Ugni Molinae Research Articles

First Report of Silverleaf Disease Caused by Chondrostereum purpureum on Murta (Ugni molinae) in Chile

First Report of Silverleaf Disease Caused by <i>Chondrostereum purpureum</i> on Murta (<i>Ugni molinae</i>) in Chile

A Review of the Potential of Chilean Native Berries in the Treatment of Obesity and its Related Features.

Obesity is a major worldwide health threat. It is characterized by an abnormal adipose tissue overgrowth together with increased monocytes infiltration, causing inflammation and oxidative stress, events associated with several illnesses. Investigations have focused on the benefits of native fruit consumption, claiming these to be natural sources of bioactive compounds with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory characteristics. It has been widely stated that berries are a source of the most antioxidant compounds, and, thus, seem highly promising to endure research efforts on these vegetal matrices. The present article describes botanical, chemical and biomedical features of the Chilean native berries, Aristotelia chilensis, Ugni molinae, and Berberis microphylla. This work aims to potentiate incoming research focused on the search for novel treatments for first-order diseases with these particular plant sources.

Nutritional and organoleptic properties of murta (Ugni molinae Turcz) berries impregnated with Lactobacillus casei var. rhamnosus and dehydrated by different methods

This work evaluated nutritional and organoleptic properties of murta, a Chilean native berry, impregnated with Lactobacillus casei var. rhamnosus and dehydrated by different methods: freeze- (FD), convective- (CD) and vacuum- (VD) drying. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that L. casei localized at the peduncle and near the peduncle of the impregnated fruit. Murta enriched with probiotics contained higher L. casei viable counts after dehydration with FD compared to CD and VD methods. Overall, drying resulted in a decrease in crude fibre and phenolic compounds, which was attributed to L. casei metabolic activity suggesting that murta berries could act as prebiotics for L. casei. Among drying methods, L. casei enriched FD murta presented less alterations in the microstructure, less drying-induced damage and obtained a higher sensory acceptability score than CD and VD murta. Taken together, these results will contribute to the development of functional foods from regional products improving local economy.

Antioxidant Effect of a Polyphenol-Rich Murtilla (Ugni molinaeTurcz.) Extract and Its Effect on the Regulation of Metabolism in Refrigerated Boar Sperm

The production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in boar spermatozoa increases in refrigeration; this can have an impact on sperm quality and fertilization capacity. We evaluated the effect of polyphenol-rich aqueous extract of murtilla (Ugni molinae Turcz) on boar sperm stored at 17°C in order to reduce oxidative stress and improve sperm quality in the long term. Five experiments were performed: first, characterization of the polyphenol content from five genotypes of murtilla; second, determination of the genotype with the best antioxidant effect (MT-Ex); third, the antioxidant capacity on O2 − and lipid peroxidation; fourth, the influence of MT-Ex on motility, calcium movement, cAMP, and metabolic parameters; and fifth, analysis of long-term refrigeration. The average phenolic content was 344 ppm; gallic acid, catechin, quercetin, myricetin, and kaempferol were detected. All extracts evaluated presented a concentration-dependent antioxidant effect. MT-Ex reduces intracellular O2 −/peroxides but low lipid peroxidation. MT-Ex in nonstimulated ROS conditions reduces sperm motility, mitochondrial membrane potential, cAMP, and ATP, but the succinate dehydrogenase activity remained normal; also, we observed a reduction in calcium movement in in vitro sperm capacitation. The long-term analyses showed that MT-Ex improved sperm motility decay and reduced membrane damage and ROS at 168 h. Based on this study, we propose MT-Ex as a supplement in semen extenders.

Parches invadidos por Ugni molinae en isla Robinson Crusoe: ¿Hay plantas nativas y endémicas capaces de vivir en ellos?

It is unknown if any Juan Fernandez native plants may tolerate the aggressive invasion of the introduced shrub Ugni molinae. We found sixteen native species growing within these highly invaded patches. The endemic shrub Gaultheria racemulosa (syn. Pernettya rigida) was the most important species according to vegetation cover in invaded patches, therefore relevant in future control management options.

Maqui (Aristotelia chilensis (Mol.) Stuntz) and murta (Ugni molinae Turcz): Native Chilean sources of polyphenol compounds.

In recent years, the production, processing and exportation of maqui and murta Chilean berries have increased due to their high Total Polyphenols Content (TPC) and high Antioxidant Capacity (AC). However, the leaves of these berries are agroindustrial discards that present even higher TPC and AC values. Extracts of leaves and berries of maqui and murta with water, methanol and ethanol as solvents showed significant bioactivity, like inhibition of alpha-glucosidase (an enzyme involved in the metabolism of carbohydrates), as well as anti-inflammatory and antidiabetic effects. They are also excellent sources of polyphenols such as oligomers and polymers of delphinidin, pelargonidin, resveratrol, among others that have shown health-promoting bioactivity and good bioavailability. Purified extracts may be useful as supplements for foods and cosmetics, and even as pharmaceutical products. However, it is necessary to control the variability of their TPC, AC and polyphenols profiles caused by genotype, environment, processing, storage and stage of harvesting.

Decrease of flavonol synthase enzymatic activity in Ugni molinae Turcz due to the domestication process

Flavonoid biosynthesis may be affected by plant domestication, with flavonoid production being reduced in proportion to the degree of domestication. In this context, kaempferol (3,4´,5,7-tetrahydroxyflavone) has been identified in the leaves of wild and cultivated Ugni molinae , a berry endemic to Chile. The biosynthetic pathway of kaempferol production begins with naringenin (4´,5,7-trihydroxyflavanone), which is converted to dihydrokaempferol (3,4´,5,7-tetrahydroxyflavanone), catalyzed by flavanone 3s-hydroxylase (FHT) and then converted to kaempferol by a bifunctional enzyme called flavonol synthase (FLS). Therefore, our study aims to evaluate how FLS activity is affected in murtilla plants that are subjected to the domestication process. Kaempferol was quantified from methanolic extracts of leaf samples collected from both cultivated and wild U. molinae plants using high-performance liquid chromatography, and enzyme extraction was performed to determine FLS activity. The results showed that kaempferol concentration in wild plants from the Soloyo (0.14 μg g -1 ), Mehuin (0.18 μg g -1 ) and Queule (0.25 μg g -1 ) sampling areas was higher than in their cultivated counterparts. Our data are consistent with the FLS activity detected in samples obtained from Manzanal Alto (134.79 pKatal, Soloyo (96.48 pKatal), and Mehuin (119.97 pKatal). These samples also exhibited higher enzymatic activity than their cultivated counterparts. Together, these data suggest that FLS activity is negatively affected by the domestication process.

Drying kinetics of probiotic-impregnated murta (Ugni molinae T.) berries.

The aim of this study was to evaluate dehydrated murta berries enriched with probiotic (Lactobacillus casei var. rhamnosus) bacteria. L. casei was incorporated to fresh murta by vacuum impregnation at alternative conditions (pressure 50, 150 and 300mbar; time 5, 10 and 15min; temperature 20 ± 0.2°C) and impregnated murta samples were dehydrated by two drying methods at 40°C, vacuum and convective drying. Both drying processes were modeled by three mathematical models (Weibull, Page and modified Page). According to the statistical tests applied, the Weilbull model obtained the best-fit quality on experimental data. Effective moisture diffusivity varied between 1.23-1.75 × 10-10 m2/s and 1.16-1.44 × 10-10 m2/s for vacuum and convective drying, respectively. After impregnation, murta berries contained approximately 107 CFU/g L. casei although maximum counts were found at 150mbar for 15min. Drying decreased L. casei viability in 1.5-1.9 log and 0.5-1.2 log for vacuum and convective drying, respectively. Thus, impregnation at 150mbar for 15min followed by convective drying at 40°C appears as the method of choice to produce probiotic enriched murta berries that can be commercialized as probiotic dried snacks.

Restoration of flavonols and isoflavonoids in Ugni molinae subjected to a reciprocal transplant experiment in a domestication framework

ABSTRACTPlant domestication can modify flavonoid concentration, generating a decrease in plants subjected to cultivation, but when cultivated plants are transferred to their original wild area, flavonoids can be recovered. In this framework, a native shrub from Chile, Ugni molinae, has been domesticated due to their high phenolic composition. We hypothesised that plant domestication results in a decrease of flavonoid in cultivated plants, and that when they are exposed to a reciprocal transplant experiment, the flavonoid content can be recovered. Hence, a reciprocal transplant experiment for analysing the flavonoids of cultivated plants transferred to their original wild environments was carried out. Methanolic leaf extracts from two cultivated ecotypes and their respectively wild ancestors were collected for flavonoid analysis. Four flavonols and two isoflavonoids were identified and quantified by liquid chromatography. Results showed differences in flavonoids concentrations between wild (290 µg/g) and cultivated (160 µg/g) plants. Furthermore, when wild plants were transferred to cultivated areas, a reduction in flavonoids of 80 µg/g was observed. Moreover, rutin was the most abundant compound (36.09%) detected by chromatography in Mehuín wild plants. Our results showed that cultivated plants transferred to their respective wild environment presented a capacity of recover myricetin, daidzin and genistin content.

Promising antimicrobial activity against the honey bee parasite Nosema ceranae by methanolic extracts from Chilean native plants and propolis

The gut parasite Nosema ceranae is one of the most prevalent honey bee microsporidia worldwide and its chemical management in American countries is mainly based on the antibiotic fumagillin. However, it has recently been reported that this drug has negative side effects in honey bees; therefore, non-harmful alternative treatments must be found. The effects of methanolic extracts (2, 4, 8 and 16%) from Chilean native plant leaves (Aristotelia chilensis, Ugni molinae, and Gevuina avellana) and propolis (Biobío (BB) and Los Ríos (LR) regions) on N. ceranae load, diet consumption and the survival of N. ceranae-infected honey bees were evaluated through oral intake. When bees were N. ceranae-infected and treated with extracts of A. chilensis (8%), U. molinae (2 and 8%) and propolis BB (8%) simultaneously, the N. ceranae load decreased significantly and the survival of infected bees also improved. On the other hand, when bees were first extracts-treated and then N. ceranae-infected, their diet consumption increased and all extracts significantly decreased the N. ceranae load in infected bees. However, only extracts from U. molinae (2 and 8%) and propolis LR (8%) maintained a higher survival rate in infected bees. Natural compounds were also identified; U. molinae and A. chilensis leaves had high concentrations of rutin and myricetin, whereas galangin and pinocembrin were found mostly in southern Chilean propolis (LR). This study constitutes the first report of the antiparasitic activity of propolis against N. ceranae in Apis mellifera and the antimicrobial activity of Chilean plant extracts against this honey bee parasite.

MURTA (Ugni molinae Turcz.): A REVIEW ON CHEMICAL COMPOSITION, FUNCTIONAL COMPONENTS AND BIOLOGICAL ACTIVITIES OF LEAVES AND FRUITS

Murta (Ugni molinae Turcz.) is a native species from central and southern Chile. There is an increasing interest in the plant due to its high content of essential nutrients and beneficial phytochemicals to human health. In fact, the berries contain a wide variety of anthocyanins, which are the main antioxidant compounds. There are some studies on the phytochemical composition and biological activities of murta fruit, but human intervention studies using whole fruits are still lacking. This manuscript reviews the nutritional and phytochemical composition of murta berries and leaves. However, more scientific background is needed to validate the properties of this species so as to gain complete knowledge of the whole shrub in order to develop functional foods and nutraceuticals.

Bioaccessibility of bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity in murta (Ugni molinae T.) berries juices

The aim of the study was to characterize the bioactivity and storability of a steam juicer extract from murta (Ugni molinae T.) berries, comparing with the bioactive quality of the fresh fruit. An extraction assay was performed at three different processing times and quality of the extract was assessed by determining bioactives content, antioxidant activity after processing and during storage at different temperatures (5, 20 and 35 °C). Total polyphenols, total anthocyanins and antioxidant activity in fresh fruits and juice extracts were evaluated as bioaccessible fractions during an in vitro gastric-intestinal digestion process. Weibull distribution was applied to model the storage behavior of the extracts, and fitted well to experimental data on degradation kinetics of bioactive phenolics and antioxidant activity. The best processing times for highest extraction of bioactive phenolics were found to be 28 ± 1 min for frozen-thawed and 34 ± 1 min for fresh fruits. The juice extract can retain around 80% of the polyphenols and anthocyanins after 21 days of storage at 5 °C. The bioaccessibility index of polyphenols in fresh murta berries or in juice achieved a relatively high value of 70% at the end of the small intestine digestive step. However, the bioactives in the bioaccessible fractions of the fruits and juices had significantly different behavior during the gastric-intestinal digestion steps. The juice released the bioaccessible bioactives in the earlier gastric stage, while the fresh fruit unfolded a higher antioxidant activity with increased release of bioactives in the small intestine.

Chilean berry Ugni molinae Turcz. fruit and leaves extracts with interesting antioxidant, antimicrobial and tyrosinase inhibitory properties

The knowledge of the biological properties of fruits and leaves of murta (Ugni molinae Turcz.) has been owned by native Chilean culture. The present study investigated the phenolic content, the antioxidant, antimicrobial and anti-tyrosinase activities of different murta fruit and leaves extracts to approach their uses on future food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic applications. Extractions of murta fruit and leaves were carried out under water, ethanol and ethanol 50%. Phenolic content of these extracts was measured through Folin Ciocalteu test and the antioxidant power by four different antioxidant systems (ORAC, FRAP, DPPH and TEAC assays) owing to elucidate the main mechanism of antioxidant. Some flavonoids, such as rutin, isoquercitrin and quercitrin hydrate were identified and quantified through HPLC analysis. Antimicrobial activity was determined measuring minimum inhibition concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) values against Escherichia coli and Listeria monocytogenes, and the effect of these extracts on L. monocytogenes was confirmed by flow cytometry.Highest contents of polyphenol compounds were obtained in hydroalcoholic extracts (28±1mggallicacid/g dry fruit, and 128±6mggallicacid/g dry leaves). The same trend was found for the values of biological properties: hydroalcoholic extracts showed the strongest activities. Leaves presented higher antioxidant, antimicrobial and anti-tyrosinase properties than murta fruit. Highest antioxidant activity values according to ORAC, FRAP, TEAC and DPPH were 80±8mgTrolox/g, 70±2mgTrolox/g, 87±8mgTrolox/g and 110±12mgTrolox/g, respectively, for murta fruit samples, and 280±10mgTrolox/g, 192±4mgTrolox/g, 286±13mgTrolox/g and 361±13mgTrolox/g, respectively, for murta leaves. These activities were confirmed by HPLC analysis that revealed highest presence of analyzed compounds on leaves hydroalcoholic extract. Regarding to antimicrobial analysis, hydroalcoholic leaves extract presented the highest activity presenting the lowest MIC value for L. monocytogenes (0.07mg/mL). This extract also performed the highest anti-tyrosinase activity (CE50 values of 1.6±0.3 (g/L) and 8.9±1.2 (g/L) for leaves and fruit, respectively).

Plant Flavonoid Content Modified by Domestication

Plant domestication can modify and weaken defensive chemical traits, reducing chemical defenses in plants and consequently their resistance against pests. We characterized and quantified the major defensive flavonols and isoflavonoids present in both wild and cultivated murtilla plants (Ugni molinae Turcz), established in a common garden. We examined their effects on the larvae of Chilesia rudis (Butler) (Lepidoptera: Arctiidae). Insect community and diversity indices were also evaluated. We hypothesized that domestication reduces flavonoid contents and modifies C. rudis preference, the insect community, and diversity. Methanolic extracts were obtained from leaves of U. molinae plants and analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography. Results showed higher insect numbers (86.48%) and damage index (1.72 ± 0.16) in cultivated plants. Four new first records of insects were found associated with U. molinae. Diversity indices, such as Simpson, Shannon, and Margalef, were higher in cultivated plants than in wild plants. Furthermore, eight isoflavonoids were identified in U. molinae leaves for the first time. The five flavonols showed higher concentrations in wild U. molinae leaves (89.8 µg/g) than in cultivated plants (75.2 µg/g); however, no differences were found in isoflavonoids between wild and cultivated plants. The larvae of C. rudis consumed more leaf material of cultivated plants than wild plants in choice (3.8 vs. 0.8 mm2) and no-choice (7.5 vs. 3.0 mm2) assays. Our study demonstrates that domestication in U. molinae reduces the amount of flavonoids in leaves, increasing the preference of C. rudis and the insect community.

Influence of vacuum drying temperature on: Physico‐chemical composition and antioxidant properties of murta berries

AbstractMurta (Ugni molinae T.) berries were vacuum dried at a constant pressure of 15 kPa. The effects of processing temperatures (50, 60, 70, 80 and 90 °C) on the physico‐chemical characteristics, the phenolic and flavonoid compounds, the antioxidant activity and the sugar and β‐carotene contents of the fruit were evaluated. The dried samples had lower protein contents than the fresh sample. Also, drying temperatures significantly affected the phenolic compounds. The antioxidant activity decreased in value after vacuum drying at each temperature. Fructose was the predominant sugar, followed by sucrose and glucose. Overall, sugar contents were affected by drying temperatures, especially at 50 °C with a noticeable sucrose content decrease. However, β‐carotene contents showed significant increases in value with an increase in temperature. These results indicated that vacuum drying might be a good alternative for dried murta production. Dried murta could be an important source of bioactive compounds.Practical applicationsMurta berries are rich in phenolic compounds having antioxidant activity and beneficial potential effects on human health. Drying is widely used in the fruit processing industry. This process has proven to be a good alternative for preservation of many fruits and vegetables. The obtained results provide the necessary vacuum drying conditions to stand out the nutritional value of murta berries. Thus, we believe that our findings can contribute to obtain the best process that retains the nutritional quality of murta berries.

Antioxidant activity and sensory analysis of murtilla (&lt;em&gt;Ugni molinae&lt;/em&gt; Turcz.) fruit extracts in an oil model system

An oil model system was used to analyze the antioxidant activity of Chilean fruit extracts and to determine their odor sensory effect. Hydroalcoholic extracts from wild and 14-4 genotype murtilla (Ugni molinae Turcz.) fruit were assessed by the Response Surface Methodology. The optimal conditions for producing high total phenolic-content extracts were 49.5% (v/v) ethanol at 30 ºC, which yielded 18.39 and 26.14 mg GAE·g-1 dry matter, respectively. The optimized extracts were added to a lipid model system and evaluated via the Schaal Oven Test. After 96 hours, 150 and 200 mg·kg-1 oil of the wild and 14-4 genotype extracts, respectively, showed an antioxidant capacity similar to TBHQ (200 mg·kg-1 oil) in terms of peroxide values and odor. Thus, murtilla fruit extracts are a natural source of antioxidants for protecting lipidic foods, such as soybean oil.

Vacuum drying of Chilean murta (Ugni molinaeTurcz) berries: Effect of temperature on kinetic parameters and assessment of energy consumption

Vacuum drying characteristics of murta (Ugni molinae Turcz) berries were evaluated. Drying experiments at a pressure of 15 kPa and temperatures ranging from 50 to 90 °C in a vacuum oven were carried out. The effect of drying pressure and temperature on the drying rate was also evaluated. A suitable model for describing the vacuum drying process was chosen by fitting eight mathematical expressions commonly used on the experimental data; the effective moisture diffusivity ranged from 1.23 to 5.33 × 10−10 m2/s and the activation energy was calculated to 32.66 kJ/mol. The results showed that the drying process was accelerated when increasing temperature. A goodness test of fit indicated that the Exponential Two-Term model gave the best fit to experimental results among the eight tested drying models according to the statistical tests applied. Finally, the specific energy consumption decreased with a temperature increase. Practical application Consumption of foods rich in bioactive compounds can provide health benefits by reducing the risk of chronic diseases and enhancing the ability to manage chronic diseases, thus improving life quality. Moreover, some studies have shown that berry fruits are rich in antioxidants, phyto-nutrients, flavonoid, and polyphenolic compounds. Murta (Ugni molinae Turcz) is rich in phenolic coumpounds as well as many essential nutritional components, such as flavonoids and phenolic acids. Because this Chilean fruit is only harvested from March to May, drying is an adequate technique for its preservation and hence able to maintain the antioxidant properties provided by its polyphenolic components. Conversely, vacuum drying provides an alternative to a conventional atmospheric drying. Consequently, the knowledge of the drying kinetics of murta is required to optimize and control the drying process.

Effects of drying methods on quality attributes of murta (ugni molinae turcz) berries: bioactivity, nutritional aspects, texture profile, microstructure and functional properties

AbstractThe effects of five different drying methods: convective drying, vacuum drying, freeze‐drying, infrared‐radiation drying, and sun‐drying on various characteristic properties of murta berries from southern Chile were evaluated. The drying methods were found to have significantly different effects on the characteristics of the dried berries. Freeze‐drying process caused the least damage to the bioactive components. Over 50% loss of free total flavonoids occurred during infrared‐radiation drying, while freeze‐drying hardly affected total flavonoids in both free and bound forms. The freeze‐dried samples had the highest rehydration rate and water‐holding‐capacity, significantly different to samples of the other drying methods. Hardness was only reduced by freeze‐drying. Microstructure of the freeze‐dried samples showed similarity with that of the unprocessed berries, while noticeable cell wall collapse occurred during the other drying processes. The results obtained could be helpful in deciding for the most appropriate drying method for a desired quality of the dried murta berries.Practical ApplicationDrying process causes in murta berries visible physical changes that are not sufficient to evaluate quality. Nutritional aspects and biological activity that are important criteria in judging suitability of the dried murta berries as a starting raw material for developing functional foods are known to be affected by drying conditions. Therefore in this study, classic drying methods that involve a wide range of drying conditions were performed to analyse their effects on characteristic properties of dried murta berries. The data recollected are useful in the design of a drying process that best retain or even strengthen the original nutritional quality and bioactivity of the processed berries.

Are birds, wind and gravity legitimate dispersers of fleshy-fruited invasive plants on Robinson Crusoe Island, Chile?

Although fleshy-fruited species are usually dispersed by animals and gravity, previous research shows that the fleshy fruits of invasive plants on Robinson Crusoe Island (RC) are also moved by wind. To determine whether a bird (Turdus falcklandii), wind, and gravity could be legitimate dispersers of fleshy fruits from the invasive plant species Aristotelia chilensis, Rubus ulmifolius and Ugni molinae, we carried out germination trials with seeds defecated by T. falcklandii and hand-cleaned in the laboratory, and added another trial in field conditions, sowing intact fruits. Whole fruits sown intact are used to represent dispersal by wind or gravity. The field trials for A. chilensis and R. ulmifolius were performed in canopy gaps and closed forests to evaluate the effect of shadow on seedling emergence. Field trials for U. molinae were only established in open shrubland, since this species does not occur in forests on RC. Laboratory trials showed gut-passed A. chilensis seeds increased the germination percentage while gut-passed seeds did not affect germination in R. ulmifolius and U. molinae. In the field, trials revealed that seeds from intact fruits germinated in a similar way to gut-passed or hand-cleaned seeds, with the exception of U. molinae, which did not germinate inside fruits. In all field treatments, the germination percentage of A. chilensis and R. ulmifolius was higher in the canopy gaps than under closed canopy. These results indicate that T. falcklandii is a legitimate disperser for the three invasive species studied on RC. Wind and gravity should also be considered legitimate dispersers of A. chilensis and R. ulmifolius. Microhabitat (i.e., canopy gaps) plays a more important role in improving the establishment of A. chilensis and R. ulmifolius than the dispersal mechanism itself.

Effect of high hydrostatic pressure on rheological and thermophysical properties of murtilla (Ugni molinae Turcz) berries.

Effects of high hydrostatic pressure (HHP) on rheological and thermophysical properties of murtilla berries were evaluated after pressure treatments for 5min between 100 and 500MPa. Differential scanning calorimetry was employed to measure specific heat capacity. HHP caused a significant decrease in specific heat and density, while thermal diffusivity did not changed significantly. Thermal conductivity showed a slight increase upon HHP treatment. Apparent viscosity increased significantly above 200MPa HHP treatment. Apparent viscosity of treated samples between 200 and 400MPa did not differ significantly and the increase was significant at 500MPa. Herschel-Bulkley, Bingham and Ostwald de Waele models were used to describe the rheological behaviour of murtilla purée, and Ostwald de Waele model gave the best fit for the experimental data.