Biological activity of optimized phenolic extracts of quince (Cydonia oblonga Miller) parts before and after simulated in vitro gastrointestinal digestion

In this study, the phenolic extracts of Eşme quince parts (pulp, peel, seed, juice, and leaf) were obtained under optimized extraction conditions. Then, the total phenolic content (TPC), the quantities of main phenolic compounds, antioxidant, and antimicrobial activity and the change in bioactivity properties (TPC, antioxidant capacity, and antimicrobial activity on the same sixteen microorganisms) after in vitro digestion of each quince part were evaluated. The order of TPC and antioxidant activity was determined as leaf > peel > juice > pulp > seed. After in vitro gastrointestinal digestion, a decrease was observed for the TPC (average 5-fold reduction) and antioxidant activity (more than 2.5-fold reduction) in all quince parts except quince seed than their extract forms. The quince leaf extract exhibited the highest antibacterial activity. Overall, this study exhibited that the quince leaf was considered a promising, cheap, and natural source for nutritional or pharmaceutical applications with biological activity properties.

Physicochemical, structural, and functional characterization of pectin extracted from quince and pomegranate peel: A comparative study

Pectin's physicochemical, structural, and functional characteristics vary widely depending on the source of extraction. In this study, pectins were extracted from seedless quince and pomegranate peel, and their physicochemical, structural, and functional properties were investigated. A Box-Behnken Design with three factors and three levels was applied to optimize the pectin extraction yield from each matrix. As a result, the best extraction yields for quince pectin (QP) and pomegranate peel pectin (PPP) were 11.44 and 12.08 % (w/w), respectively. Both extracted pectins exhibit a linear structure, with the homogalacturonan domain dominating the rhamnogalacturonan I. Both pectins are highly methyl-esterified (DM > 69 %) with a higher degree of acetylation for PPP than QP, with 12 and 8 %, respectively. Unlike QP, PPP has a narrow, homogenous distribution and greater molecular weight (120 kDa). Regarding functionality, 1 g of QP could retain 4.92 g of water, and both pectin emulsions were more stable at room temperature than at 4 °C. When the concentration of QP is increased, rheological measurements demonstrate that it exhibits pseudoplastic behavior. Finally, QP can be used as a thickener, whereas PPP can be utilized as starting material for chemical changes to create multifunctional pectins.

Quince extract resists atherosclerosis in rats by down-regulating the EGFR/PI3K/Akt/GSK-3β pathway

We identified the effective components and the underlying mechanisms of Quince (Cydonia oblonga Mill, COM) extract against atherosclerosis. The effective components of COM extract were identified with UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS. Network pharmacology was performed. A rat model of atherosclerosis induced by high-fat emulsion combined with vitamin D₃ was established. The anti-atherosclerosis effect of COM extract was evaluated from various aspects such as blood lipid regulation, anti-oxidative stress, anti-inflammatory response, and vascular protection function. We identified 14 serum components of COM extract using UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS. Through prediction, 573 targets were obtained, among which 224 targets were atherosclerosis specific targets. The key targets included GSK3β, ESR1, EGFR, and HSP90AA1. The key signaling pathway was PI3K-Akt signaling pathway. Pharmacodynamics analysis showed that COM extract reduced the levels of TC, TG, and LDL-C as well as ALT and AST, while increased the level of HDL-C. Mechanistically, COM extract significantly increased serum SOD and GSH-Px activities, but decreased MDA content in atherosclerosis rats, showing antioxidant effects. Meanwhile, COM extract significantly down-regulated the levels of pro-inflammatory factors IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α and CRP, but up-regulated anti-inflammatory factor IL-10. Additionally, COM extract increased the levels of NO, eNOS, and 6-keto-PGF1α; whereas, decreased the levels of ET-1 and TXB₂. Furthermore, COM extract significantly inhibited the mRNA and protein levels of EGFR, p-PI3K, p-AKT, GSK-3β, Bax, and Caspase-3 as well as the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio. Conclusively, COM extract exerts hypolipidemic, anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, anti-thrombotic and vascular endothelium protective effects on atherosclerosis rat model, which may be related to the inhibition of EGFR/PI3K/AKT/GSK-3β signaling pathway.

Computational identification of bioactive compounds from Cydonia oblonga Mill. against hepatocellular carcinoma by targeting pTEN and HBx-interacting protein

Phytochemicals derived from Cydonia oblonga have been investigated for their anti-oxidant and anti-cancer activities in various cancer cell lines. The reported bioactive compounds are evaluated in silico to develop a novel antagonist against pTEN (phosphatase and tensin homolog) and HBx (hepatitis B X-interacting protein) to target hepatocellular carcinoma. Lower expression of pTEN or higher expression of HBx represents the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma. This research is intended to identify the best candidate who interacts with our target proteins (pTEN and HBx) from the quince seeds by using computational methodologies. The ternary structures of the proteins and phytochemicals are retrieved from the online databases (RCSB and PubChem). The drug likeness analysis of the reported seventeen compounds was done, but only five follow the selection criteria. ADMET profiling of these five compounds was done, followed by docking analysis and molecular dynamics study of the best complexes to determine the stability of the complexes. A docking study revealed that caffeoylquinic acids (CQA) derivatives have the significant inhibitory potential of 3-O-caffeoylquinic acid (3CQA) and 5-O-caffeoylquinic acid (5CQA) with binding affinity of - 7.53 and - 7.49 against pTEN and - 5.94 and - 6.01 against HBx in comparison to the doxorubicin. The average root mean square deviation and root mean square fluctuation values for protein-ligand complexes were found quite stable compared to the standard, while parameters like gyration and SASA (solvent-accessible surface area) supported the complexes significant binding and stability. The results obtained from the evaluation show that 3CQA and 5CQA have the best stability, especially with the pTEN protein target. Hence, these compounds have to be considered for detailed experimental studies to understand their biological function against hepato-carcinoma.

Quince fruit Cydonia oblonga Mill nutritional composition, antioxidative properties, health benefits and consumers preferences towards some industrial quince products: A review

Quince fruit (Cydonia oblonga) that belongs to the Rosaceae family and native to the Mediterranean region has been studied for decades for its unique importance in food and medicine. This fruit is packed with vitamins, minerals as well as fibers, pectin and tannins. Quince is known by its many therapeutic effects that include antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anti-ulcerative, and anticancer actions. However, this fruit is underutilized at the level of food processing due to its sensory attributes and the limited appreciation of its benefits by both farmers and consumers. Other than jellies and jams, quince could be processed into various healthy sub-products. The aims of the current review are to present botanical and nutritive value of this fruit, review the available literature on its therapeutic effects in order to increase farmers and consumers awareness about the importance of quince fruit and showing the different ways of utilizing it.

A basic and effective liquid phase microextraction with a novel automated mixing system for the determination of cobalt in quince samples by flame atomic absorption spectrometry

A new, green, and simple liquid-phase microextraction method namely sieve conducted two syringe-based pressurized liquid-phase microextraction methods was combined with flame atomic absorption spectrometry for the preconcentration and determination of cobalt. For this aim, a novel automated syringe mixing system was developed to be used in the developed extraction procedure. Two syringes were connected to each other by an apparatus having six holes to produce efficient dispersion of the extractant. The pressure created between the two syringes by the forward and backward movements of the syringe plungers created an efficient dispersion of the extractant. In the present study, ligand as complexing agent was synthesized in our laboratory. Limits of detection and quantification were determined to be 1.8 and 6.0 μg L^-1, respectively. A 33.7-fold enhancement in detection power was obtained with the developed method. Method was effectively applied for the determination of cobalt in quince samples.

Fruit tree leaves as unconventional and valuable source of chlorophyll and carotenoid compounds determined by liquid chromatography-photodiode-quadrupole/time of flight-electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry (LC-PDA-qTof-ESI-MS)

This study focused on the identification (by LC-PDA-qTof-ESI-MS) and quantification (by UPLC-PDA) of isoprenoids of the fruit tree leaves (FTL) of commonly consumed fruits: apple, pears, quince, apricot, peach, plums, sweet and sour cherry. The FTL were collected at 2 time points: after tree blooming and after fruit collection. In FTL 7 carotenoids and 16 chlorophylls were identified, but the number of labeled chlorophyll compounds depended on the species. FTL of apple, sour cherry and apricot were identified as the best sources of chlorophylls (mean 404.8, 388.7 and 364.5 mg/100 g dw, respectively) and sweet and sour cherry leaves as the best sources of carotenoids (831.4 and 1162.0 mg/100 g dw, respectively). A lower content of chlorophylls and carotenoids, but not significantly, was detected in leaves after autumn collection of fruits compared to leaves collected after blooming. Fruit tree leaves are good material for isolation of chlorophylls and carotenoids for application in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals or in the food industry, e.g. production of beverages or puree.

Protective Effects of Cydonia oblonga Mill. Fruit on Carbon Tetrachloride-induced Hepatotoxicity Mediated through Mitochondria and Restoration of Cellular Energy Content

Quince (Cydonia oblonga Mill.) is one of the medicinal plant with a broad range of pharmacological activities such as hepatoprotective effect. The present study was conducted to evaluate the effect of aqueous extract of Cydonia oblonga Mill. fruit (ACOF) against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver damage in rats. Hepatotoxicity was induced by CCl4 and all tested group animals were treated with the plant extract at a dose of 75, 150, and 300 mg/kg orally for 5 days. Blood was collected for the assessment of serum marker enzymes (alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH)). Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) of liver mitochondria was also measured using a validated high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method. The antioxidant capacity of the extract resulted in the reduction of MDA and the restoration of GSH in the liver (P < 0.05). Free radical scavenging activity of the extract was evaluated by DPPH method and the IC50 value was found to be 568 μg/mL. Our results indicated that bioenergetic depletion occurred in the intoxicated rats as a consequence of mitochondrial dysfunction and ATP production collapse. ACOF markedly restored ATP contents that is a key step in liver regeneration. It can be concluded that the role of ACOF to improve liver function on CCl4-hepatoxicity could be attributed, at least partially, to its action at mitochondira by preventing the loss of ATP content.

Effect of temperature on pollen germination for several Rosaceae species: influence of freezing conservation time on germination patterns

Between February 2018 and April 2018, flowers were collected from eight Rosaceae species. Flowers were kept in a freezer at -20 °C for three freezing times (Treatment 1, two months; Treatment 2, four months; Treatment 3, six months). After extracting pollen, in vitro germination was induced in a culture medium and incubated at six different temperatures for 72 h. The percentage of pollen germination, average pollen tube length and maximum pollen tube length were measured. Pollen germination was maximum for all species between 15 °C and 30 °C. Cydonia oblonga, Malus sylvestris, Prunus avium, Prunus domestica, Prunus dulcis, Prunus persica and Pyrus communis obtained 30-52% pollen germination between 15 °C and 20 °C. Prunus cerasifera had 40% pollen germination at 30 °C. All species studied reached the maximum pollen tube length between 10 °C and 25 °C. Germination did not change significantly for any of the species with freezing time, but we found significant differences in the three parameters measured between treatments. The highest germination percentages were obtained in Treatment 2 (four months frozen at -20 °C), while the maximum pollen tube length was reached in Treatment 1 (two months frozen at -20 °C). According to our results, freezing time affected the germination-temperature patterns. This could indicate that studies on the effect of temperature on pollen germination should always be carried out with fresh pollen to obtain more conclusive data.

Food intake biomarkers for apple, pear, and stone fruit

Fruit is a key component of a healthy diet. However, it is still not clear whether some classes of fruit may be more beneficial than others and whether all individuals whatever their age, gender, health status, genotype, or gut microbiota composition respond in the same way to fruit consumption. Such questions require further observational and intervention studies in which the intake of a specific fruit can be precisely assessed at the population and individual levels. Within the Food Biomarker Alliance Project (FoodBAll Project) under the Joint Programming Initiative “A Healthy Diet for a Healthy Life”, an ambitious action was undertaken aiming at reviewing existent literature in a systematic way to identify validated and promising biomarkers of intake for all major food groups, including fruits. This paper belongs to a series of reviews following the same BFIRev protocol and is focusing on biomarkers of pome and stone fruit intake. Selected candidate biomarkers extracted from the literature search went through a validation process specifically developed for food intake biomarkers.

Optimization of polysaccharides extraction from quince peels: partial characterization, antioxidant and antiproliferative properties

In this study, Box-Behnken Design was used to optimize the ultrasonic extraction of polysaccharides from quince peels (QPPs) by ascorbic acid and the effect of extraction temperature, extraction time and pH was evaluated. Under optimized conditions of temperature 90 °C, 60 min sonication time and pH = 3.26, the extraction yield, the galacturonic acid yield and the concentration of sample required to scavenge 50% of 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic) acid (ABTS) values of QPPs were respectively 10.25%, 3.86% and 1.35 mg/mL. The QPPs extracted under optimum conditions was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Nuclear magnetic resonance (¹H NMR) and Size exclusion chromatography (SEC/MALS/VD/DRI). The monosaccharide analysis revealed that arabinose was the most abundant, followed by galactose, glucose, mannose and xylose. Moreover, QPPs showed significant antioxidant activities (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and Ferric- reducing antioxidant power (FRAP)) and reduced viability of human Caco-2 and murine B-16 cell lines in a dose-dependent manner. Hence QPPs could be used as antitumor agent in functional foods andpharmaceutical industries.

Endocrine disruption, oxidative stress, and testicular damage induced by 4-nonylphenol in Clarias gariepinus: the protective role of Cydonia oblonga

Exposure to xenoestrogens like 4-nonylphenol (NP) is recognized by disrupting endocrine functions and causes reproductive dysfunction in male fish. The present study aimed at investigating the 4-nonylphenol propensity to induce oxidative stress and hormonal disturbances in male catfish and at studying the protective role of quince (Cydonia oblonga). To fulfill this aim, catfish Clarias gariepinus were exposed to pure 100 μg/L 4-NP and to quince the leaf extract added to 4-NP, both for 15 days. The 4-NP exposure induced a marked increase in 17ß-estradiol (E2), LH, and cortisol, while thyroid hormone (TSH, T3), testosterone (T), and FSH levels noticeably decreased; however, 4-NP had no effect on T4 level. Moreover, 4-NP exposure was accompanied by histological impairments in testes. Existence of 4-NP was associated with oxidative damage as evidenced by the significant increase (p < 0.05) of the enzymes, superoxidase dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), acetylcholinesterase (AchE), glutathione s-transferase, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and malondialdehyde (MDA). Adding quince was effective to neutralize hormonal levels and to repair the testicular histological alterations. In response to quince remedy, the enzymes AchE and MDA reduced significantly (p < 0.05), while limited or no response was detected for other tested enzymes. Our results concluded that quince can antagonize 4-NP toxicity in catfish, confirming that quince leaf extract displayed antioxidant activities against the toxicity of hazardous chemicals.

Induction of apoptosis and DNA damage by 4-nonylphenol in African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) and the antioxidant role of Cydonia oblonga

In this study, we assessed the toxic effects of sub lethal concentration (0.1mgl^-1) 4-nonylphenol (4-NP) on serum biochemical parameters, liver lipid peroxidation (LPO) and antioxidant enzymes of the African catfish Clarias gariepinus for 14 days and the ability of the quince leaf extract to alleviate the effects of (4-NP). Fish were categorized into four groups: control, exposure to 0.1mgl^-1 4-NP, exposure to 0.1mgl^-1 4-NP with quince leaf extract (10ml/30L water), and exposure to 0.1mgl^-1 4-NP with quince leaf extract (20ml/30L water). 4-NP exposure induced a significant (p<0.05) increase in the levels of glucose, AST, ALT, creatinine, urea, uric acid, cholesterol, and G6PDH as well as, the percentages of hepatic LPO level, DNA fragmentation, and apoptotic erythrocytes (p<0.05). A significant (p<0.05) decrease in alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total protein, albumin, globulin, total lipids, and LDH were also recorded. Liver enzyme activities (SOD, CAT and TAC) were increased. Addition of the quince leaf extract into the water was able to reinstate the alterations in biochemical parameters, antioxidant biomarkers, apoptotic level and hepatic DNA damage induced by 4-NP.

Cydonia oblonga M., A Medicinal Plant Rich in Phytonutrients for Pharmaceuticals

Cydonia oblonga M. is a medicinal plant of family Rosaceae which is used to prevent or treat several ailments such as cancer, diabetes, hepatitis, ulcer, respiratory, and urinary infections, etc. Cydonia oblonga commonly known as Quince is rich in useful secondary metabolites such as phenolics, steroids, flavonoids, terpenoids, tannins, sugars, organic acids, and glycosides. A wide range of pharmacological activities like antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, cardiovascular, antidepressant, antidiarrheal, hypolipidemic, diuretic, and hypoglycemic have been ascribed to various parts of C. oblonga. The polysaccharide mucilage, glucuronoxylan extruded from seeds of C. oblonga is used in dermal patches to heal wounds. This review focuses on detailed investigations of high-valued phytochemicals as well as pharmacological and phytomedicinal attributes of the plant.

Oxidative stress associated with rootstock-scion interactions in pear/quince combinations during early stages of graft development

Exposing a plant to stress situations, such as grafting, generally triggers antioxidant defense systems. In fruit tree grafting, quince (Cydonia oblonga) is widely used as a rootstock for pear (Pyrus communis L.), but several economically important pear cultivars are incompatible with available quince rootstocks. In this study, grafts were established using an in vitro callus graft system mimicking the events taking place in fruit trees. In vitro grown callus from pear [P. communis L. cv. 'Conference' (Co) and cv. 'William' (Wi)] and quince (C. oblonga Mill. clone 'BA29') was used to establish the compatible homografts 'Co/Co', 'Wi/Wi' and 'BA29/BA29', the compatible heterograft 'Co/BA29' and the incompatible heterograft 'Wi/BA29'. The main objective was to determine whether specific isoforms of genes involved in oxidative stress [superoxide dismutase (SOD), ascorbate peroxidase (APX) and catalase (CAT)] are differentially expressed at the graft interface from compatible and incompatible unions throughout 3 weeks after grafting. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and programmed cell death were also evaluated in the course of graft development. Genes differentially expressed between compatible and incompatible heterografts were identified. Transcript levels of six antioxidant genes (SOD1, SOD3, APX3, APX6, CAT1 and CAT3) were down-regulated 10 days after grafting (DAG) in the incompatible heterograft in comparison to the compatible one. Likewise, SOD enzymatic activities were significantly higher at 1 and 10 days after wounding in the compatible cultivar 'Co' than in the incompatible one 'Wi'. These findings, together with live cell imaging of ROS-specific probes, ultrastructural mitochondrial changes and DNA fragmentation related to apoptotic processes, give indications that within incompatible rootstock/scion interfaces, either the level of ROS is increased or there is a less efficient detoxification system.

A study of the effects of Cydonia oblonga Miller (Quince) on TNBS-induced ulcerative colitis in rats

Cydonia oblonga Miller (Quince) from Rosaceae family is a fruit tree cultivated in many countries mainly in Iran. This study was carried out to investigate the effect of quince juice (QJ) and quince hydroalcoholic extract (QHE) on ulcerative colitis (UC) induced by TNBS (trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid) in rats. Rats were grouped (n=6) and fasted for 36 h before colitis induction. TNBS was instilled into the colon with a hydroalcoholic carrier and then treatments were made for 5 days starting 6 h after colitis induction with different doses of QJ (200, 400, 800 mg/kg), QHE (200, 500 & 800 mg/kg) orally, QJ (400 mg/kg) and QHE (200 and 500 mg/kg) intraperitoneally. The colon tissue was removed and tissue damages were scored after macroscopic and histopathologic assessments. Albeit the examined doses of QJ and QHE were apparently effective to reduce the extent of UC lesions, only the greatest doses (500 and 800 mg/kg) resulted in significant alleviation. Weight/Length ratio as an illustrative of tissue inflammation and extravasation was also diminished with quince treatments while the results correlated with macroscopic and histopathologic evaluations. These data suggest that QJ and QHE were effective to diminish inflammation and ulcer indices in this murine model of acute colitis. Although QHE with different doses was effective in induced colitis, the dose and/or route of administration dependency was not confirmed. So quince fractions could be considered as a suitable anticolitic alternative, however further studies are needed to support this hypothesis for clinical setting.