Polyphenolic Metabolites Research Articles

Priming with multiwalled carbon nanotubes improved biomass accumulation, biological activityand metabolism of four horticultural plants during the sprouting stage.

It is imperative to enhance the quality of sprouts since they are a rich source of various primary and secondary metabolites. The objective of this work was to examine how multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) priming at various concentrations affected the nutritional qualities of four horticultural plants (T. foenum-graecum, L. grandiflorum, L. sativum and A. graveolens) and their sprouting processes. Among the four applied concentrations (10-60 mgL-1), MWCNTs at 10 and 40 mg L⁻¹ induced the highest biomass accumulation in L. grandiflorum and T. foenum-graecum, respectively, while 60 mg L⁻¹ was most effective for L. sativum and A. graveolent. MWCNTs induced growth by enhancing photosynthesis, as shown by increased chlorophyll content and rubisco activity, which rose by 27%, 17%, 23% and 12% in T. foenum-graecum, L. grandiflorum, L. sativum, and A. graveolens, respectively. Enhanced photosynthesis by MWCNTs improved sugar metabolism as indicated by increased activity of sugar metabolic enzymes such as amylase, starch synthase and invertase. This also supplied the carbon necessary for the production of primary (amino acids, fatty acids and organic acids) and secondary (flavonoids and polyphenols) metabolites. There was consistently higher activity of antioxidant enzymes (catalase and peroxidase). Interestingly, species-specific reactions to MWCNT priming were observed, where L. sativum sprouts showed the highest antioxidant activity, followed by A. graveolens. MWCNT priming improves sprout growth and nutritional quality by boosting metabolic processes and antioxidant activity, presenting a promising approach for sustainable agriculture. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Systematic Characterisation of the Fragmentation of Flavonoids Using High-Resolution Accurate Mass Electrospray Tandem Mass Spectrometry.

Flavonoids are a class of polyphenolic secondary metabolites found in plants. Due to their ubiquity in our daily dietary intake and their major anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory and anti-mutagenic activities, they have been a major focus of wide-ranging research for the past two decades. Mass spectrometry combined with liquid chromatography is one of the most popular techniques for the analysis of flavonoids. In this study, high-resolution accurate mass electrospray tandem mass spectrometry was used to study 30 flavonoids in both positive and negative ionisation modes. From the data obtained, common losses were summarised and compiled. Dominating neutral losses were tabulated. The radical loss of CH3· was observed in flavonoids containing methoxy groups and three key diagnostic product ions were identified. These were m/z 153 (indicative of two OH groups on ring A) m/z 167 (indicative of one OH and one methoxy group on ring A) and m/z 151 (a flavanol, with no ketone oxygen but two OH groups on ring A). These will be useful in structural elucidation of unknown flavonoids and flavonoid metabolites. Energy breakdown graphs were utilised to distinguish between three pairs of structural isomers, and to help rationalise proposed fragmentation pathways. Lastly, a competition of loss of CH3· and methane was reported for rhamnetin and isorhamnetin in the negative ion mode for the first time. Proposed fragmentation pathways were given to rationalise the differences in peak intensities for this competitive process.

Postbiotics as Antiinflammatory and Immune-Modulating Bioactive Compounds in Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease.

Postbiotics, defined as products or metabolic byproducts secreted by live bacteria or released after bacterial lysis, are emerging as promising therapeutic agents for metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). This review explores the antiinflammatory and immunomodulatory properties of various postbiotics, including exopolysaccharides, lipoteichoic acid, short-chain fatty acids, hydrogen sulfide, polyamines, tryptophan derivatives, and polyphenol metabolites. These compounds have demonstrated potential in mitigating steatotic liver infiltration, reducing inflammation, and slowing fibrosis progression in preclinical studies. Notably, postbiotics exert their beneficial effects by modulating gut microbiota composition, enhancing intestinal barrier function, optimizing lipid metabolism, reducing hepatic inflammation and steatosis, and exhibiting hepatoprotective properties. However, translating these findings into clinical practice requires well-designed trials to validate efficacy and safety, standardize production and characterization, and explore personalized approaches and synergistic effects with other therapeutic modalities. Despite challenges, the unique biological properties of postbiotics, such as enhanced safety compared to probiotics, make them attractive candidates for developing novel nutritional interventions targeting the multifactorial pathogenesis of MASLD. Further research is needed to establish their clinical utility and potential to improve liver and systemic outcomes in this increasingly prevalent condition.

Stilbene production as part of drought adaptation mechanisms in cultivated grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.) roots modulates antioxidant status.

Stilbenes, naturally occurring polyphenolic secondary metabolites, play a pivotal role in adaptation of various plant species to biotic and abiotic factors. Recently, increased attention has been directed toward their potential to enhance plant stress tolerance. We evaluated drought tolerance of three grapevine varieties grown with different levels of water deficit. Throughout, we studied physiological mechanisms associated with drought stress tolerance, particularly stilbene accumulation in root tissues, using HPLC. Additionally, we explored the possible relationship between antioxidant potential and stilbene accumulation in response to water deficit. The results underscore the detrimental impact of water deficit on grapevine growth, water status, and membrane stability index, while revealing varying tolerance among the studied genotypes. Notably, Syrah variety had superior drought tolerance, compared to Razegui and Muscat d'Italie grapes. Under severe water deficit, Syrah exhibited a substantial increase in levels of stilbenic compounds, such as t-resveratrol, t-piceatannol, t-ɛ-viniferin, and t-piceid, in root tissues compared to other genotypes. This increase was positively correlated with total antioxidant activity (TAA), emphasizing the active role of resveratrol and its derivatives in total antioxidant potential. This demonstratres the potential involvement of resveratrol and its derivatives in enhancing antioxidant status of the drought-tolerant Syrah grape variety. Our findings suggest that these stilbenes may function as valuable markers in grapevine breeding programs, offering novel insights for the sustainable cultivation of grapevines in water-limited environments.

Hamamelitannin’s Antioxidant Effect and Its Inhibition Capability on α-Glycosidase, Carbonic Anhydrase, Acetylcholinesterase, and Butyrylcholinesterase Enzymes

Hamamelitannin (2′,5-di-O-galloyl-hamamelose) bears two-gallate moieties in its structure, and is a natural phenolic product in the leaves and the bark of Hamamelis virginiana. The antioxidant capacity of hamamelitannin was evaluated by a range of methods, with the following findings: the ability to reduce potassium ferric cyanide; the scavenging of N,N-dimethyl-p-phenylenediamine dihydrochloride radical (DMPD•+); the scavenging of 2,2′-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonate) radical (ABTS•+); the scavenging of 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH•); and the ability to reduce cupric ions (Cu2+). Additionally, reference antioxidants of α-Tocopherol, butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), Trolox, and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) were used for comparison. For DPPH radical scavenging, hamamelitannin had an IC50 value of 19.31 μg/mL, while the IC50 values for BHA, BHT, Trolox, and α-Tocopherol were 10.10, 25.95, 7.05, and 11.31 μg/mL, respectively. The study found that hamamelitannin functioned similarly to BHA, α-tocopherol, and Trolox in terms of DPPH• scavenging, but better than BHT. Additionally, as a polyphenolic secondary metabolite, the hamamelitannin inhibition capability of several metabolic enzymes was demonstrated, including acetylcholinesterase (AChE), butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), carbonic anhydrase I (CA I), carbonic anhydrase II (CA II) and α-glycosidase. The Ki values of hamamelitannin exhibited 7.40, 1.99, 10.18, 18.26, and 25.79 nM toward AChE, BChE, hCA I, hCA II, and α-glycosidase, respectively.

Cellulose synthase-like OsCSLD4: a key regulator of agronomic traits, disease resistance, and metabolic indices in rice.

Cellulose synthase-like OsCSLD4 plays a pivotal role in regulating diverse agronomic traits, enhancing resistance against bacterial leaf blight, and modulating metabolite indices based on the multi-omics analysis in rice. To delve deeper into this complex network between agronomic traits and metabolites in rice, we have compiled a dataset encompassing genome, phenome, and metabolome, including 524 diverse accessions, 11 agronomic traits, and 841 metabolites, enabling us to pinpoint eight hotspots through GWAS. We later discovered four distinct metabolite categories, encompassing 15 metabolites that are concurrently present on the QTL qC12.1, associated with leaf angle of flag and spikelet length, and finally focused the cellulose synthase-like OsCSLD4, which was pinpointed through a rigorous process encompassing sequence variation, haplotype, ATAC, and differential expression across diverse tissues. Compared to the wild type, csld4 exhibited significant reductions in the plant height, flag leaf length, leaf width, spikelet length, 1000-grain weight, grain width, grain thickness, fertility, yield per plant, and bacterial blight resistance. However, there were significant increase in tiller numbers, degree of leaf rolling, flowering period, growth period, grain length, and empty kernel rate. Furthermore, the content of four polyphenol metabolites, excluding metabolite N-feruloyltyramine (mr1268), notably rose, whereas the levels of the other three polyphenol metabolites, smiglaside C (mr1498), 4-coumaric acid (mr1622), and smiglaside A (mr1925) decreased significantly in mutant csld4. The content of amino acid L-tyramine (mr1446) exhibited a notable increase, whereas the alkaloid trigonelline (mr1188) displayed a substantial decrease among the mutants. This study offered a comprehensive multi-omics perspective to analyze the genetic mechanism of OsCSLD4, and breeders can potentially enhance rice's yield, bacterial leaf blight resistance, and metabolite content, leading to more sustainable and profitable rice production.

Dietary modulation of human milk bioactives is associated with maternal FUT2 secretor phenotype: an exploratory analysis of carotenoids and polyphenol metabolites.

Maternal diet modifies profiles of human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs), carotenoids, and polyphenols in human milk (HM). However, substantial variability in profiles exists between women, highlighting the complexity of non-dietary factors modulating these profiles. The objective of this study was to carry out a secondary analysis exploring the effect of maternal diet on HM carotenoids and polyphenols and relationships between dietary modulation of HM bioactives (carotenoids, polyphenols, and oligosaccharides) and maternal α1,2-fucosyltransferase 2 (FUT2) secretor phenotype. In this pilot study, 16 exclusively breastfeeding women with obesity were enrolled between 4 and 5 months postpartum. The women were provided a 4-week meal plan consistent with the 2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA). HM was collected for 24 h at baseline and post-intervention. Maternal FUT2 secretor phenotype was determined by 2'-fucosyllactose concentration in HM (non-secretor: < 100 nmol/ml; secretor: ≥100 nmol/ml). Concentrations of carotenoids and HMOs were determined by LC and polyphenol metabolites by UPLC-MS/MS. Thirteen women completed the study (6 secretors, 7 non-secretors). The change in HM concentrations of the HMOs lacto-N-tetraose (LNT, p = 0.007), lacto-N-fucopentaose II (LNFP II, p = 0.02), difucosyllacto-N-tetraose (DFLNT, p = 0.003), and disialyllacto-N-tetraose (DSLNT, p = 0.003) and polyphenol metabolites 4-hydroxybenzoic acid (4-HBA, p = 0.08) and ferulic acid (p = 0.02) over the intervention time frame was differentially associated with maternal secretor status. 4-HBA and ferulic acid positively correlated with HMOs LNT and DSLNT (rrm = 0.82-0.90, p = 0.03-0.06) for secretors but not for non-secretors. Only secretors demonstrated a negative correlation between 4-HBA and DFLNT (rrm = -0.94, p = 0.001). The influence of maternal diet on composition of HMOs and polyphenol metabolites in HM differs based on maternal secretor status. Consideration of non-dietary factors is needed to evaluate differences in response of HM bioactives to dietary modulation.

Optimization of Liquid Fermentation of Acanthopanax senticosus Leaves and Its Non-Targeted Metabolomics Analysis

To enhance the nutritional value of Acanthopanax senticosus leaves (AL), a fermentation process was conducted using a probiotic Bacillus mixture, and the changes in chemical constituents and biological activities before and after fermentation were compared. A response surface methodology was employed to optimize the liquid fermentation conditions of AL based on their influence on polyphenol content. Non-targeted metabolomics analysis was performed using LC-MS/MS to reveal the differing profiles of compounds before and after fermentation. The results indicated that Bacillus subtilis LK and Bacillus amyloliquefaciens M2 significantly influenced polyphenol content during fermentation. The optimal fermentation conditions were determined to be a fermentation time of 54 h, a temperature of 39.6 °C, and an inoculum size of 2.5% (v/v). In comparison to unfermented AL, the total polyphenol and flavonoid contents, as well as the free radical scavenging capacities measured by DPPH and ABTS assays, and the activities of β-glucosidase and endo-glucanase, were significantly increased. The non-targeted metabolomics analysis identified 1348 metabolites, of which 829 were classified as differential metabolites. A correlation analysis between the differential metabolites of polyphenols, flavonoids, and antioxidant activity revealed that 13 differential metabolites were positively correlated with antioxidant activity. Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis of the differential metabolites identified 82 pathways, with two of the top 25 metabolic pathways related to flavonoids. This study explores the potential for enhancing the active ingredients and biological effects of AL through probiotic fermentation using Bacillus strains.

The Influence of Rhizobial Nod Factors on the Synthesis of Flavonoids in Common Buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum Moench)

Flavonoids constitute a class of polyphenolic secondary metabolites synthesised mainly by plants and possessing anticancer, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral properties. Common buckwheat (F. esculentum Moench) is a dicotyledonous plant rich in different classes of flavonoids (e.g., rutin) and other phenolic compounds. Lipochitooligosaccharides (LCOs), i.e., rhizobial Nod factors and important signalling molecules for the initiation of symbiosis with legumes, are very effective mitogens that stimulate cell division in plant meristems and the production of secondary metabolites. They can also act in this way in non-legume plants. It has been shown that rhizobial Nod factors noticeably improve plant growth. Rhizobial Nod factors influence the production of flavonoids in common buckwheat grown in greenhouse conditions. The amount of rutin and isoorientin in leaves and flowers has been shown to increase in a statistically significant way after application of Nod factors to buckwheat seeds. The presence of rhizobial Nod factors has no influence on the flavonoid content in stems and roots.

Assessing the effect of anthocyanins through diet and supplementation on cognitive function in older adults at risk for dementia: protocol for a randomised controlled trial

IntroductionPromising evidence is emerging for the procognitive, anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties of dietary flavonoids, particularly anthocyanins that provide red, purple and blue plant pigments.Methods and analysisThe ‘Food for Thought’ study...

Effects of Flaxseed on Perimenopausal Symptoms: Findings From a Single-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Study.

Background Flaxseed contains many phytoestrogens that share structural similarities with endogenous estrogens. It has beneficial properties that improve hormonal effects that may influence chronic disorders. Objective This study aims to evaluate the impact of flaxseed supplementation on perimenopausal syndrome symptoms and serum polyphenol metabolites enterodiol (ED) and enterolactone (EL). Methods Recruitment of 145 perimenopausal women from Queen Mary's Hospital OPD in K.G.M.U. Lucknow, India, was done for this single-blind randomized placebo-controlled experiment, considering inclusion and exclusion criteria. We randomly divided subjects into two groups using a computer-generated random number table. The intervention group A received 10 grams of flaxseed powder, while the placebo group B received 10 grams of roasted wheat flour for a continuous three months. We measured their demographic characteristics,menopausal symptoms score using the modified Kupperman's index (KI),the menopause rating scale (MRS), and the menopause-specific quality of life (MENQOL) intervention questionnaire. Moreover, using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), biochemical parameters (ED, EL) were assessed both at baselineand after three months. For the statistical analysis, Statistical Product and Service Solutions (SPSS, version 24; IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Armonk, NY) was employed. Result The study involved 123 individuals, with 22 subjects losing out during follow-up. From baseline to follow-up comparison, the intervention group demonstrated an average percentage decline in the final score of the KI, MRS, and MENQOL intervention questionnaire of -47.25%, -54.05%, and -50.39%, respectively, while the placebo group demonstrated an average percentage decline of -3.83%, -4.91%, and -7.92%, respectively. From baseline to follow-up, ED and EL levels increased by 2.81-fold and 8.55-fold in the intervention group and decreased by 0.25-fold and 0.27-foldin the placebo group. Conclusion Following three months of supplementation, the intervention group showed substantially lower menopausal symptoms (p < 0.001), and ED and EL levels were considerably higher (p < 0.001). Therefore, flaxseed might ameliorate the symptoms associated with perimenopause.

Comprehensive identification of polyphenolic metabolites in aspen knotwood by combination of 2D NMR and HPLC-HRMS.

European aspen (Populus tremula L.) knotwood contains large amounts of polyphenolic metabolites, mainly flavonoids, and can be considered as a promising industrial-scale source of valuable bioactive compounds. Valorization of knotwood extractives requires detailed information on their chemical composition and a relevant analytical methodology. This study proposes combined analytical strategy for non-targeted screening and identification of polyphenolic plant metabolites and is aimed at comprehensive characterization of knotwood extractives. Aspen knotwood acetone extract with determined antioxidant activity was an object of the study. Two-dimensional NMR spectroscopy with Structure Elucidator expert system was used for preliminary search of major components and specific structures. Liquid chromatography-high-resolution mass spectrometry (HPLC-HRMS) with data-dependent MS/MS spectra acquisition was used as a complementary technique providing molecular-level characterization and identification of the detected metabolites. Twenty-eight phenolic metabolites were found and identified. Among them, flavonoids, aromadendrin and naringenin, as well as their glycosylated derivatives (mainly O-glucosides) and methyl ethers, dominated. Taxifolin and its 7-O-glucoside were detected as minor components. Other detected compounds are represented by p-coumaric acid and its rutinoside and small amounts of glycosylated ferulic acid. Nineteen of the detected compounds were discovered in aspen knotwood for the first time. The results were confirmed by preparative isolation of individual compounds and NMR studies. The proposed analytical strategy based on 2D NMR and HPLC-HRMS can be considered a powerful tool in the analysis of plant extractives and allowed for the identification and semi-quantification of a large number of polyphenols in aspen knotwood.

Effects of combined ultrasound and calcium ion pretreatments on polyphenols during mung bean germination: Exploring underlying mechanisms

Mung beans were pretreated with a combination of ultrasonic and calcium ion to enhance the polyphenol content and antioxidant capacity during germination. Changes in polyphenol content and antioxidant capacity during germination, along with underlying mechanisms, were investigated. Both single ultrasound and combined ultrasound-Ca2+ pretreatments significantly increased the polyphenol content and enhanced the antioxidant capacity (p < 0.05) of mung beans depending on germination period. Among 74 polyphenolic metabolites identified in germinated mung beans, 50 were differential. Notably, 23 of these metabolites showed a significant positive correlation with antioxidant activity. Ultrasound pretreatment promoted flavonoid biosynthesis, whereas ultrasound-Ca2+ pretreatment favored the tyrosine synthesis pathway. Polyphenol composition and accumulation changes were mainly influenced by metabolic pathways like flavonoid, isoflavonoid, anthocyanin, and flavone/flavonol biosynthesis. The results suggest that ultrasound alone or combined with calcium ion pretreatments effectively enhance mung bean polyphenol content and antioxidant capacity during germination.

Urolithin A Ameliorates the TGF Beta-Dependent Impairment of Podocytes Exposed to High Glucose.

Increased activity of transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) is a key factor mediating kidney impairment in diabetes. Glomerular podocytes, the crucial component of the renal filter, are a direct target of TGF-β action, resulting in irreversible cell loss and progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Urolithin A (UA) is a member of the family of polyphenol metabolites produced by gut microbiota from ellagitannins and ellagic acid-rich foods. The broad spectrum of biological activities of UA makes it a promising candidate for the treatment of podocyte disorders. In this in vitro study, we investigated whether UA influences the changes exerted in podocytes by TGF-β and high glucose. Following a 7-day incubation in normal (NG, 5.5 mM) or high (HG, 25 mM) glucose, the cells were treated with UA and/or TGF-β1 for 24 h. HG and TGF-β1, each independent and in concert reduced expression of nephrin, increased podocyte motility, and up-regulated expression of b3 integrin and fibronectin. These typical-for-epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) effects were inhibited by UA in both HG and NG conditions. UA also reduced the typically elevated HG expression of TGF-β receptors and activation of the TGF-β signal transducer Smad2. Our results indicate that in podocytes cultured in conditions mimicking the diabetic milieu, UA inhibits and reverses changes underlying podocytopenia in diabetic kidneys. Hence, UA should be considered as a potential therapeutic agent in podocytopathies.

Identification of Amino Acids and Polyphenolic Metabolites in Human Plasma by UHPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS/MS, after the Chronic Intake of a Functional Meal in an Elderly Population.

Novel foods especially formulated and targeted for the elderly population should provide sufficient nutrients and bioactive ingredients to counteract the natural age-related deterioration of various organs and tissues. Dietary protein and phenolic compounds achieve this goal; however, older adults have alterations in their gastrointestinal system that may impact their bioavailability and few studies have been aimed at this population. Since phenolic compounds are the subject of multiple biotransformations by host and microbiome enzymes during the digestion process, identification of their bioavailable forms in human plasma or tissues represents a considerable analytical challenge. In this study, UHPLC-ESI-QTOF/MS-MS, chemometrics, and multivariate statistical methods were used to identify the amino acids and phenolic compounds that were increased in the plasma of elderly adults after a 30-day intervention in which they had consumed an especially formulated muffin and beverage containing Brosimum alicastrum Sw. seed flour. A large interindividual variation was observed regarding the amino acids and phenolic metabolites identified in the plasma samples, before and after the intervention. Three phenolic metabolites were significantly increased in the population after the intervention: protocatechuic acid, 5-(methoxy-4'-hydroxyphenyl) valerolactone, and phloretic acid. These metabolites, as well as others that were not significantly increased (although they did increase in several individuals), are probably the product of the microbiota metabolism of the major phenolic compounds present in the B. alicastrum Sw. seed flour and other food ingredients. A significant decrease in 4-ethyl-phenol, a biomarker of stress, was observed in the samples. Results showed that the incorporation of foods rich in phenolic compounds into the regular diet of older adults contributes to the increase in bioactive compounds in plasma, that could substantially benefit their mental, cardiovascular, and digestive health.

Gut-derived wild blueberry phenolic acid metabolites modulate extrinsic cutaneous damage.

As the first line of defense, the skin is equipped with various physiological mechanisms positioned to prevent incoming oxidative damage from numerous environmental insults. With persistent exposure to the environment, understanding ways to augment the skin defenses is paramount in protecting from premature aging. In this study, we investigated the ability of five dietary phenolic metabolites, typically found in the bloodstream after wild blueberry consumption, to successfully defend the skin from UV light exposure in a novel ex vivo co-culture model of human skin explants and primary endothelial cells. Skin explants, placed in transwell inserts, were exposed to UV, and subsequently co-cultured with endothelial cells. When the endothelial cells had been pretreated with the bioactive metabolites at physiological concentrations (hippuric acid 3000 nM, isoferulic acid 1000 nM, salicylic acid 130 nM, benzoic acid 900 nM, α-hydroxyhippuric acid 400 nM) cutaneous damage was prevented on the co-cultured with UV-challenged skin explants. Co-culture with non-pretreated endothelial cells did not protect skin explants. Specifically, the pretreatment was able to reduce skin lipid peroxidation (measured as 4-hydroxynonenal protein adducts), and pro-inflammatory enzymes such as cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) and NADPH oxidase 4 (NOX-4). Furthermore, pretreatment with the metabolites prevented UV-induced release of inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1β and IL-8 as well as nitric oxides (NO) levels. In addition, the metabolites showed an impressive ability to prevent the loss of cutaneous structural proteins including involucrin and collagen type 1. Of note, endothelial cells cultured with UV exposed skin explants exhibited increased oxidative stress demonstrated by heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) up-regulation which was significantly prevented in the metabolite treated models. These findings highlight the ability of dietary polyphenolic metabolites to improve cutaneous defenses against extrinsic stressors.

Determination of bioactive substances in 27 edible flowers based on LC-MS/MS

Edible flowers, as a food ingredient, are rich in bioactive substance and have received a lot of attention. In this study, we have established a pseudo-targeting method based on Multi Reaction Monitoring (MRM) - Enhanced Product Ions (EPI) in the Information Dependent Acquisition (IDA) mode. The results showed that a total of 43 metabolites, including flavonoids, phenolic acids, and terpenes were detected in 27 edible flowers using integrated liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) strategy. Rutin was measured in all edible flowers, but the levels varied significantly among the different varieties of flowers, with the highest being about 3500 times the lowest. Albiflorin and paeoniflorin are polyphenolic substance unique to Paeonia suffruticosa. The cyanidin 3-O-glucoside chloride content in reddish-purple flowers is higher than that of other colors. Dicoumarin and 4-hydroxycoumarin were discovered in edible flowers for the first time. This study established a pseudo-targeted detection method to reveal the distribution of polyphenolic metabolites and enriched the research on polyphenolic metabolites in edible flowers. It can also serve as a general strategy to detect metabolites in other agricultural products, providing valuable information about potential metabolites for consumers.

First Steps towards Pre-Breeding of Sideritis scardica: A Phenotypic, Agronomic, and Phytochemical Profiling Approach

Sideritis scardica (S. scardica) Griseb., also known as mountain tea, is an important medicinal and aromatic plant species. Due to the high cross-pollination ability of the species, diverse genotypes and phenotypes occur naturally. Considering that superior uniform genotypes are necessary for highly qualitative and sustainable production, this study aimed to conduct a pre-breeding evaluation of three clones (SID1, SID2, and SID3) originating from a selected S. scardica population growing in Greece. According to a phenotypic and agronomic evaluation, SID2 seemed to be superior among the three clones, expressing a good profile with desirable traits (i.e., desired inflorescence length and leaf surface, high length of stems, and high fresh and dry plant biomass). Furthermore, SID3 presented some remarkable measurements regarding morphological (upright growth habit) and agronomic (high number of stems and plant dry weight, desired plant surface) traits. The phytochemical profile of the three clones was assessed with regard to their volatile and polyphenolic compounds. Forty-four constituents were identified in S. scardica essential oil, including hydrocarbon monoterpenes, sesquiterpenoids, oxygenated monoterpenes, and other groups (monoterpene ketones, saturated fatty alcohols, benzoic esters). Liquid chromatographic analysis revealed SID2 as the clone most abundant in the major polyphenolic metabolites: verbascoside (2234.3 mg 100 g−1), isoscutellarein-7-O [6″-O-acetyl]-allosyl(1 → 2) glucoside (1456.5 mg 100 g−1), and 4-methyl hypolaetin-7-O [6″-O-acetyl]-allosyl(1 → 2) glucoside (861.8 mg 100 g−1). The results indicate the ability to combine morphological, agronomic, and phytochemical traits, in order to identify superior S. scardica genotypes for further evaluation and utilization in breeding programs, aiming to create cultivars or varieties for farming purposes with desired performance and high quantitative and qualitative yields.

Essential Role of Gut Microbiome in Determining Circulating Levels of Blueberry Polyphenol Metabolite Exposure

Essential Role of Gut Microbiome in Determining Circulating Levels of Blueberry Polyphenol Metabolite Exposure

Urinary Polyphenol Metabolite Signatures in a Phase I Trial of a Novel Black Raspberry Nectar and Placebo Developed for Long-Term Cancer Prevention Studies

Urinary Polyphenol Metabolite Signatures in a Phase I Trial of a Novel Black Raspberry Nectar and Placebo Developed for Long-Term Cancer Prevention Studies