Polyphenol Composition and (Bio)Activity of Berberis Species and Wild Strawberry from the Argentinean Patagonia

Carboxy-Functionalized Covalent Organic Framework as a Carrier for Lipase Immobilization and Its Application in Inhibitors Screening

Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) with large specific surface areas, high porosity, good stability, and designable structure are promising carriers for immobilized enzymes. It is important to explore lipase inhibitors from natural foods as lipase inhibitors are closely related to the treatment of obesity. In this work, a carboxyl functionalized covalent organic framework (TpBD-3COOH) was prepared by solvothermal method for covalent immobilization of porcine pancreatic lipase (PPL) and obtained the enzyme-decorated COF (PPL@COF). The immobilized lipase showed wider pH and temperature tolerance with the same optimal pH and temperature of 7.5 and 50 ℃ compared to free lipase. After 6 successive reuses, the PPL@COF maintained 53.0% of its original activity. Immobilized lipase also displayed enhanced storage stability (55.4% after 14 days at 4 ℃). When p-nitrophenyl acetate was applied as the substrate, the calculated Michaelis constant was 3.57 mM and the half maximal inhibitory concentration of orlistat was 3.20 μM. Finally, the PPL@COF was used for enzyme inhibitors screening from natural foods combined with UV spectrophotometry, and Hawthorn was screened for excellent lipase inhibitory activity.

Phenological and Environmental Factors' Impact on Secondary Metabolites in Medicinal Plant Cotinus coggygria Scop

Cotinus coggygria Scop. (smoketree) is a phytotherapeutically valuable shrub growing in specific areas in many Eurasian countries. Exploring the intrinsic and extrinsic (abiotic) factors that modulate its secondary metabolism has fundamental and applicative importance. Three smoketree plants from the same population were studied for a period of 4.5 months. Their extracts were characterized using LC-MS/MS, HPLC-UV-VIS-DAD and colorimetric assays to determine the chemical composition and antioxidant potential. Multivariate analysis was applied to correlate the metabolomic data with registered habitat variables and phenological stages. The identified and quantified compounds belonged to the flavonoids (myricetin-3-O-galactoside, myricitrin) and hydrolysable tannins groups (pentagalloyl glucose, methyl gallate, methyl digallate I). Phenolic compounds and tannins were synthesized abundantly in the flowering and fruit stages, whereas flavonoids and triterpenes accumulated during senescence. The antioxidant activities varied between detection methods, samplings and individuals and were only punctually correlated with the compound contents in certain phenological stages. Based on the HCAbp analysis, the samples clustered under four groups, according to their metabolic profile. The CCA analysis revealed that during the reproductive stages (flower, fruit or seed), the secondary metabolism of the plants' leaves is sensitive to the action of abiotic factors, while in senescence, the metabolic content is according to the phenological phase. This study provides a first attempt at understanding the interplay between the habitat and the metabolome of smoketree.

Anti-Inflammatory Chilean Endemic Plants

Medicinal plants have been used since prehistoric times and continue to treat several diseases as a fundamental part of the healing process. Inflammation is a condition characterized by redness, pain, and swelling. This process is a hard response by living tissue to any injury. Furthermore, inflammation is produced by various diseases such as rheumatic and immune-mediated conditions, cancer, cardiovascular diseases, obesity, and diabetes. Hence, anti-inflammatory-based treatments could emerge as a novel and exciting approach to treating these diseases. Medicinal plants and their secondary metabolites are known for their anti-inflammatory properties, and this review introduces various native Chilean plants whose anti-inflammatory effects have been evaluated in experimental studies. Fragaria chiloensis, Ugni molinae, Buddleja globosa, Aristotelia chilensis, Berberis microphylla, and Quillaja saponaria are some native species analyzed in this review. Since inflammation treatment is not a one-dimensional solution, this review seeks a multidimensional therapeutic approach to inflammation with plant extracts based on scientific and ancestral knowledge.

Sequential Biorefining of Bioactive Compounds of High Functional Value from Calafate Pomace (Berberis microphylla) Using Supercritical CO2 and Pressurized Liquids

A biorefinery process was developed for a freeze-dried pomace of calafate berries (Berberis microphylla). The process consisted of extraction of lipophilic components with supercritical CO₂ (scCO₂) and subsequent extraction of the residue with a pressurized mixture of ethanol/water (1:1 v/v). scCO₂ extracted oil from the pomace, while pressurized liquid extraction generated a crude extract rich in phenols and a residue rich in fiber, proteins and minerals. Response surface analysis of scCO₂ extraction suggested optimal conditions of 60 °C, 358.5 bar and 144.6 min to obtain a lipid extract yield of 11.15% (d.w.). The dark yellow oil extract contained a good ratio of ω6/ω3 fatty acids (1:1.2), provitamin E tocopherols (406.6 mg/kg), and a peroxide index of 8.6 meq O₂/kg. Pressurized liquid extraction generated a polar extract with good phenolic content (33 mg gallic acid equivalents /g d.w.), anthocyanins (8 mg/g) and antioxidant capacity (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl test = 25 µg/mL and antioxidant activity = 63 µM Te/g). The extraction kinetics of oil by scCO₂ and phenolic compounds were optimally adjusted to the spline model (R² = 0.989 and R² = 0.999, respectively). The solid extracted residue presented a fiber content close to cereals (56.4% d.w.) and acceptable values of proteins (29.6% d.w.) and minerals (14.1% d.w.). These eco-friendly processes valorize calafate pomace as a source of ingredients for formulation of healthy foods, nutraceuticals and nutritional supplements.

Phytochemical Screening and Antioxidant Activity of Seven Native Species Growing in the Forests of Southern Chilean Patagonia

The genus Nothofagus is one of the most abundant in the subantarctic Patagonian forests. Five species inhabit these ecosystems, three evergreen (Nothofagus betuloides, Nothofagus dombeyi, and Nothofagus nitida) and two deciduous (Nothofagus pumilio and Nothofagus antarctica). This is the first report on the levels of secondary metabolites and the antioxidant capacity of Patagonian tree species growing in natural environments. The aim of this work was to carry out a phytochemical screening, to determine the antioxidant capacity, the sun protection factor, and the α-glucosidase and tyrosinase inhibitory activity of foliar extracts of the five previous species. Besides, Aristotelia chilensis and Berberis microphylla, two species of Patagonian shrubs growing in the same forests, were used as reference. N. dombeyi was the Nothofagus with the best antioxidant capacity. B. microphylla differed from all studied species. Moreover, the Nothofagus was split into two groups. N. betuloides and N. dombeyi are the most similar species to A. chilensis. The α-glucosidase was completely inhibited by all studied extracts. Furthermore, N. antarctica, N.pumilio, and N. nitida inhibited about 70% of the tyrosinase activity. All the results found in this study for the species of the genus Nothofagus support further research on their potential beneficial properties for human health.

Polyphenolic composition and antioxidant potential of underutilized Himalayan wild edible berries by high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry

The Himalayan wild berries Myrica esculenta, Duchesnea indica, Prunus cerasoides, and Berberis lycium were studied for the first time for polyphenolic compositions using high-performance liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry. The chemical analysis of extracts resulted in the identification of 69 polyphenols, including 11 anthocyanins, 28 phenolic acids, 19 flavanoids, 10 ellagitannins, and 1 dihydrochalcone. The caffeoylquinic acids, quercetin, kaempferol, and cyanidin are the common moieties in studied wild berries. In addition, seven phenolic compounds, that is, gallic acid, vanillic acid, caffeic acid, rutin, ferulic acid, quercetin, and myricetin were quantified. Among anthocyanins, cyanidin-3-O-glucoside was the majorly quantified anthocyanin that ranged from 2.52 to 6.18% followed by delphinidin-3-O-glucoside (0.6%-5.53%). The samples were assessed for total phenolics, total anthocyanin content, and antioxidant potential. The results showed that M. esculenta and B. lycium had the highest total phenolic and anthocyanin content and exhibited promising antioxidant activity with IC₅₀ of 32.100 ± 0.42 and 48.44 ± 0.46 μg/mL, respectively. Principal component analysis was able to clearly differentiate between four underutilized Himalayan wild edible berries. The wide variability of polyphenolic constituents supports the consumption of these berries not only to achieve the nutrient requirements among local people but also as promising sources of antioxidants for the food industry.

Hyphenated LC-ABTS•+ and LC-DAD-HRMS for simultaneous analysis and identification of antioxidant compounds in Astragalus emarginatus Labill. extracts

The compounds in leaf and stem extracts of Astragalus emarginatus Labill. (AEL), a plant species used in traditional Lebanese medicine, were investigated for antioxidant properties. First, the activity of various extracts was assessed using the Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity, oxygen radical absorption capacity, and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl-hydrate assays. The extract obtained using 30% ethanol showed the greatest activity. The antioxidant compounds in this extract were screened using a hyphenated high-performance liquid chromatography-2,2-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonate) radical (ABTS^·+) system before being separated by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography and identified using high-resolution mass spectrometry and ultra-violet-visible diode array detection. Approximately 40 compounds were identified. Hydroxycinnamates (caffeic, ferulic, and p-coumaric acid derivatives) and flavonoids (quercetin, luteolin, apigenin, and isorhamnetin derivatives) were the two main categories of the identified compounds. The active compounds were identified as caffeic acid derivatives and quercetin glycosides. In addition, the catechol moiety was shown to be key to antioxidant activity. This study showed that AEL is a source of natural antioxidants, which may explain its medicinal use.

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Antioxidant activity of 30% ethanol extract from Astragalus emarginatus Labill was shown by an on-line HPLC-ABTS ^•+ assay.

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Caffeic acid derivatives and quercetin glycosides were responsible for antioxidant activity.

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Approximately forty compounds were tentatively identified using UHPLC-DAD-HRMS.

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Structure-activity investigations showed that the catechol moiety is central to the detected antioxidant activity.

Characteristics of Fragaria vesca Yield Parameters and Anthocyanin Accumulation under Water Deficit Stress

Plants exposed to drought stress conditions often increase the synthesis of anthocyanins—natural plant pigments and antioxidants. However, water deficit (WD) often causes significant yield loss. The aim of our study was to evaluate the productivity as well as the anthocyanin content and composition of berries from cultivated Fragaria vesca “Rojan” and hybrid No. 17 plants (seedlings) grown under WD. The plants were grown in an unheated greenhouse and fully irrigated (control) or irrigated at 50% and 25%. The number of berries per plant and the berry weight were evaluated every 4 days. The anthocyanin content and composition of berries were evaluated with the same periodicity using HPLC. The effect of WD on the yield parameters of two evaluated F. vesca genotypes differed depending on the harvest time. The cumulative yield of plants under WD was not less than that of the control plants for 20–24 days after the start of the experiment. Additionally, berries accumulated 36–56% (1.5–2.3 times, depending on the harvest time) more anthocyanins compared with fully irrigated plants. Our data show that slight or moderate WD at a stable air temperature of about 20 °C positively affected the biosynthesis of anthocyanins and the yield of F. vesca berries.

Native Species Facing Climate Changes: Response of Calafate Berries to Low Temperature and UV Radiation

Calafate (Berberis microphylla G. Forst) is a wild bush plant widely distributed in the south of Argentina and Chile. Their blue colored fruits present particular flavor and health benefits attributed to high polyphenol contents biosynthesized by the plant under stress. Studies about correlation of abiotic conditions with anthocyanin profiles and physicochemical features of calafate beneath wild origin environment are not described yet. Hence, this research aimed to evaluate the physicochemical changes, antioxidant activity and anthocyanin content of calafate fruit in relationship to UV solar radiation (W.m⁻²) and air temperature (°C) environment condition during three consecutive years (2017, 2018, 2019). Variations in fruit anthocyanins were determined by comparison between high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC-DAD-ESI)/MSn and CIEL*a*b* colors parameters. Correlations were analyzed by principal component analysis (PCA). Radiation was negatively correlated with fruit size and weight. Physicochemical aspects such as pH, soluble solids, color, total anthocyanins, flavanols and other phenolic compounds were positively correlated with temperature changes. The quantities of monomeric anthocyanins were dependent on both low temperature and global radiation (reaching 20.01 mg g⁻¹ FW in calafate fruit). These results constitute a valuable resource to understand the structural and physiological plasticity of calafate in facing climate changes for future domestication research as well as for agri-food industrial application.

Berberis microphylla G. Forst (Calafate) Berry Extract Reduces Oxidative Stress and Lipid Peroxidation of Human LDL

Calafate (Berberis microphylla G. Forst) is a Patagonian barberry very rich in phenolic compounds. Our aim was to demonstrate, through in vitro models, that a comprehensive characterized calafate extract has a protective role against oxidative processes associated to cardiovascular disease development. Fifty-three phenolic compounds (17 of them not previously reported in calafate), were tentatively identified by Ultra-Liquid Chromatography with Diode Array Detector, coupled to Quadrupole-Time of Fly Mass Spectrometry (UHPLC-DAD-QTOF). Fatty acids profile and metals content were studied for the first time, by Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) and Total X-ray Fluorescence (TXRF), respectively. Linolenic and linoleic acid, and Cu, Zn, and Mn were the main relevant compounds from these groups. The bioactivity of calafate extract associated to the cardiovascular protection was evaluated using Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells (HUVECs) and human low density lipoproteins (LDL) to measure oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation. The results showed that calafate extract reduced intracellular Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) production (51%) and completely inhibited LDL oxidation and malondialdehyde (MDA) formation. These findings demonstrated the potential of the relevant mix of compounds found in calafate extract on lipoperoxidation and suggest a promising protective effect for reducing the incidence of cardiovascular disease.

Brás N, Mateus N, de Freitas V, Fernandes I. Anthocyanins as Antidiabetic Agents-In Vitro and In Silico Approaches of Preventive and Therapeutic Effects

Many efforts have been made in the past two decades into the search for novel natural and less-toxic anti-diabetic agents. Some clinical trials have assigned this ability to anthocyanins, although different factors like the food source, the amount ingested, the matrix effect and the time of consumption (before or after a meal) seem to result in contradictory conclusions. The possible mechanisms involved in these preventive or therapeutic effects will be discussed-giving emphasis to the latest in vitro and in silico approaches. Therapeutic strategies to counteract metabolic alterations related to hyperglycemia and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) may include: (a) Inhibition of carbohydrate-metabolizing enzymes; (b) reduction of glucose transporters expression or activity; (c) inhibition of glycogenolysis and (d) modulation of gut microbiota by anthocyanin breakdown products. These strategies may be achieved through administration of individual anthocyanins or by functional foods containing complexes of anthocyanin:carbohydrate:protein.

Effects of Processing on Polyphenolic and Volatile Composition and Fruit Quality of Clery Strawberries

Strawberries belonging to cultivar Clery (Fragaria x ananassa (Duchesne ex Weston)), cultivated in central Italy were subjected to a multi-methodological experimental study. Fresh and defrosted strawberries were exposed to different processing methods, such as homogenization, thermal and microwave treatments. The homogenate samples were submitted to CIEL*a*b* color analysis and Head-Space GC/MS analysis to determine the impact of these procedures on phytochemical composition. Furthermore, the corresponding strawberry hydroalcoholic extracts were further analyzed by HPLC-DAD for secondary metabolites quantification and by means of spectrophotometric in vitro assays to evaluate their total phenolic and total flavonoid contents and antioxidant activity. These chemical investigations confirmed the richness in bioactive metabolites supporting the extraordinary healthy potential of this fruit as a food ingredient, as well as functional food, highlighting the strong influence of the processing steps which could negatively impact on the polyphenol composition. Despite a more brilliant red color and aroma preservation, non-pasteurized samples were characterized by a lower content of polyphenols and antioxidant activity with respect to pasteurized samples, as also suggested by the PCA analysis of the collected data.

Superior Antioxidant Capacity of Berberis iliensis-HPLC-Q-TOF-MS Based Phytochemical Studies and Spectrophotometric Determinations

The aim of the present study was to determine the composition, antiradical and antimicrobial activity of fruits, leaves and roots of an underestimated species of barberry-Berberis iliensis-growing in Kazakhstan. Particular attention was paid to the determination of the composition of its extracts by high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (HPLC-ESI-Q-TOF-MS) analysis. As a result of the chromatographic and spectrometric study 33 secondary metabolites from the groups of phenolic acids and their esters, flavonoids, alkaloids and organic acids were identified and 15 of them-quantified. The isomers of caffeoyl-glucaric acid, caffeic acid derivatives, isoquercetin, berberine and jatrorrhizine were the most abundant components of the tested extracts. The antiradical activity tests were performed by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and Folin-Ciocalteu assays on four types of extracts (water, ethanol, ethanol-water 7:3 v/v, ethanol-water 1:1 v/v) from the three organs of the plant. The highest antiradical potential (IC50 = 80 ± 6.36 µg/mL) and phenolic content (440 ± 17.1 mg gallic acid equivalents/L) was calculated for ethanol- water (1:1 v/v) extracts from the leaves and could be influenced by the abundant presence of simple phenolic acids, flavonoids and glucaric acid esters. Among reference microorganisms, M. luteus, S. epidermidis, some S. aureus and B. cereus belonging to Gram-positive bacteria and yeasts from Candida species were the most sensitive to roots extract that was found the most active among the studied samples. The results of the study classify Berberis iliensis as a strong antioxidant agent and as a plant with an antimicrobial potential.

The role of anthocyanins as antidiabetic agents: from molecular mechanisms to in vivo and human studies

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disease characterized by high blood glucose concentration. Nowadays, type 2 diabetes or insulin resistant diabetes is the most common diabetes, mainly due to unhealthy lifestyle. Healthy habits like appropriate nutritional approaches or the consumption of certain natural products or food supplements have been suggested as non-pharmacological strategies for the treatment and prevention of type 2 diabetes. Some of the main bioactive compounds from plant foods are polyphenols, important mainly for their antioxidant capacity in oxidative stress conditions and ageing. Anthocyanins are polyphenols of the flavonoid group, which act as pigments in plants, especially in fruits such as berries. A search of in vitro, in vivo and human studies in relation with antidiabetic properties of anthocyanins has been performed in different electronic databases. Results of this review demonstrate that these compounds have the ability to inhibit different enzymes as well as to influence gene expression and metabolic pathways of glucose, such as AMPK, being able to modulate diabetes and other associated disorders, as hyperlipidaemia, overweight, obesity and cardiovascular diseases. Additionally, human interventional studies have shown that high doses of anthocyanins have potential in the prevention or treatment of type 2 diabetes; nevertheless, anthocyanins used in these studies should be standardized and quantified in order to make general conclusions about its use and to claim benefits for the human population.

Native and exotic plants with edible fleshy fruits utilized in Patagonia and their role as sources of local functional foods

Background

Traditionally part of the human diet, plants with edible fleshy fruits (PEFF) contain bioactive components that may exert physiological effects beyond nutrition, promoting human health and well-being. Focusing on their food-medicine functionality, different ways of using PEFF were studied in a cross-sectional way using two approaches: a bibliographical survey and an ethnobotanical case study in a rural community of Patagonia, Argentina.

Methods

A total of 42 studies were selected for the bibliographical review. The case study was carried out with 80% of the families inhabiting the rural community of Cuyín Manzano, using free listing, interviews, and participant observation. In both cases we analyzed species richness and use patterns through the edible consensus and functional consensus indices. Local foods, ailments, medicines and drug plants were also registered.

Results

The review identified 73 PEFF, the majority of which (78%) were native species, some with the highest use consensus. PEFF were used in 162 different local foods, but mainly as fresh fruit. Of the total, 42% were used in a functional way, in 54 different medicines. The principal functional native species identified in the review were Aristotelia chilensis and Berberis microphylla. In the case study 20 PEFF were in current use (50% were native), and consensus values were similar for native and exotic species. These were used in 44 different local foods, mainly as fresh fruit. Only 30% were recognized for their functional value by inhabitants (mainly as gastrointestinal and respiratory treatments). The species with the highest functional consensus were the exotic Sambucus nigra and Rosa rubiginosa, followed by the native A. chilensis, Ribes magellanicum and B. microphylla. Infusions also constituted important local functional foods.

Conclusions

This survey highlights the importance of studying the different local functional foods to depict the biocultural diversity of a human society. The preparation of different beverages and herbal medicines was relevant, and would be a promising subject to investigate in the future. The living heritage of PEFF appears to have undergone hybridization processes, such that exotic species play an increasingly significant role.

Fragaria Genus: Chemical Composition and Biological Activities

The strawberries represent in our days one of the main fresh fruits consumed globally, inevitably leading to large amounts of by-products and wastes. Usually appreciated because of their specific flavor, the strawberries also possess biological properties, including antioxidant, antimicrobial, or anti-inflammatory effects. In spite of the wide spread of the Fragaria genus, few species represent the subject of the last decade scientific research. The main components identified in the Fragaria species are presented, as well as several biological properties, as emerging from the scientific papers published in the last decade.

Phenolic Characterization, Antioxidant Activity, and Enzyme Inhibitory Properties of Berberis thunbergii DC. Leaves: A Valuable Source of Phenolic Acids

Berberis species are known for their use in traditional medicine. Here, we report the phenolic composition and bioactivity of methanolic and aqueous extracts of Berberis thunbergii DC. leaves. The phenolic profiling and the quantitation of the main compounds were performed by high-performance liquid chromatography with diode array and mass spectrometry detections. The most abundant compounds in both extracts were caffeoylquinic acids (chlorogenic acid, particularly, with a concentration of 90.1–101.3 mg g⁻¹ dried extract), followed by caffeoylglucaric acids and quercetin glycosides. Antioxidant and radical scavenging assays (phosphomolybdenum, DPPH, ABTS, CUPRAC, FRAP, metal chelating activity), as well as enzyme inhibitory assays (acetylcholinesterase, butyrylcholinesterase, tyrosinase, amylase, glucosidase, and lipase), were carried out to evaluate the potential bioactivity of B. thunbergii. The methanolic extract presented the highest antioxidant and radical scavenging values, in agreement with its higher phenolic content. Regarding enzyme inhibitory potential, the methanolic extract was also more potent than the aqueous one. Hence, B. thunbergii leaves represent a suitable candidate for the preparation of pharmaceutical or nutraceutical products.