Infusions and decoctions of dehydrated fruits of Actinidia arguta and Actinidia deliciosa: Bioactivity, radical scavenging activity and effects on cells viability

Screening of fermentation resources of Actinidia arguta wine based on principal component analysis combined with a fuzzy mathematical sensory evaluation method

Actinidia arguta is a nutritious fruit with several health benefits. Recently, A. arguta wine has gained popularity among consumers. However, limited research is available on the effect of different cultivars and yeast strains on fruit wine quality. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to analyze the physicochemical indicators and ester aroma compositions of 16 wines derived from four A. arguta cultivars and fermented using four yeast strains to identify the most favorable combinations. The results showed significant differences in nutritional composition and flavor among the 16 wines. Principal component analysis (PCA) indicated that wines produced from the Changjiang No. 1 (CJ No. 1) and Liaofeng No. 1 (LF No. 1) cultivars, as well as those fermented with the LA-FR and LA-BA yeast strains, received higher scores. Furthermore, a fuzzy mathematical sensory evaluation (fuzzy logic model) confirmed the reliability of the PCA results, with the highest comprehensive sensory score (1.812) being awarded to CJ No. 1 wine fermented with LA-BA yeast. In this study, we identified the optimal combination of A. arguta cultivars and yeast strains to provide a theoretical reference for the quality control and development of A. arguta wine production.

Biological and Health-Promoting Potential of Fruits from Three Cold-Hardy Actinidia Species

Fruits are essential components of the human diet, valued for their diverse bioactive compounds with potential health-promoting properties. This study focuses on three cold-hardy Actinidia species, namely A. arguta, A. kolomikta, and A. polygama, examining their polyphenolic content, antioxidant/antiradical activities, scavenging capacity and effects on intestinal cell viability (Caco-2 and HT29-MTX). A comprehensive profile of their phenolic compounds was identified, in descending order of total polyphenol content: A. kolomikta > A. arguta > A. polygama. Across species, 16 phenolic acids, 2 flavanols, 2 flavanones, 11 flavonols, and 3 flavones were quantified, with caffeine as a prominent compound. A. kolomikta achieved the highest antioxidant activity, with 'Vitakola' cultivar showing almost double the antioxidant activity compared to 'Tallinn' and 'Pozdni'. By contrast, A. arguta 'Geneva' and A. polygama 'Pomarancheva' exhibited significantly lower activity in both FRAP and DPPH assays. Notably, A. kolomikta cultivars showed distinct radical-scavenging capacities, particularly for superoxide, wherein 'Tallinn' and 'Pozdni' achieved the highest values. Cell viability tests on Caco-2 and HT29-MTX cells revealed a dose-dependent reduction in viability, notably stronger in Caco-2 cells. Overall, this study underscores the therapeutic potential of Actinidia species.

Bioactive compounds from Actinidia arguta fruit as a new strategy to fight glioblastoma

In recent years, there has been a significant demand for natural products as a mean of disease prevention or as an alternative to conventional medications. The driving force for this change is the growing recognition of the abundant presence of valuable bioactive compounds in natural products. On recent years Actinia arguta fruit, also known as kiwiberry, has attracted a lot of attention from scientific community due to its richness in bioactive compounds, including phenolic compounds, organic acids, vitamins, carotenoids and fiber. These bioactive compounds contribute to the fruit's diverse outstanding biological activities such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, immunomodulatory, and anti-cancer properties. Due to these properties, the fruit may have the potential to be used in the treatment/prevention of various types of cancer, including glioblastoma. Glioblastoma is the most aggressive form of brain cancer, displaying 90 % of recurrence rate within a span of 2 years. Despite the employment of an aggressive approach, the prognosis remains unfavorable, emphasizing the urgent requirement for the development of new effective treatments. The preclinical evidence suggests that kiwiberry has potential impact on glioblastoma by reducing the cancer self-renewal, modulating the signaling pathways involved in the regulation of the cell phenotype and metabolism, and influencing the consolidation of the tumor microenvironment. Even though, challenges such as the imprecise composition and concentration of bioactive compounds, and its low bioavailability after oral administration may be drawbacks to the development of kiwiberry-based treatments, being urgent to ensure the safety and efficacy of kiwiberry for the prevention and treatment of glioblastoma. This review aims to highlight the potential impact of A. arguta bioactive compounds on glioblastoma, providing novel insights into their applicability as complementary or alternative therapies.

Insights into the Antioxidant/Antiradical Effects and In Vitro Intestinal Permeation of Oleocanthal and Its Metabolites Tyrosol and Oleocanthalic Acid

(1) Background: In recent years, numerous studies have highlighted the beneficial effects of extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) as an active ingredient against chronic diseases. The properties of EVOO are due to its peculiar composition, mainly to its rich content of polyphenols. In fact, polyphenols may contribute to counteract oxidative stress, which often accompanies chronic diseases. In this work, the antioxidant effects of high-value polyphenol oleocanthal (OC) and its main metabolites, tyrosol (Tyr) and oleocanthalic acid (OA), respectively, have been investigated along with their impact on cell viability. (2) Methods: OC, Tyr, and OA have been evaluated regarding antiradical properties in term of scavenging capacity towards biologically relevant reactive species, including O2●-, HOCl, and ROO●, as well as their antioxidant/antiradical capacity (FRAP, DPPH●, ABTS●+). Moreover, the ability to permeate the intestinal membrane was assessed by an intestinal co-culture model composed by Caco-2 and HT29-MTX cell lines. (3) Results: The capacity of OC and Tyr as radical oxygen species (ROS) scavengers, particularly regarding HOCl and O2●-, was clearly demonstrated. Furthermore, the ability to permeate the intestinal co-culture model was plainly proved by the good permeations (>50%) achieved by all compounds. (4) Conclusions: OC, OA, and Tyr revealed promising properties against oxidative diseases.

Nanoencapsulation and bioaccessibility of polyphenols of aqueous extracts from Bauhinia forficata link

Bauhinia forficata Link is a plant rich in polyphenols that has been used mainly for its hypoglycemic activity, which is related to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential. However, the beneficial effect of these bioactive compounds is directly dependent on their bioaccessibility and bioavailability, requiring processing techniques that can improve and preserve their biological activities. This work aimed to obtain nanocapsulated extracts from the infusion (ESIN) and decoction (ESDC) of B. forficata Link leaves, by spray drying. The encapsulating agents used were maltodextrin and colloidal silicon dioxide. The nanocapsules were characterized by HPLC-PDA-ESI-IT-MS ⁿ , evaluated the bioaccessibility of polyphenols after simulated digestion and their antioxidant activity. Additionally, an extensive physicochemical characterization of the nanocapsulated extracts was carried out and their stability and technological parameters were evaluated. The ESIN and ESDC extracts had yields of 57.3 % and 62.7 %, with average nanocapsules sizes of 0.202 μm and 0.179 μm, low humidity and water activity (<0.5), powder density and proper flow properties (Hausner ratio ≤ 1.25; Carr index 18-19 %). Scanning electron microscopy showed a spherical and amorphous morphology and low viscosity, which may have favored the solubility profile. The phenolic compounds of the nanocapsules degraded after 400 °C, showing high thermal stability. The infrared spectra identified the presence of maltodextrin and phenolic compounds and that there were no reactions between them. Chromatography confirmed the presence of phenolic compounds, mainly flavonols and their O-glycosylated derivatives, as well as carbohydrates, probably maltodextrin. Simulated in vitro digestion showed that polyphenols and flavonoids from ESIN and ESDC nanocapsules were bioaccessible after the gastric phase (49.38 % and 64.17 % of polyphenols and 64.08 % and 36.61 % of flavonoids) and duodenal (52.68 % and 79.06 % of polyphenols and 13.24 % and 139.03 % of flavoids), with a variation from 52.27 % to 70.55 % of the antioxidant activity maintained, by the ORAC method, after gastric digestion and still 25 %, after duodenal. Therefore, the nanoencapsulation of extracts of B. forficata is a viable option for the preservation of their bioactive compounds, making them bioaccessible and with antioxidant activity, which make them suitable for incorporation into various nutraceutical formulations, such as capsules, tablets and sachets.

Isolation and Characterization of Flavonoid Naringenin and Evaluation of Cytotoxic and Biological Efficacy of Water Lilly (Nymphaea mexicana Zucc.)

Despite its limited exploration, Nymphaea mexicana Zucc. can be beneficial if pharmacology, isolation, and biological evaluation are given attention. It is an aquatic species that belongs to the family Nymphaeaceae. The thrust area of the work was the extraction, isolation, and biological evaluation of different extracts of the N. mexicana Zucc. plant. The primary goal of this research was to assess the antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anticancer activities of the extracts and to isolate the target naringenin compound. Comparative FT IR analysis of different extracts of this plant revealed the presence of functional groups of plant secondary metabolites, including polyphenols, flavonoids, terpenoids, esters, amines, glycosides, alkanes, alkaloids, fatty acids, and alcohols. Moderate free radical scavenging potential has been achieved for the various extracts via reducing power and DPPH assays. While cytotoxic activity was evaluated by colorimetric and lactate dehydrogenase cell viability tests on potent cancer cell lines. Lung adenocarcinoma epithelial cells (A-549), and breast cells (MC-7) were treated with MeOH extract. The antimicrobial activity against bacterial strains was evaluated using Gram-positive and -negative cultures, where maximum and minimum inhibition zones were recorded for different strains, including 1.6-25.6 μg/mL for Streptococcus aureus, using the agar well diffusion method. In addition, the anti-inflammatory activity of different extracts of N. mexicana Zucc. was evaluated in a nitrite radical scavenging assay with high concentrations of secondary metabolites, which are important against human pathogens and other diseases.

Comparative changes of health-promoting phytochemicals and sugar metabolism of two hardy kiwifruit (Actinidia arguta) cultivars during fruit development and maturity

Introduction

Hardy kiwifruit (Actinidia arguta) has an extensive range of nutritional and bioactive compounds and has been valued as a great resource for kiwifruit breeding. A better understanding of the dynamic changes of the composition and accumulation of nutritional compounds during fruit development and ripening is required before genetic or cultural improvements can be targeted.

Methods

In the present study, the phytochemical analysis of two A. arguta cultivars 'Yilv' and 'Lvmi-1' showed that they comprised different morphology, with a higher fruit diameter while a lower vertical fruit diameter of 'Lvmi-1' compared with 'Yilv'. The antioxidant capacity of both cultivars decreased during the maturity time and showed no significant difference between them. Furthermore, although glucose gradually increased during the maturity time, the predominant sugar composition was speculated to be fructose in 'Lvmi-1' fruit while sucrose in 'Yilv' fruit at the early fruit developmental stages. Moreover, the predominant acids in 'Yilv' and 'Lvmi-1' were citric acid followed by quinic acid, malic acid, and oxalic acid. The expression of sugar- and starch-related genes encoding the crucial enzymes suggested different changes in 'Yilv' and 'Lvmi-1'. Notably, a subsequent correlation analysis showed a significant positive correlation between sucrose phosphate synthase (SPS) expression and glucose in 'Yilv', fructokinase (FK) expression, and starch content in 'Lvmi-1', implying their vital roles in sugar and starch accumulation. By contrast, a significant negative correlation between FK expression and fructose in 'Lvmi-1' fruit was observed.

Results and Discussion

In summary, our results provide supplementary information for the dynamic changes of nutritional compounds and antioxidant capacity during hardy kiwifruit maturity time and give a clue for exploring the mechanism of sugar and starch accumulation in hardy kiwifruit.

Cylindropuntia cholla aqueous root rich in phytosterols enhanced immune response and antimicrobial activity in tilapia Oreochromis niloticus leukocytes

"Cacti" are rich sources of phytochemicals with antioxidant activity, and their use is mainly focused on infusions in traditional medicine in Mexico. This study characterizes the chemical compounds found in Cylindropuntia cholla root by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and determines the total content of polyphenols and flavonoids, as well as their antioxidant capacity. The immunostimulatory effect of aqueous C. cholla root extract (ACcr) was evaluated at concentrations of 50, 250, 500, and 1000 μg/mL in Tilapia peripheral blood leukocytes. The results obtained by the GC-MS analysis revealed the presence of phenolic acids, flavonoid and phytosterol derivatives as β-sitosterol and campesterol. The determination of the total polyphenol and flavonoid contents indicated that ACcr is abundant in polyphenols, showing an anti-radical capacity of scavenging free radicals, such as those of hydroxyl and superoxide, as well as an increase in lipid peroxidation inhibition capacity. Stimulation of tilapia leukocytes resulted in the increase of its phagocytic activity, respiratory burst, nitric oxide production, and superoxide dismutase activity. Finally, the results obtained for the first time allowed establishing the chemical profile of ACcr and its antimicrobial activity against three important pathogenic bacteria. The potential of this root is indicated as an additive in formulating antioxidant and immunostimulant supplements for the aquaculture and pharmaceutical industry.

Insights into the 3D In Vitro Permeability and In Vivo Antioxidant Protective Effects of Kiwiberry Leaf Extract: A Step Forward to Human Nutraceutical Use

Actinidia arguta (Siebold & Zucc.) Planch. ex Miq. (kiwiberry) leaves are a source of phenolic compounds with pro-health biological effects, such as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Despite the huge number of studies reporting the composition of A. arguta leaves, no in vitro or in vivo studies explore its potential use as nutraceutical ingredient based on these activities. Therefore, this study aims to characterize the safety profile of kiwiberry leaf extracts using in vitro and in vivo approaches through the assessment of intestinal cell viability (Caco-2 and HT29-MTX), 3D intestinal permeation, and, most important, the redox markers, biochemical profile and liver and kidney function effects after the animal assays. Briefly, wistar rats were orally treated for 7 days with kiwiberry leaf extracts (50 and 75 mg/kg bw), water (negative control), or vitamin C (positive control). The cell viability was above 90% at 1000 μg/mL for both cells. Coumaroyl quinic acid and rutin achieved a permeation higher than 25% in the 3D intestinal model. The animal studies confirmed the extracts' ability to increase superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and catalase content in animals' livers and kidneys while simultaneously decreasing the triglycerides content. This study highlighted the antioxidant capacity of kiwiberry leaf extracts, ensuring their efficacy and safety as a nutraceutical ingredient.

HPLC-DAD analysis of Quercus leucotrichophora extract and appraisal of its antiasthmatic potential via modulation of aquaporins, inflammatory, and oxidative stress biomarkers in Albino mice

Herbal drugs offer an alternative approach for the treatment of diseases like asthma due to low cost and comparatively less adverse effects in contrast to synthetic drugs. Leaves of Quercus leucotrichophora are traditionally used for the treatment of asthma. The study was aimed to assess the anti-asthmatic activity of Quercus leucotrichophora (QL) methanolic (QLME) and aqueous extracts (QLAE) in ovalbumin-(OVA) induced asthma and chemical characterization of QL extract by High Performance Liquid Chromatography-Diode array detector (HPLC-DAD). Animals were inoculated with OVA (i.p) on day 1 and 14 followed by intranasal challenge on 27th and 29th day. Both extracts of QL at 600, 300 and 150 mg/kg and dexamethasone (2 mg/kg) l were administered consecutively from days 15-26 via oral gavage. The QL extracts notably reduced (p < 0.0001-p < 0.05) total and differential leukocyte counts in blood and BALF and serum IgE levels in contrast to disease control. Both extracts and Dex substantially improved activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, and GSH, while reduced malondialdehyde level in treated mice. Treatment with extracts and Dex caused significant (p < 0.0001-p < 0.05) downregulation of tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-4, - 5, - 13, - 6, - 1β, and NF-κB whereas, increased expression of Aquaporin (AQP) 1 and AQP5 in contrast to disease control. It was inferenced from findings that both extract of QL exhibited notable antiasthmatic potential might be due to presence of Daidzein-glucuronic acid, 3-Hydroxyphloretin 6'-hexoside, Catechin, Quercetin, and Kaemferol.

A critical look at challenges and future scopes of bioactive compounds and their incorporations in the food, energy, and pharmaceutical sector

Bioactive compounds refer to secondary metabolites extracted from plants, fungi, microbes, or animals. Besides having pharmacological or toxicological effects on organisms leading to utilization in food and pharmaceutical industries, the discovery of novel properties of such compounds has led to the diversification of their applications, ranging from cosmetics and functionalized biomaterials to bioremediation and alternate fuels. Conventional time-consuming and solvent-intensive methods of extraction are increasingly being replaced by green solvents such as ionic liquids, supercritical fluids, and deep eutectic solvents, as well as non-conventional methods of extraction assisted by microwaves, pulse electric fields, enzymes, ultrasound, or pressure. These methods, along with advances in characterization and optimization strategies, have boosted the commercial viability of extraction especially from agrowastes and organic residues, promoting a sustainable circular economy. Further development of microfluidics, optimization models, nanoencapsulation, and metabolic engineering are expected to overcome certain limitations that restrict the growth of this field, in the context of improving screening, extraction, and economy of processes, as well as retaining biodiversity and enhancing the stability and functionality of such compounds. This review is a compilation of the various extraction and characterization methods employed for bioactive compounds and covers major applications in food, pharmacy, chemicals, energy, and bioremediation. Major limitations and scope of improvement are also discussed.

Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction Optimization of Proanthocyanidins from Kiwi (Actinidia chinensis) Leaves and Evaluation of Its Antioxidant Activity

Using ultrasound (US) in proanthocyanidin (PA) extraction has become one of the important emerging technologies. It could be the next generation for studying the US mechnophore impact on the bioactive compound's functionality. The objective of this study was to demonstrate the potential of US treatment on PAs extracted from kiwifruit (Actinidia chinensis) leaves, and to provide a comprehensive chemical composition and bioactivity relationship of the purified kiwifruit leaves PAs (PKLPs). Several methods like single-factor experiments and response surface methodology (RSM) for the four affected factors on US extraction efficiency were constructed. HPLC-QTOF-MS/MS, cytotoxicity analysis, and antioxidant activity were also demonstrated. In the results, the modeling of PA affected factors showed that 40% US-amplitude, 30 mL/g dry weight (DW) solvent to solid ration (S/S), and 70 °C for 15 min were the optimum conditions for the extraction of PAs. Furthermore, PKLPs exhibited significant radical scavenging and cellular antioxidant activity (p < 0.05). In conclusion, this study's novelty comes from the broad prospects of using US in PKLP green extraction that could play an important role in maximizing this phytochemical functionality in drug discovery and food science fields.

Salicornia ramosissima Bioactive Composition and Safety: Eco-Friendly Extractions Approach (Microwave-Assisted Extraction vs. Conventional Maceration)

Salicornia ramosissima J.Woods is an edible halophyte, widely distributed in the Portuguese salt marsh that has been under valorized. The aim of this study is to expand the knowledge regarding S. ramosissima bioactive composition and safety, highlighting its potential use as nutraceutical ingredient. Therefore, extracts obtained by conventional (CE) and microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) were characterized regarding phenolic profile, antioxidant activity, radical scavenging capacity and intestinal cell effects. Moreover, organic pesticides were screened to guarantee the consumers safety. The highest phenolic and flavonoid contents were observed for the CE, as well as the scavenging capacity of O2•− (IC50 = 979.36 µg/mL) and HOCl (IC50 = 90.28 µg/mL). In contrast, the best antioxidant and antiradical activities were achieved by MAE (65.56 µmol FSE/g dw and 17.74 µg AAE/g dw for FRAP and ABTS assays, respectively). The phenolic composition was similar for both extracts, being characterized by the presence of phenolic acids, flavonols, flavanols, flavones and flavanones. The predominant compound for both extracts was myricetin. None of the extracts were cytotoxic in intestinal cell lines. Vestigial levels of β-endosulfan and p,p’-DDE were identified in MAE. These results support that S. ramosissima could be a source of bioactive compounds for nutraceutic industry.

An Insight into Kiwiberry Leaf Valorization: Phenolic Composition, Bioactivity and Health Benefits

During kiwiberry production, different by-products are generated, including leaves that are removed to increase the fruit’s solar exposure. The aim of this work was to extract bioactive compounds from kiwiberry leaf by employing microwave-assisted extraction (MAE). Compatible food solvents (water and ethanol) were employed. The alcoholic extract contained the highest phenolic and flavonoid contents (629.48 mg of gallic acid equivalents (GAE) per gram of plant material on dry weight (dw) (GAE/g dw) and 136.81 mg of catechin equivalents per gram of plant material on dw (CAE/g dw), respectively). Oppositely, the hydroalcoholic extract achieved the highest antioxidant activity and scavenging activity against reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (IC₅₀ = 29.10 μg/mL for O₂^•−, IC₅₀ = 1.87 μg/mL for HOCl and IC₅₀ = 1.18 μg/mL for ^•NO). The phenolic profile showed the presence of caffeoylquinic acids, proanthocyanidin, and quercetin in all samples. However, caffeoylquinic acids and quercetin were detected in higher amounts in the alcoholic extract, while proanthocyanidins were prevalent in the hydroalcoholic extract. No adverse effects were observed on Caco-2 viability, while the highest concentration (1000 µg/mL) of hydroalcoholic and alcoholic extracts conducted to a decrease of HT29-MTX viability. These results highlight the MAE potentialities to extract bioactive compounds from kiwiberry leaf.

Bioactivity-Guided Isolation of Phytochemicals from Vaccinium dunalianum Wight and Their Antioxidant and Enzyme Inhibitory Activities

Vaccinium dunalianum Wight, usually processed as a traditional folk tea beverage, is widely distributed in the southwest of China. The present study aimed to investigate the antioxidant, α-glucosidase and pancreatic lipase inhibitory activities of V.dunalianum extract and isolate the bioactive components. In this study, the crude extract (CE) from the buds of V. dunalianum was prepared by the ultrasound-assisted extraction method in 70% methanol and then purified with macroporous resin D101 to obtain the purified extract (PM). Five fractions (Fr. A–E) were further obtained by MPLC column (RP-C18). Bioactivity assays revealed that Fr. B with 40% methanol and Fr. D with 80% methanol had better antioxidant with 0.48 ± 0.03 and 0.62 ± 0.01 nM Trolox equivalent (TE)/mg extract for DPPH, 0.87 ± 0.02 and 1.58 ± 0.02 nM TE/mg extract for FRAP, 14.42 ± 0.41 and 19.25 ± 0.23 nM TE/mg extract for ABTS, and enzyme inhibitory effects with IC₅₀ values of 95.21 ± 2.21 and 74.55 ± 3.85 for α-glucosidase, and 142.53 ± 11.45 and 128.76 ± 13.85 µg/mL for pancreatic lipase. Multivariate analysis indicated that the TPC and TFC were positively related to the antioxidant activities. Further phytochemical purification led to the isolation of ten compounds (1–10). 6-O-Caffeoylarbutin (7) showed significant inhibitory effects on α-glucosidase and pancreatic lipase enzymes with values of 38.38 ± 1.84 and 97.56 ± 7.53 µg/mL, and had the highest antioxidant capacity compared to the other compounds.

Comparative Analysis of Physicochemical Characteristics, Nutritional and Functional Components and Antioxidant Capacity of Fifteen Kiwifruit (Actinidia) Cultivars-Comparative Analysis of Fifteen Kiwifruit (Actinidia) Cultivars

Physicochemical characteristics, nutritional and functional components, and the antioxidant capacity of 15 kinds of domestic and imported kiwifruit in China were studied. Kiwifruit was classified according to flesh color or species, and the differences were analyzed and compared. Results demonstrated Ruiyu had the highest sugar-acid ratio, and Hongshi No.2 was an excellent cultivar with strong antioxidant capacity. TPC (total polyphenol content) and AAC (ascorbic acid content) showed a significant positive correlation. TPC was the greatest antioxidant contributor in the DPPH and FRAP assays. The sugar-acid ratio and TFC (total flavonoids content) in red-fleshed kiwifruit were significantly higher than those in yellow-fleshed and green-fleshed ones. The composition of free amino acids had a tendency to distinguish A. deliciosa and A. chinensis, but this needs further verification. In addition, the contents of mineral elements, folic acid and L-5-methyltetrahydrofolate were also analyzed. Generally, kiwifruit contains comprehensive nutrients and has strong antioxidant capacity. Cultivar is one of the main factors affecting nutritional and functional properties and antioxidant capacity.

Bioactivity, phytochemical profile and pro-healthy properties of Actinidia arguta: A review

Hardy kiwi (Actinidia arguta) is a climbing, perennial and dioecious vine from Actinidiaceae family, native from Asia and valued as ornamental and traditional medicine. In the last decade, the growing interest as fruit-bearing plant encourage the expanding cultivation of A. arguta mainly to fruits production, particularly in Europe and North America. A. arguta plants have an extensive range ofbioactive compoundsthat can be obtained from different botanical structures, such as fruits, leaves, flowers and stems. These bioactive molecules, with well-recognized health-promoting properties, include phenolic compounds, minerals, carbohydrates or even volatile substances, with a great potential to be used in several formulations of food products. Phytochemical studies on this plant reported hypoglycemic effects as well as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, among others. The traditional uses ofA. arguta have been experimentally proved byin vitroandin vivostudies, in which its bioactivities were associated to its phytochemical composition. This review aims to assess and summarize the phytochemical and healthy properties ofthe different botanical parts of A. arguta, describing their bioactive composition and exploring it potential functional properties on foodstuffs.

First screening report of immune and protective effect of non-toxic Jatropha vernicosa stem bark against Vibrio parahaemolyticus in Longfin yellowtail Seriola rivoliana leukocytes

In México, the infusion of Jatropha vernicosa stem bark has been used in folk medicine for many clinical situations, but no reports were available about this particular species of Jatropha in fish of mammals. In this first screening report, the phytochemical, antioxidant profile and antimicrobial properties of aqueous J. vernicosa stem bark extract were explored against Vibrio parahaemolyticus, an opportunist fish pathogen. To evaluate the cytotoxicity and immunological effect for the possible application of aqueous J. vernicosa stem bark in aquaculture, this study assessed it by using Longfin yellowtail Seriola rivoliana leukocytes. The results showed that phytochemical composition of the J. vernicosa extract was rich in phenol, flavonoid, saponin, and coumarin compounds. The antioxidant capacity of hydroxyl radical and superoxide anion scavenging activities, iron-chelation activity and β-carotene bleaching coupled to linoleic acid showed that J. vernicosa extracts had a moderate antioxidant effect compared with synthetic antioxidants (BHT, BHA and EDTA). No adverse effects were observed on spleen leukocytes (viability > 98%). Interestingly, J. vernicosa stem bark extract has immunostimulant and antioxidant effects, increasing phagocytosis, respiratory burns activity, and nitric oxide production, as well as superoxide dismutase and catalase activities. Additionally, J. vernicosa extract increased pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-1β and suppressed anti-inflammatory IL-10 gene expression upon stimuli and V. parahaemolyticus challenge. Finally, the data confirms that J. vernicosa stem bark extract is non-cytotoxic, rich in bioactive compounds with antioxidant effects, capable of enhancing the immune system in leukocytes and with great potential to fight against opportunistic diseases, such as vibriosis in fish.

Neutralization of a bothropic PLA2-like protein by caftaric acid, a novel potent inhibitor of ophidian myotoxicity

Envenoming by snakebite is an important global health issue that has received little attention, leading the World Health Organization to naming it as neglected tropical disease. Several snakebites present serious local symptoms manifested on victims that may not be efficiently neutralized by serum therapy. Phospholipase A₂-like (PLA₂-like) toxins are present in Viperidae venoms and are responsible for local myotoxic activity. Herein, we investigated the association between BthTX-I toxin and caftaric acid (CFT), a molecule present in plants. CFT neutralized neuromuscular blocking and muscle-damaging activities promoted by BthTX-I. Calorimetric and light-scattering assays demonstrated that CFT inhibitor interacted with dimeric BthTX-I. Bioinformatics simulations indicated that CFT inhibitor binds to the toxin's hydrophobic channel (HCh). According to the current myotoxic mechanism, three different regions of PLA₂-like toxins have specific tasks: protein allosteric activation (HCh), membrane dockage (MDoS), and membrane rupture (MDiS). We propose CFT inhibitor interferes with the allosteric activation, which is related to the conformation change leading to the exposure/alignment of MDoS/MDiS region. This is the first report of a PLA₂-like toxin fully inhibited by a compound that interacts only with its HCh region. Thus, CFT is a novel candidate to complement serum therapy and improve the treatment of snakebite.

Effects of carbon nanotube on denitrification performance of Alcaligenes sp. TB: Promotion of electron generation, transportation and consumption

Multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) promote biodegradation in water treatment, but the effect of MWCNT on denitrification under aerobic conditions is still unclear. This investigation focused on the denitrification performance of MWCNT and its toxic effects on Alcaligenes sp. TB which showed that 30 mg/L MWCNTs increased NO₃^- removal efficiency from 84% to 100% and decreased the NO₂^-and N₂O accumulation rates by 36% and 17.5%, respectively. Nitrite reductase and nitrous oxide reductase activities were further increased by 19.5% and 7.5%, respectively. The mechanism demonstrated that electron generation (NADH yield) and electron transportation system activity increased by 14.5% and 104%, respectively. Cell membrane analysis found that MWCNT caused an increase in polyunsaturated fatty acids, which had positive effects on electron transportation and membrane fluidity at a low concentration of 96 mg/kg but caused membrane lipid peroxidation and impaired membrane integrity at a high concentration of 115 mg/L. These findings confirmed that MWCNT affects the activity of Alcaligenes sp. TB and consequently enhances denitrification performance.