Phenolic Compounds Research Articles

Cytotoxic Stilbenoids, Hetero- and Homodimers of Homoisoflavonoids from Prospero autumnale.

An activity-guided isolation study on the EtOH extract prepared from the bulbs of Prospero autumnale yielded four new phenolic compounds, including a new stilbenoid (1), a new homoisoflavonoid derivative (8), a new homoisoflavonoid dimer (9), and an unprecedented homoisoflavone-stilbene heterodimer (10), together with six known (2-7) analogs. Their chemical structures were elucidated by spectroscopic analysis and theoretical NMR and ECD calculations. Compounds 9 and 10 are unique in their scaffolds. The in vitro cytotoxic activity of purified compounds was evaluated against eight tumor cell lines (HCT116, LoVo, DU145, PC3, HEP3B, HEPG2, MCF7, and MDA-MB-231) and one nontumor cell line (L929) by the MTS assay. Compounds 1, 2, 4, and 10 exhibited inhibition with IC50 values ranging from 8.2 to 37.6 μM. Cytotoxic cell death mechanisms were further investigated, indicating variability in apoptosis, necrosis, or cell cycle arrest.

Environmental monitoring of La Concordia mine (Salta province, Argentina): assessing heavy metal bioaccumulation and physiological responses of Parastrephia quadrangularis.

The Puna region is distinguished by its extreme environmental conditions and highly valuable mining resources. However, the unregulated management of mine tailings poses a significant threat to the ecological integrity of this region. This study assesses the environmental impacts of mine tailings at La Concordia mine (Salta province, Argentina) and examines the physiological and biochemical adaptations of Parastrephia quadrangularis (Meyen) Cabrera that enable its survival under this extreme conditions. Our findings reveal that prolonged weathering of mine tailings results in the generation of acid mine drainage characterized by low pH levels (< 3.5) and elevated concentrations of As, Fe, Cu, Pb, and Zn. These levels exceed drinking water standards by 5-10 times for As, 6-13 times for Zn, 80-120 times for Pb, 20-380 times for Fe, and 4-10 times for Cu. Soil analyses highlight low pH, high salinity, and elevated concentrations of Zn (310mgkg-1), Pb (153mgkg-1), and Cu (128mgkg-1). Despite these harsh environmental conditions, 7 plant species where identified, with Parastrephia quadrangularis being the only species present at the most polluted site. This species exhibits high heavy metal bioaccumulation and robust tolerance mechanisms against heavy metal-induced oxidative damage, as evidenced by stable total chlorophylls and malondialdehyde content, and increased levels of carotenoids, proline, and phenolic compounds. These findings emphasize Parastrephia quadrangularis as a promising candidate for revegetation and phytostabilization for sustainable mine closure programs in La Puna region.

A Comprehensive Review of Phenolic Compounds in Chia Seeds and Their Applications in the Food Industry.

Chia seeds (Salvia hispanica L.) have emerged as a significant focus in the food industry due to their rich nutritional profile and health-promoting attributes. They are a major powerhouse of bioactive compounds such as flavonoids, phenolic acids, and tocopherols that have been shown to possess anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, anti-cholesterol functions, enhance cognitive performance, and improveheart health. This article provides an in-depth review of the phenolic compounds in chia seeds and various fractions such as oil, and chia meal, their bioaccessibility, along with unique applications in food products. Additionally, 'green techniques' for extracting chia oil, as a sustainable alternative to conventional methods, have also been discussed. The findings presented in this review suggest that chia seeds, due to their bioactive components and versatile functional properties, are well-positioned to be a valuable ingredient in the development of novel foods, contributing to better health outcomes and innovation in food processing.

Harnessing Therapeutic Potential of Allicin Against Cancer: An Exploratory Review.

The biological name of garlic is Allium sativum L., a familiar spice with various health benefits. These benefits are mainly attributable to the compound diversity of garlic, which includes saponins, polysaccharides, organic sulfides, and phenolic compounds. Allicin exhibits therapeutic activity such as antibacterial, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, anti-diabetic, and cardiovascular protection. This present study explores the anticancer potential of allicin, including cell line studies that examine its effects on various cancer types by analyzing the growth inhibition of cancer cells at different allicin concentrations. This study aims to present a concise overview of allicin, update patent statistics, and provide detailed insights into its wide range of therapeutic benefits, with a particular emphasis on its anticancer properties. A literature review has been conducted using reliable sources, including ClinicalTrials.gov, ScienceDirect, PubMed, Scopus, and other reputable foundations, to assess the true potential of allicin in cancer therapeutics. Allicin, a naturally occurring compound in garlic, represents a promising treatme nt approach for cancer due to its potent anticancer properties. Cell line studies have shown that various concentrations of allicin significantly inhibit cancer cell growth, underscoring its effectiveness against cancer types such as breast, pancreatic, liver, renal, osteosarcoma, gastric, colorectal, and stomach cancers. By effectively targeting cancer cells, allicin stands out as a potential therapeutic agent. The primary goal of the review is to highlight the anticancer potential of allicin, along with an overview of clinical and patent studies.

Assessment of variability in the content of phenolic compounds in above‐ground organs of natural samples of Silybum marianum (l.) Gaertn L.

Assessment of variability in the content of phenolic compounds in above‐ground organs of natural samples of Silybum marianum (l.) Gaertn L.

Ameliorative effect of aqueous leaf extract of Pistacia lentiscus L. against oxaliplatin-induced hepatic injury, oxidative stress, and DNA damage in vitro and in vivo.

The current study aimed to assess the preventive effects of aqueous leaf extract of Pistacia lentiscus (ALEPL) against Oxaliplatin (OXA)-induced DNA damage, hepatic injury, and oxidative stress. The in vitro cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of OXA and ALEPL on HCT116 colon cancer cells were evaluated using the MTT (Tetrazolium salt reduction) assay and comet assay. The in vivo study involved 24 female NMRI (Naval Medical Research Institute) mice that were equally divided into four groups as follows: Control group, ALEPL-treated group (100 mg/kg), OXA-treated group (7 mg/kg), and ALEPL-treated group (100mg/kg) + OXA (7mg/kg). All animals were sacrificed 48 h after OXA treatment. Samples of liver and blood were collected for histopathological, micronucleus, and biochemical analyses. Oxidative stress parameters were also evaluated through non-enzymatic and enzymatic antioxidant activities. Our findings demonstrated that ALEPL contains high phenolic compounds. In the MTT assay, OXA exerted the most potent cytotoxic effect, but ALEPL alone showed no toxic effect in HCT116 cells. Furthermore, OXA administration caused significant DNA fragmentation both in vitro and in vivo, elevated serum biochemical parameters, and confirmed acute liver damage through histopathological observations compared to the control group. OXA exposure also led to a decrease in hepatic glutathione (GSH) and an increase in lipid peroxidation and antioxidant enzyme activities. From the results of our study, ALEPL pretreatment significantly restored the hepatic toxicity and DNA damage as well as the oxidative stress profile induced by OXA.

Therapeutic Potential of Rosmarinic Acid in Tramadol-Induced Hepatorenal Toxicity: Modulation of Oxidative Stress, Inflammation, RAGE/NLRP3, ER Stress, Apoptosis, and Tissue Functions Parameters.

Tramadol (TRM), a widely used opioid analgesic for moderate to severe pain, is associated with liver and kidney toxicity at high doses or prolonged use. This study investigates the protective role of rosmarinic acid (RA), a natural phenolic compound known for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cell-protective properties, against TRM-induced hepatorenal toxicity. Thirty-five male Wistar rats were divided into five groups: Control, TRM, RA, TRM+RA25, and TRM+RA50. Rats received TRM (50 mg/kg) and RA (25 or 50 mg/kg), with liver and kidney function tests, oxidative stress, inflammation, ER stress, apoptosis, and tissue damage indicators assessed through qRT-PCR, ELISA, Western blotting, H&E, and immunohistochemical analysis. TRM induced liver and kidney dysfunctions, evident from increased ALT, AST, ALP, urea, creatinine, nephrin, TIM-1 and 8-OHdG levels, along with activated oxidative stress, inflammation, ER stress, and apoptosis pathways. RA significantly reduced these effects, ameliorating histologic and immunohistochemical markers of tissue damage and inflammation. RA demonstrates therapeutic potential by mitigating TRM-induced hepatorenal toxicity and preserving tissue integrity.

Winery By-Products In Vitro and In Vivo Effects on Atherothrombotic Markers: Focus on Platelet-Activating Factor.

Platelet aggregation and inflammation play a crucial role in atherothrombosis. Wine contains micro-constituents of proper quality and quantity that exert cardioprotective actions, partly through inhibiting platelet-activating factor (PAF), a potent inflammatory and thrombotic lipid mediator. However, wine cannot be consumed extensively due to the presence of ethanol. Alternatively, winery by-products are abundant in similar-to-wine micro-constituents that could be used in food fortification and dietary supplements. Also, the vinification process produces millions of tons of by-products worldwide, posing an environmental matter of waste management. Therefore, the purpose of this literature review is to update the existing data concerning the in vitro anti-platelet and anti-inflammatory properties of winery by-product extracts and their possible health effects through controlled clinical trials in humans, specifically focused on their effects on PAF's actions. Data from in vitro studies report that winery by-product compounds are able to inhibit platelet aggregation against several aggregation factors, as well as to downregulate inflammatory markers. Among their actions, extracts or phenolic compounds present in winery by-products inhibit PAF's actions, a potent inflammatory and thrombotic mediator. Similar conclusions have been drawn from human supplementation studies, which suggest that winery by-product extracts may have beneficial biological effects on the cardiovascular system. Evidence from long-term studies shows that consumption may lower total and low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, improve insulin sensitivity, decrease lipid and protein oxidative damage, enhance antioxidant capacity, and have mild anti-inflammatory action toward reducing cytokine expression and levels. Data from the limited postprandial studies report that the acute consumption of winery by-product extracts improves glycemic response and reduces platelet reactivity to aggregatory stimuli. Although wine extracts and phenolic compounds have been reported to inhibit PAF's actions and reduce the activity of its biosynthetic enzymes, no data exist concerning the influence of winery by-product extracts. In the future, additional long-term randomized controlled trials or postprandial studies are needed to draw definitive conclusions and establish a viable cardioprotective strategy that incorporates the sustainable use of winery by-products.

Comparison of Vegetable Waste Byproducts of Selected Cultivars of Foeniculum vulgare Mill. by an Integrated LC-(HR)MS and 1H-NMR-Based Metabolomics Approach.

The metabolome of plants is influenced by various factors, especially environmental, as the season in which they are grown. So, distinct varieties of the identical plant might show an increase or decrease in metabolites. The diversity of content of primary and secondary metabolites can also determine the variation in their biological properties. Due to the current occurrence of various fennel varieties, the crop can now be grown for the entire year. This work used an integrated approach of LC/MS and NMR analysis to characterize the metabolome of fennel waste of different varieties by multivariate statistical analysis. The extracts were investigated by NMR and LC/MS analysis to focus attention on the primary and secondary metabolites. Both LC-HRMS and NMR data were analyzed by principal component analysis (PCA). The 1H-NMR analysis led to the identification of 15 primary metabolites, such as amino acids, carbohydrates, and organic acid derivatives. The secondary metabolites identified by LC/MS analysis mainly belong to the phenolic, lipid, and fatty acid compounds classes. This integrated approach guarantees a precise and complete overview of the variations in the metabolic expression of the fennel varieties grown in different seasons.

Gas-Liquid Interface of Aqueous Solutions of Surface Active Aromatic Molecules Studied Using Extreme Ultraviolet Laser Photoelectron Spectroscopy and Molecular Dynamics Simulation.

We investigated the gas-liquid interface of aqueous solutions containing phenol and related aromatic compounds using extreme ultraviolet laser photoelectron spectroscopy and molecular dynamics simulations. The interfacial densities of protonated and deprotonated forms of phenol, aniline, and 4-nitrophenol were found to be primarily determined by their surface affinities and exhibit similar concentration dependences to their respective bulk densities. Despite the distinct interfacial orientations of their permanent dipole moments, these compounds monotonically decreased the surface potential at higher concentrations. The exception was sodium phenolate, whose surface potential first increased and then decreased with increasing concentration. This behavior is attributed to the opposing effects of the electric double layer formed by Na+ and phenolate ions at the gas-liquid interface and the induced electronic polarization of phenolate.

Chemical profiling and antioxidant potential of propolis from Pervari, Siirt: discovery of tannic acid and key bioactive compounds

Propolis, a natural product with remarkable therapeutic potential, has gained attention for its antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. In this study, propolis samples from Sarıyaprak, Kovanağzı, and Çemikari in Pervari, Siirt province, were analysed comprehensively. The evaluation included wax composition, DPPH and FRAP assays, total phenolic and flavonoid content, and pollen analysis. Phytochemical compounds were identified using GC–MS and LC–MS/MS techniques. Among the regions, Çemikari samples exhibited the highest antioxidant activity and phenolic and flavonoid contents, with wax content averaging 60% across all locations. Key compounds identified via RSH–GC/MS included α-pinene, β-pinene, nonadecanal, and nonanal, while GC–MS revealed borneol, sedrenol, and benzyl alcohol. Significant phenolic compounds such as gallic acid, caffeic acid, and tannic acid (reported for the first time in Turkish propolis) were also detected. The high borneol concentration, with its strong anti-inflammatory properties, underscores the unique traits of these samples and their promising antioxidant potential for further research.

Alginate oligosaccharide induces resistance against Penicillium expansum in pears by priming defense responses.

The research intended to explore the control ability of alginate oligosaccharide (AOS) on Penicillium expansum infection in pear fruit by priming response and its mechanism. The results showed that 100mgL-1 AOS treatment could significantly reduce the incidence of postharvest blue mold and the lesion diameter in pear fruits and maintain their quality. The defense responses induced by AOS treatment alone were relatively mild in pear fruits. Still, AOS-treated pear fruits inoculated with P. expansum showed more intense disease resistance responses. These defense responses included enhanced activities of chitinase (CHI), β-1, 3-glucanase (GLU), peroxidase (POD), polyphenol oxidase (PPO), phenylalanine ammonia-lyase activity (PAL), along with the accumulation of total phenolic compounds, flavonoids and lignin. Additionally, the expression levels of defense-related genes, such as PbGLU, PbCHI, PbPAL, PbPOD and PbPPO, were significantly upregulated. However, AOS did not show a potential inhibitory effect on the in vitro growth of P. expansum. Our results indicated that AOS treatment in the postharvest pear fruit enhances disease resistance by priming its defense responses.

Phenolic Compounds and Pharmacological Potential of Lavandula angustifolia Extracts for the Treatment of Neurodegenerative Diseases.

The search for neuroprotective compounds in lavender is driven by its traditional use for brain health, with antioxidant activity serving as a key mechanism in reducing oxidative stress and supporting cognitive function. Lavender's potential to protect neurons is based on its calming, anti-stress properties, which increase the brain's resistance to neurodegeneration. Although lavender is not a traditional medicinal plant in Ukraine, it is increasingly recognised for its medicinal properties and is widely cultivated in the country. Lavender use in Ukraine is influenced by both global herbal practices and local medical traditions. The aim of this study was to optimise the preparation of lavender herb extracts, perform chemical profiling and evaluate their antioxidant and neuroprotective activities. The study focused on Lavandula angustifolia cultivated in Lviv, Ukraine. Modern analytical methods were used, including HPLC, spectrophotometry, molecular docking, lyophilisation and pharmacological testing. The selection of the optimal conditions for obtaining lavender herb extracts was determined on the basis of the results of the total yield of phenolic compounds in each extract, where it was found that the raw material-solvent ratio (1:10) in water and 50% ethanol gave the highest yield of substances; the preferred extraction time was 20 min, and the temperature was 60-70 °C, especially for water extraction. Further HPLC analysis identified marker compounds including rosmarinic acid (28.31 mg/g), chlorogenic acid (1.64 mg/g) and luteolin (0.23 mg/g) in the lyophilised ethanol extract, which were previously recognised as neuroprotective markers by molecular docking. The water extract showed higher antioxidant (total 50.85 mg/g) and neuroprotective activity, probably due to synergistic interactions among the components. Behavioural tests further demonstrated the neuroprotective potential of lavender herb. These results demonstrate the potential neuroprotective activity of lavender herb and open new possibilities for its use in the treatment of various neurodegenerative diseases.

Comprehensive Analysis of the Antioxidant and Enzyme Inhibitory Properties and Phenolic Compounds of Phlomis armeniaca: Potential Applicant in Neurodegenerative Diseases.

This study investigates the antioxidant and enzyme inhibitory properties of Phlomis armeniaca, a perennial plant native to the eastern and southeastern regions of Türkiye. Ethanol extracts of the plant were analyzed using various bioanalytical methods, including Fe³⁺-Fe²⁺ reducing power, CUPRAC, DPPH, and ABTS radical scavenging activities, as well as total phenolic and flavonoid content assessments. The results showed that Phlomis armeniaca is rich in phenolic (38.75±0.59 µg GAE/mg extract) and flavonoid compounds (39.34±4.08 µg QE/mg extract). The plant demonstrated significant inhibitory effects on AChE (IC50: 45.00±0.48 mg/mL) and BChE (IC50: 84.51±0.84 mg/mL) enzymes, indicating its potential use in treating neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's. The study also highlighted Phlomis armeniaca's high chlorogenic acid, salicylic acid, 4-dihydroxybenzoic acid, and quinic acid contents, supporting its antioxidant capacity. These findings suggest that Phlomis armeniaca could be a valuable natural resource for developing therapeutic agents to manage oxidative stress and related conditions, warranting further pharmacological exploration.

Citrus Yellow Vein Clearing Virus Infection in Lemon Influences Host Preference of the Citrus Whitefly by Affecting the Host Metabolite Composition.

Plant viruses have been known to alter host metabolites that influence the attraction of insect vectors. Our study investigated whether Citrus yellow vein clearing virus (CYVCV) infection influences vector attractiveness, focusing on the citrus whitefly, Dialeurodes citri (Ashmead). Free choice assays showed that citrus whiteflies exhibited a preference for settling on CYVCV-infected lemon plants versus healthy control plants. Using chromatography techniques, we found that the levels of sugars were similar in leaves and stems of both plant groups, while the contents of several amino acids in leaf or stem samples and non-volatile phenolic compounds in the leaf samples of CYVCV-infected and healthy plants differ drastically. In addition, volatile terpenes/terpenoids decreased significantly in virus-infected plants compared to healthy controls. Several of the identified volatile compounds such as α-phellandrene, α-terpinolene, p-cymene, linalool, and citral are known for their whitefly repellent properties. Further Y-tube olfactometer bioassays revealed that emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from infected plants attracted more citrus whiteflies, but not alate spirea aphids, Aphis spiraecola Patch, than those from healthy plants, suggesting that the VOCs released from CYVCV-infected lemon plants may specifically affect citrus whiteflies. Therefore, we suggest that, in addition to the visual cue of yellow vein symptoms, the preference of citrus whiteflies that settled on CYVCV-infected lemon plants was attributed to a reduction in the levels of repellent volatile compounds.

Efflux Pumps and Porins Enhance Bacterial Tolerance to Phenolic Compounds by Inhibiting Hydroxyl Radical Generation.

Phenolic compounds are industrially versatile chemicals that have been successfully produced in microbial cell factories. Unfortunately, most phenolic compounds are highly toxic to cells in specific cellular environments or above a particular concentration because they form a complex with iron and promote hydroxyl radical production in Fenton reactions, resulting in the ferroptosis of cells. Here, we demonstrated that overexpression of efflux pumps and porins, including porins LamB and OmpN, and efflux pumps EmrAB, MdtABC, and SrpB, can enhance Escherichia coli phloroglucinol (PG) tolerance by inhibiting the generation of hydroxyl radicals. In addition, LamB and OmpN overexpression improved the bioproduction of PG. Furthermore, efflux pumps and porins can enhance bacterial tolerance to various phenolic compounds, including phenol, catechol, resorcinol, pyrogallol, and 2-naphthol. LamB and MdtABC confer a generalized tolerance to phenols. However, EmrAB, OmpN, and SrpB showed inconsistent effects of bacterial tolerance to different phenolic compounds. Our results will theoretically support the construction of phenolic compound-tolerant bacteria strains, which should be more efficient in the biosynthesis of phenols.

Deep Eutectic Solvents based green approach for bioactive molecules recovery from Spirulina.

Spirulina is a unicellular microalga, characterized by blue/green color, that has received significant attention for its interesting nutritional composition. Phenolic compounds and phycocyanin (PC) are responsible for the many biological activities of Spirulina. Spirulina phenolic compounds are usually extracted using organic solvents, while PC is extracted with water or phosphate buffer solution, obtaining an extract characterized by low stability and low purity. Deep Eutectic Solvents (DESs) are green solvents, widely applied for bioactive molecules extraction, composed by two or more molecules which act as hydrogen bond acceptor or hydrogen bond donor to create an eutectic mixture. A Natural Deep Eutectic Solvent (NADES), is a DES composed only by natural compounds. This work aimed to optimize a green extraction procedure based on NADES to obtain an extract rich in phenolic compounds and PC from Spirulina. The application of NADESs as extraction solvents is an important strategy for recovering phenolic compounds and to increase and stabilize the protein PC. The optimized extraction procedure involved to use a betaine-glucose NADES under the following conditions: matrix-to-solvent ratio of 1:20 (w/w), temperature of 50 °C and one hour as extraction time. The developed extraction procedure guaranteed to recover a phenolic compounds and PC quantity of 11.77 ± 1.23 mg GAE (gallic acid equivalents) and 27.56 ± 2.46 g per g of Spirulina powder respectively. PC in the NADES extract degraded more slowly than in an aqueous extract. The extract phenolic compounds profile was determined through high performance liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry analysis.

The effect of the natural antioxidants extracted from Glycyrrhiza glabra (licorice) on the cryopreservation of chicken breast meat

Background: Chicken meat is highly nutritious, valued for its unique properties and versatility in culinary applications. Also, preparation methods and natural additives to its diet play an important role in estimating the nutritional value of its meat by increasing consumer acceptance of it from health, nutritional, and material aspects. Objective: This study was conducted to determine the effect of licorice as a natural antioxidant on cold-preserved chicken meat. Methods: Phenolic compounds were quantified using the colorimetric method with Folin's reagent, measuring absorbance at 765 nm, and results were expressed in terms of gallic acid equivalents per gram of dry weight. Gallic acid was used as a reference solution to prepare the standard curve with concentrations ranging between 20-120 μg/mL to determine the quantity of phenolic compounds. Determination of antioxidant activity was done using the DPPH method by taking 0.5 mL of the extract solution at concentrations ranging from 50-300 μg/mL and mixing with 3 mL of methanolic DPPH solution. The mixture was mixed for 1 min with a vortex mixer, and samples were measured by spectrophotometer at 517 nm. Moisture, ash, fat, protein, and pH were determined according to the methods mentioned by AOAC. Thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) were estimated by mixing 0.5 g of the sample with 2.5 mL of TBA solution. The mixture was heated in a boiling water bath for 10 min to orange color, chilled by adding 1 mL of chloroform and centrifuged at 5000 rpm for 25 min, and the absorbance was read at 532 nm wavelength. Total microorganisms, molds, and yeast were counted. Results: Protein content increased proportionally with higher concentrations of ethanolic licorice root extract. The gradual increase in protein content in samples is attributed to their antimicrobial effect, which leads to the preservation of meat from microbial growth and the action of proteolytic enzymes. The increase in protein during refrigerated storage is due to the decrease in moisture and increase in dry matter reflected in the increase in protein. The reduced acidity in chicken meat treated with licorice root ethanolic extract is attributed to its antimicrobial effects, which limit the growth of microorganisms responsible for metabolizing nitrogenous compounds. Licorice extracts, rich in phenolic compounds, reduce lipid oxidation. The observed decrease in thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances with increasing extract concentration is due to the antioxidant properties of these phenolics with the hydroxyl group attached to the aromatic ring capable of giving hydrogen atoms and inhibiting free radicals. This study found that the growth of microorganisms could be lowered by licorice extract containing phenolic compounds, flavonoids, tannins, and alkaloids, which showed a significant antimicrobial effect. Conclusion: This study examined how natural antioxidants, like licorice Glycyrrhiza glabra, affected the cryopreservation of chicken breast. Keywords: Licorice root extract, chicken breast, antioxidants, total phenol, Meat science

Comprehensive GC-MS Characterization and Histochemical Assessment of Various Parts of Three Colchicum Species from Bulgarian Flora.

This study presents a comprehensive phyto- and histochemical analysis of three Colchicum species: Colchicum autumnale L., the Balkan endemic Colchicum bivonae Guss., and the Bulgarian endemic Colchicum diampolis Delip. et Česchm. Using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), 66 metabolites were identified, encompassing free amino, organic, phenolic, and fatty acids, sugars, and alkaloids, which were distributed among various plant parts. Organ-specific metabolic patterns revealed that corms and seeds are particularly rich in alkaloids, supporting their roles in chemical defense and survival during dormancy. Conversely, flowers, leaves, and capsules were enriched with energy-related and phenolic compounds, playing critical roles in reproduction and stress tolerance. Histochemical investigations localized alkaloids predominantly in the endosperm of seeds, parenchyma of corms, and vascular bundles of flowers. Notably, the endemic C. bivonae and C. diampolis displayed unique chemical profiles. Moderate acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activity (AChE) was observed across various plant organs. Statistical analyses demonstrated significant interspecies and organ-specific chemical differentiation, with certain metabolites serving as key markers. These findings enhance our understanding of the chemical composition, organ specialization, and potential as a source of new biomolecules in these Colchicum species. They underscore the ecological and pharmacological importance of endemic taxa and provide a framework for future research into their sustainable utilization and potential bioactivities.

Impact of a coating of pectin and Cinnamomum Zeylanicum essential oil on the postharvest quality of strawberries packaged under different modified atmosphere conditions

Extending shelf life during storage and distribution has always represented a significant challenge in the value chain of strawberries and other perishable fruits. Thus, the combined effect of two Modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) techniques and pectin-based coating with Cinnamomum zeylanicum essential oil (CEO) was investigated on preservation of ‘Palmaritas’ variety. Strawberries were exposed to four treatments during 12 days of storage: Normal atmosphere without coating (control), normal atmosphere and a pectin-based coating with essential oil (NEC), modified atmosphere of 2.5% O2 + 15% CO2 + 82.5% N2, a pectin coating with essential oil (EC15CO2) and a modified atmosphere of 2.5% O2 + 20% CO2 + 77.5% N2, and a pectin coating with essential oil (EC20CO2). The studied parameters were weight loss, decay rate, firmness, color, total soluble solids (TSS), total phenolic content (TPC), total anthocyanin content (TAC), total flavonoid content (TFC), antioxidant capacity (AC), and phenolic and organic compounds. Results showed that a pectin-based coating with 0.17% Cinnamomum zeylanicum essential oil in a CO2-enriched atmosphere guaranteed significant preservation of several quality attributes of strawberries during storage at 6° C, especially firmness, color, TSS, TPC, TAC and TFC. Moreover, our total phenolic compounds measurement revealed an increase in gallic acid, trans-ferulic acid, kaempferol, and malvidin 3-O-glucoside, coupled with notably less degradation of caffeic acid, p-coumaric acid, and quercetin than in the control sample. Applying a CEO coating and storage in MAP effectively preserved organic acids, particularly oxalic acid and malic acid, while slowing down the degradation of vitamin C and citric acid. Thus, bioactive coating coupled with MAP presents a promising alternative for fruit storage, allowing a significant shelf-life extension while maintaining and stabilizing the principal quality attributes of strawberries.