High Levels Of Phenolic Compounds Research Articles

Impact of Harvest Conditions and Host Tree Species on Chemical Composition and Antioxidant Activity of Extracts from Viscum album L.

The content of plant secondary metabolites is not stable, and factors such as the region/location effect and seasonal variations have an impact on their chemical composition, especially in parasitic plants. Research in this area is an important step in the development of quality parameter standards of medicinal plants and their finished products. The effects of the time and place of harvest and the host tree species on the chemical composition and antioxidant activity of mistletoe extracts were investigated. Statistical tools were used to evaluate the results of the spectrophotometric and LC-ESI-MS/MS studies of the phenolic composition and antioxidant activity. The investigations indicate that the qualitative and quantitative composition, influencing the biological activity of mistletoe extracts, largely depends on the origin of the plant. The mistletoe extracts exhibited a rich phenol profile and high antioxidant activity. The chemometric analysis indicated that mistletoe collected from conifers (Viscum abietis and Viscum austriacum) had the most advantageous chemical composition and antioxidant activity. Moreover, the chemical profile and biological activity of the plant material were closely related to the climatic conditions and location of the harvested plant. Higher levels of phenolic compounds and high antioxidant activity were found in extracts obtained from plant material collected in cold weather with the presence of snow and less sunshine (autumn–winter period).

Extraction of Phenolic Compounds of six Algerian date (Phoenix dactylifera L.) cultivars from Ain-Saleh region, using Reflux method and Screening of Antioxidant Activity in vitro

This study was designed to evaluate the antioxidant activity of phenolic compounds for six cultivars of date from In Saleh region (Phoenix dactylifera L.), which were extracted by reflux with solvents, 80% methanol and 70% aceton after the phenolic and flavonoid content were estimated. The total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC) of the extracts were measured using Folin–Ciocalteau and aluminum chloride colorimetric methods, respectively. Antioxidant activity acetone/H2O and methanol/H2O extracts using ABTS, DPPH, FRAP, TAC and CUPRAC assays. The results showed that methanolic solvent reflux gives better yields. The highest level of phenolic compounds for all dates varieties was found in the 80% methanol extract. This level ranged from 8.04 ± 0.14 to 46.81 ± 1.22 mg GAE/100 g fresh weight and flavonoid content was observed relatively low for both two solvents. However, extraction into 70% acetone gave the highest antioxidant activity with all assay. These results showed that dates had strongly scavenging activity on DPPH reaching 3.12 µg/mL in methanol/H2O from Cul1 (6.9 µg/mL with ascorbic acid), also on ABTS reaching 6.51 µg/mL in acetone/H2O from Cul2 (104.98 µg/mL with ascorbic acid).

Antioxidant Evaluation of the Aqueous Extract of Hulls of Campsiandra laurifolia in Colitis Induced by Acetic Acid in Wistar Rats

AbstractDue to the ethnopharmacological use of Campsiandra laurifolia (Fabaceae), popularly known as Acapurana, to treat wounds and ulcers, associated with the lack of alternative treatments for intestinal inflammations such as ulcerative colitis (UC), the present work sought to characterize its phytochemical and antioxidant activities, and to evaluate remedial action in experimental colitis with acetic acid. Phytochemical analyzes were performed through qualitative and quantitative colorimetric tests of the main secondary metabolites. In the colitis model, 24 male Wistar rats aged ± 60 days old were used, divided into 4 groups: Control (CO) control + aqueous extract of C. laurifolia 50 mg/kg (CO + A50); Colitis (CL); and Colitis + aqueous extract of C. laurifolia 50 mg/kg (CL + A50). Measurement of sphincter anal pressure and histological tests of the large intestine, lipoperoxidation (LPO), enzyme activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), and levels of glutathione (GSH) were performed. For statistical analysis, the oxidative stress (OS) results were expressed as means ± standard error, adopting a significance level of p < 0.05. The screening indicated the presence of flavonoids, saponins and tannins in the extract, with high levels of phenolic compounds and tannins, and was related to high antioxidant capacity. In the histological analysis, the CL group presented loss of the crypts, edema and inflammatory infiltrate. The use of C. laurifolia extract restructured the crypts, decreased edema and increased sphincter anal pressure, with a decrease in LPO, SOD, and an increase in GSH. It is suggested that the use of C. laurifolia extract reduces OS due to its antioxidant power conferred by the phenolic compounds present in the extract.

Apple Pomace as a Source of Bioactive Polyphenol Compounds in Gluten-Free Breads.

Gluten-free products based on starch and hydrocolloids are deficient in nutrients and do not contain pro-health substances. Therefore, they should be enriched in raw materials naturally rich in antioxidants, especially if they are intended for celiac patients, prone to high oxidative stress. Apart from the traditionally used pseudo-cereals, seeds, vegetables and fruits, innovative substrates such as the by-product (especially in Poland) dry apple pomace could be applied. The study material consisted of gluten-free bread enriched with apple pomace. The content of individual polyphenols, the content of total polyphenol and flavonoids, and also the antioxidant potential of the bread were determined by the UPLC-PDA-MS/MS methods. It was observed that apple pomace was a natural concentrate of bioactive substances from the group of polyphenols. In summary, gluten-free bread with 5% content of apple pomace showed the highest organoleptic scores and contained high levels of phenolic compounds. The values of total phenolic content, and the amounts of flavonoids, phenolic acids and phloridzin in this bread were 2.5, 8, 4 and 21 times higher in comparison to control.

Phenolic Compounds in Euterpe Fruits: Composition, Digestibility, and Stability – A Review

ABSTRACT Euterpe fruits have gained prominence over the world due to the high levels of phenolic compounds. Meanwhile, these compounds are affected by ripening, genotypes, extraction, processing, storage, and gastrointestinal digestion. Therefore, in this review, the available data regarding the Euterpe edulis, Euterpe oleracea, and Euterpe precatoria fruits phenolic composition and its bioaccessibility, bioavailability, stability, and new approaches applied to its stability were summarized and discussed. This work will guide future studies related to Euterpe fruits phenolic compounds, besides stimulating a better exploration of these fruits and reinforcing the local economy.

The Effect of Microencapsulation of Phenolic Compounds from Lemon Waste by Persian and Basil Seed Gums on the Chemical and Microbiological Properties of Mayonnaise.

Natural preservatives with high level of phenolic compounds, antioxidants and antimicrobial activities are used in mayonnaise to improve quality and safety due to their potential health benefits. Application of these compounds in production processes highlights many difficulties due to instability of their physical and chemical properties. Microencapsulation is used to address these restrictions. In this study, phenolic compounds from lemon waste were encapsulated with Persian gum (PG) and basil seed gum (BSG) as coating materials at different ratios (0:1, 1:0, and 1:1) at 15% (w/w) total biopolymer. We confirmed microencapsulation by scanning electron microscopy, and evaluate phenolic content, antioxidant activity, encapsulation efficiency, morphology, water solubility indexes, and water absorption indexes. Sample mayonnaise was prepared using microencapsulated polyphenols from lemon waste and extract (1,000 ppm of concentration), and control samples without extracts or microcapsules. All samples were subjected to chemical (measuring the peroxide, thiobarbituric acid, acidity, and color) and microbial (total count of microorganisms and Escherichia coli) analysis during 30 days of storage. BSG samples exhibited the highest antioxidant activity (61.19%) and encapsulation efficiency (70.72%), and PG/BSG microcapsules had the highest capability to prevent oxidative deterioration during storage. Addition of microcapsules led to increases in parameter b* and decreases in parameters a* and L*. In general, PG/BSG microcapsules were considered optimal samples for production of mayonnaise, since they prevented mayonnaise deterioration and exhibited antioxidant and antimicrobial properties.

Effect of putrescine and proline on proflies of GABA, antioxidant activities in leaves of three Citrus species in response to low temperature stress

This study was carried out to assess antioxidant activities and defense role of putrescine and proline in leaves of three Citrus species under low temperature stress. Branches of three Citrus species (C. reticulata L., C. sinensis L. and C. paradisi L.), sprayed with putrescine 0, 5, 10 mM and proline 0, 15, 20 mM. 24 h after application, containers containing treated shoots exposed to temperatures 1, − 1 and − 3 °C for six hours. The amount of hydrogen peroxide, flavonoids, phenolic compounds and antioxidant capacity increased with temperature reduction to − 3 °C. HPLC analysis showed that low temperature (− 3 °C) induces the levels of Gamma Aminobutyric Acid (GABA) in leaves of all species. The comparison of the HPLC patterns of the three species showed that GABA levels in treated leaves increased than control. The application of different concentrations of putrescine and proline decreased production of hydrogen peroxide but improved antioxidative activities of leaves under low temperatures. Putrescine 10 mM and proline 20 mM showed the highest effects than the other levels. The highest value of hydrogen peroxide was observed in leaves of control (putrescine and proline 0 mM) under − 3 °C but its lowest level was seen in leaves treated with proline 20 mM and putrescine 10 mM in all three species of Citrus. The highest level of phenolic compounds, flavonoids and antioxidant capacity were observed in leaves treated with putrescine 10 mM and proline 20 mM at − 3 °C. Putrescine 10 mM and proline 20 mM showed the highest impact on reduction of the damages caused by low temperature stress.

Pilot-plant scale extraction of phenolic compounds from grape canes: Comprehensive characterization by LC-ESI-LTQ-Orbitrap-MS

Grape canes, also named vine shoots, are well-known viticultural byproducts containing high levels of phenolic compounds, which are associated with a broad range of health benefits. In this work, grape canes (Vitis vinifera cv. Pinot noir) were extracted in a 750 L pilot-plant reactor under the following conditions: temperature 80 °C, time 100 min, solid/liquid ratio 1:10. The comprehensive characterization of grape cane phenolic compounds was performed by liquid chromatography coupled to high-resolution/accurate mass measurement LTQ-Orbitrap mass spectrometry. A total of 44 compounds were identified and, 26 of them also quantified, consisting of phenolic acids and aldehydes (17), flavonoids (12), and stilbenoids (15). The most abundant class of phenolics were stilbenoids, among which (E)-ε-viniferin predominated. The phenolic profile of grape canes obtained using pilot plant extraction differed significantly from the results of laboratory-scale studies obtained previously. Additionally, we observed a high antioxidant capacity of grape cane pilot-plant extract measured by the radical antioxidant scavenging potential (ABTS+) (2209 ± 125 µmol TE/g DW) and oxygen radical absorbance capacity using fluorescein (ORAC-FL) (4612 ± 155 µmol TE/g DW). Grape cane pilot-plant extract for their phenolic profile may be used as a by-product for the development of novel nutraceutical and pharmaceutical products, improving the value and the sustainability of these residues.

Yield and quality of curly kale grown using organic fertilizers

ABSTRACT Kale is a vegetable that has high nutrition content, and balanced fertilization is essential to ensure high yield and quality of agricultural products. Curly kale, less known than regular leaf kale, is a new possibility for consumption. However, little is known about the influence of the type of fertilization on nutritional characteristics. This study aims to evaluate the influence of using organic fertilizers on the productivity, microbiological, and physico-chemical characteristics of Darkibor hybrid curly kale. The treatments consisted of three sources of organic fertilizers, one of organomineral fertilizer, and the control (without fertilization). The highest productivity was observed for kale that was treated with fertilizer in the organomineral composition in all harvests. For microbiological analyses, there was no contamination in all treatments, following legislation. There was no significant difference between treatments for the physicochemical composition, highlighting the high levels of phenolic compounds and proteins in curly kale. There was no difference between treatments regarding the mineral content of the leaves. Organic and organomineral fertilizers made it possible to produce curly kale with adequate physicochemical composition, free from microbiological contamination and heavy metals.

ДИНАМИКА НАКОПЛЕНИЯ БИОЛОГИЧЕСКИ АКТИВНЫХ ВЕЩЕСТВ В РАСТЕНИЯХ HYSSOPUS OFFICINALIS L., ВЫРАЩИВАЕМЫХ В ПРЕДГОРНОЙ ЗОНЕ КРЫМА

Hyssopus officinalis L. is a promising essential oil plant of complex use containing various types of biologically active substances (BAS). The purpose of the research was twofold: study the features of accumulation of various types of BAS in H. officinalis plants grown in the foothill zone of the Crimea; assess the possibility to use them in perfumery, cosmetics, food industry, pharmacy and medicine. The research was conducted in 2017–2019 in the FSBSI “Research Institute of Agriculture of Crimea”. The raw materials of H. officinalis (population with blue flowers) grown without irrigation served as the research material. Qualitative and quantitative characteristics of raw materials and different types of BAS were determined according to generally accepted methods. Structural analysis of H. officinalis showed that the aboveground part of plants during the growing season had the following fractional composition: leaves (21.4–70.6 %), stems (18.8–30.9 %), inflorescences (22.0−59.1 %). The ratio of fractions by phases of vegetation varied, namely: in the phase of regrowth, leaves prevailed – 70.6 % but, at the end of the flowering, their content decreased to 21.4 %; the content of inflorescences reached its maximum in the phases of mass flowering and end of flowering 53.3–59.1 %. The main oil-synthesizing organs of H. officinalis were leaves and inflorescences. The highest yield amount of H. officinalis essential oil was obtained from inflorescences (1.94 %), which in the fractional composition of the raw material amounted to 53.3 %. The maximum amount of essential oil of specific quality accumulated in plants during the phase of mass flowering (1.26 % in terms of absolutely dry weight). The dominant components of essential oil are ketones: isopinocamphone and pinocamphone (75.9–78.6 %). A high level of phenolic compounds was determined in the phases of regrowth and flowering; extractive substances – in the budding phase; tannins – in the phase of mass flowering. During the storage of air-dry raw materials for two years, insignificant losses of essential oil occur (up to 20.2 %); its component composition changes (hydrocarbons amount decreased by 2.5–22.7 %; ketones – increased by 3.4–16.2 %). The content of other types of BAS during storage of raw materials increased by 10–30 %. Therefore, it is advisable to store air-dry raw materials of Hyssopus officinalis for two years or longer.

A simple method to determine antioxidant status in aromatic plants subjected to drought stress.

Drought is a major environmental stress factor that affects the growth and development of plants. All plants have to maintain the reactive oxygen species within certain levels for normal cellular homeostasis by means of their antioxidant systems, which can be classified as enzymatic and non-enzymatic. Plants under drought stress generate an excess production of reactive oxygen species. At high concentrations, this can be detrimental by producing damage to the protein structures and inhibiting enzymes, as well as oxidizing macromolecules, which may eventually lead to cell death. There has been increasing attention paid to the antioxidant capacity of aromatic/medicinal plants, with a high antioxidant content having been reported in some plant extracts, such as in Mentha piperita (peppermint). Peppermint plants cultivated under drought stress also present high levels of phenolic compounds, peroxidase enzyme activity and lipid peroxidation of membranes. A simple and inexpensive laboratory class is proposed for teaching some mechanisms that plants have evolved to avoid reactive oxygen species damage. The series of lab experiments described is aimed at demonstrating the antioxidant status in aromatic plants subjected to drought stress, by measuring total phenolic compound content (non-enzymatic antioxidant compound), peroxidase activity (enzymatic antioxidant) and malondialdehyde, as convenient biomarkers for lipid peroxidation. The proposed class will be carried out by undergraduate students of the advanced biochemistry course, as part of our biology and agronomy studies. The experiment presented is intended to be used as a vehicle to emphasize the concepts that students have learned in their lectures. This lab exercise to be carried out by the students has dual goals: to apply a methodology only learned superficially on previous courses, and also to increase their understanding of how plants developed resistance mechanisms in order to tolerate drought stress.

Metabolic profile of olive leaves of different cultivars and collection times

Due to the appreciable amounts of bioactive compounds in olive leaves and the effect of abiotic stresses on their synthesis, this study evaluated the metabolic profile of leaves of olive cultivars (Arbequina, Manzanilla and Picual) collected in four periods of the year (autumn, winter, spring and summer). The determination of the profile of bioactive compounds (phenolic compounds, flavonoids, tannins, carotenoids and chlorophylls) by spectrophotometry and the individual compounds by liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrum, as well as antioxidant potential tests were performed. As results it was possible to observe that the leaves of the cultivar Manzanilla presented the highest levels of phenolic compounds and that the leaves collected in the summer presented a number of compounds much more relevant than the others. Thus, it was possible to conclude that the cultivar and the collection season significantly affect the bioactive content and the antioxidant potential of olive leaves.

Total Phenolic and Flavonoid Content, Antioxidant Activity of Talaromyces funiculosus Strains

Microscopic fungi synthesize a wide range of phenolic compounds that play an important role in cell wall formation, as well as perform signaling and protective functions. One of the important functions of phenolic compounds, primarily polyphenols, is antioxidant activity. The most active polyphenols are flavonoids, their synthesis in microscopic fungi has not been studied enough. The aim of the study was to determine the total phenols and flavonoids content and antioxidant activity of Talaromyces funiculosus strains isolated from different econiches. Methods. 20 strains of the microscopic fungus T. funiculosus – 10 endophytes and 10 saprotrophs were used in the experiments. Cultivation of filamentous fungi was performed under submerged conditions with shaking at 210–230 rpm in Erlenmeyer flasks containing 200 ml of Czapek liquid medium at a temperature 26±2°C for 6 days. The biomass of the strains was filtered, dried at 70°C and extracted with 95% methanol (1:50 w/v). The total phenols content was determined using Folin-Ciocalteu reagent by the method of Arora, Chandra (2010) with some modifications and expressed as mg of gallic acid equivalents (GAE) per g of dry weight mycelium. Flavonoids in each extract were determined spectrophotometrically with AlCl3 and expressed as mg of quercetin equivalents (QE) per g of dry weight mycelium. Antioxidant activity of methanolic extracts was measured as radical scavenging activity by the percentage inhibition of the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical. Results. The total phenolic content of methanolic extracts of T. funiculosus strains ranged from 0.12±0.007 to 1.97±0.150 mg GAE/g. The highest level of phenolic compounds was found for saprotroph UCM F-16790 (1.97±0.150) and endophyte UCM F-16795 (1.71±0.137 mg GAE/g). The flavonoid content in methanolic extracts of the studied strains varied in the range of 0.02±0.001–0.39±0.041 mg QE/g. All studied strains of T. funiculosus showed antioxidant activity against DPPH radical, which was 12.19±2.34–60.37±7.24% inhibition. Statistical analysis revealed a strong positive correlation between the total phenols and flavonoids content (Pearson’s correlation coefficient r=0.92); between antioxidant activity, phenols (r=0.82) and flavonoids (r=0.81) content in methanol extracts of T. funiculosus strains. The total content of phenols and flavonoids and antioxidant activity did not depend on the trophic group of the studied strains. The moderate correlation between flavonoids content and antioxidant activity of methanolic extracts of endophytic T. funiculosus strains (r=0.46) may be related to their ability to synthesize a wider range of polyphenolic compounds with antioxidant activity. Conclusions. The studied T. funiculosus strains have the ability to synthesize phenolic compounds and flavonoids in different concentrations. Correlation analysis revealed strong correlations between total phenolic and flavonoid contents and antioxidant activity. The reason for phenomenon of moderate correlation (r=0.46) between flavonoid content and antioxidant activity in endophytic strains may be the synthesis of other compounds by individual strains. The determination of individual components synthesized by the most active strains is of scientific interest for further study. T. funiculosus UСM F-16795 and UСM F-16790 strains had a quite high level of phenols and flavonoids. Obtained data may be promising for the search for phenolic compounds with antioxidant properties to increase plant resistance to negative impacts of environmental stress factors.

Determination of Biochemical Composition in Peach (Prunus persica L. Batsch) Accessions Characterized by Different Flesh Color and Textural Typologies.

The rising interest in beneficial health properties of polyphenol compounds in fruit initiated this investigation about biochemical composition in peach mesocarp/exocarp. Biochemical evaluation of phenolic compounds and ascorbic acid were quantified through high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) in relation to three flesh colors (white, yellow and red) and four flesh typologies (melting, non-melting, slow softening and stony hard) within six commercial cultivars and eight breeding selections of peach/nectarine in 2007. While in 2008, quality and sensorial analyses were conducted on only three commercial cultivars (‘Big Top’, ‘Springcrest’ and ‘Ghiaccio 1’). The red flesh selection demonstrated the highest levels of phenolic compounds (in mesocarp/exocarp) and ascorbic acid. Total phenolic concentration was approximately three-fold higher in the exocarp than the mesocarp across all accessions. Breeding selections generally reported higher levels of phenolics than commercial cultivars. Flesh textural typologies justified firmness differences at harvest, but minimally addressed variations in quality and phenolic compounds. Flesh pigmentation explained variation in the biochemical composition, with the red flesh accession characterized by an abundancy of phenolic compounds and a high potential for elevated antioxidant activity. Sensorial analyses ranked the cultivar with high soluble solids concentration:titratable acidity (SSC:TA) and reduced firmness the highest overall. Red flesh is a highly desirable trait for breeding programs aiming to improve consumption of peaches selected for nutraceutical properties.

Phenolic compounds in emulsion gel-based delivery systems applied as animal fat replacers in frankfurters: Physico-chemical, structural and microbiological approach

This article evaluates the use of emulsion gels (EGs) containing two different solid polyphenol extracts [from grape seed (R-EPG) or grape seed and olive (R-EPGO)] as animal fat replacers in the development of frankfurters. The incorporation of EGs improved their lipid content, particularly R-EPG and R-EPGO also contained high levels of phenolic compounds (hydroxytyrosol and flavanols). These frankfurters were judged acceptable by the panellists and showed good thermal and storage stability. Colour parameters, pH and textural properties were affected (p < 0.05) by the formulation, being significant the influence of polyphenols extracts. Spectroscopic results showed greater (p < 0.05) inter- and intramolecular lipid disorder in the frankfurters with EGs, irrespective of the presence of polyphenol extracts. Comparing the reduced-fat samples, R-EPG and R-EPGO showed the lowest (p < 0.05) total viable counts. Significant changes in pH and texture parameters were observed during chilled storage while lipid structure was not affected.

Optimization of Extrusion and Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction of Phenolic Compounds from Jizi439 Black Wheat Bran

Jizi439, a newly developed black wheat breeding line, was reported to effectively regulate blood glucose, which may potentially be associated with its intrinsic high level of phenolic compounds (PCs). To maximize the PCs yield and thereby enhance their antioxidant activity, orthogonal experiments were designed in sequence for extrusion of Jizi439 black wheat bran (BWB) powder and followed by the extraction of PCs assisted with ultrasound technique. White wheat bran was used as a control. The optimum condition for extrusion was 110 °C, 25% feed water content, 140 rpm screw speed; meanwhile, 50 °C, 40 min, 35 kHz ultrasonic frequency, 300 W ultrasonic power for ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE). Total phenolic content (TPC) as determined by Folin–Ciocalteu method was 2856.3 ± 57.7 μg gallic acid equivalents (GAE) per gram of dry weight (DW) of phenolic extract; meanwhile, antioxidant activity (AA) in terms of DPPH radical scavenging ratio was 85.5% ± 1.1% under optimized conditions, which were both significantly higher than the control. Phenolic acids except for gallic acid, as well as flavonoids, including luteolin and apigenin were increased by extrusion and ultrasound, as suggested by HPLC results. In conclusion, our study would provide a valuable reference for processing Jizi439 BWB before making or commercially utilize it into health-related food products.

Flourensia fiebrigii S.F. blake: A medicinal plant from the Argentinean highlands with potential use as anti-rheumatic and anti-inflammatory

Ethnopharmacological relevanceFlourensia fiebrigii is a plant used in traditional medicine in the Argentine Calchaquí Valley as purgative, expectorant, anti-rheumatic and anti-inflammatory. Aim of the studyThe aim of this study was to analyze the macroscopic and microscopic characteristics of F. fiebrigii leaf and stem, the phytochemical composition of leaves ethanolic extracts and to validate its traditional use as anti-rheumatic and anti-inflammatory. Materials and methodsThe macroscopic and microscopic description of F. fiebrigii leaf and stem was carried out. Two extracts (immersions and tinctures) from leaves were obtained. The phytochemical analysis and UHPLC-OT-MS metabolome fingerprinting of both extracts were performed. The anti-rheumatic and anti-inflammatory activities of both extracts were determined using enzymatic inhibition assays of xanthine-oxidase (XOD), secretory phospholipase A2 (sPLA2) and lipoxygenase (LOX). ResultsThe macroscopic and micrographic characters of F. fiebrigii were described to allow the botanical characterization of the plant species. The leaves extracts showed a high level of phenolic compounds with similar chromatographic patterns. Forty-five compounds were identified based on UHPLC-OT-MS including several sesquiterpenes, chalcones, flavonoids, isoflavonoids, a lignan and phenylpropanoids phenolic acids that have been identified for the first time in this plant species. F. fiebrigii extracts were able to inhibit the XOD activity and, consequently, the formation of uric acid and reactive oxygen species, primary cause of diseases, such as gouty arthritis (IC50 values of 1.10–2.12 μg/mL). Pro-inflammatory enzymes like sPLA2 and LOX were also inhibited by F. fiebrigii extracts (IC50 values of 22.00–2.20 μg/mL) decreasing the production of inflammation mediators. ConclusionsThe present work validates the traditional medicinal use of F. fiebrigii as anti-rheumatic and anti-inflammatory through the use of enzymatic assays. The presence of several chemical compounds with demonstrated anti-rheumatic and anti-inflammatory properties also supports the bioactivity of the F. fiebrigii.

Evaluation of Pigments, Phenolic and Volatile Compounds, and Antioxidant Activity of a Spontaneous Population of Portulaca oleracea L. Grown in Tunisia

Portulaca oleracea L., commonly known as purslane, is a weed with worldwide distribution and considerable medicinal uses due to its high levels of phytochemical compounds. However, until now, few studies have been conducted on the biochemical characterization of P. oleracea grown in Tunisia, a possible area of its origin as other North African countries. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to determine the phytochemical composition and antioxidant potential of leaves and stems from a Tunisian spontaneous population of purslane. Particularly, samples were analyzed for their proximate composition, pigments, and volatiles, whereas ethanolic and aqueous extracts were evaluated for their composition in phenolic compounds and in vitro antioxidant activities. Stems showed higher content of moisture (89.9%) and anthocyanins (4.61 µg g−1 dry matter, DM), whereas leaves revealed higher chlorophyll concentrations (7.42 mg g−1 DM). Significantly higher levels of phenolic compounds and antioxidant capacities (p &lt; 0.05) were obtained in ethanolic extracts, compared with water extracts, irrespective of the analyzed plant part. A high antioxidant activity of stems was obtained, especially when extracted with ethanol. Headspace gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analyses revealed six volatile classes with monoterpene hydrocarbons, oxygenated monoterpenes, and non-terpene derivatives as the highly represented compounds. Limonene (17.3–32.2%), carvone (38–46%), 2,6-dimethylcyclohexanol (2.2–6.4%), and nonanal (3.4–3.8%) were the most abundant volatiles. Based on the results of the present study, Tunisian purslane should deserve major consideration as an edible vegetable due to its richness in phytochemical compounds and, hence, for its potential health effects.

Comparative phytochemical analysis of the fruits of four Florida-grown finger lime (Citrus australasica) selections

Finger lime (Citrus australasica F. Muell.), a citrus species native to Australia, is a distinct finger-shaped fruit with unique caviar-like pulp and skin color variations. In addition to visual and sensory characteristics, finger lime has recently gained attention from the American citrus industry due to its tolerance to a devastating citrus disease, Huanglongbing (HLB). Here, we characterized the phytochemical profiles (including acid and sugar) of four Florida-grown finger lime selections: two with red pulp, one with pale pink pulp, and one with white pulp. Two-three-fold higher levels of phenolic compounds and antioxidant capacity were observed in the peel compared to the pulp in the four selections. Selections with red pulp had more antioxidant capacity and higher phenolic compound content in both types of tissues than in the selections with white pulp. Citric acid was found abundant in all four selections making the selections a major source of organic acid. The overall results suggested that finger limes are rich in health-benefiting and flavor contributing compounds; more specifically, Florida-grown red selections of finger lime are richest in phytochemicals, vitamin c, citric acid, and sugars among evaluated genotypes, therefore, making them strong alternative for production in Florida and consumption.

Proximal composition, bioactive compounds content and color preference of Viola x Wittrockiana flowers

Pansy (Viola x wittrockiana) is an edible flower with several colored petals, considered a WEP (wild edible plant). However, little scientific information is available on the chemical composition and bioactive compounds of this plant. Thus, the objective of this study was to characterize chemically and determine the color preference of 22 petals of the edible flowers of Viola x wittrockiana. The total carbohydrates content of 80.27 g, 10.14 g of crude protein, 1.67 g of fat and 7.92 g of ash per 100 g of dry sample were obtained. The total energy value was 376.67 Kcal per 100 g dry sample. Palmitic acid was the major fatty acid, followed by linoleic acid. The phenolic compound contents in the petals with different staining ranged from 73 to 1033.5 mg of gallic acid equivalent per 100 g of sample. The highest levels of phenolic compounds were obtained in colored petals, and the lowest contents were obtained in the petals with lighter colors. The “purple” and “pink” colors had the highest anthocyanin content. The highest levels of flavonoids were obtained in the “orange”, “blue and violet”, “yellow with pink stain”, “White with purple stain”, “yellow”, “blue with purple stain” and “blue” petals. Petals with “blue and white” and “ruby red” colors were preferred by judges of the sensory preference test. These results indicate that the pansy flower serves not only as a decorative ingredient in the culinary dishes, but also as a potential functional food.