Potential Health-promoting Properties Research Articles

Resveratrol-enriched rice identical to original Dongjin rice variety with respect to major agronomic traits in different cultivation years and regions

ABSTRACT Resveratrol is synthesized by the catalysis of resveratrol synthases (RS) in a limited number of higher plants. Resveratrol shows potential health-promoting properties, including as an antioxidant and in preventing cardiovascular diseases. Recently, resveratrol-enriched rice has been produced as a novel source of resveratrol. This study aimed to investigate the major agronomic characteristics of resveratrol-enriched rice, Iksan526 (I526) and compared them with those of a nontransgenic and commercial rice variety, Dongjin (DJ). Transgene (RS) integration was confirmed using Southern blot analysis, and homologous recombination was achieved after digestion with the SacI restriction enzyme. The phenotypic traits of I526 grown in Iksan were similar to those grown in Milyang but not similar to those grown in Suwon. In Suwon, I526 had slightly earlier heading dates [i.e., number of days from sowing to heading) and shorter culm lengths. When I526 was treated with 0.4% Basta in the seedling stage, no significant difference was observed among all the agronomic traits compared with nontreated I526; particularly, the culm length, panicle length, number of panicles per hill, 1,000 grain weight of brown rice, and brown rice yield of the Basta-treated rice were similar to those of the nontreated I526, regardless of their cultivation region. The resveratrol content of I526 grown in Suwon and Milyang was increased by 18% and 37%, respectively, than that of I526 grown in the Iksan area. Therefore, DJ and I526 are not significantly different in terms of major agronomic traits depending on variety/year and variety/cultivation region. The results indicated that I526 has the potential to become a commercialized variety in the near future.

Effects of Coffee and Its Components on the Gastrointestinal Tract and the Brain-Gut Axis.

Coffee is one of the most popular beverages consumed worldwide. Roasted coffee is a complex mixture of thousands of bioactive compounds, and some of them have numerous potential health-promoting properties that have been extensively studied in the cardiovascular and central nervous systems, with relatively much less attention given to other body systems, such as the gastrointestinal tract and its particular connection with the brain, known as the brain–gut axis. This narrative review provides an overview of the effect of coffee brew; its by-products; and its components on the gastrointestinal mucosa (mainly involved in permeability, secretion, and proliferation), the neural and non-neural components of the gut wall responsible for its motor function, and the brain–gut axis. Despite in vitro, in vivo, and epidemiological studies having shown that coffee may exert multiple effects on the digestive tract, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiproliferative effects on the mucosa, and pro-motility effects on the external muscle layers, much is still surprisingly unknown. Further studies are needed to understand the mechanisms of action of certain health-promoting properties of coffee on the gastrointestinal tract and to transfer this knowledge to the industry to develop functional foods to improve the gastrointestinal and brain–gut axis health.

Perspectives from the Society for Pediatric Research: Probiotic use in urinary tract infections, atopic dermatitis, and antibiotic-associated diarrhea: an overview

Probiotics have received significant attention within both the scientific and lay communities for their potential health-promoting properties, including the treatment or prevention of various conditions in children. In this article, we review the published data on use of specific probiotic strains for three common pediatric conditions: the prevention of urinary tract infections and antibiotic-associated diarrhea and the treatment of atopic dermatitis. Research into the utility of specific probiotic strains is of varying quality, and data are often derived from small studies and case series. We discuss the scientific merit of these studies, their overall findings regarding the utility of probiotics for these indications, issues in reporting of methods, and results from these clinical trials, as well as future areas of investigation.

Characterization of Buckwheat Beverages Fermented with Lactic Acid Bacterial Cultures and Bifidobacteria.

This study aimed to examine the effect of four different industrial starter cultures containing lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and bifidobacteria on selected characteristics of beverages prepared from buckwheat and stored at 4 °C for 28 days. This study included the determination of pH during fermentation and during refrigerated storage, determination of the number of LAB and bifidobacteria, and chromatographic analysis of carbohydrates. This study showed that the tested starter cultures effectively fermented the buckwheat beverage. There was a sufficient number of viable cells in the starter microflora for the obtained beverages to exhibit potential health-promoting properties. Beverages had stable pH values during refrigerated storage. The stored beverages showed changes in the content of selected carbohydrates, which indicates the constant biochemical activity of the present starter microflora. This study provides useful references on the metabolism of LAB in plant-based beverages.

Phytochemical Molecules from the Decarboxylation of Gomphrenins in Violet Gomphrena globosa L.-Floral Infusions from Functional Food.

Herein, the generation of decarboxylated derivatives of gomphrenin pigments exhibiting potential health-promoting properties and the kinetics of their extraction during tea brewing from the purple flowers of Gomphrena globosa L. in aqueous and aqueous citric acid solutions were investigated. Time-dependent concentration monitoring of natural gomphrenins and their tentative identification was carried out by LC-DAD-ESI-MS/MS. The high content of acylated gomphrenins and their principal decarboxylation products, 2-, 15-, 17-decarboxy-gomphrenins, along with minor levels of their bidecarboxylated derivatives, were reported in the infusions. The identification was supported by the determination of molecular formulas of the extracted pigments by liquid chromatography coupled with high-resolution mass spectrometry (LCMS-IT-TOF). The influence of plant matrix on gomphrenins’ stability and generation of their derivatives, including the extraction kinetics, was determined by studying the concentration profiles in the primary and diluted infusions. Isolated and purified acylated gomphrenins from the same plant material were used for the preliminary determination of their decarboxylated derivatives. The acylated gomphrenins were found to be more stable than nonacylated ones. Citric acid addition had a degradative influence on natural gomphrenins mainly during the longer tea brewing process (above 15 min); however, the presence of plant matrix significantly increased the stability for betacyanins’ identification.

Pomegranate Seed Oil and Bitter Melon Extract Affect Fatty Acids Composition and Metabolism in Hepatic Tissue in Rats.

Pomegranate seed oil (PSO) and bitter melon dried fruits (BME) are used as natural remedies in folk medicine and as dietary supplements. However, the exact mechanism of their beneficial action is not known. The aim of study was to assess how the diet supplementation with PSO and/or with an aqueous solution of Momordica charantia affects the metabolism of fatty acids, fatty acids composition and the level of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) in rat liver. Animals (Sprague-Dawley female rats, n = 48) were divide into four equinumerous groups and fed as a control diet or experimental diets supplemented with PSO, BME or both PSO and BME for 21 weeks. Fatty acids were determined using gas chromatography with flame ionization detection. PSO added to the diet increased the rumenic acid content (p < 0.0001) and increased accumulation of n-6 fatty acids (p = 0.0001) in hepatic tissue. Enrichment of the diet either with PSO or with BME reduced the activity of Δ6-desaturase (D6D) (p = 0.0019), whereas the combination of those dietary factors only slightly increased the effect. Applied dietary supplements significantly reduced the PGE2 level (p = 0.0021). No significant intensification of the influence on the investigated parameters resulted from combined application of PSO and BME. PSO and BME have potential health-promoting properties because they influence fatty acids composition and exhibit an inhibiting effect on the activity of desaturases and thus they contribute to the reduction in the metabolites of arachidonic acid (especially PGE2).

Analysis of Association between Intake of Red Wine Polyphenols and Oxidative Stress Parameters in the Liver of Growing Male Rats

Red wine is a complex alcoholic beverage containing various substances, including those of a potential health-promoting properties, such as polyphenols, responsible for the sensory features of wine. Their potential positive influence is associated with possibility of antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, immunomodulating, and antiallergenic effects, but at the same time, there is a possibility of their pro-oxidative effect. In spite of the fact that in adolescence alcohol may be highly damaging, as it may disturb the development, it is abused frequently. The aim of the study was to verify the association between red wine consumption as well as dietary polyphenol intake with wine and the oxidative stress parameters in the liver of growing male rats. The growing male Wistar rats were studied, while divided into three groups of six animals, receiving red wine in a solution characterized by 10% of ethanol content since 30th day of life, for two, four, and six weeks. The alcohol intake was controlled and the content of total phenolic compounds, selected phenolic acids (hydroxybenzoic acid, caffeic acid, p-coumaric acid, ferulic acid, and sinapic acid), total anthocyanidins and selected anthocyanins (cyanidin, cyanidin 3-glucoside, cyanidin 3-rutinoside, delphinidin, and pelargonidin) were assessed. At the same time, for the liver homogenates, the levels of Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive Substances (TBARS) and protein carbonyl groups were verified. The analysis revealed statistically significant influence of red wine intake, as well as of supply of phenolic acids (hydroxybenzoic acid, caffeic acid, p-coumaric acid, ferulic acid, and sinapic acid), and anthocyanins (cyanidin, cyanidin 3-glucoside, cyanidin 3-rutinoside, delphinidin, and pelargonidin) on TBARS and protein carbonyl groups level (R &gt; 0.80; p &lt; 0.05), but the influence was stated only for the period of two weeks. The obtained results may suggest pro-oxidative effect of both ethanol and polyphenols for the liver of the growing male rats. At the same time, for the periods of four and six weeks, no influence on TBARS and protein carbonyl groups level was observed (p &gt; 0.05), which may allow to suppose an adaptive mechanism of the growing organism while the ethanol and polyphenols exposition is prolonged. Further studies are required to confirm the mechanism of the pro-oxidative effect of polyphenols contained in red wine for the liver of growing organism.

Relationship between color and betalain content in different thermally treated beetroot products.

Several health benefits are currently attributed to natural pigments that give fruit and vegetables their inherently colorful properties. Color measurements might therefore serve as quick indicators of the potential health-promoting properties of such foods. Nevertheless, the relationship between color and pigment content depends on the type of matrix and pigment, as well as the factors affecting their interaction, which calls for further investigation. Hence, the aim of the present study is to investigate the relationship between color parameters and betalain content in three commonly consumed beetroot products (beetroot juice, beetroot puree and whole beetroot), subjected to thermal treatment. Our results showed a negative correlation between the total betalain content and the color parameters L*, a*, b*, chroma, and hue angle in beetroot juice, beetroot puree and whole beetroot. Two chromatic parameters, a* and chroma, are proposed as the best descriptors for the betalain concentrations of these products. Likewise, the tristimulus L/ab combination for the juice is also suggested as a good descriptor. Our findings highlighted that the relationship between color and total betalain content depended on the beetroot product under assessment, with the strongest correlations found for the juice. Squeezed beetroot was therefore suggested as an alternative to improve this relationship in more complex matrices such as whole cooked beetroots. Useful information from color determination sheds light on the relationship between color and betalain pigments in beetroot, suggesting that color determination could be used as an indicator of betalain content.

Actividades antioxidante e inhibitoria de la ECA de hidrolizados obtenidos a partir de proteínas de lupino y haba mediante hidrólisis enzimática y fermentación

Introduction: Legumes and pseudocereals protein hydrolysates have been recognized as having improved potential health-promoting properties as compared with native proteins. Objectives: 1) Produce bioactive hydrolysates from lupin and faba bean proteins by enzymatic hydrolysis (EH) and solid-state fermentation (SF), 2) compare the angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE)-inhibitory and antioxidant activities of the hydrolysates and 3) evaluate the effect of in vitro gastrointestinal digestion on the antioxidant and antihypertensive activities of the hydrolysates. Methodology: Hydrolysates from proteins of faba bean (Vicia faba) and lupin (Lupinus gredensis) were obtained by EH using Flavourzyme and SF by Aspergillus niger. The antioxidant and ACE-inhibitory activities of the hydrolysates were assessed. Results: All the hydrolysates presented DPPH radical scavenging activity, with IC50 ranging from 1.23-2.08 mgprotein·mL-1. Only EH and SF hydrolysates obtained from lupin proteins had ACE-inhibitory activity (IC50: 2.39 and 14.08 mgprotein·mL-1, respectively). Radical scavenging activity hydrolysates was significantly reduced after in vitro gastrointestinal digestion, while ACE-inhibitory activity showed variable behavior. Study limitations: Specific molecules responsible for the in vitro health-promoting properties should be identified. Originality: Relevant information is provided on health-promoting attributes of faba bean and lupin hydrolysates obtained by EH and SF. Conclusions: EH and SF improved the health-promoting properties of faba bean and lupin native proteins.

ANTIDIABETIC, ANTI-ALZHEIMER AND ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITIES OF ALKALOIDS EXTRACT OF PERGULARIA TOMENTOSAL. COLLECTED FROM ALGERIAN SAHARA

Ponte Academic JournalFeb 2020, Volume 76, Issue 2 ANTIDIABETIC, ANTI-ALZHEIMER AND ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITIES OF ALKALOIDS EXTRACT OF PERGULARIA TOMENTOSAL. COLLECTED FROM ALGERIAN SAHARAAuthor(s): Mohammed Laid TLILI ,Roukia Hammoudi, Atef Chouikh, Mahfoud Hadj-MahammedJ. Ponte - Feb 2020 - Volume 76 - Issue 2 doi: 10.21506/j.ponte.2020.2.13 Abstract:The aim of the study was to assess of potential health-promoting properties of alkaloids extract of Pergularia tomentosa L. collected from northeast Algeria. The alkaloids extract was prepared, and antioxidant capacity (DPPH, Cupric reducing, Galvinoxyl radical scavenging and Phenanthroline assay) and in vitro antidiabetic (inhibition of ?-amylase and ?-glucosidase) and anticholinesterase (inhibition of acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase) potentials were evaluated. The alkaloids extract exhibited promising antioxidant activity (31.43 ± 1.69, 141.45 ± 2.89, 34.88 ± 1.9 and 204.83 ± 6.59 ±g/ml, respectively). Moreover, remarkable antidiabetic (?- amylase IC50 = 257.38 ± 13.26 ± g/ml and ?-glucosidase IC50 = 919.08 ± 9.1 ±g/ml) anti-butyrylcholinesterase (220.69 ± 3.32 ±g/ml) effects were recorded. The results suggest that the dried extract of P. tomentosa may be interesting for incorporation in pharmaceutical preparations for human health, since it can suppress hyperglycemia and inhibit cholinesterases, and or as food additive due to its radical scavenging activity Download full text:Check if you have access through your login credentials or your institution Username Password

An overview of phytochemicals and potential health-promoting properties of black walnut

Black walnut contains a diverse mixture of bioactive compounds, including phenolics, phytosterols, unsaturated fatty acids, and tocopherols potentially important to human health.

Physicochemical Changes of Air-Dried and Salt-Processed Ulva rigida over Storage Time.

The impact of air-drying at 25 °C, brining at 25%, and dry-salting (at 28% and 40%) on the quality and nutritional parameters of Ulva rigida were evaluated over six months of storage. Overall, the main changes occurred in physical aspects during storage time, with U. rigida intensifying its yellow/browning tones, which were more evident in salt-treated samples. The force necessary to fracture the seaweed also increased under all the preservative conditions in the first month. Conversely, the nutritional parameters of U. rigida remained stable during the 180 days of storage. All processed samples showed a high content of insoluble and soluble fibers, overall accounting for 55%–57% dw, and of proteins (17.5%–19.2% dw), together with significant amounts of Fe (86–92 mg/kg dw). The total fatty acids pool only accounted for 3.9%–4.3% dw, but it was rich in unsaturated fatty acids (44%–49% total fatty acids), namely palmitoleic (C16:1), oleic (C18:1), linoleic (C18:2), linolenic (C18:3), and stearidonic (18:4) acids, with an overall omega 6/omega 3 ratio below 0.6, a fact that highlights their potential health-promoting properties.

Interactions of Anthocyanins with Pectin and Pectin Fragments in Model Solutions

Anthocyanins determine the color and potential health-promoting properties of red fruit juices, but the juices contain remarkably less anthocyanins than the fruits, which is partly caused by the interactions of anthocyanins with the residues of cell wall polysaccharides like pectin. In this study, pectin was modified by ultrasound and enzyme treatments to residues of polysaccharides and oligosaccharides widely differing in their molecular weight. Modifications decreased viscosity and degrees of acetylation and methylation and released smooth and hairy region fragments. Native and modified pectin induced different effects on the concentrations of individual anthocyanins after short-term and long-term incubation caused by both hydrophobic and hydrophilic interactions. Results indicate that both pectin and anthocyanin structure influence these interactions. Linear polymers generated by ultrasound formed insoluble anthocyanin complexes, whereas oligosaccharides produced by enzymes formed soluble complexes with protective properties. The structure of the anthocyanin aglycone apparently influenced interactions more than the sugar moiety.

Gut Microbiota Facilitates the Preventive Effects of Barley Leaf Against Colitis by Improving Pparγ-Mediated Mucosal Barrier Function

Background: Dietary changes associated with westernization have resulted in an increased prevalence of many chronic inflammatory diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Barley leaf (BL) has a long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine with potential health-promoting properties, while its beneficial effects on IBD prevention have not been examined. Methods: By using 16S rDNA gene-based microbiota analysis, electronic microscopy, and RNA sequencing, we examined the mechanisms underlying the preventive effects of BL on colonic inflammation in a dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis mouse model. Findings: BL alleviated DSS-induced colitis severity, as evidenced by reduced body weight loss, disease activity index, and colon shortening. This was companied by inhibited expansion of Enterobacteriaceae in the colonic contents of DSS-treated mice. Furthermore, the beneficial effects of BL against colitis were largely due to its preventive activities before DSS induction. The gut microbiota contributed to the beneficial effects of BL since transfer of BL-cultured fecal microbiota protected against DSS-induced colitis and mucosal barrier damage. Mechanically, BL caused mucus hyperproduction in colonic goblet cells, which was significantly inhibited by treatment with the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)γ antagonist GW9662. Antibiotic treatment revealed that the effects of BL on mucus hyperproduction and DSS-induced colitis was lost in the absence of gut microbiota. Interpretation: Our results showed that BL protected against DSS-induced colitis by promoting PPARγ-mediated mucus hyperproduction, a mechanism that relied on regulation of the gut microbiota. Funding: This work was supported by Beijing Municipal Science and Technology Project Fund [No. D161100005416001] and Chinese Universities Scientific Fund [No. 2016SP003]. Declaration of Interest: The authors declare no conflict of interest. Ethical Approval: The mouse experiments were performed in accordance with the guidelines of the local ethics committee.

Antidiabetic, Anticholinesterase and Antioxidant Activity vs. Terpenoids and Phenolic Compounds in Selected New Cultivars and Hybrids of Artichoke Cynara scolymus L.

The aim of the study was to analyze the chemical composition of new artichoke cultivars and hybrids and to assess their potential health-promoting properties. Polyphenols, carotenoids and chlorophylls were identified by liquid chromatography-photodiode detector-mass spectrometry/quadrupole time of flight (LC-PDA-MS/QTof) and quantified by ultra performance liquid chromatography-photodiode detector (UPLC-PDA). Sugar and organic acid profiles were prepared, and antioxidant capacity (ABTS, FRAP and ORAC) and in vitro antidiabetic (inhibition of α-amylase and α-glucosidase) and anticholinesterase (inhibition of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE)) potentials were evaluated. The analyses revealed a highly varied content of bioactive compounds and great health-promoting potential significantly depending on a cultivar. The content of polyphenolic compounds ranged from 1681.49 (“Sambo”) to 3638.91 (“Symphony”) mg/100 g of dry weight (DW). “Blanca de Tudela” contained the highest amounts of carotenoids and chlorophylls (3761.91 mg/100 g DW) and exhibited high ABTS and ORAC capacity. Inhibition of antidiabetic enzymes was significant in cvs. “Symphony” and “Calico”. Additionally, all tested cultivars and hybrids turned out to be effective inhibitors of neurodegenerative enzymes.

Comparison of steroids and triterpenoids in leaf cuticular waxes of selected Polish and Russian cultivars and genotypes of edible honeysuckle

Lonicera caerulea, known as edible honeysuckle, honeyberry, blue honeysuckle, sweet berry honeysuckle, or haskap, is a perennial fruit-bearing plant belonging to the Caprifoliaceae family. Currently, the cultivation of this plant species is becoming increasingly popular due to its early fruit ripening, exceptional resistance to frost, pests, and diseases, as well as its potential health-promoting and therapeutic properties. GC–MS analysis of steroids and triterpenoids from leaf waxes of selected cultivars and genotypes of edible honeysuckle displayed significant difference in the qualitative and quantitative composition. The leaves of edible honeysuckle cultivars of Russian origin were characterized by common features: distinctively high content of steroids in relation to pentacyclic triterpenoids, with 24-methylenecycloartanol and α-amyrin as compounds dominating in respective classes; and the absence of friedelin. The Polish cultivars and genotypes analyzed in this study can be divided into two groups: Jolanta cultivar, genotypes T, and Nr 38, showing a certain degree of similarity with the Russian cultivars (e.g., the predominance of steroids), by contrast to Wojtek cultivar, genotypes Nr 30, and 44, characterized by the predominance of pentacyclic triterpenoids with α-amyrin. A special feature was the presence of friedelin, which was identified only in two cultivars (Jolanta and Wojtek) belonging to two different groups.

The chemical composition of a cold-pressed milk thistle seed flour extract, and its potential health beneficial properties.

Cold-pressed milk thistle seed flour was extracted with 50% acetone and evaluated for its phytochemical composition, and gut microbiota modulating, free radical scavenging, anti-inflammatory and anti-proliferative capacities. UHPLC-MS analysis detected fifteen compounds in the milk thistle seed flour extract with silychristin as the primary component followed by silybin B and isosilybins A & B. The milk thistle seed flour extract enhanced the total bacteria number and altered the abundance of a specific bacterial phylum or genus under the experimental conditions. The extract had RDSC, ORAC, HOSC, and ABTS˙+ scavenging capacities of 49, 634, 10 420 and 116 μmol Trolox equivalents (TE) per g flour, respectively. In addition, the milk thistle seed flour extract suppressed LPS induced IL-1β mRNA expression in the cultured J774A.1 mouse macrophages and the proliferation of LNCaP prostate cancer cells. The results suggest milk thistle seed flour's potential health benefits in functional foods.

Effect of selenium enrichment on metabolism of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) fruit during postharvest ripening

Selenium (Se) enrichment of plants seems effective in enhancing the health-related properties of produce and in delaying plant senescence and fruit ripening. The current study investigated the effects of Se on tomato fruit ripening. Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) plants were grown in hydroponics with different Se-enriched nutrient solutions. Se, as sodium selenate, was added at a rate of 0 mg L-1 (control), 1, and 1.5 mg L-1 . Selenium was absorbed by roots and translocated to leaves and fruit. Enrichment with Se did not significantly affect the qualitative parameters of fruit at commercial harvest; instead it delayed ripening by affecting specific ripening-related processes (respiration, ethylene production, color evolution) during postharvest. In the current experiment 100 g of tomato hydroponically grown with a 1.5 mg Se L-1 enriched solution provided a total of 23.7 µg Se. Selenium recommended daily intake is 60 µg for women and 70 µg for men; thus the daily consumption of 100 g of enriched tomato would not lead to Se toxicity but would provide a good Se diet supplementation. The cultivation of tomato plants in a Se-enriched solution appeared effective in producing tomato fruit with improved performance during storage and postharvest shelf life, and also with greater potential health-promoting properties. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry.

Two MYB transcription factors (CsMYB2 and CsMYB26) are involved in flavonoid biosynthesis in tea plant [Camellia sinensis (L.) O. Kuntze

BackgroundFlavonoids are secondary metabolites that play important roles in the entire tea plant life cycle and have potential health-promoting properties. MYB transcription factors (TFs) are considered potentially important regulators of flavonoid biosynthesis in plants. However, the molecular mechanisms by which MYB TFs regulate the flavonoid pathway in tea plant remain unknown.ResultsIn this study, two R2R3-MYB TFs (CsMYB2 and CsMYB26) involved in flavonoid biosynthesis in tea plant were investigated. The genes encoding CsMYB2 and CsMYB26 were cloned from the tea plant cultivar ‘Longjing 43’. Phylogenetic analysis showed that CsMYB2 and CsMYB26 were grouped into the proanthocyanidin biosynthesis-related MYB clade. Multiple sequence alignment revealed that conserved motif 1 in the two MYB factors was related to the bHLH TF. Subcellular localization assays suggested that CsMYB2 localized in the nucleus. Promoter analysis indicated that CsMYB2, CsMYB26 and the related structural genes contain MYB recognition elements. The expression levels of the CsMYB2 and CsMYB26 genes and the structural genes in the flavonoid biosynthesis pathway were determined in leaves from various sites in the two tea plant cultivars ‘Longjing 43’ and ‘Baiye 1 hao’.ConclusionsThe expression levels of these genes were correlated with the accumulated flavonoid content. The results demonstrated that the expression level of CsF3’H may be regulated by CsMYB2 and that CsMYB26 expression is positively correlated with CsLAR expression. The relative transcriptional level of CsMYB26 may be the main reason for the different epigallocatechin contents between the tea plant cultivars ‘Longjing 43’ and ‘Baiye 1 hao’. Our results will serve as a reference for the potential regulatory roles of CsMYB2 and CsMYB26 in flavonoid biosynthesis in tea plant and may also assist biologists in improving tea quality.

Identification and quantification of phytosterols in black walnut kernels

This study aimed to identify and quantify phytosterols of six black walnut (Juglans nigra L.) varieties, and compare the levels of these phytosterols between black walnuts and English walnut (Juglans regia L.). Totally, 13 phytosterols were identified in the black walnut kernels, with β-sitosterol predominating over the other sterols. The analysis also revealed the presence of 3 phytosterols, Δ5,23-stigmastadienol, cycloeucalenol and 28-methylobtusifoliol, which have never been reported in black walnuts. The average levels of total sterols ranged from 1236.0 mg/kg to 1542.3 mg/kg. No significant differences were noted in total sterol levels between the studied black walnut varieties and English walnut. Through untargeted metabolomics analysis, five additional glycosylates and hydroxycinnamates of phytosterols were putatively identified in the black walnuts. The findings from this research suggest black walnuts are rich in phytosterols most of which have been demonstrated to exert bioactivities. Future studies should be focused on seasonal and geographic variations in phytosterol content of black walnuts, and bioassay-guided purification to assess potential health-promoting properties of these phytosterols.