Phytochemical Quality Research Articles

Secondary metabolites profiling of Vernonia amygdalina Del. in response to copper-induced abiotic stress

Background: Vernonia amygdalina is a green leafy vegetable that grows in tropical Africa and popularly cultivated in the southern part of Nigeria for its economic, nutritional and ethnomedicine value.Aims: This study analysed the influence of copper-induced abiotic stress on the deoxyribonucleic acid and secondary metabolites of V. amygdalina.Setting: Analyses of plant material were carried out in the Department of Botany, Lagos State University.Methods: Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) extraction and Inter Simple Sequence Repeat (ISSR) amplification were performed. Copper (Cu) concentration in leaves and stem of V. amygdalina was determined using inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES), secondary metabolites were determined using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and the effect on DNA amplification and profiling was analysed using gel electrophoresis.Results: After 41 days of cultivation, the stem of V. amygdalina significantly bioaccumulated 37 mg/L, 50 mg/L and 215 mg/L of Cu after spiking with 400 mg/L, 1000 mg/L and 2000 mg/L, respectively, whilst the leaves accumulated 52 mg/L, 100 mg/L and 350 mg/L of Cu, respectively. Copper-impregnated soil influenced phytochemicals of the plants by causing inconsistent increase and decrease in specific compounds such as levomenthol, methyl stearate and glycerine. Deoxyribonucleic acid bands of the stem and leaf of V. amygdalina from control site showed no band shift, whilst band shift occurred in the stem and leaf of the Cu-spiked V. amygdalina.Conclusion: This study revealed the leaves of V. amygdalina having higher Cu accumulation capacity than the stems. Also, Cu alters the quality and quantity of phytochemicals in plant parts.

Dried ponnaganni leaves (Alternanthera sessilis): A nutritious product with the potential for value addition

Green leafy vegetables are an excellent source of nutrients like vitamins, minerals and dietaryfibre and widely included in a habitual diet of the rural populace. Due to their perishable nature andseasonal availability, fresh green leafy vegetables are processed quickly and cooked before it served forhuman consumption. Considerable efforts have taken to increase the shelf life of green leafy vegetablesby conventional drying methods and presumed as a low-cost/convenient technology in many parts of theworld. Hence, this study aimed to preserve Ponnaganni (Alternanthera sessilis), underutilized greenleafy vegetables,through cabinet drying and determine the impact of cooking the leaves before drying onits nutritional, functional and phytochemical quality. Collected Ponnagannileaf bundle from the localvegetable market were cleaned, washed, separated the leaves then cooked by boiling for 20 min,simmering for 10 min and steaming for 10 min. The cooked and uncooked leaves were dried at 60ºC for4-5 hours in a cabinetdrier, made into powder and stored in the air-tight containers under refrigerationtemperature. The quality of dried leaves was assessed by analyzing their nutrient content, functionalproperties and phytochemical profile as per the standard methods. Results of the nutrient analysisrevealed that dried Ponnaganni leaves were high in protein (24.25g%), minerals (18.94g%) and crudefibre (8.13g%) and low in moisture (6.69%). Also the dried leaves exhibited high water absorptioncapacity (3.82 g/g), oil absorption capacity (1.66 g/g) and emulsifying activity (41.05%). Phytochemicalscreening reports that aqueous extract of dried Ponnaganni leaves were loaded with manyphytochemicals except anthocyanin. The cooked leaves showed a noticeable change in the nutrientscontent, functional properties and phytochemical profile compared to uncooked leaves. The findingssuggest that dried Ponnaganni is a nutritious product and it can be used in food formulations thatnecessitate high protein, minerals and fibre.

Effect of substrates formulated with organic materials on yielding, commercial and phytochemical quality, and benefit-cost ratio of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) produced under greenhouse conditions

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of substrates formulated with different blends of sand-solarized manure and sand-vermicompost over yield, commercial and phytochemical quality of greenhouse tomatoes, and in addition to determine their benefit-cost (B/C) ratio for organic production of tomato. Six substrates were established consisting in blends of sand with 20, 30 or 40% of solarized manure (SM20, SM30 and SM40), and 20, 30 and 40% of vermicompost (VC20, VC30 and VC40), and control (TA) of sand fertilized with Steiner solution. Fruit yielding, commercial (fruit size, equatorial and longitudinal diameter, firmness, and soluble solids content), and nutraceutical quality (phenolic and lycopene content) were evaluated. In addition, cost-benefit (B/C) ratio of treatments was compared. Micro morphological analysis of the organic materials showed microscopic differences that could affect substrate functional properties. Substrate type affect yielding, and VC40 substrate had a higher yield than SM substrates, but SM20 had the highest phenolic and lycopene content in fruit, in addition to the highest cost-benefit production ratio (2.31). These results confirm that substrates formulated with blends of sand and either SM or VC can be used for organic production of tomato fruits with an adequate commercial and phytochemical quality without affecting yield, additionally to the economic advantages of such substrates for protected agriculture systems.

Phytomedicinal properties of Cynodon dactylon (L.) pers. (durva) in its traditional preparation and extracts

BackgroundPharmacotherapy with Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers. (CdL) (Sanskrit name durva) has been described in Ayurvedic text. The traditional preparation of Cynodon dactylon, called swaras (juice), has rarely been evaluated for its phytochemical quality and phytomedicinal activities. PurposeIn this study, we aimed to perform the characterisation of phytochemicals, quantification of chemical markers, and evaluation of in vitro and ex vivo biological activity of CdL juice (durva swaras). MethodsThe cultivated CdL (durva) was authenticated by a botanist, and macro–microscopic examination was performed before bio-deposition. Fresh green juice (S) of CdL was prepared and further lyophilised (JL); additionally, water (W), hydroalcoholic (HA), and alcoholic (A) extracts were prepared. The phytochemical constituents in all extracts were qualitatively analysed using liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry. The chemical markers in JL were identified and quantified using high performance liquid chromatography. To optimise biological activity, the age of the plant was evaluated as a factor influencing the antioxidant activity of S using an in vitro DPPH assay. In addition, an ex vivo proliferation assay of mouse splenocytes was performed after treatment with the extracts, and the effects of the extracts on immunomodulation and inflammatory cytokines were assessed. ResultsThe specific morphological characteristics of CdL, namely narrowly linear leaves with light-green stem, along with its macro–microscopic features were confirmed, and the plant specimen was bio-deposited. The phytoconstituents (range: 62–72 compounds) in all extracts were qualitatively confirmed. The chemical markers p-coumaric acid (0.48%) and trans-ferulic acid (0.35%) in JL were quantified. Plants aged 6 months and above showed the most potent activity. The free radical-scavenging activity of the extracts ranged from 60% to 75%; the IC50 of the extracts (range: approximately 450–650 μg/mL) was higher than that of vitamin C (2.8 μg/mL). The effective concentration for proliferation of splenocytes treated with JL and W (0.45–62.5 μg/mL) varied widely compared with that of splenocytes treated with A and HA (0.45–1.95 μg/mL). Significant reductions in the levels of pro-inflammatory (IFN-γ and TNF-α) and anti-inflammatory (IL-4) cytokines were observed after JL treatment compared with those after concanavalin A treatment. ConclusionsOur findings are of biological significance because we quantitatively confirmed the chemical markers in CdL. Moreover, the antioxidant and immunomodulatory activities of JL as well as its ability to reduce inflammatory cytokines were determined.

Azospirillum brasilense and Solarized Manure on the Production and Phytochemical Quality of Tomato Fruits (Solanum lycopersicum L.)

Tomato is a vegetable crop with probiotic interest. Currently subject to a global biosecurity emergency due to the epidemic caused by COVID-19, humanity is seeking to maintain its health and become stronger by eating vegetables that have probiotic properties. Considering the request of tomato farmers in the Comarca Lagunera (CL) region, the objective of this work consisted of determining the impact of bioinoculation with Azospirillum brasilense (Ab) and solarized manure (M) on the yield and phytochemical quality of tomato fruits produced in shade mesh. Seeds of the saladette variety TOP 2299 were inoculated with Ab at 1 × 108 CFU.mL. Before 46 days after being sowed, seedlings were transplanted in soil enriched with manure solarized at a rate of 0, 40, 80, 120 and 160 t ha−1; a chemical fertilization (CHF) treatment was also adopted (366-95-635). Emergence, growth, root length, bromatological studies (protein and lipids in plant), yield and organoleptic (Vit C, phenols, flavonoids and lycopene) variables were considered. The results show that biofertilization based on Ab + M40 can be an alternative to produce tomato in shade-house conditions in the CL compared with non-inoculated and CHF treatments.

Evaluation of total polyphenol content, total flavonoid content, and antioxidant activity of Centella asiatica

Nowadays, the tendency to focus on plant research and their biological activities has increased worldwide. Centella asiatica is a crucial herb widely used in East Asia and is gaining popularity in the West. In Vietnam, besides being used as daily food, it is also an herb that is recommended to treat various skin disorders include leprosy, lupus, varicose ulcers, eczema, female genital diseases and also help reduce anxiety. The aerial parts are also proven to be scientific cash in the biological activities contained in it with broad therapeutic applications in the antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and so on. This research aimed to assess the quality of phytochemicals, TPC and TFC, and antioxidant activities of C. asiatica (L). Moreover, antioxidant activity was conducted through radical scavenging ABTS and DPPH. Under purified water and 96% ethanol, the phytochemical was collected separately. The findings indicate that C. asiatica (L) produced an extensive range of pharmacologically active substances, including alkaloid, tannins, flavonoids, terpenoids, and reducing sugar. TPC and TFC of ethanol extract in C. asiatica leave achieved 2.14±0.29 mgGAE/g and 23.03±2.89 mgQE/g, respectively. The total polyphenol content of ethanolic and water extraction was different, achieved 2.14 ± 0.29 (mg GAE/g) and 2.82 ± 1.68 (mg GAE/g), respectively. Moreover, the TFC of water extract (30.09 ± 2.67 mg QE/g) was significantly higher than that of ethanolic extract (23.03 ± 2.89 mg QE/g). The antioxidant activity of the C. Asiatica was correlated with total phenolic and flavonoid content with values IC50 achieving 2324.26 µg/ml in aqueous extract, and 1744.77 µg/ml in Ethanolic extract. The results showed that leaves of C. asiatica (L) were a valuable source to exploit metabolic compounds primary and secondary are valid.

How do essential oil composition and phenolic acid profile of Heracleum persicum fluctuate at different phenological stages?

Heracleum persicum, commonly named Persian hogweed, is a principal native medicinal plant in Iran. Collecting H. persicum at the most appropriate growing stage is the key factor to achieve the high phytochemical quality to meet consumer's needs. In the present experiment, the aerial parts of this plant were harvested at up to six different developmental stages during the growing season to determine the phytochemical profiles. Our results indicated that the highest essential oil content was obtained in the mid‐mature seed stage (3.5%). The most elevated extract content was recorded in the floral budding stage (10.4%). In the vegetative stage, limonene (18.1%), in floral budding stage, caryophyllene (14.1%), anethole (14.6%), and β‐bisabolene (12.7%), in the full flowering stage, myristicin (15.0%), and hexyl butyrate (9.1%), in the early development of seeds stage, hexyl butyrate (32.1%), and octyl acetate (11.7%), in the mid‐mature seeds stage hexyl butyrate (38.8%), octyl acetate (14.5%), in the late‐mature/ripe seeds stage, hexyl butyrate (23.6%), and octyl acetate (10.5%) are recorded as the main components. The highest phenolic acids content was obtained in the floral budding stage (287.40 mg/g dried extract). The analysis of phenolic acids demonstrated cinnamic acid (8.0–225.3 mg/g extract), p‐coumaric acid (1.7–39.2 mg/g extract), p‐hydroxybenzoic acid (0.8–16.8 mg/g extract), and ferulic acid (2.4–15.8 mg/g extract) as the main phenolic acids. Cinnamic acid was found as the major phenolic compound in the vegetative stage following by floral budding, the full flowering stage, the early development of seeds, and late‐mature/ripe seeds stages. P‐coumaric acid was the most abundant phenolic compounds in the mid‐mature seeds stage. In this regard, the harvest time of H. persicum aerial parts can be selected to achieve the highest secondary metabolites of interest. The results of this study can be used as a guideline for grower to obtain the highest possible amount of desirable metabolites, beneficial in both food and pharmaceutical industries as well as their undeniable economical benefits.

Chemical Profile and Antimicrobial Properties of Liquid and Vapor Phases of The Essential Oil of Cladanthus eriolepis: An Endemic Asteraceae Growing in The Moroccan Oases

The present study has been designed to evaluate the phytochemical quality and quantity of the essential oil (EO) extracted from Cladanthus eriolepis originated in Southern Moroccan oases and to examine its antimicrobial potential by the use of poison-food (PF) and volatile activity (VA) tests against four bacterial and five fungal agricultural pathogens. The analysis of the EO showed that camphor was the predominant constituent (37.02 %), followed by sabinene (10.26 %), α-pinene (6.29 %), p-cymene (6.13 %) and α-cadinol (5.57 %). The antimicrobial activity of C. eriolepis oil in vapor and liquid phases on the tested bacterial and fungal strains showed that Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538 was the most vulnerable, displaying the weakest development with a minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC) and minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 0.156 mg mL-1 and 0.078 mg mL-1 respectively. Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. albedinis, Aspergillus brasiliensis, Rhizopus stolonifer, Penicillium expansum and Alternaria sp. were found to be susceptible to this EO, thus were partly repressed with 0.5 μL mL-1 of the liquid EO. Nevertheless, at the same concentration, mycelial growth of Rhizopus stolonifer and Alternaria sp. was completely inhibited by the vapor phase of the EO. The latter has a higher antifungal activity which can inhibit the growth of most tested fungi. This behavior of the vapor phase provides an interesting path forward for finding ways to apply this EO especially by fumigation in the control of post-harvest diseases.

Efecto de la adición de lixiviado y azufre en la capacidad antioxidante y contenido fenólico en brotes de germinados de maíz

Germinados de maíz se fertilizaron con lixiviado de vermicompost y azufre para analizar el efecto que producen estos compuestos sobre la calidad fitoquímica con respecto al contenido de fenoles totales y capacidad antioxidante. Se realizaron determinaciones del contenido fenólico total (FNL), flavonoides (FVL) y capacidad antioxidante (AOX) de los brotes al comparar tres tratamientos como fuente de nutrimentos: lixiviado, azufre y lixiviado‑azufre; además de un tratamiento control con agua simple. El lixiviado fue obtenido a partir de la elaboración de vermicompost. Los resultados mostraron incrementos en la concentración de las variables evaluadas en los tres tratamientos estudiados. La combinación lixiviado‑azufre presentó los valores más altos para FNL, FVL, AOX con valores promedios de 9.123 mg g‑1 PS, 6.63 mg g-1 PS, 6088 μmol TE/100 g-1 PS (70, 64, 61% mayor al control), respectivamente. Los hallazgos ilustran que el valor nutricional y las propiedades funcionales de los brotes de germinados de maíz puede incrementarse a través de la suplementación con azufre y lixiviado de vermicompost.

Short-Term Pre-Harvest UV-B Supplement Enhances the Polyphenol Content and Antioxidant Capacity of Ocimum basilicum Leaves during Storage.

Ocimum basilicum (basil) leaves are rich in polyphenols, conferring them a high antioxidant activity. The application of UV-B can be used to maintain the post-harvest nutraceutical quality of basil leaves. We aimed to investigate the effects of pre-harvest UV-B application on polyphenolic and pigment contents, antioxidant capacity, and the visual quality of basil stored leaves. We also evaluated the applicability of the non-invasive Dualex® for monitoring the accumulation of leaf epidermal phenolics (Flav Index). After exposing plants to white light (control) and to supplemental UV-B radiation for 4 d, the leaves were harvested and stored for 7d (TS7). The UV-B leaves showed both a higher phenolic content and antioxidant capacity than the controls at TS7. In addition, the correlations between the Flav Index and phenolic content demonstrated that Dualex® can reliably assess the content of epidermal phenolics, thus confirming its promising utilization as a non-destructive method for monitoring the phytochemical quality of O. basilicum leaves. In conclusion, a pre-harvesting UV-B application may be a tool for enhancing the content of polyphenols and the antioxidant potential of basil stored leaves without detrimental effects on their visual quality. These results are important considering the nutraceutical value of this plant and its wide commercial distribution.

Delaying the harvest induces bioactive compounds and maintains the quality of sweet potatoes.

We have identified the best harvesting periods, related to higher bioactive compound content and post-harvest quality, for minimally processed sweet potatoes with orange pulp and cream pulp. Quality loss in minimally processed sweet potatoes occurred due to browning in cv. Mãe de Familia and ESAM1 and to whitening in cv. Paraná. Both Mãe de Família and ESAM1 presented higher peroxidase and polyphenol oxidase activities at 120days, and cv. Paraná contained high levels of provitamin A. β-carotene was the major carotenoid (up to 99%) in orange pulp. All cultivars harvested at 150 and 180days and minimally processed showed the best visual quality, the highest bioactive compound content, and no microbial infection. Delaying the harvest also increase the antioxidant activity in orange roots, which was associated with a high content of carotenoids and phenolic compounds, resulting in an increase in the nutritional quality of the product. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Postharvest techniques can improve the visual and phytochemical quality of vegetables and extend their shelf life. The present research provides the best harvesting periods for minimally processed cream and orange sweet potato roots with higher postharvest qualities. Delaying the harvest resulted in a product with better visual quality, higher levels of bioactive compounds, which are highly beneficial to health, for example, ß-carotene, and no microbiological contamination. Our results may contribute to improvements in the current knowledge about harvesting times for sweet potato growers who aim to produce high quality, minimally processed products with a longer shelf life.

Assessment of growth and phytochemical quality of Gynura procumbens through nitrogen, potassium fertilization and evapotranspiration replacement interaction

Despite the progressive reports on potential pharmacological properties of G. procumbens, the importance of agronomic requirements to produce high yields and phytochemical content that may vary due to environmental variations are often overlooked. Therefore, this study was conducted to examine the effects of N, K and ER interaction on the growth and phytochemical content of G. procumbens. The study was a three-factorial experiment; two rates of N and K, four rates of ER and three H time. The treatments have affected plant growth and phytochemical content significantly (p≤0.05) with stronger effect on physiology and biochemical attributes (p≤0.01). The study has shown discrete effect on growth, physiology, and phytochemicals content with N0K30>N90K0 and ER 75>50>100>25% treatment. The highest and lowest yield of plant biomass and phytochemical were observed under N0K30(70) and N90K0(25), respectively. The results have shown that the interaction and effect of treatments are highly significant (p≤0.0001) in Cond, CNB, TChlC, TPrC and TFC analysis, (p≤0.05) in NoL, CF and PWP, and not significant in TLA, Photo, TCC, TLC and TPC. The 75% ER has produced significant output of biomass as well as phytochemical content. The study also showed that low rate of N, moderate rate of K with 75% ER have produced high biomass as well as phytochemical content. Meanwhile, caffeic acid and kaempferol were demonstrated as the lead secondary metabolite compounds in this study.

Effects of bruising and storage duration on physiological response and quality attributes of pomegranate fruit

This study examined the effects of impact bruise damage on the postharvest physiological, response, physicochemical quality and antioxidant properties of pomegranate fruit. Fruit were subjected to low (20 cm), medium (40 cm) and high (60 cm) drop impacts by falling freely once onto the cheek position to a hard surface. Bruised and control (non-dropped) fruit were further stored at 5 ± 0.5 °C for 90 d plus 4-day shelf storage at 20 ± 2 °C. Fresh arils were obtained from the bruise-damaged and control fruit at 14 d intervals for physico-chemical and phytochemical quality evaluation. Impact bruising induced resulted in a 2-fold fruit respiration rate at least during the first 4 weeks of storage. Changes in total soluble solids (TSS) and titratable acidity (TA) were significantly (p < 0.05) induced by bruising at medium and high drop impact. Furthermore, high impact bruising resulted in 30 % of both decay incidence and internal fruit decay of fruit after 12-week storage. Furthermore, the combination of drop impact and storage significantly (p < 0.05) affected peel hue angle (hº), as well as aril lightness (L*), redness (a*), chroma (C*) and hº. The radical scavenging activity and total phenolic content were higher in bruised-damage fruit at medium and high impacts.

Effect of latitude on narrow-leaved purple coneflower (Echinacea angustifoliaDC.) yield and phytochemical quality

The worldwide increase in demand for plant-derived drugs has increased interest in medicinal plants as alternative cash crops across western Canada. The objective of this research was to determine if the Northern Vigor®phenomenon, expressed as a combination of elevated crop yield and phytomedicinal quality in crops grown in northern latitudes, exists in narrow-leaved purple coneflower (Echinacea angustifolia DC.). In a 2-yr study, narrow-leaved purple coneflower was grown in three field sites in Saskatchewan, Canada (SK; Saskatoon, La Ronge, and Outlook) and one field site in Oregon, United States (Madras), to test the effects of latitude on root yield, phenolic, and alkylamide phytochemical markers. Roots harvested in 1999 (all three SK sites) and 2000 (two SK sites) had higher root biomass compared with roots harvested in Oregon. Root echinacoside and cynarin content were significantly higher in both years in the three Saskatchewan sites compared with Madras, whereas root chlorogenic acid content and total alkylamides were significantly higher in all three Saskatchewan sites in 1999. In 2000, root chlorogenic acid content and total alkylamides were higher in two of the three Saskatchewan sites compared with Madras. While Aster Yellows were prevalent in Echinacea in Saskatchewan, this disease did not significantly decrease root yield phenolic or phytochemical content. These data suggest that Saskatchewan has a competitive advantage in producing premium-quality narrow-leaved purple coneflower root in North America.

Comparative reviews on phytochemical components of lt;emgt;Andrographis paniculatalt;/emgt;

Comparative study was attempted to investigate the effects of locations (Ibadan 1, India, Ibadan 2 and Malaysia as A, B, C, &amp; D), harvesting periods (January, June and September), drying methods (air, sun and Oven dry) and solvents (Methanol, Ethanol+ Water, Ethyl-acetate, Petroleum ether, Aqeuous/water, on the quality of phytochemicals in A. paniculata using standard methods to determine 9 phytochemicals: Tannins, Glycosides, Saponins, Flavonoids, Phenols, Alkaloids, Terpenoids, Steroids and Carbohydrates. Sample A: had 4 (Flavonoids, Steroids, Phenols and Alkaloids, and Tannins, Carbohydrates were slightly present (2), Glycosides, Saponins and Terpenoids were absent. Sample B: all the six phytochemicals Tannins, Flavonoids, Steroids, Carbonhydrates, Alkaloids and Terpenoids were slightly present. Sample C: 6 phytochemicals were present (Tannins, Saponins, Flavonoids, Steroids, Phenols, Carbohydrates and Alkaloids), while Carbohydrates was absent Sample D: Tannins, Glycosides, Saponins, Flavonoids, Phenols, Alkaloids and Terpenoids were present while Steroids and Carbohydrates were absent. From the study, sample D (Malaysia) had the highest quality of phytochemicals, followed by C; A while B (India) had the least. A. paniculata likes hot humid weather (summer), in Malaysia (June to August) while autumn last from September to December. In Nigeria: April to October while autumn (dry season): November to March, India, April to October to November. All the factors in sample D were observed to be good for the preservation of phytochemicals in the plant. The solvents (Methanol and aqueous), drying methods (Oven drying) and period harvested (early autumn) were good for extraction of high quality of phytochemicals in A. paniculata.

Concept of herbal biofertilizer for cultivation of medicinal plants with high quantity and quality secondary metabolites

The biofertilizer prepared from biodegradable house-hold wastes has been found to be high quality nutrient supplier to crop plants. Such biofertilizers with addition of dried and powdered leaves of certain medicinal plants have been transformed into herbal biofertilizers which have also been shown to have additional quality to control soil-borne pathogens. The medicinal plants, cultivated using the chemical fertilizers and pesticides, have shown to reduce of quality of alkaloids and phytochemicals. Therefore, there is a potential need to use herbal based biofertilizers for medicinal plant cultivation for harvesting high quality pharmacentical ingredients in high quantity.

Morphological and microscopical studies and Phytochemical analysis of Markhamia falcata (Seem)

Markhamia falcata (Seem) synonym Dolichondron falcata is belonging to family BIGNONIACEAE. Markhamia falcata commonly known as ‘Medhshing’ in hindi, ‘mesasinghi’ in Sanskrit (means look like sheep horn, showing in plate.) Markhamia falcata native to Malawi, Tanzania, South Africa, and India. In India it is found in Rajputana, Bundelkhand, Bihar, Deccan, Mysore, most forests of Madras Presidency. It is also planted as ornamental plant in Gardens. The plant Markhamia falcata (Seem) (Syn. Dolichandrone falcata) has been used mainly for diabetics, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, antiesterogenic and for anxiolytic activities. The leaves are also used in the treatment of leucorrhea, body aches, abortion piles etc. Markhamia falcata contain chemical constituents such as alkaloids, flavonoids, sugars, saponin, amino acids, phenolic group etc. There are many medicinal plants for which limited phytochemical studies have been carried out and hence intensive efforts are required in this direction. Phyto-chemical quality of any herbal remedy is ensured by identification of biological compound present in it. Keeping this thought in mind, the present study was conducted in order to discover the qualitative and quantitative nature of leaves, and bark Markkhamia falcata. Since there is no proper information regarding histological character of this plant our efforts were devoted to study the pharmacognostical properties of this plant.

Comparison of high temperature-short time and sonication on selected parameters of strawberry juice during room temperature storage.

The purpose of current research was to explore the effect of high temperature-short time (HTST) and different ultrasound times intervals on the strawberry juice for a period of 14days. Strawberry fruits were treated at 72°C for 15s by HTST and also sonicated at 20kHz and 100% amplitude for 5, 10, and 15min. The main objective is to evaluate the effect of treatments and storage time on color, total antioxidants, total phenolics, ascorbic acid and microbial content of strawberry juice. Results showed that the increase in the sonication treatment time (from 5 to 15min) showed a higher total phenolics, antioxidant capacity and ascorbic acid content. In addition, 15min sonicated-strawberry juices showed a higher lightness values as compared to HTST treated strawberry juice. Sonication treatment showed a potential as a method to preserve and improve the phytochemical quality of strawberry juice during room temperature storage.

The phytochemical quality of Camelina sativa seed and oil

ABSTRACTA field experiment with 66 spring biotypes and 9 winter biotypes of Camelina sativa was conducted in Poland in a two-year cycle (2016–2017). The quantitative profile of 8 flavonoid aglycones, 12 phenolic acids and the fatty acid profile were analysed. There were no significant differences in the concentration of total flavonoids, phenolic acids and fatty acids in the camelina seeds during the research years, but there were differences between the spring and winter cultivars. The total concentration of flavonoids in the spring forms amounted from 404 ± 38.5 to 429.9 ± 13.8 mg/kg; in the winter ones from 507.3 ± 51.4 to 526.4 ± 10.4 mg/kg. Similarly with phenolic acids, the concentration ranged from 2043.6 ± 62.5 to 2174.0 ± 145.2 mg/kg in the spring forms and from 3936.0 ± 210.8 to 3704.7 ± 195.4 mg/kg in the winter forms. The linoleic acid comprised 14% of total fatty acid content in spring biotypes and 16% in winter ones, while α-linolenic acid had similar content (37–38%). Camelina's adaptation to vast areas of the world, high oil concentration and its composition and properties makes it a suitable oil source for the production of biofuels, jet fuel, biobased-products, feed and food.

Assessment of nutritional and phytochemical quality of Dawadawa (an African fermented condiment) produced from Bambara groundnut (Vigna subterranea)

This study investigated the nutritional composition, antinutrients and phenolic composition of raw, hulled and dehulled Bambara groundnuts (BGN) (Vigna subterranea) and their derived dawadawa products. Phenolic compounds were investigated using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC/Q-TOF-MS) system while determination of amino acids and mineral contents were done using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES), respectively. Oxalate, tannin and phytic acids were quantified while microstructure of the samples was viewed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Results showed a decrease in quinic acid, medioresinol and quercetin-3-O-galactoside-7-O-rhamnoside in all dawadawa samples. Likewise, significant (p ≤ 0.05) increases were observed for protein, majority of the amino acids and minerals after fermentation. On the contrary, levels of oxalate, tannin and phytic acids were noted to have decreased in the dawadawa samples, as compared to the BGN. SEM also revealed modifications in the structural morphology of the samples. The higher phenolic compounds in the hulled dawadawa, positions it as an excellent source of health beneficial components, while the dehulled samples could be equally considered from a nutritional perspective.