Procyanidin B2 Research Articles

Procyanidin B2 3,3″-di-O-gallate suppresses IFN-γ production in murine CD4+ T cells through the regulation of glutamine influx via direct interaction with ASCT2.

Excessive activation of CD4+ T cells increases cytokine production substantially and induces immune-mediated diseases. Procyanidins are polyphenols with anti-inflammatory properties. Procyanidin B2 (PCB2) gallate [specifically, PCB2 3,3''-di-O-gallate (PCB2DG)] inhibits cytokine production through the suppression of glycolysis via mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) in T cells. Several amino acids play critical roles in T cell activation, especially glutamine, which is important in mTOR signaling and interferon-γ (IFN-γ) production in CD4+ T cells. However, the mechanisms underlying the effects of PCB2DG, including its interaction partners, have yet to be clarified. In the present study, the mechanisms underlying the inhibitory effect of PCB2DG on IFN-γ through glutamine metabolism regulation were investigated. We found that PCB2DG treatment reduced intracellular glutamine levels in CD4+ T cells, whereas the addition of glutamine abrogated the inhibitory effects of PCB2DG on IFN-γ production. The PCB2DG-induced reduction in intracellular glutamine accumulation led to the upregulated expression of activating transcription factor 4, which was induced by the cytoprotective signaling pathway in the amino acid response. In addition, the mRNA and protein expression levels of alanine serine cysteine transporter 2 (ASCT2), a major glutamine transporter in CD4+ T cells, were not altered by PCB2DG treatment. Further analysis using a target identification strategy revealed that PCB2DG binds to ASCT2, suggesting that PCB2DG interacts directly with this major glutamine transporter to inhibit glutamine influx. Overall, this study indicates that ASCT2 is a novel target protein of a dietary polyphenol and provides new insights into the mechanism underlying the immunomodulatory effects of polyphenols.

Integrating Metabolomics and Gene Expression Underlying Potential Biomarkers Compounds Associated with Antioxidant Activity in Southern Grape Seeds.

Different southern grape (Muscadine) genotypes (Muscadinia rotundifolia Michx.) were evaluated for their contents of metabolites in ripe berries. The metabolome study identified 331 metabolites in ripening skin and seed tissues. The major chemical groups were organic acids, fatty acyls, polyketides, and organic heterocycle compounds. The metabolic pathways of the identified metabolite were mainly arginine biosynthesis, D-glutamine, D-glutamate metabolism, alanine, aspartate metabolism, aminoacyl-tRNA biosynthesis, and citrate cycle. Principal component analysis indicated that catechin, gallic acid, and epicatechin-3-gallate were the main metabolites existing in muscadine seed extracts. However, citramalic and malic acids were the main metabolites contributing to muscadine skin extracts. Partial least-squares discriminant analysis (VIP > 1) described 25 key compounds indicating the metabolome in muscadine tissues (skin and seed). Correlation analysis among the 25 compounds and oxidation inhibition activities identified five biomarker compounds that were associated with antioxidant activity. Catechin, gallic acid, epicatechin-3-gallate, fertaric acid, and procyanidin B1 were highly associated with DPPH, FRAP, CUPRAC, and ABTS. The five biomarker compounds were significantly accumulated in the seed relative to the skin tissues. An evaluation of 15 antioxidant-related genes represented by the 3-dehydroquinate dehydratase (DHD), shikimate kinase (SK), chalcone synthase (CHS), anthocyanidin reductase (ANR), laccase (LAC), phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL), dihydroflavonol 4-reductase (DFR), 3-dehydroquinate synthase (DHQS), chorismate mutase (CM), flavanone-3-hydroxylase (F3H), cinnamoyl-CoA reductase (CCR), cinnamyl alcohol dehydrogenase (CAD), leucoanthocyanidin reductase (LAR), gallate 1-β-glucosyltransferase (UGT), and anthocyanidin 3-O-glucosyltransferase (UFGT) encode critical enzymes related to polyphenolics pathway throughout four developmental stages (fruit-set FS, véraison V, ripe-skin R, and ripe-seed; S) in the C5 genotype demonstrated the dramatic accumulation of all transcripts in seed tissue or a developmental stage-dependent manner. Our findings suggested that muscadine grape seeds contain essential metabolites that could attract the attention of those interested in the pharmaceutical sector and the plant breeders to develop new varieties with high nutraceutical value.

Molecular Docking of Secondary Metabolites from Phoenix dactylifera L. Targeting SARS-CoV-2 ACE-2 Receptor

Dates (Phoenix dactylifera L.) are one of the most useful plants. According to previous research, those dates contain bioactive compounds with antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties. Furthermore, dates can be used as an antiviral, but the potential of dates as an antiviral, particularly the SARS-CoV-2 antiviral, has received little attention. As a result, the goal of this study was to see if date palm bioactive compounds could be used as SARS-CoV-2 antivirals with molecular docking against the Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme-2 (ACE-2) receptor. The study was carried out using molecular docking methods with Autodock Vina, where 21 chemical compounds found in date palms as ligands were attached to the ACE-2 receptor, and four chemical compounds used as SARS-CoV-2 antiviral medicines, namely chloroquine, favipiravir, plitidepsin, and remdesivir, were used as a control ligand. The results showed that proanthocyanidin B1, B2, and quercetin ligands had the highest interaction and stability with Gibbs free energy values of -9.20 kcal/mol, -9.10 kcal/mol, and -8.20 kcal/mol, respectively. This value is known to be higher than control ligands plitidepsin -9.02 kcal/mol, remdesivir -7.88 kcal/mol, chloroquine -5.65 kcal/mol, and favipiravir -5.38 kcal/mol. As a result, dates can be used as a SARS-CoV-2 antiviral candidate.

Cinnamon free phenolic extract regulates glucose absorption in intestinal cells by inhibiting glucose transporters

Cinnamon is a traditional herbal medicine that is a valuable source of bioactive phenolic compounds. In this study, we determined the effects of cinnamon free phenolic extract (CFPE) on glucose transport in Caco-2 cells and its possible mechanisms of action. First, the contents of phenolic compounds and flavonoids in bark were compared among four cinnamon cultivars. The ‘Taiwan’ cultivar had the highest contents of these compounds, and the CFPE was prepared from it. A Caco-2 monolayer was established, and the effect of CFPE on glucose transport across the monolayer was determined. The results showed that CFPE (at 150–300 μg/mL) suppressed glucose transport across the monolayer in a dose-dependent manner. Procyanidin C1, procyanidin B2, procyanidin B1, procyanidin B3, procyanidin A2, and (−)-epicatechin derivatives in CFPE may have contributed to its suppressive effect. Treatment with CFPE decreased the transcript levels of SGK1 encoding serum and glucocorticoid-inducible kinase and PLC/PKC encoding phospholipase C/protein kinase C, which are involved in the signaling pathway associated with glucose transport; and the transcript levels of SGLT1 encoding sodium/glucose cotransporter 1 and GLUT2 encoding glucose transporter 2, the key glucose transporters in this pathway. These findings suggest that CFPE inhibits glucose transport via its effects on the signaling pathway and glucose transporters involved in glucose absorption in intestinal cells. Thus, CFPE has potential applications in preventing postprandial hyperglycemia.

Pseudomonas 42P4 and Cellulosimicrobium 60I1 as a sustainable approach to increase growth, development, and productivity in pepper plants

The production of pepper plants for industrial use is not enough to satisfy the demand of consumers and agrochemicals are frequently used to increase production. In this study four native plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) was tested as an alternative to select the most effective to enhance growth, development, and productivity of pepper plants. Seedlings were inoculated with Pseudomonas 42P4, Cellulosimicrobium 60I1, Ochrobactrum 53F, Enterobacter 64S1 and cultivated on pots in the greenhouse and the morphological, biochemical, and physiological parameters were determined. In addition, the phenolic compound profiles were evaluated. All four strains increased the different parameters evaluated but Pseudomonas 42P4 and Cellulosimicrobium 60I1 were the most effective strains, improving leaf and root dry weight, stem diameter, nitrogen level, stomatal conductance, chlorophyll quantum efficiency, chlorophyll SPAD index, total chlorophyll and carotenoid levels, number of flowers and fruits per plant, and the length, diameter and dry weight of the fruit. Also, these strains modified the phenolic compound profiles, and 18 compounds were quantified. Pseudomonas 42P4 inoculation modified the phenolic compound profile similarly to the Fertilized treatment and induced the synthesis of different endogenous compounds in the flavonoid family, also increasing catechin, naringin, naringenin, myricetin, procyanidin B1, epigallocatechin-gallate, cinnamic, and ferulic acids related to antioxidant activity and catechin, cinnamic, and ferulic acids related to the induced systemic response. Pseudomonas 42P4 can be used as a bioinoculant in pepper plants to enable better agronomic management, decreasing the use of chemical fertilizer to contribute to sustainable agriculture.

Phytochemicals as potential target on thioredoxin-interacting protein (TXNIP) for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases.

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are currently the major cause of death and morbidity on a global scale. Thioredoxin-interacting protein (TXNIP) is a marker related to metabolism, oxidation, and inflammation induced in CVDs. The overexpression of TXNIP is closely related to the occurrence and development of CVDs. Hence, TXNIP inhibition is critical for reducing the overactivation of its downstream signaling pathway and, as a result, myocardial cell damage. Due to the chemical variety of dietary phytochemicals, they have garnered increased interest for CVDs prevention and therapy. Phytochemicals are a source of medicinal compounds for a variety of conditions, which aids in the development of effective and safe TXNIP-targeting medications. The objective of this article is to find and virtual screen novel safe, effective, and economically viable TXNIP inhibitors from flavonoids, phenols, and alkaloids derived from foods and plants. The results of the docking study revealed that silibinin, rutin, luteolin, baicalin, procyanidin B2, hesperetin, icariin, and tilianin in flavonoids, polydatin, resveratrol, and salidroside in phenols, and neferine in alkaloids had the highest Vina scores, indicating that these compounds are the active chemicals on TXNIP. In particular, silibinin can be utilized as a lead chemical in the process of structural alteration. These dietary phytochemicals may aid in the discovery of lead compounds for the development of innovative TXNIP agents for the treatment of cardiovascular disease.

Magnetic nanometer combined with microwave: Novel rapid thawing promotes phenolics release in frozen-storage lychee

Magnetic nanometer combined with microwave thawing (MN-MT) could become a novel solution to challenges uneven and overheating of microwave thawing (MT), while retaining high thawing efficiency, compared to conventional water immersion thawing (WT). In this study, MN-MT was applied to thaw fruit (lychee as an example) for the first time, and was evaluated by comparison with WT, MT and water immersion combined with microwave thawing (WI-MT). Results showed that MN-MT could significantly shorten the thawing time of frozen lychee by 80.67%, 25.86% and 18.83% compared to WT, MT and WI-MT, respectively. Compared to WT, MN-MT was the only thawing treatment which significantly enhanced the release of quercetin-3-O-rutinose-7-O-α-l-rhamnoside, according to HPLC-DAD. Meanwhile, thermal-sensitive procyanidin B2, phenylpropionic acid and protocatechuic acid were found to be protected from degradations only by MN-MT based on UPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS/MS results. In summary, MN-MT is a potential novel treatment for rapid thawing and quality maintenance of frozen fruits.

Lychee pulp phenolics fermented by mixed lactic acid bacteria strains promote the metabolism of human gut microbiota fermentation in vitro.

Lychee pulp phenolics possess excellent biological activities, however, changes in phenolic substances after microbial treatments are unknown. Herein, lychee pulp was fermented by Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, and a mixed strain of the two, followed by an investigation of the products' colonic fermentation. In comparison to single-strain fermentation, mixed-strain fermentation significantly increased catechin and quercetin. In addition, lychee phenolics fermented by mixed strains were more conducive to the growth of gut microbiota. The results of HPLC-DAD showed that colonic fermentation further promoted the release of lychee phenolics. There was a notable increase in the content of gallic acid and quercetin, while multiple phenolics were degraded. Quercetin-3-O-rutinose-7-O-α-L-rhamnoside (QRR) and rutin were catabolized into quercetin by gut microbiota, and 4-hydroxybenzoic acid was produced from the metabolism of QRR and procyanidin B2. Lychee phenolics fermented by mixed lactic acid bacteria were easily metabolized and transformed by gut microbiota. These findings indicate that lychee pulp fermented by mixed lactic acid bacteria possesses probiotic potential, which is of great significance for the development of functional probiotic products.

Elma kabuğundan fenolik maddelerin ultrases destekli ekstraksiyonu

This study investigated the extraction of phenolic compounds from apple peel by ultrasound-assisted extraction (15, 30 and 45 min) and conventional extraction (15, 30, 45, 60, 75 and 90 min). The antioxidant capacity (DPPH), total phenolic content, total flavonoid content, and individual phenolic compounds of apple peel extracts were determined. HPLC analysis indicated that apple peel extracts had chlorogenic acid, rutin, catechin, epicatechin, procyanidin B1, procyanidin B2 and procyanidin C1. In the conventional method, the total phenolic content, total flavonoid content and antioxidant activity of apple peel extract in 90 min of conventional extraction was found as 1848.50 ±0.40 mg GAE/kg, 571.01 ±2.88 mgKA/kg and 9.70±0.00 mmol Trolox eq./g, respectively. In 45 min of the ultrasound-assisted extraction, total phenolic content, total flavonoid content and antioxidant activity of extracts were determined as 2021.83±65.69 mg GAE/kg, 532.66 ±2.43 mgKA/kg and 11.73 ±0.08 mmol Trolox eq./g respectively. The application of ultrasound-assisted extraction markedly decreased extraction time and improved the extraction efficiency compared with the conventional method.

Exploring the potential mechanism of Rubus corchorifolius L. fruit polyphenol-rich extract in mitigating non-alcoholic fatty liver disease by integration of metabolomics and transcriptomics profiling.

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), as the commonest chronic liver disease, is accompanied by liver oxidative stress and inflammatory responses. Herein, the extract obtained from Rubus corchorifolius fruits was purified and characterized for its polyphenol composition. The liver protective effect of the purified R. corchorifolius fruit extract (RCE) on mice with high-fat-diet (HFD)-induced NAFLD were investigated, and the potential mechanisms were explored through the integration of transcriptomics and metabolomics. Results showed that the polyphenolic compounds in RCE mainly included (-)-epigallocatechin, procyanidin B2, keracyanin, vanillin, dihydromyricetin, and ellagic acid. In addition, RCE intervention ameliorated liver and mitochondrial damage, which was evidenced by decreased indices of oxidative stress, liver function markers, and lipid profile levels. The liver metabonomics research revealed that RCE intervention affected the metabolic pathways of metabolites, including linoleic acid metabolism, galactose metabolism, alanine, aspartate and glutamate metabolism, retinol metabolism, glycine, serine and threonine metabolism, tryptophan metabolism, aminoacyl-tRNA biosynthesis, riboflavin metabolism, starch and sucrose metabolism, and arachidonic acid metabolism. Additionally, liver transcriptomics research indicated that pathways like fatty acid degradation, circadian rhythm, valine, leucine and isoleucine degradation, primary bile acid biosynthesis, cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction, adipocytokine signaling pathway, glutathione metabolism, lipid and atherosclerosis were significantly enriched. The transcriptomics and metabolomics analysis demonstrated that RCE intervention had significant modulatory effects on the metabolic pathways associated with glycolipid metabolism. Moreover, RT-PCR results verified that RCE intervention regulated liver mRNA levels associated with the inflammatory response. Therefore, our findings suggest that the intake of RCE might be an effective strategy to alleviate liver damage.

Exploring the chemical composition and coloring qualities of cacao fruit epicarp extracts.

Cacao pod husks (CHs), the most abundant by-product of cacao beans production, can potentially become a source of functional ingredients for the food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries. Three pigment samples (yellow, red, and purple) from lyophilized and ground cacao pod husk epicarp (CHE), were isolated by ultrasound-assisted solvent extraction, with yields between 11 and 14 wt%. The pigments exhibited UV-Vis flavonoid-related absorption bands at 283 nm and 323 nm and, only for the purple extract, reflectance bands in the 400-700 nm range. As per the Folin-Ciocalteu method, the CHE extracts contain high yields of antioxidant phenolic compounds amounting to 161.6, 153.9, and 167.9 mg GAE per g extract for the yellow, red, and purple samples, respectively. Phloretin, quercetin, myricetin, jaceosidin, and procyanidin B1 were among the main flavonoids identified by MALDI-TOF MS. A biopolymeric bacterial-cellulose matrix can effectively retain up to 541.8 mg of CHE extract per g of cellulose in dry weight. Also, MTT assays revealed that CHE extracts are non-toxic and increase viability in cultured VERO cells.

Chinese chestnut shell polyphenol extract regulates the JAK2/STAT3 pathway to alleviate high-fat diet-induced, leptin-resistant obesity in mice.

Chinese chestnut shell is a by-product of chestnut food processing and is rich in polyphenols. This study sought to investigate the effect of chestnut shell polyphenol extract (CSP) on weight loss and lipid reduction in a 12-week high-fat diet (HFD)-induced murine obesity model. CSP (300 mg per kg body weight) was administered intragastrically daily. AG490, a JAK2 protein tyrosine kinase inhibitor, was also intraperitoneally injected. The results showed that an HFD induced leptin resistance (LR). Compared to corresponding values in the HFD group, CSP treatment improved blood lipid levels, weight, and leptin levels in obese mice (p < 0.01). Additionally, CSP treatment enhanced enzyme activity by improving total antioxidant capacity, attenuating oxidative stress, and reducing fat droplet accumulation and inflammation in the liver, epididymal, and retroperitoneal adipose tissue. CSP also activated the LEPR-JAK2/STAT3-PTP1B-SOCS-3 signal transduction pathway in hypothalamus tissue and improved LR while regulating the expression of proteins related to lipid metabolism (PPARγ, FAS, and LPL) in white adipose tissue in the retroperitoneal cavity. However, the amelioration of lipid metabolism by CSP was dependent on JAK2. Molecular docking simulation further demonstrated the strong binding affinity of procyanidin C1 (-10.3983297 kcal mol-1) and procyanidin B1 (-9.12686729 kcal mol-1) to the crystal structure of JAK2. These results suggest that CSP may be used to reduce HFD-induced obesity with potential application as a functional food additive.

Comparative metabolomics analysis in the clean label ingredient of NFC spine grape juice processed by mild heating &lt;i&gt;vs&lt;/i&gt; high pressure processing

Not from concentrate (NFC) fruit juice is the crucial clean label ingredient for new-style tea-making due to its pleasant color and fresh aroma. Here, we compared the effects of mild heating (MH) and high pressure processing (HPP) on physicochemical characters and phytochemicals in NFC spine grape juice based on metabolomics analysis. Similar compound profiles are observed between HPP-treated and fresh juices. The richer phytochemical compounds comprised malvidin-3-<italic>O</italic>-glucoside, malvidin-3,5-di-<italic>O</italic>-glucoside, quercetin-3-<italic>O</italic>-rhamnoside, quercetin-3-<italic>O</italic>-glucuronide, catechin, caffeic acid, ferulic acid, procyanidin B1, procyanidin B2 obtained after MH treatment. Nine marker phenolics and two marker tripeptides (i.e., Glu-Val-Phe and Leu-Leu-Tyr) were identified to differentiate MH from HPP treatment, of which higher contents occurred in the MH group. Storage time experiments showed that the Glu-Val-Phe could serve as potential markers for monitoring storage of spine grape juice. These results provide new insights into the effects of processing on individual phytochemical changes and provide a guide for commercial application of production of spine grape NFC juice.

Multivariate prediction of Saliva Precipitation Index for relating selected chemical parameters of red wines to the sensory perception of astringency

Astringency is an essential sensory attribute of red wine closely related to the saliva precipitation upon contact with the wine. In this study a data matrix of 52 physico-chemical parameters was used to predict the Saliva Precipitation Index (SPI) in 110 Italian mono-varietal red wines using partial least squares regression (PLSr) with variable selection by Variable Importance for Projection (VIP) and the significance of regression coefficients. The final PLSr model, evaluated using a test data set, had 3 components and yielded an R2test of 0.630 and an RMSEtest of 0.994, with 19 independent variables whose regression coefficients were all significant at p < 0.05. Variables selected in the final model according to the decreasing magnitude of their absolute regression coefficient include the following: Procyanidin B1, Epicatechin terminal unit, Total aldehydes, Protein content, Vanillin assay, 520 nm, Polysaccharide content, Epigallocatechin PHL, Tartaric acid, Volatile acidity, Titratable acidity, Catechin terminal unit, Proanthocyanidin assay, pH, Tannin-Fe/Anthocyanin, Buffer capacity, Epigallocatechin PHL gallate, Catechin + epicatechin PHL, and Tannin-Fe. These results can be used to better understand the physico-chemical relationship underlying astringency in red wine.

Characterization of procyanidin extracts from hawthorn (Crataegus pinnatifida) in human colorectal adenocarcinoma cell line Caco-2, simulated Digestion, and fermentation identified unique and novel prebiotic properties

The health-promoting activities of procyanidin extracts from hawthorn (HPCs) are closely related to their digestive behaviors, absorption, and colonic metabolism, all of which remain unknown for now and thus hinder further exploration. This study aims to explore the dynamic changes of HPCs during in vitro digestion and fermentation, as well as their Caco-2 permeability, focusing mainly on the interaction between gut microbiota and HPCs. The results showed that the digested HPC samples had characteristic absorption peaks at 280 nm, and there were absorption peaks in the stretching vibration zone, including OH and CC on the benzene ring, which suggested that procyanidins were the main components in HPCs after in vitro digestion. Meanwhile, HPCs had the highest stability in the oral phase. However, the total procyanidin content of HPCs decreased during gastrointestinal digestion, and flavan-3-ol dimers and trimers in HPCs are partially degraded into epicatechin. Uptake of epicatechin (4.07 %), procyanidin B2 (2.15 %), and procyanidin B5 (39.44 %) through Caco-2 monolayer was also observed in HPC treatment, while there was still a large portion of procyanidins that was not absorbed. Subsequent fermentation resulted in a decrease in pH along with the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), mainly due to the degradation and utilization of HPC, as indicated by a reduction of total procyanidins. Furthermore, the HPCs modulated gut microbial populations: down-regulated the abundances of Bacteroides, Fusobacterium, Enterococcus, Parabacteroides, and Bilophila, and up-regulated Escherichia-Shigella, Klebsiella, Turicibacter, Actinobacillus, Roseburia, and Blautia. Ultimately, epicatechin and procyanidin B2, B5 and C1 were converted into phenolic acids through the metabolism of Bacteroides, Sutterella, Butyrobacter and Blautia. 4-ethylbenzoic acid, 4-hydroxyphenylpropionic acid, 3,4-dihydroxyphenyl acetic acid were confirmed as the significant metabolites in the fermentation. These results elucidated the potential mechanisms of HPCs metabolism and their beneficial effects on gut microbiota and colonic phenolic acids production.

The phytochemical profiles and growth of Prunus africana in Kenya

Abstract. Nyamai DW, Burugu MW, Ng’ang’a MM, Muchugi AN. 2022. The phytochemical profiles and growth of Prunus africana in Kenya. Asian J Nat Prod Biochem 20: 63-74. African mountain ranges are home to the evergreen tree Prunus africana (Hook.f.) Kalkman. Benign prostate hyperplasia can be treated with the bark or extracts from the bark of this plant. The primary goal of this research was to compare the domesticated stand at Muguga (Kenya) to samples taken from a wild stand in Kobujoi and a remnant on-farm stand in Karuri in terms of their growth characteristics and phytochemical profile. Various solvents, including water, hexane, dichloromethane, and methanol, were used in the compound extraction process. The phytochemical analysis was performed with Liquid Chromatography and Gas Chromatography-mass spectrometry. The GC Chemstation version 11 program was used to examine the data from the GC-MS. The trees in the Muguga tamed stand varied in height from 3 meters to 14 meters, with a corresponding range in circumference at breast height from 0.9 centimeters to 104.5 centimeters. A total of 273 trees were planted in the orchard, and 92 (33%) produced fruit when the data was collected. When comparing the raw organic extract yields of the three groups, there was no statistically significant difference (p&gt;0.05). Myristic acid, linoleic acid, lauric acid, methyl myristate, methyl laurate, and methyl linoleate made up the bulk of the essential oils in the bark samples across all three sources. For men with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), these substances reduce cholesterol in the prostate. It was shown that dichloromethane and hexane extracts of the three populations included Campesterol, ?-sitosterol, lup-20(29)-en- 3-one, palmitic acid, ?-sitostenone, (3.?., 5.?)- stigmast-7-en-3-ol, stigmastan-3,5-diene, and ?-tocopherol. Increased urine output and decreased prostaglandin synthesis in the prostate are effects of (3.?., 5.?)-stigmast-7-en-3-ol, ?-sitosterol, and ?-sitostenone. Cyanidin-o-galactoside, cyanidin-3-o-rutinoside, procyanidin B5, and robinetinidol-(4-?-8) catechin-(6,4-?) robinetinol are thought to have anticancer effects by inhibiting cell proliferation and scavenging free radicals in cancer cells. Evidence suggests that ursolic acid can reduce inflammation, prevent cell damage, and slow the growth of BPH. The essential oils of the Karuri people had noticeably (p&lt;0.05) more myristic and lauric acids than any other population. Myristic acid, linoleic acid, methyl myristate, and ?-tocopherol concentrations all varied significantly (p&lt;0.05) between the Muguga population and the Karuri and Kobujoi populations. The findings show that the phytochemical composition of P. africana is not significantly changed by domestication (p&gt;0.05), allowing for its cultivation in agricultural settings. Strategies for the sustainable collection, management, and conservation of this species through cultivation can be derived from the morphological and phytochemical data, which has crucial significance for these areas.

Integrated metabolomic and transcriptomic analyses of regulatory mechanisms associated with uniconazole-induced dwarfism in banana

BackgroundUniconazole is an effective plant growth regulator that can be used in banana cultivation to promote dwarfing and enhance lodging resistance. However, the mechanisms underlying banana dwarfing induced by uniconazole are unknown. In uniconazole-treated bananas, gibberellin (GA) was downregulated compared to the control groups. An integrative analysis of transcriptomes and metabolomes was performed on dwarf bananas induced by uniconazole and control groups. The key pathways involved in uniconazole-induced dwarfism in banana were determined according to the overlap of KEGG annotation of differentially expressed genes and (DEGs) differential abundant metabolites (DAMs).ResultsCompared with the control groups, the levels of some flavonoids, tannins, and alkaloids increased, and those of most lipids, amino acids and derivatives, organic acids, nucleotides and derivatives, and terpenoids decreased in uniconazole-treated bananas. Metabolome analysis revealed the significant changes of flavonoids in uniconazole-treated bananas compared to control samples at both 15 days and 25 days post treatment. Transcriptome analysis shows that the DEGs between the treatment and control groups were related to a series of metabolic pathways, including lignin biosynthesis, phenylpropanoid metabolism, and peroxidase activity. Comprehensive analysis of the key pathways of co-enrichment of DEGs and DAMs from 15 d to 25 d after uniconazole treatment shows that flavonoid biosynthesis was upregulated.ConclusionsIn addition to the decrease in GA, the increase in tannin procyanidin B1 may contribute to dwarfing of banana plants by inhibiting the activity of GA. The increased of flavonoid biosynthesis and the change of lignin biosynthesis may lead to dwarfing phenotype of banana plants. This study expands our understanding of the mechanisms underlying uniconazole-induced banana dwarfing.

Study on inoculation fermentation by fungi to improve the taste quality of summer green tea

Summer green tea (SGT) is not favored by consumers due to its strong bitterness and astringency. This study aims to improve the taste of SGT using tea-derived fungi isolated from Liupao tea by solid-state fermentation. Based on 19 detected main compounds, principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) showed Aspergillus sydowii, Penicillium manginii, Aspergillus intermedius, Aspergillus amstelodami, and Aspergillus niger groups were clustered together with significant differences from the control. Additionally, metabolomics analysis showed P. manginii, A. intermedius, and A. amstelodami strains could reduce the chemical components associated with bitter and astringent flavors, such as epicatechin gallate, epicatechin, (+)-gallocatechin, quercetin, kaempferol, myricetin, procyanidin B2, L-phenylalanine and its glycoside derivatives (VIP >1, P < 0.05), and increase the contents of theabrownins associated with umami taste (P < 0.05). In summary, the taste of SGT can be improved by the above fungi fermentation.

Biodefense against Abrin and Ricin as bioterrorism agents - a virtual screening of Indonesian plant medicinal properties

Because of their high lethality and easy way to produce, abrin and ricin are often used as bioweapons. Sources of raw materials for the abrin and ricin manufacture can be found in various regions, especially in tropical countries. Those make abrin and ricin have a greater chance to be used as bioterrorism agents. Furthermore, abrin and ricin have been classified as class B types of bioweapons used in bioterrorism. In this study, a virtual screening (a bioinformatics method) will be carried out on 100 compounds derived from Indonesian Plants. Thus it can be known, the compounds that have the potential to be used as biodefense agents against abrin and ricin. Finally, it is found that there are five compounds that have the best possibility as abrin inhibitors: procyanidin B4, ursolic acid, Corilagin, Vulgarin, and Gliberelic Acid. Whereas lanuginosine, xylonine, isovitexin, liriodenine, and procyanidin were found to have more potential as biodefense agents against ricin.

Effects of yeast fermented soursop and umbu-cajá pulps on the colonic microbiota of middle-aged hypertensive adults

The effects of umbu-cajá and soursop pulps fermented by the yeast Issatchenkia terricola 129 on the colonic microbiota of middle-aged hypertensive adults were evaluated in vitro fermentation during 48 h. The relative abundance of distinct bacterial groups, pH values, and contents of organic acids, sugars, and phenolic compounds were determined at 0, 24, and 48 h of fermentation. Saccharomyces boulardii CNCM I-745, a recognized probiotic yeast, was used for comparison purposes. During colonic fermentation, maltose, glucose, and fructose were metabolized, resulting in reduced pH values and decreased relative abundance of Bacteroides spp./Prevotella spp. Fermented soursop pulp with I. terricola 129 improved the colonic microbiota by increasing the relative abundance of Bifidobacterium spp. and Lactobacillus spp. and reducing the relative abundance of Eubacterium rectale/Clostridium coccoides and Clostridium histolyticum, resulting in the highest prebiotic index. At the same time, the consumption of rhamnose and gallic acid and higher contents of propionic and acetic acids and procyanidin B2 were observed. The effects on colonic microbiota were less pronounced for S. boulardii followed by umbu-cajá pulp with I. terricola 129. The results indicate that fermented soursop pulp with I. terricola 129 may modulate the colonic microbiota of middle-aged hypertensive adults.