![Molecular structures of phenolic compounds detected in Tasmannia Pepper Berry indicated catechol structure is necessary for antioxidant properties of a phenolic compound [15]](https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Izabela-Konczak/publication/285127462/figure/fig2/AS:1012003942432769@1618291950828/Molecular-structures-of-phenolic-compounds-detected-in-Tasmannia-Pepper-Berry-indicated_Q320.jpg)
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Health benefits of australian native foods - An evaluation of health-enhancing compounds
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... Thus, the ellagic acid content is consistent with the antioxidant activity in the fruits and it could be the major contributor to its antioxidant properties. However, the fruit of H. sericea in DPPH radical scavenging activity is lower than that of pepper berry, which could be mainly because pepper berry was collected from different locations: Brisbane [119] and Tasmania [120]. It proved that the fruits from different locations with variable growth conditions contribute to the difference in functional and nutritional values. ...
... Comparison of the antioxidant activity of Proteaceae species and Australian native fruits in different assays[6,108,112,113,115,[119][120][121][122][123][124][125]. ...
In recent decades, natural plant-based foods have been increasingly used to improve human health due to unhealthy modern dietary patterns, such as the consumption of foods high in sugar and fat. Many indigenous species have been used by Aboriginal peoples for their food and therapeutic properties. Thus, it is important to understand the health-enhancing bioactive profile of Australian indigenous species. The Proteaceae family, such as the genera of Protea, Macadamia, and Grevillea, have been commercially used in the horticulture and food industries. Researchers have reported some findings about Persoonia species, one of the genera in the Proteaceae family. The aim of this review was to provide an overview of the family Proteaceae and the genus Persoonia, including distribution, traditional and commercial uses, phytochemicals, bioactive properties, potential opportunities, and challenges. In this review, bioactive compounds and their properties related to the health benefits of the Proteaceae family, particularly the Persoonia genus, were reviewed for potential applications in the food industry.
... The pH sensitivity of anthocyanin-rich extracts is an important property to study when developing colour changing films. The colour changes of the extracts and the speculated corresponding structural changes of the anthocyanins in different pH solutions (pH = 2-11) are shown in Fig. 2. Both extracts changed from red to purple to brown as the contained a total anthocyanin content of 267.13 ± 5.21 mg L − 1 and 222.14 ± 1.61 mg L − 1 respectively, which is higher than previous dry weight analysis [30,31]. Mountain Pepper Berry had significantly higher phenolic content, but lower flavonoid content compared to Queen Garnet Plum (P < 0.05). ...
This study investigates the incorporation of anthocyanin-rich extracts from Mountain Pepper Berry (MPB) and Queen Garnet Plum (QGP) into pectin-based films to develop pH-sensitive indicators. Using glycerol as an extraction solvent, significant differences in anthocyanin composition were identified: MPB extracts contained a diverse range of anthocyanin species, with a total content of 267.13 ± 5.21 mg L⁻¹, compared to the predominantly cyanidin-based QGP extracts, with 222.14 ± 1.61 mg L⁻¹. Differences in anthocyanin structures were elucidated using UPLC-Q-ToF-MS/MS analysis. FTIR and UV-Vis spectroscopy were used to assess the compatibility of the extracts with pectin and the homogeneity of anthocyanins within the film structure. Mechanical testing revealed that MPB films exhibited superior tensile strength (8.53 ± 0.51 MPa), stiffness (2274 ± 158.64 gmm− 1), and energy to failure (141.7 ± 16.23 J m− 3) compared to QGP films, which had lower tensile strength (7.74 ± 0.32 MPa), stiffness (1947 ± 125.82 gmm− 1), and energy to failure (115 ± 18.81 J m− 3). Both film types displayed similar moisture content (MPB: 48.89%, QGP: 48.13%) and water vapour permeability, indicating comparable barrier properties. When exposed to volatile ammonia, QGP films showed a more pronounced colour change, attributed to their anthocyanin profile, with a notable shift from red to brown. This research highlights the potential of glycerol-extracted anthocyanins from Australian native fruits as functional additives in pectin films, offering promising applications for intelligent packaging with enhanced mechanical performance and responsive colour-changing properties.
Graphical Abstract
... Although no previous studies appear to have compared the antioxidant capacity of water and methanol extracts from C. australasica, it is noted that most of the antioxidant capacity of desert lime (C. glauca) could be attributed to the hydrophilic fraction [49]. ...
There is increasing interest in Australian finger lime (Citrus australasica) due to its nutritional and bioactive potential. In this study, polar extracts from five finger lime cultivars were investigated for their potential bioactivity using a range of assays: antioxidant capacity (total phenolic content (TPC), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), and cupric reducing antioxidant capacity (CUPRAC)), total monomeric anthocyanin content (TMAC), anti-diabetic activity (α-glucosidase and α-amylase inhibition), anti-Alzheimer activity (acetylcholinesterase inhibition), Skin-whitening activity skin-brightening activity (tyrosinase inhibition), and anti-inflammatory activity (COX-2 inhibition). Commercial Tahitian lime was used as a “control” (comparison). The TPC ranged from 328 to 779 mg GAE/100 g dry weight (DW) in the pulp (compared to 1043 mg GAE/100 g for Tahitian lime) and from 755 to 1048 mg GAE/100 g in the peel (1704 mg GAE/100 g for Tahitian lime). A similar range of variation was seen for FRAP, ranging from 114 to 436 mg TE/100 g DW in the pulp (422 mg TE/100 g for Tahitian lime) and 259 to 495 mg TE/100 g DW in the peel (491 mg TE/100 g for Tahitian lime). Similarly, the TFC was generally lower in finger lime pulp (100–392 mg QE/100 g DW) compared to Tahitian lime (312 mg QE/100 g). The polar extracts did not show any significant inhibition of α-glucosidase, α-amylase, tyrosinase, or COX-2. One finger lime variety showed moderate (>50%) inhibition of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) at the highest concentration screened (~1500 mg/L), as did Tahitian lime. Additionally, in silico docking against acetylcholinesterase suggested that some of the polyphenols present, including catechin, quercetin-3-glucoside, and cyanidin-3-glucoside, could potentially dock to AChE and inhibit it. This is the first time the species has been investigated for many of these bioactive properties, and also the first time in silico docking has been performed to explore which potential compounds from this species could provide its bioactivity. Although little bioactivity was generally found across the applied bioassays, these findings nevertheless provide important basic data for future research and any claims about the potential health benefits of Australian finger lime.
... The high ellagic acid concentration of this fruit is directly related to its notable antioxidant activity, as demonstrated by its higher total phenolic content (TPC) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) values compared to bush tomato and other indigenous fruits. Nevertheless, there are differences in antioxidant activity between pepper berries from Tasmania and Brisbane, suggesting that environmental factors and growing conditions have a substantial impact on the functional and nutritional properties of these fruits [64,65,66]. ...
The wide variety of bioactive substances found in medicinal plants has made them quite popular as of late. Several aspects of therapeutic plants are examined in this article. The basic concepts of phytochemicals are introduced, including where they come from, the roles they play in the body, and the latest methods for extracting them for use in nutraceuticals and functional foods. According to research shows that compared to conventional drugs, Apigenin and Alpha-Bisabolol exhibit far higher glide energy and docking scores. Cyperus scariosus and Parthenium hysterophorus are two examples of underappreciated plants whose nutritional and therapeutic potential, bioactive characteristics, and enzyme inhibitory powers are discussed. Molecular docking experiments are being conducted to see whether phytoconstituents can prevent diseases such as monkeypox, cardiovascular disease, epilepsy, and conjunctivitis; researchers are also investigating traditional therapies for COVID-19 and conjunctivitis. Adverse outcome pathways (AOP) and high-throughput techniques are two examples of modern methodological tools that have enhanced toxicological studies. The varied chemical compositions of primary and secondary metabolites have been the subject of qualitative and biochemical investigations that detail screening procedures. The paper concludes by discussing the bioactive features and their therapeutic uses, which include antimicrobial, cytotoxic, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral actions.
... Australia's megadiversity offers a vast number of plants with distinct mixtures of antioxidant compounds [4][5][6], which can be potentially used to develop treatments for oxidative stress-related diseases with enhanced safety characteristics and competitive performance [7][8][9]. Our study focused on two native Australian plants, anise myrtle (Syzygium anisatum) and lemon myrtle (Backhousia citriodora). ...
Plants are an immense source of drugs, and 50% of modern pharmacopeia has a plant origin. With increasing life expectancy in humans, many age-related degenerative diseases converge on oxidative cellular stress pathways. This provides an opportunity to develop broad treatments by targeting the cause of common pathologic cell degeneration. Toxicological effects can be readily assessed in a live animal model system to establish potential fauna for clinical use. Here, we characterized and evaluated the antioxidant potential and toxicological effects of anise myrtle (Syzygium anisatum) and lemon myrtle (Backhousia citriodora) leaves. Using zebrafish larvae, a model for high-throughput pre-clinical in vivo toxicology screening, we identified safe levels of extract exposures for development of future therapeutics. The antioxidant capacity and toxicity were very similar in these two myrtles. The LC 50-96h for anise myrtle was 284 mg/L, and for lemon myrtle, it was 270 mg/L. These measurements are comparable to ongoing studies we are performing using the same criteria in zebrafish, which allow for robust testing and prioritization of natural fauna for drug development.
... Literature dating back to the late 1990s has examined the utilisation of Australian native plants as food crops and the development of the native food industry. Authors have consistently concluded there is a good market potential for Australian food plants, especially those considered novel and with exceptional nutritional profiles (Cherikoff 2000, Konczak et al. 2009, Clarke 2012, Sultanbawa and Sultanbawa 2016, Birch et al. 2023. They also conclude that Australian plants offer valuable opportunities for diversifying the continent's agricultural systems with well-adapted new crops that can enhance the environmental and economic sustainability of the agriculture (Considine 1996, Ahmed and Johnson 2000, Abdelghany et al. 2021, Drake et al. 2021, Canning 2022. ...
Australia has a diverse and unique native flora with thousands of edible plant taxa, many of which are wild relatives of important food crops. These have the potential to diversify and improve the sustainability of Australian farming systems. However, the current level of domestication and cultivation of Australian plants as food crops is extremely limited by global standards. This review examines the current status and potential for future de novo domestication and large-scale cultivation of Australian plants as food crops. This is done in the context of international new crop development and factors that impact the success or failure of such efforts. Our review finds considerable potential for native Australian plants to be developed as food crops, but the industry faces several significant challenges. The current industry focuses on niche food markets that are susceptible to oversupply. It also suffers from inconsistent quantity and quality of product, which is attributed to a reliance on wild harvesting and the cultivation of unimproved germplasm. More active cultivation is necessary for industry growth, but attempts have historically failed due to poorly adapted germplasm and a lack of agronomic information. The de novo domestication and large-scale cultivation of Australian plants as food crops will require an investment in publicly supported multidisciplinary research and development programmes. Research programmes must prioritize the exploration of plants throughout Australia and the collection and evaluation of germplasm. Programmes must also seek to engage relevant stakeholders, pursue participatory research models and provide appropriate engagement and benefit-sharing opportunities with Indigenous Australian communities.
... B. citriodora (lemon myrtle) is native to tropical rainforests in the Queensland coastal region of Australians and widely cultivated in the eastern region of Australia and Yunnan province of China (Saifullah et al., 2022;Southwell, 2021). The plant is used in foods, folk medicines and aromatherapy, and is known for its effects of activating blood circulation to dissipate blood stasis, relieving pain, soothing the spirit, anti-bacterial, and anti-cancer (Konczak et al., 2009;Saifullah et al., 2022;Tucci and Wilkens, 2016). Traditionally, it is consumed in anti-cancer therapy, allivating headaches, cough and cold, skin lesions, and promoting sleep in Australia (Attia et al., 2017;Hayes and Markovic, 2003;Mani et al., 2021;Southwell, 2021). ...
Ethnopharmacological relevance:
Lemon myrtle (Backhousia citriodora F.Muell.) leaves, whether fresh or dried, are used traditionally in folk medicine to treat wounds, cancers, skin infections, and other infectious conditions. However, the targets and mechanisms related to anti-cancer effect of lemon myrtle are unavailable. In our study, we found that the essential oil of lemon myrtle (LMEO) showed anti-cancer activity in vitro, and we initially explored its mechanism of action.
Materials and methods:
We analyzed the chemical compositions of LMEO by GC-MS. We tested the cytotoxicity of LMEO on various cancer cell lines using the MTT assay. Network pharmacology was used also to analyze the targets of LMEO. Moreover, the mechanisms of LMEO were investigated through scratch assay, flow cytometry analysis, and western blot in the HepG2 liver cancer cell line.
Results:
LMEO showed cytotoxicity on various cancer cell lines with values of IC50 40.90 ± 2.23 (liver cancer HepG2 cell line), 58.60 ± 6.76 (human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cell line), 68.91 ± 4.62 (human colon cancer HT-29 cell line) and 57.57 ± 7.61 μg/mL (human non-small cell lung cancer A549 cell line), respectively. The major cytotoxic chemical constituent in LMEO was identified as citrals, which accounted for 74.9% of the content. Network pharmacological analysis suggested that apurinic/apyrimidinic endodeoxyribonuclease 1 (APEX1), androgen receptor (AR), cyclin-dependent kinases 1 (CDK1), nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf-2), fatty acid synthase (FASN), epithelial growth factor receptor (EGFR), estrogen receptor 1 (ERα) and cyclin-dependent kinases 4 (CDK4) are potential cytotoxic targets of LMEO. These targets are closely related to cell migration, cycle and apoptosis. Notley, the p53 protein had the highest confidence to co-associate with the eight common targets, which was further confirmed by scratch assay, flow cytometry analysis, and western blot in the HepG2 liver cancer cell line. LMEO significantly inhibited the migration of HepG2 cells in time-dependent and dose-dependent manner. Moreover, LMEO caused a S-phase blocking on HepG2 cells and promoted apoptosis in the meanwhile. Western blot results indicated that p53 protein, Cycle A2 and Bax proteins were up-regulated, while Cycle E1 and Bcl-2 proteins were down-regulated.
Conclusion:
LMEO showed cytotoxicity in various cancer cell lines in vitro. Pharmacological networks showed LMEO to have multi-component and multi-targeting effects that are related to inhibit migration of HepG2 cells, and affect cell cycle S-phase arrest and apoptosis through modulation of p53 protein.
... The green plums are higher in folate than the quandong (120 µg/100 g DW), the Kakadu plum, riberry, and lemon aspen (all 110 µg/100 g DW) and Davidson's plum (34-40 µg/100 g DW). The Australian desert lime had levels within the green plum range (420 µg/100 g DW) (33). People in remote Aboriginal communities generally have poor quality diets with many nutrients coming from fortified processed foods (34). ...
The green plum is a native fruit of Australia that grows on the tree Buchanania obovata. This study aimed to confirm the high level of folate in green plums by analyzing a large number of ripe samples from multiple locations and to understand how folate vitamers change as the fruit grows through maturity stages. This study analyzed green plums for five vitamers of folate, H4folate, 5-CH3-H4folate, 5-CHO-H4folate, 10-CHO-PteGlu, and PteGlu (folic acid) using a stable isotope dilution assay on a liquid chromatograph mass spectrometer (LC-MS). Green plums were tested from four locations, two harvests and five maturity stages. Another 11 ripe samples, each from different tree clumps from one location, were also tested as were ripe red-colored green plums. The results show the 5-CH3-H4folate in green plum increases and accumulates in the fruit through development, ripening and senescence. The ripe green plums contain between 82.4 ± 5.5 and 149.4 ± 10.7 μg/100 g Fresh Weight (FW). The red-colored green plums are even higher in folate, with total folate measured as 192.5 ± 7.0 and 293.7 ± 27.4 μg/100 g FW, and further analysis of them is suggested. There is some variation in amounts of folate between fruit from different locations and sets of trees, but all ripe green plums tested are considered good dietary sources of folate.
In most countries, high intake of saturated fat is positively related to high mortality from coronary heart disease (CHD). However, the situation in France is paradoxical in that there is high intake of saturated fat but low mortality from CHD. This paradox may be attributable in part to high wine consumption. Epidemiological studies indicate that consumption of alcohol at the level of intake in France (20-30 g per day) can reduce risk of CHD by at least 40%. Alcohol is believed to protect from CHD by preventing atherosclerosis through the action of high-density-lipoprotein cholesterol, but serum concentrations of this factor are no higher in France than in other countries. Re-examination of previous results suggests that, in the main, moderate alcohol intake does not prevent CHD through an effect on atherosclerosis, but rather through a haemostatic mechanism. Data from Caerphilly, Wales, show that platelet aggregation, which is related to CHD, is inhibited significantly by alcohol at levels of intake associated with reduced risk of CHD. Inhibition of platelet reactivity by wine (alcohol) may be one explanation for protection from CHD in France, since pilot studies have shown that platelet reactivity is lower in France than in Scotland.
Selenium concentrations in blood from cattle from 794 farms in northern New South Wales were classified on the basis of underlying parent material, soil type, altitude and rainfall. Blood selenium concentrations declined from west to east, and with increasing rainfall and altitude; low concentrations were particularly evident on both acid and basic igneous rocks. There were significant differences between basalts in different locations and between particular plutonic bodies. Cattle grazing on soils with contrasting and gradational profiles generally had lower selenium concentrations than those grazing on soils with uniform profiles. Podzolic soils and chocolate-prairie and kraznozem-chocolate soil associations were present in areas with low blood selenium concentrations.
A survey of plant selenium was carried out in the agricultural district of Western Australia in the spring of 1962. Pasture samples were collected from mid-August to mid-November during, or shortly after, the spring flush of growth in the different districts. Pastures were collected from both 'light' and 'heavy' country in each of the districts, and whenever possible, fertilizer history was recorded and botanical composition determined. Pasture samples from the 10-15 inch rainfall belt averaged 0.26 p.p.m. selenium ; from the 15-20 inch rainfall belt, 0.08 p.p.m., from the 21-30 inch rainfall belt, 0.056 3.p.m ; and from the higher than 30 inch belt, 0.036 p.p.m. If the critical level for selenium deficiency syndromes is placed at 0.05 p.p.m., then deficiency levels mg appear in all rainfall belts, the lower limit of which is the 15 inch isobyet. Regression analyses showed that there was a significant difference between the selenium contents of pastures from heavy and light soils in each rainfall area. The indicator condition of selenium levels of 0.05 p.p.m or less (white muscle disease) has not been seen in the northern range of the higher rainfall districts, although here, as elsewhere, plant selenium levels appear to be predicated on mean annual rainfall figures and on type of county. Grasses and cereals tended to dominate the pastures in the areas with less than 15 inches of rainfall a-year, while subterranean clover with admixtures of capeweed and grasses were chiefly found in the higher rainfall districts.