Anthocyanins: Traditional Uses, Structural and Functional Variations, Approaches to Increase Yields and Products' Quality, Hepatoprotection, Liver Longevity, and Commercial Products

Toxicological screening of jambolan hydroalcoholic extract (Syzygium cumini (L.) Skeels) in zebrafish (Danio rerio)

Jambolan (Syzygium cumini (L.) Skeels) is an important source of phenolic compounds, especially anthocyanins, known for their biological properties. This study investigated the acute toxicity of jambolan hydroalcoholic extract (JE) in zebrafish (Danio rerio) at different life stages. JE, obtained from freeze-dried fruits, was analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and found to be rich in total phenolic compounds (TPC). A total of 15 phenolic compounds were identified in the HPLC extracts, mainly anthocyanins (≈ 82 % of TPC), and JE presented relevant antioxidant properties in in vitro tests. Exposure to concentrations between 50 and 200 µg/ml resulted in increased malformations and mortality in both embryos and adult zebrafish, and doses of 300 and 400 µg/ml were lethal to the animals. Lethal concentrations (LC50) were estimated at 118.4 µg/ml for embryos and 68.86 µg/ml for adults. Despite no significant cardiovascular or neurological toxicities, behavioral impacts were observed at lower concentrations (10 µg/ml), indicating a nonmonotonic concentration-response curve. Our findings suggest that moderate JE doses (around 25 µg/ml) are safe for zebrafish; however, further studies are needed to ensure its safety and efficacy under different health conditions and exposure regimes.

Urate-lowering effect of delphinidin-3-glucoside in red kidney beans via binding to the FAD site of the XO enzyme

BACKGROUND

The incidence of hyperuricemia (HUA) is increasing globally, posing serious health risks. The discovery of natural urate-lowering agents is urgently needed.

OBJECTIVE

To discover natural urate-lowering agents and investigate their effect and action mechanisms for ameliorating HUA.

METHODS

Our study comprehensively explored the association between the intake of 13 specific legume varieties in the US population. A composition-target-metabolic (C-T-M) pathway network was constructed to identify key agents and their interactions with key proteins, which were verified by molecular dynamics simulations (MD) and surface plasmon resonance (SPR). Biochemical, in vitro, and in vivo metabolomic studies in male ICR mice were conducted to examine the effects of the key agent in red kidney beans on uric acid production and other metabolisms.

RESULTS

We found that consuming red kidney beans was robustly negatively associated with the risk of HUA. Based on the C-T-M network, delphinidin-3-glucoside (Dp-3G) was identified as the key agent in red kidney beans, focusing on its binding to xanthine oxidase (XO) enzyme. This interaction was subsequently verified by MD and SPR, revealing that Dp-3G binds to the FAD site of the XO enzyme, thereby blocking electron transfer during enzyme catalysis involving Moco, [2Fe-2S], and FAD. Dp-3G consistently reduces uric acid production under biochemical, in vitro, and in vivo conditions and reverses metabolic abnormalities related to HUA in mice, including methionine, proline, and folate.

CONCLUSIONS

This study identifies Dp-3G, a novel natural agent enriched in red kidney beans, as capable of occupying the FAD site of the XO enzyme, thereby interfering with uric acid synthesis, and suggesting its potential for preventing and treating HUA.

Cashew Apple Pomace: Chemical Composition and Applications in Functional Food Product Development-A Review

Cashew nut production and fruit processing generate significant by-products, particularly cashew apple and cashew apple pomace (CAP), which are often treated as waste. However, CAP is a valuable source of nutrients and bioactive compounds that can be repurposed to develop functional food products. Valorizing this by-product represents a pivotal advancement toward achieving sustainability and circularity in the food industry. This review aimed to highlight the chemical composition and potential applications of CAP in functional food development. The review shows that CAP is enriched with bioactive compounds, including phenolic acids, carotenoids, and flavonoids, alongside essential nutrients such as fiber, minerals, carbohydrates, and proteins. The incorporation of CAP into food products may confer a myriad of health benefits, including antioxidant, antimicrobial, antidiabetic, antiobesity, and gastroprotective properties. This review elucidates approaches to effectively integrate CAP into food formulations while preserving their sensory attributes. Utilizing CAP in food products can significantly reduce food waste and enhance the overall nutritional and functional profile of food, contributing to a more sustainable and circular food system.

Valorization Model of Yulania biondii Waste: Component Analysis and Antibacterial, Antioxidant, and Antitumor Activities of the Extracts

Yulania biondii contains diverse bioactive compounds with significant application potential in the pharmaceutical, food, and cosmetics industries. This study investigates the bioactivity and composition of extracts from Y. biondii. It gives us a way to think about how to use forestry waste resources in a more complete way. Extracts from Y. biondii branches, leaves, and fruits were obtained using solvents such as water, ethanol, and acetone. The chemical components were analyzed using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and high-performance liquid chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (HPLC-QTOF-MS). The antimicrobial activity of the extracts was assessed using the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) method, whereas antioxidant capacity was evaluated using DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging assays. Antitumor activity against HeLa, K562, SGC-7901, MCF-7, and HepG2 cells was assessed using the MTT assay. The results indicate that Y. biondii extracts contain a high content of flavonoids, alkaloids, phenolic compounds, and organic acids, with the ethanol extract showing the highest proportion of bioactive components at 64.93%. Additionally, Y. biondii extracts exhibited antioxidant, antibacterial, and antitumor properties, with particularly strong antioxidant effects that increased with higher extract concentrations. Among the extraction parts, the branch extract demonstrated the strongest antioxidant capacity, followed by the fruit extract, with the leaf extract showing the lowest capacity. Regarding antibacterial activity, the ethanol and acetone extracts from leaves and branches displayed strong inhibitory effects against Gram-positive bacteria. The ethanol extract from branches showed the strongest inhibition against Staphylococcus aureus, whereas the acetone extract from leaves exhibited the best inhibition against Bacillus cereus. Both ethanol and water extracts displayed varying levels of inhibition against five common tumor cell lines, with the antitumor activity ranked as follows, from strongest to weakest: leukemia cells, human gastric cancer cells, cervical cancer cells, human liver cancer cells, and human breast cancer cells. Notably, the water extract from Y. biondii leaves exhibited the strongest inhibition against human gastric cancer cells, with an inhibition rate of 82.49%. This study revealed the compositional characteristics of Y. biondii extracts and preliminarily evaluated their potential in antibacterial, antioxidant, and antitumor applications, providing a theoretical reference for the further development and application of natural plant extracts.

Benzimidazole(s): synthons, bioactive lead structures, total synthesis, and the profiling of major bioactive categories

Benzimidazole, a fused bicyclic compound with benzene and pentacyclic 1,3-diazole moeities, has a simple aromatic heterocyclic structure. The moiety has become an indispensable anchor for the development of new pharmacologically active products, and has yielded several therapeutic agents with anticancer, antihypertensive, antimicrobial, antifungal and antiulcer effects. Benzimidazoles, as synthetically feasible and pharmacophoric synthons, have been relentlessly pursued for the preparation of new analogues and derivatives, and they have successfully developed into some of the most sought-after and vital pharmacophores for drug discovery. The use of varied substituents and differing patterns around the benzimidazole nucleus has provided a wide spectrum of biological activities. In addition, the benzimidazole moiety constitutes a building block for the production of several drugs, drug candidates, new chemical entities, and lead molecules. The importance of this nucleus for bioactivity, e.g., antibacterial, antitubercular, antidiabetic, anticancer, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antioxidant, antihistaminic, and antimalarial activity, has led us to take note and provide an overview of the synthetic development approaches for various benzimidazole derivatives together with their biological actions. This review is projected to further assist in the design and development of new benzimidazole-based compounds for new and optimized pharmacologically active products towards new drug-development strategies.

Phytochemical analysis, bioactivity, and molecular docking studies of Myrtus communis L. seeds and fruit peel extracts demonstrating antioxidant and anti-tyrosinase properties

Myrtus communis L, is an edible medicinal plant with fruit berries used to manufacture liquors, aromatise wine, and sweet foods, beside several folk-medicinal uses. The plant is also endemic to Libya, holds promise for its medicinal properties, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, wound healing, and appetising effects. This work aims to explore the phytoconstituents present in the seeds and fruit peels of Myrtus communis L by GC-MS and LC-ESI-MS analysis, respectively. The work also demonstrated the in vitro and in silico antioxidant and anti-tyrosinase activities of the plant extracts. GC-MS analysis indicated the presence of 11 fatty acids in the myrtle seeds representing 78.61% of the total seeds' fatty acid contents, where the unsaturated linolenic acid (C18:3) was the major fatty acid (23.11%). Moreover, seven anthocyanins were identified by the LC-ESI-MS analysis in the fruit peels with relative percentage of 59.84% related to the total peaks area in the positive ion mode chromatogram. Among the identified compounds, petunidin 3-O-glucoside and Malvidin 3-O-rutinoside were the most abundant anthocyanins at the relative percentage of 12.48% and11.87%, respectively. Antioxidant assay showed that the ethanolic extract of the Myrtus fruit peels exhibited higher DPPH-free radical scavenging activities compared to the chloroform extract of the seeds (6.89 ± 0.12 and 2.65 ± 0.03, respectively). Similarly, the fruit peels extract was induced higher ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) compared to the seeds extract (4.87 ± 1.02 and 2.10 ± 0.9, respectively. The fruit peels ethanolic extract was exhibited greatest inhibitory effect against tyrosinase enzyme with IC50 126.35 ± 0.92 compared to the activity of seeds extract at the IC50 135.27 ± 1.23. The tested extracts displayed lower level of tyrosinase inhibition activity compared to the standard arbutin (IC50 76.9 ± 0.0). The results of molecular docking simulations suggest that anthocyanins, particularly Cyanidin-3-O-rutinoside, exhibit significant binding affinity to the tyrosinase enzyme and could potentially serve as effective natural inhibitors. These compounds may interfere with the enzyme's catalytic activity by interacting with key residues in the active site.

Anthocyanins in Black Soybean Coats Promote Apoptosis in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells by Regulating the JAK2/STAT3 Pathway

The use of black soybean (Glycine max L.), an edible crop prevalent in Asia, has attracted attention for its hepatoprotective properties. Notably, the anthocyanin components in black soybean coats have shown potential in inhibiting tumor growth. Here, anthocyanins were extracted from black soybean coats using both microwave and water bath methods. The physicochemical characteristics of black soybean coat anthocyanins (BSCAs) and their biological activities were examined. The results from the MTT and EDU assays demonstrated a dose-dependent inhibitory effect of BSCAs on hepatocellular carcinoma HepG2 cells, while leaving normal cells unaffected. Flow cytometry and mitochondrial membrane potential assays revealed that BSCA treatment induces apoptosis in HepG2 cells. A network pharmacology approach was employed to explore the relationship between hepatocellular carcinoma and the active ingredients of BSCAs, identifying the JAK/STAT signaling pathway as a potential target. Molecular docking studies confirmed the interaction between BSCA components and JAK2/STAT3 targets. Subsequent Western blot and qPCR experiments validated that BSCAs promote apoptosis in HepG2 cells by modulating the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway.

Dose-dependent effects of anthocyanin-rich extracts on obesity-induced inflammation and gut microbiota modulation

Obesity and its associated inflammatory state pose a significant health burden. Anthocyanins, bioactive compounds found in fruits and vegetables, have garnered interest in their potential to attenuate these conditions. Understanding the dose-dependent response of anthocyanins is essential for optimizing their therapeutic potential in preventing and managing obesity. This comprehensive review explores the current knowledge on the dose-dependent effects of anthocyanins on obesity in both human and animal models, analyzing the structure and mechanism of absorption of these compounds. The article also highlights the diverse mechanisms underlying anthocyanin action, the symbiosis between anthocyanins and gut microbiota impacting metabolite production, influencing diverse health outcomes, modulating cytokines, and activating anti-inflammatory pathways. Additionally, their impact on energy metabolism and lipid regulation is discussed, highlighting potential contributions to weight management through AMPK and PPARγ pathways. Despite promising results, dose-dependent effects are fundamental considerations, with some studies indicating less favorable outcomes at higher doses. Future research should focus on optimizing dosages, accounting for individual responses, and translating findings into effective clinical applications for obesity management.

A multidisciplinary approach to the antioxidant and hepatoprotective activities of Arbutus pavarii Pampan fruit; in vitro and in Vivo biological evaluations, and in silico investigations

The Libyan Strawberry, Arbutus pavarii Pampan (ARB), is an endemic Jebel Akhdar plant used for traditional medicine. This study presents the antioxidant and hepatoprotective properties of ARB fruit-extract. ARB phytochemical analysis indicated the presence of 354.54 GAE and 36.2 RE of the phenolics and flavonoids. LC-MS analysis identified 35 compounds belonging to phenolic acids, procyanidins, and flavonoid glycosides. Gallic acid, procyanidin dimer B3, β-type procyanidin trimer C, and quercetin-3-O-glucoside were the major constituents of the plant extract. ARB administration to paracetamol (PAR)-intoxicated rats reduced serum ALT, AST, bilirubin, hepatic tissue MDA and proinflammatory markers; TNF-α and IL-6 with an increase in tissue GSH level and SOD activity. Histological and immunohistochemical studies revealed that ARB restored the liver histology and significantly reduced the tissue expression of caspase 3, IL-1B, and NF-KB in PAR-induced liver damage. Docking analysis disclosed good binding affinities of some compounds with XO, COX-1, 5-LOX, and PI3K.

Potential of ant nest extract (Hydnophytum formicarum) for protection of testicular morphometry, epididymal functions, and sperm quality in male rats with alloxan- induced diabetes

Medicinal herbs, such as the ant nest plant (Hydnophytum formicarum), are promising for the management of diabetes mellitus-associated infertility. The aim of this study was to evaluate the biological activity of the ant nest plant and its capacity to mitigate the adverse effects of alloxan-induced diabetes on testicular morphology, epididymal function, and sperm quality in male rats. The tuber of the ant nest plant was extracted using methanol and then subjected to phytochemical screenings. For the experiment, 20 male white rats (Rattus norvegicus), aged 3-4 months and weighing 150-200 g, were equally divided into four groups. The ant nest extract was administered orally using oral gavage over 14 days. The testes, epididymis, and sperm were collected for weighing, morphometric measurements, and quality evaluation. Qualitative testing of phytochemical compounds indicated the presence of flavonoids, tannins, steroids, terpenoids, and phenolic compounds in the plants. The results revealed the protective effects of ant nest extract against the adverse fertility effects induced by alloxan and a high- fat diet, as observed in testicular weight (p=0.045), epididymal weight (p=0.041), and sperm quality (p>0.05).

Plant-derived polyphenolic compounds: nanodelivery through polysaccharide-based systems to improve the biological properties

Plant-derived polyphenols are naturally occurring compounds widely distributed in plants. They have received greater attention in the food and pharmaceutical industries due to their potential health benefits, reducing the risk of some chronic diseases due to their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, cardioprotective, and neuro-action properties. Polyphenolic compounds orally administered can be used as adjuvants in several treatments but with restricted uses due to chemical instability. The review discusses the different structural compositions of polyphenols and their influence on chemical stability. Despite the potential and wide applications, there is a need to improve the delivery of polyphenolics to target the human intestine without massive chemical modifications. Oral administration of polyphenols is unfeasible due to instability, low bioaccessibility, and limited bioavailability. Nano-delivery systems based on polysaccharides (starch, pectin, chitosan, and cellulose) have been identified as a viable option for oral ingestion, potentiate biological effects, and direct-controlled delivery in specific tissues. The time and dose can be individualized for specific diseases, such as intestinal cancer. This review will address the mechanisms by which polysaccharides-based nanostructured systems can protect against degradation and enhance intestinal permeation, oral bioavailability, and the potential application of polysaccharides as nanocarriers for the controlled and targeted delivery of polyphenolic compounds.

Repeated dose, 28-day oral toxicity study of curcumin, anthocyanins, and sodium nitrite in Wistar rats

OBJECTIVE

The goal of the present study was to examine the repeated dose 28-day oral toxicity of curcumin, anthocyanins, and sodium nitrite in Wistar rats.

METHODS

For this purpose, forty-eight male Wistar rats were randomly divided into 8 groups (n = 6 each), encompassing untreated controls and experimental groups treated with curcumin, anthocyanins, and sodium nitrite. Three rats from each group were sacrificed by cervical dislocation under di-ethyl ether anesthesia after 2 and 4 weeks of therapy, respectively. Blood samples were collected for serum chemistry. All of the animals' livers, hearts, and kidneys were removed and sent for histopathological examination.

RESULTS

After two weeks of inquiry, certain groups displayed higher hematological values, while others had lower values compared to the control group. AST, CK, and LDH enzyme activity were higher in groups 2-8, but urea concentrations were higher in groups 6 and 8. After four weeks, the Hb, MCH, and MCHC values in group 4 were greater, as were the WBC levels in groups 4 and 6, whereas other groups had lower MCV and WBC values. The weekly body weight gain was insignificantly different between treatment groups. Throughout the experiment, none of the animals perished. Male rats' liver, kidney, and heart underwent histopathological changes after ingesting curcumin, sodium nitrite, and anthocyanin.

CONCLUSION

Based on the findings, rats were more detrimental when curcumin, sodium nitrite, and anthocyanin were ingested together than when they were consumed individually, as evidenced by histopathological abnormalities in the liver, kidneys, and heart.

Recent microencapsulation trends for enhancing the stability and functionality of anthocyanins: a review

Anthocyanins (ACNs) are water-soluble pigments in various fruits and vegetables known for their high antioxidant activity. They are used as natural food colorants and preservatives and have several medicinal benefits. However, their application in functional foods and nutraceuticals is often compromised by their low stability to heat, oxygen, enzymes, light, pH changes, and solubility issues. Spray drying has emerged as an effective microencapsulation technique to enhance the shelf life, quality, and stability of ACNs. This manuscript reviews the latest scientific developments in spray drying microencapsulation of ACNs-rich fruit extracts. Process optimization and the stability and physicochemical properties of the spray-dried, microencapsulated ACNs-rich powders are discussed. This review also covers functional food and nutraceutical applications and introduces novel encapsulation methods, such as freeze-drying, supercritical carbon dioxide (SC-CO2), coacervation, drum drying, and electrospraying, highlighting their potential in improving the utility of ACNs-rich fruit extracts.

Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles from Anthocyanin Extracts of Peruvian Purple Potato INIA 328-Kulli papa

In this work, AgNPs were synthesized using an anthocyanin extract from Peruvian purple potato INIA 328-Kulli papa. The anthocyanin extract was obtained through a conventional extraction with acidified ethanolic aqueous solvent. This extract acted as both a reducing and stabilizing agent for the reduction of silver ions. Optimization of synthesis parameters, including pH, reaction time, and silver nitrate (AgNO3) concentration, led to the optimal formation of AgNPs at pH 10, with a reaction time of 30 min and an AgNO3 concentration of 5 mM. Characterization techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD) and dynamic light scattering (DLS) revealed that the AgNPs had a crystallite size of 9.42 nm and a hydrodynamic diameter of 21.6 nm, with a zeta potential of -42.03 mV, indicating favorable colloidal stability. Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) analysis confirmed the presence of anthocyanin functional groups on the surface of the AgNPs, contributing to their stability. Furthermore, the bacterial activity of the AgNPs was evaluated by determining the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC). For E. coli, the MIC was 0.5 mM (0.05 mg/mL) and the MBC was 4.5 mM (0.49 mg/mL). Similarly, for S. aureus, the MIC was 0.5 mM (0.05 mg/mL) and the MBC was 4.0 mM (0.43 mg/mL). These results highlight the potential benefits of AgNPs synthesized from Peruvian purple potato anthocyanin extract, both in biomedical and environmental contexts.

An overview on the cellular mechanisms of anthocyanins in maintaining intestinal integrity and function

Structural and functional changes of the intestinal barrier, as a consequence of a number of (epi)genetic and environmental causes, have a main role in penetrations of pathogens and toxic agents, and lead to the development of inflammation-related pathological conditions, not only at the level of the GI tract but also in other extra-digestive tissues and organs. Anthocyanins (ACNs), a subclass of polyphenols belonging to the flavonoid group, are well known for their health-promoting properties and are widely distributed in the human diet. There is large evidence about the correlation between the human intake of ACN-rich products and a reduction of intestinal inflammation and dysfunction. Our review describes the more recent advances in the knowledge of cellular and molecular mechanisms through which ACNs can modulate the main mechanisms involved in intestinal dysfunction and inflammation, in particular the inhibition of the NF-κB, JNK, MAPK, STAT3, and TLR4 proinflammatory pathways, the upregulation of the Nrf2 transcription factor and the expression of tight junction proteins and mucins.

Anthocyanins: Potential phytochemical candidates for the amelioration of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is described by too much hepatic fat deposition causing steatosis, which further develops into nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), defined by necroinflammation and fibrosis, progressing further to hepatic cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, and liver failure. NAFLD is linked to different aspects of the metabolic syndrome like obesity, insulin resistance, hypertension, and dyslipidemia, and its pathogenesis involves several elements including diet, obesity, disruption of lipid homeostasis, and a high buildup of triglycerides and other lipids in liver cells. It is therefore linked to an increase in the susceptibility to developing diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular diseases. Several interventions exist regarding its management, but the availability of natural sources through diet will be a benefit in dealing with the disorder due to the immensely growing dependence of the population worldwide on natural sources owing to their ability to treat the root cause of the disease. Anthocyanins (ACNs) are naturally occurring polyphenolic pigments that exist in the form of glycosides, which are the glucosides of anthocyanidins and are produced from flavonoids via the phenyl propanoid pathway. To understand their mode of action in NAFLD and their therapeutic potential, the literature on in vitro, in vivo, and clinical trials on naturally occurring ACN-rich sources was exhaustively reviewed. It was concluded that ACNs show their potential in the treatment of NAFLD through their antioxidant properties and their efficacy to control lipid metabolism, glucose homeostasis, transcription factors, and inflammation. This led to the conclusion that ACNs possess efficacy in the amelioration of NAFLD and the various features associated with it. However, additional clinical trials are required to justify the potential of ACNs in NAFLD.

Assessment of Silver Nanoparticles Derived from Brown Algae Sargassum vulgare: Insight into Antioxidants, Anticancer, Antibacterial and Hepatoprotective Effect

Algae are used as safe materials to fabricate novel nanoparticles to treat some diseases. Marine brown alga Sargassum vulgare are used to fabricate silver nanoparticles (Sv/Ag-NPs). The characterization of Sv/Ag-NPs was determined by TEM, EDX, Zeta potential, XRD, and UV spectroscopy. The Sv/Ag-NPs were investigated as antioxidant, anticancer, and antibacterial activities against Gram-positive bacteria Bacillus mojavensis PP400982, Staphylococcus caprae PP401704, Staphylococcus capitis PP402689, and Staphylococcus epidermidis PP403851. The activity of the Sv/Ag-NPs was evaluated as hepatoprotective in vitro in comparison with silymarin. The UV-visible spectrum of Sv/Ag-NPs appeared at 442 nm; the size of Sv/Ag-NPs is in range between 6.90 to 16.97 nm, and spherical in shape. Different concentrations of Sv/Ag-NPs possessed antioxidant, anticancer activities against (HepG-2), colon carcinoma (HCT-116), cervical carcinoma (HeLa), and prostate carcinoma (PC-3) with IC50 50.46, 45.84, 78.42, and 100.39 µg/mL, respectively. The Sv/Ag-NPs induced the cell viability of Hep G2 cells and hepatocytes treated with carbon tetrachloride. The Sv/Ag-NPs exhibited antibacterial activities against Staphylococcus caprae PP401704, Staphylococcus capitis PP402689, and Staphylococcus epidermidis PP403851. This study strongly suggests the silver nanoparticles derived from Sargassum vulgare showed potential hepato-protective effect against carbon tetrachloride-induced liver cells, and could be used as anticancer and antibacterial activities.

Transcriptome and metabolome analysis reveals the effect of flavonoids on flower color variation in Dendrobium nobile Lindl

Introduction

Dendrobium nobile L. is a rare orchid plant with high medicinal and ornamentalvalue, and extremely few genetic species resources are remaining in nature. In the normal purple flower population, a type of population material with a white flower variation phenotype has been discovered, and through pigment component determination, flavonoids were preliminarily found to be the main reason for the variation.

Methods

This study mainly explored the different genes and metabolites at different flowering stages and analysed the flower color variation mechanism through transcriptome- and flavonoid-targeted metabolomics. The experimental materials consisted of two different flower color phenotypes, purple flower (PF) and white flower (WF), observed during three different periods.

Results and discussion

The results identified 1382, 2421 and 989 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the white flower variety compared with the purple flower variety at S1 (bud stage), S2 (chromogenic stage) and S3 (flowering stage), respectively. Among these, 27 genes enriched in the ko00941, ko00942, ko00943 and ko00944 pathways were screened as potential functional genes affecting flavonoid synthesis and flower color. Further analysis revealed that 15 genes are potential functional genes that lead to flavonoid changes and flower color variations. The metabolomics results at S3 found 129 differentially accumulated metabolites (DAMs), which included 8 anthocyanin metabolites, all of which (with the exception of delphinidin-3-o-(2'''-o-malonyl) sophoroside-5-o-glucoside) were found at lower amounts in the WF variety compared with the PF variety, indicating that a decrease in the anthocyanin content was the main reason for the inability to form purple flowers. Therefore, the changes in 19 flavone and 62 flavonol metabolites were considered the main reasons for the formation of white flowers. In this study, valuable materials responsible for flower color variation in D. nobile were identified and further analyzed the main pathways and potential genes affecting changes in flavonoids and the flower color. This study provides a material basis and theoretical support for the hybridization and molecular-assisted breeding of D. nobile.

Pharmacological studies of the genus rice (Oryza L.): a literature review

Rice (Oryza L.) is an essential food for more than 50 percent of the world's population and is the world's second-largest grain crop. Pigmented rice comes in various colors, such as black, red, brown, and green. Anthocyanins, like cyanidin-3-O-glucoside and peonidin-3-O-glucoside, are the primary color pigments in colored rice, whereas proanthocyanidins and flavan-3-ol oligosaccharides, with catechins as the central synthesis unit, are found in brown rice. This review article's aim is to give information and a summary of rice activities, research methods, also mechanisms of action (Oryza L.). Intake of pigmented rice was already associated with a number of health benefits, including antioxidant activity, anticancer, antitumor, antidiabetic activity, and a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease. Rice contains several bioactive compounds, such as γ-oryzanol, phenolic acid, anthocyanins, proanthocyanidins, flavonoids, carotenoids, and phytosterols, which have been widely studied and shown to have several pharmacological activities. The use of current herbal compounds is rapidly increasing, including the practice of pharmacological disease prevention and treatment. Herbal remedies have entered the international market as a result of research into plant biopharmaceuticals and nutraceuticals. Through a variety of pharmacological activities, it is clear that Oryza L. is a popular herb. As a result, additional research on Oryza L. can be conducted to investigate more recent and comprehensive pharmacological effectiveness, to provide information and an overview of Rice (Oryza L.) activities, research methods, and mechanisms of action. Several natural substances are characterized by low water solubility, low stability, and sensitivity to light and oxygen, and the potential for poor absorption of the active substances requires modification of the formulation. To improve the effectiveness of pharmacologically active substances originating from natural ingredients, drug delivery systems that use lipid-based formulations can be considered innovations.

The Protective Role of Cranberries and Blueberries in Oral Cancer

BACKGROUND

Oral cancer has a high prevalence worldwide, and this disease is caused by genetic, immunological, and environmental factors. The main risk factors associated with oral cancer are smoking and alcohol.

RESULTS

There are various strategies to reduce risk factors, including prevention programs as well as the consumption of an adequate diet that includes phytochemical compounds derived from cranberries (Vaccinium macrocarpon A.) and blueberries (Vaccinium corymbosum L.); these compounds exhibit antitumor properties.

RESULTS

The main outcome of this review is as follows: the properties of phytochemicals derived from cranberries were evaluated for protection against risk factors associated with oral cancer.

CONCLUSIONS

The secondary metabolites of cranberries promote biological effects that provide protection against smoking and alcoholism. An alternative for the prevention of oral cancer can be the consumption of these cranberries and blueberries.

An updated overview of cyanidins for chemoprevention and cancer therapy

Anthocyanins are colored polyphenolic compounds that belong to the flavonoids family and are largely present in many vegetables and fruits. They have been used in traditional medicine in many cultures for a long time. The most common and abundant anthocyanins are those presenting an O-glycosylation at C-3 (C ring) of the flavonoid skeleton to form -O-β-glucoside derivatives. The present comprehensive review summarized recent data on the anticancer properties of cyanidings along with natural sources, phytochemical data, traditional medical applications, molecular mechanisms and recent nanostrategies to increase the bioavailability and anticancer effects of cyanidins. For this analysis, in vitro, in vivo and clinical studies published up to the year 2022 were sourced from scientific databases and search engines such as PubMed/Medline, Google scholar, Web of Science, Scopus, Wiley and TRIP database. Cyanidins' antitumor properties are exerted during different stages of carcinogenesis and are based on a wide variety of biological activities. The data gathered and discussed in this review allows for affirming that cyanidins have relevant anticancer activity in vitro, in vivo and clinical studies. Future research should focus on studies that bring new data on improving the bioavailability of anthocyanins and on conducting detailed translational pharmacological studies to accurately establish the effective anticancer dose in humans as well as the correct route of administration.

The Biochemistry and Effectiveness of Antioxidants in Food, Fruits, and Marine Algae

It is more effective to maintain good health than to regain it after losing it. This work focuses on the biochemical defense mechanisms against free radicals and their role in building and maintaining antioxidant shields, aiming to show how to balance, as much as possible, the situations in which we are exposed to free radicals. To achieve this aim, foods, fruits, and marine algae with a high antioxidant content should constitute the basis of nutritional elements, since natural products are known to have significantly greater assimilation efficiency. This review also gives the perspective in which the use of antioxidants can extend the life of food products, by protecting them from damage caused by oxidation as well as their use as food additives.

Polymeric Systems for the Controlled Release of Flavonoids

Flavonoids are natural compounds that are attracting great interest in the biomedical field thanks to the wide spectrum of their biological properties. Their employment as anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and antidiabetic drugs, as well as for many other pharmacological applications, is extensively investigated. One of the most successful ways to increase their therapeutic efficacy is to encapsulate them into a polymeric matrix in order to control their concentration in the physiological fluids for a prolonged time. The aim of this article is to provide an updated overview of scientific literature on the polymeric systems developed so far for the controlled release of flavonoids. The different classes of flavonoids are described together with the polymers most commonly employed for drug delivery applications. Representative drug delivery systems are discussed, highlighting the most common techniques for their preparation. The flavonoids investigated for polymer system encapsulation are then presented with their main source of extraction and biological properties. Relevant literature on their employment in this context is reviewed in relationship to the targeted pharmacological and biomedical applications.

Organic-Inorganic Hybrid Pigments Based on Bentonite: Strategies to Stabilize the Quinoidal Base Form of Anthocyanin

Anthocyanins are one of the natural pigments that humanity has employed the most and can substitute synthetic food dyes, which are considered toxic. They are responsible for most purple, blue, and red pigment nuances in tubers, fruits, and flowers. However, they have some limitations in light, pH, oxygen, and temperature conditions. Combining biomolecules and inorganic materials such as clay minerals can help to reverse these limitations. The present work aims to produce materials obtained using cetyltrimethylammonium bromide in bentonite clay for incorporation and photostabilization of anthocyanin dye. Characterizations showed that the organic molecules were intercalated between the clay mineral layers, and the dye was successfully incorporated at a different pH. Visible light-driven photostability tests were performed with 200 h of irradiation, confirming that the organic-inorganic matrices were efficient enough to stabilize the quinoidal base form of anthocyanin. The pigment prepared at pH 10 was three-fold more stable than pH 4, showing that the increase in the synthesis pH promotes more stable colors, probably due to the stronger intermolecular interaction obtained under these conditions. Therefore, organobentonite hybrids allow to stabilize the fragile color coming from the quinoidal base form of anthocyanin dyes.

Exosomal miRNA in early-stage hepatocellular carcinoma

The incidence and mortality of hepatic carcinoma (HCC) remain high, and early diagnosis of HCC is seen as a key approach in improving clinical outcomes. However, the sensitivity and specificity of current early screening methods for HCC are not satisfactory. In recent years, research around exosomal miRNA has gradually increased, and these molecules have emerged as attractive candidates for early diagnosis and treatment of HCC. This review summarizes the feasibility of using miRNAs in peripheral blood exosomes as early diagnostic tools for HCC.

Spectral characterization and biological evaluation of biomolecules from the peels of three orange fruits: a comparative study

The present work was designed to investigate the presence of bioactive chemicals in the reaction mixtures (RMs) of peels of Valencia, Mandarin, and African navel oranges, through GC-MS and FT-IR studies. Limonene, a unique compound, is present in the RMs of the three orange peels. Moreover, hexadecanoic acid 2-hydroxy-1-(hydroxymethyl) ethyl ester was identified in the RMs of all the three-orange peels. The RM of Mandarin orange exhibited potent cytotoxic effect against MCF-7 ATCC human breast cancer cells (HBC). All the three RMs exhibited moderate antibacterial activity against the human pathogenic bacteria Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 25923), Staphylococcus epidermidis (ATCC 12228), Enterococcus faecalis (ATCC 29212), Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922), Klebsiella pneumoniae (ATCC 700603), Salmonella choleraesis (ATCC 10708), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 27853), and Proteus mirabilis (ATCC 299).

Methylation, Hydroxylation, Glycosylation and Acylation Affect the Transport of Wine Anthocyanins in Caco-2 Cells

Anthocyanins are substances with multiple physiological activities widely present in red wine, but the influence of structure (methylation, hydroxylation, acylation, glycosylation) on the transport remains ill-defined. In the present study, Caco-2 monolayers were used as an in vitro model of the absorptive intestinal epithelium to transport different types of anthocyanin samples. Results showed that both methylation and acetylation promote the level of transport. Monoglycoside standard exhibited higher transport amount and rate compared to diglycoside standard while the transport level of the monoglycoside mixture was unexpectedly lower than that of the diglycoside mixture. Caco-2 monolayers appeared to be more capable of transporting the single standard than the mixed standard. Meanwhile, the transport of anthocyanins in Caco-2 cell model showed time- and concentration-dependent trends. Anthocyanin treatment had a greater effect on sodium-dependent glucose transporter 1 (SGLT1) mRNA expression than glucose transporter 2 (GLUT2), and significantly down-regulated the protein expression of SGLT1. Although the low bioavailability of anthocyanins requires much more research, further evidence of the role of structure is provided.

Potential Apoptotic Activities of Hylocereus undatus Peel and Pulp Extracts in MCF-7 and Caco-2 Cancer Cell Lines

There is a huge demand for novel anticancer agents with fewer side effects compared to current therapies. Pitaya, or dragon fruit, is a reservoir of potent anticancer compounds. This research aimed to analyze the phytochemical components of Hylocereus undatus pulp and peel extracts using LC-MS and GC-MS, and to investigate the in vitro effects of both extracts against cancer (breast, MCF-7, and colon, Caco-2) and normal (lung; WI-38 and breast; MCF-10A) cell proliferation using the MTT assay. The apoptosis potential of the anticancer effects was also evaluated using flow cytometry, RT-PCR, and Western blot. The total phenolic and flavonoid contents in the peel extract were significantly higher than those in the pulp extract. Compared to the flavonoid and phenolic acid standards, the LC-MS analysis revealed the presence of nine compounds, which were represented as 84.32 and 5.29 µg/g of the flavonoids and 686.11 and 148.72 µg/g of the phenolic acids in the peel and pulp extracts, respectively. Among the identified compounds, chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, ferulic acid, and rutin were found at the highest concentration in both plant extracts. Both extracts displayed cytotoxic activity against MCF-7 and Caco-2 cancer cells after 48 h of treatment at IC₅₀ values ranging from 14 to 53 μg/mL with high selective indices against normal WI-38 and MCF-10A cell lines. The increase in apoptosis was revealed by the overexpression of p53, BAX, and caspase-9 and the downregulation of antiapoptotic Bcl-2 mRNA and protein expressions. The results indicate that H. undatus extracts can be a plant source for cancer therapy.

Hepatoprotective Effect of Silver Nanoparticles at Two Different Particle Sizes: Comparative Study with and without Silymarin

Silver nanoparticles have been used for numerous therapeutic purposes because of their increased biodegradability and bioavailability, yet their toxicity remains questionable as they are known to interact easily with biological systems because of their small size. This study aimed to investigate and compare the effect of silver nanoparticles’ particle size in terms of their potential hazard, as well as their potential protective effect in an LPS-induced hepatotoxicity model. Liver slices were obtained from Sprague Dawley adult male rats, and the thickness of the slices was optimized to 150 μm. Under regulated physiological circumstances, freshly cut liver slices were divided into six different groups; GP1: normal, GP2: LPS (control), GP3: LPS + AgNpL (positive control), GP4: LPS + silymarin (standard treatment), GP5: LPS + AgNpS + silymarin (treatment I), GP6: LPS + AgNpL + silymarin (treatment II). After 24 h of incubation, the plates were gently removed, and the supernatant and tissue homogenate were all collected and then subjected to the following biochemical parameters: Cox2, NO, IL-6, and TNF-α. The LPS elicited marked hepatic tissue injury manifested by elevated cytokines and proinflammatory markers. Both small silver nanoparticles and large silver nanoparticles efficiently attenuated LPS hepatotoxicity, mainly via preserving the cytokines’ level and diminishing the inflammatory pathways. In conclusion, large silver nanoparticles exhibited effective hepatoprotective capabilities over small silver nanoparticles.