenolic acids content, could become a key component in antioxidant creams.

Metabolism of Fructophilic Lactic Acid Bacteria Isolated from the Apis mellifera L. Bee Gut: Phenolic Acids as External Electron Acceptors

Fructophilic lactic acid bacteria (FLAB) are strongly associated with the gastrointestinal tracts (GITs) of Apis mellifera L. worker bees due to the consumption of fructose as a major carbohydrate. Seventy-seven presumptive lactic acid bacteria (LAB) were isolated from GITs of healthy A. mellifera L. adults, which were collected from 5 different geographical locations of the Apulia region of Italy. Almost all of the isolates showed fructophilic tendencies: these isolates were identified as Lactobacillus kunkeei (69%) or Fructobacillus fructosus (31%). A high-throughput phenotypic microarray targeting 190 carbon sources was used to determine that 83 compounds were differentially consumed. Phenotyping grouped the strains into two clusters, reflecting growth performance. The utilization of phenolic acids, such as p-coumaric, caffeic, syringic, or gallic acids, as electron acceptors was investigated in fructose-based medium. Almost all FLAB strains showed tolerance to high phenolic acid concentrations. p-Coumaric acid and caffeic acid were consumed by all FLAB strains through reductases or decarboxylases. Syringic and gallic acids were partially metabolized. The data collected suggest that FLAB require external electron acceptors to regenerate NADH. The use of phenolic acids as external electron acceptors by the 4 FLAB showing the highest phenolic acid reductase activity was investigated in glucose-based medium supplemented with p-coumaric acid. Metabolic responses observed through a phenotypic microarray suggested that FLAB may use p-coumaric acid as an external electron acceptor, enhancing glucose dissimilation but less efficiently than other external acceptors such as fructose or pyruvic acid.IMPORTANCE Fructophilic lactic acid bacteria (FLAB) remain to be fully explored. This study intends to link unique biochemical features of FLAB with their habitat. The quite unique FLAB phenome within the group lactic acid bacteria (LAB) may have practical relevance in food fermentations. The FLAB phenome may have implications for the levels of hexose metabolism products in fermented foods, as well as food probiotication. Due to the harsh conditions of honeybees' GITs, these bacteria had to develop specific physiological and biochemical characteristics, such as tolerance to phenolic acids. The screening of FLAB strains based on metabolic pathways involving phenolic acids may allow the selection of starter cultures with both technological and functional beneficial attributes. Bioconversion of phenolic compounds may contribute to the aroma attributes and biofunctionality of fermented foods. Thus, the selection of FLAB strains as starter cultures with specific enzymatic activities involving phenolic acids may have a promising role in food fermentations.

Apini and Meliponini foraging activities influence the phenolic content of different types of Malaysian honey

Malaysian honeys are produced by two main bee genera: Apis and Trigona. Each bee species has long been reported to exhibit unique foraging patterns and time, and it is very likely that bee foraging activities play a significant role in the phenolic composition of honeys. This work aims to justify the potential relationship between species-specific foraging activities and phenolic composition of honeys, to distinguish polyphenolic profiles and to identify possible floral markers in each type of Malaysian honey studied. Seventeen samples of Malaysian gelam, acacia, nenas, tualang, and kelulut honeys were analyzed using a high-performance liquid chromatography with diode array detector (HPLC-DAD). Total phenolic contents ranged from 1.92 to 14.84 mg/g of honey, in nenas and gelam honey, respectively. Fifteen phenolic compounds were identified, probably affected by the bee foraging preference. The highest number was seen in kelulut honey (Trigona spp.) while the lowest were in tualang honey (10 compounds, Apis dorsata). Apis cerana indica showed the highest phenolic acid and flavonoid contents (8.74 mg/g honey) compared to the other bee species, probably due to less selective floral preference, longer duration and early foraging time as well as small body size that influence their foraging activity. Similarity in two dominant polyphenols from polyhenolic profiles between acacia and tualang honeys (naringenin and ellagic acid), and between gelam and kelulut honeys (ellagic acid and benzoic acid) suggesting that the floral source of unifloral honey is an equally important food source for the analyzed multifloral honey, was confirmed by PCA analysis. This work assumes that competition between bee species for nectar and pollen might exist, affecting honey production and total polyphenolic content. From the results, some polyphenolic profiles could be regarded as possible floral markers of Malaysian unifloral honeys, with very consistent profiles observed in nenas honeys.

Effects of cultivar and harvest time on the contents of antioxidant phytochemicals in strawberry fruits

The effects of cultivar and harvest time on the yield, amount of soluble solids, and antioxidant content of five strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa Duch.) genotypes were investigated. The three cultivars and two breeding selections were cultivated in a greenhouse. The yields of the five genotypes were compared, and contents of total anthocyanins, total phenolic acids, soluble sugars and organic acids were analyzed from February to May 2014. The breeding selection San × Aki 2 produced the highest yield. Total amounts of anthocyanins, sucrose, glucose, and fructose were greatest in February and slowly decreased subsequently. Total amounts of phenolic and organic acids varied depending on the month of observation for all cultivars and selections. Total anthocyanin content was the highest in ‘Seolhyang’ strawberry fruits in February and in the breeding selection San × Seol 13 from March to May. The breeding selection San × Aki 2 showed notably high total phenolic acid levels. Soluble sugars decreased over time, with the highest sucrose content found in ‘Seolhyang’, the highest glucose content in ‘Santa’, and the highest fructose content in San × Aki 2. The highest citric acid content was found in ‘Santa’, and the highest malic acid content in San × Seol 13. The sugar/acid ratio was highest in ‘Seolhyang’ and gradually declined over time. The breeder selections San × Aki 2 and San × Seol 13 showed particular promise for their high yields and high concentrations of antioxidant phytochemicals.

Comparative study of bioactive components in pear genotypes from Ardahan/Turkey

ABSTRACTIn this study, 10 pear genotypes (İncir, Bal, Nene, Kabak, Banda, Kırmızı, İmlahor, Baraka, Limon and Güğüm), which grow in the Ardahan region, were evaluated for their total phenolic content, total anthocyanin content, brix°, pH, titratable acidity, total ascorbic acid content and antioxidant activity. According to the results, the pear genotypes used in this study had a high brix˚ content, high phenolic, anthocyanin and ascorbic acid contents, as well as high antioxidant activity. It was determined that ‘Bal’ pear had the highest total phenolic content and antioxidant activity. In ‘Nene’ and ‘Incir’ pears, the quantity of ascorbic acid and anthocyanin, as well as the antioxidant activity were less than those in the other genotypes. Correlations between brix° and pH, acidity and pH, peel phenolic content and flesh phenolic content, flesh ascorbic acid content and peel phenolic content, peel antioxidant activity and flesh phenolic content, were found to be significant. As a conclusion, due to the high levels of antioxidants and other bioactive compounds in pears, it is suggested to consume those fruits, especially with their peels. The results from this study will provide new insights into farming, fresh fruit consumption, industrial food processing and future research studies.

Influence of leaf removal and reflective mulch on phenolic composition of white wines

<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Aim</strong>: The aim of this research was to evaluate if leaf removal and red geotextile reflective mulch “Vitexsol” could affect phenolic composition of wines from three white cultivars, Riesling italico, Traminer, and Manzoni bianco.<strong></strong></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Methods and results</strong>: A two-year study was conducted to evaluate the effects of leaf removal and reflective mulch on the phenolic composition of white wines from Zagreb vineyards in northwestern Croatia. Leaf removal (LR) and reflective mulch (RM) “Vitexsol”, made from weave of aluminum platelets protected by a transparent film and sewn together with red polypropylene threads, were tested separately and combined (LR+RM) on vines of Traminer, Riesling italico and Manzoni bianco in 2008 and 2009. LR and RM had no consistent effect on must sugar content and titratable acidity. All treatments resulted in higher total phenol and flavan-3-ol content in wines of all cultivars, but in different years. LR+RM generally resulted in the highest phenolic acid and individual flavan-3-ol content in all wines except Traminer. RM treatment had the least effect on phenolic composition of wines.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Conclusion</strong>: LR+RM generally resulted in the highest content of most phenolic compounds, especially when compared to control wines.</p><strong>Significance and impact of the study</strong>: This work provides some useful informations for adjusting vineyard practices and thus optimizing phenolic quality of white wines.

Ancient apple varieties from Croatia as a source of bioactive polyphenolic compounds

Several ancient apple varieties and a wild apple variety grown in Croatia were analysed for the polyphenol content and compared to two varieties grown in USA. In the flesh, flavanols, dihydrochalcones and phenolic acids (24 to 137, 23 to 109, 3 to 238mgkg−1 of fresh weight (FW), respectively) were found. Peel contained flavanols, dihydrochalcones, phenolic acids, flavonols and anthocyanins (65 to 690, 21 to 141, 0 to 107, 205 to 1223, 0 to 213mgkg−1 FW, respectively). The wild apple was characterized by much higher flavanol and phenolic acid content in the flesh (301 and 734mgkg−1 FW, respectively) while the peel was similar to other apples. The polyphenol profile was similar to apples from USA. The varieties Zimnjara, Lještarka and Adamova zvijezda could be highlighted as sources of polyphenols. Varieties are categorized by the content of dihydrochalcones and flavanols in the flesh (whether that content is high or low), and by the relative portion of phenolic acids and flavanols in the flesh (high phenolic acid proportion, lower flavanol proportion and vice versa). There was not observed to be as strong a pattern for categorizing differences in the peel.

Chemical Profile and Biological Activities of Two Edible Plants: Chemical Investigation and Quantitative Analysis Using Liquid Chromatography Tandem Mass Spectrometry and Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry

The objectives of this study were to define the phenolic and fatty acid profiles, anticholinesterase, antioxidant, antimicrobial activities, and total phenolic-flavonoid contents of Lycopsis orientalis and Tragopogon latifolius var. angustifolius which have been used as food source and food supplement in Anatolia and have never been examined before. Rosmarinic and quinic acids (21.11 and 11.46 mg g–1 extract, respectively) were found to be the most abundant constituents in L. orientalis and T. latifolius var. angustifolius among the studied 27 compounds by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. In the fatty acid compositions of L. orientalis and T. latifolius var. angustifolius that were determined by gas chromatography mass spectrometry, oleic (29.1%) and palmitic (28.7%) acids were identified as the major components, respectively. The high antioxidant activity of the methanol extract of L. orientalis shows parallelism to its rosmarinic acid content. Besides, this extract showed medium anticholinesterase activity. The results of the present study proves that the L. orientalis might also be used as a food source due to its high phenolic acid content and strong antioxidant property.

Comparison of Ascorbic Acid, Total Phenolic Content and Antioxidant Activities of Fresh Juices of Six Fruits Grown in Oman

Background: Regular consumption of fruits and their juices play a beneficial role in the prevention of many diseases owing to the presence of dietary antioxidants such as ascorbic acid, flavonoids and polyphenols. Aim: The aim of the study was to analyze and estimate total phenolics, ascorbic acid content and to investigate free radical scavenging activity of six locally grown and commonly eaten fruits in Oman. Methods: The fruits were thoroughly washed and mechanically squeezed to obtain the juices. The fruit juices after filtration were analyzed for total acidity, ascorbic acid, total phenolic content and in- vitro antioxidant activity by alkalimetery, iodimetric (volumetric), Folin Ciocalteu reagent (colorimetric) and 1,1, diphenyl picrylhyrazyl (DPPH) assay methods respectively. Key findings: Lime juice was found to be the most acidic while grapefruit juice had the maximum ascorbic acid content. Total phenolic content of the juices were observed in the following order of decreasing levels; pomegranate>grapefruit>lemon>lime>s weet melon>watermelon. The result of in- vitro antioxidant activity of all juices, barring watermelon and sweet melon, were quite significant, but the highest scavenging activity of DPPH radicals was exhibited by pomegranate juice closely followed by grapefruit and lemon juices respectively. Conclusion: The Results of this study indicated that these fruits are important to the consumer’s health and a potential source of dietary antioxidants due to their high phenolic and ascorbic acid contents.

Phenolic Acids from <i>Parthenium hysterophorus</i>: Evaluation of Bioconversion Potential as Free Radical Scavengers and Anticancer Agents

Parthenium hysterophorus is a globally recognized invasive alien weed that prominently colonizes grazing areas and cultivated lands causing adverse effect on crop production. Major allelochemicals released from parthenium include sesqueterpene lactones and phenolic acids. Among these the presence of caffeic, vanillic and ferulic acids is of industrial significance as they possess potent free radical scavenging and anticancer activities. This study reports for the first time, high total phenolic acid content (20.82 ± 0.82 mg GAE/g dry sample) in parthenium. The GC-MS analysis indicated the presence of ferulic, p-coumaric, vanillic and gallic acid as major phenolic components. Free radical scavenging activity of the phenolic acids extract gave an EC50 value 130.4 μg/ml when measured using DPPH assay. Anticancer activity of parthenium phenolic extract against A-498 (IC50 0.5237 μg/ml) and MDA-MB231 (IC50 and 0.2685 μg/ml) cancerous cell lines indicated its potential to be used as anticancer agent.

In vitro anti-cancer activity of ethanolic extract of Momordica charantia on cervical and breast cancer cell lines

Objectives: To estimate the total phenol content (TPC) of the ethanolic extract of Momordica charantia (EEMC) whole fruit and to study the cytotoxic activity of this extract against cell lines representing carcinomas of cervix and breast. Materials and Methods: Cervical and breast carcinoma cell lines (HeLa and MCF-7) were procured from National Center for Cell Sciences, Pune, and cultured in Dulbecco's modified eagle medium (DMEM) supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS) and 1 mM L-glutamine. EEMC was prepared by graded ethanol fractionation method and the TPC determined using Folin–Ciocalteu assay. For cytotoxicity studies, 5000 cells/well in 100 μl DMEM-10% FBS medium were seeded in a 96 well plate; and treated with increasing concentration of EEMC. Efficacy of EEMC was determined by measuring the cell number using sulforhodamine B assay. Percentage inhibition was calculated using dimethyl sulfoxide vehicle control. The IC (50) value was calculated from the plot of inhibition (%) in dose- and time-dependent manner using GraphPad PRISM software. Results: The total phenolic content of EEMC decreased with increasing ethanol concentration from 50% to 100%. Cytotoxicity studies identified 50% ethanolic extract as the most active fraction. A time- and dose-dependent increase in the efficacy of 50% ethanolic extract for inhibiting cervical and breast carcinoma cell growth was noticed. The IC (50) dose was 12.31 μg/ml and 0.769 μg/ml for 50% EEMC at 48 h incubation for HeLa and MCF-7 cell lines, respectively. Conclusion: The presence of high total phenolic acid content in 50% ethanolic extract indicates that the anti-cancer activity of Momordica charantia could be due to the secondary metabolites. Based on the IC (50) value we conclude that the 50% EEMC is more potent against breast cancer cell lines. Further studies are required to know the exact cause for the increase in cell inhibition at 48 h incubation than in 72 h.

Influence of the Bioclimatic Area on the Polyphenolic Composition, and Antioxidant and Bacteriostatic Activities of Rosmarinus officinalis

The effect of the ecological traits of the different bioclimatic areas of the province of Murcia on the chemical variability and antioxidant and bacteriostatic activities of individual rosemary extracts was studied. The main findings confirmed that a high thermicity index, favors both the methanolic extracts yielded by these shrubs and their biological activities. However, differences in their polyphenolic composition should be attributed to the genetic heritage of these plants rather than to the bioclimatic conditions in which they grow. As regards the relationship between the chemical composition of these extracts and their biological activities, it was noted that a high phenolic acid content, especially of rosmarinic acid, may increase the antioxidant activity exhibited by extracts containing high levels of carnosic acid. The bacteriostatic activity was higher ( p< 0.05) in those extracts in which carnosic acid was the major component quantified.

Genetic diversity in morphological characters and phenolic acids content resulting from an interspecific cross between eggplant, Solanum melongena, and its wild ancestor (S. incanum)

AbstractSolanum incanum, the wild ancestor of eggplant, Solanum melongena, has been considered as a source of variation for high content of phenolic acid conjugates in breeding programmes aimed at improving the functional quality of eggplant. We have evaluated the morphological and phenolic acids content in an interspecific family including S. incanum (P1), S. melongena (P2), their interspecific hybrid (F1), progeny from the selfing of the F1 (F2) and the backcross of the F1 to P2 (BC1P2). Many morphological differences were found between parents, while the F1 was intermediate for most traits. However, F1 plants were taller and pricklier and presented higher fruit flesh browning than any of the parents. F2 and BC1P2 were morphologically highly variable and the results obtained suggest that a rapid recovery of the characteristic combination of S. melongena traits can be achieved in a few backcross generations. Segregation for prickliness was found to be compatible with simple genetic control, prickliness being dominant over non‐prickliness. A total of 16 phenolic acid conjugates were studied, of which chlorogenic acid (5‐O‐(E)‐caffeoylquinic acid) was the most common compound in all samples, averaging 77.8% of all hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives. Contents of total phenolic acid conjugates were much higher in S. incanum than in S. melongena fruit flesh, and no major differences were found in the profile of phenolic acids among parents. The interspecific hybrid (F1) was intermediate between the two parents in phenolic acids content. Non‐segregating generations presented considerable variation in phenolic acids content, but the range of variation was wider in segregating F2 and BC1P2 generations. Additive genetic effects were the most important in explaining the results obtained for the phenolic acids content. A number of BC1P2 plants presented a good combination of phenolic acids content and fruit weight or flesh browning. Overall, the results demonstrate that improvement of functional quality in S. melongena can be obtained using S. incanum as a donor of alleles for high phenolic acids content.

Danshensu is the major marker for the antioxidant and vasorelaxation effects of Danshen (Salvia miltiorrhiza) water-extracts produced by different heat water-extractions

Some of the major components of Danshen (Salvia miltiorrhiza), a widely used Chinese herbal medicine rich in phenolic acids, are thermosensitive and may degrade to other phenolic acids during extractions with heating. The chemical profiles of Danshen water-extract may vary with different heat water extraction at different temperatures, affecting the composition and bioactivity of the extracts. In this study, six water-extracts of Danshen obtained from heat reflux water extraction and microwave-assisted extraction with water (MAE-W) at different temperatures were tested for their composition and pharmacological effects. Among these extracts, the third-round MAE-W (100°C) extract had the highest phenolic acids and tanshinones contents, with the strongest antioxidant activity in 2,2-diphenyl-1-(2,4,6-trinitrophenyl) hydrazyl (DPPH) assay and ferric reducing/antioxidant potential (FRAP) assay. This extract also showed the strongest inhibitory effects on 2,2′-azobis-2-amidinopropane (AAPH)-induced hemolysis in human red blood cells, hydrogen peroxide-induced apoptosis in rat heart H9c2 cells and the highest relaxation effects on rat basilar artery. The antioxidant effects of Danshen water-extracts linearly correlated to their relaxation effects (r=0.895–0.977). Through multiple linear regression analysis, danshensu was found to be the most significant marker in the antioxidant and vasodilation effects of Danshen water-extract, while tanshinone IIA as the marker on hydrogen peroxide-induced apoptosis in rat heart H9c2 cells. Danshensu is, therefore, a useful marker for the quality control of Danshen water-extracts in antioxidant and vasodilation, while tanshinone IIA for anti-apoptotic potential of different extracts.

Comparative Studies of Antioxidant Activities and Nutritional Constituents of Persimmon Juice (Diospyros kaki L. cv. Gapjubaekmok).

The objectives of this research were to evaluate antioxidant activities and nutritional components, including phenolic acid, catechin, organic acid, sugar, and amino acid, of persimmon juice from persimmons grown in different regions around Korea. Persimmon (Diospyros kaki) exhibits potent antioxidant effects in DPPH, ABTS, reducing power, and FRAP methods of analysis. The levels of nutritional constituents showed significant differences among all the samples. In particular, tartaric acid, glucose, gallic acid, epicatechin gallate and aspartic acid were observed to be the predominant component for each of their general chemical groups, with total average contents of 1876.51 mg/kg, 62.69 g/kg, 12.73 mg/kg, 208.99 mg/kg, and 31.84 mg/100 g, respectively. Interestingly, persimmons from the Hadong region presented the highest sugar (130.60 g/kg), phenolic acid (42.27 mg/kg), and catechin (527.97 mg/kg) contents in comparison with other regional samples. Moreover, this location exhibited the greatest antioxidant activity with highest total phenolic (298.01 mg GAE/kg) and flavonoid (32.11 mg/kg RE) contents. Our results suggest that strong antioxidant activities of persimmons correlate with high phenolic acid and catechin contents, particularly gallic acid and epicatechin gallate. Additionally, these two compounds may be key factors when considering the useful ingredients of persimmon.

Pravastatin prevents the onset of preeclampsia in C1q deficient mice

Some of the major components of Danshen (Salvia miltiorrhiza), a widely used Chinese herbal medicine rich in phenolic acids, are thermosensitive and may degrade to other phenolic acids during extractions with heating. The chemical profiles of Danshen water-extract may vary with different heat water extraction at different temperatures, affecting the composition and bioactivity of the extracts. In this study, six water-extracts of Danshen obtained from heat reflux water extraction and microwave-assisted extraction with water (MAE-W) at different temperatures were tested for their composition and pharmacological effects. Among these extracts, the third-round MAE-W (100 °C) extract had the highest phenolic acids and tanshinones contents, with the strongest antioxidant activity in 2,2-diphenyl-1-(2,4,6-trinitrophenyl) hydrazyl (DPPH) assay and ferric reducing/antioxidant potential (FRAP) assay. This extract also showed the strongest inhibitory effects on 2,2′-azobis-2-amidinopropane (AAPH)-induced hemolysis in human red blood cells, hydrogen peroxide-induced apoptosis in rat heart H9c2 cells and the highest relaxation effects on rat basilar artery. The antioxidant effects of Danshen water-extracts linearly correlated to their relaxation effects (r = 0.895–0.977). Through multiple linear regression analysis, danshensu was found to be the most significant marker in the antioxidant and vasodilation effects of Danshen water-extract, while tanshinone IIA as the marker on hydrogen peroxide-induced apoptosis in rat heart H9c2 cells. Danshensu is, therefore, a useful marker for the quality control of Danshen water-extracts in antioxidant and vasodilation, while tanshinone IIA for anti-apoptotic potential of different extracts.

Investigation of Phenolic Acids in Suspension Cultures of Vitis vinifera Stimulated with Indanoyl-Isoleucine, N-Linolenoyl-L-Glutamine, Malonyl Coenzyme A and Insect Saliva.

Vitis vinifera c.v. Muscat de Frontignan (grape) contains various high valuable bioactive phenolic compounds with pharmaceutical properties and industrial interest which are not fully exploited. The focus of this investigation consists in testing the effects of various biological elicitors on a non-morphogenic callus suspension culture of V. vinifera. The investigated elicitors: Indanoyl-isoleucine (IN), N-linolenoyl-L-glutamine (LG), insect saliva (IS) and malonyl coenzyme A (MCoA) were aimed at mimicking the influence of environmental pathogens on plants in their natural habitats and at provoking exogenous induction of the phenylpropanoid pathway. The elicitors’ indanoyl-isoleucine (IN), N-linolenoyl-L-glutamine (LG) and insect saliva (IS), as well as malonyl coenzyme A (MCoA), were independently inoculated to stimulate the synthesis of phenylpropanoids. All of the enhancers positively increased the concentration of phenolic compounds in grape cells. The highest concentration of phenolic acids was detected after 2 h for MCoA, after 48 h for IN and after 24 h for LG and IS respectively. At the maximum production time, treated grape cells had a 3.5-fold (MCoA), 1.6-fold (IN) and 1.5-fold (IS) higher phenolic acid content compared to the corresponding control samples. The HPLC results of grape cells showed two major resveratrol derivatives: 3-O-Glucosyl-resveratrol and 4-(3,5-dihydroxyphenyl)-phenol. Their influences of the different elicitors, time of harvest and biomass concentration (p < 0.0001) were statistically significant on the synthesis of phenolic compounds. The induction with MCoA was found to demonstrate the highest statistical effect corresponding to the strongest stress response within the phenylpropanoid pathway in grape cells.