Untargeted metabolomics reveals specific withanolides and fatty acyl glycoside as tentative metabolites to differentiate organic and conventional Physalis peruviana fruits

Cape Gooseberry (Physalis peruviana L.) Volatile Compounds Determination by Vacuum-Assisted Sorbent Extraction (VASE)-Selected Aspects

Vacuum-Assisted Sorbent Extraction (VASE) is a novel extraction technique that uses vacuum to facilitate the transfer of volatile compounds from the matrix to the sorbent. This technique was explored for extraction of volatiles from cape gooseberry fruit, for both qualitative and quantitative analyses. Selected extraction parameters were tested: sample size, extraction temperature and time, influence of tissue disintegration on release of volatiles, and also addition of Ag+1 ions in the form of AgNO3 to stop enzymatic formation of volatile compounds. For selected conditions (10 g sample, extraction for 30 min. at 40 °C of volatiles from blended fruit) quantitative aspects were explored. Twenty-two compounds of cape gooseberry were tested. The method was characterized with a very good linearity in a range of 10-5000 µg/kg and good reproducibility. The experiments proved the usefulness of VASE in both volatile profiling and quantitative analyses of cape gooseberry and in prospective other fruit.

Analytical insights for ensuring authenticity of Greek agriculture products: Unveiling chemical marker applications

Food authentication, including the differentiation of geographical or botanical origin, the method of production i.e. organic vs. conventional farming as well as the detection of food fraud/adulteration, has been a rapidly growing field over the past two decades due to increasing public awareness regarding food quality and safety, nutrition, and health. Concerned parties include consumers, producers, and legislators. Thus, the development of rapid, accurate, sensitive, and reproducible analytical methods to guarantee the authenticity of foods is of primary interest to scientists and technologists. The aim of the present article is to summarize research work carried out on the authentication of Greek agricultural products using spectroscopic (NIR, FTIR, UV-Vis, Raman and fluorescence spectroscopy, NMR, IRMS, ICP-OES, ICP-MS) and chromatographic (GC, GC/MS, HPLC, HPLC/MS, etc.) methods of analysis in combination with chemometrics highlighting the chemical markers that enable product authentication. The review identified a large number of chemical markers including volatiles, phenolic substances, natural pigments, elements, isotopes, etc. which can be used for (i) the differentiation of botanical/geographical origin; conventional from organic farming; production procedure and vintage year, etc. and (ii) detection of adulteration of high quality plant and animal origin foods with lower value substitutes. Finally, the constant development of reliable analytical techniques in combination with law enforcement authorities will ensure authentic foods in terms of quality and safety for consumers.

Advances in Physalis molecular research: applications in authentication, genetic diversity, phylogenetics, functional genes, and omics

The plants of the genus Physalis L. have been extensively utilized in traditional and indigenous Chinese medicinal practices for treating a variety of ailments, including dermatitis, malaria, asthma, hepatitis, and liver disorders. The present review aims to achieve a comprehensive and up-to-date investigation of the genus Physalis, a new model crop, to understand plant diversity and fruit development. Several chloroplast DNA-, nuclear ribosomal DNA-, and genomic DNA-based markers, such as psbA-trnH, internal-transcribed spacer (ITS), simple sequence repeat (SSR), random amplified microsatellites (RAMS), sequence-characterized amplified region (SCAR), and single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), were developed for molecular identification, genetic diversity, and phylogenetic studies of Physalis species. A large number of functional genes involved in inflated calyx syndrome development (AP2-L, MPF2, MPF3, and MAGO), organ growth (AG1, AG2, POS1, and CNR1), and active ingredient metabolism (24ISO, DHCRT, P450-CPL, SR, DUF538, TAS14, and 3β-HSB) were identified contributing to the breeding of novel Physalis varieties. Various omic studies revealed and functionally identified a series of reproductive organ development-related factors, environmental stress-responsive genes, and active component biosynthesis-related enzymes. The chromosome-level genomes of Physalis floridana Rydb., Physalis grisea (Waterf.) M. Martínez, and Physalis pruinosa L. have been recently published providing a valuable resource for genome editing in Physalis crops. Our review summarizes the recent progress in genetic diversity, molecular identification, phylogenetics, functional genes, and the application of omics in the genus Physalis and accelerates efficient utilization of this traditional herb.

Integrative analysis of the effects of organic and conventional farming methods on peanut based on transcriptome and metabolomics

To elucidate the nutritional quality of peanut under different farming methods, we selected two cultivars, "jihua13" and "jihua4", to grow in organic and conventional environments, respectively. After harvest, we measured physiological parameters and differential metabolites. Metabolomics showed that most of the amino acids, carbohydrates, and secondary metabolites in organically grown jihua4 were downregulated, which was completely the opposite in jihua13. Fatty acids associated with heart disease and hypertension are reduced in organically grown peanuts. In particular, the highly statistically significant tryptophan betaine seems to be used as a reference to distinguish between organic and conventional cultivation. Mechanisms leading to differences in crop chemical composition are explained by transcriptome analysis. The results of the transcriptome analysis indicated that organic cultivation largely affects the synthesis of amino acids and carbohydrates in jihua13. Combined analysis of transcriptome and metabolomics found that variety jihua13 is more sensitive to farming methods and produces more unsaturated fatty acids than jihua4.

The Importance of Testing the Quality and Authenticity of Food Products: The Example of Honey

The aim of this study was to review methods of honey testing in the assessment of its quality and authenticity. The quality of honey, like other food products, is multidimensional. This quality can be assessed not only on the basis of the characteristics evaluated by the consumer during purchase and consumption, but also on the basis of various physicochemical parameters. A number of research methods are used to verify the quality of honeys and to confirm their authenticity. Obligatory methods of assessing the quality of honey are usually described in legal acts. On the other hand, other, non-normative methods of honey quality assessment are used worldwide; they can be used to determine not only the elementary chemical composition of individual types of honey, but also the biological activity of honey and its components. However, so far, there has been no systematization of these methods together with a discussion of problems encountered when determining the authenticity of honeys. Therefore, the aim of our study was to collect information on the methods of assessing the quality and authenticity of honeys, and to identify the problems that occur during this assessment. As a result, a tabular summary of various research methods was created.

Untargeted metabolomics-based approach using UHPLC-HRMS to authenticate carrots (Daucus carota L.) based on geographical origin and production mode

Carrots produced in different agricultural regions with organic or conventional mode were analyzed by untargeted UHPLC-HRMS using reversed-phase and HILIC modes. Data were first treated separately, and further combined to possibly improve results. An in-house data processing workflow was applied to identify relevant features after peak detection. Based on these features, discrimination models were built using chemometrics. A tentative annotation of chemical markers was performed using online databases and UHPLC-HRMS/MS analyses. An independent set of samples was analyzed to assess the discrimination potential of these markers. Carrots produced in the New Aquitaine region could be successfully discriminated from carrots originating from the Normandy region by an OLPS-DA model. Arginine and 6-methoxymellein could be identified as potential markers with the C18-silica column. Additional markers (N-acetylputrescine, l-carnitine) could be identified thanks to the polar column. Discrimination based on production mode was more challenging: some trend was observed but model metrics remained unsatisfactory.

Production of a Yogurt Drink Enriched with Golden Berry (Physalispubescens L.) Juice and Its Therapeutic Effect on Hepatitis in Rats

Fermented dairy products have been associated with multiple health benefits. The present study aimed to produce a functional yogurt drink fortified with golden berry juice and assess its therapeutic effect on hepatitis rats. Thirty male albino rats were randomly divided into two major groups. The first group included the control (-) animals (six rats) and was fed a standard diet, whereas the second group included 24 rats that were fed a standard diet and injected with carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) for 2 weeks to trigger chronic damage of the liver (hepatitis); they were then divided into four groups (six rats/group): Group 2: hepatitis, fed on a standard diet as a positive control group; Group 3: received a basal diet with 5 mL of the yogurt drink; Group 4: received a basal diet with 5 mL of the yogurt drink fortified with 10% golden berry juice. Group 5: received a basal diet with 5 mL of the yogurt drink fortified with 20% golden berry juice. Various biological parameters were determined. Yogurt drink treatments were evaluated for their chemical, phytochemical, and sensory properties, as well as for their effects on hepatoprotective activity by determining various biochemical parameters. We found that the yogurt drinks containing golden berry juice exhibited no significant differences in fat, protein, and ash content compared with the control samples. Moreover, the yogurt drinks containing golden berry juice exhibited the highest content of total phenolic compounds, antioxidant activity, and organoleptic scores among all treatments. In addition, rats fed on a diet fortified with yogurt drinks containing golden berry juice for 8 weeks exhibited higher potential hepatoprotective effects compared with the liver injury control group. This improvement was partly observed in the group that received the yogurt drink containing golden berry juice. Therefore, we concluded that golden berry juice can be recommended as a natural additive in the manufacture of functional yogurt drinks, as it showed a potential hepatoprotective effect in rats with hepatitis.

Metabolic response to larval herbivory in three Physalis species

The Physalis genus includes species of commercial importance due to their ornamental, edible and medicinal properties. These qualities stem from their variety of biologically active compounds. We performed a metabolomic analysis of three Physalis species, i.e., P. angulata, P. grisea, and P. philadelphica, differing in domestication stage and cultivation practices, to determine the degree of inter-species metabolite variation and to test the hypothesis that these related species mount a common metabolomic response to foliar damage caused by Trichoplusia ni larvae. The results indicated that the metabolomic differences detected in the leaves of these species were species-specific and remained even after T. ni herbivory. They also show that each Physalis species displayed a unique response to insect herbivory. This study highlighted the metabolite variation present in Physalis spp. and the persistence of this variability when faced with biotic stressors. Furthermore, it sets an experimental precedent from which highly species-specific metabolites could be identified and subsequently used for plant breeding programs designed to increase insect resistance in Physalis and related plant species.

Ahovegbe LY, Ali MS, Tusiimire J, Ogwang PE, Kadima JN, Agaba AG. Chemical constituents and evidence-based pharmacological properties of Physalis peruviana L.: An overview

Physalis peruviana L. is among plant species possessing evident nutritional, nutraceutical, and commercial interests. This review highlights the complexity of the chemical composition supporting the multiple pharmacotherapeutic indications and dietary values of this plant through evidence-based studies from Google Scholar, PubMed/Medline, SciFinder, Science Direct, Scopus, the Wiley online library, and Web of Science. The literature mentions at least 40 compounds isolated from different parts; others are still under investigation. High yields in carotenoids, amino acids, minerals, vitamin C, vitamin E, and essential fatty acids have healthy nutritional benefits. Various phytoconstituents, particularly withanolides, exhibit anti-carcinogenic, anti-inflammatory, and antidiabetic potentials, as well as cardiovascular and liver protective effects. Prospective studies reveal that the leaves would also provide various beneficial bioactive chemicals worth being isolated. However, clinical evidence-based studies are seldom. Therefore, adequate pharmaceutical formulations and more in-depth controlled clinical trials are needed to fill the gap.

Metabolomics of Chlorophylls and Carotenoids: Analytical Methods and Metabolome-Based Studies

Chlorophylls and carotenoids are two families of antioxidants present in daily ingested foods, whose recognition as added-value ingredients runs in parallel with the increasing number of demonstrated functional properties. Both groups include a complex and vast number of compounds, and extraction and analysis methods evolved recently to a modern protocol. New methodologies are more potent, precise, and accurate, but their application requires a better understanding of the technical and biological context. Therefore, the present review compiles the basic knowledge and recent advances of the metabolomics of chlorophylls and carotenoids, including the interrelation with the primary metabolism. The study includes material preparation and extraction protocols, the instrumental techniques for the acquisition of spectroscopic and spectrometric properties, the workflows and software tools for data pre-processing and analysis, and the application of mass spectrometry to pigment metabolomics. In addition, the review encompasses a critical description of studies where metabolomics analyses of chlorophylls and carotenoids were developed as an approach to analyzing the effects of biotic and abiotic stressors on living organisms.

Phenolics from Physalis peruviana fruits ameliorate streptozotocin-induced diabetes and diabetic nephropathy in rats via induction of autophagy and apoptosis regression

The objective of our study was to evaluate the effect of Physalis peruviana L. fruits in the management of diabetes and diabetic nephropathy in relation to its metabolic profile. In-vitro α-amylase, β-glucosidase, and lipase inhibition activities were assessed for the ethanolic extract (EtOH) and its subfractions. Ethyl acetate (EtOAc) fraction showed the highest α-amylase, β-glucosidase, and lipase inhibition effect. In vivo antihyperglycemic testing of EtOAc in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats showed that it decreased the blood glucose level, prevented the reduction in body weight, improved serum indicators of kidney injury (urea, uric acid, creatinine), and function (albumin and total protein). EtOAc increased autophagic parameters (LC3B, AMPK) and depressed mTOR contents. Histopathology revealed that EtOAc ameliorated the pathological features and decreased the glycogen content induced by STZ. The immunohistochemical analysis showed that EtOAc reduced P53 expression as compared to the STZ-diabetic group. UPLC-ESI-MS/MS metabolite profiling of EtOAc allowed the identification of several phenolic compounds. Among the isolated compounds, gallic acid, its methylated dimer and the glycosides of quercetin had promising α-amylase and β-glucosidase inhibition activity. The results suggest that the phenolic-rich fraction has a protective effects against diabetic nephropathy presumably via enhancing autophagy (AMPK/mTOR pathway) and prevention of apoptosis (P53 suppression).

Plasma Metabolome Profiling by High-Performance Chemical Isotope-Labelling LC-MS after Acute and Medium-Term Intervention with Golden Berry Fruit (Physalis peruviana L.), Confirming Its Impact on Insulin-Associated Signaling Pathways

Purpose: Golden berry (Physalis peruviana L.) is an exotic fruit exported from Colombia to different countries around the world. A review of the literature tends to demonstrate a hypoglycaemic effect with an improvement in insulin sensitivity after oral ingestion of fruit extracts in animal models. However, little is known about their potential effects in humans, and very little is known about the mechanisms involved. This study aimed at identifying discriminant metabolites after acute and chronic intake of golden berry. Method: An untargeted metabolomics strategy using high-performance chemical isotope-labelling LC-MS was applied. The blood samples of eighteen healthy adults were analysed at baseline, at 6 h after the intake of 250 g of golden berry (acute intervention), and after 19 days of daily consumption of 150 g (medium-term intervention). Results: Forty-nine and 36 discriminant metabolites were identified with high confidence, respectively, after the acute and medium-term interventions. Taking into account up- and downregulated metabolites, three biological networks mainly involving insulin, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), and the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase pathway (PI3K/Akt/mTOR) were identified. Conclusions: The biological intracellular networks identified are highly interconnected with the insulin signalling pathway, showing that berry intake may be associated with insulin signalling, which could reduce some risk factors related to metabolic syndrome. Primary registry of WHO.

Effect of Salt Stress on Growth and Metabolite Profiles of Cape Gooseberry (Physalis peruviana L.) along Three Growth Stages

Colombia is the main producer of cape gooseberry (Physalis peruviana L.), a plant known for its various consumption practices and medicinal properties. This plant is generally grown in eroded soils and is considered moderately tolerant to unfavorable conditions, such as nutrient-poor soils or high salt concentrations. Most studies conducted on this plant focus on fruit production and composition because it is the target product, but a small number of studies have been conducted to describe the effect of abiotic stress, e.g., salt stress, on growth and biochemical responses. In order to better understand the mechanism of inherent tolerance of this plant facing salt stress, the present study was conducted to determine the metabolic and growth differences of P. peruviana plants at three different BBCH-based growth substages, varying salt conditions. Hence, plants were independently treated with two NaCl solutions, and growth parameters and LC-ESI-MS-derived semi-quantitative levels of metabolites were then measured and compared between salt treatments per growth substage. A 90 mM NaCl treatment caused the greatest effect on plants, provoking low growth and particular metabolite variations. The treatment discrimination-driving feature classification suggested that glycosylated flavonols increased under 30 mM NaCl at 209 substages, withanolides decreased under 90 mM NaCl at 603 and 703 substages, and up-regulation of a free flavonol at all selected stages can be considered a salt stress response. Findings locate such response into a metabolic context and afford some insights into the plant response associated with antioxidant compound up-regulation.

Bioactive compounds induced in Physalis angulata L. by methyl-jasmonate: an investigation of compound accumulation patterns and biosynthesis-related candidate genes

We employed both metabolomic and transcriptomic approaches to explore the accumulation patterns of physalins, flavonoids and chlorogenic acid in Physalis angulata and revealed the genes associated with the biosynthesis of bioactive compounds under methyl-jasmonate (MeJA) treatment. Physalis angulata L. is an annual Solanaceae plant with a number of medicinally active compounds. Despite the potential pharmacological benefits of P. angulata, the scarce genomic information regarding this plant has limited the studies on the mechanisms of bioactive compound biosynthesis. To facilitate the basic understanding of the main chemical constituent biosynthesis pathways, we performed both metabolomic and transcriptomic approaches to reveal the genes associated with the biosynthesis of bioactive compounds under methyl-jasmonate (MeJA) treatment. Untargeted metabolome analysis showed that most physalins, flavonoids and chlorogenic acid were significantly upregulated. Targeted HPLC-MS/MS analysis confirmed variations in the contents of two important representative steroid derivatives (physalins B and G), total flavonoids, neochlorogenic acid, and chlorogenic acid between MeJA-treated plants and controls. Transcript levels of a few steroid biosynthesis-, flavonoid biosynthesis-, and chlorogenic acid biosynthesis-related genes were upregulated, providing a potential explanation for MeJA-induced active ingredient synthesis in P. angulata. Systematic correlation analysis identified a number of novel candidate genes associated with bioactive compound biosynthesis. These results may help to elucidate the regulatory mechanism underlying MeJA-induced active compound accumulation and provide several valuable candidate genes for further functional study.

Physalis peruviana L. (Solanaceae) Is Not a Host of Ceratitis capitata (Diptera: Tephritidae): Evidence from Multi-Year Field and Laboratory Studies in Colombia

Scientifically-based, tephritid fly host status determination lies at the heart of strategic regulatory decisions impinging on international fruit trade. Here we conducted intensive field and laboratory studies with peaches as controls, to determine the host status of Physalis peruviana for the Medfly-Ceratitis capitata, as this fruit is experiencing a consumption boom worldwide. A total of 98,132 Uchuvas (local name), collected in Colombia from the plant or the ground over a three-year period (2016-2018) did not yield a single C. capitata larva or pupa, thus reaching a Probit 9 level with 99.9968% efficacy and 96% confidence level. Field-cage studies with enclosed fruit-bearing Uchuva plants, exposing fruit with an intact, damaged or totally removed husk to the attack of C. capitata, also failed to yield infestations. Highly artificial choice experiments, exposing gravid females to unripe and fully ripe fruit, resulted in an absence of infestations, even when overripe Uchuvas were artificially damaged. The husk and surface resins/waxes inhibit fly landings on fruit and oviposition activity. Considering our results and the fact that the foliage, husk and fruit of P. peruviana are repellent/toxic to insects, we conclude that this plant should be treated as a non-natural and non-conditional host of C. capitata.

A multi-analytical platform based on pressurized-liquid extraction, in vitro assays and liquid chromatography/gas chromatography coupled to high resolution mass spectrometry for food by-products valorisation. Part 1: Withanolides-rich fractions from goldenberry (Physalis peruviana L.) calyces obtained after extraction optimization as case study

In this work, a multi-analytical platform that allows obtaining and characterizing high-added value compounds from natural sources is presented, with a huge potential in traditional medicine, natural products characterization, functional foods, etc. Namely, the proposed multi-analytical platform is based on the combination of pressurized liquid extraction (PLE), liquid chromatography (LC) and gas chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry GC-q-TOF-MS(/MS), in vitro assays and modelling tools for guiding extraction optimization. As case study, goldenberry or cape gooseberry fruit (Physalys peruviana L.) was selected. In particular, the potential of P. peruviana calyces, an important by-product of goldenberry processing, as promising source of bioactive compounds was evaluated. Selection of the most suitable solvent for PLE was based on the Hansen solubility parameters (HSP) approach using 4β-hydroxywithanolide E (4βHWE) and withanolide E (WE) as target compounds due to their bioactive potential. A surface response methodology was further applied for the optimization of the PLE parameters: temperature (50, 100 and 150 °C) and solvent composition (% EtOH in the mixture EtOH/EtOAc). The effects of the independent variables on extraction yield, withanolides content (4βHWE and WE), total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoids content (TFC) and antioxidant activity (EC₅₀ and TEAC) were evaluated in order to obtain withanolide-rich extracts from P. peruviana calyces. The extract obtained under optimal conditions (at 125 °C and 75% EtOH v/v) exhibited satisfactory extraction yield (14.7%) and moderate antioxidant activity (with an EC₅₀ value of 77.18 μg mL^-1 and 1.08 mM trolox g^-1), with 4βHWE and WE concentrations of 8.8 and 2.3 mg g^-1, respectively. LC-q-TOF-MS/MS analysis of the extract allowed the quantitation of 4βHWE and WE and the tentative identification of several other withanolides structures. The obtained results demonstrate the great potential of this multi-analytical approach for developing valorisation strategies of food by-products under sustainable conditions, to obtain bioactive-enriched extracts with potential medicinal or health-promoting properties.

Food fingerprints - A valuable tool to monitor food authenticity and safety

In recent years, food frauds and adulterations have increased significantly. This practice is motivated by fast economical gains and has an enormous impact on public health, representing an important issue in food science. In this context, this review has been designed to be a useful guide of potential biomarkers of food authenticity and safety. In terms of food authenticity, we focused our attention on biomarkers reported to specify different botanical or geographical origins, genetic diversity or production systems, while at the food safety level, molecular evidences of food adulteration or spoilage will be highlighted. This report is the first to combine results from recent studies in a format that allows a ready overview of metabolites (<1200 Da) and potentially molecular routes to monitor food authentication and safety. This review has therefore the potential to unveil important aspects in food adulteration and safety, contributing to improve the current regulatory frameworks.

Comparative Metabolomic and Proteomic Analyses Reveal the Regulation Mechanism Underlying MeJA-Induced Bioactive Compound Accumulation in Cutleaf Groundcherry ( Physalis angulata L.) Hairy Roots

Cutleaf groundcherry ( Physalis angulata L.) is an annual plant with a number of medicinal ingredients. However, studies about the secondary metabolism of P. angulata are very limited. An integrated metabolome and proteome approach was used to reveal the variations in the metabolism associated with bioactive compounds under methyl-jasmonate (MeJA) treatment. Application of MeJA to the hairy roots could significantly increase the accumulation of most active ingredients. A targeted approach confirmed the variations in physalins D and H between MeJA treatment and the controls. Increases in the levels of a number of terpenoid backbone biosynthesis and steroid biosynthesis related enzymes, cytochrome P450 monooxygenases and 3β-hydroxysterioid dehydrogenase might provide a potential explanation for the MeJA-induced active ingredient synthesis. Our results may contribute to a deeper understanding of the regulation mechanism underlying the MeJA-induced active compound accumulation in P. angulata.

NMR-based metabolic study of fruits of Physalis peruviana L. grown in eight different Peruvian ecosystems

The berry of Physalis peruviana L. (Solanaceae) represents an important socio-economical commodity for Latin America. The absence of a clear phenotype renders it difficult to trace its place of origin. In this study, Cape gooseberries from eight different regions within the Peruvian Andes were profiled for their metabolism implementing a NMR platform. Twenty-four compounds could be unequivocally identified and sixteen quantified. One-way ANOVA and post-hoc Tukey test revealed that all of the quantified metabolites changed significantly among regions: Bambamarca I showed the most accumulated significant differences. The coefficient of variation demonstrated high phenotypic plasticity for amino acids, while sugars displayed low phenotypic plasticity. Correlation analysis highlighted the closely coordinated behavior of the amino acid profile. Finally, PLS-DA revealed a clear separation among the regions based on their metabolic profiles, accentuating the discriminatory capacity of NMR in establishing significant phytochemical differences between producing regions of the fruit of P. peruviana L.