Levels Of Total Phenolics Research Articles

Exploring the growth and phytoremediation efficacy of Suaeda fruticosa in agricultural soil contaminated by shrimp aquaculture

Plants face numerous environmental challenges from biotic and abiotic stressors, with soil salinization emerging as a significant global concern. The coastal regions of Tamil Nadu, face severe environmental challenges due to discharge of saline water from shrimp farms exacerbates this issue, compromising the viability of paddy and other crops in the vicinity. This study explores the phytoremediation potential of Suaeda fruticosa in addressing soil salinity resulting from shrimp farming activities under field conditions over a 120-day period to restore soil health in salt affected soil. This research demonstrates Suaeda fruticosa’s exceptional salt tolerance and bioaccumulation potential in facilitating soil restoration. Significant enhancements were observed in various growth parameters, including 466% increase in plant height, 338% in fresh weight and 387% in dry weight. Biochemical parameters also showed substantial enhancements with total chlorophyll, protein, proline, phenol, and glycinebetaine levels increasing by 655%, 588%, 690%, 153%, and 531%, respectively. Enzymatic activities exhibited notable elevations as well, with catalase, peroxidase, and polyphenol oxidase activities escalating by 258%, 587%, and 121% respectively, indicating robust adaptation to saline environments. Moreover, Suaeda fruticosa exhibited remarkable bioaccumulation capabilities, accumulating 461 kg NaCl ha−1. This led to substantial improvements in soil characteristics, including a reduction in pH from 8.8 to 6.49, electrical conductivity from 5.7 to 1.53 dSm−1, and sodium adsorption ratio from 16.1 to 4.4 mmol L−1. The successive cultivation of Suaeda fruticosa in this study, has proven to be a viable strategy for reclaiming salt-affected lands, thereby alleviating a significant constraint on crop productivity.

Heterologous Expression of MYB Gene (Rosea1) or bHLH Gene (Delila) from Antirrhinum Increases the Phenolics Pools in Salvia miltiorrhiza

Phenolic acids have health-promoting properties, however, but their low concentrations in Salvia miltiorrhiza limit broader medicinal applications. MYB and bHLH transcription factors activate multiple target genes involved in phenylpropanoid metabolism, thereby enhancing the production of various secondary metabolites. We introduced the MYB transcription factor Antirrhinum Rosea1 (AmROS1) or Delila (AmDEL) into S. miltiorrhiza and observed that antioxidant activity in transgenic plants increased by 1.40 to 1.80-fold. The total content was significantly higher in transformants compared to the controls. Furthermore, heterologous expression of AmROS1 or AmDEL triggered moderate accumulations of rosmarinic acid and salvianolic acid at various growth stages. Levels of total phenolics, total flavonoids, and anthocyanins were significantly elevated. These biological and phytochemical alterations were correlated with the upregulated expression of genes involved in phenolic acid biosynthesis. Our findings demonstrate that AmROS1 and AmDEL function as a transcriptional activator in phenolic acids biosynthesis. This study offers further insights into the heterologous or homologous regulation of phenolics production, potentially enabling its engineering in S. miltiorrhiza.

Functional, Antioxidant, Antibacterial, and Antifungal Activity of Edible Flowers

Edible flowers have been used since ancient times, but their potential for improving human health has not been explored. This study aimed to evaluate the profile of bioactive compounds (organic acids, phenolics, and carotenoids) and the antioxidant and antimicrobial activity of nine flower varieties with high concentrations of carotenoids or total phenolic compounds. Ninety-three edible flowers were analysed for physicochemical characteristics, total phenolic and carotenoid concentrations, and antioxidant activity (ABTS). Bioactive profiles were determined by rapid resolution liquid chromatography (RRLC), and antimicrobial activity was determined against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Streptococcus mutans, and Candida albicans and Candida tropicalis. Chrysanthemum x hybrid orange, Helianthus annuus yellow, Tagetes patula orange, Canna indica red, and Hibiscus rosa-sinensis (orange1 and yellow) showed significant concentrations of total carotenoids. In contrast, Pelargonium hortorum orange2, Hibiscus rosa-sinensis red1, and Rosa x hybrid variety medium yellow showed high levels of total phenolics. The predominant compounds in these species were citric acid (991.4 mg/g DW in Hibiscus rosa-sinensis red1), 4-hydroxybenzoic acid (936.2 mg/100 g DW in P. hortorum orange2), kaempferol (971. 9 mg/100 g DW in T. patula orange), quercetin glucoside (958.8 in C. x hybrid), quercetin (919.3 mg/100 g DW in T. patula), α-carotene, and β-carotene in T. patula orange (989.5 and 601.2 mg/100 g DW, respectively). Regarding antimicrobial activity, T. patula orange and P. hortorum orange2 inhibited bacterial growth, while C. x hybrid orange and P. hortorum orange2 inhibited Candida albicans, and the latter inhibited Candida tropicalis. These results indicate the potential of edible flowers as a natural source of bioactive compounds and as a tool in the fight against antimicrobial resistance.

Enhanced nutritional profile of dehulled peas through fungal fermentation: Impacts on protein, starch, saponins, and total phenolic content

AbstractDehulled peas (DHP) are increasingly popular in food applications, but their integration in food products is limited due to high starch and fiber causing gelling and aggregation during cooking. Additionally, DHP contains saponins (secondary metabolite), contributing to bitter flavors, yet they also hold health benefits. We hypothesize that fungal fermentation could enhance DHP nutritional profile and integration into food products. This study evaluated the effects of six fungal organisms (Aspergillus niger [An], Aspergillus oryzae [Ao], Aureobasidium pullulans [Ap], Neurospora crassa [Nc], Rhizopus microspores var. oligosporus [Ro], Trichoderma reesei [Tr]) on DHP over 120 h of submerged fermentation, evaluating total phenolics, starch, saponins, crude proteins, and overall mass balance. Results from the study demonstrated notable changes post‐fermentation, including increased overall protein content and solubility, decreased starch content, reduced overall mass recovery, and elevated levels of total phenolics and saponins. Filamentous fungi exhibited a significant reduction in starch content, contributing to a substantial reduction in mass recovery (31%–60%) compared to the control. Unexpectedly, saponin concentrations increased (1.5 to 3 folds) during fermentation, possibly attributed to the breakdown of the substrate matrix and release of bound saponins. Total phenolic levels varied among microorganisms, with An and Nc demonstrating the highest increases (6 to 10 folds) as compared to the control. Overall, these findings point to fungal fermentation as a tool for adding value to yellow peas and other crops facing similar processing challenges. Further research is warranted to understand the health impacts and value of these enhancements.

Phenolic compounds' stability in reduced-calorie plum spread fortified with freeze-dried plum pomace: Effects of processing techniques and pasteurization

Fortified reduced-calorie plum spreads (∼40°Brix), containing 10 % (w/w) freeze-dried plum pomace (FD-PP), were analyzed for phenolic compounds (spectrophotometrically and chromatographically determined) and antioxidant activity to evaluate the effects of processing and pasteurization during the transition from laboratory (LS-S) to industrial scale (IS-S) spread manufacturing. Additionaly, a control sample at an industrial scale (IS-CS) was prepared to estimate FD-PP's functional contribution. The physicochemical properties of spreads and plum materials used (FD-PP and plum purée, PP), were also investigated. IS-S exhibited increased levels of total phenols, total flavonoids, total anthocyanins, catechin, chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, rutin, quercetin, cyanidin 3-O-glucoside, and cyanidin 3-O-rutinoside, alongside higher antioxidant activity compared to IS-CS. LS-S retained more phenolics than IS-S, possibly due to the pasteurization step (85 °C, 1 h) introduced in IS-S processing. Although characterised by reduced phenolic and anthocyanins content upon pasteurization, appealing colour of the IS-S spread was retained. Significant correlations (p<0.05) were observed across most individual phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity. Standard score (SS) analysis showed that phenolic retention and antioxidant activity were highest in LS-S (SS=0.754), followed by IS-S (SS=0.490) and IS-CS (SS=0.163). Pasteurization and the use of FD-PP contributed to the microbiologically stable spread after 21 days of storage.

Photophysiological and Oxidative Responses of the Symbiotic Estuarine Anemone Anthopleura hermaphroditica to the Impact of UV Radiation and Salinity: Field and Laboratory Approaches.

The estuarine anemone Anthopleura hermaphroditica and its symbiont Philozoon anthopleurum are continuously exposed to intense fluctuations in solar radiation and salinity owing to tidal changes. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of the tidal cycle, solar radiation, and salinity fluctuations on the photosynthetic and cellular responses (lipid peroxidation, total phenolic compounds, and antioxidant activity) of the symbiont complex over a 24 h period in the Quempillén River Estuary. Additionally, laboratory experiments were conducted to determine the specific photobiological responses to photosynthetically active radiation (PAR), ultraviolet radiation (UVR), and salinity. Our field results showed that the photosynthetic parameters of the symbiont complex decreased with increasing ambient radiation; however, no relationship was observed with changes in salinity. Increased peroxidative damage, total phenolic compound levels, and antioxidant activity were mainly related to increased UVR and, to a lesser extent, PAR. During the dark period, only PAR-exposed organisms returned to the basal levels of photosynthesis and cell damage. Laboratory exposure confirmed the deleterious effects of UVR on the photosynthetic response. The present study suggests that the ability of A. hermaphroditica to acclimate to natural radiation stress is mediated by the concerted action of various physiological mechanisms that occur at different times of the day, under varying levels of environmental stress.

Phenolic content, antioxidant activity, and tyrosinase inhibitor potential for both skin and physical health: test of extract, skin content and content of Garcinia Cowa fruit

Skin aging leads to reduced structural integrity and reduced skin function. Medicinal plant extracts that have antioxidant properties and are able to inhibit tyrosinase have become a trend in various uses for anti-aging. One of the commonly used plants in traditional medicine that grows in many Asian countries is garcinia cowa. Currently, no one has studied the fruit from two different aspects, namely for the skin and to help in physical improvement. The purpose of this study is to test the phenolic content, antioxidants, and tyrosinase inhibition activity of the extract from the skin and pulp of garcinia cowa as well as its effectiveness on the physical ability and function of the skin. The stages carried out start from the collection of garcina cowa fruits, the determination of total phenolic levels, the determination of antioxidant activity, and the determination of tyrosinase inhibition activity. The total phenolic content was determined by the folin-ciocalteu method. The phenolic content of garcinia cowa fruit peel extract is 17.789 mg of gallic acid equivalent extract (GAE)/g, while the meat extract is 12.078 mg GAE/g extract. Furthermore, the flesh of garcinia cowa showed weak antioxidant activity with an IC50 value of 490.2 μg/mL, but the fruit peel extract showed moderate antioxidant activity at 243.3 μg/mL. The skin of garcinia cowa fruit shows tyrosinase inhibition activity in vitro, which is more significant than the pulp. Garcinia cowa peel and pulp extracts both contain phenolic compounds and show the antioxidant activity, but it was found that the fruit peel extract has a higher content. This means that with its antioxidant content, it can ward off free radicals, prevent cell damage, and reduce the risk of chronic diseases. The combination of phenolic content, antioxidant activity, and tyrosinase inhibitor potential provides significant benefits for skin health and overall physical health.

Untargeted Metabolomics Analysis Using FTIR and LC-HRMS for Differentiating Sonchus arvensis Plant Parts and Evaluating Their Biological Activity.

The composition and concentration of compounds in medicinal plants vary based on several factors, including the specific part of the plant being used. These variations in composition and concentration lead to differences in biological activity levels. In this study, we aimed to assess the phytochemical profile of Sonchus arvensis and to investigate the biological activity of different plant parts (roots, stems, and leaves) using ametabolomics approach. We analyzed the plant extracts for total phenolic and flavonoid levels, antioxidant activity, and xanthine oxidase inhibition. We also conducted metabolite profiling using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry. A total of 17 metabolites were identified (13 in leaves, 10 in stems, and 9 in roots). Principal component analysis effectively differentiated S. arvensis extracts based on differences in plant parts. These findings indicate that the quantity and diversity of metabolites present in the roots, stems, and leaves influence the biological activity of S. arvensis.

Antioxidant and immunomodulatory activities of ethanol extracts from Syzygium cumini L. Skeels and Pogostemon cablin Benth

Syzygium cumini and Pogostemon cablin are mostly cultivated in tropical climates for culinary and perfumery purposes, yet their potential medicinal properties remain underreported. The aim of this study was to examine the antioxidant and immunomodulatory activities of ethanol extracts from S. cumini (EESC) and P. cablin (EEPC). Reflux extraction was carried out using 96% ethanol on the collected plant specimens to produce EESC and EEPC. Secondary metabolites of each extract were identified using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The extracts were measured for total phenol and flavonoid levels and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging activity. The immunomodulatory activity test was carried out in vivo by assessing several parameters, including the phagocytic index via the carbon clearance method, organ indices, antibody titers, and delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) response, using sheep red blood cells (SRBC) as antigens. The extracts were also examined for their anti-inflammatory activity in acute and chronic inflammation models. In the DPPH antioxidant test, EESC and EEPC had IC50 values of 12.33 µg/mL and 182.17 µg/mL, respectively. Both extracts showed immunosuppressant activity, marked by a phagocytic index of &lt;1. EESC yielded lower organ indices for the liver (p=0.025 at 200 mg/kg BW), spleen (p=0.028 at 100 mg/kg BW), and thymus (p=0.032 at 200 mg/kg BW) compared to the control group. For EEPC, lower organ indices were observed in the liver at 100 mg/kg BW (p=0.005) and 200 mg/kg BW (p=0.031). In the primary antibody titer and DTH tests, both EESC and EEPC showed immunosuppressant activity at 200 and 400 mg/kg BW (p&lt;0.05). The extracts suppressed both the innate and adaptive immune systems. Both EEPC (p=0.004) and EESC at 100 mg/kg BW (p=0.03) significantly reduced serum TNF-α levels. In conclusion, EESC and EEPC have the potential as immunosuppressive and anti-inflammatory agents.

Stress Responses to Bark Beetle Infestations among Pine (Pinus sylvestris), Fir (Abies alba), and Beech (Fagus sylvatica) Trees

Insect infestation triggers multiple defense responses in plants, both locally at the infection site and systemically throughout the plant, including the production of feeding deterrents, toxins, defensive proteins, enzymes, and secondary metabolites. Our study aimed to compare the endogenous levels of antioxidative enzymes, photosynthetic pigments, phytohormones, total phenols, and flavonoids in bark-beetle-infested and uninfested trees. We evaluated the surviving trees in bark-beetle-infested stands, assessing both the condition and defense of uninfested and infested beech (Fagus sylvatica), pine (Pinus sylvestris), and fir (Abies alba) trees. Sampling was performed at six affected sites in the Czech Republic, targeting trees that were resilient to significant health deterioration caused by abiotic and biotic factors. The results showed different levels of most of the measured compounds in the three species. Among all the tested species, photosynthetic pigment levels showed the strongest association with infestation status, which was generally lower in the infested plants. For chlorophyll a, extremely significant reductions were observed from 123 ± 20.6 to 101 ± 17.9 μg/g dry weight (DW) in pine, from 231 ± 33.1 to 199 ± 22.2 μg/g DW in beech, and from 60 ± 5.66 to 51.3 ± 6.27 μg/g DW in fir. In contrast, enzymatic activities indicated only isolated instances of significant association, whereas antioxidative properties (total phenolic content, flavonoids, and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging capacity) were not significantly associated with infestation status. There was a statistically significant increase in glutathione reductase activity in infested fir and pine trees. However, this difference was not statistically significant in beech. In contrast, a significant increase in superoxide dismutase activity was detected in infected beech trees. Phytohormones have emerged as the most diverse group of analyzed compounds. Cytokinins were the most distinct, with many of them being significantly increased in infested pines, whereas both beech and fir showed only one significant association. Additionally, derivatives of jasmonic acid also showed a distinct pattern of change associated with bark beetle infestation, with the levels of three out of the four analyzed jasmonates being significantly decreased in infested pines, whereas no effects were observed in beeches and firs. Notably, many phytohormones were significantly elevated in the infested pine, whereas both beech and fir exhibited only one significant association. Overall, the data showed that pines responded differently to bark beetles than to beeches or firs. The greatest changes in phytohormones were observed in pine, whereas the most significant changes in photosynthetic pigments were observed in beech and fir trees.

Microwave Irradiation as a Powerful Tool for Isolating Isoflavones from Soybean Flour

The use of microwave irradiation energy for isolating bioactive compounds from plant materials has gained popularity due to its ability to penetrate cells and facilitate extraction of intracellular materials, with the added benefits of minimal or no use of organic solvents. This is particularly significant due to the possibility of using extracts in the food and pharmaceutical industries. The aim of this work is to examine the effect of microwave irradiation on the extraction of three of the most important isoflavones from soybean flour, glycitin, genistin, and daidzin, as well as their aglycones, glycitein, genistein, and daidzein. By varying the extraction time, temperature, and microwave power, we have established the optimal parameters (irradiation power of 75 W for 5 min) for the most efficient extraction of individual isoflavones. Compared to conventional maceration and ultrasound-assisted extraction, the total phenol content of the extracts increased from 3.66 to 9.16 mg GAE/g dw and from 4.67 to 9.16 mg GAE/g dw, respectively. The total flavonoid content increased from 0.38 to 0.83 mg CE/g dw and from 0.48 to 0.83 mg CE/g dw, and the antioxidant activity increased from 96.54 to 185.04 µmol TE/g dw and from 158.57 to 185.04 µmol TE/g dw, but also from 21.97 to 37.16 µmol Fe2+/g dw and from 30.13 to 37.16 µmol Fe2+/g dw. The positive correlation between microwave extraction and increased levels of total phenols, flavonoids, and antioxidant activity demonstrates the method’s effectiveness in producing bioactive compounds. Considering the growing recognition of glycitein’s potential role in medical and pharmaceutical applications, microwave-assisted extraction under optimized conditions has proven highly efficient.

Silicon dioxide and selenium nanoparticles enhance vase life and physiological quality in black magic roses

In contemporary floriculture, particularly within the cut flower industry, there is a burgeoning interest in innovative methodologies aimed at enhancing the aesthetic appeal and prolonging the postharvest longevity of floral specimens. Within this context, the application of nanotechnology, specifically the utilization of silicon and selenium nanoparticles, has emerged as a promising approach for augmenting the qualitative attributes and extending the vase life of cut roses. This study evaluated the impact of silicon dioxide (SiO2-NPs) and selenium nanoparticles (Se-NPs) in preservative solutions on the physio-chemical properties of ‘Black Magic’ roses. Preservative solutions were formulated with varying concentrations of SiO2-NPs (25 and 50 mg L−1) and Se-NPs (10 and 20 mg L−1), supplemented with a continuous treatment of 3% sucrose. Roses treated with 20 mg L−1 Se-NPs exhibited the lowest relative water loss, highest solution uptake, maximum photochemical performance of PSII (Fv/Fm), and elevated antioxidative enzyme activities. The upward trajectory of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in petals was mitigated by different levels of SiO2 and Se-NPs, with the lowest H2O2 and MDA observed in preservatives containing 50 mg L−1 SiO2- and 20 mg L−1 Se-NPs at the 15th day, surpassing controls and other treatments. Extended vase life and a substantial enhancement in antioxidative capacity were noted under Se and Si nanoparticles in preservatives. The levels of total phenols, flavonoids, and anthocyanin increased during the vase period, particularly in the 50 and 20 mg L−1 Se-NPs and SiO2-NPs. Petal carbohydrate exhibited a declining trend throughout the longevity, with reductions of 8% and 66% observed in 20 mg L−1 Se-NPs and controls, respectively. The longest vase life was achieved with Se-NPs (20 mg L−1), followed by SiO2-NPs (50 mg L−1) up to 16.6 and 15th days, respectively. These findings highlight the significant potential of SiO2- and Se-NPs in enhancing the vase life and physiological qualities of ‘Black Magic’ roses, with SiO2-NPs showing broad-spectrum efficacy.

Evaluation of SO2, glutathione, and glutathione-rich inactive dry yeast as antioxidants on the fermentation properties of Roxburgh rose wine

Cili (Roxburgh rose) wine, which is rich in ascorbic acid, flavones, and polyphenols, presents unique challenges in wine production, including oxidation, aroma loss, and SO2 residues. This study investigated the effects of three antioxidants (SO2, glutathione (GSH), and GSH-rich inactive dry yeast (g-IDY)) on the fermentation properties of cili wine and evaluated the potential of g-IDY for addressing the aforementioned issues. g-IDY significantly enhanced the fermentation rate, as evidenced by increased CO2 production within 48 h, and maintained high levels of GSH, total phenolics, total flavones, and ascorbic acid, contributing to the antioxidant capacity and overall stability of the wine. g-IDY also improved the retention and concentration of key aromatic compounds, including higher alcohols, esters, and terpenes, thereby enhancing the sensory profile of the wine. Principal component analysis confirmed that different antioxidants significantly altered the volatile profile, with g-IDY demonstrating distinct improvements. The optimal concentration was 400 mg/L g-IDY. Compared with traditional antioxidants like SO2 and pure GSH, g-IDY offers a safer and more effective solution for preserving the quality of cili wine. This study provides experimental evidence for refining the fermentation process and promotes the use of g-IDY for enhancing the antioxidant capacity and sensory attributes of cili wine.

Comparison of Protective Effects of Polyphenol-Enriched Extracts from Thinned Immature Kiwifruits and Mature Kiwifruits against Alcoholic Liver Disease in Mice.

Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) is regarded as one of the main global health problems. Accumulated evidence indicates that fruit-derived polyphenols can lower the risk of ALD, this attributed to their strong antioxidant capacities. Thinned immature kiwifruits (TIK) are the major agro-byproducts in the production of kiwifruits, which have abundantly valuable polyphenols. However, knowledge about the protective effects of polyphenol-enriched extract from TIK against ALD is still lacking, which ultimately restricts their application as value-added functional products. To promote their potential applications, phenolic compounds from TIK and their corresponding mature fruits were compared, and their protective effects against ALD were studied in the present study. The findings revealed that TIK possessed extremely high levels of total phenolics (116.39 ± 1.51 mg GAE/g DW) and total flavonoids (33.88 ± 0.59 mg RE/g DW), which were about 7.4 times and 4.8 times greater than those of their corresponding mature fruits, respectively. Furthermore, the level of major phenolic components in TIK was measured to be 29,558.19 ± 1170.58 μg/g DW, which was about 5.4 times greater than that of mature fruits. In particular, neochlorogenic acid, epicatechin, procyanidin B1, and procyanidin B2 were found as the predominant polyphenols in TIK. In addition, TIK exerted stronger in vitro antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects than those of mature fruits, which was probably because of their higher levels of polyphenols. Most importantly, compared with mature fruits, TIK exhibited superior hepatoprotective effects on alcohol-induced liver damage in mice. The administration of polyphenol-enriched extract from TIK (YK) could increase the body weight of mice, reduce the serum levels of ALP, AST, and ALT, lower the levels of hepatic TG and TC, and diminish lipid droplet accumulation and hepatic tissue damage. In addition, the treatment of YK could also significantly restore the levels of antioxidant enzymes (e.g., SOD and CAT) in the liver and lower the levels of hepatic proinflammatory cytokines (e.g., IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α), indicating that YK could effectively ameliorate ALD in mice by reducing hepatic oxidative stress and hepatic inflammation. Collectively, our findings can provide sufficient evidence for the development of TIK and their extracts as high value-added functional products for the intervention of ALD.

Senna alata: Phytochemistry, Antioxidant, Thrombolytic, Anti-inflammatory, Cytotoxicity, Antibacterial activity, and GC-MS analysis

Objective: Nepal's medicinal herbs are rich in cultural importance and have several uses. Senna alata, a plant belonging to the Leguminosae family, is prized for its aesthetic and therapeutic qualities. The goal of the study was to extract Senna alata leaves using several solvent macerations. Methods: The study aims to evaluate the phytochemistry, total phenolic and flavonoid levels, antioxidant qualities in vitro, anti-inflammatory effects, cytotoxicity, anti-thrombolytic potential, and antibacterial activity, a variety of methodologies were employed. Results: The extractive values of Senna alata were determined as 1.58%, 0.78%, and 5.92% in hexane, ethyl acetate, and methanol, respectively. GC-MS analysis revealed major compounds such as 3-Methylmannoside, Neophytadiene, Campesterol, and Vitamin E in the leaf extract. Qualitative phytochemical screening confirmed the presence of tannins, carbohydrates, flavonoids, cardiac glycosides, glycosides, and saponins in the methanol extract. The total phenolic and flavonoid contents were 46.36±4.5 mg GAE/g and 480.4±3.055 QE/g of dried extract, respectively. The extract exhibited significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, with IC50 values of 29.81 and 9.93, respectively. Additionally, it demonstrated cytotoxic activity with an LC50 value of 767.85 in the brine shrimp bioassay. In terms of thrombolytic activity, the extract showed clot lysis percentages of 7.89% and 10.13% at concentrations of 10 mg/ml and 25 mg/ml, respectively. Conclusion: The methanolic extract of Senna alata leaves displayed therapeutic potential, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, cytotoxic, thrombolytic, and antibacterial effects. The presence of several bioactive compounds, as confirmed by GC-MS analysis, further supports the plant's potential for therapeutic use.

PROXIMATE ANALYSIS OF CLOVE AND MORINGA SEEDS AND EVALUATION OF THEIR OILS FOR ANTIOXIDANT AND ANTIMICROBIAL ACTIVITY

The current study shows proximate analysis of Syzgium aromaticum (clove) and Moringa oleifera (Moringa) seeds; wherein, carbohydrates, protein, lipids, ash and fibre in clove seeds was 471.38 mg/g.dw, 219.53 mg/g.dw, 217 mg/g.dw, 14.6 mg/g.dw and 21 mg/g.dw while in moringa seeds was 492.32 mg/g.dw, 214.06 mg/g.dw, 114 mg/g.dw, 48.8 mg/g.dw and 20 mg/g.dw respectively. Furthermore, GC-MS analysis of Moringa oleifera (moringa) oil revealed presence of 14 different essential fatty acids whereas Syzgium aromaticum (clove) oil revealed presence of 18 different phytocompounds. Furthermore, the findings demonstrate that clove and moringa oil have the same total phenolic and total flavonoid levels (TPC and TFC), with higher value of both TPC and TFC in clove oil (24.56 mg/g.dw GE and 6.55 mg/g.dw QE) in comparison to Moringa oil (9.13 mg/g.dw GE and 3.15 mg/g.dw QE). Furthermore, the potent antibacterial as well as antifungal efficacy of both clove oil and moringa oil against E. coli, S. aureus, A. nigerand P. chrysogenum, concluded that clove oil has a greater level of antibacterial and antifungal effectiveness.

Modulation of Antioxidant Properties in Leaves of Betel Vine (Piper betel L.) Influenced by the Fungicide Blitox

The experiment was conducted using a Randomized Block Design with three replications at the Plant Virus Research Station, BCKV, Kalyani, in Boroj. On betel vines, Blitox was sprayed at both double the recommended field dose (dRFD) and the recommended field dose (RFD) (50 WP/ha @ 15gm ai/6 lit). The vines were sprayed five more times at 15-day intervals beginning when they were 11.08.15 days old. Before every spray, leaf samples were taken and subjected to a number of criteria for analysis. Based on statistical analysis, the anti-oxidative characteristics improved most significantly when Blitox was administered at twice the recommended field dose (dRFD) (Blitox 50WP/ha @ 30gm ai/6 lit). Higher levels of free and total phenols, together with enhanced activity of enzymes such polyphenol peroxidase (PPO), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and peroxidase (POD), were indicators of this. Furthermore, testing for ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and diphenyl picryl hydrazyl (DPPH) revealed increased activity levels in the dRFD therapy in comparison to the RFD and control groups. Overall, these results imply that the larger Blitox dosage strengthens the antioxidant characteristics of betel vine leaves, hence enhancing their health and resistance to fungus-related infections.

Characterization, Antioxidant Capacity, and Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Polyphenol-Enriched Extracts Obtained from Unripe, Mature, and Overripe Fruits of Red-Fleshed Kiwifruit Cultivars.

Discarded unripe kiwifruits (DUKs) are regarded as the major agro-byproducts in the production of kiwifruits, which have abundantly valuable secondary metabolites. Nevertheless, owing to the limited knowledge about the differences in phytochemicals and bioactivity between DUKs and mature kiwifruits, the utilization of DUKs in the food industry remains scarce. Hence, to promote their food applications, the phenolic compounds and bioactivity of discarded unripe, mature, and overripe fruits from three red-fleshed kiwifruit cultivars were studied and compared. The results revealed that the levels of total phenolics, total flavonoids, and total procyanidins in kiwifruits varied significantly by maturity stage. In addition, our findings demonstrated that DUKs possessed much higher contents of valuable phenolic compounds (e.g., chlorogenic acid (CHA), neochlorogenic acid (NCHA), gallic acid (GA), protocatechuic acid (PA), procyanidin B1 (ProcB1), procyanidin B2 (ProcB2), procyanidin C1 (ProcC1), quercetin 3-O-glucoside (QueG), and quercetin 3-O-rhamnoside (QueR)) than mature and overripe kiwifruits. Furthermore, DUKs exerted much stronger in vitro antioxidant capacity, inhibitory effects on α-glucosidase, and anti-inflammatory activity than mature and overripe kiwifruits, which were mainly attributed to their higher contents of total polyphenols and individual phenolic components, such as GA, CHA, NCHA, PA, ProcB1, ProcB2, ProcC1, and QueR. Overall, these findings provide sufficient evidence for the development and utilization of DUKs in the food/functional food industry.

Hydrogen sulfide attenuates chilling injury in loquat fruit by alleviating oxidative stress and maintaining cell membrane integrity

The effects of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) on chilling injury (CI), reactive oxygen species (ROS) metabolism, sugar metabolism, pentose phosphate pathway (PPP), and membrane lipid metabolism in loquat fruit throughout the refrigerated period were investigated in this study. The findings indicated that H2S application restrained the increase in internal browning (IB), malondialdehyde (MDA) content, and electrolyte leakage, while sustaining higher total phenolic and total flavonoid levels, and lower soluble quinone content in loquat fruit. Besides, H2S promoted antioxidant accumulation and increased antioxidant enzyme activities by the regulation of ROS metabolism, along with increasing fructose and glucose levels and reducing power by activating sugar metabolism and PPP. Furthermore, H2S treatment retarded the degradation of phospholipids and fatty acids in loquat fruit by modulating membrane lipid metabolism relevant enzyme activities. These findings indicated that H2S application mitigated CI in loquat fruit by alleviating oxidative stress and maintaining cell membrane structural integrity.

Integration of volatile and non-volatile metabolite profile, and in vitro digestion reveals the differences between different preparation methods on physico-chemical and biological properties of Gastrodia elata

Gastrodia elata Blume (G. elata) is a traditional medicinal and edible plant whose quality is significantly influenced by post-harvest processing. To obtain an optimal post-harvest processing method for G. elata, this study employed sensory evaluation, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), gas chromatography-ion mobility spectrometry (GC-IMS), and non-targeted metabolomics, in conjunction with an in vitro digestion model, to assess the impact of different processing and drying methods on the quality of G. elata. The findings showed that the steam treatment followed by heat pump drying resulted in the highest levels of total phenols, total flavonoids, and polysaccharides in G. elata, and caused more pronounced damage to its microstructure. This treatment also maintained the highest antioxidant activities and optimal acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibition capacity throughout in vitro digestion, meanwhile, effectively eliminating the unpleasant odor and achieving the highest sensory scores. Furthermore, non-targeted metabolomic analysis revealed noteworthy alterations in the metabolite profile of G. elata, mainly related to purine metabolism and the biosynthesis of amino acids pathways. This study provides valuable insights into the post-harvest processing of G. elata.