Evaluation of Diospyros kaki (persimmon), Prunus lauroceraus (cherry laurel) and Vaccinium arctostaphylos (blue berry) Fruits as a Natural Antioxidant Source

The consumption of berry-type fruits has become very popular in recent years because of their positive effects on human health. Berries are in fact widely known for their health-promoting benefits, including prevention of chronic disease, cardiovascular disease and cancer. Berries are a rich source of bioactive metabolites, such as vitamins, minerals, and phenolic compounds, mainly anthocyanins. Numerous in vitro and in vivo studies recognized the health effects of berries and their function as bioactive modulators of various cell functions associated with oxidative stress. Plants have one of the largest metabolome databases, with over 1200 papers on plant metabolomics published only in the last decade. Mass spectrometry (MS) and NMR (Nuclear Magnetic Resonance) are the most important analytical technologies on which the emerging ''omics'' approaches are based. They may provide detection and quantization of thousands of biologically active metabolites from a tissue, working in a ''global'' or ''targeted'' manner, down to ultra-trace levels. In the present review, we highlighted the use of MS and NMR-based strategies and Multivariate Data Analysis for the valorization of berries known for their biological activities, important as food and often used in the preparation of nutraceutical formulations.

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Punica granatum as a Source of Natural Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Agent; a Comprehensive Review on Related Investigations

Current Drug Discovery Technologies ◽

10.2174/1570163817666200430001822 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 17 ◽

Author(s):

Atefeh Jalali ◽

Mohammadreza Kiafar ◽

Masih Seddigh ◽

Mohammad M. Zarshenas

Keyword(s):

Antioxidant Activities ◽

Antioxidant Properties ◽

Radical Scavenging ◽

Natural Antioxidants ◽

Punica Granatum ◽

Antimicrobial Activities ◽

Natural Antioxidant ◽

Antiviral Activities ◽

Natural Foods

Background: The consumption of natural antioxidants is increasing due to the demand and tendency to natural foods. Punica granatum L. [Punicaceae] is a fruit with various bioactive ingredients. The effectiveness of this plant has been proved against various disorders such as hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia, blood coagulation, infections, cancer, and dentistry. Among them, there are numerous researches on antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. Subsequently, the present study aimed to compile a review of those properties to outline this herb as a possible natural antioxidant and preservative. Methods: Synchronically, keywords "Punica granatum" with antimicrobial, or antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, antioxidant and radical scavenging were searched through "Scopus" database up to 31st September 2019. Papers focusing on agriculture, genetics, chemistry, and environmental sciences were excluded and also related papers were collected. Results: Among 201 papers focusing on related activities, 111 papers have dealt with antioxidant activities focusing based on DPPH assay, 59 with antibacterial, on both gram+ and gram- bacteria, 24 with antifungal effects, mostly on Aspergillus niger and Candida albicans, and 7 papers with antiviral activities. There were about 50 papers focusing on in-vivo antioxidant activities of this plant. Conclusion: Taken together, botanical parts of P. granatum have possessed notable radical scavenging and antimicrobial activities that with these properties, this plant can be introduced as a natural safe source of preservative and antioxidant. Accordingly, P. granatum can be applied as excipient with the aforementioned properties in the pharmaceutical and food industries.

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Genetic Differentiation in Anthocyanin Content among Berry Fruits

Current Issues in Molecular Biology ◽

10.3390/cimb43010004 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 43 (1) ◽

pp. 36-51

Author(s):

Alicja Ponder ◽

Ewelina Hallmann ◽

Martyna Kwolek ◽

Dominika Średnicka-Tober ◽

Renata Kazimierczak

Keyword(s):

Essential Role ◽

Positive Impact ◽

Skin Pigmentation ◽

Highbush Blueberry ◽

Anthocyanin Content ◽

Healthy Nutrition ◽

Wide Range ◽

Health Promoting ◽

Berry Fruits ◽

Red Currant

Anthocyanins are widely distributed secondary metabolites that play an essential role in skin pigmentation of many plant organs and microorganisms. Anthocyanins have been associated with a wide range of biological and pharmacological properties. They are also effective agents in the prevention and treatment of many chronic diseases. Berries are particularly abundant in these compounds; therefore, their dietary intake has health-promoting effects. The aim of this study was to identify and determine the anthocyanin content in selected species and cultivars of berry fruits, such as raspberry, blackberry, red currant, blackcurrant, and highbush blueberry, widely consumed by Europeans. The concentrations of anthocyanins were determined by HPLC, identifying individual compounds: cyanidin-3-O-glucoside, pelargonidin-3-O-glucoside, delphinidin-3-O-glucoside, delphinidin-3-O-rutinoside, cyanidin-3-O-rutinoside, delphinidin-3-O-galactoside, cyanidin-3-O-galactoside, and malvidin-3-O-galactoside. The experimental data showed that the selected species and cultivars of berry fruits differ significantly in the contents of anthocyanins. Among all species tested, blackberry and blackcurrant were characterized significantly by the highest content of anthocyanins (sum), while the lowest content was found in red currant fruits. Additionally, the content of individual anthocyanin compounds in particular species and cultivars was also different. Considering the high content of anthocyanins and their potential positive impact on human health and protection against disease, berries should be part of healthy nutrition.

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