Prunus Avium Fruit Research Articles

Phytochemical screening of Prunus avium for its antioxidative and anti-mutagenic potential against DMBA-induced hepatocarcinogenesis.

Prunus avium fruit is the richer source of phenolics known to exert anticancer and anti-invasive activities. The study aimed at elucidating antiproliferative and chemo-preventive potential of sweet cherries (P. avium) against the in vivo hepatocarcinoma model. The quantification of ultrasound-assisted extract (UAE) of P. avium depicted anthocyanins, ferulic acid, gallic acid, quercetin, syringic acid and p- and m-coumaric acids as major phytochemicals. The hepatocarcinoma (HCC) was induced in rats through intraperitoneal administration of DMBA (20 mg/kg B.W) once a week for the period of eight weeks. The intragastric administration of P. avium UAE, as cotreatment (500 mg/Kg B.W) to treatment group, significantly (p < 0.01) attenuated the raised serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) as well as total oxidative stress (TOS) and enhanced total antioxidant capacity TAOC in contrast to diseased rats. Moreover, microscopic examination of hepatic tissues confirmed the pleomorphism, nests of neoplastic hepatocytes and necrosis in HCC-bearing rats as compared to extract-fed rats, where these necrotic changes were suppressed. Besides, qRT-PCR analysis of hepatic tissues demonstrated the higher mRNA expression of CHEK1, CHEK2 and P21/CDKN1α genes, while downexpression of ATM gene in extract fed rats, further denoting the anti-mutagenic potential. Consequently, the polyphenol-rich sweet cherries UAE exhibited antiproliferative and chemo-preventive potential by reducing tumor biomarkers, serum transaminases and oxidative stress, as well as enhancing antioxidant status. It further upregulated the downstream targets of ATM signaling cascade.

Determination of soluble solids content in Prunus avium by Vis/NIR equipment using linear and non-linear regression methods

Aim of study: Developing models to determine soluble solids content (SSC) in cherry trees by means of Vis/NIR spectroscopy.Area of study: The Spanish Autonomous Community of Aragón (Spain).Material and methods: Vis/NIR spectroscopy was applied to Prunus avium fruit ‘Chelan’ (n=360) to predict total SSC using a range 400-2420 nm. Linear (PLS) and nonlinear (LSSVM) regression methods were applied to establish prediction models.Main results: The two regression methods applied obtained similar results (Rcv2=0.97 and Rcv2=0.98 respectively). The range 700-1060 nm attained better results to predict SSC in different seasons. Forty variables selected according to the variable selection method achieved Rcv2 value, 0.97 similar than full range.Research highlights: The development of this methodology is of great interest to the fruit sector in the area, facilitating the harvest for future seasons. Further work is needed on the development of the NIRS methodology and on new calibration equations for other varieties of cherry and other species.

Particle boards made with Prunus avium fruit waste

The use of agroindustrial waste under the subject of circular economy helps productive processes to have a more sustainable development. In this research, the physical-chemical and mechanical characteristics of pit and peduncle of Prunus avium (cherry) waste were studied, demonstrating that both could be combined for particle board production for civil construction. For this purpose, a total of 60 samples were made with a thickness of 15 mm and densities between 750 – 900 kg m−3. The boards were manufactured in the laboratory, considering a variable volume of adhesive and different granulometries of particles. The properties of the test sample were analyzed using different international standards considering the physical parameters and mechanical properties compared with wood particle boards. The results showed that the best combination was the particle panels that contained a 15 % w/w of the resin, reaching a density of 799.7 kg m−3, placing them within the established parameters. These results demonstrated that it is possible to make particle panels with Prunus avium waste. This could provide a sustainable way to use these wastes and also a solution for housing construction.

Turn-off fluorescence sensor for the detection of ferric ion in water using green synthesized N-doped carbon dots and its bio-imaging

This paper reports turn-off fluorescence sensor for Fe3+ ion in water using fluorescent N-doped carbon dots as a probe. A simple and efficient hydrothermal carbonization of Prunus avium fruit extract for the synthesis of fluorescent nitrogen-doped carbon dots (N-CDs) is described. This green approach proceeds quickly and provides good quality N-CDs. The mean size of synthesized N-CDs was approximately 7nm calculated from the high-resolution transmission electron microscopic images. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy revealed the presence of –OH, –NH2, –COOH, and –CO functional groups over the surface of CDs. The N-CDs showed excellent fluorescent properties, and emitted blue fluorescence at 411nm upon excitation at 310nm. The calculated quantum yield of the synthesized N-CDs is 13% against quinine sulfate as a reference fluorophore. The synthesized N-CDs were used as a fluorescent probe towards the selective and sensitive detection of biologically important Fe3+ ions in water by fluorescence spectroscopy and for bio-imaging of MDA-MB-231 cells. The limit of detection (LOD) and the Stern–Volmer quenching constant for the synthesized N-CDs were 0.96μM and 2.0958×103M of Fe3+ ions. The green synthesized N-CDs are efficiently used as a promising candidate for the detection of Fe3+ ions and bio-imaging.

Neuroprotective effect of Prunus avium on streptozotocin induced neurotoxicity in mice

ObjectiveTo evaluate the anti-amnesic and neuroprotective activity of ethanolic extract of Prunus avium (EEPA) on streptozotocin (STZ) induced neurotoxicity in mice. MethodsThe mice were pre-treated with EEPA at selective doses (200, 400mg/kg, p.o.) for a period of 3weeks followed by intracerebroventricular injection (ICV) of STZ (0.5mg/kg). Neurobehavioral-alterations were evaluated using Y-maze and elevated plus maze. Biochemical markers, such as acetylcholinesterase (AChE), corticosterone, thiobarbituric reactive substances (TBARS), tissue nitrite, antioxidants, such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and catalase were estimated. ResultsObtain results revealed those 28days of treatment with EEPA was effective in averting neurotoxicity. EEPA supplementation significantly reduced AChE, corticosterone, TBARS, tissue nitrite levels and ameliorated the deficits in learning and memory impairment with increased levels of antioxidants. ConclusionsThese results envisage that ethanolic extract of Prunus avium exhibit cognitive improvement which is most likely related, at least in part, to its antioxidant and neuroprotective activity. Further studies are suggested to evaluate the isolated bioactive Prunus avium fruits to identify the molecular mechanism involved in modulation of cholinergic transmission.

Effects of 10-GHz Microwaves on Hematological Parameters in Swiss Albino Mice and Their Modulation by Prunus avium

The objective of this study was to investigate the modulatory role of Prunus avium fruit extract (PAE) on several blood parameters after exposure to 10-GHz microwaves. Swiss albino mice from an inbred colony were selected and divided into 3 groups. Mice in group I served as the control; they were placed in a Plexiglas cage (without energizing the system) for 2 hours/day for 30 consecutive days. Group II mice were exposed to 10-GHz microwaves for 2 hours/day for 30 consecutive days. Mice in group III received PAE (500 mg/kg/body weight) orally once daily 1 hour before exposure to 10-GHz microwaves (2 hours/day) for 30 consecutive days. After 30 days of treatment, blood samples were collected from mice in all groups and analyzed. Hemoglobin, monocytes, packed cell volume, red blood cells, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration declined significantly (P ≤ 0.01), whereas white blood cells, lymphocytes, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and mean corpuscular volume increased significantly (P ≤ 0.01) compared to the control group (group I). Cholesterol, alkaline phosphatase, and lipid peroxidation also increased significantly (P ≤ 0.01). Depletion in blood sugar, total protein, acid phosphatase, and glutathione levels was noted after microwave exposure compared with levels in the sham-exposed (control) mice. Histopathological alterations in blood cells also were seen. Signs of improvements in the hematological, biochemical, and histopathological parameters were recorded in group III, where PAE was supplemented before exposure. Exposure to microwaves influences hematological parameters, which could be ameliorated by the supplementation of PAE.

Acute Toxicity Effects of Prunus avium Fruit Extract and Selection of Optimum Dose Against Radiation Exposure

The objective of the study was to evaluate the acute toxicity of different doses of the methanolic extract of the fruit pulp of Prunus avium (family Rosaceae), which is used ethno-medicinally for the treatment of various diseases, and to find out the optimal dose of Prunus avium extract against 10 Gy gamma-radiation exposure. To test acute toxicity in mice, different doses of PAE (Prunus avium fruit extract) were given orally for 15 consecutive days, after which the animals were observed for another 15 days; the LD50/15 of the methanolic extract was calculated to be 4.947 gm/kg body weight (b.wt). In optimum dose selection against radiation exposure, oral administration of 450 mg/kg b.wt/d of PAE for 15 consecutive days before exposure to 10 Gy of gamma-radiation was found to afford maximum protection in terms of body weight and survivability of the mice in comparison to other doses.

The role of polar auxin transport through pedicels of Prunus avium L. in relation to fruit development and retention.

It was investigated whether premature fruit abscission in Prunus avium L. was triggered by a reduction in polar auxin transport (PAT). The capacity of pedicels to transport tritiated IAA ([3H]-IAA) via the PAT pathway was measured at intervals throughout flower and fruit development. The extent of passive diffusion, assessed by concurrent applications of [14C]-benzoic acid ([14C]-BA), was negligible. Transported radioactivity recovered from agar blocks eluted at the same retention time as authentic [3H]-IAA during HPLC fractionation. The capacity for PAT was already high 7 d before anthesis and increased further following the fertilization of flowers at anthesis. PAT intensity was greatest immediately following fertilization and at the beginning of the cell expansion phase of fruit growth; the transport intensity in fruitlets destined to abscind was negligible. The amount of endogenous IAA moving through the PAT pathway was greatest during the first 3 weeks after fertilization and was again high at the beginning of the fruit expansion stage. IAA export in the phloem increased following fertilization then declined below detectable levels. ABA export in the phloem increased markedly during stone formation and at the onset of fruit expansion. TIBA applied to pedicels of fruit in situ promoted fruitlet abscission in 2000 but not in 2001, despite PAT capacity being reduced by over 98% in the treated pedicels. The application of TIBA to pedicels did not affect fruit expansion. The role of PAT and IAA in relation to the development and retention of Prunus avium fruit is discussed.

Inhibition by carboxylic acids of an o-diphenol oxidase from Prunus avium fruits.

AbstractAromatic carboxylic acids strongly inhibited 4‐methylcatechol oxidation by an o‐diphenol oxidase extracted from sweet cherry fruits (Prunus avium). Esterification of the acids decreased their inhibitory strength. Inhibitors containing the benzene nucleus showed a greater effectiveness than the corresponding aliphatic and heterocyclic compounds (except 2‐naphthalenecarboxylic acid). Similar inhibitory effects were observed by replacing the benzene ring with a highly unsaturated open chain. The inhibitory properties of benzoic acid, cinnamic acid, p‐coumaric acid and 3,4‐dihydroxybenzoic acid were investigated. It is proposed that the catalytic and inhibitory sites are close together in the enzyme molecule.

Specificity of an o-diphenol oxidase from Prunus avium fruits

An o-diphenol oxidase extracted from sweet cherry fruits ( Prunus avium) was purified 17-fold, and the recovery of enzyme activity was 5·6%. The optimum pH with catechol as substrate was 4·2. The enzyme exhibited only catecholase activity and was inactive with monophenols. The specificity of the enzyme toward 19 substituted catechols was examined. Substituents in position 3 caused a decrease in the affinity for the enzyme, probably due to steric hindrance. Electron-donating substituents in position 4 enhanced enzymic activity, whereas electron-attracting substituents in the same position reduced or eliminated the oxidation.