Antimutagenic activity of natural phenolic compounds present in the common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) against aflatoxin B1

Timbe (Acaciella angustissima) as an Alternative Source of Compounds with Biological Activity: Antidiabetic

Background/Objectives: Timbe (Acaciella angustissima) is a legume recognized for its environmental benefits, such as soil restoration, wildlife nutrition, and the presence of biologically active compounds. This study investigates the antioxidant, pharmacological, and antimicrobial properties of Timbe. Methods: The total phenolic content, flavonoids, and condensed tannins from Timbe flowers, seeds, and pods were quantified, and their antioxidant activity was evaluated using the DPPH and ABTS assays. Enzymatic activities were assessed through α-amylase, α-glucosidase, and ACE-I inhibition, and antimicrobial properties were tested against various bacterial strains. Results: The pods and flowers exhibited higher antioxidant capacities compared to seeds, effectively neutralizing free radicals. Flavonoids and condensed tannins showed positive correlations with antioxidant activity and the inhibition of α-amylase and α-glucosidase, suggesting the potential benefits of these metabolites in blood glucose control. Timbe also demonstrated ACE-I inhibition, particularly the flowers. Regarding antimicrobial activity, the pods displayed moderate inhibition against E. coli, K. pneumoniae, and S. aureus. Conclusions: The results indicate that different parts of Timbe (flowers, seeds, and pods) possess significant therapeutic potential for preventing and treating metabolic disorders and bacterial infections.

May phytophenolics alleviate aflatoxins-induced health challenges? A holistic insight on current landscape and future prospects

The future GCC-connected environmental risk factors expedited the progression of nCDs. Indeed, the emergence of AFs is becoming a global food security concern. AFs are lethal carcinogenic mycotoxins, causing damage to the liver, kidney, and gastrointestinal organs. Long-term exposure to AFs leads to liver cancer. Almost a variety of food commodities, crops, spices, herbaceous materials, nuts, and processed foods can be contaminated with AFs. In this regard, the primary sections of this review aim to cover influencing factors in the occurrence of AFs, the role of AFs in progression of nCDs, links between GCC/nCDs and exposure to AFs, frequency of AFs-based academic investigations, and world distribution of AFs. Next, the current trends in the application of PPs to alleviate AFs toxicity are discussed. Nearly, more than 20,000 published records indexed in scientific databases have been screened to find recent trends on AFs and application of PPs in AFs therapy. Accordingly, shifts in world climate, improper infrastructures for production/storage of food commodities, inconsistency of global polices on AFs permissible concentration in food/feed, and lack of the public awareness are accounting for a considerable proportion of AFs damages. AFs exhibited their toxic effects by triggering the progression of inflammation and oxidative/nitrosative stress, in turn, leading to the onset of nCDs. PPs could decrease AFs-associated oxidative stress, genotoxic, mutagenic, and carcinogenic effects by improving cellular antioxidant balance, regulation of signaling pathways, alleviating inflammatory responses, and modification of gene expression profile in a dose/time-reliant fashion. The administration of PPs alone displayed lower biological properties compared to co-treatment of these metabolites with AFs. This issue might highlight the therapeutic application of PPs than their preventative content. Flavonoids such as quercetin and oxidized tea phenolics, curcumin and resveratrol were the most studied anti-AFs PPs. Our literature review clearly disclosed that considering PPs in antioxidant therapies to alleviate complications of AFs requires improvement in their bioavailability, pharmacokinetics, tissue clearance, and off-target mode of action. Due to the emergencies in the elimination of AFs in food/feedstuffs, further large-scale clinical assessment of PPs to decrease the consequences of AFs is highly required.

Evaluation of Mutagenicity and Anti-Mutagenicity of Various Bean Milks Using Drosophila with High Bioactivation

The consumption of a nutritious diet including phytochemicals can minimize mutations as the primary cause of carcinogenesis. Bean consumption supplies calories, minerals and phytochemicals but their anti-mutagenic properties in vivo remain little understood. Hence, the present study aimed to study the mutagenicity and anti-mutagenic properties of five bean milks using the somatic mutation and recombination test (SMART) involving Drosophila with high bioactivation. Milk derived from five bean varieties, namely black bean (Phaseolus vulgaris), red kidney bean (Phaseolus vulgaris), mung bean (Phaseolus aureus), peanut (Arachis hypogaea) and soybean (Glycine max) did not induce DNA mutations in Drosophila with high bioactivation, indicating their genome-safe properties. All bean milks showed anti-mutagenicity against the food-derived mutagen, urethane, in vivo with different degrees of inhibition. In the co-administration study, larvae were treated with each bean milk together with urethane. Soybean milk showed the highest anti-mutagenicity at 27.75%; peanut milk exhibited the lowest at 7.51%. In the pre-feeding study, the larvae received each bean milk followed by urethane. Soybean milk exhibited the highest anti-mutagenic potential, followed by red kidney bean and black bean milks. Total phenolic and antioxidant data revealed that the anti-mutagenicity of both red kidney bean milk and black bean milk might be derived from their phenolic or antioxidant properties; other phytochemicals may contribute to the high anti-mutagenicity observed in soybean milk. Further investigations on the anti-mutagenicity of bean milks against other dietary mutagens are required to develop bean-based products with potent anti-mutagenic properties.

Occurrence of mycotoxins in pulses

Pulses, dry grains of the Fabaceae family used for food and feed, are particularly important agricultural products with increasing commercial and nutritional relevance. Similar to other plant commodities, pulses can be affected by fungi in the field and during postharvest. Some of these fungi produce mycotoxins, which can seriously threaten human and animal health by causing acute poisoning and chronic effects. In this review, information referring to the analysis and occurrence of these compounds in pulses is summarized. An overview of the aims pursued, and of the methodologies employed for mycotoxin analysis in the different reports is presented, followed by a comprehensive review of relevant articles on mycotoxins in pulses, categorized according to the geographical region, among other considerations. Moreover, special attention was given to the effect of climatic conditions on microorganism infestation and mycotoxin accumulation. Furthermore, the limited literature available was considered to look for possible correlations between the degree of fungal infection and the mycotoxin incidence in pulses. In addition, the potential effect of certain phenolic compounds on reducing fungi infestation and mycotoxin accumulation was reviewed with examples on beans. Emphasis was also given to a specific group of mycotoxins, the phomopsins, that mainly impact lupin. Finally, the negative consequences of mycotoxin accumulation on the physiology and development of contaminated seeds and seedlings are presented, focusing on the few reports available on pulses. Given the agricultural and nutritional potential that pulses offer for human well-being, their promotion should be accompanied by attention to food safety issues, and mycotoxins might be among the most serious threats. Practical Application: According to the manuscript template available in the website, this section is for "JFS original research manuscripts ONLY; optional". Since we are publishing in CRFSFS this requirement will not be done.

Nutritional Compositions, Phenolic Contents, and Antioxidant Potentials of Ten Original Lineage Beans in Thailand

Legumes and pulses are nutrient-dense foods providing a good source of protein, complex carbohydrates, fiber, vitamins, minerals, and bioactive compounds. To breed a new lineage of beans with specific nutritional and health beneficial purposes, more information on original lineage beans must be obtained. However, data concerning the nutritive compositions, total phenolic contents (TPCs), and health benefits regarding the antioxidant potentials of some original lineage beans in Thailand remain scarce, causing difficulty in decisional selection to breed a new lineage. Thus, this study aimed to examine the nutritional values (proximate compositions, vitamins, and minerals), TPCs, and antioxidant activities of ten original lineage bean cultivars in Glycine, Phaseolus, and Vigna genera from Genebank, Department of Agriculture (DOA), Thailand. The results indicated that beans in the Glycine genus potentially provided higher energy, protein, fat, and calcium contents than other genera, while the Phaseolus genus tended to provide higher carbohydrate and dietary fiber. Specifically, lima bean cultivar ‘38’ exhibited high vitamin B1, and red kidney bean cultivar ‘112’ exhibited high potassium content. Beans in the Vigna genus exhibited high TPCs and antioxidant activities. However, their nutritional compositions were markedly varied. The results of this work could support bean consumption as a feasible alternative diet and be used as a reference for future bean breeding (within the same genera) of a new lineage with particular nutritional requirements and health potentials.

Phaseolin, a Protein from the Seed of Phaseolus vulgaris, Has Antioxidant, Antigenotoxic, and Chemopreventive Properties

The present report was designed to determine the antioxidant and antigenotoxic effects of phaseolin (isolated from Phaseolus vulgaris) against mouse colon and liver damage induced by azoxymethane (AOM) and its colon chemopreventive effect. Eight groups with 12 mice each were utilized for an eight-week experiment: the control group was intragastrically (ig) administered 0.9% saline solution; the positive control group was intraperitoneally (ip) injected with 7.5 mg/kg AOM twice a week (weeks three and four of the experiment); three groups were ig administered each day with phaseolin (40, 200, and 400 mg/kg); and three groups were ig administered phaseolin daily (40, 200, and 400 mg/kg) plus 7.5 mg/kg AOM twice a week in weeks three and four of the experiment. The results showed that phaseolin did not produce oxidative stress, DNA damage, or aberrant crypts; in contrast, 100% inhibition of lipoperoxidation, protein oxidation, and nitrites induction generated by AOM was found in both organs, and DPPH radical capture occurred. The two highest phaseolin doses reduced DNA damage induced by AOM in both organs by more than 90% and reduced the AOM-induced aberrant crypts by 84%. Therefore, our study demonstrated the strong in vivo antioxidant, antigenotoxic, and chemopreventive potential of phaseolin.

Autoclaved and Extruded Legumes as a Source of Bioactive Phytochemicals: A Review

Legumes have been consumed since ancient times all over the world due to their easy cultivation and availability as a low-cost food. Nowadays, it is well known that pulses are also a good source of bioactive phytochemicals that play an important role in the health and well-being of humans. Pulses are mainly consumed after processing to soften cotyledons and to improve their nutritive and sensorial characteristics. However, processing affects not only their nutritive constituents, but also their bioactive compounds. The final content of phytochemicals depends on the pulse type and variety, the processing method and their parameters (mainly temperature and time), the food matrix structure and the chemical nature of each phytochemical. This review focuses on the changes produced in the bioactive-compound content of pulses processed by a traditional processing method like cooking (with or without pressure) or by an industrial processing technique like extrusion, which is widely used in the food industry to develop new food products with pulse flours as ingredients. In particular, the effect of processing methods on inositol phosphates, galactosides, protease inhibitors and phenolic-compound content is highlighted in order to ascertain their content in processed pulses or pulse-based products as a source of healthy phytochemicals.

Aflatoxin reduction in nuts by roasting, irradiation and fumigation: a systematic review and meta-analysis

The present study aimed to investigate the reduction of aflatoxins as a potent hazard for human health in nuts during roasting, irradiation, and fumigation processes. A systematic search was performed in PubMed, Scopus, and ISI Web of Science on 6 April 2020 to find interventional studies assessing the effects of roasting, fumigation, and irradiation methods on total and individual aflatoxins concentration in nuts. Study-specific results were pooled by using a random-effects model. A total of 19 trials were included in the analyses. In most studies, the influence of method on aflatoxin reduction was assessed on peanuts. The results showed that the roasting method significantly reduced aflatoxin B1, B2, G1, and G2 concentrations by 46.91%, 30.66%, 40.88%, and 26.19%, respectively. Such results for the fumigation method were 20.88% and 22.56% for aflatoxin B1 and aflatoxin total, respectively. There was a 58.60% reduction in aflatoxin B1 and a 74.97% reduction in aflatoxin total concentrations in nuts following the irradiation method. The findings indicated that the evaluated processes could be influential for reducing aflatoxin levels in nuts.

Jacaranda flower (Jacaranda mimosifolia) as an alternative for antioxidant and antimicrobial use

Antimicrobial resistance to antibiotics is a serious health problem worldwide, for this reason, the search for natural agents with antimicrobial power against pathogenic microorganisms is of current importance. The objective of this work was to evaluate the antioxidant capacity (ABTS+ and DPPH), antimicrobial activity, and polyphenol compounds of methanolic and aqueous extracts of Jacaranda mimosifolia flowers. The antimicrobial activity against Bacillus cereus ATCC 10876, Bacillus subtilis ATCC 6633, Enterococcus faecalis ATCC 51299, Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, Listeria monocytogenes ATCC 19115, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853, Salmonella typhimurium ATCC 14028, Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923, and Streptococcus mutans ATCC 25175, was determined using the Kirby Bauer technique. The results of polyphenolic compounds showed a high amount of total flavonoids in the methanolic and aqueous extracts (503.3 ± 86.5 and 245. 7 ± 27.8 mg Rutin Equivalents/g DW, respectively). Quercetin, gallic acid, caffeic acid, and rutin were identified by the HPLC-DAD technique, while in the GC-MS analysis, esters, fatty acids, organic compounds, as well as monosaccharides were identified. Higher antioxidant capacity was detected by the ABTS technique (94.9% and 62.6%) compared to DPPH values (52.5% and 52.7 %) for methanolic and aqueous extracts, respectively. The methanolic extract showed a greater inhibitory effect on gram-positive bacteria, with a predominant higher inhibition percentage on Listeria monocytogenes and Streptococcus mutans (86% for both). In conclusion, Jacaranda flower extracts could be a natural antimicrobial and antioxidant alternative due to the considerable amount of polyphenolic compounds, and serve as a sustainable alternative for the isolation of active ingredients that could help in agriculture, aquaculture, livestock, pharmaceutics, and other industrial sectors, to remediate problems such as oxidative stress and antimicrobial abuse.

Uncovering Phenotypic Diversity and DArTseq Marker Loci Associated with Antioxidant Activity in Common Bean

Antioxidants play an important role in animal and plant life owing to their involvement in complex metabolic and signaling mechanisms, hence uncovering the genetic basis associated with antioxidant activity is very important for the development of improved varieties. Here, a total of 182 common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) landraces and six commercial cultivars collected from 19 provinces of Turkey were evaluated for seed antioxidant activity under four environments and two locations. Antioxidant activity was measured using ABTS radical scavenging capacity and mean antioxidant activity in common bean landraces was 20.03 µmol TE/g. Analysis of variance reflected that genotype by environment interaction was statistically non-significant and heritability analysis showed higher heritability of antioxidant activity. Variations in seed color were observed, and a higher antioxidant activity was present in seeds having colored seed as compared to those having white seeds. A negative correlation was found between white-colored seeds and antioxidant activity. A total of 7900 DArTseq markers were used to explore the population structure that grouped the studied germplasm into two sub-populations on the basis of their geographical origins and trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity contents. Mean linkage disequilibrium (LD) was 54%, and mean LD decay was 1.15 Mb. Mixed linear model i.e., the Q + K model demonstrated that four DArTseq markers had significant association (p < 0.01) for antioxidant activity. Three of these markers were present on chromosome Pv07, while the fourth marker was located on chromosome Pv03. Among the identified markers, DArT-3369938 marker showed maximum (14.61%) variation. A total of four putative candidate genes were predicted from sequences reflecting homology to identified DArTseq markers. This is a pioneering study involving the identification of association for antioxidant activity in common bean seeds. We envisage that this study will be very helpful for global common bean breeding community in order to develop cultivars with higher antioxidant activity.

Current Perspectives in the Application of Medicinal Plants Against Cancer: Novel Therapeutic Agents

Background:

Cancer is a disease characterized by uncontrolled cell growth and proliferation. It has become a major health problem in the past decades and is now the second leading cause of death globally. Although, there are different types of treatment such as chemotherapy, immune therapy, radiation, hormone therapy and targeted therapy used against cancer, they have possible side effects and significant deficiencies.

Methods:

This review aims to outline the benefits of medicinal plants and plant-derived products and highlight why they should be used as novel anti-cancer therapeutics. Electronic databases, including PubMed, Scopus, ScienceDirect, Cochrane library, and MedlinePlus were searched to summarize in vitro, in vivo and clinical studies on anticancer effects of medicinal plants and their bioactive compounds up-to-date.

Results:

In recent years, a number of medicinal plants have been administered to cancer patients in order to prevent and treat cancer as an alternative therapy. These plants were used because of their rich anticarcinogenic and chemoprotective potentials. In addition to these remarkable properties, these plants have less toxic anticancer, anti-tumor and anti-proliferation agents than traditional therapeutics. Nevertheless, only a small number of natural anti-tumor products including vinblastine, vincristine, podophyllotoxin, paclitaxel (Taxol) and camptothecin have been tested clinically, while vinflunine ditartrate, anhydrovinblastine, NK-611, tafluposide, paclitaxel poliglumex, combretastatins, salvicine, curcumin, indirubin, triptolide, homoharringtonine are still on trial.

Conclusion:

Consequently, more effective anticancer compounds are identified during the clinical trials; these natural products could be a key source of antitumor agents in modern anticancer therapy. It is expected that novel anticancer phytopharmaceuticals produced from medicinal plants could be effectively used in prevention and therapy for the cancers.

Complementary gene interaction and xenia effect controls the seed coat colour in interspecific cross between Trifolium alexandrinum and T. apertum

Trifolium alexandrinum (Egyptian clover) is a widely cultivated winter annual fodder. Present work deals with inheritance of the seed coat colour in segregating progenies of the interspecific cross between T. alexandrinum and T. apertum. Although, both the parent species possessed yellow seed coat, the F₁ seeds were black coloured in the reciprocal cross (T. apertum × T. alexandrinum). Seeds borne on individual F₂ plants and the advancing generations segregated in yellow and black seed coat colour, which confirmed xenia effect. F₂ seeds collected from individual F₁ plants exhibited nine black and seven yellow segregation ratio. The segregation of the seed coat colour recorded from F₃ to F₅ generations revealed that yellow seed coat was true breeding (i.e. non-segregating) in this interspecific cross (including the reciprocal crosses). However, the black seeded progenies were either true breeding or segregated in nine black: seven yellow ratio or three black: one yellow ratio suggesting a complementary gene interaction or duplicate recessive epistasis. It indicated that the seed coat colour is controlled by complementary gene interaction along with xenia effect in interspecific crosses between T. alexandrinum and T. apertum. Occurrence of the complementary genes across the species could suggest T. apertum to be the progenitor of T. alexandrinum. Inheritance of seed coat colour in reference to its importance in Egyptian clover breeding is also discussed.

Ultrasonic Treatment Increases Extraction Rate of Common Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) Antioxidants

The feasibility of improving the extraction rate of common bean antioxidants by ultrasonic treatment was investigated. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and spectrum Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometer (FT-IR) analysis revealed that ultrasonic treatment substantially altered the cellular structure of common bean seed, resulting in increased surface area, eroded cell walls, and greater exposure of cellulose and hemicellulose. The highest antioxidant activity was obtained at optimal extraction conditions (68 min, 55% acetone, 36:1 liquid to solid ratio, 30 ℃, and 480 W) which were optimized by response surface methodology. In terms of the extraction rate of common bean antioxidants, ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) exhibits about seven-fold higher extraction efficiency than conventional solvent extraction (CSE). In addition, 10 phenolic compounds in the common bean extracts were detected and quantified by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), including protocatechuic acid, catechin, chlorogenic acid, epicatechin, ferulic acid, coumarin, rutin, myricetin, cinnamic acid, and genistein. In summary, ultrasonic treatment is an ideal candidate methodology for improving the extraction rate of common bean antioxidants.

Polyphenol-Rich Dry Common Beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) and Their Health Benefits

Polyphenols are plant metabolites with potent anti-oxidant properties, which help to reduce the effects of oxidative stress-induced dreaded diseases. The evidence demonstrated that dietary polyphenols are of emerging increasing scientific interest due to their role in the prevention of degenerative diseases in humans. Possible health beneficial effects of polyphenols are based on the human consumption and their bioavailability. Common beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) are a greater source of polyphenolic compounds with numerous health promoting properties. Polyphenol-rich dry common beans have potential effects on human health, and possess anti-oxidant, anti-diabetic, anti-obesity, anti-inflammatory and anti-mutagenic and anti-carcinogenic properties. Based on the studies, the current comprehensive review aims to provide up-to-date information on the nutritional compositions and health-promoting effect of polyphenol-rich common beans, which help to explore their therapeutic values for future clinical studies. Investigation of common beans and their impacts on human health were obtained from various library databases and electronic searches (Science Direct PubMed, and Google Scholar).

Bioactive Compounds from Mexican Varieties of the Common Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris): Implications for Health

As Mexico is located within Mesoamerica, it is considered the site where the bean plant originated and where it was domesticated. Beans have been an integral part of the Mexican diet for thousands of years. Within the country, there are a number of genotypes possessing highly diverse physical and chemical properties. This review describes the major bioactive compounds contained on the Mexican varieties of the common bean. A brief analysis is carried out regarding the benefits they have on health. The effect of seed coat color on the nutraceutical compounds content is distinguished, where black bean stands out because it is high content of anthocyanins, polyphenols and flavonoids such as quercetin. This confers black bean with an elevated antioxidant capacity. The most prominent genotypes within this group are the "Negro San Luis", "Negro 8025" and "Negro Jamapa" varieties. Conversely, the analyzed evidence shows that more studies are needed in order to expand our knowledge on the nutraceutical quality of the Mexican bean genotypes, either grown or wild-type, as well as their impact on health in order to be used in genetic improvement programs or as a strategy to encourage their consumption. The latter is based on the high potential it has for health preservation and disease prevention.

Oral Administration of p-Hydroxycinnamic Acid Attenuates Atopic Dermatitis by Downregulating Th1 and Th2 Cytokine Production and Keratinocyte Activation

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a complex disease that is caused by various factors, including environmental change, genetic defects, and immune imbalance. We previously showed that p-hydroxycinnamic acid (HCA) isolated from the roots of Curcuma longa inhibits T-cell activation without inducing cell death. Here, we demonstrated that oral administration of HCA in a mouse model of ear AD attenuates the following local and systemic AD manifestations: ear thickening, immune-cell infiltration, production of AD-promoting immunoregulatory cytokines in ear tissues, increased spleen and draining lymph node size and weight, increased pro-inflammatory cytokine production by draining lymph nodes, and elevated serum immunoglobulin production. HCA treatment of CD4+ T cells in vitro suppressed their proliferation and differentiation into Th1 or Th2 and their Th1 and Th2 cytokine production. HCA treatment of keratinocytes lowered their production of the pro-inflammatory cytokines that drive either Th1 or Th2 responses in AD. Thus, HCA may be of therapeutic potential for AD as it acts by suppressing keratinocyte activation and downregulating T-cell differentiation and cytokine production.

Oral Administration of 4-Hydroxy-3-Methoxycinnamaldehyde Attenuates Atopic Dermatitis by Inhibiting T Cell and Keratinocyte Activation

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a skin condition caused by an imbalance of distinct subsets of T helper cells. Previously, we showed that 4-hydroxy-3-methoxycinnamaldehyde (4H3MC) inhibits T cell activation but does not induce apoptosis. Here, we examined the mechanism underlying the inhibitory effect of 4H3MC on AD both in vivo and in vitro. We sought to test the pharmacological effects of 4H3MC using a mouse model of 2, 4-‘2,4-dinitrocholorobenzene’ (DNCB)- and mite-induced AD. Also, we determined whether 4H3MC affects T cell differentiation and proliferation. Oral administration of 4H3MC attenuated the symptoms of DNCB- and mite-induced AD, including increased ear thickness, serum IgE levels, immune cell infiltration into inflammatory lesions, and pathogenic cytokine expression in ear tissues. In vitro, 4H3MC blocked T cell differentiation into Th1 and Th2 subtypes, as reflected by suppression of T-bet and GATA3, which are key transcription factors involved in T cell differentiation. In addition, 4H3MC downregulated T cell proliferation during Th1 and Th2 differentiation and keratinocyte activation. Collectively, these findings suggest that 4H3MC ameliorates AD symptoms by modulating the functions of effector T cells and keratinocytes.

Elicitor Mixtures Significantly Increase Bioactive Compounds, Antioxidant Activity, and Quality Parameters in Sweet Bell Pepper

Sweet bell peppers are greatly appreciated for their taste, color, pungency, and aroma. Additionally, they are good sources of bioactive compounds with antioxidant activity, which can be improved by the use of elicitors. Elicitors act as metabolite-inducing factors (MIF) by mimic stress conditions. Since plants rarely experience a single stress condition one by one but are more likely to be exposed to simultaneous stresses, it is important to evaluate the effect of elicitors on plant secondary metabolism as mixtures. Jasmonic acid (JA), hydrogen peroxide (HP), and chitosan (CH) were applied to fruits and plants of bell pepper as mixtures. Bioactive compounds, antioxidant activity, and quality parameters were evaluated. The assessed elicitor cocktail leads to an increase in the variables evaluated (P≤ 0.05) when applied to mature fruits after harvest, whereas the lowest values were observed in the treatment applied to immature fruits. Therefore, the application of the elicitor cocktail to harvested mature fruits is recommended in order to improve bioactive compounds and the antioxidant activity of sweet bell peppers.

Extracts of black bean peel and pomegranate peel ameliorate oxidative stress-induced hyperglycemia in mice

Oxidative stress has a central role in the progression of diabetes mellitus (DM), which can directly result in the injury of islet β cells and consequent hyperglycemia. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the possible protective effects of black bean peel extract (BBPE), pomegranate peel extract (PPE) and a combination of the two (PPE + BBPE) on streptozotocin-induced DM mice. Oxidative stress was assessed by the levels of total antioxidative capability and glutathione in the serum. Fasting blood glucose and insulin levels, as well as the pancreas weight index and the histological changes in the pancreas, were also determined. The results showed that, after fours weeks of treatment with PPE, BBPE or PPE + BBPE, DM mice showed, to different degrees, a decrease in blood glucose, increases in insulin secretion and the pancreas weight index, and an increase in antioxidative activity. These changes were particularly evident in the DM mice subjected to the combined intervention strategy of PPE + BBPE. The histological findings indicated that the injury to the pancreatic islets in DM mice was also ameliorated following treatment. In conclusion, PPE and BBPE, particularly the combination of the two, have the ability to ameliorate hyperglycemia by inhibiting oxidative stress-induced pancreatic damage; this finding may be useful in the prevention and treatment of DM.

Nutritional and health perspectives of beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.): an overview

Beans, the variants of Phaseolus vulagris, are nutritionally and economically important food crop in each part of the world. Besides providing nutrients such as multifaceted carbohydrates, elevated proteins, dietary fiber, minerals, and vitamins, these also contain rich variety of polyphenolic compounds with prospective health benefits. This review mainly focuses the important nutritional aspects of beans as well as their contribution in decreasing the risks of chronically degenerative diseases.

Microwave and micronization treatments affect dehulling characteristics and bioactive contents of dry beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.)

BACKGROUND

Heat pretreatment is considered the first step in grain milling. This study therefore evaluated microwave and micronization heat treatments in improving the dehulling characteristics, phenolic composition and antioxidant and α-amylase activities of bean cultivars from three market classes.

RESULTS

Heat treatments improved dehulling characteristics (hull yield, rate coefficient and reduced abrasive hardness index) depending on bean cultivar, whereas treatment effects increased with dehulling time. Micronization increased minor phenolic components (tartaric esters, flavonols and anthocyanins) of all beans but had variable effects on total phenolic content depending on market class. Microwave treatment increased α-amylase inhibitor concentration, activity and potency, which were strongly correlated (r²  = 0.71, P < 0.0001) with the flavonol content of beans. Heat treatment had variable effects on the phenolic composition of bean hulls obtained by abrasive dehulling without significantly altering the antioxidant activity of black and pinto bean hulls. Principal component analysis on 22 constituents analyzed in this study demonstrated the differences in dehulling characteristics and phenolic components of beans and hulls as major factors in segregating the beneficial heat treatment effects.

CONCLUSION

Heat treatment may be useful in developing novel dietary fibers from beans with variable composition and bioactivity with a considerable range of applications as functional food ingredients.

Characterization of bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) ecotype "Fagiolo occhio nero di Oliveto Citra" using agronomic, biochemical and molecular approaches

Common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) is the most important grain legume and plays a significant role in human nutrition being a major source of dietary protein and representing a rich source of minerals and certain vitamins. Several large germplasm collections have been established, which contain large amounts of genetic diversity, including wild and domesticated species. In this study agronomic, biochemical and molecular characterization of landrace bean named "Fagiolo occhio nero di Oliveto Citra" (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), is described. Seeds were obtained by local farmers and field trials were carried out during years 2009-2010, in the typical cultivation site (Oliveto Citra, Salerno Province), using two different densities of investment. During 2011, in order to evaluate the performance in different environments, field trials were conducted in three localities (Battipaglia, Oliveto Citra and Controne). Data analysis shows good adaptability across locations and similar grain yield using two spacing's of seeds. Morphological characterization and molecular analysis, using AFLP and Minisatellite molecular markers, were performed on ten "biotypes" collected from local farmers. Seeds characterization showed variability on the violet area surrounding the hilum (named as eye) while markers have provided useful information on relationships between biotypes. Biochemical analysis, which includes the contents of protein, minerals and antioxidants, shows how the composition is consistent with respect to other landraces and commercial cultivars. The landrace under study revealed genetic stability and good adaptation to cultivated environment with best performance in the native area. In addition, the bio-agronomic characteristics are in accord with studies reported in literature.

Flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum L.) and its total non-digestible fraction influence the expression of genes involved in azoxymethane-induced colon cancer in rats

The influence of flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum L.) and its total non-digestible fraction (TNDF) on the expression of genes involved in azoxymethane (AOM)-induced colon cancer in Sprague Dawley rats was analyzed. The dose used in the animal model was two tablespoons of flaxseed per day, which is the dose recommended for humans. Flaxseed significantly decreased the crypt multiplicity (10.50 ± 3.5) compared with the AOM treatment (34.00 ± 11.0), which suggests that flaxseed exhibits a preventive effect against colon cancer. Both treatments (flaxseed and TNDF) influence the overexpression of genes involved in cell cycle arrest and mitochondrial apoptosis: p53, p21, bcl-2, bax and caspase-3. Flaxseed induced the expression of p53 and p21, whereas TNDF triggered the p21-independent expression of p53. This finding suggests that both of these treatments induced cell cycle arrest. In addition, TNDF induced mitochondrial apoptosis because the TNDF + AOM group exhibited the expression of caspase-3, decreased bcl-2 expression and increased bax expression. These results suggest that the expression of the analyzed genes is associated with the presence of dietary antioxidants linked to the cell wall of flaxseed.

The protective role of parsley extract against vincristine mutagenicity in Drosophila melanogaster

In this study, Drosophila melanogaster males were treated with parsley plant extract and the anticancer drug vincristine (VCR) singly and in combined treatments (pre, co and post-treatments) to detect the mutagenic effects by using sex-linked recessive lethal test (SLRL) and estimation of cholinesterase enzyme (ChE) activities in order to compare the sensitivity of the two test systems. A wild type strain Oregon-R (Or-R) male flies of D. melanogaster were reared on a medium containing one concentration of each of VCR and parsley (4 ml/100 ml medium) in each single and combined treatment. Also the activity of ChE was estimated in some insects of the two generations: F1 females, F2 bar eye females (heterozygous) and F2 wild types males. The results indicate that both of parsley and vincristine did not cause significant increases of SLRL test in either the single or combined treatments. In contrast, estimation of ChE activities showed significant increase in all the broods within single and combination treatments, except female of the second generation of spermatid brood which treated with parsley and VCR at the same time. It is concluded that enzyme estimation is more sensitive than SLRL test for detection the mutagenic effect for parsley's extract and vincristine.

Agriculture and bioactives: achieving both crop yield and phytochemicals

Plants are fundamental elements of the human diet, either as direct sources of nutrients or indirectly as feed for animals. During the past few years, the main goal of agriculture has been to increase yield in order to provide the food that is needed by a growing world population. As important as yield, but commonly forgotten in conventional agriculture, is to keep and, if it is possible, to increase the phytochemical content due to their health implications. Nowadays, it is necessary to go beyond this, reconciling yield and phytochemicals that, at first glance, might seem in conflict. This can be accomplished through reviewing food requirements, plant consumption with health implications, and farming methods. The aim of this work is to show how both yield and phytochemicals converge into a new vision of agricultural management in a framework of integrated agricultural practices.

Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of bean ( Phaseolus vulgaris L.) hulls

Hulls obtained by mechanical abrasive dehulling from four bean cultivars were extracted with two solvents, aqueous (70%) acetone and water, and the extracts evaluated for antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities in relation to their phenolic contents. Total phenolic content and antioxidant activity of bean hulls, measured using oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) values, were 6-8-fold those of corresponding whole beans. Aqueous acetone (70%) extracted over twice the amount of total phenolics from hulls that exhibited significantly higher antioxidant and stronger inhibitory effect on both cyclooxygenases, COX-1 and COX-2, than water. Acetone extract of black bean hull exhibited strong COX-1 (IC(50) = 1.2 microg/mL) and COX-2 (IC(50) = 38 microg/mL) inhibitory effects, even outperforming aspirin. Bean hull water extracts were stronger inhibitors of lipoxygenase, 15-LOX, than corresponding acetone extracts. Anti-inflammatory activity of bean hulls was dependent on their phenolic content and antioxidant activity that were significantly affected by cultivar and extracting solvent.

Genotoxic and antimutagenic activities of extracts from pseudocereals in the Salmonella mutagenicity assay

Extracts of amaranth (Amaranthus L.), sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.) and Japanese millet (Echinochloa frumentacea L.) were evaluated for mutagenicity in Salmonella typhimurium strains TA98, TA100 and TA102. All three pseudocereal extracts were also assessed for their antimutagenic properties against the direct mutagens 2-nitrofluorene (2NF) for strain TA98, 3-(5-nitro-2-furyl)acrylic acid (5NFAA) for TA100 and H(2)O(2) for TA102 strain and against the indirect mutagen aflatoxin B(1) (AFB(1)). No mutagenicity was induced by any of the pseudocereal extracts when tested at concentrations as high as 50mg/ml. All three extracts showed similar antimutagenicity against 5NFAA and no antimutagenicity against 2NF. The number of revertants induced by H(2)O(2) extract was inhibited in order amaranth>Japanese milet>sorghum. All extracts were effective in the inhibition of mutagenic activity of aflatoxin B(1). The total polyphenol content as well as the amount of the flavonoids and phenolic acids as main component of polyphenolics were also determined.

Antimutagenic and antioxidant activities of quebracho phenolics (Schinopsis balansae) recovered from tannery wastewaters

Quebracho extracts are used in tannery due to their high concentration of phenolics. The Mexican tannery industry uses around 450 kg/m(3) of which, 150 kg/m(3) remains in wastewaters and are discharged in drain pipe systems or rivers. The quebracho phenolics recovered from tannery wastewater (QPTW) was characterized by HPLC. The antimutagenic and antioxidant activities as well as the microbiological quality were evaluated. Total phenolic content of QPTW was 621mg catechin equivalent/g sample. Gallic and protocatechuic acids were the major components characterized by HPLC. QPTW showed an inhibition range on aflatoxin B(1) mutagenicity from 16 to 60% and was dose-dependent. Antioxidant activity (defined as beta-carotene bleaching) of QPTW (64.4%) at a dose of 12.3mg/mL was similar to that of BHT (68.7%) at a dose of 0.33 mg/mL, but lower than Trolox (90.8% at a dose of 2.5mg/mL); meanwhile antiradical activity (measured as reduction of DPPH) (60.8%) was higher than that of BHT (50.8%) and Trolox (34.2%). Quebracho residues were demonstrated to be an outstanding source of phenolic acids and for research and industrial uses.

Mechanisms associated with dose-dependent inhibition of rat mammary carcinogenesis by dry bean (Phaseolus vulgaris, L.)

The purpose of this study was to determine whether a dry bean (Phaseolus vulgaris, L.) containing diet exerts an inhibitory effect on mammary carcinogenesis in a well-characterized rodent model for breast cancer. Twenty-one-d-old female Sprague Dawley rats were given an intraperitoneal injection of 1-methyl-1-nitrosourea and 7 d after carcinogen injection were randomized to 1 of 5 groups fed a modification of the AIN-93G diet formulation containing 0, 7.5, 15, 30, or 60% (wt:wt) small red dry bean incorporated as cooked, freeze-dried, and milled powder. All experimental diets had the same macronutrient content based on proximate analysis. Compared with the control group, dry bean consumption resulted in dose-dependent reductions in mammary cancer incidence (P = 0.046), cancer multiplicity (P = 0.001), and tumor burden (P = 0.01). Dry bean consumption was associated with dose-dependent reductions in plasma concentrations of glucose, insulin, insulin-like growth factor-1, C-reactive protein, and interleukin-6 in food-deprived rats. Analysis of mammary adenocarcinomas indicated that a dominant mechanism accounting for reduced tumor burden was the induction of apoptosis. B cell lymphoma 2 and X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein levels decreased and BCL-2-associated X protein increased with increasing dry bean consumption, findings consistent with the induction of apoptosis via the mitochondrial pathway. These data demonstrate that a legume without noteworthy content of isoflavones inhibits the development of mammary carcinogenesis and are consistent with a recent report from the Nurses Health Study that bean or lentil intake is associated with a lower risk for breast cancer.

Composition and chemopreventive effect of polysaccharides from common beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) on azoxymethane-induced colon cancer

Common beans ( Phaseolus vulgaris L.) contain a high proportion of undigested carbohydrates (NDC) that can be fermented in the large intestine to produce short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) such as acetate, propionate, and butyrate. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the composition and chemopreventive effect of a polysaccharide extract (PE) from cooked common beans ( P. vulgaris L) cv. Negro 8025 on azoxymethane (AOM) induced colon cancer in rats. The PE induced SCFA production with the highest butyrate concentrated in the cecum zone: 6.7 +/- 0.06 mmol/g of sample for PE treatment and 5.29 +/- 0.24 mmol/g of sample for PE + AOM treatment. The number of aberrant crypt foci (ACF) and the transcriptional expression of bax and caspase-3 were increased, and rb expression was decreased. The data suggest that PE decreased ACF and had an influence on the expression of genes involved in colon cancer for the action of butyrate concentration.