Feijoa Research Articles

A first de novo transcriptome assembly of feijoa (Acca sellowiana [Berg] Burret) reveals key genes involved in flavonoid biosynthesis.

Acca sellowiana [Berg] Burret, a cultivated fruit tree originating from South America, is gaining the attention of the nutraceutical and pharmaceutical industries due to their high content of flavonoids and other phenolic compounds in fruits, leaves, and flowers. Flavonoids are a diverse group of secondary metabolites with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. They also play a crucial role in plant immune response. Despite their importance, the lack of research on A. sellowiana genomics and transcriptomics hinders a deeper understanding of the molecular mechanisms behind flavonoid biosynthesis and its regulation. Here, we de novo assembled and benchmarked 11 A. sellowiana transcriptomes from leaves and floral tissues at three developmental stages using high-throughput sequencing. We selected and annotated the best assembly according to commonly used metrics and databases. This reference transcriptome consisted of 221,649 nonredundant transcripts, of which 107,612 were functionally annotated. We then used this reference transcriptome to explore the expression profiling of key secondary metabolite genes. Transcripts from genes involved in the flavonoid and anthocyanin biosynthesis pathways were identified. We also identified 4068 putative transcription factors, with the most abundant families being bHLH, C2H2, NAC, MYB, and MYB-related. Transcript expression profiling revealed distinct patterns of gene expression during flower development. Particularly, we found 71 differentially expressed transcripts representing 14 enzymes of the flavonoid pathway, suggesting major changes in flavonoid accumulation across floral stages. Our findings will contribute to understanding the genetic basis of flavonoids and provide a foundation for further research and exploitation of the economic potential of this species.

Chemical genomic analysis reveals the interplay between iron chelation, zinc homeostasis, and retromer function in the bioactivity of an ethanol adduct of the feijoa fruit-derived ellagitannin vescalagin.

Nature has been a rich source of pharmaceutical compounds, producing 80% of our currently prescribed drugs. The feijoa plant, Acca sellowiana, is classified in the family Myrtaceae, native to South America, and currently grown worldwide to produce feijoa fruit. Feijoa is a rich source of bioactive compounds with anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antifungal activities; however, the mechanism of action of these compounds is largely not known. Here, we used chemical genetic analyses in the model organism Saccharomyces cerevisiae to investigate the mechanism of action of a feijoa-derived ethanol adduct of vescalagin (EtOH-vescalagin). Genome-wide barcode sequencing analysis revealed yeast strains lacking genes in iron metabolism, zinc metabolism, retromer function, or mitochondrial function were hypersensitive to 0.3 µM EtOH-vescalagin. This treatment increased expression of iron uptake proteins at the plasma membrane, which was a compensatory response to reduced intracellular iron. Likewise, EtOH-vescalagin increased expression of the Cot1 protein in the vacuolar membrane that transports zinc into the vacuole to prevent cytoplasmic accumulation of zinc. Each individual subunit in the retromer complex was required for the iron homeostatic mechanism of EtOH-vescalagin, while only the cargo recognition component in the retromer complex was required for the zinc homeostatic mechanism. Overexpression of either retromer subunits or high-affinity iron transporters suppressed EtOH-vescalagin bioactivity in a zinc-replete condition, while overexpression of only retromer subunits increased EtOH-vescalagin bioactivity in a zinc-deficient condition. Together, these results indicate that EtOH-vescalagin bioactivity begins with extracellular iron chelation and proceeds with intracellular transport of zinc via the retromer complex. More broadly, this is the first report of a bioactive compound to further characterize the poorly understood interaction between zinc metabolism and retromer function.

Validation and expression analysis of candidate genes for adventitious rooting, in micro-cuttings of Acca sellowiana (Myrtaceae)

Validation and expression analysis of candidate genes for adventitious rooting, in micro-cuttings of Acca sellowiana (Myrtaceae)

Exploring anti-cancer constituents and cytotoxic effects of Feijoa sellowiana fruit extract on breast cancer

Breast cancer remains a leading cause of mortality among women, necessitating heightened attention and innovative treatment approaches. Given the heterogeneous nature of breast cancer, exploring novel therapeutic avenues is crucial. Natural products, with their potential to offer less aggressive alternatives to conventional chemotherapy, have garnered interest. In this study, the potential cytotoxic effect of Feijoa sellowiana fruit extract (FE) was investigated on a panel of human breast cancer cells. GC-MS analysis was performed to identify the active constituents present in the FE extract and MTT analysis was conducted to evaluate the cytotoxicity of FE against breast cancer cells. Results showed a strong efficacy of FE against MDA-MB-453 and MDA-MB-231 cell lines. The cytotoxicity was evident after a 24-hour treatment duration for both lines. It was observed that the two cell lines in which the FE extract was most effective belonged to the triple-negative breast cancer category. The viability of MCF-7 cells decreased to 23.2% after 72 hours of exposure to 1000 μg/mL FE, and this decline was also noticeable at lower concentrations. Conversely, the BT-474 cell line displayed the least susceptibility, with a viability of 43.9% even at the highest concentration of 1000 μg/mL FE. These findings underscore FE's targeted efficacy against triple-negative breast cancer cells, indicating its promise as an alternative avenue to tackle this formidable cancer subtype.

Assessing the Genetic Diversity of Wild and Commercial Feijoa sellowiana Accessions Using AFLPs

Feijoa sellowiana (O. Berg) is a broadly widespread fruit tree species at a very early stage of domestication. Although appreciated for its flavored berries rich in nutrients and nutraceuticals, and as an ornamental plant, feijoa is still considered an underutilized species and little information is available about its genetic background, cultivar traceability and divergence. This study aimed to investigate, for the first time, the genetic diversity of feijoa through the application of AFLPs. Specifically, twenty cultivars from different countries and six wild types (WTs) from their area of origin (Misiones, Argentina) were analyzed. The AFLPs proved to be informative, revealing the values of the percentage of polymorphic loci (PPB), Nei’s genetic diversity (h), and the Shannon index (I) at 69.36%, 0.27, and 0.43, respectively, consistent with the average of long-lived perennial and outcrossing species. However, despite the limited number of WTs examined, the genetic variability (h) was higher (approximately 37%) within the six samples compared to cultivars. The population structure analysis identified three clusters, with WTs forming a separated cluster (III) as expected. Cultivars were divided into two clusters (I and II), with cluster I exhibiting a closer genetic proximity to WTs compared to cluster II. This finding was further confirmed using the UPGMA dendrogram based on Provesti distances. This work raised awareness of the genetic variability among the feijoa’s widespread cultivars and demonstrated that the limited genetic breeding programs over the last decades resulted in low diversity among them. Moreover, these results confirm the hypothesis that all varieties are derived from a single narrow ancestral population. The potential of this species is considerable and needs to be further investigated to exploit its peculiarities.

Phenotypic and Molecular Diversity of Wild Populations of Acca sellowiana (Berg.) Burret in the Southern Area of Natural Distribution

Acca sellowiana is a subtropical tree in the myrtle family (Myrtaceae) native to southern Brazil and northeastern Uruguay. It is recognized for its value as a fruit-bearing, ornamental, and medicinal species. Based on distinctive characteristics of fruits, seeds, and leaves, as well as its geographical distribution pattern, two variants of the species are distinguished: the “Brazilian type” and the “Uruguayan type”. The objective of this study was to characterize, for the first time, the diversity of 202 individuals from four wild populations in Uruguay, representative of the species’ most southern natural distribution. Twenty-three morphological descriptors (leaf, flower, and fruit) and 204 RAPD (Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA) markers were used. The morphological data collected validated the main criteria that distinguish “Uruguayan type” populations from “Brazilian type” populations, such as lower seed weight and fruit size, thin and slightly rough skin, high pulp percentage, and hairy white abaxial leaf surfaces. Analyses of both morphological and molecular data indicated wide diversity and strong population structuring, which is relevant information for designing conservation plans, sustainable utilization, and genetic improvement of the plant genetic resources of this species.

Establishment of feijoa (Acca sellowiana) callus and cell suspension cultures and identification of arctigenin - a high value bioactive compound.

Feijoa (Acca sellowiana (O. Berg.) Burret), also known as pineapple guava, is a member of the Myrtaceae family and is well known for its fruit. Chemical profiling of the different tissues of the feijoa plant has shown that they generate an array of useful bioactive compounds which have health benefits such as significant antioxidant activities. In this study, an in vitro culture system has been developed, which could be explored to extract high-value bioactive compounds from feijoa. Feijoa tissue culture was initiated by the induction of callus from floral buds. Sections of floral buds were plated on MS medium supplemented with 2,4-D and BAP at 2.0mg/L and 0.2mg/L concentrations, respectively. Cell suspension cultures of feijoa were established using a liquid MS medium with different concentrations of 2,4-D and BAP and cultured on a rotary shaker. The growth of the cell suspension was evaluated with different parameters such as different carbohydrate sources, concentration of MS media, and inoculum density. When the cell suspensions were treated with different concentrations of MeJA at different time points, phytochemicals UPLC - QTOF MS analysis identified extractables of interest. The main compounds identified were secondary metabolites (flavonoids and flavonoid-glucosides) and plant hormones. These compounds are of interest for their potential use in therapeutics or skin and personal care products. This report investigates essential methodology parameters for establishing cell suspension cultures from feijoa floral buds, which could be used to generate in vitro biomass to produce high-value bioactive compounds. This is the first study reporting the identification of arctigenin from feijoa, a high-value compound whose pharmaceutical properties, including anti-tumour, anti-inflammatory and anti-colitis effects, have been widely reported. The ability of feijoa cell cultures to produce such high-value bioactive compounds is extremely promising for its use in pharmaceuticals, cosmeceuticals and nutraceuticals applications.

Biofabrication of silver nanoparticles with Feijoa sellowiana tailored by box-behnken design: An eco-friendly approach to enhance antifungal properties in Children's toothpaste

Oral candidiasis and its association with dental caries necessitate the development of toothpaste with enhanced antifungal properties, particularly for children at high risk of infection. This study aims to investigate the antifungal efficacy of children's toothpaste incorporating biosynthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using Feijoa sellowiana. Silver fluoride and Feijoa leaf extract were used for the synthesis of AgNPs. The independent variables were the concentration of AgF, pH of the extract, and temperature. The optimized formula was obtained using Design Expert software and Box-Benken design. The physicochemical properties of AgNPs were evaluated by UV-absorption wavelength measurements, SEM, and TEM analyses. Finally, the powder of optimized AgNPs was added to Colgate Kids Toothpaste® and its antifungal effect was evaluated using the standard agar well diffusion method. The optimization process identified an AgF concentration of 8 mM, a pH value of 9.56, and a temperature of 58 °C as influential factors for the formulation. The optimized AgNPs exhibited a size of 42.75 nm, and SEM and TEM analyses confirmed their spherical shape. Both toothpaste formulations, with and without AgNPs, demonstrated antifungal activity. Although the antifungal effect of both toothpaste types against Candida glabrata did not show a significant difference (p > 0.088), the toothpaste containing AgNPs exhibited significantly higher antifungal efficacy against Candida albicans (p < 0.014). In conclusion, the biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles using silver fluoride and Feijoa leaf extract as an eco-friendly approach can effectively enhance the antifungal potency of toothpaste against C. albicans.

Conservation of biodiversity of subtropical crops (Citrus L., Diospyros kaki L., and Feijoa sellowiana B.) in the collections of the Federal Research Center SSC of RAS

The article examines the biodiversity of subtropical plants in the collections of the Subtropical Scientific Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences (Citrus L., Diospyros kaki L. and Feijoa sellowiana B.). Citrus fruits are represented by 144 taxa, persimmon – 27 varieties, feijoa – 13 specimens. The purpose of the study is to preserve biodiversity and replenish collections with new introduction and selection varieties. Collectible specimens are preserved alive and serve as the object of comprehensive research. Sources of economically valuable traits - early ripening, dwarfism, winter hardiness, early ripening, fruit size and productivity - have been identified and included in various breeding programs for the creation and improvement of varieties. As a result of hybridization, a diverse range of hybrid forms was obtained, including 350 forms. Two forms of Feijoa sellowiana (SHW-1: 13-11), two hybrids of C. paradise (GA-1; G-A-2) and four forms of Diospyros kaki are currently being tested. In 2023, the biodiversity of the collections was replenished with four new varieties bred at the Center. Three varieties of tangerine (‘Academichesky’, ‘Solnechny’, ‘Prince Vladimir’) and a variety of eastern persimmon (‘Zukhra’) are included in the State Register of Breeding Achievements of the Russian Federation.

Morphophysiological changes of Acca sellowiana (Myrtaceae: Myrtoideae) saplings under shade gradient.

Understanding morphological and physiological changes under different light conditions in native fruit species in juveniles' stage is important, as it indicate the appropriate environment to achieve vigorous saplings. We aimed to verify growth and morphophysiological changes under shade gradient in feijoa (Acca sellowiana (O. Berg) Burret) to achieve good quality saplings adequate to improve cultivation in orchards. The saplings were grown for twenty-one-month under four shading treatments (0%, 30%, 50%, and 80%). Growth, photosynthetic pigments, gas exchanges, chlorophyll fluorescence, and leaf anatomy parameters were evaluated. Saplings under full sun and 30% shade had higher height and diameter growth and dry mass accumulation due to higher photosynthesis rate. As main acclimatization mechanisms in feijoa saplings under 80% shade were developed larger leaf area, reduced leaf blade thickness, and enhanced quantum yield of photosystem II. Even so, the net CO2 assimilation and the electron transport rate was lower and, consequently, there was a restriction on the growth and dry mass in saplings under deep shade. Therefore, to obtain higher quality feijoa saplings, we recommend that it be carried out in full sun or up to 30% shade, to maximize the sapling vigor in nurseries and, later, this light environment can also be used in orchards for favor growth and fruit production.

The study of ornamental features of feijoa (&lt;i&gt;Acca sellowiana&lt;/i&gt; (O.Berg) Burret) in the conditions of Abkhazia

The results of assessing the decorative features of the feijoa (Acca sellowiana (O.Berg) Burret) culture in the conditions of the Republic of Abkhazia. A. sellowiana has a high nutritional, medicinal and decorative value. A. sellowiana culture is promising for growing on agricultural lands. The objects of research are species plants of F A. sellowiana of seed origin. The yield and sanitary condition of A. sellowiana plants in 2022 are worse than in 2021 due to heavy spring rainfall. Data on the crown architectonics, flowering duration, fruit ornamentality, and leaf roundness index are presented. The most valuable feature is the architectonics of the crown of plants, the least valuable feature is the fruit characteristics (shape, size, evenness). All studied A. sellowiana plants have a semi-bush form with a wide spreading crown. Most of the studied A. sellowiana plants (11 pcs.) had a height of 4.6 to 5,1 m. Most of the studied A. sellowiana plants by the duration of flowering in 2021 (16 pcs.) and in 2022 (14 pcs.) is in the range of 27-28 days, while the 4 samples in 2021 and 1 sample in 2022 had a longest flowering (31-32 days). A scoring system for the characteristics of A. sellowiana is been developed taking into account the conversion coefficient. A. sellowiana plants № 2 and № 25 have the highest indicators for decorative traits (87 points each) and are promising for further study.

Specifics of harvesting, processing and changes occurring in the fruits of feijoa (Acca sellowiana О. Berg) during storage

Specifics of harvesting, processing and changes occurring in the fruits of feijoa (Acca sellowiana О. Berg) during storage

Structural characteristics, functional properties, antioxidant and hypoglycemic activities of pectins from feijoa (Acca sellowiana) peel.

The structure characteristics, functional properties, antioxidant and hypoglycemic activities of pectins extracted from feijoa peel with water (FP-W), acid (FP-A) and alkali (FP-B) were investigated. Results showed that the feijoa peel pectins (FPs) were mainly composed of galacturonic acid, arabinose, galactose and rhamnose. FP-W and FP-A had higher proportion of homogalacturonan domain, degree of esterification and molecular weight (for main component) than FP-B; FP-B owned the highest yield, protein and polyphenol contents. FP-W had a compact and smooth surface morphology unlike FP-A and FP-B. FP-W and FP-A had better thermal stability than FP-B. The rheological analysis suggested that the FPs exhibited pseudoplastic fluid behavior, and the elastic characteristics were dominant. Results showed that FP-W and FP-B had superior antioxidant and hypoglycemic activities than FP-A. According to correlation analysis, monosaccharide composition, sugar ratios and degree of acetylation were chief factors affecting the functional properties, antioxidant and hypoglycemic activities of the FPs.

Antifungal and Antioxidant Activity of Cupressus Sempervirens and Cupressus Lusitanica Botanical Fermentates on Colletotrichum Fructicola: In Vitro and In Vivo Evaluation

Purpose: The objective of this work was to verify the in vitro and in vivo antifungal activity of Cupressus sempervirens L. and Cupressus lusitanica Mill botanical fermentates on mycelial growth and germination of Colletotrichum fructicola conidia, as well as the antioxidant activity present in the compounds of the fermented botanicals using the DPPH• and ABTS•+ radical inhibition evaluation. Theoretical framework: Plants are a promising source of several bioactive and multifunctional substances. To minimize the impacts of agrochemicals, which sometimes cause harmful environmental effects, alternative social technologies are being investigated more and more, such as the so-called botanical fermented products to control phytopathogenic fungal diseases of agricultural interest. Methods: The antioxidant activity and contents of phenolic compounds, flavonoids, and individual phenolics were determined by spectrophotometry and high-performance liquid chromatography. The mycelial growth and conidia germination of C. fructicola were evaluated in a PDA medium containing the fermentates at zero, 10 % v/v, 20 % v/v, and 40 % v/v. In vivo tests were also conducted using Acca sellowiana leaves inoculated with the phytopathogen. Results and conclusion: The results showed that C. sempervirens fermentate controlled by 100 % the development of the fungal colony in the concentration of 40 vol.% by the dilution method in PDA medium. In the conidia germination, they showed strong antifungal activities against this important phytopathogenic fungus. The active compound identified in the highest concentration from the fermented C. sempervirens was gallic acid and naringin for the fermentate of C. lusitanica. Antioxidant activity varied in the range of 68 – 82 % sweeping depending on the evaluated radical. Research implications: The results of this work show a promising potential for C. sempervirens fermentate to control C. fructicola in the culture of A. sellowiana. Originality value: Assessing the potential use of botanical fermentates to help control fungal diseases in plants is a novel approach and is very important and interesting for organic farming practices, reducing the need for chemical synthetic molecules to control fungal phytopathogens.

A complex of environmental factors necessary for kaki persimmon (Diospyros kaki L.) and Feijoa (Feijoa sellowiana (O. Berg))

A complex of environmental factors necessary for kaki persimmon (Diospyros kaki L.) and Feijoa (Feijoa sellowiana (O. Berg))

Characterization of physicochemical properties, flavor volatiles and phenolic compounds of feijoa fruit varieties

Thirteen varieties of feijoa (Feijoa sellowiana) fruit were collected and the physical and chemical properties of feijoa peel, flesh, seed, and leaf were analyzed. Large diversities in the physicochemical characteristics and phenolic and volatile composition among various parts and between different varieties of feijoa were observed. Degrees Brix of whole fruits ranged from 10.1 (Anatoki) to 18.0 (No. 2) °Brix. Procyanidin B-type tetramer, procyanidin B-type dimer, and procyanidin C-type trimer had the highest concentrations in all parts and varieties of feijoa. Caffeoyl glucose, dihydroferulic acid 4-O-glucuronide, galloyl glucose, and lariciresinol-sesquilignan were detected in feijoa fruits and leaves. A total of 105 esters, 68 terpenes, 20 alcohols, 31 hydrocarbons, 12 aldehydes, and 11 ketones were related to aromatic attributes of fruits and leaves. Early season and mid-season varieties had larger variations in the chemical properties than late-season varieties. Anatoki, Kakariki, and No.1, have the potential to be developed for attractive flavor and functional properties.

Composition and Content of Hydrolysable Tannins in Feijoa Leaves, &lt;i&gt;Acca sellowiana&lt;/i&gt;

Introduction. Acca sellowiana, or feijoa belongs to the Myrtaceae family and it is an evergreen shrub or small tree 4–6 meters high. The phytochemical composition has been most thoroughly studied in the fruits of A. sellowiana. It has been shown that feijoa is rich in phenolic acids, hydrolysable and condensed tannins, steroidal saponins, and flavonoids. Hydrolysable tannins are known to have high biological activity.Aim. To study the composition and content of hydrolysable tannins in the leaves of A. sellowiana.Materials and methods. Ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled with diode array detection and mass spectrometry.Results and discussion. The results obtained showed the presence of 22 phenolic compounds in the extract of the A. sellowiana leaves. They have been classified as flavan-3-ols, flavonoids and hydrolysable tannins. Two compounds could not be identified. The total content of hydrolysable tannins was 44,28 mg/g (90 % of the total phenolic content). At the same time, ellagitannins were the main phenolic compounds of the extract (40,47 mg/g), while the amount of galloyl-glucose was only 3,81 mg/g.Conclusions. Composition and content of hydrolysable tannins in the leaves of A. sellowiana introduced in the greenhouse of VILAR have been studied. The leaves accumulate mainly monomeric ellagitannins represented 92 % of the total content of hydrolysable tannins. The data obtained indicate that the leaves of A. sellowiana can be used as a raw material for obtaining extracts with a high content of ellagitannins and developing drugs based on them.

Investigation into Polyphenol Profile and Biological Activities of Enriched Persimmon/Apple Smoothies during Storage.

Smoothies are becoming an increasingly popular product as a healthy alternative to snacks. The consumer expects from this product that, apart from its nutritional value, it will also be qualitatively stable during storage. Therefore, in this study, original smoothies obtained with persimmon fruit puree and apple juice (Dk/Md) enriched with Arbutus unedo fruits, Myrtus communis purple berry extract, Acca sellowiana, and Crocus sativus petal juice were evaluated for their polyphenol composition, antioxidant activity, and inhibition on targeted digestive enzymes, over six months of storage. The amount of polyphenols evaluated by UPLC-PDA analysis decreased in six months from 23.5% for both Dk/Md and enriched C. sativus smoothies to 42.5% for enriched A. sellowiana, with anthocyanins the most sensitive compounds (71.7-100% loss). Values of antioxidant assays generally strongly decreased during the first three months (up to ca. 60%) and to a lesser extent in the following three months (0.4-27%). In addition, inhibitory activity on α-amylase, α-glucosidase, and pancreatic lipase, especially on the last two enzymes, was negatively affected by time storage. The outcome of this study indicates that persimmon fruit is a good option for producing smoothies, and enrichment with other plant extracts can enhance the bioactive compound content and biological activities. It is recommended that appropriate storage strategies to preserve the properties of those smoothies should be developed.

Phenolic compounds from feijoa (Acca sellowiana) fruits: Ultrasound-assisted extraction and antiproliferative effect on cutaneous melanoma cells (SK-MEL-28)

Feijoa (Acca sellowiana, Alcântara genotype) is a native Brazilian fruit with bioactive compounds that may contribute to treating diseases given its antioxidant properties. In this context, this study assessed the ultrasound-assisted extraction of bioactive compounds from feijoa to test their antiproliferative effect on cutaneous melanoma cells of the SK-Mel-28 strain. The influence of temperature, solid-to-liquid ratio, ultrasound power, and ethanol concentration on total phenolic content (TPC) and total antioxidant activity (TAA) of the feijoa extract was evaluated by Plackett-Burmann and rotational central composite experimental designs. The antiproliferative effect of the feijoa extract on cells of cutaneous melanoma of the SK-Mel-28 strain was assessed with different concentrations of the extract (0.1–10 mg/mL) for 24 and 72 h of treatment. The best temperature, solid-to-liquid ratio, ultrasound power, and ethanol concentration on TPC and TAA were 65 °C, 25 mg/mL, 100%, and 40%, respectively. Regarding the growth of melanoma cells of the SK-Mel-28 strain, it was observed an inhibition after 72 h using 5 and 10 mg/mL of feijoa extract. Therefore, these findings suggest that feijoa extract has the potential to treat skin cancer due to its bioactive compounds, although more studies are required to better elucidate this subject.

Convective drying of feijoa (Acca sellowiana Berg): A study on bioactivity, quality, and drying parameters

The impact of feijoa convective drying on the physicochemical characteristics, polyphenol content, antioxidant capacity, and anti-inflammatory activity, as well as the drying parameters (energy consumption and drying rate), were tested. Feijoa fruit slices were dried at 50, 60, and 70 °C, at air velocities of 0.5 and 1 m/s, and at thicknesses of 0.003 m and 0.005 m. The aqueous extracts were used for the determination of bioactivity. Anti-inflammatory activity was determined from the ability of the extracts to counteract and enhance the expression of pro- and anti-inflammatory genes in human THP-1 cells. The best operational drying parameters were found by means of response surface methodology and desirability function. High temperatures, high air velocities and thinner slices obtained the best results for colour, water activity, antioxidant capacity, anti-inflammatory activity and drying rate. Low temperatures, high air velocities, and thinner slices were suitable for the retention of polyphenols, vitamin C, and antioxidant capacity. The optimal conditions were 50.83 °C, 1 m/s air velocity, and 0.003 m thickness. The results indicate that convective drying is a suitable and cost-effective technique to generate functional ingredients while conserving biocompounds and biological activities.