Procyanidin B2 Research Articles

Integrating of In Silico and In Vitro Approaches to Determine Biological Activities of Abelmoschus esculentus’s Seeds

The purpose of this study was to examine the antioxidant, anti-urease, and anticholinesterase properties of extracts from plant seeds, as well as their toxicity on normal cells. In addition, the goal of this work was to use an in silico and in vitro method to evaluate the biological activity and mechanism of action of A. esculentus. DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl), CUPRAC (Cupric ion reducing antioxidant capacity), and FRAP (Ferric reducing antioxidant power) techniques were used to examine the antioxidant properties of plant extracts. The extracts' anticholinesterase, anti-urease, and cytotoxic activity were determined using the Ellman, Indophenol, and MTT techniques, respectively. Computer algorithms were used to estimate ADMET and molecular docking techniques for compounds in plant. When the antioxidant activity results were examined, it was determined that water (IC50:0.313 mg/mL) and ethanol (IC50:0.314 mg/mL) extract showed DPPH activities close to each other. It was determined that the water (7.780mM FeSO4/mg extract, 1.106 mM troloxE/mg extract) extract showed higher activity than the ethanol (3.420 mM FeSO4/mg extract, 0.343 mM troloxE/mg extract) extract in FRAP and CUPRAC experiments. Considering the enzyme inhibition results, it was determined that the water extract showed the highest anti-urease activity, while the ethanol extract showed the highest anticholinesterase activity. It was also determined that both extracts had no toxic effect on normal cell lines (L-929). Based on pkCSM values, procyanidin B1 and procyanidin B2 compounds have a low volume of distribution, whereas rutin and quercetin compounds have a high volume of distribution (VDss). Not all compounds were predicted to have mutagenic and hepatotoxicity effects. In terms of score and ligand efficiency, procyanidin B1, procyanidin B2, quercetin, and rutin compounds appear to be superior to the reference. The chemicals quercetin and procyanidin B2 are thought to be key players in the pathophysiology of oxidative stress. In this study, the fact that the seeds’ extracts have biological activity and have no toxic effects on normal cell lines suggests that the seeds can be used medicinally and nutritionally in the future.

Systematic Profiling and Quantitative Comparison of Chemical Components in Fagopyri Dibotryis Rhizoma From Different Habitats and Growing Periods Based on Ultra-High-Performance Liquid Chromatography With Mass Spectrometry.

Fagopyri Dibotryis Rhizoma, a traditional Chinese medicine, is widely used to treat various ailments such as pulmonary abscesses, measles pneumonia, and swelling. Its notable therapeutic effects are closely related to the chemical constituents, making it crucial to conduct in-depth research on the chemical components. In this study, a total of 209 compounds were preliminarily identified using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry in Fagopyri Dibotryis Rhizoma. Subsequently, a method was established using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-triple quadrupole/linear ion trap tandem mass spectrometry for the simultaneous determination of 24 main ingredients (flavonoids and phenolic acids) in Fagopyri Dibotryis Rhizoma from different habitats and growing periods. Quantitative results showed that different compounds displayed varying contents across different habitats, with catechin, epicatechin, procyanidin B2, and procyanidin C1 being relatively abundant. Principal component analysis and partial least squares discriminant analysis showed there were significant differences among Fagopyri Dibotryis Rhizoma from different habitats, and the quality from Yunnan was superior. Entropy weight TOPSIS analysis showed that Fagopyri Dibotryis Rhizoma grown until late October has better comprehensive quality, which is basically consistent with the traditional harvesting time. In summary, this study can provide reference methods for the comprehensive evaluation of the quality of Fagopyri Dibotryis Rhizoma.

COMPREHENSIVE ANALYSIS OF ANTIOXIDANT, PHENOLIC THERMAL STABILITY, MINERAL PROFILE AND HYGROSCOPIC PROPERTIES IN GERMINATED FABA BEAN FLOURS

The study aimed to evaluate the phenolic compounds, antioxidant properties, chemical compounds through FTIR analysis, thermal stability of phenolic compounds (at 15, 25, and 35 °C), hygroscopic properties, and minerals in flours made from germinated beans of the White (FBA) and Black Grandmother's Ear (FBB) varieties. To obtain the flours, the seeds were germinated for 96 hours (FBA) and 72 hours (FBB), followed by convective drying at 80 °C. The results indicated that both flours are rich in total phenolic compounds, with caffeic acid, chlorogenic acid, procyanidin B2, and kaempferol-3-glucoside also being identified. Among the methods used for determining antioxidant activity, the FRAP assay showed the highest values of 14.38 mmol Fe2⁺/kg dry basis (FBA) and 14.90 mmol Fe2⁺/kg dry basis (FBB). The FTIR analysis corroborated the findings from the other analyses. Regarding the thermal stability of phenolic compounds, the zero-order model was found to be the most suitable, indicating that higher temperatures, such as 35 °C, accelerate the degradation of these compounds. The adsorption isotherms analysis showed that the GAB (Guggenheim-Anderson-de Boer) model is highly effective in describing the water adsorption behavior of the flours at different temperatures. Finally, the mineral analysis revealed that the flours are particularly rich in potassium and phosphorus. The presence of beneficial minerals, combined with the bioactive functionality of the flours, as well as findings on their hygroscopic behavior and thermal stability, make these flours valuable for the food industry, providing essential insights for product development based on these raw materials.

Enhancing Phenolic Profiles in ‘Cabernet Franc’ Grapes Through Chitooligosaccharide Treatments: Impacts on Phenolic Compounds Accumulation Across Developmental Stages

High-quality grape raw materials are fundamental for producing premium wine. Ensuring the quality of grape raw materials, particularly enhancing their phenolic profiles, significantly improves wine flavor. Therefore, this study focused on ‘Cabernet Franc’ grapes, where a 0.1% chitooligosaccharide (COS) solution was foliar sprayed during the green pea stage, the onset of veraison stage, and the mid-ripening stage to investigate the impact of exogenous COS treatment on the accumulation of phenolic compounds in grape berries. The results revealed that COS treatment during the green pea and the onset of veraison stages significantly increased the levels of total phenolic, total flavonoid, and total anthocyanin in grapes, with distinct effects on flavanols, phenolic acids, flavonols, and stilbenes, respectively. Eight key compounds most significantly influenced by the treatment were identified through orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) and machine learning screening. Specifically, treatment during the green pea stage had a significant impact on total soluble solids, proanthocyanidin B1, catechin, and vanillic acid, while veraison treatment notably affected petunidin-3-O-(6″-O-p-coumaryl)-glucoside, cyanidin-3-O-(6″-O-p-coumaryl)-glucoside, cyanidin-3-O-glucoside and isorhamnetin. This study could provide valuable data references and theoretical support for applying COS in wine grapes and regulating high-quality raw materials.

Endemic Plant Rumex balcanicus: Phenolic Composition, Antioxidant Activity, Enzyme Inhibitory Potential and Molecular Docking Analysis.

Although the nutritional and health benefits of Rumex species are well known, little is known about the chemical composition and pharmacological activities of Rumex balcanicus Rech. fil. (Polygonaceae), an endemic plant of the Balkan Peninsula. To the best of our knowledge, this paper represents the first attempt to comparatively analyse phenolic composition, as well as in vitro pharmacological activites of dry hydromethanol extracts of R. balcanicus fruit (RBF), leaf (RBL) and root (RBR), collected in Serbia. The maximum total phenolic content was found in RBF (386.6 mg GAE/g). The RBF was characterized by high amounts of miquelianin (28.8 mg/g) and procyanidin B1 (28.1 mg/g). The RBL was the richest in quercitrin (18.4 mg/g) and miquelianin (15.0 mg/g), while nepodin (54.1 mg/g) and procyanidin B2 (40.6 mg/g) were the major compounds in RBR. The RBF exhibited significant antioxidant activity, evaluated by DPPH (IC50=4.9 μg/mL), ABTS (IC50=0.8 μg/mL) and FRAP (5.9 mmol Fe2+/g) assays. Moreover, RBF showed strong α-glucosidase inhibitory activity (IC50=1.8 μg/mL), in addition to notable anti-α-amylase, anti-acetylcholinesterase and anti-tyrosinase activities. Molecular docking analysis predicted miquelianin and procyanidin B2 as the greatest inhibitors of these enzymes. Overall, R. balcanicus fruits stood out as the most promising plant material worth further research.

Color Stability and Antioxidant Capacity of Crataegus monogyna Jacq. Berry Extract Influenced by Different Conditions

Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna) berry is a horticultural product containing antioxidants and pigments. Its extract can be used as a food dye and antioxidant in food engineering. The aim of present study is to research the effects of different possible conditions (temperature, pH, interacting ions, and storage conditions) on the color and antioxidant capacity of hawthorn berry extract. Color was assessed by monitoring the CIELab parameters, while antioxidant capacity was measured using the reaction with ABTS and DPPH radicals. The total phenolic content in berry powder was 1146 mg GAE/100 g and the main polyphenols identified by HPLC were epicatechin, ferulic acid methyl ester, catechin, procyanidins B1 and B2, and various phenolic acids. The main carotenoids, also quantified by HPLC, were mutatoxanthin, lutein, α-cryptoxanthin, β-cryptoxanthin, cis-β-carotene, all-trans-β-carotene, and lycopene. The values of the overall color difference suggest that storage affected the color of the hawthorn extract more than any of the thermal treatments. Alkaline pH values affected color by changing the blue/yellow component, but also luminosity and the green/red parameter. The antioxidant capacity decreased in acidic and neutral media and increased in mildly alkaline media at pH 8.1. The possible presence of interacting salts as potassium nitrate and sodium chloride did not produce any significant changes in antioxidant capacity, while calcium chloride lowered it, but only at 0.001 M. The interaction with the studied salts had little effect on the extract’s color. The obtained results demonstrated that hawthorn berry extracts can be used in the food industry as natural dyes, as it was proven to have very good antioxidant capacity and color stability after different thermal, pH, interacting salt, or storing conditions.

Polyphenol Analysis and Antibacterial Potentials of Twig Extracts of Salix aurita, S. pyrolifolia, and S. caprea Growing Naturally in Finland.

Salix species have been used in traditional medicine to treat fever and inflammation. However, there is no reported information on the antibacterial activities of S. aurita and S. pyrolifolia, and little is known about the phytochemistry of S. aurita. In this study, winter-dormant twig extracts of S. aurita, S. caprea, and S. pyrolifolia were screened for their antibacterial activities against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, and Escherichia coli. The antibacterial effects were evaluated using agar diffusion and turbidimetric microplate methods. Time-kill effects were measured using the microplate optical density (OD620) method. UPLC-PDA-QTOF/MS analysis was conducted to identify the polyphenols present in a methanol extract of S. aurita. The antibacterial results show that methanol and hot and cold water twig extracts of S. aurita, S. caprea, and S. pyrolifolia have significant antibacterial effects against P. aeruginosa, S. aureus, and B. cereus with the diameters of the inhibition zones (IZDs) ranging from 16.17 to 30.0 mm and the MICs between 1250 and 2500 µg/mL. Only the cold water extract of S. caprea was moderately active against E. coli. Proanthocyanidins, procyanidin B1 (m/z 577), and procyanidin C1 (m/z 865) were identified as the major polyphenols present in the methanol extract of S. aurita twigs for the first time. Additionally, salicin-7-sulfate was present in S. aurita twigs. Procyanidin B-1, taxifolin, trans-p-hydroxycinnamic acid, and catechin showed growth inhibitory activity against B. cereus with a MIC value of 250 µg/mL.

Evaluation of the antioxidant activity and prebiotic properties of mangosteen peel proanthocyanidin extracts through simulated in vitro digestion and colonic fermentation

The biological activity of mangosteen peel proanthocyanidin extracts is related to digestive properties and colonic metabolism. Therefore, the study's aim was to investigate the dynamics of proanthocyanidin extracts during in vitro digestion and colonic fermentation, their protective effects against oxidative damage in PEC-J2 cells, and their interactions with the intestinal flora. The results showed that epicatechin and proanthocyanidin B2 were the most abundant in proanthocyanidin. In addition, the catechin was increased by 27.7 ± 0.2 μg/mL. The total phenol content, total flavonoid content, and proanthocyanidin content of mangosteen peel were reduced by 32.36%, 90.63%, and 78.06%, respectively. However, the antioxidant capacity was increased by two-fold, protecting against oxidative damage in cells. Proanthocyanidin polymers that are not digested by the gastrointestinal tract go to the colon, where they are metabolized by microorganisms to produce short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). Proanthocyanidin extracts modulated the microbial flora structure: the relative abundance of Phascolarctobacterium, Roseburia, Faecalibacterium, Coprococcu, and Clostridium sensu stricto all increased significantly. The ratio of Bacteroides to Firmicutes increased, and Bifidobacterium grew and multiplied. This study improves the utilization of mangosteen peel and provides a theoretical basis for the scientific evaluation of the antioxidant activity and gut microbiota modulation of mangosteen peel.

Featured Cover

The cover image is based on the article Procyanidin B2 improves developmental capacity of bovine oocytes via promoting PPARγ/UCP1‐mediated uncoupling lipid catabolism during in vitro maturation by Yuwen Luo et al., https://doi.org/10.1111/cpr.13687. image

Investigating the Phytochemistry and Underlying Glycemic Control Mechanisms of Litchi chinensis Sonn. (Litchi) Peel Ethyl Acetate Extract in a Fructose/Streptozotocin Diabetic Model of Rats.

The glycemic control potential and flavonoid profile of litchi have been documented for its hydroalcoholic extracts, while there is scarce information regarding its ethyl acetate extract. This study investigated the flavonoid profile, as well as the ameliorative potential and possible underlying mechanisms of litchi peel ethyl acetate extract on type 2 diabetes-related pathologies in a fructose/streptozotocin (STZ) model of diabetic rats. Sprague Dawley rats were induced with diabetes by administering 10% fructose for 2 weeks and a single i.p. injection of low-dose (40 mg/kg bw) STZ. Thereafter, the animals were orally administered with a low-dose (150 mg/kg bw) and high-dose (300 mg/kg bw) of the peel extract (LDPE and HDPE, respectively) and metformin (200 mg/kg bw). Compared to untreated diabetic rats (AUC = 1004 mg.h/dL), the HDPE significantly (p < 0.05) improved glucose tolerance (AUC = 847 mg.h/dL), which was statistically comparable (p ˃ 0.05) to the effect of metformin (AUC = 903 mg.h/dL). Serum insulin and pancreatic histology data showed that the STZ-induced pancreatic damage and insulin depletion was improved by the HDPE, which could be linked to the observed ameliorative effect of the extract on pancreatic lipid peroxidation and SOD and catalase activity. The extract further improved liver and muscle glycogen storage, as well as muscle hexokinase activity and Akt phosphorylation, suggesting that the extract exerts glycemic control by enhancing glycogen storage and modulating insulin-mediated signaling of glucose uptake and utilization. LC-MS data and documented reports suggest that flavonoids, such as epicatechin, cinnamtannin B2, procyanidin B5, and proanthocyanidin A2, are the possible influencing compounds. The ethyl acetate extract of litchi peel could be a source of bioactive flavonoids that can potentiate glycemic control in diabetes and mitigate oxidative stress-related pathologies.

Dynamic Changes in Polyphenols in Fruit Development of Red Flesh Apple ‘Hongxun 2’

In this study, fruits of the red flesh Malus plant ‘Hongxun 2’ (Malus neidzwetzkyana (Dieck) Langenf.) and green flesh Malus plant ‘Xinye 13-11’ (Malus sieversii (Led.) Roem.) were used as experimental materials. Both of them came from Xinjiang, China, and Malus neidzwetzkyana (Dieck) Langenf. is believed to be a variant of Malus sieversii (Led.) Roem. The components and contents of polyphenols in the peel and pulp of the two kinds of fruit during the development period were detected, and the dynamic changes and differences in the polyphenols between the two kinds of fruit were discussed. The results showed that the total polyphenol content of ‘Xinye 13-11’ was higher in the peel and pulp than that of ‘Hongxun 2’, and the content of peel was higher than that of pulp in the two kinds of fruit. An analysis of five types of polyphenols showed that anthocyanins were only contained in the peel and pulp of ‘Hongxun-2’, and the peel had a higher content than the pulp. Cyanidin 3-O-galactoside was the main anthocyanin component. Four other types of substances, except hydroxycinnamics, were higher in ‘Hongxun-2’ than ‘Xinye 13-11’, while the contents of other substances in ‘Xinye 13-11’ were higher than those of ‘Hongxun 2’. The accumulation of major polyphenol components in the peel and flesh of ‘Hongxun 2’ and ‘Xinye 13-11’ apples was significant in the period before and after 65 days after flowering, and the contents of procyanidin B1 and procyanidin C1 were the highest in this period. In addition to the difference in anthocyanin content between ‘Hongxun 2’ and ‘Xinye 13-11’, the chlorogenic acid content in the peel and pulp of ‘Hongxun 2’ was significantly higher than that of ‘Xinye 13-11’, and the contents of other components were lower than those of ‘Xinye 13-11’. Moreover, based on the components and contents of polyphenol components, this paper supports the viewpoint that Malus neidzwetzkyana (Dieck) Langenf is a separate species to Malus sieversii (Led.) Roem.

Taxus chinensis (Pilg.) Rehder fruit attenuates aging behaviors and neuroinflammation by inhibiting microglia activation via TLR4/NF-κB/NLRP3 pathway

Ethnopharmacological relevanceAs one of the important by-products of Taxus chinensis (Pilg.) Rehder, its fruit (TCF) has a sweet taste, which is commonly used in folklore to make health care wine reputed for enhancing immune function and promoting anti-aging effects, especially popular in the longevity villages of China for a long history. Evidences had showed that Taxus chinensis fruit contained polysaccharides, flavonoids, amino acids and terpenoids, which all were free of toxic compounds, but its medicinal value has not been fully recognized. Our previous studies have found that TCF extract may reverse many biological events, including oxidative stress, inflammatory response, neuronal apoptosis, etc. by in silico methods, suggesting potential avenues for future pharmaceutical exploration in aging and age-related diseases. Aim of the studyYet, the anti-aging properties of TCF have not been specifically studied, this study aims to fill this gap by investigating the effects of TCF extract (TCFE) in an aging mouse model, particularly focusing on its role in inhibiting microglial activation and elucidating its underlying anti-aging mechanisms. Materials and methodsAn aging mouse model was induced using D-galactose, with interventions involving high, medium, and low doses of TCFE compared to a positive control (2 mg/kg rapamycin combined with 100 mg/kg metformin). The methodology involved evaluating behavioral changes, serum oxidative and antioxidative markers, hypothalamic β-galactosidase activity, expression of the aging-related protein P63, serum inflammatory factors, and the TLR4/NF-κB/NLRP3 inflammatory pathway in hypothalamic tissues. Additionally, to strengthen our in vivo findings, we conducted in vitro experiments on LPS-stimulated BV2 microglial cells. Finally, UPLC-MS/MS for precise component analysis using compound standards, coupled with molecular docking analyses, were employed to discern and elucidate the anti-inflammatory mechanisms of TCF. ResultsIn vivo results revealed TCFE significantly ameliorated behavioral deficits, reduced oxidative stress markers (MDA) and pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL1-β, IL-6, IFNg, TNFα, IL-17), and increased in antioxidants (SOD, T-AOC) and anti-inflammatory factors (IL-10). TCFE also reduced hypothalamic senescence, improved cellular integrity, lowered p63, and inhibited microglia activation and inflammatory pathways (TLR4, NFKB, NLRP3). The overall effect of TCFE was better than that of the positive drug group (rapamycin combined with metformin). In vitro results further revealed that TCFE markedly decreased IL1-β, NFKB, and TLR4 levels in BV2 microglial cells, showing comparable efficacy to a TLR4 classic positive inhibitor C34, supporting its anti-inflammatory role. Through UPLC-MS/MS analysis coupled with compound standards, we identified ten bioactive compounds, including gallocatechin, epigallocatechin, catechin, procyanidin B2, kaempferol, quercetin, rutin, naringin, apigenin, ginkgetin. All these compounds showed strong binding affinity to TLR4, notably procyanidin B2 and rutin, potentially through hydrogen bonds, aromatic cation-π interactions, and hydrophobic interactions, suggesting a molecular basis for their anti-inflammatory action. ConclusionTCFE showed strong anti-aging effects by inhibiting microglia activation and lessening oxidative stress and modulating inflammatory pathways. This research supports TCF's use in anti-aging and sets a base for future drug development in the realms of neuroinflammation and aging.

Based on Spectrum-Effect Relationship, Network Pharmacology, and Molecular Docking, the Material Basis and Mechanism of Antioxidant Effect of Miao Medicine Indigofera stachyoides Lindl Were Studied.

Indigofera stachyoides Lindl (IS.Lindl, Xuerensen in Chinese) is a traditional medicine frequently utilized by ethnic minorities; nevertheless, the chemicals responsible for these effects have not been identified. Ultraperformance liquid chromatography (UPLC) was utilized to establish the fingerprints of various origins. Free radical scavenging in 1,1-diphenyl-2-trinitrophenylhydrazine (DPPH) and 2,2-biazobis(3-ethyl-phenylpropylthiazole-6-sulfonate) diammonium salt (ABTS) assays was used to evaluate the antioxidant activity. Partial least-squares regression analysis (PLSR) and gray correlation analysis (GRA) were utilized to determine the spectral-effect relationship in order to screen the antioxidant pharmacodynamic components. The corresponding targets were obtained from Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology (TCMSP) and Integrated Traditional Chinese Medicine (ITCM). Disease-related targets for antioxidants were collected from GeneCards and Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man (OMIM) databases. The PPI interaction network analysis, GO enrichment analysis, and KEGG pathway analysis were established using the online analysis platform, and Autodock software assisted in aligning the components with important targets. The fingerprint profile revealed 32 common peaks, and eight standards were identified using standard comparison, with similarity ranging from 0.920 to 0.995. The primary antioxidant components include proanthocyanidin B1, epicatechin, and proanthocyanidin B3. Important targets include EGFR, CASP3, IL6, PTGS2, and TNF. Important signaling pathways include the AGE-RAGE signaling pathways in diabetic complications, the MAPK signaling pathway, the IL-17 signaling pathway, and the pathways in cancer. The results of molecular docking technology showed that the main active ingredients of the drug could bind well to the core target. In this study, we successfully established the spectral-effect relationship of IS.Lindl and clarified the effective substances of IS.Lindl. Through network pharmacology and molecular docking methods, it was clear that IS.Lindl plays an antioxidant role through multicomponent, multitarget, and multipathway synergy.

Geographic based phenolic compound variations in South African Schinus molle L. peppercorns

Environmental conditions affect polyphenolic compounds in plants, and yet little is known about the response of Schinus molle peppercorns to geographical location. S molle is a folkloric pseudospice of Andean origin possessing multiple culinary and medicinal functions. This globally invasive species presents an immense multidimensional potential. Polyphenolic compounds were therefore profiled and quantified from pink peppercorns growing in 12 distinct locations in the Eastern and Western Cape provinces of South Africa using UPLC-QTOF-MS techniques. Eleven flavonoids were reported, including epigallocatechin gallate, +)-tephrorin B, astilbin, procyanidin B5, 4-benzyl-7-hydroxy-3-phenyl-2H-chromen-2-one, and isochamaejasmin which were reported for the first time in this species. Five phenolic acids, three glycosides, and tannins (theogallin (3-galloylquinic acid), digalloyl quinic acid, digalloylshikimic acid, β-glucogallin A and β-glucogallin B) were also revealed among others. PCA revealed a high composition of polyphenolic compounds in the Eastern in comparison to the Western Cape regions. Flavonoids were glaringly higher in winter rainfall receiving coastal regions. Consequently, the highest catechin content was 229% higher in the Eastern (1269.9 mg/kg) than the Western Cape (553.4 mg/kg). Furthermore, isochamaejasmin, the compound with possibly the highest concentration is reported in George (1741 mg/kg) and Gqeberha (2601.2 mg/kg) representing 149% differences between the two regions. Soil type alone did not conclusively appear to influence polyphenolic compound accumulation in this study. Elucidating the distribution of polyphenolic compounds in this species could open new insights for potential therapeutic, pharmaceutical, and agricultural applications including possibilities for new and improved organic drugs, and food product development.

Effect of commercial Saccharomyces cerevisiae and non-Saccharomyces yeasts on the chemical composition and bioaccessibility of pineapple wine

Alcoholic fermentation is one of man’s most efficient food preservation processes, and innovations in this area are a trend in food science and nutrition. In addition to the classic Saccharomyces yeasts, various other species may have desirable characteristics for obtaining fruit wines. This study investigated the profile of non-Saccharomyces commercial yeasts compared with S. cerevisiae regarding pineapple wine’s chemical composition and bioaccessibility. The fermentation profile of the yeasts Lachancea thermotolerans, Brettanomyces bruxellensis, Brettanomyces lambicus, and S. cerevisiae was evaluated for sugar and alcohol content, and the pineapple wines obtained were analyzed for amino acids, phenolics, and organic acids by HPLC and volatile profile by GC/MS. All yeast strains were able to produce ethanol and glycerol at acceptable levels. L. thermotolerans produced higher levels of lactic acid (0.95 g/L) and higher consumption of free amino acids. B. bruxellensis produced higher levels of individual phenolics and ethanol 109 g/L. The alcoholic fermentation process improved the bioaccessibility of phenolics such as catechin (237 %), epigallocatechin gallate (81 %), procyanidin B1 (61 %) and procyanidin B2 (61 %). The yeasts differed in their volatile profiles, with Brettanomyces and Lachancea producing higher levels of compounds associated with pineapple aroma, such as ester ethyl butyrate (260–270 µg/L). These results demonstrate the importance of choosing the yeast strain for the conduction of alcoholic fermentation and that the yeasts Brettanomyces and Lachancea showed technological potential in obtaining pineapple wines. This study contributes to developing processes for obtaining fruit wines by highlighting two non-Saccharomyces yeast species with technological potential for alcoholic fermentations.

An in-depth study of anthocyanin synthesis in the exocarp of virescens and nigrescens oil palm: metabolomic and transcriptomic analysis.

Oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) is a very important tropical woody oil plant with high commercial and ornamental value. The exocarp of the oil palm fruit is rich in anthocyanosides and proanthocyanidins, which not only give it a bright colour, but also mark the maturity of the fruit. The study of the dynamic change pattern of anthocyanoside content and important anthocyanoside metabolism-related regulatory genes during oil palm ripening is conducive to the improvement of the ornamental value of oil palm and the determination of the optimal harvesting period of the fruits. We analyzed the virescens oil palm (AS) and nigrescens oil palm (AT) at 95 days (AS1, AT1), 125 days (AS2, AT2) and 185 days (AS3, AT3) after pollination were used as experimental materials for determining the changes in the total amount of anthocyanins as well as their metabolomics and transcriptomics studies by using the LC-MS/MS technique and RNA-Seq technique. The results showed that the total anthocyanin content decreased significantly from AS1 (119µg/g) to AS3 (23µg/g), and from AT1 (1302µg/g) to AT3 (170µg/g), indicating a clear decreasing trend during fruit development. Among them, the higher flavonoids in AS and AT included anthocyanins such as peonidin-3-O-rutinoside (H35), pelargonidin-3-O-rutinoside (H21), and cyanidin-3-O-glucoside (H7), as well as condensed tannins such as procyanidin B2 (H47), procyanidin C1 (H49), and procyanidin B3 (H48). Notably, nine genes involved in the anthocyanin biosynthetic pathway exhibited up-regulated expression during the pre-development stage of oil palm fruits, particularly during the AS1 and AT1 periods. These genes include: Chalcone synthase (CHS; LOC105036364); Flavanone 3-hydroxylase (F3H; LOC105054663); Dihydroflavonol 4-reductase (DFR; LOC105040724, LOC105048473); Anthocyanidin synthase (ANS; LOC105035842), UDP-glucose: flavonoid 3-O-glucosyltransferase (UFGT; LOC105039612); Flavonoid 3',5'-hydroxylase (F3'5'H; LOC105036086, LOC105044124, LOC105045493). In contrast, five genes demonstrated up-regulated expression as the fruits developed, specifically during the AS3 and AT3 periods. These genes include: Chalcone synthase (CHS; LOC105036921, LOC105035716); Chalcone isomerase (CHI; LOC105045978); UDP-glucose: flavonoid 3-O-glucosyltransferase (UFGT; LOC105046326); Flavonoid 3'-hydroxylase (F3'H; LOC105036086). Most of differentially expressed genes exhibited up-regulation during the early stages of fruit development, which may contribute to the elevated anthocyanin content observed in oil palm fruits of both types during the pre-developmental period. Furthermore, the expression levels of most genes were found to be higher in the AT fruit type compared to the AS fruit type, suggesting that the differential expression of these genes may be a key factor underlying the differences in anthocyanoside production in the exocarp of oil palm fruits from these two fruit types. The findings of this study provide a theoretical foundation for the identification and characterization of genes involved in anthocyanin synthesis in oil palm fruits, as well as the development of novel variations using molecular biology approaches.

In Silico Analysis of the Molecular Interaction between Anthocyanase, Peroxidase and Polyphenol Oxidase with Anthocyanins Found in Cranberries.

Anthocyanins are bioactive compounds responsible for various physiological processes in plants and provide characteristic colors to fruits and flowers. Their biosynthetic pathway is well understood; however, the enzymatic degradation mechanism is less explored. Anthocyanase (β-glucosidase (BGL)), peroxidase (POD), and polyphenol oxidase (PPO) are enzymes involved in degrading anthocyanins in plants such as petunias, eggplants, and Sicilian oranges. The aim of this work was to investigate the physicochemical interactions between these enzymes and the identified anthocyanins (via UPLC-MS/MS) in cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon) through molecular docking to identify the residues likely involved in anthocyanin degradation. Three-dimensional models were constructed using the AlphaFold2 server based on consensus sequences specific to each enzyme. The models with the highest confidence scores (pLDDT) were selected, with BGL, POD, and PPO achieving scores of 87.6, 94.8, and 84.1, respectively. These models were then refined using molecular dynamics for 100 ns. Additionally, UPLC-MS/MS analysis identified various flavonoids in cranberries, including cyanidin, delphinidin, procyanidin B2 and B4, petunidin, pelargonidin, peonidin, and malvidin, providing important experimental data to support the study. Molecular docking simulations revealed the most stable interactions between anthocyanase and the anthocyanins cyanidin 3-arabinoside and cyanidin 3-glucoside, with a favorable ΔG of interaction between -9.3 and -9.2 kcal/mol. This study contributes to proposing a degradation mechanism and seeking inhibitors to prevent fruit discoloration.

Comparison of Protective Effects of Polyphenol-Enriched Extracts from Thinned Immature Kiwifruits and Mature Kiwifruits against Alcoholic Liver Disease in Mice.

Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) is regarded as one of the main global health problems. Accumulated evidence indicates that fruit-derived polyphenols can lower the risk of ALD, this attributed to their strong antioxidant capacities. Thinned immature kiwifruits (TIK) are the major agro-byproducts in the production of kiwifruits, which have abundantly valuable polyphenols. However, knowledge about the protective effects of polyphenol-enriched extract from TIK against ALD is still lacking, which ultimately restricts their application as value-added functional products. To promote their potential applications, phenolic compounds from TIK and their corresponding mature fruits were compared, and their protective effects against ALD were studied in the present study. The findings revealed that TIK possessed extremely high levels of total phenolics (116.39 ± 1.51 mg GAE/g DW) and total flavonoids (33.88 ± 0.59 mg RE/g DW), which were about 7.4 times and 4.8 times greater than those of their corresponding mature fruits, respectively. Furthermore, the level of major phenolic components in TIK was measured to be 29,558.19 ± 1170.58 μg/g DW, which was about 5.4 times greater than that of mature fruits. In particular, neochlorogenic acid, epicatechin, procyanidin B1, and procyanidin B2 were found as the predominant polyphenols in TIK. In addition, TIK exerted stronger in vitro antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects than those of mature fruits, which was probably because of their higher levels of polyphenols. Most importantly, compared with mature fruits, TIK exhibited superior hepatoprotective effects on alcohol-induced liver damage in mice. The administration of polyphenol-enriched extract from TIK (YK) could increase the body weight of mice, reduce the serum levels of ALP, AST, and ALT, lower the levels of hepatic TG and TC, and diminish lipid droplet accumulation and hepatic tissue damage. In addition, the treatment of YK could also significantly restore the levels of antioxidant enzymes (e.g., SOD and CAT) in the liver and lower the levels of hepatic proinflammatory cytokines (e.g., IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α), indicating that YK could effectively ameliorate ALD in mice by reducing hepatic oxidative stress and hepatic inflammation. Collectively, our findings can provide sufficient evidence for the development of TIK and their extracts as high value-added functional products for the intervention of ALD.

Enzyme Inhibitory Activities, Phenolic Profile, and In Silico Studies of Sorbus torminalis Tree Bark Methanol Extract.

The different parts of Sorbus torminalis (L.) Crantz are used in traditional medicine for various conditions such as cardiac diseases, cough, and diabetes, indicating its significant medicinal potential. Therefore, the current investigation aimed to reveal the phenolic composition of the poorly studied S. torminalis methanol extract of the bark, as well as its capacity to inhibit enzymes relevant to cardiovascular, neurodegenerative, and metabolic diseases. A total of 28 phenolic components, including 20 procyanidins aglycones (A- and B-type), four procyanidin glycosides, catechin and its glycoside, and two (epi)catechin derivatives, were detected using LC-MS. The contents of total polyphenols (6.22 %), total tannins (3.04 %), condensed tannins (0.70 %), and total flavonoids (0.24 %) were determined spectrophotometrically, highlighting the considerable phenolic richness of the examined plant material. The concentration-dependent ability to inhibit α-amylase (IC50=130 μg /mL), α-glucosidase (IC50=312.13 μg /mL), acetylcholinesterase (IC50=156.46 μg /mL), butyrylcholinesterase (IC50=217.68 μg /mL), and angiotensin-converting enzyme (IC50=36.77 μg /mL) was demonstrated in vitro. The in silico approach showed that catechin, procyanidin B2 and C1, S. torminalis bark constituents, can form stable complexes with the target enzymes but with different binding affinity. The results supported the medicinal potential of S. torminalis bark and significantly expanded our knowledge of its chemistry, justifying further research.

Phytochemical composition of &lt;i&gt;Eriobotrya japonica&lt;/i&gt; (Rosaceae) leaves extracts from central Veracruz, Mexico, and its effect on α-glucosidase enzyme inhibition

Background: Eriobotrya japonica is economically significant as an ornamental tree, and its leaves have medicinal properties. Question: What are the main chemical components of loquat leaves grown in a population of Central Veracruz Mexico? and does the methanolic extract have potential antidiabetic properties through α-glucosidase inhibition? Species study: Eriobotrya japonica (Thunb.) Lindl. (Rosaceae) Study site and date: Xalapa, Veracruz, Mexico, 2021-2022. Methods: Total carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) content, phosphorus (P), sodium (Na), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), and magnesium (Mg) were determined in leaves powder. Leaf methanol extract of E. japonica was tested for α-glucosidase inhibition. Also, different groups of secondary metabolites were detected by the phenolics/volatile-targeted metabolomic analysis. Results: The leaves of E. japonica are rich in C and minerals such as Na, K, Ca, and Mg, and contain high levels of flavonoids, and procyanidin B2. The leaf methanol extract (LME) effectively inhibited α-glucosidase activity (86.05 ± 0.73 %) in vitro. In addition, a leaf petroleum ether extract (LPE) contains mainly phytol, palmitic acid, linoleic acid, stearic acid, and phytol acetate. Conclusions: The leaf methanolic extract exhibited antidiabetic potential due to its potent α-glucosidase inhibition, and the presence of diverse phenolic compounds, including flavonoids and their glycoside derivatives, and some fatty acids further supports the traditional use of E. japonica as an herbal medicine with antidiabetic properties.