Phenolic Composition and Antioxidant and Antiproliferative Activities of the Extracts of Twelve Common Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) Endemic Ecotypes of Southern Italy before and after Cooking

Therapeutic Potential of Prenylated Flavonoids of the Fabaceae Family in Medicinal Chemistry: An Updated Review

Much attention has been paid to the potential biological activities of prenylated flavonoids (PFs) in various plant families over the last decade. They have enormous potential for biological activities, such as anti-cancer, anti-diabetic, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anti-Alzheimer's, and neuroprotective activities. Medicinal chemists have recently shown a strong interest in PFs, as they are critical to the development of new medicines. PFs have been rapidly prepared by isolation and semi- or full synthesis, demonstrating their significant utility in medicinal chemistry research. This study encompasses the research progress on PFs in the last decade, including their pharmacological activities in the Fabaceae family. This information demonstrates the bioactive potential of PF compounds and their role in the control and treatment of various human health problems.

Transcriptome analysis reveals biosynthesis and regulation of flavonoid in common bean seeds during grain filling

The Andean domesticated common beans (Phaseolus vulgaris) are significant sources of phenolic compounds associated with health benefits. However, the regulation of biosynthesis of these compounds during bean seed development remains unclear. To elucidate the gene expression patterns involved in the regulation of the flavonoid pathway, we conducted a transcriptome analysis of two contrasting Chilean varieties, Negro Argel (black bean) and Coscorron (white bean), at three developmental stages associated with seed color change, as well as different flavonoid compound accumulations. Our study reveals that phenolic compound synthesis initiates during seed filling, although it exhibits desynchronization between both varieties. We identified 10,153 Differentially Expressed Genes (DEGs) across all comparisons. The KEGG pathway 'Flavonoid biosynthesis' showed enrichment of induced DEGs in Negro Argel (PV172), consistent with the accumulation of delphinidin, petunidin, and malvidin hexosides in their seeds, while catechin glucoside, procyanidin and kaempferol derivatives were predominantly detected in Coscorrón (PV24). Furthermore, while the flavonoid pathway was active in both varieties, our results suggest that enzymes involved in the final steps, such as ANS and UGT, were crucial, inducing anthocyanin formation in Negro Argel. Additionally, during active anthocyanin biosynthesis, the accumulation of reserve proteins or those related to seed protection and germination was induced. These findings provide valuable insights and serve as a guide for plant breeding aimed at enhancing the health and nutritional properties of common beans.

Potential Human Health Benefits of Phaseolus vulgaris L. var Venanzio: Effects on Cancer Cell Growth and Inflammation

It is widely recognized that foods, biodiversity, and human health are strongly interconnected, and many efforts have been made to understand the nutraceutical value of diet. In particular, diet can affect the progression of intestinal diseases, including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and intestinal cancer. In this context, we studied the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities of extracts obtained from a local endangered variety of Phaseolus vulgaris L. (Fagiola di Venanzio, FV). Using in vitro intestinal cell models, we evaluated the activity of three different extracts: soaking water, cooking water, and the bioaccessible fraction obtained after mimicking the traditional cooking procedure and gastrointestinal digestion. We demonstrated that FV extracts reduce inflammation and oxidative stress prompted by interleukin 1β through the inhibition of cyclooxygenase 2 expression and prostaglandin E2 production and through the reduction in reactive oxygen species production and NOX1 levels. The reported data outline the importance of diet in the prevention of human inflammatory diseases. Moreover, they strongly support the necessity to safeguard local biodiversity as a source of bioactive compounds.

Exploring the Biochemical and Nutra-Pharmaceutical Prospects of Some Thymus Species - A Review

The Thymus genus includes various medicinal and aromatic species, cultivated worldwide for their unique medicinal and economic value. Besides, their conventional use as a culinary flavoring agent, Thymus species are well-known for their diverse biological effects, such as antioxidant, anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and anti-hypertensive properties. Hence, they are used in the treatment of fever, colds, and digestive and cardiovascular diseases. The pharmaceutical significance of Thymus plants is due to their high levels of bioactive components such as natural terpenoid phenol derivatives (p-cymene, carvacrol, thymol, geraniol), flavonoids, alkaloids, and phenolic acids. This review examines the phytochemicals, biological properties, functional food, and nutraceutical attributes of some important Thymus species, with a specific focus on their potential uses in the nutra-pharmaceutical industries. Furthermore, the review provides an insight into the mechanisms of biological activities of key phytochemicals of Thymus species exploring their potential for the development of novel natural drugs.

Novel Insights into Phaseolus vulgaris L. Sprouts: Phytochemical Analysis and Anti-Aging Properties

Skin aging is an inevitable and intricate process instigated, among others, by oxidative stress. The search for natural sources that inhibit this mechanism is a promising approach to preventing skin aging. The purpose of our study was to evaluate the composition of phenolic compounds in the micellar extract of Phaseolus vulgaris sprouts. The results of a liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) analysis revealed the presence of thirty-two constituents, including phenolic acids, flavanols, flavan-3-ols, flavanones, isoflavones, and other compounds. Subsequently, the extract was assessed for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-collagenase, anti-elastase, anti-tyrosinase, and cytotoxic properties, as well as for the evaluation of collagen synthesis. It was demonstrated that micellar extract from common bean sprouts has strong anti-aging properties. The performed WST-8 (a water-soluble tetrazolium salt) assay revealed that selected concentrations of extract significantly increased proliferation of human dermal fibroblasts compared to the control cells in a dose-dependent manner. A similar tendency was observed with respect to collagen synthesis. Our results suggest that micellar extract from Phaseolus vulgaris sprouts can be considered a promising anti-aging compound for applications in cosmetic formulations.

Phenylpropanoid Metabolism in Phaseolus vulgaris during Growth under Severe Drought

Drought limits the growth and development of Phaseolus vulgaris L. (known as common bean). Common bean plants contain various phenylpropanoids, but it is not known whether the levels of these metabolites are altered by drought. Here, BT6 and BT44, two white bean recombinant inbred lines (RILs), were cultivated under severe drought. Their respective growth and phenylpropanoid profiles were compared to those of well-irrigated plants. Both RILs accumulated much less biomass in their vegetative parts with severe drought, which was associated with more phaseollin and phaseollinisoflavan in their roots relative to well-irrigated plants. A sustained accumulation of coumestrol was evident in BT44 roots with drought. Transient alterations in the leaf profiles of various phenolic acids occurred in drought-stressed BT6 and BT44 plants, including the respective accumulation of two separate caftaric acid isomers and coutaric acid (isomer 1) relative to well-irrigated plants. A sustained rise in fertaric acid was observed in BT44 with drought stress, whereas the greater amount relative to well-watered plants was transient in BT6. Apart from kaempferol diglucoside (isomer 2), the concentrations of most leaf flavonol glycosides were not altered with drought. Overall, fine tuning of leaf and root phenylpropanoid profiles occurs in white bean plants subjected to severe drought.

Development of an Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction Procedure for the Simultaneous Determination of Anthocyanins and Phenolic Acids in Black Beans

Beans are an essential source of nutritional components such as plant proteins, minerals and dietary fiber, as well as of antioxidants such as phenolic compounds. Phenolic compounds are praised for their biological activities and possible benefits on human health. Since no official methods are available for phenolic compound extraction, the optimization of extraction parameters via Response Surface Methodology (RSM) has become a commonly used methodological approach for reliable determinations. This study aimed to apply RSM to optimize the ultrasound-assisted extraction procedure of phenolic compounds, including anthocyanins, from black beans. A Generally Recognized As Safe solvent (ethanol) was used. Solvent concentration, extraction time, and solvent/sample ratio were optimized to maximize two responses: Total Anthocyanin Content (TAC) and Total Phenolic Content (TPC). An ethanol concentration of 64%, 30 min extraction time, and a 50 mL/g solvent/sample ratio were identified as the optimal extraction conditions. The TAC was 71.45 ± 1.96 mg cyanidin-3-O-glucoside equivalents 100 g-1 dm, and the TPC was 60.14 ± 0.89 mg gallic acid equivalents 100 g-1 dm. Among the pigmented phenolic compounds, cyanidin-3-O-glucoside and peonidin-3-O-glucoside were identified in the extracts. Regarding phenolic acids, caffeic, sinapic, and t-ferulic acids were detected.

Bioactive Compounds and Antioxidant Activity in Seeds of Bred Lines of Common Bean Developed from Interspecific Crosses

Knowledge is limited about the level of bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity of seeds from bred lines of common beans developed from interspecific crosses using four different Phaseolus species (P. vulgaris L., P. coccineus L., P. acutifolius A. Gray. Gray., and P. dumosus). In this study, differences in the nutritional quality of seeds among 112 bean genotypes were evaluated by measuring the levels of phenolic compounds, pigments, antioxidant activity, and sugars. The bean genotypes were grown under high temperatures and acid soil conditions in the Amazon region of Colombia. Five typology groups of bean genotypes were identified based on the level of bioactive compounds and their functional capacity: (1) highly bioactive and functional (HBF); (2) moderately bioactive and functional (MBF); (3) moderate antioxidant content with pigment influence (MACP); (4) moderately antinutritional with limited antioxidant potential (MALAP); and (5) antinutritional, low bioactive, and functional (ALBF). We developed a nutritional quality index (NQI) with values ranging from 0 to 1 based on the nutritional and anti-nutritional balance of each genotype and the higher values of the NQI of a genotype indicating greater nutritional quality. We found three interspecific bred lines (SER 212, SER 213, and RRA 81), with NQI values higher than 0.8. These three lines belong to the typology group of HBF. The superior nutritional quality of these three interspecific bred lines is attributed to a greater level of bioactive compounds and antioxidant capacity. These three bred lines may serve as useful parents to develop nutritionally superior and stress-resilient beans from bean breeding programs. Further research is needed to explore the role of testa color in improving the nutritional quality of seeds of common bean genotypes grown under different climatic conditions.

Unveiling the Remarkable Antioxidant Activity of Plant-Based Fish and Seafood Analogs through Electrochemical Sensor Analysis

The global consumption of vegan foods is experiencing an expressive upward trend, underscoring the critical need for quality control measures based on nutritional and functional considerations. This study aimed to evaluate the functional quality of caviar and salmon analog food inks based on pulses combined with nano ingredients and produced in our laboratory (LNANO). The primary objective of this work was to determine the total antioxidant compounds contained in these samples using a voltammetric technique with a glassy carbon electrode. The samples underwent ethanolic extraction (70%) with 1 h of stirring. The voltammograms were acquired in a phosphate buffer electrolyte, pH 3.0 with Ag/AgCl (KCl 3 mol L^-1) as the reference electrode and platinum wire as the auxiliary electrode. The voltammograms revealed prominent anodic current peaks at 0.76-0.78 V, which are attributed to isoflavones. Isoflavones, known secondary metabolites with substantial antioxidant potential commonly found in pulses, were identified. The total isoflavone concentrations obtained ranged from 31.5 to 64.3 mg Eq genistein 100 g^-1. The results not only validated the efficacy of the electrochemical sensor for quantifying total antioxidant compounds in the samples but also demonstrated that the concentration of total isoflavones in caviar and salmon analogs fell within the expected limits.

Mexican Native Black Bean Anthocyanin-Rich Extracts Modulate Biological Markers Associated with Inflammation

This work aimed to obtain and characterize anthocyanin-rich extracts (ARE) from native black beans and evaluate their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential. The initial extract was obtained by supercritical fluids (RE) and purified using Amberlite^® XAD-7 resin (PE). RE and PE were fractionated using countercurrent chromatography, and four fractions were obtained (REF1 and REF2 from RE, PEF1, and PEF2 from PE). ARE and fractions were characterized, and the biological potential was evaluated. ABTS IC₅₀ values ranged from 7.9 to 139.2 (mg C3GE/L), DPPH IC₅₀ ranged from 9.2 to 117.2 (mg C3GE/L), and NO IC₅₀ ranged from 0.6 to143.8 (mg C3GE/L) (p < 0.05). COX-1 IC₅₀ ranged from 0.1 to 0.9 (mg C3GE/L), COX-2 IC₅₀ ranged from 0.01 to 0.7 (mg C3GE/L), and iNOS IC₅₀ ranged from 0.9 to 5.6 (mg C3GE/L) (p < 0.05). The theoretical binding energy for phenolic compounds ranged from -8.45 to -1.4 kcal/mol for COX-1, from -8.5 to -1.8 kcal/mol for COX-2, and from -7.2 to -1.6 kcal/mol for iNOS. RE and REF2 presented the highest antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential. Countercurrent chromatography effectively isolates and purifies bioactive compounds while maintaining their biological potential. Native black beans present an attractive phytochemical profile and could be used as ingredients in nutraceuticals and functional foods.

In vitro Digestion of Phaseolus vulgaris L. Cooked Beans Induces Autophagy in Colon Cancer Cells

Phaseolus vulgaris L. (common bean) contains high levels of proteins, unsaturated fatty acids, minerals, fibers, and vitamins, and for this reason, it represents an essential component of the diet. More than 40,000 varieties of beans have been recognized and are staple foods in the traditional cuisine of many countries. In addition to its high nutritional value, P. vulgaris is also characterized by its nutraceutical properties and favors environmental sustainability. In this manuscript, we studied two different varieties of P. vulgaris, Cannellino and Piattellino. We investigated the effects of traditional processing (soaking and cooking) and in vitro gastrointestinal digestion of beans on their phytochemical composition and anticancer activity. Using HT29 and HCT116 colon cancer cell lines, we showed that the extract obtained after gastrointestinal digestion of cooked beans (the bioaccessible fraction, BF) induces cell death through the induction of the autophagic process. We demonstrated that the BF of Cannellino and Piattellino beans at the concentration of 100 μg/mL reduces cell vitality, measured by MMT assay, of both HT29 (88.41% ± 5.79 and 94.38% ± 0.47) and HCT116 (86.29% ± 4.3 and 91.23% ± 0.52) cell lines. Consistently, the treatment of HT29 cells with 100 μg/mL of Cannellino and Piattellino BFs reduced clonogenicity by 95% ± 2.14 and 96% ± 0.49, respectively. Moreover, the activity of extracts appeared to be selective for colon cancer cells. The data shown in this work further confirm P. vulgaris to be among foods with beneficial effects for human health.

In vitro prospective healthy and nutritional benefits of different Citrus monofloral honeys

We studied the total polyphenols, flavonoids, vitamin C, the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity of six Citrus monofloral honey, and the in vitro inhibitory effect against cholinesterases and tyrosinase. Finally, we assessed their effect against the biofilm of some pathogenic bacteria. Lime honey showed the best antioxidant activity and the highest content of polyphenols and vitamin C. Lemon and tangerine honey contained almost exclusively flavonoids. Lemon honey better preserved the bovine serum albumin against denaturation (IC₅₀ = 48.47 mg). Honeys inhibited acetylcholinesterase, butyrylcholinesterase, and tyrosinase up to 12.04% (tangerine), 19.11% (bergamot), and 94.1% (lemon), respectively. Lime and clementine honey better inhibited the Listeria monocytogenes biofilm. Bergamot honey acted mainly against the Staphylococcus aureus and Acinetobacter baumannii biofilm; bergamot and tangerine honey inhibited the Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm particularly. Bergamot, clementine, and tangerine honey acted against Escherichia coli sessile cell metabolism. This Citrus honey exhibited in vitro prospective health benefits and is applicable for future in vivo studies.

Phenolic profile, alpha-amylase inhibitory activity, and in vitro glycemic index of adzuki beans

Regular consumption of low-glycemic index (GI) foods is a common strategy for type 2 diabetes patients. To evaluate the potential application of adzuki beans in low-GI foods, the phenolic profile and alpha-amylase inhibitor (α-AI) activity of four varieties of adzuki beans (G24, Te Xiao Li No. 1, Gui Nong No. 1, and Qian Xiao Hei) were determined. The starch digestibility properties and in vitro glycemic index (IVGI) of these beans were also evaluated using the in vitro digestion model coupled with 3,5-dinitrosalicylic acid colorimetry. The results indicated that these adzuki beans, containing numerous phenolics, showed inhibitory activities to alpha-amylase with the α-AI activities between 1.760 ± 0.044 and 3.411 ± 0.186 U/g. The resistant starch (RS) contributed predominantly to the total starch with proportions between (69.78 ± 2.45%) and (81.03 ± 0.06%); Te Xiao Li No. 1 was the highest compared with the other varieties. The adzuki beans were categorized into low- or medium-GI foods, and the IVGI ranged from (39.00 ± 0.36) to (56.76 ± 4.21). These results suggested that adzuki beans can be used as a component of low-GI foods.

Functional components profile and glycemic index of kidney beans

Low glycemic index (GI) diet has been considered as a strategy for type II diabetes patients. In the present study, the phenolics profile, α-amylase inhibitor activities, starch composition as well as the glycemic index of seven varieties of kidney beans were studied. An enzymatic inhibitory reaction model was employed to determine the α-amylase inhibitor activity, and the in vitro digestion model coupled with the 3, 5-dinitrosalicylic acid colorimetry method was adopted to evaluate the starch composition and glycemic index. The results showed that gallic acid was dominant in kidney beans, and the colored beans contained more phenolics than the white ones. In addition, the α-amylase inhibitor activities of kidney beans ranged from 1.659 ± 0.050 to 4.162 ± 0.049 U/g DW, among which the Y2 variety was the top-ranked. Furthermore, kidney beans starch demonstrated brilliant resistance to digestion with the contribution of resistant starch to total starch between 70.90 ± 0.39% and 83.12 ± 0.42%. Eventually, these kidney beans were categorized as low GI foods, which ranged from 32.47 ± 0.13 to 52.99 ± 0.56, the resistant starch makes dominant contribution to the low GI. These results indicate that kidney beans can be served as ingredients in functional low GI foods.

A Comparative Study on Phytochemical Fingerprint of Two Diverse Phaseolus vulgarisvar. Tondino del Tavo and Cannellino Bio Extracts

Common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) represents one of the most famous foods with antiobesity activity showing a significant efficacy against fat accumulation, insulin resistance and dyslipidaemia. In this work, two Italian varieties of common bean, i.e., Tondino del Tavo and Cannellino Bio, from the centre of Italy were studied to characterise their phenolic profile by HPLC-PDA in relation to different fractions after a straightforward extraction procedure. Antioxidant property and enzymatic inhibition power were also evaluated in order to delineate a possible biological profile. Results show a considerable phenolic content (0.79 and 1.1 µg/mg of 3-hydroxybenzoic acid for hexane extract of Tondino del Tavo and Cannellino Bio, respectively; 0.30 µg/mg p-coumaric acid for n-hexane extract of Tondino del Tavo) for both varieties, and a strong antioxidant activity according to the major phenolic concentration of the extracts. The anti-inflammatory activity of the decoction extracts was also investigated through a zymosan-induced edema formation assay, revealing a moderate ability for both of them. These preliminary data prompt us to further explore the nutrient components of these two varieties in the future.

Exploring the Phytochemicals and Anti-Cancer Potential of the Members of Fabaceae Family: A Comprehensive Review

Cancer is the second-ranked disease and a cause of death for millions of people around the world despite many kinds of available treatments. Phytochemicals are considered a vital source of cancer-inhibiting drugs and utilize specific mechanisms including carcinogen inactivation, the induction of cell cycle arrest, anti-oxidant stress, apoptosis, and regulation of the immune system. Family Fabaceae is the second most diverse family in the plant kingdom, and species of the family are widely distributed across the world. The species of the Fabaceae family are rich in phytochemicals (flavonoids, lectins, saponins, alkaloids, carotenoids, and phenolic acids), which exhibit a variety of health benefits, especially anti-cancer properties; therefore, exploration of the phytochemicals present in various members of this family is crucial. These phytochemicals of the Fabaceae family have not been explored in a better way yet; therefore, this review is an effort to summarize all the possible information related to the phytochemical status of the Fabaceae family and their anti-cancer properties. Moreover, various research gaps have been identified with directions for future research.

In vitro anticancer properties of anthocyanins: A systematic review

Anthocyanins have been associated with beneficial effects on human health. Cancer has been one of the main public health issues due to its aggressiveness and high mortality rate. This systematic review aimed to address recent research (from January 2000 to September 2021) on the anticancer activity of anthocyanins assessed by in vitro assays. The selected studies revealed that anthocyanins have anticancer potential by inhibiting cancer cell viability and proliferation, controlling cell cycle, and promoting apoptosis.

Antioxidant Capacity and Antiplatelet Activity of Aqueous Extracts of Common Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) Obtained with Microwave and Ultrasound Assisted Extraction

Phaseolus vulgaris L. has beneficial effects on several chronic non-communicable diseases (e.g., cardiovascular diseases) related to oxidative stress. This redox state may influence platelet activation and aggregation; which is crucial in thrombus formation. In this work, the antiplatelet and antioxidant potential of aqueous extracts obtained by green processes, microwave-assisted extraction and ultrasound-assisted extraction, from 25 landraces of common beans were investigated. Phenol content and antioxidant potential were determined using the Folin-Ciocalteu method, total monomeric anthocyanin and ORAC assay, respectively. The antiplatelet potential of the extracts was explored by turbidimetry. Microwave extraction showed higher phenol content and antioxidant activity in most extracts. Soja landrace extract obtained by microwave-assisted extraction showed higher phenol content and antioxidant activity (893.45 ± 87.30 mg GAE/g and 35,642.85 ± 2588.88 ORAC μmolTE/g, respectively). Although most of the extracts obtained by microwave-assisted extraction showed antiplatelet activity, the extract of Hallado Aleman landrace obtained by ultrasound-assisted extraction (IC50 = 0.152 ± 0.018 mg/mL) had the highest antiplatelet potential. The extraction method, MAE and UAE, influences the biological potential of the beans, specifically the antiplatelet activity and antioxidant activity. The functional value of this legume for direct consumption by the population was evidenced, as well as its inclusion in food formulations.

Effect of Phenolic Extract from Red Beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) on T-2 Toxin-Induced Cytotoxicity in HepG2 Cells

Red beans contain human bioactive compounds such as polyphenols. Several in vitro studies have proposed the natural compounds as an innovative strategy to modify the toxic effects produced by mycotoxins. Hence, in this work, a complete investigation of the polyphenolic fraction of red beans was performed using a Q-Orbitrap high-resolution mass spectrometry analysis. Notably, epicatechin and delphinidin were the most detected polyphenols found in red bean extracts (3.297 and 3.108 mg/Kg, respectively). Moreover, the red bean extract was evaluated against the T-2 toxin (T-2) induced cytotoxicity in hepatocarcinoma cells (HepG2) by direct treatment, simultaneous treatment, and pre-treatment assays. These data showed that T-2 affected the cell viability in a dose-dependent manner, as well as observing a cytotoxic effect and a significant increase in ROS production at 30 nM. The simultaneous treatment and the pre-treatment of HepG2 cells with red bean extract was not able to modify the cytotoxic T-2 effect. However, the simultaneous treatment of T-2 at 7.5 nM with the red bean extract showed a significant decrease in ROS production, with respect to the control. These results suggest that the red bean extract could modulate oxidative stress on HepG2 cells.

Studies on nutritional and functional properties of various genotypes of Andean beans

Andean bean group have a wide number of genotypes and are available as a source of nutrients and antioxidant compounds in a diet. Proteins, minerals, phenolic compounds, phytic acid, and antioxidant activity were evaluated in 14 white, red, and mottled seed coat genotypes. The Ca, Mg and Cu contents presented the greatest variability. The white seed coat genotypes presented lower phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity levels than the red and mottled seed coat genotypes. A strong correlation between phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity was observed, and hierarchical cluster analysis showed the formation of three groups (G1, G2 and G3). G1 and G2 can be recommended to individuals who want foods with a high content of antioxidant compounds, while any group can be consumed to meet the demand for a diet rich in minerals. G1 and G3 can be recommended to individuals who want a diet high in protein. Changes in eating habits are a barrier to incorporating new sources of nutrients into a traditional diet. However, Andean beans can easily be incorporated into the diets of those who already consume beans daily, as Andean beans can be prepared in the same manner as other beans.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13197-021-05157-7.

Metabolic footprints of chitosan primed red kidney bean under restricted irrigation

Climate change has led to long term shift in temperature and weather regimes leading to unprecedented drought conditions. In this study varying degree of drought stress was imposed by restricting irrigation in red kidney bean along with application of chitosan as seed and foliar prime. LC-MS/MS was used to study the metabolic footprints (flavonoids and anthocyanin) in the red kidney bean varieties (BR 104 and VL Rajma 63). Presence of 14 flavonoid compounds and four anthocyanins (delphinidin>cyaniding>pelargonidin>malvidin) obtained from 0.25% chitosan primed red kidney bean were resolved through LC-MS/MS analysis. The concentration of flavonoid compounds in all the treatments was found in the order of naringenin>quercetin>luteolin>hesperetin>myricetin. Correlation studies revealed strong correlation of 0.95 among catechin-naringenin, galangin-hesperetin and epicatechin-kaempferol in BR 104 variety. Antioxidant activities were investigated by assessing radical scavenging activity, chelating power and reducing power assay in both varieties. Principle component (PC) analysis depicted through biplot was showed 44.7% contribution was found towards PC1 and 28.6% towards PC2 in BR 104 variety. 0.25% chitosan as seed and foliar priming with imposed drought stress was found to improve the antioxidant contents of seed by regulating polyphenols which have diverse role in stress management.

Biochemical Characterization of Some Varieties of Apricot Present in the Vesuvius Area, Southern Italy

The witnesses of the millenary history of Campania felix in southern Italy highlighted that several fruit and vegetables cultivated in such territory could potentially be a treasure trove of important health elements. Our work evaluated the content of β-carotene, ascorbic acid, and total phenolics and the antioxidant activity of ten typical varieties of apricots cultivated in the Vesuvius area in the Campania region. The total polyphenols varied between 10.24 and 34.04 mg/100 g of a fresh sample. The amount of ascorbic acid also varied greatly, ranging from 2.65 to 10.65 mg/100 g of a fresh product. B-Carotene reached values up to 0.522 mg/100 g of the fresh sample. The correlation analysis performed, accounting for these parameters, showed that the antioxidant activity, calculated by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH assay) and azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) tests, was influenced mainly by the content of total polyphenols, with ρ = −0.762 and ρ = 0.875 when we considered DPPH and ABTS tests, respectively, slightly less by the content of ascorbic acid, and not by β-carotene. The dendrogram clustered eight varieties into two main groups; on the other hand, two varieties (“Vitillo” and “Preveta bella”) seemed hierarchically distant. The gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) analysis of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), herein performed for the first time, demonstrated the influence of the varieties on the VOC profiles, both from a qualitative and semiquantitative perspective, discriminating the varieties in different clusters, each of which was characterized by specific notes. α-Terpinolene was the only terpene identified by GC–MS that appeared to affect the antioxidant activity.

Biochemical Characterization of Traditional Varieties of Apricots (Prunus armeniaca L.) of the Campania Region, Southern Italy

Campania is the most important region of Italy in the apricot cultivation, present mostly in the Vesuvio area. At least to the best of our knowledge, no studies are reporting the biochemical characterization of the considerable number of traditional apricot varieties present on this territory, including the qualitative and quantitative profile of the polyphenols present. Our work evaluated the content of β-carotene, total phenolics, phenolic profiles, ascorbic acid and antioxidant activity of 23 traditional varieties of apricots of the Campania region. Principal component analysis (PCA) highlighted that, in the two main groups, the antioxidant activity was strongly affected by the content of ascorbic acid (-0.89), or slightly affected by the content of total polyphenols (-0.67), respect to the content of ascorbic acid (-0.55), never by β-carotene. Chlorogenic acid (up to 55.07 μg g^-1) and catechin (up to 96.15 μg g^-1) resulted the most abundant polyphenols recognized through the chromatographic analysis. PCA, extended to the polyphenol profile, confirmed the distribution of the varieties in two large groups, evidencing once again the hierarchical distance of four varieties ("Panzona", "Paolona" "Baracca" and "Boccucia Eboli") compared to the others.

Molecular Hallmarks, Agronomic Performances and Seed Nutraceutical Properties to Exploit Neglected Genetic Resources of Common Beans Grown by Organic Farming in Two Contrasting Environments

Common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is an essential source of food proteins and an important component of sustainable agriculture systems around the world. Thus, conserving and exploiting the genetic materials of this crop species play an important role in achieving global food safety and security through the preservation of functional and serependic opportunities afforded by plant species diversity. Our research aimed to collect and perform agronomic, morpho-phenological, molecular-genetic, and nutraceutical characterizations of common bean accessions, including lowland and mountain Venetian niche landraces (ancient farmer populations) and Italian elite lineages (old breeder selections). Molecular characterization with SSR and SNP markers grouped these accessions into two well-separated clusters that were linked to the original Andean and Mesoamerican gene pools, which was consistent with the outputs of ancestral analysis. Genetic diversity in the two main clusters was not distributed equally the Andean gene pool was found to be much more uniform than the Mesoamerican pool. Additional subdivision resulted in subclusters, supporting the existence of six varietal groups. Accessions were selected according to preliminary investigations and historical records and cultivated in two contrasting Venetian environments: sea-level and mountain territories. We found that the environment significantly affected some nutraceutical properties of the seeds, mainly protein and starch contents. The antioxidant capacity was found significantly greater at sea level for climbing accessions and in the mountains for dwarf accessions. The seed yield at sea level was halved than mountain due to a seeds reduction in weight, volume, size and density. At sea level, bean landraces tended to have extended flowering periods and shorter fresh pod periods. The seed yield was positively correlated with the length of the period during which plants had fresh pods and negatively correlated with the length of the flowering period. Thus, the agronomic performance of these genetic resources showed their strong connection and adaptation to mountainous environments. On the whole, the genetic-molecular information put together for these univocal bean entries was combined with overall results from plant and seed analyses to select and transform the best accessions into commercial varieties (i.e., pure lines) suitable for wider cultivation.

Phenolic Content and Antioxidant Activity in Seeds of Common Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.)

Dry bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is one of the most important pulses consumed in the world. Total phenolic content, total flavonoid content, total monomeric anthocyanin content and antioxidant capacity were determined, using ferric reducing antioxidant power and free radical scavenging activity, in 255 lines grown under the same environmental conditions. For all parameters analysed, there was a wide range of variability, with differences always above one order of magnitude. Phenolic compounds in beans with coloured coats were found to be more efficient antioxidants than those with completely white coats, and samples with more strongly coloured coats (red, cream, black, pink and brown) showed the highest antioxidant capacities. Based on the strong correlation detected between the variables, total phenolic content can be considered an appropriate indicator of antioxidant activity. The results provide a robust database for selecting those lines of greater functional and nutritional interest in terms of cultivation for direct consumption, for inclusions in food formulations or for use in future breeding programs.

Bean phenolic compound changes during processing: Chemical interactions and identification

The common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) represents one of the main crops for human consumption, due to its nutritional and functional qualities. Phenolic compounds have beneficial health effects, and beans are an essential source of these molecules, being found mainly in the seed coat and its color depends on the concentration and type of phenolic compounds present. The bean during storage and processing, such as cooking, germination, extrusion, and fermentation, undergoes physical, chemical, and structural changes that affect the bioavailability of its nutrients; these changes are related to the interactions between phenolic compounds and other components of the food matrix. This review provides information about the identification and quantification of phenolic compounds present in beans and the changes they undergo during processing. It also includes information on the interactions between the phenolic compounds and the components of the bean's cell wall and the analytical methods used to identify the interactions of phenolic compounds with macromolecules.

Health Benefits of Plant-Based Nutrition: Focus on Beans in Cardiometabolic Diseases

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death worldwide, claiming over 650,000 American lives annually. Typically not a singular disease, CVD often coexists with dyslipidemia, hypertension, type-2 diabetes (T2D), chronic system-wide inflammation, and obesity. Obesity, an independent risk factor for both CVD and T2D, further worsens the problem, with over 42% of adults and 18.5% of youth in the U.S. categorized as such. Dietary behavior is a most important modifiable risk factor for controlling the onset and progression of obesity and related disease conditions. Plant-based eating patterns that include beans and legumes support health and disease mitigation through nutritional profile and bioactive compounds including phytochemical. This review focuses on the characteristics of beans and ability to improve obesity-related diseases and associated factors including excess body weight, gut microbiome environment, and low-grade inflammation. Additionally, there are growing data that link obesity to compromised immune response and elevated risk for complications from immune-related diseases. Body weight management and nutritional status may improve immune function and possibly prevent disease severity. Inclusion of beans as part of a plant-based dietary strategy imparts cardiovascular, metabolic, and colon protective effects; improves obesity, low-grade inflammation, and may play a role in immune-related disease risk management.

Phaseolus vulgaris L. var. Venanzio Grown in Tuscany: Chemical Composition and In Vitro Investigation of Potential Effects on Colorectal Cancer

Phaseolus vulgaris L. (common bean) is a leguminous species that is an important dietary component due to its high content of proteins, unsaturated fatty acids, minerals, dietary fibers and vitamins. Due to the high content of polyphenols, several biological activities have been described for bean extracts, making it possible to include P. vulgaris among food with beneficial effects for human health. Moreover, more than 40,000 varieties of beans have been recognised with different nutraceutical properties, pointing out the importance of food biodiversity. In this work, we describe for the first time the chemical composition and biological activity of a newly recognized Italian variety of P. vulgaris grown in a restricted area of the Tuscany region and named “Fagiola di Venanzio”. Fagiola di Venanzio water extract is rich in proteins, sugars and polyphenols and displays antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antiproliferative activities in in vitro assays on colon cancer cellular models. Our data indicate that this variety of P. vulgaris appears to be a promising source of bioactive compounds and encourage more in-depth studies to better elucidate the implications of its consumption for public health.

Phytochemicals in Legumes: A Qualitative Reviewed Analysis

Legumes are an excellent source of nutrients and phytochemicals. They have been recognized for their contributions to health, sustainability, and the economy. Although legumes comprise several species and varieties, little is known about the differences in their phytochemical composition and the magnitude of these. Therefore, the aim of this review is to describe and compare the qualitative profile of phytochemicals contained in legumes and identified through LC-MS and GC-MS methods. Among the 478 phytochemicals reported in 52 varieties of legumes, phenolic compounds were by far the most frequently described (n = 405, 85%). Metabolomics data analysis tools were used to visualize the qualitative differences, showing beans to be the most widely analyzed legumes and those with the highest number of discriminant phytochemicals (n = 180, 38%). A Venn diagram showed that lentils, beans, soybeans, and chickpeas shared only 7% of their compounds. This work highlighted the huge chemical diversity among legumes and identified the need for further research in this field and the use of metabolomics as a promising tool to achieve it.

Role of plant compounds in the modulation of the conjugative transfer of pRet42a

One of the most studied mechanisms involved in bacterial evolution and diversification is conjugative transfer (CT) of plasmids. Plasmids able to transfer by CT often encode beneficial traits for bacterial survival under specific environmental conditions. Rhizobium etli CFN42 is a Gram-negative bacterium of agricultural relevance due to its symbiotic association with Phaseolus vulgaris through the formation of Nitrogen-fixing nodules. The genome of R. etli CFN42 consists of one chromosome and six large plasmids. Among these, pRet42a has been identified as a conjugative plasmid. The expression of the transfer genes is regulated by a quorum sensing (QS) system that includes a traI gene, which encodes an acyl-homoserine lactone (AHL) synthase and two transcriptional regulators (TraR and CinR). Recently, we have shown that pRet42a can perform CT on the root surface and inside nodules. The aim of this work was to determine the role of plant-related compounds in the CT of pRet42a. We found that bean root exudates or root and nodule extracts induce the CT of pRet42a in the plant rhizosphere. One possibility is that these compounds are used as nutrients, allowing the bacteria to increase their growth rate and reach the population density leading to the activation of the QS system in a shorter time. We tested if P. vulgaris compounds could substitute the bacterial AHL synthesized by TraI, to activate the conjugation machinery. The results showed that the transfer of pRet42a in the presence of the plant is dependent on the bacterial QS system, which cannot be substituted by plant compounds. Additionally, individual compounds of the plant exudates were evaluated; among these, some increased and others decreased the CT. With these results, we suggest that the plant could participate at different levels to modulate the CT, and that some compounds could be activating genes in the conjugation machinery.

Exploration of natural phosphatidylcholine sources from six beans by UHPLC-Q-HRMS

Beans are a rich source of phosphatidylcholine (PC). This study aims to explore natural PC sources rich in polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) with nutritional interest. PCs from six beans were purified (purity > 98.2%) by thin layer chromatography (TLC), and subsequently identified by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-Quadrupole (Q)-high-resolution mass spectrometry (UHPLC-Q-HRMS). Results showed that the PC content of chickpea (Cicer arietinum) and soybean (Glycine max) was 50.0 and 34.0 mg/g, respectively, which was significantly higher than that of other beans (P < 0.05). Gas chromatographic analysis showed that soybean contained high proportion of PUFA (58.78%), and chickpea contained high proportion of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) (2.73%). A total of 49 molecular species were identified by UHPLC-Q-HRMS. (18:2-18:2)PC was predominant in soybean, adzuki bean, runner bean, and common bean. (16:0-18:1)PC was the major species of chickpea PC, and many ether PC species and DHA-PC were identified. Discriminatory analysis by principal component analysis (PCA) indicated that the molecular profiles of chickpea PC were significantly different from other beans studied. The findings suggest that chickpea appears to be an interesting plant source of DHA and ether lipids for dietary supplement. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: In this study, we reported an UHPLC-Q-HRMS technique to identify PC molecular species of six beans. The diversity of PC molecular species in the different beans was classified using chemometrics. This analytical method not only provides comprehensive information to nutritionists about the PC distribution in different beans, but also can identify biomarkers for bean flour fraud identification in food supplementation. Furthermore, the approach gives fragmentation patterns of several PC species and could be further applied to determine the chemical structure of PC molecular species from many natural resources.

Modification of In Vitro and In Vivo Antioxidant Activity by Consumption of Cooked Chickpea in a Colon Cancer Model

Chickpea has been classified as a nutraceutical food due to its phytochemical compounds, showing antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer activity. To investigate this, we evaluated the effect of cooking on the nutritional and non-nutritional composition and the in vitro and in vivo antioxidant activity of chickpea seed. The latter was determined by the variation in the concentration of nitric oxide (NO), oxidized carbonyl groups (CO), malondialdehyde (MDA), and the expression of 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal (4-HNE) in the colon of male BALB/c mice fed with a standard diet with 10 and 20% cooked chickpea (CC). We induced colon cancer in mice by administering azoxymethane/dextran sulfate sodium (AOM/DSS); for the evaluation, these were sacrificed 1, 7, and 14 weeks after the induction. Results show that cooking does not significantly modify (p < 0.05) nutritional compounds; however, it decreases the concentration of non-nutritional ones and, consequently, in vitro antioxidant activity. The in vivo evaluation showed that animals administered with AOM/DSS presented higher concentrations of NO, CO, MDA, and 4-HNE than those in animals without AOM/DSS administration. However, in the three evaluated times, these markers were significantly reduced (p < 0.05) with CC consumption. The best effect on the oxidation markers was with the 20% CC diet, demonstrating the antioxidant potential of CC.

Composition of Phenolic Acids and Antioxidant Properties of Selected Pulses Cooked with Different Heating Conditions

Pulses are recommended for healthy eating due to their high content of nutrients and bioactive compounds that can undergo changes during cooking. This study investigated the effects of four cooking methods (boiling, pressure, microwave, slow) and three heating solutions (water, salt, sugar) on the phenolic acids and antioxidant properties of three pulses (faba beans, lentils, peas). The composition of phenolic acids differed among the three pulses with p-coumaric and ferulic being the dominant acids. Cooking increased free phenolic acids and lessened bound phenolic acids in faba beans and peas, while decreased both free and bound phenolic acids in lentils. Cooking resulted in reductions in total phenol content (TPC) in faba bean methanol and bound extracts. Pressure and microwave cooking increased TPC in lentil methanol extracts, while pot boiling and slow cooking reduced TPC. Microwave cooking resulted in increases in TPC in bound phenolic extracts from lentils. For peas, cooking increased TPC in both methanol and bound phenolic extracts. Significant changes were also observed in the antioxidant capacity of cooked pulses based on the scavenging ability of DPPH, ABTS and peroxyl radicals subject to the type of pulse, polyphenol and antioxidant assay. Despite the significant reduction in antioxidants, high amounts of phenolics with potent antioxidant activities are still found in cooked pulses.

Qualitative Aspects of Some of Some Traditional Landraces of the Tomato "Piennolo" (Solanum lycopersicum L.) of the Campania Region, Southern Italy

Our study aimed to analyze some qualitative aspects of five landraces of the tomato "Piennolo," typical of the Vesuvian area, Italy, and determine the in vitro antioxidant activity. All samples showed a high °Brix value and acidity, as well as a discrete amount of reducing sugars, indicating their good quality as fresh products. They showed a high content of lycopene (up to 218 mg g^-1 of fresh product) and ascorbic acid (up to 238 mg g^-1 of fresh product). The content of total polyphenols was never less than 278 mg g^-1 of fresh product. Hyperoside, chlorogenic and gallic acids were the most abundant polyphenols. The interrelationships between the parameters analyzed and the different landraces showed that total polyphenols could have mostly affected (r = 0.76) the antioxidant activity more than lycopene (r = -0.96). The interrelationships between the most abundant polyphenols and antioxidant activity showed that hyperoside, although the most abundant, negatively affected (r = -0.93) the antioxidant activity. Due to the high content of lycopene, ascorbic acid, and hyperoside, the five landraces of the tomato "Piennolo" could be considered promising in terms of their potential healthy characteristics.

Biochemical Characterization of Traditional Varieties of Sweet Pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) of the Campania Region, Southern Italy

Bioactive compounds of different Campania native sweet pepper varieties were evaluated. Polyphenols ranged between 1.37 mmol g-1 and 3.42 mmol g-1, β-carotene was abundant in the red variety "Cazzone" (7.05 μg g-1). Yellow and red varieties showed a content of ascorbic acid not inferior to 0.82 mg g-1, while in some green varieties the presence of ascorbic acid was almost inconsistent. Interrelationships between the parameters analyzed and the varieties showed that ascorbic acid could represent the factor mostly influencing the antioxidant activity. Polyphenol profile was different among the varieties, with a general prevalence of acidic phenols in yellow varieties and of flavonoids in red varieties. Principal Component Analysis, applied to ascorbic acid, total polyphenols and β-carotene, revealed that two of the green varieties ("Friariello napoletano" and "Friariello Sigaretta") were well clustered and that the yellow variety "Corno di capra" showed similarity with the green varieties, in particular with "Friariello Nocerese". This was confirmed by the interrelationships applied to polyphenol composition, which let us to light on a clustering of several red and yellow varieties, and that mainly the yellow "Corno di capra" was closer to the green varieties of "Friariello".

Traditional Mexican foods as functional agents in the treatment of cardiometabolic risk factors

Major cardiometabolic risk phenotypes include insulin resistance (IR), hyperinsulinemia, overweight, obesity and dyslipidemia, which contribute to the current prevalent chronic disease pandemia worldwide. Among traditional treatments, dietary habits represent one of the most difficult and controversial aspects to implement in handling metabolic disturbances. The use of herbal remedies by latinos and hispanics, as part of self-care of metabolic diseases has been well documented in several studies, mainly because they are "natural", consistent with their culture, family-related, accessible, and affordable. Phytochemicals are present in fruits, vegetables and various plants, and constitute nonessential nutrients such as vitamins or minerals, many of them being consumed in a popular way or used as herbal remedies or dietary supplements. In this narrative review, we present evidence on traditional endemic Mexican foods such as cacao, corn, common bean, prickle pear, chili, avocado and salba-chia as functional agents to improve the metabolic status in risk phenotypes.

Grown to be Blue-Antioxidant Properties and Health Effects of Colored Vegetables. Part II: Leafy, Fruit, and Other Vegetables

The current trend for substituting synthetic compounds with natural ones in the design and production of functional and healthy foods has increased the research interest about natural colorants. Although coloring agents from plant origin are already used in the food and beverage industry, the market and consumer demands for novel and diverse food products are increasing and new plant sources are explored. Fresh vegetables are considered a good source of such compounds, especially when considering the great color diversity that exists among the various species or even the cultivars within the same species. In the present review we aim to present the most common species of colored vegetables, focusing on leafy and fruit vegetables, as well as on vegetables where other plant parts are commercially used, with special attention to blue color. The compounds that are responsible for the uncommon colors will be also presented and their beneficial health effects and antioxidant properties will be unraveled.

Biochemical composition and antioxidant activity of three extra virgin olive oils from the Irpinia Province, Southern Italy

Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO), appraised for its healthy properties, represents an important element for the economy of several countries of the Mediterranean area, including Italy. Our study aimed to evaluate some biochemical characteristics (polyphenols and volatile compounds) as well as the antioxidant activity of three EVOOs obtained from the varieties Ravece, Ogliarola, and Ruvea antica, grown in the same field of an Irpinian village, Montella, in the Campania region, Southern Italy. Extra virgin olive oil Ruvea antica contained the greatest amount of total polyphenols and showed the highest antioxidant activity. Principal component analysis of the aromatic profiles indicated that the three EVOOs could be easily discriminated according to the cultivar. 1-Hexanol, 2-hexen-1-ol, 3-pentanone, representing the most abundant volatiles of the EVOO Ruvea antica, and 2-hexenal, which resulted the main component in EVOOs Ogliarola and Ravece, could be considered as markers to discriminate these three EVOOs, according to the ReliefF feature selection algorithm.

Antibacterial Activity of Three Extra Virgin Olive Oils of the Campania Region, Southern Italy, Related to Their Polyphenol Content and Composition

Production of extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) represents an important element for the economy of Southern Italy. Therefore, EVOO is recognized as a food with noticeable biological effects. Our study aimed to evaluate the antimicrobial activity exhibited by the polyphenolic extracts of EVOOs, obtained from three varieties of Olea europea L. (Ruvea antica, Ravece, and Ogliarola) cultivated in the village of Montella, Avellino, Southern Italy. The study evaluated the inhibiting effect of the extracts against some Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Statistical analysis, used to relate values of antimicrobial activity to total polyphenols and phenolic composition, revealed a different behavior among the three EVOO polyphenol extracts. The method applied could be useful to predict the influence of singular metabolites on the antimicrobial activity.