Levels Of Phenolics Research Articles

The Effects of Different Drying Methods on the In Vitro Bioaccessibility of Phenolics, Antioxidant Capacity, and Morphology of European Plums (Prunes domestica L.).

Four different drying methods, hot-air-drying (HAD), vacuum-drying (VD), ultrasound-assisted vacuum-drying (US-VD), and freeze-drying (FD), were used to obtain dried plums (Prunes domesticaL.). These prunes were evaluated for their physical properties (such as color, rehydration ratio, and microstructural properties), phenolic compounds, and antioxidant activities before and after being subjected to in vitro digestion. TPC (total phenolic content) of plums ranged from 196.84 to 919.58 mg of GAE (gallic acid equivalent)/100 g of dw, and neochlorogenic acid was the most abundant phenolic compound. FD prunes had the highest levels of phenolics, whereas US-VD caused the most significant loss. During in vitro digestion, the phenolics were present at higher levels at the gastric medium but failed to maintain their stability at the small intestinal stage. Among the samples, FD along with HAD prunes exhibited a higher bioaccessibility index for most of the phenolic compounds. The ratios of TPC, TFC (total flavonoid content), and individual phenolics determined in the digested residues to the initial values of the undigested samples ranged from 0.23 to 31.03%. It could be concluded that the majority of the phenolics were extracted during digestion. Our findings showed that the different drying methods would alter the microstructure, which would affect the extractability and release of phenolics in the simulated digestion model.

Phytochemical Diversity and Related Bioactivity of Ethyl Acetate Fraction from Different Organs and Provenances of the Edible Halophyte Crithmum Maritimum L.

Sea fennel (Crithmum maritimum L.) is a facultative halophyte from the Apiaceae family. The variation of phenolic compounds, the antioxidant and antibacterial activities of different extracts of different organs of sea fennel were investigated. The roots, stems, leaves and seeds were collected from three bioclimatic stages of Tunisia. Solvent fractionation method (using aqueous acetone, petroleum ether and ethyl acetate) was adopted to separate the extract ingredient and to concentrate phenolics. Total phenolics, total flavonoids, and condensed tannins significantly varied between organs and localities. In leaves, the highest level of phenols was detected in the upper and sub-humid zones. However, in stems the high amounts of phenols were observed in semiarid climate. The antioxidant activity was evaluated through four different methods and the antimicrobial activity was assessed against five human pathogenic bacteria and a fungal strain. Multivariate analysis showed significant effect of organ and locality on the antioxidant properties. Results of the antibacterial activities showed significant differences among extracts and was reflected by a large spectrum of activity ranging from totally not active (Zones of inhibition (zi) < 1 mm) to very high activity (zi >16 mm). Combined statistical results allowed to select the more potent fraction to be analyzed using reversed-phase HPLC (RP-HPLC). The flavanol epigallocatechin was identified as a major phenolic compound which contributed greatly to the antioxidant capacity. The results established in this study highlighted the importance of this halophyte cash crop in the human diet as natural source of active components.

Protective role of endophytic fungi and salicylic acid as therapeutic nutrients to improve immune responses of tomato plants against fusarial wilt disease

The exacerbation of climatic changes helped to increase the risk of plant diseases in the world. Based on this concept, we suggest Endophytic fungi (EF) and Salicylic acid (SA) alternatives to reduce the spread of Fusarium wilt disease, which is one of the most important agricultural crops globally. Therefore, this study aims to isolate endophytic fungi and test their ability to stimulate plant resistance against Fusarium wilt disease and study the possibility of combining these isolates with salicylic acid as a therapeutic nutrient for tomato plants. Two fungal endophytes were isolated from Vigna unguiculata seeds (VUS) and identified as Aspergillus oryzae and Aspergillus tubingensis according to morphological and molecular identification. Under pot circumstances, the influence of these two fungal endophytes as tomato fusarial wilt depressants and as plant stimulants was evaluated. The combination of A. oryzae and A. tubingensis exhibited a simultaneous efficacy of 80% in conferring protection against Fusarium wilt, while simultaneously resulting in a notable decreasing diseases index to 16.66%. Treatment of infected plants with A. oryzae and A. tubingensis (single or mixed) and salicylic acid not only deterioration influence of Fusarium wilt on plant fitness, but also showed a significant improvement in the levels of photosynthetic pigments, sugars, proteins and phenols, and enhancement in the activity of antioxidant enzymes. The analysis of variability among endophytic fungi revealed the presence of 17 distinct bands exhibiting polymorphism, accounting for approximately 35.294% of the observed genetic variation. In conclusion, endophytic A. oryzae and A. tubingensis work well as stimuli for tomato plant growth and as a means of boosting the plants’ resistance to Fusarium wilt. Further, A. oryzae and A. tubingensis act synergistically with SA toward improving plant growth and fusarial wilt disease resistance.

Physicochemical characteristics of pomegranate fruits as affected by foliar application of potassium and zinc

Foliar application of mineral nutrients can considerably improve fruit yield and quality. In this study, the effects of K and Zn application by spraying on leaf mineral contents, and some physical and biochemical characteristics of pomegranate fruits cv. ‘Malas Saveh’ were investigated. The mineral treatments were three concentrations of K2SO4 (0, 1, and 2%) and three concentrations of ZnSO4 (0, 0.5, and 1%). The solutions were applied in 2020–2021 and in four times: the first application was during the time of flowering and rest three applications were applied at two-week intervals. The results showed that leaves of trees fed with different concentrations of K2SO4 and ZnSO4 accumulated higher concentrations of N, P K, Zn, Fe, and Mn than those untreated. Pomegranate trees treated with the mineral treatments had higher chlorophyll a and total chlorophyll. Applying most mineral treatments, especially 2% K2SO4+0.5% ZnSO4, significantly increased the fruit yield, fruit diameter, fruit length, aril percentage, aril/skin, the weight of 100 arils, and juice content of 100 g arils, but reduced the cracking percentage, skin thickness, skin percentage and firmness of fruits. Moreover, fruits of pomegranate trees treated with the most mineral treatments and especially 2% K2SO4+0.5% ZnSO4, showed a greater level of TSS (total soluble solids), TSS/TA (total soluble solids/titratable acidity), anthocyanin, total phenol, flavonoid, antioxidant activity, and vitamin C, and a lower level of TA. The study results evidenced that K and Zn application by spraying has a high potential for improving fruit yield and quality of pomegranate.

Wound healing potential of an Indian under-utilized fruit Garcinia gummi-gutta: Evidences from in vitro and in vivo experiments

Garcinia gummi-gutta is a native plant of Southeast Asia, commonly known as Malabar tamarind in English and Kudam puli in Tamil. In addition to utilization of dried pulp of this G. gummi-gutta fruit, traditional healers using it for wound healing, but there is no scientific piece of evidence. The main objective of the work is to investigate the wound-healing potential of G. gummi-gutta fruit using in vitro methods and in vivo excision model. Sequential extraction was done in the dried fruit pulp of G. gummi-gutta using different solvents (hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate, methanol and water). Phytochemical screening and quantitative analysis results revealed the presence of high level of alkaloids (0.16 mg/mL), flavonoids (2.15 mg/mL), terpenoids (0.09 mg/mL), phytosterols (0.46 mg/mL), phenols (9.42 mg/mL) and tannins (1.27 mg/mL) in the methanol extract. Among various solvent extracts, methanol extract exhibited higher level of antioxidant (87.64% 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl scavenging, 82.86% superoxide scavenging, 19.03% hydrogen peroxide scavenging and 78.36% hydroxyl radical scavenging) and anti-inflammatory (41.67% inhibition of protein denaturation, 27.17% protease inhibition and 66.22% red blood cells membrane stabilization) properties. Liquid chromatography with mass spectroscopy and gas chromatography with mass spectroscopy analysis of methanolic extract revealed the presence of phytochemicals like Daphnoretin, Flindersine, Taxuspine-D, 3-Butenyl isothiocyanate, Cyclopentanone dimethyl hydrazone and 2-Acetyl indole. It was observed that the wound healing potential of ointment prepared from the methanolic extract of G. gummi-gutta was significantly (p < 0.05) higher (0.5 mm) than betadine treatment (0.9 mm) in Wistar rats on 11th day. Histopathalogical analysis G. gummi-gutta-treated animals exhibited a high amount of granulation tissue, microvascular density, epidermal closure and differentiation, which indicates the good wound healing capacity of the G. gummi-gutta. Thus, the present work recorded the wound healing potential of G. gummi-gutta-ointment through in vivo excision wound model in addition to proven various in vitro wound healing mechanisms.

Biochemical changes in some banana cultivars infected by Banana bunchy top virus

Bunchy top is one of the major diseases on bananas that caused economic losses. This study aimed to determine changes in protein content, the concentration of phenolic compounds, the amount of chlorophyll, and sugar content in several Banana bunchy top virus (BBTV)-infected banana cultivars. The research involved the artificial inoculation, extraction, and biochemical analysis of banana seedlings from the cultivars Mas, Cavendish, Kepok, and Raja. Inoculation was performed using the vector Pentalonia sp.. A factorial complete randomized design (CRD) was used as the experimental design. Each experimental unit consisted of 5 repetitions. Protein, phenol, chlorophyll, and sugar content measurements were performed using a UV-Vis spectrophotometer. Test samples were in the form of fresh leaves from BBTV-infected and non-BBTV-infected plants. Regression analysis and tests for significance were performed to determine the biochemical changes that occurred after testing. The results showed that the average levels of phenols, chlorophyll, protein, and total sugars in BBTV-infected plants were significantly altered. The chlorophyll content decreased from 82–87% in Mas, Cavendish, and Raja cultivars. Total plant phenol in all BBTV-infected cultivars increased by 69.2 to 348.3 ppm. Specificity was evident in the change in protein concentration, which increased by 95 ppm and 84.5 ppm in the Mas and Cavendish cultivars, respectively. This contrasts with the Kepok and Raja cultivars, which decreased by 660.5 ppm and 113.6 ppm, respectively. Sugar levels increased from 3133.9 to 3298.6 ppm in all BBTV-infected breeds. According to the data, BBTV infection has been shown to cause physiological and biochemical changes in Mas, Cavendish, Kepok, and Raja.

The combined effects of farm yard manure and boron application on growth, and oil quality of Canola grown under newly reclaimed soils

Two field experiments were conducted during the main seasons of 2021/2022 ​at the Research and Production Station of National Research Centre in Egypt to investigate the effects of farmyard manure (FYM) and boron on Canola growth, yield, oil yield, and quality. The results unequivocally demonstrated that the combined application of FYM at a rate of 14.4 ​ton ​ha−1 with a foliar spray of boron at 100 ppm positively influenced plant characteristics, leading to enhanced growth rates and higher yields compared to the control group. Moreover, this integrated approach significantly improved nutrient content by enhancing levels of oil content, carbohydrates, proteins, phenolics, flavonoids, and total soluble sugars. These findings provide compelling evidence that utilizing farm manure along with boron can effectively enhance Canola properties in newly reclaimed soils while promoting sustainable agricultural practices.

Nutritional composition, phytochemicals, and antioxidant activities of Abies marocana Trab. needles

IntroductionFinding natural sources of bioactive compounds is turning into a cutting- edge task for the scientific community and industry alike. Abies marocana, Moroccan fir, holds great importance due to its ecological, economic, social, and cultural significance.Material and MethodsThe current study aimed to evaluate the needles of Abies marocana in terms of its nutritional and anti-nutrient content, bioactive components, and antioxidant capacity. The AOAC technique was used to determine the composition of the needles. Mineral content was analyzed by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry. Phytochemical screening of methanol extract was performed using standard procedures, and multiple assays evaluated antioxidant activity. The extract’s volatile profile was elucidated using GC-MS method.Results and DiscussionThe presence of various components in the needles was discovered through proximate analysis, including carbohydrates, crude protein, crude fiber, crude fat, ash, and moisture. Anti-nutrients such as chlorophyll, carotenoids, and vitamin A were confirmed. Needles are a rich source of mineral elements and contain significant levels of phenols, flavonoids, tannins, and phytosterols. Palmitic acid, 17-octadecynoic acid, and (Z)-18- octadec-9-enolide were the main components identified by GC-MS analysis. The methanolic extract exhibited substantial antioxidant capacity. The DPPH scavenging activity displayed a remarkable percentage inhibition. The integration of Abies marocana needles into sustainable diets can contribute to the well- being of humans and the planet, since the nutrient and bioactive compounds present have potential applications in the pharmaceutical and food industries.

Chemical Characterization and Biological Properties Assessment of Euphorbia resinifera and Euphorbia officinarum Moroccan Propolis.

Although the plants of the genus Euphorbia are largely exploited by therapists in Morocco, the composition and antibacterial activities of propolis from these plants are still unknown. To address this gap, this study aimed to characterize the pollen type, the volatile compounds, and the phenolic and mineral profiles of three Euphorbia propolis samples collected in Morocco and evaluate their antimicrobial activities. The minimum inhibitory concentration of the propolis samples was determined by the microdilution method, and the anti-adherence activity was evaluated by the crystal violet assay. The examination of anti-quorum-sensing proprieties was performed using the biosensor Chromobacterium violaceum CV026. Pollen analysis revealed that Euphorbia resinifera pollen dominated in the P1 sample (58%), while E. officinarum pollen dominated in the P2 and P3 samples (44%). The volatile compounds were primarily composed of monoterpene hydrocarbons, constituting 35% in P1 and 31% in P2, with α-pinene being the major component in both cases, at 16% in P1 and 15% in P2. Calcium (Ca) was the predominant mineral element in both E. resinifera (P1) and E. officinarum (P2 and P3) propolis samples. Higher levels of phenols, flavonoids and dihydroflavonoids were detected in the E. officinarum P2 sample. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) value ranged from 50 to 450 µL/mL against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Euphorbia propolis displayed the ability to inhibit quorum sensing in the biosensor C. violaceum CV026 and disrupted bacterial biofilm formation, including that of resistant bacterial pathogens. In summary, the current study evidences the potential use of E. officinarum propolis (P2 and P3) to combat important features of resistant pathogenic bacteria, such as quorum sensing and biofilm formation.

A cooperative combination of non-targeted metabolomics and electronic tongue evaluation reveals the dynamic changes in metabolites and sensory quality of radish during pickling

Pickled radish is a traditional fermented food with a unique flavor after long-term preservation. This study analyzed the organoleptic and chemical characteristics of pickled radish from different years to investigate quality changes during pickling. The results showed that the sourness, saltiness, and aftertaste-bitterness increased after pickling, and bitterness and astringency decreased. The levels of free amino acids, soluble sugars, total phenols, and total flavonoids initially decreased during pickling but increased with prolonged pickling. The diversity of organic acids also increased over time. Through non-targeted metabolomics analysis, 349 differential metabolites causing metabolic changes were identified to affect the quality formation of pickled radish mainly through amino acid metabolism, phenylpropane biosynthesis and lipid metabolism. Correlation analysis showed that L*, soluble sugars, lactic acid, and acetic acid were strongly associated with taste quality. These findings provide a theoretical basis for standardizing and scaling up traditional pickled radish production.

Analyzing and comparising capacity of glucose- and uric acid-lowering effects of yellow tea with different varieties and grades in zebrafish model

Abstract: The glucose-lowering effects (GLE) and uric acid-lowering effects (UALE) of tea have been widely reported, but the differences in quality and activity of different varieties and grades (DVG) are still unknown. Herein, yellow tea (YT) were chosen, and in this study the effects of YT with DVG on GLE and UALE were investigated and comparised in zebrafish with diabetes and hyperuricemia, and the mechanism of action were deeply researched. Results showed that there were distinct differences in GLE and UALE of YT with DVG after zebrafish evaluation. The GLE and UALE of population cultivar with all different grades were relatively better than that of special early species. The GLE of bud tea and small tea was better than that of large tea. The UALE of small tea was better than that of large tea and then better than that of bud tea. The differences in GLE and UALE may be related to the content levels of phenols because the GLE and UALE was significantly reduced when phenols directly removed from YT solution. Regression analysis revealed that the highest GLE and UALE does not require the highest or lowest content of each phenolic substance, but depend on what components.

Perbandingan Kadar Fenolik Total Air Rebusan dan Ekstrak Etanol Daun dan Batang Sawi Langit (Cyanthillium cinereum (L.) H.Rob)

Sky mustard is one of the herbaceous plants used by the community to treat diseases such as inflammation, malaria and fever. This herbaceous plant is believed to have secondary metabolites such as phenolics which have many functions. The aim of this research was to determine the total content of phenolic compounds in leaves and stems of sky mustard greens (Cyanthillium cinereum (L.) H.Rob). This research is experimental in nature, including collecting plant material, identifying plants, cold extraction using the maceration method using ethanol and boiled water as a solvent, phytochemical screening, and determining the total phenolic content of boiled water and equivalent ethanol extract of leaves and stems (Gallic Acid Equivalent (GAE)) or gallic acid by colorimetric method using reagents Folin-ciocalteu a wavelength of 760 nm using UV-Visible spectrophotometry. The result of phytochemical screening of sky mustard leaves and stems contain alkaloids, steroids, saponins, flavonoids, tannin, glycosides and phenols. The result showed that phenol levels were greater in the leaves than in the stem the ethanol solvents attracted more phenolic compounds than boiling, and the phenol by boiling was higher at 5 minutes at 0,649 mg/g GAE. For phenolic compounds using ethanol solvent, there was a yield of 748,33 mg/g extract.

Calcium deficiency leads to fruit blackheart formation by disrupting glycometabolism and phenylpropanoid metabolism in wax gourd

Wax gourd (Benincasa hispida (Thunb.) Cogn) is a vegetable crop with a long storage period; however, blackheart disorder seriously compromises its storability and economic value. This study delves into the spatial-temporal process of blackheart disorder in wax gourd fruit at the physiological, transcriptional, and metabolic levels. The findings revealed decreased concentrations of total calcium (Ca), Ca-pectinate, and chelate-soluble pectin (CSP), and increased levels of total phenolics, flavonoids, and lignin during the development of blackheart disorder. These changes in physiological indicators in blackheart fruit were regulated by the expression of relevant genes, the accumulation of key metabolites, and increased enzyme activities in the glycometabolism and phenylpropane metabolism pathways. Moreover, transcriptome analysis revealed significant suppression in the expression of Ca channel and transport-related genes in blackheart fruit. Finally, there was a pronounced correlation between CSP, Ca-pectinate, phenolic acid, flavonoids, and monosaccharides. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis identified several transcription factors related to blackheart development were identified. Importantly, it has been discovered for the first time that the development of blackheart disorder in wax gourd results from pectin degradation and metabolic disturbance caused by Ca deficiency. These findings lay a theoretical foundation for devising strategies to manage and control blackheart in wax gourds.

Integrated metabolomics and transcriptomics analysis highlight key pathways involved in the somatic embryogenesis of Darjeeling tea.

Darjeeling tea is a globally renowned beverage, which faces numerous obstacles in sexual reproduction, such as self-incompatibility, poor seed germination, and viability, as well as issues with vegetative propagation. Somatic embryogenesis (SE) is a valuable method for rapid clonal propagation of Darjeeling tea. However, the metabolic regulatory mechanisms underlying SE in Darjeeling tea remain largely unknown. To address this, we conducted an integrated metabolomics and transcriptomics analysis of embryogenic callus (EC), globular embryo (GE), and heart-shaped embryo (HE). The integrated analyses showed that various genes and metabolites involved in the phenylpropanoid pathway, auxin biosynthesis pathway, gibberellin, brassinosteroid and amino acids biosynthesis pathways were differentially enriched in EC, GE, and HE. Our results revealed that despite highly up-regulated auxin biosynthesis genes YUC1, TAR1 and AAO1 in EC, endogenous indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) was significantly lower in EC than GE and HE. However, bioactive Gibberellin A4 displayed higher accumulation in EC. We also found higher BABY BOOM (BBM) and Leafy cotyledon1 (LEC1) gene expression in GE along with high accumulation of castasterone, a brassinosteroid. Total flavonoids and phenolics levels were elevated in GE and HE compared to EC, especially the phenolic compound chlorogenic acid was highly accumulated in GE. Integrated metabolome and transcriptome analysis revealed enriched metabolic pathways, including auxin biosynthesis and signal transduction, brassinosteroid, gibberellin, phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, amino acids metabolism, and transcription factors (TFs) during SE in Darjeeling tea. Notably, EC displayed lower endogenous IAA levels, conducive to maintaining differentiation, while higher IAA concentration in GE and HE was crucial for preserving embryo identity. Additionally, a negative correlation between bioactive gibberellin A4 (GA4) and IAA was observed, impacting callus growth in EC. The high accumulation of chlorogenic acid, a phenolic compound, might contribute to the low success rate in GE and HE formation in Darjeeling tea. TFs such as BBM1, LEC1, FUS3, LEA, WOX3, and WOX11 appeared to regulate gene expression, influencing SE in Darjeeling tea.

Effect of Cooking methods on Total Phenolics and Antioxidant activity of selected wild Edible plants

The objective of this assessment was to investigate how different cooking techniques, such as boiling and microwave cooking, impact the levels of total phenolics and antioxidant activity in commonly consumed plants like Perilla ocymoides, Clerodendrum colebrookeanum, Solanum gilo, Solanum kurzii, and Potentilla lineata, prevalent in the North-Eastern region of India. To measure the antioxidant properties of these plants, various methods were employed, including 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity, ABTS radical scavenging ability, reducing power capacity, and the assessment of total phenolic, flavonoid, and flavonol contents. The analysis revealed that the total phenolic content (TPC) of fresh vegetables ranged from 77.47 to 797.68mg/100g (expressed as gallic acid equivalent) on a dry weight basis. The total antioxidant capacity of fresh plants, measured as the percentage of inhibition, varied between 7.62% and 83.44% for DPPH, and 12.22% to 79.46% for ABTS. Boiling emerged as the cooking method causing the greatest reduction in TPC, resulting in a decline ranging from 10.90% in P. lineata up to 25.66% in S. kurzii when calculated on a dry weight basis. Conversely, microwave cooking led to an enhancement in TPC, with an increase ranging from 2.20% to 11.80%. Furthermore, the impact of boiling on DPPH radical scavenging activities was notable, causing a decrease between 8.44% and 43.30%, and for ABTS radical scavenging activities, the reduction ranged from 10.24% to 34.45%. In contrast, microwave cooking had a positive effect on DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging activities, increasing them by 9.39% to 46.32%, and 8.49% to 46.39%, respectively, across the studied plants. In conclusion, the results suggest that microwave cooking stands out as the optimal method for preserving and even increasing the concentration of polyphenols and antioxidants in these plants. Conversely, boiling exhibited the least desirable outcomes in terms of retaining these beneficial components.

Antioxidant and color properties of black soybean tempe beverage with the addition of sappan wood and cinnamon

Black soybean was fermented into Tempe to increase its functional properties and bioavailability. To develop black soybean tempe into a beverage for practical consumption, sappan wood and cinnamon were added to improve the appearance and functional properties. This research aims to determine the effect of sappan wood and cinnamon addition on antioxidant levels, phenolic levels, and brightness levels of black soybean tempe beverages. The research used a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with a ratio of sappan wood and cinnamon at 0:0, 3:0.5, 2.5:1, and 2:1.5 (%w/w). Beverage made from commercial yellow soybean tempe was used as control. This research started by making tempe using Yogyakarta's traditional method. Beans were dehulled, boiled for 30 minutes, soaked in boiling water for 36 hours, boiled again for 30 minutes, inoculated with RAPRIMA, and incubated for 40 hours at room temperature. Tempe beverage was made by milling tempe and 80°C water at 1:3 (w/w) and the barks at the mentioned ratio, followed by filtration. The beverages were then analyzed for their Ascorbic Acid Equivalent Antioxidant Capacity (AEAC), total phenolics using the Folin-Ciocalteu method, and brightness levels using the CIE method. The results showed the antioxidant properties ranged between 82.67-86.93 mg AEAC/ml, total phenolics: 53.43-66.53 mg GAE/ml, color brightness parameter L*: 33.82-34.49, a *: 1.97-2.01, and b*: 4.09-5.05. It can be concluded that adding sappan wood and cinnamon improved the antioxidant levels and appearance of black soybean tempe beverages. The highest antioxidant properties and brightness level were obtained by adding 3% and 0.5% of sappan wood and cinnamon bark, respectively.

Enhancing the nutritional value and functional properties of mango pulp via lactic acid bacteria fermentation

The probiotic properties of four lactic acid bacteria (LAB) strains, Lacticaseibacillus paracasei OR1 and PP1 and Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus MA3 and PP3, were evaluated. OR1 showed the highest levels of self-aggregation (61.27%) and coaggregation (17.70%) with Staphylococcus aureus. Compared to the crude cell-free supernatant (CFS) and ethyl acetate extract fraction, the water extract fraction of the CFS showed greater antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli and Bacillus cereus. All LAB strains exhibited the highest levels of total carotenoids, phenolics, flavonoids and antioxidant activity in the CFS, suggesting that they can release water-soluble bioactive compounds into the growth medium. The phytochemical profile of Mahachanok mango, which is rich in bioactive compounds, was improved through LAB fermentation. LC–MS/MS analysis revealed 60 compounds, including phenolic acids (1.11-fold), organic acids (1.21-fold), and amino acid derivatives (1.28-fold), that were more abundant in the fermented Mahachanok mango pulp (FMP) samples than in the fresh samples. Interestingly, the antioxidant proline level increased 377.28-fold, and novel dipeptides and tripeptides were present in the FMP fermented with L. paracasei OR1. Mango pulp is a potential source of nutrients for LAB growth and metabolism; thus, LAB fermentation could be used to produce a functional food product rich in antioxidants and bioactive peptides.

Effects of biofertilizer on the production of bell pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) in greenhouse

Biological fertilizers are useful sources of plant nutrients that enhance crop growth and quality, produce plant hormones, and contribute to sustainable crop production by maintaining soil fertility. The effect of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPRs) applications in greenhouses on bell pepper (Capsicum annuum L. Nervin) has been studied by conducting a split plot experiment in three replications using a randomized complete block design. The biofertilizers included AMF inoculations (Rhizophagus irregularis + Funneliformis mosseae), and three different bacterial inoculations (Azotobacter chroococcum + Azospirillum lipoferum; Enterobacter cloacae + Pseudomonas putida; Bacillus subtilis + Bacillus amyloliquefaciens) and non-inoculation as a control with two levels of organic fertilizers (with and without).The organic treatment fertilizer, in combination with the inoculation of E. cloacae + P. putida or A. chroococcum + A. lipoferum, as well as AMF, significantly increased the microbial population within the rhizosphere compared to the control. In all treatments, fruit yield increased, with the highest value (15.94 kg m−2) recorded in the AMF treatment, indicating an increase of 18% over the control. All inoculations significantly increased total phenol and ascorbic acid levels in fruit when organic fertilizer was applied. The most significant N uptake was observed in A. crococcum + A. lipoform inoculation, while the most significant Fe uptake was observed in AMF. It was found that all inoculations significantly increased P, K, and Zn uptake. In conclusion, A combination of organic fertilizer and mycorrhizal or (Azotobacter chroococcum + Azospirillum lipoferum) inoculations increased the productivity and quality of bell peppers grown in greenhouses.

Proximate and Phytochemical Constituents of Ethanolic Extract of Seeds of Cola Acuminata and Cola Nitida

This study evaluated the proximate and phytochemical constituents of ethanolic seeds extracts of Cola nitida and Cola acuminata. The seeds of C. acuminata and C. nitida were purchased and air-dried at room temperature. The dried seeds were pulverized to ground sample. The sample was weighed and used for the proximate and phytochemical analysis. The qualitative phytochemical screening revealed the presence of secondary metabolites: alkaloid, flavonoids, tannins, phenols, Cardiac glycoside, terpenes (tri), steroids and saponins, but the absence of anthraquinones. The seed of C. nitida was higher in alkaloids, saponins, phenols, tannins, steroids, triterpenes and C-glycosides than the seed of C. acuminata, while the seed of C. acuminata was higher in flavonoids and carbohydrates than the seed of C. nitida. There was no statistical significant difference (p&gt;0.05) between the levels of alkaloids, saponins, phenols and tannins in seed of C. nitida and seed of C. acuminata. The difference between the levels of flavonoids, carbohydrates, steroids, triterpenes and C-glycosides in seed of C. nitida and seed of C. acuminata was statistically significant (p&lt;0.05). The seed of C. nitida was higher in moisture, ash, lipid and crude protein than the seed of C. acuminata, while the seed of C. acuminata was higher in crude fibre and carbohydrate than the seed of C. nitida. There was no statistically significant difference (p&gt;0.05) between the levels of moisture, ash, lipid, crude fibre and crude protein in seed of C. nitida and seed of C. acuminata. The difference between the level of carbohydrate in seed of C. nitida and seed of C. acuminata was statistically significant (p&lt;0.05).&#x0D; The result shows that seeds of C. acuminata and C. nitida possess an appreciable level of phytochemicals. It could be a good raw material for the production of some medicinal drugs and can be used in folk medicine for the treatment of some diseases.

Prohexadione-calcium improves grape quality by regulating endogenous hormones, sugar and acid metabolism and related enzyme activities in grape berries.

Prohexadione-Calcium (Pro-Ca) plays key roles in improving fruit quality and yield by regulating various aspects of plant growth. However, the effects of how Pro-Ca regulates the regulation of sugar and acid balance and its impact on the production of volatile aroma substances during fruit growth and development are poorly understood. In this study, the Pro-Ca solutions developed at concentrations of 200, 400, 600 and 800 mg·L-1 were sprayed on the entire "Chardonnay" grape tree 22, 42, 62 and 82 days after initial flowering. The values of endogenous hormones, sugar and acid content, enzyme activities and flavor content were then measured in grapes 45, 65, 85 and 105 days (ripeness stage) after the initial flowering. The results showed that Pro-Ca had significant effects on fruits during development, including reducing ABA content, increasing ZT, GA3 and IAA levels, promoting fruit ripening and enhancing enzymes, which are involved in sugar and acid synthesis. Consequently, these effects led to an increase in sugar and acid content in the berries. Particularly during the ripening phase, the application of 600 mg L-1 Pro-Ca resulted in an increase in soluble sugar content of 11.28% and a significant increase in citric acid and malic acid content of 97.80% and 68.86%, respectively. Additionally, Pro-Ca treatment enhanced both the variety and quantity of aroma compounds present in the berries, with the 600 mg·L-1 Pro-Ca treatment showcasing the most favorable impact on volatile aroma compounds in 'Chardonnay' grapes. The levels of aldehydes, esters, alcohols, phenols, acids, ketones, and terpenes were significantly higher under the 600 mg·L-1 Pro-Ca treatment compared to those of control with 51.46 - 423.85% increase. In conclusion, Pro-Ca can regulate the content of endogenous hormones and the activities of enzymes related to sugar and acid metabolism in fruit, thereby increasing the content of soluble sugar and organic acid in fruit and the diversity and concentration of fruit aroma substances. Among them, foliar spraying 600mg · L-1 Pro-Ca has the best effect. In the future, we need to further understand the molecular mechanism of Pro-Ca in grape fruit to lay a solid foundation for quality improvement breeding.