Caftaric Acid Research Articles

Structured Fruit Cube Snack of BRS Vitoria Grape with Gala Apple: Phenolic Composition and Sensory Attributes

This study developed a structured fruit cube (FC) snack using only natural ingredients, specifically red grape and apple, without hydrocolloids and sucrose. After development, physicochemical characterization and analysis of phenolic compounds (PCs), including anthocyanins, flavonols, and hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives, using HPLC-DAD-ESI-MS/MS, were conducted. Sensory quality was also assessed through an acceptance and sensory profile analysis using the rate-all-that-apply methodology. The results showed that the FC had physicochemical characteristics similar to other structured fruits that use hydrocolloids. Additionally, they presented a complex composition of PCs, predominantly including anthocyanins derived from malvidin (tri-substituted methoxylated anthocyanins), notably cumarylated ones. Flavonols compounds comprised the 3-glucoside series of myricetin, quercetin, laricitrin, kaempferol, isorhamnetin, and syringetin; the 3-galactoside series of myricetin and quercetin; and the 3-glucuronic acid series of myricetin and quercitin, along with rutin. The presence of caftaric acid, coutaric acid, fertaric acid, and p-coumaroyl-glucose was also detected, alongside caffeic acid-O-glucoside 1, caffeic acid-O-glucoside 2, chlorogenic acid, 4-O-p-coumaroylquinic acid, and dicaffeoylquinic acid. In conclusion, the selection of natural ingredients was technologically suitable for obtaining an FC. Despite using conventional drying at 60 °C, the product showed notable concentrations of PCs and also achieved great sensory acceptance.

Correlation Analysis Among the Chemical Composition and Cytotoxic and Antioxidative Activities of a Tessaria absinthioides Decoction for Endorsing Its Potential Application in Oncology

Historically, botanical preparations have been used to improve human health. Their active ingredients are influenced by multiple factors such as intraspecies variations, environmental conditions, collection time and methods, and the part of the plant used. To ensure the efficiency and safety of these herbal drugs, qualitative and quantitative analyses are required. A Tessaria absinthioides decoction (DETa) was reported as having hypocholesterolemic, anti-inflammatory, cytotoxic, antitumor, and antioxidative properties. This work aimed to analyze DETa by correlating its chemical composition with cytotoxic and antioxidative properties, with the aim of promoting research on it as an anticancer agent. DETa collections (2017, 2018, 2019, and 2022) were analyzed by UHPLC-DAD, UHPLC-DAD-FLD, and UPLC-MS/MS; cytotoxicity was assessed on the MCF-7 breast cancer cell line; antioxidative capacity was evaluated by the DPPH and FRAP methods; and correlation analysis was used to determine biological and chemical markers. The results provide evidence that biological activities were consistent across the collections. Among the quantified compounds, apigenin, naringin, gallocatechin gallate, ginnalin A, myricetin, epicatechin, OH-tyrosol, quercetin, and chlorogenic, tessaric, p-coumaric, vanillic, caffeic, caftaric, ellagic, and rosmarinic acids correlated as bioactive and chemical markers. Moreover, tessaric acid could be established as a species marker. Altogether, these findings add relevant information to DETa properties, encouraging further exploration of its potential application as an anticancer botanical.

Development of a model to study browning caused by tyrosinase in grape must

Enzymatic browning caused by polyphenol oxidases, tyrosinase and laccase, continues to be one of the main problems in winemaking. Therefore, wineries are very interested in studying the mechanisms of browning and procedures for decreasing the use sulphur dioxide. This research proposes a model to study tyrosinase activity from grape must using different substrates: one monophenol (p-hydroxybenzoic acid), two diphenols (caftaric acid and (−)-epicatechin) and one triphenol (gallic acid). The kinetic constants of tyrosinase, Vmax and KM, indicate that caftaric acid is the best substrate for tyrosinase, followed in decreasing order by (−)-epicatechin, gallic acid and p-hydroxybenzoic acid. This last acid does not appear to be susceptible to browning by the action of grape must tyrosinase. The influence of pH, temperature and ethanol on grape must tyrosinase were also determined and the results indicate that tyrosinase Vmax increases when pH and temperature are higher and that the presence of ethanol reduces it.

Phenolic Profile and Antioxidant Capacity of Skin-contact White Wines

Background: Skin-contact white wines (also known as amber, orange, or macerated white wines) go through extended maceration during fermentation, giving the wine a characteristic amber- or orange-like color and a unique flavor. Objective: This study aimed to compare the polyphenolic profile and antioxidant capacity of selected skin-contact white wines from three different regions including the ones prepared with the traditional Kakhetian method. Methods: Samples consisted of nine commercially available skin-contact white wines from Greece, United States and Georgia. Wines from Georgia were prepared with the traditional Kakhetian method. Several physicochemical properties, total phenolic content (TPC), ß-carotene, and mineral content were determined. Results: TPC ranged from 447 to 2211 mg GAE/L, antioxidant capacity measured using ABTS and DPPH ranged from 643 – 2088 μmol TE/L, and 584 – 4421 μmol TE/L, respectively. Mn, Ca, Mg and P content ranged from 3.6 – 18.2 mg/L, 406 - 772 mg/L, 1530 – 2770 mg/L, and 530 – 2200 mg/L, respectively. A Principal Component Analysis (PCA) of the eight phenolic compounds that were present in more than one wine (gallic acid, vanillic acid, caffeic acid, caftaric acid, 4-CQA=4-Caffeoylquinic acid, p-coumaric acid, catechin, and epicatechin) identified two groups of skin-contact wines. Group one included the three amber wines from Georgia (samples 1 to 3) made following the Kakhetian method and one orange wine from the USA (sample 9). Group two included the remaining samples from the USA (samples 7,8) and the three samples from Greece (samples 4-6). Conclusion: Skin-contact white wines, despite having an extended maceration during fermentation in common, can be quite different in polyphenol content and antioxidant capacity, perhaps due to differences in the processing conditions.

Echinacea Species Cultivated in Bulgaria as a Source of Chicoric and Caftaric Acids

Echinacea Species Cultivated in Bulgaria as a Source of Chicoric and Caftaric Acids

Metabolomics Analysis of Phenolic Composition and Content in Five Pear Cultivars Leaves.

Phenolic compounds are the predominant chemical constituents in the secondary metabolites of plants and are commonly found in pears. In this study, we focused on the analysis of the phenolic composition and antioxidant activity of leaves from five pear cultivars (Cuiguan, Chaohong, Kuerle, Nanguoli, and Yali) and tea leaves (Fudingdabai as the control) using ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization triple quadrupole mass spectrometry. The results indicated significant differences in the amount and composition of phenolic metabolites between tea and pear leaves, as well as among the five pear varieties. Only approximately one-third of the metabolites exhibited higher levels in pear leaves compared to that in tea leaves. The total phenol content in the Yali cultivar was higher than that in the other pear cultivars. Furthermore, specific phenolic metabolites with high expression were identified in the leaves of different groups. The levels of delphinidin 3-glucoside, aesculin, prunin, cosmosiin, quercetin 3-galactoside, isorhamnetin-3-O-glucoside, nicotiflorin, narcissin, chlorogenic acid, and cryptochlorogenic acid were relatively high among the five pear cultivars. (-)-Gallocatechin gallate, 6-methylcoumarin, aesculetin, hesperidin, kaempferol, and caftaric acid were identified as specific metabolic substances unique to each type of pear leaf. Most of the differential metabolites showed positive correlations and were primarily enriched in the flavonoid biosynthesis, flavone and flavonol biosynthesis, and phenylpropanoid biosynthesis pathways. DPPH (1,1-Diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical) analysis indicated that the Yali cultivar exhibited the highest antioxidant activity compared to other varieties. This systematic analysis of the differences in phenolic metabolite composition and antioxidant activity between pear and tea leaves provides a theoretical foundation for the development and utilization of pear leaf resources.

Investigating the Therapeutic Property of Galium verum L. (GV) for MSG induced Audiogenic Epilepsy (AEs) and Neuroprotection through In-Silico and In-Vitro Analysis.

Audiogenic Epilepsy (AEs) is a subtype of epileptic seizure that is generally caused by high-intensity sounds. A large number of traditional medicines has been explored in this lieu where our study chased Galium verum L. (Rubiaceae), an herbal plant which is commonly known as Lady's Bedstraw, that contains a highly rich chemical composition including flavonoids (Hispidulin, Quercetin, and Kaempferol), and phenolic acids (chlorogenic acid, caftaric acid, and gallic acid). G verum is well known for its antioxidant, neuroprotective, and anti-inflammatory properties. Recently, the unique role of Adhesion G Protein- Coupled Receptor V1 (ADGRV1) protein in the progression of audiogenic epilepsy has been explored. This study aimed to examine the potent phytoconstituents of the hydroalcoholic extract of G. verum L. (HEGV) using analytical techniques. Additionally, our study sought to evaluate the antioxidant, neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory properties, and antiepileptic potency of HEGV by targeting ADGRV1 via in silico and in vitro analyses using SHSY5Y cells. HPLC and LC-MS techniques were employed to identify the flavonoids, iridoids, and phenolic acid derivatives present in HEGV. DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl), nitric oxide (NO), and hydroxyl (OH) radical scavenging assays were performed to confirm the antioxidant potential of the extract. Additionally, in silico molecular docking and molecular dynamic studies were performed using AutoDock Vina software to analyze the possible interactions between crucial phytoconstituents of HEGV and ADGRV1, followed by cell line analysis. In the in vitro analysis, antioxidant, neuroprotective, and anti-inflammatory properties were assessed via cell viability assay, IL, GABA, and glutamate estimation. LC-MS and HPLC analyses revealed high concentrations of hispidulin, a major flavonoid found in HEGV. HEGV exhibited moderate-to-high free radical-scavenging activities comparable to those of ascorbic acid. Docking analysis demonstrated that hispidulin has a stronger binding affinity with ADGRV1 (Vina score = -8.6 kcal/mol) than other compounds. Furthermore, cell line analysis revealed that the MSG exacerbates the neurodegeneration and neuroinflammation, whereas, HEGV and Hispidulin both possess neuroprotective, antioxidant, and antiepileptic activities. HEGV and Hispidulin proved to be promising candidates for treating audiogenic epilepsy by modulating ADGRV1.

Effects of unconventional non-Saccharomyces yeast fermentation on the chemical profile and bioaccessibility of watermelon wine

This study evaluated effects of watermelon fermentation using different non-Saccharomyces yeast strains (Brettanomyces lambicus, Brettanomyces bruxellensis, and Lachancea thermotolerans) on the chemical profile of the derived wines. A control product was produced using Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Analytical techniques, namely HPLC-DAD-RID and LLE-GC/MS, were used to evaluate sugars, organic acids, alcohols, phenolic compounds, amino acids, and volatile compounds profiles. Fermentation reduced the sugar (glucose and fructose) and amino acid contents and increased alcohol (ethanol and glycerol), organic acids (lactic and acetic acids), phenolics, and volatile compounds. The use of the B. bruxellensis strain resulted in an alcoholic beverage with quality parameters similar to that from S. cerevisiae but with higher concentrations of phenolics (rutin, gallic acid, caftaric acid, and caffeic acid) and important volatile compounds (isoamyl acetate). The watermelon wine had a higher content of bioaccessible phenolic compounds than the must, especially catechin, procyanidin B1, procyanidin B2 and gallic acid, due to their high bioaccessibility (>70%). The yeast type influenced the chemical profile of the beverages. B. bruxellensis is a promising tool to obtain watermelon alcoholic beverage in an industrial scale.

In Vivo and Real-Time Metabolic Profiling of Plant-Microbe Interactions in Leaves, Stems, and Roots of Bacterially Inoculated Chardonnay Plantlets using SpiderMass.

There is growing interest in limiting the use of fungicides and implementing innovative, environmentally friendly strategies, such as the use of beneficial bacteria-triggered immunity, to protect grapevines from natural pathogens. Therefore, we need rapid and innovative ways to translate the knowledge of the molecular mechanisms underlying the activation of grapevine defenses against pathogens to induced resistance. Here, we have implemented an in vivo minimally invasive approach to study the interaction between plants and beneficial bacteria based on metabolic signatures. Paraburkholderia phytofirmans strain PsJN and PsJN-grapevine were used as bacterial and plant-bacterium interaction models, respectively. Using an innovative tool, SpiderMass, based on water-assisted laser desorption ionization with an IR microsampling probe, we simultaneously detect metabolic and lipidomic species. A metabolomic spectrum was thus generated, which was used to build a library and identify the most variable and discriminative peaks between the two conditions. We then showed that caftaric acid (m/z 311.04), caftaric acid dimer (m/z 623.09), derived caftaric acid (m/z 653.15), and quercetin-O-glucuronide tended to accumulate in grapevine leaves after root bacterization with PsJN. In addition, together with these phenolic messengers, we identified lipid biomarkers such as palmitic acid, linoleic acid, and α-linoleic acid as important messengers of enhanced defense mechanisms in Chardonnay plantlets. Taken together, SpiderMass is the next-generation methodology for studying plant-microorganism metabolic interactions with the prospect of in vivo real-time analysis in viticulture.

Phytochemical Analysis and Evaluation of Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Properties of Essential Oils and Seed Extracts of Anethum graveolens from Southern Morocco: In Vitro and In Silico Approach for a Natural Alternative to Synthetic Preservatives.

Anethum graveolens is an aromatic plant traditionally used as an antispasmodic and carminative. The objective of this study is to analyze the chemical composition of the essential oils and extracts obtained from seeds gathered in Errachidia, southern Morocco. Additionally, the antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of these oils and extracts will be evaluated. GC-MS analysis of the EO isolated by hydrodistillation revealed that its main compounds were E-anethole (38.13%), estragole (29.32%), fenchone (17.21%), and α-pinene (7.37%). The phenolic components were extracted using the methods of decoction and Soxhlet. The assay of the phenolic compounds showed that A. graveolens seeds contained considerable amounts of polyphenols, flavonoids, and condensed tannins, with variable levels depending on the extract analyzed. HPLC/UV-ESI-MS analyses performed on the decoction revealed a structural diversity of the molecules present in this extract, the most important of which were umbelliferone (12.35%), 3-hydroxyflavone (11.23%), rosmanol (8.95%), biotin (8.36%), emmotin H (4.91%), and coumarin (4.21%). The antioxidant activity, as determined by three techniques (DPPH•, FRAP, and CAT), demonstrated that the essential oils (EOs) and extracts had a potent capacity to counteract detrimental free radicals, control the generation of reactive oxygen species, and mitigate oxidative damages. The antimicrobial activity of the Eos and extracts was carried out in a liquid medium against five strains (E. cloacae, K. pneumoniae, E. coli, S. aureus, and S. epidermidis) and four candidiasis (C. albicans, C. dubliniensis, C. tropicalis, and C. parapsilosis) and Aspergillus niger. The results showed the effectiveness of the EOs compared to the aqueous, ethanolic, and decoction extracts against most of the microorganisms tested. In addition, the ethanolic extract showed antifungal activity that was distinguished from that of the other extracts. The antimicrobial efficacy of the essential oils under study can primarily be attributed to the synergistic interactions among its three principal constituents (E-anethole, estragole, and fenchone). Furthermore, molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation results reveal significant interactions and stability between the selected bioactive compounds and different target proteins involved in antimicrobial and antioxidant activities. Compounds like 3-hydroxyflavone, emmotin H, trans-caftaric acid, methyl rosmarinate, 1-caffeoyl-beta-D-glucose, and kaempferol exhibited better binding energies with the explored proteins, indicating their potential as antimicrobial and antioxidant agents. Finally, our findings emphasize the significance of A. graveolens seeds as a promising reservoir of advantageous health compounds that can serve as organic substitutes for the presently employed synthetic preservatives.

Use of vine-shoots stilbene extract to the reduction of SO2 in red and rosé Italian wine: Effect on phenolic, volatile, and sensory profiles

Sulfur dioxide (SO2) is one of the most used additives in wine industry for its antioxidant and antimicrobial activity. However, due to health concerns, consumers’ demand of wines with either reduced or totally replaced SO2 has increased. This study aimed to assess the effect of partial and total replacement of SO2 with a vine-shoots extract rich in stilbenes in rosé (cv. Sangiovese) and red (cv. Negramaro) wines respectively. Color as well as phenolic, volatile, and sensory profiles of wines were evaluated at bottling and during storage.The results showed that the vine-shoots extract increased the levels of trans-resveratrol, catechin, and gallic acid in wines. Moreover, the positive correlation of procyanidin dimers in red wine suggested an increase of the polymerization reactions. The amount of added extract probably provided lower antimicrobial protection compared to SO2, as indicated by the higher levels of ethyl phenol. The decrease of individual anthocyanins and oxidation aldehydes observed in wines with SO2 replacement and the higher levels of caftaric acid in the rosé wine with the extract suggested a shift of the oxidative protection, with a lower protection towards anthocyanin degradation and higher protection towards carbonyl formation and oxidation of readily oxidizable phenolic acids.

Phenylpropanoid Metabolism in Phaseolus vulgaris during Growth under Severe Drought.

Drought limits the growth and development of Phaseolus vulgaris L. (known as common bean). Common bean plants contain various phenylpropanoids, but it is not known whether the levels of these metabolites are altered by drought. Here, BT6 and BT44, two white bean recombinant inbred lines (RILs), were cultivated under severe drought. Their respective growth and phenylpropanoid profiles were compared to those of well-irrigated plants. Both RILs accumulated much less biomass in their vegetative parts with severe drought, which was associated with more phaseollin and phaseollinisoflavan in their roots relative to well-irrigated plants. A sustained accumulation of coumestrol was evident in BT44 roots with drought. Transient alterations in the leaf profiles of various phenolic acids occurred in drought-stressed BT6 and BT44 plants, including the respective accumulation of two separate caftaric acid isomers and coutaric acid (isomer 1) relative to well-irrigated plants. A sustained rise in fertaric acid was observed in BT44 with drought stress, whereas the greater amount relative to well-watered plants was transient in BT6. Apart from kaempferol diglucoside (isomer 2), the concentrations of most leaf flavonol glycosides were not altered with drought. Overall, fine tuning of leaf and root phenylpropanoid profiles occurs in white bean plants subjected to severe drought.

Phenolic acids and polydatin of grape and products of its processing

The paper established that in the fruits of red grapes and in the products of its processing, the main phenolic acids are not chlorogenic acids (the acylation product of quinic acid by caffeic one), as indicated in a number of publications, but caftaric acid (the acylation product of tartaric acid by caffeic one) and coutaric acid (the acylation product of tartaric acid by p-coumaric one). For chromatographic analysis of the studied samples, the stationary phase Symmetry C18 and the mobile phases of the “acetonitrile – 10 vol.% of HCOOH-water” system were chosen, being convenient for determining grape anthocyanins. It was shown that caftaric acid in all studied mobile phase compositions is completely separated from coutaric acid and from three isomeric monocaffeoylquinic acids (3-caffeoylquinic, 4-caffeoylquinic and 5-caffeoylquinic), i.e. there is no confusion between the retention times of these acids. But for chromatography, mobile phase compositions should be selected in which there is no co-elution of any of these acids with delphinidin-3-glucoside, which is usually present in extracts, juices and wines. Complete separation of these components is possible both with a relatively low acetonitrile content (less than 6 vol. %) in the mobile phase, and with a relatively high (at least 8.5 vol. %) as well. This made it possible to propose a gradient elution option for separating all compounds of interest. A gradient mode was needed to elute all anthocyanins and associated extractives from the column. It turned out that the proposed separation conditions were favorable for the detection of polydatin (one of the isomeric glucosides of resveratrol). This made it possible to establish another common misconception, according to which it is claimed that resveratrol (and not its glucoside) is one of the most important biologically active substances in grapes. Under the proposed conditions, much more strongly retained resveratrol coelutes with one of the acylated anthocyanins, but analysis of the areas of the corresponding peaks indicates that polydatin is the dominant form of resveratrol in grapes

Comparison of Physicochemical, Antioxidant, and Cytotoxic Properties of Caffeic Acid Conjugates.

Spectroscopic studies (FT-IR, Raman, 1H, and 13C NMR, UV-VIS) of caffeic acid (CFA) and its conjugates, i.e., caftaric acid (CTA), cichoric acid (CA), and cynarin (CY), were carried out. The antioxidant activity of these compounds was determined by a superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity assay and the hydroxyl radical (HO•) inhibition assay. The cytotoxicity of these compounds was performed on DLD-1 cell lines. The molecules were theoretically modeled using the B3LYP-6-311++G(d,p) method. Aromaticity indexes (HOMA, I6, BAC, Aj), HOMO and LUMO orbital energies and reactivity descriptors, NBO electron charge distribution, EPS electrostatic potential maps, and theoretical IR and NMR spectra were calculated for the optimized model systems. The structural features of these compounds were discussed in terms of their biological activities.

NMR Metabolomics of Arctium lappa L., Taraxacum officinale and Melissa officinalis: A Comparison of Spontaneous and Organic Ecotypes.

Officinal plants are a source of metabolites whose chemical composition depends on pedoclimatic conditions. In this study, the NMR-based approach was applied to investigate the impacts of different altitudes and agronomical practices (Land, Mountain Spontaneous, and Organically Grown Ecotypes, namely LSE, MSE, and OE, respectively) on the metabolite profiles of Burdock root, Dandelion root and aerial part, and Lemon balm aerial part. Sugars, amino acids, organic acids, polyphenols, fatty acids, and other metabolites were identified and quantified in all samples. Some metabolites turned out to be tissue-specific markers. Arginine was found in roots, whereas myo-inositol, galactose, glyceroyldigalactose moiety, pheophytin, and chlorophyll were identified in aerial parts. Caftaric and chicoric acids, 3,5 di-caffeoylquinic acid, and chlorogenic and rosmarinic acids were detected in Dandelion, Burdock and Lemon balm, respectively. The metabolite amount changed significantly according to crop, tissue type, and ecotype. All ecotypes of Burdock had the highest contents of amino acids and the lowest contents of organic acids, whereas an opposite trend was observed in Lemon balm. Dandelion parts contained high levels of carbohydrates, except for the MSE aerial part, which showed the highest content of organic acids. The results provided insights into the chemistry of officinal plants, thus supporting nutraceutical-phytopharmaceutical research.

Phytochemical Composition and Antimicrobial Properties of New Lavandula angustifolia Ecotypes.

The purpose of this study was to characterize ethanol extracts from leaves and flowers of two ecotypes (PL-intended for industrial plantations and KC-intended for cut flowers) of Lavandula angustifolia Mill. The plant was cultivated in 2019 in southern Poland as part of a long-term research plan to develop new varieties resistant to difficult environmental conditions. The collected leaves and flowers were used to prepare ethanol extracts, which were then analyzed in terms of phytochemical composition and antioxidant, bactericidal, and fungicidal properties. Using UPLC techniques, 22 compounds belonging to phenolic acids and flavonoids were identified. UPLC test results indicated that ethanol extracts from leaves and flowers differ in phytochemical composition. Lower amounts of phenolic acids and flavonoids were identified in leaf extracts than in flower extracts. The predominant substances in the flower extracts were rosmarinic acid (829.68-1229.33 µg/g), ferulic acid glucoside III (810.97-980.55 µg/g), and ferulic acid glucoside II (789.30-885.06 µg/g). Ferulic acid glucoside II (3981.95-6561.19 µg/g), ferulic acid glucoside I (2349.46-5503.81 µg/g), and ferulic acid glucoside III (1303.84-2774.17 µg/g) contained the highest amounts in the ethanol extracts of the leaves. The following substances were present in the extracts in trace amounts or at low levels: apigenin, kaempferol, and caftaric acid. Leaf extracts of the PL ecotype quantitatively (µg/g) contained more phytochemicals than leaf extracts of the KC ecotype. The results obtained in this study indicate that antioxidant activity depends on the ecotype. Extracts from the PL ecotype have a better ability to eliminate free radicals than extracts from the KC ecotype. At the same time, it was found that the antioxidant activity (total phenolic content, ABTS•+, DPPH•, and FRAP) of PL ecotype leaf extracts was higher (24.49, 177.75, 164.88, and 89.10 μmol (TE)/g) than that determined in flower extracts (15.84, 125.05, 82.35, and 54.64 μmol (TE)/g). The test results confirmed that leaf and flower extracts, even at low concentrations (0.313-0.63%), significantly inhibit the growth of selected Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria and Candida yeasts. Inhibition of mold growth was observed at a dose extract of at least 1 mL/100 mL.

Antioxidant Activity, Inhibition of Intestinal Cancer Cell Growth and Polyphenolic Compounds of the Seagrass Posidonia oceanica's Extracts from Living Plants and Beach Casts.

The aim of the present study was to investigate the use of Posidonia oceanica for making products beneficial for human health. Firstly, we demonstrated that the antioxidant defense (i.e., SOD and APX activity) of P. oceanica's living leaves (LP) has low efficacy, as they partly neutralize the produced H2O2. However, high H2O2 levels led LP to produce, as a response to oxidative stress, high phenolic content, including chicoric acid, p-coumaric acid, caftaric acid, trans-cinnamic and rutin hydrate, as shown by UHPLC-DAD analysis. In addition, LP extracts inhibited intestinal cancer cell proliferation. Moreover, P. oceanica's beach casts consisting of either Wet 'Necromass' (WNP) or Dry 'Necromass' (DNP) were used for preparing extracts. Both DNP and WNP exhibited antioxidant and antiproliferative activities, although lower as compared to those of LP extracts. Although both P. oceanica's meadows and beach casts are considered priority habitats in the Mediterranean Sea due to their high ecological value, legislation framework for beach casts forbidding their removal is still missing. Our results suggested that both LP and DNP could be utilized for the production of high-added value products promoting human health, provided that a sustainability management strategy would be applied for P. oceanica's meadows and beach casts.

Chemical Characterization of Phoenix dactylifera L. Seeds and their Beneficial Effects on the Vascular Response in Hypertensive Rats.

Although Phoenix dactylifera dates are traditionally consumed for their health benefits, no research has been done on the vascular response in hypertensive animals. This study evaluated the vascular relaxation of hydroalcoholic extracts from seeds of three varieties of P. dactylifera; Sukkari seed (SS), Ajwa seed (AS), and Mabroom seed (MS) on L-NAME-induced hypertension and spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). Results showed that all extracts (10µg/mL) caused relaxations higher than 60% in the aortic rings precontracted with 10- 6 M phenylephrine in normotensive rats, the SS extract was the most potent. Endothelial nitric oxide (NO) pathway is involved as significantly reduced vascular relaxation in denuded-endothelium rat aorta and with an inhibitor (10- 4 M L-Nω-Nitro arginine methyl ester; L-NAME) of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS). Confocal microscopy confirmed that 10µg/mL SS extract increases NO generation as detected by DAF-FM fluorescence in intact aortic rings. Consistent with these findings, vascular relaxation in intact aortic rings at 10µg/mL SS extract was significantly decreased in L-NAME-induced hypertensive rats (endothelial dysfunction model), but not in SHR. In both hypertensive models, the denuded endothelium blunted the vascular relaxation. In conclusion, the hydroalcoholic extract of the seed of P. dactylifera (Sukkari, Ajwa and Mabroom varieties) presents a potent endothelium-dependent vascular relaxation, via NO, in normotensive rats as well as in two different models of hypertension. This effect could be mediated by the presence of phenolic compounds identified by UHPLC-ESI-MS/MS, such as protocatechuic acid, and caftaric acid.

Polyphenolic Characterization and Anti-Inflammatory Effect of In Vitro Digested Extracts of Echinacea purpurea L. Plant Parts in an Inflammatory Model of Human Colon Cells.

Echinacea purpurea L. (EP) preparations are globally popular herbal supplements known for their medicinal benefits, including anti-inflammatory activities, partly related to their phenolic composition. However, regarding their use for the management of inflammation-related intestinal diseases, the knowledge about the fate of orally ingested constituents throughout the human gastrointestinal tract and the exposition of in vitro digested extracts in relevant inflammatory models are unknown. This study investigated for the first time the impact of in vitro gastrointestinal digestion (INFOGEST) on the phenolic composition and anti-inflammatory properties of EP extracts from flowers (EF), leaves (EL), and roots (ER) on IL-1β-treated human colon-derived CCD-18Co cells. Among the seven hydroxycinnamic acids identified using HPLC-UV-MS/MS, chicoric and caftaric acids showed the highest concentrations in EL, followed by EF and ER, and all extracts exerted significant reductions in IL-6, IL-8, and PGE2 levels. After digestion, despite reducing the bioaccessibility of their phenolics, the anti-inflammatory effects were preserved for digested EL and, to a lesser extent, for EF, but not for digested ER. The lower phenolic content in digested EF and ER could explain these findings. Overall, this study emphasizes the potential of EP in alleviating intestinal inflammatory conditions and related disorders.

Echinacea purpurea L. Kallus Kültürlerinde Karbon Kaynağı, Nitrojen ve PEG'in Kafeik Asit Türevlerinin Üretimine Etkisi

This study aimed to determine the effects of polyethylene glycol (PEG) as an abiotic elicitor and nutritional factors (different ammonium/nitrate ratios, carbon source and amount) in the culture medium on the production of Caffeic Acid Derivatives (CADs) in callus cultures of Echinacea purpurea L. Petiole and root explants were cultured on MS medium modified in terms of different types (sucrose and maltose) and amounts (sucrose 15, 45, 60 g l-1, and maltose 15, 30, 45, 60 g l-1) of carbon source, different concentrations (5, 10, 15 g l-1) of PEG and ammonium nitrate ratios (0:35, 5:25, 15:15, 35:0 mM). The amounts of CADs in the callus obtained at the end of the 10-week culture period were analysed. In both explant types, the highest amount of CADs were obtained from the medium containing 15 g l-1 sucrose and 15 or 30 g l-1 maltose applications, while the highest amount of CADs was obtained in the medium containing 0:35 mM ammonium/nitrate in nitrogen applications. While the highest amount of CADs in root explant was obtained from the medium containing 10 g l-1 PEG applications, CADs content could not be obtained in petiole explant. As a result, the highest amounts of caftaric, chlorogenic, caffeic, and chicoric acids (respectively, 9.38, 0.71, 0.29, and 34.77 mg g-1) were determined at callus obtained from root explant cultured on MS medium containing 30 g l-1 sucrose and 0:35 mM ammonium/nitrate. In conclusion, optimization of culture conditions and different elicitor applications were made to increase secondary metabolite content in E. purpurea L. under in vitro conditions and the results obtained were presented comparatively.