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Arbutus unedo L. and its benefits on human health
Abstract
Arbutus unedo has been long used in folk medicine, throughout Mediterranean countries, with the employment of infusions and decoctions of almost all parts of this plant: leaves, fruits, barks and roots. The application of these traditional remedies arises from several health-promoting characteristics, for treatment of gastrointestinal and urological problems, hypertension and cardiac diseases, diabetes and as anti-inflammatory agent, among other interesting properties. Antioxidant ability of A. unedo shrub is also known, and antimicrobial activity has also been reported. Several compounds present in different parts of the plant may be linked to these properties. Included in those are carotenoids, flavonoids, phenolic acids and vitamins (C and E). Other bioactive compounds may be also found in different parts of A. unedo, like terpenoids and organic acids. This review will focus on the known composition of several parts of A. unedo, their antioxidant ability and traditional use, and the available data sustaining the rationality of the use as part of folk medicine.
... Accordingly, El Cadi et al. [41] reported values for total flavonoid contents ranging from 37.43 to 41.51 mg quercetin g −1 DW, Barros et al. [44] reported an average value of 34.99 mg g −1 extract, while Šic Žlabur et al. [37] found values ranging from 7 to 15.58 mg catechin g −1 DW. Regarding the phenolic acids, quinic, protocatechuic, gallic, caffeic, ferulic, cinnamic, ellagic, syringic, hydroxycoumarin and vanillic acids were strongly represented [41,50,51]. Considering the flavones, dihydroxyflavone is the most abundant [41]; of the flavan-3-ols, catechins, epicatechins, procyanidin dimer with corresponding gallate and prodelphinidin; and of the flavonols, the hexoside of isorhamnetin, myricetin, quercetin, kaempferol and apigenin are the most abundant [41]. ...
... The content of sesquiterpenes increases from unripe to mid-ripeness, after which it is lower. The content of norisoprenoid derivatives decreases with ripeness, which also confirms the fact that the content of volatile compounds strongly depends on the ripening stage of strawberry tree fruit [51]. ...
... higher acidity, and pH ranging from 3.89 to 5.35, which depends on the location and climate [37]. They also contain various types of phytochemical compounds such as phenolic compounds, vitamins, terpenoids and essential oils [51]. In general, according to the numerous studies conducted, the leaves of the strawberry tree contain a significantly higher content of polyphenolic compounds than the fruits, so the leaf can be considered as a valuable material, especially in terms of human health. ...
The strawberry tree (Arbutus unedo L.) is a Mediterranean plant known for the traditional use of its fruits and leaves due to their health benefits. Thus, it has been used for years in folk medicine to relieve various health conditions such as urological and kidney problems, dermatological, cardiovascular and gastrointestinal diseases. The fruits are traditionally used for making jams, jellies, and strong alcoholic beverages, while the leaves are mostly used for preparing tea. Since leaves were more researched, previous results indicated that they have important biological effects, so further research should focus on the fruits. Due to its chemical composition, rich polyphenolic profile and the biological potential derived from it, the plant has great prospects for the production of functional foods and nutraceuticals. However, the plant’s potential is underutilized in terms of processing. Therefore, this review summarizes the properties and the potential of the fruits and leaves of A. unedo and their possible benefits for processing with respect to agricultural, nutritive, biological and economic values.
... The leaves are alternate, simple, oblanceolate, dark green, leathery and have a serrated margin. The hermaphrodite flowers are white, bell-shaped .The fruits are conspicuous, globular, orange-red when ripe (Bento and Pereira, 2011;Miguel et al., 2014;Morgado et al., 2018). In traditional folk medicine, Arbutus unedo has been used for treatment of gastrointestinal diseases, urological problems, cardiac diseases, hypertension and diabetes (Bento and Pereira, 2011;Miguel et al., 2014;Morgado et al., 2018). ...
... The hermaphrodite flowers are white, bell-shaped .The fruits are conspicuous, globular, orange-red when ripe (Bento and Pereira, 2011;Miguel et al., 2014;Morgado et al., 2018). In traditional folk medicine, Arbutus unedo has been used for treatment of gastrointestinal diseases, urological problems, cardiac diseases, hypertension and diabetes (Bento and Pereira, 2011;Miguel et al., 2014;Morgado et al., 2018). ...
... Arbutus unedo has antidiabetic, antihypertensive, antibiotic, antifungal, antiparasitic, antiaggregant, antiinflammatory, antitumoral, antioxidant, and spasmolytic properties (Bento and Pereira, 2011;Miguel et al., 2014;Morgado et al., 2018). The antihypertensive effects of aqueous extract of the root of Arbutus unedo were studied both in spontaneously hypertensive conscious rats. ...
The incidence of hypertension is very high in human societies and its treatment is the most important priority in many countries. Knowledge of the plants that are used may provide insight on their properties, for further exploration. This study aimed to collect the knowledge on traditional medicine for the treatment of hypertension in different regions of Morocco. We reviewed 145 research publications based on data from the six explored regions of Morocco published until August 2021 in various journals. This was achieved using literature databases: Google, Google Scholar, PubMed, Medline, Science Direct and Researchgate. The findings of this study indicated that 23 plants have been reported to possess antihypertensive activities in in vivo / in vitro experiments, while 81 plants had not been studied for such an activity. Plants from the Lamiaceae, Asteraceae and Apiaceae families were used most often. Leaves were the plant parts used most often. Decoction was the main preparation method. Twenty three plants have been explored experimentally for their antihypertensive activity. This review provides baseline data for plant species used to treat hypertension in Morocco and provides new areas of research on the antihypertensive effect of these plants.
... Some of these health benefits can be linked to the presence of phenolic compounds which are defined as compounds containing hydroxylated aromatic rings. It is well known that phenolic compounds can have beneficial effects against cancer, cardiovascular disease and many other diseases [7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15]. The positive effects of phenolic compounds on various chronic degenerative diseases, cardiovascular diseases and cancers [7][8][9]11,15,16] could be due to their antioxidant efficacy, lowering the amount of free radicals within the body [16]. ...
... It is well known that phenolic compounds can have beneficial effects against cancer, cardiovascular disease and many other diseases [7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15]. The positive effects of phenolic compounds on various chronic degenerative diseases, cardiovascular diseases and cancers [7][8][9]11,15,16] could be due to their antioxidant efficacy, lowering the amount of free radicals within the body [16]. Free radicals can cause damage to cells and their constituents that can lead to the onset and development of chronic degenerative diseases. ...
... These plants are well adapted to growing conditions in Slovenian Istria, but they are currently poorly represented in the landscape and habitats in this area, due to the increasingly global market and difficulties that smaller farmers have to compete with in a global market. This review focuses on plants that are not only important for the revitalization of species and preservation of natural heritage but also possess bioactive compounds such as phenolic compounds [28][29][30][31][32][33][34][35] that can have a beneficial effect against various diseases [7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15] and are important for human nutrition, due to high mineral, vitamin and dietary fiber [7,15,29,30,[36][37][38][39][40][41][42][43][44] content. In order to promote local food development, a comprehensive overview of the phenolic compounds' composition and their impact on human health is provided. ...
Phenolic compounds are well-known bioactive compounds in plants that can have a protective role against cancers, cardiovascular diseases and many other diseases. To promote local food development, a comprehensive overview of the phenolic compounds' composition and their impact on human health from typical Mediterranean plants such as Punica granatum L., Ziziphus jujuba Mill., Arbutus unedo L., Celtis australis L., Ficus carica L., Cynara cardunculus var. Scolymus L. is provided. Moreover, the potential use of these data for authenticity determination is discussed. Some of the plants' phenolic compounds and their impact to human health are very well determined, while for others, the data are scarce. However, in all cases, more data should be available about the content, profile and health impacts due to a high variation of phenolic compounds depending on genetic and environmental factors. Quantifying variation in phenolic compounds in plants relative to genetic and environmental factors could be a useful tool in food authentication control. More comprehensive studies should be conducted to better understand the importance of phenolic compounds on human health and their variation in certain plants.
... Strawberry tree (Arbutus unedo L.) leaves have beneficial health effects and have been used for decades in countries of the Mediterranean region in folk medicine for the treatment of hypertension and diabetes as well as in prevention of platelet hyperaggregability (Oliveira et al. 2011). A. unedo leaves are also used as an uroantiseptic and several antimicrobial testings were performed pointing to strong antimicrobial activity (Oliveira et al. 2011, Pavlovi c et al. 2014, Jurica et al. 2017a. ...
... Strawberry tree (Arbutus unedo L.) leaves have beneficial health effects and have been used for decades in countries of the Mediterranean region in folk medicine for the treatment of hypertension and diabetes as well as in prevention of platelet hyperaggregability (Oliveira et al. 2011). A. unedo leaves are also used as an uroantiseptic and several antimicrobial testings were performed pointing to strong antimicrobial activity (Oliveira et al. 2011, Pavlovi c et al. 2014, Jurica et al. 2017a. Some authors claim that A. unedo leaves could be used as an adequate substitute for bearberry leaves [Arctostaphylos uva ursi (L.) Spreng], which help to relieve urinary tract inflammation problems (Pavlovi c et al. 2014, Jurica et al. 2017b). ...
... Such results confirm that the tested compounds improve the functional status of the liver cells, possibly by stabilizing the integrity of the cellular membrane, which in turn prevents leakage of enzymes. The observed hepatoprotective effect of the extract might be related to its complex phytochemical profile, and antioxidative properties confirmed in previous studies (Oliveira et al. 2011, Ga si c et al. 2015. However, considering reports of previous in vitro and in vivo studies, the greatest part of the membrane stabilizing effect could be associated to arbutin, for which it is well known that it protects their lipid components and prevents membrane degradation (Oliver et al. 2001). ...
Due to their beneficial health effects, strawberry tree (Arbutus unedo L.) leaves have for decades been used as herbal remedy in countries of the Mediterranean region. This pilot study is the first to investigate the liver function and DNA integrity in rat hepatocytes evaluated after 14 and 28 day treatments with strawberry tree water leaf extract and arbutin, administered per os to Lewis rats of both genders at a daily dose 200 mg/kg b.w. We focused on two types of biomarkers: enzyme serum markers of liver function (AST, ALT, and LDH), and primary DNA damage in the liver cells, which was estimated using the alkaline comet assay. At the tested dose, strawberry tree water leaf extract showed acceptable biocompatibility with liver tissue both in male and female rats, especially after shorter exposure. Our results also suggest that oral administration of single arbutin to rats was not associated with significant impairments either in the liver function or DNA integrity in hepatocytes. Considering that prolonged exposure to the tested compounds revealed minor changes in the studied biomarkers, future in vivo studies have to further clarify the biological and physiological relevance of these findings.
... However, in traditional medicine of many Mediterranean countries, A. unedo plant has been used widely with the employment of decoctions and infusions of all plant parts: fruits, leaves, barks, and roots [11,12]. For instance, the fruits are well known in folk medicine as an antiseptic, laxative, and diuretic [13,14], while the leaves are used as an astringent, urinary antiseptic, diuretic, antidiarrhea, and depurative. ...
... For instance, the fruits are well known in folk medicine as an antiseptic, laxative, and diuretic [13,14], while the leaves are used as an astringent, urinary antiseptic, diuretic, antidiarrhea, and depurative. Moreover, recently, the leaves have been used to treat inflammatory diseases, hypertension, and diabetes [11]. ...
... 3.97 (dd, 1H, CH-OH (1) , J = 7.5 Hz, J = 2.4 Hz); 4.57 (d, 1H, O-CH (9) , J = 7.5 Hz); 4.85 (s, 4H, 4OH (b,c,d,e) ); 5.86 (d, 1H, CH (5) , J = 2.4 Hz); 5.93 (d, 1H, CH (7) , J = 2.1 Hz); 6.69-6.78 (m, 2H, 2CH (14,15) ); 6.84 (d, 1H, CH (11) , J = 1.8 Hz). 13 C NMR (MeOD, 75 MHz): 27.09 (CH 2(2) ); 67.40 (CH (1) ); 81.43 (CH (9) ); 94.17 (CH (7) ); 94.96 (CH (5) ); 99.49 (C (3) ); 113.89 (CH (11) ); 114.76 (CH (14) ); 118.69 (CH (15) ); 130.82 (C (10) ); 144.81 (C (13) ); 144.84 (C (12) ); 155.51 (C (8) ); 156.15 (C (4) ); 156.39 (C (6) ). ...
Phytopharmaceuticals play an essential role in medicine, since the need to investigate highly effective and safe drugs for the treatment of diabetes mellitus disease remains a significant challenge for modern medicine. Arbutus unedo L. root has various therapeutic properties, and has been used widely in the traditional medicine as an antidiabetic agent. The current study aimed to isolate the pharmacologically active compound from A. unedo roots using accelerated solvent extraction technology, to determine its chemical structure using different instrumental analytical methods, and also to evaluate the α-glucosidase inhibitory activity. The roots of A. unedo were exhaustively extracted by high-pressure static extraction using the Zippertex® technology (Dionex-ASE, Paris, France), and the extract was mixed with XAD-16 resin to reach quantifiable amounts of active compounds which were identified by high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC), 1H NMR (300 MHz), and 13C NMR. The antidiabetic activity of the isolated compound was evaluated using the α-glucosidase inhibitory assay. The active compound was isolated, and its structure was identified as catechin using instrumental analysis.The results revealed that the isolated compound has potential α-glucosidase inhibitory activity with an IC50 value of 87.55 ± 2.23 μg/mL greater than acarbose. This was used as a positive control, which has an IC50 value of 199.53 ± 1.12 μg/mL. According to the results achieved, the roots of A. unedo were considered the best source of catechin and the Zippertex® technology method of extraction is the best method for isolation of this therapeutic active compound. In addition, the α-glucosidase inhibitory activity results confirmed the traditional use of A. unedo roots as an antidiabetic agent. Future clinical trials and investigations of antidiabetic and other pharmacological effects such as anticancer are required.
... Arbutus unedo (Ericaceae family), is an evergreen shrub widespread in the Mediterranean basin [1]. It is treasured for its fruits which are used to obtain alcoholic drinks, jams, jellies, and marmalades, whereas its flowers can serve as a source for the production of a high added value honey [1,2]. The leaves are yet to be exploited despite the fact that a wide range of phenolic antioxidants has been identified, various extracts have been reported to present a range of biological properties in vitro, whereas their infusion has been used in the folklore medicine to counteract various diseases [2]. ...
... It is treasured for its fruits which are used to obtain alcoholic drinks, jams, jellies, and marmalades, whereas its flowers can serve as a source for the production of a high added value honey [1,2]. The leaves are yet to be exploited despite the fact that a wide range of phenolic antioxidants has been identified, various extracts have been reported to present a range of biological properties in vitro, whereas their infusion has been used in the folklore medicine to counteract various diseases [2]. ...
... The published data on A. unedo leaf extracts may be promising for the food industry; even so, such information seems not adequate to promote the use of leaves as a dietary source of health promoting antioxidants. This is probably due to i) the examination in most cases of extracts prepared with solvents not suitable for human consumption [1,2]; ii) the use of conditions (solid/solvent ratio, technique of preparation and duration), in the limited studies carried out on aqueous extracts [3][4][5][6], that do not resemble domestic ones; iii) the lack of quantitative data on individual constituents and identification of those ones that may contribute the most to the bioactivity of the extracts. These issues need to be addressed in order a plant material to pave its way in the field of dietary sources of bioactive constituents. ...
The phenolic content/composition and antioxidant activity of hot/cold infusion and decoction from the leaves of Arbutus unedo were studied for the first time. 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH●), 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) radical cation (ABTS●+), crocin-bleaching, copper-reducing, and liposome accelerated oxidation assays were used for the evaluation of the activity in vitro. In vivo, the extracts were examined for their ability to protect S. cerevisiae cells from H2O2 induced oxidative stress. An on-line high-performance liquid chromatography-DPPH● assay was applied to identify potent radical scavengers and comment on their contribution to the total activity. The addition of leaves to boiling water (decoction) was the most appropriate practice to apply since the highest phenol intake (220.2 mg gallic acid/cup served) was obtained. Additionally, its antioxidant activity was equal or superior to that of the other extracts. Flavonols (~51–61 mg/g dry extract) were the main phenols in all the extracts, with quercitrin accounting for ~20% of the total phenol amount. The on-line DPPH● method verified the high potency of the decoction and indicated as the most active radical scavengers, two galloylquinic acid derivatives and myricitrin, accounting for ~28–45% and ~11–13% of the total scavenging, respectively. Present data may contribute to the future exploitation of A. unedo leaves by the food industry for health-promoting herbal tea preparations and dietary supplements.
... The fruits are used for making alcoholic beverages, jams, marmalades or it is freshly consumed (in a lower manner) [35]. Traditional medicine recommended the leaves and fruit of the genus Arbutus as antiseptic, diuretic, laxative and antihypertensive remedy [24,33]. The chemical composition of the whole plants or various organs was studied in order to exploit its therapeutic properties, because the species products have lower economic importance [22]. ...
... The chemical composition of the leaf is divers, previous studies showing the presence of the following active principles: flavones (quercitrin, isoquercitrin, hyperoside), phenol-carboxylic acids (chlorogenic acid), procyanidin dimers and other proanthocyanidins, tannins (catechins, gallocatechin, ethyl gallate), arbutin (only in leaves, up to 1.21 g%), sterols, triterpenes, essential oils, fatty acids, organic acids and vitamins [22,27]. Previous investigations on the leaves of these species are modest, but pharmacological research has shown that Arbutus unedo extracts have antimicrobial (Candida albicans, Enteroccocus faecalis), antiparasitic (Trichomonas vaginalis) and antihypertensive properties [1,9,24]. The search for antimicrobial agents is an urgent need emerged from the increased antibiotic microbial resistance [38]. ...
... Phenolic acids such as gallic, protocatechuic, ellagic, ferulic, and caffeic acids, have an important role in antimicrobial protection (Borges et al., 2013). One of the plant species used in traditional and folk medicine so far for the treatment of UTIs is Arbutus unedo L. (known as the strawberry tree) of the family Ericaceae (Oliveria et al., 2011), which is widespread in the Mediterranean region, as well as the region of Asia Minor and Western Europe (Mariotto et al., 2008). The leaves of A. unedo showed a wide range of biological effects (Oliveria et al., 2011), and they are rich in tannins, flavonoids, phenols, and glycosides (Jurica et al., 2017). ...
... One of the plant species used in traditional and folk medicine so far for the treatment of UTIs is Arbutus unedo L. (known as the strawberry tree) of the family Ericaceae (Oliveria et al., 2011), which is widespread in the Mediterranean region, as well as the region of Asia Minor and Western Europe (Mariotto et al., 2008). The leaves of A. unedo showed a wide range of biological effects (Oliveria et al., 2011), and they are rich in tannins, flavonoids, phenols, and glycosides (Jurica et al., 2017). The content of polyphenols in A. unedo leaves often depend on the climate and the geolocation of their origin. ...
Antibacterial and antibiofilm efficacy through a synergistic effect of herbal leaf extracts of bearberry (BE), bearberry tea (BTE), parsley (PE), and the strawberry tree (STE) was evaluated to discover an alternative approach to control urinary tract infections caused by Enterococci. UHPLC–DAD MS/MS analysis indicated that herbal extracts were rich in ellagic and gallic acids, catechin, quercetin, and arbutin, which are strong antioxidants. Mostly, Enterococcus faecalis isolates showed resistance only to gentamicin and/or norfloxacin (26.3%) and moderate biofilm production (31.5%), while 12 isolates of Enterococcus faecium showed multiple antibiotic resistance. The minimum inhibitory concentration for the majority of isolates was 1.25 mg ml-1 for STE, but 2.5 mg ml-1 for BE and BTE. Although individual extracts gave higher MIC values, for most isolates, a synergistic effect at lower concentrations was achieved, when BE or BTE (0.625 mg ml-1) was combined with STE (0.31 mg ml-1). The BTE extract was shown to have the strongest individual effect on initial adhesiveness and on biofilm formation to all selected isolates, while the synergism of BTE and STE caused significant biofilm inhibition at all concentrations tested. The synergistic effect achieved of the tested extract combinations might be a starting point in the development of alternative products, effective against antibiotic resistant Enterococcus isolates.
... The previous literature data state values of TA content in the range of 0.66-1.59% [6], or even higher values of between 1.51-3.45% [22]. ...
... Anthocyanins, have been proven to have a strong antioxidant effect, along with β-carotene from the carotenoid group [40]. Strawberry tree fruits are also unique due to their long period of maturation, whereby fruits from the same plant may show different compositions of individual pigments [6]. In this study, several plant pigments both in the fruits (Table 3) and leaves (Table 4) were analyzed. ...
The strawberry tree fruit and leaf are a rich source of minerals, easily digestible sugars, dietary fibers, vitamins (especially vitamin C) and many bioactive compounds of significant functional value. Due to their favorable chemical composition, fruits have recently become increasingly popular in consumption. The aim of this study was to determine the physical-chemical composition, content of bioactive compounds, and also the antioxidant capacity of the fruit and leaves of wild strawberry tree populations among the Adriatic coast in Croatia, as well as to investigate the influence of location on the content of specific bioactive compounds. According to the obtained results, both fruit and leaves are pronouncedly high in vitamin C content, the average value for fruits amounted to 224.21 mg/100 g FW, while that for leaves amounted to 138.08 mg/100 g FW. Additionally, significantly high values of total polyphenolic compounds were recorded both in fruits (average value of 637.94 mg GAE/100 g FW) and especially in leaves (average value of 2157.01 mg GAE/100 g FW). Several pigments from different categories were determined in the fruit depending on fruit maturity, including: total anthocyanins, β-carotene and lycopene; while in leaves chlorophylls and carotenoids. Given the high content of different bioactive compounds high values of antioxidant capacity were determined (the average value for fruits was 2269.96 µmol TE/kg and for leaves, 2237.16 µmol TE/kg). Location strongly influenced the physical-chemical composition and also the content of specialized metabolites; populations collected from southern areas (central and south Dalmatia) of the Adriatic coast tended to have higher amounts of vitamin C, total phenols, total anthocyanins and β-carotene.
... Strawberry tree (ST) (Arbutus unedo L.) is wild bushy evergreen plant that typically grows in the Mediterranean region (Lim, 2012). All plant parts have traditionally been used in phytotherapy (Oliveira et al., 2011). Water leaf extract has beneficial effects in treatment of hypertension, diabetes, and inflammation, mainly due to its diuretic, uroantiseptic and astringent properties (Afkir et al., 2008;Mariotto et al., 2008;Oliveira et al., 2011;Amel, 2013). ...
... All plant parts have traditionally been used in phytotherapy (Oliveira et al., 2011). Water leaf extract has beneficial effects in treatment of hypertension, diabetes, and inflammation, mainly due to its diuretic, uroantiseptic and astringent properties (Afkir et al., 2008;Mariotto et al., 2008;Oliveira et al., 2011;Amel, 2013). ...
Ethnopharmacological relevance:
Strawberry tree (Arbutus unedo L., Ericaceae) leaves represent a potent source of biologically active compounds and have been used for a long to relieve symptoms of various health impairments and diseases. Two major compounds related to their beneficial activities in animals and humans are arbutin and hydroquinone.
Aim of the study:
To establish potential benefit/risk ratio associated with daily oral administration of strawberry tree water leaf extract, arbutin and hydroquinone in doses expected to be non-toxic.
Materials and methods:
We performed a 14-day and a 28-day study on male and female Lewis rats and evaluated main haematological parameters and the effects of treatments on the levels of primary DNA damage in white blood cells (WBC) using the alkaline comet assay.
Results:
Our findings suggest no significant changes in the haematological parameters following prolonged exposure to strawberry tree water leaf extract, arbutin, and hydroquinone. However, hydroquinone causes increased, and extract as well as arbutin decreased WBC count in male rats compared to control after 14 days of treatment. DNA damage measured in WBC of rats treated with all compounds was below 10% of the DNA in the comet tail, which indicates low genotoxicity. The genotoxic potential of strawberry water leaf extract was within acceptable limits and reflected effects of a complex chemical composition upon DNA. We also observed slight gender- and exposure time- related differences in primary DNA damage in the leukocytes of control and treated rats.
Conclusions:
Future studies should investigate which doses of strawberry tree water leaf extract would be most promising for the potential use as a substitute for bearberry leaves for treatment of urinary infection.
... In Europe, this species grows in Portugal, Spain, France, Italy, Albania, Greece, Bosnia and Herzegovinia, Croatia, FYROM, Montenegro, Serbia and Slovenia and in the Mediterranean islands (Balearic, Corsica, Sardinia, Sicily and Crete). It is also able to adapt to conditions of the south-western coast of Ireland [1][2][3][4]. The vernacular name of Strawberry tree in Greece is -koumaria‖ and of its fruit -koumaro‖ [3]. ...
... Initially, their color is yellow, then turns yellow-orange and finally becomes red during maturation (Picture 1). According to some studies, phenolic compounds that have excellent antioxidant activity, have been identified in the Koumaro fruits as well as fatty acids, organic acids, sugars, various volatile compounds and minerals [2,6]. It is considered to be an organic product because it is widely grown without any agrochemical substances. ...
Koumaria is the common Greek name of the bushy shrub Arbutus unedo L., also known as the strawberry tree. Its fruits are considered to be an organic product because it is widely grown without any agrochemical substances and are mainly used for the production of an aromatic traditional distillate, named Koumaro. The aim of the present study was to estimate total phenols and antioxidant capacity of Koumaro distillates from five mainland areas of Greece (Preveza, Ioannina, Thesprotia, Pieria and Aitoloakarnania). 25 different samples of Koumaro distillates were used (5 samples from each of the above mentioned areas). The antioxidant capacity was determined by the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assay and total phenols were determined by the Folin-Ciocalteu method. The antioxidant capacity for all samples was ranging between 48.41% and 58.84%. Moreover, total phenols in all samples were ranging between 5.97 mg/L and 9.99 mg/L expressed as gallic acid. Obtained results showed that Koumaro distillates exhibited a remarkable antioxidant capacity, which could possibly be increased by the addition of various kinds of berries during the distillation process.
... In Europe, this species grows in Portugal, Spain, France, Italy, Albania, Greece, Bosnia and Herzegovinia, Croatia, Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia and Slovenia and in the Mediterranean islands (Balearic, Corsica, Sardinia, Sicily and Crete). It is also able to adapt to conditions of the south-western coast of Ireland123. The common English names are: arbutus, cane apples, Irish strawberry tree, Killarney strawberry tree, strawberry madrone, and strawberry tree. ...
... The flowers, with recurved lobes, are bell-shaped, 8–9 mm long, white, and often pale pink [5]. A. unedo flowers are a significant source of nectar and pollen for bees [6]. The fruits are globular, orange-red when ripe, growing up to 2 cm in diameter, are recovered with conical papillae and mature in autumn [2,6]. Fruits take about 12 months to ripen; therefore, the tree carries mature fruits and flowers at the same time. ...
Arbutus unedo L. (strawberry tree) has a circum-Mediterranean distribution, being found in western, central and southern Europe, north-eastern Africa (excluding Egypt and Libya) and the Canary Islands and western Asia. Fruits of the strawberry tree are generally used for preparing alcoholic drinks (wines, liqueurs and brandies), jams, jellies and marmalades, and less frequently eaten as fresh fruit, despite their pleasing appearance. An overview of the chemical composition of different parts of the plant, strawberry tree honey and strawberry tree brandy will be presented. The biological properties of the different parts of A. unedo and strawberry tree honey will be also overviewed.
... Strawberry tree leaves and fruits have been widely used in traditional medicine, since the Greek civilisation, thanks to the well-known antimicrobial, antioxidant, diuretic, antiseptic and laxative effects (Pabucçuogľu et al., 2003;Oliveira et al., 2009;Malheiro et al., 2012). The cultural value associated with the consumption of semi-wild and wild edible plants is often associated with their contribution to the local communities' health that have inherited their use (Oliveira et al., 2011b;Morales, 2022). However, the cultivation of strawberry trees has been gradually replaced by species with greater economic value, restraining its use as an ornamental plant. ...
The valorisation and conservation of plant genetic resources (PGRs) and wild fruit PGRs are critical to ensure the maintenance of genetic and cultural heritage and to promote new perspectives on resource use. New strategies to characterize PGRs are needed, and the omics approach can provide information that is still largely unknown. The Strawberry tree ( Arbutus unedo L.) is an underutilized, drought and fire-resistant species distributed in the Mediterranean area and its berries have large ethnobotanical use. Although their phenolic profile and antioxidant capacity are known, they are not well characterised, particularly from a proteomic perspective. The aim of this work is the characterisation of two ecotypes of A. unedo (Campania and Sicily) from a molecular viewpoint to valorise and encourage the preservation of this wild fruit. Samples were collected from two different geographical areas to assess whether different geographical conditions could influence the characteristics of leaves and fruits at the three stages of ripening (green, veraison, red). Proteomic analysis identified 904 proteins, of which 122 showed significance along the ripening. Some of these differentially abundant proteins, such as chalcone synthase, show a marked increase during ripening. The protein functional classes with the highest representation are involved in protein and amino acid metabolism, glycolysis and in secondary metabolism. From a proteomic perspective, there are no differences between the fruits from the two regions compared by the ripening stage. However, the pedoclimatic metabolic imprinting allowed the observation of good diversity in the metabolomic profiles between the two ecotypes, especially for anthocyanins, 4 times more abundant in the Sicilian veraisoned fruit than in the Campania one, and catechins, with double the abundance in the Campania ecotype compared to the Sicilian ecotype in the green phase, but more abundant (3x) in the Sicilian veraisoned fruit. Phenolic compounds show a 20% greater abundance in the Campania green arbutus fruit than in the Sicilian one, values that then equalise as ripening progresses. Multi-omic characterisation enhanced the knowledge on a wild fruit plant species which shows specific adaptations and responses to the environment to be considered when addressing the issue of local agrobiodiversity.
... In other smoothies, TA was at a comparable level, from 0.39 to 0.44 g of MA/100 g fw, T0. The high content of organic acids in A. unedo berries was also confirmed by Oliveira et al. [47]. While A. sellowiana flowers have never been investigated before for their organic acid content, their profile and content were similar to that of feijoa fruits [48]. ...
Smoothies are becoming an increasingly popular product as a healthy alternative to snacks. The consumer expects from this product that, apart from its nutritional value, it will also be qualitatively stable during storage. Therefore, in this study, original smoothies obtained with persimmon fruit puree and apple juice (Dk/Md) enriched with Arbutus unedo fruits, Myrtus communis purple berry extract, Acca sellowiana, and Crocus sativus petal juice were evaluated for their polyphenol composition, antioxidant activity, and inhibition on targeted digestive enzymes, over six months of storage. The amount of polyphenols evaluated by UPLC-PDA analysis decreased in six months from 23.5% for both Dk/Md and enriched C. sativus smoothies to 42.5% for enriched A. sellowiana, with anthocyanins the most sensitive compounds (71.7–100% loss). Values of antioxidant assays generally strongly decreased during the first three months (up to ca. 60%) and to a lesser extent in the following three months (0.4–27%). In addition, inhibitory activity on α-amylase, α-glucosidase, and pancreatic lipase, especially on the last two enzymes, was negatively affected by time storage. The outcome of this study indicates that persimmon fruit is a good option for producing smoothies, and enrichment with other plant extracts can enhance the bioactive compound content and biological activities. It is recommended that appropriate storage strategies to preserve the properties of those smoothies should be developed.
... These distinctions result from the polarity of solvents used to extract the phenolic compounds. Our findings differed from those of Oliveira and colleagues from Portugal [23], who stated that the aqueous and methanol A. unedo leaf extracts contained 172.21 ± 6.29 and 149.28 ± 5.33 mg GAE/g, respectively, of total phenolics. Tannin contents in A. unedo leaves were comparable in both extracts. ...
Objectives:
Moroccan Arbutus unedo is an essential medicinal plant; however, little is known about the biological properties of its leaves mentioned in Moroccan traditional medicine.
Methods:
Various standard experiments were performed to evaluate the phytochemical, antidiabetic, antioxidant, antibacterial, and acute and sub-chronic toxicity characteristics of A. unedo leaves.
Results:
Phytochemical screening led to the identification of several phytochemical classes, including tannins, flavonoids, terpenoids, and anthraquinones, with high concentrations of polyphenols (31.83 ± 0.29 mg GAEs/g extract) and flavonoids (16.66 ± 1.47 mg REs/g extract). Further, the mineral analysis revealed high levels of calcium and potassium. A. unedo extract demonstrated significant antioxidant and anti-diabetic activities by inhibiting α-amylase (1.350 ± 0.32 g/mL) and α-glucosidase (0.099 ± 1.21 g/mL) compared to the reference drug Acarbose. Also, the methanolic extract of the plant exhibited significantly higher antibacterial activity than the aqueous extract. Precisely, three of the four examined bacterial strains exhibited substantial susceptibility to the methanolic extract . Minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC)/minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values indicated that A. unedo harbor abundant bactericidal compounds. For toxicological studies, mice were administered with A. unedo aqueous extract at single doses of 2,000 and 5,000 mg/kg. They did not exhibit significant abnormal behavior, toxic symptoms, or death during the 14-day acute toxicity test and the 90-day sub-chronic toxicity test periods. The general behavior, body weight, and hematological and biochemical status of the rats were assessed, revealing no toxicological symptoms or clinically significant changes in biological markers observed in the mice models, except hypoglycemia, after 90 days of daily dose administration.
Conclusion:
The study highlighted several biological advantages of A. unedo leaves without toxic effects in short-term application. Our findings suggest that conducting more comprehensive and extensive in vivo investigations is of utmost importance to identify molecules that can be formulated into pharmaceuticals in the future.
... TA was strongly correlated with malic acid, total organic acids, and total hydroxybenzoic acids (p ≤ 0.01, Table S1). As confirmed by Oliveira et al. [55], A. unedo fruits are characterized by a high content of organic acids, while A. sellowiana flowers have never been investigated before for their organic acid content, but their profile and content might be similar to that of feijoa fruits [56]. Therefore, these two semi-products proved responsible for the acidity of the enriched apple smoothies. ...
Using a multi-analytical approach, this paper aimed to investigate the effect of apple juice enrichment with Arbutus unedo and Diospyros kaki fruits, Myrtus communis berry extract, Acca sellowiana, or Crocus sativus flower by-products on both bioactive compounds content and antioxidant activity. Physico-chemical parameters, vitamin C, sugars, organic acids, total polyphenol content, antioxidant activity, and sensory attributes were evaluated. An LC-PDA/MS QTof analysis allowed for the identification of 80 different phenolic compounds. The highest polyphenol content (179.84 and 194.06 mg of GAE/100 g fw) and antioxidant activity (CUPRAC, 6.01 and 7.04 mmol of Fe2+/100 g fw) were observed in products with added A. sellowiana and D. kaki, respectively. Furthermore, the study showed a positive correlation between polymeric procyanidins and antioxidant activity (0.7646–0.8539). The addition of A. unedo fruits had a positively significant influence on the increment of vitamin C (23.68 ± 0.23 mg/100 g fw). The obtained products were attractive to consumers, especially those with 0.1% C. sativus flower juice, M. communis berry extract, and persimmon D. kaki fruits. The synergy among the different analytical techniques allowed us to obtain a complete set of information, demonstrating that the new apple smoothies were enriched in both different beneficial molecules for human health and in antioxidant activity.
... Results of previous studies suggested that arbutin, glycoside from the strawberry plant, is a potent antioxidative and cytoprotective [25,26]. Water leaves of strawberry extract has positive effects in the treatment of diabetes, hypertension, and inflammation, chiefly due to its diuretic, uroantiseptic and astringent properties [23,27].Also, other compounds such phenolics, flavonoids, polysaccharides and alkaloids, are known for their properties in scavenging free radicals, inhibiting lipid oxidation, improve glucose response, alleviating metabolic dysregulation of free fatty acids and insulin resistance associated with type 2 [47,50,[58][59][60]. Also, such bioactive compounds have been reported to improve damages/complications caused by many diseases including DM [61,62]. ...
... Despite the strawberry tree's many biologically benefi cial properties (OLIVEIRA et al., 2011) (edible fruit usually processed and consumed as jam, drink or honey, use in folk and mainstream medicine), pertinent studies are scarce. This is the fi rst study on strawberry tree leaf morphometrics in Greece using two natural populations that differ in altitude, latitude and therefore climate. ...
This paper investigates leaf morphology variation of the strawberry tree (Arbutus unedo) within and between two natural contrasting populations of significant latitudinal difference (Kassandreia, Chalkidiki and Ancient Olympia, Peloponnese). This study employed 11 leaf size and shape parameters, recorded by image processing and analyzing software. The results showed that in the measurements of central tendency (parameter means) the northern population of Kassandreia presented the highest values, while in contrast the highest values in the measurements of spread were found in the southern population of Ancient Olympia. Moreover, statistically significant differences between populations were detected in leaf size, but not in leaf shape parameters. Results are discussed in the context of their value in studying quantitative population differentiation and laying the basis of more advanced studies.
... They consist of water, sugars (fructose, glucose, and sucrose), organic acids, proteins, and minerals. They are also rich in flavonoids, vitamins (C and E), carotenoids, phenolic acids, and non-volatile acids which are bioactive compounds with antioxidant activity associated with health benefits such as lowering risk of cancer development, cardiovascular diseases, and chronic human diseases (Oliveira et al., 2011;Miguel et al., 2014). Antioxidant compounds present in the fruits have also been associated with antimicrobial activity, thus contributing to their protection against pathogenic and spoilage microorganisms (Alarcão-e-Silva et al., 2001;Pallauf et al., 2008). ...
Arbutus unedo L. is a species with great economic impact in rural areas, and its fruits have several food applications and beneficial properties on human health. However, the fruits are highly perishable, and little is known about their characteristics. The present work thus aimed to evaluate the physicochemical and microbiological parameters of Arbutus unedo L. during two consecutive years from four different samples. Microbiological analysis was conducted at different times of preservation (days 0, 4, 11, and 21) and temperatures (room temperature, refrigeration, and freezing). Six fungal strains as representatives of the most prevalent mycobiota in fruits were used for molecular identification. The fruits had aw values of 0.916 ± 0.01 to 0.930 ± 0.01, pH values of 3.81 ± 0.01 to 3.82 ± 0.01, and ºBrix values of 25.02 ± 0.49 to 28.52 ± 1.02. Microbiological analysis revealed that the predominant microbiota in fresh fruits were psychrotrophs (4.07 ± 0.25 log CFU/g), yeasts (3.39 ± 0.18 log CFU/g), mesophiles (3.26 ± 1.20 log CFU/g), and moulds (2.70 ± 0.55 log CFU/g). After a preservation period of 11 days, the microbial loads increased from 66 to 116% at 25 ± 1°C; while at 6.5 ± 1°C, the increase varied from 3 to 53%; except for moulds, for which a decrease was observed. The application of freezing temperature (21 days) showed a small increase for psychrotrophs and yeasts of 1.5 and 2.9%, respectively. The most prevalent moulds identified belonged to Rhizopus stolonifer var. stolonifer, Aspergillus carbonarius, and Penicillium brevicompactum, while yeasts belonged to Aureobasidium sp. and Saccothecium rubi.
... Results of previous studies suggested that arbutin, glycoside from the strawberry plant, is a potent antioxidative and cytoprotective [25,26]. Water leaves of strawberry extract has positive effects in the treatment of diabetes, hypertension, and inflammation, chiefly due to its diuretic, uroantiseptic and astringent properties [23,27].Also, other compounds such phenolics, flavonoids, polysaccharides and alkaloids, are known for their properties in scavenging free radicals, inhibiting lipid oxidation, improve glucose response, alleviating metabolic dysregulation of free fatty acids and insulin resistance associated with type 2 [47,50,[58][59][60]. Also, such bioactive compounds have been reported to improve damages/complications caused by many diseases including DM [61,62]. ...
The present study aimed to clarify the effect of strawberry (Fragaria ananassa) leaves powder on some biological, biochemical and molecular parameters of alloxan-induced diabetes in rats. Diabetic rats were fed treated daily with four doses (2.5, 5 , 7.5 and 10%, w/w) of strawberry leaves powder (SLP) for 28 days, and some molecular parameters for diabetic rats were fed treated daily with two doses (7.5 and 10%, w/w) of strawberry leaves powder for 24 hours ,3 days and 10 days after preliminary study. Diabetic rats exhibited significant decreases in BWG, FI, FER values and increases the relative organs (liver, kidney, heart, spleen and lungs) weight as compared to the control. Also, significant increases in blood glucose, liver functions (AST and ALT) and kidney functions (urea and creatinine) parameters in diabetic rats as compared to the control. Supplementation of the rat diets with 2.5% to 10% w/w by SLP decreased the blood glucose level and improved the hyperglycemia complications includes liver and kidneys functions. For molecular data, feeding diabetic rats with SLP caused a significant (p≤0.05) increased in the values of mean maximal optical density (MODY) of RNA as compared with control diabetic rats. Also, diabetes increase DNA damage (maximal optical density of apoptotic fragments) of liver and pancreas in rats which has been significantly improved by feeding SLP. In conclusion, date of the present study provide a basis for the use of SLP for the prevention and/or treatment of T2D instead of/beside the synthetic medications which may have unwanted side effects.
... Strawberry tree fruits, which fully ripen in autumn, are most commonly used to make marmalade, jam, or liquor [4]. The fruits exhibit antiseptic, laxative, and diuretic properties, and are used in folk medicine for the treatment of cardiovascular, urological, dermatological, and gastrointestinal problems [4,6,7]. The increased interest in replacing synthetic antioxidants from food with natural ones has supported research on plants with a high content of bioactive compounds as a source of new antioxidants. ...
The strawberry tree (Arbutus unedo L., Ericaceae family) is an evergreen Mediterranean shrub whose leaves and fruits are used in traditional medicine due to their antioxidant, antimicrobial, antidiabetic, diuretic, and antiproliferative properties. The health benefits are mainly attributed to the presence of phenolic compounds. The aim of this study was to compare the phenolic profiles, total phenolic content (TPC), and radical scavenging activity (RSA) of A. unedo leaves and fruits collected at two locations in Croatia. Phenolic profiles were identified using an ultra-high-performance liquid chromatograph (UHPLC) coupled with a hybrid mass spectrometer (LTQ Orbitrap MS). TPC was determined by Folin–Ciocalteu’s assay, while RSA was investigated using DPPH reagent. A total of 64 phenolics (60 and 42 compounds in leaves and fruits, respectively) were identified. Hyperoside and flavan-3-ols were predominant compounds in leaves, while gallocatechin and catechin were the major compounds found in fruits. To the authors’ knowledge, 16 and 5 phenolics in leaves and fruits, respectively, were reported for the first time. Principal component analysis (PCA) showed that UHPLC-LTQ Orbitrap MS could be used to identify which phenolics were able to discriminate samples regarding plant tissue and geographical origin. TPC in leaves and fruits were in the ranges of 67.07–104.74 and 16.78–25.86 mg gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/g dried weight (dw), respectively. RSA for leaves and fruits were in the ranges of 408.92–430.98 and 74.30–104.04 μmol Trolox equivalents (TE)/g dw, respectively. The number of identified phenolics was lower in fruits compared to leaves. Such a large number of bioactive phenolics identified and the strong antioxidant activity pointed to A. unedo as a promising health-promoting plant and natural food preservative.
... In recent years, the use of treatment with plants as well as the search for new substances with biological activities constitutes one of the greatest scientific concerns, leading to a thorough search for bioactive compounds, namely plant antioxidants and their importance in medicine, the food industry, and human nutrition (Oliveira et al., 2011). ...
Erodium genus contains several medicinal traditionally used and pharmacologically explored. However, Erodium guttatum has not been well valorized. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the antibacterial and antioxidant activities of E. guttatum extracts in addition to their toxicity. To achieve the objectives of this study, methanol and aqueous extracts of E. guttatum were prepared. Then, antibacterial activity was evaluated against Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, Klebsiella pneumoniae ATCC 43816, Salmonella typhimurium ATCC 14028, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853, Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923, and Listeria monocytogenes ATCC 13932 by disc diffusion and broth microdilution methods. The antioxidant activity was evaluated by DPPH scavenging assay, scavenging of hydrogen peroxide assay, and xanthine oxidase inhibition assay. The mineral composition was determined by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES). Moreover, the polyphenol, flavonoids, and tannins contents were estimated using colorimetric methods. However, the safety of plant extracts was validated by performing acute and subacute acute toxicity. The results of this study showed that methanolic and aqueous extracts of E. guttatum contain important amounts of polyphenols (279.71 ± 0.31 and 142.03 ± 0.81 mg GAE/g extract), flavonoids (118.58 ± 0.14 and 68.25 ± 0.42 mg ER/ g extract), and tannins (61.81 ± 0.25 and 27.47 ± 0.62 mg CE/g extract) as well as a wide range of mineral elements. Additionally, the biological evaluation showed that plant extracts exhibit remarkable antioxidant, and antibacterial activities (MIC ranged between 6.25 and 100 mg/mL for aqueous extract and between 3.12 and 100 mg/mL for methanolic extract). Moreover, our findings showed that E. guttatum aqueous extract did not show toxicity. Therefore, E. guttatum could be a good source for the identification of antioxidant and antibacterial drugs. In addition, the observed findings could open new horizons on the ethnobotanical usages of E. guttatum. However, further investigations are required to identify and isolate bioactive compounds from this plant as well the investigations of their biological effects.
... It has been cultivated and harvested for centuries for food and as a natural remedy for gastrointestinal disorders, skin diseases and urinary infections [9]. For example, the fruits are well known in folk medicine as an antiseptic, diuretic, and laxative [10], and the leaves are used as an astringent, diuretic, urinary antiseptic, antidiarrhea, depurative and more recently have been used to treat hypertension, diabetes, and inflammatory diseases [11]. ...
Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is currently a major health problem and the most common chronic disease worldwide. Traditional medicinal plants remedies remain a potential adjunct therapy to maintain better glycemic control while also imparting few side-effects. Arbutus unedo L. has been traditionally used to manage several diseases including diabetes. This study was undertaken to contribute the validation of the traditional use of Arbutus unedoL. (Ericaceae) in the treatment of diabetes. Methods: In-vitro antidiabetic effect of the A. unedo roots aqueous extract was conducted using α-glucosidase and α-amylase assays. While in-vivo antidiabetic activity was conducted using streptozotocin-nicotinamide (STZ-NA) induced diabetic mice. Diabetic animals were orally administered the aqueous extract in 500 mg/kg of body weight to assess the antidiabetic effect. The blood glucose level and body weight of the experimental animals were monitored for 4 weeks. In addition, the histopathological examination of the treated mice pancreas was also conducted to observe the changes of β-cells during the treatment process. Results: The extract produced a significant decrease in blood glucose level in diabetic mice. This decrease was equivalent to that which observed in mice treated with a standard after 2-4 weeks. In addition, the plant extract exhibited a potent inhibitory effect on α-amylase and α-glucosidase activity with IC 50 values of 730.15±0.25 μg/mL and 94.81±5.99 μg/mL, respectively. Moreover, the histopathologic examination of the pancreas showed a restoration of normal pancreatic islet cell architecture which observed in the diabetic mice treated with plant extract. Conclusions: The aqueous A. unedo roots extract has a significant in vitro and in vivo antidiabetic effects and improves metabolic alterations. The revealed results justify its traditional medicinal use.
... These properties are due to the fruits being rich in bioactive components such as flavonoids, vitamin C, vitamin E, and carotenoids [14] . Their leaves are used as an astringent, urinary antiseptic, diuretic, antidiarrhea, and depurative [16] and have also been used to treat inflammatory diseases, hypertension, and diabetes [12] . Furthermore, A. unedo roots have been used in traditional medicine practice to heal different gastrointestinal, urological, dermatologic, and cardiovascular diseases [ 17 , 18 ]. ...
Introduction: Arbutus unedo (Ericaceae) is a medicinal plant used traditionally to treat several diseases including oxidative stress related diseases and infectious diseases. However, the antimicrobial and antioxidant actions of A. unedo and its bioactive compounds have not been well studied. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the antioxidant and antibacterial activities of Arbutus unedo roots extracts and to investigate the action of their major compounds.
Methods: The roots were exhaustively extracted by high-pressure static extraction using the Zippertex® technology, with different solvents (water, methanol, ethyl acetate, and dichloromethane). The antioxidant activity of A. unedo root extracts were performed by the DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) scavenging and FRAP (Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power) procedures. The root extracts were tested against four reference health-damaging bacteria (Escherichia coli, Salmonella Typhimurium, Staphylococcus aureus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) by the agar well diffusion and broth dilution assays.
Results: The results of this study showed that ethyl acetate extract of A. unedo roots have the highest contents of phenols and flavonoids with a value of 590.31±17.62 mg GAE/g extract and 47.42 ± 1.80 mg RE/g extract, respectively. Moreover, the same extract exhibited the most potent antioxidant activity with the half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) and half maximal effective concentration (EC50) doses of 0.02±0.01 and 0.15±0.01 mg/mL, respectively. This result is similar to those showed by ascorbic acid and quercetin. According to the broth microdilution method, the methanolic plant extract revealed the highest antibacterial activity against S. aureus with a minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) value of 12.5 mg/mL. This extract was the most effective against S. aureus (inhibitory zone=15.4±0.2 mm), E. coli (inhibitory zone=12.2±0.2 mm), and Salmonella (inhibitory zone=10.2±0.1 mm) revealed in the disc diffusion assay. The antibacterial activity of the extracts confirmed by the predicted results of molecular docking studies, and same amino acids in dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) enzyme interact with both catechin and reference adenosine diphosphate (ADP) in similar modes.
Conclusion: The present data suggest that A. unedo the root extracts have potential antioxidant activity and antibacterial effect against selected bacterial strains, which may have a potential therapeutic use against oxidative stress related pathologies and infectious diseases. However, other investigations on A. unedo extracts and their bioactive compounds are needed to consider their application as nutraceuticals and functional foods.
... Principal constituents of infusions and decoctions of leaves and roots examined for their antihypertensive activity are the phenolic compounds catechin, already mentioned, catechin 3-O-gallate, epicatechin 3-O-gallate, gallic acid and arbutin ( Fig. 9) (Oliveira et al., 2011;Morgado et al., 2018). Catechin and epicatechin 3-O-gallates were proved to exert moderate inhibitory action on ACE (Liu et al., 2003), while gallic acid has been recently investigated for its antihypertensive activity in SHRs ascribed to its ability of attenuating oxidative stress (Jin et al., 2017a,b). ...
Hypertension has become the leading risk factor for worldwide cardiovascular diseases. Conventional pharmacological treatment, after both dietary and lifestyle changes, is generally proposed. In this review, we present the antihypertensive properties of phytocomplexes from thirteen plants, long ago widely employed in ethnomedicines and, in recent years, increasingly evaluated for their activity in vitro and in vivo, also in humans, in comparison with synthetic drugs acting on the same systems. Here, we focus on the demonstrated or proposed mechanisms of action of such phytocomplexes and of their constituents proven to exert cardiovascular effects. Almost seventy phytochemicals are described and scientifically sound pertinent literature, published up to now, is summarized. The review emphasizes the therapeutic potential of these natural substances in the treatment of the 'high normal blood pressure' or 'stage 1 hypertension', so-named according to the most recent European and U.S. guidelines, and as a supplementation in more advanced stages of hypertension, however needing further validation by clinical trial intensification.
... It is an evergreen shrub which is native to the France and Ireland. There are different classes of compounds are present in this plant such as terpenoids, a-tocopherol, essential oils, phenolic compounds and organic acids 31 . It is used in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases, gastrointestinal disorders, dermatological problems, diabetes, inflammation, hypertension etc. Mrabti H et al reported that the aqueous extract of the plant showed significant in-vitro and in-vivo antidiabetic effect in the streptozotocin-nicotinamide (STZ-NA) induced diabetic mice at the dose of 500 mg/kg and also it improves metabolic alternations 32 . ...
Diabetes is a metabolic disorder which is mainly characterized by hyperglycaemia and arises by the defects in insulin secretion or insulin action or both. It is categorized into two types, type-I and type-II diabetes. The risk factors that are responsible for diabetes are genetic factor, obesity, hypertension etc. Conventionally many drugs are used for the treatment of diabetes such as biguanides, sulfonylureas, meglitinides etc. But the desired effective treatment is still not to be achieved. So researches are going on for the development of alternate effective therapy against diabetes. Medicinal plants are promising source and also very useful for the development of complimentary therapy. In India medicinal plants are widely used traditionally for the prevention and cure of diabetes. This review article consists the description of the herbs which are reported to have good antidiabetic property.
... In Europe, this species grows in Portugal, Spain, France, Italy, Albania, Greece, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia and Slovenia and in the Mediterranean islands (Balearic, Corsica, Sardinia, Sicily and Crete). It is also able to adapt to the conditions of the south-western coast of Ireland (Torres et al., 2002;Oliveira et al., 2011a;Kim, 2012). ...
Ethnopharmacological relevance: Arbutus unedo L., (Ericaceae) is one of the most traditional plants commonly used to treat diabetes in people living in Eastern Morocco region particularly in Taza and Beni Mellal. Aim of the study: The aim of the study was to find if there is a scientific support to the ethnopharmacological relevance use of Arbutus unedo L., roots bark (AU) to treat diabetes. Materials and methods: We studied the effects of crude aqueous extract of AU on intestinal glucose absorption using short-circuit current technique in vitro and oral glucose tolerance test in vivo. Results: The aqueous extract of AU (10 µg/mL to 1 mg/mL) induced concentration-dependent inhibition of sodium-dependent glucose transport across isolated mouse jejunum. The maximal inhibition was obtained with 1 mg/mL, which exhibited more than 80% of the Phloridzin inhibition with an IC 50 close to 216 µg/mL. A 6-week AU ingestion (2 g/(kg day)), improved oral glucose tolerance as efficiently as metformin (300 mg/(kg day)). Arbutus unedo L. and metformin also reduced body weight. Conclusions: Arbutus unedo L. roots bark aqueous extract directly inhibited the electrogenic intestinal absorption of glucose in vitro. In addition it improved oral glucose tolerance and lowered body weight in rats after chronic oral administration in vivo. These results add a scientific support to the ethnopharmacological relevance use of Arbutus unedo L. roots bark to treat diabetes.
... Extracts from medicinal plants constitute a source of various potentially therapeutic compounds and have long drawn attention within the biomedical field. Strawberry tree (Arbutus unedo L.) leaves have a history of medicinal use in the Mediterranean region because of their beneficial effects in the treatment of inflammation, diabetes, and hypertension (Oliveira et al. 2011). One of the most bioactive as well as the most abundant constituents present in strawberry tree leaves is the glycoside arbutin. ...
Strawberry tree (Arbutus unedo L.) leaves have long been used in the traditional medicine of the Mediterranean region. One of their most bioactive constituents is the glycoside arbutin, whose presence makes A. unedo suitable as a potential substitute for bearberry [Arctostaphylos uva ursi (L.) Spreng] leaves, an herbal preparation widely used for treating urinary tract infections. The safety and biocompatibility of strawberry tree water leaf extract have not yet been documented well. This study estimated arbutin content in strawberry tree water leaf extract (STE) using high performance liquid chromatography. Furthermore, we performed an in vitro safety assessment of the 24 h exposure to three presumably non-toxic concentrations of standardized STE and arbutin in human peripheral blood lymphocytes using the apoptosis/necrosis assay, the alkaline comet assay, and the cytokinesis-block micronucleus cytome assay. The STE was also tested for total antioxidant capacity and lipid peroxidation. At a concentration corresponding to the maximum allowable daily intake of arbutin, the tested extract was not cytotoxic, had a negligible potential for causing primary DNA damage and even hindered micronuclei formation in lymphocytes. It also showed a valuable antioxidant capacity, and did not exert marked lipid peroxidation. These promising results represent a solid frame for further development of STE-based herbal preparations. Although arbutin generally had a low DNA damaging potential, the slowing down of lymphocyte proliferation observed after 24 h of exposure points to a cytostatic effect, which merits further research.
... It has been cultivated and harvested for centuries for food and as a natural remedy for gastrointestinal disorders, skin diseases and urinary infections [9]. For example, the fruits are well known in folk medicine as an antiseptic, diuretic, and laxative [10], and the leaves are used as an astringent, diuretic, urinary antiseptic, antidiarrhea, depurative and more recently have been used to treat hypertension, diabetes, and inflammatory diseases [11]. ...
Background
Diabetes mellitus (DM) is currently a major health problem and the most common chronic disease worldwide. Traditional medicinal plants remedies remain a potential adjunct therapy to maintain better glycemic control while also imparting few side-effects.
Methods
antidiabetic effect of the
Results
The extract produced a significant decrease in blood glucose level in diabetic mice. This decrease was equivalent to that which observed in mice treated with a standard after 2–4 weeks. In addition, the plant extract exhibited a potent inhibitory effect on α-amylase and α-glucosidase activity with IC
Conclusions
The aqueous
... Although variation on photosynthetic pigment content could be expected, due to the different water inputs [35] this was not recorded, which may indicate that the antioxidant systems of leaves were able to prevented degradation of leaf chlorophyll [43]. Although no correlation was found between photosynthetic pigments and enzymatic activity, Cla and Clt concentration was positively correlated with phenolics (R = 0.539, p = 0.039), compounds with known antioxidant activity [29]. Soluble protein content of green bean leaf was significantly affected by the growth substrate. ...
The almond shell is the main by-product of almond production, and is currently a material with no important use. However, it is produced each year in considerable amounts, and finding an alternative and valuable use is of great interest. This work intends to elucidate the possibility of the addition of almond shell to growth substrates on green bean plant and its effect on leaf characteristics. Almond shell was used in a mixture of 20% shell and 80% peat (AS), and compared to the control (C) substrate, a mix of 33.3% of vermiculite and 66.6% of peat, using low and well watering conditions (50 or 100% of field capacity). The parameters that were evaluated include biochemical parameters of leaves, namely photosynthetic pigments, total phenolics and antioxidant activity, proteins, but also enzymatic activity and phytohormonal content. The addition of almond shell did not result in changes of the content of photosynthetic pigments, but led to negative changes on several of the remaining parameters, including yield, recorded enzymatic activity, ABA content and lipid peroxidation. These results indicate some deleterious effect of the addition of almond shell to growth substrates for cultivation of green bean.
... The phenolic glycoside arbutin was identified as the main bioactive compound in A. unedo leaves (Fiorentino et al., 2007;Oliveira et al., 2011) High arbutin content was also present in the Ericaceae species Arctostaphylos uva-ursi (L.) (bearberry), well known in herbal medicine as an ancient urinary antiseptic and astringent (European Medicines Agency, 2012;Pavlovi c et al., 2009). Arbutin is absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract where it begins to split up into aglycone hydroquinone and glucose by intestinal microflora under the influence of enzyme b-glucosidase (Blaut et al., 2006). ...
Strawberry tree (Arbutus unedo L.) leaves are used in folk medicine for treating inflammation, hypertension, and diabetes. The aims of this study were to evaluate the antimicrobial effects of A. unedo leaf extracts on 15 uropathogens and test the extent to which arbutin, as the most abundant bioactive compound in the leaves, is responsible for their antimicrobial activity. Antimicrobial activity of leaf extracts against urinary pathogenic microorganisms was tested by agar well diffusion assay and twofolded microdilution method. Since the polyphenolic content responsible for A. unedo leaves’ antimicrobial activity depends on climate and geolocation, we determined the total phenolic, tannin, flavonoid and phenolic acid content using spectrophotometric methods, arbutin and hydroquinone mass fraction using high performance liquid chromatography coupled with a diode array detector (HPLC-DAD) and antioxidative activities by FRAP, ABTS, and DPPH assay. Although methanol was shown to be a more effective solvent for the extraction of polyphenols from leaves, the traditionally used aqueous extract exhibited similar antimicrobial properties. While arbutin did not show direct antimicrobial activity, its metabolite hydroquinone showed strong antimicrobial activity against the tested uropathogens. The strongest antimicrobial activity of leaf extracts was detected for uropathogenic strains of Enterococcus faecalis, which was probably associated with the ability of bacterial β-glucosidase, exerting strong activity in E. faecalis, to convert arbutin to hydroquinone. Our study suggested that the aqueous extract of strawberry tree leaves has the potential for use as a phytotherapeutic in clinical application and should be further investigated.
... All rights reserved. decoctions prepared from roots, barks, leaves and fruits (Fortalezas et al., 2010;reviewed by Miguel, Faleiro, Guerreiro, & Antunes, 2014;Oliveira, Baptista, Bento, & Pereira, 2011). Some studies have proved vasorelaxant and antiaggregant effects of A. unedo leaves extracts in human platelets (El Haouari, López, Mekhfi, Rosado, & Salido, 2007;Legssyer et al., 2004), and antihemolytic and radical scavenging activities have been characterised in leaf and fruit extracts, suggesting that A. unedo leaves are a promising source of natural antioxidants (Mendes, de Freitas, Baptista, & Carvalho, 2011;Oliveira, Coelho, Baltasar, Pereira, & Baptista, 2009). ...
The carotenoid composition of strawberry tree (Arbutus unedo) fruits has been characterised in detail and quantified for the first time. According to the total carotenoid content (over 340 μg/g dw), mature strawberry tree berries can be classified as fruits with very high carotenoid content (>20 μg/g dw). (all-E)-Violaxanthin and 9Z-violaxanthin were found to be the major carotenoid pigments, accounting for more than 60%, responsible for the bright colour of the flesh of ripe fruits. In addition other 5,6-epoxide carotenoids, such as (all-E)-neoxanthin, (9′Z)-neoxanthin (all-E)-antheraxanthin and lutein 5,6-epoxide, together with (all-E)-lutein, (all-E)-zeaxanthin and (all-E)-β-carotene were found at high levels (>5–20 μg/g dw). The LC–MS (APCI+) analysis of the xanthophyll fraction in their native state (direct extract) revealed that most of them (>90%) were totally esterified with saturated fatty acids (capric, lauric, myristic, palmitic and stearic). Monoesters, homodiesters and heterodiesters of (all-E)-violaxanthin and 9Z-violaxanthin were the major pigments.
... To achieve this goal, a common sclerophyllous broad-leaved Mediterranean shrub, Arbutus unedo, which typically occurs in holm oak forests, was selected. This species was chosen due to its important ecological role as a source of food for many animals [22,23], its high capacity to survive by re-sprouting after a fire [24] and its economic interest for food and pharmaceutical industries [25]. The study was carried out over a period of one year in a natural Mediterranean shrubland, with samplings being performed at the end of each season. ...
The effects of UV radiation and rainfall reduction on the seasonal leaf phenolic content/composition and antioxidant activity of the Mediterranean shrub Arbutus unedo were studied. Naturally growing plants of A. unedo were submitted to 97% UV-B reduction (UVA), 95% UV-A+UV-B reduction (UV0) or near-ambient UV levels (UVBA) under two precipitation regimes (natural rainfall or 10-30% rainfall reduction). Total phenol, flavonol and flavanol contents, levels of eight phenols and antioxidant activity [DPPH(●) radical scavenging and Cu (II) reducing capacity] were measured in sun-exposed leaves at the end of four consecutive seasons. Results showed a significant seasonal variation in the leaf content of phenols of A. unedo, with the lowest values found in spring and the highest in autumn and/or winter. Leaf ontogenetic development and/or a possible effect of low temperatures in autumn/winter may account for such findings. Regardless of the watering regime and the sampling date, plant exposure to UV-B radiation decreased the total flavanol content of leaves, while it increased the leaf content in quercitrin (the most abundant quercetin derivative identified). By contrast, UV-A radiation increased the leaf content of theogallin, a gallic acid derivative. Other phenolic compounds (two quercetin derivatives, one of them being avicularin, and one kaempferol derivative, juglanin), as well as the antioxidant activity of the leaves, showed different responses to UV radiation depending on the precipitation regime. Surprisingly, reduced rainfall significantly decreased the total amount of quantified quercetin derivatives as well as the DPPH scavenging activity in A. unedo leaves. To conclude, present findings indicate that leaves of A. unedo can be a good source of antioxidants throughout the year, but especially in autumn and winter.
... A. unedo, an evergreen wild shrub that grows in the Mediterranean region (10), contains many pharmacologically relevant polyphenols and one of its main phenolic compounds is arbutin (1,11). A. unedo leaf infusions are known to have diuretic, astringent, and uroantiseptic properties and are used in folk medicine for treatment of hypertension, diabetes, and inflammation (12)(13)(14)(15). As phenolic compounds have powerful antioxidative activity, the identification of individual compounds in leaves responsible for pharmacological activity has been the focus of interest in recent years. ...
The phenolic glycoside arbutin and its metabolite with uroantiseptic activity hydroquinone occur naturally in the leaves of various medicinal plants and spices. In this study, an extraction procedure coupled with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was developed to determine arbutin and hydroquinone content in strawberry tree (Arbutus unedo L., Ericaceae) leaves. The method showed good linearity (R 2 >0.9987) in the tested concentration range (0.5-200 µg mL-1), as well as good precision (RSD<5 %), analytical recovery (96.2-98.0 %), and sensitivity (limit of detection=0.009 and 0.004 µg mL-1 for arbutin and hydroquinone, respectively). The results obtained by the validated GC-MS method corresponded well to those obtained by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method. The proposed method was then applied for determining arbutin and hydroquinone content in methanolic leaf extracts. The amount of arbutin in the leaves collected on the island of Koločep (6.82 mg g-1 dry weight) was found to be higher (t paired =43.57, t c =2.92) in comparison to the amount of arbutin in the leaves collected on the island of Mali Lošinj (2.75 mg g-1 dry weight). Hydroquinone was not detected in any of the samples. The analytical features of the proposed GC-MS method demonstrated that arbutin and hydroquinone could be determined alternatively by gas chromatography. Due to its wide concentration range, the method could also be suitable for arbutin and hydroquinone analysis in leaves of other plant families (Rosaceae, Lamiaceae, etc.).
... This shrub has long been used in traditional medicine in all Mediterranean countries, as infusions and decoctions of all parts of the plant: leaves, fruit, peels and roots. They are used to treat gastrointestinal and urological disorders, cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension and diabetes (Oliveira et al., 2011). The fruits of Arbutus unedo L. are rich in sugars, vitamins, organic acids and phenolic compounds. ...
In Algeria, wild berries Arbutus unedo L, known as "lendj" remain unexploited and little studies have been
devoted to it. The presented work aims to study the physicochemical and nutritional characteristics of this fruit,
The Arbtus unedo L. fruits are acidic (pH = 3.4 ± 0.005), rich in dietary fiber (18.63% ± 0.212) and polyphenols
(21.13 mg GAE / g ± 0.03) and are an important source of vitamin C (527.21 mg / 100g) and malic acid (282.3 mg / 100g),
but low in fat (0.68 ± 0.127%) and pectin (0.084% ± 0.002.
... The species has been used for gardening, landscape, and ornamental purposes (Celikel et al. 2008;Navarro et al. 2011), as well as for a distinctive honey production (Dalla Serra et al. 1999;Neppi 2001;Scanu et al. 2005;Floris et al. 2007). Several reports highlight the beneficial health effects of fruits due to important antioxidant compounds, including vitamins and phenolic compounds (Ayaz et al. 2000;Pawlowska et al. 2006;Pallauf et al. 2008;Oliveira et al. 2011;Miguel et al. 2014) as well as a source of bioactive compounds for dietary supplements or functional foods (Ruiz-Rodríguez et al. 2011). The fruits are edible (Guerreiro et al. 2013(Guerreiro et al. , 2015, used to make jams , and have been traditionally used to make a spirit called medronheira, which represents the main income for Portuguese owners (Gomes et al. 2007(Gomes et al. , 2010(Gomes et al. , 2013a(Gomes et al. , b, 2014Figueiredo et al. 2013). ...
Arbutoid mycorrhizae were synthesized in vitro between Arbutus unedo L. and two isolates of Lactarius deliciosus. The fungal isolates were obtained from sporocarps collected under Pinus sylvestris and in a mixed forest stand of Quercus suber and Pinus pinea. Synthesis tubes filled with a mixture of sterilized peat, vermiculite, and perlite imbibed with nutrient solution were used. Two inoculation methods using solid and liquid media were tested. Shoots from an adult selected clone of A. unedo were used after in vitro rooting by auxin dipping. After 3 months of shoots transfer to the substrate, the root systems were examined for arbutoid mycorrhizae formation and later on ex vitro conditions, 9 months after acclimatization. The inoculum treatment with liquid medium improved the mycorrhizal development for both isolates, in vitro. Sterilized substrate for plant acclimatization increased the mycorrhizal development. The arbutoid mycorrhizae were observed in vitro as well as 9 months after acclimatization. Standard arbutoid mycorrhiza features were observed: pale yellow mantle, typical cruciform appearance, Hartig net (HN), and intracellular hyphal complexes, both confined to the epidermis. L. deliciosus mycorrhizae synthetized in vitro persisted 9 months after plant acclimatization. Morphological observations were confirmed by molecular techniques.
... Lendj has a very important medicinal and nutritional value; various studies have demonstrated the association of consumption of these fruits with a reduced risk of developing certain diseases such as hypertension, diabete, atherosclerosis and thrombosis and they are used in traditional medicine as antiseptics, diuretics and laxatives (Ozcan et Haciseferogullari, 2007, Oliveira et al., 2011 Many studies have been made on Arbutus unedo L. fruit and especially on essential oils with particular attention to characterize their different compounds (Alarçao-e-Silva et al., 2001, Kivack et al., 2001, Barros et al., 2010). Others are intended to determine the nutritional value and research of antioxidant and antimicrobial effects (Pallauf et al., 2008, Fortalezas et al., 2010, Benzeggouta, 2005, Dib et al., 2010 ...
In the recent years, there is considerable use of plants, especially fruits. These fruits are attracting more and more
interest growing among both consumers than among dietiticians and nutritionists. They are important for human health
because of richness in vitamin C, antioxidants (polyphenols), minerals and enzymes that fight against certain diseases.
Our choice is focused on the study of Arbutus unedo L, which is a wild fruit which is located in the north of
Africa mainly in Algeria, and characterized by its very higher nutritional value and antioxidant and antimicrobial
properties.
The objective of our research is to study the antibacterial effect of this fruit and its essential oils on selected
bacterial pathogens; Salmonella typhi (ATCC 14028) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 27853).
The obtained results show that Arbutus unedo L. fruit and its essential oils have no inhibitory effect on the
selected bacteria. This resistance is due to the composition of the cell wall of Gram-negative bacteria, which is rich in
lipopolysaccharides.
... 1016/j.indcrop.2011.07.023 and chemical sectors, contributing to a higher economic exploitation of this shrub. Besides the potent antioxidant capacity and possible protective effects on human health, phenols have also been correlated with anti-inflammatory, and anti-bacterial properties (Oliveira et al., 2011a). The discovery of new antimicrobial agents is an urgent need, either to fight opportunistic infections associated with the increasing number of immunocompromised individuals or the antibiotic microbial resistance, considered a serious global health problem by the World Health Organization (WHO, 2000). ...
In recent years the strawberry tree (Arbutus unedo L.) is being gradually replaced by other species with
higher economic value. With the ultimate goal of selecting superior genotypes, the present work was
initiated to study the antioxidant and antimicrobial activities, and total phenolic content in 19 different
genotypes of A. unedo leaves from the Trás-os-Montes region of Portugal.
The genotype Braganc¸ a 1 contains higher total phenolic content (215.0 mg GAE/gextract) whereas the
Vila Boa 4 genotype shows lower total phenolic content (148.0 mg GAE/gextract). In both methods tested
to evaluate the antioxidant activity, Vila Verde and Donai displayed the highest antioxidant capacity
(EC50 values of 0.088 and 0.090 mg/mL, respectively, for DPPH; EC50 values of 0.233 and 0.245 mg/mL,
respectively, for reducing power assay) while Vila Boa 2 reported the lowest antioxidant potential (EC50
values of 0.142 and 0.378 mg/mL, respectively, in DPPH and reducing power methods). Linear negative
correlations were established between the total phenol contents and the EC50 values for both of the
antioxidant activity methods tested. Preliminary assays for antimicrobial potential showed that extracts
from A. unedo leaves display antibacterial activity, with MIC values of 1 and 5 mg/mL for some Grampositive
and Gram-negative bacteria, respectively. Taken together, the results suggest that A. unedo leaves
are a potential source of natural compounds with valuable bioactive properties that could be explored
by the pharmaceutical, chemical and food industries.
Hyperglycemia is the primary symptom of diabetes, a metabolic condition caused by impaired insulin production, insulin action, or both. There are two main subtypes of diabetes: type I and type II. Genetic predisposition, excess body fat, high blood pressure, and other similar variables all contribute to the development of diabetes. Many diabetic medications, including biguanides, sulfonylureas, meglitinides, etc., are now available for conventional use. However, we have yet to reach the point where we can cure people effectively. This is why scientists are actively seeking for new methods of treating diabetes. The study and application of medicinal plants holds great promise for the future of complementary treatment. Traditional diabetes treatment and management in India often include the use of medicinal herbs. Herbs with potentially beneficial effects on diabetes are discussed in this review article.
In this study, the effects of oven dehydration on chemical and bioactive properties, fatty acids, polyphenolic compounds and minerals of sandal strawberry tree fruit were investigated. While total carotenoid contents of the sandal strawberry tree fruit are determined between 4.20 (120 °C) and 5.43 µg/g (70 °C), tannin amounts of the sandal strawberry tree fruit were recorded between 5.13 (control) and 6.37% (70 and 120 °C). While total phenolic contents of dehydrated sandal strawberry tree fruit were found between 444.16 (120 °C) and 665.13 mgGAE/100 g (control), total flavonoid amounts of dehydrated sandal strawberry tree fruit were recorded between 592.91 (control) and 788.71 mg/100 g (120 °C). Antioxidant activity values of fruit ranged from 4.10 (120 °C) to 7.30 mmol TE/kg (control). Both total phenolic amounts and antioxidant activity values of untreated (control) sandal strawberry tree fruit were found to be higher than dehydrated ones, and a linear relationship was determined between the total phenolic amounts of the samples and their antioxidant activities. The highest amounts of phenolic compounds (ferulic acid, resveratrol and kaempferol) were detected in strawberry tree fruit dehydrated at 70 °C, followed by the control group and fruit dehydrated at 120 °C in decreasing order. Gallic acid, 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid, catechin, caffeic acid and rutin were the main constituents of the strawberry tree fruit, followed by syringic acid, p-coumaric acid and ferulic acid in descending order. Palmitic, stearic and oleic acid amounts of dehydrated strawberry tree fruit oils compared to the control were observed to increase with the applied temperature, while the contents of polyunsaturated fatty acids (linoleic and linolenic) decreased. In general, the mineral content of dehydrated strawberry tree fruit increased compared to the control. Since the oil, carotenoid, total phenol and phenolic component contents of sandalwood tree fruit are higher in the sample subjected to dehydration at 70 °C, this temperature can be considered as the ideal one for drying. In addition, considering the fatty acids, heat treatment at 120 °C can be preferred.
The island of Korcula is located in the south Adriatic Sea and is rich in native flora, with
many wild fruit species. The aim of this study was to determine the presence of wild fruit
species on the island of Korcula that bear fruit in winter, and the diameter of the fruit. It was found that in the localities studied, the plants that bear fruit in December and early January are myrtle, dog rose, strawberry tree, hawthorn and blackthorn. The presence of a large number of wild fruits in winter can serve in the development of the creation of new products, as a supplement to the tourist offer outside the main season and as a valuable plant material in landscape architecture.
Cilj ovog istraživanja bio je utvrditi fizikalno-kemijska svojstva, sadržaj bioaktivnih spojeva i nutritivni potencijal dvaju proizvoda planike: džema i vodene infuzije listova. Način pripreme džema varira postupkom pasiranja: nepasirani (NP1) i pasirani džem (P2). Džem tretmana NP1 imao je značajno viši sadržaj ukupne i topljive suhe tvari te višu pH- vrijednost u usporedbi s P2. Također, tretman pasiranja utjecao je i na promjenu boje gotovog proizvoda prilikom čega je za džem P2 utvrđeno svjetlije crveno, a džem NP1 tamnije crveno obojenje. Postupak pasiranja pridonio je povećanju sadržaja pojedinih bioaktivnih spojeva u P 2, p rilikom č ega j e u d žemu t retmana P 2 utvrđen 17% viši sadržaj vitamina C, značajno viši sadržaj polifenolnih spojeva kao i viši antioksidacijski kapacitet u usporedbi s NP1. No, oko 3 puta viši sadržaj β-karotena utvrđen je u NP1 džemu. Također, iz analize vodene infuzije listova vidljiv je visok sadržaj bioaktivnih spojeva, a posebice ukupnih fenola (715,79 mg GAE/100 g svježe tvari). Temeljem svega, može se zaključiti kako oba proizvoda obične planike pokazuju visok nutritivni potencijal i značajnu funkcionalnu vrijednost, a time predstavljaju zdravstveno vrijedne proizvode široke mogućnosti upotrebe.
Arbutus unedo L. plant is a member of the Ericaceae family and is green evergreen shrub. Fatty acid levels of Arbutus unedo L. plant fruit was determined as polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) 50.13%, monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA) 19.21%, unsaturated fatty acid (USFA) 69.34% and saturated fatty acid (SFA) 29.56%. The basic fatty acid content of Arbutus unedo L. plant fruit was determined as 16.77% Cis 4,7,10,13,16,19-docosahexaenoic acid (22:6n3), 16.43% α-linolenic acid (18:3n3), 15.39% Linoleic acid (18:2n6c), 10.05% Palmitic acid (16:0) and 9.27% Oleic acid (18:1n9c). PUFA levels of Arbutus unedo L. plant fruit was observed that is higher than MUFA and SFA fatty acids.
The knowledge on the hygroscopic equilibrium of powders is an average to maintain the moisture content at the levels suitable for safe storage. Presently, the experimental sorption curves of lyophilized Arbutus unedo L. fruit powder (LP), determined at 20, 30 and 40 °C with the standard static-gravimetric method, were fitted to six isotherm models (Kühn, Caurie, Smith, Halsey, Oswin and GAB). The Halsey model best fits the experimental data with the mean relative percentage deviation modulus (E%) < 1%, χ² ≤ 1.68 10⁻³ and a root mean square error ((RMSE) ≤ 1.081 10⁻²). The Clausius-Clapeyron equation was used to evaluate the net isosteric heat (Qst) of water adsorption through the Halsey model in the studied temperature range. Qst and the differential entropy values decreases trongly as the moisture content increase, varying from 6.771 to 52.337 kJ mol⁻¹and from 18.942 to 151.4 k J mol⁻¹, respectively, and could be well adjusted by an empirical exponential relationship. The value of Gibbs free energy is found to be (−1.251 k J mol⁻¹). Such data represent a useful tool for choosing appropriate storage conditions of LP.
Background and aims:
To investigate the evolution of the Mediterranean Diet (MD) in a delimited area of Southern Italy, by comparing the diet adopted 60-70 years ago (Prototypical Mediterranean Diet, PMD) with the contemporary one (Contemporary Mediterranean Diet, CMD), and to verify to what extent they fitted the recommendations of the Italian and the USDA dietary guidelines.
Methods:
We recruited a total of 106 participants, divided in two groups. PMD group included 52 women aged >80 years, with a good cognitive function and full independence in basic and instrumental activities of daily living. CMD group included 20 men and 34 women aged 50-60 years. Food intake was assessed by administering the EPIC food frequency questionnaire to each participant, and an additional survey to the PMD subjects only.
Results:
Both PMD and CMD showed adequate intakes of macronutrients, although some deficiencies related to micronutrient requirements were evident. CMD showed a slightly greater use of animal products, processed and sugary foods, and higher intakes of simple sugars, animal proteins (49.6 vs 28.3 g/day), animal lipids (37.8 vs 20.1 g/day), saturated fats (25.0 vs 15.8 g/day) and cholesterol (305.0 vs 258.5 g/day). PMD showed many similarities to the original version of the MD in terms of macronutrients distribution and food choices.
Conclusion:
The documented evolution of the dietary habits over a 70 years timespan suggests that nowadays Mediterranean regions adhere less strictly to the original MD, although nutrients intakes are adequate to LARN and USDA recommendations.
The lipophilic composition of wild Arbutus unedo L. berries, collected from six locations in Penacova (center of Portugal), as well as some general chemical parameters, namely total soluble solids, pH, titratable acidity, total phenolic content and antioxidant activity was studied in detail to better understand its potential as a source of bioactive compounds. The chemical composition of the lipophilic extracts, focused on the fatty acids, triterpenoids, sterols, long chain aliphatic alcohols and tocopherols, was investigated by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis of the dichloromethane extracts. The lipophilic extractives of the ripe A. unedo berries ranged from 0.72% to 1.66% (w/w of dry weight), and consisted mainly of triterpenoids, fatty acids and sterols. Minor amounts of long chain aliphatic alcohols and tocopherols were also identified. Forty-one compounds were identified and among these, ursolic acid, lupeol, α-amyrin, linoleic and α-linolenic acids, and β-sitosterol were highlighted as the major components. To the best of our knowledge the current research study provides the most detailed phytochemical repository for the lipophilic composition of A. unedo, and offers valuable information for future valuation and exploitation of these berries.
Purpose In the Panasqueira mine area, Arbutus unedo L. (arbutus tree) grows on soils developed on waste materials and on soils impacted by mining activity. The arbutus berry brandy is considered a product with economic value. The aims of this study were to evaluate the biogeochemical impact of the mining activity on soils and arbutus trees, to assess the possible risks associated with human consumption of the fruits and the derived brandy, and to evaluate the potential of the arbutus tree in phytostabilization. Materials and methods Soil samples (10–15 cm deep) developed on waste materials, on schists affected by seepage water or treatment plant effluents and on colluvium-alluvium materials were characterized (fraction org), cation exchange capacity (CEC) and NPK by classical methodologies. Plant (A. unedo) samples (roots, leaves and twigs, and fruits) were collected at the same sites as the sampled soils, washed with tap and distilled water and dried at 40 °C. The elements’ concentrations in soils (total fraction—four-acid digestion and available fraction—diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid extraction), plants (ashing followed by acid digestion) and brandy samples produced with fruits collected on contaminated and non-contaminated sites were determined by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy. Results and discussion The soils are mainly acid, silty loam, with variable values for Corg, CEC and NPK. They are contaminated with As (158–7,790 mg/kg), Cd (0.6–79 mg/kg), Cu (51–4,080 mg/kg), W (19–1,450 mg/kg) and Zn (142–12,300 mg/kg). The available fraction of the soils is quite variable between Conclusions According to the EC 466/2001 legislation and with a hazard quotient of Arbutus unedo can be used in the phytostabilization programs in the Panasqueira area, for it is a pioneer species and a non-accumulator of trace elements.
The genetic diversity within and between four natural Arbutus unedo L. populations in Portugal was investigated using morphological characters, inter-simple sequence repeats (ISSR) and random amplified polymorphic (RAPD) markers, for a proper conservation of this resource. The results showed a high morphological variation between and within-populations. The dry-weight, length, width and peduncle length of the leaves were the most discriminating characters, being responsible for 52.6% of the total variation. The molecular analysis, based on both RAPD and ISSR, indicated moderate genetic diversity within populations, with values of Nei's gene diversity ranging from 0.16 to 0.39 and the Shannon's diversity from 0.24 to 0.57. The highest genetic diversity occurred within Bragança population. At the species level, the genetic variation was mainly within populations (75%), suggesting a low-moderate genetic differentiation among populations. The high level of gene flow estimated among populations (1.499) showed to be the main reason for their low differentiation. The cluster analysis showed that only one population formed a distinctive cluster. The remaining formed a second cluster due to their geographical approach, which has been showed to affect significantly the genetic distances among populations. No correlation between RAPD and ISSR markers, and between the molecular and morphological data was found. From the conservation point of view it is proposed to combine both in- and ex situ approaches. The maintenance of sufficient gene flow and the increase of the effective population sizes are the main in situ actions proposed. The ex situ conservation, should involve the collection of a high number of individuals within populations.
The typical profile of the free amino acids contained in strawberry-tree (Arbutus unedo L.) honey is reported for the first time. An optimized reversed-phase liquid chromatographic (RP-LC) method with phenyl isothiocyanate precolumn derivatization was used. Fourteen free amino acids were identified and quantified in 16 analytical samples. Proline (65.63) was found to be the most abundant free amino acid, followed by glutamic acid (6.49), arginine (5.21), alanine (5.17), and phenylalanine (4.97). The total free amino acid content of strawberry-tree honey (average value, 436 mg/kg) was found to be low in comparison to amounts cited in the literature concerning unifloral honeys. The analytical method was optimized and fully validated in terms of detection and quantitation limits, precision (by testing repeatability and reproducibility), linearity, and bias (by means of recovery tests). The acceptability of the validation protocol results was verified using Horwitz's mathematical model and AOAC guidelines.
The water, ethanol and n-hexane extracts from Arbutus unedo leaves have been evaluated for antimicrobial activities. The antimicrobial activities of the extracts are reported against Escherichia coli ATCC 29998, Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538P, Staphylococcus epidermidis ATCC 12228, Salmonella thyphimurium CCM 5445, Enterobacter cloacae ATCC 13047 and Enterococcus faecalis ATCC 29212 as bacteria and Candida albicans ATCC 10239 as yeast by using the disc diffusion method. It is observed that ethanol extract showed activity against Gram (+) and Gram (-) bacteria. None of the tested extracts showed antifungal activity against Candida albicans ATCC 10239.
Essential oils isolated by hydrodistillation from flower and fruit of Arbutus unedo growing in Turkey were analyzed by GC and GC/MS. Forty-nine compounds, representing around 95% of the total oils were identified. Non-terpenoids hydrocarbons were shown to be the main group of constituents of the flower and fruit part of the plant in the ratio of 62.2 and 92.8%, respectively. The major component in the essential oil of the flower was α-terpineol (16.3%) and the main compound in the essential oil of the fruit was hexadecanoic acid (21.7%). The antimicrobial activity of the isolated essential oils of the flower and fruit were also investigated and it showed moderate antibacterial activity against Listeria monocitogenes and Enterococcus faecalis.
Water-distilled essential oil from leaves ofArbutus unedoL. of Turkish origin was analyzed by GC/MS. Thirty-seven constituents were characterized with (E)-2-decenal (12.0 %), a-terpineol (8.8 %), hexadecanoic acid (5.1 %), and (E)-2-undecenal ( 4.8 %) as the major constituents.
Arbutus unedoL. communities in the southern part of the Iberian Peninsula (Spain and Portugal) were studied, highlighting the differences regarding their floristic composition, biological diversity and plant dynamics according to the dominant geological substratum. Firstly, this type of formation on the little-known decarbonated calcareous substrata was analysed using classification techniques. Later, they were compared to the remaining phytocoenoses in the southern part of the Iberian Peninsula using an ordination analysis. As a result, a new suballiance is proposed together with two plant associations, which will enable us to characterize the strawberry tree groves growing on carbonated substrata and those already proposed for siliceous substrata are confirmed.
Arbutus unedo L. is a species of strawberry tree, widely represented in the Mediterranean climates of southern Europe. Fruits are used
to make jellies and a spirit called “medronheira.” Shoot apices and nodal segments from epicormic and coppiced shoots of adult
plants were used for plant propagation. Shoot apices from epicormic shoots, which were developed in a growth chamber, showed
higher rates of in vitro establishment. The results also indicated that shoot apices are more effective for plant establishment than nodal segments,
with rates of establishment significantly higher after 12wk of culture. Of the three basal media used in combination with
9.0µM benzyladenine and 0.087M sucrose, the FS medium with the micronutrients of the Murashige and Skoog medium gave the
highest rates of multiplication, especially when the parameter analyzed was the number of clusters formed. When shoot apices
from selected adult plants (AL01–AL06) were tested, the multiplication rate was not significantly different among the plants.
However, in the conditions tested, shoots from the clones AL1, AL2, and AL3 showed better development, whereas shoots from
AL4, AL5, and AL6 showed an impaired development and could not be rooted. Rooting was achieved in all the conditions tested,
even in the absence of auxin. The inclusion of an auxin significantly increased root formation, whereas the addition of charcoal
did not improve root formation. Rooted plantlets were acclimatized, and some of them are now in the field for further study.
The fruits of the strawberry tree (Arbutus unedo L.) are consumed mainly as processed product, but may be a good source of antioxidants if consumed as fresh fruit. The aim of the present study was to identify and quantify the antioxidant components present in strawberry tree fruits, including flavonoids, vitamins C and E and carotenoids. The fruits are a very good source of antioxidants precisely because they have a high flavonoid content (32.37 mg/100 g edible portion) and, within this group of antioxidant compounds, proanthocyanidins are the most abundant, representing more than 80% of the total flavonoid contents. Anthocyanins are also present as glycosides of cyanidin and delphinidin, with cyanidin-3-galactoside the most abundant. Other antioxidants present in this fruit were ellagic acid and its diglucoside derivative. Vitamin C, vitamin E and carotenoids were also identified and quantified.
An ethnobotanical survey was carried out in Arrabida Natural Park, a Portuguese Protected Area in the Southwest of the Iberian Peninsula, with an area of 10 820 ha. Working with 72 local people, data on medicinal uses of 156 taxa, belonging to 56 botanical families, were obtained and presented, of which 214 uses corresponding to 81 taxa were previously unreported.
Berries contain significant amounts of phytochemicals, including polyphenols, which are reported to reduce cancer risk, coronary heart disease and other degenerative diseases. These effects are mainly attributed to the antioxidant capacity of polyphenols found in berries. Strawberry tree (Arbutus unedo) berries are used in folk medicine but seldom eaten as fresh fruits. Their phenolic profile and antioxidant capacity reveal a high potential, but they are not well characterized as a "health promoting food". The aim of this study was to assess the antioxidant properties of the edible strawberry tree fruit in vitro and in a neurodegeneration cell model. Raspberry (Rubus idaeus), a well documented health-promoting fruit, was used as a control for comparison purposes. A. unedo yielded a similar content in polyphenols and a slightly lower value of total antioxidant capacity in comparison to R. idaeus. Although the chemically-measured antioxidant activity was similar between both fruits, R. idaeus increased neuroblastoma survival in a neurodegeneration cell model by 36.6% whereas A. unedo extracts caused no effect on neuroblastoma viability. These results clearly demonstrate that a promising level of chemically-determined antioxidant activity of a plant extract is not necessarily correlated with biological significance, as assessed by the effect of A. unedo fruit in a neurodegeneration cell model.
The typical profile of the free amino acids contained in strawberry-tree (Arbutus unedo L.) honey is reported for the first time. An optimized reversed-phase liquid chromatographic (RP-LC) method with phenyl isothiocyanate precolumn derivatization was used. Fourteen free amino acids were identified and quantified in 16 analytical samples. Proline (65.63%) was found to be the most abundant free amino acid, followed by glutamic acid (6.49%), arginine (5.21%), alanine (5.17%), and phenylalanine (4.97%). The total free amino acid content of strawberry-tree honey (average value, 436 mg/kg) was found to be low in comparison to amounts cited in the literature concerning unifloral honeys. The analytical method was optimized and fully validated in terms of detection and quantitation limits, precision (by testing repeatability and reproducibility), linearity, and bias (by means of recovery tests). The acceptability of the validation protocol results was verified using Horwitz's mathematical model and AOAC guidelines.
The seasonal pattern of terpene content and emission by seven Mediterranean woody species was studied under field conditions. Emission rates were normalized at 30°C and 1000 μmol·m·s PFD (photosynthetic photon flux density). Bupleurum fruticosum, Pinus halepensis, and Cistus albidus stored large amounts of terpenes (0.01-1.77% [dry matter]) with maximum values in autumn and minimum values in spring. They emitted large amounts of terpenes (2-40 μg·g DM·h), but with no clear seasonal trend except for Cistus albidus, which had maximum values in spring and minimum values in autumn. The nonstoring species Arbutus unedo, Erica arborea, Quercus coccifera and Quercus ilex also emitted large amounts of terpenes (0-40 μg·g DM·h) and also tended to present maximum emission rates in spring, although this trend was significant only for A. unedo. At the seasonal scale, emission rates did not follow changes in photosynthetic rates; instead, they mostly followed changes in temperature. From autumn to spring, the least volatile monoterpenes such as limonene were emitted at highest rates, whereas the most volatile monoterpenes such as α-pinene and β-pinene were the most emitted in summer. The monoterpene emission rates represented a greater percentage of the photosynthetic carbon fixation in summer (from 0.51% in Arbutus unedo to 5.64% in Quercus coccifera) than in the rest of the seasons. All these seasonality trends must be considered when inventorying and modeling annual emission rates in Mediterranean ecosystems.
In order to make an inventory of herbal remedies commonly used in the treatment of diabetes, hypertension and renal diseases in the North centre region of Morocco, 1527 patients (1095 diabetic patients, 274 with renal disorders and 158 with cardiac disorders) and 25 traditional herbal healers were interviewed in four different areas of Fez-Boulemane region. More than 1153 of the total patients interviewed (76%) used regularly medicinal plants to treat diabetes, cardiac and renal diseases. These data showed that phytotherapy has always be practiced in this region. All the persons interviewed have indicated that the reasons of using phytotherapy is that the plant medicines are cheapest (54%) and more efficient (38%) than modern medicine. They also reported that the result of phytotherapy is better (72%). Our survey started at May 1997. About 90 plants were cited (54 plants for diabetes, 11 for cardiac diseases, 19 for hypertension and 33 for renal diseases). The plants reported have been identified and are presented in a table with the vernacular name, useful parts, ecological distribution and medicinal uses. Only 12% of the total patients have a relative knowledge of the toxic plants. The result indicated that nine plants are extremely toxic at high doses and chronic treatment. Fifty nine percent of the interviewers have indicated that they used medicinal plants from the experience of the other.
Using GC-MS, phenolic and non-volatile acids and soluble sugars were identified and quantified in strawberry tree (Arbutus unedo L.) fruits. The phenolic acids quantified were gallic (10.7 mg/g dry weight), gentisic (1.9 mg/g), protocatechuic (0.6 mg/g), p -hydroxybenzoic (0.3 mg/g), vanillic (0.12 mg/g) and m -anisic (0.05 mg/g). From the group of non-volatile acids, fumaric (1.94 mg/g dry weight), lactic (0.84 mg/g), malic (0.84 mg/g), suberic (0.23 mg/g) and citric acids were found. Fructose, glucose, sucrose and maltose were the soluble sugars identified and quantified in the amount of 27.8, 21.5, 1.8 and 1.11% dry weight, respectively. Fructose and glucose among the sugars, fumaric and malic acids among the non-volatile acids and gallic acid among the phenolic acids were found to be major compounds contributing the taste of the fruits.
This text is a comprehensive reference covering the chemistry, physiology, chemotaxonomy, biotechnology and food technology aspects of the anthocyanins. Topics discussed include types of anthocyanins, structural transformations, colour stabilization and intensification factors, biosynthesis and intensification factors, biosynthesis, analysis and functions of anthocyanins. An in-depth review of the literature discussing anthocyanins of fruits, cereals, legumes, roots, tubers, bulbs, cole crops, oilseeds, herbs, spices, and minor crops is included as well.
The seasonal pattern of non-terpenoid C6–C10 VOC emission by seven Mediterranean woody species (Bupleurum fruticosum, Cistus albidus, Pinus halepensis, Arbutus unedo, Erica arborea, Quercus coccifera, and Q. ilex) was studied under field conditions. Branch chamber samples were sorbed on carbotrap and analyzed by thermal desorption in combination with GC–MS. These non-terpenoid C6–C10 VOC emissions were large, almost of similar magnitude to those of terpenes. Overall, maximum values were recorded in spring and summer (up to 12μgg−1DMh−1 in Q. ilex) and minimum values in autumn and winter (up to 5μgg−1DMh−1 in Q. ilex). These C6–C10 VOC emissions represented 2.82% of the photosynthetic C fixation in summer and 0.22% in winter. Some compounds such as 2-ethoxyethyl acetate were emitted by most species, others such as 3-hexen-1-ol, phenol or decanal were significantly emitted only by few species. The greatest diversity of emitted non-terpenoid C6–C10 VOCs was observed in spring and in Q. ilex. Temperature seemed a strong driver of these seasonal changes but other species-specific and seasonal factors seem involved. These results indicate that C6–C10 non-terpenoid VOCs contribute a rather significant fraction of the total biogenic VOC flux from these Mediterranean species, especially in spring and summer, and therefore should be considered in VOC emission inventories and in model predictions of tropospheric chemistry.
Eighteen tree and shrub species were screened for emissions of isoprene and other volatile organic compounds (VOCs) at three locations at Castelporziano (Italy) using a bag-enclosure sampling method followed by GC analysis. Thirty emitted compounds were identified. Temperature sensitivity of emissions of monoterpenes varied between species. Strong temperature dependencies were found for isoprene emissions. For monoterpene-emitting plant species with greatest ground cover in the dunes and macchia habitats, alpha-pinene, beta-pinene and sabinene appeared to be the most frequently and abundantly emitted compounds. Isoprene was the major emission from the shrub species screened in the forest. Emissions from four dominant plant species were scaled up to estimate total fluxes from the dunes and macchia over a daytime period. Species with greatest biomass but low emission rates made a substantial contribution to total emissions. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd.
Density functional theory (DFT) calculations were performed to evaluate the antioxidant activity of molecules
commonly present in many Mediterranean foods. A series of interesting systems, including tyrosol,
hydroxytyrosol, gallic, and caffeic acids, belonging to the family of phenols, resveratrol of the stilbenes family,
epicatechin, kaempferol, and cianidin as examples of flavonoids and, at last, a simplified model of R-tocopherol
(6-hydroxy-2,2,5,7,8-pentamethylchroman (HPMC)) were studied. Conformational behavior was examined
at the B3LYP/6-311++G(3df,2p) level of theory, in the gas phase and in two solvents with different polarity
(water and benzene), with the aim to compute the bond dissociation enthalpy (BDE) for the O-H bonds and
the adiabatic ionization potentials (IP). BDE and IP for these systems do not follow the same trends in gas
and solution phases: the major differences with respect to vacuum are found as when water computations are
performed. On the basis of the computed BDE and IP values, the most active systems able to transfer an
H-atom seem to be R-tocopherol followed by hydroxytyrosol, gallic acid, caffeic acid, and epicatechin. Instead, kaempferol and resveratrol appear to be the best candidates for an electron-transfer mechanism.
This study aims at the determination of some physical and chemical characteristics of strawberry-tree fruit (Arbutus unedo L.), a typical Mediterranean climate species, namely of the Portuguese region of Algarve. It intends to be a contribution to its valorization and other applications following research by other scientists and local development associations as far as a better quality of alcoholic distillate of arbutus berry is concerned. Arbutus berry appears to be a good source of vitamins, namely niacin, ascorbic acid and beta -carotene (content of 9.1, 346.3 and 70.9 mg/100 g, respectively), organic acids (nearly 9%), total sugars (c. 42%) and tannins (1.75 mg g(-1)).
a b s t r a c t Arbutus unedo L. is a Mediterranean shrub used in the production of jams, marmalades and beverages, as well as in traditional medicine. In this work, the effect of ripening on the volatile compounds of the fruits of A. unedo was evaluated, using headspace-solid phase microextraction combined with gas chromatog-raphy/ion trap-mass spectrometry. Alcohols are the main component of the volatile fraction of A. unedo fruits, followed by aldehydes and esters. The main volatile compounds identified were (Z)-3-hexen-1-ol, 1-hexanol, hexanal, (E)-2-hexenal and hexyl acetate, all formed through the lipoxygenase pathway (LOX). The green odours are progressively replaced during ripening by floral and sweet sensations, due to the decrease in alcohols, aldehydes and esters, resulting in the unmasking of the aromas associated with the minor compounds (mainly monoterpenes and norisoprenoid compounds) that compose A. unedo fruits.
Arbutus unedo is a widespread shrub with economic importance, derived from the use of its berries in the production of alcoholic beverages and in folk medicine. This work intends to evaluate for the first time the effect of fruit ripening stage on antioxidant activity, total phenolic content, fatty acid profile and tocopherol composition. Ripe fruits shown higher extraction yield (45.04 ± 2.23%) when compared to other fruit ripening stages. By contrast, total phenol contents were higher in the unripe and intermediate stage of ripeness (108 and 111 mg GAES/g dry fruit, respectively, against 60 mg/g dry fruit when ripe). Ripe and intermediate fruits shown the lower EC 50 values on the DPPH radicals (0.25 ± 0.02 mg/mL) and reducing power assay (1.09 ± 0.05 mg/mL), respectively. A significant correlation was established between antioxidant activity and fruits ripening stage. Fatty acid profiles were very similar between the ripening stages, being alfa-linolenic, linoleic and oleic, the three major ones. Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) represent as much as 60% of the total fatty acids, with a highly favorable omega 3/omega 6 ratio. From the analysis of the vitamin E vitamers, the most important was γ-tocotrienol, with a clear reduction in the total free vitamin E content with ripening. These results highlight that the fruits of intermediate ripeness can be regarded important sources of biologically active compounds with a fatty acid profile rich in omega-3 PUFA, properly supplemented with high vitamin E amounts.
An extract fraction fruits of Arbutus unedo, L., was cleaned-up by column chromatography and shown by NMR to be a mixture of isomers that resists further attempts at separation by conventional chromatographic methods. High resolution gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (HRGC-MS) confirms the presence of triter-penoid isomers but does not allow separation of all the components. This can be improved by trimethylsilylation but the absence of molecular ions and the complex spectra are difficult to interpret. Complete separation can be achieved by high pressure liquid chro-matography (HPLC) coupled to a mass spectrometer by means of a particle beam interface (HPLC-PBMS). Four triterpene com-pounds are identified through analysis of the corresponding mass spectra: α-amyrin, β-amyrin, and Lupeol, have for the first time been identified in Arbutus unedo, L. Fruits. A new natural triterpene tentatively identified as olean-12-en-3β, 23-diol is described for the first time.
In order to examine the effect of Arbutus unedo extract on the development of genetic hypertension, three groups of six male spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) from 4 to 10 weeks of age, received orally an aqueous extract of the root of this Ericaceae plant at doses of 5, 50 and 250 mg/kg/24 h. The fourth group (n = 6) received tap water only and served as a control.A significant (p < 0.01) reduction of indirect systolic blood pressure (BP) was observed after 4 weeks of treatment with the two highest doses but this effect attenuated 2 weeks later. The continuous measurement of direct BP in conscious 10-week-old rats indicated that chronic treatment with Arbutus did not significantly alter the BP level, the heart rate (HR), the cardiac baroreflex sensitivity and the sympathetic nervous and renin– angiotensin system activities. In contrast, Arbutus (50 mg/kg/24 h) attenuated the pressor responses to phenylephrine and angiotensin I. Finally, a diuretic effect was evidenced in the group receiving the highest dose.It is concluded that chronic oral administration of Arbutus unedo slowly delayed the development of hypertension but did not alter the final level of BP and HR in the SHR. The vascular and renal effects of this plant, which may account for its use in folk medicine, require a more detailed analysis. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The ethanol and acetone/water extracts of Cistus ladanifer and Arbutus unedo L. were characterised concerning the total phenolic and flavonoid contents, presenting relatively high values when compared with other species described in the literature. The antioxidant activity was evaluated by the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) method in terms of EC50, using trolox as standard reference. The extracts of both species showed scavenging activity for the DPPH radical.Extracts bioactivities were also tested by the evaluation o