Increase In Flavonoid Content Research Articles

The Eliciting Effect of Aqueous Extracts from Ascophyllum nodosum Algae on the Cultivation of Arugula (Eruca sativa Mill.) Microgreens

This study showed the eliciting effect of aqueous extracts from Ascophyllum nodosum on the development of Eruca sativa microgreens in a quartz-based substrate. There is no information in the literature on the impact of its use on the quality, bioactive compound content, and nutritional value of arugula microgreens. Assays that have been made include the following: total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFV), enzymes such as phenylalanine ammonia (PAL) and polyphenol oxidase (PPO), and enzymes involved in the scavenging of reactive oxygen species such as catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD). The antioxidant activity against DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) was also evaluated. The total phenolic content of arugula microgreens increased significantly after an application of aqueous extracts of A. nodosum to the substrate. The greatest increase in flavonoid content (89%) and antioxidant activity against DPPH (82%) was observed at a concentration of 2.5%. The highest increase in activity of CAT (68.2%), SOD (25%), PAL (13-fold), and PPO (84.2%) was observed with the application of 5% extract. In conclusion, the use of Ascophyllum nodosum algae affects TPC and TFV, antioxidant activity, PAL, PPO, SOD, and CAT in the microgreens studied. By prioritising organic and environmentally friendly extracts, growers can contribute to a more sustainable and healthier food system, especially in the case of the production of Eruca sativa microgreens.

Developing a Symbiotic Fermented Milk Product with Microwave-Treated Hawthorn Extract

The rising interest in functional foods has increased the use of probiotics and prebiotics in fermented dairy products to enhance gut health. This study focuses on developing a symbiotic fermented milk product using Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium bifidum activated with hawthorn extract as a prebiotic. Three versions of the product were tested: a control and two variants with B. bifidum activated with 10−5 g/cm3 and 10−10 g/cm3 hawthorn extract, respectively. Key characteristics such as microbiological safety, sensory properties, amino acid profile, vitamin and mineral content, antioxidant capacity, and nutritional values were evaluated. Results showed that products enriched with hawthorn extract had favorable sensory properties and sustained high levels of lactic acid bacteria while being free of pathogens. Product 1 based on L. acidophilus and enriched with B. bifidum activated with hawthorn extract at a concentration of 10−5 g/cm3 demonstrated significant increases in L. acidophilus (24.1%) and B. bifidum (14.7%) after 7 days compared to the control. Both enriched products exhibited slower titratable acidity increases and higher viscosities over 14 days, indicating better preservation and texture stability. Product 1 was notably enriched with essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals, alongside enhanced antioxidant properties due to increased flavonoid content. The technology developed ensures probiotic viability at 109–1010 CFU/cm3 after 14 days, making it viable for dairy production.

Flavonoid Biosynthesis in Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi: Metabolomics and Transcriptomics Analysis

Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi (SB), a plant of the Lamiaceae family, contains flavonoids with potent human health benefits. The full mechanistic details and regulatory networks related to the biosynthesis of these compounds in SB have been the focus of recent research but are still fragmented. Similarly, a complete account of the metabolites produced, specifically flavonoids, and their distribution in different parts of the plant is incomplete. To provide a more complete picture, herein we have explored the SB metabolites and differentially expressed genes in underground and aerial tissues. Of the 947 metabolites identified, 373 were differentially accumulated flavonoids (DAFs), and 147 of these were differentially accumulated in roots relative to other tissues. Interestingly, roots accumulated more baicalin and baicalein than aboveground tissues, but they were low in scutellarein and wogonoside, in contrast to previous reports. These differences may be attributed to either plant variety, age of the plants, or the extraction protocol. Transcriptomics analysis identified 56 key genes from the flavonoid synthesis pathway in all six SB plant tissues. A weighted gene correlation network analysis conducted using four DAFs (baicalin, baicalein, scutellarein and wogonoside) produced 13 modules. Baicalin and baicalein were positively correlated with one of these modules, whereas wogonoside and scutellarein were correlated with three other modules. Gene expression in these modules was consistent with the observed accumulation of these compounds in plant tissues. Fourteen structural genes were highly correlated with baicalin, baicalein and scutellarein, and 241 transcription factors (TFs) associated to these four compounds. The 13 highly correlated structural genes and 21 highly correlated TFs were used to construct correlation networks, where genes were identified to be highly correlated with flavonoid biosynthesis genes. Overexpression of some of these genes, namely, SbMYB8 (Sb02g25620), SbMYB14 (Sb09g00160) and SbbHLH94 (Sb07g11990), in SB callus increased flavonoid content and regulated the expression of genes involved in the flavonoid biosynthesis pathway, confirming their association to flavonoid production. Overall, the present work contributes to delineating the differences in flavonoid biosynthesis among different SB tissues.

The physiochemical characteristics and glycerolipid profile of Cycas panzhihuaensis in response to individual and combined drought and freezing temperature stress

The frequency and intensity of the occurrence of drought (D) events during winter are increasing in most areas of China. To explore the interactive effects of D and freezing temperature (F) on plants of endangered Cycas panzhihuaensis, some physiochemical characteristics and the lipid profile were determined. Drought and F stress had no or little impact on the traits of leaves, which, however, bleached following a combination of D and F treatment (DF). Drought treatment did not affect the chlorophyll fluorescence parameters and the flavonoid content of C. panzhihuaensis. Besides the increase in flavonoid content, a decrease of photochemical efficiency and an increase of heat dissipation were induced by both F and DF treatment, with the effects being greater in the latter treatment. The malondialdehyde content decreased significantly and the total antioxidant capacity increased significantly in the plants exposed to both D and DF treatments. The D treatment did not impact the amount of phospholipids but led to an accumulation of saccharolipids. Additionally, the amount of both phospholipids and saccharolipids remained unchanged following F treatment but decreased significantly following DF treatment compared with those of the control. The unsaturation level did not change significantly in most lipid classes of membrane glycerolipids following various stresses but increased significantly in phosphatidylserine, monogalactosylmonoacylglycerol, digalactosyldiacylglycerol and sulphoquinovosyldiacylglycerol following D or both D and F treatments. Generally, plants of C. panzhihuaensis showed relatively strong tolerance to individual D stress, while D aggravated the F-induced damage, which was likely caused by the degradation of the membrane glycerolipids.

Bacillus B2 promotes root growth and enhances phosphorus absorption in apple rootstocks by affecting MhMYB15.

Due to the chelation of phosphorus in the soil, it becomes unavailable for plant growth and development. The mechanisms by which phosphorus-solubilizing bacteria activate immobilized phosphorus to promote the growth and development of woody plants, as well as the intrinsic molecular mechanisms, are not clear. Through the analysis of microbial communities in the rhizosphere 16S V3-V4 and a homologous gene encoding microbial alkaline phosphomonoesterase (phoD) in phosphate-efficient (PE) and phosphate-inefficient apple rootstocks, it was found that PE significantly enriched beneficial rhizobacteria. The best phosphorus-solubilizing bacteria, Bacillus sp. strain 7DB1 (B2), was isolated, purified, and identified from the rhizosphere soil of PE rootstocks. Incubatingwith Bacillus B2 into the rhizosphere of apple rootstocks significantly increased the soluble phosphorus and flavonoid content in the rhizosphere soil. Simultaneously, this process stimulates the root development of the rootstocks and enhances plant phosphorus uptake. After root transcriptome sequencing, candidate transcription factor MhMYB15, responsive to Bacillus B2, was identified through heatmap and co-expression network analysis. Yeast one-hybrid, electrophoretic mobility shift assay, and LUC assay confirmed that MhMYB15 can directly bind to the promoter regions of downstream functional genes, including chalcone synthase MhCHS2 and phosphate transporter MhPHT1;15. Transgenic experiments with MhMYB15 revealed that RNAi-MhMYB15 silenced lines failed to induce an increase in flavonoid content and phosphorus levels in the roots under the treatment of Bacillus B2, and plant growth was slower than the control. In conclusion, MhMYB15 actively responds to Bacillus B2, regulating the accumulation of flavonoids and the uptake of phosphorus, thereby influencing plant growth and development.

Abscisic acid enhances alkaline stress tolerance in grapevines: Physiological and transcriptional profiling

Abscisic acid (ABA) is a crucial signaling regulator governing plant growth and survival during adverse conditions. However, the mechanism by which ABA mediates grapevine tolerance to alkali stress has not yet been elucidated. Here, we investigated the role of ABA in regulating physiological characteristics and transcriptome of grapevines under alkali stress through the application of exogenous ABA and fluridone (an ABA biosynthesis inhibitor). The results revealed that alkali stress led to significant reductions in the net photosynthetic rate (Pn), stomatal conductance (Gs), intercellular CO2 concentration (Ci), transpiration rate (Tr), chlorophyll content, the maximum quantum yields of primary photochemistry of PSII (Fv/Fm), nonphotochemical quenching (NPQ), which were greatly alleviated by exogenous ABA (50 and 100 μM) application. Specifically, the application of exogenous ABA (50 μM) increased Pn, chlorophyll content and Fv/Fm by 28.39 %, 30.45 % and 17.29 %, respectively, compared with alkali stress alone. Furthermore, exogenous ABA treatment reduced alkali stress-induced superoxide anions (O2∙−) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), malondialdehyde (MDA), and electrolyte leakage, as well as higher proline content and activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and ascorbate peroxidase (APX). Additionally, exogenous ABA (50 μM) decreased O2∙−, H2O2, MDA, electrolyte leakage by 38.64 %, 28.16 %, 39.29 % and 39.42 %, respectively, respect to alkali stress alone. Moreover, exogenous ABA reduced the Na+, increased K+ and K+/Na+ ratio, as well as the phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL), chalcone synthase (CHS), chalcone isomerase (CHI) activities and flavonoid content, and increased zeaxanthin epoxidase (ZEP) and 9-cis-epoxy carotenoid dioxygenase (NCED) activities and endogenous ABA levels in alkali stress-treated grapevines. Exogenous ABA (50 μM) increased flavonoid content and endogenous ABA content by 74.03 % and 20.84 %, compared with alkali stress alone, respectively. Conversely, exogenous fluridone exacerbated alkali stress-induced physiological damage in grapevine plants. Transcriptome analysis revealed that exogenous ABA (50 μM) and fluridone significantly induced the ‘Plant hormone signal transduction (ko04075)’, the ‘MAPK signaling pathway-plant (ko04016)’, ‘ABC transporters (ko02010)’, ‘Photosynthesis-antenna proteins (ko00196)’, ‘Flavonoid biosynthesis (ko00941)’, ‘Phenylpropanoid biosynthesis (ko00940)’ and other biological pathways and key gene involved in chlorophyll metabolism and ion transport. In conclusion, ABA markedly enhanced grapevines tolerance to alkali stress by modulating key biological pathways and physiological characteristics.

Analysis of Bioactive Components of Pakcoy Microgreens (Brassica rapa L.) on Variations of Planting Media

Microgreens are new foods with bioactive compounds that are beneficial for human health. Microgreens Brassica rapa L. are small-scale, naturally occurring vegetable crops that possess a high antioxidant value and natural nutrient density.The profile of bioactive compounds is influenced by variations in growing media on microgreens Brassica rapa L. including rice husk charcoal, cocopeat, and top soil.The purpose of this study was to analyze the increase in flavonoid, chlorophyll and carotenoid compounds in several variations of growing media: This research was conducted using a Non-Factorial Randomized Group Design (RAK) with three treatment levels, namely top soil, top soil + rice husk charcoal, top soil + cocopeat with five replications. Parameters measured were flavonoid compounds, chlorophyll a b, and carotenoids. Results: the analysis showed that the best planting media were rice husk charcoal, cocopeat, and top soil, respectively had a significant effect on the increase in Chlorophyll (42.12 mg L-1) and Carotenoids (10.63 µmol/L) Flavonoids (19.19 µmol g-1). Conclusion: The best recommended planting medium is rice husk charcoal which shows a significant effect on increasing Chlorophyll (42.12 mg L-1) Carotenoids (10.63 µmol/L) and cocopeat which shows a significant effect on increasing flavonoid content (19.19 µmol g-1).

A novel MYB transcription factor from durian (Durio zibethinus), DzMYB1, regulates flavonoid biosynthesis in fruit pulp

Flavonoids are phenolic substances and exhibit strong antioxidant properties. The biosynthesis of flavonoids is regulated by various transcription factors (TFs), with MYB TFs playing a key role in controlling essential genes within this pathway. In this study, we identified candidate MYB TFs from our pulp transcriptome database of durian ‘Monthong’ cultivar. MYBs exhibiting upregulation during the ripe stage were considered transcriptional activators, due to their positive correlation with flavonoid gene expression and flavonoid accumulation in ripe durian pulps. One candidate MYB activator, DzMYB1, which was highly expressed at the ripe stage, was selected for functional characterization. Studies involving transient expression of DzMYB1 in Solanum lycopersicum cv. Micro-Tom fruit demonstrated increased flavonoid content, as analyzed by LC–MS/MS, compared with the GFP control. Moreover, we showed that DzMYB1 controls flavonoid biosynthesis by interacting with the promoters of various flavonoid biosynthetic genes, including chalcone synthase, chalcone isomerase, and flavanone 3-hydroxylase, resulting in their transcriptional activation. Additionally, we found that DzMYB1 functions as a homodimer and binds to a homodimerized DzbHLH1 in the intricate regulation of flavonoid biosynthesis. These findings provide comprehensive insights into the functional roles of MYB protein in the regulation of the flavonoid pathway within durian pulps.

Effect of Light Conditions, Trichoderma Fungi and Food Polymers on Growth and Profile of Biologically Active Compounds in Thymus vulgaris and Thymus serpyllum.

The research investigates the influence of different lighting conditions and soil treatments, in particular the application of food polymers separately and in combination with spores of Trichoderma consortium, on the growth and development of herbs-Thymus vulgaris and Thymus serpyllum. The metabolic analysis focuses on detecting changes in the levels of biologically active compounds such as chlorophyll a and b, anthocyanins, carotenoids, phenolic compounds (including flavonoids), terpenoids, and volatile organic compounds with potential health-promoting properties. By investigating these factors, the study aims to provide insights into how environmental conditions affect the growth and chemical composition of selected plants and to shed light on potential strategies for optimising the cultivation of these herbs for the improved quality and production of bioactive compounds. Under the influence of additional lighting, the growth of T. vulgaris and T. serpyllum seedlings was greatly accelerated, resulting in an increase in shoot biomass and length, and in the case of T. vulgaris, an increase in carotenoid and anthocyanin contents. Regarding secondary metabolites, the most pronounced changes were observed in total antioxidant capacity and flavonoid content, which increased significantly under the influence of additional lighting. The simultaneous or separate application of Trichoderma and food polymers resulted in an increase in flavonoid content in the leaves of both Thymus species. The increase in terpenoid content under supplemental light appears to be related to the presence of Trichoderma spores as well as food polymers added to the soil. However, the nature of these changes depends on the thyme species. Volatile compounds were analysed using an electronic nose (E-nose). Eight volatile compounds (VOCs) were tentatively identified in the vapours of T. vulgaris and T. serpyllum: α-pinene, myrcene, α-terpinene, γ-terpinene; 1,8-cineole (eucalyptol), thymol, carvacrol, and eugenol. Tendencies to increase the percentage of thymol and γ-terpinene under supplemental lighting were observed. The results also demonstrate a positive effect of food polymers and, to a lesser extent, Trichoderma fungi on the synthesis of VOCs with health-promoting properties. The effect of Trichoderma and food polymers on individual VOCs was positive in some cases for thymol and γ-terpinene.

Consecutive Pruning Enhances Leaf Flavonoids, Leaf Yield, and Cutting Rooting in Ginkgo biloba

Ginkgo biloba L. is a valuable medicinal plant known for its high content of flavonoids and terpenoids in the leaves of young trees. Pruning can increase leaf yield in ginkgo plantations; however, it is unclear how the intensity of pruning affects leaf yield and quality. In addition, G. biloba exhibits low cutting rooting rates, which limits its efficiency in asexual propagation. In our study, we compared consecutive pruning with varying levels of intensity, including top pruning, light pruning, and heavy pruning, to evaluate the effects of pruning on leaf yield and cutting rooting. The results showed that these three pruning methods all contributed to an increase in the number of new branches, the leaf weight, and the flavonoid content in five-year-old trees. Among them, the effect of light pruning was the best, with a 150% increase in branch number, a 130% increase in leaf weight, and a 40.6% increase in flavonoid content. The secondary pruning further increased leaf area by 22.3%, indicating that secondary pruning further enhanced the rejuvenation of plants and increased leaf yield. At the transcriptional level, pruning can significantly change the expression of genes related to bud sprouting, resulting in a particularly significant increase in SHR expression in the buds. Pruning also promoted the expression of important genes related to flavonoid synthesis, including chalcone synthase (CHS), flavonoid 3′-hydroxylase (F3′H), flavonol synthase (FLS), and dihydroflavonol reductase (DFR). Furthermore, we demonstrated a significant increase in the rooting rate of these second-pruned branch cuttings and screened the optimal hormone ratio for rooting, which is 1.5 μM MeJA + 400 mg/L NAA + 100 mg/L Uniconazole-P. These results suggest that secondary pruning can effectively rejuvenate plants to promote cutting rooting in G. biloba. This method can not only be used to improve the yield and quality of ginkgo leaves, but also for cutting propagation.

The Effect of Fermented Jicama Extract with Lactobacillus plantarum B1765 as the Culture Starter on the Product Quality and Flavonoid Contents

Jicama (Pachyrhizus erosus) is a functional food containing phenolic compounds, with the main compounds being flavonoids. However, the presence of polyphenol oxidase and the structure of flavonoid compounds are still bound in the form of glycosides, so the bioactivity of jicama is not maximized. This study aims to determine the effects of jicama extract fermentation on product quality and increased flavonoid content in jicama. Fermentation was performed for 0, 12, 24, and 36 hours with 5% (v/v) of the starter culture, Lactobacillus plantarum B1765, at 37ºC. The result showed that fermentation times could increase Total Lactic Acid Bacteria (LAB), Total Tertitrable Acid (TTA), Total Phenolic Content (TPC), and Total Flavonoid Content (TFC). It also influenced a decrease in pH. The total LAB count was determined using the Total Plate Count method, the Total Tertitrable Acid was determined using acid-base titration, and the pH was determined using a pH meter. Total Phenolic Content was measured using the Folin-Ciocalteu method, and Total Flavonoid Content was measured using AlCl3 and potassium acetate. The analysis of the data revealed that jicama extract fermented optimum after 24 hours, with a total LAB count of 9.7x107±0.31 CFU/mL, a pH value of 4.21±0.22, a TTA of 0.376±0.025%, but TPC and TFC still increasing until 24 hours of fermentation to 16.22±0.312 mg GAE/g, and of 29.01±0.641 mg QE/g respectively. Fermentation of jicama extract with Lactobacillus plantarum B1765 increased total phenolic and total flavonoid contents and could be used as a functional food product.

Growth and Phytochemistry of Cymbopogon citratus Stapf Inoculated with Plant Growth-Promoting Bacteria under Different Lead Levels.

This study aimed to investigate the phytochemistry of lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) inoculated with Azospirillum brasilense and grown in lead (Pb)-contaminated soil to assess its responses to inoculation under different Pb levels. The experimental design was completely randomized in a 2 × 5 factorial scheme: two levels of A. brasilense (absence or presence) and five Pb levels. After four months of treatment, the following were analyzed: total and reducing sugars, total phenolic content, flavonoids, antioxidant activity, antioxidant enzymes, proline, and essential oil (EO) content and composition. Soil Pb levels and A. brasilense inoculation affected phytochemicals in lemongrass plants. Azospirillum inoculation reduced total sugars in the roots at all soil Pb levels, while increasing Pb levels favored a rise in sugar contents. There was an increase in flavonoid content in treatments associated with Pb and inoculated with A. brasilense. Antioxidant capacity was lower at lower Pb levels, regardless of bacterial inoculation. Enzymatic response was mainly affected by Pb concentrations between 50 and 100 mg kg-1 soil. EO content was influenced by soil Pb levels, with higher EO production at 500 mg Pb kg-1 soil and without A. brasilense inoculation. Overall, lemongrass cultivation in Pb-contaminated areas can be an alternative to phytoremediation and EO production for the industry.

ДИНАМИКА НАКОПЛЕНИЯ САХАРОВ И ФЛАВОНОИДОВ В ЛИСТЬЯХ ГРУШИ ПРИ МОДЕЛИРОВАННОМ ОСМОТИЧЕСКОМ СТРЕССЕ

The purpose of the study is to conduct a comparative assessment of three pear varieties in terms of the content of soluble sugars and flavonoids under simulated osmotic stress. The objects of the study are three varieties of pear Pyrus communis L.: two varieties Williams and Conference of European origin and one domestic variety Flamenco selected by the North Caucasus Federal Scientific Center for Horticulture, Viticulture, and Winemaking. Drought was simulated in two ways. In the first case, the leaves were cut into leaf disks with a diameter of 1 cm, then immersed in a 20 % solution of polyethylene glycol (PEG-6000) for 2 hours at room temperature. Control is buffer solution not containing polyethylene glycol. The second method is to place pear shoots in a solution of 15 % sorbitol for a day at room temperature, where water was the control. Exposure to 15 % sorbitol caused more intense synthesis of primary and secondary metabolites compared to 20 % PEG solution. In July, an increase in the accumulation of sugars compared to the control was noted in the Conference variety (25.6 mg glucose equivalent/g fresh weight), in August this figure sharply increased in the Flamenco and Williams varieties to 24.3 and 25.7 mg equivalent. glucose/g wet weight, respectively. A significant increase in flavonoid content in response to sorbitol stress was detected in August for the Flamenco and Conference varieties, in which the average values changed from 2.1 and 2.5 to 3.6 and 4.2 mg/g fresh weight, respectively. Treatment of leaf disks with PEG did not initiate an increase in the synthesis of primary and secondary metabolites. A more effective way to create osmotic stress in the tissues of pear leaves was treatment with a sorbitol solution.

Enhancement of nutraceutical components of mushroom by uv exposure and extension of their shelf-life using edible coating material adopting online assessment of keeping quality by Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) technique

To enhance the nutraceutical value and preservation of mushrooms, this study focused on augmenting two widely consumed mushroom varieties in India namely the Button Mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus) and Oyster Mushroom (Agaricus bisporus). These mushrooms were subjected to UV light exposure to evaluate their impact on phytochemical content, including phenolics, flavonoids, folic acid, and Vitamin D2. The percent increase in phenolic content after 120 minutes of UV treatment was 0.6-fold for Agaricus bisporus and 0.7-fold for Pleurotus ostreatus. Notably, A. bisporus exhibited a particularly high phenolic content of up to 13.5 mg per gram dry weight of mushroom after 120 minutes of UV exposure, in contrast to P. ostreatus, which displayed 8.7 mg per gram dry weight of mushroom under the same conditions. This study also revealed a threefold increase in flavonoid content in Pleurotus ostreatus, rising from 1.2 mg of quercetin/g in the control to 4.1 mg of quercetin/g after UV exposure for 120 minutes. Conversely, a sevenfold increase in quercetin content was observed in Agaricus bisporus, surging from 0.45 g (control) to 3.2 g following 120 minutes of UV exposure. The exposure of UV light for 60 minutes resulted in the highest absorbance of vitamin D2 at 0.81 OD in Pleorotus osteatus compared to 0.46 in Agaricus bisporus. Additionally, applying agar or gelatine coatings led to a shelf-life extension of up to 14 days under standard storage conditions. The use of MRI for quality determination of mushrooms by evaluating the lipid profile in the samples was reported for the first time. This study has shown a significant enhancement of nutraceutical components of mushrooms with special reference to phenolics, flavonoids, folic acid, and vitamin D2 for value addition, with a simple intervention of UV treatment. Moreover, the shelf life of mushrooms could be enhanced by agar and gelatin coating thereby extending the keeping quality. The use of MRI for evaluating the quality of mushrooms has also been the hallmark of this study. The practical utility of all the above findings has immense industrial application in the large-scale production of highly nutritive mushrooms.

Molecular and metabolic insights into purplish leaf coloration through the investigation of two mulberry (Morus alba) genotypes

BackgroundLeaf coloration in plants, attributed to anthocyanin compounds, plays a crucial role in various physiological functions, and also for pharmaceutical and horticultural uses. However, the molecular mechanisms governing leaf coloration and the physiological significance of anthocyanins in leaves remain poorly understood.ResultsIn this study, we investigated leaf color variation in two closely related mulberry genotypes, one with purplish-red young leaves (EP) and another with normal leaf color (EW). We integrated transcriptomic and metabolomic approaches to gain insights into the metabolic and genetic basis of purplish-red leaf development in mulberry. Our results revealed that flavonoid biosynthesis, particularly the accumulation of delphinidin-3-O-glucoside, is a key determinant of leaf color. Additionally, the up-regulation of CHS genes and transcription factors, including MYB family members, likely contributes to the increased flavonoid content in purplish-red leaves.ConclusionThese findings enhance our understanding of the molecular mechanisms responsible for the purplish coloration observed in mulberry leaves and also offer supporting evidence for the hypothesis that anthocyanins serve a protective function in plant tissues until the processes of light absorption and carbon fixation reach maturity, thereby ensuring a balanced equilibrium between energy capture and utilization.

Metabolomic and transcriptomic analyses provide insights into the flavonoid biosynthesis in sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.)

Sea buckthorn is a plant with similarities to both food and medicine, possessing abundant flavonoids. However, the metabolic mechanism of flavonoid synthesis in sea buckthorn is unclear. Here, we performed transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses to explore the metabolic characteristics of flavonoids in different sea buckthorn tissues and their associated gene regulatory networks. A total of 441 metabolites were identified from sea buckthorn by metabolomics (UPLC-MS/MS), which includes 104 flavonoids with significant differences in the relative contents among tissues. Transcriptomic analysis identified 75 genes involved in the flavonoid biosynthesis pathway. The weighted gene correlation network analysis revealed that the MEdarkgreen module showed a significant correlation with flavonoid compounds and comprised ten genes related to flavonoid synthesis. Overexpression of HrMYB114 resulted in a significant increase in flavonoid content and expression of structural genes in the flavonoid synthesis pathway in transgenic hairy roots. This study provided a comprehensive analysis of metabolic and transcriptomic profiles, which helped to investigate the molecular mechanism of flavonoid biosynthesis.

Influences of UV-B treatment and cooking methods on bioactive components in germinated highland barley

This study explored the impacts of UV-B radiation and cooking methods on the content and release of bioactive components in germinated highland barley. Optimal UV-B radiation (0.2 W m−2 for 6 h/d) increased flavonoid content by the third day, whereas excessive radiation (0.4 W m−2) caused a decrease. Under 0.1 W m−2 UV-B radiation for 9 h/d, polyphenol content rose by 34.40%, and under 0.2 W m−2 for 6 h/d, it increased by 49.40%. After three days of germination under 0.2 W m−2 irradiation for 12 h/d, riboflavin content reached up to 2.5 μg/g. GABA content in the control group increased by 40.21% on the third day compared to the initial, with the highest content in samples irradiated for 3 h/d under 0.2 and 0.4 W m−2. β-glucan content in the control group decreased by 20.15% on the third day compared to the initial, with a more pronounced decrease under long-time high radiation. Different cooking methods affected the release of these components during in vitro digestion. Microwaving proved to be the most effective treatment for promoting the release of flavonoids, polyphenols, riboflavin, and β-glucan, but it was less favorable for GABA release. These findings offer insights for optimizing the nutritional quality of germinated highland barley.

Investigating the Physiological and Molecular Responses of Solanum lycopersicum hp Mutants to Light of Different Quality for Biotechnological Applications.

The effect of the light of different spectral compositions, white fluorescent light (WFL), red light (RL, 660 nm), blue light (BL, 450 nm), green light (GL, 525 nm), and white LED light (WL, 450 + 580 nm), on the physiological parameters of Solanum lycopersicum 3005 hp-2 (defective for a DET1 gene) and 4012 hp-1w; 3538 hp-1; 0279 hp-1.2 (defective for a DDB1a gene) photomorphogenetic mutants was studied. The parameters of the primary photochemical processes of photosynthesis, photosynthetic and transpiration rates, the antioxidant capacity of low-molecular weight antioxidants, the content of the total phenolic compounds, including flavonoids, and the expression of the genes involved in light signaling and biosynthesis of secondary metabolites were determined. Under BL, the 3005 hp-2 mutant showed the highest nonenzymatic antioxidant activity, which occurred to a greater extent due to the increase in flavonoid content. At the same time, under BL, the number of secretory trichomes on the surface of the leaves of all mutants increased equally. This suggests the accumulation of flavonoids inside leaf cells rather than in trichomes on the leaf surface. The data obtained indicate the possibility of using the hp-2 mutant for biotechnology to increase its nutritional value by enhancing the content of flavonoids and other antioxidants by modulating the spectral composition of light.

Effects of Exogenous Substances Treatment on Fruit Quality and Pericarp Anthocyanin Metabolism of Peach

In this study, the two peach cultivars ‘Baifeng’ and ‘Weiduanmihong’ were used as experimental materials, and their fruits were sprayed with different concentrations of L-glutamic acid, brassinolide, and sucrose to study the effects of these three exogenous substances on fruit quality and anthocyanin metabolism of peaches. The results showed that the appearance quality (average single fruit weight, fruit firmness, and peel color difference), nutritional quality (soluble solids, soluble sugar, titratable acid, anthocyanins, total phenols, flavonoids, etc.), peel anthocyanin-related enzyme activity, and related gene expression of ‘Baifeng’ and ‘Weiduanmihong’ peaches treated with three different exogenous substances were different from those of the control. Higher-concentration treatments could significantly improve the appearance of peach fruit, the nutritional quality of peach fruit and the activity of anthocyanin-related enzymes in peel, as well as promote the expression of related genes. Treatment with 400 mg/L L-glutamic acid significantly promoted the average fruit weight of ‘Baifeng’ peaches. Treatment with 800 mg/L L-glutamic acid significantly promoted the increase in PAL enzyme activity and the expression of PpPAL and PpF3H in the two peach varieties and significantly promoted the expression of anthocyanin metabolism genes PpF3′H and PpGST1 in ‘Baifeng’ peach peel and anthocyanin metabolism gene PpUFGT in ‘Weiduanmihong’ peach peel. Treatment with 34 mg/L sucrose significantly increased the fruit firmness of ‘Baifeng’ peaches and the soluble sugar content of ‘Weiduanmihong’ peaches. Treatment with 51 mg/L sucrose significantly promoted the increase in flavonoid content and PpUFGT expression in ‘Baifeng’ peach fruit and significantly promoted the expression of anthocyanin metabolism genes PpDFR and PpANS in ‘Weiduanmihong’ peach peel. Treatment with 0.6 mg/L brassinolide significantly promoted the increase in soluble solids (TTS), soluble sugar, anthocyanin, total phenol content, PAL enzyme activity, UFGT enzyme activity, and the expression of anthocyanin metabolism genes PpDFR and PpMYB10.1 in ‘Baifeng’ peach fruit, and it significantly increased the average single fruit weight, fruit hardness, anthocyanin content, and UFGT enzyme activity of ‘Weiduanmihong’ peach fruit and promoted the expression of anthocyanin metabolism genes PpF3H and PpGST1 in ‘Weiduanmihong’ peach peel. The comprehensive effect of 0.6 mg/L brassinolide treatment on improving peach fruit quality and increasing anthocyanin content produces the best results and could be popularized in production practices.

Changes in Phytochemical Content, Antioxidant Activity, and Anti-Inflammatory Properties of Cudrania tricuspidata Fruits Treated by Roasting.

The study investigated the antioxidant effects of roasted Cudrania tricuspidata (C. tricuspidata) fruits by comparing them with unroasted C. tricuspidata fruits. The results showed that the roasted C. tricuspidata fruits (150 °C, 120 min) exhibited significantly higher antioxidant activity, especially in terms of anti-inflammatory effects, than the unroasted fruits. Interestingly, there is a high correlation between the color of the roasted fruit and the antioxidant activity. Heating disrupts cells and deactivates endogenous oxidative enzymes, leading to an increase in flavonoid content. Moreover, heat treatment may also interfere with plant metabolism, thereby influencing flavonoid content. Moreover, an HPLC analysis of roasted fruits in our study showed that the increase in antioxidant activity was attributed to the increase in flavan-3-ols and phenolic acids in the roasted C. tricuspidata fruits. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time the antioxidant activity and anti-inflammation of roasted C. tricuspidata fruits was studied. The study concluded that roasted C. tricuspidata fruits could be a valuable natural source of antioxidants for various food and medicinal applications.