Variation In Chemical Constituents Research Articles

Spatial metabolomics method to reveal the differences in chemical composition of raw and honey-fried Stemona tuberosa Lour. by using UPLC-Orbitrap Fusion MS and desorption electrospray ionization mass spectrometry imaging.

Stemona tuberosa Lour. (ST) is a significant traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) renowned for its antitussive and insecticidal properties. ST is commonly subjected to processing in clinical practice before being utilized as a medicinal substance. Currently, the customary technique for processing ST is honey-fried. Nevertheless, the specific variations in chemical constituents of ST before and after honey-fried remain unclear. This work aimed to analyze the variations in chemical constituents of ST before and after honey-fried and to study the distribution of differential markers in the roots. UPLC-Orbitrap Fusion MS combined with molecular network analysis was used to analyze the metabolome of ST and honey-fried ST (HST) and to screen the differential metabolites by multivariate statistical analysis. Spatial metabolomics was applied to study the distribution of differential metabolites by desorption electrospray ionization mass spectrometry imaging (DESI-MSI). The ST and HST exhibited notable disparities, with 56 and 61 chemical constituents found from each, respectively. After processing, the types of alkaloids decreased, and 12 differential metabolites were screened from the common compounds. The notable component variations were epibisdehydro-tuberostemonine J, neostenine, tuberostemonine, croomine, neotuberostemonine, and so forth. MSI visualized the spatial distribution of differential metabolites. Our research provided a rapid and effective visualization method for the identification and spatial distribution of metabolites in ST. Compared with the traditional method, this method offered more convincing data supporting the processing mechanism investigations of Stemona tuberosa from a macroscopic perspective.

Comparative analysis of phytochemical profile and antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity of four Gentiana species from the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau

Ethnopharmacological relevanceGentiana species, known as the traditional Tibetan medicine “Bangjian,” have been integral to clinical practice for millennia. Despite their longstanding use, our understanding of the variation in chemical constituents and bioactive effects among different species is limited. Aim of the studyIn the present study, we aimed to assess the differences in chemical profiles and bioactivities among four Gentiana species (G. veitchiorum, G. trichotoma, G. crassuloides, and G. squarrosa) and explore potential bioactive markers. Materials and methodsThe chemical composition of the four Gentiana species was analyzed using UPLC-QE-Orbitrap-MS. The antioxidant activity of the extracts was compared through DPPH, ABTS, and reducing power assays. The anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated by measuring the inhibitory effects on lipopolysaccharide-induced secretion of nitric oxide (NO), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) by RAW264.7 macrophages. Additionally, compounds strongly correlated with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities were identified through spectrum–effect relationship analysis. ResultsA total of 50 compounds were identified across the four Gentiana species. In vitro antioxidant assays demonstrated DPPH and ABTS scavenging abilities and reducing power within the concentration range of 62.5–2000 μg/mL. All four species inhibited the production of NO, IL-6, and TNF-α in RAW264.7 cells. Spectrum–effect relationship analysis revealed that gentiascabraside A, gentiatibetine, tachioside, lutonarin, and isotachioside were associated with the highest antioxidant activity; and swertiamarin, tarennoside, eleganoside C, and alpigenoside were associated with the highest anti-inflammatory activity. ConclusionsThis study presents, for the first time, the chemical profiles and bioactivities of G. trichotoma, G. crassuloides, and G. squarrosa, which were comprehensively compared with those of G. veitchiorum. The findings provide novel insights to understand the traditional use and/or expand the current use of Gentiana species. Additionally, this research highlights the potential of Gentiana species as natural sources of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents, suggesting promising applications in tea production or medicinal contexts in the near future.

The Variation of Chemical Constituents across Altitudes in the Himalayan Kumaon Region: Exploring Nature's Wonders

This article investigates the variation in chemical constituents at different altitudes in the Himalayan region, specifically focusing on the Kumaon region. The study aims to understand the impact of altitude on the chemical composition of plants and its implications for ecological interactions and human health. Extensive field surveys were conducted across various altitudes, and plant samples were collected for chemical analysis. The results revealed significant variations in the chemical constituents of plants at different altitudes, including secondary metabolites such as alkaloids, flavonoids, and phenolic compounds. The study also identified specific altitude-dependent patterns, with certain compounds being more abundant or absent at particular altitudes. These variations in chemical constituents can be attributed to environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, and solar radiation, which change with altitude. The findings highlight the importance of considering altitude as a key factor in studying the chemical ecology of the Himalayan region. Understanding these variations can have significant implications for conservation efforts, pharmaceutical research, and traditional medicine practices in the region. Further research is needed to explore the ecological and physiological mechanisms underlying these altitude-related variations in chemical constituents.

Altitudinal variability in chemical profile and pesticidal properties of Zingiber roseum (Roxb.) Roscoe extracts

Plant extracts are considered as a promising alternative to chemical pest control agents. The chemistry of plant extracts varies with several environmental as well as geographical factors. Zingiber roseum (Roxb.) Roscoe also known as “Rosy Ginger” and “Jangli Adrak” is one of the most important aromatic and medicinal plant of family Zingiberaceae. The present study aimed to investigate the impact of altitude on the chemical composition, nematicidal and herbicidal activity of Z. roseum rhizome and seed extracts. The plants were collected from three different altitudes of Kumaun, Uttarakhand representing different environmental conditions. The extracts were prepared in acetone using cold percolation method. The compositional variation in chemical constituents of the extracts was determined by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC–MS) analysis. The yield and chemical composition of extracts showed a significant altitudinal impact. Nematicidal activity of extracts was performed against Meloidogyneincognita. Results showed that the extracts exhibited significant nematode mortality irrespective of the altitudinal gradients. A significant correlation of altitudinal gradient was observed for the nematode egg hatchability reduction for the rhizome extracts. It was observed that plants growing at higher altitudes had better egg hatchability reduction (86.42 ± 2.30% at 1000 μg/mL after 96 h), compared with those growing at lower elevations. The herbicidal activity of rhizome and seed extracts was performed against radish and chicory seeds and the extracts showed different level of intensity of germination percentage, root and shoot length inhibition. In silico molecular docking was conducted to screen the nematicidal activity of major and potent compounds with the crystalline structure of Glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) of Caenorhabditis elegans and Wuchereria bancrofti, and Glutathione S-transferase-1 (GST-1) of M. incognita. Based on the current study, extract of Z. roseum may be regarded as potential nematicidal and herbicidal agents and may have potential application as botanicals.

Variations in chemical constituents of the rhizosphere of bread wheat genotypes and their significance for using as markers for heat and drought tolerance

In rhizosphere, root exudates act as food and chemo-attractants for the microbes, whereas microbes help in plant growth. The present study investigated the chemical changes in the rhizosphere of 10 contrasting wheat genotypes each for heat and drought stress at two stages of plant growth under stress conditions, and their root exudates profiles under semi-hydroponic conditions. The heat-tolerant genotypes exhibited significantly higher content of P by 1.59 fold, while drought-tolerant genotypes exhibited Mg and P by 1.22 and 1.24 fold, respectively compared to sensitive genotypes. Further, the heat stress tolerant genotypes exhibited significantly higher contents of Fe, Cu and Zn at anthesis by 1.53, 1.31 and 1.44 fold, respectively than at the booting stage, while the drought stress tolerant genotypes exhibited higher contents of Na, K, Mg and P at booting by 1.27, 3.05, 1.32 and 2.45 fold, respectively than at anthesis stage. Both heat and drought-tolerant genotypes exuded higher concentrations of most of the studied root exudates, and it ranged between 1.34 fold higher for succinic acid to 12.96 fold for sucrose in drought-tolerant genotypes. Similarly, in heat-tolerant genotypes, it varied from 1.01 fold for D-galactose to 10.39 fold for malic acid. Overall, the study revealed that the tolerant genotypes modulated their rhizosphere composition with respect to higher contents of Na, K, Mg, Fe, Cu, Zn and P, and exuding higher quantities of sugars and organic acids than the sensitive genotypes, which could contribute to their survival under abiotic stress conditions.

Assessing the Influence of Variations in Chemical Composition of Cement Brands in Ghana on their Setting and Workability of Concrete

The reliance on inferior on cement products for the construction of housing projects and other civil engineering infrastructural facilities has led to a number of building and other structural failures in Ghana over the years. The manufacturing of concrete utilized in the building of various structural member, such as columns, beams, slabs, footings and wall, was negatively impacted by the use of low-quality cements, rendering them unable to sustain any loads placed on them. Another observation made from the cement used was the inadequate proportioning of the chemical compounds during the manufacturing process which has negatively affected the setting of the concrete contributing to poor performance of structural elements in buildings and other infrastructural projects. In this research, the impacts of the variations in chemical constituents including SiO2, Al2O3, Fe2O3, Na2O, K2O, CaO, MgO, and SO3 in the different brands on setting times of cement and workability of fresh concrete were examined. The Vicat apparatus and the slump apparatus set-ups were used to measure the setting time and concrete workability respectively. It was found that the majority of the chemical compounds of the various cement brands evaluated in this research provided appreciable setting time as well as typical and acceptable consistencies. Most cement brands showed initial and final setting times between 30 and 271-306 minutes for cements in the 32.5R class. The initial and final setting times generated by the test were likewise observed to fall within 30 minutes and between 172-263 minutes, respectively, in the 42.5R class of cements, where a similar pattern was also observed. It was noted that for the same water-cement-ratio in all the concretes from the different brands of cement, good workability was obtained.

Intersexual and body size-related variation in chemical constituents from feces and cloacal products involved in intraspecific communication of a fossorial amphisbaenian.

Many animals rely on chemical cues for intraspecific communication. This is especially important in fossorial animals because visual restrictions of the underground environment limit the opportunities for visual communication. Previous experiments showed the ability of the amphisbaenian Trogonophis wiegmanni to discriminate between several categories of conspecifics based on chemical cues alone. However, in contrast with many other reptile species, T. wiegmanni does not have external secretory glands, but uses uncharacterized secretions from the cloaca in intraspecific chemosensory communication. Using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), we analyzed the lipophilic compounds from feces and cloacal products freshly extracted from the cloaca of male and female T. wiegmanni. We identified and estimated relative proportions of the compounds found, and tested for intersexual and body-size related differences. We found a total of 103 compounds, being some steroids (mainly cholesterol and cholestanol), some alkanes and squalene the most abundant and frequent. Further, we found intersexual differences, with males, especially larger ones, having higher proportions of several alkanes between C13 and C24 and of squalene than females, which had higher proportions of several steroids and also of nonacosane and methylnonacosane than males. We compared these findings with secretions of other animals and discuss the potential role of these compounds and their variations in intraspecific communication of amphisbaenians.

Metabolic profile, bioactivities, and variations in chemical constituents of essential oils of twenty mango ginger (Curcuma amada) accessions

Metabolic profile, bioactivities, and variations in chemical constituents of essential oils of twenty mango ginger (Curcuma amada) accessions

Rainfall-induced premature senescence modulates biochemical and essential oils profiles in Pelargonium graveolens L′Hér. under sub-tropical climate

Pelargonium graveolens L′Hér is a commercially important aromatic plant. The essential oil is used in fragrances, flavour and cosmeceutical industries. The essential oil is secreted in the glandular trichomes distributed mainly on the leaves. In India, P. graveolens is growing only in specific climatic conditions due to the susceptibility of plants to rainfall, high humidity and waterlogging stress. This study aims to analyze rainfall-induced premature senescence in P. graveolens at six phenotypic leaf senescence stages. The physiological and biochemical parameters, cell viability, trichomes density, essential oil yield and variation in chemical constituents were evaluated. Results show a significant increase in chlorophyll-a and b, and a decrease in anthocyanin content. Also, the protein content, MDA, SOD, H2O2, catalase, electrolyte leakage was significantly higher, and cell viability decreased with the progression of senescence. The gland density on leaves was reduced during the advancement of senescence. The GC and GC-MS analysis showed that the senescence significantly modulates oil constituents and oils yield (0.048–0.123%) at different senescence stages. Overall, this study confirms that rainfall induces premature senescence in P. graveolens, significantly affecting essential oil yield and constituents.

Variation in chemical constituents, in-vitro bioactivity and toxicity profile among different parts of Clerodendrum glandulosum Lindl. (C. colebrookianum Walp.)

In this study, chemical, biological and toxicity profile of hydromethanolic extracts of different parts (leaf, stem and root) of Clerodendrum glandulosum Lindl. were investigated simultaneously for the first time. Total phenolic and flavonoid contents were estimated spectrophotometrically. Untargeted metabolomics was performed using GC–MS and HPLC-PDA-MS to identify the individual secondary metabolites. Antioxidant potentials (DPPH, ABTS, FRAP, phosphomolybdenum, superoxide ion scavenging assay) were estimated and enzyme inhibition assays (α-glucosidase, α-amylase, pancreatic lipase, xanthine oxidase, angiotensin-converting enzyme) were performed. Cytotoxicity of the extracts in HepG2 and L6 cell lines along with acute oral toxicity was carried out. Leaf extract exhibited the highest phenolic (282.02 ± 5.87 mg GAE/g) and flavonoid (276.74 ± 5.08 mg QCE/g) content. Significantly (p<0.05) high antioxidant and enzyme inhibition potential was found in leaf extract as compared to stem and root. Leaf extract (IC50: 104.11 ± 0.36 μg/mL) exhibited comparatively better inhibition potential than standard inhibitor acarbose (IC50: 232.57 ± 3.28 μg/mL) against α-glucosidase enzyme. Chemical analysis confirmed the presence of verbascoside in all the three parts, whereas caffeic acid, other verbascoside derivatives, scutellarin, luteolin, and apigenin were identified in leaf. No cytotoxicity was demonstrated except by stem extract at higher concentration (1000 µg/mL). However, no in-vivo toxicity was demonstrated by extracts of any parts. These findings provides a brief overview on the chemical and biological propensities of C. glandulosum Lindl. with possibility of its use in the management of various ailments.

Saraswati Panchak – A Novel Herbal Combination for Mental Health

Herbal medicines have a history of long therapeutic use and are still serving a lot of the health needs of a big population of the world. However, the quality control still remains a challenge because of the variation of chemical constituents involved. There are numerous compounds in herbal drugs that are in complex matrices in which no single active constituent is responsible for the overall efficacy. This creates a challenge in establishing quality control standards and standardization of finished herbal drugs. Saraswati Panchak is a novel combination given by Pandit Shri Ram Sharma Acharya for mental health. In this study, components of this novel herbal combination were explained for its potential utility in mental illness. In addition, the study also detailed how Saraswati Panchak Churna was converted into tablet form to increase the shelf life, make it easy to dispense, for dose fixation, etc. The tablet was subjected to organoleptic analysis and physico-chemical analysis to establish its efficacy. After performing complete analysis it was found that all the parameters are within the range. The coarse powder of these herbs may be used as havan samagri in brain related disorders because of the presence of nootropic herbs.

Variation in chemical constituents of essential oils of the fresh, dried and fermented leaves of Premna serratifolia

Variation in chemical constituents of essential oils of the fresh, dried and fermented leaves of Premna serratifolia

Variation of Chemical Constituents and Antiradical Capacity of Nine Ferulago angulata Populations from Iran.

The present study was designed to assess the influence of geographical factors on essential oil (EO) composition, along with antiradical potential and phytochemical contents of Ferulago angulata (Schltdl.) Boiss (Apiaceae) extracts for the first time. The aerial parts were hydrodistilled by Clevenger apparatus and subjected to gas chromatography coupled with flame ionization detector (GC/FID) and mass spectroscopy (GC/MS). The EO yields were significantly different from populations 'Mongar' (south-slope, 3000 m) with 1.34±0.06 % and 'Male-Amiri' (north slope, 2600 m) with 0.18±0.05 % of total oil. Thirty-nine compounds were identified from the EOs of nine populations. α-Pinene was the predominant component ranging from 20.84 to 49.06 % in 'Gandomkar' (north-slope, 2500 m) and 'Mongar' (3000 m), respectively. The methanolic extract of 'Mongar' (north-slope at 2500 m) possessed the highest total phenolic contents. Also, this population logically exhibited potent antiradical activity using both 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) assays with EC50 of 42.07±4.12 μg/mL and 8.34±0.21 mmol Trolox® equivalents/g, respectively. Due to its moderate free-radical scavenging potential and high α-pinene content, the population 'Mongar' might be considered as a perspective raw material in food and phytopharmaceutical industries.

Altitude-related changes in the phytochemical profile of essential oils extracted from Artemisia nilagirica and their nematicidal activity against Meloidogyne incognita

Essential oils (EOs) are considered to be the most suitable alternatives for plant pathogen management, as they exhibit high potency and favourable ecotoxicological profile. The present study evaluated the nematicidal activity of high and low land Artemisia nilagirica (C.B.Clarke) pamp EOs (AnEOs) under laboratory and greenhouse conditions. The AnEOs were extracted from the aerial parts of high (AnEO-H) and low altitude (AnEO-L)-grown A. nilagirica by using Clevenger-type apparatus and their compositional variation in chemical constituents were determined by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC–MS) analysis. It was observed that the difference in altitude had a huge impact on nature, quantity, appearance, yield, and chemical composition of AnEOs. Further, AnEO-H and AnEO-L exhibited a significant difference in nematicidal activity against Meloidogyne incognita (Kofoid et White) Chitwood with a lethal concentration (LC50/48h) of 5.75 and 10.23 μg/mL, respectively. In addition, AnEOs profoundly reduced the root infection of M. incognita in tomato plants (Solanum lycopersicum L.) and significantly promoted plant growth under greenhouse conditions. Further, the greatest strength of Caenorhabditis elegans was utilized as a model to elucidate the nematicidal mechanism of AnEOs, and the results demonstrated that AnEOs exposure could have enhanced the intracellular reactive oxygen species production and germline cell apoptosis. The mechanistic study revealed that AnEOs exposure potentially induces apoptosis by activating the signaling pathway for DNA damage checkpoint and core components of apoptotic machinery in nematodes. Together, the results achieved from this study will lead to a better understanding of the mechanism of AnEOs against M. incognita and will pave the way for the development of novel nematicides with increased efficacy for nematode control.

Variation in Chemical Constituents of Siyez Wheat (Triticum monococcum L.) in Response to Some Abiotic Stress Factors

Main aim of this study was to determine the effects of different salt contents (75 mM, 150 mM and 225 mM NaCl), heavy metal (0.2 mg/L FeCl3, NiCl2, ZnCl2), lime (2 mg/L CaCO3), drought (50%) and pollution (0.2 mg/L dust of factories) on photosynthetic pigments, malondialdehyde (MDA), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) levels, the ascorbate peroxidase (APX), catalase (CAT), guaiacol peroxidase (GPOX) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in Siyez wheat (Triticum monococcum L.). All experiments were carried out under laboratory conditions with 16 hour-day and 8 hour-night photoperiod in an incubator at 23 ± 1°C. Results showed that mean chlorophyll-a concentration was highest in the siyez seedlings treated with the pollution, while both mean chlorophyll-b and total chlorophyll concentrations were highest with 75 mM salt application. Mean total carotenoid was, however, highest with the drought treatment and mean relative water content was highest with NiCl2 application. Mean MDA and H2O2 contents were found to be highest in the siyez seedlings treated with 225 mM salt, whereas they were lowest with NiCl2 treatment. Mean proline content was highest with the NiCl2 treatment compared to the lowest concentration in the control siyez seedlings (82 µmol/g). Mean APX, CAT and GPOX activities were noted to be highest in the siyez seedlings treated with NiCl2. In general, the siyez seedlings showed high tolerance to the pollution, NiCl2 and drought with having highest photosynthetic pigments, proline, protein content and enzymes activities. Among all treatments, 225 mM NaCl and CaCO3 negatively influenced chemical compounds of the siyez seedling. When all data are taken into consideration, it can be said that higher photosynthetic pigments, proline contents, antioxidant enzymes activities and lower MDA and H2O2 levels play an important role in the resistance of siyez seedlings against abiotic stress conditions.

Seasonal and reproductive variation in chemical constituents of scent signals in wild giant pandas.

Seasonally reproducing animals show many behavioral and physiological changes during the mating period, including increased signaling for intrasexual competition and mate attraction. We collected 102 anogenital gland secretions (AGS) from marking trees in Foping Nature Reserve, and used gas chromatography mass spectrometry analyze these chemical composition. Of these marks, all but one were from males, confirmed with DNA analysis. We found that several chemical constituents, especially volatile compounds, is present only during the mating season and that the relative abundance of many compounds changed as a function of breeding season, whereas nonvolatile compounds were lower in the mating season. This seasonal variation in chemical composition of AGS most likely plays an important role in governing giant panda reproduction, including mate location, attraction, and male-male competition. The chemical properties of many of these putative chemosignals-such as volatility and longevity-are suggestive of these roles, and undoubtedly contribute to successful reproduction for this species with a characteristically sophisticated chemical communication system. We also found a number of important differences between the chemical constituents of AGS from wild pandas and those found in previous studies with captive pandas, suggesting that inappropriate chemosignal composition may contribute to poor reproductive success in captive breeding programs.

Chemical Characteristics of Heartwood and Sapwood of Red-Heart Chinese Fir (Cunninghamia lanceolata)

Abstract The chemical composition of wood is an important factor affecting the properties and utilization of wood. To compare the difference in chemical compositions between heartwood and sapwood of red-heart Chinese fir (Cunninghamia lanceolata), three graded wood, dominant, average, and overtopped trees were selected from the Chenshan Forest Station of Anfu County in Jiangxi Province. Their chemical composition parameters were determined according to international standards. Our results indicate that sapwood contains on average a higher moisture content than that of heartwood, constituting 9.4 and 8.6 percent, respectively. The pH values of wood present acidic and are higher in sapwood. Cellulose is abundant in both wood tissues; the heartwood content (52.0%) is higher than that of sapwood (48.6%) on average. Furthermore, the lignin in heartwood is slightly less than that of sapwood. Hemicellulose content is similar in heartwood and sapwood (23.4% vs. 23.1%), on average. All kinds of extractives in heartwood are substantially richer. Approximately three times more benzene–ethanol extractives are in heartwood than sapwood. This suggests that there is a considerable variation of chemical constituents among the graded woods (P &lt; 0.05). The pH values are both significantly correlated with the contents of the four extractives in heartwood and sapwood (P &lt; 0.05). The longitudinal variation of chemical compositions is different along the direction of tree height in heartwood and sapwood. Understanding the chemical heterogeneity of wood is vital for wood product manufacturing as well as for wood property improvement.

Regeneration and chemical profiling in Hemidesmus indicus (L.) R. Br.

Hemidesmus indicus (L.) R. Br. (Anantmoola) is an important medicinal plant of India, which is being used in many pharmaceutical as well as ayurvedic preparations. The present study deals with the development of an efficient rapid shoot regeneration along with their biosynthetic potential. Shoot cultures were established from nodes of H. indicus using Murashige and Skoog's (MS) medium fortified with sucrose (3%), different concentrations and combinations of cytokinins viz. benzyladenine (BA) and kinetin (Kn), auxins viz. indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) and naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA). Optimum number of shoots (11.00±0.24 shoots/explant) were observed in MS medium supplemented with combination of BA (10μM) and Kn (5μM). These shoots were subcultured to IAA (2μM) supplemented medium for another eight weeks, and shoots grown in cytokinin [BA (10μM) and Kn (5μM)] and auxin [IAA (2μM)] based media were analyzed for their biosynthetic potential using high performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC). Chemical fingerprinting and lupeol quantification was carried out to check biosynthetic potential. The fingerprints of the wild and in vitro samples showed similar bands in cytokinin fortified medium whereas variation in chemical constituents was observed in terms of number of peaks and band on HPTLC plate in shoots from auxin fortified medium. Maximum lupeol content (0.187±0.01mg/g) was estimated in shoots regenerated in BA (10μM) and Kn (5μM) which was slightly higher than wild shoots (0.185±0.00mg/g). This protocol can be utilized for mass propagation, conservation and production of lupeol.

Variation of chemical constituents, antioxidant activity, and endogenous plant hormones throughout different ripening stages of highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosumL.) cultivars produced in centre of Portugal

Highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum L) cultivars produced in Centre of Portugal were evaluated during three different ripening stages. The amount of phenolic compounds, organic acids, vitamin C, and sugars were determined by HPLC-DAD-UV/Vis. The content of total phenolics, total flavonoids, pigments, and endogenous hormones were determined by spectrophotometric methods. The antioxidant capacities were determined by DPPH, CUPRAC, and lipid peroxidation methods. In all cultivars, the glucose and the citric acid were the predominant sugar and organic acid, respectively, whilst the delphinidin-3-O-galactoside was the main anthocyanin identified. The average content of each attribute varied significantly (0.01 < p < .001) with ripening stage. It was observed an accumulation of anthocyanins and abscisic acid in the last stages of ripeness, whilst the content of total phenolics, flavonoids and pigments, and the hormones indole-3-acetic acid and gibberellic acid, were higher in the first stages, suggesting a shift in the evolution of compounds throughout the ripening process. Practical applications Blueberry is an important natural product that contains high level of anthocyanins and other important compounds including glucose, fructose, vitamin C, and citric acid. These compounds are recognized as being responsible for health-promoting properties. This article evaluates how ripening process affects the evolution of bioactive compounds accumulation and how this can be used to promote higher accumulations of such compounds enchanting their fruit nutritional and functional quality. Our findings may provide a useful guide for adequate fruit development towards a better fruit quality. Moreover, these findings may deliver additional phytochemical-related information to blueberry growers and consumers as fresh fruits harvested at different ripening stages.

Extraction of Spectral Information from Hyperspectral Data and Application of Hyperspectral Imaging for Food and Agricultural Products

Hyperspectral imaging is built with the aggregation of imaging, spectroscopy and radiometric techniques. This technique observes the sample behaviour when it is exposed to light and interprets the properties of the biological samples. As hyperspectral imaging helps in interpreting the sample at the molecular level, it can distinguish very minute changes in the sample composition from its scatter properties. Hyperspectral data collection depends on several parameters such as electromagnetic spectrum wavelength range, imaging mode and imaging system. Spectral data acquired using a hyperspectral imaging system contain variations due to external factors and imaging components. Moreover, food samples are complex matrices with conditions of surface and internal heterogeneities, which may lead to variations in acquired data. Hence, before extracting information, these variations and noises must be reduced from the data using reference-dependent or reference-independent spectral pre-processing techniques. Using of the entire hyperspectral data for information extraction is tedious and time-consuming. In order to overcome this, exploratory data analysis techniques are used to select crucial wavelengths from the excessive hyperspectral data. Using appropriate chemometric techniques (supervised or unsupervised learning techniques) on this pre-processed hyperspectral data, qualitative or quantitative information from sample can be obtained. Qualitative information for analysing of the chemical composition, detecting of the defects and determining the purity of the food product can be extracted using discriminant analysis techniques. Quantitative information including variation in chemical constituents and contamination levels in food and agricultural sample can be extracted using categorical regression techniques. In combination with appropriate spectra pre-processing and chemometric technique, hyperspectral imaging stands out as an advanced quality evaluation system for food and agricultural products.