Procyanidin B2 Research Articles

Time is of the essence: unveiling the rapid response of Populus to insect feeding

Plant metabolism response to insect herbivores is the central theme of this publication. Genetically uniform individuals of European aspen (Populus tremula) were exposed to recurrent feeding by spongy moths (Lepidoptera) at specific time intervals. Changes in physiology, contents of phenolics and saccharides were quantified over the first hour. The unconventional experiment design, integrating analytical methods, and timeline led to the revealing of unexpected dynamics in plant metabolism. The time interval between herbivory initiation and sample collection revealed a pivotal moment, with induced defense activating strongly after 5 min of chewing resulting in an increase in catechin and procyanidin B1. After 10 min, a shift to a tolerant strategy occurs and induced substance concentrations return to control levels. Delayed physiological response was recorded as the first significant difference in transpiration between affected and nonaffected plants and was found after 10 min. A different strategy in exploitation of saccharides after spongy moths infestation was applied because the pool of selected saccharides was rising in the leaves but decreasing in the roots. Placing our results in the context of existing knowledge highlights the uncertain conceptual basis behind the often rigid and definitive classifications in induced plant defense or tolerance strategy.

Purification of Phenolic Compounds from Camellia polyodonta Flower: Composition Analysis, Antioxidant Property, and Hypolipidemic Activity In Vitro and In Vivo.

Camellia polyodonta flowers are rich sources of phenolics and less attention has been paid to their potential biological activity. This study aims to explore the crude extracts and resulting purified fractions (CPFP-I, II, III, and IV) through compositional analysis and antioxidant and hypolipidemic activities in vitro and in vivo. Among four fractions, CPFP-II contained the highest total phenolic content and flavonoid content, while CPFP-III exhibited the greatest total proanthocyanidin content. Among the 14 phenolic compounds, CPFP-II displayed the highest content of procyanidin B2, B4, and C1, whereas CPFP-III contained the highest amount of 1,2,3,6-tetragalloylglucose. The DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP assessments demonstrated a consistent trend: CPFP-II > CPFP-III > CPFP-I > CPFP-IV. In vivo experiments showed that that all four fractions significantly reduced lipid levels in hyperlipidemic C. elegans (p < 0.05), with CPFP-II exhibiting the most potent effect. Furthermore, CPFP-II effectively bound to bile acids and inhibited the enzymatic activity of pancreatic lipase in vitro. Consequently, CPFP-II should be prioritized as a promising fraction for further exploration and should provide substantial support for the feasibility of the C. polyodonta flower as a natural alternative.

Fate of flavonoids and theobromine in cocoa beans during roasting: Effect of time and temperature

AbstractThe content of phenolic compounds in chocolate depends on the processing of the cocoa from bean to bar. The aim of this study was to determine the fate of phenolic compounds and theobromine in cocoa beans during roasting at different temperatures. Based on a screening of 12 cocoa bean sorts, three beans (NM, NCC, and NB) with initial high total phenolic content (TPC) were selected for the roasting trial (100 and 150°C up to 20 min). The concentration of three major flavonoids ((−)‐catechin, (−)‐epicatechin and procyanidin B2) and one methylxanthine (theobromine) were evaluated in both raw and roasted beans. Results showed changes in the concentration of flavonoids and theobromine during roasting. Roasting at 150°C for 15 min was optimal for maintaining high flavonoid levels while reducing theobromine levels. However, sensory evaluation on final product is needed to confirm whether the suggested roasting condition would also result in a final product with pleasant sensory properties.

Study on the extraction, purification, stability, free radical scavenging kinetics, polymerization degree and characterization of proanthocyanidins from Pinus koraiensis seed scales

To efficiently harness resources from Pinus koraiensis seed scales, a type of forestry waste, rigorous studies on the extraction, purification, stability, and free radical scavenging capacity of the proanthocyanidins derived from these seed scales were conducted. Kinetic models showed that under ultrasonic conditions, the proanthocyanidins content reached 2.66 mg/g within 0.5 h. The optimal storage parameters include darkness, 4 °C, and pH 4. The degrees of polymerization of the mixture and the high- and low-polymer components were 4.89, 7.42 and 3.07, respectively, with the low-polymer component exhibiting the highest radical scavenging activity. Through HPLC–QE-MS/MS, 1H NMR, and FT-IR analyses, we identified proanthocyanidin B1, proanthocyanidin B2, (−)-epicatechin, and polymeric trimer esters. The Pinus koraiensis proanthocyanidins exhibited a high molecular weight, a complex internal molecular structure, and commendable stability, with crystallization requiring elevated temperatures. Therefore, the proanthocyanidins from Pinus koraiensis seed scales have emerged as highly promising novel natural antioxidants.

Profibrotic Inflammatory Cytokines and Growth Factors Are Predicted as the Key Targets of Uncaria gambir (Hunter) Roxb. in Keloids: An Epistatic and Molecular Simulation Approach.

Keloid is characterized as the fibrotic tissue resulting from the increase of fibroblast activity. Uncaria gambir (Hunter) Roxb. possesses bioactive compounds that have potential as antifibrotic agents, while the mechanism of action in keloid has not yet been elucidated. The aim of this study was to investigate the interaction of gambir bioactive compounds with keloid target proteins using an epistatic and molecular simulation approach. The known bioactive compounds of gambir targets and keloid-related protein targets were screened using databases. The network was constructed and analyzed to obtain the core protein targets. The targets were enriched to describe the Gene Ontology (GO) and pathway related to the proteins. Eleven targets were defined as the main targets of gambir bioactive compounds related to keloid disease. Gambiriin C, Isogambirine, and Procyanidin B1 were identified as the most promising compounds with the highest binding energy to transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGFβ1), AKT serine/threonine kinase 1 (AKT1), and matrix metallopeptidase 1 (MMP1) as the target proteins. GO enrichment and pathway analysis found that gambir bioactive compounds may act on keloid-related target proteins to regulate cell proliferation, migration, transcription, and signal transduction activity via profibrotic cytokine and growth factor signaling pathways. This study provides a reference for potential targets, compounds, and pathways to explain the mechanism of gambir against keloid.

Evaluation of antioxidant activity in different Egyptian barley cultivars: an in vitro and in silico study

BackgroundCereals have historically played a crucial role in the human diet, serving as a significant natural source of energy and offering various health benefits. Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) has been given significant attention in recent years due to its exceptional nutritional value, surpassing that of other cereals. The objective of this research is to evaluate the antioxidant activity of various solvent extracts obtained from three different barley cultivars.ResultsThe G.136 variety's acetone extract exhibited the highest level of antioxidant activity in both the DPPH assay, with an IC50 of 55.62 µg/ml, and the FRAP assay, with 447 μM trolox/mg extract. The dominant compounds identified before in the acetone fraction were subjected to an evaluation of their docking scores, along with an assessment of ADMET (Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, Excretion, and Toxicity) and TOPKAT (Toxicity Prediction by Komputer Assisted Technology) studies. Notably, hordatine A1, prodelphinidin B3, hordatine B1, procyanidin B2, and isovitexin 7-O-glucoside were the major compounds with the highest LipDock scores compared to trolox the reference drug with polyphenol oxidase.ConclusionsThe findings indicate that the acetone extract from all three cultivars demonstrates noteworthy results, surpassing the efficacy of other solvent extracts against the antioxidant activity.

Targeted analysis for the detection of phenolics and authentication of Albanian wines using LC-DAD/ESI–MS/MS combined with chemometric tools

In recent years, Albania has seen a significant increase in wine production, which can be attributed to the growing interest in the diversity of native grape varieties. Among the most popular grape varieties are Kallmet, Shesh i zi (ShiZ), Shesh i bardhë (ShiB), and Cerruje, which are known for their distinctive wines as well as the planted area. A study was conducted to investigate the influence of the territory and vintage on phenolic compounds of single-variety wines from these grape varieties. Liquid chromatography identified and quantified thirty-one phenolic compounds, sub-grouped into flavonoids and non-flavonoids, with diode-array detection coupled to electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (LC–DAD–ESI/MSn). Within the red wines group, the ShiZ variety wine presented the highest phenolic content (1037 mg/L), followed by Kallmet cv. (539 mg/L); conversely, in the white wine group, the ShiB wines (699 mg/L) were distinguished from the Cerruje variety. Gallic acid was the main phenolic compound, followed by procyanidin B3. ShiB and ShiZ had the highest levels, at 215 and 136 mg/L, respectively. Among flavanols, (+)-catechin was found in the highest levels, with the maximum in Kallmet cv. red wine (58.9 mg/L), followed by (-)-epicatechin (29.1 mg/L). The ShiB wine had the highest content of flavonols, with quercetin-3-O-glucuronide and quercetin-3-O-glucoside as the main contributors. The highest quantity of stilbenoids belonged to Kallmet red wine (1.59 mg/L). Applying Principal Component Analysis (PCA) in red and white wine groups made a good separation possible according to variety and region. However, a separation according to vintage year was not successful.

Proanthocyanidins isolated from lotus seed skin mitigate glycolipid metabolism disorder through the p38/Nrf2/NF-κB signaling pathway.

Lotus seed skin extract is rich in flavonoids, making it a promising candidate for developing health products. In a previous study, we found that proanthocyanidins from lotus seed skin, particularly proanthocyanidin B1 (PB1), can indirectly activate the Nrf2 signaling pathway, exerting an antioxidant effect. In this study, we isolate proanthocyanidins from lotus seed skin (PLS) using ethanol extraction and RP-HPLC identification, and investigate its effects on glycolipid metabolism both in vivo and in vitro. Our results demonstrate that PLS reduces body weight in high-fat diet (HFD) mice by decreasing feed efficiency. PLS also normalizes serum glucose, insulin secretion, glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), and intraperitoneal glucose tolerance (IPGTT). Furthermore, PLS significantly improves blood lipid parameters and inhibits the expressions of six proinflammatory factors, including IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-3, IL-6, IFN-γ and TNF-α in HFD mice. Additionally, analysis of fresh liver tissues reveals that PLS and PB1 induce the expressions of antioxidant proteins such as HO-1 and NQO1 by activating the p38-Nrf2 signaling pathway and inhibiting the NF-κB signaling pathway. In conclusion, proanthocyanidins from lotus seed skin regulate glycolipid metabolism disorders by targeting the p38/Nrf2/NF-κB signaling pathway. Our study offers a new approach for the high-value comprehensive utilization of lotus seed skin by-products and precise dietary intervention for metabolic syndrome.

Development of shake powdered food with cocoa, mesquite pod flour, oak extract and agave fructans, quality characteristics and glycemic index

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to development of a new chocolate-flavored powdered food supplement enriched with mesquite pod flour, oak extract and agave fructans, with proper sensory characteristics as well as its physicochemical and glycemic quality.Design/methodology/approachA powdered shake was formulated using experimental design (23) with mesquite (Prosopis laevigata) pod flour, oak (Quercus convallata) extracts, nonalkalinized cocoa, agave fructans, milk protein and xanthan gum. Sensory analysis (choice profile method, ranking test, focus group, quantitative descriptive analysis), moisture, ash, fiber, protein and lipids, pH, color, wettability, dispersibility and rheological tests were done. Phenolic profiling analysis to samples was done by ultraperformance liquid chromatography coupled to photodiode array detection and electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry, antioxidant activity was measured by 2,2’-Azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) diammonium salt radical cation, ferric reducing antioxidant power and oxygen radical absorbance capacity, glycemic index (GI) and glycemic load were evaluated.FindingsThe main sensory attributes in the powders were chocolate, bitter, astringent, grass/linseed flavors (p < 0.05). The product has protein [66.9%], carbohydrates [22.0%], lipids [1.6%], ash [2.7%] and moisture [6.8%], with wettability (23 s), and dispersibility of 77.9%. Catechin, epicatechin, gallocatechin, procyanidin B2, chlorogenic, coumaric and ferulic acids were identified. GI and caloric load not show differences between men (73.3±2.4, 4.4±0.1) and women (67.0±2.1, 4.1±0.1) (p > 0.05).Originality/valueThe use of mesquite pods, oak and agave fructans in powder food supplement is an alternative to obtain a product high in protein, with good sensory properties, antioxidant activity and moderate GI.

Molecular mechanisms of Tetrastigma hemsleyanum Diels&Gilg against lung squamous cell carcinoma: From computational biology and experimental validation

Ethnopharmacological relevanceTetrastigma hemsleyanum （T. hemsleyanum）, valued in traditional medicine for its potential to boost immunity and combat tumors, contains uncharacterized active compounds and mechanisms. This represents a significant gap in our understanding of its ethnopharmacological relevance. Aim of the studyTo involve the mechanism of anti-lung cancer effect of T. hemsleyanum by means of experiment and bioinformatics analysis. Materials and methodsThe anticancer mechanism of T. hemsleyanum against lung squamous carcinoma (LUSC) in zebrafish was investigated. The LUSC model was established by injecting NCI–H2170 cells in the zebrafish and evaluating its anti-tumor efficacy. Next, component targets and key genes were obtained by molecular complex detection (MCODE) analysis and protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis. Component analysis of T. hemsleyanum was performed by UPLC-Q-TOF-MS. Molecular docking was used to simulate the binding activities of key potential active components to core targets were simulated using. Prognostic and pan-cancer analyses were then performed to validate the signaling pathways involved in the prognostic genes using gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA). Subsequently, Molecular dynamics simulations were then performed for key active components and core targets. Finally, cellular experiments were used to verify the expression of glutamate metabotropic receptor 3 (GRM3) and glutamate metabotropic receptor 7 (GRM7) in the anticancer effect exerted of T. hemsleyanum. ResultsWe experimentally confirmed the inhibitory effect of T. hemsleyanum on LUSC by transplantation of NCI–H2170 cells into zebrafish. There are 20 main compounds in T. hemsleyanum, such as procyanidin B1, catechin, quercetin, and kaempferol, etc. A total of 186 component targets of T. hemsleyanum and sixteen hub genes were screened by PPI network and MCODE analyses. Molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation results showed that Gingerglycolipid B and Rutin had higher affinity with GRM3 and GRM7, respectively. Prognostic analysis, Pan-cancer analysis and verification experiment also confirmed that GRM3 and GRM7 were targets for T. hemsleyanum to exert anti-tumor effects and to participate in immune and mutation processes. In vitro experiments suggested that the inhibitory effect of T. hemsleyanum on cancer cells was correlated with GRM3 and GRM7. ConclusionIn vivo, in vitro and in silico results confirmed the potential anticancer effects against LUSC of T. hemsleyanum, which further consolidated the claim of its traditional uses.

Post-veraison sunlight supplementation improved the phenolic profile of Cabernet Gernischt (Vitis vinifera L.) grape and wine in a temperate monsoon climate

The regulation of solar radiation is a pivotal agricultural practice in enhancing the quality of grapes and subsequently, wine. In regions like Yantai, where solar radiation levels are typically low, the accumulation of wine phenolic compounds is negatively impacted. In light of this, our study sought to assess the efficacy of silver reflective mulch (RM) treatment on grape yield, maturity, and phenolic composition. Specifically, we applied RM treatment post-veraison to a Cabernet Gernischt (Vitis vinifera L.) vineyard in the Yantai wine region of China. Our findings indicate a consistent improvement in grape maturity with RM treatment, alongside enhanced accumulation of total phenols (TP), total tannins (TT), and total anthocyanins (TAC) in grape skin. Consequently, this led to elevated levels of phenolic compounds in wines and heightened color intensity. Moreover, tandem mass spectrometry analysis unveiled higher concentrations of key compounds such as petunidin-3-glucoside, malvidin-3-glucoside, procyanidin B1, quercetin-3-glucoside, cis-resveratrol, and piceatannol in the resultant wines. This study underscores the potential of RM treatment to bolster wine phenolics, particularly in regions characterized by a Temperate Monsoon Climate.

Malus pumila Mill. cv Annurca apple extract might be therapeutically useful against oxidative stress and patterned hair loss.

Patterned hair loss (PHL) or androgenetic alopecia is a condition affecting about 50% of people worldwide. Several pharmacological medications have been developed over the years, but few studies have investigated their effectiveness. Therefore, new, safer and more effective strategies are required. Recent investigations showed that Annurca apple extract application could induce keratin production and promote hair growth thanks to the high amount of procyanidin B2 contained in. Hence, this study aimed to investigate the role of an Annurca apple extract in preventing PHL by testing it on human follicle dermal papilla cells (HFDPCs) for the first time. Treatment of HFDPCs with Annurca apple extract counteracted intracellular reactive oxygen species accumulation by increasing the activity of antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase 2 and catalase. Furthermore, treatment with Annurca apple extract increased β-catenin and fibroblast growth factor 2, which are involved in hair growth stimulation. These data suggest that Annurca apple extract may be a potential therapeutically useful nutraceutical product for preventing or treating hair loss by reducing oxidative stress and inducing the expression of hair growth-related factors.

Milk thistle protects against non-alcoholic fatty liver disease induced by dietary thermally oxidized tallow

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a chronic condition caused by several factors including thermally oxidized tallow. Various strategies have been considered to ameliorate NAFLD. However, the role of milk thistle (MT) in ameliorating NAFLD caused by thermally oxidized tallow has not been reported. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the ability of milk thistle to protect rabbits from the toxicity of oxidized tallow (OT). The rabbits were given OT and an extract of MT. The composition of MT was analyzed using HPLC-DAD, and tallow samples were studied using GC-MS. The study also examined liver histology, antioxidant levels, liver-related inflammatory markers, and serum lipid profile. The results showed that the major components of the MT extract were silybin B, formononetin-glucuronic acid, proanthocyanidin B1, silychristin B, silydianin, and isosilybin A. The group given OT showed elevated lipid profiles, lower antioxidant status, higher levels of hepatic inflammatory markers, and lower levels of anti-inflammatory markers. This group also had higher fat storage in the liver compared to the control or treatment groups. However, when MT was supplemented, the pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1, IL-4, IL-6, and TNF-α) and antioxidant status (CAT, SOD, GSH-Px, GSH, and TBARS) of the liver returned to normal. This suggests that MT extract is an excellent source of hepatoprotective compounds. It protects the liver by increasing antioxidant enzymes, decreasing pro-inflammatory cytokines, and increasing anti-inflammatory markers.

EXPLORING THE HAEMOSTATIC POTENTIAL OF PANCHAVALKALA KASHAYA AND PANCHAVALKALA AQUEOUS EXTRACT: AN IN VITRO STUDY

Acharya Susrutha under the context of Rakthasthambhanopaya (methods of haemostasis) has explained about the different methods to attain Rakthasthambhana or haemostasis. which include Skandana (clotting of blood), Santhana (uniting), Pachana (ripening or digestive measures) and Dahana (thermal cauterisation). Acharya Susrutha while explaining about agantuja vrana chikitsa (treatment of wound) has explained that ‘Pittavat sheeta kriya’ should be done prior to santhana to mitigate the ‘Kshatoshmana’. So, from this it is evident the primary method of management should be done with sheeta (cold) followed by Kashaya rasa dravya (astringent taste drugs) for Santhana. Panchavalkala is a group drug with sheeta veerya (cold potency) and Kashaya rasa (astringent taste) mentioned in Dalhana commentary for Skandana. This study investigates the haemostatic effect of Panchavalkala Kashaya and Panchavalkala aqueous extract by in vitro method. Preliminary phytochemical screening of both trial drugs was done. A total of 10 samples of healthy human platelet poor plasma were mixed in trial drugs, Prothrombin and Activated Partial Thromboplastin time were determined. Data was analysed using Kruskal Wallis test. Phytochemical analysis confirmed that the Panchavalkala kashaya contain alkaloids, tannins, glycosides and saponins. Panchavalkala aqueous extract sample consist of flavonoids, alkaloids, glycosides, tannins and saponins. LCMS Q-TOF analysis shows the presence of compounds Gallic acid, Epicatechin, Leucocynidin and Procyanidin B1. And the HPLC study confirmed that Gallic acid is an active phytoconstituent present in the Panchavalkala aqueous extract. In the present study the trial group Panchavalkala aqueous extract showed more desirable haemostatic effect than Panchavalkala Kashaya on comparison.

Procyanidin B2 alleviates oxidized low-density lipoprotein-induced cell injury, inflammation, monocyte chemotaxis, and oxidative stress by inhibiting the nuclear factor kappa-B pathway in human umbilical vein endothelial cells

BackgroundOxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) can initiate and affect almost all atherosclerotic events including endothelial dysfunction. In this text, the role and underlying molecular basis of procyanidin B2 (PCB2) with potential anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory activities in ox-LDL-induced HUVEC injury were examined.MethodsHUVECs were treated with ox-LDL in the presence or absence of PCB2. Cell viability and apoptotic rate were examined by CCK-8 assay and flow cytometry, respectively. The mRNA and protein levels of genes were tested by RT-qPCR and western blot assays, respectively. Potential downstream targets and pathways of apple procyanidin oligomers were examined by bioinformatics analysis for the GSE9647 dataset. The effect of PCB2 on THP-1 cell migration was examined by recruitment assay. The effect of PCB2 on oxidative stress was assessed by reactive oxygen species (ROS) level, malondialdehyde (MDA) content, and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP).Resultsox-LDL reduced cell viability, induced cell apoptosis, and facilitated the expression of oxidized low-density lipoprotein receptor 1 (LOX-1), C-C motif chemokine ligand 2 (MCP-1), vascular cell adhesion protein 1 (VCAM-1) in HUVECs. PCB2 alleviated ox-LDL-induced cell injury in HUVECs. Apple procyanidin oligomers triggered the differential expression of 592 genes in HUVECs (|log2fold-change| > 0.58 and adjusted p-value < 0.05). These dysregulated genes might be implicated in apoptosis, endothelial cell proliferation, inflammation, and monocyte chemotaxis. PCB2 inhibited C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 1/8 (CXCL1/8) expression and THP-1 cell recruitment in ox-LDL-stimulated HUVECs. PCB2 inhibited ox-LDL-induced oxidative stress and nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) activation in HUVECs.ConclusionPCB2 weakened ox-LDL-induced cell injury, inflammation, monocyte recruitment, and oxidative stress by inhibiting the NF-κB pathway in HUVECs.

Exploring the anti-inflammatory ingredients and potential of golden buckwheat (Fagopyrum dibotrys) on the TLR4/NLRP3 pathway in acute lung injury.

Golden buckwheat, also called Fagopyrum dibotrys (D. Don) H. Hara, is a plant of the genus Buckwheat in the buckwheat family. The aim of this study was to screen the bioactive ingredients of golden buckwheat extract and investigate the protective effect on acute lung injury (ALI). The ethyl acetate extract (EAE) was identified as the active fraction in LPS-induced RAW264.7 cells, with gallic acid, proanthocyanidin B2, and epicatechin at 0.0563%, 0.3707%, and 0.3868%, respectively. At the same time, 20 compounds (mainly flavonoids and organic acids) were identified by UPLC-Q-Exactive Orbitrap-HRMS in EAE. Furthermore, the EAE reduced lung histopathology scores in mice with ALI, decreased the dry-to-wet weight ratio of lung tissue, and significantly inhibited the concentrations of IL-1β, TNFα, and IL-6 in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). It also reduced the number of leukocytes, decreased the activity of MPO in lung tissue, and inhibited the levels of TLR4/NLRP3 pathway mRNA and protein in lung tissue. Our study indicated that golden buckwheat as a source of functional food prevents or treats associated lung diseases by modulating the activation of the TLR4/NLRP3 signaling pathway.

Study on the formation mechanism of blackening in damaged lotus rhizome epidermis: Effects of polyphenols and iron.

Lotus rhizome is an important aquatic vegetable, but the blackening of lotus rhizome epidermis (LRE) seriously affects its appearance and quality, which makes lotus rhizome products unmarketable. In this study, the effects of polyphenols and iron on the LRE color were studied to explore the possible mechanism of LRE blackening. Results indicated that the measurable total phenols contents in the mud treatment (MT) group were significantly reduced, and the total iron contents were significantly increased compared with the bruised treatment group (p<0.05). The high-performance liquid chromatography results showed that the main polyphenols in LRE were dopa, gallocatechin, and catechin, as well as a small amount of catechol, epicatechin, proanthocyanidin B2, and proanthocyanidin C1. Moreover, the results of color difference and ultraviolet adsorption spectroscopy showed that there were obviously black or brown-gray of dopa (525nm), gallocatechin (504.5nm), and catechin (550 and 504.5nm) with FeCl2. The simulated system treatment of LRE further confirmed that the chromaticity effect of dopa and iron in bruised LRE was similar to that of the MT group, whereas 1% (w/w) ascorbic acid, 2% (w/w) EDTA-2Na, or 3% (w/w) citric acid could solely prohibit the blackening. This suggested that the dopa in LRE and FeCl2 in mud may mainly combine into [2(DOPA-2H+)+Fe3+]- through non-covalent interaction, which leads to the blackening of bruised LRE under neutral conditions. These results can guide the storage of lotus rhizomes and improve the development of the lotus rhizome industry.

Impact of dielectric barrier discharge cold plasma on anthocyanin metabolism in blueberries: A targeted metabonomic and transcriptomic analysis

The impact of cold plasma (CP) treatment on anthocyanin accumulation in postharvest blueberries is well-documented. However, the underlying regulatory mechanisms are still not fully understood. To gain further insights, we conducted biochemistry, transcriptomic, and metabolomic analyses. The comparison between control and CP-treated samples revealed 948 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and 20 differentially accumulated metabolites (DAMs) (Malvidin-3-O-galactoside, Cyanidin-3-O-galactoside, proanthocyanidin B1, peonidin-3-O-galactoside, etc.). A total of 63 DEGs may be involved in anthocyanins biosynthesis, including PAL, C4H, 4CL, CHS, CHI, F3H, F3’H, F3’5’H, FLS, DFR, LDOX, F3GT, UGT, and GST. The co-expression network analysis revealed that UGT plays an important role in the biosynthesis of anthocyanins in CP-treated blueberry at postharvest. These findings indicate that CP treatment promotes the accumulation of anthocyanins by affecting the phenylpropanoid pathways and flavonoid biosynthesis. This research provides fundamental insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying anthocyanin accumulation in blueberries following CP treatment.

Transcriptomic and targeted metabolomic analyses provide insights into the flavonoids biosynthesis in the flowers of Lonicera macranthoides

BackgroundFlavonoids are one of the bioactive ingredients of Lonicera macranthoides (L. macranthoides), however, their biosynthesis in the flower is still unclear. In this study, combined transcriptomic and targeted metabolomic analyses were performed to clarify the flavonoids biosynthesis during flowering of L. macranthoides.ResultsIn the three sample groups, GB_vs_WB, GB_vs_WF and GB_vs_GF, there were 25, 22 and 18 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in flavonoids biosynthetic pathway respectively. A total of 339 flavonoids were detected and quantified at four developmental stages of flower in L. macranthoides. In the three sample groups, 113, 155 and 163 differentially accumulated flavonoids (DAFs) were detected respectively. Among the DAFs, most apigenin derivatives in flavones and most kaempferol derivatives in flavonols were up-regulated. Correlation analysis between DEGs and DAFs showed that the down-regulated expressions of the CHS, DFR, C4H, F3’H, CCoAOMT_32 and the up-regulated expressions of the two HCTs resulted in down-regulated levels of dihydroquercetin, epigallocatechin and up-regulated level of kaempferol-3-O-(6’’-O-acetyl)-glucoside, cosmosiin and apigenin-4’-O-glucoside. The down-regulated expressions of F3H and FLS decreased the contents of 7 metabolites, including naringenin chalcone, proanthocyanidin B2, B3, B4, C1, limocitrin-3,7-di-O-glucoside and limocitrin-3-O-sophoroside.ConclusionThe findings are helpful for genetic improvement of varieties in L.macranthoides.

Proanthocyanidins and Phenolic Compounds from the Twigs of Salix chaenomeloides and Their Anti-Lipogenic Effects on 3T3-L1 Preadipocytes.

The present study investigated potential bioactive natural products from the EtOH extract of Salix chaenomeloides twigs using column chromatography, leading to the isolation of six compounds (1-6), which were characterized as two proanthocyanidins, procyanidin B2 (1) and procyanidin B1 (2), and four phenolic compounds, 4-hydroxybenzoic acid β-D-glucosyl ester (3), di-O-methylcrenatin (4), p-coumaric acid glucoside (5), and syringin (6) by the comparison of their NMR spectra with the reported data and high-resolution (HR)-electrospray ionization mass spectroscopy (ESI-MS) analysis. We investigated the potential of six compounds (1-6) to inhibit adipogenesis in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes, which showed that the compounds (1-6) significantly reduced lipid accumulation in 3T3-L1 adipocytes without affecting cell proliferation. Notably, compound 1 demonstrated a remarkable 60% and 90% reduction in lipid levels with 50 and 100 µM treatments, respectively. Oil Red O staining results indicated that compound 1 significantly inhibits the formation of lipid droplets, comparable to the effect of T863, an inhibitor of triglyceride used as a positive control, in adipocytes. Compound 1 had no effect on the regulators PPARγ, C/EBPα, and SREBF1 of adipocyte differentiation in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes, but compound 1 activated the fatty acid oxidation regulator, PPARα, compared to the lipogenic-induced control. It also suppressed fatty acid synthesis by downregulating the expression of fatty acid synthase (FAS). Finally, compound 1 induced the mRNA and protein levels of CPT1A, an initial marker of mitochondrial fatty acid oxidation in 3T3-L1. This finding substantiates the anti-lipogenic and lipolytic effects of procyanidin B2 (1) in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes, emphasizing its pivotal role in modulating obesity-related markers.