Total Free Phenolics Research Articles

The Impact of Supplemental UV-B Radiation on Growth and Biochemical Constituents in Vigna unguiculata L. Walp and Pisum sativum L.

This study investigates the impact of UV-B radiation on plant growth and biochemical constituents in Vigna unguiculata and Pisum sativum plants grown from non-irradiated and UV-B-irradiated seeds. The results show that plants grown from UV-B-irradiated seeds for 30, 60, and 90minutes experienced significant reductions in plant height, root length, and shoot length compared to non-irradiated seeds. Additionally, plants with UV-B-irradiated seeds had less fresh and dry weight. The decline was particularly pronounced in plants exposed to UV-B radiation for 90minutes. Chlorophyll a, b, and total chlorophyll (a+b) dropped significantly in plants grown from seeds exposed to UV-B radiation for 30, 60, and 90minutes. The reduction was particularly significant in plants exposed to UV-B radiation for 90minutes. Moreover, plants with higher levels of total free phenolics and tannins had higher contents compared to non-irradiated seeds. The level of total free phenols is higher in irradiated seeds of P. sativum than V. unguiculata. The plants exposed to UV-B radiation for 90minutes showed a noticeable increase.

Non-enzymatic browning of lotus root during boiling

Lotus root is the most consumed aquatic vegetable in China. Both the actual boiling of lotus root and the simulated boiling of its extract were performed at different conditions to explore the development of non-enzymatic browning and the loss of reducing sugars, free amino acids, total free phenols and ascorbic acid. The kinetic parameters of zero-order and first-order models indicated that both browning degree and nutrient loss had a positive correlation with boiling time, temperature and pH value. Moreover, nutrient contents and boiling conditions were adopted as independent variables to establish the multiple linear regression model of browning degree (P < 0.001), which confirmed that reducing sugars and total phenols principally contributed to the browning (P < 0.01), through caramelization and phenol oxidation. With the addition of baking soda (pH 8), 100 °C boiling decreased the DPPH radical scavenging capacity and ferric reducing antioxidant power of lotus root extract by 62.96% and 58.51%, respectively. Furthermore, 120 °C boiling probably induced the formation of browning products, which possessed cytotoxicity against HepG2 and L02 cells. A short boiling time, as well as an acidic condition induced by added vinegar, is recommended for cooking and processing of lotus root in consideration of nutrition and health.

Comparative evaluation of in vitro antioxidant potential of Punica granatum L. leaves extracts

A comparative evaluation of tannins, flavonoid, phenol quantification and antioxidant potential of aqueous, methanol, n-hexane, acetone and chloroform extracts of Punica granatum leaves were determined. Quantification of phenolic was carried out by the technique of Folin-Ciocalteau, using rutin as standard flavonoids were evaluated through the technique of colorimetry, tannin was measured by the difference of total phenolics and free phenolics assay procedure. Antioxidant activities were evaluated by four standards antioxidant techniques including Superoxide dismutase (SOD)-like activity, Hydrogen Peroxide (H2O2) scavenging activity,1, 1’-diphynyl- 2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) activity and Nitric oxide (NO) scavenging activity method using ascorbic acid as standard. The antioxidant activities showed that methanol extract at 500μg/mL calculated maximum DPPH inhibition activity was 78±1%, H2O2 scavenging activity was 90±0%, SOD-like activity was 88±0% and NO scavenging activity was 90±0%. The outcomes indicated the major antioxidant actions were carried out by the extract of methanol; the entire potential was increased in the directive of methanol&gt; chloroform&gt; acetone&gt;aqueous&gt;n-hexane extracts. The results indicate that Punica granatum leaves extracts to have potent antioxidant activities that would have beneficial effects on human health and methanol extracts are superior with better antioxidant potential. The leaves extracts of Punica granatum could be of enormousattention in the enhancement of top value-added secondary products and the appliance of functional and green substitutes in thecosmetics, food and pharma industries.

Nutritional prospective of Sesbania species: an underutilized wild legume from Northern Western Ghats, Maharashtra, India

Nutrition plays very important role in longevity of life. Processed food has created various health disorders at a very alarming rate. Wild genotypes have potent nutritive characteristics which are relatively less explored. In the current investigation, two species of Sesbania were evaluated for their potent nutritional value. Sesbania grandiflora and Sesbania bispinosa seeds contained 37.78% and 30.2% crude proteins, 4.24% and 2.06% albumins, 7.20% and 5.16% globulins, 1.75% and 8.34% free amino acids, 34.91% and 59.08% total carbohydrates and 5.2% and 5.02% total lipids respectively. DPPH Radical scavenging assay revealed notable antioxidant potential with 62.27% and 65.45% inhibition respectively. Antinutrient analysis indicated the presence of total free phenols (0.29% and 0.63%), tannins (0.28% and 0.34%), phytic acid (1.70% and 1.59%) and trypsin inhibitor activity (41.8 and 54.4 TIU/mg) respectively. Both Sesbania species had excellent nutritional potential as well as antioxidant activity and a low antinutrient profile. Based on the findings, Sesbania species may be investigated further as a potential alternative food source in the near future, particularly in economically disadvantaged areas, and may pave the way toward the wider aim of food security.

Pathogenicity of Bacillus Strains to Cotton Seedlings and Their Effects on Some Biochemical Components of the Infected Seedlings.

Pathogenicity of eight Bacillus strains to seedlings of four cotton cultivars was evaluated under greenhouse conditions. Each of the tested cultivars was individually treated with powdered inoculum of each bacterial strain. Untreated seeds were planted as control treatments in autoclaved soil. Effects of the tested strains on levels and activities of some biochemical components of the infected seedlings were also assayed. The biochemical components included total soluble sugars, total soluble proteins, total free amino acids, peroxidase, polyphenol oxidase, phenols, and lipid peroxidation. ANOVA showed that Bacillus strain (B) was a very highly significant source of variation in damping-off and dry weight. Cotton cultivar (V) was a nonsignificant source of variation in damping-off while it was a significant source of variation in dry weight. B × V interaction was a significant source of variation in damping- off and a nonsignificant source of variation in dry weight. Bacillus strain was the most important source of variation as it accounted for 59.36 and 64.99% of the explained (model) variation in damping-off and dry weight, respectively. The lack of significant correlation between levels and activities of the assayed biochemical components and incidence of damping-off clearly demonstrated that these biochemical components were not involved in the pathogenicity of the tested strains. Therefore, it was hypothesized that the pathogenicity of the tested strains could be due to the effect of cell wall degrading enzymes of pathogenic toxins. Based on the results of the present study, Bacillus strains should be considered in studying the etiology of cotton seedling damping-off.

Red rice drying and storage: Effects on technological properties and phenolic compounds of the raw and cooked grains

The use of pigmented rice grains has increased in the food industry in recent years, however, the effects of post-harvest on chemical, physical and technological properties are poorly known. Pigmented rice grains were dried at temperatures between 40 and 100 °C, followed by storage for 12 months, to evaluate the technological properties and phenolic compounds of rice grains with red pericarp. The increase in drying temperature promoted reductions in head rice yield (HRY), soluble protein, cooking time, grain integrity after cooking, total free and bound phenolics, and total proanthocyanidins and increased electrical conductivity, defects, hardness, and rehydration index. The prolonged storage of grains dried at temperatures above 60 °C promoted an increase in electrical conductivity, defects, hardness and reduction of soluble protein, cooking time, and total free phenolics, possibly due to the formation of cracks in the grains and due to latent damage in grain storage. Therefore, it is recommended drying temperatures below 60 °C for the storage of red pericarp rice grains for adequate conditions of conservation of technological properties and phenolic compounds.

Influence of UV-B treatment on the accumulation of free phenols and tannins in the legumes of Abrus precatorius L. and Vigna mungo (L.) Hepper

BackgroundUltraviolet B radiation with a wavelength from 280 to 320 nm (UV-B) is a prime abiotic factor and environmental stress that can trigger the accumulation/increase of secondary metabolites like phenolic compounds that are unique sources of pharmaceuticals. The Fabaceae family legume seeds or grains contain different kinds of bioactive compounds chiefly classified under phenolic compounds whose potential benefits to human health need to be evaluated for their orderly utilization. This paper aims to study the influence of UV-B radiation on the increase of total free phenols and tannins in the seeds of a wild legume and a crop legume (Abrus precatorius L. and Vigna mungo (L.) Hepper) as a process of fortifying the levels of these bioactive secondary metabolites. MethodThe flour of raw seeds, UV-B exposed raw seeds, soaked seeds, and UV-B exposed soaked seeds of Abrus precatorius and Vigna mungo was used to study the influence of UV-B on the accumulation/increase of total free phenols and tannins in the seeds selected for this study. ResultsBoth raw (dry) and overnight soaked seeds showed increased levels of total free phenols and tannins in response to UV-B exposure. ConclusionIt is concluded that UV-B radiation-related stress (an external stimulus) will have a major influence on the accumulation/increase of secondary metabolites in higher plants.

Bioaccessibility and Gut Metabolism of Free and Melanoidin-Bound Phenolic Compounds From Coffee and Bread.

The aim of this study is to investigate the bioaccessibility and gut metabolism of free and melanoidin-bound phenolic compounds from coffee and bread. Phenolics from coffee were predominantly found in free forms (68%, mainly chlorogenic acids), whereas those from bread were mostly bound to melanoidins (61%, mainly ferulic acid). Bioacessibility of coffee total free phenolics slightly decreased during simulated digestion (87, 86, and 82% after the oral, gastric, and intestinal steps, respectively), with caffeoylquinic acids being isomerized and chlorogenic acids being partially hydrolyzed to the corresponding hydroxycinnamic acids. Bioacessibility of bread total free phenolics decreased during simulated digestion (91, 85, and 67% after the oral, gastric, and intestinal steps, respectively), probably related to complexation with the proteins in simulated gastric and intestinal fluids. Upon gut fermentation, the bioaccessibility of total free phenolics from both coffee and bread decreased, mainly after the first 4 h (56 and 50%, respectively). Caffeic and ferulic acids were the predominant metabolites found during coffee and bread gut fermentation, respectively. Melanoidin-bound phenolics from coffee and bread were progressively released after the gastric and intestinal steps, probably due to hydrolysis caused by the acidic conditions of the stomach and the action of pancreatin from the intestinal fluid. The bioaccessibilities of all phenolics from coffee and bread melanoidins after the gastric and intestinal steps were, on average, 11 and 26%, respectively. During gut fermentation, phenolics bound to both coffee and bread melanoidins were further released by the gut microbiota, whereas those from coffee were also metabolized. This difference could be related to the action of proteases on melanoproteins during gastrointestinal digestion, probably anticipating phenolics release. Nevertheless, bioaccessibilities of melanoidin-bound phenolics reached maximum values after gut fermentation for 24 h (50% for coffee and 51% for bread). In conclusion, the bioaccessibilities of coffee and bread free phenolics during simulated digestion and gut fermentation were remarkably similar, and so were the bioaccessibilities of coffee and bread melanoidin-bound phenolics.

Physiological and biochemical responses of Agave to temperature and climate of their native environment

The assessment of phenotypic variation across populations can help to select genotypes that are potentially resistant to the ongoing and predicted climatic variations. Phenotypic variation is expressed as morphological, physiological, or metabolic changes in response to environmental factors. Agave mapisaga and A. salmiana populations exhibit morphological variation regarding their geographical distribution and due to intense anthropogenic influence. This study aimed to identify metabolic traits in young plants of A. mapisaga and A. salmiana, involved in plant resistance to temperature stress, which can help to understand differences between provenances and between species. Agave plants propagated from four seed origins, collected from three “pulque” (a fermented beverage) production areas in the state of Hidalgo, Mexico, were assessed. Four-month-old plants of each seed origin (species*provenance) were maintained during one month in growth chambers, at day/night temperature (T) regimes for 12/12 h: (1) 25/25T, (2) 25/15T, and (3) 25/15 plus 45 °C T for 4 h between 11 am and 3 pm (45T). The plant dry biomass, maximum quantum efficiency of PSII photochemistry (Fv/Fm), total free amino acids (TFAA), total free phenol (TFP), and free soluble sugar concentrations were measured. Minimum values for dry biomass, TFP, glucose, and sucrose concentrations occurred in the 25/25T regime. Plant biomass, and TFAA and glucose concentrations were differently affected by seed provenances; but Fv/Fm rate, or the TFP, fructose, and sucrose concentrations had no relation to seed provenance. Moderate high night temperatures drastically affected the growth and metabolism of A. mapisaga and A. salmiana. In conclusion, the response to different temperature stress treatments depends partly on species, but less on seed provenance.

Menadione sodium bisulfite neutralizes chromium phytotoxic effects in okra by regulating cytosolutes, lipid peroxidation, antioxidant system and metal uptake

Chromium (Cr) is a major abiotic stress for plant species that significantly impacted plant development and impeded agricultural production. Menadione sodium bisulfite (MSB) has recently manifested a remarkable role in modulating plant defense responses. In the present experiment, Cr caused a significant decrease in growth, relative water contents, and chlorophyll in okra cultivars (Shabnam 786 and Arka Anamika). Cr produced an increase in proline, total soluble proteins, total free amino acids, phenolics, flavonoids, ascorbic acid, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), malondialdehyde (MDA), and Cr accumulation. Besides, activities of antioxidant enzymes were also higher in Cr-stressed plants. MSB application (50, 100, 150, and 200 µM) profoundly impacted growth and important physio-biochemical characteristics in okra under Cr stress. Better growth in MSB treated plants was associated with lower oxidative damage and better oxidative defense system reflected in the form of higher antioxidant enzyme activities alongside the concentrations of non-enzymatic antioxidant compounds. In this background, cv. Shabnam-786 exhibited greater Cr tolerance over Arka Anamika. The degree of oxidative damage measured in the form of H2O2 and MDA was greater in cv. Arka Anamika. Lower MSB levels (50 and 100 µM) circumvented inhibitory Cr effects in okra, while higher doses proved lethal for plant growth and development.

Phenolic and protein contents of differently prepared protein co-precipitates from flaxseed and soybean and antioxidant activity and angiotensin inhibitory activity of their phenolic fractions

The aim of this study was to determine the phenolic and protein contents of differently prepared protein co-precipitates (Co) from flaxseed and soybean and to determine the antioxidant activity and inhibitory activity towards angiotensin-1-converting enzyme (ACE) of their phenolic constituents. Protein co-precipitates were prepared by alkaline extraction involving mixing flaxseed (F) and soybean (S) powders (Mp) or flaxseed and soybean extracts (Me), followed by isoelectric (Ie) precipitation or Ie and heating (Ie-He). The highest protein contents and yields were obtained with Co-Me/Ie (53.28% and 25.58%, respectively) and Co-Me/Ie-He (46.84% and 19.87%), which also contained relatively high amounts of total phenolics (8.10 and 8.57 mg GAE/g). Co-Me/Ie contained more total bound phenolics (4.33 mg GAE/g) than total free phenolics (3.76 mg GAE/g), while Co-Me/Ie-He co-precipitates were richer in free phenolics (4.82 mg/g). Several free phenolic (FP) and bound phenolic (BP) fractions from Co-Me/Ie (FP-50 °C), Co-Mp/Ie (FP-50 °C and BP-base), Co-Me/Ie-He (FP-50 °C) and Co-Mp/Ie-He (FP-50 °C and BP-base) had the highest antioxidant activity, ranging from 24.7% to 29.6%. ACE inhibitory activity of the BP-acid fraction from Co-Me/Ie and FP-25 °C fraction from Co-Mp/Ie-He were the highest (44.6% and 47.5%). Findings suggest that protein co-precipitates from flaxseed and soybean extracts (Co-Me/Ie and Co-Me/Ie-He) have a high potential for use as protein and phenolic-rich functional ingredients that may benefit the formulation of functional foods and nutraceuticals with antioxidant and antihypertensive properties.

Reducing nitrogen leaching while enhancing growth, yield performance and physiological traits of rice by the application of controlled-release urea fertilizer

Controlled-release urea fertilizer (CRUF) consists of urea granules intercalated within the lattice of a superabsorbent composite to control urea release thereby improving nitrogen supply and minimizing environmental hazards. In this work, new formulations for controlled-release urea were prepared based on biodegradable polymers and agricultural waste. Following CRUF preparation, the release behavior of urea in aqueous medium was estimated, and the effect of medium pH on release behavior was also examined. A pot experiment was carried out on rice plants to examine the growth, yield performance and physio-biochemical traits (soluble proteins, amino acids, reducing and total free sugars, starch, proline and phenolics) of rice grains at different dosages (10, 25, 50, 75 and 100 kg ha−1) of CRUF under drought conditions (50% FC). Water stress adversely affected rice growth, membrane leakage and yield components (tiller length, filling ratio, grains mass and number per tiller). Drought exposure has influenced the physiological response of rice grains. Drought markedly increased proteins, amino acids, reducing and total free sugars and proline, but decreased starch and phenolic contents of rice grains. The application of CRUF mitigated water stress via improving the growth and yield parameters of rice plants. CRUF significantly decreased protein, amino acids, reducing sugars and proline contents but remarkably increased free sugars and starch contents of rice grains. Application of CRUF predominantly enhanced water and nutrients use efficiencies, contributing to improved metabolic machinery of droughted rice through reducing osmotic and oxidative stress levels by continued rhizophore moistening, extended urea nitrogen existence and enhanced soil characteristics.

Assessment of total antioxidant capacity of altiplano colored quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa willd) by visible and near-infrared diffuse reflectance spectroscopy and chemometrics

The aim of this study was to predict the total antioxidant capacity (TAC) of altiplano colored quinoa using visible and near-infrared (Vis-NIR) spectral data and chemometrics. In colored quinoa, at least part of the phenolic compounds are included in the non-extractable fraction and therefore the TAC should be measured by a non-conventional QUick, Easy, New, CHEap and Reproducible procedure (QUENCHER). In this work, QUENCHER using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) returned a value 1.03–7.03 times higher than the extractable antioxidant capacity, and it represented 2.8%–85.8% of the TAC of altiplano colored quinoa. We applied partial least squares regression and ten-fold cross-validation to the raw and pre-processed NIR spectra for the calibration and validation of models, to predict the TAC of altiplano colored quinoa. The best model was obtained for whole quinoa seeds as opposed to ground samples (calibration: R2 = 0.97, RSME = 2.9; validation: R2 = 0.73, RSME = 8.6) using Savitzky-Golay smoothing, the D-trend method and multiplicative scatter correction procedures. The QUENCHER-DPPH result was also positively correlated with extractable antioxidant capacity (EAC-DPPH), total free phenolics, total betalain content and L values (p ≤ 0.001). Therefore, we demonstrate that the TAC of colored quinoa seeds, including both non-extractable and extractable antioxidants, can be predicted by Vis-NIR spectra coupled to chemometrics.

Ultrasound-, subcritical water- and ultrasound assisted subcritical water-derived Tartary buckwheat polyphenols show superior antioxidant activity and cytotoxicity in human liver carcinoma cells

The effects of ultrasound-assisted (UAE), subcritical water (SWE) and ultrasound assisted-subcritical water (UA-SWE) treatments on tartary buckwheat polyphenol yield, composition, antioxidant activity and cytotoxicity in human liver carcinoma cells were studied. Folin Ciocalteu assay was used to measure total free phenol content (TFPC), and ABTS, DPPH, FRAP and TEAC assays were used to measure antioxidant activity (AA). Polyphenol characterization was done by LC-MS and cell antioxidant activity (CAA) and cytotoxicity were done using the 2,2′-Azobis-(2-amidinopropane) dihydrochloride [ABAP] and 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide [MTT] assays respectively. The highest polyphenol yield was obtained by SWE (53.3 mg g−1), followed by UA-SWE (31.8 mg g−1), UAE (19.3 mg g−1) and HWE (4.2 mg g−1). Also, SWE had the highest TFPC (7.9 mgGAE/gdw). UAE and UA-SWE showed no differences with TFPC being 6.6 and 6.8 mgGAE/gdw, respectively. The control method (HWE) had the largest number of phenolic compounds identified (25), followed by UAE, SWE and UA-SWE which had 20, 13 and 11 phenolics respectively. Beside phenolic acids, all treatments extracted a number of flavonoids such as flavan-3-ols (catechin-7-O-glucoside, epigallocatechin-3-gallate, epigallocatechin, epicatechin), flavonols (kaempferol-3-O-glucoside, kaempferol, kaempferol-3-rutinoside, rutin, quercetin, quercetin-3-O-glucuronide hyperin), flavones (vitexin, isovitexin, orientin, isoorientin) and anthocyanins (cyanidin-3-O-rutinoside, Cyanidin 3-O-galactoside, cyanidin-3-O-glucoside). SWE gave the highest AA for all tests. However, the AA of those obtained by UAE and UA-SWE did not vary (P < 0.05), but were higher than HWE. Different extracts had best AA at different concentrations (HWE, 300; UAE, 250; SWE, 150; UA-SWE, 200 μg/mL). The IC50 of AA were 270.8 ± 21.3, 198.1 ± 16.0, 97.9 ± 13.5, and 150.4 ± 12.8 μg/mL, respectively for HWE, UAE, SWE and UA-SWE. Generally, SWE and UA-SWE showed the highest cytotoxic activities, followed by UAE, with HWE being the lowest. IC50 of cytotoxicity were 76.1 ± 3.3, 79.5 ± 7.0 and 92.6 ± 4.9 µg/mL for SWE, UA-SWE and UAE, respectively. SWE is a promising method for polyphenol extraction and its combination with ultrasound should be optimized for high yield and conservation of bioactivity.

Effect Of Temperature And Storage Time On The Nutritional Quality Of Olive Drupes: A Case Study

In this study we evaluated the effect of temperature and time storage on the quality parameters of mono cultivar olive oil drupes. In particular, analyses of total free phenols, fatty acids, lipophilic and hydrophilic antioxidant capacity, sensory analysis, at different temperatures and different times of post harvest storage, were performed. All data obtained have been singularly processed by Functional Mathematical Index (FMI).

Nutritional and physicochemical characteristics of purple sweet corn juice before and after boiling.

Sweet corn juice is becoming increasingly popular in China. In order to provide valuable health-related information to consumers, the nutritional and physicochemical characteristics of raw and boiled purple sweet corn juices were herein investigated. Sugars, antinutrients, total free phenols, anthocyanins, and antioxidant activity were analyzed by conventional chemical methods. The viscosity and stability of juices were determined by Ubbelohde viscosity meter and centrifugation, respectively. Boiling process could elevate viscosity, stability and sugar content, and reduce antinutrients, total free phenols, anthocyanins, and antioxidant activity in corn juice. In addition, short time boiling efficiently reduced the degradation of anthocyanins during subsequent refrigeration. The content of amino acids, vitamin B1/B2 and E were detected by High Performance Liquid Chromatography. Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry was used for the analysis of fatty acids and aroma compounds. Several aroma compounds not previously reported in corn were identified, including 1-heptanol, 2-methyl-2-butenal, (Z)-3-nonen-1-ol, 3-ethyl-2-methyl-1,3-hexadiene, and 2,4-bis(1,1-dimethylethyl)phenol. Interestingly, the boiling process had no apparent effect on the amino acids profile, but it caused a 45.8% loss of fatty acids in the juice by promoting the retention of fatty acids in the corn residue. These results provide detailed information that could be used for increasing consumers' knowledge of sweet corn juice, further development of sweet corn juice by food producers, and maize breeding programs.

EFFECT OF EXTRUSION ON THE TOTAL ANTIOXIDANT CAPACITY AND FREE PHENOLIC COMPOUNDS OF WHEAT BRAN BY RESPONSE SURFACE METHODOLOGY

There are some antioxidants in wheat bran provides health benefits. But the influence of extrusion pre-treatment on the antioxidant capacity and free phenolic compounds of wheat bran is not clear. Herein, it was investigated by response surface methodology (RSM). Within the experimental range, free phenolic compounds (FPC) increased gradually with feed moisture and extrusion temperature. And the total antioxidant capacity of extruded wheat bran increased gradually with rising feed moisture and screw speed. The optimized extrusion parameters were extrusion temperature at 86°C, feed moisture at 22 % and screw speed at 160 rpm. The total FPA reached 3136.9 ?g GAE g?1 and the ferulic acid content was 93.4 ?g.g?1 . Extrusion treatment for wheat bran significantly improved the antioxidant properties and increased the concentration of gallic acid and ferulic acid. The effect of extrusion temperature on total free phenol content is extremely significant.

NUTRITIONAL AND ANTINUTRITIONAL ASSESSMENT OF SOME UNDERUTILIZED CORMS, RHIZOMES AND TUBERS

&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Background. &lt;/strong&gt;With ever-increasing populace pressure and rapid depletion of natural resources, it has become exceptionally important to diversify the present time agriculture with the cultivation of some wild varieties of tubers, rhizomes and corms in order to meet various human nutrient needs. However, information regarding the nutritional and antinutritional composition is meager. &lt;strong&gt;Objective.&lt;/strong&gt; To study the chemical composition and antinutritional factors of the wild edible corms, rhizomes and tubers consumed by the Palliyars and Kanikkar tribes living in South Eastern Slopes of Western Ghats, Tamil Nadu&lt;strong&gt; Methodology&lt;/strong&gt;. The wild edible corms of &lt;em&gt;Alocasia macrorrhiza&lt;/em&gt;, &lt;em&gt;Amorphophallus paeoniifolius&lt;/em&gt; var &lt;em&gt;campanulatus&lt;/em&gt;,&lt;em&gt; Amorphophallus sylvaticus&lt;/em&gt;,&lt;em&gt; Colocasia esculenta&lt;/em&gt;,&lt;em&gt; Xanthosoma sagittifolium&lt;/em&gt;, &lt;em&gt;Xanthosoma violaceum&lt;/em&gt;, rhizomes of &lt;em&gt;Canna indica&lt;/em&gt;,&lt;em&gt; Maranta arundinacea&lt;/em&gt; and tubers of &lt;em&gt;Asparagus racemosus&lt;/em&gt;,&lt;em&gt; Nymphaea pubescens&lt;/em&gt; and&lt;em&gt; Nymphaea rubra&lt;/em&gt; were analysed for proximate and mineral composition, starch, vitamins like niacin, ascorbic acid and antinutritional factors like total free phenolics, tannins, hydrogen cyanide, total oxalate, amylase and trypsin inhibitor activities were quantified. Also, &lt;em&gt;in vitro&lt;/em&gt; protein and starch digestibility were assessed. &lt;strong&gt;Results.&lt;/strong&gt; The rhizome of &lt;em&gt;Maranta arundinacea&lt;/em&gt; and tubers of &lt;em&gt;Nymphaea pubescens &lt;/em&gt;contain high quantity of crude proteins. The tubers of &lt;em&gt;Asparagus racemosus&lt;/em&gt; contained higher amount of crude lipids. The corms of &lt;em&gt;Alocasia macrorrhiza, Colocasia esculenta, Xanthosoma sagittifolium&lt;/em&gt; and &lt;em&gt;Xanthosoma violaceum&lt;/em&gt; appeared to have a higher level of potassium content compared to recommended Dietary allowances (RDA) for infants, children and adults. The corms of &lt;em&gt;Alocasia macrorrhiza, Amorphophallus sylvaticus, Xanthosoma violaceum&lt;/em&gt; and rhizomes of &lt;em&gt;Maranta arundinacea&lt;/em&gt; were found to contain more starch. All the investigated samples had low &lt;em&gt;in vitro&lt;/em&gt; protein digestibility. &lt;strong&gt;Implications.&lt;/strong&gt; The present result highlights the potentiality of these underground plant parts as source of unconventional foods. Being wild, they also are easily accessible and cheaper. Studies on nutritional value of wild plant food are of extensive importance since it may help to recognize long forgotten food resources. &lt;strong&gt;Conclusion. &lt;/strong&gt;Most of the wild edible corms, rhizomes and tubers were found to be a good source of protein, lipid, total dietary fiber, starch, vitamins and minerals. All the investigated samples exhibited variations in the levels of the total free phenolics, tannins, hydrogen cyanide, total oxalate, amylase and trypsin inhibitors&lt;/p&gt;

Seed Pretreatment and Foliar Application of Proline Regulate Morphological, Physio-Biochemical Processes and Activity of Antioxidant Enzymes in Plants of Two Cultivars of Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.).

In the current study, the effects of exogenously applied proline (25 and 50 mM) and low-temperature treatment were examined on the physiochemical parameters in the plants of two cultivars (V1 and V2) of quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.). The seeds were also exposed to chilling stress at 4 °C before sowing. Plants raised from the seeds treated with low temperature showed reduced plant growth and contents of chlorophyll and carotenoids, but they had significantly increased contents of malondialdehyde, proline, ascorbic acid, total free amino acids, total soluble sugars, and total phenolics, as well as the activity of the peroxidase (POD) enzyme. Cold stress applied to seeds remained almost ineffective in terms of bringing about changes in plant root, hydrogen peroxide, glycine betaine and activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) enzymes. The exogenous application of proline significantly increased plant growth, the contents of chlorophyll, carotenoids, proline, ascorbic acid, total free amino acids, phenolics, and total soluble sugars, as well as the activities of SOD, POD, and CAT, but it decreased malondialdehyde content. Overall, foliar application of proline was better than the seed treatment in improving root dry weight, root length, chlorophyll a, carotenoids, glycine betaine, ascorbic acid and superoxide dismutase activity, whereas seed pre-treatment with proline was effective in improving shoot dry weight, shoot length, hydrogen peroxide, malondialdehyde, and peroxidase activity in both quinoa cultivars.

Trichoderma harzianum- and Methyl Jasmonate-Induced Resistance to Bipolaris sorokiniana Through Enhanced Phenylpropanoid Activities in Bread Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.).

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the impact of Trichoderma harzianum UBSTH-501- and methyl jasmonate-induced systemic resistance and their integration on the spot blotch pathogen, Bipolaris sorokiniana through enhanced phenylpropanoid activities in bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). It was found that the application of MeJA (>100 mg L–1) inhibits the germination of B. sorokiniana spores under controlled laboratory conditions. To assess the effect of MeJA (150 mg L–1) in combination with the biocontrol agent T. harzianum UBSTH-501 in vivo, a green house experiment was conducted. For this, biocontrol agent T. harzianum UBSTH-501 was applied as seed treatment, whereas MeJA (150 mg L–1) was applied 5 days prior to pathogen inoculation. Results indicated that application of MeJA (150 mg L–1) did not affect the root colonization of wheat by T. harzianum UBSTH-501 in the rhizosphere. The combined application of T. harzianum UBSTH-501 and MeJA also enhanced indole acetic acid production in the rhizosphere (4.92 μg g–1 of soil) which in turn helps in plant growth and development. Further, the combined application found to enhance the activities of defense related enzymes viz. catalase (5.92 EU min–1 g–1 fresh wt.), ascorbate peroxidase [μmol ascorbate oxidized (mg prot)–1 min–1], phenylalanine ammonia lyase (102.25 μmol cinnamic acid h–1 mg–1 fresh wt.) and peroxidase (6.95 Unit mg–1 min–1 fresh wt.) significantly in the plants under treatment which was further confirmed by assessing the transcript level of PAL and peroxidase genes using semi-quantitative PCR approach. The results showed manifold increase in salicylic acid (SA) along with enhanced accumulation of total free phenolics, ferulic acid, caffeic acid, coumaric acid, and chlorogenic acid in the leaves of the plants treated with the biocontrol agent alone or in combination with MeJA. A significant decrease in the disease severity (17.46%) and area under disease progress curve (630.32) were also observed in the treatments with biocontrol agent and MeJA in combination as compared to B. sorokiniana alone treated plant (56.95% and 945.50, respectively). Up-regulation of phenylpropanoid cascades in response to exogenous application of MeJA and the biocontrol agent was observed. It was depicted from the results that PAL is the primary route for lignin production in wheat which reduces cell wall disruption and tissue disintegration and increases suberization and lignification of the plant cell as seen by Scanning Electron microphotographs. These results clearly indicated that exogenous application of MeJA with T. harzianum inducing JA- and/or SA-dependent defense signaling after pathogen challenge may increase the resistance to spot blotch by stimulating enzymatic activities and the accumulation of phenolic compounds in a cooperative manner. This study apparently provides the evidence of biochemical cross-talk and physiological responses in wheat following MeJA and biocontrol agent treatment during the bio-trophic infection.