Valorization of cauliflower (Brassica oleracea L. var. botrytis) by-products as a source of antioxidant phenolics

The present study reports the development of two extraction protocols, with potential industrial applicability, to valorize cauliflower (Brassica oleracea L. var. botrytis) byproducts as a source of antioxidant phenolics. In addition, the nonionic polystyrene resin Amberlite XAD-2 was used to obtain purified extracts. The extract yield, phenolic content, phenolic yield, and correlation between the antioxidant activity and the phenolic content were studied. The water and ethanol protocols yield a phenolic content of 33.8 mg/g freeze-dried extract and 62.1 mg/g freeze-dried extract, respectively. This percentage increased considerably when the extracts were purified using Amberlite XAD-2 yielding a phenolic content of 186 mg/g freeze-dried extract (water extract) and 311.1 mg/g freeze-dried extract (ethanol extract). Cauliflower byproduct extracts showed significant free radical scavenging activity (vs both DPPH(*) and ABTS(*)(+) radicals), ferric reducing ability (FRAP assay), and capacity to inhibit lipid peroxidation (ferric thiocyanate assay). In addition, the antioxidant activity was linearly correlated with the phenolics content. The results obtained indicate that the cauliflower byproducts are a cheap source of antioxidant phenolics very interesting from both the industrial point of view and the possible usefulness as ingredients to functionalize foodstuffs.     

Microclimate influence on mineral and metabolic profiles of grape berries

The grape berry microclimate is known to influence berry quality. The effects of the light exposure of grape berry clusters on the composition of berry tissues were studied on the "Merlot" variety grown in a vineyard in Bordeaux, France. The light exposure of the fruiting zone was modified using different intensities of leaf removal, cluster position relative to azimuth, and berry position in the cluster. Light exposures were identified and classified by in situ measurements of berry temperatures. Berries were sampled at maturity (>19 Brix) for determination of skin and/or pulp chemical and metabolic profiles based on (1) chemical and physicochemical measurement of minerals (N, P, K, Ca, Mg), (2) untargeted 1H NMR metabolic fingerprints, and HPLC targeted analyses of (3) amino acids and (4) phenolics. Each profile defined by partial least-square discriminant analysis allowed us to discriminate berries from different light exposure. Discriminant compounds between shaded and light-exposed berries were quercetin-3-glucoside, kaempferol-3-glucoside, myricetin-3-glucoside, and isorhamnetin-3-glucoside for the phenolics, histidine, valine, GABA, alanine, and arginine for the amino acids, and malate for the organic acids. Capacities of the different profiling techniques to discriminate berries were compared. Although the proportion of explained variance from the 1H NMR fingerprint was lower compared to that of chemical measurements, NMR spectroscopy allowed us to identify lit and shaded berries. Light exposure of berries increased the skin and pulp flavonols, histidine and valine contents, and reduced the organic acids, GABA, and alanine contents. All the targeted and nontargeted analytical data sets used made it possible to discriminate sun-exposed and shaded berries. The skin phenolics pattern was the most discriminating and allowed us to sort sun from shade berries. These metabolite classes can be used to qualify berries collected in an undetermined environment. The physiological significance of light and temperature effects on berry composition is discussed.     

Lettuce and chicory byproducts as a source of antioxidant phenolic extracts

A process to obtain enriched antioxidant phenolic extracts from lettuce (baby, romaine, and iceberg cultivars) and chichory byproducts as a way to valorize these byproducts was developed. Two extraction protocols using water and methanol as solvent were used. Amberlite XAD-2 nonionic polymeric resin was used to purify the extracts. The extraction yield, phenolic content, and phenolic yield were evaluated as well as the antioxidant capacity of the extracts (DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP assays). Baby and romaine lettuce byproducts showed the highest water extract yields [27 and 26 g of freeze-dried extracts/kg of byproduct fresh weight (fw), respectively], whereas baby and iceberg lettuce showed highest methanol extract yields (31 and 23 g of freeze-dried extracts/kg of byproduct fw, respectively). Methanol extraction yielded a raw extract with a high phenolic content, the baby and chicory extracts being the richest with approximately 50 mg of phenolics/g of freeze-dried extract. Regarding the purified extracts, water extraction yielded a higher phenolic content, baby and chicory being also the highest with mean values of approximately 190 and 300 mg of phenolics/g of freeze-dried extract, respectively. Both raw and purified extracts from baby and chicory showed the higher antioxidant contents (DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP assays). The antioxidant capacity was linearly correlated with the phenolic content. The results obtained indicate that lettuce byproducts could be, from the industrial point of view, an interesting and cheap source of antioxidant phenolic extracts to funcionalize foodstuffs.     

Phenolic profile of Cydonia oblonga Miller leaves

Cydonia oblonga Miller leaves phenolic compounds were analyzed by reversed-phase HPLC/DAD and HPLC/UV. Qualitative and quantitative analysis of phenolics were carried out in a total of 36 samples of quince leaves from three different geographical origins of Northern (Bragan?a and Carrazeda de Ansi?es) and Central Portugal (Covilh?) and three collection months (June, August, and October of 2006). These leaves presented a common phenolic profile composed by nine compounds: 3- O-, 4- O- and 5- O-caffeoylquinic acids, 3,5- O-dicaffeoylquinic acid, quercetin-3- O-galactoside, quercetin-3- O-rutinoside, kaempferol-3- O-glycoside, kaempferol-3- O-glucoside, and kaempferol-3- O-rutinoside. 5- O-caffeoylquinic acid was the major phenolic compound (36.2%), followed by quercetin 3- O-rutinoside (21.1%). Quince leaves are characterized by higher relative contents of kaempferol derivatives than fruits (pulps, peels, and seeds), especially in what concerns kaempferol-3- O-rutinoside (12.5%). C. oblonga leaves total phenolic content was very high, varying from 4.9 to 16.5 g/kg dry matter (mean value of 10.3 g/kg dry matter), indicating that these leaves can be used as a good and cheap source of bioactive constituents. Significantly differences were observed in 3- O-caffeoylquinic and 3,5- O-dicaffeoylquinic acids contents, according to geographical provenance and harvesting month, suggesting a possible use of these compounds as geographical origin and/or maturity markers.     

Moringa oleifera Lam. leaf extract as bioregulator for improving growth of maize under mercuric chloride stress

The contamination of agriculture soils with heavy metals is increasing due to both natural and anthropogenic activities. This has resulted in lowering the yield and quality of agriculture crops. The aim of the present investigation was to determine the effect of Moringa oleifera (M. oleifera) aqueous leaf extract (MALE) on growth and Hg phytoextraction potential of maize cv. Azam under mercuric chloride (HgCl₂)-induced stress. Soil was contaminated with different concentrations of HgCl₂ (1 and 0.5?mg/kg). The MALE was applied at 5% and 2.5% as seed soaking prior to sowing of seeds in the pots. The M. oleifera leaf was a good source of macronutrients (Na, K, Ca and Mg) and micronutrients (Fe, Zn, Mn, Co and Ni) as well as natural phenolics. The induced HgCl₂ stress significantly reduced seed germination (%), shoot dry weight, root dry weight, chlorophyll content and carotenoids content. The HgCl₂-induced stress was associated with accumulation of phenolics and Hg in roots. The accumulation of Hg in roots was significantly correlated with phenolics content (r?=?.8007, p?=?.000). The exogenous application of MALE significantly ameliorated adverse effects of HgCl₂ stress on maize plants. The accumulation of Hg in roots was significantly increased by MALE. It is inferred from findings of the present investigation that MALE served as bioregulator and can be applied to reduce adverse effects of HgCl₂ on maize. Moreover, MALE can enhance the Hg phytoremediation potential of maize.     

Juice and phenolic fractions of the berry Aristotelia chilensis inhibit LDL oxidation in vitro and protect human endothelial cells against oxidative stress

Oxidative modification of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) particles is a key event in the development of atherosclerosis. Oxidized LDL induces oxidative stress and modifies gene expression in endothelial cells. Berries constitute a rich dietary source of phenolic antioxidants. We found that the endemic Chilean berry Aristotelia chilensis (ach) has higher phenol content and scores better for total radical-trapping potential and total antioxidant reactivity in in vitro antioxidant capacity tests, when compared to different commercial berries. The juice of ach is also effective in inhibiting copper-induced LDL oxidation. In human endothelial cell cultures, the addition of ach juice significantly protects from hydrogen peroxide-induced intracellular oxidative stress and is dose-dependent. The aqueous, anthocyanin-rich fraction of ach juice accounts for most of ach's antioxidant properties. These results show that ach is a rich source of phenolics with high antioxidant capacity and suggest that it may have antiatherogenic properties.     

Rowanberry phenolics: compositional analysis and bioactivities

Berries contain a large variety of different phenolic compounds such as anthocyanins, flavonols, tannins, and phenolic acids. Due to variation in the nature and content of the phenolic compounds, the antioxidant effect and other bioactivities of berry phenolics are strongly dependent on the berry raw material as the activities differ between the different phenolic constituents. In the present study, wild rowanberries ( Sorbus aucuparia ) and four cultivated sweet rowanberries, Burka, Granatnaja, Titan, and Zoltaja, were characterized for their phenolic composition and screened for antioxidant, antimicrobial, and antiadhesive activities. The HPLC and LC-MS analyses of phenolic composition revealed that the main phenolic constituents were caffeoylquinic acids, varying from 56 to 80% total phenolics. The cultivated species contained less caffeoylquinic acids and more anthocyanins (up to 28.5%). The phenolics derived from wild rowanberries were significantly effective at inhibiting lipid oxidation both in liposomes and in emulsions, especially when assessed by inhibition of the formation of hexanal (86-97% inhibition depending on concentration). The increase in anthocyanin content in the cultivated species did not result in significantly increased antioxidant activity. Both wild and cultivated rowanberry phenolics exhibited a bacteriostatic effect toward Staphylococcus aureus . In addition, the phenolic extract from Zoltaja was weakly inhibitory toward Salmonella sv. Typhimurium, whereas both Zoltaja- and Granatnaja-derived phenolics retarded Escherichia coli growth. The phenolic extracts of wild rowanberries and Burka showed an inhibitory effect on hemagglutination of E. coli HB101 (pRR7), which expresses the M hemagglutinin. It can be concluded that cultivation of rowanberries resulted in increased anthocyanin content, but this did not diminish their bioactivity in comparison to wild rowanberries rich in caffeoylquinic acids.     

Antioxidant capacity and phenolic content in leaf extracts of tree spinach (Cnidoscolus spp.)

Total phenolic content and antioxidant capacity of two tree spinach species (Cnidoscolus chayamansa McVaugh and C. aconitifolius Miller.) were determined in raw and cooked leaf extracts. Antioxidant capacity was assessed by the oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) assay, and flavonoid glycoside composition was quantified by HPLC and identified by GC. Total phenolics and antioxidant capacity were higher in raw than in cooked leaf extracts. The ORAC values were strongly correlated with total phenolic content (r = 0.926) in all leaf extracts. The major flavonoids isolated from the leaf extracts were kaempferol-3-O-glycosides and quercetin-3-O-glycosides. C. aconitifolius leaves contained more varieties of the flavonoid glycosides than C. chayamansa. Cooking reduced antioxidant activity and phenolic content and resulted in losses of some kaempferol glycoside and quercetin glycoside residues in leaf extracts. The results of this study indicate that tree spinach leaves are a rich source of natural antioxidants for foods.     

Antioxidant Activity and Characterization of Phenolic Compounds from Bacaba ( Oenocarpus bacaba Mart.) Fruit by HPLC-DAD-MS(n)

The phytochemicals in fruits have been shown to be major bioactive compounds with regard to health benefits. Bacaba ( Oenocarpus bacaba Mart.) is a native palm fruit from the Brazilian savannah and Amazon rainforest that plays an important role in the diet of rural communities and is also a source of income for poor people. This paper reports the characterization and analyses of phenolics from bacaba fruit extract. The total phenolic content of bacaba fruit amounted to 1759.27 ± 1.01 mg GAE/100 g, the flavonoid content was 1134.32 ± 0.03 mg CTE/100 g, and the anthocyanin content was 34.69 ± 0.00 mg cyn-3-glc/100 g. The antioxidant activity was evaluated through different assays [ORAC, FRAP, DPPH, TEAC, and cellular antioxidant assay (CAA) assays] and revealed a significant antioxidant capacity for bacaba in comparison to the data available in the literature. The assignment of the phenolic compounds using HPLC-DAD-MS(n) was based on the evaluation of their UV-vis absorption maxima (λ(max)) and mass spectral analyses, and 14 compounds were tentatively identified. The results suggest that bacaba fruits are a promising source of phenolics.     

The possible role of organic acids as allelochemicals in Tamarindus indica L. leaves

Tamarindus indica L. is well known for its acidic nature and allelopathic potential, but to date, little is known about its organic acids playing their role as allelochemicals. Hence, in the present study, identification, quantification, and contribution of organic acids present in its leaf extract were conducted using the principle of bioassay-guided procedure. High pressure liquid chromatography identified four organic acids, viz. citric, malic, oxalic, and tartaric acids, in its leaf aqueous extract with the predominance of oxalic acid (7.5 g kg^?1 leaves fresh weight) followed by tartaric acid (7.3 g kg^?1). The allelopathic activity of identified acids and aqueous extract was evaluated on lettuce seedlings growth based on the specific activity (EC₅₀). The crude extract reduced radicle growth more adversely than hypocotyl at the concentration of 2.5 g L^?1 (EC₅₀). It hindered the normal physiological growth process through weak and curly seedlings, and necrosis of their tips. Among the identified acids, oxalic acid had the highest specific activity (40 mg L^?1) and citric acid had the lowest (>1000 mg L^?1). As a consequence of its high contents, the total activity, a function of specific activity and concentration, of oxalic acid (188) was found higher followed by tartaric acid (146). The contribution of both acids influencing the specific activity of the crude extract was then turned out to be 74%. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report identifying the oxalic and tartaric acids as growth inhibitors in tamarind leaves and quantifying their contribution in its allelopathic expression. Based on the total activity, the results suggested that oxalic and tartaric acids are the major allelochemicals in tamarind leaves. The allelopathic potential of these acids might promote the development of natural herbicides as an alternative to the synthetic ones in a most sustainable manner.     

红叶葡萄品种叶片花色苷种类的鉴定与分析

为解决葡萄园中由葡萄修剪产生的大量叶片残留问题,提高修剪产生的叶片的利用价值,本试验以8612、玫瑰香、红鸡心3个红叶葡萄品种和葡萄园皇后、玫瑰露、秋红3个绿叶葡萄品种不同发育时期的叶片为研究对象,利用MATLAB软件对整张叶片的图像数据进行提取,计算色差值;利用超高效液相-质谱法(LC-MS)检测花色苷的成分和含量,探讨不同发育时期叶片中花色苷不同组分的变化规律。结果表明,不同发育时期的红色和绿色叶片色差指数L^*、a^*、b^*变化趋势明显不同,共检测到18种花色苷组分,包括花青素类(4种)、甲基花青素类(4种)、花翠素类(4种)、甲基花翠素类(2种)和二甲基花翠素类(4种)。以上5类花色苷在红色叶片中均被检测到,绿叶品种中未发现花翠素类和甲基花翠素类花色苷。花色苷定量结果显示,红色叶片不同发育时期花色苷含量为123.468~855.001 mg·100g^-1,绿色叶片花色苷含量为4.407~44.517 mg·100g^-1。甲基化类花色苷占比随叶片发育均逐渐增大。花色苷酰化修饰类型分析结果发现,香豆酰化类型花色苷含量高于其他酰化类型花色苷,在花色苷总含量中所占比例较高,而阿魏酰化和糖酰化类花色苷含量非常少。色差和不同类型花色苷成分的相关性分析结果表明,红色叶片的色差指数与更多类型的花色苷含量存在相关关系。红色葡萄叶片中花色苷种类丰富、含量较高,是花色苷类化合物的潜在来源,具有很大的利用价值。本研究通过对叶片中花色苷成分和含量进行了详细调查,为今后葡萄园中叶片的加工再利用提供了依据。     

Determination of water-soluble and total extractable polyphenolics in biomass, necromass and decomposing plant material using near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS)

Near infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS) was used to predict the water-soluble and total extractable polyphenolics of plant material. Different life forms (forbs, grasses, shrubs, giant rosettes), organs (leaves, stems, roots) and decomposition stages (biomass, necromass and decomposing plant material) were studied. Prediction was good, with a R² in validation ranging from 0.91 to 0.93 and in prediction from 0.88 to 0.94. Various standard error ratios were used to assess the quality of the models, which are generally very good, being the model for predicting the water-soluble polyphenolics in the decomposing plant material the slightly less good. Because it is a cheap and rapid method, it would allow to perform a large screening for studies concerning (i) polyphenolics control on decomposition process and (ii) phenolics implication in herbivory.     

基于改进的Sobel算子和色调信息的叶脉提取方法

植物的叶脉包含重要的植物生理信息,对叶脉的提取是植物建模和识别的关键。利用HSI彩色空间（color space）提取叶脉的算法,该文提出改进的Sobel算子和色调信息相结合的叶脉提取算法。改进的Sobel算子用于基本叶脉轮廓的提取,色调信息用于主叶脉提取,然后将两者提取的图像融合得到最终的叶脉图像。结果表明,该方法可弥补Sobel算子和HSI彩色空间提取叶脉的不足,能更准确地提取叶脉信息,尤其适合于颜色有变化或光照不均匀的植物叶子样本,为进一步对叶脉尺寸和形态的分析打下基础。     

Antioxidant properties of various solvent extracts of total phenolic constituents from three different agroclimatic origins of drumstick tree (Moringa oleifera Lam.) leaves

Water, aqueous methanol, and aqueous ethanol extracts of freeze-dried leaves of Moringa oleifera Lam. from different agroclimatic regions were examined for radical scavenging capacities and antioxidant activities. All leaf extracts were capable of scavenging peroxyl and superoxyl radicals. Similar scavenging activities for different solvent extracts of each collection were found for the stable 1,1-diphenyl 2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH(*)) radical. Among the three different moringa samples, both methanol and ethanol extracts of Indian origins showed the highest antioxidant activities, 65.1 and 66.8%, respectively, in the beta-carotene-linoleic acid system. Nonetheless, increasing concentration of all the extracts had significantly (P < 0.05) increased reducing power, which may in part be responsible for their antioxidant activity. The major bioactive compounds of phenolics were found to be flavonoid groups such as quercetin and kaempferol. On the basis of the results obtained, moringa leaves are found to be a potential source of natural antioxidants due to their marked antioxidant activity. This is the first report on the antioxidant properties of the extracts from freeze-dried moringa leaves. Overall, both methanol (80%) and ethanol (70%) were found to be the best solvents for the extraction of antioxidant compounds from moringa leaves.     

Enzyme-assisted processing increases antimicrobial and antioxidant activity of bilberry

The effects of nine cell wall-degrading enzymes on the antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of bilberry were studied. Antimicrobial activity was measured using the human pathogens Salmonella enterica sv. Typhimurium and Staphylococcus aureus as test strains. Enzyme treatments liberated phenolics from the cell wall matrix, which clearly increased the antimicrobial activity of berry juices, press cakes, and berry mashes on the basis of plate counts. Antibacterial effects were stronger against Salmonella than against Staphylococcus bacteria. In general, the increase in activity measured as colony-forming units per milliliter was 3-5 logarithmic units against Salmonella and 1-2 units against Staphylococcus bacteria. Increase in antimicrobial activity was observed only in acidic conditions, which is also the natural environment in various berry products, such as juices. The activity profile of the pectinase preparation affected the chemistry of the phenolics due to the presence of deglycosylating activities in some preparations. The difference in phenolic profiles was reflected in the antimicrobial effects. Bilberry mashes treated with Pectinex Ultra SP-L, Pectinex 3 XL, and Pectinex BE XXL were most efficient against Salmonella bacteria, whereas mashes treated with Pectinex Smash, Pectinex BE 3-L, and Biopectinase CCM showed the strongest antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus bacteria. Due to the liberation of phenolics from the cell wall matrix the antioxidant activity measured as radical scavenging activity was also increased on average about 30% by the enzymatic treatments. The highest increase in phenolic compounds was about 40%. Highest increases in anthocyanins and in antioxidant activity were observed in berry mash treated with Pectinex Smash XXL enzyme, and the lowest increase was observed after treatment with Pectinex BE 3-L. Enzyme-assisted processing is traditionally used to improve berry and fruit juice yields. However, enzymatic treatments also have an impact on the functional properties of the products. The increased liberation of phenolics from the cell wall matrix can prolong the shelf life of berry products by limiting the growth of contaminants during processing or storage. The increased amount of phenolic compounds may also have a positive effect on gut well-being.     

渗透胁迫下玉米叶片电位波动边际谱的变化与意义

植物叶片电位波动是来自于活细胞的生命信息。为了解读植物叶片电位波动的频谱特征及其意义,该文采用HHT(Hilbert-Huang transform)方法研究了渗透势为?0.1 MPa的渗透胁迫下玉米幼苗叶片电位波动边际谱的变化规律及其意义,计算了边际谱特征参数边缘频率SEF(spectral edge frequency)、重心频率SCF(spectral center frequency)、边际谱熵MSE(marginal spectrum entropy)和动作电位灵敏指数Q。结果表明,玉米幼苗叶片电位波动的边际谱是分布在0.5 Hz以内的连续谱,在渗透胁迫下,SEF和SCF呈现出先减小后增加再减小的变化趋势,动作电位灵敏指数Q的变化与之相反,MSE表现出先增加再下降的变化趋势。通过与叶片生理指标MDA(malondialdehyde)和叶绿素含量变化的对比研究,发现MSE的峰值时间可以作为叶片细胞对渗透胁迫自我调节和适应性反应限度的标志,Q值的大小可以作为玉米叶片细胞对渗透胁迫反应灵敏度的标志,依据渗透胁迫下玉米幼苗叶片电位波动边际谱特征参数的变化,有可能对玉米叶片细胞的功能状态进行实时、在位和无损伤检测。     

Enhancing growth,yield, biochemical,and hormonal contents of snap bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) sprayed with moringa leaf extract

Increasing growth and productivity of food crops via safe biostimulants is a very important issue in the current years. This study aimed to investigate the potential of moringa leaf extract (MLE) in improving the performance of snap bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) cv. ‘Paulista’ under field conditions. Hormonal analysis of MLE revealed its richness of various classes of phytohormones particularly salicylates. The results revealed that all MLE concentrations had a positive effect on growth, biochemical, yield, and yield related traits as well as yield quality of snap bean compared to control, and the effect was dose-dependent. Moreover, increasing pods yield of snap bean may be related to gibberellins (GA₇) content than other plant hormones. In conclusion, the leaf extract of moringa provides a good source of phytohormones that have a positive role to stimulate growth and productivity of snap bean plants.     

Influence of jam processing on the radical scavenging activity and phenolic content in berries

Six selected phenolic aglycons (caffeic and ellagic acids, kaempferol, quercetin, myricetin, and morin) in nine types of berries, and their changes as influenced by jam processing, have been evaluated using optimized HPLC with diode-array detection. The berry samples, fresh and after jam processing, were analyzed, and the total amounts of selected phenolics as aglycons were identified and determined by acid hydrolysis. Their contents in fresh and jam samples did not indicate appreciable changes; therefore, the influence of jam processing on these selected phenolics in berries was suggested to be small, and was mostly present in berries as several conjugated forms that were glycosylated, esterified, etc., in the samples. The total phenolic content of each sample was also determined by the Folin-Ciocalteu method. The three samples of each berry, namely fresh, jam, and acid hydrolysate of the berry, had similar total phenolic contents. On the other hand, the scavenging effect on the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical was measured, and acid hydrolysates showed stronger activity than that of the fresh and jam-processed samples for all of the berry types.     

Blackberry, black raspberry, blueberry, cranberry, red raspberry, and strawberry extracts inhibit growth and stimulate apoptosis of human cancer cells in vitro

Berry fruits are widely consumed in our diet and have attracted much attention due to their potential human health benefits. Berries contain a diverse range of phytochemicals with biological properties such as antioxidant, anticancer, anti-neurodegerative, and anti-inflammatory activities. In the current study, extracts of six popularly consumed berries--blackberry, black raspberry, blueberry, cranberry, red raspberry and strawberry--were evaluated for their phenolic constituents using high performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet (HPLC-UV) and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS) detection. The major classes of berry phenolics were anthocyanins, flavonols, flavanols, ellagitannins, gallotannins, proanthocyanidins, and phenolic acids. The berry extracts were evaluated for their ability to inhibit the growth of human oral (KB, CAL-27), breast (MCF-7), colon (HT-29, HCT116), and prostate (LNCaP) tumor cell lines at concentrations ranging from 25 to 200 micro g/mL. With increasing concentration of berry extract, increasing inhibition of cell proliferation in all of the cell lines were observed, with different degrees of potency between cell lines. The berry extracts were also evaluated for their ability to stimulate apoptosis of the COX-2 expressing colon cancer cell line, HT-29. Black raspberry and strawberry extracts showed the most significant pro-apoptotic effects against this cell line. The data provided by the current study and from other laboratories warrants further investigation into the chemopreventive and chemotherapeutic effects of berries using in vivo models.     

Sweet and sour cherry phenolics and their protective effects on neuronal cells

The identification of phenolics from various cultivars of fresh sweet and sour cherries and their protective effects on neuronal cells were comparatively evaluated in this study. Phenolics in cherries of four sweet and four sour cultivars were extracted and analyzed for total phenolics, total anthocyanins, and their antineurodegenerative activities. Total phenolics in sweet and sour cherries per 100 g ranged from 92.1 to 146.8 and from 146.1 to 312.4 mg gallic acid equivalents, respectively. Total anthocyanins of sweet and sour cherries ranged from 30.2 to 76.6 and from 49.1 to 109.2 mg cyanidin 3-glucoside equivalents, respectively. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis revealed that anthocyanins such as cyanidin and peonidin derivatives were prevalent phenolics. Hydroxycinnamic acids consisted of neochlorogenic acid, chlorogenic acid, and p-coumaric acid derivatives. Glycosides of quercetin, kaempferol, and isorhamnetin were also found. Generally, sour cherries had higher concentrations of total phenolics than sweet cherries, due to a higher concentration of anthocyanins and hydroxycinnamic acids. A positive linear correlation (r2 = 0.985) was revealed between the total anthocyanins measured by summation of individual peaks from HPLC analysis and the total anthocyanins measured by the pH differential method, indicating that there was in a close agreement with two quantifying methods for measuring anthocyanin contents. Cherry phenolics protected neuronal cells (PC 12) from cell-damaging oxidative stress in a dose-dependent manner mainly due to anthocyanins. Overall results showed that cherries are rich in phenolics, especially in anthocyanins, with a strong antineurodegenerative activity and that they can serve as a good source of biofunctional phytochemicals in our diet.