Total Proanthocyanidins Research Articles

Spray drying to produce novel phytochemical-rich ingredients from juice and pomace of American elderberry

The cultivation and commercialization of American elderberries (Sambucus nigra subsp. canadensis), rich in acylated anthocyanins, is nascent. In this study, American elderberry juice and pomace extract were spray dried using soy protein isolate (SPI) or tapioca starch (TS) as carriers to develop functional food ingredients. Physicochemical, morphological, and bioactive properties were analyzed, and an in vitro gastrointestinal digestion model was used to study polyphenol bioaccessibility. An efficient spray drying process (solids recovery >60%) was established. Elderberry particles produced with SPI had higher solubility (60%–64%), lower porosity (69%–70%), and better flowability (22% Carr index, 1.29 Hausner ratio). Spray dried particles produced with tapioca starch showed significantly higher total polyphenol content (42–49 mg gallic acid equivalent/g sample), proanthocyanidin content (0.76–2.86 mg proanthocyanidin-B2/g sample), and anthocyanins (7.86–33.80 mg/g sample) for both elderberry juice and pomace extract, compared to SPI-derived ones. Particles of encapsulated elderberry juice or pomace extract with SPI had higher bioaccessibility compared to non-encapsulated elderberry juice or TS-derived particles. Overall, spray drying American elderberry juice and pomace extract is an effective and sustainable strategy to create novel ingredients for multiple food applications. These findings offer an industry-friendly technological solution to develop value-added ingredients for the emerging American elderberry market.

Evaluation of in vitro enzyme inhibitory, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antibacterial activities of Oldenlandia corymbosa L. and Oldenlandia umbellata L. whole plant extracts

BackgroundOldenlandia corymbosa and Oldenlandia umbellata are well-known medicinal plants in various traditional systems of medicine and used to treat bronchitis, asthma, tuberculosis, constipation, and leprosy. We evaluated the phytochemical content, antioxidant potential, enzyme inhibitory action, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial activities of the whole plant extracts of O. corymbosa and O. umbellata due to their therapeutic importance. MethodsThe phytochemical analysis includes qualitative analysis and quantification of total phenolics, flavonoids, tannins, flavonols, proanthocyanidins, and vitamin E. Enzyme inhibitory assays were studied using α-amylase and α-glucosidase enzymes and anti-inflammatory activity was determined by egg albumin denaturation assay. Antioxidant potential was estimated using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2′-azino-bis (3-ethyl benzothiozoline-6-sulfonic acid) diammonium salt (ABTS), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), hydroxyl radical, superoxide, nitric oxide, metal chelating, and phosphomolybdenum assays. Minimum inhibitory concentrations of extracts were studied against ten bacterial strains by the microdilution method. ResultsThe aqueous extract of O.umbellata showed a higher extract yield (5.0%). The highest amount of total phenolics and flavonoids were observed in the ethanolic extract of O.umbellata (77.23±0.46 mg GAE/g) and O.corymbosa (19.01±0.26 mg GAE/g). Ethanolic extract of O.umbellata (IC50 of 31.71±0.32 µg/mL) and aqueous extract of O.corymbosa (30.53±1.83 µg/mL) showed notable α-amylase inhibitory effect and petroleum ether extract of both plants observed good inhibition against α-glucosidase enzyme. Likewise, petroleum ether extract of O.umbellata (IC50 of 57.16±1.88 µg/mL) showed a moderate anti-inflammatory effect. In all extracts, considerable antioxidant potential was recorded specially with aqueous extract in the nitric oxide scavenging assay with an IC50 of 40.72±1.25 µg/mL. Ethanolic extract of O.umbellata and petroleum ether extract of O.corymbosa (MIC of 56.25 µg/mL) showed good antibiotic potency in lower concentrations which proves these two valuable herb's potential in herbal preparations. ConclusionsThe results of the study provide a basis for further studies aiming to evaluate the possibilities of using the O. umbellata and O. corymbosa as natural sources of antioxidants, enzyme inhibitory, and antibacterial agents. Further studies could be directed to exploit these plants in experimental animal models as potential pharmaceutical agents.

Antioxidants and Phenolic Acid Composition of Wholemeal and Refined-Flour, and Related Biscuits in Old and Modern Cultivars Belonging to Three Cereal Species.

Cereals are a good source of phenolics and carotenoids with beneficial effects on human health. In this study, a 2-year evaluation was undertaken on grain, wholemeal and refined-flour of two cultivars, one old and one modern, belonging to three cereal species. Wholemeal of selected cultivars for each species was used for biscuit making. In the grain, some yield-related traits and proteins (PC) were evaluated. In the flours and biscuits, total polyphenols (TPC), flavonoids (TFC), proanthocyanidins (TPAC), carotenoids (TYPC) and antioxidant activities (DPPH and TEAC) were spectrophotometrically determined, whereas HPLC was used for the composition of soluble free and conjugated, and insoluble bound phenolic acids. Species (S), genotype (G) and 'SxG' were highly significant for yield-related and all antioxidant traits, whereas cropping year (Y) significantly affected yield-related traits, PC, TPC, TPAC, TEAC and 'SxGxY' interaction was significant for yield-related traits, TPAC, TYPC, TEAC, DPPH and all phenolic acid fractions. Apart from the TYPC that prevailed in durum wheat together with yield-related traits, barley was found to have significantly higher values for all the other parameters. Generally, the modern cultivars are richest in antioxidant compounds. The free and conjugated fractions were more representative in emmer, while the bound fraction was prevalent in barley and durum wheat. Insoluble bound phenolic acids represented 86.0% of the total, and ferulic acid was the most abundant in all species. A consistent loss of antioxidants was observed in all refined flours. The experimental biscuits were highest in phytochemicals than commercial control. Although barley biscuits were nutritionally superior, their lower consumer acceptance could limit their diffusion. New insights are required to find optimal formulations for better nutritional, sensorial and health biscuits.

In Vitro Antioxidant and Fibroblast Migration Activities of Fractions Eluded from Dichloromethane Leaf Extract of Marantodes pumilum.

(1) The complexity of diabetes and diabetic wound healing remains a therapeutic challenge because proper and systematic wound care and management are essential to prevent chronic microbial infection and mechanical damage to the skin. Marantodes pumilum, locally known as 'Kacip Fatimah', is an herb that has been previously reported to possess anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antinociceptive and antipyretic properties. The current study aims to assess the antioxidant and fibroblast cell migration activities of the fractions eluded from the dichloromethane extract of M. pumilum leaves. (2) The total antioxidant capacity of M. pumilum was assessed using the total proanthocyanidins and phosphomolybdenum assays, while DPPH, nitric oxide, hydrogen peroxide and superoxide free radical scavenging assays were tested to determine the antioxidant potential of M. pumilum. An in vitro scratch wound assay was performed to measure the fibroblast cell migration rate using normal and insulin-resistant human dermal fibroblast cells. (3) All M. pumilum fractions exhibited good antioxidant and fibroblast cell migration activity, among which fractions A and E displayed the greatest effect. (4) M. pumilum's fibroblast migration activity could be attributed to its strong antioxidant properties along with its previously reported properties.

A rapid chemometrics model for antioxidant substance mining of Chinese dwarf cherry [Cerasus humilis (Bge.) Sok.] based on polyphenol profile and antioxidant capacity of 30 germplasms

Chinese dwarf cherry (Ouli) is a native shrub in northwest China with high ecological value, but the nutritive potential remains to be explored. In this study, the total content of polyphenols, flavonoids, proanthocyanidins, and anthocyanins of Ouli from 30 germplasms were measured, and the antioxidant activities were evaluated by FRAP and ABTS assays. The polyphenol profile was determined by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry. Grey relational analysis and partial least squares were utilized to build chemometrics models for selecting antioxidant compounds. The contents of total flavonoids, proanthocyanidins, phenols and total anthocyanidins of 30 germplasms of Ouli were 119.92–668.76 mg/100 g fresh weight (FW), 90.81–555.44 mg/100 g FW, 148.42–390.43 mg/100 g FW, 0.02–17.26 mg/100 g FW, respectively. A total of 61 compounds were identified, including 40 flavonoids (26 flavonols, 4 anthocyanins, 6 dihydroflavonols, 2 dihydrochalcones, and 2 flavones), 12 proanthocyanidins, 6 phenolic acids, and 3 types of other class compounds (one stilbene and two phenols). The proanthocyanidin compounds in Ouli contributes most to the total antioxidant capacity with the antioxidant rank that procyanidin trimer > tetramer > dimer ≈ monomer. Catechin and procyanidin B1 were the most abundant compounds and were 18.45–162.50 μg/g FW and 30.52–149.42 μg/g FW, respectively. Shanxi (SX) 2 and SX10 could be considered as potential germplasms, and proanthocyanidins could be chosen as a characteristic nutrient evaluation index of Ouli. This study not only takes a key step to lay the groundwork for further research of Ouli but also provides a reference for the discovery of the functional ingredients of other foods.

An investigation of vine water status as a major factor in the quality of Merlot wine produced in terraced and non-terraced vineyards in the Vipava Valley, Slovenia

Terraced vineyards are cultural landscapes with a special value. The increase in costs and the lack of professional workers make viticulture on terraces difficult to be maintained. Thus, in the face of climate change and production challenges, we aimed to study the impact of slope-wise cultivation on wine quality. The quality of Merlot wines from terraced and slightly lower non-terraced vineyards within a small area characterised by similar mesoclimatic features was compared in the seasons 2019 and 2020. The non-terraced and terraced vineyards differed in both soil profile and morphology. The number of buds, number of clusters, and leaf area were standardised, and the stem water potential (SWP) was measured during wine-growing seasons. Upon reaching maturity, grapes were hand-picked on the same day in all vineyards and microvinified. The wines were analysed chemically and sensorially. In both years, the SWP showed higher water stress in the vines from terraces. The yield, berry weight, and leaf area were lower on terraced than on non-terraced vineyards in both years, and the skin- and seed-to-flesh ratios were higher. The darker seed colour pointed to the advanced ripening on terraces, where the wines had a higher alcohol concentration and a higher total dry extract. The wines from terraces had higher concentrations of total polyphenols, anthocyanins, and proanthocyanidins (PAs) than the wines from non-terraced vineyards in both years, and the PAs in the wines from terraces in 2019 had fewer prodelphinidins and were more galloylated. Higher concentrations of higher alcohols and lower concentrations of esters and methoxypyrazines were found in the wines from terraces. The sensory analysis revealed a preference for wines from terraces with better colour intensity, fruitiness, astringency, midpalate, and overall quality. Under experimental conditions (the same harvest date, standardised viticultural variables), the wines from terraces had both better phenolic potential and better sensory quality than the wines from non-terraced vineyards.

Genome‐wide analysis, metabolomics, and transcriptomics reveal the molecular basis of ZlRc overexpression in promoting phenolic compound accumulation in rice seeds

AbstractChinese wild rice (Zizania latifolia) is rich in phenolic compounds, particularly flavonoids. This study identified 203 basic helix‐loop‐helix (bHLHs) in Z. latifolia and showed that ZlbHLH196 (Zla16G011250) corresponds to the ZlRc gene in Z. latifolia, with its protein product localizing to the nucleus. Notably, the pericarps of ZlRc‐overexpressing (OE) rice are brown, whereas those of wild‐type (WT) rice are nonpigmented. The total phenolic, flavonoid, and proanthocyanidin contents, antioxidant activity, as well as enzyme inhibitory effects of ZlRc‐OE rice were significantly higher than those of WT rice. Overall, 221 differential phenolic metabolites were identified between ZlRc‐OE and WT rice, among which 198 were upregulated in the former. Additionally, a total of 227 differentially expressed genes were identified between ZlRc‐OE and WT rice, with 173 upregulated. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes annotation and enrichment analysis of phenolic metabolites revealed enhanced isoflavonoid, flavone, flavonol, and flavonoid biosynthesis pathways in ZlRc‐OE rice, which, furthermore, showed a markedly upregulated expression and significantly higher activities of four key flavonoid biosynthesis–related enzymes (phenylalanine ammonia‐lyase, chalcone synthase, chalcone‐flavanone isomerase, and dihydroflavonol 4‐reductase). These findings show that ZlRc‐overexpression promotes phenolic compound accumulation in rice seeds and can be used to bioaugment rice phenolic content.

Variation in Phenolic Compounds, Antioxidant and Antibacterial Activities of Extracts from Different Plant Organs of Meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria (L.) Maxim.).

Meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria (L.) Maxim.) has been widely used in the treatment of various diseases. The pharmacological properties of meadowsweet are derived from the presence of phenolic compounds of a diverse structure in sufficiently large quantities. The purpose of this study was to examine the vertical distribution of individual groups of phenolic compounds (total phenolics, flavonoids, hydroxycinnamic acids, catechins, proanthocyanidins, and tannins) and individual phenolic compounds in meadowsweet and to determine the antioxidant and antibacterial activity of extracts from various meadowsweet organs. It was found that the leaves, flowers, fruits, and roots of meadowsweet are characterized by a high total phenolics content (up to 65 mg g-1). A high content of flavonoids was determined in the upper leaves and flowers (117-167 mg g-1), with high contents of hydroxycinnamic acids in the upper leaves, flowers, and fruits (6.4-7.8 mg g-1); high contents of catechins and proanthocyanidins in the roots (45.1 and 3.4 mg g-1, respectively); and high tannin content in the fruits (38.3 mg g-1). Analysis of extracts by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) showed that the qualitative and quantitative composition of individual phenolic compounds in various parts of the meadowsweet varied greatly. Among the flavonoids identified in meadowsweet, quercetin derivatives dominate, namely quercetin 3-O-rutinoside, quercetin 3-β-d-glucoside, and quercetin 4'-O-glucoside. Quercetin 4'-O-glucoside (spiraeoside) was found only in the flowers and fruits. Catechin was identified in the leaves and roots of meadowsweet. The distribution of phenolic acids across the plant was also uneven. In the upper leaves, a higher content of chlorogenic acid was determined, and in the lower leaves, a higher content of ellagic acid determined. In flowers and fruits, a higher contents of gallic, caftaric, ellagic, and salicylic acids were noted. Ellagic and salicylic acids were also dominant among phenolic acids in the roots. Based on the results of the analysis of antioxidant activity in terms of the ability to utilize the radicals of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazine (DPPH) and 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzthiazolino-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) and in terms of iron-reducing ability (FRAP), the upper leaves, flowers, and fruits of meadowsweet can be considered plant raw materials suitable to obtain extracts with high antioxidant activity. Extracts of plant fruits and flowers also showed high antibacterial activity against the bacteria Bacillus subtilis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Effects of Trellis Systems on the Vegetative Growth and Fruit Quality of Muscat-Flavored Table Grapes

The selection of appropriate grapevine trellis systems is of great importance for regulating vine vigor, forming grape yield, improving fruit quality, and labor-saving field management in the North China Plain. The effects of two trellis systems on the viticultural characteristics and fruit quality of three table grape cultivars: RuiduHongyu (RDHY), RuiduXiangyu (RDXY), and Red Globe (RG) were investigated. The two trellis systems were: (i) T trellis, with shoots positioned horizontally and downwards; and (ii) V trellis, with shoots positioned upright with an inclined angle. Headspace-solid-phase micro-extraction combined with gas chromatography mass spectrometry (HS-SPME-GC-MS) was used to determine the compositions and contents of the monoterpenes in the fruit. The results showed that for RDHY and RG, the T trellis showed better shoot growth consistency. The sugar–acid ratios of RDHY in 2019 and RDXY in 2021 under the T trellis were significantly higher than those under the V trellis. In 2020 and 2021, RDHY showed significantly higher total anthocyanin, flavonoid, and proanthocyanidin concentrations under the T trellis. The total monoterpene content in RDHY berries was significantly higher under the T trellis. The aromatic profiles of RDHY and RDXY grapes were similar and were mainly composed of citrus, other floral, other fruit, and rose aromatic characteristics. Among them, the main aromatic characteristics varied greatly among the different treatments. In conclusion, the Eurasian table grape cultivars with muscat flavor showed a more moderate and controllable vine vigor, consistent shoot growth, better fruit quality and taste, and greater accumulation of polyphenolic compounds and monoterpenes under the T trellis system.

Changes in the Fruit Quality, Phenolic Compounds, and Antioxidant Potential of Red-Fleshed Kiwifruit during Postharvest Ripening

Kiwifruit is very popular for its unique flavor and nutritional value, and for its potential health benefits, which are closely related to its richness in a variety of natural antioxidant substances, in which polyphenolics play a non-negligible role. This study investigated changes in the fruit quality, phenolic compounds, and antioxidant potential of Chinese red-fleshed kiwifruit "Hongshi No. 2" during postharvest ripening at room temperature (20 ± 1 °C). Results showed that the weight loss rate slowly increased, the firmness rapidly decreased, and the soluble solid concentration gradually increased during the postharvest ripening of red-flesh kiwifruit. In addition, the total phenolic (TPC), total flavonoid (TFC), and total proanthocyanidin (TPAC) contents gradually increased during postharvest ripening. The most abundant phenolic compounds in kiwifruit throughout postharvest ripening were catechin (CC), proanthocyanidin B1 (PB1), and proanthocyanidin B2 (PB2). Furthermore, the methanolic extracts of red-flesh kiwifruit exhibited remarkable antioxidant activities throughout postharvest ripening stages. Indeed, some phenolic compounds showed good correlations with antioxidant activities; for instance, chlorogenic acid (CHL) showed a significantly positive correlation with ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), and isoquercitrin (IS) showed a significantly negative correlation with DPPH free radical scavenging ability. The findings from this study are beneficial to better understanding the quality profile of red-flesh kiwifruit "Hongshi No. 2" during postharvest ripening.

Antimicrobial Activity of Sempervivum tectorum L. Extract on Pathogenic Bacteria Isolated from Otitis Externa of Dogs.

The present study investigated the antimicrobial activity, total phenolic content, and proanthocyanidin concentration of ethanolic extracts from fresh leaves of Sempervivum tectorum L. The extracts were phytochemically analyzed and evaluated for antimicrobial activity. The broth microdilution method was used to assess antimicrobial activity against pathogenic bacteria isolated from ear swabs taken from dogs with otitis externa. Many compounds were present in the ethanolic aqueous extracts, which exhibited a broad spectrum of antimicrobial activity. They showed strong antibacterial activity against standard clinical Gram-positive strains such as S. aureus and Gram-negative strains such as P. aeruginosa. In our study, the obtained quantity of total phenolic compounds in the ethanol:water extract of leaves was 126.17 mg GAE/g. The proanthocyanidin concentration in the tested Sempervivum tectorum L. extracts was 15.39 mg PAC/g material. The high contents of total phenolics and proanthocyanidin indicated that these compounds contribute to antimicrobial activity. The antimicrobial activity of the tested S. tectorum L. extracts ranged from 1.47 to 63.75 µg/mL, starting with 1.47 µg/mL and 1.75 µg/mL against S. aureus ATCC 25923 and P. aeruginosa ATCC 27853 strains, respectively. Likewise, S. tectorum L. ethanol extract demonstrated a bacteriostatic effect against S. aureus clinical isolate with a median MIC of 23.25 µg/mL and MBC of 37.23 µg/mL; and bactericidal against S. aureus ATCC 25923 with the median MIC of 20.33 µg/mL and MBC of 37.29 µg/mL. In the Gram-negative P. aeruginosa clinical and standard strains, the expressed MIC and MBC values were 24.234 and 20.53 µg/mL for MIC, and 37.30 and 37.02 µg/mL for MBC, respectively.

Promising antioxidant activity of crude extract from Calliandra tweedii Benth

The interest in medicinal plants encourages new research studies on plant extracts, as they are sources for treatments in medicine, agriculture, and veterinary. Calliandra tweedii is a native Brazilian species with broad use in folk medicine. This study aimed to examine the leaf crude extract (CE) of C. tweedii and its methanolic (MP) and hexane (HP) phases concerning total phenolic compounds (TPC), proanthocyanidins (PRO), and flavonoid profile, and correlate it to their antioxidant activity (DPPH and FRAP). CE and MP revealed high contents of TPC, PRO and high antioxidant activity (DPPH and FRAP) in relation to HP. Contrarily, HP showed reduced antioxidant activity, according to the scarce phenolic constituents obtained from the partition. Five flavonols were detected by HPLC-UV-DAD, being quercitrin the major constituent. Also, one kaempferol derivate and a series of three quercetin derivates were detected. Strong positive correlations were observed between DPPH, FRAP, and phenolic compounds. These discoveries are important to highlight the promising antioxidant activity of CE of C. tweedii, which could contribute to the expansion of popular herbal medicines and new drug discovery.

Transcriptome and weighted gene co-expression network analysis of jujube (Ziziphus jujuba Mill.) fruit reveal putative genes involved in proanthocyanin biosynthesis and regulation

Proanthocyanidin (PA) is an important bioactive compound with multiple physiological benefits in jujube (Ziziphus jujube Mill.). However, the molecular mechanisms underlying PA biosynthesis in jujube fruit have not been investigated. Here, the profiling of PA, (+)-catechin and (–)-epicatechin and transcriptome sequencing of three jujube cultivars from Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region of China at five developmental stages were analyzed. The levels of total PAs and catechin exhibited a decreased trend over jujube ripening, and epicatechin content of two jujube cultivars increased first and then declined. Transcriptome analysis revealed that the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were mainly enriched in ribosome, glycolysis/gluconeogenesis, fructose and mannose metabolism. 17 DEGs encoding PAL, CHS, CHI, CHS, F3’H, LAR, ANR, C4Hs, 4CLs, FLSs, DFRs and UFGTs involved in PA biosynthesis were relatively abundant. The highly transcribed LAR gene may greatly contribute to epicatechin accumulation. A weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) was performed, and a network module including 1620 genes highly correlated with content of Pas and catechin was established. We identified 58 genes including 9 structural genes and 49 regulatory genes related to PA biosynthesis and regulation in the WGCNA module. Sixteen genes encoding 9 families of transcriptional factors (i.e., MYB, bHLH, ERF, bZIP, NAC, SBP, MIKC, HB, WRKY) were considered as hub genes. The results of qRT-PCR analysis validating 10 genes were well consistent with the transcriptome data. These findings provide valuable knowledge to facilitate its genetic studies and molecular breeding.

Antioxidant and antimicrobial activity of two Costa Rican cultivars of ber (Ziziphus mauritiana): An underexploited crop in the American tropic.

Ber is an antioxidant-rich fruit from Asia and has recently been cultured in Central America. The antioxidant capacity and antimicrobial activity of Z. mauritiana cultured of bers from Guanacaste, Costa Rica, were evaluated. Two farm locations and two cultivars were evaluated. Total polyphenolic compounds (TPC), proanthocyanidin compounds (PAC), and ascorbic acid were spectrophotometrically quantified. Antioxidant activity has been analyzed using the DPPH method. Antimicrobial susceptibility was determined using the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method. Ber samples contained 11-44 mg GAE/g TPC. Green fruits and leaves had the highest concentrations. The ascorbic acid concentration in ber fruits was determined between 251 and 466 mg/100 g. Ber vitamin C content is higher than most common fruits. Proanthocyanidin compounds were determined between 1.8 and 9.9mg 4-MCG/g, and the highest concentration was observed in the leaves. Our samples showed the antioxidant activity of 90-387 μmol TE/g, which was moderate activity. The nutritional quality of ber fruits was related to maturity conditions. The ber fruits, a crop from Asia previously adapted to live in Costa Rica, are rich in vitamin C and TPC, and the concentration of those metabolites was even higher than the concentration reported in bers grown in other countries. The TPC and PACs had an interestingly wide antimicrobial spectrum. Cultivars and farm locations have a significant effect on metabolite production.

Phytochemical Profiling of Extracts from Rare Potentilla Species and Evaluation of Their Anticancer Potential.

Despite the common use of Potentilla L. species (Rosaceae) as herbal medicines, a number of species still remain unexplored. Thus, the present study is a continuation of a study evaluating the phytochemical and biological profiles of aqueous acetone extracts from selected Potentilla species. Altogether, 10 aqueous acetone extracts were obtained from the aerial parts of P. aurea (PAU7), P. erecta (PER7), P. hyparctica (PHY7), P. megalantha (PME7), P. nepalensis (PNE7), P. pensylvanica (PPE7), P. pulcherrima (PPU7), P. rigoi (PRI7), and P. thuringiaca (PTH7), leaves of P. fruticosa (PFR7), as well as from the underground parts of P. alba (PAL7r) and P. erecta (PER7r). The phytochemical evaluation consisted of selected colourimetric methods, including total phenolic (TPC), tannin (TTC), proanthocyanidin (TPrC), phenolic acid (TPAC), and flavonoid (TFC) contents, as well as determination of the qualitative secondary metabolite composition by the employment of LC-HRMS (liquid chromatography-high-resolution mass spectrometry) analysis. The biological assessment included an evaluation of the cytotoxicity and antiproliferative properties of the extracts against human colon epithelial cell line CCD841 CoN and human colon adenocarcinoma cell line LS180. The highest TPC, TTC, and TPAC were found in PER7r (326.28 and 269.79 mg gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/g extract and 263.54 mg caffeic acid equivalents (CAE)/g extract, respectively). The highest TPrC was found in PAL7r (72.63 mg catechin equivalents (CE)/g extract), and the highest TFC was found in PHY7 (113.29 mg rutin equivalents (RE)/g extract). The LC-HRMS analysis showed the presence of a total of 198 compounds, including agrimoniin, pedunculagin, astragalin, ellagic acid, and tiliroside. An examination of the anticancer properties revealed the highest decrease in colon cancer cell viability in response to PAL7r (IC50 = 82 µg/mL), while the strongest antiproliferative effect was observed in LS180 treated with PFR7 (IC50 = 50 µg/mL) and PAL7r (IC50 = 52 µg/mL). An LDH (lactate dehydrogenase) assay revealed that most of the extracts were not cytotoxic against colon epithelial cells. At the same time, the tested extracts for the whole range of concentrations damaged the membranes of colon cancer cells. The highest cytotoxicity was observed for PAL7r, which in concentrations from 25 to 250 µg/mL increased LDH levels by 145.7% and 479.0%, respectively. The previously and currently obtained results indicated that some aqueous acetone extracts from Potentilla species have anticancer potential and thus encourage further studies in order to develop a new efficient and safe therapeutic strategy for people who have been threatened by or suffered from colon cancer.

HPLC analysis, mycochemical contents and biological activities of two edible hypogeous ascomycetes: Tirmania nivea and Terfezia boudieri

Truffle, the hypogeous, ascomycetous macrofungus, has been recognized as a delicacy for centuries, and it is gaining elevated status in the culinary domain. The chemical composition and biological activities of aqueous extract and ground material of two desert Tunisian Tirmania nivea and Terfezia boudieri were studied for the first time. Using three assays antioxidant activity of the aqueous extract and ground material of the two truffles were investigated. Indeed, the aqueous extract and ground material of Terfezia boudieri showed the highest capacity for the DPPH scavenging test (IC50 = 0.18 mg/mL) and with regard to the chelating power of iron (IC50 = 0.22 mg/mL). At the same time, the highest capacity for iron reduction was recorded in the crude material of Tirmania nivea. Besides, the total phenolic, flavonoid, flavanol, tannin, and proanthocyanidin contents of both truffles extracts were determined. The ground material showed the best antibacterial activity for two ascomycetes against seven strains of bacteria. HPLC analysis of aqueous extracts showed that the predominant phenolic compounds in T. boudieri and T. nivea were gallic acid (33.25%) and myricetin (52.91%). Therefore, these truffles are a source of natural antioxidant and antimicrobial agents and could be used as a potential health food.

Bioactive Compound Contents and Antioxidant Activity of Purified Red Sorghum Pericarp Extract by Membrane Ultrafiltration Process

Sorghum plants contain bioactive compounds such as phenolic compounds and proanthocyanidins. The presence of these compounds is extremely valuable for use as antioxidants in health care. This study aims to determine the total phenolic content, total proanthocyanidin content, and antioxidant activity of purified red sorghum extract using the ultrafiltration membrane method with different transmembrane pressure. At pressures of 8, 9, and 10 Bar, an ultrafiltration process was carried out using a polyethersulfone (PES) membrane with a molecular weight cut-off size of 10 kDa. The total phenolic content was determined using the Follin-Ciocalteu method and identified using UV-Vis spectrophotometry at 760 nm. Total proanthocyanidin content was measured using the acid-butanol method and then analyzed using UV-Vis spectrophotometry at 550 nm. The DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) method will be used to determine the antioxidant activity of purified red sorghum extract. The results of the measurements show that the higher the transmembrane pressure, the higher the concentration of phenolic and proanthocyanidins content, and that the purified red sorghum extract has a high antioxidant value (IC 50 = 66.852 ppm).

Analysis of proanthocyanidins and flavonols in the seedpods of Chinese Antique Lotus: A rich source of antioxidants

Antique Lotus (Nelumbo) is a perennial aquatic plant with unique historical significance and cultural value, whereas its potential economic value hasn’t been fully explored. The present study showed that lotus seedpods had significantly higher antioxidant capacity than other parts by FRAP, ABTS, and ORAC assays and analyzed the proanthocyanidins and flavonols in the seedpods of Antique Lotus. Polyphenols contributed to great antioxidant activity and 51 polyphenols were identified by UPLC-TQ-MS analysis. In which, 27 compounds were identified from lotus seedpods for the first time, including 20 trimers, 5 dimers and 2 tetramers of proanthocyanidin. Total proanthocyanidins explained 70%–90% of the different antioxidant activities and the content of proanthocyanidin trimers showed the strongest correlations with the antioxidant activities. This study provided a fundamental reference for the research of polyphenols in lotus and found that Antique Lotus seedpod extracts have the promising prospects of additives used in feed and food processing.

Comparison of Proanthocyanidin Content in Rabbiteye Blueberry (Vaccinium virgatum Aiton) Leaves and the Promotion of Apoptosis against HL-60 Promyelocytic Leukemia Cells Using ‘Kunisato 35 Gou’ Leaf Extract

Polyphenol-rich rabbiteye blueberry (Vaccinium virgatum Aiton) leaves have attracted attention as a food material. In this study, we compared the total polyphenols, total proanthocyanidin content, and antioxidant activity of the leaves of 18 blueberry varieties and investigated the seasonal variation in polyphenols. We also evaluated the anti-cancer cell proliferation properties of the rabbiteye blueberry leaf specific cultivar 'Kunisato 35 Gou'. Rabbiteye blueberry leaves had significantly higher total polyphenol and total proanthocyanidin values than northern highbush blueberry and southern highbush blueberry leaves. The antioxidant activity of blueberry leaves was highly positively correlated with both the total polyphenol and total proanthocyanidin content. Variations were observed in the total polyphenol and total proanthocyanidin content of rabbiteye blueberry leaves harvested at different points in the growing season; leaves collected in fall to winter contained more epicatechin in addition to proanthocyanidins. In the evaluation of anti-cancer cell proliferation properties against HL-60 promyelocytic leukemia cells, the September-harvested extracts of rabbiteye blueberry 'Kunisato 35 Gou' showed strong properties, and the use of an FITC Annexin V apoptosis detection kit with propidium iodide confirmed that this HL-60 cell death occurred via apoptosis. Limiting the harvest time would make rabbiteye blueberry leaves a more functional food ingredient.

Phytochemical Composition of the Fruit of Large Cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon Aiton) Cultivars Grown in the Collection of the National Botanic Garden of Latvia

In this study, we conducted a qualitative and quantitative analysis of anthocyanins, proanthocyanidins, flavonols and triterpenoids in samples of introduced and bred large cranberry fruits from the collection of the National Botanic Garden of Latvia. The highest total anthocyanin levels (8638-9316 µg/g) were detected in the fruit samples of the cranberry cultivars 'Black Veil', 'Franclin' and 'Early Black'. The highest total proanthocyanidin levels (2775-3389 µg/g) were found in cranberries of cultivars 'Kalnciema Agrā', 'Kalnciema Tumšā', 'Searles', 'Howes', and 'Kalnciema Ražīgā'. The highest levels of flavonol compounds (1373-1402 µg/g) were detected in cranberries of cultivars 'Howes', 'Black Veil' and 'Salaspils Melnās'. The highest levels of triterpenoids (5292-5792 µg/g) were determined in cranberries of cultivars 'Kalnciema Agrā', 'Septembra', 'Džbrūklene' and 'Early Black'. The results of our study allow for the estimation of differences in the content of secondary metabolites in the fruit samples of the studied cranberry cultivars and for the selection of promising cultivars for further introduction and cultivation in the climatic conditions of the Baltic countries. These results are also important for the selection of the most promising cranberry cultivars for the preparation of cranberry raw material, and the high-quality composition of plant material ensures the effectiveness of cranberry supplements and other cranberry preparations.