No full-text available
To read the full-text of this research,
you can request a copy directly from the authors.
Nutritional composition and flavonoid content of edible wild greens and green pies: A potential rich source of antioxidant nutrients in the Mediterranean diet
Abstract
The traditional Greek diet is dominated by the high consumption of olive oil, fruit and vegetables. Antioxidants represent a common element in these foods and may be important mediators of the beneficial effect of this diet. Wild edible greens are frequently consumed throughout Greece. Seven edible wild greens and traditional Cretan green pies were analyzed for their nutritional composition and flavonoid content, in particular flavonols and flavones. A high nutritional value and a low energy value characterize the wild greens. These wild greens have a very high flavonol content when compared with regular fresh vegetables, fruits and beverages commonly consumed in Europe. Rumex obtusifolius was found to contain twice the amount of quercetin contained in onions. Two pieces of Cretan green pie (100 g) contain approximately 12 times more quercetin than one glass of red wine (100 ml) and three times more quercetin than a cup of black tea (200 ml). Wild greens potentially are a very rich source of antioxidant flavonols and flavones in the Greek diet.
... The macro-elements identified were calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), potassium (K), and sodium (Na); while the micro-elements were copper (Cu), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), and zinc (Zn). In Table S4 [25,34,35,38,57,[66][67][68], values for the contents of these minerals can be found. 17 of the 115 plants (from 10 families) covered in this review. ...
... The macro-elements identified were calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), potassium (K), and sodium (Na); while the micro-elements were copper (Cu), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), and zinc (Zn). In Table S4 [25,34,35,38,57,[66][67][68], values for the contents of these minerals can be found. Regarding Figure 3, three different groups can be easily observed. ...
... Calcium was not associated with any specific WEPs, although Foeniculum vulgare was that with the highest content of this mineral, followed by Chondrilla juncea (341 and 301 mg/100 g, respectively) [25,35]. ...
1) Background: Wild Edible Plants (WEPs) are plants that grow without human help, by simply using the available resources. These types of plants are undervalued, because there is a lack of knowledge about their bioactive composition and nutritional/functional potential. (2) Scope and Approach: The main aim of this review is to fully identify the potential uses and importance of WEPs in certain regions based on (i) their sustainability, because they grow with their own resources, (ii) their content of bioactive compounds and consequently nutritional and functional value, (iii) their socioeconomic relevance, and (iv) their ability to be useful in the agri-food industry in the short term. (3) Results: This review found evidence that a consumption of between 100 and 200 g of some of these WEPs can cover up to 50% of the recommended daily intake of proteins and fiber, being also a natural source of macro-and micro-minerals. Regarding their bioactive composition, most of these plants contain phenolic compounds and flavonoids, which determine their antioxidant capacity. (4) Conclusions: These reported results clearly demonstrate the high potential of the WEPs from a nutritional, economic and social point of view; although further studies are needed to gather deeper scientific information about their potential role in the socioeconomic sustainability of specific groups of farmers worldwide.
... Over time, it has been demonstrated that many edible wild plants are rich in bioactive compounds, giving them nutritional or therapeutic value. Alimurgic plants are generally characterized by low energy and high nutritional values [8]. In comparison to the corresponding cultivated species, wild food plants have a higher fiber content [9], are richer in antioxidants and flavonoids (e.g. ...
... In comparison to the corresponding cultivated species, wild food plants have a higher fiber content [9], are richer in antioxidants and flavonoids (e.g. catechins and hydroxycinnamic acids) [1,[10][11][12][13] and contain very small amounts of lipids [8]. Many of these plants were proven to have important beneficial effects, preventing chronic diseases typical of modern society, such as heart and age-related diseases, diabetes and some types of cancer [8,14]. ...
... catechins and hydroxycinnamic acids) [1,[10][11][12][13] and contain very small amounts of lipids [8]. Many of these plants were proven to have important beneficial effects, preventing chronic diseases typical of modern society, such as heart and age-related diseases, diabetes and some types of cancer [8,14]. It should be pointed out, however, that all plants, including alimurgic ones, not only contain health-beneficial molecules but possibly also detrimental compounds, such as erucic or oxalic acids [2,15]. ...
In the past, wild edible alimurgic plants became an important alternative food source when poverty, wars or drought made it difficult to access crops. These plants were considered rich in highly nutritional compounds and also frequently used as food-medicine given their health-promoting properties. With the aim of improving our knowledge on the content of beneficial or detrimental compounds in relation with past local dietary and curative traditions, 12 wild food plant species were collected from two study areas selected for their very different degree of industrialization, urbanization, and conservation of local past traditions among the population: the Bologna province (Northern Italy) and the Middle Agri Valley (Southern Italy). Protein, polyphenol flavonoid and biogenic amine (both free and conjugated) contents and antioxidant activity of raw and boiled wild food plant extracts, and of cooking water were analyzed by means of spectrophotometric and high-performance liquid chromatography methods. The results demonstrated that most of the phenolic compounds were released in the cooking water which also showed the highest antioxidant activity. Seventeen different phenolic compounds were identified, of which the health-related luteolin, luteolin-7-glucoside and rutin were the most abundant (e.g., S. pratensis L. and C. intybus L.). On the other hand, biogenic amines were absent or present at very low levels in cooking water of those very same species (e.g., S. pratensis L., T. officinalis Weber, C. vesicaria subsp. taraxacifolia and C. intybus L.) of which traditionally a decoction is used for therapeutic purposes. Free and conjugated spermidine and spermine were generally the most abundant biogenic amines, while none of the known detrimental monoamines (e.g., histamine) was detected. In conclusion, the present results seem to support past local popular traditions which indicated beneficial medical properties of some wild edible plant, as well as of their cooking water.
... The 24 h recall analysis was performed using the USDA database (http://ndb.nal.usda.gov/ accessed on 12 June 2023) and Trihopoulou database for traditional Greek recipes using Nutritionist Pro™ software (version 2.2, Axxya Systems LLC, Stafford, TX, USA) [27]. The intake of macro-and micronutrients per recall was calculated [27] and the mean daily intake was calculated ( Table 2). ...
... accessed on 12 June 2023) and Trihopoulou database for traditional Greek recipes using Nutritionist Pro™ software (version 2.2, Axxya Systems LLC, Stafford, TX, USA) [27]. The intake of macro-and micronutrients per recall was calculated [27] and the mean daily intake was calculated ( Table 2). All questionnaires were completed through an interview (face-to-face or by a phone call). ...
Spirulina is a supplement with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that may enhance performance and recovery after intense exercise. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of Spirulina Nigrita® on physical performance, and recovery markers after intense eccentric exercise in healthy moderately physically active volunteers. In a double-blind crossover design, participants were supplemented either with spirulina (42 mg Kg⁻¹ BW per day) or a placebo for 15 days before conducting an eccentric exercise protocol using the non-dominant arm. A six-week washout period was required between conditions. Performance and mobility markers such as isometric peak torque (PTQ), ligament range of motion (ROM), and perceived muscle discomfort (VAS) were assessed and blood samples (CK, LDH) were obtained at 1, 24, 48, and 72 h post-exercise. No significant differences were noticed between the two conditions on any of the investigated markers, indicating that spirulina supplementation has no positive effect on isometric muscle performance or alleviation of exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD) symptoms in the specific population.
... Known aporphine alkaloid, which is regarded as an efficient antioxidant and anticancer agent. In line with that, Trichopoulou et al. (2000) [14] revealed significant antioxidant capacity of Papaver leaves extract and linked this action with their efficient flavonoid contents, namely, quercetin, isorhamnetin, kaempferol, and myricetin. Kostic et al. (2010) [8] reported that the antioxidant properties of plants may be also connected with the plant pigments originated from the main components of each herbal extract. ...
... Known aporphine alkaloid, which is regarded as an efficient antioxidant and anticancer agent. In line with that, Trichopoulou et al. (2000) [14] revealed significant antioxidant capacity of Papaver leaves extract and linked this action with their efficient flavonoid contents, namely, quercetin, isorhamnetin, kaempferol, and myricetin. Kostic et al. (2010) [8] reported that the antioxidant properties of plants may be also connected with the plant pigments originated from the main components of each herbal extract. ...
The phytochemical composition of Tunisian Papaver rhoeas L. petals and capsule aqueous extracts and their antioxidant and insecticidal potential were investigated. Petals aqueous extracts showed the highest amounts of polyphenols (62.43 mg GAE/g DW) and flavonoids (21.08 mg RE/g DW). Aqueous extracts were found to possess antioxidant activities, as determined by scavenging effect. Petals aqueous extracts exhibited the strongest DPPH radical scavenging activity (IC50 = 28.06 mg/ml). Tribolium casteneum is a major stored grains pest causing huge loss by secreting toxic quinones' which make the grains unfit for human consumption. Therefore, finding an eco-friendly alternative for the management of the pest is of great importance. In this study, the insecticidal activity of petals and capsule aqueous extracts is evaluated. Bioassays showed that capsule extracts exhibited insecticidal capacity (LC50=1.52, LC90=1.99). Consequently, P. rhoeas extracts species could be exploited as a natural source of bioactive compounds in food, pharmaceutical industries and pest control.
... Moreover, variations in the cooking conditions, such as maximum temperature reached, cooking time, pH, surface/volume relation, water used, oxygen and light presence, matrix and/or food type, as well as compounds sensitivity to these factors can influence the final composition [26,27]. Some research works have been conducted on the analysis of nutritional and phytochemical composition, as well as antioxidant activity of traditionally consumed wild edible plants all over the world [28][29][30][31][32][33][34][35][36][37][38]. For example, Trichopoulou et al. [28] reported data of the nutritional composition of Cretan pies elaborated with cultivated and wild vegetables (such as Rumex spp. ...
... Some research works have been conducted on the analysis of nutritional and phytochemical composition, as well as antioxidant activity of traditionally consumed wild edible plants all over the world [28][29][30][31][32][33][34][35][36][37][38]. For example, Trichopoulou et al. [28] reported data of the nutritional composition of Cretan pies elaborated with cultivated and wild vegetables (such as Rumex spp. and Foeniculum vulgare Mill) cooked with olive oil. ...
Studies are scarce on the nutritional and phytochemical composition of wild edible Mediterranean plants after culinary processing. This work provides the nutritional composition after culinary treatment (including dietary fiber and mineral composition) and bioactive compounds (folates, vitamin C and organic acids) of wild Rumex pulcher L., Silene vulgaris (Moench) Garcke. leaves, and wild Asparagus acutifolius L., Bryonia dioica Jacq., Humulus lupulus L., Tamus communis L. young shoots. Shoots better preserved their nutrients than leaves, due to their different tissue structure. Fresh and cooked wild greens present high dietary fiber values, and remained at remarkable levels after boiling. Na, K, Mg and Zn were lost in about 50% due to culinary processing, while Ca, Cu, Fe and Mn were more stable. Boiled leaves of S. vulgaris remained as a good Mn source. A portion of 100 g of most of the cooked analyzed species could cover a relevant percentage of the daily requirement of folates (R. pulcher and A. acutifolius providing more than 80%) and vitamin C (T. communis and A. acutifolius providing more than 35%).
... The flavone luteolin (2) differs from quercetin only by the absence of the C-3 hydroxyl group, and it occurs naturally predominantly in the form of 7-O-glycoside. 3,4 The major sources of luteolin are celery, 5,6 juniper berries, 7 olive leaves, 8 peppers, 9,10 Queen Anne's lace, 11 radicchio, 12 and herbs such as oregano, 13 parsley, 14 thyme, or sage. 15 Luteolin shows antioxidant and, being a DNA topoisomerase inhibitor, antiangiogenic activities as well as immunomodulatory, vasodilating, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antiallergenic properties. ...
... 27 Rat colonic microflora fermented luteolin only to a limited extent forming 3-(2,4-dihydroxyphenyl)propionic acid as the only detectable metabolite after 24 h. 28 Myricetin is abundant in carob, 29 fennel, 11 parsley, 30,31 and goji berry, 32 and thanks to the additional hydroxyl group in its structure (compared to 1), it possesses significant biological activity such as antioxidant, antiviral, anticarcinogenic, hypoglycemic, antihypertensive, antimicrobial, antidiabetic, and cytoprotective properties, as well as being DNA topoisomerase inhibitor. 18,33 Limited information is available concerning myricetin fate in mammals. ...
Authentic standards of food flavonoids are important for human metabolic studies. Their isolation from biological material is impracticable; however, they can be prepared in vitro. Twelve sulfated metabolites of luteolin, myricetin and ampelopsin were obtained with arylsulfotransferase from Desulfitobacterium hafniense and fully characterized by HPLC, MS and NMR. The compounds were tested for their ability to scavenge DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl), ABTS (2,2'-azino-bis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid)) and DMPD+ (N,N-dimethyl-p-phenylenediamine) radicals, to reduce ferric ions and Folin-Ciocalteau reagent, and to inhibit tert-butyl hydroperoxide induced lipid peroxidation of rat liver microsomes. The activity differed considerably even between monosulfate isomers. The parent compounds and myricetin-3'-O-sulfate were the most active while other compounds displayed significantly lower activity, particularly the luteolin sulfates. No mutagenic activity of parent compounds and their main metabolites was observed, only myricetin showed minor pro-mutagenicity. The prepared sulfated metabolites are now available as authentic standards for future in vitro and in vivo metabolic studies.
... Although opiates are typically used for their analgesic effects in the clinic [21]. In addition, morphine has been demonstrated in preclinical research to be an opioid agonist that, when administered peripherally or centrally, can result in anxiolysis [22,23]. Second, the anxiolytic effect of benzodiazepines is widely believed to be mediated through the endogenous opioid system. ...
... Compounds of flavonoid nature and anthocyanins in particular play an important role in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases. Their action is closely related to protection against oxidative stress (Lila M. A., 2004;Youdim K. A. et al., 2000)� One of the important sources of flavonoid phytonutrients is a representative of the Lamiaceae family -true Sweet Basil or basil (Ocimum basilicum L.). Its vegetative and generative organs contain essential oils, in particular 1,8-cineole, estragole and eugenol, ascorbic acid, a rich pigment complex, which is represented by carotenoids (more in green varieties), as well as polyphenolic compounds with antioxidant effects. ...
оne of the important sources of flavonoid phytonutrients is basil (Ocimum basilicum L.). Vegetative and generative organs of which have essential oils, in particular 1,8-cineole, estragole and eugenol, ascorbic acid, a rich pigment complex, as well as polyphenolic compounds with antioxidant effects. Basil realizes its antioxidant potential through anthocyanins in varieties with purple leaves and flavonoids in varieties with green leaves. The level of their accumulation, as well as other biologically active substances, depends on the variety to which the plant belongs, the degree and spectrum of illumination, soil moisture, and mineral nutrition (Priss OP, et al., 2019; Joshi RK, 2014; Trichopoulou, et al., 2000). That is why our attention was drawn to two of the most popular basil varieties in Ukraine: "Dolly" with green leaves and "Rosie" with purple leaves. Our research was focused on morphological, anatomical and phytochemical studies of O. basilicum leaves of the above-mentioned raw materials. To realize this goal, microscopy was performed using State Pharmacopoeia of Ukraine methods. Groups of biologically active substances were determined by standard qualitative reactions and the procedure was carried out using extracts or by applying directly to the sections. It was found that O. basilicum chanterelles of "Dolly" and "Rosie" varieties have a number of common and distinctive features. Both varieties of O. basilicum are characterized by the presence of dorsoventral, amphistomatic leaves, diacytic stomatal apparatus and biserial glands. The leaves differ in color, shape of the leaf blade margin, outlines of the upper epidermal cells, presence of idioblast cells with anthocyanins in the "Rosie" variety, and values of stomatal indices. The stomatal index is 27.5±2.3% for the "Dolly" variety and 25.4±2.5% for the "Rosie" variety. It was found that the leaves of O. basilicum varieties "Dolly" and "Rosie" contain such biologically active substances as anthocyanins, flavonoids, essential oil, triterpene saponins, especially expressed in the variety "Rosie" and tannins. The research results can be used in the development of a monograph on the raw materials of this species.
... L-theanine has also been reported to have antistress or antidepressant-like effects (Unnoet al, 2013;Tian et al, 2013). The carbohydrate present in tea is typically around 4 to 5% allowing the tea to be used in a low-calorie diet if taken without added sugar and milk (Trichopoulou et al., 2000). Tea also contains nutritionally important linolenic fatty acids. ...
Tea is mostly considered as a processed product from the fresh tender leaves of Camellia sinensis through different processing techniques. Based on the processing technique tea is named green tea, black tea, oolong tea, etc. The biochemical components in tea leaves consist of mainly catechin, phenolic acids, purine alkaloids, amino acids, saponins, tannins, flavonols, and their glycosides in many forms. Each type of tea has its own set of chemical compositions with a distinct flavour. All these bioactives cause significant changes in their biological activities both in vitro and in vivo and possess numerous health benefits. With the growing production of raw materials in India and with the change in trends of taste and use, price realization is going down and without the development of newer products like ready-to-drink tea, nutraceuticals from tea bioactive, etc, sustainability will be a challenge. In the present review, the chemical composition and health benefits of tea and new kinds of value-added products based on tea are also discussed briefly.
... The findings reveal that wild vegetables include significant levels of Ca, K, and Zn, which are necessary nutrients for living organisms and are needed for the synthesis of chlorophyll and cell walls, as well as the transport of oxygen and electrons (63). According to the current findings, wild foods are an excellent source of K. Zn is a necessary trace element for protein synthesis, nucleic acid synthesis, and proper body development (64), and the obtained value agrees with Trichopoulou et al. (65). The result was consistent with Imran et al. (66). ...
Dryopteris filix-mas (hereafter D. filix-mas), a wild leafy vegetable, has gained popularity among high mountain residents in the Hindukush-Himalaya region due to its exceptional nutritional profile, and their commercial cultivation also offers viable income alternatives. Nevertheless, besides phytochemicals with medicinal applications, ecological factors strongly affect their mineral contents and nutritional composition. Despite this, little has been known about how this wild fern, growing in heterogeneous ecological habitats with varying soil physiochemical properties and coexisting species, produces fronds with optimal mineral and nutritional properties. Given its nutritional and commercial significance, we investigated how geospatial, topographic, soil physiochemical characteristics and coexisting plants influence this widely consumed fern’s mineral and nutrient content. We collected soil, unripe fern fronds, and associated vegetation from 27 D. filix-mas populations in Swat, NW Pakistan, and were analyzed conjointly with cluster analysis and ordination. We found that the fronds from sandy-loam soils at middle elevation zones exhibited higher nitrogen contents (9.17%), followed by crude fibers (8.62%) and fats (8.09%). In contrast, juvenile fronds from the lower and high elevation zones had lower moisture (1.26%) and ash (1.59%) contents, along with fewer micronutrients such as calcium (0.14–0.16%), magnesium (0.18–0.21%), potassium (0.72–0.81%), and zinc (12% mg/kg). Our findings indicated the fern preference for middle elevation zones with high organic matter and acidic to neutral soil (pH ≥ 6.99) for retaining higher nutritional contents. Key environmental factors emerged from RDA analysis, including elevation (r = −0.42), aspect (r = 0.52), P-3 (r = 0.38), K+ (r = 0.41), EC (r = 0.42), available water (r = −0.42), and field capacity (r = −0.36), significantly impacting fern frond’s mineral accumulation and nutrient quality enhancement. Furthermore, coexisting plant species (r = 0.36) alongside D. filix-mas played a pivotal role in improving its mineral and nutritional quality. These findings shed light on the nutritional potential of D. filix-mas, which could help address malnutrition amidst future scarcity induced by changing climates. However, the prevalent environmental factors highlighted must be considered if the goal is to cultivate this fern on marginal lands for commercial exploitation with high mineral and nutrient yields in Hindukush-Himalaya.
... The fermentation processes were conducted for 12 days at room temperature (18)(19)(20)(21)(22) • C) in the dark to preserve the light-sensitive bioactive compounds. In both fermentations, the initial pH value was 3.61 and remained low, around 3.14-3.21, ...
The strawberry tree (Arbustus unedo) is a medicinal plant and an important source of biocompounds, potentially useful for pharmaceutical and chemical applications to prevent or treat several human diseases. The strawberry tree fruits have usually been used to produce traditional products such as jams and jellies and to obtain fermented alcoholic drinks, representing the most valuable derivative products. Other fermented products are potentially interesting for their nutritional value; however, the fermentation process needs to be controlled and standardized to obtain high-quality products/ingredients. In this work, we investigated two different fermentative procedures, using strawberry tree whole fruit and fruit paste as matrices inoculated with a selected starter strain of Saccharomyces cerevisiae LI 180-7. The physical, chemical, microbiological and nutritional properties of fermented products were evaluated, as well as their antioxidant activity. The new obtained fermented products are enriched in organic acids (acetic acid varied from 39.58 and 57.21 mg/g DW and lactic acid from 85.33 to 114.1 mg/g DW) and have better nutritional traits showing a higher amount of total polyphenols (phenolic acids, flavonoids and anthocyanins) that ranged from 1852 mg GAE/100 g DW to 2682 mg GAE/100 g DW. Also, the amount of isoprenoid increased ranging from 155.5 μg/g DW to 164.61 μg/g DW. In this regard, the most promising strategy seemed to be the fermentation of the fruit paste preparation; while the extract of fermented whole fruits showed the most powerful antioxidant activity. Finally, a preliminary attempt to produce a food prototype enriched in fermented strawberry tree fruits suggested the whole fruit fermented sample as the most promising from a preliminary sensory analysis.
... The consumption of wild food plants is highly relevant for health, as they often contain higher amounts of bioactive compounds than plants that have been under cultivation for many generations (Lionis et al. 1998;Tumino et al. 2002;Stepp 2004;Leonti et al. 2006). Trichopoulou et al. (2000) showed that eight wild-green species consumed in Crete have a very high fl avonoid content when compared with cultivated fresh vegetables, fruits and beverages commonly consumed in Europe. ...
... Most of them grown in the Mediterranean region (including almost all of South Europe, North Africa, and West Asia) are traditionally consumed [1][2][3][4]. They may have a greater amount of nutrients (such as vitamins and minerals) and bioactive compounds (such as carotenoids and phenolic compounds) than cultivated species [5]. Some wild fruits are good sources of vitamins C, E, and provitamin A; for example, the fruits of Arbutus unedo L. are remarkable for being a source of vitamin C, with levels of around 100 mg/100 g. ...
The composition analyses and health-promoting properties (antioxidant capacity, antidiabetic, and antihypertensive properties) of wild fruit extracts and the effect of the incorporation of strawberry tree (STE) and hawthorn (HTE) extracts on the physicochemical, instrumental textural, microbiological, and sensory parameters of yogurts were evaluated. The incorporation of wild fruit extracts in yogurt increased antioxidant and antidiabetic properties (inhibition of digestive α-amylase, α-glucosidase, and lipase enzymatic activities) compared to the control, without decreasing their sensory quality or acceptance by consumers. The hawthorn yogurt (YHTE) showed the highest total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant capacity (ABTS and ORAC methods). Yogurts containing wild fruit extracts and dietary fiber achieved high overall acceptance scores (6.16–7.04) and showed stable physicochemical, textural, and microbiological properties. Therefore, the use of wild fruit extracts and inulin-type fructans as ingredients in yogurt manufacture stands as a first step towards the development of non-added sugar dairy foods for sustainable health.
... Variation in flavonol content in fruits is strongly influenced by extrinsic factors such as fruit type and growth, season, climate, degree of ripeness, food preparation, and processing (Lakenbrink et al., 2000., Trichopoulou et al., 2000and Vuorinen et al., 2000. Soleas (1997) reported that composition changes of flavanols during ripening could be due to several biotic and abiotic factors. ...
Post- harvest treatment of the fruit is a major issue and there are a lot of conservative methods all around the world. In India, fruits are picked green and stored in ventilated rooms at 15°C-21°C for a week. There is no precise information on the exact stage of harvest and effect of ripening treatments on the nutritional, bioactive and antioxidant composition of mangoes. New knowledge about mango consumption is relevant to rational development in knowing the right stage for mango consumption with highest nutrient and phytochemical potential.
In view of this, a study was taken up to investigate “Effect of maturity stages and ripening process on the nutrient and bioactive composition of Mango (Mangifera indica L.) var. Banganapalli”. In this study, comparison of two stages of maturity (commercial maturity: 7-9˚brix and physiological maturity: 9-11˚brix) of the selected mango cultivar and three different ripening processes (control ripening, 100 ppm ethylene ripening and 150 ppm ethylene ripening) and their effect on the physico-chemical, nutrient and bioactive components of the pulp were studied.
... Many of these compounds have anticarcinogenic, anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties, among others [16,17], or cell growth-inhibiting substances [18] also with anti-HIV and antioxidant properties [19]. Other derivatives found in this plant are kaempferol (also reported in Scolymus maculate [20]), among others [21][22][23][24]. ...
Scolymus hispanicus L., also known as golden thistle, Spanish oyster thistle or, more commonly, as tagarnina is a plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family. It is collected from the wild for human consumption in Mediterranean countries. It is a relevant ingredient in Andalusian culinary culture, where the midribs of young plants are harvested for consumption. Scolymus hispanicus L. contains a wide variety of phenolic compounds such as caffeoylquinic acids (CQAs), among others. In the present work, the major phenolic compounds present in tagarnina have been identified, with 5-caffeoylquinic acid (5-CQA) and 3,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid (3,5-diCQA) being the main ones. A method based on ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) has been developed for the extraction of these compounds, with the percentage of methanol, sample-to-solvent ratio and the pH being the most influential factors. The developed method has been validated and employed to determine the concentration of 5-CQA and 3,5-diCQA in the midribs of Scolymus hispanicus, collected in six different places in the south of Spain. The antioxidant activity of the samples has also been determined, and a direct correlation with their caffeoylquinic compounds content has been established, showing an antioxidant effect.
... Similarly, in Centaurea cyanus (that is newly recorded as edible plant), the main compounds were found to be chlorogenic, caffeic, ferulic, and p-coumaric acids, as well as iso-quercitrin and coumarin, which presented anti-hemolytic and anti-hypertensive, but not anticancer, activity in vitro of the aqueous extracts [55,137]. On the other hand, Rumex acetosella exhibited high radical scavenging activities mainly due to the luteolin and apigenin derivatives [138,139]. ...
The global climate and societal challenges in the recent years urge us to strengthen food security; thus, the rediscovery of wild foods and foraging practices is also part of the sustainability agenda. Utilization of underappreciated sources such as ruderal plants could be a valuable option, especially for vulnerable parts of the society. We present data on traditional knowledge on spring edible ruderal plant taxa preserved in rural regions of Bulgaria, combining field studies in the period 2017–2022 that were compared to the available recent and historical ethnographic and (ethno)botanical literature. Semi-structured interviews were performed with representatives of 94 households in North and South Bulgaria, focusing on collection practices, used parts, and preparation methods. We list 65 edible ruderals, belonging to 22 plant families, of which 19 appeared only in the literature sources. Unlike in the Mediterranean tradition, edible ruderal plants in Bulgaria were regarded unfavorably, as poverty food. Amaranthaceae and Asteraceae were the most represented families, with 10 taxa each. About half of the taxa were collected for their leaves or whole young herbage that is used as pastry fillings, in stewed, and in cooked dishes. Taxa used in raw salads were mostly from the literature sources. The most diverse utilization was recorded in the southern-most regions of Bulgaria, where immediate tasting of the gathered plants was reported by the participants as the way to collect food plants. The bitter ones or those with an unappealing smell were considered non-edible and were avoided. References about biologically active compounds and potential benefits were collected, classified, and discussed in regard to their potential benefits for human health.
... The previous investigation also showed Papaver leave extracts as a stronger radical scavenging agent [36], [37]. Previous phytochemical screening of Papaver leaves concluded avonols, like quercetin, kaempferol, myricetin, and isorhamnetin, as effective antioxidants [38]. Furthermore, scientists have correlated increased total phenolic content in Papaver rhoeas L. leave extracts with its high antioxidant activity [36]. ...
The Papaver L. plant have been well known as a source of pharmaceutically valuable alkaloids (noscapine, thebaine, codeine, roemerine, papaverine and morphine). The current study investigates the phytochemical, in-vitro antioxidant, and anticancer activities of papaver decaisnei , an endemic plant species to the flora of Kurdistan-Iraq. The chemical analysis of the methanolic (MeOH) extracts of flowers, leaves, and roots of papaver decaisnei were made by using gas chromatography-mass spectrophotometry (GC-MS), and the antioxidant activity evaluation done by radical scavenging [on 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2j-azino-bis (3- ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS)], and reducing power [cupric reducing antioxidant capacity (CUPRAC), and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP)] assays. The anticancer actions were presented as IC 50 (inhibitory concentration at 50%) on human colorectal adenocarcinoma (Caco-2), mammary cancer cells (MCF-7), and human cervical carcinoma (HeLa) cells. The results of the phytochemical analysis showed 17, 19, and 22 chemical compounds for flowers, leaves, and roots of P . decaisnei, respectively. The prevalent organic compounds of P . decaisnei were alkaloids, phenolics, fatty acids, esters, and phytosterols, namely Roemerine ( 70.44 %) , Decarbomethoxytabersonine , 9,12,15-Octadecatrien-1-ol , Hexadecanoic acid , 6,8-Dioxa-3-thiabicyclo(3,2,1)octane 3,3-dioxide , and γ -Sitosterol . The antioxidant activity of plant organ extracts was within 39.1-143.5 μg/ml for DPPH and 123.12-276.4 μg/ml for ABTS assays, while, the FRAP and CUPRAC values ranged within 12.4- 34.3 and 42.6-75.8 μg/ml, respectively. The anticancer action of P.decaisnei organ extracts was found against all tested human cell lines (Caco-2, MCF-7, HeLa) with inhibitory concentrations (IC 50 ) values between 125.3-388.4 μg/ml. The presented data on alkaloid contents and biological activity of P . decaisnei can serve a ground knowledge for the future biomedical synthesis and cancer research projects.
... The consumption of wild food plants is highly relevant for health, as they often contain higher amounts of bioactive compounds than plants that have been under cultivation for many generations (Lionis et al. 1998;Tumino et al. 2002;Stepp 2004;Leonti et al. 2006). Trichopoulou et al. (2000) showed that eight wild-green species consumed in Crete have a very high fl avonoid content when compared with cultivated fresh vegetables, fruits and beverages commonly consumed in Europe. ...
... The traces include minerals, vitamins, and sugars which are necessary for the living of plants, animals, and human. These elements, compounds, and minerals flow from one organism to another through the biogeochemical cycle of recycling (Trichopoulou et al., 2000). ...
Microbial life is truly an important system for other living organism on the Earth. The tiny organisms are of great interest in research and academia for their better use to human life and to treat some diseases which came into due to their existence. From the past few decades, recent development in advanced microbiological resources and meta-genomics technology has completely changed the field of microbial biotechnology. The microbial community is responsible for systematic recycling of energy and nutrients which are widely involved in the sustainability of the Earth. Microorganisms directly participate in the dynamics of climate by affecting the stability, mineralization, and recycling of organic matter. In this diverse world of microbes, several features need to be investigated extensively and somehow are under investigation for betterment of animals and plants. Various unmasked aspects of microbial diversity can be beneficial, including morphological, structural, metabolic, ecological, evolutionary diversity, functional characterization, and their role in structuring the society. In this regard, several successful research works have been completed which provide basis to microbial world’s benefits in human life, disease control, and food sustainability and availability. In contrast to following research of interest, microbes had great deal with trace elements and gases that lead their role in developing sustainable atmosphere. The dark side of microbiological system is that they can be more fatal to any kind of life on the Earth. The agricultural extension, sustainable food, and environment could play vital role in development of economy of any nation. Better understanding of nutrients and microbe interaction required for agricultural plant can generate sustainable food. Least but not last, the health and disease control sectors are flourishing in the world due to in-depth research in understanding the microbe genetic and genomic features. Those featureful fact has been used to halt the virulent action of microbial organism which resulting in saving animal and plant’s life which means secure and sustained future of generations but still microbiological system needs more and advanced research to overcome recent and upcoming challenges for human generation due to diversity in virulence of microbes. In this chapter, microbiological systems and their impact on animal and plants, changes in atmosphere, and sustainable development have been discussed in detail. However, there are a number of hidden microbes which are harmful for life, but researchers have been extensively working on to crack them. This chapter could provide positive way to perspective and ongoing research for sustainable development from microbial community.
... The present results showed that wild vegetables were a good source of K. Zn is an essential trace element for protein synthesis of nucleic acids and normal body development (Igile et al., 2013). The obtained value is in line with the finding of Trichopoulou et al., (2000). Co is considered as essential to both plants and animals but there are no established criteria for cobalt in wild vegetables (Akunglu et al., 2016). ...
... A similar study showed significant antioxidant activity of Papaver rhoeas L. leave extracts and linked this action with its increased phenolic contents [47,48]. Furthermore, the another study by Trichopoulou et al. revealed significant antioxidant action of Papaver leaves and linked this action with their efficient flavonoid contents, namely, quercetin, isorhamnetin, kaempferol, and myricetin [49]. e present investigation of P. decaisnei root extract revealed a significant amount of roemerine, a known aporphine alkaloid, which is regarded as an efficient antioxidant and anticancer agent [50]. ...
e Papaver L. plant (Papaver decaisnei) has ethnobotanical records in many countries including Iraqi Kurdistan. e current study investigates the methanol (99.9%) extracts (10 μg/mL) of roots, leaves, and flowers of Papaver decaisnei in terms of phytochemistry by gas chromatography-mass spectrophotometry GC-MS, in vitro antioxidant activity by radical scavenging and reducing power assays, and finally, the anticancer actions as IC 50 (inhibitory concentration at 50%) against human colorectal adenocarcinoma (Caco-2), mammary cancer cells (MCF-7), and human cervical carcinoma (HeLa) cells. e results showed 22, 19, and 17 chemicals for roots, leaves, and flowers of P. decaisnei, respectively. e prevalent organic compounds of P. decaisnei were alkaloids (62.03%), phenolics (55.43%), fatty acids (42.51%), esters (32.08%), terpenoids (25.59%), and phytosterols (15.68%), namely, roemerine (70.44%), 9,12,15-octadecatrien-1-ol (37.45%), hexadecanoic acid (33.72%), decarbomethoxytabersonine (24.49%), and c-sitosterol (11.22%). e antioxidant activity of plant organs was within 39.1-143.5 μg/mL for DPPH, 135.4-276.4 μg/mL for ABTS, 12.4-34.3 μg/mL for FRAP, and 42.6-75.8 μg/mL for CUPRAC assays. e anticancer of P. decaisnei was found as 125.3-388.4 μg/mL against all tested cell lines (Caco-2, MCF-7, and HeLa). e detected alkaloids and bioactivity of P. decaisnei encourage future isolation of those remarkable alkaloids (reomerine) for potential usage in the pharmaceutical industry.
... A similar study showed significant antioxidant activity of Papaver rhoeas L. leave extracts and linked this action with its increased phenolic contents [47,48]. Furthermore, the another study by Trichopoulou et al. revealed significant antioxidant action of Papaver leaves and linked this action with their efficient flavonoid contents, namely, quercetin, isorhamnetin, kaempferol, and myricetin [49]. e present investigation of P. decaisnei root extract revealed a significant amount of roemerine, a known aporphine alkaloid, which is regarded as an efficient antioxidant and anticancer agent [50]. ...
e Papaver L. plant (Papaver decaisnei) has ethnobotanical records in many countries including Iraqi Kurdistan. e current study investigates the methanol (99.9%) extracts (10 μg/mL) of roots, leaves, and flowers of Papaver decaisnei in terms of phytochemistry by gas chromatography-mass spectrophotometry GC-MS, in vitro antioxidant activity by radical scavenging and reducing power assays, and finally, the anticancer actions as IC 50 (inhibitory concentration at 50%) against human colorectal adenocarcinoma (Caco-2), mammary cancer cells (MCF-7), and human cervical carcinoma (HeLa) cells. e results showed 22, 19, and 17 chemicals for roots, leaves, and flowers of P. decaisnei, respectively. e prevalent organic compounds of P. decaisnei were alkaloids (62.03%), phenolics (55.43%), fatty acids (42.51%), esters (32.08%), terpenoids (25.59%), and phytosterols (15.68%), namely, roemerine (70.44%), 9,12,15-octadecatrien-1-ol (37.45%), hexadecanoic acid (33.72%), decarbomethoxytabersonine (24.49%), and c-sitosterol (11.22%). e antioxidant activity of plant organs was within 39.1-143.5 μg/mL for DPPH, 135.4-276.4 μg/mL for ABTS, 12.4-34.3 μg/mL for FRAP, and 42.6-75.8 μg/mL for CUPRAC assays. e anticancer of P. decaisnei was found as 125.3-388.4 μg/mL against all tested cell lines (Caco-2, MCF-7, and HeLa). e detected alkaloids and bioactivity of P. decaisnei encourage future isolation of those remarkable alkaloids (reomerine) for potential usage in the pharmaceutical industry.
... This is because quercetin derivatives are very common in fruits and vegetables: onions, cauliflowers, broccoli, apples, tomatoes, grapes-all of them contain significant amounts that, taken together, contribute to regular intake for individuals with a healthy diet. On top of those, berries [10], citrus fruits [11], spices [12] and beverages such as black or green tea also play an important role in dietary intake. Capers (Capparis spinosa L.) are, perhaps, the foodstuff with the highest quercetin content reported so far (234 mg/100 g, [13]. ...
Flavonols are a subclass of natural flavonoids characterized by a remarkable number of biotechnological applications and health-promoting properties. They attract researchers’ attention due to many epidemiological studies supporting their usage. They are phytochemicals commonly present in our diet, being ubiquitous in the plant kingdom and, in particular, relatively very abundant in fruits and vegetables. All these aspects make flavonols candidates of choice for the valorization of products, based on the presence of a remarkable number of different chemical structures, each one characterized by specific chemical features capable of influencing biological targets inside the living organisms in very different manners. In this review, we analyzed the biochemical and physiological characteristics of flavonols focalizing our attention on the most promising compounds to shed some light on their increasing utilization in biotechnological applications in processing industries, as well as their suitable employment to improve the overall wellness of the humankind.
... The previous investigation also showed Papaver leave extracts as a stronger radical scavenging agent [36], [37]. Previous phytochemical screening of Papaver leaves concluded avonols, like quercetin, kaempferol, myricetin, and isorhamnetin, as effective antioxidants [38]. Furthermore, scientists have correlated increased total phenolic content in Papaver rhoeas L. leave extracts with its high antioxidant activity [36]. ...
The Papaver L. plant have been well known as a source of pharmaceutically valuable alkaloids (noscapine, thebaine, codeine, roemerine, papaverine and morphine). The current study investigates the phytochemical, in-vitro antioxidant, and anticancer activities of papaver decaisnei, an endemic plant species to the flora of Kurdistan-Iraq. The chemical analysis of the methanolic (MeOH) extracts of flowers, leaves, and roots of papaver decaisnei were made by using gas chromatography-mass spectrophotometry (GC-MS), and the antioxidant activity evaluation done by radical scavenging [on 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2jazino-bis (3- ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS)], and reducing power [cupric reducing antioxidant capacity (CUPRAC), and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP)] assays. The anticancer actions were presented as IC50 (inhibitory concentration at 50%) on human colorectal adenocarcinoma (Caco-2), mammary cancer cells (MCF-7), and human cervical carcinoma (HeLa) cells. The results of the phytochemical analysis showed 17, 19, and 22 chemical compounds for flowers, leaves, and roots of P. decaisnei, respectively. The prevalent organic compounds of P. decaisnei were alkaloids, phenolics, fatty acids, esters, and phytosterols, namely Roemerine (70.44%), Decarbomethoxytabersonine, 9,12,15- Octadecatrien-1-ol, Hexadecanoic acid, 6,8-Dioxa-3-thiabicyclo(3,2,1)octane 3,3-dioxide, and γ-Sitosterol. The antioxidant activity of plant organ extracts was within 39.1-143.5 μg/ml for DPPH and 123.12-276.4 μg/ml for ABTS assays, while, the FRAP and CUPRAC values ranged within 12.4- 34.3 and 42.6-75.8 μg/ml, respectively. The anticancer action of P.decaisnei organ extracts was found against all tested human cell lines (Caco-2, MCF-7, HeLa) with inhibitory concentrations (IC50 ) values between 125.3-388.4 μg/ml. The presented data on alkaloid contents and biological activity of P. decaisnei can serve a ground knowledge for the future biomedical synthesis and cancer research projects.
... Plant extracts also exhibit therapeutic potential against Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases due to the presence of arbutin an inhibitor that blocks disease progression [4]. Moreover, the consumption of such wild fruit can enhance nutritional uptake as well as natural antioxidant levels [6]. ...
The strawberry tree (Arbutus unedo L.), grown throughout the Mediterranean, produces edible fruit; as it is easily bruised, the sweet, reddish fruit is used mostly to prepare jams, marmalades and alcoholic beverages. As the genus is paraphyletic, phytochemical analysis can assist in defining the fruit composition with the species Arbutus unedo L. (A. unedo). Here we report on the carbohydrate, total sugar, protein, fat, fiber, ash, and mineral content of wild fruit, harvested from 45 specimens from five locations. The dominant nutrients were carbohydrates (78.2–84.8 g/100 g), total sugars (52.1–67.2 g/100 g) and dietary fiber (11.0–20.1 g/100 g). Other important nutrients supplied by A. unedo fruit include P, K, and Fe. The fruit was observed to contain health-promoting components providing 42 and 36%, of recommended daily allowance (RDA) for fiber and zinc, respectively, as well as iron and manganese, at levels exceeding minimum RDA. The free-sugar profile revealed high glucose followed by fructose content with minor amounts of sucrose (14, 11, and 6 g/100 g, respectively). Significant differences both between regions and within individuals were observed for several traits. The richness of fruit nutrients in A. unedo confers nutritional value and as such, a promising alternative fruit source.
... The analysis of several traditional Greek foods indicated that they may contribute to the apparent health benefits of the Greek version of the Mediterranean diet [20][21][22]. The traditional Greek diet favors plant foods with antioxidant potential, which are considered to provide protection from coronary heart disease and cancer, providing a high antioxidant content to the Greek Mediterranean diet [23][24][25]. ...
We are entering a new, unprecedented global economic and social era following the COVID-19 pandemic, in which there will be opportunities and threats for the goods and services provided. Traditional foods (TFs) could have their chances in the new food chain which will be developed, as long as they become the food of choice for the consumers of the future. This paper investigates consumers’ trust in Greek TFs, and northwest Greek TFs, in order to assess their potential consumption in the new economy. Trust was tested using the variables of safety, healthiness, sustainability, authenticity and taste, assessing consumers’ confidence and satisfaction with the TFs, their raw materials, and the technologies used for their production. A self-response questionnaire survey was carried out in May and June 2021 on a sample of 548 participants through the Google platform. In order to analyze the data, basic descriptive statistical tools were used, combined with crosstabs and chi-square tests. The results show that the participants trust the Greek TFs because they “strongly agree” by an average of 20%, and “agree” by an average of 50% that they are safe, healthy, sustainable, authentic and tasty. A similar pattern was recorded for the regional northwest Greek TFs as well. These results indicate that TFs could be the food of choice because they bear consumers’ trust in the coming “new normality”, where trust will be a major factor of choice for the purchase of goods and services.
... Prunus amygdalus), Guava (Psidium guajava L.), old fustic (Chlorophora tinctoria or Maclura tinctoria), osage orange (Maclura pomifera), onion (Allium cepa), apple (Malus pumila) and tea (Camellia sinensis) are some of the sources available rich in morin [39]. According to current studies, apples are the fruit with the highest flavonoid content (or lot of morin) particularly in the skin of the apple [40]. ...
Aims
The study examined that morin as possible antioxidant and neuroprotective due to oxidative stress (H2O2) in zebrafish larval model.
Materials and methods
Zebrafish larvae were induced with oxidative stress using H2O2 at 1 mM); their behavioural changes were assessed through partition preference and horizontal compartment test. Moreover, the head section without eyes and yolk sac of zebrafish larvae were employed due to morin for enzyme assays such as SOD, CAT, Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances assay, reduced glutathione, glutathione peroxidase activity, glutathione S transferase, Acetylcholinesterase activity and nitrate levels. Also, intracellular ROS and apoptosis in larval head was detected by DCFDA and acridine orange staining followed by gene expression studies.
Key findings
Morin exposure was not harmful to the larvae at concentration between 20 and 60 μM, but it caused non-lethal deformity between 80 and 100 μM. In the partition test, zebrafish embryos treated with H2O2 showed cognitive impairment, whereas the morin-treated groups showed an improved behavioural activity. The study also found that restoring antioxidant enzymes and reduced lipid peroxidation which had a neuroprotective impact. Inhibition of NO overproduction and increased AChE activity were also shown to reduce the neuronal damage. Apoptosis and intracellular ROS levels were reduced in larvae when it was co-incubated with morin. Morin treatment up regulated the antioxidant enzymes against oxidative stress.
Significance
Morin provides protection against H2O2 induced oxidative stress through a cellular antioxidant defence mechanism by up-regulating gene expression, thus increasing the antioxidant activity at cellular or organismal stage.
... Currently, underutilized edible halophytes are slowly becoming a viable alternative to popular crops in regions experiencing the adverse effect of drought and salinity [23]. Moreover, edible halophytes have been reported to be rich in nutrients and bioactive compounds [24], which are considered as important mediators of various health effects [25]. The medicinal value of edible halophytes has been documented and proven for prophylaxis against various chronic diseases that afflict modern societies [26]. ...
Climate change, expanding soil salinization, and the developing shortages of freshwater have negatively affected crop production around the world. Seawater and salinized lands represent potentially cultivable areas for edible salt-tolerant plants. In the present study, the effect of salinity stress on plant growth, mineral composition (macro-and micro-nutrients), and antioxidant activity in dune spinach (Tetragonia decumbens) were evaluated. The treatments consisted of three salt concentrations, 50, 100, and 200 mM, produced by adding NaCl to the nutrient solution. The control treatment had no NaCl but was sustained and irrigated by the nutrient solution. Results revealed a significant increase in total yield, branch production, and ferric reducing antioxidant power in plants irrigated with nutrient solution incorporated with 50 mM NaCl. Conversely, an increased level of salinity (200 mM) caused a decrease in chlorophyll content (SPAD), while the phenolic content, as well as nitrogen, phosphorus, and sodium, increased. The results of this study indicate that there is potential for brackish water cultivation of dune spinach for consumption, especially in provinces experiencing the adverse effect of drought and salinity, where seawater or underground saline water could be diluted and used as irrigation water in the production of this vegetable.
... erFiles/Place/80400525/Data/Flav/Flav_R03-1.pdf), with capers being the foodstuff containing the most with an amount of ~234 mg/100 g (Giuffrida, Salvo, Ziino, Toscano, & Dugo, 2002). Quercetin is found also in berries (e.g., elderberry, chokeberry, blackberry, juniper berry, to name a few (Häkkinen, Kärenlampi, Heinonen, Mykkänen, & Törrönen, 1999) in the 100-150 mg/100 g range, and in the leaves of officinal plants (Table 2) such as hawthorn, lovage and dock, as well as herbs such as dill, oregano, hartwort and coriander Trichopoulou et al., 2000). Quercetin is often found as one of its glycosylated derivatives, rutin (3-O-rutynosyl quercetin), that is typical of many Citrus fruits and juices (Gattuso, Barreca, Gargiulli, Caristi, & Leuzzi, 2007) and in buckwheat (Kreft, Fabjan, & Yasumoto, 2006). ...
Background
Flavonols are one of the most promising class of bioactive compounds belonging to the broad family of the flavonoids, characterized by a unique set of features in their basic chemical skeleton and several specific substitutions in selected position of the rings A, B and C. This interesting class of phytochemicals includes compounds such as quercetin, kaempferol, myricetin, rhamnetin, morin, fisetin, galagin, azaleatin and their respective glycosyl derivatives. They have been identified in several foods and provide them great health benefits.
Scope and approach
This review updates and integrates, in a critical fashion, the current knowledge on flavonols as food sources, chemical features, structure-activity relationships, bioavailability and health benefits (from preclinical and clinical studies), focusing on both in vitro and in vivo reports.
Key findings and conclusions
Dietary flavonols are bioavailable molecules in human with impressive health benefits (such as antioxidation, cardioprotection, antibacterial, antiviral and anticancer activity) and the process of metabolization also produces compounds with remarkable bioactivities just like the corresponding precursors. Their inclusion into human diet is highly recommended for their unquestionable health promoting properties, being excellent nutraceuticals as well as ingredients for good functional food.
... All these investigations clearly indicate that wild leafy vegetables or wild culinary herbs still represent a relevant part of the local or territorial Mediterranean diet in rural areas. Furthermore, their nutritional constituents have been studied in numerous publications showing relevant human health benefits (Guil Guerrero & al. 1998;Trichopoulou & al. 2000;Couladis & al. 2003;Tarwadi & Agte 2003;Zeghichi & al. 2003). However, deep changes in feeding habits of people living in the Mediterranean rural areas have occurred and many local or traditional dietary models have already been forgotten, especially in situations where environmental and cultural transformations have led to changes in local diets (Tumino & al. 2002), and thus local people have lost their plant knowledge over time. ...
Wild edible plant species found in Ağrı are nutritionally and economically relevant. Plants are collected by the villagers and brought to the market for sale in the spring. Interest in these plants responds to the increasing demand for organic and natural food. In this study, 350 in-depth face-to-face interviews with villagers about the edible plants used in Ağrı (7 districts, 35 villages) were conducted in the region from April 2016 to October 2017. The species, parts used and their consumption and preservation techniques were analyzed and documented. Some of the wild edible plant species are consumed cured or canned, raw or cooked, dried, and some are frozen. The collected 100 wild edible species belong to 25 different plant families. Species are consumed as vegetables (91), spices (19), beverages (16), subterranean parts (5), fruits (3), seeds (3) and exudates (2). The most important species according to their cultural importance were: Amaranthus retroflexus, Beta trigyna, Gundelia tournefortii, Mentha longifolia, Polygonum persicaria, Rumex scutatus, Tragopogon porrifolius subsp. longirostris, and Urtica dioica. Leaves and young shoots were the most frequently used parts. Our study shows that wild edible plants are still well known and used by the local people of Ağrı as a food source. The documented data on these plants herein could be used as baseline information for further investigations on nutritional contents, as they could have the potential to become valuable nutrition sources.
... The Mediterranean basin is abounding with numerous wild edible species, which have been widely used for food purposes throughout the centuries as part of the traditional Mediterranean diet [1][2][3][4][5]. The increasing number of scientific reports about the beneficial health effects that stem from the regular consumption of such species [6][7][8] has encouraged many research efforts regarding ...
The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of nitrogen fertigation (0, 200, 400, and 600 ppm of total nitrogen) and harvesting time (9 March 2018 and 19 April 2018) on the plant growth, chemical composition, and bioactive properties of Centaurea raphanina subsp. mixta plants. The highest yield of fresh leaves was observed for the treatment of 200 ppm of N without compromising nutritional value. The increasing nitrogen levels resulted in an increase of α-and total tocopherols and sugars content, especially in the second harvest for tocopherols and in the first harvest for sugars. Similarly, total organic acids and oxalic acid content increased with increasing nitrogen levels in both harvests, while fatty acids composition had a varied response to the tested factors. Pinocembrin neohesperidoside and pinocembrin acetyl neohesperidoside isomer II were the most abundant phenolic compounds with the highest content being observed in the control treatment of the first and second harvest, respectively. The highest antioxidant activity was observed for the control and the 600 ppm treatments of the second harvest for the OxHLIA and TBARS assays, respectively, probably due to the high content of pinocembrin acetyl neohesperidoside isomer II and α-tocopherol, respectively. Finally, cytotoxic effects and antimicrobial properties showed a varied response depending on the treatment. In conclusion, C. raphanina subsp. mixta has low requirements of nitrogen to achieve the highest yield, while a varied response to the tested fertigation treatments and harvesting time was observed in terms of the chemical composition and the bioactive properties.
... The large number of endemic species and landscape diversification (cultivated areas, grassland or forest and land use changes over time) that contribute to the biodiversity of the territories bordering the Mediterranean make this area a hot spot of global diversity (53) . In this sense, agricultural biodiversity provides food variety of plant and animal food products from wild and domesticated sources (54) that foster the nutritional guidelines (55) . ...
Selected Conference Proceedings of the VIIIth Barcelona International Congress on the Mediterranean Diet, Barcelona, Spain, 24–25th March 2010)
Although the nutritional and health benefits of Rumex species are well known, little is known about the chemical composition and pharmacological activities of Rumex balcanicus Rech. fil. (Polygonaceae), an endemic plant of the Balkan Peninsula. To the best of our knowledge, this paper represents the first attempt to comparatively analyse phenolic composition, as well as in vitro pharmacological activites of dry hydromethanol extracts of R. balcanicus fruit (RBF), leaf (RBL) and root (RBR), collected in Serbia. The maximum total phenolic content was found in RBF (386.6 mg GAE/g). The RBF was characterized by high amounts of miquelianin (28.8 mg/g) and procyanidin B 1 (28.1 mg/g). The RBL was the richest in quercitrin (18.4 mg/g) and miquelianin (15.0 mg/g), while nepodin (54.1 mg/g) and procyanidin B 2 (40.6 mg/g) were the major compounds in RBR. The RBF exhibited significant antioxidant activity, evaluated by DPPH ( IC 50 =4.9 μg/mL), ABTS ( IC 50 =0.8 μg/mL) and FRAP (5.9 mmol Fe ²⁺ /g) assays. Moreover, RBF showed strong α‐glucosidase inhibitory activity ( IC 50 =1.8 μg/mL), in addition to notable anti‐α‐amylase, anti‐acetylcholinesterase and anti‐tyrosinase activities. Molecular docking analysis predicted miquelianin and procyanidin B 2 as the greatest inhibitors of these enzymes. Overall, R. balcanicus fruits stood out as the most promising plant material worth further research.
Cissus rotundifolia, Cyphostemma digitatum, and Cissus quadrangularis which belong to Vitaceae family are used as local traditional vegetables by local communities in Saudi Arabia and different regions in Asia for nutritional and therapeutic purposes. They were analyzed in this study in order to provide scientific evidence for their usage as nutritional and medicinal herbs. The protein, fat, fibre, cyanogenic glycoside, phytic acid, flavonoid, and tannin contents of the three species differed significantly (P < 0.05). Results from the nutritional analysis revealed the richness of C. rotundifolia leaves in crude protein (14.54%), carbohydrates (52.32%), fats (6.99%), and energy value (330.35 Kcal/100 g). C. rotundifolia and C. digitatum leaves showed comparable amounts of both vitamins C and A. The highest crude fiber was found in C. quadrangularis (23.82%), which also exhibited a good carbohydrate content (57.20%). Calcium was the most abundant mineral in the studied whole leaf extracts, followed by potassium. C. quadrangularis contained the highest concentrations of sodium (236 mg/100 g), iron (29 mg/100 g) and the lowest level of magnesium (96 mg/100 g). The concentrations of heavy metals in all samples were below the permissible level in food. In terms of anti-nutritional factors, all extracts had comparatively low levels of cyanogenic glycoside, phytate, alkaloid, and saponin contents. The leaves of C. quadrangularis contained significantly high levels of phenol, flavonoid, tannin, and proanthocyanidin content. C. rotundifolia leaves had a high level of DPPH radical quenching power (IC50 = 52.27 µg/mL) that was comparable to that of the standard (IC50 = 51.47 µg/mL). Inhibitory activities against alpha-amylase significantly varied among the extracts analyzed. The leaves of C. quadrangularis strongly inhibited alpha-amylase, and their impact was close to the effect of acarbose as a standard anti-diabetic agent. The findings revealed that the studied leafy wild plants can be used as a good source of various nutrients and beneficial biochemicals.
The proper structural flavonoids and essential sterols are preparation issues, and it requires a proper analytical method for proper measurements. The current article provides an advanced analysis of the bioactive compounds of Citrus paradisi cv. shamber (grapefruit) using advanced technologies. The fruit was subjected to analysis for major compounds like flavonoids and phytosterols under seasonal variation using liquid chromatography, quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC-Q-TOF–MS), and ultra-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) techniques, where binding assays coupled with fingerprinting methods were applied for the first time. The flavonoids were detected by HPLC due to their higher precipitations and compared with other detection methods to validate the machine’s efficiency. The efficacy was measured in all flavonoids in UHPLC. The highest value of flavonoids narirutin (92 mg/100 g FW), poncirin (11.2 mg/100 g FW), neohesperidin6 (15.6 mg/100 g FW), poncirin (11.2 mg/100 g FW), taxifolin and gallic acid (1.5 and 2.7 mg/100 g FW) were shown on December 1st, while the lowest range of flavonoids narirutin (43 mg/100 g FW The extract preparation issues were resolved in LC-Q-TOF–MS. Analysis of the bioactive compounds through LC-Q-TOF–MS, UPLC, and LC–MS was reported for nine flavonoids and six phytosterols were validated through fingerprinting analysis. The fingerprinting analysis reflects the quality of each sample, exhibiting the confirmation of all flavonoids and phytosterols. Results showed that juice is an excellent source of antioxidants, which were higher in December harvest fruits (mature fruits). It was established that the separation of bioactive compounds through advanced technology was safe where maximum contents of the compounds were reported and the proper maturity period played a significant role in the higher contents of the flavonoids and phytosterols. The new granulometric studies for particle size determination revealed the particle size of the sample as 0.75 µm in juice, followed by validation through intraday and interday analysis. All analyzed compounds showed a range of RSD of 2%, which exhibited the reliability of a process where all recoveries of total compounds were 97–100%. It was concluded that the LC-Q-TOF–MS and UF-HPLC techniques were efficient methods that could be extended to identify and screen other bioactive ingredients in other natural resources.
The genus Tordylium L. (Apiaceae) is distributed in almost all the countries bordering the Mediterranean. They are plants widely used in ethnomedicine in various countries, especially in the Eastern part of Mediterranean, and, furthermore largely used as food. Consequently, in order to evaluate not only the chemical aspects but also the biological properties, the essential oil (EO), obtained from the Sicilian accession of Tordilym apulum L., not previously studied, were investigated. The chemical composition of the essential oil, obtained by classical hydrodistillation and GC-MS analysis, showed the occurrence of large amount of monoterpene hydrocarbons (68.8%) containing huge quantity of β-cis-ocimene (65.0%). The second most abundant metabolite was octyl hexanoate (14.4%), that can be considered a marker of genus Tordylium. ROS levels and the activity of antioxidant enzymes SOD and CAT on normal and OZ-stressed PMNs were measured in order to study the effects of EO of T. apulum.
Scolymus hispanicus L. is a wild edible species with wide distribution in the Mediterranean area. Recent research has focused on the domestication of wild edible greens, which is essential for the preservation of agroecosystems and the increase in biodiversity, especially under the adversely changing climate conditions. In the present work, the aim was to evaluate the response of S. hispan-icus plants to different fertilization regimes that varied in the amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium in regard to plant growth and chemical composition of leaves. For this purpose, plants were grown in pots within an unheated greenhouse. Seven experimental treatments were used, including six fertigation regimes (SH1-SH6) and the control treatment (SHC), where no fertilizers were added. Fresh yield was beneficially affected by the treatments that included a high content of P and K (e.g., SH3 and SH5), while lesser amounts of these macronutrients (e.g., SH1 and SH4) resulted in higher chlorophyll content (SPAD index) and leaf area. In terms of mineral profile, high amounts of P and K improved dietary fiber and carbohydrates content, whereas the untreated plants had the highest content of ash, fat and crude protein. Oxalic and quinic acid were the major organic acids detected, with fertigation regimes significantly reducing their content compared to the control treatment. α-tocopherol was the only isoform of vitamin E detected in all the samples, while glucose and fructose were the most abundant sugars, with their highest content detected in control and SH4 treatments, respectively. Scolymus hispanicus leaves were rich in macro and micro minerals, while their contents varied depending on the fertigation regime. Finally, α-linolenic, pal-mitic, and linoleic acid were the major fatty acids detected, while their contents were beneficially affected by low nutrient inputs (e.g., untreated plants and SH1 and SH2 treatments). In conclusion, the regulation of nutrient solution seems to be an effective practice to increase fresh yield in S. his-panicus without compromising the nutritional profile of the edible product, while low inputs of macronutrients such as P and K may improve the chemical composition of the species, especially in terms of n-fatty acids.
The Papaver L. plant have been well known as a source of pharmaceutically valuable alkaloids (noscapine, thebaine, codeine, roemerine, papaverine and morphine). The current study investigates the phytochemical, in-vitro antioxidant, and anticancer activities of papaver decaisnei , an endemic plant species to the flora of Kurdistan-Iraq. The chemical analysis of the methanolic (MeOH) extracts of flowers, leaves, and roots of papaver decaisnei were made by using gas chromatography-mass spectrophotometry (GC-MS), and the antioxidant activity evaluation done by radical scavenging [on 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2j-azino-bis (3- ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS)], and reducing power [cupric reducing antioxidant capacity (CUPRAC), and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP)] assays. The anticancer actions were presented as IC 50 (inhibitory concentration at 50%) on human colorectal adenocarcinoma (Caco-2), mammary cancer cells (MCF-7), and human cervical carcinoma (HeLa) cells. The results of the phytochemical analysis showed 17, 19, and 22 chemical compounds for flowers, leaves, and roots of P . decaisnei, respectively. The prevalent organic compounds of P . decaisnei were alkaloids, phenolics, fatty acids, esters, and phytosterols, namely Roemerine ( 70.44 %) , Decarbomethoxytabersonine , 9,12,15-Octadecatrien-1-ol , Hexadecanoic acid , 6,8-Dioxa-3-thiabicyclo(3,2,1)octane 3,3-dioxide , and γ -Sitosterol . The antioxidant activity of plant organ extracts was within 39.1-143.5 μg/ml for DPPH and 123.12-276.4 μg/ml for ABTS assays, while, the FRAP and CUPRAC values ranged within 12.4- 34.3 and 42.6-75.8 μg/ml, respectively. The anticancer action of P.decaisnei organ extracts was found against all tested human cell lines (Caco-2, MCF-7, HeLa) with inhibitory concentrations (IC 50 ) values between 125.3-388.4 μg/ml. The presented data on alkaloid contents and biological activity of P . decaisnei can serve a ground knowledge for the future biomedical synthesis and cancer research projects.
SARS-Cov-2 tüm dünyayı etkisi altına alan ve inhibisyonuna yönelik henüz kesin bir tedavi yöntemi geliştirilememiş bir virüstür. Mevcut tedavi protokolleri yeterli çözüm ortaya koyamamıştır. Virüs inhibisyonuna yönelik yapılan moleküler docking çalışmalarında doğal ürünler arasında Luteolin molekülü öne çıkmaktadır. Luteolin molekülü, Origanum vulgare, Apium graveolens, Thymus vulgaris başta olmak üzere birçok bitkide doğal olarak bulunan bir moleküldür. Luteolin, İran, Brezilya ve geleneksel Çin Tıbbında enflamasyon ile birlikte devam eden hastalıkların tedavisinde uzun süredir kullanılagelmiştir. Antioksidan, antimikrobial, antienflamatuar, kemopreventif, kemoterapötik, kardioprotektif, antidiabetik, nöroprotektif ve antialerjik özelliklere sahip, termostabil bir moleküldür. Luteolin molekülü SARS-Cov-2’nin hücre içine girerken kullandığı furin bağlanma bölgesine bağlanarak, virüsün hücre içine girmesini engelleyebilir. Mevcut kullanım alanları, etki mekanizmaları, SARS-CoV-2 patofizyolojisi ve moleküler docking çalışmaları birlikte değerlendirildiğinde, Covid-19 ile mücadelede Luteolin molekülü umut verici bir terapötik ajan olarak öne çıkmaktadır.
The Greek gastronomy can be characterized as a journey through history since there are solid findings related to the eating habits of people from the Neolithic era until nowadays. Due to its climate and landscape, Greece exhibits high biodiversity and a plethora of indigenous species can be identified. Interestingly, many dietary habits and processing techniques that are thousands of years old are still present today. The well-known Mediterranean diet, followed to a great extent in Greece, has gained interest on a global level due to its link to numerous health benefits. It is characterized by high consumption of unrefined grains, vegetables, fruits, legumes, and olive oil, a moderate consumption of dairy products, fish, and wine, and a low consumption of red meat, processed meat, refined sugars, and ultra-processed foodstuffs.
This study examined the antioxidant activities of the two Papaver rhoeas L. (PR; PRP (pink flower PR), PRR (red flower PR)) on hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-induced oxidative stress in HepG2 cells. Different parts (whole, leaf, and fruit) of PRP and PRR were extracted with 50% ethanol. Their antioxidant activities were analyzed using the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) radical scaveng-ing assay. The extracts were evaluated for cellular anti-oxidation and protection from the cell viability, intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging activity and antioxidant enzyme activities. The PR leaf and fruit extracts contained high amounts of bio-active compounds, such as total phenol and total flavonoid. The DPPH and ABTS results revealed antioxidant activity in the following order: leaf, fruit, and whole plant. The pretreatment with all the PR extracts increased the viability, antioxidant enzyme activities and intracellular ROS scavenging activity in a dose-dependent manner in H2O2-treated HepG2 cells. In particular, intracellular ROS scavenging activity was highest using the leaf extracts. These results suggest that 50% ethanol extracts of PR could be used as functional food sources.
Dietary patterns are changing rapidly all over the world. The body of available local food knowledge, which forms the basis of many local traditions, is decreasing dramatically. In rural areas throughout the Mediterranean, vegetables and salads made from wild plants have been particularly important as local foods since ancient times. However, very little is known about the use of these wild food plants (WFPs) and about their contribution to health, while numerous clinical and pharmacological-biochemical studies have shown beneficial effects for major components of Mediterranean diets. This research project studied WFPs used in the Graecanic area in Calabria, Southern Italy as components of the local diet with potential antioxidant activity. It was embedded in an EU-funded project entitled "Local Food - Nutraceuticals". The research approach adopted for this interdisciplinary research combined ethnobotanical methods with pharmacology and nutritional sciences. The gathering, processing and consumption of these plants were studied using participant observation techniques and semi-structured interviews. Local perceptions about WFPs (beneficial health effects, health risks) and nutritional data were obtained through a socio-nutritional study conducted in Italy, Spain and Greece. More than 40 WFPs are used as condiments, or vegetables, including edible greens, called ta chòrta in the local language. Many are considered to be healthy because of their bitterness (e.g. Reseda alba). Furthermore, the antioxidant activity of WFPs from Italy, Spain and Greece, was evaluated using in vitro assays. Crude extracts were tested for free radical scavenging activity (FRSA), and for the inhibition of xanthine oxidase (XO). Only a small number of plant extracts showed significant antioxidant activity. However, some extracts had promising activity in the XO-system. This interdisciplinary research contributed not only to the understanding of locally used WFPs as a promising source of natural antioxidants, but also to the safeguarding of this rapidly vanishing local knowledge.
Background
Despite the remarkable advances made in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer during the past couple of decades, it remains the second largest cause of mortality in the world, killing approximately 9.6 million people annually. The major challenges in the treatment of the advanced stage of this disease are the development of chemoresistance, severe adverse effects of the drugs, and high treatment cost. Therefore, the development of drugs that are safe, efficacious, and cost-effective remains a ‘Holy Grail’ in cancer research. However, the research over the past four decades shed light on the cancer-preventive and therapeutic potential of natural products and their underlying mechanism of action. Apigenin is one such compound, which is known to be safe and has significant potential in the prevention and therapy of this disease.
Aim
To assess the literature available on the potential of apigenin and its analogs in modulating the key molecular targets leading to the prevention and treatment of different types of cancer.
Method
A comprehensive literature search has been carried out on PubMed for obtaining information related to the sources and analogs, chemistry and biosynthesis, physicochemical properties, biological activities, bioavailability, and toxicity of apigenin.
Key findings
The literature search resulted in many in vitro, in vivo, and a few cohort studies that evidenced the effectiveness of apigenin and its analogs in modulating important molecular targets and signaling pathways such as PI3K/AKT/mTOR, JAK/STAT, NF-κB, MAPK/ERK, Wnt/β-catenin, etc., which play a crucial role in the development and progression of cancer. In addition, apigenin was also shown to inhibit chemoresistance and radioresistance and make cancer cells sensitive to these agents. Reports have further revealed the safety of the compound and the adaptation of nanotechnological approaches for improving its bioavailability.
Significance
Hence, the present review recapitulates the properties of apigenin and its pharmacological activities against different types of cancer, which warrants further investigation in clinical settings.
The current world of climate change, global warming and a constantly changing environment have made life very stressful for living entities, which has driven the evolution of biochemical processes to cope with stressed environmental and ecological conditions. As climate change conditions continue to develop, we anticipate more frequent occurrences of abiotic stresses such as drought, high temperature and salinity. Living plants, which are sessile beings, are more exposed to environmental extremes. However, plants are equipped with biosynthetic machinery operating to supply thousands of bio-compounds required for maintaining internal homeostasis. In addition to chemical coordination within a plant, these compounds have the potential to assist plants in tolerating, resisting and escaping biotic and abiotic stresses generated by the external environment. Among certain biosynthates, flavonoids are an important example of these stress mitigators. Flavonoids are secondary metabolites and biostimulants; they play a key role in plant growth by inducing resistance against certain biotic and abiotic stresses. In addition, the function of flavonoids as signal compounds to communicate with rhizosphere microbes is indispensable. In this review, the significance of flavonoids as biostimulants, stress mitigators, mediators of allelopathy and signaling compounds is discussed. The chemical nature and biosynthetic pathway of flavonoid production are also highlighted.
Three wild edible plant species belonging to the Asteraceae family, Crepis vesicaria L. (s.l.), Sonchus asper (L.) Hill s.l., and Sonchus oleraceus L., usually consumed in the Mediterranean diet, were tested for their nutritional composition and content of carotenoids, tocols, thiamine and riboflavin. Low amounts of thiamine and riboflavin were found. All species were sources of xanthophylls (violaxanthin, neoxanthin, lutein, zeaxanthin and β-cryptoxanthin) and carotenes (α-carotene, β-carotene, 9-cis-β-carotene and 13-cis-β-carotene). Lutein accounted for the highest content (about 4 mg/100 g). They had good tocol amounts, in particular α-tocopherol (about 2–3 mg/100 g). Taking into account the Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) established by the EU Regulation, the analyzed plants can be declared as a source of fiber, vitamin A and E. These data could be useful for database on the nutritional and bioactive compound profile of studied plants and can contribute in promoting their use in functional foods.
Papaver rhoeas L. (Papaveraceae), commonly known as corn poppy, is a cosmopolitan weed and edible plant capable of possessing biological properties, thus positive correlating with human health. The plant is also known as field poppy, flanders poppy or shirley poppy. It can be consumed raw or cooked, and has been traditionally used to treat nervousness, insomnia, digestive and respiratory disorders, baldness, eye infections, as well as measles treatment. This paper is aimed to contribute to the knowledge of corn poppy by providing a critical review of the botanic characteristics, the traditional uses, the plant chemistry and pharmacology.
The "French paradox" (apparent compatibility of a high fat diet with a low incidence of coronary atherosclerosis) has been attributed to the regular drinking of red wine. However, the alcohol content of wine may not be the sole explanation for this protection. Red wine also contains phenolic compounds, and the antioxidant properties of these may have an important role. In in-vitro studies with phenolic substances in red wine and normal human low-density lipoprotein (LDL) we found that red wine inhibits the copper-catalysed oxidation of LDL. Wine diluted 1000-fold containing 10 mumol/L total phenolics inhibited LDL oxidation significantly more than alpha-tocopherol. Our findings show that the non-alcoholic components of red wine have potent antioxidant properties toward oxidation of human LDL.
In the present study we measured the inhibition by 34 compounds, either flavonoids or related substances, of the release of reactive oxygen species by human neutrophils after stimulation by three agents: the bacterial peptide N-fMetLeuPhe (FMLP), the protein kinase C activator phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) or opsonized zymosan (OZ), using two chemiluminescent probes, lucigenin or luminol in the presence or absence of horseradish peroxidase (HRP). The data matrix (34 x 7) was submitted to multivariate analysis: first, a correspondence factorial analysis to uncover levels of correlation among the biochemical parameters and the specificity of action of the test-compounds and second, a minimum spanning tree analysis that classified the chemical structures into a network describing both specificity and amplitude of the inhibition of the chemiluminescence response. The major conclusions of the analyses were: (a) opposition between inhibition of poly-morphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) stimulated by FMLP and of PMNs stimulated by PMA or OZ implying that, for the molecules under study, there was a fundamental difference in the manner in which this inhibition occurred and, conversely, a difference in the nature of the stimulatory action of these activators. Molecules lacking hydroxyl groups on ring B, i.e. chrysin, chalcone, flavone and galangin, molecules glycosylated in position 7, i.e. hesperidin and naringin and ring B mono-hydroxylated molecules were, for the most part, at the origin of this dichotomy and might interfere with the membrane FMLP receptor; (b) a marked difference in chemiluminescence inhibition in the presence or absence of HRP that can be explained by the differential action of catechins compared to flavone and flavonol derivatives; (c) a similarity in biological profile between non-flavonoids such as chalcone and phloretin and low mean-activity flavonoids such as chrysin and galangin and between the non-flavonoid curcumin and the highly active flavonoid isorhamnetin; (d) a reaffirmation of the importance of ring A (C5,7) and ring B (C3',4') dihydroxylation, ring C (C3) hydroxylation, but also of the presence of a methoxy group on ring B in engendering high potency. This potency is generally decreased by C2-C3 saturation and by glycosylation. The most active molecules identified in this study provide valuable information for the selection of simpler molecules (e.g. metabolites accounting for the potency of orally administered flavonoids) for further structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies that could lead to the design of novel drugs or prodrugs.
Quantitative estimates of conjugated flavonoid content were obtained by using HPLC to analyze the level of free flavonoids present in acid-hydrolyzed extracts from commercial fruits and vegetables. Cherry tomatoes contained 17−203 μg of quercetin g-1 fresh weight compared to 2.2−11 μg g-1 detected in normal-sized Scottish, Spanish, and Dutch beef tomatoes. The quercetin levels in onions ranged from 185 to 634 μg of quercetin g-1 fresh weight. “Round” lettuce contained 11 μg of quercetin g-1 fresh weight compared to 911 μg g-1 in the outer leaves and 450 mg g-1 in the inner leaves of “Lollo Rosso” lettuce. The conjugated flavonoid content of celery was very variable, ranging from undetectable to 40 μg of luteolin and 191 μg of apigenin g-1 fresh weight. Cooking lowered the quercetin content of both tomatoes and onions with greater reductions being detected following microwaving and boiling than after frying. Keywords: HPLC; quantitative analysis; flavonoids; tomatoes; onions; lettuce; celery; diet
There has been much interest regarding the components that contribute to the beneficial health effects of the Mediterranean diet. Recent findings suggest that polyphenolic compounds found in olive oil are endowed with several biologic activities that may contribute to the lower incidence of coronary heart disease in the Mediterranean area.
The effects of quercetin were studied on contractile responses induced by noradrenaline, high KCl, Ca2+ and phorbol 12-myristate, 13-acetate in rat aortic strips and on spontaneous mechanical activity in rat portal vein segments. Quercetin, 10−6−10−4 M, inhibited in a concentration-dependent manner the contractions induced by noradrenaline, high KCl and Ca2+, this effect being observed when the drug was added before or after the induced contractions. The spontaneous myogenic portal activity was also inhibited. Mechanical removal of endothelium did not affect the relaxant effects of quercetin on noradrenaline-induced contractions. In addition, at the same range of concentrations, quercetin also relaxed the contractions induced by phorbol 12-myristate, 13-acetate. Quercetin, 10−5 and 5 × 10−5 M, increased the aortic cyclic AMP content. However, pretreatment with 10−7 M isoprenaline did not modify the relaxant effects of quercetin on noradrenaline-induced contractions and quercetin did not modify the relaxant effects of forskolin, which suggested that the vasodilator effects of quercetin were not mediated by inhibition of cyclic AMP phosphodiesterases. In conclusion, in isolated rat aorta quercetin produced a vasodilator effect that seems to be mainly related to the inhibition of protein kinase C. However, and since this drug exerts multiple biochemical effects, inhibition of other transduction pathways may be involved in this effect.
A high-performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) separation method with photo-diode array (PDA) and mass spectrometric (MS) detection was developed to determine and quantify flavonols, flavones, and flavanones in fruits, vegetables and beverages. The compounds were analysed as aglycones, obtained after acid hydrolysis of freeze-dried food material. Identification was based on retention time, UV and mass spectra by comparison with commercial standards, and the UV peak areas were used for quantitation of the flavonoid contents. Examples of HPLC-MS, analyses of orange pulp, tomato, and apple are presented. The method has been used to screen foods on the Danish market, and the contents of flavones, flavonols, and flavanones were measured.
A rapid method based on RP-HPLC with UV detection is presented for the quantitative determination of five major flavonoid aglycons, viz. quercetin, kaempferol, myricetin, luteolin, and apigenin, in freeze-dried vegetables and fruits, after acid hydrolysis of the parent glycosides. Completeness of hydrolysis and extraction have been optimized by testing systematically different conditions such as acid concentration, reaction period, and methanol concentration in the extraction solution using samples containing various types of flavonoid glycosides. Optimum hydrolysis conditions are presented for flavonol glucuronides, flavonol glucosides, and flavone glycosides. Identity of the flavonoids was confirmed with diode array. Repeatability of the method was good, with coefficients of variation of 2.5-3.1 % for quercetin, 4.6-5.6 % for kaempferol, 4.6 % for myricetin, 3.3 % for luteolin, and 2.8 % for apigenin. CV of the within-laboratory reproducibility was less than 2 times the CV of repeatability. Recoveries of the flavonols quercetin, kaempferol, and myricetin ranged from 77 to 110 %, and recoveries of the flavones apigenin and luteolin ranged from 99 to 106 %. The method presented allows a fast, quantitative, and reproducible determination of five flavonoids in freeze-dried foods.
The content of the potentially anticarcinogenic flavonoids quercetin, kaempferol, myricetin, apigenin, and luteolin of commonly consumed beverages was determined by RP-HPLC with UV detection. Flavonoid levels in beer, coffee, chocolate milk, and white wine were below 1 mg/L. Twelve types of tea infusion, six types of wine, apple juice, tomato juice, grape juice, orange juice, grapefruit juice, and lemon juice were analyzed. No luteolin or apigenin were detected in any of the beverages. In red wines and in grape juice quercetin and myricetin levels varying from 4 to 16 mg/L and from 7 to 9 mg/L, respectively, were detected. Quercetin levels in fruit juices were generally below 5 mg/L except for lemon juice (7 mg/L) and tomato juice (13 mg/L). In black tea infusions quercetin (10-25 mg/L), kaempferol (7-17 mg/L), and myricetin (2-5 mg/L) were detected. Flavonoid levels in green tea were comparable to those in black tea. The flavonoid content of tea prepared with tea bags was generally higher than that of tea prepared with loose leaves. Together with data on the flavonoid content of vegetables and fruits published previously (Hertog et al. J. Agric. Food Chem. 1992, 40, 2379-2383), these data provide a base for an epidemiological evaluation of the potentially anticarcinogenic effects of flavonoids.
The content of the potentially anticarcinogenic flavonoids quercetin, kaempferol, myricetin, apigenin, and luteolin of 28 vegetables and 9 fruits was determined by RP-HPLC with UV detection. Fresh foods were purchased in a supermarket, agrocery, and a street market and combined to composites. Processed foods were purchased additionally. Sampling was carried out in spring, summer, winter, and spring of the following year. Quercetin levels in the edible parts of most vegetables were generally below 10 mg/kg except for onions (284-486 mg/kg), kale (110 mg/kg), broccoli (30 mg/kg), French beans (32-45 mg/kg), and slicing beans (28-30 mg/kg). Kaempferol could only be detected in kale (211 mg/kg), endive (15-91 mg/kg), leek (11-56 mg/kg), and turnip tops (31-64 mg/kg). In most fruits the quercetin content averaged 15 mg/kg, except for different apple varieties in which 21-72 mg/kg was found. The content of myricetin, luteolin, and apigenin was below the limit of detection (
To study the effect of the hydroxyl groups on biological activities of flavones, we synthesized 10 polyhydroxyflavones with varied substitution patterns. The abilities of the 10 compounds to act as radical scavengers were investigated using chemiluminescence in two biological models: the xanthine/xanthine oxidase system and the oxidative burst of rat alveolar macrophages. Stable radical formation was observed by electron spin resonance (ESR) spectroscopy. We found that the presence of the pyrogallol moiety in the B component of flavones gave rise to radical scavenger activity and that C-6 substituted hydroxyl group may also provide the basis for biological activity. Furthermore, compounds with a hydroxyl at C-7 position appeared to be xanthine oxidase inhibitors. One particular compound exhibited radical scavenger activity and xanthine oxidase inhibition. This type of compound should prove to be useful in the treatment of ischemia, for which both properties were required.
Low-density lipoproteins oxidized by ultraviolet radiations constitute a useful model system for studying their cytotoxic effect on cultured cells. Polyphenolic flavonoids were able to inhibit the peroxidation of low-density lipoproteins (IC50; 10-20 microM for quercetin or rutin) and their subsequent cytotoxicity. The inhibition of the cytotoxic effect was well correlated with that of TBARS formation. Our most important and novel conclusion is that quercetin and rutin are able to prevent directly at the cellular level the cytotoxic effect of oxidized LDL, since cells preincubated with polyphenolic flavonoids were protected against the cytotoxic effect of previously oxidized low-density lipoprotein (IC50; 0.1 and 3 microM with quercetin and rutin, respectively). In contrast, flavone was completely inefficient. In conclusion polyphenolic flavonoids can protect cells against the injury due to oxidation of low-density lipoproteins by constituting two lines of defence: (1) at high concentrations, antioxidant effect inhibiting the lipoprotein oxidation and the subsequent cytotoxicity; (2) at low concentrations, direct protection of cells against the cytotoxic effect of oxidized low-density lipoproteins.
No doubt can remain that the flavonoids have profound effects on the function of immune and inflammatory cells as determined by a large number and variety of in vitro and some in vivo observations. That these ubiquitous dietary chemicals may have significant in vivo effects on homeostasis within the immune system and on the behavior of secondary cell systems comprising the inflammatory response seems highly likely but more work is required to strengthen this hypothesis. Ample evidence indicates that selected flavonoids, depending on structure, can affect (usually inhibit) secretory processes, mitogenesis, and cell-cell interactions including possible effects on adhesion molecule expression and function. The possible action of flavonoids on the function of cytoskeletal elements is suggested by their effects on secretory processes. Moreover, evidence indicates that certain flavonoids may affect gene expression and the elaboration and effects of cytokines and cytokine receptors. How all of these effects are mediated is not yet clear but one important mechanism may be the capacity of flavonoids to stimulate or inhibit protein phosphorylation and thereby regulate cell function. Perhaps the counterbalancing effect of cellular protein tyrosine phosphatases will also be found to be affected by flavonoids. Some flavonoid effects can certainly be attributed to their recognized antioxidant and radical scavenging properties. A potential mechanism of action that requires scrutiny, particularly in relation to enzyme inhibition, is the redox activity of appropriately configured flavonoids. Finally, in a number of cell systems it seems that resting cells are not affected significantly by flavonoids but once a cell becomes activated by a physiological stimulus a flavonoid-sensitive substance is generated and interaction of flavonoids with that substance dramatically alters the outcome of the activation process.
Methods for the measurement of dietary fibre as non-starch polysaccharides (NSP) are described. A common enzymic removal of starch and acid hydrolysis of the NSP to their constituent sugars are followed by one of three alternative techniques, gas-liquid chromatography, high-performance liquid chromatography or spectrophotometry, for measurement of the released sugars. The results obtained by the three methods are in good agreement for a wide range of raw and processed foods. NSP compose approximately 90% of the plant cell-wall material and are therefore a good index of this material. Values for NSP therefore provide a good marker for a diet rich in fruit, vegetables and high-extraction cereal products associated with health and recommended in dietary guidelines. Values for total, soluble and insoluble NSP may be obtained with any of the end-point techniques, and the detailed information obtained from the chromatographic methods is useful in studies of the relationship between the intakes of various types of NSP and health. The causes of some potential interferences in the spectrophotometric assay, especially from processed foods, have been identified and eliminated. The rapid spectrophotometric version is suitable for food labelling purposes and for quality control, and the changes described have made it more robust.
Many recent studies have implicated dietary factors in the cause and prevention of important diseases, including cancer, coronary heart disease, birth defects, and cataracts. There is strong evidence that vegetables and fruits protect against these diseases; however, the active constituents are incompletely identified. Whether fat per se is a major cause of disease is a question still under debate, although saturated and partially hydrogenated fats probably increase the risk of coronary heart disease. One clear conclusion from existing epidemiologic evidence is that many individuals in the United States have suboptimal diets and that the potential for disease prevention by improved nutrition is substantial.
The effects of quercetin were studied on contractile responses induced by noradrenaline, high KCl, Ca2+ and phorbol 12-myristate,13-acetate in rat aortic strips and on spontaneous mechanical activity in rat portal vein segments. Quercetin, 10(-6)-10(-4) M, inhibited in a concentration-dependent manner the contractions induced by noradrenaline, high KCl and Ca2+, this effect being observed when the drug was added before or after the induced contractions. The spontaneous myogenic portal activity was also inhibited. Mechanical removal of endothelium did not affect the relaxant effects of quercetin on noradrenaline-induced contractions. In addition, at the same range of concentrations, quercetin also relaxed the contractions induced by phorbol 12-myristate,13-acetate. Quercetin1 10(-5) and 5 x 10(-5) M, increased the aortic cyclic AMP content. However, pretreatment with 10(-7) M isoprenaline did not modify the relaxant effects of quercetin on noradrenaline-induced contractions and quercetin did not modify the relaxant effects of forskolin, which suggested that the vasodilator effects of quercetin were not mediated by inhibition of cyclic AMP phosphodiesterases. In conclusion, in isolated rat aorta quercetin produced a vasodilator effect that seems to be mainly related to the inhibition of protein kinase C. However, and since this drug exerts multiple biochemical effects, inhibition of other transduction pathways may be involved in this effect.
Fruits, vegetables and beverages contain a signi®cant amount Fig. 1. Typical chromatograms of a pie extract (A) and a Lapatho extract (B) monitored in methanol
- Negre
- Salvagyre
Negre-Salvagyre & Salvagyre, 1992). Fruits, vegetables and beverages contain a signi®cant amount Fig. 1. Typical chromatograms of a pie extract (A) and a Lapatho extract (B) monitored in methanol/phosphate buer (45/55, v/v, pH
Methodology for the exploi-tation of HBS food data and results on food availability in 5 Eur-opean countries. EC publication
- A Trichopoulou
- P Lagiou
Trichopoulou, A., & Lagiou, P. (1997). Methodology for the exploi-tation of HBS food data and results on food availability in 5 Eur-opean countries. EC publication ISBN 92-828-1570-6
References Association of Ocial Analytical Chemists. (1980) Ocial methods of analysis
- Isorhamnetin
Isorhamnetin. References Association of Ocial Analytical Chemists. (1980) Ocial methods of analysis.
Association of Ocial Analytical Chemists. (1990a) Ocial methods of analysis
- Kjeldahl
Kjeldahl method, p. 126. Association of Ocial Analytical Chemists. (1990a) Ocial methods of analysis (15th ed.) (K, Na) method 956.01, p.47, (Ca, Mg, Fe, Zn) method 975.03, p.42. Association of Ocial Analytical Chemists. (1990b). In house method. Ocial methods of analysis (15th ed.). (p.56).
Eects of ¯avonoids on immune and in¯ammatory cell functions Quercetin prevents the cytotoxity of oxidized low-density lipoproteins by macrophages
- E Middleton
- C Kandaswami
- A Negre-Salvagyre
- R Salvagyre
Middleton, E., & Kandaswami, C. (1992). Eects of ¯avonoids on immune and in¯ammatory cell functions. Biochemical Pharmacol-ogy, 43, 1167±1179. Negre-Salvagyre, A., & Salvagyre, R. (1992). Quercetin prevents the cytotoxity of oxidized low-density lipoproteins by macrophages. Free. Rad. Biol. Med., 12, 101±106.
Mediterranean diet: are antioxidants central to its bene®ts? In A. Papas, Anti-oxidant status, diet, nutrition and health
- A Trichopoulou
- P Lagiou
- A Papas
Trichopoulou, A., Lagiou, P., & Papas, A. (1998). Mediterranean diet: are antioxidants central to its bene®ts? In A. Papas, Anti-oxidant status, diet, nutrition and health. (pp 107±116). CRC Press.
Food Science a chemical approach UK: Hodder and Stoughton Ltd Scavenger and antioxidant properties of ten synthetic ¯avones
- B A Box
- A G Cameron
- N Cotelle
- J L Bernier
- J P Henichart
- J P Catteau
- E Gaydou
- J C Wallet
Box, B. A., & Cameron, A. G. (1982). Food Science a chemical approach (4th ed.). UK: Hodder and Stoughton Ltd. Cotelle, N., Bernier, J. L., Henichart, J. P., Catteau, J. P., Gaydou, E., & Wallet, J. C. (1992). Scavenger and antioxidant properties of ten synthetic ¯avones. Free Rad Biol Med., 13, 211±219.
Quantative analysis of the ¯avonoid content of commercial toma-toes, onions, lettuce, and celery Vasodilator eects of quercetin in isolated rat vascular smooth muscle
- ±595 Duarte
- J Perez-Vizcaino
- F Zarzuelo
- A Jimenez
- J Tamargo
Quantative analysis of the ¯avonoid content of commercial toma-toes, onions, lettuce, and celery. Journal of Agriculure and Food Chemistry, 45, 590±595. Duarte, J., Perez-Vizcaino, F., Zarzuelo, A., Jimenez, J., & Tamargo, J. (1993). Vasodilator eects of quercetin in isolated rat vascular smooth muscle. European Journal of Pharmacology, 239, 1±7.
An introduction to freeze drying
- M J Flink
- H Knudsen
Flink, M. J., & Knudsen, H. (1994). An introduction to freeze drying. Denmark: Strandberg Bogtryk/Oset a. s.
Quercetin prevents the cytotoxity of oxidized low-density lipoproteins by macrophages
- A Negre-Salvagyre
- R Salvagyre
Negre-Salvagyre, A., & Salvagyre, R. (1992). Quercetin prevents the
cytotoxity of oxidized low-density lipoproteins by macrophages.
Free. Rad. Biol. Med., 12, 101±106.
Ocial methods of analysis
Association of Ocial Analytical Chemists. (1990a) Ocial methods of
analysis (15th ed.) (K, Na) method 956.01, p.47, (Ca, Mg, Fe, Zn)
method 975.03, p.42.
Ocial methods of analysis. 7.015 Kjeldahl method
Association of Ocial Analytical Chemists. (1980) Ocial methods of
analysis. 7.015 Kjeldahl method, p. 126.
Pearson's chemical analysis of foods
- H Egan
- R S Kirk
- R Sawyer
Egan, H., Kirk, R. S., & Sawyer, R. (1987). Pearson's chemical analysis of foods, (8th ed.). Longman Scienti®c & Technical (p. 22).
Eects of ¯avonoids on immune and in¯ammatory cell functions
- E Middleton
- C Kandaswami
Middleton, E., & Kandaswami, C. (1992). Eects of ¯avonoids on
immune and in¯ammatory cell functions. Biochemical Pharmacology, 43, 1167±1179.