Lower Phenolic Content Research Articles

Screening the in vitro Antimicrobial and Antioxidant Activities of Methanolic Extract of Epiphyllum oxypetalum (DC.) Haw. Leaf

Epiphyllum oxypetalum (E. oxypetalum) is traditionally used to cure liver infections, for wound healing, and to alleviate viral–related diseases. However, as the alcohol and aqueous solvents have low total phenolic and flavonoid content (TPC and TFC), antioxidant, and antibacterial capabilities, a different polarity would be more suitable. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the methanolic extract of E. oxypetalum leaf. The chemical constituents were identified through TPC and TFC, as well as GC–MS analysis. The methanolic extract of E. oxypetalum leaf was evaluated for antimicrobial properties against five bacterial strains - Klebsiella pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus epidermidis, and a fungal strain of Candida albicans using the disc diffusion method. The antioxidant activity of the methanolic extract of E. oxypetalum leaf was also assessed using DPPH assay. The highest values of the TPC and TFC of the methanolic extract of E. oxypetalum leaf were 179.86 ± 0.17 mg GAE/g and 75.07 ± 0.17 mg QE/g, respectively. The GC–MS had 27 m/z peaks, indicating the presence of various bioactive compounds including phenolic compounds and fatty acids. In the antimicrobial study, the zone of inhibition (ZOI) was between 2.8–3.5 mm for antibacterial activity and there was also a significant antifungal activity of 1.8 mm against Candida albicans. The IC50 DPPH assay value of methanolic extract of E. oxypetalum leaf was 14 µg/ml, indicating high antioxidant properties. This study provides evidence that the methanolic extract of E. oxypetalum leaf possesses significant antioxidant and antimicrobial properties which could be attributed to its diverse chemical constituents. These findings suggest the potential of E. oxypetalum leaf as a natural source of medicine, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties.

Development and quality characterization of sapodilla ready to serve (RTS) drink

We have been awarded by nature with a stunning flora and fauna that has prettified our life. Sapodilla is well known for its therapeutic and nutritive properties. Sapodilla has good antioxidant mutagenic and anticancer properties that directly influence radical-scavenging potential. Sapodilla has a short shelf life due to its perishable nature. An attempt was carried out to develop sapodilla RTS beverages using sonication and microwave techniques. Physicochemical attributes such as acidity, pH, TSS, pH antioxidant activity of the ready to serve (RTS) and sensory attributes were analysed during 90 days of storage. The highest ° Brix was found in T0 with a mean value of 12.14 ± 1.19° Brix, the highest pH was found in T2 with mean values of 3.82 ± 0.006% and 4.28 ± 0.006% and the lowest pH was observed in T1 with a mean value of 3.72 ± 0.03%. All the treated RTS samples were subjected to antioxidant analysis including total phenols, total flavonoids and total antioxidant activity. The lowest phenolic content was observed in T0 (334.53 ± 1.66 μg GAE/100 mL of juice). The highest total flavonoid content was found in T2 (316.67 ± 19.51 μg CE/g), and the lowest total flavonoid content was observed in T0 (111.48 ± 24.28 μg CE/g). The lowest total antioxidant capacity was observed in T0 (381.85 ± 6.09 μl AAE/ml).The results of sensory evaluation revealed that the maximum score for sensory properties such as color, flavour, taste and overall acceptability was achieved by treatment T2, which revealed that these treatments of sapodilla RTS were declared the best with sonication and microwave treatment.Graphical

Effects of fermentation and enzymatic treatment on phenolic compounds and soluble proteins in oil press cakes of canola (Brassica napus)

To develop novel processes for valorizing agro-industry side-streams, canola (Brassica napus) oil press cakes (CPC) were treated with lactic acid bacteria, carbohydrase, and protease. Altogether 29 protein-rich liquid fractions were obtained, of which the composition was analyzed using chromatographic and mass spectrometric methods. A clear association was revealed between the treatments and phenolic profile. Applying certain lactic acid bacteria enhanced the release of sinapic acid, sinapine, glycosylated kaempferols, and other phenolic compounds from CPC. Co-treatment using protease and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum was effective in degrading these compounds. The fraction obtained after 16 h of hydrolysis (with Protamex® of 2% dosage) and 48 h of fermentation (using L. plantarum) contained the lowest phenolic content (0.2 g/100 g DM) and a medium level of soluble proteins (78 g/100 g) among all samples studied. The fractions rich in soluble proteins and low in phenolics are potential food ingredients with improved bioavailability and sensory properties.

Pulsed high-pressure processing of barley-based non-dairy alternative milk: β-carotene retention, protein solubility and antioxidant activity

Emerging technologies have been investigated as smart process options for manufacturing plant-based non-dairy alternative milk. However, few studies have evaluated the effects of these non-conventional technologies on the preservation of bioactive and nutritional compounds. In this regard, this study aimed to examine the impact of pulsed high-pressure processing at non-thermal and thermal conditions on the quality parameters of barley-based non-dairy milk enriched with β-carotene. The effects of the pressure (100, 300, and 600 MPa), number of pulses (1, 2, and 3 at 100 and 300 MPa), and temperature (40 and 80 °C) on the soluble protein content, β-carotene retention, total phenolic content, and flavonoid content were assessed. Also, we examined the antioxidant capacity of the samples using in vitro assays. The samples were exposed to pressure for 2 min, but the total treatment time varied from 2.5 to 9 min, according to the pressure and pulse conditions. Higher pressure pulses at 100 MPa favored the homogenization of the system. The solubility of the barley proteins increased by increasing the number of pulses from 1 to 3 at 100 MPa. β-Carotene was thermally degraded up to 20% by the thermal treatments at 80 °C. Additionally, the treatments performed at 80 °C provided samples with lower phenolic and flavonoid contents. On the other hand, the rise in pressure up to 300 MPa promoted the disruption of the cell membranes of barley particles, favoring the extraction of bonded phenolic and flavonoid compounds. Regardless of the number of pulses, samples treated at 300 MPa and 40 °C presented the highest phenolic and flavonoid contents. Antioxidant capacity results presented similar behavior as observed for phenolic and flavonoid contents. Therefore, the different combinations of pressure and temperature promoted distinct effects on the protein solubility and bioactive compounds of the barley-based non-dairy milk.

Characterization of Sideritis clandestina subsp. peloponnesiaca Polar Glycosides and Phytochemical Comparison to Other Mountain Tea Populations.

Sideritis clandestina (Bory & Chaub.) Hayek subsp. peloponnesiaca (Boiss. & Heldr.) Baden (SCP) is endemic to the mountains of the Northern Peloponnese (Greece). This and other Sideritis taxa, collectively known as mountain tea, are widely ingested as beverages for refreshment or medicinal purposes. We describe a methodology for the characterization of SCP. Four iridoid glycosides (monomelittoside, melittoside, ajugoside, and 7-O-acetyl-8-epiloganic acid), two phenolic acid glycosides (vanillic and salicylic acid glycosides), and three caffeoyl ester glycosides (chlorogenic acid, verbascoside, and isoverbascoside) were isolated from SCP for the first time. We used ultrasound-assisted extraction of 3 g of plant material to produce petroleum ether and aqueous extracts, which we then analyzed using GC/MS and LC/MS. This was applied to eight samples from four different taxa. In total, 70 volatile and 27 polar metabolites were determined. The S. clandestina samples had a lower phenolic content and weaker antioxidant properties than S. raeseri and S. scardica. However, S. clandestina ssp. clandestina seemed to be the most aromatic taxon, with almost double the number of volatiles as the others. Τhis study could contribute to authentication and chemotaxonomic studies of Sideritis taxa.

In-situ catalytic hydro-liquefaction of Delonix regia lignocellulosic biomass waste in hydrogen-donor solvent

Wastes from forestry residues and tree felling have been a major waste management concern since a long time. This issue had been addressed in this work where utilization of waste Delonix regia biomass by hydro-liquefaction in a hydrogen-donor solvent (methanol) and in presence of Ni–Al co-precipitation catalyst at different temperatures and a fixed pressure have seen to provide synergistic results not only in terms of yield of liquid products but also their higher heating values. To the best of authors’ knowledge, no studies have been testified in the literature using such co-precipitation catalyst for Delonix regia biomass liquefaction. The hydrogen donating capability of alcoholic methanol solvent in the hydro-liquefaction process along with existence of hydrogen rich environment, caused by supply of initial external hydrogen pressure, explained high yield of liquid products. A maximum higher heating value (HHV) of 26.31 MJ/kg for biocrude, obtained at 200 °C and 80 bar final reactor pressure for 60 min reaction time, depicted the potentiality of Ni–Al catalyst in reducing oxygen content of biocrude by partial hydrogenation during the liquefaction process. Apart from this, biocrude showed presence of long chain alkanes, esters, aldehydes and ketones in them. The low phenol content of the biocrude as found from Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) results were an indication of its less hazardous and toxic nature. The free-flowability and porous nature of solid biochar from this hydro-liquefaction process was a sign of their effectiveness in soil remediation processes and wastewater treatment. Finally, physical properties and fuel potential of biocrude obtained in this process were superior compared to those of bio-oil obtained by catalytic, non-catalytic and hydro-catalytic pyrolysis of same biomass conducted at elevated temperature of 600 °C.

The Effects of Differentiated Organic Fertilization on Tomato Production and Phenolic Content in Traditional and High-Yielding Varieties.

The challenge of sustainable agriculture is to increase yields and obtain higher quality products. Increased antioxidant compounds such as polyphenols in harvest products may be an added value for sustainable agriculture. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether three organic fertilization treatments with different levels of carbon and nitrogen, i.e., N-rich, N-rich+C, and N-poor+C, affected the phenolic content of different tomato varieties. The examined parameters were productivity, plant nutritional status, δ13C, and tomato phenolic content as an indication of the antioxidant capacity. The best production was obtained with 'Cornabel', a high-yielding Pebroter variety. The total phenolic content was highest in the traditional 'Cuban Pepper' variety regardless of treatment, while naringenin levels were high in all the Pebroter varieties. In N-poor+C fertilized plants, a lower N-NO3 content in leaves was correlated with higher levels of total polyphenols in the fruit. The high-water stress suffered by Montserrat varieties coincided with a low total phenolic content in the tomatoes. In conclusion, organic fertilization with reduced N did not influence the tomato yield but positively affected phenolic compound levels in varieties less sensitive to water stress.

Deciphering the role of polyphenol in defence mechanism against tea mosquito bug (Helopeltis theivora Waterhouse.) in cocoa (Theobroma cocoa L.).

Tea mosquito bug (TMB) is a serious pest of cocoa whose prevalence is high, mostly during summer and post monsoon season. Three species of tea mosquito bug have been reported on cocoa: Helopeltis antonii Signoret, H. theivora Waterhouse, and H. bradyi Waterhouse. H. theivora is the most prevalent one causing damage to young shoots, cherelles and pods. Rearing of tea mosquito bug on cocoa was found to be a failure in the present study hence Helopeltis theivora Waterhouse was maintained on the alternate host mile-a-minute (Mikania micrantha Kunth) under laboratory condition in insect rearing cages. Using freshly reared tea mosquito bugs twenty cocoa hybrids were screened for resistance and were ranked after 72 hours of screening. All the hybrids having less than three lesions per plant in seedlings and less than 33 lesions on pods were ranked as highly resistant. It was observed that hybrids classified as highly resistant had significantly higher phenol content than those classified as susceptible. The significantly low phenol content in the susceptible hybrids suggests that phenolics have a function in mediating resistance to tea mosquito bug in cocoa. From correlation and regression analysis it is confirmed that phenol content can be used as a potential marker indicating the level of resistance of cocoa hybrids against tea mosquito bug resistance.

Impact of Phenol-Enriched Olive Oils on Serum Metabonome and Its Relationship with Cardiometabolic Parameters: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Cross-Over, Controlled Trial.

Phenol-rich foods consumption such as virgin olive oil (VOO) has been shown to have beneficial effects on cardiovascular diseases. The broader biochemical impact of VOO and phenol-enriched OOs remains, however, unclear. A randomized, double-blind, cross-over, controlled trial was performed with thirty-three hypercholesterolemic individuals who ingested for 3-weeks (25 mL/day): (1) an OO enriched with its own olive oil phenolic compounds (PCs) (500 ppm; FOO); (2) an OO enriched with its own olive oil PCs (250 ppm) plus thyme PCs (250 ppm; FOOT); and (3) a VOO with low phenolic content (80 ppm). Serum lipid and glycemic profiles, serum 1H-NMR spectroscopy-based metabolomics, endothelial function, blood pressure, and cardiovascular risk were measured. We combined OPLS-DA with machine learning modelling to identify metabolites discrimination of the treatment groups. Both phenol-enriched OO interventions decreased the levels of glutamine, creatinine, creatine, dimethylamine, and histidine in comparison to VOO one. In addition, FOOT decreased the plasma levels of glycine and DMSO2 compared to VOO, while FOO decreased the circulating alanine concentrations but increased the plasma levels of acetone and 3-HB compared to VOO. Based on these findings, phenol-enriched OOs were shown to result in a favorable shift in the circulating metabolic phenotype, inducing a reduction in metabolites associated with cardiometabolic diseases.

In Vitro Anti-Inflammatory Activities of Fucoidans from Five Species of Brown Seaweeds.

This study aimed to compare the anti-inflammatory effects of fucoidans from brown seaweeds (Saccharina japonica (SJ), Fucus vesiculosus (FV), Fucus distichus (FD), Fucus serratus (FS), and Ascophyllum nodosum (AN)), and determine the relationship between composition and biological activity. The anti-inflammatory activity was tested in vitro. It is believed that inflammation could be triggered by free radicals. Fucoidans from F. vesiculosus (FV1 and FV3) showed the strongest 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity with an IC50 = 0.05 mg/mL. In the total antioxidant capacity (TAC) test, the activity was concentration-dependent. Notable, the TAC of fucoidans except samples of FV2 and SJ (which have a lower phenolic content) was higher than that of phloroglucinol. The TAC of fucoidans strongly and positively correlated with polyphenol content. A weak correlation was associated with xylose content. The synergistic effect for fucoidans was calculated for the first time using carbohydrates and polyphenols as model mixtures. The synergy in the DPPH test was found only for FV1 and FV3 (mixture effect ME = 2.68 and 2.04, respectively). The ME strongly positively correlated with polyphenols. The relationship of ME with fucose content was positive but moderate. It was first established that the anti-inflammatory effects of fucoidan could be mediated via the inhibition of protein denaturation. The inhibition was concentration-dependent and strongly correlated with the fucose content and moderate with sulfate content. The purified fucoidan FV2 showed the most promising activity (IC50 = 0.20 mg/mL vs. IC50 = 0.37 mg/mL for diclofenac sodium). Similar relations were also observed in the membrane protection model. Fucoidans were able to stabilize the cell membrane integrity of human red blood corpuscles (HRBC). The results of our study support the rationality of fucoidan use as a promising agent for the treatment of inflammatory-related diseases via mechanisms of radical scavenging, antioxidant activity, inhibition of protein denaturation, and HRBC membrane stabilization.

Modification of wine phenolic profiles by gibberellic acid application in 'Cabernet Gernischt' grapevines before anthesis.

Vitis vinifera L. 'Cabernet Gernischt' grapes from the Yantai wine region of China usually form dense clusters and contain low phenolic content. We applied five concentrations (ranged from 5 to 25 mg L-1 ) of gibberellic acid (GA3 ) to 'Cabernet Gernischt' before anthesis to decrease cluster compactness in two consecutive vintages. Yield indices, grape maturity, and wine phenolic compounds were determined. GA3 application significantly reduced cluster compactness, bunch weight, and yield per vine, but it did not significantly improve fruit ripening. The levels of total phenolics, total tannins, and total anthocyanins in wine were enhanced by GA3 application, with 10 and 15 mg L-1 GA3 treatments consistently producing a significant increase in the concentrations of mavidin, cyanidin, and their derivatives. Specifically, trans-resveratrol was consistently significantly increased by 15 mg L-1 GA3 application. Principal component analysis of phenolic compounds demonstrated the differences among wines produced from GA3 treatment groups and the control. Overall, wine phenolic profiles could be significantly modified by application of low concentrations of GA3 before anthesis. Application of high levels of GA3 is not recommended due to significant yield decrease. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.

Characterization of the color parameters and monomeric phenolic composition of ‘Tempranillo’ and ‘Graciano’ wines made by carbonic maceration

The current study aims to gather information about the color-related characteristics and the monomeric phenolic composition of carbonic maceration (CM) wines. The study was conducted over two vintages, with two different grape varieties. Color-related general parameters and wine monomeric phenolic composition were determined in both free-run and press CM fractions and were compared to conventional winemaking (CW). Overall, wines made by CM had lower phenolic content and color intensity. The analysis of wine detailed phenolic composition showed that CM wines were characterized by low contents of anthocyanins and flavonols. In contrast, free-run wine obtained by CM had the greatest concentration of flavanols and hydroxycinnamic acids, probably due to the presence of stems during the fermentation. In conclusion, vinification by CM leads to important differences in wine phenolic composition and, as consequence, on wine color properties. These differences could play an important role in wine sensorial properties and wine aging potential.

Chemical Composition and Cytoprotective Activities of Methanolic Extract of Asplenium adiantum-nigrum L. (Aspleniaceae)

Ferns can be a source of polyphenolic compounds, with the fronds being the main parts described in ethnopharmacological studies. The present study screened polyphenolic phytochemicals and evaluated in vitro activities of a methanolic extract of Asplenium adiantum-nigrum L. fronds (AAM), an Aspleniaceae fern collected from the Prades mountains (Tarragona, Spain). Phytocharacterization by HPLC-MS/MS confirmed that the major flavonoids isolated in AAM are flavanols while the major phytochemicals are phenol acids, with chlorogenic acid being the most representative one. Cytotoxicity, cytoprotection, cellular repair activity, and phototoxicity were determined in vitro in the presence of 0.01, 0.1, and 1 mg/mL of the extract. No cytotoxicity was obtained in any of the cell lines tested: non-tumoral (3T3 and HaCaT) and tumoral (HeLa, HepG2, and A549) cells. Additionally, the polyphenolic extract showed greater protective effect against H2O2 in 3T3 than HaCaT cells. Despite the low total phenolic content of AAM (1405.68 mg phenolic phytochemicals/kg dry extract), the cytoprotective activity of this extract could be associated with the synergistic antioxidant action of their polyphenolic profile. In addition, the extract did not present phototoxicity against the non-cytotoxic 1.8 J/cm2 dose of UVA light in both non-tumoral cell lines.

Calotropis procera (Aiton) seeds fixed oil: Physicochemical analysis, GC–MS profiling and evaluation of its in-vivo anti-inflammatory and in-vitro antiparasitic activities

Calotropis procera (Aiton) is a wildly grown shrubbery that has been used by traditional healers in various remedies for centuries. Its different organs are reported to possess a variety of biological activities. However, a few reports chemically investigated the seed fixed oil, but they didn’t prospect its bioactivity. Accordingly, this study aimed to investigate the phytochemical composition, physicochemical properties, and biological activity of the seed oil. As well, exploration of the best extraction method that give the highest oil yield with the best composition. Physicochemical properties, total phenolic content and oxidative stability index of the oil were estimated. GC–MS analysis identified the oil content. Anti- inflammatory activity was examined using a carrageenan-induced rat paw edema assay. Immunomodulatory activity was determined by measuring the pro-inflammatory cytokines levels. Moreover, In- vitro anti-parasitic and antioxidant activities were studied. Soxhlet extraction method gives the highest yield of 40.5 ± 0.76% with no time interval. The oil shows a physicochemical property within the AOCS standards and low phenol content. GC-MS analysis reveals unsaturated fatty acids account for 75.25% of the oil, with an abundance of oleic acid (33.64%) and linoleic acid (31.95%). The oil exhibited potent anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory activity. At various dose levels, paw edoema volume, pro-inflammatory cytokines, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and myeloperoxidase (MPO) serum levels were reduced. The seed oil is a promising candidate for the treatment of inflammation and/or inflammatory associated diseases (as parasitic infections) besides its immunomodulatory activity.

Subcritical water extraction for recovery of phenolics and fucoidan from New Zealand Wakame (Undaria pinnatifida) seaweed

In this study, subcritical water extraction (SWE) was investigated for the recovery of phenolics, phlorotannins, and fucoidan from New Zealand Wakame. Maximum total phenolics and phlorotannin content of 29.9 mg ± 1.8 mg gallic acid equivalent/g dry weight seaweed (mg GAE/g dw) and 0.99 mg ± 0.004 mg phloroglucinol equivalents (PGE)/g dw respectively were achieved at 210 °C, at a solid content of 10 g/L, and at 15–20 min. Maximum fucoidan yield of 46 mg/g dw was obtained at 120 °C, 5 min, and 20 g/L. In comparison, conventional hot water extraction (HWE) achieved lower phenolic and phlorotannin content at 1.27 mg ± 0.01 mg GAE/g dw and 0.69 mg ± 0.1 mg PGE/g dw respectively. Also, fucoidan was not detected by HWE and antioxidant activity was much lower compared to SWE. These results indicate the effectiveness of SWE as an alternative to conventional extraction methods.

Effect of processing on the antioxidant activities of porridges and Pittu prepared from finger millets (Eleusine coracana)

Finger millets are important coarse grains that exhibit high levels of phenolic compounds and antioxidant activities among other cereals. Grains are subjected to a number of thermal treatments and this could affect the contents and bioactivities of phenolic compounds. The aim of the present study was to determine the phenolic contents and antioxidant activities of finger millet flour and foods, namely porridges and Pittu subjected to several thermal treatments such as roasting, parboiling, and parboiled roasting of flour and open boiling and steaming of foods prepared using flour. The effect of the addition of spices on phenolic content and antioxidant activities to open boiled foods was determined. Antioxidant activities of phenolic extracts obtained from finger millet flour and foods were studied for their total phenolic, flavonoids and proanthocyanidins contents, radical scavenging capacities, reducing power, ferrous ion chelating capacity, and antioxidant activity in a β-carotene/linoleate emulsion. The roasted flour and foods had higher total phenolic content (TPC) than other counterparts and ranged from 21.58 to 28.63 µmol ferulic acid equivalents/g dry matter. All flour and food preparations exhibited effective inhibition of radicals, reducing power, ferrous ion chelating activity, and antioxidant activity in the β-carotene/linoleate emulsion and the degree of activity depended on the processing conditions adopted in food preparations.Foods prepared using steaming showed lower phenolic content and antioxidant activities in general than those of open-boiled counterparts. The addition of spices, namely garlic and cinnamon improved the phenolic contents and antioxidant activities of open-boiled porridges. The knowledge generated from this study may help to exploit the use of finger millets as a functional food ingredient to promote health and wellness.Graphical abstract

Similar structural complexity of phenols in plant morphotypes with contrasting soluble phenol concentration and richness in arid rangelands of Patagonia

Phenols can play a significant role in plant tolerance of drought and herbivory. We assessed the concentration, richness and structural complexity of soluble phenols (hereafter phenols) in leaves of different species representing different plant morphotypes of arid ecosystems. We selected seven species representative of the three main plant morphotypes of the Patagonia Monte (Argentina): tall evergreen shrubs (TES), medium evergreen shrubs (MES), and perennial grasses (PG). These morphotypes differed in plant height, rooting depth, proportion of photosynthetic tissues, specific leaf area, and concentration of phenols and N in leaves. We found 48 compounds belonging to six types of phenols differing in structural complexity (low complexity: simple phenols, phenolic acids and phenolic esters; medium complexity: hydroxycinnamic acids and phenylpropenes; and high complexity: quinones, flavonols and flavones). Phenols of low and medium complexity were the most abundant in all morphotypes, while those of high complexity, probably the most costly for plants, were nearly exclusive of some tall evergreen shrubs. In general, PG, MES and TES had low, intermediate and high phenol concentration (8.5, 27.2, 202.5 mg g−1DW, respectively) and richness (15, 25, 37 compounds, respectively) in leaves. The richness of phenols was significantly and positively related to phenol concentration. However, we did not find distinctive phenol compound patterns among morphotypes. Our results suggest that drought and, to some extent, herbivory have exerted selective selection pressure on richness and phenol concentration in leaves of contrasting morphotypes but the type of phenols accumulated probably depends on intrinsic species attributes within each morphotype.

Phenolic and carotenoid characterization of the ethanol extract of an Australian native plant Haemodorum spicatum

Bloodroot (Haemodorum spicatum) is an Australian native bulb plant yielding red pigment. This study aimed to characterize the phenolic and carotenoid profiles of the 80% ethanol extract of the H. spicatum bulb by HPLC-DAD-ESI-QTOF-MS/MS and HPLC-DAD. Results revealed the relatively low total phenolic content and antioxidant activity of the bulb extract with the maximum absorbance at 477 nm. Only 2 carotenoids (lutein and capsanthin) were detected at relatively low levels in the extract. A total of 40 phenolic compounds were tentatively identified, including 5 phenolic acids, 13 flavonoids and 22 other phenolic compounds, where 35 were reported for the first time in H. spicatum, together with 3 previously reported phenylphenalenones, haemodorol, haemoxiphidone and 2,5,6-trimethoxy-9-phenyl-1H-phenalen-1-one, and 2 oxabenzochrysenones, 5-hydroxy-2-methoxy-1H-naphtho[2,1,8-mna]xanthen-1-one and 5-hydroxy-1H-naphtho[2,1,8-mna]xanthen-1-one. This study provided the most comprehensive phenolic and carotenoid profiles of H. spicatum up to date.

Polyamines and ethylene action blocker (STS) effectively augment longevity and postharvest attributes in isolated flowers of Digitalis purpurea L.

The present investigation focused on the study of the exogenous inclusion of anti-senescence biogenic polyamines (putrescine, spermidine and spermine) and ethylene antagonist silver thiosulphate on flower longevity and postharvest performance in excised flowers of Digitalis purpurea L. At one day before anthesis stage, isolated buds of Digitalis purpurea were transported to the laboratory in distilled water. The samples were divided into five sets with one set of flower buds (i.e., control) held in distilled water. The remaining four sets were respectively supplied with 0.5, 1 and 1.5 mM of putrescine (PUT), 0.1, 0.2 and 0.3 mM of spermidine (SPD), 0.2, 0.4 and 0.6 mM of spermine (SPM), 0.1, 0.2 and 0.3 mM of silver thiosulphate (STS). The inclusion of polyamines and STS in holding solutions enhanced the flower longevity of D. purpurea significantly compared to the control. The results indicated that the flower longevity of 14 days was recorded in 0.4 mM of spermine, followed by 13 days in 1 mM PUT, 12.5 days in 0.2 mM SPD and 12 days in 0.2 mM STS. This enhanced flower longevity corroborated with the higher values of soluble proteins, total sugars, floral diameter and membrane stability index. The improved flower longevity was also found to be positively associated with increased activities of various antioxidant enzymes viz., superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and ascorbate peroxidase (APX) and reduced activity of lipoxygenase (LOX). The flowers supplemented with different treatments retained a lower phenolic content than the control. This research concluded that polyamines and STS have a profound impact on the flower longevity of Digitalis flowers. SPM was found to be a more potential polyamine in augmenting the postharvest performance in isolated flowers of D. purpurea.

Honey: An Advanced Antimicrobial and Wound Healing Biomaterial for Tissue Engineering Applications.

Honey was used in traditional medicine to treat wounds until the advent of modern medicine. The rising global antibiotic resistance has forced the development of novel therapies as alternatives to combat infections. Consequently, honey is experiencing a resurgence in evaluation for antimicrobial and wound healing applications. A range of both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, including antibiotic-resistant strains and biofilms, are inhibited by honey. Furthermore, susceptibility to antibiotics can be restored when used synergistically with honey. Honey’s antimicrobial activity also includes antifungal and antiviral properties, and in most varieties of honey, its activity is attributed to the enzymatic generation of hydrogen peroxide, a reactive oxygen species. Non-peroxide factors include low water activity, acidity, phenolic content, defensin-1, and methylglyoxal (Leptospermum honeys). Honey has also been widely explored as a tissue-regenerative agent. It can contribute to all stages of wound healing, and thus has been used in direct application and in dressings. The difficulty of the sustained delivery of honey’s active ingredients to the wound site has driven the development of tissue engineering approaches (e.g., electrospinning and hydrogels). This review presents the most in-depth and up-to-date comprehensive overview of honey’s antimicrobial and wound healing properties, commercial and medical uses, and its growing experimental use in tissue-engineered scaffolds.