Determination of phenolic acids in fruit juices by isocratic column liquid chromatography

Enhanced oxidase mimic activity of raspberry-like N-doped Mn3O4 with oxygen vacancies for efficient colorimetric detection of gallic acid coupled with smartphone

The content of gallic acid (GA) is positively correlated with the quality grade of tea. Here, we developed a colorimetric method based on raspberry-like N-doped Mn3O4 nanospheres (N-Mn3O4 NSs) with oxidase-like activity for GA assay. Modulating the electronic structure of Mn3O4 by N doping could promote the catalysis ability, and the produced oxygen vacancies (OVs) can provide high surface energy and abundant active sites. The N-Mn3O4 NSs presented low Michaelis-Menten constant (Km) of 0.142 mM and maximum initial velocity (Vmax) of 9.8 × 10-6 M s-1. The sensor exhibited excellent analytical performance towards GA detection, including low LOD (0.028 μM) and promising linear range (5 ∼ 30 μM). It is attributed that OVs and O2- participated in TMB oxidation. Based on the reaction color changes, a visualized semi-quantitative GA detection could be realized via a smartphone-based system. It could be applied for evaluating GA quality in market-purchased black tea and green tea.

Exploring the Potential of Pomegranate Peel Extract as a Natural Food Additive: A Review

PURPOSE OF THE REVIEW

Pomegranate is one of the super fruit and a storehouse of several antioxidants and health-promoting compounds which can act as a natural food additive. The pomegranate processing industry generates huge quantities of by-products, particularly peels (50% of fresh fruit weight), that cause environmental pollution due to improper disposal. In this perspective, the present review article focuses on the chemical composition of pomegranate peel and its application as a natural food additive in different food products such as bakery, dairy, meat/meat products, fish/fish products, edible oils, and packaging materials.

RECENT FINDINGS

There is a continuous demand for processed foods exhibiting natural food additives over foods containing synthetic additives/colorants, which can cause serious health implications such as cancer with regular consumption. The food industry is looking for an alternative to synthetic/artificial food additives. To overcome these problems, pomegranate peel or its extract can be used as a natural biopreservative in food products that are prone to fat oxidation and microbial growth. Pomegranate peel contains bioactive compounds, especially tannins, phenolic acids, and flavonoids, which have nutraceutical value and possess higher antioxidant activity and antimicrobial properties. Due to these properties, pomegranate peel prevents lipid oxidation in fatty foods and can also retard the microbial growth.

A dual-mode optical assay for iron (II) and gallic acid based on Fenton reaction

The hydroxyl radicals (·OH) produced by the Fenton reaction of iron (II) and hydrogen peroxide (H₂ O₂ ) can oxidize the colorless 3,3',5,5'-tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) to blue oxidized TMB (Ox-TMB), resulting in a decrease in the fluorescence intensity of the reaction system and an increase in ultraviolet absorption. Ox-TMB had a visible absorption peak at 625 nm and a fluorescence peak around 420 nm. When gallic acid (GA) was added to the system, Ox-TMB was reduced to TMB, which made the color of the system disappear and the fluorescence recover. The linear ranges for determination of iron (II) were 0.5-10 μM (fluorometric) and 0.5-20 μM (colorimetric), and the detection limits were 0.25 μM (fluorometric) and 0.28 μM (colorimetric). The linear ranges for determination of GA were 0-80 μM (fluorometric) and 0-60 μM (colorimetric), and the detection limits were 0.31 μM (fluorometric) and 0.8 μM (colorimetric). The results of anti-interference experiments shew that this dual-mode assay had very good selectivity for the determination of iron (II) and GA.

Therapeutic Potential of Mitophagy-Inducing Microflora Metabolite, Urolithin A for Alzheimer's Disease

Mitochondrial dysfunction including deficits of mitophagy is seen in aging and neurodegenerative disorders including Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Apart from traditionally targeting amyloid beta (Aβ), the main culprit in AD brains, other approaches include investigating impaired mitochondrial pathways for potential therapeutic benefits against AD. Thus, a future therapy for AD may focus on novel candidates that enhance optimal mitochondrial integrity and turnover. Bioactive food components, known as nutraceuticals, may serve as such agents to combat AD. Urolithin A is an intestinal microbe-derived metabolite of a class of polyphenols, ellagitannins (ETs). Urolithin A is known to exert many health benefits. Its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-atherogenic, anti-Aβ, and pro-mitophagy properties are increasingly recognized. However, the underlying mechanisms of urolithin A in inducing mitophagy is poorly understood. This review discusses the mitophagy deficits in AD and examines potential molecular mechanisms of its activation. Moreover, the current knowledge of urolithin A is discussed, focusing on its neuroprotective properties and its potential to induce mitophagy. Specifically, this review proposes potential mechanisms by which urolithin A may activate and promote mitophagy.

Development of magnetism-assisted in-tube solid phase microextraction of phenolic acids in fruit juices prior to high-performance liquid chromatography quantification

Magnetism-assisted in-tube solid phase microextraction based on porous monolith mingled with Fe₃ O₄ nanoparticles was developed for capture of phenolic acids in fruit juices. First, poly (1-allyl-3-methylimidazolium bis [(trifluoro methyl) sulfonyl] imide-co-ethylene dimethacrylate) monolith embedded with Fe₃ O₄ nanoparticles was facile fabrication in a capillary and employed as microextraction column. Subsequently, a magnetic coil adopted to produce variable magnetic fields during extraction stage was twined on the microextraction column. The analytes contents in eluant were quantified by high performance liquid chromatogram with diode array detector. Various parameters affecting the extraction performance were inspected and optimized in detail. Results revealed that the exertion of magnetic fields in adsorption and desorption steps enhanced the extraction efficiencies of analytes from 44.9-64.0% to 78.6-87.1%. Under the optimal extraction factors, the limits of detection were between 0.012 and 0.061 μg/L, relative standard deviations for precision in terms of intra- and inter-day assay variability ranged from 1.9 to 9.8%. The introduced approach was successfully applied to simultaneously quantify the contents of five analytes in real fruit juices with satisfying fortified recoveries (80.1-116%). The obtained results well demonstrate the promising potential of the developed method in the highly sensitive quantification of trace phenolic acids in complex samples.

Characterization of free and insoluble-bound phenolics of chia (Salvia hispanica L.) seeds

The content, antioxidant activity and composition of free and bound phenolics from chia seeds were investigated. The free phenolics were extracted by using ethanol and methanol of analytical purity, 70% v/v ethanol and by 70% v/v methanol. The bound phenolics were extracted from seeds after alkaline hydrolysis was done. The phenolics content obtained by aqueous-alcoholic solutions was higher than the content obtained by using the pure alcoholic solution (for 20.8% by 70% methanol and 41.2% by 70% ethanol). The content of bound phenolics was 932 μg g^-1. Among the identified phenolic compounds the apigenin 4'-O-glucoside was the most abundant, and among the acids, a rosmarinic was the most abundant in free phenolic extract and caffeic acid in bound. The correlation coefficients indicated the DPPH method and reducing power were more suitable for assessing the antioxidant activity than the FRAP method.

Effect of pomegranate fruit supplementation on performance and various markers in athletes and active subjects: A systematic review

The aim of the study was to review recent findings on the use of POM supplements in athletes of various disciplines and physically active participants. Eleven articles published between 2010 and 2018 were included, where the total number of investigated subjects was 176. Male participants constituted the majority of the group (n = 155), as compared to females (n = 21). 45% of research described was conducted on athletes, whereas the remaining studies were based on highly active participants. Randomised, crossover, double-blind study designs constituted the majority of the experimental designs used. POM supplementation varied in terms of form (pills/juice), dosage (50 ml-500 ml) and time of intervention (7 days-2 months) between studies. Among the reviewed articles, POM supplementation had an effect on the improvement of the following: whole body strength; feeling of vitality; acute and delayed muscle fatigue and soreness; increase in vessel diameter; blood flow and serum level of TAC; reduction in the rate of increase for HR, SBP, CK and LDH; support in the recovery of post-training CK, LDH, CRP and ASAT to their baseline levels; reduction of MMP2, MMP9, hsCRP and MDA; and increased activity of antioxidant enzymes (glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase). In the majority of reviewed articles POM supplementation had a positive effect on a variety of parameters studied and the authors recommended it as a supplement for athletes and physically active bodies.

Dispersive micro-solid phase extraction based on Fe3O4@SiO2@Ti-MOF as a magnetic nanocomposite sorbent for the trace analysis of caffeic acid in the medical extracts of plants and water samples prior to HPLC-UV analysis

In this work, Fe₃O₄@SiO₂@Ti-MOF-NCs, as an efficient sorbent, have been synthesized in a laboratory and utilized for extracting CA in the medical extracts of plants and water samples before their analysis by HPLC.

Vasculoprotective Effects of Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.)

Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.), one of the oldest known edible fruits, is nowadays broadly consumed throughout the world. Its fruits and seeds as well as other anatomical compartments (e.g., flowers and leaves) are rich in numerous bioactive compounds and therefore, the scientific interest in this plant has been constantly growing in recent years. It has been shown that pomegranate and its extracts exhibit potent antioxidative, antimicrobial, and anticarcinogenic properties. The present review summarizes some recent studies on pomegranate, highlighting mainly its vasculoprotective role attributed to the presence of hydrolyzable tannins ellagitannins and ellagic acid, as well as other compounds (e.g., anthocyanins and flavonoids). These in vitro and in vivo studies showed that substances derived from pomegranate reduce oxidative stress and platelet aggregation, diminish lipid uptake by macrophages, positively influence endothelial cell function, and are involved in blood pressure regulation. Clinical studies demonstrated that daily intake of pomegranate juice lessens hypertension and attenuates atherosclerosis in humans. Altogether, the reviewed studies point out the potential benefits of a broader use of pomegranate and its constituents as dietary supplements or as adjuvants in therapy of vascular diseases, such as hypertension, coronary artery disease, and peripheral artery disease.

Environmentally-friendly and ultrasonic-assisted preparation of two-dimensional ultrathin Ni/Co-NO3 layered double hydroxide nanosheet for micro solid-phase extraction of phenolic acids from fruit juices

In this paper, we report an environmentally-friendly and low cost synthetic approach for large-scale fabrication of 2-dimentional porous Ni/Co-NO₃-based layered double hydroxide (Ni/Co-NO₃-LDH) nanosheet through ultrasonic-assisted process. The synthesis procedure used ethylene glycol/water system as an eco-friendly solvent system. The synthesized LDH was characterized by FE-SEM, TEM, XRD, and FT-IR techniques. FE-SEM and TEM images showed porous structure surface morphology of the synthesized LDH. Also, For Ni/Co-NO₃-LDH, a hexagonal ultrathin layered was obtained owing to ultrasonic irradiation and applied processing conditions. The prepared LDH was used as sorbent in dispersive micro solid-phase extraction procedure. Two phenolic acids including p-hydroxybenzoic acid and p-coumaric acid were selected as model compounds. Some experimental factors affecting the extraction efficiency of the analytes were investigated and optimized. Finally, the sorbent was used for the extraction of model compound from fruit juice samples followed by high performance liquid chromatography. Linear dynamic range of 0.5-500µgL^-1 with a low detection limit (0.1µgL^-1) was obtained by the method. The relative standard deviations were 2.5 and 4.3% for p-hydroxybenzoic acid and p-coumaric acid, respectively. All recoveries were between 82 and 92%.

Consumption of pomegranate juice decreases blood lipid peroxidation and levels of arachidonic acid in women with metabolic syndrome

BACKGROUND

Pomegranate juice is a rich source of polyphenols and is thus a promising dietary antioxidant with numerous health-promoting effects. These include a beneficial impact on cardiovascular health that could be partly attributed to the effects of polyphenols on lipid metabolism. The aim of this study was to investigate whether consumption of pomegranate juice for 6 weeks could modify lipid peroxidation and phospholipid fatty acid composition of plasma and erythrocytes in subjects with metabolic syndrome. Twenty-three women, aged 40-60 years, were enrolled and randomly assigned into two groups: the intervention group, in which each participant consumed 300 mL of juice per day for 6 weeks; and a control group.

RESULTS

A statistically significant decrease in the relative amount of arachidonic acid (P < 0.05) and an increase in the relative amount of saturated fatty acids (P < 0.05) were observed in the intervention group at the end of the consumption period. In addition, pomegranate juice significantly increased the relative amount of total mono-unsaturated fatty acids (P < 0.05), and significantly decreased the levels of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances in erythrocytes (P < 0.05). The status of blood lipids and the values for blood pressure were not changed during the study.

CONCLUSION

The results obtained indicate a positive impact of the consumption of pomegranate juice on lipid peroxidation and fatty acid status in subjects with metabolic syndrome and suggest potential anti-inflammatory and cardio-protective effects. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry.

Preparation and application of a poly (ionic liquid)-based molecularly imprinted polymer for multiple monolithic fiber solid-phase microextraction of phenolic acids in fruit juice and beer samples

A novel poly (ionic liquid)-based molecularly imprinted polymer for multiple monolithic fiber solid-phase microextraction of phenolic acids.

Insecticidal potential of an endophytic Cladosporium velox against Spodoptera litura mediated through inhibition of alpha glycosidases

Alpha glucosidase inhibitory activity was exhibited by partially purified fractions obtained from an endophytic Cladosporium velox, isolated from Tinospora cordifolia. Taking into account the increasing importance of digestive enzyme inhibitors as insecticidal agents, the entomopathogenic potential of the fractions obtained was evaluated against Spodoptera litura (Fab.), a polyphagous pest. Considerable mortality was obtained when the larvae were fed on diet supplemented with the partially purified extract. All the concentrations of the extract significantly prolonged the overall developmental period of S. litura. At higher concentrations, the extract influenced the longevity of females as well as their reproductive potential. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of phenolic compounds in the active fraction. The phenolic compound responsible for the bioactivities was purified and identified to be chlorogenic acid using HPLC and MS analysis. The content of chlorogenic acid in the extract was quantified to be 250μg/ml. The purified compound also demonstrated inhibition of alpha glycosidases in vivo. The present study indicates that the endophyte imparted resistance to the insects in the plants could be mediated through chlorogenic acid targeting the alpha glycosidases present in the gut of the insect. The isolate obtained can be exploited for the production of chlorogenic acid, which has the potential to be exploited as a biocontrol agent against S. litura.

Ethnomedicinal uses of plants in the treatment of paediatric geohelminth infections in Kalat district of Northern Balochistan, Pakistan

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Infection by intestinal parasitic worms (soil-transmitted helminths or geohelminths) is prevalent in many parts of the world, and poses a particular health risk to children. This paper presents findings from a preliminary study with the primary aim to document indigenous knowledge about the use of herbal medicines in the treatment of intestinal worm infections in children among the local communities of Kalat district of northern Balochistan, Pakistan.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Ethnomedicinal data were collected through a triangulation approach, that included participant-observation and rapid appraisal methods. Prior-informed consent (PIC) was obtained from participants before conducting structured and semi-structured interviews and delivering an open ended questionnaire. A total of 94 participants, including 28 men (of whom 7 were traditional healers), and 66 women of four different age groups were interviewed. Results were analyzed using quantitative indices of Use Value citations (UVC) and Disease-Consensus Index (DCI).

RESULTS

Fewer men than women agreed to be interviewed, thus overall women in the area appeared to have more ethnomedicinal knowledge. The majority of study participants belonged to the older age group (>55 years). A total of 49 plant species, belonging to 47 genera, distributed in 30 families were reported. The families Asteraceae and Lamiaceae were most frequently represented, with four species each. Trees were the most common life form, with seeds the most frequently cited plant part used (29%). Nearly a third (31%) of plant-based remedies reported in the treatment of intestinal worms were administered as a decoction. The highest UVC and DCI was reported for the species Ferula assa-foetida sL. (UVC 0.51, DCI 0.46).

CONCLUSIONS

This study provides previously unreported data on the use of medicinal plants in the treatment of geohelminth infections in children of Kalat. Eight species, Acacia modesta Wall., Asparagus capitatus Baker, Microcephala lamellata (Bunge) Pobed., Nepeta praetervisa Rech.f., Plantago ciliata Desf., Pistacia atlantica Desf., Seriphidium quettense (Podlech) Y.R.Ling and Thymus linearis Benth. are reported here as anthelmintics for the first time. Detailed studies on the anthelmintic activity of chemical constituents of these species are lacking from existing literature. Further phytochemical, pharmacological and toxicity studies are required in order to evaluate the efficacy and safety of these newly reported anthelmintic species. These plants may provide a source of novel anthelmintic drug leads, which are urgently required due to the problem of global anthelmintic resistance.

Pharmacognostic study and development of quality control parameters for fruit, bark and leaf of Zanthoxylum armatum (Rutaceae)

Context:

Zanthoxylum armatum (Rutaceae) fruit, bark and leaves are used for various conditions of ailments in traditional systems of medicine since ancient times.

Aims:

This study is designed to lay down the various pharmacognostic and phytochemical standards which will be helpful to ensure the purity, safety, and efficacy of this medicinal plant.

Materials and Methods:

Various methods including macroscopic, microscopic, physicochemical, and phytochemical methods were applied to determine the diagnostic features for the identification and standardization of intact and powdered drug of Z. armatum leaf, fruit, and bark.

Results:

The shape, size, color, odor, surface characteristics were determined for the intact drug and powdered materials of leaf, bark and fruit of Z. armatum. Light and electron microscope images of cross-section of leaf and powdered microscopy revealed useful diagnostic features. Histochemical, phytochemical, physicochemical including fluorescence analysis of powdered drug proved useful to differentiate the powdered drug material. High performance liquid chromatography analysis showed the presence of important phytoconstituents such as gallic acid and rutin.

Conclusion:

The data generated from this study would be of help in the authentication of various parts of Z. armatum, an important constituent of various herbal drug formulations. The qualitative and quantitative microscopic features would prove useful for laying down pharmacopoeial standards. Morphology as well as various pharmacognostic aspects of different parts of the plant were studied and have been described here along with phytochemical, physicochemical studies, which will help in authentication and quality control.

Pharmacognostic standardization and preliminary phytochemical studies of Gaultheria trichophylla

CONTEXT

Gaultheria trichophylla Royle (Ericaceae) has long been used for various ailments in traditional systems of medicines; most importantly it is used against pain and inflammation.

AIMS

This study determines various pharmacognostic and phytochemical standards helpful to ensure the purity, safety, and efficacy of medicinal plant G. trichophylla.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Intact aerial parts, powdered materials, and extracts were examined macro- and microscopically and pharmacognostic standardization parameters were determined in accordance with the guidelines given by the World Health Organization (WHO). Parameters including extractive values, ash values, and loss on drying were determined. Preliminary phytochemical tests, fluorescence analysis, and chromatographic profiling were performed for the identification and standardization of G. trichophylla.

RESULTS

The shape, size, color, odor, and surface characteristics were noted for intact drug and powdered drug material of G. trichophylla. Light and scanning electron microscope images of cross section of leaf and powdered microscopy revealed useful diagnostic features. Histochemical, phytochemical, physicochemical, and fluorescence analysis proved useful tools to differentiate the powdered drug material. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis showed the presence of important phytoconstituents such as gallic acid, rutin, and quercetin.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS

The data generated from the present study help to authenticate the medicinally important plant G. trichophylla. Qualitative and quantitative microscopic features may be helpful for establishing the pharmacopeia standards. Morphology as well as various pharmacognostic aspects of different parts of the plant were studied and described along with phytochemical and physicochemical parameters, which could be helpful in further isolation and purification of medicinally important compounds.

Global assessment of select phytonutrient intakes by level of fruit and vegetable consumption

Despite dietary recommendations that have repeatedly underscored the importance of increasing consumption of fruits and vegetables, intakes worldwide are lower than recommended levels. Consequently, the diets of many individuals may be lacking in nutrients and phytonutrients typical of a diet rich in a variety of fruits and vegetables. In the present study, we estimated phytonutrient intakes by adults categorised by sex, level of fruit and vegetable consumption (< 5 v. ≥ 5 servings/d), and geographic diet cluster. Intakes of nine select phytonutrients were estimated from the 2002-4 World Health Survey fruit and vegetable servings intake data (n 198,637), the FAO supply utilisation accounts data, and phytonutrient concentration data obtained from the US Department of Agriculture databases and the published literature. Percentage contributions to each phytonutrient intake from fruit and vegetable sources were also estimated. Estimated intakes of phytonutrients from fruits and vegetables varied across the thirteen geographic diet clusters, reflecting regional differences in both numbers and proportions of fruit and vegetable servings consumed, and the specific types of fruits and vegetables available in the diet. The mean phytonutrient intakes by adults consuming ≥ 5 servings/d of fruits and vegetables were approximately 2- to 6-fold the mean phytonutrient intakes by adults with low fruit and vegetable consumption (< 5 servings/d). In some cases, phytonutrient intakes by adults consuming ≥ 5 servings/d of fruits and vegetables in one geographic diet cluster were lower than the intakes by adults reporting < 5 servings/d in another cluster. The findings from this assessment provide important information regarding the major dietary patterns of phytonutrient intakes across geographic diet clusters.

Fruit wastes fermentation for phenolic antioxidants production and their application in manufacture of edible coatings and films

Agro-industrial by-products are important sources of potent bioactive phenolic compounds. These compounds are of extreme relevance for food and pharmacological industries due to their great variety of biological activities. Fermentation represents an environmentally clean technology for production and extraction of these bioactive compounds, providing high quality and high activity extracts, which can be incorporated in foods using coatings/films wax-based in order to avoid alterations in their quality. In this document is presented an overview about importance and benefits of solid-state fermentation, pointing out this bioprocess as an alternative technology for use agro-industrial by-products as substrates to produce valuable secondary metabolites and their applications as food quality conservatives.

Ultrasonic degradation of N-di and trihydroxy benzoyl chitosans and its effects on antioxidant activity

Modified chitosans with 3,4-dihydroxy benzoyl groups (CS-DHBA) and 3,4,5-trihydroxy benzoyl groups (CS-THBA) were synthesized and their chemical structures were determined by Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) and (1)H nuclear magnetic resonance ((1)H NMR) spectroscopy. Then, ultrasonic degradation of CS, CS-DHBA and CS-THBA in 1% acetic acid solution was investigated. The kinetics studies of degradation were followed by gel permeation chromatography (GPC). The results indicated that the weight-average molecular weight of chitosan decreased obviously after ultrasound treatment, but molecular weights of CS-DHBA and CS-THBA decreased slowly with increasing sonication time. Degradation kinetics model based on 1/Mt-1/M0=kt was used to estimate the degradation rate constant. It was found that the rates of degradation of CS-DHBA and CS-THBA are lower than CS, and follow the order: CS4>CS8>CS12>CS-THBA4>CS-THBA8 ≈ CS-DHBA4>CS-THBA12>CS-DHBA8>CS-DHBA12. The antioxidant activity of the CS, CS-DHBA and CS-THBA before and after sonication was investigated by the radical scavenging activity method using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH). The DPPH scavenging free radical capacity of CS-THBA and CS-DHBA increased up to 89% and 74% respectively, when the concentration reached 6 μg/ml. The ultrasonic treatment of CS-DHBA and CS-THBA after 30 min decreased the DPPH free radical scavenging activity but ultrasonic treatment of CS increased the DPPH free radical scavenging activity.

Dried plums and their products: composition and health effects--an updated review

This paper describes composition of dried plums and their products (prune juice and dried plum powder) with special attention to possibly bioactive compounds. Dried plums contain significant amounts of sorbitol, quinic acid, chlorogenic acids, vitamin K1, boron, copper, and potassium. Synergistic action of these and other compounds, which are also present in dried plums in less conspicuous amounts, may have beneficial health effects when dried plums are regularly consumed. Snacking on dried plums may increase satiety and reduce the subsequent intake of food, helping to control obesity, diabetes, and related cardiovascular diseases. Despite their sweet taste, dried plums do not cause large postprandial rise in blood glucose and insulin. Direct effects in the gastrointestinal tract include prevention of constipation and possibly colon cancer. The characteristic phenolic compounds and their metabolites may also act as antibacterial agents in both gastrointestinal and urinary tracts. The indirect salutary effects on bone turnover are supported by numerous laboratory studies with animals and cell cultures. Further investigation of phenolic compounds in dried plums, particularly of high molecular weight polymers, their metabolism and biological actions, alone and in synergy with other dried plum constituents, is necessary to elucidate the observed health effects and to indicate other benefits.

Pomegranate fruit as a rich source of biologically active compounds

Pomegranate is a widely used plant having medicinal properties. In this review, we have mainly focused on the already published data from our laboratory pertaining to the effect of methanol extract of pericarp of pomegranate (PME) and have compared it with other relevant literatures on Punica. Earlier, we had shown its antiproliferative effect using human breast (MCF-7, MDA MB-231), and endometrial (HEC-1A), cervical (SiHa, HeLa), and ovarian (SKOV3) cancer cell lines, and normal breast fibroblasts (MCF-10A) at concentration of 20-320 μg/mL. The expressions of selected estrogen responsive genes (PR, pS2, and C-Myc) were downregulated by PME. Unlike estradiol, PME did not increase the uterine weight and proliferation in bilaterally ovariectomized Swiss-Albino mice models and its cardioprotective effects were comparable to that of 17 β -estradiol. We had further assessed the protective role of PME on skeletal system, using MC3T3-E1 cells. The results indicated that PME (80 μg/mL) significantly increased ALP (Alkaline Phosphatase) activity, supporting its suggested role in modulating osteoblastic cell differentiation. The antiosteoporotic potential of PME was also evaluated in ovariectomized (OVX) rodent model. The results from our studies and from various other studies support the fact that pomegranate fruit is indeed a source of biologically active compounds.

Effect of Aminoethoxyvinylglycine and Methyl Jasmonate on Individual Phenolics and Post-harvest Fruit Quality of Three Different Japanese Plums (Prunussalicina Lindell)

In this research, effects of aminoethoxyvinylglycine (AVG) and methyl jasmonate (MeJA) applied 2 weeks ahead of estimated harvest date on fruit color, firmness and individual phenolic compounds of three plum varieties wereinvestigated during the cold storage. Fruits of “BlackAmber”, “Black Beauty” and “Fortune” were kept at 0 ± 0.5°C temperature and 90 ± 5% relative humidity for 4 weeks. During the storage, decreases in L*, chroma and hue angle values were observed. AVG treatments differed significantly (p < 0.05) by control and MeJA treatment. In all plum varieties, AVG treatment resulted in significant increases in flesh firmness at the end of storage. MeJA increased significantly the firmness of “Black Beauty” and “Fortune” fruit at the end of storage. Chlorogenic acid was detected as major phenolic compound in plum varieties. AVG treatment to “Black Amber” fruit increased the contents of chlorogenic and p-coumaric acid during storage, whereas it reduced chlorogenic and p-coumaric acid content in “Fortune” fruit. MeJA treatment led to not only increase the contents of rutin, ferulic acid and naringenin in the fruits of “Black Beauty” and “Fortune” varieties during the storage but also significantly increase the kaempferol content in “Black Amber” and “Black Beauty” fruits. While AVG treatment compared to control significantly decreased the contents of chlorogenic acid, quercetin and naringenin in “Black Amber” fruits at the end of cold storage, it increased content of p-coumaric acid. At the end of storage, AVG and MeJA treatments reduced significantly the content of ferulic acid in “Black Beauty” fruits. In addition, MeJA treatment significantly increased chlorogenic acid, ferulic acid and kaempferol contents in “Fortune” fruits.

Determination of ferulic acid by flow injection chemiluminescence analysis based on enhancement of the N-bromobutanimide-eosin-CrCl3 system in alkaline solution

A simple and sensitive flow injection chemiluminescence method has been developed for the determination of ferulic acid (FA) based on the significant enhancement effect of FA on the CL signal of the N-bromobutanimide (NBS)-eosin-CrCl3 system in alkaline solution. Under optimum conditions, the enhanced CL intensity is linearly related to the concentration of FA in its pharmaceutical preparations and human plasma samples. The corresponding linear regression equations were established over the 4.0 × 10(-10)-1.0 × 10(-7) g/mL for FA tablets and 2.0 × 10(-10)-1.0 × 10(-7) g/mL for plasma samples. The limit of detection for FA tablets and limit of quantification for plasma samples were 2.8 × 10(-10) g/mL (3 σ) and 3.04 × 10(-10) g/mL (10 σ), respectively. A complete analysis could be performed within 40 s, including washing and sampling, giving a throughput of ≈90/h. The proposed method was successfully applied to the determination of FA in pharmaceutical preparations and human plasma samples with satisfactory results. The recoveries of pharmaceutical preparations and human plasma samples at three different concentrations were 97.8-102.6% and 96.7-104.0%, respectively. Furthermore, the possible mechanism of CL reactions was also discussed briefly.

The effects of pre-harvest application of aminoethoxyvinylglycine on the bioactive compounds and fruit quality of 'Fortune' plum variety during cold storage

The effects of pre-harvest aminoethoxyvinylglycine treatments on fruit quality parameters and bioactive compounds of 'Fortune' plum during cold storage were investigated. Two different aminoethoxyvinylglycine doses were applied to plum trees two weeks prior to the estimated harvest date, and harvested fruit samples were kept in cold storage at 0 (°)C temperature and with 90 ± 5% relative humidity for 4 weeks. Lightness (L*) and hue angle values decreased in all treatments during cold storage. Weight loss (%) was significantly decreased (p < 0.05) with 100 mg/L aminoethoxyvinylglycine treatment at the end of the storage. Fruit firmness at the end of the storage was significantly increased with aminoethoxyvinylglycine treatments. Total phenolics and total antioxidant activity were increased with aminoethoxyvinylglycine treatments till the 21st day of storage and decreased by the 28th day. Total phenolics and total antioxidant activity were significantly decreased (p < 0.05) with the 200 mg/L aminoethoxyvinylglycine treatment at the end of storage. Rutin was significantly decreased with 100 mg/L aminoethoxyvinylglycine treatment at the end of cold storage.

Predicting retention times of naturally occurring phenolic compounds in reversed-phase liquid chromatography: a Quantitative Structure-Retention Relationship (QSRR) approach

Quantitative structure-retention relationships (QSRRs) have successfully been developed for naturally occurring phenolic compounds in a reversed-phase liquid chromatographic (RPLC) system. A total of 1519 descriptors were calculated from the optimized structures of the molecules using MOPAC2009 and DRAGON softwares. The data set of 39 molecules was divided into training and external validation sets. For feature selection and mapping we used step-wise multiple linear regression (SMLR), unsupervised forward selection followed by step-wise multiple linear regression (UFS-SMLR) and artificial neural networks (ANN). Stable and robust models with significant predictive abilities in terms of validation statistics were obtained with negation of any chance correlation. ANN models were found better than remaining two approaches. HNar, IDM, Mp, GATS2v, DISP and 3D-MoRSE (signals 22, 28 and 32) descriptors based on van der Waals volume, electronegativity, mass and polarizability, at atomic level, were found to have significant effects on the retention times. The possible implications of these descriptors in RPLC have been discussed. All the models are proven to be quite able to predict the retention times of phenolic compounds and have shown remarkable validation, robustness, stability and predictive performance.

Pomegranate: a fruit that ameliorates metabolic syndrome

Pomegranate is an ancient fruit that is still part of the diet in the Mediterranean area, the Middle East, and India. Health-promoting effects have long been attributed to this fruit. Modern research corroborates the use of pomegranate as a folk remedy for diabetes and metabolic syndrome, and is responsible for a new evaluation of nutritional and pharmaceutical aspects of pomegranate in the general public. In the last decade, industry and agricultural production have been adapted to meet higher market demands for pomegranate. In vivo and in vitro studies have demonstrated that pomegranate exerts hypoglycaemic effects, including increased insulin sensitivity, inhibition of α-glucosidase, and impact on glucose transporter type 4 function, but is also responsible for a reduction of total cholesterol, and the improvement of blood lipid profiles, as well as anti-inflammatory effects through the modulation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor pathways. These effects may also explain how pomegranate-derived compounds function in the amelioration of adverse health effects caused by metabolic syndrome. Pomegranate contains polyphenols such as ellagitannins and anthocyanins, as well as phenolic acids, fatty acids and a variety of volatile compounds. Ellagitannins are some of the most prevalent compounds present in pomegranate, and may be responsible for certain benevolent characteristics associated with pomegranate. A brief overview of rising health problems due to obesity will be provided, followed by characterisation of the biological activity, bioavailability, and safety of pomegranate and pomegranate-derived compounds. Although the fruit is consumed in many countries, epidemiological and clinical studies are unavailable. Additional research is necessary to corroborate the promise of current in vivo and in vitro findings.

Use of high-performance liquid chromatography with diode array detection coupled to electrospray-Qq-time-of-flight mass spectrometry for the direct characterization of the phenolic fraction in organic commercial juices

We have developed a direct method for the qualitative analysis of polyphenols in commercial organic fruit juices. The juices were diluted with water (50/50), filtered and directly injected. The analysis of phenolic compounds was carried out by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) coupled to photodiode array detection (DAD) and electrospray ionisation-Qq-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (ESI-Qq-TOF-MS). A unique gradient program has been optimized for the separation of several phenolic classes and the analysis time was only 5 min. The fruit juice samples were successfully analysed in positive and negative ionisation modes. In positive mode the anthocyanins were identified whereas the vast majority of polyphenols were identified using the negative ionisation mode. The sensitivity, together with mass accuracy and true isotopic pattern of the Qq-TOF-MS, allowed the identification of the phenolic compounds. Moreover, the advantage of the proposed method is the combined search of MS and MS/MS spectra, which improves the identification of compounds considerably, reducing ambiguities and false positive hits. Therefore the total fragmentation of the compound ion leading to the aglycone ion or other fragments was corroborated by MS-MS. The method was successfully employed to characterize diverse phenolic families in commercially available organic juices from four different fruits and consequently could be used in the future for the quantification purposes to compare different content of polyphenols in juices.

Chemiluminescence determination of ferulic acid by flow-injection analysis using cerium(IV) sensitized by rhodamine 6G

A simple, sensitive and rapid flow-injection chemiluminescence method has been developed for the determination of ferulic acid based on the chemiluminescence reaction of ferulic acid with rhodamine 6G and ceric sulfate in sulphuric acid medium. Strong chemiluminescence signal was observed when ferulic acid was injected into the acidic ceric sulfate solution in a flow-cell. The present method allowed the determination of ferulic acid in the concentration range of 8.0 x 10(-6) to 1.0 x 10(-4) mol l(-1) and the detection limit for ferulic acid was 8.7 x 10(-9) mol l(-1). The relative standard deviation was 2.4% for 10 replicate analyses of 1.0 x 10(-5) mol l(-1) ferulic acid. The proposed method was applied to the determination of ferulic acid in Taita Beauty Essence samples with satisfactory results.