Terpene Content Research Articles

Revelation of enzyme/transporter-mediated metabolic regulatory model for high-quality terpene accumulation in developing fruits of Lindera glauca

Lindera glauca with rich resource and fruit terpene has emerged as potential material for utilization in China, but different germplasms show a variation for essential oil content and volatile profiling. This work aimed to determine key regulators (enzymes or transporters) and unravel mechanism of governing high production of essential oil of L. glauca fruit (EO-LGF). Temporal analysis of fruit growth and EO-LGF accumulation (yield, volatile compounds and contents) during development revealed a notable change in the contents of EO-LGF and its 45 compounds in developing fruits, and the major groups were monoterpene and sesquiterpene, showing good antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. To highlight molecular mechanism that govern such difference in terpene content and compound in developing fruits, Genome-wide assay was used to annotate 104 genes for terpene-synthesis pathway based on recent transcriptome data, and the comparative associations of terpene accumulative amount with gene transcriptional level were conducted on developing fruits to identify some crucial determinants (enzymes and transporters) with metabolic regulation model for high-quality terpene accumulation, involving in carbon allocation (sucrose cleavage, glycolysis and OPP pathway), metabolite transport, isoprene precursor production, C5-unit formation (MEP and MVA pathways), and mono−/sesqui-terpene synthesis. Our findings may present strategy for engineering terpene accumulation for utilization.

Quantifying terpenes in tomato leaf extracts from different species using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS)

Terpenes play a vital role in plant defense; tomato plants produce a diverse range of terpenes within specialized glandular trichomes, influencing interactions with herbivores, predators, and pollinators. This study employed two distinct methods, namely leaf dip and maceration, to extract trichomes from tomato leaves. Terpene quantification was carried out using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). The leaf dip method proved effective in selectively targeting trichome content, revealing unique extraction patterns compared to maceration. The GC-MS method demonstrated high linearity, accuracy, sensitivity, and low limits of detection and quantification. Application of the method to different tomato species (Solanum pennellii, Solanum pimpinellifolium, Solanum galapagense, Solanum habrochaites, and Solanum lycopersicum) identified significant variation in terpene content among these species, highlighting the potential of specific accessions for breeding programs. Notably, the terpene α-zingiberene, known for its repellency against whiteflies, was found in high quantities (211.90–9155.13 μg g−1) in Solanum habrochaites accession PI209978. These findings provide valuable insights into terpenoid diversity for plant defense mechanisms, guiding future research on developing pest-resistant tomato cultivars. Additionally, the study underscores the broader applications of terpenes in agriculture.

Drought increases Norway spruce susceptibility to the Eurasian spruce bark beetle and its associated fungi.

Drought affects the complex interactions between Norway spruce, the bark beetle Ips typographus and associated microorganisms. We investigated the interplay of tree water status, defense and carbohydrate reserves with the incidence of bark beetle attack and infection of associated fungi in mature spruce trees. We installed roofs to induce a 2-yr moderate drought in a managed spruce stand to examine a maximum of 10 roof and 10 control trees for resin flow (RF), predawn twig water potentials, terpene, phenolic and carbohydrate bark concentrations, and bark beetle borings in field bioassays before and after inoculation with Endoconidiophora polonica and Grosmannia penicillata. Drought-stressed trees showed more attacks and significantly longer fungal lesions than controls, but maintained terpene resin defenses at predrought levels. Reduced RF and lower mono- and diterpene, but not phenolic concentrations were linked with increased host selection. Bark beetle attack and fungi stimulated chemical defenses, yet G. penicillata reduced phenolic and carbohydrate contents. Chemical defenses did not decrease under mild, prolonged drought in our simulated small-scale biotic infestations. However, during natural mass attacks, reductions in carbon fixation under drought, in combination with fungal consumption of carbohydrates, may deplete tree defenses and facilitate colonization by I. typographus.

Polymeric films of corn starch enhance the lethal effects of thymol and carvacrol terpenes upon Rhipicephalus microplus ticks

The tick Rhipicephalus microplus is a parasite of great importance in cattle breeding. It is responsible for huge economic losses. The application of synthetic acaricides is used as a form of control. However, resistant strains have been selected over the years, making it necessary to search for new alternative formulations. The present study aimed to formulate biodegradable films impregnated with the terpenes carvacrol and thymol and evaluate their efficacy on larvae and adults of R. microplus through in vitro tests. The following formulations were prepared: Film 1 (starch based); Film 2 (based on starch and glycerol); Film 1 + Carvarcol or Thymol; Film 2 + Carvarcol or Thymol. Terpenes had a final concentration of 5.0 mg/mL. To evaluate the formulations on larvae, the immersion test was performed by dividing into six groups according to the concentration of terpenes: 5.0, 2.5, 1.25, 0.625, 0.313, 0.156 mg/mL and the control groups: 1% ethanol solution; 10% ethanol solution; Film 1; and Film 2. For the evaluations on adult ticks, ten experimental groups (n = 10) were used: 1) Carvacrol; 2) Film 1 + Carvacrol; 3) Film 2 + Carvacrol; 4) Thymol; 5) Film 1 + Thymol; 6) Film 2 + Thymol; 7) Distilled water; 8) 10% ethanol solution; 9) Film 1; and 10) Film 2. In experimental groups 1–6, carvacrol and thymol (free or incorporated in two different biodegradable film formulations) were evaluated at the same concentration (5.0 mg/mL). Each group of ticks was immersed in their respective solutions for five minutes. The results of the tests on larvae showed that the Film 1 + thymol and Film 2 + carvacrol formulations had the lowest lethal concentrations (0.076 and 0.255 mg/mL, respectively), values up to 9.0-fold lower than the monoterpenes tested outside the formulation. Carvacrol and thymol at the concentrations tested were effective in controlling engorged females with a percentage of 32.2% and 63.8%, respectively. When incorporated into biodegradable film formulations, these monoterpenes showed much greater efficacy. Film 1 + carvacrol and Film 2 + carvacrol with control percentages of 71.6% and 97.2%, respectively, while the formulations Film 1 + thymol and Film 2 + thymol showed values of 96.9% and 100.0%. The tick control activity of the biopolymer formulations with thymol and carvacrol was demonstrated through the high mortality rates of larvae and engorged females of the tick R. microplus. Therefore, the results obtained indicate that these formulations have great potential for tick control mainly because of the percentage of control up to 100% in engorged females in in vitro tests.

Rapid Determination of Different Ripening Stages of Occidental Pears (Pyrus communis L.) by Volatile Organic Compounds Using Proton-Transfer-Reaction Mass Spectrometry (PTR-MS).

Determination of Occidental pear (Pyrus communis) ripening is difficult because the appearance of Occidental pears does not change significantly during the ripening process. Occidental pears at different ripening stages release different volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which can be used to determine fruit ripeness non-destructively and rapidly. In this study, VOCs were detected using proton-transfer-reaction mass spectrometry (PTR-MS). Notably, data were acquired within 1 min. Occidental pears harvested at five separate times were divided into three ripening stages: unripe, ripe, and overripe. The results showed that the composition of VOCs differed depending on the ripening stage. In particular, the concentrations of esters and terpenes significantly increased during the overripe stage. Three ripening stages were clearly discriminated by heatmap clustering and principal component analysis (PCA). This study provided a rapid and non-destructive method to evaluate the ripening stages of Occidental pears. The result can help fruit farmers to decide the optimum harvest time and hence reduce their economic losses.

Efficient Capture of Cannabis Terpenes in Olive Oil during Microwave-Assisted Cannabinoid Decarboxylation.

The development of selective extraction protocols for Cannabis-inflorescence constituents is still a significant challenge. The characteristic Cannabis fragrance can be mainly ascribed to monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes and oxygenated terpenoids. This work investigates the entrapment of Cannabis terpenes in olive oil from inflorescences via stripping under mild vacuum during the rapid microwave-assisted decarboxylation of cannabinoids (MW, 120 °C, 30 min) and after subsequent extraction of cannabinoids (60 and 100 °C). The profiles of the volatiles collected in the oil samples before and after the extraction step were evaluated using static headspace solid-phase microextraction (HS-SPME), followed by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Between the three fractions obtained, the first shows the highest volatile content (~37,400 mg/kg oil), with α-pinene, β-pinene, β-myrcene, limonene and trans-β-caryophyllene as the main components. The MW-assisted extraction at 60 and 100 °C of inflorescences using the collected oil fractions allowed an increase of 70% and 86% of total terpene content, respectively. Considering the initial terpene amount of 91,324.7 ± 2774.4 mg/kg dry inflorescences, the percentage of recovery after decarboxylation was close to 58% (mainly monoterpenes), while it reached nearly 100% (including sesquiterpenes) after extraction. The selective and efficient extraction of volatile compounds, while avoiding direct contact between the matrix and extraction solvents, paves the way for specific applications in various aromatic plants. In this context, aromatized extracts can be employed to create innovative Cannabis-based products within the hemp processing industry, as well as in perfumery, cosmetics, dietary supplements, food, and the pharmaceutical industry.

Real-time evaluation of terpene emissions and exposures during the use of scented wax products in residential buildings with PTR-TOF-MS

Scented wax products, such as candles and wax warmers/melts, are popular fragranced consumer products that are commonly used in residential buildings. As scented wax products are intentionally fragranced to produce pleasant smellscapes for occupants, they may represent an important source of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) to indoor atmospheres. The aim of this study is to evaluate terpene emission factors (EFs) and inhalation intake fractions (iFs) for scented wax products to better understand their impact on indoor chemistry and chemical exposures. Full-scale emission experiments were conducted in the Purdue zEDGE Test House using a variety of scented candles (n = 5) and wax warmers/melts (n = 14) under different outdoor air exchange rates (AERs). Terpene concentrations were measured in real-time using a proton transfer reaction time-of-flight mass spectrometer (PTR-TOF-MS). PTR-TOF-MS measurements revealed that scented candle and wax warmer/melt products emit a variety of monoterpenes (C10H16) and oxygen-containing monoterpenoids (C10H14O, C10H16O, C10H18O, C10H20O), with peak concentrations in the range of 10−1 to 102 ppb. Monoterpene EFs were much greater for scented wax warmers/melts (C10H16 EFs ∼ 102 mg per g wax consumed) compared to scented candles (C10H16 EFs ∼ 10−1 to 100 mg per g wax consumed). Significant emissions of reactive terpenes from both products, along with nitrogen oxides (NO, NO2) from candles, depleted indoor ozone (O3) concentrations. Terpene iFs were similar between the two products (iFs ∼ 103 ppm) and increased with decreasing outdoor AER. Terpene iFs during concentration decay periods were similar to, or greater than, iFs during active emission periods for outdoor AERs ≤ 3.0 h−1. Overall, scented wax warmers/melts were found to release greater quantities of monoterpenes compared to other fragranced consumer products used in the home, including botanical disinfectants, hair care products, air fresheners, and scented sprays.

CbMYB108 integrates the regulation of diterpene biosynthesis and trichome development in Conyza blinii against UV-B.

Plants synthesize abundant terpenes through glandular trichomes (GTs), thereby protecting themselves from environmental stresses and increasing the economic value in some medicinal plants. However, the potential mechanisms for simultaneously regulating terpenes synthesis and GTs development remain unclear. Here, we showed that terpenes in Conyza blinii could be synthesized through capitate GTs. By treating with appropriate intensity of UV-B, the density of capitate GTs and diterpene content can be increased. Through analyzing corresponding transcriptome, we identified a MYB transcription factor CbMYB108 as a positive regulator of both diterpene synthesis and capitate GT density. Transiently overexpressing/silencing CbMYB108 on C. blinii leaves could increase diterpene synthesis and capitate GT density. Further verification showed that CbMYB108 upregulated CbDXS and CbGGPPS expression in diterpene synthesis pathway. Moreover, CbMYB108 could also upregulated the expression of CbTTG1, key WD40 protein confirmed in this study to promote GT development, rather than through interaction between CbMYB108 and CbTTG1 proteins. Thus, results showed that the UV-B-induced CbMYB108 owned dual-function of simultaneously improving diterpene synthesis and GT development. Our research lays a theoretical foundation for cultivating C. blinii with high terpene content, and broadens the understanding of the integrated mechanism on terpene synthesis and GT development in plants.

Floral Volatile Organic Compounds Change the Composition and Function of the Endophytic Fungal Community in the Flowers of Osmanthus fragrans.

Endophytic fungi in flowers influence plant health and reproduction. However, whether floral volatile organic compounds (VOCs) affect the composition and function of the endophytic fungal community remains unclear. Here, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and high-throughput sequencing were used to explore the relationship between floral VOCs and the endophytic fungal community during different flower development stages in Osmanthus fragrans 'Rixiang Gui'. The results showed that the composition of the endophytic fungal community and floral VOCs shifted along with flowering development. The highest and lowest α diversity of the endophytic fungal community occurred in the flower fading stage and full blooming stage, respectively. The dominant fungi, including Dothideomycetes (class), Pleosporales (order), and Neocladophialophora, Alternaria, and Setophoma (genera), were enriched in the flower fading stage and decreased in the full blooming stage, demonstrating the enrichment of the Pathotroph, Saprotroph, and Pathotroph-Saprotroph functions in the flower fading stage and their depletion in the full blooming stage. However, the total VOC and terpene contents were highest in the full blooming stage and lowest in the flower fading stage, which was opposite to the α diversity of the endophytic fungal community and the dominant fungi during flowering development. Linalool, dihydro-β-ionone, and trans-linalool oxide(furan) were key factors affecting the endophytic fungal community composition. Furthermore, dihydro-β-ionone played an extremely important role in inhibiting endophytic fungi in the full blooming stage. Based on the above results, it is believed that VOCs, especially terpenes, changed the endophytic fungal community composition in the flowers of O. fragrans 'Rixiang Gui'. These findings improve the understanding of the interaction between endophytic fungi and VOCs in flowers and provide new insight into the mechanism of flower development.

Systematic characterization of the influence of petroleum spill on terpene metabolism in Suaeda salsa (L.) Pall from coastal wetland: Implication by compound-specific stable isotope

With the increasing industrialization and urbanization, the ecological environment is suffering from severe deterioration in Liaohe coastal wetland, and petroleum spill is one of the pollution sources. Suaeda salsa (L.) Pall (S. salsa), one of the predominant plants in Liaohe coastal wetland, is facing the increasing degradation. Terpenes are a class of inherent compounds in plants, and play key role in maintain the growth of plants. However, the environmental stress on the terpene metabolism remained unclear in the plants. In the present study, the influence of petroleum spill on terpene metabolism in S. salsa was systematically investigated by analysis of concentrations, compositions and stable carbon isotope. Under the stress of petroleum spill, terpene concentrations showed the decreasing trend, indicating the inhibition effect of petroleum spill on terpene synthesis in S. salsa. The proportions of Sabinene and A-humulene showed the obviously increased with the influence of petroleum spill, implying that these congeners were more sensitive to petroleum spills. The significant changes in stable carbon isotope compositions were observed for Borneol, Dl-menthol, A-humulene and (-) -@-bisabolol, with the enrichment in heavier isotopes in residual fractions. This result indicated that the heavier 13C was preferentially fixed on terpene by S. salsa under the petroleum stress. The similar change trends along the incubation time was observed for A-humulene and (-) - trans caryophyllene, which might imply that A-humulene was one of the products of (-) - trans caryophyllene in S. salsa. Overall, the findings of present study verified the influence of petroleum spill on terpene metabolism in S. salsa, and were meaningful for protecting the plants in the petroleum-pollution wetlands.

Estimation of secondary compounds content of some citrus leaves and their relationship by dietary preference for yellow scale insect Aonidiella. Orientalis (Hemiptera: Diaspididae)

The yellow scale insect Aonidiella orientalis is an important pest of citrus trees as it absorbs sap from leaves and fruits, causing leaves to turn yellow and deform fruits and drop them. The results of study showed nutritional preference of the insect over some of studied citrus species, as sour orange was the most preferred, followed by lemon and grapefruit, mandarin and oranges were least preferred, with a rate of 22.3, 13.3, 11.7, 10.8, 3.9, and insect / 2 inch2, respectively. while results showed a difference in the content of citrus leaves from the secondary compounds, with highest concentration of phenols and total flavonoids in orange leaves compared to the lowest concentration in grapefruit, the highest concentration of alkaloids was in sour orange compared to the lowest concentration in lemons. highest concentration of total terpenes was in lemon and the lowest concentration was in orange, as for concentration of Lemonic acid, the highest concentration was in lemon leaves, and the lowest was in grapefruit, sour orange, mandarin and orange, respectively. The results also showed that Ascorbic acid in citrus gave the highest concentration in sour orange leaves, and the lowest was in lemon, grapefruit, mandarin and orange, respectively.

Investigation of RH effect on uncommon limonene ozonolysis products and SOA formation in indoor air with real time measurement techniques

Scientific interest in SOA influence on indoor air quality increases since last 20 years. It is well known, that particles of nano-sized diameter pose a threat for human health causing, among others: eye, upper airway irritation, inflammatory response in cells, worsening asthma, hypertension, diabetes, and central nervous dysfunction. Terpenes are reactive VOCs, commonly emitted in indoor air and considered to be SOA precursors by oxidation reactions. The aim of this study was to investigate the relative humidity influence on i) formation of limonene ozonolysis products and ii) SOA formation process – especially the first steps of it. We managed to determine 4 uncommon limonene ozonolysis products (m/z: 43, 83, 99 and 110) appearing in the PTR-TOF-MS mass spectra with the same frequency as well-known formaldehyde, acetone, acetic acid and formic acid. We also detected m/z 75 and m/z 115 formed under dry conditions and m/z 111 and m/z 125 formed under humid conditions. Detected masses formula is proposed with probability >70 % and the probability is derived from the deviation of the exact mass to the measured one and the isotope distribution. SMPS data analysis allowed us to conclude that RH around 40% increases particle mass concentration, regardless initial limonene concentration. Unfortunately, conclusions about RH influence on particle number concentration are inconsistent. Under low initial terpene concentration, RH around 40% decreases particle number concentration. However, for high initial limonene concentration, RH around 40% caused increase in particle number concentration. Obtained results allowed to conclude, that i) RH influences both particle number and particle mass concentration, ii) initial substrate concentration influences SOA formation altering the RH effect, iii) comparison of results and drawing conclusions is difficult due to different experimental protocols in the literature and due to the number of factors influencing SOA formation initiated by terpene oxidation.

Monitoring Changes in the Volatile Profile of Ecuadorian Cocoa during Different Steps in Traditional On-Farm Processing.

The present work was conducted to evaluate the volatile profile of Ecuadorian Forastero, CCN-51, ETT103 and LR14 cocoa beans during traditional fermentation in laurel wood boxes followed by a sun-drying process. Fifty-six volatiles were identified with HS-SPME-GC-MS. Aldehydes, alcohols and ketones were the compounds that mainly characterized the fresh cocoa. The main compounds formed during the anaerobic fermentation step were esters and acids, while in the aerobic fermentation step, an increase in ester-, aldehyde- and acid-type compounds was observed. Finally, after the drying step, a notable increase in the acid (i.e., acetic acid) content was the predominant trend. According to the genotypes, ETT103 presented high contents of terpenes, alcohols, aldehydes and ketones and low contents of unfavorable acid compounds. The CCN-51 and LR14 (Trinitarian) varieties stood out for their highest amounts in acids (i.e., acetic acid) at the end of primary processing. Finally, the Forastero cocoa beans were highlighted for their low acid and high trimethylpyrazine contents. According to the chemometric and Venn diagram analyses, ETT-103 was an interestingly high-aromatic-quality variety for cocoa gourmet preparations. The results also showed the need for good control of the processing steps (using prefermentative treatments, starter cultures, etc.) on Ecuadorian genotypes of Trinitarian origin.

Evaluating Antibiofilm, Cytotoxic and Apoptotic Activities of Scutellaria brevibracteata subsp. brevibracteata Essential Oil.

Essential oils have many important biological properties, including antibacterial and antibiofilm activities. These unique properties make, essential oils good alternatives to synthetic chemical drugs, which have many side effects. In this study, we aimed to determine the chemical composition and biological activity of the essential oil obtained from Scutellaria brevibracteata subsp. brevibracteata. Specifically, its antibiofilm activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1 and Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 29213 biofilms using XTT assay. Cytotoxic and apoptotic properties of the essential oil were investigated in human lung cancer cells (A540 and H1299) using MTT assay, Annexin V-FITC and propidium iodide staining and q-PCR. Thirty-two different compounds were identified from the essential oil, of which elemol (20.42 %), γ-eudesmol (20.12 %) and β-eudesmol (14.85 %) were the main components. The essential oil was more effective against P. aeruginosa PAO1 biofilm (79 %) than S. aureus ATCC 29213 biofilm (27 %). The specific activity of the essential oil against P. aeruginosa biofilm may be related to its high terpene contents. In addition, the essential oil showed high cytotoxic activity towards A549 (IC50 9.09 μg/ml) and H1299 (IC50 55.04 μg/ml) cell lines, inducing apoptosis in these cancer cells. These results demonstrate the antibiofilm and anticancer activities of S. brevibracteata subsp. brevibracteata essential oil.

Chemical Composition, Antioxidant, and Anti-Diabetic Activities of Scorzonera phaeopappa Boiss

Wild edible plants have attracted increasing interest from researchers because of their richness in biologically active phytochemicals. These are found to be a potential remedy for oxidative-stress-mediated diseases such as diabetes mellitus. In this study, total phenol, total terpene, and total flavonoid content as well as antioxidant and antidiabetic activities of Scorzonera phaeopappa Boiss from Lebanon were determined. Using dichloromethane, dichloromethane ammonia, methanol, acetone, and ethanol, extracts were prepared from the edible leaves. The antioxidant activity and the antidiabetic activity were determined by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl scavenging, Fe2+-chelating and α-amylase/α-glucosidase inhibitory assays, respectively. Dichloromethane ammonia was found to have the highest extraction capacity on phenols (2.73 mg GAE /100 mg extract) and terpenes (232.42 mg LE/100 mg extract). Methanol was found to have the highest extraction capacity on total flavonoids (63.05 mg QE/100 mg extract). The methanol extract exhibited the highest DPPH scavenging activity (IC50 0.07 mg/mL) and the highest chelating activity as compared to other extracts (0.08 mg/mL, chelating activity 50%). The acetone extract was two times more active than acarbose against α-amylase enzyme and was the most active against α-glucosidase (6.3 mg/mL). Significant positive correlations were observed between total phenol content and α-glucosidase inhibitory assay and total terpene content and α-glucosidase inhibitory assay.

The morphology, inflorescence yield, and secondary metabolite accumulation in hemp type Cannabis sativa can be influenced by the R:FR ratio or the amount of short wavelength radiation in a spectrum

The effect of light spectra on the quality of multiple crops has been established, however, the scientific evidence related to light quality, cannabis (Cannabis sativa) morphology, and the secondary metabolite accumulation in the female inflorescences is still sparse. C. sativa inflorescences harvested for pharmaceutical purposes are primarily cultivated in controlled environments for their secondary metabolite compounds, such as cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids. Indoor cultivation allows precise control over the environmental parameters, including light, which impact the inflorescence yield and quality. The effect of long (far-red) and short wavelength (blue, UV-A, UV-B) radiation on the morphology, inflorescence yield, and floral cannabinoid and terpene concentrations in a cannabidiol (CBD) dominant hemp type C. sativa genotype, FINOLA, was studied in two experiments. In the first experiment, two treatments, LOW R:FR (R:FR ratio of 1) and HIGH R:FR (R:FR ratio of 11), were compared. The second experiment included four treatments with varying blue, UV-A, and UV-B radiation content (CONTROL, BLUE, UVA, and UVB). LOW R:FR ratio treatment increased plant height and decreased inflorescence yield. HIGH R:FR ratio treatment increased CBD, tetrahydrocannabivarin acid (THCVA), and cannabigerolic acid (CBGA), and the sum of measured terpene concentrations compared with the LOW R:FR ratio treatment. Short wavelength radiation treatments did not impact inflorescence yield or plant morphology. BLUE and UVB treatments increased the cannabinoid, THCVA, concentration, but no difference in the sum of measured cannabinoid concentrations was observed between the treatments. UVB treatment increased the monoterpene, myrcene, concentration, but had no impact on the sum of measured terpenes concentration. In conclusion, the morphology, yield, and secondary metabolite accumulation in C. sativa can be influenced by altering the R:FR ratio or the amount of short wavelength radiation in a spectrum.

Optimization of hydrodynamic degumming of flax fiber for improved biochemical profile

Flax fibers have bioactive properties due to their biochemical composition. The quality of the fibers is the main parameter that determines the application, and the process of obtaining fibers has a crucial impact on the composition and properties of fibers. Therefore, this study aimed to enhance the quality of flax fibers by optimizing the hydrodynamic degumming process of decorticated flax fibers. Flax fibers, both non-transgenic (Nike) and transgenic (B14) fibers with overexpression of the β-1,3-glucanase gene from potato, were obtained through nine processes that varied in the degumming temperature, degumming time, and rinsing temperature. The content of phenolic, terpene and polyamine compounds as well as antioxidant activity was determined in the fibers. Two processes, due to having the highest content of bioactive compounds, were selected for further analyses: determination of the chemical composition and structure of plant cell walls, and in vitro tests on the culture of the V79 hamster lung fibroblast cell line. Both processes led to an increase in the content of cellulose and hemicellulose, along with a decrease in the amount of pectin in B14 fibers, indicating changes in the structure of the cell wall. Water extract containing phenolic compounds obtained from flax fiber resulted in increased viability of the V79 fibroblasts and did not show changes in the level of transcripts of inflammatory genes. Based on the obtained results, process VI was identified as the most effective for obtaining flax fibers of the best quality. Additionally, the study confirmed that transgenic B14 fibers exhibited better quality than non-transgenic fibers. The findings highlight the potential of the methods used to obtain flax fibers, which may significantly impact their properties.

Inconsistency in the Composition of the Smoke of a Cannabis Cigarette as Smoking Progresses: Results, Mechanism, and Implications.

Background: The efficacy of cannabis treatment is determined by the active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) of the ingested composition. Despite smoking predominancy in cannabis treatment, very little is known regarding its yield and provision rate of cannabis APIs. Material and Methods: Ten experiments were performed, studying changes in APIs content during smoking, using a designated smoking machine. APIs content was evaluated via analysis of a cigarette's residuals and of the smoke composition; cannabinoid and terpene content were assessed. Results: Results demonstrated increased cannabinoid content in the cigarette sections closer to the mouth, as compared with those closer to the lit end. Similarly, cannabinoid content in the inhaled smoke increases as smoking progresses. Similar results are found for sesquiterpenes. Monoterpenes, having lower boiling points reach the smoke before the sesquiterpenes and cannabinoids do. Conclusion: A mechanism is proposed, including: (i) decarboxylation and evaporation of APIs adjacent to the lit end, (ii) transition of API vapors away from the hot zone, (iii) condensation of APIs in cigarette's sections closer to the mouth, and (iv) re-evaporation of APIs as the hot zone approaches, thereby reaching the smoke. Differences in the boiling points between the various APIs result in varying composition along the cigarette and in the inhaled smoke. The main implications are: (i) APIs delivery through smoking cannot be uniform, (ii) APIs amount per puff increases as smoking progresses, and (iii) terpenes are inhaled before the cannabinoids are. Thus, in addition to its known health-threatening hazards, smoking entails nonuniform provision of APIs, even within the same cigarette.

Comparison of anthocyanin and volatile organic compounds in juices and fruit wines made from blood oranges (Citrus sinensis L. Osbeck) at different maturity stages

The variation in profiles of anthocyanins and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in juices and in the corresponding fruit wines made from blood oranges ripened at different maturity stages were investigated. The compositions of sugars and organic acids were monitored, as well. Original findings have been reported for the maturity effect on blood orange juices, while the impact of fruit ripening on wine is explored for the first time. Using UPLC-DAD-ESI-Q-TOF-MS, based on elution order, UV–vis spectra, fragmentation pattern, and authentic standards, thirteen individual anthocyanins were identified, nine common to unfermented and fermented blood orange samples, while four (identified as hydroxyphenyl-pyranoanthocyanins) generated from fermentation. The total anthocyanin content in unfermented blood orange juice showed dramatic increases during maturation, especially in the late maturity stage, while fermentation resulted in significant reductions. The monitoring of VOCs in blood orange and wines was provided via a combination approach of HS-GC-IMS and HS-SPME-GC-MS for the first time. Forty-five and ninety-one VOCs were identified by GC-IMS and GC-MS, respectively. The concentrations of alcohols, ketones, and terpenes decreased with maturity, while that of esters increased significantly during this period. Fermentation enhanced the complexity and intensity of VOCs, with all VOC categories except ketones showing 2.1−94.3 times increase after fermentation. This work improves the knowledge on the processing management of blood orange juice and wine in order to obtain superior quality products.

Help sought for gout sufferers: A historical look at the treatment of gout in the New Kingdom of Granada

IntroductionDuring the colonial period, despite scarce knowledge and resources, doctors and apothecaries developed medical prescriptions mainly of vegetable origin for the management of multiple diseases, including gout. ObjectiveTo contextualise and describe the use of medical prescription in the early 19th century in the New Kingdom of Granada for the treatment of gout. Material and methodsA documentary search of medical prescription was carried out in the Cipriano Rodríguez Santamaría Historical Archive of the Octavio Arizmendi Posada Library of the University of La Sabana. Subsequently, an open literature review was carried out in the ScienceDirect, ClinicalKey, and Scielo databases in English and Spanish. ResultsPistacia lentiscus, the basis of the recipe described, has a high content of terpenes, tannins, flavonoids, and coumarins, which generate anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, antibiotic, antiviral, and anti-atherogenic effects, among others. ConclusionMastic, one of the components of these recipes, possesses anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which could explain its relative efficacy in the treatment of gout in the 19th century.